This trip is Kevin Second time hunting the FAD. First FAD we saw few Mahi Mahi but after few shot the become to Shy. Second FAD there were smaller Mahi Mahi and we manage to shoot Enough for Kevin's BBQ inn his Villa.
Spearfishing at The Bali, Indonesia FAD for Mahi Mahi
Short Video Spearfishing around Bali with Indospearfishing Charter. The New FAD is producing after 1 month at sea. The video contain footage of rich diversity of marine life in Bali such as Whitecap Shark, Dugong, beautiful reef fish, Sea Turtle, Maori Seaperch, Midnight Snapper, Wahoo, Bluefin Trevally and MahiMahi.
Mahi Mahi caught in our Brand New FAD/ Rumpon
Good Day with Indospearfishing Charter 35kg of Mahi Mahi and 8 kg of Wahoo
We met in North Bali, to dive at the famous Indospearfishing FAD. Indonesia Spearfishing Charter bought the FAD 2 years ago and it was the best investment!! All year we had interesting visitor such as school of Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo , dolphin , sailfish and naughty pilot whale. But with Pelagic fish we cannot predict who will be lurking at the FAD hunting our little fish farm.
The condition was perfect, no wind or swell. When we arrive no current which is not good because usually there is no fish. But there was plenty of mahi-mahi. We shot few for dinner, then on our last dive we saw school of baby yellowfin tuna. We couldn't get close but there was 100s of them.
Then we went back mainland to dive at the reef to hunt some snapper. When we finish we had some fresh unicorn fish Sashimi that Justin and Antok prepare for all of us and many cold beer. We had interesting conversation, but the highlight was Ayman Comment, " I think the ocean here is Desert, and over fished !" That is very good point Ayman and i hope our Fishery minister the Ibu Susi cantik read the Blog because ayman made very good point about our amazing ocean, we need strict quota, strict regulation and tell the Chinesse and Taiwanesse vessel to fish their own desert water!!. It was good dive and company. Ayman Hajo thought me many interesting lesson from his experience diving all around the world. It was good start of friendship and looking forward to dive many more trip with you brother!
The water condition was perfect, no swell or wind. We cruise to the FAD smoothly. When we arrive there were litter lay hundred of Mahi maui surrounding us. It didn't take long until Antok start shooting and filling up the cool box. There were few Wahoo also. Watch the video and it will explain how bless we are to be in the island of God...
First day we start spearfishing early in the morning at the FAD. The effort of waking up extra early payoff. We were greeted by mahi mahi, amberjack , rainbow runner and Wahoo.
We had no luck getting close to the wahoo, but manage to shoot some mahi mahi and amberjack. On the way back we stop by our favorite reef and shot some reef fish and big barracuda.
The next day we saw some fat doggies but out of range. Then we decide to go back to the FAD to give the wahoo another shot. We made the right decision, the water is like a lake , and the FAD was full of fish. we were busy shooting and loading the gun until we are tired. Michael shot his first Wahoo and it was the best way to end the two day spearfishing trip.
Mahi Mahi caught in North Bali season start October until January
Last week, we Went Hunting to the FAD with Michael O'Halloran and Antok and end up with full of surprises. I waited for several month after purchasing one of the FAD in North Bali. the waiting was worth it, knowing that The FAD was all fill with Mahi Mahi. Size a relatively small 2-4 kg range for all the female and some good size bull 6-8 kg size.
"Tumpek" known in english as "Mahi Mahi". Knowing the Balinese name is very helpful and save you the trouble communicating with the captain. Most of them have many experience of the area and will lead you directly to the best location. Your best luck to find Mahi Mahi is north Bali at the FADs, if you are more patient then look for floating debris from three or wash seaweed. Smallest school of mahi mahi around 2-3 fish. Most of the time i see school over 10 fish until 100. To find the big bull mahi mahi with big school of female, you will need to wait for the right month.
Tips
1. always aim for the bull first, when you shot the bull and the rest of the school will stick around because the female follow the bull. Mahi mahi are quiet easy because they swim on the surface. the trick is try to dive 1-3 meter deep and stay around that depth because the water is more calm. This will help you have better shot. Make sure to aim not to close to the stomach or else you will risk losing the fish because the fight with great strength. try to secure the catch asap. I have lost many mahi mahi due to poor aiming.
2. Try not to approach the fish, let the fish find you and this will help you get closer to the fish.
3. You can tell if mahi-mahi is around, because they are very easy to see from the surface . Their distinctive bright blue color make it is very easy to recognize.
