Deep-Sea Fishing's Exhilarating Thrills

Do you still remember Ernest Heming-way's novel The Old Man and the Sea? The novel begins with the old man not having caught anything for eighty-four days fishing in the Gulf Stream, and just when one would think that it was time to give up and start on a new project the mysterious and awesome fish makes his presence known.

The story continues with the struggle between the old man and the fish. The descriptions used by Hemingway give a vivid picture not only of the situation, but also the emotional waves that rise and fall through the novel.

There is nothing that can match the thrill and excitement that comes with the fish's appearance, and the awe inspired with its presence. The excitement is what gives deep-sea fishing its position as the best type of sports fishing.

Because of restrictions on amateur deep-sea fishing, the fanatic fisherman on Taiwan has, until now, been forced to sneak out to sea in the dead of night if he could not control his itch to fish.

Mr. Lin Shih-ch'in of Keelung is a good example of a zealous fisherman. He ran a truck parts company, but because of his love, fishing, he bought a boat for NT$1 million so that he could fish professionally

When the fish are running he is seldom home. The business and household are left in his wife's care. She says that when he goes fishing he is like an MIA.

The Taiwan Garrison Command has loosened restrictions on deep-sea fishing in Northeast Point, Orchid Island, and the area offshore the coast between Hualien and Taitung. The rules that people must abide by are: Applicants must be between 15-70 years old with a clean record. In addition the boats used must pass inspection. Also, one must not go more than three nautical miles from shore, and to insure safety one must not sail before 7 a.m., and must return before 5 p.m.

We wanted to experience first hand what The Old Man and the Sea had said so that we could share it with you, but it did not work out.

We left the clear blue skies of Taipei and arrived in Keelung warm and brightened by the sun. Little did we know that once out at sea the weather would change abruptly. We were forced to return to the harbor.

"If at first you don't succeed, try and try again." And that we did, only to no avail.

China Television Company's Bao Kuo-liang laughed and said, "Then, listen to my deepsea fishing adventure."

Half a year ago on Orchid Island's Mantou Mountain the story began.

It was slightly foggy when they set out, but it was calm and breath-taking. Then all of a sudden a school of small fish darted by. And Old Bao thought the big ones could not be far behind. Without warning there was a tug on the line and Old Bao let out more line.

When the fish surfaced its body glistened like gold with two stripes. After a long and fierce battle between man and fish, man won. The fish was a winner too, a 40-kilo yellow-fin tuna. A crew of family and friends were awaiting Old Bao when he returned to Taipei with his prize.

That nothing can compare with deep sea fishing is something most fishermen will agree on. With over a million anglers on Taiwan this is not to be taken lightly.

There are basically three different types of fishing: pond, stream, and ocean. Deep sea fishing is the most exciting of them all.

Taiwan, being an island, is a very attractive place for fish to feed around and also an attraction for visitors, as 0.3 percent of the visitors come for the fishing.

Fishing from the ocean itself includes several types, such as: from the rocky shore, from the beach, from a breakwater, and deep-sea fishing.

Rocky shore fishing has the most fans, because of the wide variety of fish that can be caught. A disadvantage is that the rocks can get slippery, and the pollution is to be reckoned with.

Beach fishing is farthest from the fish and the fish that are caught are usually the smaller ones.

Fishing in an area where there are breakwaters is nice for the family, but not for the serious fisherman.

Deep-sea fishing offers more. Just what exactly?

The catches from deep-sea fishing are great and there is no danger of being swept away by the waves, as in rocky shore fishing. It is also the most relaxing-- according to Lin Yu-tang, a fishing expert.

Of the three areas that have had their restrictions lifted each has its advantages and disadvantages. Northeast Point is the favored feeding grounds of groupers and parrot fish, to name just two. The fish are here annually from March to September. Because this area is near Taipei it is easily accessible.

The Hualien-Taitung coast has fertile grounds too, but because it is not easily accessible for most people, it is not as crowded.

Orchid Island is scenically the most attractive of the three spots. But, due to unpredictable weather, the "peak" season is but a few days in April and May.

In the world of fishing there is an expression, "One, location. Two, bait. Three, skill." When it comes to picking a good location, fish that can be easily baited is what a fisherman looks for.

Bottoms come in mixtures of three types: sand, reef, and large boulders. For example, mullets like a reef and sand mixture, while chiana and shihke favor reefs, and eels prefer sand.

In addition to the type of bottom, temperature is another factor. In the past one had to rely solely on experience and luck, but with today's technology machines can scan underwater areas for fish. Where small fish are found big fish are certain to be nearby. However, a machine to detect the fish can cost up to NT$30,000 to 50,000 (about US$800 to 1,300). But even with sophisticated machinery it is useless if the weather refuses to cooperate. Where fishing is concerned, rain is not the biggest enemy, but wind.

According to fishing expert Tsai Ch'ao-hsiung, the best days to fish are when the wind is light and breezy, but not too strong.

One must be careful of low pressure areas and be wary of the typhoon season. A fishing enthusiast must always be aware of what is happening with the weather. The possibility of becoming seasick is also another reason to heed to the warnings of the weather.

Before going out fishing one should get a good night's rest, refrain from drinking any alcohol the night before, and also keep from eating rich or oily foods that are difficult to digest. When boarding the boat one should acquaint oneself with the horizon and never watch the waves moving, no matter what.

Have you inspected your fishing gear? Did you get a good night's sleep? Are you prepared in case you get seasick? All set? Well then, let's go fishing.

Tourist Information

1) Route

Those in the north who wish to go to the Northeast Point had better leave about 4-5 a.m. in order to get to the fishing areas in good time. Those in central and southern Tai wan should go to Keelung the night before.

Those in the western part of the island going to Orchid Island it is a good idea to plan two days and one night to get to the fishing grounds as they are even farther away.

2) Transportation

The Northeast Point is easily accessible by bus or train.

Regulations for the administration of fishing boats are currently under discussion, and should be implemented by the end of the year. Presently, there are eight ports each of which has 10 to 15 boats applying for licenses. Right now the going rate is NT$1,000 per person per day, with a day being ten hours at sea. Because facilities are limited it is a good idea to make reservations in advance with the ROC Fishing Assn. to avoid any problems.

3) Food and Lodging

There is food and lodging at all the places but it is a good idea to make reservations in advance for Orchid Island.

4) Deep-sea Fishing Permit

To apply for a deep-sea fishing permit, contact the ROC Fishing Assn.

Fill out the Taiwan sea fishing application form and the appropriate registration card. A handling fee of NT$500 is charged.

5) Items to Bring Along

ID card, deep-sea fishing permit, proper clothing, hat, and enough food and water.

[Picture Caption]

The blue sky and the broad sea give an ocean fisherman a sense of elation.

Areas Open to Deep-Sea Fishing

Besides being versed in the art of fishing, a fishing-boat captain must know how to handle emergencies at sea.

Since fishermen are relatively scarce, Orchid Island still has rich fishing resources.

Chilled to the bone, these avid fisherman won't leave until they've come come up with big catch.

I'd throw it back, but it's better than nothing.

Removing the hook is a science in itself.

Fishing in a scene like this is a joy - with or without the fish.

Fishing boats, a breakwater, and a lighthouse create a peaceful seaside picture.

Since fishermen are relatively scarce, Orchid Island still has rich fishing resources.

I'd throw it back, but it's better than nothing.

Chilled to the bone, these avid fisherman won't leave until they've come come up with big catch.

Removing the hook is a science in itself.

Fishing in a scene like this is a joy - with or without the fish.

Fishing boats, a breakwater, and a lighthouse create a peaceful seaside picture.

The blue sky and the broad sea give an ocean fisherman a sense of elation.

Areas Open to Deep-Sea Fishing.