A typical surf fishing set-up: the terminal rig paired with a wreck anchor sinker, designed to hold the bait firmly in place against strong coastal currents.
The man stood in ankle-deep water at the shoreline with a long rod and then hurled his line into the sea.
He placed the rod into a holder that had been stuck into the wet beach sand. Then, he waited – for the fish to bite.
This is surf fishing, or surf casting. It is a beloved pastime among Malaysian anglers, particularly along the country’s scenic east coast.
Naim sets up his rod by the shoreline, ready to try his luck as the tide begins to rise.
From the popular beaches of Pahang and Terengganu to the quiet coves of Johor, the coastline offers the perfect playground for casting lines into the roaring surf.
It’s a blend of patience, precision and passion – a discipline that attracts those who enjoy the solitude of the sea and the thrill of the unexpected.
For two seasoned anglers from Endau, Johor, it isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way of life.
Meet Naim Safwat and Mohd Shaiful Othman, known by locals as the “Endau duo”.
They are fixtures on the sands of Pantai Tg Kempit, a windswept beach where crashing waves meet deep offshore troughs, creating ideal conditions for surf fishing.
When the tide and moon are just right, they will be patiently stationed near the shoreline, rods in place, eyes fixed on the distant whitecaps.
Naim prefers a 14-foot surf rod, which gives him the right balance of casting distance and control.
Mohd Shaiful, looking for that extra reach, opts for a 15-footer to help him launch his hook and sink to a distance of 200m.
A spinning reel spooled with a 20- to 40-pound braided line offers maximum sensitivity and strength – perfect for battling powerful surf predators from the shoreline.
With a swift, practised motion, they launch their rigs far beyond the breakers, aiming for deep water where big fish often cruise during tide changes.
“Distance matters,” Shaiful says. “You need to reach the fish, especially when they’re feeding farther out during low tide.”
Behind their seemingly simple set-up lies a well-thought-out system – tailored to the demands of Malaysian surf fishing.
Long, heavy-duty rods are paired with large-capacity spinning reels, often in the 6,000 to 10,000 size range.
These reels are spooled with a 20- to 40-pound braided line for maximum sensitivity and strength.
A thick monofilament shock leader is tied on to handle the stress of casting heavy sinkers and bait, providing extra durability and knot strength.
Their rigs are customised depending on the fish they want to catch. Pulley rigs and clip-down rigs are commonly used when targeting heavyweights like stingrays and groupers.
Mohd Shaiful wades into the surf with his 15-foot rod, casting deep into the waves in hopes of landing a prized catch.
These rigs, paired with 150 to 170gm breakaway sinkers, keep the bait stable on the sandy seabed even in turbulent surf.
Circle hooks, usually in the 3/0 to 6/0 range, improve hook-ups while reducing injury to the fish – a practice both Naim and Shaiful support.
Their targets are as varied as the tides.
On a good day, they might land a strong stingray or a stubborn grouper.
On others, the more agile Spotted Sicklefish – known locally as Ikan Daun Baru – or a hefty Grunter, or Tebal Pipi, will take the bait.
Success often comes down to one factor: the bait.
The duo uses a mix of squid, cut fish such as kembung or tamban, and live bait like prawns or baby crabs.
They’ll sometimes catch bait right there on the beach, choosing the freshest and most natural offerings possible.
The ‘Endau duo’, Naim and Shaiful, gearing up for the evening bite as the sun sets over Tg Kempit – ready to meet the challenge the surf has in store.
Timing is crucial.
Both anglers swear by high tides during the early morning or late evening.
Moon phases, too, play a role.
The full moon and new moon periods bring stronger tidal movements, which tend to bring more fish closer to shore.
“That’s when the beach comes alive,” Shaiful says.
The fish are active, the surf is moving and the anticipation builds with each rising wave.
The catch is always a thrill, which keeps Naim and Shaiful coming back.
The peaceful sound of the waves, the company of a fishing partner, long hours under the sun or stars all add to something more than just a sport.
“Sometimes we spend the whole night here,” Naim grins.
“Even if we don’t catch anything, it’s enough just to be out here. But when that rod bends and the drag screams – that moment makes it all worth it.”
Surf fishing along Malaysia’s coastlines is continuing to grow in popularity, and with anglers like Naim and Shaiful leading the way, it’s easy to see why.
They fish not for fame or trophies but for the love of the sea, the thrill of the hunt and the stories that come with every strike.
If you ever find yourself at Pantai Tg Kempit as the sun begins to dip and the tide rolls in, look for two figures on the sand – rods in the sand, eyes on the surf, waiting for the next big one.
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