In Rompin, catching a sailfish is only half the story. The real victory lies in it being released, unharmed and ready to fight another day.
Rompin’s back in business. And this time, the sails aren’t just here – they’re monsters.
Word from seasoned charter skippers and field mates is that the sailfish off Rompin this season are coming in thick and heavy.
Fish in the 40–70kg range are being raised from the sea, which is no small thing – that’s like hooking onto a flying fridge with a spear for a nose.
And if you really want to test yourself, don’t reach for the trolling rod.
Try fly fishing instead.
Yes, you read that right.
Fly rod. For sailfish. Madness? Maybe.
But it’s also one of the most adrenaline-pumping ways to catch this incredible fish – pure, raw, and technical.
To stand a chance, your set-up has to be bulletproof.
Opt for a 12-weight or 14-weight saltwater fly rod – one that can withstand serious pressure but still flex under load.
Match it with a solid reel, sealed drag, corrosion-resistant and loaded with 300 to 400 metres of 50lb backing.
You’re not chasing peacock bass in Rawang. You’re squaring up with a predator that can hit 100kph underwater and launch itself clean out of the sea.
Fly line? Use an intermediate sinking line with a fast head – something that loads quickly and punches through wind.
From the moment the sailfish strikes to when it’s brought next to the boat, every second is pure excitement — with the reel spinning wildly and adrenaline running high.
As for the leader set-up, go with a 7- to 9-foot leader ending in a 60- to 80-pound fluorocarbon shock tippet.
Sailfish bills are rough – anything lighter and you’ll snap off faster than you can say “cheese”.
Rompin sailfish are raised using teasers – hookless lures trolled behind the boat to get their attention.
Once the fish is hot and chasing, the teaser is pulled away and the fly is dropped in its path.
If the timing’s right, the sail turns and slams the fly without hesitation.
The fly itself? Go big, go flashy.
Think pink-and-white popper heads, purple tube flies or anything that screams chaos.
A gentle hold after a wild fight: The angler secures the sailfish by its bill, preparing for a quick release. Moments before, this fish was dancing across the waves in a high-speed battle of strength and skill.
This isn’t about finesse – it’s about making a scene.
Hooking a sailfish on fly is like holding onto lightning.
The hit is instant, followed by a line-burning run – then the show: high jumps, greyhounding across the water and wild direction changes.
Last week, I watched a local angler near Tanjung Leman hook up, his 12-weight bent into a half-circle.
The sail hit a popper fly so hard it cleared water, did a cartwheel and nearly tore the rod from his hands.
Forty-five minutes later, drenched and shaking, he got his photo – and a clean release. He didn’t speak for 10 minutes. Just smiled.
Rompin remains South-East Asia’s sailfish capital and this season is shaping up to be one of the best in years.
Calm seas, active baitballs and clean water make this the perfect time to go.
With one final look, the sailfish is released back into the calm Rompin sea – a perfect example of catch and release in ethical sportfishing.
Whether you’re a fly guy or just looking for the ultimate light-tackle experience, now’s the time.
Book your boat. Check your knots and bring your best game face.
Because out there, the sails are waiting – and they don’t play nice.
Riki Liskandarsyah is a fly fishing enthusiast and manages KL Fly Fishing Shop www.facebook.com/klflyfishingshop.
