[RL HOBBY] - The hunt of Sebarau (Hampala) - RL outdoor activities.

Day 4,774, 06:11 • Published in Malaysia Malaysia • by Alex Firdaus

Order : Cypriniformes
Family : CYPRINIDAE
Species : Hampala microlepidota

The Sebarau, or ‘Hampala Barb’, inhabits various aquatic habitats including clear rivers and streams, which typically flow through intact forest, with either silty, sandy or gravelly substrates. The species can also adapt to more muddy, lowland rivers and reservoirs. It is considered to be a freshwater migratory species.

The word ‘Hampala’ derives from the Javanese name for the species. In Malaysia it is called the ‘Sebarau’, the name used here.

This fish has large, dark-edged silver to golden- brown scales. Its body is laterally compressed, and its head is large. Its fins are orange to red, and the tail fin is edged with a black border. Typically there is a dark patch below the dorsal fin, which may extend some way down the flank almost reaching the pelvic fin, however in some specimens this feature may be rather faint. The eyes are located towards the top of the head.(Credit fishbase.org)

The Game Plan

Generally, in my point of view. Sebarau is ranked as one of the top tier fresh water game fish predator in Malaysia. Scientifically we cannot prove where does a Sebarau stand in the ecosystem hierarchy and we are not the subject matter expert in this field but we judge based on our own observation and experience fishing for this magnificent predator. Sebarau is the sought after species in Malaysia among lure fishing enthusiast. This is due to its natural predatory instinct, dominating the Malaysian freshwater ecosystem and will always went after other smaller fish as part of their diet and if we are lucky they will fall for our lure. Another great feat is that it can be fished all year round, although some people would say it is always better during the Monsoon Season (Oct-Jan), but for us, we can catch them in any season.

Like in Japan and and the Americas they would have Bass as one of their favorite species. In South East Asia and especially Malaysia we love our Sebarau for its agility and strength. As described earlier by researchers, they inhabits stream, river and even big freshwater lakes in Malaysia. Thus those places will be the best place to catch a Sebarau. We have caught them in the main Temenggor-Belum Lake, plus we have experience fishing for Sebarau in the heart Bera River and even in the rapids of upstream Royal Belum State Park. Like I said earlier, they dominated the field and that makes them a great Game Fish Species.


Some views from the trip.



The Jetty

Boat view

The Chalet (due to the current pandemic, campsite are not allowed)

Till then, Cherio 73's 88's
Niner Whiskey Two Alpha Lima Xray