Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge

Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge actually takes advantage of the active migration season of the billfishes, such as marlin and sailfish (istiophorus platypterus), passing the Rompin area from the northern hemisphere to their destination in Australia, during the months of March to September.

This annual billfish migration, passing through the area in their thousands, could be seen and identified through satellite tracking. And one reason for their presence in the area is the abundant availability there of shoals of anchovies and other small fishes that make up their food.

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE COMPETITION

Like all competitions, there are important rules and regulations to be followed by participants of the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge.

These rules of conduct are mostly based on the international standards set by The Billfish Foundation and The International Game Fish Association.

The most important competition rule of course is that the competition is based on the concept of catch and release.

This means that when a sailfish is caught, it is measured, weighed, tagged (and photographed) and then released back to the sea. There is a strict time limit of 3 minutes to record and do all these acts so as not to harm or injure the fish.

The organiser, the Joran Unit of Berita Harian newspaper, together with sponsorship and support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Pahang state government, plan to attract at least 250 sailfish fishing enthusiasts and 50 teams from all over the world, to participate in the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2007.

But judging from the initial responses and positive feedbacks received, there could be more participants and entries for the 2007 competition, tentatively scheduled on 3rd – 5th August 2007, being one of the major events in Pahang for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 tourism programs.