What is Pancing Selam ?

Many would ask this question.. What do you mean by pancing selam or what is really pancing selam?

Definition of Pancing Selam

Derived from the malay word pancing, which simply means fishing and selam which means dive. Direct translation : Dive fishing.

Pacing selam is a native term of fishing by most Riau islander who have been living on the rural yet serene islands around the South China Sea. Uncommon to us who fishes by the jetty or on the seashores, these rather unique method of fishing is very much a common practice by the fishermen here who sets out to sea as the tide is just about to rise, armed with a thin bamboo stick attached to a long line and a fishing hook. These fishermen then wade the waist high waters with a little modern help of a pair of goggles then proceed to look for a catch. Basically, he has a choice of what type and size of his catch for the day ( who says you cant pick and choose your fish?)

I, myself have had the honour to accompany a fellow fishermen who is also my cousin ( who lives there all his life!!) to try out this method. I felt honoured as i was the 1st s'porean (according to my cousin!!) to be a part of this unique method of fishing.

The Adventure

I set out in the early dawn when the tide was weak as slow currents ripple through the ocean. Mind you, the island which is the last to face the open South China Sea before you reach Papua New Guinea ( 3 days boat ride and u'll get there!! but not really sure alive! Good Luck!!)

Anyways, my cousin said it was the best time, so i decided not to argue since its my 1st and i was really looking forward to it. We use wild caught sarong which we dug up just below our wooden stilts house at the break of dawn, then comes the interesting part.

I was told to put my goggles on but to get a better view underwater, i had my snorkeling gear instead!. I then proceed to look for my prized catch ...

As i swam thru, i was awed by the sight of the marine community below. The water was a little cold but was crystal clear. Within the beautiful corals, i saw a bunch of Long Tom ( todak) as big as my leg, colourful butterfly fish, many wondering Tusk fish (tokak) and lots of Snapper (mempinang). I focus on catching Mangrove Jack (Ungga) but instead i caught this

A variety of fishes!!!

That afternoon, I had a wonderful lunch consisting of a bbq spread of fishes, scallops and sambal crabs. Heavenly!! Thanks to a fruitful harvest that very morning!

Next stop after lunch, to visit my ikan bilis kelong and more fishing with my best fishing partner Suki.