Bubu Fishing in Singapore with Jeff Tsen: Fish Trap Catch Reports

After our previous Singapore bubu fish trap fishing trip with Jeff Tsen, several fishing kakis asked if they could experience it for themselves.

We invited some newcomers to join us on several trips to learn more about this traditional method of bubu fishing in Singapore.

Not every trip produced a spectacular catch, but the traps still yielded an interesting variety of fish. Like conventional rod-and-line fishing, bubu fishing is affected by location, tide, weather, bait movement and luck.

What Is Bubu Fishing?

A bubu is a traditional fish trap placed on the seabed. Fish enter through a funnel-shaped opening and may have difficulty finding their way out.

Unlike rod-and-line fishing, the trap is left in the water before being retrieved later. The anticipation comes when the crew reaches the location, secures the line and begins pulling the bubu towards the surface.

Fishing method: Traditional bubu fish trap
Location: Singapore waters
Captain: Jeff Tsen from RodStation
Trip style: Retrieving traps, identifying catches and learning responsible harvesting
Catch level: Different on every trip

Learning Bubu Fishing with Jeff Tsen

Captain Jeff is passionate about introducing newcomers to traditional bubu fishing. The trip is not only about collecting fish. Participants can learn how the traps work, how they are retrieved and how different species are identified.

Pulling a bubu can also be physically demanding, especially when the trap is heavy or affected by the current. The best moment is when the trap finally breaks the surface and everyone tries to see what is inside.

January Bubu Fishing Catch Report

Our January bubu fishing trip produced a good selection of fish. As always, the actual catch depended on which fish happened to enter the traps before they were retrieved.

Our January bubu fishing catch with Captain Jeff.

December Bubu Fishing Catch Report

The December trip was another opportunity for the kakis to experience pulling fish traps in Singapore waters. Catch quantities and species can vary considerably between individual traps.

The catch from our December bubu fishing trip.

February Bubu Fishing Catch Report

One of the trips did not produce a huge catch, but it still produced. That uncertainty is part of the experience. No fishing method can guarantee what will be caught on a particular day.

Our February bubu fishing trip with Jeff Tsen.

Responsible Bubu Fishing Practices

Responsible harvesting is an important part of any fishing activity. When sorting the catch, we try to release juvenile fish where practical and retain only what can be used.

It is also important to identify the species correctly. Some fish remain relatively small even when mature, so size alone does not always indicate whether a fish is juvenile.

Basic responsible practices include:

• Release juvenile fish where practical and likely to survive.
• Identify each species before deciding whether to retain it.
• Keep only what will be eaten or properly used.
• Avoid unnecessary waste.
• Handle fish carefully during sorting.
• Follow applicable fishing rules and restrictions.
• Retrieve and maintain traps responsibly.

Watch Our Singapore Bubu Fishing Video

The video below shows the bubu fishing experience with Captain Jeff, including the traditional process of retrieving the traps and sorting the catch:

Watch our traditional bubu fishing trip with Jeff Tsen on TikTok

Can Beginners Try Bubu Fishing in Singapore?

Yes, beginners can participate when accompanied by an experienced operator who can explain the equipment, retrieval process, fish identification and safety considerations.

Participants should be prepared to help pull the traps, sort the catch and listen carefully to the captain’s instructions. As the boat will be operating at sea, suitable clothing and sun protection are also recommended.

How to Join a Bubu Fishing Trip

If you would like to try bubu fish trap fishing in Singapore, email Baktao through the blog contact details. Subject to availability, I may be able to help arrange a trip with Jeff.

Before booking, confirm the following:

• Trip date and duration
• Departure and return location
• Number of participants
• What equipment or clothing to bring
• Weather cancellation arrangements
• How the catch will be handled and divided

Final Thoughts

Bubu fishing offers a very different experience from conventional rod-and-line fishing. There is no lure to cast and no bite to feel. Instead, the excitement comes from pulling each trap and discovering what has entered it.

The trips also provide an opportunity to learn about local fish species and a traditional fishing method that may become less common in the future.

Catch quantities are never guaranteed, but that uncertainty is part of what makes every bubu fishing trip interesting.

Tight lines and stay hooked on Baktao!