Merchong Fishing 2024: Coral Trout and Food in Nenasi

Ah, the great outdoors. Short of being a dryad, those four words beautifully describe fishing in Merchong and Nenasi. Then you add some beef, lamb, tapah, soon hock, coral trout and cuttlefish, and you have the complete Merchong fishing experience.

We returned to Merchong in 2024 for another two-day fishing trip with new friends. Their target was the humble coral trout, commonly known among local anglers as ang gao.

I call it humble because coral trout are relatively common around the Merchong fishing grounds. We do not need to travel all the way to Tioman, Jubilee Reef or even Pulau Berhala to find them. Catching these tasty red groupers can be quite predictable when the conditions are right. You just need some luck and a well-presented bait.

Two Days of Fishing in Merchong and Nenasi

Location: Merchong and Nenasi, Pahang, Malaysia
Trip duration: Two days
Main target: Coral trout, also known as ang gao
Other catches: Snappers and assorted reef fish
Fishing methods: Bait fishing, sabiki and artificial bait

Did our new fishing kakis achieve their target? Yes! Every newcomer to Merchong landed a beautiful red grouper. A few larger fish also managed to bust off before they could be stopped.

The champion of the trip was Ah Bao, who somehow caught three ang gaos using a sabiki rig.

Coral Trout Fishing in Merchong

Coral trout are among the most desirable reef fish found around Merchong. They are aggressive, powerful for their size and excellent on the dining table.

Good bait presentation was important. The rig needed to remain close enough to the seabed to reach the fish without becoming permanently stuck in the reef. When an ang gao took the bait, the first few seconds were crucial because a larger fish could quickly return to cover.

We eventually lost count of how many ang gaos were caught.

Snappers and Reef Fish

Besides coral trout, the Merchong fishing grounds also produced snappers and other reef species. The action gave everyone something to look forward to whenever the rigs reached the bottom.

Not every bite became a landed fish. Some smaller nibblers stole the bait, while a few better fish found their way back into the reef. That is all part of bottom fishing in Merchong.

A nice snapper from the Merchong fishing grounds.

Fishing with Artificial Bait and Sabiki Rigs

Natural bait is usually the reliable choice for Merchong reef fishing, but artificial presentations worked too. Vinz managed to land two fish using artificial bait.

Ah Bao went one step further and caught three coral trout on sabiki. Sometimes the fish do not follow the fishing plan at all.

Vinz landed two fish using artificial bait.

Releasing the Smaller Coral Trout

We intended to release the smaller ang gaos. Unfortunately, some did not survive despite our efforts. We managed to release two successfully.

When planning to release reef fish, it helps to bring them up slowly where practical, minimise handling and return them to the water quickly. Fish caught from deeper water may also require additional care because of barotrauma.

The catch of shame. Some smaller ang gaos did not survive when we tried to release them, although two were released successfully.

Merchong Fishing Catch Report

The first day produced the stronger catch. Everyone settled into the usual Merchong fishing routine and the newcomers achieved their coral trout target.

The second day was quieter, but we still added more fish to the overall catch. As always, the photographs tell only part of the story. A few of the better fish escaped before they could be landed.

The first day of fishing was definitely better.

A beautiful coral trout from Merchong.

Merchong and Nenasi Food Report

A Merchong trip is never only about fishing. Once the rods were packed away, it was time for beef, lamb, chicken wings and the usual selection of local dishes.

The evening barbecue has become part of the Merchong fishing routine. After spending the day at sea, there are few things better than sitting outdoors with the fishing kakis and cooking far too much food.

Beef bro, Merchong style.

Beef burnout?

Argentinian Beef and Chicken Wings

We brought Azul Argentinian beef for the barbecue. Tried and tested. Chicken wings were also prepared for the kakis who preferred something other than beef.

Nobody was going hungry on this trip, whether on the boat or back at the accommodation.

Azul Argentinian beef. Tried and tested.

Considerate food for those who preferred chicken.

Food in Nenasi

When we were not barbecuing, we ate at the local restaurants around Nenasi. The first-day and second-day meals provided more than enough fuel for the fishing sessions.

The food report may not be very scientific, but eating well is part of the Merchong fishing experience.

Second-day grub in Nenasi.

First-day grub during our Merchong fishing trip.

Final Thoughts on Merchong Fishing

There was nothing especially complicated about this trip because everyone already knew the drill. Fish hard, present the bait properly, try to stop the coral trout before they reach cover, and then eat far too much after returning to Nenasi.

Most importantly, all the newcomers achieved their goal of catching a red coral trout. We also lost a few larger fish, which gives everyone a good reason to return.

Merchong remains one of our favourite places for a simple fishing and food getaway in Pahang. The coral trout fishing is accessible, the surroundings are peaceful and the post-fishing meals are always taken very seriously.

Tight lines and stay hooked on Baktao!