There are many bridges located all over our country and most, if not all, have great fishing potential. The pylons of bridges act as FADs (Fish Attracting Devices), attracting small baitfish such as anchovies (bilis). When these are around, many other fish congregate around the area, hunting down the anchovies and sometimes herring. Therefore, it is not surprising to find big Queenfish (Talang), Stingray (Pari), Barracuda (Alu-alu), Golden Snapper (Jenahak), Groupers (Kerapu), Barramundi (Siakap), Trevally and Threadfin Salmon (Senangin) around such coastal bridges.

Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow

DOA Plastic Prawn

Yo-Zuri Hydro Tiger Popper 30g

Penang Bridge is a popular destination for quality fish

I personally love fishing at bridges as one does not have to pay heaps of money to go after quality table fish. However, like most fishing situations, one day's fantastic fishing may not necessarily be the same on another day. It all depends on time, tide, current, position and a little luck.

When fishing off bridges, one has the chance of employing different types of techniques. From running sinker rigs to paternosters, each rig will apply to a different situation and type of fish. Casting lures and flies at rampaging schools of little GTs and Queenfish can be quite fun. However, fly fishos, watch out for the height of the bridge or you may end up snapping your priceless fly wand.

What I would normally do when bridge fishing is to be there early in the morning. The best time is to catch the morning tide. The anchovies and herring (tamban) would usually hang around upcurrent in front of the pylon. Using small bait jigs, jig for a sufficient amount of baitfish for the day's use and keep them in a bait pail with a water pump. This is vital as the baitfish go off the bite around the afternoon.

Anchovies (bilis) are a fantastic bait and fishes love them. Unfortunately, so do small fishes and so you have to check your bait often. Even small pests such as gelama will hammer these little critters. Another good bait is the herring (tamban). Slice them for bottom fishing or hook a whole small fish as livebait. Queenfish love them! I experienced a nice Queenie fished with a little kembung. The Shimano TR200G ratchet shrieked and I was on a solid hookup, much to the envy of other anglers on the other pylons. The fish gave several acrobatic jumps before succumbing.

Gelama can be a good bait for Threadfin Salmon. I once hooked a 3.7 kg specimen on a small gelama. The bait was fished down current away from the pylon by about 10 metres without sinkers. In a matter of 10 minutes, the reel sounded and I was onto a nice threadie after a 10 minute fight.

If the biggies are not around, berley the area with a little chopped up anchovies mixed with tuna oil and I guarantee you will be greeted with masses of garfish. Simply throw in a size 8 hook tied to the mainline of your reel with a piece of anchovy and you'll be landing nice garfish. For the best fights, use light tackle around 4 - 6lb. Gars wise up quickly so the thinner the line, the better. I actually find teasing them with flies very fun and addictive. In fact, my first saltwater fish on fly was the humble garfish.

Bridges are a fun place to fish. Remember to check if it is OK to fish off your local bridge as some bridges are restricted areas in some states. There are definitely big fish around. I have seen stingrays of almost 40kgs landed and seeing is indeed believing. Lastly, remember to bring along a landing net and a long gaff or you will find yourself in a fix when you land a huge fish. Good luck!