There’s no better way to end a year than on the water.
To close off 2025, I headed south with three good friends—Nick, Alan, Eddie, and myself—on a fishing trip in search of a BIG Temensis peacock bass, one of the most stunning-looking hardest-hitting freshwater predators in our local waters.
We kept the plan simple: two days of fishing, no rigid schedule, no pressure. Just fish, food, and good company.
Day One: Rain, Silence, and Patience
We arrived early on the first morning, the kind of early that only fishermen understand. Breakfast came first—decent food, forgettable coffee—but we were eager to get on the water.
The conditions weren’t exactly welcoming. Thick cloud cover hung overhead, and rain followed us most of the day. The morning bite was painfully slow. We found fish rising, marked promising areas, and did everything right… except convince them to eat.
Hours passed without much to show for it.
Then, around lunchtime, something shifted.
When It Finally Turned On
Almost suddenly, the fish came alive.
We found active Temensis and started connecting—one cast after another. Explosive strikes, powerful runs, and that unmistakable aggression peacock bass are known for. Only downside was we were not getting any big ones, yet. The slow morning was quickly forgotten.
But the sky had other ideas.
By mid-afternoon, completely soaked, and with dark clouds rolling in, we decided to call it a day around 4:00 PM. With another day ahead and better weather forecasted, it felt like the right decision.
Good Food Makes Every Trip Better
After checking into the hotel, we went straight for dinner—and it was outstanding.
The pork trotters were rich and perfectly cooked, while the steamed red snapper was simple and fresh. After a long day in the rain, it was exactly what we needed.
Good food, good conversation, and tired smiles all around.
Day Two: Steady Action and Easy Mornings
The second morning greeted us with better conditions—a refreshing change from yesterday’s.
The action was steady, and we managed to land a good number of fish. Nothing rushed, nothing forced. Just enjoyable fishing with plenty of laughs along the way.
That was the theme of the entire trip—laughter. From missed strikes to fish that came unbuttoned at the net, no one took things too seriously. And that’s usually when trips turn out the best.
We wrapped things up around 11:30 AM as the bite slowed and the long drive home loomed.
An Unexpected Meal and the Road Home
Before leaving, Aring surprised us with a home-cooked lunch, prepared by his wife. Completely unexpected—and unforgettable.
The curry chicken was superb. The kind of meal that feels like a reward at the end of a good trip.
The drive home was wet, traffic-heavy, and slow—but with this group, boredom never stood a chance. We ended the day with a simple porridge dinner, tired, full, and already laughing about moments from the trip.
The Right Way to End a Year
Fishing trips don’t always need perfect weather or nonstop action. Sometimes, they’re about the people, the food, the laughs, and a few good fish along the way.
This trip had all of that—and it couldn’t have been a better way to close out 2025.
👉 Check out the video below to see all the fishing action.
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