Paul Arden | Tuesday, 12 August 2025
It was maybe the biggest cleaning operation known to Man. This man anyway. I may have been a cleaner in a former life, but probably not.
This week I’m in Sabah for a wedding for a couple of days and then my return and Peter’s arrival coincide together at Penag. Hence the boat cleaning operation.
I also had to rewire some of the Rocket C’s electrics since the night-time adventure swim of whenever that was. I’ve taken the 25hp 4-stroke off again and refitted the 30hp 2-stroke, which is lighter, almost indestructible (even in my hands) and importantly – it seems – doesn’t mind a swim.
What I do next with the 25hp I don’t know. I know one thing; I’m not bloody fitting it to the Rocket C again! I *may* buy another boat. I may sell it. Whatever I do, the Rocket C has its motor and I will never ever again fit a 25hp 4-stroke to it. I’ve definitely learned that lesson.
Originally I tested the idea of how it would handle by sitting on my 30hp. It seemed fine. But what I should have done was sit on it and have someone stand on the stern corner of the boat. Anyway…. What doesn’t kill you makes you feel indestructible.
Apparently “On The Fly” was aired again this week on Discovery Asia. Excellent. Next month the film crew and I head (back) to Sabah to film three more episodes. I’m looking forward to doing that again. I’m excited to catch those Red Kaloi and discover how they compare to the Giant Gourami here. The website was running a bit slower and I think that this was why. Probably a lot of people asking WTF?
I’m looking forward to seeing Peter again, who is also a yeti by the way. I’m guiding the first days and then the plan is both of us fishing in separate boats. Which is great. A real test for Peter – and for me… well I can’t wait to cast at a fish again. This last week has been chaos with a capital C. Loads of teaching. Rods going out left, right and centre. I managed both only one long endurance bike ride and one long run. But fishing? No. Because I’ve been fitting outboards and involved in a serious boat cleaning operation. My last guest was back in either March or April, so no cleaning has been required.
Tomorrow/today is another intense day. I start with a Zoom lesson and then I head to the Gerik Metropolis for a week of supplies and many other errands. New windscreen for the Snakehead Truck. And I don’t even want to think about the rest of the list. But there will be another 21km run! I enjoy the buzz. And it’s not too long to go now until the Malaysian Ironman (November 1st).
I’m optimistic that Peter has hit it right. The lake has been dropping fast and freerisers were appearing two weeks ago. Also there are fresh sets of Snakehead babies around (we often get a July/August spawning). It’s also Gourami time of year and so we have many options.
I’m also very curious about the efficiency of the new 4-stroke 115hp Battleship motor. If I need to carry less petrol then this is a plus. If the two towed boats both sink behind me in the wash, then this is a minus.
I also have two new Minn Kotas arrived, but let’s not talk about that.
I have a great video to edit but no time currently. It will be fun: three Snakehead in three casts and a night time swimathon.
Next week however: fish! Have a great week!
Cheers, Paul