| Black Marlin |
Makaira indica |
Every angler's dream, found mostly around Pulau Aur and The Spratlys. Catch and release encouraged. |
| Blue Marlin |
Makaira nigricans |
Known to cruise the Spratlys. Several classics have been landed. |
| Sailfish |
Istiophorus platypterus |
Predominantly found off Rompin, congregating in big schools. Widely distributed throughout the country. Efforts to Tag and Release have begun amongst Sport Anglers. |
| Short Bill Spearfish |
Tetrapturus angustirostris |
Available in lesser numbers, usually alongside Sailfish. |
| Dolphinfish (Dorado, Mahi-Mahi) |
Coryphaena hippurus |
Can be annoying when targeting other game species but sheer fun with great leaps and powerful runs. |
| Giant Trevally |
Caranx ignobilis |
Most respected target with a liking for large 'Poppers'. |
| Great Barracuda |
Sphyraena barracuda |
Toothy predators reaching IGFA Record proportions. Widely distributed. |
| Narrowbarred Mackerel |
Scomberomorus commerson |
Seasonal and travels in schools. Excellent table fare. |
| Yellowfin Tuna |
Thunus albacares |
Highly prized Sport Fish as well as table fare known to rip off spools of line, with burnt thumbs in some cases. Ventures in deep blue waters off the Spratlys and in the Sulawesi Sea around Sipadan, Mabul and Ligitan Islands. |
| Dogtooth Tuna |
Gymnosarda unicolor |
Jigging or Pirking will thrill the night enthusiast. Be prepared to lose several metal jigs to these brutes. |
| Bigeye Tuna |
Thunus obesus |
Often mistaken for Yellowfins, it gives similar 'arm exercises' and is often caught by trolling. |
| Wahoo |
Acanthocybium solandri |
Reputed to be the fastest fish in the sea, can be considered a nuisance when they get into a frenzy. |
| Rainbow Runner |
Elagatis bipinnulata |
Usually found close to rocky islands, sometimes swimming close to the fishing vessels. |
| Great Amberjack |
Seriola dumerili |
Can grow up to 70kg, however, 30/40 kg is considered good. Strong fighter, dives deep, will take a variety of lures and baits. |
| Cobia |
Rachycentron canadum |
Grows to humungous proportions and fights well. Not considered prime table fare by locals. |
| Escolar (Oilfish) |
Ruvettus pretiosus |
Deep dweller surpassing IGFA World Record sizes. |
| Escolar (Oilfish) |
Lepidocybium falvobrunneum |
Found in the same surrounds as Ruvettus pretiosus and considered useless for the table but a great target on jigs or pirks. |
| Sharks |
Various Species |
Occur in abundance near atolls. Hammerheads often take large chunks out of fish being reeled in. |
| Groupers |
Various Species |
Homes around coral beds. Coral Trout usually land on the table for dinner. |
| Snappers / Seaperches |
Various Species |
Bottom dwellers and good eating fish. |
| Wrasse |
Various Species |
Species exceeding 30 kilos have been taken, however, skill is required to prevent it from rushing to rocky structures. |
| Trevallys |
Various Species |
Uncountable types abound around coral outcrops and wrecks. |
