Natural Exotic Fishing Pond, Behrang Perak
Big Fish, Bigger Memories Together
Natural Exotic Fishing Pond is one of the premier man-made freshwater fishing destinations in Malaysia. Located in Behrang, Perak, this top-tier fishing pond offers an impressive array of fishing species from around the world. Anglers can expect to catch alligator gar, giant snakehead, Mekong catfish, Chao Phraya catfish, Asian catfish, Amazonian catfish, tiger catfish, Siamese carp, and Arowana, among others. I might have missed a few species, but you get the idea—the pond is teeming with a diverse selection of trophy fish!
A Man-Made Monster Fishing Experience
The only setback to the place was that it was too "man-made", Andrew Griffin a good friend of mine was a well-known blogger in Malaysia, loves fishing here but hates that it was built like an "industrial" fishing complex haha... Not that it's a bad thing but it just doesn't feel natural. On the plus side, it's a quick fix to your monster fishing need with spending too much on travelling, fishing half across the earth for your trophy species. I recently had the chance to revisit the Natural Exotic Fishing Pond with one of my clients, who booked a fishing trip as a birthday gift for her dad. So sweet of her! We left Kuala Lumpur early in the morning and reached the pond around 7:00 AM. Why so early? It was on weekday, and with no one fishing at night, hungry fish were eagerly awaiting our bait.
What kind of gear do you need? A good PE3-6 (30-60lb) rod paired with a 5000-6000 size reel spooled with 60lb braided line. You'll want a suitable weight for long casts, a 60lb mono or fluorocarbon leader, and a size 7/0 or 8/0 hook to withstand the power of these fish. This setup will be sufficient to handle the force of these impressive catches. You could use lighter gear if you're confident in handling the fish. However, the fish here tend to swim under the water pump or oxygenator to escape, which makes things tricky. That's why a heavier setup is recommended to prevent them from getting away and help the anglers to be more in control when a big fish bite!.
Target Species and Feeding Behaviour
Two common catches here are the Redtail Amazonian Catfish and Chao Phraya Catfish. These two species are predatory and primarily eat dead bait, which you can purchase directly at the counter. Live bait works too, but I prefer dead bait since both species use their “whiskers” to scavenge fish pieces. In the wild, they are more aggressive hunters, but living in captivity has likely altered their eating habits. The Redtail Catfish is native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins in South America, including countries like Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Suriname, Bolivia, and Brazil. They inhabit large rivers, streams, and lakes, and are exclusively freshwater fish. These bottom-dwellers are nocturnal, feeding in the evening and night while staying motionless during the day. Redtail Catfish are territorial and have become an invasive species in Malaysia, now found mainly in the Perak and Pahang Rivers.
The Giant Pangasius, also known as the Paroon Shark or Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Pangasius sanitwongsei), is a freshwater fish native to the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins in Indochina. Its populations have drastically declined due to overfishing, making it Critically Endangered. This species, found in China, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, has also been introduced to central Anatolia, South Africa, and Malaysia. The Chao Phraya Giant Catfish is tolerant of poor-quality water and prefers the deep depressions of freshwater rivers. Its endangerment is exacerbated by dam construction, which traps the fish and prevents migration. Because the fish is endangered, it's quite sad to think that such a magnificent species could completely disappear from the face of the earth.
A Successful Family Fishing Session
Overall, it was a pretty straightforward outing. We started early so we could wrap up by lunchtime. We landed 12 Redtails and 2 Chao Phraya catfish, though we lost quite a few as well. The dad clearly had some fishing experience, I could tell by the way he handled the fight. The daughter was a quick learner too, and we had no issues that day. It was a solid performance from both of them.
One thing I really enjoy is giving people a great fishing experience in Malaysia. I know it is not exactly natural or wild, but it was a great outing nonetheless. It is not just about the fish, it is about the whole experience. This family had traveled all the way from Algeria for a holiday, and they really embraced it. It was a very thoughtful gift from the daughter. She could have chosen anything, but a father and daughter fishing trip for big fish, that is something special. Great choice.
The highlight of the day was when they were both fighting their fish at the same time and we managed to get a great photo of them together. We wrapped things up by lunchtime. Usually it is all about targeting specific fish, but today felt different. It was more about family bonding, and I am glad I got to be part of it.
Closing Thoughts
Every fishing trip is more than just the catch, it is about the memories made, the experiences shared, and the connections formed. Whether it is landing trophy fish or simply enjoying the moment, each outing leaves a lasting impression. As a guide, my greatest joy is creating meaningful experiences for my clients and helping them appreciate the beauty of Malaysia’s waters. Seeing their smiles and excitement reminds me why I love what I do.
In the end, we do not just fish, we create memories that last a lifetime.
