Thrill of the reel

The next time you visit East Coast Park, keep a look out for S-League player Tengku Mushadad.

The Balestier Khalsa midfielder frequents the jetty beside the National Sailing Centre during his rest days, for his weekly connection with the sea.

Said the 27-year-old: "My dad introduced fishing to me at a young age. We used to visit places such as Changi and the East Coast.

"I've liked fishing ever since. I fish at least once a week.

"The thrill of not knowing what's on the other end of the line excites me."

His enthusiasm for the sport has rubbed off on some other footballers, too.

Over the years, he has fished with fellow players such as Balestier's Syed Thaha, LionsXII defender Baihakki Khaizan and Woodlands Wellington midfielder Farizal Basri.

While many are "hooked", he is unable to convince his fiancee.

He said: "I've tried to drag her along a few times but she's not very interested.

"She prefers prawning."

Like many seasoned anglers, Tengku enjoys going on boat fishing trips, which allows him access to prime spots.

He said: "There are very few good places for fishing in Singapore, thus I prefer to go off-shore."

During an off-shore trip earlier this month, Tengku snared a 5kg barramundi, his biggest catch ever.

He added: "My friends and I will usually rent a boat. It costs about $400 for a half-day trip at sea.

"It costs only $300 a few years back. Prices have gone up due to the increase in fuel costs."

According to Tengku, bookings have to be made three months in advance for the services of more experienced boatmen.

Fishing hot-spots

He hopes to visit popular fishing destinations such as Malaysia's Rompin - a hot spot for the highly-prized sailfish - and Sarawak soon. He hasn't been able to do so because of his tight playing schedule.

Said Tengku: "A fishing trip would take at least four days and I rarely have that much time during the season.

"During the off-season, I'm also unable to visit the kelongs as the monsoon season would have started.

"I may finally get the opportunity to go only after I've retired from football."

One might wonder if his devotion to fishing could affect his game but, judging from Balestier's results this season, it clearly hasn't.

His team, who finished third from bottom last year, are the surprise leaders in the 13-team league.

According to him, the key to Balestier's success so far is the belief which coach Darren Stewart has instilled in the players.

He said: "He makes us believe we can achieve greater things.

"Players like Paul Cunningham, Jaslee Hatta and Goran Subara have been influential too.

"They provide encouragement and support for our younger players."

When asked if he is targeting a return to the national team, whom he last represented in late 2010, he said: "I'm not thinking too far.

"Right now, my team come first. Hopefully, we'll win something this season.

"A call-up to the Suzuki Cup squad would be a bonus."

This article was first published in The New Paper.