Daiwa Certate 2500R-Custom Review Updated

After several uses in Nesasi and once in Rompin, the reel is still in a good condition (with min. maintenance).

The drag (max 7kg) is excellent and proven with the encounter of the speedy sailfish. The sailfish almost emptied my spool.

With proper (min.) maintenance, the reel is still in very good condition. Somehow, I missed out one part and corrosion actually set in while the rest of the reel is fine. I washed it after every trip but I forgot to remove the cap to wipe dry. The salt actually found its way beneath it and made themselves 'comfortable'...

From the picture you could see that salt had made its way into the surface. I am fortunate enough to discover it early without much compilcation.

There's one thing that dismays me... on the reel foot, the 'CERTATE - MADE IN JAPAN' is actually a very thin piece of sticker... as you can see from the photo... it is trying to 'escape'... Daiwa should have a better choice of material than just a piece of thin sticker for it.


Otherwise, I believe this reel will continue to serve me really well in my up and coming trips up north again.

With proper maintenance, I believe even the most delicate reels will last a long time and serve the angler's well.

"Why do u read such a thick book?"

Some of my friends asked me, "Wah, are you sure or not? You read meh? This book so thick! Unbelieveable leh... I thought you only fish and fish and fish..."

The book that they are refering to is "The Hunt For Red October" by the famous writer, Tom Clancy.

Actually, I do read. I started reading at about 15yrs old... till today... I actually stopped a few years back and started again last year. Only one book last year, same author, "Into The Storm".

I read most of John Grisham's titles until 2oo2 and then I stopped... I guess I will be picking John's books in the store again. I love "The Client" most... my first Grisham's book.

Why did I switch for the moment?

"Forward, Mannion watched the depth gauge go below six hundred feet. The diving officer would wait until they got to nine hundred feet before starting to level off, the object being to zero the dive out exactly at the ordered depth. Commander Mancuso wanted the Dallas below the thermocline. This was the border between differing temperatures. Water settled in isothermal layers of uniform stratification. The relative flat boundary where the warmer water surface water met colder deep water was a semi-permeable barrier which tended to reflect sound waves. Those waves that did manage to penetrate the thermocline were mostly trapped below it......."

In books like these, I refreshed what I have learnt in the past and also learnt new physics theories which I have not learnt.

"Let's get on top of this muck," Parker said. He pulled back on the stick and headed for the clouds. In seconds they were in them, and Ryan's field of view was reduced from 5miles to five feet in an instant.

Jack looked around his cockpit, which had flight controls and instruments. Their airspeed showed one hundred and fifty knots and rising, altitude four hundred feet. This Harrier had evidently been a trainer, but the instrument panel had been altered to include the read-out instruments for a sensor pod that could be attached to the belly. A poor man's way of doing things, but from what Admiral Painter said it had evidently worked well enough. He figured the TV-type screen was the FLIR readout, which monitored a forwardlooking infrared heat sensor. The airspeed gauge now said three hundred knots, and the climb indicator showed a twenty-degree angle of attack. It felt like more than that.

"Should be hitting the top of this soon, " Parker said. "Now!"

The altimeter showed twenty-six thousand feet when Ryan was blasted by pure sunlight.........

Maybe because I was in military school before. I learnt about fighters like A4, F5 and worked on the F-16CDs. I always imagine myself flying in the jet when I sat in the cockpit... I was a crew chief and thus I got to sit in the cockpit day in day out... to ensure all instruments and panels were 'OK' to fly. I kinda missed those days... I missed my job but not the management...

I am working hard now... I hope that before I hit 40yrs old, I am able to take time off to Arizona, USA to learn to fly..... it is a dream that I really want it to come through... I want my wings..... I dont want to fly commercially but I want to fly because I like to fly... over mountains and over trees... over oceans and over seas... across the deserts... I'll be there.... kekekekeke...

Bumped into a... err... a friend... LOL

I never knew that my dear friend Vanessa Ann-Marie Yeo blogs until a couple of days ago. Singapore is really small but I bumped into her via the world wide web... small world web???

She's an artist (that's what I know). An artist who knows how to make other girls pretty like herself. Quite a profession that's to me... ugly duckling turns into... errr... crow? *bleah*

"SWAN LAH!!!!"

"Ok oki....."

Check out her blog! She has brown eyes...

"I also have what.... big deal meh???"

-_-```

Click on the above picture and you will be teleported to her blog sphere...

Byebye Nikon D80

I have been reading and reading and researching about DSLR cameras... as a beginner, I fixed my choice on the new Nikon D80 and hoping good stuffs really come out of this new body.

In the end... I am disappointed... Nikon D80 is built to replace D50... (according to some reviews)... oh well...

After enquiring around, I finally decided to abandon Nikon nice little red bow tie series...

My dreams are to take shots of bird like kingfisher. When the bird plunges through the air to capture its prey just before it breaks the surface of the water. Then shooting it again when it tries to gain lift to fly up into the air again...

With such a dream... I need 1Dmark2 + 500mm F4.... just these two toys... it costs almost $18,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry for abusing the '!')

In order to shoot such shots... Nikon... byebye...

Canon... welcome.....

Now it is time to start researching all over again... and at the sametime... study the functions and symbols... and terms... and... all so unfamiliar... but fun.... hehehehe....

Maybe a Canon 30D this round...

*photos of DSLR from http://www.dpreview.com/

What actually happened to Windows Live Messenger?

After so many hours... I finally logged in to Windows Live Messenger.

I should have gone to the technical support site provided by Microsoft eariler to solve this problem but it took me so long... (just didnt think of it mah...)

Alright, I was experiencing log in Error 81000301. I couldnt log in during work this afternoon and then after I got home, I still have the same problem... I was kinda disappointed and went looking around for answer but just didnt go to the technical site.

Even my friends are experiencing this problem as well. Many could not log in at all. It actually affected not only locally but in some other countries as well. One that I know is Australia as it is reported somewhere in the internet.

Alright, if you are reading this and wish to solve your log in problem fast, just click HERE.

Read through the page and you should be able to log in soon. Just follow the instruction closely and wala... you are online again.

If you ask me what actually happened? I really dont know...

I really dont know... really lah...

Daiwa Steez 103H

I just like playing with my Sony T3. I think my money is really well spent on this little fellow which takes really detail pictures (except it flaws at night...).

Today, I lay my hands on the Daiwa Steez 103H... probably the most expensive baitcaster in Daiwa's standard lineup.

Those little holes here and there look like little diamonds when I shot with flash. It is a very beautiful reel (just like the Shimano Conquest 101DC). Alluring is the word again.

It is very light, very very very light. Probably the lightest baitcaster around in the market. The spool spins super smoothly when I spun it with my finger. The spool spins so smoothly... I like smoothy...

I like everything about this reel and the feel is superb!!! The reel fits nicely in my little hands and the star drag are just nice within reach, even the tuning knob too. Beautiful little reel with great casting performance are comments from owners.

The only thing that puts me off about this reel is that it is meant for 'freshwater' use only...

Oh well... too bad... (no hole in the wallet this time... kekeke)

This is a very delicate reel and trust me, please handle with care if you plan to get one. Even the drag is light but it sure puts up a good fight as it is very smooth. With great care, the drag will stay smooth always with proper servicing. Finese might be the word to use for this reel... extremely.

"Stay away... nonono... go away... nonono... stay away I say... gogogo!!!"

Hahaha... I have better plans in life than getting another reel... *smile*

Sam's Fishing Diary

Hi people,

I would like to introduce a dear friend of mine, Sam. He is an excellent rod builder and also a passionate angler. His/Our good friend Sebastian (Ah Hock) is also a passionate fisherman who build his dreams on fishing and rodbuilding. The rods that they both crafted are beautiful and precise. If you are looking for a good rod builder, you've found two here. Both are local singaporeans who take pride in their hobbies. If you come across a beautiful custom rod with the signature of CBS, the rod is built by them.

Check out his diary and you will find out more.

Sam

Sebastian (Ah Hock)

Michael Schumacher wins 2006 Italian Grand Prix!

I am very happy that Michael wins 2006 Italian Grand Prix.

It has been a while since I watched F1 live on Star Sports and it just happened today and Michael won! Michael almost made a fatal mistake that would cost him his championship today earlier in the race. He managed to pull through it and went on to steal the show from Kimi.

Well done Michael and well done Ferrari!!!

The fight for the championship just got even hotter this season. Sizzling hot!!!

After so many years in motor racing, Michael finally annouces his retirement plans after the race. It will be sad for many fans like me but who doesnt retire when they have enough of what they want in their career? Perhaps it's time for him to spend more time with his family after this season. Family time...

Michael, many will miss your spectacular driving skills on screen.

With 90 wins, 68 pole positions, 75 fastest laps, 1354 points and those seven world titles, most would say Michael Schumacher will never be forgotten - or beaten!

Western Digital "My Book"

After much searching, I have finally decided to lay my hands on Western Digital "My Book" 250G external hard disk.

I have actually bought it a few days ago and have it running already.

"My Book" operates quietly to my surprise as I have experienced noise level not to my taste from other brands. At 7200rpm, this little fellow stows away nicely on my new desk. The green rim on the front lights up when it starts to work, really nice. I like it. The whole chassic is black in color and it sure caught my eyes when I first saw it in the store. I found only two brands that day. Seagate and Western Digital only. I couldnt find any Maxtor's at all and then later I found out that Maxtor is acquired by Seagate already. Apparently, the Seagate's models dont look good at all to me. No wonder not many left in the shelves but those from Seagate are flooding the section. WD's actually cost about $10 more but its look is more alluring to buyer like me.

I really like my purchase and I have already started backing up my files in my Vaio. I guess it pays if you do really treasure your works and your photos.

Whitewater Recreations is online

Whitewater Recreations is online.

Coming soon!!!

唯一 (The One and Only), nice song...

Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data card

Yesterday, I am blessed with a Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data card to use while I am on the move. My dear friend bought this for me so that I could still get online while I am on the move anywhere in Singapore.

Although the network is limited to 384k, I could still quite enjoy myself while surfing the net using the card. I just have to ensure that I am in a place where reception is good and I would have an excellent connection without much lag.

It is a great tool for me as I have to move about very much. This greatly increase my efficiency in my work. I could log onto the net to check on my stuffs anytime anywhere even out there without contemplating whether should I make it home early to check my emails. I could access the internet anywhere now (as long as my Vaio's battery is not flat). It is so cool.

This wonderful service is provided by MobileOne. For people who is always on the move, this will be a great tool and furthermore, it is only $68/mth unlimited usage for subscription!!!

You could also choose to access the internet without using the data card. You could simply plug the sim card into any internet friendly phone, you will be surfing the net as well. (You may have to do some configuration to your device in order to access the internet. The customer service personnel will be glad to help you if you encounter any problem.)

Oh by the way, you could send MMS, SMS and emails via this service but please remember, it is not cheap hor! Very expensive! Just use it for internet purposes and you should be able to keep the bill at only $68/mth. I dont know how expensive but the sales told us that many users have complaint... anyway, I just need it to get online and that's all.

I find that the card is pretty cool. When you are in a poor reception area, you will see red lights blinking while accessing the internet.

When you are in the open or in a place where reception problems do not exist, you will only see blue blinking lights from the data card.

Just one look at the card and you will know what's the connection like. Nice!

I love my new toy!

I love my new toy... kekekekeke...

Shimano Calcutta Conquest 101DC

Today, another reel dropped by me... Shimano Calcutta Conquest 101DC.

This reel is really very expensive in my opinion, online stores are offering about US$489.00.

My opinions kinda change when I take a closer look at the reel myself.

Firstly, the craftmanship is awesome. JDM (Japan Domestic Model) lives up to its name. The 'wow' factor is really WOW! The colors combination is almost perfect as each color blends and curves well into each other just like a perfect painting.

The spool spins really smoothly, trust me.... very smooth leh!!! Shimano claims that it senses the reel conditions at 1/1000sec!!! This is really awesome (to me...). So smooth... I could somehow still feel it in my veins... hahaha...

The DC (Digital Control) allows higher spool speed which Shimano claims that it could almost double in rpm in most casting conditions and thus resulting excellent and definitely better distance than most reels in its class. Awesome? I am not a mathematical expert but it does make sense to me... but meanwhile, no sense to my wallet as I have better things to look forward to. *bleah*

I believe every angler who does baitcasting will fall in love with the reel at first 'touch'. Yes, I said first 'touch'. The reel is so beautiful and its curves are so alluring...

This reel is a piece of art and thus the price is also very 'artistic'...

The little piece of 'mobo' in the reel is self-powered during casting. No batteries are included nor needed for operating this beauty. The chip within will start working when the angler works on his/her casting. The more you cast, the better the distance you get... (really?)

Too bad, I could only feel it, touch it but not cast it... sigh...

Personally, I have a Shimano Calcutta 50 2006/7 model. It casts really well, trust me in this. I love the casting that this little reel could offer and thus I believe in Shimano's claim in this Calcutta Conquest 101DC.

Overall, I love almost everything about this reel but there is one thing that puts me off... you could see copper coils deep underneath the spool... hmmm.... I guess I dont have to elaborate more about this but I believe if you are a very careful person who really take care of your fishing assets, you shouldnt be encountering much problem with this design. If the company could leave that thing exposed, they must have their reasons.

Proper maintenance will definitely prolong the life span of every reels in my own opinions.

Just like if you treat your wife nicely, she will do the same to you too. Mutual understanding... what am I talking here man...??? hahahaha...

If I really have spare cash and no other bigger plans... then I just might get myself one of these, probably the 100DC and not the 101DC.

Meanwhile, I am keeping them off me and my mind... I have better things to do....

"Go away... go away... no no no..... dont come near me.... dont come near me......"

Departure of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irvin

It is a sad day for Australians on the 5th Sept 2006 and also the fans of Steve Irvin around the world. He past away in a 'freak' accident while he was filming documentary.

The huge stink ray that he was going after gave him a fatal blow which took his life away...

I am not really a fan of Steve Irvin but his 'balls' are really big and he is really very very very daring. His works and guts are really admirable and all these brought him great fame. He is just like a superman in the wild who could confront almost all types of dangerous animals or reptiles... His works are great but sometimes... the risk he took seem overboard to me sometimes but I have to give it to him as he is really that remarkable.

He is also a very family man. He took real good care of his wife and his little kiddos... what a man... I prayed that the Lord will watch over them after the departure of the head of the family...

Steve's dad rejected the 'state funeral' for his son saying that his son wouldn't like the idea too.

I feel sad too... as least he died while doing what he likes best...
His death is not caused by road accidents or whatever non-related to his work.

Steve Irvin, a memorable figure.... a memorable 'Wildlife Father'... RIP.

BZ!!!! BZ!!!! BZ!!!!

I just returned today... (where did I go? no telling... kekeke)

I reached home about 5plus in the evening and straightaway got meeting...

Tired but at least I am busy busy again with my new business.

It is time to make some, save almost all... and plan for the future... (of coz still go fishing... kekeke)

Hmmm.... it's time to stand up and work myself up again...

I want to thank all those who have looked down on me... your negative remarks really spur me up...

Hmmm..... what car is bigger than a Toyota Camry? Hmmm.... so many lor....

I will drive a bigger and faster and better car than you!

Toyota Treuno? LOL

I prefer Subaru Impreza... WRX.... STi..... Spec C....

Aunty does not know sports car... Toyota Mark X? I am not old man leh...

Aiya... work hard first lah!!!

Got enough money then talk...

Muahahahahahhahaha!!!!

Oh no... my pc died...

Sigh...

My pc died on me this morning while I was trying to get some data out to backup... what a good time to die when I was actually backing up...

I guess I was too late...

The hard disk failed... I cant find my window xp cd...

And I will be too busy to fix it meanwhile...

So pple, do backup your data hor... dont be like me... I cant imagine how many photos that I could have lost. Lucky I still have my Sony Vaio meanwhile...

I am getting really really busy...

Why why why!?!?!?! So silly and stupid of me.... *sigh*

Not too long ago... I quarrelled with my mum... things turned out pretty bad... and I almost moved out on impulse...

Then... I commited something really stupid... something really very stupid... (I'm not telling anyone here hor... *bleah*)

My good friends came to know about it. My mum knew too.

Then it started... I got 'fucked' almost everyday... EVERYDAY ACTUALLY for the stupid thing that I have done...

Suddenly these people stood up against me... even my mum...

They begin to 'pour dog's blood over my head'*... all of them...
*'pour dog's blood over my head' is a slang for kana fucked jialat jialat

My friends are upset with me. My mum is even more upset...

I realised that I am really really very 'naughty'... really lor...
(specy specy but so naughty!!!)

I'm wrong... I admit that I was wrong... I am wrong...

Even God gave me a good one... (I really think so...)

I prayed... asked for forgiveness... repented wholeheartedly...

I even cried... (I'm not ashamed here to tell the world that I cried hor... I did something wrong and I repented... I am guilty... so I cried lor... BIG DEAL!!! Huh???)

I guess... the rest is up to me now... I am getting very good opportunities now for my future career. Even my bosses are so kind to me...

I really thought I was very suay leh... but when I finally see the light... God really blessed me alot lor...

Who doesnt make mistakes? No one lor.
But this is not the point, the point is whether that person is willing to admit that he is really wrong and go correct the situation... get it? Now then I get it... so blurr... no wonder so many pple gave me their pieces of music...

I want to thank all of you who have 'sung your songs'. You guys are really great.

And I want to thank my mum too... she really woke me up... *she is still nagging while I am blogging*

"Ok ok..... I'll listen and change and be a good boy... and.... ho lah ho lah... wo sa lah... I know..."

"Edward... you deserve it man!!!" I said myself... "Orbi good sia..."

*sigh*

Yong's endurance finally paid off with a grand finale!

Yong's luck was NOT with him on the second day but this statement was diminished with his endurance. Well done mate!

He fought hard with several sailfishs but the fish always got away. Time after time, I could feel that he had decided to give up... but the boatman insisted that we should try again since bottom fishing was not productive at all. Thus, out go the balloons again.

This time... just before we called it a day, he had another chance! It was a huge fellow and it took line really fast. Yong fought on and on despite he had lost a few fish earlier on. God is good. Yong finally landed his second and final sailfish for the trip. The last fish was hookup when Yong was still recovering from the previous battle which he lost the fish to a fish trap. The sailfish were eager and willing on the second day till much later than the first day.

We had fun!

Hopefully, we could fish with each other again. Great company and great crews onboard. Thank you!

Joshua's second sailfish for the trip. Well done mate!

Sailfish on stik bait!!!

I must really thank God that I had a positive hook up on this fellow. Otherwise...

The battle took about slightly more than 10mins. Thanks to Beard Man's experience, we managed to land this beauty in the shortest possible time. The sail's first run took half a spool of my line. I managed to get them back within a few minutes but the sail took off again. This time even more fearsome. The drag went screaming and my heart was in my mouth... I could even hear my own heartbeats for a moment.

I took several deep breaths and tried to stay cool. The sail displayed several aerial spectaculars during the fight. This experience is breath-taking and exhilirating for me!!!

The Majorcraft Offblow and Daiwa Certate 2500R-CUSTOM performed flawlessly for me. Thanks to my friends' and Joshua's recommendation. The new red Powerpro is fantastic too.

Thanks to Anglers Outfitter's Alvin too. He is the one who recommended me Maria's Miss Carna for the sails. Thank you.

My dreams was fulfilled. My first sailfish was landed. Next, my first sailfish on stik bait... Thank you God!

Just before the day ended, I had another hooked up with the stik bait again but this time, the drag screamed for less than 10s and the treble came off.

I am really very satisfied with this trip. The crews are very professional and the friends are superb! Thank you everyone for making my trip so pleasant and wonderful. Thank you.