The excitement of fishing in Tanjung Lesung, from tuna to sailfish

Tanjung Lesung in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, not only offers coastal tourism activities, but also serves as a location for various activities that utilize the potential of the Sunda Strait waters.

One of the activities that attracted attention was the sport of fishing for sea fish or sport fishing. The activity was held again through the Tuna Game Fishing Competition 2026 on Saturday, August 1, which was attended by hundreds of anglers from various regions.

A total of 299 anglers who are members of 74 teams participated in the competition. Participants began moving towards the fishing point in the Sunda Strait waters from 06.00 WIB to hunt tuna fish.

The competition lasted more than eight hours. In addition to the fishing process, the series of activities includes weighing the catch until the announcement of the winner.

For participants, the activity is not merely about getting the biggest fish. Meeting with fellow anglers from various regions is another part that makes the activity interesting.

Iqbal from Rangkasbitung, a member of the One Peace Fishing team who became the first champion after getting a tuna weighing 10.70 kilograms, said the competition went well and was an opportunity to meet fellow fishermen.

"Hopefully events like this can continue to be a regular agenda. I and my team are very happy to bring home a total prize of Rp. 10.6 million from this event," said Iqbal in a press statement from Tanjung Lesung to VOI, Sunday, August 9.

A similar experience was felt by Habibi from the Pelawan Team from Bekasi. He won the non-tuna category after getting a 6 kilogram marlin.

"It turns out, this competition is not only testing my fishing ability. More than that, I actually enjoy meeting other anglers. The atmosphere is exciting, sporty, and full of togetherness. I really enjoyed the activities from the beginning to the end as well as the relationships that were formed," he said.

Sport fishing activities also show how coastal areas can be a space for communities with special interests. Participants not only come to participate in the race, but also take the opportunity to gather and share experiences about fishing.

South Pandeglang Youth Figure H. Ade Asnawi, also known as one of the pioneers of the new autonomous region (DOB) Cibaliung, said that the development of activities in coastal areas is expected to go hand in hand with the increase in fish populations and the involvement of the surrounding community.

"Through ongoing collaboration, the local community is committed to continue to attract more tourists and increase the attractiveness of the region at the national and international levels," said H. Ade Asnawi.

From the local government side, the Head of the Pandeglang Regency Tourism and Culture Office, Budi Suhardiman Januardi, assessed that activities such as fishing competitions can be one way to mobilize tourism activities in coastal areas.

"Pandeglang Regency has a coastline of 307 kilometers, which is one of the longest in the Banten Province. This potential must be optimally utilized through various activities that can drive the tourism sector. We hope that more events can be held in Tanjung Lesung,"

"Moreover, with the immediate operation of the toll road, access to this area will be easier, so it is hoped that it will be able to attract more tourists, both domestic and foreign," said Budi Suhardiman Januardi.

The Tuna Game Fishing Competition is not the first time it has been held at Tanjung Lesung. According to Tanjung Lesung Chief Operating Officer Ivonne Anggraini, this activity is the second implementation after it previously took place in 2023.

"Hopefully in the future this event can be held again on a larger scale. Of course, the input from this year's implementation will be a lesson so that the jackpot at the next event can be even bigger," said Ivonne Anggraini.

Tanjung Lesung Director and Tuna Game Fishing Competition Organizer Chairman, Kunto Wijoyo said that the activity was also a space for the fishing community to channel their passion.

"This event also aims to be a space for various fishing communities to channel their hobbies. Hopefully, Tanjung Lesung can be an option for communities when they want to fish for big fish, while enjoying the beauty of marine tourism here," added Kunto Wijoyo.

The character of the area which is on the coast of the Sunda Strait, fishing activities are one of the choices of activities that can be carried out in Tanjung Lesung.

The presence of this community and competition also shows that tourism activities in coastal areas can develop not only through recreation, but also hobby and sports-based activities.