Species

Ever since I started fishing with bait finesse, one of the goals I've always wanted to achieve was to land an adult Toman/Giant Snakehead on ultralight gear. I've encountered an equal number of anglers who tell me that it can't be done, alongside those who've done it before. Either way, it is undoubtedly not an easy feat to accomplish.

I was searching an area for peacocks with the spybait when I saw a juvenile snakehead dart out from under a small ledge to swipe at my lure. Thinking I might get lucky, I cast out again to that area with a slower retrieve when my rod tip suddenly dipped all the way down. I didn't even need to set the hook; it was game on!

When peacock bass fight, they run away from you, but this fish was pulling me straight down into the rocks. I knew it had to be a snakehead. I didn't wait for it to stop pulling line and just kept pumping the rod up over and over.

I finally brought the fish up to see its colour. That's when I learned that with snakeheads, each time you bring their head above the surface, they simply gulp a fresh breath of air, and the fight is back to square one.

After what seemed like forever, I finally got the head within arm's reach to boga it and pull it onto the bank. With a beautiful vibrant pattern, and measuring 85cm and 11lbs, it's undoubtedly a new personal best catch! Being able to accomplish my goal before the year's end is definitely my highlight for 2024!

Rod: Rapala Classic Countdown travel rod
Reel: 17 Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS HG
Line: Sunline XPlasma Asegai P.E 0.6 6lb + Famell Flouro Shock Leader 8lb
Lure: Duo Realis Spinbait 62 Alpha 

so small but still stripped the drag from my metanium

buzzing in the rain got me this cute fella

The Indonesian snakehead is a predatory freshwater fish known for its elongated body and sharp teeth. It inhabits rivers and lakes in Southeast Asia. Typically reaching up to 40 inches and weighing around 20 pounds, it preys on smaller fish and amphibians. This species is highly territorial and exhibits aggressive behavior, especially during breeding.

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