The Giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes) or locally called Toman is a monster fish with a notorious reputation. It is the largest and the nastiest of all the snakehead fish species.
Daniel of Taco Tackle and West Coast Poppers Australia described perfectly what fishing for the giant snakehead is like below:
The giant snakehead (locally known as Toman in Malaysia) are such a unique and difficult species to catch, especially on lures. They rise up to the surface every 5 to 10 minutes to take a breathe of air giving you a small window to hit the perfect cast before they dive back down into structure, and when they finally take a lure they hit like a freight train!
They can be solo fish or swim in twos (known as a pair or couple) or often you’ll see a big female swimming with her ball of babies from tiny fry to small fish which also breach the surface for air, whether they eat your lure (even if you pull of the perfect cast) is another story…
Guided by @juanwei and his team @sportfishingasia learning so much about this unique species and how to go about catching one was such a great experience, an awesome trip for all anglers and especially those into sight casting
Staying in comfort and style with Belum Rainforest Resort with exceptional food, customer service and amenities.
Follow Dan in IG @fishy__dan
The giant snakehead is native to Southeast Asia and can be found all over Malaysia mostly in ponds and lakes, and some rivers, even in brackish coastal waters in some places.
Anglers from all over the world come to Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia to catch these fish that are not only stunningly gnarly looking but also pack a punch when hooked.
They will strike at topwater lures making them even more exciting to fish for hence some of the favourite fishing lures used are poppers, stick baits and buzz baits besides using soft plastics, crankbaits and deep divers.
For the mad-enough fly fishers, they can also be targeted on the fly.
Best Places for Giant Snakehead Fishing in Malaysia
There are numerous locations in Malaysia to fish for the toman (giant snakehead) from rivers to small unassuming ponds to the majestic rainforest jungles.
One popular destination is Temenggor lake (Royal Belum) to target these vicious, yet stunningly beautiful fish that can reach 10kg (22 pounds) or more in a breathtaking wild environment.
Quick Facts About Royal Belum State Park
- Royal Belum is one of the oldest rainforest in the world at 130 million years old
- Contains about 6,050 million cubic meters of water
- Created after the completion of the Temenggor dam in 1974
- Covers an area measuring 117,000 hectares (290,000 hectares total Temenggor area)
- In 2014, the Malaysian government proposed to turn part of it into a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- One of the largest concentration of hornbills in the world can be found in Royal Belum
- Only place in the world where all 10 species of Malaysian hornbills are found in one location
- Home to 23 species of freshwater fish and 5 species of turtles
If you look at the facts above, you must bring a camera when visiting, especially a decent camera if you love nature and wildlife.
Click to watch our Video Playlist from our Giant Snakehead Fishing Trips
Where Is Royal Belum Temenggor?
Part of Royal Belum borders Thailand. Most visitors will come from the west and pass through the town of Gerik which is located in the state of Perak. The ‘silver state’ of Malaysia (due to its name Perak and possibly its tin mining history) and where the local peacock bass madness started in Malaysia!
Distance and Travel Time by Road to Royal Belum
- Kuala Lumpur to Royal Belum is 370km or about 4.5 hours
- Penang Island to Royal Belum is 170km about 2.5 hours
Common Fish Species
- Toman (Giant Snakehead)
- Toman bunga (Emperor snakehead)
- Haruan (Striped or common snakehead)
- Sebarau (Hampala aka jungle perch)
- Lampam Sungai (Barboides)
- Kelah (Malayan Red Mahseer)
- Kaloi (Giant Gourami)
- Baung (Catfish)
Things To Do in Royal Belum
- Bait fishing, lure fishing, fly fishing
- Houseboat stay
Other Activities That May Interest You
- Wildlife sighting/photography
- Bird watching
- Trek into the rainforest
- Lake cruise
- Rafflesia hunt (world’s largest flower)
- Waterfall visit
- Orang asli (indigenous people) village visit
- Wildlife salt lick
- Chill out in the resort with pool and lake-view villa rooms
What Is The Best Time To Fish for Giant Snakehead and Hampala Barb in Royal Belum
Royal Belum is fishable all year-long. The only difference is how much rain falls affect the environment and how hot it is.
December can be quite cold at night especially in the houseboat.
Frequent heavy rain sometime triggers the snakehead into spawning. Rise in water level may also see the sebarau (hampala) swimming upstream to spawn.
How To Fish Toman (Giant snakehead)
Toman are very predatory and voracious feeders. They will scavenge, bite a large fish in half and ambush anything that comes close.
We’ve caught toman using all methods even bottom fishing with dead bait in my early days of fishing for them.
The easiest way to catch toman is using live bait but some people spurn the idea and may think it is less sporting.
Lure casting is certainly more fun and present more challenge. Lures can be anything from noisy topwater buzz baits and poppers to quiet soft plastics. Deep diving lures and spinnerbaits are also used.
The ultimate challenge will be catching toman on the fly. You will need to be a fairly… make that a very good fly fisher to be successful. It will appear impossible to most attempting it for the first time but there are techniques and can be done. JW will be more than happy to share his experiences with you.
While the toman will put up a good fight when hooked, the biggest appeal is probably because it presents every angler a casting challenge like no other and puts their casting skills to the test whether you’re presenting bait, lure or fly to the fish.
There isn’t any fish quite like it, you have to experience it to understand and it will keep you up at night!
Find out more about fly fishing for toman in this detailed post with videos
Accommodation Options – Houseboat Stay and Fishing
You can choose to live aboard a houseboat and practically sleep on the water surrounded by one of the world’s oldest rainforest enveloped by the sounds of wildlife and cool evening air.
The smallest houseboat is capable of accommodating 8 persons in their dorm-like cabin rooms.
And then there are huge two-storey houseboats that can accommodate up to 40 people or more.
Do note that most houseboats offer basic comfort and amenities. Treat it as a little better than roughing it out sleeping under a tent in the jungle.
Fishing is commonly done in 6-meter (18 foot) fibreglass boats that can comfortable fish two anglers. A registered guide will drive the boat.
A week-long trip will offer you the most enjoyment and a relaxed trip, and a suggested minimum 3-day 2-night package from the houseboat.
The following video will give you some idea of what’s it like on a houseboat live aboard trip:
Stay in a Hotel
At time of writing this, there is only one proper hotel on location – the Belum Rainforest Resort.
If you choose to stay here, we will pick you up in our boat right at from the hotel doorstep (jetty), very convenient and head straight to the fishing spots.
This option is preferred by those seeking modern and more comfortable lodging. May also be of consideration for those with non-fishing partners.
There are alternative resort-hotels nearby but most of these are very basic with no air-conditioning and internet connection.
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Photos of Giant Snakehead from Some of Our Trips
