Catching the Giant Snakehead: Project Clean Up

The clean-up crew was asked to remove as many Tomans (Giant Snakeheads) as we could from the water. We’re talking fishing in a restricted area. There are Tapah and other big fish in some parts but by far the Tomans far outnumber the other.

We’d much prefer a windless bright sunny sky. A light breeze every now and then would be welcomed.

Being top dog, errr… top predatory fish, they are apparently starting to be a nuisance and are affecting the population of other fishes. “No catch and release please!” we were told. That goes against my usual practice but what the heck. With the circumstances being extra ordinary this is like a fisherman’s wet dream come true. Surely.

Hooked on a rubber frog (see its feet just sticking out?). One accurate cast was all it took to coax this aggressive fella. Watch the action unfold in the video below!

But we only have less than half a day and started late too, missing the morning bite time. The weather too was not being cooperative. Gloomy skies loomed overhead with strong winds pushing ripples and small waves on the surface of the lakes and roaring thunder threatening rain throughout most of the afternoon.

Another fish which was also hooked on the first cast!

I trudged up and down the banks surveying the water surfaces for telltale signs of the Giant Snakeheads. It was quiet. Alas, the Tomans must have gotten wind of the news of the clean-up operation as not a single fish was seen, let alone hooked.

Our hopes of messing around with the Toman was short-lived. Only its cousin the Haruan (Striped Snakehead) came out to play and kept us entertained.

We had limited time to cover the vast volume of water. Better time management and new strategies are called for in the forthcoming clean-up sessions.

Enjoy a short video of some of the action…