Toman (Giant Snakehead) On The Fly

I have a duty to warn you beforehand that if you are considering attempting this feat for the almost impossible-to-catch on the fly… fish, you are likely in for a real challenge like you’ve never known.

Fly fishing for toman (giant snakehead) is not for everyone

Lure casters say toman fishing is tough. What more trying to catch one on the fly.

Just imagine sighting a fish and you have to put your fly two feet in front of it in just three seconds. 3 seconds is all you’ve got from the time you see the fish to placing your fly on target. Seems impossible, until it is done.

The toman or giant snakehead (C. micropeltes) is a much revered freshwater sport fish in Asia which is gaining a following with anglers around the globe. Challenging enough to catch using lures, they will really test any fly fisher’s skill and patience.

Certainly one of the most challenging fish to CONSISTENTLY catch on the fly.

A fast learner and powerful, the toman will test any fly fisher’s casting and fishing skills to the max – and that’s probably why some choose to do this, the hard way… for the challenge it presents. But be warned, it can keep you up at night!

HOW TO FLY FISHING FOR GIANT SNAKEHEAD

Let’s get started with what gear to use when fly fishing for toman (giant snakehead). 

Let’s talk flies. Why kick off the gear segment with the subject flies rather than rod and reel you ask? Because the flies you’ll be casting determines the line weight and the rod you’ll use.

What Flies for Toman

Flies are usually a popper, gurgler, dahlberg diver or something to that fashion. 

Does fly pattern matter for giant snakehead? From my personal observation, the fish don’t care much about the pattern, size or colour. 

It probably matters more to you than the fish because it is crucial that you are able to cast it quickly and accurately and that the fish SEE YOUR FLY. 

I’ve used poppers, gurglers, dahlberg divers or similar – I’m not too particular as long as I can deliver it quickly and accurately to the target and it creates some commotion and catches the attention of the toman. Priority is I can deliver that fly quickly and accurately and the fish MUST see it.

I feel some people probably overthink the fly that it should be a certain type of popper, a certain size, specific colors, have legs etc. Those are all irrelevant if the fish don’t see the fly. Once you start casting to them you’ll start to understand what I’m talking about. 

I think I’m repeating myself but those are such important points and worth repeating – SPEED and ACCURACY.

Streamer or deceiver type flies have caught fish, too, but that usually mean you mostly blind cast and hope for the best. Casting to a rising fish with a surface fly and getting an explosive topwater take is so much more exciting. Next in line is the leader.

Leader Setup

20-40lb leader and around 4 inches of 40lb wire to the fly.

I’ve used 20lb wire and they work but I can see the wire pretty worn after each fish and may just be living dangerously.

The thing about wire length and thickness is really the weight and how that may affect the fly in terms of action and floatation – so you may need to do some experimenting to find what you are comfortable casting with.

What Line Weight For Toman

The lowest I’d go is 6-weight or 185 grain to be able to cast the popper flies.

I’ve also used 7, 8 and 10-weight lines, the more wind resistant the fly, the heavier the line. 

You should find your choice of flies and get a line that suits your casting ability.

Obviously the heavier the line the heavier the rod, too. The lighter the rod and line the more easier it’ll be for you to cast all day.

On the other hand, a heavier setup will also give you more control if you hit a big fish in snaggy areas such as places full of tree stumps and underwater structures – not uncommon in toman habitat.

What Reels?

Well, obviously the reel is the least important as it’s only job is to hold line so about any reel will do.

When a toman takes your fly you don’t want to give it much line. It will be a brutal fight. 

How To Fly Fish for Toman

One can blind cast but it has a lot to do with getting lucky and can be tiring.

You basically cast at likely spots and hope for the best that a toman is there to snatch your fly. That’s why some call the toman fish of a thousand cast.

Toman on the fly is probably one of the most challenging fish anyone can target on fly.

Most people don’t succeed in their initial attempts.

There are exceptions of course and luck plays a part. But to consistently catch these fish on the fly is a real challenge.

It appears daunting for everyone new to the experience, until it’s done. 

Imagine this, you wait for a fish to rise for a gulp of air (toman are air breathers). You cannot see them coming. It can pop up anywhere around you, in front left right behind and at any distance. 

And when one does come up you have 3 seconds to put a wind-resistant fly in front of it – within 2-feet or less.

Not on top of it, not behind, not next to it and certainly not line it. You’ve got one shot.

You Have Only One Chance

Make the first cast count. Toman are a fast learner and I’ve noticed most fish are often caught with the first cast.

Obviously if the first shot is unsuccessful we try again. But every subsequent shots you make the percentage of the toman smashing the fly decreases rapidly as the fish get more wary. They learn quick.

Think you are up for the challenge?

What is your most challenging on the fly species? Leave me a comment below.