Reservoir Raiders 

 

 

The lure’s sinking nature and erratic darting action allowed him to probe the deeper strike zones where predators lie in wait. With a sharp flick of the wrist, Fardlun triggered the Saviors 70S into a panicked dance, convincing this vibrant predator that it was a meal worth fighting for. The resulting strike was instantaneous and aggressive, vibrating right through the line.

Throughout the fight, the Senses Counterblow TR rod lived up to its name, providing the necessary "counter-blow" to the fish’s aggressive attempts to snag the line on underwater debris. The rod’s ergonomic grip and superior blank construction gave Fardlun the confidence to pull the fish away from danger and into the clear. Holding the fish up, the colors of the Peacock Bass matched the quality of the gear—vibrant, strong, and impressive. This is why we fish! 🌈🔝

 

 

Barramundi

 

The Fish: Peacock Bass

• Not a True Bass: Despite the name, it is actually a large, predatory Cichlid (related to Tilapia, but much more aggressive).

• The "Eye Spot": Look at the tail—the black circle with a gold ring is called an ocellus. It mimics an eye to trick predators into attacking the wrong end of the fish.

• Coloration: They are famous for their "golden" look, featuring three dark vertical bars on their sides and vibrant orange/red lower fins.

• Fighting Spirit: They are prized by anglers like Fardlun Zakhwan because they strike lures with extreme "explosion" and power.

The Habitat: Where They Live

• Origin: They are native to the Amazon River basin in South America but have become very common in Malaysia and Singapore.

• Water Type: They thrive in freshwater environments like reservoirs, abandoned mining pools, and slow-moving rivers.

• Temperature: They love warm, tropical water. They cannot survive in cold climates.

• Hiding Spots: They are "ambush predators." You will usually find them near:

i. Structures: Submerged logs, rocks, or fallen trees.

ii. Vegetation: Grassy banks and lily pads (like the background of your photo).

iii. Shadows: They hide in the shade to wait for smaller fish to swim by before attacking.

 

Giant Snakehead

 

The Fish: Giant Snakehead (Toman)

• Appearance: They have a long, torpedo-shaped body and a flattened head that looks like a snake. Adults are usually dark purple-black with a white belly, while juveniles are bright orange with black stripes.

• Weaponry: They are famous for having razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws used to ambush prey.

• Survival: They are "obligate air-breathers," meaning they must come to the surface for a gulp of air. This allows them to survive in stagnant water or even "crawl" short distances on land.

• Aggression: They are extremely territorial, especially when guarding their "fry" (babies). They are known to attack anything that comes near their nest—including humans!

The Habitat: Where They Lurk

• Water Type: They prefer large, deep bodies of freshwater like reservoirs, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

• Ambush Zones: You’ll find them hiding in heavy cover:

i. Sunken logs and fallen trees.

ii. Thick weed beds or lily pads.

iii. Deep drop-offs where they wait to strike smaller fish.

• Nesting Grounds: During breeding season, they clear circular "nests" in shallow, vegetated areas near the bank to protect their eggs.

 

 

To catch both Peacock Bass and Giant Snakehead (Toman) using your current setup, you need to adjust your retrieve style. Both fish are aggressive, but they hunt differently.

🛠️ The Equipment Setup

• Rod: Senses Counterblow TR. This is a great choice because it has a fast action, allowing you to "work" the lure with sharp twitches, but enough backbone to pull a Toman out of heavy weeds.

• Lure: Senses Saviors 70S – A heavy sinking minnow designed for sub-surface dominance. Its erratic darting action mimics a panicked baitfish in the mid-water column.

🎣 Techniques by Species

1. Peacock Bass (The "Vibrant Sprinter")

Peacock Bass are visual hunters that love speed and erratic movement.

• The Technique: Fast Twitch & Pause. Rapidly snap the rod tip to create a panicked flash. The strike usually happens during the split-second pause as the lure shimmies.• Pro Tip: Do not stop if the fish misses! If a Peacock Bass splashes at your lure but doesn't get hooked, keep moving it or go faster. They are competitive and will chase it down.

• Pro Tip: The Rise Shot. Cast 3 meters past a "rising" fish. Let the lure sink to their depth before starting an aggressive, high-speed retrieve.

• Habitat: Shallow edges and rocky points with high visibility.

 

2. Giant Snakehead (The "Silent Assassin")

Toman are more calculated and territorial. They often strike out of anger or to defend their space.

• The Technique: Rip-and-Sink. Use long, powerful rips followed by a 2-second pause. The Saviors 70S mimics a wounded fish sinking into their territory.

• Pro Tip: The Rise Shot. Cast 3 meters past a "rising" fish. Let the lure sink to their depth before starting an aggressive, high-speed retrieve.

•Habitat: Deep timber or weed edges. If you see a "fry ball," sink the lure beneath it to find the parents.

 

📍 Where to Find Them

If you are fishing in Malaysia or Singapore, these are the "Golden Zones":

• Abandoned Mining Pools: The deep, clear water is perfect for Peacock Bass.

• Reservoirs (Air Itam, Temenggor, Kenyir): These are Toman territory. Look for areas with fallen trees (reba) and deep drop-offs.

• Grassy Margins: Both fish love the "transition zone" where the grass meets the deeper water.

 

Recommended Setup 🎣

Peacock Bass Setup (Finesse & Speed)

• Rod: Senses Viking (Light/Medium-Light) – Focused on accuracy and high-speed lure manipulation.

• Lure: Senses Saviors 52SD or Kaido Shad 65HS – Fast-sinking minnows for high-speed "jerk" retrieves.

• Soft Bait: ABX Wonder Silicone – Used with a light jig head for deep-water finesse.

• Soft Bait Rigging: ABX Jig Head – Pair this with the ABX Wonder Silicone for a "bottom-bouncing" technique if the fish are not active on the surface.

• Line: Senses Mojiko 8X Braid (PE 0.8 – 1.5) – Low diameter for long, smooth casting.

• Leader: Senses Absorber Fluorocarbon (20lb – 25lb) – High transparency for clear-water reservoirs.

Giant Snakehead Setup (Power & Strength)

• Rod: Senses Imperial Jade (PE 3-5) – Massive backbone designed for "lock and haul" techniques in heavy cover.

• Lure: Senses Delta Frog 47 or Senses Jumper Lite 45 – Weedless topwater lures for thick grass and lotus beds.

• Heavy Sinking Lure: Senses Spy Mission 115SWR / 125SWR – cast like a bullet and sink fast to reach the fish before they dive back down.

• Line: Senses Mojiko 8X Braid (PE 3.0 – 5.0) – Maximum abrasion resistance for timber and snags.

• Leader: Senses Absorber Fluorocarbon (50lb – 60lb) – Thick enough to survive the Toman's razor-sharp teeth.

• Maintenance: ABX High Speed Bearing Oil – Keeps reel spool ultra-responsive for rapid "walk-the-dog" action.

Key Techniques & Habitat Points

• Peacock Bass (Open Water): Target bridge pillars and rocky edges; use a continuous, fast retrieve.

• Toman (Heavy Cover): Target "Reba" (sunken trees) and "Fry" (baby fish clouds); use a stop-and-go retrieve.

• Lure Choice: Use Senses Slider 86 (from your photo) as a "search bait" to find active fish in both categories.

 

♦ The SENSES Counterblow TR: The Evolution of Performance ♦

Product Link

 

The Senses Saviors series, especially the Saviors 50s, is well-known for its effectiveness in attracting green and red mahseer in the market. Very few lures can successfully entice these elusive fish, but Saviors has consistently proven its capability.

Since the inception of the Saviors 50S, it has established a legendary status, yet it couldn't keep up with the relentless demand for lure casters looking to conquer big fish. To continue this legacy and achieve new milestones, Senses is expanding the Saviors series in October 2023 by introducing two new members: the SAVIORS 60S and the SAVIORS 70S. These lures have been enhanced in size, with the Saviors 60S measuring 60mm in length and weighing 8.5g, while the Saviors 70S boasts a length of 70mm and a weight of 13.5g. The treble hook has also been upgraded, and they feature an extended lip design, providing excellent obstacle avoidance capabilities. This design allows them to maintain a consistent depth, covering a broader search area. With these improvements, water coverage in the extended Saviors series now reaches approximately 90%. You can easily dominate your fishing endeavors from now on.

Don't miss out on these exciting additions to the Saviors series! They are perfect for exploring deeper water pools and navigating the vicinity of waterfalls, expanding your search capabilities beyond what the Saviors 50S and Saviors 52S could achieve.

Product Link

 

 

Elevate your fishing gear with ABX High-Speed Bearing Oil – an ultra-thin lubricant engineered for exceptional performance. Unlock unparalleled smoothness in your reels' operation as this specialized oil minimizes friction, delivering seamless casts and retrievals. With a prolonged lifespan, ABX Bearing Oil guarantees enduring reliability, making it a must-have for ensuring your fishing equipment performs at its best.

Product Link

 

Click on any of the items listed below to find out more on the product page:

Angler: Fardlun Zakhwan

Rod: Senses Counterblow TR

Lure: Senses Saviors 70S