The Ultimate Balance Challenge ⚖️

On a quiet afternoon by the water, the silence was shattered by a violent strike that only a trophy catfish can deliver. Senses Pro Angler Alif Fitry knows that these fish often hug the steep drop-offs of the riverbank, waiting for a lure to "knock" against the clay. Armed with the Senses Counterblow V3, Alif used a "bottom-thumping" technique, letting his lure bounce off the underwater structure. The rod’s high-sensitivity blank acted as his underwater eyes, signaling the difference between a snag and the aggressive "inhale" of the fish shown here.

The landing wasn't just about the rod; it was about the trust in the line and terminal tackle. The Senses Mojiko 30lb line sliced through the murky current with zero stretch, ensuring a deep hookset the instant the fish hit. Even as the catfish tried to use its weight against the bank, the Senses Banana Snap held firm, its wide-bend design allowing the lure to maintain its enticing action throughout the struggle. It’s a masterclass in precision bank fishing with gear built for the toughest tropical environments. 🐟✨

The Fish: River Catfish (Family Pangasiidae / Bagridae)

• Physical Profile: These fish are easily identified by their smooth, scaleless skin, powerful forked tails, and prominent sensory barbels (whiskers). Unlike the aggressive, lightning-fast strikes of a Sebarau, these catfish are known for their brute strength and heavy, sustained "pulls" that test the structural integrity of a rod.

• Feeding Behavior: They are primarily bottom-dwellers but are opportunistic predators. In river systems, they use their keen sense of smell and vibration-sensing barbels to locate prey in murky water. They are famous for their "rolling" fight style, where they twist their bodies to use their weight and the current against the angler.

• Angling Challenge: Because they lack scales and have a thick, muscular build, they are incredibly aerodynamic in the water, allowing them to make long, powerful runs. You need a rod with a strong backbone (like the Counterblow V3) to stop them from reaching underwater snags or "burrowing" into the mud.

The Habitat: Tropical River Systems

• Environment: These fish thrive in the deep, slow-moving sections of large tropical rivers, often near steep clay banks or rocky drop-offs. The water is typically turbid (murky) with low visibility, which is why Alif’s technique of using lures that create heavy vibrations is so effective.

• Underwater Structure: The habitat is usually littered with "structure"—sunken logs, sharp rocks, and thick submerged roots. This is why a high-quality line like the Senses Mojiko 30lb is essential; it provides the abrasion resistance needed when the fish tries to rub the line against these obstacles to break free.

• Water Conditions: During the rainy season or in high-flow areas, these fish congregate in "holding lies"—pockets of calmer water behind large boulders or in deep holes. Successful anglers like Alif "read" the surface of the river to find these hidden deep spots where the heavyweights are resting.

To understand why Alif Fitry was so successful in this habitat, you have to look at the "bones" of his equipment. The Senses Counterblow V3 isn't just a standard rod; it is a high-performance tool specifically engineered for the high-pressure freshwater environments of Southeast Asia.

Here is the technical breakdown of how the gear handles the fish and habitat:

1. Cross-X Carbon Construction (The Backbone)

The river catfish is a "heavy-puller" that uses the current to double its weight. The Counterblow V3 features a Cross-X Carbon Wrap. This isn't just for looks—it’s a multi-directional carbon layering that prevents the rod blank from "ovaling" or twisting when under extreme load.

• In Action: When the catfish dives for the deep riverbed, the rod maintains its structural circularity, giving Alif the maximum lifting power needed to pull the fish upward without the risk of the rod snapping under the "death roll" typical of this species.

2. Fast Taper with a Sensitive Tip (The Sensor)

In murky river habitats, you can't see the strike; you have to feel it. The V3 is designed with a Fast Taper. This means the first 25-30% of the rod is highly sensitive, while the remaining 70% is pure power.

• In Action: As Alif’s lure bounces over rocks, the sensitive tip transmits the "texture" of the river bottom. When the catfish "inhales" the lure (rather than striking it), the tip registers that slight change in weight instantly. This allows for a lightning-fast hookset with the Senses Mojiko 30lb, driving the hook deep into the fish’s tough, leathery jaw.

3. Fuji PMTS Reel Seat & Alconite K-Guides (The Efficiency)

River fishing often involves casting into tight "pockets" along the bank.

• Fuji PMTS Seat: This reel seat is designed for "blank touch," meaning Alif’s fingers are in direct contact with the carbon rod blank. This amplifies the tiny vibrations of a catfish "tasting" the lure.

• K-Series Guides: These are angled to prevent "wind knots." When using a 30lb braid like Mojiko, which is powerful but supple, these guides ensure that even in windy river conditions, the line flows out smoothly for maximum distance to reach the "deep channel" where the big cats hide.

To master river catfish like the one caught by Alif Fitry, you need a combination of "feel" and raw power. Because these fish live in low-visibility environments, your technique must rely on vibration and bottom-contact.

Here are the specific tips and techniques for the fish, place, and equipment:

I. The Technique: "The Bottom Knock"

Since river catfish (like Hemibagrus or Pangasius) are bottom-dwellers with poor eyesight, they hunt using their lateral lines to detect movement.

• The Cast: Cast your lure slightly upstream. This allows the current to carry the lure naturally into the catfish’s "holding zone."

• The Retrieve: Use a slow-rolling retrieve. You want your lure to occasionally "knock" against the riverbed or rocks. This sound acts like a dinner bell for catfish.

• The Hookset: When you feel a "heavy" sensation or a sudden stop, don't wait for a jerk. The Senses Counterblow V3 is sensitive enough to feel the fish "inhale" the lure. Perform a sweeping, powerful hookset to drive the hook through the catfish’s thick, leathery jaw.

II. The Place: Reading the River

You aren't just looking for water; you are looking for "breaks" in the current.

• Outside River Bends: The current here is strongest and carves out deep "undercuts" in the bank. Catfish hide deep in these holes to ambush prey floating by.

• Behind Obstructions: Look for large boulders or fallen trees. The area of calm water directly behind these (called an eddy) is where big cats rest without fighting the current.

• Drop-Offs: Target the transition where shallow flats drop into deep channels. Catfish cruise these ledges, especially during dawn and dusk.

III. The Equipment Advantage

• Rod (Counterblow V3): Use the rod’s Cross-X backbone to your advantage. Once the fish is hooked, keep the rod at a 45-degree angle. If the fish tries to run into a snag, the V3’s lifting power allows you to "turn" its head much faster than a standard rod.

• Line (Mojiko 30lb): Riverbeds are full of sharp rocks and debris. The 8-strand construction of the Senses Mojiko is highly abrasion-resistant. If you feel the line rubbing against a rock during the fight, don't panic—the 30lb rating gives you the safety margin to keep the pressure on.

• Accessory (Banana Snap): Catfish are famous for the "death roll." This twisting motion can snap or open cheap clips. The Senses Banana Snap has a reinforced inner-lock that stays secure during these high-torque rolls, ensuring you don't lose the fish (and your lure) at the last second.

Recommended Setup 💥

I. The Line & Leader (The Abrasion Defense)

While your main line is 30lb, river catfish are notorious for rubbing their bodies against underwater snags. You need a "shock absorber" to protect your rig.

• Leader: Senses Absorber 100% Fluorocarbon (40lb - 60lb). Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in water and much tougher against rocks than braid. It provides the necessary stiffness to prevent the lure from tangling during the "Bottom Knock" technique.

• Connection: Senses Stainless Steel Solid Press Ring. Use this between your main line and leader to provide a smooth, unbreakable pivot point that prevents line twist during the catfish's "death roll."

II. The Lures (Alternative Presentations)

If the fish are sitting deeper or the current is too strong for a floating shad, swap to these:

• Senses Digger 78F:A high-vibration floating crankbait. Its fat body pushes more water, creating a "thump" that catfish can feel from further away in murky water.

• Senses Kaido Shad 76SS (Super Sinking): When the fish are pinned to the bottom of deep 5-meter holes, the 88FD might not reach them. The 76SS sinks rapidly and stays in the strike zone longer in fast currents.

III. Protection & Tools (ABX Specialty)

• Reel Protection: Senses Pouch for Baitcasting Reel. Rocky riverbanks are dusty and abrasive. When moving between spots, keep your reel covered to protect the high-speed bearings from grit.

• Maintenance: ABX High Speed Bearing Oil. Casting heavy lures like the Kaido Shad puts stress on your reel. A single drop of this ultra-thin oil on your spool bearings will keep your casts long and silent.

• Organiser: ABX Double Layer Tackle Box. River fishing requires you to be mobile. This box allows you to store your heavy Senses Komodo VX4 Treble Hooks and Banana Snaps in the top layer, with your deep-diving lures in the bottom, keeping everything rust-free and ready.

IV. Terminal Upgrades

• Hooks: Senses Komodo VX4 Treble Hook. Catfish have extremely hard, bony mouths. Replacing your stock lure hooks with the VX4 ensures the points stay sharp even after dragging through sand and gravel, providing better penetration on the hookset.

♦ The SENSES Counterblow V3: Redefining Performance and Versatility ♦   

The SENSES CounterBlow V3 is a highly sensitive baitcasting rod with a one-piece design, built for precision and durability.

Crafted with advanced Cross-X technology carbon tape in a multi-axis style, the CounterBlow V3 offers superior stability and exceptional handling in any fishing environment. Whether you’re targeting light strikes or preparing for a sudden big catch, this rod is designed to handle it all.

The SENSES CounterBlow V3 utilizes Fuji components. The Fuji Alconite K guide enhances casting performance, lifting power, and hook-setting efficiency, giving you better control with every cast. Unlike the V2, which uses the Fuji ACS reel seat, the CounterBlow V3 is now equipped with the Fuji PMTS reel seat, providing a more secure grip, improving sensitivity, and ensuring a better connection between you, the rod, and the fish.

The overall design features black, red, and gold accents, giving the CounterBlow V3 a noble and mysterious feel that enhances your fishing experience. It is also equipped with a new 3D SENSES logo plate at the bottom of the rod, adding a unique touch of style and elegance.

Each rod is specifically designed to meet the demands of today’s top fishing techniques, making casting effortless and offering the sensitivity to feel even the lightest strikes. The CounterBlow V3 is the perfect rod for any serious angler seeking ultimate performance.

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Introducing the SENSES MOJIKO PE/Braided Line X8, a premium fishing line designed with cutting-edge Japan technology. This high-quality line offers exceptional strength and durability, ensuring superior performance for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its 8-strand construction provides a smooth cast, while the enhanced abrasion resistance offers reliability in tough conditions. Whether you're a professional angler or a hobbyist, SENSES MOJIKO delivers the toughness and performance you need for a successful fishing experience.

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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.

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

Angler: Senses Pro Angler Alif Fitry

Rod: Senses Counterblow V3

Line: Senses Mojiko 30lb

Lure: Senses Saviors 70S