0 
Login 
Trial by Fire 🔥
There is a specific "thump" that a big Butterfly Peacock Bass makes when it inhales a lure, and Senses Chief Tester Ironman Ng has tuned his senses to hear it through the Senses Blackhell rod. On this particular outing, the fish were holding deep in the pockets of the grass flats, requiring a lure that could cut through the surface tension and get down to business. Enter the Saviors 50S. Ironman Ng employed a "bottom-tapping" strategy, letting the lure sink until it touched the silt and then ripping it upward to create a cloud of debris. This simulated a panicked prey animal, and the Butterfly Peacock Bass responded with a force that sent ripples across the entire pond.
The Senses Blackhell rod's "backbone" is where the magic truly happens during a heavy hook-set. As the Butterfly Peacock Bass made a desperate run for the deep water, the rod’s progressive taper distributed the load evenly, preventing the line from snapping under the sheer weight of the fish. Ironman Ng’s expertise in "rod-work" was on full display as he used the Blackhell to steer the fish toward the bank, keeping constant pressure without tearing the hooks through the fish's mouth. The Saviors 50S remained firmly pinned, its ultra-sharp hooks proving their worth against the bony jaw of the Peacock Bass. It’s a glorious victory that highlights why the Blackhell is the preferred rod for those who hunt the heaviest hitters. 🐟💥
The Fish: Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris)
The specimen held by Ironman Ng is a mature male Butterfly Peacock Bass, a predatory cichlid native to South America but firmly established in Southeast Asian freshwater systems.
• The Nuchal Hump: The most striking feature is the prominent "bump" on the forehead. This is a nuchal hump, which develops primarily in dominant males during the spawning season to signal sexual maturity and territorial dominance.
• Taxonomic Markings: Unlike the Cichla temensis (Giant Peacock Bass), this Cichla ocellaris displays three distinct vertical black bars on its flanks. These bars are vivid and unbroken, reaching from the dorsal ridge down toward the belly.
• The Ocellus: On the caudal fin (tail), there is a large, black, gold-ringed eyespot called an ocellus. This is an evolutionary defense mechanism designed to mimic a head, confusing larger predators or distracting prey during an attack.
• Coloration and Condition: The intense golden-yellow hue of the body, transitioning into fiery orange and deep red on the anal, pelvic, and lower caudal fins, indicates a fish in peak health and high hormonal activity.
The Habitat: Tropical Mining Pool (Lombong) Ecosystem
The background depicts a classic Malaysian "Lombong"—a former tin-mining pool that has naturalized over decades into a complex freshwater habitat.
• Marginal Riparian Vegetation: The angler is standing amidst dense Gramineae (grasses) and reeds. This "overhang" is a critical hunting zone. The Butterfly Peacock Bass uses these grassy edges to hide from the sun and ambush smaller prey like Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) or Rasbora species.
• Littoral Zone Structure: The water’s edge suggests a steep "drop-off" common in mining pools. These pits can be quite deep, and the "shelf" where the grass meets the water is the primary strike zone for the Saviors 50S lure.
• Submerged Macrophytes: Although not visible on the surface, the presence of such healthy bankside grass usually indicates a subsurface forest of Hydrilla verticillata. These plants provide oxygen and cover, but they also represent a hazard for the angler, necessitating a rod with the "stopping power" of the Senses Blackhell.
• Water Chemistry: The calm, slightly stained (tannic) water is typical of these stagnant tropical pools. It absorbs heat quickly, keeping the Butterfly Peacock Bass—which are thermophilic—highly active and aggressive throughout the day.
Pro Tips
1. Fish Technique: The "Panic & Pause"
The Butterfly Peacock Bass is a highly territorial predator that reacts to speed and sudden vulnerability.
• The Reaction Strike: Don't just retrieve the Saviors 50S at a steady pace. Use a "High-Speed Rip"—three quick, aggressive twitches of the Senses Blackhell tip followed by a dead stop for 1–2 seconds. The Saviors 50S is a sinking minnow; it will flutter slightly as it sinks during the pause, which is exactly when the "thump" usually occurs.
• Targeting the Nuchal Hump Males: Large males are extremely aggressive. If you see a "humpy" following the lure but not striking, increase the speed of your twitches. They often strike out of territorial aggression rather than hunger.
2. Place Strategy: Working the "Green Edge"
The mining pools (Lombong) of Malaysia have specific structures that these fish patrol.
• Parallel Casting: Instead of casting straight out into the deep water, cast parallel to the grassy shoreline. The Butterfly Peacock Bass sits 0.5m to 1m away from the grass line. By casting parallel, your Saviors 50S stays in the "Strike Zone" for the entire duration of the retrieve.
• The Shady Ambush: Focus on the side of the pond where the tall grass or trees cast a shadow on the water. Cichla ocellaris has excellent vision and prefers to sit in the shade, looking out into the sunlight to spot the shimmering scales of baitfish.
3. Equipment Mastery: Senses Synergy
Using a technical rod like the Senses Blackhell requires an understanding of its blank recovery.
• The Blackhell Backbone: When a large Butterfly Peacock Bass strikes near heavy cover, do not rely solely on the reel's drag. Use the rod's backbone to "steer" the fish's head upward. The Blackhell is designed to absorb the shock of a short-distance explosion without snapping the line or pulling the small trebles of the Saviors 50S.
• Lure Management (Saviors 50S): Since the Saviors 50S is a sinking lure, count it down after it hits the water. In deeper mining pools, count "1-2-3" before starting your retrieve to ensure the lure is at the level where the fish are hovering, usually just above the Hydrilla (submerged weeds).
• Connection Knot: Use a Loop Knot (like the Rapala Knot) to connect your leader to the Saviors 50S. This allows the 50mm lure to have maximum "side-to-side" darting action, which is critical for triggering the predatory instinct of the Peacock Bass.
Diablo 80S - Green mullet
🛠️ Pro Technique: The "Senses" Way
To land a trophy Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) in a freshwater mining pool with the Senses Diablo 80S, Senses Chief Tester Ironman Ng uses a specific approach:
• The Power-Burn & Rip: Mature males guarding deep-water drop-offs require a high-impact stimulus. Use the Senses Blackhell to perform a "Power-Burn"—a rapid 2-meter retrieve followed by two sharp, heavy rips. This causes the Senses Diablo 80S to displace a significant volume of water, mimicking a larger invading baitfish. The rod’s fast recovery ensures the 80mm lure snaps back into position instantly, creating the erratic vibration necessary to trigger a dominant male's territorial aggression.
• The Substrate Flutter: The Senses Diablo 80S is a heavy sinking minnow designed to reach the bottom quickly. After casting toward the Hydrilla edges, allow the lure to sink on a "controlled slack" line. As it descends, the Diablo 80S exhibits a signature belly-shimmy that mimics a dying fish. By using the Senses Blackhell’s high-modulus blank, you can detect the faint "vacuum thump" as the Bass inhales the lure on the drop. If no strike occurs on the fall, a sharp upward "pop" off the substrate often forces a final, desperate reaction strike.
🛠️ Pro Technique: The "Senses" Way
To land a trophy Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) in a freshwater mining pool with the Senses Kaido Shad 65HS, Senses Chief Tester Ironman Ng uses a specific approach:
• The High-Pitch Shad Twitch: Territorial males often ignore a steady swim. Use the crisp recovery of the Senses Blackhell to deliver 3–4 aggressive, high-pitch twitches. This makes the Senses Kaido Shad 65HS vibrate intensely and dart erratically, mimicking a fleeing prey fish and forcing a "reaction strike" from a dominant male protecting its zone. The key is the rod's fast recovery, which prevents the 65mm shad from "rolling" during high-velocity movements.
• The Sinking Flutter-Drop: Because the Senses Kaido Shad 65HS is a heavy sinking shad, it is vital to let it reach the "strike zone" near submerged Hydrilla mats. Use a "countdown method" after the cast; as the lure sinks, it exhibits a subtle side-to-side flutter. Maintain a semi-tight line to feel for the signature "thump" through the high-modulus blank of the Senses Blackhell before beginning the retrieve. If the lure reaches the substrate without a strike, a sudden upward "pop" often triggers a reactionary lunge from a Bass trailing the lure.
Recommended Setup ✨
I. Rod: Senses Imperial Jade
• Model: IJC-662M (8–17lb)
• Technical Role: Engineered with a specialized composite blank, the Senses Imperial Jade offers a balanced moderate-fast action that is crucial for "cranking." This flexibility prevents the hooks of the Senses DJ Crank from being pulled out during the violent, short-distance lunges of a Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris), while still providing enough backbone to control the fish near heavy cover.
II. Lure: Senses DJ Crank
• Specification: 58mm / 11g / Floating
• Technical Role: This is a high-buoyancy "structure-bumping" specialist. Its long, durable lip is designed to dive steeply to depths of 1.5m to 2.0m and deflect off submerged timber or rocks without snagging. This "searching" action is critical for flushing out dominant males hidden in the deeper pockets of a mining pool.
III. Main Line: Senses Mojiko PE Braid
• Specification: PE 1.2
• Technical Role: The Senses Mojiko is an ultra-smooth 8-strand braid designed for superior casting performance. The PE 1.2 rating ensures that the Senses DJ Crank can dive to its maximum depth without excessive line drag, while offering the high-tensile strength required to "winch" a nuchal-humped male out of dense Hydrilla mats.
IV. Shock Leader: Senses Absorber Fluorocarbon
• Specification: 20lb
• Technical Role: Specifically engineered for shock absorption and high knot strength, the Senses Absorber is a 100% fluorocarbon leader essential for "cranking" applications. It provides the necessary abrasion resistance against sharp structures and the sandpaper-like teeth of the Cichla species while remaining nearly invisible underwater.
V. Snap: ABX Banana Snap
• Specification: Size #1
• Technical Role: The unique wide-bottom "Banana" profile allows the Senses DJ Crank to pivot freely. This unrestricted movement is vital for maintaining the lure's wide-wobble displacement and maximum rattle-frequency, ensuring it attracts predators from a distance in stained water.
To maximize your success with the Senses Imperial Jade and Senses Saviors, you need to align your session with the peak metabolic windows of the Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris).
In the tropical mining pools of Malaysia, this species behaves differently than local native fish. Here is the technical breakdown of the best conditions:
1. Best Time: The Midday Peak
• The "Sunny" Window: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
• Technical Reason: Unlike many predators that peak at dawn, the Butterfly Peacock Bass is a diurnal hunter with high-clarity vision. It requires bright sunlight to hunt efficiently. As the water temperature rises toward 28°C–30°C, their metabolism spikes, making them more aggressive toward the high-frequency vibration and erratic darting of the Senses Saviors.
• Secondary Window: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (as the sun begins to angle and cast shadows over the Hydrilla).
2. Best Weather: Heat and High Pressure
• Condition: Bright, bluebird skies with high solar intensity.
• The Advantage: High sunlight makes the metallic or holographic finishes on the Senses Saviors flash more intensely, mimicking the scales of fleeing Tilapia fry.
• Post-Rain Strategy: Avoid fishing immediately after a heavy monsoon downpour. The sudden drop in water temperature and "tea-colored" runoff often makes them lethargic. Wait for the sun to come out and "reheat" the pool surface to reactivate the Cichla species.
3. Best Place: The "Lombong" Structural Layout
• The Drop-Off: Focus on where the shallow grass flats suddenly plunge into 3m–5m depths.
• Shady Corridors: Look for the shadow lines cast by tall bankside grass or overhanging trees. Bass will hover just inside the shade, looking out into the sunlit water to ambush baitfish.
• Thermal Pockets: In large mining pools, target the "windward" bank where the wind pushes warm surface water and floating microorganisms—this is where the small Tilapia (prey) congregate.
4. Tide: The Freshwater "Internal" Tide
• Freshwater Context: While mining pools are landlocked and do not have ocean tides, they have "Solunar Tides" and water level fluctuations.
• The Inflow Factor: If the pool is connected to a river or irrigation canal, fish when the water is rising. This brings in fresh oxygen and nutrients, activating the entire food chain.
• Lunar Influence: The 3 days leading up to a Full Moon are peak periods. The increased light often leads to pre-spawn aggression, where mature males (with nuchal humps) become extremely territorial against intruders like the Senses Saviors.
♦ The SENSES Blackhell Raytheon: Redefining Angling Excellence ♦
The SENSES Blackhell Raytheon (2nd Generation) is a groundbreaking fishing rod that builds upon the success of its 1st Generation predecessor. Designed with a perfect blend of style, innovation & performance, this rod redefines the art of angling. Its sleek and stylish design is complemented by a high-grade cork and comfortable EVA handle, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip that allows for extended fishing sessions without fatigue.
The Blackhell Raytheon (2nd Generation) is equipped with Fuji Alconite K guides, renowned for their smooth line flow and exceptional durability. These guides ensure smooth casting and minimize friction, resulting in longer and more accurate casts. Additionally, the Fuji ACS reel seat provides a secure and reliable attachment for your reel, allowing for seamless operation and enhanced control.
Constructed using 100% Toray material, including Toray carbon cloth and Toray Super Quattro carbon cloth, the Blackhell Raytheon exhibits exceptional strength and lightweight characteristics. The use of Toray's advanced carbon technology ensures a perfect balance between power and sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest nibbles and strikes.
What sets the Blackhell Raytheon (2nd Generation) apart is its real-time data capabilities, lightning-fast responsiveness, and impeccable casting performance. With integrated technology, this rod provides valuable real-time information on water conditions, enabling anglers to make informed decisions and adjust their tactics accordingly. The lightning-fast responsiveness ensures quick and precise hook sets, increasing your chances of a successful catch. Furthermore, its impeccable casting capabilities empower anglers to effortlessly reach their desired targets with accuracy and ease.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or a passionate beginner, the Blackhell Raytheon (2nd Generation) is a must-have fishing companion. Elevate your fishing game, conquer the waters, and experience the epitome of style, precision, and performance with the Blackhell Raytheon (2nd Generation).
In the waters of Malaysia, such as lakes and rivers, there is an abundance of smaller-sized fish. These fish can be effectively targeted using lures that trigger their instinct when provoked. The SAVIORS 50S lure is particularly well-suited for this scenario. With its excellent balance and dynamic action, the Saviors 50S can track and swim effectively even in strong currents, whether it be in upstream or downstream conditions. By retrieving the lure quickly and adding twitches, it mimics the movement of fast-fleeing baitfish. Despite its compact size of 50mm and weight of 6.5gms, the Saviors 50S can be casted far and wide. Additionally, its wobbling action during the drop further entices predators to attack the lure.
The DIABLO 80S is the latest fast-sinking minnow developed by Senses Fishing, specifically designed for saltwater fish. With a body length of 80mm and weighing 13.5g, its aerodynamic body shape enables users to cast into the wind while still achieving impressive distances. It exhibits a fantastic wobbling action while sinking, allowing users to employ a retrieve and pause method to attract the target species. Featuring a unique diving lip design, it maintains excellent swimming action even when retrieved rapidly, making it particularly effective for fishing Barramundi along the riverbank.
The KAIDO SHAD 65HS by SENSES is a specially designed deep field weapon. Its lip plate length is perfectly matched with the weight ratio, allowing it to easily reach dive depths of 160cm to 250cm if it is directly withdraw after casting.
It is developed with a fixed center of gravity design concept, positioning the center of gravity at the center of the hanging ring. This design feature greatly enhances the diving speed, ensuring that even when fishing from high spots, the diving speed remains unaffected by the shortened distance. As a result, the KAIDO SHAD 65HS is ideal for fishing in dams and against bulwarks, enabling you to effectively track and target prey hiding in the depths.
To make it even more enticing to target fish, Kaido Shad 65HS is meticulously painted with colors that provoke their appetite and desire to attack. This particular aspect posed the greatest challenge during the development process. Prior to applying the final colors, the KAIDO SHAD 65HS underwent performance field tests with transparent body painting and simple colors to assess the lure's wiggling action on target fish. The results of the tests were highly positive, with the KAIDO SHAD 65HS proving successful in luring and landing species such as the Hercules~Hampala Barb.
The KAIDO SHAD HS is made of high-quality ABS plastic, ensuring its durability and ability to withstand high pressure without easily rupturing.
Click on any of the items listed below to find out more on the product page:
Angler: Senses Chief Tester Ironman NG
Rod: Senses Blackhell The Raytheon
Jig: • Senses Saviors 50S