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Jigging Senangin Langkawi
As a fishing method, light jigging is not new to this country. As a matter of fact, it has continued to gain popularity with its targets fast expanding to include a wide range of predatory species, such as GT, jemuduk, grouper and ebek. Even the elusive Senangin can now be captured on these light metal jigs. Information from Langkawi fishermen revealed that it is not difficult to catch Senangin on jigs.
Normally, March to May is the prime time for going after this much sought after species. Depending on the changing weather, the Senangin will start to move into the reefs in early February. During the field day, it is possible for an angler to catch more than 30 Senangin a day, ranging from 1.5 to 3 kilos, all on metal jigs.
When I arrive at the fishing spot, the other anglers are already busy spinning away for this fish, Without further delay, I also drop my jig to the bottom, followed by fast retrieve with my Ryoga Bay Jigging reel. As I crank, I impart action to the jig by jerking my rod. On the third jerk, I feel it has hooked onto something. I strike immediately, and the line starts to shoot out non-stop at an alarming rate.
The run and stamina of the Senangin is certainly very impressive and its fight very exciting too. Even when it is pulled near to the boat, it manages to make another deep lunge in its attempt to gain freedom. If not careful and the drag improperly set, the lip can be torn at this stage. Finally, the fish is landed. It weighs about 2.5 kilos.
Senangin is gregarious species. If a fish is hooked, it means there will ne more of them around. But this also means that we must be very careful, as the loss of a fish will trigger other members of the group to flee immediately, resulting in 'total loss'. As such, it is pertinent that the more suitable jigging outfit is used to tackle them to prevent them from throwing the hook.
The key to success in Senangin jigging in Langkawi is to retrieve the jig immediately the moment it touches bottom. The jig is raised about 3-4 metres above the sea florr, and then dropped back down again.
The Ryoga Bay Jigging reel used is exclusively designed for light jigging. It can wind in 73cm of line in one crank, fast enough and ideal for Senangin jigging, which is as effective as spinning reel.
It must be remembered that the lip of Senangin is tough and rough like sandpaper. The use of shock leader is a must to avoid cut-off. For my trip, the 100% fluorocarbon Gray Fox shock leader is used and it has certainly performed with flying colours, with the landing of several Senangin.
- Shahnizam
