Fishing Adventure in the Heart of Belum Rainforest: A Giant Snakehead

Angler holding a large snakehead caught in Malaysia on a recent fishing trip with Taco Tackle gear

By Jake from Taco Tackle

Our recent fishing trip to Malaysia was nothing short of extraordinary. Over two full days, we immersed ourselves in the stunning surroundings of Temengor Lake, located deep within the Belum Rainforest, all while targeting the elusive Giant Snakehead, locally known as Toman.

Scenic view of the Belum Rainforest in Malaysia where anglers target snakehead fish, featuring Taco Tackle gear

The Setting: Belum Rainforest Resort

We stayed at the Belum Rainforest Resort, beautifully perched on a hillside overlooking the lake. The location was breathtaking, with an infinity pool providing a perfect view of the serene waters. The resort’s unique connection to the rainforest meant we were constantly surrounded by wildlife, including playful monkeys that added to the adventure.

Our Fishing Team

Our group of eight was split into pairs for fishing, with each boat accommodating two anglers and a guide. The timber skiff-style boats were equipped with small engines, making them agile for navigating the lake’s waters. Our primary fishing guide, Juan from Sport Fishing Asia, orchestrated our trip seamlessly—arranging meals, accommodations, and coordinating with local experts. Juan’s genuine passion for fishing made him an invaluable companion throughout our adventure.

The Gear

The success of our fishing efforts was also due to the quality of our gear. My personal setup included a Gan Craft Killers-00 Ground Trick Baitcaster Fishing Rod paired with a Daiwa Zillion Baitcaster Fishing Reel, complemented by 40lb Gosen Casting Braid and 60lb Varivas Ocean Record Shock Leader.

The Gan Craft Killers-00 Ground Rod stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship; handcrafted in Japan, it’s designed with the serious angler in mind. The rod offers remarkable accuracy, balance, and feel, enabling precise casts and providing the strength needed for battling Snakehead. This rod exemplifies quality engineering, ensuring every angler can make the most of their fishing experience.

The Fishing Experience

Fishing for Giant Snakehead was a unique challenge. These fish surface for air approximately every 15-30 minutes, so our strategy revolved around sight casting. We primarily used live catfish and lures, waiting for the perfect moment to cast as they broke the surface. Over two days, we caught around 20 Snakehead, with Flynny landing the largest at 8kg. I managed to catch a solid 5kg male myself during a thrilling final hour when we spotted a school of baby Snakehead—an indication that the larger parents were likely nearby.

Despite our success, we encountered some near-misses, including an exciting moment when I cast a 6th Sense 6" Trace right in front of a big Snakehead, only to have it strike and then let go before I could set the hook.

Scenic view of a Malaysian Elephant where anglers target snakehead fish, featuring Taco Tackle gear.

Memorable Moments

Not only was the fishing exciting, but the surrounding wildlife added a thrilling backdrop. A couple of our group members experienced a remarkable encounter with elephants right by the lakeside, while the sounds of these majestic creatures echoed through the thick jungle. Monkeys and hornbills were a common sight, further immersing us in the rainforest experience.

Final Thoughts

This fishing trip was a unique experience I’d recommend to every angler. Stalking Snakehead in such a vibrant and wild setting is unlike any other fishing I’ve done. While we landed approximately 20 fish, we missed even more opportunities and spotted countless others.

Stay tuned for the next part of our trip, where we’ll dive into another exciting fishing adventure.

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