Snake head:
(Locally Called: Sowl, Dola)
There are four species of snake head in Pakistan. Two of them grow to size of an over a meter in length while others remains much smaller. The Cobra snake head and Snake head Murrel remain most important from angling point of view. Snake heads are voracious predators eating anything from frogs, smaller fish and small birds to all sort of invertebrates. Snake heads can survive in poorly oxygenated waters hence are found in shallow lake with plenty of weeds as well as slow moving rivers and streams.
The most common technique used to catch snake head is to use live bait. Frog hooked through both lips or through leg is most common technique. Care must be taken to use frog that lives on land as it would kick about most when in water. The frogs found in water is not that lively in water. You should be careful to use strong hooks (forged) as snake head strikes really hard and it is common for weak hook to straighten. Live fish and common earthworms can also be used as live bait. With earthworms it is common to catch all sort of fish if you want to specifically target snake head then earthworms are not recommended. If you intend to use worms use whole bunch of them especially if your worms are small. As for live fish always hook fish using through the lips that will keep fish alive and kicking much longer it is good to have a float (bobber) on your line when using fish as live bait that keeps fish in clear view of snake head. With worms and frog free lining is preferred technique. Always try to keep your live bait as close to weeds as possible as snake heads likes to ambush its prey from weeds where is spends most of its time.
Another very effective technique is lure fishing. Snake head will hit anything that moves and behaves like its natural prey. This includes crankbaits (plugs), topwaters, poppers, propbaits, soft plastics, Inline spinners, spinner baits, spoons, swimbaits, artificial frogs etc. The most commonly used is inline spinners like Mepps Agalia size 3 to 4 or similar spinners. The retrieve should be slow just enough to allow blades to spin. Another very effective lure is artificial frog like scum frog, Renosky’s etc. The artificial frog has very little action built into it so angler has to manipulate frog with rod tip to provide dap dap like motion of natural frog. Crankbaits should have profile of natural prey species to be effective. Propbaits and topwater lures are really effective when sight fishing for post spawn snake head. Snake head’s are very aggresive when protecting their fry. so if you locate school of snake head fry (They are pretty easy to spot because of bright colors) parent snake head will strike anything that appears to threatning to its young. Fishing in such scenario is easy andd strikes are real hard. Propbaits, topwaters and almost all artificial lures are super effective at this time.
Clown Knife fish:
(Locally Called Pari)
This Clown Knife fish is commonly found in rivers, streams and lakes. This fish feeds on small fish and various invertebrates. Usually lays eggs on sunken logs or weeds and protects its eggs and young. This fish can frequently be seen rolling and jumping at water surface. It feeds only at bottom. The flesh has numerous small bones and is not suitable to eat. It can grow to fairly large size.
The live baiting is most effective way to catch and bait must be fished at bottom. Worms, Peeled shrimps and small fish are good baits. can also be taken on jigs and small spoons. Even with live baiting always use small and sharp hooks. Due to small mouth hooks tend to come off. when hooked gives a good fight and jumps clear of water as well.
Bronze Featherback:
(Locally called Butt Pari)
The Bronze Featherback is also common fish found in sluggish streams, lakes and ponds. It feeds on small invertebrates and small fish. Lays eggs in submerged vegetation.it frequently rolls at water surface. Size remains small. It has very small mouth.
To catch this fish use small float or bobber and suspend earthworm on a small sharp Size 4 – 6 hook. Peeled shrimp can also be used in this way. Can possibly be caught on small slowly retrieved spinner or fly spoon.
More coming soon …
