Cichla Temensis at Pierce Reservoir Legal Fishing Area

When: 1 September 2015

Where: Legal Fishing ground @ Lower Pierce Reservoir

Weather: Bright and Sunny

Water Condition: The water is crystal clear. The water level is high covering the rock at the water edge.

Rod: Xpuyu Elite Cast XEC631 8-15lb single piece rod.

Reel: Shimano Curado 201I baitcaster reel

Line: Unknown 12lb Monofilament Line

Leader: 15lb Dupont Monofilament Line

Method: Orange Rubber Swim Shad

Strike Zone: Cast far towards the centre of the reservior

Victim aka The Fish: Peacock Bass Temensis Hybrid

 

There was a small amount of free time before an afternoon appointment. So I decided to do a spot of casting and lure running practice at the legal fishing ground of Singapore’s Lower Pierce Reservoir. 

I like to come here to practise lure casting because of its easy accessibility. This time I wanted to practise bottom jumping with a Storm swim shad compatible lure.

It was a very hot day. The sun is shining very fiercely onto the water. With this condition, it will be a miracle if a fish bite. But anyway I am here to practice lure casting with my baitcaster setup.

My baitcaster setup consists of the Shimano Curado 201I baitcaster reel loaded with 20lb monofilament line and the Xpuyu Elite Cast XEC631 8-15lb single piece rod.

During one of the retrieve, I felt something stopping my lure on its track. Oh no, I thought, I must have hit a snag. But when I tug harder, the lure seems to come loose and started to tug back. I quickly strike and fish on. 

During the fight, I constantly reminded myself to keep the rod tip low to the water. This is in case the fish at the end of the line is a Peacock Bass. Keeping the rod tip low will reduce the tendency of a Peacock Bass from jumping out of the water. Jumping Peacock Basses are very good at spitting the lure out of its mouth.

After a good tug of war, the fish was brought nearer to be identified. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a good size Cichla Temensis. It was indeed a rare catch.

On closer inspection, it looked like a Peacock Bass which have some Temensis marking just behind the eye. Maybe it is a Peacock Bass-Temensis Hybrid.

The fish was released unharmed after the photography session.

Please practise catch and released. This will sustained fish stock for future generations.

Thanks for reading and Tight Lines.