CATCH REPORT - PANDAN RESERVOIR
Angler Andriel, after having a good freshwater fishing experience at Fishing Paradise@ORTO. Now, he goes in search of a place for freshwater luring and he finds himself at Pandan Reservoir - a Peacock Bass haven.
Although I'm new to the freshwater luring scene in Singapore, I have heard of people catching loads of peacock bass at Pandan Reservoir. I was itching for some more freshwater luring after the trip to FP and decided to make the Peacock Bass my first target for freshwater luring. It is great for using light tackle, and its numbers are abundant! Its behaviours are similiar to the barra, so i have some experience on this too.
​
So one afternoon I headed down to Pandan Reservoir for a short 2h session to catch some Peacock Bass. (Hopefully) Pandan Reservoir was a Peacock Bass hotspot and Peacock Bass can be caught there frequently. I'm not looking for size or anything, I'm just hoping to land something.
On my way to the spot...greeted by a nice sunny day!
A view from the jetty. Work your lures near the drop-offs (banks) to get a hit. Predators loiter around the drop-offs to pounce on baitfish swimming near the drop-offs.
The setup and lures I was using:
Rod - Major Craft Basspara BPC-632MH
Reel - Shimano Caenan 101
Lures - ima Koume 70, Rapala Skitter Pop, ima Helips
When I arrived, the jetty was almost empty. I immediately clipped on an ima Koume and started fishing. The ima Koume is my favourite lure to search the bottom area of the water for fish. It is a sinking vibe that flutters enticingly on the drop.
For a good 1h I did not have any bites on the ima Koume, which was rather strange. I had been switching colours and method of retrieves but I still did not get a single nibble. Fish are like that - sometimes they just do not want to bite.
After a slow, straight retrieve for another 15 mins, I had a strong hit! The fish leapt out of the water and true enough, it was a Peacock Bass. A decent-sized one too, I estimated it to be 25cm. Unfortunately, with that jump, the Peacock Bass threw the hook back at me. I was really disappointed. I had a chance and I blew it. With that, I continued luring, hoping for another chance.
Unfortunately, I blew the only chance I had to land my first Peacock Bass and I headed home a zero-fighter. But well, that was okay - at least I knew the Peacock Bass were around here! I would say Pandan Reservoir's legal fishing ground is relatively easy for the beginner lurer although it is a highly pressured area. It's free and you will be able to fish for the exotic Peacock Bass from the Amazon. How good is that? Use a light setup there to have the most fun!
I'll be back, Peacock Bass! Just you wait and see!