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ABOUT

GIANT

SNAKEHEAD'S

LIFE CIRCLE
 
 

PAIRED

SNAKEHEAD

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WILD GIANT SNAKEHEAD ( TOMAN )

WILD GIANT SNAKEHEAD (TOMAN): THE LURE FISHING GUIDE

This article was originally published in Thai and has been a favorite among local fishing forums for years. It remains one of Thailand's most popular columns on the species.

WRITER: SUVIT TEPAKHAN

 
wild toman fishing thailand
LURE FISHING IN THE WILD

THE GIANT SNAKEHEAD (CHADO / TOMAN)

The Giant Snakehead, known in Thailand as the Chado, is a formidable native predator. Capable of reaching lengths of 1 meter and weights up to 15 kilograms, this species rules Thailand's freshwaters. They are highly aggressive hunters, feeding primarily on fish and frogs. Their reproduction is highly prolific, with females laying egg clutches that yield 500 to 1,000 offspring.

To other aquatic life, the Giant Snakehead is the ultimate, ruthless killer. Their hunting patterns vary throughout the day: during the low-light hours of early morning and late afternoon, they stalk the shorelines in silence. When the sun is high, they venture into deeper spots to hunt, later retreating to seek shelter in shady, heavily vegetated pockets along the bank

 

3 BASIC TECHNIQUES FOR CATCHING WILD GIANT SNAKEHEAD WITH LURES

1. Random Casting

This technique is best used during the early morning and late afternoon by casting lures directly toward the shoreline. Since there is no clear sign of where the fish are hiding, you must rely on your fishing instincts and experience to visualize where a Giant Snakehead might be waiting.

Topwater lures like hollow-body frogs (hop frogs), poppers, buzzbaits, and pencils are perfect for this. However, the most popular choice is the weedless hollow-body frog (or similar lures with upturned, backward-facing hooks) because casting toward the shoreline means dealing with heavy brush, branches, and floating vegetation.

2. Sight Casting

This technique targets "rising fish" during the day. Giant Snakeheads will periodically rise to the surface either to breathe or to feed. Keep your eyes and ears open for the subtle sound of them gulping air or the ripples left behind as they turn back down. Once spotted, cast your lure approximately 2 meters beyond the ripple, then retrieve it directly through the target zone.

3. Chasing Fry (Frying Schooling)

This action takes place when the parent fish are guarding their school of fry. During this period, the parents are incredibly protective and will aggressively strike anything that threatens their young. If the parents are inexperienced and haven't been caught before, they can easily be hooked on the very first cast. However, if they have already been pricked by a hook, they become highly educated. Anglers might spend half a day casting into the school without a single bite because the fish have learned to be wary.

TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Topwater Lures

Once your lure hits the water, you have two main choices:

  1. The Pause & Jerk: Jerk the rod tip to animate the lure, let it pause for 1–3 seconds, and then begin your retrieve.

  2. The Active Retrieve: Start retrieving immediately, adding occasional jerks while reeling to create erratic action.

Diving Lures

As soon as the lure splashes down, reel rapidly for the first few seconds to crank the diver down to its maximum depth and optimal swimming action, then slow down your retrieve.

�� "BOOM!" — The Strike

When a Giant Snakehead smashes a topwater lure, the sound alone will make your heart skip a beat! BOOM!!

Once you feel the weight pulling on your arm, it's time to act. Set the hook with a hard, double whip immediately. If you feel a massive resistance, don't hesitate to give it a third hard hookset. The initial fight is intense but short.

  • If they miss: Sometimes you'll hear the BOOM! but the fish isn't on the hook yet. Don't stop! Keep reeling, and the snakehead will often chase it down for a second strike.

  • The Fight: Once the fish is hooked, reel tightly and bring it to the surface quickly. But be warned: do not lift its head completely out of the water. Giant Snakeheads have incredibly tough, bony mouths, and the barb might not be fully penetrated. If its head breaks the surface, the fish will violently shake its head and spit the hook.

With these insights, I am confident you can successfully target Giant Snakeheads anywhere in the world. This is the true instinct of a professional angler, born from my personal experience on the water—not from any magazine.

Tight lines,

Suvit (Wit)