Bonga fish, also known as Ethmalosa fimbriata, is a popular protein source in West Africa. Although the process can be challenging, learning the techniques and using the right tools can make it enjoyable and fruitful for newcomers.
In recent years, 5 Fish gained in popularity not only for being a nutritious meal but also for managing the undesirable population of some species in particular water bodies.
Exploring the Habitat of Bonga Fish
It is, therefore, related to describing the habitat and general behaviour of the Bonga fish before a discourse on fishing techniques can be undertaken. These fish prefer water salinity levels that are slightly higher than that of freshwater habitats like estuaries, lagoons, and coastal rivers. They are mainly found in schools which means one has to look for a good place then there are many of them.
Bonga fish is categorized under filter feeders whereby its diet includes plankton and other small particles found in water. They are active at night and bright early morning, and therefore, early morning and during the latter part of the afternoon is a good time to fish.
TOP 5 FISHING TECHNIQUES FOR BONGA FISH
1. Selecting the Proper Fishing Gear
In Bonga fishing especially when you are a beginner, choosing the right fishing tools and gear determines the likelihood of the fishing exercise. To be specific, Bonga fish are not large fish, normally locally consumed fresh bonga fish weigh between 200 grams and 500 grams, and therefore, the use of heavy fishing rods is not required. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fishing Rod and Reel: For bonga fishing, use a light to medium spinning rod and reel, suitable for beginners and accommodating 10-12 pound lines.
- Fishing Line: Get a fishing line, the monofilament type, which ranges from 8-12 pound test. Bonga fish are not very big and muscular so this line will be ideal for their type of fish, lone pine.
- Hooks: Because the mouths of bonga fish are not very big you will have to use small hooks, hooks of sizes 6 to 8 are appropriate.
- Floats and Sinkers: The Bonga fish normally feed on the surface of the water and therefore utilization of the float is advantageous as will help you to place your bait at the required depth.
- Bait: On natural baits, bonga fish respond well to shrimps, which, are worms or small pieces of fish preferably herrings.
2. Choosing the Proper Fishing Locations
The Bonga fish are mainly endemic to the coastal regions, especially in estuaries and zones with lagoons. As a beginner, it’s important to understand how to choose the best fishing spots for Bonga:
- Shallow Waters: The only thing that seems to attract these fish species is its tendency to prefer waters that are relatively shallow and of slightly brackish content.
- Vegetation and Structures: Bonga fish prefer to stay close to Weeds or any other structure like docks Piers and loops in the water body.
- Tidal Influence: Try to be keen on the tides. Bonga fish feed maximum during the period of high tide or low tide because the water current stirs the food sources.
- Local Knowledge: If this is the first time you will be fishing in that region, consult some of the fishermen who reside within that region on where to capture bonga. The knowledge of the area is useful when it comes to determining the areas that are fertile for fishing activities.
3. Mastering Bonga Fishing Methods
Once you have your gear and spot, it is now high time that you consider how to fish in the fishing process. For beginners, simple methods tend to work best:
- Float Fishing: This is the most common method used in fishing for this type of fish known as bonga fish. Hang a small float to your line to ensure your bait is a few inches from the surface of the waters. Put a worm on a hook and with float set it gently on the water. When the float is bitten by a bonga, it will move up and down giving you a cue that it’s time to pull in the line.
- Chumming: Chumming is a process whereby the fisherman throws a part of the bait into the water intending to draw fish. For bonga chumming you can use crushed fish or shrimp in combination with oil and water.
- Casting and Retrieving: If you are not able to catch fish from available fishing material in the shallow end, then, it is advisable to throw your bait deeper into the water and use a slow draw.
