Common Name: Croakers (Sciaenidae
family). Gelama in Malay. Gulama in Hokkien, after the Malay name.
Description: More than 25 species have been found in Malaysian waters and description is based on its appearance usually, such as gelama papan (silver bodied species), gelama pisang (yellow chested croaker) and gelama karang (black ones). Among the largest is the gelama jarang gigi or tigettooth croaker.Ranging from 5cm to 30 cm have been caught from shores.Mostly along shores, in waters of up 80 metres depth, near rocks and corals, in large schools.Feeds on fish, small crabs and prawns.
Tips: If fishing from the beach, beach worms are best. Use hooks No 10 to 14, with 10lb leader on 15lb mainline where there are no snags. Where there are rocks, usually 18lb leader with 25lb main line suffice. Note: Where there are croakers, there are also large predators. If you have run out of baits for croakers, use croaker meat for these biggies, which can include sea catfish and rays.