Common Name: Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus
argentimaculatus). Ang Choe in Hokkien or Kakap Merah in Malay.
Those in Terengganu call it kakap merah.
Description: Dark red body, mouth with sharp teeth. Up to 1 metre long and 7kg in weight have been caught.This bottom feeding carnivore inhabits the mangrove areas, particularly where there are plenty of mangrove roots cover, where the fish hides in wait for its pre comprising small fish and prawns.Bottom fishing yields best results.
Tips: I have caught a few using minnows as baits. Dead prawns also yield results. Otherwise, fish meat, particularly mackeral, chopped in cubes will also do. Use 5kg mainline if using rod and line and bottom fish. The fish also takes lures, especially brightly coloured ones. Hook size 3/0 or 4/0.