Silver Grunters or Gerut-gerut in Malay (Pek Cho in Chinese), are usually found in coastal areas and sandy estuaries, often a by-catch by coastal anglers fishing for sand whiting, gelama, or catfish (sembilang). These are usually small in size, around 20 - 30cm in length. However, the bigger ones are usually caught offshore at wrecks or reefs with a sandy bottom on mackerel (kembung) or herring (tamban) strips, prawns or squid.

Silver Grunters are also called Javelin Fish in Australia. They emit a grunting, croaking sound when landed, produced by the fish's air bladder, hence its namesake. Grunters are a bottom dwelling species, therefore making release difficult when caught from deep waters as blown bladders are a common occurence. However, the smaller ones can be avoided by using bigger hooks. Of course, you get more baits stolen that way too!

I have noticed when fishing for these fish, the best fishing times are on the rising or outgoing tide. Early morning is also a good time to go after these fish. The feeding frenzy usually lasts about an hour or so, during the change of tide. At this time, multiple hook ups can be common and if a line consists of a two-hook set-up, most likely both hooks will connect to a fish. Therefore, if one is after fish for the table, it is vital to drop the baits down to where the fish are as quickly as possible during this time.

When it is Grunter season in Penang, many boats will hit the water early to get the best parking spots at the wrecks so it pays to be there early before the crowd. This is more so when word goes around about the number of biggies caught from a particular wreck. The best spot to anchor the boat is right in front of the wreck. Not directly over, but anchor about 60 feet or more up-current of the wreck or reef and then release the anchor rope to position the boat about 20 feet ahead of the wreck or reef. This is where the larger fish are usually caught. The other good spots are at the sides or behind the wreck or reef.

The set-up for Silver Grunter fishing is similar to most other types of bottom fishing: A spreader is attached to the mainline with a sinker (size depends on current flow) and a long leader (3-4 ft) with a 2/0 or 3/0 hook. Medium tackle of 15-18lb is recommended for this type of bottom fishing to enjoy the short runs and head shakes this fish produces. If one wishes to test the tenacity of this fish, try using a running sinker rig without a spreader. Lures can work but most of my success with lure fishing for Grunter is using the big Melvia Sabiki fish jigs baited with kembung (mackerel) strips or prawn. The jigs are allowed to drift freely with the current on the bottom until the angler registers taps on the line. When the fish runs, a gentle lift of the rod will usually set the sharp hooks.

Silver Grunters are an excellent eating fish, firm and tasty. I recommend freshly caught Silver Grunters to be prepared steamed - Cantonese style with spring onions, fried garlic and soy sauce. Deeelectable!