Catching "Watermelon Fish" with the New Goofish Ares Light Jigging Rod: A Fresh Take on Saltwater Fun
Last weekend, my buddy Jake and I headed to a tiny island off the coast of Palawan, Philippines. Our mission? To chase down the local “Watermelon Fish”—a quirky nickname for a vibrant, round-bodied species (locals say its pink-red sides and black speckles resemble a sliced watermelon). Rumor had it these feisty little fighters (2–5kg on average) ruled the shallow reefs at dawn, attacking jigs with wild abandon.
We arrived at 5:00 AM, just as the sky blushed pink and the ocean glowed like liquid mercury. I’d swapped my heavy-duty jigging rod for something lighter—Goofish’s brand-new Ares Light Jigging Rod—and honestly? I wasn’t sure how it’d handle these “small but mighty” fish. By the end of the day, I was grinning like a kid: not only did we land a 4.2kg Watermelon Fish (see the photo below—its colors popped like a fresh slice!), but the Ares Light proved it’s a game-changer for chasing lively, mid-sized species.
What Is a “Watermelon Fish”? Meet the Target
First, let’s clarify: The “Watermelon Fish” isn’t a scientific name—it’s a local term for Hapalogenys analis, a member of the grunt family. These fish thrive in shallow coastal reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds, feeding on crustaceans and small fish. Here’s what makes them a blast to catch:
- Vibrant Looks: Their bodies blaze with pink, coral, or orange hues (some even have iridescent scales), making them a photographer’s dream.
- Aggressive Bites: Don’t let their size fool you—they strike jigs with the enthusiasm of a barracuda, often launching themselves out of the water.
- Shallow Habitat: Unlike deep-water giants, they patrol just 5–20 meters deep, perfect for a day of easy casting without heavy gear.
Why the Goofish Ares Light? Built for “Light but Fierce” Fishing
I’ve used heavy jigging rods before (looking at you, GT-hunting Ares!), but the new Ares Light is a whole different breed. Designed for anglers chasing mid-sized species (think snappers, jacks, or—yes—Watermelon Fish), here’s why it stood out:
1. Lightweight, But Not “Weak”
The Ares Light tips the scales at just 0.9kg—light enough to cast all day without shoulder fatigue, yet sturdy enough to handle sudden bursts. When that 4.2kg Watermelon Fish hit, I expected the rod to “whip” under pressure, but its high-modulus carbon fiber blank flexed smoothly, absorbing the shock without losing control.
2. SIC Guides: Smooth as Silk
Its SIC (silicon carbide) guides are tiny but mighty. Using 10lb PE line (light enough for shallow water, strong enough to stop those teeth), I didn’t once feel the line drag or hesitate—even when the fish made sharp runs toward the reef. Signals came through crisp: a subtle “tick-tick” meant the fish was testing the jig; a sudden jerk meant business.
3. Medium-Fast Action: Precision + Power
Rated “Medium-Fast,” the Ares Light strikes a perfect balance. Its tip is sensitive enough to detect even the lightest bites (key for finicky fish), while the lower section delivers backbone to set hooks and control runs. For the Watermelon Fish’s quick, darting strikes, this action was ideal.
The Catch: From Dawn to Victory
Here’s how the morning unfolded—and the lessons I learned:
1. Time & Tide: Hit the Reef Early
Watermelon Fish are crepuscular—they’re most active at dawn (5:00–8:00 AM) when the ocean is calm and prey (like small shrimp) gather near the surface. We arrived as the sun peeked over the horizon, and within 10 minutes, we saw our first flash of pink: a fish zipping between the rocks.
2. Lures That Spark Interest
These fish love movement. We used 6cm “popping jigs”—metal jigs with a concave head that creates a “plopping” sound when retrieved. My go-to was a chartreuse-and-white model (matches the local shrimp’s color) paired with a 15lb fluorocarbon leader (invisible underwater, tough enough to avoid bites).
3. Casting & Retrieving: Keep It Dynamic
- Short Casts Win: Since the fish were in shallow water, we aimed for 10–15 meter casts (no need for distance). An overhead cast worked best—swing the rod back past your shoulder, then snap it forward smoothly to avoid spooking the fish.
- Work the Jig: Let the lure sink for 2–3 seconds, then retrieve with a mix of pauses and jerks. I’d reel in 1 meter, pause, then give the rod a sharp “twitch” (up-down motion) to mimic a fleeing shrimp. The Watermelon Fish couldn’t resist—every twitch brought a strike within seconds.
4. Setting the Hook: Don’t Hesitate
When a Watermelon Fish hits, it’s fast and furious—they’ll slam the jig and dart sideways. My first instinct was to yank the rod, but Jake (a local pro) yelled, “Wait!” Instead, I paused for a split second, letting the hook dig in, then set it with a sharp upward lift. That extra beat made all the difference—no more “throwing hooks”!
Fighting the Beast (Yes, Even “Small” Fish Fight Hard!)
The 4.2kg Watermelon Fish didn’t look intimidating, but boy, could it fight. Here’s how the Ares Light saved the day:
- Controlled Runs: When it bolted toward the reef, I kept the rod tip low and used the reel’s drag to slow it down. The rod’s flexibility let me “absorb” its surges without breaking the line.
- Guiding It In: Instead of fighting straight up, I angle the rod left or right to steer the fish away from rocks. The light weight of the Ares made this easy—even after 10 minutes of battle, my arms weren’t burning.
- Netting Safely: Once it tired and rose to the surface, I slid a large landing net under it (never lift by the line!). Its colors were even more stunning out of the water—like a living watermelon slice.
Final Thoughts: The Ares Light is a Game-Changer
Fishing with the new Goofish Ares Light Jigging Rod felt like unlocking a secret weapon. It’s not just “light”—it’s responsive, durable, and fun. Whether you’re chasing Watermelon Fish, snappers, or even fledgling GTs, this rod turns a good day on the water into a great one.
And that 4.2kg beauty? It’s now grilling on my friend’s BBQ (local style—marinated in lime, chili, and coconut). The meat was sweet, flaky, and 100% worth the early wake-up call.
Next stop? I’m packing the Ares Light again. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even find a red watermelon fish…
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