Tenggiri Jigging in Malaysia: 60g and 80g Starter Guide for Singapore Anglers

For anglers based in Singapore, the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia offers several practical starting points for Tenggiri fishing. Sedili is among the nearer choices, while Mersing, Penyabong, Endau, Kuala Rompin and Tioman open access to a wider range of offshore grounds.

The conditions are not identical from one destination to another. Depth, current, wind and boat drift can change during a trip. That is why a compact selection containing both 60g and 80g jigs is more useful than treating one weight as correct everywhere.

This guide explains where Singapore anglers commonly travel, how to choose between 60g and 80g, and what to prepare before boarding the boat.

What fish is Tenggiri?

“Tenggiri” is a regional name used for related mackerel species. In this guide, it primarily refers to the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, *Scomberomorus commerson*, often called Tenggiri Batang.

It is a fast pelagic predator associated with coastal and continental-shelf waters. It feeds on fish, squid and crustaceans, which helps explain why a slim metal jig moving like fleeing prey can attract a strike.

Tenggiri do not always remain close to the seabed. They may feed at different levels of the water column, so remember the depth where a strike occurs and work that zone again.

Malaysian Tenggiri destinations from Singapore

Sedili

Sedili is one of the more convenient east-coast departure areas for anglers travelling from Singapore. Depending on the skipper, season and conditions, a trip may combine jigging, bait drifting and bottom fishing.

Tenggiri jigging should therefore be treated as one option in the day's fishing plan, not a guaranteed or exclusive method.

PPFA organises selected Sedili trips for anglers travelling from Singapore. Check out our website for actual destinations, dates and availability.

Mersing, Penyabong and Endau

Mersing is an important gateway to Johor's offshore islands. Departures may also operate from the Penyabong and Endau areas farther north.

Trips from this stretch of coast can reach reefs, shoals and offshore structures. The run, depth and sea conditions can differ greatly, so ask the organiser what jig weights and tackle are expected before packing.

Kuala Rompin and Tioman

Kuala Rompin is well known for sailfish, but the wider Rompin and Tioman waters also hold Tenggiri and other pelagic fish. Both 60g and 80g jigs can have a place here; the useful weight depends on the actual current, depth, drift and line angle.

PPFA also organises selected Rompin and Tioman trips. Review the trip information page rather than assuming that a particular destination is always available.

Pulau Aur and Pulau Pemanggil

Aur and Pemanggil are longer-range offshore destinations reached from the Mersing coast. They should not be treated as quick substitutes for a nearer Sedili trip. Travel time, boat requirements, depth and exposure can be different.

Pekan

Pekan is another recognised east-coast fishing base farther north in Pahang. It provides useful geographic context, although it is less convenient for a short trip from Singapore than Sedili or Mersing.

When should you travel?

Malaysia's Northeast Monsoon generally runs from November to March. It can bring heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the South China Sea.

That does not mean every day within those months is unfishable, or that every day outside them is safe. Check the current METMalaysia marine forecast and follow the skipper's final decision.

Before leaving Singapore:

- Confirm that the trip is proceeding.
- Confirm the departure jetty and reporting time.
- Ask about expected depth, current and fishing method.
- Carry the required travel documents.
- Prepare seasickness medication early if needed.
- Bring suitable sun, rain and personal-safety protection.

Where should you look for Tenggiri?

Potential areas include:

- baitfish shown on the sounder;
- reef edges and underwater drop-offs;
- near Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), otherwise known as "Unjam" in Malaysia;
- current lines and tide rips;
- mid-water bait concentrations; and
- areas where birds are actively feeding.

The skipper's local knowledge matters. A productive feature may be underwater and invisible from the surface.

Should you choose a 60g or 80g jig?

There is no single correct jig weight for Sedili, Mersing, Rompin or Tioman. Start with the lightest jig that reaches the intended zone while allowing you to maintain contact and control.

Start with 60g when

- the current and drift are manageable;
- the jig reaches the working depth without excessive line angle;
- fish are feeding in shallower or mid-water zones; or
- you want a lighter presentation and can still control it.

Move to 80g when

- the 60g jig is being swept too far away;
- you need to reach the working depth faster;
- current or boat drift increases; or
- you repeatedly lose contact with the jig.

Jig design and line diameter also affect sink rate. Weight is only one part of the decision.

A simple Tenggiri jigging approach

1. Lower the jig under control to the intended working zone. usually the bottom.
2. Use positive lifts and cranks or a faster retrieve that keeps the jig moving cleanly.
3. Change speed occasionally rather than repeating one rhythm indefinitely.
4. Note the depth or stage of the retrieve where a strike occurs.
5. Work that part of the water column again.
6. Inspect the leader, rings and hooks after every fish, missed strike or suspicious contact.

Tenggiri have sharp teeth. Steel-wire-core assist hooks provide bite protection close to the hook, while some anglers use a short wire trace when cut-offs persist. Each choice affects the presentation, so follow the skipper's local recommendation.

Choose a ready-selected starting set

The PPFA Tenggiri Starter Bundles are designed around two simple choices:

- **60g Starter Bundle:** five colours of 60g Tenggiri jigs, Yellow 2/0 and 3/0 steel-wire-core assist hooks, and #1 Flash Blade hooks.
- **80g Starter Bundle:** five colours of 80g Tenggiri jigs, Yellow 4/0 and 5/0 steel-wire-core assist hooks, and #1/0 Flash Blade hooks.

The steel-wire-core assist hooks are the primary tooth-resistant hook arrangement. The Flash Blade hooks add flash and another hook option; they do not replace the wire protection provided by the assist hooks.

- [View the 60g Tenggiri Starter Bundle](/products/60g-tenggiri-jigging-starter-bundle)
- [View the 80g Tenggiri Starter Bundle](/products/80g-tenggiri-jigging-starter-bundle)

If a required component is unavailable, the corresponding bundle should remain unavailable and should not be advertised as ready to purchase.

Prepare the complete setup

Jig weight is only the beginning. Your rod rating, reel, braid, leader, rings and hook placement must work together.

Continue with our [Tenggiri jigging tackle and rigging guide](/blogs/news/tenggiri-jigging-tackle-rigging-guide) before preparing for the trip.

Fish responsibly

Follow current Malaysian fisheries rules and avoid prohibited areas. Fishing and possession of fishing gear can be restricted in marine parks and protected waters. Confirm the intended fishing grounds with the skipper and consult current Department of Fisheries Malaysia guidance before the trip.

Weather, access and fishing activity can change. No destination, jig weight or technique guarantees a catch.

Further reading

- [METMalaysia weather information]
- [Department of Fisheries Malaysia responsible recreational angling]
- [PPFA fishing trips]