Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) > Reports & Expeditions

Some Fraser fun...

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George Pang:
The boat is a Quintrex TopEnder 560 with 115 4s. 120L underfloor, but I carry another 180L for refills back on the island.

I was mainly trialling some new purchases, but I used
1. Komodo Dragon SW10000
2. RippleFisher GT82LC SW10000
3. Carpenter SP78UHL SW10000
4. ValleyHill Kamaja GT83P S6000GT

Probably the largest fish I saw was 35-40kg which had a half hearted swipe at my bills bug, but mainly they were the 25-30kg class (typical for fraser).

I often fish by myself, as I work shift work. I don't advise it unless you are comfortable fishing a long way from shore (20nm), are confident in your boating skills and equipment, and have a healthy respect for the sea. The safest thing to do is go out with some one first, before going on your own. Peter, are you comfortable (not that you ever get comfortable) doing bar crossings?

In regards to the nomad vs orion debate - the orion definitely outperformed the nomad. I find the nomad stickbait a too buoyant, even with the massive hooks, and tended to pop out now and again. The orion sinks and is brought up to the surface with the rod action. I think soaking the nomad stickbaits for a day or two may help this by waterlogging the wood. Having said all of that, the nomad has a much better flash when worked.


I have fished the spit for several years, and have a general plan. The things I would do different -
1. Better fitness
2. Take powerade with you. I drank 3-4L by noon. When the conditions are this good, it is stiflingly hot.
3. Bring more plastics, pre rigged.

Brock Arifovic:
Looks like you have been doing some buying, what are your thoughts on all these rods? & which did you run your stickbaits on?

Peter Lowe:
Thank you George, I appreciate your input.

I am curious as to how much fuel you would typically use going from Wathumba up to the spit, carrying the extra 180 ltr is a must i am sure.

The crew going are more than comfortable going out wide and we cross bars all the time as well as have a very healthy respect for mother nature so fingers crossed all goes well.

It's up to the weather gods now to look after us.

Hi Brock - we are going in a very similar boat to Georges 5.5mtr with 115 etec - goes well amd very economical if driven right. Their will be another boat coming along 7 mtr glass 200 verado which is even more capable so we should be ok.


Bring on the GTs ah....

Hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Kind regards
Peter

 8)

George Pang:
Peter,

I used about 170-180L for 2 days, with one trip to the spit. From rooneys, the spit is about 20nm and I would realistically budget on 60-80L for a days fishing from Rooneys as I never switch off my motor.

If you are leaving from wathumba add 10nm each way. The difference is that it is inside the bay, so fuel economy is far better, but still thats an extra hour total travel time to and from.

Staying at Wathumba is magic, the water is so clear on the incoming tide with hordes of bream and whiting at your feet. I take it you are camping there - north or south bank? Just bring lots of Bushmans as the sandflies can be murder! Also on the North bank, there is a storage 'cupboards' off the ground as dingos can be a problem. I have had all kinds of things chewed up, anything which remotely smells of fish, including my favourite hat! The dirty Buggers!!
The other thing I've learnt the hard way is the creek completely dries on the big tides, less than 1ft of water. So don't refill when you get back, as the boat will list, and fuel will drainout of your breathers - and you need every drop!

When you're fishing up there - stick on VHF 22, its the repeater that is monitored by Bundy and Hervey bay. Often they are some big boats out there, trawlers and commerical vessels, so you're not alone.

I love it up there it is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. If the weather gods smile on you, it will be a mind blowing trip!

Good Luck!

George

PS I'll start another thread about my impressions on some tackle for Brock.

Brandon Khoo:
oh Gawd, don't do that, George. The last thing Brock needs is more gear!!  :D

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