Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) > Tackle & Techniques

new to the site

<< < (2/2)

Matt Hempfling:
Luke...Actually, yes I will be fishing with Clay Ching.  He seems  like a real gentleman.  He has answered all my questions and has been very helpful. 

Luke, like you mentioned, my gear is relatively light compared to the heavy equipment most of you use.  I said the same thing to myself in regards to the fact that the GTs will all not be huge.  I'm not going for any records or anything so if I get snapped off, then the fish has beaten me.  No big deal.  I will crush the barbs.  Many times, when I know there are smaller striped bass around I will crush the barbs as well.  No need to injure a small fish.  I practice catch and release as well due to the fact that my beloved striped bass is under a lot of pressure of over fishing. 

Someone else mentioned that the Van Staal is tough for popping and that is probably true compared to some of the reels such as the Saltiga or Stella.  However, the VS is an absolute beast.  For the fishing that I do mostly the VS is a must.  I often fish Montauk, Long Island which has an extremely rocky coastline so I wade out with my gear and find a rock higher than the water line and perch myself on it.  Many times waves will come in or if i'm lucky a fish will pull me off the rock (depending on how good my footing is).  The VS has a totally sealed drag and can be used when submerged in the salt water.  That's what its  made for. 

Can't wait to catch one of these ANGRY guys!!!!  I love angry fish!!!!

Matt Hempfling:
Cam,
The Van Staal is a very special tool for the trade of striped bass fishing.  The best time for the chance for a really big (trophy) striped bass is during a good storm with heavy winds.  That's when they feel comfortable to come into casting range and feed.  Because you have heavy winds, thats were the bailless feature comes in handy.  If your fishing into a 25-30 or heavier head wind that bail can close during your cast and snap your lure off.  I'm comfortable fishing without the bail, actually the bail is strange for me.  This year I built a 10' Ron Arra Lamiglas (nice for light lures) for when i'm fishing the (back bays) quiet water by home. I use a Shimano with a bail on that set up and i'm just getting used to it.  I have older Penn reels such as the 9500SS and the 706Z, which I removed all the bails.  However, I don't trust the Penn's for GT's as they have plastic gears. 

Matt Hempfling:
Luke,
I see that Lamiglas makes a rod that would fit the bill for GT popping, although on the lighter side.

TP8650SP, 8' 6", 2 piece, lure weight 1-6 ounces, 30-65 line weight, Moderate action, $300.00.  That's their TROPIC Pro Jigging and Popping line.  HHHMMMM.  Sounds good for what i'm doing! 

Luke Wyrsta:

--- Quote from: Matt Hempfling on June 29, 2007, 12:50:43 AM ---Luke,
I see that Lamiglas makes a rod that would fit the bill for GT popping, although on the lighter side.

TP8650SP, 8' 6", 2 piece, lure weight 1-6 ounces, 30-65 line weight, Moderate action, $300.00.  That's their TROPIC Pro Jigging and Popping line.  HHHMMMM.  Sounds good for what i'm doing! 

--- End quote ---

Hi Matt,

How is your preparation going?

cheers,
Luke

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page