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

Best Source for GT Popping rods in UK / Europe?

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Dave Huck:
Hi,

I'm looking for (I think) a beginners GT Popping rod for a trip to West Africa. We won't be fishing for GTs, we'll be after Jack Crevalle, Leerfish, Snappers etc. but I plan on using the trip to learn popper fishing in advance of a GT trip next year (not sure where, possibly the Andamans or Oman).

I plan on buying a Catalina 4500H and spooling with 60lb hollow braid. I may also spool up with some 80lb for the big stuff round the wrecks. Will a Carbontex drag set for a 4500 Saltiga fit the Catalina?

I really like the sound of the Shimano GT Special, except for the weight (and I can't find the max length of the rod when it's broken?). It doesn't seem to be available in my neck of the woods though....

The Caranx Kaibatsus are available but I've heard they're not so good for 5' 6" shortarses like me   :). They've also bought out Travel Concept Kaibatsus (4 and 5 piece I think), but I'm very wary of such a compromise.

Daiwa don't seem to sell their foreign rods in UK so I'd probably have to import.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

Dave

Chuen Fan:
Most online tackle retailers will post worldwide, though saying that postage costs are sometimes an issue. Your best bet for sourcing GT popping rods would probably be Seawood tackle, thats about the only online shop I can think of that operate out of Spain (I think). Maybe some of our European based members can shed some light.

If you were specifically fishing for GTs, I'd look at upgrading to a 6500 size reel over the 4500. You might find 60lb line a bit light and 80lb as a minimum for popping GTs.

To answer your question, the carbontex washers for the saltigas will fit the catalina/saltiga blast series of reels.

I'm sure our forum sponsors will be able to ship across a GT special to you if you're keen, give them an email and see what they can do!

Dave Huck:
Thanks Chuen,

I'll check out Seawood and Fish Heads (I guess that's who you mean? When I last looked Fish Heads don't seem to stock Shimano rods).

Cheers

Dave

Michael Adolfsen:
Hi Dave
As Chuen said take a look at Seawoodtackle they sell top quality rods and tackle.
I just baugth the  carpenter sp80m from seawood,coming by ups tuesday.Top service from those guys.
I actually have the gt special, broken down its 168 cm. where in Africa are you going.
Michael from Denmark.

Dave Huck:
Thanks Michael,

I just took a look at the Seawood site and the Tokara 60 (at least the Sticker version) and WRC 80P/35 are much more reasonably priced than I expected  :).

I'm fishing off of Guinea-Bissau on the islands just offshore. It sounds like very varied fishing but with lots of opportunities for popping. And of course there are the tarpon......  8).

I'm just trying to decide whether to play safe and go for the 80P (sounds ideal for beginners like me) or the big gun.

Where do you fish for GTs?

Cheers

Dave

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