Luke,
Barry Cross did a massive amount off the GBR very early on, along with his brother.
Once Barry's vessels became too big, he handed the popping clients over to Kim Andersen.
As you said, there were a few around doing it, though Barry was certainly at the very forefront off Cairns and he really specialised in popping to the point of making his own big bloopers.
Mal Florence, yep, he did a heap in mags, though it was his film work which was truly ahead of its time.
Anglers who I have met through the Brisbane Sportfishing club, such as Warren Steptoe and Darryl Steele did a heap and not only on GT's but longtail tuna, yellowtail kingies and spanish mackerel.........there were a heap in the club but as I said earlier, I never asked them who showed them the ropes.
A lot of the ANSA way was 'just help out your fellow angler' so who showed who and who saw the techniques from other parts of the world, I dunno!
I do know of the reach that the hand full of popping maniacs had back then was pretty spectacular in a day without internet..........RSL Halls were the monthly "forums" we now can partake in 24/7 over the Net.
I'd love to hear more about the Japanese influence........lets face it.......how much gear do you own now that isn't made in Japan for this sport!
Aaron.
