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

Shore Based GT Trips Hallaniyat Islands Oman

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Anton Haakman:
Hello Nick

This is a very interesting development as I believe that there are a number land based anglers that are looking for a destination like this that offers the diversity of angling possibilities that this island offers. I know plenty of guys that would travel to a destination such as this even if there was no possibility of a trophy Geet. The abundance of other species available there is enough to keep one busy. The other species that I would be interested in are the couta, longtail tuna and that mussel cracker type bream thing that eats top water lures. The trevallies would all be a bonus.

Do you have an idea of the costing for a 7 or 10day trip. This is something that I would like to plan towards.

I think that some creative thinking is going to be required when considering tackle for these fish. There is no doubting the pulling power of popping rods and high ends spinning reels. The one shortcoming in this sort of terrain is the length of leader that it allows you to throw. There is no doubt that a big fish is going to get you into a bind at some point in the fight with the result that ones leader system will be tested. That is where a multiplier setup on a +- 10ft rod could work. My thinking would be along the lines of Trini DC using 110 lbs Jerry Brown as a mainline connected via friction knot to 1.5mm or thicker leader. One can now obviously throw a much longer leader but you will sacrifice some drag ability on the reel. I believe that Brian Pearce managed to land a number of quality fish off of your boats with a similar type of setup.

The great thing about this is the fact that it is something new to keep the mind thinking and pushing the boundaries a little further. After the season is done you will be able to tell us what worked and what can be improved on.

I really look forward to watching the progress on this one. To be fair I do not think that tackle is going to play a huge role in ones success of landing a big fish. I think it will largely be dependent on the spot where the fish is hooked and the mood of the fish when you hook her.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Kind regards
Anton

Nick Bowles:
Hi Anton, Thanks for the mail and ideas. We are very excited to start doing the shore based trips as it is something that we have wanted to do for quite a while and also how I grew up fishing in Zululand South Africa. I think the possibilities for a wide variety of species is huge and also both day and night it interesting.

For tackle set ups I think a Trinidad DC is perfect on the conventional and I have been thinking on using a long wind on leader. For the spinning popping rod I'm not a big fan of wind ons, twisties, etc so I'm going to initially try my normal shorted leader with a bimini and a yucatan knot and cast this from outside the top guide. Think it might or might not work but this I have caught some smaller fish with no problem. We have got what I think is a good set up and process on the boats but we definitely need some work on the shore rigs and this I look forward to trying throughout the season!

It all about pushing something new and pushing the boundaries a bit more every year. When we first started GT fishing in Oman many year ago we were using 50lbs braid on way below par reels and rods getting our asses kicked big time, things have come a long way! But always appreciate any help and feedback to help us and clients!

Cheers,
Nick

Leigh Turner:
Coming from a LBG background, this is some thing i will be very interested in watching progress. Good luck to all who try i cant wait for the reports & pic's. Leigh

Nathan Tsao:
Nick, the Trini DC honestly kinda sucks as a casting reel. Even when turned down to low control, it still kills your distance. I tend to prefer a lever drag conventional reel for GT off shore. I especially like the ease of drag control when fighting a fish.  You can go full lock when you need it, and then instantly back off the pressure if you are getting reefed, all without messing with a drag knob. For myself in the areas i fish, one of the most important factors is dealing with fish once it has you in the sharp lava rocks, and a lever drag reel is a great tool to apply specific pressure.

Anton Haakman:
@ Nick - you boys have some exciting times ahead. There is nothing like some creative thought and then trying to put it into practice. It can be very rewarding or soul destroying and the line between the two is very small.

I look forward to watching your progress.

Kind regards
Anton

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