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

Medium Popping Rod...

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Joey Falconi:
Ok. Heres my deal.

I'm currently using the following gear and want to spend my money  :o ;D

Diawa Expedition with 60lb Saltiga.
15 - 24kg T-Curve 7'6.

I recently used the outfit in Fiji and cairns. I like the combo but it is a little heavy to use all day. I just grabbed myself a dogfight and am looking for a rod to suit, Locations such as GBR , cairns and surrounds. Not targeting huge Gt's but still looking at 10 - 25kg specimans. I have looked at a few that  are just too heavy for my liking. Smiths Tokara. Smiths 77. Komodo Drangon. Monster Mesh 8'3, Shimano Gt Special. I'm looking for a rod with a softer action and something lighter in the tip to work poppers upto 125grams. I would like to hear to what you guys can come up with. All the rods are to stiff for me.

What are you thoughts on the smiths 80p? or something in the hot's range.
Price $500 - $750  ;)

Thanks in advance
Joe

Brock Arifovic:
Ring Duncan @ FishHead

Joey Falconi:
Brock.

I'm based in Melb. Where is fishhead ?

Thanks

Jordan Hack:
joey ,fishhead is in Brisbane but they have an online store. I am currently in the same boat as you at the moment. I have been using a dogfight with the same 15-24kg t curve that you have. It has handled plenty of GTs up to 20kg ok but i too would like something heavier for shallower reefy terrain and larger fish. I was thinking of getting a GT special but after inspecting the other day I think it might be a bit to heavy for what i want. Interested to see what advice others can give

Brandon Khoo:
Hi Joey, read your trip report to Cairns and Port Douglas. Reads like you had a ball.

Mate, with any advice, it's up to you to take it or leave it but realistically, I would recommend you upgrade up to 80lb (and preferably 100lb)if you want to pop for GTs. The reason why I recommend this is not just from the perspective of the fisherman but also the fish.

You will land more fish with heavier braid and gear and it will also give you a chance on those bigger fish which realistically, you have almost no chance against on 60lb unless you just get dead lucky. Big fish and shallow reefs are a bad combination. Heavier braid will also see fish landed faster which will see them back in the water in better condition.

Also, I note you still have barbs on your hooks. The philosophy of this forum is to do whatever we can to release the fish in the best condition possible. We strongly encourage the use of barbless hooks as part of this philosophy. On 60lb, you are going to lose a lot of fish and if you're using barbs, the reality is there is a reasonably good chance a number of these fish are simply going to be unable to feed and will die.

Rods like the Komodo, Tokara and Shimano GT are useable with lighter braids but are probably best with PE8-10. A PE6-8 rod is probably what you're looking for. There are a host of rods in this weight category. All manufacturers of GT rods would have an offering in this weight category. The Smith 80P/35 is a nice stick as is a Hots 79XH or 83H. Carpenter has some magic rods in this category like the SP80M or SP79M or Coral Viper CV79. Good luck finding a Carpenter though. Ripple have some nice offerings as well aroudn this weight category with the GT78F and GT79R.

Zenaq also have some good offerings in this category like FC-76 or FC-83 as does a new company on the market, Patriot Design.

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