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Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Reports & Expeditions => Topic started by: Kil Song on October 08, 2013, 11:41:35 PM

Title: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Kil Song on October 08, 2013, 11:41:35 PM
This was my second trip with Ed of No Boundaries in Southern Oman for big GT this year.
The trip had an international flavor as 5 fishermen came from 5 different countries.

Bertrand Picarda from France
Lars Nielson from Denmark
Andre van Wyk from South Africa
Yoshitaka Tsurusaki san of FCL LABO from Japan
Kil Song from the US

 
Fishing trips give opportunities to meet new fishermen and we had a great time to fish together on this trip.



(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2772_zps6ba16fa5.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2772_zps6ba16fa5.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2346_zpsd17efae9.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2346_zpsd17efae9.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2764_zps3f66cdf0.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2764_zps3f66cdf0.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2766_zpsfea66e8d.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2766_zpsfea66e8d.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2758_zps23e0a91f.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2758_zps23e0a91f.jpg.html)


 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9772_zps6fa3b94a.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9772_zps6fa3b94a.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2347_zpsaed30a12.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2347_zpsaed30a12.jpg.html)


We fished for six days on two  boats while mixing GT popping and inshore fishing.
 
Weather for first three days was not favorable, but it got better later. GT fishing was on and off, but it was really good when bites were on. Inshore jigging/popping was great as usual. 
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Kil Song on October 08, 2013, 11:47:20 PM
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2754_zps5a4a8cc1.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2754_zps5a4a8cc1.jpg.html)

beanbags were very useful on this trip.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2750_zps13290d36.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2750_zps13290d36.jpg.html)

 GT popping

Tsurusaki san jigged in the morning while we cast poppers for GT without landing any on the first day. He hooked up a GT in 10 minutes after he started to cast FCL Stickbait in the afternoon. :?

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2368_zps2b49322b.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2368_zps2b49322b.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2373_zpsf061a1a8.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2373_zpsf061a1a8.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2379_zpsdf9d62c6.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2379_zpsdf9d62c6.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2382_zps88c953c2.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2382_zps88c953c2.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9832_zpsa0734d1a.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9832_zpsa0734d1a.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9844_zps0f5882fc.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9844_zps0f5882fc.jpg.html)


I knew it was big when it took my FCL EBIEXT not far from the boat. I was using light Black Hole Magic Eye 804S rod along with Stella 20000SW apooled with 80 lb Jerry Brown Hollow/short 200 lb leader line.

Magic Eye 804S rated for PE4 is too light for 50 plus kg GT, but I wanted to test the rod' strength for big GT using heavy drag.
The 50 plus kg GT made 20 - 30 yards run at most which means I used pretty heavy drag during the fight.

I know I can not fight longer than 10 minutes on heavy drag because of my back problem. But I fought using Hots small belt this time after I observed that the fight doesn't usually last longer then 10 minutes even for big 50 plus kg GT on heavy drag.

I was pretty comfortable throughout the fight using Hots belt though I couldn't crank to gain line at some point because the soft rod didn't give me much leverage and backbone.

After I brought the GT, Mohamed  gaffed in the mouth of GT.
It was a definite 50 plus kg big GT. But unfortunately the GT was dropped while trying to lift on the boat for pictures.
This GT turned out to be the biggest Gt on our trip.
Though I don't have pictures of the GT on my lap, I am extremely happy  to accomplish my goal to land a 50 plus gt GT, especially with so light PE4 rod.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2547_zpsb0529379.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2547_zpsb0529379.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2549_zpse0c98855.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2549_zpse0c98855.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9779_zpsb5ce6b5f.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9779_zpsb5ce6b5f.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9781_zps6d3d1209.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9781_zps6d3d1209.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9787_zps166750ed.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9787_zps166750ed.jpg.html)



I opened bail as the big GT was secured with gaffing in the mouth.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9789_zpsee32d984.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9789_zpsee32d984.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9790_zps720fe0b1.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9790_zps720fe0b1.jpg.html)

This Gt is around 47 kg GT caught by Ed soon after my catch.
Ed agreed that my GT was much bigger and my catch was a legitimate 50 plus kg GT.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9802_zps0350f0d2.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9802_zps0350f0d2.jpg.html)


(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9778_zps4370564c.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9778_zps4370564c.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2590_zps89e531b4.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2590_zps89e531b4.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2594_zpsc1f56529.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2594_zpsc1f56529.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2732_zps60d2df57.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2732_zps60d2df57.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2739_zps5a5c4109.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2739_zps5a5c4109.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2740_zpsf250b2bc.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2740_zpsf250b2bc.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2722_zps074b6628.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2722_zps074b6628.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2725_zpsc44c04d5.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2725_zpsc44c04d5.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2714_zpsf8007016.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2714_zpsf8007016.jpg.html)



(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2575_zps08b37bff.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2575_zps08b37bff.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2572_zpsa295f3ee.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2572_zpsa295f3ee.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2567_zpsb7212c50.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2567_zpsb7212c50.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2570_zps28e3995c.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2570_zps28e3995c.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2522_zps670fa5c2.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2522_zps670fa5c2.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2531_zpsa8e44bc3.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2531_zpsa8e44bc3.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2536_zps690a3915.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2536_zps690a3915.jpg.html)



we encountered small yellowfin tuna while popping for GT in shallow water.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2588_zpsd3b1ebdc.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2588_zpsd3b1ebdc.jpg.html)

We were also surprised to catch a few nice AJ in shallow water while popping for GT


(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2697_zps4b4d7869.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2697_zps4b4d7869.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2694_zpsf9a2968b.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2694_zpsf9a2968b.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2679_zps99bfc161.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2679_zps99bfc161.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2682_zpse047c8af.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2682_zpse047c8af.jpg.html)

Tsurusaki san's creative fighting belt
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2675_zps50ccb603.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2675_zps50ccb603.jpg.html)



(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2753_zps8585217d.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2753_zps8585217d.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2752_zps1577bbcc.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2752_zps1577bbcc.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2769_zpsd20a9a6e.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2769_zpsd20a9a6e.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2667_zpsb067ec14.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2667_zpsb067ec14.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Kil Song on October 08, 2013, 11:59:47 PM
Jigging

We didn't spend much time for jigging on this trip and Tsurusaki san and myself jigged occasionally while others cast poppers.
It seemed Tsurusaki san were testing his slow pitch rods and jigs with slow jigging and his catches were impressive.
I brought only one light jigging setup with Black Hole 631XH rod and JM PE2 filled with PE3 line.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2352_zpsd1d3064c.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2352_zpsd1d3064c.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2357_zpsabbfa76d.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2357_zpsabbfa76d.jpg.html)

It was very impressive to watch Tsurusaki san land a nice grouper with PE3 line reel.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2359_zps7a89f736.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2359_zps7a89f736.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2364_zpsb48dd9b1.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2364_zpsb48dd9b1.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2386_zpsb64ee8e0.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2386_zpsb64ee8e0.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2390_zpsee6d1790.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2390_zpsee6d1790.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9482-Copy_zps7771abc9.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9482-Copy_zps7771abc9.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2411_zps141f2693.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2411_zps141f2693.jpg.html)

two mackerel on one hook
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2415_zps4ccb8312.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2415_zps4ccb8312.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2425_zpsc434cbc2.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2425_zpsc434cbc2.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2433_zpsab2c20b9.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2433_zpsab2c20b9.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2487_zps71d55f87.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2487_zps71d55f87.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2499_zps3b705966.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2499_zps3b705966.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2510_zps01bc2478.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2510_zps01bc2478.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2513_zpsf253adfa.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2513_zpsf253adfa.jpg.html)

lunch time jigging
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2656_zpsdc38ecf1.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2656_zpsdc38ecf1.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2703_zpsde8bf002.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2703_zpsde8bf002.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Kil Song on October 09, 2013, 12:03:23 AM
Inshiore popping


Southern Oman provides excellent inshore popping for various species.
We had yellow fin trevally, queenfish and permit on small surface lures on my Spring trip. Those fishes were not there in big numbers on this trip, but we had excellent bream popping instead.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2727_zpsf949c32f.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2727_zpsf949c32f.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2710_zps7e852a64.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2710_zps7e852a64.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2702_zps00a877dd.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2702_zps00a877dd.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9726_zps6c7d161d.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9726_zps6c7d161d.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9713_zpsa60d3d10.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9713_zpsa60d3d10.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9676_zpsb47fd78e.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9676_zpsb47fd78e.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9645_zps77211500.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9645_zps77211500.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9523_zps94bca6b5.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9523_zps94bca6b5.jpg.html)







action of Black Hole Magic Eye 753S
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2664_zpse58d3377.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2664_zpse58d3377.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2636_zps5ad871d2.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2636_zps5ad871d2.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2635_zps5a675bb1.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2635_zps5a675bb1.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2627_zpsb9d6fe30.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2627_zpsb9d6fe30.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2629_zps443d9df8.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2629_zps443d9df8.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2617_zps5ee4fe1d.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2617_zps5ee4fe1d.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2613_zps72da212c.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2613_zps72da212c.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2604_zps39610824.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2604_zps39610824.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9724_zpsc00c73b9.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9724_zpsc00c73b9.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9685_zpsd73cb2bc.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9685_zpsd73cb2bc.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9672_zps0b002534.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9672_zps0b002534.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9665_zps8ffd7cde.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9665_zps8ffd7cde.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9649_zpsd57de265.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9649_zpsd57de265.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9560_zpscdbad30e.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9560_zpscdbad30e.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9545_zps4a098205.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9545_zps4a098205.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9549_zps1a36c95c.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9549_zps1a36c95c.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9527_zps89956c92.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9527_zps89956c92.jpg.html)











I tested Black Hole Seabass rod on this trip.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2659_zps8f03cc16.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2659_zps8f03cc16.jpg.html)


(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2660_zpsb91a3a72.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2660_zpsb91a3a72.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2657_zpsb6f1dc11.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2657_zpsb6f1dc11.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2649_zpsf0309d6f.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2649_zpsf0309d6f.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2639_zpsedd3fb97.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2639_zpsedd3fb97.jpg.html)

30g FCL SL jig for casting
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2642_zpsb8580fcc.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2642_zpsb8580fcc.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2614_zps0a3db613.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2614_zps0a3db613.jpg.html)

I tested small Black Hole lure with a lip with fantastic result.
I brought only two and both were lost to big emperor snapper.
This is going to be my go to lure for inshore popping.


(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2453_zps601252fb.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2453_zps601252fb.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2447_zps76e5f7d0.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2447_zps76e5f7d0.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2435_zps4525e12a.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2435_zps4525e12a.jpg.html)









Tsurusaki san tested various inshore lures on this trip
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2513_zpsf253adfa.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2513_zpsf253adfa.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2422_zps09cab7fd.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2422_zps09cab7fd.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2429_zps111cee64.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2429_zps111cee64.jpg.html)


(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2433_zpsab2c20b9.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2433_zpsab2c20b9.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9630_zpsd726ec22.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9630_zpsd726ec22.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9605_zpsb9adcd31.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9605_zpsb9adcd31.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9596_zpsf04672f1.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9596_zpsf04672f1.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9565_zpseab89904.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9565_zpseab89904.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9518_zps2d3df331.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_9518_zps2d3df331.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Mark Harris on October 09, 2013, 12:17:34 PM
Excellent and very visual report Kil!

You guys clearly had a ball and looking at the weather you had to contend with, the results were excellent with some trophy GTs and superb Amberjacks taken off the surface, as well as the great variety of other fish.

Top stuff and a great opening to the new season in Southern Oman.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Andy Rowe on October 09, 2013, 12:23:46 PM
Magic, this time next week we will be doing it too.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Andrew Smith on October 09, 2013, 12:58:54 PM
Fantastic report! Looks like you all had a great trip! Fantastic to see the sensational "All round" options of the area!!!
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Mark Harris on October 09, 2013, 07:01:13 PM
anyone has an ID for this fish that Kil caught?

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/SALALAH2013FALL/IMG_2656_zpsdc38ecf1.jpg)
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Luke Wyrsta on October 09, 2013, 07:36:07 PM
Nice report! Well done!
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: chris caley on October 10, 2013, 03:53:59 PM
Mark I think this is a crescent-banded grunter. These fish hang around the shoreline and don't really grow much bigger than the one Kil has caught.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Andre van Wyk on October 10, 2013, 07:03:39 PM
Such an epic trip, and I gotta say how stoked I am to have been able to share it with such a diverse and fantastic group of anglers... I learnt SO MUCH from everyone on the trip, and gotta throw a HUGE shout out to Ed and his team at No Boundaries Oman for putting on a show of note... 1st class all the way!!

Not much time to add all my input here, but Mark to answer your question, that is what we know as Thornfish down in SA, sci name Terapon Jarbua... they are also known as the "Pest of St.Lucia" as they frequent our estuaries on the east coast where they are notorious bait stealers when targetting bigger fish ( Jewies and Grunter ) and are such a hassle too because they have incredibly sharp spines as well as gill plates... never seen one caught on a lure though, or quite as big as the ones Kil caught!!!

Then again it seems everything in OMan eats lures.. I caught a pretty large catfish on a sinking stickbait under a bait ball, and numerous little sharks on top waters!!!!
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Kil Song on October 10, 2013, 08:56:52 PM
We fished together on the last day and I spent as a camera man while casting occasionally.
It was fun to watch how they worked their lures. Everybody used different lure.



http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/salalahVideo1Kil/MVI_2676_zpsd17f7f9c.mp4.html?sort=3&o=0
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Mark Harris on October 11, 2013, 11:03:05 AM
Mark I think this is a crescent-banded grunter. These fish hang around the shoreline and don't really grow much bigger than the one Kil has caught.

Thanks Chris!  That's definitely a new one on me.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Mark Harris on October 11, 2013, 12:21:05 PM
Such an epic trip, and I gotta say how stoked I am to have been able to share it with such a diverse and fantastic group of anglers... I learnt SO MUCH from everyone on the trip, and gotta throw a HUGE shout out to Ed and his team at No Boundaries Oman for putting on a show of note... 1st class all the way!!

Not much time to add all my input here, but Mark to answer your question, that is what we know as Thornfish down in SA, sci name Terapon Jarbua... they are also known as the "Pest of St.Lucia" as they frequent our estuaries on the east coast where they are notorious bait stealers when targetting bigger fish ( Jewies and Grunter ) and are such a hassle too because they have incredibly sharp spines as well as gill plates... never seen one caught on a lure though, or quite as big as the ones Kil caught!!!

Then again it seems everything in OMan eats lures.. I caught a pretty large catfish on a sinking stickbait under a bait ball, and numerous little sharks on top waters!!!!

Hi Dre - I can see you guys had a ball and so happy for you.  That was a fine group of gentlemen all assembled together.

Many thanks on the fish ID.... just not one I am at all familiar with. Like you say so many fish take artificials in Oman.  One of the reasons I rate Southern Oman above all other places I have fished is the sheer variety of beasts that will take top water lures... it is mind-blowing.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Aaron Levien on October 11, 2013, 08:17:58 PM
Ph my goodness, what a report. Could you have caught any more fish? Great effort and wicked snaps there lads.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Andre van Wyk on October 12, 2013, 01:53:45 AM
Could you have caught any more fish?

A couple more  ;) These images all courtesy of Lars Nielsen's camera, some shot by him, some by me..

3rd cast of the trip had this sucker putting the hurt on me.. Darkstar Cubera 180 on the Ripplfisher 79H and one of Crazy Tails Jono's 150lb Twisties..:
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_0043_zps4f2b0c77.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_0043_zps4f2b0c77.jpg.html)

Switching to the final day.. AJ's on topwater.. Lars first to hook up in about 7 metres of water on a GT3..
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9953_zps7356049c.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9953_zps7356049c.jpg.html)
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9956_zps8db919fc.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9956_zps8db919fc.jpg.html)
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9955_zps55b3d877.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9955_zps55b3d877.jpg.html)

Yasser on the leader
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9959_zps906fdaac.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9959_zps906fdaac.jpg.html)

And an EPIC Topwater AJ for Lars from incredibly shallow water... Lars did a fantastic job on this fish..
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9969_zpsf70d1e02.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9969_zpsf70d1e02.jpg.html)

Then it was the Mad Frenchman's turn.. Bertrand seems to have a "thing" for hooking fish really close to the boat... many of you may have seen the video clip of his 52 kilo model from April exhaling a Prosele stickbait just a metre or two from the gunnel.. He had the same with another GT this trip, but this AJ took the cake..
Tsurusaki-San's fresh hooked bluefin was being pulled boatside and Berties Bigfoot was literally hanging off his rod tip against the side of the boat when a brown blur swept in after following the bluefin and inhaled his Bigfoot... I felt the tail slap on the hull it was so close, right under my feet!

Of course Bertrand was in "2 Clicks Back" mode and this fish had him diving under, around, through and then over everything on board and the motors.. Mo did an epic job at the helm to helm him get control of the fish again, and then he went to work... another bus size topwater AJ in shallow water...
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9983_zps1f8b721d.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9983_zps1f8b721d.jpg.html)
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9986_zps60367e27.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9986_zps60367e27.jpg.html)

And lastly, but not least ( there are 1000's more images! ) here is a final shot of the Master himself, Tsurusaki-San with a "small" Oman GT on the last afternoon... I think his last fish for the trip.. pretty fitting end!
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/IMG_9997_zpsb8ea1411.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/IMG_9997_zpsb8ea1411.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Mark Harris on October 12, 2013, 11:47:33 PM
Some more great pics Dre!

I say it again as it obvious from some of these pics that the water was so rough: you guys did damned well given the weather!
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Kil Song on October 13, 2013, 06:38:10 AM
There are many variations of slow pitch jigging. Tsurusaki san of FLC LABO demonstrates his slow pitch jigging technique.
He is one of the best all round Japanese fishermen I've met.
He developed FCL LABO rods and jigs specifically designed for slow pitch jigging.

[ Invalid YouTube link ]

Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Kil Song on October 15, 2013, 01:10:50 PM
Here is the video of the trip.

Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Chris Dennis on October 15, 2013, 04:16:21 PM
Some great fish there despite the lumpy conditions, well done guys.

Good to see Mohammed and Yassir back for another season.

Almost packed ready for our trip at the end of the month...... ;D
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Mike Northcott on October 15, 2013, 11:06:23 PM
Chris, I hope you have had a few sessions at the Gym to get yourselves GT fighting fit!!

4 months to go for our Andamans trip, even if its only a quarter as good we will be in heaven.

Have fun on your trip

Regards

Mike
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Chrislocke on October 19, 2013, 11:25:45 AM
Awesome report! I really want to go there now! Haha!
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Ryan Keith on October 19, 2013, 08:51:32 PM
What a great report. Some beautiful GTs there, and the light tackle action looks insane! Any estimates on the length/weight of those "bream"? Difficult to tell from the photos.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Ed Nicholas on October 19, 2013, 08:59:23 PM
Finally back near internet after fishing and guiding hard the past month. So good to look though all the pics and remembering what was an amazing week of fishing and great banter.

Watching Tsurusaki San fish was incredible, the guy is a true master of the sport. Great to see everyone enjoy the inshore fishing so much, it is simply too good to miss out on with the number of fish and species caught and the boys loved it.

Dre' and I have long been in touch but to have some cold ones and fish together was one of the highlights of the week. What a character and good bloke, Bertrand and I could not stop laughing.

Another highlight of the week was extending our tagging portfolio to Bream  8) We are now tagging the GTs and Bream and look forward to launching our GT SAT Tag program next month.

Really look forward to the next trip with some of the same characters and others.

Tight lines Ed

Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Ed Nicholas on October 19, 2013, 09:02:55 PM
Hi Ryan,

Measured from lip to fork they were averaging from 60-65cm. Some were very very fat and others more streamlined. Will be interesting to see if we get some recaptures this season now we have started the tagging. I believe they are resident to their own 'patch' of 1-2km sections where they are thick. Further on from those habitats the cliffs are broken up by virgin beaches (Permit, 3 spot Pompano etc) which all adds to the excitement and frantic lures changes. Just great fun!
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Ryan Keith on October 19, 2013, 09:10:59 PM
60-65 cm!  :o

I'm pretty sure some Aussie bream fishos would travel to Oman just for them!
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Charles Cintron on October 20, 2013, 10:06:25 AM
Nice action from a diverse group of anglers. Andre wicked hair man!  ;D

Aloha
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Ed Nicholas on October 24, 2013, 08:25:20 PM
The hair is certainly legendary!! Enough for everyone to share ..


(http://s11.postimg.org/ippxds7nj/601576_645437865487070_600452888_n.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ippxds7nj/)
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Andre van Wyk on October 24, 2013, 08:46:17 PM
Hahaha, classic pic Ed!!!

Really loved hanging with you mad buggers, was such a great group we had together... even if you buggers made me the laughing stock of the group... I swear you boys just have mad twisted senses of humour!!  ;) ;) ;) But it works for me, cause so do I I guess!

Can't wait to do it again as soon as possible!

And here's another funny pic from the trip... Shows just how much Southern Oman can change you!!!
Bertrand Tsurusaki and Yoshitaka Picarda!
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/Steelprod/photoJPG_zps3aa2dd01.jpg) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Steelprod/media/photoJPG_zps3aa2dd01.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Mark Harris on October 25, 2013, 01:45:25 AM
Brilliant!  Truly brilliant.
Title: Re: Southern Oman Magic in search of 50kg GT Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2013
Post by: Hubert Viljoen on October 27, 2013, 07:50:12 PM
Howzit Dre,

Im super stoked you guys had a nice trip!

Oman is def on my to do for the next 18months.

Wil phone you up for next years project bud.

cheers

Hubert