I have been a member since April 2010. So after 5 years I guess I should introduce myself...
I joined the forum with zero popping and jigging knowledge and within a year found myself fishing for BFT at EHN in Tasmania with Brendan Wing, Luke Wyrsta and Thien Dao. In order to go on the trip I had to buy all my gear from scratch and Duncan from Fishhead was fantastic to me. Shortly after, I complimented my tackle collection with more lures for BFT after many emails to Sami Ghandour and Paul Chua at Saltywater Tackle.
In November 2011, I was at Fraser Island for my first GT popping experience with Luke Wyrsta and Travis on my own boat, we would repeat it in 2013 with my friend Justin Volker's boat, Luke Wrysta and Tom Smith. These two trips were what go me well and truly addicted. I would then repeat the trip with Le Hua from Master Baits Lures in 2014 which was such great fun.
I have been to Bermagui three times with Thien Dao jigging for SBFT, spent an awesome massive day in Musandam with Nick Bowles' business associates in 2013 (thank you again Nick) and most recently in 2014 I traveled with Jono Moir, Luke Wyrsta and Sami Ghandour to PNG.
I have a lot of quality gear and a solid understanding of the basics of the sport but no trophies to show just yet. If it weren't for the GTP forum I wouldn't have had the amazing opportunities I have been afforded to fish with some really lovely and talented people.
Thanks to Duncan for helping me immensely with early tackle selection and Le Hua for making me a 'Masterbaiter'
Thanks to Nick Bowles for meeting and helping me in Musandam and subsequent visits to Dubai; you have gone out of your way several times for me and it doesn't go unappreciated; top bloke!
Thanks to Sami for you help and your patience in PNG =/ and to Jono 'club-foot' Moir for the company and being a genuine friend.
Big shout out to Thien who shared the fruitless Tasmanian adventure with me (that's fishing). I have since become really good friends with this tackle-hoarding, jigging addict; a true gentleman and friend who would do anything for you.
Lastly, shout out to Luke whom over the 5 years has taught this idiot how to fish; he has become a good mate. You have introduced me to some talented and friendly people and afforded me many awesome fishing opportunities. Thanks for founding GTP and thanks to Brandon Khoo for your early partnership and continued role in making GTP what it is today.
In return I give a heap of time to GTP. As you might have noticed im an admin here for IT issues etc. particularly when Luke is away. Again, thanks for the opportunity Luke. I'm an admin on the GTP Facebook page and have been since September 2014; this is where i make my biggest contribution with daily reports etc. I really hope you guys are enjoying the massive load of new content and that it keeps growing and cycling back to the forum.
If you have any beginner questions about tackle and rigging etc. im happy to help. Of course any issues on Facebook or the forum just send me a message.
Im a Pharmacist from the Sunshine Coast, QLD and normally i fish with my close friends for Longtail Tuna and Snapper on plastics and stickbaits. 2016 will be a big fishing year. I hope to fish PNG (twice), Southern Oman, Japan & the USA.
Take care.