GT Popping & Jigging -January 2012 Fishing Report

The 2012 Summer season of GT Popping started with a bit of a damp fizzle. Whether it was the excssive rainfall and freshwater run-off from the island or the often sizable swells and breezy days, the GTs were not especially helpful. Some days we would get a few, some days they would follow lures but not bite, some days they were just invisible. In 8 days of popping and jigging we managed to scrape together about 35 GTs of various sizes, the biggest of which was around 30kg (sorry, didn't get a pic of that one)

Angler Grant from South Africa with an unusual Black coloured GT

Sebile Stickshad in blue chrome

One thing was very clear though, right now the GTs are definitely much more interested in stickbaits than poppers. We did get some action on the Buffalo poppers but the stickbaits were outfishing all the poppers 5 to 1.
Top of the stickbait list - The Sebile stickshad. These lures in various sizes were just dynamite. Also worth a mention were the ASWB Reefs Edge floating Mamool stickbaits, Adhek Goby and Penipen (from Bali), the Bobara and dogtooth (Nomad or Heru) and working wery well, the Jai which our recent anglers sourced fom Elite Tackle. (I only mention that as I have heard nothing but good things about this store.)

Steve from Australia releases another nice GT

Brett from South Africa with a popper caught Mackerel

We caught a number of big Longnose Emperors

The ever present Red Bass

Conditions were often a bit um..challenging....
Our new guide Alex doing a great job...

The Yellowfin are here !!! (and a lot of fun on stickbaits !)

On the jigs we have been catching a nice range of species. No monsters yet but good variety.

Rosy Jobfish

Dogtooth Tuna

Almaco Jacks

Um.....Dunno....Snapper family ? Help me out here.....

BlueWater Magazine on Sale Today, 6th Jan 2012

A BlueWater world scoop! 


This issue is a dedicated GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA Special. See mind-blowing action with tuna to way over 1000-pounds. They are more than 10 feet long! It’s the hottest gamefishing news on the planet – and this issue has it all. Discover the history, join the new action, and learn from the scientists. 


Do not miss this one!



Content included in issue 89 of BlueWater magazine


FISHING FEATURES

Techniques for multiple marlin
Why hook just one marlin when you could hook several at the same time? Once you’ve located the bait school there’s a good chance that there will be more than one marlin stalking them. With a little planning and the right strategy, you can capitalise on being in the right spot before they disappear.






what you need to know about polarised eyewear
Investment advice for that most essential of gamefishing equipment – your eyes.


Understanding south pacific cyclones 

Knowing how cyclones form, and how they track across the ocean will help you to stay out of danger.


big fish –small boats
Sounders and sounder set-up
This guide will help you set up your sounder and transducer to see better images on screen.


make your own wind-on leaders
They are a fundamental piece of tackle and with this step-by-step guide you can be skilled at making your own reliable wind-on leaders.


creatures of the deep
Ray’s Bream
They are plentiful, they’re great to eat, and they are out there! 
Dr Julian Pepperell explains all.

prey species – squid story
What has three hearts and blueish blood? Dr Pepperell reveals the alien-like biology and fascinating life story of these vital prey species.


small boat crew tactics
Your chances for success are greatly magnified when the team works together as a coordinated unit. Here’s how to make it happen.


lure lore – part 7
The 10 best lures for big blue marlin
Who better to judge the 10 best lures than a panel of 900lb-plus blue marlin off Kona, Hawaii?


smoke and mirrors
JB Lures ‘Chook’
Something specifically crafted to be snapped up by big marlin could hardly be called ‘chicken’.


BOAT FEATURES 

PEDIGREE CAT
Noosa Cat 3000 Sportsman
Built on a proud history of quality offshore cats designed to break through treacherous river bars, Noosa Cat’s latest offering delivers refined design that will surprise with its rough-riding abilities, economy, and comforts.


TOP SHELF
Sailfish Shelf Runner
With expertise in tough, marine rescue cats, Sailfish have now refocused for the offshore angler.


AUSSIE MADE TO RIVAL THE WORLD
Cruise Craft Outsider 595
Patriotic Aussies will be more than proud after reading Warren Steptoe’s glowing review of this local hero.

BlueWater Magazine

BlueWater Magazine on Sale Today, 6th Jan 2012