Sportfishing Adventures - Issue 5 | Q1 2019

ISSUE #05 | Q1 2019

PAPUA N.G.

NORWAY

JUNGLE PAPUAN BASS

AUGUST ON THE GAULA

USA

CALIFORNIA’S GOLD

ERITREA

EXPLORING THE RED SEA

ARGENTINA EAGLE VALLEY’S RAINBOWS

+ NEW TACKLE & GEAR FOR 2019 SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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CONTENTS

ISSUE #05 Q1 2019

6

Editorial

44

USA

8

News

60

Argentina

10

Norway

80

Papua New Guinea

26

Eritrea

96

Seen on the web

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What’s new

We are not the ones to blame !

News from the fishing industry

August on the Gaula

Exploring the Red Sea

An assortment of the latest tackle

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

California’s gold

Eagle Valley’s rainbows

Jungle Papuan bass

A selection of entertaining videos

6 26

8 10 40

44

60 80 SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

96

WHERE ARE WE TAKI

USA

ARGENTINA

NORWAY

ING YOU THIS TIME ?

ERITREA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

EDITORIAL Dylan Smith Editor in Chief

We’re not the ones to blame !

Last March 30th marked the third anniversary of the «World Day for the End of Fishing».

Launched in 2017 in Switzerland by the association PEA - Pour l’Égalité Animale. The WoDEF calls for the abolition of fishing and fish farming.

Sadly, they’ve incorporated «recreational fishing» in their abolition list. I personally agree that commercial overfishing, trawls, and gill nets needs to be banned or have more appropriate regulations. But blaming recreational fishermen ? That’s total non-sense. Nowadays most of us practice catch and release, and anglers are undoubtedly the people that care most for fish and their habitat. Just think about the numerous fish conservation funds.

Who created them ? Anglers. Who finances these fund’s research studies for a better understanding of our beloved fish ? Anglers once again.

These organizations blaming sportfishermen need to understand we’re on the same side...

Dylan Smith COVER SHOT: A rainbow from Eagle Valley, Argentina (page 60)

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES T H E

W O R L D ' S

B E S T

F I S H I N G

D E S T I N A T I O N S

Editor in chief Dylan SMITH

Contributors Justin Stuart Alex Jardine Aimee & Chase Bartee Nicola Vitali Nathan Reardon

Special thanks Iskander Mermet Outside Edge Adventures Where Wise Men Fish Aardvark Mcleod Tightloops Wild Sea Expeditions Sportfishing Adventures magazine, published quarterly, is independently owned and operated by DMS Editions.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

No part of this magazine can be reproduced without prior permission.

For inquiries, contact the editor: editor@sportfishing-adventures.com

Pic by Aimee & Chase Bartee.

NEWS WORLDWIDE FISHING

WORLDWIDE

NEWS

EFFECTS OF CATCH AND RELEASE ON IDAHO STEELHEAD The University of Idaho and Idaho Department of Fish and Game are teaming up on a study to examine how wild steelhead are affected by catch and release fishing.

With the help of anglers, the project goal is to “more accurately measure how many wild steelhead are caught and released during the long fishing season that targets hatchery steelhead and how well they survive such encounters.”

Read more on: idahostatesman.com

IGFA’S NEW WEBSITE

The International Game Fish Association has launched a new website and membership structure, both of which “better reflects the future direction of the IGFA and a new membership structure that provides our members with an increased level of benefits,” said IGFA President Nehl Horton. Besides its new smooth design, new features have been added : increased search functionality for IGFA World Records, allowing members to view record details, history and individual angler statistics, intuitive site-wide navigation; and an improved user interface.

igfa.org

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

WORLDWIDE FISHING NEWS

PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS MODERN FISH ACT The recreational fishing and boating community is celebrating the enactment of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018 (Modern Fish Act), which was signed into law by President Trump December 31. The Modern Fish Act finally recognizes in federal law the differences between recreational and commercial fishing and adds more appropriate management tools for policymakers to use in managing federal recreational fisheries.

Read more on: bassmaster.com

EFTTEX REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

After an absence of five years EFTTEX 2019 will return to Brussels, the 3rd time in its history. The decision was taken at a recent EFTTA Board meeting. The Belgian city has been chosen to host the 38th edition of the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition. Pre-registration for the event is now open, make sure you don’t miss this great exhibition!

GIANT SHARK BITTEN IN HALF While fishing for small shark off the coast of New South Wales, Trapman Bermagui, also known as Jason, hooked a bronze whaler shark, which was promptly eaten by a colossal mako.

Read more on: cnn.com

efttex.co.uk

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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TRAVEL NORWAY

NORWAY

AUGUST ON THE GAULA Text and photos by Alex Jardine

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NORWAY TRAVEL

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TRAVEL NORWAY

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When two men can hold the same salmon, you know it’s a trophy !

would not consider myself a hunter of big fish, equally happy chasing 6 inch wild brown trout at home as I am waving a fly rod for any other exotic species. I do however have one exception, and that is a desire to catch a large Norwegian Atlantic salmon.

My reasoning is not to have a fish to show off with (although I am sure there would be one or two photos‌) but it is to be able to experience the fish that my grandfather

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admired so greatly. It is this reason that myself, and a group of friends, head to Winsnes Lodge on the Gaula each season.

My fascination, and frustration, with salmon is still relatively new. I struggle to get my head around a fish where luck plays as important a role as does skill, and yet I find the chase thrilling.

August at Winsnes Lodge on the Gaula is not considered prime time for salmon fly fishing, but it offers a nice baSPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

I struggle to get my head around a fish where luck plays as important a role as does skill, and yet I find the chase thrilling.

NORWAY TRAVEL

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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TRAVEL NORWAY

lance between cost and a guarantee that you will see fish.

It is a time of year that often requires an angler to try different things and to think outside of the box.

Having taken the late direct flight to Trondheim from London Gatwick, the group and I sorted out our hire cars and drove through the half light of the late summer night to Winsnes Lodge. After a couple of unintended detours we eventually arrived and were warmly greeted by head guide George Howard and Phoebe Richards, who makes everything run so smoothly.

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That evening, over a relatively reasonably priced pint of beer for Norway, George explained the house and meal plans. There was a definite eagerness to get fishing but first we needed some sleep with an aim to be on the water at 0600 the following morning.

The river conditions were not at their best, high water had plagued the early weeks but then a sustained dry period had left the Gaula River very low. This said, there were fish there and a group of keen anglers ready to target their first Norwegian salmon.

Morning came round quickly

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NORWAY TRAVEL

Nothing beats a cold beer & fishing tales after a long day’s fishing !

and we were soon out in the courtyard, taping rod joints, tying leaders and mounting rod racks. It was now time to head to our respective beats for the first session. The beat rotation at Winsnes works nicely, it is not the stressful 24 hour rotation of other parts of the Gaula but a split rotation over 16 hours a day.

The 4 ½ Km of double bank fishing at the lodge is split into seven beats. Each pair of anglers has a beat for 4 hours before moving onto the next one. Due to the number of beats and the designated rest periods this means that for most of the fishing you will be moving on to a well-rested SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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Although the water levels were a bit low on the Gaula River, the fish were still there in significant numbers.

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NORWAY TRAVEL

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pool each session. Since the lodge moved to this system they have seen their catch returns go up.

On my first run down the pool, I started right at the neck following my fishing partner down. At first the fly swung nicely in the streamy water but as the pool began to open out I felt the fly needed to be worked. A small Blue Charm conehead fish on a 14 foot 23 lbs fluorocarbon leader. Tweaking the fly through the water I felt a small knock on the fly, the type that could easily be shrugged off as a small trout or parr but I sensed otherwise. Placing the cast slightly squarer the fly 18

now swung quicker through the water. Sure enough, the line drew tight. Heart rate increasing‌ I waited before lifting into a definite fish. It was clearly not my Norwegian leviathan but it was a nice feeling to feel the pull of a bright silver grilse. Always a nice feeling to get a fish to hand early.

Later that morning, Adam also landed a nice grilse on a small green tube fly. It was a good start and as we returned for lunch we were eager to hear how the other rods had faired. Reports were mixed but there had only been a couple of other knocks. Everybody had seen fish so confiSPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

NORWAY TRAVEL

dence was relatively high.

During the Winsnes lunch break we decided to head up to the impressive Eggafoss waterfall, about another 40 km upstream from the lodge.

The falls has created a huge plunge pool that is home to dozens of salmon at this point in the season. They back up in the pool waiting for the correct water height and light in

order to continue their journey upstream. The falls is a natural barrier for some salmon as only the largest and healthiest of fish can make it past them. As the clouds cleared and the sun caught the pool a huge shoal of salmon backs became visible.

There were fish of all sizes there but from time to time you could catch glimpses

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

of true giants, the type you wouldn’t even want to guess at their size. Buoyed by the sheer sight of so many big fish we hurried back for our afternoon fishing sessions.

Over the course of the next few days we fished hard and got to know the pools and the holding spots for the water height. Generally in the low

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TRAVEL NORWAY

Aerial view of Caye Caulker.

A beautiful Norwegian salmon in its brown coloration.

flows the fish were holding in the faster pocket water offering more oxygen. This made for some more interesting fishing with short sharp casts.

In the main pools themselves we were picking up takes but they were often hesitant and non-committal.

Another couple of grilse had been landed by the group and several bigger fish had been lost once hooked – an issue when the takes are lacking aggression.

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Looking to find further success, one or two of us switched tactics from the conventional small flies and tubes and decided to try hitching small plastic tubes. The method proved to be an almost instant success, the flies skating across the surface seemed to agitate to salmon. Several fish were risen in one session, including some bigger fish between 15-20 lbs, but two were lost and one small grilse were landed. It is one of the perils of fishing SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

Several fish were risen in one session, including some bigger fish between 15-20 lbs

NORWAY TRAVEL

the hitch, you do not always get the best hook up when the fish takes.

By the middle of the week, we were yet to see a big fish on the bank but that was about to end. The first was to come to Rob. Having had just a few takes and a couple ‘on-offs’ Rob was still looking for that first Norwegian salmon. Starting at the very top of Oksøy, he fished the white water meticulously landed the fly near the bank and letting swing out into the current. As the white water tailed out there was one large boulder that protruded from the bank, it looked an obvious holding

spot but we were yet to touch a fish there.

Placing the small black and green conehead with pin point accuracy, it barely swung before drawing to a stop. A long pause before lifting, it was clear to see this was no grilse. The big sweeping headshake juddered the rod before the reel began to sing. The fish was powerful and grumpy. With expert control, Rob handled both fish and nerves to play the salmon out before sliding it over the net. Typical for the time of year, the fish showed the signs of being in the river for a while. Estimated at 24

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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TRAVEL NORWAY

The Gaula is a world renowned river that flows through the Gauldal valley. The 153-kilometre long river is the largest in Central Norway.

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

NORWAY TRAVEL

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TRAVEL NORWAY

Mostly grilse were landed during the trip, except for two trophies !

lbs, it was great to land our first big salmon of the trip.

That evening, before we had a celebratory drink by the river, we fished the half-light session with great purpose.

There was a belief that the salmon would be more active as the light changed. The group did get more takes, but rather than salmon it was in fact sea trout that began to make an appearance. This certainly added excitement to a good day.

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Some very welcome midweek rain brought a very slight rise to river and, whilst not much, the effect was immediately evident. Salmon had clearly got a taste of this and could be seen running through the pools. Tim and Rob had gone for a change of approach for the day, ditching the modern technical clothing for the more traditional brushed cotton shirts, sporting ties and tweed caps.

Whilst they bore the brunt of most jokes that morning, SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

Based on the measurements taken the fish was estimated between 3034 lbs, not bad for Tim’s second salmon ever!

NORWAY TRAVEL

they soon silenced their critics. This time it was Tim’s chance, fishing through the exact pool where Rob had found his success, Tim’s line also drew tight in almost the exact same spot. Again, the heavy weight was a sign that this was another big fish. In an attempt to remain calm, Tim was telling himself and Rob that it was only a grilse as the fish hung deep. The steady tug-o-war played on, with neither angler nor fish clearly on top. Eventually Tim, with Rob’s guidance, brought the fish to hand. This time even bigger… Tim had found a true Gaula monster.

Based on the measurements taken the fish was estimated between 30-34 lbs, not bad for

Tim’s second salmon ever!

The week drew to a close in much the same vein that it began, plenty of takes, a few lost, a broken hook and a fine brace of grilse for father and son duo Nick and Fred. All in all we landed 12 grilse, 2 salmon and a few sea trout in the week, as ever there were lost fish and the talk of what could have been…

We had had an amazing week, Matt Hayes, his wife Anne Marit, George, Phoebe and the whole team at the lodge had looked after us superbly. All that was left was the final celebration, a fantastic barbecue style dinner down on the home pool Krøken washed down with wine, beer and whiskey.

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

There were a few saw heads in the morning, and that hollow feeling when you realise that you have to say goodbye but we left with a promise to return to land the fish that got away TRIP CONTACT The trip was arranged through International fly Fishing Specialist Aardvark McLeod and hosted

by Alex Jardine. For more information you can visit their website www. aardvarkmcleod.com, or contact them by email mail@aardvarkmcleod. com or call +44(0)1980 847389.

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TRAVEL ERITREA

ERITREA

EXPLORING THE RED SEA Text and photos by Nicola Vitali

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

ERITREA TRAVEL

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TRAVEL ERITREA

The trip was off to a good start with this grouper caught on the fly !

D

uring the last 10 years we’ve been dreaming of new frontiers for sportfishing and fortunately there are still virgins place to explore and fish. The Eritrean Red Sea has been on my mind for many years but other exciting venues have kept me away from this lost paradise. With the war wreaking havoc in Yemen I found myself with free time for a new and exciting exploratory trip.

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Together with the WSE (Wild Sea Expeditions) team we started planning a trip to Dalahk archipelago to check and verify various logistics issues in order to understand how to organize fishing trips there. After years of work in Sudan, I knew that certain periods of the year including summer and just afterwards, aren’t ideal due to the high water temperatures. However, I knew this area would be chock full of fish due to its pristine nature and absence SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

ERITREA TRAVEL

The author releasing a juvenile nurse shark.

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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TRAVEL ERITREA

of human impact. Still, my expectations for fishing weren’t extraordinarily high.

The boat transfer isn’t very long as we arrive at a beautiful island surrounded by a productive-looking flat. We land on the beach and immediately begin the frenzied camp and tackle setup, under temperatures of 40°C or more! The water was quite nearly boiling due to the season, but as we say, a virgin place is always a virgin place and if there are fish, we will catch some…

My fishing partner Fede and I began wading the flat near our campsite and after a couple of hours we only saw some schools of huge milkfish which didn’t produce any results. We decided to try another nearby island flat which looked promising.

Once again, we only saw some triggers and a GT chasing its meal but just a bit too far from us. I noticed shortly afterwards a strange shape close to shore and decided to cast my crab. The shape moved like a plastic bag…but then hit the crab and strike!

Once landed, we didn’t know what to think…is this the milkfish capital of the universe ?

Exploring such remote places requires lots of thinking, logistics and camping skills.

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

ERITREA TRAVEL

The brutes of the flats. Giant trevallies of this size represent a real challenge on the fly rod.

Something was on. To my surprise, it was a grouper! A grouper on the flats about 50 meters from the reef…With that we called the first day and agreed: a full moon and 35° water, not too bad.

Our second day started with Fede spotting a trigger about 20 meters from our camp.

Without hesitation, the trigger hit and was hooked properly. Quick landing for a photo then a release. Apparently this was Fede’s day as we saw milkfish schools feeding on the surface in front of our camp. Surprisingly, they were feeding on weeds. We had a Milkfi-

sh Dream flies in stock and quickly tied them on. We harassed the fish with incessant casts and after an hour, Fede hooks up. Excellent milkfish fight, it appears to be of good size but not a monster. Once landed, we didn’t know what to think…is this the milkfish capital of the universe? For the rest of the trip we never saw them feeding on weeds again, just cruising the flats.

After changing locations, we come upon a good-looking flat. We saw grouper again, a few bumphead and a black tip shark but no luck. We decided to spend the last hour on yesterday’s second island SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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TRAVEL ERITREA

The milkfish (chanos chanos) is a mysterious weed-eating torpedo. It is the sole living species in the family Chanidae and can grow well over 30 lbs.

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

ERITREA TRAVEL

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TRAVEL ERITREA

and saw a trigger and a permit but we spooked them.

On day three we’ve determined that we didn’t have enough gasoline so we sent the boat back to Massawa for more fuel. We spend some time shore fishing near our camp and landed grouper and snapper while flyfishing and using poppers. Once the boat returned, we moved again to a new island and encountered a flat with a broken-coral bottom and its perimeters exposed to the open sea without a reefline, just a sandy dropoff. As we began to work the flat, my fellow fisherman Jon got his line snapped by

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a GT. At the same moment, Fede and I saw tails, big tails, breaking water at some distance from us. Like excited teenagers we hurry toward the action and find another surprise: bumpheads tailing in 50 cm of water. Fede has had some experience with bumpies while guiding in Sudan and has since become obsessed with them. He started molesting them for an hour, cast after cast into the same school which never spooked.

Finally he hooked two, one of which bent the hook and broke the line.

Meanwhile, I watch a GT chase ballyhoo but just can’t get close enough to cast.

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

Like excited teenagers we hurry toward the action and find another surprise: bumpheads tailing in 50 cm of water.

ERITREA TRAVEL

There is a growing interest throughout the world in flyfishing for triggerfish and Fede certainly knows why !

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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TRAVEL ERITREA

Anyway, it looks promising!

We continue to explore and see a few mangrove jacks of maybe 1,5 kgs but they spooked as well. 5 minutes later I spot a permit, quite small at about 1 kg but still a permit… I cast a few times when suddenly a GT darts in front of me. Fede didn’t see it so I run frantically to get a good shot. The fish came up and missed the fly twice before getting spooked. It wasn’t very big, less than 10 kgs, but plenty enough to upset me! It went downhill from there as we spotted a dozen permit in the 300-400 gram 36

range. I’m thinking if there are small ones, there must be big ones.

We move the camp to another island a bit further away on the fourth day. As we beach the boat without our rods ready, and MT and a GT pass right in front of us. Once again, I grab my rod and attempt to follow the fish on the flat, but they disappear.

Failure once again, but I’m still motivated.

Our popping group goes out and has good action on GT up to 20 kgs. We better understand which side to fish SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

Wading inside, I see monster milkfish of 30 kgs each, a good black tip shark and a school of permit to dream about…

ERITREA TRAVEL

according to tide and currents as the tide amplitude here is about 2 meters. The tide on the flats is too high to wade and we only see a big trigger, impossible to hook.

The next morning we wake up before light for an early session and surprise again, we see more grouper on the flat close to our camp. They were too lazy, unable to hook one.

Another popping colleague, Simone, who is about 100

meters from us, spots a big GT on the flat 15 meters from him. We’re too far to tray on fly and let Simone battle it out with his GT. It seems this flat is good for trevally. Nothing more happens until we hop to another island. This time I go alone in the flat and get a snapper fishing the edge with a popper fly. Wading inside, I see monster milkfish of 30 kgs each, a good black tip shark and a school of permit to dream about…They aren’t

tailing and they spook just in front of me. It’s a school of 40-50 fish of about 3-4 kgs and they all scatter away!

Couldn’t believe it.

We decide to spend the evening on camp island. The tide is low enough to wade the flat and Fede and I decide to try the flies again. We understand why this flat seems to attract GT as a carpet of ballyhoo cover the surface of the water in front of us. A few

Another GT on the fly for the author.

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TRAVEL ERITREA

Lost of milkfish were seen during the trip. However, most of them weren’t activily feeding when spotted.

minutes later, a GT starts to hunt like crazy just in front of me. The light is waning but I cast in the direction of the commotion and work my fly. I’m quickly connected to my first Eritrean GT. Extremely exciting. The popping guys on our expedition also hooked up with GT and has several lines broken.

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On our last day we only had the morning to fish as we had to travel back to Massawa. Naturally, I decided to fish the flat (again) with my colleague Guillaume as Fede went popping. The tide is low and the flat is perfectly navigable by wading, otherwise its two meters deep. After 20 minutes of walking, in 40 cm SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

of weedy water, a school of 5 or 6 GT swim away from us. They were simply resting motionless in the weeds…I’d never seen that before.

After we split up to cover more water, I see more GT which spook easily. It’s exciting but also frustrating. I still have a couple of hours

ERITREA TRAVEL

left to make it happen and I want to believe! We’ve seen too many GT on this flat…A half an hour later, I spot a GT cruising by my side at about 20 meters. I’ve got this one last chance and I go for it. Strike! Hooked up again with what will be my last Eritrean Dalahk GT for a while to come. Pure bliss and happiness.

It’s finally time to leave but we’re all happy to have enjoyed this experience in a beautiful land with nice and lovely people. Summarizing our trip, given the conditions and the fact we fished only four and a half days, in an area completely unexplored with serious current and tidal influence, we declare our trip successful. We can’t imagine what could happen during the right season, with cooler water and more knowledge. We can’t imagine, but we do want to discover it

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

TRIP CONTACT Wild Sea Expeditions is a small crew of young explorer who has been the first fishing through a number of areas over the Red Sea (Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti), the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean (Yemen, Somalia and Kenya) to discover places outside of the touristic route. To learn more about Wild Sea Expedition : http://www.wildseaexpedition.com fishing@wildseaexpedition.com

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TACKLE NEW GEAR

NEW? WHAT’S

NATIVE WATERCRAFT TITAN PROPEL 12

Costa sunglasses released new fishing sunglasses with a great concept. The Untangled Collection’s frames are made from 100% recycled fishing nets, they are a tangible solution to help reduce plastic pollution and are available with polarized lenses on certain colors. Costa’s Untangled Collection received the annual REI Root Award, recognizing industry-leading sustainable product design, during the 2019 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show.

The Titan is a Propel Pedal driven bass fishing kayak. The Titan Propel 12 and 13.5 offer unsurpassed stability and ample room and flexibility to move around. Optimal for sight casting with plenty of leverage to reel in the catch, this is a angler’s fantasy fulfilled. This boat features easyto-reach horizontal rod storage with rod tip protection. The Titan also contains Plastifoam technology which adds flotation for safety and increased stiffness for performance. Featuring easy mounting for Power-Pole Micro Anchor systems and offering a custom motor mount accessory (sold separately) that will accept trolling motors for a power-assisted ride.

$199-$219 | costadelmar.com

$2,799 | nativewatercraft.com

COSTA PESCADOR UNTANGLED

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NEW GEAR TACKLE

FRABILL TROPHY HAUL NET

BERKLEY CHOPPO

The Trophy Haul Series combines 80 years of expertise and cutting-edge technology to bring you the next ground-breaking advancement in fishing nets. A revolutionary handled yoke equalizes pressure to improve balance and remove extra stress.

All Trophy Haul nets include conservation netting, Lockdown™ asymmetrical net design, and a MeshGuard™ hoop. Available in multiple hoop sizes.

The Berkley Choppo is the ultimate chuck and wind bait that delivers explosive topwater action. Built with a super durable cupped propeller tail, the Berkley Choppo produces an enticing plopping sound and a generous amount of spray that calls fish to the surface to strike. The precision weighting of the Berkley Choppo also ensures that the tail begins spinning immediately and it swims perfectly straight at a variety of speeds.

$89.99 | frabill.com

$9.99 | berkley-fishing.com

SAGE SPEY REELS

The SPEY introduces a reel designed for the angler looking for a reel that addresses the nuances of Spey fishing. Heavier to better balance longer rods and increased capacity to hold larger Spey lines, the SPEY features full line guards to assure thin running lines do not migrate between the spool and frame during dynamic casting motions. A romantic appeal to designs and colors that reflect the classic feel of old yet packed with performance features that will assure you’ll never lose that fish of a lifetime.

$475 | sageflyfish.com

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TACKLE NEW GEAR

POWERPRO SUPER SLICK V2 MOONSHINE

RAPALA X-RAP OTUS

PowerPro Super Slick V2 Braided Line has been redesigned to bring on a new level of toughness. This line features a «smooth as silk» surface. The smooth surface means reduced line friction resulting in long casts. It’s made with dense weave, 8-end construction with proven EBT coating process. Available in high-vis «glowing» color for low light/ night fishing that allows anglers to see even the lightest of bites when fishing in the dark.

The new Rapala X-Rap Otus combines the hard shell of a jerk with a soft tail that provides an attractive swimming action. Try using Otus with tugs and intermittent pauses to allow the lure to sink slowly into the depths. The soft tail is attached to the body with a 6-point stainless steel downwards curved plate, which keeps the tail in its place. Comes with a replacement tail. The Otus is 25cm long, and weighs 90gr.

$39.99 | powerpro.com

BIYAK BOATS BIYAK This innovative kayak is a combination of a stand-up paddleboard, a sit on top kayak and a motorized boat. Biyak’s patented design was created to give fisherman the ultimate confidence in stability while launching, standing up or fishing in any situation. With seven Scotty deck mount ports and two vertical receivers the Biyak can be customized to an endless amount of setups to fit any fisherman’s needs.

$2,499 | biyakboats.com

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19.90€ | rapala.com

NEW GEAR TACKLE

ABU GARCIA REVO MGXTREME Abu Garcia’s lightest, most compact spinning reel to date, the Abu Garcia REVO MGXtreme Spinning Reel features a number of innovative features that promise airy performance, without sacrificing anything in terms of durability or strength. To eliminate as much unnecessary weight as possible, the Abu Garcia REVO MGXtreme Spinning Reel employs Abu Garcia’s new CMG rotor concept and X-Mag alloy gear box, which provides a lighter overall construction and reduced start-up inertia, making it better suited for light line and tackle.

$399.95 | abugarcia.com

SHIMANO CALCUTTA CONQUEST DC

GAMAKATSU OCTOPUS CIRCLE OUTBARB

The latest Calcutta Conquest employs two innovative features to make it real arsenal for serious anglers. The first noticeable feature is the micro module gear system, which provides amazing smooth gearing.

Pinion and master gear has twice the number of gear teeth than previous models, to drastically reduce the gearing noise. The second is i-DC5 computer brake system, which allows you to cast very long, longer than any other brake system.

Traditional hooks place the barb on the inside of the hook bend. With certain techniques, like jigging, chunk baiting, and bottom fishing, if your line becomes limp or goes slack it could get entangled by the hook barb and possibly be nicked or cut. The outbarbdesign eliminates that risk. Tests have proven that when an outbarb is combined with Gamakatsu s circle hook design, it results in deeper penetration and a higher hook retention rate.

Price : N/A

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GOLD Text and photos by Aimee & Chase Bartee

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The trip’s holy grail : one of the most beautiful, elegant yet forgotten trout species.

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he California Golden Trout is an elusive little fish - one that has slipped through the fingers of many fisherman during their careers (and many others don’t even know it exists!). But for fly-fishing duo ‘Tight Loops’, a trek to its home in the Montana Mountains is exactly the kind of fishing challenge they live to embrace.

Chase and Aimee go on long North American adventures exploring the wilderness in 46

their 1985 VW camper van in pursuit of rare fish. They strive to push boundaries and prove that the “boring” and “pointless” stereotypes the sport seems to own, are in fact far removed from its actuality. Here’s a few questions we had about their latest trip.

Is there anyone or anything in particular that motivated or inspired you to start fishing?

Was it always a passion for you growing up?

I think our families played a major role in that. We’ve SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

My family is from Montana, and anyone who’s heard of the state, or seen film like A River Runs Through It knows that fly fishing is in the blood out there.

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both always been drawn to a life in the outdoors, but fishing is a long-standing family tradition. My (Chase) family is from Montana, and anyone who’s heard of the state, or seen film like A River Runs Through It knows that fly fishing is in the blood out there. I honestly didn’t have much of a choice as to weather or not I’d be introduced to it, but I count my fortunate to have been. Si48

milarly, Aimee didn’t really have a choice whether I’d introduce it to her; at this point it feels like part of our DNA. What equipment did you take with you? Do you have any favourite fishing brands/gear that you always rely on?

On alpine overnight trips, staying light is essential. We packed the bare minimum: SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

a rod, reel, and a few flies to compliment our camping gear. Plus we had to make room for a mess of camera equipment. Our friends and partners at Orvis make some of the best gear on the planet, and we never leave for a trip without it.

What made you want to go after the California Golden Trout fish? Why that specific lake and is this the only place the

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golden trout can be found? If not where else?

We’ve always been fascinated by the species, not only because of its scarcity, but also its incredible beauty.

The lake isn’t the only place you can find them, in fact, they are technically an invasive species there, because they are only native to one river drainage in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. However, before they took hold, the lake was barren, and by some miracle was the perfect environment for golden trout to thrive. It is now one of the most genetically intact populations left in existence. It all just seemed to strange and wonderful not to attempt.

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to fishing (generally and on this particular trip)?

Fishing is unpredictable.

You are, after all, stalking a wild animal, in a wild setting. Try as you may, you can never truly predict their behaviour, nor can you control the surrounding environment. Storms, draught, predators and a plethora of other circumstances can throw you for a loop on an adventure in the outdoors.

On this particular trip the elevation was our biggest obstacle. The air is thin at 10,000 feet, and the gruelling hike with heavy packs meant we had our work cut

We’ve always been fascinated by the species, not only because of its scarcity, but also its incredible beauty.

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The high elevation represented a bit of a challenge. Imagine day-long hikes with heavy camping, fishing, and video equipment, and less air to breathe !

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out for us. Another major factor was grizzly bear activity in the area. I (Chase) new there was a history of bears frequenting the lake, but I deliberately withheld that information from Aimee due to her self-proclaimed “Bearanoia”. We were fortunate, and didn’t have an encounter, but it was always in the back of my mind.

As fisherman what is the main goal for each adventure you go on? Can you describe to us the feeling of catching the fish you have been after?

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I think our biggest goal is to experience new things. The good, the bad, and even the ugly are all learning experiences that make us better anglers, and better people.

Catching that fish in an of itself is always magical, but its representative of something greater; it’s a direct manifestation of your hard work. Finally catching a fish you’ve been after, be it a specific fish you’ve spotted, or maybe just particular species, is a feeling of tremendous relief, satisfaction, and accomplishment. The days, weeks, months leading up

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THE GOLDEN TROUT The California golden trout, or simply the golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita), is a species of trout native to California. It is easily recognizable by its golden flanks with red, horizontal bands along the lateral lines on each side and about 10 dark, vertical, oval marks (called «parr marks») on each side.

The current IGFA world record stands at 11 lbs.

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to that moment slowly ramp up in intensity, culminated in the exhilarating moment when you’ve connect with something on the other end of your line. Things are tense and exciting until the moment that fish is in your hands. There’s a brief moment of silence and appreciation as you observe the fruits of your labor, and then in an instant it’s gone again, and the cycle repeats.

Are there worries about certain fish becoming endangered because of overfishing and bycatching? What are the

dangers (if any) for the Golden Trout?

Over-harvest really isn’t an issue with rod and reel these days, although it is certainly a factor. The biggest dangers that our coldwater species face is loss of habitat and competition from invasive (stocked) fish. The Golden trout is more in danger of losing its genetics to cross breading with not native cutthroat and rainbow trout that than it is of being over fished.

Trout require cold clean water to survive, and current climate trends aren’t doing SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

them any favours either.

You have talked about treating the land and fish with respect, i.e. reducing the pain and stress some fish are forced to endure. Do you believe fish genuinely feel pain and distress? What methods do you use to try and fish more ethically?

This is a long-standing debate in the fishing community. Some scientists argue that fish can’t feel pain (at least not in the way that we understand it) because they lack the receptors in the brain 53

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to do so. Whatever you may think about that, it’s clear that they feel distress when hooked. That, after all, is why they fight against the line. We always try and play the fish a quickly as possible, handle it gently, leave it in the water, and release it quickly. This ensures that the fish experience the least amount of distress possible.

We can’t forget however, what fishing is: a method of food acquisition, and by nature in order of one thing to consume another some blood has to be spilled. We’ve now modified the practice so a

caught fish doesn’t have to be a dead fish, but we are still hooking them by their mouths and pulling them out of the water.

There’s really no way around that part of it, but its something every angler has to make his or her peace with.

For us, a big part of fishing ethically means that occasionally we harvest a fish for food. Given the myriad of stocked fisheries we do our best to not harvest wild fish, but it helps keep us connected to the land and the tradition of angling. I think SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

with the rise of catch and release some anglers get carried away, and forget that if they truly wanted to cause no harm to fish they should just go snorkelling.

Do you think fishing improves mental health? Would you encourage people struggling with mental health to get involved?

Absolutely. Time in nature, and fishing in particular is proven to be incredibly therapeutic. We’d encourage anyone who’s struggling with mental health to give fi55

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The California golden trout is native only to two high-altitude watersheds in California’s rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is widely regarded as one of the most colorful trout in the world.

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shing a shot. It helps to slow things down, and gives you something positive to focus on. Fly fishing retreats are popping up all over the world to help in recovery for PTSD victims returning form combat, cancer survivors, you name it. The testimonials from people who have found deep healing and meaning from time on the water speak for themselves. Human beings have a long and entangled history with rivers and streams, and we believe they speak to so-

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mething deep in our psyche, unlocking all kind of healing properties.

What do you enjoy most about fishing? Do you have an ultimate favourite experience you can share?

Just being knee deep in a river. Enjoying the sounds, sights, and rhythms of the natural world is like no other experience a person can have. We haven’t found our ultimate experience yet, and I hope we never do. Chasing

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after it has been pretty good to us so far, and we don’t ever want the ride to end. If we had to pick one that currently stands out, it would probably be watching the Northern Lights dance over the Labrador tundra on our recent two-week expedition in the far Canadian north.

Something about being that remote (a thousand square miles with no roads, trails, or human beings) and witnessing such an incredible natural event was pretty incredible. It’s moments like

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that that make the almost year of planning all worth it.

What are your plans for the future? Where you would you like to go next?

We’ve recently returned form the aforementioned expedition in Labrador, Canada. The effort marked the culmination of a years worth of planning and fund raising. In typical fashion, we filmed and photographed the entire journey with the goal of producing a short feature film. It was a landmark success and our biggest goal now is completing the film and promoting/touring it. We’ve got a lot of small trips in the northeast planned in between, and we

are planning on a permanent move into our van, and out West next spring.

Could you say that fishing has revolutionised since you began? What are the biggest changes you’ve experienced?

Catch and release and better fish handling practices are certainly on the rise. But the biggest thing is just the influx of fresh young faces in the sport. Fishing has gained tremendous popularity in the last few decades, and its resulted in lot of young people entering and revolutionizing the angling landscape. With that also comes a new set of challenges. Drastic increase in angler numbers, as well as instant information spread SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

via social media means that our fisheries are under more pressure than ever before.

How we tackle those issues going forward is going to be interesting, but I have confidence that we’ll all figure it out together. The future of fly fishing is bright MORE ABOUT THE AUTHORS aimeebarteephoto.com tightloopsfly.com instagram.com/tightloopsfly vimeo.com/tightloopsfly

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RAINBOWS Text and photos by Justin Stuart

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A typical healthy Eagle Valley rainbow trout. High numbers and high average size !

f there was a Trout Fly Fishing Le Mans, Eagle Valley would be the race track – The numbers of Trout here are incomparable.

If ever there was a time to have an Audible talking book subscription, then I would suggest a trip to Argentina might be a good time to consider it.

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There is no getting away from the size of Argentina and the lengthy journeys that are involved. The domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Southern Patagonia is 3hrs and the follow-on road journey, from Calafate to Eagle Valley is a long one, although,

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If there was a Trout Fly Fishing Le Mans, Eagle Valley would be the race track.

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The lucky fly of the trip : the Yuk Bug.

want to travel such a staggeringly long way to go and catch some Trout, from a pair of remote lakes interconnected by a meandering stream?

In fairness this was part of a joint trip, the first half of which involved fishing for Sea Trout on the Rio Gallegos at Las Buitreras lodge. The lodge, river and staff are old friends and this trip marked my 7th or 8th week fishing there over the past 14 years.

Each trip has been different, each one exciting, each one enjoyable. This year which included the New Year’s celebrations was a particularly low water year. It also marSPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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The author with one of the hundreds of trouts caught during the trip.

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ked something of a new record for me in terms of the numbers of Sea Trout that I managed to loose. A ratio that at one stage was 1 for 3 but thankfully evened out a fraction towards the end of the week. So much for experience, but testament to the brutish strength of the Sea Trout!

From Las Buitreras Lodge I travelled to Calafate, overnighting there prior to meeting up with two charming retired doctors, Edgardo and Marcelo, and heading off on the long journey to Eagle Valley. The first part of the journey is punctuated by views towards the Santa Cruz river

as well as Lago Argentina, the largest lake in Argentina. Covering 1,415km2 and b being part of the Los Glaciares National Park it is a spectacular vision of vibrant glacial blues and greens alongside smow-capped peaks and in contrast to the otherwise arid landscape. The rest of the journey was a blissful mix of Sherlock Holmes courtesy of my latest dowload, Guanaco (similar to a Llama) wandering nonchalantly alongside or on the road, and pit stops for coffee or otherwise.

The final approach to Eagle Valley and its two lakes is where things start to change.

Turning off the road at the

VIDEO | This great footage gives you an idea of Eagle Valley’s incredible potential.

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A beautiful specimen from Eagle Valley.

The configuration of the lakes allowed the recently introduced trouts to thrive and grow in massive numbers.

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The cosy lodge, right on the lakes !

impossibly small ‘village’ of Olnie with its tiny store, gendarmerie and population of approx. 15, the final 90 mins is on smooth mud tracks and I have to confess a blessed relief in comparison to the tortuous road to Lago Strobel/Jurassic Lake.

The first sight of Eagle Valley, as you come over what feels like the umpteenth false horizon, is the lower lake, a significantly sized, milky-blue coloured expanse of water.

The lower lake is relatively shallow and the wind is responsible for stirring up the lake so that it has a permanent cloudy appearance, reminiscent to the Santa Cruz river 68

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on a dull day. A final climb over the adjoining rocky escarpment reveals the upper Lake. There is little by way of comparison. It is a deep, vibrant, dark-blue, frequently white-capped with waves, or as the Argentineans charmingly say, lambs. On our first evening however it was extraordinarily still, and superbly picturesque amidst the harsh surroundings. The newly built lodge stands out, a homely welcome beacon with its silver galvanised cladding and wooden frame, amidst the staggering absence of any surrounding human footprint. The fishing can be simply split into three

into events. The Upper Lake, Lower Lake and the interconnecting stream. Low-water had meant that the stream was very much a stream and whilst over the previous October & November there was a good flow and every pool was solid with very goodsized Rainbows, averaging 5-8lbs, that most certainly was not the case for our trip in early January, and as a consequence we did not fish it.

The Upper Lake was where we started our ‘attack’, and I have to say, that were it not for my exploratory inclinations, we could of finished our assault! Never have I

The newly built lodge stands out, a homely welcome beacon with its silver galvanised cladding and wooden frame, amidst the staggering absence of any surrounding human footprint.

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The beginning of the Patagonian summer can be quite cold. Comfortable, warm clothing is essential, and fishing gloves are very appreciated on windy days.

70 SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019 A nicely marked brown trout for Markus from Glen Lough.

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Double hookup, double smiley face !

been confronted with a lake with such a staggering population of fish. The Rainbow Trout ranged from maybe ½ to 7 or 8 lbs. Introduced in moderate numbers a number of years previously, they have flourished beyond expectations. Although maybe 50M deep in the middle, the lake does not shelve steeply down from the shoreline as might be expected below some of the cliffs, but rather has a ring around its perimeter, with both rocky bottoms but equally sandy bays with a surrounding weedline before dropping swiftly 72

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away into the mesmeric blue depths. This shallow ring is what sustains the aquatic life that has powered the huge numbers of Trout.

On our first day we simply indulged! Swan Bay, appropriately named, immediately behind the lodge is superbly sheltered from the prevailing wind. Even when ‘surfable’ waves were present on the main body of the lake, this bay affords almost complete shelter and tranquillity. Did we have to look deep into the Rainbow Trout Stillwater fishing manual to achieve success. For those of a technical fishing disposition I am afraid you would be disappointed. Neither do you need to cast to the backing! Easy wading and casting no further

than the surrounding drop off is all that is required.

What you will quickly become an expert in, is is handling fish with minimal contact.

De-barbed hooks are essential and for my part I found that gently trapping the Trout between my ankles, for the most part, allowed me to avoid getting my hands wet.

Although it was the start of the Patagonian summer and the sun shone, the wind chill on wet hands is not to be under-estimated. Putting your hands in the lake felt warm.

Removing them and the subsequent wind chill had me searching for the warmth of my neck to dry and defrost them! Good gloves are essential! On the 2nd day I set myself a challenge. Starting

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For those of a technical fishing disposition I am afraid you would be disappointed. Neither do you need to cast to the backing! Easy wading and casting no further than the surrounding drop off is all that is required.

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Eagle Valley lodge provides 2 lakes and a stream to fish in.

off at the point of the far-end of Swan Bay, 5 mins walk from the lodge, I set myself a target to see how long it would take to land 50 Trout.

The other condition was that between each fish I had to take a regimental 50 steps and was not allowed to leave that exact spot until I had caught my next fish. I am not one to typically extol the virtues of numbers when fishing but this was a fun challenge, especially as it took me down the side of one of the rocky shorelines which offered the least attractive water for Trout. I hit my target of 50 fish somewhere between the 2 and 2 ½ hr point. I must

confess my ability to keep count of fish, cast, play a fish and count steps at times was challenged.

All I can surmise was that if I took this seriously…there is a world record to be had and I say this with absolute sincerity! 10 hrs fishing in a day….250 fish….!!! What did I use as my weapon of choice…an Argentine Sea Trout size 8 Yuk Bug…tied on a sea-trout taming very strong hook and tied well enough to survive 50+ Trout!! Thank you Salar Flies, although by the end of the journey, I can say with confidence, I will not be offering the fly for resale!

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The lake’s banks were filled with trouts. Hooking 20 trouts in an hour of fishing is a feasable challenge at Eagle Valley.

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The lower lake by contrast was a very different experience. The fish here are big!

Genuinely big, averaging a robust 5-8 lbs. The cloudy water means that in place of more regular Trout flies, large and black was the order of the day and forb this I used an articulated Steelhead leech. Our first sortie was entirely unsuccessful, not an easy transition from the upper lake, but made easier knowing that after a few hours we could return to fishing nirvana.

On our 2nd sortie it was more successful with 3 fish landed and another lost. The Rainbows in the bottom lake are 78

built and look like Steelhead, straight from the ocean. The fishing on the lower lake varies and as with the entire system at Eagle Valley, there remain a lot of unknowns.

It is possible to come down and catch five or more of these beauties in relatively quick succession, whilst on other days you would wonder if there are any fish in the lake. In my mind this is certainly a good thing, an antidote to the decadence of both the Upper Lake and the stream when it is in full flow.

Fishermen live in a mindset of extraordinary contradictions. At its most elementary, fishermen like to catch fish. That of course is not SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

The lower lake by contrast was a very different experience.

The fish here are big!

Genuinely big, averaging a robust 5-8 lbs.

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sufficient on its own, so to add to this equation then they have to be the right fish, of the right size and very often the right colour and caught in the right way!

Eagle Valley offers a final additional complication. Are the fish too easy to catch and if they are does that still constitute fun! As a Jurassic Lake veteran, when I was first exposed to huge numbers of large Trout, coupled with a painful journey, I did not think I would either need or enjoy it as much if I returned! I did return and I had as much fun on my second trip as I did the first.

Eagle Valley, although in

relatively close proximity to Lago Strobel is very different and all the better for those differences. In essence, two lakes, one stream, 6 anglers, with exclusive access to all this water in an impossibly remote, wild, yet at the same time comfortable environment, assisted with hearty Argentine cooking and great table wine!

For my part the take, followed by the take, followed by the take, is simply addictive. I have yet to find someone who does not find themselves sucked into this, in fishing terms, incredibly decadent environment.

For my last enduring reflec-

tion on Eagle Valley I need only look to Edguardo. At 80 years old with no less than eight previous trips to Jurassic Lake he has had more than a few fishing stories and expeditions under his belt.

Yet as I sat at the lodge waiting for supper, consuming an unhealthily large number of delicious empanada’s, on each evening, as the sun faded, he was the last one back, way past the 9pm dinner bell.

That said two things too me.

This place is fun on a stick with sugar coating but even more so, I want to be as enthused for both life and fishing when I am 80 years old TRIP CONTACT

For more information about Eagle Lodge please contact Justin : Justin@WhereWiseMenFish.com You can find out more information on www.

WhereWiseMenFish. com

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JUNGLE PAPUAN BASS Text and photos by Nathan Reardon

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A mighty Papuan bass for this young fisherman.

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he modern-day angler will travel far and wide to conquer their sports fishing goals. And as one of those people, I consider myself lucky to now do this for a living with Outside Edge Adventures.

For four years now, I’ve been hosting first time and experienced people to fish in destinations all over Australia – and across the world.

And still to this day, one of my favourite places to take clients is to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Catching the fishing travelling bug – before 82

it became ‘cool’. I’ve always loved fishing. Even during my professional cricketing days, I used any opportunity I could to escape to a remote destination and venture into the unknown. The opportunity to bring that same experience to others became my passion. Growing up in Gladstone, one of the best all-round fishing destinations in Queensland, it was only natural to fall in love with the sport. Gladstone gives anglers a wide variety of species, with always something to chase. There’s estuary-fish like the all-mighty Barramundi found in SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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local creeks plus places like Lake Awoonga – Queensland’s best stocked impoundment.

There’s also reef and sport fishing, with Gladstone at the base of the Great Barrier Reef. Giant Trevally (GTs), Spanish Mackerel, and beautiful table fish like Coral Trout and Red Emperor are all on offer. But the thrill and challenge of catching the next fish in an unfamiliar destination always had me looking further abroad. And I’m not alone in this, with people wanting to visit untapped or new destinations to test and expand their skills. Fi-

shing is now widely seen as a thrilling sport, and social media had helped enormously with this. Every angler is hankering for their next adventure and bucket list fish.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some incredible destinations and catch some ‘prized’ fish. But for me, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the fish its home to like the Black Bass, went straight to the top of my list after first seeing it on a fishing program almost 15 years ago.

Now, having now visited PNG three times, each time

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Just like its cousin the Cubera snapper, the Papuan bass (Lutjanus goldiei) is extremely aggressive. They use snags and vegetation as cover for when they ambush their prey (or your lure) !

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A delicious typical Papuan feast in the making.

is a mind-blowing experience. And as cliched as it may sound, catching fish there is often just a bonus.

It’s a destination every fisherman should visit. Admittedly I had hesitations visiting the country having only ever been warned about how dangerous it was. But rest assured, if you travel with the right precautions and local knowledge, it’s 86

as safe as they come. The people are kind and generous, and I have never felt more welcomed than I have anywhere else in the world.

The hunt for the Papuan Bass Our first trip with two guests started with a two-hour flight from Brisbane to Port Moresby, and a connecting flight onto the Island of West SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

The night before any fishing adventure is always filled with huge anticipation and this was no different.

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and it’s hard to believe such a place has not been developed like most other beautiful places around the world with ocean views.

We arrived at our lodge and met up with another team of anglers and sat back to enjoy a few ice-cold SP Larger Green cans while we talked over our plan for the next four days fishing for the mighty black bass. The night before any fishing adventure is always filled with huge anticipation and this was no different. Six anglers from all around the world comparing stories and all excited about lan-

New Britain to a place called Kimbe. From Kimbe, we had a four-hour trip in a long boat to eventually arrive at our lodge – so as you may have gathered – it’s quite remote.

The boat ride was an adventure, cruising past ocean front villages with crystal clear water and reefs only about 500m from their front door step. Their huts are right on the water’s edge SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

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The Papuan bass inhabits a true maze of rivers and tributaries. Certain fishing spots will remind you of the Jurassic Park movie !

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ding one of these sport fishing brutes.

Equipment for catching the Black Bass Black Bass are often referred to as one of the best pound-for-pound fighting fish around, so we came well equipped: Shimano Stella 6000’s spin reels matched with 8-12kg rods, 60-80lb leader and lures all with upgraded trebles and split rings. Personally, I prefer to fish with bait

casters, so I was using a Shimano Tranx matched with an 8-10kg Shimano Zodias rod. What tackle to opt for is always a decent debate, but my theory is if you have a set up capable of catching the species and you a comfortable with it, then there is your answer.

Fishing amongst volcanos and jungle With a mixture of surface lures and deep divers packed, we were off for day

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one. The rivers in PNG are incredible – surrounded by jungle, active volcanos in the hills, wild pigs on the waters’ edge and thousands of fallen palm trees providing ample hiding spots for the river beasts.

What I liked most about the area was with each river system, five in total were completely different and offered different challenges for anglers. The morning bite was steady – a few strikes without a hook up, and it only after lunch where we were on the board, with a small Spot Tail Bass which 92

fights just as hard. When you gear yourself up for the trophy fish, ‘only’ catching the bi-catch may seem less than ideal, but if you go too light and miss that big fish, you’d be kicking yourself, I am sure you all know the drill. A bit of a catch 22.

Most of the morning and afternoon sessions saw us using surface lures including ‘walk the dog’ lures, small stick baits and medium-size timber poppers.

The slower retrieves seemed to work best and often fish were striking on the pause. And when my SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

Each river system, five in total, were completely different and offered different challenges for the anglers.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL

fellow anglers landed their prized catch, the eruption the Black Bass fish make when hitting a surface lure is unbelievable. And when it’s happening in the pitch black of early morning or late evening, it can really make your blood pump.

gods as I was yet to boat a Black Bass. When five anglers sit around a table with a buzz talking about all the Bass they’d caught and how hard they fight, I was feeling like the kid at school picked last for school yard games.

Lucky I had thick skin eh?

My long wait for the trophy fish

Our day three morning started slow, until around mid-morning – the guide marked two fish on his sounder, sitting under a fallen log.

But the fish weren’t alone – a five-meter crocodile was

The first two days we landed some cracking fish. But by night two, I was sitting around the lodge thinking I must have upset the fishing

sunning himself on the same log. I’ve seen plenty of crocs in the wild and they deserve to be left alone. But the fish on the sounder were too hard to resist, so we snuck in for a few casts. I was fishing with a 120mm walk-the-dog lure and I put seven casts pretty much exactly where I wanted them, with no result. The eighth cast obviously upset the croc and he decided to leave his log and follow my lure. When he was about two meters from the boat, BANG – a Black Bass de-

The Spot Tail Bass fights just as hard as the Papuan bass !

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TRAVEL PAPUA NEW GUINEA

cided he was going to beat the crocodile to the lure and smashed it right in front of me. Now that got my heart pounding. He was back at his log before I knew it, so I had to put some serious pressure on the fish to stop him. Lucky the pressure worked, and I managed to turn him and get him out into the deeper water for most of the fight.

When that fish landed, it was an unexplainable feeling. Relief, excitement and adrenaline rolled in one, which other anglers know and understand all too well.

I had been setting my sights on catching a Back Bass for almost 15 years, and to finally land one was beyond satisfying.

Experiencing the beauty of PNG Other than my first Black Bass, the rest of the fishing adventure was slow after rain drenching the river dirty. While it can feel deflating having to pull in the reel, you’re quickly perked up with opportunities to explore the beautiful surroundings of PNG. Freshwater streams, waterfalls, active volcanoes in the creeks, and some of the best reefs for diving and snorkelling – only about 500m from the shore is Mother Nature at her best.

During our stay in Papua New Guinea, we were well looked after. You are lodged in very comfortable accommodation and get to enjoy amazing fresh food cooked by local chefs in your choice

of either western or Chinese style. And when you’re surrounded by a group of people from around the world with the same goal and outlook on fishing, it’s hard to have a bad time – and obviously catching your bucket list fish just adds to the excitement TRIP CONTACT Outside Edge Adventures runs fishing tours in Papua New Guinea for Black Bass and blue water species every year between March and November – outside the wet seasons.

Run by former Queensland and Australian professional cricketers, Nathan Reardon turned his love of fishing into a leading Australian-based fishing tour company, Outside Edge Adventures, linking clients with epic fishing adventures.

To find out about our next adventure, contact: info@outsideedgeadventures.com.au www.outsideedgeadventures.com.au

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m +27 82 748 7290 [GMT+02:00] t +248 422 9700 [GMT+04:00] e reservations@alphonsefishingco.com w www.alphonsefishingco.com PHOTOS: TALWEG CREATIVE & ALPHONSE FISHING CO.

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Kanalgratis’ original reality pike fishing competition, FLY vs JERK, is back for the 10th time. Once again, teams will fight for three days, free to go wherever they want trying to catch as many and big pike as possible.

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Kombi Tours Uganda's Most Adventurous Tour Company

info@kombitours.com +256 (0) 7569 33773

Nile Perch fishing & Wildlife safaris in Uganda

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