Had the opportunity to once again fish with Luke Wyrsta, of Rock Expeditions along with 8 others in the remote Misima Area in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. Our main target were popping for Giant Trevally and jigging for dogtooth tuna. The fishing was above average as numerous Giant Trevally up to 80 lbs were landed and dogtooth pushing the scales over 100 lbs. The highlight of the trip for me came on the first day when I landed a monster brown marbled grouper on a skipjack popper pushing the scales over 100 lbs. I have landed many marbled groupers in the past but much smaller and on jigs.
We landed numerous species during our expedition including Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Bigeye Travally, Red Bass, Coral Trout, Green Jobfish, Rusty Jobfish, African Pompano, Barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse, Unicorn Fish, Dogtooth Tuna, Shark, Mackerel, and Emperor Snapper to name a few. One afternoon while jigging in the "Dogpound" my friend and I landed 22 huge Rusty Jobfish and Dogtooth Tuna. We both lost giant Dogtooth Tuna due to either having the hook pull or having the assist leader getting bite through.
During midweek we moved camp. Rock Expeditions is like sleeping under the stars where no footprints are found. We can move camp in a few minutes which is an added bonus over fixed lodge camps.
One afternoon Luke had a strange feeling on his line after an attack. Turns out that 2 fish we hooked on his stickbait one of which was the prized Napoleon Wrasse. The Wrasse has been a dream fish and has eluded me in all the years fishing for Giant Trevally. Hopefully my dream comes true next season.
In all the trip was great. Luke surprised us by serving ribeyes and tomahawk steaks. We had two young mates from Australia who were seasoned spear fisherman. They caught lobsters each day for us to dine on. Dogtooth tuna makes great jerky which was enjoyed by all.
So, if you want to get away from the crowds and visit land where time has forgotten book an expedition to Papua New Guinea with Rock Expeditions and all of your dreams might come true!
