2012--GREAT MEMORIES OF GREAT FISHING

2012 was a fantastic year, far exceeding my wildest dreams with monster fish and exciting adventures to new destinations.  The season started in April with a return visit to La Zona for monster golden dorado.  This was my 6th year to this magical fishery.  Here, I have made many friends which will last a lifetime.  Our group shattered the lodge records with 4 dorado over 50lbs and numerous more over 40lbs.  This definately is a place to put on your to fish list!

Towards the end of July, I ventured into the remote Gulf Region of Papua New Guinea to battle the Papuan Balck Bass and barramundi.  Modern civilization have not come to PNG.  Headhunting still takes place in the remote villages up in the mountains.  I found the people of PNG to be very friendly and helpful.  The fishing was fantastic, far exceeding my expectations.  I was fortunate to land a 40lbs PNG bass which is the only fish I have battled with which brought me down to me knees during the strike.  Jason Yip broke the all world IGFA tackle PNG bass during my stay.  This is definately a place to visit before modern civilization sets in as most rivers have never seen a lure.

In September, I fished out of Gary LaRose's Pumice Creek Lodge which is on the Alaska Peninsula.  Here is the best silver salmon on earth.  This was my 24th straight year fishing for silvers on the Peninsula.

Later in September, my Dad and I went to Yellow Lake in Webster, WI for our annual walleye trip.  Fishing was good, but no monster walleyes were landed.

Hopefully 2013 is another exciting year with trips already planned.

Wish everyone a successful/ healthy 2013!

Good fishing, Bob Daly

FISHING INDIA

Francois Helias of www.anglingthailand.com recently had a successful few days of fishing in the Karnataka State of India fishing on the Cauvery River.  Francois was fortunate to gain the IGFA all world record for catches of a 5.96kg Deccan Mahseer and a 2.70kg Karnataka Labeo.  Francois says India offers many species possibilities.  As I have written in the past, Francois is the top guide in Thailand for a variety of monster fish!  Francois has single handedly put Thailand on the fishing map!  Make sure to check out Francois's site above or you can email him at fishasia@ksc.th.com for more information on Thailand fishing along with trips in Laos, India, Malaysia, and others.

LAST MINUTE XMAS GIFT FOR THE FISHERPERSON IN YOUR LIFE

Looking for some great, last minute Xmas gifts for the fisherperson in your life?  Well how about getting a few of the top bass and peacock bass lures made by Kermett Adams.  Kermett makes each lure out of eastern red cedar and hand paints each lure individually by hand.  His peacock ripper grandes and peacock ripper chicos are the best on the market bar none!  I have worked with Kermett to design some top of the line golden dorado lures such as the daly diver which have been productive in catching monster dorado at La Zona.  Check out Kermett's site at www.klures.com and give him a shout to get some great Xmas gifts!

ALL-TACKLE RECORD PNG BLACK BASS

The IGFA recently recognized Jason Yip's monster PNG black bass (Papuan Black Snapper) as the all tackle world record.  Jason's monster bass weighed in at 46lbs and was caught during early August while I was in camp.  This bass shatters the existing record landed by Len Bradica of 42 lb 5 oz landed in 1992! Jason has done much to promote the fisheries in the remote jungles of PNG.  Here, Jason says much larger PNG bass swim waiting to get landed.  With roughly 99% of the PNG wild rivers never seeing a lure who knows how large these brutes can grow!  Having had the opportunity to fish the top fisheries throughout the world for freshwater species, the PNG black bass has no seconds when it comes to battling with an angler.  Broken lines,shattered rods, stripped reels, pulled apart split rings, and destroyed lures are the norm when it comes to PNG fishing.  The rivers in the Gulf area have in recent years produced some monster bass and Jason knows exactly where, when, and how to land these monsters.  There is much more to do in PNG than fishing as Jason arranges for visits with local native villages during the trip which is an experience I will never forget.  Check out Jason's site at www.pngsportfishing.net or get in touch with

Steve Yatomi at www.adventuretravelalliance.com to have the opportunity to break Jason's record and put your name in the record books!

XMAS GIFT FOR THE FISHERPERSON IN YOUR LIFE

Looking the give the fisherperson in your life the fishing trip of a lifetime?  Look no further than STeve Yatomi at www.adventuretravelalliance.com.  Steve has numerous years of experience in dealing with fishing destinations worldwide.  He personally has visited these fabulous fisheries and can offer valuable suggestions.  He has a tremendous staff full of knowledge--including me on how to land the toughest freshwater fish on earth from tigerfish to golden dorado to Papua New Guinea black bass.

Check out Steve's site at and look at the numerous trips he can offer.  You can email him for more information at zato1@earthlink.net

VENCIE, LA REDFISH REPORT

Friend and avid bull redfish angler, Gary Clark, recently spent 3 fantastic days fishing for monster bull redfish out of Venice, LA with Capt. Keith Kennedy of Born To Fish Charters.  Fishing was extremely good as Capt Keith has located a new location full of monster bull reds.  In 3 days of fishing, Gary's group landed 85 reds up to 31 pounds.  The top lure was without a doubt the bomber mud minnow in black and chartreuse.  Fishing should remain good all winter so give Capt Keith a call.  I have fished with Capt Keith and highly recommend you book a trip as he goes all out to give you a great fishing adventure.  Everything is included in Keith's package even including your fishing license.
Keith has some top dates still open.  Give Capt Keith a call at (504) 908-3108

RAPALA CLACKIN' MAGNUM

New for 2013 is the Rapala Clackin' Magnum which is very similar to the Rapala X-RAP Magnum Series.  The Clackin' Magnum however comes with a buiilt in rattle to help trigger more strikes.  The Clackin' Magnum comes in 4 colors and dives to over 20 feet.   The lure measures 6 1/4 inches and weighs 2 1/4 oz.  This lure should definately be a winner for monster golden dorado at La Zona.  I am definately going to test it out next April on my annual golden dorado adventure.

ALASKA SILVER SALMON TRIP FOR SEPT 2013

I have booked a fishing trip to Gary LaRose's Pumice Creek Lodge for Sept 7 to 14, 2013.  The cost for 6 days of guided/ flyout fishing is $3950 plus airfare to the lodge.  Pumice Creek Lodge is located about 45 minutes down the Alaska Peninsula from the town of King Salmon.  Here, we have options of flying to the Cinder River for silver salmon or to smaller creeks for a day of fabulous arctic char fishing.  We will be the only fishermen on these rivers other than local brown bears.  I have fished the Peninsula for 24 years and the fishing here is the best in the world.  Silvers catches of 50 per day are the norm here and they are big and fresh from the ocean.  Char can be landed in excess of 75 per day normally.  If interested in joining me on this "trip of a lifetime" contact me at doradokiller@hotmail.com

Good fishing, Bob Daly

PAPUA NEW GUINEA UPDATE

Steve Yatomi of www.adventuretravelalliance.com recently led a group of fishermen into the remote Gulf region of Papua New Guinea for monster PNG black bass and barramundi.  Facing high water conditions, guides Jason Yip who runs the operation, www.sportfishingpng.net, and his team of top guides including Angus Donald and Moli Hidaka where still able to put the group onto some fish of a life time.  A monster 44lbs PNG black bass was landed which is the 2nd largest caught on record, next to potential IGFA world record bass landed by Jason Yip earlier this year.  Also bonus barramundi up to 42lbs were landed.  The fising season in the remote Gulf starts in June and runs till November.  Jason Yip takes around 7 groups into this area.  New river systems are being explored where reports of monster bass lurk.  During my stay the chief of the natives in the area told of many unexplored/unfished rivers teeming with monster bass.  These bass in my opinon are the top freshwater fighting fish on earth.  They are landed in excessive log jams and use these to their advantage as normally if you cannot turn the bass in 2 seconds the battle is gone.  Each trip numerous rods are broken, reel drag gears stripped, bent hooks, destroyed split rings, etc...   

As Steve Yatomi says: " You don't go elephant hunting using a pea shooter" as his Bass Pro Pete Mania Musky Rod was no match to these brutes.  If you up to the challenge I highly recommend you contact Steve at zato1@earthlink.net for more information on one of the last remaining untapped regions on earth!

FRANCOIS HELIAS--IGFA MALE FRESHWATER FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR

Francois Helias of www.anglingthailand.com has recently been announced the top male freshwater fisherman for 2012 as announced by the IGFA.  Francois set a total of 5 World Records during 2012.  He also finished 2nd for top captain/guide for 2012.  Francois has more achievements than I can list here such as the IGFA 2008 liftetime achievement award for outstanding contributions to sport fishing.  Francois has literally placed Thailand on the fishng map by himself.  Having fished with Francois twice the past few years, I can highly recommend his services.  He knows the waters of Thailand better than anyone alive and has a great personality to boost!  He is a blast to hang around with and can show you all the sites in Bangkok!  Thailand has a wide variety of monster species to choose from and Francois can put together a package which fullfills your dreams.  Check out his site at www.anglingthailand.com or
email Francois at fishasia@ksc.th.com

CONGRATULATIONS FRANCOIS FROM ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS IN THE CHICAGO AREA!!

AMERICAN LEGACY FISHING COMPANY

Looking for a great deal on Shimano rods and reels?  How about Abu Garcia items, PowerPro line, MegaBass lures and a whole lot more?  Check out www.americanlegacyfishing.com   Tom Ashby constantly has unbeatable deals on these items.  If you sign up for his great newsletter, you receive $25 off your first order.  I have known Tom for a few years and his staff is always willing to work with you.  Give them a call at 8774026350
Tom was very generous on my recent trip to Papua New Guinea.  He went beyond all expectations by donating numerous items to the natives of Papua New Guinea where our camp was based!
So, please make sure to check out the American Legacy Fishing Company before you puchase your next fishing item as you will get a great deal!!

PAPUA NEW GUINEA BLACK BASS

Speaking from experience, Papua New Guinea Black Bass are the toughest pound for pound freshwater fish on earth bar none!  These brutes constantly destroy the best of tackle, bend the toughest hooks, open strong spilt rings, burn out locked down drag gears, and break rods to mention a few.  Steve Yatomi of
www.adventuretravelalliance.com hosts groups of fishermen each year into perhaps the most remote area on earth!  Here, natives have never seen modern technology and still live off the land.  You will have a chance to visit a few of these remote villages and even purchase some goods such as bow and arrows, knives, pottery, plus many others.  On my trip I found the people of Papua New Guinea to be very friendly.

Jason Yip of www.pngsportfishing.net is the only outfitter allowed by the locals to fish their waters in remote areas such as the Gulf Coast.  Here PNG bass up to 46lbs have been landed and Jason swears to have seen bass over 60lbs swimming.  There are also bonus monster barramundi to battle with .  These fish make local muskys look like whimps!  The initial strike is unbelieable as I was knocked on my face during my 40lbs PNG bass hit.  These rivers are filled with logjams and snags which the bass use to their advantage.  If you think your a top of the line fishermen, I dare you to battle the PNG black bass!  This past year the popularity has greatly increased with groups such as Yatomi's and mine putting the word out.  Only a few trips as scheduled for 2013, so I highly recommund you get in touch with Steve Yatomi as soon as possible before they are booked.  You can write Steve at zato1@earthlink.net or you can get in touch with me at doradokiller@hotmail.com for more information on this once in a lifetime total experience!

FISHING HALL OF FAMES

The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is located in Hayward, WI.  It started in the early 1980s with the intention to recognize record freshwater fish plus promote conservation.  The foundation is a giant muskie which I have visited numerous times.  Here, numerous fish mounts, collections of vintage tackle and motors, photos, and other fishing relics are displayed.  Currently the Freshwater Hall of Fame recognizes 81 species for record consideration.

The International Game Fish Association is based in Dania Beach, Florida.  The foundation has a massive collection of record fish mounts, photos, books and other educational items.  IGFA promotes conservation worldwide and maintains records of both freshwater and saltwater species.
 The IGFA has received a bad rap as leaning toward saltwater species in my opinion.  It appears the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is limited to species found in North America.  There is a great opportunity for the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame to expand Internationally with sought after species such as golden dorado, tigerfish, Nile perch, Papua New Guinea Bass, to name a few.
So, on your next visit to Hayward, please mention to include ALL freshwater species worldwide!!!

GIANT TUBES FOR MONSTER FISH

With the cold weather season, it pays to slow down your retrieve as the metabolism of fish starts to slow.  Often monsters will be lerking in deep water during this time of the season.  Giant tubes can often tempt these monsters into biting.  Monster tubes such as those made by the Red October Bait Company and Lindy Tackle have giant tubes up to 14 inches.  These tubes will resemble a ball of baitfish darting and changing direction when slowly retrieving the lure with constant jerks.  I have landed a few monster golden dorado on the tubes made by Lindy and plan on trying out the Red October lures on my next visit.

Klures Rippers

With the onset of the peacock bass season starting, guys are gathering tackle to land some monsters.  Kermett Adams of www.klures.com without a doubt makes the best topwater choppers on earth.  Nothing is more exciting than having a 20lbs peacock bass explode on your topwater chopper.  Kermett hand makes each lure.  They come in 2 size, the ripper chico which is 6 in, 1.5oz and the ripper grande which is 7in, 1.75oz.  I have a variety of these lures and have landed multiple monster peacock bass and golden dorado on these top of the line choppers.  Make sure to stock up on these soon!  Check them out at

www.klures.com for peacock bass, largemouth bass, and golden dorado lures.

MURCHISON FALLS UGANDA

Murchison Falls is located in Uganda approximately 6 hours drive from Entebbe.  It is located in Murchison Falls National Park.  The falls are a spectacular setting where the river plunges 140 feet through a cleft in the rocks barely 20 feet wide.  It is on the Victoria Nile below Lake Victoria.  Here, some of the largest Nile Perch on earth swim.  Nile Perch are a larger version of the barramundi and have known to exceed 200 pounds.  The IGFA all tackle record is 230 pounds landed in 2000 in Lake Nasser, Egypt.  The Nile Perch are often landed using live bait such as small tigerfish and tilapia.  Depth Raiders and Giant Rapala Shad Raps have also been know to land a few monsters.  This is definately on my radar list and hope to get there soon to battle the giants of the Rift Valley!

MALAYSIA SNAKEHEADS

Francois Helias of www.anglingthailand.com recently led a group of fishermen into the jungles of Malaysia for monster snakeheads.  A few IGFA lenth records were broken on this successful trip.  Many of the Malaysia waters have never seen a lure giving you a good chance of landing a monster snakehead. 

Francois also guides for a variety of species in the Thailand, Bangkok area.  Here you have a wide variety of monster fish species to go after.  For more info contact Francois at fishasia@ksc.th.com

LURE RETRIEVERS

While fishing the snag infested waters of Papua New Guinea, I learned the importance of having a good lure retriever onboard.  The retriever saved hundreds of dollars in getting high priced lures out of snags.  Two of the best retrievers I have seen are the Asari Lure Aid which is designed to go down your line, among the snags and catch onto your lure so that it can become free.  You can check out this product on www.prohuntertackle.com.  I recently purchased this lure aid while being in Australia.  The other top lure retriever is the telescopic type sold by www.cabelas.com.  This retriever end slides down your line while you hold the butt end to free the lure.  The telescopic length is 16ft while collapsed it is 5ft 3in.  This retriever was highly successful in Papua New Guinea saving us valuable lures.  So I highly recommend a top of the line lure retriever gets stored on your boat to save you valuable fishing dollars!

FAST START FOR PEACOCK BASS SEASON

With early low water conditions on tributaries off the Rio Negro and those in the southern region, Steve Yatomi of ATA, announces excellent peacock bass fishing in the Brazilian Amazon. These rivers constantly produce the largest peacocks in the world.  Early reports of over 1000 peacocks being landed per week with a few monsters over 20 pounds are being submitted by numerous fishermen.  Top lures are still topwater prop lures such as those made by www.klures.com.  Jigs and the old reliable live bait are still the choice should the water levels tend to go up.  The season is expected to remain good as the water levels in the Northern fisheries off the Rio Branco are coming down making November a good time to head to these fisheries.  Peacock bass fishing is totally dependent on water levels.  High water allows the peacocks to roam back into the jungle in search of baitfish making them practically impossible to catch.  If peacock bass is on your list get in touch with Steve Yatomi of Adventure Travel Alliance at zato1@earthlink.com or check out his facebook page or www.adventuretravelalliance.com

FALL TURNOVER WALLEYES

During the cold weather fall season, the water densities change causing much of the debris on the bottom of the lake to rise to the top thus creating the fall turnover season.  During this time, small baitfish will head towards to deeper waters to snack on insect larva especially in the deep mudflats.  Following these baitfish will be largers species such as walleye. To reach these depths a few tactics can be used.  In the state of Wisconsin, 3 rods are allowed per person.  Therefore, I use 1 rod spooled with 18lbs leadcore line.  I can reach depths around 26ft by letting out 4 colors while maintaining trolling speeds of 1.8-2.2mph.  I attach to the leadcore approximately 6ft leader of mono then tie on  a small Berkley cross-loc-snap.  I use downriggers for the other 2 rods watching my depth finder for any suspended fish. Normally I put the downrigger balls down about 15ft to get my lures down to the 20ft range.  Speed is the key, so make sure you are constantly making adjustments.  I normally put the lures about 75ft behind the downrigger balls.  Top lures are small hot-n-tots, deep diving Norman baby N, Cottton Cordell deep minnows, Rapala deep shad raps, Lindy shadlings, Rebel humpy, to name a few.  The key is the vibration of the lure type.  Hot-n-tots have a wide sweep thus producing a large vibration while Rapala shad raps have a very tight wobble.  Experiment each day to let the fish tell you which to use.  Also use colorations similar to the baitfish in your waters.  For me, walleyes are constantly feeding on small 2 to 3 inch perch so I tend to run perch colored lures.  So, when heading out for walleyes this fall, make sure to try trolling some deep water mud flats duirng the fall changeover season!

JURASSIC FISHING PARK

Eddie Mounce, of Fish Thailand, has recently announced a new Thailand fishing resort, Jurassic Fishing Park.  The venue is located about 2 hours from Bangkok besides the sea-side town of Cha Am.  Here, monster arapaima, redtail catfish, snakehead, siamese carp, mekong catfish, and others are swimming.  The lake is situated between a mountainous landscape and vivid rice paddies making for a stunning background.  Currently Jurassic Mountain Resort is being built which will include nine 2 bedroom villas set overlooking the lake.  Each villa is currently for sale and comes with life time fishing rights.  So far 4 villas have been sold, 3 of which to Fish Thailand.  Having had the opportunity to Thailand twice, I can vouch that the fishing here is world class and most likely you will land the largest fish in your life and leave with sore arms!  For more information contact Eddie Mounce at info@fishthailand.co.uk