TRAVEL RODS FOR GIANT TREVALLY

 

On my recent trip to French Polynesia, I learned that Tahiti Airlines had a size restriction of 59 inches max.  This caused lots of headaches trying to figure out how I could get my GT popping rods packed.  Earlier in the year, I fished with friend, Curtis, who was testing the new Ripple Fisher 81MH GTXpedition popping rod while we were in Panama.  This rod is 8.1 ft, 3 piece, and rated for PE8.  It is constructed with Fugi SiC Ocean guides which keeps the weight down.  The rear grip length is 505 mm, while the whole grip length is 852 mm. On recent trips to Papua New Guinea, my main popping rod was a 2 piece Ripple Fisher so I was familiar with the quality of Ripple Fisher Products.  So, I purchased the GTXpedition which cost around $700.  When I received the rod, I made lots of practice casts here in Fond du Lac and really liked the rod's action and distance I could cast the huge poppers.  However, until you hook up to a Giant Trevally one has no idea how the rod will hold up to these brutes.  During my trip to French Polynesia the rod was fantastic.  It held up without issue to numerous GTs, dogtooth tuna, coral trout, etc.   I hooked into a decent shark and put a tremendous amount of stress to the rod which held up.  This rod is made of high nano carbon which provides awesomely fast recovery, ultra sensitivity and mega casting distance.  The nano composite provides extreme toughness.  So, with airlines constantly changing baggage length rules, the next time you are shopping for a high end GT popping rod, please consider the Ripple Fisher 81MH GTXpedition and I guarantee you will be extremely happy with the selection.  

FRENCH POLYNESIA OCTOBER 29 TO NOVEMBER 10, 2021

 Had the opportunity to fish with 2 experienced saltwater angler friends for  6 days of fishing for Giant Trevally and other saltwater species in French Polynesia.  The fishing opportunities in French Polynesia are endless and have barely scratched the surface.  It comprises more than 100 islands in the South Pacific stretching to more than 2,000 Km.  The locals concentrate on pearl farming, not commercial fishing so the opportunity still exists to fish where no lure has ever hit the water.  During our stay we experienced windy and rain conditions.  The temps were much lower than I expected from a South Pacific destination reaching tops in the mid 70F.  Since I made trips to the Maldives and Papua New Guinea, I have salt in my blood which I cannot get rid of!  Nothing can compare to the sights and smells of the sea. Nothing can compare with the destructive topwater explosion a Giant Trevally possesses with super strong strength.  The key here was for the guides to find schools of sardines dimpling on the surface.  Casting a huge popper would produce a GT strike the majority of the time. During the week, the largest GT for the group was a massive 132 lbs brute (officially weighed) which is the largest GT my eyes have seen.  My guess is the average size GT landed by the group was in the 45 to 50 lbs range.  The coral trout fishing was insane!!  We had to land at least 80+ of these brutes which is unheard of. 

Coral trout also put on a great battle and are extremely colorful.  Many of these coral trout were masive, pushing the scales in my opinion over 40 lbs.  We also had great luck with smaller dogtooth tuna with the largest most likely around 35 to 40lbs.  These beasts make great sushi and are simply delicious.  Jigging is the way to go for a variety of species.  We landed more species than I could count with many being the first time I have laid eyes on.  The groups dream was to land a huge Napoleon Wrasse, but they avoid our jigs so we have a good reason to return plus the GT fishing, accomdations, and meals were 5 *****.  So get to French Polynesia soon before the word gets out of the amazing fishing along with the crowds!  I cannot wait to get back.