2020: GT Popping 101.25 (Part 2)

continue from Part 1

Lets discuss on setup.  Well, I can classified or categorized GT popping based on setup i.e. Light, Medium, and Heavy.

Light Setup

How light is light? Will you bring light setup to your trip?

Myself, if I can predict GT between 1-10kg, I will bring "light-setup".

I am maybe wrong but for me light setup is when I intend to cast 60-100g chugger with PE3-5 as main line and leader ~ 100lb.  Somebody will ask why not PE1-3 as light?  Nahhh, I wont cast popper or stickbait using PE1-3 for GT, too risky...hehehe.  I reserve PE1-3 for swimmers such as Jackson Pintail 40g.

As for reels, ideally any reels that can hold PE3-5 for 300m will do nicely.  For example, Shimano Stella or Twinpower or Spheros 6000HG and 8000HG.  I wonder why they didn't produce 10000XG anymore.  As for Daiwa, 2015 Saltiga or Catalina 3500H, 4000H, 4500H and 5000H or 2020 Saltiga 8000H and 10000H will do nicely.  The said reels are just examples, please select to your liking, judgement and discretion (also budget hehehe).  For example, if I got PE4/300m, I will match with Stella/Twinpower 8000HG or Saltiga 4500H or 8000H (2020 version).  Question will raise why 300m?  You can go to 200m or 400m but I think 300m is just ideal. Brand of mainline? Any brand that you trusted and proven will do.

As for rods, there so many choices of rods rating PE3-5.  For example, CB One VS83/9, Carpenter BC80MRF, BC75MHS, BC78HS, TBL80/20, TBL84/22, Hots Fake Lez series, Hots Gipang Tide Lez series, Mc Works Dazzler and Explosion series, Tenryu Spike series, Yamaga Blank Blue Sniper and Blue Reef series, Zenaq Tobizo series, Ripple Fisher Aquila series etc etc.  As I said so many choices and ALL are equivalent. 

Coming to lures.  Well "Light" mean light i.e. 60 to 100 grams with max hooks size <7grams ~ 1/0-3/0.  So many brands of lures in the world.  All will catch GTs.

Medium Class

My favorite coz expecting GT size between 10-25kg.  Average mainline PE6-8.  Lure weight between 100-150g either chugger, stickbait, divebait or swimbait.  Leader ranging from 100lb to 170lb.

200-300m of PE6 to PE8 will filled into Stella/Twinpower/Spheros/Saragosa 10000XG (with SOM16000 spool) or 14000XG and Daiwa Saltiga/Catalina/Blast 5000H, 6500H, 10000H and 14000XH.

As for rods, also so many choices from hundred of brands.  Regarding this class, I think manufactures made a lot of models and combination.  Same goes for the lures.  General GT anglers will feel effortless when casting 100-150g lures and play with them all day long.

Heavy Class

I think this class when expecting GT more than 25kg. Mainline PE10-12 (100lb-150lb). I think PE8 mainline also can be included in this class.  Lure weight >150g with leader 170lb and above.  With Stella 18000HG or 20000PG and Saltiga 6500H, 8000HDF, 18000H and 20000H.

Not many manufactures produce PE10-12 "Badboys" rod.  Probably "hard" and expensive to make PE10-12 rods.  Very niche class.  Based on what I've seen in internet, hardcore garua chaser will use either Smith WRC77 Rocket, Smith Tokara 60, Ripple Fisher Final Spirit GT79 and GT80, Hots Gipang TideLez GT77XXXH, Fisherman Monster CC series, Truth OceanSprinter 8110, Hammer Head Faube 77M+ and Faube 77H and Carpenter WV80XH, LGM SP78EXH and SP78UHL.  I maybe missed some manufactures.  Please forgive me.

Please refer to your local store, favorite stores, friends, experts, forums and/or internet for their suggestion of your setup.

Well, that's the end of part 2.

Please email me for any suggestion and feedback.

Disclaimer
I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk.  All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public.  Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.

Studio Ocean Mark Spool Compatibility for Stella

Year 2019-20 we saw the new launching of Shimano Stella SW series ranging from series 6000 to 30000.  With that Studio Ocean Mark a.k.a. SOM release new compatibility table for their spool.
Myself still using Stella 08 and 2013 version.

So basically, we have Stella 2008, 2013 and 2019-20 with popping reel size of 8000 (not 2019 version), 10000, 14000, 18000, 20000 and 30000. With that SOM's version of spare spool is No Limits 08SW, No Limits13SW version 1  and No Limits 13SW version 2 (introduced in 2018).  From I understand from SOM's website, No Limits 13SW v2  is compatible with Stella 2019.

Shimano Spinning spool → Compatible SOM custom parts

SOM custom parts → Compatible spinning spool

Below is some explanation on what is BM, HP and RC of NL13SW version 1 models for Stella SW16000 and 18000.

As for details of the new 2018 No Limit 13SW version 2, please refer below

So basically, my 2008 Stella SW10000XG which previously paired with No Limits 08SW16000, can also be paired with No Limits13SW16000 v1 and No Limits 13SW16000 v2.  And my 2013 Stella is also compatible with No Limits13SW16000 and No Limits 13SW16000 v2.  Well done SOM!!! 

But notice SOM's claim on the drag power. 

Version 2 spool has lower drag power than the "version 1" 13NLSW spool.

I did make some comparison between V1 and V2. Here.

1-2kg drag power difference...doesn't bother me at all.....

p/s 

will do for  Daiwa next, but I've been told that 2018 No Limits 15ST v2 for Saltiga is NOT COMPATIBLE with the new 2020 Saltiga.

Disclaimer
I am just a normal recreational angler.  I am NOT claim to be an authority in the field of rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site is at the user’s and buyer's own risk.  All above writing is just MY FEEDBACK and OPINION.  Please browse official sites for more accurate explanation and description. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, i provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT related to any rod maker and/o/ lure maker. Just a normal fans.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference level. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.

Carpenter: Sea Leopard 80/33 - Update

On Sept 11, 2017, Carpenter announced the debut of its new popping rod namely Sea Leopard SLP 80/33. It is a GT rod.  I was fortunate to get the Custom Build Model with gold thread color.

Summary below is based on Carpenter's Official site: SLP80/33

Length: 8 feet (2450mm)
Line No.: PE6 (probably can go up to PE8)
Lure wt.: 100 to 160 g (GT sinking lure can be up to 350 g)
Max drag: 10 kg
Rod wt.: 380g (mine is 385g)
Grip Lgth.: FG = 250mm RG = 430mm
Real Seat: DPS SD22

Pic form Carpnter site showing Carpenter's Owner Mr Kenji Konshi tested SL80/33 with PE8

It is stated in the site that SLP80/33 is kinda "Magical Rod".  The rod's nature is " a fishing rod of the magical nature" which supple flexibly till the butt section of the rod while the anglers do not feel much load during fight, but actually the lifting power comes out through out the blank.  Sea Leopard 80/33 is basically recommended for people with low body power. Based on that statement, my opinion is SLP is big brother to EP series.  Mr Konishi said he also recommends this rod for beginner of GT popping.  WIth 33lb class and rod weight of 380-385gram, it is one of the lightest of it class.

Recommended lure weight is between 100g to 160g, which i translated, i can chug Seafrog TH120 or HustlePop 130 and i can play BF100, BF120, Maihime 120, GenEi 120, Gamma 105, 120, 140 and probably max 160.  Also diving stickbait up to 120g.

Tested this rod on few popping trips and I love it!!!Matched it with Stella SW14000XG filled with Powerpro 80lb. 
Casting with this rod is very easy.  Fighting GTs and Queenies is very forgiving due to it's tip action and butt power.  It didn't hurt my back at all!!
Easy to chug SF TH120 and Damsel 90 and 120.
As for stickbait, really good match with 120g stickbait eg. Gamma, Maihime, Ge-Nei, Hayabusa and BF120.
For diving popper, really nice feeling on Amegari Urpekari 190, NativeWork Napalm 200 and 220.
Really an all-rounder rod for me, especially with 120g class stickbaits and popper.
A little slack line skills needed to play Gamma 90L and Super-L.
Top 3 rods for me currently SLP80/33, PJ80/36 and TBL80/35.

Gold thread

Custom Build Model

Disclaimer
I am just a normal recreational angler.  I am NOT claim to be an authority in the field of rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site is at the user’s and buyer's own risk.  All above writing is just MY FEEDBACK and OPINION.  Please browse official sites for more accurate explanation and description. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, i provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT related to any rod maker and/o/ lure maker. Just a normal fans.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference level. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.

Information: Japanese Line Size “Gou” i.e. PE

Sharing what is PE line test.

Well, we use to see line test or class in pound (lb) on rods and leaders.



As for Japanese system, they introduce the PE system.  In 1947 one of the biggest fishing line maker TORAY made the first mono line “Ginrou” in Japan, and they established to as 1 Gou = 0.165mm (diameter of a mono line), and it is used on most of line maker in Japan now a days.  However this guide was only to mono-nylon line, so actually, even though some fluorocarbon and braids line have Gou, those can have similar, but different diameter than mono lines. And that’s why often when you see the line capacity of Japanese reels capacity of the same Gou of mono, fluoro and braids are different.  But finally in 2010, JAFTMA – Japan Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association has established the common guideline for mono, fluoro and braids.



Table below is based on JAFTMA or JAFS-D1051100 on NYLON/Fluorocarbon/Polyester line

As for monofilament or flourocarbon leader eg. Seaguar

As for my favorites lines, i highlighted PE#6 as for references.

Powerpro Original 4 strands

YGK

Varivas Avani

Sunline and Tasline

Seaguar GrandMax PE X8 Braid (mainly for jigging)

Another table found from the net

from Varivas Website for Nylon

Note that in GT popping, smaller diameter doesn't gave you more casting distant but it helps.  Also consider the number of strands i.e. 4 or 8 , coating, durability, terminal tackle tying technique, reelsize, rod class, lure calls, luretype etc etc.  Please ask your local shop and/or proangler to choose your main line.




Disclaimer
I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk.  All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public.  Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.

Eid Mubarak 2020

2020: GT Popping 101.25 (Part 1)

Back in 2016, I wrote GT Fishing 100.15: Rods, Lures, Reels etc etc 2016 version for those who want to ventures GT popping.

I think for 2020, I need to refresh and share for those who want to start GT popping.
Where do I start?

The Fish
Giant Trevally scientific name is Caranx ignobilis aka GT, Ulua (Hawaii), Kuwe Gerong (Indonesia), Nyok Nyok (Malay). GT is distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, with a range stretching from South Africa in the west to Hawaii in the east, including Japan in the north and Australia in the south. Please browse Wikipedia for more info.

Location
Is there any GT caught by the commercial fishermen in your local waters?  Ask around, where is the location?  It is near an island? Drop-off? Off-shore reef? Atoll? Near oil platform? Or near of nowhere?  How about the GT size? 1-5kg? 50-60kg? 
I also notice to myself, whenever I goto GT popping, I always want to break my personal best GT record.

Why is this important?
You need to know the location and size of your target GT so you can prepare the optimum popping set up to catch them.
For example, if the big mama GT patrol near/around the dropoff, you need to call them up to the surface by using loud chuggers.  therefore you need a stiff tip rod, PE10-12 mainline, >200lb mono leader, strong and big hooks, and yourself need to prepare the body stamina and strength to fight the GT when he dives down and fights you long and hard using its body and sea current.
If you are popping near an island, you need to know or more exactly think like GT i.e. I am a GT, where do I swim to find prey and food.  Surely you will ambush your prey by hiding near a structure or near the mouth of the channel that feeds to the atoll or lagoon or breakwater where the prey can't see you.  High drag and swift action from angler is needed when the GT is hookup at the end of the line.  Make sure the GT won't overrun you the rock or structure which cant cut your leader or mainline.

So again location? Local or International? Many articles and books were written telling you where is the best location for big size GTs.  Eg.Best GT popping locations for 2020.
Most articles that i read will list more or less the same destination.  Below without ranking are the famous location known for mama GT popping. Please let me know if I missed some of the famous locations.
1. Tokara Islands, Japan
2. Southern Oman
3. Komodo, Indonesia
4. Maldives
5. Great Barrier Reef / Coral Sea, Australia
6. New Caledonia
7. Madagascar
8. Tanzania
9. Socotra Island, Yamen
10. Red Sea
11. Seychelles
12. Vanuatu
13. Andaman Islands
14. Papua New Guinea
15. Kenya
16. Hawaii
17. Djibouti

Once you identified your destination, find the best / affordable/good track record / trustworthy / recommended fishing charter or fishing guide. Ask around. Google them!!!  Find the catch rate thru FB or Instagram.  Also, find ways on how you and your buddies can get safely to and from your destination. Do your homework!!  I know some of you are a natural-born trip leader and some are just a follower.  My suggestion, go as a team.  Share the burden of info searching, travel booking, and other efforts to make a successful GT popping trip.  Commit yourself to the group and trip.  Just a suggestion.  Please don't angry with me...

A headache settles for choosing the date of fishing, the destination, and the charter, find the members of your team, flight booking, ground itinerary,  etc etc.  It is hard work!!

The next headache is equipment preparation.  Some anglers I've known are "A-Keep-It_Simple" guy where he predicts and anticipates the minimal items that he will bring to a GT popping trip.  I fell on the other side of the spectrum i.e. JIC "Just-In-Case" guy, where I packed main equipment plus backup equipment, just in case the main fails me.

Also I kinda obsessed with photography and action movies, so camera and Gopro are a must.  I am not a very good photographer but when you were asked to take your friend photo and movie during his GT fighting, my advice please do it "properly".  Photography during GT fishing is a must and it is a sensitive issue. Please handle them carefully. I bet you will be frustrated when you caught the dream GT but the photo is blurred or wrong exposure or wrong angle or no GT tail in the picture. Discuss among team regarding photo and Gopro movie taking.  Also please have the courtesy to ask boat charter when you want to stick your Gopro shoe sticker on the boat.

End of part 1

#stayathome
#besafe


Disclaimer
I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk.  All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public.  Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.

2020: Carpenter Damsel DS-90 and DS-120

On January 16th, 2020, Carpenter has released the much-awaited popper i.e. Damsel DS-90 and Damsel DS-120.  Damsel DS-90 was originally released in January 2008 with at least 3 official color.

Carpenter Maker Konishi-san brought some KLL prototype samples during SFPC 2017 and SPC 2019 in Tokyo, with 75g, 90g and 120g.  These KLL lures were produced since 2015 with KLL 015A (First sale), KLL 015B (Modified version of 015A → DS 120) and KLL 029A (DS 75).

Damsel 120 KLL 015

2017 SFPC Carpenter Damsel Prototype KLL

2019 SFPC Carpenter Damsel Prototype KLL (video)

The new DS-90 and DS-120 were design for calm or flat sea or big swelling waves.  It was stated that not suitable for braking waves areas. Playing on a low deck ship is the best.  With high deck ship, longer rod i.e. 8 1/2 feet is suggested. Target fish is mainly GT and Hiramasa.

DS-90 length is 170mm, hook size is 9g each paired with Carpenter's 250lb split rings.

For DS-120 is 185mm, hook size is 11g with 250lb split rings.

Further details on Damsel, please visit Carpenter websites at DS-90 and DS120.

So after 5 years of waiting, we finally see the official production of Damsel 90 and 120 with 3 official color for DS-90 and 10 colors for DS-120.

Size Comparison DS-90 and DS-120

DS-90 and DS-120

Mouth size of DS-90 and DS-120

DS-90 Black back / orange belly Holo paste

DS-90 White

DS-90 Roland Damsel Metal paste

Below are the colors of Damsel DS-120. I thought it would be nice to compare them with the real life baitfish pictures (copied from Google Images).

DS-120 Clownfish

Clownfish aka Nemo

DS-120 Nanyohagi

Nanyohagi aka Blue Tang aka Dory

DS-120 Shixima Hanadai. Metal paste

Pink Splendid Perch

Shixima Hanadai

DS-120 Angelfish Metal paste

Queen Angelfish

DS-120 Nanyoubudai

Nanyoubudai aka Steephead parrotfish

DS-120 Rolland's Damselfish

Rolland's Damselfish

Blue reef damselfish

DS-120 Nirami Hanadai  Metal paste

Nirami Hanadai 

DS-120 Black back / orange belly Holo paste

DS-120 Green tiger Metal paste

DS-120 White

DS-120 Black Bass metal pasted

DS-120 Sunrise Edition (very rare)

I tried my best to find the fish that represents the lure color. As you know there are hundreds of Damselfish species and the occurrence depends on location.  Just for our general knowledge but to be a successful angler, we need to identify what is our quarry's favorite food and during which season does the food/baitfish is plenty.  Also, the size of the baitfish is important.

I normally use Carpenter Reinforced split ring 250lb and Decoy SW Big 6/0 11g hook for 120g class lures.

Disclaimer

I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk.  All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public.  Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.

Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.

Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.

Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.

Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.