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.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Saturday, February 15, 2020
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).
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).
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.
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.
Friday, January 24, 2020
2019: Carpenter Gamma γ120, γ120L and γ140L
August 2019 also saw Carpenter release γ120 with 9 official color, γ120L Flyingfish, and γ140L Flyingfish color scheme. We saw the last release of γ120 is in January 2016 with γ10th Anniversary Limited color paste metal of Mount Fuji.
Overall length of γ120 is 220mm with weight approx 120g. Compatible hook size is 11g each with split ring SR250lb.
γ120L and γ140L was produced 10g lighter and to have different action i.e. slightly less erratic when compared with normal γ120 and γ140. γ140L was developed based on prototype KLL025. Mainly targeted for tuna but I will try them with GTs.
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 feedback and opinion and act as information for the public. 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 ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
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 the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
Overall length of γ120 is 220mm with weight approx 120g. Compatible hook size is 11g each with split ring SR250lb.
 |
| Ultra rare color of Blackbass |
 |
| Nirami Hanadai Metal paste |
 |
| Blue Back Side Magenta |
 |
| Diablo White |
 |
| Diablo Clownfish |
 |
| Saury |
 |
| Sagoshi |
 |
| Blackback Orangebelly Holo sticker |
 |
| Firetiger |
 |
| γ120L and γ140L Flyingfish |
 |
| 11g hook that i normally paired with γ120 and γ140 |
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 feedback and opinion and act as information for the public. 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 ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
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 the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
2019: Carpenter Bluefish BF160
In September 2019, Carpenter has release Bluefish BF160 from test model KLL-021A. Bluefish model is well known for its stability for both flat and rough water.
Target fish is mainly GT and large Hiramasa Kingfish.
The overall length is 235mm with approx weight 156g +- 1 g.
Each hook size is recommended at 15g each with Carpenter split ring 350lb.
There are also variants with "Fish Mark" logo at the bottom part of lure.
This Fish mark logo means that the lure is slightly "active" action compared with non-logo lure i.e. the logo lure will give more erratic action. So the most reliable way to use them is to actually throw both of them and see the reaction to the fish.
It is suggested that soft tip rods will give more response to the lure action. Maker Konishi-san uses PJ80/36 mainly for lure testing session on Hiramasa. For GT, he used F3 711/40.
8 official color was release.
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 feedback and opinion and act as information for the public. 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 ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
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 the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
Target fish is mainly GT and large Hiramasa Kingfish.
The overall length is 235mm with approx weight 156g +- 1 g.
Each hook size is recommended at 15g each with Carpenter split ring 350lb.
There are also variants with "Fish Mark" logo at the bottom part of lure.
This Fish mark logo means that the lure is slightly "active" action compared with non-logo lure i.e. the logo lure will give more erratic action. So the most reliable way to use them is to actually throw both of them and see the reaction to the fish.
It is suggested that soft tip rods will give more response to the lure action. Maker Konishi-san uses PJ80/36 mainly for lure testing session on Hiramasa. For GT, he used F3 711/40.
 |
| Carpenter Maker Konishi-san with his Hiramasa |
 |
| Carpenter Maker Konishi-san with his 41kg GT |
8 official color was release.
 |
| rare BF160 Black bass metal side |
 |
| Clownfish Diablo Design Metal paste |
 |
| Shiira Blue Ver Metal paste |
 |
| Diablo White |
 |
| Blue back Holo pasting |
 |
| Brimodoki PilotfishMetal paste |
 |
| Blackback Orangebelly Holo sticker |
 |
| Nirami Hanadai Metal paste |
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 feedback and opinion and act as information for the public. 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 ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
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 the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)