With the confirmation of a credit card transaction our flights were booked and our trip away had just become an annual event. Last year it was Savaii in Samoa, this year Vava'u - in the Kingdom of Tonga.
I had previously spent time in Vava'u about twelve years ago logging over fifty dives in pristine island surrounds (not to mention catching a blue Marlin,Mahimahi,YFT,wahoo on a day charter!).
It is a great place to take off the watch and do nothing slowly - the people are the friendliest I have ever met.
I got in touch with Kurt Carlson who runs Poppin Tonga charters,surf trips and runs 'Lucky's Beach Houses' with his wife Lynn and their son Keith.
Scott, William and I formulated a plan to stay for six days. Fishing four of those if we could, chasing GT's from Kurts casting platform 'Lupo'.
The date to depart finally arrived! It had been a long wait and we were really,really ready for some time out from our busy lives.
We departed NZ in due course to land in Tongatapu. From there we caught a connection flight that saw us pass over some really spectacular islands and reef formations.
Upon landing we were met by Jame's,a freindly local that had come to take us to Talihau Beach which was to be our home for the next six days.
The house's we stayed in were right on the waters edge, the boat is moored right in front also making getting on and off each day a breeze.
The 'Green House'
If you really wanted to step back, more basic traditional Fale's are available.
The first night was spent testing rum,tying knots and talking about tying more knots before more rum was to be tested (I dont think that happened)
We caught up with Kurt about what to expect and here more about some of his experiences in Hawaii,and of course where we were going to be fishing.
After a fantastic three course dinner prepared by Lynn we hit the hay in anticipation of the following day to come.
Lupo a 17ft Boston Whaler with the ever reliable F60
We boarded 'Lupo' in warm but windy condition's and set off for about 20 minutes to the first bommie.It did not produce any fish but I did have a Spanish Mackeral leap out of the water behind my offering to no avail.
The conditions were challenging, setting the tone for the next three days. The wind did not stop for us unfortunatley but we fished on.
Scott got us off the mark with the first GT of around 10kg - it was duley realeased and we moved on.
A new spot with big waves,and a bit more tide and wind.I had a fish whack my lure right at the boat,the shoulders were decent it was a nice fish,no hook up... damn.
William was next to hook up,I wound in and Kurt suggested I make a cast while he fought his fish.I did and my lure landed and was engulfed immeadiately - we were on a double.
My fish gave the Stella some grief before the hooks pulled,or maybe they were never in...meanwhile William has his fish's head up and a beautiful big GT comes into veiw,his first for the trip and its a beauty.
William set the standard and backed this fish up later on with another great fish that hit not far from the boat late in the day.
The Nemo 'El Toro' backing up from a star performance in Samoa last year.
This was a very angry critter
The days that followed, conditions were tougher and we had to really dig deep to keep going,
but we did and were rewarded with a few more fish as well as some stunning scenery.
Scott Hooked up on one of his fish.
Humpback whales (Mother and Calf were present)
There are many boats that are licenced to take you whale watching - they are spectacular.
Kurt worked super hard all day,every day,I could feel him willing the fish to eat our offerings..
Kurts operation is 100% catch and realease for GT's
The entrance to 'Swallow's Cave' - there is writing (Graffiti) dating back to the 1800's.
Amazing scenery and history.
Inside the cave looking back out
One of the many beautiful islands
I pulled this fish out of a shallow coral area.
The veiw from a seat on the porch!
Lupo on her mooring
As the last day came and went we reflected on what was a great trip with fantastic hosts.
We landed thirteen GT's,some Bluefin Trevally,Red Bass,and longtoms as well as a very tastey Green Jobfish.
There were numerous fish that didnt hook up or simply fell off each day.
We had one last stop for lunch in town on the way to the airport,great food and beer and the best veiw you could get I reckon.
Back in NZ we were greeted to 12 degrees and the hustle and bustle we had left behind.
Thanks to Scott + (Jack) and William another great trip in fantastic company! I look forward to next year! (nothing too weird though Scott!)
Thanks to Kurt and Lynn you are great hosts, and Kurt I admire your passion for the sport and the lengths you went to,to ensure we had a memorable trip - it certainly was.
The dvd of our trip and t-shirts are very cool too - thanks
I will be back!
Andrew