Ive just got back from Vava u. Stayed with Kurt and Lyn at Talihau for 4 days of our trip. Brilliant hosts and great to communicate with when planning our trip. Unfortunately only ended up spending one day out fishing with Kurt. However landed my first GTs - frinkin awesome.
Kurt gave us a great day and I learnt heaps. Kurt is a no frills angler who likes to keep things simple but effective. He will guide landbased as well as taking you out on his whaler. His rates are very reasonable (especially landbased). I certainly would use him if you seriously want to hook a GT. If you have the time do both, otherwise put odds in your favor and take the boat.
Your setup will catch fish but will be on the light side so expect to lose gear. I wouldnt take anything lighter than a 24kg setup. I was running a 24-37kg 7'2" Synit with 80lb braid and I needed every ounce of power this set up gave me. The strikes can be pretty wild and you are fishing over shallow reefs and drop offs mostly. I had one GT smoke me. The stella screamed in excitement until the fish found the reef. Still cant believe how fast the line flowed given how rediculously tight the drag was set . Kurt used 100lb.
Kurt runs a twisty leader made from 80lb mono which he attaches to the braid using an improved albright. He said he has never had a problem with this setup. I changed to his setup and had no problems. I was using twisties catpawed to a bimmini or single strand of mono pr knotted to the braid.
I would recommend taking some stickbaits. We certainly got some results on these when things went quiet on the poppers. Also a range of sizes. Plus upgrade the hardware on the lures. You will find plenty of info on this forum regarding advice in this area. Squash the barbs!
Take a good set of split ring pliers and heavy (300lb+) split rings. Decoy or Owner are the go. Pre make some traces etc as makes life that much easier.
Get some practice in on casting. Distance is key while at times still needing accurracy.
Last but not least if getting taxis around vava u use James. He is a local and couldnt be more helpful and most importantly honest. Ill try and find his number. Otherwise ask Kurt or Lyn.
Have fun, take sunscreen they charge a fortune for the stuff!
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