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Jigging and Popping Adventures at Marion Reef, Coral Sea.
Lyn Baxter
Recently, my husband Neil Griffiths and I embarked on an amazing fishing adventure to Marion Reef (in the middle of the Coral Sea) - Deepwater Jigging and GT Popping.
After an hour and a quarter's floatplane flight from Hamilton Island, we boarded the 80ft mothership, ready to embark upon the first of a seven-day fishing escapade with Nomad Sportfishing Adventures. Fishing was from either the sportfishing boats or from one of two game boats. With consistently massive coral trout, whopping GTs, Dogtooth tuna of huge proportions and a wide variety of other fish species, the action was beyond description. Just when we thought the meritorious catches of one day couldn't be beaten, the next day would result in more ambitions being realized. Casting, jigging or trolling, this “catch-and-release” fishery is outstanding. A huge GT today, a monster Maori Wrasse the next, a 55kg Dogtooth….
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On occasions, the Giant Trevally were swimming in large groups, which allowed us to cast poppers or stickbaits into the schools. The resulting “arm-straightening” fun didn't always end happily, but when it did, the adrenalin buzz was amazing.
The two Smith popping rods that we were using (me - Keyolhu, and Neil - Komodo Dragon) have Stella 10 000 reels matched to them. They perform admirably, casting the 125g - 200g lures with ease, and when hooked up to the monsters, they have plenty of “come-here” action.
My Smith Nirai jigging rod matched with a Stella 20 000 brought sensational results as always. Its power never ceases to amaze me, especially when trying to turn a fish during a tough fight.
Jigs Ace and Smith jigs were the producers, as were Nomad and Smith Stickbaits in casting and trolling.
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Each night aboard the mothership, the day's photos would be featured on the big screen, with “oohs” and “aahs” as evidence that anglers aboard all boats had done well.
After dinner, we'd retire to the top deck to re-rig and compare notes with others over a quiet (or not so quiet) drink or two.
We explored some of the most beautiful, isolated and pristine reefs imaginable that week, and we can't wait to do it again to try some of the latest gear that has come into the store.
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