Stunning Black Bass Fishing Vacation in Papua New Guinea

Trip Summary

Trip Introduction

The best description for this type of fishing in Papua New Guinea is simply well put, by fishing partner and colleague Brad Woollams – “BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA”!!

There is no other fish in the world that can strike a lure with such force and pent-up aggression as the Black Bass. Whether trolling or casting for these incredible sport fish, PNG Black Bass are by far the strongest fish to be caught in estuarine and fresh water.

The Fishing

The PNG Black Bass will snap line like cotton, rip screws and hooks off lures, straighten even the toughest of saltwater hooks and will always head for structure when hooked. Extra-strong tackle is needed for these incredible adversaries. The World Record currently stands at 47.2lbs (2017) caught by Aussie Marshall Bretnall.

There are also huge Barramundi to play with and fish over 1.30m are regularly caught here. They are beautiful silver fish that jump and strip line, great fish to catch trolling or casting and also lovers of dense structure. The Barramundi is Australia’s #1 sport fish for obvious reasons. Readily caught and with bucket mouths, they will tear up lures and are some of the most acrobatic fish in the world.

There are three 5m aluminium boats with 60HP Yamaha 4 stroke outboards and skippered by professional guides. 1 x 23ft open top boat with 60HP 4 stroke outboard also skippered by professional guides. Fishing teams 2 anglers will fish with a different guide each day.

For tackle purchase, we have a tackle shop in Port Moresby and offer most items needed for a wild river expedition. Braided line, lures, leader, terminal tackle and other various fishing gear are available. Please note that all tackle purchases needs to be paid in cash.

For tackle rental, Shimano Calcutta 400TE reels and custom Black Bass rods are available for rent at AU$ 50 per day or AU$ 250 per week. All reels will be loaded with Power Pro braid. Excessive braid loss will be paid for by the angler. All rod breakages will be billed for at retail price. Pre booking of rods is important to ensure that we have sufficient stock.

Suggested Personal Tackle List:
Top tier reels with powerful drags are the way to go for PNG Black Bass fishing. Daiwa Ryoga Bay Jigging, Abu Garcia Toro Beast 50, Shimano Tranx 300HG or Conquest 200 are the brands that have had good results with this type of fishing

Casting PNG Black Bass and Barramundi:

• 5 – 6 strength Casting Rod (7ft max length) matched with a reel with 15 – 20lb+ drag strength
• 3 – 4 strength Casting Rod (7ft max length) matched with a reel with 15 – 20lb+ drag strength Trolling PNG Black Bass and Barramundi
• 6 – 8 strength rod (6ft max length) matched with a reel with 15 – 20lb+ drag strength

Terminal Tackle and Accessories:

• Lure Hooks: 4X Owner ST-66 or ST 56, BKK Raptor Z or Decoy YS-81
• Split Rings: Owner Hyper Wire
• Swivels: Barrel swivels rated to 120lb Main Line: 60 – 100lb braided line max 8 ply braid is highly recommended
• Leader: 80 – 120lb monofilament leader Split Ring Pliers – suitable for the terminal tackle used Good quality gloves – optional (thumb guard) Go-Pro and mounts, Camera Sunscreen
• Lures Hard Bodies (Trolling): 100 – 150mm lures with diving depths of 5 – 8m. Halco Scorpions and Poltergeists, Oargee Oarsome, Rapala Super Shad Rap, Classic Barra, Duo Realis

The Accommodation

Guests are accommodated in twin shared rooms with shared bathrooms. There is a large living room for tackle preparation. The chef will prepare all meals in the kitchen, while breakfast and dinner will be enjoyed in the dining area every day. The lodge is powered by a diesel generator. Ceiling fans in each room is available. Mosquito nets will be provided for each bed. Hot showers are available upon request.

Essential Kit & Advice

Clothing And Accessories – UV Proof Long or short Sleeved fishing shirts – Lightweight Fishing Pants or shorts – Lightweight Rain Jacket – Fishing Shoes with good grip – Polarized Sunglasses – Buffs – Wide Brimmed Hat / Caps – Waterproof Bag – Split Ring Pliers – Waterproof Camera – Flash Drive or Hard drive for copying photos and videos from staff – Sunscreen with a minimum rating of SPF 30 and after sun cream.
Mosquitos – Papua New Guinea has been known to have Malaria, thus taking precautionary measures against mosquito bites are not to be taken lightly. Long sleeved shirts and long pants help protect you but please see your physician for recommended inoculations. During river expeditions, we always encounter mosquitos so bring extra strength insect repellent.
Alcohol – We can pre arrange beers at an additional cost. SP Lager is the beer of choice in Papua New Guinea. Guest are able to bring spirits of your own choice (feel free to purchase at Duty Free). *Please do not offer any alcohol to the local staff.
Weather – Papua New Guinea is a tropical island nation and is usually hot and humid. Lightweight and breathable clothing is important. Rains come unannounced so don’t forget a lightweight rain jacket.
Travel and Medivac Insurance – All clients are required to obtain Medivac Insurance. Bookings will be put on hold if clients cannot provide medivac insurance and travel insurance details. We cannot assume any responsibility incurred if proper insurance has not been obtained.
Communications – There is mobile coverage at the lodge but connectivity can be poor.
Tipping – It is not required to tip staff but if you wish to show appreciation, kindly give the tips to the lead guide at the end of the trip and will be equally distributed.

Travel Plan