Plugs should be a mixed selection and noisy Barra lures work well with Bass. Deep diving and big surface plugs work with these Bass; Rapala CD11 and 14, Nillsmaster 6" Invicible, JJ Stump Jumps, Darwin Darts, Rattling Spots and Reidy Golbourn Jacks all work well If you plan to fly fish you will need a 10 and 12 weight rod. Mono leader from 40 to 80lb and tippet up to 40lb will provide the most options. Flies need to be big and bulky; Leffty;s Decievers, clouser minnows or similar on strong hooks 2/0 to 5/0 are best. Surface flies like Dahlberg Divers and popping bugs, again in 2/0 to 5/0 size also work well
Rod and Reel selection can be varied but they should be a good bait caster not over 6' in length with a fast tip for casting and trolling loaded with 40lb line, Abu 7000 or similar or Abu 6500 for 30lb line with at least 150 meter capacity. Shimano 300 or 400 also work well. Be warned Bass can destroy equipment and egos with equal ease.
Clothing needs to be light but protective and cotton works best in tropical climates. Mosquitoes and midges can be a nusiance and long sleeved cotton shirts plus lightweight cotton pants are recommended. See the packing list below for a suggestions on clothing and personal equipment, this is only indicative as personal preferences will vary.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST
Clothing
2 pair long pants, cotton.
3 pair shorts, cotton.
3 long sleeve shirts, cotton.
4 Tee-Shirts, cotton.
3 pair socks, cotton.
1 light weight track suit for night.
1 pair walking shoes.
1 pair sneakers for night time.
1 light weight rain coat or poncho.
1 light weight towel and 1 beach size towel.
Underwear.
personal toilet kit.
Malaria tablets and personal medication
Additional Equipment
Small torch with extra batteries.
A water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity.
Zip lock bags for packing wet clothes or camera and film.
Broad brim hat for sun protection.
Sun screen,
Insect repellent.
Do not forget......
Your camera or video camera. Extra film and spare batteries for video.
The boats used are purpose built fibreglass construction, They are 6.7 meter center consul Custom made Sports Fishing Vessels. Beam 1.9 meters.
Power is provided by 60hp, 4 stroke Suzuki outboards. They are also fitted with 12 v electric trolling motors for quieter operation and holding position. The boats are used in the river systems and offshore and have sealed compartments that make them virtually unsinkable. There is a forward casting platform and plenty of space. With maximum capacity at the Lodge of 12 clients each boat will carry only 3 anglers at any one time.
Construction of the Lodge was completed in 2003. There are 6 rooms and 2 bathrooms and 2 showers supplied with hot running water. 240 v and 12 v power is supplied from a generator. There is a fully stocked bar with soft drinks, beer and wine and a raised, covered outdoor dining area that overlooks the water.
The Papuan Black and Spot Tail Bass are members of the lutjanid family and are related to the Mangrove Jack and Fingemark Bream. They are "ambush" feeders with very hard hitting tactics, tending to come out of their cover and take your lure on the way back. A big Bass taking a lure near the boat has been likened to someone having opened a car door underwater.
As well as the Bass you will encounter other species depending on the area you fish on any one day; Mackrel, Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Giant Travelly and all other reef speceis. Bottom fishing is great in the evenings with Red Emporor, Sea Perch and casting to a Fingermark feeding frenzy. In the rivers you will also find; Jungle Perch, Grunter, Tarpon GT and Fingermark.
There are six rivers on the way to the Lodge which have Bass. Two or three of these rivers are fished on the way to the Lodge. In order from Kimbe the rivers are Kapiura, Bilomi or Gavuvu rivers (in Commodore Bay), and further up toward Bialla is Yamula, Toiru, and Balima Rivers.
Fishing from the Lodge gives you a choice of 5 Rivers from 15 min to the nearest to 35min to the furthest one. Beyond this area there are numerous reefs and Eustuaries that are still to be explored...........
