PNG Fishing
Fishing the remote rivers of Papua New Guinea for black bass is the Holy Grail for many anglers - including me. And finally, I'm here!
We're motoring from Popondetta to the Bendoroda River… Popendetta is north-east of Port Moresbyand the welcoming party has come out to meet us! A longboat with two village elders in traditional dress…
Looks like the whole village has turned out to say gidday - and they're playing our song. This is Bendoroda village… just a few hours from Australia but we're a world away.
Kim's joining me on this trip.. and we both feel pretty lucky to be here.
A welcome like this'll be hard to beat.. but there's plenty of fish to be caught!
Dale McCarthy set up Bendoroda Lodge just over a year ago with the help of the village chief's eldest son Augustin, so that anglers can have a safe and very special trip to PNG. Fishing season here runs from April to November.
We're fishing in about 8 metres of water, right in close to the banks and snags. Dale reckons the best way to explore these untouched waters is to troll.
Trolling helps us cover lot more territory.
Black bass are the most powerful fighters on the planet.. so we need some tough tackle. These Halco Scorpion deep diving lures should do the trick.. and my Shimano Trinidad 16 has a nice fast
Black bass are related to mangrove jack and they look a lot like them - right down to those fierce fangs. They're also related to golden snapper and red emperor.
These guys are the undisputed king of the river, there's not one baitfish that would swim by this guy.
This fella's a bit skinny and Dale reckons he's travelled down from the swamps to search for food as the dry season begins.
The juveniles are known to school up and fight amongst themselves for the passing lures. This bloke hit the jackpot.
But not before another black bass crash tackled his tail.
Dale says the small fish surface in the morning and the bigger bass in the afternoon, so bring on high noon.
These big bad bass are easy to hook - because they don't just crunch your lure… they devour it. Landing them's the real battle. I've gotta keep him away from the boat, or he'll be off like a shot back to the snags.
A beautiful beefy bass.. about 13 kilos, and check out those killer jaws. Uh oh - looks like this bloke's after an early exit.
We're exploring the pristine waters of the Furo River in Papua New Guinea. In the past, it's been tricky for Aussie anglers to access these tropical rivers. But Dale McCarthy has made it easy.
This is the village of Furo 2, about half an hour east of our base at Bendoroda. And the locals here are just as welcoming…
These villages have to be totally self-sufficient… because they're a long way from any market or store. But let me tell you - they still know everything there is to know about rugby league.
The village chief, Bartimus, tells me fishing is also a huge part of their life.
These people really make you feel like part of the family.. so Terry gives the kids a treat before we head off.
Out of all the escape destinations I've been to this has to be best adventure holiday you could have for any angler.
This one didn't have the big hit of a black bass. Feels more like a trevally. These rivers hold all sorts of species, so you never know what'll come to the surface.
When a black bass finally hits my lure, Dale has to hightail it away from the bank, so the fish can't charge back to his hidey hole.
Well he put up a mighty fight for a little tike. Even these baby bass have plenty of power.
Well, I've done over 70 shows with Escape, and I've never fished with Kim. Lets see who can take the honours in a one on one fish-off today !
We're back on the Furo River, getting the lures down deep over the timber where the black bass hang out.
Kim gets first bite of the cherry. Even this little tike's not afraid to attack a big lure. He's earned his stripes. Normally juveniles that bar up competing to show aggressiveness to other fish.
Uhoh, this girl's on a roll. A lovely mangrove jack. Kim even changed tactics on me - jigging a squidgy over a snag to score this one.
Now its gotta be my turn… Hello, she's trying to knock off my fish. Talk about competitive!
Now I reckon Kim has a bit of an edge, because she had her rod custom made for this type of fishing.
Now this looks like a real beauty. Lucky for me - Kim and her lure come off second best.
Just before full-time, I redeem myself with a baby GT. At least the scoreline looks a bit more respectable.
Well Kim has taken the honours 4-3... In our NSW v QLD battle she has led the maroons home.
The rest of the team have also had a sensational day - Terry even landed this very obscure fish. I have to say this will be one trip I never forget.
For more information on the Bendoroda Bass Tour Package, give Hotspot Fishing Tours a call on their freecall number… or check out their website.
The latest NAFA magazine also has a sensational article about the Bendoroda Experience.
Papua New Guinea Tourism can help you with all you need to know about this magnificent country. Take a look at their website or call the 1300 number.
For flights
to PNG, contact Air Nuigini for fares and prices. Virgin Blue
Airlines flew us to Sydney for our connection to Papua New Guinea.
Check out all their sensational deals at virginblue.com.au or
call 13 67 89.
