GT Fishing Srilanka | Live bait fishing
Channel: Fishing Vibes Srilanka
Date: 17/01/2023

#gtfishing #rockfishing #trevally   @fishingvibessrilanka 

GT fishing 
If an adrenalin hit is what you are after when you hit the water, then look no further than the Giant Trevally. These fish are bullies and downright thugs of reef systems and island groups over the top half of the country. They hit surface lures with unrivalled aggression and will expose any weaknesses in your tackle and even your personal fitness. At full maturity, a GT can weigh in excess of 50kg, with common catches around 25-35kg and record captures over 70kg. When targeting fish of this calibre, preparation and planning is of utmost importance. Here are just a few basic tips to get you in with a shot at one of sport fishing’s most prized target species.

GTs are very aggressive when they hit a lure, but on some days, can be fussy. A big mistake a lot of people make is not matching the size lure and terminal tackle to the action of the rod and breaking strain of the line. Take into account the gauge of the hook as to not go too thick so that you cant set the hook. Going too thick will give you trouble when setting the hook, go too light and the fish will turn them inside out.

Shallow inshore reef systems and island groups are the perfect place to find these large predatory fish. What you are looking for is any structure that rises out of deep water obstructing current flow. Pressure edges, points or bottlenecks where the current is either upwelling or being concentrated around these areas are where these fish will be patrolling. Any form of bait presence in these areas, no matter how subtle should be investigated including bust ups from other species like tuna or mackerel. Often, trevally will feed with and/or on other schools of fish below these schools without even breaking the surface.

Trevally have a reputation for being dirty fighters and I feel that may be a common misconception. They aren’t the type of fish that head butt into the reef like a yellowtail kingfish, they actually just like to go deep and swim parallel with the drop off once hooked. Because of their sheer size and power plus the tension in the line, if they swim you past a chunk in the reef or a rock you are toast! Really, take your time and think your approach through, angles are everything! If you feel you have hooked a fish in a bad area or on a bad angle, back the drag off, reposition the boat and then continue on. More often than not, a cool head and smart angling will see you boat more fish over pure brawn and heavy hands.