West Australia

[jurelometer]

Open water fishing around Exmouth has a variety of willing species-the fishing can get spectacular. The gulf flats are much more challenging, but also can be rewarding.  The last day on the flats I had only about  half a dozen shots by late morning.   A variety of (my) screwups,  plus two nice permit that rushed the crab fly and wouldn't stick, then I finally had some luck.  My guide, Brett Wolf spotted a big GT (AKA Ulua: Caranx ignobilis) coming into range.   I dropped the rod with the permit fly while Brett handed me the GT rod we had prepared for this possibility- line stripped out and ready to go.  The GT was closing fast straight toward the boat.  In just three feet depth, it was going to be spooked by the boat in a manner of seconds - just enough time for a quick cast.  For some strange reason, the fly landed ahead and to the side of the fish, right where Brett wanted me to put it.  The GT rushed the fly and after the hookset went nuts and weaved through the coral bommies on its way to open water.    Around 20 minute later, it was boatside.   A quick photo- back in the water in a few seconds- and off it goes...

Brett's guess on the size  was around 40 kilos!!!  It is unlikely that I will ever see a GT that big again, much less land one flats fishing. 

Other fish for the trip included some nice bonefish, queenfish, golden trevally- dropped a cobia that hit a popper.  The flats were thick with turtles, rays and sharks-  we even spotted a dugong.

Never did get my permit-  oh well...

[jzumi]

Ulua on fly!  Way to go!

[foakes]

Lots of skill involved in that set up and operation --

Thanks!

Fred

[coastal_dan]

Wow!  Awesome.

[Cortez_Conversions]

Nice catch!!

[Shark Hunter]

Congrats on that Awesome Fish!

[Steve-O]

WOW! very nice GT!

[alantani]

yeah, it's getting to be summertime down under!  very nice!!!!!

[mizmo67]

Must have been fun on that setup! Nice.

[hurt locker]

Sweet  !!!!!!   Congratulations !!!!!!!!!

[Alto Mare]

Very nice Dave, congratulations!
Nice pic!...good enough for photo of the month.

[wallacewt]

good stuff,magic
cheers

[mo65]

Lunker!

[Cone]

Wow! 40 kg and on a fly! My hat is off to you sir! Well done!
Bob

[conchydong]

Fantastic, all of the Jack family are super strong fish. Nice catch.