Wild Sea Nomads - Extreme fishing expeditions

Fishing in New Caledonia largely focuses on long casts with topwater lures. Whenever possible, we direct most of our fishing trips toward the immense coral reef barrier, a virtually endless landscape in terms of spots. We rarely cast in the same place twice during the entire fishing trip.

Since the focus is on the topwater style, the gear must be suitable for local demands. In general, about 80% of the equipment is the same used worldwide for Giant Trevally fishing. However, in this destination, one setup becomes essential: rods over 8 feet long, ideal for extremely long casts with pencil-type lures.

Imagine standing before a gigantic coral reef barrier, trying to provoke fish that stay close to it. Often, it's necessary to cast practically inside the barrier or amid the breaking waves, simulating a fish fleeing a large predator. As soon as the lure hits the water, the rod must be in the fighting belt to begin an erratic retrieve, as if it were the prey's last attempt at survival. From time to time, it's important to stop the action completely and then resume it at high speed.

Among the available models, the one that best suits this type of casting is the Ocean Ridge Long Cast GT 82 Nano from the Ripple Fisher brand. The name itself says it all: "long cast."

Additionally, traditional large stickbaits and wide-mouthed poppers are also indispensable, as in any GT fishing trip in the world. However, an important detail is worth noting: on some days, the fish in New Caledonia show a preference for poppers with smaller mouths, which produce more bubbles than noise. We believe this is due to the fact that this action keeps the lure active and continuous in the water for a longer time.

Is the focus only on GTs?

Definitely not. With every cast, the diversity of species is surprising: barracudas, mackerels, coral trout, groupers, red snappers, jobfish, different types of trevally, and the highly coveted Napoleon Wrasse.

This fish with its exuberant blue coloration is a true icon of global sport fishing. Many anglers dream of catching one, as its beauty is so impressive it looks like a living work of art. We have not yet had the privilege of hooking one of them, but we continue to seek that encounter.

Other possible fishing styles

In New Caledonia, all fishing styles are viable. From trolling for large marlins to fly fishing for bonefish, everything can be practiced. Even so, the focus of Wild Sea Nomads will remain on topwater, while still exploring other opportunities as they arise.

Between one reef and another, it's common to do a quick troll to secure a mackerel for dinner — the jumps of these toothy fish are contagious for the entire crew on board.

In jigging, the potential is practically unlimited. Although it's not the style we focus on, the times we take a break from casting and drop our jigs on the drops, the runs of large Dogtooth Tunas are overwhelming. More than 100 meters of line can be taken in seconds, even with the reels well-locked. It's important to remember that in this style, "well-locked" does not mean completely closed: the line always needs to be able to run.

Depending on the current and wind, a descent with slow jigging also yields good results. And, at the end of the day, in more sheltered locations, light jigging completes the repertoire, ensuring variety and beautiful photos for the album of species caught with artificial lures.

New Caledonia is a true sea of infinite possibilities:

• infinite fishing styles;

• infinite species;

• infinite remote and exuberant locations;

• infinite unique experiences, even for the most experienced anglers.

We make it a point to return to this sport fishing paradise whenever possible. Our schedule with the great captain Olivir is already reserved for several years in advance.

It is no coincidence that New Caledonia was the starting point of the Wild Sea Nomads project. This destination will always hold a very special place in our journey.