How To Get That Giant Trevally (GT) Catch

Whether you absolutely love fishing for Trevally or you fancy trying your luck at it, here are some tips to get you started.

1. It’s All About the Location

Targeting Trevally on the flats is quite an achievement. Giant Trevally are part of the Jack family and can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific area. One of the best ways to target this fish is through a lodge. Some preferred locations include Christmas Island and the Seychelles. Typically, these fish can be found throughout the subtropical and tropical waters in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and they tend to hunt in the shallow waters that run along the smaller islands and the coasts of three continents.

2. Break the Spirit

On the GT flats, we often hear the expression of breaking the fish’s spirit. Once you hook up a giant Trevally, it’s going to feel like you have hooked into a car that is at top speed on a motorway, and you need to slam on those brakes. So, tighten the drag system and then work that fish in as quickly and as hard as you possibly can. We find that a 130LB test is usually strong enough to stop the fish, but rest assured, if they can drag you into the coral, you are done.

3. Make Sure You’re Well-Equipped

Trying to fight a giant Trevally when it bites is no easy task and you need to be prepared with the right fly line, leaders, and reel/rod combination. If it’s you aim to target these fish, go as big as you can in terms of weighted rods and larger reels that will take the bashing. Ideally, get as much backing as you can fit and heavy leaders. You can purchase gear for GT Fishing at Fish Head or similar trusted retailers.

4. Don’t Miss Those Opportunities

Chasing a GT fish on the flats is no doubt exhilarating. But, don’t miss out on the chances you do get. You could have just one cast the entire day. So, make sure you are focused, and you are prepared to send out as smooth a cast as you can. Remember to aim to lead the fish by a few feet and then let the fly sink a little lower into the water. Once the fly is close enough for the fish to see it, use long, quick strips to capture its attention.

5. Your Strip Set

A common mistake that fisherman make on the saltwater flats is “trout setting” on saltwater fish. It is definitely one way to lose your GT. Instead, be meticulous about the hook set. Longer and harder pulls into the GT can ensure a sturdy hook set, and is essential to landing a good GT. Once that fish begins to run and pull, you will have lost your chance to get that good hook set, so you will need to hold on and hope for the best!

Take note of the tips we’ve shared and be prepared to catch that GT!