End July Sailfish Trip for NZ Trio

July is when the sailfish come closer to Kuala Rompin in big numbers and starts building up for the peak period. The big question is often will they arrive early, or late?

Husband and wife couple, John and Kay together with Gary, initially planned to fish just two days on 25th and 26th July but decided to extend another day and fish three days from 25 to 27 July.

The first day was pretty slow going and we could not locate any feeding sailfish.

All there is to show for day one are some small fish and unintended squid.

Day 2 sees John and Gary attempting again to get their first sailfish and success!

Departing the Kuala Rompin wharf with new gear to test out, Penn Pursuit III and Squadron reels, Abu Garcia Ocen Project II and Penn Jig Master rods.
The Abu Garcia Ocen Project II rod and Penn Squadron reel
A nice squid caught on the first day with the light and sensitive but powerful Abu Garcia Ocean Project II rod
First stop – catching live baits

John hooks a nice sailfish that put up a good fight. We also managed to test out the brand new Penn Pursuit III reel that is not even in the local stores, yet.

The entry level Pursuit III reel, paired to a Penn Jig Master rod performed flawlessly.

At 10 plus in the morning, John is into his first sailfish that takes to the air several times

John battles the sailfish with the brand new Penn Pursuit III reel
The Penn Pursuit III performs very well for an entry level model

A very nice first fish for John

Related: Watch the short video of John sail fishing with the Penn Pursuit III

We had to wait till after lunch in the late afternoon before Gary is onto the next sailfish.

This time we put the small, light but powerful Abu Garcia Ocean Project II rod to work. When you look at this rod, you may not think it’s up to the job fighting a fast and powerful fish but don’t let the looks fool you.

Like many new modern rods in the market these days, this lightweight-looking rod is actually rated PE3 which makes it pretty much perfect for sailfish.

Small rod big fish
Tagging the sailfish

Gary with his sailfish

After Gary’s fish and just before we headed back to the wharf, John hooks another sailfish but dropped the fish halfway through the fight.

A typical Kuala Rompin sailfish charter boat heading home after a day of fishing

To be continued… DAY 3 AND FINAL DAY

John’s wife, Kay, joins us on the final day for some fishing.

See the lightweight Abu Garcia Ocean Project rod in action in the video below

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