The first 2 weeks I have spent has been mostly company orientation and initiation. Started from cleaning boats and cars, then graduated to being a deckhand during day charters, rigging gear, gaffing fish, and baiting hooks. In all honesty though, it wasn't that as bad as you think it was, because I am still doing the things I love.
I was lucky enough to go along one of our Lodge based fishing expeditions within the 2 weeks of starting, and I can tell you now that the place was nothing short of amazing! Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and amazing fishing! The lodge was very comfortable and was not the camping I was expecting. It was very cozy, had 2 showers and toilets, a dining area, lounge, and 10 bedrooms. And the best part was it was located right next to the river where we fish. Just a mere 20 to 30 steps from the door, you hop on your boat, and off you go!
I was tasked to help out one of the other managers to handle the last day of the 7 day tour as our lead guide had to take 2 of the clients back to base and to send them home as they had scheduled an earlier flight. So it was just me and another manager taking care of the remaining clients. This also meant that I had a boat to myself the next day! Lucky me!
The morning after we arrived, we prepared the boats, got the clients on board, and ready to fish. I was the last to depart from base and was not in a hurry at all since this was going to be my first time fishing the rivers of Papua New Guinea. I did not know what to expect, or what to see at the time. I was lucky enough to be partnered with one of our long time guides, Charles, who promised me some big fish as a gift because I was the "new guy".
Making our way towards the fishing spot was an experience in itself. Winding through the jungle, on narrow creeks was blissfully delightful. It was like something out of a scene in Jumanji! Once we met up with the other boats on the stretch we planned to fish, Charles instructed me to cast out some line and we will troll along the bank to cover water and find the fish. Within the first half hour on the boat, I was greeted by the strongest strikes I've felt in my life, then as I looked back at my lure, my heart stopped instantly as the fish I just hooked jumped at least 2 meters above the water! It was a Barramundi, and at Charles' reaction, it looked like I was up for a challenge.
After hooking up, Charles' lightning reflexes immediately brought us away from the snags and out into open water. The fight was indeed intense, and my heart never stopped beating in my throat. After maybe a 5 minute battle, I was able to bring up my first ever 1 meter barramundi! How is that for the first trip?
After a quick photo, she was released and swam strongly away.
Next few trolls and casts around the vicinity, we decided to try the same spot where we caught the first fish. First pass at the same snags, Bang! Looked back to another acrobatic leap from a big barra!
Same procedure of bringing the boat out to open water and the battle ensued. This time, I was extra worried that the fish would break off because I left the leader as it was, no retying was done (silly move). After a few tense moments, I was able to land my 2nd bass in 1 hour of fishing!
After my 2nd fish, our Lead Guide came up to our boat and advised me to head back and rest instead of catching the clients' fish. I totally understood his point since I was an employee tasked to look after the clients, and not to go fishing! Charles and I proceeded to go back to base although heart stricken because we had to leave such a heated session, both of us wearing big grins though.
This seemed to be a great introduction for the new chapter in my life.
Can't wait to report about my first saltwater trip to the Eastern Fields!
