Chasing Giants

What sparked this grand adventure? Well, it’s simple really. I’d watched countless videos of angler’s dreams come to life at Ningaloo, where the reefs teem with life and giant trevallies (GTs) hunt in the shallows. The remote Northwest was high on my bucket list, and when my partner expressed a desire to explore the stunning national parks along the way, it felt like the stars aligned. I packed my jetski, loaded the car, and hit the open road, fueled by the thrill of the chase.

The scenery shifted dramatically as we moved north. 

Adelaide’s cityscape disappeared, replaced by rugged wilderness, sprawling beaches, and a sense of adventure that electrified the air. But the real magic began when we hit the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef. 

One remarkable day, we found ourselves swimming with whale sharks, those gentle giants of the ocean. I was reeling in a reef fish when I spotted a massive shark fin approaching. My heart raced as it swam beneath my jetski; I could practically feel the water parting for it. It was a moment of pure awe, one I wish I could have captured on camera, but I was too busy drowning in exhilaration—both from the fish on the line and the encounter of a lifetime!

Fishing in the shallows requires tough tackle, and I relied on my trusty Saltiga 18000 spooled with 100 and 130lb supple trace. With the reef’s jagged edges lurking beneath,I needed to be ready for abrasion. As for trolling, I had a break through—starting off too slow cost me precious bites. Once I cranked my speed up to 9-11 knots, the pelagics showed up, and it wasn’t long before I was hauling in wahoos, mahis, and Spanish mackerel.

Navigating new waters can be disheartening, especially when success remains elusive. I spent countless hours poring over Navionics maps, diving into research, and picking the brains of locals. Slowly, my persistence began to pay off, but there were still bitter moments, like the fateful day I lost a sailfish in Broome.

My original plan didn’t even include fishing in Broome, but when a massive storm rolled in, I extended my stay for safety. I seized the chance to fish before the rains hit. After quickly stocking up on garfish at the local service station, I took to the water. It felt promising as I saw sailfish hunting baitfish, their fins breaking the surface like dark shadows. 

I set my bait perfectly and felt the unmistakable head shakes after the hook set. Unfortunately, just when victory was within reach, the hook let go, and with it, my chance at a sailfish. Disappointment washed over me, but time was running short, and the looming storm reminded me of the adventure ahead.

Next on my list was Kununnura, with barramundi as my target. But with the water temperatures cooling in June, they proved elusive. I found myself laughing in the face of the challenge, however, even as I caught silver cobbler catfish instead. While not my target, they provided fun moments amidst jaw-dropping scenery filled with freshwater crocodiles lurking in the shallows.

This trip reinforced the importance of diligence and preparation. Before you set off, do your homework. Know the tides, the boat launches, and the local conditions. I spotted more than a few sunken vehicles along the beaches, dreaded reminders of what can happen if you rush into it without a plan.

As I look back on my journey, I realize that fishing isn’t just a hobby—it’s an addiction that only deepens with every cast. The thrill of the chase, the beauty of nature, and the uncertainty of the catch keeps me hungry for more. 

Speaking of which, the next big adventure is already in the works! I just booked a multi-day trip to the Three Kings Islands in New Zealand, where I’m eager to battle kingfish and other gamefish. But first, I’m determined to break my jet ski swordfish record—because every day on the water is a chance for another unforgettable moment.

Wesley is an experienced angler who recently achieved his dream of landing a swordfish while fishing on his jetski. He was fishing 50km off the coast of Tasmania, when he hooked and landed a 132kg sword. It was a second time a sword has ever been landed on a jetski, and was nearly 3 times bigger than the first one which was caught off the US coastline in August 2023.

Before I moved to Australia Wesley lived in Vancouver, Canada for over 5 years. Vancouver is located next to the mighty Fraser River, home of the white sturgeon. Fishing for sturgeon requires anchoring in deep spots on a fast-flowing river. Being able to target these giants on the weekend was a dream come true for this adventure angler and proud Black Magic Tackle Pro Team member.