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West Papua Black Bass Expeditions (Indonesia)

PAPUAN BLACK BASS

WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA

PAPUAN BLACK BASS

WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA

WILD WEST SPORTFISHING

The Papuan Black Bass is regarded as one of the ultimate river predators that readily and aggressively attack lures and fly. Many anglers have been brought to their knees, destroyed tackle and wounds to be licked…

Explore remote estuaries, rivers, creeks, lakes and swamps with Rock Expeditions and the traditional resource owners of Kaimana, Timika, Mimika & Asmat. 

Expeditions currently operate out of Kaimana in West Papua (Papua Barat) and down to West Timika focusing on the famed Papuan Black Bass (Niugini Snapper). Barramundi and a variety of saltwater and freshwater species can also be encountered as by-catch.

Expeditions will be conducted via 76ft mothership and tenders for fishing. Key anchorage(s) will be selected to access the waterways within scope of the fishing campaign ahead.

Special extended exploration schedules will be offered to eastern systems of Timika, Mimika & Asmat (West Papua) and Dobo/Aru Islands in the future. 

Contact us to be part of a unique and wild expedition experience.

FORMAT - ARRIVAL

DAY 1

Your 9 day expedition package starts and ends at Kaimana airport (KNG) on the published days of the expedition schedule (or enrollment form). The included vehicle transfer is less than 10 minutes to the departure port.

The mothership vessel will depart for an overnight transit to the expedition anchorage – depending on maritime conditions and flight/other delays – the transit time will be an average of 15 hours for a fishing mobilisation on Day 2 mid-morning (approx).

FORMAT - FISHING

DAY 2 - 8

On Day 2, fishing will commence after the mothership has established a safe anchorage and greeting party has been sent to the village (kampung) for formalities and permits. This is the prime time to enjoy breakfast, prepare tackle and take in the views.

Fishing for the next 7 days (up to late afternoon of day 8) will be via 2-share tender using Indonesian style long-boats. These tenders can vary between 19ft to 26ft.

FORMAT - DEPARTURE

DAY 8-9

On Day 7, a plan will be made to confirm departure time for the afternoon/evening of Day 8. This will be dependent on the location of the mothership, weather and maritime conditions.

On Day 8, the mothership will depart back to Kaimana port for an overnight transit to arrive on the morning of Day 9 – ready for your same day flight from Kaimana to your onward destination (usually via Sorong [SOQ]).

lodging / Ammenities

Accommodation will be onboard 76 foot Indonesian-style mothership in a shared 8 capacity cabin. The cabin features 8 individual bunks – each with mattress, pillow, sheet and a power outlet (Type-C, 2-PIN, 240v). The cabin is air-conditioned and has a stocked mini-fridge for cold refreshments within arms-length. Insect nets are not required as the cabin is fully sealed. A separate bathroom features a freshwater shower and squat toilet. The vessel features aft kitchen/dining area and ample forward bow space for tackle preparation and enjoying the amazing coastal and jungle scenery.

EXPEDITION LIFE

Whilst we do our best to maintain a minimum threshold of comfort, expeditions are operated out in the “frontier“.

We include all meals/snacks, bottled purified water, soda and guided expertise that is unparalleled around the world for expedition-style angling.

Local Bintang beer is provided complimentary* (*refer to terms). Other beverages can be arranged on request at additional cost (requires prepayment).

SAFETY

Our job is to keep you safe. We can assure you that West Papua is safe and that existing areas and communities are visited on a permit basis.  These permit fees are included in your expedition fees (limited to several villages within a localized area). New areas can be explored and negotiated as required for an additional fee**.

For additional safety, a member of the Indonesian Defence Force will be on board for escort and security duties.

An English/Bahasa speaking translator will also be onboard and is included in your expedition fee.

 

West Papua Black Bass Fishing Rock Expeditions 29 (2)

SEASON

Prime season for conditions and Black Bass activity are APRIL/MAY and SEPT/OCT through to JAN. Being a tropical latitude, rain can occur at anytime, however, the above periods are considered drier than others.

River flooding is part of the natural cycle and can be unpredictable – unfortunately, no one can beat mother nature! Fishing can be difficult during these times.

WEATHER

Local weather averages between 24°C (75f) to 32°C (90f) and is often calm and sunny. Life in the tropics means rain squalls and thunderstorms are part of daily life but they are usually short-lived! We recommend bringing a quality rain/spray jacket.

Nights can get cool, particularly near large bodies of inland water. We do suggest bringing warm, comfortable clothing such as tracksuit pants, long-sleeve shirts and socks (also helps with sandflies and mosqitoes).

 

TRIP CAPACITY

We require a minimum of 4 anglers to operate an expedition. We can operate with a maximum of 6 anglers on a 2-2-2 basis.

We welcome all solo anglers. Expeditions will not be confirmed until minimum capacity has been reached. A deposit is required to secure your spot.

For exclusive groups, we require all deposits for ALL slots (anglers) to be paid to confirm the reservation.

 

SCHEDULE

IMPORTANT NOTES: Expedition schedule is subject to change without notice. Expedition schedule will be updated with extended exploratory expeditions that may replace already published dates. You may request custom expedition dates and exclusive group booking at any time – contact us to discuss (note: expeditions shorter than 9 days are not available).

HOW TO GET TO WEST PAPUA

West Papua is typically accessed via Jakarta (CGK) or Denpasar [DPS] (Bali). Jakarta has many daily inbound flights arriving from major international airlines.

Your final destination in West Papua will be Kaimana airport (KNG) – which must be accessed via Sorong [SOQ].

A typical example will be Jakarta (Garuda Air) > Sorong > Kaimana (Wings/Lion Air).

TRANSFERS

Transfers are included in your expedition fee. You will be collected and returned to Kaimana airport via vehicle.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Our team can assist with Jakarta & Denpasar (Bali) travel advice for hotel, flights and transfers. We can also provide coordination for hotels and transfers.

WHAT ABOUT MALARIA?

Due to mangroves, swamps, flood plains and stagnant water – mosquitoes are a fact of life in this region. Please consult your GP for advice and possible anti-malarial medication suitable for you. 

Note: not all bites and mosquito species carry malaria!

TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS

> We highly recommend a layover day or two in Jakarta or Denpasar (Bali) for acclimation purposes, overcome jet-lag and to ensure you have adequate time for connecting flights/transfers.

> If you would like to arrive or stay longer in Kaimana – we recommend staying at the Grand Papua Hotel. Do not confuse this with a hotel of the same name in Papua New Guinea.

> Some flight itineraries may have extended layovers periods (particularly for Kaimana >  Sorong > onward destination – due to the timing of the respective flights. We recommend staying at the Swiss-Belhotel in Sorong. You can book direct or through Booking.com.

> We recommend full-length clothing for this region as mosquitoes, sand flies and contact with vegetation is likely.

FISHING TACKLE - CONVENTIONAL

Papuan Black Bass will test the limits and connections of all your fishing tackle. Invest in quality equipment and ensure your connections are sounds and all terminals (split rings, swivels, hooks, snaps etc.) are all replaced with top of the line hardware (Shout, CB One, Owner, Varivas etc.). Below are some recommendations:

> Reels: Shimano Tranx 200, 300 sizes, Shimano Stella SWC 5000

> Rods: PE5 – 10 rated, less than 6ft, select tip actions appropriate to the baits you wish to cast. Often, anglers will travel with a minimum of 2x Black Bass bait casting outfits. We highly suggest having 1-2 additional spare rods at your disposal – 3 to 4 rods is ideal. We currently use 4-piece Tulala Japan and Bombada rods with great success.

> Mainline/Braided Line: Solid Braids such as TasLine 60 – 80lb (PE8), Hollow Braids 60lb (PE6)

> Shock Leader: Varivas Fluorocarbon, YGK FC Absorber – 100lb, 130lb classes

> Split Rings: Owner Hyperwire #7 (36kg), BKK 5/6/7 (37kg to 45kg), CB One

 Max Power #6, #7, #8 (150-200lb) – it is important to select the strongest rings that fit and allow for free movement on your lure anchor points.

FISHING TACKLE - FLY-FISHING

> #10 – #13 Fly Fishing outfits. 

> Shorter rods are preferable where a majority of casts will be less than 40ft.

> Swamp and Lake fishing can benefit from longer casts due to less obstructions and spookier fish. 

> Fish are primarily played off the on the fly-line in close quarters

> Whilst fish rarely reach backing – suggest 80lb loaded in case of river GT etc.

> 100-130lb Bite Tippet with 50lb butt section or similar.

> All loops and connections must be upgraded.

> Floating, Intermediate and Sinking lines all have application, however, intermediate would be the most versatile.

 

PRICING

9 DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY

CONTACT US FOR PRICING
  • INCLUSIONS
  • 7 Fishing Days
  • Daily Guided Fishing (on 2 share tender)
  • Fishing/Tribal Permits
  • Mothership Accommodation
  • Meals & Snacks
  • Bottled Water & Soft Drinks
  • Beer (on fair share basis)
  • Airport Return Transfers
  • Package is ex. nominated airport only (contact us)

  • Exclusions
  • Flights
  • Accommodation (Layover or otherwise additional, cancellation)
  • Indonesia Entry Permit
  • Additional Alcohol & Spirits
  • Fishing Tackle & Consumables (available for rent/purchase)
  • Insurance (mandatory)
  • Tip/Gratuity

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Rock Expeditions is a specialist guiding company that focuses on ‘catch & release’ sportfishing throughout the Indo-Pacific. Our expeditions are underpinned by local communities to facilitate the most authentic and immersive experiences possible.

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  • PO Box 7150, Alexandria NSW 2015 AUSTRALIA
  • +61414241971
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