Our recent expedition to the south coast region of New Britain province in Papua New Guinea was an unparalleled adventure that exceeded our wildest expectations. As we embarked on a mission to catch the legendary Papuan black bass, we were thrilled to discover the untouched and unexplored river systems that are mostly only known to the local inhabitants of the region. This pioneering helicopter fishing trip marked a new chapter in Papua New Guinea's fishing scene, and we are proud to have established our newly founded lodge in this breathtakingly beautiful area.
The 30-minute helicopter flight from Kimbe to the south coast was a scenic masterpiece, offering breathtaking views of sinkholes, caves, waterfalls, and gushing rivers. As we soared above the rivers, we caught glimpses of the incredible fishing opportunities that lay ahead. The rivers themselves are remarkably large, with intricate structures that provide an ideal environment for the bass population to thrive. We knew that we were in for an unforgettable experience.
Upon landing on our island home for the week, we quickly prepared our gear for the afternoon's fishing excursion. It didn't take long for us to catch our first black bass. The following days were a whirlwind of exploration, as we navigated new river systems, encountered local villages, and immersed ourselves in the stunning natural beauty of the region. Some of the villages we visited had never seen international tourists before, and it was heartwarming to see the locals gradually warm up to our presence, eventually waving hello and preparing their market produce for us to purchase.
The river systems themselves are a sight to behold, with vivid green and blue hues creating a picturesque environment that is unlike any other. Limestone waterfalls cascade off the banks, and small streams flow into the surrounding bush, creating a tranquil atmosphere. These natural wonders became our daily rinse-off spot, and we felt grateful to be able to experience such unspoiled beauty.
Our fishing expeditions were incredibly successful, with popular lures like the Barra Classic, Duo, and Fangbates proving to be highly effective. We caught numerous black bass and spottail bass, with many of the fish being exceptionally large. The topwater action was intense, with fish launching out of the water to attack our lures. It was not uncommon for us to lose fish due to the sheer strength of the bass, which would often drag our lines into the woody snags and cut us off.
One of the most memorable moments of our trip occurred when we were fishing at the river mouth and were called over to another boat. To our amazement, one of the anglers, Ben, had caught the largest black bass ever recorded on hook and line. The fish was so massive that Ben could barely lift it, and we had to assist him in getting it onto his lap. We took numerous photos and measurements, although the weight of the fish was unknown due to the limitations of our gear. Ben was still in shock and adrenaline-fueled as he recounted the story of how he caught the legendary fish, which included a remarkable encounter with one of the local river owners who had predicted the catch.
As the days passed, we continued to catch and lose more bass and spottails, eventually landing another monster fish, this time a spottail bass that measured over a meter in length. The size of the fish was a testament to the health and abundance of the river systems, and we were grateful to have had the opportunity to experience such incredible fishing.
Each night, we returned to our beautiful lodge, where we were treated to a range of local produce and proteins. The trip was a huge success, with over 100 fish caught and a significant injection of income into the local economy. We are proud to have been able to bring tourism to this region and provide benefits to the local community. We would like to extend our gratitude to the people for their teamwork and hospitality, which made our trip possible.
We are excited to announce that we will be offering trips to this destination in 2026, between January toJune and September to December. With a minimum group size of 4 and a maximum group size of 6 anglers, we invite you to join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. To book your spot, please email us at baiafishingpng@gmail.com, call us on +675 7340 0574 (PNG) or +61 498 173 196 (WhatsApp), or visit our website at (www.baiafishingpng.com). Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the ultimate helicopter fishing adventure in Papua New Guinea. Book now and get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime!
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