PNG fishing expedition

This Napoleon wrasse was caught on a recent fishing expedition to Pocklington Reef, on the outer reaches of Papua New Guinea’s south-eastern waters.

The fish is considered endangered by the World Wildlife Fund and it’s rare to catch one on a rod and reel.

John Cruz, from Sport Fishing PNG, says the fish was handled carefully and released back to the water in good health.

He says the nine-day commercial expedition, with fishermen from Japan, went to places where no one has cast a lure before.

“Fishing in an un-fished destination is special,’’ he says. “We were met with excellent fishing and were able to catch fish after fish, including rare species like the Napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, and dogtooth tuna, along with other massive reef species that are considered rare in other parts of the world.”

Sport Fishing PNG, which operates out of Port Moresby, is planning another expedition to Pocklington Reef next year.

The reef is located more than 300 kilometres from Missima Island, which is 280 kilometres from Alotau.