To be honest, during this Lombok expedition, my rod never once bent properly with the GTs, groupers, or amberjacks I was primarily targeting. All that remained by the boat were a magnificent bigfin reef squid caught by a fellow guest and a few lizardfish that persistently tangled with my jig. Judging by the numbers alone, it was a complete bust.

However, as you gain more expedition experience, you realize something. When exploring an undeveloped area for the first time, it's actually more unsettling if you immediately catch your target fish. Accidental good luck can lead to a misunderstanding of the true nature of the fishing grounds. What's truly valuable is understanding "why aren't they biting?" and "what's missing?" when you don't catch anything. This trip, in particular, became a reconnaissance mission that yielded powerful real-world data, which will undoubtedly lead to an overwhelmingly successful catch rate next time.

Prologue / Carrying The Gear & Transit

For an overseas offshore expedition, the battle already begins at the airport check-in counter. On May 18th, I departed Miyazaki at 7:35 AM, transiting through Haneda to Jakarta. Thanks to the ANA SFC (Super Flyers Card) benefits, I could check in up to 40kg for free, so I consolidated my three large items (suitcase, D-cut box, rod case) to just under 30kg, easily passing check-in without worrying about excess weight.

All the elite gear I brought for this expedition. The holy trinity: suitcase, D-cut box, and rod case.

For carry-on, I had a wheeled bag (7kg) and a backpack (4kg) safely packed with three main reels. My absolute expedition rule is to keep valuable precision equipment like high-end reels with me in the cabin at all times, to completely prevent the risk of damage from lost luggage or rough handling.

After a comfortable flight of about 8 hours, I arrived at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 4 PM local time. Thanks to having completed the new "All Indonesia" system procedures and the electronic arrival visa "e-VOA" online in advance, my entry into Indonesia was seamless, simply by scanning my passport at the automated gate. I picked up my baggage and was surprised by the smooth entry, requiring only another QR code scan at the customs lane.

At "Putu Made," a Balinese restaurant at Jakarta Airport. I indulged in spicy Nasi Campur and chilled Bintang beer before heading to bed early.

After immigration, I went straight to 'd'primahotel Airport T3', which is connected to the terminal. After checking in, I headed to 'Putu Made', a Balinese restaurant in the connected restaurant area, which is the only place in the domestic terminal where you can drink beer. I enjoyed their famous spicy satay and nasi campur with a refreshing Bintang beer before turning in for the night. The next morning, I woke up at 5 AM and headed to the Garuda Indonesia domestic counter.

Here's some advice for expedition anglers. Domestic economy flights (purchased for about 30,000 yen) have a 20kg checked baggage limit, so it was a good idea to pre-pay a 10kg excess baggage fee online with a credit card. However, the counter on the day was incredibly long. I spent over 30 minutes on the procedures and barely made it to the gate two minutes before boarding time. It's advisable to allow at least 2.5 hours for transit.

Departing Jakarta at 7:30 AM, after a two-hour flight, we finally landed on Lombok Island! We were picked up by ASKA-san, the reliable representative of "Ceria Surf," who would be looking after us again this time. We went to the homestay (accommodation) run by Aska-san, which would be our base. It came with a king-size bed, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a gas stove, a flush toilet, and a hot shower for 350,000 Rupiah (approx. 3,500 yen) per night. Round-trip airport transfers were 400,000 Rupiah (4,000 yen). The full-service surf & fishing guide is 800,000 Rupiah (8,000 yen) per day for one person, with prices decreasing for more people.

The clean and comfortable room at Ceria Surf where we stayed this time. The moment of relief after lining up my trusty rods by the bed and confirming their safety was truly special.

Day 1 / Waves Came First

For the planning of this survey fishing trip, I enlisted the full cooperation of Win-san, Indonesia's No. 1 surf guide who knows everything about the sea. The key to the tide chart he produced was the "new moon spring tide" on May 20th. This is the golden time when the current is at its strongest, creating the most intense movement of water, which forces large migratory fish like GT (Giant Trevally) to go into feeding mode.

However, unexpected developments are common when dealing with nature. Just before heading out for fishing, an exceptional swell hit the "Air Guling Point," which is unusual for the dry season. Information came in that the best waves would be present from the 20th to the 23rd, so we urgently switched the first half of the trip to surfing time!

From early morning, the waves were clean and perfect, head-high or bigger. The session, gliding down the mellow and beautiful faces, far better than during the rainy season, was nothing short of blissful. On the 22nd, in our excitement, we even had an incident where we snapped a cherished surfboard in half, but the magnificent waves we enjoyed more than made up for it, compressing our serious fishing into the latter half of the schedule.

Day 2 / The Hidden Wall at Outer Reef

GT Casting Survey — The biggest infrastructural hurdle: finding a "boat suitable for casting"

We chartered a local boat operated by the veteran captain of Air Guling, one of the top surf breaks in the Kuta area, with the full intention of targeting large GTs. We embarked on an exciting exploration plan, aggressively moving from spot to spot along the drop-offs around the fiercely breaking outer reef.

However, after only a few tens of minutes of casting plugs into the swirling currents of the break line, I was confronted with a critical obstacle inherent in the fishing grounds, even before encountering any GTs. It wasn't the presence or absence of fish, but rather the "structure of the boat itself."

Attacking the reef edge of Air Guling. A practical boat also used for transporting surfers demands extremely high balance when casting. The photo shows Win-san from CERIA SURF, who always takes good care of us. He's very friendly and kind, and I always feel that a fulfilling Lombok life wouldn't be possible without him.

The local boat we used this time is an excellent, practical vessel, perfect for safely shuttling surfers to points or for leisurely bottom fishing while seated. However, for "modern GT fishing," which involves making full casts with heavy plugs over 100g all day long and continuously popping with intense force, the boat is subjected to entirely different demands (restoring force and a high casting platform).

When taking strong swells from the open ocean broadside, the slender boat, lacking a casting deck, rolls relentlessly. At the reef edge, where the tide moves most vigorously and waves are highest, there's no stable footing to brace against. It's an extreme situation where "the most you can do is grab onto something with one hand and rigidify your core to maintain balance." Even for myself, maintaining a casting position was barely possible, making it utterly impossible for multiple people to cast plugs simultaneously.

No matter how appealing the terrain, it's almost impossible to effectively fish if there's no safe footing to stand on.

The veteran captain, earnestly trying to recall fragmented memories of carrying GT anglers decades ago, navigated with sincerity and daring. However, modern casting games primarily involve a tactical style where anglers actively instruct the captain with GPS coordinates, based on millimeter-level analysis of precise reef drop-offs and current flows using the latest nautical charts (digital maps).

On this occasion, both the point data and the physical infrastructure of a "safe and stable boat" were completely lacking. Judging that we had gained significant insight, we made the difficult decision to withdraw from GT casting after just one day, rather than risking further danger. However, from the looks of the terrain's undulations, the potential is undoubtedly real.

Day 3 / Deep Jigging Without fish finder

Gerupuk Bay Jigging — Excellent boat handling, but a fish finder is the missing piece.

We changed our mindset and chartered a boat from Rodem-san, a close captain in the Gerupuk area and a skilled angler with experience working on Japanese tuna fishing boats. At 6 AM, we set out from the quiet Gerupuk Bay for slow jigging.

This time, the boat was an Indonesian-specific outrigger longboat with log stabilizers on both sides. In stark contrast to the casting boat from the previous day, it boasted overwhelming stability against rolling. With surf guide Win and fellow angler Yasu-san, who was staying in Lombok, we approached a deep area around 100 meters in depth.

What surprised me was Captain Rodem's incredible "line-keeping" technique. He skillfully mixed the outboard engine (fine-tuning forward and reverse movements) to perfectly counteract the wind and current, allowing the line to drop vertically into the sea. With PE #2 line and a 200g slow jig (Takamitechnos Renegade Proto No. 2, jig is SFC Arrow), bottom contact was extremely clear. Slow pitch jigging of a caliber comparable to top-notch Japanese charter boats was perfectly achievable on this unexplored, foreign old boat.

The lizardfish aggressively attacked my jig. Though there was a sense of fish life, the frustration of not being able to pinpoint the main target's depth continued.

However, here again, a characteristic of unexplored areas presented itself. Despite this excellent boat operation environment, the boat was not equipped with electronic devices such as a "fish finder." The captain used the traditional "yamatate" (mountain alignment) technique, using landmarks on land to pinpoint rocky formations and position the boat precisely over them. But while this could identify "undulating terrain," it couldn't visualize "which range baitfish or amberjacks were schooling in at that very moment."

Win, who was deep eging, regrettably lost a good-sized bigfin reef squid at the boat's edge. While lizardfish, predators of sandy bottoms, persistently attacked my jig, time passed without contact from the target amberjacks or large yellowtail. However, at 9 AM, Yasu-san's rod (Arrow 230g), on his first attempt at jigging, drew a beautiful arc and stopped!

"It's heavy, so heavy!" he exclaimed, and carefully reeled in his line. What appeared at the end was a colossal bigfin reef squid, firmly hugging the jig! It was a perfect dramatic moment where the alluring falling action unique to slow pitch jigging directly triggered the feeding instinct of the giant squid lurking in the deep.

Ultimately, we added two more lizardfish and decided to pack up after 11 AM, frustrated by our inability to pinpoint the fish's exact depth. However, this fishing trip showed immense potential. Captain Rodem himself is a true veteran, having caught monster groupers and amberjacks over 30kg multiple times in this area. The fish are definitely there. While respecting the traditional yamatate drift method, I am convinced that simply bringing one "portable fish finder" would dramatically increase the catch rate for this game.

Incidentally, if you specifically target bigfin reef squid in the local flat areas with egi (squid jigs), they say you can catch them year-round. Since I had several strong squid contacts on my jig, it's now confirmed that I'll be stashing light eging tackle and plenty of dropper egi in my D-cut box for the next expedition.

Field Map / Indonesia Offshore Fishing Guide

Beyond my real-life experiences, I've systematized the "four major area characteristics around Lombok Island" and "offshore front-line data for all of Indonesia" based on extensive research, which is what every angler considering an expedition wants to know most. Correctly matching your objective with the season is an absolute condition for a successful expedition.

Lombok Island, with its vast, untouched nature. Understanding the characteristics of each area reveals a world-class fishing ground.

Area 01 / West Lombok

SEKOTONG

The main hub for GT casting and jigging.

Considered the "ultimate answer" for serious big game and migratory fish in Lombok. It boasts scattered "secret Gili" islands, including Gili Gede, forming a prime GT ambush zone due to complex currents. Untouched by mass tourism, fishing pressure is very low, offering opportunities for GT, dogtooth tuna, amberjack, and large groupers. A strong point is the presence of specialized operators available via web and WhatsApp who communicate in English.
[Best Season] May to November (Dry Season)

Lombok Fishing Trip

Area 02 / North Lombok

SENGGIGI & MALIMBU

Easygoing tropical light game

This is a tourist area in the west and north with high-end resorts and developed infrastructure. The main fishing grounds are around the Gili Islands and off Malimbu, where trolling and light bottom fishing are popular, making it accessible for beginners. Beautiful catches of mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, and wahoo can be expected. Numerous all-inclusive tours are available for around 350 USD for a boat of 4 people.
[Best Season] April to October (on calm days)

Adi Trekker

Area 03 / South Lombok

KUTA & GERUPUK

A zone that combines surfing and unexplored offshore fishing.

The south coast, which we explored this time. This area features world-class surf spots like Air Guling and Mawi. While surf culture is strong, large, specialized fishing operators are not yet present. This is precisely why it offers the rugged charm of directly attacking untouched frontiers at an exceptionally low cost, by individually chartering boats through local networks (around 20,000 yen for half a day), like with Win or Captain Rodem.
[Best Season] GT: April-June, September-November / Jigging: November-March (Rainy Season)

Ceria Surf

Beyond / East Indonesia

SUMBAWA EXPEDITION

Mega-game for serious expedition anglers

Sumbawa Island, located to the east of Lombok, is a serious fishing ground in Indonesia where mega-fights with giant amberjacks, monster GTs, and colossal yellowfin tuna unfold. Extreme tours can be arranged to raid seamounts by speedboat, several hours from Lombok Island. The Labuan Bajo area in South Sumbawa is an acclaimed, uncharted monster territory for professional anglers from abroad.
[Best Season] May-June / September (super calm at season change)

Lombok Fishing Adventure

As such, the Indonesian sea has clear rules: "Rainy season = The winds calm down on the south side (Kuta, Gerupuk), and jigging season peaks," while "Dry season = GTs explode in the wind-sheltered reefs of the west side (Sekotong)." Simply keeping these characteristics in mind and adjusting your packing will dramatically increase your catch rate.

Current Status / Cost vs Strategy

While there are some very expensive packages for Westerners (such as tropical fishing camps) in the offshore hub of southern Lombok, these can cost hundreds of thousands of yen and are by no means affordable. On the other hand, the method we pioneered, "individually chartering excellent captains through a local network," costs approximately 20,000 yen (about 130 USD) for half a day. This incredible cost-performance ratio makes it an extremely exciting option for anglers who want to test their gear and skills.

However, the low arrangement cost goes hand-in-hand with the fact that all responsibility for safety equipment and game planning rests entirely on the angler's shoulders. Since there's no perfect all-inclusive boat available with a single click on a booking site, it requires a painstaking process of finding captains through word-of-mouth, starting with a reliable local guide (like Win). But isn't that precisely the true pleasure of an expedition, where "travel and fishing" are highly integrated?

Epilogue / The Search Never Stops

On this survey, my rod didn't land any big catches. But the overwhelming potential of the sea hidden in this island, the accuracy of a single portable fish finder to pinpoint ranges precisely, and the deep eging rig to secure souvenirs reliably. The fact that I've so clearly identified the missing pieces means that next time, I'll "win."

On Lombok's south coast in Kuta, Win has already achieved legendary status in the surfing world as a local guide. Powerful reef breaks are scattered around the surf points. Just a few miles offshore in the same beautiful sea, a massive, uncharted offshore wonderland lies quietly, yet to be systematized by anyone. On the next expedition, based on this data, I will build a perfect system (fish finder, nautical charts, dedicated eging and tai-rubber, etc.) and will definitely bend my rod and show you a monster in this blog. To carve the first perfect footprint with my own hands on an unexplored frontier—that is the most luxurious privilege allowed to us expedition anglers. A re-challenge is confirmed for sometime this year or next.