New Week, New Djibouti Adventure!

This week, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting a fantastic group of anglers from the Japanese brand GOOD BAIT led by its founder, Mr. Shin Yamada. Shin’s journey is one built on experience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Before founding GOOD BAIT, he worked as a lure designer for Shimano. But like many true craftsmen, Shin wanted more freedom, freedom to experiment, refine, and ultimately create lures that perform exactly the way he envisioned.

That vision became GOOD BAIT: a brand dedicated to producing lures that are not only highly effective on powerful ocean predators but also durable, practical, and accessible. All of it backed by the precision and reliability that Japanese tackle is known for.

We already had a strong introduction to his lures capabilities during Shin’s first trip to Djibouti last year. That trip was nothing short of impressive, with big numbers of Giant Trevally (GT), as well as groupers, snappers, and other reef predators falling to his designs. So expectations were high coming into this visit, but as always in fishing, the ocean had its own plans.

A Short Window, Big Challenges

Unlike the previous trip, this adventure was a short one, just four fishing days. That alone adds pressure, but what really shaped the week was the weather. Strong winds were forecasted early on, forcing us to rethink and adapt the original plan.

Shin was particularly keen on focusing on shore fishing, which in Djibouti can be incredibly rewarding, but also highly demanding. Access, timing, tides, and conditions all need to align.

A Flying Start

Despite the challenges ahead, the trip kicked off with serious momentum.

From the very first session, it was clear the fish were around. The crew wasted no time getting into action, hooking multiple species right out of the gate. Fish ranging from 3 kg up to around 35 kg were brought to hand.

Barracuda and mackerel added to the excitement, though not all encounters ended in success, some of the faster, toothier predators managed to win their battles. Still, the message was clear:

Big or small—GOOD BAIT catches them all.

The Reality of Shore Fishing

As the week progressed, shore fishing became the central focus, and with it came both challenge and reward.

Conditions weren’t always ideal. The bite wasn’t red-hot, and getting fish to commit required patience, precision, and persistence. Casting from the rocks, working lures through structure, and dealing with swell and wind pushed both anglers and guides to stay sharp.

But when things came together, the results were unforgettable.

A Moment to Remember

One moment in particular stood out above all.

During one of the shore sessions, a truly massive GT was hooked, an absolute powerhouse of a fish, estimated at over 35 kg. From the moment it struck, it was clear this was going to be a battle.

The fish immediately used the terrain to its advantage, diving under ledges and applying maximum pressure. It was the kind of situation where many fish are lost. But this time, the team wasn’t ready to give up.

In a move that defines the spirit of true guiding, Josh Wareham, our international guide, jumped into the water. Josh tracked the braid so he could manage to see if braid got stuck on the coral, and he could free it so it would not snap. It wasn’t quick, and it wasn’t easy. But eventually, the fish came slowly up from the deep water.

With the swell building on the rocks, and tension at its peak, the final moments unfolded in dramatic fashion. The landing was intense, emotional, and completely unforgettable. One of those rare experiences that stays with everyone involved forever.

Looking back, it’s moments like this that define what we do. Fishing is never just about numbers, it’s about connection, teamwork, and helping someone achieve something truly special.

Consistency, Variety, and Missed Opportunities

Beyond that standout capture, the trip continued to deliver.

More GTs were landed from the shore, smaller than the big one, but no less exciting. Every fish required effort and focus, making each success feel earned.

Snappers and groupers provided solid action, while beautiful mahi-mahi lit up the sessions with their color and speed. As always, there were also the ones that got away, the unseen giants, the near misses, the stories that will grow with time.

Four Days That Felt Like a Moment

As is often the case with trips like this, time seemed to move faster than expected. Four days passed in what felt like an instant, filled with early starts, long sessions, intense heat, and plenty of laughter along the way.

There were tough moments, including battling the conditions and even a few heat strokes, but those are all part of the experience in a place as raw and real as Djibouti.

And in the end, what remains are the memories, the kind that keep anglers coming back.

Until Next Time

To Shin Yamada and the whole GOOD BAIT crew, thank you. It’s always a privilege to share these waters with anglers who truly appreciate the craft and the challenge.

Djibouti once again delivered its mix of difficulty and reward.

We’re already looking forward to the next adventure.

Text - Robert Pljuscec

Photos - Robert Pljuscec, Joshua Wareham