GT Fishing with Furuno: The Ultimate Edge for Landing Giant Trevally
Few fish match the sheer power, aggression, and excitement of Giant Trevally (GT). These apex predators are the bullies of the reef, known for their explosive strikes, blistering runs, and relentless fighting spirit. For serious anglers, targeting GTs requires not just skill and determination but also the right technology to locate them in their prime habitats.
This is where Furuno’s advanced marine electronics come into play. Whether you're fishing near coral reefs, rocky outcrops, or deep-water drop-offs, Furuno’s cutting-edge sonar and navigation systems give you the competitive edge needed to find, track, and land these powerful fish.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best Furuno technology for GT fishing, how to use sonar to locate prime GT zones, and expert techniques to help you hook and land trophy-sized trevally.
Why Giant Trevally Are the Ultimate Sportfish
? Explosive Topwater Strikes
GTs are highly aggressive and will crush poppers, stickbaits, and live bait with unmatched ferocity. The sight of a massive GT smashing a surface lure is one of the most thrilling moments in sportfishing.
? Unstoppable Power & Speed
Once hooked, GTs will immediately head for structure, using their brute strength to break off anglers on reefs, wrecks, and rocks. They are one of the hardest-fighting fish on the planet.
? Habitat & Challenge
Giant Trevally are typically found around coral reefs, deep drop-offs, submerged pinnacles, and current-rich areas, making them both difficult to locate and challenging to land.
How Furuno Gives You the Edge in GT Fishing
Catching GTs is about more than just casting lures and hoping for the best. Success depends on knowing where they feed, how they move, and how to position your boat for the perfect strike zone. Furuno’s advanced sonar and navigation technology helps you do exactly that.
1. Finding GT Hotspots with Furuno Fish Finders
Furuno’s CHIRP and Multibeam sonar allow anglers to locate GT-rich environments with unmatched clarity and precision.
Best Sonar Features for GT Fishing:
- Furuno DFF3D Multibeam Sonar – Provides a 120-degree wide scan of the water, helping anglers locate bait schools, submerged structures, and active GTs.
- Furuno FCV-295 & FCV-1150 Fish Finders – Deliver high-powered depth penetration, allowing you to spot GTs hunting in deeper reefs and drop-offs.
- Bottom Discrimination Mode – Helps identify hard reef structures where GTs ambush prey.
Pro Tip: Look for large bait concentrations near reefs and ledges. GTs often patrol these areas, waiting to strike at unsuspecting prey.
2. Using Side Scan & 3D Sonar to Locate GT Schools
Traditional sonar shows what’s directly below the boat, but GTs often move along reef edges and ledges. Furuno’s DFF3D Side Scan & 3D Sonar give you a wider perspective, helping you track GT movements more effectively.
? Side Scan Mode – Reveals fish up to 650 feet on either side, helping you cover more ground.
? Cross-Section View – Displays a vertical slice of the water column, showing GT depth and movement.
? 3D Sounder History – Helps build a real-time underwater map, allowing you to identify consistent GT feeding areas.
? Pro Tip: Cast poppers and stickbaits into the GT’s strike zone instead of blind casting. Furuno’s sonar helps you pinpoint where to focus your efforts.
3. Pinpoint Navigation & Drift Fishing with Furuno GPS & Chartplotters
Once you’ve located a prime GT zone, boat positioning is crucial. GT fishing often involves drift fishing over reefs, casting lures into strategic strike areas.
Best Furuno Navigation Tools for GT Fishing:
- NavNet TZtouch3 Chartplotters – Offer high-resolution mapping, tide data, and drift prediction to keep you in the best GT zones.
- C-MAP & Navionics Charts – Provide detailed bathymetric data, showing reef drop-offs and GT feeding lanes.
- Furuno Autopilot Systems – Help maintain precise boat positioning for efficient drift fishing.
Pro Tip: Use waypoints to mark bait-rich areas and GT strike zones. This allows you to return to productive spots consistently.
4. Using Furuno Radar for Safety & GT Tracking
GT fishing often takes anglers into remote, reef-laden waters, where navigation challenges can arise. Furuno’s Halo Radar & AIS tracking help ensure safety and efficiency.
? Avoiding Hazards – Identify shallow reefs, rocky outcrops, and navigation risks in low visibility.
? Tracking Bird Activity – GTs often follow feeding birds that indicate surface baitfish schools.
? Weather Monitoring – Stay ahead of storm systems and rough sea conditions.
Pro Tip: If you spot diving birds on your radar, head towards them. There’s a high chance GTs are feeding beneath the action.
GT Fishing Techniques with Furuno Technology
Now that you’ve used Furuno electronics to locate the fish, it’s time to hook up and fight!
1. Topwater Popping for Explosive Strikes
- Best Lures: Large poppers & stickbaits
- Retrieve: Aggressive popping action to mimic struggling bait
- Best Conditions: GTs love strong currents, tide changes, and early morning bites
2. Jigging for Deep-Water GTs
- Best Jigging Depths: 100-250 feet near reef drop-offs
- Best Jigs: Heavy flutter & speed jigs (150-300g)
- Retrieve: Fast, erratic retrieves to trigger reaction strikes
3. Live Baiting for Trophy-Sized GTs
- Best Baits: Live mullet, bonito, or fusilier
- Best Rigs: Heavy leader (100-150lb fluorocarbon) with a circle hook
- Technique: Drift fishing near reef structures & current lines
Final Thoughts: Furuno Gives You the Ultimate GT Fishing Advantage
Giant Trevally are one of the most challenging and rewarding sportfish in the ocean. With their raw power, aggressive nature, and challenging habitat, catching them requires more than just good luck—it demands the best marine technology available.
Furuno’s fish finders, sonar systems, GPS chartplotters, and radar technology give anglers the ability to locate, track, and target GTs with precision, turning every trip into a high-adrenaline adventure.
Get Equipped & Fish Smarter with Furuno
Are you ready to dominate the reefs and battle monster GTs? Equip your boat with Furuno’s industry-leading marine electronics and take your fishing game to the next level.
? Visit Furuno to explore the best gear for GT fishing!