I've sat here for a while trying to think of the best way to answer your question, but to put it quite simply, if you're serious about targeting GTs you really need to upgrade your reel.

If you want to target queenies then your gear should be fine but don't expect to land any big GTs.

Thanks Jay for your response. What type of rod and reel combo do you use? Also, do your prefer braid or mono and what rating does the line need to be? Cheers

craij, trying to work big poppers (120g plus) with mono is pretty much impossible mate. As a minimum i know Jay would reccomend pe8 100lb braid. Something like varivas or even XP is a good line. We use 100lb and even 130lb so we can screw the drag down on our stella 10000's and 18000's to about 15plus kg's.
i use a shimano GT special rod which retails for about 500 bucks which is a bottom of the line rod really but suits me. Jay uses a carpenter on his pe10 outfit which retails at more than a grand.
pm jay for more info mate or kasey

Craig,
You will want something about 7-8 feet in length, with as stiff a tip that you can get. You will need this stiffness in order to work chuggers effectively, and to cast. At this point, length should not be so much of an issue as being able to cast far enough and work a chugging popper.

I suggest you try chugging poppers first, instead of pencils and stickbaits, because these are the most straightforward to use.

There is no question about mono or braid. With mono, you will waste alot of energy trying to work the lure that inevitably becomes absorbed by its 'stretchiness'. Braid will also allow you better control and finesse. I would suggest 80lb braid, at this point.

Also, if you want to match what Jay is using you can, but it will make little sense until you want to pursue GTs seriously. His rod and reel will cost about 2000$. For a first-time taste, the spheros will do an adequate job on any GT less than 15 kg, provided you fully lock its drag. Even then, this will be insufficient to stop alot of fish, provided they are biting.

If there is only one piece of advise you take away from my reply, let it be this. Please debarb your trebles. For anyone popping for GTs, there is always a high chance of getting busted off, so please give the fish as much of a chance of survival by debarbing your hooks so that it may one day return to fight again.

are talking about.
(Colin 1 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)

Its basically the most expensive sport i can think of apart from sky diving 

_________________________________________________________ 

You couln't wipe that grin fom my face even with a hammer.

If you want to see some big GT's have a look on the Hawaii Fishing News website and look and their 100lb Club,

Unfortunatly not alot of release shots.

Big J - if you wanna see some big GT's check out the footage on the Nomad Sportfishing website - some monsters there. Spent many hours watching there footage

Yeah Iv'd watched it over and over, Awsome website ay....

Sitting in the office for 12hrs on night shift i get ample time to search the net.

Jarrad

One Powerball is all I will say...

spheros is a good starting point but i would recomend getting the reel up graded.I would go see quiny at bluewater melville he is the man when it comes to reels.Rod department look at the t-curve bluewater spin 15-24 good low cost alternative!

If you want to go budget have a look at the monster mesh popper rods really good value for money i think they retail at about $350 not the best you can get but it will do the job rated pe8 also get a stella upgrade for your spheros and if you like it then go spend the big bucks on all the gear
cheers mark
P.s. got to go braid