Nick,
Mate I'll just let you know what I use.
I wouldn't even go to 1770 unless I had a "Bring it on" rod built by ... Mark Alderson 0448 857 775. I would throw any 15-24 kg Wilson or equivalent in the boat as a spare at best (personally I'd throw them in the bin). I've had over 20 guys fish with me in the last few years and almost everyone has bought a "bring it on" since. So I can guarantee that this rod will not be out fished up there. I hardly know Mark and he's no mate of mine it's just his rod's especially the "bring it on" is brilliant for the fishing up there. In my boat alone last year this rod alone would of landed 150+reds (legal) and 200+trout. With all other rods combined used by a variety of people not even amounting to 10 of each. The soft tip on these rod's combined with the grunt are second to none. This is usually the reason people come back and order a rod. It's best to get one before you go if you can afford it.
Reel. A Torsa 20 or 30. It needs to have a reasonable speed retrieve to hook the fish.
Braid. 50lb Bionic (must be pink!!!)
10mtrs min fluro carbon leader.
Rig. Running ball as small as possible to reach the bottom with no more than 30% more line than the depth out. So if you were fishing 40mtrs no more than 50-55 mtrs of line out before first hitting the bottom. Otherwise you will create a pendulum effect when you hook up and you stand a good chance of being bricked on a decent fish.
Hooks. 3 x 8/0 big guns swiveled together. I personally wouldn't take another hook unless you are targeting mac's.
Bait. PILLIES ONLY. No mullet or squid or rubbish like that. Use pillies all day every day unless you catch a spaniard. Spaniards are the best bait but failing that you will catch plenty of flesh baits along the way. I wouldn't use a flesh bait over a pilly unless i'm targeting reds.
Areas to fish. 20-30k's ok but 35k's much better. By your tackle, bait and ice from Tony at Agnes bait and tackle and he will point you in the right direction. Call him before you go up so he has what you need and he is excellent to deal with. Not only are you supporting a local small business you will also get invaluable inside info that I doubt you will get from the average punter. Go in there and just buy a bag of ice and he will just give you what you give him.
Failing that if you are struggling for marks by September just send me a PM and I'll send some through.
Good Luck!!
Cheers