From: sunshiner
Date: 14/05/2010 12:30 PM
Weather
Cloud cover:, cloudless
Wind direction & speed: S, 5knots in Bay, stronger out wide
Sea state: 1.8m southerly swell
A glorious day on the water, but those who haven't yet taken advantage of the spotty mac run may have done their dash -- they didn't show up for us today -- pending receipt of info from a couple of other late finishers (LeRoux, Wayne).
Jaro had called for a later start because the spotties had not been showing up until about 0700 so I trundled into the carpark at about 0630 to find that whalebait's kingcab ute was in its usual parking spot. Nearby were two guys and one battered Espri yak, same colour as mine. The yak was chock a block full of buckets, bait and fishing gear, certainly no space for a paddler, so this got my curiosity meter rising. I wandered over to introduce myself and was, in turn introduced to (1) "Birdman", a scrawny heavily bearded guy about 55yo and (2) "Drew", younger and more normal looking. A brief conversation revealed that they were both going fishing, but that the buckets, bait etc were for "Drew" who was to fish from the end of the groyne while Birdman launched his Espri in quest of mackerel.
Clearly the word had got out. A quick sqizz at the surf revealed a pretty flat sea -- no problem. Back at the carpark turtleboy had now arrived and shortly after him, Jaro. It didn't take long for all of us to be ready to launch.
0636hrs. "Birdman" (left) and Jaro launching.
As you can see, a glorious morning. Everyone, predictably, launched without difficulty and soon we were ready to go. Jaro headed off to the NW while turtleboy and I headed for the river mouth where we fancied we could see terns wheeling around. We had plenty of company out there, with several power boats obviously also hoping for spotties and two or three small prawn trawlers doing their thing, as they do many mornings. Whalebait was out at Jew Shoal initially, where it was apparently very chilly and a fish-free zone, and joined us about an hour after we launched.
While there were signs of fish (occasional bustups) these turned out to be, in the main, schools of Watson's Leaping Bonito (pic later). So I'll use pics to fill in the story during the first 90 minutes or so.
Andy_Cav, Noosa Yakker Hooker, who joined us today but had to leave early mumbling something about "work"
Watson's leaping bonito, one of many caught today and kept by some for bait. Whalebait reckons they sashimi very well. Common in the ocean waters around Noosa. No size or bag limit.
Wayne Bardwell, another NY Hooker, of South African origin, who travels from Brisbane (I think) to join us when he can. Wayne's well known for the superb Spaniard he caught at Noosa earlier this year.
Two South African Hookers. LeRoux Uys, of Noosa, and Wayne, get acquainted off the river mouth.
Whalebait, demonstrating the ease of use of his new toilet (the only yak in the fleet with a toilet installed).
Anyway, we sat around for a while chatting and just enjoying the sun until eventually some mac tuna rolled up to provide some relief. Whalebait got a personal best tuna (released) and Jaro got at least one, also released.
Jaro's mackerel tuna. No bag or size limit on these powerful fighters which are not esteemed table fish.
Turtleboy, Jaro, whalebait and I returned to the beach together at about 10am in glorious autumn sunshine and a tiny swell.
Thanks for coming along guys. We'd appreciate info from LeRoux and Wayne as to whether you did better than we four did.
Kev
Red & Yellow Espri, black paddle
VHF channel 09 or 22 (if alone), Call Sign: sunshiner
http://www.noosayakkers.blogspot.com/
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