From: sunshiner
Date: 14/08/2010 2:46 PM
Weather
Cloud cover: none
Wind direction & speed: light W at first shifting to NW (up to 7 knots) from about 0900
Sea state: Low swell
Participants: Jaro, Ian, Kev
0614hrs. Jaro hits the water
Yes, it was a little later than planned but there was more light with the sun almost cracking the horizon. Planned arrangements had changed -- Jaro was now going without his mate Cyril, and I, having checked out the beach break at Sunshine Beach at about 0550, had opted not to launch there but at MG. The swell had come up sufficiently overnight to throw doubt on the launch options I'd identified yesterday. In the end, I'm glad I didn't launch at Sunshine because the swell seemed to get bigger early this morning, judging by the waves being generated at Fairy Pools. I would have got out (with a wet bum) but getting back would have been very exciting and possibly more than my ticker needs at the moment.
Anyway the launch at MG was easy although there were occasional waves breaking right on the end of the groyne and these demanded vigilance and timing to avoid getting wet (remember, it was about 6 degrees C!).
Jaro and I opted to head for Sunshine Reef as we knew that Ian would be there and also as we had beautiful conditions, except for the rising sun being right in our faces.
We left MG at 0630 and were out at the close-in mark at Sunshine Reef, where Ian was anchored, by 0720. Ian reported catching a few small snapper, sweetlip, etc on bait but had kept only one snapper so far. Full of hope and optimism, as usual, Jaro and I set up our drifts near Ian. By 0830 I, fishing exclusively with soft plastics, hadn't had a touch while Jaro, fishing with bait, had boated only an undersized snapper which he released of course. Fishing has been quite unproductive at our usual reliable spots over the last six weeks and today was to prove no different. One of these days it'll crack and we'll be into them.
0734hrs. My companions fishing on our mark at Sunshine.
With still no action, and Ian's bite having stopped completely, by around 0900 we three opted to head for Jew Shoal, 3.5 km NW.
Being Saturday and good weather, Jew Shoal was busy accommodating many more craft than we were used to. But Ian anchored again and Jaro and I set up our drifts in our favoured locations. But all was quiet, although both Jaro and I attracted some potential customers but failed to get them to sign up after receiving their enquiries. By 1030 we were still fishless and Jaro and I opted to head for home, while Ian decided to hang around for a while longer.
As usual, we both trolled our favourite lures on the way back to MG but this time, mine went off half way home.
1111hrs. Frigate mackerel, only the second I've ever caught. Note the similarity to mackerel tuna.
On arrival at MG it was apparent that the breeze had increased and swung more into the north. The beach break didn't pose any problems and we cruised in without drama.
Overall a pretty ordinary trip but you can't catch fish without getting out there and trying to find them. Perhaps Ian will have more to tell us. See you next time, Hookers.
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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