Wind: Light NW earlier, then calm
Swell: 1.3m easterly
Current: none
Launch point: Middle Groyne
Participants: pedro, redwood, deecee (DC), gemini, whalebait, carter, sunshiner
Despite the fact that the guys who went yesterday got no fish, today, being Saturday and better weather, attracted a few Noosa Yakkers, all locals. As acting Trip Coordinator (Jaro's off wrestling grizzlies in Alaska) I made the call for a 7:00am start, a little late for the others, as it turned out as I was last to launch and also had to scratch around to find a decent carpark for unloading.
Note there is no channel next to the groyne and the sandbank which has moved shoreward is visible in this pic if you look carefully.
Although there were some bigger waves coming through I dry bummed it today, and was soon out the back in glassy conditions. Ahead of me about 2-3 km out was a low bank of cloud extending from west to east and I guessed it probably would have been a bit foggy with a NW breeze at Jew Shoal.
A couple of quick radio calls established that most of the gang at least were at Jew Shoal and had landed nothing yet so I opted to head there also. Kayaking in Laguna Bay on such a winter's morning as today's is always pleasant and I relished getting out into the ocean again.
Jew Shoal was pretty quiet today, with no surface action, not even turtles, dolphins or whales visible. The drift was perfect but the fish were scarce. I understand that redwood had an encounter with at least one unstoppable (perhaps he'll tell us about it) but I, using lures only, didn't get a touch. Most of the others got at least one small snapper each, using various baits, and whalebait did best with three, although none caught exceeded 50cm. All fish seemed to come from the deeper water (20m+) at the eastern and NW edges. Even pedro managed only one barely size fish.
By 1030-ish those of us left had accumulated at the NW corner where whalebait had found some fish so I took the opportunity to take a pic.
From left: carter, gemini, whalebait, redwood
Shortly afterward we were all heading home, just as a SE breeze sprang up. All negotiated the break easily, but care was needed as some bigger waves were coming through and the tide was low.
Carter demonstrating a brace.
Gemini shows how to get a Tempo up onto the plane.
View from the Tempo.
Today was a showcase winter day in Noosa and a superb day to be out on the ocean. It was good to meet Matt Carter ("carter") today who had his first trip with us so welcome, Matt.
Pic and text contributions from other participants welcome, just comment below or send pics (cropped and downsized to 700px wide, please) to me. Alternatively, if you have the facility, post your contribution on the practice blog and tell me about it.
Kev
Track map from Gemini's GPS
Distance 16.1 km
Max Speed 12.4 km/hour
Avg Speed 2.6 km/hour
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