Tuna and T curves
We rushed away early this year to venture back to our favorite fishing spot. We were keeping an eye on the temperatures, water color and the currents and they all looked good! All beit down a little on last years. We were itching to try all our new gear out. We replaced all our old rods with the new T Curve series from Shimano. Both for the chair and stand up fishermen, and the new rods wouldn't look right with out brand new Tiagras!
After a slow start and a few days at the Three Kings, which weren't all that bad, as the some of the biggest blue cod I have seen were loading up our rods. No, they were definitely the biggest I have witnessed! So in the smoker they went and they were damn tasty. The idea of stopping at the Kings was that we would be able to load up on some fresh bait, and with the newly converted live bait tank, we can now hold approximately 150 of the really nice baits in absolute comfort spread between 2 tanks. However the kohies weren't playing the game and on the second morning we managed to tank a 15, so combined with the other 50 odd jacks, they should get us started!
Saturday 8th January
We arrived on the northern part of the bank at 0930hrs with much anticipation, slightly less temperature and slightly greener water then thought. Now, we would usually expect a bite instantly upon arrival in the shallows however this was not the case and we fished for the rest of the day for zip. We raised a treble and then had another 2 shots late in the afternoon, so the fish were here, but with their heads down!
Sunday 9th
In the hope to find some blue water we headed south for a little spot that had produced good numbers of stripeys in the past. With the new moon the tide was really "humping" on the eastern edge and banking up the green water, so off to the western edge to our little "nook". Here they come! Once in the bluer water we managed 8 shots for 6 tags all on our lures. To our surprise we also landed 2 yellow fin tuna, about 15 kgs each, which were perfect for the table.
10th 11th 12th
Over these days the water and temperature deteriorated, diving to 18 degrees and the tuna wouldn't leave us alone! Eventually we removed the hooks because the boys got sick of releasing tuna. Over these days the blue water got harder to find, therefore so did the marlin, we had a 2, 3 and 2 fish days respectfully so the decision was made to head for home. On a positive note, while searching round for some good water we marked some new and very promising ground, for both marlin, and swords, so watch this space.
13th 14th 15th 16th
We took it easy over the next few days getting back to the Kings, and with glassy conditions on the final day out from the Middlesex we through a couple of lures in at 13knts and landed 1 from 2 bites! So the fish are heading down?? After fishing the morning on the Middlesex in green water and 17 degrees we spent the afternoon bottom fishing, landing some nice mixed bags and a 50kg bass to one of guests.
The next day the boys went for a swim, and you guessed it, we found where the kohies were hiding out!
Upon reflection, 14 fish in 5 days fishing IS something to write home about! However after last years fishing, it barely felt like it. I explained to our guests that every season is going to be different, and seasonal changes in the weather and water temp etc have to be considered, with this season being no exception. The water just seems to be taking longer to get down here. So with that in mind our next trip is scheduled for the beginning of February when the season will be in full flight.
Good fishing
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