Sunday was a bit of a milestone for me -- I caught my first yak fish.
With high tide at 8am, I launched from Roseville Bridge at 6:30am and trolled an SX40 through the moored boats. It was an overcast day but the air was fairly warm and the sun trying its best to break through the clouds.
Ado had previously mentioned a fairly helpful formula -- "Dropoffs from mudflats and soft plastics = flathead" so I decided to head back up to Bantry Bay and try those flats again. With the SX40 gone and a 3" SP on, I started fishing my way across the shallow water. By this time it was high tide and there was about half a metre of water right up to the mangroves. A few casts later and bam, my rod jerked into action. If anyone was watching they would have seen me get the fright of my life. It literally took me a second to compose myself.
Anyway, I started reeling him in and as soon as he saw the yak he was off in a hurry. 30s later and I had a flathead on my lap and the biggest smile on my face. When you've never caught a fish in a yak before the last thing you think to pack is a ruler so I couldn't give you a measurement on this guy. I did manage a photo before I sent him back to the drink though.
With that photo sent to practically everyone in my phone I I decided to head back to the ramp while trolling the SP. Just a quick question -- is trolling a SP silly? Do you only troll hard bodies?
Anyway, about 500m from the ramp I decided to have another flick around the moored boats. Flick flick and I'm on again! Unlike the previous fish this guy seemed to have a bit of power on him and went on a run that seemed to last forever (though it was probably just a few seconds). Scared that he'd snag me on the rocks I tightened the drag only to have him snap off my leader. I was disappointed but still stoked that I managed another hook up.
15 minutes later and I'm on again! This one felt a bit different -- I didn't feel the take but just felt weight when hopping it back towards me. I actually thought I was snagged. Anyway, even though this guy didn't have the same power as the previous two as soon as I saw him I let out a little cheer. He was bigger than the first! With no net on me though, I had to pick him up by the leader. Rookie mistake. In the 3s he was in the air my knot snapped and I saw my prize swim away back to his flathead home.
So time for another dumb question. There are now two fish in middle harbour with a 1/12 jig head and 3" SP in their mouths. Will they be ok? Do the hooks dissolve in time?
Anyway, it was great day on the water and every time I go out I always learn something new. Yesterday's lesson? Bring a net when fishing.
Hon
With high tide at 8am, I launched from Roseville Bridge at 6:30am and trolled an SX40 through the moored boats. It was an overcast day but the air was fairly warm and the sun trying its best to break through the clouds.
Ado had previously mentioned a fairly helpful formula -- "Dropoffs from mudflats and soft plastics = flathead" so I decided to head back up to Bantry Bay and try those flats again. With the SX40 gone and a 3" SP on, I started fishing my way across the shallow water. By this time it was high tide and there was about half a metre of water right up to the mangroves. A few casts later and bam, my rod jerked into action. If anyone was watching they would have seen me get the fright of my life. It literally took me a second to compose myself.
Anyway, I started reeling him in and as soon as he saw the yak he was off in a hurry. 30s later and I had a flathead on my lap and the biggest smile on my face. When you've never caught a fish in a yak before the last thing you think to pack is a ruler so I couldn't give you a measurement on this guy. I did manage a photo before I sent him back to the drink though.
With that photo sent to practically everyone in my phone I I decided to head back to the ramp while trolling the SP. Just a quick question -- is trolling a SP silly? Do you only troll hard bodies?
Anyway, about 500m from the ramp I decided to have another flick around the moored boats. Flick flick and I'm on again! Unlike the previous fish this guy seemed to have a bit of power on him and went on a run that seemed to last forever (though it was probably just a few seconds). Scared that he'd snag me on the rocks I tightened the drag only to have him snap off my leader. I was disappointed but still stoked that I managed another hook up.
15 minutes later and I'm on again! This one felt a bit different -- I didn't feel the take but just felt weight when hopping it back towards me. I actually thought I was snagged. Anyway, even though this guy didn't have the same power as the previous two as soon as I saw him I let out a little cheer. He was bigger than the first! With no net on me though, I had to pick him up by the leader. Rookie mistake. In the 3s he was in the air my knot snapped and I saw my prize swim away back to his flathead home.
So time for another dumb question. There are now two fish in middle harbour with a 1/12 jig head and 3" SP in their mouths. Will they be ok? Do the hooks dissolve in time?
Anyway, it was great day on the water and every time I go out I always learn something new. Yesterday's lesson? Bring a net when fishing.
Hon