[Peril]

Met JT, Rawprawn and Crowdy at Wyee Bay early this arvo. We headed across the bay, with JT picking up a chopper on the way and me getting an undersized lizard (gold/orange scorpion) in the creek opposite.

We went up the creek under the road and met some other yakers returning from their expedition. They were pleased with their efforts but provided no details. Trolled our way up to deadwoods without further success.

In deadwoods we spread out trying different things. I spent a bit of time casting unweighted sps around the timber without getting a touch. In the meantime rawprawn trolled the open water getting himself two nice sized bream. Crowdy followed up with another legal bream. I joined the trolling party. After getting fouled a few times I came up tight and reeled in a 52cm lizard - a PB. This fish was very lethargic, taking no drag and coming straight to the net. winter. Caught on an SX40 (Colour 313) and 4lb line and leader.

We made our way back, stopping for a flick without result. On our way across Mannering Lake I got a really good take, with the fish hanging on for a while but not hooking up - I'm guessing Longtom.

It was a lovely sunny day today, 19 degrees with a fresh westerly that faded through the afternoon. A few fish and some good company made it a great day. My only complaint is that we started too late to have a long day's fishing.

 

[PeterJ]

Thats one nice flathead ,lovely spot too 8)

 

[hairymick]

G'ay Dave,

Once again, top report and piccies mate. Congratulations on th PB lizard. fine fish.

Were the other yakkers you mentioned fishermen or tourers?

Geez I love the look of that deadwoods. Has anybody thought about sneaking up in there and camping overnight? (looks ideal for it)

 

[Peril]

Thanks guys.

Mick, they were fishermen, in SIKs. And yes, when we were there yesterday the subject of camping came up.

 

[Dodge]

Good to see a crew of AKFFers out and about and well done with the lizard Dave; a new milestone to challenge you again

 

[sam60]

that place certainly lives up to its name...... but the fishing looks good and testing. well done Peril on the flatty

 

[PhilipL]

Nice work. Thanks for the report guys

 

[Russ]

Great session fella's. Your right about those Lizards Dave they really become lazy around Winter time. The Bream look nice and healthy too.

Fishing Russ

 

[YakAtak]

Aparently in winter the flathead up here get a bit slow on the pickup, but once they feel the hook they go balistic!

 

[rawprawn]

It was a great day. A relaxing paddle with great company.

The largest of the two Bream was 30cm to the fork and the second was only marginally smaller. They are the biggest bream I have caught in Dead Woods.

The was no action around the wood itself both were caught on the open water. The second fish and the largest was caught in very shallow water. It hit the second my micro mini hit the water. I dint even get one full crank in. I must have cast it right on it’s nose.

 

[Davey G]

Good report guys, glad to hear that you got something!

I agree, the fishing has really slowed down over the last couple of months.

The last few trips out I've scored a big donut each time....it's starting to get a little frustrating, but at least I'm out having a paddle!

 

[fishinswing]

Great flathead peril, it's great to be able to catch fish and paddle with fellow akff members.

 

[PoddyMullet]

Re the winter lizard Peril, in some of the Vic estuaries I've been told by old salts they move up the systems in colder months (from memory to breed). Then disperse all around from spring on...any thoughts on this one?

 

[Peril]

Re the winter lizard Peril, in some of the Vic estuaries I've been told by old salts they move up the systems in colder months (from memory to breed). Then disperse all around from spring on...any thoughts on this one?

Sorry, all I know is that they're easier to catch in the warmer months and fiestier. The difference in fight between the one I got a Forster in early May and this, slightly larger, one was remarkable. Both were on 4lb braid and 4lb leader (I think the same leader!). The first took a few searing runs then stuck to the bottom for a while. The second just put up a token fight when it got to the yak.

 

[Breambo]

Good fish, good company, good spot and good times

 

[JT]

It was indeed a bloody great day. The wind did the decent thing and died down as the arvo wore on. Met Peril who was preparing his rig for sea when I arrived, closely followed by Rawprawn and Denis (Crowdy) soon after. We set off under Greg's guidenance and prepared to work ourselves across the bay, under the pipes and up the river into deliverance country. From a distance we could hear the coal loader hauling coal to the power plant but soon a new and different noise could be heard parallel to the loader...yes...you guessed it, the sound of duelling Banjos.

I will post some photos when I return from my business trip but to be yaking up this murky still salt water river, coming around a bend and encountering a shack, a weathered hammock and an old bench amongst seriously isolated mangrove country is indeed unusual. Having, against Rawprawn's advice, forgotten the water based tube of lubricant I was in no mood to go ashore. The chance of stumbling upon a lonely hillbilly liquored up on moonshine protecting his still with a sawn off shotgun was not a pretty thought.

The day was brilliant. Secluded, mellow and the fish were not altogether disappointing. Great company and great scenery. My first trip out with the AKFFers and a special thank you to Rawprawn for first class guiding and everyone for making me feel welcome. I was abuzz for the rest of the weekend.

I will post the photos in the next couple of days.

JT

 

[JT]

Some late photos for those interested.

 

[JT]

Greg (Rawprawn) Heading up to Dead Woods

 

[JT]

This time with the photo.

 

[JT]

Hillybilly Cabin. Not the old hammock between the trees. No sign of life however.