levinge
16-02-2008, 04:07 PM
Took a punt and had a go at Rattlesnake Island today for our Clubs First Comp of the year (yep so much for the shitty weather). Had a trip arranged with a mate out in his Plate Side Console. We decided that if the weather was still ugly we would cancel. Got to his place about 4:30am and the rain had eased up to a drizzle. Hooked up the boat and took a short drive from his place at Mount Low down to the ramp at the Bohle River. Ramp water level was about 3 metres from the top, water running steady in the creek.
Dropped in the boat and headed for the mouth, wanted to take a look at the outside before a final decision on fish or not. Entered the main river and aside from a fairly strong current with the odd bit of debris in it, it was relatively good. Water level was high with alot of run-off from the flood plain. Ran down to the mouth and all we saw was overcast skies with squalls offshore. Wave height was less than a metre in height and an open rolling swell. Off we go toward Rattlesnake, channel out is still in good nick with little change.
Got about 2 kms offshore and saw a heap of crab pots dragging around. 10 more minutes and skipper announces that he has left his wallet and Phone in the centre console of his Landrover (easy pickings for someone with light fingers). SO! we 180 Degree and head back to the ramp. Collected wallet and phone, boat off again on its way to Rattlsnake.
Weather still ordinary but sea state easy to navigate and at good speed. Spotted heaps of debris, from very small stuff, right up to trees (photos will be attached). Got over to Rattlesnake and prepared to Troll up some nasties.
Skipper in charge and away we go, Bait balls everywhere, but really widespread. 9am and skippers rod goes off with a scream, fish is heading out toward Lorne Reef and after a 5minute fight we have the first fish of the day, 96cm 8KG Giant Trevally netted and in the boat, photo taken and fish released. Continued to troll the area for another hour with no luck. Birds diving on bait, so we decided to throw a few slices in their direction, no luck.
Moved around to the channel between Rattlesnake and Herald, lots of debris still pushing through the area and a distinct line in the water, trolled it in case there was some predators hanging around it. No Luck!
Moved into the channel and trolled again, debris moved closer to the channel and we had to do a right turn to avoid the line of crap, sure enough, Skippers rod goes off AGAIN!!!!
Only problem fish is doing a reel scream straight for the debris line. Skippers on him but not quick enough to stop it going through the debris. I jump on the wheel and commence the chase, once we got to the debris line, we both realised that the fish has us tangled up on a small 3metre long log, boats in Neutral and skipper plays with the drag, allowing the fish a little head, while I do some gardening and free the line. Line Free again, we are off and chasing. Fish has about 150 yards of line on us, so I open up the throttle a little while the skipper gains a bit of line back.
Now its on, Boat in Neutral, Skipper fights this Stonker, he calls it early as a GT, strong bugger is actually pulling the boat around when he changes direction. Skipper got the drag at almost lock and this fish is not giving up. 15 minutes of tooing and froing and finally the fish comes up. Colour - GT, one big pass by the boat and he's in the landing net. Skippers buggered but I make hime hold up the fish for a photo.
He's a happy boy as he just knocked off one of his mates from our Clubs Record List, Old Record GT 102cm. New Record GT 102.5cm 14.5 KG (remeasured a number of times to accurately record the catch.
He's a happy man, but unfortunately I didn't catch a thing this time, but lifes like that, just happy I could be there to see the look on his face.
Headed home about 12:30pm as we knew the weather was supposed to be changing and wind was gradually picking up.
Saw a large log on the way back (Photo attached)
Poorish weather, but a bloody good day on the water.
Dropped in the boat and headed for the mouth, wanted to take a look at the outside before a final decision on fish or not. Entered the main river and aside from a fairly strong current with the odd bit of debris in it, it was relatively good. Water level was high with alot of run-off from the flood plain. Ran down to the mouth and all we saw was overcast skies with squalls offshore. Wave height was less than a metre in height and an open rolling swell. Off we go toward Rattlesnake, channel out is still in good nick with little change.
Got about 2 kms offshore and saw a heap of crab pots dragging around. 10 more minutes and skipper announces that he has left his wallet and Phone in the centre console of his Landrover (easy pickings for someone with light fingers). SO! we 180 Degree and head back to the ramp. Collected wallet and phone, boat off again on its way to Rattlsnake.
Weather still ordinary but sea state easy to navigate and at good speed. Spotted heaps of debris, from very small stuff, right up to trees (photos will be attached). Got over to Rattlesnake and prepared to Troll up some nasties.
Skipper in charge and away we go, Bait balls everywhere, but really widespread. 9am and skippers rod goes off with a scream, fish is heading out toward Lorne Reef and after a 5minute fight we have the first fish of the day, 96cm 8KG Giant Trevally netted and in the boat, photo taken and fish released. Continued to troll the area for another hour with no luck. Birds diving on bait, so we decided to throw a few slices in their direction, no luck.
Moved around to the channel between Rattlesnake and Herald, lots of debris still pushing through the area and a distinct line in the water, trolled it in case there was some predators hanging around it. No Luck!
Moved into the channel and trolled again, debris moved closer to the channel and we had to do a right turn to avoid the line of crap, sure enough, Skippers rod goes off AGAIN!!!!
Only problem fish is doing a reel scream straight for the debris line. Skippers on him but not quick enough to stop it going through the debris. I jump on the wheel and commence the chase, once we got to the debris line, we both realised that the fish has us tangled up on a small 3metre long log, boats in Neutral and skipper plays with the drag, allowing the fish a little head, while I do some gardening and free the line. Line Free again, we are off and chasing. Fish has about 150 yards of line on us, so I open up the throttle a little while the skipper gains a bit of line back.
Now its on, Boat in Neutral, Skipper fights this Stonker, he calls it early as a GT, strong bugger is actually pulling the boat around when he changes direction. Skipper got the drag at almost lock and this fish is not giving up. 15 minutes of tooing and froing and finally the fish comes up. Colour - GT, one big pass by the boat and he's in the landing net. Skippers buggered but I make hime hold up the fish for a photo.
He's a happy boy as he just knocked off one of his mates from our Clubs Record List, Old Record GT 102cm. New Record GT 102.5cm 14.5 KG (remeasured a number of times to accurately record the catch.
He's a happy man, but unfortunately I didn't catch a thing this time, but lifes like that, just happy I could be there to see the look on his face.
Headed home about 12:30pm as we knew the weather was supposed to be changing and wind was gradually picking up.
Saw a large log on the way back (Photo attached)
Poorish weather, but a bloody good day on the water.