Had planned to go fishing today since last week, and when I woke up this morning at 5:00am to see solid rain I was quite disappointed, and went back to bed. Woke back up at 6:00am and the rain had eased so i thought what the hell, and took off to the ramp.
Was still raining lightly as I cruised across the bay to my usual spot at Mud Island. Got out there and there was only one other boat in sight. Was a bit surprised really as I though I was the only fool to be out in those conditions. Worked about a bit later that it was Ausfish member Poodroo.
So drifted around for the first few hours with no much happening. Undersize pinkies every so often were barely keeping me amused, and with the constant light rain I wouldnt say I was having a great time, and thought about heading home.
About 11:00 am or so the rain eased and then stopped, and the fishing came alive. Started with a double hook up, but lost one as I landed the other which was first keeper at 35cm.
Went back around to drift the same mark, and right on cue as I hit the mark my 5" Satay Chicken got hit and a short while later I boated a 64cm snapper, kept drifting for a bit and got another couple undersize snaps, and ran out of the Satay chickens.
Back to the start of the drift and first cast got smashed again on a 4" lime tiger. Solid fight and I knew this one would be a bit bigger than the first. after some anxious moments with the net I boated a 73cm snapper.
Just as I was taking a pic of the fish my other rod got smashed. It was my heavier outfit (15lb braid, 20lb leader) and line was peeling faster then ever. This fish ran a big arc from the rear of the boat, around the front and was heading for Bribie. Peeled about 80 metres of line and I didnt even look like getting it turned before it spat the hook.
Following that I gave Poodroo a call on the radio and told him to come over and join in the fun, and drift the same mark. He did so but the snapper seemed to go off the bite. Although then the grassy's came on and I landed about 8 of which three were keepers from 30-35cm.
Pulled the pin about 1:00pm and headed back to the ramp at full throttle. After loading the boat I had just started scaling the fish at the cleaning table when a Bloke came over and asked if I keep the heads and frames. I dont and he asked if he could have them. Said they are good for soup. I had no problems with that and he then helped me scale the catch. He then mentioned that he has/had a fish and chip shop, and asked if me if I would like him to fillet the fish.
Now im not the best at filleting and said go for it. Stood and watched as he sliced off perfect filletts for me. He was happy for the heads and frames and I was happy for the great fillett job.
What was a miserable morning turned out to be a great day fishing. The two bigger snaps were caught on 10lb braid with 12lb FC leader.
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