PHP Warning: Use of undefined constant VBA_SCRIPT - assumed 'VBA_SCRIPT' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in ..../includes/functions_navigation.php(802) : eval()'d code on line 1 Webby's first sail
Had a call from Mono late Sunday saying they’d been catching good quality spotty mackerel and did I want to come down in the morning – I think the car was packed before he had finished the sentence.
Pat – alias Banshee on Ausfish had won a trip for selecting Mono’s new boat name Windarra, so he would be there and Webby got an invite as well.
So the crew consisted of Myself, Webby, Pat (Banshee), Mono, and his deckie Gabe. (What else do you do on your day off when you’ve got a job like Mono and Gabe - go out and do it all again!)
We jigged the bait grounds for slimy mackerel which were scarce, then headed in to where the mackerel were the day before.
First drop was a cobia almost within seconds.
Not long after, another cobia hit the deck.
We looked like being in for a big day.
Things slowed somewhat though – we had a few half hearted hits then landed a doggy… but no spots so far.
A check around showed none of the other 10 boats working the reef had any either.
We persisted and they finally came in dribs and drabs.
The quality was excellent – all caught slow trolling live baits – no lead.
I think we had about seven by smoko.
Then just for a change of pace we towed some gold Bombers around, but no luck.
Hits had slowed to a trickle so we decided to move south to the local reef.
As soon as we got there Mono was talking about warmer water temp and better colour and decided to use the downrigger.
Gabe rigged a yakka (all we had left by this stage) and dropped it to about 60ft.
It went off pretty quickly.
I was closest (read that as quickest off the mark after pushing Webby out of the way) so hung on for a long battle that had some promise until it finally hit the deck – a bloody big boofhead tuna.
We re rigged and started again – the downrigger off the starboard corner and a typical Mono’s special rig off the port corner – no lead.
I noticed the surface yakka rod doing a few little flicks so was watching it closely but nothing eventuated… until I stopped watching it.
It bounced then took off – Webby was closest (Read that as a squirrel grab dropped me to my knees and he climbed over the top of me) and was into the action.
As the line tightened we witnessed a spectacular sight – 50 metres back a sail came out of the water and put on a majestic aerial display.
It jumped, spun in the air and tore line off at an alarming rate.
I think the person most surprised was Webby – he realised he was hanging on the other end of the line.
We had to chase the fish – it was going too hard and too long to sit tight.
I think Mono worked it for maybe a mile or so – when we finally got it close to the boat, it sat 20ft down and would not surface – Webby was looking all of his 60 years of age (payback) by the time Gabe had the fish’s bill.
The rest is history – Webby’s first sail.
It swam away strong.
Hope you enjoy the photos
What can I say,great boat,great crew and good company I had a ball,twenty years ago I swore I would never set foot on a charter boat again,today changed that,anyone contemplating a charter should seriously consider Monos, there's something in it for everyone,from the complete novice to someone who owns their own boat,there are no secrets if you want to know something Mono is only to happy to explain things,be it sounder set up,downrigging(I just gota get one of these) or rigging I garrantee you will take more than fish away from the experince,and watching fishing vids via the onboard entertainment system on the way out is pure class.Once again thanks for a great day Mono and Gabe and thanks for the great company Nugget and Webby.
L.O.L.
Great report Nugget
You old fellas seem to always stick together
Mono sure does pay attention to detail , those hawaiin shorts even match the rig......
they might come back into fashion one day mono
Yeah great , We'll never hear the end of that catch Webby,
but can u do us all a favour please......
and keep your legs together next time for the photo.....
regards darren
Reply With Quote
