It was one of those days - a bit of wind around, a few clouds, some on board a bit seedy and others just quite in expectation of what the day might bring.
One guest, a German tourist travelling alone around Australia, had never been deep sea fishing before but he said it seemed like "the thing" to do in Batemans Bay.
Batemans Bay Fishing's charter boat skipper Peter of the "Jean-Marie" assured him he would catch fish (didn't say what species of fish) - those TV fishing guru's like Rex can make it look so easy. Life jackets on and a cup of coffee in hand and they headed off.
They travelled north out of Batemans Bay. Peter was pointing out some of the local landmarks going along but stopped mid sentence to say "look whales". Those on board reached for their camera's hoping to capture the moment with the magnificent creatures. The whales moved on after about an hour and so did the fisho's .Whale watching was a bonus but it was now fishing time. Things were a bit slow to start, a sweep, a wrasse and 2 sgt baker.
Other boats were bobbing around in the area but the guys decided to try their luck out wider. The German guest - Oliver - (still with life jacket on) wasn't so sure looking at the South Coast land in the distance. Lines were dropped overboard and it wasn't long before Tim was snagged and busted up and said 'well we know we are on reef'.
Shortly after a couple of nice mowies and a plate size snapper were on board but nothing in the fish box with Oliver's name on it. Hmm, Peter asked everyone to wind up and he would move and do the same drift again. Lines were dropped overboard again and on hitting the bottom Oliver's rod had a nasty bend to it. He said 'I think I'm stuck'.
Peter looked at the rod and knew that it was not a snag. 'Hold on. Hold on' was the cry, other fisho's looked on and encouraged him to hang on and wind if and when he could. 20mins later there was great excitement at the side of the boat with the sight of a large reddie being guided into the fish net.
Weighing 6.25kg and measuring 72cm Oliver was more than happy to pose for the customary fish photo shoot. 3 months into his 12 month tour of Australia - can you imagine how many times he will tell the holiday story of BIG RED??
|
