Too rough for the fish... and the fishermen

China shipping co, loaded to the hilt

When I first looked at the surf off Moffats Beach in Calloundra, I instantly thought that my plans would be thwarted by high seas. Once I was on the water (following a rather unceremonious launch) the rolling swell didn't seem so much of a bother, so I took off on my intended route regardless. This began by trolling from the north end of the beach to the south and down towards Kings beach and across the mouth of the passage. Following the advice of locals, I trolled my way to the lighthouse on the northern tip of Bribie Island and then across to the yellow marker a km or so offshore. From here I simply retraced my steps, towing 2 lines almost the entire time. 

I did manage several hook ups, one of which came on a 50g silver slug and felt a lot like a Mackeral. It spat the treble hook, however and that was my last chance. I also lost the tails off several large soft plastic lures (probably also Mackeral) but I did manage to catch what I think was a small Snook, which I found terrorizing some baitfish. Thankfully for the baitfish I was able to tempt it with a soft plastic lure instead, although I did release it soon after.  

I got another good bite just off coffee rocks, on precisely the same lure that accounted for a good Snapper the previous week.  It felt a lot like a Snapper to, but the fight was over moments after it began. I was feeling less and less lucky as the day wore on and if anything the water was only getting choppier as the tide started to roll in. Feeling somewhat defeated I made my way back to the beach, where at the very least I managed a picture perfect beach landing (I'm getting better at these).

There were a bunch of guys fishing for Mackeral from the beach and by all reports, yesterday was the day I should have been there. The geneal consensus was that it was just too rough, with incoming winds inspiring many of them to pack up early. This was the most physically demanding day I've had at sea yet, putting in some 20km in rough waters. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had to watch my back for the entire trip - both from waves and winds/currents. The Revolution handled it well. So impressed I was that I took some footage of the experience (watch for that in the videos section).

I think I may just stick around here for a few days and wait for the weather to clear - this time prepared with more silver slugs (with modified hook arrangement). On less accomodating days (weather-wise) I might just turn my attention to the Trevelly  

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