Hey team!
Long time reader, first time poster...
I guess my first post will have to be the cracker of a lizard I caught a few weeks ago. I had some time off work over the New Year so decided to head up to my folks place on the Central Coast for some fishing. I was keen to try out the new outfit they had bought me for Chrissy (Shimano Katana 3-5Kg/Daiwa Exceler 3000). We launched at roughly 8am and it was already warm, very warm. After applying the UV15+ we headed out.
The good ol' summer Nor'Easter was up early too rendering our usual fav spots un-fishable. This would go on to be a blessing. Using our trusty soft plastics we landed a few nice fish (45-65cm) and it was turning out to be a productive day. By about midday we had as many as we were going to beer batter that night so we decided to release all fish from then on. The wind picked up to about 15-20kts so we seeked out some shelter from the wind. On our way to a spot we were cruising through a channel that was completely out of the wind. I would never have though to fish there but as the sounder went from 2m to 5.5m in a matter of seconds we decided to try this hole.
Mum was the first to hook up, first retrieve. A nice looking 65cm lizard which had us all cheering once again. We continued to dodge the huge amount of traffic while flicking away. Then it happened. I cast out to the edge of the hole (as we had drifted into the middle of it by now) and as my lure was sinking to the bottom I felt a tap. As I pulled the rod back I realised what I had here. It was big. After a couple of head shakes it turned into dead weight. I started the retrieve with not much of a fight at all, convincing others in the boat that I was snagged. About half way back it had had enough and just took off. Earlier in the day I was saying that I just wanted to really try out my new setup with a good fish. It went mental. Running then stopping then running. It went on for about 5-10mins until through the clear water we got our first glimpse. F^*& me dead we all said at the same time. A few failed landings later and we finally had it in the boat. It was a monster. The biggest flattie I have ever caught by a long way. 90cm! Previously my biggest was about 45cm =P
After a few quick photos and measurements we had her back in the water and off she went.
A very good day.
