Detoured From The Plan-Not Happy

[wchh]

Been fishing the northern beaches for the last couple of months, and slowly getting used to catching those breams, whitings, flattie, tailors and those hard fighter salmons.

Until 3 weeks ago I did not know the legendary jewies are just 1~2 hours away on exactly the same spots I fish from.(cause I normally pack up at around 7:00pm). Then I met another fisho on the beach who obviously came to target jewie as he was armed with big hooks and fresh squid. Got a few quick tips from the generous man (such as tide change, big bait...) I fished with the "mentor" for about one hour and left the beach when I got my two-hook (6/0 suicide on 40 pound mono line leader) bitten off. The leader had obvious abrasion marks like those from sand paper---still don’t know whether this is the work of a monster flattie or a shark that also found on the beach. Anyway , this is my first attempt for jewie using fillet of a fresh tailor caught that day—Theory proved is, using big bait you will get bite from big fish!

Went back last weekend with the same method for my 2nd attempt for jewfish—big hook, big bait. This time I did not get hooks bitten off and took home some tailors and a big sandy flathead of 56cm. No success for the jewie but through all the reading from this site, I am conscious that catching those beach jewie needs a lot more than two goes…

Checked the tide chart yesterday and found out the timing fitted well into the "tide change around 8:00 PM" tip. So the plan was made to have my 3rd attempt: fish for tailors or other small fish earlier afternoon and then use as bait to try the jewie.

Got to the beach at 7:30 pm. The beach looked perfect with deep gutter about 20 meters away. For about 20 minutes my usual setup of half pilchard on two 3/0 hook system did not seem to attract much activities from the bream or tailors I took for granted to catch. It was about the last light by now and I said to myself “I must catch something otherwise I would have to use pilchard for the jewie”. A little bit short of patience, I put a whole pilchard this time hope to attract the Mr. tailor better—Two minutes after cast the pilchard in, I suddenly felt the tension on the line disappeared, “unusual”, I said to my self, quickly wound in too tighten the line and then all of sudden I was greeted with a strong pull, I mean strong pull, stronger than those from monster salmon I had a lot of experience with. Knowing I had plenty 30 pound mine line on the reel, I feel comfortable for giving some lines, but a bit anxious about the 25 pound leader and the two 3/0 hooks. I patiently retrieved the line wit careful adjustment of the drag. A few head shake told me this is a fish I had not caught before---- 5 minutes retrieving and then the result is clear: This is indeed a fish I have never caught before--- a 75 cm fat jewie off the beach.

You see, as my name hinted, I like to sort things out neat as ABC in order. I planned to catch tailors and then use as Jewfish bait, somehow the jewie decided to just the Q and took the pilchard on 3/0 hooks. This turned out completely not to the plan. I hope things will be more organized next time and all fish should come in order!

BTW, a big thanks to the fisho that tipped me into the jewie hunting. I am not sure whether you are also a raider on this site. If you happened to also read this post now you know I am Charles and I will say thanks again when I bump into you next time!

ABCfisho

[davegroves68]

Well done mate.

Doesn't matter what order you catch them in. Just so long as you catch them .

Welsh Dave

[paul.kenny]

ABCfisho - I would not be too disappointed as it is an excellent result for your third attempt for a Jewie . By your results it appears that you have found a productive hole.

[wchh]

ABCfisho - I would not be too disappointed as it is an excellent result for your third attempt for a Jewie . By your results it appears that you have found a productive hole.

That multi picture was when I had my X-mas break. Missed booking for holiday house (was thinking going back to Batemans Bay) but ended with a lot of fun fishing the beaches. Saved accommodation cost but burnt a lot of fuel.

The fishing slowed down a bit lately. Last Sunday the wind was bit too strong. Fished about 2 hours braving the wind and was determined to go home after the "Last cast". happy ending--- taking home another sandy (took one as bycatch the night before when trying for jewie)

[FISHARK]

Well done