stormy Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Went out for a fish off the rocks this morning, just for something different on a Monday. Saw a couple of cars already parked off the road near the Maianbar turnoff, so knew we wouldn't be alone. The swells looked to be non-existant on the way down and the day was just glorious. Spot #1 had a guy in for the day. He was sitting on a camp chair, on the rock platform. The swell wasn't non-existant and I saw a few big ones come spilling over the rocks, causing him to jump up and hold on to the chair and his rod. Crazy!!! The platform I wanted to fish also had a couple of guys on it, but there is more than enough room for half a dozen fishos, so we set up. Got the sneakers and cleats on and walked out to see how they two guys were faring. They had been there for a couple of hours and one had a single blackfish and the other had none. They said, "no fish today". I rigged up, cast in and had an immediate down, dropping the fish in my surprise. A couple of big swells were coming through, so I called out to the two Chinese guys to watch the water. The swell rushed up the sloping rock, losing its force, but still swirled around out calves. The two Chinese guys stepped up higher and emptied their GUMBOOTS, which had no cleats on them. I politely told them that it was a very dangerous rock with the swells rolling over it, and to keep an eye on the water at all times. They were lovely guys and took no offense. They were very interested in my setup, so I spent a few minutes showing them how I rig and bait for blackies. Cast in and again got an immediate down, landing a nice fish. Three more in quick succession brought my tally to four in 15 minutes of fishing. John hooked one and dropped it at the edge of the ledge. The swells were coming through faster and bigger, so I decided it was too dangerous for JD, who is only learning. A big one came over the rock and swept through at thigh height, so that was it. One of the Chinese guys also copped this wave and luckily he was a bit higher up the platform. He walked up to his gear and got the wet clothes off. I spoke to him again, and his english wasn't good, but he understood. I begged them to be very careful and fish off the high rock if they were going to stay. I gave them my four fish in the hope that they may call it quits. I could imagine if one of them went in, as they both had the same clothing on. The one who got wet, took off - a pair of overalls, A sloppy joe, a flanno shirt, a woolen singlet, trackie pants, long socks and gum boots. He was an anchor, if he went in. I'm glad they did take some notice of the dangers though. I also helped them with their rig. They had 17lb trace and 30lb braid. The bait was a fist sized (well almost) lump of cabbage. I baited their hooks with a leaf of cabbage and showed them how to half hitch it. Left them to it and hiked back out with John, to fish at a sheltered spot. Complete contrast as there was no swell, gin clear water and almost the bottom of the tide. The fish were there though and we both landed some good sized ones. John got three, dropped a few and got looped up in the barnacles. Got to keep an eye on the belly in the line, JD. I ended up with 8 landed, the biggest going 42cm and the smallest 36cm. We stayed much longer than normal, but a few hours included the hike in and out. Got home and the thunder rumbled, but only a few fat drops fell. My other mates say, "Geez you're lucky with fishing." Yeah, I must be - it's just dumb luck.
Koalaboi Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Good on you Stormy, Your concern for these fellers and your generosity and sharing are really what fishing is all about. Tight lines, KB
bennoz Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 lol Stormy you must be a filleting machine with the amount of blackies you pull in... by luck ! also kudos for trying to educate rockhoppers - the message just doesnt seem to be getting through !!! The nanny country we live in will "regulate" rock fishing soon enough
knuckle Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Good report mate, Know what you mean mate, see it all the time on the northern platforms. Some people just dont understand how powerfull the ocean can be. Cheers Knuckle
Blood Knot Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Good onya Stormy A nice report in so many ways - well done mate Cheers Blood Knot
fryboy Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Just got to say it - you must be a very good guy. Well done for probably saving a life.
Yaulpang Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Great report and catch Stormy, Thanks for posting. Paul
Keflapod Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Hey Stormy, You remind me of when I was a 22 year old know-it-all, with no understanding of the power of water rolling in over rock ledges. I was taken under the wing by someone like yourself and educated in many ways. The sea, her power and how to show your respect - watch her for 20 minutes before collecting your bait. Learn her subsufrace terrain, so that when the prevailing weather is from certain directions, you will know what waves she will unleash on you. I was shown how to rig up, bait, strike, fight, care for the fishing both during the day and at the end. I was even shown how to cook the fish. While I was learning, I was often given fish. These were the golden years when the rocks were uncrowded and free of litter. Days when getting to Bare Island involved a climb down a steel ladder that was not family friendly. Since then the crowds thickened, the skulls thickened (of other fishos, visitors and divers) and things got out of control. I have since left mate mates to fish the rocks and they still do, even in their 70's, they're pulling fish and taking new guys under their wings. They are a lost generation of wonderful people who go out of their way to help others and to teach the art that is blackfishing. Well done.... Tony PS - A lesson for those people who have never been on the rocks... "The sea has no conscience. She will take you and shed no tears. Only the silence remains."
luderick -angler Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Good one Stormy, At least those fellas took the advice the right way and most probably saved their lives, I hop the yditch the wellies though you go in with those on and its like wearing an anchpr on your legs! here seems to be a hefty ground swell about at the moment I noticed on Sunday out getting bait it was up and down no consistency in the sets. Oh and whe nyou catch as many blackies lie Stormy and I gilleting is as easy as catching them just not as fun!!!!
skullidug Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Well done Stormy, with guys like you around it makes this forum a must see everyday. Not just for the fishing news. Cheers Skulli
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now