Cowan Creek

[Richie]

This weekend I decided to take my 7 year old with me on the kayak. He has been keen to join me on an outing since I got it.

Even though it is a single seat it had heaps of room for him to sit in the cockpit with me.

We launched at Bobbin Head and, as it was a run-out tide, we headed to a little flatty spot I found hidden in one of the bays. Paddling into the wind with the extra load took an extra bit of effort!

After about 5 minutes of Soft Plastic 101 I handed my son the rod with the idea of letting him work it out himself. His first few casts were interesting but then he got the hang of it and we paddled onto the skinny water over the sandflat.

On the edge of a weedbank in about 60cm of water he hooked onto a little bream but lost him near the kayak. But geez he was energised! He cast back to the same spot and after a few lifts of the rod he came up tight again! This time there was no slack line and he landed a 40cm flathead. Needless to say he was stoked. First fish on SP and first on the yak too. I just wish we had a camera or phone to take a snap.

We decided it was time to head back and just one more cast. Nothing came of that on so we had another. I noticed a weedbank near the drop into the bay and so he had another last cast along that. He was sure there was a fish there so he had his really last cast and promptly reeled in another 40cm flatty. Interestingly enough this guy put up a really good fight for a flathead.

We had run out of time so had to call it there after about an hour in the bay. The paddle back was a little easier as the wind was with me.

The tackle used was 6lb braid with a 8lb leader. 1/4oz bullethead jig with an Atomic Watermelon/Gold flickbait.

2 fish caught and sent back into the blue.

Edited November 13, 2011 by Richie

[kingwhiting]

hey dude, just make sure that your kid was wearing a pfd at all times.

[mullowhat]

Great story.

When the time is right - you may want to consider prawning with a dipnet in that same area with your son. There are a few around and the experience is similarly worthwhile for all parties.

[Richie]

My son was wearing his own pfd. And it's now obvious it will be used a lot. He want's to go out on the water with me next weekend.

As for prawning, that's the second time that's been mentioned to me this weekend...

I think that I'll bring him out a few more times and see if this sticks. If it does then a canoe will be on my chrissie list.

Edited November 13, 2011 by Richie