Diamonds and stone

[adkel53]

In 1971 John Denver released an album containing a song titled "Some Days are Diamonds (Some Days are Stone"). Today I found myself humming the tune in my head as I wiled away the day on Sydney Harbour. I reckon I had a dose of both diamonds and stone!

Firstly, the diamonds. The harbour was at its sparkling best. A warm day, little wind and people going about their daily business. Plenty of room at the Tunks Park ramp to boot. I have attached a couple of photos that show what sort of day it was.

Now, the stones.

1. An hour and a half to get from home to the ramp, despite a 5 am start, thanks to a 4 car collision on the M5

2. Two and a half hours chasing squid and only one caught. Thankfully it was big.

3. The reel on my plastics-throwing rod gave up the ghost on the first cast at a marker pole and I did not have a spare. A Pfleugger Medalist that has been well maintained and not used a huge amount. Not happy.

4. The counter on my downrigger starts playing up, making it difficult to deploy. Had to count handle turns (but I could see the bomb on the sounder screen). It also affected the automatic brake mechanism. Easily fixed when I got home but I have to recalibrate the counter.

5. After landing a succession of rats kings, including two on a two-hook rig that had me thinking I might have a good fish, I finally hooked a decent one. Got him boatside but because the downrigger was playing up, when I wound up the bomb slipped back into the water by about 30 cm. I left it there much to my later regret. With net in hand and controlling the rod one handed, the fish made a last lunge and touched the line on the wire. The result you can guess.

6. Another hour and forty minute trip home.

7. Went to wash up the boat and flush the motor. Dead battery! Just as well I didn't turn it off out on the water late in my trip. Either the battery is stuffed or the motor is not charging it. Yet to be determined.

However, I really can't complain. Being semi-retired I can pick and choose the days I venture onto the water. Sure beats working. There must be a day full of diamonds awaiting me soon!

Edited April 27, 2012 by kel

[Blood Knot]

Bad luck mate, was good weather but some times the planets need to be aligned as well.

Cheers Blood Knot

[J Hooked]

Sounds like a nasty day out. I've had a couple of those too.

[onearmedfisho]

Shame about the rod. I too have a Medalist and use it ALOT! Never had any issues...

Edited April 28, 2012 by one armed fisho

[erroll]

Hang in there mate, we have all had a few of those! It will make the big result next time even sweeter!!!!!

Cheers

Erroll.

[cdol9]

Bit of bad luck . Top views though.

Chris

[Hodgey]

The 'Pink Panther' of Diamonds must surely be around the corner for you now after all that disappointment mate! I look forward to your next report featuring the king that didn't get away.

Cheers

Ian

[Captin]

Heres another song you'd enjoy by a aussie legend, "A bad days fishing beats a good days work"!!