A pleasant night at Yowie Bay

[GreyNurse]

G'day raiders,

I decided, with the Hairtail Social approaching, to start conditioning myself for some cold night fishing. I had a nice warm shower to start with, and then put on 4 layers of clothing topside, and 2 pair of track pants (1 nylon, 1 brushed cotton), Holeproof explorer socks and Dunlop Volleys. I didn’t bother with a beanie or gloves as I wasn’t planning a marathon. I also left behind my Peacock pocket hand warmer (with new wick, it now works again, yay!) and forgot a torch.

I was originally planning to hit Wally’s wharf, but decided to head towards Yowie bay boat ramp as it has a streetlight over the pontoon to make up for lack of aforementioned torch. I arrived at the spot at about 8.00pm. There were three gents already fishing there. They each had a couple of rods and were casting straight out front. I tied on a squid jig and, not wanting to upset proceeding by fouling their lines, took up a position on the southern corner of the pontoon and cast out at about a 45 degree angle.

Unfortunately for me, the squid did not want to play last night, but we were entertained by one of the guys regaling us with stories of fish he had caught in the Hacking system, as well as his thoughts on those he encountered who keep undersized fish. During this time he managed small snook which he quickly sent out as a livie.

After about 45 minutes, his livie died and so he bid us a good night and left. The other two guys were quietly pulling in undersized tailor and pinkies and dutifully releasing them. I got talking with one of them and his love for fishing was plainly evident. He didn’t mind if they were undersized, he told me. They always go back because, as far as he was concerned, where there’s small fish, big ones aren’t far away.

At 9.20, the streetlight on the pontoon turned off. (it’s on a timer, would you believe) The guys had a couple of LED lanterns, but watching the rod tips was difficult. A few more undersize catch and releases and we all decided that the calling of a warm house was too much, so we said our goodbye’s and good lucks and headed of back to our respective homes.

While the night wasn’t a fishing success, it was still a pleasant one with good company. And if I took anything away from the evening, it was that Dunlop Volleys are probably not the best footwear for keeping the tootsies warm. I could have done with a pair of mittens, but I expected that to be the case. The rest of me was reasonably warm, with the multiple layers of clothing.

I think I might head back down there tonight, weather permitting, and cast a few soft plastics. This time I will remember to take a torch!

[Guest no one]

Nice report, always good when there is pleasant company at the ramp!

I encountered a friendly chap there the other week while launching at night, young lad... very nice and chatty. Always makes the experience better!

[NaClH2OK9]

You forgot your mittens???

[Davemmm]

While the night wasn’t a fishing success, it was still a pleasant one with good company. And if I took anything away from the evening, it was that Dunlop Volleys are probably not the best footwear for keeping the tootsies warm.

Two pair of footy socks and gumboots.

Works for me.

Dave

[Yowie]

G'day raiders,

I decided, with the Hairtail Social approaching, to start conditioning myself for some cold night fishing. I had a nice warm shower to start with, and then put on 4 layers of clothing topside, and 2 pair of track pants (1 nylon, 1 brushed cotton), Holeproof explorer socks and Dunlop Volleys. I didn’t bother with a beanie or gloves as I wasn’t planning a marathon.

Were you expecting it to snow ?

No showers before fishing. One of the old fishos always had a shave before heading out.

Still wear thongs in winter in the boat, in case my feet get wet. Don't want to damage any shoes !!!

[Davemmm]

Gumboots Yowie.

Best bloody addition i ever made to my fishing gear