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[kiwicraig]

After several not very successful attempts to find snapper and a trip with the boy last weekend I wanted to make sure I put some fish on the table today.  I was up early and out the door before the sun was up.  My plan was a couple of quick drifts on West Reef then head out a bit wider and drift for some flatties. 

When I got to West Reef I put out a squid jig and paternoster out the back and then cast ahead of the drift with a soft plastic.  I could see plenty of fish on the sounder, but I did not get any hits on the plastic.  No sign of quid either.  Then I had a big hit from gent in a grey suit that snipped of the bottom half of my rig.  I did one more drift on the reef and managed to pull in a double hookup with a red rock cod and a Sgt Baker.  I kept the latter for bait and header out to about 45m to drift for flathead.  After a slow start I decided to make myself a coffee.  Trying to make a coffee turns out to be a great way to bring on the bite.  As soon as I was trying to pour hot water the rods started getting hit. 

I pulled in a few little flatties in the 25-27cm range.  I was pulling in what felt like a slightly better fish when the other rod buckled in a big way.  It was in a vertical rod holder and the tip was nearly touching the water.  Anyone who says that guys can't multitask has clearly not seen me fishing.  I paused winding in long enough to reach over and lift the other rod to set the hook.  I wound it up a bit to get it off the bottom.  Then I turned and hit the mark button on the sounder and raced to skull drag the first fish the rest of the way up.  I got him in the boat and it would have been about 30cm but still under so I left it on the hook and started working the other fish up.  I could tell this was a decent fish and when I saw it this was confirmed.  It was a really solid flattie that measured 55cm - nice and fat too.  From then it was on.  I put both rods back down and they were both hit one after the other and delivered good flatties between 45-50cm.  I could barely keep a bait down.  I got lots of little ones and a few just legal that I let go and ended up with 6 really nice fish from a bit over 40cm through to the 55 that came up first.

I'm sure I could have bagged out if I had continued that drift but I needed to head back.  

I filleted the catch and gave a friend who has just had a baby fillets form a couple of fish.  I had already filleted the first two when I realised I had not taken a photo of the catch.  I could not help hearing @antonywardle saying to me if there's no photo it didn't happen.  So I grabbed a fairly grisly shot of what was left. 

I've been instructed to make fish tacos tomorrow, so I put some fillets away for that as well. 

I then had a late lunch and tried Flathead wings - damn they are good! 

I'll add that to the list of great things I have learned from the fine people on Fishraider.  All up an awesome morning.  Came away with a good haul and shared with a friend.  Got to try something new in the wings and I still have a great dinner to look forward to tomorrow.

[GoingFishing]

Great report and very happy to hear you managed a few for the table ! 

The flatties were certainly on the bite today! 

[sam bros]

Always great to read your report

Those Flathead will make a great feed

[Guest Guest123456789]

Well done Craig great catch.

[antonywardle]

Ok, there is a photo so I believe it! Nice work mate, I have to write up a report of my very long weekend too. I'd also like to have a go with the wings. They sound pretty good!

 

 

[Billmack]

Looks like you nailed the wings first time, Craig.  I hate to think how many get thrown out each week.