A long trip North...

[big Neil]

Hi Raiders. We will all remember 2020 for one reason or another, and we will all have Covid 19 as part of the memories. For me it has been the year where I have lost my wife, my life long love. It has been a particularly hard year for myself and my family. None of us getting any younger, and that's a good thing, but with longevity comes the inevitable aches, pains and health problems.

There was a need to TRY to visit some of the relos who are having a particularly hard time with serious illnesses. Unfortunately they all live miles away.

So I put the feelers out among fellow Fishraiders to try to get a combined fishing / relo visiting trip to happen. I wasn't disappointed by the response either. Here's how the trip panned out:

A drive to Sydney to catch up with DerekD who was kind enough to teach me how to catch Blackfish on Fly fishing gear. The weather was crap...windy and raining. Derek also had prior engagements to attend to but nevertheless put himself out and through his persistent and encouraging instruction, the mission was accomplished. I caught one on the Saturday, even though I was casting terribly. I took a video of Derek casting and watched it when I got back to the accommodation... after I had visited an aunt who had had a stroke. Sunday morning saw me casting much better and even though the weather was still crappy I managed another Blackfish on the weed fly. A huge thank you to DerekD who is a masterful instructor with the patience of Job.

 Monday I was supposed to have an outing with Pickles (Bob) to try to get me a legal sized Kingfish. However the trip out was cancelled because the weather was even worse than the previous 2 days. I will catch up with Bob sometime down the track and feel confident that my first legal Kingie is just round the corner.

The cancellation saw me arrive in Nambucca a day ahead of the planned schedule with Dirvin21. No worries, I set about catching a few flatties off the walkway to fill the time in. Please read Dirvin21 report for our 2 day assault on the Nambucca. Alas day 3 was cancelled due to inclement conditions so I headed North a day early (again).

I caught up with relos in Tweed Heads, Lismore and Woodburn for a few days then headed South to spend the night in Wellington before the final short (4.5hr) drive home. So a great trip of over 3000kms and some very special memories of fishing with the gurus DerekD and Dirvin21.

I'LL BE BACK!    bn

[Blackfish]

On Ya Neil.

You're a good man.

[big Neil]

1 hour ago, motiondave said:

good stuff @big Neil , yes, been a heck of a year, not as hectic as yours it seems.
age disgracefully I say

and let me know when you want some more worms.

Dave.

 

Probably in January Dave. Cod season is looking good this year. Hope it stays that way. bn

[Rebel]

Great report. It will get better.

Cheers