Bass by-catch

[dirvin21]

Best way to spend a couple of days off, head out to the Mann river with one of my daughters for a quick overnight trip. 

We weren't there long before we knew the fishing woukd be a challenge, it was hot!!!  And the water was also hot, I reckon over 30 degrees a swim wasn't refreshing so we waited out the worst of the heat and headed off for an arvo kayak.

The river looks stunning as always, a little low but still running well. To say the fishing was slow is an understatement. Kept searching for deep water where hopefully the bass wouod be holding, atleast when the fishings tough the river provides quality scenery

Kept casting and casting using a 1/4oz spinnerbait working it as deep as possible 

Coincidentally took this photo, where some boulders come out of deep water screaming fish, rolling the spinnerbait along it finally get hit, the fish takes off my first thought was an eel took some hard runs, finally got a glimpse of a big eastern cod, put up a solid fight when he went in the net I knew I'd smashed my pb

He went 75cm, 

Tried to release in the shallows but he seemed unhappy so I waded out chest deep into cooler water and watched him swim off strong, magnificent sight

The rest of the arvo was uneventful but the weather was pristine 

Overnight we got hammered by an unexpected storm, getting up early with everything drenched jumped back in the yak, switched from the spinnerbait to a 1/4 oz chatterbait for something different

The morning was looking good and the water temp had definitely dropped

It didn't take long to get hit 

A nice little cod to get the morning started

The fishing again was slow but did manage to score a final beautifully marked cod to finish the session 

The fishing had been tough but you can't be disappointed in a place that looks like a painting 

Abbi finished of our trip with a mullet on a worm while we were packing up

Just for FYI we were targeting bass unfortunately the bass just didn't want to play, although they're said to be endangered eastern cod are prolific through the Mann river and I'm definitely never disappointed to catch one as by catch

Cheers for reading 

Dave

 

[big Neil]

What a cracking report Dave and Abbi. Those Eastern Cod look to be in great condition and are a very pleasant by-catch in the Mann River. Some huge Eels in there that take a lot of stopping. The scenery is amazing too. Top pics Dave.

Tight lines. bn

[Pickles]

Thanks for the report Dave - an interesting and comprehensive report (as always). I’ve never caught an Eastern Cod (not sure I ever will), but that one looks fat and healthy. Good to see Abbi in on the action.

Edited December 15, 2023 by Pickles

[Hoods]

Thanks Dave - they are magnificent looking fish. Thanks for the report & photos.

It only takes one fish to make a trip.

 

[bessell1955]

Great Photos.

[Yowie]

Nice cod, and as you said, some good colour on a few. Great scenery to top it off.

[Little_Flatty]

Fantastic Dave!

Gorgeous eastern cod there!

[Blackfish]

That certainly is a great way to spend a couple of days, with your Daughter, beautiful country and a few fish thrown in. 
Great work both of you.