Originally Posted by
johncar
Bigger boats and massive engines have become the norm these days but in the olden days I remember my dad and his mates going off to places like Deep Tempest in 16' home built plywood boats with 60 hp Johnno's on the back, No VMR or VHF radios or Epirbs, No GPS, just a compass, a couple of spare portable fuel tanks and some heavy hand lines, the flash guys might have had a 10" alvey on a broom stick. They brought home some nice fish though.
I have been to 1770 a couple of times a few years back now when the road was terrible. First time headed out to around Bolt Reef about 30nm or more out so being my first time out there my experienced mate in another boat pulls up and says over the radio, "this is a good spot to catch some bait (Hussar) for the Reds. Told me to fish just like I was after some Squire, so I baits up a Pilly on a couple of 4.0, 7766's and fed it down and whammo after a bit of a tussle on light gear a nice Red comes into the boat, I call the mate up, told him "geez the hussar are big up here"
Beginners luck he yells out.. I figured as much so back to fishing for bait, Whammo another good Red comes into the boat. Yeah I know beginners luck again, well it happens for sure.
So we ended up with some nice Hussar for bait, also had some fresh Mullet and Tailer fillets, couldn't get another Red though for the day and were plagued by Sharks although we ended up with a nice enough mixed bag and well fed sharks.
Second trip up we couldn't get out as the forecast didn't eventuate so it happens.
I am looking forward to the M&G later in September though, hope I get there and hope it turns out well and we get some good fishing in, otherwise will be listening to plenty of stories over a stubby or three I would imagine.