| Took the extended family out cruising in the Black Scallop on Saturday, and they had great fun swimming in the deep behind Tiri and over at Coppermine at Kaweau. The water was some of the clearest Ive have seen. So with a good forcast for Sunday morning (and a family BBQ to fill) it was Game On, . BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, after getting to bed late Sat night, you have to love the sound of a 5am alarm on Sundays morning. Coffee, lamp pie, feeling almost human. Next thing I knew I was in the Speedy Scallop (3.5 mtr inflatable, with centre console, and 25hp yammie) skimming across silky flat water, with the sun just rising, travelling from Gulf Harbour to the Buoy at Shearers Rock. Magic. Arrived at the buoy to discover about ten fishing boats already there. (I think there was a fishing comp on this weekend), all Jigging their hearts out. I parked the boat right beside the Buoy, and decided not to venture too far from it. As soon as I hit the water I was surrounded by schools of small Kingis. All looked just under, or maybe just legal size. This situation did not really change for the rest of the dive, hundreds and hundreds of Kingis, Not feeding (much to the dismay of the fishos) just slowly cruising back and forward across the reef 60 feet below the buoy. The situation was so relaxing that I got chatting with a couple of boats of fishos. Discussing with them what the fish were doing, and the best place to cast their lines. After ten to fifteen minutes, I notices some larger models moving in, a bit deeper down the reef, under the schools of rats. Action!!!!!!! Cutting my conversation short, with all the grace of a large killer whale, I descended to about 15 meters and selected a nice size Kingi. Short fight, in the boat. Of course lots of cheers and kind abuse from my fisho friends. Nek minit .. please re-read the last three paragraphs .kingfish X2 in the boat. All done .off in the boat to a little known scallop spot, for a few tasty entrees for the BBQ .. Back to Gulf Harbour and in Church with the family by 10.30am. Nice way to spend the daylight?.............. - Porae |