22 January 2009

The ocean appears to be settling down very nicely and has looked extremely inviting over the last week or so. I was fortunate enough to get out for a quick dive on Sunday. Conditions were still unsettled after the S blow but the sea was warm, with reasonable viz. There was a considerable current pushing S-N which had us starting just S of NW Solitary Island. The area was very fishy, lots of bait and indicators hanging around. On the first dive I saw a large school of good Yellowtail but they were reluctant to allow any approach. Headed upcurrent to prepare for another drift when a good 'Tail swam under me. It was an easy dive but the fish seemed quite flighty. I stopped to allow it to settle and started flicking my fingers at it. A small school of Yellowtail came in for a look, I selected a good fish and shot, hoping for an immediate kill. It was a good shot but slightly further back than I would have hoped. The fish bolted N dragging me along.

Getting the fish under control took considerable effort but once it was on its back I was able to dispatch it easily. I reloaded my gun and popped up for a look at where the boat was. It was a good 1.5km away. What ensued was a 1/2 hr swim back to the boat to load the 'Tail. All the divers got fish with Michael taking a nice 16kg specimen. Justin had a school of Cobia swim up to look at the second Yellowtail he shot, unfortunately the rest of us weren't close enough to get in on the Cobia action. Saw a few small Spanish but they were very shy. Some Bonnies came through, Sarda sp, and Michael took one, which made excellent sushi. Michael prepared some of the 'Tail yesterday by marinading it in Green Thai Curry and lime then onto the barbecue with a basting of coconut milk, mint and coriander. The fish was served in a wrap with Basil and tomato...spectacular.

Passed John on Sunday, he was on his way out to N Solitary. They got some good Mangrove Jacks in very deep water which bodes well for the future. There is still stacks of bait around and there are reports of fishermen getting some Spotted Mackerel (very similar to Natal Snoek) just S of us. Got my new rigid DiveR blades which I am very keen to fit to my fins. Sincerely hope that the effort required to do the deep dives will be markedly reduced.

Sunday is the club competition and I have decided to be more active in participating this year, now that I am settled in. I also want to get a better look at some of the spots before the Bluewater Classic at the end of March.