30 April 2009

I have just returned from a holiday back in South Africa. When I left, I endured a great deal of derision because my holiday happened to coincide with what traditionally is the best Wahoo season. This season started with a great deal of promise, lots of baitfish and some awesome water. The weather gods had differing opinions though. Looks like they are making every attempt to keep the likes of Spearos out of the Ocean. Massive amounts of rain and strong fronts have kept the sea rough and dirty. I don't know about you, but I prefer not to dive in chocolate milkshake.

There was a moment of respite during this meteorological assault and for 2 or 3 days everything calmed and the viz was the best it has been. Apparently, out at the pinnacles, the ripples on the sand at 35m could be clearly seen from the surface. There were some Wahoo and Spanish around and the lucky few that managed to get out, were rewarded.

I am now back in Australia with a new speargun to boot. My brother, Andrew, is putting a beautiful wooden gun together made from Rhodesian Teak. For those who don't know what Rhodesian Teak is, it is what the old railway sleepers were made from. This wood is extremely durable and becoming very rare. All live trees enjoy protection today and the only wood available, comes from recovered sleepers. I am looking forward to putting this gun through its paces.

2 April 2009

What a disastrous turn of events. The strong S system that made its way up the coast just prior to the Classic eventually arrived in force on Tuesday, 31 March. The heavens literally opened and Coffs received nearly a metre of rain in a 24hr period. The ground had absorbed all the water it was going to and the first indication I got that something was up, was when I noticed a small river flowing down what used to be the Pacific Highway. The area has been declared a disaster area and there is unlikely to be much spearfishing taking place in the next few days or weeks.

The weather prediction for the next few days continues to indicate rain. Looks like the big fish out on the various pinnacles will remain safe for the time being. A photo was published in the newspaper recently of a 'marlin' caught off the S harbour breakwall. Apparently the angler caught several but this one was badly hooked and died. The fish was quite obviously a Sailfish. Sailies are encountered infrequently around Coffs Harbour, so it was very interesting to read that he had caught several during this fishing outing.