23 January 2010

Up before sparrow's fart this morning for a quick run out to look for Spanish. Left Arrawarra well before sunrise and headed north towards Chopper. Found an area inside of Chopper and went over with intent. Started doing my first few downs and noticed several large red morwong. As I headed back to the surface a fish with an unusual shape caught my attention and I turned back thinking it may be a small jack. My shot was from a long way away but I quickly identified the fish as a pearl perch. Fortunately Michael was nearby to secure the fish when it slipped off my spear for no apparent reason. Go figure. Continued looking for bait and working the flasher. Michael saw a mackerel in the distance as did Luke. I decided to lie on the bottom for a while hoping to arouse a curious mackerel's attention. Did nothing but when I looked up it was like a mini grove of bamboo with all the crayfish feelers. I quickly grabbed one making sure not to disturb the rest. The crayfish was gigantic and I thought to load this 'painted' into the boat then grab another. Michael laughed as I hit the surface: green and way oversize, so back it went. He dived to look at the other crays, probably another 20 and they were all way too big. I just hope that no-one else decides to make off with these breeding stock and screw things up for the rest of us. We got a serious burley trail going but only a load of bait arrived. Work was starting to loom and we made an early departure. The water is warm about 23 and clearing, murky 12m. Looking good for tomorrow. Mackerel are being landed south of us so with some luck we should manage some tomorrow.