Sea’s bounty withheld, but a good day’s fishing nonetheless

Last weekend, I went fishing. Bright eyed and bushy tailed, we woke at daybreak, determined to have several whiting landed early and move on to our next target species of squid.

The idea was simple – to catch and prepare salt and pepper calamari for entrée followed by whiting and flathead fried in tempura batter with a green salad for main. Life can be no better than indulging in such a feast while overlooking the water after a day of “hunting and gathering”. That was the plan; now back to reality.

Having launched the boat successfully, we turned the key to start the outboard motor and, you guessed it, nothing! A flat battery was the first obstacle we had to overcome. We placed the battery on the charger and made a cup of tea. An hour later we discovered it was not charging, but a short half hour drive to the battery shop would fix the problem and we should be on the water soon. The issue was a little more complicated, but nothing that outlaying a few hundred dollars and spending more time than anticipated would not fix. Still full of optimism, we returned to the boat ramp.

By this stage, the north wind was blowing a gale. Not a problem, we thought. Just head to a sheltered bay close by and wait for the wind to ease somewhat. By the time we approached the entrance to the sea, the wind was extreme and the resultant waves were impenetrable. We had to retreat to the safety of the boat harbour once again. Undaunted, we looked at the weather radar and could see the wind would abate about noon. It was now time for a coffee and light lunch (we didn’t want to spoil our appetites for tonight’s seafood extravaganza).

After lunch and a walk along the beach, the wind decreased in strength and changed direction. Fishing conditions were now perfect. So at three in the afternoon, eight hours after our expected start time, we were heading out to sea. We didn’t feel comfortable being too far offshore, as the battery issue might yet again rear its ugly head, but there were plenty of spots close by to hook whiting and the odd flatty. Then on the way in we would drift over a reef or two for our squid.

By this stage, we had lowered our expectations somewhat and would be content with whatever bounty the sea was willing to give. Sadly, the offering was akin to the generosity of Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas gifts. We hooked several inedible parrot fish, two undersized salmon and a toadfish. With our tail between our legs, we headed home to alert our wives. They had, of course, anticipated this outcome and the barbecue meats and salad were already prepared by the time we had cleaned up. To add salt to our wounds, we came across a fishing charter at the boat ramp who, between them, had caught eight 30kg tuna and a basket full of the biggest King George whiting I have ever seen.

I’m sure many can relate to this fishing tale. What surprised me most, however, was how much fun we had.

We didn’t judge our success or failure by the size of our catch, but by how much we enjoyed the company of those we were with. I would not have had this attitude at 16, but at 56, I can honestly say it was one of the best days fishing I have ever had.
Thanks, Charlie.