Went to a spot that has produced in the past and started to fish. The sea was a bit sloppy and the fishing was slow but after an hour and a half I had enough for dinner which was the main objective.

It started to rain and was getting very cold so I thought I would pop in close for a shot at some gurnard on the way home. Dropped anchor in 12ft of water and put my baits down. Quite slow again but picked up another nice pannie. Then all of a sudden all hell broke loose, something grabbed my line and started heading out to sea at a rate of knots! It didn’t seem to want to stop so I released the anchor and went for a ride

I actually thought I either had a shark or a stingray as I had caught some rubbish fish earlier in the morning. Once again I ‘assumed’ wrong

After a short battle I had a very reasonable sized snapper along side the yak Now what

The gaff was successfully deployed and I then had a large snapper sitting in my lap. I sat there for about 5 minutes in shock and sort of wondering how I was going to deal with it. Managed to get it into the back of the yak without falling out (just) and headed in as by that stage the weather had really packed it in.

When back on land I weighed the fish and was stoked at a new PB, 10.1kg

Unfortunately no on water or beach photo’s as it was pelting down and my camera is not water proof. Also my fingers were so numb I wouldn’t have been able to operate it!

Snapper for dinner

Checked weather forecast on Friday evening and there was certainly no problems there, light winds and no swell for Saturday and Sunday

DAY 1:

Up at 4:00am on Saturday, loaded up and headed off to chosen fishing location, just north of Tangahoe River but south of Awakino River ). Met fishing buddies at beach and after getting organised waited in anticipation at the waters edge for enough light to see the waves. 10 minutes felt like an hour!

Finally got to launch and away we went. We all got out without any problems except for one of the guys who fell into a hole while wading out and got soaking wet

We paddled for about 30-40 minutes and then split up a bit. I found some likely looking ground and threw the anchor out. I also put down my ‘magic’ berley mix. I got my first rod (strayline) sorted and sent it to the bottom. After placing it in the rod holder I attempted to get my other rod (softbait) in the water however before I had a chance the strayline took off. I grabbed it and after a short battle landed my first fish for the day, a nice 9lb snapper. Not a bad start I though

Put the stray line down again and the process repeated, twice! So after 15 minutes I had three nice fish on board all around 9-10lb. I thought to myself this is madness, at the rate I am going I will be heading in very soon

This time I left the strayline out of the water and finally got my softbait down. After a short time the ‘Cajun Chicken’ began to work its magic and several nice snapper were landed, all of which went back. I continued to get some nice fish on the strayline and most of those went back as well, apart from two that had swallowed the hook.

After fishing for about two hours things hadn’t really slowed down and all of my pre packed snacks and drinks were still untouched . While contemplating pulling up my rods for a breather my ‘Cajun Chicken’ took off at a rate of knots, and didn’t stop . I quickly wound up my other rod and then got into whatever had grabbed my softbait. After a 15 minute battle my suspicions were confirmed and I saw a big red flash under my yak. My heart started racing and I had to tell myself to keep calm and let the fish play out . The big red didn’t like the look of my yak headed for the bottom a few more times before he finally came within gaff range. Although not exactly textbook, I got the gaff in first time and dragged him aboard. After dispatching him I quickly weighed him. A new PB of 16lb

I continued to fish for another hour or so and landed some more nice fish. I was happy with what I had so they all went back. I also lost some very nice fish

So I returned home exausted and hungry but with a new PB and possibly the best days fishing i have ever experianced

DAY 2:

Day two started similar to the first although the trip through the surf was poorly timed and I got very wet but did managed to stay in my yak, just

Fished a different location but the fish were certainly still around. Landed some nice fish up to 8lb and kept a few for the family (brownie points to be used for next years comp ).

After geting a few snapper for the bin I went out onto sand/mud in the hope of catching a big gurnard. I did get 4 gurnard but nothing big enough to win the comp

Paddled in exhausted but happy again and refelcted on what had been a fantastic few days on the water. The fishing was great but just being out on the water in those conditions was a real pleasure

The competition was very well run and a credit to all involved. Met some great people over a few quite beers after fishing and it seemed everyone enjoyed themselves which is what it’s all about.

Until next year…..

Yakman
Day One

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