The fish John West Didn’t Reject – Or – (Sorry John -I know the Joke’s Been Done to Death)

An Unseasonal wind shift from the West (no pun intended) meant the crew from Brisbane lead by none other than (no relation to the fish manufacturer) John West had an oportunity to visit some of the outer reefs on the far edge of our Great Barrier Reef.

Because our prevailing wind usually come s from the south east – it isn’t very often that we can visit the reefs on the edge of the shelf; when a westerly blows our anchorages tend to sit on the drop offs rarely frequented and as a result the catches are impressive!

Organisers Ron and Merryl, cleverly left a Stanthorpe winter to travel to the Coral Sea in calm seas and mild temperatures and the boys from Canberra and Cootamundra couldn’t have agreed more! Perfect conditions meant a visit to Saumarez reef and the fishing didn’t disappoint. A near record catch of fish made for a memorable week.

Whilst the fellows were out in the dinghies hunting and gathering the girls (Merryl and Rita) kept themselves busy on the Kanimbla… What a Haul of Cobia!

<

You know what they say?…Red Sky at Night Sailors Delight- a perfect end to the day.

An excellent week was had by the crew from the Coffs Harbour and a successful 1st week for Captain Adam. Some good quality catches were taken and after a quick hands on ‘fishing the shallows’ coaching session with Capt. Adam, newcomers to the Coff’s Group performed like seasoned pros.

Captain Adam Houghton left the Gladstone Marina on his Maiden Voyage to the Swain’s Reefs. Adam has been a most valuable crewman on the Kanimbla for the last 4 years and his personality, local knowledge and skills in seamanship make him an obvious choice as relief Skipper. Both Bruce and Garry(retired) waved him off and the wharf amid cheering from the passengers.

Here Bruce gives Adam a good luck hug ( not that there is anything wrong with a bit of man-hugging) and discuss the weather report and charter plan.

A small group of good friends (10) from Sydney enjoyed a week with a bit of wind but a lot of good fish.

Certainly Lawrence (Pictured right with Bruce and a Chinaman Fish) is an example of what fisherman can aspire to…Lawrence is 80 years young and can very competently bring in the big ones. Unfortunately, his 8 kg fish is protected and after quite a fight to land, it was successfully returned o the sea.

Young Jnr Decky Charlie, (Right)finally managed his 1st decent fish…how pleased does he look?

A week of good weather (despite an ominous forcast) and great fishing for the friends of Richard Bowly (Publican).

The gang and …?Friend!

Here’s how we we process your catch- 1st, You catch them. Next, we clean and fillet them. Finally, your catch is named, colour coded to species, wrapped, packed and snap frozen to minus 35C

Finally!…Yipee! The wind has stopped, the conditions were perfect, the fishing was great and the Bag limits were reached on Sweetlip(Red Throat Emperor). There was even an opportunity to visit world famous Heron Island on the way home. This group organised by Garry W. hailed from all over Australia- QLD, Northern NSW and even WA.

>

and finally, in the words of Garry W. ..Good Fishing, Good Company…Good Bye!

Obviously the boys from Gloucester didn’t pray hard enough to the ‘Wind Gods’ as a result yet again- a windy week! Combined with a few rain squalls, made the fishing a real challenge! Despite the conditions the boys caught some exceptionally fine fish. This is the mark of good fishermen!