Oyster Bay - 21/11/09

My brother-in-law, Brendan, was around for the weekend so it was time to get him out on the yak to show him what this kayak fishing caper is all about. I was tempted to take him out onto Botany Bay to chase a few salmon or kings but seeing as it was his first time, gently does it was the favoured choice, so off to Oyster Bay with Lachlan in tow to get a few flatties and bream.

Brendan quickly settled into the Outback and although a bit sceptical about the Mirage Drive at first, within minutes he was totally blown away by how quick and easy it was. Lachlan jumped on with me and we started trolling around a selection of HB's - Jackall Chubby's, SX40's, Atomic Hardz and a River 2 Sea Baby vib.

Lachlan is first off with a small flathead that goes back into the drink. A few more small fish come in for a quick visit but it's a fairly slow day so we head down to the Georges River to work the weedbed edges. I'm hoping Brendan gets a few fish and on the way we hear 'Got one!', and in comes his first fish, a flathead, from the yak. And what a monster, too. : ) At least he's on the board.

Using the sounder we troll right along the drop offs and I get a 'Narrabeen' bream before we hear Brendan again. 'Yes, much bigger!' he yells. Lachie and I go over just in time to see him swing a very nice bream aboard. 29 fork length and we finally have a keeper.

The flatties are still very scarce, as well as the bream. Water temp is 24 degrees so it's nice and warm for them. As we turn around and head back along the weedbed, Lachlan's rod bucks and the drag starts singing. His grin is like a Cheshire Cats and he's 'Oohing' and 'Aahing' as he tries to control the fish. 'This is HUGE, dad!' and up comes another keeper bream but it's only 26 to the fork. The reason for the big fight was because it was foul hooked in the side but it certainly gave Lachlan a big thrill.

Time to head back and I'm still fishless (small ones don't count according to Lachlan). Brendan is next to us and his rod whacks back and he's on again. Jammy git! Another bream and that's 3 for the morning, so it ended up ok in the end. Brendan is seriously looking at getting one of the Outbacks now so I guess that's another convert to the yakkin' world.

I take a quick snap at the ramp as the two 'beginners' ask the 'expert', "Where's your fish?" Cheeky swines, I should make them walk home... Happy yakkin', everyone!

cheers,
Cid