First snapper trip

[crumpet_avenger]

Went out Saturday night for my first trip since the clown opened the state up.
Being 45 minutes away from Hastings I couldn't fish during the lock downs. I have local lakes, but Im a saltwater fisho.

I dont usually post here as I'm not that tech savvy and having to email pics to myself in order to post them seems strange and more work than needed. However, I got a pb in an area that I've always hated so here goes.

My last few snapper seasons have been shitty. 4 years ago in early September when I asked my dad (best mate and fishing companion) to go fishing off the rocks at San Remo for bloody leatheries and sweep, he slipped and broke his ribs. He was out of action for almost 3 months because of complications. 0 fish didnt go out at all for snapper that year (took young kids out when snapper season ended afterwards)

The year after he had a heart attack, My 11 and 9 year old son stepped up and helped alot. Not the same when you havent got a guy driving the boat on and 1 driving the car. Went back to winching on. we did ok but wouldnt launch in peak times as the traffic at ramps is nuts. few small 2 kg fish in a few trips


Lock down last year buggered me with work and when I could go, kids sporting commitments took over

This year the lockdowns, home schooling, kids sport being cancelled and not being able to fish **** me up the wall. Some guys could fish cause they lived close to the water. I could work at the same area but not fish... Infuriating stuff.

Kids sport hasnt started up properly so when the lockdown ended last week, I figured finally it was my turn...

Went out Saturday arvo at about 4pm. Wind was gunna die down after 2 days of epic winds, only 6 boats at Hastings. Not rough but not pleasant.

Went out with IQF Pilchards bought 2 years ago and 2 fresh squid from dandy market bought on sat morning. Launched fine. My now 13 year old (25th oct) was immense in holding the boat. The wind was strong and he held the 5.25 m fiberglass cuddy cab stronger than most blokes I know could.
No plan apart from to hide from the wind, we looked at Joes Island, Choppy, windy, weed on the sounder. No thanks.

Tried inside Channel for 2 hours to hide from wind, baby gummies and schoolies.

Went up into Bouchiers channel as far as we could to sleep the night. fished in 15 ft of water and landed these beauties. 12 hours apart. 1 at 8 pm and the other at 8 am.

You guessed it. The 2 year old IQF pillies got the snapper. the squid only attracted lice and rock cod. Biggest fish was 7.3 kgs. Whole IQF pillie in a snelled rig. The other was 6.8 kgs and went on the same setup. Had 2 other rigs with a single circle hook with various squid baits. Nothing substantial. Best previous was 6.6 at the corals

I guess fresh isnt always best afterall...

Great to be back out, even if my old man and fishing companion just watched us clean them. Bet he enjoys eating the "smaller 1" tonight

[Mattblack]

That was a good read....big effort for big results, well done!

[bowl]

Home schooling rules..
Cracking fish ...

[ben475]

cool story

[fishnut]

Great fish braving the elements paid off

[Sebb]

Good read, nice fish.

[denis barden]

Kooooooooooooooooooooooool

[Lightningx]

Some nice fish mate!
Well done!
Cheers

[Andrews]

Great sessions and great fish!
Awesomely done!