I survived ABT rd13

Author: josh

Category: Trip Reports

Created on Sunday, 18 April 2010 21:14

Written by Josh

I've just returned from round 13 of the ABT hobie kayak fishing series, which was the last qualifying round leading up to final next month at Foster. It was a really good weekend overall, despite a few showers and tough fishing conditions on the second day. Good fish were caught both days though, particularly on Saturday. The overall winner was Jason Meech (pictured above), with a few of the usual suspects hot on his heels. There were a lot of familiar faces at the event, some of them coming from far and wide as well as a few participants taking place for the first time. It was interesting for me to note that of the 22 entrants, only one was using a paddle-only kayak. By and large, the field was a moss-dune coloured sea of Outbacks and Pro Anglers. The ABT kayak fishing scene seems to have truly identified it's most suitable estuary fishing kayak platforms. 

Doug and I were there representing Maclean Outdoors, helping out by providing drinks, snacks, BBQ brekky, lunch and condolences for those who were also eating doughnuts. It was great to catch up with some of my long-lost kayak fishing comrades, as well as being able to put some more faces to names. I was particularly impressed at how the ABT kayak events have turned into a well-oiled machine, not just from the organisers, but also by the participants. The whole weekend went by the numbers nicely. I was, however, surprised that there weren't more entrants though. Not just because of how well run these events are, but also because of where it was held (I thought Camden Haven was an excellent place for such an event). Perhaps this had something to do with the fact that the KFT round 3 was held on the same weekend.

I didn't get much of a chance to fish due to fatigue on Saturday and time restraints on Sunday, but with reports of tuna getting around the headlands, we just had to sail out to take a look. Although we didn't catch any big fish, both Doug and I caught a good amount of smaller fish - tailor & bonito, almost all of which were returned. Conditions were excellent for sailing as well as fishing, and I liked our chances, but it just didn't happen. One thing is certain though... I shall return.