Throw another Cobe on the barbie!

Author: josh

Category: Trip Reports

Created on Saturday, 12 February 2011 14:17

Written by Josh

I was relieved to note Clarence Coast water temperature had risen sharply from the weekend before as I launched at Woody Head this morning, with a light nth west wind gently pushing me towards my primary target, middle reef, some 5km to the nth noreast. Along the way I trolled a couple of lures from either side of the yak, a Rapala Magnum CD 21 secured into my starboard rod holder, a much ligher bluebait-ish blade style lure on the other. The latter wasn't touched all morning, but the former was smashed hard mid-trip as I dragged it through Shark Bay.

As line peeled off rapidly I furled the sail, switched on the cams and took up the fight, immediately calling it to be a shark, not terribly big for a shark... maybe a black tip reefy. Even when the fish surfaced about 5 metres from the kayak I was still under the impression I'd hooked a shark, only seeing it for what it was when I hauled it in nice and close. A plump cobia masqueading as a shark came up alongside but before congradulating myself over it I had to get it under control first. Notably larger than the last 2 I'd hooked (at Hat Head), there were a few hairy moments as it swam under the kayak, nearly shearing the line on fins and then rudder. Fortunately I was able to prevent that from happening and soon after sunk in the gaff, a brief and bloody struggle ensuing at the side of the yak before lifting it aboard.

Now with an ominous cloud of blood floating beside me I figured now was a great time to get moving before the suits arrive. I'd hooked a small mack tuna earlier in the day (returned) and felt confident that if I'd stayed out, probably would have caught more fish. But with some 12kg of cobia sitting on the tramp, it felt very much like my work here was done. My contribution to tomorrows Yamba - Maclean AI/TI sailing cruise BBQ now sorted, it was time to head home to catch up on sleep... and maybe housework!