It's a Blow-Up

The weather was not looking so good on this particular Sunday, so we decided to stay inside the reefs and do a bit of light tackle fishing.

Out comes the 6lb to 30lb gear. Now anytime you pull out this light of tackle in the ocean, your gear is bound to get smashed and busted. We were not let down. Lots of tackle was lost, but a lot of fish were landed too. 

The weather did not disappoint us either. It blew harder and harder as the day progressed. Good thing we stayed inside.

A rather ominous looking morning sky.

Wayne with the first of many on his little 6lb soft plastic grub set-up.

Rosie catching the toothy critters without a steel trace. (Barracuda)

Brendan with a little bluefin trevally.

Another toothy critter. (Gar fish or Long Tom)

This is a little better bluefin.

A baby grouper or coral trout.

Now we're talking dinner. Rosie with a green job fish caught on bait.

Two at a time. A long nose emperor and a grouper

Another good day on the water despite the weather. Come to think of it, as long as we get home safely, it is always a good day on the water.

Tight Lines

Post tsunami fishing or Cashing in on Karma

Well after much bad weather and tsunami Sunday, that was when the earthquake hit Chile and put us on tsunami watch. Here are a few images of us and the entire community on high ground.

From Brendon, Katie and Billy

Who could resist turning it into a bit of a party?

From Brendon, Katie and Billy

And of course someone had to keep an update on the whole situation Pacific wide, and that someone was me of course. With wireless internet and a laptop it is amazing what you can find out.

From Brendon, Katie and Billy

It was time to get out and do a bit of fishing. I was beginning to feel like I was growing roots.

Plans were laid and then the day came for them to be executed. As Billy said to me, "You must have cashed in a whole lot of Karma cause this is a great day."

From Brendon, Katie and Billy

On board for the days fishing was, Katie Longo, Brendan Yee, Billy Longo (who does not fish, he has some deal with the fish, he wont eat them and they wont eat him...... Scuba divers), Rosie and myself.

The tides were all wrong but the weather was all right so who cares.

Off we go and before long we are fishing.

Nothing much for the first hour or so. We finally get to a spot that the current is ripping through. Then we start to see a bit of action. A few follows and a couple bites but still nothing in the boat. Then Brendan hooks up to a mighty big something. Not sure what it is but he is definitely out gunned. After he is taken into the rock below his double leader is bit right through. This leads me to think shark. Then not two minutes later a white tip reef shark starts to harass our poppers. Time to move.

Our next stop sees us casting to a long reef finger about 3 meters deep and maybe 60-80 meters long.

Suddenly and without warning Katie shouts, no screams, FISH ON!!!!!!!!!! and of course we all get really excited because she is excited and everyone rushes to one side of the boat to see this leviathan of the deep. Because anyone who yells that much has got to have a monster of a fish on and is asking for assistance to put on a fighting belt.

Alas it is but a small Long Tom the is not even hooked with the hooks but instead, it's elongated beak is wrapped up in the leader.

From Brendan, Katie and Billy

Ok, now the first fish is in the boat and everyone can settle down and move away from the side of the boat. We get back to fishing and as we do a bunch of birds have moved over the finger we are fishing on and start diving into the water after bait. This of course means there must be bigger fish below the bait.

Right then we hear the same, shall I call it a hysterical scream, FISH ON!!!!!! You got it Katie strikes again, only this time it is a small Bluefin trevally. She hauls it out of the water by her rod and almost slaps me. Then within minutes, maybe less, Brendan catches one and this is followed by another. All about the same size and all in the ice chest.

The birds are still working and everyone is still fishing when, you guessed it, Katie sings out, FISH ON!!!!!!!!!! This time I can hear her drag screaming as line melts off of her little 30lb outfit. I can tell this is a better fish and something different. With repeated runs and her not gaining much line we get a belt on her and she settles in to the fight. Soon she has the upper hand and before long we have color. To all of our amazement she has hooked and landed a Yellowfin Tuna.

From Brendan, Katie and Billy

To say she was excited is really an understatement. In fact we were all excited and returned to fishing in hopes of another, but alas it was not to be on this occasion.

We move on down the reef and eventually inside of the lagoon in search of some eating fish.

Instead of fish, some on the boat got in a swim.

Brendan out retrieving his non floating lure.

From Brendan, Katie and Billy

Billy's fish eye view of the boat.

From Brendan, Katie and Billy

From Brendan, Katie and Billy

After swimming and mucking around we tried a few bommies inside the lagoon, but the tide was wrong and no one wanted to bite.

We decided to head to a reef that we know can produce some nice fish. So off we go for a 20 minute ride.

We arrive on the reef but the swell is massive which makes standing a chore. We fish on despite any hardships.

Soon Rosie boats a nice Bass and comments on how hard they can pull as it is released because they are poisonous.

All is quiet for awhile and the troops are getting tired from casting all day. Soon it is Brendan at the back and Rosie up front when I see Rosie pause and step down from the bow. I take the opportunity to get in a few casts.

Pop pop SPLASH, fish on. Drag screaming. 50lb braid melting away. Drag screaming. Turn the boat. Drag screaming. Follow, follow. Go go. Drag screaming. Keep going, keep going. I will let the video finish the story.

From Brendan, Katie and Billy

Needless to say we had a great time out. Friends, great weather, fish and lots of laughs.

Until next time

Tight lines

Playing tour guide and tourist with visiting family

My brother Arick and his wife Stephanie came to visit us here in Fiji. Of course we wanted to get them out on the water for a fish. Unfortunately the weather gods were not very cooperative.

We did manage to get in some quality beach time.

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

As well as a river kayaking trip with Rivers Fiji that involved a kava ceremony with a village headman

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

and then a few hours on the river.

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

We also managed to do Zip Fiji. A series of cables strung through the jungle that you get to zip around on. Great fun.

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

We did get out to do a bit of fishing. I have to say the odds were stacked against us. With four cyclones that developed inside of two weeks within the region, we had massive swell, wind and unpredictable weather. We still managed some fish and of course we all had a great time.

First fish in the boat was a Longtom or the Fijian name is Saku.

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

Next up was Arick and here he is showing us how it is done on a Bass, Fijian name, Bati.

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

Then Stephanie decides she wants to have a go with the 50lb rod, and of course you know what happened. First cast, first pop, a fish on and landed. A nice Emperor to boot. Fijian name, Dakunivudi.

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

Then it is Rosie's turn to show us all how it is done.

From fishing with Arick and Stephanie

We had a very good time with Arick and Stephanie and I think they had a good time with us. We hope they decide to come back again. Hopefully the fishing will be better.

Tight lines

Sunday fish in Fiji

I am a little late on this post because of computer problems. Now that those are fixed I can share our last trip out.

I took three friends out for a Sunday fish. The weather was frightful to say the least. Blowing 20-25 knots and threatening rain.

Since I am getting used to fishing in that kind of weather it is no big deal.

First one on board with a nice Bluefin Trevally was Paul.

From Nov 1st Serua reef Paul, Vinod, John, Callan

Next up was John, he and I share the retail store space. He catches a little Bluefin also.

From Nov 1st Serua reef Paul, Vinod, John, Callan

Then Vinod lands a nice GT.

From Nov 1st Serua reef Paul, Vinod, John, Callan

At this point Paul's arms are getting tired from casting a 50lb rod and a big River2Sea dumbell popper. So he gives me a try while he drives the boat. I soon hook up to a nice GT and boat it for a quick photo session.

From Nov 1st Serua reef Paul, Vinod, John, Callan

That was enough for me and I give the rod back to paul who then catches a big Long Tom.

From Nov 1st Serua reef Paul, Vinod, John, Callan

All in all we landed 5 fish and dropped 5. Not bad considering these guys are beginners and the weather was crap.

Until next time.

Tight lines

After Noon Quickie

We have been working on opening up a fishing tackle store here in Fiji. Boy is it a heck of a lot of work and the doors are not even open yet. We found a shop that is in a good location and a good price and split the space with a friend named John. He will be opening a meat and specialty food shop. We are calling it "Pacific Harbour Fishing Tackle and Meats".

The other day we were inside painting and cleaning up the pig stye that the previous tenants left and finished up around noon. The weather looked ok and I said to my partners in crime, "why don't we go for a fish?" Of course there was a resounding, "sure what time?" To which I replied, "let's go home grab the gear and go." So we did.

I always leave the boat ready to go. It is cleaned fueled and watered. That way all I have to do is jump in and turn the key and go fish.

It is now just after noon and as we leave the shelter of the break wall it becomes obvious that the wind has picked up out of the SW and there is a rain squall coming our way. We put the hammer down and pound our way out across the channel to Beqa Lagoon.

Soon the clouds part and the sun comes out, although we are still contending with a 15-20 knot SW wind, it turns into a beauty of an afternoon.

Ok I need to back up a bit here and tell you that John has been out with us before but the weather has always been crap and he has declined to try popper fishing with the boat pitching in all directions. Not that I blame him. So this time it is just John, Rosie and myself out and John is at the rear with Rosie out front. After a few quick casting lessons John is popping like a pro.

Not long after we start really fishing, Rosie gets smashed by a beauty of a Long Nose Emperor. These fish fight like Mack trucks. They hit the lure and head straight for any structure they can find. and with a big fat tail propelling them they can move. After a good tussle Rosie brings it to the boat so it can have it's picture taken.

From XstreemFishingCom

From XstreemFishingCom

I instructed John on the fact that most, if not all first time poppers don't catch anything. It is just part of the learning curve. So to avoid disappointment I told him not to expect much in the way of fish but to practice and have fun.

Much to my and his surprise his rod suddenly loads up and he is onto a good fish. After a dirty fight with a nasty toothy Bass, John proves triumphant.

From XstreemFishingCom

Things go quiet for awhile after that and we settle into a nice rhythm and everyone gets a bit comfortable. This is not to last.

When you least expect it, I think the saying goes.

Suddenly, Rosie's rod loads up and line starts to peel off. With the drag screaming and me backing out of the reef the fight is on. We know immediately that it is a GT. Nothing fights like them. Deep powerful runs followed by massive head shakes and finally the long haul up with the fish using it's massive girth to fight you all the way to the top.

From XstreemFishingCom

It was like someone told all the fish that it was time to bite. With in a couple of minutes Rosie was on to another GT. A bit smaller but gave a good accounting of itself none the less.

From XstreemFishingCom

Now it was John's turn again. This time he was onto a Long Tom and it put on quite an aerial display. He handled it like a pro.

From XstreemFishingCom

Then it was back to the Trevally. This time Rosie lands a nice Bluefin Trevally.

From XstreemFishingCom

When the fishing is hot it's really hot and with great water clarity we all got to see the next fish swim up to the lure and nonchalantly take it. Once it had the lure and was heading in the opposite direction the massive GT turned on the after burners. The drag screamed as line melted from the reel. The fight was good and fair. Moving from on top of the reef to deep water followed by great head shakes and the long slug up to the top. Once the GT was in the boat both angler and fish could relax.

From XstreemFishingCom

From XstreemFishingCom

A few pictures and now its is 4:30 and time to go home.

Tight lines

Dream Fish Come True

Got out of bed this morning and it was still dark and definitely cold. None of that matters though as we are going fishing. Loaded the boat with the gear and off we go. Today we are fishing the rising tide in the morning, reason being is by the time the tide falls the wind has kicked up to at least 30 knots and then it is impossible to fish.
We are hardly away from shore and Rosie hooks up to a nice Long Tom using an neon green 2m diver about 10cm long. These fish can fight like Jet Li. A full set of aerobatics followed by a screaming surface run that has your line throwing a rooster tail as it slices the water. All of those moves are then repeated several times before ol’ Tom is boat side. Now it is time to net Tom and wouldn’t you know, he won’t hold still. He is a writhing, slithering, snake like fish with a mouth full of needle sharp spikes called teeth. Oh, did I say he was angry, well pissed off is more like it. After several attempts with the net ol’ Tom is in the boat getting his picture taken. Not a bad start.
With all of the Long Tom excitement done it’s time to settle in and do some fishing. Another 30 minutes goes by and I finally hook up to a good size Trevally. I was using a little brow and green shallow diver about 7 cm long and it runs to about 1m. That’s all I needed to get me going. Soon I have a little potato cod in the boat and this is followed by another Long Tom of equal size to the first one. I am now into my fishing groove and getting ready to turn up the heat. Out of no where comes this massive explosion. We get a quick glimpse of dark grey almost brown goliath attacking Rosie’s 12cm ChugBug surface popper. We both call it for a shark due to the strike and coloring. Now first a little background on this lure and this particular location. First this lure has a tendency to attract sharks. And of course it’s one of Rosie’s favorite. Almost every time it comes out the ChugBug seem to call a shark or two not to mention how many shiny new ones have been taken by the shark and worn like bling. Now the location is almost as notorious for sharks as the lure is. So we both call it a shark.
Luck would have it that Rosie just happens to be using the larger spinning reel with 30lb braid and a 7 ½ foot graphite rod. The first run is a scorcher and she loses maybe 150m of line. Now the fight takes a twist, if it was a shark then the line would have broken by now. The second run is just as hard and long as the first run. The fish is now on the bottom and moving with the current and wind. Believe it or not the third run is quite impressive also. The runs are not as long now but the fish is pulling the boat. We finally get in front of it and turn the tables. The fish is planing and Rosie is gaining line.
Not to long more and we have color and the beast shows it’s face. A massive GT, one of those you read about in far way exotic places. A fish that when you see it for the first time your mouth hangs open and your eyes bulge out a little so you can see more of it. A real beauty of a fish. Net won’t work I use two hands and a big lift into the boat. A few quick photos and then it’s back in the water. It took some swimming to revive it. It was a long hard fight and as it swam away to fight another day, Rosie and I did a high five.


Tight lines and screaming drags