Yes I stole that line off Selwyn Toogood.
With the forecast looking perfect for a fish off Mokau, I made contact with Geoff. He was keen and chomping at the bit to guide me on to my first 20lber. Friday morning arrived at 3:30am and on the road by 4:15. I was greeted at Mokau by Geoff and Heidi with a fresh coffee and an outstanding omlette.
On the beach and ready to launch the little Mac just after 8am. Flat seas in front of us and anticipation building head off. We motored out to Geoff's number one outgoing tide spot about 20m deep.
After 3 1/2 hours and only a few pannies and baitfish caught we heading down the coast during the slack low tide period. As we got close to the area to be fished we could see lots of gannets gathering on the surface.
Straylines and sabikis out, the wait was on. Some fresh kahawai was caught and things are looking good. With 2-2:30pm approaching and only a few snaps in the bin, time was against us to nail my first 20lber. While waiting for the straylines to show some interest I thought I'd ask Geoff a question. "Geoff, do you just take that big fibreglass snapper off your wall every so often and post a pic on the forum for the rest of us to drool over." "No, definitely not, they should be coming through soon".
It was now 3:30pm and the big baits were getting some attention. 4kg, 5kg, 6kg, a couple around 7-8kg coming in. Chunks of bait were getting thrown over the side to keep them around. Geoff's rod picks up a screamer and a battle takes place. After several good runs a good fat 20lber + pops up. A bit of a tangle in the net with line and hooks. Geoff was wanting to release this one, so a bit of a team work was needed to get him free. " We'll get a photo too" says Geoff. Before the camera could be organized, my line goes on a quick but short burst, maybe 10-15m of line peeled off and then stopped. " Okay, we'll get this photo before you release it". Too late, my reel is going for it again. Over the side, Geoff's big snappa went and I was hooked into a goodie. " Does it feel heavy" "Not sure yet, he definitely doesn't want to come off the bottom" I said. After getting him up a few meters and turning his head back down to the bottom several times, he was starting to tire. As it started to come up through the water colum I turned down the drag, as I wasn't going to risk losing this one. More head shake's and tail beats later, a short but fat stocky snapper arrived at the side of the boat. " It could be the one" said Geoff. Once in the boat, it was looking at least 20lb, maybe a bit over. Time to crack open a celebratory beer that was brought along for this very occasion. High fives and a few woo-hoos, it was time to head back in. We went to the local butcher's shop for an official weigh-in and it pulled the scales down to 10.26kg or 23lbs. Mission accomplished.
For those of you that haven't met Geoff before, his enthusiasm and excitement for catching big snapper is like no-ones I've met before. Thanks again Geoff your a legend, a day I'll never forget.
Geoff will Post some pics soon, as there on his camera.
Top 10 finish
2024 Grunter Hunter.