After approx 45 min we happened across tiny pockets of rubble....this was what they call a reef! We set up a drift in a very light breeze with 4 expectant fishos waiting in anticipation for the species to be caught here. Using squid as bait on a variety of rigs, the bite was slow at best in 28 metres of clear as water. Some flatheads were coming aboard but were too small and plenty of "scorpion" fish but nothing to rave about.

 

Suddenly my rod took a big hit and bang the 10 kilo line broke. I then set up a spare heavy 50kg game rig with roller eyes and eagerly awaited the next bite. Well it soon came and man what a scrap, for at least 20 minutes the beast just stripped off line with very little gain and no show of colour in the translucent water. I was surprised at how much tension I had to adjust on the heavy game reel.

 

Eventually the fish started to tire and very soon the big outline of the red fish began to surface.....WOW it is a great snapper to shouts of surprise and joy weighing in at 20lb!!! 

 

 

And that was the only decent fish of the day but an awesome trip all the same. Found many potential fishing spots for future exploration.The limit on snapper over here is 50cm minimum....this one ran out at 85cm.

 

Looks like we also missed the heat wave before and after

PS  = Forgot to mention that I smoked the head, flaps and roe with Hickory saw dust (Cannot buy manuka there) and what a beautiful sweet flavour that was.

awesome report & a ripper of a snapper!

 

I use tea tree mulch for smoking fish, works a treat, and about $20 for 20 kgs its cheap!

 

Cheers

Craig 

 

 

I have caught about 3 legal snapper in Sydney Harbour in 10 years..

 

i think they get to 28cms then bugger off outside!!

 

Cheers

Craig