On a weekend where the weather made fishing difficult six members were joined by two non-members at Port Albert Lodge. Everyone arrived on Friday to some solid rain and wet conditions. The evening dinner was just getting served up when John Costa and Daniel Trafford arrived at 10.30pm. It almost seemed like dinner was being served up after the drinking had been done. Plenty of red eyes and tired boys enjoyed the sausages and steamed vegetables on order. Great meal Steven Gusman.
On Saturday morning we woke to winds of approximately 40 knots. The wind was blowing straight into the ramp making it nearly impossible to launch without damage occurring to the boats. Cool, throbbing heads prevailed and most went back to bed. Daniel Trafford and visitor Luke Nicholas fished land based at Rudders jetty for one size flathead, some undersized pinkies, and undersized sweep.
Over the course of Saturday a Pork roast was cooked on the weber by John C and Steven G. Name a vegetable and it was included. A great meal and entertainment into the wee hours was on offer for anybody that wanted to participate. A great night enjoyed by all. There were plenty of leftovers for Sunday brunch for the late starters.
On Sunday morning Luke and his father Daryl took the opportunity to take the boat out for a run. Daniel Trafford and Julian Costa took their boat out as well. A lot of undersized fish were caught that included flathead, whiting. The highlight of the day was Daniel bringing a ray that would have measured 2.4 meters across the flaps. Daniel and Julian got stuck out there as they couldn't restart the boat after numerous attempts. A couple of quick phone calls and John Costa scavenged a ride out to them to start the boat. After a quick look and a turn of the key and the motor roared into action. (Young and Dumb). Many thanks to Daryl and Luke for providing the transport to get the two young blokes off the water. Luke Nicholas caught 4 good sized flathead for a bag of 1.80kg. Some timely advice from JC helped the cause.
On Sunday morning John Costa got up early and woke a couple up to see who was up to fishing as most had been up till 3 am partying. A hung over DJ Trafford was the only one keen enough to take on the bar to fish outside with John. Just a note of warning for all, the bar at Port Albert has changed considerably since our last trip. Reading it on the way out was not too bad, however it has narrowed considerably and can be very shallow dependent on the state of the tide. On our return from fishing in Bass Strait the tide was on the way out and the bar was working overtime. Luckily we had plotted the run out and came back on the same course. Talking to other skippers at the ramp confirmed that dangerous state of the bar at present.
Daniel managed three further Flathead to take his final bag weight to 1.20kg. John Costa managed to catch 10 flathead for a bag weight of 4.40kg. Best fish for the trip was caught by John Costa a Flathead that weighed 1.30kg. Leading for the trip is John Costa with 10 Flathead for a bag weight of 4.40KG leading for second is Daniel Trafford with 4 fish for 1.20 kg. Well done to all who attended and enjoyed the trip. Under better circumstances we probably would have caught more fish. You can only play with the cards your dealt. Thanks to all the pitched in and made it a great week end.