Off The Rocks - July 2012

Off The Rocks II by Chris Bannerman

Date: 15 July 2012

Another cold clear morning greeted us as we assembled at the Lizzie Bay shops. This time we had Mal Holden, Big Bob, Mac Lyall, Uncle Ken, John the vet, Col Breese, Richard Hassall and Jimmy Hyatt. And as per the last episode we split up and headed to the fishing spots. I decided to do the beach walk again - I had success last time, why mess with the formula? Once again Stickerman joined us out on the rocks. The sea was decidely less angry this morning and we hadn't fished long before Mal had a bream on. The rest of us fished in eager anticipation of the tight line . . . . but nothing happened.

We all shifted around a bit further, Mal and I deciding to go right around to the Bung where there appeared to be some suitable wash. In the mean time the vet had nailed his first fish - a scoffell. Below the Bung we tried various washes without success. The sea seemed to be dropping and a big school of salmon teased us just offshore. On numerous occaisions we removed our sink tip and changed fly only to re-rig with a bread fly when the school moved further away.

By late morning we had little to show for our efforts so we headed back to see how the rest had faired. John had managed another scoffel and a small drummer so he was happy as we had a last few casts and finished off the berley before heading back to the car park. With extra crowds at the picnic tables and BBQ this time, we met the guys who had fished the ladders back where they parked and headed back to Elizabeth Bay shops for the club barby in the nearby park. The wind had risen during the morning and most of us huddled behind Kens Cruiser as we exchanged fishing reports. The boys at the ladders had had more success than us this time with a number of fish being caught by everyone.

All in all a pleasant morning in good company even if the fishing wasn't hot. But it is good to get back into the rock fishing - it's been too long between drinks.