SEAL operations in February.

Last weekend I hosted Zubair and the lads again for a day's fishing. The weather has been atrocious this month so managing to get out was very lucky. Nevertheless, conditions weren't that great. Day started frosty but dry and there was a good swell running.  

I met the boys down the pier and the plan was to get on the boat and cross to one of the Islands where we'd spend the day fishing from the rocks. The guys really wanted to fish from the boat but I had warned them that it wouldn't be possible due to the weather and they should come prepared for rock and boat fishing.  Unfortunately, a couple didn't get the message and came with casual footwear that wasn't ideal...!

We crossed to the island and secured the boat. Then made our way to the first rock point. The swell was significant and after getting a couple skinny coalies I decided to move to the other side of the island. The swell was still significant here but the greater depth made fishing slightly easier. I setup the guys and had a couple casts with my rod. Surprisingly,  I got hit  straight away and managed a chunky pollock on a homemade yellow/white fork tail on 30g darting jighead. I recommended loud colours to the lads and soon enough Zubair was in as well.  The fish were typically holding low and near the rock-kelp transition.

Don't look too bad...

It's the same day..!

 There were average size pollock but they were in great condition and the gonads made them much heavier. Hence why this is prime time for the biggest fish of the year although unfortunately the weather has been prohibitive for fishing this winter.

Next one to have a fish was Khurram and he also lost a bigger one. Most of the other guys found it difficult to stay in the zone and unfortunately didn't get any fish. Winter fishing can have great rewards but its definitely more demanding skillwise.

After we lost a good amount of gear and with the tide receding (big tides) I decided to run and gun along the rock wall and Khurram followed me while the rest went back to the boat for a break. I soon found a pocket of fish and called Zubair back. The three of us had some more plump fish before deciding to call it a day. Unfortunately I didn't get many photos during the day as we kept most fish for the table and they were dispatched quickly! 

On the way back we had to lift and walk with the boat to the water as 2 of the bolts holding the wheels snapped  hence the title... It was good fun spending the day with the lads and even though not everyone caught, we still had some fish. They assured me they'll be back in the summer months for some relaxed boat fishing!

I was hoping for another day out before March but the weather is just showing storms all the time so I don't think I'll manage it. Plenty of other stuff keeping me busy right now anyway...

Tight lines