Sunday, 18 August 2013

17th August Horseshoe Bay to Hazzard Bay Orpheus Island 38nm


We departed at 7.30am with very little breeze and what there was petered out on the way. We had glassy conditions with full sun. We motored along at 6.5 knots with the trolling lines out hoping to catch some fish on the way. By lunch time we arrived at Falcon Island and decided to stop for lunch and sample the large oysters that are found on the rocks there. We were not disappointed they were large and we had over 2 dozen before the rising tide started to cover them again. While anchored at Falcon Island we were intercepted by Queensland Water Police and had a safety inspection. All was in order so no dramas.

 The "Captain" is back at the helm barking the orders. Falcon Island in the background
We motored on to Orpheus Island desperate for some fresh fish. I saw schools of bait fish on the glassy surface and trawled through them but to no avail. We were approaching Orpheus Island and only 4nm to go and I had given up all hope when suddenly the game rod went off with a squeal. I immediately cut the motor and let the fish run. I knew by the way it ran this was a good one and I took my time as I did not want to lose it. Finally it came to the back of the yacht and I grabbed the gaff as it was too big to lift up on the back of the yacht. Once the fish was gaffed I knew the fight was over and we had won. It was a big Spotted Mackerel. The biggest I have caught and it weighed approx 10kgs.
 Happy to have the fish for dinner tonight!!
We arrived at Orpheus and met Echo Beach with Graham and Leanne. We were excited to see them as they were to see us. Our original plans of cruising together from Sydney were abandoned because of Tamara’s operation so it was a great sense of relief that we were finally anchored in the same water.
We had a fantastic dinner of fish which Leanne had been hanging out for with a few wines and it was off to bed early as it had been a very exciting and emotional day.

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