By Richard Hassall
A beautiful sunrise greeted us in the car park. That euphoria soon changed as I realised that at 6.30 the car park was nearly full. Frantically we sorted our gear out and started heading down the miriad of stairs. The small party of Mat Kidd, Ken Boaler, Col Breese John Roberts and myself were in a bit of a rush to get a good spot. Coming back were a few people who were giving up before starting saying it was all to crowded.
As we glanced across the expansive rock platform, we could not recall seeing to many safe options. After a quick meeting, we headed to the southern platform. The high tide and swell direction provided a southern corner for one person and shallow water on the more protected northern side for another. Rigged with weighted bread flies and moderate sink tips, and a reasonable amount of burley, we all persevered on the northern side. After re-rigging and inventing a take or two, we felt the spot was a little sketchy & slow. Although the eastern side offered a better fishing opportunity, we over at the wash building and envisaged seeing ourselves being washed off. The grass is always greener some where else.
Feeling a little dejected, we headed back to the main platform. As a result of the building waves, our only option was to try the gutter between the last of the northern fingers and the higher rock platform. We watched large group of people on the fingers not practise catching release. After sinking 20 loaves of bread & nothing to show for our efforts, we headed back for an early BBQ in the rain.
The view of the old lighthouse & surrounds is exceptional, however, the fishing was marginal at best today. Thankfully the egg and bacon rolls enjoyed in the undercover picnic area around the corner was warming. Thanks to Mat for the BBQ and my mates for the company. We engaged in the rating of what animal you would not like to be eaten by was amusing -crocodile, shark, bear or cat. I wonder what order you would put them in? The target species was not drummer but human. Thanks everyone.
