Patrick wrote the following report on the day out with me.
On Saturday, 15 December 2007, 2 intrepid but nervous anglers set out from the shores of Hervey Bay to try their luck fly fishing the fertile waters in the shadow of Fraser Island.
The trip was a Christmas present from our thoughtful wives, but for Vernon Vogt, a South African based in London and currently travelling around the world, and Patrick O'Connor a recent immigrant from London it more than a Christmas present, it was quite simply UNBELIEVABLE.
The day started off perfectly. A 5.30am start and short scenic dash the across the calm, crystal clear water saw us patrolling the western shoreline of Fraser Island in search of queens fish or golden trevally in the shallows. A combination of bad sun angle and copious diving birds out to see quickly saw us take a rain check on the sight fishing as we sped further north to see what was keeping the birds so interested.
As we got closer we were greeted by the sight of hundreds of spotted mackerel (spotties) tearing into balls of terrified baitfish. The baitfish weren't the only ones with elevated heart rates, fish in those numbers and that aggressive do funny things to people, Vernon smacked himself in the middle of the back with his first cast well I promptly managed to embed a fly in the back of my skull! Once Paul had calmed us down we soon had our flies in the middle of the action and were into fish.
Unfortunately for me the early morning followed a familiar pattern as I lost or was bitten off by fish after fish while Vernon was boating spotties like he was a cross between Billy Pate and Lefty Kreh, though I think even he will admit that the bludger trevally he landed really took it out of him and after a good 20 minutes of blinding runs and backbreaking retrieves he was a beaten man who had to spend a couple of moments massaging the cramp out of his left bicep before returning to the fast and furious spottie action which was going on around us.
Finally towards the late morning I managed to boat my first spottie and with that my luck changed and my spirits lifted as I started to boat a few more fish. I'm not sure how many fish we actually boated in the end but between Vernon and I we must have caught and landed around 15 spotties and 1 bludger trevally. We also lost at least 6 or 7 fish right next to the boat and must have been bitten off at least 20 times (sorry about all those flies Paul!).
For those salt water fly fishermen out there the above probably sounds about as perfect a day out on the water can be and I would have to agree BUT when you consider that Paul also managed to put us in front of a school of long tail tuna which were a little too skittish to chase a fly, get us on top of a couple of queen fish which we quickly spooked and on top of some golden trevally which were spooked by some careless pleasure cruisers looking for a swimming hole, both Vernon and I had to admit it was a day to remember - right up there with our weddings!
Regards
Patrick
Also here is a extract from an email that Vernon sent to me to go with Patrick's story on the day.
Hey Paul
Thanks again for such an amazing day on Saturday. Truely one of the best days I can remember - ranks up with my wedding day even.
I found your whole operation very professional and your equipment in very good condition and will recommend you to anyone i know looking to fly fish in Australia.
Thanks again.
Vernon
Vernon and Patrick thanks for your kind words about my guiding operation, being a Fly and Lure fishing guide as well as a Fly fisherman it certainly makes things easier for clients when I have caught the species on fly that my clients want to catch.
I can give advice and supply the right fly for the target species along with different retrieve methods to achieve the capture.
Guys it was a pleasure having you on board and sharing some good laughs with you out on the water, it was a great day for me as well watching you guys having such a good time.
Vernon I hope the rest of your adventure around the globe is pleasant and safe and you both have a Safe and Happy Christmas.
Paul
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