Dave Rae shares... 

Dec 2011

Afternoon Delights

I just returned home from a very pleasant afternoon paddle on our local river. With the Christmas crowds heading north and a solid NE wind blowing sand along the beach, we opted for the solitude of the freshwater.

Whilst I loaded our Viking Nemo and Profish onto the roof racks, Marina packed a couple of mangoes, a pineapple and cold drink and off we went. My old mate Victor was visiting, so we brought him along and headed inland.

After paddling to the first rapids we hopped out and pulled our kayaks through the shallows. Then we paddled a short distance in the next pool before hopping out again and sitting ourselves on a nice grassy bank for our first mangoes of the season.

It was such a simple exercise, yet so relaxing and so much fun. Within 30 minutes of leaving the front gate, here we were, the noise of traffic and crowds left behind and replaced by the distant mooing of cows and the tinkle of running water. I doubt a mango ever tasted so good!

Of course we had a few rods along, and although we did encounter a few bass, we didn't land any big ones … which is all the excuse I need to go back and try again!

Nov 2011

Good Bye Old Friend!

I wandered down to one of my favourite north coast bass creeks the other day as a farewell trip of sorts. This was the last time I'd be relying on our families Viking Nemo kayak as our only sit on top kayak. 

We'd originally purchased the Nemo to compliment our Great Barrier Reef trips in which we camp on an island and fish, snorkel and swim ourselves silly. 

With access to the lagoon for the big boat, limited to half tide and up, the Nemo was our lifeline to the island when the tide was low. We'd be able to come back at low tide, and as long as Nemo was anchored off the reef, we could anchor the boat in deep water and use the Nemo to get back onto the island. Then we'd get the boat back when the tide rose.

It all worked a treat, with the only nightmare occurring during an after dark tinnie retrieval. A mate and I were half way out to the boat when a large Manta Ray, at least that's what we think it was, jumped and landed beside us. I don't mind telling you that my pants might well have been wet with more than just saltwater. It was the quickest paddle out to the tinny outside the Olympics after that; but I suppose it makes for a good yarn!

It's also a favourite means for the boys to get to their favourite snorkelling spot and a handy place to put coral trout once speared. Reef sharks make mince meat out of fish towed on a float, so it's wise to get them out of the water. And if the boys don't have it, the young one or the Loved-One is likely to be doing a lap of the island in it!

Since Nemo came to live with us the larger Canadian canoe is rarely used. Nemo goes offshore in my quest for lobsters and inshore fish. We launch through the surf and paddle around inshore reefs tossing SP's and bait in search of snapper. The first one landed was a solid 4kg fish, with plenty more after that.

So, here I was. This won't be the last Nemo-based fishing trip, but it is definitely the end of a happy era because a Profish-45 is on the way!

We did catch a couple of solid fish and a few smaller ones. I hadn't been to this creek for a couple of years. Between floods and house extensions my bass fishing had taken a hammering. The lilies were still there and some nice snags. My favourite submerged tree had moved into the zone of history though … but we still found a few fish.

It was great fun and a fitting way to usher in the new ship!