Day one and I ventured out mid afternoon so I could get down the beach!!
Very soft sand with the huge tides at present so, tricky going until half outgoing tide plus.
Called in to have a gander at the weighin and saw a binful of nice kahawai, about a dozen or so nice pannie Snapper (of 4 limits caught in one boat), a really nice Trev and a couple of lovely Carrots. There were other boats arriving as we headed down to the beach for a try.
I had Jake (son) paddle the kayak out towing a 10 hook rod based longline, with all baits Pillies in our new Bait Socks.
Expecting heaps, forever hopeful despite a brisk onshore wind and rough surf, I waited watching my 500m of 80lb braid getting thinner and thinner on the spool as Jake found his rhythm and slowly beacame a dot on the rough ocean.
Thankfully, he stopped before the line ran out, but I was beginning to consider plan B, swim after him!! I estimate I had less than 100m left on the very bare spool but recovered about 50m mending the wind belly in the line.
Once line set and straightened to the beach, we waited anxiously.
Several bites were detected and a few decent ones too.
A commercial longliner is working the Horowhenua beaches at present within 1km from shore, creating havoc with recreational anglers!
We soaked the baits for over an hour and seeing many hits, decided to retrieve it.
The line was still heavy and I figured either of two results, all baits intact, or a few Gurnard onboard.
The disapointment was soon after revealed as the traces all returned empty.
This was not expected at all. Pillies are the very best bait on this beach, what the hell is going on!!
Three baits were absolutely mashed up and one was all but gone from the ripped apart Bait Sock.
Several baits were totally untouched. The three hit were in positions 1, 2 and 3 closest to shore, but this setline is only 30m long and the hooks only 1m apart???
Tomorrow, we try again..... this time with some mixed baits but all still socked up.
At least the Bait Socks work a treat for keeping bait on the hook for longer, but still I need a real result!
We did however bring in a spare paddle arm of an apparent huge paddle crab so if you hear of one burrowing in circles, tell him I'm NOT sorry!!!
Further report tomorrow.............Note: I have never taken a fish from this beach while landbased and I fear my loooooong goose egg record may be even bloody longer by Sunday!!
