Surf Casting and Angling Club of W.A. (Inc.) May 2000 Fishing Field Day:- Rottnest.

The field day to Rotto started with everybody meeting at the ferry terminal at 7:00am on a rainy Saturday morning. Bags were packed onto the ferry without any problems, and after pleading with the boat handlers to be careful with our babies (rods!!), we were soon on board. The trip over was uneventful, but you could feel the anticipation in the air; and I'm sure I saw more than a few twitchy casting fingers. Finally arriving at the island, we moved into our accommodation for the weekend. I quickly managed to snag the bottom of the bunk for fear of falling from a great height (done that before). My fellow roommates were to be Andy Woodford, Ken Black, and John Bennett. After settling down, I managed to feel comfortable until someone asked whether our gear would get wet in all the rain. Having packed my gear in a normal bag rather than a plastic waterproof container, I was quickly in a state of severe panic, much to the delight of my fellow roommates. The thought of spending the weekend in wet clothes DIDN'T appeal to my sense of humour, so I was a very happy chappie indeed when the gear arrived all covered and wonderfully dry.

The Club owns an air conditioned holiday house at Kalbarri which is available for rent to the public and club members at competitive rates

The trip out on the bus was an uneventful affair, broken only by George stopping the bus at various points to check out potential fishing spots .You really should see this bloke run. On one particularly large sand hill, I bet Andy that George would stop running halfway up. Luckily, he didn't take that bet, as George kept chugging away, up, AND down the hill, - THE NEW EVEREADY MAN.

Arriving at West End, everybody quickly switched to fishing mode. One group, including Ian Taggart and Tony D'Alonzo, decided to fish Wilson Bay, while everyone else stayed to fish Radar reef. High tides and large swell made the fishing hard with few Tailor caught.

Having failed miserably, Andy W and myself moved to Cathedral rocks where I finally caught two Tailor. Andy decided to try kickboxing with a large Wobby on top of the reef. Yes, you guessed it, the Wobby won,

The next spot we fished was on the rocks at Fish Hook Bay. We fished live Herring on slider bait gear and at about 5pm, I hooked something massive. A 10 minute struggle ended with what we estimated as being a Sambo or big Yellowtail King, until finally I was broken off on a finger of reef. DOH!!!!!!

Just after dark, we jumped back on board the bus to find that everyone else had about as much luck as us - none. Arriving back at camp, we all fought over who was to have the first shower. Needless to say, I lost and was relegated to listened to my mates sing as they washed. (Don't quit your day jobs lads!). Andy and I nipped down to the pub in a straight line, only to return via a very shaky one after having a few drinks with Ian Taggart and Brad Zaknich.

The next morning came very quickly after a heavy night like that, so Andy and I decided to stay away from our cold wetsuits, deciding instead to try for round two with Mr. Sambo. The fishing was quiet for everyone, except for hordes of hungry Herring that swarmed like blowfish everywhere. I even heard a story that Eddie D'Uva caught one while baiting up the top hook of his two hook rig.!

The weigh in proceeded in an orderly fashion, and after packing everything up, we headed down to the Rotto bakery to swap yarns and await our return ferry.

Rotto was an excellent field day, and I'm sure that everyone who went would agree with me. It's one field day that offers big fish on a regular basis. The chance of catching large Tailor, Salmon, Yellowtail Kingfish, or even killer Sambos without having to travel hundreds of kilometres is definitely plus for me. The fishing isn't the only attraction on offer. Believe me, listening to the high volumes of bulldust and "I remember when..." stories coming from the 'older' members, is almost as entertaining as the fishing.

Will I be going to Rotto for the August field day? You bet!!

Damo

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Rotto Ramblings, by Eddie D'Uva and his sidekick Steve Rowlands.

It was with great trepidation, that we "yet to be blooded" relative newcomers threw caution to the wind and signed up for our inaugural Rottnest field day.

The preparation was fever pitched, leading up to the day; after all we wanted to get there with all the equipment and creature comforts that are essential. (Rods, reels, bait, beer, scotch, bourbon, tequila and oh yes I forgot - food).

The day eventually came and we embarked on the good ship Minnow, oops, "Rotto" Islander I mean, destined for sun, surf; women, luxury accommodation and Fish!!!!.

Ok so much for attempted humour at least it got your attention. On a more serious note, Steve and I had a ball, the company was excellent, the fishing was fantastic and the weather was favourable, what more could you ask for?

Highlights:

Eric's late night "snoring sessions" (what a way to end the night).

Georges "tonic", sorry medicinal circulation restorer.

Mark's application of "Gaffing technique", after our last meetings info session.

All in all a fantastic event, well worth attending, and made possible through input from many club members too numerous to mention.

And a great way to spend Mothers day, away from the inevitable "family visits".

Eddie Duva

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Attendance: Seniors - 19, Juniors - 0, Mini Juniors - 0, Visitors - 0.

Total fish weight:- 48 kg - weighed in gilled and gutted.

Field Day Prizes.

Copyright © 2001 Surf Casting and Angling Club of W.A. (Inc.)

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This page last updated 4 August 2001.

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