queensland caboolture river 26th and 27th

[MrWobbygong]

Got out with my partner and daughter on Friday, just caught the top of the run in and spent some time exploring some of the drains . As the tide turned we started to fish.

I was focused on drifting around with lures, running motor oil coloured grubs , paddle tails and shrimp. Laser ayu double clutch when I though a flatty might be sitting in the shallows. 

I missed a couple of hits throughout the day (amateur hour) and spite our efforts neither of us landed any fish.

 

The next day we took out a frozen mullet I netted a while ago to target the same drains, this time fishing the top 2 hours of the run in. We both caught at least 8 legal bream , at least another 12 undersized. the largest just on 30cm, all released to fight another day.

all bream caught on a 1/0 circle on strips of mullet. 10lb leader.
 

It was my partners first time on the boat since April last year so there was no complaints until it was time to load the boat….

When approaching the ramp my partner threw the rope around the cleat but not secured and stupidly I jumped off onto the jetty , pushing the boat off and away to the abyss. My partner panicked as it had been some time since she operated the tiller . I was struggling not to laugh which later cost me some snarls and awkward words. 
 

I obviously take full responsibility as I should have secured the boat to the ramp myself or at least checked what she had done … a valuable lesson … 

Take-offs from the day:

-it’s a juggling act having a toddler on a boat , definitely need to find more ways to entertain her and also keep her cool, keeping her under an umbrella did okay but she was definitely too hot. 
-need to spend some more time training my partner in boat operations in case of an emergency. 
-need to train myself more to try and avoid said emergency.

[ellicat]

You see it all at ramps, so don't feel special. haha

I once ran out of fuel waiting for a spot on the pontoon and had to row in. Another time I forgot to undo the straps when launching.

Sounds like day 2 was worth it, with some good bream.

[MrWobbygong]

14 minutes ago, ellicat said:

You see it all at ramps, so don't feel special. haha

I once ran out of fuel waiting for a spot on the pontoon and had to row in. Another time I forgot to undo the straps when launching.

Sounds like day 2 was worth it, with some good bream.

Yep, while I was there I seen a scramble for the bungs .. if you don’t make mistakes you’re not trying hard enough lol

[fatboy]

Nice report MrW, you are obviously an aware and responsible person.

You certainly can get distracted with young children in the boat, my young bloke could start the motor and steer the boat and kill the motor from when he was 5 years old, so it is handy for anyone you take fishing to understand the basics of starting and stopping an outboard motor. I have been surprised many times over the years when fishing with other people in their tiller steer tinnies that they never attach the kill switch lanyard to the motor and loop it around their wrist when underway, also unless you are a strong swimmer make sure you always wear a comfortable lightweight vest type lifejacket when underway, best quality you can afford for the young one.

Also don't assume other boat operators know the rules of sea, some have never obtained a license, do not know the rules, and some have no idea which side of the beacons to navigate.

Fishing and camping are one of lifes pleasures, enjoy it as often as you can and always expect the unexpected.

Hope you catch plenty

fatboy

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

Good stuff @MrWobbygong. Bream would’ve been plenty of fun.

[Old Scaley]

Good report Wobby. Here is why you should attach the kill switch lanyard to your person  https://fb.watch/pRCxYlULgx/?mibextid=v7YzmG

[fatboy]

31 minutes ago, Old Scaley said:

Good report Wobby. Here is why you should attach the kill switch lanyard to your person  https://fb.watch/pRCxYlULgx/?mibextid=v7YzmG

Old Scaley thanks for supporting my response to @MrWobbygong, been a few deaths in the last 5 years for not doing exactly that, one of those was a very experienced fisherman on a SEQld dam.

How lucky was that bloke, he was dead set kissed on the **** by a fairy, bet he had a drink after that. 

[MrWobbygong]

Just to clarify, I always wear the kill switch lanyard and my daughters jacket, though a bit hot and cumbersome is always secured properly before being on the boat. Also, my partner has her license.  
 

man the deaths on the water are a bit much, if only they had the same luck as “old mate” 

out of curiosity, what jackets are you guys running? Stupidly mine are currently stowed under the bow after moving back home to QLD I’ve become complacent in not wearing it … Victoria law was its to be worn on any vessel under 5m IIRC…

On a brighter note, I bit the bullet on a trolling motor, got a water snake geo spot , fingers crossed I don’t have problems with it and hopefully will have me sorted until I’m at least qualified.

need to fabricate or purchase a mounting bracket as the bow is curved. Anyone have some extrusions/plate they’re willing to part with for beer or cash?

[ellicat]

20 minutes ago, MrWobbygong said:

out of curiosity, what jackets are you guys running?

I run a Crewsaver manual inflate. A bit pricey if not on special, but super comfy. I wear it when I boat solo and I don't even notice it.

You'll be loving the electric in no time.

This fella did a mounting plate for a few of the AFO members -

Steve
Independent Metal Fabrications
Unit 1, 44 Baldock Street
Moorooka
0416 273351

No affiliation with him, just a good job at a good price. Mounted the electric for me too.

[Old Scaley]

I have a mix of Marlin and Aldi manual jackets. Both brands comfortable to wear and like Elicat, I always wear one when our solo and always have the kill switch lanyard around my wrist. If others are on board I like to keep the jackets above deck in plain sight. 
You would be used to putting them on but I recommend people who don’t usually wear them to practice getting them on quickly. It is not as easy as it looks. 
Also recommend a step and/or a ladder. Depending on people’s age and level of fitness it can be difficult getting back into a tinny without it. 
Stay safe everyone. 

[Rebel]

Great report.

Well done.

[Huxstang]

On 28/1/2024 at 3:05 PM, Old Scaley said:

Good report Wobby. Here is why you should attach the kill switch lanyard to your person  https://fb.watch/pRCxYlULgx/?mibextid=v7YzmG

Wow.  How good was he at getting back on board though. 

I have never tried a bar crossing in a tiller steer is standing up normal to see out?

A mate of mine’s dad who is a really experienced boaty (long term water police) had a bit of a turn and was thrown out of his tinny and got a head knock.  Would have drowned except someone saw him and got him in time.    

Just reinforced that it can happen to any of us.