Big Kingies test the gut out

[Chenz]

Having recent bowel resection surgery back in September I have been itching to get out and battle with some big Kingfish again.

Doc said after 4 months I should be OK so off we went out of the heads and up the coast a few klms with a live bait well full of slimies. I prefer squid but they wouldn't play ball.

The conditions were crap with a 2 metre swell and chop catching us side on with the wind blowing 10-15 holding us sideways to the swell.

The first two slimies got eaten by monster cuttlefish that hang on to them until they see the boat and then disappear in a cloud of ink.

Just about to pull the pin when the jig stick with 85lb braid, 130lb leader, reel drag locked up completely and 6/0 circle hook bent over double.

Took us both just to get it out of the rod holder. Held it off the rocks for about 10 minutes before getting some of the 40m of line back and then to the net.
[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

Told my old fishing partner it was his turn and baited up another slimie dropped it down and just got it back in the rod holder and bang off we go again

This one looked like its twin
[IMG][/IMG]

After we stopped huffing and puffing we said one more drop. Again it was almost instant but this time despite tag teaming for nearly an hour this monster which I reckon was double the size of the ones we landed finally got us around the reef and won his freedom.

We decided to go home and get out of the slop chop as we were both in need of a coldie.

The guts have been a bit tender but the bruises on my thighs are the biggest worry. It would be good if you could use the drag but at this location any slack means instant bust off on the reef.

Can't wait for the bruises to get better. I think I will take my 23 year old son to fight them next time

[LandyAndy]

Great to see a fishing brag post,its been quiet in here.
We recentley went to Albany without the boat and only light gear.Was blowing so not suitable for fishing at all.We did find a protected beach so had a short session.Seaguls were stealing the cut up bait and the pickers in the water were very hungry.
I got a small flathead and Deb got a small crab.
Andrew

[Chenz]

Went out again yesterday and got sharked three times. Judging by the way they hit the live baits and the speed they took off, they were big critters. So went back inside to try and get a feed of calamari - bombed out there too.

Not every trip ends as per the script.