What I was up to this summer

[stevecollier]

Hi guys, Hadn't posted for a while - been busy either working or fishing so as I've finally got some computer time her's what I've been up to this summer:

Had a few bass expeditions around the local coast trying to catch one with plugs and fly but was totally unsuccessful - maybe try harder next year.

Got my first couple of small sea trout from the River Fowey on small plugs.
I had a few enjoyable days fluff chucking at Stithians Reservoir and managed to get a few rainbows for the plate and freezer.

In July I took my son to Anglers Paradise for a week - he's 15 now and this has been his Birthday present since he was about 7 (no self interest there!). We always have a good time with Zyg - 12 well stocked lakes, nice accomodation and a very pleasant bar for the evenings.

Also spent a few pleasant days on my local club water, Woonsmith near Nancledra in deepest Cornwall; its not too big (21 pegs) but deep and well stocked with carp ( to high doubles), tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch and of course the occasional eel. There are only about 25 members currently so there are seldom more than two or three people there at one time.

Now I'm back at work on a ship in the Gulf of Mexico presently trying to avoid Hurricane Wilma; before I came back last week I stopped off at La Paz in Baja California to try once more for that elusive marlin. I went out 3 days in a panga (like a fast dory) but didn't get my marlin; did have some great sport with Dorado, though and am now going to attempt to post a picture

I think its done - the fish in the picture are dorado(aka mahi-mahi or dolphin fish).They are one of the fastest growing sea fish with a 5 year life during which time they grow to a max size of 100 pounds; the one I'm holding was about 40 pounds and about 2 years old. They are extremely good eating and give a spectacularly acrobatic fight. The ones in the picture went for the table but the next day I had 20, 18 of which were returned.

I'm working now till the end of November but will be having a bash at the bonefish in Xcalak on the Yucotan before I fly home in December. If successful I'll post some piccies to brighten up your winter.

[aks19]

You are so lucky to get to travel the wrold, (taking time out fishing ) what'd you have the mahi-mahi on? Am collecting tips for my hawai'i trip. Well done, nice fish there!

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Brill picture mate and report

Must abmit would love to get some of that action

[MRG2000]

Now thats what i call fishing,great report and piccie,has brightened up my force 8 rainy day no end !!......

[Old Smoothound]

Great report Steve

And that's what I call fishing mate

Bloody well done!

[Norfolkboy]

Sounds like you've had a great time mate, well done

[pingu]

nice summer there, great pikkie as well on this gloomy day

[stevecollier]

Caught the fish on live bait - slowly trolled sardines about 3".- 4" long bought for $5 a bucket and kept in an aerated fish tank that I'm sitting on in the picture. They are also caught on lures, usually plastic squid-like things.

After buying the sardines every morning we went to an area where there were plenty of skipjack tuna about 2 - 5 pounds and caught a few of these before starting fishing properly,using them as flappers on the marlin line which was out at the same time as the other lines (just in case.....). Had a few follows by hammerhead and mako sharks, but they would have been through the trace like a knife through butter!

[upnorth1]

Great pics and fab report.....but alas.....give me the winter beach on a cold winters night chasing cod anytime...just picture it, not a breath of wind, a couple of breakers crunching onto the shingle, the hiss of the hippolitto, and a couple of rods bent over in the tide. Under the buddy, pouring a cuppa, and BANG! the rod arcs over and springs back, as double figure cod makes off with ya pennel!

Ahh - magic!

Hot weather in exotic locations with dorado jumping all around does come a close second though !

[aks19]

Sounds, do-able, , as you said, mahi-mahi are amazing tasting fish, grilled between 2 pieces of rye bread! i wan mahimahi in this country :'(. Well done, good luck with the bonefish! (or should i say, 'hold on tight'?)