Tragedy

Date: 2010-02-21
Launch: 6:00am
Next tide: 8:00 Low
Wind: 5-10kt W
Sea: 1.5m ENE swell
Return: 9:15am
Days since new moon: 7
Water temp: 24
Location: Spot D
Catch: Nothing

First the tragedy. I ordered a few packets of my favourite power minnow the other day and the store informed me they are out of stock and can't get them any more. I'm devastated. So what do I use now? Guess I'll have to try some of the hundreds of sps I've got taking up space in a crate.

Out by myself this morning. Swell coming straight in but got out without drama. Setup, found the mark and started reeling in my casting rod when it loaded up. Then it let go. Bother, but it got me excited. A short time later it got hit on the retrieve and something started pulling hard. Then it was gone. Chaffed leader. And that was it. The drifted sp was decimated by something unnoticed but nothing else. Tried a smelt power minnow which drew a few tugs from the usual rubbish but no hookup.

Paddled in through mucky surf which gave me a chance to do something different. The waves weren't really picking me up but were able to push me sideways. Each time I'd just lean towards the wave, ready to brace but without bracing and the ski would straighten. Meant I had a very wonky line in but at least it was dignified