'bago fishing diary
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:34 am
What follows are my fishing notes, from our trip to Tobago in May 2006.
I would imagine that they will be of no interest to anyone who does not fish, but might prove helpful to those who do. It covers the full two-week stay, so you might want to make a cup of coffee (or pop a Carib), if you plan on reading it all in one sitting.
I you do refer to the diary for a future visit, please don't expect the fishing to be the same as I experienced - almost certainly, things will be different - they are constantly changing and you have to adapt to the prevailing circumstances, rather than flog away on a beach where there are no fish.
Looking back over the diary, two things become clear to me -
1. I fish a variety of marks and if I don't catch within 20mins to half an hour, I often move on. Experience has shown that the fish I want to catch are spread around and generally follow the baitfsh shoals. A car is therefore pretty handy (to me - essential).
2. I don't catch anything on many occasions, so when you do encounter fish, make the most of it and be prepared to be adaptable to the circumstances. If a venue is producing, this may only be for a day or two, so concentrate on that area whilst the fish are present. Even if you catch nothing, the experiences of finding turtle nests, seeing bird activity, meeting local people and 'just being there' are reward enough.
Hope you enjoy my recollections - hopefully the photo links will work, but if they don't, just copy and paste the URL into the web address bar at the top of the page and click GO.
Friday 12th May 2006
Sandy point -05:00am -07:00 (tide falling)
Got there before first light fished for 10mins in the dark, then it began to lighten
Fly fished for first 15 mins with a chartreuse Clouser on a floating line – nothing
Mag popper for 30-40 mins nothing – no signs of fish at all. No locals fishing.
Steve Hull fished from 5.30 with mag popper along to oil terminal-nothing, then live bait around by Tropikist for 30 mins – a few small tarpon topping, but no takes.
Back at Sandy point I had a 1.5lb snook on a Maria First at approx 06:45
14:00 – 15:30
Pigeon point – fished all along the back of the point. Lots of baitfish, but saw nothing except 4 large mullet.
Saturday 13th
05:05 – 6:30 fished jack bay.
Flat calm – very gentle swell. Started by stream and worked my way along with a mag popper. Reached far end and changed to Maria First.
Saw absolutely nothing. No birds and no locals fishing.
Stopped off at Grange Bay for a look.
Very flat. A few casts to left of wall and then home for breakfast.
From the villa could see one man out on Buccoo reef (not kester), who was wading – presumably fishing for bones or permit.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0052.jpg
A little later we went to Mt Irvin Bay and the locals were haulin’ seine.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0056.jpg
They had a huge number of baitfish in the net, which they spread out on the beach to sort and a few small jacks and runners. Loads of people taking away fish by the bag-load and plenty of Carib and Stag for the netsmen.
Sunday 14th
08:00 met (King) David Williams at Castara (competition prize from myTobago.info).
Trolled with red-head Rapala CDs and unweighted muppets out to the sisters.
We were escorted by a pod of around a dozen dolphins, for part of the way
2 bonito hooked on the handlines – just past Parlatuvier.
Made about 20 passes of the sisters and had a further 12 small tuna – blackfin and false albacore – all on the muppets –mostly Lyn and I hooking fish at the same time.
After around an hour (got a bit fed up and it was b****y lumpy, so asked David if we could fish for barracuda inshore) we trolled back to Englishman’s bay and had a small yellowfin tuna (5lb) on theRapala.
Then fished on past Castara. Hooked something (could have been a cuda, as there were teeth marks on the lure, but didn’t see it), but it came off after a couple of seconds.
Lyn trolled with the Rapala, whilst I cast a Maria First into all the likely looking spots – nothing except a lizard fish of around 1lb.
Trolled and cast our way down past Celery Bay.
Very rugged coastline, with many small bays and rocky points.
David put out a small tuna on a three hook rig and skipped it across the surface behind the boat. No-one saw the take, but the signs were that he had a strike from a crafty barracuda, which chopped the tail end of the fish off, just behind the rear hook.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0070.jpg
As we turned back we saw a flock of frigates circling and swooping over the sea.
We arrived at the scene and I had a hook-up – a bar jack of around 4lb.
Total tally – 15 small tuna – 1 poxy lizardfish and a bar jack, which put up a good scrap on the spinning rod.
An enjoyable day, with very good company.
Monday 15th
05:00 – Sandy Point- dark, but full moon.
Sea flat, but quite a swell causing 5ft waves. Around an hour to high tide and much of beach littered with weed, which made it difficult to fish without getting crap all over the line and lure. Fished to 06:00 – saw nothing – no bait fish, no birds, no locals fishing.
06:15 Grange.
Flat calm, without much swell/waves. Fished from wall to rocks at end of beach and back again. A few swirls 30yds out – nothing big. Hooked, then lost a needlefish of no great size. No locals fishing here either.
Canoe bay. Arrived at 09:30 and tide was dropping.
Very shallow in bay and much of the sand and mud exposed to the jetty. Sat in the sun and watched and waited for the tide to turn.
11:30 walked across sand towards the jetty where there was some water - less than knee-deep, blind-casting with a tan clouser. Saw nothing, except lots of small fish and shrimps in deeper pools with turtle grass. Wind picked up – quite strong gusts and it clouded over quickly. Spots of rain turned to a heavy shower and I could see Lyn was looking a bit lonely, as the other visitors had left. The clouds were darker than ever and coming down the island, so thought I’d better pack in. 10 mins later, whilst driving to Penny Savers for groceries, it poured down for several mins – good timing.
Tuesday 16th
Jack bay at dawn.
High tide and a hell of a swell made fishing past the stream impossible. Waves crashing at the base of the cliff and a very strong undertow. On my own so thought I wouldn’t risk it.
Fished for 15 mins with Maria First and then shot over to the pier at Plymouth.
Lots of pelicans diving by the moored boats, but no tarpon seen.
Gave it 15mins and as usual, caught nothing.
Drove along far end of turtle beach and parked up just before bend in road.
Walked out onto beach to find some fantastic turtle tracks where a female had nested during the night. Tracks hadn’t been washed away, so probably returned to sea only recently – would have like to have seen that - bad timing.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0100.jpg
Stopped off at Grange and fished by wall.
Rest of the beach was very rough. Saw nothing – caught less
Back at villa, having breakfast by the pool, could see quite a bit of bird activity down at Buccoo.
Spend the rest of the day by the pool reading The Da Vinci Code although we did pop over to visit our friend Yvonne, who wasn’t in.
17:15 thought I’d check out Sandy Point.
Pulled up onto top of wall and could see plenty of bird activity down by the terminal and also back up towards the jetties. Whilst putting the rod together I noticed several huge boils, right in the edge, then saw the tails of tarpon – waving around as the fish dug into the sand.
Put a plug past them a dozen times and pricked a couple, then noticed loads of flyingfish heads washed up on the beach. I figured that they had been dumped by fishermen and the tarpon were mopping up those washed into the sea. Hastily tied on a tarpon leader (3ft of 80lb mono with an Owner circle hook). Then tied on the doubled braid (bimini) to the loop in the end of the leader.
I had no floats in the bag, so sliced open a cork that I use to shield the points of my fishing scissors. Picked up a fish head off the beach and hooked it through the lower jaw.
I watched for a minute and saw several tarpon in one spot – just level with the end of the wall. They looked about 40lb with one or two a good 4 ½ feet long.
Tossed the bait into the midst of the tailing fish and in less than 15 seconds the float shot away and the line ripped off the reel. I let it run under drag pressure for a few seconds and then tightened into the fish. It bored away and then I gave it a good couple of hits with the rod. It shot off to the second wave (40m out) and leapt – like it was using the face of the wave as a launching ramp.
3 locals, who were liming on the steps, shouted and clapped. The tarpon jumped several more times and took about 50 yards of line against a tightly set drag (didn’t want the fish to get out to the rough patch off the beach) so I also palmed the spool hard and the fish jumped 3 more times.
One of the locals came down and asked if I wanted to land it and then jumped in the sea and made several attempt to get behind the fish – but it wasn’t having any of it.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0102.jpg
A few more runs and then it set into a dogged series of walks up and down the beach. The internal drag of the reel felt red hot - but then it had a right to be warm, at the very least.
I couldn’t make much headway, with the rod bent double and the fish in the surf – we were evenly matched. After around 20 mins the fish looked as if it was tiring under the pressure and my right arm was shaking under the constant strain. The local guy moved into position behind the fish and all looked to be going well. Then the braid popped, just above the leader knot and the fish escaped.
Tied on another rig, but the fish had dispersed and it was getting dark, so called it a day and popped into Pizza Boys on the way home, then Pennysavers, for a six-pack of Carib. A meal fit for a king.
Rang Steve Hull and arranged to meet the following morning.
Thinking about why the doubled line parted just above the leader knot – This is the section of line that, when spinning, is subject to the most wear and tear, as it takes the force of casting at the tip ring – could be the answer? – but at least the knot didn’t undo.
Would make sense to change this section of line every day – did just that for remainder of the holiday
Wednesday 17th
5:05 Sandy Point
Arrived at the wall and could see that the tide was pretty much as the previous evening. Had set up two rods the night before – the usual spinning rod with float gear and a 20lb class boat rod with multiplier, tarpon rig and large float.
I’d stashed some fish heads in the bushes the previous night and dug these out.
I threw several into the edge, but could see no tails etc.
Steve Hull arrived just after me so we had a chat and then fished the end of the wall for 20 mins without seeing anything. Steve used a mag popper and wandered along towards the terminal.
I changed to spinning with a Maria and although there were lots of birds working the rocks and surf 100 metres out, we saw no fish activity, although there were two locals fishing.
Fished until 06:30 and decide to pack in. Got back the wall and saw some tarpon tails right in the edge. Using the boat gear from the car, I pulled off 15ft of line (couldn’t cast with the boat rod and multiplier) and threw the fish head out to where the fish were patrolling the gutter at the base of the beach. There were three fish swimming parallel to the shore and the lead fish picked up the head and pissed off with it. I let it run and then pulled into it. It shot off, then lept as it hit the first big wave (like the fish did the previous evening) and threw the hook. Caught it on video, but picture is a tad distant.
Fished on for another half an hour and had two more takes but neither fish was hooked.
Will be back for some more this evening.
Spent the morning by the pool. Finished The Da Vinci Code, did some shopping and dropped into Shore Things for lunch. Nice place to while away an hour or two.
17:30 back at Sandy Point.
No sign of tarpon – or anything else and as we were going out for a meal, thought it best not to hang around, but stopped off at Fort Milford for a look.
Nice view over to Pigeon Point. Huge shoal of baitfish off the rocks.
Walked over to some collapsed steps and ventured down. Smelt really iffy, with a stream of effluent, running out of a pipe (from the Crown Point hotel). All sorts of unsavoury items floating in the water – just a short distance from Store Bay!
Spotted 5 tarpon right in the edge – one of which was a real monster (easily 100lb) the others were between 30 and 50lb. Water was only a couple of feet deep and full of rocks and coral lumps. They were mouthing anything that looked edible including some old fish carcasses and even a white plastic bag. Contemplated fishing with the boat rod and a fish head, which was set up in the car, but landing even the smallest fish would be a nightmare from 15ft up on the steps - the bigger fish would be serious trouble - so chickened out and took some video footage instead.
Fishing with Kevin tomorrow evening, so may tackle these fish from the boat for a fighting chance. Back home early for some brownie points – then out to Café Coco.
Thursday 18th
Set alarm for 04:30 but it was p***ing down with rain. Rained non-stop until 06:00, so had breakfast and updated the diary from previous day’s events.
09:30 Canoe bay at just before high water. Fished the bay with a Maria first, but saw and caught nothing in an hour and a half.
15:00 Met Steve Hull and Kevin by Conrado and shot over to Buccoo in Grand Slam, where there was a large shoal of baitfish. Birds working all the time (the same ones we can see from the villa). Saw a few tarpon rolling and had a few takes on float-fished livebait. Steve had a small fish approx. 6lb. We both had a couple of abortive runs too.
Moved over to Fort Milford, but didn’t stop (very rocky and heavy swell) so moved further round to sandy point.
Kevin anchored up approx 100metres off the beach and we saw several tarpon swirl. Steve hooked a fish which he took 30 mins to land. It leapt twice – the second jump was quite spectacular and it appeared to use the wave as a launch ramp, running up the face of the wave and exiting at the crest. Against the setting sun it would have made a brilliant bit of film – but I didn’t have the camera switched on!
Kevin slipped the anchor and we drifted about ¼ mile off the beach, with the offshore wind. Steve’s Shimano BeastMaster was no real match for the fish though – kinder to the fish to use a 20lb class boat rod I think – matched to a big fixed spool for ease of casting. Fish landed and photos taken –approx 50lb. Got lots of footage inc. one or two leaps.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0115.jpg
We anchored back up and drifted livebaits again. I had one good take, which was on for 20 seconds, but the line had looped around the stern cleat and I was playing the boat for a while – you prat Pitts!
Called it a day at 19:00
Friday 19th
Pigeon Point – 08:30. Falling tide (high tide around 08:00)
Fished front flat for ¾ hour with popper and maria – nothing.
09:30 – fished back of Pigeon point to far end with Maria First. 1 small snapper + lost another + a 12 inch barracuda. Nothing on the return leg.
Spent rest of the day swimming and chatting on the beach. Had lunch and then a bit more swimming etc.
Period of reflection during afternoon, as just over half-way point.
• Very few locals fishing anywhere – including from the pirogues. Plymouth jetty area has been full of boats throughout the day and only one or two showing out on Buccoo Reef for bonito etc. Kevin says very quiet, with only small fish around. Should pick up again in June.
• As usual, the tarpon are very localised – mainly at Crown Point - Buccoo, where the bait fish are.
• New Shimano Twin power reel started off the week with an annoying ‘double click’ at the near-end of every spool stroke. This has ironed itself out as the reel has been run-in, but occasionally reverts to a less pronounced click – click as the spool returns to its shortest point of travel.
• Dynon 3000 braid is behaving itself – no tangles or other problems, although it has lost it’s fused coating and gone quite floppy- a bit like whiplash.
• Tygerwire (30lb bs) is brilliant. Despite several tangles around the belly treble of the plugs (unavoidable) the wire hasn’t kinked and after one week of constant use, is as god as new. Although expensive, it could prove economical to use.
• All in all, a good first week with mixed shore and boat fishing, although the shore fishing is a bit slow (perhaps because I’m not really flogging it, as have done in the past, especially during the day and evenings) and no signs of bonefish – although I haven’t really fished the flats.
Saturday 20th
05:00 met Steve at Buccoo and walked along to far end, casting maria plugs - Steve using mag popper. A lot of baitfish out in the bay, with the birds working from first light. baitfish all along the shore. Tide well up, so had to wade all the way along the fallen trees. Saw a couple of small tarpon rolling, but no takes. Moved further along and changed to silver with green back Maria Chase SW, to fish over turtle grass bed. Cracking sunrise!
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0131.jpg
Had a good hard take on the 5th or 6th cast and it was obviously a bonefish by its first run. Shimano Exage a little too heavy to get the best sport out of it, but I played it lightly and had several goods runs, while Steve took some pictures.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0135.jpg
I guess it weighed between 4 and 5lb and was in beautiful condition, with its scales reflecting the early morning sun.
Whilst unhooking it I noticed that it was missing its left-hand (?) pectoral fin. It hadn’t been bitten off or anything – the flank was completely smooth with no stump or scar and perfect scaling where the fin should be.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0140.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0142.jpg
Even perfection is allowed its imperfections, it seems.
Shortly after, I had a follow from what I thought was a double-figure bonefish – but it turned out to be a tarpon, which turned away at the rod tip.
Had my first tangle with the Dynon braid when a loop formed on the spool and it came of in a bunch. Took me 10 mins to pick it out. I shouldn’t have mentioned it last night – then again – I did mention the bonefish as well, so I shouldn’t complain (Permit. Permit. Permit and Jacks)
Sunday 21st
Walked along Buccoo beach to fish the far end at first light.
Hardly any baitfish in water this morning. Caught 2 small snapper and had a follow from a fair sized tarpon along by the fallen trees. Gave it approx. an hour and a half, then worked my may back along the beach, with only a very small jack to show.
Had a stonking headache throughout the day, so decided not to fish the evening.
Monday 22nd
Fished jack bay at first light with Steve.
Pretty much on low water, with quite a swell running up the beach, but fishable none the less. Thought I’d try a 4inch storm shad in the corner and Steve wandered along the beach with a large Mag popper. By the time we reached the far end the sun was just coming up, but was obscured by clouds. Steve was retrieving the popper down the face of the waves and it looked pretty enticing. He had a take, which he missed and then hooked a fish of around 8lb – a horse-eye, which gave him a good scrap on his Veals / ML Sure-spin.
A few pictures and back it went.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0154.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0155.jpg
Shortly after, he had another jack have a go in the face of a wave, but didn’t hook it.
Steve - 3 takes. Me – 0.
Tuesday 23rd
15:00 to 19:00 fished with Kevin, Steve and Christopher (Steve’s son) on Grand Slam 2 for tarpon off Sandy Point. Spent the first hour trying to catch sufficient livebait with the cast net. As Kevin positioned the boat to anchor up, we had a brilliant view of a manta ray, as it cruised past, just a few metres away. First one I’ve seen in the flesh and quite a spectacular sight.
Christopher had 2 tarpon of 25 and 30lb and lost one of about the same size.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... tarpon.jpg
Steve had several runs but for some reason missed them all, but did land a tarpon of around 20lb. He also had a run from a good snapper, but that wasn’t hooked either.
I only had one decent run, which was a fish of around 30lb, which came unstuck after 2 mins. As it got dark there were plenty of tarpon of 20-40lb rolling off the back of the boat and some were taking baitfish that Kevin was throwing in. Concluded the trip at around 19:10.
Wednesday 24th
05:00 to 06:30 – Jack bay with a mag popper.
Fished all along the beach and back again.
Nothing seen or caught, but it was a lovely morning none-the –less and I found a recent turtle nesting site at the far end.
This turned out to be my last venture, as the evening was planned for a meal out and we sat on the villa decking, overlooking Buccoo Reef and watched the sun set – truly magnificent and a little sad that this would be our last evening.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0088.jpg
Went to Café Coco, where they bxxxxxxd up our order and we waited ages for our meal, but they were most apologetic and we didn’t pay for the drinks. All is forgiven.
Woke up at 04.45 and despite having plenty of time to get down to any of the local beaches, decided to call it a day – sat out on the decking, took in the sunrise and ate breakfast – there’s always next time.
I would imagine that they will be of no interest to anyone who does not fish, but might prove helpful to those who do. It covers the full two-week stay, so you might want to make a cup of coffee (or pop a Carib), if you plan on reading it all in one sitting.
I you do refer to the diary for a future visit, please don't expect the fishing to be the same as I experienced - almost certainly, things will be different - they are constantly changing and you have to adapt to the prevailing circumstances, rather than flog away on a beach where there are no fish.
Looking back over the diary, two things become clear to me -
1. I fish a variety of marks and if I don't catch within 20mins to half an hour, I often move on. Experience has shown that the fish I want to catch are spread around and generally follow the baitfsh shoals. A car is therefore pretty handy (to me - essential).
2. I don't catch anything on many occasions, so when you do encounter fish, make the most of it and be prepared to be adaptable to the circumstances. If a venue is producing, this may only be for a day or two, so concentrate on that area whilst the fish are present. Even if you catch nothing, the experiences of finding turtle nests, seeing bird activity, meeting local people and 'just being there' are reward enough.
Hope you enjoy my recollections - hopefully the photo links will work, but if they don't, just copy and paste the URL into the web address bar at the top of the page and click GO.
Friday 12th May 2006
Sandy point -05:00am -07:00 (tide falling)
Got there before first light fished for 10mins in the dark, then it began to lighten
Fly fished for first 15 mins with a chartreuse Clouser on a floating line – nothing
Mag popper for 30-40 mins nothing – no signs of fish at all. No locals fishing.
Steve Hull fished from 5.30 with mag popper along to oil terminal-nothing, then live bait around by Tropikist for 30 mins – a few small tarpon topping, but no takes.
Back at Sandy point I had a 1.5lb snook on a Maria First at approx 06:45
14:00 – 15:30
Pigeon point – fished all along the back of the point. Lots of baitfish, but saw nothing except 4 large mullet.
Saturday 13th
05:05 – 6:30 fished jack bay.
Flat calm – very gentle swell. Started by stream and worked my way along with a mag popper. Reached far end and changed to Maria First.
Saw absolutely nothing. No birds and no locals fishing.
Stopped off at Grange Bay for a look.
Very flat. A few casts to left of wall and then home for breakfast.
From the villa could see one man out on Buccoo reef (not kester), who was wading – presumably fishing for bones or permit.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0052.jpg
A little later we went to Mt Irvin Bay and the locals were haulin’ seine.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0056.jpg
They had a huge number of baitfish in the net, which they spread out on the beach to sort and a few small jacks and runners. Loads of people taking away fish by the bag-load and plenty of Carib and Stag for the netsmen.
Sunday 14th
08:00 met (King) David Williams at Castara (competition prize from myTobago.info).
Trolled with red-head Rapala CDs and unweighted muppets out to the sisters.
We were escorted by a pod of around a dozen dolphins, for part of the way
2 bonito hooked on the handlines – just past Parlatuvier.
Made about 20 passes of the sisters and had a further 12 small tuna – blackfin and false albacore – all on the muppets –mostly Lyn and I hooking fish at the same time.
After around an hour (got a bit fed up and it was b****y lumpy, so asked David if we could fish for barracuda inshore) we trolled back to Englishman’s bay and had a small yellowfin tuna (5lb) on theRapala.
Then fished on past Castara. Hooked something (could have been a cuda, as there were teeth marks on the lure, but didn’t see it), but it came off after a couple of seconds.
Lyn trolled with the Rapala, whilst I cast a Maria First into all the likely looking spots – nothing except a lizard fish of around 1lb.
Trolled and cast our way down past Celery Bay.
Very rugged coastline, with many small bays and rocky points.
David put out a small tuna on a three hook rig and skipped it across the surface behind the boat. No-one saw the take, but the signs were that he had a strike from a crafty barracuda, which chopped the tail end of the fish off, just behind the rear hook.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0070.jpg
As we turned back we saw a flock of frigates circling and swooping over the sea.
We arrived at the scene and I had a hook-up – a bar jack of around 4lb.
Total tally – 15 small tuna – 1 poxy lizardfish and a bar jack, which put up a good scrap on the spinning rod.
An enjoyable day, with very good company.
Monday 15th
05:00 – Sandy Point- dark, but full moon.
Sea flat, but quite a swell causing 5ft waves. Around an hour to high tide and much of beach littered with weed, which made it difficult to fish without getting crap all over the line and lure. Fished to 06:00 – saw nothing – no bait fish, no birds, no locals fishing.
06:15 Grange.
Flat calm, without much swell/waves. Fished from wall to rocks at end of beach and back again. A few swirls 30yds out – nothing big. Hooked, then lost a needlefish of no great size. No locals fishing here either.
Canoe bay. Arrived at 09:30 and tide was dropping.
Very shallow in bay and much of the sand and mud exposed to the jetty. Sat in the sun and watched and waited for the tide to turn.
11:30 walked across sand towards the jetty where there was some water - less than knee-deep, blind-casting with a tan clouser. Saw nothing, except lots of small fish and shrimps in deeper pools with turtle grass. Wind picked up – quite strong gusts and it clouded over quickly. Spots of rain turned to a heavy shower and I could see Lyn was looking a bit lonely, as the other visitors had left. The clouds were darker than ever and coming down the island, so thought I’d better pack in. 10 mins later, whilst driving to Penny Savers for groceries, it poured down for several mins – good timing.
Tuesday 16th
Jack bay at dawn.
High tide and a hell of a swell made fishing past the stream impossible. Waves crashing at the base of the cliff and a very strong undertow. On my own so thought I wouldn’t risk it.
Fished for 15 mins with Maria First and then shot over to the pier at Plymouth.
Lots of pelicans diving by the moored boats, but no tarpon seen.
Gave it 15mins and as usual, caught nothing.
Drove along far end of turtle beach and parked up just before bend in road.
Walked out onto beach to find some fantastic turtle tracks where a female had nested during the night. Tracks hadn’t been washed away, so probably returned to sea only recently – would have like to have seen that - bad timing.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0100.jpg
Stopped off at Grange and fished by wall.
Rest of the beach was very rough. Saw nothing – caught less
Back at villa, having breakfast by the pool, could see quite a bit of bird activity down at Buccoo.
Spend the rest of the day by the pool reading The Da Vinci Code although we did pop over to visit our friend Yvonne, who wasn’t in.
17:15 thought I’d check out Sandy Point.
Pulled up onto top of wall and could see plenty of bird activity down by the terminal and also back up towards the jetties. Whilst putting the rod together I noticed several huge boils, right in the edge, then saw the tails of tarpon – waving around as the fish dug into the sand.
Put a plug past them a dozen times and pricked a couple, then noticed loads of flyingfish heads washed up on the beach. I figured that they had been dumped by fishermen and the tarpon were mopping up those washed into the sea. Hastily tied on a tarpon leader (3ft of 80lb mono with an Owner circle hook). Then tied on the doubled braid (bimini) to the loop in the end of the leader.
I had no floats in the bag, so sliced open a cork that I use to shield the points of my fishing scissors. Picked up a fish head off the beach and hooked it through the lower jaw.
I watched for a minute and saw several tarpon in one spot – just level with the end of the wall. They looked about 40lb with one or two a good 4 ½ feet long.
Tossed the bait into the midst of the tailing fish and in less than 15 seconds the float shot away and the line ripped off the reel. I let it run under drag pressure for a few seconds and then tightened into the fish. It bored away and then I gave it a good couple of hits with the rod. It shot off to the second wave (40m out) and leapt – like it was using the face of the wave as a launching ramp.
3 locals, who were liming on the steps, shouted and clapped. The tarpon jumped several more times and took about 50 yards of line against a tightly set drag (didn’t want the fish to get out to the rough patch off the beach) so I also palmed the spool hard and the fish jumped 3 more times.
One of the locals came down and asked if I wanted to land it and then jumped in the sea and made several attempt to get behind the fish – but it wasn’t having any of it.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0102.jpg
A few more runs and then it set into a dogged series of walks up and down the beach. The internal drag of the reel felt red hot - but then it had a right to be warm, at the very least.
I couldn’t make much headway, with the rod bent double and the fish in the surf – we were evenly matched. After around 20 mins the fish looked as if it was tiring under the pressure and my right arm was shaking under the constant strain. The local guy moved into position behind the fish and all looked to be going well. Then the braid popped, just above the leader knot and the fish escaped.
Tied on another rig, but the fish had dispersed and it was getting dark, so called it a day and popped into Pizza Boys on the way home, then Pennysavers, for a six-pack of Carib. A meal fit for a king.
Rang Steve Hull and arranged to meet the following morning.
Thinking about why the doubled line parted just above the leader knot – This is the section of line that, when spinning, is subject to the most wear and tear, as it takes the force of casting at the tip ring – could be the answer? – but at least the knot didn’t undo.
Would make sense to change this section of line every day – did just that for remainder of the holiday
Wednesday 17th
5:05 Sandy Point
Arrived at the wall and could see that the tide was pretty much as the previous evening. Had set up two rods the night before – the usual spinning rod with float gear and a 20lb class boat rod with multiplier, tarpon rig and large float.
I’d stashed some fish heads in the bushes the previous night and dug these out.
I threw several into the edge, but could see no tails etc.
Steve Hull arrived just after me so we had a chat and then fished the end of the wall for 20 mins without seeing anything. Steve used a mag popper and wandered along towards the terminal.
I changed to spinning with a Maria and although there were lots of birds working the rocks and surf 100 metres out, we saw no fish activity, although there were two locals fishing.
Fished until 06:30 and decide to pack in. Got back the wall and saw some tarpon tails right in the edge. Using the boat gear from the car, I pulled off 15ft of line (couldn’t cast with the boat rod and multiplier) and threw the fish head out to where the fish were patrolling the gutter at the base of the beach. There were three fish swimming parallel to the shore and the lead fish picked up the head and pissed off with it. I let it run and then pulled into it. It shot off, then lept as it hit the first big wave (like the fish did the previous evening) and threw the hook. Caught it on video, but picture is a tad distant.
Fished on for another half an hour and had two more takes but neither fish was hooked.
Will be back for some more this evening.
Spent the morning by the pool. Finished The Da Vinci Code, did some shopping and dropped into Shore Things for lunch. Nice place to while away an hour or two.
17:30 back at Sandy Point.
No sign of tarpon – or anything else and as we were going out for a meal, thought it best not to hang around, but stopped off at Fort Milford for a look.
Nice view over to Pigeon Point. Huge shoal of baitfish off the rocks.
Walked over to some collapsed steps and ventured down. Smelt really iffy, with a stream of effluent, running out of a pipe (from the Crown Point hotel). All sorts of unsavoury items floating in the water – just a short distance from Store Bay!
Spotted 5 tarpon right in the edge – one of which was a real monster (easily 100lb) the others were between 30 and 50lb. Water was only a couple of feet deep and full of rocks and coral lumps. They were mouthing anything that looked edible including some old fish carcasses and even a white plastic bag. Contemplated fishing with the boat rod and a fish head, which was set up in the car, but landing even the smallest fish would be a nightmare from 15ft up on the steps - the bigger fish would be serious trouble - so chickened out and took some video footage instead.
Fishing with Kevin tomorrow evening, so may tackle these fish from the boat for a fighting chance. Back home early for some brownie points – then out to Café Coco.
Thursday 18th
Set alarm for 04:30 but it was p***ing down with rain. Rained non-stop until 06:00, so had breakfast and updated the diary from previous day’s events.
09:30 Canoe bay at just before high water. Fished the bay with a Maria first, but saw and caught nothing in an hour and a half.
15:00 Met Steve Hull and Kevin by Conrado and shot over to Buccoo in Grand Slam, where there was a large shoal of baitfish. Birds working all the time (the same ones we can see from the villa). Saw a few tarpon rolling and had a few takes on float-fished livebait. Steve had a small fish approx. 6lb. We both had a couple of abortive runs too.
Moved over to Fort Milford, but didn’t stop (very rocky and heavy swell) so moved further round to sandy point.
Kevin anchored up approx 100metres off the beach and we saw several tarpon swirl. Steve hooked a fish which he took 30 mins to land. It leapt twice – the second jump was quite spectacular and it appeared to use the wave as a launch ramp, running up the face of the wave and exiting at the crest. Against the setting sun it would have made a brilliant bit of film – but I didn’t have the camera switched on!
Kevin slipped the anchor and we drifted about ¼ mile off the beach, with the offshore wind. Steve’s Shimano BeastMaster was no real match for the fish though – kinder to the fish to use a 20lb class boat rod I think – matched to a big fixed spool for ease of casting. Fish landed and photos taken –approx 50lb. Got lots of footage inc. one or two leaps.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0115.jpg
We anchored back up and drifted livebaits again. I had one good take, which was on for 20 seconds, but the line had looped around the stern cleat and I was playing the boat for a while – you prat Pitts!
Called it a day at 19:00
Friday 19th
Pigeon Point – 08:30. Falling tide (high tide around 08:00)
Fished front flat for ¾ hour with popper and maria – nothing.
09:30 – fished back of Pigeon point to far end with Maria First. 1 small snapper + lost another + a 12 inch barracuda. Nothing on the return leg.
Spent rest of the day swimming and chatting on the beach. Had lunch and then a bit more swimming etc.
Period of reflection during afternoon, as just over half-way point.
• Very few locals fishing anywhere – including from the pirogues. Plymouth jetty area has been full of boats throughout the day and only one or two showing out on Buccoo Reef for bonito etc. Kevin says very quiet, with only small fish around. Should pick up again in June.
• As usual, the tarpon are very localised – mainly at Crown Point - Buccoo, where the bait fish are.
• New Shimano Twin power reel started off the week with an annoying ‘double click’ at the near-end of every spool stroke. This has ironed itself out as the reel has been run-in, but occasionally reverts to a less pronounced click – click as the spool returns to its shortest point of travel.
• Dynon 3000 braid is behaving itself – no tangles or other problems, although it has lost it’s fused coating and gone quite floppy- a bit like whiplash.
• Tygerwire (30lb bs) is brilliant. Despite several tangles around the belly treble of the plugs (unavoidable) the wire hasn’t kinked and after one week of constant use, is as god as new. Although expensive, it could prove economical to use.
• All in all, a good first week with mixed shore and boat fishing, although the shore fishing is a bit slow (perhaps because I’m not really flogging it, as have done in the past, especially during the day and evenings) and no signs of bonefish – although I haven’t really fished the flats.
Saturday 20th
05:00 met Steve at Buccoo and walked along to far end, casting maria plugs - Steve using mag popper. A lot of baitfish out in the bay, with the birds working from first light. baitfish all along the shore. Tide well up, so had to wade all the way along the fallen trees. Saw a couple of small tarpon rolling, but no takes. Moved further along and changed to silver with green back Maria Chase SW, to fish over turtle grass bed. Cracking sunrise!
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0131.jpg
Had a good hard take on the 5th or 6th cast and it was obviously a bonefish by its first run. Shimano Exage a little too heavy to get the best sport out of it, but I played it lightly and had several goods runs, while Steve took some pictures.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0135.jpg
I guess it weighed between 4 and 5lb and was in beautiful condition, with its scales reflecting the early morning sun.
Whilst unhooking it I noticed that it was missing its left-hand (?) pectoral fin. It hadn’t been bitten off or anything – the flank was completely smooth with no stump or scar and perfect scaling where the fin should be.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0140.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0142.jpg
Even perfection is allowed its imperfections, it seems.
Shortly after, I had a follow from what I thought was a double-figure bonefish – but it turned out to be a tarpon, which turned away at the rod tip.
Had my first tangle with the Dynon braid when a loop formed on the spool and it came of in a bunch. Took me 10 mins to pick it out. I shouldn’t have mentioned it last night – then again – I did mention the bonefish as well, so I shouldn’t complain (Permit. Permit. Permit and Jacks)
Sunday 21st
Walked along Buccoo beach to fish the far end at first light.
Hardly any baitfish in water this morning. Caught 2 small snapper and had a follow from a fair sized tarpon along by the fallen trees. Gave it approx. an hour and a half, then worked my may back along the beach, with only a very small jack to show.
Had a stonking headache throughout the day, so decided not to fish the evening.
Monday 22nd
Fished jack bay at first light with Steve.
Pretty much on low water, with quite a swell running up the beach, but fishable none the less. Thought I’d try a 4inch storm shad in the corner and Steve wandered along the beach with a large Mag popper. By the time we reached the far end the sun was just coming up, but was obscured by clouds. Steve was retrieving the popper down the face of the waves and it looked pretty enticing. He had a take, which he missed and then hooked a fish of around 8lb – a horse-eye, which gave him a good scrap on his Veals / ML Sure-spin.
A few pictures and back it went.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0154.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 1_0155.jpg
Shortly after, he had another jack have a go in the face of a wave, but didn’t hook it.
Steve - 3 takes. Me – 0.
Tuesday 23rd
15:00 to 19:00 fished with Kevin, Steve and Christopher (Steve’s son) on Grand Slam 2 for tarpon off Sandy Point. Spent the first hour trying to catch sufficient livebait with the cast net. As Kevin positioned the boat to anchor up, we had a brilliant view of a manta ray, as it cruised past, just a few metres away. First one I’ve seen in the flesh and quite a spectacular sight.
Christopher had 2 tarpon of 25 and 30lb and lost one of about the same size.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... tarpon.jpg
Steve had several runs but for some reason missed them all, but did land a tarpon of around 20lb. He also had a run from a good snapper, but that wasn’t hooked either.
I only had one decent run, which was a fish of around 30lb, which came unstuck after 2 mins. As it got dark there were plenty of tarpon of 20-40lb rolling off the back of the boat and some were taking baitfish that Kevin was throwing in. Concluded the trip at around 19:10.
Wednesday 24th
05:00 to 06:30 – Jack bay with a mag popper.
Fished all along the beach and back again.
Nothing seen or caught, but it was a lovely morning none-the –less and I found a recent turtle nesting site at the far end.
This turned out to be my last venture, as the evening was planned for a meal out and we sat on the villa decking, overlooking Buccoo Reef and watched the sun set – truly magnificent and a little sad that this would be our last evening.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h313/ ... 0_0088.jpg
Went to Café Coco, where they bxxxxxxd up our order and we waited ages for our meal, but they were most apologetic and we didn’t pay for the drinks. All is forgiven.
Woke up at 04.45 and despite having plenty of time to get down to any of the local beaches, decided to call it a day – sat out on the decking, took in the sunrise and ate breakfast – there’s always next time.
.
