This month saw Rocky & Joff Weston off to C.I. for the last of the annual treks before Mark returns in 2007 to resume charters.
The water temperature was extremely low with an El Nino system giving perhaps a once every five years weather pattern. This meant GTs and other reef dwellers were a little quieter than usual, however the availability of pelagic species still gave plenty of options for good popping. Several GTs in the 18 - 23kg range as well as the usual reef species like bluefin trevally and red bass were caught and subsequently released. Mid sized yellowfin tuna and wahoo were plentiful but the highlight was definitely the two sailfish taken on poppers. Estimated at 45 and 75kg they were big fish. The fact that this is the first time we have thrown poppers at sails and we only encountered them twice on this trip for two fish in two attempts is very promising.
The boat used for this trip did not have a sounder so no jigging was attempted - that's OK because Rocky & Joff just love to throw poppers. Obviously the new vessel for next season is being fitted with all the latest electronics to help find all those big bottom & mid-water species.
Click an image below to enlarge.
