Fishing
Norfolk Island with ABU
N.S.W. Australia 12/20 November 2010
Where do I
start to describe a fishing trip to Norfolk Island?
One cannot
ignore the
gob-smackingly beautiful scenery,
based upon the stunning step-back in time historical environment,
Governor's Lodge hospitality and
wonderful eating opportunities, friendly constantly hand-waving helpful
residents, , great
duty-free shopping, Island winery and distillery and great shows! More links
here when time permits.
To prioritize
let's first look at my fishing experience with now good friend and experienced
skipper Dave Bigge who runs Charter Marine.
Kingston
Pier, lowering boats by crane to water.
Bad weather,
15/20/25 knt winds saw us land-bound for 5 days and with only a week on the
island, Dave was desperate to show off the local fishing.
We rushed out
for just an hour and a half late Thursday arvo, with subsequent Tuna and
Kingfish turn-on.
Dave took us
right to the spot where we jigged up some bigguns.
Three big 15/17 kg fish and 2
smaller 5/6 kg came on board after some struggle.
The next day
we headed out to the east to boat, Trumpeter, Trevally, Tomato Cod, Parrotfish,
Tuna and big sharks!
Some nice
Trumpeter /Red Throat Emperor
Forgot to
take pics of Tuna, Parrot, Tomato Cod, Trevally and other species ...too busy
Victim and Victor
Return to
Pier through a small but natural gap in fringing reef.
Another Day, another good Bag!
The Near Future
Dave's new 26
foot purpose built Jigging/Trolling/Bait boat is well under way and should be in
the water by Christmas. it will be powered by 2X 115 Yamaha 4 strokes and able
to reach the shelf ie deep water very quickly.
Please
return to see more details/links of the "Must Do" holiday for all
the family!
Newsflash!
Tuesday the 22nd
of March 2011-03-23
It was on a rare Norfolk rainy day that
David Bigg decided to have the long awaited launch of his boat “Amberjac”.
Surrounded by family and friends Archie Bigg carried out the christening of “Amberjac”
with a bottle of Champagne
and a few short words.
“Amerjac”
was lowered into the water using the traditional methods of the Norfolk fishing Assoc crane and a four wheel
drive and then began her initial sea trial. On board were David Bigg, his
brother Matt, John Christian-Bailey, Karn Forsyth, and Dean Burrell. It was with
smiles all round that the boat took off out to sea.
The two 115Hp Yamaha four
stroke outboards didn’t even notice the five burley blokes onboard and leapt out
of the water quickly taking “Amberjac” up to a cruise speed of 25knots. “Amberjac”
topped out at about 35knots and handled the confused sea with ease without any
pounding and keeping her decks nice and dry. The enclosed hardtop was a blessing
as everyone was able to stay out of the rain. After a successful sea trial the “Amberjac”
came back to the pier and picked up some more eager passengers. Even with nine
people on board the boat pulled easily onto the plane for a run out to
Nepean
Island
where the large amount of deck space was really noticed.
“Amberjac”
is owned By David and Jackie Bigg of Charter Marine and was built at JCB
Cabinets by Dean Burrell. The boat originated from a Pelin Topaz plan but was
heavily modified and lengthened by a meter making her 8m long with a 2.4m beam
and a displacement of 2 tonnes. The walk around cabin and hardtop was designed
by Dean and proved itself invaluable around the pier making it easy for people
to get on and off the boat. It is built out of timber and fibre glass using
modern GOP construction methods and was built to meet strict AMSA standards. The
trailer, electrical work, stainless steel fabrication, and engine hook up was
carried out by David’s brother Matt Bigg. “Amberjac” is fitted up with all mod
cons like toilet and lighting and is using Furuno electronics.
If
you are a person that has significantly had an effect on
design/development/testing/fishing of ABU equipment over the years please contact me
wayne@realsreels.com
if you wish your contribution documented for posterity and the immediate
interest of the ABU fans worldwide!