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!