I planned on a trevally session starting on Flinders pier and then moving to West Head reef as the tide dropped. I caught a couple of trevally on the pier but they were not fast and furious so I was swapping baits around. Im float fishing with a small 7ft shimano estuary rod and 8lb line with a piece of banana prawn for bait on a size 4 hook. I get another bite and when I strike it just takes off. At first I thought big Trevally or even a Snapper but this thing is heading out to sea fast. Im on the lower deck so I call out to people to wind in and make my way down to the end to fight the fish in clear water. At this point I'm not sure it knows its hooked. I tighten the drag up very gently and can put just enough pressure on to slow the runs down. Fortunately it stays well out from the pier and I just hang on for ten minutes until we get sight of it. There are 3 kingies in the water and I'm attached too the second biggest one. Im now starting to think how the hell am I going to land this, it definately wont fit in my trout net but fortunately someone has a good gaff. I normally like to return everything but am beyond caring at this point.
I have now got it about 10m from the pier and its starting to tire. Another run and then I manage to get its head out of the water for the first time. I get it back on the surface another two times and then guide it back in range of the gaff. Bang in first time (thanks to the guy who did this, great job) and the fish is on the pier.
Measured it at 76cms and it weighed 5kg, all irrelevant really its all about that fantastic fight. Shame I couldn't put it back but it will be eaten this evening.
They guy who gaffed the fish managed to catch a slightly smaller one on an sp about half an hour later. Another cracking fight on light tackle, and some good angling skills.
Expect the pier will be a little bit crowded after this.
