as you guys know I got myself a ride...
http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=10393.msgafter seaworthy certificate being issued last Tuesday and with nice forecast for the weekend I decided to take her out
Thursday I was still debating about going for a spin in Maputo bay...or going out to the blue to try my luck fishing
but Friday morning with confirmation of good weather forecast for Saturday I decided to take my fishing gear
so plan was to go to Baixo Ribeiro to troll some rapalas and maybe get some small couta...then out to B24 and Poço area for some tuna or something else
wind was supposed to slow down by 8:00 (South) and then at tide change was supposed to change direction (North) and pick up a bit...and for the first time weatherman was positive about the forecast...I was glad with that because we had a very smooth and nice ride
I met Miguel (owner of Oba Oba) at his place by 6:15 in morning for my first towing experience
maguro is parked at Miguel's garage as I am still on the waiting list for a shed at Clube Maritimo / Clube Naval
it was a short ride to Clube Maritimo where I launch by 7:30 after setting up everything and filling in the launch form for the first time
I had too many recommendations...but one common from all my friends was..."please don't forget to put your bung plugs in"
rsrsrs
we launched and stick to the plan going straight to Baixo Ribeiro about 10nm ride to Baixo Ribeiro
sounder was not showing much and after a few drifts in the area we decided to move to B24 which was a 14nm ride crossing the Baixos da Inhaca / Cockburn area
that was also a test for me as this are normally has strong currents, short swell...but we got to B24 and started working the area...and on the first run over the pic we had a double strike with one reel screaming really loud
out of the blue line snapped (on the board side rod...the one it was screaming loud) while we were cleaning the other rods...we were very surprised with that
starboard side rod just had a strike and probably fish failed to hook up properly...
so 2-0 for the fish
we started debating about the reasons why the line snapped...we weren't touching the rod...drag was set properly...that's when we figure out that at certain moments the spool touches the horizontal rod holders at the trolling board at the front fork...I need to figure out how to place the rods there...argh!!!!
we set up again and kept working the area...and on the 2nd run another strike...Miguel cleared the lines and I fought my first fish aboard maguro
it was a short fight that scored us 2-1...and a YFT was gaffed aboard...small 5kg ish fish
I was happy to have blessed maguro with some maguro (tuna in japanese)
we worked the area for a bit more with no more strikes...although sounder would show some activity at the pinnacle of B24
we decided to move North to Poço area just for a run or 2 over the area as we didn't want to head back late because of wind forecast predicted for the afternoon
getting to Poço we had the longest screaming reel I have ever heard in my life...while we were clearing the lines I was having a look at the reel...and line was going and going non stop...
that's when I told Miguel that we were running out of line...(I thought) don't know how long does it take for 600mts to go away...
so while I cleared the lines Miguel turn the boat to chase the unknown fish that was still taking line
we kept pressure on the line but when I grabbed the rod I noticed that he was not there anymore...we checked the lure and the hook but all was in shape...
3-1 for the fish
at Poço we did 2 runs before deciding to call the day at 12:45 and start our journey back home
in the end I was very happy with the ride...we didn't get wet (apart from light rain in the morning)...boat didn't bump...and in my opinion she is very light on fuel, 110lt for 74nm which is average 1.48lt/nm although I still need to try other props (at the moment I have old 13 inch 15 pitch a bit damaged (dents and twists))
we were able to reach 31.7knts at 5700revs and cruising speed was about 20knts at 3900revs
I believe will get better with new props or even different pitch (maybe 17)...I will ask Maximvs's props to give it a try in 2 weeks
getting to Maritimo I a few friends waiting to check how the ride went...I also had time to go for a spin with the missus in the bay before heading back to port and proceed with the proper inauguration with champagne
bottle was opened with a sabre...boat was blessed...and we all went happy home
I need to share with you guys that I'm a very happy person with maguro...I just hope the missus won't miss me too much cause I'm spending a lot of time with maguro...that's very hard to manage
