Author Topic: Durban Today (Read 6904 times)

Rods · « **on:** April 09, 2011, 05:22:22 PM »

Finally I get a chance to post in this section.

Where do i start?

Early December last year I got a surprise PM from Mike, saying that he would like to do an offshore clinic with a group of kids from my fishing club at school. Holidays were upon us, so we decided to leave it for early in the new school year. After much pm's and fone calls between the two of us, THAT trip finally happened today.

We left Empangeni at abt 4 this morning

.

Everybody bright eyed and bushy-tailed

Rods · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2011, 05:26:59 PM »

We arrived in Durbs at abt 6:30 to find Mike all ready and waiting for us. The day was looking good.

Our ride

If our first impressions of our ride for the day was anything to go by, you could tell we were in for a good day.

Rods · « **Reply #2 on:** April 09, 2011, 05:30:16 PM »

Capt Mike in his OFFICE. What I wouldnt do for he's job.

Rods · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2011, 05:34:26 PM »

Soon after exiting the harbour Mike set the spread and it was anticipation time. Swell was a bit up but that wasn't going to deter us. This day was going to happen.

Rods · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2011, 05:46:47 PM »

At first things were a bit quiet, but there was always that sense that this day was going to be good. An almost palpable anticipation in the air. The finder was quiet, but we knew they were there. Whilst we were waiting for the fish to bite, Mike kept us entertained with his fishy stories... oops I mean stories of his fish. 2 of the boys have some offshore experience and they were swapping war stories with Mike. Then it happened. the finder beeped and Mike said the fish are here. Everybody turned to look at the rods, wondering which one would go first. Suddenly that beautiful sound... zzzzzzzzzzzt, then again... zzzztttt; wth another, zzzzzztttttt. Next thing we knew we had a triple up on Dorado. Then the fun and games begun. Mike set the hooks and everyone was in each others way as they battled to get to their rods. Mike tried to calm the boys down as they took hold of thier rods, but hey, there were fish jumping all over the place. What a beautiful sight.

Rods · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2011, 05:53:18 PM »

Unfortunately one of the fish came off soon after the hook up, which left 2 still on. These 2 gave us quite an aerial display, which only served to get the blood pumping faster. Thank goodness for Mike's calming voice, " pump and wind". Vaughn got his to the boat first and it was quickly brought aboard. Then Bassa, a UA member nogal, started to bring his in. his fish fought quite strongly and he finally brought it alongside. When suddenly, SNAP, the line parted just as it turned for another run. AArrggghghhhh. Needless to say we were all gutted.

cyclone 123 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 09, 2011, 06:01:56 PM »

Well done!!!

Rods · « **Reply #7 on:** April 09, 2011, 06:02:48 PM »

Unfortunately whilst bringing the other lines in they got tangled and some we spent some time getting them untangled again. Then we were back in the hunt again. Funny thing was that whilst we were idling untangling the lines the finder was full of fish. Soon as we were back in action they all disappeared. So back on the troll, hunting again. Mike just seemed to know what to look for and not long after...

Louis and his sister went on.

Rods · « **Reply #8 on:** April 09, 2011, 06:04:45 PM »

Fortunately Uncle Mike was on hand to give advice and very soon we had 2 YFT on board.

Rods · « **Reply #9 on:** April 09, 2011, 06:12:16 PM »

Unfortunately for us 2 things happened just after this. The fish went quiet, and then Angelique got a bad bout of sea-sickness. She soldiered on bravely for a while but eventually Mike decided that we better call it quits, before she got worse. None of us minded coz we had had an excellent time and importantly, we caught some fish. It was quite a triumphant group who entered the harbour again.

Rods · « **Reply #10 on:** April 09, 2011, 06:15:32 PM »

More pics

Rods · « **Reply #11 on:** April 09, 2011, 06:16:56 PM »

And more

Rods · « **Reply #12 on:** April 09, 2011, 06:25:14 PM »

Above all i really want to say a huge THANK YOU to Mike. Words cant really express my gratitude for your extremely generous invitation. You really are a great source of knowledge and experience, and your patience with the kids is beyond admirable. What makes this trip so worthwhile is that the kids who caught today, had NEVER been out to sea before. You made such an impression on vaughn that he said he must try this deep sea thing some more. To quote a wise man on this forum, "
You are a king amongst peasants"

I'd also like to thank Tony and the Ultimate Team for hosting such a fantastic site. Its because of you guys that we are able to come into contact with such fantastic and generous people.

INGOZI · « **Reply #13 on:** April 09, 2011, 07:35:39 PM »

Lekker man Rods! Green with envy!

PH · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2011, 04:07:42 AM »

Well done Mike, Rods & the kids.

It truly is a fantastic experience to fish with Mike.

Rods · « **Reply #15 on:** April 10, 2011, 07:39:32 AM »

You so right there Pierre. Mike has an infectious passion for fishing which is what makes going out with him such a pleasure.
I would recommend him any day.

Prego · « **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2011, 09:36:15 AM »

Great report Rods I am glad for the kids that they got some nice pulls and fish for that matter.

Cred to Mike for making time & his generosity to make a day like that happen.

That's

and

REEFMAN · « **Reply #17 on:** April 11, 2011, 12:55:15 PM »

Wow.... words fail me right now...! Nice report Rods! FA... this is a most magnanimous gesture on your part... HUGE cred and

to you!

WalkersKiller · « **Reply #18 on:** April 11, 2011, 01:14:23 PM »

Great stuff guys

Capt. Hook · « **Reply #19 on:** April 11, 2011, 04:48:10 PM »

At last my PC is running again.

Rods, it was my pleasure to have you and your kids aboard.

It has always been my dream to do this type of thing with kids to give back and share my passion and knowledge. Thank you for helping me make this happen.

Now we need to plan a Bass Clinic and another Deep Sea trip in October.

Mike