Borneo Style

[Charl]

So yea Saturday morning came around and I headed of to the local fish market at 6h00 to get some bait to try my luck with Billfish.

Was pretty amazed at was available but nothing was in good condition, bonnies had serious skin bleach and some you could almost see the mussel under the skin. Never the less filled up the reels with new line the night before so that we could be ready to face at least some type of fish. Saturday mid day was an outing with boss and family for some bottom fishing which was not to productive with most of the fish well under the size limit, well under my size limit. But as for the locals anything counts what ever come up go’s in the box.

Sunday up at 4h00 and getting ready to take up the challenge of finding blue water out here, it’s a tall order but I’m gonna give it a try with our one motored boat. We head out in a southerly direction to wards a bank about 12miles out were I know it drops of to 250 just behind it. Got there but she’s green like the lawn in front of my house, turn in to the deep and said to my mate which by this time is like a jumping jack from ether to much coffee or some type of beverage or maybe the I dea that he could get a marlin today. This guy, a local is pumped up about this trip more than I am. He wants to catch a marlin and he’s all game and ready to take up a fight of note. I said to the poor guy to relax and sit back we are going deeper to find blue water, it will take us sometime to reach it so sit back and enjoy the ride.

Flat sea like you could not believe, man I could hang over the side and look at my ugly face in it. We’re going at 22knt and strait out, 12 miles later I see a floater and turn to it. Ok great it’s a FAD, about 2miles off our port side, slow down and put them out. All 5 rods each fitted with a kona and 1 with a bird in front. One bird circling the FAD but still as flat as a table. We get up close about 60m off and pass the mark go for about a half miles and turn back to pass from a other angle . Well we did this for a couple of hours when I saw another FAD about 2 miles deeper. We proceeded to this and did the same. But no luck.

At this time we’re about 22miles of shore and in about 1500m with green water, no wind and a pounding sun or should I rather say scorching sun man the sun will peal the gel coat of the deck . I’m sweating like a guy that has just wired a couple of cow’s.

We start to head back and with big eye’s on the horizon searching for any action. By now I’m thinking that the color of the kona’s has faded because they have been in the water for 6 hours flat and have only been moved closer and further and from port to S Board. What do we do, I’m thinking. 14 miles out I get a message on my phone from the divers that the have spotted some Hoo’s at one of there dive spot’s. Up line’s buddy we’re going. Line in and away we go heading strait to the dive spot, what a pleasure to have some wind man thats like honey to a bee. We arrive at the area, hastily though the lure’s over the side and make a pass, strike. This mate almost jumped of the boat when the reel took off, man he screamed “strike” so loud that I think the guy’s back in the camp 16 miles away heard him. Ok don’t worry it’s small, I say. Ok take the rod and I will slow the boat down. Small hoo it was his first Hoo and the only fish for the day.
Well we got 1 fish at least and a very good dose of Sun burn.

Will give it a try again soon.

[Capt Josh]

Hey Charl you salvaged the day anyway! Next time amigo, next time...

Always good to have a local coconut telegraph network going, the divers saved yer butt today - maybe tomorrow it'll be your turn to save theirs!

Good luck out there Charl...keep the reports coming!

[Patudo]

Green water won't necessarily destroy your chances if there is reasonable life and sign (birds, baitfish, current rips etc) in it. Live bait near the fad may be worth a shot. You may be able to jig baitfish from near the fad with sabikis or small metal jigs (for bait sized tunas) - or catch them on troll with tiny lures.

Be careful of that sun, it can be a killer.

[Charl]

Thanks guy's Will certanly keep on trying, gota get them.


Had a serious brain trashing day and by late afternoon the Boss call’s for a trip out to my office to let off some steam. Out we go to my office where I’m at my best regardless of what we do out there. Bottom fishing tonight the big man say’s. Yep ok, he is in deed a big man, 6’7 and tipping the scale at about 140kilos.

We get out to a spot that I have marked previously on a ledge that rises to 45m, south blowing a bit and current about 1knt and the boat bobbing like a cork on steroids. I sound the area to see where the Bait is sitting and as I thought on the current side. With the sun still on the horizon I imagined that they would probably settle in the reef and just behind so we put the anchor and drift back on to the reef.

Baits down and a couple of beers to settle the worst tension of the day. Sun down and the rattlers are stuffing them selves on our baits below. A hour goes by and we have re-baited about 10 times by now. The lost some interest and has put his rod in a holder and staring over the dark ocean, probably doing some calculation. Hay what’s happening at your rod ? I say. The rod tip looks as if it wants to drink some water I joke. Yea I think we have something on there he reply’s . Yea sure a rock I guess. No Man this is no rock and then only I see in the dim light that the rod is bobbing a bit and the line is pealing of at a steady rate.

I think you sure have some thing going on there, don’t let it take you in to the reef Buddy she will be all gone then. F___k man this is heavy cant lift it. 20lb gear is now taking strain with this fish going out for a walk to where ever. I’m explaining thru the mown and gowns of the big man how to work the fish and 35 min later after a serious sweet session I get some color, she’s close buddy don’t give up now. Grab the gaff put it in the mouth of a whopper of a grouper. X$%#*& that’s a huge F____ker yea buddy that a monster on that gear no doubt about that, well done. 18kg off ugly looking fish eating machine that was.

I deflate the air from the fish, hang a couple of old bolts off its lip, give it some air next to the boat and send it down for another day.
The boss is now beyond beer drinking mood and need’s to get a 100volt charge at the Aquatic bar, Rummmmm he say’s let go buddy Rummmmm Time.


Now that’s made another great day out in the office.

[Charl]

Yea so yet another fruitless weekend > Well no Billy

Whent out Saturday avo about 13h00, Flat water light southerly blowing and a current of about 1.5knt.

Didn’t go to far just on the 200m line, green water again. Drop the lures over the side, deep diving lures today. Halco's on 7m, 5m and setting them at about 30m, and 20m from the transom. Doing 5 to 7 knt chris cross the 200m ridge for about 2hours. Nope this ant working for me today, got a bit of cheeky mood going. Let pull them guy's and check out the coral banks.

Get to the banks, current ripping across the bank like it’s what’s to grind it down. Stopping up current and ordering guy’s to grab the popping gear, let’s chuck them guy’s. Letting out a warning. “Check your drags boy’s If your gonna get a fish she’s gonna take some line in this strong current…” Yea, yea reply’s are casted my way.

Guy’s probability sensing my mood and dislike of what going on. Poppers and jig’s flying in all direction like missiles from a warship, couple of misstrike get the mood in to over drive. Strike from the bow F$#@*& ZZZZZZZZZ couple of hard foot thumps and silence .” What up buddy ? no no no she’s off.” By this time the sun is creeping over the horizon heading to the west. “Come on guy’s let’s call it a day. Grab a beer and let’s head home.”

Sunday,

New Idea’s and new will power. The Bosses Folks on board and in dire need to catch a fish. No deck Mate’s, me and the old . “This is going to be a great day,” I say, light off shore with an open sky . Sum starts to glo bright over the rim and the sun block is flowing like the blood from a tuna’s gills.
“On the face and neck folks. Put them on, lay it thick she’s gonna roast us today”.

We’re heading out to the same area as last weekend when the Divers called us. Maybe we’re lucky that the hoo’s have sticked around and drawn the Bill’s closer. Mile out, lures go’s out 5 konas and one bird in the spread.
6knt and they are streaming like the are on fire. “That sure look good the old guy’s says” . Yea sir they sure do, hope some one is hungry.”
With the sun now well out and doing what it does good we pass on the current side in 80m of water off the bank heading out to the 200m ridge. Which Isn’t far about 300m from the bank that is 4m on the top. Make couple of passes on the current side and turning in the 200m and back but noting.
Now I’m getting desperate, there is a good shoal of bait just on the bank sitting in 80m and I have gone over them 5 time but no one home. Bugger this stop the boat, change the lures to deep diving Halco’s . Get one off the old folks to hang on the helm and set them out. Make the turn and head for the shoal on the bank. “Look hear guy’s hear they are but not to sure what kooken,” I say . Shoal goes of the sonar and seconds later ZZZZZZZ “hear we go.” “Ho’s up first ?”
The old girl didn’t wait to log to step up, been around and had her hand on a couple off marlin so there is no fear or shortage off courage. Line’s out and the fish is pealing line like she’s heading to Hong Kong. Maybe a tuna or a jack no Hoo of this area is that strong. Fish staying deep and the Old Girl working it like a real pro. Minutes later the fish comes close and I take the rod, GT Good Going. “Ok Mam let me put her in, Sand back a bit.” I bend over the side and lift the fish which at this time has no more fight left in her.” Well done, well done.” The old girl gives a smile and poses for a shot. I show her how to Hold the fish by It’s tail and torpedo it in to the deep. Down she go’s .

Lures out and a couple of turn and miss strikes later a very small Hoo make its appearance. Man this rat hasn’t even got the balls to get the line going, a small zzz and that it. The old chap turn. Fish in, a quick shot and in to the Box. “Your nit going back, your lunch.” Sun burning good and sweat dropping all over. Time to head back.

“ I thinks it’s time to head home folks, What do you say? Yea that good lets go . Ok then.”
The old folks are over heating, both old mariners with old guy having a good couple of First place Title’s behind him for sailing the Sydney to Hobart race back in the day. Never the less It was a good day for them and they seemed to be happy to get out in the ocean Both at a prime age around 60 and have great story’s about sailing the Auz coast.

Still looking for that Billy, maybe next time. Gota score to settle with them.

[SeaBiscuit]

Love your reports Charl! Please keep them coming.
That little wahoo has to be one of the prettiest ones I have ever seen! Great photo.
SeaBiscuit

[Fish Biz]

Great Report and That is one cool looking Hoo. Tight Lines

[Capt Josh]

Nice work Charl! Keep them coming!

[Charl]

Hi guy’s

Been home since last post, with never ending problems taunting my computer at home and the kid using it I had a infestation off all kind’s of bug’s, crab’s and what now’s what. Never the less had to get one of those smart guy’s out to come and sort out all the crap and fit a new Hi speed connection.
Besides this and after sitting on a dam plane for 17 hours which is not a good thing for a bloke like me that is a hyper active guy.
Taken 3 sleeping pill’s and asking the air hostesses not to worry me I was gonna be in for some serious ass hurt and lame back arriving home. Arriving in Johannesburg and waiting a freaken hour for my fishing gear to get of the freaken plane, I head of to the Domestic side with only 20 min to spare.

Being away from home for 2 months my wife had a proper list of things to do and get sorted with a couple of curve balls in the hole line up. Man I’ll tell you there is little that beats getting home, well atlest until they give you that Freaken list. Man it takes the wind right out of your sails.

That’s it , no getting out of this for a good couple of days. Weather is fortunately pretty soggy and the wind puffing a steady 25knt, no way’s I’ll be getting out to my office any way. First day I get craken and get most of the stuff done besides the fitting of the girls basket ball ring. Keeping the girls out of school and getting them to lend a hand and certainly with no shortfall the youngster( 9) has lots of advice to what we are gonna do next. “ Hay dad are we going Fishing when we’re done ? “

Man what do you do ? How could you not give a answer to that. This is a very tuff one. My girls love the fishing like there old man. So here it go’s a heap of maid up lie’s and con’s to satisfy her request.

“ My girl have you checked the weather ? “
“ Yep its good “

“ Well have you maid sure it’s not gonna pick later ? “
“Yep”
“ And how would you know that ?”

“Well I pared last knight and this morning for good weather and I’m sure it’s gonna be just fine”

Guy’s what do you know I’ve got a real live one here now, she’s well on her way to out smart me and has all the answers ready to roll out.

“Ok, I’ll tell you what. Lets finish up and we’ll take the Bi-no’s and go and look at it from Port Control.”

“Ok I’m gonna change into my Fishing outfit yea.”

“Nope just wait and we will look first, there will be time for that”

I was committed now to go and have a look at the sea, man I knew she’s gonna be wild and like a river rapit’s. Not even talking about the Youngster, man this is gonna hurt more than my ass the other day. Well we get there and the wind is puffing good, Sea is up side down and waves all white like the artic. She grabs the Bi-no’s and passes a remark. “May be it’s better out there” Wile she’s looking for a clear peace of ocean I phone my buddy up in the tower and check with him on the Wind speed and Swell size. Man it’s not gonna happen for a week, my buddy informs me. Wind now at 25 NE and gusting 30, swell 4m and topping 4,7.

She’s done and reply’s. “Dad it seems that we will be doing some more work around the house” Yep I think so.

We get home and the girls said that they gonna try there new Basketball net. With them playing I open and go through my fishing gear in the motor shed trying to find some consolation in not going out to sea and perhaps a reason to go and buy some more Boy’s toy’s.
In the shed I have the Big gear hanging from the trusses and the light, popping and jigging rods on the wall. You know out of reach of some enthusiastic youngster that Mite wanna do some repairs or what not. Never the less they have always been pretty safe there and was not causing any worry’s In getting some thing out or what ever.

Busy in the back Yard, the Older one comes crouching her hand and complaining. “What up” we had a accident “Yep” Now with to woman in close proximity and not one of then to back down in any argument I gathered that they must have had a run in with each other. Marni starts to explain the event, picking words very carefully. Not like she would when they had a toss up.

Well guess what.


Some how they managed to get the ball to bounce one of the Large rod’s off its rack in the roof which is 3 m of the ground and this took down my new Popping and Jigging rods From there rack. Now the blood pressure is beyond the level that is good for any man, man I think I could pump my truck’s tyre’s with it. Never the less I keep my cool and ask what up with your hand. She had a line burn mark over her rist and through the fingers. By the time I’ve walked to the Shed the Youngster, Sone has put all but the big rod back on there places and starts to ravel her side off the event.

“No worry’s dad they are all in one peace” she claim’s
“Yep ok”
My girls know that my gear are my toys and that I will not tolerate abuse to my woman or my Fishing gear.

I check out the Big rod and it’s fine. I check out the Popping Rod and that to is fine, now I’m thinking well the expensive one’s are good so what the hell. I check the New Shimano Jigwrex rod and at first glands it looks good and as a was gonna put it back I find my self focusing on the first guide from the reel seat. Yep that’s buggered, cracked. Had a quick meeting with the girls in the Shed and explained the hole deal to them and that we should not play with the Shed door’s open and that they shouldn’t worry, it all fine we’ll get is fixed.

Well the week went by with frequent request from the youngster to go fishing, but the weather kept coming bad. By mid day Friday in the first week home my wife and a huge brain fart, man o man this was the mother of all farts.

Tilling !!!

Yep I just got crucified, shot up the bum, kicked in the jewels, dragged over the transom, man call it what you what. Yep, off we go to the Tilling Shop to get the tile’s.

Now, wile I’m driving I get a brain fart my self and decided to test the response.” You know it’s all fine to through these curve ball’s at me butt whom Is gonna help me do this in 5 days before I have to return.” My wife, Rika response by cutting here own taught.
” We will all do it together.”

“Woman do you know how much work you are facing.” “No but I’m sure it cant be that bad.”

Well we get home and I have bought the tools so that we could get busy right away and do the preparations. Man we chipped that floor the entire weekend by Sunday avo our house looked like it was looted or a war zone.
Well she held up to her half of the deal and the kids did a bit here and there and we had some great fun and qaulety time. Monday we started, with the help of a buddy of mine and laid the buggers. Wednesday noon we were done with 106m of tiles grouted and cornered. Man this is a crap job, I’ll do most other things but tilling is no joke.

I’m back in Borneo and got a photo from one of the local guy’s off a small marlin that was caught during my absence.




Ok guy’s gotta go. Tight lines and safe trips.

[Capt Josh]

Hahahahaha....you're reports always make me smile Charl. Nice to hear men are getting put through the relationship riggers halfway-round the world too amigo. Kids all over your gear and wifey all over the "Honey-do!" list. Priceless.

Tiling all weekend...what next? LOL I guess when the wife showed up with knee pads you might have had some other ideas???

Keep them coming amigo...