Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Donavon's big Fiji GT

We got out again on Sunday, and after a week of calm weather I figured it would be blowing like hell. I was not disappointed. It was heavily overcast with a gusty 15-20 So'Easter blowing.
So much for calm weather.
We took out a couple of friends, Donavon and Sarah. They live about 20 minutes from us and frequent the tackle shop. Donavon was in the midst of the fishing learning curve and was eager to catch a GT.
Unfortunately as soon as we reached the reef Sarah fell victim to one of the worst possible noncontagious sicknesses, seasickness.
From Serua with Dono and Sarah
Since Rosie and I both used to get really seasick, we felt her pain and nausea. But, credit must be given to Sarah, she never once asked to go home. Once she had emptied her stomach she lied down in front of the console she was at least less uncomfortable and stayed there for the remainder of the trip.
All was quiet for the first couple of hours. a lot of chatter and some serious instruction for Donavon was all the action. Of course when it is time to break the drought Rosie is the sure fire gun for that.
From Serua with Dono and Sarah
With skill and speed she knocks over the first GT for the day.
Lucky for me she decides to take a break soon after and allows me to use her rod for a few casts out on the bow. As she settles into driving the boat and Donavon is at the back having a snack, I proceed to get a few casts in. As luck and timing would have it I hook into a nice one and after a short but intense fight Rosie lifts my GT into the boat.
From Serua with Dono and Sarah
Now, at this point Donavon is re-energized and all fired up to catch a fish. We have spent the better part of 4 hours honing his skills and shortening the learning curve. He is ready and is on the bow armed with my rod and reel and a River2Sea dumbbell popper. Casting like a mad man with determination seldom seen by humans. All of this is about to be rewarded in one massive explosion as the sea opens up and his popper disappears. Donavon is on and it is a nice fish. Line is melting off of the reel and for an instant there is a panicked look in his eyes. As he settles into the fight, panic turn to thrill and back to determination. After a good 5 minute fight his fish is boat side and I lift it in for him. He then sits on the rail to compose himself while Rosie and I go to work on the GT. Once the fish is cared for I give it to Donavon and they both get their picture taken.
From Serua with Dono and Sarah
A quick release saw the GT swim away strong and a good fight left Donavon with a smile that should last all week.

Tight lines

6 comments:

Wolfy said...

VERY cool - GT's are on the top of my list of exotics that I absolutely need to catch before I die!!

Wolfy

Jose Valle said...

Como siempre bonitas fotos y buenas capturas, a mi tambien me duraria la sonrisa toda la semana pescando esos GT.

Enhorabuena por las capturas y un saludo.

Ben said...

Nice work on those big GTs! BTW, your friend Donavon looks like Jack Nicholson in that last picture.

Cheers!

hector200 said...

Nice GT, congrats mi amigo

saludos

Mark Kautz said...

Poor Sarah. Those of us that have been seasick (I've been once in my life and it was one too many)have major sympathy for her. On the other hand, great catch Donavon. Good way to start your GT catching career.

Mark

Azoresub-Bluewater said...

Good fishes! Merry Christmas and new yer happy!!