Crabs, Cod and Barra

When Pats spoke to the last acting Principle, we were led to believe that there were crabs and barra galore - you know almost to the point that they would be jumping into the boat, well the barra anyway! This wasn't quite the case, but if you know where to fish and drop the pots in you can definitely get a good fresh seafood feed.

Here are the catches we have made since landing in Kowie.  Oh, and when I say we, I actually mean Pats!!

Our first fishing expedition was the second weekend I was here.  We headed down to the South Mitchell River with a couple of the other teachers.  Launching the boat was not the funnest of activities - especially when you are as paranoid as I am about crocs - I was not taking any chances!

First came the Barra. 

Then the Travalley.

We didn't have anymore success that day.  Although we did see three crocs sunning themselves on the bank, unfortunately I couldn't get a photo of them, as soon as they hear the boat coming they slip back into the water, one was about 4m and the other two were about 3m.  It was good to see my paranoia was not unfounded! 

We haven't been out on the boat since, that fishing trip also proved what Patrick had been thinking since he got here - our boat is to big for up here.  As there are no boat ramps, you just have to launch from the bank and the boat is to heavy and just sinks into the muddy bank and it turns into a mission to pull it out.

A couple of times at Shelfo Patrick has thrown a line in from the bank, but with no luck.  There is a great fishing spot a couple of km's down from where we swim, called The Junction.  To get to the best spot for fishing you have to walk through thigh deep water a couple of times.  The catch 22 is that unfortunately there is also a big salty that calls that part of the water home!  A couple of the teachers have fished there a few times and caught up to 8 Barra - so if you are willing to play Russian Roullete with the croc, it is 'the spot' to fish.  I don't think I will ever be game and Pats hasn't quite worked up the guts just yet.

On Friday arvo Pats decided to drop the crab pots into a spot he found on the way to Topsy.  After putting all the pots in, he checked the first couple and was pleasantly surprised.......

He had these 2 in one pot.....



And this badboy in another!  Not to bad for an arvo's work.

He put these pots back in and left them all in over night.  The next morning after an early breakie we went and checked the pots.  Unfortunately, all the bait was gone and no crabs.  But we did have a nice surprise in one of the pots.....

A good sized Cod.

So this morning after taking the dogs out to Shelfo for a walk and a swim, we made fresh home made fish and chips.  What a great way to end the weekend!!