Moon Island Madness
December 2nd 2006 22:55
Moon Island madness
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I went spearfishing yesyerday off Moon Island which lies protectively near the mouth of Lake Macquarie and protects it from all but the worst north eastern swells. There was a relatively small swell of 1 metre running. The Eastern side of the island had waves crashing on it so that was no good and we anchored in about 4 metres on the western side. No waves breaking but the boat a 28' Savage Game Fisher, for some reason sat side on to the tide, wind and waves? It was rolling quite heavily.
The first person back on board was the skipper, shivering from cold despite his natural thermal layer of body reserves. "Good viz no fish" Next was another casualty who had blisters breaking on his toes due to being unfamilar with his fins. "Good viz till you get up close to the rocks of the island where it gets cloudy, no fish" Then the skippers son returns with a similar story except for seeing a largish blue groper. My decision to stay on board cowering with fright is vindicated.
We up anchor (which was not dug in but just holding with the weight of the chain) and motor back in to the lake and re-anchor behind the sand Island. Lots of sandy gutters between weed beds here.
I manage a dive in these benign conditions and touch two small stingrays with the end of my spear. (Is that like tag and release?) The other guys have similar stories and apart from breaking my spear rubber while shooting at a poor defensless flounder no harm done, some beers consumed and I did not take up space on the lounge all morning. No crabs as I have not had the right bait.
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Undoubtedly a job for the boys. Congrats on your cowardice, but stingrays? some people never learn, I think they know how to aim for the heart.
katyzzz
Comment by TomN
Boat Heaven
these were little fellas. Not much bigger than a flounder. Remember Steve was with a huge one, directly over it and it was a pure accident, one of the few people ever killed in this way by a ray. But you are right that we should show caution.
Cheers.