HOME AGAIN

Since returning home last week there have been plenty of jobs to do, people to catch up with and of course I just had to get a fish in before the closure of the demersal season. Firstly, when Laurie Keene heard I was back in town he dropped by for another quick book exchange. I am especially looking forward to reading Peter Fitzsimons’, Mawson, as I did a trip to the sub Antarctic Islands for the 100 year commemoration of his adventures back in 2007. Laurie was still in Eagles euphoria, having been to the grand final game and invited to the post match function. Like many, he has already bought the grand final DVD for a second viewing and likely many more as the years go by. Being an ex-eastern stater, my rugby league team, the Roosters, also won their grand final which I watched at Newman, but I must admit it had nothing on the AFL grandie.

Then Jude and Gary Berson invited us to check out their new cellar door venue at Victory Point Wines on Holben Rd, out past Miller’s Ice Creams. Jude and Gary had a vision, with Doug Simpson and his band of tradies delivering it to perfection. The simple, open plan, with rustic materials, including timbers from the Busselton Jetty, is in keeping with the surrounds, but the wow factor is definitely the majestic elevated view of the vineyard and  for many miles beyond. Well worth a look, not to mention the quality wines they produce.

My 5.7m trailcraft had been under covers for four months while I was away, so I decided to blow the cobwebs out at Geographe Bay. I know it was school holidays, but couldn’t believe the number of boats on the water, with at least thirty launched there alone. Once they started returning and chatting at the ramp, the reasons soon became obvious as the crabs and squid have been going off. But then I managed a more serious trip the next day with two boats heading out deep from Gracetown. I was with Jungle Jim Nilsson and my mate Duths had two on board, one a charter boat operator from Victoria, Rob. I bagged a nice 15 pound Dhuie early, but then we had a run of 49cm Dhuies and pinkies, which all went back down easily. The other boat had not landed a keeper after two hours fishing, so we headed out further in a sloppy, but manageable sea. We soon had a nice size pinkie on board, but then Rob on Duths’ boat came into his own landing two Dhuies, 28 & 32 lb respectively. He was happy to say the least, so I got Jungle to drive over to take the photo included here. It was a busy ramp as expected at this time of year and great to see the fisheries officers inspecting everyone as they returned.

Finally, very sad to hear about the boating tragedy near Garden Island. Just another reminder that things can happen very quickly on the water, so wearing a lifejacket and having emergency equipment easily accessible in the event of an upturned vessel is critical to assist any rescue.