BLOG: Memorable moments in fishing

LIFE is a collection of experiences and memories, some we relive and recount with boundless enthusiasm, others we take for granted.

The land and bodies of water that surround us provide the building blocks for wonderful memories. Dorothea Mackellar's poem, My Country, encapsulates the harshness of our land and its majestic beauty. We can often spend time on the water and fail to realise what we have around us, a living breathing environment filled with peril and beauty.

A recent trip north reminded me how good things can be and paved the way for a number of unforgettable experiences. The first memorable experience came in the company of fellow Fishing World writers David Green and Peter Zeroni – we were a reasonable distance offshore from Melville Island and stumbled upon a patch of Spanish Mackerel that were plentiful and voracious (Also see Peter Zeroni's related story "Mackerel Madness" in News).

The action that ensued saw every rod in the water connected to a hefty mackerel however it wasn't until we stopped fishing that we discovered the true splendour of the occasion. Hacking up lures, removing hooks and concocting interesting lure like creations saw us enjoy a four hour session with mackerel leaping around the boat, launching at hookless decoys and amusing DIY monstrosities to the thrill of all on board.
Who would have thought that four hours without landing a fish would be so remarkable; it was an unforgettable experience and one that we may never encounter again.

Another more memorable and rewarding experience was spending time at the Tiwi College on Melville Island and having the opportunity to interact with the local Tiwi children. The Tiwi are a friendly and welcoming people with a great sense of community – we were met at the college by beaming smiles and kids interested in fishing, footy and the great outdoors, their enthusiasm was infectious.

It was wonderful to spend time with a group of energetic and engaged youth; the fishing equipment generously donated by supporters of the inaugural Melville Island Challenge was eagerly received by the kids and the enthusiasm demonstrated at the casting clinic was a pleasure to observe. I was regaled with tales of fishing trips and exciting adventures
throughout the afternoon. As we were leaving the college for our flight back to Darwin, I remember looking over and seeing the kids happily walking back towards their classroom with one chap standing on the edge of the oval, glancing back at everyone and sneaking off one last cast – a befitting end and an endearing memory.

What constitutes a memorable moment differs from person to person – my mental and physical image library is laden with treasured experiences which I hope to never take for granted.

I'd be interested to hear any memorable fishing moments our readers would like to share. Over to you...