Air Temp: 8 > 14 degrees C
Water Temp: 14 degrees C
Water height: -13 cm
Number of rods: 14
Number fish caught: 28
Biggest fish: 38lbs John Horlock
No 30+:1
No 20-29: 2
No 8-19: 24
Grilse: 1
46.5 by 25.5 inches
Yokanga Lodge Manager's comments:
After the previous days warm weather it always felt like a much better fishing day so the team headed to the river full of hope. The helicopter returned at 6:30pm and the smiling faces told the story.
Jonathan M and Paul R had a good
day on Upper Norcamp with 5 and a further 6 lost with other action spread
throughout the day. One two running grilse have been seen and interestingly Jonathan scored the first fish of the season of under 10lbs. Others had similar
tales to tell. Father and son, Jacques and Louis G had a 20lber and 24lber from
Poachers. Pete W had a good run with 15, 16 and 17lbers.
Old Vova with the 38lber
The moment of the day fell to John
Horlock and guide Old Vova. Having seen a small fish move below the main draw of
7 Islands they took the boat down and made an approach from the bank. Sure
enough a fish was hooked but after 10 minutes it was clear that it was a good
one as it never showed itself. The fish took them downstream aiming straight
towards certain big rocks which it seemed to know and they were forced to
follow in the boat. After a 35 minute fight they had their prize in the net.
The superb cock fish measured 118cm by 65cm. In old money that is 46.5 inches
by 25.5 inches. The fish stretched the scales to 38lbs, a personal best for
John.
Congratulations John!
Both John and Vova, who have seen
many fish in excess of 30lbs, thought it would break 40lbs. The fish had an old
healed gash in its side. Maybe a pound or two missing?! Enter the measurements
into the four established formulae and the weights show between 38lbs and
45.5lbs. Having been accurately weighed as well, it is in the book at 38lbs. Scale
samples were taken so it will be interesting to see how many winters the fish
spent at sea.
The river is at an absolutely
perfect fishing height right now with the tails of pools having an ideal pace.
With water at 14C most people are using intermediates and a light sink tip with
doubles or when required a heavier tube. There is much to look forward to.
One, two, three...!
Henry Mountain
