Mike

Mike is another forumite with a hankering to throw flies around. We set out on a mission, to catch Mike a kingi on the fly rod. Conditions were ideal, even so i decided to launch at Torpedo, rather than a beach launch. A good decision. I picked Mike up just after 5 from Okahu and we set off to our first destination. The tide was pretty high bu the time we arrived, and alarmingly, there was scant sign on the sounder around the structure. We got Mike ready (line stripped and ready to cast, shoes off) and almost immediately he hooked up on the structure, pretty much standard fare as that's where the kingis are... Mike pulled his line to break off the fly.... unfortunately his T-11 head snapped off instead. Oww. So while Mike re-rigged I set up the #11, with one of the EP Flex calamari flies and a sinker on its nose. Theory, I wanted to get down deep to the big guys... we drifted and cast, drifted and cast, changed angles and finally I got a hit on the calamari, but it was a tail nip. First one, then another kingfish showed itself behind the fly, but no dice. Finally Mike got nailed. He hit the fish and held on...

Hold on Mike!

Mike held the fish nicely and we got him away from the structure, so he was able to gain line. Soon enough I got the net under a stroppy fish.




Mike with his first kingfish on fly



Mike got another soon after and we were both stoked. We cast around for a while longer, then I suggested a change of venue. We headed into Motuihe Channel and had a flick, nothing doing. So off into Rangi Channel. First marker and Mike hooked up and got a fish. Then the session all got a bit fuzzy as things heated up. Moon was full in the sky in the east, and the sun setting in the west set the sky ablaze. The fish just got more voracious.

I ended up getting busted by a fish on the 8 weight and it felt like a good way to finish the session. After dropping Mike back at Okahu, I zoomed across the harbour and retrieved the boat. I have to say I was feeling pretty relaxed. Thanks Mike, it was a pleasure.