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Monday, March 21, 2016

A nice WA Jewfish for dinner

Well after far too long a break from diving I finally managed to get out and get wet again, I decided to try an old favorite spot that often produces Jewfish and King George Whiting. I launched the boat and was soon on my way skimming over the small wind chop at 30 knots. After about 10 minutes I arrived on the spot and dropped anchor in a sand patch before quietly sliding into the water and loading my gun. I swam around the reef for a good half an hour diving to the bottom and generally getting comfortable and relaxed, it was good to once again be diving in.
I soon started to spot a lot of juvenile Jewfish and was on the lookout for a mature one when a nice sized specimen showed up on a sand patch. I quietly breathed up and descended to the bottom, the fish detected me and after a quick look decided to swim away. I slowly followed and as it went behind a large rock I closed the gap hoping the fish would  feel more comfortable being closer to cover. I was right and the fish allowed me to get close enough for a shot as it hesitated deciding which way to swim.



I took a raking shot as the fish turned to swim to my right and hit it well, the fish took a short run before giving up and I was able to quickly retrieve it. I swam back to the boat and put the fish strait in the ice box to cool down, I was very happy with my catch so far. I then moved to another slightly shallower spot and caught a few crayfish to go with The Jewfish for dinner. Having by now been out for a few hours I decided to return home before the sea breeze began to make things difficult. I stowed all my gear and pulled the anchor  before heading back home at a leisurely pace.

Once home and with the boat washed down it was time to prepare my catch for dinner, I cooked and cooled the crayfish and sliced the tails into pieces to go in a salad, the fish was lightly crumbed and shallow fried. A nice bottle of locally produced Verdello was our chosen accompaniment and complimented the meal nicely, just the way I like to end a day.