Stewart Island
Since we didn’t have a scallop trip this month to write up, I’ll tell you all about my recent trip to Stewart Island…here goes.
This time I flew down to Invercargill on the Thursday, met at the airport by two buddies and a Speights was thrust into my hand, even before the usual hellos were exchanged. The weather was sunny but with a brisk wind. We decided to go to Bluff to see how it looked over towards the Island. The top of Bluff Hill is a great view of Southland, Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island, a must if you are in the area. Well the wind was strong but we decided it was a runner. The back-up plan was a trip to Milford Sound. Back to Invercargill after a quickie at the local. Around town to catch up with family and old school friends and then back to base to load up the boat “Southern Man” This is a Sharkcat with twin 175hp Yammies. Just the weapon to attempt a crossing in the conditions we were faced with. Dive gear, bottles and fishing gear loaded up it was away to the “Zoo” to plan strategy. The Zoo is a great café/bar called Zookeepers, owned by a friend of mine. Well the planning lasted until the wee hours of the morning.
Up at 6.00 am, hook the boat up and head off. The crossing was easier than we expected and in about 45 minutes we were at Christmas village for the oyster dive. The dive was in about 18 meters but the water temperature was a chilly 9.2 degrees. Plenty of fat, juicy oysters and in about 20 minutes we all had our quota. We went around further West and threw the lines over at a well known reef. The blue cod came in thick and fast. As soon as the sinker hit the bottom it was time to pull up again. We were only using the red coloured hooks WITHOUT bait attached in about 30-meter water. One of our traditions is for the first cod to be cleaned, cubed and put into white vinegar, onions and spices. Left for about 30 minutes and tuck in….yummy. The first oysters were put into a small pottle of mint sauce………don’t knock it until you try it !!
Next we were back closer to Oban on a likely rock, and within about 15 minutes in 10 meters we had a feed for tea. Not biggies but goodies. Back to Halfmoon bay and check into the Pub. Had a cook up of our day’s catch and then we felt a bit parched and needed some liquid refreshment. The rest is a bit of a blurr. Next morning we went on a tour of the Island in “Billy the bus” and it’s master ……Sam. A real character. After lunch we were back in the water for another oyster dive, 9.5 degrees this time…..much better. And another cray dive on another spot, in-between times, blue cod was the order of the day. On the last dive we were visited by a very large inquisitive seal who would nibble at our fins and octi line as well as play in the bubbles coming from our gear. Really good to watch after the initial shock of seeing him (or her, I didn’t check) We retired earlier and had another great cook up in the room before going to the Boardroom for a debriefing. Next day was a bit rough but we still geared up and ventured out in 20-25 knots. We were to head back to Bluff but couldn’t see Bluff hill, not a good sign. We kept a close eye on the changing weather between dives and fishing. We rang Bluff Fisherman’s Radio, a great service, and they STRONGLY advised us not to make the crossing. We decided to head back to Halfmoon bay and catch the ferry. As it happens, a very wise choice as coming across the ferry took several greenies over the bow. At 22 knots it didn’t take long to get to Bluff to end a very enjoyable weekend. I’ve got heaps of photo’s for those who will consider a trip down sometime. I can guarantee a great time, brilliant viz, plenty of plunder and I’d be keen to arrange a trip sometime.
Cheerz…………..Stu
