Realised I'm supposed to make a full report if I'm to be a contender for Fish of the Month! So here goes. I'm fairly new to southern NSW having come up to live from Victoria, so have been on a steep learning curve as to how to fish these totally different lake waters. Bought a 'yak and have been out on it many times, learning the waters, watching baitfish, the birds, and observing other fishers. Tried many different rigs, baits, SP's etc to limited success - a lot of small snapper, whiting, blackfish, tailor, bream (with a couple of keepers).
But finally, I've cracked the right spot, the right rigs and methods and my hook-up rate to some decent bream and flatties has greatly improved. On Feb 10th, I went out on the lake to my 'new' spot and soon began getting bites on poddy mullet (that I caught and kept in the freezer). At one point, I had a nice bite - and then nothing. (I like to leave the rod until I get a bit of a run.) So I went to wind in when I felt the heaviest weight! At first I thought I'd snagged a huge lump of seaweed or some other bottom detritus, but soon the line took off and clearly I had something huge on. It ran out on my drag many times as I kept retrieving what line I could (15lb braid, 15lb leader). I was sure it was a stingray - there are many in the lake, seen all the time around the shallows. But soon the colour appeared and I was surprised to catch sight of the hugest flathead I have ever seen! It dived again, and again, but finally I had it exhausted by the kayak. So now what??? I put my net under the front HALF of the fish and lifted it on board. She was a beauty! Finally I managed to get her into the mesh holding net that I keep over the side in the water. Rowed home for the photoshoot! I live with my wife right on the lake. Cheers, Holls.