Cook Islands

I just got back from the Cook Islands, and the wind was howling off shore of
Rarotonga the last few days so my charter never left the dock. Missed my
first chance at tuna and such. Had to spend my time in the lagoon so I used
a disposable camera to try some shots of the fish.

I did get a chance to fish with a guide for bonefish on Aitutaki, and I have
to say that I have the utmost respect for anyone that can see those fish
swimming in waist deep water in a high wind. My guide, Jubilee, was very
patient, but I never did really see the fish. I took his instructions as
best as I could hear, and did not hook a bonefish. It was an interesting
day. I switched up to a clouser (using his gear) and cast deeper for
Trevally, and the first crashing hit took the leader at a wind knot. Still
a thrill for the explosive hit. The next hit took the entire fly line as it
was old, and broke off short of the backing (I was cheating and trolling a
streamer while in the boat, moving to another place). Tremendous hits from
the fish, and I have to admit I'm not accustomed to the savage takes from
the toothy salt water fish. The only fish I landed were a few Queenfish.
All in all, a great learning experience, and time to get new glasses.

On Rarotonga I waded out to one of the passageways through the reef, and
cast for Trevally. Again I had a few hits but nothing that took. It is
hard to see, but the flow from the passageway is very swift, and the dive
shop warned against trying to wade it as people have been swept off their
feet. The Islanders fish from boats just past the waves beyond the
passageway, so they can pull the larger Trevally out to sea so they won't
dive into the corral and cut off the line.

bugcaster

Trevally are fun fish. While in the Peace Corps in Micronesia, I fed
my village on them. I had the only fly rod on the island and would
catch them on the steelhead/salmon flies I had sent from home. Nine
wt., 18 in stainless steel leader for the occasional baraccuda. The
kids used to tie string to sticks and "beat" the water as I did,
thinking that was why they took.

cheers

oz, who misses going out past the reef with soya, lime, and wasabe.