2006 Trip Reports

APRIL 2006

Wednesday 5-12

Cape Jaffa Caravan Park

 Cape Jaffa Trip Report.

Cape Jaffa. A very pleasant little caravan park overlooking Lacepede bay with a jetty a short stroll from the park.

 Most arrived on Wednesday April 5, 2006 to a very warm welcome from Margaret and Bob, who had made their way down a few days earlier via Little Bool Lagoon. A total 0f 45 people attended; 39 members, 4 visitors and two new members, Rick and Judith, and were established on caravan sites or cabins in the park.

 The first two days were blustery (gale force winds?) and wet. Some braved the jetty; others went underground in the Naracoorte Caves.

 The fishing was a little disappointing as not many fish were caught as strong winds and showers kept people away from the jetty some days. A lot of puffer fish (toadies?) kept getting on the lines. Some people had a good run of tommies and some good sized mullet were caught. Roly could be seen out on the jetty most days and he caught the longest fish a 39cm garfish.

 A couple of people tried their luck beach fishing (baby flathead, undersized bream and puffers) in quite pleasant conditions on the Sunday.

Once again the (mainly) ladies walking group was an enjoyable way to start the  day for some. Watches may need to be synchronised the night before to ensure no one is left behind. A few people made shopping expeditions to Kingston and Robe.

 The Friday night roast was organised by Don T with military (?) precision. All those conscripted were willing helpers, so much so that the vegetable peeling started well before the scheduled time. The men took very good care of the fire all afternoon, coming inside the shed every now and then to get the smoke out of their eyes.  The end result was a very enjoyable dinner. Has the mystery of the non-matching lids and bases of the cast-iron camp ovens been solved?

The Monday BBQ was a great success thanks to the chefs in charge of the sausages and patties and the salad makers. Everyone (particularly the men?) was in fine voice to accompany Kath on her accordion for the Monday night songs.

 Raffle winners were so numerous we thought we might need to stay another week to get to the end of the draw. Thanks go to the donors of raffle prizes.

 The noise level in the shed at morning tea and Happy Hour was amazing, lip reading essential to understanding the person next to you.

Thanks to all who contributed and especially Margaret and Bob for organizing a very  enjoyable week.

 Jeanette Martin

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June 2006

Thursday 22-29

Port Broughton Caravan Park  

Ph 08 86352188

Click picture to enlarge

Colin with his  nice catch of Salmon Trout.

 Port Broughton Trip Report.

A total of 42 members occupied the Port Broughton Caravan Park for our winter  fishing trip.

As usual, there were the early birds: were they checking out the best fishing spots? One has to wonder.

A heavy rain shower on Thursday evening sent water running through the powered sites and started a new sport called “annex paddling”.

On Saturday, everyone became browned off at the news of a bag limit of Salmon Trout caught by Colin. The following stampede to the jetty had to be seen to be believed.

Saturday night the Whyte Yarcowie Vaudeville Troupe put on a show in the Institute hall. Those members who attended this fun raising event remarked on what a great evening it was as they nibbled on during interval.

Monday Margaret and Bob had arranged for a visit to the Fishlab Aquaculture Research Farm just out of town. The owner, Andrew, has designed a recirculating polyculture using underground saline water. The idea is to use the waste from commercially grown fish to feed other organisms until the end result of worm castings and clean water is achieved.

On returning to the caravan park, an organized BBQ was in progress, with an amazing range of salads supplied by all the ladies in the group.

The last day saw the prestigious Yellow Jacket awarded to Don who caught the longest fish, a lovely 38.3cm Mullet. Nancy was runner-up with a very close 38cm Mullet, not prepared to stretch the limit by using the latest measuring technology, a measuring tape!

Nancy then gave a recital of her own poem, about the Pleasure Fishing Group which we hope will be in the ARPA NEWS for all to read. (read Nancy's poem)

Wednesday night a social dinner at the local motel completed the trip.

Once again our gratitude and thanks go to Margaret and Bob for organizing another well run trip.

Jeanette and Gerald Wharton

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Ph 88545222

                                                                                                  Point Turton jetty 

 Point Turton Trip Report

A peaceful, clean and friendly little caravan park, overlooking the beautiful Hardwicke Bay. It is adjacent to the jetty and the new boat ramp, making it ideal for fishing. Genial hosts were Malcolm and Jenny, who did all they could to make sure everyone had a good time, and good time they had.

Most people arrived on Thursday 23^rd November, a total of 53, all established either in cabins or with their own caravans.

Although the last two days were reasonable, the previous days were very blustery. Those who braved being battered by the gusty conditions, were rewarded with catches of Tommy Ruffs and Garfish. However the fishing catches generally were not all that great, as the wind kept most people away from the jetty.

Monday evening was a sing along with Kath on the piano accordion, and even the most reluctant singers, found themselves joining in old favourites. The raffle which followed had so many prizes, that it seemed as the draw would go on into the next day. The lucky winners took away some wonderful prizes, including a lamb’s wool rug for Mary B and a basket of Goodies for Bob B.

The ladies walking group, enjoyed their daily exercise and on the Monday, there was a craft afternoon, with beautiful quilting and bags made by Bonnie, which could be purchased, followed by a scrumptious Devonshire tea, with scones made by Malcolm. It was difficult not to eat too many, they were whisper light, filled with jam and fluffy cream, absolutely gorgeous.

Tuesday night was the dinner at the Melville Hotel in Yorketown, who provided a three course dinner for 20 dollars. It was delicious, and as good as anything you would get in Adelaide. The wine list was varied and cheap, and best of all, there was no need to worry about driving. The School Bus, took us all and brought us back. The finishing touch was the individual little Christmas trees made by Margaret with our names to mark our places at the table. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, finished off by a sing song on the bus home, with mostly unrecognisable renditions of well known songs.

Finally the Wednesday evening was a barbeque, with Malcolm and Jenny providing the meats galore. The ladies provided a huge variety of salads and the profiteroles were never to be forgotten. The evening was kind to us, balmy, warm and still, the wind deciding to give us a rest. It was the kind of evening, you could have wished to go on forever as we all sat outside, feasting on good food and friendliness. The fishing Awards and Prizes, were to be envied. The trophy to be held for one year, was a mounted, miniature fishing rod, with a small plaque to acknowledge the winner. An award to treasure, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship by Don.

Allan M won the Yellow Jacket prize for the longest fish caught on the trip.

Rae B won the woman’s trophy, a reel and fitted out tackle box for the most fish caught for the year.

Roly B won the men’s trophy, reel and tackle box for the most fish caught for the year.

Somehow one felt that whatever the weather, nothing would dampen the enjoyment of the week for everyone who attended.

Margaret and Bob, with their attention to detail, organization and warm, welcoming manner, made sure that the group lived up to its name, “Pleasure Fishing Group”.

Gillian Griffin 

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