Thank you for reading the guest book of

DUNEDIN MARINE CHARTERS

The day dawned calm and warm over Otago harbor with not a ripple on the water.  After Skipper, Don and Crewman Gary loaded the gear into MV LOMA. Steve and I boarded and we moved from Wellers Rock to join 20-30 odd boats maneuvering around the jetty at Aramoana.  Today is the Tautuku Fishing Club’s, fishing competition and tickets have to be stamped. All was calm  and ordered, the only disruption was flights of shags winging their way between the boats. Just as it was our turn at the jetty, a large cruise ship steamed through the heads passing us at about 11 knots. Suddenly in its wake all the boats around us were dancing and bobbing, desperately staying out of each others way, from calm to chaos in the wink of an eye. Seven o’clock and all the fizz boats disappeared through the heads and we followed at sedate 9 knots. The sea, calm and almost "oily", with swells passing underneath, a gentle breeze, a slice of heaven! We passed the lighthouse and the albatross colony and watched the spectacular coastline unfold as we steamed southeast. I started to relax, as I watched an albatross soar and glide along the troughs of the swells, almost touching the water, controlled and graceful. I sat up all excited as not far from the boat a shark’s fin appeared but Gary assured me it was a flipper of a basking seal. They seem to be everywhere porpoising through the water or just lazing around . A school of dolphins put on a spectacular display leaping out of the sea one after the other. Where ever we looked something was happening. Gary reminded us that we were here to fish and gave Steve and I a lesson in preparing the fishing gear.  His instruction was good and nothing came undone while we were fishing. At the first attempt, dogfish were landed and we moved to another spot. What a spot! the bins filled quickly with blue cod and jock Stewart. It was exciting and lunch time passed without being noticed, we were absorbed and kept so busy that it was not until we drifted off the mark, we felt just how tired our arms were from reeling in so many fish from 50 fathoms down. Don and Gary were very helpful and professional in every way and on the way home with all the fish  filleted, (Don and Gary made the process look very easy ) the Bar-Be-Que was set up.  Don produced the most delicious fish fillet sandwiches I have ever tasted, after an absorbing and busy   day we were ravenous and those sandwiches hit the spot! As we approached the Otago heads the cruise ship was leaving and made a marvelous sight.  Back at the jetty the only complaint I had in a otherwise perfect day, was that although we tried, we did not hook a shark, but that will keep for the next trip.  

Peter Nicoll

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Howard
Great page Garry, you already have three of my photos on your site but I'd be more than happy to give you some more when I come out with you for a days fishing!
NOTE PAUL CAME FISHING WITH ME ON ANOTHER BOAT WE HAVE THIS IS WHEN PAUL CLICKED THE PHOTOS.

Country: NZ
Email: pjsmhoward@hotmail.com
Email1: 09-05-98
First Name: NoValue
Last Name: Swampy
Questions: Great days fishing the other week, not keen on that Mako though.