Sept/Oct 2023 Edition
September, well here we are! Not long and the Christmas decorations will be coming out. Too soon? Haha, sorry! The days and months seem to be coming and going faster than ever before. Perhaps a reminder to slow down and take everything and everyone around you in. Stop, breathe, recalibrate. It’s a glorious time of year (unless you suffer hay fever) and the change of weather certainly makes fishing that little bit more enjoyable, so hopefully wetting a line is on your ‘Spring to do’ list.
The month that was, was very exciting for the Black Magic pro team here in Australia. We were all present at the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) expo which is where leading fishing brands and wholesalers come together to showcase existing and new products to the market for retailers to view and place orders. Michelle Brittain and Jonah Yick were present on the Black Magic stand showcasing the brand and chatting with fans. Shea Bloom and I were representing WIRFAB (women in recreational fishing and boating) and promoting females in the industry.
Ingredients
MEthod
Whilst we were busy at the expo, my husband was driving from Victoria to Queensland to pick up a new (second hand) boat. He timed it perfectly so that when Jonah and I were finished at the expo, we were able to hit the water. Joining us was fellow WIRFAB mentor, Niki Duckstein.
Whilst the boat still awaits her new name, the maiden voyage was perfect to celebrate the new ownership. The old girl hadn’t been on the water for a few years and yet she still performed with such grace. How we had not swapped to a fibreglass boat sooner I do not know. The comfort is next level. Cruising around the Gold Coast Broadwater, it wasn’t long before we had all fallen in love with our new Haines Hunter Pro Strike.
We then decided to see if we could christen the boat and bets were placed as to who would be first to land a fish and I am very pleased to be able to brag that it was myself who took out that crown!(Humble too! Lol). Not only did I claim that win, but Niki and I out fished the boys overall. We had a great time and caught a mixed bag of species including flathead, whiting, Boney bream and the elusive Samson fish… well more to come on that shortly.
I have come to realise that one of my favourite people to fish with is Jonah. He is such a passionate and knowledgeable guy, who lives and breathes all things fish. He is truly in his element when out on the water and is renowned for being one of the most incredible pelagic fishermen. I remember how excited he was for me when he got me my first Albacore tuna (a memory that will last forever) and we have all seen photos of the giant swordfish and tuna he has caught. However, you will never understand how truly passionate someone is until you witness them be equally as excited to land the teeniest, tiny fish they have ever caught. I can tell you now, Jonah had the rest of us in hysterics on the boat. Never, have weever seen anyone so thrilled to land their smallest fish ever. A priceless moment.
Our second trip highlight was the one that got away. These make for the best stories as they are sure to be exaggerated as the years go by. Jonah was on to a great fish, we all knew as soon as it grabbed the lure, the spool took off and the rod was a bending. Whilst the rest of us reeled our lines in, Jonah was putting up a good fight. All of us taking guesses as to what this fish might be, we caught a glimpse in the water, silver and green flashed at us. It was a good fish! Dean, ready with the net, scoops the fish and we all admire the uniqueness of the colours and size of this fish, it’s an absolute whopper. Then, in a blink of an eye, the unthinkable happens, as Dean is bringing the net toward the boat, the fish frees itself from the lure and tears a hole in the net, escaping back to the depths of the water below. Silence…. We all take a moment before anyone speaks. Shocked at what has just taken place, scratching our heads as to how the fish got through the net. And so, the only way to honour Jonah’s catch is to convince ourselves that it must have been a Samson fish (and there’s absolutely no chance whatsoever that it simply may have been an exceptionally large smooth toadfish Ha!!).
This is what fishing is all about and what it should be. There shouldn’t be pressure as to what to catch or how many to catch. Spending time with mates and having a damn good laugh all whilst creating lifelong memories is what matters. If you catch a feed, well that’s the added bonus! And good thing we did, as it meant flathead was soon to be on the menu!
Flat head is possibly my favourite bread and butter species. It’s a subtle flavour that is far from offensive. The texture of the meat is soft, whilst being firm enough that it doesn’t turn to mush. It is a great species to eat simply grilled or added to a curry, the versatility makes this a wonderful fish to have on your catch list!
Thisrecipe, battered flathead tails with hand cut vinegar chips, hands down is my favourite, good old-fashioned fish and chips! Thecrunchy vinegar chips are so deliciously moreish and the crunch on the flatheadbatter is simply mouth-watering.
Be sure to let us know what you think of this recipe. I hope you love it as much as my family does!
From river to plate or sea to fork,
Cara
Meet Cara
When she’s not out in the rivers or cooking up a storm on Instagram, Cara works as an ambassador for Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) - an organisation focused on encouraging women and kids to explore the joy of fishing.
Cara can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
