The first Ythan trip went ahead as planned with a few slight adjustments and we managed to tie in with a couple of Ythan regulars.
Concentrating our efforts mainly at Tonely and ending down at Craigs point.
As advised here we started off spinning during high tide and I switched to fly fish with the 9 1/2’ #6 with a sinking line for the last few hours through to low.
Sadly we only connected with a couple of feisty finnock on tasmanian devils and one pull for me on a sand eel pattern.
It was a decent warm overcast day but not much bird or seal activity to be seen and heard a few comments from the other regular fishers about the lack of action. An occasional bigger fish jumped here & there to keep the interest.
One guy fishing alongside us was into a decent hard fighting fish which ran hard right past us.
Unfortunately he lost it right at the net.
A sore one for him I’m sure but seeing that kept us going in the hope we might be next.
The nephew & I were fortunate enough to receive a blue & silver Sutherland Special each on arrival which I then tried determinedly without a touch and as Duncan warned it got snagged a fair few times.
Determined not to lose the bugger, I was able to wade in just enough each time to get over it & recover.
Even laying down the snagged rod for an hour and set up another while waiting for a decent drop in tide to get in and work it out a real hard snag.
These Sutherland Specials were remakes made by a local guy who I believe only makes for himself and a select few friends.
Very nicely made and to receive a couple was greatly appreciated.
Perhaps he’s the guy behind the page Sandy shared but either way if they come to be available, I’d buy a batch as these looked the part and have the action of the original.
All in all it was an enjoyable first visit in good company and a welcome change from the don.
I’ll certainly have another crack at it with renewed optimism & the good advice you guys kindly shared.
Cheers,
Stevie
