Rompin #3 - Sailfish Madness again! - Day 2

Day 2 didn't start off too well. As soon as we were out of the river mouth, the waters became choppy. It was choppy all the way to the fishing grounds and the winds were quite strong as well.

After collecting our baitfish, we went to the Sailfish grounds.

Looking at the sea conditions, I told the guys I'll be more than happy to stay and fish on the boat today!

So all 3 kayaks launched and drifted out. I put out 2 baits again on the boat. 45 mins later, my Talica 8II clicker went off! Grabbed the rod and counted to 10. Engaged the drag and rod loaded up.

FISH ON!

Sailfish tail-walked across the back of the boat and I was frantically reeling to regain line and tension. Finally the rod bent and I gave it a good pull to ensure the hook set properly.

As I was now fishing from the boat, I had to ease off the drag a bit so that the fish stays connected. Slowly but surely, I kept reeling the Sailfish in. The fish even had me go one round in the boat!

Right side front

Right side back 

Left side back

Left side front 

Front left

Finally the fish came close to the boat and the deckie grabbed the leader. Success!!

Circle hook at the corner of the mouth

After some photos, the fish was released in good health.

The guys on the kayak weren't having much luck on the Sailfish. By this time, they had drifted quite far due to the strong wind and we moved the boat closer to them.

Just before lunch, there was still no action so the guys decided to get on the boat. Loaded the kayaks and we decided to go catch some squids. Mat Rompin obliged and off we went to an unjam.

Brought out the squid jigs and soon we had some takes. Some decent sized squids was caught. Mat Rompin recommended jigs in orange and true enough, the squids were liking that colour that day.

After we had caught about 10 medium/large pieces, we decided to try for Sailfish again. Headed to the Sailfish grounds and launched the kayaks.

Out went my 2 baits on various depths. Sea continued to be choppy and we had a few misses on the boat where the bait was either sliced or completely severed, leaving only the head!

While drifting, I tried bottom fishing with sabiki and we managed to catch some decent bottom fish. Good fun on light tackle. Deckie even managed to catch 2 Coral Trouts!

Ian managed to catch a small Sailfish and that was the only other action for the afternoon.

Fished till 5pm with no other action and the kayaks were then loaded back onto the boat. Still a choppy 1 hour ride back to the jetty.

My trusty Blackmarket Slow jig rod proved the winner this trip, with 3 Sailfish caught and released! Even after one of the rod guides broke, it still withstood the punishment from the Sailfish.

An awesome 1st day on kayak followed by a not so great 2nd day. But all in all, we all had good fun fishing for the fastest fish in the sea!


+++++++TIPS+++++++

Have a minimum of 4m length of leader. First, it's a form of protection when the fish jumps/tailwalks all over the place and second, it'll help when you/deckie needs to bring the fish closer to the boat/kayak.

Remember not to strike the rod when using circle hooks.

Wear full gloves when handling the Sailfish bill as they are very rough!

Try setting your baits at various water depths to see where the Sailfish are holding on that day.

+++++++TIPS++++++++

Gear used:
Rod - Blackmarket Slow Jig PE3-5
Reel - Shimano Talica 8 II
Line - Sufix 832 50lb
Bait - live kembong bridled with rubber band
Rig - 40lb FC leader to 6/0 VMC ringed circle hook

Fish ID - Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
             - Yellow Tail Fusilier (Caesio teres)