Mooch's Blog

[Mooch]

 Hey Guys... Yep... it has finally come to this... Mooch's very own thread!! lol...

Well... as an intro for those who don't know... My name is Marcel... Marcie... Mooch... I've been around for about 4 months now, but I swear that it has been the most hectic 4 months ever!! lol... I started off in sept, by buying a orange and white supa lite ski, and after numerous attempts, etc... i finally made it out and I'm now fishing off my buoyancy apparatus!!! lol....

:kaykak

I started off as a typical beginner... Lots of confidence, but no experience... I nearly threw in the towel, but after support and guidance from the wonderful guys here on Sealine, I eventually mastered the art of paddling in the KZN surf!!! (I even go out when it's a bit choppy.... lol )

A special thanks to Malgas, Zulu-x-treme, Pelagic, Parasite and all the other guys that supported me and encouraged me...



For the newbies, I'll find my old posts and re-post them here (since this is my very own thread..) so you can see how I struggled through, and eventually became one of the "Fishermen"... hehehehe.... It took alot of patience and determination, but trust me... IT'S WORTH IT!!! I still love the feelingb I get when I clear the Breakers, and paddle along the backline... Geez... I love it... I was born to do this.. SERIOUS!!!!

But anyways... be good... have a joyous festive season, and keep it safe.. Enjoy the read.... but for those that have read my previous posts, sorry for re-posting. Keep checking, cos I'll be sure to post new articles on my adventures!!!

Tight lines!!!!

:fishn     :breakd:

 Mooch  

 

[Mooch]

Hey Mad Mike...

Looks like you and I are sorta in the same "Boat".. hehehehehe..
Well.. I just recently purchased a Supalite Ski, after reading numerous forums, etc.. I took her out 2 weeks ago, for the first time, and got seriously dumped... My story goes like this... :

Ok.. I got the ski into the water.. Heart pounding... Shorts wet....
I push her about 10meters and climb on board for the very first time..... She's not as stable as she looks... A wobble here and a wobble there.. but i think to myself.. "It'll be ok.... just keep paddling.."
So I paddle... 1,2,3,4,5... then a wave comes (about 1/2 a meter high..) ... I clear it... (ok.. this might work out...) ... Then I stop paddling... look at the wave approaching....slowy paddle, and then hit it... (still on!!) ok.. now I paddle cautiously.. 1,2,3,4.... .another wave (about 750mm high)... I wobble, and bob and weave... but somehow make it.... (But I'm now roughly 10 metres back)... So I'm now almost where I first started... Gee..Whizz... My mouth is dry, my arms are sore.. My paddle is throwing a tantrum, but my determination is still there.. So I push on...1, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8... wave.... 1,2,3,4.... wave.... 1,2,3,4,5,6... wave..... 1,2,3.. Oh hell.... I see a huge wave... Heart stops... Legs freeze... Adrenelin pumps... and I grab the paddle tightly... Boom!!!!! Lil learner ski dude is off!!! I'm battling to find the ski... Another wave comes.. BOOM!!!! I'm soaked... I'm embarressed... Boom!! Another comes... Bugger the ski.. I Need to get to safety.... Swim, swim... Get hold of the ski... Flip her over... Get on top..... Lose my balance, and boom.. Back into the water... Get up, and get a bit of air, and then BOOM... Another wave... And then another...

Eventually I grab my ski.. I stand with my ski... water is now chest high... I watch the waves... 1st set, 2nd set, 3rd set.... I'm too scared to get back on.... My body says NO.. But my determination overtakes my fear... I'm back on... This time I'm a bit wobbly... I'm nervous, scared, determined.. I paddle along... but this time a bit slower... BOOM... wave hits me....paddle, paddle.... Boom again.. Made it..... Paddle.. BOOM... I'm off the ski again...

A little tear comes out from more frustration than fear or sadness... I'm determined to get out, and experience paddling out on the backline... By this time my brother, who was part of the +-70 people audience, is in stitches.... I'm feeling like a complete prick, and everyone is giggling, or laughing...

I pull the ski out the water, onto the dolly wheel thingy, and pull her back to the car... (She felt twice as heavy though...)

So..... Since then, I haven't been back. I so want to go, but don't have a clue as to what I'm doing wrong or whatever... Are you still using your ski? Perhaps we could go out together sometime?? Maybe?? I know I need to gain time on the water, but it's useless when you don't have a clue as to what's going on, the techniques, etc... I mean anyone can drive a car, but few can do a 1min 19sec around Roy Hesketh Track up in PMB... So yeah.. I can peddle a car, but can't paddle a ski... Interested in going out one day?? Perhaps anyone else also interested?? I promise to behave!!!!

 

[Mooch]

Hey guys... Thanks for the advice!!! I actually thought that paddling out at LOW tide would be best, and was looking for a Low Tide, with waves 0.20m high.. I thought the less turbulance / waves, the easier it will be!!??

 

Ok.. I'm gonna try get out on high tide. I just recently joined the Umgeni Kayak Fishing Club, and just picked my boat numbers up this afternoon. I'm gonna try get out again this weekend. Fingers crossed!!!

 

Thanks again guys... Really helped me out alot.

 

[Mooch]

Ok guys... I couldn't make it the other day (lighty had the flu, and wifie was working day shift)

BUT... I'm all set for tomorrow (Sunday 04 Sept 2011)

I'm planning on launching at Vetchies, at around 6:30ish. The tide is supposed to be high at around 7am (ish). So I'm hoping all will work out.

I've emptied my ski, and I'm carrying just the safety equipment and essentials. No fishing gear, nothing!!!

Ok.. wish me luck.. I'll let you guys know how it all went. Anyone looking for a great laugh, can have a look out at Vetchies at around 7am. I'll be on the white and orange ski. You can laugh all you want, I'm used to it.. hehehehe

Anyways, tight lines, and I'll speak to you guys tomorrow evening... Wish me Luck!!!!!

ad::

 

[Mooch]

Whooooo Hoooooo!!!! Guess who made it out today?? Yep.. Yep... I GOT OUT!!!

Thanks guys for all your advice and help. I finally made it out. WOW.. what a feeling out there! I paddled up and down, just a wee bit past the backline. Then I came back in.( I always bomb out when coming back in, but that's the least of my worries). The great thing is that I've learnt to balance, sort of got my paddling right (using my back muscles, instead of my arms), and I'm slowly gaining confidence on the water!

I came in about 5 times, and launched the ski easily after each time as well. The trick is to time the waves, push the ski till about waist high water, get on, time the waves, and paddle like hell when you see a gap. I previously didn't realise that after getting out, the water is calm enough to put the paddle down, and rest a bit! I had thought that it was hard work from start, till finish! hehehehe

Well... little beginner paddler even went past the shark nets, and was soon paddling amongst the fishermen and ski boats. (and getting more and more confident as the day progressed!). Wow, what a feeling. The view from out there is AMAZING. The wind did pick up a bit, and it got a lil bit bumpy out there, but I didn't feel at all nervous or unbalanced. My arms and back muscles are a bit sore at the moment, but I'm glad it's a good sore, sorta like a trophy good sore!! hehehe.. I made it.. I still can't believe it.

Now launching the ski is as easy as anything. I'll go a few more times out, before I start off with light tackle and start messing around with mackerel, etc..

Wow.. Thanks again guys,especially Zulu-X-Treme, Malgas, and many others!!! Hey Trev11, thanks for the offer. I'm sure I'll be bombarding you with questions in the near future.

Wow, what a great site. I was on the verge of giving up after my 1st experience, but all you guys helped me and got me back in the water... Thanks again! I'll be sure to help other beginners out, should I see someone getting dumped, and unable to launch on the beach.

Cheerio guys!! ad::

 

[Mooch]

Thanks guys... It's Monday eve, and I'm still as excited as I was yesterday!!! lol... I can't wait to go out again. I'm hoping for this Thurs morning. Just a fitness paddle up and down.

Wow.. It's like a dream when I sit back and think about all of this.... Wow...

 

[Mooch]

ok guys... I've started fishing off my ski!!! :imnew

Ok... I tried a few mackerel traces, just off the reef near Vetchies, but NOTHING... I tried near the uShaka Pier... NOTHING... I went further out, about 200m from North Pier.. NOTHING. Again, not phased, but just need a little advice from someone that's been there, done that. I'm using a Mackerel trace that I brought along from the UK. It's a set of 4 or 5 flies (silvery thingies that look like Christmas tinsel) I've got plenty others, but don't really know which ones work here. Any advice as to where I could possibly find those mackerel???? Pretty Please??? :sf:::

 

[Mooch]

Hey Trev.. Yep the guys were murdering the lil Mackerel. I asked where about they were, but they just kept saying "Go there... about 300m from here.."

But I couldn't find anything. They had so many mackerel on their skis. I just wannad perhaps 10 for the pan!!! lol... No such luck for me tho... Didn't even get a bite... (I think I need some guidance...)

But... on a happier note.... My car keys, camera and phone all went for a swim!!! Yep.. My lil 3 yr old forgot to tell me that he made a neat hole in my waterproof pouch. He apparently made the hole for it to be easier to hang up.. (I told him I was hanging it up to get it all nice and dry)... 

Just so happens that when I finally got back to shore, and pulled my pouch out, my phone, car keys (with a remote transponder thingy), house gate remote, garage remote and camera were all sitting in a water FILLED pouch... I had to open it to let water OUT.. lol... I didn't see the funny side of the story then, but kinda giggle now, everytime I think about it...

(I'm now sleeping in the spare room for the 2nd night, cos the Missus is furious about her Sony Cybershot that tragically passed away..lol )

:sc:::

 

R.I.P.  Sony Cybershot.... You will be missed....

 

[Mooch]

Hey guys...
Sorry for being so quiet. I eventually got the job that I applied for, so I've been busy, busy , busy. Still on probation, so have to impress, or i'm out!! lol

Anyways... I have been out with the ski I think twice since my last post. Still haven't done any fishing, but the paddling and exercise is good!! Oh boy!!!.... Have I got news for you!!!!

Well... last week sat, I met up with a mate from the area, who had just recently purchased a BRAND NEW ski, carbon fibre paddle, rods, fish finder, the works!!! The guy spent a fortune!!! R2800 on the roof racks alone!!! Gee whizz...

But anyways, he was planning on going out FOR HIS FIRST TIME (wink, wink...lol) and was planning on launching at Umdhloti!!! (Yeah.. I know... lol)

Anyways, after much convincing, I managed to convince him to come for a paddle at Vetchies. Tide was low, waves were about 30cm, wind was down, perfect for a beginner.

Anyways, a lil wobble here, lil wobble there, but he got out just fine. I even left my ski on the beach and went into the water chest high behind him (although he didn't even see me)... I was there for support, should he have needed it. But a wobble here and there, and a reluctant paddle here and there, and he was out.. Then I ran back for my ski, pushed, and pushed.. Jumped on, and paddled like there was no tomorrow... lol.. Then he looks back and sees me 30m behind and asks me if I'm having trouble launching??!!! lol... I had to giggle.. Thank goodness those days are over!!!

So all in all I had a good day. Worked the back muscles, and got to help a fellow paddle skier in the process.. (Skier?? Is that even a word??)

Oh... And I saw my first shark!!! Yep.. A small one about 1.5m. It was feeding off the reef (I think)... 1st saw the dorsal fin, then saw the back fin thingy.. But really just the tip. They were both moving erratically, and the shark seemed to be facing downwards... So I assumed it was searching for food on the reef..!! Was scary at first, but I soon realised that he wasn't even remotely interested in me, which made me feel more at ease.

I still want to get out and try fishing though!! I tried a bit on Sat, but it was a huge FAIL!!! lol I threw my anchor down, got my rod out, was about to tie on a few lures, when I felt this HUGE tug on the left side of the ski... Then it went away... Then it came again... Boat dived deep to the left.. I almost went off!!! (And I saw the shark earlier remember?? ) Only to find out that there was a mad drift, and my anchor got stuck on something below... Pulled the anchoe back up, rod went back into the hatch, and that was the end of my fishing expedition. I think I'll stick to paddling for a while. But I must admit.. I really want to start fishing, but I think I'll be a bit at ease if i perhaps go with someone, or meet someone there who doesn't mind me just tagging along for the morning whilst they go about their fishing. Next time out, I'll see if anyone out there will be ok with me just following them, and perhaps "doing what they do", just to gain some experience in fishing off the ski... Anyways.. Will keep you guys informed... Tight lines, and keep it safe!!!

Mooch :kaykak

 

[Mooch]

Hey guys!!!

Thanks for all the replies, etc.. Good to know that you guys are reading my posts.

Well... Sunday seems to be about the only day I have free, So I'm gonna hopefully take my buoyancy apparatus for a swim.

Thanks for the invite Parasite!!! Please lemme know what time you're planning on launching, so I can hopefully meet up with you. I'm so eager to learn how to fish off my ski, but I feel lost without any hands on experience from someone.

Pelagic Gear SA... Dude you are so right about the whole handle thing.... I tied the anchor to the left hand side handle... (I nearly shat myself) ... lol

Mackerel, mackerel, mackerel.... That's all I'm about now guys.. lol.. I used to catch em lil buggers in big numbers in the uk off the pier, but now with my Weapon of Mass Destruction, I can't even catch a cold!! lol I think I'll eat my first Mackerel raw, when I eventually do get one on board.. Hopefully that will break the bad luck streak I'm experiencing.. lol..

Anyways, take it easy... Hopefully I'll spot one or 2 of you on the water on Sunday...

Cheerio.. Mooch :breakd::woohoo

 

[Mooch]

Nooooo Dudes!!! I ws there!!! I didn't know that we had nocturnal species among us.. lol.. I thought Leaving home at 7:55am was early...   but it's obvious I wake up 4 hrs too late... lol 

Anyways, sorry guys... I honestly didn't mean to appear to not turn up. Now it makes more sense..... Everytime I go to the beach, even sometimes at "early hours" , like 7am, there are always dudes packing up to go home!!!! (Gee whizz... they had probably paddled up and down countless number of times, and had their fill!!)

:doh Sorry again guys... lol  But ANYWAYS.... true to my word, I caught a fish!!!

Yep... I caught quite a few too.. Diff species too... And in true Mooch style, my storie goes like this.....:::::

"""Ok... it's Sunday morning.. Managed to dodge the wifie, dropped the lil one off at his grandparents.. Right... Missing church as well, so this trip gotta be a good one... Ok... all loaded up, and arrive at a "new launching spot"... lol (Guess who's getting confident!!!) Ok.. the new spot is at the lifesaving club, next to uShaka... Ok... ski off the car, and away I go.

The tide was VERY low, so it was like launching at Midmar Dam!!!  lol  (Not that launching is a prob anymore.. ) So yeah.. 1, 2, 3 paddles and I'm out....

Ok... gee whizz.. things look pretty quiet today... But I think, "Never mind dude, you know how the drill goes... Just keep paddling out, and you'll meet people there..."

So I paddle and paddle... but nothing... So I go more towards the harbour mouth side... BOOM!!!! 2 dudes in a 2 man plastic kayak... and guess what???

THEY ARE FISHING!!!!!!!!! So during my splish, splash, paddle-dee paddling, I pluck up the courage to say hi, and ask em what they're doing.. (Dahhh) Lol, I know... (I was probably expecting em to say something like... "Hey dude wussup... What are we doing here?? Well, we just thought we'd paddle all the way out here to do a quick oil change on the canoe, or possibly replace a few compression rings on the 4th piston, whilst we were at it...!!!)  lol

But strangly enough the guys were welcoming!!! So welcoming, that they tied my Supa light to their Kayak, and we all started fishing together!! Wow!!! Gotta love Durban people!!! Such cool dudes!!! These 2 guys helped me out so much, that it wasn't even funny.. within 2 min, I had my first bite!!! As the bait hit the water, my rod went boom, boom, boom!!!! Gee whizz... the excitement!!! Turns out, that these guys had caught themselves up in a shoal of Karanteen or something of the sort... But wow.. what fun!!! Doof... doof... doof!!!! Then a whole lot of diff species were on the bite!!! Wow.. Lovely man!!  Nothing bigger than the size of my hand perhaps, but nonetheless, what a TERRIFIC day out!!!

Oh and BIG UPs to the ski boats that came flying past us at 60km/h.... I think at the time we were tied together, even if the Titanic came flying past us, we wouldn't have toppled!! We were like THE most stable LOG / Raft / Paddle-Kayaking / Fibre-plastic thing a ma jig on the water at the time!!! But anyways, thanks again to the ski-boat skippers... You just reminded me of how i felt, the day my dad decided to get rid of the power boat!!! Good ridance.... lol

Anyways... the wind got choppy, and my arms got sore, so I troddled off to my spot, and beached... (I didn't even fall off!!!)  Who the man!!!!??? lol

Next trip out will definately be more organised, with ph calls etc, to confirm. I can't wait to go out with you guys... Sorry for making you wait for me.. I honestly would never have done that deliberately.. (I've been let down by paddlers, that wannad to meet me for a paddle at Addington... but they 90% don't show up, without no ph calls, nudda.... So once again, I'm truly sorry.. Perhaps an example of miscommunication / interpretation??? (MY early 7.. your's being 5??? )

:kaykak

Anyways... till next time.... Keep em lines tight, bum down and eyes open....

Cheerio...

Mooch:sval:

 

[Mooch]

imported post

 

[Mooch]

Ok.... That's it... All my posts since I first started... Any posts from here on will be my latest posts....

Hang on tight.... Mooch will be posting detailed stories of his adventures.... Hmmm..Perhaps I'll go for a paddle tomorrow morning, just to add some flavour to my new thread... (I always experience something whenever I go out!! lol)

 

Cheers...

Mooch

:kaykak