STANLEY

- LES
- LES' BOAT
- LEGEND!

MONDAY 20.2.2012: Although a little windy, the weather was fine so Les decided we would set sail. Due to our previous charter experiences we had resigned ourselves to the fact that irrespective of outcome it would be nice on the water. We left the boat ramp and were immediately surrounded by a pod of dolphins - so many that you could not count them and so close you could have lent over and touched them - just magic. Les lost the dolphins and advised us to throw our lines in - from that point on we caught fish and missed bites that we should have landed! Had we been by ourselves "brag time, fish measurement and photographic opportunities" would have been incorporated! Instead, trying to present as "fishing professionals" we calmly muttered a "well done" whilst inwardly screaming like teenagers and desperately trying to keep tally of each other's haul (no competition), all to the dulcet tones of Les' "throw your line in". We caught Australian Salmon, Wrasse (Blue Throat and Brown), and Flathead - Les aims for four different species.

DID MANAGE SOME PHOTOS!

SEALS & CORMORANTS OF STANLEY

Les' knowledge is immeasurable and you knew if you spent years with him there would always be something to be learnt - his other passion is wooden boat restoration. En route we also had the opportunity to view Stanley's seal colonies at close quarters. Today was one of those experiences that you fully appreciate after the event. We were so focused on applying and remembering the fishing techniques, catching the fish and appreciating what nature had on offer that the time passed without realising what enormous pleasure had been gained.

We raced back to the motorhome and recorded all the fishing tips we could recall. Needless to say, if you ever visit Stanley a fishing charter with Les Sims is a "must do". We returned to our other favourite place - Oldina Picnic Area. By the campfire we smugly gloated that never had we learnt s-o much, caught s-o many fish that were 

s-o big, saw s-o many dolphins and seals s-o close and all in such a short time frame - perfect day! 

LESSON IN FILLETING -
LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT FISH!