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Spearing with sharks

Well, I am on the way back from diving and fishing from South West Rocks. I've got an Eski full of fish, had a shark encounter and camp fire conversations that went way off track. The great outdoors is yet to provide more funny little adventures for the readers.

Yesterday I surfed my local beach, Breakwall, and you might recall my last post that detailed how flat the surf has been. Well, yesterday was a welcoming change as the wave quality improved. This was due to a strong north-east wind; these same conditions are also optimum for my favourite little fishing spot Fish Rock, at South West Rocks. It gets the current running really hard south, which brings in all the big Pelagic fish like Kingfish, Tuna and Cobia. I have a friend staying with me from WA who I took out for his first experience.

Upon arrival the ocean was a mess - choppy waves, strong winds and no other water craft or boats out there. I call these conditions "Jetski friendly only conditions"... they're very ROUGH! Anyway, we went out to Fish Rock (about 2.5km offshore) and I jumped off the ski for a dive, with my friend who was driving the ski, waiting for me. All you can see out there is deep blue water. It's about 40 metres, so the chance of seeing the bottom is buckles! I was drifting in the current waiting to see the Kingfish come out of the deep blue when I saw a small school of Kingy's, when I happened to look to my right and caught a glimpse of a six foot bronze whale shark coming my way. It's been a while since I have seen a shark underwater and I think that, combined with the fact I was diving alone, really made me crap myself. "Shark man, get over here!" I spat out to my friend on the ski. At the same time my goggles filled up with water and I couldn't see. I was just waiting for the charge, "boom" - up the side of the rib cage. Luckily nothing happened and finally my friend pulled the ski up next to me.

To be honest I was kind of disappointed with my reaction. I have always tried to control my fears and with this little experience I lost the control I like to think I have acquired. I spent that night stewing over the fact I let the shark get me. A lot of the fear you can control in diving, you can apply to bodyboarding as well - it's the same principle really.

Anyway, after the shark encounter, we busted out the rods and hooked into a bunch of good fish. Here's a shot of my friend Shorty nailing a good Kingfish on the ski off South West Rocks' Fish Rock. Good times!!!


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