Blue water living, awesome mates and catches.

Larry recently has had the luck of being able to go up north and enjoy what the ocean has to offer at 1770 and Central Coast of QLD.

Larry, Dave (local legend) and Levi (one half of the #noobspearo team) made the 7 hr drive from the Gold Coast to 1770, the guys made it safe to their accommodation for the night before leaving before first light to fight for the ice bags at the local servo, before heading out to the wild blue yonder.

They were lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay out overnight on the Great Barrier Reef on the Penetrator Fins Boat ( and went out again only 3 weeks later on Daves' as it was epic the first time). The lagoon they anchored up in provides great shelter for boats of all sizes and often you will see quite a few for the overnight pit stop. With three burly blokes snuggled up for the night(oh so cozy!), there was talk as to what the next day would hold, where they would go and what they would catch and of course... who would get the biggest fish! (while telling #notsotrustysidekick about the adventures, our fearless leader Larry kept referring to Dave's back in the 80's stories ....... hm okay..... the 80's were a good year for me to Dave!!)
Diving quality was good with visibility to 20 meters. Species available were mainly Coral Trout and Spanish Mackerel with the odd Green Job fish and Cobia around too.
Sighting a 4 plus meter Tiger Shark was a great finale to the weekend but bitter sweet as Larry dropped the 20kg Cobia he shot from under it.
By the end of a few days all were happy to get home with their catch, savoring it until next time they can get up there.

Then came news that the weather was awesome at Cairns and surrounds, Larry was extended an invite and hospitality by Rick of #aimritehawaiiusa to come up and see what the QLD Far North Coast has in the way of diving and fishing. Larry promptly booked flights and made his way up.
But as usual the weather can take a turn at the most inconvenient time. With flights booked Larry decided that the trip was still worth the go ahead to see what species he and Rick could find.

Needless to say the QLD Far North Coast didn't disappoint!! On this trip Larry was lucky enough to meet some local friends of Rick's and they soon all became friends extending the same hospitality and general awesomeness to Larry, together they showed him some of the best spots for diving and opportunities to see fish we don't get here on the Gold Coast.
There was lots of Barramundi seen and Larry was keen to get one but due to it being out of season they were a no go fish unless he wanted to cop a fine (and a lecture from the #notsotrustysidekick if he got one!)
While the visibility was between 8 and 1.5 meters and the diving was a bit deeper than Larry was used to, he stayed within his comfort zone and was still able to pull off bagging some nice Fingermark.

Lastly I want to thank everyone who has given Larry great opportunities to catch some excellent eating fish lately, so thank you Dave and Levi.

And to Rick, his family and the new friends up north for your hospitality given and opportunity for a feed of Fingermark and Crays (it is pretty tasty!)

And to all the divers out there, while a great pair of Penetrator Fins will always help you to get the most out of each dive, you always need to dive within your limits, know what species are on and off season and what bag limits  may apply to them.

Happy diving and fishing,

From the #notsotrustysidekick



The Penetrator Carbon fins featured in some photos can be bought using this link:
http://www.penetratorfins.com/store/p71/Penetrator_Carbon_Fin_Blades_NEW_STYLE.html