DON’T tell anyone, but when Andrew Seymour heads beyond the continental shelf in search of big fish, he has a little help on board – an electric reel.
The 39-year-old admits the battery-powered motor can feel “a bit like cheating” but says it is essential when hauling fish from depths of 250 to 450 metres.
“If I did this manually, I would only be able to bring in one or two fish,” Mr Seymour said.
“This way, a battery motor winds the fish up.”
Deep-drop fishing is a serious operation, requiring one- to four-kilogram sinkers, 45kg braid line, 172kg trunk line and branch lines rated between 113kg and 170kg.
The heavy setup, which Mr Seymour says can make the rods look like Christmas trees, is used to target bass groper, blue-eye trevalla, bar cod and gemfish.
Mr Seymour keeps his 6.4-metre Bay Sport trailer boat at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron at Manly.
From there, he travels through the Rous Channel, crosses the South Passage bar and heads about 50km offshore – a journey of about 90 minutes – to reach the deep water.
Despite the potential for large catches, he is careful not to take more than he needs.
“After I’ve been out deep, I like to come to shallower waters to catch nannygai and gemfish,” he said.
“There is always plenty for a feed, for the freezer and to share.
“A groper will give about 20 meals, but I don’t like to overdo it.”
Mr Seymour said deep-sea fish held fat and did not keep as long in the fridge or freezer as some other species, making responsible catches even more important.
His love of fishing began early, growing up around boats with his father at Manly.
“I grew up with boats,” he said.
For Mr Seymour, fishing is also about escaping the pace of everyday life.
“It gives me a break from work,” he said.
It is time he can share with his wife Lyndelle, their two daughters and close friends.
