AT the end of a fortnight on a Great Barrier Reef island, nothing gave Luke Moloney more satisfaction than sharing a meal of freshly caught and cooked squid.
Luke, 15, of Redland Bay, has been visiting the island off Gladstone every September for his entire life, joining family and friends on an annual trip that’s now a 20-year tradition.
For Luke, the island holiday is a highlight of the year – one he hopes to continue well into adulthood.
“There are about 50 of us who go every year,” he said.
“We fish, camp and explore.
“I’m considered island royalty – I’ve never missed a year.”
This year’s fishing was quieter than usual, especially during the first week, although the second week brought some bigger catches.
“There just weren’t as many fish around, unless you were spearfishing – then you were lucky, because you can go to where the fish are,” Luke said.
He said there was no shortage of iodine bream, which he often used as bait.
“I was using that bait when I caught the squid,” he said.
Luke was fishing with his father Daniel in their Quintrex boat in about 20 metres of water when he felt something heavy on the line.
“I thought it might be a leatherjacket because they’re a bit of a dead weight,” he said.
“When I pulled it up, it was a squid – and quite a good size.”
The squid inked all over the boat before losing its colour.
Daniel said squid often followed fish and were usually caught with a squid jig resembling a prawn with hooks attached.
“It’s rare to catch one on a line,” he said.
Luke’s mother later cooked the squid with garlic butter, salt and pepper before passing it around for everyone to share.
“I wouldn’t say I’m lucky when I go fishing but I enjoy the idea that I might catch something everyone can eat,” he said.
Daniel said the annual island pilgrimage was a cherished family tradition.
“The children have grown up with this. “I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
