The Fish Were Playing

We travelled almost 2,000 kilometres, jumped on a big boat, and crossed waters with five-metre waves. I won’t go into any more detail on that part.

All of it just to get to Tasmania for a camping and fishing trip — and hopefully return home with some pretty good bragging rights.

We headed out to Penstock Lagoon after being given some solid intel: the fish were big and ready for taking. (For the record, we catch and release.)

I set up my camp chair with my camera and long lens ready.

Jason changed into his waders and boots, carefully choosing the right fly for the job. Both of us were ready.

While I waited for him to reach the edge of the lagoon, I took in the beauty of the place. There were more swans than I’ve ever seen in my life, huge trees surrounding the water, and a quiet stillness that felt almost unreal.

Then a huge trout launched out of the water.

And I know you won’t believe this — it literally jumped over a swan.

I wish I’d captured a photo for proof.

Still, it was a good sign. There was at least one fish in there.

Jason stepped in, wading thigh-deep into the lagoon. At one point he slipped and got stuck in the mud. I laughed.

After an hour or two — I lost count — he hadn’t had a single bite.

Then he turned around to find a giant trout casually swimming around his legs, almost like it was toying with him.

Jason gave up.

I was hungry and starting to get bored.

So we left.

End of story.