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Well, today I had the pleasure of joining one of our forum members samester on his boat for a fishing expedition! We'd never met before and now we're good buddies! We went out fishing in his boat off port botany and had a grea time. Didn't catch any fish until the last 30 mins on the water (after about 4 hours)...Well, there's a story to be told. We'd been fishing in and around Port Botany, which of course is very close to the runways of the Sydney International Airport. We were minding our own business, enjoying the day and taking photos of the water, the runways, the planes and eventually...the fish. Firstly we were approached by a rather staunch looking security man who'd driven his ute up the runway to tell us we were way too close (fishing) to the run way, and we had to move further back as were were making the airport staff 'nervous'. ok ok...two guys, fishing, one that has middle eastern appearance and 3 cameras...so maybe it looked a bit suss...the cameras were out for the great catch of the day. We obliged with no fuss, told them we were just two guys fishing and waiting to photograph the big fish we were about to catch...

*** 10-15 minutes later further off shore***

We'd just caught the first fish of the day, a nice sized flathead and I was more than stoked, excited beyond belief as it looked like we were going to go home with a story of 'the one that got away'. After I'd landed our first fish a rather large vessel came our way, directly towards us. When he had approached us and asked us what we were doing with cameras so close to the runway, we told them the story again. He told us that we were making the airport people 'extremely nervous' and we had been videoed under their surveillance. The were not happy and didn't crack even the slightest smile when he saw how delighted (well I was anyway!!) with our catch..I even offered to show him my pics!! Anyway, we moved even further away - but what an experience. In this day and age of increased awareness and security issues with terrorism two lads can't even go fishin and photographing near the airport without being questioned. Then again if we had have come to the end of the way wihout being queried then perhaps we'd have been concerned that no one were doing their jobs.

Can I say what a great day I had today, being out on the water, meeting a new mate and enjoying two of my passions in life, fishing and photography! Here are som shots from the day. Not so much for critque but to go with my story. Critique welcomed if you feel the need!

ok...so we were pretty close to the runway. Taken using either the kit lens or the 70-300G (while I save for the 70-200VR)..



Samester with my flathead...(now in the freezer, the flathead that is)..



Samester with his tailor...





Mr Pelican keeping a VERY close eye on us as we cleaned the fish...





competing for that fish head...


Hope you enjoyed the story and photos!

Those pelicans are awesome.

Those security dudes... they will think what they think (it's not like you can convince them with anything you say anyways), and their unnecessary worrying will stress them out in their daily jobs - but that's their problem.

Looks like you had an awesome day in the Bay. Enjoy your catch.

Great story and looks like a great day. Those pelican shots are unbeleivable

Thanx guys! All of the pelican shots with exception to the first one had the added advantage of the SB-800 with some fill. We had perfect lighting too, with that golden hour of sunlight just prior to sundown. I had one of the most excellent, relaxing days with a new mate I've had in ages! Huge thanks go to Sam!! What a champ!

Great story Geoff, very interesting the actions of the security drones.
How did you manage a day off work? us poor mortals were slaving away over a hot desk/machine all day long
Did you get any pictures of the birds feeding on your rejects?

Paul wrote:Great story Geoff, very interesting the actions of the security drones.
How did you manage a day off work? us poor mortals were slaving away over a hot desk/machine all day long
Did you get any pictures of the birds feeding on your rejects?

Well Paul, I often work week ends so get week days off, and today was one of those days.... REmember me next week end while I'm at work . Here's a shot of a pelican devouring a fish head...not as sharp as I would have liked but here it is anyway...

Bumped into a stranger at the ramp, fortunately he didn't turn out to be an axe murderer

It was a lovely day out on the water, plenty of fun and laughs plus a couple of fish thrown in to save the day. Great to finally meet you Geoff and wonderful to have you on board mate.

Sorry mate, I have some pics to add but i'm sure i've cooked you a little in photoshop with my dodgy, uncalibrated laptop - getting a bit late now, i'll repost the pics tomorrow hopefully

Lucky spot no. 13 finally produces the goods.

Great shot Samester of a nice moment. Was the fish embarressed about you taking a shot of it kissing that bloke?

Great story guys. Geoff you look so different in that last shot. I honestly doubt I'd have recognised you. I'm no fisherman, but I'm still jealous.

Just curious, what would you rescue if the boat tipped - the fish or the camera gear?

[quote="samester"]Lucky spot no. 13 finally produces the goods.

Well done guys, nice flat head

Don't tell me you got the Rexie kiss bug

Geoff,
Do it next time with my 200-400VR or perhaps the new 500mm AF-S (ETA this week) and anchor the boat in distance, so they can't complaint you're too close, or they will shoot you down cos they think you're going to launch a heat seeker missile from the boat.

Don't you know that our taxes monies + surcharges on airfares were spent to pay those guys. Those funds should do better with other needs.

If we don't have our troops in the Middle East, I'm sure we will have more enjoyment and no harrasement same as our neighbour Kiwis.

So bring our troops home.

stubbsy wrote:Great story guys. Geoff you look so different in that last shot. I honestly doubt I'd have recognised you. I'm no fisherman, but I'm still jealous.

Just curious, what would you rescue if the boat tipped - the fish or the camera gear?

Hahahah Peter, I had typical hat hair for me and it was a bit windy out there too so yes I look a bit different to how I normally look. No, I didn't actually make physical contact with Phyllis (the flathead). I'd rescue the camera grear no doubt about it

And now your in the books of ASIO

Ask if you can buy the video