Cray divin' @ Cape Barren Island

Somehow found myself on the North East coast heading across Banks Strait towards the Furneaux group (52 inslands dominated by Flinders Island) - we were headed to Cape Barren Island in particular. It's a 35km trip across one of the worst stretches of water in the world. Being the safety conscious people that we are, we set out with two boats full of gear and guys (4 in each boat). LUCKILY (well due to great planning) the weather was perfect, less than 10 knot winds and half a metre of swell. All in all a wonderful settting, some of the best diving country I have ever seen - huge caves, brilliant sea life and most importantly CRAY... well when we finally found them!!

For those that have no idea where I am talking about - check out this map - top right corner... Cape Barren is the big one below Flinders Island.


Launching the boat in the channel at Little Musselroe Bay.

What a shocking place to launch a boat, especially at low tide... unfortunately dad hit the prop on some rocks and bit the end off each of the 3 blades = loss of power and steering... the worst thing is we didn't actually notice till I got in the water over at the Island.

Beautiful weather, flat sea - the birds loved it


The motherload on the Barbie D. Our boat scored with a total of 21 cray, walloped the others guys... even if they did catch the biggest one for the day. I scored 9 of these, while dad bagged 7, Barry got 4 and Nudge chipped in with 1.


The days haul - 34 in total between 8 guys. A 9 pounder, a couple 8's and half a dozen 7 pounders... the rest were easily size and beautiful fish you'd be happy to catch any day!!


The legal limit... only 10 made it home (but aren't they beauties!?!)



The holy cray-shrine ready for a huge cook up