Winter kingfish
Winter diving often offers calm clear conditions, this afternoons dive was certainly calm, but far from clear.
Many a big kingfish and cobia have been taken from this point on the NSW east coast
I quickly powered out in the murk and made my way to the point to assess the amount of bait and current. I had left Steph back on the beach, she knew I was keen to get in so sent me on my way and advised she would catch up with me at the point shortly.
My first dive revealed thick green water all the way to the bottom about 12m down. The baitfish were thick, and enjoying the algae rich water, however, I was enjoying it a lot less knowing the size of some of the sharks that call this point home. I turned from the point to head back into the shallows, to hopefully bag a crayfish or some abalone. I quickly bumped into Steph and informed her of the “less than good” diving conditions at the point. She agreed and turned to head in with me.
Steph was about 30m in front of me, just floating on the surface enjoying the fish life below her. I casually dropped to the bottom and quickly picked up a nice large red rock cod camouflaged in the rocks and kelp. Red rock cod are a species I will always take as they taste great and can usually be speared without even pulling the trigger since they are so lethargic lying amongst the rocks waiting for prey. I lined up on the red rock cod, ready to make my “jab” when I noticed something quite large moving past in front of me in the gloom. I looked up to see a very dense school of very large kingfish powering past me. They were moving quick, I had little time to take a shot. I lined up on the closet one and squeezed the trigger. The shot was good and he only struggled briefly before i quickly dispatched him.
I came to the surface with my quarry in my hands. Steph was now yelling at me “Kingfish, Kingfish!” I yelled back “I know” as I held my catch above the water.
Winter kingfish take on a totally different physique to their summer varieties, they are bulky, round and heavy. This all combines to make them absolutely sensational eating.
Fresh kingfish belly flap sashimi washed down with a crisp clean beer
Although not my biggest kingfish, it was certainly a great way to spent an afternoon and the feast that followed was nothing short of superb.
A large kingfish sits on a rock removed from the water just minutes before as the winter sun is setting
