Some weekends just stick with you. This one had everything, early starts, good company, tight drags, and meat in the bag. I was out with Jesse Polkinhorne and my dog Crippa, chasing whatever the bush had to offer. Turned out to be a fair bit.
The 3:30am Wake Up (No Complaints Here)
We were on the lake before most people had hit the snooze button, rods rigged and lures in the water by 4am. Cold. Dark. Absolutely perfect.
Didn’t take long to find fish. Jesse was just about to close the bail on a cast when he felt that little tink. Cod had smashed it on the drop. First fish of the morning went just over the metre mark, he didn't muck around. Thick, healthy, and full of power.
That set the tone. We ended up landing three cod, all solid, all aggressive. I even had one hit right at the rod tip. We threw a few other species in the mix too, some trout and a yellow belly just to keep things interesting.
Time to Switch Gears
After a quick bite and a gear swap, Jesse and I hit the hills with the rifles. I had Crippa running out front, working the thick stuff. We’d bumped a small hind not long in, and I took a shot, but couldn’t confirm a hit. Crippa gave it a good chase, but she was gone.
No dramas, we pushed on through some classic sambar country. Good sign, nice wind, and just one of those days where it felt like something would happen.
Pig Surprise
On the way back out, we started seeing fresh pig sign, tracks and rooted ground everywhere. Strange, because I’d never seen pigs in that area before.
Then it happened. Big sow steps out right onto the trail, it was so bit I thought it was a boar at first. Lined up and dropped her on the spot. Next thing, 20 or 30 pigs explode out of the bush. Chaos.
Honestly, that moment alone would’ve made the trip. Total curveball and Crippa was absolutely fired up.
The Sambar Finish
We weren’t done yet. As the afternoon light settled in, I spotted a group of sambar across a gully. Took the shot at about 80 metres and watched it drop clean. That was the moment I’d been hoping for, fresh venison for the fridge and a bit for Crippa too.
By the end of the day, we’d ticked off cod, trout, yellow belly, a pig and a sambar. Proper mixed grill.
Busted Legs, Full Packs, Clear Mind
Walking back up the hill to the house, pack full of meat, I was wrecked but stoked. That’s what it’s about. Early mornings, putting in the work, and letting the bush write the story.
Big thanks to Jesse for the laughs, to Crippa for always being game, and to the wild for showing up in full force.
Until next time, Get Outside.
– James
Check out the video below to see how the eventful weekend unfolded.