Brendan took me fishing in their billabong, which alternated between wide river and narrow lily-covered shallows. We had a great day exploring what to him was old country and to me an all-new adventure. It was an adult fishing experience to match my childhood delight. Now, however, numbers were not paramount, but the struggle with one large powerful fish which, when she hit, jumped out of the water in all her splendour and then dived deep. Luckily Brendan had told me to keep my line tight, allow the barrafish to go when she pulled hard and wait for the right moment to reel in.
Macho force loses fish.
I began to understand wise recreational fishermen, who relish the experience of the hunt, using barbless hooks and light line on flexible rods so they can better feel the fish, even though risking its loss. Despite fear of loss and welling panic, I managed to be responsive. She battled well, pulling this way and that. Minutes later, tired out, she broke the surface and finally Brendan scooped her up with his net and lifted her into the boat. The relief of success and the sheer rush of joy was overwhelming.