We've meticulously planned this trip during the upcoming new moon phase in June, with intentions to stay on the island for a full 14 days. This time around, we've opted to book the block as our accommodation, a departure from our previous stays at Quion Head in recent years. Our last expedition to the block was back in 2017, a memorable journey when the waters transformed into a mesmerizing cobalt blue and teemed with an abundance of fish. Consequently, we embark on this trip with lofty expectations, anticipating that the fishing experience will match, if not surpass, the excellence of that remarkable adventure.

Our journey kicks off with a crew consisting of four cars and eight people convening at Shelter Bay, Steep Point. We set up camp for the night, and at 7 am the following morning, our adventure truly begins. A barge arrives to transport us to the island, capable of ferrying one car at a time. The actual crossing itself spans approximately 10 minutes each way, but accounting for the loading and unloading process, the entire operation typically consumes around 2 hours of our time.

From there, we embark on an 80-kilometer journey that's estimated to occupy approximately 4 hours of our time, ultimately leading us to the block where we'll establish our base camp for the upcoming two weeks. While the block itself boasts a small shack for accommodation, we further enhance our comfort by towing in camper trailers, ensuring that our extended stay on the island is as cozy as possible. The better we live, the harder we fish!

During the initial days of our fishing expedition, we adopt a strategic approach by splitting up into pairs. This allows us to cover a larger expanse of the island and pinpoint where the fish are congregating. We employ a dual-pronged strategy, simultaneously deploying baits on gas balloons and actively using spinning lures. This multi-faceted approach enables us to assess which method gets the bite.

Right from day one, the action is red-hot, and there's no shortage of Spanish mackerel making their way onto the ledge. The average weigh in at around 14 to 16 kilograms, and our trip boasts an impressive achievement with five of these magnificent fish breaking the coveted 20-kilogram mark.

Our exploration revealed a noteworthy shift in fish location, as we discovered that they were congregating further south, closer to the aquarium area rather than around the block ledge. What's even more interesting is that, contrary to our usual expectations, the majority of the catches were made using spinning lures, whereas gas ballooning. Our successful lure choices primarily included our tried-and-true 85-gram Surecatch Knight lures, as well as the dependable Chrome Mackbaits and Samson plugs. These proved to be our go-to options and played a significant role in our productive fishing sessions.

During our bottom fishing sessions in the afternoons, we adopted an active approach, continuously moving from one spot to another in pursuit of tasty reef species. Our method involved casting ball sinkers rigged with fresh fish or crab bait to entice the bites. This strategy led to some thrilling battles, particularly when facing off against the formidable baldchin grouper. Among our catches, the largest of the trip surpassed an impressive 5 kilograms.

On days when the swell was calm and the conditions were favorable, I seized the opportunity to explore the ocean and engage in spearfishing. Many of these ledges were teeming with baldchin grouper, but I adhered to responsible fishing practices by only taking what I required. One notable catch that stands out from my spearfishing adventures was a remarkable rankin cod, weighing in at a whopping 9 kilograms. This impressive fish was speared in the vicinity of the Block, at a depth of around 12 meters. It was truly a memorable and rewarding experience.

Booking extended trips spanning multiple weeks was a strategic decision on our part, allowing us to maximize the chances of encountering favorable weather conditions. Our rationale was clear: if one week happened to be plagued by unfavorable weather, we could look forward to the prospect of better conditions in the following week. However, this particular trip exceeded our expectations, as we were blessed with an entire two weeks of pristine, primo weather throughout our adventure. It was a stroke of luck that made our trip even more exceptional. The success of our fishing expedition over the entire two-week duration can largely be attributed to the favorable weather conditions. Additionally, the consistently optimal water temperatures, which remained at a steady 24 degrees Celsius for several consecutive weeks, played a pivotal role in our fishing achievements.

As the perfect conclusion to our trip, the last day of fishing delivered two astonishing catches that left us in awe. We reeled in a remarkable 22-kilogram Spanish mackerel and a hefty 21-kilogram yellowfin tuna, both of which were captured using gas balloons. The yellowfin succumbed to a skipping snook, while the mackerel couldn't resist the allure of a standard gar. These extraordinary catches added an unforgettable exclamation point to our already successful and thrilling fishing adventure.