WHAT a thrill for ten-year-old Mia Wilson who caught her first ever fish tossing a prawn off Shoal Bay Beach. Visiting her grandparents David and Penny Wilson, Mia was amazed when a cracker bream took her bait and headed off in the direction of Tea Gardens.

After a mighty tussle the bream bounced up the beach.

An occasion the young visitor will never forget.

I visited Broughton Island through the week on a guided history trip.

The weather was spectacular with a gentle breeze gusting over crystal clear water.

As we left the port, we were joined by a large pod of Common Dolphins which took the opportunity to ride the bow wave much to the excitement of the 50 passengers onboard.

Rounding Yacaaba headland we were witness to huge schools of surface fish feasting among the diving birds.

It has been quite some time since I have seen so many surface fish including bonito, tailor, salmon, slimy mackerel and tuna.

The tuna are the most spectacular as they launch completely out of the water like some guided torpedo.

On reaching the island we wandered over to Coal Shaft Bay where we stood on the cliff top and took in one of the greatest scenes we have to offer.

From the lighthouse on Fingal Island to the conical mountains and the majestic headlands onto Bennetts Beach which stretches from Hawks Nest to the Little Gibber.

The mountainous backdrop of the Bulahdelah Ranges made for a complete postcard picture.

Our next excursion took us along a well-maintained track to the northern face of the island with spectacular beaches and a huge expanse of ocean.

A couple of whales put on a display.

Again the view was something else looking south to Seal Rocks.

Returning to the boat, we headed home with the northerly breeze pushing us along until we reached Cabbage Tree Island where a permanent colony of seals basked in the warm sunshine before sliding into the water to cool off.

A great day was had by all.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE