Yum- A great feed of yabbies.

On a recent yabby fishing expedition I come to realise first hand that the humble farm gate chain might possibly be the most expensive metal known to mankind. Or at least it might seem that way to those that scratch out a living from the land. Each and every link is valued to the point that to squander but one extra to allow for ease of opening, would be nothing short of a terrible waste. Over time in the bid to preserve links, many farmers have developed their own specific set of angles and weight related positions required to gain enough slack chain to slip the latch. To understand the way of the link is to spend many years on the land and even then you will happen upon those that will test you to your very core. And so it was as we pulled the Ute to a stop right in front of what could best be described as the gate from hell.  Shining in all its splendour, it had centre piece a big red Private property badge beaming forth for any would be passers to take heed. No problems there, as we had full permission to venture beyond its bounds where we would bask in the yabby rich waters that were now but a few hundred meters away. Ten minutes on and it was more than evident that the placement of the keep out sign just like the links of chain, could have been another on farm saving. Whilst pondering the right of passage, a wayward arm brushed the electric fence and believe me there was no shortage of cash wasted on this little beauty, as it reverberated every joint from head to toe. The after effects were a mild tick and stutter as we gave the gate a miss and hoofed it across country, bait nets and bucket in hand. For the next few hours we caught numerous big fat yabbies on string lines baited with fresh meat. With the bucket full to overflowing we headed back to the gate, climbing over carefully to avoid the chances of another shock. Later that day, talks with the farmer on the gate in question revealed the effects of the drought had pulled the chain tight to the point that it could not be opened. There was however another gate just down the road a little that would have provided access had we known. But he did go on to say that there was a trick to this other gate as it could only be opened by looking to the north whilst standing on one leg, singing the national anthem with your tongue hanging out. And even then it was a struggle. We have decided to shout a new gate chain on our next visit and while this humble string of metal may not may be made of gold, the chance to catch a feed of yabbies from a private dam is.