"

Positive prediction awakens anglers
  |  First Published: September 2012



The changing of the seasons is upon us once again and as the days get longer and warmer it seems an appropriate time to reflect on the winter that was.

The unseasonal rainfall played havoc both on land and water affecting water clarity, the prawn season and the ability to get a boat out of the front lawn without locking the hubs in! The long-range forecasters assure drier times ahead, only time will tell.

IN THE BAY

The reefs both local and further afield have had mixed results, but there are some good fish being caught. Coral trout, cod, cobia, yellowtail kingfish and a good run of mangrove jack have kept anglers content. Live baits are in high demand, with plastics being a good alternative when livies are scarce. Other captures include hussar, coral bream, trevally and snapper on squid, mullet, whole herring, yakkas and plastics.

CREEKS and ESTUARIES

Our local river systems are producing grunter, salmon and jew on live herring, yabbies and plastics. Bream and whiting are taking worms, yabbies and lures, and flathead will be all fired up as they shake off their winter lethargy in the warm water.

Golden trevally are working the flats in good numbers, shovel-nosed shark are prolific, and tailor, queenies and mackerel are still keeping the bait schools honest.

ACROSS THE BAR

September is always a big month outside with sailfish numbers peaking at this time in previous years. Sailfish are the speedsters of the ocean with an uncanny ability to throw hooks. Trolling lures, baits and switch-baiting north of the 13 Mile down to the Sandy Cape will give you the best chance to pin a sail this month.

The Sandy Cape Shoals is also going off with spawning Spanish mackerel in size and numbers. Slow trolling garfish rigged on gangs is how the pros catch these fish, and for good reason!

Other pelagic species on offer include marlin, tuna, wahoo, shark mackerel, dolphin fish, cobia and if you get close enough to the reef, green jobfish, trevally and the dreaded barracouta.

Bottom bashing the many reefs and ledges outside has produced big reds, pearlies, trout, cod, cobias, jobbies and some huge snapper. Heavy mono and braid is mandatory in these parts to tame the fish and beat the sharks!

Reads: 1262

Matched Content ... powered by Google