It is September once again and the fishing season on Flinders Island is underway after the winter lull.
We have had a busy winter with boats re-powered and all gear overhauled, so we are ready for the coming season.
With the water temperature rising and the days drawing out, the flathead spawning run starts on the west side of the island with areas such as Kangaroo Island, Goose Island and Prime Seal Island the hot spots. Places to look are large areas of sandy bottom in 20-30m of water. With this amount of activity gummies are attracted and there are good numbers of both species to be caught.
| September is also prime surf fishing time. Large schools of Australian salmon run along the beaches of the east coast and into the North East River on the run-in tides. These fish never disappoint with their fighting ability and can be caught with bait, plastics and lures, but best of all and in the right conditions, flies. Trevally and other species run with the salmon. | Come late September the big flathead move in onto the beaches as well adding a very edible bonus to the catch. |
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| Offshore, the activity is quiet for September and October as the trumpeter season is closed. | When this opens again in November the water temperatures will be up and we can then look forward to the very best of Flinders Island fishing right through till May. |
| October sees the school sharks and gummies back inshore as well as the snapper moving in. | November the Kingfish arrive and in December the albacore tuna followed by the bigger yellowfin later. |
After a short winter, September is always an exciting time for the fisherman, warming water, longer days and full on fishing for months to come.
One final point on our new carbon tax.
Prior to 30/6/12, charter boats under the classification of marine and rail transport were entitled to a rebate on diesel, which has now been dramatically reduced.
On diesel this accounts for an increase in cost of just over 6.2 cents per litre before GST is applied, apparently allowing for a carbon tax of $23 per ton.
I think I can speak for most charter operators, while we make every effort to keep our costs fair to our clients, governments do not help by excessively loading and double dipping on taxes.
Snapper season on Flinders Island is keenly anticipated with spring.
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