Okay, normally I try and put out a report each week and as you would see I haven’t had one for around a month. Well hopefully this weeks report will make up for that. Over the past couple of months Carl Dubois and I have been competing in the Squidgie Summer Series. There has been six rounds (we fished five) with the last two being up at Lake Macquarie on the 16th and 17th of March. Well I am pleased to say the Team Pflueger (Carl and I) came 18th out of 65 teams and made the Grand Final, which will be held on the 19th of April. The start (7.00am) and finish (2.00pm) will be from the ramp at the end of Burwood Road at Concord in Hen and Chicken Bay. So if you are interested in having a look at what was caught pop down and say hi.
Sydney Harbour and its off chutes have been firing over the past week and will continue to do so over the next month or two. Sow and Pigs has silver trevally, bream, leatherjackets, kingfish, tailor and the odd dusky flathead. Best time to fish this area is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon on a run-out tide. This will be when the boat traffic will be at its least. Anchor on the sand so that the back of your boat is about 20 metres from the reef. Berley is essential here. Fish as light as the conditions will allow and try using peeled prawns, pink nippers, strips of squid and mullet for bait. If the water is a bit dirty, due to the rain, try using chicken and mullet gut, strips of tuna and slimy mackerel for bait. Pilchards are also worth a shot.
The Lane and Iron Cove Rivers have been producing bream, dusky flathead and whiting in the shallower parts of these rivers. I have been using Lucky Craft suspending Hump Backs and NW Pencils in about a metre and less of water. Remember to use them very slowly. I have also been getting a number of bream while casting Gulp 3 inch Pumpkin Seed and Lime Tiger Minnows up against the pontoons at the front edge of the marinas in the Parramatta River.
Middle Harbour is still turning on a great run of kingfish. Try working the points up stream of the Spit Bridge. Squid and yellowtail are the gun baits at the moment. If you are after squid and yellowtail you should try working the shoreline at the back of Balmoral and the shoreline down stream of the Tunks Park boat ramp.
Botany Bay is going off at the moment and if you are not getting amongst them you must not have your line in the water. Monoilex Point, Henry Head, the Hot Water Outlet and the end of the third runway are all worth a shot for bream, silver trevally, dusky flathead, tailor, Australian salmon and kingfish. Just remember you will need to have a berley trail going as this will keep the fish interested in your baits.
Towra Point and the shoreline along Brighton are also worth a fish from the boat or from the shore. Bream, whiting and flathead are the main fish species that would be caught here.
My next class will start on Wednesday the 26th of March at 7.00pm and run for 3 consecutive
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Wednesday nights. The cost will be $80.00 per person. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit atAbsolutely Hooked
174 Merrylands Road
Merrylands
Ph (02) 9897 3474
Mike
If you can’t make that class I will be running another class starting on the Thursday the 10th of April at 6.30pm. The cost of $95.00 includes a fish barbeque and the class. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit.
Windybanks Bait and Tackle
523 Pacific Hwy Mt Colah NSW 2079
Ph (02) 9477 1501
Annette
After such a good session last week, we had to hit the Cooks again. Carl was under really tight time constraints (and I mean REALLY tight), so we only fished for an hour. The tide was running in this time which funnily enough, has never fished as well as the run out. Well, for me anyway.We started off slowly with Terry landing a few undersize bream and it wasn't until we neared one of the bridges with some nice eddies swirling about that Terry landed a keeper on his faithful SX40. Carl was casting a 3" minnow in pumpkinseed towards the base of the pylons when he also landed a bream, this guy going 30cm's. Terry then hit a purple patch and landed 3 bream for almost as many casts. Lucky swine! Carl was still landing them but they were definitely a lot smaller than last week’s bruisers. Unfortunately, the 60 minutes flew by (they only seemed to last an hour or so) and they had to head home.
As Carl scooted back, he kept flicking a minnow in front of me towards the shore. On one of the casts, the SP landed and promptly the line shot back out towards the middle o
f the canal. 'Hmmm, that's not normal,' he thought, so I lifted the rod which set the hook into something that felt fairly decent. There were a few solid thumps that came up the line and Carl thought, 'Oh, sweet, it's a jewfish!' but these thumps turned into a rhythmical thump, thump, thump and I knew straight away that it was a trevally. But at least he was a beauty! Carl took his time as they have fairly soft mouths and he stretched out to 52cm's which is a new PB for him. A few quick photos and back he goes to grow even bigger.
f the canal. 'Hmmm, that's not normal,' he thought, so I lifted the rod which set the hook into something that felt fairly decent. There were a few solid thumps that came up the line and Carl thought, 'Oh, sweet, it's a jewfish!' but these thumps turned into a rhythmical thump, thump, thump and I knew straight away that it was a trevally. But at least he was a beauty! Carl took his time as they have fairly soft mouths and he stretched out to 52cm's which is a new PB for him. A few quick photos and back he goes to grow even bigger.Ron Osman from Estuary Fishing and Tours http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ reports since the last report Ron has had some of the best days fishing I have had for a long time. The Kingfish are back in Pittwater around all the wrecks down there but the best spots have been West Head (if there isn’t too much boat traffic) and Barrenjoey Head. We have caught them to 5kg (90cm) and some days we have caught over 20 fish, but most of them have been throw backs with just a few keepers.
Ron has even been catching a few Amberjack to 68cm and Sampson Fish to 50cm and even seen a massive Tuna smashing Garfish at West Head. Most days they will take live Yellowtail but they do prefer live Squid and they have been easy to get latterly with 9 in 1 hour our best day. Best spots for Squid are just inside Pittwater on the western shore from West Head to Mackerel Beach and over at Palm Beach as well. If you are having trouble catching Squid buy a Yamashita 2grm Squid Jig they are by far the best jig I have come across. I don’t bother with all the other jigs in my tackle box anymore they cost $18 but are worth every cent and you don’t loose many if you are careful. We have also caught the odd Bonito and huge Tailor while down rigging live Squid and Yellowtail for Kingfish.
They also had a good week on the Jewfish at Flint and Steel in the Hawkesbury River but they were gone by the weekend so most people missed out. During the week there were only 2 or 3 boats there a day and everyone was catching them. Most were 50-70cm but there were a few just over 1 meter and they were taking fresh squid and live Yellowtail. The best day was the Tuesday with over 20 fish caught, there were that many we were throwing them back under 60cm and we also caught some massive Flathead there too with 92c, the biggest one. It was just after all the rain we had so I would say that was the reason they were there eating all the bait that got flushed out by the fresh water. We were catching Kingfish in the early morning then going to Flint and Steel and catching Jewfish and huge Flathead mid morning. Fishing doesn’t get much better than that.
There has also been a few shark coming on board with a 6 foot Hammerhead the biggest taken at Lion Island and there have been plenty of those pesky green toads around as well, biting of hooks, one day at Flint and Steel we went through about 15 hooks. The Kingfish are still there everyday now but the Jewfish have gone quiet with only a few being caught now and mostly down the river at the Bridges and down Mooney Creek in a few of the deep holes there.
The Flathead have gone a bit quiet in Brisbane Waters but we still manage a few on soft plastics when ever we try. Most are just keepers up to 50cm.
Ron has even been catching a few Amberjack to 68cm and Sampson Fish to 50cm and even seen a massive Tuna smashing Garfish at West Head. Most days they will take live Yellowtail but they do prefer live Squid and they have been easy to get latterly with 9 in 1 hour our best day. Best spots for Squid are just inside Pittwater on the western shore from West Head to Mackerel Beach and over at Palm Beach as well. If you are having trouble catching Squid buy a Yamashita 2grm Squid Jig they are by far the best jig I have come across. I don’t bother with all the other jigs in my tackle box anymore they cost $18 but are worth every cent and you don’t loose many if you are careful. We have also caught the odd Bonito and huge Tailor while down rigging live Squid and Yellowtail for Kingfish.
They also had a good week on the Jewfish at Flint and Steel in the Hawkesbury River but they were gone by the weekend so most people missed out. During the week there were only 2 or 3 boats there a day and everyone was catching them. Most were 50-70cm but there were a few just over 1 meter and they were taking fresh squid and live Yellowtail. The best day was the Tuesday with over 20 fish caught, there were that many we were throwing them back under 60cm and we also caught some massive Flathead there too with 92c, the biggest one. It was just after all the rain we had so I would say that was the reason they were there eating all the bait that got flushed out by the fresh water. We were catching Kingfish in the early morning then going to Flint and Steel and catching Jewfish and huge Flathead mid morning. Fishing doesn’t get much better than that.
There has also been a few shark coming on board with a 6 foot Hammerhead the biggest taken at Lion Island and there have been plenty of those pesky green toads around as well, biting of hooks, one day at Flint and Steel we went through about 15 hooks. The Kingfish are still there everyday now but the Jewfish have gone quiet with only a few being caught now and mostly down the river at the Bridges and down Mooney Creek in a few of the deep holes there.
The Flathead have gone a bit quiet in Brisbane Waters but we still manage a few on soft plastics when ever we try. Most are just keepers up to 50cm.
Bream are everywhere at the moment, around Lion Island, Broken Bay and the headlands with a good burly trail and peeled prawns or up in the oyster racks in Brisbane Waters and Mooney Creek with Pink Nippers and Cockles. The bigger ones are around the headlands and we have caught them to 41cm but most are 30 – 38cm. Frigate Mackerel haven’t had much of a show at Broken Bay this year with only small schools popping up here and there and you have to be lucky enough to be there when they surface to get some. Even the Slimy Mackerel are gone now after only being around for about 3 weeks.
Blue swimmers have gone quiet with only about 3 or 4 a day in our witches hats now and we even caught a few nice mud crabs after the rains we had (don’t they make a mess of a witches hat).
If you are after more information about Ron’s estuary fishing and tours you can either have a look at his web site http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ , email him at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au or phone Ron on 0407 661 397
Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that in the estuary, bream numbers have remained above average with both break walls and Limeburners giving up plenty of solid fish to around a kilo. The full moon phase may see the action slow down a little during night time sessions, however late afternoon and early expedition should prove rewarding. Let’s hope this is a pointer to a terrific bream season in the months ahead. Blackfish numbers are reasonable albeit with plenty of throwbacks, whilst flathead remain on offer throughout the system. Upstream around Rawdon Island in particular is fishing quite well at present, with whitebait achieving the better results.
Reasonable numbers of good sized whiting have also been taken, with the lower section of the Maria down to around Blackman’s Point producing the better results. On the crab front, better numbers of blue swimmer are currently in the lower estuary than we have seen for some time, whilst muddies remain active further upstream and are well worth chasing.
Off the beaches, tailor numbers are now as good as they have been since last winter, and with the bulk of the bait schools yet to arrive, the best of the season is still to come. Locally Lighthouse and Rainbow beach have both been holding fish, as too have all beaches further south. We have also received a couple of longtail reports from the sand, including an eight kilo model from Lake Cathie, and another lost from Lighthouse. This certainly adds a bit of spice to the standard tailor session. On the jew front, the news remains unusually quiet; however were plenty of bream around in the lead up to the moon. This certainly bodes well for the season ahead.
Off the rocks, tailor numbers are excellent for those out at dawn or dusk, whilst night time anglers have been scoring increasing bags of well conditioned bream. Lighthouse locally has produced good numbers of both species, as too has Point Plommer. Morning session chasing tailor have also yielded excellent numbers of bonito, which not only are great sport, but great bait too. On the land based game scene, longtail tuna are now around in big numbers however close encounters far outweigh actual fish landed. Best results over the past week have been from around Grants Head and Point Perpendicular.
On the offshore scene, reasonable snapper remain on offer from the closer reefs, with fish to around 4 kilos taking lightly weighted pilchards, live baits and of course soft plastic lures. Up north, trag rock has produced a few kingfish, whilst the wider reefs have also given up some nice pearl perch to just under 4 kilos. We have had a few reports of Leatherjacket schools from the wider reefs, so it may pay to enure there is some wire on board. On the surface fishing front, good numbers of marlin are still hanging about, whilst Barries Bay has producing reasonable numbers of cobia, albeit not always on consecutive days.
When you are next up in Port Macquarie call into the shop and have a look at their great selection of tackle and bait they have on offer. You could also ask Jason and Virginia for their daily report on what’s happening on the fishing front. Call them on (02) 6583 8318.
Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours (http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/.) reports this weekend again was Hot and cold and he found that they had to work hard to find fish. Saturdaythe bream were mainly wide from Towra Point and across to the Third Runway. Nathan score a few good fish on the afternoon run off shore with Dolphin fish, Salmon and a mixed bag at the Peak of the bottom and Sundays trip for the afternoon was much the same.
Scott had the morning trip and had a shit start as I was running late as the bloody alarm didn`t go off. Picked the boys up and explained my self and headed to the bait grounds with them all giving me heaps, Started well with a nice Kingie that smashed a Pilli fillet. Also caught good Flathead ffrm Trevally Alley and then all went quite.
If you are after more information about Ron’s estuary fishing and tours you can either have a look at his web site http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ , email him at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au or phone Ron on 0407 661 397
Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that in the estuary, bream numbers have remained above average with both break walls and Limeburners giving up plenty of solid fish to around a kilo. The full moon phase may see the action slow down a little during night time sessions, however late afternoon and early expedition should prove rewarding. Let’s hope this is a pointer to a terrific bream season in the months ahead. Blackfish numbers are reasonable albeit with plenty of throwbacks, whilst flathead remain on offer throughout the system. Upstream around Rawdon Island in particular is fishing quite well at present, with whitebait achieving the better results.
Reasonable numbers of good sized whiting have also been taken, with the lower section of the Maria down to around Blackman’s Point producing the better results. On the crab front, better numbers of blue swimmer are currently in the lower estuary than we have seen for some time, whilst muddies remain active further upstream and are well worth chasing.
Off the beaches, tailor numbers are now as good as they have been since last winter, and with the bulk of the bait schools yet to arrive, the best of the season is still to come. Locally Lighthouse and Rainbow beach have both been holding fish, as too have all beaches further south. We have also received a couple of longtail reports from the sand, including an eight kilo model from Lake Cathie, and another lost from Lighthouse. This certainly adds a bit of spice to the standard tailor session. On the jew front, the news remains unusually quiet; however were plenty of bream around in the lead up to the moon. This certainly bodes well for the season ahead.
Off the rocks, tailor numbers are excellent for those out at dawn or dusk, whilst night time anglers have been scoring increasing bags of well conditioned bream. Lighthouse locally has produced good numbers of both species, as too has Point Plommer. Morning session chasing tailor have also yielded excellent numbers of bonito, which not only are great sport, but great bait too. On the land based game scene, longtail tuna are now around in big numbers however close encounters far outweigh actual fish landed. Best results over the past week have been from around Grants Head and Point Perpendicular.
On the offshore scene, reasonable snapper remain on offer from the closer reefs, with fish to around 4 kilos taking lightly weighted pilchards, live baits and of course soft plastic lures. Up north, trag rock has produced a few kingfish, whilst the wider reefs have also given up some nice pearl perch to just under 4 kilos. We have had a few reports of Leatherjacket schools from the wider reefs, so it may pay to enure there is some wire on board. On the surface fishing front, good numbers of marlin are still hanging about, whilst Barries Bay has producing reasonable numbers of cobia, albeit not always on consecutive days.
When you are next up in Port Macquarie call into the shop and have a look at their great selection of tackle and bait they have on offer. You could also ask Jason and Virginia for their daily report on what’s happening on the fishing front. Call them on (02) 6583 8318.
Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours (http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/.) reports this weekend again was Hot and cold and he found that they had to work hard to find fish. Saturdaythe bream were mainly wide from Towra Point and across to the Third Runway. Nathan score a few good fish on the afternoon run off shore with Dolphin fish, Salmon and a mixed bag at the Peak of the bottom and Sundays trip for the afternoon was much the same.
Scott had the morning trip and had a shit start as I was running late as the bloody alarm didn`t go off. Picked the boys up and explained my self and headed to the bait grounds with them all giving me heaps, Started well with a nice Kingie that smashed a Pilli fillet. Also caught good Flathead ffrm Trevally Alley and then all went quite.
Scott then headed to the Bream grounds and fished five spots for two small Bream this is tough fishing for this time of the year. With live baits on board and one hour to go I decided to target Kingies, We landed 67cm, 80cm, 90cm now that the way to finish tough day on the Bay.
The last few day on the water has been rather good, No wind above 10knots or rain but the fishing proved a little hot and cold and I think it might have been the big tides over the weekend. Bream not to bad from Towra point across to the third runway most fish only small around 26cms to 30cms with the biggest Bream just on 35cms caught at the bait grounds.
Deep water for Trevally and Bream, spots like Bare island, Trevally Alley, Drums and Kurnell point all fished poor due to the big tides, to much run in the water, only small numbers caught. King fish prove even hard to find, I caught two good fish on Saturday both around 75cms and lost a ripper, Nathan found it hard on his trip hooking more kingies than I did but lost a few rippers busting up big time and then landing a few smaller Kingies tough for this time of the year, very strange.
Darren from Bermagui Ocean Hut Fishing Tackle, Dive and Charter Fishing Service
mailto:%20(%20enquiries@bermifishinghut.com.au reports that there have been a number of great catches over the past week or two.
mailto:%20(%20enquiries@bermifishinghut.com.au reports that there have been a number of great catches over the past week or two.
Reef
Out from most beaches Sand Flathead are in large numbers providing plenty of table fare; further a field Tiger Flathead are out from the Six Mile and Four Mile Reefs. Mixed in are plenty of Morwong the odd Snapper and unfortunately plenty of Leatherjackets. Kingies have been good at Montague Island with fish up to 10 Kg.
Out from most beaches Sand Flathead are in large numbers providing plenty of table fare; further a field Tiger Flathead are out from the Six Mile and Four Mile Reefs. Mixed in are plenty of Morwong the odd Snapper and unfortunately plenty of Leatherjackets. Kingies have been good at Montague Island with fish up to 10 Kg.
Game
Marlin have turned up in good numbers over the weekend with lots of Stripes and the odd Black, of which the best has weighed in at 156 Kg. Both Lures and Bait are working, with most of the fish concentrated around the Twelve Mile Reef. Mixed in have been the odd Mako, Hammerhead and Whaler Sharks.
Marlin have turned up in good numbers over the weekend with lots of Stripes and the odd Black, of which the best has weighed in at 156 Kg. Both Lures and Bait are working, with most of the fish concentrated around the Twelve Mile Reef. Mixed in have been the odd Mako, Hammerhead and Whaler Sharks.
Estuary
Most of the tidal Estuaries along the coast are fishing consistent with large schools of Bream, quite a few Flathead, plenty of Blackfish and a mix of other species. Bream encountered have been up to 43 cm, most of the Blackfish are being taken around the entrance of Bermagui Harbour on Weed or up the river with Nippers.
Most of the tidal Estuaries along the coast are fishing consistent with large schools of Bream, quite a few Flathead, plenty of Blackfish and a mix of other species. Bream encountered have been up to 43 cm, most of the Blackfish are being taken around the entrance of Bermagui Harbour on Weed or up the river with Nippers.
Freshwater
Warm weather still has the Bass on the chew in Brogo Dam with early mornings and late afternoons being best although fish are still being caught throughout the day. Trolling is best thru the day while casting of lures or fly producing morning and evening. Black crickets are still in numbers and provide a bait fishing option.
Warm weather still has the Bass on the chew in Brogo Dam with early mornings and late afternoons being best although fish are still being caught throughout the day. Trolling is best thru the day while casting of lures or fly producing morning and evening. Black crickets are still in numbers and provide a bait fishing option.
Mudeyes hatching in the Monaro Lakes has seen some very good Fly Fishing late evening and thru the night. Eucumbene seems to be fishing the best at present while the hatch is continuing. Those anglers trolling are still getting good fish and most of the Trout have conditioned nicely following the increase of the food supply.
Rock and Beach
Most beaches are fishing well of a night for Tailor, Salmon, Bream and a few small Bronze Whaler Sharks. The best beaches are Camel Rock, Barragoot and Murrah. From the rocks Salmon, Frigates and Tailor are regular catches for those tossing Lures while Drummer and Groper are starting to make more of an appearance.
Most beaches are fishing well of a night for Tailor, Salmon, Bream and a few small Bronze Whaler Sharks. The best beaches are Camel Rock, Barragoot and Murrah. From the rocks Salmon, Frigates and Tailor are regular catches for those tossing Lures while Drummer and Groper are starting to make more of an appearance.
If you are planing a trip down Darren’s way check out his web site at http://bermifishinghut.com.au/aboutus.htm You could also give Darren and the boys a ring on (02) 6493 4688 to find out what is coming up in the next week or so.
I never thought that the DVD’s that are put out by Offshore Productions from Tewantin in Queensland would have been much. Boy was I so far from the truth. I now have the 10 DVD’s that have been produced by this company and I can tell you, I haven’t just watched them once. I have viewed them several times. Over the next few reports I will let you what is in each of them and then you may like to go to your local tackle shop or new agency to get yourself a copy.
Not only do they have some great footage and fishing information, they also have information on how to use your sounder, boat and motor tests, 4 wheel drive tips, plus much more.
I never thought that the DVD’s that are put out by Offshore Productions from Tewantin in Queensland would have been much. Boy was I so far from the truth. I now have the 10 DVD’s that have been produced by this company and I can tell you, I haven’t just watched them once. I have viewed them several times. Over the next few reports I will let you what is in each of them and then you may like to go to your local tackle shop or new agency to get yourself a copy.
Not only do they have some great footage and fishing information, they also have information on how to use your sounder, boat and motor tests, 4 wheel drive tips, plus much more.
Video Review No 1
The Fishing DVD No 1 has fishing for Barra in Arnhemland, pelagic and reef fishing the blue water of Noosa, fishing for mid winter bass in South East Queensland, chasing trout at Jindabyne, off shore fishing at Maningrada and Tasmanian Fly Fishing.
The Fishing DVD No 1 has fishing for Barra in Arnhemland, pelagic and reef fishing the blue water of Noosa, fishing for mid winter bass in South East Queensland, chasing trout at Jindabyne, off shore fishing at Maningrada and Tasmanian Fly Fishing.
Video Review No 2
The fishing video No 2 explodes the myths of impoundment Barramundi fishing, how to use soft plastics, beach fishing with Rob and Leanne Payne, some great offshore fishing while using down riggers and fresh baits. There is also a segment on
fly fishing with Peter Morse and gorge country cod.
The DVD’ run for around 120 minutes and only cost between $10 to $12 each.
The fishing video No 2 explodes the myths of impoundment Barramundi fishing, how to use soft plastics, beach fishing with Rob and Leanne Payne, some great offshore fishing while using down riggers and fresh baits. There is also a segment on
fly fishing with Peter Morse and gorge country cod.The DVD’ run for around 120 minutes and only cost between $10 to $12 each.
Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that
the locals have had to wait a while, but finally a week of perfect conditions to head outside or drop a line off the end of a jetty. What’s going on the elusive Spotted Mackerel off Grassy? It seems there on one day and then have two or three days off over the last few weeks, but you should still have a go as it might be your day. There have been a couple of reports of spotted Mackerel are on the bite on the grounds off Grassy head. Some of these fish are up to 9 to 10 kilo taking live baits and Pilchards. There has been the odd Spanish caught off these grounds as well as further north past Scotts Head.
Snapper have been there as a back up in close and out wider. Yellow fin are in good numbers between the jail and Fish Rock jumping all over bibles lures being trolled. King Fish are also around the rock but you struggling to get one over size. Visitors did well on the 60 fathom line for Kings up to 8 kilo. Wahoo are making an appearance playing havoc with trolled lures. Mac Tuna and bonito are in good numbers in close. Cobia are coming in again with a few crackers around Black Rock, the best going 35 kilo. Some quality Wahoo are being caught in a number of locations in close. Fish Rock is fishing well for Snapper, small King Fish and some nice Yellow Fin. There has been plenty of bait around; the slimies have been a little big if anything while Bonito are about in good numbers. Fisheries have advised us the FAD will be replaced before Easter. (We will see)
Gap Beach has slowed down with reports of a few Whiting while Smoky is where you should be for a feed. Whiting are in good numbers in shallow water and Bream are about in the gutters. Tailor are back in the surf, no size at this stage but in good numbers.
The river is clearing and Whiting have been a little more active in the shallows. Good reports of Flathead from Jerseyville to the mouth with small mullet and Herring being jumped on. One of our visitors caught three 15 kilo plus Jew last week but the location remained his secret. Bonito have been at Jew bite for a bit of fun with some good Bream along the Wall.
Good reports of Flathead with hot spots around Clybucca, Rainbow Reach and on the flats around Stuarts Point biting well on pillies, white bait and 4 inch plastics working well. Good Bream have been hard to find in the river with Oyster leases and rock walls your best bet. Whiting are taking worms, nippers and don’t forget those 50mm poppers in the moving tides.
Tailor have been caught on Smoky Beach morning and afternoons with some good Whiting on a rising tide. Gap Beach has had Whiting and Bream coming in with a few Tailor on the north side. Tailor, Bream and Tarwhine off the rocks while Hat Head has had a few Blue Fin off the ledges.
For daily reports and special call Paul on (02) 6566 6726.
Steve Williamson from Lake Jindabyne Trout Fishing Adventures reports that
after 45 days straight over January and February, Barry and Steve headed up to Lemon Tree Passage to help set up the Beston’s Challenge there and have a fish, but guess what? It rained and rained and we only had the boat in the water for 4 hours before another storm had us run for cover. They then headed down to Gerroa Shores only to do a lot of sightseeing. The rain and huge seas kept us undercover most of the time. It was great to get back home to warm weather and sunshine. That sounds silly for the Snowy Mountains when it warmer here than on the mid coast of NSW.
the locals have had to wait a while, but finally a week of perfect conditions to head outside or drop a line off the end of a jetty. What’s going on the elusive Spotted Mackerel off Grassy? It seems there on one day and then have two or three days off over the last few weeks, but you should still have a go as it might be your day. There have been a couple of reports of spotted Mackerel are on the bite on the grounds off Grassy head. Some of these fish are up to 9 to 10 kilo taking live baits and Pilchards. There has been the odd Spanish caught off these grounds as well as further north past Scotts Head.
Snapper have been there as a back up in close and out wider. Yellow fin are in good numbers between the jail and Fish Rock jumping all over bibles lures being trolled. King Fish are also around the rock but you struggling to get one over size. Visitors did well on the 60 fathom line for Kings up to 8 kilo. Wahoo are making an appearance playing havoc with trolled lures. Mac Tuna and bonito are in good numbers in close. Cobia are coming in again with a few crackers around Black Rock, the best going 35 kilo. Some quality Wahoo are being caught in a number of locations in close. Fish Rock is fishing well for Snapper, small King Fish and some nice Yellow Fin. There has been plenty of bait around; the slimies have been a little big if anything while Bonito are about in good numbers. Fisheries have advised us the FAD will be replaced before Easter. (We will see)
Gap Beach has slowed down with reports of a few Whiting while Smoky is where you should be for a feed. Whiting are in good numbers in shallow water and Bream are about in the gutters. Tailor are back in the surf, no size at this stage but in good numbers.
The river is clearing and Whiting have been a little more active in the shallows. Good reports of Flathead from Jerseyville to the mouth with small mullet and Herring being jumped on. One of our visitors caught three 15 kilo plus Jew last week but the location remained his secret. Bonito have been at Jew bite for a bit of fun with some good Bream along the Wall.
Good reports of Flathead with hot spots around Clybucca, Rainbow Reach and on the flats around Stuarts Point biting well on pillies, white bait and 4 inch plastics working well. Good Bream have been hard to find in the river with Oyster leases and rock walls your best bet. Whiting are taking worms, nippers and don’t forget those 50mm poppers in the moving tides.
Tailor have been caught on Smoky Beach morning and afternoons with some good Whiting on a rising tide. Gap Beach has had Whiting and Bream coming in with a few Tailor on the north side. Tailor, Bream and Tarwhine off the rocks while Hat Head has had a few Blue Fin off the ledges.
For daily reports and special call Paul on (02) 6566 6726.
Steve Williamson from Lake Jindabyne Trout Fishing Adventures reports that
after 45 days straight over January and February, Barry and Steve headed up to Lemon Tree Passage to help set up the Beston’s Challenge there and have a fish, but guess what? It rained and rained and we only had the boat in the water for 4 hours before another storm had us run for cover. They then headed down to Gerroa Shores only to do a lot of sightseeing. The rain and huge seas kept us undercover most of the time. It was great to get back home to warm weather and sunshine. That sounds silly for the Snowy Mountains when it warmer here than on the mid coast of NSW.
Interesting enough while I keep talking about the Beston’s name it will not apparently be Beston’s for long with a name change possibly by the time you get this newsletter.
Not sure what happened however some reason they have to change their name so it’s going to be a big job to again market the new name whatever it will be.
As you can guess I have been flat out in February and not much time to get the office stuff done as when I am not on the water I have been in the shop.
SNOWLINE TROUT CHALLENGE RESULTS
Anglers from as far as Sydney, Melbourne, Albury, Canberra, and even South Australia, a total of over 50 competitors as well as their family attended the first of the Beston’s Family Fishing Challenges which was held at Snowline Holiday Park in Jindabyne.
The weather couldn’t have been better with a bright blue sky and a sparkling Lake Jindabyne.
Even with the perfect weather, some excellent brown and rainbow trout were weighed in.
I saw the biggest rainbow trout he had seen in many years weighed in. The fish was just over 2 kilograms in weight.
The Beston’s Family Fishing Challenge started off on Friday night with a BBQ registration and reading of the competition rules. NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries officers were also on hand to talk anglers through the local trout fishing regulations. Men, women and children took to the water on Saturday morning with the aim to catch a brown trout, Rainbow trout and an Atlantic salmon in each of the three fishing sessions.
Boat trolling, lure spinning, bait fishing and fly fishing methods were all allowed so that anglers could try to catch the longest fish of each species.
Each weigh in was attended to by Mark James DPI Fisheries event advisor. It’s Mr. James’s job with DPI to ensure that the organisers and participants in these fishing events operate in a safe, environmentally and socially responsible way. Competition rules and activities should demonstrate best practice and where possible, enhance the economic benefit for the community.
Hosts of the competition Snowline Managers Sean and Samantha Lawrence said that the event could not have been any more successful than what it was, with anglers stating the event was the best competition they had ever attended. Not one person complained about anything over the weekend and that must also be a first for a fishing competition!
Prizes were donated by Wilson’s Tackle, Tasmanian Devil lures, Australian T Shirt Company, Beston’s Parks and Steve Williamsons Tackle Shop.
Major Prize winners were Best Lady Angler – Kerry Webley of Wollongong, Best Overall Angler was Andy Baker of Pambula, Best brown trout caught went to John Fisk of Tura Beach with a 61 cm brown trout caught on fly. Longest overall rainbow trout went to Summer Carder. Longest Salmon went to Justin Gibb.
Best under 16 years angler went to Tylah Cooper who was all the way from South Australia.
Best presented Team went to the Tassie Devil Team. My Encouragement Award went to Matthew and Cameron Vine. The major lucky length draw went to Willo Cameron.
With the success of the Snowline Trout Challenge, all entrants will be again invited back on the 14th and 15th February 2009 to again compete in this fantastic event.
For more information on what is happening in the snowies you could call Steve on mobile 0408 024436,
SHOP – (02) 64561551, FAX – (02) 64572991 or just email him at swtrout@airlan.com.au
