Shore is a warm welcome

WCARL HYLAND ITH water around most of the state reaching 20C and above, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were in a warm swimming pool. The fish must think so too, because they are close inshore. Unfortunately, that also includes great white sharks, which are fully protected.

Many are reporting seeing sharks, including an angler fishing about 200 metres off a popular beach in the South.

Dropping down a large squid bait, trying for snapper, he hooked up to what he thought was a large red one. Unfortunately for him, the fish was larger than that and a short distance away, near the beach, the giant fish jumped from the water and tail-walked for some distance before breaking the 20-pound leader.

It was a large shark, presumed to be a sevengilled shark, and this was one fish the angler didn’t want in his boat.

Others tell of some memorable catches, with some large makos being taken along the East Coast, near Burnie and in the deep South.

Some of these fish weighed 220kg and some were 50kg, which is more to my style and liking.

Arrow squid are leaving their mark in more ways than one. Being a squid they have ink and can make a real mess of a boat.

Some of the northern commercial squid fishermen are very recognisable, with the back of their boats being a dark shade of black, which looks like someone has thrown a can of paint over them.

When you catch your squid, leave them in the landing net until they “empty out”, which will avoid all the mess over you and your precious objects.

Another tip is to cut the end of the tube of the squid and place them in a mesh bag and tow them behind the boat on the way home. The rough action of bouncing the squid in the bag will empty them completely, leaving you with nice, clean squid for the table.

Arrows are also known for being a bit crotchety when caught and will bite, with some people telling stories of chunks removed from objects including human skin.

Just tap them lightly before placing them in the receptacle, and that calms them down.

Albacore and bluefin are absolutely everywhere along the coasts, and no doubt yellowfin tuna would also be in the mix.

Some large swordfish have been taken in the far South-East, and one crew even caught one fishing for mako, taking suspended bait intended for a shark.

Other captures over the past week include masses of salmon and tailor, plus jack mackerel from the Tamar in the North.

There have also been some awesome catches of squid of a night under the Low Head light at the Pilot Station.

Others told of catching good flathead off Burnie and also around the Three Sisters at Penguin.

Standout fishing for bream is occurring at Scamander and Ansons River, with some rather large specimens responding to bait and soft plastic lures.