Fun for the whole family
Alot were inspired with the turnout last weekend for the Gone Fishing Day which was a national day for fishing. Most don’t need an excuse to go, but for those who don’t normally have an opportunity, it was a great success.
It was pleasing to see families enjoying fishing from pontoons, wharves and other platforms and I’d suggest boat sales will go through the roof as will freshwater licenses.
I’ve heard of stories where mums or dads have previously used fishing as an excuse to get out of the house, but having enjoyed the fishing day out so much, now many of the kids want to go too, and this is great. I have learnt as much from my kids fishing, as they have from me and I look forward to help getting my grandchildren into it. Once they find their own feet and learn a few skills, they will want to be with their friends and go fishing, then it’s time for the oldies to relax.
Fish are being found in the brine (when weather allows) and this can include inshore as well as in deeper water.
In the North East at Musselroe Bay, those big flathead, I mentioned a week ago, are moving in closer still and can be found in water 20m deep. Best baits appear to be squid with a soft-plastic attractor to get their attention. For those who like to simplify things and construct their own rigs, a piece of milar (wine bag plastic) can be tied on hooks in a v pattern to give the appearance of wings and flutter when lifted off the bottom. I have a few made up as paternoster rigs in plastic bags and it’s a great opportunity to construct rigs on rainy days and involve junior family members.
A swivel tied to the top of the rig means that in a hot bite session, you can change rigs or replace rigs lost to snags.
Some fishers even paint sinkers to attract fish and red is a great colour.
In Cloudy Bay, at Bruny Island, garfish are being caught and so too, school couta which make great bait.
That staple fish, the Australian salmon, is also on the move in vast schools in the area.
Adventure Bay is well worth a fish and throwing a surf rig out will often get you a
decent gummy shark. Good baits for gummy and school shark include squid and any fish fillet, but I find octopus is the best for both species.
Freshwater action is going well and many anglers are saying
it’s been a great season so far, especially with most rivers still on the up.
A worm, suspended under a float will get you trout or salmon and a small bladed lure such as a Celta or Mepps will also be
productive when spun up through riffles or active water.
I had an enjoyable trip with a fellow angler last week to Four Springs in the North and whilst I was Mr Fishless for the day, my fishing mate turned
over a couple of good fish. It is awesome to see trout actively feeding on duns hatching and trying to match the hatch. With swallows’ dive bombing newly hatched caddis and sea eagles hovering overhead, it was a very interesting time. I can’t wait to do it again.
Next week, I will have some good reports from Penstock plus Dee Lagoon and some tips on what’s working there at this time.