Grunter a silver lining
FISHING in general has been quiet this week, the aspirations of many Queensland anglers at rock bottom with simultaneous seasonal species closures including that of barramundi and coral reef fin fish in force.
Most fishing charter operators enjoyed an involuntary week off with few popular fishing options available to even fewer clients, the second and final Coral Reef Fin Fish closure of the year in place until midnight this evening.
Those forlorn anglers – and charter operators – might have spent time repairing and servicing tackle, sharpening hooks and studying tide and weather charts in preparation for trips during the last weeks of spring.
Grunter or javelin fish are reportedly on the bite with good catches pulled from hotspots including the Bowling Green Bay sand spit, the Haughton River mouth and Halifax Bay waters near Burdekin Rock.
Ashley Spears and son Michael fished Bowling Green waters after launching their family tinny from Morrissey’s Creek early this week.
“We fished towards the Barrattas ( creek) and got our bag limit and a couple of salmon as well,” Spears Snr said of the pair’s grunter haul.
Grunter to a whopping 73cm fell to concoctions of squid and prawn baits while at least three 60cm- plus size fish were fooled with a Samaki brand soft vibe style lure.
“Mick was more adventurous than me and flicked the lure around to pick up a few fish but the squid got the bigger ones,” Spears said. mi wh fro Co
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