TIME TO WET A LINE
A DROP in wind is expected to produce near- perfect fishing and boating conditions to Townsville this weekend.
Fish City Charters owner and Bulletin columnist Eddie Riddle said windy condition today would drop down tomorrow, Sunday and Monday before picking up again on Tuesday.
He said Sunday would be the pick for boaties and anglers.
“Windy and choppy seas can make it uncomfortable for smaller boats,” Mr Riddle said.
“We have no swell because we’re protected by the Great Barrier Reef but we do get sharp choppy conditions, particularly in Cleveland Bay and the mouth of the harbour, which is sometimes called the ‘ washing machine’.
“Most fish are susceptible to changes in weather conditions and changes in air pressure.
“There aren’t many fish that like strong winds – they tend to go off and hide.”
With calm conditions predicted, anyone with a small boat can expect to hook fingermark, also known as golden snapper.
Mr Riddle said many fishermen would be at sea on Saturday night with a light over their boats to attract squid.
“They’ll scoop them up and put a hook in them, then hang on,” he said. “Fingermarks love them, as do cod and grunter. There’s nothing that doesn’t eat a squid.”
Fishermen at the jetty and breakwater can also expect bigger fish to come in close in the calm water.
“Anyone fishing off the jetty is a good chance of catching queenfish, trevally, salmon and grunter if they use live bait,” Mr Riddle said.
He reminded fishermen to return barramundi as the closed season runs until February 1. Weekender, inside today