Long time between drinks

Well it's been a while between write-ups as there hasn't been too much going on - but that's all about to change!

We are starting to see some warm water push south and with it species we have been dreaming about all winter. We've had over the past couple of weeks, massive schools of striped tuna mixed in with albacore  to 8kg. Unfortunately a run of tuna as we had last spring didn't really eventuate.
There have been a few marlin starting to show up with a few boats starting to hook them.

The kingfish have been the saviour for most guys heading out to the big blue. Kings on jigs were back this year in a big way with some very nice fish taken on the old faithful method. Fish of around 8kg are almost the norm but there have been some back breakers over the 20kg mark also landed.

Dan Underwood and a nice king he managed to land after breaking his rod early in the fight.

Snapper have been pretty hot these last couple of weeks with some nice fish up to 5kg being the not so odd experience. The plastic side of things has been quite up till now; I think it comes down to the warmth of the water. We've been giving plastics a good go lately and have been seeing some awesome results with reds, kings and yes, barracouta lately. Many older fishermen have said they are very excited to see the 'coutas as they are a sign of a good summer coming - here's hoping.

The river has been fishing quite well considering the flogging that it has been getting by both pros and amateurs, but the old girl is still providing a nice run of blackfish and flathead in good numbers. There have been a few jewfish around as well, mainly in the 8-10kg size.

St Georges basin is on fire! As it has been for the last two years but more so this spring. Whiting on poppers have been caught on almost all flats. Bream are hitting blades in the deeper water with bags of five fish weighing in over 5kg. There are flathead everywhere, some just pulling short of the magic metre mark.
Also this year more than ever we've seen jewfish taken, with fish of around 10kg hooked by guys using blades in the deep before getting towed around the basin for hours on end.

"Browny" and a St Georges Basin jew.

There's still a big run of tailor happening and big is the word with some fish of around 6kg seen busting up.

Off the stones it has been quiet; with the coming of the warm water many a rockhopper has been preparing themselves for a big summer. With the warm water not too far away it won't be a big wait!

Cheers, Scotty.

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