Over the past few weeks there have been some breaks in the weather for local anglers to get out on the water and the fishing has been red hot, with many reports of good sessions on a variety of species. Big Dhufish have been caught in deeper water off the west coast whilst smaller Dhuies and Pink snapper have been prolific closer to shore.
Queen Snapper, Break-Sea Cod and Harlequin Fish have been featuring in catches. This offshore action is about to end for another season with the annual Demersal Ban coming into effect from the October 15 – December 15 (inclusive).
No Demersal, or bottom dwelling species may be taken by anglers in the West Coast Bioregion during this time. The Southern Coast Bioregion east of Black Point remains open throughout. Hopefully everyone is able to get out for another session or two before the ban begins.
As local boaties will no doubt be aware, the Gnarabup boat ramp has been closed for several months due to structural damage to the finger jetty. This repair work has not yet been fully completed however the good news is that it has been temporally reopened until the Demersal Ban begins.
Whilst the ban is in effect, other options abound for boaties wanting to get amongst some fish. There have been a few Southern Bluefin Tuna about and whilst these fish are of a typical small size, they do make for excellent sashimi.
Numbers in local waters will no doubt increase as we go into the warmer months. Trolling small skirted lures or minnows is the most effective way of targeting them.
Those wanting to hook something that’ll pull some string off their reels should look no further than the local Yellowtail Kingfish and Sambo populations. It is a great time of year to target them and whilst Sambos are often derided, both species are two of the finest sportfish found on this coastline.
Spring brings an explosion in the population of squid in Geographe Bay and there have already been many reports of anglers bagging out on these tasty Cephalopods (15 per angler).
They can be targeted out of a boat or off Busselton Jetty, which the best land-based squidding platform around. They can also be found in any sheltered clean stretch of water on the west or south coast.
Big King George whiting have continued to be caught from shore, including some 40cm plus models. Numbers of Yellowfin Whiting are increasing as the weather gets warmer and there have been plenty of Herring in reef holes and along beaches.
Reports of Mulloway should increase soon as swell conditions become more favourable for shore anglers.
With freshwater flow in rivers decreasing, Black Bream have become more prolific.
The Molloy Island Caravan Park is hosting their annual Bream fishing competition on the October 20-21 with over 250 competitors entered already.
There are some great prizes available and all entry fees are donated to Augusta Volunteer Sea Rescue. Call the park on 08 9758 4515 for more info.
Abalone season is now open until May 15, 2019. You of course need a license, which costs $50 and can be obtained from the Fisheries website : www.fish.wa.gov.au/Species/Abalone
