Summer weather has finally started to peek through the clouds and over the past month there have been reports coming into the shop of some great shore based catches around the region.
Our very own Paul Cook spent a solid amount of time out recently and landed a good size tailor along with a few rogue salmon.
Last week we were alerted to guys catching Kingfish off the beach with stick baits and one was also caught on salt water fly.
The King George and yellow fin whiting in Augusta are a good size and whether in a boat or off the beach it’s well worth giving them a try before the 16th December.
Another timely reminder to anyone longingly looking out at all the pots around Gnarabup (or anywhere for that matter), a person was recently caught interfering with another fisher’s rock lobster pots and he was fined $12,000 and had his boat impounded for over 20 months.
It’s a good time to check your boat’s safety equipment before we hit the water again on the 16th December for all the demersal species.
Flares must be in date, lifejackets are required for everyone aboard, radio working and an epirb on board.
At our recent “Gone Fishing Day” at the Down South Camping & Outdoors shop we ran a raffle to raise funds for the Margaret River Sea Search and Rescue and we donated $245 to them.
With Abalone season in full swing we would like to remind you of the dangers and take heed with this warning from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Make sure you have appropriate safety gear when you go to the beach to get abalone.
While, Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) volunteers do a tremendous job, five people have drowned abalone fishing in recent years.
Fishers must take responsibility for their own safety and not fish in unsafe weather conditions.
We urge you to prepare now ahead of the season start in December and ensure you have appropriate and functioning safety gear including a snorkel, a diving mask, long sleeve wetsuit, gloves, reef shoes and a mesh bag that will not become a drag-hazard.
Tips on abalone fishing safety, including information on the appropriate gear to wear are available on the SLSWA website.
Not too many pots have been catching crays as yet, however we have heard of a few whites coming in and the numbers that the divers are seeing are getting better.
On that note we would also like to remind you of the new laws with regard to ropes and floats on craypots.
Under rules introduced on 1 July this year, you can only attach a maximum of two floats to your pot.
In addition, the top half of the pot line must be hung vertically in the water when more than 20 metres of rope is used (including the float rig).
Another timely reminder to anyone longingly looking out at all the pots around Gnarabup (or anywhere for that matter), a person was recently caught interfering with another fisher’s rock lobster pots and he was fined $12,000 and had his boat impounded for over 20 months.
If you would like to get some crayfish please come and see us and we will hook you up with either a pot or a cray loop to catch your own.
With Christmas just around the corner we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a safe and merry New Year.
We have heaps of bargains, new stock, gift ideas and more ready for everyone in the family.
We would love you to support a small, family owned business who regularly gives back to the community.
Until next month, happy fishing & diving!
- Roz Cummings and the team at Down South Camping & Outdoors
