Fishin’ Maggie
What’s Happening
Hello once again Anglers, it looks like another relatively dry week in the tropics with no decent rainfall in sight. With the end of the holiday season, I think we would all sacrifice a couple of dollars in tourist trade for a decent downpour or 4.
Thanks to all who offered sponsorship and help for the Jetty bins and equipment. We will co-ordinate and keep you all informed on the progress of these items.
ND has almost finished repairs on the yacht that sunk off Orchard Rocks last year. It will be fully refurbed and for sale shortly.
I am off to Sydney and Coffs Harbour for a brief family visit this coming weekend. There will of course be a little bit of fishing, (Don’t tell Janie,) with a quick trip to Lithgow to chase Rainbow Trout on Saturday (3.30am start, anglers are crazy.) If the weather permits, there will also be a kayak Bass fishing session in the Bellingen River near Dorrigo N.S.W. I need to dust off the Bass lures and spinnerbaits, find an old friend with tandem kayak, (Hi Tony) and pack the telescopic Rods in the suitcase. With any luck one trip will cover 7 family members and 4 fish species. (Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Bass and Perch.)
Onshore Fishing
Young Bay has seen the return of Blue Salmon and Catfish in the Muddy areas chasing tiny prawns, although the beach sandy areas at West Point have been lacking many of the regular Pelagic Visitors. There has been Golden Trevally in the evenings and on the top of the high, along with a few small Flathead as well. RC had a 5 Flathead session on Friday off the sand flats, although they were all on the just legal size and all carefully released. Horseshoe Bay was, and continues to be a fishing write-off as the northerlies settle in for the week.
Fish the Harbour wall this week as the Northerlies smooth out the bays on the southern side, the bommies, reef and rubble will hold Trout, and all Reef fish, great fun on bait or soft plastics. Nelly Bay beach should also be very fishable and well worth a play. I was smashed by my third decent Barra in as many weeks on Gulps while targeting GT’s near Base on the rising tide Sunday morning. Although I have hooked them in the harbour, and off the rock wall at NB, this is the first ever off the western end of the beach.
Offshore Fishing
Following several large bait schools, Doggie Mack’s are currently congregating around Hawking’s Point as are, surprisingly, some Mack Tuna and Longtail Tuna. This means good light gear sport fishing and cheap on boat fuel and time.
The Reef has been producing great Trout and Good Reds, although this week will be no go with those pesky winds. Those deep sea speed freaks (Wahoo) were also being caught around the closer reefs with 3 reported last week as more a consolation catch on the way home.
Several local boats filled the Esky with good reef fish on Friday Saturday and even Sunday, at Brewer and Lodestone, although with horrible sloppy chop on the way home.
Our awesome Coastguard crews were kept busy with boat tows and Rescues. The largest was the Sand Bar, a Cat at least 4 m longer than the rescue boat, safely towed back to town after a breakdown out wide.
Remember, “To the world it may be just one fish but to me it is the World”
Until next time gone Fishin’…. be back dark-thirty
Cheers Dale
Fish’n N Fuel’n
36 Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay 4778-5126
For all of your fishing and hire gear. We hire and sell fishing rods, and snorkel equipment, plus sell bait, tackle, ice spear fishing equipment and convenience supplies. Check out the new Kooler Ice, 24 hours 7 days. See our new fresh milk coffee machine.
Rod and reel repair available.