Another blast of true winter weather has peppered the Limestone Coast again over the weekend, but for the die-hards, that’s just what we need to kick a few of our favourite winter species into gear.
There was a bit going on over the weekend, so let’s get into it!
The offshore fishing has been tricky to say the least.
Big swell, strong winds and freezing temperatures have kept all but the keenest of anglers on dry land.
There has been tuna caught again this week, though all have been school fish.
From speaking to the fishos who have been out there having a look, they reckon the numbers of fish out there now is incredible, at times everywhere you look, tuna are jumping out of the water!
It’s great to see and we know there are still big fish mixed in with them, you have just gotta fish through ‘em.
Inshore, fishing around the kelp and reef areas has been very productive for those targeting sharks.
The school shark have been the predominant target down the coast, but there has been a handful of nice gummy sharks mixed in with them.
Hayden Sneath and crew boated some rippers late last week, one being a horse at just shy of 30kg.
There is not any secret spots down there, just find a nice area of broken bottom, some kelp and let the burley flow and they will come.
With the winter weather comes the winter garfish, and they’re always a bit bigger than our summer samples.
The “red beakers” have been in good touch these past few weeks, and when the weather allows us, the numbers have been great.
Our usual landbased haunts such as the Petrified Forrest, Hutt Bay, Cape Douglas and Livingstons have all been excellent and are all areas worthy of a crack when the weather allows.
“Like usual, mullet, salmon trout and tommies are in the same spots, so expect a few visitors.
I have seen a few pictures and videos recently of boaties fishing Rocklands and landing some excellent yellowbelly in around the timber.
Deep diving minnows such as stumpjumpers or similar have been great for those trolling and Get Bent shudder and spinner baits have been red hot for those casting.
A good sounder is definitely going to improve your chances over there, but that said, just being on the water puts you in with a shot.
There are a few cod sniffing around up there too, and we’re hearing of the odd one being landed by those targeting the yellas.
The Glenelg River has coloured up a bit in the last week, but do not be discouraged, the fish are still there, we just have to change our approach.
As is often the case when the river dirties up, the fish head deep.
They’ll often be on or near the bottom and a bit reluctant to feed, but vibes and blades fished in front of their faces will often result in some good bites.
Down towards the estuary it’s not as dirty, but the fishing down there should fire up very soon.
The forecast for the coming week looks breezy during the week, but come the weekend, the wind and swell are both backing off nicely and we should see plenty of the smaller trailer boats hitting the ocean again.
Until next week, safe fishing!
