Getting stuck into quality tuna

PORTLAND

Nigel Fisher

What a couple of months we’ve had in Portland. The tuna have certainly turned it on here in our town, with plenty of fishos descending on Portland from far and wide. It certainly makes a huge difference to Portland, and brings in a good influx of families and money into a wide variety of businesses. It’s great to see the ramps full and a vast range of sizes so far this year.

It started with our school tuna in around the ship anchorage and North Shore towards Julia Reef. Then, as the weather cooled off, we started to see more bait schools and animal life from Lawrences as little as 10kg right up to 145kg. A lot of fish have been in that 60-90kg range, which has been making for some great fishing.

However, by the time you read this issue, who knows

what might have happened?

We’ll have to wait and see.

We have seen a large variety of lures catching fish lately – everything from large hardbodies diving nice and deep, to the ever-popular skirted lures in various colours and sizes. Some of the stand-out colours in the hardbodies have been redbait, bleeding mullet, sardine and pink, just to name a few. When it comes to skirted lures, the more popular colours have been redbait, lumos, evil, plus your standard greens and blues. Still, never underestimate odd colours that might just get you a fish on those quieter days.

Teaser bars have also been a big hit again this year, with many colours, sizes and brands doing the job.

Remember, if all else fails, chum some pilchards and run a pilchard down, or use a good live bait.

Portland will have a good range of charter operators running throughout the season. If you don’t have a boat and all the gear, but want to have a go, jump online or give us a call and we can pass on some contact numbers. And of course, if you are not into chasing tuna, there are other good options in Portland and surrounds. Whether you’re into boating, land-based fishing, estuary or fresh, there’s something here for you.

Happy fishing!

Rock to Bridgewater Bay, with big fish marked up on the sounders.

Then, like a light switch, the bigger tuna turned it on. It pretty much happened all in one weekend, and the action has been steady ever since. Most fishos have said that the range of sizes are incredible, and it’s been quite a few years since we have seen such a vast rage of fish sizes. So far the fish have ranged from

• If you’re visiting the area, call in and see the crew at Portland Compleat Angler for all your bait and fishing needs, or to find out where the fish are biting. You will find them at 61 Bentinck Street, next to the Gordon Hotel, or you can contact them on 03 5521 1844 for any information.