A bumper season in review

PORT ALBERT

Brett Geddes

b.geddes@bigpond.com

The weeks ahead will see a changing of the guard as far as target species go, and I will delve into that later on in this report. First up, I have to share with you what has been incredible fishing, and I’m going to declare that the last six months have the consistent run of big yank flatties, and the number of rockies has also been staggering. In years gone by the rockies rarely got released when I netted a few, because they were a treasured and rare bycatch. However, in recent times I’ve seen their numbers explode to the point of even outscoring the yank flattie catch on some trips. What’s more, I’ve been amazed at their sizes. For years a 40cm held in very high regard as arguably the best eating of all flathead, and they command top dollar in markets and restaurants. However, don’t ever underestimate the eating qualities of the trusty yank. I have cooked both species side by side and asked my fellow diners to distinguish between the two in a blind taste-off. The verdict is pretty clear, with people rarely being able to tell the difference. It appears that Port Albert yank flathead match the dining excellence of the esteemed rock flatties.

The big yanks have been living up to their reputation, and plenty of large fish over 70cm have been caught. Even the average size was up on years gone by and probably up around 45cm. Their range was also rather impressive; everyone found big numbers of yanks from McLoughlins all the way through to Welshpool, and I’m still getting reasonable numbers right now. They always slow down or disappear towards the end of this month, so now’s your last chance for a feed of flattie tails.

Whiting

season have turned up between 35-38cm, and quite a few around 40cm. Those fish provide terrific, fat fillets for any whiting lover, and with such consistent numbers of larger fish, that means we can all return those smaller whiting of 32cm and under.

The legal size of 28cm or even 30cm fish provide such a small, wafer-thin fillet that they’re not worth bothering with for anglers who target them regularly. However, those smaller fish would still be a big reward for those of us trying our luck from the jetty a few times a year. At the peak of their run back in November and December it was actually nearly impossible to come across a whiting under 36cm, but that will change over the next few months.

King George whiting can be caught all year round, and as May and June roll around the bite will slow right down, and if you bag 10 good-sized fish you’re going well.

been the best we’ve had in possibly 20 years.

You may be thinking that’s a big call. Let me explain.

FLATHEAD

The number one stand-out for most anglers has been has begun to drop. This has started to really slow down the local flathead population. At this time of year, anglers have to work a little harder, and push further upstream trying to find those warmer pockets of water. Downsizing your soft plastics to 2-3” this month could be very helpful, as it presents a small, easy meal for a hungry flathead. Metal vibes can be extremely effective at this time of year too, and will continue to produce right into winter.

The bream have been amazing this year, with some of the best flats fishing in the lake I’ve ever rocky was a near trophy, but these days I’m seeing many of them over 50cm, with my best two going 60 and 64cm. I now generally release all rockies of about 36cm and under.

Rock flathead are

A 45cm King George whiting for this area is a real thumper, and although highly prized, rarely encountered. It’s taken me years to get a 44cm PB, and even fish to 42cm aren’t common. However, the good news is that countless numbers of whiting this

Yet again, I have noticed a heap of grass whiting turn up over the last few months, especially when I lure fish with small blade lures. They often hit the net at 36cm and slightly better. As I’ve said flatties I’m trying to catch. The best problem I’ve ever had! Most of the pinkies are around 35cm (a few down to 30), but there are bigger 38cm+ fish in the mix, providing pretty good sport on light gear and often in quite shallow water. Terrific numbers are also being found at Manns and McLoughlins, and even up into the Old Port. Over at Welshpool it’s a different story, with much bigger snapper finding jigged lures or bait in deeper channel waters. It’s been a better than average season so far, and it will be interesting to see how far into winter the bite continues.

Looking Ahead

That sums up the bumper season that was – and I didn’t even talk about the offshore bluefin tuna or the amazing sharks from the surf. The months ahead will see the calamari and salmon become our go-to quarry, and the signs already look positive.

The result of a great day’s fishing.

seen. With the water cooling, the majority of the bream have begun to pull off the flats and begin to station on the edges and in the deeper weed beds. I recommend making the change to deeper diving hardbodies and minnow-style soft plastics that you can you work over the weed beds.

Large garfish have been getting around a lot lately. These fun little fish make for great bait or eating, and are ideal to start young kids of on. All you need is a simple float rig with a size 12 long shank hook baited with some sand worm, and you’re well and truly set for a fun session on the gars.

HAVE YOU before, they taste the same as a King George whiting but amazingly, I see most anglers quickly return them, and some people even despising them on their line or even keep them as bait! If only they knew.

BEEN FISHING?

If you have been out for fish lately and have a good pic, send it to stevenprykefishing@gmail. com with a short description, and you could be featured in the next edition of Fishing Monthly.

The yank flatties this year have been noticeably bigger. Fish well into the 60s have been common, with a few over 70cm in the mix.

SNAPPER

The estuary fishing for pinkies in the Port Albert area has been improving for the last three years now, and lately every trip I make sees me land at least a few and sometimes over a dozen to 42cm. That’s all on lures, and I’m not even targeting them – they more or less turn up right next to the perch or rock

I hear squid are already filtering into Welshpool, and I just hope the Port Albert area gets a share because last winter and spring were very disappointing. For me, I reckon there are another few trips yet to catch the last of the flathead and snapper before they shut down for winter. The month of May can often surprise us with stunning, calm weather, and even the odd warm day up to 25°C.