Anglers enjoying the long awaited seasonal change

BERMAGUI Darren

Redman

djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Autumn is the time when you have an aquatic seasonal change, where you get a changeover of species or, more to the point, a combination of different ones. It’s quite possible to catch warm water sub-tropical species such as dolphinfish (mahimahi), and albacore and yellowfin tuna are also present. Shark species can also vary, and we’re likely to see anything from tigers and hammerheads through to makos, blues and threshers.

The inshore grounds and estuaries are also changing, and the effects of recent rains have improved these areas no end. If variety is what you are looking for, head to the inshore reefs and also look towards the entrances of our estuaries, as the warmer waters pushing in from the ocean are stimulating fish to feed.

As mentioned, offshore game fishing is excellent, and in the past many big blue marlin have been caught in the month of April. Trolling is probably the best form of attack, with large skirted lures trolled out over the 1000 fathom line doing most of the damage on the big blues. You should also consider trolling small striped tuna, as they also catch their share at this time of year.

Closer to the continental shelf and Twelve Mile Reef, striped and black marlin are in good numbers, and mixed with them are a variety of tuna species and dolphinfish. All of these areas mentioned are worth berleying for sharks, and if you are into shark fishing always keep in mind what other species may venture into the berley trail. I recommend that you always have a live bait out under a balloon, rigged on

250lb mono trace, as there are always marlin and tuna to be caught in this way. These fish will continue to be taken like this well into the winter months.

Reef and bottom fishing is excellent as the calm weather generally allows anglers to fish as they wish. When you get these lovely, still conditions, this is the time of year to get close to