Fishers eager to get back out

MANDURAH

Jesse Choy

This month many anglers will be looking to get out on the boat as the new demersal ban is lifted from the beginning of the month. Although there are many options with regards to offshore fishing, most people will be looking to get their fix of dhufish or pink snapper and some of the common by-catch that are encountered whilst fishing for them.

April is a great time for fishing around Mandurah in general, as options are plentiful and all calibres of anglers are able to get stuck into some fish wherever they may find themselves during the month.

Beaches from Preston to Secret Harbour are well worth checking out if you are hoping to spend an early are very rewarding for any angler to catch.

When fishing from Dawesville Cut, there is bound to be some whiting available if fishing from the estuary side and you are also likely to come across some herring or the odd tailor if you are lucky. Fishing more towards the ocean will yield better results with regards to herring, although whiting are not as fond of the deep rocky structures as they are of the sand flats and drop offs at the estuary opening. As we a progress further into the month, it is advisable to keep a watchful eye on the water for stray salmon that are ahead of the pack. In recent years the numbers of salmon caught by landbased anglers is seemingly low, though you can be assured that great sized where the bulk of fish are and is even better when you do not need to contend with dense brush piles that are willing to claim your rig or lure. finished, your target species list has increased twofold. Species like red bite fish, dhufish, breaksea cod, snapper and many more will have anglers out in numbers targeting them. Reefy areas in 30-50m of water will be a great place to start.

Although many will focus on these, there will still be plenty of yellowtail kingfish around the south western side of Rottnest Island. They tend to hold near the edge of the sanctuary zone and can be targeted using unweighted baits, jigging or with soft plastics. Many people set up a berley trail and target the kingies as they push up the trail. Trolling lures around this area can also produce Spanish mackerel, bluefin and morning or evening fishing some gutters. Although select beaches will have smaller gutters than some of your more surf-worthy waters, they are all worth checking out and will likely produce great fish, if you are there at the right time. Species you are likely to catch will include herring, sand whiting and the odd tailor which has not followed the schooling fish up the coast. If you are after some larger specimen, some good mulloway will be surely lurking behind the aforementioned species in hopes of easy pickings and fish will pass through at some point and it is wise to anticipate that their presence may not be as evident as the dark balling schools they are often known for.

Keeping an eye out may just reward you with a tank like this, with picky fish often willing to attack a well-presented lure.

If you are looking for some fun in the river systems, it is definitely worth chasing some black bream and by-catch will surely keep yellowfin tuna.

The FADs will still be in place and they will continue to be worth a visit. Mahimahi are by far the most popular of the target species that hang around the FAD’s. Great to catch and also great on the plate.

The other option that opens with the demersal closure now finished is deep drop fishing. Some of the best eating fish we have in Western Australian water are caught in 300-500m. Eight bar cod, greyband, harpuka and blue eye trevalla are just a few of the tasty species that inhabit the deep blue. All are 5 star eating quality fish.

Another that is worthy of a huge mention is the bass grouper. Fish up to 50kg have been caught in our waters. A fish of a the kids entertained. Fish are abundant throughout the rivers, though it is wise to avoid going too far up as most of the fish are generally located in the middle to lower sections at this time of year. Though you will get some fish right upstream, the catch rate is a lot better when fishing lifetime for anybody.

Fishing freshwater, most of the dams near Pinjarra are a good option and will produce trout or redfin right throughout the day. Logue brook for example, is a great body of water that offers great views, a place for the family to swim and there are many opportunities for you to catch some fish too. When fishing the dams, your best option is to keep casting at different structures such as rocks, reeds or weed beds until you find a pattern or area that the fish prefer. Although baits will work, lures are always a favourite of the avid freshwater fishers, as they generally allow you to fish these structures most effectively, appealing to feeding fish by covering ground and require minimal attention with regards to rigging.

I hope everybody has a happy Easter and that you can indulge in a few chocolate treats and maybe have the chance to go a wet a line. I will catch you next month.