Augusta

AUGUSTA Anthony Gillam

Well, here we are, in the midst of the normal demersal closure for the year while we wait for the state government to make a belated decision in regard to the proposed 9-month ban. Punters are placing bets on the ban being reduced from the actual target ban the government desired in the first place.

Onto the actual business of fishing, there has been a mixed bag of conditions that meant that some weeks were unfishable with absolutely abhorrent weather conditions meaning that no one even considered picking up a tackle bag. Luckily a mid-month calm patch with

low winds and flat seas gave everyone the opportunity to catch a feed.

Unfortunately, jetty fishing dropped off with many of the usual species taking a bit of a break from the good numbers previously showing up. Advice from those fishing at night were pretty bleak with only spasmodic catches of herring and tailor reported by those braving the freezing nights to have a go. The water was pretty filthy due to large amounts of runoff and has only recently begun to clean up which may be part of the reason.

There are plenty of King George whiting out in the Deadwater and up into the Swan Lakes for the kayak and small boat fishers, however, they have definitely eased from the early spring numbers where it was easy to bag out

in less than an hour. That being said, the average size is around the 30cm mark so not too bad at all for river whiting. They are taking baits of river prawn, cockles and squid with blood worms and sand worms also being readily devoured. Soft plastic worms are still working a treat and small hardbodied lures will pick up whiting as well as the odd lurking black bream.

Speaking of black bream, they definitely eased lower down the inlet but further up river near Molloy Island and Alexandra Bridge the numbers have been good and sizes have been well into the mid 30s. The recent Augusta Volunteer Marine Rescue Annual Bream Fishing Competition had 172 competitors across the various classes with many of the better fish topping 40cm. The number of competitors is extremely encouraging and with many participating in catch and release the future looks bright.

With the demersal closure happening mid-month, most people that ventured into the bays were trying for one last fish before a possible very long wait until the next opportunity arises depending on the result of the governments pondering.

Plenty of dhufish and pink snapper were around the usual locations in the bay and were definitely on the bite. It was noted that many of the boats hitting the water were from out of town with many people realising that Augusta is pretty hot fishing at the moment. Some good numbers of bight redfish and breaksea cod added to a healthy bag for most boats. Both bait fishing and soft plastic fishing gave good results and as usual Vexed Bottom Meat jigs were deadly. Squid and mulies are working well for those using bait and white or orange 6-7” soft plastics jigged near the bottom have been smashed.

Sand whiting and King George whiting are still active throughout the bays and were ideal for those who only had a short window of opportunity to get a feed, especially with the changeable weather making it imperative that smaller craft remained close to shore. Anywhere around the abalone ranch in Flinders Bay has given up the goods especially for sand whiting with patches of King George also turning up. Squid and worms were by far the most favoured baits. Drifting through the sandy areas soon turned up where the fish were and if the average was too small a short trip further out would usually find the size you wanted.

Beach fishing conditions were not really very good for the month and as a result there were not many catches reported. Hopefully as spring progresses then the beach fishing will get better.

Rock fishing was very hit and miss, however, some nice fish have been caught, especially off the rocks near the lighthouse when the weather was dry. Herring, skippy and whiting as well as some really nice King George whiting in the 40cm range were the main catch. There have been some large numbers of pink snapper biting from the rocks but most are under sized and need to be released. Horseshoe leather jackets are an annoying bait thief but once you work them out a few can also grace your dinner plate as a welcome addition. As I always say the use of a good berley slick is key to bringing the fish to where you are. • Rock fishing is dangerous

Hardy Inlet produces an excellent bag of whiting, with a few herring and salmon, for the author while floating around in a kayak. A 43cm King George with a few leatherjackets thrown in. Rock fishing in Augusta means lunch is sorted.

the ridiculous proposal to a more palatable but still unwarranted 6-month period. It is expected to be designed to appease the massive amount of recreational fishers and associated businesses affected while achieving

The beautiful colours of a leatherjacket just landed from the rocks at Ringbolt Bay.

From page 108 think you’re walking in a colder area, not only is it unpleasant for you but also the crabs, so pick up and try a new location as the chances of crabs deciding to feed there are low. • For any info, tips or advice on anything you have read, heard or dreamt about or to have a brag, duck into Whiteys Tackle and Camping, 1/143 Grand Entrance Treendale and say hello, we are always more than happy to help and love a good story! The Deadwater is the reason we love Augusta – you can’t get water any flatter.

Blake Gillam with another jigged dhufish from near the islands in Flinders Bay.

at times and careful consideration of where and when you fish must be done. Unpredictable weather can quickly affect the fishing conditions and slippery rocks are a recipe for disaster. Please remain vigilant when rock fishing; wear a life jacket and tie off to something solid. You can hire one for free from Augusta Xtreme Outdoor Sports at 66 Blackwood Avenue Augusta – the local tackle shop and font of all local fishing knowledge. Look for the big green sign on the roof, it’s right next to the BP Service Station in the centre of town.