Batemans Bay

BATEMANS BAY Anthony Stokman

Last December our south coast marlin bite kicked in towards the end of the month. This year, could they be as prolific as the tuna the last few years? With reports of marlin already spotted feeding on bait balls that the tuna were on, the answer could be yes.

Seeing marlin in September onwards is a good sign and suggests the same thing as the tuna run: that the currents and water are favorable and there is a good food source. So, it’s possible we may see an even earlier start to the season.

Marlin fishing is still probably the most exciting form of fishing, that’s why people throw a lot of money at it. It requires big boats, expensive gear and is great for our economy on the south business specializing in game gear. You can’t go wrong with these lures, and Black Pete distribute the ever-reliable Moi Moi game fishing line. Using quality line is vital because it’s what connects you to the fish, so don’t muck around there – always buy the best. Current that pushes down the beautiful, cobalt blue water which carries nutrients and bait has the predators following. One of these pelagic predators is the almighty kingfish. Throughout spring and up until now you can find kingies in this blue water pushing south.

Louis getting into the snapper, which can be good throughout December.

Georgia Poyner with a couple of cracker salmon.

coast. The fishing sector brings more money into our region than any other sector, and marlin season couldn’t come at a better time after these restrictions and lockdowns. Our community needs the boost, and we expect a lot of boats and fishos to flock to the region. With that in mind, plan ahead, get out super early or a little later to avoid boat ramp chaos, and have patience.

When choosing lures, please support Australian businesses by purchasing local brands and/or from Australian distributors. They make worldclass lures and catch just as many fish as foreign lures do. On the south coast we have JB Lures, Frantic and Jett lures, and a great Australian distributer is Black Pete, an Australian family-owned

Can we expect marlin closer inshore like the tuna spring run? Yes, they have already been spotted in snapper grounds and the odd stripe and black marlin especially can be found closer to shore. Jervis Bay is the mecca for marlin from the stones, and this season could see a good to even better showing of these beak faces.

Don’t rule out tuna though; it is possible to see yellowfin tuna all year round, and with the way things have been, it’s on the cards. The only thing is that most boats are concentrating on the marlin on or inside the Continental Shelf, and the tuna could be found anywhere there and beyond.

December is when things start heating up water-wise. The warm Eastern Australian Whenever this blue water pushes close to shore or past our ledges is when you want to be there for your chance of one of these pelagic fish.

Another important factor is bait, and if it’s there you want to be there at first light to catch some livies to send out under a balloon, whilst casting your favourite lures (e.g. stickbaits, plastics or metals) to keep up your exercise. It’s a lot of fun catching them on a lure – nearly as fun as watching your livie getting harassed or investigated under the balloon. You can tell by the balloon’s action when something is going on. Most of the time it is still or slowly moving around, then it stops, moves again, stops, makes a few jitters and wobbles around. As you watch you are thinking “my livie has got someone visiting him and making him nervous”, then all of a sudden he starts making a beeline and the balloon is marching out to sea and wobbling along just before it disappears beneath the surface, and you are on!

By then you have the rod and reel in hand and you give it a bit of time before you load up the drag and feel the connection, and the fish is hooked up.

That’s the easy part. These fish never give up right up until the end, and most scream off and dust you on the reef. If you do get the king away from the bottom, he will get you at your feet when you can’t get him on the ledge. You can see where they get the nickname ‘The Hoodlum’. They are dirty fighters all the way. I’ve had a school of kings in New Zealand swim in and one took my lure, swam past me into a narrow corridor of water down behind me where it looked as though it was going to be a quick and easy win, only to feel my line stuck around a Louilad enjoying the south coast life.

rock and to see the school of kings swim by me in the other direction. It’s as if he knew what he was doing; he took my lure, swam to the shallows and tied me up around the rocks, busted me off and gave me a wink as he swam away. I thought, “you cheeky bugger”.

Another bluewater species looking to visit down here is the mahimahi or dolphinfish. They’re one of the most unusual and beautiful looking fish and are one of the best table fish that exist. FADs are out now and they can be worth a visit during and into late December.

The beaches are alive with whiting from here on, and probably one of the most iconic things an Australian can do from December and throughout the summer months is go beach fishing. What makes it so iconic, and why is used in tourism marketing, is first and foremost how beautiful the scenery is. It brings a kind of mediative calmness to your soul.

The other attractions of summer beach fishing is the warm weather and water, and being able to catch another great table fish to bring home to the family. It doesn’t get much better than that. Last year we had a good run of bream on our beaches also, and that would be welcomed this year.

For some other anglers, the biggest event of the year is the estuaries. Game fishing brings revenue to coastal areas and so does estuary fishing. Some estuary anglers spend a lot of money on fancy boats and equipment, but it’s not essential. A cheap combo and a pack of prawns can have you and your family enjoying our estuaries.

Bream, flathead, estuary perch, whiting and mulloway are the main targets, and they have been present lately. We are looking forward to a great summer on the estuary.

The lakes are producing prawns, and some lakes better than others. This is a great family outing during dark nights. The prawns are also prey for the fish, so using prawn imitation lures can pay off.

Our lakes are also great for fishing surface lures, chasing whiting and bream at this time of the year. What also loves a surface lure is bass, and bass fishing is in full swing now. It’s good to take a small hardbody, a compact spinnerbait along with surface lures to cover some options.

South coast anglers are starting to become excited for this season as we come out of restrictions, so come and say “hi” and enjoy this great place. • For more up-to-the-minute information on what’s biting where, drop into Compleat Angler Batemans Bay and have a chat to Anthony or one of the other friendly staff. They’re located at 65A Orient St, Batemans Bay (02 4472 2559).

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