Bunbury

WA West Coast

Anglers getting their dhus and pink snapper

BUNBURY Whiteys Tackle and Camping

With the worst of the weather finally getting behind us, boaters have been reporting large numbers of dhus and pinks in and outside the bay.

Fishing the 30m patch south of Bunbury is likely to produce. Finding small isolated ground is key to a successful trip. Many boaters have turned to using artificials, such as metal slow pitch jigs and soft plastics. A local favourite is the Caprice jig and Haolis in pink/glow and orange/glow. A slow pitch jigging technique is sure to get results.

An always welcome by-catch at this time of year are the mulloway and tailor that frequent our beaches. The last Anglers have been finding good catches on small isolated grounds.

NEW PRODUCTS

Demand for limited edition Beyond Blue antenna

After GME released the pink McGrath Foundation antenna, ARB’s Facebook page was flooded with comments asking for a version to support Beyond Blue. Beyond Blue is a mental health organisiation that focuses on people affected by depression, anxiety and suicide. They provide information and support for all Australians to achieve their best possible mental health.

ARB and GME mutually agreed on the prospect of supporting a charity that has worked so hard, especially over recent times. In consultation with Beyond Blue, they have produced a blue antenna and are donating $40 from each sale directly to the mental health charity.

In a time of uncertainty, instability and isolation, the power of communication and connection has been more apparent than ever.

“While mental health has always been a serious and important topic, the last 18 months have been particularly difficult,” said Mark Berger, Brand Marketing Manager. “At ARB, we consider ourselves to be very fortunate to be associated with an activity that provides people an opportunity to escape the daily grind, to destress and to spend much needed time with family and friends.

“Partnering with GME on this project was the perfect match given the importance of communication for those who battle with mental health. We can only hope that a wave of signature blue antennas on the tracks provides a reminder amongst our 4WDing fraternity to always keep the lines of communication open, start talking, and keep talking.”

The 6.6dBi, 1200mm antenna has an interchangeable whip with the AS4700 series. Included in the package is the blue radome antenna, the antenna assembly, a 4.5m coaxial cable and plug as well as the FME to PL259 adaptor. It’s available from any ARB store or stockist while stocks last.

To donate directly, please visit fundraise.beyondblue. org.au. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit www. beyondblue.org.au. – GME few weeks have been no exception with some horse tailor sessions being had on weightless mulies, my personal favourite.

Squid have been around in great numbers, as well as size. The winter thumpers Bay or from the local jetties will produce a feed.

Those of us that have already been walking the flats are noticing a definite increase in the blue swimmer numbers, and sizes are looking even to set a good prospecting line through your area of choice.

Harvey Dam has been fishing well for redfin perch, look for rocky banks with plenty of structure as this is where the redfin hide

Pink snapper have been in large numbers, as well as large in size.

The weather has finally settled allowing anglers to get outside the bay.

aren’t all gone yet. There is a common misconception that squidding is a waste of time in Bunbury waters, which can’t be further from the truth. Numbers are higher than ever for the boaties that take the time to target these delicious cephalopods and there are plenty of land-based spots to target them as well. Night sessions on the weed banks through Koombana better than last year. Good numbers of blue swimmers can be had all year round if you’re happy to put in the time exploring.

There are always crabs to be had from the jetties in Bunbury or the Koombana Bay areas while you’re waiting for the temperatures of the estuary to rise. There is a boat limit of 10 crab nets, which leaves you plenty of nets out. The norm is generally spinners but don’t discount soft plastics. I rig a slightly heavier jighead (around the 1/8oz) to ensure my plastic is getting down where the fish are. • Call into the shop at 1/143 Grand Entrance, Australind for the latest fishing reports and what’s biting, or simply to have a yarn. Until next time, tight lines and screaming drags!