Sorry for the missed report last week. We were busy at the Mandurah Boat Show for the week-end (and few days it takes to get there and back!) It was a great show with some new and interesting ideas. There was fish filleting demonstrations, the Engel Aquatank, cooking demonstrations and all sorts of great ideas for the EGFC for the AIBT(Australian International Billfish Tournament) and Gamex in 2011.
The Exmouth game Fishing Club has begun works on the building and the due date for completion is the week before Gamex 2010. (!) Local contractor DLR have started works with vigour and all hands are on deck to get the project ready in time. Meanwhile the Billfish Bonanza is on this week-end. Briefing is 6pm Thursday October 22nd at the rec centre. If you are interested in seeing what this event is all about, you’re welcome to come down and join the club members and competitors as they gear up for the tournament. The bar will open each night and there will be nightly raffles and info on tagging billfish for this three-day event.
Meanwhile, pictured this week is Karen Cook-Barron with her first sailfish. Karen is a first-timer for the Billfish Bonanza and she is hoping to see many more of these fish this coming week-end.
The coral trout have been abundant in the gulf according to many locals who have had the time to get out in a boat on the glassy afternoons. Soft plastic lures have been working best and one customer reported a 6kg bluebone caught on a Bozo soft plastic. Blue lined emperor have also been caught in the gulf waters. One was even caught on a bait jig, that just held up to the challenge of the feisty fish.
The shore based fishing has shown up even more spanglies on the west side as the weather warms up. Better results for these species have shown to be in the early mornings. A lightly weighted bait of squid or strip of mullet has been successful. Berley in the water also improves your chances with these hungry fish.
A few times this year we have commented on having the correct safety equipment and knowing your size and bag limits. I can’t say it enough. Please make sure you do have the correct epirb and safety gear. The fines are bad, we all know that, but your safety and those with you is important. The fisheries and DEC rules are also important. Once again, we know the fines are bad, but the future of the fishery is important for us to enjoy returning to the water each time.
Karens first Sailfish
