Spring Is In Full Swing

By Dan Trotter on October 21, 2014 in Other

Get ready for it – spring is now in full swing and it is time to make the most of every fishing opportunity that presents itself. October is one of the most exciting months to wet a line off Sydney. With the winter species like tuna, tailor, dory and crayfish still doing their thing, and the promise of an early migration of other species, getting out on the water during October can deliver memorable moments and really kick-start the coming season’s obsession.

Right on your doorstep, get down and spin for tailor, salmon and bonito off the rocks or target whiting off the sand. The luderick and drummer will still be voracious in the bouldery shallow washes too, and southern calamari squid will be abundant on calm evenings when there is not too much water movement.

Already the harbour has started to shine, with reports of huge schools of yellowtail kingfish on the move, devouring the millions of micro baitfish that call our healthy harbour home. If you want to target the kingies when they are feeding in this mood, you will need to pay close attention and ‘match the hatch’ – that is to say, try to identify what they are feeding on and use a lure that imitates the bait closely.

Often it is the fly fishing anglers that dominate the kingfish captures at this time of year, due to their ability to present life-like bait species imitations with finesse. If you are interested in trying your hand at fly fishing, call Justin Duggan from Sydney Fly Fishing Tours and he can teach, guide and treat you to some amazing saltwater fly fishing.

Elsewhere, the artificial reef that was deployed three years ago this month really has proved a boon for local anglers. Not only does it provide a very reliable bait ground for slimy mackerel and yellowtail scad, the large submerged structure has created a habitat that holds solid yellowtail kingfish, jewfish, john dory, bream, trevally and a host of other species. The Sydney Offshore Artificial Reef GPS coordinates (WGS84) are latitude – 33°50.797’S, longitude – 151°17.988’E.

If you’re thinking of heading out to fish this spot, be aware that you lose plenty of tackle dropping into the structure, and don’t try to drop anchor unless you are competent in your anchoring and boat-handling skills, and certain you know where the reef is in relation to your position. Anchoring up-current of the structure can produce outstanding results when a consistent burley trail is used.

Last summer, Marlin were caught on the artificial reed in numbers on a handful of days. It is truly amazing what this structure has done for anglers here in Sydney.

Due to the location of the artificial reef, all boats venturing out there need to have the full complement of offshore safety gear. If you are unsure what this is, do yourself a favour and find out – the fines are heavy and the danger can be very real.

At this time of year, the fishing really shines outside the heads. Fishing from 5-metres out to 3000 metres, there is so much potential for a pleasant surprise. My offshore targets this month will be snapper, inshore kingfish and late season tuna. If you are dedicated and stick to a plan, you can sometimes catch snapper and kings, or tuna and kings, in the same day. I’m yet to see anyone catch all three in the same outing, but I’m sure it’s been done.

Either run to the 100-metre grounds, making a quick stop to jig for kingies before running wide in search of cobalt currents and golden-flanked fins, or start in the shallows at dawn casting lures for red fish before running to the 50-metre hard reefs with live baits in search of early season hoodlum kings.

Whatever you decide to do with your fishing time, prep and plan before you hit the water. Remember, fresh bait is the only way to go, and select lures that match the baitfish you are trying to imitate, but most of all, have fun!