Winter Is Coming

By Dan Trotter on June 24, 2014 in Other

Photo: Dan Trotter

Winter is almost here, and while I haven’t seen any ‘white walkers’ among us, some of the unwashed and hairy local hipsters certainly do remind me of Mance Rayder (excuse the Game of Thrones reference).

The winter solstice will soon be upon us. June 21 marks the day with the shortest period of sunlight this year and it really should be celebrated, as from there onwards the days get longer (though it will be some time before the temperatures get warmer).

Despite the finger-chilling mornings that await us over-eager anglers, I for one am more excited than ever by the fishing opportunities that the winter months produce.

June is traditionally a month of variables in the ocean, a time of change. Only last year the offshore currents were still warm and billfish were being caught well into July. The tuna turned up early then disappeared, returning on occasion for lucky anglers here and there on a wing and a prayer.

If you like to fish for yellowtail kingfish, June presents an opportunity to find them in good numbers on the hundred-meter reefs. These are no longer well-guarded secrets, so if you don’t know where to go just ask around. Local charter operators offer trips specifically targeting kingies at this time of year. They can be a great way to spend time with mates, get buckled by tackle-testing hoodlums and come home with a good feed.

Use knife jigs in the 200-400 gram range coupled with quality assist hooks on kevlar droppers to get amongst the action. Be aware that if the Chinamen leatherjackets are present, jigging days can get very expensive, very quickly. Your best option is to move if you start to get snipped off by these toothy hordes. If you are in the market for a solid jigging outfit, the market offers a rod and reel combo to suit every budget. If you’re keen for more information, drop into your local fishing tackle specialist or feel free to drop me a line. I’ve created a short list of options to get you kitted up.

For me, June and July are all about local options: blackfish, drummer, tailor, Australian salmon and southern calamari squid off the rocks. For the boat-based anglers, target snapper on soft plastics offshore and kings a little wider as above. It’s also a great time of year to don a wetsuit, mask and flippers and hop in off the local rocks to see what’s swimming about.

If you’re keen to stay in the harbour, whether you are land- or boat-based a fine, misty burley trail is a must. Swim a live bait just off the bottom, fish lightly-weighted bait presentations down the trail and have a 7-gram metal lure tied on a light casting rod just in case the Australian salmon or bonito schools wander near.

If these options aren’t enough to tempt you, perhaps a trip north is your best option. From the mid-north coast upwards, the fishing options open right up. Expect snapper, cobia, pearl perch and mackerel inshore, and the chance of wahoo and school yellowfin tuna offshore. There are also myriad other species to target and the further north you go the more options you have to chase.

One thing is for sure, June is not a time to sit idly by and wish for summer’s return. Instead, keep your gear prepped and ready and your daydreams healthy. What are you waiting for? Get out there.