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Freeburn Rock

from Catch it in the Clarence and beyond

from Catch it in the Clarence and beyond, page 61

Sportsman’s Creek

A rock structure protruding up from the bottom of the ocean usually with extremely steep sides is known as a bombie or pinnacle. Freeburn Rock lifts out of around 15mtrs of depth to just 3.5mtrs below the surface. A large swell will break regularly on this rock. Because of the close proximity to the surface there is a large amount of coral and kelp on and around the rock. Where is it?

Approximately six nautical miles south of the mouth of the Clarence and about 1-½ nautical miles off shore.

Freeburn Rock (The Bombie) GPS: 29.31.133 153.22.155

What’s there?

The bombie itself is enough, some keen divers and spear fishers dive the rock. The structure attracts a vast array of different fish, pelagic and reef and large shoals of bait. What fish should I target?

If you love fishing for Snapper then this is one of the best grounds for targeting Snapper on plastics or lures. Also trolling around the rock can be very productive for Mackerel, Tuna, and Cobia etc. Blue Groper is also a common catch in the winter. What bait should I use?

Floating pillies will produce some nice Snapper and Jewfish at times but the most productive fishing around the rock is lure fishing. Red crabs are like lollies to the Blue Groper. A live yakka or slimy mackerel trolled at walking pace will be the best for a big Spanish Mackerel. What lures are best?

Large soft plastics in any pattern will take Snapper in the very early hours of the morning. Most days you can troll surface lures (pink squid) or divers (large bibbed lures) around the rock and be successful. Best time to fish?

The rock will surprise you everyday. Warm water during December to April is good for pelagics on troll. Late June to September for Snapper on plastics, What dream fish might I catch?

Spanish Mackerel to over 30kg from this rock have been caught.

For the Kids

Definitely not for the kids. The break is very unpredictable. Always boat at a safe speed and know the limits of yourself and your boat.

Reel Time Team Tips

Caution Caution

Freeburn Rock is one of the most unpredictable breaks on the coast. Even on the calmest of days a freak wave can break over the top and swamp a boat. This spot deserves the greatest of respect and care.

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This article is from:

Catch it in the Clarence and beyond

by Clarence Valley Independent