Bunbury

BUNBURY

Whiteys Tackle and Camping With a long hot summer behind us, the cooler weather will drop the water temperature and bring in a whole range of new fishing targets and techniques. Salmon will be schooled up thick and ready for action along the local beaches, including the Back Beach, The Cut and Buffalo.

When the salmon school do come through Bunbury region they do seem to be in a hurry to head up to the breeding grounds, so be ready to move around and hunt your target on the day. Saying that, they do seem to school up in places like the The Cut and Spot This Collie River mulloway couldn’t resist a soft plastic.

Scott Macleod with a soapie mulloway.

X hanging around the rock walls and reefs.

I’ve spent many mornings and afternoons chasing the salmon up and down jetties, rock walls and beaches around Bunbury just to feel that screaming run on light gear that we don’t always have the opportunity to experience fishing land-based locally. If you’re fishing the jetties and rock walls, I’d suggest a well-balanced soft plastic around 6” in length. I find those areas to have more sharp drop offs or ledges, which will benefit from having your lure get close to the bottom, something a diving lure can’t always accomplish.

Whilst fishing the beaches, I’ll take the heaviest metal slug or minnow profile hardbody lure that my rod will allow. Having that bit extra weight with a well matched line can be the difference of 20m on your neighbours cast and ultimately first punt at the school of bruisers.

Both boaties and landbased fishers have been collecting some impressive numbers of herring both for their breakfast toast and as excellent bait for their bottom bashing. Half the fun of the trip is the bait collection beforehand.

Boaties are experiencing some pretty hefty sized squid that are pillaging their drift baits around the 15m mark while baiting for hungry snapper.

As well as some fat skippy and tailor showing up in the shallow waters. As always, plenty of dhufish to be had in Bunbury waters when you’re happy to put in the time and effort sounding up new grounds. King George whiting quite often haunt the same grounds as that of the dhuies and that’s been evident lately with some solid specimen taking unsuspecting fisho’s dhu baits. What a problem to have!

With no surprise, shark catches have escalated lately with the salmon running up the coast coaxing the toothy critters along with them. Plenty of tigers and bronzies

taking the baits recently, particularly around Dalyellup beaches and further south, making for some exciting sports fishing. A slab of the Mandurah mullet we have delivered weekly have been enticing them well but can never go wrong with a fresh caught bait.

Black bream catches this time of year start to ramp up. Local fanatics are fishing the higher ends of the Collie in chase of the 40s with a few being successful both in catching and releasing some slabs, which is even better. It has been an exceptional year for the mulloway in the river with a massive amount showing up in force. The majority of the mulloway would be classified as soapies (in the 30-60cm range) but there is always the chance of a bigger

A squid caught off the beach by David Moore. Balloons can help get your offering out further.

unit jumping on that will give your gear a real good workout. Hands down the easiest way to get onto them is to use a 3” plastic, load on the scent and fish slow in any deeper areas. • The crew at Whiteys Tackle and Camping are always more than happy to share their knowledge of the Southwest and fishing techniques so don’t be shy, come on in and say hi, show off your catch and ask any questions you may have.

From page 114 boat and experienced skipper and crew. They will get you catching without any of the hassle.

Beach fishing is currently pretty good with lots of reports of sand whiting along the eastern and western beaches with excellent catches off the Dead Finish sand as well as Ringbolt where King George whiting have also made a good showing. The beach at Elephant Rock has provided some nice whiting and also some small bronze whaler sharks that are mooching around.

The marina rock walls are currently alive with fish and spending a bit of time just looking from the advantage of height will show you what to set your sights on. Plenty of herring, squid and garfish are getting smashed by monster samsonfish so it’s a matter of matching the lure to the prey or catching a live bait or two to get your arms stretched. If you are more into bottom dwellers go up to the northern end of main rock-wall for the chance of a pink snapper or breaksea cod.

Rock fishing at Elephant Rock has also been excellent with herring, tarwhine and the odd demersal and small bronzie coming in when berley has been used. Choose your spot wisely as some of the sections of rock in this area are steep and slippery. Don’t take risks! Choose a spot that allows you the chance to seek refuge from any king waves and don’t Salmon off the rocks near the marina are a common sight during the Easter run. let calm conditions fool you into thinking you are safe. Rogue waves are just that and can quickly result in being thrown into the water. People have died here after being washed off by king waves. • Unpredictable weather can quickly affect the fishing conditions and slippery rocks are a recipe for disaster. Please remain vigilant when rock fishing; wear a life jacket and tie off to something solid. You can hire one for free from Augusta Xtreme Outdoor Sports at 66 Blackwood Avenue Augusta -the local tackle shop and font of all local fishing knowledge. Look for the big green sign on the roof, it’s right next to the BP Service Station in the centre of town.