The Fishing Spot

Wow, this winter has been absolutely amazing for fishing. The wind has settled into some nice westerly flows which suits inshore fishing up here on the Coast. I especially like fishing when the outgoing tide lines up with the westerly winds perfectly. The big fish are still hanging around in close this winter, even though the water temperature has dropped.

My last mission had another perfect combination with the tide changing at dusk and my first fish was 14 pounds! When I arrived, it was wind against tide and I had trouble finding fish sign on the sounder where I usually anchor. I spent a good 10 minutes looping around the reef trying to work out the best position to park up knowing the boat would eventually swing as the tide changed. I forgot how awkward it is fishing with your line under the boat drifting towards the bow.

Soon the wind pulled the boat around and I was able to cast well off the back of the boat and into the burley trail which was now into its second burley bag. The start of the tide is the best because you only need half an ounce or two to get the bait to float to the bottom. I fish with big slabs of bait like half a filet of mullet secured with two 7/0 hooks on 80 pound leader. Once the current gets going the big baits tend to act like a sail in the current and you need a lot of lead to get it to the bottom. I’m always adjusting my weights depending on the phase of the tide. It’s important to have enough weight to keep the line tight so you can feel the bites. Not enough weight will cause too much slack in the line and you can’t feel what’s going on.

A wise man taught me to always use pliers and a wet cloth when unhooking fish. My second fish was around 12 pounds and I did not show it enough respect when I landed it. My 7/0 was through its cheek and I stupidly put my thumb in its mouth to try and remove the hook. Needless to say, I still have a very swollen and sore thumb today. Lesson learned – tight lines!

Tim Lawrence

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