Offshore anglers relish the calm

Hamish Dods caught this quality GT on a 5" Berkley Power Bait not far from the Munna Point Bridge.

By JACK MANGROVE

WITH the wind dropping, the weekend offshore anglers where out in force.
There were some great reports coming from most of the reefs – north reef was a standout with a great range of reef species all hitting the decks: large snapper, cod, pearl perch and sweetlip to name a few.
The Hards was another area that put the runs on the board with amberjack, gold ban snapper, and some monster pearlies.
We are also starting to signs of the pelagic with report of spotted mackerel moving around the reefs. Looks like its going to be another sensational pelagic season.
The river has again been performing – we are so lucky to have such a great fishery right on our doorstep, from top to bottom there have been some outstanding captures over the last week.
Up towards the everglades, bass have been on the chew, with nice jacks between the lakes and great tailor through the lower part of the system.
Whiting have again been the focus of a lot of land-based anglers, with the Dog Beach, Frying Pan and Gympie Terrace all reporting good sized fish – live worms and freshly pumped yabbies have been the preferred baits.
There are also the fish that come out of left field, like a cobia out the front of the Coast Guard Station, and a barra captured and released (closed season at this time of the year) in – of all places – Woods Bay.
On the beach, the lighter winds have given the beach anglers the chance to tangle with some great jewies as well as those tailor that are heading south. The southern beaches like Marcus and Perigan beaches have some great gutters at the moment perfect for a cruising large tailor or jew.
Remember limit your catch don’t catch your limit, because some fish are just too great to catch only once.
On behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures.