Ben Griffin from Mandurah is up on holidays with his Dad and friends. They were fishing in under 20m of water off Tantabiddi using Ockta jigs when they hooked up to a variety of fish including spangled emperor coral cod and a robinson sea bream. The robinson sea bream are usually only found in deep water, so it was interesting to see them in shallow for a change, and I can tell you Ben’s Dad was pleased about that too: the fish was kept for the dinner table that night.

A few guys travelled all the way from Japan to Exmouth purely to go squid fishing. In fact they are professionally sponsored squid anglers! The day they chose to go out was perfect with no wind, calm conditions, but unfortunately they only caught two squid for the whole day! Despite this, the guys enjoyed the day and will return. 

The billfish have been continuing to show up with young 12yr old Jarvis Dekker from Albany catching his first marlin. He was out with his Dad and brother in their 6m plate ally when they decided to throw a couple of empty solo cans out on a thin rope as a teaser. They had a Richter soft oscar in a purple colour and a Halco laser pro 190 in king brown colour out when a black marlin swooped in and took the laser pro.  After a short while, Jarvis landed the fish and a few pics were taken for the brag board before the fish was released. Using a few cans as a teaser and catching the fish on a laser pro: that’s what we call tinny!

Meanwhile young 7yr old Haden Michaels has been up again on holidays from Mandurah. On this trip Hayden got out on the family boat and caught his first marlin! Hayden has been tagging queenfish, trevally, tuna and other pelagic species for the Game Fishing Association of Australia Junior Small-Fry competition. Hayden tagged several sailfish last year as well and we think he will do well in the National competition that runs every year from July to June.

The official opening of the EGFC clubhouse is this Friday the 23rd of April. All members and sponsors have been sent invitations. The EGFC expect the venue to be full for this event, so RSVP’s are essential. The clubhouse will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the long week-end, so if you miss out on the opening, you’re welcome to go and see the new venue over the weekend and enjoy the view!

The RECFISHWEST kids fishing clinic will be on Saturday the 24th of April. Please book your child in for this fun morning of fishing games and education. There are prizes and giveaways and it is on town beach from 830-1130 with a free sausage sizzle.

Hayden's First Marlin