The monthly fishing competition has been a hard one for the judges, with all sorts from Mick Kopp who caught both a muddy at the bay of rest and an eel from the marina (that apparently tasted good!?) to Trevor Earl with a giant herring weighing 5.6kg, to Trevor’s wife Rose with a tasty cod. We had some yellowfin tuna caught on big fast lures by Dave and Steve from Perth too. However, the winner this month was seven year old Ashley Woodvine who caught a cracking 6.5kg bar-cheek trout that was his first ever! Ashley caught the coral trout in the Exmouth Gulf using bait and we’re pleased to give him the winning voucher and the remaining raised funds go to Exmouth Marine Rescue and Exmouth Game Fishing Club. All entrants go in the draw for the Christmas Shimano $700 prize.
Ashley trout
Rankin cod have been thick on the ground west of the Muiron Islands according to reports in today. Gold band job fish have been more prevalent in the areas south of the lighthouse out to about 100m deep. A few nasty sharks have been lurking around norwest reef and suggestions are that if the sharks come in, then it’s time to move off.
The marina has been a little haven for a variety of species as it has developed over the years. We often see all sorts of species in there from mangrove jacks in summer, to flathead, queenfish, squid, trevally, the odd trout, big cod, sharks and we even caught a tarpon one day. You can get bream year round and watch out for the ‘happy moment’ fish that has a numbing and painful effect when the spines hit you. A good idea is to have pliers to get hooks out. The marina is an area that is close to town and where you can get variety, it can also be handy for getting shelter from any strong winds. With school holidays not far away, it’s a great place for older kids.
Town beach on the high tide is a better option for younger kids, while Bundegi beach and others around the west side, like Janz are good for young kids too. Take care on some of the beaches around the west side where the waves can crash hard against the shore. It’s always good to observe an area carefully before fishing with kids. Don’t forget that even though it is winter, you can still get burnt! Two young kids came in today after fishing all day and were severely sunburnt. Remember to slip, slop and slap, especially with kids in the sun.