One customer in store this week had to replace a rod and reel that was taken over the side by a massive squid!  He was fishing at Warroora Station with his wife for squid. His wife caught one, so he brought in his jig and laid his rod down with the jig slightly in the water.  While he was landing his wife’s squid, he heard a noise that was his rod splashing into the water. He saw a huge squid on the end of the jig and it took off with the lot in a hurry. We have had good reports of squid being caught both around the west side and in the gulf this week.  If you haven’t targeted them before, the lead up-to and just-after high tide is the best time for them.

You can get squid both from the shore or in a boat.  Shore based areas that work well are the beaches south of the marina and the southern marina wall.  The beaches south of Bundegi boat ramp work well too. Many areas have squid and it’s always advisable to have at least one squid jig in your tackle bag when fishing. If you have a boat, the areas south and north of all major launching facilities in Exmouth hold squid. The squid tend to roam around the weed beds, so if you work these areas, particularly around the high tide, you should have success. If you are not sure, pop in to the local tackle store and ask the staff.

Last year we had Steve Smith catch a rather large mackerel from his kayak. This year, he’s at it again! He was trolling the back of the reef when there was little swell and wind, and lots of whales, which he said was amazing! He rigged up his T-curve rod and attached his line to a down rigger to take the lure deeper into the water!  He had a rigged blue mackerel with an owner hook and pink skirt, 69lb wire leader and 60lb mono leader attached to his 30lb main line mono on an overhead reel. The fish captured was 17kg and after an energetic tussle, the fish was safely landed in the kayak and put in the hold, while Steve paddled back to shore. Great effort Steve, not to mention brave, as we all know what the sharks can be like at times!

Check out the report next week for results of the Ultralight fishing competition in which 14 teams entered. Results can also be found at the EGFC clubhouse that is open Thursday to Monday. Support your local fishing club, why not get involved with the next event, the Betta Billfish Bonanza in October.