What fabulous weather we have been having this last week? (touch wood!) I had the pleasure of fishing the whole week and apologies for the late fishing reports, but we all need to have a break from work some times!? I was fortunate enough to spend the week fishing the Mackerel Islands fishing tournament and what a wonderful place it is. The fishing on the way up there from Exmouth was enjoyable, with mackerel caught while trolling, a collection of reef species caught from the bottom and sailfish seen jumping in the Exmouth gulf already. Yes, some of the sailfish we saw jumping were within 5 miles of the Exmouth marina, so as expected, we believe they will be early this year and the Betta Billfish Bonanza should be a good one.

The long-awaited results from the Ultra-Light Fishing Tournament are here. Thanks for your patience. The EGFC have loaded up all the fish caught on their website for you to see at www.egfc.com.au under the tournaments heading.

1. HPS Gamefish other than Billfish or Shark on 1kg line. Winner: Rhys Clatworthy onboard Pussy Galore with a 5.8kg golden trevally.

2. HPS Gamefish other than Billfish or Shark on 2kg line. Winner: Leigh Mitchell with a 6.7kg golden trevally onboard Pussy Galore.

3. HPS Gamefish other than Billfish or Shark on 3kg line. Winner: Rhys Clatworthy with a 6.8kg golden trevally.

4. HPS Gamefish other than Billfish or Shark on 4kg line. Winner: Junior angler Cody Wright from the boat Resurrected with a 17.8kg Spanish mackerel.

5. HPS Gamefish other than Billfish or Shark on 6kg line. Winner: Jo Decker with a 16.6kg Spanish mackerel onboard Saltshaker.

6. Champion Junior. Winner: Cody Wright, followed by Riley Smith and Chelsea Smith.

7. Champion Team T&R Shark. Winner: Pussy Galore

8. Champion Team T&R Sailfish. Winner: Resurrected

9. Champion Team T&R Marlin. Winner: Awesum

10. Champion Team Overall. Winner: Resurrected

During the week reports came into store from anglers on holidays and a few locals. Maureen Forrest has been trying to catch a red emperor for years and finally caught the one pictured this week. Maureen was using fresh local squid bait and caught the beauty in the Exmouth gulf. The fish weighed 6.5kg.  We usually see these species in the deeper waters off the coast, but through winter we have noticed them come in shallow and a few local guys have been spearing them as well around the islands.

Maureen red emp

Beryl Jones is staying at the caravan park on the west side and chasing species from the beach. One day this last week resulted in her catching a 61cm spangled emperor.  The amazing part to this story is that she was using a whiting rig of a #4 hook and 10lb line! Well done Beryl, that’s a great catch on light line from the shore. 

Beryl spangled emp

We are at the end of winter and the warmer temperatures have already started. Shore based fishing along the coast is rewarding in many ways, especially with the wildflowers out this season. If you haven’t been out to see and appreciate the wonderful coastal back yard we have here, then I suggest you do and remember to take a rod and reel too!