Around the Bay - Tuesday, September 6, 2022

With Jim’s Bait and Tackle

THERE is a noticeable change in the weather and the sun, when it’s out, is that few degrees warmer than it has been. 

Just when you thought they were gone, the barrel tuna has showed up again or more accurately the weather has improved enough for people to be able to head out to look for them. 

We have seen another half a dozen over the last week or so ranging from 60kg to well over 100kg. 

The reports have been like before and a little all over the place, both east and west. 

One common thing with all the reports has been the fish that they caught wasn’t the only one that showed up on the sounder and appears that there is plenty out there still. 

With the bay still cold and a lot of fresh water flowing out of the river’s others took advantage of the calmer conditions, several boats headed out looking for a feed of gummy or flathead. 

While most found one or the other, they also found that there are some schools of snapper offshore and big ones amongst them, the best over 80cm. If you are finding them on the sounder and not winning with baits give jigging with micro jigs or smaller metal lures a try, you might just be surprised how good they actually work.

Back in the bay and a flat barometer early week didn’t excite the fish too much, unless you were chasing draughtboards and stingrays, and things were very quiet. 

Whiting and calamari reports continued this week with both producing some quality, when you found them which is always the trick. Dickies Bay is holding some reasonable whiting, but you will have to dig your way through the leatherjackets if you stop in the wrong place. 

While the leather jackets aren’t a problem the couta are and if you are chasing the calamari, I would be inclined to throw out the cheapest jig you have first before using good expensive ones, to try the waters and see if the couta are about. 

The couta is a tackle shop’s best friend and have expensive tastes with no trouble at all swallowing a squid jig whole. 

Problem with them of course is they are after the same thing as you as they also like the odd calamari or two. 

Now that we are into spring, we have gone back to opening the shop 7 days a week, 9-5 weekdays and 8-5 weekends for September and as the weather warms up, we will extend our opening hours, updates will be on our social media pages. 

On Tuesday evening September 13, in conjunction with WIRF (Women in Recreational Fishing) we will be hosting another ladies night. 

The night is for ladies only and is a fun night with demonstrations, information and giveaways. 

The night is for those new or wanting to get into fishing to those who just want to sharpen their skills. 

Supper will be provided and along with giveaways there will be shop specials just for the ladies who attend. 

You can register for the night, just drop in or call the shop, 56785462 and keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information.