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AUSTRALIA | HOTBITES
3 TASMANIA: Winter bluefin tuna
After a very quiet start to the tuna season,
the much-anticipated run of southern
bluefin tuna finally arrived off Eaglehawk
Neck in early April. A wide range of sizes
were present, including some solid school
fish in the 30 to 45kg range. Some barrel-
sized tuna also made an appearance, with
fish caught in the range of 90 to 115kg.
Further north, two barrels were also caught
off St Helens, with the biggest a respectable
125kg.
As the water continues to cool, it’s
possible the bluefin will continue through to
late winter, particularly as there are still plentiful schools of sauries
and redbait congregating around the inshore reefs off Eaglehawk
Neck.
Jonah Yick – Tuna Club of Tasmania
PH: 0400 956 7634 VICTORIA: Swordfish and bluefin
After a very slow April, May finally delivered
some better weather, allowing anglers to
access the swordfish grounds off Mallacoota
and Lakes Entrance. The ocean currents
also shifted, pouring good water into Bass
Canyon – and with it came the swords, which
finally started getting caught in reasonably
consistent numbers from both ports. Water
temps remained steady at 17 to 18°C and
several swordfish were landed over 250kg.
On our westerly shores, off Portland,
the excellent run of jumbo southern bluefin
tuna continues, producing quality fish
up to 150kg. The big fish are gorging on the masses of baitfish
congregated on the inshore grounds. July is shaping up to be a
productive month for swordfish and big southern bluefin tuna.
Capt Richard Abela – Dream Catcher II
Email: [email protected]Warmoceancurrents(approx.only) Cooloceancurrents(approx.only)1 EXMOUTH: Plentiful sails inshore
The cooler water has certainly
moved in, flushing that dark
blue oceanic water further
offshore. The inshore black
marlin and sailfish scene is
fishing really well, along with
ever-present dolphinfish.
Massive schools of skipjack
tuna are dominating the edges of the canyon country, often making
it frustrating to chase billfish due to their constant attacks.
Sailfish numbers should now increase and, along with small black
marlin, will be encountered only a few miles offshore in less than
80 metres of water. With winter’s calm seas, these plentiful billfish
make this time of year very enjoyable indeed. This is also the time
to cast stickbaits or poppers along the back of the ring reef for huge
Spanish mackerel.
Capt Josh Bruynzeel – Onstrike Charters
http://www.onstrike.com.au2 SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Big samson fish
Most tuna fishing activity
has moved to the southeast
of the state as numbers of
school bluefin have dwindled
earlier than normal. As well
as school tuna, adult southern
bluefin in excess of 100kg
havebeencaughtaroundPort
MacDonnell,with many beingtagged and released. Occasional
dolphinfish have been caught out near the continental shelf edge,
and hopefully albacore will soon make a welcome return.
Offshore reefs are now producing hectic action on kingfish and
especially samson fish (as pictured), with experienced crews releasing
more than 20 fish a day. Big samson fish will remain the main target
during spells of calm weather throughout winter, but hopefully the
larger bluefin tuna will stay in the southeast for a few more months.
Paul Williams – Adelaide Game Fishing Club
http://www.adelaidegamefishingclub.com.auSouth Equatorial CurrentLeeuwin Current1