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AUSTRALIA|HOT BITES
3 TASMANIA:Swordfish have arrived
The first swordfish captures
from both Eaglehawk Neck
and St Helens began in early
March. Initial sizes ranged
from 147 to 208kg, with a few
also released. Numerous mako
sharks were also caught as
bycatch while deep-dropping.
However, awful autumn weather meant opportunities to fish the
swordfish grounds were few and far between. Big albacore and
school bluefin are still present along the east and south coasts, with
the most consistent catch rates coming from the offshore islands
and inshore reef structures.
The number of swordfish will drop off as the water cools, but the
bluefin bite should continue to fire, hopefully with 100kg ‘barrel’
bluefin in reasonable numbers along the Tasman Peninsula this winter.
Jonah Yick – Tuna Club of Tasmania
Ph: 0400 956 7634 VICTORIA:Bluefin and swords
The phenomenal late summer marlin run
has now faded away with the cooler water,
but stripies were still being encountered in
the east of the state until April. Swordfish
then appeared on the eastern hotspots in
early Autumn, and with some long-awaited
calm weather the results began in earnest,
including a couple of fish nudging 200kg.
In western Victoria our annual run of
southern bluefin tuna also kicked-off in a
big way, with large schools of 20 to 40kg
fish making a strong appearance, along with
a few 100kg-plus models mixed in with the
schoolies.
We can expect great results from both the swordfish and southern
bluefin over the next few months.
Capt Richard Abela –Dreamcatcher II
Email: [email protected]Warm ocean currents(approx.only) Cool ocean currents(approx.only)
1 EXMOUTH:Inshore billfish fire
Fishing has been spectacular,
with the water warm and
the baitfish prevalent both
offshore and in the protected
waters of the gulf. Black marlin
and sailfish still dominate
the captures inshore, and a
few blue marlin can still be
encountered offshore, albeit in lower numbers. Dolphinfish can be
so thick they’re a nuisance on some days, and yellowfin tuna will
often steal your billfish offerings too.
In late May and June the water will cool and the blue marlin
encounters will dwindle further, but the black marlin and sailfish
numbers will remain strong in the baitfish-rich shallows. Spanish
mackerel will be thick behind the fringe reef, with our larger
specimens usually caught this time of year.
Capt Josh Bruynzeel – On Strike Charters
http://www.onstrike.com.au2 SOUTH AUSTRALIA:Sore backs!
Schools of bluefin tuna have
thinned off Victor Harbor but
are now due to appear off the
south-east coast. Mako and
blue sharks, plus albacore
will fill the void for south-east
anglers until the bluefin appear
on their migratory journey.
Hopes are high for the imminent appearance of barrel-size bluefin.
Those keen on jigging are now getting their arms stretched off
the State’s west coast by rampaging packs of kingfish and Samson
fish. Long-range charters and keen trailerboat anglers are getting
into the action, and most fish are tagged and released. Numerous
recaptures have proven the value of careful release techniques.
The jigging action will increase until early winter, providing superb
sport and sore backs!
Paul Williams – Adelaide Game Fishing Club
http://www.adelaidegamefishingclub.com.auSouthEquatorial CurrentLeeuwin Current1