Well we have had it all over the last couple of weeks, from watching surfers being towed in by jet-skis in 4–5m waves, through to absolute glass-outs. You just can’t pick the weather at the moment! The winter mulloway continue to provide great sport and even better table fare as the average size landed in the rivers and beaches (by those specifically targeting them) is 10kg+.
These fish are all around one metre in length and at this size they are still a schooling fish. Where you get one you can be guaranteed that there are others close by.
Mind you, a 10kg fish is an awesome trophy, but please only take what you will eat and release any additional captures should you be so fortunate to land more than one.
The flathead have moved to the upper reaches of the rivers and will be back down in larger numbers in a few months. Big tailor (2kg plus) are being taken off the beaches at late-night high tides. Following the whales, we have sharks cruising around seeking an opportunistic meal. There have been reports of great whites being spotted around Julian Rocks, and even a juvenile great white of approximately seven foot in length being inadvertently hooked (and subsequently released) from the beach at Lennox last week.
Offshore, the snapper are really starting to come on the chew now, as are the leatherjackets, unfortunately. These leatherjackets are a tackle-store owner’s dream as their razor-sharp teeth destroy terminal tackle and ensure fishos make extra trips to the shop to re-stock. On a positive note, the leatherjackets are very easy to clean, and are delicious to eat, having a firm white flesh. It’s not too difficult at the moment to score an easy feed for the family from these fish.
Arm-stretching kingfish can be found following hooked fish to the surface on offshore reefs.
Have a live bait handy and toss it to the following king and get ready to hold on as they steam straight to the bottom once hooked. Kings of up to 15kg have been landed, with bigger ones unable to be stopped.
Doug Benjamin
Byron Bay Charters
0400 946 066
