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A couple of toe snapping Blue swimmer crabs.

As the first net came over the side a writhing mass of bright blue legs and claws was strewn to the floor of the boat. Dressed in the finest of nature’s footwear I almost kneed myself in the chin trying to high step all ten toes clear of the scuttling legs and snapping claws. As if the predicament was not tense enough, another net was swung aboard and several more angry crabs were set loose amongst the mayhem. This was my first time fishing for blue swimmer crabs and my well seasoned companions found great humour in my fancy footwork as I found sanctuary on the nose of the boat. Shoes might have been a good option as the crabs were measured and placed in a fish tub. The smaller ones were returned over the side to become next seasons haul and the action continues like this for an hour or more until we had secured enough for a feed. We are fishing just outside the marker poles at Port Wakefield in South Australia. Blue swimmer crabs run during the warmer months and are caught in hoop nets baited with fish offal or meat. When they are on the move they are easily caught in large numbers, therefore strict size, bag and boat limits apply on blue swimmer crabs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.  The regulations relating to catching blue swimmer crabs consist of a daily bag limit of 40 per person and a daily boat limit of 120 combined.  A minimum size limit of 11cm width measured across the carapace from the base of the largest spines also applies. It is also illegal to take female crabs with eggs and they must be returned to the water straight away without harm. Blue swimmer crabs can also be dabbed in the shallows using either a scoop net or a common garden rake. On the falling tide you can wade the shallow sand or mud flats and search out a feed. Small plate sized patches of disturbed or overturned sand on the bottom hide the crabs as they sit in wait for a passing meal. Simply run your net across these areas and the crab will appear from the sand, claws at the ready. Once disturbed, they are easy to scoop using either the net or the rake. Dabbing crabs is great fun for the kids and an easy way to secure a feed if you don’t have a boat. Blue swimmer crabs move into the shallow waters of St Vincent and Spencer Gulf as the waters warm and they eat live and breed on the shallow sand and sea grass beds. These tasty bottom dwellers will run for another month or so yet before the weather cools and they go into semi hibernation. Catching blue swimmers is great fun but might I suggest you wear shoes while doing so, or you too could find yourself dancing to the snappy beat of the crabby blues.

 

kingfish of this size have been landed at Portland over the past few weeks.

When it comes to howling reels and back breaking battles, then look no further than the southern seaside town of Portland for some red-hot kingfish action over the coming weeks. As the sting of summer warms the water, these pelagic sportfish haunt the reef strewn North Shore in pods of fish reaching sizes of 15kg or more. Reports of good catches are already starting to filter through with multiple hook ups for those lucky enough to be in the right spot at the right time. Anglers fishing either live squid or gar under balloons have encountered a few fish as have those fishing strip baits and unweighted pilchards down a burley trail. The latter can be done at anchor and provides other opportunities like snapper and school or gummy shark. Trolling lures can at times be a successful ploy with shad styled minnows like Rapala x-raps and Halco laser pros working best. Both lures will stand up to the punishment inflicted when a kingfish smashes them. Surface poppers are also worth a try and are a good way to draw fish to the boat if nothing else. Kingfish are very inquisitive and will often come to the water disturbance created by these lures or just to have a look at the boat itself. If you are fishing unweighted baits back in the trail, then chances are these same fish will hone in on your offering. For the land based angler, the Lee break-wall at Portland does occasionally yield kingfish for those who put in the time. Fresh squid strips are a favourite as are lightly weighted pilchards or garfish. Some very good snapper are also landed from the break-wall with fish up to and above 10kg landed most seasons. Salmon, travelly, and squid are also likely to be encountered. Rods around the 10ft mark and above are the go when fishing this location as you will need to stay clear of the rocks should you hook a good fish. Thread line reels that can hold around 300 meters of thirty pond braid should out do most kingfish encounters.  Early morning is the best time but kingfish do have the uncanny knack of turning up out of the blue. Talking about blue, rumour has it that the first of the southern blue fin tuna have started to show offshore providing boat fishos with a double bounty. Over the next few weeks as the hot weather peaks you could do far worse than head to the Portland coastline for a little bit of yellowtail kingfish action. For more info on what’s biting drop into Portland bait and tackle and talk to Chris or one of the staff for all the latest fishing news. Contact (03) 5523 5213         

 

The boys from Game On Fishing Charters with a 177kg Mako shark caught off Portland.

To rock in the swell of the ocean waves as they roll into the beach has all the hall marks of the seaside summer holiday. The cool blue waters a stark contrast to the dry arid heat left at home for all but a brief few days. As you wade out a little further you wonder why it was you sat up and watched the rerun of jaws on television the night before. You also question what might possess the station in question to run this movie during the prime seaside holiday period in the first place. Not too deep now, you decide you might turn your back on the sea and wade in a little closer to shore. All the time that stupid da dum theme music to jaws is rolling in your mind. You hasten your pace as the retreating waves slow your progress, it’s about now a wayward piece of seaweed brushed the back of your leg. Now let me tell you, the great art of walking on water is not that difficult under these exact circumstances. And the twisted sense of humour that is obvious of our broadcasters, while funny to some is lost in a flurry of arms and legs as you land intact on the beach.
And so it was on a recent trip to Portland where later that day I was fortunate enough to be at the boat ramp as the crew from Game On Fishing Charters returned from a day on the water. Their prize in tow a massive Mako shark that when put across the scales weighed an impressive 177kg. Not quite your jaws but impressive none the less. The skipper in charge Phil Daffy said they hooked and fought the big fish for almost three back breaking hours. They estimated that it towed them some 10 kilometres out to sea and jumped several times during the fight, easily clearing the water on each occasion. Daffy said they were drifting dead baits in a burly trail and the shark, just like in the jaws movie came from nowhere and screamed off with the line. Looking at the bite radius and menacing teeth did nothing to calm my seaweed encounter earlier that day. For my money, next summer holidays knee deep will be quite a sufficient distance to wade in the surf. I will also make it a point not to watch any shark movies. And if I do have the good fortune to see one of these incredible fish up close and personal, it will be out on a Game On Fishing Charter where the action can be safely observed from on board and not in the water. For bookings and more information on a Game On Fishing Charter contact Phil Daffy on 0419 100 324

A big ray on fly provides more than its share of white knuckle action.

It seemed like madness at first as the fly was placed in front of the cruising ray and the half grin and lifted browsaid it all as the large shadow shifted across and settled on the offering. Anyone who has ever caught an eagle or blue spotted ray will understand the term madness in relation to the act as these are the only rays to be recognised and classified as a blue water sports fish and they are rightly deserved of their rank. Surely it would not take the fly, were the thoughts echoed from those who had seen many angling moments unfold. In that instant the tranquil shallows exploded as the rays powerful wings beat a hasty retreat that lay the rod flat and made the reel howl at a pitch that seemed impossible to keep pace. In an attempt to slow the run, a well weighted palm was used in a fashion that had to be tempered so as not to burn skin. The look on the fluff chucker’s face was like that of the boy who pulled the dog’s tail only to have it reach around and savage him. Yep, didn’t expect that and what to do next were the thoughts brimming aloud as the ray powered several hundred meters across the shallow bay at a blistering speed. Amazingly enough the small reel stood fast and as hot as it was it had failed to seize which was something you would have laid good money on. For the next forty minutes or so the ray was worked towards shore before finding its head and heading seaward again. On each occasion the reel would protest with a high pitched wail that by now smelt similar to burning plastic. Even so, each dash for the horizon was becoming shorter than the last and dare to hope but it looked like the angler might actually be winning. Near on exhausted, the fluff chucker and beast were to meet in the shallows almost an hour and a half after the cast was laid in front of the ray. It was a strange moment for the captor and one marked with an air of respect at the power delivered by such a beast. At the same time an angling feat not to be scoffed as it was accomplished on a six weight rod and 4kg tippet. The kind of tackle more suited to carp and the likes than one of the fastest rays known to cruise the oceans shallows. As fishermen do, it was time to take that angling moment to the next level. And so it was the very next day armed this time with a twelve weight rod suited to smaller marlin and the like a larger ray was spied and hooked in a similar fashion. Only this time the howling run overheated and seized the reel, dragging the angler viciously across and into the corner of the boat before the line parted with a rifle shot crack. Mmmm and they say fly fishing is supposedly a relaxing form of angling practised by gentry on a finesse level to outsmart some of our more finicky fish species. I guess the extreme side of this sport is practised by those who are yet to understand where the outer boundaries of fly fishing actually lie, or even if there are any for that matter.       

When they get to this size Kingfish are a real hand full.

After three solid days on the water I thought this fishing column was going to start along the lines of… “And they never spoke of Kingfish again”. You really begin to question your sanity when dealing with these giant pelagics and their almost mythical ways that at times have you doubting their actual existence. Yes they are an angling milestone, but one that is most definitely sent to test the very fibre of your being.  As angling sanity goes, these fish have the ability to wear you down.  Even so, there you sit at dawns first light full of hope as you squint at the balloons that hold the baits just a few feet below the surface. Minutes turn to hours, hours turn into days and days turn into a scheduled phone call to book your next session on the couch.  All but broken, you look up through sleep deprived eyes to see one of the balloons start to dance on the surface. Suddenly all three are jiggling about as one of the bait fish clears the water hotly pursued by an iridescent frame the size of small dolphin. Sleek, their translucent colours alive to the beat of a giant bright yellow tail, the pod of half a dozen giant kingfish erupt upon the bait. The sight is one of complete mayhem mixed with a touch of disbelief as one of the frantic baitfish is inhaled into the vacuum, the balloon pops free and the giant predator powers away with its prize.  This small window of action, an angling moment that cancels out any couch talk and makes you wish that others could experience the most brilliant flashes that fishing has to offer. But this is just the beginning as kingfish are noted not for their striking looks but more so their dogged fight. The 80lb line sang off the reel at a speed that was questionable of anything that swims. All you could do was hold on and pursue the fish by boat and hope the heavy drag setting would take its toll. All the time beaming with excitement, it was hard not to wonder about the rocks just a few hundred meters either side of where the battle was taking place.  As luck would have it the first, second and third run failed to reach the structure and amongst the puffing and snorting we managed to wear the giant fish down and bring it to the net. A quick swipe and the head was in, then the tail was grabbed and the giant fish was lifted on board.  Here we reach another of anglings finer moments were it all comes together as you arrive at your chosen moment. Such a striking fish, too fine a beast to kill and one that has taken you, the angler to a new level of respect and understanding is returned to the water to torment other fishos that follow the Kingfish path. And as for the line “they never spoke of Kingfish again”, well I guess that was lost in the excitement and joy that comes with finely landing one of these awesome giants. Kingfish will be a viable target along the coastline over the coming months as the weather warms and they become more active. While they are frustrating to say the least, the chance to catch one of these fish is more than worth the torment and anguish they inflict upon your psyche. 

 

  

A nice mulloway landed from the surf near Salt Creek.

If you have a four wheel drive vehicle and a day or two to spare you could do far worse than pack a few surf rods and head to the beach to wet a line. Anglers are reporting good catches of Australian salmon biting from the shore along the back of the Coorong. Situated between Kingston and the mouth of the Murray, this stretch of coastline allows vehicle access to the beach opening up some truly awesome fishing. At present time salmon up to 5kg are keeping anglers busy and at this size they are a handful on rod and reel. If intended for the table, salmon should be bled straight away, removing the head and sticking them upright in the sand while you continue to fish is a proven and popular method. Eaten fresh or smoked, salmon make a fine dish and their rich pink flesh is of excellent texture and quality. Salmon do not freeze very well so it is best only to take what you can use at the time. Salmon also make excellent bait for other fish species and a fresh slab cast into the waves is sure to tempt any larger predatory fish in the area. Amongst the catches of salmon have been a few Mulloway and while most of these have been of the smaller variety, some bigger fish are starting to show.

This is a great time to hit the beach as a cross section of species go about their spring run where they skirt the coast feeding up on schooling baitfish that take refuge amongst the breakers. Gummy sharks have also been another notable and welcome catch over recent weeks with some larger specimens weighing in at 15kg or more. There are plenty of fresh flake fillets on a shark this size and they are great on the plate and freeze well for future meals. A great point of localized fishing information and up to date reports can be gained locally at the Salt Creek Road House. Overnight camping is available along the beach and these areas are clearly marked with a post and number. You will require a permit to do so at a cost of around four dollars a night. These can be purchased at Salt Creek along with bait, ice and other essentials.  The 28, 32 and 42-mile crossings are popular entry points as is the Tea Tree Crossing just a few kilometers from Salt creek. This is just the start of the surf fishing season and over the next few months as the weather warms we can expect to see the action continue as snapper begin to show, followed closely by a variety of other species that include school and bronze whaler sharks. Add to this the odd thumping great Mulloway and it’s easy to see why so many anglers get excited about casting a rod along this section of the coastline.     
 
 

This is what its all about as anglers gear up for the snapper season.

Its snapper season and with the spring run about to start in our bays, anglers are gearing up in anticipation for thefirst sign of big red to appear. Good runs of fish should begin to enter the bays over the next few weeks and if the lastfew seasons are any indicator, we are set for some serious fishing. Snapper are a popular sport fish that are great on the line and just as good on the table. They have a dogged fight that will see bigger fish pull plenty of line off the reel. Most anglers target these fish with bait, pilchards, cut fish,squid and octopus, just to name a few. In truth snapper are somewhat the scavenger but in saying that they like theirmeals fresh or as close as. While bait fishing is an extremely effective method to target snapper, some anglers prefer the challenge of catching these fish on soft plastics.
Soft plastics have become the big thing over the past few years and the trend is growing as more and more anglers findsuccess using them. In truth it is not that difficult to fish soft plastics for snapper and the ocean swell will oftenwork the plastic for you as the rod is left to sit in the holder.Burly is a key ingredient in snapper success and a good trail will often draw and hold fish in the area. While we presume snapper to be bottom feeders, they will readily free swim up a burly trail so it pays to drift one or two un-weighted baits back where current permits. Working soft plastics mid water in the trail will also have the desired effect. 
Drift fishing is another popular method of finding snapper and works best in calmer conditions. This method allows you to cover more ground and actively seek out the fish instead of waiting for them to come to you. Snapper will often schooland hold on small sections of reef or structure. Once these have been located either by drifting over them or marking them on the sounder, you can drop the pick and get the burly in the water. Other fish will often respond to the burly first, gar, mullet, salmon are just a few and are a great diversion while waiting a run from big red. These lesserspecies, while entertaining also make excellent fresh baits.Depending on where you fish, current and tides will have a varying impact on rigs, baits and prime times to be on thewater. Snapper can be caught at all stages of the tide but the last hour of the run in up to full tide and the first hour of the run out are the easiest. It pays to have a variety of different lead weights to hold baits in stronger current and smaller weights when there is little to none. Snapper can smash a bait like a Mack truck and they can also mouth and nibble it like a mouse. As with most forms of fishing use only as much lead as is needed to hold your bait in position. This goes for soft plastics also, carry a good range of different head weights and sizes to cover a variety of different conditions.

The snapper run is a highly anticipated angling event that has plenty of anglers keen to sample the first of the fish entering our bays. Over the coming weeks I am sure these same anglers will be grinning to the sound of a sizzling drag as big red puts on his annual show that falls around this time every year.

Situated between Kingston and the mouth of the Murray River is the Younghasband Peninsula. Part of the Coorong national park and wetlands system, as a tourist destination, this stretch of coastline has plenty to offer. Kingston itself is the home of the Big Lobster and has a thriving crayfish industry that is a major draw card for those of us that enjoy the culinary delights of a Cray or two. Kingston is a very popular destination for holidaymakers over the summer months and with all that’s on offer, it’s little wonder. With safe beaches, excellent fishing and plenty of history and culture, there is always something to see and do for the family. For the serious fisho however, other delights nearby include pristine white sandy beaches that provide vehicle access to some truly first class beach fishing. Yes, you heard right: Vehicle access. Once you leave the cotton wool state of Victoria you are actually allowed to commute with nature and driving on the beach opens up endless miles of opportunity to the avid surf fisho. Kingston is the gateway to some of the best surf fishing around and the opportunity to purvey the deep holes and gutters from the seat of a 4wd is indeed a luxury. This is especially true for those of us that are getting a little long in the tooth to be trudging through heavy sand, laden with all the gear required for a good session on the beach. As you leave Kingston towards Salt Creek, well-marked tracks along the Princes Highway provide access to the beach. The 28, 32 and 42-mile crossings are popular entry points as is the Tea Tree Crossing at Salt creek. Overnight camping is available along the beach, these areas are clearly marked with a post and number. You will require a permit to camp at these locations at a cost of four dollars a night. Permits are available at Kingston and a number of places including the Roadhouse at Salt Creek.  Bait and some fishing tackle is also available including hooks, sinkers and swivels. Available target species along this section of coastline are numerous, when you talk South Australia however; Mulloway and snapper are on the mind of most anglers. There’s something about these two quality fish that keep drawing you back repeatedly for that one moment of glory. With good captures of both taken throughout the season it’s little wonder it’s a popular destination, very few places can boast both species in good size and numbers. Sharks are also a common capture with plenty of bronze whalers turning up as the weather warms. 
Kingston is the gateway to the surf and the ideal spot from which to base that family holiday. With something for everyone it is a seaside retreat with plenty to see and do.