Despite the town being quite void of people this month, the fishing has been nothing shy of excellent for those getting out and throwing in a line. Everything from mangrove jacks at the marina, to whiting still off the beaches and spangled emperor around the west side has been great for land based anglers. Boating anglers have had some brilliant weather on some days, while a few late afternoon breezes have been strong. However, reef fishing reports have suggested that species like reds, rankin, job fish and Robinson sea bream are on the chew. Pelagics have been a little shyer than normal, but still about if you find the clean water.
This week’s photos were sent in by Marie and Malcolm from the Wholesalers. It was taken before the cyclone passed in the gulf during a sensational glassy fishing session. Malcolm released the giant trevally back to the water, while the mackerel was pickled up using his mother’s secret recipe. Malcom has entered it in the monthly fishing comp.
NSW Fisheries run the tagging program that the EGFC uses for tournaments. They contacted me to inform me that a sailfish was caught in January of last year by the boat Weapon. It was tagged and then recaptured by the boat On Strike in March. The fish was then recaptured again by Weapon in October! It was released a third time and is a good indication that billfish caught and released can survive and come back again and again! It is a big ocean out there and recaptures are hard to comprehend, but EGFC get many recaptures in places from here, to Dampier to India.
The EGFC have got 54 boats entered so far for the AIBT with more to possibly come. It has almost reached the cap and the town will be busy for the month of March this year with this event closely followed by Gamex. If you are a local and want to be involved or see what has been caught, visitors are welcome during the two weeks. Numbers will be limited on presentation nights, but the club is opening up for visitors especially during the educational sessions for rigging, marine electronics and the entertainment of Slim Jim and the Phatts on March 18th. Further information can be found on www.egfc.com.au or calling president Jeni Gates on 0408 905 448.
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