Exmouth Fishing Report #17 - Courtesy of Scott Forbes - EGFC

The red emperor seem to be showing up everywhere this last week with
reports coming in from all over the area. Whether you are south or
north of Tantabiddi, off the lighthouse or off the Muiron Islands, the
reds have come in biting hard. Depths have varied from shallow waters
of 20m up to deep waters of 140m, with octopus and squid the optimal
baits. A single paternoster rig with a circle hook is suggested as two
hooks can create havoc when you have a double hook up and generally
attract the sharks. I still haven’t had a report of one being caught
on a jig, although large rankin cod and other emperors have been taking
to these bait alternative options.

Meanwhile Frank Cross from Kailis was coming home across the gulf
approximately five miles off the Kailis factory, when he noticed a fin
cruising along the glassy water in the afternoon. On closer
inspection, it was identified as a marlin in just 11meters of water!
The fish was not spooked at all by the boat and turned on its side for
a closer look at the boat as it came close. It was not injured or
sick, but merely enjoying the afternoon in the shallow calm waters.

Reports of dolphin fish have come in this week as well, particularly
around Tantabiddi. There has been a massive amount of weed in the
water, making trolling difficult for those chasing billfish. The
dolphin fish seem to be taking refuge under the weed and schools of
yellowfin tuna have also been located in these areas around the 100m
mark.

Don’t forget that the Exmouth Game Fishing Club is holding its Ultra
light fishing tournament on May 27th and 28th. There will be prizes
for the highest point scoring fish on 1,2,3,4 and 6 kilo line classes.
It is $15 entry and juniors under 16yrs are free. Entry includes a
sausage sizzle on Sunday night at the Potshot Gantry. For entries, and
further details please call in to Bluewater Tackleworld on Maley Street
or contact secretary Jo Decker on 0408892018.