Photos: Spero Kartanos.
BY SPERO KARTANOS
As many of you might remember, there have been a few accidents and drownings in the past, and they nearly always happen in the winter months with small boats capsizing close to the bay islands. So, please – just because it looks flat from the land, remember you have to come back into the wind and waves on the way home. It’s better to postpone a trip and be safe than risk your life and that of others.
The school mackerel should be in good numbers close in, with tailor and bonito as well, and lots of small mackerel are about this time of year. I have found over the years that if you find where they are, floating pillies gets you the bigger fish, especially off Ormiston and Wellington Point.
The cuttlefish and arrows started last month and should be in good numbers from Ormiston to St Helena in 23 to 30-ft depth. Drifting with a jig just off the bottom with a ball sinker above the jig is the best way to catch them, and if you get inked, remember the 30 Seconds cleaner from Bunnings removes the ink in seconds. My other tip is to get yourself a $10 stainless steel pot with a lid from Kmart to put your cuttlefish in. It doesn’t stain and is easy to clean, which means less mess on your boat.
Whiting will be all over the bay from Chain Banks to Amity Banks and Fisherman’s Gutter and close in off Wynnum just wide of Darcy Light.
July is also a good month for snapper and squire, and last year, the spoil grounds and Mt. Cotton Reach were producing good fish.
Rug up, keep warm, and good fishing!
