September is the height of whale season on Moreton Bay - The Community Leader and Real Estate New and Views

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September is the height of whale season on Moreton Bay

Fishing

Photos: Spero Kartanos.

BY SPERO KARTANOS

I know this is a fishing column, but when the whales are in, and when you see the size of them as they go past your boat and you realise that the calf is as big as your little karavaki (small boat), it’s pretty amazing! Seeing Mum being so protective is one of the best sights in the bay this time of year, and how lucky are we to see them just east of Green Island, Wellington Point, and around Peel Island? Looking at my past records, the next four weeks are when some whales will come in to rest in the bay before their long journey to the South Pole. So, if you get the chance during the school holidays, it’s worth a look around the bay to see these magnificent mammals. To be honest, I love fishing, but seeing the whales so close in takes your breath away.

Fishing-wise, the school mackerel season should be on in earnest with fish all through the bay from close in at the last leads to harbour entrance through to King and Green Islands, all the way to Ormiston, and east to the Naval and Hope Banks. So, there’s no excuse for not getting a good feed!

The whiting will be going strong in the Small Boat Channel, Rous, and the Sand Hills time of year, and there will be plenty of snapper and squire in the bay to keep us all happy. Try the shallows around the Bay Islands and artificial reefs. As for cuttlefish, the season has not been the best, and the same applies to arrow squid – very hit and miss. The last few weeks have seen the tiger squid in good supply around Green Island and Wellington Point.

Remember the laws regarding whales and dolphins in the bay. Keep a safe distance from them and don’t approach them – just admire their beauty and grace.

Till next month, good fishing and whale watching.

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