The festive season is upon us and many locals and visiting families are gearing up for some good summer action on the water. Steven Woodland and his son Tim are up from Perth already, for two weeks of fishing fun in their flash-looking 21’ blue Trophy boat. They have mainly been targeting sailfish, and managed to land two successfully in the gulf grounds between the marina and Exmouth Reef.
The guys have also managed to land some longtail tuna and mackerel in the gulf, with one of the best memories being a massive giant trevally near Coopers Shoals. We say memory, because the camera broke, so unfortunately there are no pics this time! The guys kept a mackerel and tuna, but happily released the rest.
The shore scene has opened up for anglers, with fewer flies about after the burst of strong cold winds last week. Reports have been coming in to the shop of spangled emperor along the west side access roads, and estuary cod off the rocks along the tip of the cape. There have been anglers switching from rods and reels to spearguns and cray loops. They’re heading underwater to target various species such as bluebone and coral trout, not to mention using the loops for the rock lobster. The rules for spearfishing can be a bit daunting for visitors, so if you are new to town, best come in and ask us about where and what you can and can’t target.
Last week, Jeni flew to Perth to do a Fly Fishing Clinic for women recovering from breast cancer. It was a fantastic morning - the ladies were so enthusiastic about fishing and learning a new activity with new friends. Studies in the USA show that fly-fishing is beneficial for women recovering from breast cancer. It is light, gentle exercise, and any type of recreational fishing helps you escape from the everyday life as you concentrate on the elements around you including the sun, the tides, the winds and of course the fish.
There were 11 ladies in the fishing clinic, held at Point Walter on the Swan River. Mike Roennfeldt, who is a regular visitor to Exmouth, along with David Bell who is another regular up here with the WA Salt Water Fly Rodders, were there to help Jeni with the tuition. Fly tackle was supplied by Pflueger and the pink shirts, long sleeve and with UPF50+ protection, were supplied by Shimano. Recfishwest organised the event. While Jeni is sure there will be plenty more clinics, it has inspired her to look at doing a clinic in Exmouth for women and men (with some help from a few good fly fishing friends that live locally), because fly fishing is so enjoyable and Exmouth offers great scope for this sport.
