Huge schools of mackerel tuna and Watson’s leaping bonito have arrived in the Gulf, turning up just about everywhere particularly around the Exmouth marina vicinity. There have been occasions during the past week where the tuna schools have made there way into the marina, and have been spotted actively feeding on baitfish sheltering in the various canals.

Whilst the bonito have been taking just about any form of lure that hits the water, particularly small metal slices or bibbed minnows, the mack tuna have been a little bit harder to tempt, often not feeding on anything but the closest of the baitfish imitations. Of course with huge numbers of the bonito around the larger spanish mackerel, which feed on the bonito, haven’t been too far away. Big mackerel have been seen crashing the bonito schools. When the mackerel feed, the make an awesome sight as they come spearing metres out of the water at top speed.

With daylight savings taking effect during the week, locals have had plenty of time to get out for a fish after work. Nick Thake took advantage of this when he and his mate Derek headed out for a quick troll after work aboard Nick’s 12ft dinghy, out from the marina.

Trolling Halco Laser Pro 190DD lures, Nick took the first strike for the evening which turned up a 12kg longtail tuna. A few small mackerel were then caught, before Derek hooked up big time just before dark. The fish screamed off on its first run taking all 300 metres of the braided line off the reel, right down to the backing. Derek eventually subdued the fish which turned out to be a big spanish mackerel. The mackerel was weighed in at 27kg and was certainly a great capture from a 12ft dinghy.

Bluebone and spangled emperor have been willing takers of bait along the Lighthouse Bay / Mildura Wreck Road stretch. The big bluebone can be seen cruising the shoreline at high tide, although staying connected to these powerful fish can be another thing altogether. Heavy line, tough leader and strong hooks are definitely recommended for this type of fishing.

Bundegi has seen the usual queenfish schools rolling in at high tide, with a few small threadfin salmon also about feeding on the hardyhead schools.

Text and pics © Bluewater Tackle World