Pickles

A pretty tough day on the Kingies yesterday. Easy to get the squid and green eyes though. It seems that they are “hot” one day and getting 10-20 takes no time at all and tough the next and an hour or so to get 1/2 a dozen. I haven’t been able to work out why. Yesterday I had the pleasure of catching up with “Blaxland” (hi Bill) at the washdown bay at Roseville (my usual launching area), the Fishraider brotherhood is Indeed extensive.) I hadn’t been out to Longie for months and as the weather was finally agreeable - took a run out there. Unfortunately couldn’t entice any Seriola to come out and play, but we caught Samsonfish, Snapper, Tailor and the not so desirable Seargant Baker. it was a top day never the less. No pics - sorry raiders.

A top day on the Harbour today (Friday). Squid were easy on small jigs and in abundance and heaps of a Yakkas everywhere. I hope they stay that way for all the weekend fishos. Interestingly there have been calamari, cuttlefish and arrow squid all in the same areas. Note the tag - be interesting to get feedback from fisheries when the tag was Putin and the growth rate. The tag had quite a bit of algae on it so quite a while ago I suspect. The Kingies have been in small numbers but very solid fish. Today I boated 2, one at 86cm and one at 76cm. After the second fish we packed up, with 2 fish there is no need to catch any more. I suggest that the bag limit should be reduced from 5 to max of three fish per angler with one being over 85 cm. What do others think.

It was a great 20 mins while it lasted mate - always a pleasure to go out with you and what a way to christen the new boat. pickles

Due to 6 weeks overseas and suffering severe “Piscatorial deprivosa” I’ve hit the harbour 3 times in past 10 days chasing Kingies. Athough Smokey and windy, I’ve had no trouble getting their favourite morsels - squid and cuttlefish - total of 22 in 3 trips, but usually only get 8 or so, then chase the Kings. My Intel is: * smaller jigs working best (1.8-2.5) * pink and orange and light yellowish green have been most successful colours * more success on paternoster rig than single jigs * been at all the usual haunts and headlands, no particular spots better than any others. * mostly all small “Kingie candy sized arrows, with occasional calamari

Hey James, glad to hear you’ve got a boat - the adventure continues. cheers “Pickles”

Lakehead, squid are in the harbour all year round, they do move around from seedbeds to kelpbeds and over sand. At the moment they seem to be in deeper water - 6m +

Glow sticks attract squid - works a treat especially in dirty water. Sydney harbour water has been green and high sediment past few days and only $1.50 for 20 online.

I’ve caught little kings on squid jigs before, but Never these guys? how about others post their unusual catches on squid jigs.

Abs, try Balmoral headland or Middle head or Canae, if the yakka’s are not around your normal haunts. I always burley (bread or pollard/ bran or soaked Chook pellets). Was out on Mon & Wed and got heaps (little “Kingie candy” size - heaps of squid also. pm me if you want more details

Great report Rick and one nice red there.

Great report Mike, terrific pics too

Great tips Blaxland, thanks. Had a similar experience at long reef last year trolling a Repala (CD11 cutthroat colour) with a trailing treble. Hooked a monster Kingie - after a 15 min fight on 80lb leader on 100lb braid, a blinking seal popped up - don’t want a repeat performance.

Great report Jim, justhad major leg surgery myself, so know what it’s like to be a bit unsteady and need to take it easy - a great catch there mate - the blue spots are extra tasty - great report. thanks, Pickles

Last 2 outings in past week produced small (legal) snapper, trevally, pike, slimy mackerel, but no kings. Had better luck today with “The Rev” and our mate Terry.We had some fresh squid and dropped down along the heads and lucky to hookupon a small rat Kingie (60cm). Although not exciting, it was Terry’s first kingfish, so goal for the day achieved. squid have been pretty hard lately in the harbour with small numbers and small sizes, a few larger calamari off shore, but no particular location, just happen across them when live Yakkas come up with their backs chewed out. At least there haven’t been plagues of leatherjacket. Off Long reef wide (50m), There was a cow and calf Humpback breaching and tail slapping, putting on quite a show for well over 20 minutes and several pods of dolphins so although not “fistful” day, the weather was perfect and God was good with magnificent displays from nature. A bloke wouldn’t be dead for quids Livi g the dream.