“On The Hook” With Ross And Glenn Hunter

[Ken A]

THE BLUEWATER BOYS HIT THE BEACH

There are some beautiful places in this magnificent country we call Australia but no more beautiful than Pretty Beach south of Ulladulla on the south coast of NSW.

The feature I love about this area is the feeling of ruggenness and remoteness The coastline meanders for miles to the south ….rugged cliffs with no buildings the only form of life, a couple of white bellied sea eagles hunting prey…..an area of coastline which takes your breath away with its’ beauty.

Of a night a visit from the eastern grey kangaroo population along with a half a dozen brush tail possums ads just a little more nature to the scene..

It had been 30 years since my last visit to this remote bit of country in those days we camped on the northern hill with the St George Sportfishing Club .

In those days we caught kings, northern bluefin, mack tuna, salmon, bream tailor and generally had the most wonderful fishing holidays…..great memories indeed.

It was on a trip last year to The Great Ocean Road that we called into this remote pretty spot whereon we agreed that we would return in the Spring for some layback, beach and rock fishing.

Last week that happened and what a great time we all had.

There were nine of us; all “dyed in the wool fishos” with varying degrees of skill, but with huge amounts of enthusiasm.

Imagine going fishing with guys with names like; “The Cogga, Cordless Ken from Mitre Ten,Aqua Monster , Harry Potter, Big Bird The Toolman, Kirgo, Beaudy Boy and Sparky Mike”

We caught salmon, bream, drummer and a lone groper which was released.

We fished the beaches of a morning, the rocks during the day and of course a couple of cool beers and a yarn around the campfire were mandatory as a night-cap of an evening.

A bunch of mates doing the blokey thing, fishing the most magnificent piece of coastline I have ever fished and loving every minute of it……………………………………….What a great time we had.

SNAPPER ARE STILL GREAT

Back on the offshore Sydney scene both Glenn and myself have been concentrating on some exciting Spring snapper fishing .

If you are a keen snapper fisho. August, September and October are the best months.

Light westerly winds and slow current runs to the south are what we want for perfect snapper floater fishing.

The westerlies are good because they allow the boat to swing with the current whilst on anchor and also because they keep the seas calm for inshore fishing .

Our favourite snapper spots are all pretty much in 35 fathoms of water so light currents of under one knot are imperative to good floater fishing any stronger runs will make it too difficult to get the baits down

If stronger currents are encountered then the paternoster rig must be used however this method because of the extra lead being used does not produce as well, in my opinion.

The 30 to 35 fathom depth is the perfect depth to fish floaters, yet is deep enough to be off the hard ground enough that the sweep and other rubbish will not be such a worry.

Best berley is pilchards cut into fine cubes and cubed out liberally all day, the number one bait we prefer is a healthy slab of striped tuna then in order of favouritism after that, pilchards, squid, cuttlefish or large peeled prawns.

On Broadbill and Billfisher we have caught great catches of mixed reef fish over the past few weeks, such species as mowies, pig fish, leatherjackets of all kinds and of course last but not least our favourite the snapper. Best fish over the past few trips 3.7kg…..the average size has been around the 35 to 38 cm these are by far the best eating size.

Out wide the Yellowfin tuna are still scarce but will make an appearance soon .

We caught a couple of small 15kg fish last week and dropped a couple more.

There is a mass of 20-degree water flowing down so keep your ear to the ground because the Spring run of yellowfin will not be far away.

All tuna were trolled on Bloodshot “Tuna Hunter Lures”

There are certainly a swag of mating blue and mako sharks around Glenn spent 2.5 hours on a large 200kg version of the above with USA angler Tod Macsuga feeling like he had done a ten rounder with MikeTyson after the drawn out struggle. Glenn also caught a 20 kilo tuna on the troll.

PT STEPHENS ‘06 on BILLFISHER or BROADBILL

Little has to be said about the great season the boats had last year……300 hundred marlin tagged including 18 and 21 marlin tagged in one day .

Add to this, great catches of dolphin fish and snapper and BROADBILL and BILLFISHER drove out of Pt Stephens at the end of last years season with the knowledge that a great season was had and all that fished with us had a wonderful fishing adventure.

Whilst we are quite heavily booked there are still spots available for share charters .

COSTS ….Three days fishing including accommodation at $960.00 Do not leave it too long if you are interested as bookings are limited.

Captain Ross and Glenn Hunter’s boats Broadbill and Billfisher are available for reef and tuna trips on 9534 2378

Or visit web www.gamefishingcharters.com.au

[Ken A]

The boys after a morning on the south beach at Pretty Beach salmon and bream.

Serenity at its best ..the smell of the salt air and a remote beach at sunrise.

[Ken A]

The kangaroos came round and enjoyed the guitars and singing

Aqua monster's groper The fish was released

[Ken A]

Yellowfin have been scarce but they will be on the bite soon ..this one caught on Billfisher last week

Yellowfin have been a little scarce but don't despair as September and October are the best months Fish like these big boys will do

& another

[paggles]

Great Report Ken A