Anglers were back in action this past week, at every window of opportunity after a run of bad weather conditions.
Offshore angling produced many fine fish and a standout was Spanish mackerel. They were responding to deep diving hard bodies and trolled dead and live baits.
A few marlin were also caught much to the delight of the lucky anglers. Mixed reef fish made up most of the catch.
Mangrove jack fishing has also been good, with live baits effective at night. Take advantage of the warm water and calm nights to target these fish. You never know what you may catch fishing at night with live bait.
Self-confessed "crazy about fishing" Jon Roberts, from Jimboomba, sent in a couple of photos and the story of this catch of barramundi on the Gold Coast.
Jon loves to catch all sorts of species on his kayak, from bass, cod and saratoga in the fresh water to mangrove jack in the salt. Although he mainly uses lures, he has also just started using live bait for mangrove jacks.
On an evening with perfect weather and tide, Jon cast netted some live bait. Unfortunately, he had left his live bait pump at home but a quick call round to mates Kieran and Jane soon sorted him out with a pump.
After two hours of fishing with a live poddy mullet as bait, a "boof" sound broke the silence.
Suddenly his line took off for about five seconds but the fish dropped the bait.
Reeling in a dead bait with no teeth marks, Jon was convinced it was a barramundi which had taken his bait.
He messaged Kieran and and Jane and convinced them to come out and have a look for themselves.
There was another "boof" sound on the surface and with racing heart Jon saw the fish launch and dance on the surface of the water.
Remembering all the information about how to land a big barramundi, Jon was able to subdue the fish within five minutes. With Kieron and Jane offering assistance, Jon managed to land the fish.
Measuring 105 cm this was a prized Gold Coast barramundi. After a few quick photos the fish was safely released and swam off strongly with a huge tail kick. Well done Jon and thanks for sharing that with us. Kudos to great fishing friends, Kieran and Jane, who were able to witness a catch of a lifetime.
There was also plenty of bass action in the fresh water, with local Raymond Kennedy and friends catching many bass in Bass Bay at the North Pine Dam and among the trees at Lake Hinze.
If you have fishing questions or photographs, contact Michael at desdavidmichael@gmail.com
