The fishing clinics we held over the last week surprisingly produced small Black Marlin. Not the fish you normally expect in 500 fathoms.

The fishing at Port Stephens is really tough at present. Inshore the water is dirty green and cold.  However, there is good bait in close so hopefully when the warm water moves in the Black Marlin and the others will follow.

When you get out to 75 fathoms the water changes dramatically. The current increases from the North to nearly 4 knots and the colour changes to blue. I saw Mutton birds hunting flying fish. Occasionally you will see Mahi Mahi getting in on the action pushing the flying fish into the air so the Mutton birds could scoop them up as they landed.

It was while working these areas of activity that we raised three Black Marlin and a good sized Mahi Mahi during the Pakula Fishing clinics.

On the first clinic we found a Black of around 65 kilo’s which Samantha Guest, the only lady on board, fought well in quite rough seas. It took a Brad’J’ bullet on the shotgun,  surprise , surprise.

On the second clinic young Ethan Moses caught a good sized MahMahi which he handled like a pro. We then had a hit from a Black which took a good run only to fall off the hooks shortly afterward.

Shortly after Sergio hooked up on what was one of the smallest Black Marlin I have seen. Sergio brought it to the boat fairly quickly and it went crazy. It charged the boat and looked like coming aboard for a second. Unfortunately in a combination of rough sea and crazy Black, the tag pole tangled with the leader and broke it, so was lost at the boat. The video shows the scenario very well.

In summary we raised three Black Marlin and a Dollie which I thought was pretty good in the conditions.  Another local boat ‘SECA’ caught a 60 plus kilo Yellowfin and I did hear of a Wahoo capture.

We did OK…

Tight lines,
Ivan

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Mahi Mahi are apart from being a great sportfish and incredible eating are often the saving grace of a fishing trip.

After a frustratingly tedious trip up to Port Stephens in dirty, green cold water completely devoid of live Sunday past was a joy. Finally there was a break in the weather and the charts were showing the hot current was within range.

We left Port with high expectations heading to the shelf in a bit of a lumpy sea but it was the most horrible greeny grey water I have seen. It wasn’t until we were in about 75 fathoms that the temperature started to climb. Not only did the temperature rise quickly but so  did the sea. Within a mile the temperature rose from 19.5 degrees up to 26 degrees. We were in the Southerly current and it was pushing hard against a Southerly breeze causing the sea to stand on it head. To give an idea of how fast the current was going I had a 40 degree difference between my Heading and my Course over ground.

However we were in beautiful indigo water, there were schools of flying fish so all was looking good. As we moved away from the edge the current eased a little and the seas calmed.

As I worked one of these gatherings of birds we had our first strike. A good sized Mahi Mahi of around 10 kgs. which Tom brought to the boat after a good fight, unfortunately Rob gaffed it only to have it jump off, most frustratingly. It wasn’t long after I found another flock and again received a solid hook up but this was a much larger Mahi Mahi. Tom again had the rod and again brought it to the boat where Rob’s reputation was at stake. Fortunately this fish of at least 15 kgs. stayed on the gaff. It caused quite a commotion on deck but was soon dispatched.

By now all on board but Rob and I had succumbed to seasickness so we decided to head for home.

I must say it looked good out there to me and there were lots of flying fish and bird activity. I marked some deep bait and the water was the colour we love to see. Consequently it must surely be just a matter of time before the other predators turn up.

Tight lines,
Ivan

LINKS to…

Ripcharts
CSIRO
Bureau of Meteorology
N.S.W. Bluelink
Archived Fishing Reports
Article
Home