Other Gamefish :
Other than Marlin and Tuna there are a number of other gamefish which don’t fall under those categories.
They are obviously the ‘Other Gamefish’. The most common OGF’s we encounter are…
Mahi Mahi :
The most beautiful of all the game fish flashing iridescent blues and gold, definitely one of the best to eat and a spectacular fighter to boot. Just about everything you could want in a Gamefish.
Sometimes in late Spring we get a run of Striped Marlin at the same time large Mahi Mahi turn up, fish from 8 to 20 kilo’s.These are generally found while chasing Marlin. As the water warms smaller fish tend to congregate around the various F.A.D’s and fish traps and are great sport. You will catch the occasional bigger Mahi Mahi around the F.A.D’s but the smaller fish tend to get to the bait first. One of the ways around this is to use larger baits and fish it deeoer on a sinker.
Wahoo :
Regarded as the fastest fish in the sea but maybe second to the Sailfish they are fairly rare around Sydney. In years gone by we would regularly catch them late in summer. Nowadays the further North you go the more common they become. They do also frequent F.A.D’s.
Generally a by-catch while chasing Marlin, especially Blue Marlin. They are a welcome catch as they are very good to eat though not as good as Mahi Mahi.
Spearfish :
Virtually everything relating to Wahoo relates to Spearfish though maybe not as good to eat. But whereas Wahoo have become rarer around Sydney, Spearfish are becoming more common. They are still not a fish you catch everyday but compared to past years when you might hear of one or two every couple of years now it’s more like six or seven a year.
Another by-catch while trolling for Marlin they hit very hard and like Wahoo make a screaming run. They run so hard that first thoughts are of a Marlin. After the run they are fairly easy to handle depending on the tackle used.
Kingfish :
The Kingy is a great gamefish. They are found from deep in the estuaries out to the Continental Shelf. They range anywhere from a kilo to 30 kilo’s in Australia. Over the Tasman they are much bigger. Wherever you find them and no matter how big they are they will make you work for them. Many say that pound for pound they are the hardest of fighters.
They take lures and bait, live squid being the best fished deep on a downrigger or just a sinker on the deeper reefs. A whole cult has built up over jigging for them but it is a very hard and exhilarating way to fish unless you are young and fit.
Sailfish :
Very rare around Sydney, in fact I can only remember hearing of two being caught down here. At Port Stephens during the tournament season there is often one or two taken. Generally speaking the further North you go the more you will find.
Links :
Ripcharts
CSIRO
Bureau of Meteorology
N.S.W. Bluelink
Other links:
Links…
Ripcharts
CSIRO
Bureau of Meteorology
N.S.W. Bluelink
Other links: