Devonport fishing report May 2010
report by Leroy Tirant
Fishing around Devonport in the last couple of weeks has been fantastic for anglers dropping a line in between the rain and or the wind. The Mersey has been producing some fantastic Silver Trevally up to a kilo. Most have been smaller juveniles but anglers taking the time to berley have been catching good numbers with the odd bigger fish amongst them.
As per usual chicken has been the favoured bait but a couple of local young guns have been filling bags using soft plastics. These fish seem to be schooling with juvenile Salmon. The winter whiting have also turned up and the area around the Mersey Yacht Club being the most consistent spot. Long, thin strips of squid has been good bait. I find it works really well if you bash it a bit first to soften.
The other notable thing in the Mersey at the moment is the Pinkie Snapper. They seem to be getting caught on all methods and fish to 1.5kg are common. I don’t think they’ll be in the river for much longer so if you want to target them get in quick.
Outside the headlands and inshore reefs are still producing big pike. The bigger Salmon are still hanging around in schools but have been a bit inconsistent. Good numbers of size flathead are still being caught but mainly to those fishing with frozen burley attached to anchor chain. Specialist containers for this sort of fishing can be purchased from tackle stores for about $50.
Freshwater-wise it doesn’t seem that many anglers are fishing local open waters which is a pity because Barrington should produce some good size rainbows this winter. Previous stocking efforts, last year, by IFS should see these small fish nice and fat by now. Speaking of Barrington IFS will be stocking with Atlantics in the next few weeks. This will be a concerted effort by IFS to encourage anglers to fish open trout waters this winter and Barrington is a focus point. Hoorah!!! About time I think, as Brushy Lagoon, in my opinion is overstocked, and Barrington the last couple of years has seen little of the Atlantic Salmon releases. So anglers should look forward to this. Barrington is unique in that it doesn’t seem to get as much inclement weather in winter, and with its steep sides we barely have problems with wind.
Good fishing and please call into the store for up to date info anytime you are in Devonport. Leroy Tirant – Bigfin Sportsfishing.