Tin Can Bay Fishing Club Report November 2020

A few quality tailor are being caught in the bay on the edges of the channels, with the best bite time being from sunset to just after dark. Pilchards or live diver whiting entice them to have a sunset snack, in some cases their last.

There have been quite a few bream around but the size leaves a bit to be desired. The flathead need a bit of dedication to catch any quantity at the moment, but think of the exercise you get casting those lures!

With the water temperature beginning to warm up the mangrove jack are becoming active with a few reported to have been caught by those targeting them in the creeks. They are usually caught close to the mangrove roots and areas with structure like fallen trees and rocky areas, but they do venture out onto the nearby flats to feed at night.

Jacks will readily take flesh baits as well as squid heads and live baits. They also feed on crabs, as one was caught earlier this year and when cleaned there were two whole 55 mm sand crabs virtually intact in its gut.

When fishing for jacks, cod are regularly caught and the occasional Queensland Grouper which are a No Take Species, so please be aware of how to identify our protected grouper. If you are lucky enough to catch a barra don’t forget the three month Closed Season starts on November 1.

Summer whiting have turned up in good numbers and there have been some quality elbow slappers amongst them. They are being caught mainly on the daytime rising tides, as well as some good catches of quality fish on the night time high tides around the full moon. It is worth making the effort to pump some fresh yabbies, as a hungry whiting just can’t resist them.

Beach worms are also a top bait and big whiting will readily take small pea-size black soldier crabs with a few on the hook. There are still a few anglers making good catches of squid fairly regularly, so it is probably worthwhile hunting around a bit to find them. Don’t forget to save the heads for jack or reef bait.

The Club AGM was held last month with a new Executive and a mix of old and new committee members elected. The outgoing members wish them every success in their various roles and thank all club members for their support over the last year.

For any information in relation to membership or just general information please contact the secretary: M: 0437 242-171.  Email:  tcbfishingclub@bigpond.com