Cooler weather brings change for fishers

With a change in seasons ahead, we should start to see some more consistent favourable weather patterns approaching.

Although the warmer weather doesn’t seem to be going anywhere in a rush, this shouldn’t affect the range of species available at this time of year.

The Ningaloo Reef’s famous annual migration of whale sharks has started, with more and more numbers being seen.

This is a truly fascinating creature that will reward not only tourists but locals with an unforgettable experience, especially those who choose to jump in and swim next to these awesome creatures.

While there have been plenty for the whale shark boats, there have also been many encountered by recreational fishers.

Spanish mackerel have started to stack up in reliable numbers along the reef in all the usual spots.

The stretch of reef between north and south passage is a well-known hot spot and has already started to see some quality fish come on board.

As the weather cools, we should only see more and more of these fish school up in big numbers.

Trolling deep diving minnows is by far the most popular method of enticing a strike from these speedster fish.

Lures that get down to 7m or 8m and have a shiny appearance will be the most successful. The new UV colour range of the Rapala CD MAG 18 not only run at a perfect depth but have a chrome finish that mackerel cannot resist.

Green water has slowed down the marlin fishing out wider, although those who persist are still able to raise a couple fish a day.

With the blue marlin season now past its peak, its mainly black marlin and sailfish you could expect to encounter, with the odd blue and striped marlin still being hooked.

Mahi mahi, or dolphin fish as they are known, have been making regular appearances to those who are trolling for billfish.

It is a spectacular pelagic species that ticks all the boxes you want in a fish that are relatively easy to come across of late.

They are quite often taken on marlin skirts but many crews are reporting schools of these fish swimming around the boat as they are bottom bouncing for reef fish.

Dolphin fish are suckers for soft plastics or medium sized surface lures, so it could pay to have one of these rigged up and ready at all times.