By Jack Murphy
With the daunting approach of winter looming and the undeniable arrival of the cold weather already upon us, it seemed obvious to rug-up, head to the closest wharf and torment the local blackfish populations.
With pockets full of green Gamakatsu Pan Fish hooks, a few floats, split-shots and a bag full of stringy weed – Dom Wiseman and I were hoping for a hot session on the ‘blackies’.
I arrived at the spot before Dom and was measuring out my float stopper distance. Before the split-shots had even straightened out the line, my float was down and travelling west at a rate of knots. “1, 2….” I counted to myself, as I always strike on the 3rd second, but luckily enough, he dropped the bait. I wasn’t looking forward to the logistics of photographing a fish while holding it at the same time.
Dom arrived shortly after and we were onto a solid bite. Plenty of ‘downs’ and a few fish landed meant we were doing something right. The green Gamakatsu Pan Fish is primarily designed for chasing these elusive critters. They’re green in colour to disguise the hook in the weedy bait – the ultimate trap!
I fished heavy with a 10-20lb Samurai outfit and 12lb leader, while on the other hand Dom was looking for any advantage. He went ultra-light on a 2-6lb Samurai with a 4lb leader. Amazingly enough, I caught more fish on the heavier gear!
Maybe next time Dom…
Jack Murphy also runs his own website for the northern Sydney region and a blog, check them out at (Thanks-Ed)
www.jackmurphyfishing.com.au or www.jackmurphyfishing.com.au/apps/blog
#gallery-3 {
margin: auto;
}
#gallery-3 .gallery-item {
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 33%;
}
#gallery-3 img {
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
}
#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {
margin-left: 0;
}
- The author with another hungry blackfish.
- Samurai rods did the damage.
- Which ones the fish?
- Dom cradles a blackfish taken on a size 10 Gamakatsu Green Pan Fish.
- Sea grass beds, sand patches and structure – blackfish usually won’t be far away.