Thornback fun
Posted: 30 Sep 2014, 11:25Hi everyone. I'm sure plenty of you have heard about the Thornback Rays currently coming out but for those who haven't I thought I would give you all a heads up.
We have been catching Thornbacks for 5 weeks now and getting reports for a little bit longer at a variety of different marks but there are a few things which always stay the same.
1. Weather. It generally needs to be pretty flat with not much rain in the days before.
2. Distance. Every fish has come from distance. 100 yards plus. Generally fishing on a muddy bank in 15-25ft of water.
3. Slack or slow moving water. Every fish has again come within 1 1/2 hours of low or high water. Most within 1/2 hour of tide.
4. Light. All the fish have come at dusk or darkness.
Bait & Rigs
We have caught on 3 different baits. Frozen peeler crab, Mackerel and Full Squid. The Squid seems to be the one which is producing more fish. Don't be scared to use big baits, they tend to be pulling the larger fish in.
Rig wise hasn't really caused many issues, just make sure you can cast it a good distance. I have preferred a pulley pennel but I know they have come out on standard clipped rigs. Either way make sure you main hook is a strong 3/0.
Location.
Low water has been the most productive. 3 three venues which we have caught are on the sand bar in-front of the top end of the north wall, half moon bay and west end beach.
High water. Throbshaw point, jetty and the north wall have been the only successful venues so far.
Good luck to everyone who fancies catching a new species from the bay. If you want more info or the tackle please pop in and have a chat.
I'm back out for them next week.
We have been catching Thornbacks for 5 weeks now and getting reports for a little bit longer at a variety of different marks but there are a few things which always stay the same.
1. Weather. It generally needs to be pretty flat with not much rain in the days before.
2. Distance. Every fish has come from distance. 100 yards plus. Generally fishing on a muddy bank in 15-25ft of water.
3. Slack or slow moving water. Every fish has again come within 1 1/2 hours of low or high water. Most within 1/2 hour of tide.
4. Light. All the fish have come at dusk or darkness.
Bait & Rigs
We have caught on 3 different baits. Frozen peeler crab, Mackerel and Full Squid. The Squid seems to be the one which is producing more fish. Don't be scared to use big baits, they tend to be pulling the larger fish in.
Rig wise hasn't really caused many issues, just make sure you can cast it a good distance. I have preferred a pulley pennel but I know they have come out on standard clipped rigs. Either way make sure you main hook is a strong 3/0.
Location.
Low water has been the most productive. 3 three venues which we have caught are on the sand bar in-front of the top end of the north wall, half moon bay and west end beach.
High water. Throbshaw point, jetty and the north wall have been the only successful venues so far.
Good luck to everyone who fancies catching a new species from the bay. If you want more info or the tackle please pop in and have a chat.
I'm back out for them next week.
