Weather windows for red emperor and marlin

Since last month, our prayers were somewhat answered.

We had a few good weather windows and were able to head out wide, or at least to the islands and beyond.

A few of those windows lasted a considerable amount of time, going for a week or more.

I did receive some great feedback about the red emperor tips and techniques, so a big thank you to those who took the time.

I always hope that anglers reading these ‘how to’ articles take something from them and that putting the tactics into practice do make a difference.

 

With the good weather periods, red emperor were biting really well.

It’s been great to hear reports that red emperor have been consistent, biting throughout winter.

As per last month’s tips, anglers who put in an effort to secure fresh bait had better results.

Speaking with one crew, they were on a good red bite when suddenly it shut down – one of the fishos dropped a red.

With some quick thinking, they wound up, then went back and lined up for another drift, sending live yellowtail scad down.

 

Fortunately, they were able to hook another red, which seemed to spark them into feeding again.

How cool was that?

And full points for being on point with the thought process.

Some of the boats that headed out past the islands had different ideas about which species to target.

While the bottom-bashing brigade were in full force, marlin anglers have also been quietly achieving.

Between August and October is generally the best time to chase this fantastic sportfish.

 

I’m keen to get out and put a lot more time into them, though the opportunity hasn’t presented itself yet.

In my experience, and after speaking with other marlin fishos, you don’t need to go far to find them.

Most anglers target them from slightly outside the Keppel Bay islands, which is about 20km from the harbour, to about the 50km mark.

Depths usually vary from 20-40m.

When targeting small blacks, it’s a matter of finding the bait.

 

If you can locate bait balls of yellowtail scad, these are prime marlin grounds.

It’s surprising how many fishos I speak to who have caught them in the same area.

Some locals are aware of the bait grounds behind Outer Rock, which is east of North Keppel Island.

You will need a zoning map as most of this area is a green zone.

The bait grounds I’m referring to are in the yellow zone about 4km from Outer Rock.

When yakka are stacked up here in the September period, it’s a great place to start.

 

I dropped local charter guru Pete from Yeppoon Sportfishing Charters a message for his wicked marlin tips and techniques.

Turns out, he’s more than happy to help other anglers, so you’re in for a treat.

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the 20 years I’ve been doing charters in this and various other areas.

Mix your lure colours up, have bright and darker plain colours.

Keep your rigging simple for the little ones – 5-7” skirts, 1.5-2m 80-100lb clear leader, good quality ball bearing snap swivels, double hook rigs 8/0-10/0 saltwater fly hooks – I don’t use doubles or wind-on leaders because, in my opinion, the less connections the better.

A good class is 10kg tackle, as it still gives you fun but gets the fish in reasonably quick.

 

If bait fishing, use only light-gauge circle hooks – these give better hook ups, with next to no damage to the fish.

I only use monofilament, as braid doesn’t give any stretch when these fish jump.

Always tow a hard-body – they get a lot of by-catch and hook enough marlin to warrant having one in the spread.

Always keep the boat idling forward because it keeps a constant pressure on the line.

Watch out when marlin get close – while they may seem tired, as soon as you grab their bill, many go absolutely nuts – double hook rigs and a crazy fish isn’t a good mix.

 

Once again, a big thank you to Pete of Yeppoon Sportfishing Charters.

If you don’t have your own boat and are keen to have a crack at a marlin, drop Pete a line on 0477 073 809.

Well, that’s it for me this month.

The countdown is on for the Humminbird Fitzroy Barra Bash, brought to you by the Frenchville Sports Club.

So, I’ll be prepping for this event over the next couple of months.

Catch you next time.