- By Pierre Trollip
As an enthusiast rather than an expert, I find myself amidst the lively discussions at boat shows and tackle shops, absorbing tips on lures, rods, methods, and more.
Despite feeling somewhat out of my depth, my modest budget operation has yielded thousands of fish over the past few years.
When I retired I pledged to venture out every week, summer or winter.
While I won’t dispense advice on how to fish – as there are countless more experienced resources – I’ll share my journey armed with budget rods, reels, and tackle.
My go-to tackle includes a two-hook ledger rig with TOP CATCH Pilchard dead baits, stray line rigs, and a trawling lure.
I also carry various gimmicks, though some remain untouched despite their “deadly” promises.
In terms of fishing locations, I reminisce about the trenches south of Rocky Bay, where I initially discovered the thrill of fishing during my sailing days.
Now, it remains a go-to spot, guaranteeing snapper catches alongside encounters with small hammerheads and other sharks.
Sergeant’s Channel and around The Noisies are also favourites, consistently delivering good snapper hauls over the years.
Where are all the big snapper? As most now know, reasonable size snapper have been extremely hard to find in and around the Gulf this summer.
I’m no scientist, but suspect the warmer water and increased number of fishos out there may have contributed?
Recently, I parked the Haines Hunter SF545 near three different charter boats.
None of their punters were shouting “Fish onnnn” with a bent rod. So I don’t feel entirely useless at this fishing lark.
However, we have had fresh snapper for dinner more than a few times this summer, but it’s been a while since I caught my quota.
Then again, I’m comfortable not taking the maximum catch every time. The Admiral and I are quite happy with two 36-45cm snapper pannies.
Fresh fish for dinner once a week, and leftovers for a few lunches is just perfect.
The small snapper have been abundant though. And healthy. I think the “milky, soft, mushy” fillets are a thing of the past.
This winter will see these small healthy snapper a bit more grown up.
Yay, at $54.99 per kg at the supermarket, it only takes a few reasonable sized pannies to cover the fuel bill. Despite the lack of sizeable pannies, it’s been great to be afloat.
Our Gulf is simply stunning, even sending dolphins to check me out. And the various small islands are out of this world.
To share the excitement of my angling escapades, I’ve ventured into the world of YouTube.
From cringe-worthy beginnings, my channel has grown to over 1000 subscribers and 126,000 views.
Everything discussed above comes to life in my videos, offering a visual peek into my fishing endeavours.
Search for “OutSmart – The Fishing Pensioner”. Like, share, and subscribe to join me on this thrilling fishing journey.
The Haines Hunter SF545 I’m now using is part of a 25 boat fleet available via a subscription from SKIPPERI.
These boats are available fully serviced and in the marina – on a walk-on berth.
The monthly fee is dirt cheap. Perfect for my style of budget fishing.
Check out any of my recent videos for details, and a discount if you subscribe via my YouTube channel.
As Ned Stark said: “Winter is coming.” There are signs the snapper are coming back. Although still hard work to catch a feed.
I’ll be out there later this, and every, week. If you see me on the water, cruise by and shout “Fish onnn!”
Keep an eye out for the next episode on YouTube. I’d love to bring you along.
