See Paul's profile here.

22 January 2008

With Paul Pingiaro from:
Mornington Boat Hire, and
Track Air Adventures

"Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" have all been done and dusted. Now it’s time to get out and bag a brace. For those out for a bit of new year's success the fishing has been very good.

From Mornington Pier anglers have been catching whiting on pipis and sandworm, squid on size 2.5 jigs, garfish on silverfish, trevally on pilchard fillets and flathead and snapper on USA squid, pilchards and garfish.

The salmon are starting to show around Mornington, and the odd kingfish is also in the mix. The best method has been to trawl McDonald’s straws and plastic tubing, while the kingies are best targeted with deep divers.

The snapper are out deep off Mornington, the best results are coming from those sounding in 19-21metres, finding the schools and then anchoring over a bit of weed or structure nearby.
During this time of year it is essential to use a constant stream of berley to hold the fish in your area, and to also bring the fish into your area.

This time of year can be a bonanza or bust, as the fish are breeding and either bite like crazy or not at all. The best results come when the angler has a 20-60lb mono-trace and a running sinker rig with sinkers of varying sizes. Best baits are USA squid, pilchards, silver whiting, garfish, scad, sauries and eel.

The clients of Mornington Boat Hire have been catching snapper to 5kg, squid, whiting, garfish and the ever-present flathead. There are also some great stories about the one that got away, with a few snapper and some large gummies earning their freedom. As a tip, make sure that your drag is set correctly.

I fished out of one of Schnapper Point (Mornington) Boat Hire’s Hobies the other day and managed 2 good squid in under 20 minutes. What a great way to keep fit and catch a brace of fish. Schnapper Point Boat Hire now have 2 Hobie fishing kayaks, one single and one double.

The Petrol Tankers from Horsham were down at Mornington during the week and while the snapper were hard, they did manage a few to 3kg and they also caught some cracking leatherjacket to 1.5kg.

TrackAir’s Guide Clint has been catching some lovely snapper off Williamstown, while John has been doing well in Western Port on the whiting.

From the back beaches Sneaky and Captain Crayfish have been getting some good crayfish to about 2kg. The boys reckon they are there but bloody hard work. Experience is key when diving here.

Tight Lines and Blue Skies,

Paul

www.fishingmornington.com - Mornington Boat Hire, Bait and Tackle
www.trackairadventures.com -Depart on your ultimate adventure
Mobile: 0417 551 373

See previous Pingiaro report here.