OVER the coming weeks, if my Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) site is accurate, we are in for some rough weather accompanied by a bumpy sea.
As the sea continues to settle the local headlands and rocky outcrops along our coastline, between Birubi and Tomaree, become a focus for those who chase a tenacious scrapper we call the black drummer.
Correctly named the Rock Blackfish this “no holds barred” fish, with a mean attitude, swims in close through the white, washing machine water in search of a feed of sea cabbage, cunjevoi or any unfortunate crab that has lost his grip.
To catch this fish, you must develop an aggressive “let’s rumble” approach.
Fight fire with fire!
Arm yourself with a reasonably long rod, over three metres, with a solid backbone, nothing less than 12kg line and a 2/0 – 3/0 hook.
Selection of the correct sinker is crucial to success.
Too light and your bait stays on the surface.
Too heavy and all you hook is Australia.
A weight that will sink your bait mid water is ideal. Best baits include cunjevoi fresh or salted, rock crabs or prawns.
Bread berley will drive them crackers.
Toss your bait on the edge of the white water and when the fish pulls hard you pull harder.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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