Welcome to Greg James’ fishing column with all the hot tips for fishing Yorke Peninsula. Readers can contact Greg by email at greg@gregjamesfishing.com.au
Squid recovery raises big questions: Southern calamari stocks have been hit hard by the algal bloom. Egg survival rates are below 10 per cent and squid have a lifespan of just 12 to 18 months, meaning rebuilding numbers will take time, especially if 2026 is effectively “year zero” (minimal squid population).
How many years will it take for squid to return to pre-algal bloom levels? What theoretical modelling targets will accurately depict a recovery? How can we all support the recovery?
Wallaroo: By mid-Saturday morning, south-westerlies forced boat crews ashore, leaving the ramp unusually quiet and the jetty deserted. Offshore, rat kingfish, flathead and blue crabs remain, while a grain ship waits to load from the hopper vessel.
Moonta Bay/Port Hughes: School holidays have arrived, with both jetties busy as anglers chase blueys, garfish and snook, while boat crews head offshore for King George whiting, blue crabs, garfish and flathead.
Point Turton: Boaties continue to pay about 30 per cent more for fuel as they head out for KG whiting, shark, garfish and snook, while squid reports remain at zero. Inshore, mullet and small flathead are being found off the jetty, breakwater and Point Souttar.
Marion Bay/Stenhouse Bay: Shore anglers across the bottom of Yorkes targeted mullet, flathead and salmon trout from beaches and rock spots, while jetty fishing was quiet, with only a couple of whiting from Stenhouse Bay. Offshore, boat crews battled strong south-westerlies for red nannygai, flathead, snook and the odd KG whiting, but it was tough going.
Edithburgh/Stansbury: The Edithburgh boat ramp camera was blocked for days last week by visitors parking in front of it. Offshore, KG whiting and small flathead are coming from Coobowie, Klein Point and the Orontes Bank, while jetties are producing the odd blue crab and mullet on the high tide.
Black Point/Ardrossan: Good news last week with plans for a restoration-style oyster reef between Ardrossan and Stansbury, although it may take up to two years to establish. In the meantime, short- and medium-term solutions would help support recovery. Along the coast from Black Point to Ardrossan, there are a few blueys, mullet, mulloway and snook about.
Tight lines and see you soon!