Offshore Kayaking: Big Pelagic Fish

[Terry H]

G'day guys

I know its obviously the wrong time for these fish, however just wondering for summer.

Does anyone have any recommendations for targetting Dolphin Fish in terms of locations? I'm keen to chase a few from the kayak this summer. Will have pretty good range in the kayak, and willing to go 15-20 kilometres in search of some fish. (Handy when you have a 15' sail to push the kayak along! - Yes, I'm picking up a Hobie Adventure Island next Saturday)

Will be intending on dragging some skirted lures behind me wherever I go in case I can pick up a marlin, wahoo or some other big fish. (Again, handy when you have a sail to push you along at 10-15km/hr!)

Cheers in advance!

[dhess]

Hi Terry,

Closest reefs for big pelagics I can think of would be Sunshine Reef off Noosa or Mermaid, Palm Beach and Gravel Patch Reefs off the Gold Coast. Theres also meant to be some reaaly good ground in close off the Kingscliff area.

As far as lures go I reckon some of the smaller Pakula's in a pusher style head would be good if you can keep your speed up. Pakula hybrids which are pretty bizarrre looking lures could be a good option as they work well at a wider range of speeds. From memory hybrids swim well down to about 4knots where as regular skirts work best at around 7 knots which is probably getting a touch quick for regular kayaking.

You could also try bigger minnows with the trebles changed to singles but the drag created by the bib will make them hard work if not impossible. Halco crazy deeps or Rapala x-rap magnums pull a few kilos of drag just being trolled.

Good luck and can't wait to see the reports.

[Terry H]

Thanks dhess. One thing to note though, I'm not talking about 'Regular' Kayaking.

Under sail power, 7 knots will be more than capable.

Happy to go 15 kilometres offshore in search of these fish (bout an hours sail depending on weather). So am not limited to typical close inshore reefs.

Have also dragged Magnum X-raps (in the largest and 2nd largest) size around before no worries. Granted in my regular pedal kayak its probably closer towards the slower end of their swimming speed range, but under sail this should be no issue.

Edit: video link

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihjvbou4H4w&feature=related

These things will push along. He doesn't even have his sail fully out in this video. They can be pretty darn wet though when travelling at speed! With the whole front end of the yak frequently ploughing under the water.

[wesfish]

scooting along hey looks like a fun ride..

good luck with your adventures off shore, might be worth getting the gps marks for the f.a.d.s that hold the dolphin fish, some one on here should know where they are, i think off straddy for one not sure how far out.

[snapsnap]

wesfish wrote:

scooting along hey looks like a fun ride..

good luck with your adventures off shore, might be worth getting the gps marks for the f.a.d.s that hold the dolphin fish, some one on here should know where they are, i think off straddy for one not sure how far out.

every FAD i hav been to has held dolphin fish. definately worth a try.

[dhess]

Okay the yak in the vid is going pretty damn quick.

If your willing to travel 15kms out then you will be able to get to places like the Gneerings off Mooloolaba and Tweed 9 Mile. Tweed 9 Mile or the gravel patch would have to be good places to start if you wan't to hook something big.

There are also a few really good options off Straddie and Moreton that would be a lot closer.

[batman]

Terry

Not that I have caught a Dolphin Fish but the guy who I have been going out with has, he has told me of three spots.

The weather boy off Point Lookout - its about 25 min in an offshore boat, he bagged out on Dolphin Fish.

Caloundra Wide and a closer option would be Sunshine Reef but Dolphin Fish would be pretty uncommoon.

I reckon the sevens reef off North Straddie would be well within range and probably a safer option.

Good luck with the Hobie Adventure, I would love one to!

[Terry H]

Cheers Brian,

Although I hear Al (Biggles) has touched my kayak before I got to. So not sure if I should call Mal and ask for a different one... Curse that Al.

The weather buoy out off Straddy was one thought. Would probably have to launch from Straddy though - so maybe an overnighter too for 2 days in a row would be suitable for that.