queensland longtail, mack tuna and kingfish

[lachrdr]

Reading the report by @Tuna are fish inspired me to write a report.

Headed out from the Port around 4.30am on Friday, with the plan to chase a spanish on trolled dead baits around cape moreton.

Was pretty choppy on the way out, but conditions improved throughout the morning. Within 10 minutes of getting the baits in the water we had a hit.

In came a 65cm yellowtail king. I had no idea of the size limit for these as I havent caught one before so it was returned. 

The next two hours were uneventful, until we came across a school of mack tuna feeding on the surface.

They were on the chew and we spent a while catching them nearly every cast, with the hope of a bigger longtail lurking beneath. 

This was not the case, and eventually we got back to trolling. Had one more hit and run without a hookup.

Time to head home, and about halfway across the bay I saw a large splash, with some birds heading for it.

Then I saw a huge longtail break the surface and excitement levels rose. 

First cast with a 40g slug and I was on. Longtails certainly do some incredible initial runs.

After a good fight we had the fish on board. Weighed it the next morning and it was 19kg. 

Plenty of meat shared around with friends and family so smiles all round. 

Sometimes the target fish doesn't work out, but there is always the chance of decent by-catch in the bay.

Cheers,

Lachlan

[Huxstang]

Download the QLD Fish app mate and you can check you sizes….you threw back some very nice sashimi with that kingy…and I am sure you have checked and found its 60cm legal length.

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

Good work Lachlan, sounds like a fun day with the tuna.

[lachrdr]

3 hours ago, Huxstang said:

Download the QLD Fish app mate and you can check you sizes….you threw back some very nice sashimi with that kingy…and I am sure you have checked and found its 60cm legal length.

Yeah I have the app but when I tried to open it it was glitching and trying to update and wouldn't work. 

Also I didn't have reception on my phone to check online. 

Anyway I definitely know for next time, and yes kicking myself when I found out 60 is the legal limit.

[ellicat]

Thanks for the report, @lachrdr.

Not the target but a lot of fun getting that whopper longtail by the sounds of it. Congratulations.

What baits were you trolling for the Spanish ?

[Tuna are fish]

The first run on them is amazing, it goes from 0 - 100 very quick and you have to be thinking.  shame about not knowing the size of the kingfish, i have caught a size one since i lived in new zealand but they taste great when you do get one.  sounds like a lot of fun

[lachrdr]

19 hours ago, ellicat said:

Thanks for the report, @lachrdr.

Not the target but a lot of fun getting that whopper longtail by the sounds of it. Congratulations.

What baits were you trolling for the Spanish ?

Was just trolling gar on a variety of chin weights. Might try some bonito next time