Some Whiting from the Southport Spit

[Daryl McPhee]

I have found that the Southport Spit is one of the many landbased locations in the Broadwater where you can reliably and consistently finda feed of tasty whiting. I had a bit of fish their last night. Although atvarious timed there was a plague of undersized whiting, small sand crabs,bogans and stingrays, I managed a decent couple of feeds for the family. Thequality was down on what I had been getting at Runaway Bay – mostly economyclass fish this time, with only one business class passenger, but they will be tastynonetheless. I fished mostly with 00 and 000 sinkers as the fish were in veryclose to the shore. I have found ifconditions allow it, these very small sinkers are often the key to getting agood feed of whiting from the shore.

[thelump]

Another great trip Daryl. What length and line class leader do you run with the little ball sinkers mate?

[Daryl McPhee]

Hi Jason, about 60 or 70 cm of 8lb leader of the thinnest diameter I can find (6lb mainline). I have found that a really long trace is not as important with the light leads as it is if you are fishing heavy.

[T1]

Nice work D! It appears we're going to be in for a bumper Ting season!!

Can i just add to your answer... i use 6lb Flurocarbon regardless of Lead size. In the Nerang, we only use size 4-5 ball sinkers. As for length, horses for courses... some swear by 'as long as possible' but i found for me personally, circa 60cm produces the best. Ironically, it was only when i shortened my trace length that i started increasing my catch rates...

Take Care T

[Daryl McPhee]

Hey T1. I know of lots of good whiting fishermen who swear by a long, long trace; but like you I don't feel comfortable with them either.

[bondy99]

Daryl,

Good catch of whiting, I wonder if there was any tailor that night?

Was you near the breakwall or closer towards the jetty?

Bondy

[Daryl McPhee]

Hey Bondy,

I fished the Broadwater side and not the surf. I was tempted to go to the surf and chase tailor, but the family had put in an order for some whiting so I had to oblige.

Daryl

[bondy99]

Hello Daryl,

Always another time, families always come first.

Bondy

[castlemaine]

Hi Daryl
What size/type hook were you using?
Cheers, Ivan

[Daryl McPhee]

Hi Ivan,

I generally a use No.4 hook in a French style pattern - either Mustad No 540 or 79957 (or their eqivalents).

Daryl