Howdy and Dolphins and Yellow Fins

[MackerelMan]

Hay all,

I am new here so I thought I would say hello, so howdy all.

We have recently moved to Cairns and have been feeling our way with reef fishing as I have spent all my life living inland where coral reefs are few and far between. Anyhow, its been a learing curve which is good.

Anyhow, I grew up reading about folk catching all sorts of of pelagics with Mahi Mahi and Yellow-fin Tuna being two that I have never had the chance to target but figure now is my chance. We (me and the kids) spend a bit of time chasing Spaniards and we do alright trolling wolfies and Gar. Anyhow would appeciate any advice on YFT and Dolphins. Basically should I be trolling along the deep edge (ie SE side) of reefs or in deeper water bewteen reefs? Dead baits or skirts or minnows, fast or slow or all of the above. I like to troll slow and deep when chasing Macks so I am thinking this is not good for other pelagics. Not after spots just general stuff. We have a 5.5 tinnie and head out on good days but the shelf is obviously not an option.

Anyhow, any old advice will be greatly appreciated.

PS appologies for the Sappy name but had to come up with something!!!

[Goldfinch]

Hey MackerelMan,

I have caught a few yellowfin tuna down here in Brisbane offshore waters and have caught them on bibless (gold and red/white) lures trolling on the outside edge of reef in 40m of water at about 7 to 10knots. Haven't landed anything over 7kg as yet. I have only caught Mahi Mahi around floating structure which they tend to hang around. I catch them on slugs and spoons between 25 and 40 grams. Maybe do a search on the subject as there has been previous discussions on how to catch both these species.

You are living in one of the best places to experiment!!!

Best of luck.

Cheers
dave

[MackerelMan]

Hey GoldFinch,

Thanks for the reply Dave. I think that might be the trouble, I have been mainly swimming baits for Macks which may not be the best for Tuna. I think I will start to add a bibless minnow like you said to the spread and see what happens. I have been trying around floating structure but have not really come across much that is worthwhile. Would love to find a big esky lid or such.

Anyhow thanks for the reply Mate, I will let you know how I go.

Cheers and good fishing to ya.

CD