Measuring and tagging for Sambo Science

Got One Woodvale (WA)

“The stiff easterly breeze was at our backs as the skipper pushed the throttles forward and lifted the vessel up onto the plane. We had over 40 km to run before we reached the “fish symbol” showing on the chart-plotter screen and as each km passed the excitement grew. The metropolitan beaches begin to fade due to both their rapidly increasing distance and the glow of an early morning sun-rise. The easterly breeze had whipped up some chop but we knew this would ease as the morning progressed and the engine noise, sea spray, and shuddering hull could do nothing but increase the anticipation. Not soon enough the chart-plotters' arrival alarm sounded and the skipper throttled back the 4 stroke engines so we quietly slid over the destination waypoint, all eyes nervously glued to the echo sounder for signs of life…. and there was nothing. Our hearts sank as the adrenaline levels dropped, but we are fisherman, in fact we are “sports-fisherman”, with an inexhaustible amount of optimism and tenacity, so we began a slow square search of the immediate area, in 105m of water with no visible bottom structure to guide us.

10 minutes passed, then 20, and eventually a small mark, a barely visible blemish appeared on the edge of the sounder screen. A little grunt from the skipper was all it took to attract the crews' attention and suddenly the screen filled with the astonishing sight of fish returns from the bottom up to 40 or 50 metres! The school was wide, dense, and deep and this could only mean one thing…Samsonfish!” (To be continued….)

400gm jigs are the go!

Previously considered a troublesome by-catch, Samsonfish are rapidly becoming one of the most valued and respected local species for both sports-fishing minded boaties and Fisheries researchers in local Perth waters. Until recently, biological and species research involving fish-tagging was limited to species such as West Australian Dhufish, Pink Snapper, Breaksea Cod, and Mulloway. These, amongst others, were considered the only species having enough importance to recreational fisheries. Over the past few years however Samsonfish have been added to the list and as a consequence of research programs run by Fisheries a whole new sport-fishing industry has been born. Over the past two summers fisheries researchers have instigated the “Sambo Science” program which enlists the help of local fisherman in capturing, tagging, recording data, and releasing as many Samsonfish as possible in a well run and controlled program.

Results so far indicate that this is a very tough species (not surprisingly considering their name!) which travel long distances in search of food and suitable conditions to breed.The Samsonfish migrates in large numbers to the waters off the Perth metropolitan area in early summer settling into massive schools of fish which remain resident for 2 to 3 months. Although many fish disperse and remain around local reefs all year, others set out on long journeys which have resulted in re-captures as far away as Kangaroo Island in South Australia ! They are here to spawn so the Tag and Release program ensures that this robust fish have this opportunity and are not landed in great numbers. Also as their eating quality is extremely marginal these fish are perfectly suited to our latest sport-fishing craze…Jigging!

Though relatively new to WA, deep water jigging has been around for a long time. In the East jiggers target primarily Yellowtail Kingfish as well as Amberjack, however in the West this new and growing fishery primarily targets Samsonfish with XOS Skippy, Yellowtail Kingfish, Snapper, Mulloway and even Dhufish as by-catches.

Richard Netes

The following is a summary of equipment and techniques used in “Deep-water Jigging”;

Equipment

•  Reels – essential requirements are superior strength, instant anti-reverse, fairly high retrieve speeds, and as light and compact as possible. Choices include the top of the range Shimano Stella 20000FA spinning reels, although any heavy duty spinning reel such as the Shimano Spheros and Penn 850SSM's or 950SSM's will do the job adequately. Overheads include the Shimano Torsa, Trinidad , and Toriums and the Avet range.

•  Rods – around 5' 6”, strong quality guides and reel seat with a fairly stiff tip to impart action on the jig. The rod must be capable of handling up to 15kg of drag pressure. Recommended rods include Shimano Deep Jig 200's or 400's and the Shimano JigWrex. There are many rods that will do the job and for the occasional “jigger”rods such as the Silstar Powergame and Okuma V System 55's are more than adequate. A quality graphite rod is recommended for more regular “jiggers” and the Got One Woodvale store stocks the ultimate jigging rod, the Smiths “Fremantle”.

•  Line – 80Lb Braid. Pick the thinnest diameter available. Braid with coloured markings for jig depth estimation are useful.

•  Jigs – 200 to 500 gm. Use fast sinking heavier jigs in deep (80m plus) water and where a strong current or wind exists, while jigs with more in-built action can be used in shallower water for demersal species (dhuies, snapper, coral trout, etc). In deep water the jigs must be luminous. Fast sinking medium action jigs are recommended for Sambos in 100m.

•  Terminal Tackle – 2m of 100kg mono leader with heavy duty swivel. Use a heavy duty split ring to attach swivel to both jig and top ring of a Dyneema hook rig.

Technique

•  Drop a fast sinking jig to below the depth of the fish on the sounder and retrieve with a fast lift and wind, stop/start technique. Keep the jig moving upwards.

Medium action jigs can be worked with a slower stop/start lift and wind technique.

•  Release Demersal fish using a release weight however Samsonfish, Tuna, etc, can usually be speared straight back down.

Schools of Samsonfish can be found in many locations near the metropolitan area. Up towards Two Rocks schools seem to found in relatively shallow water (30 to 40 metres) and various locations just outside Direction Bank north of Rottnest Island are commonly fished. Three well known areas are best for local fishers and these are just to the west and northwest of Rottnest Island . The GPS co-ordinates are available to interested fishers who prescribe to the Catch and Release ethics which responsible sports-fishermen encourage and are available at the Got One Woodvale store.

Quality gear makes the job much easier!

(…..Meanwhile, back out on the water)

“three jigs hit the water at the same time, the braid line rolled of the reels for what seemed ages, and the bail arms were closed with a flick of the thumb. One jig, two jigs, and it's on for young and old! What follows is a sight that has to be seen to be believed as rods are slammed downwards as the fish hits (you have to be quick not to let your rod or reel smack into the gunnels!), rods buckle over into impossible curves and line peels off impossibly tight drags!

Eventually the first fish “shows some colour” as it approaches the surface and soon is quickly but gently slid aboard, measured, tagged, and unceremoniously speared headfirst back into the water to swim strongly down to rejoin it's mates.

The angler sits for a moment, an incredulous look of relief and success, but also apprehension on his face…“that hurt, do I really want to do it again?!”

The other 2 fish are landed, tagged and released and the 2 anglers drop their jigs a second time. Peer group pressure prevails and our intrepid angler takes position alongside his two already hooked up mates, releases the bail arm, and prepares to do battle once again…”

Measuring and tagging for Sambo Science.