Firth of Thames report November 2021
Great weather has allowed many fishos to get out on the Firth in the past month, fishing has been hot and cold at times.
Another month of up and down weather. Some was excellent for chasing snapper and some gave the snapper all the protection they wished. Reports though were really good when the weather allowed and these good results were right through the Firth. Snapper 3-4kg and bog gurnard coming from the shallows. Just a point – have you ever tried smoking large gurnard (the same way as for snapper) as they are delicious?
We also had a southern bluefin tuna landed from 5m of water out from Miranda. Some doubted this, but it is true – 27.5kg gilled and gutted. There was more than one in the area. Plenty of food and excellent water quality. The same reason for the shallows fishing so were so well all year with snapper and gurnard.
The fish are all in top condition preparing for spawning. Lots of big males coloured up ready to join the females when the temperature tells them to spawn. A point to remember – try to release those big fish if they are okay. These are the fish that provide the bulk of our spawning fish and good fishing in the future relies on successful spawning.
The farms are fishing well with large fish plentiful – remember keep an eye open for the big work-ups as the snapper will
be under them. Jigs, softbaits, kabura all work well.
Let’s hope for a good November weather-wise. The fish will be there.
Tights lines and safe fishing.
Doug Edwards
