WHITE water crunching the coastline tells us that conditions are perfect for targeting drummer off the rocks or out of a boat anywhere from Boat Harbour, north to Fingal Head and further north to Broughton.
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Best baits are prawns, cunjevoi and fresh bread.
I prefer salted cunjevoi as it is tough and withstands the battering given to softer baits by all the unwanted "pickers" that live in the wash.
Don't play around with drummer, when they pull on one end you pull harder on your end using nothing less than 10-kilogram line and a 2/0 hook.
Berleying is essential for successful drummer fishing and there is nothing better than stale bread mixed into a muddy consistency and ladled into the drink every time you cast out.
On capture it is essential to bleed the fish.
Filleted and boned the white flesh is best cut into matchbox pieces before crumbing or using in a chowder.
Fishing off the rocks is a dangerous game, always keep one eye on the sea and do not become over confident.
I never venture onto the rocks these days without wearing a safety vest. Vests are available that fit comfortably and do not interfere with fishing.
If you are unlucky enough to be washed in, your chances of survival are far greater if you remain on the surface.
Stinker
