I read an article on “How to catch drummer” written in 1952.
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Absolutely nothing has changed since then. When they pull you pull harder.
Black drummer, or correctly Eastern Rock Blackfish, inhabit all our rock platforms from Birubi north to Broughton Island.
Thumpers up to an astonishing 5 kilograms have incredible power as they try to pull you into the sea.
For some unknown reason drummer love bread and they go crackers in a berley trail of muddied, bread-ladled wash.
Once the berley trail has been established, toss your 12 kilogram line just behind the white water. With a medium sized sinker your 2/0 hook will slowly sink. Get ready as the action is about to begin.
Best baits are cunjevoi, rock crabs, bread and prawns.
Don’t be surprised to hook a bream, groper or a much prized snapper.
Drummer will also bite on sea cabbage and green weed much to the annoyance of those trying to catch luderick.
Fishing off the rocks is a dodgy business which claims far too may tragedies.
My advice is to wear a safety vest which will keep you afloat if you topple in.
- Got a pic or tip for Stinker? Email it to stinkerfishing@yahoo.com with your contact number and details of your catch.
Read more from Stinker: Chasing the winter bream on rising tide