By the time you read this column some of our members will already be at Dunmore Trout Waters and will be immediately followed by another party of eager anglers hoping to take advantage of the initial group’s experience and not to waste time fishing with flies that proved unproductive for them. Hopefully you can read all about the success of both parties, complete with corroborating photos (hint, hint) in next month’s newsletter.

While on the subject of Dunmore the BOM website forecast is for the chance of some rain. Rain can and sometimes has ruined our weekend plans or cancelled an anticipated outing . When it comes to rain there is a bit of mixed opinions. It can drive some of us off the water, but also bring the hardcore anglers amongst us out in hopes of landing a big one. Will a little rain deter us? Not us, we are off to Dunmore come hell or high water. Anyway most anglers are used to getting wet, standing in water for better casting angles and to present the most realistic drift possible. As a bonus those rain drops rippling the surface are like camouflage, the biggest and wisest trout know it’s safe to come out because their natural predators will have a tough time seeing.

When Europeans settled in Australia, they named many fish after those they resembled at home. Coral trout species have spots along their back like brown and rainbow trout which explains how our “Know your Fish” this month came by its name.

Previously associated mainly with “bottom bouncing” coral bommies with large baits or jigs on handlines, the coral trout is rightfully emerging as a popular target for fly fishers especially in our Northern waters.

Our fish is the Common Coral Trout Plectropomus leopardus, and I suggest that if you need more information regarding this and other species of coral trout than is supplied by our short article you go to http://rrrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/06-2004-Coral-Trout-Species-of-Queensland.pdf

If you really want to delve deeper into more information regarding the species (and enjoy being totally confused) read Grant’s Fishes of Australia (1991), 480pp where he argues that the Plectropomus leopardus, maculatus and laevis (Chinese Footballer) are all colour phases of Plectropomus maculatus and refers to all of them as such in his subsequent books. I know – too much info about this beautiful (and absolutely delicious) fish.

Iain & Bonnie

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