Mangrove Species
Mangroves are the life blood of any estuary system.
We're on Botany Bay and getting a little help from an expert - Mark James from NSW Fisheries.
Now you might think of mangroves as muddy, smelly, mossie breeding grounds. But the trees and shrubs on the tidal flats are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth.They're a vital nursery area for juvenile fish.. and that's just for starters.
Mangroves are also a fantastic bird habitat…they act as a buffer against storms and cyclones.. and help stop erosion of the shoreline.
Well have you ever wondered what these little things are around mangrove forests ? Their scientific name is neumataphors. They're a root system which extends out to anchor these incredible trees down to the estuary floor.
The channels near mangroves are also top spots to fish. Jackson and I are chasing the predators. Our main suspect - the dusky flathead.
We've pulled up in about a metre of water.. and the bottom is looking good.
There's lots of holes, and we've noticed the odd flathead burying themselves in sand. We're using squidgies, the soft plastics that are all the rage at the moment.
By giving our lines a few short sharp kicks, we're mimicking the small fish bouncing off the bottom.
Jackson looks like he knows what he's doing. In fact, he has some pretty impressive fishing tales.
s it turns out, its Mark who takes first honours…
A very dark dusky.. which means he's probably been spending most of his time around the mud.
Flathead's eyes are on top of their head - and that's the reason why we're flicking up lures nice nd high - these guys lay in sand and can look up and across but can not see anything going low along weed.
Dusky flathead live in estuaries right around the east coast… and don't move much from their home turf. They're the largest fish known to spawn inside the estuary systems.
Some of my most spectacular fishing experiences have been amongst the mangroves. Up at Cape Don in the Territory the mangroves form a gnarled old jungle.. which holds big crocs and big barra.
And the long mangrove channels on Hinchinbook Island are great hidey holes for mangrove jack.
It's incredible that not so long ago, we were clearing mangroves for development. Thankfully these days, most mangrove forests are protected.. as a vital link in the marine food chain.
Those nutrients that look like piond scum actually feed the plankton and smaller fish.. which then feed the bigger predators. They also wash right out to sea - so these humble little river trees are even boosting our offshore fish stocks!
But it's the river fish we're after today.
We're staying around the same spot as this morning.. because when you find one flattie.. there are usually others feeding in the area.
Looks like Jacko's dropped in on their lunch.
Flathead put up a fabulous fight - especially when they spot the boat.
Landed by a whisker… and what a beautiful specimen.
To find out more about ways to protect our mangroves, contact NSW Fisheries or your local fisheries department. The fisheries boat is powered by a 50 hp Yamaha 4 stroke outboard. For more information on all Yamaha products, take a look at their website.
The Escape with ET team flew to Sydney with Virgin Blue. Check out all their sensational fares at virginblue.com.au or call 13 67 89.
While in Sydney
we stayed at Rydges Cronulla. For the month of August they are
offering our viewers a fantastic special. Everything is half
price! Halve the cost of your accommodation, room service, dry
cleaning, Raffles Restaurant and Bar & the Mini Bar. Give
Rydges a call for more details.And we got our flathead rigs and
tackle from Big W.
