“No Demersals, No Motivation, No Problem – Alternative Adventures for When Fishing’s Off the Cards”
Let’s be real – sometimes, fishing just isn’t on the cards. Maybe the demersal ban’s in full swing, and your boat’s doing more sitting than floating. Maybe a giant deluge of sideways rain. Maybe it’s so hot the pelicans are wearing thongs. Or maybe… the only thing you’re reeling in is another episode on Netflix.
Whatever the reason, when the usual fishing missions are off the table, there’s still plenty to do (or at least pretend to do) to keep your fishy brain occupied.
1. Become a Freshwater Fanatic or River Rat
If you can’t chase a dhuie, you might as well go full bush mode. Try targeting trout and redfin perch in the South West’s freshwater gems like Wellington Dam, Waroona Dam, Harvey Dam or the Collie River. Chasing Mulloway is the ultimate test of patience and pay-off — long quiet nights, one explosive hookup, and a silver slab that makes it all worth it. Who knows you may even be fly-curious, pick up a wand and give fly fishing a go… its strangely addictive!
2. Master the Art of Egi
Demersals are off? Cool. Time to channel your inner squid whisperer. The Busselton Jetty is one of the best spots to learn the ancient and highly addictive art of Egi fishing. All you need is a decent rod, a couple of jigs, and a suspicious-looking flicking motion that makes bystanders question your life choices – until you land a kraken. Got a boat? A kayak? A blow-up flamingo with a dream? You’re all set — the squid are always hanging out in the shallows waiting for a visit! (see our previous blog post on squidding, there’s lots of great info there to float your boat!)
3. Send It with a Drone
While demersal boat bans are in place, land-based drone fishing for snapper and dhuies is still on the cards. Find a good rock ledge or beach spot, send that bait flying hundreds of metres offshore, and let the tech do the hard yards while you sip iced coffee in a camp chair. Science has never been so tasty.
4. Organise Your Tackle (Or Just Stare at It)
Take all your tackle out. Stare at it. Feel shame. Put it all back again. Maybe reorganise your jig collection by colour, mood, or zodiac sign. Bonus points if you “accidentally” head into Whitey’s for more storage trays and walk out with a new combo and a 60L Yeti.
5. Too Hot? Fish at Night, Ya Goose
If it’s pushing 40 and your sunscreen’s sweating off before you finish applying it, go night fishing instead. Target tailor, mulloway, or flatties after dark – it’s cooler, quieter, and the mozzies are only slightly more aggressive than the daytime UV.
6. Watch Fishing Instead of Doing It
Load up YouTube, watch people catch bluefin in Japan, argue with strangers in the comments, and try not to buy a $900 reel after watching 3 minutes of slow-mo giant tuna action. It’s a dangerous but rewarding rabbit hole.
7. Go Camping (But Still Talk About Fishing the Whole Time)
Round up the crew and hit the bush. Build a fire, tell stories, and insist it’s a recon mission for a future fishing trip. Don’t forget to bring a rod just in case you stumble on a fishable puddle. It’s basically science.
8. Turn the backyard into a fishing simulator
Who needs the ocean when you’ve got a backyard and a wild imagination? Turn your outdoor area into a DIY fishing simulator. All you need is:
- A bucket (bonus points if it’s full of water),
- A rod with no hooks (for safety, obviously)
- And a complete lack of shame.
Set up casting targets around the yard—esky, trampoline, your mate’s ugg boot—and perfect your flicks. If you’ve got a drone, simulate a bait drop over the BBQ. Bonus round: yell “I’m on!” loudly enough to confuse the neighbours.
And if you're really committed? Chuck on your rain jacket, turn the hose on mist mode, and recreate a classic South West weather day. Wind machine optional.
While you’re out there, try these:
- Practice your FG knot blindfolded (extra frustrating, highly character-building).
- Test your drag settings using your dog (not recommended but often attempted).
- Rig up that new soft plastic that’s been sitting in its pack since Christmas 2021.
The key here is simple: Look busy enough that your partner thinks you’re being productive, while still pretending you’re fishing.
9. Chase What’s In Season
Whiting, squid, herring, Sambos, King George, bream – they’re all still on the chew. And unlike your average dhuie, they’re much easier to handle without a 9m Cat. Plus, most of them go great in a pan with garlic butter and a frothy in hand.
9. Cook what you would have caught
Can’t fish? Cook like you did. Whip up some squid rings, or try a new recipe (using stored fish from previous outings), or challenge yourself to make a “demersal-less” seafood platter. Chuck on a fishing shirt, crack a cold one, and tell outrageous lies about how you caught it all on your lunch break with a handline and a sausage. Instant morale boost. Zero filleting required.
Final Thought:
When the conditions are tough, the bans are in place, or your motivation’s somewhere between “meh” and “might nap”, remember – there’s always something fishy to do. And if all else fails, pop into Whitey’s Tackle & Camping and let us help you come up with a wildly unnecessary but exciting new hobby (hello, drone fishing starter kit).
Want more laughs, tips, and semi-useful life advice?
Follow us on social media, or just swing by for a chinwag. We’re always happy to help you spend money in creative new ways.
Tight lines (or tangled drones),
– The Crew at Whitey’s