Why are bommie a sportsfisho’s utopia

A “bommie”  refers to an isolated coral outcrop or pinnacle found on the Great Barrier Reef. These structures rise sharply from the seabed and serve as excellent fishing spots due to the diverse marine life they attract. Here’s why bommies are such great sports fishing havens:

 

 

My uncle Eddie, who passed away recently, taught me a lot about Fishing. In those days, many of our fishing trips, indeed all of our fishing trips out to the Reef, were predominantly to put food on the table, with any excess fish expertly processed and frozen. I can remember the early trips he used landmarks of the mainland, Fitzroy Island, and Green Island to get us into the area that he was looking for. From memory, he had an old FURUNO paper sounder. Once he turned the sounder on, he was looking for bommies. I can’t recall them ever showing fish on the sounder. Maybe a big school of reds might have been identified on the screen.  What he said was if there’s no reason for the fish to be there, they won’t be there. 

 

 

It’s as true today as it was 45 years ago. If you are barramundi Fishing and you come across a nice-looking drain and you don’t see any bait fish or nervous bait fish, then what reason do the barramundi have being there? A bommie is the equivalent of the Bunnings sausage sizzle. There is no other reason for people to be standing out in the sun/rain/cold. Look on the other side of the entrance. There is no one standing in the rain waiting for their sausage. 

I know this is pretty basic stuff. I’m not trying to teach you how to suck eggs. It’s just a reminder.  Something that I do every time I go out fishing. What species am I targeting, and why will they be in one spot and not another? 

 

Why Bommies are Fish Magnets:

1. Shelter and Protection: Bommies provide a natural habitat and shelter for many marine species. The complex structure offers hiding spots from predators and strong currents.
2. Feeding Grounds: The coral outcrops attract a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates, which in turn attract larger predatory fish. The abundance of food sources makes bommies hotspots for feeding activity.
3. Currents and Upwellings: Isolated bommies often experience unique currents and upwellings that bring nutrients from deeper waters to the surface. This nutrient influx supports a rich ecosystem around the bommie.
4. Biodiversity: The diverse environment around bommies supports a wide range of fish species, including prized game fish like coral trout, mackerel, trevally, and snapper. This biodiversity makes for an exciting and varied fishing experience.

Sports Fishing Benefits:

1. High Fish Density: The concentration of fish around bommies increases the chances of successful catches, making them prime spots for sports fishing.
2. Variety of Species: Anglers can target multiple species in one location, offering a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience.
3. Challenging Terrain: The unique and rugged structure of bommies provides an engaging and challenging environment for anglers, enhancing the sports fishing experience.
4. Scenic and Remote: The isolated nature of bommies often means fishing in pristine, less crowded areas, adding to the overall adventure and appeal.

Bommies, with their unique ecological attributes and high productivity, are ideal spots for sports fishing enthusiasts seeking both challenge and reward in their fishing endeavours.