Shades Fishing News

THE Forster Fishing Carnival has been labelled a success, despite a gale warning that nearly ruined it.

Strong winds spoiled the first part of the carnival, with Sunday’s Great Lakes Gamefishing Tournament cancelled. Gusts were forecast until midweek, and organiser Max Frost blamed the conditions for keeping crowds away.

“I would’ve liked to have seen thousands, but we lost four days to bad weather,” he said.

“Fishing is a sport that really relies on the conditions, and it’s hard to attract people when you’ve got a 40 knot gale forecast until Wednesday. A lot of guys planning to come to town for the week decided not to, but once we got good weather things picked up.”

There was another headache when the 18,000 litre Reef Science tank’s filter stopped working - a new one was soon fitted, to the relief of a few dozen fish.

The Australia Bream Tournament’s skins event drew a healthy crowd to Wallis Lake’s shores. A field of fishing experts, including the gangster rapper of angling Kaj Bushy Bush, inundated the Reef tank with 270 bream. Nabiac’s Pete McKinnon took overall honours with team mate Martin Richards.

The carnival’s open fishing competition was more about participation than results, but it yielded some huge fish. McKinnon backed up his angling win with the biggest bream, a whopping 1.41kg specimen.

Local teenagers Jacob Bowland and Shaun Ireland won the Squidgies Forster Flathead Classic.

In the week’s best underdog story, the mates with a foam esky full of bait outdid seasoned pros with the latest sat-nav technology.

“Unfortunately the prize money got canned because there weren’t enough entries,” Ireland’s dad Craig said ruefully.

There was no cash, but they hauled in a five kilogram monster to win a top-of-the-range kayak.

Coolongolook’s John Startin won the major prize, a Quintrex E-Tec Hornet boat with Evinrude engine. Startin’s boat is pink, which will contrast nicely with his friends’ green eyes.

Heidi Sims won second prize, a top range Lowrance colour sounder.

Other winners were:

Mark Amato, largest flathead

Ken Grzeslik, best snapper

Allan Freihaut, biggest pearl perch

Martin Barry, biggest cobia.

When organisers schedule next year’s carnival they’ll almost certainly say yes to less.

“We bit off a bit more than we could chew [in organising the carnival]. I don’t mind admitting that,” Frost said.

“Next time we’ll look at streamlining it to four days, not a many events and have it earlier in the year for better weather. We’ve broken even and we’re happy enough with that side, but we’ll need some more dollars to do it all again in the future.”

Source: Great Lakes Advocate

A fantastic week was again reported by many anglers in both rivers and impoundments, with some fish seemingly taking the opportunity to gorge before winter sets in.

Ben Moesly and I took our Hobie Outback Fish kayaks for a paddle between some reserves close to Dubbo on the Macquarie River, and encountered some extremely fit Murray cod.

Ben managed to spin up a colossal cod on an AusSpin Cod-Botheror in purple and black. He also became the world’s biggest fan of the stinger hook as it did its job to perfection and stayed put through a number of line-peeling runs through dense structure.

The weight of the cod was estimated to be well over the 20 pound mark, as the Hobie kayak needed steadying as it was lifted aboard for a quick photo.

The big Murray measured 83 centimetres on the ‘brag mat’, and was later calculated through its length to weigh approximately 12 kilograms, or 26.4 pounds. The cod was released to ensure it breeds plenty of other fish in the future.

For his biggest cod to date, Benny picks up this week’s DVD entitled Murray Cod Tactics, and a selection of Jaz Spinnerbaits, including a Double Colorado half ounce Jaz spinnerbait in purple and white.

Both the angler and the columnist where a little sceptical after casting at snags with up to three discarded droppers tied off them but this great fish just goes to show that even though many persist with illegal fishing techniques, there are still trophy fish to be caught.

It is one thing to use droppers but why leave them in the river unchecked to achieve nothing but a dead fish and a hazard to wildlife and other people using the river?

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Graeme Powel, Nick Powel, Andrew Spackman, Matt Woods and I fished Burrendong at the weekend and came across a good number of fish.

Matt and Andrew bagged out on the first afternoon, catching rock-solid ‘yellas’ most could only describe as pearlers.

Showing superb condition these particularly deep fish couldn’t resist a well-presented yabbie bobbed just off the bottom among the trees in the Cudgegong arm of the dam. The fish where estimated to be a tick under the 10-pound mark.

Graeme showed us how it was done on the troll, winding in some cracking goldens on hard bodies, and then moved to tick another species off his list by tapping into the resident English perch (aka red fin).

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The Gaden Hatchery released copious amounts of brood stock into Jindabyne this week.

Atlantic salmon from 18 months to five years of age have been released, and they range from 10 inches to 7kg.

More than 150 brook trout with an average weight of 1kg will be released as well, so all in all Jindy looks like a great place to head for some winter time fishing.

Leadcore lines and downriggers have been working well for those on the troll.

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Smaller golden perch have been being caught on worms of the bank of Wyangla.

Tying up in the structure and bobbing shrimp have also been effective for those wanting to bob.

Neil from Wyangla Waters Park reported catching a smaller cod that was about the 40cm mark.

Trout have been restocked in the past couple of years, so with a bit of rain they will hopefully make a comeback.

Thanks to Neil for his report.

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Bait fisherman have been doing well at night off the Copeton bank with yabbies their preferred bait.

Catfish and goldens to six pounds are foraging not far from the bank late in the evenings.

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Michael Coad, Brett Klepp, and Chief Duncan travelled to Lake Mulwalaon May 16 to 22 to chase cod.

The Auspin Cod Botheror again did the trick for Michael, as he managed to boat a 78cm Murray on the cast. Another fish taker was the Jackall Doozer in metallic red. Michael will be forwarding some photos to Dubbo Catches in the coming weeks.

Source: Dubbo Daily Liberal

One of Western Australia’s biggest fishing competitions has cast off in Carnarvon.

More than 360 competitors will take part in the 17th annual Carnarfin tournament, with 35 per cent of participants travelling from interstate and overseas.

Organiser Wally Dale says it is a fun event for professionals and amateurs alike.

“We don’t promote, publicise or advertise Carnarfin at all,” he said.

“It grows simply by word of mouth and that way we maintain the integrity of the atmosphere which is being created through Carnarfin.

“It really is a fun week where people simply enjoy themselves. If they catch a fish or win a prize, well that’s a bonus.”

Source: ABC News

A TROPHY for the biggest flathead and a $250 prize are among Kimberley Busteed’s favourite HookUp memories.

Kimberley, a former Miss Universe entrant now turned TV presenter, will return to the region on Friday, June 6 to host a segment on The Observer Boyne Tannum HookUp for Channel 7’s outdoor adventure program Creek to Coast.

“I love doing TV work and presenting,” Kimberley said. “And I’m really excited to be doing a show on my area, my locality.

“The HookUp is such a great event.

“I actually entered one of the first years it was run and I won the trophy for the biggest flathead,” she said. “I was stoked.

“I can’t wait to get up there and go fishing.

“I want to get out there with family and friends and catch some big ones.”

The Observer Boyne Tannum HookUp will be the focus of a segment by the Creek to Coast team along with a second feature on the Boyne Tannum region.

“We’ll be up to co-host the event and to talk to the locals on their secret bait and where they go to fish.

“I’ve got a lot of good memories of the event,” she said. “It should be great.”

As fishers gear up for the fishing bonanza, HookUp organisers are busy behind the scenes.

Committee president Jeff Amos said tickets for seniors and juniors were still available but anglers shouldn’t waste time.

“We have unlimited junior entries available and we’ll sell them till Monday,” he said. “But seniors still thinking about getting into the competition should be quick.”

Mr Amos said the long awaited pontoon would be officially opened on Saturday at 2.30pm, with or without the top structure in place.

“Liz Cunningham (Member for Gladstone) is coming down on Saturday with the mayor (George Creed) for the opening,” he said. “We can’t promise the pontoon will be there for the opening.

“We had a setback when they were a week late with the pylons but the guys from the Gold Coast are trying their hardest to have the pontoon ready for the HookUp.

“I’ve told them that come the June long weekend we’ll have 30,000 people tramping the park,” Mr Amos said. “They understand the urgency we need that pontoon.”

This year’s 13th annual HookUp won’t hold any hoodoos for organisers.

“Luck is what you make,” Mr Amos said. “We looked at how we could make 13 into a positive and came up with 13 years, 13 boats to give away.

“This year we’re giving away over $200,000 is prizes, so we’re going to have a good time.

“The only setback for people could be if it rains,” he said.

“But then it always rains at the HookUp and everyone still has a good time.”

Source: Gladstone Observer

REGION - Two members from the Department of Primary Industries and Resources (PIRSA) recently spent two days interviewing local fishermen.

As part of the Recreational Fishing Survey Mike Koch and John Mathews were out and about on Friday and Saturday meeting recreational fishermen on the South Coast.

The two men travelled from Victor Harbor to the Murray Mouth gathering information on catches, sizes and catch rates.

They also wanted to find out the amount of time people were putting into fishing and how far they had to travel.

They visited popular sites including Petrol Cove, the Bluff jetty, the Causeway, Port Elliot and Goolwa Beaches, No 19 Beacon, Sugars Beach and Mundoo Channel.

The pair interviewed 10-12 cockle diggers and about a dozen fishermen on Friday and a further 30 fishermen on Saturday. Both days returned similar results.

“Catches were very low,” Mike said.

The activities are all part of a year-long survey across the state that aims to provide an indication of the state of fishing resources.

The survey is about three quarters finished and involves on-site and phone surveys. So far, more than 1300 households every month are surveyed by phone; more than 1600 recreational fishers have been interviewed at jetties, major boat ramps and beaches and 120 anglers are keeping a log book on their activities.

The survey will finish in September.

Source: Victor Harbour Times

Eden Amateur Fishing Club won back the annual inter-club grudge catch trophy from Merimbula on the weekend.

The trophy was contested by the three local fishing clubs at Eden, Pambula and Merimbula.

Eden Amateur Fishing Club hosted the event and the presentation barbecue which followed.

Presentations were held at the clubhouse at Quarantine Bay on Sunday afternoon.

Top anglers on the day were Eden’s Michael Lucas and Mark Prior and the most impressive catch was Gloria Sebley’s 35 kilogram mako, her first shark caught.

Miss Sebley also caught the biggest snapper (2.4kg) during the event.

Pambula will be the hosts next year and all who fished were looking forward to the “grudge catch” of 2009

Source : Eden Magnet

ANOTHER top week of weather and also another good week for anglers.

A bit of wind didn’t put many off and plenty of decent fish were bagged.

Outside, cobia are still around and it’s well worth a trip to Wide bait ground.

If you don’t have the GPS mark drop into Coffs Bait and Tackle or just look for the crowd.

Once you’re out there you might run into the fisher folk of the deep sea fishing club.

They’ve been catching plenty and Uncle Phil, ‘the slasher man’, tells me one of the lads landed a 20kg fish on 6kg line after a 45-minute fight.

Steve ‘the guru’ Abel has been out a fair bit this week and reports big shoals of bait fish hugging the bottom and not too interested in feeding.

So, if you’re going out take plenty of burley to inspire a fishy appetite.

Snapper fans are happy this week as good numbers of these tasty fish are being caught around most of the popular spots.

Young Sammy Cooper caught the fish of her life on Sunday while bottom bouncing at Pig Island with the family.

Apparently she’d just picked up the rod when a 9kg snapper took her plastic bait.

Well done, Sammy, you are this week’s fish picture competition winner.

Come into the shop to pick up a $20 bait voucher and you might want to bring in that reel for a service – sounds like it was smoking.

Mackerel also have made a comeback this week, just when we thought they’d gone.

I can’t be too specific about the location without getting into trouble, so I will just say have a troll around Arrawarra.

The rocks are still giving up tailor, and bonito also have shown up.

The bream are thick, as are the luderick.

Squid have been spotted at the South Wall of the harbour, so get your squid jigs ready.

Larger tarwhine and whiting have been caught around Red Rock and the Northern Beaches.

Kerrie Fahey bagged a 350g whiting up that way and was well pleased with her catch.

South around Sawtell there are rumours of monster mulloway stripping reels and breaking hearts.

Nick from Coffs Tree Services bagged two 10kg specimens on the full moon after getting smoked by larger fish.

Further south the fisher folk report the first stirring of the salmon run – be warned.

Around the estuaries flathead are the predominant catch and, of course, bream. Muddies are still a little scarce.

If you’re chasing a muddy it might pay to change things up, such as location and bait. A bit of experimentation never hurts.

Down at Repton the locals have been getting amongst a few sharks on 200lb hand lines, just for fun.

There seems to be plenty of fishing action down there recently and it is well worth a look.

Finally, there is good news and bad news from the shop.

The good news is we managed to get hold of more Bream Blades and sourced some excellent luderick weed. The bad news is that the plastic shopping bags are gone for good, so you’ll have to bring your own.

Until next time.

Source : Coffs Coast Independant

IVAN Dosen hadn’t been out fishing for quite some time, but come Thursday he decided to head out onto the bay for some fresh air and, hopefully, a lip-smacking feed of fish.

The Bell Park man certainly did all of that, taking his bag limit of three large snapper, the biggest 8kg.

These were all caught in about eight metres of water in front of the Mountain View Quarries from 12.30pm onward.

Dosen, who used pilchards and squid for bait, also caught two gummy shark.

Peninsula whiting

WHITING are still a proposition around the Bellarine Peninsula.

Among those to catch them last week were Jim Robinson and Wayne Gibson, of the Bellarine Light Game and Sportfishing Club.

They took combined bag-limit catches offshore from the St Leonards Yacht Club in about three metres of water on Wednesday evening using pipis and pilchard fillets for bait.

Robinson also reports that his brother, Russell, and his son, Luke, 7, fished the Barwon at Breakwater where they caught several carp to 3kg or so using corn kernels for bait.

Justin Burns took daughter Aisha, 4, fishing on the Barwon at Highton, near the Shannon Ave bridge.

Burns caught carp to 4.5kg or thereabouts; Aisha caught one of 2kg.

They used bread for bait.

Western District

DOUG Lucas, of Colac, and friend Bob Casper fished the Aire River on Thursday, finding the mouth wide open and the estuary tidal.

They found the bream easily enough, but most were small.

It took the capture of perhaps 100 fish before they had their combined bag limit that included fish to 42cm.

The bait used was local shrimp.

Lucas mentions that anglers have been startled to see dead and dying chinook salmon around the edge of Lake Bullen Merri.

He said chinook salmon die in considerable numbers in their fourth year, giving rise to concern among those who may not be expecting it.

Port Albert

MARK Cameron, of the Petrel Angling Club, reports members journeyed to Port Albert, in South Gippsland, at the weekend to contest the Northern Suburbs Concrete Trophy.

The heaviest fish, a 2.14kg flathead, was caught by Dennis Cockerel.

Max Clayton was runner-up with another of 505 grams, and the heaviest bag of fish (flathead), 2.59kg, was taken by Cameron.

Flyfishing

THE Bellarine Fly Fishing Association is running a series of flyfishing seminars for those who would like to learn more about the enjoyable art.

They will be held at Shannon Park, Newtown, at 7.30-9pm on Tuesday June 3 and 10.

A casting session will also be held at 2-4pm on Saturday, June 14.

The $40 cost of the seminar includes a publication that introduces the angler to flyfishing lakes.

For more details, call Tony on 5255 5724 or 0409 545 929. Portland

BOB McPherson reports there are still plenty of albacore and southern bluefin tuna coming into the cleaning tables whenever the weather permits anglers offshore.

Brett Murray has been among the successful operators, bringing in a dozen or so albacore and his bag limit of bluefin tuna to 24kg.

Source: Geelong Advertiser

AN annual highlight of the winter fishing season is Malua Bay Fishing Club’s June Long Weekend Fishing Competition.

The club’s publicity officer Jenny Wallace said the competition, on June 8 and 9, not only offered great prize-money but also was a valuable fundraiser for the Batemans Bay Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol.

“We are giving away more than $8000 in prizes and all profits from the competition are donated to the Coastal Patrol,” she said.

Registrations will be taken at the Malua Bay Bowling and Recreation Club on Friday, June 6, from 3pm until late.

Entry fees are $40 for a family, $20 a single and $10 for anglers under 16 years.

Source: Moruya Bay Post

VECTIS harvesting contractor Ron Hounsell visited Eden on the New South Wales south coast for a fishing trip in April.

Hounsell, who turns 68 tomorrow, was also visiting his son Darren who owns the Blue Marlin Resort and Motor Inn and runs fishing trips in Eden’s Twofold Bay.

Hounsell said his son had told him the fishing was `unbelievable’ but he wasn’t so sure.

“I thought he was talking it up a bit. But then we started fishing and it was like nothing I have seen before,” Hounsell said.

Hounsell caught a mix of bluefin tuna, king fish and mako shark.

He said what amazed him most was the quality of the fishing only kilometres off shore.

“If you go to any other places you can spend half a day going out to the best spot,” Hounsell said.

“But in Eden we were only about two kilometres off shore and still getting lots of bites.

“Why would you waste your time going out further?”

Hounsell said they had a scare early on one trip when Darren took him out on his boat with some other fishermen.

“About 45 minutes into the trip one of the guys got a big pull on his line,” Hounsell said.

“He fought it hard and as he got it to the surface we saw it was a 12-foot shark.

“So he quickly cut the line.”

Hounsell said he had caught some of the smaller mako sharks.

“They are great eating, those sharks,” Hounsell said.

Hounsell said the fishing was a lot of fun.

“They really put up a good fight,” he said.

“If they don’t catch the bait on their first try they will get it on their second.”

Hounsell said Darren regularly took people out fishing.

“He has his boat in front of the motel so people who stay there ask him to take them out,” Hounsell said.

“It is a tough job but someone has to do it.”

On Hounsell’s second day in Eden the water was too rough to go out so he fished from the beach.

“Darren said there was good fishing on the beach,” Hounsell said.

“When we got to the sand I could see the salmon in the waves so we caught quite a few of them.”

Hounsell said Darren had planned to sell his motel but after a year in Eden had decided to stay there.

“He is really loving it there and I can’t blame him,” Hounsell said. “It is a great place.”

Hounsell said he planned to go back to Eden soon because the yellowfin tuna would be in season.

“They are in season at the moment,” Hounsell said. “Darren also told me one of his mates made a big catch of snapper so I might try to catch some of those.”

Hounsell said he went fishing for the experience, not to catch fish.

“I think too many people go out to catch fish,” Hounsell said.

“You don’t go to catch fish, you go fishing. There is a difference.”

Roy Ward

Source : The Wimmera Mail-Times