Fishing Australia

My crew and I have been busy filming the new 2010 Series of Fishing Australia which starts on air this weekend.

Filming for some of the episodes started way back in the winter of 2009 because we wanted time to get an in-depth look at some of the new locations we visit and the fishing they offer. There’s still quite a bit of filming to complete but here are some of the highlights that we've captured so far.

First up, we travell to the mighty Macleay River in New South Wales where we tackle some remote gorge country on kayaks, horseback and even in helicopters in search of some of the best bass fishing in Australia. We got some big fish, but the journey was at least as much fun as the fight of a rampaging bass in tight cover. Phew!

Southern Bluefin tuna are also high on the list of highlights for 2010 as I finally get to return to Eagle Hawk Neck in Tasmania, where I caught my first bluefin as a wee little 10 year old. It was great to be able to fish for big bluefin under the awesome scenery of some of Australia's highest seaside cliffs. Knowing these cliffs offered some protection from the prevailing south easterlies, which come howling up from Antarctica, was a huge bonus and we hooked some great fish in conditions that were supposed to be less than ideal for tuna. Hooking them was one thing…landing them was another.

We also worked on some interesting new ways to stop the seals stealing your tuna, a necessity after one "Sammy" nearly ended up in the boat while chasing a hooked tuna around! I am sure that viewers will be surprised to see just how ferocious these 'cute' fury creatures can be when there is fresh fish on the menu.  They've got teeth like guard dogs and aren't afraid to use them!

Along the way I've been working on a new way to rig hard bodied lures with single hooks.  This technique, which keen game anglers are sure to appreciate, is useful for both estuary and freshwater anglers alike.

While in Tassie, I just had to sample some of the brilliant fly fishing action on offer and was fortunate to score a 12 pound brown on fly that fought like no other I've ever caught. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  A trout in good condition can put up a huge tussle.

Trouties will also like another of our adventurous episodes. If you can imagine one of the prettiest lakes you’ll ever see, that never gets fished, then you might start to imagine the adventure to be had.

Of course, a FISHING AUSTRALIA series is not just all about targeting big fish in far away places: As part of this years's series, I take my kids through circle hook techniques for bream and flathead and of course, the little rascals happily caught some decent fish the process! My 11 year-old daughter Caitlin also caught her first jewfish along the way and you’ll never guess the bait she used.  At the same time, I also got to test some new lures techniques on the local NSW South Coast jewfish populations.

As far as tropical fishing action goes there is some cracker Spanish mackerel action and lots of information on how to catch species like coral trout and emperor (plus lots of fishy action of course).

Some of the filming left in 2010 include a visit to 'fly island' in the remote Gascoyne region of WA where I am hoping to get a crack at some Permit and giant milkfish.

The Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are hoprefully next on the list, and after that we visit the remaining Australian States for some yet to be announced surprises.

The new series of FISHING AUSTRALIA starts this Saturday afternoon, 5th of June.  The timeslots around the country are:  5pm on WIN Television in QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS, and 4:30pm in WA.  5:30pm on Imparja, 2pm on NBN Television and 5pm on Channel Nine Adelaide and Perth. Please check your local TV guide for exact details.

Enjoy.

See you on the water.

Rob Paxevanos