Fishing Australia

With the launch of the new season of Fishing Australia this weekend things are pretty busy at my end so well known local angler Patrick Martin is filling in for me.  Here's Patto:

Well once again winter is upon us and traditionally, many anglers will pack away the rod and reel until temperatures start to rise again. But for those anglers that are clever enough to brave the cold conditions, the rewards can be handsome.

The recent bout of wet weather in the mountains will have another wave of brown trout moving up the Eucumbene and Thredbo rivers in mass. And with the water a little dirtier then usual, it should be a lot easier to stalk these wily critters.

While fish are still keen to take small heavily weighted flies, this is where spinning tackle really comes into its own, as the pulse and vibrations omitted by lures make them easier to find in the murky waters. And when a trophy brown trout locates one, believe me, it will attack it with great vigor.

One other small thing to remember is courtesy to your fellow angler. At this time of year, the rivers are very busy and to have the privilege to fish a stretch of water is something we all enjoy. So if you are approaching a pool another angler is fishing, give them a wide berth so as not to spook any fish they may be lucky enough to catch. I am sure you would appreciate it if someone else was to give you the same level of courtesy.

Anglers are reminded that all notified trout rivers and streams in NSW and the ACT close to fishing at Midnight on Monday the 14th of June.

SOUTH COAST

The estuaries are fishing a little patchy at the moment but quality fish are still there to be caught by persistent anglers. This time of year generally produces big Flathead, thumper Bream and top quality Estuary Perch. Good sized tailor are also turning up in slightly more numbers as the estuaries cool down.

The inshore Snapper are also starting to show up in bigger numbers and even bigger body sizes. Four kg specimens are becoming even more regular, and boy don’t you know it when you catch one of these beauties on medium to light tackle.

If you want to venture a bit further out, and feel like having your arms stretched, the Kingies are there and are waiting for what you have to offer. While there are still plenty of rats out there, but fish up to one metre are beginning to be encountered on a more regular basis.

If you are after some shore based fun, the beaches have been going really well. Just find yourself a nice deep gutter and you are almost guaranteed to catch some quality fish, but remember that you need to be mobile, so don’t try and take too much gear with you.

If bait is your preferred method, all you will need is a rod bucket, a belt mounted bait buck and perhaps a few spare hooks and sinkers.

My favorite method on the beaches is spinning with metal slugs, and depending on the swell size and the tackle you use anything from 20 to 60 grams will do the trick.

A little tip here is when you cast out don’t be scared to let your lure sink right to the bottom (don’t worry, you want get snagged on the beach). Once you begin your retrieve your lure will puff up small amounts of sand, this really turns Salmon and Tailor on and you will be surprised at how many more you will catch. At times it is literally a fish per cast!”

Patto.

Thanks Patto: Great info that! In the meantime, anglers can look forward to the new series of FISHING AUSTRALIA which starts this Saturday, 5th of June.

The series airs on WIN Television at 5pm, NBN at 2:30 pm and Channel 9 in Adelaide and Perth at 4 pm. Check your local TV guide for exact screening times.

During the new series, my team and I have made a conscious decision to focus on the areas we visit, the local characters as well as offering a more in-depth look at specific species and fishing tactics. This week's episode is a good example.

I think the new focus is a big step forward for the show, but drop us a line at www.fishingaustralia.tv and let us know what you think.

See you on the water.
Rob Paxevanos