The Pelican's Pick

Friday, 25 July

Now that’s what we call the perfect end to the school holidays for Sid! What began as a father and son day to test out the new boat in Corio Bay, ended with a memory that will last a lifetime. Whilst targeting whiting and using squid for bait, Sid managed to hook and land his first ever gummy shark. The smile lasted until dinner time when Sid and the family were able to enjoy his fresh catch! We’re sure this isn’t Sid’s last gummy. Well done!

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Along the Coast

While wild winds and heavy rain have kept many anglers onshore this week, there have been some rewarding windows of opportunity.

Australian salmon are still dominating along the Victorian coast, with solid catches reported from 90 Mile Beach, Shallow Inlet, and Sandy Point. Down on the Surf Coast, both boat and land-based fishers are enjoying some salmon action too, with lures doing the trick.

Inverloch has been another hot spot, serving up both bait and dinner, with consistent reports of winter salmon and mullet keeping eskies full.

Around the Bays

For a solid mixed bag, the bays are the place to be right now.

Squid have remained consistent in Western Port, with anglers having success is shallow waters using bright coloured jigs. For land-based fishers, Newhaven Pier is a great option. Target the weed beds with lighter jigs.

While the bigger gummies have moved offshore, there are still plenty smaller ones about. If you’re keen for some flake like Sid, try the top end of Port Phillip Bay, or the eastern entrance of Western Port.

Garfish and pinkies have also been on the chew across Port Phillip Bay.

Altona has been busy this week, with anglers fillings bags of squid and landing flathead on soft plastics across the sandflats. The winter salmon are on the bite here too, with reports throughout the bay. You’ll also find a fun salmon session off Gunnamatta.

Inland

Trout are on the bite in several locations, with Newlyn Reservoir producing well and Lake Wendouree delivering solid browns. If you're around Bendigo, both Crusoe Reservoir and Lake Neangar have also been worth a visit for trout action. Just a reminder – if you’re targeting trout or salmon this winter, make sure you're across the current seasonal closures in rivers and streams.

Redfin have continued to bite in Lake Eppalock. With the school holiday crowds easing, fishing pressure has dropped, and we’re hoping the redfin activity continues. Anglers have had the most success working deeper, structured areas.

Closer to Melbourne, large redfin to 40cm have been caught recently in Pykes Creek Reservoir, with the best method of trolling diving hard-body lures. There’s always a chance of a trout too, as the Snobs Creek team stock both brown and rainbow trout in Pykes every year.

Although water levels remain low at Moorabool Reservoir, fishers are still finding success catching bait fish.

Further north in the Campaspe, anglers have been landing decent-sized Murray cod using both hardbody lures and fresh bait.

Tight lines – Mr. Percy!