The Pelican's Pick
Friday, 7 August
If you can name a better trio than Lake Eildon, a good lure, and monster cod, I’d love to hear it!
Last weekend keen fisherman George Goodman grabbed his tinny, winter jacket and fishing gear and took a trip to Lake Eildon. No stranger to Eildon or monster cod, George was quietly confident that his endeavours would once again land him with the fish of a lifetime.
Deeming Goughs Bay as the area of choice, George put his pink and white Pip Clement fly to work in around 6 metres of water and it wasn’t long before he reaped the rewards, landing this 1.1 metre beauty.
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Along the coast
Lorne Pier continues to produce fish and remains the standout spot along this stretch of coast. Recently, it's been delivering a real mixed bag, with reports of snapper, King George whiting, salmon, trevally and calamari all being caught. For those looking to maximise their chances of catching a variety of species, squid and pippies are some of the best bait options. Alternatively, anglers using artificial lures can target pinkies by working the bottom, while salmon and trevally are more likely when fishing higher in the water column.
Port Welshpool is starting to see some great catches, with gummy sharks, calamari and whiting all starting to show up on the cleaning tables. Those targeting squid have had the most success using green, pink and white squid jigs. The squid are schooling up and holding in the shallows, so once you locate them expect to run into more nearby. The squid have been quite selective and are showing a preference for certain presentations. If you're struggling to get a bite, try changing lure colours, sizes and retrieve techniques until you find what they are after.
Port Fairy is fishing well with silver trevally and salmon providing plenty of action in the lower Moyne River. Soft plastics have been one of the most effective lure options, particularly paddletail profiles in motor oil colours. The key to success is to fish while the tide is running and use the lightest possible jig head while still being able to get your lure down to the bottom. Retrieve slowly with the current, giving your lure a couple of hops along the way, imitating an injured baitfish. Most bites happen when the lure is drifting naturally with the flow, so resist the temptation to overwork it!
Around the bays
The northern end of Western Port has been fishing very well for calamari. The squid have been holding up on the shallow banks, with better results often coming around the low tide period as they move off the flats and into the deeper channels. Depths between 2.5-5m have been the most effective. For those wanting to maximise their results while on the water, try casting a squid jig from one rod while drifting a whiting or tommy ruff on a squid spike below a float. Be ready with a net, as it’s not uncommon to end up with a squid on each rod! For all the calamari connoisseurs, try removing the head and guts from your keeper squid, snipping the tip off the tube, and placing them in a mesh bag to tow behind the boat. The water flowing through the tubes helps wash away most of the slime, ink and remaining residue, making them much easier to clean once back at the ramp or home!
The Geelong Waterfront has been fishing well for pinkies, with good numbers being caught despite being on the smaller side. It’s a great location to take the kids thanks to its easy accessibility and reliable action. Other species are also commonly caught at this time of the year, including salmon and flathead. Soft plastics have been producing consistent results, while fresh baits such as squid and pilchards remain effective options. If fishing with plastics at night, remember to apply scent and work those lures slow!
Those fishing from the boat off Williamstown have been finding good numbers of salmon in around 6 metres of water, along with the odd pinky! Paddletail soft plastics imitating baitfish have been the standout option, don't be afraid to work them quickly when targeting salmon. Evening sessions have been the best, keep moving and covering ground until you find active fish.
Werribee has been consistently producing good numbers of squid and flathead. It’s worth getting out there for a few squid and using the smaller ones for bait. Squid strips are a great option for flathead, with the tough flesh keeping the bait on your hook for longer compared to many other options!
Inland
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Blue Rock Lake in West Gippsland is a fantastic fishing destination for boat and land-based fishers alike. Filled with trout, redfin and bass, this premier fishery has been firing this winter. Fishers are reporting luck for land-based fishers at the top of the boat ramp and around the dam wall with worms being the bait of choice.
Out west Lake Bullen Merri has continued to fire but for those craving natural streams and are eager to give fly fishing a shot, head an hour south to Warrnambool and you’ll find yourself at the Merri River. One of the few Victorian rivers that doesn’t have a closed season for trout, this small river is renowned for dishing up massive brown trout at an absurd rate. Its unique mix of fresh and estuarine waters provides a continuous and abundant food source for its brown trout inhabitants, so you better be prepared when they start biting. Whether you're using light gear or giving fly fishing a shot this river rarely disappoints.
If you're up north, crays continue to dominate the fishing world as the native fish slow down for the winter. The small town of Toolamba has proven a hotspot this year with fishers walking away with the bag limit (2 per person) more often than not. Cemetery Bend has been the area of choice for locals looking for a feed. Chicken in any way, shape or form continues to be the reliable bait of choice however fresh chopped up carp also works a treat.
Tight lines – Mr. Percy!