The Pelican's Pick
Friday, 16 January
It’s been a devastating week across Victoria with catastrophic fires around the state and thousands of people impacted. Our thoughts go out to families, landowners, and regional communities, with sincere appreciation to all the volunteers who have been battling these blazes. This week, Mr Percy will focus on coastal and bay fishing opportunities, rather than inland where many fires are still going.
Our Pelican’s Pick this week is Rhys who caught this cracking snapper in Altona around 17m of water. As soon as it hooked on, Rhys felt the unmistakeable pull of a Port Phillip Bay snapper! What followed was a brief, breath-holding battle as the fish surged below the surface. When it finally broke the water, glowing deep red in the sunlight, Rhys couldn’t help but grin! He had just reeled in this amazing Altona red!
To be our next Pelican’s Pick star, submit your photos to pelicanspick@vfa.vic.gov.au, or share your fishing story here.
Along the Coast
Dusky flathead are well and truly on the chew at Lake Tyers. They are devouring soft plastics and squid strips along shallow sandy areas. Switch to small hard body lures in natural and light colours and sandworms to reel in some quality black bream. There’s plenty of mammoth sized tailor about favouring chrome-coloured lures. Doesn’t matter if you’re fishing from a boat, kayak or land-based, Lake Tyers will offer up a day packed with action!
Corner Inlet is a premier multi-species fishery, giving anglers the best opportunity to target a wide variety of fish! King George whiting and flathead are a very common inlet species, and they tend to aggregate around channels and drop offs in sandy areas near seagrass beds. Gummy shark can be found in deeper waters using fresh squid and pilchards for bait.
Portland continues to be every anglers dream fishing destination! There’s been reports of trophy catches from both boat and land-based anglers! Snapper, gummies, trevally, tuna and kingfish are all being caught regularly and creating the most delicious seafood basket! The breakwater is a perfect spot to cast a line but please remember when fishing from breakwaters and piers be respectful of those around you and share the space so everyone can get in on the action!
Around the Bays
The early angler gets the fish in Port Phillip Bay, with morning bites reeling in big results! Whiting have been active at first light around Mornington to Dromana. Further down at Sorrento Pier there’s been reports of impressive squid and flathead.
St Kilda is the go-to for school sized pinkies and a whole lot more! The reef structures in the area are perfect for targeting flatties and whiting! Or head across to Newport with some metal spoons and get casting because there’s salmon waiting to hammer your lure.
St Leonards is also an outstanding location to flick some lures and reel in a catch! Trevally frequent fast water in the area, while squid can be found across the grassy seabeds. Garfish and whiting are regularly providing some fishing fun, so all in all it’s a great place to take the kids on school holidays!
The tide patterns around Western Port are stirring up some seriously good fishing! Whiting are active around shallow edges snacking on pipis. Squid remain a strong target in the Hastings area. Be sure to use light tackle and brightly coloured squid jigs around peak activity time (dawn and dusk). Those casting out large baits around Balnarring have been reeling in something larger, with absolute quality gummies schooling up in the area.
Before you plan a fishing trip be sure to check the forecast and the VicEmergency website.
Stay safe and look after your family and friends.
Tight lines - Mr Percy!