The Pelican's Pick
Friday, 17 April
Gracie spent school holidays exactly how every kid should, having a cast with the family and reeling in a well-earned reward!
They were land-based fishing at Rocklands with bardi grubs expecting a mammoth Murray cod to chomp on the line. Gracie’s reel started screaming and a big battle ensured when the surprise of a lifetime emerged - a stonking 55cm Aussie bass, a truly unforgettable catch!
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Along the Coast
The bream continue to fire in Gippsland Lakes, the action is red hot and the catches are superb! There’s the occasional quality mulloway and they are arguably best in the state! Estuary perch are right in the thick of it hammering surface lures in low light conditions. With such an extensive water system there’s plenty of spots to get in amongst the action.
The fish are on at 90 Mile, with large snapper, trevally, and salmon striking bait fast and leaving no crumbs! Don’t let rough conditions deter you from a bit of land-based fishing, putting in the work will be well worth the effort with PB catches up for grabs on a run in tide. Cast out pillies or squid strips at gutters for the best chance at some rod bending action!
Port Welshpool fish are having a growth spurt because the specimens getting reeled in are absolute monsters! Platter sized flatties and pan sized snapper are keeping anglers busy and well fed! Port Albert fishing is just as good, with reports of delicious mixed bags containing flatties, gummies and King George whiting all on fresh oily baits.
Barrel sized tuna are continuing to roll into Portland and keen anglers are catching trophies! Live mackerel and squid are working best! They aren’t the only big catch getting around, with gummies and 7 gills being reeled in on a regular basis! Land – based fishing is providing action too with salmon, snapper and snook on the chew.
Around the Bays
Port Phillip Bay has experienced a pinkie rush and those lucky enough to spot a school will take home a feed for the family. Mornington and Cunningham Pier have experienced this phenomenon – pilchards and squid are being hammered left, right and centre! Keep in mind the minimum size limit is 28cm!
Rye is offering up an exceptional day on the water with the bonus of a fresh feed. Kayak around weed beds and cast out red, purple or dark blue jigs and you’ll be in for a treat with loads of squid latching on! This is also a prime location for whiting so be equipped with pipis and get ready to cast your line!
Western Port has been on the quieter side with wild weather, but once the skies clear and the wind slows there’s quality fishing on offer. Gummy shark are about, especially after dark around the main channels and sandy flats. Fresh bait like squid or oily pilchards are producing the better bites when the tide has a bit of push.
Tooradin is providing steady, light tackle action. Whiting, squid and flathead can be found among the weeds and along the sandy flats. Whiting have been patchy but there’s been quality above average catches! The flatties are hammering paddle tail soft plastics and prawns.
Inland
Blue Rock Dam continues to fish steady, with many anglers hooking into consistent action. Fish can be found in a mix of shallow and deep water primarily around structure. Aussie bass are the main target and can be easily found with surface lures and soft plastics especially on dusk. Rainbow trout can be found in deeper, cooler waters usually on minnow imitation crank baits. Reddies are about and they are loving worms!
The cod in the Campaspe are on the chew with anglers picking up solid fish throughout the system. This quiet fishery has been slowly developing into something spectacular! Whilst some days may yield doughnuts, others could see you catching a standout fish! Yabbies and chicken are a safe and reliable bet, providing the most consistent results.
Land-based anglers at Lake Eppalock are having the most fun! Water levels are low, making steep banks easy to access. Bait and lures are both seeing good catches of cod. Smaller vibes and worms are the key to success to score quality yellas and reddies!
The Goulburn River has been pumping out bowling ball golden perch this week. Spinnerbaits are doing the job along reedy edges or park up under a nice tree with worms around Molesworth to Seymour. Moving up past Molesworth to Alexandra there’s plenty of brown trout to be had on cricket, worms and small imitation lures.
Tight lines - Mr Percy!