The Pelican's Pick
Friday, 21 March
This week’s Pelican’s Pick star is Mark from Phillip Island. Taking advantage of the good weather on Saturday, Mark spent the day in his favorite spot between Churchill Island and Rhyll. The target was a good-sized gummy and the aim…to catch a bigger one than his neighbour. With some friendly competition, good weather, and fresh salmon as bait, Mark began his mission to take home the winning gummy. Much to his delight, he was going home a winner as he landed a fantastic 6kg, 1.2m gummy. Not only did Mark catch a delicious feed, but he also managed to take home the biggest fish of the day. Great work, Mark!
If you’re out fishing this week and would like to feature in Pelican’s Pick, send your photos to pelicanspick@vfa.vic.gov.au.
Along the Coast
If it’s excitement you’re after, the makos have arrived. They can be found from Portland to Barwon Heads. Live oily baits such as salmon, mackerel, squid and trevally are ideal choices when targeting this species. Keeping on the theme of excitement, Jan Juc, Portland and Port Fairy are dishing up some great looking tuna, trolling with hardbody lures has been the successful tactic for these feisty fish.
Rock lobster season is still ongoing, with boaters snagging some nice sized ones in Lorne and Apollo Bay. Apollo Bay also has good sized King George whiting on the chew, and also in Port Campbell.
The Gippsland Lakes are continuing to provide large flathead and plenty of bream. Swimbait soft plastics and hardbody lures will set you up to catch some decent sized flathead, whilst fresh baits are the go-to for bream success. If you’re looking for a bit more of a hands-on approach, prawns can still be found around Lakes Entrance, all you need is a flashlight, net and willingness to get wet! The local prawns also make great bait for flathead and whiting which are running hot in the area as well, but only if you want to share with the fish!
The Gippsland Lakes diversity is in full display, with eel fishing on the rise in Lake Tyres. Hand line or the classic rod and reel combo will work, using fishing leader with a 20 oz sinker on 10Lb monofilament line with 1/0 size long shank hook. Pipis as bait during early morning or after dark will give you the best chance.
Around the Bays
The rip in Port Phillip Bay is still providing excitement, adventure and best of all, kingfish, with the season showing no signs of slowing down. Live baits and jigs will give you the best chance at landing one of these awesome fish.
The fishing madness continues closer to the city with snapper on the chew around Princess Peir in Port Melbourne, why not try your luck at snagging one before watching North Melbourne take on the Dees around the corner Sunday afternoon!
If it’s flathead you’re after, Patterson River mouth near Seaford is the place to be. Drifting with squid is the method of choice for a successful trip. Hobsons Bay is also providing some great flathead. Heading out early morning or late afternoon with soft plastics is the recipe for success in the area.
If it’s squid you’re after, head to Mornington! Small jigs off the pier will give you the best chance at catching your share.
Flinders and Hastings are continuing to provide good gummies on either side of the tide. Lots of burley and fresh bait will give you the best chance at landing a decent sized gummy.
Western Port continues to provide some great variety. Whiting are being snagged all around the bay, and gummies are also active with anglers reporting their catches daily. Fresh baits such as pilchards and squid are the go-to for this species. Western Port is becoming a one stop shop, with kingfish also running hot throughout the bay. Live yakkas are the bait of choice here.
Inland
Taylor's Lake near Horsham is seeing nice sized Murray cod and yellowbelly on the chew. Sunrise will prove lucky for those chasing yellowbelly however, a bit more patience is needed to snag a nice cod. Black grubs are the bait of choice for these freshwater fish.
Continuing with cod, Cairn Curran, Seymour and Eildon are the spots to land a decent sized cod. Delalite Arm near the pines is your best bet for the Eildon area, with spinner baits the method of choice.
Lake Boga near Swan Hill has some redfin on offer, scrubworms are the preferred bait, with fishing platforms and the bank providing the best opportunities. The redfin action is ramping up in Lake Eppalock as well, with anglers reporting large catches in the area. Lures and soft plastics are the go-to to snag yourself a tasty feed.
A big shoutout to Travis and Jayden who sent us there their monster Murray cod catches this week, light tackle and cheese was the successful method of choice for these keen fishers. Keep up the great work!
Tight lines – Mr. Percy!