Fishing Report – December 14, 2017

ANGLESEA

» a few Pinkie snapper have been reported to be around
» Lots of Salmon being reported
» Some flathead are still being reported
» reports once again of dead fish in the anglesea river.

BARWON HEADS

» reports of salmon and trevally
» Offshore reports of snapper still being caught
» reports offshore of gummy shark catches as well.

TORQUAY

» Snapper reports are still being received
» Flathead continue to be caught out wide
» reports of some good whiting catches in close
» Nice salmon are still being caught off most beaches
» Spring Creek has bream as usual.

Remember Torquay Tackle and Sports. For all the best available advice in Torquay on tackle and bait, drop in at the store and see Ross or Josh to ensure you get the most up-to-date information available, or phone 5264 8207.

QUEENSCLIFF

» St Leonards is still producing snapper out wide, as well as whiting; some good-size flathead are also being caught
» Gummy shark catches are also still coming in
» Pt Lonsdale pier sees reports of salmon and trevally still being caught
» Queenscliff harbour, trevally and small salmon continue
» Still good reports of calamari catches being caught in the Bight
» White lady reports whiting and calamari being caught
» indented heads has reports of flathead, squid and snapper still being caught out wide.

Beachgoers, swimmers, surfers, anglers and divers are being encouraged to be shark smart this coming summer by following six basic steps.

Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive officer Travis Dowling said sharks were a natural part of a healthy marine environment and while the risk of an attack was extremely low, there were simple things everyone could do to further reduce the odds of an unwanted encounter.

“When people get into the water to swim, surf, dive or fish, they are entering the shark’s natural environment and so should be mindful and make good choices,” Mr Dowling said.

That’s made easier by remembering these tips:

• Always swim, dive or surf with a friend
• Keep informed of the latest sightings at emergency.vic.gov.au
• Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches where possible
• Avoid areas that attract sharks, such as where natural food sources of sharks live, where fishing waste is being disposed of and places where human and animal waste enters the water
• Watch for signs of unusual behaviour in wildlife or fish. These signs can indicate that a shark is in the area
• Help others be informed.

Learn more at vfa.vic.gov.au/shark-smart.

Mr Dowling said that if beachgoers see a shark close to shore they should ring Victoria Police on 000, or notify lifesavers immediately if at a patrolled beach, to report its location and its distance from shore.

“That information is relayed to the Vic Emergency website and smart phone app so it can be shared quickly with anyone using our beautiful beaches.”

“If the beach is patrolled by lifesavers, they will alert swimmers and potentially close the beach altogether if appropriate.”

Mr Dowling said it had been 30 years since a death had occurred from a shark attack in Victoria.

“While there is no evidence that shark numbers are increasing, Victoria’s human population is growing each year and more people are using the coastline to relax and recreate.”

Club Corner

The Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club recently held their AGM along with their fishing competition presentations for 2017.

The club held 10 competitions for the year with a total of 189 entries. The weather wasn’t very cooperative for a few of the comps but there were always plenty of fish weighed in. On two occasions they had over 30 anglers compete. The club puts on a roast or a barbecue after each comp that are very popular and great fun.

Andrew Clarke was the club champion this year with Daisy Lodge winning the juniors.

The Winter Cup was won by Paul Staley with Tilo DeBon winning the juniors.

The first competition for 2018 will be held on January 18.

Tweed Heads Competition

Don’t forget to get your entries in now! See ad in this page.

Photos

Keep those photos coming in of your big catch! Please forward them to [email protected], with type of fish, weight, length, location and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My Big Catch. Any photos received prior to 5pm December 27 will see you into the running to win the aforementioned prize.