Humpback whales check out Surf Coast

LUCKY whale spotters and fishers have been treated to two surprise visitors recently when two humpback whales decided to make a brief stop near Lorne recently.

The whales have been exploring the area with sightings in Kennett River, Aireys Inlet and Lorne, mostly likely on their way back from
the tropics.

Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club commodore Keith Miller was one of the lucky spotters.

“They were pretty friendly. We were out there fishing and next thing they popped up next to the boat,” he said.

“There were tons of dolphins following them feeding on yakkas (southern yellowtail).

“Then there were gannets feeding on the leftovers from the whales and dolphins.”

“I’m talking hundreds of dolphins, hundreds of gannets and two whales – it was like being in the middle of a bloody David Attenborough documentary.”

Mr Miller said it happened so quickly and so immersed was he in the moment that he didn’t think to take any photos.

According to Mr Miller, flathead continue to be bountiful, but there is one elusive fish that will start to occupy him as Victoria moves into the warmer months.

“Probably the best run on flathead that we have ever had, but the snapper are being a little difficult at the moment, they’re about but not in huge numbers,” he said.

“Kingfish is my favourite fish to catch because I’ve never caught one here.

“None were caught last year in Lorne, there were five the previous year.

“They were here last year – I had them following my lures back to the boat, but they weren’t biting for some reason.

“It’s a bit frustrating when you’re looking at the them over the side of the boat but you can’t catch them.

“It’s the holy grail of fish in Victoria.”

Mr Miller is hopeful the recent deployment of two fish attracting devices (FADs) deployed by the Victorian Fisheries Authority will change that.