Fishing Report – January 25, 2018

ANGLESEA

» Fishing reports from Anglesea are poor at the moment
» Fishers believe this could be partially due to a substantial water discoloration which has been sighted in the bay area extending from the vicinity of the sewerage outlet to bay and ocean area
» Some small pinkies and an occasional flathead have been caught though.

BARWON HEADS

» In the river salmon, trevally and King George whiting have been reported
» Mulloway have been reported
» Offshore reports of flathead snapper and pinkies being caught
» Gummy shark are also being reported
» Some Kingfish have also been sighted.

LORNE

» The fishing at Lorne over the Christmas period has been good with reasonably favourable weather
» The pier has been fishing well with salmon, pinkies and squid being caught in good numbers
» Offshore the water is 20 degrees, with pinkies and good-sized gummy sharks in abundance
» Closer to shore the flathead are still on the chew with King George whiting catches improving
» There have been sightings of kingfish and tuna, but so far none have been caught
» Small schools of salmon are popping up everywhere but often disappear when approached
» Sammy the seal, the local pier resident, is getting fatter by the day by very skilfully taking fish off hooks whenever he is hungry.

TORQUAY

» Still reports of snapper being caught offshore
» Flathead and King George whiting are also being caught with the whiting in close
» Salmon are around in numbers being caught off most local beaches
» Some sharks have recently been reported offshore
» Still gummy shark being caught
» Spring Creek, bream are still being reported.

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. Phone 5264 8207.

QUEENSCLIFF

» St Leonards, still reports of snapper being caught out wide. Whiting are still being caught with some really good size flathead being caught. Reports also of some very nice gummy shark as well as squid in numbers everywhere. Pinkies are also being caught
» Point Lonsdale has reports of some big salmon (up to three kilograms), trevally and good sized whiting, as well as squid
» Queenscliff Harbour is seeing reports of trevally, salmon and mullet as well as a few squid in the harbour
» White Lady, a few whiting in the morning, and squid as well as flathead are being caught
» Indented Head is seeing reports of flathead, squid and snapper, along with some really nice gummy shark catches taking place.

VICTORIAN recreational anglers can look forward to buying more locally sourced bait thanks to a family-owned fishing business that is investing in a new plant already under construction at Lakes Entrance.

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford was in Lakes Entrance recently and met with Mitchelson Fisheries, who are set to expand their current bait producing facility, providing an additional three jobs.

The new plant will provide an economic boost for the East Gippsland fishing region and enable Mitchelson Fisheries to supply Victorian anglers with more than 300 tonnes of individually quick-frozen pilchards annually.

Pilchards, also known as Australian sardines, are a popular bait among saltwater anglers for snapper, flathead and tailor.

Mitchelson Fisheries is a family-run business and the biggest supplier of fresh Victorian pilchards.

Gippsland’s pristine offshore waters yield 2,500 tonnes of sardines and anchovies annually, significantly more than the 230 tonnes caught in Port Phillip.

Mitchelson Fisheries operates several vessels across the fishing industry including purse seine and inshore trawl, distributing fresh fish to various markets in Australia and New Zealand.

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said that Mitchelson’s new quick-frozen pilchards were good news for the regional economy of Lakes Entrance.

“This will now mean anglers across Victoria will have access to premium bait and it’s great news for a local Lakes Entrance business that is working hard to meet an increasing demand.”

“The Andrews Labor government applauds small regional businesses that are investing to expand, value-add and look beyond traditional markets for new opportunities in growing sectors.”

Illegal netters catch a hefty fine

A man and woman have pleaded guilty to a number of fisheries offences and were fined more than $6,500 at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court recently.

The pair were caught with 112 litres of mussels and two trammel nets over 100 metres long, at the Metung Yacht Club last August.

They pleaded guilty to charges of taking and possessing more than the catch limit for mussels, and possessing multiple trammel nets, at the court on 10 January, 2018.

The male has been handed a fine of $3,500 and the female has also received a fine of $3,000, as part of an aggregate order.

Victorian Fisheries Authority Prosecutor Matt Bateson said it is prohibited for anyone to possess a trammel net anywhere in Victoria.

“There is also a 10-litres-per-person catch limit for mussels.

“The actions of individuals wishing to behave in this manner has a very negative impact on both the environment and fish stocks in Gippsland,” Mr Bateson said.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13FISH (133474), anytime. You can remain anonymous.

Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club

On January 28, the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club is holding its first major fishing competition for the year. All fish must be weighed in by 12.30pm and following the presentations there will be a roast lunch. All members are welcome.

Photos

I would also like to remind everyone to 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.