Reel Life | Fish more, worry less

Bait fishing has consistently produced good results, as has lure fishing, while the water remains clear. Recent rains have freshened up conditions, but fishing from the bank remains slippery and dangerous.

Boating is still good, with fallen trees and snags being the only hazard. But if you go slowly, you should be fine. On the plus side, they will provide good locations to fish for cod. Yellowbelly like to hang around structures, trees and snags to give them the cover they need.

Instead of cursing the obstacles in the water, you should fish them to get the best results. So far, the Goulburn River has been worth fishing from Seymour to the Murray, even around Shepparton, Coomboona and Bunbartha.

When fishing at snags, spend 15 to 20 minutes; if there are no bites, move to another spot. All reports say there are a lot of juvenile fish, which is a good sign for the future, but you should be able to hook up with a keeper.

Remember, there is a maximum size. All fish over 75cm must be released.

Last week, I mentioned Greens Lake as a spot to fish for redfin; well, you can add to that location Waranga Basin, Lake Eildon and Lake Hume. All are hot spots for catching reddies. Once common in waterways across the state, they are now restricted to these areas.

Considered to be one of the best freshwater table fish, I rate redfin above cod, yellowbelly and even trout. The only problem is that redfin is an introduced species.

The remainder of this year into January is the best time to fish for redfin. They will always take baits such as shrimp, yabbies, worms and mudeye. You can also use soft plastics, hard body, minnow style and spinners such as an Ondex bladed lure with a tuft of brightness. Red wool is attached to the hooks. Redfin will take a moving lure or bait, so if you are fishing from a boat, the best method is a slow drift.

At Eildon and the Hume, it is best to fish among the trees; drop a bait or jig to four to five metres; if there are no bites after five to 10 minutes, move to another tree. Remember, redfin travel in schools, so when you catch one, drop a second line down before you pull your catch in; it is a surefire way of turning one fish into two or more.

All fish will be a similar size. You may catch trout as a by-product of fishing for reddies — the best of both worlds.

My two favourite spots to fish are Lake Dartmouth and Eildon; the Dart for trout fishing and Eildon for trout, cod, yellowbelly and redfin. But both locations have their distinct advantages. Eildon has many bays and inlets to fish and a variety of species, while at the Dart, you can also find plenty of locations.

You can also fish for Macquarie perch, but the associated restrictions make it not worthwhile to do so. However, Lake Hume is on the way to Dartmouth. This means you can drop in and fish for a feed of redfin on one trip.

There is just one problem with fishing at this time of the year: the number of holidaymakers in the region. This will make it a little harder to find a suitable spot, but if you look around, you should find a good place to fish away from the crowds.

It’s time to talk saltwater fishing.

Rod Lawn from Adamas Fishing Charters in Queenscliff spends his time catching snapper, kingfish, tuna, whiting, flathead, couta, salmon, trevally and other table fish.

Rod said the big snapper were getting fewer but kingfish had started coming on the bite while off the bluff. He also said bluefin tuna could be caught, as well as mako sharks and blue sharks, the mako being the pick of the game fish. A by-product of fishing for snapper is the gummy shark, one of the sweetest-tasting fillets to be had. I place them just behind whiting and flathead.

Let’s head north of the border to Eden. Aside from fishing, it is often an essential refuge for the yachts in the Sydney to Hobart race. The boats use the harbour as a place of security if they suffer damage during the course of the race.

John Liddle said Twofold Bay was one of the deepest natural ports along the coast.

Meanwhile, John reported good fishing along the coast, with the inshore reefs providing most of the action for anglers.

Further north at Narooma, Graham Cowley said the fishing outside the bar was about the same as that at Eden.

John and Graham said they would like to wish all their friends and anglers a safe and happy new year.

At Flinders Island, James Luddington echoed that seasonal message.

I hope you get a chance to christen that new rod you got for Christmas.

If you plan to drive anywhere over the holidays, do so with care and slow down, stay COVID-safe and water-safe, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

So until next year, good fishing and tight lines.