Reel Life | Fishing for gift ideas

For example, say you want a new fishing rod. Keep mentioning in conversations just how important a new rod is to you. Be sure to emphasise that the number of rods you already own in no way lessens the importance of getting a new one.

Another method, just as subtle, is to strategically place an image of a new rod anywhere the purchaser may go: the cupboards, linen draws, refrigerator. The more places, the better. Remember, it pays to advertise.

Don’t be shy. Be specific about brand and size to maximise your chance of getting precisely the rod you want. Remember, don’t hold back; when it comes to the gift you want, be specific. Look at it this way: you will either get it or you won’t.

Also, remember, it’s the thought that counts, whether the gift is a pair of socks, jocks or chocolates. As for fishing gear, a rod, reel or even a boat would be nice, so be prepared for anything. Equally, Christmas is a time for sharing. Have a great time, and remember: give and you will receive.

Reports from the cod opening have been patchy. One group that fished the Murray River near Cobram, while not setting the world on fire, did catch cod.

Reports from the Goulburn around Tabilk were not so good; there weren’t many keepers — a couple of redfin and a few carp and yellowbelly. It was described as a lot of effort for little return.

The fishing in the Goulburn around Shepp has been as good as anywhere, including the Murray; while not big fish, there have been plenty of juvenile cod being caught. Anglers have had success with bait such as cheese and chicken, in addition to shrimp, yabbies, grubs and worms. Cod are also being caught using lures.

Reports have also been good from the Broken River and the Broken Creek at Nathalia, Lake Eildon and Mulwala, which is reportedly producing metre-plus cod.

Fish of that size are also being caught at Eildon; metre-plus cod have been caught in the river arms as well as in front of the walls. There is a saying “big baits for big fish” — use the usual baits, deep diving lures and soft plastics. There were reports of cod biting in the Murray below Echuca, including Torrumbarry. Remember, cod are where you find them, and stick to the bag and size limits.

Most local activity is based on cod fishing, but at this time of year, fishing in the rivers, streams and waterways in the north-east is producing nice trout.

Fishing at Dartmouth, especially early in the morning, is productive. Trolling a fender with a bunch of worms, a mudeye or a lure such as a Tassie Devil in a crown pattern is a sure-fire method of catching a trout, either brown or rainbow.

The same method, at the same time of day, is worth trying at Eildon, too. And try hunting for redfin among the trees and other structures.

The best fishing is from a boat, where you go to where the fish are feeding. But never underestimate angling from the bank; you never know your luck, and you might land your bait or lure right in the mouth of a hungry fish.

So, with Christmas right on top of us, it is time to make up that gift list. A visit to Trelly’s or your local angling store will provide plenty of ideas.

Down south at Queenscliff, Rod Lawn from Adamas Fishing Charters has been bagging plenty of fish, including snapper, flathead and other table fish, while fishing in and around the heads as well as the reefs off the coast.

Rod said whiting was biting along the grass beds at the mouth of Swan Bay.

The fishing is also good further north up the bay. As well as whiting, anglers have been bagging calamari squid.

Rod said among the schools of salmon, there were kingfish starting to come on the bite. He was also catching gummy sharks while fishing the offshore snapper marks. There were also mako sharks and blue sharks being caught around the crayfish pots. Rod said the fishing in Western Port Bay was similar along the shipping lanes.

North of the border at Eden, John Liddell said the crew members from Freedom Charters were bagging snapper and morwong among other table fish while offshore, there were signs of tuna, marlin and large kingfish.

Further North at Narooma, Graham Cowley said the fishing was similar to that at Eden.

James Luddington at Flinders Island said he was bagging flathead and gummy sharks around the islands near Lady Barron.

Keep dropping those Christmas gift hints.

Stay safe from COVID-19 and when driving — and also on the water.

Good fishing and tight lines.