Category Archives: Fishing Reports

Don’t Get Lured In.

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This Golden perch made short work of a cheap copy lure.

I guess the saying is true of many things and that is you “most often get what you pay for.” This is especially true when it comes to many forms of fishing related equipment, not least of all a wide range of successful and readily accepted Australian made lures. Our lure makers are amongst some of the best in the world developing a range of products second to none. We are able to achieve this because we have some of the most demanding conditions and fish alike to rigorously test the shortfalls of any poorly constructed product.  In the early stages our lures are not simply made, packaged and sold in bulk. There is an evolutionary process that sees them go through the cycle of change where every fault is scrutinised and improved until what we are left with is a marketable product that works equally well in the field. For some lures and manufacturers this can take many years and during this period they develop a following and reputation that is deserved of the hard work and effort put in.
In recent times the availability to acquire cheap imitation or copies from overseas countries has seen the Australian fishing industry and consumers alike bombarded with a number of vastly inferior products. While they may look very similar in shape, size and colour the illusion only runs skin deep. Most of these lures would be flat out passing the angry gold fish test let alone the destructive forces unleashed by a sizable Murray cod. Their buy price and cunning camouflage is what tempts the consumer the chance to save a few bucks. But in the end the loss is generally what was handed over in monetary terms and in many cases the fish that decided to chew them to bits. And don’t be duped into believing its only big fish that pull them apart, many of them are so poorly constructed that a single encounter with a golden perch will leave them in tatters. On a recent trip I was to witness this first hand where the inner wire and one treble were pulled free of the lure by a perch that would have weighed no more than a single kilo. The chance to keep a few extra bucks in the pocket becomes a lure in itself that draws you in no differently than what the angler hope’s to do with his or her cheaply acquired purchase.  How much might we pay to hook and land that fish of a lifetime? It’s too late to answer this question after your cheap copy has been chewed to bits and spat out by a giant Murray cod, for a few simple dollars I think we all know the answer to this one. When it comes to buying lures look for the Australian made logo on the pack. After all it makes good sense to use lures that are designed right here for the very fish they are intended to catch.     

Weeding Between The Lines.

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Jock Mackenzie with a nice Murray cod caught casting the weed pockets.

In recent years anglers have faced a growing menace along the river that is having an impact on not only how but where they can comfortably wet a line. A living carpet of weed now skirts the snags and banks along much of the river and it seems until we have a decent flush through the system we as anglers are going to have to come to terms with the challenges it provides. In angling terms weed is simply another form of structure that fish use to hunt, feed and hide amongst.  Being able to read the weed line and choose the appropriate lure or bait is the key to catching fish amongst its growth. In the past few weeks we have found great success casting lures to its edge on the same line that old fallen snags trace under the water. While we cannot cast at the visible timber jutting down though the weed we can take a calculated guess at where the snag might lay on the bottom in relation to the way it runs into the water. Casting lures towards the weed line then working them down to the hidden timber is a great way of coming up tight to both Murray cod and Golden perch. While most anglers will dismiss weed lined snags, they are often passing up a good opportunity that is simply hidden from sight. Gaps in weed beds are another tell tale sign where large hidden snags of rock or timber provide a great ambush spot for native fish. I am of firm belief that areas of cleared weed around some snags are kept that was for easy access by large resident fish.
In sections of water where the weed snakes from the bottom to within a few feet of the surface shallow running lures come into their own. Spinnerbaits or hard bodied lures worked just above the weed will often produce the goods. Buzzbaits and other surface styled lures are also a good option and can be worked between the gaps and pockets of weed during periods of low light. Several nice Murray cod have been caught on surface lures these past few weeks the biggest a solid 35lb making this a valuable method that can work where other lures fail.

Gapes or lines snaking through the weed can be viewed as paths similar to that seen in a sheep paddock. You will often see large carp working the edges of these providing great opportunities with the fly. Other fish will frequent them and the next golden perch to smash a lure cast into the opening or head of a path will not be the first or last to come undone. While weed can be a problem, it can also provide anglers with opportunity and for the time being at least if we intend to catch more fish we as anglers will simply need to weed between the lines.

Locusts a Fishy Dish.

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Everything from carp to cod are feeding on the locusts. This carp was taken on a fly that looks like the intended meal.

Everything from carp to cod are feeding on the locusts. This carp was taken on a fly that looks like the intended meal.

As the living mass of locusts rolls on seemingly endless, there are few that are not affected in some small manner by the winged invasion that sweeps across our land. Motor vehicles display the aftermath where tissue meats glass and radiators pile high with the endless remnants of a flying army that seemingly has no end. On the road itself, all manner of bird feast to the brim on an unlimited supply of easy prey. And while this mass of flying bugs no doubt comes with negative impact, nature it seems has laid out a smorgasbord where many animals including fish will grow fat on its bounty. In fishing terms a hatch as it is best described, provides the angler the knowledge on where, when and what fish are most likely to be feeding on. Its most commonly associated with fly fishing as the name might imply as most forms of hatch are used to describe insects of some manner. A hatch of flying termites in the warmth of summer can turn glass calm waters to a rage of swirling boils as trout feast upon the heaven sent harvest. To angler and fish alike, it is a time of plenty as both take advantage of the hatch and what it provides. It was not that long ago that the large flying ghost moths had Murray cod feeding from the surface as they hatched with the autumn rains. This provided an optimum window where many nice cod were landed on lures that exhibited similar action to that of a moth frantically flapping on top of the water. Once again, a bountiful time for fish and angler alike that might be rekindled with the current aeronautical feed that is finding its way onto the water. Carp have already begun to cash in on the easy feed, slurping down these struggling insects at will. Golden perch too will take advantage of the top water meal and have already started to feed higher in the water column. And you can bet if other predators are making the most of this good fortune then Mr Murray cod won’t be far behind. A local and keen Mildura angler Jamie Robinson landed several large carp on fly in the middle of the day as they went about their business feeding on downed locusts. Jamie said they were easy to catch and great fun on the light fly rod. Similar might be said of our native fishes as they move from cover during periods of low light with evening a prime time to have a go at these fish on or near the top of the water. While there is not much we can do about these insects around the home or on the road, those of us that fish can use their presence to our advantage. Matching the hatch is sure to put a bend in the rod and for the next few weeks at least, locusts look set to be a fishy dish.

Fishing Is On The Improve.

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The first ever Murray Cod caught on the new 90mm Codzilla, not a bad start.
The first ever Murray Cod caught on the new 90mm Codzilla, not a bad start.

With water temperatures on the drop, many anglers are hitting the river with high expectations of what the cooler conditions might yield. Autumn is a great month to target larger Murray cod in most of our local waters and they start to feed up for the leaner months ahead. Early reports have been positive with some very nice fish landed over the past few weeks. Golden perch too are on the chew with the Sunraysia Lure Fishing Club holding their monthly comp at Merbein last weekend. Eighteen very keen anglers hit the water managing to land no less than 20 golden perch on lures while a few carp were also taken on fly. The club meets once a month and are always looking for keen anglers to attend these events. For more information on the club and a run down on up and coming events, drop into the Got One store in Mildura and talk to Allan. In other areas, anglers fishing the Hattah Kulkyne stretch of the Murray River have reported good numbers of small to legal sized fish on lures and bait. One crew with kids in tow managed 14 cod for the day while most were undersize it’s great to see so many cod in our rivers.
Big fish too have been in the mix and a few good cod have been landed down Nangiloc way on lures. Whilst testing a new lure model a few weeks back we managed to boat a fish that would have knocked the scales up to around 50lb or better. After the local success of the 120mm codzilla lures this season we were casting a new shallow running 90mm version amongst the snags. Two hours in and the small lure was engulfed by a giant that lay in wait under a branch in the heavy current. In less than two meters of water, the take was a ripper as the water bulged like the effect of an underwater explosion. It was a great tussle as the fish used the current to its advantage but it was well hooked and within a few minutes was led to the boat before being photographed and released. Not a bad start to the day and great wraps for the lure when you consider the first ever fish caught on this size and model was over a meter in length. Can’t wait to get back on the water and give them another run. Belsar Island, upstream of Robinvale has also been producing a few good cod with at least two cod in excess of the meter mark landed on bait in this stretch of river over the past week. Wood grubs were the bait of choice with several good golden perch also landed on scrub worms. In the Neimur River near Swan Hill two lucky anglers caught an 80lb cod on bait. And cod to 18lb have been landed on spinnerbaits in the Merrin creek. The Wakool is still producing cod on surface lures and if you’re after a feed of redfin, Kangaroo Lake is still producing good numbers of fish. With this great autumn weather why not get out on the water and get amongst a few fish? 

Dancing To The Blues.

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A couple of toe snapping Blue swimmer crabs.
A couple of toe snapping Blue swimmer crabs.

As the first net came over the side a writhing mass of bright blue legs and claws was strewn to the floor of the boat. Dressed in the finest of nature’s footwear I almost kneed myself in the chin trying to high step all ten toes clear of the scuttling legs and snapping claws. As if the predicament was not tense enough, another net was swung aboard and several more angry crabs were set loose amongst the mayhem. This was my first time fishing for blue swimmer crabs and my well seasoned companions found great humour in my fancy footwork as I found sanctuary on the nose of the boat. Shoes might have been a good option as the crabs were measured and placed in a fish tub. The smaller ones were returned over the side to become next seasons haul and the action continues like this for an hour or more until we had secured enough for a feed. We are fishing just outside the marker poles at Port Wakefield in South Australia. Blue swimmer crabs run during the warmer months and are caught in hoop nets baited with fish offal or meat. When they are on the move they are easily caught in large numbers, therefore strict size, bag and boat limits apply on blue swimmer crabs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.  The regulations relating to catching blue swimmer crabs consist of a daily bag limit of 40 per person and a daily boat limit of 120 combined.  A minimum size limit of 11cm width measured across the carapace from the base of the largest spines also applies. It is also illegal to take female crabs with eggs and they must be returned to the water straight away without harm. Blue swimmer crabs can also be dabbed in the shallows using either a scoop net or a common garden rake. On the falling tide you can wade the shallow sand or mud flats and search out a feed. Small plate sized patches of disturbed or overturned sand on the bottom hide the crabs as they sit in wait for a passing meal. Simply run your net across these areas and the crab will appear from the sand, claws at the ready. Once disturbed, they are easy to scoop using either the net or the rake. Dabbing crabs is great fun for the kids and an easy way to secure a feed if you don’t have a boat. Blue swimmer crabs move into the shallow waters of St Vincent and Spencer Gulf as the waters warm and they eat live and breed on the shallow sand and sea grass beds. These tasty bottom dwellers will run for another month or so yet before the weather cools and they go into semi hibernation. Catching blue swimmers is great fun but might I suggest you wear shoes while doing so, or you too could find yourself dancing to the snappy beat of the crabby blues.

 

Should Have Been Here Yesty.

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A simple change was all that was needed to put a few nice Estuary Perch on the board.

There are many famous lines in fishing other than those we choose to drown a bait or lure upon. You should have been here yesterday is one most commonly used and a sentence we have all endured at one time or another. And so it was as we entered the bar at the Nelson hotel to talk all things fishing related with the proprietor Neil Shelton. Situated on the Victorian South Australian border, the Glenelg River is a fishing haven that provides anglers much promise on a variety of species but none more special than the mighty mulloway. Every season these fish track from the ocean and enter the river via the mouth at Nelson, from here they traverse upstream and break off into groups and individual fish. If luck might have it to stumble upon an active school along one of the towering limestone cliffs or tea tree clad banks is to experience a slice of fishing heaven. Having been there before was reason enough to listen with intent as Neil spilled forth the good oil on where and what these fish have been doing of late. It seems there were plenty of Mulloway in the river and they had been running hot for a few weeks now with some anglers hooking and landing up to a dozen or more in a single session. It all sounded so simple and we hit the water next morning full of line sizzling expectations. By chance over the course of the next few hours we were to talk with several other keen fishos and each and every one bestowed the same dreaded line. Should have been here yesty mate, they been running full on for a couple of weeks now but nothing at all this morning. And so it was for the rest of the morning as each and every effort was left wanting by a fish that had suddenly decided to lay low. I guess that’s fishing, but in the same vein there had to be some reward for the long trip down, so it was time to change tactics and turn the tables on another of the rivers many draw cards. Estuary perch are another species that reside along the Glenelg River and while their numbers are supposedly very prolific they are quite the challenge on rod and reel. Often a social fish, they will take up residence on one particular snag that can lay along a bank of many. The hardest part about catching estuary perch is actually locating them, from there it’s simply a matter of delivering the right lure amongst the snags and holding on for some full on action. As luck might have it, our timing was spot on as over the course of the afternoon we were to catch several good sized perch and turn a quiet trip into one that was memorable for many reasons. Fishing is often like that where the ability to adapt can open a whole other world of opportunity. While we should have been here yesterday for the mulloway, a simple change in tactics put us right on the money for today’s hot bite.   For more info of whats on the chew at Nelson contact Neil & Kerrell at the Nelson Hotel on  (08) 8738 4011

Fishing Heats Up.

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A nice golden perch taken on Koolabung blade.
A nice golden perch taken on Koolabung blade.

The arrival of the heat has kick started a great run of fishing action in most of our local waters. Golden perch are on the chew and anglers are cashing in on the bounty with numerous reports of fish to 4kg and better. Golden perch will often congregate in larger numbers during the spawning run, making them a vulnerable if not easy target in some areas. Most anglers are opting to use lures with smaller models proving most successful. Blades have become a prime lure choice and their silent sleek appearance gives off the same instinctive patterns as many small natural bait fishes. Worked in a lift, drop technique either on the cast or vertically from a boat they are proving very effective.
It seems this season anglers are willingly embracing and exploring new ideas as they strive to increase personal milestones. Few if any artificial presentation has the ability to look as natural as a well presented plastic and anglers astute to this fact are homing in on the next best kept secret in freshwater fishing. With a huge variety on the market, there are heaps to choose from but for my choice some of the new scented hollow bellied models are first rate. The new 3 and 5 inch split tail in the Tsunami pro range are deadly when fished in a dead stick manner on a light jig head. Twitched around the heads of snags or along the edges of weed beds these lures are rarely ignored for long with most predatory fish unable to resist their erratic action.  Other than the real thing, nothing looks more like a wounded minnow than these lures when kicked into gear.

Warm Water Kick Starts Reddies.

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Redfin are the first to run as the waters warm. This one was taken on the new Micro Mumbler from Bassman.

With the temperature on the rise, anglers can expect to see fish activity begin to increase in the shallower bodies of water first. It’s always handy to know where fish are most likely to be found and warm water is a draw card for many and most species. Over the coming weeks the shallow lakes, dams, channels and backwaters will lift in temperature and kick start the spring bite that sees redfin at the head of the pack.

Lake Charm between Swan Hill and Kerang is a prime location, as is Lake Cullulleraine on the Sturt Highway between Mildura and Renmark. Both these lakes are reasonably shallow and generally fish well during the spring months. Early morning and evening are the prime times to target redfin but when they are in the mood they will feed all day long. On the flip side though, like all fish when the redfin decide to shut down they can be quite frustrating.

Redfin will eat a variety of baits, these include small fish, shrimp, yabbies and worms. At times they are a veracious predator that will go as far as to wilfully cannibalize their own kind. There is not much these fish won’t eat. My favourite way to target redfin would have to be using lures. In the old days the ondex spinner was king of the pond and while they still work, new lures are more in vogue with today’s anglers. Soft plastics have held the mantel in recent years and redfin seem to love them. Of recent times though, a  range of finesse styled lures have began to filter through and find favour amongst fishos and redfin alike. The new Koolabung blades are proving deadly as are a range of Micro mumblers and compact spinnerbaits from Bassman. Small in size, they need to be fished on light spin tackle. The blades work best on a lift, drop styled retrieve trying to keep the lure just above the structure and weed. They can also be worked on a slow straight retrieve. The micro mumblers can be worked in similar fashion while the compact spinnerbaits do best on a slow straight retrieve. Redfin will respond differently at different times, so it pays to mix it up and try a range of lures and retrieves to see what works best at the time. These new lure styles and techniques will work equally well on golden perch when the river begins to fire in the coming month or so.  Until then though, anglers will do better to hunt the warm shallows and cash in on a feed of redfin as these feisty fish come on the chew.

The Cod God Smiles.

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The smile says it all, just one of three giant Murray cod Dave caught on his last trip to the Murray River.

The smile says it all, just one of three giant Murray cod Dave caught on his last trip to the Murray River.

Like many anglers you may have heard the reports of numerous giant meter plus cod landed locally along the Murray River this season. It seem the meter mark has become the holy grail of cod fishing and to reach this mile stone sets you the right to join campfire yarns on such monumental captures and all they involve. It is a great thrill to catch and release one of these giant iconic fish and for some of us it becomes an obsession that taunts us with every cast. To think this obsession is quelled with that first capture is to go in blind to the effect these giant fish have upon one’s psyche. And so it was when we hit the Murray a week or so back and introduced a mild mannered computer technician to the wonderful world of all that’s addictive about cod fishing.
 Dave or Shade as he is known had caught a few cod in his time but had never landed that elusive meter giant and from the outset he didn’t seem that fussed about the whole affair. That was right up until the moment his lure was crunched with a force that can only be delivered from a green fish that tips the mark. The take on a trolled lure from a large Murray cod is generally distinct as it has the effect to alter facial expressions from calm to wide eyed disbelief in that exact instant. Heart in your mouth moments follow as time is altered where seconds grow into minutes, with every lunge and dive stretching arms and gear to the limit. In this case the angler won and moments later stood clutching the giant fish and wearing a grin that tells the story in itself.  With the cod quickly returned to the river, the lures were recast and with hands still shaking from excitement, Dave punched the lure out behind the boat and watched it wriggle back into the depths. We hadn’t gone twenty feet and the beaming grin was snapped back to a look of confusion as the rod loaded to the weight of another giant. On again and this time the fish was even bigger. Worn from the first round, it was all the angler could do to lift the beast that measured in at 110 cm. Two over the meter in less than ten minutes, it looked like another self confessed cod fishing legend in the making. That would be it for the afternoon and the beers never tasted so sweet as those shared around the campfire to the tune of two giants in a single day. The following morning as luck might have it another found its way onto the lure and at 120cm the computer tech was now caught up in hat trick of giant fish. When last seen driving down the highway, cars were said to be flashing their lights in the hopes that he might dip his grin. “No legend here,” he said on leaving “just one angler that is three times privileged to have enjoyed the most special of fish.” Hail to the cod god and welcome to a world that will taunt him with every cast from here on in.       
  

 

Murray Cod On The Chew.

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This nice Murray cod nailed a 120mm AC Invader on the troll near Mildura.

This nice Murray cod nailed a 120mm AC Invader on the troll near Mildura.

Murray cod have been on the chew in most sections of pool- water along the Murray River in recent weeks. With good water clarity the Murray cod have responded well to spinnerbaits and hard-bodied lures either cast or trolled. Golden perch have been a little harder to find but there are a few for those who scale down the lure size. Last weekend we managed two nice Murray cod Saturday afternoon and another Sunday morning. The first two fish were taken on the cast using spinnerbaits the third nailed a black 120ml AC Invader.