Category Archives: In the News

Yabbies On The Chew.

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Yum- A couple of giant yabbies for the pot.

 Last season’s high river levels marked the start of the best yabby run seen in more than a decade. And as the water begins to warm it looks like these tasty crustaceans are back on the menu as fishos relish in the fact that the hot bite was not just a one season affair. It seems the yabbies are starting to run in many locations and anglers are out in score hoping to catch a feed. Pooncarie on the Darling River has been a popular destination with few complaints about yabby size and number, with some anglers even confessing to have never seen so many. The Murray River and many of its backwater lagoons have also started to produce yabbies as the warmth of spring reawakens a living army of legs and claws. Having been out of the mud and feeding for more than a year the average size has increased with several we caught on our last outing some of the biggest yabbies we have ever seen. There are many methods used to catch yabbies from the humble baited line to a wide range of yabby traps. While the baited line method is great fun for the kids it can be a drawn out affair when looking to fill the pot. For those with a feed in mind, the baited yabby trap is the way to go and with numerous to choose from its worth looking at the latest in yabby catching ingenuity.

The Kulkyne Pyramid yabby trap is sold locally and is the latest must have yabby catching devise on the market. The traps are user friendly and deliver great results catching and holding good numbers of yabbies when they are on the chew. The nets themselves stack flat when in storage or on the way to the river and are easily assembled with a lift and lock assembly. As the name would suggest they have a pyramid shape with the funnels set high on the net, this allows for greater volume of yabbies to enter the net, at the same time making it harder for them to get out. And that’s a win win all round when you are after a feed of yabbies for the cooker. As yabby traps go they are in my opinion the best available choice for both strength and ease of use. Different regulations on net styles and funnel sizes vary from state to state and while the pyramid net with the 90mm ring size is legal in NSW it may not be in other locations. As the weather continues to warm it seems that yabbies will be on the minds and menus of many keen anglers in our local waters for at least another season. And while yabbying is a cheap affordable form of fishing that can be enjoyed by the whole family be sure and watch the biting end of these tasty crustaceans. 

Golden Times Ahead.

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A nice golden perch caught on a Bassman Micro Mumbler.

A few days of warm spring weather is all it takes to kick start a great run of fishing action as it has in most of our local waters. Golden perch are on the chew and while it’s only early day’s anglers are cashing in on the bounty with numerous reports of fish to 2kg and better. Golden’s 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.

 
Few if any artificial presentation has the ability to look as natural as a well presented plastic and the new Squidgie pro range are cutting edge when it comes to fluent lifelike movement. 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 a well presented soft plastic.
Small spinnerbaits are also fishing well as are Bassmans Micro Mumblers. Most small to medium sized hard- bodied lures are proving effective below the weirs and around the snags and weed beds where golden’s are most likely to congregate and hold in numbers. Bait anglers are also getting in on the action with some great captures taken on shrimp bobbed around the snags. Just like the weather the fishing has really warmed up over the past few weeks and we can expect the action to run right up to the start of cod season and beyond. So while the golden perch are running, why not  try your luck where a few hours early morning or into the evening could see a little gold put a bend in the rod.

Carp Numbers Explode.

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Carp are back in big numbers along the Murray Darling Basin.

 Well I guess it’s no secret that carp numbers have flourished in the past season, with big flows delivering the perfect conditions for these introduced pests to breed. According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries the 2010-11 season has seen a huge increase of carp numbers that’s estimated to have increased by a staggering 4000% in the lower Darling River alone. Other breeding hot spots have been established and it seems countless juvenile fish have traversed into the Murray River and it looks as though we are back to square one where carp numbers are concerned. With high rivers expected over the next few months the carp problem will only escalate as conditions once again become favorable for them to breed.

Predation by native fish species has been highly impacted by the earlier Blackwater events that killed off significant stocks of large Murray cod. Under normal conditions larger Murray cod would feed freely  on juvenile carp numbers and this would no doubt help keep their numbers in check. With few water born predators remaining, it looks as though carp will become the new apex predator along many sections of the Murray Darling basin. An upheaval in angling terms has seen carp captures explode compared to that of native fishes. In seasons past our rivers had reached a point that native fish captures were almost ten to that of every carp landed. My how quickly things change. A day trip to Wemen on the Murray was to see no less than 60 carp landed compared to one single golden perch. The carp were so aggressive that your bait would no sooner hit the water and they would be on. It was interesting to note that there were also no shrimp to be caught in the bait net, their numbers also impacted on by a billion hungry mouths.  

One possible solution to the carp problem could come in the form of a biological silver bullet that is currently being tested at the high-security CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Results so far look promising with the Cyprinid Herpesvirus having an 80%+ knockdown of common carp in overseas trials without affecting native fish species. This all sounds very promising but the research will be carefully evaluated by government regulatory bodies before it can be considered for widespread
application in Australia. Meanwhile the problem is real and for the next few seasons at least our waters will be ruled by countless numbers of marauding carp. As anglers we can do our bit by removing as many of these pests from the river as possible and while I am not foolish enough to believe this is the answer, it is but one small positive step in a very big problem.

Catfish Bite Back.

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A giant Wels catfish.

Once common along much of the Murray Darling basin, the humble eel-tailed catfish has become a rarity in many areas. Stories of good numbers and size of these fish caught locally in times past are in stark contrast to the availability and regular captures of these fish now. Numerous threats have contributed to the decline in catfish numbers, not least the predation of these native fish by introduced species like redfin and carp. Other factors include changes to natural flow and cold water pollution below dams. In recent times anglers are starting to report more captures of eel-tailed catfish especialy in the still waters around willows on bait. It seems their numbers are increasing if ever so slowly and we might one day see them return to full strength in many sections of river.

Eel- tailed catfish have been known to reach weights of 6.8 kg and can grow in length to 90cm . In the world of catfishes this is relatively small as some species of catfish can reach lengths in excess of 3 meters and weigh in at 293kg. Our native eel-tailed catfish are protected along the Murray under a blanket closure on the taking of the species. If you are lucky enough to catch a catfish it should be returned to the water with care. Be aware catfish come well armed or should I say well finned with a pair of long saw-edged spines in both the dorsal and pectoral fins that can inflict a very painful wound. Catfish feed on a variety of items that include shrimp, yabbies small fish and worms. 

While our local catfish eat a variety of foods and come armed with a couple of spikes, spare a thought for anglers wetting a line in India where it’s reported that large catfish might be snacking on the odd human. Locals believe that in the sacred Hindu Great Kali River a type of catfish called the goonch has grown large enough to predate upon humans. These giant species of catfish apparently acquired their appetite for live prey after feeding on partially burnt corpses from funeral pyres. This might help explain their size and the change from noted scavenger to that of bold hunter. It seems those that bath and wade the shallows are now a part of the goonch’s menu and do so at their own peril.  There have reportedly been several victims in as many years all linked to this giant catfish.

Thankfully our catfish are a little less fearsome and more than happy to snack on bite sized morsels. Hopefully we will see a return in catfish numbers so this small native fish can once again become a regular and abundant resident in our rivers.

Draw Downs Hidden Treasures.

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Its a whole new world when the water drops.

With the lowering of the Mildura weir pool anglers can expect some fairly tough fishing over the next few weeks. One thing that’s sure to upset the feeding habits of Murray cod and Golden perch are sudden rises or drops in river heights. An oncoming rise is generally good and can often trigger Murray cod to feed before its arrival, but sudden drops like the one we are experiencing at the moment tend to  have the opposite effect shutting the fish down.  One thing the draw down will do is reveal snags mid river or on seemingly featureless banks that anglers are simply not aware of. These submerged snags are nothing short of hidden treasures in angling terms and when the river returns to normal they will hold good fish in golden perch and Murray cod.
Single snags in pockets of deep water, while hard to find are one of the hottest pieces of prime real estate for big cod. You can lay even money that any lone deep-water snag will generally house at least one large resident fish if not many, especially during the summer months. Smaller fish cruising the river use these snags as stopover points and predatory fish are all too aware. The location was chosen for this very reason; it’s a prime feeding spot. These snags can turn up anywhere, from mud flats where timber has settled during times of flood, to sharp bends where large trees have succumbed to the relentless force of the river. Even the most featureless stretch of water has the potential to hold a hot snag. While the occupying fish have moved back into the deeper holes with the falling water they will once again return when it refills.
The falling water has also had the effect to draw plenty of silt from the banks. This has made the water quite dirty.  For those intending to fish with lures use a selection in black, purple or bright fleuro patterns. When casting lures put plenty of casts into each spot before moving on as this will give any interested fish time to hone in on the lures vibrations. Same applies when trolling; work the same area back and forth several times bouncing the lures off and amongst the timber. Dirty water often fishes well with bait so it might be worth drowning a few worms or grubs on the edges of back water. And remember with the water down, hidden snags are everywhere so take your time when travelling by boat.  Other sections of river too are experiencing poor water clarity and with a good flow coming down from upstream we can expect to see this dirty water hang around for a while yet. When it comes to fishing. even when you don’t raise a scale you generally manage to take something away from the experience. In the Mildura pool water at present it’s the chance to find a heap of hidden treasures that will pin point plenty of big fish for years to come. 

Hot Tackle.

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Columbia fly fishing vest with Australian logo - Priceless.

No this is not some form of great new fishing gear, it’s instead a case of societie’s scum ripping off good honest working folk. Good mate and well respected angler and fishing writer Lubin Pfeiffer had almost $7,000 worth of gear stolen from his vehicle whilst fishing. The theft took place on the Spalding to Burra Road in South Australia on Friday 23rd of July at around 7.45 pm. After smashing the front driver’s window of the white Hilux Dual Cab with an old wooden white post, the thieves stole everything from the car before speeding off towards Burra. Below is a compiled list of what was taken.

2-c&f waterproof fly boxs-400 flies
Gilles waterproof fly box-100 flies
Pat swift waterproof fly box-200 flies
Tupperware container full of 15 large flies
Samadu patch, dry shake powder, 2 ginks
C&f vest fly holder
Kathmandu alloy water bottle 
6, 8, 10lb Stroft tippet
4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12lb airflow tippet spools
3 poly leaders
Uv light
Laser 4 weight floating fly line with sink tip (handmade)
Airflow ridge 5 weight floating line
5wt Sinking fly line
Forceps
Maclean’s folding weigh net
Lamson waterworks ULA reel
Red Bassman spinnerbaits hat
Daiwa spinning reel with pink 6lb braided line
Green I-pod
I-luv radio receiver
Smiggle mp3 player
Black travel bag with wheels-marked with brand name ‘Clipsal’
Trangia cook stove
Camp kitchen
Esky brand esky-with a fish inside, drinks, coffee plunger and a small amount of food
Esky brand 5L water container-blue in colour
Rossi work boots size 9
Map bag with CFS map books for mid-north, Yorke Peninsula
 Photo book full of A4 sizes photographs
2-fishing magazines
Down under swag with bedding
A red towel
Hummingbird sounder
Bag marked ‘first aid kit’ comprising of 10 packets of soft plastic lures and jig heads
Large clear blue container with-4 handled tyre level, large tow rope, Picnic blanket, Extension lead 10m
Tackle container with; 15 lures for kingfish, hooks, bridling needles, lumo beads, balloons
Tackle container with 8 squid jigs, 12 small metal lures, 2 poppers

Columbia Fly fishing vest-with Australian logo on back-priceless.

Amongst the stolen goods was a priceless piece of personal memorabilia in the form of a fly fishing vest. The Columbia Fly Fishing Vest is a part of the wardrobe that is given to anglers that represent Australia in the sport of fly fishing. 

If you are offered any of these goods, or have any information on this crime. 
Contact Tony at the Spalding police station on – (08) 88452100

NEW RANGE OF TACKLE.

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Bassman takes out one of the AFTA Trade Show awards.
Bassman takes out one of the AFTA Trade Show awards.

Having recently been to the 2009 AFTA Trade Show at the Gold Coast, all I can say from an angling point of view is “wow.” A huge number of exhibitors showed off the latest trend in tackle and other fishing related products set to hit the stores in the coming months. In a three day exhibition that would leave your avid tackle rat drooling at the mouth, retailers were privy to inspect and get the full run down on everything from offshore game reels to small soft plastics and everything in between. The quality of our Australian made tackle speaks volumes with overseas interest from tackle giants like Japan suitably impressed with several new products. It’s amazing how well some of these smaller cottage industries have pushed Aussie ingenuity out into the angling world. Bassman, a commonly used spinnerbait in our local waters for Murray cod and Golden perch was just one to hit the big time and take out one of the prestigious AFTA trade show awards.

You really did need the full three days to inspect just a fraction of that available at any depth.  Around every corner lay new treasures, some with a different slant on last season’s hot products while others were totally new. A full array of rods from several leading companies were backed by the latest in spin and low profile baitcasters with Dave Hodge, Australia’s premier trick caster putting the new range of Quatam reels through their paces. In a freakish display he was able to hit cans and plastic bottles thrown mid flight with a casting plug. Soft plastics continue to have a huge influence on anglers and this was evident by the thousands of different makes and models hanging finely packed from the walls looking more like a confectionary shop than that of a tackle display. There seemed to be soft plastic treats for everything from Marlin to mullet with a vast array of different scents that included garlic and aniseed.    

 A few new angling essentials that we might see a bit more of in our general area were a range of upsized landing nets that would be suitable to deal with the largest of Murray cod. In testing we were able to lift a 75kg adult male in one of these nets with the only damage incurred being that of the lifters. There were also some very impressive large jointed shad styled lures that are sure to tempt the taste buds of our local cod and golden perch. And for those of us whose arms are no longer able to hold the newspaper far enough away to have a read, a great range of affordable bifocal sunglasses that cut the glare and make knot tying and reading just that little bit easier. The list of goodies goes on, but instead of me spoiling the surprise why not walk into your local  tackle shop and see what they have on order for the coming season? I can’t wait for next year’s show, it’s like being let loose in a giant tackle box full of fishing’s finest ideas. 

The Podium Of Scum.

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Catch and release was never an option for these two golden perch.

Catch and release was never an option for these two golden perch.

Tis annoying to think that for all the love of the sport and the fish themselves there are those who will stoop to levels that defy the lowest forms of greed. It is even sadder to know that while they harvest at will, we bicker and tear at the very foundations of catch and release itself. The podium might be better served cleansing our rivers of such scum. Proof in itself of the blatant disregard for our fisheries is the practise of leaving nets behind to continue killing fish and whatever else may become entangled in their nylon web. The two shapes you see in this particular net are those of decaying golden perch.

Fishos Got The Blues.

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A recent outbreak of blue-green algae has left many anglers questioning whether it is safe to wet a line.
Blue-green algae are naturally occurring in most water bodies usually in low numbers,
but given the right environmental conditions may increase to a level which poses a risk to
public health.
Certain types of blue-green algae release toxins into the water. Contact with high
concentrations of these toxins may cause skin irritations or rashes and swallowing may
cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
It is advised not to drink, swim or wash in affected waters but fishing is considered as a low risk activity.
Fish caught should be washed and cleaned in uncontaminated water, the internal organs should not be eaten. With the onset of a little cool weather, these blooms should dissipate and things will return to normal. Until then, with a little common sense  you can continue to wet a line and catch a few fish.  

Blue-green algea has anglers concerned.

Blue-green algea has anglers concerned.