Chasing BIG Trout - The Protein Theory

In this very informative article, Inland Fisheries scientist Rodney Walker reveals some innovate British lake fishing methods that just might undo the big fish we all know exist down there in our favourite lakes.

Dam Wall Fishing

Tidal Talk April 2001

Look after the Easter Stocks

So Easter is upon us again - another great chance to do some fishing and a great time for rabbits (unless they are chocolate)  
But it's not such a great time of the year if you happen to be a fish.
This year for Easter, let's take particular care to do the right thing and let's all do our bit to make sure we have fish for the future.
If I may, I'd like to offer just a few pointers...... nothing new, but every bit helps.  

Bushy's Bream Techniques

Georges Bay Bream.

It was Friday 9th March, the day before the start of the St Helens Classic game fishing competition, and those of us with fish fever were in the town early preparing for the big day.
I went around to Rocky and Angela Carosi's place to see who had been catching what -and hopefully where, only to find Kaj Busch (or Bushy as he is better known) hanging over Rocky's gate contemplating the view over the bay, 'come back to Tassie to chase a few smutting mako's eh Bushy?', I politely enquired referring to last year when we presented him with a 2 kilo fly we fondly called 'the emerging muttonbird'.

North West Snapper

During the Duck Bay recovery story in the last issue, we questioned the fact of the possibility of catching Snapper. It seems we are seeing an ever-increasing number of species being landed in the area, but snapper were few and far between. Sure, there had been the occasional one caught, but it was uncommon.

Australian Salmon, Winter Estuary Excitement.

If there is one fish species that can help ease the winter blues, it would have to be the impressive Australian salmon. Locally known as either the cocky salmon or black back salmon, these great sport fish often remain in all the major estuary systems till the first big floods, and if the last few years are any indication, that means July or August. It doesn't matter how you plan to tackle salmon, with either bait, lure or fly, they are ready biters, sensational fighters, as well as being an acceptable, if not first class table fish.

Catching Big Game Fish   

If you want to catch the big fish then you will need to start by specifically targeting the big fish. As with most forms of fishing, what ever the species is that you want to catch, it will need to be explicitly targeted. Gear, lures or baits, water temp and location all play an important role in the type of game fish you can encounter and the success that you may or may not have. Couple this with the prevailing weather conditions and you soon realise that there is more to it than just throwing a lure out and trolling around the ocean all day.

SUPER SEA MULLET

The New Estuary Gamefish!
Sea Mullet. Most people would think of the yellow eye mullet that is prolific in Tasmanian estuaries. The sea mullet is a different type of mullet that grows much bigger that the common yellow eye mullet, and is extremely powerful when hooked. In fact, their fighting capabilities are astounding, as I found. They are very 'dirty' fighters, going for any snags they can find. Sea mullet are very hard to catch because they are reluctant to take a bait.

Autumn Tips and Tricks

It can be the best of times; it can be the worst of times. Autumn, that is. The last months of the trout fishing season can be as good as any other, particularly if the beetles and jassids make an appearance in numbers, or if the mayfly dribble on into the gloaming of the season.  However if the winter rains come early, and the snow and sleet crash the party, it can be incredibly miserable as well. But perhaps the best saving grace for this time of year is that the water is still warm enough to get things moving insect wise, the trout still remember how to look up for food, and the bigger trout are getting very aggressive prior to spawning. By mixing up a variety of techniques over the days fishing, success can be almost assured. Almost!