Plan to Prosper

So often it’s said that 10 percent of Anglers catch 90 percent of the fish. Now there are many reasons for this. In my line of work as a fishing guide and as a boat hire operator I find it amazing how many people don’t have a plan when they go fishing. I worked as a commercial pilot for many years, I know the importance of a good plan. Turning up to work and just blasting off into the Skies was not an option, flight plans had to be lodged, fuel burn calculated and weather obtained just to name a few. Failing to plan your day properly could result in disaster. I view fishing exactly the same. Our leisure time is precious we always want to make the most of it, to do this a simple plan will help you. Fishermen should think about Weather, Tides, Fish Species, Fuel requirements and Navigation.

Weather is vital to your fishing sortie. Prior to departure on your fishing trip you should always get a current weather report, real time weather can be obtained free from websites like www.seabreeze.com.au or the government site of www.bom.gov.au . You must always check for current warnings. Wind, Storm and Severe Weather warnings must always be checked. There is nothing worse than being on the water when you should not be. It is always better to wish you were on the water than wishing you were not.

Wind direction dictates many things. Drift, Swell and Wave height are critical factors. The direction of the wind is vital, calm seas inshore can be treacherous off shore. Offshore winds may restrict the anglers ability to venture out to the wide grounds, but they also enable the anglers to fish inshore areas that may normally be covered by heavy swell. If you want to do a bit of Bottom Bashing and you have a wind pushing from the North and your reef runs North to South well your looking pretty good. Maybe its an East running gutter that you want to drift over, and the tide is running out to the East and your wind is blowing from the East, this is great as the wind will push against the tide, reducing your rate of drift.

A change in wind direction can turn a lovely day on the water into an absolute disaster. If you have been fishing in a nice and sheltered offshore wind and suddenly the wind changes to onshore, then your day can turn very bad. Sudden changes of winds are typically indicated by Squall Lines. A squall line is indicated by a black line across the water, in extreme cases this black line has a white top. This white top is white water so the angler should buckle down or get to a safe harbour.

Visibility is a critical factor to consider when your boating. In the last 24 months there have been a number of fatal accidents where visibility has been an underlying factor.

Rain, Night fall, Cloud, Fog and Smoke can all reduce visibility. While a GPS can aid in navigation it will help you avoid boats, logs or other non recognised objects, for this you need a radar. It is very rare that reduced visibility occurs un-forecast. In all times of reduced visibility the boat should be correctly lit and the occupants should wear Personal Floatation Devices.

Tides are very important to anglers. It’s known by most that the change of tide is prime time to put a few fish in the boat. To make the most of the change of tide I always recommend that Anglers arrive at their chosen fishing location at least an hour prior to the change of tide.

Many boat ramps can become unserviceable on the wrong tide, anglers should remember this when planning a trip. There is nothing worse than getting to your chosen launching or retrieving destination and not being able to carry out your desired action. Your boat may not be able to navigate a certain waterways on a low tide and obstacles such as reefs rock and sand bars. For example in Victoria’s Western Port Bay it is a very regular sight to see anglers stranded high and dry on the Banks. This is normally a direct result of whiting fishing on the run out tide. The fish have been on, the tide going out and the angler forgets all about the fact that their fishing location is a Sand/Mud Bank. Now the anglers have at least 8 hours before they can move off.

Tidal/ Water movement is a big consideration when your fishing, the direction and strength of the water movement will dictate the type of fishing and the areas you will be able to fish. Water movement is critical when crossing sand bars the worst conditions prevail when an out going tide opposes an on shore wind. It should also be remembered that most adverse conditions prevail at or near low tide.

So the conditions are right the tide is good now what are we going to target? There is no point fishing for fish that are not there. Many Australian fish species are migratory or seasonal. Fishing reports, boat ramps, tackle shops and even the local pub will give away what might be out there. The serious angler however has their personal secret weapon. A fishing diary detailing your previous fishing sorties can reveal many pictorial secrets and habits. The fishing diary may just seam like a random collection of notes for the first year or so but your documented findings will reveal patterns. Best baits, tides, locations and times are all revealed in a well kept diary.

Fresh bait is always best. I always try to catch fresh bait and this is planned into my trip. Where this is not possible I go into a local Bait and Tackle store and talk to one of the pros and get the gossip as well as some well kept bait. Those selling bait and tackle as a primary concern always store and present their bait in the best condition. So where you can support the pros, they have the better bait and can also give you a few tips, you may however find you walk out with a few extras! Markets are also a great place to pick up some good fresh bait.

Making sure your boat is ready for a fishing trip is important. Batteries should be charged, trailer in order with lights working, fuel sufficient, the correct safety gear in working order and a first aid kit. There is nothing worse than getting out on the water only to find that you have forgotten something or that a piece of your equipment is faulty. Every boat captain should know how much fuel their boat burns. With this information we can calculate how much fuel is required for a trip. I work to the following formula, Fuel Burn + 20% + 45min = total fuel required. For example if you need to travel 60nm and your boat cruises at 30kts and burns 20lt/hr the following will apply 40lt + 8lt + 15lt = 63lt total.

The weather is checked, the boat readied, bait loaded and now it’s time to arm yourself with your fishing gear. Always make sure that you have all the gear that you need as well as the landing gear required. There is nothing worse than finally getting that fish of a life time beside the boat only to find out that you don’t have the equipment to land it. Always check your gear for wear and tear, make sure that your gear is maintained and always ready for action. To make the most of my every fishing expedition I tie rigs at home. So when the weather is no good get out the tackle box, sit down in front of the TV watch your team get up for a win and tie a few rigs. My Game rods are always primed for action, with a snap swivel at the ready to attach that trace and lure or bait rig, my bottom fishing outfits are ready to have their pre-tied rigs attached, my gaffs are sharp, my nets are serviced, fish bat at the ready and my knives sharp.

If your planning a full day on the water you will need to make sure that you have an adequate supply of food and water. I always make sure that I have at least 1 litre of water per person. I always take an Ice Chest with Ice on every fishing trip. This keeps bait in good condition, drinks cold, food unspoilt and the catch fresh, remember if your going to kill it, chill it.

Please, before you depart, let someone know your plans, make sure that your mobile phone is charged and stored in a dry place. Always take a jacket, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Now remember the 6 P’s, Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Tight lines and Calm seas.

Snapper Fishing Clinic

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“Sick of returning home empty handed and having to explain another fishless trip? Then this is what you have been looking for! While all time on the water should be treasured it’s always better to return with a brace. Look at a fishing lesson as an investment not just as a fishing trip”

Mornington Boat Hire and Fishing Tackle