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
&
Fishing
Competition
Game Reels
Snapper Snatchers/ Rigs
Cod Lures
Pflueger
Shakespeare
Barra Lures
Squid Jigs and Much more
“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
Port Phillip
Bay GPS Fishing Hot Spots
Western Port
Bay GPS Fishing Hot Spots
Free
Victorian Fishing Report
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