Welcome to the second 'Off the Spool' a journal totally devoted to fishing Victoria.

Melbourne Fishing Report

As winter recedes and spring begins the upturn in temperatures heralds the start of better fishing. September traditionally sees some early runs of new season snapper mostly in the southern parts of the bay. Whilst anglers have been catching snapper in some numbers throughout winter the action for the new season is still a bit quiet.

The Docklands has been on and off like a light globe of late. Run-off after rain coming down the Yarra River changes the fresh and saltwater mix as well as the clarity and temperature of the water. Bream generally respond better when clarity improves, although some 'colour' in the water is desirable as they are easily spooked. Welcome recent rains are filling up our catchments, but are proving to make the Docklands a difficult option at the moment. A week or so of relatively clear weather should see an improvement on the bream fishing, especially as these fish begin to get into spawning mode.

Calamari squid are on the chew around many of northern Port Phillip's Bays inner reefs.

Schools of smallish Aussie salmon around the 1kg mark are working around Sandringham. If you spot a 'bust up' get in reasonably close and cast small metal lures such as Lazers into the school and rip them out. If you troll too close to the school you are likely to put the fish down. Overall the salmon are patchy though and you need to be in the right spot at the right time.

There are still plenty of calamari squid in and around the shallow water reefs between Ricketts Point and Sandringham taking prawn imitation jigs.

Down at Geelong, Corio Bay has seen the arrival of some yellowtail kingfish. One report had a group of anglers fishing for garfish. When the kingies smashed into the gars, the fellas pulled out the snapper rods and managed a few nice fish. There are also reports of kings around Pt Henry. Long thought to be a warm water species only, these kingfish are a welcome surprise.

One of the hottest spots around the State is Warrnambool on the fantastic Hopkins River. A small group of anglers did extremely well with soft plastics catching bream to 43cm (measured to the fork). 20 fish were caught and released by three keen anglers in spots varying from the mouth, to the Pump House and further upstream at King's Head. The key to success was to move around and find feeding fish.

Thanks to Rudi at the Compleat Angler store in Melbourne for this info.

In Profile - Bill Classon

Bill Classon; Editor AFN

Bill Classon is probably best known as the creator and publisher of the iconic Freshwater Fishing magazine, a classy freshwater fishing journal that is now well over a decade old. From that first title, the Australian Fishing Network has grown to become Australia's largest publisher of fishing books and magazine. AFN's premises in Croydon also feature a fantastic fishing museum that is well worth visiting. In recent years Bill has expanded into exhibitions putting together the successful Fly Fishing & Sport Fishing Expo in Melbourne.

Here's a bit about Bill:

Born: Warrnambool, Victoria

Lives: Ringwood, Melbourne

Current Occupation: Managing Director of AFN, publisher, author and editor.

Prior Occupation: Roofing business

Local fishing hole: Lake Eildon

Favourite Victorian fishing hole: Lake Purrumbete polaroiding brown trout. Bill is not precious about the method, he equally enjoys floating a scrub worm to a big brown especially on 1kg line, to using lures or flies.

Continued...

First fish: Redfin (English perch) caught on a bunch of worms at Daylesford Lake at age four.

Best fish: 180 pound (80kg) yellowfin tuna on a live bait off Narooma, NSW, Easter 1976.

Best fishing experience: "Same trip as the yellowfin tuna in 1976 aboard a charter game boat run by Gordon Simpson. The ocean was just alive with frenzied activity from whales to mako sharks and marlin".

Why did you start the Fly fishing and Sport Fishing Expo?: " I believe that there is no one running a Fishing Expo properly, that is, not giving the angling public a chance to see the latest in fishing tackle"

What is your opinion on VRFish?: "VRFish is a good organisation whose basic structure has the potential to represent anglers very well, however I believe it needs to be reinvigorated through a widening of its representative base."

Number one thing to change about the fishery?: "Freshwater species stocking credits should be carried forward from year to year. If fish due to be stocked in one impoundment are not possible due to drought for example then the funding for that release should remain in the budget and be re-allocated to other years or different species, not lost forever!"

In 5 years where will Victorian fishing be if nothing changes?: "I think the state of fishery is not bad perhaps average to good, if nothing changes then it will remain average and not fulfil its potential moving from good to very good as a recreational fishery"

AFN's National Fishing Museum is located at 48 Centre Way, Croydon, Melbourne and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You can check out the Australian Fishing Network website at: http://www.afn.com.au

Trout season opening on September 4.

The majestic Mitta Mitta River.

The Victorian trout season commences after midnight on Friday 3 September on all rivers and streams throughout Victoria. Since its re-introduction in the mid to late 1990s the opening of the trout season has proved popular with anglers and has brought some tradition back to trout fishing.

My first trout opening was on the Mitta Mitta River in 1997. Clear skies and the chilled air greeted my arrival at the river, by midday it was 20 degrees and just magnificent. The Mitta's trout will take all methods from bait, lure and fly. On this day a couple of mates and I floated unweighted worms down the current and cast small Rapala lures across the deeper pools. Whilst the trout were not big, many around the 30cm mark, it was a great delight to wade into the cool waters and fish in this most peaceful of environments. That day still ranks as one of my all time favourite fishing experiences.

Futurefish website

The Rex Hunt Futurefish foundation, established in 1999, creates a tremendous opportunity for physically and mentally challenged adults and kids to enjoy a fishing experience.

Recently, the website for Futurefish was revamped and now features a host of photos from the many events, community and environmental projects that Futurefish is involved in. Check it out at: www.futurefish.com.au

A host of kids come and try fishing days is planned right around Victoria in October. These events are open to all children.

Kids Come'n'Try Fishing Days 2004

Saturday October 2nd

Lilydale: Lilydale Lake 9am - 2pm Contact: Steve Rumney 0418 527076

Sunday October 10th
Broadmeadows: Jack Roper Reserve. 10am - 3pm Contact: Len Bird 0414 574 949
Ballarat : Lake Victoria 10am - 1pm Contact: Craig Coltman 5332 1913
Geelong: Seagull Lake 9am -1pm Contact: Steve Coleman 0402 135317
Port Fairy: Moyne River 10am -2pm Contact: Mathew Dalton 5568 1562
Emerald : Emerald Lake 10am - 3pm Contact: Andrew Mostert 0427 413310

Saturday October 16th
Geelong: Barwon River "CATCH A CARP DAY" 8am - 3pm Contact : Bernadette 5226 9273

Sunday October 17th
Warrnambool: Hopkins River 9am - 1pm Contact: Henry Rantell 5561 3323
West Melton: Westlake 10am - 2pm Contact: Trudy Martin 9747 7304
Sale: Lake Guthridge 10am - 2pm Contact: Anthony DiCorieto 5144 7505
Moe: Lake Narracan "CATCH A CARP DAY" 10am - 2pm Contact : Mick Prezioso 51341380

Saturday October 23rd
Colac: Lake Colac "CATCH A CARP DAY" 8am - 3pm Contact : Brenda 5231 6944

Sunday October 24th
Yarrambat : Yarrambat Park Lake 10am - 2pm Contact: John Liddell 0410 427728

Chiltern: Anderson Lake 10am - 2pm Contact: Rob Williams 02 6056 1259
(Chiltern To be confirmed)

Continued...

Holiday Hotspot: Portland - blue water dreaming

Portland, located on the far south-west coast of Victoria, is a major deep water port and commercial hub. This deep water port is protected by two extensive breakwalls forming a harbour that virtually eliminates swell from the intimidating southern ocean.

I first visited Portland in 1996 after searching for a safe access point to fish off Victoria's coast out of my 5.3m trailer-boat. I've always been keen to chase a variety of species beyond those that reside in Port Phillip Bay and plumb the depths of the ocean. Portland was the perfect choice providing safe boating access and excellent piscatorial prospects inside the harbour, around Portland Bay and beyond!

View of Portland Harbour and part of greater Portland Bay.

Whilst snapper and whiting are both common in Port Phillip Bay and Portland, for sheer consistency and in the case of King George whiting, size, you can't beat Portland. Other species found in good numbers off Portland include mulloway, yellowtail kingfish, a variety of sharks including makos, blues and threshers and in a good season, bluefin tuna.

Australia salmon, silver trevally, calamari squid, blue spotted flathead, warehou (locally known as haddock or snotties) and barracouta are also in very good numbers throughout Portland Bay and often inside the harbour offering land based angler's excellent opportunities. The Lee Breakwater is a land based favourite and possibly Victoria's premier destination for non boaties.

Tucked up inside the harbour is a two lane boat ramp with jetties either side that provide offshore access. The ramp has adequate parking and fish cleaning facilities. If venturing offshore, ensure an EPIRB and a marine radio are onboard and if possible pair up with another boat.Portland's fishing options also include wide remote beaches to chase salmon and gummy shark and the Glenelg River some 70km to the west where big bream and a good population of mulloway reside.

The only thing limiting the fishing at Portland is often the weather, which can be cold, wet and sometimes downright hostile. The saving grace though is the magnificent harbour which can still be fished in all but the most ferocious of conditions.

Fast Facts - Portland is 360km from Melbourne via the Princes Hwy. Population around 10,000 people with ample accommodation from multiple caravan parks to holiday units and motels. Bait, tackle, ice and fuel can be bought in town.

Victorian Water Storage levels - end of August 2004

Blue Rock 76%	Cairn Curran 15%	Dartmouth 49%	Eildon 32%
Eppalock 6%	Fyans 25%	Glenmaggie 62%	Hume 24%
Pykes Creek 19%	Newlyns 91%	Mulwala 97%	Malmsbury 22%
Rocklands 8%	Toolondo 0%	Wartook 86%

Fly Fishing & Sport Fishing Expo

This fly tying demonstration was complimented by a close up video projection of how the fly is tied.

In recent years Melbourne has been fortunate to add another exhibitor show to the fishing and boat shows with the Yamaha National Fly Fishing & Sport Fishing Expo. The Expo, hosted by Bill Classon's AFN was held at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne's southeast in early August.

This year over 100 exhibitors attended with demonstrations ranging from, fly tying and fly casting, Downrigging and trolling to soft plastics information sessions. Speakers talked about snapper, murray cod and bream tactics whilst a range of new tackle was on show from many of the major tackle manufacturers.

This show is ure to be around a few years as it fills some of the gaps left by the major shows and lets face it, any excuse to spend time amongst the latest tackle and gear is a great way to occupy a chilly winter's afternoon.

Bend a rod

Reidy

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