Some calm weather over the weekend gave anglers a great opportunity to fish right across the region with a variety of fish on the chew.
Starting in the bay and for land-based anglers, St Helens rocks has been a hotspot again this week with pinky snapper and flathead showing up in decent numbers.
Launching baits such as squid and blue bait have been working well, rigged up on a paternoster rig. Coming into winter we can expect the rocks here to fish better and better, especially on a super windy night.
The inner and outer harbour of Corio Bay has had snapper to 6kg on the chew with a variety of locations fishing well. The channel, Alcoa Pier, Stingaree Bay, Spoil Grounds, Clifton Springs and Quarries are a few areas well worth having a poke around.
Fishing the lead up to the tide change has proved to be the prime to fish and when the fish have been feeding at their best. Pilchards, squid and slimy mackerel have all been good bait.
In close along the Bellarine Peninsula with the calm nights we have been having, it has given anglers good opportunities to go for a walk in the shallows for a flounder. With a bit of luck anglers have been getting amongst flounder, flathead, whiting, squid, bream and plenty of other critters.
To do this style of fishing, the right conditions are everything. A light southerly wind is ideal for this area.
Moving around towards Queenscliff and St Leonards the King George whiting have remained on the chew with the big tides making a big difference. Big numbers of fish about 35cm to 42cm are being caught.
Down the west coast the barrel tuna have rocked up at Portland in big numbers and as close as 5km from the boat harbour.
Eight to 10 inch skirted lures have been a favourite for the tuna the last few days with the colours Paris, Lumo and Big Dog doing damage.
As far as freshwater goes Wurdi Buloc has been producing some good trout and redfin. Casting from the rock walls with spoons or shallow jerkbaits have been working well. If you’re fishing in low light conditions then Bent Minnows are also well worth a throw.
