Webcams for anglers to keep tabs on action

Jane Emerick
Anglers will soon be able to check live reports from their homes with webcams set to hit local boat ramps and fishing locations.
Almost $100,000 in funding from a Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program will pay for the cameras.
Limeburners, Clifton Springs, Ocean Grove, St Leonards, Stoney Point, Altona, Sorrento, Torquay and Apollo Bay boat ramps are in line to receive the cameras.
Geelong and District Angling Clubs Association secretary John Hotchin said the webcams would boost safety because anglers would be able to inspect boating conditions online before deciding whether to go fishing.
“These webcams are planned to link together on one central website to allow anglers and boat users to access boating conditions at any boat ramp across the state,” Mr Hotchin said.
“This will not only help anglers check current boating conditions and ramp conditions but will also greatly improve safety on the waterways.”
Torquay Angling Club commodore Paul Rebecchi said the benefits of the webcams were simple.
“Ultimately, it will save a lot of people from getting out of bed and having to come down and check the swell at 4am,” Mr Rebecchi said.
“You can’t rely on forecasts and it will save a lot of crew driving down from Melbourne and Geelong when the weather isn’t good.
“It can be calm-as in Geelong and blowing a gale down here (in Torquay).”
Mr Rebecchi said the fishing cams followed the lead of popular surf cams around the Victorian coastline and interstate and a webcam on fishing conditions at Portland.
“I use the one down in Portland because it saves you a four-hour trip if it’s not good,” he said.
“It saves crew showing up with sad faces.”