Biting across the ditch
FOR the first time in the 38year history of this weekly column, I’ve had neither a local saltwater or freshwater report for the whole week.
However, colossal trout in the Twizel and Tekapo canals on New Zealand’s South Island remain an attraction for local anglers, including Trevor Holmes, Michael Evans, Ash Rawlings, Kent Deer, Graeme Findlay, Ben Young and Andrew Bell, who travelled over the ditch last Tuesday for yet another sample.
Their tally of 60 fish, caught and released under the guidance of fishing guide Graham Edridge, included a rainbow trout of 11.8kg which was taken by Ash Rawlings, along with a good many others in the 4.5 to 10.5kg range.
All were taken while fishing trout egg imitations on controlled drifts along the flowing canals.
OUTBOARD MOTORS
Given our unseasonal run of terrible weather, Rod Ludlow of Beachlea Boat Hire picked the right time to go for his annual holiday to Arugam Bay, which is situated on Sri Lanka’s southeast coast facing the Indian Ocean, and from where he has just returned.
While Rod says that recreational fishing is virtually nonexistent there — and this is borne out by the brochures I’ve read depicting all manner of things to do, except fishing — there are commercial fisheries for billfish and tuna, with the folk involved operating a fleet of fairly basic boats powered with kerosene-fuelled outboard motors.
Speaking of outboard motors, Rod also reminded me of the banned sale of new twostroke outboard motors that was originally intended to come into effect on June 30 this year. However, a web search revealed that the retail sale of new carburettor twostroke motors will actually end on June 30 next year.
Although fuel-injected twostroke motors may still be sold, their additional cost being offset by increased fuel efficiency, but to date manufacturers have also struggled to keep emissions from these motors within the required parameters, something that may delay their availability and which raises another issue:
Considering that fourstroke outboard motors are some 40 per cent heavier than comparable two-stroke models, the use of same of comparable horsepower on small boats and dinghies creates a function and safety issue for boat, trailer, and operator that cannot be ignored.
EILDON FISHING FESTIVAL
On Saturday September 1, 2018, Victoria’s Fisheries Authority will host a fishing festival at the Eildon Community Centre at 2 Centre Avenue, Eildon in celebration of the 2018 trout opening, and to promote Eildon and the Goulburn River as fishing destinations.
This event will take place from 10am and will feature fishing industry traders and exhibitors, while local angling clubs will set up stalls and exhibits for attendees.
Prominent recreational fishing personalities will dis- cuss various fishing tactics, while families and young fishers will be given the opportunity to participate in free, supervised fishing events along with free tours of the nearby Snobs Creek fish hatchery.
As an added incentive, Victoria’s Fisheries Authority will be stocking the Eildon Pondage — and the associated Goulburn River as far west as Molesworth — with 2000 mature rainbow trout, collectively weighing more than seven tonnes, including individual fish weighing as much as 4kg.
JAMES ASKS:
Geoff, while fishing landbased from the Geelong Waterfront some time ago, I caught a fish of about 1.5kg resembling an eel, particularly down toward the tail. It was mottled brown with fleshy appendages protruding from its bottom jaw. I have it in the freezer, so do you know what it is, and would it be edible?
James, the fish was a spotted ling, and like the pink ling taken offshore in deep water, they are fine table fare.
In fact there used to be a thriving commercial longline fishery for them but the introduction of industrialised scallop dredging in the 1970s put an end to that fishery.
However, since Victoria Premier Jeff Kennett banned the Port Phillip dredge fisheries in the mid-1990s, they have shown signs of recovery.