Action in night caught
FISHING near Corio Quay on Thursday night, Chris O’Toole and Cash Sunderland were hoping for a couple of those big snapper that turn up here in the depths of winter.
And as it turned out, they caught four from 4kg to 7.5kg from between 7pm and 10pm.
On Thursday morning, Andrew Phillips and Tony Greck made an early start off the Western Beach moorings for snotty trevalla, and with the help of a liberal berley trail, were soon catching them on their baits of chicken, eventually reaching a final tally of 40.
They also caught a number of small pinkie snapper that were returned.
Fishing with Munro soft plastics, Paul Mayer also had no trouble picking up snotty trevalla offshore from the cliffs at North Geelong and North Shore, along with several pinkie snapper to 40cm.
Also visiting the Grammar School Lagoon, Paul spied a small gummy shark in the clear water.
It was hooked on a length of line and snagged on cunjevoi.
And, being a good Samaritan, Paul was able to set it free.
CRATER LAKES
MICHAEL Evans, of Victorian Inland Charters, says Lake Purrumbete is the place to go, should you be looking for a trophy-size brown trout.
Michael’s client Rob picked up one of 3.43kg on Saturday, while on Tuesday Michael caught one of 3.68kg.
Both fish were caught casting OSP bent minnows along the weed beds just on dark.
Michael also mentions that nearby Lake Bullen Merri is still producing both rainbow trout to 1.5kg and chinook salmon to 1kg. Preferred baits were pilchard fillets and Berkley Powerbait.
BELLARINE PENINSULA
MIKE Windsor, of Clifton Springs Boat Hire, reports that Paul Agterhuis and Kysan Notting were initially fishing for squid on the east side of Point Henry where they took three good specimens before anchoring up on the whiting.
They caught 18 to 40cm as it turned out, using their freshly caught squid for bait.
Rod Ludlow, of Beachlea Boat Hire at Indented Head, reports that while clients have had no trouble catching flathead on the drift out in the deeper water, whiting have been absent and squid have been scarce.
Nevertheless, Andrew Phillips and Tony Greck took a run down to Point Richards after squid. And, although scarce, they eventually found a productive patch in 3-4m of water, returning with a respectable catch.
OFFSHORE
FISHING for whiting near the wreck of the Orungal off Barwon Heads on Saturday, Simon Werner and a companion also found them scarce.
Eventually, though, they found a productive patch in 7m of water from which they were able to extract nine good-size fish, all around the 40cm mark.
Fishing out a bit deeper with soft plastics on Thursday, Justin Burns and Simon Williams had no trouble catching any number of unwanted species, but no snapper or other desirables.
But, after coming back into the Barwon River on the evening high tide, they tried one more session, which as it turned out, was fairly productive for they caught three silver trevally, all better than 1kg, a couple of good size mullet, and several small tailor.
WHITING COMPETITION
HOSTED by the St Leonards and Bellarine Pirates Angling Clubs, the 2020 Bellarine Whiting Classic will be held over the forthcoming week.
There are valuable prizes to be won in all sections from nippers (nine years and under), juniors (16 and under), and adults.
Fishing will be allowed from 2pm on Friday, July 10, until 2pm on Sunday, July 19. Ten days in all, but you must enter before competing.
Entries must be made by email to secretary.fish@bigpond.com and will be accepted up until 5pm Friday, July 17.
Entry fees of $10 per person are to be paid by direct credit to BSB 633-000 1348 73140.
Details are to include “WC 20.1”, along with your name.
Naturally, restrictions in respect of COVID-19 are to be observed.
For more info, phone Phil (0411 215 146), Joe (0403 287 103) or Peter (0408 581 685).