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Sportfishing paradise
  |  First Published: August 2008



The cold weather of late has put off all but the keenest of anglers. This is a shame, as this time of year produces some spectacular sport in South Gippsland. For too many anglers, if they can’t catch either a snapper or a gummy they won’t fish – more fool them!

I challenge anglers to get a light spin outfit loaded with 2-3kg braid and a small metal lure and see just how much fun you have.

INSIDE

The salmon are still around in huge numbers in both the McLoughlins and Manns entrances. The sizes have ranged from 500g to 3kg. Gillies Baitfish lures, Knights, Raiders and Lasers have all been working well.

Bait anglers anchoring up and berleying have been coming home with the goods as well. Bluebait and Jap clam has been very good bait to use.

Surprisingly, there are still whiting being caught around Manns Beach. This is phenomenal and it looks like they will be in the estuary all year. Some large bags have been caught too; I spoke to one customer who bagged out on whiting at Manns Beach in the first week of July. The fish weren’t small either, averaging 38cm with a few over 40cm.

The garfish are in the system in good numbers. Barry Hicks landed the biggest garfish I have ever heard of. It weighed a whopping 480g, which is truly a mini marlin.

The trevally are still about in large numbers, and are scattered through both entrances. A lot have been caught at McLoughlins Beach, even off the bank. The trevally have been up to 45cm long and 1kg in weight and have been caught jigging by angers fishing the entrances. Bank anglers are mainly catching them on Jap clam and pipis.

OUTSIDE

There are loads of flathead out wide at the moment. Drifting with paternoster rigs and baits such as squid, bluebait and pilchards has been the most successful method. Jig-em Squid and Snapper Snatchers have also been very good.

If you find a good patch of flathead, don’t be afraid to drop anchor and work a plastic or a slowly-retrieved bait along the bottom. The flathead have ranged from 22-50cm in length, so there are plenty of good eating-size flatties around.

There have also been quite a few whales spotted outside, with some coming in quite close to the beach. This could make for some nice photos and will give the kids a buzz as well.

For more information contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 03 5174 8544, or drop him an email anytime.

Darren Baumgarten shows off this thumping big salmon he caught while fishing bluebait on a paternoster rig. This beauty measured 67cm and was estimated to weigh over 3kg.

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