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Lexa 100H and HL now available
by Bradley 22nd Oct 2012

The new Lexa 100H and HL is now available. For more information click here.


Lexa 300H now available
by Bradley 22nd Oct 2012

The new Lexa 300H is now available. For more information click here.


Laguna rods have arrived
by Bradley 24th Sep 2012

The new high performance Laguna rods for anglers on a budget or those who want a back up rod have arrived. For more information click here.

 

 


T3 Ballistic has arrived
by Bradley 4th Nov 2011

The revolutionary T3 Ballistic has arrived.

For more information click here.


T3 has arrived
by Bradley 4th Nov 2011

The revolutionary T3 baitcaster in righthand has arrived.

For more information click here.


Airtorque rods have arrived
by Bradley 5th Oct 2011

The new Airtorque rods have just arrived. For more information click here.


Vic anglers hooked on record fish restockings
by Bradley 28th Sep 2011

The Victorian Government has stocked more than two million native fish into Victorian lakes
and rivers to improve inland angling opportunities for recreational fishers.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh was at Lake Eildon today to help
release some of the broodstock kept at the Snobs Creek hatchery to breed the young fish.

“This is a record: never before have two million fish been released into Victoria’s waterways,”
Mr Walsh said.

“The fish – including golden perch, Murray cod, Australian bass, silver perch, trout cod and
Macquarie perch – were stocked across more than 80 lakes and rivers. Anglers will soon be
reaping the rewards with most expected to be of a catchable size within two years.”

Mr Walsh said the recovery of drought-affected fisheries had been prioritised, with extra funds
from recreational fishing licence revenue used to boost stocking numbers.

“These stockings are a boon for communities such as Lake Eildon and Snobs Creek which
benefit greatly from the social and economic activity inland fishing generates,” Mr Walsh said.

“A report prepared for VRFish estimates that, in north east Victoria alone, the recreational
fishing industry creates 1100 jobs and an annual turnover of almost $178 million.

“About 1.1 million golden perch, or yellowbelly, were stocked with the majority released into
Lake Eildon (200,000), Nagambie Lakes (200,000), Lake Hume (150,000), Lake Eppalock
(70,000), Loddon River (50,000), Campaspe River (40,000), Kangaroo Lake (20,000) and
Taylor Lake at Horsham (40,000).

“More than 800,000 Murray cod were also released over summer, nearly double the previous
record of this iconic freshwater species. The increase in Murray cod can largely be attributed
to the start of a three-year program to stock one million Murray cod into Lake Eildon.”

Other Murray cod stockings include Lake Eppalock (110,000), Nagambie Lake (50,000),
Loddon River (20,000), Gunbower Creek (20,000), Avoca River, (10,000), Meran Lake
(20,000), Cairn Curran Reservoir (30,000), Kangaroo Lake (20,000) and Lake Boga (15,000).

Mr Walsh said more than 102,000 Australian bass, 36,000 silver perch and smaller numbers
of trout cod and Macquarie perch were also released.

For a comprehensive list of native fish stocking locations visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing


Pro News Updated
by Bradley 13th Sep 2011

The Pro News section has been updated and divided into individual sections for each angler. More updates coming soon from other Pro Staff and new stories/reviews. Click on any of the Pro Staff below to go straight through to their sections.

Mark Berg

Micah Adams

Mark Gerkovich

Warren Keelan

Lure and Fly

Sami Omari

Jamie Robley

Bradley Sissins


Murray cod stocking a tourism boost for North East
by Bradley 5th Sep 2011

The Department of Primary Industries has stocked 35,000 Murray cod fingerlings into the Goulburn River to encourage anglers back to areas devastated by the 2009 bushfires.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Anthony Hurst said the Murray cod fingerlings purchased with the Victorian Government’s bushfire recovery funds were stocked into the Goulburn River between Seymour and Yea.
Mr Hurst said the stockings were another way that Fisheries Victoria’s could help the local community recover from the lingering impact of the Black Saturday fires.
“Recreational fishing makes an important contribution to regional economies because visiting anglers and their families buy tackle, food, fuel and ice and stay in local accommodation,” Mr Hurst said.
“Encouraging anglers back to North East Victoria through fish stocking is one way we can contribute to the on-going bushfire recovery efforts.”
Mr Hurst said the Goulburn River between Yea and Seymour had the potential to be a first-class native fishery for Murray cod.
“This reach of the river boasts rich in-stream habitat in the form of timber snags and features good access for anglers,” he said.
“The river also produces great fishing for trout and redfin, but had declined as a native fishery, so boosting Murray cod numbers should provide additional variety for fishers in years to come when they reach legal size.”
Signs showing river access points are located at bridge crossings and reserves between Molesworth and Seymour to help visitors find a good fishing spot.
Anglers are reminded that the three month Murray cod closed season commenced on 1 September.


New Super Performance Low Budget Laguna
by Bradley 10th Aug 2011

The new Laguna is Daiwa’s finest budget baitcaster reel ever developed. For superior cast control it features Magforce which controls the spool speed to avoid over runs, but the new design features an open access low profile frame for more thumb control.

Its hand fitting comfort and high performance matched with its amazingly low price makes it ideal for anglers wanting to venture into baitcaster reels.

For more information click here.


Z200H now available
by Bradley 9th Aug 2011

The new Z200h is now available.

For more information click here.


Pixy PX Type R
by Bradley 9th Aug 2011

The new Pixy PX Type R has just landed.

The finesse anglers dream reel, the new Pixy PX Type R is Daiwa’s ultimate lightweight baitcaster. Developed specifically for Japans high pressure, high intensity bass fisheries, where anglers are required to use ultra light lines and lures to tempt fish into striking.

The new shallow Super duraluminium “air” spool will spin with the lightest of weights, right down to small bream and trout sized lures, casting effortlessly and accurately. While the finesse Magforce Z system will apply breaking when necessary to prevent over-run.

For more information click here.


Lake Boga Restocking
by Bradley 11th May 2011

Lake Boga restocking to lure recreational fishers

The Victorian Coalition Government is boosting recreational fishing opportunities at Lake Boga by resuming stocking of the iconic Murray cod.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security and The Nationals Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh today helped release 15,000 cod fingerlings into the lake.

“Over time these cod will lure more recreational fishers to our region, boosting Lake Boga’s economy and re-establishing the lake as a popular fishing destination,” Mr Walsh said.

“It will have flow-on effects, not just for Lake Boga businesses which depend heavily on recreational activities such as fishing and boating, but also for Kerang and Swan Hill.”

Mr Walsh said Lake Boga had been doing it tough in recent years after the lake completely dried up in 2008.

“The last time the lake was stocked was in 2005 and 2006 when small numbers of golden perch and Murray cod were released,” Mr Walsh said.

“Restocking is again possible thanks to the spring and summer rainfall which refilled the lake.

“The fish will grow to a catchable size in the next three to five years and will help make Lake Boga a great recreational fishery again.”

Mr Walsh said revenue raised from the sale of recreational fishing licences was funding the restocking of Lake Boga.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to returning all revenue raised from the sale of recreational fishing licences to the industry for infrastructure works, restocking and education programs,” Mr Walsh said.

“We are also providing an extra $16.2 million over the next four years to breed more fish and provide more opportunities for recreational fishers.

“Lake Boga is one of 17 lakes and rivers being restocked by Fisheries Victoria with native fish this month as inland waters recover from the drought,” Mr Walsh said.


T3 Details now online.
by Bradley 5th May 2011

The information on the new upcoming T3 baitcasters due for release in mid winter is now online.

For more information click here.


LICENCE FEES IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FISHING
by Bradley 11th Mar 2011

Revenue from the sale of Victorian recreational fishing licences continues to fund projects that improve angling opportunities, with another ten small grants announced today.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Anthony Hurst said the Small Grants Program is open year round to Victorian fishing clubs and associations, not-for profit organisations, schools and government agencies and incorporated bodies for small grants up to $5,000.
“Many of the latest projects encourage sustainable and responsible fishing to the community through participation in clinics,” Mr Hurst said.
The ten small grants are:
•
$4,860 to conduct a Family Fishing Day at the ‘Nagambie on Water Festival’
•
$3,785 to conduct a ‘Family Come and Try Fishing Day’ at Green Hill Lake
•
$3,455 to conduct a ‘Family Fishing Day’ at Rowville Lake
•
$3,350 to conduct a ‘Family Fishing Day’ at Bealiba Reservoir
•
$2,734 to conduct a ‘Community Fish-a-thon’ at Kennington Reservoir
•
$2,110 for a ‘Fisherman’s Breakfast’ promoting safe fishing practices and advising of a litter prevention program at the Warmies in Hobsons Bay
•
$1,518 to conduct a ‘Catch-a-Carp Day’ at Bairnsdale
•
$1,100 to install angel rings at fishing locations around Port Phillip Bay
•
$775 to conduct a ‘Come Fishing with Jimmy’ event to promote responsible fishing at Manns Beach
•
$595 to conduct a ‘Family Catch-a-Carp Day’ at Lake Guthridge.

“These local community projects are great examples of ‘your fishing licence fees at work’ to improve fishing in Victoria,” Mr Hurst said.
The Recreational Fishing Grants Program has funded over 350 projects worth more than $13.7 million, since its inception in 2001.
For more information about how fishing licence fees are being spent to improve angling opportunities visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/feesatwork


TAGGED MURRAY COD CAUGHT SIX YEARS ON
by Bradley 8th Mar 2011

A tagged Murray cod released into Kangaroo Lake in 2005 has been recaptured by a
recreational angler nearly six years after it was first stocked.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Anthony Hurst said the Murray cod was released as a
yearling fish in February 2005, measuring about 28cm.
“The fish was recaptured on February 11, having grown to 72cm,” he said.
“It had been at liberty for 2,178 days and grown 7.6cm per year on average.”
Kangaroo Lake, near Kerang, is stocked annually by Fisheries Victoria with golden perch and
Murray cod to improve freshwater fishing opportunities, using revenue obtained from the sale of
recreational fishing licences.
Since 2003, more than 10,000 tagged yearling Murray cod and 119,000 golden perch fingerlings
have been released into Kangaroo Lake.
Tagging Murray cod improves our ability to monitor their progress, but depends on anglers
reporting the details of their capture.
Each tag carries a unique identification number and a phone number to ring.
When reporting tagged fish, anglers should note:
•
Tag number;
•
Date of capture;
•
Location of capture;
•
Length of fish.

“This information helps fisheries scientists evaluate the effectiveness of stocking programs and improves the knowledge based for fisheries management decisions,” Mr Hurst said.


FISHING IDEAS WANTED FROM REEL VICTORIANS
by Bradley 7th Mar 2011

Recreational anglers can ‘have their say’ about fisheries management issues at 12 roundtable forums
being held across Victoria in May and June.
This is the third year that Fisheries Victoria has toured regional Victoria listening to anglers and updating
them about what is happening with their fisheries.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Anthony Hurst said last year’s forums had generated dozens of good ideas.
“We have taken many of these ideas on board and implemented them,” Mr Hurst said.
“These include stocking larger numbers of freshwater fish or stocking more frequently and planning to build
more fishing reefs like those off Frankston, Seaford and Aspendale.

“The first meeting will be at Frankston Yacht Club on Wednesday, May 11 and the final one at the Bendigo
Legion Angling Club on Thursday, June 30.

“These meetings are a great way for anglers to suggest improvements for their sport.
Come along and learn more about developing new fisheries, fish stocking in waters recovering from
drought and floods, what local Fisheries Officers have been doing and infrastructure improvements in your
area such as fish cleaning tables and fishing platforms.

“We want all fishers to contribute new project ideas that enhance fishing across the state,” Mr Hurst said.

Location  Date  Time  Venue
Frankston  Wednesday 11 May  7pm  Frankston Yacht Club, Long Island Drive
Geelong  Tuesday 17 May  7pm  Geelong & District Anglers Clubs & Fish Protection Society, 9 Yuille Street, Geelong West
Portland  Wednesday 18 May  7pm  Portland Arts Centre, Cnr Glenelg & Bentick Streets
Shepparton  Wednesday 25 May  7pm  Country Comfort Parklake, 481 Wyndham Street
Mansfield  Tuesday 7 June  7pm  Mansfield Community Centre, Bank Place
Corryong  Wednesday 8 June  7pm  Memorial Hall, 79 Harris Street
Mildura  Wednesday 15 June  7pm  Mildura Visitor Info Centre, 180-190 Deakin Avenue
Port Albert  Tuesday 21 June  7pm  Port Albert Hall, Victoria Street
Bemm River  Wednesday 22 June  7pm  Bemm River Community Centre, 12 Roberts Road
Swan Hill  Tuesday 28 June  7pm  Swan Hill Town Hall, 53-57 McCallum Street
Horsham  Wednesday 29 June  7pm  Banksia Room, DPI Office, 110 Natimuk Road
Bendigo  Thursday 30 June  7pm  Bendigo Legion Angling Club Station St, Kangaroo Flat


One Million Cod for Lake Eildon
by Bradley 27th Jan 2011

The Victorian Government today released 30,000 Murray cod fingerlings into Lake Eildon as part of its commitment to restock the lake with an additional one million fish.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said Lake Eildon was being stocked thanks to an $800,000 project funded by fishing licence fees.
“One million cod will be released over three years, in addition to the 50,000 a year already being released,” Mr Walsh said.
“More than 380,000 Murray cod have now gone into the lake this summer stocking season, which is a native fish stocking record for any Victorian water.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries Bill Sykes was on hand for today’s release which marks the final stage of this season’s Murray cod stocking into Lake Eildon.
Mr Walsh said the Coalition had committed to increasing funding by $4 million over the next four years in addition to returning all revenue raised from fishing licences to the recreational fishing industry.
“Lake Eildon will also be stocked with 200,000 golden perch fingerlings in autumn along with trout releases during the cooler months of 2011,” Mr Walsh said.
“These cod, perch and trout will grow very well, given the high water level and productive inundated ground that is brimming with microscopic life.”
Mr Walsh said the project, titled ‘Murray Cod Million – Lake Eildon’, also involves active monitoring by a dedicated team of volunteer anglers and fisheries scientists from Snobs Creek.
“We will track the progress of this large pulse of juvenile cod by combining expert angler feedback with formal surveys by researchers,” Mr Walsh said.
Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria Anthony Hurst said Alexandra fisheries officers had reported good angler catches of Murray cod from Lake Eildon over the last year with many fish approaching minimum size and several over 80 centimetres.
“This confirms cod stockings over the last 15 years have worked, which bodes well for the expanded approach we are adopting for the next few years.”
For more information about projects that are improving fishing opportunities by putting fishing licence fees to work visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/feesatwork.


Lk Nagambie Fisheries Research Underway
by Bradley 13th Jan 2011

Fisheries Victoria scientists have begun surveying Lake Nagambie and the anglers who fish there to determine the success of recent fish stocking.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Anthony Hurst, said native fish stocking was reintroduced into Lake Nagambie in 2008 when 200,000 golden perch and 100,000 Murray cod fingerlings were released.
By the end of this summer, more than 600,000 golden perch and 150,000 Murray cod will have been stocked into Lake Nagambie over a three year period.
“It is now time to start evaluating how those fish have survived and grown using two different approaches,” Mr Hurst said.
“The first will involve interviewing anglers between December and Easter about their catch, time spent fishing, their target species and level of angling satisfaction.
“The second approach involves directly sampling the fish in Lake Nagambie to quantify the survival, growth and proportion of stocked fish within the overall populations.
“If the stocked fish are abundant, it indicates that fish stocking has been successful so far and anglers can look forward to better fishing in years to come.
“It is hoped the interviews with anglers might also reveal keen fishers who are willing to play a bigger role in monitoring stocked fish over the longer term.
“We’d like avid anglers to be an ongoing point of contact for Fisheries Victoria scientists so we can use their information to help gauge the success of the stocking program and fine tune our management strategies.
“With more native fish scheduled for release this summer, it will be important to assess the benefits from stocking using the best and most cost effective research available through the Fisheries Research Branch.
“The stockings and fisheries assessment are well supported by the Nagambie Angling Club, whose members are keen to see the fishery return to its former glory as a regional fishing hot-spot for locals and visitors.”
For more about fish stocking visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing


Murray Cod Return To Charlegrark
by Bradley 14th Dec 2010

Murray cod have made a welcome return to West Wimmera’s Lake Charlegrark after an 11 year
absence thanks to some foresight and careful planning more than a decade ago.

The commercial harvest of other fish species from a nearby lake, salvaged as the region’s
wetlands dried out in 1999, have funded the Murray cods’ return tickets.

This week, 300 Murray cod were released in Lake Charlegrark, a popular recreational lake at
Minimay near the Victorian/South Australian border.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Anthony Hurst said the stocking was carried out by
Fisheries Officers from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in conjunction with members of
the Wimmera Angling Association.

“Before the big dry, lakes in this area were popular fishing spots including nearby Lake
Booroopki, an iconic Murray cod recreational fishery.

“When Lake Booroopki began drying out in the late 1990s, local anglers agreed to let the lake be
harvested by a commercial fisherman who relocated any Murray cod and sold other fin-fish.

“Funds from this sale were placed in a trust fund, which is now being used to stock nearby Lake
Charlegrark.

“Thanks to the forward thinking of the local angling community we have, after all these dry years,
finally been able to bring the icon species back to the region.

“The Murray cod that have been stocked are yearlings weighing 150-200 grams each and
measuring 15-20 cm.

“They are expected to reach breeding maturity within three to four years and the legal minimum
length size of 60 cm within four to six years, depending on lake conditions.

“Murray cod are an important species in this region and their return will enhance both the social
and economic fabric of the community,” Mr Hurst said.