Surf fishing special this weekend on Fishing Australia

Our Local Southern Coastline of Australia is blessed with awesome surf beaches and some awesome surf beach fishing!  Salmon, tailor, bream, flathead, jewfish and more are on the cards.

Most people start by learning with Salmon and progress from there so that’s what I do on this week’s Fishing Australia Program.  Baits and lures are looked at, and I meet some interesting characters along the way, you can catch this all new Episode of Fishing Australia 5:30pm this Saturday on WIN.

‘Codsworth’ finds new home

A protected Estuary Cod nicknamed ‘Codsworth’ has been successfully re-housed at the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, after being found in a home aquarium, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director of Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said today said today. Estuary Cod are listed as a Protected Species in NSW, under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Heavy penalties can apply for taking or possessing them.

“The owner of ‘Codsworth’ contacted DPI fisheries officers in Sydney after a tiny fish that ‘piggybacked’ in on a piece of live–rock a number of years ago, grew over many years and started to devour the other tank inhabitants,” Mr Andrews said.

“The fish was identified by a scientific officer at Port Stephens using photos provided by the owner.

“Fisheries officers attended the house and found a 30cm Estuary Cod living in the small tank.

“The fish was transported to the Manly Sea-life Sanctuary where he will undergo a lengthy quarantine process before hopefully becoming part of the exhibit.”

Estuary Cod can grow to 180 centimetres and weigh as much as 100 kilograms but are more commonly around 40 – 120 cm long and up to 25 kilograms. The species is susceptible to depletion due to its unusual reproductive cycle, long life, and territorial nature. They are a tropical and warm temperate species that occurs in NSW south to around the Sydney area.

"The public is reminded that it is illegal to intentionally take or possess protected species and heavy penalties including large fines, can apply,” Mr Andrews said.

“The public are asked to report any sightings of Threatened and Protected Species on the DPI 24 hour automated message-taking service by calling (02) 4916 3877.”

Further information can be found at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/species-protection
And http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/species-protection/protected-species/marine-or-estuarine-species/estuary-cod

Rapala Triple X-Rap

Due to demand from Local Anglers here on the South Coast of NSW Rapala have beefed up the construction, hooks and trebles on selected X-Rap Models, a lure which first gained pop star status on the local kingfish and tuna population. Designed in Australia for the toughest, hard-fighting fish; Rapala’s Triple X-Rap comes equipped with the most durable construction for a lure in its category, that Rapala has ever released.

Complete with moulded bib, 4X strong split rings, 6X VMC Perma Steel treble hooks, through-wired construction and a secured solid tow ring; the Triple X-Rap leaves nothing to chance. Ideal for both casting and trolling, with a slow rise on the pause; this beefy 10cm lure won’t just prevail over tough encounters, it will encourage them – with its reflective holographic eye and 8 unique Australian X-Rap colour schemes. Available in Australian Tackle stores only, and currently stocked in stores along the south coast of NSW.

See you on the water.
Rob Paxevanos