VIC - LAKE EILDON AND PONDAGES, XMAS 2009

I love my Christmas holidays... Quality destinations visiting brave new worlds.

It’s really the only time I get off work all year, give or take the 52 weekends and public holidays. When they finally roll round every December I usually have a grand plan on where I want to go and how much ground I want to cover during the festive season. How I usually work it is I factor in some family visits, think of some new areas I have been begging to explore and work a big circle around the lower half of NSW. With some of Claire’s family residing in Victoria I had to come up with an iconic location that could be traipsed steadily and then left for dead. After all, Victoria is somewhere my 52 weekends fail to accommodate (Even with those magic public holiday Mondays), so it unfortunately wouldn’t be somewhere I would get to return to anytime soon.

Then it happened, the information appeared. Issue #99 of Freshwater Fishing had an article written on Lake Eildon, after reviewing whilst on the loo (No shame, no shame I say) it suddenly dawned on me that I would get to visit and pass through some of the most iconic freshwater rivers, streams and lakes in the whole of Victoria (Some say, the world). If the main stay was on the upper pondage shores of Eildon, the lake proper could be explored and a remaining trail could eventually be forged home (Encompassing Warragul, Lakes Entrance, Pambula and then home for Christmas).

With our appearances sorted and resulting accommodation booked the car was packed steadily and slowly. Six days away means quite a lot of gear (Mainly food, camping gear) but it packs down like Tetris with some patience. The first leg of the Journey was the longest of the trip, a solid six and a half hours straight to Eildon. Slightly longer than I am used to but with a driving partner to share the fatigue we did it fairly easily. On the way we shed a tear for Lake Mokoan as we spied its dry beds just before our turnoff. It’s a shame that the Bracks Government did not contribute more positively to the area, the cause escapes my brief passing but the memory remains.




Passing over the mighty Goulburn, Rubicon and Acheron rivers was like stepping back in time (Let alone what it was like driving into Bonnie Doon). Snobs Creek came and went (With a visit to the Freshwater Discovery centre slated later) and we slipped into quiet little Eildon for the evening. Staying on the banks of the upper pondage in the Eildon Caravan Park we found ourselves almost alone. I could have counted the amount of cars in the whole park, even after numerous bottles of Jack Daniels (The drink of choice). As we checked in I spied the local fishing club weigh in scales and as I checked out the hall of fame a smug cry and cheer came from the reception desk.

In walked a proud as punch nine year old carrying a hefty fish with a disappointed father figure trailing behind. The boy was greeted at the scales by the proprietor’s wife, who then placed the lads trophy fish on the old fashioned lie detector. “6lbs dear, what did you catch that on” enquired the lady, “I used me Dads Tassie Devil!” the boy larked loudly. That was enough motivation for me; I couldn’t get to our campground fast enough. The small hurdle of setting up our tent, tables, chairs and bedding but this was just a formality to my initial fishing foray. Before daylight ended we tried our luck with floated Scrub Worms, Orange Powerbait and various lures (With no success whatsoever).

The campsite was glorious, seriously couldn’t wish for a better site. The only downer was it was situated opposite what was known as the ‘Mudeye’ pond, a slight deviation in the upper pondage which offered shallow creek like conditions. When I woke early the next morning my breakfast almost left my throat, right in front of me (No less than 1m from the bank) were three bully size Trout slinking past and out of view. I spent a good hour throwing plastics and float rigging the pond with not so much as a follow. I couldn’t spend my time chasing fish that didn’t want to be caught so we left for brighter opportunities, Lake Eildon’s Fraser boat ramp and a trip on the Outfitter toward the Delitite arm.






I wasn’t sure what to expect, our Caravan Park was desolate of company and the rods in and out of Eildon were deserted (Apart from the local population). However, after enjoying the short drive to the Fraser boat ramp we found we were definitely not alone. Numerous power and speed boats were trailing passengers all over the place, everywhere except close to and in the dead timber lines. These dead limbs and trunks were a godsend and the main features of the lake I wanted to fish. Launching the kayak was easy as the low water levels allowed for bank side car parking, I knew Claire was up to floating bait but could this area be trolled with some sort of kamikaze success?

With the lake holding at around 30% capacity some of the dirt ledges drew immense shadows, these trees that looked so promising would have been completely underwater (Even at a 60% faculty) and it showed with many of the highest limbs sporting trophies (Sinkers, swivels, hooks and lures). Sticking as close to our contingency plan as possible (Avoid boats at all costs) we cast bubble floats laden with suspended Scrub Worms close to stumps. Reflecting offerings towards the bank it was almost an immediately rewarding experience. A native of some suggest (Guessing Golden by the profile) actually swam with the line after pecking ceremoniously for a second. I struck slowly but felt no weight, it was enough to put me off and concentrate on what we do best (Trolling).

Out of all manner of vessels on the water in the Fraser arm we seemed to be the only ones fishing, or attempting to fish. A short dash to the northern bank uncovered a very productive trolling section, allowing us to dart in and out of trees and slander small bays. I knew there was Trout in these waters but I had come secretly for the native population. Lure offerings paralleled my normal home base selection, small to medium fatty crank baits with Japanese and American flair (Jackal Chubby, Storm Wiggle Wart). At the beginning of our run Claire subdued two small Rainbow Trout using a ‘Suji Shrimp’ pattern Chubby, that’s just before I lost our first big fish of the trip. Even three weeks later I’m still calling it for a monster Cod (No matter what the end conclusion) but due to an impromptu hook pull we all will never know.








We trolled around the point separating the arm from the basin and found a small patch of Redfin with no size separating the school. We also came across copious towering, three levels house boats tethered to the banks. With time getting away from us our smartest move was to mingle around where we found the fish earlier, with so many vessels making noise we really shouldn’t have left the fish in the first place. This is where things started to get really interesting; Claire landed and dispatched four Carp in as many minutes. The ‘Suji Shrimp’ patterned Chubby had never seen so much action, even my ‘Ayu’ Chubby was getting ignored. Apart from the size of the lure we figured they were actually consuming via a cannibalistic instinct (One of us, one of us mentality).

Travelling in closer to the banks allowed us to study what baitfish or crustaceans were around, giving us a prevalent insight into better lure pattern choice. Wasn’t a great deal around apart from hordes of what I assume were Carp, getting attacked by smaller schools of tiny Redfin fry. These in turn were getting shadowed by gold fish sized Carp with the occasional flash of larger specimens. The water was quite clear so spying schooling Carp through the various columns of timber and weed was something I hadn’t experienced before, we often see the tell tale signs but this time seeing really was believing. With the above information in mind we left Claries lure attached but changed mine to something brighter with shiny characteristics. A brand new, old school U.S Storm Wiggle Wart in a chrome magnum finish served me well, tempting plenty of fish.

These lures cast like a dream so covering ground was easy, no need to troll when 50m casts in every direction are possible. Holding stationary near the trees we plugged away, depth was gauged by amount of weed upon the lures return. The Trout were exactly where we found them prior to moving, schooling hard and averaging around 30cm. At one stage it was a Trout a cast for five or more consecutives, even smacking lazy lures returned almost plumb to the top guide. I waged a war on pests this day, with Trout barely outnumbering the Europeans (5 Carp to 7 Rainbow Trout). It took a lot of casting and gusto to out fish Claire (4 Carp to 4 Rainbow Trout), the Outfitter’s front really contains the proverbial ‘Hot seat’.








We could have stayed here all day but with the hot weather increasing (2pm sun high) and a trip to the Snobs Creek Hatchery on the cards (Closing time 4pm) we departed what felt like an epic meeting. It’s a hard call to make, leaving an area to forge a path to a new one when the fishing is so hot. No natives to quench my thirst but hand over fist fishing action, something I will never speak poorly about and absolutely relish with quality angling company (Claire is no slouch, believe me).
The fabled hatchery at Snobs Creek is bathed in folklore; it’s the Mecca of Aussie freshwater saviours.

Steeped in rich and strong history it has provided science for all, not to mention thousands of fingerlings and fry. Even its ex-brood stock populates various ‘Premier’ lakes throughout Victoria (Subject to classification). The site at Snobs Creek also houses the Freshwater Discovery Centre which feature touch pools and feeding ponds (As well as vital information on species and sin). As we were travelling ahead of the holiday season we were in fact the only visitors during the afternoon period.

I was pleasantly surprised at the availability of information to the general public, it’s taken me years to dredge up anything that parallels this via books, magazines and the world wide web (Apart from the freedom of information available on the Murray Darling Basin). The highlight of the visit (Apart from having run of the place) was definitely the feeding pool. Housing brood and ‘Premier’ Rainbow, Brown Trout and Chinook Salmon the fish ranged in size from gregarious to above average. The pellets we received upon entry were chock a block full of hormones and other growth / conditioning stimulants and the fish were of immense size and fed with such rage. Salmonoids as large as 16lb inhabit the pond and were often too slow at attempting to scoff a pellet. However, with loads of fish frothing the water below the feeding platform you could pick and choose who got a taste (Everyone consumed a pellet, eventually).










I was left slightly disappointed when I realised that the Discovery Centre was treated as separate to the actual hatchery itself, meaning the purpose of the visit purpose of the visit (Supporting Native fish cultivation and properties) was, from a personal level, unachievable. As we departed the centre I couldn’t help but feel educated, probably had something to do with noticing the entrance fee sign on our way out (Was reasonable enough, didn’t hesitate). In the end it was due to the effort that foundations like Future Fish, AFN, and the Victorian governments (In the past anyway) like Recfish. It was impressive to say the least and seems to put many of our NSW facilities to shame. I just seemed to want to shoot parallels across the border back towards home, comparing these greener pastures to the drought like conditions and manageable water issues in NSW (Re; Murrumbidgee, Lachlan, Snowy etc). Anyway, I sincerely digress...

Returning for a lazy afternoon on the banks of Eildon Caravan Park and a relaxing evening under the stars I began to twitch. The water level of the ‘Mudeye’ pond was considerably lower than the previous afternoon and the upper pondage water level began to drop. One of the best tips I received prior to our visit was to fish the lower pondage as the water recedes. Claire was just as keen as I to secure a feed to take to her sister’s house (The following days destination) so rest, relaxation and dinner could wait. Just down the road from the park lies the pondage tailrace and the township bridge, a popular angling destination (Based on the discarded line and sacrificial lure offerings made to the ‘Powerline’ gods).




The area near the oval offered steeper banks and deep water but with only one undersize fish over an hour (A striking small par marked Bow) we decided to move on. Packing up we ventured beyond the town to the lower pondage breadth. The area had a familiar vibe to it and features Rex Hunt’s Future fish foundation jetties and fishing platforms. Just as I finished tying the second rig and presenting it past the waters the first artificial placement went off (Indicated by the noisy Chinese bite alarm). Succumbing to the infamous ‘Orange Twist Powerbait’ a 40cm male bow was a welcome addition to our trips plan. A couple fishing 50m away seemed bemused at their fruitless effort (As we had just arrived) until they landed a behemoth of a fish (Beyond ‘Premier status anyway).

A search of the water cycling Powerbait colours failed to locate another so both hooks donned the navel flame. In shallow dropping water I have found the ‘Jindy’ rig fairs best (Taught to me by Jason and Craig). A small number six size hook with a 50cm leader, split shot crimped above leader connection (Assuming braid is used) and a running ball sinker (Small as possible) is all that is required. Some fish will pick up the rig and run with it but the beauty of the rig rests in its ability to find hook set automatically (At least seven times out of ten).

Its champagne fishing at its best (bring the dip, cheese and crackers), fishing light is the key and Claire found the benefit of a slow tapered rod when she landed the second fish via a short leash and a heartbeat flutter. A 55cm female Rainbow Trout flopped around on the pondage bank, while not the biggest Trout we have caught they were definitely up there with the most satisfying. Securing our bag limit (Only two fish over 35cm) we returned to camp humbled by the entire days fishing and our efforts. The moon rose on our final days visit and as the sun dipped behind the Dam wall I reflected on the year past. Trials and tribulations, lefts and rights all seemed to end here, now. With fate dealing a mixed hand in 2009, Claire and I were happy to contribute towards a positive outlook to December’s culminationend. With Warragul, our next destination (Claire’s family), followed by Pambula, NSW (My family) via Lakes Entrance, could our visit to Eildon really be topped?




The answer (Via my January 2010 reflection) was no, not on this trip anyway. Perhaps I had planned our trip like some sort of headlining disc jockey, climaxing destinations and attempting to floor fill with the remanding avenues. If it wasn’t for Christmas I could have stayed the entire holiday break, such is the influence of Eildon’s charm...

VIC - CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY 24/12/09

Squidette and I drove down to Melbourne from Canberra yesterday to spend Chrissy with the family, and after that long drive in 35 degree temperatures, I couldn't wait to get out on the bay for a fish today. Some last minute shopping this morning saw me launching at about 1.30pm to very flat seas. I was fishing around Edithvale/Chelsea, where I grew up, and cut my teeth fishing for smaller table species and squid, so I had a squid jig out, and was casting a few plastics around in about 8 metres of water.

Using 3" minnows I was catching a tiny snapper almost every cast, so I upsized to 5" jerk shads (powerbait, not gulp) to try and beat the pinky horde, they were still hitting the bigger offering, but I wasn't hooking anywhere near as many, and every little while I picking up a keeper flatty, which was cool. Then the squid rod started bouncing and I had an inker on board. Life was good until a nasty nor'easter sprung up, and I was drifting way too fast, and had to resort to casting well forward of the kayak to give the plastic a few seconds of bottom time before the drift caused it to ride up in the water column.

After 20 minutes and a couple more flatties I'd just about had enough of that, and was thinking of heading in, when the rod buckled and the 10lb braid seared off in one long continuous run which had me almost down to the backing. The run stopped and the head shakes started, and I smiled at the prospect of a good snapper. After the big run the fish just arked around a bit, then slowly came in, played up a bit yak side, and then I had her in the net. She went 75cm and 4.5kg on the kitchen scales, and will be enjoyed by 8 on Boxing day night.

(Posted on behalf of Jason 'Squidder' Price)

NSW - SOUTH COAST BREAM (VARIOUS) 20/12/09

I met up with Josh (Koich) on Saturday around lunchtime for a quick session at Durras lake, at home the weather looked ideal but once i arrived i was greeted by a a decent wind and saw Josh already out on the water working the edges with surface lures. I unloaded the yak as quick as i could and got out to meet him, and was informed that he already had a fish on and a few follows in the few minutes he had been there so it was looking promising. The lake is still closed at the moment and the water level is way down compared to this time last year so most of the usual hot spots now have no water covering the flats, so we were fishing area's i considered a bit too deep in the past.

The Whiting seemed to be very quiet, we hit the shallows hard with no whiting even following the lure but it wasnt long into the session i picked up a bream that went just over 30cm. Working our way upstream drifting with the wind we were both getting good surface strikes and picking up a few smaller bream along the way, until i finally hit a good fish which ended up being a bream that went 38cm. A short time later, Josh got a massive strike and hooked up to a solid Tailor which spat the hook after a bit of a battle.

I wanted to see Josh get a big bream so i left him to drift the last of the weedbed where we were getting most of the action and crossed to the opposite side of the lake and put out a cast to the mouth of a small feeder creek and hooked up again to another good fish, after a good fight on the ultra light gear i boated another bream which measured the same as the last one at 38cm. That was pretty much the last of it for me, Josh managed a few more fish, including another bream, a garfish and a mullet all on the surface. Unfortunately we both had commitments and had to head back in after only a couple of hours on the water but it was a productive short session, and im just glad i could get out at all.

Today, i met up with Stewie (Blueyak) at St.Georges basin, i left home at 4:30am to arrive just before 6am with Stewie arriving about 20mins later. Straight out from the launch spot we found ourselves in some very fishy water and absolutely hammered the area with everything we had looking for Bream but all we could find were Tailor, and plenty of them. No sign at all of bream, and after losing my 5th surface lure to tailor, it started to get quite expensive so we decided to head further down and try a new area, but we kept coming accross such good looking spots and stopping to cast. Stewie hooked onto something that was definately not a Tailor with a soft plastic and pulled up a decent squid which seriously inked the whole front of his yak .

We eventually made it down to the next spot, and being a completely different area than before i flicked the surface lure back out and after about the 279th cast hooked a small bream that would be lucky to measure 20cm's. A few casts later my surface lure got monstered by a big Tailor and i said goodbye to my 6th lure, lure loss was really starting to hurt now, so i got the s#!ts and decided to try deeper water with blades, blades are one lure i have really struggled with in the past so i wasnt real confident but figured it cant hurt to get some practice in, since everyone else seems to do well with them they must work.

Not much happened for the first 10mins, which was not suprising to me, but eventually hooked onto a decent fish which dropped the lure shortly after the hookup. I flicked out another cast and hooked up again, decent weight and a good fight and i pulled in a 35cm snapper, then another the same on the next cast. I was happy to catch a few fish on the blade, but still had not seen any bream, which is what we were after so i pedaled back to drift over the same spot again and hooked up again on the first cast. Much to my suprise i actually landed a bream on the blade which went a touch over 30cm, then another a touch smaller shortly after.

I was really happy with that, so back i went for another drift and on the 3rd cast i got a good hit on the drop and applied pressure, and was pleased to feel a really good weight on the opposite end, this one was fighting hard and was a bit of work to get up off the bottom on the 2lb line, slowly but surely it came up and finally saw some colour and my jaw dropped when i saw the size of it, a very solid and heavy bream which measured 44cm total length and is a new pb yellowfin bream and one of my first few good fish on blades, so i was very pleased with the result and would have been happy if i didnt hook another fish.

It was only 2 or 3 casts later i hooked up again to another good fish which ended up being a 36cm bream, all from the same spot. My leave pass had pretty much expired so i took off to go find Stewie and found him fishing the edge of a deep channel, and was informed he didnt end up hooking any bream, even though he found some solid fish in the shallows but couldnt get them to hit anything. We agreed to head in, we came accross a fella fishing from a Ranger tournament boat, and i just commented to Stewie on how nice it was and how much i would enjoy having one for myself, we heard a familiar voice call out asking us if we were having a bit of a prefish, it turns out it was Steve Feilds, who was also out flicking around for some bream.

We had a quick chat then headed in to pack up and get on our way so we didnt miss our deadlines. We were off the water by 11am but very happy with the end result and i will be heading back again within the next few days for another look around.

(Posted on behalf of Craig '450' Coughlan)

2009 - THE OFFICIAL KFA YEAR IN REVIEW

The best of times, the worst of times...

Seems a little early to do a yearly wrap up but considering what has happened during 2009 I am excited to put pen to paper and try and document the good fortune and the bad while finishing the year on a high. How do I start, well the year began with a bang and a serious couple of positives. I managed to be included in the Hobie State Fishing Team roster (A massive plus) and also secured product support from Ugly Fish Eyewear. To say I was stoked is an understatement, all this plus the first ever Hobie ABT Kayak Series began (Round 1, Sydney Harbour).

The Hobie rounds graced venues up and down the east coast of Australia and were a delight to participate in. I really had some serious mojo issues and failed to weigh in a legal fish at any ABT event, I did learn a heap though and came oh so close on numerous occasions (Just too small, busted off, just too small again). Still the social aspect and participation is what got my juices flowing, even if I was disappointed with my results. Likewise the Forster Fishing Carnival was the perfect place to redeem myself but once again I failed to join the leader board ranks.

Apart from the ABT events the Southern Bream Series held tournaments a little closer to home. I decided to enter as many as I could and caught bugger all, pity they were not Flathead competitions (Or EP comps eh Craig?). Got to be in it to win it and as a result I gained entry to the SBS Grand Final via default (Greatest word in the English language). While waiting for the comps grand final at the end of the year Canberra fished slowly but my confidence in freshwater fishing remained at an all time high (Plenty of Golden Perch, both bank and kayak based).

KFA members also visited Tallowa Dam a couple of times and had a blast, many of the fish caught were PB's but for strange reasons (Many large Carp took trolled lures). Jindabyne provided some good Browns and Rainbows as winter set in and Squidder mastered the art of fishing for Trout with plastics while I suspended offerings using split shots and sticky weights. Bank fishing seemed a little slow and the water level was quite high due to a bumper ski seasons melt. By the time the Snowy Mountains Trout Festival kicked up levels were so high the bank fishing was difficult to master while trolling paid off (SMTF major trolling prize went to KFA's own Jason Price).

It wasn’t all doom and gloom competition fishing for myself, some exciting trips to Genoa resulted in PB Flathead (76cm plus many just smaller), Spot XYZ near Canberra proved a point to a select few that MASSIVE wild Trout still exist in our almost local streams and rivers (Even if we couldn’t tempt them). Depot Beach Snapper were still keen to welcome winter with a bang and the sizes still large enough to brag about. Also had some cracker Bass sessions with Craig on the upper Clyde, top water and spinnerbaiting some good fish (43cm PB South Coast Bass).

By the time you are reading this the latest event of the Hobie ABT Kayak Fishing Series will have been run and won. Previous events at Glenelg and Narrabeen showed a good following and entries were the usual decent turnout. The SBS Grand Final was also a good event and it’s worth noting that I finally landed a keeper Bream and 450 and Squidder came 2nd and 3rd respectively (Congratulations again guys). I have also recently returned from the FangACT Burrinjuck Cod opening trophy event and was hoping to defend my title and regain the trophy for another year. Rest assured I gave it my all (So did everyone else), Pitch from FangACT took the title.

I am sure I am forgetting many trips but with that many competitions during the year fishing for me was beyond the norm. I enjoyed the comradary and competitive nature of tournaments but at the same time missed my more free range fishing of old. It’s not compulsory to compete in tournaments but helping the sport grow is prize enough (Sure has come a long way). In some ways when I wrote the above I felt I was writing for two, sometimes three people (Not as an individual). From the amount of information posted on the website this year, videos made, travelling done and work gone into the site you can tell it was a seriously big year for KFA.

Keep forgetting that technically it was our first year as a website, having morphed my previous archives from past years into what you see today. Setting up Kayak Fishing Adventures was more passion fill rather than a need or want. We seem to have a good following and I have received nothing but praise for the amount of information made available to the general public but also the content itself. With sites like http://www.yakabout.com.au (Now http://www.yakass.net) pushing the envelope I have and will admit to feeling inspired enough to provide the world an outlook on what Kayak Fishing means to a bunch of lads from Canberra and the South Coast of NSW.

Its been a pleasure being involved with the Canberra Anglers Association (Becoming a Council member), informing members of the benefits of kayak fishing and taking out some major club awards along the way (Mick O’Brien award - Biggest Trout 64cm, Keith Shields trophy - Biggest Native 66cm Murray Cod, Hardy Rod - Presidents award for yearlong contribution). 2009 was also the year I forged a great working relationship with Yak Fisher Magazine and finally accomplished my hidden dream of getting some articles published nationally (More to come too). It was also the year that I hung up my admin boots on http://www.akff.net, a sad day that was unfortunately well past due (Commercial affiliations and all).

Other clubs like the FangACT group provided respite and angling ideas and support that we took and paralleled for our kayak sorties. A good example of that will be out in the winter edition of Yak Fisher Magazine #50, too good to mention yet so you will have to trust me on that one. A big thank you to Gordon Martin (Marty) for all his hard work, John D and Heathy for their input on Trout fishing, Lynnie for his run downs and constant willingness to share had fought information and Josh (Koich) for providing year long entertainment and value for money (Except your Hobie bashing, shame on you). Props to Jason and Craig also for attending a couple of events and spreading the Kayak Fishing love (And once again, individual skills).

Kayak Fishing Adventures is proud to be associated with such true spirits such as Jason 'Squidder' Price and Craig '450' Coughlan. We also recently added into the fold Patrick 'Patwah' Curran, a mate that has helped me both professionally and personally by offering advice and a shoulder to cry on. KFA would also like to thank Steve Fields from Hobie (Thanks for everything boss), Faraz from Ugly Fish (Proud to be associated mate), Josh from Yakass.net (Your camera donation is cherished everyday), Mods and members from AKFF (Will never forget your financial support), Michelle (Jason's catch of his life), Christine (Wife of Craig) and my beloved Claire.

I was going to touch on all the negative stuff that occurred this year but after such heartfelt pour outs I couldn’t do it a decent justice. Let’s just say that I was tested mentally and physically, lost a very close friend and couldn’t cope for many months after. Friends, family, sponsors and complete and utter strangers stepped in and held my head above the waters until it subsided. The good news is I feel 100%, dropped 15kgs with a gym membership (And bloody hard work) and fixed my spasmodic back pain that held me back in 2008. With a two week holiday scheduled for the very near future I am looking forward to getting my tattoo finished (Beforehand), packing the car and taking a well earned trip to god knows where.

So long 2009, thanks for the many mixed memories...

REVIEW - FISHING WITH ROB PAXEVANOS (VOL 1)

FISHING with Rob Paxevanos (Volume 1, Double DVD Premier Collector’s Edition)
The host of Fishing Australia, Rob Paxevanos, is synonymous with fishing in Australia. Rob is a note worthy fishing journalist who has earned every cent of his notoriety with dedicated fishing knowledge shared with one and all in print, television and more recently DVD’s. Freshly, Rob released a new DVD aimed at keeping people informed on the basics of fishing principles and venturing beyond.

The DVD is a two box set with disc one covering ‘Getting Started’ while disc 2 moves on to ‘Beach, Barra and Billfish’. It’s a genuinely progressive journey with plenty of information sure to educate new and old fishing hands alike. The quote on the back of the DVD sums up the action, some sound sentencing which amps the viewing mood quite nicely.


Disc 1 (Getting Started):

The DVD starts with Rob and his family fishing and exploring some jetty structure on one of many ‘Planks’ available to all on the NSW South Coast. At first it all seems like nothing new, family fishing for bread and butter species. Well the family part was right (With obvious undertones) that can be applied to you and yours, also most of the species caught are as described (Jetty Basics). What makes this segment a little different is the time taken to explain the benefits of looking and searching for fish using berley. Knowing when and where to probe for a catch seems simple after watching Rob’s approach. Using the well known brand Stimulate (With Ultrabite) he coaxes varying species into the cameras view, all whilst putting his two daughters onto above average estuary species like Silver Trevally and Bream.

The family aspect really shines through, which I assume was the sections desired effect. The simple fact of the matter is jetties like these are scattered throughout Australia and are one of the easiest ways of getting you and your family to easily enjoy fishing. Be it a pier, manmade platform, or artificial rock wall the information will be relevant to any area.




Well known Fishing Guide, Captain Kevin Gleed makes a guest appearance along with a dozen or so Flathead and other significant characters. This second section concentrates on fishing for Flathead with soft plastics, plus the rod tips constructive lure selection techniques. Learning to distinguish the traits associated with successful plastic fishing can be a hurdle to most novice anglers. From handling Flathead (Non slip Flathead grip) to learning when to strike, eliminating slack line and rod lifting, the trio (Consisting of Kevin, Rob’s daughter Caitlin and Rob himself) land fish after fish using practiced and publicised methods. Jig head size is explained by Rob (Benefits of weight vs depth) and fishing guide Kevin carefully explains lift, wind and bellying line out. Fishing structure located throughout this segment they encounter Estuary Perch in the snags plus big bruising Bream and Tailor in and around the Oyster leases.

The advantage of line selection (Braid and fluorocarbon) and a demonstration of knots will help the average bear, such as the use of the albright knot over employing others. It’s a good allusion point for any future trips and for some will be worth the price of the DVD alone. Many of us when stating out upgrading to line such as braid had little or no reference material other than books or magazines. The ‘Show and learn’ approach could pay dividends for those looking to try new methods.




The ‘Offshore basics’ chapter everything from catching live bait (Slimy Mackerel and Yellowtail) to choosing an appropriate fishing rod outfit and line/rig selection. It’s an interesting start to the piece with Rob purposely being outgunned on a combo that was no match for the Kingfish they were targeting. After explaining how to top shot the outfit with a much heavier braid the line eventually parts ways (Due to the presence of a hungry seal). I don’t recommend upping line size on a rod rated much lower unless you have relative experience, but persistence pays off and the Fishing Australia medium boat combo comes up trumps (In Rob’s experienced hands). There is lots to see and take in including live baiting for Kingfish (Testament of tackle selection), drifting for Flathead and Snapper (Holding bottom) plus quick and dependable rigs (Basic bottom fishing).

While Rob is on a charter boat its worth mentioning that the rigs and line class can easily be applied in as little as eight metres of water (Maybe even less). The featured rig is as interesting as it is easily adaptable, charter boat skippers know what works and what works well (Along with searching the bottom for gravel and sandy bottoms for specific species). If this section appeals to you the most and you are unfamiliar with fishing offshore I highly recommend utilizing the services of a charter boat. If anything the DVD encourages viewers to band together (The cheapest option) and explore that possibility (Intrinsic or not) in a group you will be pleasantly surprised at the general costing analysis.




Now here is where it gets interesting, after years and years of reading about Rob’s attempts to tackle with Jewfish from a kayak and seeing a few positive results on Fishing Australia, we are treated with contempt. From someone not proclaiming to be a ‘Jewie expert’ we get to witness some quality results. Given the locations are accessible to all it’s worth noting how Rob has nutted out the outcomes in this segment. The beauty of the Hobie Outiftter (For DVD production) is the camera operator can film from the front (Facing backwards) and the angler can comment. Light tackle, perfect weather and unusual rigging choice makes listening worthwhile (Especially when number three is caught).

I own a Hobie Outfitter and find it perfect for South Coast sorties with mates or family members. Jewfish have always eluded me (Mainly due to not actually attempting to fish for them) but after viewing this DVD many times I can tell you it won’t be long (School holidays over soon) till I don some plastics and try to get the missus onto a Jewfish of a lifetime. If the size of the fish doesn’t get you the abundance of piscatorial surroundings surely will. The Eurobodalla South Coast is an easy drive from Canberra and Sydney and the quality fishing (And species) on hand is second to none.


Disc 2 (Barra, Beach and Billfish):

As the title of the second DVD suggests, Rob starts out by visiting Lake Monduran in Queensland and begins to prompt local knowledge from top guide Rob Wood. Lake Monduran is a sticky, snaggy environment that could be more than just problematic to a visiting angler without seeking advice beforehand. The principals offered on the DVD may seem trivial at first but the techniques offered have been refined over years and can be applied to any freshwater impoundment where big Barramundi lurk. The past two years have seen the rise of large plastics on Barra, listening to why (Match the hatch, weedless system, shallower presentation, better hook set) beckons the question why even use a hard bodied lure in a place like Monduran?

The information I took away from the DVD (As a Barra virgin) is anything is possible, particularly if you do your homework. Waiting for the water to heat up, concentrating on windblown areas and researching what bait fish inhabit (Including XOS Bony Bream, Snub Nosed Gar) the area are just some of the tips on offer. The Barramundi is regarded as Australia’s premier sport fish and handling one incorrectly will cause damage to yourself and the fish. They get big, really big so pay attention to the end of the segment, especially if you attempt to target them off anything but a boat.



Being a kayak angler first and foremost I obviously enjoy related chapters more than others. With Rob, Mal Gray, Rob and Tom Wood all fishing from Hobie kayaks while mother shipping off a house boat at once again, Lake Monduran. Rob and Mal land some big fish but this DVD is owned by 10 year old Tom Wood with a 120cm giant caught in the timber at night. With so many factors against him it was a pleasure to watch the young gun come out on top. The area just seems to be built for kayak fishing, no crocs, scattered fishing pressure (With big results in a pristine environment).

Chapter three incorporates saltwater Barramundi this time with a patented trolling technique from an angler referred to as ‘Chicka’. It’s essentially a short line out with numerous whips and dips, all whilst holding your rod. Using neap tides and tiller steer motors to great effect, Rob and Chicka land some feisty Barra (Hooked from behind and below the boat) trolling noisy, hard bodied lures. The techniques success (Apart from angler nous) is put down to buoyant lures and the noise they emit. The water can be deep and dirty and most types of fish have trouble seeing an offering, but little or no trouble feeling and sensing vibrations put out by lures like Storm Thundercranks / Rapala Xraps.

Most of us won’t get a chance to try this technique but it could be adaptable to other styles of fishing (Even for Trout and Natives like Murray Cod). If however you do live in the NT or northern waters of Queensland this could be the segment you have been looking for. Chicka seems to have a high success rate but it has probably cost him a few lures over the years. I can only imagine the lures attached to some of the submerged branches he passes over on a daily basis. Saltwater Crocodiles would put many people off even using a pole style lure retriever to reap lost baits, but as they say unless you’re swimming them in the snags your chances of scoring a dreamtime fish diminish indefinitely.

Everyone can learn a little beach fishing skill from a fisherman like Jack Dart (Everyone except probably my father). Jack and Rob cover tips beneficial to sand anglers in our southern waters, covering our bread and butter species. Talking about times and structure really gets the mind working overtime. Salmon and Tailor prefer to patrol around dawn and dusk and a rising tide, it gives them more water on the beach and more area to cover. Jack gives some handy hints on catching and making beach worms last fresh for longer periods.They also show what areas of the beach hold what species, cover basic rigs and basic gear maintenance.

As mentioned above, everyone can use this segment to refine their approach to beach fishing. Fishing a productive beach with family and friends really can’t be beat; it’s rewarding and relaxing all the same. Our humble Australian Salmon is an underrated sportfish and also worthy of a greater table fare review. Cooked fresh on a BBQ in steaks or chunks (Try allspice or even smashed up salt and vinegar chips) it’s quite appetising, accompany this with some smoky Tailor fillets and you have a saltwater meal fit for a king. Jack Dart guides up and down the Eurobodalla coast, check his services and testimonials out at http://www.boats.com.au.




A season or two ago on Fishing Australia, Rob attempted to tag a Marlin from his kayak (Accompanied by a mothership). He found himself seriously under gunned so has returned with greater gear and support. These escapades from a kayak probably proved to be some of Rob’s most popular stunts (And I do say stunt, don’t try this at home kids). It’s an epic battle with both kayak and gear being pushed to the limit. The Marlin is successfully tagged and the regions tagging program is explained from a basic to a scientific level. It all amounts to curbing abuse, offering recreation anglers a chance to shed some positive light on the species migration routes. It also helps curb unsustainable and professional fishing practices that deplete fish stocks and ruins numerous tourism economies.

I won’t add additional comment on the practice of fishing for Marlin from a kayak, basically because I believe there is an inherent safety risk unless you know what you’re doing. Sure, Rob has a support boat (Aka mothership) that is more than equipped to handle any situation thrown up at a kayak angler, it’s just this won’t be the norm for most of us and attempting to replicate this feat is just sheer lunacy. A member of the Hobie State Fishing Team hooked and landed a 100kg+ Marlin at South West Rock, an effort that took him over 6 hours. He knew what to expect and had gathered enough information and knowhow to keep him out of trouble, much like the obviously skilled Rob.




The last section of disc two involves a feel good story and a nice size Mulloway. Rob and a mate set off to catch a Jewfish using bait, well his mate does as Rob offers advice and dons the camera. Showing that Jewies don’t discriminate on Outfitter colour selection (Just how many of these kayaks do you own Rob!?) they berley up across current and plan on bringing the fish straight to Electrician Garry’s offering. Fishing relatively light in just over eight metres of water, Garry hooks up to a nice fish while Rob coaches and films the action. The result leaves that happy feeling in your gut but also the want to one up Garry. After all, it’s the Eurobodalla coast again, on a kayak again, helping a novice angler again and landing the 112th Jewfish for the DVD (Dont you just want to slap Garry!).

Kayak Fishing Adventures member Craig ‘450’ Coughlan has many of the same areas sussed (Different locations, don’t worry Rob), using his larger powered boat to find holding locations and returning in the kayak when the time and the tide is right. Again I really need to get myself involved in this Jewie caper but till then I will just watch volume one of this DVD series over and over again. What better way to get motivated, numerous Jewfish using copious techniques all from the same kayak (That I and many of you own).




Review Conclusion:

I was pleasantly surprised with this DVD; I think I was a little sceptical at first though. You have to really read a book cover to cover before you can pass judgement, so I took this away on our two week holiday and watched segments when I could. Everyone knows Rob, from his TV show to his appearances in public and various media commitments. Love them or hate them, it takes a certain knack to become an identifiable fishing journalist (And I don’t just mean by sight either). The DVD may initially feel like additional footage (That didn’t make the cut of his TV show) but even then that wouldn’t be a bad thing now would it?

The DVD in parts is infomercial at its best and worst, however the products being exposed to viewers are premium enough to keep ears pricking up and the ‘Tut tut’ finger firmly clenched. Archiving angling information is a favourite pastime of mine; good fishing info should be kept and reviewed often (Usually the horrible weather weekends). Why not start collecting fishing DVD’s and start a library; this would be a perfect initial purchase. The fact this DVDs is available at all good tackle stores around Australia (Including BCF stores) at a decent price is a real bonus.

If you are having trouble locating the DVD, Kayak Fishing Adventures readers can even email Rob direct at dvdvsales@work.netspeed.com.au to help track one down.