90 Mile Beach - Surf Fishing Tips.

Select a rod and reel suitable for the species of fish you intend to target, keeping in mind there are some big fish out there.

• General purpose rod 12-14 ft.
• Larger size reel for quicker and easier retrieval.
• Mullet or spinning rod 8-10 ft.

Fishing Line

Generally used is 15-20lb main line with 30lb lead.

• Stiffer line for leads and rigs saves much tangling.
• Consider metal leads for shark.
• Check line regularly, remove worn line.
• Replace line on rigs often.

Fishing Rigs

The paternoster rig is most commonly used as all species of fish can be taken on this rig.

Fish Hooks

• Use single or gang hooks
• Long shanked hooks protect the line and are easier removed.
• Size 1/0 - 4/0 are good general purpose sizes.

Fishing Line Sinkers

• Star sinkers of 3-4 ozs are most commonly used.
  Go up a size if sidewash exists.
  The movement of the bait as the sinker rolls along can attract fish such as flathead.

Fishing Baits

Remember, the biggest fish can be caught on the smallest bait.

• White bait - Popular, use whole or pieces.
• Blue bait - Keeps best, use whole or pieces.
• Pilchards - Keep frozen, once thawed must be used. Use pieces, whole usually too large.
• Squid - Usually cut into strips. (Greatly attracts Rays).
• Fresh fish - Cut into strips or chunks, must be used as spoils quickly. (Greatly attracts Rays).
• Other baits to try - Sandworms, Prawns, Octopus, Pippies, Mussels,
• Chicken, Crabs, eel.
• Lures - Surf poppers, White plastic grubs.
• Spinners - Laser lures, Chrome sliced and spoon 40-50 grams.

Casting Hints

• Before each cast check that the line is not caught over the rod tip or around the reel.
• Cast overhead to gain distance and accuracy. It's not as difficult as you may think, give it a try.
• Take it easy when casting, just a few steps and cast. It is important to retain your balance. Practise makes perfect.
• Watch where your sinker lands, this aids correction on the next cast.
• Be careful wearing waders, only walk where you can see the bottom. If you fall the waders fil with water and drag you down. There can be holes and gutters near the edge, changes take place quickly as the sand moves.
• Your cast can be spoiled if your rig dangles in the water behind you.

Lake Fishing Tips.

• A light springy rod 5-6 ft long, with or without quiver tip is very suitable.
• Light line about 5-8 lbs with paternoster rig with ball or bean sinker and small hooks, maximum size 1 are most suitable. A running sinker , or using a float are also popular options.
• Sandworms are the most suited bait.
  Other baits to try are , white bait, prawns, mussels.
• If boating, towing a paravane is successful on Taylor.

Guide to Hook Sizes. (Personal choices may differ).

• Garfish - size 8
• King Gearge Whiting - size 6
• Mullet - size 4
• Bream - size 1
• Salmon - size 2/0
• Shark - size 4/0
• Mulloway - size 6

If you have any tips you would like to share with others, then please send them to us.

Good Luck with your fishing.