Reel Life | Fish are biting but so are snakes

In our neck of the woods, we have two of Australia’s most dangerous snakes: the tiger snake, a relative of the cobra, and the eastern brown snake; because of its range and amount of venom, it is considered the most dangerous snake in the country. Of course, the venom does not compare to the tiger, but because it is found close to residential areas, you are more likely to be bitten by a brown snake. Without proper treatment, you can die from its bite. Brown snakes, along with tiger snakes, are found from the suburbs of Melbourne all the way to Queensland.

In our region both are common in the bush and around houses and gardens, so keep an eye out at all times. There is a saying that if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone but don’t always believe that. What you should do is keep a couple of elastic bandages in your fishing kit and make sure you can identify the species of snakes if you are bitten. Don’t panic; wrap the bite area and immobilise the limb where the bite was located. Stay calm and seek help.

If you see a snake, don’t try to scare it off or kill it, as they are a protected animal. Remember, most people get bitten when trying to kill a snake by stomping on it.

There is a third species I forgot to mention, and that is the red-bellied black snake, which is also found in our region. Its venom is also toxic, but fewer people have been known to die from its bite. It is, however, considered dangerous and should be left alone.

In the meantime, my footy team did not go any further, so I might as well join George, the Collingwood supporter, and go down the river and fish. At present, the Goulburn has been worth wetting a line. Although the cod season has closed, the yellowbelly can provide plenty of action and come up well on the table. The fat that develops on the bigger fish can be trimmed off, leaving a tasty fillet.

At Waranga Basin, redfin can be fished for. I recommend deeper waters near the Kite Flyers’ ramp, the water pumps at the back of Harriman Point and the old quarry at this time of the season. You might pick up trout near the inflow to the basin and also some yellowbelly.

Eildon is also worth a fish because you can catch and keep cod, as well as trout, redfin and yellowbelly. Eildon is definitely worth a visit, but make sure you pick good weather; windsurfing, as we have just experienced, is not good.

I keep saying that my favourite place to fish any time of the year is Dartmouth; it is just a perfect place to go. It has crystal clear water and picture-perfect scenery, and the trout fishing is as good as it gets.

At this time of the year, it is still cool enough to catch trout on the surface without the need for weights to get to where the fish are feeding. At Dartmouth, you can stay at any of the quality accommodation in town, or you can camp on the shore of the lake.

There are even some long-drop chemical and no-smell toilets dotted around the lake. On your way to Dartmouth, you can go past Lake Hume; if you have the time, you can fish there for redfin, trout and yellowbelly. Lake Hume is considered to be in Victoria so you will need a Victorian fishing licence.

It is time to check out the saltwater action at Queenscliff. Rod Lawn from Adamas Fishing Charters said it was good to get back on the water, despite some rough weather. Rod said that once things settle down again, he is looking forward to getting among some snapper. He said the big snapper would be appearing in the bay to breed.

North of the NSW border at Eden, John Liddell reported a similar story weather-wise, with gale-force winds and high seas making life difficult for anglers.

At Narooma, Graham Cowley said it was not safe to go offshore, but you could find shelter inside the lake.

Remember, watch out for snakes. Be safe on the water, and good luck fishing.