You can plan a fishing trip to the last detail, but there is one thing that can make or break the outcome, and it is the one thing that you have no control over: the weather.
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As mentioned last week, a local group headed to Flinders Island on a fishing trip, and they departed in perfect conditions.
Sunny, warm, next to nil wind — just perfect.
I watched in awe at the organisation that went into their trip.
One person was in charge of bait, another for meals and catering, yet another for drinks, and then a finance officer to handle the costs.
It was like a well-oiled machine.
However, regardless of the effort, it all fell foul of Mother Nature.
Ask any angler their worst enemy, and they will all say in one voice: the wind.
The good thing about fishing at Flinders Island is that you can always find the sheltered side of an island, which is protected from the wind, meaning boats can always find a spot to fish.
It may not be the best spot, but you can still fish.
And that is what the group from our region did.
On days one and two, they managed to catch gummy shark and some snapper, but only a few flatheads.
Day three was a different story, as a draft wind had dropped.
So, for half a day, they managed to bag out on whiting.
Not the best trip to Flinders Island, but all in all, it was a winner.
James Luddington explained the lack of flathead was due to the rough water stirring up the sand, making the flathead less inclined to feed.
I have witnessed this in the past while fishing not only at Flinders Island but other renowned flathead spots such as Narooma, as well as areas around Port Phillip Heads off Sorrento and Barwon Heads.
It is a pity that Flinders Island is so awkward to get to.
The easiest way is to fly, and while there is a daily service to and from the island, once you get there, transport becomes the next challenge.
However, if you can arrange that, the island offers visitors a lot — from magnificent beaches to mountains and rolling farmland.
The wildlife is unique, from wallabies to Cape Barren geese.
There are also peacocks that have gone wild on the island.
Of course, ships do travel between the island and the mainland, but they do not operate on a regular schedule.
However, this does not stop visitors from making the trip.
In fact, well-known Shepparton artist and painter Ray Hill spent time on a trip to Flinders Island and came back with some great works of the area.
Fishing at Queenscliff is going well, according to Rod Lawn from Adamas Fishing Charters.
All the usual species are on the bite when the weather is suitable.
Rod said he had not mentioned Portland lately, but the tuna were still on the site, while bottom bouncing was still producing snapper.
Western Port Bay, around Hastings, is providing good hauls for snapper fishers as well as King George whiting.
North of the border at Eden and Narooma, Graham Johnston reported good bags on the inshore reefs but little action off the shelf.
Freshwater fishing has been patchy.
Both major rivers have produced cod and yellowbelly, but Eildon has still been the best, with redfin and yellowbelly, and some trout being taken in the river arms, with both bait and lures getting results.
One other thing about Flinders Island — it is home to the largest tiger snakes in the world.
These reptiles grow to more than two metres, and unlike their mainland cousins, they are almost totally black.
The dark colour allows them to absorb more heat from their cool surroundings.
But they are just as deadly and live not only on Lady Barron but also on some of the other larger islands in the group, including Mount Chappell Island.
The Flinders Island group is governed by the Tasmanian Government, and its main sources of income are cattle, wool, timber, fishing and tourism.
One other interesting fact is that the gemstone topaz is found on the beach at the southern end of the main island at Lady Barron.
The top spot for redfin is still Lake Hume, while for trout, the rivers and streams are the best.
Although, I did hear of one angler who fished the Buckland River with no result.
Just a warning again about snakes — they are still active.
One interesting fact is that over a thousand people are bitten by snakes every year, and from those bitten, two people die from the bites.
Remember, when you go fishing, you are entering their territory, so take care.
The most toxic snake is the inland taipan, but the most dangerous is the eastern brown snake, as it is more plentiful and likes to live close to people.
So be safe and take care.