G'day anglers. OK, tell the truth - who sooked out and didn't wet a line last weekend?
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Well, I'm really not surprised as only those keen as mustard fishos would even consider wetting a line in those ordinary conditions.
The club I'm a member of had a comp at Khancoban, but the thought of a warm, dry afternoon was more appealing that getting drenched for the sake of a fish ... so, yes in other words I wimped out too.
Twenty years ago, I wouldn't have even hesitated. I would have padded myself up so much that even the Michelin Man would look thin.
Today, it is actually a lot easier to cover up from the elements to stay dry warm and comfortable. The advances made in clothing since those old days are nothing but sensational. The Introduction of fleece, microfibre and Goretex allows anglers to fish in far more comfort than ever thought possible.
Today's clothing is done in layers, starting off with a base layer of thermals. Merino wool, cotton, bamboo and fleece are common materials - yet the most important fact is that the thermals are a snug fit, especially around the legs. The next two layers comprise of an under or softshell shirt, usually microfleece and long sleeved, then a long sleeve top or bush shirt usually made from denser wool with water-repellent qualities. Pants from the same denser material offer a fair degree of protection as well. Finally the last layer, which provides the wind and rain proofing, usually made from such fabrics as Goretex, Quiet Tex and the remarkable Nikwax Analogy for trousers and jacket.
So now, when the Antarctic blast blows in from the south, you really have no excuses for not wetting a line ... well, only if you feel motivated.
On the fishing scene, Steve McGrath and a few of his mates toughed it out at Lake Jindabyne last weekend. They managed to troll few fish on Tassies and Nilsmasters, in amongst the snow flurries and howling gale. Reckon those boys deserve every fish they caught. Another party hit Lake Eucumbene and spent just a couple of hours trolling as the weather gods dumped 18 inches of snow on them as they trolled a few fish on lures. Another party spinning large minnow lures from the bank also met with success, the large Yakamito minnow being a little heavier than Rapalas were much easier to cast into the gale.
The Commercial Club angling competition on Lake Hume didn't really heat up as it was called off Sunday. Albury Wodonga Sportsfishing Club fared a little better at Khancoban, nailing a few fish on bait.
Lake Buffalo did give up a few decent reddies, which is a little unusual this time of year, with a few of these fish over 40cm, so it may be well worth a visit in the coming weeks. Also there was a report of a 64cm redfin coming from Blowering.
There was also a lovely 113cm Murray cod taken from Mulwala and I bet Tanya is still talking about her fish. However, there was little to get excited about except for the snow, rain and bitter cold. Hopefully, this weekend will be far better.