Fishing Portland by JohnBouy (Frank)

[mrfisho]

Portland A Victorian Game Mecca!

Portland a fairly sized town approximately 5hrs towing time from the Westgate Bridge is nestled in amongst a heavy industrial community
flagged by the giant Alcoa aluminium plant.
Located between Warnambool and Port Mac Donald first impressions
on arrival is the fishability flavour this place has to offer.
Ample accomodation is available with most fishos truning there
attention on the local caravan parks. I personally stay at the
Centenary Caravan Park as it accomodates anglers and there boats in relative safety and cabin comfort and at approx $70 per night for 2 people with $5per head for extra persons (contact them on 03 55231487)
Portlands unique harbour is quite large and safe in all conditions as it is protected by the famous Lee Break Wall.
The wall in itself boast some fantastice captures with most common Vic species available for landbased anglers. Boat ramp facility is very good
and free which is uncommon these days and has also a couple of great
fish cleaning tables to boot. http://www.wildblue.com.au/index.php?op ... y=25&hit=1
During the summer mths the main target is Kingfish and these can be found either trolling squid strips along the inshore reefs of the North Shore.
The North Shore is located to the left of the harbours entrance.
Anchoring with live bait such as squid set on 7/0 hook can also be
very rewarding. Offshore is accessed via exiting the harbour and
a steering to the right heading out past Lawrence Rock which is a large exposed rock outcrop approx 4-5 klms offshore from the entrance and
should be passed on the left hand side for safe boating and the inexperienced.
Every year from the middle of April and sometimes earlier the
mighty Southern Blue Fin Tuna migrate and congregate along the Continental Shelf which is approx 45klms out in a SW direction.
Earlier in the season trailer boats in the 6-8mt range can be found trolling around at a pace of approx 12-15 knots towing a spread of 4 or 5 lures
trying to entice one of these beasts.
A good lure spread can consist of a mix of 4-8inch long Jet head style lures and a couple of game bibless minnows.
My lure spread consists of 3 Taranggau Lures in the darker blue/black green/yellow and red/black.
The minnows that have had fantastic success on most occasions is
the River2sea Killer Vibs in 160mm with pilchard or dorado color schemes.



Most of my rigging is achieved with100-300 lb Jikai trace utising the allocated alloy crimps and crimping tool.
Outriggers are very handy as they allow the spread of lures to remain tangle free whilst trolling and zig zagging along the shelf.
The main aim when trolling lures for SBT is to use lures that stay in the water for 90% of the time and followed by a nice bubbly smoke trail.
Now this type of fishing is not only for boys with big toys as towards the end of April the tuna follow the bait fish and red krill inshore which is a key ingredient in the tuna fishery make up and can appear as close as the 50mt line with the 70 mt line out in front of Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater some of the best fishing grounds for the SBT the bait and Krill along with hoards of marine birds, dolphins and seals a dead set
giveaway that will dictate where the beasts will be located.
Fishing equipment doesn't have to be extravagant but robust.
Simple outfits such as a Shimano Backbone Elite in 15/24kg
short stroker rod matched to a Shimano TLD30 is more than adequate
for the school Bluefin in the 10-40kg line class.
I always set my drags at 1/3rd to 1/4 of the lines breaking strain
and a usual hok up is generally a muliple hook up.
There is no bigger buzz tha 4 screaming ratchets!
A 6inch fixed gaff is compulsory for those who want to take a feed home
and a bag limit of 2 per person is more than adequate and remember to
bleed your tuna as soon as possible, this can achieved by inserting the the knifes pointy edge approx 50mm behind the pectoral fin until the bleeding appears.
Finally a boat with a crew of 3-4 is ideal in sharings the cost of
expenses in fuel food and accomodation and for those who wish
to give it a go but have no craft there are ample charter boats
in the area with most having good reputations.
Hope this has helped you in your quest to tackle the mighty
Southern Bluefin Tuna! p.s the bottom bashing is just as good if not better!

Regards Frank D

_________________
A Kid Into Fishing Is A Kid Off The Streets!
Cruise Craft 625 Explorer RIP J.S

[mrfisho]

Heading to Portland this is a good read ..

cheers
Mick