The club trip to Tamboon 9-11/12/2016
Kevin,Doug and myself arrived on Thursday although Doug wasn't sure which weekend he had booked or whether his booking started on the Thursday or the Friday !!
I set up camp quickly and was out on the water soon after but only got as far as the first green buoy when the motor stopped and I had to hail a passing boat for a tow home--great start to the weekend which I had been looking forward to for 12 months.
Luckily I was able to spend most of my fishing time in Kevin's boat except for Saturday morning when I set off with Doug.
Kevin and I spent Thursday afternoon lure fishing with some success as we caught 4 bream and 4 Flathead, two of the bream which Kevin caught (and released ) were 42 cms. These turned out to be winning fish for the weekend.Doug returned without having a bite.
Friday saw Ian and Shawn turn up as well as a howling gale which lasted all day and most of the night.
Saturday  morning I went with Doug to do some bait fishing as Kevin was still into lure fishing. We had minimal luck despite touring all over the lake and even tried a short way up the river. By this time the wind had got up and on the way down the river Doug got drenched -- he had fallen backwards into a foot of water earlier in the day - but refused to have a nice hot shower when we got back.
The Myer's boat -Shawn's new tinny-- managed one fish courtesy of Shawn as usual.
Saturday night was the "club dinner" which consisted of burgers,sausages,hot potato chips and carrots followed by fruit salad and cream all washed down with the odd beer or glass of wine.
Sunday morning was very calm which made lure fishing very difficult as their was barely a ripple on the water.
Kevin and I found a 'Hole" a kilometer or so up the river which was full of fish from which Kevin managed one bream but then things deteriorated as he also caught a large skate which did a few laps of the boat before Kevin accepted it was not a very large bream or Flathead and cut it loose.
Due to the miserable weather Kevin and I decided we wouldn't stay until Monday so we all apacked up and headed for the highway.
Robin Widdowson

Bemm River Competition 21-23/October

It has been a long time since the ‘Bemm’ has spoilt our annual competition with such unpleasant weather.

Friday was the pick of the weekend with some sunshine, minimal wind and no rain. Saturday and Sunday morning were somewhat a contrast with no sun, lots of wind intermittent rain and plummeting temperatures.

Friday saw the retired members of the club take to the water with great gusto.  Jack and Ken Waller headed for Siberia  where some large fish were caught (by Ken anyway) whilst Don and Ken Bittner ended up at the river mouth where 9 fish were caught in 20 minutes ( but the next 5 in 3 hours).

Yours truly followed Bill and Kath up the river because on Thursday they had caught 29 fish although most were 28-29 cms-but where there are fish there is always hope. I did get a bit of a scare as we had travelled slowly across the lake but once in the river it was “a little more throttle” which raised the front of the boat and allowed the bilge pump to start pumping out LOTS of water – panic stations and I was over the back to check the bungs which were tightly in place which was not very reassuring as I didn’t know how I had holed the hull but a quick taste of the water, much to my relief, had a distinct absence of salt. While the boat was at Lakes Outboards it had obviously been left out in the rain—went much better without the 30 liters of ballast.

As per Thursday the fish were all small and interestingly they made very tentative bits so it was strike on the slightest movement of the rod or line. Luckily I had a phone call from Don skiting about the 9 fish  ( one was 40.1 cms) so it wasn’t too hard to head for the river mouth where I managed to catch 4 fish all of them keepers.   

Friday night half the crew headed for the pub for the evening meal whilst the rest ate at Cosy Nook. Jack ordered pork chops and was amazed at the size of the chop and even more amazed when he discovered another one under the first. The meals were very generous and   of a high standard.

Saturday was very interesting as wind was up and there was a bit of a chop across the lake—this made it very hard to tell if you had a tentative bite because the tip of the rod was up and down like a yo-yo.. A lot of time was spent in the river hard up against the southern bank out of the wind. It was here that Owen Bennett caught his winning fish of 40.6cms and Dave Veenstra caught his non-winning flathead of 52cms (we don’t have ‘other species’ any more) although he did manage a 39 cm bream.

Shaun Myers again managed to out fish his father and as expected won the junior award as well as the secret weight.

David Bell was probably glad he had to leave the water early as it couldn’t have been very pleasant in his open clinker built boat but he had cooking to attend to – the spit roasts had to be started.

The meal David provided for his fellow members was superb –all eighteen members and two guests were served roast pork and beef along with roast potatoes and pumpkin. Helen also spoilt us with grog soaked cake and ice cream for ‘afters’. Congratulations David for a job well done (see you next year).

A game of five hundred was held in one corner with four ‘serious’ players helped along by the onlookers who felt no shame in offering advice which harbored on cheating.

It poured with rain most of the night and on arising on Suinday morning the weather looked about as promising as the day before, with wind and intermittent rain showers so it was not surprising that no one ventured out but all went home early with some like Don henry being unable to resist a pie or two at Orbost.

A great weekend very much like the ‘old days’.

Robin Widdowson

19-21^st August 2016

Marlo Fishing Weekend

             Friday night saw our full contingent set up at the Marlo Ocean View Caravan Park. Not a tent in sight with Alby and Carol, Barry Bills and Neil’s vans, the Myers camper, Grants “thingymajig” secured  onto a trailer  and  Barry sleeping “rough” in the back of his vehicle. It had been decided that this park was more suitable in that it had a large undercover camp kitchen and more space.  The pub provided a good meal and an opportunity for 3 of our members to put some serious discussion into planning their next day …… see photo!!!

                All boats were put in at the Bodribb where the Curlip is moored which has a useful fish cleaning bench. Whilst it wasn’t a hugely successful day number wise, everyone seemed happy to catch a few. As Alby and Carol had the scales back at camp and no fish cleaning is allowed there, the group decided to make this a length competition. Barry Bills had a 34cm bream and junior Shawn had a 32cm bream. A few mullet were also caught. With all the fresh water going down the rivers these fish were caught in close to the edge and only on worm. Carol was taking it easy and fishing from the jetty and along with others on the jetty didn’t even get a bite on the outgoing tide. She did try later in the Brodribb sitting in the car with her rod propped in the bull bar. Still no luck but the ever changing skies and the beautiful scenery she was content.

              Happy Hour was very happy with Ian and Barry’s fire pits and wood keeping us all cosy. “Jack” our camp mascot kept us all amused with his meerkat stance. Ian’s BBQ plate came in very handy although his blow torch method of lighting it intrigued us. See photo!!! We didn’t need to use the camp kitchen after all. Thanks Barry P for purchasing and cooking the BBQ meal.  Carol thought she would give her opinion …especially about the onions ……… and she was politely told where to go …. She sooked for a few minutes and sat down but then she told everyone that is always how it works with her!!!

              Carol and Alby provided dessert telling everyone they had to bring a plate and spoon. Barry B said I won’t worry about that I’ll just eat it in my hand. He was warned it would be hot and cold and runny and after giving in and bringing a bowl he conceded that yes the plum pudding, ice cream and custard was hot and cold and runny!!!

             Most went off to bed early but there were some “moths” around the fire. I said to Bronwyn the next morning “I hope those talkers didn’t keep you awake”. “No” she said “I was one of them”

              What a great weekend of fishing and camaraderie. If you want to get to know your fellow Club members, this is the way to do it. Fish, eat, pitch in and share a campfire together. Perfect!

Carol McDonald

GLFC New Zealand Club Trip. April 2016

What a great trip we had. We left Melbourne airport at 11.35pm and arrived Auckland at 5.45am the next day. We struck some difficulty in hiring a car to take 6 people and had to wait another 5 hours for a suitable one to come in. Well worth waiting for though, as we ended up with an almost new Sangyong 8 seater.

We left the airport and travelled north, only to find we had gone the wrong way and were heading for the West coast not the East as planned. Our navigator was asleep!!  We travelled some 680ks instead of 330, but what the heck! We saw a lot of beautiful countryside. One thing we noticed were all the wild chooks and turkeys which apparently no-one bothers to catch for the pot. Finally, we arrived at Wangarda, the most beautiful sight you could imagine. There was only one hotel/motel and one Fishing Club which had heaps of trophy fish and photos on the walls and even the ceiling. The village has only about 50-100 inhabitants, and no SHOPS The marina is fairly new, with 20-30million $’s worth of game charter vessels and recreational boats. Our lodgings were at the Marlin Hotel, a very quaint older building, built about 100 years ago.

Twin share rooms with ensuites were excellent, but did not supply earplugs which were needed by some members. Our hosts were delightful people as were the locals who made us Aussies very welcome.

After 2 days being tourists, we boarded the Christena with skipper Kerry,  a wooden boat but very comfortable even in a rough swell.  

Stacks of King fish again, a couple about 1100cm or 10-15kg. Shaun Myers caught a snapper on the last day, 90cms inside the tail, about 26-28lbs. He had the biggest smile you have ever seen, our club Logo hangs proudly on the wall of the Marlin hotel.

Too much happened to write about really, all up a fantastic adventure and I would recommend it to all.

Don Henry.

On our return from our recent trip to Port Vincent, Linda and I stopped off in Adelaide with friends.  On the Sunday we went out in the bay on their 50’ wooden ex navy boat.  The fish weren’t plentiful, but we did catch some sea garfish and 14 monstrous blue swimmer crabs, which we cooked and devoured whilst at sea. 

We left Adelaide next morning and rejoined with my sister and brother in-law, Elaine & Hugh, for breakfast at the BP servo just south of Tailem Bend, which I can recommend for anyone passing that way.   From there we travelled through the Coonawarra winery region to Mt. Gambier and onto to Doug McFarlane country, (Nelson) on the Glenelg River.  We had a quick look around town and booked into a cabin located a short distance from a boat ramp. We ate well and then played a card game, called “O shit”, which my sister introduced us to and provided many laughs.

                                            The next morning, Linda and I were up early and headed flat-out to the river for a spot of fishing. In fact I was in such a hurry that it slipped my mind to put the bung in the boat.  Not too much drama as only being a small boat, it didn’t take too long to bucket out the intake of river water.  We headed off up the river, not knowing where to go or what to expect.  I stopped at what looked like a good fishy spot, (by chance) and my first 4 casts landed quality bream.  Linda caught a couple of smallish bream but then had a huge hook up and run, only to be broken off. I kept casting to the same spot and hooked up every time, but only to face the same dilemma and be broken off.  Linda persevered in what I thought was the nursery and with another big hook up and run managed to keep the fish away from the rocks.  We thought this had to be a good size bream, so with net in hand, I was barking all sorts of orders (which she took no notice) and landed a beautiful silver 50cm mulloway.  Linda repeated her luck one more time, before we had to lift anchor and head back.  We had a most exciting 2 hours, but sadly didn’t get to taste a mulloway as their legal size is 60cm and ours were set free, to grow for our return next time.  I’m sure we will be heading back to the little fishing paradise.

                                                         

Kev Minter

GLFC Casserole/Rock’n’Roll/Card Night   6/1/2016

Wow! What a great night of camaraderie, fun and competition it was. Ruth did an admirable job in coordinating and creating a wonderful menu for the night, with a great variety of nibbles casseroles and desserts. Thanks to all those who contributed.

Rocking up at 6 p.m.,everyone helped to quickly get the tables set with Raelene using tongs to lower down the lit candles, creating a lovely atmosphere.   Boiling the beans seemed to be the most challenging part of the evening! The pie warmer and oven came in handy for keeping the casseroles warm. Did you know that the glass doors of the pie warmer can be easily removed enabling larger items to be placed inside.  As we finished up our meal the blinds were opened to see the last of the setting sun. How privileged we are to have one of the very best views in town to dine by!

Thanks to Neil and Linda for organising the Rock’n’Roll with sure footed assistance from Greg and Robin.  The demonstration at the beginning showed off their skills ….. can’t believe that Rock’n’Rolling skills seem to go hand in hand with fishing skills for some of our members. Only a few took on the challenge of learning the basic steps but who knows where it will lead for them! The Bills and Widdowsons were refining their Canasta skills, others played Euchre and later on I taught Jack Jan and Raelene the card game 3/13 -  an easily taught but challenging and frustrating game.

Whilst all this was going on, the kitchen was whipped back into shape by the helpers.  Even the humblest of jobs provides a situation where you got to know your fellow club members better!

I’m not sure who instigated the concept of the evening but what a great way of getting together and using our Clubhouse. With meetings only every second month it is providing a nice social atmosphere in the club with various meals etc. taking place in lieu of meetings every month. There is now a locked cupboard in the Bar area thanks to Alby and Robin.  This is so we can securely store few foodstuffs out of the storeroom which is always hot. The labelled key for this is kept in the storeroom.

Carol McDonald

(Editor’s note – Barry and Robin 3- Ruth and Sandra 0)

Annual Lake Tyers Angling Club versus GLFC Competition 28/2/2016

Eight members fished on Sunday the 28^th as well as eleven from LTAC. The weather was perfect with a slight breeze across the water. I drove around for an hour and a half looking for fish on the ‘fish finder’ but to no avail. Then I had a phone call from Don to tell me they had caught eight on the edge of the channel into Fisherman’s Landing so I had no reason not to get there quickly. There I also found Ian and Shaun who were having lots of luck as well.

After some time I manage to drag in four fish thus escaping the zero score in the average.

Unfortunately GLFC‘s average was 635.75 gms whilst our opponents was 657.09 gms thus the shield left our wall for twelve months. May Beveridge won the biggest bream of the day with a fish weighing in at 1140 gms – looks like the ‘dynasty’ continues!!!

A BBQ was held at our rooms, in splendid sunshine and with great camaraderie between the two clubs.

Robin Widdowson

Tamboon Bream Competition.

Friday 11^th December 2015  -  Sunday 13^th December 2015

Nine members participated with everyone catching good size fish.

It is very pleasing to have club members, Ian Myers and David Bell with his clinker boat, travel from Melbourne to support our camping trips. We had the Camp grounds virtually to ourselves. Friday was the calm before the storm, both sides of Pelican Point really fired up. Boats caught fish casting along the drop offs. Don Henry and Ken Bittner on one side of the point, Ian and Shawn Myers on the other all boating large bream.

The strong winds arrived Friday evening, forcing all boats to shelter along the bank on all of Saturday and the Sunday morning. Saturday evening Club BBQ was a great success with everyone taking up the challenge. Ian and Shawn Myers with the BBQ cooking of the meat on the tailgate of his ute. Spuds and vegies on the wood fire. Plenty of nibbles etc., followed by beautiful hot dessert with cream baked by Raelene Bennett. Sunday saw everyone on the water early as the wind was still blowing. All returned to camp by 10am to pack up and we had an  early announcement of results etc.

The overall winner for the weekend, President Don Henry with a bream – 43.5cm to the centre part of the v tail.

Junior winner -  Shawn Myers with a bream of 37cm.

The average length caught by all members was calculated at 40cm. As there were 4 fish caught of that length, an executive decision was made by President Don and Doug McFarlane that the winner of the secret length be the fish closest to 40cm. David Bell was declared the closest at 39cm.

Another truly successful Fishing adventure for Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club.

Doug McFarlane

January Family Night 6/1/2016

What a great night was had by all at our annual Family Night held instead of a January meeting. The sun was setting, the fish stories were being told and then out came the prawns! No, not caught by Alby and Carol but by a local trawler in the lakes the night before. Good size and easy to peel.
     Then .................... cooking of the mussels a la naturelle began. Thanks  to Geoff and Robin who gathered them locally.  Geoff has perfected  mussel cooking he told us. Have a pot of boiling water ready and drop them in for only 30 seconds. Scoop them out quickly then open them from the wide end, cutting the muscle as you go. This must be the right time to collect them as they were sweet, salty and plump! Now I'm not even trying to guess how many Don ate, but he was still going well after I stopped!
      After a break Geoff was once again in the kitchen organizing the cooking of the whiting he had caught locally. Geoff and Rose's method of cooking this fish is to coat it with rice flour, then an egg wash and lastly, Panko breadcrumbs(the ones next to the ordinary crumbs at Woolies) Tonight they were baked in our club kitchen oven.
     This seafood feast was further enhanced by delicious salads. To finish of course, out came the Pavs and a sticky date pudding! If you weren't there don't you wish you were!!!!!  Thanks to all those who contributed in their own special way.  The girls decided to have a round of cards, which Carol calls "3/13" Narelle kept us on tenterhooks with either throwing out the wild card or telling us we were not her friend when we took the card she wanted. Someone suggested maybe we have a cards night sometime ..... anyone for Euchre?
     New Years Eve saw a number of us enjoying a BBQ, a paddle, cards  and then a stroll down to see the 9.30 fireworks. A quick last round of cards, a few more drinks, and so not a late night. If you want to get home earlyish but want to enjoy the ambiance of such a beautiful setting for the last day of the year come and join us in this celebration.

 
Carol McDonald