Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Perhaps a good one is to be well prepared for your fishing in 2011. Many people love to get out on the water for a day’s fishing, but often they haven’t used their gear in a while and find that reels have seized, line is brittle and rods have guides missing.

A little preparation beforehand goes a long way towards success in bringing home some great photos or even a dinner or two. You can even go further in getting ready rigs for reef fishing or sharpening hooks on trebles before the day out. Besides, it is much better to have everything ready to go while the bite is on rather than fumbling around in a rocky boat or on the shore as the fish pass by. Simple things like practising knot tying before going out is recommended and rather than having the kids on the lounge watching TV or on the computer, get them in the back yard practising casting or tying new knots with friends.  That then saves you having to tie knots for them while out fishing!

The major events for EGFC are creeping up on us and before we know it Gamex and the international event will be here. There is a lot planned for these two events and they begin in mid-March. Numbers for these two events are capped and if you are thinking of entering, then we suggest you get your entries in early. You can enter on line at www.egfc.com.au or pick up one of the brochures at the local tackle shops.

Yellowfin tuna have been caught in waters north of the Muiron Islands and last year was when we had a run of big ones that included a few records caught by the junior Rushford anglers on Reel Teaser. This boat is back again and already had success with the tuna, as well as blue and black marlin. Boats are venturing out again after the cyclone waters have eased and we hope to have some results over the next few weeks.

Shore based netters have had a great time in the gulf with whiting of late. Mullet, queenfish and squid have also been about, while garfish are great fun for the kids to catch. We are very lucky to have beautiful beaches where we can set up for the day and enjoy the warmth, frolic in the waters and catch fresh fish. There’s nothing quite like having a freshly cooked whiting on the beach or sitting in your camp chair in the water while sipping on a refreshing drink with family and friends. You should try it one day!

Beach day