Australian economy and fishing

by Jarrod Day, FishingBoating-World Editor on 30 Jul 2013 Times are tough, there’s no doubting that for a minute. Fancy announcing a federal election eight months out from the actual date, what a way to slow the retail sector.

I have seen this all before some years ago. Our highly respected politicians announce an election and everybody quickly begins to keep their hard earned in their banks and pockets rather than enjoying their hobbies and casual spending because they are not sure as to what is going to happen in the near future. While this is spread right across every industry, the retail sector is usually the hardest hit. Following on, people quickly put a hold on their hobbies which for us, includes fishing.

Though the fish may be biting and in Victoria this winter is seeing some of the best snapper, whiting, calamari and mulloway fishing there has been as long as I can remember, the majority of anglers that would normally be pursuing them aren’t, why, because of what may happen with the forthcoming election.
I see this everyday as I work in one of Victoria’s most prestigious tackle stores and can only imagine what it is like across the entire state.

While I have no real answer to improving the issue immediately, I can only think that once the election is passed, a sigh of relief will overcome everyone and fishing will be back on the weekend agendas. In saying that, while many families might miss out on fishing during these 'hard times' a little re-structure in what we fish for may be a option to keep the fire burning, especially for our children.

While we may not be able to afford $200 to fill up the boat and car for a relaxing day on the water, anglers can always change their tactics and head to the local pier or beach for a spot of calamari, salmon, flathead, garfish or whiting fishing. While I am only speculating from a Victorian fishing point of view, I’m sure this 'issue' is the same right around the country.

At the end of the day, when you haven’t been fishing for a while and if you’re a dedicated weekend angler, depression can set in very quickly, especially if your local water way is flat calm and it’s a glorious day. Our only option is to think outside the square and hit local 'land based' spots which is sure to keep you energised for when the time comes to once again drag the boat out from the garage. What ever you decide, try to get out as much as you can where ever you reside in Australia. The fish don’t feel the economy impact and they are hungry. It only takes a few bucks of petrol, a packet of bait and a few sinkers and the entire family can still have a fun day out.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this weeks line up of information packed articles designed to keep your mouth watering for when the that time comes to drag out the boat.

This weekend is the Sydney International Boat Show and what a weekend it will be. On behalf of FishingBoating-World.com I will be floating around the exhibition and will be interviewing a bunch of the fishing industry key players at our Video Studio (Booth 426 between Halls 4-5. )

Gary Brown takes a look at one of the countries most accessible species, the iconic Australian salmon. Gary’s explains some expert tips on how and where to catch them in and around Sydney.

Lee Brake has written a very informative piece on how to correctly throw a cast net. When it comes to throwing a cast net, there is a real knack to it, if you get it wrong, you’ll be the one 'all caught up' as Lee explains.

Ben Knaggs hits the planks in northern Western Australia and explains that there are some big and impressive fish to be caught land based. With a few tips and techniques tossed in, Ben tells us his secrets of success.

I finish off the second part to Victoria’s most popular surf beaches with all the information on where to go, what to use and how to catch salmon from the surf.

Until next week,