In this episode, we travel to Victoria where Alan and special guest Paul Burt are reporting live from the Paynesville Boat Show and the Gippsland Lakes. Paul Burt provides a massive South East Queensland update, covering everything from the Spanish Mackerel reprieve to hot bites for dolphin fish and longtail tuna in Moreton Bay.

Closer to home, Laurie McEnally checks in from the Mid North Coast to discuss the current marlin run and the "brutal" shark activity affecting the mackerel grounds. Down south, Ross O'Brien gives us the latest from Kiama, sharing tips for kids fishing the local drains and bridges during the rain, as well as the Luderick bite under the bridges.

Finally, this week’s Tech Spot focuses on the essential skills of seamanship: how to properly tie up your boat at a wharf using spring lines and the "rabbit hole" method for a perfect bowline.

Join the full co-hosting team—Grant Boyden, Alan Blake from Blake’s Marine, and fishing pioneer Kieran Reekie—for the February 21st edition of The High Tide Podcast. We kick off the show with blue-ribbon Sydney conditions and a deep dive into the late summer fishing groove.

Inside this episode:

Live from the Gippsland Lakes: Co-host Alan Blake checks in from the deck of Gollara at Metung. He delivers a vital Tech Topic on Anchoring, explaining the "3-to-1" scope rule and why your anchor is your boat's ultimate piece of safety equipment.

The Investigation Files: The team sits down with Angus Mitchell, Chief Commissioner of the ATSB. Angus provides an exclusive look at transport safety investigations, the qualifications required for the job, and an update on the ongoing search for MH370.

Port Stephens Local Intel: Matt from Duff’s Salamander Bait and Tackle joins Grant, Alan, and Kieran to discuss 10kg Jewfish, the $50,000 Blue Marlin shootout, and the rising costs of custom rod building.

Parliamentary Firebrand: Mark Banasiak MLC joins the co-hosts for a heated discussion on the "willful neglect" of the NSW Abalone fishery and the legislative battles facing the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party in 2026.

Kieran’s Coast-to-Coast Report: Kieran Reekie provides a comprehensive fishing breakdown, covering everything from Mud Crabs on the Sunshine Coast to the red-hot Murray Cod bite in the Murrumbidgee.

#HighTidePodcast #GrantBoyden #AlanBlake #KieranReekie #BlakesMarine #FishingNSW #PortStephens #MaritimeSafety #MarkBanasiak #BoatLife #FishingReport #AussieFishing

Spend your Valentine's Day with the High Tide Podcast, proudly brought to you by Blake's Marine

Inside this episode:

• Live from the Gippsland Lakes: Alan Blake checks in from Gollara at Metung. Hear the details on his voyage around Green Cape and the upcoming Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, featuring boat parades, antique cars, and expert advice from Norm Walk of "Motor Sailing for Old Dudes".
• The Ultimate Romantic Bait: Steve Bowler from Tenterfield Firearms joins the show with a Valentine's tip like no other—how to grow your own "gents" (maggots) in the fridge. Learn the old-school methods for burleying snags and why these wriggly baits are the secret to a successful freshwater session.
• Queensland Coastal Chaos: Busiest man in media Paul Burt breaks down the Gold Coast bite. With fresh water pushing into the broadwater, Paul reveals the best spots to find schooling whiting and flathead, plus a look at the "Crab Grabber" and big summer tailor on South Stradbroke.
• Kiama Rock Report: Captain Roscoe, Ross O'Brien, checks in with the lowdown on the drummer and snapper run down south, plus a candid (and expensive!) breakfast update from a tourist area.
• Tech Topic – Pay for What You Get: Blakey and Grant discuss the critical importance of using authorized marine dealers for servicing. Learn how genuine parts and manufacturer-backed warranties (like the 3+3 or 4+3 plans) provide peace of mind when you're miles offshore.