News came down this week of new government bag limits that have the whole community talking.

While protecting fish stocks is essential for the future of our waterways, the continued tightening of NSW bag limits—such as the recent reductions on staples like Dusky Flathead—feels like recreational anglers are being squeezed off the water while taking the blame for broader pressure on our fisheries. Most rec fishers are doing the right thing, paying our license fees, and only taking a modest feed for the family, yet we face tighter restrictions, strict slot limits, and rolling line-fishing bans, even as commercial operations continue to pull massive tonnages from the exact same estuaries. Today we chat With The shooters Fishers and Farmers Party and Peter Johnson to try and find the fact from the fiction and do a deep dive into what it means for us.

This week we Chat with Greg Reid about South Coast fishing, Steve Bowler joins us and Paul Burt searches for a motor.

Conditions dont look to bad for the next week or so please get out and enjoy.

This week on the Hi Tide Fishing Podcast, we cover a big mix of fishing, boating, sailing and issues affecting recreational anglers across NSW.

Alan Blake joins Grant from Whitehaven Beach during Hamilton Island Race Week, with more than 200 yachts on the water and strong winds creating some challenging sailing conditions. The conversation also looks at solo sailing safety, PLBs and EPIRBs, and why being prepared for an emergency matters.

Blake’s Marine Tip of the Week looks at what to do when the power trim or tilt on your outboard or stern drive stops working, including the manual relief valve that could get you home.

Peter Johnson joins the program with the latest fishing reports, including tailor, flathead, bream, bass, snapper, trag and pearlies. There is also advice on handling and releasing bass safely.

We also head overseas for a look at a recent trip to Namibia, including fishing, hunting and an extraordinary wildlife experience in Etosha National Park.

Mark Banasiak joins the program for a frank discussion about NSW fisheries management, abalone, recreational fishing representation and concerns surrounding marine parks and commercial fishing.

The conversation also tackles proposed firearms changes, the national buyback, policing, public safety and the impact of government policy on recreational hunters and regional communities.

Finally, Ross O’Brien brings us the latest fishing report from the South Coast, with plenty of snapper action and local tips on where anglers are finding fish.

Fishing reports. Boating advice. Sailing stories. Marine safety. Conservation. Politics. Plenty of opinion.

This is the Hi Tide Fishing Podcast.

Today Alan and Grant chat with Greg Reid and Paul Burt for the latest in fishing and the news from the Boat Show

Welcome to another addition of the podcast. Today I'm still struggling with my voice so Alan will host live from the boat show.

In this episode of Hi Tide, Grant Boyden is handling things behind the scenes on the tech desk, while Alan Blake and Kieran Reekie step up to guide you through the latest conditions.

🌊 On the Water Reports

• Hawkesbury & Pittwater: Excellent jewfish action around the bridges, with a massive 1.7-metre jewfish landed at the rail bridge. Salmon are thick around Barrenjoey, and flathead are biting near the Ocean Street Bridge.
• Coffs Harbour: Snapper are firing around the islands and the lighthouse, alongside reports of pearl perch, longtail tuna, and good jewfish numbers on the beaches.
• Batemans Bay & Tuross Lake: Good snapper showing up in the shallows, while a spectacular 1.35-metre jewfish was caught earlier in the week.
• Canberra & Tamworth: Murrumbidgee River is clearing up nicely with a meter-plus cod caught on a surface lure. Soft plastics are doing the damage for bass at Glenbawn Dam.

🎙️ Special Guests & Local Experts

• Laurie McEnally (South West Rocks): Shares deep-water blue-eye trevalla tactics and notes a welcome comeback of trag (teraglin) in the 105 to 125-metre zones. Laurie also issues a vital warning about safely navigating the current whale migration.
• Pete "Swannie" (Central Coast): The 60-year angling veteran breaks down why you shouldn't pack your gear away for winter. He shares his secrets for chasing big winter whiting and blackfish in Narara Creek using squirtworms, and blackfish tactics at Putty Beach and MacMasters Beach.

⚙️ Tech Tip: Outboard Impeller Maintenance

Alan breaks down the pitfalls of DIY impeller changes. Modern outboards feature tighter tolerances and preloaded shafts that require precision. Before you try changing your water pump, check your manual or consult an expert to avoid burning through a new neoprene impeller in under 20 hours.

⚠️ Safety First at the Boat Ramp

The team highlights the dangers of slippery boat ramps during winter low tides. Following a series of severe falls and injuries recently, make sure to watch your step, wear appropriate footwear, and always put on your lifejacket when conditions get rough.

There is a bit of a shake-up on the program this morning! Grant is unfortunately on the sick list after losing his voice. While he is still working hard pulling the strings and listening in from the background, the team steps up to deliver your weekly dose of fishing news, technical advice, and political insights across New South Wales.

🎣 In This Week's Episode

• The Weekly Fishing & Boating Forecast: A breakdown of the weekend's changing conditions, including transitioning coastal winds and shifting sea swells for the Sydney region.
• Comprehensive Regional Reports: Live updates from key angling hubs, covering everything from salmon and blue swimmer crabs around Palm Beach and McCarrs Creek, to massive cod catches in Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin and the Murrumbidgee, snapper runs in Coffs Harbour, and river actions along the Namoi and Peel.
• Finesse Kayak Fishing Tips: Special guest Steve Bowler joins the show to share his first "shakedown paddles" on Storm King with his new pedal-powered kayak. He outlines the trial runs, the complications of navigating weeds, custom outrigger setups, and crucial safety reminders when dealing with capsizing risks.
• Parliamentary Updates & Industry Friction: Mark Banasiak from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party stops by to voice strong frustration regarding the commercial fishing budget. He details a controversial government buyout proposal affecting the South Coast abalone industry, illegal poaching syndicates, and a major push for mandatory restaurant menus to clarify imported vs. locally caught Australian seafood.
• South Coast Action: Captain Roscoe dials in with updates on stellar snapper and bonito activity down south, sharing the best spots to get lines in the water near Lake Illawarra and the Minnamurra River.
• High Tide Tech Tip: A crucial maintenance reminder focusing on your outboard motor propeller. Learn why you need to drop your prop at least twice a year to check for discarded fishing line, prevent gearbox seal damage, grease the shaft, and properly torque it to 40 foot-pounds.

Safety Reminder: As always, if you are heading out on the water this weekend, please fish for safety, wear your life jacket, and keep a close eye on the sky!

🎣 High Tide Fishing Podcast — July 4th Episode

Welcome back to another massive episode of the High Tide podcast! Grant Boyden is back on deck with Alan Blake from Blake's Marine and Kieran Reekie to bring you the ultimate winter fishing breakdown, expert gear tips, and crucial weather warnings for the weekend ahead.

🌊 Inside This Episode:

• The Big Winter Fishing Report: Comprehensive updates covering the Hawkesbury, Pittwater, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth dams, and the dirty inland waters around Canberra.
• Tech Tip of the Week (Battery Care): Alan Blake breaks down essential wet cell, sealed, and lithium battery maintenance, plus a vital insurance warning before you upgrade your boat's power grid.
• Finesse Beach Fishing with Greg Reid: The master from Pro Lure Australia joins the show to discuss why "life begins at 9 or 10 feet" for beach rods, running ultra-light gear for massive salmon, and his top 6 must-have prawn imitations.
• Filleting Masterclass & QLD Updates with Paul Burt: Step Outside’s Paul Burt drops by to talk about the upcoming QLD snapper closure, the genius of travel rods, and an in-depth guide to picking the right filleting knife and cutting the perfect tailor fillet.
• Sydney Boat Show Preview: A sneak peek at the star-studded lineup on the main stage, featuring casting clinics and expert talks from July 30th to August 2nd.

🛠️ Featured Links & Resources:

• Blake's Marine: Check out the massive mega sale discounts online at blakesmarine.com.au.
• Pro Lure Australia: Grab your winter tournament kit at prolureaustralia.com.au.
• Step Outside with Paul Burt: Catch the TV show on 7mate Sundays at 11:30 AM or stream online.

📢 Join the Community: Jump over to the High Tide Facebook page, give us a like, and share photos of your latest weekend catches!

Remember: Keep your eye on the sky, wear your life jacket, and stay safe out on the water.