From deep blue to babbling brook, the popular Australian fishing series ‘Hook Line and Sinker’ returns for a tenth season.
Over the past decade Tassie-based hosts Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart have captured the hearts of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts with their wacky sense of humour, and this season sees the guys travelling across Australia and around the globe in search of the best fishing spots, exotic catches, plenty of fishing and cooking tips, and always having a good laugh.
Highlights coming up this season include:
* Fish the UK – the guys travel around in a Rolls Royce in search of fishing spots
* NZ hot spots – the best fish on offer and Andrew & Nick learn traditional fishing values!
* Follow the footsteps of Bass & Flinders, and can they drive a tinnie around Tassie?
* Outback fishing – in search of fish in Mt Isa
* Can an old project boat be turned into something a bit more beautiful?
I asked the duo to share some of their insights from the upcoming series.
Here are their thoughts on…
The best of old and modern techniques in fishing.
There’s a saying that if you want to catch a fish use bait, if you want to go fishing use a lure… In recent times there’s been an explosion in the popularity of sport fishing and you can easily spend a fortune on lures of all different shapes and sizes – and in the right circumstances they are very effective and fun to use, but if you really want to catch a fish, use a hook and some bait.
Keeping it sustainable, respecting the environment.
Fishing done well is the ultimate model of sustainability, both recreationally and commercially. Austraila has world’s best practice is setting quotes or bag limits, they are based on science and if followed will actually benefit the long term health of the fishery. It’s just a matter of not overfishing.
Favourite seafood, and most unpalatable (or strangest catch you’ve tried).
We are from Tasmania and we think the seafood in the cold Southern Ocean is the best eating anywhere! On a good day we catch a stripy trumpeter which is our favourite eating fish. Then go for a dive and catch a crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) and an abalone. They are all super tasty and our favourites. Strangest thing we’ve ever eaten is a Mantus Shrimp in the Solomon Islands. Scary looking thing, but very tasty.
Surprising locations with exceptional fishing spots.
Big capital cities in Australia are really surprising locations. For example Sydney Harbour has a great fishery – its best to get up early before the rush of ferries, but we have caught kingfish, Mulloway and tuna all in sight of the Harbour Bridge!
Lessons from the locals (top three insights, could be recipes, traditions or techniques).
Local knowledge is key to succeeding and actually catching a fish. We have learnt this lesson many times of the years! Ask any locals, or local tackle shop – fisherman will generally like to talk about where they catch them all. They might not tell you exact spots, but they will give you some hints. Find out about most productive tide, time of day and bait.
And the minimum equipment one needs to land the perfect catch!
A line and a hook. That is all, and in fact just one little hook on the end of a line with bait is probably the best way to undo that fish of lifetime – the big fish which won’t bit anything else! You can increase your chances with some burley, then just drift down the bait with a hook in it and hold on!
The new series will air in Australia on 7Mate, Saturday’s at 2pm (starting on July 26th).
