A massive high-pressure system continues to deliver glorious weather across the coast. In this week's episode, Grant is joined by Alan Blake of Blake’s Marine to discuss the upcoming Hawkesbury standalone race day and essential outboard maintenance. Plus, a comprehensive fishing rundown from across New South Wales and beyond.

🎣 Regional Fishing Updates

• Northern Beaches & Hawkesbury: Great reports of Jewfish, Bonito, and Salmon. Flathead and Flounder are active around Scotland Island and Patonga.
• South Coast: Water remains warm at 21–23°C. Marlin and Yellowfin are out wide, while headlands are hosting plenty of Bonito.
• Inland & Dams: Yellowbelly and Cod are being caught on spinnerbaits and soft plastics in Chaffey, Split Rock, and Pindari.
• Coffs Harbour: Strong runs of Mackerel, Marlin, and Yellowfin closer to shore.

🛠️ Alan’s Tech Tip: The "Key" to Avoiding Grief

• Know Your Number: Most outboards have approximately 200 different key variations. Check the two- or three-digit code under the plastic cover of your key and record it in your phone or logbook.
• Spare Parts: Always carry a spare cut-out lanyard. Ensure everyone on board knows how to start and operate the motor in case the skipper is incapacitated.

🚤 Industry Highlights & Deals

• Yamaha: Save up to $1,350 on mid-range outboards (30–90 hp).
• Suzuki: Cheap finance available at a 3.85% comparison rate with a 10% deposit.
• Pro-Lure Australia: Tips on using the Hybrid Shrimp (58 mm and 92 mm) and the "Crank Crab" for lethal results on light tackle.

This episode of the High Tide Podcast, brought to you by Blake's Marine, aired on the 5th of April following a brief hiatus due to NBN connectivity issues. The hosts open the show by commemorating Anzac Day, paying tribute to the service of both humans and animals in the armed forces, specifically mentioning the Light Horse Brigade.

Local Fishing Reports

The episode provides comprehensive regional fishing updates for various Australian locations:

• Northern Beaches & Sydney: Mitch from Narrabeen Bait and Tackle reports active fishing for Dewfish, Bream, Flathead, and Hairtail in the Hawkesbury and Pittwater regions.
• Coffs Harbour: Josh notes a good run of Marlin and Yellowfin out wide, with Snapper and Mackerel found closer to shore.
• Tamworth & Inland: Dam levels remain steady, with Yellow Belly and Cod being caught on black grubs and spinnerbaits in the Keeper and Chaffey Dams.
• South Coast (Narooma): The "Ocean Hut" reports crystal clear water at 23°C, with Snapper, Flathead, and Kingfish active around the island.
• Canberra: Local lakes like Burley Griffin and Burrinjuck are producing Yellow Belly on worms and soft plastics.

Special Guests & Industry Insights

• Paul Burt (Step Outside): Joins the program to discuss the challenging offshore conditions in Southeast Queensland due to strong southerly winds. He shares advice on wading the flats for Whiting using unweighted yabbies and light tackle. He also recounts a dramatic story from the tropics involving a large snake consuming a wallaby.
• Mark Banasiak (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party): Discusses the structural struggles facing the commercial fishing industry. He highlights concerns regarding the shift toward aquaculture, arguing for stronger labeling to distinguish between wild-caught and farmed seafood for consumers
• Steve Bowler(Tenterfield Firearms): Offers a perspective on the intersection of politics and outdoor sports, while providing a report on the dry conditions impacting the Tenterfield region. He shares technical advice for targeting Cod when they are "shut down," recommending a switch from natural colors to bright, outrageous lures to trigger a defensive strike.

Get the latest post-Easter fishing intelligence and critical boating updates on this week's Hi Tide Fishing & Boating Show. Following a week of wild weather and 60-knot winds, the team breaks down the "exceptional" fishing conditions now firing up across the East Coast.

We tackle the controversial news regarding Marine Rescue discontinuing 27MHz radio support and why you may need to upgrade to VHF for safety. Expert guests Greg Reed (Pro Lure) and Peter Johnson (Lowrance) join the show to discuss the massive "mullet run" trigger, targeting 90cm flathead, and the mind-blowing 360-degree technology of the latest ActiveTarget sonar. Plus, Alan Blake from Blake's Marine announces an exclusive $10,000 discount on the Stacer 449 Crossfire for Hi Tide listeners.

Key Highlights:

• The 27MHz vs. VHF Debate: What the phase-out means for recreational boaters and safety.
• Massive Flathead & Mulloway: Why the current westerlies are a "trigger" for the annual estuary run.
• Fishing Technology: Utilizing the Lowrance XL ActiveTarget to find "ghost" fish around bridge pylons.
• Gourmet Mullet Tips: Why sea mullet is an underrated table fish and how to prepare it with brown sugar on the barbie.
• Regional Reports: Detailed updates from Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Jervis Bay, Narooma, and the South Coast.