Cast off with the High Tide crew for the May 16th edition, where we navigate the latest fishing reports, political waves, and expert local advice from across Australia. This week, host Grant catches up with Alan Blake from Blake’s Marine as he prepares for a "product development" expedition through 1770 and Cairns, eventually landing in Karumba for five days of serious fishing. Meanwhile, Kiran Reekie reports on the recent heavy rains in Maroochydore, which have spurred a massive run of mud crabs and active fishing for local students catching bream and flathead before school.

Our deep-dive segment features Justin Duggan from Sydney Fly Fishing Tours, reporting live from Broken Bay. Justin shares a masterclass on targeting Hairtail during the day, explaining how to spot their unique vertical signatures on a sounder and why aggressive lure retrieves often outperform bait. He also touches on the current "shoulder season" transition in Sydney Harbour and the arrival of massive 70cm Bonito.

In a spirited discussion, Steve Bowler from Tenterfield Firearms joins the show to tackle the "recalculation of priorities" in the recent federal budget. From the controversial tagging of bull sharks to the preservation of local fishing access on the Northern Beaches, Steve offers a candid look at the intersection of lifestyle and politics. Finally, Isaac from One Up Fishing brings us the latest from Botany Bay and Port Hacking, reporting schools of Dolphin Fish (Mahi-Mahi) still lingering in 22.8°C waters and providing tips on how to fish the "underrated" groins for squid and flathead.

Whether you're looking for the best spots for Kingies and Jewfish or need a tech tip on why you must update your electronic charts to avoid costly insurance excesses, this episode has everything you need to gear up for the weekend.

High Tide podcast from May 9, 2026, hosted by Grant Boyden and Captain Kieran Reekie.

Weather and Maritime Safety

• The Westerly Trap: Reekie warns that westerly winds create deceptive flat water near the shore, but dangerous waves rise quickly 3–4 miles out.
• Weekend Forecast: Saturday expects 10–15 knot winds; Sunday expects southerlies reaching 15–20 knots during the day.
• Safety Debate: Following a recent rescue tragedy, the hosts urge stricter safety gear checks for large yachts and cruisers.

Regional Fishing Reports

• Sydney/Northern Beaches: The Hawkesbury has hairtail and jewfish. The beaches are excellent for whiting and tailor.
• Dams and Rivers: Split Rock and Glenbawn are 94% full. Cod are active on spinnerbaits at Keepit Dam.
• South Coast: Narooma lake features flathead and jewfish. Marlin are reported at the shelf.
• Coffs Harbour: Marlin and Yellowfin are active out wide, with Mangrove Jack in the rivers.

Boating and Technical Tips

• Vessel Choice: Paul Burt suggests 8m+ boats, like Edencraft or Stabicraft, for families of six.
• Console Preference: Burt prefers center consoles for better solo weight displacement compared to side consoles.
• Mahi-Mahi Tactics: Skip live bait at FADs; use pilchards to catch the school before they are spooked by other boats.

Politics and Advocacy

• Park Lockouts: Mark Banasiak opposes Green-led closures at Long Reef, citing a lack of scientific data.
• Illegal Trade: Ulladulla fishers report concerns of illegal abalone trade operating under the guise of cultural fishing.

Upcoming Events

• Boat Shows: Sanctuary Cove (May 21–24) and Sydney (late July).
• Tournaments: King of the Pin at Jacob’s Well (May 30–31).

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.

Gear up for the Easter long weekend with the Hi Tide team! In this episode, we provide a comprehensive weather and wind forecast to help you plan your time on the water. We dive into detailed fishing reports covering Pittwater, the Hawkesbury, Coffs Harbour, and the inland dams, including the latest on where the Jewfish, Kingfish, and Murray Cod are biting.

Special guest Paul Burt joins the show to discuss the "boating mecca" of Southeast Queensland, the importance of supporting Australian seafood, and his recent boat tests featuring incredible fuel economy breakthroughs. Plus, we hear about a fascinating scientific expedition that discovered over 100 new marine species and "ghost flathead" in the deep ocean. Whether you're a bank fisherman using soft plastics or heading offshore in a twin-rigged weapon, this episode is packed with local knowledge and safety tips for your holiday weekend.

Key Highlights:

• Easter Weather Outlook: Wind and swell predictions for Saturday through Monday.
• Regional Fishing Reports: In-depth updates from Sydney Harbour, Northern Beaches, Tamworth, and Narooma.
• Boating Tech & Economy: Paul Burt on Suzuki fuel economy and why prop selection matters for your gearbox.
• The "Ghost Flathead": Insights from a 4,000-meter deep submersible expedition.
• Bank Fishing Tactics: Why watching the local kids and reading the gutters is the key to shore-based success.

This week on The Hi Tide Podcast, the message is clear: Stay off the water! We are tracking an intense East Coast Low bringing 25–30 knot winds, embedded storms up to 70 knots, and massive 10-meter swells offshore. It’s a "zero out" weekend for boating, with major events like the Shoalhaven Game Fishing Tournament and the yacht race to Coffs Harbour already cancelled.

In this episode:

• Boating Safety & Fuel Tech with Alan Blake: The Owner of Blakes Marine joins us to discuss why this weekend is just too dangerous for the family or the gear. Alan also provides a critical Tech Tip on fuel efficiency—learn why 3800–4200 RPM is your "sweet spot" and why trimming your boat correctly (until it cavitates, then backing down) can save you serious money at the pump.
• Greg Reid (Prolure Australia): Brought to you by prolureaustralia.com.au, Greg finds the silver lining in the storm. While he’s swapping the rods for a surfboard to catch those rare 10-meter swells inside Jervis Bay, he shares why the "storm surge" tides will fire up the fishing in St George’s Basin once things settle. We also talk about the incredible versatility of the Hybrid Shrimp—a lure that’s catching everything from Bream in Gippsland to Barra in Awoonga.
• Stephen Bowler (Tenterfield Firearms): "Cat1" joins us from tenterfieldfirearms.com.au to talk high-country conditions and the political landscape facing fishos and hunters. Steve shares the latest from Tenterfield, including the need for rain and what to expect as we transition into a cold autumn.
• Isaac (1up Fishing): Social media sensation Isaac breaks down the current bite in Botany Bay and Port Hacking. Before the storm hit, it was a Bonito blitz out the front, with school Jewies and big solo Flathead congregating around the runways. Isaac gives his top tips for land-based options while the swell is up.

Special Offer from Blakes Marine: Alan is lighting the tunnel for those feeling the pinch. Mention you heard Alan on The Hi Tide Podcast and get a FULL TANK OF FUEL with any boat sold this week!

Support our Sponsors:

• Blakes Marine: Visit blakesmarine.com.au or call 02 4577 6699. (Note: Closed Good Friday through Easter Monday).
• Prolure Australia: Professional grade lures at prolureaustralia.com.au.
• Tenterfield Firearms: High-country expertise at tenterfieldfirearms.com.au.

Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook "Hi Tide Fishing Show" and subscribe to the podcast for your weekly fix!

Get ready for an action-packed episode of the High Tide Podcast as we navigate the latest in boating tech, political controversies, and coastal fishing reports. This week, we’re joined by Alan Blake from Blake's Marine, The Hon. Mark Banasiak from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, and our regular coastal captains to keep you informed and safe on the water.

In This Episode:

Tech Tip of the Week: Alan Blake breaks down the mystery of outboard engine alarms. Learn the difference between a continuous solid beep (critical faults like overheating) and intermittent beeps (sensor issues or low oil), and why every manufacturer seems to have their own "language".

The Abalone Crisis: Mark Banasiak pulls back the curtain on Senate Estimates, revealing that nearly 30% of the abalone catch is currently unaccounted for. We discuss the failures in fishery management and the ongoing debate over cultural fishing versus commercial exploitation.

Fishing Reports & Tips:

Peter Johnson (PJ) shares his "Luddite" experience using ChatGPT for fishing tunes and recounts a wild battle with a bull shark while gaffing a 17kg Mulloway.

Captain Roscoe Bryan reports on "crocodiles" at the local TAB and the beautiful flathead being caught by kids in the southern harbors.

Tips on using scented baits in dirty floodwaters and the "garfish theory" for targeting Mulloway.

The Fuel Crunch: An honest discussion on the rising cost of diesel, the loss of Australian refineries, and how global supply chains are hitting the local fishing fleet.

Whether you're dodging rubbish in the estuaries after the recent rain or planning a trip offshore, this episode is your ultimate guide to the Australian waterways this weekend.