🎣 High Tide Fishing Podcast: Slaying Dragons & Scaly Mates

In this episode of the High Tide podcast, Grant and Alan Blake from Blake's Marine break down the latest fishing conditions around Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, and Botany Bay. Despite some uninspiring winter weather patches on the way, the team dives into crucial trailer safety tech tips, a massive "Megasale" layout before the boat show, and regional fishing updates.

Plus, we look at the incredible ways our great sport can heal the mind, tackle social isolation, and overcome physical limitations.

📋 Episode Highlights

• 🛠️ The Tech Report: Alan explains why checking your boat trailer's breakaway system battery every two years is a vital safety measure for larger boats over 2,000kg.
• 🛶 Freshwater & Coastal Reports: Stevie Bowler calls in from the road at Willow Tree to talk mid-day winter trout tactics. Later, Roscoe O'Brien calls in from down south with shore-based and wide catch updates on snapper and moey.
• 🤝 Slashing the Stigma with "Scaly Mates": Grant sits down with close friend Simon Harrison for an inspiring feature interview. After losing his arm in a catastrophic accident 28 years ago, Simon thought his fishing days were gone forever. He shares the powerful story of how a peer-support relationship with a vulnerable young man in Manly led to the invention of the "Orgasmatron" (a custom PVC fishing rod holder belt), slaying his personal trauma, and establishing a thriving community fishing club.
• ✈️ The Great Airport/Infrastructure Debate: The guys wrap up with a classic candid look at neighborhood complaints, mushroom composters, and changing flight paths.

🔗 Stay Connected

• Website: Visit blakesmarine.com.au or call the team on 4577 6699 (Six days a week, closed Sundays).
• Freshwater Gear: Check out tenterfieldfirearms.com.au to reach Stevie.
• Join the Community: Head over to our Facebook page to share your catches and stay in touch!
• Scaly Mates Fishing Club: Meeting Wednesdays at 10:00 AM at Local Kind community center (52 Raglan Street, Manly). Come down, meet the boys, and get involved!

Welcome to this week's episode of the High Tide Podcast with your host Grant and Alan Blake from Blake's Marine. With Karen Rickey still on the sick list, we dive straight into a jam-packed show covering the latest in boating, local industry campaigns, hot fishing spots, and a look at current marine debates.

🚤 What’s in This Episode:

• Tech Tip with Alan Blake: Learn how a simple trickle charger or a small solar panel can double or triple your boat battery life and save you hundreds of dollars.
• Sydney Boat Show & BIA Campaigns: Neil Patchett from the Boating Industry Association (BIA) joins us to discuss affordable $11 online tickets for the upcoming show (July 30 – August 2). Plus, a breakdown of the BIA's recent major initiatives, including personal watercraft (PWC) safety campaigns and drystack storage options.
• The Shark Debate: Mark Bernaysiak from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party stops by to share his perspective on the recent Sydney shark attack. We discuss the limitations of drone monitoring and his party's call to reintroduce commercial shark fisheries and adjust recreational fishing limits.
• Cooking & Queensland Fishing Report: Paul Bert calls in live from the Good Food and Wine Show at the ICC in Sydney. He serves up a comprehensive Gold Coast fishing update—covering everything from yellowfin out wide to mud crabs and garfish inshore—alongside a look at what he's cooking up this weekend.

🌐 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Check out the range or catch up on the latest details at blakesmarine.com.au.
• Book your digital tickets by searching online for the Sydney Boat Show.

Winter has officially arrived, but that isn't stopping the team from bringing you the ultimate guide to making the most of your time on the water. With co-host Kiran Reekie away on sick leave , Grant is joined in the studio by Alan Blake from Blake's Marine. Together, they break down major industry news, look ahead to the looming winter solstice , and offer crucial technical advice to keep your vessel running smoothly.

The guys also check in with top-tier local experts calling directly from the water, diving deep into everything from the science of fish sounders to using ultra-light gear on the beach.

Key Segments & Highlights

• The Big News: Australian International Boat Show (01:02:00)Alan and Grant unpack a massive industry announcement: the Australian International Boat Show is officially set to replace the Sydney Boat Show starting in 2027.
• The Tech Report: The Dangers of Prop Contact Brought to you by blakesmarine.com.au , this week’s tech segment focuses on boat ramp disasters and hitting submerged objects.
• On-the-Water Report: Justin Duggan Grant and Alan call up Justin Duggan (Sydney Fly Fishing Tours), who is actively fishing in Broken Bay with Stuart from the Penrith Bass Anglers and his partner Blair. Justin gives a live fishing report—including catching tailored flatheads and finding elusive hair tail fish. He also drops incredible knowledge on how hair tail fish register on side-scan sounders (hint: their mirror-like skin makes for a very soft return!) and shares details on his upcoming kids' lure fishing courses for the July school holidays.
• South Coast Overview: Greg Reid from Pro Lure Australia Greg Reid jumps on the line to break down the South Coast action. After a month of massive swells shaking up the coastline, conditions are finally clearing up beautifully. Greg shares a pro-tip for winter reds: you don't need to fish deeper than 10 meters early in the morning right now. He also discusses the rising trend of shore-based micro-jigging and reveals his "#1 Ultimate Lure" challenge pick—the Pro Lure hybrid shrimp.
• Local Wisdom: Captain Ross O'BrienThe legendary Captain Rosco returns to the deck to share stories from Seven Mile Beach up to Wollongong Harbour.

Links & Community Mentions

• Blake's Marine Megasale: Keep an eye out for up to $3,700 off Yamaha 150HP motors and huge upcoming package deals. Check out the range at blakesmarine.com.au.
• Justin Duggan: Follow his fishing and cooking tips on TikTok and Instagram (@SidFly / @SyidFly0) or book a school holiday course at sydneyflyfishing.com.au.
• Pro Lure Australia: Check out the hybrid shrimp and get details on Greg's upcoming Sydney Boat Show presentation at prolureaustralia.com.au.
• Join the High Tide Community: Jump on over to our Facebook page to share pictures of your favorite catches and connect with fellow anglers!

As Kiran would say: Keep your eye on the sky, stay warm, and stay safe out there!