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.