INSANITY when the Pumps are ON at Melbourne’s busiest fishing spot !!

Crazy fishing at Melbourne's busiest and most popular land-based spot. When the pumps are on at the Newport Power station the fishing action can be crazy as anglers turn up in hundreds catching tailor, Australian salmon, bream, mullet, pinky snapper in massive numbers and even the elusive mulloway.
What an episode as we fish land-based and by boat catching a crazy amount of fish and putting our spin on things by catching with soft plastics and lures.
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[@vxclubsportr8529]

Glad you mentioned something about rubbish that fishermen have left, fished there a couple of weeks ago and was really disappointed by the amount of fishing line and tackle left around

[@fishingmad]

Yeah the rubbish is terrible down there, I'm always picking up bags worth of rubbish on my many trips out fishing and hoping to spread more awareness about it. .

[@StevenMilne-sm4fk]

I don’t fish at all but that is a big big problem to ocean creatures more than anything.

[@theblessedhope-ns3hs]

​@@fishingmadhow do you know that the pumps are on? Because when pumps are off, it ain't good.

[@Mad4400]

@@theblessedhope-ns3hs There should be 'smoke" pouring out of the chimney

[@rob3518]

Had a ball here in the mid 80,s with my mate Steve Harca . $2 all day anywhere met ticket and we were in business. Great memories. 🎣

[@bernardwebster669]

I used to ride my bike down there and fish when i was 14 , i am now 62 and would love to go back and have another go at them , made the front page of the Herald with a haul of Mullet and then got into trouble for wagging school lol

[@fishingmad]

Wow that's amazing !! Hopefully helped remind you of those fond memories. Love the herald sun and wagging story that's awesome

[@davidharvey321]

A good day fishin beats a hard nights homework lol

[@mickhua9113]

Brings back memories when I was living in Melbourne 15 years ago. Used to catch good size breams close to that power station and it was fun. However the fish tasted like ass, very muddy and soft. I live in Cairns now and I do most of fishing in the estuaries. Awesome video once again.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks yeah this spot hasn't changed for a long time. Still some cracking bream here. I bet the fishing in Cairns would be amazing, I did a holiday there some time ago and caught some amazing stuff.

[@officialWWM]

Bream taste like crap no matter where you catch them 😂

[@FishingwithRod]

The last time I fished the Hotties was in the mid 90s before moving to Canada. Good to see that it is still a great producer. I'll be back in Melbourne in October for the second time in 30 years and maybe I'll need to revisit the spot. These videos are fantastic Alan, bringing back lots of good memories.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much !! Yeah this spot hasn't changed in 30 years so if you revisit it will be like you never left. I'm really glad your enjoying the content.

[@andrewstone4350]

glad ya got me all g'd up for drone footage of the fascinating sight of the crowds and action. Like a massage without a happy ending. Cool land based though.

[@officialWWM]

😂😂

[@lennytheleopard]

I love your videos because you tell us where you are, what to use, and how to do it. You're a legend

[@fishingmad]

Really glad you enjoy them. Many, many hours goes into making them and happy to share and help other anglers

[@lennytheleopard]

@@fishingmad ♥

[@alangrant4680]

Hi Al Love our videos. Catch and release is best achieved by getting the fish back asap then talking about it. In parts of Europe there is a push to limit the daily catch and release take. We all love our fishing and we need to avoid giving those who would stop the sport any reasons to do so. Glad to see you calling out the litter problem - sometimes we are our worst enemy. Keep up the good work.

[@fishingmad]

Thank you I really appreciate the tip! Always learning and growing. And agree about the litter problem hopefully shows like this can help have a positive impact

[@leighsdsc9340]

Melbourne's looking good at the warmies. Great vid.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks 👍 Much appreciated.

[@dragginmedown]

It’s a problem everywhere I’m over it. Absolute nuffys

[@officialWWM]

Hmmm, might have to install some kind of water heater on my boat and see if I can bring a few in 😂😂

[@fishingmad]

LOL That's a good idea !! Might just work too

[@officialWWM]

@@fishingmad 😂😂

[@cabbagepatch8947]

The rubbish is an issue. There is a friends group for that area that has a clean up from time to time but please, anyone, take your rubbish out with you. Thanks.

[@steventurner8428]

I like the way people think that they have caught the biggest fish there is when in fact its not. They are NOT big salmon at all, as in some areas of Australia they would be called a jack salmon. They can grow to 9 Kilos and I have caught them at browns beach and other sites on Yorke Peninsula up to 5 Kilos from beaches, rocks and jetties.

[@rawknucklesprospecting682]

You're at my favorites spot for Newport fishing. Great spot for mullet & brim. If you use a surf rod your able to get big lizards in the shipping channel. Seen an old fella using that technique reeled in a monster 107cm dusky.

[@fishingmad]

Wow, good to know. Thanks for the tip!

[@officialWWM]

Wow, that was a quick hookup!

[@gabejones5147]

local good content keep up the good work thank you.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks, will do! Got some good stuff on the way

[@aaaxonepiece3890]

Been watching your fishing vids for some time now. Bought a fishing set for 5$ just cause I cant afford good equipment haha watching this kind of vids made me want to try to fish

[@fishingmad]

Glad to hear it, often setup and technique is more important then gear so I'm sure you'll get stuck into a few

[@michael-fb7ps]

Cheers al that’s crazy good fishing and they go hard to awesome stuff mate

[@fishingmad]

It sure was, Thank you !!

[@knowone353]

I've been down there when the fish are biting, unfortunately I saw a lot of people just taking absolutely everything they could, so many undersized fish. It surprises me that there's any left to fish.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah I agree it's really bad when this happens and unfortunately quite common. If you see it call fisheries and request to get an officer down there 13 fish

[@FadsFishingAdventures]

Another awesome video mate, was a bloody crazy sesh

[@fishingmad]

Legend !! As always thanks for being part of it.

[@comeatmebro3229]

those little Salmon go hard on light gear and honestly not bad sashimi although not sure how good they would be out of that water

[@fishingmad]

Yeah such good fun on light spinning gear and I agree wouldn't but sure about how good they are to eat from there.

[@UrbanBounty]

Great to see that you are handing out your edible bounty to others who eat things which you do not personally eat! Well done my friend 👏

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much! 😊 Yeah many down there were keen to take a few fish home, so I was happy to help. Many weren't catching so wanted to help those guys.

[@bolgar1965]

Had an appointment that day, saw the powerstation on and was kickin myself i couldn't get over there. Looks like you had a ball though Alan.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah was amazing, the pumps ran all last week from Sunday to Friday, I monitor this closely. The key is waiting for 2 or 3 days in a row with freezing cold temperatures in the mornings that usually does the trick. Hope to see ya out there. ( pumps haven't been on much this week as its been warmer )

[@Wilson1ification]

Sick vid mate!!

[@fishingmad]

Legend, Thank you !!

[@reconnaissance7372]

I have been fishing there occasionally for years and haven't seen them on haha. Give me the insider knowledge :P

[@fishingmad]

Middle of Winter when there are multiple very cold mornings in a row, is often when the pumps go on, as its an electricity overflow.

[@davidz5916]

Do the soft plastic lures break down if lost? How long does that take?

[@fishingmad]

Yes I use Berkley soft plastics which are biodegradable, I have reached out to Berkely to see of they can provide some answers on the timeframe for the product to completely breakdown. Thanks

[@265hemi7]

Found you at random in my yt feed.. South east Melbourne here! . I'll share you to my own channel! .👍

[@fishingmad]

Awesome thank you!

[@jeno264]

Fwiw, When we go fishing, we always bring a rubbish bag and pick up any garbage we come across 🤮

[@fishingmad]

Well done, I wish more local anglers were like that. I was disgusted at the volume of rubbish left at the warmies and couldn't help myself but to take a backpack full of rubbish back to the bins. Something im pretty passionate about.

[@barrybarry5803]

I'm surprised the fish haven't got three heads, with each head glowing different colours!!!

[@fishingmad]

Very True

[@cabbagepatch8947]

The power station is gas fuelled, not Nuclear.

[@lennytheleopard]

Like the music!

[@19ZOLTAN18]

Man I’m so jealous I’ve been having doughnuts lately. I should give the warmies a go.

[@andyriceman]

Can I ask , is the power station still in operation? We were told that it stopped, about the early 2010.

[@fishingmad]

Yes, but as per the intro I chatted about how its only used as an overflow in peak winter so most of the year it doesn't run

[@andyriceman]

@@fishingmad yes after your video we went there , just to check with grand kids , but were told by too fishermen that it had been decommissioned. Maybe they have enough rods going and don’t need anymore. But a beautiful place to walk fish, there and the walk to Williamstown great.

[@gudgeoned4557]

Great video amazing content 😊

[@fishingmad]

Thank you! 😁 Really glad you enjoyed it.

[@user-qh3be5gw3w]

I'm thinking of fishing the hotties for the first time, any tips on how to lineup the day when the pumps are turned on? also loved the vid and keep them coming

[@fishingmad]

Thank you. Need to wait for a few cold mornings in a row and then they usually run the pumps

[@skookydook7023]

It’s called the “warmies “ isn’t it ? I’ve never heard it called the hotties ?

[@fishingmad]

I've heard it called both over the years. Surprisingly I got some unpleasant messages from some people adamant it was the hotties and others adamant it was the warmies.

[@damianzeate977]

good stuff mate!

[@fishingmad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tookken3183]

Awesome stuff, was this footage a little bit older or just the past few days? Love your channel) I'd love to come out here if its not too late this year

[@fishingmad]

Footage was recorded last Thursday and I also went back on the Friday and replicated something similar. The pumps havent been running this week so far

[@tookken3183]

@@fishingmad Yeah, its been a bit warmer these past few days. I'll definately try it out if it gets a bit more chilly. Thanks for the reply!

[@fishingmad]

No probs at all. Yeah supposed to be 19 degrees too next week so will be interesting to monitor the pumps

[@tookken3183]

@@fishingmad Is there a good way to monitor the pumps? or is it just a matter of living in the area?

[@JasondenHollander-qj5hp]

Great vid. Have heard the term ‘the Earnie’s’ so many times in Melbourne but didn’t know what it referred to. What rod weight, line weight do you run?

[@fishingmad]

In this vid was using a 2-5kg rod, 2500 size reel and 15lb braid. Cheers

[@JohnKovacs-eu5yv]

Onya Al ! another quality clip mate ! Good to see fish stocks are looking healthy on the CBD fringe .🦾

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah the volume of salmon, pinkies, bream, flathead ect around Melb is very strong at the moment.

[@NateMalcolm-mk3qs]

Are you going to mention some more tips for this spot in your segment in the fishing monthly?

[@fishingmad]

My last article for FMM went live a couple of weeks ago. I've been writing for the publication for 7 years and have handed the reins over to Jordan Matthews. I will have a follow up vid for the warmies soon which will cover all the tips, gear and techniques.

[@NateMalcolm-mk3qs]

Alright thanks

[@resulakbaba6110]

What time does the pump turn on and off

[@fishingmad]

Its all based on overflow demand, often coming on in winter after a few cold days in a row

[@user-ub7qp2kz4n]

Just wondering I’m from 30 mind away from that and how will I know that the stack is on

[@frednurks8528]

Great action video. We are so lucky to have the fishing options in the bay. In regard to rubbish, it is a very concerning issue. I am embarrassed to be a fisherman when I see the amount of litter left behind at popular angling spots. Every land based spot I fish at around the Geelong area is a disgrace. We will lose our rights to fish if anglers do not take the rubbish they generate home with them. Many of the locations have ample number of bins.

[@fishingmad]

Thank you, and yeah I agree completely about the rubbish situation. I see it everywhere I go which is so frustrating, hopefully content like this is a helpful and friendly reminder

[@joshp8060]

It's a decent spot to fish but last time I went I ended up with 5 big trash bags of other peoples litter to take home cause I just can't leave it there

[@fishingmad]

yep agreed 100% the rubbish left there is disgusting. I too always seem to take home bags of rubbish left by others on my fishing trips out.

[@Hayden4wd]

How often does the warmies pump water

[@Dane_fisher436]

Hey Alan, great video what was the name of the flickbait you were using. And if you had to pick a reel between the vanford and the sustain which would you pick for a 4-8 lb expride. Thanks

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! the soft plastics used was a Berkley Gulp 4 inch minnow, just in natural colours. That was dynamite. In terms of reels to pair with a Expride I think a vanford 2500 is perfect thats what i use, and its a bit cheaper then the sustain. Now the the vanford FA was released this week so either go the new one which looks amazing or pickup the older model at a clearance sale price. Hope that helps

[@Dane_fisher436]

@@fishingmad Yeah thanks man, but i was wondering if there are many major differences between the two as when i looked it seemed that sustain was slightly worse than the vanford as it had more technology, but it doesn't seen right because the sustain is more expensive than the vanford. Thanks

[@fishingmad]

The Sustain is a higher grade reel, carbon drag washers, stronger materials so more durable, has more bearings, upgraded handle, slightly better waterproofing, the big advantage of the Vanford is its significantly lighter and has an awesome drag sound and thats why I like it.

[@Dane_fisher436]

@@fishingmadThanks for the information man.🤙

[@fishingmad]

No probs, these days I help Shimano with some product testing so happy to help

[@projectkabal]

Hey Al, are the fish still edible? Last time i went was summer last year and the water wasn't looking too good.

[@fishingmad]

Its really personal choice on whether you eat fish from there, personally I don't. I released all the fish I caught and gave a few away. The system there has had issues with chemical spills, poor PH and metal levels. So people need to be cautious taking fish from there. ill engage with VFA and EPA to see if we can find out more about this.

[@projectkabal]

@@fishingmad Al you are a legend and a treasure mate!!! It is sad that the warmies have become polluted, but we definitely do our part when we go. Keep being awesome Al!!!

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much !! and agreed completely

[@JayB-CrowTheThird]

Hows that area for the kayak? Or would it be too unstable with the boat traffic? Love the vids keep it up!

[@fishingmad]

I see some yaks down there regularly but you need to be very careful, lots of boat traffic and massive shipping boats going through the yarra channel under the west gate and they make large waves when they come past. I tend more to fish on the other side of willi on the yak its much safer and away from boat traffic

[@shahadathossain5484]

Hi guys, I want to start fishing. would love to get some advices from the fishing experts out there about location season equipment and group. thanks in advance

[@fishingmad]

There are some really helpful resources for beginners on the FishingMad website www.fishingmad.com.au , we have a members area with detailed workshops and tutorials for beginners. That might be worth checking out to help fast track your experience with species, seasons, setup and technique. Best regards Al

[@Spooonk1379]

Is there any times we’re the floodgates open or is it just random?

[@fishingmad]

After several cold days in a row they usually come on

[@EthanMassouras]

Hey mate been getting into your recent vids and they've been helping me increasing my catch this winter I've got a few spots I'd like you try to see if you can catch some fish there

[@fishingmad]

Thanks, i'm glad the content has been helpful. Yeah this winter I have been very keen on hitting land based spots around Vic and Melb, so feel free to pass on suggestions. Ideally fishing some of these spots with locals who fish the spots regularly. Cheers

[@EthanMassouras]

@@fishingmad There is a spot near settlement point at corinella which you can access through corinella beach and you walk out as far as you can and catch some large whiting trevally and leatherjackets. Also me and a mate went to beaumaris pier yesterday and there were 40+cm whiting everywhere. I hope you can go to these spots to see what you can catch

[@fishingmad]

Wow thats amazing !! Might have to suss them out for sure LOL Thanks again, people seem to be really enjoying the land based stuff.

[@anthonyc499]

Does the KGWs slow down for you guys in VIC in winter? down in SA winter is prime time for KGWs

[@fishingmad]

Yes, peak time in VIC for me would be Feb through to about May and they then start to really slow down. I'm still catching plenty of them but not in the same volumes.

[@Harrys-Animals]

G'day Alan, nice fish mate I'm looking to buy a pier landing net, one that you drop down, what one do you recommend? I have seen a lot of crappy ones out there, so looking for a decent one Cheers

[@fishingmad]

Have a look at this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIXKlHqVfq6oqrM this is what we use. Crab Pots with ropes which you can buy very cheap at BCF and Anaconda. You will se us using them throughout the vid and very handy.

[@Harrys-Animals]

@@fishingmad Cheers mate

[@nickynix1511]

What’s your rod set up mate? I want to get the same 😂

[@TranceManiac4life]

man only a few years ago I used to walk to the end and sit with bait. On the way back I would find a dumped plastic bag and stuff it with plasti rubbish on the way back. It annoys the fuk out of me. I even thought of maybe getting a family get together to walk along the bank one day to collect rubbish. some gets washed up but most of it dumped by lazy people.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah I agree, the rubbish volume is unacceptable and anglers don't help. I picked up after so many on that day and did the same the following day. Good on you for your effort, we need more people like you. Its a real shame that we have to arrange cleanup days but prob necessary.

[@MrAnfernay]

It still isn't safe to eat the fish from there is it ? Due to what happened with the fires and pollution etc . . . I'm wondering how many fish you could eat from there until it would make one crook ... good fun all in all though, nice work brother.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yes I agree. I didnt keep any fish, 90% were released and 10% given to some anglers who wanted to take them home for a feed. I agree about the Yarra and recent chemical spills. ill chat with the VFA and see if they have any more intel on this.

[@MrAnfernay]

@@fishingmad Onya brother, you're a champion !

[@fishingmad]

Thank you !!

[@andrewportelli8824]

Great vid, when was this recorded

[@fishingmad]

Was recorded last Thursday, I also went back on the Friday and the fishing was similar but a tad slower

[@JackoDorrough]

Is the pump still on

[@arexspencer238]

How do you know when it’s pumping, without driving by?

[@fishingmad]

In winter usually a few cold mornings in a row and its generally on

[@hopebear06]

Its funny when they get their lines tangled and scream Vietnamese profanities across the channel at each other.

[@claytonp2540]

Not to mention but I have a cut off point for the fish I would like the keep for a feed and Warmies/Salmon... Yeah it's funn... But the fish are attracted too a toxic waste ground in my opinion... 😏

[@claytonp2540]

Not Disliking but would love to know your opinion on the health of the bay... 👍

[@fishingmad]

Yeah I agree, the area in terms of pollutants and eating quality is really hit and miss there, the tides flush water in and out of the bay daily, however EPA levels, PH and metal levels haven't been great around there for a while and there have been some chemical spills in recent years. So prob a personal choice, personally I don't keep or eat them but know plenty of people who do.

[@timeisnow9855]

@@fishingmad Yarra alone is nasty mate wouldn’t eat anything from it….

[@fishingmad]

Yeah agreed, I didn't keep any fish. ill chat with the VFA and see if they have any more intel on this.

[@aussiebriza6170]

What's the name and the colour of the soft plastic you're using please mste

[@fishingmad]

Berkley Gulp 4 inch minnow in pilchard colour. Cheers

[@aussiebriza6170]

@@fishingmad thanks mate love the videos as well

[@fishingmad]

No probs and Thank you !!

[@user-xd3mm3vh7c]

How the fk do you get so lucky to make first cast and get a hook up. I have walked there when the pump is on and used soft plastics to get nothing. Well done and lucky.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Lots and lots and lots of hours fishing and filming. Sometimes you have days like this were everything just works form the very get go. However many anglers complained to me that day that no fish were biting, so I do think technique, gear and getting on the move also plays a big part in catching consistently.

[@jogguys]

👍

[@DCJiuJitsuGeelong]

do people eat those fish ?

[@fishingmad]

many do, but personally I don't as there have been some issues with water quality and chemical spills in the area historically.

[@tacklecraft1971]

Great video, shame about the dirty chemtrails while you where talking sitting on the deck after catching that salmon in seconds after casting.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah the water clarity there was very poor

[@davemctube]

You need to put a thermal camera on that drone for us so we can see the temperature difference in the water

[@mohammednovalija]

How many pound line are you using ?

[@fishingmad]

I had 16lb tasline elite x8 braid on both reels. Cheers

[@mohammednovalija]

@@fishingmad WOW - I suppose you choose the line to suit the situation. There are situations when you use the least strongest line that will do the job , like when stalking trout. But I figure the key strategy here is to get the fish in and get lure back out again. Thank You for braving the cold out there so I don't have to.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah I often fish as light as possible, lately in the bay Ive been throwing bigger plastics/lures and have bumped up the line class a little to cater for that.

[@gregwilliams6199]

What’s the plastics you were using

[@fishingmad]

Berkley Gulp 4 inch minnows in pilchard colour

[@CraigSwift-ug5up]

You got the hurry up its Friday arvo time to go home special off the construction line

[@kostalontos5000]

How do you know when it's on

[@fishingmad]

It always goes on when there has been several cold mornings in a row. Last week had several morning that were a low of 1 degree.

[@toddmortimer6720]

Sports fishing gives fishing a bad name as much as trash left does. You won't change your mind about that - like the grubs won't about picking up their trash.

[@sammartin5357]

Hey Allan great video, just wondering what combos you where using in this vid?

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! The combos used were G Loomis NRX+ NRR with a Twin Power. Beautiful combos and perfect for snapper, salmon that sort of stuff.

[@sammartin5357]

@@fishingmad awesome, thanks Allan

[@fishingmad]

No probs !!

[@Johnny_835]

What kilo rod and what size reel were you using

[@fishingmad]

2-5kg rod paired with a 2500 size reel. 2-4kg with 2500 would also be fine so would slightly heavier outfit.

[@Johnny_835]

@@fishingmad oh Ye nice what reel was it and what rod was it?

[@fishingmad]

This one is my pride and joy and a pretty expensive combo. G Loomis NRX+ and Twin Power but there are so many good affordable options that would also be brilliant for this sort of stuff

[@Johnny_835]

@@fishingmad thx, what snapper and salmon setup would you recommend under $600

[@fishingmad]

Many great options Shimano Zodias/Vanford combo, Daiwa TD Black combo, TT Black Mamba combo are great options under that price point.

[@ahj3225]

Wouldn’t eat nothing out of that river.

[@tristangillichfishing]

Do a collaboration with nevs fishing

[@fishingmad]

Yeah Nevs a Legend, that's kicking goals. Have to catch up with him one of these days, but good to see him doing so well.

[@NevsFishing]

@@fishingmad Cheers! I'm sure we'll make something work sometime soon

[@fishingmad]

Good to hear from you Nev, and a BIG well done. Your channel has exploded and rightly so with some amazing content. Keep up the great work buddy and hope to catch up with ya at some stage soon...

[@tristangillichfishing]

@@fishingmad it’s gonna happen

[@tristangillichfishing]

@@NevsFishing this one is gonna be good

[@WW11110]

No fly zone, don't get in trouble boss

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! I really appreciate the heads up. The DJI app is usually really good for scanning No fly zones on start-up and wont allow the drone to fly in any no zones are in the area I did check before hand. But I really appreciate the heads up and will suss this out closer.

[@romandybala]

@@fishingmad I wanted you to fly near the top of the strack. Great vid. I dont fish but I like your enthusiasm.

[@davidquynguyen8853]

Safe to eat fish ???

[@jeno264]

Can have high levels of metals in the urban rivers. Maybe would be okay to eat if they are out in the tidal/open water

[@fishingmad]

It prob comes down to personal preference. So many white buckets there full of fish. In the past the Yarra has had chemical spills and poor PH/metal levels so do need to be cautious when taking fish home from there. Plenty do and eat them, personally I don't I released 90% of the fish caught in this vid and handed some out to the locals who were struggling to catch. Thanks