Land Based Fishing with this UNSTOPPABLE Soft Plastic

What an unbelievable land based fishing session with what has quickly become one of my favourite soft plastics. Fishing up at Bellarine Peninsula. Exploring this scenic area armed only with 1 rod 1 reel and a packet of soft plastics Al gets stuck into some amazing fishing action. Using Z-Man ST GrubZ in Blood Oil colour which is an unstoppable soft plastic that catches just about everything. Enjoy this fun episode with lots of reel screaming and brilliant catches.
Gear Used
Zman 2.5 inch ST GrubZ in blood oil
1/8 1-0 headlocks jig heads
2-5 kilo rod paired with a 2500 size reel
12 lb braid and equivalent fluorocarbon leader
Follow our fishing adventures by kayak, boat, land & jet ski with lures & bait targeting saltwater, freshwater & estuary species. The channel is fun, relatable, and features world class fishing action, product reviews and tips.
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[@kabluwi]

More landbased content please! Love videos like this, don't own a kayak or boat so it makes it a million times more motivating to get back out there and have a cast myself. Great stuff mate.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah im pretty keen to do more land based stuff too. Just gotta find places that's not packed and OK for filming.

[@RyanMoore-bs8ix]

Where abouts is this if you don't mind me asking??

[@geniusqu]

Thanks❤, that’s a great video! Appreciate the gear info you listed, really helpful

[@goldyandrobbo6540]

Great clip good information. I love fishing with soft plastics

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much !! Yeah soft plastics fishing is pretty awesome.

[@reconnaissance7372]

Awesome video Alan!

[@fishingmad]

Many thanks!!

[@hunterfan6194]

I have been watching you for years, this is your so far the best fight,🎉🎉🎉

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah with that strong current the trevally took off. Was challenging but heaps of fun

[@peterRobinson10101]

That was awesome! Well done! I thought the fish had u beat under the jetty around a pylon. Nice work. I rekon there is a bit of skill there in rod/spool control that stopped that from happening..great stuff. Im catching lots of this guys babies at Lakes Entrance but never a daddy! I like a baked trev.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks 👍 yeah I must admit I though I lost the first one too. The leader was completely shredded as I had to drag it through those poles. Amazing how quick trevally can be once you think you already have them beat they go on that one last dash into structure. Lakes entrance is an awesome spot the fishing has gotten better and better that way. Id love to cover more fishing up that way soon

[@timrosenthal46]

Good one mate !

[@fishingmad]

Thanks! Much appreciated

[@hunterfan6194]

Legend Alan, i probably lost it under structure, you really know how to fight back

[@MCSlgPro]

I love the bellarine!!

[@seanharwood974]

That was very good. Good size trevally and all trevally pull hard. Need to try those grubs

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! It sure was and yes those grubz are an excellent choice

[@mbnz0174]

Use almost identical tactics here in NZ now, but with ultralight gear. Caught kahawai/salmon and parore/luderick so far. Thanks for the tips over the years.

[@fishingmad]

Your very welcome !! Id love to go to NZ and fish there. I've heard and seen how good the fishing is there.

[@Hogryder30]

Great video Alan. Keep up the great videos mate.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks 👍 Really appreciate the positive comment !!

[@Hogryder30]

Did you catch these Trevalleys at early morning?

[@fishingmad]

Was in the evening. Prob from 4.00 to 5.00pm as its getting dark super early these days

[@thebops4180]

Nice to see the pier wasn't used as a rubbish bin! Nice when ppl clean up after themselves! Is it always a decent fishing spot?

[@fishingmad]

I have a habit of always picking up the litter when I get to a spot, especially when filming. My family are advocates for clean up Australia days so its been beaten into me. I hate seeing good places shut down or neglected so 5 minutes of picking up some rubbish can go a long way. Ive only fished it a couple of times and caught some cracking fish, but its almost unfishable on low tide.

[@calamariii8832]

Nice trevs alan, should make more land based videos around melbourne

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah I would love too. It can just be very challenging doing land based fishing vids as many of the spots are often super busy which makes filming a nightmare.

[@MegaRich7]

I quite enjoy these episodes, as I don't own kayak.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah hoping to cover more land based stuff over the coming weeks.

[@ATGNIFishing]

Great stuff Alan, when I first got into plastics it was on a GrubZ, then I shortly swapped to the ST GrubZ after that and felt like it gave me superpowers hahaha.. now I've moved onto Slim SwimZ and am loving them also!!

[@fishingmad]

This comment really resonates with me. I too have been on that same journey. Started with GrubZ, then onto Slim SmimZ and now loving the ST GruZ. They are such good options. Great action, durable and so many different species love them. Thanks for your comment !!

[@peterRobinson10101]

If you guys are paid to promote a product you should disclose.

[@fishingmad]

I've never been paid to promote a product. I think a lot of manufacturers are very lucky that I use there products and give them free airplay. I buy my products just like everyone else, and only show me using things id recommend to others.

[@peterRobinson10101]

@@fishingmad they should pay you! For sure other channels are sponsored. We buy on your recommendations. Are you supplied with free kit? That should be declared. At the same time its nothing to be shy of. You deserve to be supplied (and paid!) For your hard work.if you have sponsorship it adds to your professionalism. Same time customers deserve to know if its an advertisement or not. The fishing youtube sector is so blatantly corrupt (not pointing at you.... but you for sure know!) With backhand sponsorship wether it be through boats n kit or crypto. Love your work Allen. (They should count their lucky stars if mention their product).

[@peterRobinson10101]

Its so blatant on other channels. You should do a segment on what products work.. Who sends free stuff to promoters and what products shine through despite marketing adversity. I am sure you have received offers from brands (as they should).

[@alecmcgowan3444]

Let's gooooo new vid

[@fishingmad]

I hope you enjoy the vid !!

[@bluphobia]

Love the land based stuff. Haven't had a bite in months but we don't care!

[@fishingmad]

Yeah land based fishing is lots of fun. Can be slow at times, but makes it so much more enjoyable when they bite. Also great to get out on adventures.

[@bluphobia]

@@fishingmad I love taking one rod and a backpack without bait. I don't have to think about rigs.

[@-ShootTheGlass-]

2 🐟🐟 in 20 mins…. it’s been a while since I’ve been that busy 😂

[@donnamerigan469]

Great video. Fishing is my new hobby. Any squid down there? .

[@user-xx1jc7lk2z]

hi where was the episode filmed at Bellarine Peninsula on that small jetty Thanks

[@babycakes9612]

That first one was epic! I called out its a trev its a trev lol. Nice one mate!

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah the run was epic. Well done on picking the species, When it took off I was hoping it was gonna be a trevally.

[@VinhNguyen-yi1kk]

Ive heard like back in the late 80s there was some sort of carcinogenic substance along that river there. I cant remember exactly but somewhere along the lines of that. made me think twice about it.

[@Pomybasterd]

Barwon heads top spot 😊

[@clintvogel]

Really enjoying ya videos Alan. I’m loving all the land based videos. Hey just out of interest what rod is that your using? (as in brand and length)

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Really appreciate the kind feedback. The Rod is a NS Tarantula. Its was bought for bass fishing but has kinda become my got rod on the kayak in inshore waters and super easy to chuck in the car for trips like this. Its 6 foot 7 inch and 2-5 kilo but a lot more power then my other 2-5 kilo rods

[@omnott]

I just want to highlight that the "Bay Trout" you were catching are juvenile Australian Salmon, with a minimum legal size of 21cm. They bite readily and put up a lot of fight for their size, so they are great fun to catch, but the undersized ones aren't okay to keep for bait.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks. every fish caught in the video was released. Im a big advocate for following the limits and do lots of work for local fishing bodies in VIC. Thanks

[@mitcheloutdoors_adventures]

Great video Alan keep it up where is the spot at would love to go out with my old man with some bait and flick some plastics

[@fishingmad]

Was at Barwon heads. Cheers

[@Daniel-xc8nf]

Great video love the land based footage, completely off topic do you find you're GoPro Vids to be quite ridiculous in size?

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !1 And yes 100% the size of video footage is growing out of control these days. Especially if your recording in 4k. I'm generally running multiple go pros and mics so constantly having to upgrade storage capacity.

[@Daniel-xc8nf]

@@fishingmad I thought that maybe the case I didn't realise you were recording in 4K god the size of the file would be insane. I'm only recording in 1080p @ 30fps and the files go for a couple of minutes they are 3-4GB bloody crazy! Anyway love the content keep sharing sir 🫡

[@123hoffie]

So you reckon you'd like ""A Sea Change" down the track🤔, $$ Barwon Heads $$. Nice spot, crazy busy warmer months/ weekends. Half an hour away from me,going to have to check this spot out.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah the crowds in summer would be interesting. Maybe 30 minutes away is a good option too

[@Sirocco__]

I’ve seen the biggest salmon and trevally at Barwon jetty at almost any tide

[@fishingmad]

Wow, I think its a great spot for good fish thats for sure

[@edwardgeofreylim7553]

i love your videos. speially soft baits tips.. thank you very much. and hoping to get a give aways from you sir 😅😅😅

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much, glad your enjoying the content.

[@PotatoChip-oc7mf]

wow stonkers over there!1!

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! yeah they were good ones that's for sure

[@fishoihatecarp8207]

Where did you get the st grubs I have been looking for them for ages in Victoria

[@fishingmad]

I get them from my local tackle store Hooked on Bait and tackle in Hoppers Crossing they have had heaps of them the past few months. They are unbelievable soft plastics

[@i-muss]

Halo IM from Indonesia , Very interesting spot 👍

[@fishingmad]

Its a great spot. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisgrant.13]

Hi Alan, have you ever fished Lake Lorne at Drysdale, I know it's only a small lake but often wondered if it did hold fish and if so what type. Looks perfect for teaching the nephews how to fish from a kayak, but don't want to waste my time if it doesn't hold fish. Other than spending countless hours fishing these smaller bodies of water where can you find out information about them?

[@fishingmad]

No I haven't fished it. I was lead to believe that fishing and kayaking wasn't permitted in that lake.

[@chrisgrant.13]

@fishingmad ok I'll have to wander up and check for signage.

[@cameronchalmers9024]

Go to the lake next to the Drysdale footy oval, monster carp live there. I have got most my fish on bread.

[@jogguys]

👍

[@stevejeffries241]

Hey Alan. That wouldn't happen to be Barwon Heads by any chance?

[@fishingmad]

Yeah it sure is

[@jamescalleja8291]

what time was this during the day? definitely gonna head down here during high tide

[@fishingmad]

Pretty sure it was between 3:30 and 5:00pm. Cheers

[@a3meadowsdot313]

Years ago i was fishing there at like 3 in the morning and there was a wedding at the restaurant there and they had a fog light pointing into the water and a small school of small barracuda came in

[@fishingmad]

Wow thats awesome. I have no doubt you would get good gummies coming through the channel, snapper and salmon and all sorts.

[@a3meadowsdot313]

@@fishingmad I lived in the area as a kid and some of the beaches yes but not so much there out past the bluff on a boat I've heard is pretty good

[@stefanparsons7606]

What braid do you use Alan

[@fishingmad]

For a while ive been using Gosen 16x. That being said I think there are much better value products to choose from. I just try and get something that is thin. Good PE rating and thin.

[@ianhall702]

If your returning fish you should really think of getting an unhooking mat to put them on.

[@vegasvato55]

I fish grubs almost exclusively

[@Bigdoghkkn]

What do you do about the blowies

[@fishingmad]

Thankfully didn't run into to many. I had the tail of the grub chewed off once so assuming that was toadies or leather jackets.

[@murathayirli6175]

Could you do a land based video in or around st leonards?

[@fishingmad]

Yeah will be doing that really soon. I did some filming there late last year but it was so busy. Got some great catches but it was too busy to get good footage.

[@murathayirli6175]

@@fishingmad awesome looking forward to it!!

[@yorkshireoz9416]

Good video Al, nice to see some land based stuff. Can you please recommend a good quality spinning rod for land based fishing (soft plastics) to pair with a newly purchased Vanford C3000HG reel. I'm struggling to cast any distance with my current rod a 7' ugly stik.I usually use Zman paddle tails on 1/4oz jig head with 1/0 hook. Cheers

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah I, hoping to get a bit more land based stuff covered. Was so much fun. Now lets chat about good rod options. Honestly the Zodias Light pairs with a Vanford 3000 perfectly. They look great together and Shimano kinda built them to be paired together. There are lots of other good options too. Did you have a budget in mind ??

[@yorkshireoz9416]

@@fishingmad Thanks for your reply Al. The Zodias Light sounds good, what length do you recommend? How much are they? Budget not really a problem.

[@fishingmad]

I think the model that would work well with a 3000 would be the ZODIAS 270ML. I think there $249 at some fishing stores. have a look at this aswell which might be helpful fishingmad.com.au/review/best-spinning-rods-2023

[@yorkshireoz9416]

@@fishingmad Thanks Al, i'll watch the link later. I prefer a one piece rod, would the 268ML be ok?? If i can get one anywhere

[@fishingmad]

Yep the 268 is fine. I used to the the 268 on my kayak and runabout boat as i really like the shorter length rods. If you get a chance go into a tackle store and feel it in your hand before buying. Nothing beats that as everyone feels things differently.

[@noelceleste3036]

Never been here fish heaps of piers around Geelong way I don’t know of this one

[@fishingmad]

Heaps of good piers around Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula. This one was at barwon heads. Cheers

[@noelceleste3036]

@@fishingmad ok thought it was Geelong area mate great videos and thank you

[@fishingmad]

No probs, ill hopefully see you out there

[@neilglick7027]

What are the details of your rod here (if not bespoke)? Is a not-so-fast taper best for jigging with plastics?

[@fishingmad]

I was using a NS Tarantula 2-5kg spin rod. Its fast action and has a super stiff butt section with lots of power. I'm led to believe they were discontinued this month which is a shame as I rate them highly.

[@neilglick7027]

@@fishingmad May I please have the model number. Is it quite a few years old? Is this rod dramatically better than other rods of its price? What distinguishes ‘finesse fishing’ from non-finess (light gear)? 1 or 2 piece? Would you normally advise a long-handled net when wharf fishing? Is the current /NS BLACKHOLE AMPED II S-702L BREAM 589505 7' 4-8lb Light 4-15g 2 piece 1115-1 Graphite Blanks Fuji K Guides/ a near equivalent?

[@fishingmad]

Model is 671ML. Ive only had it for 6 months so not 100% sure when they were released. Its light but has lot s of power in the butt section. A lot of 2-4 and 2-5 kilo rods have simialr weight but not the same pulling power.

[@rajibsaha8880]

Can you share the location please? Love watching your videos. 👍

[@frednurks8528]

Barwon heads

[@fishingmad]

Barwon heads, I listed the location in the location field. Its a great area for Trevally

[@fishingmad]

Sure is.

[@DANNY-sh2go]

Where about on the Bellarine mate

[@danielwitham1791]

That's definitely Barwon Heads

[@DarkRainbow4002]

tried fishing here once very strong current tons of weeds so maybe not the best spot for bait fishing soft plastics sound like a solution!

[@fishingmad]

Need to fish there on high tide, and best on slack high

[@danielwitham1791]

Some monster mulloway are in this area, but hardly anyone target's them, because of the currents and weed. The correct timing can make land based mulloway possible and even "easy". Timing is everything.

[@SaMaNtHa.2023]

Whats the name.of the rod and Link? Nice

[@fishingmad]

Its a NS Tarantula 671 3-5kg. I think they have been discontinued.

[@aconinja8668]

What reel are you using? Thanks

[@ATGNIFishing]

Pretty sure it's the Shimano TwinPower 2500 FD

[@fishingmad]

Twin power FD 2500 amazing reel. Gotta try and pick them up on special as they are expensive. I got mine on sale which was heavily discounted.

[@fishingmad]

Yep 100% Twin Power FD 2500. Good call !!

[@ronmb81]

@@fishingmad I was looking at this reel as an alternative to the stella fk2500. I just don't think I could justify spending more than 1k on a 2500.. So I am for a look out on a sale for the FD. How much do you pick it up, if you don't mind me asking? Solid fishing sesh 👊🏼

[@fishingmad]

I bought mine of Facebook marketplace for $375 I was very lucky as it was in excellent condition. There really expensive now.

[@lukeoz11]

Sydney harbour is the most boring fishing 🎣 atm must be too cold or something only thing I catch is Taylor’s

[@fishingmad]

Yeah a few have said Sydney Harbour is super quiet at the moment.

[@AquaMarine1000]

Barwon Heads

[@JJs_fishing]

Where is this please ?

[@LeonAust]

Tighten your drag

[@fishingmad]

As I said in the video the drag was locked tight. The twin power FD has a very loud drag

[@SilverforceX]

If you choose to keep it, do you put it out of misery quickly and bleed it out after? Highly recommend, its both humane and keeps the flesh tasty as the lactic acid build up spoils it.

[@fishingmad]

Agreed completely. Both these fish were released to fight another day.

[@oldman_eleven]

🤞 any of us can retire the way things are going 😅. At least we will be happy though... apparently.

[@fishingmad]

Your not wrong there. Cost of living these days is insane. The retirement age will prob be 90 when my time comes around LOL

[@brettellis1837]

Like to see how ya would go up here on blue salmon around a meter lol.😂 last fish 1085mm lost 50m in 2 seconds 8 pound gear.

[@fishingmad]

That would be amazing

[@brettellis1837]

@@fishingmad that's no nets for ya it is shaping up like the 80ies again.

[@Sytheral]

where abouts is this?

[@danielwitham1791]

Barwon Heads

[@justme.9711]

A minute or so on retrieve technique and/or action, would add meat and time to the vids and it wouldn't just be cheap time killing filler either, thanks.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks for the feedback. We have shown retrieval techniques in so many previous episodes so we try not to be repetitive. But will gladly show in some future episodes again

[@durwindhickmansr7954]

Why you need a leader

[@fishingmad]

Harder for fish to see and more abrasion resistant with some stretch

[@jimmyrecard6021]

I have caught numerous oversized weed fish at that location. Not fun.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah its almost unfishable on low tide.

[@PhillipWhite-uz3wu]

You'd kill a fish just to catch another fish? Not my way of doing things!

[@fishingmad]

What ?? No fish were killed in this vid. The vast majority of fishing done on the channel is catch and release. Both Trevally and bay trout were all released.

[@mqab]

Hey Alan, I hate to be a prude but I watch your videos with my 3yr old boy as he loves fishing and your videos. May you please dial back the swearing. Glad to unsubscribe if you feel I have overstepped or I’m being unreasonable.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks for the feedback. There is about 200 collective vids on the FishingMad KZbin channel and only about 4 videos in total have any minor swearing on them. Its been a big focus to keep the show family friendly as we know we have a young audience and family audience and now on TV. Sometimes you just get so excited with catches and we want to share that raw excitement and emotion without being robotic or going to far. We will always keep on top of it. I hope that helps answer your question and appreciate the feedback.

[@mqab]

I appreciate you responding promptly and the rationale. As a family friendly channel, please consider having an “E” in the title for those few videos so that viewers have advance warning. I appreciate your content which is why we watch.

[@JadeNelson-kl2bi]

@@mqab, Hey ~ You and your family love to watch his video; the primary reason must be the creative and exciting content; actually, I think the raw excitement and emotion are also an essential part of it; it makes people feel genuine; I certainly didn't encourage the behaviors of swearing, but the kids would face a lot of things during his growth, and you might think most of them are not good to their growth, so parent should guide them instead of completely prevent them from such pieces of stuff.

[@fishingforfun2926]

i fish that place a bit on the yak got a little spot i call the "trevally ally" :) need a anchor with big tides

[@fishingmad]

Wow that sounds awesome, I was planning on kayak fishing the entrance and a bit higher with the yak in the coming weeks so that's very pleasing to hear. Will be fun navigating the tides on the yak

[@fishingforfun2926]

@@fishingmad a few places to put in near the mouth or but if you head down sheep wash road you will find two ramps one nice built one and one gravel one, i tend to hit the gravel one as its less busy. the tides can pull really strong and can be hard peddeling so best to hit it on a smaller tide movement.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! yeah originally i was gonna fish at Sheepwash and cover some ground there.

[@davidholyoake5767]

good fishing, you might need a cool mil or 2 to buy there.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah your prob. Way out of my proce point. Id prob be looking more to one of the residential areas closer to Geelong.

[@sunnysideup4132]

Yea caught a 47 centermeter travelly at Barwon a few months back nef got a 42 centermeter flatty the same day was epic

[@fishingmad]

Thats amazing well done !! So much fun big trevally on the barwon