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.

Inside This Week's Episode

Northern Territory & Queensland: The "Barra" Breakout

We catch up with Paul Burt from Step Outside, who shares incredible stories from the North. With massive floodwaters hitting the Daly River and surrounding regions, the "Barra Farms" are currently underwater. This means thousands of Barramundi that have been growing relentlessly for two years have now escaped into the river systems, setting the stage for a "next level" Barra Nationals competition. Paul also details a miraculous rescue involving an R22 helicopter landing on a Toyota Prado to save a stranded driver.

Technical Tip: Don't Let Dirty Fuel Ruin Your Weekend

With recent fuel shortages and lower-grade fuels hitting the market, host Alan Blake provides a vital Tech Tip on fuel filters. Learn why a water-separating fuel filter with a glass bowl is the "cheap insurance" every boatie needs to avoid expensive engine damage and mid-water breakdowns.

Freshwater Tactics: Clear Water, Natural Colors

Steve Bowler joins us from Tenterfield to discuss the challenging conditions in the southern dams. With water levels low and clarity at an all-time high, Steve explains why you need to ditch the "loud" chartreuse and pink lures in favor of natural browns, silvers, and frog patterns to fool wary Bass and Cod.

Key Highlights & Fishing Reports

• Offshore Conditions: A look at the 15-20 knot southeasterlies and the lumpy 2.5-meter swell currently affecting the coast.
• The Suzuki Advantage: Why lean-burn technology is saving anglers thousands in fuel costs during the current economic climate.
• Gippsland Lakes: Paul Burt’s review of the Painsville Classic and why the Gippsland region is "Seventh Heaven" for boating families.
• Yamaha Upgrades: Details on current specials for those looking to switch from smoky two-strokes to fuel-efficient four-stroke outboards.

Connect With The Community

Don't miss out on the action between episodes!

• Facebook: Like us at "Hi Tide Fishing Show" to share your latest catch photos and join the conversation.
• YouTube: Check out Paul Burt’s Step Outside channel for nonstop boat tests, cooking demos, and fishing action.
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Live every Saturday at 8 AM. Keep your eye on the sky and your lines tight!