Gear up for the Easter long weekend with the Hi Tide team! In this episode, we provide a comprehensive weather and wind forecast to help you plan your time on the water. We dive into detailed fishing reports covering Pittwater, the Hawkesbury, Coffs Harbour, and the inland dams, including the latest on where the Jewfish, Kingfish, and Murray Cod are biting.

Special guest Paul Burt joins the show to discuss the "boating mecca" of Southeast Queensland, the importance of supporting Australian seafood, and his recent boat tests featuring incredible fuel economy breakthroughs. Plus, we hear about a fascinating scientific expedition that discovered over 100 new marine species and "ghost flathead" in the deep ocean. Whether you're a bank fisherman using soft plastics or heading offshore in a twin-rigged weapon, this episode is packed with local knowledge and safety tips for your holiday weekend.

Key Highlights:

• Easter Weather Outlook: Wind and swell predictions for Saturday through Monday.
• Regional Fishing Reports: In-depth updates from Sydney Harbour, Northern Beaches, Tamworth, and Narooma.
• Boating Tech & Economy: Paul Burt on Suzuki fuel economy and why prop selection matters for your gearbox.
• The "Ghost Flathead": Insights from a 4,000-meter deep submersible expedition.
• Bank Fishing Tactics: Why watching the local kids and reading the gutters is the key to shore-based success.

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.