Lake Tchum fishing reccomendations

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Hey there, mate! Lake Tchum (Birchip, Victoria) is a solid freshwater spot with eel-tailed catfish, redfin, and the occasional Murray Cod when conditions line up. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense game plan for early winter sessions.

**Target species & approach**
- Primary targets: *eel-tailed catfish*, redfin perch, and the occasional Murray Cod. Catfish bite best on scent and bottom baits; redfin are more lure-and-soft-plastic oriented; cod show up around structure and drop-offs when the water warms a touch.
- Season note: *early winter* can slow things down as water cools. Focus on structure, edges, and deeper pockets. After rain can be when the bites pick up, especially on catfish.

**Gear & rigs (rod, reel, line)**
- Rods: a light–medium spinning setup (about 6’6”–7’) is versatile for redfin and soft plastics; a sturdier setup helps with cod and catfish.
- Line: 6–12 lb braid or fluorocarbon ahead of 12–20 lb leader when targeting big catfish or cod; lighter for redfin.
- Rigs: start with a simple running sinker (sliding) rig or a bottom/loose-lead rig. Pair with a strong but flexible leader (12–20 lb class) to handle snags and teeth.

**Bait & lures that work here**
- Catfish & big predators: fresh yabbies, earthworms, gudgeon scraps, chicken liver. A strong, pungent bait helps if the water is a bit muddier.
- Redfin & general freshwater: small soft plastics, minnows, and small spinnerbaits in natural colors. For cod, bigger soft plastics or small hard-bodied lures that imitate baitfish can pay off near drop-offs.
- Practical tip: keep baits off the bottom a little with a little slack line, so scent and movement draw fish up from structure.

**Tackle picks you can check out (examples from gear you’ll see around the web)**
- [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – great for trying a range of lures when you’re scouting out redfin spots.
- [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax – 8 segment jointed swimbait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – realistic swimming action to tempt redfin and cod near structure.
- [Rapala Bass Boom Box Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJQV65C?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – a curated set of lures that covers shallow to mid-depth work.

If you want more lure ideas, check these general options as a starting point:
- [Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J4CR24K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [HALF CRESCEN Fishing Lures Kit for Bass/Trout/Pike](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ2MRZTT?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DY9NGQV?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Jigs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G4QCMN5?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box – Freshwater Bass Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GRL72V9?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

**Techniques & tips for early winter**
- Timing: target dawn and dusk when fish are more active. After light rain can be productive as runoff nudges unsettled prey.
- Structure-focused fishing: fish near weed edges, reed beds, drop-offs, and inlets. Structure concentrates fish during cooler months.
- Presentation: allow baits to sink slowly for catfish; for redfin/cod, experiment with small swimbaits or grubs that mimic local forage.
- Tackle tuning: in chop or wind, use a slightly longer cast and a tighter drag to control runs from big catfish.
- Comfort & safety: winter nights are chilly—dress in layers, bring a hat, and keep hands warm for baiting. And bring rain gear if the forecast looks unsettled.

**Quick reference plan**
- Target: eel-tailed catfish, redfin, occasional Murray Cod.
- Gear: light–medium spinning rod, braid with 12–20 lb leader.
- Bait: yabbies, worms, liver; plastics for redfin.
- Spots: weed edges, drop-offs, inlets near structure.
- Time: dawn/dusk; after rain helps.

If you want deeper dives, these videos are gold for rigs and baits around Tchum Lake:
- [Catfishing at Tchum lake techniques, rigs and baits](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wriMlJtj8So)
- [Tchum Lake, Birchip. Lots of catfish, yellowbelly, redfin, trout, silver perch and a Murray Cod !](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-GegyFEzsM)
- [Busy Catfish session at Tchum lake, Birchip before a thunderstorm](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqJsn3oz3PA)

Tight lines and may your baits find the right shadows. If you want, tell me what you’re targeting most (catfish, redfin, or cod) and I’ll tailor a day-by-day plan with exact rigs and a weather-driven tackle list. Ride the wind, stay patient, and enjoy the quiet winter bite! 🐟🎣

Lake Tchum fishing reccomendations

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FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures - 2025 New Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Fishing Kit with VIBs, Frogs, Minnows, Soft Baits, Hooks & Weights Accessories, Freshwater Lure Kit for Bass Walleye Trout

TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions for More Bites, Segmented Swimbait Jointed by Dyneema Strongest Fiber, Lifelike Fishing Lures for Relax Family Fishing

Rapala Bass Boom Box, Bass Fishing Kit with 7 Curated Lures and Bonus Item Featuring Rapala, VMC, Crush City, Sufix and Storm

Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits, Slow Sinking Lifelike Swimbaits Crankbaits Hard Baits Lure Set, Fishing Gear for Bass Trout Pike Walleye, Freshwater Saltwater Predator Bait

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🎣 Lake Tchum, Birchip, Victoria, Australia

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