Hooked on a feeling

Autumn is a great time for fishing – cool mornings, sun-drenched afternoons and a natural longing to be outside before our days shorten ahead of winter. Keen fisherman and publisher of monthly fishing magazine Hooked Up, Kosta Linardos shares his top fishing spots in Australia and tips for getting your best catch.

**What got you into fishing? **

I’m a third generation recreational fisherman. Almost every male and many females in my family have been and are highly active recreational fishermen. Fishing was a huge part of my life growing up; all holiday destinations were based around fishing. Essentially I never really had a choice, it was either fish or sit inside.

**Greatest catch? **

My greatest catch is generally all my firsts of a species. They’re not necessarily all trophy fish, but cracking the code and getting that fish for the first time always provides a great sense of achievement.


"Fishing brings together family and friends and provides escapism from the daily grind that relaxes you and keeps your mind present."

Most picturesque Australian destination to fish?

I’ve fished all over Australia and while I’ve been fortunate enough through my work to have fished beautiful remote destinations such as Cape Leveque, Western Australia, Cape York, Queensland and all over Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, the most picturesque places in my opinion are the Mornington Peninsula and Big River State Forest in Victoria. It’s amazing how beautiful some locations are right near home, yet they are often over looked.

**Bucket list fishing spot around the world? **

There are a few but definitely the Florida Keys for giant tarpon and Alaska for all manner of salmon species.

Three top tips for a novice fisherman?

1. Have a set target species and use the appropriate fishing gear to target it.

2. Fish at times and locations that are conducive to catching that species, not where and when it’s convenient for you to fish.

3. Do plenty of research on where you’re fishing and what you’re targeting in order to maximise the enjoyment of each trip.

How does fishing provide a sense of wellbeing?

Fishing and wellbeing are almost synonymous. Fishing provides a mentally stimulating challenge that depending on what you’re targeting can be physically challenging as well. It brings together family and friends and provides escapism from the daily grind that relaxes you and keeps your mind present. It reintroduces man to his natural hunting instincts and the environment.

Through fishing I have had the pleasure of seeing platypus and wild deer while fishing highland rivers, and dolphins, seals and whales in the bays and oceans. Just being out there amongst it is good for the mind, body and soul. The end result of your catch on the plate is also a huge bonus, no restaurant or chef can ever serve a seafood dish that is tastier or healthier than freshly caught fish.

Learn more about all things rod and reel at hookedupmagazine.com.au