No footy? There is always fishing

For sports fans and participants, the coronavirus pandemic has been very sad with just about every sport, worldwide, stopped with major events postponed or cancelled and even the domestic footy season suspended. Even some of our favourite recreational activities have been disallowed under the new physical distancing laws. Fortunately for boaties, fishing has still been allowed in many locations and many are making the most of the situation by buying a new fishing boat.

So even without the footy, at least most of us, can still enjoy our fishing.

Another very welcome event for the eastern states was the significant rain falls in February and March. Good rainfalls in areas which had been in the worst drought in a century has seen waters flow in rivers that have been bone dry for years.

The flows have been slowly making their way down river and reviving fishing areas with fish stocks starting to rebuild. This is a boon for keen fishers in inland estuaries, lakes and rivers and many are celebrating with the purchase of a new fishing boat.

So if lockdown has had you yearning for salt water and fresh sea air, then let’s start planning your release from lockdown back into our great outdoors.

Winter is a great time for fishing. The waters are traditionally clearer, there is less recreational boating traffic and in Sydney, jewfish is a favourite for winter fishers, in north-east Victoria it is definitely trout time, on Port Phillip Bay and in southern parts of WA head out for the winter snapper and in north Queensland the reports are – there’s always good fishing year-round.
And there’s always good fishing boat deals to catch!

Fishing In COVID-19 Times

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the entire boating community very hard and the conflicting and complicated interpretations of the regulations around physical distancing and what activities are allowed and not allowed, have left many boaties and fishers confused.

As each state has adopted a differing stance on both recreational boating and fishing, you will need to check with your state as lockdown laws are eased in stages over coming months to ensure you are complying and not risking a hefty fine.

Social distancing and hygiene measures are likely to be with us all for a while, so it’s worth being across the detail.

We referred to the Boating Industry of Australia for their take on the situation and were pleased to see they have set up a dedicated website for issues around boating in COVID-19 times

While restrictions will start to be eased over coming months, there are some general guidelines to take into account, but please refer to latest updates for your state:-

• Boating has only been permitted during the pandemic for people in the same household together.
• As general gatherings have been limited, so have boating limits been limited to 2 people.
• Maintain 1.5 metre separation both on the boat and when at the ramp and refuelling.
• Maintain hygiene standards of hand-washing when in contact with any shared surfaces during refuelling, purchasing supplies and at the ramp.
• Fish only in your local area unless otherwise permitted.

Landing a Fishing Boat Deal

Like many industries, the boating sector has been under pressure during the coronavirus crisis with the population told to stay home. As lockdowns start to be eased and the best fishing months are upon us, boat dealers are sure to be keen to see some action and will be welcoming customers with open arms – and hopefully open to great deals too!

Throughout the coronavirus many boat dealers have been operating with contactless purchasing options and arranging test drives within physical distancing regulations. Auctions have moved online so you can participate from home, which is a great plus.

Everyone has stock to move, end of financial year sales are imminent and interest rates are at historic lows, so now could be your time to finally buy a boat or upgrade your existing vessel.

Fishing Boat Loans

At Jade Boat Loans, we’ve been operating as business as usual throughout the crisis with a mix of work from home and in-office personnel. We are always keen to assist our customers with very competitive best boat loans and will continue to do so.

However, the coronavirus has impacted the financial sector with a major change being the tightening of lending requirements and guidelines by most banks and lenders for some borrowers.

To this end, it may be advisable to contact us to discuss pre approved boat finance before you commit to a new fishing boat purchase.

To discuss your boat loan options, contact us on 1300 000 003 to speak with a Jade Boat Loans consultant.

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS FOR GENERAL CONSIDERATION. ANY REFERENCE TO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES HAS BEEN SOURCED FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND STATE GOVERNMENT SOURCES. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS IN PRESENTATION OR INTERPRETATION OF THE FACTS AS PROVIDED BY THESE SOURCES. WE ADVISE ALL INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES TO REFER TO THEIR ACCOUNTANT OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE SPECIFIC TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.