Cara Cummings
Cara is a fresh and salt water angler, based in Victoria, Australia. She loves to spend time on the river and local waterways chasing bream and perch with her husband and kids, and cooking up a storm in her kitchen with whatever she has caught on her latest fishing trip. Cara is an ambassador for Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) an organisation focused on encouraging women and kids to explore the joy of fishing.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO FISHING?
Having not grown up with a fishing background, it wasn’t until I met my husband, Dean (who has fishing in his blood) 16 years ago that I discovered the wonderful lifestyle fishing had to offer. Every holiday we would (and still) go on would have to be near water which of course meant packing the rods. In our early years he would take me spear fishing but I quickly learned that lure fishing was my preferred technique. It’s really only been during the last 10 years that this passion for me developed further after having children. Spending quality time with our children is invaluable and there are so many wonderful benefits that this hobby provides.
SHARE A FAVOURITE FISHING MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH US
Witnessing our daughter (who was 8 at the time) land her PB brown trout is a memory I will cherish forever. We were on the boat and she was lure fishing, once she hooked the fish I remember hearing her squeals of excitement and her little eyes lit up. The fish fought hard and she was hanging on to her rod for dear life. My husband was guiding her with what to do. At one point the fish took off and headed toward a buoy, we knew this could end badly (as we had previously lost fish this way) so we followed the fish using the electric motor. Once the fish had tired and we knew she was going to get it, the emotions were peaking. My husband netted the fish and as he lifted it to the boat we looked at Vera and she was trembling, she had tears running down her face and I couldn’t work out what had happened, I asked her if she was ok, to which she responded, “I’m just so happy, I can’t believe how big my fish is!”. I turned to look at my husband and that was it, there were happy tears all round! Her trout measured in at 58cm and her photo made it to the front covers of Fishing Monthly magazine and also the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. She has truly lapped up her 15 minutes of fame!
WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FISHING SPOTS?
As predominately freshwater anglers, we love our lake and river fishing. Bank fishing with kids is great fun as they can go off and explore. We also spend a lot of our time on the boat, both casting lures and trolling, we are also exploring fly fishing more and are keen to upskill in this area. We live in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria (Australia), and our favourite locations include the Loddon River, Goulburn River, Lake Wendouree and many other local reservoirs and waterways.
WHY DO YOU LOVE TO FISH?
Casting and retrieving allows me to become completely absorbed in what I am doing, being able to switch off and enjoy being solely in that moment is so therapeutic. For me fishing is the catalyst, it’s the key, which enables and creates our adventures that in turn has formed our family lifestyle.
Catching fish, whilst incredibly rewarding and fun is actually irrelevant to the core of the holistic benefits. Being present in the moment, taking care of our mental health, bonding with family and experiencing new places and wonders together, is creating the memories that will be everlasting.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OF FISHING?
Lure fishing is my go-to. I enjoy the challenge of sight casting. Not only can this be addictive but it can also become quite competitive when fishing with others as to who has better precision haha! I also like that it is an active style of fishing, I rather enjoy bank casting and walking along the river, looking for structure and weed edges. The art of casting I find rather therapeutic and it is my downtime where I can temporarily switch off from ‘the real world’.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE BLACK MAGIC PRODUCT?
It’s too hard to choose one product, I have multiple so I’ll give you my top 4!
- Gladius® Canal Classic rod. This is a beautiful rod to use (and look at!) – it’s lightweight and allows for a smooth and seamless action. Precision casting for reaching distances is effortless.
- Tackle Pack. This is the ultimate tackle bag! It literally caters for every need Wear it as a backpack or sling it over your shoulder. There’s ample storage for different fishing trips and styles. I have dedicated each of the individual boxes to a theme, lures, hooks, leader etc. My favourite component is the insulated pull out compartment. Snacks are essential when fishing with kids, so I fill this up at the start of the day and the food remains fresh. Once the snacks are gone, if our day has been successful we pop our fish in here to get them home! Easy to clean/wipe out and you’re ready to refill for your next trip.
- Spinmax lures, especially the Flamingo colour. These are my go-to trout lure. On my second cast using this exact lure for the first time, I caught a 65cm Rainbow Trout! On this same lure, I’ve also caught many a Redfin. Such a versatile lure, displays great action when in the water and the spinner is super eye catching, no wonder it attracts the fish.
- Wasabi Kitchen Knives! As an avid cook I adore these knives! They are super sharp and come with a nifty carry case and sharpening stone, which is perfect for taking with you on trips! Comes in a set of 2 and they are great to use, nicely weighted and great for prepping, chopping, slicing and carving.
WHAT ARE YOUR FISHING GOALS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
I am still chasing the elusive meter Murray Cod! It is a bucket list item that I am determined to tick off. I’m going to have to suck up the early morning and freezing cold starts, if I want to make this happen. Watch this space!
I’m also a strong supporter and ambassador for Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating run by the Victorian Fishing Association. I’m involved on fishing boards, I write for several fishing publications and am a guest co-host on Talking Fishing (TV show) where I also have a weekly seafood cooking segment. It's through these channels, that I have the opportunity to and continue to promote and encourage women, children and families to give fishing a go. I am also aiming to roll out freshwater fishing programs in Primary Schools.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CATCH OR FISHING ADVENTURE?
Not having had much saltwater experience, I would love to head North to try topwater fishing for GT’s, this is definitely an experience I would love to have. On the freshwater front, I am itching to get across to NZ and explore fishing for (river monster) trout in the picturesque canals!
WHAT TUPS WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE LEARNING TO FISH?
- Don’t let fear stand in your way! It may appear overwhelming to begin with, but when you break it down, fishing is really quite simple! Remember - we’ve been fishing for hundreds of years, and it started with a stick, some line and a bit of bait! A little confidence and eagerness to learn will see you on your way.
- The best way to learn is to ask an angler to take you out! Learning first-hand is always going to be best. If you don’t know anyone, try contacting local fishing clubs. Most clubs have designated ‘fun fishing days’ where you can try fishing or attend workshops. And as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect!
