Michelle Brittain
Michelle has been a part of the Black Magic family for many years. Her experience, knowledge and commitment to sustainable fishing in Australia makes her a key role model for the recreational fishing industry.
Based in Victoria, Michelle regularly explores its beautiful coastlines, catching anything from kingfish, to whiting and squid. Michelle is also an ambassador for Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB), a role that allows her to support and encourage women to give fishing a go.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO FISHING?
My grandfather introduced me to fishing when I was a young girl holidaying at Lakes Entrance, Victoria (Australia). I caught a dusky flathead and a turtle as my first catches. I was immediately addicted and intrigued. From then on, I always packed a fishing rod when going on holiday. In my teens I would hire a little yellow boat with friends and putt out to a flatty spot and bring home some dinner. From then I had boyfriends with boats and learnt the waterways, different species, rigging and last year over covid I bought my first boat and go out with other women, my daughter and friends with independence and confidence. I am so grateful for all the experience and knowledge.
SHARE A FAVOURITE FISHING MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE
So many it’s hard to choose however a recent memory is a trip to South Australia last Christmas. My friend and I were camping at Point Sinclair (Cactus) where we surfed all day and would fish in between. We were running low on food so decided to try catch some dinner, so headed over to the pier and bay. The squid weren’t playing that night, so I tied on a ‘Super Lumo’ Whiting Snatcher® rig and tried to get a Whiting off the beach. I only had pipi for bait (which I shuffled for with my feet), but I cast out only to watch the pipi fly off the hook (haha). As I went to reel it back in to sort my bait out, I felt a heavy thud, so I reeled in with the waves and much to my surprise I landed an absolute monster Flathead which had stunning colours. Usually, I would throw back this size, but I was hungry and had mouths to feed. It ended up feeding 4 adults and a crow that stole a piece.
WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FISHING SPOTS?
My home turf has the best fishing spots, with the most picturesque places and amazing fisheries. Some of my favourites are the Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip Bay, Bellarine peninsula, Bass coast and Western Port.
WHY DO YOU LOVE TO FISH?
So many reasons – adventure, mental health, food source, physical activity, friends, connections, networking, sanity. It’s all about quality of life.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FISHING STYLE?
I love topwater fishing, targeting pelagic species like kingfish, with casting lures and poppers. I love the adrenaline rush, the challenge and its physical. For bread-and-butter species bottom fishing (like whiting), I usually fish with pre-tied rigs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BLACK MAGIC PRODUCT?
They are all my favourite! Seriously though I can’t pick. Since the day I started using Black Magic products I haven’t looked back for so many reasons – the quality, they’re long-lasting, effective and easy to use, and made well with quality materials!
The things I use the most are the Squid Snatchers® and Whiting Snatchers®. Perfect for what I target and there’s not a day I don’t catch a fish on the whiting rigs. The size of the fish I land on such a small rig is mind-blowing.
WAT ARE YOUR FISHING GOALS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
Working at events with WIRF to encourage women and kids to get into fishing more independently and show them all the benefits of fishing and how to easily access it.
I’m also working on my own TV projects with WIRF and with Michael from OZFish TV.
I’d like to travel more to explore new fishing grounds and meet like-minded people.
My goal is to be a voice in the industry and to bring about a change that is needed to help grow the industry for the future, by creating more balance and equality.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CATCH OR FISHING ADVENTURE?
My dream fish would be a kingfish caught in New Zealand. I loved watching 'Big Angry Fish' episodes – that really got my sense of adventure and adrenaline rushing.
And I’d love to visit Arnhem Land in Australia to learn some cultural and indigenous ways to fish and appreciate Australian culture.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE JUST LEARNING TO FISH?
Study up on location, target species, weather, facilities and basic gear to start.
There’s a range of educational tools you can access via the internet including fishing pages and groups on social media, follow influencers and other anglers on social media, or going to events or talks at your local fishing club or tackle store.
I’d highly recommend using charters or guides to start to get a feel of it and work out your fishing style.
Just trust yourself and give it a go. You will learn from trial and error, and work out what you want to do and where you want to go.
Surround yourself with like-minded people and go out with experienced people.
Adventure and time in nature can outweigh catching a fish. Catching a fish is the bonus.
