Shea Bloom
Based in Victoria, Australia, Shea can be found casting lures in her local rivers or exploring the Aussie coastlines chasing her next catch. She’s a triple threat as a saltwater, freshwater and game angler, chasing everything from trout and murray cod, to snapper and marlin. A leader and mentor for Women in Recreational Fishing (WIRF) and active in restocking local rivers, Shea is all about sharing her knowledge and protecting the fishing grounds for future generations of fishos.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO FISHING?
I grew up on the Border of NSW and Victoria, camping and fishing with my family. My passion was really re-ignited when I met my husband in Far North Queensland. We now share that passion with our two boys.
SHARE A FAVOURITE FISHING MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE
Watching both of our boys catch their first Marlin with my husband and me on our boat as the crew was incredible. Also, catching my PB Giant Trevally at Lindon Banks off Cairns in Queensland is a highlight. Being a part of both the Macquarie Perch program 'Cracking the Code' to bring back Macquarie perch or Maccas from the brink of being critically endangered and the 10 in Ten program recovering 10 Threatened species in ten years.
WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FISHING SPOTS?
Locally in the Upper Murray Victoria, the Murray River for Murray Cod and Trout, and game fishing at Bermagui on the Far South Coast in NSW.
WHY DO YOU LOVE TO FISH?
I love the thrill of setting up my own gear, whether that be to catch myself dinner or for the mental challenge to chase my PB. Being out in nature is also very grounding, and as a family, we have seen some very epic places through fishing. I find if i've had a hard mentally challenging day i can get out on the water and cast and cast and cast without catching anything and this in itself is therapeutic and a great mental reset for me, catching the fish is just the cherry on top.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OF FISHING?
This is a hard question! Here are my top three:
1. Marlin fishing with skipbaits: Seeing the fish come up behind the bait and smash it is exhilarating, and seeing a Marlin come up on a teaser and switching with a livebait is pretty cool.
2. Squid fishing: Especially in super clear water watching the squid come up and ambush the prey/Squid jig.
3. Murray Cod fishing: I love fishing for cod with lures in our local waters. Being part of different organizations allows us to be part of the Victorian fish Stockings, so to be able to catch a fish that my family or I released as a fingerling is pretty darn impressive.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BLACK MAGIC PRODUCT?
This is hard, but I’m going to have to say the Equalizer gimbal and harness. In the haste to get the harness on whilst on a big striped marlin, I have even put the harness on upside down and it still worked a treat! Of course, I am going to say them all, but Flurocarbon leader is also definitely up there, this is something i love and trust and have used for many many years.
WHAT ARE YOUR FISHING GOALS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
Tuna on Top water, NZ Kingfish charter, and catching a Marlin Grand Slam. I’ve currently got a Striped and a Blue; I’m now just chasing a black Marlin. To further inspire Women and Families to fish.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CATCH OR FISHING ADVENTURE?
My dream fish would be a Blue Marlin off the West Coast of Australia in Exmouth with my family.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE JUST LEARNING TO FISH?
Give it a go, ask loads of questions, and read up! Start with the basics and work your way up. Don’t expect to know everything straight up; it will take some fishos months, even years, to catch some of their prized fish! There is some great information available now via websites, YouTube, podcasts, social media, etc. Following different identities through their socials is priceless.
