BNB Fishing mag | January 2022 by bnbfishing

New year new gear

495

Includes GST

January 2022 Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 33, Number 1

Mud crabs on the move Myths busted on jewfish Wading flats for flathead, whiting Tips on Moreton Bay sweetlip and tuskfish

Spinning for tuna and mackerel

Estuary • Offshore • Freshwater • 4WD • Camping • Touring

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 3

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CUSTOMISATION

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From the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing editor

OW, what a crazy ride we had in 2021. No one could have imagined what would be thrown at us throughout the year – snap lockdowns, border closures, vaccinations, protests, new variants and the list goes on. Thankfully, the fishing was top-notch when weather permitted. Though I’m a little restricted as to when I can go fishing – and when I do have the time the weather may not be the best – I’m aiming to change my focus this year and go on more short sharp sessions when the weather, conditions and other factors are right. This will require a bit more planning and a little more organisation, but it should pay dividends. With COVID teaching us that we’re able to work from almost anywhere now, there is also additional flexibility for when the work is done. I didn’t want to mention the ‘C’ word, but it has had a massive impact on all of our lives and is something we need to learn to live with. Unfortunately, there will still be flow-on effects that will be felt across several industries over the coming year. Though hopefully, the supply of materials will improve and boat orders will be delivered in a more timely manner. With new people entering the fishing and boating domain, patience may be required over the busy periods these holidays. I was fortunate that my father taught me not www.bnbfishing.com.au

only angling but also boating and fishing etiquette, which unfortunately seems to be lacking for an increasing number of people these days. I will always offer help at the ramp if I see someone struggling and will suggest an alternative way of doing things, however not everyone is open to receiving advice, even if delivered in a helpful manner. In terms of fishing etiquette, even though there is plenty of water out there, it is surprising how many people have the same or similar GPS marks. With many books and articles available online carrying generic marks, don’t be disappointed if someone is on ‘your’ selected fishing spot. If you turn up and someone has beaten you to the mark, don’t anchor up within casting distance or in their berley trail. Instead use these marks as a starting point and don’t be afraid to do a bit of exploring and keep an eye on your sounder as well as the water. When watching the water, you’re looking out for current lines or eddies that are the result of a changing bottom, as this is what you’re after. I would recommend sounding around on a semi-regular basis, especially if you are new to boating. This way you’ll find your own bit of rubble or reef that is less likely to be fished by others. Price change As you may have noticed, there has been a

slight increase in the cover price of Bush ‘n Beach Fishing. It now retails for $4.95, which is still one of the cheapest magazines on the market. Due to increasing paper and distribution costs, we have had to make the change. The good news is that we have kept the subscription price the same, so you will actually save a little more by subscribing now. One-year subscriptions are $50 each and two-year subscriptions are $95 each. Resolutions and goals As mentioned above, I’m aiming to get out on the water more and it’s worth setting some goals so you have an idea of your target and a bit of direction when you hit the water. Like many anglers, I would love to catch a Gold Coast barramundi. These fish do exist, though they aren’t regularly talked about – which is understandable as I don’t think they would sustain much fishing pressure. I’m also aiming to get back into more bait fishing for whiting with my eldest daughter and will be dusting off the bream gear and chasing a few of them on lures. Hopefully, the black marlin will be the same as last year so I can tick that species off again. There are reports already of catches of small black coming off the Gold Coast – fingers crossed they fire for a while. Happy new year and stay safe on the water over the festive and holiday period. Ben Collins

OUR COVER

JORDAN with his ripper freshwater barramundi. Picture by John Boon. You can read his article about targeting these fish on page 62.

NEXT EDITION: February edition will be on sale in newsagents from January 28. JANUARY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: See the subscription form on Page 75 and subscribe for a year to receive the 2022 Tide Guide or subscribe for two years to receive a 2022 Tide Guide and 2022 Angler’s Almanac valued at $8.25 each. NOVEMBER PRIZE WINNER: Congratulations to A McDonough, Bellmere; A Nicholls, Collingwood Park; A Hyker, Thornlands; B Crisp, Moores Pocket; C McKenna, The Gap; D Fraser, Wynnum; D Tonks, Woolooman; G Hunter, Camp Hill; J Kinman, Warner; M Osko, Capalaba; M Leadbeatter, Ballina NSW; M Taylor, Murgon; P Baggett, Berserker; R Barton, Wellington Point; R Goeldner, Pelican Waters; S Hazzard, Woorim; S Petticrew, Burpengary; S Cox, Bribie Island; T Buckmaster, Manton NSW and T Murray, Nundah who have each won a Gamakatsu pack from Frogleys Offshore valued at $70.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 5

January 2022 contents Moreton Bay tuskies and sweetlip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8 Mud crabs on the move. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . P12 Decent hauls from dirty water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Keith Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P16 Holiday exploring in Moreton Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mark Templeton . . . . . . . . . . . . P18 Tide Times ��P20 Spinning for mackerel and tuna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Justin Willmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P22 Wading flats for fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Clint Ansell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P26 Fishing after a freshwater flush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Heath Zygnerski . . . . . . . . . . . . P30 Testing changes on snapper and pearlies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P31 Tips for wet summer fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Gavin Dobson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P34 What to check before you buy lobster these holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P36 Best places to throw a line in around Ballina. . . . . . . . . . . by Brett Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38 Recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Melissa Frohloff . . . . . . . . . . . . P40 Myths busted on jew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tye Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P44 Top options for Sunshine Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Grant Budd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P46 Charter Directory ��P48 Success fishing isolated patches of reef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Craig Tomkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . P50 New FADs for Fraser Coast ��P52 Competition Calendar ��P52 Fish to ability not expectation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tri Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P54 Product News ��P56 Trading Post ��P58 Pocket guides deliver timely answers ��P59 Persistence leads to successful sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brad Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P60 Cape Capricorn trip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mick Clutterbuck . . . . . . . . . . . P61 January options for Capricorn Coast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by John Boon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P62 No nets for Queensland freshwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P63 2022 crisis year for Queensland’s fishery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Dave Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P64 Quintrex driving new boaties to market ��P66 Mercury DTS for multi-engine configurations ��P67 Lowrance unveils new companion app ��P68 Plea for boaties to monitor safety ��P68 BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards ��P69 Magical time on McArthur River delta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mick Clutterbuck . . . . . . . . . . . P70 Cod recovery project for Brisbane River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Neil Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P71 Glenlyon over 100 percent full. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Dare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P72 Dam Levels ��P72 Readers’ Forum ��P74 Subscription Form ��P75 Happy new gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Paul ‘Chief’ Graveson . . . . . . . P76 Boxing Day with a Lyon family difference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . by ‘Billabong’ Bazz Lyon . . . . . . . . P78 Tiny kitchen cookbook by Ashleigh Butler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P80 Mini Qld lap – Cobbold Gorge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P81 Page 6 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

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The Team

EDITOR: Ben Collins ADVERTISING: Tiffany Brown PRODUCTION: Adrian Cardaci and Lisa Jones

Bush ‘n Beach Fishing magazine is published monthly by Collins Media Pty Ltd ABN 43 159 051 500 ACN 159 051 500 trading as Collins Media. Phone 07 3286 1833 Email: ben@collins.media PO Box 162, Wynnum, Qld 4178 PRINTER: Spotpress DISTRIBUTION BY: Ovato Max. recommended retail price $4.95 (includes GST). CORRESPONDENTS: Editorial contributions are welcome, as is news from clubs, associations or individuals; and new product news from manufacturers. Entire contents copyright. Nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. It is the responsibility of advertisers and contributors to ensure the correctness of their claims and statements. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 7

Justin Coetzee and a nice spangled emperor.

Moreton Bay tuskies and sweetlip Rod Seymour with a grass sweetlip and a snapper from Scarborough.

Les was happy with this nice venus tuskfish.

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WO of the best tasting fish you can catch in Moreton Bay are tuskfish and sweetlip. Three species of tuskies inhabit the bay – venus, purple and blackspot – and two species of sweetlip – grass and spangled. Grass sweetlip have a minimum of 30cm and possession of 10, spangled have a minimum of 45cm and possession of five, and tuskfish have a minimum of 30cm and possession of six. Spangled are the biggest in the sweetlip family and blackspot are the biggest in the tuskfish family. Grassies inhabit the shallow reefs, while spangled live on the drop-offs. Venus and purple tuskies like to feed on the coral grounds and drop-offs, while blackspot prefer the deeper drop-offs. No species of tuskfish can be caught at night – they cover themselves in a slime that helps them stick to overhangs or small caves during the night, which is the reason tuskfish are so slimy.

Moreton Bay by BRIAN WEBB

I use a variety of bait for sweetlip, though small plastics work on catching both species too and small hard-bodies to some degree. But if bait is the choice and you’re fishing the shallows, berley will help to attract them. I usually fish the hour either side of a high in the shallows and as the tide retreats, start working the drop-offs. Pound for pound, grassies are one of the best fighting fish you will come across, the same applies to tuskies. They inhabit areas such as the eastern side of Mud and Green islands, the Wellington Point drop-offs, East Coochie Artificial Reef, the southwest corner of Peel Island, the northern side from Lazeret Gutter down as far as the Rainbow Channel, and also the Scarborough reef system. Some of the best spots to target sweetlip, especially grassies, are the coffee rod structures in

the shipping channel from Curtin Artificial Reef past Bulwer and up towards the Caloundra bar – remember you’ll be in open water and to have the correct safety gear. Spangled can be caught in the Rainbow Channel along the eastern drop-offs and along the shipping channel drop-offs. While fishing the southern bay islands, you’re also in with a chance of catching snapper and goldspotted cod. Bait such as whole small squid, squid heads, fresh green prawns and strips of fresh mullet work well when fishing the shallows. I seldom use a sinker and will let the bait drift slowly down. When I move to the edge of the drop-off, I then use a small sinker and let the bait slowly drift down and retrieve back to the boat in a jerk-like manner.

* continued P9

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Moreton Bay tuskies and sweetlip * from P8

When sweetlip take your bait, it’s a very subtle bite. Use a slow retrieve with bait and plastics. Plastics range from bait style to paddle tail designs in grey white or watermelon on 1/8oz jig heads, use the same plastics for spangles in 2-3” size. Gear is usually a 7’ rod with a whippy tip, 10-12lb braid and 20lb leaders. I use the heavier leader when fishing the dropoff where you can easily get rubbed off. The water of Moreton Bay is mostly shallow and what we’re looking for are rubble grounds, bommies and good drop-offs. The best bite times are dawn and dusk and the

best bites usually come on the drop. With both bait and plastics, use a jerking movement on the retrieve then pause and let the bait or plastic sink back down – sweetlip often follow the lure or bait up and will often hit on the drop. As with all shallow fishing, noise will chase the fish away from the area you’re fishing, so make sure the floor of the boat is covered with carpet or a mat to help reduce it. The best movement for fishing both species is to try and drift the dropoffs – this will depend on the current – drifting the shallows on a high tide then retreating to the drop-offs is one of the best options for targeting these species,

plus you can often catch snapper using the same process. I also find that hot humid days will bring sweetlip on to the bite and once the sun is higher, we go looking for deeper water structure. Now is the best time of year to target both sweetlip and tuskfish. For tuskies, I look for coral grounds and most of the bay islands have coral reef structure – these are what you’re looking for to target them. I use a heavier outfit when targeting big blackspot, and I mean 30lb braid and 40kg leaders. You take the risk using braids as it’s easy to get rubbed off because tuskies’ main living * continued P10

A typical Moreton Bay-sized grass sweetlip.

Jake Weatheralk captured a blackspot tuskfish.

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Moreton Bay tuskies and sweetlip * from P9

Annalea caught this average-sized tuskfish.

A good catch of tuskfish.

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area is on these coral grounds. The second area to look for them are good sized outcrops of coffee rock, which will have some coral reefs attached. The main reason for using heavier gear is tuskfish will take your bait and head straight for cover or overhangs. Three of the best areas to start looking are the bottom end and the northeast corner of Mud – where years ago they dredged Mud for coral for the cement works, the dredging left channels which the tuskies patrol – the eastern side of Green, the northern area of Peel from Lazeret Gutter to the Rainbow Channel, and the eastern side of Rainbow where there are some good caves and steep drop-offs. The three best areas in the bay are Green and Peel islands and the Rainbow Channel. If you intend to target big blackspot, try Green, Rainbow and the drop-off from Curtin up to Bulwer. The purple and venus tuskies will take prawns and squid heads, but the number one bait are small rock or ghost crabs – even a bucket of soldier crabs will come in handy. For bigger blackspot, I use ghost, rock or sand crabs with the nippers removed. You feed the line through the body, placing the hook in the mouth, by using a skewer to push the line through the body. When it comes out through the tail section, use a piece of red tubing to stop the rubbing of the line on the shell –

for blackspot, I use a 7/0 penetrator hook. If fishing Bulwer, I tend to go over the afternoon before and anchor off the beach where I can catch ghost crabs in the evening or early morning – this is when they usually come out – and some of the rocky shoreline hold rock crabs. I have seen videos of blackspot and even the small purple and venus swim up to a rocky outcrop with a mollusc in their mouth and then smash the mollusc against the rocks. You may think sandies are a big bait but if a big blackspot takes hold of it, they can easily crush the crab in their powerful jaws – I’m talking blackspot in the 6-12kg range – and there are a lot at this size around Peel, Rainbow and the Bulwer drop-offs particularly. They also gnaw on fresh coral with their powerful jaws. I have never caught blackspot on flesh bait, their feeding habits are crabs, molluscs and fresh coral. When fishing Bulwer, I often use a downrigger to hold the bait in position because of the strong current. If you don’t have a

downrigger, try a single paternoster rig that will keep your bait just off the bottom. A 4500 or 6500 baitrunner comes in handy and will give a better hook-up rate. Because the blackspot will swim off with the bait, give the fish a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth then hit the lever and, nine times out of 10, you will have one hooked. Then it’s a matter of putting pressure on the fish to keep it away from any overhang it could be heading for. I have also used some of the plastic crabs available in tackle shops and have had success targeting smaller fish, which I upgrade the trebles on. If targeting smaller fish, I use a Shimano Symetre 5000 on an Angler’s Advantage 7’10” 6kg rod – the same gear as for sweetlip. Blackspot tuskies are distinguishable by a black spot halfway down their dorsal fin. Smaller tuskfish are usually a greenish colour, while the bigger fish are usually darker blue. Moreton Bay tuskfish can be tricky to catch, but with persistence comes reward.

Leigh Evans caught this grass sweetlip on a hard-body. www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 11

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Mud crabs on the move

A couple of yummy crabs caught after recent rain.

The Wilson collapsible pots are a favourite of the author.

Plates of rock on a muddy bottom are top crab locations.

Page 12 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

HE La Niña forecast for a wet summer throughout southeast Queensland has one big upside for anglers and that is mud crabs will be on the move. The crabs had already started to fire up after a lean early season, thanks to a lot of rain in late November and early December. Big tide and rain create a lot of run in the water systems and the rain creates a fresh, which gets the crabs on the move. After a lot of rain though, the water goes from a discoloured brown to more of a chocolate brown, and is an indication of more turbid and freshwater mixed in. In these conditions, the crabs will be found in deep holes because the dense more saline water sits underneath the freshwater, which the crabs don’t like. Otherwise crabs will also be carried with a run-out tide and move close to the estuary entrances where the water is again more saline. Crabbing courtesy This should go without saying but unfortunately it needs to be said due to the prevalence of it. If you touch another person’s crab pot float and lift it, you are involved in criminal behaviour. That’s even before you touch or steal the contents. You are interfering with another person’s possessions. You wouldn’t like it happening to you, so don’t touch another

Crabbing Tips by SEAN THOMPSON

crabber’s floats or pots – it’s simply un-Australian and the law will catch up with you. Locations Popular locations to catch mud crabs include around the entrances to drains and small creeks, up some of the bigger drains and arms of rivers and among mangroves such as those around the Moreton Bay islands. Another favourite spot is just off the edge of steep muddy banks, particularly under mangroves and fallen trees. And here is a tip that a professional crabber taught me many years ago. When travelling along major creeks or rivers or the surrounds of mangrove-lined islands, pay close attention to the tree foliage at the entrance to some of the smaller channels and drains you can get your boat up. If you notice some of the tree foliage and branches are freshly broken – broken but still green – it means someone, including professional crabbers, has probably crabbed up there recently and may have caught the big bucks. However, if you notice the foliage is unbroken or the broken bits are brown and dead, it means no one has crabbed up there for a while, so it’s definitely worth dropping your pots up there on a high tide and collecting them on the next high tide.

Crabbing a bigger tide around a full and new moon also means you can get your pots right in among the mangroves or up some of the shallower drains and channels. Finally, a favourite mud crabbing environment less crabbed than others perhaps are rocky foreshores and patches of rocks, particularly flat rocky plates interspersed among muddy bottoms. The crabs take up residence here in holes under the plates of rock. They can be found along some of the foreshore of Moreton Bay and also up a number of the local creeks. Bait The old theory that the smellier the better for crab pot bait is nothing but a myth. I tested the old myth many years ago, running fresh bait in some pots and a smelly big tailor carcass in another. The fish caught two big crabs on day one, but on days two to four and even after a move, nothing! However, it got so rancid that the only ‘joy’ derived was watching my brotherin-law dry reaching with the smell as I pulled it in and threw it away, never to try that theory again! More evidence that the fresher the better for crab pot bait is I have spoken to crab pros and they change * continued P14

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 13

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Mud crabs on the move * from P12

their crab pot bait twice a day. Excellent bait includes chicken carcasses and pieces, pilchard, mullet and other oily fish or frames. If using a whole mullet or fish, be sure to deeply score it so that the scent and juices are carried with the tide. Pots and accessories When it comes to crab pots, you have a few choices, with the main

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ones being the open top pots such as Hayes, to the economical rectangular pots and a variety of the round pot. Rectangular pots are an economical option and retail for around $18. These are good entry level pots, though I have a couple I’ve had for many years and they still catch crabs. Their advantages – other than their price – are they are lightweight and not awkward to carry if crabbing on foot, and they also take up a bit less room in your boat when collapsed. The disadvantage is they are lightweight – you should add a bit of weight such as half a brick in any sort of current and often their two entry points are quite loose and flimsy on purchase. I got around this by zip-tying the ramp entry points to the side of the pot, so they are much tighter and harder for crabs to escape once they are in. Then you have round points with three or four entries. You have a couple of choices here. There are the lightweight cheaper variety, which I don’t recommend. The mesh and rings on these pots are thinner and often they don’t come with their own in-built bait bag. And while you can buy one, I’ve seen these pots easily ripped and torn – including by crab claws, so I personally steer clear of them. If you are going for round pots, go for heavy duty ones instead.

There are a few good models on the market that are bigger, stronger and have huge inbuilt bait bags to fit lots of crab-enticing bait. The Jarvis Walker Deluxe is one such pot I use and recommend, but my all-time favourite would be the Wilson 309CTRO2, which is a heavy duty four-entry pot with a 900mm diameter and extra heavy duty mesh. By far, the best feature of these pots is that they have collapsible aluminium struts that make set up and collapsing a breeze. Easy for children too – not having to struggle and pull apart the two rings of the net to squeeze in that last removable leg as in some pots. Crab’n Gear are another good option for quality four-entry pots, so check out their website for their pro pots and huge range of accessories – crabngear. com.au Speaking of accessories, I have a few to make my crabbing experience a bit easier and more productive. These include replacing the metal hooks on the draw strings to solid plastic ones to make it easier to tie them off, and no pinched skin between your hand and the hook when you pull them tight and over the edge of the ring. Strong bags with string and hooks to secure them in the middle of the pot are another good option to add to the rectangular pots. Then when it comes to floats, if you can * continued P15

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Mud crabs on the move * from P14

find some in stock, the Lokstak stackable floats distributed by Tacspo are an absolute pearler. They allow you to tie off your line so you don’t have more line out than necessary – more line out increases the risk of propeller strike. And if you want, you can remove the floats from your pot and stack them all together. They also come with a great carry handle and are easy to grab or hook from your boat. Finally, if you want to disguise your pot a little more to avoid thieves, you can buy army camouflaged rope from Bunnings and tie your pot off to trees with just a tag

with your name on it. The brand I buy is Grunt, and I prefer the thicker 6mm rope as I find the 4mm tends to tangle much easier. I also add a couple of hex nuts to the rope around the top of it, with some snap-lock ties cut off around the rope to stop the nuts sliding down. This helps to sink your rope to help avoid detection if you have it secured to a tag on a tree, or just to help sink your rope tied to floats to avoid propeller strike. I hope these tips help you catch a few more crabs this summer! For more tips and videos, check out my social media pages Ontour Fishing Australia.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 15

Tony Wright loves crabbing and he doesn’t miss out on mud crabs.

Decent hauls from dirty water

The author’s kids love pulling up the crab pots.

Mud crabs have been on the move after the recent rain. Page 16 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

ELCOME to 2022. Ho p ef u l ly it’s a year filled with lots of fish and crabs. The rivers and creeks certainly copped a good flush out last month. Regular rains do amazing things to a waterway, pushing all the fish and bait out towards the mouth of the system. This can make finding the fish a lot easier as they have less water to feed in. And as the bait starts to push back upstream, the fish will follow and this can be a great time to target a range of species. Jewfish, threadfin, mangrove jack and flathead are all good targets after recent rain. There have been a lot of barramundi turning up the past couple of years, and many anglers are finding them on good quality sounders, as they stand out when located.

Local Luring by KEITH STRATFORD

Barra are still off limits for another month, so these fish need to be left alone if you find them. Mangrove jack feed very well in dirty water. I used to chase them three to four times a week in the local waterways around Brisbane and it was always the dirty water that produced the best results for me. I think a lot of anglers feel the water is too dirty to be throwing lures at them but trust me, it’s not! Deep blood-red prawn imitations and white plastics are always a good start when the water is dirty. Mud crabs also enjoy a good flush out from the rain, and they were certainly on the move last month. I put some pots in for

a couple of nights and caught plenty of nice muddies. I find the months during spring to be very ordinary for mud crabs, so I don’t bother these days. December normally sees enough moving around to get a feed together for Christmas, but the rain got them moving a bit earlier this season. The next four to five months should produce some excellent catches of muddies, especially if the forecasted rain keeps up. Fresh bait is always best. If I’m crabbing for a few days, I make sure I change the bait every day. The bait can start to stink after a day in the water during summer * continued P17

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Decent crab hauls from dirty water when the water temperature is high. Mullet is one of the best types of bait for crabs. These can be bought from the shop or castnetted in the rivers and creeks. Most fish frames work well, and I put a chicken frame or two in each pot as well. Small creek mouths are an obvious place to try for mud crab, but they do receive a lot of attention which can see you ending up with a pot full of female and undersize male crabs. Trying different areas can work in your favour.

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The author with a couple of nice mud crabs.

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03 5022 75 03 5152 32 03 5562 63 03 5443 57 03 5822 21 03 5174 12 03 9397 69 02 6024 65

Tom and Aiden ventured out to Baxters Jetty near Cabbage Tree Creek.

Peter landed a very nice little snapper off the Shorncliffe Pier.

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0402 703 519 Page 18 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

A little long tom from near Margate made Sandrine’s day.

Holiday exploring in Moreton Bay

HAT am I going to do today? Where can I take the kids that is not going to blow the Christmas budget? Well, if you commit between 30-60 minutes of your day, there are so many places you can reach, spend the day and be home before dark! From the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, our region will spoil you for choice. Bypass the theme parks and head to Wellington Point, I bet you can’t remember the last time you were down that way. Grab some bait or flick some lures, the water systems down there are amazing when you spend a few hours on them. Wynnum and Manly are a couple of locations that are still within reach and are very family friendly. From old school takeaways to picturesque parks and waterfront views, visit once and you will be back for more. Nudgee Beach, Deepwater Bend, Shorncliffe and the overlooked Dohles Rocks.

Northern Moreton Bay by MARK TEMPLETON

All are very short trips and these areas are family friendly. There are so many places in the Moreton Bay region to spend a day or even a few hours of quality time with the whole family or even just the kids. White Patch, Bongaree, Red Beach, Skirmish Point and surf side Bribie Island, and if it’s too windy on one side it’s only 10 minutes to the other side, and it can be a dramatic change! It’s such a beautiful place to visit and there are plenty of services and family friendly areas. White Patch would have to be my go-to place on Bribie Island. Beachmere is a little hidden gem too – overlooked by many, this place has to be one of the most relaxing I’ve been to and there is plenty of great beach area for the kids to burn off energy as well. Coochin Creek is a bit off the beaten track but

is a great place to kick back and unwind with the family. Plenty of fish can be caught with the kids and there are also heaps of areas to explore. With places such as this, always remember to pack the Bushman, Off or NoBites to keep the midges and mosquitoes at bay. If you are relying on public transport, Shorncliffe is the destination for you. It is literally a 5-minute walk from the last station to casting a line. One jetty that is going well and providing a great range of fish is Shorncliffe Pier – you just don’t know what it’s going to produce next. Recently we’ve seen stonker bream being caught on hardyheads, herring and blue bait, while the baitfish around the pier are getting smashed by the predators below! As usual, Glenn was not far from the action and chaos. * continued P20

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 19

Tide Times AUSTRALIA EAST COAST BRISBANE EAST BAR COAST – BRISBANE BAR AUSTRALIA, Time

JANUARY m

Time

0210 0846 SU 1524 2047

Time

0.29 2.71 0.43 1.96

17 0248 0924

0.44 2.43 MO 1601 0.66 2125 1.78

0405 1034 WE 1720 2249

0.27 2.71 0.42 2.00

17 0350 1012

18 0325 1000

3 0449 1115

0.30 2.65 TH 1759 0.44 2332 2.02

18 0428 1045

0234 0912 SU 1557 2118

0.26 2.67 0.47 1.88

0.23 2.73 MO 1651 0.43 2213 1.87

Time

0317 0949 TU 1637 2204

0.31 2.55 0.54 1.90

0.47 2.39 0.69 1.75

0144 0820 SA 1459 2021

2022

LAT 27° 22ʼ S LONG 153° 10ʼ E Times and Heights of High and Low Waters FEBRUARY MARCH

1 2

0312 0937 WE 1613 2145

0.44 2.47 0.60 1.95

0.40 2.50 TH 1647 0.56 2221 2.01

Time Zone –1000 APRIL

Time Glenn m Time mbeachTime Time resource m Bribie is anmuntapped was in on the action around 0209gear 0.56 fun. 0339 0.44 0313 the 0.48pier and scored this bream. 0219some 0.42 light for 1 16 1 16

0847 2.60 TU 1531 0.45 2105 2.01

0829 2.39 WE 1504 0.60 2044 2.00

0941 2.40 FR 1610 0.42 2203 2.30

0906 2.37 SA 1536 0.38 2138 2.39

0417 1015 SA 1638 2238

0359 0945 SU 1612 2220

Holiday exploring 17 2 17 in Moreton Bay

0310 0.35 0930 2.62 WE 1613 0.42 TH 2148 2.10 P18 * from

0252 0905 1540 2122

0.47 2.45 0.53 2.11

0.48 2.30 0.43 2.34

0.45 2.32 0.35 2.48

over Margate way, a 0455 0.54little 0445 a0.42 very nice long0.47 tom de3 2.47 1045 2.19 18 1026 2.22 1648 0.42 1615 0.47 off 0.45 to 1645 0.35 TH nice FRsnapper SU 1704 MOmake little cided her day! 2229 2.16 2201 2.20 2313 2.35 2302 2.53 the Shorncliffe Pier reGreat fighters these 0.24 0401 0.41 0.38 0506 0.42 0435 0.37 0415 0.41 0.62 0.52 4 0412 4 0531 4 cently. 4 0530 19 0531 1050 2.74 19 1034 2.47 1154 2.53 19 1118 2.47 1047 2.51 19 1016 2.46 1116 2.05 and 1107 fish, they2.09can get 1742 0.43 1713 0.63 1834 0.48 1752 0.51 1721 0.44 1647 0.43 1729 0.49 1720 0.39 TU WE FR SA FR SA MO TU It just to show – 2346 some to 2.53 them as 2304 1.87 2237 1.85 2339 2.09 2306 2.19 goes2241 2.27 2.33 size2347 put the time well. 0459 0.29 0438 0.41 0014 2.02 0545 0.49 0514 in 0.44 0455 and 0.43 you 0605 0.72 0621 0.60 5 1136 2.68 20 1109 2.47 5 0612 0.50 20 1152 2.39 5 get 5 1146Word 1121 2.39 20 1051 2.39 1.91 20 1153 1.93 the rewards. to the wise WE 1829 0.45 TH 1746 0.62 SA 1230 2.38 SU 1824 0.51 SA 1750 0.47 SU 1719 0.42 TU 1755 0.56 WE 1757 0.47 2353 1.86 2315 1.87 1907 0.53 2343 2.20 2320 2.32 Well done Peter and though, keep your fin0.38 0515 0.45 2.00 0020 2.10 0.55you make 0537 0.50 2.27 away 0035 from 2.48 hope many6 0020 gers the 6 0545 6 0055 6 I0550 1221 2.58 21 1143 2.45 0653 0.65 21 0626 0.58 1152 2.24 21 1128 2.27 0643 0.82 21 0718 0.69 1816 0.51 memories 1.76 1245 1.76 TH 1913 0.50 FR 1821 0.61 SU 1304 2.20 MO 1229 2.27 SU more MO 1750 0.44 out WE 1218 TH pointy end! 2356 1.88 1940 0.59 1857 0.53 1824 0.65 1841 0.58 there. Well done Sandrine 0042 1.84 0554 0.51 0139 1.97 0104 2.10 0019 2.18 0001 2.33 0059 2.19 2.39 7 0631 0.50 22 1218 2.40 7 0737 0.81 22 0714 0.70 7 0627 22 0621 22 0130 Tom0.68and his 0.60 friend7 0726 and0.91thank you0.76for the 0829 FR 1304 2.44 SA 1857 0.61 MO 1341 2.01 TU 1309 2.10 MO 1223 2.07 TU 1206 2.11 TH 1257 1.62 FR 1353 1.64 Aiden out to 1900 photos. 1956 0.56 2015 0.64 1935 0.56 1844 0.57ventured 1823 0.49 0.77 1937 0.70 Baxters near 0132 1.82 0039 1.88 0230 1.94 0158 2.09 0057 2.14 Jetty 0046 2.31Cab- 0145It2.10 doesn’t 0238 2.31matter 8 0720 0.65 23 0636 0.59 8 0830 0.95 23 0813 0.82 8 bage 8 0822where 0706 0.82 23 0712 0.72 0.99 23 0947 0.77 Tree Creek with you end up these SA 1348 2.27 SU 1255 2.33 TU 1422 1.82 WE 1359 1.92 TU 1254 1.88 WE 1250 1.92 FR 1350 1.51 SA 1518 1.60 2038 0.60 1934 0.60 2057 0.70 2023 0.61 1913 0.65 0.88 0.80saving mum Annie1901 and0.56 had a 1947 holidays, a2055 time 0227 1.81 0128 1.89 0332 1.92 0305 2.09 0138 2.07 time. 0140 2.26 0245 2.02 is to0354 2.27 a bag cracker idea have 9 0815 0.79 24 0725 0.70 9 0943 1.05 24 0930 0.91 9 0753 0.95 24 0815 0.83 9 0944 1.01 24 1101 0.72 1347 1.74 1.45 SU 1645 the 1.68 essenTom1.71 TH and Aiden packed with SU 1432 2.10 MO 1337 2.22 WE 1519 1.66 TH 1508 1.75 WE 1332 SA 1514 2121 0.63 2016 0.59 2151 0.75 2128 0.66 1949 0.74 1951 0.66 2059 0.97 2226 0.81 proudly shared a photo tials in the car waiting 0447 1.96 2.28 1.83 0225 1.91 0428 2.14 0230 2.00 2.21 0403 1.99 25 0509 10 0329 25 0247 a healthy for0.96 to go. 1205 0.63 0918 0.92 25 0826 0.80 10 1115 1.05 25 1108 0.90 10 taken 0857 1.04with 0941 0.88 10 1111 TH 1638 1.57 FR 1637 1.66 MO 1523 1.94 TU 1429 2.08 TH 1427 1.55 FR 1509 1.61 SU 1654 1.52 MO 1756 1.84 little bream.2103 0.75 water, 2209 0.64 2107 0.59 2247 0.67 2041 0.85 2230Bottled 0.96 2258 0.76 2348 0.74 sunThey managed screen, spare hats, a 0557 2.04 0613 2.30 0436 1.89 0335 1.96 0549 2.25 0342 1.96 even0411 2.20 0518 2.05 26 1259aid0.54kit and 11 1033 0.98 26 0941 0.87 11 1238 0.97 26 1239 0.79 11 a1032couple 1.06 26 0.83 11 1213 0.86 first of 1114 whiting as basic FR 1800 1.57 SA 1804 1.68 TU 1620 1.81 WE 1531 1.94 FR 1555 1.47 SA 1646 1.61 MO 1800 1.66 TU 1853 2.01 2300 0.63 2208 0.58 2157 0.91 2235 day 0.77 out 2346 0.86 well – a great another bag with a 0003 0.73 0055clothes, 0540 1.99 0453 2.07 0008 0.62 0506 1.98 0533 2.27 0616 2.15 and about and a few change of a 12 1151 0.97 27 1108 0.88 12 0654 2.15 27 0700 2.39 12 1205 0.98 27 1231 0.71 12 1301 0.74 27 0706 0.66 2.32 0.48 and of 1735 1.51 1809 1.73 1.82 WE fishSU too. couple of 1345 towels SA 1336 0.86 SU 1349 0.65 WE 1724 1.73 TH 1646 1.83 SA good TU 1850 1902 1.63 1941 2.15 2352 0.60 2315 0.55 1918 1.79 2321 0.88 Well done Tom and course an emergency 0100 0.66 0.60 0635 2.11 0606 2.23 0120 0.52 0614 2.08 0001 0.70 0046 0.74 13 1300 0.91 28 1237 0.80 13 0741 2.26 28 0758 2.52 13 Aiden, 28 thanks 13 0704toilet 28 0149 0751 2.29 1304 0.87and 0641 2.37 An2.25 roll. 1840 1.62 MO 1331 0.58 1344 0.63 TH 1423 0.44 SU 1421 0.77 MO 1445 0.53 TH 1826 1.70 FR 1802 1.78 SU nie WE for being1913 chauffeur will 1951 1.71 2023 kids 2.27 2016 1.90 1.89 1933Somehow, 1.98 once again! 0113 0.58 always that 0042 0.56 0022 0.49 0149 0.57 0030 0.78 0139 0.63 find 0236 0.57one bit 14 0723 2.23 29 0712 2.40 14 0823 2.35 14 0706 14 0746of 2.33 29to0830fall2.24in! water We 2.19 see29a 0737 lot 2.45 of the FR 1355 0.82 SA 1353 0.68 MO 1501 0.69 MO 1348 0.77 TU 1420 0.49 TH 1423 0.53 FR 1458 0.42 1920 1.70 1915 1.79 2030 1.80 1926 1.76 2003 2.03spe- 2015If2.13 2101 the 2.35 small you leave bread-and-butter 0128 0.51 0127 0.42 0231 0.50 0123 0.66 0209 0.49 by 0227 0.54 in the 0319 car bag over cies being caught 15 0806 2.32 30 0810 2.55 15 0901 2.42 15 0749 2.30 30 0823 2.48 15 0827 2.37 30 0907 0.57 2.16 the0.45holidays, it might from Shorn1428 0.67 WE 1501 0.44 SA 1442 0.74 SU 1456 0.56 TU 1538 0.64 TU children FR 1500 SA 1528 0.42 2007 1.72 2018 1.84 2108 1.87 2006 1.88 2.15 2057 2.27 2.41 save you2137having to cliffe Pier,2047Cabbage 0225 0.34 0257 0.44 head home earlier than Tree Creek the Pine 31 0901 2.66 31and 0904 2.46 MO 1549 0.47 TH 1538 0.42 River, including bream, planned, and it might 2115 1.90 2127 2.24 whiting, flathead, cod, save you from an em Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2021, Bureau of Meteorology butterfish, toadfish and barrassing situation! New Moon First Quarter Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide If you need more idemy favourite… garfish. Full Moon Last Quarter as onLast taking your chilSandrine had a great New Moon First Quarter Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon jump onto surprise while she was dren fishing, 7

3 0324 1001

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0.39 2.51 FR 1720 0.53 2300 2.06

Page 20 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

0.33 landed 0333 Peter 3 0355 1011 2.59 18 0941

our website tackleland. com.au/posts/ and have a read of the articles written by our customers, this too could save you bit of a headache. Before you hit the water, double check your safety gear for serviceability and check the dates on your flares because if your gear is not up to speed, it will not save you or your family when it has to. We get asked, “Should I have an emergency position indicating radio beacon?” a lot. And the default answer is, “If you need immediate help and your phone is not working or you’re out of range then flick the switch.” Though they are not cheap and not required in all water systems, it could save a life if someone was to have a heart attack, an allergic reaction or other emergency medical episode. Food for thought! We don’t sell them, but if you decided to get one, do a bit of research on a reputable supplier. Enjoy the time spent together and maintain the passion!

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 21

Kaitlin with a Hervey Bay mack tuna that couldn’t resist a Fish Inc Flanker.

Spinning for mackerel and tuna Jason Milne with some quality mackerel landed on the heavier tuna spin tackle.

Sean Bekkers having some fun on the Hervey Bay mack tuna, fishing medium weight spin tackle.

The author with a mack tuna that responded to a larger Fish Inc stickbait.

The TT Lures Hard Core metal slug is a great starting point for mackerel and tuna. Page 22 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

ERVOUS bait appears like rain on the surface of the water before out of nowhere the attack comes from both below and above. Fish fins and teeth carve up the surface of the water and birds descend from above, taking advantage of the hapless baitfish that have nowhere left to run. A quick cast into the melee, a few fast cranks of the handle, the rod buckles and the drag starts to sing that pelagic song as line rapidly disappears off the reel. Welcome to spinning for mackerel and tuna. Tuna and mackerel are species that I chased more frequently back in the day, and I am only now getting back into them again, thanks to a friend Sean and his daughters – who are pumped about chasing these speedsters for sport and a feed. In this article I want to outline some of the gear, techniques and tips that work for us when chasing mackerel and tuna through the summer months. Beacons, birds, bust ups and bait We are chasing the school and spotted

Tackle Tactics by JUSTIN WILLMER

mackerel and tuna from tinnies, so generally pick fairly good weather days – this can assist with spotting bait on the surface appearing as ripples or ‘nervous’ water, along with picking up on fish busting up on bait even at a distance. This is especially true of mackerel which can present as short and punchy chopping, right on the surface and much less pronounced when compared to tuna that are at times throwing themselves out of the water. If the water is rough and white capped, then it’s harder to visually locate bait and bust ups, so we will often rely on spotting feeding birds or troll previously productive areas with metal slugs, stickbaits and diving minnows until we find fish. Another method of locating mackerel is to focus on the beacons and marker posts that create eddies and attract bait. The amount of current will often impact where you cast – make

casts past the post, allowing the lure to sink down to the bottom or to baitfish spotted on the sounder and then retrieve to represent a fleeing or injured baitfish and attract the strike. In less flow or with heavier presentations, you can also cast to the down-current side of the post, again allow the lure to sink and then commence your retrieve. For open water schools of mackerel and tuna busting up, it’s a balance between being close enough to get your lure in there, while at the same time not spooking them. These fish will often ball bait schools up into the wind, so you can use the wind to your advantage. Stop upwind of the approaching school, throw long casts with the wind and hope that the school moves towards you. Some days fish won’t care where you are and will almost headbutt the boat, while on oth* continued P24

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 23

Spinning for mackerel and tuna * from P22

Jason Milne from Last Cast Adventures with a nice surprise yellowfin while kayak fishing the Sunshine Coast.

Go-to mackerel and tuna presentations.

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er occasions you can barely get within casting distance and they’re gone… making for some fairly frustrating fishing. Keep an eye on the sounder too as fish may appear below you and eat a lure if you get it to them. Another option is to take turns at making casts – with one person driving the boat while the other casts and then swapping over after a fish… or too many casts. One tip that has paid off is to keep the motor revs stable. So, if you idle into the school, keep the boat idling in neutral, rather than speeding up and stopping dead or revving the motor up and down. Our last resort technique – generally inspired by frustration – is to motor in flat out, knock it into neutral and then just spray casts everywhere. As aggressive as it sounds, it has paid off at times. Retrieve techniques Popular retrieves include a straight burn (or high-speed retrieve), a burn and kill (or fast wind and pause), a series of rips and pauses and then a combination of the above during a single retrieve. If more than one person in the boat, it pays to mix up the retrieves until you crack a pattern. Remember, you are trying to imitate a fleeing or injured baitfish, so get that lure presentation moving as a baitfish would. If the bite is quiet, you can also try drift-

ing out or slow trolling a lure or bait, such as a pilchard, garfish or yellowtail pike. Three go-to presentations A great presentation if you want to spin up a mackerel or tuna in the bay is a metal slug, with the TT Lures Hard Core 20g, 30g and 40g being my go-tos. Metal slugs, chromies, metals and the various other names simply describe a baitfish shaped piece of metal, commonly with an attachment point for your line at one end and an attachment point with a split ring and treble at the other. Metal slugs are inexpensive, cast long, sink fast and fish love them. There are times though when the metal slug is sinking too fast or needs to be moved too quickly to keep it in the strike zone and that’s when sinking stickbaits come into their own. Stickbaits are simiilar to a hard-body lure but without the bib – often shimmying on the sink,

sinking slower than a metal and they can be retrieved at speed, with a burn and kill or with a sweep and pause of the rod tip for an erratic action. The realistic baitfish profile and slow natural sink gets the bites when the fish are finicky. One stickbait that has stood out above all others and developed a cult following is the Fish Inc Flanker in an 85mm (19g) and a 115mm (28g). Fish eat these when they don’t want to eat anything… these stickbaits just catch. Another option on larger fish, especially in rougher conditions, is to throw a larger stickbait such as the 120mm Fish Inc Right Wing – its bulkier presentation more visible to the fish. Finally, soft plastics are proving effective especially on a tough bite and they are another inexpensive option. Plastics can match the hatch well and if * continued P25

If the fish are finicky, it’s hard to go past the profile and action of the Fish Inc Flanker. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Spinning for mackerel and tuna * from P24

the bait is small try a Z-Man 3.75” StreakZ – stepping up to a 5” StreakZ if the bait is larger – with the smaller presentation rigged on a 1/4oz or 3/8oz 2/0 TT Lures HeadlockZ HD jig head and the larger on a 1/4oz to 1oz 5/0. Plastics can be fished with almost any retrieve and a go-to starting colour is Pearl.

Combo selection It’s fun to fish light, however sharks love eating pelagic species during the fight, so it’s worth going heavy enough to keep the battle relatively short. For school and spotted mackerel and smaller tuna, we commonly run 4-8kg and 5-12kg spin rods, with 4000 size reels, 20lb braid and 40-60lb leaders.

Match the hatch. This tuna nailed a Z-Man 3.75” StreakZ cast by Jason Milne.

For larger lures and when specifically targeting tuna, we upsize the gear to 20-40lb spin rods, 6000-8000 size reels loaded with 30lb braid and 40-80lb leader. Where possible we try to avoid using wire trace as it can dramatically reduce bites, however if mackerel are decimating your lure collection you can tie on a short single strand wire bite guard. That’s a quick look at spinning for mackerel and tuna. Now, it’s time to get out there, find the four Bs – beacons, birds, bust ups and bait – and get the heart rate up when everything locks up solid and the drag starts screaming. See you on the water…

Declan Williams spinning up the mackerel on a Fish Inc Flanker.

Many anglers chase tuna purely for sport, however after a little research Jason Milne found some delicious ways to present this fish.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 25

Kat caught her best ever 38cm whiting on a wading charter with the author.

Norm with his biggest whiting of 40cm on a charter with the author and friend Terry Hitzke.

Wading flats for fish

H Victor caught this nice tuskfish on an Ecogear Marukyu Isome red worm.

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Broadwater Guide by CLINT ANSELL

grove jack charters, however this year I have been heavily booked with day charters, especially wading the Broadwater flats for big sand whiting, flathead and bream. It’s a great time of year to fish the banks on a run-in tide, either wading or anchored. I know I’ve covered this topic before, but I thought I’d throw in some more tips for those on holiday in the area this month. We’ll use the Broadwater Tourist Park as a reference because it’s central to the good fishing spots and boat ramps. In the accompanying map, I’ve marked the tourist park and the adjacent boat ramp with a red cross – which has excellent facilities and parking. I have also circled in red the best places to pump for yabbies and fish for whiting, flathead and bream.

Yabbies are easily pumped in these areas and, when the tide is high enough, you can anchor on top of banks – preferably near yabby holes as these are where fish feed. Be prepared to move every half hour to escape pests such as toadfish and until you find decent fish. Use as light a sinker as possible, or no sinker if there’s enough wind to help you cast. Then always keep the bait moving after you cast out by slowly winding. Don’t keep it stationary too long otherwise stingrays will find it and get hooked. When you do get a decent bite, don’t strike too soon or you’ll miss bigger fish. Give them slack line to allow time to crush and then swallow the hook. After the tide turns, be sure to move your boat into deeper water * continued P28

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 27

Cooper was stoked to catch his first giant trevally on a charter with Brad Smith.

Steve with a cracker 39cm bream on a Brad Smith charter.

Wading flats for fish * from P26

Brian with some big whiting caught while wading in the Broadwater.

Mason had a great day with dad Michael. Page 28 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

so as not to get stuck on the bank. It also helps to cast a yabby in a different direction each time to find the flathead and whiting schools. Flathead have a legal slot length of minimum 40cm and maximum 75cm – any fish outside this slot size must be released. I usually release any flathead over 60cm because they are likely to be breeding females. Sand whiting have a minimum size in Queensland of 23cm, but they’re not worth keeping for fillets until they get to 28cm or more. I prefer to use cheap baitholder hooks such as Jarvis Walker – if a fish swallows a hook it has a better chance of surviving if you cut the line and release it, as these hooks rust and crumble in a few days. Brad has been lure fishing with Samaki Vibelicious and Ecogear ZX40 blades at both the Tweed River and

Gold Coast Broadwater, and has been putting his customers on to quality flathead, trevally, bream and the occasional surprise school mackerel and squid. To book on a charter with myself or Brad or

if you have any fishing related questions, SMS 0432 990 302, email f ish i ngwit hcl i nt@ gmail.com, find us on Facebook at Brad Smith Fishing Charters or our website goldcoastriver charters.com

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 29

Fishing after a freshwater flush

ET, wet, wet is what it has been for the past few weeks on the Gold Coast and with the confirmation of La Niña being in full swing, we will see above average rainfall this summer. What does this mean for fishers? Getting wet for one, and with that most likely reduced numbers of boats on the water. The rain does funny things to the rivers and

Gold Coast by HEATH ZYGNERSKI

creeks and ultimately the ocean. When rivers and creeks flood, it gives them a good clean out and stirs things up. In the short term the fish may go off the chew due to the amount of fresh, but once things settle down the fish will fire up with a vengeance.

At this time of year, mangrove jack are the prime target for most estuary anglers. The usual haunts such as walls and bridges will produce, however it is the favourite snags that may have moved and appeared with the flood tide that will have anglers pulling out eve-

Mitch landed this solid jewfish on a jig. Page 30 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

ry trick they have in their book. A good fresh is known to get mud crabs on the march and the timing is right to have a bumper crab season in time for Christmas. When the rivers and creeks spew what resembles coffee into the ocean, things can get interesting. A big fresh will actually plummet the water temperature on the close reefs and reduce

visibility to nearly zero. I’ve found fish such as mackerel will only hang around for a few days in dirty water before moving on to warmer cleaner areas. On the other hand, jewfish, trevally and similar fish relish the dirty water. While out on the ocean, finding a water line where clean and dirty water meet is like finding gold. These areas are a fish magnet, with pelagics hunting along the edge of the dirty water knocking off any baitfish that might poke its head out. Towing lures or live or dead bait along these edges is a great way to raise some good fish such as wahoo, marlin and spanish mackerel. The dirty water after a lot of rain can reach many kilometres out to sea and, be warned, in this dirty water are any number of obstacles and types of debris that can damage a boat. Logs and trees are only a couple of examples, also be on the lookout for tarps and rope that can get wrapped around a motor, dead animals such as cows, floating backyard furniture, bins and buckets – all can wreak havoc on the water, so care must be taken, especially in low light conditions. As of early December, we haven’t seen too many spotted mackerel being caught. The water was taking its sweet time getting up to that trigger point of 23C and when it did, along came 100mm of rain and the northerly wind. * continued P31

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Fishing after a freshwater flush * from P30

So, it may be very close to Christmas before we get a good crack at them. There have been some very small spaniards around, which could be a sign of a great year for the blues. Aquaholic finally got a nice new donk on its bottom in preparation for summer. We’ve had it out for a few trips and wow! With the latest model Honda 225 on the rear, I didn’t think there would be too much difference between the new and old motor. But the new donk has blown us away with how powerful and quiet it is. Sporting a 4-blade propeller, we now cruise around at much lower revs per minute for similar speed, and when it comes to economy I can’t complain at 0.6L/km at 4000rpm, which sees us at 50km/h ground speed. I have noticed that the holeshot is not quite as snappy, but it still throws you back when you punch it. Through the midrange is where I have noticed the most difference, with heaps of torque and topping out at about 80km/h at wide open throttle. The team at Silver Service Marine at Burleigh Heads sourced the motor – which was no easy task with only a handful in the country until April 2022 – and had it installed in a day. I always viewed the NMEA2000 as a bit of novelty, but now my www.bnbfishing.com.au

motor has it, I can see it being very useful as some bigger and longer trips come into play. The seven-year factory warranty that Honda provides was also a major draw card. The ramps and estuaries are bound to be packed over the Christmas break with things finally getting back to something close to normality. Patience and common sense will be the key this summer because huge numbers of fishos will be wanting to blow cobwebs off their gear. The local bars have had a good flush at the time of writing, so their condition will be new to us all. Tweed had some dredging done which should improve things. However, with the border being shut for the past few months, I haven’t been able to get down there to use it. Currumbin was also being dredged before the rain. It looked as though it was improving, with a channel out and a fair bit of a run north before getting into deeper water. Tally is the same – narrow and shallow. The Seaway seems to have that northern bank encroaching south a fair bit more than I remember it. I suggest sticking to the southern side as you head out, just to be safe, especially in a making tide and when there is a bit of swell. Wishing you all the best for 2022 and I hope Santa emptied his sack at your place.

Testing management changes on spawning snapper and pearl perch

E SE A RC H ERS from the Depa r tment of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland have developed a management strategy evaluation tool to test the effects of potential management changes on the spawning biomass of snapper and pearl perch in Queensland. The MSE was developed in collaboration with a scientist from the University of Tasmania and software consultants from MathWorks and Jundra. The MSE was built on stock assessment procedures to construct a virtual stock on which various management scenarios were imposed to determine their effect. Snapper and pearl

perch have been exploited since the late 1880s and are both currently assessed as depleted in Queensland. Previous stock assessments indicate the spawning biomasses of both snapper and pearl perch are currently at unsustainable levels and significant management intervention is required. The MSE confirms that significant increases in the minimum legal size that allows more animals to spawn before capture will have a positive effect on the spawning biomasses of both species. This combined with an increase in the length of the spawning closure is likely to increase the spawning biomasses

to acceptable levels in Queensland. The MSE enables Fisheries Queensland to make evidencebased management decisions. Stakeholders are unlikely to support management intervention that significantly reduces catch if there is insufficient evidence that such measures will achieve fishery objectives. The MSE enables Fisheries Queensland to demonstrate the efficacy of management changes before their implementation. The MSE can also help guide the development of appropriate harvest control rules and harvest strategies. For more information, visit daf.qld.gov. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 33

Beautiful colours, hard fighting and great eating, Peter displays one of his parrotfish.

Tips for wet summer fishing

Mackerel are the fish on everyone lips at the moment. Toby with a fish from last season.

Judah’s first fish. Exciting times! Page 34 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

AIN, we’ve had a lot of it and we are in for a lot more, so they reckon. It’s certainly affected the fishing scene in the river systems, that’s for sure. There are always good and bad points to a wet summer. The bad is that the people upstream miss out on the action and some species such as trevally might leave the river all together. This isn’t necessarily true every wet season, as it depends on the prawns. A good flush of fresh every now and then will keep prawns moving and trevally will hang around the river mouth for a feast, but a constant fresh will mess the prawns up and the trevally will usually leave. It depends on how wet a summer it will actually be. Time will tell. The good news about a wet summer is that the river species will be concentrated low in the system and this can make for some good

Tweed to Byron Bay by GAVIN DOBSON

fishing for all the summer specialists such as whiting, flathead, jewfish, mangrove jack and of course mud crabs. Having a fresh before Christmas is a bonus for those chasing mud crabs in time for the holiday season and it has already brought them on. Alas, as is expected in late spring and early summer, they are empty but this will change quickly and by the new year they will start to fill out. This time of year is always exciting for the offshore brigade with pelagics on everyone’s mind. So far the water out wide has been green and cold, which is not at all conducive to wahoo or mahi mahi. As a result, I haven’t heard of any being caught but that could have changed because – while no boats have ventured wide – the water has warmed inshore

over the past couple of days and yes, a couple of mackerel have been caught. These are confirmed captures I might add and not social media rubbish. Some people take great pleasure out of stirring the pot every year by posting last season’s fish as early captures this season... why is beyond me. Out wider recently, while the water was a little colder, the current wasn’t out of control and many boats took advantage by going out for a feed of reef fish. I headed out with my friend Peter for a lazy Tuesday fish and we worked our way wider catching a feed. Peter is a very keen lure fisho, so he gave the plastics a run while I stuck to the boring bottom bouncing – not too exciting but effective. We were both putting * continued P36

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 35

Tips for wet summer fishing * from P34

Get your kids out fishing these holidays, it’s a great recreation that may last a lifetime.

fish in the boat regularly and I was surprised by how aggressively the parrotfish were hitting Peter’s plastics. I enjoyed watching the process as Peter boated not only parrot but maori cod, snapper, flathead and more. I was bagging the same species on bait but the lures were definitely more dynamic for the angler. So, does this mean I will give lures a try? Probably not. I was a very avid lure fisher when I was younger but have definitely turned more towards bait these days – but who knows, I may return to lures.

It’s the beauty of fishing – there are many varieties of techniques, species and places you never get sick of it. Back to fishing… it’s not a bad option to try to cover a few bases this month. Mackerel are always patchy early in the season, so take the bottomfishing gear and if the mackos don’t bite in close, you may want to get out wide. There could be a pelagic out there but if not, a drop to the bottom might save the trip from being a total bust. All the best and I hope the mud crabs and mackerel turn it on. Merry Christmas and happy new year.

What to check before you buy lobster these holidays

UMMER is one of the most popular times of the year to buy lobsters, crabs and other crustaceans. For those who choose to do so, the RSPCA has one very important reminder – don’t buy them alive. Buy them frozen or fresh but already dead and make sure they’ve been killed humanely.

Why is this so important Crustaceans have multiple nerve centres running through their bodies. Research has shown that killing without first stunning the animal and then quickly destroying the nerve centres means they will suffer. In the UK, a new animal welfare bill now

Page 36 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

includes lobsters, crabs and octopuses. This came after an independent review found scientific evidence that decapod crustaceans, such as lobsters and crabs, and cephalopod molluscs, such as octopuses and squid, are capable of feeling and therefore should be considered sentient beings. In Australia, whether these animals are protected under state and territory animal welfare legalisation depends on how that state or territory defines an ‘animal’. The RSPCA accepts the strong evidence that indicates that crustaceans are capable of experiencing pain and suffering. This means that as for other animals slaugh-

tered for food, stunning and killing crustaceans must be done by skilled people using specialised equipment and never done at home or in a restaurant. How should it be done Stunning of crustaceans must be reflective of the species, whether they are salt or freshwater animals. Getting this wrong means the animal will go into severe shock and die a painful death. And most crucially, live crustaceans must never be placed in the microwave or into hot or boiling water. For those working in the seafood industry, including chefs and seafood sellers, the RSPCA has this detailed guide about the most humane way to

kill crustaceans for human consumption. What you can do • Never buy your lobsters, crabs, crayfish, Moreton Bay bugs and yabbies alive. • Make sure your seafood retailer is killing their crustaceans humanely and ask about their methods, also let them know about the guide. • Remember, as a customer, your voice has a lot of influence – you can make a positive difference to how animals are treated with the choices you make, by asking the question and expressing your views to brands and retailers – they are listening, so now has never been a better time to make a point to support better animal welfare.

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Scott with a flathead that was tagged and released in the Richmond River.

Marlon with his first bass at Toonumbar Dam caught on an Atomic Cicada.

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Best places to throw a line in around Ballina

ELLO, I hope you all had a safe and fun filled festive season with those nearest and dearest to you. This time can be incredibly hectic with work and family commitments, so I do hope you are getting the opportunity to wet a line at some point. Even harder than trying to find the time to go fishing at this time of the year, can be find-

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Ballina Bait & Tackle by BRETT HYDE

ing a place to throw a line in. The best suggestion I can give is to try to head out at either end of the day. An early morning fish or a late afternoon evening session are probably the best bets over the holiday break, as there will be less people around at these times of the day. I guess the early bird catches the worm, which can then be put on a hook to catch a fish… well, something like that. Anyway, let’s get on with the fishing. It’s usually sometime around the end of January when mackerel start to show up in numbers on the close reefs. So now is the time to start prepping a few rigs, checking your rods and giving those favourite reels a service, making sure everything is ready to go when the

toothy critters do finally show up. Until they do, we will keep chasing mahi mahi around the fish aggregating devices or Waverider buoy on live bait, pilchard or skirted lures. If you happen to head a little wider than the FAD and can find a current line or a temperature change, there may also be a couple of extra-large models in areas of this type. It will be worth trolling north or south along this temperature change because mahi mahi prefer to sit in warmer water whenever possible. Skirted lures have been tempting marlin between the 32 and 48-fathom lines as well as an occasional tuna out on the shelf when the weather made it possible to run out that wide. The current has still

* continued P40

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 39

Best places to throw a line in around Ballina * from P38

by MELISSA FROHLOFF

Vietnamese Barbecued Quail Ingredients

Method

• 8 quail

1. Cut the backbone of the quail in half so you can spread the birds flat on the grill.

• 4 tsp minced garlic • 2 tsp white pepper •1 /2 tsp Chinese five spice powder • 2 tsp Himalayan salt • 4 tbsp oyster sauce • 2 tbsp honey •4 tbsp dashi (soy sauce) • 1 tbsp sesame oil • 1 tsp sesame seeds •1 fresh red cayenne chilli, finely sliced •1 kaffir lime leaf, finely sliced

2. Combine garlic, pepper, Chinese five spice powder, salt, oyster sauce, honey, dashi, sesame oil in a bowl and rub into quail. Allow quail to marinate in fridge for at least three hours. 3. Pre-heat barbecue grill plate to high heat. 4. Cook the quail over direct heat, skin side down until skin is crispy. Reduce the heat to low and grill birds 6-8 minutes per side. 5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, kaffir lime leaf, chilli and serve paired with your favourite sides.

Prep time: 3 hrs | Cooking time: 20 min | Serves 4 Page 40 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

been fairly strong, but snapper, flathead and teraglin have all been hanging around the 32s, while pearl perch and amberjack have been playing with live bait and jigs on the north 48s. Colour choice has been all over the shop as far as jigs are concerned, with everything from silver to pink having some success in recent weeks. Bright coloured soft plastics rigged on 2oz jig heads have been the most productive along the 32-fathom line, while the Daiwa Kohga jigs in the 100-150g range have also been quite popular. In the river this summer, flathead have been fairly consistent with better numbers of fish being landed between the mouth of the river and Pimlico Island. A run-out tide has been slightly more productive for the most part, as opposed to a run-in tide that whiting prefer in summer. For the lure brigade, small hard-body lures and 70-100mm soft plastics have worked quite well, while for anyone wanting to soak a bait, the usual white pilchard, prawns and mullet fillets have been staples. The warm weather has certainly pushed flathead out a little deeper in an attempt to keep cool, so if you’re trying your luck during the day, the deeper channels would be a good place to start looking. Similar to flathead, mangrove jack and mud crabs have also had a

preference for a run-out tide. The better numbers of jack seem to be between the ferry and Wardell Bridge, however Prospect Bridge and some of the rock walls below the ferry have also produced a few fish over the past month. Both creeks along with the main river have been holding a few crabs but, similar to flathead, the crabs have been out a little deeper in recent weeks. Whiting have been fairly well spread out, with quality fish landed between the mouth of the river and Pimlico Island, and also up North Creek as far as the airport. As usual, bigger fish have been showing up around a larger run-in tide and biting well on worms, yabbies and peeled prawns. Some good quality fish have also been landed using small stickbaits and surface poppers such as Bassday Sugapen, Daiwa Slippery Dog, Atomic Hardz Pop 50mm and MMD Splash Prawn. The bass have also been showing plenty of interest in surface lures early morning and late afternoon. Lures such as ZMan Finesse FrogZ, Profishent MC Fizz, Tiemco Soft Shell Cicadas and OSP Bent Minnows have all been tempting fish, as well as some Bassman Spinnerbaits Mumbler Jaw Knocker and All Terrain Tackle jigs in darker colours later in the day. Well, that’s about all from me, until next time… tight lines!

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 43

At 11am with a 1.5m swell running, hooked up to a solid jewfish.

Myths busted on jew

A 20kg golden jewfish on a 14cm Rapala X-Rap lure, and home before lunch.

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T never ceases to amaze me how many anglers still believe jewfish are primarily a night-time feeder, when in fact anglers in the know will actually catch the bulk of their large jew during daylight hours. Personally, all of my 30kg plus fish have been taken during the day and the majority of my 20kg plus fish were also taken during daylight hours, be they from the breakwalls, beaches or headlands. The accompanying images are a little taste of what’s possible without putting in long nights with little or no sleep – and are prime examples of what’s possible if an angler is prepared to be versatile and adapt to the changing conditions from day to day. I have been blessed to be able to spend the bulk of my life fishing for these fish day and night because in the mid-1980s I had a com-

Just Jew by TYE PORTER

mercial licence, which meant that I fished virtually 24 hours a day – rod and reel only – and in turn I enjoyed some memorable catches. During a flood, I can assure you that as long as you have mud coming out of the river mouth, jewfish will be there waiting for a feed day and night – you just have to try different lures and bait to find what ticks the box on that particular day. Even off the headlands, I’ve noticed over the years that very seldom have I ever caught jewfish on feather and minnow lures in the same session, as they definitely appear to prefer one or the other but hardly ever both. During a flood, try using a large 14cm plus minnow lure and casting out into the current, feed your lure out 100-200m

then slowly retrieve it at a snail's pace – you will be amazed how many times fish will be laying slightly out of normal casting distance. I have used this technique with enormous success over the years – from South Wall Ballina and Evans Head as well as at Iluka. Back in the 1980s, I would fish a run-out tide at Iluka during a northerly wind with octopus, then head up to South Wall Ballina by dark and catch live yakkas and little black sweep, then fish for jew on the ocean side of the wall come dark. All of the photos except Mischa's bluff schoolie are archive pictures, used simply to show what is possible if you dare to try. January is the month that marks the start of

* continued P45

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Myths busted on jew * from P44

land-based pelagic season on the far north coast of NSW, with the South Wall Ballina usually producing quality spanish mackerel on the Australia Day long weekend if sea conditions permit. Come February, the action moves down to the headlands at Evans

Head and by the end of February longtail tuna and spanish mackerel begin to make an appearance at Iluka. Prior to this, the offshore brigade will have been in to these fastfighting fish around Christmas, with spotted mackerel making up the majority of catches. With La Niña well and

Mischa with a nice daytime school jewfish taken from the Iluka Bluff on a soft plastic lure on the last day of November.

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truly doing its thing, it will be even more important to be adaptable to the changing conditions from day to day, so make sure you carry a little bit of everything tackle wise when you head to the coast for a fish. On the upside, regardless of how much rain we do or don't get, January will see some excellent beach fishing for flathead on lures and whiting on bait such as beachworms and pipis, while bream will still be plentiful around the breakwalls and headlands. I hope 2022 is a better year for us all and may your dream fish be but a cast away. Until next month, safe fishing.

This angler hooked solid on to a daytime jewfish.

The author mid-1980s, all fish taken during the day on fresh octopus on the Iluka breakwall on a runout tide.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 45

Top options for Sunshine Coast

Brody Cross with a 130cm mahi mahi. Photos: fish ingnoosa.com.au

ELL, here we are again, another year has gone and what a year it has been! We have seen some good rainfall, windy days, glassed out sessions and great fishing, which hopefully continues to only get better. With La Niña officially occuring more rainfall is expected, but this isn’t a bad thing as our rivers need a good flush and the dams need a top up so the rivers below can get a good flush. The only worry are the barramundi dams, so fingers crossed as we don’t want to see those spill over. For those offshore, you can expect to tangle with some impressive fish including spotted mackerel, spanish mackerel, mahi mahi, wahoo, juvenile black marlin, tuna and cobia – all within easy reach. Offshore, the Sunshine and Fraser coasts have

Jayden Bruckner with a solid night-time mangrove jack. Page 46 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

Sunshine Coast by GRANT BUDD

had some of the best fishing on offer, with more options, locations and styles you can shake a stick at! As summer kicks in, trolling is one of the most popular methods. Some chose to do it as a means of getting from one point to another or during rougher conditions. Personally speaking, it is also a great way to find new ground because trolling big bait is usually done slowly, and you can create new waypoints as you go. You can choose to do it with lures and with many options out there, deep diving lures such as Nomad DTX Minnow, Rapala X-Rap and Halco Laser Pro all work very well in a spread. The new Nomad Slipstream Flying Fish is also set to fire up for those chasing black marlin, so be sure to grab one while we have them in stock. If trolling is your favoured style, Sunshine, North and Chardon’s reefs and down towards Castaways Beach, if launching from Noosa, are popular grounds. Barwon Banks, Arkwright Shoal, Old Woman Island and heading south from Mooloolaba all offer some great options along with safer bar crossings for the inexperienced or those with big boats. Summer is a great time for coral trout and the tackle for these brutes tends to be heavy with big sinkers, BKK 7/0 hooks and live bait.

Leaders need to be tough, so use only the best fluorocarbon from YGK, Sunline and Shimano. Finally, don’t forget to have at least one rod rigged with a metal slug around 30g for tuna and mackerel should they suddenly show up. All too often, particularly during busier periods, you only have time for a few casts, so don’t wait to rig up and miss out. The TT Hardcore jigs are back in and these have proven themselves year after year. For those anglers who prefer singles, Decoy Pluggin Singles are an excellent choice and make for a fast and safe unhooking. Off the beaches, whiting, dart, bream and flathead can be found from Fraser Island, Double Island and past Noosa towards Mooloolaba. The many river mouths will have good gutters from the rain, so be sure to always try these areas because other species can be caught too, including trevally. An important side note when rock fishing for pelagics is to fish in pairs. Always watch the swell as random sneakier sets do roll through. Check out our range of gaffs and lip grips to make landing bigger fish easier – usually the hardest part of this style of angling. The Noosa River tends to fire up in summer and sees anglers go out * continued P47

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Top options for Sunshine Coast – offshore, inshore, freshwater * from P46

and get a good feed of whiting, flathead and bream. Early morning anglers will find trevally, jewfish and mangrove jacks on the move, especially up the river. This is a great spot to throw a pot or two for crabs, particularly if we are experiencing a lot of rainfall. We have many options for crab bait and have all the extras such as crab measures and floats. If looking for mangrove jack, these fish tend to retreat during the day and feed after dark. The lower estuary is a great place to try, with rock walls, jetties and deep holes the perfect starting point. Remember, you need to fish heavy to stop these beasts, especially if they are close to home because they are renowned for busting you off in the blink of an eye. During school holidays, the most popular areas to fish in the Noosa River are the mouth, dog beach, Gympie Terrace and around Munna Point. Simple running sinker rigs are all you need for most species, particularly if using bait such as prawns and worms. If you need help with rigging options for bigger bait to catch bigger fish, come in and we’ll talk you through them. I am a big fan of surface fishing and over the years fishing around Gympie Terrace, Woods Bay, Noosa Sound and the dog beach, I have caught many trevally, whiting and tailor. First light is a great way to experience a www.bnbfishing.com.au

trevally catch and enjoy the peace and quiet. Flicking the Bassday Sugapen 70mm on 6lb gear is the most fun you can have, so be sure to use a 1-2kg or 1-4kg rod. Once the sun comes up, wading out onto one of the many sandy flats can see you experience whiting on the surface. You need a few different coloured lures ranging from hot orange to clear because whiting can be picky. Look at the Atomic Hardz Orange Wander for a great must-have surface lure. If you have a boat, the Frying Pan is awesome fishing as the flats hold bulk whiting and bream on the right tide. This area is also popular for flathead and if you have a kayak, you would do well because stealth is on your side. Standing on a boat can give the game away as the water is often super clear and shallow. If looking to get into kayak fishing, we hold the Viking range and with a 30-year warranty, they will last you many years. Should you own a kayak, then heading to Noosa Everglades has some magical scenery and fishing for wild bass is a lot of fun in this seldom visited area. Be sure to use small frogs, surface lures and unweighted soft plastics, and work the tree line and any fallen branches. Weedless soft plastics work extremely well because you can cast them deep into the rough stuff for the hit. With Borumba Dam and Lake MacDonald both spilling at the time of writing, this is the first time in a while

that Borumba has gone over. This will see fish spread far and wide with a lot of new snags to throw lures at. It also means that the weed banks will be gone or submerged, which allows for clear snag bashing – a great way to fish these places. Summer can provide some of the most explosive surface fishing you will ever experience. Having a bigger landing net is a must if attempting to land a saratoga and the Berkley

Catch and Release net is a personal favourite. The full rubber mesh protects the slime coat of the fish and prevents injury should the fish go crazy. If you catch a saratoga, keep it in the net to recover and calm down. After a minute, they relax and can be removed from the water for an easy photo and release. Be sure to have your stock impoundment licence with you and remember to use the wash down facilities at Lake

MacDonald to prevent the spread of noxious weed. For all the latest information, log onto fish ingnoosa.com.au for upto-date bar and fishing reports and don’t forget to drop into Tackle World Noosa, Noosa Boating and Outdoors and Northshore Bait & Tackle in Marcoola for all the right equipment, bait and advice to get you catching. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and remember tight lines and bent spines!

Craig Pollamounter with a cracking coral trout going 8.5kg.

find us on facebook • Win prizes • Chat to readers and writers • See who’s catching what

• Post your brag shots • Join in on the fun banter • Have a laugh

www.facebook.com/bnbfishing Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 47

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A few of the nice crabs caught over recent weeks.

More lovely Lake Cootharaba crabs.

Success fishing isolated patches of reef

I everyone, first up I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and let’s hope the new year is good to us all. By now there should be some good pelagic action off Noosa and Double Island. Spotted and spanish mackerel should be around on Stingrays and Noosa Hill maybe. Jew Shoal, around the top edge of Sunshine Reef, off DI, the 12km north of the bar, Bar Leads Reef, the gravel north of the Taipan Star wreck and the Pinnacles north east of Wolf Rock should, I hope, be hold-

Noosa to Fraser Coast by CRAIG TOMKINSON

ing mackerel. Reef fishing will get tougher now as sharks follow the bait and mackerel during summer, unless you find isolated country away from the hard reef. You have to put in hours of sounding to find these spots, but the fishing is so much better than around the hard country, and sharks are less trouble. On a solo day trip, my friend Ryan Kaukiainen slipped out over the

Wide Bay Bar in his older 5.6m Shark Cat and headed north into SS Maheno country. There were good fish there, but sharks took every fish off Ryan and he was peeved – he had spent many hours looking around the area and the sharks just peppered him. Anyway, I was on Facebook and saw that Ryan’s green dot was lit up, so I sent him a message and he answered. We chatted and I sent

Ryan with this red emperor caught from his 5.6m Shark Cat. Page 50 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

him a few marks out wider that I have not fished since my pro days around 10 years ago. Ryan poked out to the marks and found a nice little show on a deadflat bottom not far from one of them. He anchored and in no time was on to good fish. He boated a cracking moses perch and a 65cm red emperor – the first legal red in his boat! He was pumped. Over the next hour or so he caught a few more moses, good venus tuskfish and one hussar, then he headed home before dark. Goes to show the importance of finding low isolated country away from big structure and sharks! The next day, I drove to where he was staying, helped clean the fish and had a good old chin wag. I brought the fish frames home for crab pot bait. On the crabbing front, to date I’ve been crabbing for three weeks or more. I’m out of bed at 3.30am, at the boat ramp by 4am – or a little later if I have a cup of tea first – put my 3.7m

tinnie in the water and am across the lake by first light. I can find my pots as it’s just light enough. I check, rebait and move them a bit every two days. By around 6.30-7am, I’m home with the boat cleaned and the crabs cleaned and cooked. So far this season, I’ve caught some nice bucks for the short time I’ve been crabbing. Once the holidays start, I’ll pull my pots out because there are too many people around. The boat ramp gets extra busy and there is nowhere to park. But by then we’ve had a nice feed! During the break we usually head off somewhere on a short family driving holiday, to explore somewhere new to us. We might head to the Stanthorpe area this time and possibly a bit further west if it’s not too wet. A few months back I called Transmod in Maryborough about getting a GVM upgrade to our 80 Series Toyota LandCruiser. I spoke to Luke and he was great. I told him the four* continued P52

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 51

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Seven new fish aggregating devices have been installed off Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast region.

New FADs for Fraser Coast

FREE Hop on to bnbfishing.com.au

FISHING EVENTS COMPETITION

DATE

LOCATION

2022

HE Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland has installed seven new fish aggregating devices off Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast region as part of its ongoing program to enhance and support sustainable fishing. FADs are designed to aggregate pelagic fish such as mahi mahi to

Fishing isolated patches on reef * from P50

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Bribie Island, QLD

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make them easier to catch. The initiative helps strengthen Queensland’s world-class recreational fishing experience while allowing other reefbased species to rebuild. Check out FAD loca tions at qld.gov.au/rec reation/activities/boat ing-fishing/rec-fishing/ fish-aggregating-devic es/find-a-fish-aggregat ing-device

wheel-drive had been fitted with heavier front and back coils and better gas shocks. He said that was fine, to bring it up and he would run the tests and if she passed, he would do the GVM upgrade that after-

noon, so up I went. Luke said our old 80 was in great shape with fantastic brakes and she passed with flying colours. Cost was $770 and the GVM went from 2960kg to 3256kg. Until next month, be safe on the water.

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To have your competition listed in the calendar please phone (07) 3286 1833 or email design@collins.media Page 52 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

The shiny new modification plate for the GVM upgrade on the 80 Series Toyota LandCruiser. www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Ollie with a cracking giant herring.

Fish to ability not expectation

Matt with a lovely golden trevally, his first. He waited patiently all day.

> Hervey Bay > Fraser Island > Sandy Strait

OLY cow, another year is done and dust-

ed. I hope everyone had a great holiday period with friends and family. After a tough spring, I am looking forward to summer settling in. A massive shout out to all my supporters – sometimes a kind word

Get into the best fishing action! Full and half day tours All levels of experience Experienced guide

www.fraserguidedfishing.com.au > 0427 230 261 Page 54 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

Fraser Guided Fishing by TRI TON

from a reader makes you smile. But the smile gets a little more twinkle if they drop a coin or two in your pocket for a tour. Always nice to have readers on the boat, hopefully experiencing what I scribe each month. As I mentioned, it has been tough going. The wild weather seemed to have put the fish down. Plenty of bait has been around, but the predators just disappeared. We should have good spotted mackerel activity, but even the school mackerel are thin, and we’re used to them regularly stealing lures we sink for other species. Many days I would

kill for a decent schoolie to jump on. Mack tuna – the staple wow – aren’t really around at the time of writing. Especially when the wind is up, and you’re stuck in close trying your best to stay comfortable and safe. They can be frustrating at times, but I can’t complain about how fussy they are. But what do you do? Step up each day, go hunt and scout new areas. If the surface activity isn’t around, we fish deep and try to find some nice activity with a sounder. But not too much as these days it often means dodging Bruce. Sharks are getting

* continued P55

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Fish to ability not expectation * from P54

more and more active as the weather warms, as for every other year. And trying to find some nice activity is exactly what I did recently with a keen young crew. They were totally inexperienced but very keen. And it’s been a long time since an angler said, “I am just happy to be out on a boat.” It was totally heartfelt and genuine, and made me smile broadly. We plugged away, spinning slugs for mackerel and jigging slow jigs for whatever would latch on. And, as I reflect now, this was probably the antidote I needed – from the bad weather, the entitled and knowit-all anglers, constantly dodging sharks and from being a jaded crusty guide. We eventually found a surface school but the green anglers failed to stay connected. However, they accepted their short com-

ings and laughed it off. It can be frustrating watching novices ruin their chances, but these fishos took it in their stride – wanting to catch fish though not having any expectations and realising that their angling journey had only just begun. Guides are intuitive and can feel your emotions – we read you to gauge what your expectations are. Eventually though, a random school of trevally swam through. And with an accurate cast and hook-up, they watched a pelagic do battle without a shark chasing it. They got what they wanted and in exchange gave me a very nice early Christmas present. I am feeling quite grateful that they are keen to come back, even after an extremely tough session. In appreciation, I then pounded their bodies into oblivion with a journey home via a nasty rain squall.

Brodie and his first queenfish.

Big Zuwee with a solid mack tuna. He had one of the few nice days on water.

Check out the Samurai Ledge fishing rod at samurairods.com.au

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Jay learning about jigging. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 55

TFO Mangrove Coast Fly Rod

SALTWATER fly fishing in Australia continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to companies such as TFO that are producing high performance fly rods at affordable prices. The new Mangrove Coast is a mediumfast action saltwater rod designed for easy loading and effortless casting, which makes it ideal for casters of all skill levels. Featuring a full-wells grip with lineidentification system, integrated hook keepers and saltwater safe Fuji stripping guides, the Mangrove Coast is sure to be even more popular than the much-loved Mangrove. Mangrove Coast rods come with a hard case and TFO’s fantastic no-fault lifetime warranty. From the bream sized 6-weight through to the giant trevally busting 12, the Mangrove Coast will suit your needs and budget. Visit ejtodd.com.au

MR and DR – and is the perfect bait for Australia’s diverse estuaries. The MR will reach a depth of 1.3m and is the ideal bait for flats and shallow floating structure. Getting down to depth quickly with a tight wobble and the ability to swim at slow speed make the MR Crank ideal for a slow roll style retrieve. The DR is a tailor-made bait for fishing deeper areas of the estuary such as rubble and rock walls. A careful weight placement creates instant traction on the retrieve getting the DR Crank to its maximum 2m depth quickly. The bib shape creates a searching style action and deflects off structure with ease, a key factor in triggering bites from predators. The Infeet Rollin’ Crank may be small in size, but it is a consistent catcher of large fish and is a worthy addition to any estuary angler’s tacklebox. Visit daiwafishing.com.au

pinion gear keep the reel feeling both rigid and smooth. A machined aluminium two-tone anodised spool is surrounded by Okuma’s Cyclonic Flow Rotor system – designed to increases airflow through the ported rotor, minimising moisture retention throughout the reel. Housed in the spool is a slick multi-disc carbon fibre drag system with a hydroblock gasket to prevent water intrusion for consistent drag performance. Available in both standard and highspeed models, the ITX Carbon range of spinning reels is finished with slick black and silver aesthetics and a raw carbon finish, offering anglers quality, features and performance previously unheard of at the suggested retail price of between $189.90 and $199.90. Visit tackletactics.com.au

Molix 7” RT Shad Okuma ITX Carbon Spin Reel Infeet Rollin’ Crank MR and DR

SPRING and summer traditionally herald the arrival of crankbait season and the Infeet Rollin’ Crank is the ultimate finesse crank for the Aussie angler. Developed to give anglers the perfect bite size crank option the 32mm Infeet Rollin’ Crank is available in two depths –

Page 56 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

A NEW era in Okuma, the ITX Carbon Spin Reel offers anglers exceptional quality, value and performance. The Okuma ITX is unmatched in its class – featuring lightweight and rigid C40X long strand carbon fibre construction in the body, side plates and rotor – providing exceptional strength where it is needed most. A machined aluminium screw-in handle assures positive engagement and stability, while 7HPB +1RB high performance bearings and precision machine-cut brass

FOLLOWING the popularity of 3.5” and 4.5” RT Shads, Molix have released a range of massive 7” RT Shads, developed exclusively for large Aussie predators. RT Shads have super-realistic baitfish profiles in a soft high-density material, with three dimensional eyes and a high concentration of glitter to give just the right amount of flash. The large paddle tails produce a natural swimming action with an enticing roll but also ensure stability at any retrieve speed. The versatility of RT Shads in both fresh and saltwater will guarantee a following among Murray cod and barramundi anglers, as well as those targeting mangrove jack, mulloway and flathead. New 7” RT Shads are available in nine proven colours. Visit ejtodd.com.au

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Toadfish Frogmore Prawn Cleaner

LOOKING for a product that peels, cleans and is simple to use on prawns? Introducing the Toadfish Frogmore Prawn Cleaner. This first-of-its-kind prawn tool allows you to peel, de-vein and butterfly prawns in one single smooth motion. Elegantly designed and easy to use, it gives you a perfect prawn every time. Priced from an economical $39.90. Visit toadfish.com.au

Shimano Ocea Bubble Dip Flashboost

THE Bubble Dip Flashboost is a stick bait slim popper hybrid that weighs in at 93g, with a big 220mm profile and is available in five fish-catching colours. The unique Shimano Flashboost system creates a continuous flash within the body of the lure and the cup face features a bubble chamber design that creates extra pop to leave a strong bubble trail. The lure has a lively fast splash with a punching quick dive action, which is quite visible even in rough water. The internal AR-C loaded spring weight system means the Bubble Dip can be cast out of sight and is strengthened by Shimano’s super strong through wire construction. Visit shimanofish.com.au www.bnbfishing.com.au

Emeraldas Peak Squid Jig

THE premium offering in our squid jig range the new Emeraldas Peak is the most refined and technically advanced jig that Daiwa has ever created. A high-end premium cloth covered construction, the Emeraldas Peak has been designed and tuned for optimum balance and performance. The key evolution in design is an improvement in weight balance, with this enhanced balance delivering many benefits. The first noticeable is a reduction in lure resistance through the water and the second is the ability to work the lure with greater ease. A small twitch rather than a more traditional rip or lift is all that’s needed to work the new Emeraldas Peak. Available in rattling – the RV model – and non-rattling versions, the Emeraldas Peak is 19.5g in weight, features a new designed premium hook and is available in expansive array of squid loving colours. Visit daiwafishing.com.au

Toadfish Stowaway Folding Fillet Knife

THE clever Toadfish Stowaway Folding Fillet Knife combines the high-end performance and ergonomics of a full-length

fixed knife with the safety and versatility of a folding knife. The Stowaway fits easily into kitchen drawers, boat boxes, tackle bags or travel packs without the need for a bulky sheath. The Stowaway Knife features titanium coating on the high carbon stainless-steel blade and all internal stainless-steel components to provide superior salt-tough corrosion resistance for harsh saltwater conditions. Available in 7” and 8.5” blade sizes and priced at about $79.90. Visit toadfish.com.au

21 TD Tierra

STYLISH classic looks meet advanced design in the new 21 TD Tierra rod series. A seamless blend of technology, ascetics and value, 21 TD Tierra rides the wave of innovation while simultaneously wowing anglers when it comes to performance and price. HVF Nanoplus carbon is the foundation of this impressive series – the precision resin control blends with unidirectional graphite fibre to create a blank that has maximum density, while at the same time is super light, sensitive and unequalled in responsiveness. Daiwa’s X45 and braiding X technologies further enhance blank design and performance, while Daiwa reel seats provide a rock-solid connection between rod and reel, with their ultra-light construction minimising weight to maximise rod balance and feel. Angler connectivity is further enhanced courtesy of Fuji Fazlite guides with their ultra-light and highly sensitive design allowing the angler to experience the full performance and power of the 21 TD Tierra’s blank. A blend of Daiwa’s latest advanced designs the TD Tierra range is state of the art technology blended with precision, performance and Daiwa elegance. Visit daiwafishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 57

TRADING POST

QUINTREX 2021 490 RENEGADE SC – In stock now, painted 490 Renegade Side Console was developed with the keen fisher in mind and this no-fuss boat is equipped with all the necessities to get you straight out on the water. This beamy, wide and stable fishing machine can be optioned up, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, with a variety of extras available. Our stock boat has a 6-year warranty on boat, motor and trailer, painted all white with stripes, electric motor bracket, hydraulic steering, Mercury 90hp, SmartCraft gauges, stainless-steel prop, Queensland rego, smooth water safety gear. Drive away $41,893. Call Brisbane Boating and Leisure on 07 3875 1600 or visit brisbaneboatingleisure.com.au

QUINTREX 420 BUSTA – Enjoy the outdoors and the fun of fishing with your family or friends in this terrific tinnie. Comes with a Suzuki 30hp outboard, ideal for four aboard, casting platform, carpeted low floor, forward storage, and side pockets to fit all the fishing gear. This little pocket rocket is quite spacious, in fact it’s virtually all fishing room! $11,990. Call AMC Boats on 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au QUINTREX 2021 F370 OUTBACK EXPLORER – Quintrex has taken tinnies to the extreme, the new Outback Explorer range is bigger and bolder than ever before with these models designed to take you on the ultimate adventures. With an increased deadrise, the 370 Outback Explorer can dart through the water while still ensuring a smooth ride. This boat was used once only, comes with a Mercury 25hp 4-stroke, electric start, power trim and alloy trailer. Rego and drive away $9,990. Will not last long. Call Brisbane Boating and Leisure on 07 3875 1600 or visit brisbaneboatingleisure.com.au

February Edition Copy Deadline – Advertisements must arrive NO later than January 10, 2022

POST TO PO BOX 162, Wynnum QLD 4178 or EMAIL with a photo to ben@collins.media When completing this form please leave one square of space between each word (Hyphens, full-stops, commas, word spaces count as one letter) ALL ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID 1 1 2

Cost per insertion: 2 lines $15, $1.10 per line thereafter. Contact details must be included in ad. NAME: ...................................................................................... PHONE NO. ................................................... MONTHS OF INSERTION: ...................................................... AMOUNT: $ ................................................... CREDIT CARD NO.: ___ ___ ___ ___

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Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

QLD PERSONALISED PLATES FOR SALE – ideal for towing boat. $5,000. Call Bob 0431 338 771.

HAINES SIGNATURE 543RF – A very popular boat due to its prime fishing focus, boasting an exceptional workspace, plenty of storage and a walk-thru windscreen to the bow and anchor. The 543RF is one terrific versatile rig that will adapt to any situation. Your friends will love the fishing and the family will love the cruising. Very tidy boat, first to see will buy! $59,990. Call AMC Boats on 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au STESSCO TORNADO SF470 SIDE CONSOLE – 71hrs 60hp Merc 4-stroke, SS prop, Redco trailer with electric winch, Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 side scan. Ready to go. Extra rod holders. Safety gear. $25,000. 3829 1202. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Pocket guides deliver timely answers

WO fish painted by a disabled artist feature on the 2022 edition covers of the two most authoritative annual pocket guides for boaties, fishers and off-roaders. For decades, the orange Tide Guide and yellow Angler’s Almanac have been providing a pocketsized databank of helpful information for outdoor recreationminded Australians. But this time, instead of the usual fish photographs, the covers feature a parrotfish and a coronation trout painted by indigenous artist Wareed Nazareth Bai Tapau of Townsville. Bai was born as a ‘thalidomide baby’ to a European mother and a Torres Strait Islander father. Both books include an explanatory background on Bai, her art and the commissioning of her painted fish for the covers. They also give readers the chance to win Bai’s original artwork of both fish in a single framed painting. Tide Guide’s core tabling of tidal predictions over 14 months includes a ready reckoner for secondary locations, as well as: • Fish size regulations and bag limits • Fish identification photos for reef, estuarine and river species including some where both juvenile and adult fish are shown to help anglers confirm their catch • Crab identification information. The Southeast Queensland edition of the Tide Guide also includes: • A list of boating reswww.bnbfishing.com.au

cue services plus their radio call signs and phone numbers, organised geographically from north to south which facilitates fast finding when afloat • An illustrated guide to casting fish and bait nets • Superb four-wheeldrive instructional information. The four-wheel-driving pages give a detailed explanation of the differences between a true 4WD vehicle and an all-wheel drive – commonly referred to as a ‘soft’ SUV. In simple easy-to-understand language, the guide explains concepts such as: • Drive-train torque wind-up and how to avoid it • How to extract yourself should you become bogged in sand or mud • How the concept of lowering tyre pressures on the beach started with cross-ply tyres and how the key factors have changed with radial tyres, particularly in terms of detrimental heat build-up in tyre sidewalls • Beach driving tips and helpful information for navigating swampy areas and creek crossings. Tide Guide’s companion publication, the Angler’s Almanac has built its substantial following of fishers by providing the fastest and easiest method of determining the optimum times for fishing according to lunar and solar cycles. Rating premium and secondary times on a shaded scale ranging from best, good, fair and poor, it allows anglers to skim pages at a

glance when organising the most likely productive fishing dates and times. For those wanting a more comprehensive understanding of how the sun and moon interact with the Earth’s rotation and the effects these have on fish spawning and feeding cycles, the Angler’s Almanac is an authoritative publication referencing both recent scientific findings and cultural observations over thousands of years. It details how certain species exhibit regular

reproductive behaviours and how they are triggered by particular phases of the moon. Similarly, it explains how fish feeding cycles are related to lunar and solar tides. This year, the Angler’s Almanac also provides a guide to the best months for certain species in terms of likely fishing success. They are printed in Queensland in accord with the author’s commitment to backing local printers and local jobs.

Both are ideal gifts. The Angler’s Almanac is available throughout Australia at newsagents, most tackle shops and camping stores, select marine dealerships, convenience stores and selected service stations. The Tide Guides are more generally limited to Australia’s east coast and hinterland, from Bundaberg to Eden to Mallacoota on the NSW Victorian border. The prices of the pocketbooks are unchanged at $8.25 each.

The most authoritative pocket guides for boaties, fishers, off-road drivers and other outdoor recreationalists – Tide Guide and Angler’s Almanac.

subscribe to our channel • See the latest boat reviews • Check out fishing action • Find out what’s new in fishing BNBF T V Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 59

Persistence leads to successful sessions

ITH the Christmas school holidays upon us and the seemingly ever-changing COVID rules, I suggest making the most of the break and go fishing with your kids. The summer vacation

Bundaberg Region by BRAD YOUNG

often sees our warmer weather species in full swing after moving from the cooler spring temperatures.

Fred Stokes with his big hussar.

Lachlan Young with two nice full bucks. Page 60 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

That is, we see increasing catches of summer species as a result of the water temperature increase. While the decent rainfalls recently will see a period of lower water temperature and fresh in our systems, it usually only takes a couple of moon cycles and large tides to help get the salt back into the system. With little rain over winter, the recent large falls in our local estuaries can only see an improvement in our fishing. The positive benefits of a fresh are well known… a fresh is literally a starter for the entire food chain. The lesser number of prawns in our area is an example of the effects of a long spell of dry weather. Both prawns and mud crabs should be in good supply over the holiday season. Prior to these runs of freshwater, our local rivers and creeks had been producing some good numbers of flathead, particularly when using live fresh bait on a making tide. Whiting have been taken on the shallower flats and edges of banks using yabbies. With a full moon approaching, these species should increase their activity as the tide increases in magnitude. The best strategy in targeting these species is to pump your yabbies a day or two before your planned fishing

session, so you can fish the first of a run-in tide as it floods the banks. I haven’t had the opportunity yet to check how the yabby banks have been affected by the run of fresh, though there is a high likelihood they will take time to recover. Offshore opportunities have been few in number for me, often falling mid-week, which is a missed opportunity if you’re working. I was able to get good friend Fred Stokes out on the boat for his first offshore fish recently and, while the fishing wasn’t hot, he was stoked with the fish he caught including some huge hussar. I had the opportunity to run the pots at the start of the recent rain and brought home two nice full bucks. Hopefully, the rain has got the crabs out and about and ready to move back into the creek and river systems for Christmas. Unfortunately, the holiday season also seems to see an increase in the number of pots interfered with, raided, cut open or stolen completely. As well as making sure you meet your legal requirements in marking your pots – a light-coloured float minimum 150mm in diameter with your surname and a tag on the pot with your surname and address – you also need to try to keep watch over them. People anchored and fishing often report seeing a nearby pot checked by a multitude of boats. Remember, only four

pots per person are allowed. Monduran Dam has featured a few successful barramundi catches recently, despite the rain and increased water level. The key word in these reports was ‘persistence’. Obviously, those of us who persist in targeting any species will eventually experience success as a result of the time invested. And with fishing, this rule will always stay the same – 10 percent of anglers who catch 90 percent of the fish have often spent five times the number of hours dedicated and preparing to better their skills and know their craft. And don’t forget to spend quality time fishing with the family. With the interesting experiences over the past two years, the opportunity to have a break, get outdoors and spend time with the family – especially the children – is gold. Take the opportunity to plan a couple of simple basic family fishing trips – I say this as it takes the pressure off from trying for great fishing results – and spend some quality time together. The fun is often in the planning and then in anticipation of the adventure, of waking early or fishing at night in a new outdoor environment and enjoying a few laughs along the way. As always, I can be contacted on fishnboat@bigpond.com or PO Box 5812 Bundaberg West QLD 4670. Until next month…

* continued P61

www.bnbfishing.com. au

The author with a sizable golden trevally.

Cape Capricorn trip

’VE been working back in Gladstone for over 12 months now and on the weekends that I don’t return to Brisbane, I’m always keen to pass the time by wetting a line if I get a chance. Earlier in the year, the weather gods had been fairly nice, allowing me to get out early and hit the area off Cape Capricorn. I have a Quintrex 460 Topender – not that big but in the right conditions capable of getting me there and back. Along for the ride was friend Darrin Barnham and between us we did well and didn’t miss a feed. The area is dotted with patches of reef with some large rock structures that are all worth a drop. I used soft plastics while Darrin preferred to drown a bait – either www.bnbfishing.com.au

Power Boat Anglers by MICK CLUTTERBUCK

way, both attacks produce fish. The area is prolific with undersized wire netting cod – I’m not sure if they even exist in a legal-size model because we caught hundreds of them though nothing over the 37cm mark. Bread and butter species in the area are stripey, snapper, hussar, goldspotted cod, slatey bream, squire, mackerel and the occasional red emperor and coral trout. You’ll also get a few golden trevally from time to time and, yes there are plenty of sharks in the area too. We usually do a round trip of approximately 100km, leaving the harbour at around 4am and returning around 12pm

depending on the tide and forecast. There’re plenty of areas to explore in a boat the size of mine and much closer to town, I just need to pull my finger out and spend some time having a poke around. Hopefully soon, so stay tuned. Please note that the meetings occur on the first Wednesday of every month at the ‘Club Manly’ (bowls club), 26 Faine St Manly from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. Upcoming meetings The first meeting for 2022 will be held on Wednesday February 2, with the next meeting on Wednesday March 2. Until next month, safe boating and happy new year to all.

Darrin Barnham and a nice snapper.

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Offshore reef fishing fanatics WANTED One of Brisbane’s oldest deep-sea fishing clubs with a 100 percent safety record has vacancies for new members. Owners of suitable vessels encouraged. All levels of experience. Those without own vessels also invited to apply. Approximately 15 deep sea trips per year. One week-long fishing holiday to Town of 1770. Monthly meetings, video shows, guest speakers and free nibbles. 4WD beach fishing and camping. Inshore fishing also on the agenda. Interested? Then call Darren (0413 511 436) or Robin (3269 5013). POWER BOAT ANGLERS REEF FISHING CLUB INC Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 61

Zac Moss caught this thumper 20kg spanish mackerel when fishing north of Yeppoon with Chris Nash.

January options for Capricorn Coast

This is what school holiday fun looks like. Stuart Lewis and his son got stuck into some quality red emperor.

Patrick Egan with a quality giant trevally on a slow pitch jig. Page 62 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

DO love the smell of a good new year. So many opportunities and trips to plan for an entire 12 months. Now is a good time to sit down and work out what you want to achieve for the year. I think it’s very important to set goals, so you have some direction and something to work towards. This year I want to focus on new species or species I haven’t caught or targeted in many years. The craving for something ‘new’ is real. So, what are our options here on the Capricorn Coast for the month of January? I guess the bigger question is what the Fitzroy River will look like. At the time of writing, the Fitzroy reassembled something similar to a chocolate milkshake. Is that a complaint? Of course not. What we haven’t seen since 2011 is a decent wet season with the riv-

Capricorn Coast by JOHN BOON

er in flood at the right time of the year… until now. I spoke with Bill Sawynok 12 months ago and we chatted about barramundi recruitment. The past couple of years, we’ve had the river in flood but very late in the season – around March April. This year we got an early wet as predicted and the first of our floodwater pushed through the barrage during November. Let’s hope we’ve had enough water to get the lagoons running so the barramundi can do their transition. The last time these events lined up we had an explosion of barra all through the area, so let’s hope that happens again – exciting times ahead. Depending on the levels of the Fitzroy River and local rain, Port Alma will still be

worth a look, particularly around the Connors Rocks area on a smaller tide. The fresh seems to bypass this area occassionally. Connors Rocks is one of the most reliable places for fingermark, if you know how to fish it. The best way I find to fish this area is to use the sounder and locate bommies throughout the rocks that are holding either masses of bait or good fish activity. If you’re a bait fisho then a live prawn, mullet or herring setup on a paternoster is a sure-fire way of getting some action. If you’re a lure fisher then I would be looking at grabbing a few of your favourite soft vibes. I personally like the Zerek Fish Trap lures in the 95mm size.

* continued P63

www.bnbfishing.com. au

January options for Capricorn Coast * from P62

They are one of those lures I can tie on and confidently know I will catch a fish with. If the rivers and creeks are flowing fresh, then it may be a good time to head out the front for a look. Depending on what sort of run-off there is will determine how far away from the mainland you will need to go. When we are in full flood, I have seen the distinct fresh to salt soup line out as far as 40km from the harbour. My advice is no matter where that soup line is situated, always try and push past it if you want some red emperor action. Speaking of red action and rain events, have you ever looked into ‘wonky holes’? There are still many anglers around who have never heard the term. If they’re mad reef fishos then there is

every chance they may have stumbled across these little gold mines and not even known it. If you’ve been fishing isolated structure in the middle of nowhere with not much showing on the bottom, then there is every chance that it is in fact a wonky hole. There’s another cool feature that can help distinguish a wonky hole if you have in fact found one. Some of them will have freshwater pouring out of them, which you can see either on your sounder screen or rippling on the ocean’s surface. These little spots can produce some amazing sessions at times, and I would rate them as the number one place to drop slow pitch jigs. There’s not much structure you can get bricked on and every chance you could pull a trophy sized nannygai or red. If you’re like me and absolutely gagging for

a barra fix, then your options are to hit the impoundments. Your options around central Queensland are Awoonga, Callide and Fairbairn dams. I’d be very surprised if I haven’t been to at least one of these impoundments by the time this fine publication hits the stands. Impoundment barra is something I haven’t put much time into but I’m as keen as mustard to get in and start figuring it out. Though the countdown has started and it’s only one more month until we can target the wild salty barra again. It’s been an extremely long wait – I hope you’re holding up better than I am. I can’t wait for a saltie fix. Until next month, tight lines and stay safe, and make sure to get the kids out for a fish over the school holiday period.

stood restriction can be found on the daf.qld. gov.au website. Despite this, in a phone poll of 14 bait and tackle outlets from Maroochydore to Bundaberg, seven respondents were of the opinion there was no restriction to using a cast net in the freshwater part of the Mary River. Another four said they had no idea as to whether it was legal or not, and only three correctly responded that cast nets are not to be used. And while it might

seem a fair distance between the Mary River and a shop in Bundaberg, the cast net ban is for all freshwater in Queensland – not only the Mary River. As part of the same survey, only three outlets knew of the threemonth closed season from August to October for all fishing upstream of Gympie. Congratulations to Borumba Bait and Tackle in Imbil that not only knew of both the cast net ban and the three-month closed season restrictions but

Brendan Warren with a solid land-based Capricorn Coast mangrove jack.

Make sure to visit your local impoundment for a fix as Jordan Stoddard did with this ripper freshwater barramundi.

No nets for Queensland freshwater

HE Mary River Catchment C o o r d i n a t i ng Committee recently became aware of an incident where someone was using a cast net in the Mary River near Gympie to catch bait fish. A subsequent enquiry by the MRCCC to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland revealed that cast netting is illegal in freshwaters in Queensland, and is only permitted in tidal waters. This easily under-

www.bnbfishing.com.au

had taken efforts to inform anglers of them. Fishing is available year-round in the stocked impoundments in the catchment,

which includes Borumba Dam, Baroon Pocket Dam and Lake Macdonald. From Codline, the MRCCC newsletter.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 63

Trade in black jewfish swim bladders – much of it black market – prompted the introduction of a quota in Queensland that in 2021 was filled in slightly over a month. A similar outcome is expected this season. The author landed this solid jewfish on a Reidy’s Sea Bug jig.

2022 crisis year for Queensland’s fishery

HE start of a new year is traditionally a time reserved for optimistic predictions and positive anticipation of the opportunities that will hopefully manifest themselves during the coming season. While it is definitely not my intention to spoil the party, given the cur-

Comment by DAVE DONALD

rent chaotic condition of our state’s fishery, it’s difficult not to be pessimistic about the future of what would appear to be a marine environment that seemingly is in a crisis situation.

I’m sure many of you will be surprised with this alarmist assertion – fishers are by their very nature overly optimistic people – but the hard facts are difficult to dismiss lightly.

There are vast differences between how Queensland’s barramundi stocks are managed compared to the very healthy situation in the Northern Territory. This Corroboree Billabong ripper could have been worth $1 million dollars to fisher Larry Lockwood, taken during our closed season. Page 64 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

Fisheries Queensland have told us that our east coast narrow barred spanish stocks may be below the critical level of 20 percent of original stocks, that exploitation of our black jewfish population is about to reopen facing a quota situation that was filled in slightly over a month in 2021, have instigated seasonal closures of snapper, pearl perch, coral trout and barramundi, and facilitated a scallop industry that was shut down when shellfish numbers crashed to dangerously low levels. Meanwhile, the fisheries reforms have been delayed, working group meetings cancelled or postponed while some members have resigned, leaving the current status of our Fisheries department in what would appear to be nothing short of chaos. For instance, repeated

calls for an urgent ‘peer reviewed’ assessment of the troubled mackerel fishery has purportedly been carried out, but the results have still not been released, even to the relevant working group. This troubling situation has not happened overnight, indeed it’s been a long time coming, and is something I’ve been intimately involved with during more than 30 years of political advocacy. There were a couple of times when positive change seemed imminent, courtesy of the late Tom Burns and his inquiry in 1993, then more recently when Bill Byrne went out on a political limb to get the net free zones established. While the economic and fish stock windfall of Bill’s vision is now out there for all to see,

* continued P65

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2022 crisis year for Queensland’s fishery * from P64

the issue cost him his parliamentary career, courtesy of the political dinosaurs who still dominate our fisheries policy, even today. The Newman Government in 2012 gutted our Fisheries department, virtually ending fieldbased research, but did instigate a fisheries reform process. Labor procrastinated for a while, over-extending the reform mandate, then decided to continue but never replaced the many important workers who had been let go. Now, over a decade later, the ‘reforms’ have been watered down into a mere shadow of what could have been – a toothless tiger that had its fangs removed by a procession of political and bureaucratic dentists. These reforms have also been repeatedly hijacked by a commercial fishing industry that is largely incompetent and unprofessional. While its members complain endlessly about recreational fishers ‘plundering’ fish stocks, the same people allow their associates to often operate illegally, their organisation even offering legal assistance to fishers who are forced to attend court. Condoning and facilitating other fishers to steal from the very resource they rely on to provide their income illustrates a complete lack of professional and ethical behaviour by their hierarchy. Yet, neither Fisheries www.bnbfishing.com.au

management nor their peak body has anything to say about cleaning up what is an industry with massive double standards. Convicted commercial fishers are not even named and shamed! Let’s look at the barramundi situation, as an example. Declining stocks resulted in the instigation of a closed season in Queensland for both commercial and recreational fishers more than 20 years ago. Pro-active management should aim to restore those stocks back to levels where a closed season becomes unnecessary, particularly for recreational users. This is what happened in our neighbouring state the Northern Territory when their barramundi numbers reached similarly low levels in the early 1990s. But the Northern Territory also reduced the number of commercial netters from over 100 to around 14 currently. In Queensland, there are still over 400 able to net the species. The question must be asked, why have a closed season if the ultimate aim is not to increase stock numbers back to a more sustainable level? Surely, Queensland deserves better management outcomes? And that’s without looking at the balance sheet. The Northern Territory has a world-class barramundi based recreational fishery that produces over $100 million

in income per year, supported by the Million Dollar Fish promotion that sees their fishing guides still very busy when our commercial tours operators have to move to alternative species during our closed season, meaning less business. I’m aware of several visits to the territory by politicians of both major political parties in the ‘smart state’ to investigate that state’s bourgeoning barramundi tourism, but nothing ‘smart’ has ever resulted. A fundamental change to our Fisheries management policy would seem to be a no brainer. The reason we continue to ignore the obvious doesn’t bode well for the status of our political elite. 2022 is the year Queensland needs to get fair dinkum and save its fishery. Otherwise, the future is looking very bleak indeed for our younger generations of fishers.

A screen shot of barramundi and king salmon stacked up in the town reaches of the Fitzroy River as a result of the net free zone. Fisheries need to look no further to see the benefits of a better managed fishery – an outcome supposed to be well underway in 2020 via the promised reforms.

The vast schools of longtail tuna that once appeared around May June each year off Weipa slowed to a few scattered schools in 2021. Fisheries managers have been repeatedly advised of this massive decline but have completely ignored the problem. It’s not good enough!

Queensland’s narrow-barred spanish mackerel stocks are in big trouble. Why has it taken our managers so long to admit the problem and do something to fix it? Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 65

BOATING & marine

Setting the standard for boating since 1945, Quintrex reinvents the wheel for new boat buyers with a targeted strategy to assist in the purchasing process in response to the influx of new entrants to the industry.

Quintrex leads the fleet for driving new boaties to market

HOUSANDS of Australians are stepping away from dry land and shifting their ventures to their local waterways in an effort to sidestep the cabin fever of closed borders and redefine the meaning of a holiday from home. As the country sees an all-time spike in spending locally and the investment in local leisure products, the marine industry has seen record highs with unseen numbers of new entrants fleeting to the boating lifestyle. Boating Industry Australia records that during the past 12 months, the number of Australian boat license holders has climbed by more than 60,000 people – bringing statistics to a total of more than 2.5 million boaties. Queensland, the boating capital of Australia, has seen the most drastic incline statistically

– during both the 2019 and 2020 financial year, Boating Industry Australia recorded a consistent increase of boat license holders by 3 percent respectively year on year. Currently Queensland can lay claim to the largest number of boat license holders, with 956,000 people certified. However, the rest of the country has been privy to the boating boom too, with Western Australia seeing an increase of 31,000 captains to the market from 2018 to 2021, Victoria 24,000, South Australia 14,000, New South Wales 13,000 and Tasmania 4000. Of the newly qualified Queensland skippers during the 2019 and 2020 financial year combined, 24 percent or 11,801 were female – a statistic that continues to rise with the number of female license holders increasing by 8

Page 66 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

percent from 2018, as opposed to a 5 percent increase for males. Quintrex general manager Sam Heyes said, “For decades we have been invested towards nurturing the market by promoting the succession of new entrants into boating, so recent statistics released by the BIA are exciting, as it shows that our actions as an industry are working.” “While we are a market leader in boating, we do not simply make boats – we make the lifestyle and experiences behind each product, so part of our role is to encourage new entrants into the market by showcasing the Quintrex difference of boating made easy.” BIA director and Queensland chair Andrew Fielding said boating had proven itself a standout choice of leisure through the pandemic. “Having a boat is a bit

like having your own island,” he said. “You choose where you go and when, and who goes with you, while enjoying the boating lifestyle on some of the best waterways in the world.” Australia’s leading aluminium boat manufacturer, Quintrex recently released a carefully structured boat bundle initiative, designed to simplify boat buying and allow for more a simplistic decision-making process for consumers when building their perfect vessel. Identifying consideration as one of the biggest hurdles in the customer experience funnel, with many potential buyers dropping out due to confusion or lack of understanding when selecting what boat and option configuration would best suit their lifestyle, Quintrex sought to achieve an easier to navigate expe-

rience for green boaters looking to buy their first boat. Quintrex marketing and communications manager Madeline Bishop said, “Following thorough market research derived from both Quintrex customer survey data and our network of Australia’s best dealers, we were able to pinpoint an opportunity in the market to simplify boat buying, which resulted in the creation of a customer centric approach whereby offering five clean-cut boat packages that are built to serve a customer’s lifestyle and budget needs.” “With a history of boating made easy, this step in our 76-years of production made sense to continue setting the standard as Australia’s most sought-after boat brand and meet the needs of all consumers – both new and old,” Ms Bishop said. * continued P67

www.bnbfishing.com. au

BOATING & marine Quintrex leads the fleet for driving new boaties to market * from P66

Boasting a lineup of nearly 100 boats and a portfolio of more than 50 dealers scattered throughout the country, Quintrex proudly advertises its success in offering a vessel suited to every boating lifestyle together with accessibility right across Australia. The boat bundles make their debut on five of Quintrex’s most popular model ranges, alongside a plethora of design upgrades in conjunction with the 2021 model release, to continue enhancing the overall customer experience – on and off the water. From the most affordable option that only features the essentials for cleancut boating with the Cruiseabout, Fishabout, Hornet, Top Ender and Ocean Spirit, to the Pro version for a more lavish experience with premium fittings and fishiness, Quintrex makes fitting into anyone’s budget easy. With 76 years in the game and over 350 passionate employees under its belt, Quintrex also knows a thing about the typical aluminium boatie, allowing www.bnbfishing.com.au

the brand to build three bundles comprising a range of carefully selected options catered to the typical on-water lifestyles – the Comfort, Fishing and Captain bundles. “While striving to meet the needs of new boaties and simplify boat buying, our boat bundles have also been designed to further nurture the growth of the market to continue seeing the fruition of new entrants into boating and share the incredible lifestyle that we have to offer with more Australians,” Ms Bishop said. “Quintrex proudly holds a strong percentage of market share with aluminium vessels accounting for the vast majority of trailerable boats and with its sight set on continued innovation, it’s only up from here.” Quintrex is a proudly Australian built brand and owned by BRP, a global leader in the world of powersports. To find out more about the Quintrex range and boat bundles, visit quintrex. com.au or contact your local dealer today.

New Mercury DTS now available for multi-engine configurations

HE perfect addition to your Mercury powered multi-engine boat arrived in November – with the next generation dual-handle digital throttle and shift system. With integrated, intuitive and intelligent technology the next generation of Mercury DTS controls, rigging your boat has never been easier. This DTS system represents a major step in the product’s evolution, while taking all the best attributes of the DTS system launched by Mercury in 2004, including smooth and ultra-responsive throttle performance with zero hesitation and full integration with SmartCraft digital technologies. The new ERC lineup offers solutions for multi-engine configurations, for as many as six Mercury engines on a boat. Boaters can choose between the standard dual handle console mount controls or the premier dual handle model, which includes an innovative digital display integrated into the control base. The display provides a broad variety of context sensitive information to help the boater stay fully connected with the propulsion system through all phases of boat operation.

Additional enhancements of the DTS system include a built-in command module in the controls, active trim quick access buttons and in a neutral gear display on the handle – eliminating the need for an additional control panel on the dash. Other features include a green neutral indicator light on the throttle handle that quickly confirms gear position, a convenient throttle-only feature for starting and warming the engine, a large start stop button and an oversized trim switch. Multi-engine controls have a start stop-all

button for all engines, and buttons for starting and stopping individual engines, as well as the ability to trim all or individual engines. The new DTS system is usable for all DTScompatible Mercury sterndrive, inboard, diesel and outboard engines – including the all-new V12 600hp Verado outboard that comes standard with next gen DTS controls. Dual controls are due for release with the single handle configurations available March 2022. Visit mercurymarine. com.au for more information.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 67

BOATING & marine

Lowrance unveils new companion app

WORLD leader in fishing electronics since 1957, Lowrance officially unveiled its app recently, including a set of new premium features, advanced functionality and seamless synchronisation with the full range of Lowrance fishfinders and chartplotters. The Lowrance app is free to download and offers a rich experience that includes free up to date and detailed nautical charts from C-MAP, creation and management of all your personal waypoints, routes and tracks, along with the latest marine weather, important points of interest and much more. The app allows you to register your Lowrance device ensuring you have the latest software, manuals, information and tips related to your devices, as well as the ability to synchronise data, mirror and control right from your mobile device. It’s available on both the Apple Store for iOS and Google Play for Android. Lowrance executive vice president Lucas Steward said, “The ability to easily manage, create and plan your waypoints, routes and tracks in your app and then seamlessly synchronise with your Lowrance display from anywhere on the boat right from the palm of your hand, will enable

anglers to spend more time doing what they love – fishing.” “Whether you’re using the free or the new premium version, we are confident all anglers will be blown away with the high-resolution detailed C-MAP charts.” The premium version of the Lowrance app includes custom depth shading – a key feature for anglers – as well high-resolution bathymetry charts, offline maps and global charts, automatic identification system, Lowrance app traffic, five-day weather along the route and five-day weather overlay, GPS navigation data and line and track record. “While there’s a lot on offer in the premium version, the simplified ‘freemium’ option still provides a long list of very useful and valuable technology and functionality for anglers, right to your smart phone or tablet at no cost,” Mr Steward said. The detailed C-MAP charts on the app are carefully designed to highlight what is most important at any given time during the fishing experience, maintaining accuracy and a clean uncluttered view at key fishing locations for the ultimate fishing experience. For more information on Lowrance and its tournament-winning fish-finding technology, visit lowrance.com

Page 68 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

Safety on the water is a priority for all boat owners. Photo: Oliver Sjöström

Plea for boaties to monitor safety

OAT owners are urged to check their safety gear before heading out after boating tragedies on Australia’s waterways. The push for safety comes after rescue incidents at sea recently. Boaties must be aware of driving conditions and avoid taking risks. With the increase in boat purchases during the pandemic, water safety authorities are concerned about those new to boating with all the gear but no idea. After three separate rescue incidents at sea and four boating related deaths in Tasmania recently, Marine Safety Tasmania’s Peter Hopkins said, “You’ve got to be aware of the risks, and you’ve got to take the appropriate

actions and make the appropriate decisions at the time, whenever you’re out on a boat.” Three men were sent overboard after their boat capsized – the trio swam to shore west of the island state. A 65-year-old man died on a boating trip in southeast Tasmania. Travelling with his son, rescue crews found the 33-year-old after he’d spent a full day in cold waters. Mr Hopkins said incidents were declining but there are still tragic cases. “Once you’re on the wrong water and you make the wrong decision, you’re in trouble, and the best bit of safety equipment you’ve got is your head and making that right decision,” he said. “The second-best bit of safety you’ve got is your boat and mak-

ing sure that it’s up to scratch and ready to go.” A person died and three people were in a critical condition after a fishing boat capsized off the coast of Wollongong in NSW in early November. A skipper drowned and four others were rescued after the boat they were on capsized near Derby in Western Australia in midNovember. And two men were lucky to survive after their boat sank on the Daly River in the Northern Territory. Sinking in seconds, the men didn’t have a chance to activate the emergency beacon or grab their phones. They fought off a crocodile and resorted to drinking their own urine for four days. Check with your local government for all boating and water safety essentials. www.bnbfishing.com. au

BOATING & marine

BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards

HE Boating Industry Association recently announced the 2021 winners of the BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards. BIA president Darren Vaux said, “The boating industry is rich with opportunities in skills and trades and the new BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards are a way of recognising the extraordinary talent in the industry.” “We have seen a 9 percent growth in employment across the industry over the past year, which reflects the demand and passion Australians have for boating in all its forms across paddle, power and sail. “Recognising excellence in our apprentices is part of our strategy to support career pathways in a sector that offers a unique opportunity to work on and beside some of the best waterways in the world.” The awards went to: • BIA Apprentice of the Year 2021 – Doug Allan from R Marine in Sydney • NSW Apprentice of the Year 2021 – Doug Allan • Queensland Apprentice of the Year 2021 – Zoe De Pryck from Maritimo • South Australian Apprentice of the Year 2021 – Trae Webb from Christies Beach Marine. Winners received a www.bnbfishing.com.au

trophy, certificate and a $500 voucher for tools. Doug Allan is a fourth-year mature-age apprentice shipwright with R Marine in Sydney. He has a strong work ethic and commitment to his trade, is a real team player, possesses excellent communication skills, has a cheerful disposition and nothing is ever too hard. He shows environmental awareness by keeping debris, waste and water usage to a minimum and is meticulous in keeping his workspace tidy. He is a problem solver with an ability to think outside the square with creative shipwright solutions. Doug is a devoted family man with two sons under five and is a keen boater on Tuggerah Lake. Zoe De Pryck is a fourth-year matureage apprentice cabinet maker with Maritimo on the Gold Coast, having emigrated from Belgium eight years ago. She achieved outstanding results at TAFE being first in Year 1, second in Year 2 and first in Year 3 for her respective trade. Zoe is very keen to see more women enter the marine industry and raise their profile, and is aiming for leadership roles in the future. She is a keen sailor. Trae Webb is a fourth-

year apprentice marine mechanic with Christies Beach Marine in Adelaide. He has achieved beyond the level expected in both his job performance and trade education. Trae works with minimum supervision, shows outstanding initiative and is always eager to learn new skills. He never holds back when it comes to tackling difficult jobs and enjoys a challenge. Trae always displays

enthusiasm, a willingness to assist others and works well with staff at all levels. He is a keen fisher with his own tinnie. A national snapshot for the year ending 30 June 2021 is as follows: • The marine industry had a turnover of $8.835 billion, up 11 percent on last year • Direct employment was 27,630 with many thousands more in associated businesses, up 9 percent • There are more than

2100 active boating industry businesses, up 5 percent • There were more than 920,000 registered boats and countless non-powered watercraft • More than 2.5 million Australians held a boat licence • There were approximately 18,500 new boats registered during the year. For information on boating go to discover boating.com.au For information on BIA, visit bia.org.au

BIA Chairman NSW State Council Adam Smith makes the presentation to 2021 Apprentice of the Year Doug Allan. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 69

Magical time on McArthur River delta

UR members are not only deep-sea anglers but are keen anglers across a board spectrum of species and types of fishing. You’ve read of our intrepid commodore Rob Schomberg and his trout exploits in Tasmania, so from the other end of the country, here is a report by member Steve Watson on a re-

Power Boat Anglers by MICK CLUTTERBUCK

cently completed trip to the Northern Territory. Destination King Ash Bay Northern Territory It's a trip we've enjoyed since 2007, when we were involved in a McArthur Mines funded barramundi tagging

project in the McArthur River delta. Since the completion of the project in 2012 – with over 4000 barra tagged and released – we've put together a team of keen anglers who count the days between trips.

Steve Watson captured this fingermark off a reef 70km from King Ash Bay.

Steve Watson was happy with his barramundi, one of the many from King Ash Bay. Page 70 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

Due to border restrictions, the usual Iluka crew were unable to make it this year which left a few vacancies that proved easy to fill. Fellow Power Boat Anglers member Jeff Sorrell, his brother Ray, two friends and two crews from Adelaide made up our complement of five boats. I've made the return trip of around 5700km 17 times now and spent 39 weeks enjoying the fruits of the McArthur River and nearby creeks, and every trip offers more information. There are approximately 1000km of waterways in the McArthur system and all are laced with barramundi, mangrove jack, fingermark, threadfin, cod and such… all for the taking. There's a huge choice of fishing, with flats, rivers, creeks and islands with rock bars being my personal preference. Upon arrival we were immediately able to provide a meal of barra for Jeff and company, who arrived the day after us. Then it was on... full on! In various locations it was a fish a cast and we averaged 30-55 barra a day, bringing our trip total to around 450. Other sundries such as jack, fingermark and such would have brought our boat total to around 600. Coupled with Jeff's crew catch, the number came up to around 800 barra in 14 days between us. Our totals included one barra-free day, when the two boats

ventured around 70km from home to fish the reef for the morning. This provided fingermark, trout, sweetlip emperor, nannygai, mackerel, queenfish and more. One of the fishers from Adelaide estimated the catch at well over 1000 barra – simply fantastic fishing. Our gear consisted of a combination of baitcasters and threadline reels on appropriate rods, depending on the lures being delivered. Years ago, we abandoned larger lures and our catches multiplied. These days 90 percent of our lure casting is on 1/8 and 1/6oz 4/0 jig heads and 3” or 4" paddle tail soft plastics. For more information, have a search of the King Ash Bay Fishing Club – who built the village – and our accommodation, the King Ash Bay Lodge. The club have a perpetual lease over 400 acres along the McArthur. In many respects a small self-sufficient town, the facilities include a service station, mini-mart, workshop, golf course, the Groper’s Bar and Grill, powered and unpowered sites, reticulated treated potable water, a generation plant for power and a double concrete ramp. It’s incredible what the club has built. I've attended a couple of their annual general meetings and noted camp fee income pushing close to $1 million a year. Another amazing trip and so keen to visit again – bring on 2022.

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A result of the cod releases in the 1990s, a gorgeous Mary River Cod handled in the water and released after a quick photo.

Somerset Regional Councillor Shane Wendt sends tiny cod on their way to grow and maybe spawn in the future.

Cod recovery project for Brisbane River

NE cloudy Sunday morning during late November saw a small gathering of volunteers huddled around the fish transportation vehicle from Hanwood Fish Hatchery, unloading a very precious cargo. That shipment consisted of 5200 tiny Mary River cod fingerlings, destined for release into the upper Brisbane River and its tributaries. It is important that we should condition ourselves to call these fish by their correct name Mary River cod (maccullochella peelii mariensis), and not Murray cod nor east coast cod, which are both distinctly different species. The Brisbane River was once home to a species of cod almost identical to the Mary River cod. Unfortunately, following exhaustive investigation 30 years ago, the Brisbane River strain was presumed extinct. The last substantiated

www.bnbfishing.com.au

Stocking by NEIL SCHULTZ

capture was in fact recorded back in the early 1950s. During 15 years in the 1980s and early 1990s, extensive searches with all available capture methods failed to produce a single specimen of the Brisbane River strain of cod. The Mary River cod was facing a similar fate until captive breeding techniques were perfected by Gerry Cook at Lake MacDonald. The first release of Mary River cod into the middle reaches of the Brisbane River was made on February 15, 1997. Those initial 350 cod fingerlings, supplied by Manning’s Freshwater Fish Hatchery at Cooroy, were released by the Brisbane Valley Anglers. Subsequent releases have been undertaken

periodically in the Brisbane system, but efforts have been hamstrung by the unreliable availability of fingerlings. Fish farming is the same as terrestrial farming – subject to the whims of Mother Nature, with drought, heat waves, disease and such reducing production. Current releases are being conducted as part of the Brisbane River Cod Recovery Project, a commendable scheme driven by the volunteer members of the Somerset and Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association. Securing the future of cod in the Brisbane River system is the primary objective of this exceedingly worthwhile project. The environmental and social value of the recovery project has seen contributions of funding, manpower and

expertise from other stakeholders, including Somerset Regional Council, Ipswich City Council, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland, Transport and Main Roads, Healthy Land and Water and the Grand Wivenhoe Fishing Club. Those of you who frequent the freshwater reaches of the river will be painfully aware of the high percentage of introduced pest species of fish in the biomass. Reintroducing the top aquatic predator to the system may see the balance return to a closer approximation of the natural order.

Socially, the benefits go beyond the satisfaction of seeing the ecology of the river improved – there is of course the angling potential that this strikingly handsome fish will offer. Given their relative scarcity, slow reproduction and growth potential, all anglers should treat them as the living treasures they are and release them without lifting them from the water. Totally abstaining from fishing for any species in riverine waters containing cod during the spawning season will give them the best chance of reproducing successfully.

Dale and Steve from the Somerset and Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association ferry buckets of juvenile cod for release into prime habitat. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 71

Good to see Glenlyon Dam back to full supply with the overflow heading into the rivers.

Glenlyon over 100 percent full

OW, 100 percent full! At long last, it is so good to see Glenlyon Dam back to full supply, with 254,000ML on tap, so to speak. How long it lasts remains to be seen as crop growing on irrigated land is looking good for

Water views at Glenlyon.

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 7/12/2021

DAMS

PERCENTAGE

AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Atkinson * 4 4 4 3 19 Awoonga 51 50 49 49 59 Bjelke-Petersen * 6 7 6 25 96 Boondooma * 25 25 24 33 100 Borumba * 81 79 75 90 100 Burdekin Falls * 91 88 82 75 84 Callide * 50 49 48 50 70 Cania * 30 31 28 25 28 Coolmunda * 100 99 97 100 101 Dyer/Bill Gunn * 4 4 4 8 51 Eungella * 81 80 79 75 75 Fairbairn * 15 14 13 16 26 Glenlyon * 73 74 75 98 103 Hinze* 95 94 92 91 99 Julius * 87 86 83 100 98 Kinchant * 83 83 77 71 71 Leslie * 57 57 57 63 100 Macdonald* 99 95 88 86 102 Maroon * 99 99 99 99 100 Monduran/Fred Haigh * 37 37 35 35 45 Moogerah * 42 41 39 40 70 North Pine/Samsonvale * 64 64 62 60 68 Peter Faust/Proserpine * 60 60 58 56 55 Somerset * 65 64 62 61 73 Teemburra * 97 97 94 90 90 Tinaroo* 85 84 79 73 70 Toonumbar 100 98 96 95 101 Wivenhoe * 42 41 40 40 44 Wuruma * 34 31 29 35 66 Wyaralong* 99 99 98 100 101 For updates on dams, visit sunwater.com.au or seqwater.com.au *This symbol indicates that a Stocked Impoundment Permit is required to fish these dams.

Page 72 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

Glenlyon Dam by BRIAN DARE

the next three years at least. As for the river, people who run stock will no doubt be grinning as the water flows past, filling up the aquafier. This flow has now reached the Menindee Lakes region for the first time in six years. Which has meant the return of aquatic life in local rivers and streams throughout the region. It’s good to see the flows. You could say the fish are happy that people like me, who love to fish these locations in canoes and kayaks, have been kept off the water due to the flows on rivers in the high country being too strong or dangerous to attempt. With all the good news on river flows, I wonder how many nut farms funded by overseas superfund money will be set up along the rivers, to the detriment and requirement of water releases for a perennial crop or plant. I was under the im-

pression there were no more allocations of water around and, this being the case, I guess bores are the so-called ‘answer’ for this type of crop. This needs to be watched, along with the free flow format introduced back in 2012 by the then NSW Government. Let’s watch and assess in four years to see how long the water lasts in a managed format. The breeding of yellowbelly is taking place. As the dam fills, yellowbelly are moving upstream. This applies also to the silver perch that live in Glenlyon. This is good news for those recreational anglers who fish water storages. Aside from natural breeding, the stocking groups will be letting fingerlings go from after Christmas until March 2022. When fishing the stor* continued P73

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Glenlyon Dam over 100 percent full finally * from P72

ages most will take one look and think ‘Where do I start to fish?’ In many cases, it’s a game of try it and see – though if you think back eight years, you may have a bit of a start on most anglers heading back to that secret location up in the gullies. Lost wooden lures will start to show up at the full-supply levels on the banks in among the rubbish that has come down in the floodwater. Logs – big logs – will be underwater waiting for boats and the unsuspecting angler – water ski boats and jet skis have already been through the mill with the rubbish and debris. The rivers… well you

can forget it until the rain shuts down. You still have three months to go because our wet season is yet to start. It’s been 18 months since I’ve boated a cod out of the river. It’s just been too fast a flow to be safe, with it settling down only to see another flow come into the catchment. Great news for the fish in the system, as they return to haunts previously used by their cousins before the drought and loss of water in the Deepwater, Mole and Dumaresq rivers! With all storages, the water colour will no doubt put some anglers off, but it’s not a major concern as on most dams you work the back

water of the locations with major inflows of water. No, you don’t fish in the main flow, you head to the gullies that have clear flows coming in from water sodden ground. These locations hold spangle perch, bony bream, catfish, silver perch and yellowbelly. Where are the cod? Well, I saw one angler fishing off the bank with a good-sized yellowbelly on, and a big green fish came up after the yellowbelly! To see the look on the face of this fisho was a pleasure, and it’s something they will never forget. Yes, fish the gullies. It’s only a matter of a week or two before the

whole storage becomes clear again. Keep in mind that all storages are now full, so any other inflow will hold the dirty water at the top of the storages. This will include streams around the dam as well. You’re going to have to rethink your approach

to fishing storages for a couple of months. No doubt, we’re going to see some good fishing take place during Christmas and the new year, then into 2022 and the 12 months to follow. Water views at Glenlyon? Yes, we’ve got a few at your camp site now!

Mark MacIntosh with a Murray cod.

GLENLYON DAM TOURIST PARK A great place to fish! • Powered and Unpowered Sites • No Domestic Pets or Generators • Kiosk • Ice • Gas • Petrol • Amenities Blocks and Laundry • BBQs • Hire Boats • EFTPOS • Fishing Permits

14 CABINS bookings necessary

GLENLYON DAM TOURIST PARK via STANTHORPE 4380 Contact Debbie or Brian Dare for more information or for bookings Ph: 02 6737 5266 E: glenlyondamtouristp@bigpond.com Visit our new website at www.bnbfishing.com.au

glenlyondamtouristpark.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 73

Out on a charter with Fraser Guided Fishing, Jacko with a solid inshore trout, his first. Tri Ton Abigail Eather caught this specimen flathead off Bribie Island on freshly netted mullet fillet and a Gary Howard Breambo. Abigail Eather

A mid-60cm flathead from the Coomera River on a Savage Gear Purple Haze 6.4cm plastic 1/6oz TT jig head. Check out Andy from CoastfishTV on YouTube Wednesday nights at 6pm. Andy Sparron

Fished the Nerang for a reasonable catch but it was not easy. Water was very dirty and the best fishing was definitely a run-in tide until it turned and the whiting disappeared. Wayne Young

To have a photo of your catch featured in Readers’ Forum, simply email ben@collins.media with a good-quality picture, your name and details or hop onto our Facebook page and send us a message. Page 74 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 75

TOURING & exploring

Fantastic view from the pool at Yeppoon Main Beach.

Happy new gear H

The entrance to the Capricorn Caves. Page 76 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

I all, wishing you a happy new year and I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. I hope Santa was kind and you found a bit of new gear under the tree. It’s been quite a few years since we visited the area around Yeppoon, so we loaded up the caravan and set off for a few days for a change of scenery. We based ourselves on the water’s edge at the Beachside Holiday Caravan Park, which is situated a short stroll from the main business district.

Touring by PAUL ‘CHIEF’ GRAVESON

We left Agnes Water with a completely different mindset and we were both in tourist mode. We let the hair down and frequented the many coffee shops and eateries. I fished the beach and rocks 150m from our caravan for a mixed bag of fish, including a species I’d never came across before – it was my first fringefin trevally!

I tend to get excited over these small accomplishments in life. On this trip, we visited two locations I would strongly recommend because both had a such an impact on us. Slightly south of Yeppoon is the seaside location of Emu Park. The headland precinct offers a unique memorial to Australia’s defence forces. It is a walk through

* continued P77

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TOURING & exploring

Happy new gear * from P76

time, with tributes to our navy, air force and army. The stroll takes you past beautifully manicured gardens and places of contemplation, where you can get lost in the stories of many who gave so much. As you leave one tribute, you find yourself taking breath when viewing a piece of sculpture so meaningful and relevant. The large transparent glass scene of the landing at Gallipoli is a piece that is outstanding. The scene is strategically placed so the clear area behind the soldiers lets the ocean and moving waves of Keppel Bay become part of the picture. The covered areas and information boards offer the reader endless history as you stroll across a sealed floor dotted with the image of poppies. We felt a mixture of sorrow, admiration and pride as we made our way along the path. When reaching the top of the headland, you turn to see a beautiful artistic sculpture named the Singing Ship. Large steel cables are strung into steel pipes that use the wind to amplify sound across the picturesque headland and the beautiful art piece. www.bnbfishing.com.au

The result is a haunting sound that brings a melancholy to the place and the viewer’s heart. We all feel things in different ways, but this place now has a special place in my thoughts and is a recommended must see. Another highlight of this trip was a visit to the Capricorn Caves situated 23km from Rockhampton. The day was stinking hot and humid and the caves offered not only a cool alternative but an absolute treat for the senses. We booked a tour which covered the geological forming of the caves and the historical facts of who found the cave system and how they originally explored and mapped the area. The tour also covered the fauna and flora that coexist in this environment. The early skeletal find of a thylacine (or Tasmanian tiger) in this cave gives a sense of wonderment as you drive through the scrub on your way out. While in the cave system, you walk through a large cavern called the Cathedral. The acoustics in the cavern enhance sound, providing an ambience and natural reverb. They use this area for wedding ceremonies and other special occasions such as concerts. It has bench seating

for a limited number, offering a unique intimate location. A natural alter of rock towers over the seats and small bats provide an extra experience to the senses. The Queensland Opera performed in the Cathedral this year and I believe it would have been an extraordinary blending of human voice and natural acoustics. It’s worth looking on the Capricorn Caves website for events. These two locations made our trip to Yeppoon very special and may be perfect for families to visit. In finishing, the council in this area have done a fantastic job with the parklands and facilities along the waterfront. The large free aquatic area located along Anzac Parade is such a bonus, with its lifeguards on patrol and the unrestricted view over Keppel Bay. The pools offer the perfect location to watch the sunrise, bathing in its crystalclear water as the temperature rises. Yeppoon is a place worthy of your to-go list, and a quick heads up… the ‘Secret Spot’ is a Tackle World shop well worth visiting if you need any gear or local knowledge. Happy new year all.

The Gallipoli Glass memorial.

The haunting Singing Ship.

TURKEY BEACH 2 Bedroom Villa Holiday Rental • Outdoor BBQ and pergola For • Fish cleaning facilities enquiries • Large yard with room and for the boat bookings • Undercover carport phone • Close to boat ramp 0458 742 153 • Linen available www.turkeybeachfishingvilla.com Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 77

TOURING & exploring

Boxing Day with a Lyon family difference

N December 1993, the Lyon family travelled up to Heathlands ranger base, where I was to take the position of ranger in charge of the Jardine River National Park near the tip of Cape York. It was an adventurous trip in our Land Rover 100, with heavy storms deluging the country, and running creeks and rivers that had been dry for many months. Though, we eventually made it into that magnificent country… with many adventures to come. As a ranger, I had previously helped many travellers and park visitors who had run into strife – breakdowns, accidents, heart attacks, snake bites, searching for lost people and so on. This time however, it was me who needed assistance – during a Christmas with a difference! Three weeks after our arrival at Heathlands, we enjoyed a fabulous

Cape York by ‘BILLABONG’ BAZZ LYON

bush Christmas and there was absolutely no one around. Shelley had established a family tradition where everyone had to make gifts out of whatever was at hand to give to each other. There were all sorts of unusual seedpods and curiously shaped pieces of bush timber about for such creations. On Boxing Day, we all jumped into the fourwheel-drive and headed southward down the rugged – and deserted for the wet season – Telegraph Track to the Dulhunty River, which features a small attractive waterfall slightly below the road crossing. It was proper hot, so we enjoyed a refreshing swim in this crocodilefree part of the river, then drove a winding bush track that followed the river downstream. I parked the 4WD un-

der some shady trees and we wandered down to the river where water tumbled over a beautiful rocky cascade and into a lovely deep hole. The ever-hopeful Josh was carrying his rod in case the fish were on the bite, this being good sooty and hopefully barramundi country. The seasonal afternoon thunderstorms had been building, and one was cracking and banging not far away on the other side of the river. The first heavy drops of rain arrived, splattering across the water and leafy paperbarks as Josh made his first cast. The lure had scarcely hit the water when a huge barramundi rose and inhaled it with an explosive boof. The chrome-plated fish leapt acrobatically from the water and with two powerful shakes of its head, threw the lure.

On our move to Heathlands at the start of the wet. Page 78 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

The rain started teeming down. Soaking wet, I climbed out along the trunk of a leaning paperbark tree to get a better view of the action. Josh cast again and another barramundi smashed the lure, this time taking off across the waterhole in a long powerful run. “You beaut!” I thought and started back down the tree to go and get my own rod out of the car. However about halfway down, I lost my footing on the slippery paperbark and fell awkwardly forward, my left arm outstretched to soften the fall. The arm collided with the bank and I fell backwards into the river in chest-deep water with my rain-drenched children looking on with surprise. Standing in the river with the heavy raindrops plopping all around, I noticed that my left arm was hanging uselessly by my side. I’d dislocated my elbow! The kids called out to Shelley, who’d earlier retreated to the 4WD to escape the rain. She arrived and, after I demonstrated my useless left arm, helped pull me out of the river by the working limb. As the storm raged, we climbed into the car and began the slow trip back to the ranger base, with Shelley driving of course. The water was at this

time streaming down the bush track in torrents and Shelley was forced to drop back to low range to counter the increasing slush. In one section, we lost forward momentum in a soft deep gully. However, after ten minutes or so of careful manoeuvring and throwing timber under the wheels, the vehicle finally clawed its way out with much wheel spinning. Though at another deep washout, it slid sideways at a precarious angle, but once again was extricated after some strategic to-ing and fro-ing. We finally arrived back at the ranger base after a fairly challenging – and quite painful for me – two-hour trip. After everyone had dried off, Shelley radioed the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Cairns for advice, no doubt interrupting their Boxing Day celebrations. But people will do silly things! It was quite embarrassing. After having helped so many people in strife over the years, I’d come a cropper myself, and what was worse… we hadn’t even caught a barra! The doctor was very helpful but quite concerned. He advised that the elbow Shelley had since put a sling on, would * continued P79

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TOURING & exploring

Boxing Day with a Lyon family difference * from P78

have to be manipulated back into position under a general anaesthetic, obviously in a hospital. We had a fair shortage of those in our area. To complicate matters, the doctor also told Shelley that Tropical Cyclone Nina had just formed in the gulf to our west and the weather was so bad that the RFDS couldn’t fly. This explained the especially gusty storms we had been experiencing. They were actually rain bands revolving around the giant storm. Regardless, it was impossible to make an evacuation – at least for the time being. TC Nina was still gathering strength and deciding which way to go. So, it was a matter of popping painkillers, getting as comfortable as possible and waiting. Shelley and the kids tidied up around the ranger base as much as possible in preparation for the cyclone, while I looked on feeling very frustrated. It was a fairly ordinary night as the rain shattered down and the cyclonic winds buffeted the house, tearing branches off some trees and uprooting others. TC Nina now covered a vast area. She was dumping huge amounts of rain across northern Cape York with major flooding developing in the Wenwww.bnbfishing.com.au

lock, Archer and Jardine rivers. Around midday the next day there was some easing in the weather between rainbands. At about 1.00pm, the RFDS contacted Shelley to say that a helicopter was being dispatched from Horn Island. It would take me to Thursday Island Hospital in the Torres Strait, some 150km from Heathlands. A couple of hours later, a bright yellow JetRanger helicopter appeared out of the swirling grey clouds and landed near the ranger house with a bluster of wind. The kids thought this was great! The pilot left the engine running as I gingerly climbed aboard, belted up and waved goodbye to my family. The flight to Thursday Island was superb. We weaved between the worst of the squalls and flew over a landscape that had been comprehensively swamped by Nina’s deluges. All the rivers and creeks had burst their banks. And for many of the sprawling savannah plains, only the top halves of the giant termite mounds could be seen above the vast spread of water. We passed over the swollen Jardine River and soon afterwards flew across the wind whipped waters of the southern part of the Tor-

res Strait to finally land on Thursday Island. I’d always wanted to visit TI – a place famous for its history and role in the pearling industry – though not as a hospital patient! After landing, I was wheeled into the hospital operating theatre where the friendly medical team was ready and raring to go. On coming out of the general anaesthetic, it was wonderful to see that my elbow was back in its original position, though it was still swollen and sore and needed to be supported by a sling for some time. The medical service had been excellent. And as good as the service from the Royal Flying Doctor Service is, it’s up to you to get yourself back home after treatment – which is fair enough. After another overnight belting of wind and rain, TC Nina tracked away to the south and the local weather improved greatly. So, the following day I caught the ferry back to Seisia – an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settlement on the mainland – travelled by taxi to nearby Bamaga and then made myself known to the two resident police officers there – Geoff and Pete. They listened with interest to my story and very kindly offered to help me get home, or as close as was possible at least.

There would be many trees blown across the road and no doubt some boggy stretches, though the constabulary was undeterred. The plan was to head south the following day in the police LandCruiser armed with a chainsaw and towing chain, cross the Jardine on the river ferry and continue towards Heathlands. Meanwhile, Shelley would travel from the south later in the afternoon and, all going well, the two vehicles would meet up somewhere along the road for a ‘patient transfer’. The day dawned hot and sunny, the rain was well and truly gone… so we thought. The road to the ferry was fairly good, being sandy and wide.

The ferry operator Rusty Williams met us there as arranged and took the police vehicle across to the southern bank. He would wait patiently until the officers returned. Being early in the monsoon season, the road wasn’t overly boggy. However, the further south we travelled, the more fallen trees there were. Cutting and dragging these off the road was very time consuming. Being virtually one armed, I wasn’t much help, though the officers continued to work in the sweltering heat without complaint – the great work police do in the bush is all too often

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Josh with a Dulhunty River barramundi. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 79

TOURING & exploring

Boxing Day with a Lyon family difference * from P79

poorly acknowledged. The hot steamy hours passed and eventually the supply of chainsaw fuel was exhausted. In any case, it was then time for the police to return to meet Rusty at the river ferry and get across the Jardine before nightfall. There was no sign of Shelley as yet and we concluded it was likely she had been blocked by

fallen trees in the dense rainforest further south. The only option was to walk. I estimated it was about 20km or so back to Heathlands. So, after gratefully thanking the officers, I grabbed my carry bag with my good arm and began the hike, climbing over or skirting around the frequent fallen trees and dodging the large puddles on the road.

The sun continued to beat down and after a while I came to appreciate these rainwater puddles, stopping occasionally to stoop down and drink from the cleaner ones. Many hours after leaving the police vehicle, I came to a big fallen wattle tree blocking the road. There was a note pinned to its trunk and fresh vehicle tracks on

the ground on the southern side. The note from was from Shelley, advising that she’d be back at 6.00pm, which was only a few minutes away. So, I gratefully sat down, leant against the wattle tree and checked out the bush birds while awaiting her return. Soon the clattering from the 4WD tray could be heard – a very welcomed sound – and Shel-

ley and the kids rounded the corner waving. Not long after we reached Heathlands, the rain began again, sweeping in from the northwest in a broad black thundery curtain. The cyclone had reorganised itself and returned, and the Lyon family would become completely isolated for over four months until the roads started drying out in May.

Tiny kitchen cookbook by Ashleigh Butler

NDEPENDENT Australian publisher Exploring Eden Media has signed Australian campervan and small kitchen cooking

expert Ashleigh Butler to publish her first collection of recipes for tiny kitchens. The cookbook will include tried-and-tested

Small kitchen cooking expert Ashleigh Butler to have her first collection of recipes published. Photos: Ashleigh Butler

The book focusses on preparing healthy wholesome food that is easy to store, uses everyday ingredients and reduces food waste. Page 80 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

recipes perfect for anyone who regularly cooks in small spaces – campervans, tiny homes, even on boats and yachts. The highly anticipated book is expected to go on sale mid-2022. Ashleigh and her author partner Jared Melrose have spent half a decade travelling across Australia in a campervan. During that time, she drew on her love of cooking, experimentation and work as a cook in small cafes, to become an expert on preparing great food in small spaces – often with little more than a two-burner gas stove, a mortar and pestle, a good knife and pantry basics. The book focusses on preparing healthy wholesome food that is easy to store, uses everyday ingredients and reduces food waste. Recipes are as wide-

ranging and delicious as prawn tostadas, oven-less pizza, rogan josh, van-made ricotta, and cacao and coconut mousse. In most recipes, Ashleigh suggests ways to make them vegetarian and vegan if they aren’t already. “My passion is raising awareness that simple and sustainable cooking is possible, even in unconventional kitchens, wherever they may be,” she said. “I’m excited to work with the team at Exploring Eden Media, which has so much talent and industry knowledge. “I feel really lucky they believe in what I’m doing and in my product.” Ashleigh is passionate about raising awareness of sustainable living, reducing food waste, composting and recycling, be that in a campervan or tiny home.

She was inspired to share her valuable experience cooking in a small kitchen to help others with tiny kitchens make healthy, wholesome food that is simple and delicious. Exploring Eden Media co-founder Brendan Batty said, “As a small specialist Australian travel publisher and seasoned explorers ourselves, we know travel and what travellers want.” “Ash’s project is a natural addition to our library and we’re as excited about bringing her vision to life as we are about cooking the meals Ash has developed. “The cookbook targets people who travel in campervans, caravans or other rolling homes. “It is also perfect for people who live or stay in tiny homes, studio apartments or other living spaces with limited kitchen space,” Mr Batty said.

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C ARAVANNING & adventure

The remote fishing location that was accessed by helicopter.

Mini Qld lap – Cobbold Gorge

FTER packing up the caravans, we left the quaint town of Mount Surprise with our new destination of Cobbold Gorge keyed into the GPS. Cobbold Gorge is a hidden oasis that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. During the planning of our trip, this was one place I really wanted to visit because it looked amazing in the pictures. To make this destination even more desir-

Exploring Queensland - Part 5 by BEN COLLINS

able, my lovely wife booked a helicopter fishing experience for my birthday – so I was ultra-keen to get there. The road to Georgetown – the last ‘major’ town before the gorge – was fairly good and after a quick stop there to top up with fuel, fresh fruit, food and liquid supplies, we were on our way again.

A not so friendly native. www.bnbfishing.com.au

As mentioned in a previous article, there are a couple of routes to get to Cobbold Gorge. One is travelling from The Lynd to the gorge via Einasleigh and Forsayth, which is around 185km with 125km of gravel. Another is via Georgetown and through Forsayth, which has around

You appreciate the sheer size of the gorge when navigating it by boat.

* continued P82

The Cobbold Gorge tour includes crossing a glass bridge, which offers a very unique perspective. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 81

C ARAVANNING & adventure

Mini Qld lap – Cobbold Gorge * from P81

The volume and force of water needed to create the gorge must have been staggering.

Kayaks are provided to take on the lake.

51km of gravel and unsealed roads and 34km of sealed. Depending on the conditions, it is advisable to let your car and caravan tyres down. This will lessen the impact of the corrugations, which can be prolific on central Queensland roads. It’s also an idea to work out a good travelling speed because if you go a little faster occasionally it will soften the ride by skimming across the corrugations. Alternatively, when they get too big, you might need to slow right down. Fortunately for us, on this trip the road wasn’t too bad, so we made good time and didn’t have any issues. Even though we planned to stay for a couple of nights, our setup was relatively quick – basically we put the awning out, set up the chairs and a table, hooked up water and power, got timber for a fire and an ice-cold re-

A quick camp set up with the essential basics. Page 82 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022

freshment and we were done. It was then time to enjoy the infinity pool that overlooked the lake in the foreground with the harsh Queensland outback as backdrop – it was slightly surreal. The pool was extremely refreshing and a great way in reinvigorate the body after the drive. Kayaks were provided to take on the lake, which kept the kids entertained – and best of all, we could keep an eye on them from the pool, restaurant and bar that served adult beverages. Aside from being a great place to unwind, Cobbold Gorge offers so much more. Several tours include the Ultimate Outback Adventure Tour, Gorge Tour, Scenic Helicopter Flight and heli-fishing – these are only some of the experiences on offer. If you are planning on heading to Cobbold Gorge, make sure to check their website cobboldgorge.com.au for when it’s open, the tours and when they’re available. Since the area is impacted by the wet season, the gorge does close for part of the year and even when open, not all tours run every day, so you will need to plan and book ahead. On this occasion we opted for the Cobbold Gorge Tour, which included a guided walk through the rocky escarpments and along

the creek for a relatively easy 75-minute walk. The guides on these walks give you an indepth breakdown of the history of the gorge and the family whose property it is on, which gives you an even greater appreciation of the place. One of the benefits of this tour is that you get to experience the gorge from a completely different perspective, as you cross the glass bridge and take in the sheer size of the gorge and how steep the walls are. This appreciation is further enhanced when you navigate your way through the gorge by boat, which takes about 45 minutes. The total volume and force of water that rushes through the gorge during the wet season is staggering. As mentioned, I was fortunate to have a helicopter fishing experience in this magnificent area. And the good news was that the pilot was keen to show us some of the landscape too, so we were able to have a scenic flight to our fishing destination – which was where they filmed one of the Great Northern Brewing Company commercials. The trip included fishing gear, lunch and of course a couple of Great Northern beverages. After spotting the portaloo that was the landmark our pilot was * continued P83

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C ARAVANNING & adventure Queensland’s youngest gorge

C A heli-fishing experience at the gorge ticked all the boxes.

Mini Qld lap – Cobbold Gorge * from P82

given – as well as a bearing, it was his first time to this spot too – the chopper was set down and we were rigging up. I possibly should have researched what type of fishing we would be doing because I had envisaged flicking lures for barramundi, which I’m sure were somewhere in the system particularly before and after the wet. However, what proved most successful and was enough to entice the lo-

cal black bream, was a bit of steak on a hook. Not the target species in mind, but still an amazing experience. Cold bevvies, my good friend Nick and fishing in a remote location in our beautiful state – what more could you want? On our return flight, we managed to see the old original homestead and overlook Cobbold Gorge from a different viewpoint, which was spectacular. For our stay we opted

Fishing remote locations in our picturesque state with a friend, what more could you ask for? www.bnbfishing.com.au

for a powered camp site – a drive-in drive-out style on a terraced hill that worked well. The sites were large too, meaning I didn’t have to unhook the JB Scorpion Sting – just made sure it was level. However, if you did want to leave the van at a caravan park in Mount Surprise or Georgetown, well presented and furnished cabin accommodation was also available. A restaurant with reasonably priced food and drinks that overlooks the pool and lake is on site too, so if you want a break from cooking you have that option. You are also able to have fires in the designated pits – always a great way to finish off the day. Overall, Cobbold Gorge met and surpassed my expectations and was exactly what we needed before hitting the road to head east, with the Atherton Tablelands our next main destination.

obbold Gorge is Queensland’s youngest gorge set within an ancient landscape. It all began 1700 million years ago. Sand and mud sediment were deposited on what was then the ocean floor, until eventually layers built up to be more than 10km thick. Movement in Earth’s crust caused the sediments to compress, forming Hampstead sandstone. Further movement caused the sedimentary rock to fracture. Torrential wet seasons over many years spilled torrents of water through the narrow fractures, creating deep gorges and permanent springs and seepages. Minor movement in recent times – estimated to be 10,000 years ago rather than millions – has contributed to the formation of the lower reaches of Cobbold

Gorge as it is today. The gorge itself is unique, as it narrows to only 2m in places and is set amid rugged sandstone formations, occupying an area of about 80sq km. This narrowness indicates that Cobbold Gorge is the youngest known gorge in Queensland today. Evidence of the geological processes is clearly visible. It’s surrounded by spectacular cliffs that are 19m high from the waterline to the top of the escarpment or 30m from the bottom of the water to the top of the escarpment. To protect this fragile environment, access to Cobbold Gorge is by guided tour only. The interpretive Cobbold Gorge tours provide visitors with an insight to an ancient geological story, which continues to unfold each day.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2022 – Page 83

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BNB Fishing mag | January 2022

Articles inside

Magical time on McArthur River delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mick Clutterbuck

January options for Capricorn Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by John Boon

Decent hauls from dirty water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Keith Stratford

Tips for wet summer fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Gavin Dobson