BNB Fishing Mag | February 2024 by bnbfishing

Barra season opens 495

Includes GST

February 2024 Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 35, Number 2

Caravanning Flash back in Monduran

ISSN 1832-4517

02 Proudly produced and printed in Australia

Muddies, jacks Matching jig Bar Crusher

In pursuit

9 771832 451001

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 1

Page 2 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 3

GEN III

The Ultimate 115HP & 140HP Outboard Motor Range now fitted with the Suzuki Micro-Plastic Collecting Device. Suzuki’s third generation 115hp & 140hp outboard motors boast more torque, quicker acceleration, and improved top speed thanks to revising the cylinder head and piston design and increasing the compression ratio to 10.6:1. The new cowling and semi-direct air intake greatly reduce intake noise resulting in quieter operation. Suzuki’s Micro-Plastic Collecting Device (MPC) is part of Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project initiative, which collects micro-plastic without any effect on performance when boating. The third generation 115hp & 140hp are available in both Suzuki Precision Control (Drive-by-wire) and mechanical-drive variants and backed by Suzuki’s 3+3-year recreational warranty.

Page 4 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

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From the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing editor

AST month unfortunately saw lots of devastation from strong winds, storms and flooding rain in various parts of the state and for our southern partners also. Not the ideal start to 2024 I was hoping for, though one thing generally shines through during these tough times and that is people’s commitment to helping and supporting those in need. Hopefully the repairs won’t take too long, yet I feel some places in the north may struggle for a while. Now might be the time to consider planning a trip north over winter, to help the impacted communities get back on their feet with some welcomed southern spend. Locally, the Nerang, Coomera and Logan River catchments received plenty of rain,

which produced floodlike conditions. Thankfully, there wasn’t as much damage here as for our counterparts in the north. The rain however, while it will be good in the long run, has made fishing in certain areas a bit tough. Moreton Bay has been a nice shade of chocolate brown for the past few weeks as the run-off continues, which combined with the small tides over that period. As we move into February, this should start to clear up and the fishing will improve. Hopefully we haven’t had too much rain, so that we have a good prawning season. On a side note, snapper have been a shining light over the past month. Regarded as more of a winter fish due to when they breed, snapper

Flicking the flats at Carnarvon.

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can be caught all yearround, with the warmer months often producing the better fish. This month could be a great time to target a big bay snapper and tick it off your bucket list. Working groups I have been appointed to the Moreton Bay Fishery Working Group, which provides advice for Fisheries Queensland. The aim of the working group is to improve stakeholder engagement and offer operational advice on the management of our fishery. As you know, I can be fairly vocal on fisheries management issues, so I welcome the appointment and look forward to playing a part in the process. I’m also happy to be a sounding board if you have ideas or concerns, so don’t hesitate to call or email me to chew the fat on a mix of issues – 07 3286 1833 or ben@collins.media Barramundi The closed sea for barramundi comes to an end on January 31, which will make a lot of anglers happy. I have spoken before about fishos ‘chasing jacks’ when they were in fact targeting barra during the closed season, particularly in southeast Queensland. It is a very grey area, so hopefully Fisheries Queensland can address this before next summer. If you are keen to try for a barra here, February will be your best bet. Warm weather and plenty of run-off from the local creeks and rivers will get them chewing.

Though just because you can see them on your sounder, doesn’t mean they’ll take a lure or bait. These fish can be very canny and frus-

trating at times, but I guess that’s part of the attraction in targeting this species… and eventually catching one. Ben Collins

OUR COVER Barra season opens 495

Includes GST

February 2024 Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 35, Number 2

Caravanning adventures Flash back in Moreton Bay Monduran barra guide

ISSN 1832-4517

02 Proudly produced and printed in Australia

9 771832 451001

Muddies, jacks and jewies Matching jig heads to plastics Bar Crusher 670XT review

In pursuit pursuit of pelagics

Estuary • Offshore • Freshwater • 4WD • Camping • Touring www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 1

MEGAN FAH landed a tagged competition mangrove jack at the Tag a Jack fishing comp in Tin Can Bay. Chris Rippon covers the event in his article on page 50.

NEXT EDITION: March edition will be on sale in newsagents from February 23. FEBRUARY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: See the subscription form on page 84 to subscribe this month to go in the draw to win one of five lure packs from S Tackle, valued at $61.80 RRP each. DECEMBER PRIZE WINNERS: Congratulations to B. May, Cleveland; B. Crisp, Moores Pocket; J. Gee, Hollywell; J. Fraser, Cleveland; M. Adamson, Dundowran; O. Glover, Narangba; P. Rimmer, Albany Creek; T. Boyle, Wynnum; T. Buckmaster, Manton and W. Hawkins, Beachmore who will each receive a Zerek Slick Back lure gift pack from Wilson Fishing, valued at $57 RRP each. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 5

February 2024 contents Muddies, jewies and jacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Keith Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8 Tide Times - Brisbane Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P9 Fifty good reasons to go fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mark Templeton . . . . . . . . . . . P10 Micro BaitZ for big bites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Justin Willmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P14 Effort needed for quailty fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Conlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P18 Switching tactics for spotties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Andy Melville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P22 Your boating best friend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P25 Fishing Events Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P25 February fishing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Clint Ansell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P26 Amazing pelagic action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mitchel Zygnerski . . . . . . . . . . P28 Rejuvenating and enriching shellfish populations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P29 Bar Crusher XT fishing weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P32 Mercury Marine's Avator outboards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P34 Whiting, flatties and pelagics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brett Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P36 Nautical milestone with new barge joining fleet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P37 Spaniards, jewies and pelagics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tye Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38 Seafood protects against disease. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P39 Project fills information gaps on reproductive kingfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P40 Product News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P42 Selecting a HeadlockZ jig head for your Z-Man plastic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P46 Planning and preparation for pleasure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Craig Tomkinson . . . . . . . . . . . P48 Tag a Jack fishing comp wrap up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Chris Rippon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P50 Tide Times – Waddy Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P51 Fishing basics for big bites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tri Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P52 Tips for tempting monster barra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Gary Churchward . . . . . . . . . . P53 Barramundi are back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by John Boon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P56 Bigger barra caught after Queensland gillnet bans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P58 Creeping up WA’s coastline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P60 Upgraded Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P64 Dometic introduces NRX series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P65 Charter Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P66 Bringing 2024 in with a fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Neil Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P68 Menindee fish kills in 2018 and 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P70 Lake Monduran barra fishing guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Josh Dow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P72 Valley Lake Ketla Malpi native fish restock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P75 One million barramundi fingerlings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P76 Citizen science makes impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P76 Fish crowd-pleasing Cania Dam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Helen Abdy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P78 Record your pest fish information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P80 New year brings new challenges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Dare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P80 Dam Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P81 Trading Post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P82 Readers’ Forum ��P83 Subscription Form ��P84 Page 6 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

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The Team

EDITOR: Ben Collins ADVERTISING: Chantal Rimmington PRODUCTION: Tiffany Brown 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: SpotNews DISTRIBUTION BY: Wrapaway 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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Jewfish will be eating well presented plastics this month.

Muddies, jewies and jacks

EBRUARY is generally one of the hottest months of the year in southeast Queensland. It can produce some wild weather, such as heavy rain and storms, so we’ll have to wait to see what Mother Nature feels like sending our way as the month progresses. At the time of writing, the rivers were still fairly brown from the

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recent rainfall. Though they are clearing up quickly and the bait is starting to go back into the rivers and creeks. Mud crabs were starting to improve and there were a lot of small prawns flicking around the smaller drains. Hopefully we’ll get a little more rain this month to keep the water slightly dirty. This helps to concentrate bait into a smaller area, instead of spreading throughout the entire system. Where there is bait, there will be fish, so concentrations of bait make things easier when trying to find spots where the fish are feeding.

Don’t let the brown water put you off fishing an area. To see how much salt is in the water, I always taste it as I’m pushing up the creek. If there’s salt on the top, there will be plenty of fish down deep in the holes. I also keep an eye out for any surface activity from baitfish such as mullet and prawns. When saltwater is pushing back into a system, mullet will be the first to follow it in. Also, keeping an eye on the sounder in the deeper holes will let you know if the bait is pushing back up. Small bull sharks will be in large num* continued P9

Mob 0427 142 201 Fax 3807 2468 Email: Remoplains2@bigpond.com

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Dom McCann landed a big mangrove jack when live baiting at night.

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Muddies, jewies and mangrove jacks * from P8

bers this month too. They are a lot of fun to catch and are surprisingly very good on the plate when looked after correctly. Mud crabs are a popular target at this time of year. I crabbed a fair bit leading up to Christmas, when there were plenty of white floats on the river. Share farming is still an issue, with a lot of people complaining about their pots being ‘checked’ at the boat ramp. Disappointingly, it’s a common problem. If you don’t want your pots checked, you need to stay close to them or put in the effort to hide them well. The worst system I’ve come across for crab thieving grubs is the Caboolture River. I’ve gone to extremes to hide my pots in there and they still get checked occasionally. Unfortunately, it is still

one of the better mud crabbing rivers around Brisbane. If you spend half a day crabbing there on a good tide, you should be able to go home with at least a couple of muddies. Fresh bait is the most important key to nailing a feed of mud crabs. I like to use a mixture of fish frames and chicken frames. You don’t need a lot in each pot, especially if you’re checking them regularly. The type of fish frame doesn’t seem to matter too much, however oily fish such as mullet and tuna do seem to perform better than others. I recently used some pearl perch frames and they worked very well. I think chicken also helps a lot, so it’s worth putting some in together with the fish frames. There are still plenty of small jewfish in the rivers. They will be pushing upstream with the bait schools.

They prefer to hang around the deeper holes and rock bars. And there should be a couple of better models over the legal size among them. Grunter are another species that like to push into a system as the water cleans up. AUSTRALIA EAST COAST Mangrove jack should be angry this month and AUSTRALIA, EAST EAST COAST COAST BRISBANE BAR AUSTRALIA, –– BRISBANE BRISBANE BAR BAR they feed very well in LAT27° 27°22ʼ 22ʼSS LONG153° 153°10ʼ 10ʼEE LAT LONG Timesand andHeights Heightsof ofHigh Highand andLow LowWaters Waters Times dirty water. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH FEBRUARY MARCH It’s easierJANUARY to get away Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time Time Time Time Time with aTime heavier leader 0022 1.70 1.70 0058 1.98 1.98 0113 1.88 1.88 0220 2.16 2.16 0038 2.08 2.08 0148 2.28 0220 0148 0022 0113 0038 0058 2.28 when11the water is dis160653 160834 160824 110648 110711 0609 0.64 0.64 16 0653 0.48 0.48 0711 0.82 0.82 16 0834 0.85 0.85 0648 0.82 0.82 16 0824 0.89 0609 0.89 1245 2.26 2.26 TU 1316 2.47 2.47 1315 2.05 2.05 FR 1418 1.86 1.86 1234 1.95 1.95 SA 1351 1.66 1.66 MO1245 TU 1316 TH 1315 FR 1418 FR 1234 SA 1351 MO TH FR coloured. 1928 0.73 0.73 2003 0.48 0.48 1948 0.68 0.68 2044 0.62 0.62 1856 0.65 0.65 1955 0.70 2044 1955 2003 1928 1948 1856 0.70 Flathead have been 0105 1.70 1.70 0153 1.99 1.99 0200 1.87 1.87 0326 2.12 2.12 0118 2.04 2.04 0249 2.17 0105 0153 0200 0326 0118 0249 2.17 making a welcome ap-0.63 170748 170954 170947 220652 220801 220734 0652 0.74 17 0748 0.63 0801 0.94 0.94 17 0954 0.97 0.97 0734 0.93 0.93 17 0947 0.98 0.74 0.98 1323 2.17 2.17 WE 1402 2.28 2.28 1354 1.90 1.90 SA 1524 1.66 1.66 1313 1.80 1.80 SU 1507 1.51 1402 1.51 TU1323 WE FR 1354 SA 1524 SA 1313 SU 1507 TU FR SA pearance at this time of 2006 0.73 0.73 2047 0.51 0.51 2029 0.71 0.71 2142 0.70 0.70 1930 0.71 0.71 2056 0.83 2006 2029 2142 1930 2056 0.83 2047 year over the1.69 past couple 0155 1.69 0254 2.00 2.00 0300 1.87 1.87 0444 2.12 2.12 0210 2.01 2.01 0407 2.11 2.11 180254 180444 180407 330155 330300 330210 0743 0.85 0.85 18 0852 0.78 0.78 0909 1.03 1.03 18 1131 0.98 0.98 0836 1.01 1.01 18 1121 0.96 0743 0852 0909 1131 0836 1121 0.96 of seasons. 1404 2.06 2.06 TH 1454 2.07 2.07 1448 1.75 1.75 SU 1653 1.55 1.55 1406 1.66 1.66 MO 1651 1.49 1.49 WE1404 TH 1454 SA 1448 SU 1653 SU 1406 MO 1651 WE SA SU All the 2050 river 0.73 mouths 2136 0.54 0.54 2123 0.74 0.74 2255 0.75 0.75 2021 0.78 0.78 2225 0.90 2050 0.73 2136 2123 2255 2021 2225 0.90 should 0256 be worth a0402 cast2.05 0256 1.71 0402 2.05 0417 1.93 1.93 0559 2.18 2.18 0324 2.00 2.00 0527 2.11 1.71 0417 0559 0324 0527 2.11 40844 191008 191254 191232 441034 441005 0844 0.95 19 1008 0.89 0.89 1034 1.05 1.05 19 1254 0.89 0.89 1005 1.03 1.03 19 1232 0.87 0.95 0.87 with 4 soft plastics. 1452 1.95 1.95 FR 1554 1.88 1.88 1603 1.65 1.65 MO 1820 1.57 1.57 MO 1531 1.56 1.56 TU 1811 1.59 1.59 TH 1452 FR 1554 SU 1603 MO 1820 MO 1531 TU 1811 TH SU 2140 0.71 2230 0.57 0.57 2231 0.73 0.73 Last 2140 year0.71 we caught 2141 0.81 0.81 2353 0.86 2230 2231 2141 2353 0.86 a stack0407 of good on2.13 0407 1.78 fish 0514 2.13 0534 2.05 2.05 0013 0.73 0.73 0453 2.08 2.08 0630 2.17 1.78 0514 2.17 20Clone 200013 200630 550958 550534 550453 0958 1.01 1.01 20 1134 0.92 0.92 1203 0.98 0.98 20 0700 2.26 2.26 1143 0.95 0.95 20 1323 0.78 1134 1203 0700 1143 1323 0.78 92mm Pro Lure 1549 1.85 1.85 SA 1705 1.73 1.73 MO 1725 1.63 1.63 TU 1352 0.79 0.79 1708 1.59 1.59 WE 1905 1.73 1.73 FR 1549 SA 1705 MO 1725 TU 1352 TU 1708 WE 1905 FR TU 2234 0.68 2330 0.57 2343 0.68 0.68 1923 1.67 1.67 2310 0.76 0.76 2343 1923 2310 Prawns2234 and0.68 small 2330 pad-0.57 0516 1.90 the 0620 0620 2.23 0640 2.21 2.21 0116 0.66 0.66 0609 2.23 2.23 0057 0.76 0516 1.90 2.23 0640 0116 0609 0.76 dle tails around 3-4” 21 1257 21 0750 21 0057 661116 66 1319 66 1300 1116 0.99 0.99 21 1257 0.87 0.87 1319 0.84 0.84 21 0750 2.33 2.33 1300 0.80 0.80 21 0719 2.24 0719 2.24 size.SA 1653 1.78 1.78 SU 1819 1.67 1.67 1837 1.68 1.68 WE 1437 0.71 0.71 WE 1826 1.71 1.71 TH 1403 0.70 0.70 SA 1653 SU 1819 TU 1837 WE 1437 WE 1826 TH 1403 TU 2330 0.62 0.62 2012 1.77 1.77 1948 1.86 2012 1948 1.86 That’s2330 it from me this 0616 2.06 2.06 0031 0.56 0.56 0048 0.57 0.57 0207 0.58 0.58 0026 0.64 0.64 0145 0.67 0616 0031 0048 0207 0026 0145 0.67 month. 22 0718 22 0832 22 0800 771231 77 0736 77 0711 1231 0.92 0.92 22 0718 2.34 2.34 0736 2.39 2.39 22 0832 2.38 2.38 0711 2.41 2.41 22 0800 2.29 2.29 1756 1.75 1402 0.78 WE 1420 0.70 0.70 TH 1515 0.66 0.66 1400 0.64 0.64 FR 1438 0.65 1.75 1402 0.65 Hope to see you on the0.78 SU 1756 MO WE 1420 TH 1515 TH 1400 FR 1438 SU MO TH 1926 1.67 1.67 1940 1.78 1.78 2050 1.85 1.85 1929 1.86 1.86 2024 1.97 1.97 1926 1940 2050 1929 2024 water.

Tide Times

0024 0.56 0.56 0024 0709 2.23 2.23 0709 1336 0.82 0.82 MO 1336 MO 1855 1.75 1.75 1855

Time Tim

0141 014 0824 082 135 MO MO1351 1949 194

0251 025 0953 095 152 TU TU 1523 2113 211

0418 041 1121 112 165 WE WE 1658 2245 224

0536 053 1232 123 181 TH TH 1812

0005 000 0640 064 132 FR FR 1329 1911 191

0114 011 0733 073 141 SA SA 1417 2002 200

0213 021 0821 082 150 SU SU 1500 2050 205

0128 0.53 0.53 0146 0.46 0.46 0248 0.53 0.53 0131 0.49 0.49 0227 0.60 0.60 030 23 0128 23 0248 23 0227 23 88 0146 88 0131 88 0306 0808 2.41 2.41 0828 2.55 2.55 23 0909 2.41 2.41 0804 2.56 2.56 23 0837 2.32 0808 0828 0909 0804 0837 0905 2.32 090 1455 0.70 1513 0.57 TU 1455 0.70 TU 2020 1.71 1.71 2020

TH 1513 0.57 TH 2036 1.88 1.88 2036

1547 0.63 0.63 FR 1547 FR 2124 1.92 1.92 2124

1449 0.51 0.51 FR 1449 FR 2022 2.02 2.02 2022

1509 0.60 0.60 SA 1509 SA 2057 2.06 2057 2.06

154 MO MO 1540 2136 213

0115 0.48 0.48 0217 0.49 0.49 0241 0.34 0.34 0324 0.49 0.49 0229 0.36 0.36 0303 0.55 0.55 035 24 0217 9 0241 24 0324 24 0303 99 0115 9 99 0229 99 0356 0758 2.38 2.38 24 0852 2.45 2.45 0915 2.68 2.68 24 0943 2.42 2.42 0851 2.67 2.67 24 0909 2.32 0758 0852 0915 0851 0909 0943 0948 2.32 094 1434 0.71 1539 0.66 1601 0.47

TU 1434 0.71 WE WE 1539 0.66 TU 1951 1.78 1.78 2105 1.76 1.76 1951 2105

FR 1601 0.47 FR 2127 1.99 1.99 2127

1617 0.62 0.62 SA 1617 SA 2155 1.98 1.98 2155

1534 0.40 0.40 SA 1534 SA 2111 2.16 2.16 2111

1537 0.56 0.56 SU 1537 SU 2129 2.13 2.13 2129

161 TU TU 1616 2220 222

0204 0.40 0.40 0300 0.47 0.47 0332 0.26 0.26 0357 0.48 0.48 0321 0.28 0.28 0338 0.54 0.54 044 10 0204 25 0300 10 0332 25 0357 10 0321 25 0338 10 10 0444 0845 2.51 2.51 25 0931 2.47 2.47 10 1000 2.76 2.76 25 1013 2.41 2.41 10 0936 2.71 2.71 25 0939 2.30 1000 1013 0936 0939 1030 0845 0931 2.30 10 103 1528 0.61 1617 0.65 1646 WE 1528 0.61 WE 2045 1.82 1.82 2045

TH 1617 0.65 TH 2144 1.80 1.80 2144

0.40 SA 1646 0.40 SA 2215 2.08 2.08 2215

1644 0.59 0.59 SU 1644 SU 2225 2.03 2.03 2225

1615 0.33 0.33 MO 1603 0.53 0.53 SU 1615 MO 1603 SU 2158 2.29 2.29 2200 2.20 2158 2200 2.20

165 WE WE 1650 2303 230

0252 0.34 0.34 0337 0.45 0.45 0420 0.22 0.22 0429 0.49 0.49 0409 0.25 0.25 0412 0.55 0.55 053 11 0252 26 0337 11 0420 26 0429 11 0409 26 0412 11 11 0531 0932 2.62 2.62 26 1008 2.47 2.47 11 1045 2.77 2.77 26 1041 2.38 2.38 11 1018 2.67 2.67 26 1007 2.25 0932 1008 1045 1041 1018 1007 1112 2.25 11 111 1618 0.54 1650 0.65 1728 TH 1618 0.54 TH 2137 1.86 1.86 2137

FR 1650 0.65 FR 2217 1.83 1.83 2217

0.36 MO 1709 0.57 0.57 SU 1728 0.36 MO 1709 SU 2302 2.16 2.16 2256 2.07 2.07 2302 2256

1654 0.30 0.30 MO 1654 MO 2243 2.38 2.38 2243

1630 0.50 0.50 TU 1630 TU 2231 2.25 2231 2.25

172 TH TH 1723 2347 2347

0340 0.29 0.29 0411 0.46 0.46 0507 0.25 0.25 0501 0.54 0.54 0456 0.29 0.29 0446 0.59 0.59 0620 12 0340 27 0411 12 0507 27 0501 12 0456 27 0446 12 12 0620 1018 2.69 2.69 27 1041 2.45 2.45 12 1126 2.71 2.71 27 1108 2.31 2.31 12 1059 2.55 2.55 27 1035 2.17 1126 1108 1059 1035 1154 1018 1041 2.17 12 1154 1706 0.48 1719 0.65 1807 FR 1706 0.48 FR 2228 1.91 1.91 2228

SA 1719 0.65 SA 2248 1.86 1.86 2248

0.35 MO 1807 0.35 MO 2349 2.20 2.20 2349

1734 0.56 0.56 TU 1734 TU 2329 2.10 2.10 2329

1730 0.31 0.31 WE 1655 0.50 0.50 TU 1730 WE 1655 TU 2327 2.43 2.43 2303 2.28 2327 2303 2.28

1757 FR FR 1757

0427 0.27 0.27 0443 0.48 0.48 0554 0.34 0.34 0535 0.61 0.61 0543 0.40 0.40 0520 0.65 0543 0.65 0031 13 0427 28 0443 13 0554 28 0535 13 28 0520 13 13 0031 1103 2.72 2.72 28 1111 2.42 2.42 13 1207 2.56 2.56 28 1136 2.22 2.22 13 1139 2.36 2.36 28 1103 2.07 1103 1111 1207 1136 1139 1103 0713 2.07 13 0713 1753 0.45 1746 0.65 1845 SA 1753 0.45 SA 2317 1.94 1.94 2317

SU 1746 0.65 SU 2320 1.89 1.89 2320

0.38 WE 1800 0.57 0.57 TU 1845 0.38 WE 1800 TU

1803 0.36 0.36 WE 1803 WE

1721 0.53 0.53 TH 1721 TH 2336 2.27 2336 2.27

1239 SA SA 1239 1832 1832

0514 0.29 0.29 0516 0.52 0.52 0036 2.22 2.22 0002 2.10 2.10 0012 2.43 2.43 0556 0.73 0516 0036 0002 0012 0556 0119 0.73 0119 14 0514 1148 2.70 2.70 29 1141 1141 2.37 2.37 14 0642 0642 0.49 0.49 29 0610 0610 0.71 0.71 14 0630 0630 0.55 0.55 29 1134 1134 1.95 1148 1.95 14 0815 0815 1838 0.44 1814 0.64 1247 SU 1838 0.44 SU

MO 1814 0.64 MO 2355 1.90 1.90 2355

2.35 WE 1247 2.35 WE 1921 0.44 0.44 1921

1204 2.10 2.10 TH 1204 TH 1827 0.60 0.60 1827

0007 1.96 1.96 0551 0.60 0.60 0125 2.20 2.20 0551 0125 15 0007 0602 0.36 0.36 30 1211 1211 2.29 2.29 15 0733 0733 0.67 0.67 0602 1232 2.61 1843 0.64 1330 MO 1232 2.61 MO 1921 0.45 0.45 1921

TU 1843 0.64 TU

2.11 TH 1330 2.11 TH 2000 0.52 0.52 2000

1218 2.13 2.13 TH 1218 TH 1837 0.45 0.45 1837

1747 0.57 0.57 FR 1747 FR

0058 2.37 2.37 0011 2.24 0011 0215 2.24 0215 15 0058 0721 0.73 0.73 30 0634 0634 0.82 0721 0.82 15 0930 0930 1300 1.88 1.88 FR 1300 FR 1912 0.57 0.57 1912

0031 1.90 1.90 31 0031 0629 0.70 0.70 0629 1241 2.18

1208 1.83 1.83 SA 1208 SA 1816 0.63 1816 0.63

0050 2.20 2.20 31 0050 0720 0.90 0720 0.90 1250 1.70 1.70 SU 1250 SU 1853 0.71 1853 0.71

WE 1241 2.18 WE 1914 0.65 0.65 1914

© Copyright Copyright Commonwealth Commonwealth of of Australia AustraliaNew 2022,Moon Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology © 2022, Bureau First Quarter Datum of of Predictions Predictions is is Lowest Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide Tide Datum Moon Phase Phase Symbols Symbols Moon

Big rusty mud crabs are about during February.

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1335 SU SU 1335 1915 1915

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 9

1454 MO MO 1454 2016 2016

An amazing 92cm flathead beast encountered by Mark, which was treated carefully on release to ensure its superb breeding condition.

Fifty good reasons to go fishing A cracker 80cm flathead, and the amazement on Billy’s face really tells the story.

Tyler always has a smile on his face when fishing, whether he’s catching a plus 40cm bream or a little cracker. Page 10 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

’M not sure if anyone else feels the same way but the months and years are flying by for me, and I’m still coming to terms that it’s 2024 already! For the past couple of years, Robert from RWM Cleaning has bought a carton of 50 packets of prawns and asked us to perform ‘random acts of kindness’ on his behalf. Fifty packets of prawns were given out at random to unsuspecting customers, and were received with complete surprise by the recipients, in a few cases, people were speechless. A lot of kids didn’t understand why they had received a ‘free’ gift, however their parents were on hand to explain. Almost everyone stopped, smiled and asked us to thank Robert. So, a huge thank you to Robert and RWM Cleaning for not only supporting and caring about our locals but also for helping teach our youngsters the importance of giving. Now young Billy, what a character! I met Billy and his mum in the shop when they were stocking up for an adventure. I asked Billy what he’d

Northern Moreton Bay by MARK TEMPLETON

been up too during his holiday and well, the next 20 minutes or so were taken up with stories of countless fishing encounters, described in detail. It is so heart-warming to see such passion from our young anglers… not only for fishing but also for everything that goes into a fishing trip. This starts at home with awesome parents, family members and friends who encourage them to get out and give it a go. Out of all the photos that Billy had, he chose one to share – a cracker 80cm flathead! The amazement on Billy’s face tells the story and he explained how well this beast was treated before he watched it swim away.

Thank you for coming in and sharing your exploits and photos Billy, it was greatly appreciated. While we’re checking awesome flathead catches out, have a look at the absolute beast caught by Mark, who fished at Bribie Island for the day. This one came in at an amazing 92cm! Mark had a great encounter with this fish, from hook-up to release it was treated with all due care to ensure it was returned in the best condition to continue breeding. Well done Mark and thank you for sharing this impressive photo with us. Now here’s a face we haven’t seen for a while, * continued P12

Random acts of kindness by Robert from RWM Cleaning, who had us give away 50 packets of prawns to customers.

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Email: admin@wynnummarine.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 11

Fifty good reasons to go fishing * from P10

No fabulous flathead, but father and son Dave and Shaun finally had a fish together.

Jack got out on Moreton Bay and had an awesome result, landing an 8kg tuskfish.

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0402 703 519 Page 12 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

Tyler was one of our juniors in the store for a few years. Even though he moved on to a new phase in his life, as our young ones do, he still manages to get out with friends for a fish. It doesn’t matter if he is catching a plus 40cm bream or a little cracker, the results are the same – a smile on his face and a great time spent with a friend wetting a line. Thank you Tyler, for not only getting out there and losing some tackle but, more importantly, for not losing the passion you have for fishing. Normally fishing with ‘Destroyer’ Dan, a regular boatie who really does not like his photo being taken is Captain Jack. On this trip, Jack got out there and had an awesome result, landing an 8kg tuskfish. They are an amazing fish to catch and, for me personally, is one of the best fish you can bring to the table. Jack spends a lot of time exploring Moreton Bay water and, as you can see, it was worth it for a quality fish such as this one. Well done Jack, thanks for sharing and don’t forget, I still have a couple of boxes of cuttlefish for you. Zac needs no introduction – he pops his head up in different areas and, when he does, he’s fishing. Zac and his dad Michael spend a lot of time together out on the water, everywhere from Newport Canals to the open water of Moreton Bay. They are more like best friends and always have an adventure to share.

A great catch by Zac on this trip… a bigger than average wobbegong shark. I know they’re not the best fighters or even a quality table fish, but this wobby still brought a cracker smile to a young fisho’s face and that’s what it’s all about. Michael and Zac, thank you for sharing this catch, we look forward to hearing about your next adventure. The last fishing story I want to share is about a trip that didn’t go as planned – we’ve all had them. I had the pleas-

ure of meeting Shaun and Dave when Dave dropped in to get bait for the day’s fishing. A couple of hours later, I ventured down to the other office – Shorncliffe Pier – to see what was being caught. The first two fishos I came across on the pier were the father and son team from Aspley and Ferny Hills, Shaun and Dave. I asked the usual questions, including what have you caught. Shaun explained how they did not get a cracker flathead. “I hooked it and, as * continued P13

A great catch by Zac, a bigger than average wobbegong shark.

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I was winding it in, the handle on my reel broke,” he said. “We then started handling it in, but Dave had just put sunblock on and the line kept sliding through his fingers. “Finally, we get it to the top of the rail and the knot came loose on the hook and we watched it fall back into the water and swim away!” I must admit, I’ve had days like that too, as most of us have, but the real story here is that Shaun and Dave had been trying to get out for a fish together for way too long. With work, family life and everything else thrown in, they just have not had the time. Sound familiar?

There are many of us who put other things as priority over spending time with those who really matter… which gets pushed further down the list. Well, this needs to change. We don’t know how many more fishing trips we have together, so we cannot afford to waste an opportunity. I had a good laugh out there with Shaun and Dave and I know they’ll share their story only a few times. Don’t take for granted the next trip – take a leaf out of Shaun and Dave’s book and make it happen. Thank you for letting me share your time together Shaun and Dave. Be safe out there, and maintain the passion.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 13

Declan Williams with one of many bream that ate the Z-Man Micro Goat.

Micro BaitZ, big bites. The Micro Goat on a 1-8oz size 2 TT HeadlockZ Finesse UV jig head.

A selection of Z-Man StingerZ rigged and ready, including natural, dark silhouette and fluoro or UV colours.

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Micro BaitZ for big bites

O far, we’ve experienced a wet summer in many regions, and a large dump of water into the system often means a tough bite for a period, before everything settles and fires back up again. These tougher bite periods are a great time to experiment with different presentations and the Ned Rig system – a TT NedlockZ mushroom-style jig head and naturally buoyant Z-Man plastic for a rapid stand-up presentation – has always been a favourite for me when the bite is tough. In more recent times, I have found another presentation that seems to unlock jaws and get bites when things are shut down and that is micro finesse soft plastics. I initially started downsizing my presentation in the hope of getting anything to bite and the variety and size of fish being landed on these blew me away. I guess it makes sense because the system fills with tiny creatures washed in from the land via stormwater and all the small prawns and baitfish that spend the early stages of their lives

Tackle Tactics by JUSTIN WILLMER

deep in the creeks and mangroves are forced out into larger rivers and estuary systems. This creates an influx of micro food and the fish home in on that, so they don’t hesitate to eat a micro plastic as part of their diet. Micro plastics By ‘micro’, I am talking a couple of inches, or 50mm and under, with my go-to being the Z-Man Micro Finesse BaitZ range. Already, I’ve had great success on the 1.75” Shad FryZ, 1.75” Tiny TicklerZ and 2” StingerZ, landing plenty of bream to plus 40cm, flathead to 70cm and trevally to plus 55cm. The cool thing was that I initially threw them to get something to bite, catching a mixed bag of smaller species, however it was the number of big fish bites that impressed me. The latest addition to the range is the new Z-Man 1.75” Micro Goat – this little twin paddle tail plastic is next level. It has a squashed

ribbed grub body that rigs well on a jig head, with two paddle feet that give it loads of action in the water. With the hook being set at the base of these legs and paddle feet, the fish don’t miss it. I fish this on a slow roll or shaking retrieve over the flats and hop it down edges and over broken bottom. The first time I fished the Micro Goat was over broken weed flats and I landed a bunch of decent bream, some solid grunter and jumped off a giant herring. These dumps of rain often fire up species – such as tarpon and giant herring – that are renowned for being picky and zone in on small bait, so get a Micro BaitZ in there. The second session produced snapper to 55cm, from a 2-4m deep rock bar, followed by bream and flathead around bridge pylons. It showed the versatility of these Micro BaitZ and the fact that, while they seem small to us, * continued P16

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Grunter loved the Micro Goat in Midnight Oil colour hopped and rolled across the flats.

A light spin combo is a key component when casting micro plastics and jig heads.

Using versatile Micro BaitZ for surprisingly big bites * from P14

they are worth eating for fish of all sizes. Micro jig heads With the small profile size comes the challenge of rigging these plastics effectively, and thankfully Australia’s most comprehensive range of jig heads includes a selection of models to suit. It comes down to the smallest hook sizes in the range and I fish these plastics on a size 2 in the TT HeadlockZ Finesse range of jig heads, built on fine wire Japanese Gamakatsu hooks for maximum penetration when fishing light lines. There are also ultraviolet painted models available, so that you can match or contrast

plastics to convince finicky feeders such as bream to eat. The Finesse option was fine until I realised that big fish love to eat the little plastics, this was where the TT HeadlockZ HD jig head in a size 4 came into play. With a heavy wire Mustad hook, it is brutally strong for a tiny hook, making it a goto when targeting fish around structure, and when specifically targeting jig head destroying species, such as snapper and mangrove jack, with these tiny plastics. These hook sizes are available in popular weights for finesse plastics fishing, such as

One of the beasts that started the realisation that Micro BaitZ get eaten by good fish.

Page 16 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

1/20oz and 1/16oz for fishing canals, mangrove edges and other structure where you want to keep the plastic up in the strike zone. The 1/12oz and 1/8oz then come into play for flats, edges and deeper structure when the tidal flow isn’t heavy. Lighter options are also available in the TT HWS (Hidden Weight System) jig head, where the weight is concealed inside the plastic for the ultimate finesse presentation. Weedless options include a size 4 in the unweighted TT ChinlockZ jig head for buzzing those little Micro Goat feet across the surface, however you may need some wind-assisted casting with such a light presentation. The weighted size 4 TT SnakelockZ Finesse weedless jig head is a great option for sinking these Micro BaitZ into heavy structure, such as weed, lilies and timber, with less chance of snagging or fouling. Combo / line / leader When it comes to casting Micro BaitZ, the finesse theme continues. It’s extremely impor-

tant to select a combo capable of casting these light presentations. I generally fish a light and responsive 7’ 1-3kg spin rod and 1000 size reel loaded with 6lb braid and a leader weight to suit the target species and the environment being fished. If it’s finicky bream in clear water with minimal structure, 4-6lb may suit, however I find this combo casts fine with the 10lb leader that I run as security against flathead and when fishing structure. If you are predominantly fishing 1/8oz jig heads, which I often do, then you can also utilise your light and responsive 7’ 2-4kg spin rods and 2500 size

reels loaded with 8-10lb braid and your leader of choice. An 8-carrier (eight strand) braid is generally slicker and finer than a 4-carrier braid, making it a good option for casting finesse plastics, and I will generally fish an Australian-made Platypus Pulse X8 Braid in White colour. Soft plastic colour I often think that the profile size and action is more important than colour, yet I have had success when switching between colours based on the available light and water clarity. A light and natural colour is great when the water is clear and the day bright, giving fish * continued P17

Not only a saltwater presentation, Ethan Flowers put the Micro Goat to work on bass and saratoga.

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Versatile Micro BaitZ for big bites * from P16

a better view of what’s on offer. And the reverse when the water is dirty or during low light periods where a darker and more solid offering has a stronger silhouette that in turn makes it more visible to predators. I will also carry a UV-reactive or fluoro colour with me to change things up – it’s amazing how at times a Firetreuse coloured plastic and bright orange jig head can fire bream up on the flats. Where I have had good success fishing Micro BaitZ throughout the river and estuaries, from ankle-deep water to 4m depth. From flicking drains to shaking them over

the flats, hopping them down edges and targeting deeper rubble patches on the slacker stages of the tide. The key, as always, is to target key fish and bait-holding structure – if the bait is small, match the hatch with a Micro Finesse plastic and mix up your retrieves until you find what works. I started casting Micro BaitZ out of frustration from a tough bite, following rain, and they have now become a favourite in my kit because of their effectiveness on a wide range of species of all sizes. From fun sessions with kids fishing plastics off the local pontoon for the first time and landing micro giant trevally, bream and moses perch, to big flatties in weed

drains, drag-peeling trevally over the flats and inshore snapper over the shallow reefs and rubble patches. You’ll be amazed how you can upsize your catch by simply downsizing your plastics when the bite is tough… and even when it’s not. Five tips for fishing micro plastics: • Keep the gear light for a long cast • Fish over and around structure where micro creatures live • Use the wind to assist with long casts • Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what works • HeadlockZ Finesse or HD jig heads to suit your target species and environment. See you on the water.

Remember to pop the legs of the Micro Goat apart to get those paddle feet working.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 17

C ASTfrom the past This 68cm snapper was taken on a Zerek Ripper Diver trolled at the right part of the tide.

This nice jewfish was the result of trolling hard-bodies at the turn of the tide.

Effort needed for quality fish

Sam and his dad with a double hook-up on the Zerek Ripper Diver.

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www.boatcovers.com.au Page 18 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

EATURING a great article from the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing mag archives, welcome to Cast from the Past. If you have a hankering to read about a certain topic, drop us a line and we’ll do some deep diving. Here’s a piece by Sean Conlon from February 2014 covering tips for fishing Moreton Bay in summer. At this time of year, I have to put a little more effort into catching quality fish but, by using a combination of hardbody lures, soft plastics and bait, you can increase your chances of landing those quality fish in Moreton Bay. I also find I use a lot more fuel because I’m always looking for fish that are actively feeding or chasing a particular part of the tide. I’ll cover a few things that I do to increase my chances of catching some good fish during February. The first thing is to have all your gear ready

Southern Moreton Bay by SEAN CONLON

to go and in good condition before heading out on the water. This includes your boat, as I’ve seen a fair few being towed in over the past month by the Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue. Check tides and make sure you’re using the right techniques at the right part of the tide. For example, I prefer to chase flathead on the bottom of the tide on soft plastics. And I like to fish for reef species such as snapper, grass sweetlip

and tuskfish on bait two hours before the top of the tide and two hours after, and in certain areas, two hours before the bottom of the tide and the first two hours of the run-in tide. Somewhere in the middle of those times of the tide, I use hard-bodies and soft plastics to target fish. The tide is very important at this time of year as there are a few bigger ones. The old saying goes ‘no run, no fun’ but with the bigger tides, too

When the fishing is a bit slow, chasing sharks on light gear is a lot of fun.

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C ASTfrom the past Effort needed for quality fish * from P18

much run is no good either. When we have big tides, I look for those areas that don’t have a lot of run with normal tide, so when we have a big tide, we’ll get a good amount of run in that area. And when we have small tides, I locate those areas that with a normal tide would usually have a lot of run, so with a small tide those areas will have just a nice amount of run, which makes it more fishable. I always like to fish the tide change and, if you can coincide this with dawn or dusk, it is always going to give you a better chance of catching those quality fish. If using lures, make sure you have the correct type for the species you are targeting. For example, I like to use a 4” paddle tail when targeting flathead and a 4” jerk shad for snapper or sweetlip. Make sure you’re using the correct colour lure for the colour of water you’re fishing. As a rule, I use a dark coloured plastic in the dark water and light or clear in clean clear water. If using bait, it always has to be fresh. It’s no good heading out with bait that has been defrosted two or three times. It has to be good quality fresh bait that is presented well on the hook. Too many times I see

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fishos jam a prawn on the end of the hook and cast 3m from the boat, thinking the fish is going to commit suicide. You have to present the bait well and then cast it away from the boat with the lightest sinker you can put on, so you get a good presentation and have the bait floating down in the current as naturally as possible. Another thing that can help you get a feed of fish to take home is to chase a species that is feeding on the day. So, if snapper are not on the chew in the morning, then maybe you should drift the banks for a whiting or a flathead. There are times when it’s hard to find anything on the chew, so we chase a few sharks

because they are good fun on light line and, if prepared properly, are quite good eating. To recap – have a plan, check the tides, be flexible, use the correct technique at the right part of the tide and use fresh bait. Target fish that are on the bite and don’t waste your time fishing in one spot all day if you’re not catching anything. But most of all, enjoy your day on the water. And back to 2024… Stay safe on the water and, if you’re interested in our fishing tuition or want to do a fishing charter, give me a call on 0432 386 307, send an email to seancon lonsfishing@hotmail. com or check out the Facebook page Seano’s Inshore Fishing Charters and Tuition.

Casting plastics on the tide change is a great way to target these fish.

Who had the biggest smile, Joel or the shark?

A lizard caught on a lightly weighted pilchard when fishing two hours before the top of the tide. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 19

Queensland Recreational Fishing Guide

daf.qld.gov.au

Qld Fishing 2.0

Catch and depredation reporting Coming soon

Which fish is this?

Can I fish here?

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Get HOOKED on Queensland’s recreational fishing app. Download fisheries.qld.gov.au FisheriesQueensland FOR FREE now

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fisheries.qld.gov.au 13 25 23 FisheriesQueensland Have feedback? 13 25 23 QLDrecfishingapp.support@daf.qld.gov.au fisheries.qld.gov.au FisheriesQueensland 13 25 23 Authorised by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane Page 20 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 2127 Bush and Beach_QLDFishApp_LEFT_Feb2024.indd 2

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February18/12/2023 2024 – Page 21 12:33 pm

The author casting light slugs with a 4000 reel and 15lb braid.

Switching tactics for spotties

Suncoast Skutes claimed another one for the dinner table.

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YPICALLY, by February a fever has kicked in on the close reefs, attracting frequent fishos and visitors to wet a line in a melting pot of excitement and frustration. Yep, you guessed it… mackerel season! With the mackerel run well and truly underway and the southern closures – south of Stanage Bay to the border – taking effect on February 1-21 and March 1-21, it’s a great time to be thinking about your approach to bagging a late-season spanish mackerel in prime condition, or switching tactics to find more spotted mackerel to fill the Esky on a hot summer day. Let’s focus on the latter and imagine two scenarios… you’ve anchored up because you’re there early, with plenty of space to utilise and get a light berley trail happening or, the reef is packed and you’re drifting the same lines in rotation with the other five or so boats in your drift

Gold Coast by ANDY MELVILLE

fishing for spotties. Scenario one – anchored Anchoring before the edge of the reef and allowing yourself extra rope length can be a massive advantage, especially if there’s no side wind and you can sit in line with the current to get your bait deployed straight out the back of your transom. Ball sinkers in size 00 are just enough to hang a bait sub-surface, away from any birds and deep enough to be in the scent trail of the heads that are being mashed up and gradually dropped at your feet. Emphasis on mashed and not cubed, as the oils are far better dispersed through the water – throw in a couple of chunks here and there for extra visual and swap your bait out regularly to keep them releasing a scent. A slow steady wind

in creates a flickering flash that often draws a strike from spotted mackerel. Angle-wise, I’d normally aim for a 30-degree angle of line from the rod tip in the holder to the water because the current will lift the bait once line is slowly let out. Keeping in mind most of the ground isn’t deeper than 20m and you want your bait high for spotties, as they cruise about in schools favouring topwater bait-balling opportunities. On that note, keep an eye out for bird activity diving and visuals of fish breaking the surface, mackerel won’t be far away, even if it turns out to be small tuna causing the disturbance. A 20-30g small profile slug – such as Lazer Lures slugs – are generally the fastest way to find out, cast from a distance so as * continued P23

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Switching tactics for spotted mackerel

* continued P24

Adam enjoyed a spotted mackerel on the Gold Coast.

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starting a drift earlier than you have to, so your bait can be deployed and managed in a timely manner if need be. A test drift is always recommended – to double check that the draft and size of your boat is going to create roughly

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Scenario two – drifting In essence, drifting and covering ground to find fish seems like the most productive fishing method, and I tend to agree, providing the conditions and space to allow for it. In theory, the fish will circle a reef, so you’ll have the opportunity to drift with them and be a host boat to them, if you can get the berley right as soon as you see them on the sounder. Obviously, if you fish solo, this doesn’t apply – unless you love a good tangle and possibly a few choice words from your neighbouring boats when a rogue mackerel causes chaos. Top considerations when drifting are space, direction and exits. So always consider

not to spook the fish. With that said, never drive through a bait ball or be so close you drift through it. Generally, use 20lb monofilament fished as simply as possible, with a 6” length of 20lb single strand and a single Mustad O’Shaughnessy or twin gang to present pillie tails that sit nicely in the current without sinking or jerking about on your standard snapper setup. A softish tip and a smooth drag are paramount to the enjoyment of blistering runs at close quarters and also somewhat of an advantage when it comes to not pulling hooks on their soft mouths. When it comes to this style of mackerel fishing, mono trumps braid here.

* from P22

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 23

03 5022 7 03 5152 3 03 5562 6 03 5443 5 03 5822 2 03 5174 1 03 9397 6 02 6024 6

Switching tactics for spotties * from P23

Jani punched the kayak through the surf to be rewarded at Palm Beach Reef.

www.suncoastskutes.com Flashers and pre-made rigs focused on SEQ water all year round Page 24 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

the same lines as the boats on the lines beside you. Possibly most importantly, respect the distance in front of you, so you can set bait in a nice spread of close and far, with enough space to react on a hook-up. Chances are everyone is fishing forwardly and not planning on casting a slug behind them, but don’t discount the likelihood. If I saw a string of hook-ups coming along the stretch of reef I was on, then I too would be tempted to flick a slug. Remember when drifting to scale down on your lead. Zero lead is required for drifting if you keep in touch with your bait, providing the current isn’t running too fast so that the bait are still rising to the surface. If you find the drift is so slow that your bait are still sinking, think about a float set 2m above the hook and switch to a small ball sinker, so you know exactly where the bait is sitting if you need to adjust to suit feedback from the sounder. Before this month wraps up, here are a couple of things to consider. First things first, water temperatures of 24C

and higher are ideal and fish blue water – avoid the green floods of the tidal that can flow south out the Seaway. Don’t discount One Mile Reef for spotted mackerel – it’s mostly a bait-collecting reef or a tide change opportunity for jewfish, but trust me, it holds mackerel. Mermaid Reef is always worth a stop and often produces better than average per boat, due to less pressure and a smaller concentration of ground. Palm Beach Reef is by far the most popular ground and holds a wider variety of species too, including giant trevally, but definitely consider the pointers for drifting in scenario two. Don’t hesitate to fish wide of the main reef and look on your plotter for rocks and features to prioritise. And don’t be shy about using the charter boats as a guide – if they are on Palmy, then chances are they’ve tried the first two reefs without favourable results. If all else fails, try Diamond Reef. As always, tight lines and feel free to reach out on the Suncoast Skutes socials with your success and further queries.

Spotted mackerel has a slight sweetness and goes very well braised with a light soy, lime and chilli sauce.

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Most recreational boating deaths involve people not wearing life jackets.

Your boating best friend

EARING the proper life jacket vastly increases your chance of surviving a boating accident. Most recreational boating deaths involve people not wearing life jackets and the number of deaths has tragically been trending upwards in recent years. Maritime Safety Queensland is urging all boaties to wear life jackets when they’re on the water. MSQ’s marine incidents data shows the importance of wearing lifejackets, staying within safe speed limits and careful trip planning. There are currently more than 1 million recreational boat licence holders in Queensland, including personal watercraft and jet ski licences, and sadly there were four boating fatalities and three serious injuries last summer, with 12 fatalities in the 2023 calendar year. With the support of the Queensland Government, MSQ has more than doubled its specialist Maritime Enforcement Team from four to nine officers, which means more patrols in more places and more often. MSQ also has a network of marine officers on the water all over the state, who undertake, among other duties, formal compliance and education work as required. Maritime Safety Queensland acting gen-

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eral manager Jim Huggett said, “Make your life jacket your best friend to keep yourself, and everyone with you, safe on the water.” “Life jackets are unquestionably the number one lifesaver for boaties who end up in the water – which can happen in the blink of an eye. “Make sure you are carrying properly serviced and correctly fitting life jackets for everyone onboard.” Proper trip planning, including running through a checklist, before heading out on the water is vital. The checklist should include: • Checking the weather and ensuring you have alternative plans in place should the weather deteriorate • Carrying the proper number and sized life jackets for everyone, and that they are fully serviced if required • Notifying someone of where you are going • Servicing your boat and its engine • Ensuring you are carrying enough fuel and the fuel is not more than three months old • Carrying an EPIRB and/or flares when required – check the expiry date • Knowing the gazetted speeds on your route. The message to boaties is quite simple – plan your trip and be safe on the water to make sure everyone has a great day out.

FISHING EVENTS EVENT

DATE

LOCATION

2024 National 4x4 Mar 15-17 Outdoors show

Brisbane, Qld 4x4show.com.au

Boyne Tannum May 3-5 HookUp

Gladstone, Qld boynetannumhookup.com.au

World Sooty May 4-5 Championship

Mackay, Qld https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1113032

Womens Fishing Classic

May 11 - Jun 8 Southeast Queensland womensfishingclassic.com.au

Sanctuary Cove May 23-26 Gold Coast, Qld International Boat sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au Show Rainbow Beach Jun 2-8 Family Fishing Classic & Expo

Rainbow Beach, Qld rainbowsportsclub.com.au

Evans Head Fishing Classic

Evans Head, NSW evansheadfishingclassic.com.au

Jul 5-12

AFTA Tackle Show Aug 15-17

Gold Coast, Qld afta.net.au

Baffle Creek Family Fishing Festival

Sep 16-21

Baffle Creek, Qld bafflecreek.com.au

Flathead Classic

Sep 24-27

Gold Coast, Qld flatheadclassic.com.au

Fitzroy River Barra Bash

Oct 9-12

Fitzroy River, Qld fitzroyriverbarrabash.com.au

Tackle World Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic

Oct 19-20

Lake Monduran, Qld masa-fishstocking.org.au

To have your competition listed in the calendar, please phone (07) 3286 1833 or email ads@collins.media Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 25

James and his son enjoyed a day catching decent whiting.

Matt caught a nice mangrove jack, which was tagged and released by Warric. February is a great month to target jacks.

February fishing options Marco came wading and caught heaps of whiting on the flats.

Bob celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday with his first-ever school jewfish on a Tweed River charter with Brad Smith.

Anita and her daughter Sophia caught a great feed on a charter with the author. Page 26 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

I everyone, what was originally forecast to be a dry summer has completely changed and now we’ve had enough rain to ensure great fishing for many months to come on the Gold Coast and Tweed rivers. Last month’s floods were unexpected, though waterways always need such flush outs sooner or later. February is one of the tougher months of the year to fish, with both

Broadwater Guide by CLINT ANSELL

high air and water temperatures. Combined with muddy water lingering from river catchment run-off, it can be tricky to find fish. While I love to lure fish, your best friend during these times is fresh bait. Yabbies in particular are a great bait and easy to pump on the flats at

Wave Break and Curlew islands in the Gold Coast Broadwater. Even if the surface water looks muddy, the bottom layers are still salty enough for fish to be about. Run-in tides will fish best for species such as whiting and flathead, when there’s cooler clearer saltwater push* continued P27

Darren caught his personal best whiting, a trophy fish measuring 42cm.

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February's fantastic fishing options * from P26

ing in from the open ocean. It’s in these conditions that there can be excellent bite periods, with the water surging over the sandy flats. Until the water covers the shallow areas, look for deeper drains nearby because this is where the fish pass through, eager to feed early in the making tides. Once the water rises, it’s time to fish the banks freshly covered by water. Whether fishing by boat or wading, it pays to cover ground and keep moving to find the fish as they graze. At this time of year, we still get some big tides around a new and full moon. The flow in the main rivers and channels can get very strong, which makes the yabby banks great places to fish, as they’re sheltered from the strong flow. When wading, I prefer to use unweighted yabbies on size 4 or

6 baitholder hooks, a 3-4lb fluorocarbon line and to keep the bait moving to attract the attention of fish. By boat, whether anchored or drifting, I use a running ball sinker in 2 or 3 size, a 1m or more trace of 6lb fluorocarbon leader and a size 4 baitholder hook to rig the yabbies. The main line is 10lb monofilament and, whether drifting or anchoring, we cast the yabbies at least 15m away from the boat to ensure stretch in the line to fool the wily bigger whiting. When the tide isn’t running too hard, the deeper main channels north and south of the Gold Coast Seaway can offer a good variety of fish, including winter whiting, sand whiting, flathead, tuskfish and more. During the hottest months, the deeper water is a bit cooler and to the liking of bait and fish. Drifting with yabbies

on the bottom will always get lots of bites. The other technique I like to employ in February is walking the shallow flats casting and retrieving hardbody lures such as Samaki Redic 50 and Daiwa Double Clutch in 60mm and 75mm sizes. There are still heaps of flathead about on run-in tides over shallows. Just keep moving and casting, then twitching the lures – ideally so that they’re tapping into the sandy bottom. Even during the busiest times on the water, with plenty of boat and jet ski traffic, these techniques still catch loads of fish. Give them a try! To book a charter with myself or Brad, or if you have any fishing related questions, visit goldcoas trivercharters.com, SMS 0432 990 302, email fishingwithclint@gmail. com or find us on Facebook – Brad Smith Fishing Charters.

Lars fished deep holes like a pro and was rewarded with jewfish and flathead while fishing with Brad Smith.

Anita was stoked to catch a 40cm whiting for the first time, using yabbies for bait.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 27

Landing his first ever spanish mackerel, Caleb had a great day.

The author scored a solid afternoon spanish mackerel.

Amazing pelagic action

G Hayden was very proud of capturing his first spanish mackerel.

’DAY everyone, I hope you all had an awesome start to the new year and are ready to get into more pelagic action. As we approach the

find us on facebook • Win prizes • Post your brag • Chat to readers shots and writers • Join in on the fun • See who’s catching banter what • Have a laugh

www.facebook.com/bnbfishing Page 28 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

Gold Coast Broadwater by MITCHEL ZYGNERSKI

second month, the bigger schools of spanish mackerel are beginning to show up. Already, good numbers of spanish and big spotted mackerel have been caught from Mermaid Reef all the way down to Tweed Heads. I usually start the year off by towing livies around, both to get a feel for the reef and to see what the fish are zoning into. We have an awesome variety of live bait to choose from – including yakka, slimy mackerel, tailor and bonito. Every single one of these will most certainly land you a good spanish. Towing live bait can be considered to be on the boring side of fish-

ing because you’re doing a maximum of only 5km an hour – otherwise you’d kill the bait. The current and wind can make this technique very difficult at times too, thus making you think about other options, such as towing hard-bodies, drifting or even towing dead bait. I’ve found the easiest rig that works for me is a single hook in the nose of the livie and then a treble just past the dorsal fin of the bait. I always make sure I’m using 60lb wire as spanish have a tendency of biting through anything thinner. A heavier setup is also better in case you hook up to a bigger * continued P29

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Amazing spanish and pelagic action * from P28

sized spanish or even a wahoo, which are also very common. I use either a Shimano TLD 20 or a Tyrnos 20 with 30lb mono tied straight to the rig. I find multistrand is better when towing livies because it gives them more freedom to swim side to side and, once hooked up, it also bends easier when the fish is running or sending out big head shakes. While towing, it’s a good idea to put a livie on a downrigger so your bait is in the middle of the water column. I’ve found that if the fish are sitting deep, you can drop a livie down the depth they are schooling up in and drag it straight past their heads, resulting in a hook up and a great feeling of accomplishment. As many of you would know, when Christmas and the new year approach, we tend to get decent storms and big swells. This results in very brown water in the creek, which only then runs straight out to the close reefs, pushing pelagic either down deep or out wider. This gives you the chance to go out a little wider and tow around for mahi mahi and marlin. Spot X is really starting to fire up, with small blacks making their way into schools of jumbo slimies, giving many fishos an awesome fight on lighter gear. The Shimano Tyrnos 20 with 30lb line is more than enough to get a marlin in this area. Thankfully, the coastal bars are looking better than ever before.

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Tallebudgera Creek has a nice channel running through it – the same for Currumbin Creek – making it easy for boats of all sizes to get out past the bars. The Gold Coast Seaway hasn’t changed at all but, conversely, the Tweed River has. Instead of running out to the left as we have for the past 10 years, it is easier to run straight up the guts of the bar or slightly to the right near the pumping jetty. A run-out tide tends to push some pressure waves inside the mouth and out to sea, which can become unpredictable when you’re making the run out over the bar. The current off Tweed has been insanely strong. To the extent that even boats of 6m have found it hard to fish the reefs – including Fidos and Nine Mile. With the current getting up to four knots – crazy! Thankfully that

doesn’t happen too often. Though to tow anything, it has made fishing off Tweed relatively hard. Hard-bodies were ripping out of the water when going against the current and it was almost impossible to tow livies – getting nowhere with the motor in idle. Over the past couple of weeks on trips out to the reef, I found towing livies or dead pilchard on a simple pillie rig most effective on mackerel, for myself and everyone else getting into these fish. As usual, kayakers were getting into mackerel with pillie rigs, while boaties would go for the slower option of towing livies – which can either pay off big time or cause you to strike out and end up with a big fat donut for the morning. Either way, a bad day fishing will always beat the best day at work. As always, tight lines!

A metal lure-eating spanish mackerel for the author.

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back life to once-barren rock expanses. Crafted from a non-degrading flexible gabion blanket, the quilted oyster doona ingeniously transforms revetment walls, eroding banks and pylons into a dynamic habitat. The ‘basket’ is made using 316 stainless-steel welded wire and woven mesh, ensuring robustness and endurance in harsh marine conditions. Central to the QOD’s efficacy is its incorporation of recycled and sanitised oyster shells. With their intricate chemical composition, these shells act as a magnet for spat, fostering an optimal substrate for young shellfish. Including recycled oyster shells creates an inviting haven for shellfish settlement, cultivating vibrant reef ecosystems. Recently, 27m of QODs were installed in a Currumbin Creek tributary on the Gold Coast as part of a civil engineering project.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 29

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CAPALABA Mike’s Marine 9 Smith St, Capalaba Q 4157 P: 07 3390 3418 E: admin@mikesmarine.com.au www.mikesmarine.com.au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 31

BOATING & marine

The hull design of the Bar Crusher means it can take some punishment if required.

Bar Crusher XT fishing weapons

A large bait board is a must for a serious fishing boat. When not folded away, the rear folding seat on the 670XT can also be used as a casting platform.

Luxury captain seats are essential when travelling long distances. These also fold up for more room at the helm or as a lean support if you wanted to stand and drive the boat. Page 32 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

HE Australian boat manufacturing team at Bar Crusher certainly had their hard-core fishing caps on when they designed the XT range of boats. The three different sizes in the range provide options when choosing an open hardtop fishing weapon. While not small by any means, the 670XT is the smallest of the three models, and the one I tested recently in and offshore on the Gold Coast. The test boat supplied by Australian Marine Centre was fitted with a 200hp Suzuki, which is the maximum horsepower for this model. With an overall length of 6.7m, a beam of 2.35m and 230 litres of fuel, you have the makings of a hard-core fishing boat.

Boat Review by BEN COLLINS

Combine this with a 5mm thick bottom, 4mm top sides and the Waveslicer hull and you have a boat that has been built to withstand the harsh Australian marine environment. In terms of performance, the Suzuki had plenty of punch, with the 670XT leaping onto the plane when given a fist full of throttle. Though I love power – which the Suzuki had plenty of – fuel economy is another important factor when travelling long distances to the reef, and the Suzuki shined here as well. Aside from horsepower, engine weight and the correct engine, height on the transom

has an impact on performance, so it’s important to get these things right, and the team at AMC excelled. When matched with the Bar Crusher Rigideck – a unique and tough hull design system – the result is a boat that punches above its weight class, which is what you want, especially when heading offshore or to distance reefs. As for fishability, the 670XT certainly ticks this box. Whether you’re bottom bashing or floating off the stern, fighting a fish beside the console or flicking poppers for big pelagic on the front casting deck, you have * continued P33

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BOATING & marine Bar Crusher XT fishing weapons * from P32

literally 360 degrees of fishing room. In addition, the 670XT has a plethora of rod holders, ensuring you’re equipped for the mix of fishing options that this boat is well suited to. The 670XT can also be fitted with an electric motor for a mix of offshore anchoring and drifting or, if preferred, chasing barramundi in one of the local dams or creek systems. Alternatively, or additionally, an electric winch can be mounted in the anchor well – the choice is yours. Aside from the allround fishability, the XT range also features a large helm area that not only provides a bit of extra protection if the weather turns bad but can house a couple of substantially sized flush-mounted sounder units too. Depending on what seating options you want, two luxury sports seats will fit neatly behind the helm – which gives an idea of just how big the area is.

Another feature of the XT model is the hardtop, which is uniquely designed with a tug and rugged look that fits the style of the boat. Designed to house your marine radios and stereo, it also provides some welcome relief from the harsh sun above. Storage wise, you have plenty of room under the helm and in the large side pockets. The front casting deck also has ample storage underneath. Combine these features with standard inclusions – such as a bait station with drawers, berley bucket, live bait tank, walk-through transom and deck grip on the gunwales – and you have a very well-appointed boat that will satisfy the fussiest of fishos. As for all Bar Crusher boats, the 670XT features the Quickflow water ballast system that provides added stability at rest, which is what you want in a boat that has 360-degree fishability.

Ample storge under the front casting platform.

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As mentioned before, the 670XT is – for lack of a better word – the ‘baby’ in the XT range, with the 730 and 780 the next models up. So, if you want all of these features but even more room, there’s a model to suit. Best of all, the XT range of boats are all within the maximum width for towing, which is 2.5m. If you’re keen to check this boat or others in the range out, drop in and see the team at Australian Marine Centre at Slacks Creek. Or check them out online at amcboats. com.au They don’t only sell boats… they love boating and fishing too, so have the knowledge to get you into the boat of your dreams.

The good-sized front casting platform had two extra seats or lean post positions to aid with fishing.

These days, a big dash in the helm is a necessity for mounting large electronics.

The 200hp Suzuki pushed the Bar Crusher 670XT along effortlessly. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 33

BOATING & marine The Avator 20e offers acceleration similar to a 5hp FourStroke.

Mercury Marine's Avator outboards

T Following months of anticipation, all three outboard models – the Avator 7.5e, 20e and 35e – are now available.

The 35e offers the ability to connect to multiple Avator batteries. Page 34 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

HE full range of Avator electric outboards is now available for purchase from Mercury dealers. All three outboard models – the Avator 7.5e, 20e and 35e – hit the market late 2023. Mercury Marine Australia New Zealand Pacific senior marketing manager Anthony Brown said, “Since we launched the Avator 7.5e to the market at the beginning of 2023, the excitement and interest in our first electric outboard engine far exceeded our expectations.” “We are thrilled to now be able to deliver the full range of Avator outboards and look forward to seeing them on the water.” Avator outboards transform the boating experience, delivering a smoother and quieter ride with no exhaust fumes and zero direct emissions. The Avator series is designed for exceptional ease of storage and transportation, thanks to its quick-connect bracket, which enhances port-

ability and allows for effortless installation. This versatility makes setting up a breeze, perfect for those who cannot wait to hit the water. The 7.5e model delivers speed and acceleration performance comparable to a Mercury 3.5hp FourStroke motor, while the 20e offers acceleration similar to a 5hp FourStroke outboard, and the 35e, a 9.9hp FourStroke. The Avator outboards come with the option of tiller or remote steering and are well-suited for powering small vessels, including aluminium fishing boats, micro skiffs, rigid inflatables, tenders and small pontoons. In addition to the availability of Avator outboards, the 7.5e model’s 1kWh lithium-ion battery and the 20e and 35e models 2300Wh lithium-ion batteries will also be available to purchase. The 7.5e model’s 1kWh lithium-ion battery is a game-changer, requiring no cable connections allows the battery to conveniently

slide into place under the flip-up top cowl, saving valuable space within the boat. For those wanting extended journeys, spare batteries can be swapped in seconds, ensuring uninterrupted fun on the water. The 20e and 35e models up the ante, offering more power and the ability to connect multiple Avator batteries using a ‘power centre’ for extended range and run time. The 35e offers the ability to connect to multiple Avator batteries. The power centre serves as a central hub for power cable connections, allowing for a clean and organised boat installation, able to connect to up to four batteries. The Avator series is Mercury’s next step forward in marine innovation and is part of its commitment to being a leader in electric propulsion. For more information about Avator electric outboards, visit mercu rymarine.com/au/en/en gines/electric/avator

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SEA JAY BOATS NEW MODELS

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 35

Whiting, flatties and pelagics

H Good sized snapper were still coming from the 32-fathom line.

ELLO all and welcome to this month’s edition of BNB. So much for the dry summer period that we were all told was coming. Over the past month, we’ve had rain periods that have resulted in a river level rise of about 3m at Lismore. There was also a rise in the Richmond River

BALLINA BAIT & TACKLE Steve spun a quality tailor up from the rocks.

Ballina West Shopping Centre Pacific Hwy, Ballina NSW

02 6686 2527 Page 36 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

Ballina Bait & Tackle by BRETT HYDE

at Casino but both systems were under minor flood levels at the time. This has meant that at the time of writing my article, we have had some discoloured water throughout the system all the way to the mouth of the river. Within a week we saw it begin to clean up, and the clear water has been pushing up to the Burns Point Ferry during the larger runin tides. The area is predicted to receive more rain over the next couple of weeks, so it will be interesting to see how much does fall on us and how much flooding eventuates from that. For now, the river has been fishing quite well, even with the discoloured water. While it has driven blue swimmer crabs out of the river for now, it has certainly been moving the mud crabs around. A combination of discoloured water merged with larger tides has seen good numbers captured over the past couple of weeks. The main river from the ferry to Broadwater, along with the lower half of Emigrant Creek, have both produced good quantities of crabs. The larger tides have been early in the day, so I’d suggest leaving your traps in overnight if you can or get out nice and early to maximise the run in those early tides. Whiting were also en-

joying the bigger runin tides, with a number of quality fish taking both worms and yabbies as far up river as Pimlico Island. There were a number of whiting in North Creek as well and, much the same as the main river, the run-in tide has produced good fish with bait and surface lures having success. The discoloured water has meant that brighter colours for stickbaits and poppers have been the better options lately, but if we don’t have major rain over the next couple of weeks, I would expect to be returning to the more natural colour options. Flathead have been enjoying the hot weather in some of the deeper sections of the river. This was to their advantage – when the discoloured water moved down the river, there was more saltwater sitting in these deeper channels, making it a much more pleasant environment for the flathead. Oily and smelly bait such as mullet fillets, pilchard and bonito were all good options over the past month, given the poor visibility. Metal blades, vibes and soft plastics with a paddle tail have also been working well for those wishing to throw a few lures around. The extra vibration from these types of lures has made it easi* continued P37

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Whiting, flatties and pelagics * from P36

er for flathead to find them in the murky conditions. The warm ocean currents have certainly contributed to the amount of rain we’re experiencing at present. They have also brought with them some pelagic fish for us to enjoy catching. The fish aggregating device has produced decent mahi mahi recently, however most of the fish caught were from just legal size through to about 90 cm. I’m expecting to see some larger models show up in the coming weeks. Lately, pilchard and live yellowtail have proven to be the best bait choices, but it would also be worth trolling a skirted lure about as occasionally some of the larger fish will stay well away from the FAD. At the time of writ-

ing, we started to see a few mackerel show up around Lennox. Slow trolling both live and dead bait has worked fairly well, though most anglers reported problems with sharks, so be prepared to lose a few fish to the grey suit brigade. The mackerel should continue to work their way south over the next month and I’m expecting to see some fish show up at Riordans Reef during that time. If you prefer chasing bottom-dwelling species, it will be worth heading to the 32 and 42-fathom lines, as some good quality snapper, flathead, small kingfish and amberjack were coming from these water depths. Live bait, soft plastics and octo jigs have all had success over the past few weeks. Well, that’s all from me this month. Until next time – tight lines!

Marlon with a nice bass that ate his crankbait.

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Introducing Island Guardian, the cutting-edge 20m barge based in Townsville.

Nautical milestone with new barge joining fleet

NEW boat has joined the fleet of vessels tasked with protecting and servicing the Great Barrier Reef. Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, the Island Guardian will be based at Townsville and will be available for operations to service the marine and island national parks right across the reef. The new 20m-long vessel was designed by Australian designer Incat Crowther and built in Brisbane by Norman R Wright and Sons at a cost of $6.3 million. It will be operated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to transport up to six tonnes of materials, tools and machinery. The Island Guardian takes the total

number of vessels in the Reef Joint Field Management Program fleet to 21 boats. It has space for a crew of seven people, an endurance of up to 10 days and a range of up to 500NM, and has the capability of driving up onto a beach to unload vehicles and equipment from a forward ramp. Federal Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the Federal and Queensland state governments were committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. “The launch of the Island Guardian means our fantastic rangers are able to do more of their vital work to manage the reef and the more than 1000 islands in the area,” Minister Plibersek said. Queensland Minis-

ter for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leanne Linard said, “There are 347 public moorings and 289 reef protection markers in the Great Barrier Reef, Island Guardian will assist in maintaining these and protecting important reef and seagrass habitats from anchor damage.” “This new barge will travel wherever its needed across the reef to transport crucial equipment to maintain, protect and improve protected islands, making it a fine addition to the fleet.” Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Senator Nita Green welcomed the addition of the Island Guardian to the fleet. “It will mean more of the great work our rangers and scientists are doing out on the reef will be supported,” she said.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 37

Blue swimmer crabs were that thick they were caught on our whiting gear.

Mischa landed a tasty shark from the beach using whole dead mullet as bait.

Spaniards, jewies and pelagics

O Rebekah Ellis continued to keep the family fed with plenty of pan-sized flathead.

Guy Stewart with two good school jewfish taken by himself and the author using fresh squid at night at the old ferry approach at Iluka. Page 38 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

N the far north coast of NSW, February is the month that sees landbased game fishing start in earnest, with both spanish mackerel and longtail tuna moving in along the breakwalls and headlands. Ballina and Evans Head are the first two locations to experience the yearly run, while further south at Iluka, things don’t begin to heat up until late February or even the first week of March. Ballina’s number one spot is definitely the south wall, where a low swell and a light southerly wind will see big spaniards taken in good numbers. While at Evans Head, Forty Foot, Joggly Point and Snapper Point are the best three spots for both tuna and mackerel around Goanna Headland. At the Iluka and Yamba region, the break-

Just Jew by TYE PORTER

walls are the spots to fish for tuna and mackerel on both spin and live bait gear, however be advised, you need to get out early because these locations get fished very heavily by anglers from as far away as Victoria. I personally have not done a daylight session for over a decade as I much prefer to waddle out about lunchtime, when everyone is burnt out from the heat, then fish into the cooler afternoons. Mind you, fishing the afternoons can be a bad idea because quite often the wind picks up and makes angling almost impossible, yet I much prefer this time than putting up with crowds of people. Since Christmas, the offshore brigade have been getting into

spotted mackerel and recently an occasional small spaniard has been boated offshore at Woody Head, but they are the exception for the time being. The southern grounds off Minnie Water and Wooli are also firing for spotted mackerel, along with plenty of nice big snapper and sometimes pearl perch. Inside the Clarence River, the upper tributaries are still firing for big bass, while at Grafton there were nice catches of bream and the occasional flathead taken on green prawns, such is the clarity of the water. Back downstream around Iluka, it is situation ‘normal’ – with the ever-present luderick keeping the diehard angler in a feed at * continued P39

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Spaniards, jewies and pelagics * from P38

the old ferry approach, patchy catches of just-legal whiting along the banks at Goodwood Island and flathead to burn from almost anywhere you want to cast a bait. As is always the case during holidays, it’s difficult – if not impossible – to find a spot to fish in peace and quiet, due to the sheer number of folk having a good time. So, local angler Guy Stewart twisted my arm to drown a fresh squid or two at the old ferry approach in the wee hours of the morning and, to my surprise, we both ended up catching a nice school jewfish each… and were back in bed before sunrise! Along the breakwalls, a handful of nice jew were taken recently… though a lot more would have been caught if certain clowns would only learn to not light the water up like Lunar Park with their stupid head torches. Big tailor were back on Main Beach in consistent numbers, with the anglers using cut bonito strips out-fishing others nearly 10 to one – the average chopper going near the 1.5kg mark and, the biggest I’ve seen, tipping the scales to slightly over 5kg. The Iluka Bluff is also fishing well for tailor, along with plenty of hard-fighting turrum and an occasional jewfish, which comes as no surprise given the amount of small baitfish present at the moment. Frasers Reef headland is yielding some very nice bream and tarwhine on small king

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prawns, while a handful of just-legal school jew were landed on soft plastic lures around low tide. Anglers were also spinning up some solid tailor from the rocks at Woody Head in the late evening, the southeast corner fishing the best in recent times. Ten Mile Beach at Shark Bay has finally had some good formation taking place after nearly six months of nothing but one long lifeless gutter. Swallowtail, bream and whiting, along with school jew and tailor have been keeping the holiday makers as happy as pigs in mud. Meanwhile Guy Stewart and my son Mischa floated a couple of whole dead mullet out in a few of the big rips, only to be met by the toothy critters in grey suits, however a good time was had by all regardless and one small shark that was finally landed was quickly turned into several scrumptious meals. Thankfully all the really bad wet weather has missed the Clarence River catchment and I hope it continues

to do so for a while yet, though now that I’ve said that, it will probably be flooding this month. So, as long as the weather keeps the status quo during February, all of your bread-andbutter summer species such as dart, whiting, flathead and such should be not too hard to find along the beaches and inside the river. Big pelagic – such as spanish mackerel and longtail tuna – numbers will steadily increase as the month progresses and good schools of bonito and mack tuna will also make an appearance, so this would be a good time to stock up on tailor bait for winter. While the vast majority of offshore fishing will be centred around mackerel, those in the know will also be catching big snapper as they berley for pelagic species. Bottom line is that the next three to four months should produce the best fishing of the year, directly followed by a winter of mulloway magic… hmm. Until next month, safe fishing.

A good feed of fresh shark is hard to beat.

Researchers have found that people who consumed the most seafood had a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Seafood protects against disease nalysis of the health benefits of certain fatty acids found in seafood has revealed that people who consumed the most had a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Researchers from the George Institute for Global Health and University of NSW in Sydney analysed studies involving over 25,000 participants across 12 countries and found those with the highest levels of a blood marker of seafood-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids also had a slower decline in kidney function. The George Institute head of nutrition science and UNSW School of Population Health Professor Jason Wu said that while long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or n-3 PUFAs are known to be good for heart health, it seems they could be good for our kidneys too. “Aussies love their seafood, especially at this time of year, and these results provide even more reason to include seafood and oily fish as part of a healthy diet,” Prof Wu said. Chronic kidney disease affects about 700 million people worldwide, that’s one in eleven in the

general population. People with CKD are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and may eventually progress to kidney failure that severely impacts health and quality of life. “Because rates of CKD are increasing and there is currently no cure, it’s more important than ever to find ways to slow the progression of this devastating disease,” Prof Wu said. Randomised controlled trials have previously shown that increased n-3 PUFA intake improved conditions that are involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, such as arterial stiffness, high blood pressure and elevated blood levels of fats called triglycerides. The researchers found that plant-derived n-3 PUFA levels did not show the same benefits as those found in seafood. It was enough to encourage adequate consumption of seafood and oily fish, especially in those at risk of kidney disease. These findings also provided a good reason to conduct further randomised controlled trials to assess the potential beneficial role of seafood n-3 PUFA in the prevention and management of CKD.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 39

Small satellite transmitters are deployed on spawning-sized kingfish for a pre-programmed amount of time.

Project Kingfish is an active collaboration between scientists and the vibrant recreational fishing community in NSW and across Australia.

Project fills information gaps on reproductive kingfish

ROJECT Kingfish is a collaboration between scientists at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, various universities and expert recreational anglers to collect urgently needed information and fill knowledge gaps about the reproductive kingfish population, and is enabled by funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and the Victorian Recreational Fishing Grants Program. The problem Yellowtail kingfish are one of Australia’s most valued fish species. An estimated 100,000 kingfish are fished recreationally in NSW each year, with an additional 100 tons caught commercially. Despite their widespread popularity among anglers and their important economic value, relatively little is known about the species. Major knowledge gaps currently exist about the status of the eastern Australia biological population – which spans South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, Queensland and New Zealand – the dis-

tribution and behaviour of reproductive individuals, the location of key spawning habitats and how the species recruits to the coast. As a result, the species has been identified as a top management priority in NSW and nationally. The solution A collaboration between scientists and expert recreational anglers to collect information and fill knowledge gaps about the reproductive kingfish population. More specifically, assessing biological samples and deploying state-of-the-art satellite tracking devices on spawning-sized kingfish – over 95cm total length – to reveal where they go to spawn, how they connect across fisheries jurisdictions and how they recruit to the coast. The resulting data generated will produce novel insights into the secret lives of kingfish off southeastern Australia. The science Project Kingfish uses a range of state-of-theart approaches including biochemical analyses, satellite tracking technology and computer modelling to produce

Page 40 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

novel scientific information that will help inform the status of the eastern Australia biological population. Tracking technology has been successfully used on a plethora of marine animals to gain a deeper understanding of their natural behaviours and effectively inform management and conservation strategies. The small satellite transmitters – weighing only 57g in air – are deployed on spawning-sized kingfish for a pre-programmed amount of time, up to about 12 months, collecting data on their location, swimming depth, ambient sea temperature and overall activity every second. When the tag releases from the fish, it floats to the surface and begins transmitting the stored information to satellites. The light-level data stored by the tag are then used to estimate the daily position of the fish and generate movement tracks, while the temperature and depth profile summaries generated each day provide crucial insights into its habitat preferences. In addition, the re-

search team uses other approaches such as otolith biochemistry to gain insights into optimal spawning sea temperatures for east Australian kingfish. Otoliths, the ear bones of fish, grow incrementally as fish get older. As they grow, they store a record of the environmental conditions for each year of the fish’s life. Using oxygen stable isotopes, the core of the otolith can be ‘zapped’ to determine at which sea temperature a fish was spawned. This information will help refine models to identify suitable spawning habitats for kingfish off east Australia and predict subsequent larval recruitment to the coast. As the effects of climate change and ocean warming keep driving marine species to move south, including kingfish, projects such as Project Kingfish will help produce a new baseline upon which future changes can be identified, and will help gain the insights required to predict future changes in the availability of this species along Australian shores.

Community engagement Project Kingfish is an active collaboration between scientists and the vibrant recreational fishing community in NSW and across Australia. The extensive knowledge and skills acquired by expert kingfish anglers enable the Project Kingfish research team to safely catch, study and release the large, healthy, mature kingfish that are sustaining the east Australian population. Project Kingfish also works to promote sustainable fishing practices and citizen science contributions within the recreational fishing community by sponsoring various kingfish tag and release fishing competitions each year, all in the name of gaining further insights into the population connectivity of the eastern Australia kingfish stock. Some of the data generated are already revealing extensive connectivity across fishery jurisdictions and informing the management of east Australian kingfish. Sydney Institute of Marine Science

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 41

Berkley Nitro Estuary Pro

BERKLEY’S Nitro Estuary Pro jig heads are perfect for targeting a range of different estuary species. Featuring a super sharp Owner lightwire hook allowing for excellent hook penetration, Berkley Nitro Estuary Pro jig heads are well suited for targeting estuary species such as bream, flathead, whiting, mangrove jack and more. Berkley’s Nitro Estuary Pro jig heads also feature an improved mid hook bait-keeper design for ease of rigging and bait retention on all types of soft bait materials. Visit berkley-fishing.com.au

ered with light natural colours, dark silhouette colours and fluoro ultraviolet-reactive colours to suit varying conditions and target species. The 1.75” Micro Goat rigs perfectly on a size 2 TT HeadlockZ Finesse or HWS (Hidden Weight System) jig head, size 4 TT HeadlockZ HD jig head, for when a heavy-duty hook is required, and a size 4 TT ChinlockZ Finesse for fishing unweighted and weedless on the surface. When the bait is small or the bite is tough, downsize your presentation to the Micro Goat and upsize your catch! Available now in six deadly colours, with eight per pack and a suggested retail price of $13.95. Visit z-man.com.au

Daiwa 21 Saltist MQ

TT Siva Light Surf Rods Z-Man 1.75” Micro Goat

THIS exciting release expands both the Z-Man Goat family of 10X Tough ElaZtech soft plastics and the popular range of Micro BaitZ, that has been punching well above its size on a stack of species. This shrunken Goat features the same flattened ribbed grub body with those two lively paddle feet that attract explosive surface strikes and brutal sub-surface bites from a wide range of species. During the research and development process, it accounted for bream, bass, whiting, flathead, redfin, trout and more, and is sure to appeal to any species feeding on smaller prey, such as baitfish, shrimp, jelly prawns and aquatic insects. The concise colour range has you cov-

Page 42 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

and storage safer and simpler. The team have spent plenty of time getting the builds and actions right, so that the three models cover Australia’s favourite land-based target species and the conditions encountered when targeting these species. Get one rigged and get out there! Visit ttfishing.com

THE aim was to create a range of high-performance light surf rods to join the TT Fishing stable, and Siva delivers. Designed for anglers casting lures or bait from the bank, beach or rocks in search of tailor, mulloway, salmon and other saltwater predators, the Siva range is built on light, responsive and powerful Toray carbon blanks that feature 3XP technology, for increased strength and stopping power in the tip without sacrificing sensitivity. The quality build continues throughout the rod with Fuji reel seats and Fuji guides with Alconite rings. This quality build is complemented with a slick and stunning modern aesthetic that stands out from the crowd, and a split butt design, with full-length wraps, that reduces weight and increases comfort over extended sessions. A two-piece design makes transport

IF you’re looking to treat yourself to a new spin reel, look no further than the Saltist MQ. Built to handle the rigours of Australian saltwater fishing, the latest Saltist spin reel is Daiwa’s strongest and most advanced ever, and features a new single-piece aluminium monocoque body. One of Daiwa’s most famous features, Magseal combines with the MQ body to make Saltist MQ one of the best protected reels from the harsh marine environment. The single-piece MQ body houses a larger diameter tough Digigear, allowing you to transfer fully through the handle to stop those hard-pulling fish in their tracks. Air bail, ABS longcast spool, ATD drag, air rotor, and aluminium round knob combine to deliver the Saltist MQ classic looks, style, ultimate power, strength and refinement. Available in a full range of sizes from 2500 up to 20000, Saltist MQ has you covered in every corner of the country. Whether you’re looking for a small and strong spinning reel to fish our coastal estuaries and rivers, or a large heavy tackle spinning reel suited to casting lures and dropping bait for reef species and pelagic, the Saltist MQ is there and ready for you. Visit daiwafishing.com.au

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Surecatch Chin Guard

THE Surecatch Chin Guard is designed to be an easy to rig weighted keel for your troll baits. Pre-rigged with stainless-steel hooks, the chin guard comes in two weights – 115g and 85g. The 115g unit features a gang of three 8/0 hooks, while the 85g unit has three 6/0 hooks. The weighted chin guard features a highly polished finish with a large three-dimensional eye to attract fast predators, while the rigging posts are sturdy enough to rig bait after bait. Perfect for rigging species such as tailor, salmon, small tuna, garfish and herring, the SureCatch Chin Guard makes rigging baits for fast trolling simple and easy. Visit wilsonfishing.com

mundi, as well as blue water species such as spanish mackerel, giant trevally, queenfish and other saltwater species. The unique body design gives not only strength but a rolling action that can be achieved at the slowest of retrieves or trolled at speeds in excess of 10km/h. The bib locking system offers superior strength without the use of any glue in the lure assembly. The integrated towing wire is part of the bib system, virtually eliminating bib breakages. The Oarsome 130mm weights 30g and comes standard with three VMC 9626PS size 1 trebles and 5H stainless-steel split rings. Removing the size 1 trebles and replacing them with two VMC 9626PS size 2/0 trebles is an option for those preferring this rigging method. The buoyancy of the Oarsome 130mm allows this lure to be trolled successfully in the timber and snags of our rivers and impoundments without continually reversing to retrieve fouled lures. The Oarsome 130mm has been used by winners and top-placed teams in fishing competitions. Visit oargeelures.com.au

Oar-Gee Lures Oarsome 130

Berkley X Super THE Oar-Gee Lures Oarsome 130 is a Smooth Elite minnow or a thin body lure 130mm in body length and comes in three depth Braid options.

The Oarsome 130mm 1m will troll and cast at 1m, the Oarsome 130mm 3m will cast to a depth of approximately 2m and troll at 3m, while the Oarsome 130mm 5m trolls to 5m and will cast to just over 3m. The body design and rattle and bib-locking system make this a very strong lure to handle the rigours of fishing for barrawww.bnbfishing.com.au

DESIGNED to deliver unrivalled performance, Berkley X Super Smooth Elite Braid sets a new standard in high performance braided line. Featuring 12-carrier technology that produces a super smooth thin braid with superior knot strength and hassle-free handling. The silky smooth construction glides

silently through guides with minimal friction resulting in longer casting distances. Berkley X Super Smooth Elite is the premier braid on the market for the avid angler who wants to catch more fish! Visit berkley-fishing.com.au

Bassday SugaPen Splash

THE Bassday SugaPen Splash is an award-winning and highly acclaimed fishing lure that has captured the attention of anglers all over Australia. Designed with precision and innovation, this topwater lure delivers exceptional performance and is specifically crafted to entice predatory fish, especially whiting. It has already won best hard lure at the 2023 AFTA Tackle Show. The SugaPen Splash features a unique and realistic design, mimicking the appearance of a small prawn struggling on the water’s surface. Its concave face creates a captivating splash and popping sound, creating a commotion that attracts fish from a distance. One of the standout features of the SugaPen Splash is its versatility. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this lure adapts seamlessly to various fishing conditions. Its compact size and aerodynamic shape allow for accurate and long-distance casts, reaching fish in hard-to-reach areas. Crafted with durability in mind, the Bassday SugaPen Splash is built to withstand aggressive strikes and rough fishing environments. Its high-quality components – including sharp treble hooks and strong split rings performance. Anglers have praised the SugaPen Splash for its ability to trigger explosive strikes from whiting, flathead and other predatory species. Its realistic appearance, enticing action and proven track record make it a go-to choice for anglers targeting topwater bites. Visit frogleysoffshore.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 43

THE MOST ADVAN V6 WE HAVE EVE PRODUCED.

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Next Level Control Single Engine Integrated Bow Thruster compatible.

Page 44 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 45

Z-Man Soft Plastic 1.75” LarvaZ

A basic starting point for selecting a TT HeadlockZ jig head.

Selecting a HeadlockZ jig head for your Z-Man plastic

HIS jig head selection guide is designed to assist you as a basic starting point for selecting a TT HeadlockZ jig head to suit your chosen Z-Man soft plastic. Z-Man soft plastics Z-Man soft plastics offer anglers many benefits including 10X Tough ElaZtech construction, allowing you to catch more fish per plastic and rig them over and over again. And a soft natural feel that keeps fish biting, plus a natural buoyancy that allows them to be rigged to fish on the surface or weighted to fish the depths. This natural buoyancy also brings the plastic to life in the water and creates a natural ‘claws up’ defensive pose or ‘tail up’ feeding pose when at rest on the bottom, attracting fish and triggering strikes. Fish on! TT HeadlockZ HeadlockZ feature a ‘head lock’ keeper, designed to lock your soft plastic in place on the jig head.

HeadlockZ Finesse jig heads Built on a fine gauge Gamakatsu chemically sharpened black nickel hook for maximum penetration on light lines and with light drag settings. HeadlockZ HD jig heads Built on a brutally strong Mustad heavy wire black nickel chemically sharpened hook for maximum stopping power and taking on jig head destroying species such as mangrove jack and snapper. Z-Man soft plastic care Take the time to care for your Z-Man 10X Tough plastics and they will keep on catching. Store your Z-Man in the original pack to avoid reaction with other plastics and avoid extreme heat for maximum life. Now, check out the sizing chart to find the best HeadlockZ jig head fit for your selected Z-Man soft plastic. For more information, visit tackletactics. com.au

Head Hunter 6

1.75” Shad FryZ

4, 2

1.75” Tiny TicklerZ

4, 2

1.75” Micro GOAT

4, 2

2” StingerZ

4, 2

2” GrubZ

4, 2, 1

2.5” GrubZ

4, 2, 1, 1/0

2.5” ST GrubZ

4, 2, 1, 1/0

2.5” Slim SwimZ

4, 2, 1, 1/0

2.5” PrawnZ

4, 2, 1, 1/0

2.5” TRD CrawZ

2, 1, 1/0

2.75” Finesse FrogZ

2/0 ChinlockZ

2.75” TRD BugZ

2, 1

3” Slim SwimZ

2/0, 3/0

3” MinnowZ

2/0 - 4/0

3” Scented ShrimpZ

2/0 - 4/0

3” Baby GOAT

1, 1/0, 2/0

3.5” GrubZ

2/0, 3/0

3.5” Trick SwimZ

3/0, 4/0

3.5” EZ ShrimpZ

2/0 - 4/0

3.75” StreakZ

1/0, 2/0

3.5” Pro CrawZ

3/0 - 6/0

3.75” GOAT

3/0 - 5/0

4.25” Billy GOAT

4/0 - 6/0

4” Scented Jerk ShadZ

1/0 - 4/0

4” Finesse ShadZ

1, 1/0, 2/0

4” StreakZ Curly TailZ

2/0 - 4/0

4” DieZel MinnowZ

3/0 - 5/0

4” SwimmerZ

4/0, 5/0

4” Turbo CrawZ

3/0, 4/0

4” Hard Leg FrogZ

6/0 ChinlockZ

4” Pop FrogZ

6/0 ChinlockZ

4” GOAT ToadZ

6/0 ChinlockZ

5” DieZel MinnowZ

6/0, 7/0

5” StreakZ Curly TailZ

4/0, 5/0

5” Scented PaddlerZ

4/0, 5/0

5” StreakZ

4/0, 5/0

5” Scented Jerk ShadZ

4/0, 5/0

6” DarterZ

2/0 - 6/0

6” SwimmerZ

5/0 - 8/0

7” DieZel MinnowZ

Page 46 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

HeadlockZ Jig Head

SwimlockZ 9/0, 10/0

7” Scented Jerk ShadZ

7/0, 8/0

8” StreakZ XL

7/0, 8/0

9” GrubZ

6/0 - 8/0 www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 47

Planning and preparation for pleasure

The author on Lake Cootharaba with the sunrise in the background – perfect way to start the day.

After a morning check on Lake Cootharaba, we had three nice bucks in the 3.7m tinnie.

The new front disc brakes on the Toyota LandCruiser 80 Series.

The author was super happy with his setup, which now includes a new 50-litre Kings chest fridge freezer. Page 48 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

OW lovely has the rain been? So far we’ve been lucky here at Cooroy to have missed the really bad storms, but we still had the rain. I feel sorry for everyone who experienced damage to their homes and vehicles and those who lost power for days due to the storms. Hopefully this wet season isn’t too bad and we don’t have massive floods in our area. To date, mud crabs have been good this year and should stay around until winter, if we don’t have huge floods. There are a couple of good spots to camp at in this area. One is Boreen Point Campground on Lake Cootharaba. There’s swimming in the lake and walking along the lovely beach. You can fish for mangrove jack and bream and have your crab pots out. You can even walk your pots out or use a boat or kayak – it’s a lovely little town. The second place is Habitat Noosa Camping. It’s a little more upmarket, with its own brewery and restaurant and space for bigger vans. Though it’s also right on the edge of Lake Cootharaba, with lovely walking trails, kayak hire and tours up the everglades. I’ve been crabbing off and on for days now and have a nice little routine going. I leave home at around 4am to get to Boreen Point just before daybreak, launch the boat to be out on Lake Cootharaba as the sun comes up over the hills towards the ocean – it’s spectacular watching the sun rise in the early morning sky – and check the pots, getting up to 3 nice

Sunshine Coast by CRAIG TOMKINSON

bucks some days. Then, I’m home with the 3.7m tinnie washed and the crabs cleaned and cooked by 7am. After that I’ll go for a walk for an hour… what a great way to start the day! If the weather settles down, my family and I are thinking of heading off on a trip to Canberra and down to Lakes Entrance in Victoria. If we don’t go soon, we might go over the Easter break or head out west mid-year. Either way, if the wet season has finished up north and the roads are open, I’m aiming to head to Weipa at the end of April for my annual fishing trip. With any luck, things will be open after Tropical Cyclone Jasper played havoc with both the roads and people’s lives near Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands and surrounding areas. I can’t wait to go see if big fingermark are in the new area I found last year. And if it’s good weather, I’ll check things out for large-mouth nannygai, red emperor, coral trout and blackspot tuskfish. Being 34 years old, the Toyota LandCruiser 80 Series has lately enjoyed a little more maintenance by yours truly. At this age, you have to

keep working on them, which isn’t a bad thing as I relish tinkering on the old 80 and do all my own work. This time, I fitted new Koyo front wheel bearings, new front disc rotors and disc pads, and new back brake drums and brake shoes. Additionally, I drained the old brake fluid and re-bled the brakes with new brake fluid. And, as our old 55-litre upright fridge had stopped working, we bought a new 50-litre Kings chest fridge freezer – it was $250 delivered. The new Kings has been running for a few weeks at -12C, drawing about 4amps. It fits nicely in the back of the 80 Series, next to our 95-litre upright fridge freezer and two 45-litre Tactix heavy duty storage boxes. The two 140-amp Giant lithium batteries we bought 16 months ago are going well too. After a rough capacity test on both, I plugged the new 50-litre fridge freezer in and let it run for nearly five days – the batteries’ built-in management system cut the volts off at 12.8, which is around 80 percent capacity – suffice to say, I was very happy with them. Until next month, stay safe.

The walking tracks at Habitat Noosa Camping.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 49

Dan Lyell with a tagged mangrove jack from the Tag a Jack fishing competition. During Tag a Jack in Tin Can Bay, Hobie Ansty scored a tagged mangrove jack.

Tag a Jack fishing comp wrap up

Tahni McKay captured a tagged mangrove jack during the comp.

a For

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Page 50 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

’DAY crew, I’d like to start by welcoming 2024 to the calendar, I hope you produce some good weather for us. I also hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season, with loads of time spent with family and friends, and perhaps some trips out on the water too. At the time of writing, things looked to be a little wet this year, but we’ll see what happens on that front in the coming weeks. So, our very own Tin Can Bay Tag a Jack fishing competition wrapped up on December 18, 2023, and did we tag some fish! Great to see such a healthy fishery! It was the second tagging comp we’ve run and the fourth mangrove jack event we’ve run. Over four weeks, 27 anglers tagged 303 mangrove jack, with a total measurement of 11798.5cm – that’s 117.985m of angry red fish still swimming about in our system. There were six categories up for grabs – biggest jack tagged, longest amount of jacks tagged, most amount of jacks tagged, biggest other species, a mystery length and a

Tin Can Bay by CHRIS RIPPON

photo competition. Biggest jack went to Jed Lee with 53cm. Longest amount of jacks tagged was Shannon Dawes with 85 fish at 3374cm. Most jacks tagged results were Shannon Dawes first with 85 fish, Brendan Dunkinson second with 65 fish and Hobie Anstey third with 59 fish. Mystery length was 43cm and Jed Lee took that one out by catching the first 43cm of the comp. Biggest other species winner was yours truly, Chris Rippon with a 128cm king threadfin salmon. But I did hand this down the line to Ho-

bie, who also caught a king threadfin salmon at 114cm. While Dean Chilcott had this category for most of the competition with a 74cm flathead, he was bumped off the top in week three. The photo competition is still being run as this is done on our Facebook page and is a public vote, with the winning angler being the person to get the most likes on their chosen photo on our page. I’ll post the winner next month. In the meantime, if you want to see all the event photos, pop on to our Facebook page and have a scroll. * continued P51

Hobie and a surface-caught mangrove jack.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Tag a Jack fishing comp wrap up * from P50

I’d like to thank all the anglers who fished the Tin Can Bay Tag a Jack fishing competition and helped make it a success – without you getting involved, it just wouldn’t happen. I’d also like to thank our sponsors – Shimano Fishing Australia, EJ Todd, Wilson Fishing, Century Batteries, Spotters Sunglasses, Sam Allen Wholesale and Relaxn, Profishent Tackle and Garmin Australia. Also, a special thank you to the Tin Can Bay Fishing Club for letting us use their club rooms for the briefing and the presentation night. Plus, a massive thank you to Jeff and Ellaine for cooking the barbecue for the presentation night – in their own time, I might add. We are already starting to plan this year’s competition and to date, it’s looking to be even bigger and better. What else has been caught in the bay over the past month you ask. Well, the rain we had in the middle of December and January helped move a few mud crabs around. Reports indicated there were plenty of jennies about and heaps of slightly undersized bucks, or bucks that needed a little fattening up, and that some nice crabs were to be had in among that lot. Maybe it’s time to open up jennies for the menu? We’ve had a number of people out squidding over the past couple of weeks and, guess what, they’ve been catching! Not silly amounts, though more than enough for a feed. Most squid have come from near moored boats

www.bnbfishing.com.au

from Norman Point down to Crab Creek. As usual, getting your jigs down deep has been the key to catching the Tin Can Bay cephalopods. Up around the ledges – such as Searys and Teebar – nice mixed reef fish have been caught on live and dead bait. With small squire, nannygai, cod, a few tuskfish and the occasional mangrove jack coming over the gunwale. The Bluff reefs and the deeper holes will also be worth a look on neap tides, with word of a similar situation in the

Tinnanbar Reef area too. Coming into February, I know plenty of anglers are keen to find a Tin Can Bay barramundi this year, and I’m tipping there will be a few caught once the closure ends. Surely 2024 will be my time to catch one of AUSTRALIA EAST COAST these elusive fish? AUSTRALIA,EAST EASTCOAST COAST––WADDY WADDYPOINT POINT(FRASER (FRASERISLAND) ISLAND) AUSTRALIA, Watch this space! WADDY POINT LAT24° 24°58ʼ 58ʼSS LONG153° 153°21ʼ 21ʼEE LAT LONG Well, that’s it from me Times Timesand andHeights HeightsofofHigh Highand andLow LowWaters Waters for anotherJANUARY month. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH MARCH FEBRUARY I’ll see yoummin theTime shopmm Time Time Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time Time Time Time Time Time Tim or even out0.77 on the water. 0418 0.77 0458 0.68 0.68 0534 0.96 0.96 0110 1.74 1.74 0508 0.98 0.98 0031 1.93 1.93 0458 0110 0031 0418 0534 0508 0026 002 1 16 1 16 1 16 1 1111 1 1148 1 1106 110739 1111 1.87 1.87 16 1150 1150 2.02 2.02 1148 1.65 1.65 16 0723 0723 1.05 1.05 1106 1.57 1.57 16 0730 0730 1.05 1.05 073 Take care tight0.59 1802 0.80and 1823 0.59 1823 0.75 0.75 FR 1259 1.50 1.50 1712 0.74 0.74 SA 1232 1.37 1.37 MO 122 0.80 MO1802 TU1823 TH1823 FR1259 FR1712 SA1232 MO1222 MO TU TH FR 2337 1.30 1.30 1918 0.77 0.77 1824 0.87 0.87 175 1918 1824 1756 lines. 2337 0508 0.85 0031 1.50 0058 1.48 1.48 0234 1.78 1.78 0005 1.67 1.67 0148 1.90 1.90 014 0.85 0031 The20508 Chandlery Bait1.50 17 170234 170148 2Tackle 220058 220005 220145 1153 1.77 1.77 17 0558 0.84 0.84 0643 1.06 1.06 17 0921 1.10 1.10 0612 1.08 1.08 17 0924 1.05 1.05 091 1153 0643 0921 0612 0924 0917 andTU for WE all0558 your1.84 1845 0.78 0.78 1240 1.84 1227 1.53 1.53 SA 1415 1.35 1.35 1144 1.45 1.45 SU 1407 1.27 1.27 141 1240 TU1845 WE FR1227 SA1415 SA1144 SU1407 TU1410 FR SA TU 1913 0.64 0.64 1904 0.74 0.74 2021 0.83 0.83 1750 0.77 0.77 1937 0.95 0.95 191 1904 2021 1750 1937 1918 1913 fishing and boating 0047 1.31 0146 1.55 0217 1.53 0353 1.85 0107 1.67 0307 1.89 030 0047 1.31 0146 1.55 0217 1.53 0353 1.85 0107 1.67 0307 1.89 0305 needs. 180715 181112 181051 330613 330810 330744 331020 0613 0.94 0.94 18 0715 0.97 0.97 0810 1.12 1.12 18 1112 1.04 1.04 0744 1.12 1.12 18 1051 0.99 0.99 102

Tide Times

1238 1.67 1.67 TH 1333 1.65 1.65 WE1238 TH1333 WE 1932 0.75 0.75 2006 0.67 0.67 1932 2006

1314 1.42 1.42 SU 1550 1.27 1.27 SA1314 SU1550 SA 1953 0.74 0.74 2131 0.86 0.86 1953 2131

1233 1.35 1.35 MO 1554 1.27 1.27 SU1233 MO1554 SU 1842 0.81 0.81 2100 0.99 0.99 1842 2100

154 WE1542 WE 210 2100

0214 1.36 1.36 0309 1.65 1.65 0214 0309 0728 1.01 1.01 0857 1.05 1.05 0728 0857 1327 1.57 1.57 FR 1436 1.49 1.49 TH1327 FR1436 TH 2020 0.70 0.70 2102 0.69 0.69 2020 2102

0330 1.62 1.62 0456 1.91 1.91 0330 0456 0957 1.10 1.10 1214 0.96 0.96 0957 1214 1424 1.32 1.32 MO 1717 1.27 1.27 SU1424 MO1717 SU 2050 0.72 0.72 2236 0.84 0.84 2050 2236

0229 1.70 1.70 0229 0943 1.07 1.07 0943 1401 1.27 1.27 MO1401 MO 1953 0.83 0.83 1953

165 TH1651 TH 222 2228

19 19

0416 1.89 1.89 041 190416 19 440410 1139 0.92 0.92 110 1139 1109 1711 1.33 TU1711 1.33 TU 2216 0.96 0.96 2216

0328 1.46 1.46 0420 1.77 1.77 0429 1.74 1.74 0546 1.96 1.96 0343 1.79 1.79 0510 1.89 1.89 050 200420 200546 200510 550328 550429 550343 550506 0849 1.04 1.04 20 1042 1.04 1.04 1113 1.00 1.00 20 1248 0.89 0.89 1052 0.94 0.94 20 1209 0.86 0.86 115 0849 1042 1113 1248 1052 1209 1151 1422 1.47 1550 1.37 1550 1.27 1813 1.32 1542 1.26 1755 1.40

FR1422 1.47 SA SA1550 1.37 FR 2107 0.65 0.65 2157 0.69 0.69 2107 2157

MO1550 1.27 MO 2155 0.69 0.69 2155

0425 1.59 1.59 0515 1.89 1.89 0425 0515 1012 1.02 1.02 1202 0.97 0.97 1012 1202 1521 1.39 1.39 SU 1702 1.31 1.31 SA1521 SU1702 SA 2152 0.59 0.59 2249 0.68 0.68 2152 2249

0519 1.88 1.88 0626 2.00 2.00 0519 0626 1207 0.86 0.86 1312 0.82 0.82 1207 1312 1701 1.27 1.27 WE 1853 1.39 1.39 TU1701 WE1853 TU 2300 0.62 0.62 2300

21 21

0510 The author caught a 128cm king0510 threadfin salmon 1.72 0602 1.99 1.99 1.72 0602 22 1120 0.95 0.95 22 771120 1253 0.89 0.89 1253 on a Zerek Fish Trap vibe. 1621 1.34 1805 1.30 SU MO1805 1.30 SU 1621 1.34 MO 2235 0.54 0.54 2235

0549 1.86 1.86 0549 1214 0.86 0.86 1214 1715 1.31 1.31 MO1715 MO 2318 0.49 0.49 2318

2337 0.65 0.65 2337

TU1813 1.32 TU 2329 0.79 0.79 2329

21 21

TU1542 1.26 WE WE 1755 1.40 TU 2121 0.80 0.80 2313 0.88 0.88 2121 2313

0444 1.92 1.92 0444 1142 0.78 0.78 1142 1658 1.33 1.33 WE1658 WE 2247 0.69 0.69 2247

174 FR 1745 FR 232 2326

0551 1.91 1.91 055 210551 21 660554 1233 0.79 0.79 122 1233 1227 1828 1.48 TH 1828 1.48 TH 2355 0.79 0.79 2355

182 SA 1829 SA

0605 2.03 2.03 0014 0.72 0.72 0536 2.06 2.06 0626 1.92 1.92 001 220014 220626 770605 770536 770014 1252 0.72 0.72 22 0703 2.03 2.03 1225 0.63 0.63 22 1258 0.72 0.72 063 1252 0703 1225 1258 0638 1802 1.33 1338 0.75 1758 1.43 1859 1.56 130

WE1802 1.33 WE 2355 0.52 0.52 2355

TH1338 0.75 TH 1927 1.46 1.46 1927

TH 1758 1.43 TH 2344 0.56 0.56 2344

FR 1859 1.56 FR

SU 1301 SU 191 1911

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MO 1334 MO 195 1954

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TU1807 1.32 TU

WE1403 0.75 WE 1940 1.38 1.38 1940

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TU 1408 TU 203 2038

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0747 2.25 0837 2.11 Hobie with a 114cm king threadfin salmon. 1432 0.55 0.55 1512 0.70 0.70 TH1432 FR 1512 TH FR 1950 1.41 1.41 1950

2051 1.43 1.43 2051

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FR 1517 0.48 2043 1.46 1.46 2043

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FR 1553 FR 225 2259

0226 0.37 0.37 0250 0.62 0.62 0353 0.54 0.54 0340 0.76 0.76 0338 0.62 0.62 0326 0.78 0.78 055 130226 280250 13 0353 28 0340 13 0338 28 0326 13 0553 0921 2.34 2.34 28 0940 2.00 2.00 13 1034 2.11 2.11 28 1002 1.77 1.77 13 13 1000 1.92 1.92 28 0926 1.66 1.66 13 110 1034 1002 1000 0926 1106 0921 0940 1602 0.46 1613 0.74 1656 0.51 1613 0.70 1606 0.52 1520 0.62 163 SA SU

SA 1602 0.46 2138 1.48 1.48 2138

SU 1613 0.74 2149 1.43 1.43 2149

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SA 1633 SA 235 2353

0315 0.43 0.43 0323 0.67 0.67 0447 0.72 0.72 0421 0.87 0.87 0437 0.80 0.80 0409 0.88 0.88 071 140315 29 0323 14 0447 29 0421 14 0437 29 0409 14 0713 1011 2.29 2.29 29 1009 1.93 1.93 14 1119 1.91 1.91 29 1032 1.67 1.67 14 1044 1.72 14 1.72 29 1001 1.56 1.56 14 121 1011 1009 1119 1032 1044 1001 1211 1739 0.60 1641 0.71 1645 0.63 1547 0.67 172 SU 1649 0.48 MO 1642 0.75

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0405 0.54 0.54 0359 0.75 0.75 0000 1.73 1.73 150405 30 0359 15 0000 1101 2.18 2.18 30 1039 1.85 1.85 15 0553 0.91 0.91 15 1101 1039 0553 1736 0.53 1713 0.76 1205 1.70 MO TU TH

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TH 1645 0.63 TH 2329 1.97 1.97 2329

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0441 0.85 0.85 31 0441 1111 1.75 1.75 31 1111 WE 1746 0.75

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© Copyright Copyright Commonwealth Commonwealth of of Australia Australia 2022, Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology © 2022, Bureau New Moon First Quarter Datum of of Predictions Predictions is is Lowest Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide Tide Datum Moon Phase Phase Symbols Symbols Moon

A tagged mangrove jack for Jed Lee.

Full Moon

New Moon Moon New

SU 1729 SU

Last Quarter

First Quarter Quarter First

Full Moon Moon Full

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 51

MO 1355 MO 185 1852

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Will snared a few spotted mackerel for a feed.

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Eighty years young, Tony played in a sizeable longtail tuna, with his son JR lending a hand.

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Ewan had a very rare permit when chasing trevally.

> Hervey Bay > Fraser Island > Sandy Strait

Jack with his first tuna.

Fishing basics for big bites

L Niño is back… or is it? It’s extremely wet, so people are doubting the weather gurus. But really, I think you need to look at the cycle as a whole. It was an extremely dry year overall. It feels like the first truly hot sticky summer we’ve had in a long while. My observation about certain species seems to be correct with regards to El Niño though. Spotted mackerel are back! Fish and bait are closer inshore, and showering

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Fraser Guided Fishing by TRI TON

flying fish are inshore too. At times, mackerel have been as close in as the back break of the beach. We have even sight cast a couple of small schools on calm days. It has been great to have what I call ‘basic fishing’ back again. It’s what makes the region a standout. The surface feeding schools of tuna and mackerel let everyone have a shot at a trophy. It’s why I choose to live behind K’gari. I am no guru guide – I simply understand the value of these species to the average angler. And are accessible during the most trying of conditions because of the protection K’gari gives us. In saying that, it doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed every trip. That wind turns for a few days and the fish find themselves out wide. It gives the angler small windows in which to convert, failure to do so can result in donuts. The beauty of macker-

el returning is that they tend to be less fussy compared to tuna. Cast slukk, wind in, catch fish. Occasionally, they eat a bare hook or, if you’re unlucky, the leader knot on your rig. They’ve been so good at times that it gets monotonous. Tuna on the other hand remain a tad fussy. Though still catchable and infinitely more enjoyable to battle because they’re a much more powerful adversary. Plastics have been the main lure putting bends in rods. Of those I’ve seen, longtail tuna were around in small numbers, mostly scattered schools of big fish. This is common in summer – they are often adjacent to smaller species or even mixed in with them, if you look close enough. Be watchful, I find longtail more willing to eat compared to mack tuna. So, a well-placed and well-worked lure may find you coming up tight with one. * continued P53

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Tips for tempting monster barra

EBRUARY has finally arrived, which means the barramundi closure is over and it’s time to chase a few chrome fish. Before hitting the water to target them, you need to do a couple of checks on your gear to ensure it’s up to the task. Checks your reels to ensure your drag is smooth and your line is in good condition. Make sure rod seats and guides are okay and there are no nicks in your eyelets. Look at all your terminal tackle, ensure hooks, jig heads and trebles are sharp and strong, and swivels and split rings are in good condition. Check you have

Gladstone Region by GARY CHURCHWARD

enough leaders of various sizes to cover different structure types, water quality and the fish size you find. By doing this, when you hook a decent barramundi, you’re giving yourself the best chance to land the fish as unfortunately, bigger barra have the skill of finding any weakness in your gear. Gladstone holds a good population of this species through its many rivers, creeks and the harbour into the narrows. Before the closed season, the Calliope River held good numbers of

barramundi throughout the whole river. I sounded the river from the rock wall at the mouth to the rocks at the highway bridge and found barra not only sitting on structure but happily holding in deeper water with no structure close by. Though these fish were extremely hard to get a bite out of. I tried every lure I could think of – as well as live bait – in an attempt to get a fish. On speaking with others, they found the fishing the same, however had some success * continued P54

Awoonga Dam was fishing well. Carter spent time on the dam and was rewarded with a decent fish.

Jett caught a nice barramundi on a live bait in the Boyne River.

Back to fishing basics for big bites * from P52

Other things I looked out for were mobile schools of trevally. At times they loosely hang out with the surface feeders. Always watch your side scan… you’ll see them. They’ll show up thicker on the electronics and can be slower moving. Mobile schools of trevally are less likely to

have sharks with them, I think because sharks are lazy. In saying that, the longer any large group of fish stay in an area, the more likely it is that some sharks will visit for as long as they can get a feed rounded up by the smaller fish, or by feeding on your hooked fish. Once again, watch the scan – you’ll learn to

decipher when you have a predator under your vessel. Don’t let them reap the rewards of your hard work – move on. The trevs were caught on plastics and jigs, though on occasion were very fussy too. It can get quite frustrating, literally watching fish go off around the boat and not getting a single bump!

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Grant scored a solid golden trevally.

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Darcy wrestled a lively tuna.

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Tips for tempting monster barra * from P53

Sam captured a small barramundi on a 3.5” Z-Man Slim SwimZ soft plastic lure.

using prawn-style plastics with a very slow retrieve and plenty of casts. When chasing other species, I’ve come across plenty of barramundi in the river, from one or two fish to schools of five to 15. The Boyne River is a reliable producer of this species, with the upper section the most consistent option.

Coral trout were biting well around Facing Island. The author boated one on a 5” Samaki Boom Baits jerk shad.

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All the smaller creeks, through the narrows and at the top of Curtis Island, will hold a small population of barra too. And Gladstone Harbour through to the start of The Narrows at Grahams Creek is another good option, with a wide variety of structure options. Most commonly, the deeper rocky drop-offs give this fish a good place to sit out of the current and ambush bait as it’s washed over them. They will also move up onto the shallower rock bars and drains as the tide rises to feed on the bait as it moves from deeper water to shallower and mangrove edges. I won’t touch too much on lure types and techniques because most will work at some stage. My tip is to be patient and offer multiple styles of lure to the fish before moving on to another school or spot. The same goes when bait fishing – try to collect a couple of bait types as, while a mullet might get no interest, a live prawn could get an instant reaction. Fishing for barramundi can be frustrating – they are easily seen on a sounder but will often show no interest in what you offer. On the other hand, when they do decide to play the game and bite, it can soon turn into mayhem with multiple fish coming quickly. If you’re chasing location, the Fitzroy River region through to Port Alma and the top of The Narrows also holds both awesome numbers and sizes of barramundi. Freshwater lakes and dams such as Awoonga, Monduran and Callide will all be firing

for good-sized fish. Some decent by-catch can be taken when chasing barra on bait and lure, with fingermark, mangrove jack, grunter and both blue and threadfin salmon all options. Fishing out wider on the reefs has been extremely weather dependent, but when there were gaps, good numbers of coral trout and redthroat emperor were on offer. I’ve found quantities of coral trout near the front of Facing Island and the mouth of the harbour around North Entrance. While you can’t expect to catch big numbers of large fish, you can see fish to about 50cm occasionally. Grass sweetlip have also been a common find and are a welcome addition to the Esky. Fingermark are coming from the deeper rock section in the river and through the harbour on live bait and lures. Whiting are being caught off Lilley’s Beach and around the sandbanks in the harbour on yabbies and fresh prawn bait. With the hot weather and storms, mangrove jack will still be chewing hard and fishing tight to structure will soon see you connected to some of these brutes. Mud crabs will be moving about a little more and, with the rain we had in early January, prawns will also be available for bait, or a feed if you can find some larger ones. Now is the time to get on the water and chase a few barra, before the weather starts to cool in early April. Cheers and happy fishing from Gladstone.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 55

A 4.5” Molix RT Shad brought a school sized barramundi undone for the author.

Barramundi are back

Occasionally, you get close but just not close enough. A cheek scale was the only memory we got to keep.

T’S been a long three month wait but I’m pleased to report that the east coast saltwater barramundi season reopens as at midday February 1. So, I’ll kick the February Capricorn Coast

A stack of barramundi in formation. The Humminbird Apex down scan shows them up nice and crisp. Page 56 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

Capricorn Coast by JOHN BOON

write up off with a few barra tips to get you ready for the season. The first thing you must do is research the gear you need to use. Start with two setups – primarily spin gear, though if you love to bait cast, that’s fine too. I prefer a lighter setup, which consists of a 3-5kg rod, 2500 sized reel and 15lb Power Pro braid. Power Pro in the lighter braid is as tough as nails, which is why I use it, and I’m not chasing sport fishing records, so it suits me just fine. For leader on the lighter rod, use a 30-40lb

fluorocarbon such as Sunline FC100. This leader has been discontinued, so if you’re looking for a substitute, Sunline FC Rock is a good alternative. For a heavier setup, I run a 5-10kg rod, 4000 sized reel, 20-30lb Sufix 832 braid and 60lb leader. For leader, I stick to the same Sunline brand as above. I prefer using fluorocarbon for barramundi because it has better abrasion resistance. When barra swallow your lure or bait and shake their head from * continued P57

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Barramundi are back * from P56

side to side, it acts like a cheese grater, so you need a good quality leader to stay connected. Depending on a few variables, 60lb fluorocarbon can handle barra fairly well up to about 90cm. If you want to chase bigger barra, a third setup will be required, though for now we’ll stick to the basics. Once you’ve got your setups as close to perfect as possible, it’s time to get a few lures. If you’re only starting out, the tackle shop walls can be a little overwhelming. Ask 10 barra fishos about their favourite lures and you’ll likely get 10 different answers. So, I’ll run through some options to cover a few scenarios. A soft vibe would be number one. Zerek Fish Trap, Nomad Vertrex and Samaki Vibelicious are all top choices. Get a few natural colours for clean water and some contrasting colours for dirty. If starting out, use these vibes only when the barra are out in the open, sitting on things such as drains, drop-offs or in back eddies. It can get very expensive if you keep snagging them. Prawn imitations are also a top lure. The Chasebait Flick Prawn is a wicked plastic to use – this lure comes rigged weedless,

so you can get it deep in the snags and hop it out. Zerek Live Shrimp has the same setup – while rigged weedless, if it isn’t required, it’s fairly simple to pull the weedless hook out and put a standard jig head in. For paddle tail options, you definitely need some Molix RT Shads from 3.5-5.5”. Zerek Flat Shads are a great choice too. That’s covered most of the options… except for one last possibility. Most anglers these days use soft plastics, but it does still pay to have a few great hardbody lure choices in your tackle bag. Lucky Craft Pointers are a well proven lure, and they suspend on the retrieve, so you can leave them sitting in front of the fish for a long time. Your tackle bag wouldn’t be complete without some silent timber hard-bodies. We have a local lure maker in Rockhampton, Lethal Lures, who produces top timber lures to invest in. Some final words of wisdom for barra fishing… invest in electronics and make sure you know how to use them. At a minimum, you would need an electric motor and a quality side imaging sounder. So many anglers I speak with still aren’t confident they’re seeing

Barramundi are the thinking angler’s fish. It took a loud rattle in this Classic Barra lure to get a response.

* continued P58

If you look closely, you can see a Lucky Craft Pointer on the head of the barramundi. The tackle tray had hard-body lures too, so after soft plastics failed, the hard-body got the bite. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Luke Peisker with a nice school sized salty taken on a timber hard-body from Coorooman Creek.

A moment we fishos live for, hooked up with family onboard. Brenden Warren on the rod and his son Quinn on the net – a great memory for both. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 57

Barramundi are back * from P57

barramundi on their side imaging sounder. This is why I use Humminbird, particularly the Apex series. High resolution screens make those silver slabs stand out, so there’s no second guessing. If you’re having trouble with your electronics, get busy researching. And if you’re like me, learning by practical application and seeing how it works with your own eyes, there are plenty of ‘how to’ videos on YouTube. If researching online isn’t helping, there’s a selection of sounder and fishing courses you can invest in. Many people steer away from fishing courses because of the cost but, when I say they’ll save you money in the long run, believe me. The added bonus is that you can message the gurus directly for professional answers. Once you’ve learned to use your electronics, it’s time to search for barra spots. You’ll need to search creeks thoroughly because barramundi can turn up anywhere – drains, snags and rock bars are common. Once you find them, work hard on getting a bite.

Use your noggin and think about everything, including which lure to use first, what lure to use next, where the boat needs to be positioned and which direction the tide is going. A barra guru once told me to visualise in my head what the lure was doing under the water according to how it’s retrieved. Visualise the fish looking at the lure and what was needed to get a bite. Remember though, your lure needs to be in front of the fish. So, if the lure isn’t heavy enough, add weight, and if it’s too heavy and sinks like a bullet, remove some weight. Don’t forget to record everything in a diary. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can work out patterns when you look at multiple trips with heaps of different information. I’ve gone back five years sometimes to find the missing pieces of the puzzle. I’m confident these tips will help you out. Well, that’s it from me for this month… I’m off to get the barra rods primed. Don’t forget to stay positive, confident and above all else, have fun.

They don’t get much clearer than this. The Humminbird Apex shows barramundi clearly. Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

Michael Powell has measured and tagged more than 11,000 fish over 24 years.

Bigger barra caught after Queensland gillnet bans

ONSERVATION group WWF Australia said anglers were catching significantly bigger barramundi in parts of Queensland after the banning of commercial net fishing in 2015. The Queensland Government introduced netfree zones off Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton in November 2015, closing them to all commercial net fishing. The ban included the use of gillnets, which trap fish by suspending large rectangular mesh nets vertically in the water. A WWF-commissioned report by University of Queensland researchers – including former chief scientist Hugh Possingham – compared fish tagging data from citizen sci-

ence database Infofish Australia six years prior to and six years after the ban. It found the average tagged barramundi sizes increased by about 23 percent in Rockhampton from 50.7cm to 62.3cm, 21 percent in Cairns from 50.5cm to 60.9cm and 13 percent in Mackay from 50.3cm to 56.9cm. WWF spokesman Richard Leck said it used to be rare for recreational fishos to hook a 1m barramundi in central Queensland. He said it was almost a weekly occurrence that barramundi were being pulled out of the Fitzroy River that were 1.2 or 1.3 metres in length. “The bigger those fish are getting on average, the more offspring they’re having and the healthier the ecosystem

becomes,” Mr Leck said. The report also found ‘trophy-sized’ king threadfin caught in the Fitzroy River of more than 1m went from 2 percent of catches before the ban to 63 percent after the ban. Long-time recreational fisho Dan Hammersley said it was a similar story in Cairns. “I have noticed an increase in numbers as well as sizes of many species of salmon, barramundi, fingermark, also grunter and other lesser-known species,” he said. “I do know there are a lot of barra now getting caught around the 90cm to 1m mark, especially around the Cairns inlet and some of the beaches. “It’s definitely been a success for recreational fishing.”

Stephen Purnell said anglers were hooking massive barramundi from the Fitzroy River. Photos: WWF Australia

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 59

TOURING & exploring

Ellendale Pool is a great place to rinse off the dust and unwind – it’s a bit of a hidden gem and well worth the trip out.

Creeping up WA’s coastline

It’s always good to have a travel companion – these two got on great, most of the time. Here they are enjoying the sunset at the Pinnacles Desert. Page 60 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

E enjoyed a little downtime in Fremantle and Perth. Both were very beautiful and we would have liked to spend more time exploring them – hopefully we’ll get back in the not-too-distant future. Western Australia is a massive state and while we intended to see as much as possible, there was plenty we had to miss on this trip. When you have a timeline, the best option is to cherry pick a few places you think you’ll enjoy and go from there. If you like a certain place, try to work it so you can stay a little longer and alternatively, if things are not what you thought, don’t be afraid to pack up and leave early.

Family Adventures by BEN COLLINS

Obviously, if you have booked and paid for a caravan park, you need to weigh things up either way. That’s why sometimes we wouldn’t even book a caravan park prior to checking the general area out, to get a feeling for the town before committing ourselves. While this does require more planning and effort, it makes for a better and more enjoyable adventure. Cervantes Cervantes was a place we day tripped to while we were free camping between it and Lancelin, which was a sweet little fishing village. Our original plan

didn’t include a stay here but as soon as we rolled into town, we took a liking to it and subsequently managed to book three nights at the caravan park on the water. This became our base for a couple of days, which meant the kids could swim in the pool while we relaxed. Though our time wasn’t only spent poolside, we also ventured out to Nambung National Park, the home of the spectacular Pinnacles Desert. The pinnacles are amazing natural limestone structures that were formed about * continued P61

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TOURING & exploring Creeping up Western Australia's coastline * from P60

25,000 years ago. Years of coastal breezes removed the surrounding sand and left a myriad of unique pillars exposed, which we were very fortunate to view as the sun was setting. Early morning and evening are probably the best times to visit if you’re after an array of colours that change with the sun’s rise and fall. You can drive around the Pinnacles Desert, and we left after the sun had set and the stars appeared. Another attraction of Cervantes – aside from the crystal blue water and white sandy beaches – was the Lobster Shack, located only a short walk from the caravan park. I love my seafood and can be quite particular when buying it, so I’m happy to report the food here was awesome. So much so that we had two meals at the shack during our short stay. Sinking a cold beverage while gazing out over the ocean possibly

added to the attraction and was definitely another drawcard for the venue. Ellendale Pool After our fix of the finer things in Cervantes, it was back to free camping. Our next stop was Ellendale Pools, where it cost $5 a night to stay – so, we regarded this as basically free camping. Despite not knowing much about Ellendale Pool and reading mixed reviews, our decision to venture out was the right one. Here you had the option of an upper and lower camping section, though they’re not sectioned off. We managed to get a spot in the lower area, which was closer to the swimming pool, and what a welcomed site it was. Often, if we were staying for only a night or planned to leave early the next day, I wouldn’t bother unhitching the caravan or putting the stabilising legs down. Fortunately, the JB Scorpion has air bags

that make levelling the van a breeze, even when hitched to the car. It wasn’t long before we enjoyed a refreshing dip, with the kids testing out the rope swing – basically kids being kids, which is what we wanted for them during our trip. Lucky Bay/Kalbarri For regular readers, you may remember reading about our visit to Lucky Bay near Esperance. Well, there is another coastal spot with the same name on the west coast. Unfortunately, it was windy when we were there and the sand tracks were extremely soft, so we based our camp behind the big sand dunes, which were much easier to get to. With the right conditions, it would be worth the effort to camp on the beach. In fact, we didn’t even get in the water, which was very strange for myself and my girls. However, it was a nice place to explore and * continued P62

As the sun sets, the array of colours over the pinnacles are amazing.

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You can’t go to the Lobster Shack without getting one of these photos.

Yum, yum, yum – not much more you can say – definitely enjoyed our time at the Lobster Shack.

The coastline at Cervantes was spectacular – and you could get to the Lobster Shack via the beach or road. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 61

TOURING & exploring Creeping up Western Australia's coastline * from P61

Nature’s Window certainly didn’t disappoint.

Kalbarri rock formations have a myriad of colours that are breathtaking.

If you’re planning on doing the loop route at Kalbarri, you’ll need to head off before 7am in the warmer months and take plenty of water. Page 62 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

base ourselves because we also wanted to explore Kalbarri National Park. Kalbarri National Park surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River. The river has cut a magnificent 80km gorge through the red and white banded sandstone. Perched on the cliff top, the two platforms of the Kalbarri Skywalk jut out over the gorge, providing incredible views. It’s important to note that drinking water is not available in Kalbarri National Park, so always carry your own supply and remember, the daytime temperature can be intense in hotter months. The temperature can be so extreme that the loop trail closes at 7am during summer. If you aren’t keen to punch out the loop or other trials, perhaps still consider visiting Nature’s Window – a hole in the rock formation high above the Murchison River.

Other attractions in Kalbarri worth exploring include Island Rock, Red Bluff and the Z Bend lookout. There was also a nice beach break near town that allowed the kids to get their surfboards wet again. Unfortunately, the town was still suffering the effects of Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja, which hit in April 2021. However, with the spectacular red cliffs, blue water, beautiful river and headlands, I’m sure people will fall in love with this place and its popularity will increase in the not-toodistant future. Steep Point Anyone who loves fishing in WA will no doubt have heard of Steep Point – the western most part of Australia and home to some awesome fishing from its cliffs. Despite not being able to take a caravan into the area, boats and camper trailers can still be towed in. The road in was fairly good – apart from a steep sandy hill with

a tight turn at the top that was hard to conquer while towing a large van. As we didn’t have any camping gear, our only option was to day trip. We planned an early start and late return, allowing for time to travel there, enjoy it and get back to base. On arrival, we were not disappointed – met, once again, with a glorious sandy beach, blue water and rugged headlands. As we explored further, we came across several fishing camps well set up for pelagic angling action. If you haven’t heard of this spot, it’s worth a search on Google – amazing fishing opportunities here. Yet, the day we visited, it appeared to be more of a waiting game for fishos. Monkey Mia After being off grid for a while, it was good to pull into the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, aptly named because of the dolphins visiting each morning. * continued P63

Steep Point is known as a fishing mecca on the west coast and was a significant milestone on our travels.

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TOURING & exploring The coastline near Cape Peron had magnificent contrasts in colour – the red rocks, white sand and aqua blue water.

Creeping up Western Australia's coastline * from P62

Unfortunately, the dolphin experience was a little underwhelming for us. I guess we’ve been spoilt over the years, with dolphins playing in our wake back in Moreton Bay or seeing them at Tangalooma and various other places around the continent. Despite this, we were keen to enjoy ourselves and spend a few days relaxing poolside while the kids caught up with a few friends we’d met along the way. As well as some much-needed relaxation, we also managed to explore the area. The nearby town

of Denham was more sleepy fishing village than town, yet it was a great day trip and worth visiting. Of note was the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre, which was playing Fire on the Water – a 15-minute three-dimensional film about the sinking of HMAS Sydney II, which occurred 77 years ago. The Ocean Park Aquarium is another must-do when in this area. The tour was extremely informative, providing details on a host of various marine creatures. They even had a tiger

Greta must have picked this photo – one of us looks to be carrying a few kilos and the other’s wasting away. Regardless, it was another spectacular spot on our day trip around Cape Peron. www.bnbfishing.com.au

shark in the main pool, which was awesome to see and the view from the aquarium was pretty good too. If you don’t want to stay at a resort or camping ground, there are plenty of off-grid camps on the Shark Bay peninsula in the Francois Peron National Park. We day tripped out to a mix of places, including Big Lagoon, Gregories and Cape Peron. All were spectacular spots where rugged red cliffs met aqua blue water – a sight well worth seeing. You do need a capable four-wheel-drive to visit these places because the tracks can be tough going at times, with plenty of soft cut-up sand. A place I recommend visiting is the Peron Homestead Precinct, which has an artesian bore that was drilled in 1922-23. The hot water is pumped by windmills into a ‘hot’ tub that provides a great spot to relax. We visited this place at night and had it all to ourselves!

Not who we expected to see coming around the corner at a secluded beach near Steep Point – WA Fisheries, who were good to chat to. They also provided the author with information and regulations for the area, and a measuring sticker. Shame they got bogged trying to head to the next place.

Though we didn’t camp at Big Lagoon, it would be worth putting on your list.

One of the many locals around the Monkey Mia camp – possibly more emus than dolphins. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 63

TOURING & exploring

Along with enhancements to exterior styling, comfort and convenience features and safety technology, the 70 Series introduces a sixspeed automatic transmission for the first time

Upgraded Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series venerable workhorse

OYOTA Australia has announced pricing and specification for the upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series range, with the venerable workhorse arriving in Australian showrooms priced from $75,600 plus on-road costs for the 76 Series WorkMate wagon. Along with enhancements to exterior styling, comfort and convenience features and safety technology, the 70 Series introduces a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time – teamed to the tried-and-tested 1GD four-cylinder 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, which has also been upgraded to suit the hardcore usage required of a 70 Series engine. Toyota Australia vice president sales marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the changes to the new LandCruiser 70 Series would make it

even more appealing to customers looking for a rugged four-wheel-drive designed for both work and play. “For generations, the LandCruiser 70 Series has provided support for countless Australians in the toughest conditions the country has to offer, thanks to its rugged durability, strong towing and unparalleled offroad performance,” Mr Hanley said. “Introducing the new automatic transmission four-cylinder powertrain to the LandCruiser 70 Series range will broaden its appeal even further, making it more accessible to a wider cross-section of customers than ever before. “Along with the upgrades to safety, convenience and styling, there has never been a better time to own a LandCruiser 70 Series.” The heavily reworked LandCruiser 70 Series

Page 64 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

range enhances convenience and technology for all owners and introduces new active safety features to the line-up. Offering the new four-cylinder engine option will also help to make the 70 Series range more accessible by helping to satisfy overwhelming customer demand for the fan-favourite commercial vehicle range. The adoption of the four-cylinder engine comes with a number of mechanical upgrades for the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel powertrain to improve cooling and reliability in heavy-usage scenarios, starting by increasing the diameter of the cooling fan and adding an isolation crank pulley to reduce the load on the engine’s serpentine belt. A newly designed oil pan, strainer and oil level sensor have been introduced to improve oil delivery in off-cam-

ber and hilly situations, while the orientation of the oil filter has been adjusted to suit the new vehicle. Noise, vibration and harshness levels have also been reduced by introducing a balance shaft. Like the 1GD engine, the accompanying sixspeed automatic transmission has also been upgraded for use in the 70 Series, with a deeper oil pan, optimised oil strainer intake position and newly added oil catch tank. The automatic transmission features a power haul mode to best make use of the 70 Series’ full 3500kg braked towing capacity, while a second start switch can help pull the vehicle out of sticky situations. A transmission guard adds extra under-body protection for the oil pan, while the breather hose has been raised to a height of 900mm

to assist water-crossing performance. The new LandCruiser 70 Series is easily identifiable by its redesigned front end, which introduces a range of heritage-inspired design touches, including new circular LED headlamps with automatic high beam, which can automatically detect other cars on the road and turn the high beams on and off to suit. A new black mesh grille melds with the heritage-inspired bonnet and turn signals, while dark-grey alloy wheels and over-fenders provide a tough visage on 76 and 79 Series GX and GXL grades. The 76 Series wagon variants are now available with the new Eclipse Black hue, joining the six existing colours. Inside, the redesigned LandCruiser 70 Series range adds a larger 6.7” touchscreen multime-

* continued P65

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TOURING & exploring Upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series * from P64

dia system – with voice recognition and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – a 4.2” digital instrument cluster display and a new-look speedometer and tachometer, the designs of which hark back to LandCruisers of yesteryear. New control buttons for multimedia, active safety features and voice recognition have been added on the steering wheel, and the fitment of the automatic transmission has seen the centre console redesigned with greater amenity including a centre storage box. GXL grades gain two new USB-C ports that replace the 12V socket, while the 76 Series gains a reversing camera for easier parking ability around town. Toyota has expanded the LandCruiser 70 Series’ suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety features to now include downhill assist control, road sign assist and lane departure alert, joining the existing pre-collision system, which is designed

to provide autonomous emergency braking in a range of driving scenarios. The new 1GD four-cylinder powertrain will be offered on all LandCruiser 70 Series grades, and is tuned to produce a strong 150kW from 3000-3400rpm, with 500Nm of torque available across a wide 1600-2800rpm rev band. Meanwhile, the venerable 1VD 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine will continue to be sold alongside the 1GD on all variants, bar the 76 Series WorkMate, producing 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm of torque from a low 1200rpm all the way through to 3200rpm. With solid front and rear axles, sturdy ladder-frame chassis, a payload of up to 1380kg depending on variant, and a low-range transfer case with locking front and rear differentials on GX and GXL, the LandCruiser 70 Series remains the ultimate choice for hard every day work or exploring Australia’s vast backyard.

New control buttons for multimedia, active safety features and voice recognition have been added on the steering wheel. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Dometic introduces NRX series

OM E T IC brings its newest most energy efficient marine refrigeration solutions to the Pacific boating market. The new Dometic NRX refrigerators combine industry leading energy efficiency with sleek design and quality finish, using up to 25 percent less current than comparable refrigerator models currently in the market. The NRX Compressor refrigerator is the latest innovation from Dometic. It delivers an energy efficient cooling solution with the versatility to be used independently as a fridge, freezer or both. Three different operating modes are controlled by a very compact and powerful compressor. Eco, Performance (for quick cool-down) and Quiet can be selected from the touch control panel. The NRX-S door incorporates a stainless-steel 316 fully flush front panel and a convenient full-width handle. The interior includes a removable freezer compartment, multiple stainless-steel shelves, two crispers, a bottle holder and door shelves. Dometic president of the marine segment Eric Fetchko said, “Powered by our latest innovative compres-

sor unit, the Dometic NRX series represents a significant leap in refrigerator technology.” “With its sleek design and unparalleled energy efficiency, this compressor-cooled marvel sets a new standard in refrigeration. “Notably, the NRX series operates up to 25 percent more efficiently than its counterparts, exemplifying our commitment to sustainability and reduced energy consumption. “With this advancement, Dometic aims to significantly lower energy requirements onboard, contributing to an active, comfortable and responsible life on the water.” Key benefits of the NRX series include: • An energy efficient high-end compressor equipped with three operating modes – Eco, Performance and Quiet – allowing for

tailored usage based on specific needs • A bevelled rear side, ensuring optimal utilisation of space onboard, maximising storage potential • A reversible door hinge for adaptable installation, catering to both left and right fitting requirements • Dual-function locks that serve as both security features and ventilation mechanisms for the refrigerator • Universal standard flush-mount installation frame available as an accessory, ensuring seamless integration with any setup. The NRX series is set to revolutionise the way we approach refrigeration, providing not only enhanced efficiency but also a sophisticated and adaptable solution for modern needs. For more information, visit dometic.com

The new Dometic NRX refrigerators combine industry leading energy efficiency with sleek design and quality finish. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 65

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Contact Bill Corten M: 0447 233 247 / 0447 ( a f f a i r ) E: reel_affair@yahoo.com Page 66 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

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0434 002 644 Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 67

Bringing 2024 in with a fish

First fish of the trip on a Flick Lures Creek Cobra in the red-bellied-black colour. Note the barbless hooks.

Pure white or pearl is an underrated hue for lures. The author prefers surface lures in this colour.

ORK commitments over the past two years – usually six or seven days a week – has meant that, other than day trips close to home, fishing opportunities were severely limited. Yes, most fishing writers have ‘real’ jobs too. So, when an invitation to get away to chase one of my favourite fish over the New Year’s long weekend arose, I jumped at the chance. The venue was a shallow stream in the Queensland NSW border region, where I’ve

Getting good photos when fishing alone is always difficult. This solid cod liked the look of a purple SandViper. The author's have the rear treble removed to prevent unnecessary damage to the fish. Page 68 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

Fishing for Sport by NEIL SCHULTZ

fished regularly, if not often, over the past three decades or so. Consisting of shallow riffles between pools of moderate depth – usually only waist deep – this is typical of much of Australia’s high country cod water. I’ve fished for cod in similar streams from Queensland all the way south to Victoria. Having prior experience in these locations has gleaned some knowledge that makes tackle and lure selection an easy process. Since most of my time was to be spent catching up with a great friend, actual fishing hours were to be limited, so I packed light. Tackle consisted of only one light telescopic plug rod paired with a low profile Pflueger, loaded with 8kg Platypus braid, a lip grip and a pair of pliers. My entire lure selection was housed in a small lunchbox and was made up of five shallow running plugs and a couple of spinners. Arriving at the property after lunch, I spent the first afternoon setting up camp, unpacking the vehicle and chatting with the property owner about all things weather, fishing and farm related. On dusk, I was charged with the mission to obtain some venison for the farmer’s dogs, so ventured into the hills away from the river armed with a thermal monocular and my heavy barrelled 22/250 rifle.

Job done, I headed back to camp for an early night and, after driving around to check for any feral cats, I crawled straight into the swag without even taking a bite to eat. Early the next morning, I was out looking for another deer, this time to fulfil requirements for venison at home – so once again, I missed the first-light prime fishing hours. By the time I’d finished processing a couple of deer – one for me, the other for the farmer – the sun was high and the wind was howling. Possibly the least productive hours for shallow-water cod fall between midday and 4pm, so in spite of knowing I was making things hard for myself, I decided to go fishing anyway. Clipping on the most reliable skinny-water cod lure I’ve ever used, I wandered to a pool very close to the vehicle track… lazy, I know. Storms in the upper catchment had the stream flowing again, following six months of very dry conditions. I thought this might switch the fish on, however my first 20 casts went unmolested. The first tap had me guessing whether it was a fish or a rock, though a tell-tale swirl removed any doubt. Instead of casting back to where I’d had the hit, I fanned casts across the pool, trying to discover this fish’s hide. Three casts later, * continued P70

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Bringing 2024 in with a cod fish * from P68

I watched the fish charge from the shadow beside a visible rock to take the redblack lure almost at the rod tip. I changed lure colour to bright yellow and green to see if that would trigger a more determined reaction from the fish. Another 20 minutes of blind casting produced another ‘tap’ on the lure and again, a few casts later yielded a firm hookup and another small fish brought to hand. Okay, let’s try a different colour… this time pure white. Fishing right up to the head of the pool and half an hour of casting saw a small fish rush into the fast water to swipe at the lure without connecting. This time, the very next cast to the same spot triggered the response I was after and cod number three was landed. Having fished the entire pool, which was in full midday sunlight, I decided to move downstream to a spot where the water would be shaded by tall trees. Here I opted for the largest lure in the box, a Predatek SandViper – which, at 140mm, is a fair lump of plastic to cast. Shock was transmitted through the rod as an aggressive fish slammed the big lure on the first cast. Some difficulty was involved in securing

this fish from the steep bank on which I was perched, requiring me to drop my backpack and lie on my stomach to reach the water. After the cod was secured with the lip grip, I slid into the water feet first and waded around to a low bank, where I could snap a photo with my phone without lifting the fish. Maintaining my habit of the day, I changed lure colour to a black SandViper and yet again, after about a quarter of an hour, was rewarded with another small but well-coloured cod. Switching to something completely different, I clipped on a brightly coloured spinner (from AusSpin Lures, if I recall correctly) and put in a few dozen casts before finding a receptive fish – the smallest of the afternoon. Satisfied with half a dozen cod in three hours, I packed the rod away and headed back to camp to prepare for an evening chasing some feral pigs the owner wanted to be rid of… but that’s another story. The following morning, I got an early start to get as much of the highway in the rear-view mirror as possible before the holiday traffic built – smiling as I went and happy with the way I’d seen the old year out and the new year in.

Page 70 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

The swiftness with which the bad water inundated the area in 2023 added to the complexity of the situation, catching everyone off guard, including the fish.

Menindee fish kills in 2018 and 2023

OR decades, the small town of Menindee was little known to the rest of Australia. A country town located in the far west of NSW, it was known for being the ‘trading hub of the west’ during the 1800s. Yet in recent years, the township has made international headlines due to the alarming occurrence of fish kills. For weeks, it was the hot topic for news stations that showcased the millions of dead fish floating in the river. First Nations people and other locals who bathe, drink, fish and recreate in those waterways were angry. They raised concerns for the health of the region and sought answers. Following a recent government inquiry into the events, Professor Lee Baumgardner – a freshwater fish scientist who led the scientific review in the investigation – joined OzCast to explain why these events were occurring. The special value of this explanation stems from the fact that many fish kills in Australia are not natural events, unlike in Europe or the Americas. Species such as Atlan-

tic salmon will swim upstream to spawn, die and then float back down the river. However, in our plus 65,000-year history, there is nothing to suggest that Australian species have this life-history strategy. All the fish kills we have seen in the Murray-Darling Basin were due entirely to humans altering the river. Which is why answers were being sought. The causes of fish kills are often complicated. Understanding them requires dissection of the timing of the event, the river’s flow, weather conditions, nutrient, bacteria and algal loads, and river infrastructure. Interestingly, both the 2018 and 2023 events had different catalysts. As Prof Baumgardner explains, both fish kills were due to a lack of oxygen. Yet how we came to that was due to different preceding weather events, or ‘perfect storms’. What happened in 2018? In the 2018-19 period, the Baaka (Darling) River and many other inland rivers faced a dire situation marked by extreme low flow.

The Baaka (Darling) River came to a standstill, with a limited trickling flow. This created what could be described as a perfect storm. High nutrient levels in the river spurred a blue-green algal bloom during the summer, progressively growing in magnitude. The sun acted as a catalyst, superheating the top layer due to the absence of wind and flow. In the weeks preceding the event, Menindee had multiple 40C plus days. Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that, under favourable conditions, can produce toxins – cyanotoxins – harmful to fish and other life forms. Their rapid growth can deplete oxygen levels in water, affecting fish survival. The focal point of this crisis was the Weir 32 weir pool. An excessively warm top layer saturated with algae hosted the majority of the fish. Beneath this layer, an oxygen-deprived zone formed, leading to a stratified – or layered – environment in the water. During the day, algae * continued P71

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Professor Lee Baumgardner is a freshwater fish scientist and led the scientific review into the investigation of the substantial Menindee fish kills.

The 2019 event caused a systemic collapse of all life in the river upstream of Weir 32.

Substantial fish kills in Menindee 2018 and 2023 * from P70

in the warm layer produced oxygen, while at night, both fish and algae consumed it, resulting in a notable oxygen loss in this top layer – the only layer supporting the fish. In a critical turn of events, three cool weather changes swept through, causing the weir pool to flip. This led to the mixing of the bottom layer with zero oxygen and the poor oxygen top-layer, resulting in a sudden fish kill as low oxygen reached the fish, causing them to suffocate instantly. Subsequent cool changes perpetuated a positive feedback loop, with dead fish sinking to the bottom, creating conditions for further fatalities. The cascading effect reached a climax during the next cool change, causing a systemic collapse of all life in the river upstream of Weir 32. What happened in 2023? In 2023, as floodwaters surged through the northern basin, run-off inundated floodplains, carrying with it an excessive amount of or-

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ganic matter. Years of low flow preceding 2023 led to an accumulation of sticks and leaves on the floodplains. When washed into the water, this organic matter began breaking down, consuming a significant amount of oxygen – more than the river could withstand. The aftermath of this blackwater event was a detrimental sludge of water making its way downstream towards Menindee and Weir 32. Weeks before the crisis unfolded, the gates on Menindee Main Weir were closed with flow being directed into Menindee Lakes. Flow into the Weir 32 weir pool was now significantly reduced to stagnant conditions, with high nutrient levels and algae blooms, a situation reminiscent of 2018. As more pockets of deoxygenated water also forced fish upstream, an astonishing congregation occurred between Weir 32 and Menindee Main Weir. About 30 million fish were estimated to have crammed into this weir pool. The sheer magnitude

of the fish population gathered in the affected area became evident when the situation turned dire. The consequences were not confined to a few fish – it affected millions. This was exacerbated by the fact that there was no fish ladder at Menindee Main Weir to allow the fish to move away from the area. The swiftness with

which the bad water inundated the area added to the complexity of the situation, catching everyone off guard, including the fish. This was worsened by the immense concentration of fish in that stretch of the river. It would be similar to sticking 10,000 people in a small room and shutting off all the exits. Eventually the fish suffocated.

The OzCast ‘ podcast ‘The perfect storm: What is causing Australia’s fish kills?’ is supported by the Australian Government’s Murray Darling Basin Healthy Rivers Program, the One Basin CRC Program and BCF. Have a listen at ozfish. org.au/ozcast/the-pe rfect-storm-what-iscausing-australias-fishkills OzFish Unlimited

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

CREATING BETTER HABITAT FOR BETTER FISHING Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 71

The author was stoked with this Lake Monduran giant – fish on.

Lake Monduran barra fishing guide

Geared up for barramundi with a TT Black Adder 8-15kg rod and Okuma Komodo KDS-273 reel, spooled with 30lb Platypus Pulse X8.

Last light is often referred to as the golden hour, maybe for the colour of the light or the hot bite period. Page 72 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

AKE Monduran is an iconic fishing destination for targeting one of Australia’s most highly regarded sportfish – the barramundi. It is situated in the Bundaberg region, about 370km north northwest of Brisbane, with Lake Monduran Holiday Park offering houses and cabins, along with powered and unpowered campsites. Make sure you book early in the warmer months, particularly around the peak bite times of a full and new moon. The lake itself is large, consisting of multiple arms and many areas that are heavily timbered, so caution is required when navigating the lake by boat. A stocked impoundment permit is required to fish Lake Monduran,

which can be purchased online prior to your arrival. The lake is also popular for other activities, including kayaking and water skiing. When Barramundi are more active during warmer weather – from September onwards – and though there are key bite times for targeting them, sometimes you just need to hit the water when you have the time and get a lure in the water. Traditionally, feeding activity increases in the four days leading up to a full or new moon, and the two to three days following these moon phases can also be productive. The day of the moon has proven to be a good downtime day for having a break and sorting gear, with the fishing

often on the quiet side. The hour before and after dawn and dusk are the prime times to be on the water, along with the periods of the moon above, the moon below and tide changes – even though targeting landlocked fish, the moon is the key driver of tidal movement. Around a full moon, I concentrate most of my fishing efforts for during the night, and the reverse for a new moon, with a lot more action occurring during daylight hours. Where Key structure in Lake Monduran includes points, weed beds and timber. You can utilise the topography to give you an idea of what is below the surface of the water, however a sounder is priceless when fishing * continued P73

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Lake Monduran barramundi fishing guide * from P72

impoundments, allowing you to locate structure, bait and fish. I generally fish in about 1-4m of water, along with areas of 4-6m during the day in summer, when it really heats up. When fishing over weed beds I slow roll/ wind soft plastics over the top of the weed, bumping it occasionally so that barramundi ambush the presentation from pockets within the weed. When fishing timber, I will roll soft plastics in more open areas around the timber or cast jerkbaits in tight timber. Shadow lines are key fish-holding areas when fishing timber. It is more difficult to locate fish when they are in weed, so it’s about fishing those key depths and finding areas that are holding bait. When fishing timber though, it’s easier to locate fish moving around the area and I will use side scan and live sonar, taking the time to observe what the fish are doing. Fish will often move through areas in waves and mill around, and it’s important to understand if they are simply transitioning through the area or feeding. You will also learn to understand the entry and exit points where fish move through timbered areas, allowing you to target the areas where fish are entering the area to feed, rather than where they are exiting. Stealth is key when targeting barramundi, particularly in shallower water, and I will kill the engine well away from where I intend to fish and creep in on the electric motor. Keep the fish at a dis-

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tance of 15-20m and cast up to 40m – casting past the fish so that you are not spooking them – before retrieving the lure back through where the fish are holding. These are the 1 percent changes that will get you hooked up when the fish are pressured and the bite is tough. Wind Without the influence of tidal flow, wind becomes an important influence on how the lake will fish. Consistent wind before you arrive can be beneficial because it will mean the fish will have moved and settled into areas where they are comfortably holding and feeding. Shifting wind can make the fish unsettled and see them moving to find more comfortable conditions and food, rather than fired up in feeding mode. While a northeasterly or southeasterly wind can fish well, a westerly will often blow in cold and shut the fish down. Wind creates a current in the lake, so take note of this. Consistent wind blowing into an area can create a current that brings warm water and bait, while oxygenating water, if it’s creating waves and turbulence. Fishing these windblown banks, bays and points can often be most productive. If the wind direction is inconsistent, it can pay to target weed flats and right up in the back of bays, where resident fish will often be found. Key in this situation can be locating weed flats and bays that are holding bait. Combos For more open water angling, I fish a combination of spin and bait-

cast combos, spooled with 20lb Platypus Pulse X8 Braid and 100lb Platypus Hard Armour Tough Leader. Rod – TT Black Mamba spin rods, 7’, 4-8kg and reel – Okuma ITX Carbon spin reels, ITX4000. And rod – TT Black Mamba Baitcast rods, 7’, 4-8kg and reel – Okuma Komodo Baitcast Reels, KDS-273. For fishing tight timber, it’s all about the accuracy and additional stopping power of the baitcast combo, with the ability to thumb the spool and lock things up. This heavier combo is * continued P74

Take the time to care for your catch, they’re too good to catch only once.

The author utilised side scan to locate fish holding areas.

Plenty of fish showed up on live scanning. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 73

This is the reason people travel from around the country to fish Lake Monduran. The author with a solid fish on a Z-Man 5” DieZel MinnowZ.

Lake Monduran barra fishing guide * from P73

This fish could not resist a Z-Man HerculeZ slow rolled over weed.

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spooled with 30lb Platypus Pulse X8 Braid and 100lb Platypus Hard Armour Tough Leader. Rod – TT Black Adder Baitcast Rods, 7’, 8-15kg and reel – Okuma Komodo Baitcast Reels, KDS-273. Go-to soft plastics The Z-Man HerculeZ pre-rigged swimbait is an effective presentation straight out of the packet, with the option of adding a stinger treble, assist hooks or a blade to the integrated stainless-steel belly attachment point for additional hook points or added flash. This plastic is prerigged with a strong Mustad hook and is available in a selection of sizes and weights. I like the 4” when the weather is cooler and the bite tougher, the 5” as an allrounder, with the 6” suited more to targeting larger fish on deeper points. The Z-Man 5” DieZel MinnowZ and 6” SwimmerZ are both

proven barramundi favourites and I like to fish these on a 3/8oz 7/0 TT SwimlockZ jig head, with the larger hook size offering increased hook clearance for a better hook-up rate and more solid hook set. The TT SwimlockZ jig head is a must-have for chasing barra, with its upgraded brutally strong Mustad hook and integrated stainless-steel belly attachment point. The larger 7” DieZel MinnowZ is perfect for when the weather is warmer, with water temperature in the high

20-30C range making the fish more active. This larger profile is ideal as a reaction bait for targeting larger fish on big points, rigged on a 1/2oz 9/0 TT SwimlockZ jig head, fitted with a 1/0 treble as a stinger. Retrieves When fishing plastics, I generally fish with a slow roll/wind and, if you think you’re winding slow, wind slower. If the bites aren’t happening, you can mix this retrieve up by adding a pause or giving the lure a ‘pop’ a couple

* continued P75

The Z-Man HerculeZ is a popular pre-rigged soft plastic option, with a belly attachment point for adding a stinger, assists or a blade.

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Barra fishing guide for Lake Monduran * from P74

of times by punching the rod tip up or down. When fishing timber and more open water, it’s about swimming the lure at a depth that sees it passing within the strike zone of the fish. When fishing over weed, you want the plastic running slightly above the weed and bumping the weed tops occasionally to draw the fish out of their ambush points. Don’t forget your plonker What is a plonker? A plonker is a weight on a rope that you can lower into the water to hold position and fish an area effectively. You can use your electric motor to hold position, however this can be noisy, particularly if the electric is making

continual adjustments and you’re fishing in shallow water. You can make a plonker out of a brick or gym weight or mould something specific for the job, as I have. I hope this quick overview of fishing Lake Monduran gives you a bit of a head start and a few tips that assist you with gear selection and locating and targeting fish on your next adventure. Remember, time on the water and persistence will allow you to build a better understanding of the lake and its fish, allowing you to crack their feeding patterns and experience those hot sessions and big bites that Lake Monduran has become famous for. Josh Dow

Stealth is an important element, particularly when fishing shallow. The author crept into the area on the electric motor.

Valley Lake Ketla Malpi native fish restock

HE City of Mount Gambier will apply for a permit from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions to restock the Valley Lake Ketla Malpi with native fish to the value of $1800 following a proposal from RecFish SA to consider allowing recreational fishing in the lake. RecFish SA executive officer Asher Dezsery said, “It’s quite a long process obviously because there’s a lot of environmental factors and ecological reports that have to go into it before you put fish into water.” He added that stocking the lake would provide ecological and tourism benefits for the region, with fish expected to be

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introduced to the lake within a year. At the December 2023 council meeting, elected members endorsed a phased implementation process, which initially included lodging an application with PIRSA for a permit to release mature Murray cod and yellowbelly into the lake. City of Mount Gambier general manager city infrastructure Barbara Cernovskis said, “Introducing larger native fish species is in line with a recommendation from Photon Water, the water investigation consultant that has been undertaking water testing on the lake.” “Larger fish will benefit the lake’s ecology and biodiversity. “They will reduce the

number of non-native European carp in the water and the level of algae and mud in the lake, while also improving the water quality,” Ms Cernovskis said. Further investigation will follow, and a report will be prepared for council outlining the implementation of a recreational fishing permit that includes commercial modelling, ongoing maintenance and restocking and resourcing requirements. “The second phase of the project includes further investigation into a recreational fishing licence/permit model, enabling people to fish on the lake,” Ms Cernovskis said. This work aligns with council’s Crater Lakes Activation Plan.

Photon Water has monitored the quality of the water at the Valley Lake Ketla Malpi since January 2022. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 75

Citizen science in North Queensland has had a strong start to the year. Photos: OzFish

Citizen science makes impact

Aquaculture Gladstone is actively shaping the state’s growing aquaculture industry.

Gladstone celebrates the release of one million barramundi fingerlings

N awesome way to start 2024 for Lake Awoonga anglers, with Aquaculture Gladstone celebrating the release of one million barramundi fingerlings in a calendar year! As one of Queensland’s largest fish stocking programs, Aquaculture Gladstone is actively shaping the state’s growing aquaculture industry. With world-class facilities and an experienced team, it is making waves in the production of high-quality barramundi fingerlings for Lake Awoonga and beyond. These little fish may currently be at the bottom of the food chain but in a

few years, they’ll become the icon of Lake Awoonga we all know and love. As part of the commitment to education and engagement, Aquaculture Gladstone has recently opened an interpretive display at the hatchery. Visitors can now explore and learn about the fish species produced, the aquaculture industry, biosecurity, biological pest species and much more. While you’re there, visit the live fish exhibit to see the very special golden and white barramundi! For more information about Aquaculture Gladstone and to plan your visit to the interpretive display, check out gawb.qld. gov.au

Barramundi fingerlings released into Lake Awoonga. Page 76 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

ITIZEN science in North Queensland has had a strong start to the year with involvement from community members, schools and home-schooling groups in the regular Creekwatch Townsville program, run by OzFish. As the region develops, new infrastructure and changes can disturb valuable ecosystems. Creekwatch endeavours to offer a helping hand by monitoring the local waterways and reporting the findings to Townsville City Council. Why is this important? By getting locals engaged in data collection, they can produce vast datasets that help scientists analyse environmental patterns over large geographical areas and long periods. And that’s exactly what Creekwatch does, over long periods volunteers help collect data that can improve the management of our waterways and provide information for making better decisions. Uncovering the data What have they been finding? As the wet season ends, we’ve seen clarity in the waterways improve, delivering amazing results captured through video monitoring. Many juvenile mangrove jack have been sighted migrating up-

stream, with some quite large specimens observed. However, water around the centre of town is choked up by weeds and sediment, which restricts flow and leads to low dissolved oxygen values. This means there is less oxygen present in the water, creating an ecosystem that is not favourable for native fish, but one where invasive species are more likely to thrive as they are less sensitive to environmental conditions. Tilapia is an invasive species causing problems in the northern part of Queensland and is making its way down south. Sadly, volunteers have seen them, trapped them and had them show up on underwater video monitoring footage. These sightings indicate that there are extensive populations of tilapia in nearly all water systems in the region. If tilapia are caught, disposing of them in accordance with local regulations is the best way to ease their spread and lessen their impact. OzFish has developed an informative video on this and if you’re not up to date on best practice, you are encouraged to take a look and get informed. Keep an eye out for a fish identification guide

that Creekwatch is developing. It will include native and invasive fish species common in the region. This guide will be a great resource to the community, to help identify the fish in the local waterways and determine if any caught fish are invasive and can be removed from the water. Waterbugs are your friends Another species that can be seen during water monitoring are macroinvertebrates. They are small water bugs that can be seen without a telescope. The samples have turned up mixed results, with a diverse range in the area. This activity is especially interesting for younger children, who are super inquisitive and want to find out about the varied species they can find in the waterways – crawling bugs and all! The Creekwatch team are always on the lookout for volunteers and new areas to monitor. The program offers a great learning experience for all ages. If you want to get involved or find out more, head to the Creekwatch project page at ozfish. org.au and register your interest via email at creekwatch@ozfish.org. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 77

Lachlan Brooker and his 50cm yellowbelly.

This monster yellowbelly came out of Cania Dam.

Fish crowd-pleasing Cania Dam

Declan Mitchell with the best junior saratoga.

The author’s personal best Cania Dam bass at 50cm. Page 78 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

VER popular Cania Dam attracts anglers from all over all year-round. And for the recent holiday period, things were no different, with both parks full, the dam proved a very desirable destination. The cottages at Cania Dam were also occupied, with not much time for a clean-up in between visitors. Heaps of anglers were among the bushwalkers and families enjoying the parks and the scenery. With plenty of water-based activities on offer, it was good the weather was warm, and the water clean and cool. The fishing didn’t disappoint either, with some good fish being landed despite the skiing and boating also being enjoyed. For months now, good bass and yellowbelly have been caught at Cania. I recently caught my best Cania bass of 50cm using a 10g blade. It’s always great to catch even the smaller

Dam Fishing by HELEN ABDY

models of this species, and there’s been plenty of those. The water level has dropped to about 27 percent – low enough that some solid stumps and fence posts are starting to show, which would make a mess of any motor or hull. So, caution is well advised when motoring around and sticking to the main river channel would be the wise thing to do. The Cania Dam Fish Stocking Association held their family fishing

competition on November 11 and 12, 2023 and what a great weekend it was. The weather was absolutely fantastic and plenty of anglers and locals turning up made for a great time, plus they all helped support the CDFSA raise some funds for purchasing more fingerlings. Cania Dam is on the Stocked Impoundment Permit system, as are many dams now, so along with money collected from us buying * continued P79

Sophie Thompson with her new boat.

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Fish crowd-pleasing Cania Dam * from P78

a fishing permit, there’s extra support from us attending these fundraising fishing competitions, so stocking groups can afford to buy more fingerings to put in the dam. More fish for us to catch! During the comp, saratoga were a definite catch and release only species and the best for the weekend was an awesome 80cm. At the previous event, there were only a couple of toga caught, so it was great to see so many more at the on-water weigh station. The weekend also saw heaps of bass, golden perch (or yellowbelly) and eel-tailed catfish caught, along with a few silver perch and sleepy cod and plenty of span-

gled perch and garfish. The latter two species were fairly easy to catch, with a bit of bait under a float just off the bank – kept the juniors at the boat ramp area busy for hours. I have noticed that spangled perch have been very active, landing many when chasing bass and yellowbelly, with some of the biggest spangled you’ll probably find. All species except saratoga could be released or kept, with most choosing to release, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a feed home. Plenty of great prizes were on offer, including some awesome raffle and lucky draw prizes, and there were many happy winners. Always popular is the weekend accommoda-

tion in one of the Cania cottages donated by Nev and Del, who look after the houses and grounds at the dam recreation area. The highlight of the weekend was the drawing of the Quintrex tinnie, Mercury motor and trailer with registration. Lucky Sophie Thompson from Rockhampton proudly towed this prize home. It was also great to see a few stalls there selling all sorts of fishing gear, as well as boat dealers and Maritime Safety Queensland officers assisting the public with their knowledge of rules and regulations. Cania Dam certainly is a great place to visit and stay a while. Get in touch if you’d like more information. Happy fishing.

Local angler Karen Gleadhill with the winning yellowbelly.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 79

Carp fishing at Scottsdale.

Record your pest fish information

FREE resource for landholders, community groups, recreational fishers and biosecurity organisations, FeralFishScan is a purpose-built community website and app for recording feral fish sightings and evidence. Since European settlement, the deliberate or accidental introduction of non-native fish into Australian freshwater ecosystems has resulted in the establishment of many populations of pest fish species. These species are broadly considered as ‘pests’ because they threaten native fish species, river health and aquatic ecosystems by: • Degrading or compounding the degradation of aquatic ecosystems by stirring up sediment, undermining riverbanks and increasing nutrient levels • Feeding on or destroying native aquatic plants • Competing for native fish food and habitat and preying on native fish or frog eggs • Spreading disease and parasites that can adversely impact native species. Pests such as European carp – also

called common carp – redfin perch, eastern gambusia, oriental weatherloach and goldfish are listed as ‘noxious’ in NSW by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and are listed as a pest species by the ACT Government. FeralFishScan is a free resource FeralFishScan is a free resource for farmers, the public, community groups, Landcare, local councils, professional pest controllers and biosecurity groups. Anyone can use FeralFishScan to record information about pest fish. The more information you record, the more useful FeralFishScan will become for planning future fish management. You can use FeralFishScan to monitor and record fish distribution, including sightings and evidence of fish, report impacts fish cause and where control efforts have been focused. For more information, visit feralscan. org.au or contact Peter West of the NSW Department of Primary Industries Centre for Invasive Species Solutions on feralscan@ feralscan.org.au or 0407 622 191.

Page 80 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

Harlem Drage of Stanthorpe enjoyed a fishing holiday with his family.

New year brings new challenges

HE stocking group at Glenlyon Dam held its annual major auction and raffle on New Year’s Eve. The group would like to thank all those patrons who took part in the spending component of the event. There were 80 prizes to be had in the continuous draw, with grins and wins galore. The end result was over $7000 raised, which will be spent on fish restocking. The other section of the event was the auction of goods donated by Friends of Glenlyon Dam. These are anglers who, each year, give generously of items to raise funds for fingerlings to be purchased. A very special thanks to all those who supply these items annually. I would also like to thank the fishing clubs that fish Glenlyon each year, and give funds from their club’s bank account. With this, we also receive donations from people and businesses outside of our shire region, many thanks to all. So, how many fish get put out yearly? The group, like all fishing clubs and such, work on putting in 250

Glenlyon Dam by BRIAN DARE

fingerlings to the hectare. Within 14 months, these little fish will be 25-30cm in length, given good conditions within the storage. It’s a whole lot different on rivers and streams, as changes take place quite quickly – droughts, floods, fire, lack of rain… the list goes on. At the time of writing, the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range had been hit by substantial rain events and flood. These types of conditions – flash floods, large river water level rises, fallen logs, reshaped banks and general washouts – are in some cases a breath of fresh air, providing new locations for fish to breed in, along with good food supplies. During the long weekend, with Queensland Boating and Fisheries doing patrols, a couple of points of interest popped up. Large wash events from boats doing over six knots in zoned areas and boats not staying away from swimming groups – the distance is 30m.

Some craft were lifted and dumped onto trailers by the wash coming from boats doing over the 6-knot limit. How many boaties came across those who should know better – those who weren’t travelling anti-clockwise around the storages? Yes! Keep the bank to your right at all times as you travel around rivers and water storages, unless signed otherwise. Another major fact that came to light was that most did not keep in mind the 30m distance from other watercraft – this applies for when passing by or going in and out of inlets and boat launch areas. When the water releases for crops cease and the storages settle down, cod will be out and about hunting for food and nesting site locations. This then brings out the secret squirrel anglers. These are the anglers who troll or cast lures around the storages without their running lights switched on. All too often, I’ve been told of near misses, as anglers head back to * continued P81

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New year brings new challenges * from P80

base with their lights on, then in the dark see a torch or headlamp flash not even a boat length away. As you cruise back, keep your mind and eyes on your sounder and the track you’ve set during daylight hours. Do you know what’s worse? On the way back to base, there’s a large slap from a bow wave and you didn’t see any lights – that a secret squirrel… also known as a drongo in Australia. I was advised that, during the Christmas period, a few people camped on private land and thought they weren’t required to have a Stocked Impoundment

Permit to fish. Wrong! As they soon found out… and we accept cash or card, thanks. On closing, the total fish to be stocked in 2023 included 5000 Murray cod, 10,000 silver perch and 200,000 yellowbelly. We still are yet to see the increase in size limit for silver perch and yellowbelly taken up to 35cm for both species. With the take-home possession limit for yellowbelly to stay at 10, though we’re also yet to see the possession limit on storages put back to five for silver perch. This was asked for in October 2022. “Yes, we are listening.”

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 17/01/2024

DAMS Atkinson * Awoonga Bjelke-Petersen * Boondooma * Borumba * Burdekin Falls * Callide * Cania * Coolmunda * Dyer/Bill Gunn * Eungella * Fairbairn * Glenlyon * Hinze * Julius * Kinchant * Leslie * Macdonald * Maroon * Monduran/Fred Haigh * Moogerah * North Pine/Samsonvale * Peter Faust/Proserpine * Somerset * Teemburra * Tinaroo * Toonumbar Wivenhoe * Wuruma * Wyaralong *

PERCENTAGE SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

65 58 82 79 90 83 20 30 92 54 99 36 97 84 92 77 88 79 96 93 84 51 68 78 100 86 95 69 85 94

59 57 77 75 83 76 19 30 81 48 97 33 88 82 89 70 86 72 94 90 80 49 66 77 98 79 87 66 81 92

52 54 72 73 77 69 18 27 73 43 95 29 79 80 86 62 83 64 91 86 77 47 64 75 95 73 87 64 77 91

50 54 76 75 75 73 17 25 74 40 95 30 75 79 85 60 82 60 91 86 77 46 63 75 94 70 88 62 76 93

48 55 76 75 91 90 18 25 71 43 99 28 68 103 84 70 76 104 97 87 84 50 66 82 97 105 101 64 80 101

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.

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 glenlyondamtouristpark.com.au www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 81

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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 82 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

SELL YOUR BOAT – through JCM and avoid the hassles and ‘phishers’ associated with a private sale! Seeking premium condition trailer boats to purchase or broker on your behalf. Wanted Quintrex, Signature, Cruise Craft, Stacer, Surtees, Stessco, Sea Jay, Bar Crusher and Baysport. Call JCM on 07 3890 2322 or visit www.johncrawfordmarine.com.au Celebrating 60 years in 2024.

ADVERTISERS – To organise a classified ad in the Trading Post, call 07 3286 1833 or complete the form and post it to the address provided or email it through to ads@collins.me dia

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Jackson caught at nice 84cm and 4.5kg tailor off the beach on Pete was surprised to catch a juvenile cobia when fishing for whitStradbroke Island recently. ing with me. Daniel Whittell Clint Ansell

Shannon Dawes hooked a tagged mangrove jack during the Tag a Tully Fuss caught this in early December on a family trip to the Jack event at Tin Can Bay recently. Whitsundays. Not bad for an 11-year-old! Chris Rippon Tressa Fuss To have a photo of your catch featured in Readers’ Forum, simply email ads@collins.media with a good quality picture, your name and details or hop onto our Facebook page and send us a message. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 83

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See stacer.com.au for details.

BOONDALL | NORTHSIDE MARINE 2294 Sandgate Rd, Boondall P 07 3265 8000 E info@nsmarine.com.au northsidemarine.com.au

ROCKHAMPTON | RIFEN MARINE 6 Dooley St, North Rockhampton P 07 4927 9150 E rifen.boats@bigpond.com rifenmarine.com.au

CALOUNDRA | NORTH COAST BOATING 22 Enterprise St, Caloundra West P 07 5493 9376 E sales@northcoastboating.com.au northcoastboating.com.au

WYNNUM | WYNNUM MARINE 31 Fox St, Wynnum P 07 3396 9777 E info@wynnummarine.com.au wynnummarine.com.au

ASHMORE | WHITE WATER MARINE 10 Hinde St, Ashmore P 07 5532 4402 E sales@whitewatermarine.com.au whitewatermarine.com.au

MACKAY | PHOENIX POWERSPORTS 165 Paradise Street, South Mackay P 07 4952 2436 E admin@phoenixpowersports.com.au phoenixpowersports.com.au

STB&B 006

Stacer. Memories for a Lifetime.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 85

MID RANGE 75-90-100-115-140HP FOUR STROKE World First in Outboard Technology 4-2-1 Performance Tuned Exhaust 9 9 9 9

Outstanding fuel economy Superior durability and optimised weight Exhilarating boating performance Fine-tuned ECU programming

BOWEN Tropical Trailerboats 32 Gordon St, Bowen www.tropicaltrailerboats.com.au 07 4786 3899

GOLD COAST (CENTRAL) Tim Stessl Marine 8/7-9 Activity Cres, Molendinar www.timstesslmarine.com.au 0429 680 504

TIN CAN BAY The Chandlery Bait & Tackle Shop 1, The Marina Emperor St, Tin Can Bay www.tcbchandlery.com.au 07 5486 4744

BRISBANE Neptune Marine Oceania Unit 1/3361 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek www.neptunemarine.com.au 07 3290 6370

MACKAY Phoenix Powersports 165 Paradise St, Mackay www.phoenixpowersports.com.au 07 4952 2436

WOODBURN Woodburn Marine 83 River St, Woodburn woodburn.marine@outlook.com 0402 512 603

GOLD COAST (NORTH) Slades Marine 16 Paradise Pde, Paradise Point sladesmarine@bigpond.com 07 5577 1011

SUNSHINE COAST Port O’ Call Boating 29 Production Ave, Warana www.marinecenter.com.au 07 5493 2255

Page 86 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024

www.bnbfishing.com. au

www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, February 2024 – Page 87

SALE

DEMO

481 CRUISEABOUT

510 FRONTIER - MERCURY 115HP PRO XS CT

With savings from both Mercury and Quintrex - you won't be disappointed

A dream for the dedicated fisher – there're not many places you can't go

JUST IN

SALE

590 TERRITORY LEGEND

420 RENEGADE - MERCURY 50HP

Taking the challenge straight to the water

The outlaw of the Quintrex family will turn heads at the ramp

IN STOCK

SALE

520 OCEAN SPIRIT PRO - MERCURY 115HP

600 FISHSEEKER - MERCURY 90HP

The only decision you have to make is Tangalooma or Stradbroke

This hunter of fishing waters will have you craving weekends

HANDS DOWN

Ambidextrous Adjustable Tiller

Relocatable Port or Starboard Shift Lever

Exclusive Heated Grip (Optional) Troll Control

THE MOST INTUITIVE TILLER STEER TECHNOLOGY FOR 40-115HP

Bi-Directional Throttle Control

THE MERCURY ADVANTAGE

• Troll control with 10 RPM increments. • Most tiller tilt angle adjustments. • Most side to side angle adjustments. • Only tiller in market with relocatable port or starboard shift lever. • Integrated engine information display. • Industry first heated grip (optional).

Exclusive Heated Grip Control (Optional)

Information Display

Throttle Friction Adjustment

Can’t make the yard? Shop online! For quality new and used boats! www.brisbaneboatingleisure.com.au | Call 07 3875 1600 | Formerly Karee Ipswich Marine Page 88 – 1747 Bush ’n Beach Fishing,Road, February Rocklea 2024 www.bnbfishing.com. au

BNB Fishing Mag | February 2024

Articles inside

Fish crowd-pleasing Cania Dam

Muddies, jewies and jacks

Mercury Marine's Avator outboards

Rejuvenating and enriching shellfish populations in Qld