BNB Fishing mag | Mar 2020 by bnbfishing

Reaping rewards from rain

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March 2020 Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 31, Number 3

Catching barra Catching barra in Queensland

Fishing the fresh flush

Where to find crabs & prawns Tips for luring Moreton Bay Caravanning the Kimberley

Game changed on Gold Coast Cracking Cape York crusades Tactics for targeting beach whiting Proudly produced and printed in Australia

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Inside this month Moreton Bay

Pelagics

P18

P13

Capricorn Coast

Fishing the fresh

P56

P43

It’s great news because this flush was much needed to improve fishing, and the majority of dams have

OUR COVER

BEN MONRO employed an Atomic Hardz Shiner 85 Double Deep to hook this PB 104.5cm barramundi on his birthday. For more fantastic Rockhampton barra action, check out KEITH STRATFORD’s article on Page 41.

Ben Collins Daniel Tomlinson Kacie Hubbert Jo Hendley, Lisa Jones

Phone (07) 3286 1833 Fax (07) 3821 2637 Email: ben@bnbfishing.com.au Internet: www.bnbfishing.com.au PO Box 387, Cleveland, Qld 4163 Unit 2, 39 Enterprise Street, Cleveland, Qld 4163 AFTA PRINTER: Rural Press DISTRIBUTION BY: Fairfax Max. recommended retail price $4.50 (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 to ensure the correctness of their claims and statements. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. G IN

FISH ING ’S

E TUR FU

☛ continued P4

EDITOR: SUBEDITOR: ADVERTISING: PRODUCTION:

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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.

AUST

APRIL edition will be on sale in newsagents from March 27. See subscription form on Page 60 to go in the draw to win one of three Austackle Verto 4500 spinning reels valued at $129 each.

seen good increases or are overflowing. In the short term, fishing options will be restricted to certain areas but this rain will be beneficial for the fishing in autumn and winter. Tuna Longtail and mack tuna arrived in Moreton Bay in good numbers during February. Hopefully they stay around for a couple of months because surfacefeeding schools of spotted mackerel have been close to nonexistent. While not regarded as highly as mackerel for their eating quality, they will scratch the itch of the Moreton Bay pelagic angler. The middle bay areas have been the most productive, with reports from the Sandhills on Moreton Island, north of Mud Island, the four beacons and to the north along Moreton. Moreton Bay anglers get to enjoy quality longtail tuna, with the majority of fish in the 10-15kg bracket. At this size they are prized sportfish. Early reports of mack tuna are of smaller fish in the 2-4kg range but larger fish are likely to emerge during autumn. Plenty of bait schools are throughout the bay, most comprising small stuff that can make tempting tuna on lures difficult at times, especially mack tuna.

ATI ON

by PETER HERBST

Pretty much every creek and river from Hervey Bay to the NSW border was running at the time of writing.

Luring Moreton Bay

ELL last month I was talking about rain and this month is no different.

FIS

Fresh flush sets up fishing for coming months

PRO TE CT

Mitchell from Tackle World Lawnton hooked a GT in the bay.

Luring Moreton Bay....................by Peter Herbst....................................P3 Two months on Moreton Bay ..by Brian Webb.....................................P7 Pro Staff Pointers ........................by Sean Bekkers...............................P10 Beach whiting tactics................... by Sean ‘Skip’ Thompson....................P11 Fishing dirty water......................by Sean Conlon .................................P13 Gold Coast Guide ........................by Brad Smith ....................................P15 Flush freshens up fishing ............. by Clint Ansell .........................................P16 Shaken and stirred on Goldy......by Heath Zygnerski ..........................P17 Rain changes the game.............by Gavin Dobson ...............................P18 Ballina action ................................... by Brett Hyde ...........................................P19 Beaches and breakwalls............. by Tye Porter ............................................P20 Calm before the storm ...............by Grant Budd ....................................P21 Tin Can Bay ....................................... by Chris Rippon.......................................P22 Tried and tested techniques ....by Tri Ton .............................................P23 When fishing gets tough ...........by Joel Johnson................................P24 Bundaberg Region ......................by Brad Young ...................................P24 Power Boat Anglers...................by Mick Clutterbuck ........................P25 Tide Times .....................................................................................................P26 Readers’ Forum......................................................................................P26-27 Competition Dates ......................................................................................P28 National 4x4 Outdoors Show...................................................................P28 Boating & Marine .................................................................................P32-35 Insights into boat insurance ....by Nautilus Marine ..........................P34 Charter Directory .................................................................................P36-37 Recipe ............................................by Melissa Frohloff ..........................P38 Competition Report.....................by Russell Nowland.........................P38 Puzzle page...................................................................................................P38 Fishing Gladstone .......................by Gary Churchward........................P39 Mackay barra ................................... by Jason Kidd ..........................................P40 Barra off to superb start ............by Keith Stratford..............................P41 March muddy madness.............by John Boon...........................................P42 River to Reef .................................by Weylin Zonruiter .........................P43 Hinchinbrook News ...................by Team Crackajack ........................P44 Cracking Cape York ....................... by ‘Billabong’ Bazz Lyon ......................P45 Gearing up for the Cape ............by Dave Donald .................................P46 Reader’s Report ...........................by Kerrod Agnew..............................P47 Boat camping in FNQ.................by Matt Potter ....................................P48 Barra time on western Cape....by Ryan Jamieson ............................P49 New home away from home ...by Paul ‘Chief’ Graveson ................P51 Caravanning trip..........................by Todd Eveleigh ..............................P52 Trip to Fraser with the fam........... by Craig Tomkinson...............................P53 Yellowbelly comp results .........................................................................P54 Hitting the fresh ...........................by Sean Bekkers...............................P55 Brown land – green fish ...........by Neil Schultz ..................................P56 Freshwater Impoundments ......by Matt Langford...............................P57 Glenlyon Dam...............................by Brian Dare.....................................P58 Trading Post.................................................................................................P59 Subscription form ......................................................................................P60

HIN G T R A D E

ECORD rainfalls have been received along the east coast of Australia, ensuring a very wet and humid start to the year. Don’t get me wrong, the rain has been an absolute blessing, putting out fires, filling the dams and giving the rivers a good flush. Locally, some areas received more than others and places around the Gold Coast experienced run-off similar to the Northern Territory after the wet season. While the fishing for most species can be a bit harder immediately after the rain, the flush-outs bode well for the months and year ahead. Thinking back, Moreton Bay generally has a cracker snapper season after extended periods of rain over summer, so fingers crossed this happens again. Part of the reason is the bait from local creeks and rivers gets flushed into the bay. This is happening now, especially in the case of prawns. Recent hauls of prawns have kept anglers busy with cast nets and cookers (though I also like to peel my green prawns so they can be used for a mix of cooking methods) getting a good workout at present. The usual spots have all been producing but you need to work out the best period of the tide during which to chase them, which of late has been the top of the tide. Mud crabs have also been prolific, so if you are keen to get a feed, drop in some pots. While I find better catches come from soaking the pots overnight, dropping them off early and picking up late on the right tides can also work. Unfortunately, the ongoing issue of people checking, or even worse, taking crab pots, is still prevalent. This is one of my pet hates, and I can only hope Fisheries Queensland cracks down even more with further surveillance and heftier fines for offenders. It’s sad to say, but this ‘share farming’ has been going on for years and I can even remember back to when I was about 12 and having to get up before daylight to make sure my pots weren’t checked, cut or moved. That said, a large fine of $53,000 was recently issued for offences pertaining to illegal catches of crabs. We can only hope the fine gets paid in full (and subsequently felt) and isn’t put on the State Penalties Enforcement Registry with some ridiculous amount like $10 per week being paid. However, even stronger stances such as seizing boats and losing boat licences need to be looked at for serious and repeat offenders. On a more positive note, the old Tinnie and Tackle Show, now the National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo is on again from March 27-29. The BNB Fishing team will be there with cracker subscription prizes, so make sure you come by and say g’day. With the show only a week or two before Easter, it is the perfect time to sort out any last-minute bits and pieces for the boat or four-wheeldrive. See you there. Ben Collins

January prizewinners Congratulations to Billy Trickett, Kawungan; Jim Thorley, Kingaroy; and Ryan Morris, Caboolture who have each won a SICUT Fisherman’s premium knife package valued at $119!

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 3

Spangled emperor on fly was a first for the author on a recent bay session. Gavin Springate with a solid longtail tuna from Moreton Bay.

Fresh flush sets up fishing for coming months ☛ from P3

The author extracted a small mack tuna from the bay on his TFO fly rod.

Longtails are often less picky and will crash a stickbait or soft plastic worked near the surface through surface-feeding schools. Heavy spin gear of 3050lb is the tackle you want to be holding when you hook a 15kg longtail so you aren’t fighting them for over half an hour with your arms feeling like they are going to fall off. Locating them, positioning the boat and getting the hook-up is one thing, but landing a tuna without being taxed by one of the many large bull sharks that follow boats around these days is another. These bull sharks can stalk the boat and attack a hooked tuna in packs of

up to six 2m-plus sharks. My advice is: don’t fall in, use the heaviest gear possible and drive away from areas that have sharks in an attempt to find tuna schools that don’t have sharks nearby. Jewfish Jewies love a bit of run-off water and will be worth chasing this month. As they clean up, areas like Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef, the mouth of the Brisbane River, Jumpinpin Bar and the Southport Seaway will be good places to start. Once the water clears, jewfish will move further down Moreton Bay or back up the estuaries, but until then, open deeper structures will be worth focusing on. Prawn-imitation plastics

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at the time of writing but sweetlip have made up for the lack of red fish. The flush could certainly help those who like to target bay snapper. Again, I would focus out wider when the weather allows and work back closer when the water clears. Having said that, like most fish, snapper will feed in dirty water if the food and cover is there, so don’t rule out fishing shallow reefs that look too dirty. Lures including hardbodies will be worth a try if fishing dirty water because the vibration will be easier for the fish to home in on. In deeper water, try the usual plastics, vibes and jigs up-current of structure. Drifting down to the structure from well ahead will present the lure more naturally and ensure better success if the fish are being tricky.

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will be my first option for trying to tempt jewfish this month because they can be pretty focused on this highly prevalent food source in autumn. Try to get a tide change in your fishing session, especially on big tides, but don’t be locked into thinking jew will only bite on the change. Expect to see sharks hanging around the jew as well, but if you’re lucky they will pay more attention to tuna. For this reason, shelve the light gear and get them in quick. My favorite combo is an NS Tarantula Edge rod in 10-20lb with a Shimano Conquest 200 reel, 40lb Sunline Castaway braid and FC100 30lb leader. This combo can have a 90cm jew to the boat in less than a minute, where I can keep it for a feed or release it in good condition. Snapper Snapper were pretty thin

Gerard from Tackle World Lawnton boated a nice snapper at Tangalooma that took a Molix RT Shad.

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Heavy fine for illegal crab haul T

WO people were fined a total of $53,000 after being found in possession of a large number of female and undersized crabs and undersized fish taken from Paradise Point. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said: “While the vast majority of fishers do the right thing, there are still too many cases such as

this before the courts.” Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers conducted surveillance on their fishing activities and went to the fishers’ home under a search warrant, where they found: • 26 blue swimmer crab claws; • 43 female blue swimmer crabs; • 64 undersized blue swimmer crabs; • Nine female mud crabs;

• Four undersized mud crabs; • Three undersized bream; • One undersized sand whiting; and • Four commercial fishing nets. The defendants were also found guilty of obstructing an inspector after trying to hide the illegal haul from QBFP officers. “This sort of blatant disregard for our rules has

a serious impact on an important community resource, especially as one of the defendants had previously been issued nine infringement notices on three separate occasions,” Mr Furner said. “All fishers need to understand the regulations and requirements around crabbing and size limits. “Otherwise, they will be caught and prosecuted. “QBFP uses a range of techniques and technol-

ogy to uncover illegal activities, including surveillance cameras. “We also recently deployed drones as part of our compliance enforcement effort, making it even harder for people to hide illegal activities.” For more information on Queensland’s fishing regulations, call 13 25 23, visit fisheries.qld.gov.au or download the free Qld Fishing app from Apple and Google app stores.

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Push for new artificial reef at Wellington Point

REDLANDS Coast political team is pushing for additional artificial reefs including an inshore reef off Wellington Point.

among others, the addition off the Point would be welcome. “Artificial reefs take pressure off natural reefs and create more sustainable fishing opportuni-

Member for Oodgeroo Dr Mark Robinson and LNP candidate for Redlands Henry Pike are determined to see more reefs delivered, starting with the Point. “I will keep fighting for an inshore reef off Wellington Point and aim to deliver it should the LNP win government this October,” Dr Robinson said. Funds were previously axed in the government’s final budget for a new artificial reef in this location. Mr Pike joined Dr Robinson in the ongoing push for development of these reefs across the waters of Moreton Bay. As part of the current review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park, Mr Pike is calling on the government to build more artificial reefs to create a more sustainable fishing future. With artificial reefs off North Stradbroke Island and west of Peel Island

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Moreton Bay trawl fishers fined $10,000 over prohibited fish

MORETON Bay commercial fisher and his deckhand were caught with fish not permitted to be taken by the trawl fishery and have been fined $10,000.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said everyone fishing in popular Moreton Bay waters must fish by the rules to protect fish stocks. “There is significant competition for access to fisheries resources in Moreton Bay, which makes it susceptible to localised depletion of fish,” Mr Furner said. Mr Furner said Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers boarded www.bnbfishing.com. au

a commercial trawl vessel during routine inspections on February 9, 2018. “Fisheries officers found nine shark barrels and a white spotted guitarfish, species which are off-limits to commercial trawl fishers,” he said. “A licensed commercial fisher and a deckhand were charged with two counts of unlawfully taking restricted fish species when using a trawler net to fish.” Sandgate Magistrates Court fined the licence holder $8000 and the deckhand $2000 with no conviction recorded. For information on Queensland’s fishing regulations, visit fisheries. qld.gov.au

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Jason Kettley caught a nice Moreton Bay snapper.

Two months on Moreton Bay

ERE’S a rundown of my past two months fishing Moreton Bay, mainly targeting pelagics and whiting (I did very little reef fishing). Most of the departures were from Whyte Island and Manly. End of December The lead-up to the new year got off to a good start, with plenty of whiting all over the bay from the close banks at the small boat channel to the Rous Channel, mostly in the shallower water to the south and Amity Banks (in the legal areas). Plenty of whiting were also being caught at the go-slow beacon in front of the Moreton Island Sandhills. Doggy (school) mackerel were still around. If you could not find them on the surface, using paravanes and spoons worked, especially on the smaller tides. They were around Hope Banks, the north and western sides of Peel Island and the middle of the Rainbow Channel down to One Mile. The mackerel seemed to be holding off many of the dropoffs north of Peel and in the Rainbow, waiting for the bait to come off on the ebb tide. Squire and grass sweetlip were about in good numbers around Peel and Green, and outside the green zone at Saint Helena Island. Mud Island and the Wellington Point drop-off produced nice squire, grass sweetlip and a few tuskfish. Spotty mackerel were sporadic in the northern bay. Reports of success came from the Pearl Channel and around the top entrance to the Pearl. We went for a look for two days and only found them on the second day between the bottom of Bribie Island and the entrance to the Pearl. Just a warning if fishing with kids along the shoreline. Heaps of stonefish have been caught in the shallows in the past couple of months.

Moreton Bay by BRIAN WEBB

They look just like a chunk of seaweed floating along. Beginning of January The doggies were very quiet, with only a couple of small ones in the basin at Peel, but huge whiting on the banks towards the oyster leases. Some nice snapper were captured at Green Island. A mate sent me a photo of a decent snapper head, with the remainder taken by sharks. On the shark situation, the bay and Brisbane River are full of them at present. I’ve never seen or heard of so many in the bay. Middle of January I enjoyed a nice day on the bay in mid-January.

The whiting were in big numbers in the small boat channel halfway towards the yellow beacon on the drop-off to the banks. Tiger squid were hungry and chasing the whiting being pulled into the boat. I have had a couple of good days chasing whiting and squid, but you have to watch the afternoon northeasterly wind. One day it was predicted to be 10-15 knots but ended up around 20 knots and caught a lot of boats out, giving us and many more one of the roughest return trips for quite some time. Earlier in the day the doggies ☛ continued P8

Darren Kettley held two Mud Island snapper.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 7

Two months on Moreton Bay ☛ from P7

Diver whiting from the Rous Channel.

Tiger squid are around in numbers.

Keep a keen eye out for stonefish at present.

were very quiet and looking at the big tides and dirty water, I can see why the spotties couldn’t be found, even with all the bait schools around. The flocks of mutton birds were in and waiting and tonnes of whitebait and frogmouth pilchards were around, so it was just a matter of time. The shallow reefs fished well for squire, grassies, the odd tusky and cod. People caught some nice fish on both ends of Horseshoe Bay, at Hole in the Wall on the eastern side and the rubble to the west. Plenty of whiting were in the small boat channel and eastern side of Amity Banks. Tiger squid arrived on the deeper weed banks in the Rous and small boat channel. End of January to time of writing I had a beaut day on the bay recently, with a gentle southwesterly wind and then a glass out until the northeasterly kicked in around 4pm with the tide change. Plenty of whiting were on the southern side of the Chain Banks, especially when some run was in the tide. I also picked up a couple of legal schoolies off Green Island on the run out. We caught 10 others but they were undersize. Two more were boated on the way home near Green, as were two 40cm squire. Heaps of toadfish were about.

Plenty of mack tuna have been about.

Apart from reef and whiting fishing, everything else will slow due to the water being very brown. With the strong wind persisting in the bay at present and combined with the murky water, pelagics have been hard to find. I’m hoping to get out and chase some spotties as soon as the water clears. On another trip in lateJanuary we managed a few hours on the bay until the wind started to howl around lunchtime. To my surprise, the water was a lot clearer than what it had been. We managed some nice snapper from Mud before hitting the paddock looking for pelagics. A few tuna schools were about but we couldn’t find any of the toothy variety in decent size. We found a couple of schools but all were undersize. Several days later we headed further south and found doggies on the southern side of Hope Banks on the way to our whiting grounds. Plenty of whiting were to be had on the legal side of Amity Banks and the small boat passage, as well as a few squid to complete the day’s catch. They were climbing over each other to get to the pink and orange striped jigs. Tuna were also working wide of the Sandhills and in the green zone. Whiting remain in the small boat channel and all the way along the Maroom Banks (though make sure you are clear of the green zone). Squid are in the Rainbow along the weed beds from Amity to Dunwich. A few nice reefies are on the Myora side of the channel. Some tuna schools have been breaking the surface in the Rainbow but we haven’t tried catching any. On this trip we continued up the Rainbow and came out through the Rous to meet with a few tuna schools. We tossed a few chrome lures and managed a couple, though it was hard to get them to take any sort of lure. Heading out again on the Sunday with a thousand other boats, we left

from Whyte Island and headed across the top of Mud into the paddock and were in luck, finding a school of spotties midway across to the Sandhills. We managed five between two of us. They were finnicky in taking chrome slugs. After they disappeared, we headed to the Rous and into the Rainbow looking for more but without any luck. Instead, we hit the weed beds for squid and found them out in force. It didn’t take long to get our fill of good-sized tigers. We cut across the top of Peel to Green to see if the squid had turned up there too. Managing three small ones, I don’t think it will be long before the bigger ones turn up. Next was a midweek trip across to the Four Beacons, mainly targeting pelagics. We dropped crab pots around the measured mile. The beacons were quiet, with only one doggy coming on board. Off to the Sandhills we went, only to be met with tuna schools, so we turned about and headed back up the shipping channel. To our surprise, just past Tangalooma we found a school of spotties and had some fun, landing eight between the two of us. We spent most of the day sheltered by Moreton until we cut across the bay back to the Brisbane River. Once out of the shelter of Moreton we were hit by strong northeasterly wind,

which made pulling in the pots a bouncy affair. Even though the trip back was bumpy, at least we were running with the wind. We had a pretty good January and early February on the fishing front, so let’s hope March con-

tinues the same and the northeasterly wind doesn’t come in with great gusto. If you’re into prawns and can throw a cast net, Hayes Inlet, the Pine River and the powerlines near the Logan River have been giving everyone their bucket load.

Mixed reefies from the bay.

Sandies and tuskies are on offer at this time of year.

A nice bay spotty.

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Bush â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Beach Fishing, March 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 9

Kaitlin with a chunk of a grunter.

This trev was hard work on the 1-3kg Okuma Helios combo.

Salt session for the Australia Day long weekend

HE plan right up until the Sunday afternoon of Australia Day was to head out early on Monday for an offshore session chasing mackerel.

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This grunter took a liking to a Z-Man 3” MinnowZ in Pinfish colour.

When rolling the weather dice, sometimes things don’t go your way. While loading the boat on Sunday arvo, I did a last-minute weather check, only to find the wind was getting up earlier than predicted and blowing stronger. Still on a high from the bass session with my daughter Kaitlin a few days earlier (Page 55), I was keen to back up that session with another awesome trip.

Scenting up can be the difference between getting a bite or missing out.

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Page 10 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

Pro Staff Pointers by SEAN BEKKERS

So instead of an offshore session, and as first light aligned with dead low tide, we opted to do the usual milk run of spots, hoping to get among some grunter, flathead and maybe a trevally. The morning snuck up quickly and, following a morning brew, the boat had wet feet again. While sitting in the boat and sorting everything before heading out, I felt a little relieved to see the wind was up and the change of plans was the right call. Some years ago, I was caught out by the wind jumping 15 knots above what was predicted, and it put me in a crazy situation I’m not keen to repeat – more about that another time. A short burst into our first spot and upon arrival the sun was just creeping over the horizon. On heading out, the water was still that oily black colour and while sneak-

ing along the bank Kaitlin and I peppered the edge with Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ and 3” MinnowZ. It wasn’t long before Kaitlin’s drag broke the tranquillity and after a couple of strong runs up and down the length of the boat and under the engine, she had notched up a solid 53cm grunter (barred javelin). This put her second PB of the weekend on her record-keeping brag mat! Definitely the way you want to open your account on a session. Moving along the bank, we could see heaps of hardyheads stacked right along the edge and as you would expect, some bigger fish hassling them. They always seemed to be out of reach, so we kept edging towards them using the electric motor and working as much ground as possible in between. While working my plastic along the bank, I opted for a hopping-style

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retrieve down the edge of the weed bank and back to the boat, ensuring I kept in good contact with the bottom on each pause. It didn’t take long for a good size estuary trevally to inhale it. On a 1-3kg outfit these size fish are a heap of fun. After a solid fight and photo, the trev went back and we kept flicking. Further along our track was some shoaly ground, which can hold the odd jewfish and cod. At other times of the year, we’re not scared to throw Z-Man 6” SwimmerZ in this spot. Kaitlin was keen to change it up in the hope of nailing a jewfish, so she switched to a Z-Man 4” DieZel MinnowZ (Purple Death) and was rewarded once again with a solid hook-up. This fish was lit up and made her work for every inch of line until she landed a 53cm tailor. It was another PB for her, which made three for the weekend! We continued down the bank and the tide started to rip in. Kaitlin didn’t manage another fish in this stretch, while I landed smaller grunter and bream. With an hour up our sleeve, we headed to a bit of shoaly ground, which usually harbours snapper, sweetlip and the occasional cod, though most of the time they’re on the smaller side. Sometimes you will get fish worth taking back to the table. By now the tide was flying in, and while in fast current you need to move quickly and only have enough time to hook and

play one fish, I still prefer to use a lighter presentation. The fish seem happy to work up and down the water column, and if you’re reasonably close to the bottom, you’re in with a chance. Kaitlin stuck with her Z-Man setup, which paid off in the form of undersize snapper and legal sweetlip and kept her entertained for the rest of the session. I like to use this spot as a bit of a proving ground for different presentations, and over the past few months I’ve been playing around with an inline spinner called a Bug from Mepps Lures. On this occasion, I switched between that and a stickbait from Fish Inc Lures. When you’re not under the pump to catch fish, experimenting with different presentations, retrieves and rigs can produce surprising results. In this case cod, squid and even a whiting were happy to have a crack. With some refining, I’m sure these techniques will produce quality fish in future. While it wasn’t the saltwater session we originally planned for, we still managed to find quality fish and have a lot of fun doing it. Let’s face it, every time you have a fish pulling drag, it’s a good day and beats the hell out of working. I hope you managed to find some fish in the past month, or if not, you’re already planning the next trip. Cheers and screaming drags!

The odd bream came out to play among the heavy hitters.

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Beach whiting tactics part one: location and tackle D ESPITE the generic name of summer whiting, I find March, April and May can be some of the best months to chase summer whiting on the beach, particularly on the Sunshine Coast and further north.

Though catching whiting from the beach can be relatively simple at times, anglers using the right bait, tackle and techniques will be the ones who get consistent results while others miss out. Often people (of varying fishing expertise) don’t realise what they might be doing wrong. I see or hear this from people when I try to diagnose why they didn’t catch fish on the beach they were fishing. Let’s look at a few of the things you want to avoid in terms of location and tackle, then outline what you need to be doing to get it right. I’ll also touch on some of the other tricks and tips I’ve learnt to increase your chances of success even further. Location – what not to do The fact some casual anglers consider beach fishing unproductive probably comes down to where and how they fish. All too often I see inexperienced anglers or families fishing the beach directly in front of the track that leads down there. This is usually in barren, featureless water or an area full of swimmers and surfers. It is not only casual anglers who can fish the wrong water for whiting. I also see plenty of more experienced anglers, such as seasoned tailor anglers at Fraser Island, fishing for whiting in the wrong type of gutters or more simply, the wrong area of the gutter. If you want a break between fishing for tailor, avoid those same deep inshore gutters that might hold tailor at dawn and dusk but are generally

Fishing Tips

by SEAN THOMPSON

too deep for whiting and therefore tend to harbour more dart. Big dart like the deeper water and small dart in closer to shore in shallower water. Another mistake I see with some anglers chasing whiting is the type of area they are fishing, even when they have chosen the right type of water. This might entail wading out into the shallow gutter and casting to the back of the gutter when the fish were probably right at their feet. Always cast while standing well back from the water’s edge when fishing for whiting until you have worked that close shore break. Location – what to do No matter what fish you are chasing, you need to think like a fish to understand where it may be at certain stages of the tide and why. Beach whiting will primarily choose their location based on perceived safety from predators and food. You should be looking for whiting on the edges of sandbanks in shallower gutters and right up hard against the shore, particularly when there is a shore break. Ideal conditions are light to medium surf so there is some cover from waves breaking on the bank and covering the shallower gutter, but not so much swell that it churns up too much sand and the waves knock the fish around and temporarily disorientate them. The locations I choose are tide dependent. At high tide, I look for nice clean water with a bit of white wash. Good high tide locations can be sand spits, shore breaks and those that at low tide have a very shallow and clear inner gut-

ter, along with an exposed back sandbank. Sand spit gutters are typically covered by about 0.5m to 1m of water on high tide and drop away into a slightly deeper gutter. Another favourite high tide location is a shallow gutter pressing hard up to the shore with a small shore break. The waves generally curl up less than 0.5m and break right on the beach,

thus exposing beach worms and pipis to the hungry whiting. A third type of high tide gutter I like has a shallow inner gutter with a nice foam covering from incoming waves and the back sandbank covered by about a metre of water. Low tide shallow gutters are some of the least fished on the beach, but can turn on some of the best whiting action of the lot. Features of a great low tide gutter include: • A short or narrow gutter very close to shore; A recent catch by the author from a low tide beach gutter.

☛ continued P12

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Drew from Gardiner Fisheries Rainbow Beach with a perfect whiting rod and reel combo.

The author kept well back from the water’s edge while chasing whiting behind the shore break.

Beach whiting tactics part one ☛ from P11

A nice low tide gutter with a blind end on the left-hand corner.

A nice inner gutter that filled over an outer bank at high tide.

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• A blind end that closes up on the shoreline; • A back sandbank that runs at 45 degrees from the shore; • The sandbank has enough depth so the water is not too turbulent; • A light swell of under 1m; and • A clear northern exit and entry point. The peak period for fishing these types of formations is one hour before to one hour after low tide. Beach corners Beach corners are another brilliant location for whiting. Beach corners are areas where the sand meets either rocky headlands or large rocky outcrops protruding into the water. The only other ingredient you need is slightly deeper water where the beach meets the rocks. Generally a permanent gutter is carved out at such spots. On days when the seas are flat and the skies are clear and blue, beach corners can be the most productive spot on the beach for whiting because they offer some form of structure and therefore protection. Tackle – what not to do While beach whiting fishing doesn’t require expensive gear, using the wrong tackle will lead to less fish or worse, tackle failure. The beach is a harsh environment with salt water and sand and is no place for expensive spin or baitcaster gear. Having salt water splash on the reel, or accidentally dropping the reel in the sand when taking off a fish or re-rigging, can lead to tackle failure shortly after. Likewise, buying the kids cheap K-Mart specials can soon lead to frustration or tears when the gears on the reels jam. When it comes to rods, avoid those marketed as ‘general purpose’ in the 8’-9’ range. I call these rods ‘no purpose’ because they are either too stiff in the tip for whiting fishing from the beach or too light and short for casting bigger baits like pilchards for tailor.

Buy the right gear for the species you are targeting. Line and leader choice are other areas where anglers’ results can take a hit when chasing whiting. While braid has its place in beach fishing, particularly when throwing lures, for whiting you want some stretch in your line for the fish to pick up your bait and run before it realises there is a hook, line and rod attached to the other end. Braided line doesn’t stretch, so you are better with monofilament. Like many fishing tactics, lighter is better when it comes to the main line on your reel for whiting. Heavy, thicker lines of 15lb-plus are easier for the fish to see and detect in the shallows. Likewise, heavy lines will have more drag in the water and so will be more easily pushed into shore or sideways in any sweep. The length of your leader can also play a part in your catch rates. I’ve seen people with a running sinker down to their hook or short traces of 30-40cm when chasing whiting off the beach. The problem with this is the fish will pick up the bait and instantly feel the unnatural weight of a sinker pulling against it, causing it to drop the bait. Finally, at the business end of the line, hook size and type is critical.

I see some anglers using suicide hooks or big 2/0 long-shank hooks for whiting. Whiting have small mouths, so you want the hook to be small enough for the fish to comfortably mouth and even swallow. Tackle – what to do If you want your reel to last a lifetime and not have to worry about dropping it in the sand or salt water, buy an Alvey sidecast reel. A 5”-5.5” Alvey matched with a 10’6”, 2-4kg whippy beach rod is the perfect combination. A whippy tip will flex and allow you to ‘flick’ out soft baits such as yabbies and pipis, whereas stiff rod tips will see them fly off into the deep blue yonder. Also choose a ‘low mount’ rod if you run an Alvey because this ensures the longest casts and most comfortable winding position. If you must use a spinning reel on the beach, be sure to carry a rod holder while you re-rig or catch a fish. However, this means you will be less mobile than the angler with an Alvey who can just drop it on the sand as he/she moves from gutter to gutter. When it comes to lines, about 6lb is perfect for the beach, though some people prefer to go slightly heavier. I also use 6lb fluoro-

carbon trace because this line’s reflective qualities are nearly identical to water, making it much harder to see under water. In terms of trace length, for an Alvey I run a ball or bean sinker between two small size 12 swivels about 25cm apart and then a leader of about 80cm. Be aware that not all lines are the same. I choose lines with the thinnest possible diameter for their strength when fishing for whiting, such as Platypus Super-100. At the business end, I run red tubing and three to four red beads above the hook to attract fish to the bait. This really works and I have seen such setups outfish baits without it many times on the beach. In terms of hook size, a size 4 long-shank is a good size for the beach. For many years I have used Tru-Turn hooks because of their unique bent cam action, making the hook strike upwards into the mouth of a fish for a strong hold even with a gentle bite. Unfortunately I’ve run out of space, so next month stay tuned for part two on beach whiting techniques, baits and tackle preparation. In the meantime, I’d love to hear any feedback on my articles and posts via my Ontour Fishing Australia Facebook and Instagram pages.

Flicking a soft bait requires a light and whippy beach rod.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Dirty water in southern bay makes fishing tricky W E had a reasonable run of weather for the start of the year and then it turned.

We’ve had fewer days on the water and unfortunately my dud back has decided to play up again. For some reason it seems to do it at this time of year. One recent trip involved a couple of fellas who completed my off-water course before we headed out to do an on-water tuition session to put it into practice. We had a nice low tide early in the morning, so left the boat ramp around 5.30am and headed to an area not too far from the ramp. We were on the correct size low tide, so were

Southern Moreton Bay by SEAN CONLON

chasing flathead. And because we had that right tide coinciding with an early morning, we were taking advantage of the peak bite time. We found a suitable drain and checked the colour of the water to determine the colour of lure we were going to use. I tied on a couple of different plastics and the guys proceeded to learn the different retrieves I use for flathead. It wasn’t long before a 50cm flathead was in the net. We tried a few different lures (paddle tails, curly tails and prawns) but the

This flatty couldn’t resist a Fish Art Lure.

fish were liking a black and gold Zerek Live Flash Minnow Wriggly. In the next half hour the guys hooked another couple of fish but we dropped them close to the boat. It was a very timid bite. By this stage it was the bottom of the tide, so we decided to move on and target jewfish. The boys and I packed up and shot over to an area where I’ve had success in the past. I changed our flathead outfits for 6-20lb Wilson Blade N Tails rods with heavier 20lb braid. I tied on Zerek Fish Traps and showed the boys the retrieve we would use. After a few practice runs they had it down pat. I sounded around until I found a new patch of fish on the Lowrance and we started drifting through them. After a few drifts and 20 to 30 minutes one of the guys hooked up. The water was quite dirty that day, so it was called for a catfish and a

few other things until it popped up on the surface with that lovely silver colour. Not a big one but the target species, so we were pretty happy. After quick pictures we put the fish back in the water and released it to fight another day. We fished there for an☛ continued P14

Simon picked up this 60cm flathead trolling one of the new Fish Art Lures.

Gavin nabbed this jewfish on a Zerek Fish Trap during one of the author’s training days. It was released to fight another day.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 13

Simon’s white spotted guitarfish was released to fight another day.

Pat held a legal squire hooked drifting rubble ground with soft plastics.

Dirty water in southern bay makes fishing tricky ☛ from P13

Ingrid captured her personal-best 70cm flathead on one of Wilson’s new range of Fish Art Lures.

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other 40 minutes but had no luck and then the tide started to run too hard, so we left and moved on to rubble ground and used the increased tidal flow to drift around for squire/ snapper. The dark lures had been working all day, so we tied on the black and gold Flash Wriggly. The boys picked up the technique pretty quickly and before we knew it they were onto legal squire. Unfortunately, the bigger ones were taken by the taxman. The boys learnt the technique and caught the target species, which is the whole idea of these training days. It was pretty overcast and a bit drizzly at times but such weather can produce the best fishing. On another occasion I had a lovely couple Brian and Ingrid out who wanted to learn about flathead fishing. They didn’t do my

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seanconlonsﬁshing@hotmaiil.com Page 14 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

WITH SEAN CONLON

off-water course but we picked a day that would give us the right tides for chasing flatties. I hadn’t seen many flathead around at the time because the water temperature was 28-29C (surface temperature), which I feel is a bit hot to be fishing the shallows for flathead, but we gave it a red-hot crack and worked hard through the morning session. They got a fair few bumps and taps casting soft plastics for pretty much nothing and then we moved to another area where we deployed hardbodies and trolled. I switched to trolling because we were getting taps and bumps, so the fish were not quite on the bite and changing to hard-bodies with six sharp little hooks on them might see a hookup from another tap or bump. We put the lures in the water and I kept the boat in the depth and at the speed I wanted. I showed them how the lures needed to swim and react. We got that sorted, and pretty soon Ingrid hooked up. I quickly knocked the boat out of gear and got the other lines in as Ingrid started to fight her fish. The fish headed for the shallows at first and took a reasonable amount of 6lb line. It had the little ATC reel singing, and as it came to the surface near the boat we realised it was pinned under the chin quite awkwardly, so Ingrid had to basically drag the fish sideways, which made for a tough fight. But in the end a solid 70cm flathead was in the net and a personal best for Ingrid. We took a few quick photos and then the fish was swiiftly released to

fight another day. I also had one of my regulars Simon out for a fishing charter. We started with a bit of bait fishing and caught a few grass sweetlip and undersize squire. For a bit of fun a rather large white spotted guitarfish played up on the light gear. We also trolled up a few flatties on the new Wilson Fish Art Lures, producing nice fish in the 50-60cm range for a bit of fun. Let’s hope the weather plays the game over the coming months. At the time of writing we are getting plenty of rain to flush the system and I think it will fish pretty well once it all settles. A fair few prawns have been kicking around in southern Moreton Bay, so if you know how to throw a cast net, it’s time to get out there and score a feed. As we all know with our jobs and lives, we are

time poor, so if you can learn more to optimise your time on the water, then why not? Remember: knowledge is the key. If you’re interested in any off or on-water tuition classes or you just want to do a charter, don’t

be afraid to give me a call on 0432 386 307 or send me an email at sean conlonsfishing@hotmail. com You can also check out the Sean Conlon’s Fishing Charters and Tuition Facebook page. Until next time…

Simon pulled this 50cm lizard on the troll.

Pat and a nice flathead caught casting a Zerek Live Flash Minnow Wriggly at low tide.

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Short-term pain from rain equals long-term gain

’DAY everyone, I am very excited about the fishing prospects and I would like to explain why March can be one of the best months of the year for us anglers.

To begin, there isn’t an angler I know who did not complain or find the last six months of 2019 and beginning of 2020 quite challenging when it came to consistent angling success. Even though I was born on the Gold Coast and have fished it and the Tweed River all my life, and have been a professional guide for over 20 years working the local waterways, I found most days in the past eight months very challenging. The reason is simple: the serious lack of rain. In fact, it was the worst drought recorded in the history of not only the area, but the country. Swamps, creeks, rivers and oceans need rain, just like the land does; “a drought on land is a drought at sea”. With rain comes life because it induces and accelerates the spawning cycle of all bait and fish. Rain also spreads nutrients and helps keep the salinity levels in check as well as maintaining a balance to the water temperature. Through October to December 2019, the water temperature in the mid to upper reaches of all our waterways was averaging 30C, with parts of the Nerang River regularly hitting 32C, meaning our rivers were a boiling pot. OK, let’s start chatting about some positives and why good times are ahead, starting in March. The end of January saw a rain cell deliver over 300mm of rain to the Gold Coast and Tweed area, which gave our rivers and creeks a good old-fashioned flush out. And with good top-up rain at the beginning of February, we should now see balance returning. March is one of my favourite times of the year in any case, mainly due to the variety on offer and good numbers of fish on hand. This month is a cracker for mangrove jack because they tend to start feeding hard prior to the cooler months when they become more dormant. The ever-popular flathead, which were a challenge to find through summer due to the overheated water, will become frisky once again as

Gold Coast Guide by BRAD SMITH

the water cools leading into winter. I love incorporating some surface fishing on the shallow flats during my trips, to offer some variety. Flathead, bream and especially whiting are good campaigners through March and into April. October and November is the prime time of year for trevally and the good news is March and April also present an excellent time to target them be-

fore it gets too cold. Keep a close eye on and awareness of any bird or surface activity in the deeper holes and channels while on the water. These signs could indicate potentially great sportfishing for giant, bigeye, tea-leaf and golden trevally. As I said, with rain comes life. Let the good times roll for both our country and our beloved rivers and ocean.

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For more information contact your local Stacer dealer: March will be a fantastic time to target jacks, especially after the rain.

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STACER.COM.AU Des with a nice school jew, another target species in March.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 15

Brent and Matt with a pair of Gold Coast jacks caught on live bait close to a tide change.

Rugby legend Lote Tuqiri joined bushfire charity auction winners Amy and her son Lachie for a day of fishing. Lach did well to land this shovelnose ray on light tackle.

Flush freshens up the fishing on Gold Coast

I everyone, soaking rain has gifted our part of the country with a muchneeded flush of the estuary systems, breaking a long drought.

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This will boost the fishing in several ways and we are looking forward to epic sessions on the water. It’s a very exciting experience that we haven’t experienced for over three years. The Gold Coast Broadwater is a consistent fishery and has been producing good schools of winter and sand whiting, squid, squire and tailor. Small blades such as Ecogear ZX40s and soft vibes including the Samaki Vibelicious ensure our guests have plenty of fun on charters. We like to smear a dab of Sax Scent in Goldprawn flavour over the lures every 15 minutes to attract that return bite when fish hit and miss the hooks. The run-off from upstream will cause muddy water to push downstream, creating ambush opportunities for various predatory fish looking for food. Baitfish and prawns will also get flushed out of creeks and drains and spread throughout the systems. Let’s look at how to target some of the types of fish that appreciate the rain. Depending on how much rain falls, fish will generally move towards the mouths of rivers at first to find more salty water. They will then start to move upriver again to feed

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Broadwater Guide by CLINT ANSELL

in the following weeks. We have been catching big mangrove jack in the middle to upper sections of the Nerang River, with 40 fish boated during night charters so far this season, averaging 54cm in length. We released 37 jacks, while three could not be revived. This rain will change the game and we’ll be hunting closer to the river mouth this month. Flathead, sand whiting and grunter are fish that quickly take advantage of big rains and are quite tolerant of muddy water. Lures won’t be as effective at first but try using vibes in darker and flashier colours, or trolling small hard-body lures in shallow water. Bait works very well shortly after flooding, especially yabbies and prawns. Try anchoring on the edges of sandbanks anywhere between Southport in the Broadwater and Bundall in the Nerang River. At first it’s best to fish the run-in tides when oceanic salty water is pushing back up the rivers. Yabbies can be easily pumped in the last few hours of run-out tides. See the map for the best banks in the southern Gold Coast Broadwater. The areas I’ve circled in red hold thousands of yabbies and all you need to collect plenty of bait for a great fishing session is a yabby pump, sieve and bucket. Anchoring works well if you don’t want to drift. Be sure to use a big enough running sinker to hold bottom, such as a four or five ball. Use 6lb braided main line, with a metre or more of 10lb fluorocarbon leader and a size four baitholder hook. Mulloway are another fish that love discoloured water. A few weeks after a big flush they will appear in the deeper holes in rivers and can be caught on the above blades and soft vibes. Bigger flathead will return too, and they appreciate both the increase in baitfish and the drop in water temperatures from the rain. Big sand whiting will feed aggressively in the build-up to their spawn-

ing cycles around bigger moons, as will the hardfighting grunter that suddenly appear in numbers after rain begins to fall. Trevally will still be around this month. It pays to carry around a rod and reel with a 30g silver slug attached to imitate the baitfish the giant and bigeye trevally feed on. If you see birds diving and fish busting up, cast the slug into the school and use a medium to fast retrieve for some lineburning action. March is one of the best months for targeting big mangrove jack, especially if the rain clears. They will feed hard before they slow for the cooler months, and while the water temperature is still up around 28C, it will be productive targeting the big red dogs at night and early morning. Brad Smith usually has his best month for jacks in March. He has made an artform of trolling deep-diving lures for these bucket-list fish in the Tweed River and Surfers Paradise. The savage hit from a jack on a lure is something that needs to be experienced in person to be believed, with a lot more to the technique than simply throwing lures out the back of the boat and driving. The Gold Coast Broadwater is where we will have the most fun this month. The variety of fish on offer is incredible and we will begin to see a crossover of seasons resulting

in the daily catch including tailor, winter and sand whiting, squire, squid, dusky flathead, bartail flathead, trevally, queenfish, tuskfish, tarwhine, big bream and flounder just to name a few. You can have an absolute ball on light tackle in the Broadwater using small blades, vibes and yabbies. It really is a fishing mecca, especially after the rain. There are just so many options and types of fishing spots. Light wind and smaller tides make it easier to fish because it is an area exposed to the elements. For those who are after bigger brutes, the Seaway attracts monster fish in-

cluding mulloway, kingfish, trevally, tailor, massive flathead and mangrove jack. For the novice angler, try anchoring 30m upstream of the Seaway pipeline during the last hour of a run-out tide and using whole whiting or pike as bait on heavy gear. You can see the pipeline on a fishfinder and rectangular signs on each breakwall mark its location. Good luck, tight lines and I hope to see you on the water soon! To book a charter with Brad or me, or if you have any fishing-related questions, SMS 0432 990 302, email fishingwithclint@ gmail.com or visit our Brad Smith Fishing Charters Facebook page.

Caelan held a 53cm jack before releasing it to fight another day.

Dennis with a 60cm mangrove jack. Gold Coast jacks are often big models.

Max with a solid 58cm mangrove jack that put up a brutal battle before being released.

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Things shaken and stirred on Gold Coast

HEN it rains, it pours.

And pour it did, with some parts of the Gold Coast copping 500mm or more. You can’t deny we needed it though, and boy was it good to hear rain on the roof. With all the creeks and estuaries in flood, the systems are receiving a welloverdue flush. The wet can really change things on the fishing front because it provides a raft of opportunities, if you are keen enough. Hitting the breakwalls at the mouths of estuaries with surface lures is one such opportunity. Jewfish love to mix in with the dirty water and it gives you a chance to maybe tick these fish off your bucket list. The fresh usually gets mud crabs on the move also. As debris is washed into and down the river and the banks erode a little, the landscape changes and you have to find new snags and learn to fish them.

Gold Coast by HEATH ZYGNERSKI

With the amount of fresh, you are much better off trying towards the mouths because at least they get a bit of salt in the early stages. Over time as the water clears, the fish will move back upstream and when they do it should be on like Donkey Kong for flathead, bream and whiting. The fish got really stirred up after the first lot of rain, with the boys catching a mixed bag of estuary species between downpours. Offshore still turned it on for a few days after the rain, with mackerel surprising everyone by hanging around in the coffeecoloured water. Normally they’d be gone within a day or so. With the current ripping in close and the storm swell still about, the boys did very well by drifting and spinning for spotted

and the odd blue or spanish mackerel. The spotties were hitting and running hard because plenty of sharks were lurking in the dirty water. My hat goes off to surfers who head out to catch a wave in murky conditions. Stuff that! With the dirty water line drifting further east by the hour, heading wide was the wise choice once the weather settled. Spot X was the place to be, with plenty of marlin on offer and a few mahi mahi and wahoo mixed in. As the water clears and we head into March, I would expect the fishing to be nothing short of sensational because flooding

is exactly what the area needed. March is such a great month for fishing because you get the migratory fish heading both north and south stopping off along the Gold Coast. Care needs to be taken on the water because a massive amount of debris is floating down and will continue to float around for several weeks. Take special care around our coastal bars. Tweed River Bar is still pretty shallow out in front and the bank is catching the swell. Currumbin Creek Bar was shot before the rain but once the water clears we’ll be able to see if a new channel has been cut through. Tallebudgera Creek Bar is much the same. The Seaway is still OK except when big seas are running. Bent rods to you all.

Mitch can’t keep away from the mackerel, with this one nailing a slug.

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This whiting didn’t miss, absolutely belting Mitch’s lure.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 17

Lewan took a selfie with a good jack. Not a bad effort on both counts.

One of very few mackerel landed so far this season.

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Tw e n t y - f o u r inches of rain in four days will do that. All those fish that were above Mullumbimby in the Brunswick River arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there anymore. We really needed a good flush of the system like this to get things moving both in the river and offshore. Offshore was stagnant, with cold water hugging the coast and relentless northerly wind. Our mackerel season never even got started. My mates at Tweed Heads had an OK start but down here has been miserable. Lewan and I got out a few times and fluked three spanish one day. That got a few people excited and lots of boats headed out the next day and all scored a doughnut. Subsequent trips were duds for me but Lewan snuck out one morning in his boat with a small break in the northerly. He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t muck around catching too much live bait, because he knew he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have long to fish before the wind came up. As it turned out, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need long because he got a bite within 10 minutes. The fish nearly spooled him but after getting it under control a fairly lengthy fight ensued.

Tweed to Byron Bay by GAVIN DOBSON

The fish nearly spooled him but after getting it under control a fairly lengthy fight ensued. Getting the fish in the boat, Lewan sent me a picture saying it was a big unit of at least 25kg. I told him Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d meet him at the ramp with a set of scales and a camera. As soon as I saw the fish, I knew Lewan was being modest with 25kg. The big mackie spun the clock around to exactly 31kg. All Lewan had to say was he thought it felt heavy when he dragged it over the side. What a cracking fish to catch in the cold water! If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested, the whole fish was consumed by many parties and no ciguatera symptoms were reported by anyone. As a disclaimer, I am just reporting the facts, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take this as a goahead to eat fish with the risk of ciguatera. With the weather event at the time of writing and

still a few more days of rain and swell to come as well as a possible cyclone, the goal posts have moved. Despite Lewanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big fish and a handful of other mackerel, it really was a dud start to the season. No boats have been out for a couple of weeks now and by the time they do go they will be dealing with dirty water on the close reefs for a while. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind this because at least the run of northerly wind and cold water has been broken. As the water on the close reefs improves, schools of slimy mackerel should move in and the mackerel will follow. Hopefully some wahoo turn up on Windarra Banks and give us a bit of excitement. Aside from pelagics, Windarra could have a few kingfish and am-

berjack and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the warm water stop you from snapper fishing because a few of them might be around too. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard a theory over the years that the best time to catch snapper and jewfish on the close reefs is after a big swell has stirred everything up. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had much luck like this and find it takes a few days for things to settle. The bait leaves the reef in a big swell and takes a while to come back, as do the predators. Having said that, once things settle, definitely have a go for a jew or snapper in close. In the rivers, it has been all about the jacks. Last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition was full of big red fish and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a cracker season here too. This rain wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change things too much, except they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be back up at Mullumbimby or Murwillumbah for a while. Even now in the flood water plenty of jacks are being caught along the walls in the lower reaches of the Brunz. A lot of people think you need lures or live bait for jacks, but pilchards are catching the majority at the moment. When the water is dirty like now, the jacks hunt by scent, so pilchards and cut baits are best. Flathead have been as

rare as the proverbial rocking horse poo but who knows, after this fresh they might be around. Good trevally were in the river and are still there now but like the jacks, they are not spread out yet. On the high tide the trevally are hunting the lower reaches and judging by the splashes and the size of the fleeing mullet, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say some pretty decent ones are among them. The fresh brings a lot of nutrients to the lower river and we thought we saw a shark in the harbour the other morning. The three of us standing on the jetty watched as a fin sliced through the water but then there was another one next to it and we realised we were watching the wing tips of a sizeable manta ray. It turned out two were in the harbour and they were big. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen eagle rays in the harbour most weeks through summer but mantas were a first. What a great sight! So that about sums up the situation at present. In the river, chase jacks, trevally and a few jew for the sportfishos, and whiting and mud crabs for those after a feed. Offshore, fingers crossed we get some sort of a pelagic season when we can access the reefs again.

Page 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bush â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Beach Fishing, March 2020

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Mulloway catches a silver lining after floods

ELLO and welcome to this month’s edition of BNB. It is really difficult to comprehend that only a matter of weeks ago, large parcels of land in NSW were being devastated by fire. Now, wherever you live on the eastern side of Australia, I would be very surprised if you have not seen at least some rain in recent weeks. It is well known that droughts are usually broken by a flood, and this drought has been no exception to the rule. Depending on who you speak to, and where they are from in the Northern Rivers, the amount of rain that has fallen in this area for the year will probably vary from 200500mm and counting. Needless to say that at the moment, the Richmond River looks like something Willy Wonka would be proud of. The discoloured water is pushing kilometres out to sea and will probably take a few weeks to start to clear once the rain stops. It goes without saying there has been virtually no chance to get offshore during the past month. Along with the rain, we have had plenty of wind and rough seas. My main concern with

jetties because the fish will be looking for somewhere to hide while the poor visibility makes it easier for predators to sneak up on them. The large amount of fresh has made sure we won’t see any blue swimmer crabs for the rest of summer, but it has certainly stirred up the mud crabs. The lower reaches of Emigrant Creek and out to the ferry, along with the main river from Pimlico Island to the mouth, have been the best areas to target. Just remember you can only use dillies/witch’s hats below the ferry and you will need to keep a good eye on them because a number have been dragged away by the debris coming down the river. Lastly, don’t forget the Pottsville Beach Sports Greenback Fishing Competition is on again this year, and being run by the amazing people at the Lions Club of Cabarita Beach. It will be run on the NSW June long weekend, (June 6-7). Registration forms are online at lionsgreenback. com, and you can nominate where you would like to sign on when the competition starts on the Saturday. Ballina Bait and Tackle will be one of the sign-on

Ballina Bait & Tackle by BRETT HYDE

the amount of water pushing out of the river mouth is the mackerel will run wide of Ballina to stay away from the fresh water and we will miss out on the mackerel season before it even gets started. Once the weather settles we should be able to get to some of the wider grounds and continue chasing snapper, flathead, teraglin and tuskfish on the 32-fathom line. The current has continued raging for the most part, so you will need plenty of lead to get to the bottom, even on the 32s. The 48s will also be worth a look for pearl perch and kingfish, but the current has made fishing this depth very difficult, and on a number of days virtually impossible, but for those willing to persist, quality fish have been taken on live baits and bright-coloured jigs. I suppose the one silver lining to this very grey cloud is quality mulloway has been taken from the breakwalls during the flood. They started a little slowly, and a number have been taken by sharks, but on the whole this flood has been a

lot more productive than the past couple. The usual types of lures have all tasted success. Large 6”-7” soft plastics with a paddle tail have been popular, rigged with either a 1oz or 1.5oz head to make it easier to throw them in the rough conditions. White, mullet and black/gold colours have been the most consistent. Hard-body lures that dive 2-3m have also been a good option, particularly early in the morning and late in the afternoon when visibility is lower. The rattle from the hard-bodies makes it easier for mulloway to find them in the discoloured water. Along with the mulloway, we have seen some good catches of bream, flathead and even quality whiting, all in the lower reaches of the river from the Burns Point Ferry to the mouth. As usual, the oilier and smellier baits such as mullet flesh, pilchards, mullet gut, bonito and chicken gut have been the standouts. Try concentrating your efforts around any type of structure such as rock walls, bridge pylons and

locations, but you must nominate this at the top of the form when you submit your entry. Eight different species of fish can be weighed in, with sections for men, women, seniors and juniors so the whole family can join the fun. The best bit is the gang at Bush ‘n Beach Fishing magazine is giving a free digital subscription to the magazine, valued at $25, to every entrant of the 2020 competition, so what better reason to get along and fish a fantastic family friendly comp over the long weekend. Well that’s all from me for this month. ‘Til next time, tight lines.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 19

Beaches and breakwalls the best bet

ITH every river along the east coast of Australia experiencing flooding recently, catches of flathead, bream and jewfish should dominate the fishing scene this month.

This flounder was a tasty by-catch during a recent night session chasing flathead on soft plastic lures.

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Beaches and breakwalls will be the best places to wet a line. As clean water begins to push back upstream, the lower reaches will produce good catches. Large pelagic species such as mackerel and tuna will be taken from the breakwalls on both lures and live baits. Prior to the dirty water at Iluka, the Bluff had been on fire for nice pansized chopper tailor on lures and plenty of big jewfish on hard-bodied lures. Though I couldn’t be bothered fishing Main Beach for tailor, I know big greenback were present because every time I drove to the Bluff, the beach was littered with washed-up bream with their tails bitten off, a sure sign the big-toothy critters are there. Speaking of Main Beach, I’d like to flag that this is a controlled beach and vehicle permits are required, regardless of how special you are. Twelve or six-month permits are available from the council office in Maclean or at the Riverside Caravan Park in Charles St, Iluka. On buying your permit, you’ll be given a pamphlet on where to go and what you can and can’t do.

Just Jew by TYE PORTER

My son Mischa got among nice jewfish using Yamba-made Croaker Lures, a Pacific Composite FSU 5162 rod and a 650A5 Alvey reel loaded with 30lb Platypus mono. His best fish tipped the scales at 24.6kg. Mischa hooked his bigger fish off Whales Back in a hard-sweeping beachward swell. After some back and forth, he made the smart choice of giving the fish its head and following it to the beach. He landed it there instead of trying to muscle it back to the rocks. Once the dirty water started coming out of the

river, the Bluff went quiet for jew, which is quite normal. I reckon every jew in the area was drawn to the breakwalls, with mouths open as baitfish flushed from the Clarence River. Flathead will be in big numbers along beaches adjacent to river mouths, so if your breakwall has shallow gutters running along it from the beach, this will be the spot to flick soft plastic lures and float white or blue pillies. Bream should also be easy to find along beaches and breakwalls. Snare one or two using the humble prawn or any flesh bait.

As the clean water pushes back into the river, and if the swell stays low, excellent catches of spanish mackerel and longtail tuna can be expected. These thugs of the ocean come in to feed on big schools of baitfish. With any luck, I’ll find the energy to have a go for tuna and jew on the wall. If not, I’ll waddle out with my camera and get a few happy snaps of anglers who went to battle. I probably won’t get out there for a while because I’m busy making my handmade, signature red and white jewfish feathers for Brett at Ballina Bait and Tackle. The persistent big swell has curtailed the offshore fishing scene somewhat. However, those brave

enough have had little trouble bagging snapper and teraglin, as well as ample numbers of spotted and spanish mackerel. Seriously, if you can’t catch a feed this month, hock all your gear at Cash Converters and buy a set of golf clubs or lawn bowls! At least you might win a chook in a club raffle. For those of you fishing breakwalls, take extra care because the flood water tends to put an extra coating of slime on lower rocks. If possible, buddy up and fish with a mate. Given that March, April and May can be our wettest months, a hell of a lot of dirty-water fishing is coming. ‘Til next month, safe fishin’.

While extra-large tailor haven’t been around lately, you can find heaps of nice eating fish like this one Mischa landed off the rocks at the Bluff on a lure.

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After hooking this cracking 24.6kg jewfish off the rocks at the Iluka Bluff, Mischa walked the fish to the beach to land it due to the big swell.

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Jamie and Leo Ager with a pair of dolphinfish. Photos: fishingnoosa.com.au

Kalani Love’s 47cm sweetlip.

Will Blahuntya and his surface jack.

Calm before the storm B

Y now most of us have worked off the overindulgence of the Christmas break and have settled down to a good run of fishing.

We have certainly seen mixed weather across the state, from a prolonged drought to torrential downpours and catastrophic hailstorms. The summer heat is still making its presence felt, and with that, stable water temperatures prevail. For anyone with a boat, offshore is all about the pelagics and getting stuck into some big mackerel and tuna. Traditionally, March is a time of big easterly swells, which sees the Noosa River Bar holding waves up to 2m. Before these arrive, be sure you know how to cross a bar and can identify the channel, which changes weekly. Also be sure your boat is appropriately powered and you are equipped with current safety gear. Before you cross, be sure to log on with the Coast Guard so they can track your progress and be there should something happen. If you need jackets, flares, a V-sheet or an EPIRB, be sure to pop in and get yourself compliant. With the lighter swell, Sunshine Reef becomes the more popular reef system close to the bar. A little further out in the deeper water you’ll find Chardons Reef. Here we typically see spanish, spotted and the odd school mackerel, mainly after a rain event. If conditions are perfect, you can also find wahoo and even black marlin around this stretch. In deeper waters you may need to add extra weight to your floaters, especially if you’re looking for the clean blue water pelagics love. On the calm days it is worthwhile anchoring and dropping baits in a steady berley trail. One fish that often gets big in this area is cobia, which can reach 15kg or more. They will take a wide range of baits and lures, including bigger jigs such as the Black Magic Flipper. The big ones will often www.bnbfishing.com. au

Sunshine Coast by GRANT BUDD

follow larger soft plastics wound back slowly, only to take them at your feet! Stopping cobia will depend on how lucky you are because they often head straight down. Chardons Reef can also be a great place to grab a few of the biggest Samaki Vibelicious Thumper Tail soft vibes and work the bottom for the solid reef fish. North Reef has been a popular spot when the wind comes from the north. Here the reef bottom is very different to Sunshine Reef and resembles rubble. This area produces mixed reef fish including moses perch, venus tuskfish, pearl perch, goldspotted cod, sweetlip and big jewfish. With pilchard floaters you can expect to pick up cobia, snapper, mackerel and tuna. Don’t forget to check on the basics such as gang hooks and wire before heading out to North Reef because you can go through a fair bit of gear. If you can’t use singlestrand wire, give Technipeche Graphite Metal Tresse a go because this can be tied to create your usual knots such as a bloodknot and requires no crimps. It’s also worth hopping a large 7” soft plastic along the bottom. Be sure to grab some 6/0, 1-1.5oz jig heads to suit bigger-profile soft plastics and run 30-40lb leader and similar eightstrand braided lines. If you are trolling, having a varied spread of lures can really help and often entice a bite from species including mahi mahi, spanish and wahoo. Heading north, if you only have a smaller boat or kayak, be sure to give Halls Reef a go. Slow trolling big dead baits such as sauries, garfish and slimy mackerel sees many anglers hook huge spanish and spotty mackerel. Swells break here because it’s less than 20m deep, so always be on the lookout for bigger sets rolling through, especially if a fish takes you into the shallows.

You will need long-nose pliers and a solid gaff like the Silstar 2 left or righthanded option, which has a reach of 170cm and is perfect for 20-30kg fish patrolling these areas. Surf fishing will see an improvement from any big swell hitting the coast. Once the swell backs off there will be plenty of new gutters for fish to explore. Have a look in the channel at the Noosa River mouth and around Middle Groyne. Here you’ll find deep holes that have produced bigger flatties, whiting and grunter bream to 45cm. Simple running sinker rigs are all that’s required to get you out there. For the land-based estuary anglers, mangrove jack continue to dominate and for most are considered catch and release only. These prized sportfish will test not only your reaction time but your knots, hooks, leader and angling skills. If using lures such as a Jackall Squirrel or Lucky Craft Pointer, be sure to swap the hooks out for Decoy YS-81s or Owner ST-66s because other hooks will bend on bigger 55cm-plus fish. Other easier species to target include good-sized flathead and trevally, especially in the lower estuary around the river mouth. These fish will take live baits of herring and whole fish baits including whitebait and hardyhead. For lures, anglers have a range of plastics in the 3”-4” size with curly and paddle tails for when the current isn’t running as quickly and jerk shad or flickbait-style plastics for faster-moving water. The River & Estuary Value Pack from TT Lures is a great way to buy bulk assorted HeadlockZ jig heads in a quality case. Perfect for the estuary angler, it contains all the popular sizes and caters to species from bream to big flathead. Watch the currents around the moon phases

because they can be extremely strong, especially if it’s been raining, which makes fishing hard. Search closer to structure if this happens because these fish can be found out of these currents. One good thing about the rain is mud crabs will be on the move. They can be found among the creeks and mangrove edges not only in the Noosa but the Maroochy and Mooloolah river systems too. Come in and pick up a four crab pot deal, which includes everything you need to get crabbing. Prior to the rain, the fresh water saw big drops in most of the dams and lakes across the land, with Borumba sitting just above 60 percent in January before being bolstered to over 90 percent in midFebruary. Early morning trips have been the go to avoid the heat and wind, with chunky saratoga and bass getting caught off the top as a result. It is important when fishing these areas to be quiet and minimise movement for the best results. Lake Macdonald, being a smaller body of water, has not dropped like Borumba and is fishing well. Suspending lures, spinnerbaits and tailspinners work well for daytime fishing. Have a look at Hot Bite spinnerbaits and Jackson Iga Jig tailspinners, which work well in the lake. If you are slow trolling, check out the new Zerek Tango Shad extra deep. These lures are popular in the estuary and, with the deep-diving option, are great for the main basins of both areas. No matter where you fish, be sure to show us your catch and be safe on the water. For all the latest information, visit fishingnoo sa.com.au for up-to-date bar and fishing reports. Don’t forget to drop into Davo’s Tackle World, Davo’s Boating and Outdoors in Noosa and Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle in Marcoola for all the right equipment, bait and advice to get you catching fish. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and remember: tight lines and bent spines!

Ross Gregory caught this 46cm bass at Lake Macquarie.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 21

Decided deluge doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dent the fishing

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;DAY crew!

I hope you have managed to stay dry and out of the downpours weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had. But how good is this rain!? Good for the sea and great for the land. On the topic of rain, Tin Can Bay copped a proper washdown at the beginning of February, with several locals recording over 350mm in a two-day period and more rain the following week. The creeks ran chocolate brown for about 10 days, but the next few big

Cole showed off his big bad bald spango.

Karl and his big red.

Mitch Martens boated a redthroat.

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Tin Can Bay by CHRIS RIPPON

tides moved the fresh water on quickly. Now the waterways have had a good flushing, things should start to fire again. Prawns will run in the coming weeks and rain has most definitely helped the cause. Garrys Anchorage and creeks west of Fraser Island should produce good prawns for the table. Sounding around deeper water in places such as Browns Rocks gutter should see you come up trumps. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve recently heard of nice prawns coming out of Crab Creek. Speaking of crabs, mud crabs have flushed out too. Plenty of customers have reported good catches of bucks, with flats and drop-offs being the places to find them. Fresh bait and a good soak over a tide is the go. Mitch went out in the middle of a downpour with two mates and managed a good feed. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget, the bag limit for muddies changed on September 1 last year and is now seven per person or 14 per boat with two or more people on board. Rain, hail or shine, mangrove jack are on the chew, with the local jack fishos saying so far 2020 is the best year they have had in the past four or five. Fresh mullet strips and smaller live bait are key for successful catches. We have seen good fish coming from the heavy structure in Snapper and Teebar creeks, and of course, Kauri has been producing. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reading this hot off the press, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still have time to enter our 2020 Mangrove Jack Fishing Competition. The comp is in full swing and competitors can enter fish until midday on February 29. Most anglers have upgraded their bag quickly to get extra points. While the race for top spot is close, it looks like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a clear winner by the competitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close. Stay tuned to find out who our mangrove jack champ will be. In Tin Can Bay, bread and butter species such as whiting seem to have gone on holiday, taking flathead with them. Squid have also moved on and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the dirty water has helped much. They will be back once it clears. Those who braved the weather got stuck into a few fish and not only jacks. We have seen an explosion of small poddy get-

ting around in creeks and this is a welcome sight. Cod and bream are being captured in good numbers and sizes. Grunter are still on the menu for most fishos and the better catches have come from fishing the evening tide changes, with squid baits working best. Offshore produced the goods, mainly at the start of the month due to the weather. Ripper snapper are about too, again in decent numbers and bulk, with fish over 80cm not unheard of. Bigger squid baits and fresh fillets are perfect for snaring these heftier knobbies. Not too far from home, the charter fishos found quality red emperor mixed in with snapper. Good catches of tuskfish, pearl perch, redthroat and spangled emperor, cobia, amberjack and spanish have kept rods buckled. One of the local boys was trolling baits for a feed of spanish and had a small black marlin on for a few minutes. The footage he got was great, with the black taking flight around the boat. It sure had the crew hooting and hollering! We had a good start to

the spanish run before rain and pumping swell thanks to tropical cyclone Uesi. The close bar reef, Double Island Point and up the beach were the most productive. More fish are sure to appear in coming weeks and no doubt in better condition. It will be a case of making the effort to get to them and smacking a few. Schools of small tuna have popped up everywhere out wide, so it would pay to have a Halco Twisty rigged and ready on a 20lb spin outfit. I am a big fan of retrofitting a single hook off the back instead of trebles.

The hook-up rate is higher and, if you are releasing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more humane and quicker to remove a single from fish (and yourself, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re unlucky). Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it from Tin Can Bay for this month. We hope to see you on the water and remember, if you are in Tin Can Bay pop in for a chat. We love to hear your fishing stories, even if it is about the one that got away. You can find us at the Tin Can Bay Marina, Emperor St for all your boating and fishing needs or a yarn. Cheers and tight lines.

Mitch with a cracker cod.

' > -() Ray captured this nice knobby.

Harry was happy with an epic red emperor.

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A nice lump of longtail for Nathan.

Rod with a beautiful queenfish – his first.

The versatility of tried and tested techniques I

T has been a wild month of weather.

So much rain, so much humidity… it has been a ‘real’ summer. I can’t remember the last summer with prolonged humidity – I have even considered buying an airconditioner. I wish the fishing was just as hot! It has been patchy and at times tough. Particularly when dodging massive rain squalls that at times cover half the zone I would usually tour. In this weather you can’t see anything, so spotting tuna is impossible, not to mention comfort on an open vessel reduces to zero. But with serious heat on still days, some occasional light drizzle was a godsend. In recent articles I mentioned fishing for school mackerel, and luckily they have responded to my calls, putting bends in the fishing poles and fillets on the table. The technique to catch them is quite simple but very effective. I find them not overly fussy, but higher-speed re-

Fraser Guided Fishing by TRI TON

trieves tend to trick them most days. Spinning metals for mackerel is by far the best method. Metals sink fast, which is great for a fish that tends to hold deep near bait and structure rather than surface feed. The key is to spin just the area the fish are marking in. Do not waste energy by spinning the lure the entire height or length of the water column. If you are in 10m and the fish mark only in the bottom three, then I recommend you spin the bottom half before dropping back to the bottom. Adding rod tip twitches and jigs can help and even outfish the fast retrieve, but doing so will also increase the chance of biteoffs. Drift only areas with shows of fish. No fish, no drift – don’t waste your time and energy.

Bit of a jig surprise for Lorinda in the form of a grunter.

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Spinning fast is hot work. If mackerel are in the area, they will usually show themselves quickly, so be smart and move swiftly if required. Other species will also eat metal lures spun fast. Don’t be surprised when a tuna, queenfish or trevally latches on. All species will also hit a metal lure on the drop, so be mindful of that. A couple of other pointers: let the lure drag out behind the drifting vessel because it slightly increases the length of your retrieve, particularly if you are fishing in less than 15m of water. If you get a tap that doesn’t connect, let the lure fall back immediately. Use single hooks because they are better at penetrating for secure hook sets. If larger fish show up, you can also use jigs and twitches to tease them into a strike. I have been employing metal lures more regularly when the tuna have been a bit thin. I prefer plastics for tuna. They haven’t been tough to hook, just not always easy to find. Tuna have eaten the metals, especially when skipped across the surface. So just remember: one lure can do many things. In one tour we can be putting fillets on the table, then suddenly come tight with a tuna or queenfish to entertain us. If the queenfish come up and stay on the surface, you can spin that same lure across the surface school. This might trigger explosive slashing strikes

that may not always connect, but definitely add a bit of spice to a regular day of school mackerel fishing. And if a school of trevally shows up down deep, just jerk and twitch the old metal slug through the school if the fast spinning doesn’t come up trumps. And see that cluster of bait and indescribable mess on the bottom? A nannygai or trout might be in there. You don’t have to pick up a different rod and lure – you would be surprised how effective and versatile these old techniques are when driven the right way. If you look back through older editions of BNB Fishing (available on Issuu for free), I discuss the techniques in depth. It is great to see the young folk comment on my social media and say: “Is that a slug!?” You can almost hear their skin crawling. I just respond with “#oldskool”.

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When the fishing gets tough A

S the saying goes, “that’s why it’s called fishing, not catching”.

A quality dusky flathead caught on a Samaki Vibelicious.

YOUR TOOL FOR PURE FUEL

Said with a resigned face by those who’ve had a quiet day on the water. While this may sound like an excuse, there is some sense to it, which you come to appreciate after repeated trips without landing any fish! For fishos, few things are more frustrating than fishing your reliable spots and coming away without a bite. It’s disheartening working hard to fruitlessly fish the same tides and times that have proven successful in the past. Driving home after a disappointing day and thinking about how long it’s been since catching a decent fish, you can lose hope and interest. But when the next weekend comes around, you’re hitching the boat, keen as mustard to get out there again. This is when the true meaning of the “it’s called

Bundaberg Estuaries by JOEL JOHNSON

fishing, not catching” saying shines through. Fishing for certain people is a job, for others a sport, and for many a hobby. All-in-all, it’s an enjoyable experience and satisfying when you’re out there doing it. These feelings keep us coming back. Catching a feed or trophy sportfish is the added and exciting bonus. I could fill an article with the wild fishing stories the new year and barramundi season have supplied me, but unfortunately, considering the significant number of hours spent on the water recently, we have very little to show for it. Trip after trip, travelling far and wide, the local rivers and creeks haven’t turned it on, but this hasn’t stopped us.

If anything, it’s given us more urge to get out and break the drought. Recently, we searched four local river/creek systems, from fresh to salt water and boat to kayak. Now you’d think doing the miles would get us the smiles, but still very few fish were landed. On our final effort, we dropped the boat into a local river to try one last location and on the second cast, using a Samaki Vibelicious vibe, I hooked and landed a sizeable flathead. The fish wasn’t a recordbreaker but gave us a sign the forces weren’t against us. After travelling hundreds of kilometres to land only one flathead at our final destination, guess what our plans are next weekend!? When fish aren’t jump-

ing in the boat, many people use their fishfinders or sounders to scan for structure, fish and bait. It’s a fantastic way to locate fish but can be an expensive addition to your creek tinnie and isn’t essential when it comes to finding quality fish. It may take more effort but it’s not as though spending more time on the water is a bad thing, right!? An excellent way to detect fish is to check the water at low tide. This can be difficult in some areas due to water depth, but it does show things not often seen on a sounder screen, such as currents. You can see deep banks, structure and pressure points where the current is forcing bait into areas predatory fish may like to hold. You may even find evidence of fish in the sand above the waterline, for instance, flathead lays (indents) left during the high tide.

Knowing flathead lay in that particular area on a certain tide, you can come back and hopefully bag one or two. If you can’t access an area on low tide and don’t have a sounder to aid your search, you can use your lures as fishfinders. Casting in a pattern and trolling the area (similar to the game Battleship) with a lure in each grid square can be effective. After a hook-up, it’s a good idea to work this area thoroughly because often there’ll be more. Summing up, the only way to catch fish is to get out there and try. It may not always happen like it does on TV, but it’s great fun trying and all the more rewarding when you do finally hook-up after a long day of casting. You never know what trophy fish are out there until you get out and fish, so wet a line this weekend and find out!

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FTER months of dry weather, the worm has turned and most of the Bundaberg region has received good rain, even the area around Bundaberg City, which has been tagged by many as being ‘protected’ by a dome. These fresh falls can only have a positive impact upon our creek, river and estuarine systems. The main benefit is an increase in nutrients that in turn feed those creatures at the bottom of the food chain such as prawns, which of course become prey for larger species. The other impact will be upon water temperatures, both in water storages such as lakes Gregory and Monduran, as well as creeks and rivers. This in turn will impact

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www.bnbfishing.com.au Page 24 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

Bundaberg Region by BRAD YOUNG

the feeding patterns of different species. Estuaries to liven up Another benefit to be seen throughout our estuaries is the fresh will stir up the mud crabs, which have been reasonably quiet to date. Good catches have been made recently and the rain we have experienced can only fire them up more. Reports of pots being raided, slashed and stolen are a disappointing reflection upon our community. Remember, ensure you know and follow the latest rules regarding crab pots and minimum sizes. After a fresh flushes a creek or river, the fishing action usually improves around the mouth where the fresher water meets the salt. If it has been a decent flush out, juvenile prawns and small baitfish are also pushed downstream to the creek/river entrance and become a great meal for species such as flathead and bream. Depending on how much more rain we receive, it will be worth targeting these areas with fresh and live baits such as poddy mullet, sprat and yabbies. Mackerel are about By the end of February, big spanish mackerel will be present off our coastline. This is a great species to target at first light, and especially after a dark night at the time of the new moon.

I have a belief they bite well at first light on a new moon because they have been swimming all night in the dark unable to feed. First light gives them a great opportunity to hunt their prey and enjoy a good feed after burning energy all night. I have a pair of olderstyle roller-tip short boat rods rigged with Penn GTi reels spooled with 80lb braid that I use to troll lures for mackerel. A ‘must-have’ is a 1015m length of mono leader attached to a wire trace and then the lure. The mono is necessary to provide some stretch or cushioning when fighting a large fish on braid. This stretch/cushioning ensures a quick run or shake of the head will not break the lure from the mouth of the fish. I use the FG knot to join the braid and leader. Regular readers may remember me trialling the FG Wizz, a patented knottying tool that makes the FG knot quick and easy to tie with great reliability and knot strength. To join your lure to the stainless mono wire leader, use the haywire twist. I usually use at least 60lb single-strand wire for this task. This is an easy and strong knot. If you have never tied an FG knot or haywire twist, check out YouTube to find quite a few videos providing instruction on tying both these knots. My favourite lures are

the Rapala X-Rap Magnum and Clackin Magnum lures. These lures come in a range of colours and swimming depths. Try to buy a variety so that on any given day you have a few options for testing which colour and depth is firing. These lures are built strong and have extrastrong hooks as standard, so they can take the punishment from the teeth of a fired-up mackerel. They can also be trolled successfully at six to nine knots, the target speed range for enticing mackerel. What to look for Mackerel will often be found in reasonable numbers, with their activity focused around a school of baitfish. The lesson here is to keep an eye on your sounder and search for a bait ball in midwater, which is a sign larger pelagic species are having a feast. Once a bait ball is located, mark its position on your plotter and then troll along the edge of the bait ball to pick up your mackerel. It is worth checking under large schools of tuna because sometimes species such as mackerel hang around underneath waiting for the scraps that might drift downward through the water column. When setting your lures, consider running them at different lengths ordered by depth and colour to help identify the best depth and colour for the day. From my boat, I initially run three lures, ordered

from deepest to shallowest diving. I order them this way so I am able to turn to the side the deepest-diving lure is on to avoid tangles. Once I have had a strike, I have a good idea of the depth the fish are working and the best colours to use. I then drop back to running two lures, again turning the boat in the direction of the deeperdiving lure. Once a fish has been hooked, have your deckie quickly retrieve the other line to reduce the chance of tangles and/or a lost fish due to crossed lines. Remember, a large spanish mackerel is likely to make at least four good runs before it will be anywhere near fatigued enough to try to bring alongside. Take care of your catch for a first-class feed. To enjoy your mackerel on the dinner plate, it is recommended you bleed your fish over the side of the boat or in the kill tank. After ensuring you keep clear of the teeth, a quick cut of the throat is all that’s required to bleed a spanish mack. As soon as the bleeding has stopped, ice the fish to firm its flesh for filleting later. While we have these significant rainfall events occurring, please remember: if it’s flooded – forget it. As always, I can be contacted via the Bush ‘n Beach website, by email at fishnboat@bigpond. com or post at PO Box 5812 Bundaberg West, Queensland 4670. Until next month… www.bnbfishing.com. au

Cape Moreton and Rainbow Beach reccies

OB and Helaine hit the ramp at 3.30am hoping for a quick trip across Moreton Bay.

The bay had other ideas and being the mess it was, hindered their speed as they travelled across the water. Days like these remind you just how far across it actually is and how long it can take when conditions aren’t quite right. Arriving at North Point, they were met by big swells requiring a fair bit of work on the throttle to get through and out to Cape Moreton. So close but yet so far, they punched the last 500m to be greeted by the sun rising above a line of clouds on the horizon. Being a public holiday, they found it a little weird that theirs was the only boat in the area and they hadn’t seen any others or heard them on the radio. Regardless, plastics were drawn as the first line of attack and duly cast with high hopes of nailing decent fish. Unfortunately, no one told the snapper and after an hour of casting they had only hooked one legal and three or four undersize fish for their efforts.

Power Boat Anglers by MICK CLUTTERBUCK

Rob eventually changed it up and tied on a 60g micro jig to see if he could get any attention from something different. It did the trick and as it hit the bottom it was smashed, putting him in all sorts of trouble. Using a PE1-1.5 jig stick and a new Shimano Tranx 400 baitcaster with 30lb braid, he soon found the rod totally out-gunned as it bent to the butt. Unable to put hurt on the fish, things were destined to end badly and they quickly did. Not to be outdone, another $25 jig was tied on and dropped on the next drift. It too made the bottom and on first lift got smashed. It was Groundhog Day all over again. They guessed the first fish was a cobia and the second an amberjack. It couldn’t possibly happen again!? Rob had brought a stack of micro jigs to use, so use them he did, attaching another ready for the next drift.

This one lasted the drop and two lifts before it got slammed, and despite changing up to 40lb the result was the same. On the other side of the boat, H had been watching this unfold. She was using heavier gear and hadn’t had a touch. It was time to go deep, so they headed towards Deep Tempest, stopping short on a little pinnacle in 75m for the first drop. The current was bad, with two 10 ball sinkers and 250m of braid not getting to the bottom. They found the only way to get down was to deploy the sea anchor and keep the motor in reverse. Even doing this, the plotter had them going 4km/h the other way and they only pulled in undersize pearl perch. At Shallow Tempest they found a show of fish that broke them off on plastics. Rob was not keen on donating any more $25 jigs and the fish weren’t playing the game anyway, but after his earlier en-

Helaine with a nice Double Island Point snapper.

counters he was now convinced there was something to this micro jig craze after all. In the end, they lost more than they landed but got a decent feed just the same. Expect to see Rob with a new beefier micro jig rod soon. Rainbow Beach H booked a house at Rainbow Beach for a little rest and relaxation with the family, inviting Rob Schomberg and his wife along. On the first day Rob and H decided beach fishing practice might be the go in preparation for the Power Boat Anglers’ upcoming beach fishing weekend. When it comes to fishing the deep, they are both extremely competitive and the beach was going to be no different. H hooked up to a nice dart to start with and quickly lost her spot to Rob when she turned around to remove the fish. By the time she got back, Rob was onto another dart of similar size. Then it was her turn again and so on until they left the gutter with a good feed, having only kept the decent ones. Turns out they weren’t the only ones chasing dart because one came in a bit short on one end, most likely due to the attention of a shark or spanish mackerel working the gutters. A couple of beach fishos at Double Island Point caught a couple of 20kg spaniards the previous day, which gave them food for thought. Rob also caught a strange-looking bream thing that was big enough to get fillets from and was quite tasty cooked in the smoker with the addition of his secret marinade. Next day they went back to the beach, this time to DI, but couldn’t cast a line unless they wanted to hook a swimmer. It was too packed to fish, so they sat back and enjoyed the scenery, beers and a feed of the prawns Rob had caught before the trip to Rainbow Beach.

The following day was a repeat of the previous, with everyone sitting around watching the water and having a couple of coldies to wash down the cold-smoked fish and crackers. Rob and H landed an invite to head out for an offshore fish with Ian on his Cruise Craft 685. Both were up early, trying not to wake anyone in the house as they snuck out under the cover of darkness. Ian was ready to go by the time they arrived, so it was straight off to the ramp. Making quick work of a flat Fishermans Gutter, once through it was off to the new wave-rider buoy searching for dolphinfish. The spot was dead and after a quick scout around, they moved out to the 40km line to look for shows. They found what they were after using the sounder and floated down some baits. H started jigging alternating plastics between the 57 rods she just happened to have with her, trying to entice something big. Eventually persistence paid off and she hooked a snapper, which fought all the way to the boat. It had been a long time between drinks since she’d landed a quality snapper on artificial baits and was glad to be back in the saddle. Ian followed suit shortly after with another nice snapper, but Rob was left seething as his run of dropped fish continued and he was unable to convert. They kept chipping away and managed a decent mixed bag by day’s end, with the snapper being the pick. Next meetings The next club meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, followed by Monday, April 6 at The Club Manly (bowls club) located at 26 Faine St, Manly. All interested parties are more than welcome to attend. Until next month, safe boating.

SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE

$50 $500 $600 $750 $1000 $1200

Ian captured a DI snapper.

Results from the beach gutter.

Fish on the smoker.

Offshore reef fishing fanatics WANTED One of Brisbane’s oldest deep-sea fishing clubs with a 100 percent safety record has vacancies for new members. Owners of suitable vessels encouraged. All levels of experience. Those without own vessels also invited to apply. Approximately 15 deep sea trips per year. One week-long fishing holiday to Town of 1770. Monthly meetings, video shows, guest speakers and free nibbles. 4WD beach fishing and camping. Inshore fishing also on the agenda. Interested? Then call Darryl (0407 596 822) or Robin (3269 5013). POWER BOAT ANGLERS REEF FISHING CLUB INC

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 25

Tide Times Sponsored by

AUSTRALIA EAST COAST - BRISBANE BAR

I boated this spanish mackerel offshore from Yeppoon. Sam Neuss

53cm of wild bass taken off the surface. Brett Dowd

Hi guys, I managed to get my first proper bluey past the sharks in Hervey Bay. Caught on a crab rigged on a handline, it went 7.99kg. Ryan Jeremy Sanders

I picked up a nice yellowbelly at Moogerah Dam during the rainy days on a hard-bodied purple diver. Chris Gartner

Out from southern Fraser Island I caught my first coral trout off a mark I found. Mattie Giles

WADDY POINT - FRASER ISLAND

Zachary O’Hara from Redcliffe eats, breathes and sleeps fishing. Michael O’Hara

G’day guys, here’s a Sunny Coast street brawler I managed to stop recently. The big-eye trevally was about 60cm in length and took a liking to a Lucky Craft Bevy Shad. Leigh Evans

My son’s first time helping with crabbing resulted in this nice full mud crab at Coombabah Creek. Ryan Gilbert

Terry Allwood landed this 9.2kg red emperor wide of Bundaberg.

■ Readers Forum ■ Readers Forum Page 26 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

www.bnbfishing.com. au

COMPETITION DATES This 57cm mangrove jack was tagged and released. Leon Mcclymont Love stalking these fish. They can be so skittish, so it’s very rewarding to play cat and mouse and come out on top. Tahni Cribb

DATE

LOCATION

2020 ABBT* Bass R1

Hi guys, I recently caught this mangrove jack on a whole live hardyhead while fishing a rocky ledge. Jye Treloar

I was fishing heavy (60lb) with my big gear for kingies off the Nambucca Heads Bar using livies and my first fish was this amazing 104cm flathead. It was a great fight but with the heavy leader it was easy to get her up for some photos and then a release. I went home after that and let my livies go as I was over the moon with this flatty. Luke Giovanetti

COMPETITION

Mar 7-8

Somerset Dam – Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

LAFMA Carp/Tilapia Mar 21 Eradication Comp

Wyaralong Dam – Lloyd Willmann 0429 614 892

Moura Muddy Water Apr 11-12 Family Fishing Classic

Moura –Zelma Lewis 0428 971 932

ABBT* Bass R2

Apr 18-19

Boondooma Dam – Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

Boyne Tannum Hook Up

Apr 29May 1

Gladstone – 0428 743 474 boynetannumhookup.com.au

Wynnum Fishing Classic

May 4

Wynnum – ozfishmoretonbay.org

ABBT* Bass R3

May 9-10

Wuruma Dam – Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

ABBT* Bass R4

Jun 6-7

Cania Dam – Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

Greenback Fishing Comp

Jun 6-7

Cabarita Beach – lionsgreenback.com

Weipa Fishing Classic

Jun 7-9

Weipa – weipafishingclassic.com

VMR Bundaberg Jun 26-28 Burnett Heads Family Fishing Classic vmrbundabergfishingclassic.com.au An 80cm flathead I caught between the rain. Jim Bob

Evans Head Fishing Classic

Jun 26Jul 3

Evans Head – evansheadfishingclassic.com.au

Hooked on Theodore

Jul 3-5

Dawson River, Theodore Margery Joyce 0448 931 338 E: joyce@southendcattle.com

ABBT* Bass R5

Aug 29-30 Somerset Dam – Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

SCF Research & Sustainability Comp

Sep 11-14

Sunshine Coast scfaustralia.com

WTF Women That Fish Sep 25-26 Barra Classic

Fitzroy River, Rockhampton wtfwomenthatfish.com.au

Flathead Classic

Sep 29Oct 2

Gold Coast flatheadclassic.com.au

ABBT* Bass R6

Oct 10-11

Borumba Dam – Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

Lake Callide Family Fishing Classic

Oct 31Nov 1

Callide Dam – Kris Lassic 0417 616 322

*Australian Basstasstic Bass Tournament Harry Long with a solid red emperor from Rainbow Beach caught on OM Flasher Rigs. Darren Ehlers

Five-year-old Hunter Whell with a good yellowbelly from Maroon Dam. Shane Whell

To have your competition listed in the calendar please phone (07) 3286 1833, email design@bnbfishing.com.au or fax (07) 3821 2637

To have a photo of your catch featured in Readers Forum, simply email ben@bnbfishing.com.au 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, March 2020 – Page 27

March 27-29, 2020 Brisbane Showgrounds

Star power at National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo

UST R A LI A’S greatest 4x4 and fishing celebrities are coming together for Queensland’s ultimate outdoor lifestyle expo.

Taking over 45,000sq m of the Brisbane Showgrounds this year, the National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo will host a star lineup from March 27-29. With a huge range of 4x4 accessories on offer, as well as the latest fishing tech, camping gear, kayaks and everything in between, the massive expo aims to inspire all with the very best of what the outdoor lifestyle has to offer. A top-notch line-up of celebrity appearances will also raise the bar for outdoor inspiration this year. Leading the charge is Australia’s favourite 4x4 celebrity John ‘Roothy’ Rooth, who is back with a unique ‘Up Close and Personal’ Q&A experience at this year’s expo. A man who needs lit-

tle introduction, the off-road legend has been exploring Australia for over 15 years and keeping audiences entertained with his renowned stories and lessons in bush adventures. The prominent outdoor lifestyle personality returns to the National 4x4 Outdoors Show launching Dustem Up Overlanding Adventures, a new project to unlock some of Australia’s most unforgettable off-road experiences. Up Close and Personal with Roothy will give show visitors an intimate and engaging special experience with the opportunity to ask questions, take photos and chat with this true Aussie icon on stand JR102 in the John Reid Pavilion. The exceptional rollcall of special guests continues with modernday explorer Jase Andrews and his right-hand man Simon Anderson. The stars of Australia’s number one four-wheeldrive and adventure

show All 4 Adventure are making an appearance at the March event. Driven by an insatiable curiosity for the undiscovered regions of Australia, these modern-day explorers have become famous for pushing the limits in some of the most remote and hostile places in the country. Also joining the lineup is Australia’s most trusted four-wheel driver, Pat Callinan. Having driven more tracks and beaches than most, published the country’s leading 4x4 and caravan magazines, and produced Australia’s first national 4x4 television show, Callinan is a natural addition to the National 4x4 Outdoors Show. Show-goers will also have the opportunity to meet Graham and Shauno from Australian 4WD Action. Focused on making four-wheel-driving accessible for all, the boys are bound to inspire adventure. Best mates Matt Baker and Burkey return to share their passion for our great land, taking to the stage to give insights on where to go to for your next big adventure. On the Catch and Cook Stage, Aussie legend Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt and his partner in crime Sheree will thrill visitors with their love for

the outdoors. Drawing on their experience from popular television show The Great Australian Doorstep, the pair will be whipping up stories and recipes on stage throughout the expo. Two new faces to the Brisbane expo this year are fishing extraordinaire Sam Hitzke and DIY 4x4 whiz Sam Eyles. With thousands of fishing trips under his belt, as well as having participated in top competitions and developed his own lures and fishing apparel, Sam Hitzke is a one-stop shop for fish-spiration. Also new to the fold this March is Sam Eyles. The hot shot redefined bush mechanics with an incredible 22-episode series covering his build of one of the country’s toughest DIY 4x4s. Eyles will take to the Outback Stage throughout the weekend to share his adventures and impart his wisdom. The 2020 National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo will be staged at the Brisbane Showgrounds from March 27-29. To buy tickets online or for further information, please visit 4x4show. com.au/brisbane Don’t forget to use the promo code BUSHBEACH for 15 percent off adult tickets!

Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X – tow your own way

F you plan to tow, then you’ll need a vehicle that not only talks the torque, but backs it up each and every time.

Take the Isuzu D-MAX, with 430Nm of torque on tap courtesy of the Isuzu truck-derived three-litre turbo diesel engine. The Isuzu D-MAX backs its endearing reputation among fishos with 3500kg braked towing and a solid gross combination mass of 5950kg across the D-MAX HiRide range. Whether it’s a plate fishing boat, caravan or tinnie, the Isuzu D-MAX has the pedigree of a workhorse balanced with the performance of a true thoroughbred. However, if it’s space for the family you need, then a large seven-seat SUV often makes the list when shopping for the family steed or tourer, and the best-selling ute-based SUV Isuzu MU-X is regularly atop that list. For towing, the numbers really stack up: 430Nm

and MU-X range are backed by an extensive dealer network of over 150 sites and comprehensive Service Plus 6-6-7 care package encompassing a six-year warranty, six years’ roadside assistance and seven years’ capped-price servicing for worry-free motoring. Whether it’s navigating a sea of traffic during the weekday commute or dropping the boat in at your local ramp on the weekend, the Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X are geared for any adventure and ready to tow your own way. www.isuzuute.com.au

Brisbane Yamaha set for record show

OME and see the huge range at the best prices at the Brisbane Yamaha stand.

Brisbane Yamaha dealer principal Aaron Goodchild said: “Each year we do our best to bring genuine savings in our show special deals.” You can find Brisbane Yamaha centrally located on stand number GT1 at the 4x4 Show. Brisbane Yamaha, located on the northside of Brisbane, will have the full range of Quintrex aluminium boats on display at the show including

ARB Capalaba will be attending this year’s 4x4 Show, so come and check out what’s new for 2020. Visit the team and start planning your 2020 escape. ARB has the gear to get you there. www.arb.com.au

Page 28 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

of torque from the same turbo diesel engine shared with the D-MAX, threetonne braked towing capacity and a generous GCM of 5750kg across the MU-X 4x4 range – ideal for those who don’t pack light. If you don’t plan to venture off the tarmac, then significant savings are to be had with the MUX 4x2 – still benefitting from three-tonne braked towing and a GCM of 5650kg – one of the best capacities in the segment. Instilling confidence while on the road, the entire 19MY Isuzu D-MAX

the all-new range of handbuilt Yellowfin true plate fishing boats. “The latest Yellowfin offshore range was the indisputable show-stopper at all the recent boat shows,” Mr Goodchild said. Yellowfins are true 5083 alloy plate boats with 6mm bottoms, welded-rib structure and self-draining treadplate floor. They are available in 5800, 6200, 6500, 7000 and 7600 models in four configurations of half cabin, centre cabin, centre console and rear console. Brisbane Yamaha is Brisbane northside’s only dealer for the award-winning Quintrex range of aluminium boats matched to hard-wearing Yamaha outboards. Brisbane Yamaha also has a brother company on the southside, Brisbane Quintrex, which is the dealer for both Evinrude and most recently appointed as a franchise for Yamaha outboards. Just like Brisbane Yamaha, it also offers the full range of Quintrex, Baysport and Polycraft boats. “The world-renowned Quintrex aluminium hull design delivers the softest and driest ride of any aluminium boat in Australia,” Mr Goodchild said. In other great news, the latest Baysport 705

Walkaround model will be on display at the 4x4 Show, and according to Brisbane Yamaha it has been a culmination of years of research and development with both families and fishers in mind. “This boat has been in development for 10 years and is a hard-core fishing boat over 7m,” Mr Goodchild said. “It includes high-level electronics and the legendary Yamaha 225hp outboard – all for less than $100,000!” Baysport manufactures the largest-selling range of fibreglass boats in Queensland and the complete range will be on display, from the 565, 595 and 640 Weekender and Fisherman models to the popular 600 Offshore. “Remember, Brisbane Yamaha knows boats!” Mr Goodchild said. “We always offer peace of mind when buying a boat because of our quality products, excellent service and unbeatable boat show deals backed by the best warranty.” For more information, visit brisbaneyamaha. com.au or call 07 3888 1727. You can also check out the Brisbane Yamaha YouTube channel for heaps of honest on-water reviews.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 29

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 31

BOATING & marine

Raymarine and CZone collaborate to offer integrated digital switching solutions

LIR Systems Inc recently announced its Raymarine Axiom multifunction display line is compatible with CZone digital control and monitoring systems.

The collaboration enables boatbuilders and system integrators to deliver custom CZone digital switching solutions with

rich graphical interfaces controlled through Raymarineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line of Axiom MFDs. CZone digital switching simplifies the installation of boat electrical systems through the replacement of complicated and often cumbersome traditional switch and fuse panels with networked digital switch interfaces, provid-

ing ultimate control of onboard electrical systems. When integrated with the Axiom MFD, the CZone system offers control of many different types of on-board electrical devices, including lighting and climate control. Raymarine will offer CZone and Raymarine customers a customised graphical interface solu-

tion that allows boatbuilders and system integrators to create highly customised graphical CZone control pages that integrate seamlessly with Axiomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LightHouse 3 dashboard app. Director of Marketing for the Maritime division at FLIR Jim Hands said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are pleased to offer CZone digital switching integration with our Raymarine Axiom platform.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Raymarine and CZone compatibility opens a wide range of integration and customisation options for our boatbuilding partners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;CZone integration with our Axiom MFDs is a win-win for the industry.â&#x20AC;? BEP Marine business leader Jarrod Sager said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boaters expect easy operation, with levels

of technology and automation equal to or better than what they have in their homes.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our CZone technology brings this high-level automation from smart homes to smart boats. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By integrating with Raymarine Axiom, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to offer our complete solution to an even broader array of high-end boat and yacht builders around the world.â&#x20AC;? CZone integration for Raymarine Axiom MFDs is available now. Boatbuilders and integrators can learn how to create custom CZone and Axiom solutions by visiting raymarine.com/czone High-resolution images are available for download at flir.app.box.com/v/ Raymarine-CZone

Tohatsu debuts portable 3.5hp

IKE many of Tohatsuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent four-stroke releases, the MFS3.5C has been developed after market consultation.

In the portable sector, the end user of four-stroke outboards wanted an outboard that could be easily stored, conveniently transported and in general featured a modern and simple clean design. In the case of the MFS3.5C, this model ticks all the boxes because it now has a unique engine oil breather system allow-

less squeeze.

More room, more features, more stability. More of everything for a great day on the waterâ&#x20AC;Ś all thanks to our revolutionary Apex Hull. 7KH UDGLFDO YDULDEOH ÂľDUHG ERWWRP VKHHW H[WHQGV WR the bow gunnel as does the wide chine. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a clever GHVLJQ WKDW PHDQV PRUH LQWHUQDO VSDFH IRU VWRUDJH

QX10FMAPEXMORE002

more room,

ing three-way storage capability, overcoming the worry of oil spills. Add to this new large front and rear carry handles and life becomes a lot easier. Couple the above with the new edgy and sleek design, throttle grip control, forward/neutral gear shift, 360-degree steering, light weight at 18.4kg to name a few features and this little player will appeal to many in the small craft market. For more details, contact your local Tohatsu dealer or visit tohatsu.com.au

QHZ FRQVROHV FDVWLQJ SODWIRUPV EXQNV XSKROVWHU\ DQG WUDQVRPV GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH PRGHO :HÂYH DOVR DGGHG WKLFNHU DQG KLJKHU WRSVLGHV DQG UDLVHG WKH GHFN IRU PRUH IUHHERDUG :LWK WKH QHZ $SH[ +XOO \RX JHW PRUH URRP WR VSUHDG RXW and enjoy your day on the water. :KR FRXOG DVN IRU PRUH"

The new Quintrex APEX Hull gives you more room, more features and more stability. Check it out at your nearest dealer:

Brisbane | Brisbane Yamaha 174 Eastern Service Rd, Bruce Hwy Burpengary Q 4505 T: 07 3888 1727 brisbaneyamaha.com.au

Bundaberg | Boats Galore 142 Enterprise St, Bundaberg Q 4670 T: 07 4152 6744 boatsgalore.com.au

Gold Coast | Surf Coast Marine 50-54 Brisbane Rd, Labrador Q 4215 T: 07 5563 7733 surfcoastmarine.com.au

Brisbane | Brisbane Quintrex

Sunshine Coast | Caloundra Marine

3DFLÂżF +Z\ Loganholme Q 4129 T: 07 3133 3468 brisbanequintrex.com.au

8 Baldwin St, Caloundra Q 4551 T: 07 5491 1944 caloundramarine.com.au

Page 32 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bush â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Beach Fishing, March 2020

www.bnbfishing.com. au

BOATING & marine

Suzuki Marine launches new DF300B into the marketplace

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S E D BY

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next level of acceleration without sacrificing speed, the DF300B is well worth considering. “Suzuki Marine has been the power of choice for many years as our outboards are highly regarded for their reliability, quality, fuel efficiency (with Lean Burn technology) and exceptional performance.” The new DF300B is available now in white or black colour options from your local Suzuki Marine dealer. It comes in either a 25” or 30” shaft length and ready to be paired with Suzuki’s Precision Control system. All Suzuki outboards (DF2.5-DF350A) are backed by the new ultimate 3+3 year warranty, which provides customers with further support, security and peace of mind. For more information, pricing and other inquiries, contact your local Suzuki Marine dealer or visit suzukimarine.com. au

, ,N L O

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NEW RELEASE C-CHANNEL RANGE

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As a result, intake air is free of moisture and kept close to ambient temperature for ultimate performance. The DF300B also receives dual injectors for both cooling and power. Injecting fuel achieves two things: it atomises the fuel and cools the cylinder. To provide the power and cooling needed, the fuel must be injected at precisely the right time and angle. The all-new Dual Injector System uses two smaller injectors, giving immense precision, improved atomisation and increased fuel efficiency. National Manager – Service & Warranty Ty Hawkins said, “The new DF300B adds to the lineup of our proven next-generation 4.4-litre V6 dual-prop powerplants that have been in the market for the past two years with our DF325A and DF350A models.” “Designed to push heavier boats or for those customers looking for the

This outboard quite simply carries the same DNA as the brand’s flagship outboard, the DF350A. The new DF300B strikes the perfect balance between awesome power and thrust with outstanding fuel-efficiency and trusted reliability, all in a lightweight and stylish design. What sets this outboard apart in this category is Suzuki’s Dual Prop system, which is a contra-rotating, six-blade propeller design, a world first in a 300hp four-stroke outboard. It’s an all-new experience that provides blistering acceleration and extreme cornering grip in this horsepower category. Whether you’re pushing heavy loads in a commercial operation or want that extra lift out of the hole in your sports or fishing boat, the new DF300B is built for everyday use. The proven 4.4-litre block gives tremendous

torque and is the largestdisplacement V6 on the market today. It has been engineered to run on 91 RON fuel, features Suzuki’s Lean Burn technology and 10.5:1 compression ratio. You simply have the right combination of performance, reliability and economical running costs. With six blades rotating under the water’s surface, the materials of the new DF300B’s gears are ultra strong to withstand high loads and feature special heat treatment to give additional strength and reliability. Not only does this configuration record high speeds under heavy loads, it also produces a strong reverse thrust, aiding in greater manoeuvrability. The Dual Louvre System at the air intake incorporates a double shield of blades, each one designed in a dog-leg shape. This system helps remove water from the air and prevents water being taken into the cowl.

UZUKI Marine is proud to introduce the new DF300B.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 33

BOATING & marine Insights into boat insurance

USH ‘n Beach has brought Nautilus Marine Insurance on board to expand the fine print and provide readers with clear, easy-tounderstand and helpful tips on protecting their boating assets.

The scenario When it comes to marine insurance, ‘now’ is always the right time to be thinking about your boat trailer. And that ‘thinking’ should take place at several levels including trailer security and

trailer loading capacity as well as the more obvious trailer ‘condition’ in terms of towing compliance and road worthiness. Unfortunately, trailer theft is not uncommon. You head off with your family for a day’s outing and some criminal decides your trailer is better suited to his or her needs than yours. You can reduce the chance of suffering financial loss and inconvenience by fitting locks to the coupling. Also fit a locking pin

if your towbar has a removeable box-section tongue. If the thief does manage to remove your trailer, marine insurance specialists including Nautilus Marine will take care of the claim. In doing so, they also will assess where your trailer is at in terms of its condition and potential lifespan. Just as many retailers will often remark that boat owners almost invariably think their vessel is worth more than it actually is, as do many

people who own boat trailers. Some marine retailers will suggest a boat trailer immersed in salt water once a month and rinsed off at the end of the day might have a lifespan of seven years. Coatings designed to slow corrosion, a thorough removal of salt water after each trip and regular maintenance will help maximise the life of a trailer. But once it has been stolen and then determined to be outside a typical ‘two years from new’ window, the amount of money paid out to compensate the owner for the loss of the trailer will be at a depreciated level. That level is determined as true market value. Not how much you think the trailer is worth and not what the trailer’s replacement cost is, but rather, a fair market value for the trailer having regard to its age and condition at the time of the theft. A vessel used in fresh

water may well last much longer than one only used in salt water and yes, the lifespan of any boat trailer can be extended by replacement and/or repair of parts suffering from corrosion. That’s why it is also important to note on your policy renewal correspondence that you have, for example, recently replaced the disc brakes, callipers, springs and hangers, some of the rollers and lighting. Provide evidence of the parts having been bought and the work done. That way, your specialist marine insurer will be able to more accurately assess the true value of your trailer at the time of its theft or other mishap. Another important trailer consideration in terms of insurance is to ensure, particularly at holiday times, your boat trailer is not overloaded. Why particularly at holiday times? Well your trailer has a number of relevant measures including its aggregate trailer mass,

which is the combined weight of the trailer and its full load when not coupled to the tow vehicle; the gross trailer mass, which is the maximum weight of the trailer and its load over the axle or axles when connected to the tow vehicle; the trailer ball load, which is the downweight of the trailer on the tow ball on the vehicle; and the trailer’s tare, which is how much the trailer weighs when unladen. You cannot exceed the maximum weights. At holiday times, this might happen if you use your boat to carry all its regular gear and fuel as well as a tent, marquee or fly, tables, stretchers, camp kitchen, ground tarp, pegs, kitchen utensils and other items. The combined additional weight of a full fuel load and camping gear might be enough for you to exceed the trailer’s ATM. That could well become a key factor if something goes wrong on the journey to the holiday des-

tination and results in a subsequent insurance claim being lodged. Similarly, you need to check the specifications for your towing vehicle – what is its maximum towing capacity when the trailer is not fitted with brakes and what is its maximum towing capacity if the trailer does have brakes? And don’t forget to check the overall maximum towing capacity of the vehicle when it is full of passengers and gear, which is the gross combination vehicle mass. In addition to complying with those specifications, you also need to be aware that the maximum towing capacity of a trailer and its load in Queensland is 750kg if the trailer is not fitted with brakes (be aware that many cars have a much lower towing capacity than 750kg). Over that and up to 2000kg they will need mechanical or hydraulic trailer brakes and ☛ continued P35

Any advice contained in this article is of a general nature only and may not apply or be right for you as it does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any advice provided in this article, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

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Page 34 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

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BOATING & marine

Don’t let your boat fend for itself L

EADING marine products retailer Boating and RV, which has stores at Capalaba, Slacks Creek, Tingalpa and Townsville, has joined with Bush ‘n Beach to bring you a regular column with some serious information and news about general boating products. Here, director Aaron Hunt looks at fenders, what’s available, why you should have a couple and how some of them can be resurrected once they fail. All powerboats, whether a well-used 4m tinnie showing the ravages of time or a brand-new luxury cruiser, should have an appropriate set of fenders. For the tinnie owner, the fenders might be a couple of entry level, flat-sided pads that double as cushions on top of the cross thwarts. The cruiser will have a set of fenders that are far larger and more robust to suit its requirements. The argument: “My boat is just a cheapie – you’d never know if it got a few more bashes, so there’s no need for fenders,” just does not stack up. OK, so what about the damage your boat might cause to another vessel when it’s tied up to the pontoon? What about providing some extra ‘give’ so a larger boat does not compress your small tinnie against a wharf when you’ve tied up? Do you know how to use a fender to help retrieve a boat in a tight situation with a strong crosswind and run-in tide? For example, when you are retrieving at the Bray Park boat ramp at Boyne Island, south of

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over 2000kg they must have brakes on all wheels as well as a break-away safety system and an in-vehicle controller. If not, and apart from the safety risk of noncompliance in terms of transport authorities, you also will have breached your insurance compliance requirements by towing illegally. An ‘excuse’ such as “but this is how the dealer delivered it me” is just not going to cut it with authorities or insurers when it comes to having the correct trailer under your boat and the correct braking systems operating. As always, any special conditions and excesses should always be explained clearly in your insurance poliwww.bnbfishing.com. au

Gladstone, you will find a beaut floating pontoon with the ramp right next to its northern side. But with a fast-flowing, big incoming tide and a strong northerly, it can be difficult retrieving your boat back onto the trailer. The conditions can be so strong that at times it is very difficult to push a boat away from the pontoon. At times like that, having a couple of fenders over the port side of your boat as you come into the pontoon can be of great assistance. Leave them wedged between the pontoon and your boat while you head up to collect your trailer. Reverse your trailer down as close to the pontoon as possible and then use your fenders as side rollers against the pontoon to help you get the boat started up the first couple of rollers on the trailer. Despite not being designed for the purpose, some fenders also can provide a helpful level of flotation should things go pear-shaped. Considering that an entry-level fender measuring 390mm is typically well under $20, it could be a life-saving investment one day, despite the fact you probably should have been wearing your life jacket anyway. For larger vessels, the logic is simple. All the reasons above and then some additional ones such as rafting up next to other boats or when sharing a swing mooring, which sometimes happens at diving locations, or when anchoring up for the night next to other vessels at a place

cy’s product disclosure statement. Always check your PDS and if you have a query, ask for clarification. If you need further information, you can contact Nautilus Marine Insurance on 1300 780 533 for any boat insurance requirements. Win a Nautilus Prize Package Nautilus will also be answering your boat insurance questions of a general nature and will be offering a great bi-monthly prize to the best questions received. The prize is a Nautilus Marine merchandising pack comprising a collapsible chiller bag, handy marine sports bag and cap. Just email your questions to qld@nautilusin surance.com.au

like Fitzroy Lagoon. Majoni cylindrical fenders, manufactured in the Netherlands, are a very popular brand. They’ve been around since the 1950s and represent pretty good quality. Boating and RV stocks Majoni fenders ranging from 450mm in length and 120mm in diameter (for around $20) to the massive 1400mm long and 450mm diameter models (about $180). With more than half a dozen sizes in between,

including the often-bought ones of roughly 600mm in length (about $35), they cover the requirements for most recreational trailer boats. Majoni fenders also have the benefit of having a replaceable inflation valve. Often when a fender goes flat, it is the fault of the inflation valve, rather than a puncturing of the fender body itself. With a Majoni fender, you simply inset a small threaded bolt into the inflation valve, then pull the bolt

and valve out of the fender. Unscrew the bolt, then use it to insert a replacement valve. Other fenders are moulded into the shape of a step such as the DanFender. So, in addition to providing protection between boats as well as between boats and jetties or other fixtures, they can make stepping aboard an easier exercise. They can typically support the weight of a solid adult or around 100kg.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 37

Lake Awoonga barramundi tournament

HE 2020 Barrabasstasstic Lake Awoonga barra tournament was held from January 9-12, with 40 participants across the junior and senior angler events landing 155 barra.

by MELISSA FROHLOFF

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2. Add eggs, vanilla bean paste and beat until combined. Mix in flour until a smooth dough is formed. 3. Roll teaspoonful-sized balls of dough and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Flatten balls slightly. Press a floured finger deeply into the centre of each ball to make an indent. 4. Fill the indent with jam. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside on trays and allow to cool completely.

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Best Five Barramundi was the major award for the seniors’ event, taken out by Justin Nye and Roderick Walmsley in a tie. Both got their bag limits, with upgrades, for a total of 4500mm. A 930mm barra caught by Justin Nye scored the ‘Biggest Barramundi’ award. Justin won on a countback because he was the first to catch the big fish. The contest changed gears for the coveted ‘Most Metres’ award. The winner, catching the most barramundi to increase overall length, was Roderick Walmsley with 26 barra measuring 16,780mm. Such a solid effort, fishing hard and long to land every one. The juniors didn’t disappoint when it was their turn to give it a crack. Local Jacob Watson took out ‘Junior Most Metres’ with five barra measuring 3350mm. Cooper Slade from Rockhampton came in second with six barra measuring 3180mm. A special mention to our third-placed junior David Nowland who landed his personal-best barra of 800mm, which was exceptional and he handled the big fish well. Helen Maclean from

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Rockhampton took out the female angler category with three barra measuring a neat 2000mm, however Helen’s highlight of the trip was her PB freshwater barra coming in at 930mm. She now has a great memory of landing this fierce fighting fish. Despite all the big barra in Lake Awoonga, plenty of small pups are still out there and Graeme Hooton snagged the ‘Smallest Barra’ award with a 435mm fish. All the anglers fished to the conditions and in the slight wind they moved around to find fish and

encourage a bite. Another year, another amazing barra event. Thanks to the local tackle shops for their help

this year, including Compleat Angler, Pat’s Tackle World Gladstone and BCF Gladstone. Congrats to all the winners and we are ecstatic to announce we are planning a teams barra event at Lake Awoonga for the end of 2020!

David Nowland and his personal-best barra caught at Lake Awoonga.

Justin Nye and Roderick Walmsley tied for the ‘Best Five Barramundi’ win.

PUZZLE PAGE Spot 10 differences

Dangers Words can run vertically, horizontally, diagonally and back to front.

EAn eastern A A blue Wdevil. R Photos: E TPaulASelwood T A

Catch me Y B S B R E T Z you L O E J if F W H E A U L I X H Z Q can! L

BARRACUDA BLUE BOTTLE CONE SNAIL CROCODILE CROWN OF THORNS

GREAT WHITE IRUKANDJI KILLER WHALE MORAY EEL MUD CRAB

Page 38 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

SEA SNAKE SEA URCHIN STINGRAY STONEFISH

WIN a prize pack worth over $50! For your chance to win, simply solve page or email design@bnbfishing. the puzzles, take a picture and mes- com.au before March 16, 2020. sage the Bush ‘n Beach Facebook GOOD LUCK!

Congratulations to Lynn Kelly on being the winner of the February puzzle competition! T&Cs: One winner per month. One entry per person. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Enjoying fishing Gladstone style W

ELCOME autumn.

February definitely brought the heat and, finally, rain to most parts of Queensland. I feel for the struggling farmers who missed out on relief from drought conditions and my condolences to the victims of the unforgiving fires. Closer to the coast, rainfall has ensured the rivers and creeks get a much-needed flush of fresh water. Crabs have responded and started moving through river systems, finding their way into well-set pots in larger numbers. It might be too late for decent barramundi recruitment, though the flush will allow for fingerlings to move into fresh water and the return of larger fish into the salt. The barra season opened with a bang, with plenty of fish available and fish to 120cm caught.

Gladstone Region by GARY CHURCHWARD

When the first of the run-off came down, the barra were feeding where the fresh met the salt. As the fresh water continues down the rivers, try looking for them in deeper holes. Most fish will head downstream, resulting in locations such as Port Alma and Gladstone Harbour holding better numbers. The rivers around Gladstone with a smaller catchment area will recover quicker than the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton, with its massive catchment starting out past Emerald. Depending on rainfall received in these areas, the Fitzroy can continue to run for a month or more. It can take good tides

Phil caught this grunter on a 65mm vibe over a gravel patch.

and up to four weeks after the run-off stops before the town section is fishable again. The rivers will bounce back stronger because 1824 months have passed since we received any decent rain. Before the downpour, the harbour and rivers around Gladstone were alive with bait, which had fish on the bite. Mangrove jack were being caught in numbers not seen before, with catches of two to five fish per trip quite common. The typical techniques have worked, though for consistent results, freshcut bait has worked best. I am an avid lure fisher, however I will use what works and have resorted to soaking pilchards on occasion with great results. Grunter or javelin fish have been thick, with fish to 70cm a common catch. At this size they fight hard and pull plenty of line, with distinctive head shakes. One of these fish will take a little time to net. You may need to drop leader size if they are feeding in shallow water or are hesitant to bite. Both lures and fresh bait work well and they are being caught in many different locations.

I would recommend looking at gravel patches and small rock sections to start. Fingermark have proved a bit slower, but they will become more active in autumn when the temperature drops. The odd decent fish is still coming from deeper rocky areas in rivers and the harbour on vibration lures and live herring. Blue salmon have stuck around through summer, chasing the abundance of bait in the systems. At times they were easy to locate because you could see them feeding on the surface chasing schools of herring. When they are this active, almost any technique will get them biting. A faster retrieve with a plastic vibe or metal slug won’t be passed up. Gladstone Harbour will be the pick during early March, or at least until the rivers clear. While blue salmon don’t do dirty fresh water, threadfin salmon are the opposite and don’t mind a little sediment. The middle to lower sections of the Fitzroy River into Port Alma will fish well for them. A small prawn imitation or minnow-style lure may work but if proving fussy, live prawns should get results. Flathead can be found sitting on the edges of the sandbanks and near isolated shallow rock bars. A shallow-running 70-

90mm hard-body or soft plastic will account for plenty, though if not, live mullet will get their attention. Pikey and yellowfin bream are everywhere and can be a pest when chasing other species, though their size has been more than satisfactory. March is a great month to be on the water, especially when the waterways clear from run-off, with both warm and cooler weather species on the bite. Cheers and happy fishing from Gladdy.

John with a nice barra on a hard-body lure from the upper Calliope River as the fresh started to push down.

A mid-40cm jack taken on a pilchard over a rock bar.

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Barra in abundance around Mackay

HE 2020 barramundi season opened at midday on February 1 and I was on the water and ready to go.

This 71cm barra hit the author’s 28cm mullet with no trouble at all.

Frank was stoked with his first-ever barra of 66cm caught on a live mullet.

This season opening coincided with good tides and after only an hour, at 12.55pm, we had the first barramundi measuring a respectable 80cm. With the neap tides building towards the quarter moon, the fishing in estuaries around Mackay was off the charts. Only an hour and a half in with an incoming tide and it was the best fishing I had experienced in years. It was a day to remember. Thirteen fish were released, ranging in size from 68-92cm. Watching them swim off healthy is nearly as rewarding as catching them. The continuous threat of thunderstorms and rain teamed with heat and humidity saw creek water temperatures through the roof, which had the barramundi chewing hard. When the water is hot the fight is crazy and unlike any other time. They jump out of the water further, stronger and faster. It is hard to believe these spectacular fighters have another level. Take your photos quickly when releasing fish and give them plenty of swimming time beside the boat and a chance to recover. Conditions remained the same for most of February, with temps in the mid-30C range and intense humidity and fishing. The following days were just as successful, with a good number of fish caught and released. If the fish are on, anglers need to exercise some responsibility and take only what they need. When the fish are schooled up due to conditions or spawning events, it is important the older fish survive and continue to lead the schools to support the prosperity of our fisheries for the future. The estuaries have been firing on all cylinders,

Fishing Mackay by JASON KIDD

with some of the by-catch stories equal to the barra action. Good catches of king threadfin salmon, fingermark and mangrove jack have been frequent occurrences when chasing barramundi. From most reports, these fish have been caught on live baits such as mullet, whiting, prawns and other bigger baits. With the rain, estuaries are teeming with life – prawns, fingerlings and mullet schools are everywhere. Run-off from the land after the regular afternoon thunderstorms has creeks looking dirty and this gives the larger predators including barramundi a great advantage when feeding. They will sit and feed on the abundance of food, which can make them choosier once they start to fill up. It is important to get the biggest baits to tempt their interest over the many others they see and make it worth their effort to chase your presentation. For five or six days every two weeks the neap tides in this area give way to the larger tides either side of the full and new moons and the barramun-

di become more challenging to catch in the creeks and rivers. With 6m of tide variation in six hours and shallow waterways it can be difficult to fish for barramundi. You will have a chance an hour or so either side of the turn of the tide and that’s it. Grunter use the strong currents and high water levels to feed across the flats and in the creeks. Spend time in your estuary and learn where these fish move to build up your knowledge of where you have caught them before and on what tide and so on.

This is the best way to put yourself in front of a school. Grunter pull and fight as well as any fish. Their take is explosive, they are fantastic table fish and if you find a school the action is heart pumping. The crabbing in the area has also been very good as a result of recent conditions and is best when there is size in the tides. Countless options exist for fishos in the estuaries and this transition period is truly a time of abundance in and around Mackay. March is looking promising for the good fishing to continue as long as the weather keeps playing the game with good rain, minor flooding and no cyclones.

A great effort by Frank to get this jack back out of the structure.

Flicking a Z-Man soft plastic along the mangroves found Andrew this barra.

Jason Kidd

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Page 40 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

James enjoyed a fantastic fight when this cobia took his lure on light gear.

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Benny with a couple of stonker Port Alma mud crabs.

Chris with an 85cm barra taken on an Atomic 85 Double Deep in Blood Red.

Queensland barra season off to superb start

HE barramundi season in Queensland is well under way and it’s been a great start so far.

Southeast Queensland has a reasonably healthy population of barra and it’s increasing every year. I’ve been catching good numbers of the species at Tin Can Bay and through the Great Sandy Strait for a couple of decades now. These fish breed in these areas, so it’s no wonder they are making their way as far south as the Gold Coast. Some of these barra are likely to be fish that have outgrown their fish tanks and are released into local creeks. They are very hardy fish and can happily survive in either fresh or salt water. A few known spots on the Gold and Sunshine coasts cop a flogging from anglers, making the barra very wary about eating a lure. If you want to get among good populations of wild

Fishing Trip by KEITH STRATFORD

barra, you ideally need to travel north to areas like Gladstone and Rockhampton. Travelling this far north puts you into serious barramundi country, with a chance of catching good numbers and quality fish. My mate Benny and I fished the Rocky Barra Bounty last year and had a heap of fun landing nice barra. We lost a lot more than we landed and since then have been thinking about a rematch. We spent plenty of time stocking up on deep-diving hard-bodies leading up to the opening of barra season on February 1. After a long wait, we hit the road the day before the season opened. We picked my brother up along the way and arrived at Port Alma ramp

Benny’s metre barra stayed connected despite a couple of straightened trebles.

The single hook on the rear of the lure hooked this barra perfectly.

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around 9pm. We dropped our crab pots in straight away, placing them at the mouth of likely looking feeder creeks. Though we had never crabbed the area before, it’s one of the most likely looking areas you’ll see for mud crabs, so our hopes were high. We were up early the next morning and scored a couple of big muddies for our efforts. Once the pots were rebaited and back in position, we went to our favourite spot that produced good fish last trip. On our last outing, we landed all our fish trolling deep divers. The standout lure was an Atomic Shiner 85 Double Deep in a range of colours, with Blood Red the fish’s favourite. As soon as our lures started bumping bottom, Chris’s Blood Red Double Deep got nailed and after a quick fight an 85cm barra was in the boat. This seems to be the average size of fish hanging around this area. We were all pretty excited and got the Double Deeps back down to the depths straight away. Chris got another good bite on the next run but the hooks missed the mark. On our last trip we missed a lot of bites using trebles, so Chris was running a single hook on the rear of the lure and a treble on the belly. This kept the lure buoyant, which is very important when trolling structure for any species. It’s possible to avoid a lot of snags when trolling with a floating lure. Dropping the rod back as quickly as possible as soon as a lure is caught allows it to float up enough to swim over the snag. This is often when a fish will eat the lure, so be ready. On our last trip, we realised it was better to go hard on the barra early to get them out of the rough country and even get them jumping so they found it harder to make their way back home to the snags.

This resulted in a few thrown and straightened hooks, but at least we got our lures back. It just so happens that Benny’s birthday falls on the opening of the barra season, and with things going to script, he hooked up next. He put a heap of hurt on this fish from the start and soon realised it was a much bigger fish than the last. It tore off a lot of line but stayed deep, keeping us guessing. We didn’t have to wait too long as a metre of solid chrome jumped behind the boat. We all called it a metrey, just to put a bit more pressure on Benny, but he fought it like a pro and Chris eventually netted his new PB of 104.5cm. After some quick pics, the big girl swam away strongly. The action slowed after the big fish. We missed a few bites because the fish weren’t committing. We pulled the pin at Port Alma and went to check into the caravan park and have a look around the city reaches. We barely saw a fish from Devils Elbow right up to the bridges in the city, so an early knock-off was in order just in time for a few beers. Benny and I had a bit of a late night, so it was a later start at the port the next morning. The first crab pot we lifted had two monster muddies in it. The biggest one measured just on 20cm across the shell and both were full. Some of our other pots were out of position from someone checking them, so we only managed one more legal crab. A lot more boats were out on Sunday morning, with boats in every location we wanted to fish. We motored around and tried a few likely spots for no result, so decided to head north and try a new area called Water Park Creek. None of us had been there before and we were pretty impressed as soon as we saw it. This creek is loaded with bankside rock that, in parts, stretches well into the creek.

We didn’t travel to the mouth because we ran out of time but did land plenty of cod, moses perch and tarpon. The creek was loaded with solid tarpon late in the day, with fish busting up everywhere. It was a good change from casting and trolling heavy gear for barra, that’s for sure. The next morning was our last in Rocky and we went straight to our favourite spot to try to get another barra before checking the pots. It was a bit quiet again, but I finally managed to get on the board trolling an 85 Double Deep, nailing a solid 96cm fish. It went really quiet after that, so we cast and jigged a range of lures. I tried something a little different and went with a big soft swimbait I had fitted with oversized trebles. I was only jigging it for about a minute before a big barra ate it and came to the surface. It was short lived because it cut me off clean through the 70lb leader. That was it for our barra fishing and it was time to head back to Brisbane. Our pots had been checked by crooks again and they didn’t even close them back up this time. We managed just one more muddy and went home with a good feed. Barra are special fish and we’ll all be barra dreaming at work until we can get back up there for another crack.

The birthday boy with his new PB barra of 104.5cm. It ate an Atomic 85 Double Deep in Silver Wolf.

A typical tarpon taken from Water Park Creek.

One of many cod landed from the rocks in Water Park Creek.

The author’s 96cm barra also came on an 85 Double Deep. This time the Muddy Prawn colour did the job.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 41

March muddy madness “H You don’t need to spend a fortune to get into crabbing. The cheap Big W pots work well.

Not a bad morning’s run.

EY Ma, the rains are ‘ere.”

It’s that time of year to get out of your comfort zone and get covered in mess. Maybe that’s what Christina Aguilera was talking about when she named that big hit many years ago. Maybe she was really wanting everyone to get dirty and get out to do some mud crabbing. Haha, somehow I doubt it, but it would be a nice thought to have a deckie like Christina on board pulling pots… Here on the Capricorn Coast, we have received some much-welcomed rain. Not as much as those up north but enough to green the area right up and get some drains running fresh.

A welcome sight. A couple of big muddies about to be tied up.

Crabbing is a messy business but well worth it.

Luke Peisker with a big Port Alma buck.

Page 42 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

Capricorn Coast by JOHN BOON

This is the time of year when I look at getting out and chasing big Cap Coast mud crabs. You see, I like easy crabbing and not having to work too hard to get fantastic rewards. I also love getting the kids out on an adventure. All three of our kids love pulling pots. We normally run into a little trouble because you can’t evenly divide eight pots between three kids. Generally I’ve got to pull up a couple to keep it even and avoid sibling rivalry. Let’s look at some tactics to get muddies in the boat. We have used these techniques over the years to achieve great success. Just kick back and let’s get down to business. Before we dive too far into tips and techniques, we will start with the main part of your arsenal that is going to deliver the goods – a quality crab pot. They come in many shapes and sizes, so how do you know which ones are going to work for you? Basically any crab pot that has an opening and bait in it is going to catch a mud crab at some stage. The pots I went with are from a company called Rogue and are readily available from all BCF stores. These crab pots are large, round, heavy-duty meshed, four-way entry and one other neat little addition is they have a bait pocket, so you don’t have to worry about zip ties or securing your bait to the pot. BCF regularly has them on sale at two pots for $60, which obviously works out to be $30 each. I have seen other crab pots that aren’t as heavy duty going for two to three times that price, so in terms of value for money you can’t go wrong. A couple of disadvantages include taking a little more time to set up because the support pipes that hold the pot up aren’t fixed to the pot, so you have to reach into the pot, pull them out and snap them into place. Similar crab pots have one end fixed to the pot, so you only have to swing them around and snap them in place. Another minor issue is the rope that holds the mesh onto the two rings isn’t secured very well, but a couple of zip ties fixes that up quick smart. The last one is they are quite heavy when pulling in, so kids might need a hand retrieving them. When I take the kids, I use a much simpler and cheaper crab pot that still works a treat. These smaller rectangular collapsible crab pots can be bought from Big W for about $13 each. They are so simple to set up and a very capable crab-catching device.

They are light, so the kids can pull them up and they can be set and ready to drop in only a few seconds. The disadvantages are the crabs tend to tangle in the mesh a bit more and you can’t use them in decent current because they are fairly light. I tend to stick these lighter crab pots in the gutters away from the main tidal run. If you went and asked 10 different people what their favourite bait was for catching mud crabs, you would probably get 10 different answers. They’ll likely say fish frames, mullet heads, whole mullet, chook guts, chicken frames, tinned cat food … and the list goes on. The most cost-effective method if you or any of your mates are keen fishos is to keep the fish frames from your fishing trips. Chop them into sizeable pieces, put them in a sturdy bag and place them in the freezer. If you don’t have access to free fish frames, most seafood places sell them for only a few dollars per kilo. My second choice would be either whole mullet or mullet heads. These are available from most fishing tackle shops and the biggest bonus if you somehow managed to forget to organise bait is you can also buy them from most 24-hour servos. They have saved me on a few occasions when I have left my crab pot bait at home. I can remember the first time I went to Port Alma (40km east of Rockhampton) many years ago. The sheer size of the place was overwhelming, but talking to friends who had been out there and to a few of the good tackle shops in Rockhampton had me confident I could find some muddies. Here’s what I’ve learnt in the intervening years. The first step is to get away from the main boat ramps. The closer to the boat ramp, the more pressure the area is going to get. Once you have located a likely looking area or creek, you need to figure out where the big male mud crabs are hiding. Setting pots in different areas is a great ‘process of elimination’ tactic. So set the first pot near the mouth of a creek, but out in the main channel. With the second one, move it a bit further up and set it in front of a small gutter (though don’t go too far from the mouth). Drive another two pots up to about the middle of the creek and set them in the same positions (near gutters) as the first two. With the remaining pots, make your way right up the back of the creek and place them in likely look-

ing gutters and maybe one out in the main channel. Obviously, the more mates you take with you, the more pots you’re able to use and therefore the quicker you will locate where the majority of the muddies are hiding. Once you figure out where the bulk of the legal male mud crabs are in a particular creek or river, you can move all your pots to that area. Ever wondered how a mud crab grows? Here’s a bit of information that might clear up a few things. A mud crab’s growth isn’t continuous but results from a series of moults that happen when it reaches the size limits of its current shell. Moulting is triggered by hormones. A new ‘cuticle’ (hard protective layer) is secreted under the old shell. The crab rapidly absorbs water, splitting its shell along suture lines, then backs out of the old shell. It’s amazing to watch. Substances stored within the crab’s body are rapidly redeposited to harden the new cuticle into a larger shell. The fluid in the body is replaced with meat during a period in which the crabs feed voraciously. The part of the cycle you catch a mud crab in will determine whether it is full or not. Crabs that aren’t full should be returned to the water because there’s no point killing one if it’s not going to provide a decent amount of meat. Checking if your muddy is full is fairly easy. If you press underneath the carapace just above the legs and there is a lot of movement, your crab isn’t full and should be returned to the water. If there is little or no movement then you’re on a winner. The same procedure can be applied underneath the crab on about the third leg down. Another good indication your muddy is chock-a-block is if it is rusty brown in appearance. We like to set our pots

on the bottom of the tide, so they can be moved in with the incoming tide. After setting your pots, you can either go and drop a line for a while or sit back with a cold beverage while you wait. We like to check and move our crab pots every two hours. In the past we wouldn’t check them until the end of the day’s fishing and while we would snag a few, we were oblivious to the potential our chosen creek could deliver. If nothing is in your crab pot, or only a few undersize crabs, it’s time to move it. We work on the theory that if it has nothing, move it a long way but if it gets a couple, don’t move it too far. After the first two hours and the first pot check, start moving them up towards the mangroves with the incoming tide. The gutters will start filling with the rising tide, so keep sneaking them in as far as you can. After the next two hours it won’t be far off the top of the tide, and we have seen this to be a very productive time. A red-hot tip is to move them right up onto the flats in among the mangroves. Make sure you keep an eye out for fresh diggings. Sometimes our pots are in only a metre of water near the top of the tide. After they have been reset for this stage, we leave them for the remainder of the run-in and about an hour of the run-out. If you choose to keep working them after the tide has turned to go out, it can be a bit tricky and you will need to be on top of your game, otherwise it can be a long wait for the tide to come back in if you get stuck. So get out there and into them. It might take a few trips to get some results but keep working at it and always document your findings. The more trips you do and the more things you try, the quicker the rewards will come.

The author prefers to clean his crabs before cooking.

Mud crab spring rolls are an idea to make your crab go further. Yum!

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Ethan Godwin with his first spanish mackerel.

Daniel Brown picked up a rainy day spanish.

Rain and small weather windows prove tough but rewarding S UMMER is quickly coming to a close, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it.

With consistent rain and lighter winds around central Queensland, fishos have been waiting for decent weather windows between rainfalls to get out and fish the blue water. These weather windows have become increasingly uncommon in recent years, so it has been a welcome change. With this in mind, it was an easy decision for us to get out and make the most of every opportunity we could. Favourable tides and an abundance of bait in the local area made for brilliant fishing across multiple days, with both inshore and offshore producing quality fish. Our first opportunity came with a forecast drop in the usual northeasterly wind. With plenty of storms around and not wanting to get caught out, we knew a short Keppel Island Group

River to Reef

by WEYLIN ZONRUITER

run was in order. We departed Rosslyn Bay Harbour on daybreak with one goal in mind: bagging a few spanish mackerel. Knowing plenty of bait was around, we also knew good numbers of pelagics had to have followed. Our trip destination was the outer islands of Keppel Bay, predicting the deeper water was going to hold the desired target species. Upon arrival, we quickly noticed plenty of activity, with birds and bait schools consistently moving through the area, so we immediately deployed a trolling spread. Whenever I chase spanish mackerel I make sure I have a broad range of options at my disposal, allowing for every possibility. It is important when tar-

Coby Pascoe captured a cracking fingermark.

geting these fish that you observe conditions and change tactics to suit in order to get the bite. Trolling is my preferred method for targeting spaniards because it allows me to cover loads of ground to find fish. When trolling, I use a mixture of hard-body lures and troll baits to maximise our chances. I run a spread of four lines, with each line positioned to target the different zones at which the fish feed. We made our first pass along the western edge of the island and within minutes marked a large school of what I suspected were school size spanish. We held our line and as soon as our spread passed through, bang! A double hook-up with two blistering runs! I loaded up both my crew members and after 10 minutes we boated two lovely school-sized spanish of 6-8kg. We wasted no time dispatching them to the Esky and getting lines back in. Cutting another few laps, we hooked up multiple times but were unfortunately unable to stay connected to any of them. After pulling hooks and picking up a few school mackerel over the next hour, the bite soon died, though with seemingly

Zac Toon held a lovely goldband snapper.

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impeccable timing, as a large storm chased us home. Two weeks after our first run, another opportunity arose, with the rain forecast to clear, five-knot variable wind and neap tides. We knew an offshore run was on the cards. We departed at the crack of dawn on a Tuesday morning and began making our way northeast to some isolated marks on the wider grounds about 60km from Rosslyn Bay Harbour. Unfortunately, on our way out we picked up a stray boat that decided to tail us out. Unable to shake the boat, I quickly changed course and headed to some generic marks a little south of our intended destination. After a good hour of minimal fish and being fished on top of, the boat finally parted ways with us. We quickly packed up and blasted to our isolated marks in the hope of salvaging whatever was left of the early morning bite. We arrived at our first spot and were in luck, with a good show holding on the small rock. Wasting little time, we set up a drift and sent down quality flesh baits. The bites quickly came and rods loaded up. First fish up was a beautiful school-sized red emperor of about 7kg, which was closely followed by a big goldband snapper of similar size. A couple more drifts and the fish kept coming hard and fast, resulting in a red-hot hour session in which red emperor, largemouth nannygai and goldband snapper all made their way over the side. With a healthy feed on board and the bite slowing, we decided to change plans for the rest of the day and scout new ground. But after five hours of little luck, we pointed the boat for home and made our way to Rosslyn Bay. Considering everything, it was a good trip, with smiles all round. The past few weeks of fishing have been so good, I am really excited for the months to come.

The winter bite is showing signs of life and I’m sure good fishing lies ahead for all the fishos in central Queensland. Until next time, tight lines.

Jack McPhail boated a quality large-mouth nannygai.

The author landed a red emperor.

FULL-DAY AND HALF-DAY CHARTERS ON THE CAPRICORN COAST

Find us on Facebook Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 43

Laura, Trent and Liam enjoyed Damien’s company on an offshore charter, catching a variety of fish.

A great day offshore for Joel and Ross.

Joe with a mangrove jack on a hot and humid day.

Jamie with a nice mangrove jack.

Sensational start to the fishing F

IRST, a big g’day to everyone and I hope you’re going

Hinchinbrook News by TEAM CRACKAJACK

great. This time of year is supposed to be our wet season, however, while we have had some nice rain we haven’t seen the volume of previous years. We have had enough to green things up and wet some previously dry waterholes but not quite enough to properly flush the rivers and creeks. It looks like the rain has gone south for a while, which is great because it’s sorely needed down that way. Since the barra season in the salt reopened, fishing has become a lot more exciting in the creeks.

A hard-fighting barra for Tim.

Tim scored a quality trevally.

Now we can add barra back to the list of everpresent mangrove jack, grunter, fingermark and estuary cod keeping us amused by throwing lures and live baits alike, with great catches among them. On the first day of open season we got into quality barra. It was a great feeling to be able to release these beauties back into the system. The ever-faithful 5” ZMan plastics in Smelt, Opening Night, Sexy Penny and Golden Boy have been the lures of choice, rigged with 6/0 ChinlockZ jig heads from TT Lures. Another lure we have had great success with is the Morry Kneebone range. Lures in the 100mm range dive to 1m and are proving successful in various colours. As for offshore, we have seen some good days when the weather has been kind and we’ve been able to get out. While the mackerel season has passed, some big spanish mackerel are popping up randomly and following the bait. We’ve made up wog

head lures and have had really good results using them. It was such an awesome sight watching a barracuda and wahoo jumping clear of the water, sailing through the air and diving on top of the wog head trying to catch it. The faithful Green Slimy Pilly from Lively Lures is still a favourite, accounting for spanish and grey mackerel, barracuda and the odd wahoo. While the quantity of fish is down a little, the quality is certainly up there. Nice nannygai, cobia, coral trout and trevally

are getting around, which is good. These larger fish certainly give you a workout when they hit, and the XL coral trout have bricked quite a few anglers who have found themselves daydreaming at the wrong time. It’s a good reminder to stay focused at all times so you don’t miss those big ones. Places are starting to fill for charters throughout

the rest of the year, so be sure to get in early if you are looking to plan a trip up this way. Well that wraps it up for this month. Stay tuned to our Crackajack Sportfishing Adventures Facebook page for further updates and notices. Until next time, take care and stay safe. May the winds stay low and the fish count high.

Tim was stoked with this barra.

Nick had fun pulling nannygai out at the reef.

Two full-time local guides!

Full-day inshore or offshore charters Come on a Hinchinbrook wilderness ﬁshing holiday and tick some of those trophy ﬁsh off your bucket list – barra, mangrove jack, coral trout, GTs, sooty grunter, spanish mackerel, black marlin, queenies, nannygai and more!

• Two boats available catering for groups of 2-8 • 3 to 7-day packages including accommodation T: 07 4777 2968 M: 0417 192 318 E: barra@crackﬁsh.com

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Robert spent a great day in the creeks chasing barra.

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Perfect time to prepare for Cape York pilgrimage T HE dry season is not that far away, and as time goes so quickly, now’s as good a time as any to start preparing for that Cape York trip.

The following is based on the experience of living most of my working life on the Cape, including living and working from a bush camp for 10 years, which was brilliant! Anyway, it goes without saying your vehicle will need to be in tip-top condition to head up the Cape. Ensure it’s freshly serviced with all tyres in good condition. We run two spare tyres. If you can’t, a good plug kit and 12V compressor will fix many punctures. Older vehicles will tackle Cape York roads and tracks without a problem, as long as they are in good nick. Remember, Land Rovers, LandCruisers and Patrols (in that order) were the vehicles widely used across the Cape back in the fifties, sixties and seventies, when roads were much, much worse than today. Replace or service/get repaired anything that sounds tired, such as a starter motor or battery. While batteries are available in places like Cooktown, Weipa and Bamaga, it is pretty inconvenient to have one fail when at Cape Melville or somewhere along the Tele Track. Stock standard vehicles do the full Cape trip without problem each year, however some fourwheel-drives may benefit from a suspension lift (and it doesn’t have to be huge). There’s a trend among more than a couple of vehicle manufacturers these days to reduce ground clearance to lower the centre of gravity. This improves road handling, however can also reduce off-road ability. I have recently been driving one of these (quite popular) utes for work, and been dismayed at how easily it bellies out in sand. A wheelspin or two in heavy river sand and she’s down. Regardless, your vehicle’s suspension should be in top condition. The springs need to be able to carry the weight of camping and fishing gear without sagging, and the shocks need to be able to handle the corrugations – well! Sad shockies will see very poor handling that can lead to fish-tailing, and in bad cases, total loss of control and a rollover. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Cape York

by ‘BILLABONG’ BAZZ LYON

It happens every year, and far too often. Snorkels of course are a great advantage for water crossings. Be aware of some factory snorkels though, as they don’t seal properly. Over time, the seals in any snorkel may begin to leak. A couple of years ago I got stuck in a river crossing – seat deep, in a LandCruiser Ute. It had a factory snorkel fitted, so I turned the engine off immediately, just in case. And just as well too, as after being towed out I dismantled the air cleaner to find water inside and the filter totally soaked. It had been turned off just in time! Some people also use water bras or tie a tarp up in front of the radiator grille for deep water crossings, while some others chuckle at such measures. In fact, doing this makes sense in that it keeps a lot of water out of the engine bay and helps to protect the starter motor, alternator and other electrical components from water ingress. Water damage may not be apparent on your trip – it might appear weeks later. However, the risk is real, especially with starter motors that don’t seal properly. A couple of mates with V8 Cruiser Utes have had water-damaged starters, and pulling one out takes seven or eight hours. There’s a lot to remove to get to one! It’s a stack of labour to add to the cost of repair or replacement. Universal joints, if your vehicle has them, will take a pounding on a Cape trip with the water and dust, and will wear quickly unless maintained. Living up here amongst it, I grease tailshafts and the greaseable tie rod ends every thousand kilometres or so and that works a treat. It doesn’t take long and gives peace of mind. The other components that can be affected by bush work are the wheel bearings, again by water, sand and dust if the hub seals are not sealing properly. Once a hub seal starts leaking, the bearings won’t last long at all. Many vehicles these days have wheel bearing setups that can’t be serviced – they will just die eventually because you can’t grease/adjust them. Stupid idea, but that’s the way it is.

Some of the Cruiser models like the 78 and 79 Series still have serviceable wheel bearings though, which is great. Keep it up, Toyota! If you have any doubts about your vehicle’s bearings, get them serviced or replaced, along of course with the hub seal. I carry two spare hub seals and a complete bearing kit for my Landy 110 just for insurance, and have never had to use them out bush (touch wood). However, I do service the bearings every six months. Hub seals should last a few years at least, unless they become damaged by grit. Other things you might like to consider carrying include a container with assorted nuts, bolts and washers, spare fuses of the type your vehicle/fridge uses, assorted electrical connectors and electrical wire, radiator repair gunk, metal epoxy for temporary repairs, electrical tape, a multimeter or test light and a small tarp or similar to lie on if you need to do repairs or even just for regular checks under the vehicle. I also carry a length of spare fuel hose and spare radiator hoses and fan belts, as well as a stainless steel flask full of rum in the event of getting stranded somewhere. What are the best arrangements for sleeping while on a Cape York trip? A very common and fair enough question, given the presence of crocodiles in many places. Well first up, camp well back from the water’s edge. Queensland Parks and

Wildlife Service recommend 50m, though many official campsites are closer where a steep riverbank is present. Some people just swag it, however in many places there will be mozzies, so screened swags are the go if you are in the open. Swags on stretchers are commonplace these days too, and help keep you out of the ants and so on. Rooftop tents are also very popular and a great concept for keeping away from anything on the ground. The only downside is the need to pack them away anytime you want to drive somewhere, which is not an inconvenience for many. With a camper or offroad van, of course there’s nothing to consider. A good old-fashioned tent is the other option, and with modern technology and materials they don’t have to be oldfashioned heavy jiggers or take weeks to erect and pull down. Plenty of models take a short time to erect and have good screen mesh windows, providing ventilation that is essential for much of the Cape, even in winter. As an example, I’ve been using an Outdoor Connection Easy Up 2 tent for years and been very impressed. It pops up in just a couple of seconds. Though a two-person tent, it is ideal for one plus a clothes bag, or two kids. There’s also an Easy Up 3 model, and with both, you just pull them out of the bag, let go, and the tent erects itself. You can watch my review on the Easy up 2 Tent at youtu.be/NnjC qqhWd1k And no, I’m not sponsored by Outdoor Connection, I just reckon it’s a great product. Until next month, tight lines and fun camping trips!

Pop-up tents like this Outdoor Connection Easy Up 2 take literally seconds to erect, and are easy to fold up once you get the knack.

Bulldust gets into everything, including universal joints, so frequent greasing is essential. This pic is of the Kowanyama Road on a crocodile research expedition back in 1976.

Having a snorkel fitted is great insurance in situations like this.

Cape Melville beach camp. Tracks into places like Cape Melville can be very rough and taxing on vehicles.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 45

There’s more and more bitumen going down every year on the Cape. Only about 250km to go between Cairns and Weipa. Supposed to be completed by 2023! Getting to the tip of Australia is on every Aussie’s bucket list! Just make sure to take all your rubbish with you when you celebrate the milestone.

Gearing up for the Cape I

’VE now lived on Cape York for more than 30 years, so I reckon I just about qualify to be called a local!

There are plenty of places to chuck a lure along the way to the tip, particularly early in the season.

Here’s a few hard-bodied lures worth taking – gold Bomber, Reidy’s B52, Rapala SR10, Halco Laser Pro and Leads Hijacker.

As somebody who has been up and down the main access track, officially known as the Peninsula Development Road, many times, it is often very amusing to read some of the questions posed by those who are planning their first expedition, particularly on Facebook groups such as ‘Cape York Adventures’ and ‘Cape York’s Awesome Adventures’. There’s no doubt preparing for a ‘bucket-list’ foray to remote parts previously unknown can be a somewhat daunting task given the propensity for media sensationalism these days. However, reality is often a much less formidable event, simply requiring plenty of common sense and some basic research to get to your chosen destination. You can’t find out if you don’t take the plunge! It’s OK to be cautious but not to the extent that you start stressing out. Those who are well prepared, barring serious mishaps, will breeze through a Cape traverse, enjoy the countryside and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Follow the ‘be prepared’ motto, then drive to the conditions and your Cape trip should have no problems! The author’s 5m fibreglass Hooker has been up and down the PDR several times without any serious damage.

Page 46 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

Far North Queensland by DAVE DONALD

It’s the few who treat the trip as a drive to the supermarket and expect others to help them out when they get stuck that are the problem. Weipa locals, for instance, routinely jump in their vehicle and drive the 10 hours to Cairns for a bit of shopping and other ‘city’ stuff at least a couple of times per season. As long as your vehicle is mechanically sound, tyres good and recovery gear aboard, it’s just another long drive. Most times, breaking out the tools or even engaging 4WD is not needed. Of course, it’s a different story if you intend on doing the Telegraph Track or making other off-road excursions. The most important thing to remember is to drive to the conditions. Most of the serious accidents that occur are due to too much speed over corrugated or washed-out sections of the unsealed highway. The same applies, even more so, if you’re heading up the Tele Track. Take it easy, and never drive into water you haven’t checked for depth – plan your creek and river crossings by walking them first and noting the best entry and exit points. Even the most wellequipped vehicle can come to grief when driven by an idiot (and I’ve come across quite a few over the years). Breaking an axle, drowning a motor or rolling over can ruin a great holiday, or even worse, cause serious injury. If you are towing camper trailers or boats, be extra careful, as well as checking couplings and wheel bearings regularly. Last year, I witnessed a near-new 4WD ute badly bend its chassis behind the twin cab section while towing a large camper trailer too quickly over a dip south of Archer River.

Regular Cape drivers will always stop and check a vehicle that has stopped on the roadside to see if they need any help. It’s just regular outback courtesy when you are passing through remote locations. Most of the time there’s no help needed but when the occasion arises that you may need a hand yourself, it’s easy to appreciate the need for that custom. In my case, it’s happened a couple of times over the years and that help has been very much appreciated. It’s amazing what some people are carrying in the way of tools and spares. If you are towing a boat, make sure your trailer is strong enough to handle the rough stuff. While most fishers fit a cover over the top of the hull, it’s also important to protect the bottom from stone chips and the outboard from dust incursion. Shade cloth makes a durable covering for the underside while vehicle mud flaps can reduce the number of stones reaching the hull. I find it best to remove the outboard cowl and then cover the powerhead with a heavy plastic bag before securing it once again. A suitable outboard cover can then be fitted over the entire motor, including the propeller. One practice that makes me really cringe is seeing fully rigged rods set in bull bar racks on visiting 4WDs. The reels are invariably coated in a thick red dust after a session on the unsealed sections and would require a comprehensive clean-up to ever operate properly again. I won’t even mention the rod blank abrasion that can happen on those rough roads. If you are carrying fishing tackle, store the

rods in cloth bags inside a capped poly tube and your reels in cloth bags placed in a tackle box or soft pack. Servicing a clogged reel at a remote campsite while the fish are chopping furiously off the beach nearby is sure to put a dampener on your trip. Just like your vehicle, your outboard and fishing tackle should all be freshly serviced before leaving home. As I said before (the legacy of being a Queen’s Scout): be prepared! One of the most-asked questions on Facebook forums about visiting the Cape is “what is the best time?” Here again, the sensationalist media has much to answer for because the perception seems to be that any traveller before June each year will find the road un-driveable. Now I know this answer is probably not going to be definite enough for people trying to schedule holidays well in advance, but here goes. Most years, the PDR as far as Weipa will be open in late March or early April, then will remain trafficable until Christmas. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, particularly when the Cape gets late cyclones or heavy rain events. The latest I’ve seen the road open is early June after cyclone Monica in 2006. However, if you want to experience the best fishing conditions, I’d suggest planning your trip between early May and midJune, or later in the season from mid-September until November. The bulk of the Cape’s tourist traffic travels between the school holidays in June until the break in September, with hundreds of vehicles on the road each day during July and August. No matter how well the gravel sections are maintained, the corrugations during peak months can ☛ continued P47

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One metre and seven centimetres I F fishing teaches you anything, it’s patience.

A virtue rarely seen in an adult and even more rarely observed in a 10-year-old. Recently, my youngest of three amazing boys achieved what many of us only dream about: his first metre-long barramundi. Having spent many years in the Townsville sport fishing and game fishing clubs, at a time when my bum could handle an aluminium seat and I had the courage to drink cans of Coke out of the bait Esky, I fully appreciated the significance of this life moment. As we all know, barra rarely play by the rules and there are more theories out there for how to catch them, how to hook them and then how to best fight them than there are options on a dating site. Interestingly, we were not targeting barra that day. Living in Cairns, barra are not to be caught or targeted between November and February and any barra that happen to be caught need to be released. Thankfully, Archie had a fascination with sharks and being school holidays, I promised him a shark longer than his arm. To increase his focus, we watched the original and the best Jaws movie, joined the 1.75 billion other people singing

Reader’s Report

by KERROD AGNEW

“baby shark, do do do” and taught him the context whereby he could use the famous line: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” I heard Siri from my room pleasantly waking my very excited son at 4.30am. Our plan was to catch some big live mullet and land base ourselves on one of the Cairns northern beaches. The weaponry would include a ganged hook, a few feet of wire and 50lb braid. Only the biggest mullet would be used and only the toughest, most patient 10-year-olds would get the opportunity to do battle with a great white (the species I had decided to label any shark he was able to bring to shore). I had also explained that while there would only be one winner in the fight, either way the shark would be released (after a photo) as a sign of respect to an animal that has its place in our oceans and wider environment. We never strayed from the plan and by 6.30am, I had set a rod as described on the beach with a big 30cm mullet that somehow survived the 15-minute journey from the bait collection point to ‘Shark

Archie pictured here with his older brother Ned. After camping to the tip of Cape York, the boys enjoyed a fish on the Seisia jetty. Prior to the barra, this nice trevally was Archie’s biggest catch.

Alley’ (a somewhat fictitious location given to my son with the intention of adding to the anticipation). Most kids after 10 minutes would have questioned their decision to rise before the sun, or expressed the hunger that had resulted from a rushed breakfast, or asked my favourite question regarding the length of time it would take to get a bite… but not Archie. He sat beside that rod holder with his eyes fixed on the spool for over two hours. He never asked me one question, complained of boredom, hunger, nor did he mention the north Queensland sun, which had now started to bite down on us both pretty hard. At 8.47am, Archie got his moment. The ratchet started to tick over as the spool gave up some line and right on cue I heard a scream that filled me with both adrenalin and joy. “Dad, it’s a great white!” Archie’s eyes had widened and I could see his chest pounding as he gripped the rod and proceeded to take it from the rod holder. In my calmest voice, I explained that this was what we had come for. It was both a shark and a big one – no pressure. By this point the spool was singing with more purpose than a Barry Manilow love song and that mullet was well down the hatch. In an effort to ensure the best chance of hook-up, I reluctantly (not really) took the rod from my son’s sweaty palms, engaged the strike function and lifted the rod. The hooks set heavy and I passed the rod back to Archie and wished him

luck as he marched into battle. After five minutes or so the battle looked pretty even and then I noticed the line cutting a clear path to the surface. Inwardly I was a little confused because I was not expecting a big shark to surface so soon. My confusion then morphed into a child-like squeal when a horseshaped barra exploded from the water. Initially, I wanted to grab the rod back off Archie and selfishly take over. However, when I saw the absolute thrill in Archie’s eyes, I managed to supress my ego and allowed him to enjoy the ride. The battle lasted another 10 minutes and eventually the beast had been tamed and was labouring in shindeep water. I told Archie to hold the rod tip high and walk backwards. At the same time, I grabbed the 80lb trace and attempted to drag the barra up onto the beach.

As I pulled, the water was receding and the combined pressure snapped the line (rookie error). The urgency of the situation then required me to jump into the water and I attempted to man-hug the now free barra and persuade it to exit the water for a photo. Thankfully, the story had a happy ending and the fish complied. We lifted the once-in-alifetime barra out of the water and posed for a photo that completed an amazing morning and provided ammunition for the tallest of fishing tales. As the barra swam off to fight another day and I shook hands and congratulated Archie, I realised he had learnt more than just the value of patience. In that moment, I looked into his eyes and saw myself and the reason I am still fishing 30 years later. We never caught a shark that day, but Archie caught ‘the bug’ and I caught a glimpse of a young man’s future.

A young man stood proud with a smile that stretched 107cm. Currently, this is his favourite memory of ‘being alive’… oh to be young again.

The fist pump says it all! Having tamed the beast, Archie and the author quickly used the Abu Garcia sword to get a measure before releasing her so their fishing tale would have some substance and an even bigger girl would be caught one day.

Gearing up for taking on Cape York post-wet ☛ from P46

get so bad they’ll shake the fillings out of your teeth and the trade winds will blow a dog off a chain. Well, maybe that’s a bit exaggerated but you get the gist. In any case, the Cape’s weather would have to be the best in the country during winter – perfect for those who are sick and tired of the cold, bleak climes of the south at that time of year. But if you want to avoid the crowds and find the fish a bit more responsive, then coming early or late in the season will normally find more fish interested in your bait or lure. There is one option that can help avoid any road closures and get you on the water well before even the early birds arrive. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Sea Swift offers a barge service that allows your vehicle and boat to be loaded in Cairns and delivered to Seisia or Weipa while you and yours grab the QantasLink flight and wait for delivery. Most parties choosing this option stay for three or four weeks so they can drive back out when the road is trafficable. Another way of getting in early is to hire a guide, mother ship, houseboat or hire boat but make sure you book at least six months in advance to guarantee a spot. Lobbing into town on spec during April and May will normally find every operator fully booked. As far as tackle goes, three to four outfits will usually cover most of the fishing scenarios you

will encounter. For the estuary, creek or lagoon, a mediumaction baitcaster rod of about 175cm coupled with a good-quality reel that holds around 130m of 10kg braid would be ideal. As a second outfit, add a fast-taper spin rod of 180cm and a 2500 to 3000-sized eggbeater with 10-12kg braid that is more suited to soft plastics and light baits. For trolling, live baiting and offshore casting, a medium to heavy spin rod of about 2m matched with a 5000 size reel filled with 15-20kg braid will handle most situations. Adding a similar overhead outfit will take care of any problems. These days, more and more fishers are opting to carry a fly fishing outfit.

My recommendation would be a quality 9 weight combo fitted with 20kg braid backing followed by an intermediate line. As far as lures are concerned, loads of information on the subject can be found in mags and on the net, but a few models I wouldn’t be without include the Reidy’s B52, Big B52 and Taipan hard-bodies, Fish Snakz 95mm and 110mm vibes; Bomber Long A 120; Halco Laser Pro 120, Scorpion 90 Deep, Madeye Paddle Prawn, Roosta Poppa 105, metal slices; Berkley Jerk Shads; and Rapala X-Rap 90. Add some 45lb and 60lb Platypus (or similar) leader, long-nosed pliers to remove hooks from the toothy critters, a lip gripper, braid scissors and

a large landing net and you’re just about ready. Remember, if you’re having second thoughts about the challenges of undertaking a Cape trip, just bite the bullet and go!

You’ll find all those ‘what ifs’ evaporate once you’re on the road, so much so that you wonder why the bloody heck you didn’t do it sooner. Life should be full of

experiences both good and not so good! Live it while you have the opportunity. It’s terribly boring wrapping yourself in cotton wool!

Forget Maccas et al – Cape roadhouses have the best burgers around, with the meat usually coming from the property. This one from Musgrave is typical and tastes like real meat, not cardboard. This roadhouse is a regular stop on the author’s Cairns ‘shopping’ trips.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 47

A red and fingermark double. Note the wet hessian bag that keeps the bait board clean and bait fresh.

Do the miles and get the smiles. Kale with a nice red captured while fishing a new area.

Boat camping around Cape York I

T has been a great start to the year and we have scored cracking weather between wet season squalls and thunderstorms.

Kale with a couple of solid fingermark. It can be worth fishing at night because many species fire up as the sun goes down.

The wet certainly came late. At the time of writing in mid-February we are finally getting heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday Island. Boating during the wet is often a gamble because you simply can’t trust weather forecasts and it can turn nasty extremely quickly. That said, we were lucky with numerous long-range trips, covering up to 300 nautical miles, as we explored Cape York and Torres Strait.

Spots that weren’t productive during the day can produce at night. Kale with a nice black jewfish.

On rare occasions when the weather is glassy, sleeping on the hard top is an option. Luke woke up, grabbed a rod out of the rocket launchers and was straight onto the spanish mackerel.

Page 48 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

Cape York & Torres Strait by MATT POTTER

Over the years I’ve been fortunate to camp in some pretty special and remote places, and I enjoy lighting a campfire on a remote beach, kicking back with a beer in hand and watching the sunset. However, because I’m often covering many miles exploring new areas in a limited time, I generally opt to camp in the boat. A number of advantages to camping aboard include getting up and fishing earlier, not having to lug gear up and down a beach and no risk of getting eaten by largetoothed critters while you sleep or make your way to and from shore. Anchoring is much easier and I’m able to relax because I’m not constantly checking on the boat. If conditions are good, I will try to anchor on some ground and night fish because often highly desirable lutjanus species such as red emperor, nannygai and fingermark fire up. Preparation is paramount, not only to maximise the chance of fishing success, but also to ensure extended trips are enjoyable and safe for all on board. Understandably, boat camping in a trailer boat isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and you certainly have to be keen. It can be quite uncomfortable, especially if conditions pick up, and people can become disoriented at night or feel seasick if they lose sight of the horizon. Therefore, ensure your crew is up to it and well prepped or it could be a long trip for everyone. For those wanting to do extended trips and give boat camping a go, the following suggestions may be useful. First, plan where you will be fishing and mark out one or two safe anchorages prior to departure. This ensures you have somewhere to seek shelter if conditions deteriorate. I will usually use Navionics or even Google Earth to do this.

It isn’t always easy trying to find safe anchorage in a boat at night in rough conditions. When anchoring up for the night, I will set an anchor drag alarm on my GPS. The distance depends on the depth I’m anchored in. While I have absolute faith in my Manson Supreme anchor, it is good boating practice to set an alarm because drifting can result in a dangerous situation, especially around shallow reefs. If you are planning to cover a substantial distance and carrying a few extra jerry cans, be sure to fuel up in the morning and not before you’re about to hit the hay. Circulating fumes are a sure way to make you feel seasick. You need to carefully calculate fuel consumption and consider the extra fuel usage in the event the weather turns. Ensure batteries are fully charged and, after shutting down the motor for the night, flick the isolator to a single battery and switch off electronics not being used. This leaves the GPS, anchor light and bilge on automatic. Knowing how many people can sleep comfortably on your vessel is also important – less is best. While my 7m Fisher Maxi fishes five people easily, I will only take two others when doing extended trips and sleeping aboard.

The cabin is pretty comfy and well set up, with windows for ventilation. For those sleeping on the deck, I throw in a couple of swags. A tarp can be handy for laying down on the deck and keeping swags clean and dry, particularly if they are going to be thrown in the cabin the next morning. A tarp is also useful if the sky opens. Up here in the tropics, a small battery-powered fan can be worth its weight in gold, particularly on hot and humid nights. Cooking on board is good fun and safe providing you use common sense. I have a backpack to hold my cooker, gas canisters, utensils, lighters and a few condiments. A ‘wind block’ is a fold-

able and hinged contraption made from marine ply. It is very handy and means I can cook on Eskies and seats without any dramas. While I occasionally have pre-made meals such as spaghetti bolognese, I regularly cook burgers, fish wraps and hot dogs, which are quick and easy. We throw a billy on the cooker in the morning and have coffee in no time. Having the crew keep the boat reasonably tidy and somewhat systematic is important. After hanging up the rods for the night, a few minutes spent tidying ensures we’re organised and fishing early in the morning. Washing any fresh blood ☛ continued P49

Something worth getting excited about. After a couple hours of searching, the author was almost ready to call it a night when he sounded up a wreck.

Getting pumped for a night session as the sun goes down. On this boat camping mission the crew covered 280 nautical miles (518km) exploring new areas.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

It’s barra time on the western Cape I T seems we are in for a late wet season on western Cape York.

The creeks and rivers have only now started to flood the roads and cut us off from civilisation. Hopefully the rain we are getting continues, giving our waterways a good flush and the local barramundi population the fresh they need to spawn. With the barramundi season now open, we’ve heard great reports of barra being caught around the Weipa area, with runoff drains producing not only good numbers of barra but the odd threadfin salmon too. Plenty of fish are schooling on points and around structure in deeper water. A few are on the flats

Weipa Wonders

by RYAN JAMIESON

during these bigger tides but they are hard to sight cast in places due to the dirty water. Barramundi can be one of the most frustrating yet rewarding fish to target. It seems just when you think you have these fish worked out, a successful technique you used in a previous outing fails to raise a fish. This leaves you scratching your head and going back to the drawing board. I have targeted barra all over Queensland for the past 12 years. In that time I’ve learnt

Danny Jamieson with a typical run-off rat.

Boat camping around Cape York ☛ from P48

off the boat makes the clean-up easier rather than leaving it until you get home. Hessian bags are great for cutting up fish and bait as well as keeping the bait board spotless. A wet hessian bag over the bait also keeps it fresh longer. Large woven polypropylene bags (ice or fertiliser bags) make excellent reusable and durable bin bags. The bin bag sits on the inspection hatch in front of the motor and is secured to the bait board with twine. A quick rinse out at home and it’s good to use for the next trip. A couple of other useful items to take on a boat camping and fishing trip are head lamps and a quality spotlight.

Ensuring safety gear is in order and making family members and maritime organisations aware of your destination and return time is a crucial safety consideration. For first-timers camping on the boat and night fishing, knowing another vessel is in the area can offer peace of mind, so it could be worth teeing something up with close mates who are equally keen. Know your limits and the capability of your boat and crew. The safety of all on board is the responsibility of the person behind the wheel. With careful planning you can have successful trips travelling further, fishing for longer and camping aboard your boat. Happy boat camping.

while you can base their movements and feeding habits on some fundamental attributes, it only takes one variation such as current flow, water temperature or barometric pressure and those habits totally change and everything you thought you knew about them gets thrown out the window. It is important not to get disheartened when you come home empty handed. Remember, the fishos you see on social media and in magazines who are consistently pictured holding large barramundi have put in heaps of hours on the water to nut them out, and even they have the odd bad day. Even though barramundi can be tough to figure out, you can take a few things into consideration when planning your next trip. For example, different places are more likely to hold fish on different tides and on different stages of the tide. On a big tide, I’ll move up onto the flats and target fish holding around the mangrove roots, laydown timber and rocks. It’s best to do so during the last of the run-in tide when the water is nice and clear. A good pair of polarised sunglasses can help you spot cruising barra and it’s just a matter of casting plastics or shallow-diving hard-bodies and working them through the general area. Make sure the lure is close enough so the fish notices it, but far enough away so as not to spook it. Nothing is more exciting than watching a good size barra in the shallows turn and eat your lure.

As for a tide with a big run out, a few hours before the bottom of the tide I like to focus on drains and the dirty water lines coming out of them. I work the bank 10m upstream from the drain, then move in front of the drain and focus my casts in and around the mouth and then further downstream along the bank, following the dirty water line. I like to use shallowdiving Bomber-style lures, paddle tail plastics including the Berkley Hollow Belly and walk the dog surface lures such as the Cultiva Tango Dancer. For the tides with little run, I like to fish areas where barra hold in deep water on structure like bridge pylons, wrecks, rock bars and riverbends. I first locate fish by sounding out these areas using side and down imaging. Once I locate a school of fish, I position my boat facing into the tide and cast large plastics and vibes past the school, trying to work them back through the area where the barra are holding. Throughout the tide I like to reposition my boat and work the school on different angles. It is also a good idea to again locate the fish with your sounder to make sure they haven’t moved. Lures I like for this application are vibes, large paddle tail lures and big prawn imitations. At this time of year, the rivers are up and the crossings go under. Barra love to hold in these areas and it’s a great place to target them. Simply fish the edges and back-eddies of the fast-moving water using hard-bodies and weighted plastics. It’s a good idea to fish both up and downstream of the crossing because

barra wait on both sides to ambush their prey. When barra are on the chew in these areas, they can be caught in great numbers, so be sure to practise responsible fishing. Barramundi are an icon of northern Australia and after experiencing their fighting capabilities and knowing they are held in such high regard as a table fish, you can see why they are so sought after by northern anglers. At this time of year fish are in fact still spawning and can be found schooled in good numbers. Please remember, if you catch larger fish over 80cm, they are most likely female and still full of roe. Resist the urge to drop these fish into your Esky and, instead, release them back into the water as soon as possible to ensure healthy fish stocks for years to come. If you would like to see more fishing action from Cape York, jump over and follow me on Instagram at jemo_in_the_cape. I hope to see you on the Cape.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Tim Appleton’s Infish Mundi Bait is deadly on flats barra.

The author with a solid barra jigged off a pylon.

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James Walker held a 99cm barra that inhaled a prawn imitation.

Visit bnbﬁshing.com.au to sign up Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 49

4WDING & off - road Toyota’s special-edition LandCruiser Horizon

S Toyota continues to celebrate the 60th anniversary year of its formal establishment in Australia, it has launched the limitededition LandCruiser 200 Sahara Horizon. It features bespoke styling treatments including a unique grille with a dark finish, black headlight and smoked chrome front foglight surrounds, semi-aniline leather-accented seats with unique stitching and ‘LandCruiser’ embossed into the backrest, and a black leather-accented heated steering wheel, with just 400 units to be made available. Toyota Australia vice president Sales and

Marketing Sean Hanley said the LandCruiser held an iconic place in Australia’s automotive history and the specialedition Horizon model was a celebration of that. “Toyota’s history in Australia started with the original LandCruisers brought into the country to work on the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme back in 1958 and since then, LandCruiser has played a role in the lives of people across the country from the bush to the beach,” Mr Hanley said. “This new specialedition Horizon model offers LandCruiser customers stylish and more distinctive visual appeal in a vehicle that remains as capable and compe-

tent on and off the road, wherever they choose to travel.” Based on the top-ofthe-range LC200 Sahara, the new Horizon variant also features unique door trim stitching, black interior and headliner with chrome accents, Horizon badging and the LandCruiser logo displayed in the front and rear puddle lamps. Under the bonnet is a powerful 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel that drives all four wheels – complete with a full set of low-range ratios – through a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the bespoke styling attributes, the LC200 Sahara Horizon is very well equipped with LED

lights, side steps, 18” alloy wheels, moonroof, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, multi-terrain monitor, premium audio system and rear seat DVD player and satellite navigation. A comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense features includes precollision safety system with pedestrian detection, active cruise control and automatic high beam, together with reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. The Toyota LandCruiser Sahara Horizon limited edition is priced from $129,090. www.toyota.com.au

Revamp your rooftop with Rhino-Rack’s All New Pioneer

S leaders and innovators in the roof rack market, Rhino-Rack is kick starting this new decade with the launch of the All New – the next generation of Rhino-Rack’s iconic Pioneer platform, developed almost 10 years ago. As the most versatile modular platform on the market, the All New Pioneer is designed to make loading, carrying and securing your gear a breeze with updated features. Crafted to maximise your carrying potential, the All New Pioneer has incorporated accessory channels into the front and rear extrusions to enable accessory mounting. Whether that be for a kayak or ski carrier, or even a spare tyre, it’ll clear up space in your vehicle for more of your

adventure essentials. Underside channels in the front and rear also enable you to mount your lights or other accessories onto the All New Pioneer. With a sleek, slimline look, the new corners allow you to easily access the internal channels of the front and rear extrusions for integrated wiring capabilities. This will enable you to install switches for work light solutions and tuck away those wires to keep them out of sight and out of mind. Incorporating an under bar measuring strip and position locator, the All New Pioneer now allows for faster installation to make organising your outdoor gear just that little bit smoother. Like all Rhino-Rack’s accessories, the All New Pioneer is constructed with only the highest-

quality materials, being aluminium and fibreglassreinforced nylon, to ensure it is lightweight but highly durable. To ensure it lasts throughout your adventures, the All New Pioneer is powder coated in black for increased corrosion resistance to maximise longevity and prevent rusting or fading. The All New Pioneer is compatible with RhinoRack’s industry-leading mounting systems. Built and tested for Australian conditions, RhinoRack continues to be a trailblazer in developing innovative products for the modern-day adventurer, and the All New Pioneer is no exception. RRP is from $1099. For more information on Rhino-Rack and to view the full product range, visit rhinorack.com.au/ all-new-pioneer

Toyota will offer just 400 units of the new special-edition LandCruiser 200 Sahara Horizon.

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C ARAVANNING & adventure

An outside view of the author and his wife’s new Vortex Black Edition caravan.

View from the kitchen through to the bed.

A new home away from home D

ECENT rain continues to fall and the land has responded with a carpet of greenery. The horrific season of fires has ended and with Easter fast approaching it looks like the ideal time to break out the camping gear and take advantage of the fantastic scenery available around our southeast coastal region. These well-needed rains have flushed out many of our local creeks and river systems, so it’s time to work these areas for a feed of mud crabs. A few monsters have turned up in the Noosa River system. Can life get any better than this? Apparently it does, as Tonia and I have recently bought one of our most important investments: a brand-new On The Move Caravan. Years of research and travelling to camping and caravan shows throughout the southeast region have at times left us a little down-hearted with what was on the market. One word that springs to mind with this whole experience is compromise. I’ve heard the words “If you want this, you can’t have this” so many times. It’s all about compromise. I suppose this story begins with Tonia and me enjoying a coffee at Coolum after an early morning surf. Our son Garrett called to see if we were interested in meeting him at

Caravanning by PAUL ‘CHIEF’ GRAVESON

Nambour for a caravan and camping show. We never pass up an opportunity to catch up, especially with the chance of seeing three of our grandchildren. What we didn’t expect that day was to run into Kevin Pole’s business Caravan HQ, and it was here we viewed the debut of a new model from On The Move Caravans called the Vortex Black Edition 17’6” Off Road. I can still remember seeing this van for the first time. It felt as if someone had stolen our wish list of wants and manufactured a product customised to our personal requirements. As the manufacturer says, it is tough, compact, solid and sexy. There is no better way to describe this beast. Walking inside, you do a double take because the interior is so beautifully designed, with every inch of space skilfully used to create the feeling of a luxury van much bigger than its actual size. The interior designing talents of Jennifer Mifsud have created what I would call the perfect living space. I still can’t get my head around the toughness and practicality of this van as an off-roader combined with the softness and style

Fantastic ensuite area with a toilet, shower and hidden 3.5kg washing machine.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

of the inside. Overall weight and manoeuvrability of any potential van has always been at the forefront of our considerations. A realistic working relationship between our tow vehicle and the caravan would need to assist us in overcoming any obstacles we encounter during our travels and allow us to access places a little farther off the beaten track. In today’s economic climate, fuel consumption also came into the equation, so scaling down made good sense. Over the past four years Tonia and I have become very content with living in a quiet environment far away from the madding crowds, so having a van capable of being off the grid for extended windows was another major requirement. This brings me to another important person in the manufacturing process of the Vortex Black Edition: Jennifer’s husband and co-owner of On The Move Caravans Lennie Mifsud. Lennie’s background as an auto electrician supported creation of a van with outstanding and well-chosen electrical features. For example, the three 150W solar panels supply two 100A lithium deepcycle batteries, which is only the starting point to supplying a range of LED lights and well-appointed appliances to make living off the grid easy. An LCD display situated near the front entrance shows water and power levels at a glance and provides a constant reminder of where the rig’s level of sustainability is. A good-sized 188-litre fridge, oven, grill and cooker with rangehood, microwave and washing machine are all here to provide the comforts needed for extended pe-

riods of travel. The van has two 110-litre water tanks as well as a 110-litre grey water tank. The internal shower is the biggest I’ve seen and the van also has the standard feature of an outside handheld shower at the rear, which is perfect for washing down after an early morning surf or evening fishing session on the beach. While talking of comfortable travelling, this van is also fitted with a new Dometic Dust Reduction System to pressurise the inside of the van, keeping the red dust outside while we travel the stock routes around central Australia. It’s a pleasure I’m looking forward to after reminiscing on past adventures using our camper trailer over those very same routes. The fine dust finds its way into everything, including your bed. It soon becomes an unwelcome part of your everyday existence. We’re so pleased with the storage options included in this van, with plenty of lockable spaces capable of carrying sizeable items and even surfboards. A large checker-plate toolbox sits on the Aframe, and two tunnel lockers are situated at the front of the van. One of these tunnels will contain a slide-out outside kitchen so we can take advantage of cooking under starry skies. The smaller locker above it will make a brilliant rod locker. This adventure van offers so many options. I was interested to know what features had captured Tonia’s eye and why she was so excited to make this purchase. I had an idea it wouldn’t be the chassis build or 2.8-tonne independent TuffRide suspension and airbags. She was simply overwhelmed by the way this van presented. She too has been looking at vans for years and continually commenting

as we pass travellers on the highway. For her, the Vortex Black Edition just had an incredible ‘wow’ factor and the finish and detail inside and out were simply special. I can’t argue with those comments. Attention to detail makes all the difference to the end result of a product and On The Move has taken a fastidious attitude to every last component, including the hinges and locks on cupboards. Everything has been taken into consideration when it comes to durability and longevity. It’s a philosophy that brings peace of mind, especially when buying an off-road caravan. I mentioned the lockup spaces for storage and room for carrying a few surfboards. I’d like to say a big thanks to Steve Walkingshaw from SAW Surf Designs in Maroochydore for creating another board for me to use while we visit the many legendary breaks along our Australian coastline. It seems a pattern is emerging of travelling with quality, especially with the purchase of the Vortex Black Edition caravan. A big thanks to Kevin Pole from Caravan HQ for assisting us in achieving our dreams. Kevin is a Queensland dealer for On The Move Caravans and based in Yatala. You can give Kevin a call on 0450 690 166 if you’re looking for a serious off-road caravan and let him know you read about the Vortex Black Edition in my column in Bush ‘n Beach Fishing magazine. I’m looking forward to putting this van to the test over the next 12 months, or who knows, maybe even longer as we explore and cover Australia. We’ll continue to share our adventures along the way. Cheers, Chief.

Check out the room for surfboards. The top hatch could make a nice rod locker.

A good look at the independent suspension.

The author just got this beast from SAW Surf Designs to take on the trip around Australia.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 51

C ARAVANNING & adventure

Exploring more of the Gibb River Rd

S I explained in last month’s article, we decided to travel the Great Northern Highway to see the Bungle Bungles and Wolfe Creek Crater off the Tanami Rd.

The collapsed area in Tunnel Creek.

Inside Tunnel Creek.

However, we really wanted to do the rest of the Gibb River Rd on the western side. Northwest of Fitzroy Crossing is the dirt Fairfield-Leopold Downs Rd that links back up to the sealed road. It winds up through an ancient reef, which resembles black basalt rock and gives the landscape some character. The famous Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge are located on this road before it runs into a T-intersection to Gibb River Rd. Tunnel Creek was definitely one of the highlights of the area for our family. Torches are required to walk through Tunnel Creek so you can find your way along the 750m of dark tunnel snaking along the creek’s edge. In the water were small

Windjana Gorge is spectacular to behold.

Beautiful clear water fills Bell Gorge.

Manning Gorge makes a majestic swimming location.

Page 52 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

Caravanning by TODD EVELEIGH

freshwater crocodiles, tarpon and eel-tailed catfish, visible by torchlight in the blackness. Little tunnels branched off here and there, which the kids loved to climb into and explore. About halfway through was a section where the ceiling had collapsed and the light filtered in. The background colours, sand and crystal-clear creek water were enchanting. Then it was back into the darkness for one or two creek crossings where the ice-cold water was kneedeep before it opened up to the other side of the ridge. The creek becomes quite wide, lined with native ironbark, gums and a flying fox colony. The tunnel was truly spectacular and was where some rebel indigenous outlaws managed to hide from the law in colonial times. They also had skirmishes nearby with the local troopers until the troopers discovered the caves and chased the rebels back inside, where they were shot and killed. They were harsh times and unfortunately indigenous locals got the rough end of the stick. You can picture it all unfolding when you are there. With the cave entrances obstructed by boulders and big fig trees shading them, they would have been hard to spot. The cave is dark and not knowing it goes all the way through would have been disorientating. It may have been difficult exploring the tunnel back in the early days with only a kerosene lamp. The history of the area and the rebels is detailed on an information board in the main carpark of the Tunnel Creek National Park. It adds to the experience

and gives the place a different feel. Up the road from Tunnel Creek is Windjana Gorge, a national park camping ground where we stayed for a night or two. An amazing thing about Windjana Gorge is in the dry season, small pools of water with a high population of freshwater crocodiles lie in the deeper parts of the gorge. About 300 freshwater crocs live in these little pools. They lie a foot apart from one another and sun themselves around the pool. They are quite relaxed around people and you can walk by them without disturbing them, which makes for great photos. The kids thought this was amazing, though they didn’t want to swim when I asked them. The gorge is quite long, with spectacular big red cliffs on both sides and a sandy bottom between. This can make it a challenging walk but definitely eye catching. If you can time it with the full moon and head to the waterhole at night, millions of micro bats come out and swoop down to the water to quench their thirst. All the freshies snap away at them to get a feed. Pretty amazing stuff. From here we headed east along Gibb River where we set up camp at Silent Grove, located 10km from Bell Gorge. Silent Grove is a little oasis nestled in a corner of the gorge. The best thing about Silent Grove is its amazing water. A little artesian spring runs all year round, which allows the campground to have showers and toilets. Great to wash the red dirt out of the cracks. Bell Gorge is a 15-minute drive from here and is one of my favourite spots

on the western side of the Gibb. It has a magnificent swimming hole, crystalclear water and nice little undercuts to lie your towel out in the shade, relax and read a book between swims. We chose to leave the caravan at Silent Grove and head further east for a day trip to Manning Gorge at Mount Barnett Station. You’ll find a beautiful campground at Manning Gorge too, again with showers and toilets. The walk from the campground to Manning Gorge is an adventure on its own. As soon as you walk out of the day-use area you are confronted with a creek. We chose to walk around and rock hop to keep our feet dry on the way to the gorge because it is quite a long way. Once the creek is navigated, you come upon a ridge to hike. It is open with mainly black rock around you, so you can imagine the heat coming off the ground on a hot day. You undulate over a few rises and falls until coming to the southern side of the gorge and then do a little rock scaling as you descend into it. From here it is 500m to the magnificent Manning Gorge Falls, which weren’t running at the time we were there, though we found a beautiful deep pool filled with sooty grunter. A few tour groups were swimming around enjoying the scenery. There was practically no shade at the gorge itself, so during hot times of the year it’s probably best to leave early in the morning to experience it. Make sure you take plenty of water because the heat radiating off the ground was extraordinary. The creek we walked around on the way in provided a welcome cooldown dip on the walk back to the car. A plastic 44-gallon drum

cut in half and tethered to a pully system from one side of the creek to the other transports all your gear across to the other side without it getting wet. Very cool, and the kids thought this was great, adding to the adventure of Manning Gorge and making it quite unique. We drove back from Manning Gorge to Silent Grove and to ‘Kermit’, our van, via Mount Barnett Roadhouse for a well-deserved ice cream. It was an easy day trip from Silent Grove to Manning Gorge and saved a few hundred kilometres of towing the van on corrugated roads. To go into Manning Gorge you need to pay a fee at the Mount Barnett Roadhouse. National park fees also apply to stay at Silent Grove and access Bell Gorge. The west Kimberley region really is beautiful. At the time of our trip there hadn’t been a decent wet season for a few years, hence why Manning Gorge wasn’t running and why we didn’t visit Mitchell Plateau. But hey, what a great excuse to come back and check out Mitchell Plateau in all its glory and Kalumburu for great fishing. From there we headed west and finished the Gibb River Rd to pull up stumps at Derby and give Kermit and ‘Kenny’ the LandCruiser, a muchneeded clean because we had red dirt everywhere! We truly love the Kimberley, both eastern and western regions. It was an amazing experience travelling to one of the very last frontiers in Australia. Sharing it with my wife and kids and making memories we will never forget was a once-in-alifetime opportunity. I’m sure we will talk about this trip when our kids have kids of their own. Now to conquer the northwest! Until next month…

Windjana Gorge freshwater crocodiles.

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C AMPING & outdoors

View from the Sandy Cape dunes.

The author’s camp setup.

Impromptu trip to Fraser with the fam

I, it’s Craig Tomkinson here.

Well the rain turned up like it does most years when school starts back for first term. We have had fantastic soaking rain as well as some very heavy downpours. About 200-400mm has fallen around the area so far. We only need a cyclone or tropical low to come down the coast and we will get a cracker flood. I have not really been fishing but have done a lot of crabbing. Before the December school holidays, over a two-week period my wife and I caught about 30 lovely full crabs from the upper Noosa River. Once the school holidays start we take our pots out because there are too many share farmers for us. When school starts again I put the pots back in. I took our old 1HZ 80 Series LandCruiser to work towing our 5m tinnie, did my first shift as a school cleaner from 5-9am and then after work drove to Boreen Point, changed into crabbing clothes and launched the boat to check and rebait the pots. Some days I would catch two or three good full bucks but even without success it was great to be on the water checking the pots and getting the salt air in my face again – I love it. For bait, once my reef fish frames run out, I buy raw boned-out chicken carcasses from the local supermarket. You can usually get them from your local butcher lots cheaper if you ask or order them. It takes about two hours from the time I leave work to get home, then I clean and cook the crabs, have www.bnbfishing.com. au

Noosa to Fraser Coast by CRAIG TOMKINSON

a shower and have a spare hour before the arvo shift from 1.30-6pm. I was crabbing for a couple of weeks before the rain came in, so I took the pots out in case it flooded and cut the roads off. Over the school break I saw a post on Facebook with a chap saying not many people were at Waddy Point on Fraser Island. It had been 24 years since Donna was up there, many years for me and our four kids had never been. So I called the 7th Wave Surf Shop in Rainbow Beach because it is a tourist information shop as well, and the staff said there were no campsites at Waddy Point campground left for camper trailer or vans, but heaps of campsites were available at Ocean Lake. The next day we headed off to Fraser Island with our wind-up Jayco van in tow. We got our barge ticket for $230 return, our beach driving permit and camping permit for $200 for three nights from 7th Wave and tucker and diesel for another $250. Fraser is not a cheap place to visit, that’s for sure. Low tide was around 10.30am, so at 9am we pulled up at Inskip Point and let down the tyres. We let down the fourwheel-drive tyres to 12psi and the van tyres to 10psi, because it was very dry and the sand had been dug up for weeks thanks to 4WDs towing boats, camper trailer and vans. Many got bogged going out to the barge. We left the blacktop, drove onto the sand, and immediately found a new

4WD towing a camper trailer in the left lane and bogged to the guts. Nothing was coming down the right lane and I was in low-range third gear, so I just drove out in the right lane like the 4WD was not there and headed to the barge. Why didn’t I stop and help? Well the 4WD was not in danger – it was above the high tide line and I could see its tyres were fully inflated. From my experience, people who do not let their tyres down right from the word go will argue with you about it. So nowadays if they are not in danger of losing their 4WD I leave them there. If I was not towing my van and no one was around, sure I would have offered our help. Once on the barge, the kids loved the crossing and we were met by a local dingo just off the barge on K’gari (Fraser). The drive up the beach was great because it was a full moon with big high and low tides, so no waterholes anywhere. The Indian Head sand blow was no problem because the van has a tracking wheelbase the same as the 80, which helps it tow on the beach. I was told the road to Orchid Beach was dug up and we might have trouble towing the van through, but it was no worries, just a bit slow on the big humpty-doos. Once at Waddy Point we drove around before heading to Ocean Lake. We found a sort of shady spot high up on the bank, set up the van and had a feed.

Then we drove back to Waddy and walked up to the headland. We preferred it over Indian Head where there were just too many people for us. That night, refreshed by a lovely cool breeze, we looked on as the moon rose over the ocean. The next day I was up and had brekkie watching the sun rise over the water. We drove back to Orchid Beach and I showed the kids the lovely little town overlooking the water, then we headed out to Wathumba Creek. We did not let our kids swim because someone was stung by an irukandji jellyfish a few days earlier. We drove back to camp, had dinner and drove to the tip of Fraser. Ngkala Rocks was a non-event and I could have towed the van through easily. As we came through we found a V8 Cruiser bogged to the guts in the middle of the track. We just drove around him because he was with a heap of other 4WDs and they were giving him crap for getting bogged. On the drive we saw dozens of turtle nests in the sand dunes, which was great to see. As we came around the top to where you go up to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse, we came across 4WDs and people everywhere. We drove back up the beach, walked up a not terribly steep dune and the view from the top was great. It was hot as hell on that side out of the southeasterly wind, so we came back down the beach and had a swim in Ocean Lake. It was OK but not as clean as the other very busy lakes.

That arvo while the rest of my family relaxed in the shade of the camp I went and caught a few beach worms, then rigged up a small whiting rod and cast out. Bang, I was straight onto a good dart. Our son Gavin came down, so I cast out and gave him the rod and he was onto another dart. Then our daughter Lauren came down, so I rigged up another rod and cast it out and she was on. It was great fishing for an hour or so and we kept about a dozen of the better fish. The next day the plan was to pack up and head down the beach to central station. Well the first bit was OK and the drive from Waddy through to Middle Rocks was good. We were going to have a swim in the Champagne Pools but the sand was too hot to walk on so we kept going. The further we went, the more people were on the beach. Eli Creek was full with not one more spot to park our 4WD. Instead, we just drove down the beach, got on the barge and crossed, then pulled up at Inskip near the lead lights and had a swim. It was great to take the kids to K’gari but would we go back again? Yes, but just for a day trip on a Sunday to do the bottom end of the island, which we did not see this trip. One year when we are camped at Inskip we will go over again with the empty 4WD. Other than that I would not bother going back, I would rather go to Cape York where there are fewer restrictions. ‘Til next month, be safe on the roads and water.

A longhorn cowfish washed up on the beach.

A southern pygmy leatherjacket washed up on the beach.

The author landed a dart.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 53

Rodney Pearce, Robert Hadwen and Richard Brown were acknowledged for their dedication to the comp.

Heaviest yellowbelly was won by Bill Smith and Ashley Chandler who tied with a yellowbelly of 1.615kg. Presented by councillor Ros Heit and Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff of the South Burnett Regional Council, they both took home $300 worth of cash, prizes and trophies sponsored by Smithfield Cattle Company.

The winner of the heaviest bass section sponsored by Barambah Business Services was Steve Sloman, with a fish of 1.32kg securing him $200 in cash, prizes and a trophy presented by treasurer David Brockelsby, Mayor Keith Campbell and secretary Russell Steinhardt.

February 2020 Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition results

T President Glen Munro, winner of the Evakool fridge/ freezer Rodney Giles and MC Matthew Mott.

Benjamin Horne showed how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done.

Lake Monduran n

t rs harte C g in i h is F s e n li Guidde s latest update Facebook Find us on F

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USEBOAT HIR MONDURAN HO

HE Boondooma Dam Fish Stocking & Management Association celebrated its 30th annual Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition on February 8 and 9 with a $15,000 custom-made 395 Bluefin Drifter Deluxe boat/ motor/trailer and safety package up for grabs. Being the 30th year, life member Alan (Joey) Keates and original members Peter MacDonald, Noel Liesegang and Ken Jorgensen attended and gave an overview of how the Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition commenced in 1990. With the combination of drought, fires and floods wreaking havoc across Australia, the committee was overwhelmed with the number of people who attended this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comp. The atmosphere was second to none, with MC Matthew Mott and committee members keeping the ball rolling throughout the weekend. The dedication to and love of this comp showed this year when entrants Rodney Pearce, Robert Hadwen and Richard Brown rolled their vehicle on the way to the comp from Bundaberg, with boat attached. Their vehicle was a total write-off and they were taken to hospital with cuts and bruises. While Robert had to wear a neck brace on the Saturday as a precaution, they continued their journey to Boomdooma and Rodney was presented with a jar of vegemite along with other prizes for their commitment to the comp. Visitors came from all over southeast Queensland and northern NSW to attend. This year saw almost 700 entrants including 170 juniors. Cash and other prizes were presented over the

three sessions as well as overall competition winners at the conclusion of the event on the Sunday. With the recent rainfall, the dam was a picture, even though the water level was sitting fairly low at 27.7 percent. The dam fished extremely well for the 2020 event, with 407 fish going through the catch and release section and another 245 in the gilled and gutted section. The biggest yellowbelly of the event weighed in at 1.615kg (in both junior and senior sections!). The catch and release section consisted of yellowbelly, bass, jewfish, silver perch and spangled perch, with anglers utilising the Track My Fish app to photograph and release the fish. Troy Harch won the yellowbelly category with a fish of 510mm. Rob Thomas won longest bass with a 530mm fish. The heaviest yellowbelly title was claimed by Ashley Chandler and Bill Smith, capturing a yellowbelly of 1.615kg. They both took home $300 worth of cash, prizes and a trophy sponsored by Smithfield Cattle Co. The winner of the heaviest bass section sponsored by Barambah Business Services was Steve Sloman who landed a bass of 1.32kg to secure $200 in cash, prizes and a trophy. Hanwood Fish Hatchery champion junior angler for yellowbelly was Daniel Humphrey with his yellowbelly of 1.615kg. The junior bass title was claimed by Reuben Russell and his 1.255kg fish. Once again, the Boondooma Dam Fish Stocking & Management Association promoted the catching and destroying of the pest fish tilapia, with cash prizes sponsored by Blinks Baits for the heaviest amount of tilapia caught in each session.

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Page 54 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bush â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Beach Fishing, March 2020

All profit made from the weekend goes back into buying more fingerlings and ensuring the future for Lake Boondooma. Food and drinks stalls were supplied by local community groups over the weekend and the great camping facilities provided by the South Burnett Regional Council were put to good use for campers staying at the dam. Planning for 2021â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition is already in full swing and will be one

you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss. Stay up to date with the latest info by following Boondooma Dam Fish Stocking on Facebook and Instagram. Also check out the list of generous sponsors who each year support this comp with up to $50,000 worth of cash and prizes for all competitors. Additional information on the local area and past fishing competitions can be found on the Proston Online website at proston online.info

Boondooma Dam Fish Stocking members along with the Mayor and South Burnett Regional Councillors congratulated the winner of the major prize boat sponsored by Cunningham Marine Centre.

Life member Alan (Joey) Keates and original members Peter MacDonald, Noel Liesegang and Ken Jorgensen held the heaviest yellowbelly and heaviest bass trophies.

2020 RESULTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; catch and release overall winners Longest yellowbelly

Troy Harch

510mm

Longest bass

Rob Thomas

530mm

Longest jewfish

Jodie Carsberg

520mm

Most fish

Chris Gagel

2020 RESULTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; gilled and gutted overall winners

COMFORTABLE 13.6M HOUSEBOAT

07 4157 3881 or email info@lakem.com.au lakemonduranhouseboathire.com.au

The 395 Bluefin Drifter Deluxe boat/motor/trailer and safety package was won by Melody White from Nanango who will keep the custom-made wrap as fitted to the boat. This prize was proudly sponsored by Boondooma Dam Fish Stocking & Management Association, Cunningham Marine Centre and Smak Lures. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who attended to make it â&#x20AC;&#x153;the best comp yetâ&#x20AC;? as said by competitors.

All entrants, young and old, delighted in the competition weekend.

Senior heaviest yellowbelly

Ashley Chandler and Bill Smith

1.615kg

Senior heaviest bass

Steve Sloman

1.32kg

Senior heaviest jewfish

Jodie Carsberg

1.515kg

Junior heaviest yellowbelly

Daniel Humphrey

1.615kg

Junior heaviest bass

Reuben Russell

1.255kg

Junior heaviest jew

Tyler Apps

1.305kg www.bnbfishing.com. au

Australia Day adventures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hitting the fresh

USTRALIA Day, how good is it!?

The parties, catching up with friends and not to mention an extra day off work to wet a line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty to get excited about. After some thought, I had two opportunities to fish over the long weekend: early Saturday morning while on the way to see my family and again on Monday morning for a sneaky bay session. Because different family members live all the way along between Gympie and Tin Can Bay, I had plenty of options as to where I could wet a line. A number of years back I lived in Gympie and while there was introduced to the wonderful world of bass fishing. In particular, chasing them on the surface. Back then, my first-ever trip consisted of us walking down a goat track in the middle of the night to the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. In complete darkness we started throwing poppers and surface crawlers. Being an avid saltwater angler, I have to be honest, I was sceptical. That was until I heard my mateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lure get inhaled at his feet, which resulted in a mid-40cm bass being landed. This was the turning point for me and over the next few years I made it a mission to chase big bass off the surface. Fast forward a good 10-plus years and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve only fished the Mary River once since moving away. Now I had an opportunity over the long weekend, I was keen to hit some old spots and pull a bass. Kaitlin, my middle daughter, is a mad-keen fisho and over the years has developed a passion

Pro Staff Pointers by SEAN BEKKERS

for fishing, particularly notching up new species. This would double as Kaitlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first session targeting bass. The mighty Mary River is a huge expanse of water with dozens of access points. Google Maps, along with a little research, will go a long way if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re keen to tangle with some hard-fighting bass in this system. We chose a little tributary running off the main body of the river, which in years gone by has produced quality fish. It is a relatively small stretch of water loaded with structure and deeper holes. Accessing some of the areas can be a little tricky and even when at the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge, finding a good spot to cast from can be difficult. Arriving at the creekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge just as the pre-dawn glow burst through the trees, we started working our first area. We chose to buzz ZMan FrogZ and poppers across the surface. The humidity was oppressive, and with a few bugs around, along with an occasional boof, I was convinced weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d get a strike. But as is the case with fishing trips, sometimes things just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fire. For nearly an hour we worked hard to get one strike each and watched one fish follow the lure to our feet. So frustrating. As some of you are aware, around Australia Day southeast Queensland got a lot of rain and it

Snags produced on this occasion.

was good to see the Mary starting to get some flow back. This had me thinking that even though the outside air temperature was good for surface lures, maybe the water temp and flow was shutting everything down. At this point, Kaitlin and I opted to switch to lightly weighted, weedlessrigged Z-Man 4â&#x20AC;? Turbo CrawZ and 2.75â&#x20AC;? TRD BugZ. Once rigged, the plan was to flick these presentations hard into the snags and let them sink slowly with an occasional shake and hop. We moved on to more untouched water which was a little more difficult to access. Sliding down embankments and getting covered in mud added to the adventure and soon Kaitlin perched herself on the only bit of flat ground and started working the three awesome-looking snags in front of her. I was hoping this next section would produce fish because the snags were sitting in deeper water and covered by a lot of overhanging trees. I landed my first cast into the snag only to hear Kaitlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drag screaming. She was locked onto a solid fish and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to come quietly. It tore into all three snags trying to bust her off, but with really good line management and rod handling skills, she managed to lead her first-ever bass into the net. It measured in at 47cm. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to take a long time to wipe the smile off her face (as soon as we got home it was quickly added to her brag mat, where her records are kept). As with all â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;first fish of the tripâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; moments, the monkey was off our backs and it was time for me to get onto one. We pushed a little further down into more snags and my first cast got me a rattle, then on my second the BugZ was smashed. Once again the creek was filled with the sound

of a screaming drag. I love bass fishing in tight, hard-fought country because they soon let you know if your skills are a little rustyâ&#x20AC;Ś and to be honest, mine were. The fish had me bricked straight up, however after backing off the tension for a minute it swam back out from the snag and boom, the fight was on again. This time I was able to keep it from getting back into the remaining snags and landed a slightly smaller fish than Kaitlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, probably about 42cm in length. For the remaining hour of fishing we pushed into other areas of the creek, casting tight into structure and were rewarded with quite a few awesome strikes but werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to convert because they had the snag advantage. Apart from the fishing, which was awesome, we also spotted a platypus up close, just chilling on the surface as we were casting around. We agreed that along with the fishing, this was a highlight and not something you see every day. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had the opportunity to chase bass in tough, hard-fought

country before, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely something you need to try. There is something very rewarding about standing in precarious areas on the edge of a river and attempting to get the perfect cast that results in a quality bass. A couple of things to take with you on this sort of trip include good-quality footwear, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt because there is a very real chance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to encounter snakes and swarms of mosquitos. A small first-aid kit would also be advisable, especially when going on a longer trek. And of course donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the basics like food and water. Tackle-wise, take some of your favourite surface presentations. Mine are crawlers, poppers of 60-80mm and of course Z-Man FrogZ. Like on our adventure, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to take some subsurface stuff as well. On this occasion the ZMan 4â&#x20AC;? Turbo CrawZ and 2.75â&#x20AC;? TRD BugZ rigged on TT Lures ChinlockZ jig heads scored the bites.

Kailtinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first bass is going to be hard to beat.

This combo was effective on the trip.

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Top fishing and unreal country.

Bush â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Beach Fishing, March 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 55

Tony with a decent fish taken on a paddler during light rain as a storm approached. At normal levels, the water would be over his head standing there.

Tony does it again! Fish of the day, this time using a Creek Cobra during the heat of the day.

Brown land – green fish W

HILE penning this piece relating to fishing the western watershed streams during the grip of one of the most prolonged droughts in living memory, just for contrast, rain is falling across the region concerned.

One of the author’s first fish for the weekend, note the amount of green ‘slime’ floating on the water in the background. This makes for tough fishing.

Happy birthday to the author. None of the cod showed any signs of being hampered by poor water quality despite unprecedented low levels in the river. None had any parasites, red lesions or ulcers.

Page 56 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020

Here too in the southeastern corner of the sunshine state we’ve been blessed with liquid sunshine, albeit in lesser amounts than those of us in rural areas would like. Winding the clock back just two weeks saw number two son Tony and I arrive in a cloud of dust at our destination in northern NSW. Catalyst for the trip away on this occasion was to celebrate my birthday in my chosen style: a fishing/hunting trip spent in the swags away from civilisation. Conversations with the landowner in previous weeks had advised of exceptionally low river levels and cautioned us to expect very little in the way of fish. We were both fine with that possibility and on previous outings to drought-affected localities had ceased fishing if the cod showed any signs of stress due to low water levels. Even if the fish weren’t biting, we had the option of chasing a few bunnies, which we figured would be easy to see in the short, sparse grass of the grazing paddocks. After a quick hello and handshake, we were pointed to a track through a paddock where we could access the downstream part of the river on the property. At the river, we were greeted by the sight of disappearing waterholes where I’d previously enjoyed great fishing. Even the pool where I’d caught my largest cod on this property was completely dry, leaving no

Fishing for Sport by NEIL SCHULTZ

Almost inevitably, the aggressive little cod made good its assault and found a barbless hook instead of lunch. doubt to what had become of a significant percentage of the river’s resident fish. I mentioned to Tony that there would be some very fat white-bellied sea eagles in the area, so all was not totally wasted. After pushing through rough tea tree and boulder-strewn scrub we at last found a plunge pool below a high set of cascades that held water. As Tony sent a few casts along the length of the pool, I sat on a rock in the shade watching, confident he had a very good chance of a strike or two. Several boils beneath his shallow-running lure proved at least one cod in the pool was interested in feeding. Almost inevitably, the aggressive little cod made good its assault and found a barbless hook instead of lunch. That fish’s activity must have grabbed the attention of the other fish in the pool because two others were hooked and released in the next 15 minutes. No more fishable water was to be found at that end of the property, so we bush bashed our way uphill to a couple of larger pools I hoped would still be fishable. Though it hadn’t rained in weeks, as we walked to the first of these pools, thunder was booming from a dark cloud beyond

a nearby mountain. Pool number one was unfishable, with little depth remaining and copious amounts of floating filamentous green algae on the surface. By the time we reached the next waterhole upstream, the dark clouds were overhead and a few drops of rain dimpled the water’s surface. Here there was at least enough depth that we couldn’t see the bottom, and pockets of water were clear of algae. Shallow-running lures were a must, so I clipped on a Creek Cobra while Tony chose a surface paddler. Precision casting allowed lures to be sent into those clear pockets and fished slowly back before becoming loaded with green slime close to our feet. With the lower light levels, the cod decided to come out to play and it wasn’t long before we were both encountering fish. I landed a few average fish for shallow rivers and was pleasantly surprised to see that while very lean, the cod looked remarkably healthy. Tony performed his usual act of landing the fish of the day on his paddler, a dark-coloured animal well over legal length. Shortly after releasing that fish, the heavens

opened, so we high-tailed it back to the ute, not wanting to become lightning rods via the graphite conductors in our hands. The storm turned out to be a bit of a fizzer, with just enough rain to get us soaked on the way back to the vehicle. We spent the evening chasing foxes, which seems to be a never-ending task on sheep properties, and managed to take three out of the ecosystem before turning in after midnight. First light saw us out in the paddock again, this time doing some pest animal management on the local rabbit population. Tony was on the trigger and soon had enough plump bunnies to fill the Esky, so we were able to head back to camp and pack, ready for our departure. Being my birthday, I just had to land a fish, so after our gear was loaded and we’d said farewell to the farmer, we drove down to the river for ‘one last cast’. Unintentionally we swapped tackle boxes, so I clipped on one of Tony’s little StumpJumpers while he chose a red Creek Cobra from mine. Midday under bright sunshine was not the best time to be trying to lure a cod, but we persevered and I got my birthday fish from the submerged stones at the tail end of the pool – mission accomplished. That colourful fish was quickly followed by another smaller but equally aggressive little cod. True to form, Tony pulled a lump of a fish from the same pool, just metres away from me to score the fish of the day yet again. Postscript: 10 days after we visited, the river had a fresh running through it, topping up pools and giving the resident cod an 11th-hour reprieve from the drought. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Fishing at its best in the South Burnett T

HE holiday crowds have disappeared, but the fishing has remained fantastic. Both dams in the South Burnett are fishing well. Boondooma is producing big bass and golden perch and Bjelke-Petersen is yielding large numbers of varying species. If you’re thinking of coming for a fish, it’s hard to go wrong if you follow the below report. Boondooma Dam With the summer bite patterns continuing, it makes for exciting fishing on Lake Boondooma, particularly later in the afternoons as the water temperature warms. Lately the trend has been to fish the timber of the Boyne and Stuart arms early with 5/8oz Bassman Spinnerbaits and lipless cranks in the morning. During the afternoon, target the deeper sections near the dam wall and rocky edges with 1/2oz-rigged Ecogear Power Shads and Nories Wasabi Spoons and Spinnerbaits. If I’m fishing Boondooma during the warmer months, I’ll start in the timber early of a morning because the fish are among the trees looking for an easy meal of passing bony bream. In the arms, the fish are holding very tight to structure and you’ll need to get your lures in as close as you can to get a bite. Look for spindly timber – trust me, there’s plenty of it. Lures of choice for this scenario are 5/8oz or 3/8oz Bassman Spinnerbaits and any sinking lipless crankbait. Give your lure up to five seconds to sink 3-4m and then start a slow wind.

Freshwater Impoundments by MATTHEW LANGFORD

The fish tend to bite better in the open water when the water heats up in the afternoon. I’ve found the fish in the arms move deeper into the timber as the day progresses, making the fish in the deeper water easier to target. To find fish in deep water, I’ll use my sounder to scout the fish sitting in the optimal depth of 4.5-7.5m. When I’m happy I’ve found a good concentration of fish, I will pull up and begin casting 3” to 4” soft plastics rigged with a 1/2oz head or 18g Nories Wasabi Spoons. With a big long cast, I will let the jig head or spoon sink for seven to 10 seconds and begin a slow retrieve back to the boat, with a couple of twitches mixed in. I continue this technique until I feel a few taps on the plastic or spoon. Then, it’s important to keep the slow wind going (without striking) until I can feel weight on the line, before slowly lifting the rod tip to feel the weight of the fish. Trollers are picking up great bass and yellowbelly around the deeper sections of the dam while targeting those suspended fish. Make sure you have plenty of deep divers handy. Lures that dive from 4.5-6m will get you onto consistent fish. Bait fishers are consistently getting into a mixed bag of fish in the timbered arms using worms and fresh shrimp.

Jack Sevier with a great bass caught on a spoon.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

It may even pay to move to the main basin and let your bait suspend under the boat in the 4.5-7.5m range. Drifting with the wind is a great way to cover water with your bait under the boat. Eventually it will cross paths with a hungry fish or two. Red claw numbers are also starting to pick up, with some really big models among them, so make sure you pack the opera house traps if you’re coming out for a day or two. Lake Barambah If you’re keen on trolling, I suggest towing lightly weighted spinnerbaits, 3/8oz blades and any deep-diving hard body from boat ramp to boat ramp. Early in the day I’ve been casting soft plastics with plenty of success in the open water. The bait is thick and high in the water column, so the bass are sitting below it and coming up to feed. I’ll use a 1/2oz jig head with a 3” soft plastic and cast over the open water, let it sink for three seconds and then begin a reasonably fast wind. The bass will tap at the lure, so it’s important to remain patient and not strike until the fish has a firm grasp on the lure. This has been our most successful method of fishing of late. When the sun is higher in the sky, the bass move out onto the deeper flats. Long casts, letting the plastic sink to the bottom and using a burn and kill retrieve is the key to getting the fish to hit hard. Fishing charters Don’t forget you can book a fishing charter with me on BP and Boondooma dams and many others in Queensland. If you’d like a great day out and all the info and knowledge to catch bass, yellowbelly and saratoga, make sure you give me a call on 0408 658 592 and I’ll be happy to take you out. You can also check out our website at australianfreshwa terfishing.com Until next month, tight lines and bent rods.

Zac captured a nice Australian bass.

This pair of bass came unstuck when fishing open water.

y Guided b g f o rd n a L t t a M

Australian Freshwater Fishing Charters 0408 658 592 | australianfreshwaterfishing.com

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 17/2/2020

DAMS

PERCENTAGE

SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB Atkinson 5 5 5 5 5 6 Awoonga 73 73 72 70 66 68 Bjelke-Petersen * 5 11 5 4 7 21 Boondooma * 28 27 26 25 28 34 Borumba * 93 88 83 77 64 101 Burdekin Falls * 93 87 80 73 60 103 Callide * 42 41 39 36 32 32 Cania * 67 64 63 61 57 56 Coolmunda * 5 3 3 3 2 30 Dyer/Bill Gunn * 3 2 3 3 3 9 Eungella * 100 99 97 92 85 86 Fairbairn * 17 15 13 12 9 17 Glenlyon * 8 3.5 3 3 3 9 Hinze 90 89 87 86 86 100 Julius 86 84 79 77 73 100 Kinchant * 81 76 69 56 47 59 Leslie * 6 6 5 5 8 102 Macdonald 98 92 86 83 87 103 Maroon * 70 64 60 55 47 61 Monduran/Fred Haigh * 74 72 69 67 61 62 Moogerah * 49 45 41 36 29 38 North Pine/Samsonvale * 65 63 61 60 58 67 Peter Faust/Proserpine * 77 75 74 71 67 68 Somerset * 72 69 68 63 64 78 Teemburra * 99 98 97 91 86 89 Tinaroo* 88 82 76 71 62 67 Toonumbar 57 48 39 33 19 62 Wivenhoe * 52 50 48 47 43 51 Wuruma * 78 76 71 67 60 64 Wyaralong 87 87 85 84 83 101 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.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, March 2020 – Page 57

Green again around Glenlyon L

IKE most regions, we have had some rain, though not enough at the time of writing.

Tanya Reibelt with a 102cm cod hooked on a McCod Spinnerbait that her husband produces.

However, a flow of water down the Mole River and into the Dumaresq River was observed. For those who don’t quite know their geography, the Dumaresq is a stretch of water between the NSW and Queensland borders. This is the first fresh into the Mole for 27 months. During that time there was no water in the riverbed to speak of, hence no fishing to be had. With Glenlyon Dam sitting at 9 percent capacity and no outflows, the Dumaresq has not had any real flow in it since the last release of water to Goondiwindi in 2019. The following is what you are going to get if you fish this area. In the Mole River are no cod, yellowbelly, silver perch or catfish.

Jack Enders landed a 104cm cod while fishing with granddad.

Glenlyon Dam by BRIAN DARE

Your four main species are not in the dry riverbed. The above applies to the Dumaresq River as well. The drought has taken its toll on all species of fish. You may be lucky and get some fish at Goondiwindi and Boggabilla weirs because some water remains in those two areas, though this water is for the townspeople to drink. What takes place if it rains and the rivers run? This will herald the beginning of the end of the drought. If it’s good rain over 300mm, the hills will have some small creeks flowing down into the catchments. This in turn runs into streams, then rivers, then dams and weirs. No, not clear water like in your drink bottle, it will be brown or maybe even black from the fire ash. What takes place next is nature’s reaction to that flow and is thanks to whatever is left in those small holes of water along the rivers. If it’s still quite warm, the first fish to kick in are Australian smelt, carp gudgeons, Darling River hardyhead, flathead gudgeon, flyspecked hardyhead, mountain galaxias, Murray-Darling rainbowfish, olive perchlet, purple-spotted gudgeon and river blackfish. Some of these species are endangered and we can only hope they’ve survived the drought to the rain event. The above species are the food source for larger species, as are shrimp and crayfish. Please note: it will take at least four years for the food fish to get back to ample levels for the following fish to survive on. Murray cod will start to breed in July 2020, while golden and silver perch,

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bony bream and spangled perch will breed if the water temperature remains over 23C while the rivers run. This also applies to storages if rivers and creeks are running upstream of them. Yeah, yeah you say, when can you hit the river to catch big fish like cod and yellowbelly? Well the water is dirty at this stage and will be until everything settles. Keep in mind that the cod left from the drought are the only fish that will breed over the next four years, along with the yellowbelly, silver perch and catfish. Silver bullet time! We’ll stock them then, right? OK, so who’s got fish to sell to stock the rivers?

Oh, no one. Then breeding season arrives in August-September 2020 and the hatcheries will have fish fingerlings to sell and release in late-November. Up north in the MurrayDarling System, cod and catfish will be breeding from July.. Those people who fish the rivers from July to November and through the Murray cod closed season will of course be targeting yellowbelly with big spinnerbaits. “Oh look, it was unintentional but I caught a big cod on my spinnerbait intended for a yellowbelly – what good bad luck!” Stocking fish is a quick fix, and yes let’s stock golden and silver perch but no cod – I repeat, no cod. Over 13 years of research we have seen good recurring results of small cod caught in night traps set by biologists who have worked tirelessly on this project.

We played god on our local rivers and streams by whacking cod into them and giving no thought to overstocking our systems. The detrimental results of little to no yellowbelly and silver perch being stocked in our rivers is going to change because we can start afresh stocking and monitoring the results of good management. Meanwhile, ‘wow’, our water storages are going to fill up and this is when you see yellowbelly hitting lures cast off the bank. Coolmunda, Leslie, Pindari, Glenlyon, Storm King, Connelly and Copeton dams will all fire with the good in-flows being received. The clear dam water will get pushed down to the walls, while bait fishing in the top areas of the dams will be on fire, with grins galore on the faces of kids as fishing improves for the first time in two years.

The Dumaresq River in flood Feburary 14, 2020. There hasn’t been water under this bridge for 2 years.

Get it right – comment

HEN fish kills take place it’s all doom and gloom when it gets out to the public as news. Many areas experiencing fish kills can be accessed by the appropriate government department. It is important that if you ‘Joe Public’ come across such an event, your count of dead fish has to be spot on, with figures, photos and any supporting information supplied. Don’t over-exaggerate, it’s important. So it was with my count on a stretch of river about 20km long (12 miles). Being old school from the 1950s, I know one mile as 5280’ or 1760 yards. At six access sites in the form of Travelling Stock Reserves on Crown Land I took my count. Every four yards, nine fish were dead. Six carp, 1.75 cod and 1.25 catfish. So doing the maths,

I worked out 3960 fish were dead in each mile, totalling 47,520 dead fish over the whole 12-mile stretch across both sides of the river. So, not wanting to exaggerate, I stated a kill of 21,000 fish for the 12 miles. Note: I did not mention yellowbelly, silver and spangled perch, crayfish, bony bream, glassfish, purple-spotted gudgeon, hardyheads, rainbowfish and galaxias to mention a few because I did not see these on the banks at the locations I accessed. I did not mention shrimp either, though they could be seen dead all along the riverbank in numbers too great to record. It was total devastation. The following needs to be noted. I was not visited by or asked to show any government department the locations where I took the counts. I had two groups of people visit, one be-

cause I phoned them while they were at a meeting in a town nearby and the other involved a call to the Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council in Tenterfield. As I am computer illiterate and only use my phone as a phone, I’ve more than likely been called a numbnut quite a few times. Be that as it may, to have the ‘ghost who walks’, ‘Mr Walker the phantom’ who sits in an office say I was wrong, gets up my nose, as I didn’t get to meet him in person. I have a passion for river fishing, Murray cod and our freshwater species in Australia. To have shrimp, crayfish and fish no longer living in a section of river is sad. We may have to sit down and work on a recovery project and study site, remembering this is not the only area affected by fire and ash! Brian Dare www.bnbfishing.com. au

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GOLD COAST Onshore Marine Horizon Shores Marina, Woongoolba Q 4207 P: 07 5546 2480 E: onshoremarine@ozemail.com.au W: onshoremarine.com.au

YEPPOON Sea Breeze Marine 150 Scenic Hwy, Yeppoon, Q, 4703 P: 07 4933 6366 E: info@seabreezemarine.com.au W: seabreezemarine.com.au

LOWEST PRICES EVER! LOWEST PRICES EVER!

McLay 651 Crossover HT

ONLY

103,500

Mercury 200hp 4-stroke

Mclay 611 Crossover HT

ONLY

85,300

Mclay 591 XL Sportsman

Mercury 150hp 4-stroke

65,000

• 5mm bottom • Drum winch • Electic toilet • Bunk extensions • Bolster seats • Rear lounge and more

• Plate alloy • Bait board • Live bait tank • Deck wash • Electric winch • Dual batteries • 190-litre fuel tank

Stessco Gulf Runner 550

Stessco Bowrider 520

ONLY

45,500

Mercury 135hp 4-stroke

ONLY

42,500

• Ski pole socket • Live bait tank • Redco dual-axle trailer • Bimini • QLD regos plus more

Stessco Gulf Runner 490

Stessco Renegade 440

Mercury 90hp 4-stroke

• Front cast deck • Live bait tank • Full pod transom • Painted • Stessco trailer • QLD regos

ONLY

24,990

ONLY

38,000

Mercury 90hp 4-stroke

• 110-litre underﬂoor fuel tank • Keeper tank • Casting platform • Low-proﬁle side console

Stessco Catcher 449

Mercury 60hp 4-stroke

ONLY

19,900

• Live bait tank • Live well • Front and rear cast decks • Dunbier braked trailer • QLD regos

UNBEATABLE UNBEATABLE

Mercury 50hp 6-year warranty

• Front and rear cast decks • Live well • Dunbier braked trailer • QLD regos

115HP CRUISE SPEED 115HP FUEL CRUISE EFFICIENCY SPEED FUEL EFFICIENCY MERCURY’S NEW 115HP VS. CURRENT FOURSTROKE AND OPTIMAX VS. CURRENT FOURSTROKE AND OPTIM FOURSTROKE g/kWh

MERCURY MERCURY 75-115HP 75-115HP FOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE RANGE RANGE

Stessco Gulf Runner 520

340

330

320

310

300

g/kWh

ONLY

33,500

Mercury 135hp 4-stroke

• Extended ﬁshing deck • Live bait tank • Deck wash • Offshore safety gear • Dual-axle trailer • QLD regos

Mercury 115 ProXS

• Fully welded side decks • Softride hull • High carpeted ﬂoor • Plumbed bait tank • Stessco trailer • QLD regos

ONLY

DELIVERS UP TO 14% BETTER CRUISE SPEED ECONOMY

300

290

280

270

260

PREVIOUS MERCURY FOURSTROKE 1.7L

BSFC dyno testing; data is an average of 60%-80% rated PREVIOUS MERCURY NEW MERCURY engine speed based NEW MERCURY MERCURY OPTIMAX OPTIMAX on standardMERCU ICOMIA emissions test. 2.1L 11 FOURSTROKE 1.7L 115hp 2.1L 115hp 115hp

* Mercury Finance terms and conditions apply. Photos for illustration purposes only.

Can’t make the yard? Shop online! For quality new and used boats! www.kareemarine.com.au

1776 Ipswich Motorway, Rocklea | Call 07 3875 1600