BNB Fishing Mag | May 2023

Free Angler’s Almanac inside 495

$

Includes GST

May 2023

Shallow water flathead

Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 34, Number 5

Techniques for finding bait Longtail tuna tips

Gearing up to travel Oz Moreton Bay winter whiting Beginner’s guide to catching prawns

Proudly produced and printed in Australia

ISSN 1832-4517

9 771832 451001

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

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Page 4 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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From the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing editor

I

T’S no secret that I think the management of our fishery is extremely important.

Fishing is a way of life for many people and getting the balance between recreational, commercial and indigenous anglers and the environment right is very important.

Unfortunately, views on how various fisheries should be managed can often be poles apart, making it hard to get some equilibrium and hopefully a sustainable approach.

Depending on the decisions that are made, people’s livelihoods can be impacted, and this needs to be considered.

However, I still believe that the ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable fishery and to do this, you are not going to please everyone.

Our population is growing and the resources are staying the same – or declining in many situations, due to increased pressure – so a multi-prong strategy needs to be developed.

One of the reasons I mention this is because the Queensland Fisheries department is seeking expressions of interest from fellow fishos to join a working group.

Getting people with actual fishing knowledge into these groups means a broader discussion, with the aim of generating better man-

agement strategies.

The EOIs are open through to May 21, 2023, so if you believe you meet the criteria, put your hand up to be considered.

I’ll be submitting an EOI for the working group on Moreton Bay. If selected, I’m more than happy to chat with any fisho on their particular views and beliefs.

These may not be the same as mine, but hearing other perspectives is vital in getting the management of Moreton Bay right.

We are very fortunate to have such a diverse and spectacular fishery at our doorstep.

There aren’t too many places in the world where you can fish everything from whiting to marlin in such close proximity.

I guess this diversity is one of the reasons it’s a hard resource to manage.

That and the fact that there are several stakeholders who don’t always see eye to eye.

Hence, it’s key to get people into the group to voice and share their opinions.

Head to daf.engage menthub.com.au/fish er y-work ing-g roups to find out more.

Fishing We’re having an awesome prawning season in southeast Queensland – our family is still travelling the lap, so will

Keep up with our family adventures via @bushn beachadventures on Instagram and Facebook. www.bnbfishing.com.au

miss out unfortunately.

Not only are prawns fun to catch, they’re also delicious.

If you haven’t tried prawning before, a quality net and being able to throw it are key.

If you get it right, it’s possible to get your bag of 10 litres in a short period of time.

However, it’s not always the case, so the trick is be prepared to wait, as prawns can be sitting in the mud if the tide is running too fast.

And often, when heaps of people are throwing nets, the school of prawns will break up.

Find new ground – heading to the edge of the pack, or up or down the tide a little, can also work.

Sand crabs are still around and tailor are starting to show up – May can be a magical time with its good mix of summer and winter species.

Contributors We have a couple of new writers onboard this month – welcome to Andy Melville and Corinne Aiken.

The owner of Suncoast Skutes, Andy’s article on page 34 covers techniques to use during winter on the Gold Coast.

Corinne and her husband Trent run the Bait Master Fishing and Tackle shop in Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast and will be contributing either as a couple or individually throughout the year.

This month, Corinne supplies a comprehensive beginner’s guide to catching prawns on the Sunshine Coast.

You’ll find this on page 56.

And, after 12 years of providing us with recipes for scrumptious dishes, our celebrity chef Melissa Frohloff is

liciousness over the years.

And don’t forget, you can still access heaps of Melissa’s cooking ideas on the website at bn bfishing.com.au/catego ry/recipes If you have a tasty meal you’d like to share, shoot it through to edito rial@collins.media with a photo of the dish.

Ben Collins

passing the tongs on, so we’ve put a bit of a seafood favourites montage together on page 68.

We’ll be hearing about Melissa’s adventures when time permits – until then visit appetite4th ewild.com.au or follow Appetite 4 The Wild on Facebook.

Thank you, Melissa, for providing us with mouth-watering de-

OUR COVER Free Angler’s Almanac inside

$

495

Includes GST

May 2023

Shallow water flathead

Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 34, Number 5

Techniques for finding bait Longtail tuna tips

Gearing up to travel Oz Moreton Bay winter whiting Beginner’s guide to catching prawns

Proudly produced and printed in Australia

ISSN 1832-4517

05

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

9 771832 451001

STAY 5 PAY 4 + BONUS $1 BREKKIE

K'GARI BEACH RESORT

5 TH N I G H T F R E E + $ 1 B R E K K I E FROM

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BENNO PAMMENT catches plenty of flathead around the Gold Coast region. Check out Clint Ansell’s article on page 32 for more information on targeting monster flatties.

NEXT EDITION: June edition will be on sale in news­agents from May 26.

MAY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: See the subscription form on page 84 and subscribe this month to go in the draw to win one of seven $25 vouchers from Suncoast Skutes and a BNB Beanie, valued at $37.00 RRP each.

MARCH PRIZE WINNER: Congratulations to P. Hockings from Marsden who will receive a prize pack from Wellington Point Marine valued at $370 RRP. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 5

May 2023 contents Teaching the next generation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Conlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8 Safety must always come first. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mark Templeton . . . . . . . . . . . P12 Moreton Bay winter whiting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mick Clutterbuck . . . . . . . . . . . P16 Tailor, trevally and grunter action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Keith Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . P18 Competition Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P20 Insights into inshore tuna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Neil Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P22 Free crab escape vents offered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P24

8

Catching your own bait. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . P26 Tide Times - Brisbane Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P29 Monster flathead in shallows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Clint Ansell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P32 Strategies for Gold Coast winter species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Andy Melville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P34 May means mackerel and more. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Gavin Dobson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P37 Operation Avoca secured biosecurity risk material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38 End of season offshore fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brett Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P40

18

Plenty of awesome pelagic action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tye Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P42 Product News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P46 Angler’s Almanac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P47 Charter Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P48 Insights into boat insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P50 New Quintrex Freestyler X to redefine Australian boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P51 SCIBS 2023 tickets on sale now. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P53 Suzuki Marine at SCIBS 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P54 Beginner’s guide to catching prawns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Corinne Aiken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P56

41

Prawns booming in Queensland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P57 Targeting longtail and mack tuna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tri Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P58 2023 Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic and Expo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P60 Tide Times – Waddy Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P60 A heads up on Agnes Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Paul ‘Chief’ Graveson . . . . . . . P64 VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P65 Plenty of cool temp options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by John Boon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P66 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Melissa Frohloff . . . . . . . . . . . . P68 Gearing up to travel Oz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Matt Potter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P70 Murray Bridge to Mount Gambier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Craig Tomkinson . . . . . . . . . . . P72 Fish deaths span Murray-Darling Basin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P73 Third mini lap leg around Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P74 New season means new methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sam Rowley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P78 Moura Muddy Water Classic Fishing Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P79

67

Cod time is coming to Glenlyon Dam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Dare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P80 Dam Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P81 Trading Post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P82 Readers’ Forum ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P83 Subscription Form ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P84 Page 6 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

www.bnbfishing.com. au

14 Like us on Facebook (Bush ’n Beach Fishing Magazine), post your photos, share in the laughs and win prizes!

Check out our YouTube channel BNBFTV for boat tests, product reviews and other interesting videos.

37

Follow @BNBFISHINGMAG on Instagram to see cracking catches from all around the country.

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78

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Subscribe to the FREE BNB e-news on our website to receive email updates packed with the latest fishing news and important information.

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Our website bnbfishing.com.au is updated several times a day with the latest news and handy fishing articles.

The Team

EDITOR: Ben Collins ADVERTISING: Serena McAlinden PRODUCTION: Tiffany Brown Lisa Jones

Bush ‘n Beach Fishing magazine is published monthly by Collins Media Pty Ltd ABN 43 159 051 500 ACN 159 051 500 trading as Collins Media.

Phone 07 3286 1833 Email: ben@collins.media PO Box 162, Wynnum, Qld 4178 PRINTER: Spotpress DISTRIBUTION BY: Wrapaway Max. recommended retail price $4.95 (includes GST).

CORRESPONDENTS: Editorial contributions are welcome, as is news from clubs,associations or individuals; and new product news from manufacturers. Entire contents copyright. Nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. It is the responsibility of advertisers and contributors to ensure the correctness of their claims and statements. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 7

George scored a decent 55cm flathead on a Zerek Bulldog Crank.

Peter captured a nice 34cm bream.

Teaching the next generation

T Peter caught a southern bay trevally – his first fish on a lure.

HIS month, we’ve been lucky enough to sneak a few days out on the water and seeing a few fathers with their kids has been a good thing.

The catalyst for getting the young anglers on the water was to firstly see if they enjoyed fishing from a boat.

Tick all the boxes and catch more fish!

FISHING TUITION

A four-hour off-water course for up to four people covering: Target species BOOK TODAY Moon phases Weather and tides Techniques Environment Tackle tips

0432 386 307 seanconlonsfishing@hotmail.com Page 8 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

WITH SEAN CONLON

Southern Moreton Bay

by SEAN CONLON

So, the dads are coming out to learn a bit about it too, which has been great as this means they’re doing some research before buying a boat and heading down the road of basically doing it all themselves as a team.

So, the fathers are trying to make their children understand that owning a boat and going fishing is not only about catching fish.

It’s understanding that, to make it work, there is time, maintenance and cost involved with the boat and also with their fishing equipment.

You have to enjoy all of that and enjoy doing it together.

I was lucky enough to experience this from when I was very young through to my late 40s.

My father taught me to enjoy the whole aspect of fishing – all the

way from buying, looking after and maintaining a boat to also buying fishing equipment and looking after it, and to do all of this together.

I think if you’re going to head into the world of boating and fishing, for it to work, you need to enjoy the whole aspect of it.

That’s what my dad taught me, and it’s worked so far.

As a charter operator, if I did this job because all I enjoyed was catching fish, I would have been very disappointed as my main job is maintaining the vessel and fishing equipment – and working out how to help other people catch fish.

For the two father and child duos I had on charters recently, this was the priority and what the dads wanted to instill in their kids – it’s * continued P9

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Teaching the next generation * from P8

not only about catching fish.

Prior to the charter, Glen had a chat with me to explain what he wanted to accomplish with his son George, and it was something I was happy to accommodate him with.

I met them at 5.30am and, after a thorough safety briefing, we were on our way to the first spot to see if we could pick up a few flathead.

It was high tide, so using one of my favourite techniques of putting out a couple of Zerek Bulldog Cranks, we trolled for a couple of lizards.

While the fishos had plenty of bumps and knocks, and we lost a fish beside the boat, no matter how hard we

tried, we couldn’t keep one on the hook.

So the decision was made to move to a different area.

On the way, we had a little chat about the fishing equipment we were using, the style of lure and the techniques for trying to pick up a few fish.

One of the main things discussed was how we were going to still troll hard-bodies when we got to the next spot, but we were going to lighten the drags and troll on the electric to try to slow everything down, and to see if we could get a fish to stay on the hook.

We also had to work on George’s technique as, after watching a lot of fishing videos, he was rather aggressive

on the pump and wind.

As I say to everyone, while it looks great, with the style of fishing we’re doing, it will lose you fish more often than not.

We deployed the lures at the new spot and, using the technique we’d discussed, it wasn’t long before George hooked up to a solid lizard.

Unfortunately for George, the habit of the pump and wind was rather hard to break, so during the fight he had too much enthusiasm and we lost the fish.

Because he was a bit upset, I explained to him that it was all good and to learn from it – let’s try again and see if we can land a fish.

Well, the lures were deployed and it didn’t * continued P10

Vadim landed his first fish on a lure – a nice 54cm flathead.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 9

Teaching the next generation * from P9

Peter and Vadim had fun catching a few fish together.

Peter snared himself a few southern bay squire.

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Page 10 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

take long before George was on again.

This time, the lessons learned were put into practice and with better rod control, George fought the fish well and netted a 59cm flathead safely.

Unfortunately, the fish were finicky and so after dropping a couple more, we decided to move on.

While we were travelling, I took the opportunity to explain how the sounder worked – as well as what they cost and a good one for starting out.

We also discussed the outlay for reasonable rods, reels and tackle for the type of fishing they’d be doing in their own boat.

When we arrived at the next spot, someone was there casting a few lures, but they weren’t having any luck.

This was a good time to talk about fishing etiquette.

So as not to annoy the people in the other boat, we moved at least 100m away before we started trolling Zerek Bulldog Cranks again.

We wouldn’t have gone 20m before George’s rod went off and, with the lessons he’d learnt earlier, he handled the fish much better and had a nice 55cm flatty safely aboard.

The rest of the morning was spent moving around, trying different techniques for other species and discussing what owning a boat was like in general.

Hopefully now George and his dad Glen have more of an idea of what they’ll do when they purchase their first boat.

The other duo was Va-

dim and his son Peter.

Vadim wanted to introduce his son to the world of boating because he’d only fished land-based before.

I met them at 5:30am and we headed out to see if we could hook their first fish on a lure, and give Peter an idea of what it was like to have a boat and to fish off one.

We arrived at the first spot and started casting a few soft plastics, hoping to entice some flathead.

Lately, getting flatties interested has been tricky, so a lot of casts have to be put in.

I think it could have been due to such high water temperature – it was up to 29C – so the fish in the shallow water were affected by it.

We persevered and eventually Vadim hooked up – it didn’t take long before he had his first ever fish on a lure – a nice 54cm lizard.

We hung around hoping to get Peter one, but

the fish weren’t playing the game, so it was time to move.

We went to the next area and proceeded to do the same thing.

I had a couple of unweighted pillies on rods out the back of the boat too and, even though we didn’t get a flathead, one of the rods hooked up and Peter landed a decent 35cm bream.

We moved on to other locations, though the fishing had gone quiet.

It was a good time to chat about boats, maintenance, fishing gear and how much it cost to run a boat.

And also, if he wanted his dad to get a boat, that Peter would have to help getting it in and out of the water, cleaning it and all aspects of fishing and boating.

It was then time to move to our last spot.

I saw a nice show on the Lowrance, so the fishos cast a few soft plastics at them up the front and I deployed a couple with bait out the * continued P12

George caught his personal best 59cm flathead on a Zerek Bulldog Crank.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 11

Teaching the next gen * from P10

back of the boat.

It didn’t take long.

Up the front, Vadim started to get a few trevally and squire on soft plastics and Peter wound them in one after the other at the back of the boat on bait.

They weren’t big fish but it was a pool party on light gear and the crew were having a ball.

Eventually, Peter was throwing soft plastics up the front and he hooked his first ever fish – a little southern bay trevally.

There was no stopping him after that.

He caught plenty of fish on soft plastics and was having a ball, though as fast as they came on, the fish went off the bite.

By then, it was time for us to head home.

A great day was had by all and, in a text

received that evening from Vadim, Peter had told his dad it was the best day of his life.

A few milestones – the anglers caught their first fish on a lure, they had a few fish for dinner and a great day was had by all.

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, remember knowledge is key.

Until next month, stay safe on the water and if you’re interested in our fishing tuition or you want to do a fishing charter, give me a call on 0432 386 307 or send me an email at seancon lo n sf i sh i ng@h o tmail.com, or check out the Facebook page, Seano’s Inshore Fishing Charters and Tuition.

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‘Professional’ anglers Jase and Bailey. Jace endured the workout of a lifetime bringing a cracker giant trevally to the boat. The GT was safely returned after a few well-deserved photos for the brag board.

Safety must always come first

T

HIS time last year we were predicting that Moreton Bay would be producing some cracker fish.

Well… we were right!

With some great boating weather being probable over the next few months, get everything ready now and not later.

Check your trailer, get your motor serviced and, most importantly, check your safety kit.

Flares run out of date and life jackets can rot or even make a nice nest for rats and mice.

Nothing is worse than getting out there and filling the Esky only to be pulled up and have someone empty your wallet.

Twenty minutes spent going through everything will save not only money but potentially your life, a friend’s life or that of a family member.

So, a bit of a heads up: • Out of date flares or no flares carries a fine of $287 • No life vest, unser-

Northern Moreton Bay

by MARK TEMPLETON

viceable or unsuitable is $287 • Not having your 360 light on while underway or at anchor after dark is $287.

I spoke with the Queensland Water Police and asked what the two most common offences were.

Their response: • Not having the ‘service history’ filled out on the inflatable life jacket • Not having your 360 light on, as previously mentioned.

To fill out the service history, disconnect your gas cylinder, use an accurate set of scales and compare the weight to the required weight stamped on the cylinder.

If it does not match, replace the cylinder.

Most tackle shops carry replacements or can get them for you.

Use a permanent marker to record the weight and date you checked it on the inside of the flap, where the gas cylinder is. * continued P13

Keep the ‘service history’ filled out on inflatable life jackets.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Safety must always come first * from P12

Two minutes saves $287.

If you need further information or if you want to check a requirement you are not up to speed on, give your local water police a call.

My call took under a minute, and it might hopefully save a life.

One thing that is regularly overlooked is a well-stocked first aid kit.

You can pick them up ready to go from a vast

range of outlets, in various sizes and formats, and some are very reasonably priced.

Make sure that the perishable items are in date.

A couple of boaties I know actually carry a range of cable ties – these are great for a quick fix to get you home and can also be a critical piece of first aid equipment – as an example, for securing a bandage quickly to prevent blood loss if you

Shaz was ecstatic with her first ever fish – a nice bream, backed up with a moses perch.

lose a digit to a shark or one of the other countless species that can remove fingers or toes.

We saw the early arrival of tailor in the Brisbane River and some out in the bay, with longtail tuna in good numbers and above average sizes too.

Plenty of mack tuna were caught, though a larger number were lost as fishos were not expecting the razor gang!

A few weeks ago, I decided to grab a pack of white bait, turn off the phone and hit the Shorncliffe Pier – such a great way to clear the head and take stock of what matters.

I even made a new fishing buddy – Harvey.

Such a cool dude, and he can fish too!

We had a few in-depth

Harvey showed the author how it’s done with a cracker bream catch.

* continued P14

The author with a nice little mackerel.

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Models to suit • Outboards • Inboards • Sterndrives • Jets and cats Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 13

Harvey showed a local trawler his sunrise catch.

Bailey’s snapper was safely returned to the water after some photos.

Safety must always come first * from P13

Andrew landed a cracker wahoo before it damaged his gear.

Harvey loves catching crabs and is so dedicated he checks his pot before and after school.

Page 14 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

conversations between losing bait and hooking fish.

Harvey even came to my rescue to help hook and pull a cracker bream up for me.

Thanks Harvey – I would have been lost without your help.

Harvey went on to show me how it was done with a cracker bream catch of his own.

I enjoyed chilling for a few hours with a group of customers.

I even managed a bag full of bream – a few legal ones too – a nice little mackerel, a tarwhine and a decent 1m bronze whaler – all safely returned.

I met Shaz out there too – she was ecstatic to say the least when we witnessed the catching of her first ever fish – a nice bream, backed up with a moses perch.

Shaz also pulled up a decent stonefish, to which everyone yelled “Don’t touch it!”

Great to see fishos looking after those starting out!

I found a bit of serenity with the mobile phone turned off, and enjoyed the beautiful weather, plus made a new friend who looked after me – thank you Harvey!

If you’re out trolling around Moreton Bay or dropping a few livies and you get smashed by something travelling at warp six or your gear disappears or you witness a mini ballistic missile launching near you… it could be a wahoo monster.

Andrew managed to land a cracker before it did any real damage to his gear!

Well done Andrew – great feed for the family there!

On another trip, Andrew put his gear away and played skipper and deckhand to a couple of professionals who were onboard.

Determined to show them what Moreton Bay could produce, he wasted no time hitting the grounds off Moreton Island.

Before long, Jace endured the workout of a lifetime as a cracker giant trevally refused to get in the boat.

But, as with all professionals, he didn’t let up and won the battle, bringing the beast onboard with the aid of his trusted decky.

The GT was safely returned to the water after a few well-deserved photos for the brag board, as was the snap-

per his friend Bailey landed!

Top job there – a great day on the water and good memories too.

How often can you say you’ve met two cracking young anglers both named ‘Harvey’?

Well, I had this pleasure.

One fished at Shorncliffe Pier and the other at Cabbage Tree Creek.

Harvey two loves catching crabs and is so dedicated that he checks his pot both before and after school.

Harvey has been doing very well at Cabbage Tree Creek and has taken home a few good meals, including a beautiful estuary cod he caught in the pot.

Harvey’s mum sent in a couple of photos of the mud crabs and one was incredible – it’s of Harvey showing a local trawler his catch at sunrise.

Please check your safety gear, do your maintenance on your trailer and motor, and prepare yourself for what you hope does not happen when out on the water.

Be safe out there, lose lots of lures and make memories.

Maintain the passion!

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 15

Moreton Bay winter whiting

O

NCE again, I wasn’t able to get out for some time.

So, with a favourable forecast and the fact I had no prior commitments, it was time to set out for an impromptu whiting trip.

Along with me for the trip was my son Josh – always great to spend a bit of quality father and son time on the water, speaking dribble and having a great time together.

We left Nudgee Creek on a fairly low tide.

So low in fact, I gave the propellor a quick shine on the gravel trying to politely go around a number of kayaks that were spread from one side of the narrow channel to the other – no harm done though.

Marine Electronics

Power Boat Anglers

by MICK CLUTTERBUCK

The forecast was for slightly breezy conditions initially but then it was due to drop out later in the morning.

True to form, it was a bit lumpy but nothing out of the ordinary or unsafe.

On the last trip, we tried the usual spots for nothing, until we decided to move to some completely new territory we’d never fished before, which quickly produced the goods.

This time around, we went straight to this spot and were on the money from the first drop.

Josh was the first to get in to the action, then I quickly followed with some nice winter whiting to about 29cm headed to the Esky fairly quickly.

The activity soon aroused other fish in the area and it wasn’t long before we were pulling in only half a whiting for our troubles, from thankfully school mackerel not sharks.

Unfortunately, in my haste to get things ready on short notice the night before, I had neglected to put any suitable mackerel gear in the boat and I was left trying to MacGyver something out of what was lying around.

The rig I ended up with was a 60lb handline with a single 8/0 flasher hook that I’d tied some time back for using out on the reef.

Not ideal but beggars can’t be choosers, so it * continued P17

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Towing the Wilson Deluxe Scaler Bag. Page 16 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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Moreton Bay winter whiting * from P16

was quickly deployed with the head of a whiting to see what would happen.

We turned our attention back to the whiting and were drifting along, steadily adding to the tally, when the handline tried to jump out of the boat.

I was on to a solid schoolie and soon had it in onboard.

Well, that worked… off for round two.

The line was again dispatched with another head and it wasn’t long before it was hit again.

This time the battle was a bit shorter, with the 60lb monofilament being bitten straight through.

While this wasn’t supposed to happen at all, it ended up occurring three more times with no mackerel to show for it.

This was the thickest and hungriest I’ve seen them and, besides the bite offs on the heavy line, we would have lost at least 20 whiting in total – I will definitely be better prepared next time.

On the issue of rigs for schoolie mackerel, I’ve never used 60lb before and usually prefer 15-30lb straight through but if I start getting snipped, I’ll go

to a 40lb fluorocarbon leader.

If this fails, I then try a bit of plastic tube over the line at the hook for protection but rarely go for wire.

I often use handlines for them but also use my 8kg Wilson Live Fibre with a Shimano Baitrunner reel.

Whiting-rig wise, I use a 7’ 1-3 or 2-4kg graphite rod and 2500-size reel spooled with 6lb Platypus Platinum or Super 100 line, though I’ve started using the new Platypus Pulse Premium Mono that, while a bit more expensive, I’m finding particularly good and will probably re-spool everything with that when the time comes.

Another essential part of my whiting sessions is my Wilson Deluxe Scaler Bag. I’ve tried a few different types of bags over the years and to date, these are by far the best.

The bags are very easy to use, simply load your fish in and tow on the wake of the boat for as short as two minutes and they’re all done.

Just remember to take it easy, you’re towing your catch, not a water skier – you don’t want to turn them in to fish cakes.

The author bought his new boat from Phil, who lives in NSW. He delivered it when travelling to Monduran Dam for a barramundi session.

www.bnbfishing.com.au

Once back in the boat, I put them straight in an ice slurry.

This firms the meat up and makes them much easier to fillet.

On the boat scene, I’ve recently made an upgrade – from my trusty Quintrex 460 Top Ender to another Top Ender, but this time a 510 centre console.

I’ve always been hugely impressed with the hulls on these boats and had been on the lookout for this very unit for some time.

It took some looking, but I finally found one, however it was way past Wollongong in NSW and was too far away to have a look.

As luck would have it, the owner Phil was travelling to Monduran Dam to chase some barramundi and was in Brisbane, so I quickly arranged a time to check it out.

I was impressed with what I saw and it was exactly what I was after, so after a bit of haggling, Phil returned to NSW on the lookout for a new boat.

Unfortunately, Phil’s barra trip was a hard slog, with not too many fish to speak of, but at least he got a couple.

He vowed to come back and try again soon.

Note that the meetings occur on the first Wednesday of every month at ‘The Club Manly’ (bowls club), 26 Faine St Manly from 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Upcoming meetings are Wednesday May 3, then Wednesday June 7.

Until next month, safe boating.

The father and son sortie mackerel and whiting catch.

Phil Longhurst with a Monduran Dam barramundi.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 17

Ben ‘bream’ Monro jigged up a quality bream on a Pro Lure Clone Prawn.

Trevally have turned up around the river mouths chasing bait schools.

Tailor, trevally and grunter action

W

ELCOME to the last month of au-

Luke Stratford jigged up his first flounder when targeting flathead.

Page 18 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

tumn!

This year has certainly flown by.

I must be getting old – I remember my father saying that a lot when I was young.

The hot weather started late in the season, but it hit hard and continued through to April.

Finally, the cooler nights have helped to drop the water temperature slightly.

This will see some of the species that favour cooler water move into the rivers and creeks.

Tailor and trevally will be the two main species that will begin to show up.

There have already been a few trevally feeding on the abundance of bait, and this month the quantity and quality should increase.

Decent fish will move into the systems, such as the Pine and Caboolture rivers, and throughout Pumicestone Passage during the colder months.

Trevally between 5060cm are common and are lots of fun when hooked on gear normally used to chase flathead.

Tailor should also

Local Luring

by KEITH STRATFORD

make an appearance during May. They generally don’t push as far up the river as trevally and are more common around the mouths of rivers.

Grunter are another species that show up in good numbers during winter.

There should be a few getting around this month, so they will be worth chasing.

Grunter love eating prawns, therefore a prawn imitation will work very well.

The Pro Lure Clone Prawn has worked very well for me recently.

These soft plastic prawns catch almost everything and I’m sure grunter will find them hard to resist too.

Threadfin salmon and jewfish are another couple of species worth

keeping a look out for.

They can push well upstream during colder months, so there could be a few getting around in the deeper holes on the bends and anywhere there is plenty of bait.

Flathead have still been hanging around the river mouths and the quality has been outstanding.

Many fish in the 5070cm range have been eating lures, especially the Pro Lure Clone Prawn.

Small paddle tails have worked very well.

A lot of flounder have also been around recently.

These little flat fish are very aggressive and will happily eat a 3-5” plastic.

They’re also very good eating, if you’re * continued P20

Small jewfish have been eating lures in all the rivers around Brisbane.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 19

FISHING EVENTS COMPETITION

DATE

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2023

Women Fishing May 6 - Jun 3 Queensland Classic womensfishingclassic.com.au Sanctuary Cove May 25-28 International Boat Show

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Rainbow Beach Jun 11-17 Family Fishing Classic & Expo

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VMR Bundaberg Jun 23-25 Family Fishing Classic

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The Australian Lure, Jul 29-30 Fly & Outdoors Expo

Fernvale Qld lureshow.com.au

AFTA Tackle Show Aug 3-5

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Woodgate Beach Sep 15-17 Hotel Fishing Classic

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Baffle Creek Family Sep 18-23 Fishing Festival

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Flathead Classic Sep 26-28

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Luke Stratford and a decent flathead taken on a paddle tail plastic.

Tailor, trev and grunter * from P18

keen to try one.

The Brisbane River will have plenty of jewies around this month, with good quantities of juveniles throughout all the river systems, including this one.

Many fish from 3070cm have smashed plastics and vibes, but you might need to sort through the smaller fish to find the better quality.

Snapper is a species that can be in the river one day and gone the next.

I always look for bait schools because this is where I find better

numbers of snapper.

This time last year was some of the best snapper fishing I’ve experienced in the river.

The schools of big banana prawns were pushing out of the river towards the mouth and snapper and tailor were feeding underneath them, pushing them to the surface.

They were quality fish for the river too, with some reaching the 60cm mark.

That’s it from me this month.

Hopefully, you can get among some fish during May – I might see you out on the water.

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Fitzroy River Barra Oct 20-23 Bash

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Wyaralong Dam Oct 21 Carp & Tilapia Eradication Comp

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To have your competition listed in the calendar, please phone (07) 3286 1833 or email ads@collins.media Page 20 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

Quality flathead were eating plastics recently.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 21

Insights into inshore tuna

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UST R A L I A N anglers are blessed with scores of hard-fighting sportfish species that habitually hunt baitfish on the surface.

Along much of our extensive coastline, the most sought after include the various tuna and mackerel species.

Autumn in southeast Queensland is tuna time and can be the most difficult of the inshore sight-fishing targets to approach and from which to tempt a strike, so we’ll look at the techniques for them.

This is the realm of high-speed spinning – usually with metal baitfish profiles colloquially known as ‘slugs’.

Once fish are sighted, anglers cast their lures into or slightly ahead of the melee and retrieve at warp speed.

The sight of a big predator peeling away from the pack to chase down your lure is enough to keep even the most jad-

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Fishing for Sport

by NEIL SCHULTZ

ed of us going back for more.

Of course, this isn’t only about throwing slugs.

If you really want to increase the adrenaline content in your bloodstream, try throwing poppers to breaking surface fish.

There are few more stirring sights than a 15kg plus longtail tuna blasting a popper a few rod lengths from the gunwale.

Finding fish Though it may sound haphazard – distilled to its basics – finding inshore pelagics often consists of cruising around known fishing grounds looking for fish.

In the areas I fish – between Townsville and Tweed Heads on the east coast – much of this activity occurs within two kilometres of the shore.

On the larger bays such as Moreton and Hervey, the fish appear happy anywhere there is bait and are often 10km from the nearest landmass.

Therefore, a typical

day sight-fishing for pelagics begins by running at cruising speed about 2km off the beach, parallel to the shore.

Course changes are then dictated by sightings of birds working over fish or of the fish themselves.

Schools of feeding pelagics are most easily located by looking for the seabirds inevitably drawn to the site of the activity.

At close quarters however, it isn’t uncommon for a trained eye to spot breaking fish before the birds get to them.

This usually occurs in the very early mornings, when the birds are still en route from their roosting areas to the feeding grounds.

Birds are birds and some species are better indicators of worthwhile predator activity than others.

An often-quoted rule of thumb among experienced tuna chasers is to follow white birds and * continued P23

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Longtail tuna are the holy grail for inshore tuna anglers throughout all but the southern coastline of Australia.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Insights into targeting inshore tuna and mackerel * from P22

ignore dark ones.

This is good practice for the most part but, as with most rules, there are exceptions.

In most situations, you can safely ignore silver gulls – also known as ‘landfill’ gulls.

The best ‘tuna’ birds are terns.

Crested terns and similar species of predominately white terns are reliable sources of tuna intel when trying to find fish.

A few observations about the behaviour of terns on tuna that you may find useful.

When the birds are at high altitude, the fish are swimming deep.

The lower the birds, the shallower the fish.

If you have birds that are flying slowly only a metre or two off the water with their eyes fixed

on fish below, you can sometimes pick up a fish by making a cast in their path, even when the fish aren’t breaking.

Birds will almost always fly into the breeze when tracking tuna but that doesn’t necessarily indicate the direction the fish is travelling.

Facing upwind allows the birds to maintain flight velocity at a reduced ‘speed over ground’.

If you observe carefully from a distance, you’ll notice the birds doubling back, making a fast dash across or downwind to relocate above the fish, then resuming their slow upwind flight path.

Note the general position shift of the entire flock and that will be the direction in which the fish are moving.

Horses for courses Surface fish behaviour varies between species and can also change from day to day, depending on any one of a number of variables.

You are no doubt aware that tailor are easier to approach than spotted mackerel, which in turn are easier to approach than mack tuna, that again are easier to approach than longtails.

Hell, unidentified flying objects are easier to approach than longtails in hard-fished water!

Individual species vary in their mood, depending on the amount of bait around.

Even the type of bait can impact the fishing.

Bait species that ball up when harassed by predators will keep the tuna relatively stationary and feeding for extended periods.

This makes for easy fishing, allowing plenty of time for you to sneak within casting range – and the fish stay in casting range for you to make repeated presentations.

As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the bait school, the longer the tuna will feed.

Unless disturbed, they tend to keep feeding until the bait school is either consumed or breaks up.

Various pilchard and anchovy species are commonly the unfortunate targets of these mass feeding binges.

We’ve also encountered easy fishing for several inshore pelagic species feeding on balled up juvenile thumbnail-sized leatherjacket.

More mobile baitfish that don’t ball up for defence can make a fisho’s

life much tougher.

When tuna are feeding on things such as garfish and saury, they are continually on the move.

Stay in touch On the days when the fish aren’t moving too quickly, it can be worth staying in touch with one school for an extended period of time.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to hook and land several fish from a single school before they wise up or you lose contact.

Feeding schools are plainly visible, so staying with them is simply a matter of matching their speed with the boat.

However, don’t fall into the trap of motoring along directly behind the fish.

Their instincts tell them that anything * continued P24

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 23

Insights into inshore tuna * from P23

Mack tuna are the most common species found in southeast Queensland inshore water and are great fun on light tackle.

Watson’s leaping bonito are among the smallest of our tuna but are a good sport and eating fish that can be taken very close to the beaches.

trying to sneak up from behind means danger and they’ll clear off post-haste.

Similar tactics may be employed on schools of fish that aren’t actually feeding.

This requires concentration and a good eye on the skipper’s behalf.

By maintaining the same speed and course as a school of fish after they sound, it is possible to be right beside them the next time they break.

When not breaking, mack tuna and spotted mackerel can sometimes be tracked by the wave pattern caused by their wake.

This is only possible in relatively calm conditions, when the fish are travelling very close to the surface.

In both of these latter situations, you need to remember to travel to

one side of the fish and not behind them.

Gearing up Though sight fishing to breaking pelagics can be successfully undertaken with overhead gear, spinning tackle is the choice of most pundits.

The typical outfit consists of an audacious double-handed spin stick of about 2.3m, matched to a saltwater-proof reel big enough to cope with sustained runs from substantial fish.

Prior to braided line becoming popularised, the main requirement in a reel was line capacity.

Due to the greatly reduced bulk of a 300m spool of braid when compared to monofilament, the drag system is now one of the first considerations in spinning reels for this work.

Not only does braided gel-spun polyethylene line give an increased

line capacity to your reel, it will also add distance to your casts.

Platypus Bionic Braid and Platypus Super Braid – both Australian owned and made – are ideal for high-speed spinning.

It is good practice to run a rod length of nylon leader of about 20kg to cope with teeth, scutes and head shaking.

Lure choice can be a personal thing and many different localities spawn favourites.

From more than two decades of sight fishing for inshore pelagics, I’ve found nothing better than the Queensland-made Lazer Lures.

I most often use 35g, 40g and 50g models.

The 50g is a consistent producer of big tuna, tailor and mackerel.

Then of course there’s fly fishing.

But as they say, that’s another story.

Free crab escape vents offered

F

A non-legal mud crab escaping through a vent.

Photos: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Measuring a tagged female mud crab.

Page 24 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

ISHERS who support research by reporting tagged mud crabs in Queensland can get their claws on free escape vents.

The reports will help researchers track the spawning migration of female mud crabs and learn more about the species.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal scientist Dr Julie Robins said the research would help ensure Queensland mud crab fisheries remained sustainable.

“The research is part of a bigger project that aims to provide a better information base to assess and sustainably manage Queensland’s mud crab fisheries,” Dr Robins said.

“There is a lot of folklore about female mud crabs and where they

go to spawn.

“Reports of tag recaptures will help us understand where females move to and how long they live for.”

If you find a mud crab with a yellow tag on its carapace, text a photo of the crab—along with the date and capture location—to 0466 868 913.

There’s no need to remember this number, it’s printed on the tag.

“Remember, it is illegal to retain female mud crabs in Queensland,” Dr Robins said.

“If you do handle a female mud crab, it must be immediately returned unharmed to the water.”

Dr Robins said those who reported a tagged mud crab would be offered a free escape vent.

“Escape vents are compulsory in commercial mud crab pots in Queensland, but use in

recreational pots is also encouraged,” she said.

“The vents enable sub-legal sized mud crabs and fish to escape, making it easier for people to sort their catch and reducing the risk of overcrowded crabs injuring one another.”

Researchers have tagged about 500 female mud crabs in Moreton Bay, Hinchinbrook Channel, rivers in Weipa and Mapoon, and Stanage and Broad Sound.

They plan to tag another 1500 mud crabs in other areas of Queensland.

This research project is co-funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and involves researchers from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, CQ University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 25

Top-pocket cast nets are best for catching prawns.

Catching your own bait

H

A live prawn hooked up.

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www.ezythrowcastnets.com.au Page 26 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

I folks, I’ll start with an apology for not having an article last month.

I had major spinal surgery but have recovered enough to pen this piece.

And though my fishing and prawning may be a couple of weeks away yet, I’ll be back at it better than ever very soon.

Now back to this month.

While considered old school by some in the fly or lure only fraternity, the truth is that bait fishing will always have a place in fishing, from beginner to experienced anglers.

And though I love lure fishing in a variety of scenarios – from tossing lures off the beach to trolling lures for everything from mackerel to marlin in the salt – I still love bait fishing in a variety of scenarios.

For a start, it’s effective.

In fact, it is even more effective if the bait you are using is live.

Fishing Tips

by SEAN THOMPSON

And why is that?

Well, obviously the bait looks natural and, as it is secured with a hook, it is thus swimming erratically and sending out distress signals to fish who might see it as an easy meal.

So, let’s have a look at four key live bait options for the beach and estuaries, two of my favourite target areas.

Prawns I’ll start with prawns because – going by their late start to the year and last season – the banana prawn run in southeast Queensland should go deep into May. Banana prawns are sensational to eat, however if you can spare a few and keep them alive in an aerator and bucket, they are a hot bait for anything from whiting to barramundi.

In Queensland, banana prawns are best

caught with a 10” or if you can manage it 12” top-pocket only cast net.

During the peak season of February to May, you want to be searching for them in the deep holes of rivers and creeks.

As the season progresses into April and May, you want to be in the open bays, such as Redland Bay to the south and Nudgee to the north of Brisbane.

If you’re not exactly sure where, simply follow the scores of boats, particularly on the weekend.

It’s a fairly relaxed atmosphere in the prawning mosh pit, so don’t worry about joining the crowd, though if you can find your own hole and prawns, it is all the more rewarding.

There is also another way to target prawns – particularly tigers and * continued P27

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Catching your own bait or flat tray a few times, particularly if keeping them overnight.

Keep them well aerated with portable aerators, or even a 24V fish tank aerator, if you have one.

Then, when it comes time to hook them up, a size 1 circle hook through the third last section of the prawn’s shell is ideal, and will allow it to swim and kick about, attracting fish to investigate.

Saltwater yabbies Saltwater yabbies are another awesome bait – as are freshwater crayfish or freshwater yabbies in the fresh.

Saltwater yabbies are probably the second easiest bait to collect, behind pipis.

A close up of yabby holes.

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A yabby pump in action in perfect territory – soft muddy sand.

* continued P28

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In the shallows of Moreton Bay, prawns are in such little depth that the underwater light is much less effective than a strong headlamp, which can search out the red beady eyes of the prawn from afar.

To keep these prawns alive, you ideally want to use them that day.

But if not, change the saltwater in your bucket

F

bay prawns – and that is using strong headlamps or underwater lights and prawn scoop nets.

I have used both types of lights, particularly strong LED lights on a do-it-yourself headlamp, which I have written about a few times in this publication in the past.

UV

* from P26

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 27

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

SCAN QR CODE

Thumper whiting love beachworms.

Live beachworms kept alive in a shallow tray with aerators.

Techniques on catching your own bait * from P27

They will catch almost any fish that swims past them in an estuary, bay or beach.

To catch them, all you need is a yabby, pump.

While it might cost you around $70-90 for a quality stainless-steel pump, it will last you a lifetime.

To avoid it clogging up, all you need to do is

make sure you flush the sand out after each session and give the brass shaft and washers some oil from time to time.

Then every few years, before they wear out, it’s worth replacing the 2” rubber washers for a couple of dollars.

Finding yabbies isn’t that hard, however there are a few tricks to avoid a huge sweat

The author’s friend Knoxie and a lovely estuary flathead caught on a yabby.

Page 28 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

from pumping unproductive grounds.

On sand flats, avoid the very hard corrugated sand and instead look for holes in the softer sand mixed with darker patches of mud and sand that will hold yabbies.

Top spots in these areas are the melon holes created by stingrays that are filled with water on the low tide.

Likewise, look around the edge of the mangrove roots as another prime location.

If you are consistently getting small yabbies, the area may be overused, so try a bit further away, particularly where the spot has easy access.

When you are lifting the pump out – on say the second or third pump down the hole – and hearing a ‘slurp’ noise, you know you’re in productive yabby territory of soft sand mixed with water under the surface.

Finally, another tip if you’re struggling to find them even though you’ve found holes is to look for holes with a fresh mound of dirt around their entrance.

This generally means the yabby is at home.

They are best kept alive in a shallow tray of saltwater with an aerator or two.

However, they will also survive a reasonable length of time in damp sawdust or seagrass.

Hooking them up, I prefer to use a small size 4 Tru-Turn finesse hook – go in through the underside of the tail and thread it up the tail, bringing it out in the harder breast plate area.

Beware of their nippers and pinch them either side of the base of their claws to avoid getting nipped.

One more tip for fishing them.

As they are soft, they should be ‘flicked’ out when cast, rather than thrown with a strenuous cast, as you might give a pilchard in the surf.

As a consequence, a longer slow action or light whippy rod in the 1-3kg or 2-4kg range will help you achieve a reasonable cast without the yabby flying off.

Pipis The easiest live bait of the lot to collect – particularly on beaches where four-wheeldrives are permitted – is the pipi.

Pipi mounds can be found exposed as lumps under 4WD tyre tracks at low tide, on the firm wet sand near the water.

If your beach doesn’t permit 4WDs, the next option is to go down to the water’s edge – particularly in the period between 90 minutes before to 90 minutes after low tide – and do the pipi shuffle.

In particular, look for areas of fine wet sand to do this, rather than coarse sand.

Basically, the pipi shuffle involves standing in the wet sand or sand covered with a shallow layer of water and twist both feet, allowing them to shuffle down into the sand.

If you then notice something hard underfoot, hold your foot on it, reach down and grab it.

From time to time, it may be a stone or worse, a small crab – so, if you can, always look at what you’re grabbing – but after a while, you’ll get to know the feel of a pipi.

In terms of baiting up, you can cut them into a couple of pieces, however I prefer to put * continued P29

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Catching your own bait * from P28

a big bait on, which on average attracts bigger bream, tarwhine and flathead.

This is best fished on a baitholder hook.

Because I prefer to eat whiting over bream, tarwhine and dart, I bait up on a long shank hook – to increase my chances of hooking a whiting, with their small mouths.

I basically thread the soft stomach over the hook a few times, then secure it by pinning the tougher tongue over the top of it three times – by threading it in and out on the hook.

Beachworms Of all bait off the beach, live beachworms are king.

These sand-dwelling creatures can be cut into many pieces, depending on their length, and will catch everything from whiting to mulloway.

Catching beachworms is a bit of an art but once perfected, it’s like riding a bike.

I have attached a QR

code showing you a video of the method I use.

I have taught many people with this technique and, while it might not be as fast or efficient as some of the professional wormers’ techniques – it is relatively easy, and it works.

To set yourself up for beachworming, all you need is a bag – an old onion bag or a fish-keeper bag full of fish frames.

Try to avoid too much offal or pieces that will break off because the worms will grab them as the waves recede and then they’re gone.

The other critical piece of worming gear is a firm finger bait of either a pipi or a firm piece of the fish, such as that found on the underbelly.

The trick then is to swish the stink bag of fish frames around the top of the wash and watch for worm heads sticking up as the wave recedes.

This is best done two

A huge patch of pipi mounds on K’gari.

A close up of a freshly caught pipi.

www.bnbfishing.com.au

hours before and after low tide, though you can still catch some different species of beachworms further up the beach towards high tide, but the rush of the waves does get harder as the tide picks up pace.

Once spotted, you then approach them gently on the ball of your foot and let them grab the finger bait, then try to entice them out further ever so slowly.

Eventually they will ‘arch their back’ and this is the time – with your fingers under the sand and either side of them – to grip firmly with your thumb and forefinger around their head and then commence a firm and medium-paced lift to pull them out of the sand.

In the surf for whiting, I thread mine on a size 4 Tru-Turn hook or longer size 2/0 long shank or baitholder hooks for mulloway – threading the whole worm on the hook by winding it up and over the eye of the hook up the line.

So, there you go.

Four of the best live bait for the beach and estuary.

Of course, there are others – such as live bloodworms – that are awesome for whiting further up the estuary and live fish bait in the estuary, bays and offshore, but these four are all I had room for and will stand you in very good stead.

Until next month, feel free to like and follow my Ontour Fishing Australia social media on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube pages.

Tide Times

AUSTRALIA EAST COAST AUSTRALIA, EAST COAST – BRISBA BRISBANE BAR LAT 27° 22ʼ S LONG 153° 10ʼ E Time

MAY

m

Time

m

Times and Heights of High and Low Wate Water JUNE

0045 0.66 0.86 1 0010 0621 2.12 16 0646 2.27 1323 0.42 1300 0.67

Time

m

MO 1300 0.67 1903 1.96

TU 1323 0.42 1930 2.29

TH 1327 0.47 1951 2.32

0103 0704 TU 1339 1943

0.76 2.17 0.58 2.11

0.61 17 0145 0734 2.20 1405 0.38

0212 0743 FR 1408 2034

0152 0744 WE 1415 2021

0.69 2.18 0.50 2.24

0.59 18 0238 0818 2.12 1442 0.37

0237 0822 TH 1449 2100

0.63 2.17 0.44 2.36

0322 0900 FR 1523 2139

0.59 2.13 0.41 2.45

2 3 4 5

Time

m

0226 0.69 0.77 1 0118 0657 2.03 16 0752 1.85 1405 0.41 1327 0.47

Time

0152 1 0714 1332

FR 1405 0.41 2038 2.49

SA 1332 2013

0.69 2.00 0.41 2.45

0.67 17 0315 0839 1.80 1444 0.42

0250 0808 SU 1421 2101

0303 0829 SA 1447 2117

0.63 1.97 0.37 2.55

0401 0.66 18 0922 1.75 1519 0.44

0345 0903 MO 1510 2149

0.59 19 0326 0900 2.02

0354 0915 SU 1528 2202

0.58 1.92 0.36 2.62

0443 0.67 19 1002 1.72 1553 0.47

0438 0958 TU 1558 2238

0.61 20 0412 0941 1.92

0444 1004 MO 1609 2248

0.56 1.87 0.37 2.64

0520 0.69 20 1040 1.70 1628 0.52

0530 1051 WE 1647 2326

0536 0.56 0555 0.72 6 1056 1.83 21 1116 1.69

0619 6 1145 1737

WE 1405 0.38 2016 2.42 TH 1442 0.37 2059 2.50 FR 1515 0.37 2138 2.55

SA 1547 0.40 2216 2.55

0.58 0454 0.65 6 0406 0938 2.07 21 1019 1.82

2 3 4 5

SA 1444 0.42 2119 2.51

SU 1519 0.44 2158 2.51

MO 1553 0.47 2234 2.47 TU 1628 0.52 2310 2.42

2

3

4

5

SA 1557 0.40 2218 2.51

SU 1618 0.45 2254 2.51

TU 1652 0.40 2336 2.63

WE 1702 0.57 2345 2.36

TH 1737

0450 1018 SU 1630 2300

0.70 22 0535 1058 1.74

0630 0.57 1151 1.78 WE 1740 0.46

0629 0.74 22 1154 1.68

0013 0708 FR 1239 1830

7

0.59 1.98 0.41 2.53

MO 1649 0.52 2330 2.44

0614 0.76 0.63 8 0536 1101 1.88 23 1135 1.67

MO 1704 0.46 2343 2.52 0627 1150 TU 1745

9

0.68 1.78 0.53

TU 1722 0.61

0007 2.35 24 0654 0.82 WE 1216 1.61 1759 0.70

7

TH 1740 0.63

7

0100 0026 2.58 0020 2.30 8 0726 8 0755 0.59 23 0704 0.76

TH 1249 1.76 1833 0.55 0118 0822 FR 1353 1934

9

2.51 0.59 1.76 0.64

FR 1236 1.67 1821 0.71

SA 1334 1925

0059 2.23 0148 24 0744 9 0841 0.76 SA 1324 1.67 1909 0.80

SU 1433 2026

2.47 0047 2.26 0215 2.41 0140 2.15 0239 10 0030 0724 0.73 25 0738 0.86 10 0917 0.58 25 0828 0.75 10 0928 1246 1.69

WE 1246 1.69 1833 0.62

TH 1303 1.57 1843 0.80

SA 1500 1.81 2045 0.72

SU 1420 1.68 2004 0.89

MO 1538 2135

0127 2.40 0132 2.17 0314 2.31 0227 2.07 0335 0335 11 1356 0831 0.75 26 0830 0.88 11 1011 0.55 26 0916 0.72 11 1016 1016 1.64 1402 1.55 TH 1356 1.64 1935 0.71

FR 1402 1.55 1938 0.90

SU 1610 1.91 2159 0.77

MO 1525 1.74 2111 0.95

1645 TU 1645 2253 2253

0231 2.34 0225 2.10 0415 2.21 0320 1.99 0436 0436 12 0941 0.72 27 0926 0.86 12 1103 0.51 27 1008 0.67 12 1108 1108 1517 1.68 1515 1.59 1715 2.04 FR 1517 1.68 2055 0.77

SA 1515 1.59 2046 0.96

MO 1715 2.04 2314 0.78

TU 1633 1.84 2226 0.96 0.96

1748 WE WE 1748

0342 2.31 0323 2.05 0515 2.12 0419 1.92 0012 1.92 0012 13 1045 0.65 28 1022 0.81 13 1154 0.47 28 1100 0.61 0.61 13 0541 0541 1635 1.79 1627 1.68 1815 2.19 1735 2.00 SA 1635 1.79 2219 0.77

SU 1627 1.68 2204 0.97

TU 1815 2.19 WE 1735 2.00 2341 2341 0.91 0.91

1201 TH TH 1201 1846 1846

0450 2.31 0423 2.04 0026 0.76 0519 0121 0121 0519 1.88 1.88 14 1145 0.56 29 1114 0.73 14 0610 2.02 29 1152 0644 1152 0.54 0.54 14 0644 1743 1.96 1728 1.82 1241 0.44 1831 2.17 1253 SU 1743 1.96 2336 0.71

MO 1728 1.82 2316 0.92

WE 1241 0.44 1907 2.33

TH TH 1831 2.17

FR FR 1253 1937 1937

0552 2.30 0519 2.04 0130 0.73 0049 0218 0049 0.82 0.82 0218 15 1237 0.48 30 1200 0.63 15 0703 1.93 1.93 30 0617 0617 1.85 1.85 15 0741 0741 1840 2.13 1820 1.99 1325 0.42 1244 0.47 1341 MO 1840 2.13

TU 1820 1.99

TH 1325 0.42 1955 2.43 2.43

FR FR 1244 0.47 1923 1923 2.34 2.34

SA SA 1341 2022 2022

0021 0.85 31 0610 2.04 1245 0.55 WE 1245 0.55 1906 2.16

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2021, Bureau Bureau of of Meteorolog Meteorolo Moon First Quarter Datum ofNew Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Tide

FullSymbols Moon Moon Phase

NewLast MoonQuarter

First First Quarter Quarter

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 29

How boat ramp surveys help our fisheries If you’ve recreationally fished at one of the 50 boat ramps across Queensland that Fisheries Queensland monitor as part of the Boat Ramp Survey Program, you may have come across one of our interviewers asking you to spare a few minutes to answer some questions about your fishing trip.

The Boat Ramp Survey Program is a voluntary program giving recreational fishers the opportunity to help with the stewardship of Queensland’s fisheries. More than 90% of recreational fishers take up this opportunity and provide interviewers with basic fishing information about their trip.

That information provides insight into patterns in boat-based recreational fishing and is primarily used to improve the sustainability of fish stocks. For example, the survey monitors changes in recreational boat-based fishing effort, what’s caught and the size of those fish. But don’t worry, your personal information is not recorded, and you’re not asked to give away those secret fishing spots!

Although the interviews seem simple, there’s quite a bit of science behind them.

Surveys are performed on randomly allocated days across a range of boat ramps.

This allows the data to better reflect rates and patterns in recreational fishing.

When we measure the fish, you may see us measuring to the ‘fork in the tail’ rather than the tip. Fork length gives a more reliable standardised scientific length measurement.

If you see our friendly interviewers at your ramp, give something back to the fishery and volunteer a few minutes of your time to contribute with your information. It’s your opportunity to help look after your fishery.

Faces of Fisheries: Tonia Sankey Tonia started working in the Fishery Monitoring team in 2018 and now manages the Boat Ramp Survey Program in northern Queensland. Tonia is a marine ecologist and works closely with your friendly interviewers at boat ramps to collect important recreational fishing data.

“The ocean is my haven. On weekends I’m often out in the reef immersing myself in the ocean for hours with a speargun and camera in hand. I feel fortunate that my job lets me promote recreational fishing data collection.

I love talking to fishers and it’s comforting to know that fishers care about our ocean and fisheries. We’re all helping maintain the sustainability of Queensland’s fisheries.”

Participating in a boat ramp survey is a simple way that you can contribute to valuable data being collected. It helps us support fisheries so you can continue to enjoy weekends on the water with a line in hand and enough fish in the ocean to catch.

Download the free ‘Qld Fishing 2.0’ app from the App Store or Google Play DAF1953 04/23

Page 30 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 1953 Bush and Beach May 2023.indd 2

LEFT

www.bnbfishing.com. au 6/4/2023 4:03 pm

Why fish passage is vital for fish migration Have you ever caught a fish and wondered what journey it’s been on, or the obstacles it’s had to encounter?

Many of Queensland’s native fish species, including popular recreational and commercial species, migrate at some point in their life. This could be to breed, recolonise areas, and to access new food and habitats.

Some fish species move between fresh and salt water. This movement is called diadromous and is undertaken by fish species such as barramundi, Australian bass, jungle perch and sea mullet.

Native fish species that complete their lifecycle in freshwater also have a requirement for movement within the river systems. This type of movement is termed potamodromous and is undertaken by fish species such as golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod. Golden perch have a recorded migration of up to 2,300 km during times of flow – that’s like swimming from Brisbane to Auckland!

Migration patterns of fish can be restricted through the construction of dams, flood levees, weirs and road crossings. Even small changes in water level, as much as 10 cm drop, can obstruct small bodied native fish, leading to reduced native fish populations.

Any delay or blockage to native fish movement significantly reduces their long-term viability. This is why Fisheries legislation in Queensland requires adequate fish passage at structures built within waterways.

Women spearheading recreational fishing Sharney Lennox started camping and fishing from a young age when her and her brothers each had their own coloured hand line. Now living on the Gold Coast, Sharney loves the versatility fishing provides.

“I can head out west to chase Murray cod and camp for a few nights, floating down a river in my kayak without seeing another person all day.

I could head north to catch reef fish or chase barramundi.

I can go offshore with friends close to home to catch marlin or snapper. Or I can drive 10 minutes down the road to chase some bass and saratoga at Hinze Dam. Not only are they different types of fishing, but each offer a very different experience to one another.”

“To me, life doesn’t get better than being able to enjoy fishing with my loved ones. You can make fishing as personal or as social as you want, and when you take in to account all the different locations and types of fishing there are, the options are truly endless.

As a proud advocate for fishing, particularly for women and children, Sharney is now one of the leaders for the Women in Recreational Fishing Program. In the program she continues to learn about fishing and she shares her vast knowledge with other fishers.

“One of the most fulfilling things is sharing my knowledge and having someone come back to me and tell me they caught a fish on the back of the tips I have given them. My hope for this program is for more women to find the confidence to step outside of their comfort zone and give fishing a go.”

Interested in joining the community? Search Facebook for ‘Women in Recreational Fishing Network Qld’ to find out more.

In addition to the amazing versatility, Sharney loves being able to fish alone, with her husband and kids or with friends.

fisheries.qld.gov.au 13 25 23 FisheriesQueensland FisheriesQld DAFQld www.bnbfishing.com.au 1953 Bush and Beach May 2023.indd 3

RIGHT

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 6/4/2023 4:03 31 pm

Shane Holding caught a massive flathead on the Pilly coloured Soft Glide.

John Costello’s My Lure Box Australia Soft Glide was Glenn O’Sullivan lure pick to snare a monster flathead.

Monster flathead in shallows

H

Legendary international cricket umpire Peter Parker scored a very nice flathead on an MMD Soft Prawn Vibe when on a charter with Brad Smith.

I everyone, May is normally a pleasant month on the Gold Coast.

The weather is cooler without being too chilly, with a mean annual minimum temperature of 15C and a maximum of 24C. It is also the third least windy month of the year, behind June and July.

This means some great fishing times ahead in one of the greatest places in the

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Like me, there are some species that appreciate the weather at this time of year and these include dusky flathead, flounder and squid.

I will save my latest squid-fishing tips for articles in coming months when their numbers explode.

The two bottom-dwelling flat fish we regularly encounter in May – namely flathead and flounder – are easily caught on lures or bait.

Dusky flathead are the most common and have a minimum legal size of 40cm and a maximum legal size of

75cm in Queensland.

We usually release duskies that measure over 60cm.

The possession limit is five per angler but one or two per person is enough for a feed.

Flounder do not have a size limit and, like flathead, are an excellent table fish.

The bigger fish suddenly appear in the Gold Coast Broadwater in cooler months.

As I will for squid, I’ll talk about flounder in June and July – for now the attention is on flathead.

They are a fish that * continued P33

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Benno Pamment catches plenty of colossal flathead around the Gold Coast region on the Soft Glides from My Lure Box Australia.

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Monster flathead in the shallows * from P32

can turn up anywhere, from very shallow water to the deepest holes in estuaries.

Flatties are prevalent in all water depths in estuaries, from 20cm to 20m and more.

In previous years, I spent a lot of time chasing them in deeper water but recently, it has been fun getting back to the shallows.

May is not peak season for flathead here but it is a much better month to catch them than in the heat of summer.

They prefer a water temperature of about 20C and at this time of year, a cool morning is a good opportunity to catch them, before the day heats up.

When the water gets colder in winter, they can fire up later in the day.

In the shallows, there are a number of lures that work well but there are none simpler and better than soft plastics.

You will be more likely to tempt big flathead on bigger lures, though don’t expect numbers.

If you want to catch the flathead of a lifetime, make an effort to use only big lures during the day.

While I usually stick to smaller plastics on charters to ensure a good strike rate, I am going to commit to sessions with larger lures this coming season.

An ideal lure for this

exact purpose is the Soft Glide from My Lure Box Australia.

Gold Coast local legend John Costello developed this large soft plastic, which comes in three packs with one lure pre-rigged, and you can buy extra hook rigs.

This lure is catching many giant flathead up to and 1m long all around the country and is a must have in every tackle box.

You can view plenty of tips on the My Lure Box Australia YouTube channel.

Here are some things I have learnt from John’s videos and from my experience on the water.

First, you need a 7’ or slightly longer rod, 3-6kg, 2500 or 3000 size reel spooled with 12-15lb braid and 20lb fluorocarbon leader.

Don’t be shy with scent, smear it all over the Soft Glide.

Pro-Cure Scent in Pilchard flavour will do the job nicely.

So often large flathead are caught on whole pillies.

I see many big flatties when I’m wading the flats fishing for whiting.

They are extremely wary creatures and will flurry off at great speed when disturbed.

For this reason, fanning long casts with the wind onto shallow sand flats is the way to go.

These lures sink at a rate of five seconds per metre, making it easy to

Shane Holding landed a solid mangrove jack on a Soft Glide – not only for landing big flathead. www.bnbfishing.com.au

know when they’re on the bottom.

John spent a lot of time getting this lure to sink slowly and horizontally, and this is one of its best attributes.

Keep it simple after that – a few winds of the reel and pauses will eventually get noticed by a big fish.

Don’t work the lure too fast – they are designed to be retrieved slowly.

Flathead will often break the surface of the water chasing fish, so keep a look out for splashes – and birds diving on bait give away their location too.

Many anglers struggle with getting weed caught on their hooks.

The answer is simple, don’t cast into weed beds!

Flathead love to bury themselves under sand to ambush prey, so it makes senses that it’s the place to throw lures.

They are often close to the edge of weed beds and in darker sandy hollows and drains.

I have seen them in the centre of sand flats in the middle of the day, however they are never too far from the shelter of weed beds and drop offs to escape to.

Who knows, soon you might encounter the dusky flathead of a lifetime – you can only achieve that by fishing regularly and persistently.

And remember, handle and release them carefully after capture.

For more tips, visit mylurebox.com.au To book on a charter with myself or Brad, or if you have any fishing related questions, visit goldcoastrivercharters. com, SMS 0432 990 302 or email fishing withclint@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook – Brad Smith Fishing Charters.

Glenn O’Sullivan regularly captures giant fish on the Soft Glide.

George and his first ever flathead from the Tweed River when on charter with Brad Smith.

Jan and her husband braved the heat from a freezing Canadian winter to catch some nice flathead with Brad Smith.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 33

Gold Coast inner reefs at a glance.

Strategies for Gold Coast winter species

A

S winter draws closer and mornings get cooler, don’t panic – the fishing on the local reefs is about to heat up.

May is typically quiet for demersal species on the nearshore grounds, with spotted mackerel very sparse and the last of the spanish mackerel starting to exit northbound after a healthy fattening.

Gold Coast

by ANDY MELVILLE

In this article, I touch on some of the species to look forward to and more importantly how to convert some prospecting into well set hooks and running drags.

First, let’s talk about aiming big by fishing light.

These grounds can be heavily fished at times and benefit from a bit of finesse when presenting bait and soft plastics.

Heavier fluorocarbon leaders and lightly weighted rigs tend to coil and have a springy motion as the swell

The 18-fathom grounds gifted a very healthy extra-large snapper specimen.

Page 34 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

moves under the boat, particularly drifting long-sweeping bait along the reefs.

Finding a balance that suits your setup will drastically increase how much fun you can have in a day without detracting from your conversion rate.

As an example, an 8-12kg spin rod paired with a 5000 reel, 2025lb braid and 30lb leader and trace is more than enough to target snapper – if you keep an eye on any chafing around your hooks between fish or choose to fish a twin-gang hook with a bit of rigging tube to protect the first few centimetres of your trace.

Taking a jump up to the 12-20kg range and fishing slightly larger bait – such as butterflied slimy mackerel – or live bait – such as yakka – on heavier leaders, suspended anywhere from 5-15m off the bottom, is a brilliant way to boost your chances on funsized cobia that can be found mixed in with

your target species.

By ‘fun size’, I’m talking up to 15kg, so an emphasis on properly judged use of terminal tackle.

Ultimately, my advice would be a lighter approach using a floatline method, covering plenty of ground to find the fish and deploying a larger bait at the start of your drifts to encourage larger by-catch taking the intended bait and being landed.

Speaking of finding the fish, apart from beginning at the last spot you fished on a previous trip and besides using your sounder to look for balled baitfish or snapper arches, here’s a starting point – the south side of Diamond Reef, Latitude (DDM): 27° 58.387’S; Longitude (DDM): 153° 30.693’E. This is a very productive reef to drift on a light east to southeastly wind, if the current isn’t running too hard north.

Depending on boat traffic, there are days

* continued P36

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 35

Strategies for winter species * from P34

A 13kg cobia couldn’t resist the octo jig fished quickly off the bottom in 27m of water.

when we can drift the whole reef and tack in 50m at a time left then right of the mark towards the Pinnacles, which start to show consistent ground from about Latitude (DDM): 27° 56.596’S; Longitude (DDM): 153° 29.701’E. The average mount is roughly 5-6m and holds a consistent slow-sloping face, whereas the reefs themselves are slightly elevated with rugged contours – worth fishing close to the bottom but keep an eye on snags.

Fishing for snapper can be great fun using soft plastics, octo jigs, micro jigs and of course bait.

If you have the time to do some homework, it is always worth marking where the reefs end using an

www.suncoastskutes.com Flashers and pre-made rigs focused on SEQ water all year round Page 36 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

app such as Navionics to gauge whether it’s worth having a look at resetting drifts.

If you do want to target cobia, gear up on a 60lb trace and 50lb mono as a minimum and spend a few minutes picking up a legal flathead to use as a live bait off the sandbanks that surround the reefs.

Ideally, a two-hook snell with huge hook exposure from the top lip and behind the dorsal fin fished mid-water will do the trick.

Mid-tide around a new or full moon phase is generally the most productive.

Moving on to snapper, which – while not so much a species that fires on moon phase and tidal activity as such – will turn on and off fairly quickly and quite often before you’ve had the chance to put one in the box.

My experience of fishing the Gold Coast has seen plenty of flaws in efforts gone by, however not so much because the fish weren’t there or biting.

Most commonly, I find myself fishing too light and not getting down to a new mark on a guest’s boat quickly enough for the drifts.

Or I’m in a drift mindset and still float a bait down covering plenty of ground waiting for a run, which is of course no good by the time I’ve let out 100m of line past the edge of a reef line in deeper water.

Why is this worth mentioning?

Simply because some of the biggest fish I have ever had the pleasure of landing have been on light gear and extremely high up in the water, coming

out of nowhere, even on days where the sounder was quiet and bite predictions were unfavourable.

Let’s not get too tied up with what goes wrong – we all know what we should have done differently on a particular day by the time the boat heads for home.

Some helpful tips to take away this month are definitely follow the moon phases and pay attention to the rise time, regardless of the time of day.

For offshore grounds, fish it in the afternoon in the first hour after moonrise, if you know your marks already.

For inshore, follow the same principal but alter the rule slightly to fish the morning, afternoon or night of a moonrise, while using overcast conditions, dawn and dusk to your advantage for the possibility of an extended bite time.

Do keep in mind though, disturbing the reefs early on might shut them down, so take care to drift in from wider if you are fishing shallow drifts and planning two or more similar passes through drifts or plan your anchor points in advance to settle into position quicker without the need to re-anchor.

Finally, use a small frequent berley day or night and be sure to check back for next month’s article, where colour frequencies are blended with movement and flash to discuss the function and attributes they bring to the party.

Catch up on the latest at suncoastskutes.com Tight lines.

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Keira put in the hours to land her first spanish mackerel.

May means mackerel and more

T

HIS year’s mackerel season will not go down as one of the best, that’s for sure.

Experienced fishos say that when doggy mackerel turns up here, the season is over.

Well, I started catching doggies back in February, so that explains a lot.

We’ve had heaps of bait, but the mackerel were not there with it.

A few spanish mackerel were mixed in with the doggies though and I had a bit of fun trying to get them.

On the other hand, the weather has been sensational, with flat calm days and small swells.

Keira did a few trips

Tweed to Byron Bay

by GAVIN DOBSON

with me and caught her first spanish and doggie mackerel.

She hasn’t picked the best of years to start as it can be quite a wait between bites, but she’s very patient and enjoys the whole experience.

Mackerel are a buzz and when the rod goes off, the wait is worth it.

Most of our doggies averaged a couple of kilograms or slightly better, though recently Keira caught one that went 5kg, which was great.

They fight well over their weight class too,

Rocco caught a cracking harbour bream, which will be plentiful in the river this month. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Ava scored a great spanish mackerel in absolutely miserable conditions.

with crazy bursts of speed.

I definitely rate them as a sport fish, while many prefer their bigger relatives.

Speaking of which, wahoo have shown up in reasonable numbers.

Occasionally they come in close on the mackerel grounds and I’ve caught them on the wide local here at Brunswick Heads and at Black Rock.

However, they usually prefer a bit wider and at this time of year, places such as Nine Mile Reef off Tweed Heads, Windarra Banks off Wooyung and the Mackerel Boulder off Cape Byron are hot spots.

The fish aggregating device off Cape Byron is always worth a try too.

Speaking of the Mackerel Boulder… this month it closes until next year, so don’t go in the marine park looking for your wahoo.

Though, they can be found on the outside of * continued P38

Damien recently caught a big lump of jewfish on the close reefs.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 37

May means mackerel and more * from P37

Doggy mackerel usually average around 2kg, so a 5kg specimen was a real treat.

the marine park – so if the water’s blue and there is a bit of current, have a crack at them.

The same goes for spanish mackerel.

It would have been great if Mackerel Boulder had been left open to include May but alas, it isn’t.

We should be pleased for the allowance we had for mackerel season and a big thanks to those who fought for it when the marine park was being formed.

On a sadder note, some lowlifes went into the Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve recently – presumably at night – and caught

the pet knobby snapper that all the charter boats hand feed.

I barely have words.

Apart from being illegal to fish in the marine park – a 500m area around Julian Rocks Nguthungulli, with no anchoring permitted within 700m – it is a dog act to take these magnificent friendly creatures.

And how much of a hero is the scummy person who illegally ‘catches’ snapper that you can hand feed biscuits to straight from the boat?

Obviously not good enough to catch a snapper the proper way.

As I’ve said before, May is my favourite fishing month of the year.

The reason is simple – during this time, almost all of our species are available here.

Snapper and jewfish can be targeted with mackerel, wahoo, mahi mahi and bar cod.

That’s a fair spread of diversity as far as offshore goes.

Mangrove jack will be hanging in the lower rivers and breakwalls and, by walking only a few more meters, you can target tailor.

With the mullet running, jewies will be in the mix with both these species too.

The season may be changing to colder weather but the fishing in May is red hot.

Operation Avoca secured over 38 tonnes of biosecurity risk material

A

Biosecurity officers secured approximately 38 tonnes of risk material—including boxes of turtle meat and raw prawns.

Page 38 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

SIGNIFICANT risk to Australia’s biosecurity was prevented by biosecurity officers securing approximately 38 tonnes of risk material, including boxes of turtle meat, frog meat, plant products, avian meat, pig meat, beef meat and raw prawns.

Recently, a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry biosecurity officer noted suspicious boxes of goods at a routine inspection in NSW. The observations led to the department executing a warrant at a western Sydney warehouse, where biosecurity risk products were uncovered.

Following this, the Australian Federal Police assisted the department by executing multiple warrants at various locations in NSW connected to the warehouse.

A number of warrants

were executed to individuals and businesses in relation to the investigation.

At the western Sydney premises, biosecurity officers examined approximately 250 tonnes of goods and determined that over 38 tonnes represented a biosecurity risk – including beef, chicken, duck, pig meat, geese, frog meat, raw prawns, plant products and soil.

Goods were removed from the site in seven 20’ shipping containers and remain under Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry control.

Departmental secretary and Australia’s director of biosecurity Andrew Metcalfe said anyone who intentionally tries to circumvent our biosecurity laws can face significant potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to $1.375 million for an individu-

al or $6.875 million for a company.

“The secured goods could have posed an unacceptable risk of introducing disease and pest for plants and animals alike,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“We will work hard to protect our agriculture industries and natural environment from these threatening diseases.”

“The department takes its role in managing and enforcing Australia’s biosecurity laws extremely seriously and the work of our biosecurity officers throughout this operation has been outstanding.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

The department will continue to collaborate with the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and all other relevant parties throughout the next phase of the investigation.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 39

End of season offshore fun n Time for shallow-running hard-body lures or suspending jerk and glide baits

H Mackerel on the close reefs are always a popular species to target at this time of year.

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ELLO all, the first signs that summer is over and winter is approaching have started to show around the Northern Rivers already.

We’ll possibly have our summer species around for the next month or two but there is a definite chill in the air.

And some of our winter species such as bream and tailor have started to show up in reasonable numbers.

Compared to this time last year, we’ve had only a small amount of rain and even that was infrequent, so it’s setting up for a very productive season on the water.

The river was looking fantastic at the time of writing, with clear water well past Wardell Bridge.

Over the past month, we’ve seen many flathead making their way further up the

BALLINA

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02 6686 2527 Page 40 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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river for winter.

There are still some good numbers in the lower reaches but, with the small drop in water temperature and the minor rainfall, a few flatties have frequented some of the sand flats between the ferry and Wardell Bridge.

This trend will continue as we creep closer to winter, so now is a good time to dig out your shallow-running hard-body lures or suspending jerk and glide baits in preparation for the next couple of months.

As the weather continues to cool, plenty of these fish will move shallower for the warmth and to chase the food that is also hanging around these types of areas.

This time of year is known to be productive for anglers wishing to chase flathead on surface lures too, with some good numbers of fish sitting in less than 2m of water.

While mangrove jack have certainly tapered off recently – mostly due to the weather – whiting and mud crabs seems to have had a late summer flurry, with better numbers over the past couple of weeks.

Both of these species have had a quiet summer compared to normal, so it’s a welcome change to see

more of them around, even if it is towards the end of the season.

It appears to be setting up as a good period for bream and tailor.

We’ve had decent bream captures in the river and tailor from the rocks and beaches.

At present, the better numbers of bream seem to be spread from the ferry to the Broadwater, however I’m expecting them to start moving towards the mouth of the river over the next month.

Hard-body lures, plastics and bait such as prawns and squid have had the best results lately, though as we get into the cooler weather, metal blades and vibes will come into play as bream set up for their breeding season and have a preference for staying closer to the bottom of the river.

Tailor have been responding to the usual bait such as pilchard, bonito and mullet, as well as metal spinners and surface poppers.

As is usually the case, a few of the better-quality fish have been taken at night, but if you prefer to fish during the day, good numbers have been spun up from areas such as the breakwalls, Flat Rock and Black Head. * continued P41

www.bnbfishing.com. au

End of season offshore fun * from P40

Early in the season, the fish tend to show a preference for some smaller profile spinners in the 30-40g range, but as the season progresses and the bait grows slightly, the 50-85g versions will become more popular.

Offshore has been a real mixed bag recently, with an inconsistent current and a mix of species spread from the shelf to the close reefs.

Some anglers have taken advantage of the lack of current at times and made their way to the wider grounds, managing to tangle with bar cod, kingfish, snapper and pearl perch in water depths from 100250m.

It is nice to have the current drop off from time to time, particularly over summer – for many years this doesn’t happen, so when it does, it pays to make the most of it.

The fish aggregating device is still holding mahi mahi and a few small marlin, though they have had plenty of attention over summer and this has at times made them very difficult to catch.

Live bait have been the most effective method on them for the best part of summer, but it will be worth trying a lightly weighted pilchard, a metal spinner or a vibe as an alternative.

At the time of writing this article, we still had good numbers of spotted and spanish mackerel at both North and South Riordan shoals and Black Head.

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As with mahi mahi, live bait have worked well on these toothy critters too, however if you’re struggling to find a livie, then slow trolling a dead bait or even a small skirted lure could be a great alternative.

If all else fails, an unweighted pilchard can be a very tempting option for spottie mackerel.

I’m not expecting them to last too long, especially if the weather continues to cool and a westerly wind begins to howl.

But for now, let’s get out there and enjoy some screaming reels.

That’s all from me this month, until next time – tight lines!

Summer’s over but there’s still fun to be had offshore.

Good quality mahi mahi were around the fish aggregating device late in the season.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 41

Grahame Dowsett from Gulmarrad with the first spanish mackerel to be taken from the Iluka breakwall this season.

Mischa with a nice 78cm chopper tailor taken from Main Beach Iluka.

Plenty of awesome pelagic action

W

Guy Stewart of Goonellabah with a nice eating-sized shark, taken from along Ten Mile Beach.

Page 42 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

ELL, touch wood, it looks as if La Niña is well and truly over because we made it past the Easter period without any sign of rain – apart from the occasional storm, which in turn saw some awesome pelagic fishing along the coast of northern NSW. Offshore went gangbusters for oodles of spotted mackerel, with plenty of the larger spanish variety and longtail tuna thrown in for good measure.

Now that we’re well into the season, boats are trolling lures at first light, then anchoring once the sun comes up to float half blue pillies into a berley trail.

The bonus of anchoring with berley is that plenty of good snapper

Just Jew

by TYE PORTER

come into the chum trail looking for a feed too, and even the occasional jewfish if you’re lucky.

Sadly, all this action will come to a grinding halt around the end of May, as the water starts to cool and the pelagics go north until next season.

The land-based pelagic angler did well around the headland at Evans Head and on the Iluka and Yamba breakwalls, with longtail tuna making up the bulk of the catches, with a decent spanish puting the cream on the cake.

The first angler to score a spaniard from the Iluka wall this sea-

son was die-hard fisho Grahame Dowsett of Gulmarrad who, after several seasons and using live garfish as bait, finally landed his first beautiful fish, which tipped the scales at slightly under 24kg.

After watching me spin for tuna with my trusty 700A5 non-drag Alvey all his life, my son Mischa finally decided to put all of his flash rods and reels to one side to try my oldschool method.

Armed with an old seven-wrap Len Butterworth rod and the 700A5 Alvey that was loaded with 30lb low* continued P43

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Plenty of awesome pelagic action * from P42

stretch Platypus monofilament line and a surface popper, Mischa finally scored a stunning longtail tuna, on all Australian-made gear… a very rare feat these days.

If we continue to have minimal rain through May, the tuna should hang around until the first week or two of June, while the spaniards will be well and truly gone by then – they seem to have a much lower tolerance for cooler water.

Warric Johnston from the Gold Coast paid us a visit last month and, while he did manage to land a few more tuna, he also got smoked heaps of times and had multiple wire breakages during fights, so maybe it’s time for him to give an Alvey a go too.

Warric and Mischa also spent quite a few days fishing local beaches for jewfish but could not get a bait past the sharks, however Mischa did manage to snare a nice 78cm chopper tailor from Main Beach on cut bonito fillet.

Speaking of beaches and sharks, Goonellabah shark whisper Guy Stewart was once again trying to catch his first big jew off the beach, though to no avail as his friends in grey suits

kept taking his bait and hooks.

He did manage to get even late one afternoon during a heavy rain shower by landing a nice eating-sized shark along Ten Mile Beach at Shark Bay, which was duly dressed out on the beach and taken home for a feed.

Guy has caught plenty of jewfish from inside rivers but is still as keen as mustard to nail one from the beaches because they are generally a much larger variety of this species.

All things being equal, this month will see the annual run of big jewies move into the lower reaches of most of the rivers along the coast as they feed on the huge schools of migrating mullet that are pushing out to sea.

The run of river fish will continue all winter through to early September, as long as we don’t get a flood of any sort – jewfish feed primarily on the flat tail mullet that hang around longer than the bigger sea mullet variety.

As I have said time and again, the secret to successful river jew fishing is stealth, which means no clanging anchors, no lights on the water and other such disturbances.

The bane of beach-fishing anglers – having bait meant for jewfish come back torn to shreds by pesky sharks. www.bnbfishing.com.au

If big fish are not your cup of tea, then bream should be on the increase in both size and number, as they too move in droves to feed on the eggs that mullet lay throughout the lower reaches of the rivers.

Hopefully tailor hang around this month and don’t disappear as they tend to do at any given moment, while the headlands will continue to produce nice jew on lures.

All in all, May is going to be a cracker of a month, so get out there and have a go before somebody else catches your dream fish.

Until next month, safe fishing.

Mischa Porter and a solid longtail tuna taken from the Iluka breakwall on a surface popper.

While only in his twenties, Mischa fished ‘old school’ to land a cracking tuna on a surface popper using a seven wrap Len Butterworth rod and a 700A5 Alvey loaded with 30lb low-stretch Platypus monofilament.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 43

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Page 44 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER BRISBANE | Northside Marine P: 3265 8000, 2294 Sandgate Rd, Boondall, QLD www.northsidemarine.com.au BRISBANE (BAYSIDE) | Wynnum Marine P: 3396 9777, 31 Fox St, Wynnum, QLD www.wynnummarine.com.au

TH INTEGR ATED STEERING

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asy Tilting.*

Helm Master EX Autopilot & Joystick Compatible.*

website for full details www.yamaha-motor.com.au

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SUNSHINE COAST | Sunshine Coast Yamaha P: 5346 9981, 14 Machinery Ave, Warana, QLD www.sunshinecoastyamaha.com.au TULLY | Cavs Marine & Outdoor P: 4068 2222, 59504 Bruce Hwy, Tully, QLD www.cavsmarine.com.au

TWEED COAST | North Coast Yamaha P: 02 6680 3322, 4 Lucky Ln, Billinudgel, NSW Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 45

The War Head is perfect for larger predators, already proving deadly on barramundi, mulloway and offshore species.

The grub keeper has been designed to lock into the head section and split belly of the Z-Man 6” SwimmerZ soft plastic paddle tail and the included rubber locking rings ensure maximum hook exposure for increased hook-up rate, especially on suction feeders such as barramundi, which inhale and exhale lures in seconds.

Available in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2oz #8/0XH. Visit tackletactics.com.au

Wilson Deluxe Scaler Bag

THE Wilson Deluxe Scaler Bag is designed to be towed behind the boat with your catch held safely inside.

As the two-ring bag sits on the front of your boat’s wake, the tumbling action strips the scales from the fish, making for less mess when you’re cleaning the fish back at the boat.

The Wilson Scaler Bag can handle most small to medium-sized fish and can even be used to clean squid tubes easily on the way back to the ramp.

Visit wilsonfishing.com

TT Fishing War Head

A HEAVY duty big fish stopper with a unique keeper system.

TT Fishing have designed the War Head jig head specifically to suit the Z-Man 6” SwimmerZ. It features an 8/0 extra heavy duty Mustad black nickel chemically sharpened needle-point hook, designed to handle the hardest hitting and toughest fighting sport fish.

Page 46 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

Atomic Jigging Bag

Z-Man Finesse FrogZ

Z-MAN’S bite-size 2.75” Finesse FrogZ features a realistic frog profile and twin paddle feet that create noise, water movement and a bubble trail that predators can’t resist.

Rig it for surface fishing on a TT Lures 2/0 ChinlockZ or ChinlockZ Finesse hook, hold the rod tip up and wind the Finesse FrogZ until you hit the magic speed where the feet are bubbling and it’s calling predators to attack.

Alternatively, you can rig the Finesse FrogZ on a TT Lures 2/0 SnakelockZ or ChinlockZ SWS to fish weedless through cover or on a standard HeadlockZ or DemonZ jig head for sub-surface fishing.

A bottom hook slot and deep top hook pocket protect the hook from fouling or snagging when weedless rigging, and the softness and flexibility of the Z-Man 10X Tough ElaZtech ensures the plastic clears on the strike, exposing the hook and pinning the fish.

Deadly on bass, saratoga, mangrove jack, barramundi and more.

We look forward to seeing what other species you can land on this little frog!

Visit tackletactics.com.au

WITH four models to choose from, the Atomic range of jigging bags offers something for every angler.

Jigging Bag Folding A two-sided mesh jig bag with four separate jig pockets.

Designed for all jigs and accessories, the bag is made from waterproof material.

This wallet offers fast access to your jigs and can be hosed out at the end of the day.

Fits jigs up to 270mm in length.

Jigging Bag Designed for knife jigs, the standard jig wallet comes with 10 separate sleeves.

Made from waterproof material, this bag offers fast access to your jigs and can be hosed out at the end of the day.

Fits jigs up to 130mm in length.

Jigging Bag Long Designed for knife jigs, the long jig wallet also comes with 10 separate sleeves and is made from waterproof material.

It too offers fast access to your jigs and can be hosed out at the end of the day.

Able to fit jigs up to 270mm.

Jigging Bag Short Heavy Designed for wider flutter style jigs, the wide jig wallet comes with seven separate sleeves, offering quick access to your jigs.

The mesh material can be hosed out after fishing.

The short heavy jigging bag fits jigs up to 160mm in length.

Visit frogleysoffshore.com.au

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Angler’s Almanac June 2023

May 2023

DAY Above Below Mon.

1

Tue. FIRST GIBBOUS

2

Wed.

3

Thur.

4 Fri.

5 Sat. FULL MOON

6

8 9

LAST GIBBOUS

Wed.

10

Thur.

11

Fri.

12

Sat. LAST QUARTER

13

Sun.

14

Mon.

15 LAST CRESCENT

Tue.

16 Wed.

17

Thur.

18

Fri.

19

Sat. NEW MOON

20 Sun.

21 Mon.

22 Tue.

23 FIRST CRESCENT

Wed.

24 Thur.

25

Fri.

26

Sat.

27

Sun. FIRST QUARTER

28

Mon.

29

Tue.

30

Wed.

31

©

Thur.

7.32am

8.34pm

8.14am

Fri.

9.16pm

8.55am

Sat.

1 2 3

10.00pm

9.38am FULL MOON

10.47pm 10.24am 11.39pm 11.13am

Sun.

4

Tue. Wed.

7

12.36am

1.06pm

1.36am

2.08pm

Fri.

2.39am

3.10pm

Sat.

LAST GIBBOUS

Thur.

8 9

10

4.11pm

Sun. LAST QUARTER

4.40am

5.09pm

5.35am

6.02pm

6.26am

6.51pm

7.14am

7.39pm

8.01am

8.25pm

8.48am

9.12pm

11

Mon.

12

Tue.

13 LAST CRESCENT

Wed.

14 Thur.

15

Fri.

16

Sat.

17

9.35am 10.00pm

Sun. NEW MOON

10.24am 10.50pm

18 Mon.

19

11.15am 11.42pm

Tue.

12.09pm

20 Wed.

1.03pm 12.36am

21 FIRST CRESCENT

1.56pm

1.30am

2.48pm

2.23am

3.36pm

3.13am

4.22pm

4.00am

Thur.

22 Fri.

23

Sat.

5.05pm

5.27am

6.28pm

6.08am

7.09pm

6.49am

7.51pm

Sun.

25

Mon. FIRST QUARTER

26

Tue.

27

Wed.

28

Thur.

29

FIRST GIBBOUS

7.30am

Minor Times: Add 6 hours

www.bnbfishing.com.au

24

4.45am

5.47pm

8.14am

9.27pm

9.02am

10.22pm

9.54am

Fri.

30

©

Notes

11.22pm 10.52am 11.54am

5 6

3.41am

8.38pm

Mon. Partial (penumbral) lunar eclipse very early morning

12.07pm

7

Tue.

DAY Above Below FIRST GIBBOUS

7.52pm

Sun.

Mon.

Notes

12.26am 12.59pm 1.30am

2.03pm

2.32am

3.03pm

3.30am

3.58pm

4.23am

4.49pm

5.13am

5.37pm

6.00am

6.23pm

6.46am

7.09pm

7.32am

7.56pm

8.19am

8.45pm

9.09am

9.35pm

10.01am 10.28pm 10.54am 11.22pm 11.48am 12.40pm 12.15am 1.30pm

1.06am

2.17pm

1.55am

3.01pm

2.40am

3.43pm

3.23am

4.23pm

4.04am

5.03pm

4.44am

5.44pm

5.24am

6.27pm

6.06am

7.14pm

6.51am

8.06pm

7.40am

Winter Solstice: Shortest Day

Minor Times: Add 6 hours

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 47

C HARTER directory FRASER COAST

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ACKLEED T L L A 30 years’ local experience D PROVI Targeting all estuary species Bookings and inquiries: Lure fishing specialist 0419 028 704 Personalised service

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Like to learn more about crossing coastal bars safely and using electronics?

Tuition with Bill Corten Professional coastal bar crossing instructor and offshore fishing trainer since 1996.

Coastal bar crossing and electronics tuition: • Hands-on experience crossing • Learn how to get the most out of your GPS and sounder coastal bars safely • Interpret sounder readings • Direct supervision mastering and shows all bar crossing skills • Fine tuning your sounder for • Fine-tuning of skills in breaking better results swells and white water • Using your electronics to • Overcome your fears and learn find reefs and structure vital safety skills as part of an • And much more. on-water training course.

Contact Bill Corten M: 0447 233 247 / 0447 ( a f f a i r ) E: reel_affair@yahoo.com Page 48 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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C HARTER directory TIN CAN BAY

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Fish ‘N’ Cruise Charters ALL MEALS INCLUDED

FV Nightbeat

• 2-5 day trips • Up to 8 people • Private charters • Modern facilities • Air-conditioned

WE PROVIDE • All meals cooked on board • Rods, tackle and bait • Bedding/linen • Drinks & snacks (BYO alcohol) • Fully covered deck • Separate shower and toilet

Fozie’s Fishing Adventures 0427 834 376

• Half and full-day adventures • Whale watching • Scattering of ashes ceremonies

info@foziesfishing.com.au www.foziesfishing.com.au

SWAIN REEFS / GOVE / KIMBERLEY

0428 711 718 or 0427 745 204 E: fishncruise@yahoo.com.au

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Carlo Fishing Charters NEW 100-FOOT VESSEL!

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• 39 years family owned and operated • Fishing Swain Reefs, Kimberley, Gove • Meals included

• All cabins with aircon and ensuite • Affordable 7-day, 10-day and extended charters

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0428 753 293 Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 49

BOATING & marine Insights into boat insurance

It really doesn’t matter anymore

T

HERE are probably very few times when you can mess up badly, forget to do something very important, make a genuine mistake, do something really stupid or thoroughly miscalculate a situation… and then not have to suffer the consequences.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly for many people, when it comes to your boat and marine insurance, if you have the right policy with the right insurer, you can simply relax after things go pearshaped.

Provided all the usual provisos have not been contravened – such as you being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, that you

were breaking the law at the time or that you did this damage deliberately – then the chances are that sorting out repairs becomes the next task.

It merely becomes a case of, “This is when and how things went wrong, this is the result of what happened, where do we go from here?”

And the response from a specialist marine insurer such as Nautilus Marine Insurance will be, “Right, let’s start working through the process and get you back on the water as soon as we can.”

So, if you miss that attempt at driving the trailer up at the boat ramp and then make things worse in your efforts to bail out of

the missed retrieve… relax.

As one marine insurance executive remarked, “Yes, we do insure against stupidity.”

Driving up the boat ramp with your outboard leg down in the trimmed in position is a fairly stupid thing to do – but it’s covered.

Not updating the data on your plotter when channels and sandbanks are constantly changing is a foolish practice – but it’s covered.

Smacking into a reef that hasn’t moved one centimetre in the past few thousand years is not a pleasant experience – but it’s covered.

Understandably, repeat offenders cannot automatically expect that specialist insurers

When it comes to your boat and marine insurance, if you have the right policy with the right insurer, you can simply relax after things go pear-shaped.

will continue to keep paying out for their repairs.

And soon they’re going to have a difficult time finding someone to insure them.

But the good news is that for the majority of boaties who have signed up with a specialist marine insurer, the insurer will have heard, seen or dealt with a similar issue before.

Yes, you’ll still have to live with the embarrassment if it was a particularly unfortunate sort of accident, but other than the excess or any other provisions in your insurance policy, there is a way to redeem the costs.

It’s important to understand that you need to have adequate insurance cover in the first instance and that there may well be requirements on you to ensure that you continue to document the current true value of your boat and equipment.

Check whether your current coverage is for an ‘agreed value’ or for a ‘market value’ where the amount of cover is reduced as the vessel becomes older.

Market value is the figure specialist boat retailers and other ap-

propriately qualified marine experts would regard as a fair price for your boat.

While it may be a lower figure than you paid for the boat three years ago, it reflects a fair value for your vessel in today’s market.

Conversely ‘agreed value’ is the price jointly nominated by you and your specialist marine insurer.

If you bought a new rig today from a franchised boat retailer, the agreed value in terms of insurance would most probably be the amount of money you paid for the boat before towing it out of the dealership.

As always, what is and what may not be covered will always be decided in accord with the terms of insurance as defined in your insurance policy’s Product Disclosure Statement.

That’s why it is so important to read it thoroughly and to note any special conditions and excesses which should be explained clearly in your PDS. If you need further information, you can contact Nautilus Marine Insurance on 1300 780 533 for any boat insurance requirements.

Advice in this article is general and might not apply or be right for you. Before acting on it, consider its appropriateness having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

Nautilus Marine Insurance is a business name of NM Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 34 100 633 038 AFSL 227 186 (NM Insurance), the issuer of Nautilus Marine Boat Insurance. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement at nautilusinsurance.com.au before deciding whether to purchase a policy.

Page 50 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

www.bnbfishing.com. au

BOATING & marine

The Quintrex Freestyler X, with a timeless modern design, a one-of-a-kind onboard experience and unique Rotax stealth outboard engine technology.

New Quintrex Freestyler X to redefine Australian boating

B

OM BA R DI E R Recreational Products Inc is proud to announce the launch of its ground-breaking product range, as the Freestyler X becomes the latest addition to the industry-leading Quintrex lineup.

Backed by over 75 years of industry expertise, the all-new design will make waves in boating – redefining the experience with an enhanced interior and stern to bow layout, only made possible with the unrivalled Rotax outboard engine with stealth technology – an exclusive BRP design.

Never seen before, the revolutionary on-board experience available on Quintrex Freestyler X models is set to be the most innovative offering in the marine industry to date.

Quintrex marketing and communications manager Madeline

www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bishop said, “Since the brand’s inception, Quintrex has been at the forefront of innovation, inspired by a drive to continue challenging customer expectations and lead the industry with design and modernisation.

“The launch of Freestyler X is the next step in our history as Australia’s leading aluminium boat brand – representing our commitment to continue evolving the marine landscape with new designs that revolutionise boat performance and offer another level of fit and finish,” Ms Bishop said.

“Freestyler X represents the exciting future ahead, backed by global leader in powersports BRP. “Designed for the whole family, while delivering more internal space, a ‘max deck’ sun lounge, increased storage and enhanced connectivity, this is a

boat you will not want to miss.”

Revolutionary onboard experience To unlock unparalleled boating experiences, BRP completely rethought, reimagined and redesigned the engine for these boats.

The new Rotax outboard engine with stealth technology – offered in 115hp and 150hp configurations – delivers all the same advantages of a traditional outboard engine plus three additional distinct and important advantages over them… it’s stealthy, it’s efficient and it’s hassle-free.

The engine is partially submerged underwater, which lowers the top of it and frees up valuable stern space.

Only the compact nature of Rotax direct-injection technology could make this possible.

It’s smooth and quiet at any speed – thanks * continued P52

Thanks to the fully configured boat, motor and trailer package and with a clean-cut purchasing process, entering boating has never been easier.

The new Rotax outboard engine with stealth technology delivers three distinct and important advantages… it’s stealthy, it’s efficient and it’s hassle-free.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 51

BOATING & marine New Quintrex Freestyler X to redefine Australian boating * from P51

to standard power steering and fly-by-wire shift and throttle – ultimately delivering the best operating experience.

Also, since there is no outboard engine block, rigging or exposed propeller hanging off the transom, Rotax outboard engines take safety at the stern to a new level and provide boaters with peace of mind.

The advanced direct-injection technology allows for up to 20 percent improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional outboard engines, meaning 20 percent more time on the water and 20 percent

less money at the pump.

Furthermore, Rotax outboard engines are the cleanest combustion engines in the marine industry, thanks to a 12 percent reduction in reportable emissions and close to 98 percent reduction in carbon dioxide at idle.

Boaters will also enjoy easy routine maintenance and unprecedented total cost of ownership with annual inspections only – no scheduled maintenance is required for the first five years or 500 hours, no oil changes and one touch winterisation.

Also, the entire boat configuration has been

Built for the whole family, the new design delivers 13 percent more midship floor space than traditional Freestyler models – meaning more room for entertaining.

Page 52 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

optimised for that engine – including the hull – to ensure that all components work together in perfect harmony.

Ground-breaking design for ultimate customer experience A finessed design from the inside out, a specialist team of designers and research and development experts have achieved the ultimate balance between aesthetics and on and off-water performance.

Thanks to the Rotax outboard engine with stealth technology, the Freestyler X delivers unrivalled internal space compared to traditional boats of the same size.

Built for the whole family, the new design delivers 13 percent more midship floor space than traditional Freestyler models – meaning more room for entertaining.

With the redesigned underfloor ski locker and enhanced in-deck storage capacity, cup holders, improved dash storage and overhauled spacious side pockets, the boat capitalises on storage capacity to meet the needs of its eight-person capacity.

The seamless engine design allows for enhanced boat optimisation, extending the useable space to the extremities of the transom.

Never seen before in the aluminium boating market is the all-new swim deck and sun lounge – championed as the max deck – an exclusive standard feature to all Freestyler X models.

The fully integrated

sun lounge provides an extra 90cm of additional usable space, meaning more comfort, storage and recreation at the stern.

Perfect for lazing in the sun, kicking back and relaxing or onboarding from a swim or ski, the platform is crafted with utmost comfort and practicality to meet the needs of every style of boater.

From transom to stern, consumers can expect a completely overhauled product.

Evolved from the innovative apex hull and complemented by the latest engine technology to date, the Freestyler X delivers astounding performance when underway and at rest.

The industry acclaimed stretch-formed technology coupled with the Rotax outboard engine with stealth technology, results in an impressively smooth, efficient, discrete and safe package.

The unparalleled hull build is consistently translated across the boat’s interior with a new modern internal design, which raises the standards of traditional aluminium boats.

The final product reflects stringent attention to detail with modern, premium quality finishes and features.

Standard inclusions comprise of a completely revamped interior with updated premium upholstery, featuring new lines, new colour combinations and textures and more.

Quintrex has meticulously refreshed the overall look and feel of

aluminium boats while encompassing an overall elegant and modern vision for boating.

For the first time, Quintrex customers can enjoy an all-new flooring alternative, exclusively available on Freestyler X models.

The new option will offer a luxurious experience – increasing the soft-touch feel for underfoot comfort, durability with the underlying aluminium floor and enhanced safety thanks to its non-slip properties.

The dash and seating layout have also seen a thorough design review, geared towards further evolving the driver and passenger experience.

A completely new windscreen offers improved visibility at the helm, no matter whether sitting or standing, and the tinted panes provide improved sun and heat protection.

The streamlined design flows from windscreen to dash – framing the redesigned fascia.

Intended to push the boundaries with technological advancements, the Freestyler X offers enhanced housing capacity for the latest tech, including up to a 9” digital Lowrance control screen, plus connectivity capabilities.

Behind the controls is a fine-tuned seating configuration, strategically positioned to achieve unmatched ergonomics.

Comprehensive ergonomic assessments were performed throughout the design process for the helm and * continued P53

www.bnbfishing.com. au

BOATING & marine

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2023 runs from May 25-28 at the stunning waterfront location of Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.

SCIBS 2023 tickets on sale now

C Freestyler X to redefine boating

There’s no better way to live the superyacht lifestyle than an all-access VIP Pass to the Lagoon Lounge.

* from P52

surrounding seating areas to create the most comfortable layout yet.

Whether perched at the bow lounge, midship at the helm or at the transom, the Freestyler X delivers the most spacious, luxurious and refined aluminium boating experience on the water.

The only question, is where next?

Championing the latest technology, the Freestyler X is geared towards offering the hottest bowrider in the market.

Driven to meet the needs of a wide range of customers, the vessel is available in three different configurations – the 555 with a 115hp or 150hp engine or the 595 with

www.bnbfishing.com.au

a 150hp engine.

Thanks to its capacity of up to eight people, the Freestyler X perfectly caters to families of all sizes, while delivering a luxury finetuned bowrider at an affordable price.

Thanks to the fully configured boat, motor and trailer package and with a clean-cut purchasing process, entering boating has never been easier.

Fitted by an expert team of boat builders at the Gold Coast factory, each product is specially calibrated to ensure the utmost on and off-water performance.

Experience the Quintrex difference with a boat built to last generations – quintrex.com.au

LEAR the decks and prepare yourself for all the boating action you can handle.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 25-28 at the stunning waterfront location of Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.

There’s so much going on at SCIBS 2023, you’ll almost need a jet ski to keep up.

Exhibitor space is sold out, with every inch of the Sanctuary Cove precinct covered in everything the marine world has to offer.

Loaded with motor yachts, sailboats, pleasure craft, gear and gadgets, this year’s show promises something for everyone, with a host of national and international product launches and displays of everything from superyachts to fishing tinnies, stand-up paddleboards to efoils, boat accessories to water toys.

Attracting more than

45,000 attendees and 300-plus exhibitors, SCIBS is the Southern Hemisphere’s pre-eminent marine event, showcasing more than 600 boats and over 1000 marine products across four days.

Now in its thirty-fourth year, SCIBS has grown to become Australia’s largest and most respected marine showcase.

The event’s reputation both in Australia and around the world makes it one of the most highly anticipated events in the marine industry.

Official ambassador Boating and fishing expert Paul Burt has once again been named the official SCIBS ambassador for 2023.

Paul will host an action-packed line up of events, including his much-loved cooking shows on the main stage, where he will be serving up simple seafood cooking tips.

He will also be hosting the SCIBS 2023 Live Bream Shoot Out

– the deep-water fishing competition where amateur anglers compete for sensational prizes.

VIP Pass – the ultimate SCIBS experience There’s no better way to live the superyacht lifestyle than an all-access VIP Pass to the Lagoon Lounge, the boat show’s ultimate VIP and corporate hospitality marquee.

A ticket to the Lagoon Lounge offers guests a luxury social haven, the very best food and beverage and the perfect vantage point to enjoy the show.

Overlooking the Superyacht Marina arm and the adjourning iconic Lagoon Pool at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove, the Lagoon Lounge is the best way to make the most of your boat show experience.

Proudly presented

by SCIBS hospitality partners the five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and * continued P54

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 53

BOATING & marine Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2023 tickets on sale now * from P53

Bimbagden Estate, the Lagoon Lounge offers a delectable all day grazing menu, alongside a range of premium beverages and bespoke tasting experiences, live music and entertainment, and of course access to all areas of the event.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort general manager Matt Rippin said the five-star resort is thrilled to be

back on board as the hospitality partner for SCIBS 2023, delivering gourmet catering across luxury exhibitor events and the Lagoon Lounge.

“We are proud to once again be a hospitality partner of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show,” Mr Rippin said.

“It is a pleasure to showcase our culinary expertise and continue to elevate our premium food and beverage offering to build on the

Attracting more than 45,000 attendees and 300plus exhibitors, SCIBS is the Southern Hemisphere’s pre-eminent marine event.

success of the Lagoon Lounge and provide an exemplary experience for VIP guests.”

VIP corporate hospitality This year, SCIBS is also offering exclusive corporate spaces within the Lagoon Lounge.

Each private corporate retreat offers a roped-off exclusive space for eight people, including digital branding, champagne on arrival and bespoke tasting experiences, as well as luxury SCIBS gift bags, all-day grazing style catering and beverage package.

The corporate hospitality packages also include VIP accommodation offers at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort over the show days for Corporate Guest Pass holders.

SCIBS 2023 – bigger and better than ever Mulpha Events general manager Johan Has-

ser said SCIBS 2023 would continue to delight and entertain event goers with show-stopping moments, luxury experiences and exhilarating displays.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming guests and exhibitors back to the beautiful location of Sanctuary Cove for our thirty-fourth annual SCIBS event,” Mr Hasser said.

“This year’s program of events promises something for everyone.

“As well as the incredible marine displays, there will be food, bars, street entertainment and a family friendly kid’s area.

“The SCIBS team is especially looking forward to showcasing a host of exciting new product launches on water and within the Sanctuary Cove precinct.”

Win a holiday This year, tickets are available online only

– there will be no box office at the event.

Early bird tickets are available now until May 18 from $27 at sanctu arycoveboatshow.com. au/tickets or via Oztix.

Kids under 16 enter for free with a paying adult.

Early bird ticket holders will go in the draw to win a luxury escape to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef valued at over $5000.

Free park and ride services will be operating from Warner Bros Movie World using a fleet of air-conditioned coaches and there is also limited onsite parking available at Sanctuary Cove to pre-purchase online with tickets.

The thirty-fourth SCIBS is on from May 25-28, 2023.

For more, visit sanctu arycoveboatshow.com. au

Suzuki Marine at SCIBS 2023

S

Suzuki Marine will be at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and offers a full range of technologically advanced outboards – from the ultra-portable 2.5hp to our flagship DF350 V6.

Page 54 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

UZUKI Marine is confirmed as an official exhibitor for the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 25-28 May. Experience power like no other with Suzuki’s industry leading technology and innovation in its world-class four-stroke outboards.

Suzuki offers a full range of technologically advanced outboards – from the ultra-portable 2.5hp to our flagship DF350 V6.

Come and see what’s new from Suzuki Marine, located within the dining and entertainment precinct.

Suzuki Marine dealers and head-office staff will be on hand throughout the show, demonstrating why the brand is globally renowned as the ultimate outboard motor, as well as offering patrons’ advice on outboards, rigging and accessories, handing out showbags and prizes and, of course, to talk

boating in general.

Don’t miss the opportunity to have a closer look at a host of models from Suzuki’s award-winning outboard motor range, including the full range of super cool white portables, crafted to perfectly complement any bespoke yacht.

To reserve a ticket and for additional information regarding the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, visit sanctuarycove boatshow.com.au

www.bnbfishing.com. au

GEN III

The Ultimate 115HP & 140HP Outboard Motor Range now fitted with Suzuki Multi-Plastic Collecting Device.

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

www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 55

Beginner’s guide to catching prawns

N

Keep your prawns fresh in an ice slurry. Photos: Dan Park

Along with banana prawns, tiger prawns are regularly caught.

Same day shipping Free shipping on orders over $60* Family owned and operated

Australia’s best little tackle store Shop 4, 311 David Low Way Bli Bli QLD 4560 07 5345 9824 www.baitmasterfishing.com.au *Excludes rods and bulky items

Page 56 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

OTHING beats a day of fishing followed by a delicious feast of prawns!

With plenty of great spots across the coast, there is no shortage of places to cast for prawns.

Over the past month or so an abundance of prawns as well as other baitfish have been accumulating in local waters, making it the perfect time to take advantage of the fantastic fishing the Sunshine Coast offers.

Catching prawns is a fun and rewarding experience for all ages, providing a great weekend or holiday activity for both adults and children.

The easiest way to find where they’re hiding is to look for boats casting for them – wherever there are

Sunshine Coast

by CORINNE AIKEN

prawns, there will be boats!

All you need is a cast net and some enthusiasm.

When to catch them The best time for catching prawns on the Sunshine Coast is typically from February to the end of May, but this is highly dependent on weather conditions and rainfall.

Creeks and rivers benefit from good rainfalls to flush freshwater towards the mouth and to increase the salinity in the water, which creates the optimal environment for prawns.

Prawns are predominantly nocturnal creatures, meaning after sunset or before sunrise are the times when they are most active.

How active depends on the tide, moon phase and conditions, so it’s worth dropping into your local bait and tackle shop or chatting with other fishos to get the most up-to-date information on the area you’re targeting.

Prawns prefer to move around under the cover of darkness, so nights around a new moon and a cloudy evening would be our timing tips.

Older fishers will tell you that a new moon after rain is the prime time to catch them.

Prawns tend to congregate in deep holes in the hours before and after a low tide.

If you’re prawning in a creek that’s fed by a river, the first runin tide of the morning is your best bet, as prawns tend to migrate

rapidly with the tide at that time of day.

Try for a run-out tide in creeks and rivers or the tide change in open water.

How to find them If you’re land based, try your luck around lit jetties, bridges or other structures – you’ll spot the red flash of their eyes if they’re about.

You can also use a torch to spot them in the water at night.

Though you might be lucky enough to spot them on the surface, it’s more likely you’ll find them in deeper water.

If you’re fishing from a boat with a sounder, prawns typically appear as small scattered dots, often in a cloudlike pattern.

They tend to move around in large schools, which may appear as elongated shapes or arcs on the sounder display, depending on their depth and density.

When you’ve hit the sweet spot, you’ll know it – your sounder will be flooded!

A quality cast net is your best friend when it comes to catching prawns.

You should opt for a top-pocket cast net because the design allows the prawns to swim up into the net, making it easy to drop them in your bucket and get your net back out for another cast.

Getting the hang of casting a net can be tricky, so make sure you practice before trying to catch prawns – reaction time is key. * continued P57

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Catching prawns on the Sunshine Coast * from P56

The quicker you can get that net in after spotting them, the greater your chance of filling it.

Catch limits There’s no size limit for individual prawns but possession limits do apply.

The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries limits catches to 10 litres per person and 20 litres per boat for two people or more.

The maximum sized cast net you are permitted to use is 3.7m, with a maximum mesh size of 28mm.

Keeping your catch After catching the prawns, submerge them in an ice slurry of saltwater and ice.

If you’re not planning

to eat them straight away, you can keep unpeeled prawns by freezing them in a container filled with water.

The ice layer will help preserve the prawns and keep them fresh.

Catching prawns can be a fun and rewarding activity for anyone who loves fishing and seafood.

The Sunshine Coast is home to some fantastic prawning spots, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the natural wonders of our region.

So, pack your cast net, head out to one of our beautiful waterways and, with a bit of luck, you might end up with a nice catch!

You may like to try this recipe if your prawning is successful.

Carol’s garlic and lime barbecue prawns Ingredients • Fresh prawns • 2 tablespoons butter • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 teaspoon chilli flakes • 1 lime, juiced • Salt and pepper • 1/2 teaspoon parsley • Lime wedges and aioli for serving Method 1. Grill prawns on barbecue with a little olive oil 2. In a small pot, melt butter, once melted, stir in crushed garlic, chilli flakes, lime juice, parsley, salt and pepper 3. Once combined, spoon sauce over prawns 4. Serve with aioli (and grilled lime wedges, if preferred).

Some great sized prawns are caught on the Sunshine Coast.

Use your cast net to catch prawns.

Prawns booming in Queensland

R

ECENT rain has created the perfect breeding conditions for prawns by flushing nutrients from river systems into salt water.

Tim Mulhall from Bundaberg said, “The prawns are just fantastic at the moment.”

“Some of these prawns are nearly six inches long, almost the length of a stubby bottle.

“Basically, the prawns grow and feed within that ‘sweet water’, as we call it,” he said.

“The sweet water pushes them out and it also helps with their growing phase as well.

“They start off with a little tiny jelly prawn, then grow into a banana prawn that’s nearly six inches long.”

Mr Mulhall, an angler and tackle shop man-

www.bnbfishing.com.au

ager, said even less-experienced fishos had brought in significant hauls in recent weeks.

“It’s there for anyone at the moment – prawns everywhere – and everyone’s catching a good feed.

“Even the prawns along the riverbank, they’re slightly smaller but I reckon they’re actually tastier when you boil them up.”

Mr Mulhall said anyone who was keen could throw a net, and the best part was that people don’t need a boat to catch their fill.

“You can easily catch a reasonable feed off the bank if you cast where there’s sort of muddy areas in the water or mouths of little creeks,” he said.

Though having a boat and a high-quality net could make the prawn-

ing more productive.

“Once you hit that deeper water, you’ll need a long rope attached to your net and a high-quality top-pocket cast net is the key,” Mr Mulhall said.

“You can also sound them up on your fish finder – you’ll see some little red and green blotches in the bottom of those deeper holes.

“Then it’s just a matter of turning around and having a cast.”

Mr Mulhall added that it was always important to remember catch limits and boating safety.

There are no restrictions on the size of prawns in Queensland, however there is a limit of 10 litres of prawns per person or 20 litres per boat when there are two or more people onboard.

We Aussie’s love to throw a prawn or two on the barbecue, and now is the perfect time to catch them. Photo: Chantal Lim

Netting prawns is easier than people think and anyone can have ago. Photo: Tim Mulhall Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 57

SCAN QR CODE

Rodney and a longtail tuna well over the 1m mark.

Targeting longtail and mack tuna

SCAN QR CODE

Marina bossed a trevally into submission.

SCAN QR CODE

John ‘Cracker’ Hardy with… yes, a cracker.

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Extra-long Aaron scored an extra-large longtail tuna.

Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

I

T has been a steady month of fishing and, leading in to Easter, the weather was spectacular.

Finally, the heat and unsteady wind faded away.

Not surprisingly, I saw a report that El Niño was back.

Apparently, El Niño was discovered by Peruvian fishers.

Anglers don’t only complain about weather, they make great observations on it too.

I for one will pay closer attention to the larger cycles in the weather from now on.

Back to the action in Hervey Bay, where the tuna activity has been continuously steady.

While mostly mack tuna, they created hours of fun for my clients.

These fish are not overly complicated to catch, they pull hard and release well if you treat them with respect and due care.

They are equally fun when compared to their larger brethren, the longtail tuna.

Longtails tend to fight higher in the water column but pound for pound, I would give it to the humble mack tuna.

Unfortunately, when

Fraser Guided Fishing

by TRI TON

you’re plentiful, you lose in the popularity stakes, which is further driven down if you don’t taste as nice or grow as big.

Fisherfolk are as fickle as their quarry.

Longtail tuna are not having a huge year for us.

They are around, though are often playing a support role in a school of predominantly mack tuna or are in homogenous small schools.

Longtails tend to be larger than mack tuna.

Often when longtails are thick, their schools are made of smaller fish I call ‘mongies’ – micro longies.

It’s an amazing sight to witness foaming schools

as far as the eye can see.

At times, you cast and hook a fish, land it and cast at the next school coming through.

So many schools of tuna that even the sharks are confused.

On days such as this, it’s easy to drop nuisance taxman in your wash.

These days, sharks are part of the natural scheme of things.

However, don’t hang around if they show up.

It’s sad but charters have to pull up stumps too.

Recently, one crew had a huge school of silly easy trevally that was found near tuna bust ups.

It would have been so

* continued P59

SCAN QR CODE

Dion was very happy with a golden trevally.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Targeting longtail and mack tuna * from P58

simple to stay with them and get a bite, though the futility of staying was soon realised.

There was no point wasting a precious life in the hopes of one photo.

In another crew, one angler could not get the battle sorted and took a tad too long each time.

Though on that trip, for some reason, we had a particularly lazy shark day.

And as soon as the pressure was off the fish and the fight left to carry on, it would end the opportunity.

I often note how the best novice anglers are females who have little or no experience.

And, if they’re small in stature, even better.

Listening to my advice is key, though following up practically

is very difficult.

However, I find if there’s no preconception of what is right, that makes the pathway to my brain less cluttered and clearer.

The other observation I have is that for the most part, females tend to be less physically able to ‘muscle and dominate’ obstructions and challenges in life.

Their minds are wired to judging how to overcome by timing, leverage and balance.

Their minds are much more attuned to this path.

Generally, males are forceful and frequently wasteful in their actions, which is uncovered when the battle is in the fish’s favour.

Anglers become unhinged when they realise that they can’t simply pull the fish in.

Pulling harder doesn’t work – a certain outfit will have only a given range of effectiveness.

Usually, all this achieves is excessive energy burn and line loss.

> Hervey Bay > Fraser Island > Sandy Strait

SCAN QR CODE

Ming and his sashimi.

Get into the best fishing action!

Full and half day tours All levels of experience Experienced guide

www.fraserguidedfishing.com.au > 0427 230 261

WIN A $50 GIFT VOUCHER $

50

GIFT R E H C U VO

Sign up to the BNB e-news for your chance to win $50 to spend at The Tackle Warehouse!

A weekly winner will be drawn from new and existing subscribers.

Winners will be announced in the Friday e-news update.

Visit www.bnbfishing.com.au to sign up www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 59

2023 Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic and Expo

T

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1857 1947 2041 2022 2113 2145 2142 1930 1857 1.81 1.81 1930 2.04 2.04 1947 2.10 2.10 2041 2.09 2.09 2022 2.21 2.21 2113 2.00 2.00 2145 2.24 2.24 2142 1.81 1.81 $200,000 worth of cash Tonic Eyewear, Gymcom.au, or in person at 0325 0306 0350 0402 0044 0.69 0.69 0133 0.75 0.75 0210 0.71 0.71 0325 0.80 0.80 0306 0.59 0.59 0350 0.74 0.74 0416 0.44 0.44 0402 0.66 0.66 440044 44 0210 4and 4 0416 19 0133 0640 0739 0832 1.40 0929 1.35 1005 1.54 0957 0729 0640 1.74 1.74 19 0729 1.61 1.61 0739 1.49 1.49 19 0855 0855 1.36 1.36 0832 prizes 1.40 19 0929 1.35 1005 1.54 19 Beach 0957 1.44 1.44Sports to give away pie Today, Zinc 96.1, Rainbow 1250 0.43 0.43 FR 1316 0.54 0.54 1325 0.45 0.45 MO 1411 0.70 TH SU TU FR TH1250 0.70 1410 0.47 FR 1316 0.47 WE 1448 0.66 SU 1325 0.66 1545 0.46 MO 1411 0.46 SA 1533 0.65 TU 1410 0.65 WE 1448 FR 1545 SA 1533 1930 2029 2119 2112 2146 1.95 2233 2.14 1.74 2009 1930 1.93 1.93 2009 2.11 2.11 2029 2.20 2.20 2119 2.07 2.07 2112 2.28 2.28 throughout the event.

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Our major 0255 0405 0459 0522 0537 0.59 prize0523 0009 0520 sponsors 0.70 0255 0.71 0.71 0405 0.86 0.86 0459 0.68 0.68 0522 0.88 0.88 0523 0.80 0.80 0009 1.77 1.77 0520 0.70 77 0840 7 1028 7tion 7 0634 1122 days: 1.43 22 1101 1153 1.47 1.47 0840 1.58 1.58 22 0929 0929 1.39 1.39 1028 1.38 1.38 22 1042 1042 1.31 1.31 1101 1.33 1.33 0634 0.65 0.65 22 1153 1424 0.48 1.57 TU 1742 0.95 0.95 0.48 MO 1451 0.73 0.73 1550 0.67 0.67 TH 1607 0.82 SU 1424 0.82 SU WE FR 1651 0.66 SA MO 1257 TU 1742 MO 1451 1636 0.79 WE 1550 0.79 1257 1.57 TH 1607 SA 1636 2126 2.17 2126 2202 2306 2310 2351 2.08 2321 0.92 2341 1.44 1.44 2.17 2202 2.09 2.09 2306 2.17 2.17 2310 1.88 1.88 • Tuesday 13 1.74 June,MO 1852 2321 1.74 1852 0.92 2341 0351 0.75 0351 0456 0558 0602 0628 0.65 Day 0558 0100 1.57 1.57 0551 0.72 0.72 0.75 0456 0.90 0.90 0558 0.71 0.71 0602 0.89 Veterans’ 0558 0.80 0.80 0100 0551 88 0927 8 1134 8 1223 1.43 23 1146 0927 1.49 0725 0.72 0.72 23 1249 1249 1.48 1.48 1.49 23 1009 1009 1.35 1.35 1134 1.34 1.34 23 1126 8 1126 1.29 1146 1.33 1.33 0725 • Wednesday 14 June, 1502 1528 0.81 1648 0.76 1656 0.86 1748 0.79 1722 0.87 1418 1.61 1857 1.03 1502 0.57 0.57 MO MO TU TH SA SU 1722 0.87 TU 1418 1.61 WE WE 1857 1.03 TU 1528 0.81 TH 1648 0.76 FR FR TU 2212 2.15 2242 2353 1.80 2355 2034 1.02 1.02 2212 2.15 2242 2.02 2.02 2355 1.65 1.65 2034 Ladies’ Day 0454 0.80 0545 0646 0.90 1.92 0633 0.80 0203 1.40 1.40 0019 1.32 1.32 0.80 0545 0.94 0.94 0005 2.08 2.08 0633 0.80 0203 0019 • Friday 16 1.34 June,9 0823 9 0454 9 0005 9 0044 1019 1.40 1019 0657 0722 0.70 24 1242 1.34 0823 0.77 0.77 24 0632 0632 0.75 0.75 1.40 24 1054 1054 1.31 1.31 0657 0.75 0.75 24 1226 1.28 1242 1543 0.69 1332 1.45 MO 1819 1819 0.96 0.96 1540 1.68 1408 1.51 0.69 WE 1611 0.88 0.88 1244 1.34 SA 1753 0.92 TU 1543 TU FR SUTeams’ WE TH WE 1611 FR 1244 1540 1.68 1408 1.51 WE TH Day. 2304 2.10 2304 2327 1.94 1751 0.85 1855 0.91 2235 1.01 2057 1.04 2.10 2327 1.94 1751 2235 1.01 2057 1.04 Weigh Mon- 0327 0602 0.84 0602 0638 0106 1.98 0039 1.72 0032 1.55 1.55 0327 1.27 1.27 0139 1.76 in times 0118 1.21 0.84 0638 0.96 0.96 0118 1.21 10 1122 1122 1.32 1.32 25 1151 0.79 to 0926 0.80 0.80 25 0729 0817to0.73 0729 0.77 0.77 1151 1.28 25 0711 1.28 10 0758 0.76 25 0735 0.88 10day 10 0.79 0926 Friday are 3pm 1631 0.80 0.80 TH 1.37 1647 1.76 1.76 FR 1527 1.59 1.59 1707 0.95 0.95 WE 1631 WE SA 1357 1.37 SU 1345 1.29 TH 1647 MO 1453 1.52 TU 1358 1.37 FR 1527 TH 1707 TH 1900 0.91 1858 0.98 1.04 2024 and 2235 0.95 0.95 5pm 2pm 1.00 Saturday 1930 1.04 2235 0005 2.03 2.03 0005 0019 0206 1.88 0128 1.64 1.44 0002 0.94 0.94 0309 1.14 1.14 0019 1.84 to 4pm.

0239 1.60 0113 1.44 0002 0309 11 0714 0714 0.85 0.85 26 0737 0.77 11 0459 0459 1.22 1.22 26 0846 0846 0.77 0.77 0737 0.96 11 0858 0.75 26 0824 0.84 11 0912 0.74 26 0754 0.77 Throughout the1.44 tour-FR 1246 1.28 1.28 FR 1.44 1026 0.80 0.80 SA 1632 1.71 1.71 TH 1246 TH SU 1514 1.46 MO 1506 1.35 FR 1026 SA 1632 FR 1314 1.26 1.62 WE 1516 TU 1606 1738 0.89 0.89 1738 1819 0.99 2023 0.95 2009 1.02 2207 1.03 2102 1.07 1.07 1741 1.82 2333 0.81 1.82 2333 0.81 nament there will be 1741 This year we’re predicting a sell-out event, so if you 0117 1.97 1.97 0117 0120 1.76 0054 0.86 0307 1.79 0220 1.56 1.34 0438 1.16 0346 1.46 0209 1.34 0054 0.86 0438 1.16 adult, two 0.75 cadet 12 0827 0827 0.83 0.83 27 0841 0.93 12 0950 0.71 27 0910 0.78 12three 0607 1.24 27 0.75 1021 0.71 haven’t got1021 your tickets yet, don’t delay.

27 12 1004 0.74 0843 0607 1.24 0.71 1413 1.31 SA 1446 1.29 1119 0.77 0.77 SU 1706 1.74 TH 1618 1.55 1.55 1727 1.86 1.86 FR 1413 FR SA 1119 MO 1621 1.58 TU 1608 1.44 SU 1727 WEand SA two junior compet1902 0.93 1902 1935 1.01 1824 1.87 1.87 2152 0.95 1.03 2126 1.03 2338 0.99 2242 1.03 1824 itors drawn 0327 randomly 0125 0.79 0.79 1.94 0224 1.70 0408 1.69 0327 1.25 1.25 0019 0.66 0.66 0314 1.48 0456 1.37 0125 0019 13 0227 0653 1.28 1.28 28 0548 0930 0.77 28 0936 0.86 13 1035 0.67 28 0952 0.71 13every 0940 0.73into 0548 1.23 1.23 28 13 1050 0.73 0940 0.73 0653 night to go 1205 0.72 0.72 MO 1710 1.68 1.68 1127 0.59 0.59 SU 1205 SA 1528 1.41 SU 1554 1.36 TU 1715 1.72 WE 1656 1.56 FR 1710 MO 1127 TH 1756 1.84 FR SU 1902 1.91 2034 0.92 2050 1.00 2307 0.93 2348 0.93 1816 2.00 2240 1.00 the major draw down 2348 0.93 1902 1.91 1816 2.00 0331 1.92 0320 1.67 0.93 0440 1.21 1.21held 0149 0149 0.72 0.72 0100 0.52 0.52 0504 1.59 0406 1.42 prize presentation, 0046 0.93 0440 0100 14 1022 0.69 29 1015 0.78 14 1113 0.64 29 1030 0.66 14during 0600 1.32 1.32 29 1039 1039 0.68 0.68 14 0729 0729 1.33 1.33 29 0640 0640 1.33 1.33 0600 grand finaleMO 1134 0.71 0.71theSA 1756 1.82 1.82 1247 0.65 0.65 TU 1218 0.45 0.45 SU 1634 1.54 MO 1644 1.47 FR 1134 SA MO 1247 TU 1218 1756 WE 1802 1.84 TH 1737 1.69 2200 0.86 2158 0.96 1840 1.92 1.92 1938 1.94 1.94 1901 2.12 2.12 2343 0.94 1840 1938 1901 on Saturday June 17.

0430 1.89 0134 0.86 0.86 0040 0.80 0.80 0215 0.67 0.67 0138 0.41 0.41 0407 1.64 0008 0.90 0458 1.37 0134 0040 0215 0138 There cash1.22 priz30 0723 15 1105 0.61 30 1045 0.68 15 0555 1.51 30 1108 0.60 15 0654 0654 1.31 are 0546 1.22 0802 1.37 1.37 30 0723 1.45 1.45 30 0546 15TU 0802 1.31 1.82 1216 0.70 1136 for 0.61 theTU 1323 0.60 0.60 WE 1303 0.35 0.35 1216 0.70 SAes SU WE 1303 MO 1726 1.68 TU 1725 1.58 1136 TH 1148 0.62 FR 1815 1.82 0.61 1323 SA SU up for grabs 2256 0.90 1920 1.98 1.98 1840 1.97 1.97 2013 1.95 1944 2.19 2304 0.80 1844 1.95 1920 1840 2013 1.95 1944 2.19 heaviest fish overall in 0449 1.61 0215 0.34 0.34 0125 0.67 0.67 0125 0215 31 1114 0.59 31 0645 31 0806 0806 1.56 1.56 0645 1.27 31 each category, and1.27 don’t 1348 0.29 1228 0.52 WE 1800 1.71 TH MO 1228 0.52 1348 0.29 TH 2346 0.85 2028 2.19 2.19 1924 2.11 2.11 forget theMO $10,000 cash 1924 2028 prize in the adults’ ma© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2021, Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology jor draw down.

Moon First Quarter Datum ofNew Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide Tide We would like to Throughout the tournament, every night competiFullSymbols Moon Moon Phase Full Moon Moonold MoonQuarter First First Quarter Quarter Lastrandomly Quarter drawn to go into the major draw NewLast Moon thank our sponsors Full Last Quarter tors are 17 presentation. and new for their unwa- down prize 17

Tide Times

2023

Page 60 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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RESENTS T P Y L D U O UB PR L C S T R O P RAINBOW BEACH S

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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! EARLY BIRD PRICES END 15 MAY 2023 TICKETS: $160 ADULTS | $75 CADETS UNDER 16 $30 JUNIORS 3-9 YEARS $20 VETERANS, LADIES, TEAMS

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: THIS PROJECT RECEIVED FUNDING ASSISTANCE FROM THE GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAMME 2022/2023.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 61

LIGHT, POWERFUL, DURABLE…

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The game has changed… The ALL NEW Mercury 15-20hp FourStroke battery-free EFI range changes the way you will think about portable outboards.

• 13% lighter than previous model • Battery-free EFI for fast, reliable starting • New exclusive multi-functional tiller handle, adjustable for left or right handed operations Page 62 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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Available now from:

Available now from:

AIRLIE BEACH Whitsunday Outboard Centre 17 William Murray Dr, Cannonvale Q 4802 P: 07 4946 7286 E: woc@whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au www.whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au

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

BRISBANE Brisbane Boating & Leisure 1743 Ipswich Rd, Rocklea Q 4106 P: 07 3875 1600 E: sales@brisbaneboatingleisure.com.au www.brisbaneboatingleisure.com.au

GOLD COAST TR Marine 167 Currumburra Rd, Ashmore Q 4214 P: 07 5532 5812 E: elle@trmarinegc.com.au www.trmarinegoldcoast.com.au

BRISBANE NORTH Holt Marine 25 Queens Rd, Everton Hills Q 4053 P: 07 3353 1928 E: info@holtmarine.com.au www.holtmarine.com.au

IPSWICH Ipswich Marine Centre 45 Huxham St, Raceview Q 4305 P: 07 3294 3944 E: enquiries@ipswichmarine.com.au www.ipswichmarine.com.au

BRISBANE SOUTH Australian Marine Centre 3491 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek Q 4127 P: 07 3808 7333 E: info@amcboats.com.au www.amcboats.com.au

ROCKHAMPTON Rifen Marine 6 Dooley St, North Rockhampton Q 4701 P: 07 4927 9150 E: rifen.boats@bigpond.com www.rifenmarine.com.au

BUNDABERG Adrians Marine Centre 28 Ritchie St, Bundaberg Q 4670 P: 07 4153 1819 E: sales@adriansmarinecentre.com.au www.adriansmarinecentre.com.au

SUNSHINE COAST North Coast Boating 22 Enterprise St, Caloundra West Q 4551 P: 07 5493 9376 E: sales@northcoastboating.com.au www.northcoastboating.com.au

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

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 63

Jody and Madi’s efforts from Round Hill Creek.

Local angler Eddie with a nice 71cm shallow reef trout.

The author always has a few Halco Laser Pro lures on hand.

TURKEY BEACH 2 Bedroom Villa Holiday Rental • Outdoor BBQ and pergola For • Fish cleaning facilities enquiries • Large yard with room and for the boat bookings • Undercover carport phone • Close to boat ramp 0458 742 153 • Linen available www.turkeybeachfishingvilla.com

Page 64 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

A heads up on Agnes Water

H

I all, it’s a real privilege to live in Agnes Water and have access to everything the region offers.

Many travellers and anglers become regular callers to the area, however – as with everything – if you’ve never been here before, there’s always the question of what services are available, and will I have to pay the world for any items I need to buy.

This was often the case for us as we travelled around Queensland and many times I’d have to wait until we were in major towns to restock on quality lures or equipment.

Even getting repairs or replacement parts, we would have to wait for freight to be delivered.

So, with that said, here’s a little information that could help when you call into the beautiful towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy for the first time.

Agnes Water 1770 Bait and Tackle is a family run business that has operated in the area for 29 years.

Josh has grown up fishing every option here – the creeks, the beaches and offshore areas.

Local knowledge and years of experience have determined the product

Agnes Water

by PAUL ‘CHIEF’ GRAVESON

range found at this shop.

All the quality terminal tackle and fresh bait you’ll need for fishing the reefs, a great range of jig heads, soft plastics and hard-bodies to cover sneaking around the snags of Round Hill Creek, right through to the teethy speedsters of our open offshore water.

Quality products and advice to see you tight on some of the local fish population.

I love high-speed spinning for pelagic fish around the many headlands and my go-to choice of slugs is the TT Lures Hard Core.

The 20 and 30g small profiles match the hatch the local speedsters are feeding on and, of course, Josh stocks a good range of these

highly successful lures.

I’m amazed – I have trouble buying these in the big-name shops in both Bundaberg and Gladstone.

If I’m trolling for the normal list of various mackerel, tuna or trevally, I tend to use Halco Laser Pro or any of the Nomad range.

Agnes Water 1770 Bait and Tackle stock both ranges in various sizes and depths, as well as bibbed, bibless and poppers.

I use those two brands as examples, but you’ll find many other leading brands hanging on the walls.

For the angler who wants to fish the local creeks for mangrove jack, queenfish, grunt* continued P65

The product stocked is because of local knowledge and years of experience fishing the Agnes Water area.

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More than 2000 people line up for the lucky draw prizes at the VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic.

Great prize pool at VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic

T

HE Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic is back.

The sixteenth FFC will be held from June 23-25, 2023.

The prize pool for lucky draws includes a Quintrex 420 Busta boat and trailer package, cash and other great prizes.

The total prize pool for the event lucky draws and fishing category prizes usually exceeds $70,000.

The FFC runs from Burnett Heads over three days, with an open offshore category as well as senior and junior estuary categories.

The estuary fishing allows for catch and release and dead weighins.

The program, registration form and rules

are available on vmrbun dabergfishingclassic. com.au from April 5.

Registrations are $50 for adults and $10 for juniors under 16 years.

A strong list of category prizes is on offer and there is an attractive early bird prize for entries before May 31.

Burnett Heads is a great central venue for the excellent beach and estuarine fishing with Baffle Creek and the Kolan, Burnett and Elliott rivers all fishing well.

The three-lane ramp at the Burnett Heads boat harbour is a good facility for those who want to chase pelagic and reef fish at the many reefs and gutters in northern Hervey Bay. Volunteer Marine Rescue spokesperson Graham Kingston noted

that a friendly though serious competition has occurred in recent years between some of the offshore specialists.

The rules cater for junior and senior entries in live release and dead fish categories – the live fish category included around 30 percent of the total estuary weigh-in for recent events.

Graham said: “We have an excellent live fish viewing tank that is very popular with the kids and fish are tagged and returned to the harbour.”

The very popular lucky draw sessions will include Friday evening this year, with lucky draws on Friday and Saturday and the boat on Sunday.

Times are shown on the program, which is available at vmrbun

dabergfishingclassic. com.au The junior lucky draw prize is a kayak.

This is an exciting family event with many prizes for both junior and senior participants.

You only have to register to participate in the lucky draws – the fishing provides the extra fun.

This great event is only possible with the fantastic support from VMR’s sponsors.

Boats Galore and Su-

zuki Marine have combined to support the boating package, while long-term sponsor Tackle World Bundaberg has continued its support with quality fishing tackle prizes for both seniors and juniors.

Many other local sponsors allow VMRFFC to keep the prizes rolling.

The excellent media coverage provided by the Channel 7 and local broadcasters ensures extensive promotion of the event.

The 2023 VMR Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic major lucky draw boat and trailer package.

A heads up on Agnes Water * from P64

er, barramundi or your bread-and-butter species – such as flathead, whiting and bream – you’ll find the right gear here.

From live baiting to flicking a hard-body, quality circle hooks to small crank baits, and a good range of larger profile lures targeting jacks and barra.

I wrote a story recently on the advances Penn reels have undertaken and obviously you’ll find a great range of Spinfisher VI, Slammer and Authority reels here.

Quality rods, a range of trailer accessories and

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safety gear, landing nets and gaffs… everything you might need to help you have a great stay and take your fishing to the next level.

So, your next question is probably how does this isolated independent business go on price?

My answer is really well – I’ve been amazed at how competitive it is.

I’ve purchased lures here cheaper than the two big chains and, while there may be a dollar here or there, overall it all comes clean in the wash.

We’d all be up the proverbial creek without

the services this business provides.

I recommend you’ll find all the quality gear you need to battle any of our local fish population at Agnes Water 1770 Bait and Tackle.

When you stay in town or explore this fantastic coastline, make sure you call in to the shop at 2955 Round Hill Rd, Agnes Water and speak to Josh or his family – get the correct advice and spend locally.

If you need to phone ahead, call (07) 4974 9304 – the shop is open seven days a week.

Tight lines.

When in the area, drop in to Agnes Water 1770 Bait and Tackle.

Everything an angler needs is available at Agnes Water 1770 Bait and Tackle.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 65

Coby Pascoe knows how to get those big barramundi bites – by putting the time in.

Plenty of cool temp options

A

Darcy Geyer with a big salty female barramundi from the Gladstone area.

Bob Pacey did well out of his kayak recently. A couple of trevally for the table.

Page 66 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

S the air temperature drops, so does the water temperature.

May is still a great month to target summer species such as barramundi, threadfin salmon and fingermark.

In my experience, these species are still relatively active right through until the first cold snap in June.

In the past, when we haven’t had a cold start to winter, those species listed above have continued to bite well into July.

Though remember that big changes in the weather and conditions greatly impact on the moods of different species.

I would say that barra are the worst.

They are so temperamental when it comes to changes in temperature.

Sunny and hot, they play the game.

A change comes through with a 10 degree drop in daytime temperature and you’ll earn every bite… if you can get one.

Recently, there were a number of captures of big female saltwater

Capricorn Coast

by JOHN BOON

barra throughout the local area.

I believe the net free zone is a huge contributor.

The gates of the Fitzroy River were opening and closing fairly frequently, so it’s been quite hit and miss.

Port Alma was very reliable for the fishos in the know.

It’s such a huge area and can be very overwhelming for newcomers.

The best thing about so much area out at the port is that you can generally get away from the crowds.

If you head south from

the ramp, you’ve got three systems to fish, including Reidy’s, Raglan and Inkerman creeks.

If you head north, you can fish Casuarina Creek or the mouth of the Fitzroy.

Northeast will get you to the Connor Creek area at Port Alma and further south you can fish all the creeks and channels on Curtis Island and down the Narrows towards Gladstone.

It’s taken me a long time to get a handle on the place, through a lot of hard work and patience.

Dedicate yourself to * continued P67

Matt Gray with a quality Keppel Island fingermark caught on a Nomad Squidtrex Soft Vibe.

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Cool temp options * from P66

an area and search it thoroughly.

And by thoroughly, I mean up both sides of the creek, down the middle and each individual side creek.

If you want to unlock hidden gems, you’ve got to put in the search time.

Any spot you find away from the common areas will be an absolute gold mine.

You’ll find that the fish are a lot quicker to take a bite too.

King threadfin have been a bit hit and miss, with some of the more reliable areas being barren.

Reports say there’s a lot of water between schools at the moment.

The ever-reliable soft vibe is always a good first choice when targeting threadies.

Just remember, if the fish aren’t responding, keep changing lures – and also change the angle you’re delivering the lure from.

Blue salmon have made an early appearance this year.

The better quality blues were caught along the beaches and headlands.

Fresh yabbies have been working best, with the odd elbow-slapper whiting in between.

Mud crabs are still moving well, with some of the better catches coming from the Port Alma area.

Fresh fish frames seem to be ideal currently, with fishos who were offshore heading straight up the creek, using leftover reef frames.

A lot of floaters were around, so make sure to check if you’re crab is full.

From reports, offshore

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has been a bit inconsistent.

The crew fishing smaller structure had the better results.

Good fish were hooked on the wrecks and pinnacles, though the sharks were making it almost impossible to get a fish to the surface.

We did a run recently out to the 60-70km area east of the harbour.

We found it very tough fishing on the fern country.

The undesirables – sharks and slatey bream – were thick and the hussar were next level… stripping bait bare before the good fish could have a go.

Red emperor were a bit slow, however largemouth nannygai were chewing well both on jigs and bait.

If you ever have trouble getting nannies to play the game, see if you can find some yakka and send them down live.

They have made the difference between doing well and doing poorly.

Even try jigging bait up on your favourite nanny ground – whatever is in the area is generally what they are interested in.

You can snell a twohook rig to have a hook front and rear or you can do what I do and run a set of ganged Tru Turn hooks with swivels in between.

The swivels allow the hooks to move a little more naturally and the hooks won’t jam up.

Just use a good quality rolling swivel such as Shogun.

Well, that’s it from me.

Stay safe while on the water and I’ll catch you next month.

Dan Sunitsch with a nice blue salmon taken off the beach.

Ben Gilbertson with a beast of a saltwater barramundi coming in at 130cm.

Out fishing with Steve Lill recently, Swiss exchange student Shana Imfeld caught her first fish – an 83cm barramundi.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 67

by MELISSA FROHLOFF

Bug and scallop vol au vents Ingredients • 400g Moreton Bay bugs, cooked • 200g scallops • 3/4 cup plain flour • 1 1/2 tbsp butter • 1/2 cup warm water • 3/4 tsp chicken stock powder • 1/2 cup milk • 150ml thickened cream • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/2 cup shallots • Salt and pepper • 125g grated cheese • 8 vol au vents • 1/2 tbsp raw sugar • Dill tops Method 1. Cut bugs in half, keeping eight halves. Dice remaining bug meat and scallop meat.

2. Melt 1/2 the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Lightly fry scallops, garlic and shallots.

Remove from pan.

3. Melt remaining butter on low heat and stir in flour until pasty. Remove from heat.

Cuttlefish with salad

4. Add chicken stock to warm water and stir into flour roux with a wooden spoon to remove lumps and combine.

Ingredients

inside of the hoods in a

• 500g cuttlefish hoods

fine cross-hatch pattern.

5. Return to a low heat.

Add milk to mix with a whisk to remove any excess lumps and create a smooth consistency. Stir in cream and sugar.

• 2 tbsp sweet chilli jam

and mix in a bowl to

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

make marinade.

6. Preheat oven to 180C.

Cuttlefish marinade • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger • 1/4 cup oyster sauce Salad • 1 small red onion, finely sliced

7. Add bugs, shallots, garlic and chives to mornay sauce and stir consistently over low heat until mornay sauce starts to turn.

• 2 carrots, julienned

8. Add salt and pepper to taste.

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

9. Place vol au vent cases on a baking tray. Spoon seafood mix into cases.

Press half a piece of bug into each casing and top with cheese.

10. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.

11. Garnish with dill tops.

Prep time: 15 min | Cooking time: 45 min | Serves 4 Page 68 Bush’n’nBeach BeachFishing, Fishing,May May2023 2023 2 ––Bush

• 1/2 red capsicum, julienned • 2 Lebanese cucumbers, sliced • 2 radishes, julienned

• 1 tbsp palm sugar • 1 tsp sweet chilli jam

2. Slice cuttlefish into long strips, 5cm wide.

3. Combine all ingredients

4. Toss cuttlefish in bowl to marinate and refrigerate for two hours.

5. Heat a barbecue to hot and place cuttlefish cross-hatch side down.

6. Grill until lightly charred and turn to cook the other side.

Salad 1. Toss all salad ingredients into a serving bowl.

2. Combine lime juice, palm

• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

sugar, sweet chilli jam

• 1 kaffir lime leaf, finely sliced

make salad dressing.

Method

and grated ginger to 3. Add cuttlefish to salad,

Cuttlefish marinade

pour salad dressing over

1. Cut cuttlefish hoods open and score the

serve.

ingredients, toss and

Prep time: 135 min | Cooking time: 10 min | Serves 4 www.bnbfishing.com. au

AFTER 12 years of featuring as our celebrity chef, Melissa Frohloff is passing the tongs on.

We’ll be hearing about Melissa’s adventures when time permits, so until then, visit appetite4thewild.com.au or follow Appetite 4 The Wild on Facebook.

Thank you, Melissa, for providing us with scrumptious recipes over the years.

Prawns with tamarind sauce Ingredients Tamarind sauce • 2 shallot onions, diced • 6 cloves garlic, crushed • 35g of wet tamarind block • 1/2 cup hot water • 8 tbsp palm sugar • 4 tbsp fish sauce • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 tbsp sesame oil • 1 red chilli, finely chopped Prawns • 12 large green prawns • 2 tbsp sesame oil • 1 red chilli, sliced diagonally, fine • 1 pair kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced • 1 tbsp crispy fried shallots • 1/2 cup rice flour Method Tamarind sauce 1. Soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Tip into a strainer to extract tamarind water, push the pulp through the strainer using the back

of a spoon to remove the paste, scrape the paste from the underneath side of the strainer, stir to combine to make tamarind water.

2. Heat sesame oil in the wok over a low heat, add shallots and garlic, simmer until onion is opaque.

3. Add tamarind paste, palm sugar, chilli, fish sauce, salt and stir until sauce reduces and slightly thickens.

Prawns 1. Remove heads from prawns, peel leaving tail intact and de-vein. Dust prawns in rice flour.

2. Heat sesame oil in pan over medium heat. Cook on one side until crispy and turn prawns to cook the other side.

3. Spoon sauce on serving plate, top with prawns, sprinkle with crispy fried shallots, chilli and kaffir lime and drizzle with tamarind sauce to serve.

Prep time: 20 min | Cooking time: 20 min | Serves 2 www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bouillabaisse Ingredients • 8 whole mussels in shells • 350g baby squid • 200g scallops • 800g green prawns • 6 red emperor wings • 1 orange • 1 tsp saffron powder • 400g chopped tomatoes • 140g tomato paste • 1 tsp chilli flakes • 1 tsp fresh marjoram • 1 tsp brown sugar • 1 tsp fish sauce • 1 bay leaf • 12 whole peppercorns • 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced, fronds reserved • 1 cup sauvignon blanc • 4 cloves garlic • 1 leek, white thinly sliced • 6 cups water • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 stick of tiger bread Method 1. Skin red emperor wings.

Bring the water to the boil and add the fish wings, bay leaf, peppercorns, peel of an orange to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Peel the prawns, leaving

the head and tail intact.

Clean the baby squid and slice the body into four pieces, cutting the squid tentacles from the head.

3. Heat oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add the leek, fennel bulb, garlic and pinch of salt, and slowly sauté.

4. Add the tomato and wine and then turn the heat up and cook until the wine is reduced to half.

5. Strain the fish wing stock into the wine pot. Remove the flesh from the bones, discard bones and set fish aside.

6. Add the marjoram, saffron, tomato paste, fish sauce and chilli flakes and simmer for 15 minutes.

7. Add the prawns and mussels and two minutes later add fish.

8. Add the scallops and two minutes later add squid pieces and tentacles.

Simmer until the squid is just cooked through.

9. Serve immediately, garnish with fennel fronds and use tiger bread pieces to dip into stew.

Prep time: 30 min | Cooking time: 50 min | Serves 6-8 Bush Bush’n’nBeach BeachFishing, Fishing,May May2023 2023––Page Page693

TOURING & exploring

The Ford Ranger and Jayco Starcraft caravan ready to hit the road.

Gearing up to travel Oz

A

Mounting the solar panel.

Page 70 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

FTER heaps of preparation and planning, the time has finally come for my wife Kristy, our two daughters Zahlee and Lyla and I to hit the road.

Fair to say, the excitement levels are high as we take leave for eight months to travel Australia towing a 17’ Jayco Starcraft behind our Ford Ranger.

Our journey will take us to South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and north Queensland before we head home to Bundaberg by Christmas.

While we have a plan, it is fairly loose, with stays in both free camps and caravan parks.

Unfortunately, some locations have to be booked well in advance – particularly if you want to camp at bucket list spots along

Travelling Oz

by MATT POTTER

the coastline of Western Australia.

And, booking sites around school holidays is a must.

We’ll work the rest out

when we’re on the road.

Many hours were spent working on the car and van with my father Gary – thanks * continued P71

A lockable PVC pipe for rod storage. The ends are foam lined and the rods are wrapped in a sheet for a snug fit.

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TOURING & exploring

Gearing up to travel Oz * from P70

Gaz, so much for your retirement.

A few additions to the Ranger were Rough Country drawers and a fridge slide, Rhino Rack Tradie platform, XTM Awning, new battery, a solar panel setup on the canopy for the Engel fridge freezer, new tyres and a snorkel for the dusty roads we plan on hitting.

We also got the suspension upgraded and had the car checked over mechanically.

The challenge of course is keeping the weight to a minimum for both the car and the van.

Getting the van and car weighed by Jason at Weight Safe – weightsafe.com.au – was an extremely useful process.

He breaks down the weights – gross vehicle mass, aggregate trailer mass and tow ball – and prints a full report with crucial information for safe and legal towing… all on your own front lawn.

As the caravan had heavy-duty springs and chains already, we were able to get an ATM upgrade without having to do any additional work to it – which was a win.

A few additions to the van included a diesel heater, a lockable rod holder and a storage box.

Of course, the bearings and suspension bushes were also done, and I had a good

www.bnbfishing.com.au

look underneath and wrapped a few pool noodles around some of the hoses for protection.

As my daughters were born and raised around the Torres Strait, they love the fishing, camping and outdoors lifestyle.

A lot of fishing was certainly in mind when planning this trip and hopefully the family ticks off a few new species in some prime locations.

I will briefly share what I packed but, similar to most fishos, I struggled somewhat to narrow down what gear to take... or not to take.

Most of the fishing I’ll do with the kids will be land based, together with the occasional charter and tinnie hire.

I ended up taking seven rod and reel outfits – two light 2-3kg combinations for chasing bread and butter species, including squid, that will double as the kids’ rods.

I also threw in a twopiece 6-8kg beach rod outfit, a 7’ Daiwa Saltist with an 80000-reel setup for casting slugs or poppers, a shorter Shimano TCurve Deep Jig 300 matched with a Daiwa Saltiga 20000 with plenty of stopping power, a couple of baitcasters and a spin outfit, all rigged with 30lb braid for hopefully chasing a few Top End barramundi.

Having culled a lot of gear, I still ended up

with an assortment of plastics, vibes, metal slugs, hard-bodies and jigs to cover a range of applications.

I tried to limit myself to one tackle bag and a couple of small clear containers with an assortment of accessories – pliers, cutters, knives, sharpeners, trebles, lip grips and such.

Also thrown in were a gaff, cast net, crab hook, landing net, two crab dillies and two cherabin and red claw pots.

Yes, that was me cutting back on gear and trying to pack light!

We hope to provide a few updates on locations and captures along the way.

Tight lines!

Zahlee, Kristy and Lyla are pumped and ready for their all-Australian adventure.

The challenge was trying to limit the gear while trying to cover a range of possible fishing applications.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 71

TOURING & exploring The kids were intrigued with the ‘whispering wall’ at a dam in the Barossa - being able to whisper into a pipe on one side and have people over the other side hear what they had said.

Murray Bridge to Mount Gambier

A

The dam in the Barossa area that had a ‘whispering wall’.

The Murray River near Murray Bridge had a good strong flow.

Page 72 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

FTER being on Yorke Peninsula for a few days, it was time to move on.

We would have loved to have stay longer but we because of the school holidays, we were time-poor, so maybe next time.

When everyone was up, we packed the van and headed off.

It was a big day of driving.

We bypassed Adelaide and ended up in the hills of the Barossa area, stopping at one of the dams that had a ‘whispering wall’.

We hadn’t heard of it before, so the kids were intrigued with being able to whisper into the pipe and have people over on the other side hear what they had said.

From there, it was on to Murray Bridge, where at about 6.30pm we found a lovely free camp on a high bank overlooking the Murray River.

The river was starting to rise from upstream floodwaters, and it had a good fast flow.

We spent some time

Touring South Australia

by CRAIG TOMKINSON

birding and looking for insects, then sat and watched the sunset over the Murray River with a big dairy farm in the background.

Slightly after dark, I heard a bird over the embankment and went to see what it was, as I didn’t recognise the call.

I couldn’t find the bird but did find a big hole in the bank.

I peered in and saw a wombat’s butt!

As the only other wombats we had seen on the trip were roadkill, I went back to camp, grabbed my camera and torch and told everyone about my great find.

I went back and shone the torch in, then retreated super quickly.

There was no wombat, but there was a humungous swarm of bees!

The next day we were up and away, headed for the Coorong area, past Lake Alexandrina –

which is massive, there were 40’ boats sailing on it.

Then over to Narrung on the free river ferry – what a pretty little town and area.

From there, it was on to Kartoo Rd, which runs along other lakes and the Coorong National Park area – with many kilometres of camping spots.

We checked out a few of the camp spots, and while we were steadily poking along the road, we came to a brown sand patch about 50m long.

I pulled up and walked it, thinking we’d be able to get through without dropping the tyres – alas no.

I had to air down to 12psi on the four-wheeldrive and caravan, and then we were able to drive out easily.

While I was bogged, an Isuzu 4WD 4.5 tonne small truck towing a * continued P73

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TOURING & exploring Murray Bridge to Mount Gambier * from P72

tandem trailer had to wait.

He came to ask if we were fine, I said we should be.

Anyway, we got out, so I pulled up to see if he would get through.

No – bogged to the diffs at the same place we got stuck.

I turned the 4WD around and parked it to give him a point to winch off because there were no trees anywhere.

Lucky he had a big winch, as his front hubs were not working, so he winched off our Toyota 80 Series and drove in two-wheel-drive mode to get through.

We saw only one other vehicle on the entire drive in this area, so luckily we waited

to make sure the other driver got through.

After that, we pumped the six tyres up and made our way to Meningie on Yarli (previously known as Lake Albert), stopping for delicious goodies at the bakery – which took longer than pumping the tyres up.

We explored the foreshore and headed on, ending up at The Granites.

We were going to stay overnight at the free camp but it was blowing a gale and the bitumen carpark and overnight area were incredibly hot.

We explored the beach and rock formations – a beautiful long beach with hard sand that you could drive on for kilometres.

We moved on to Kingston SE, where we drove up a gravel country road and found a free camp for the night, on a crossroad out of the dust.

We had just finished setting the van up when a local farmer came along on his quad bike.

He pulled up to see if we were OK. We said we were and thank you for stopping.

I asked if it was fine to stay where we were overnight and he said it was fine, then we got chatting for about 30 minutes.

You meet a lot of interesting people on your travels – it’s lovely.

The next day we made our way to Mount Gambier.

Until next month, be safe on our roads.

Lake Alexandrina near Coorong National Park is massive, 40’ boats were sailing on it.

The Granites beach is the site of the only rocks on the entire beach, a few 2m high rounded granite knobs that lie in the intertidal swash zone.

Fish deaths span Murray-Darling Basin

T

HE Darling River was once again making headlines as the muddy waters were hardly visible through a blanket of dead fish.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s mantra of ‘just add water’ has had a schooling once again by Mother Nature as the kills came on the back of some of the highest inflows and floods on record.

Closer to home, residents of Kangaroo Lake were left horrified as they awoke to an estimated 20,000 dead fish lining the northern end of the lake – with bream be-

www.bnbfishing.com.au

ing the main species recorded by locals and unfortunately some large Murray cod.

Goulburn Murray Water Delivery Services general manager Warren Blyth said, “GMW is aware of fish deaths at Kangaroo Lake, Third Reedy Lake and Racecourse Lake within the Kerang Lakes system.”

“Testing of water samples has confirmed the water was deoxygenated.

“Deoxygenated water can occur naturally, often due to changes in temperature,” Mr Blyth said.

“The impact of floodwaters is still

prevalent in the area.

“Blue-green algae is present throughout the Torrumbarry irrigation area and contributes to deoxygenation of the water.

“We are unable to confirm the exact number of fish deaths, but believe this is mainly European carp, an invasive pest species in Australia.”

Unfortunately, golden perch and cod have been affected by this event.

“We will monitor the area for further fish deaths and will continue collecting water samples to test for any further changes,” he said.

“We will also conduct a clean-up of the dead fish at the lakes.”

GMW is continuing to cooperate with the Environment Protection Authority on this matter.

A clean-up of the fish was undertaken recently to reduce the impacts on locals and visitors.

The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Kangaroo Lake residents were left horrified as they awoke to an estimated 20,000 dead fish lining the northern end of the lake. Photo: the Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 73

TOURING & exploring

While South Australia had so much to offer, we did have to cut our time there short. Incentive for a return visit!

Mini lap adventures continue

A

Home of the sinkhole – including Umpherston – Mt Gambier was a real treat and had plenty to offer travellers of all ages.

FTER spending a little more time in Victoria than we’d originally planned, we needed to adjust our travels slightly in South Australia.

The reasoning behind this was that we didn’t want to cut short our time in Western

One of the sinkholes we visited, called The Sisters, was off the beaten track a little but a magical spot.

Page 74 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

Family Adventures

by BEN COLLINS

Australia, as it’s the farthest away and the biggest state.

Another reason was that the weather had been less than favourable while we were there, so we had to cherry-pick various locations depending on the forecast.

Unfortunately, this meant we had to cut out going to a few of the places we had originally planned to visit.

While not ideal, it did give us the incentive to return to South Australia at some point – which can be done over a Christmas break when the kids

are on holidays.

Mount Gambier The home of the sinkhole – Mt Gambier was a real treat and had plenty to offer travellers of all ages.

One of the sinkholes we visited, called The Sisters, was off the beaten track a little but a magical spot.

The slightly overgrown path indicated that not many people visit it and, the day we went, we had the place to ourselves.

This spot had two sinkholes next to each other – hence the name.

After scamper* continued P75

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TOURING & exploring Mini lap adventures continue * from P74

ing down a steepish rock edge, we were at the water’s edge – where my daughters and I jumped in for a much-needed refreshing dip.

The next sinkhole on the agenda was Little Blue Lake, which was much busier, with loads of backpackers, locals and tourists all enjoying the cool blue water.

This sink hole had a small floating pontoon and much easier access.

Probably the most

well-known and visited sinkhole was the Blue Lake, which is on the edge of the town.

It was amazing to see the colour of this large lake, unfortunately you were not able to swim in it because it provides the town and surrounding areas with fresh water.

If you are visiting Mount Gambier, it is also worth checking out Umpherston Sinkhole, which is a sunken garden that was once a cave.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we

On Mount Gambier’s town edge, the Blue Lake is probably the most well-known and visited sinkhole.

didn’t get a chance to check out the caves in Mount Gambier, but I would recommend putting them on your list.

Kingston SE After our slight detour inland, it wasn’t long before we were back on the coastal trail.

The coastline along southern South Australia is stunning, particularly on the days the weather plays the game.

Places such as Southend, Beachport and Robe are all sleepy little fishing communities, and while we would have liked to spend more time exploring them, we had to be satisfied with either day trips or passing through.

Cape Jaffa was another interesting spot – home to a massive new marina and boat ramp, with only a smattering of new houses.

Apparently, there were big plans for a * continued P76

The coastline along southern South Australia is stunning.

www.bnbfishing.com.au

It was good to be back on the coastal trail after our inland detour.

The Kingston RV Park is situated right on the coast and is a magic spot.

Places such as Southend, Beachport and Robe are home to sleepy little fishing communities.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 75

TOURING & exploring

Kangaroo Island wasn’t on our itinerary, but we’re glad we checked it out.

Mini lap adventures continue * from P75

There’s plenty to see and do on Kangaroo Island, including the Raptor Domain.

The Raptor Domain was a unique place, with hands-on education about the different animals on Kangaroo Island.

Page 76 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

new development, though for whatever reason, it didn’t flourish.

Out of curiosity, I checked the value the blocks here – I was shocked to see that beachfront land was a fraction of the cost it would be back home.

While one trade off would be that you weren’t near any big cities, I can see that as a positive too.

After venturing along the coast, a resting place for a couple of nights was the Kingston RV Park, which set us back $10 per night and had water at the front – where you could fill your tanks.

Situated right on the coast, this was a magic little spot, with the beach only a minute’s walk away.

The local pub also put on a decent feed – when we stay at a place for free or only a small fee, we like to support the town by buying a meal or two there.

While our van is fully set up for being off grid and we always have plenty of food, this is our thought process and a way of giving back to these little communities.

Continuing to impress us are the quality and quantity of the facilities – such as playgrounds and boat ramps – that these small towns have.

They put our Brisbane City Council to shame unfortunately.

Port Elliot Showgrounds Our travels saw us head further up the coast towards Ade-

laide, though we made the call to not head into the city.

Our rationale for this was that we could fly down and spend some time there in the future, so instead we went to Port Elliot, where we based ourselves at the showgrounds.

For $20 a night, there was power and water, and there were toilets and showers if needed.

Around the corner from Port Elliot is Victor Harbour – where we ended up spending a little more time.

When we were there, the town had a carnival and cycling race on, so there was a certain buzz about, which was welcoming.

One touristy thing we enjoyed was the horse-drawn cart over

* continued P77

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TOURING & exploring Mini lap adventures continue * from P76

to Granite Island.

You can explore the island via its walking trails, and any exercise is gratifying after long days in the car.

You can also check out the sculpture trail and enjoy a relaxing break at the café that has a cracker view.

Kangaroo Island As previously mentioned, not having a fixed itinerary means you can easily change your plans – most of the time.

Kangaroo Island was not on our list of places to visit but, after speaking to several fellow travellers, we thought we’d check it out.

Though, due to booking it at the last minute, we were not able to get the caravan on the ferry.

This meant an overnight stop in Jervis Bay, where we left the van for a few days as we had managed to book some ‘basic’ ac-

commodation with our ferry ticket.

There is plenty to see and do on Kangaroo Island, so our plan was to try to see and do as much as possible.

The Raptor Domain was one unique place we visited – here you learnt about the different animals on the island, plus you were able to get hands-on.

This was a very exciting experience – it allows you to get up close and personal with some of the native wildlife.

Seal Bay Conservation Park also provided plenty of information about seals and the environment they live in.

We opted for the tour of the beach, where you could get to within 10m of the seals.

I saw some seals on my earlier fishing charter, but these were the first my daughters had seen, so they were very excited.

Lazing about on the

The False Cape Winery deck overlooked the vineyard – the perfect spot for sampling local creations, resting and relaxing. www.bnbfishing.com.au

beach, the cows and pups were super relaxed, and there was a little activity from a couple of the bulls.

If you’re after the perfect place for a pitstop, the False Cape Winery is a must.

We happened to be driving past the winery and decided to pop in to check it out.

And we’re glad we did – there was a beautiful deck overlooking the vineyard, making it the perfect spot to sample some of the local creations.

In addition to the farm animals, the kids can check out the half basketball court and other playground equipment, which keeps them occupied while their parents have some much-needed rest and relaxation.

A few other places that are worth visiting when on the island include the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery and one of the local honey shops.

Unfortunately, we didn’t see any penguins, so I guess we’ll have to tick that off the bucket list next time.

Next month, our adventures head north and then west, as we make our way through more of South Australia and towards Western Australia.

To keep up to date on our travels and to see more photos, follow us on @bushnbeachad ventures

A very exciting experience – getting up close and personal with native wildlife.

The author’s daughters were very eager to see seals for the first time. The cows and pups were very relaxed.

The False Cape Winery was the perfect place for a pitstop, with farm animals and a play area for the kids to check out.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 77

Mitch Long scored a 62cm barramundi on a 4” Z-Man Finesse FrogZ soft plastic.

Using a Z-Man Finesse FrogZ, the author captured a decent 87cm barramundi.

New season means new methods

I

A 64cm barramundi caught on a Z-Man Finesse FrogZ by Tom Rowley.

T was an exciting couple of months on Lake Monduran.

Despite the larger fish remaining hard to catch, we were once again able to have a very successful Humminbird Lake Monduran Barra Classic.

There were 27 teams

Lake Monduran Fishing Charters What’s the mission?

Catch more fish!

0432 420 034 themondyman.com Page 78 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

Lake Monduran

by SAM ROWLEY

entered this year, with all but one team landing a legal-sized barramundi.

Experienced competition fishers Jake and John Schwerin took out first place with an impressive bag of five fish measuring 515cm.

My friend Justin Allen and I fished the comp as well and were happy to take home third place.

For those interested, this competition is run in March each year by the Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association and is open to everyone.

A couple of weeks after, it was time for a fingerling release on the lake.

This year 133,000 fingerlings were released, which to date is the most for Lake Monduran.

This work is vital in retaining a healthy fishery because barramundi cannot breed in a freshwater environment.

With a good amount of cover available to the fingerlings, it is hoped

we achieve the good survival rate experienced in recent years.

The Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association puts a great amount of effort in to fundraising for the fingerlings, with the help of some great sponsors.

The month of May generally produces good fishing on Monduran.

If the weather is stable, barra will be looking to feed up before the coldest part of the year.

The majority of fish will start to push up on the edges to feed where the warmest water is.

Depth ranges for these fish will vary, depending on the weather.

Cold changes will see the fish hold on the deeper points and edges.

During stable weather, the fish are more likely to go to the shallow points and backs of bays.

The most important thing to be mindful of is ensuring your lure is * continued P79

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Moura Muddy Water Classic Fishing Competition

M

OURA Fish Stocking Group hold its annual Muddy Water Classic Fishing Competition at the Dawson River over Easter and it’s always a great event.

The MFSG put on a fantastic comp, with good food, the ever-popular ice cream and coffee van, the bar and, on the Friday night, Apex set up an outdoor movie screen – though it was rained out half way through the movie.

Charlie Ladd from Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association Queensland chatted about freshwater species, looking after our waterways and what lives in them.

And, this year, casting and fishing legend Dave Hodge included a junior casting comp.

Declan Mitchell from Monto took the event out, with Poppy Campbell and Tai

Marianetti second and Charlie Campbell and Hayley Nash third.

Next year there will be a senior casting comp too.

Junior winners • Spangler perch – first Dalton Harris and second Rikki Hay • Catfish – first Allie Hutchinson and second Annalise Becker • Black bream – first Henry Dale and second Ruby Milligan • Sleepy cod – first Gab Bishop and second Cooper Blackshaw • Saratoga – first Tristan Brady and second Evelyn Hutchinson • Encouragement awards were given to Tristan Brady, Jaydon Baker, Henry Dale, Daisy Ein, Frankie Willmott and Malone Willmott.

Senior female winners • Catfish – first Nicola Hutchinson and second Kate Bauert • Black bream – first

and second Sherry Strandquist • Sleepy cod – first Chris Green and second Jess Ein • Saratoga – first Erica Hutchinson Senior male winners • Catfish – first Dylan Hannon and second Michael Marianetti • Black bream – first Barry Powel and second Dan Young • Sleepy cod – first Alex Bishop and second Stewart Hay • Yellowbelly – first John Strandquist • Saratoga – first Charlie Lang and second Andrew Mardon • Charlie Lang took out the Donny Weis Memorial Trophy for the largest saratoga at 68cm.

For the second year running, no one caught the Hutchinson Agricultural sponsored tagged saratoga, so next year there will be three, each worth $1000.

New season means new methods * from P78

reaching the correct depths to entice a bite.

Fish holding deeper are still very catchable, though will not readily rise to the surface to take a lure.

In contrast, fish holding high in the water column will often not swim down to take a lure.

Quality electronics are very important when locating where and how fish are holding.

A good quality side and down scan – which I get from my Humminbird Helix – www.bnbfishing.com.au

will give you confidence that you are in an area with fish and indicate where you need to be casting.

In recent years, the best lures for this time of year have been the heavier soft plastic swimbaits, such as the Molix Shad 140mm, which is now also available in a 120mm size.

Though with larger fish being harder to tempt at the moment, it may pay to fish a little slower.

Other quality options to try are 6” shads or the Pristine

Lures PT150.

Altering the jig head weight to fish deep or shallow will enable you to keep the lure in the face of the fish and hopefully entice a bite.

Ensure you’re fishing a hook size with enough gape to easily penetrate above the lip of a large barramundi.

My favourite jig heads for these lures are the TT Lures War Head 8/0XH. Good luck to those heading to the lake – I hope to see you on the water.

Moura Apex Fish Stocking Group thanks its sponsors, both major and minor – without you, this event would not happen.

If you are thinking of somewhere different to go next Easter, keep this event in mind.

For further information, email m.a.f.s.g@ bigpond.com

The Moura Fish Stocking Group puts on a great family friendly competition every Easter.

The Friday night movie was rained out.

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07 4157 3881 or email info@lakem.com.au www.lakem.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 79

Leon Marui-Chen from Logan scored an 85cm Murray cod on bait. His first time on the dam.

Cod time is coming to Glenlyon Dam

W

ELL, it’s been one heck of a month, with Glenlyon heading back to full supply once again – sitting on 97 percent at the time of writing.

No doubt, when this hits the newsstands, it will be at 100 percent capacity again and no releases will be required until spring.

Green… you bet it’s green!

Sunglasses being the order of the day.

It’s the best we have seen the storage for a long time.

As for our local farmers and graziers in the valley, grins from ear to ear can be seen due to the rain

Glenlyon Dam

by BRIAN DARE

and the weather pattern.

It’s a while until breeding season and cod watching, but some large cod have been sighted along the dam wall already.

The time to check this out is from 8.30am through to 11.30am each day.

A calm clear morning with no breeze to speak of is required though.

Get some sunglasses, a camera with a lens filter and take a walk along the dam wall.

Keep in mind the fact that traffic also uses this road, so stay close to the

Page 80 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

guardrail for protection.

Fishing… it’s been the best we have seen for a long time – good yellowbelly, silver perch, cod and catfish are on!

Catfish are fun – knocking off your bait as soon as it hits the water, and they are great for kids to target.

Unfortunately, with bait traps, we have a few share farmers out this way, as do other water storages in Queensland.

Be advised, while we can’t chop your fingers off, a fine of over $1300 will hit your wallet at a dam wall near you!

Those who are using bait traps and getting hit, use your phone or camera to get some information on the boat and car registration, and then use social media to get the message out.

Anglers are sick and tired of this un-Australian behaviour taking place.

This illegal activity is also affecting saltwater traps used by anglers and kids as part of their lifestyle and fishing experience.

A report has been sent to our stocking group with regard to fish-tagging results.

The report covers 2013 to 2022 and is 11 pages of important information and graphs

for those who fish this storage.

Thanks must go to those anglers who got hold of the tags for this project, as they are not cheap to obtain.

The data sources for Crystal Bowl on the impoundment is available via www.ffsaq.com.au – it’s worth the read.

In 2007, barramundi stocks in the Fitzroy River in central Queensland were considered to have reached an all-time low following a long drought period.

Fishing was continuing as usual and there was no management response.

That spawned the idea * continued P81

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Cod time is coming * from P80

that forecasting the status of fish stocks would provide anglers with information they could use in their decision making, and the Crystal Bowl was born.

On the rivers, some locations fished previously showed evidence that major changes had taken place in the water system.

Sand beds have moved downstream and with this movement, the good holes that were previously great fishing spots were gone.

It’s a case of trying new areas and getting access to the stream you want to fish, as some of the stock water locations have changed… that is, until the next flood event.

It could be hard work for many anglers.

Even though levels have peaked on storages, keep in mind there are floating objects in the water.

Most of these will become or are already waterlogged and will be moving around slightly below the surface.

The Australian Lure Fly and Outdoors Expo at Fernvale is on July 2930 – not too far away – so look to book your accommodation for what will be an ideal event for handing over your hard-earned cash for a few new-style lures.

The lure collectors also do a lot of bargain hunting and moving around the stands – you can pick them out by the bags over shoulders bulging from little and big goodies.

I know – I’ve had to carry some of Debbie’s purchases for her.

Still, it’s good fun and I get to catch up with many anglers who visit and fish at Glenlyon.

www.bnbfishing.com.au

With winter on the way, it’s going to be cod time through to August and September, when the male cod looks after the fry born in the storages and rivers.

Keep in mind, it has been found that during this time, a male cod with a nesting site will not return to the site if caught.

While the male cod is being played to the surface, it’s the perfect opportunity for predators to clean out the egg sites.

Rivers are important locations, and it’s also important not to fish at the above time, hence the closure on them in Queensland from August through to the end of October.

However, you can still fish impoundments that hold cod during this period.

This is a good format because stocking takes place in storages each year.

Don’t forget your annual or weekly stocked impoundment permit, as fines apply.

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 19/04/2023

DAMS

PERCENTAGE DEC

JAN FEB MAR APR 92 87 84 96 63 63 63 64 94 92 89 98 94 91 88 96 100 99 97 100 117 105 101 122 24 23 23 24 35 35 35 36 81 74 101 85 99 96 94 98 100 100 100 110 46 45 43 42 93 90 98 97 96 95 93 97 100 103 98 101 85 85 83 93 93 90 93 95 89 88 82 95 100 99 99 100 100 100 99 100 97 95 94 97 63 61 58 65 73 72 72 71 80 80 79 80 100 100 100 109 101 103 101 88 100 101 98 100 77 76 75 79 91 91 90 92 98 97 96 98 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.

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

100 64 100 100 100 104 61 36 98 100 88 40 99 99 87 80 99 101 100 101 99 65 52 80 96 76 100 80 92 99

GLENLYON DAM TOURIST PARK A great place to fish!

• Powered and Unpowered Sites • No Domestic Pets or Generators • Kiosk • Ice • Gas • Petrol • Amenities Blocks and Laundry • BBQs • Hire Boats • EFTPOS • Fishing Permits

14 CABINS bookings necessary

GLENLYON DAM TOURIST PARK via STANTHORPE 4380 Contact Debbie or Brian Dare for more information or for bookings Ph: 02 6737 5266 E: glenlyondamtouristp@bigpond.com Visit our new website at glenlyondamtouristpark.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 81

TRADING POST peted floor, storage compartments and inshore safety gear. Well over $12,000 to replace, only $8995! Call JCM on 07 3890 2322 or shop online at johncrawfordma rine.com.au

QUINTREX 481 TOP ENDER SC – Yamaha F75hp 4S - 51 hours, Minn Kota Terrova, Quintrex alloy trailer, Garmin GPS/ sounder with side imaging transducer, VHF, bimini, plumbed live bait tank, inshore safety gear plus so much more.

Serviced by JCM and backed with warranty, only $41,995. Call JCM on 07 3890 2322 or shop online at johncrawford marine.com.au

LATE MODEL TRAILER BOATS WANTED – We are seeking premium condition trailer boats including Quintrex, Signature, Cruise Craft, Stacer, Haines, Stessco and Sea Jay. Make selling your late-model trailer boat simple and hassle free through John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 – Call JCM on 07 3890 2322.

BAR CRUSHER 615BR - This is a terrific all-round family/fishing/sports boat, with seating and lounging for cruising and social family boating. Sold and serviced by AMC. Powered by a Suzuki DF140 with a genuine Suzuki outboard motor cover. Fusion RA70 stereo with sub-woofer and amp, Garmin 95sv GPS/ sounder, GME VHF radio, live bait tank and many more options. First to see will buy. $84,990. Contact AMC Boats on 07 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au

SEAJAY 3.7 NOMAD HS – Yamaha F25hp 4S - 49 hours, Redco Sportsman trailer, Lowrance Elite touchscreen GPS/ sounder, Lowrance TotalScan Transducer, Kapten Boat safety collar fitted, car-

June Edition Copy Deadline – Advertisements must arrive NO later than May 4, 2023

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

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5

5

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Cost per insertion: 2 lines $15, $1.10 per line thereafter. Contact details must be included in ad.

NAME: ...................................................................................... PHONE NO. ...................................................

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Page 82 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

STACER 481 SEAMASTER – This little beauty is in mint condition and offers something for everyone, whether it’s tubing with the kids, chucking a few pots in the creek, cruising the bay or fishing with family and friends. Powered by a Yamaha 70hp four-stroke motor, Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 with TripleShot, GME VHF radio, alloy bait board, 80L fuel tank and much more. It’s easy to store, clean, maintain, handle and is priced to sell. $36,990. Contact AMC Boats on 07 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au

HAINES SIGNATURE 550BR – This nearnew 550BR is a terrific multi-purpose boat that can adapt to your choice of fishing or water sports. You can have loads of fun with this Haines Signature sports boat. Powered by a Mercury 150hp Pro XS, Simrad GO7 sounder, JL Audio MM50 stereo, Xdeck flooring (teak), electric trailer winch, ski pole and many more inclusions. This boat certainly has loads of personality and is in mint condition. $69,990. Contact AMC Boats on 07 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com. au

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

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Spotted on the sounder, a nice jewfish caught in the Logan River.

Mick Ritcher

I landed a 94cm barramundi in Cape York recently – my personal best too. My husband Adam caught a 70cm model, my son Logan an 81cm and my daughter Pearl scored her first barramundi.

Candice Jenkins

Scored a 1.3m jewfish on the weekend at Jumpinpin.

Anwar Nabhan

In January off Ballina, my friend’s son Riley McPherson scored a beast 28kg on live yakka at night from my boat.

Rod Magnay

An 84cm personal best fingermark caught off Townsville.

Kayleen Powis

To have a photo of your catch featured in Readers’ Forum, simply email ads@collins.media with a good quality picture, your name and details or hop onto our Facebook page and send us a message. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 83

Subscription offer for May! Subscribe this month to go in the draw to win one of seven $25 vouchers from Suncoast Skutes and a BNB Beanie!

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Send your cheque, money order or credit card details for $50 or $95 (inc. GST) to Bush ’n Beach. We’ll advise you when your subscription runs out.

Return completed form to: Bush ’n Beach Fishing PO Box 162 Wynnum 4178, ph 07 3286 1833 or go online www.bnbfishing.com.au Name: ..........................................................................................Email: ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Address: ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ .......................................................................... Postcode: .............................. Phone: ......................................... Date: ����������������������� PAYMENT DETAILS

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Page 84 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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

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

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

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

TOWNSVILLE InTune Marine U4/179 Ingham Rd, Townsville www.intunemarinetownsville.com.au 0401 794 384

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

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

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 85

SEA JAY BOATS NEW MODELS

590 TITAN

AVENGER SPORTS Console

460 RANGER Heavy duty tiller

AVENGER Tiller

AVENGER

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For more information visit www.seajayboats.com.au Talk to your nearest Sea Jay dealer for pricing and options.

STRENGTH

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WORKMANSHIP

Page 86 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023

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To learn more about the Edencraft legacy Scan the QR code, call Australian Marine Centre on (07) 3808 7333 or visit 3491 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek QLD.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 – Page 87

IN STOCK

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520 TOP ENDER - 115HP

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Can’t make the yard? Shop online! For quality new and used boats! www.brisbaneboatingleisure.com.au Page 88 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, May 2023 www.bnbfishing.com. au 1743 Ipswich Road, Rocklea | Call 07 3875 1600 | Formerly Karee Marine