BNB Fishing Mag | July 2023 by bnbfishing

Free Angler’s Almanac inside 495

Includes GST

July 2023

Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 34, Number 7

Squidding secrets

Winter tips for Moreton Bay

Big Iluka jewfish

New rules for spanish mackerel Edencraft 6.0m Offshore review ISSN 1832-4517

Proudly produced and printed in Australia

Good vibes offshore Catching Gold Coast cobia

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 1

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From the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing editor

INTER has well and truly arrived in the Sunshine state. Or should that be the cold state? One good thing about the cooler weather is that the winter species have come on the chew with a vengeance. The recent drop in water temperature has meant snapper in Moreton Bay were playing the game on both bait and lures. Now is the prime time to target these fish and other winter dominate species. But you will need to be quick to get your snapper fix because there is a closed period from July 15 to August 15 in Queensland tidal waters. It is important to follow the rules and let these fish do their thing so that we’ll have decent snapper stocks for years to come. For offshore anglers, pearl perch have the same closed period, so make sure they are returned too. Pearlies tend to release well but it’s possible to use release weights if you’re fishing deeper water. While both of these fish can be caught as by-

catch, in order to give them the break they need, it might be worth targeting other fish. Winter whiting are one species that are usually prolific at this time of year, so perhaps target these instead. You’d definitely use less fuel catching a feed from Moreton Bay rather than heading to the 100m mark offshore. Some food for thought. While on regulations, it is also worth noting that July 1 sees the introduction of the new spanish mackerel bag and possession limits. The new spanish mackerel limit for recreational anglers will be reduced to one fish per person or two fish per boat with two or more recreational anglers onboard. This date also signals the new total allowable catch for commercial anglers being reduced to 165 tonnes for the 2023 fishing season. I know these changes have been welcomed by everyone, and questions have been asked about the current data and its accuracy. Either way, erring on the side of caution will pay dividends in the future for both

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

recreational and commercial anglers. Yet, I do think that shark depredation needs to be more accurately assessed and applied to the data, which will hopefully lead to some changes in their current management. In last month’s editorial, I strongly voiced my concerns about sharks and the negative impacts they are having on our fishery stocks – action needs to happen sooner rather than later to curb their detrimental effect. In addition to these regulations, there has also been some big news regarding the use of mess nets in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Albanese and Palaszczuk Labor governments have announced that over $160 million will be delivered to significantly reduce net fishing and other high risk fishing activities impacting the reef. This includes ensuring the Great Barrier Reef is gillnet free by mid-2027. The announcement was applauded by the Australian Fishing Trade Association, which will provide its full support for the changes. Details of the announcement can be read on page 19. This stance from the government provides hope that, in the near future, they will look at other key areas where gillnetting has a dramatic effect on the environment and fish stocks. While these changes will impact some commercial anglers, the buyback of licences will also provide new opportunities. Hopefully, the buyback will be strictly controlled, so that if a licence is bought back,

that person can’t operate under a different licence or lease out any remaining licences. Unfortunately, previous buybacks have been rudimentary for commercial fishing in certain areas, due to fishos having multiple

licences and only selling one. However, given that the government’s end game is to have the GBRMP gillnet free by mid-2027, I feel that any licences left will have limited to no value. Ben Collins

OUR COVER Free Angler’s Almanac inside

495

Includes GST

July 2023

Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 34, Number 7

Squidding secrets

Winter tips for Moreton Bay

Big Iluka jewfish

New rules for spanish mackerel Edencraft 6.0m Offshore review ISSN 1832-4517

Proudly produced and printed in Australia

Good vibes offshore Catching Gold Coast cobia

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

9www.bnbfishing.com.au 771832 451001

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 1

MISCHA PORTER captured a nice school jewfish on the Iluka breakwall in the middle of the day on a 6” soft plastic lure. Check out Tye Porter’s article on page 51 on agile fishing techniques for this species.

NEXT EDITION: August edition will be on sale in newsagents from July 28. JULY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: See the subscription form on page 84 to subscribe this month and you’ll receive a free BNB beanie valued at $15 RRP each. MAY PRIZE WINNERS: Congratulations to A. Freeman, Redland Bay; C. Jensen, Alexandra Hills; J. Mischke, Arana Hills; P. Eccleston, Hamilton; S. Laban, Cleveland; T. McColm, Buderim and V. Silvera, Meadowbrook who will each receive a $25 voucher from Suncoast Skutes and a BNB beanie, valued at $37 RRP each. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 5

July 2023 contents Bay squire and flatties fire up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Conlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8 Tide Times - Brisbane Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P12 Hot winter species action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Keith Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . P13 Boat prep basics and troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . P16 Moreton Island Classic back after four year hiatus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P19 $160 million to address risks to Great Barrier Reef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P19 Good vibes offshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Chris Raimondi . . . . . . . . . . . . . P20 1770 prep and new rig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mick Clutterbuck . . . . . . . . . . . P24 Micro plastics fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Justin Willmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P26 Edencraft 6.0m Offshore at AMC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P32 Insights into boat insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P34 Broadwater squidding secrets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Clint Ansell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P36 Competition Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38 Tips for winter varieties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P40 Gold Coast Tailor Fishing Classic 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P41 Targeting Gold Coast cobia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Andy Melville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P42 Perfect new jew spot but no jewfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Gavin Dobson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P46 Cool close in winter action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brett Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P48 New rules for spanish mackerel start July 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P50

Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P50 Twenty-four seven jewfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tye Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P51 Charter Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P54 Top times in Tin Can Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Chris Rippon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P56 Jig head weight key to catching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tri Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P59 Tide Times – Waddy Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P60

Soft vibes are worth a try. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by John Boon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P62 Product News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P64 Angler’s Almanac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P65 New InfiRay Geni GL35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Neil Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P66 Exploring western Eyre Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P68 Exploring Western Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Matt Potter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P70 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, towing in comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Paul ‘Chief’ Graveson . . . . . . . P73 Yakima launches new StreamLine system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P75 Northern Territory and Nhulunbuy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Craig Tomkinson . . . . . . . . . . . P76 Endangered fish species in Australia doubled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P78 Fish n’ SIPS update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P79

Dam Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P79 Lures, tackle and permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Dare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P80 Trading Post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P82 Readers’ Forum ��P83 Subscription Form ��P84 Page 6 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

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The Team

EDITOR: Ben Collins 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).

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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.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 7

Ashley and a pan-sized squire caught on a Zerek Fish Trap Fat Betty. Jin with his biggest-ever fish, a lovely 75cm flathead that was released unharmed to fight another day.

Bay squire and flatties fire up

A southern bay squire Simon hooked on a Zerek Live Flash Minnow Wriggly.

ELL, the fishing this month has been good to say the least, with most trips turning up some very nice fish. Unfortunately, sprinkled in there we’ve had a couple of tough days where the fish just would not play the game.

Tick all the boxes and catch more fish! FISHING TUITION

Southern Moreton Bay by SEAN CONLON

So, I suppose that’s why we have the old saying: “That’s why it’s called fishing, not catching.” You can prepare and have the best plans organised, but the fish decide they’re just not interested. I did take note of one

thing on the days we found it very tough. The mornings started slowly and the better parts of the tide we wanted to be fishing were later in the day. Unfortunately, at about 9-10am on all of the tough days, a north * continued P9

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Rebecca captured this decent flathead on a Zerek Flat Shad.

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Bay squire and flatties fire up * from P8

northwesterly wind blew close to 15 knots – shutting the fishing down. I know that a northerly wind will make it a little tougher – due to what I feel is the slow drop in pressure that happens as the northerly wind moves in – however this shut them down in a way I hadn’t expected. So maybe when you check your weather forecast through winter, be aware that if we get that northerly, it may continue to shut things down… but only time will tell. We’ve been catching some nice squire, though nothing huge. But squire are good table fish if you want to take home a feed,

and it’s a great sign for winter. When we found patches of flathead, they were in very good numbers, so it looks as though we’re going to have a cracker of a season. Also, the humble bream will be turning up, and hopefully their numbers will improve, as they do most years. A combination of bait and lures at the right times have worked quite well on these species for us. On average however, lures have definitely been producing the better quality fish. Of the trips we’ve done this month, one that stood out was taking a few people who work together out on a charter to do a little bait and lure fishing.

Two of them hadn’t fished much at all before and two had. We met at the boat ramp at 7.30am and headed out for a nice day on the water. We pulled up to the first spot and I put the berley and a couple of bait out. I had two fishos down the back looking after those and then I proceeded to show the two at the front of the boat how to cast a few lures about for a flathead. It didn’t take very long at all. I think Mason was on with his fifth cast. And he was on to his first fish on a lure – a 61cm flathead! To say he was very happy would be an understatement. * continued P10

Ashley caught a nice southern bay squire on a Zerek Live Flash Minnow Wriggly.

Hopefully there’ll be plenty of lovely bay squire around over the coming months.

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Bay squire and flatties fire up * from P9

Richard was over the moon to get into a few southern bay squire.

Anil with his first-ever flathead, caught on a Zerek Live Shrimp Hot Legs.

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We sat this initial area for a while. Initially, we were only getting little nibbles and taps on the bait, though eventually Jin caught a decent flathead on a peeled prawn. Anil was learning to cast with soft plastics and to his surprise, he picked up a very nice 58cm flathead. This was his first ever fish, so he was absolutely stoked. In the hour and a half we fished there, the crew had picked up three nice fish, but it was time to move to another location. We decided we were going to have a drift with some soft plastics for squire or snapper. We picked up a few undersized fish but no keepers. We drifted through an area with a few flatties in it. Then Anil and Mason picked up a couple of decent dusky flathead and Jeff picked up a solid bartail flathead – they had about six fish to take home for dinner between them by that stage, which was not bad for the morning. We had one more place to stop to see if we could get a couple more for them to take home. It was getting close to low tide, so we pulled up in front of a drain. I put some bait out behind the boat to see if we’d get a bream. I had a couple of fishos up the front casting soft plastics and they were at it for about 45 minutes without much action. We picked up a stingray on the bait but that was about it. We were getting lots of little bites on the bait

but nothing much happened. Then, suddenly Mason scored a nice 50cm flathead and after a few quick photos, he had a cast and picked up another flatty. Of course, no one wanted to fish with bait anymore. Everyone wanted a lure. So, I’ve got four fishos casting lures all round the boat and then the fish turned on.

I lost count, though one landing net was not enough. I think Jeff got a couple in the mid-40cm range and then Jin up the front also caught a few at mid-40cm. Then Jin hooked the fish of the day – which gave him a fright on the light gear. It didn’t take long before a very nice 75cm lizard was in the boat – Jin’s biggest ever fish. * continued P12

Mason had an absolute ball, catching flathead on soft plastics in southern Moreton Bay.

A solid southern Moreton Bay flathead taken on a Zerek Flat Shad.

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Tide Times AUSTRALIA EAST COAST -

AST AST –– BRISBANE BRISBANE BAR BAR BRISBANE BAR

LONG LONG153° 153°10ʼ 10ʼEE High Highand andLow LowWaters Waters

Time Time mm

Time Time

JULY JULY

Time Time

2023

Time Time Zone Zone –1000 –1000 AUGUST AUGUST

Time Time

m m

0226 226 0.69 0.69 0752 752 1.85 1.85 1405 0.41 405 0.41 2038 2.49 038 2.49

0307 0152 0152 0.72 0.72 0307 0.66 0.66 0830 0714 0714 1.84 1.84 0830 1.68 1.68 1424 0.46 1332 0.41 1332 0.41 1424 0.46 SA SU SA SU 2103 2013 2013 2.48 2.48 2103 2.44 2.44

0359 0334 0334 0.45 0.45 0359 0.56 0.56 0856 0930 0856 1.84 1.84 0930 1.79 1.79 1500 0.25 1527 0.43 1500 0.25 1527 0.43 TU WE TU WE 2136 2152 2136 2.72 2.72 2152 2.38 2.38

0315 0.67 315 0.67 0839 1.80 839 1.80 1444 0.42 444 0.42 2119 2.51 119 2.51

0250 0.62 0250 0348 0.62 0348 0.64 0.64 0808 1.83 0808 0912 1.83 0912 1.70 1.70 1421 0.35 0.35 MO 1503 0.46 0.46 SU 1421 SU MO 1503 2101 2.60 2.60 2101 2141 2141 2.44 2.44

0425 0425 0.37 0.37 0949 0949 1.91 1.91 1552 0.21 0.21 WE WE 1552 2223 2223 2.76 2.76

0429 0.55 0.55 17 17 0429 1001 1001 1.84 1.84

0401 0.66 401 0.66 0922 1.75 922 1.75 1519 0.44 519 0.44 2158 2.51 158 2.51

0345 0.54 0.54 0345 0903 1.84 1.84 0903 1510 0.31 1510 0.31 MO MO 2149 2.68 2.68 2149

0425 0.63 0425 0.63 0949 1.72 0949 1.72 1539 0.46 1539 0.46 TU TU 2215 2.42 2.42 2215

0512 0512 0.33 0.33 1040 1040 1.98 1.98 1642 0.21 1642 0.21 TH TH 2308 2308 2.73 2.73

0456 0456 0.53 0.53 1033 1033 1.88 1.88 1635 0.45 1635 0.45 FR FR 2251 2251 2.34 2.34

18 18

0443 0.67 443 0.67 1002 1.72 002 1.72 1553 0.47 553 0.47 2234 2.47 234 2.47

0438 0.48 0.48 0459 0.64 0.64 0438 0459 0958 1.85 1.85 1023 1.74 1.74 0958 1023 1558 0.29 0.29 WE 1614 0.47 0.47 TU 1558 WE 1614 TU 2238 2.72 2.72 2248 2.40 2.40 2238 2248

0555 0.31 0555 0.31 1130 2.02 1130 2.02 1730 0.27 0.27 FR 1730 FR 2351 2.62 2.62 2351

0524 0.51 0.51 19 19 0524 1108 1108 1.91 1.91

0520 0.69 520 0.69 1040 1.70 040 1.70 1628 0.52 628 0.52 2310 2.42 310 2.42

0530 0.45 0.45 0530 1051 1.86 1.86 1051 1647 0.30 1647 0.30 WE WE 2326 2.72 2.72 2326

0529 0.64 0.64 0636 0.33 0.33 0551 0.50 0.50 20 0529 20 0551 20 55 0636 1056 1.77 1.77 1218 2.05 2.05 20 1144 1.93 1056 1218 1144 1.93

0555 0.72 555 0.72 1116 1.69 116 1.69 1702 0.57 702 0.57 2345 2.36 345 2.36

0619 0.44 0.44 0619 1145 1.88 1.88 1145 1737 0.35 0.35 TH 1737 TH

0558 0.64 0.64 0033 2.45 2.45 0620 0.51 0.51 21 0558 21 0620 21 66 0033 1131 1.78 1.78 0715 0.37 0.37 21 1221 1.93 1.93 1131 0715 1221 1724

0629 0.74 629 0.74 1154 1.68 154 1.68 1740 0.63 740 0.63

0013 2.65 2.65 0013 0708 0.44 0.44 0708 1239 1.89 1.89 FR 1239 FR 1830 0.44 0.44 1830

0629 0.63 0.63 0115 2.23 2.23 0019 2.04 2.04 22 0629 22 0019 22 77 0115 1209 1.79 1.79 0756 0.42 0.42 22 0650 0.53 0.53 1209 0756 0650 1802 0.62 1401

0020 2.30 020 2.30 0704 0.76 704 0.76 1236 1.67 236 1.67 1821 0.71 821 0.71

0100 2.54 2.54 0100 0755 0.46 0.46 0755 1334 1.91 1.91 SA 1334 SA 1925 0.56 0.56 1925

0023 2.24 2.24 0200 1.99 1.99 0053 1.90 1.90 0053 23 0023 23 88 0200 0701 0.63 0.63 0837 0.49 0.49 23 0724 0724 0.56 0.56 0701 0837 1251 1.79 1501 2.04 1350

0059 2.23 059 2.23 0744 0.76 744 0.76 1324 1.67 324 1.67 1909 0.80 909 0.80

0148 2.38 2.38 0058 2.14 2.14 0148 0058 0841 0.48 0.48 0737 0.63 0.63 0841 0737 1433 1.94 1.94 MO 1337 1.79 1.79 SU 1433 MO 1337 SU 2026 0.70 0.70 1931 0.83 0.83 2026 1931

0140 2.15 140 2.15 0828 0.75 828 0.75 1420 1.68 420 1.68 2004 0.89 004 0.89

0239 2.20 2.20 0135 2.02 2.02 0403 1.59 1.59 0245 1.59 1.59 0403 0245 10 0239 25 0135 10 0928 0.49 0.49 25 0817 0.63 0.63 10 1023 1023 0.60 0.60 25 0910 0910 0.64 0.64 0928 0817 1538 1.99 1432 1.81 1721 2.11 1614 1.99

0227 2.07 227 2.07 0916 0.72 916 0.72 1525 1.74 525 1.74 2111 0.95 111 0.95

0335 2.01 2.01 0223 1.88 1.88 0007 0.89 0.89 0416 1.53 1.53 0007 0416 11 0335 26 0223 11 1016 0.50 0.50 26 0904 0.63 0.63 11 0526 0526 1.52 1.52 26 1029 1029 0.62 0.62 1016 0904 1645 2.07 1540 1.87 1128 0.61 1733 2.13

0320 1.99 320 1.99 1008 0.67 008 0.67 1633 1.84 633 1.84 2226 0.96 226 0.96

0436 1.86 1.86 0325 1.76 1.76 0116 0.79 0.79 0021 0.79 0.79 0116 0021 12 0436 27 0325 12 1108 0.50 0.50 27 1002 0.61 0.61 12 0639 0639 1.54 1.54 27 0542 0542 1.57 1.57 1108 1002 1748 2.18 1652 1.99 1230 0.58 1145 0.54

0419 1.92 419 1.92 1100 0.61 100 0.61 1735 2.00 735 2.00 2341 0.91 341 0.91

0012 0.86 0.86 0440 1.69 1.69 0208 0.69 0.69 0130 0.62 0.62 0440 0208 0130 13 0012 0541 1.75 1.75 28 1106 13 1106 0.57 0.57 13 0735 0735 1.61 1.61 28 0653 0653 1.68 1.68 0541 1201 0.50 1800 2.15 1326 0.54 1253 0.43

0519 1.88 519 1.88 1152 0.54 152 0.54 1831 2.17 831 2.17

0121 0.79 0.79 0030 0.83 0.83 0249 0.62 0.62 0227 0.46 0.46 0030 0249 0227 14 0121 0644 1.69 1.69 29 0552 0552 1.68 1.68 14 0819 14 0819 1.68 1.68 29 0753 0753 1.81 1.81 0644 1253 0.49 1208 0.50 1412 0.49 1356 0.31

0049 0.82 049 0.82 0617 1.85 617 1.85 1244 0.47 244 0.47 1923 2.34 923 2.34

0218 0.72 0.72 0140 0.70 0.70 0326 0.58 0.58 0316 0.35 0.35 0326 0316 0140 15 0218 0741 1.67 1.67 30 0658 0658 1.71 1.71 15 0857 0857 1.74 1.74 30 0846 15 0846 1.93 1.93 0741 1341 0.47 1308 0.41 1451 0.45 1451 0.22

16 16

11 22

17 17

18 18 19 19

77 88 99

1648 0.50 0.50 TH 1648 TH 2320 2.37 2.37 2320 0.55 FR 1724 0.55 FR 2351 2.32 2.32 2351

SA 1802 0.62 SA

SU 1251 1.79 SU 1844 0.72 0.72 1844

24 24

MO 1538 1.99 MO 2135 0.81 0.81 2135

TU 1432 1.81 TU 2030 0.92 0.92 2030

TU 1645 2.07 WE WE 1540 1.87 TU 2253 0.87 0.87 2144 0.97 0.97 2253 2144

WE 1748 2.18 WE

TH 1201 0.50 TH 1846 2.28 2.28 1846 FR 1253 0.49 FR 1937 2.37 2.37 1937

SA 1341 0.47 SA 2022 2.42 2.42 2022

TH 1652 1.99 TH 2309 0.94 0.94 2309 FR 1800 2.15 FR

SA 1208 0.50 SA 1900 2.32 2.32 1900

1818 0.39 0.39 SA 1818 SA

1601 0.43 0.43 TH TH 1601 2223 2223 2.37 2.37

1710 0.50 0.50 SA SA 1710 2320 2320 2.27 2.27

1745 0.58 0.58 SU 1745 SU 2349 2.17 2.17 2349

1308 2.06 2.06 MO 1823 0.69 0.69 SU 1308 MO 1823 SU 1909 0.55 0.55 1909

2.05 MO 1401 2.05 MO 2004 0.72 0.72 2004

1302 1.92 1.92 TU 1302 TU 1906 0.80 0.80 1906

1.92 TU 1501 2.04 WE WE 1350 1.92 TU 2112 0.87 0.87 2000 0.89 0.89 2112 2000

0254 1.76 1.76 0254 0925 0.55 0.55 0925 1610 2.06 2.06 WE 1610 WE 2237 0.94 0.94 2237

TH 1721 2.11 TH

FR 1128 0.61 FR 1825 2.18 2.18 1825

SA 1230 0.58 SA 1918 2.26 2.26 1918

0138 1.74 1.74 24 0138 0807 0.60 0.60 0807 1453 1.93 TH 1453 1.93 TH 2115 0.95 0.95 2115

FR 1614 1.99 FR 2251 0.92 0.92 2251

SA 1733 2.13 SA

SU 1145 0.54 SU 1841 2.31 2.31 1841

SU 1326 0.54 MO MO 1253 0.43 SU 2003 2.32 2.32 1939 2.48 2.48 2003 1939

MO 1412 0.49 MO 2044 2.36 2.36 2044

TU 1356 0.31 TU 2030 2.62 2.62 2030

SU 1308 0.41 SU 1956 2.49 2.49 1956

TU 1451 0.45 WE WE 1451 0.22 TU 2119 2.38 2.38 2117 2.69 2.69 2119 2117

0241 0.56 0.56 0800 1.77 1.77 31 0241 0800 1405 0.33

0401 0.27 0.27 0935 2.04 2.04 31 0401 0935 1543 0.17

MO 1405 0.33 MO 2047 2.62 2.62 2047

Bureau of Meteorology Meteorology ureau of New Moon ee First Quarter Quarter First

16 16

Full Moon Full Moon Moon Full

TH 1543 0.17 TH 2201 2.69 2.69 2201

First Quarter Last Quarter Last Quarter Quarter Last

Page 12 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Jeff and Anil’s little double hook-up on some southern bay flathead.

Bay squire and flatties fire up * from P10

We promptly took pictures to quickly get it back in the water and released to fight another day. Anil then caught a couple more flathead at about 50cm and Mason topped it off with another 60cm plus flatty to finish the day. As quickly as the fish came on, it settled back down. By that time, we were ready to head home. The crew had a great day and between the four of them kept 10 flathead to take home for a barbecue with their families – the rest were all released. I must admit it’s a long time since I took four people out but it was a real joy to see them having fun, enjoying their day and learning a lot. Interesting that at the start of the morning no one wanted to use soft plastics, they wanted to use bait but by the afternoon, nobody wanted to use bait, they all wanted to use soft plastics. Anyway, that’s me for this month. 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, why not – remember knowledge is key. Until next month, stay safe on the water and, if you’re interested in

our fishing tuition or want to do a fishing charter, give me a call on 0432 386 307, send an email to seancon lonsfishing@hotmail. com or check out the Facebook page Seano’s Inshore Fishing Charters and Tuition.

Jeff with a flathead caught using a soft plastic.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Hot winter species action

ULY is a great month to chase a variety of species in the rivers and creeks around Brisbane. Flathead, bream and tailor are the most common species that will be about in large numbers. Other species that will turn up are trevally, grunter, jewfish, snapper, cod and threadfin salmon. All of these fish will eat a well-presented lure at the right time. They can all be found in rivers such as the Pine and Caboolture and throughout Pumicestone Passage. At this time of year, there are good numbers of fish from the mouth through to the very upper reaches. At the time of writing,

Local Luring by KEITH STRATFORD

the rivers were extremely clean and the long range forecast didn’t look to be changing in a hurry. Species such as tailor and trevally can often be found around the mouths of each system early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Once they are finished terrorising the baitfish population, they can cover a lot of water and travel anywhere up the river. Tailor will feed all through the water column but they will happily eat a surface lure in low light conditions with minimal boat traffic.

Casting poppers, fizzers and lures that you can retrieve with a ‘walk the dog’ action will all catch tailor. The MMD Splash Prawns are an excellent surface lure. These things catch everything from whiting to mangrove jack and are always in my tackle box. The last few winters have produced some excellent trevally fishing. Big numbers of quality fish have been caught in all the rivers, with the Pine being a standout. Some of these fish are well over 60cm and are * continued P14

Go wherever and whenever the fish are biting with confidence! Made in Australia for our tough marine environments Photo courtesy of Australian Master Marine

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This flathead came from a deep ledge in the Brisbane River.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 13

Hot winter species action * from P13

Small jewfish have been turning up in all of the rivers around Brisbane.

Bridge pylons such as those at the mouth of the Pine River attract a lot of bait. Predators will feed here this month.

a real handful on gear more suited to catching flathead. They generally aren’t very fussy when it comes to eating lures. Small minnow style plastics in the 2-3” range are perfect and can be cast on a decent sized jig head that can get down into the deeper holes. Prawn imitations also work very well on trevally. Threadfin salmon can be very fussy fish to tempt into biting but if you’re determined to catch one, you’ll have to be extremely patient. Swapping lures and retrieves can stir them up enough to make one of them eat. Try casting from different angles and varying the speed of your retrieve.

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Occasionally you’ll need to drop your leader size down to get a bite. I’ve landed some big threadies on 12lb leader, however I’ve been rubbed off by a lot more. Threadfin are capable of wearing through a 30-40lb leader when hooked down deep. Their mouths are like sandpaper and can quickly wear through a lighter leader. Jewies are around in huge numbers at the moment, and they appear to be everywhere up and down the coast. Most of these fish are under the legal-size limit, though are still plenty of fun to catch. There should be some very good jewie action over the next few years, when these fish get a little bigger. Jewies love deep holes, bridge pylons and rock bars. Jigging prawn imi-

tations, soft vibes and plastics should see you hooked up to a few. Flathead are one of the most common species in the rivers at this time of year. They’re an excellent species for anglers just starting with lure fishing to target, and even better for kids. They are also one of the best-eating fish you will get out of the river. They eat a wide variety of lures and they live in water from 0.3m to 15m. They eat trolled lures, cast lures, jigged lures and even surface lures. The good news is that flatties will be around for a while yet. Pack the jumpers and beanies and get out on the water, go enjoy the wide variety of species on offer this month. You never know what’s going to eat your lure next! Hope to see you on the water.

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Page 14 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Jake Bayliss got stuck into flathead at the mouth of the Caboolture River recently.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 15

For safety, consider wearing light-weight automatic or manual life jackets all the time you’re on the boat.

Boat prep basics and troubleshooting If your engine fails, having an electric motor can be somewhat of back-up plan when close to home, but joining a marine assist service is much safer insurance.

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Page 16 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

OR many anglers with boats, their boating knowledge was passed down through the generations. Either their parents or grandparents taught them the basics of putting the boat on and off the trailer, getting it on the water and starting it safely. Yet for those like me, who grew up in a country town and with no boater in the family, you had to learn the hard way. That meant learning everything – from reversing the boat down the ramp to trailering the boat safely and getting the boat started on the water. When I started learning about three decades ago, there was a lot of trial and error. The occasional fishing magazine article was written about it but nothing that could have fully prepared me for what I learnt on the water and at the ramp over the years. That’s the reason for this article – to hopefully help those new to boating minimise mistakes and, when the boat won’t start, know what the simple solution might be.

Fishing Tips by SEAN THOMPSON

Safety checks First things first – if you’ve just bought a second-hand boat, you want to make certain it’s free of damage and leaks. You also want to ensure the boat and trailer registrations are up to date and that you have at least third-party insurance on both in the event of an accident. You then need to make sure you have all the appropriate and within-date safety gear onboard that is suitable for the type of water you’ll be fishing. Check your relevant state marine safety authority, such as Maritime Safety Queensland, for the classifica-

tion of the waters you intend to fish and the safety gear required. As an example, much of Moreton Bay is classified as partially smooth water, so you need the equipment associated with partially smooth water. This includes flares and appropriate life jackets. You need to check the former are within date and, in the case of the later, do annual checks to ensure they are in good condition. It is also worth storing your complete set of safety gear in a floating waterproof grab bag, in the event you do go in the water. * continued P17

Tying some safety ropes to your boat – similar to the black line pictured – can be a good idea for use in an emergency.

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Boat prep basics and troubleshooting

* continued P18

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that they are ‘in date’ • Take plenty of water and sunscreen, and carry a spare hat or two on the boat in case yours blows off – I even carry spare sunglasses and glasses in the event I accidentally lose mine overboard • Before you start driving, make sure you lift your boat’s engine up and have it secured with either the motor’s metal latch or an outboard support bracket • To avoid a fine from police for an unsecured load, confirm that any gear in your boat is secured and tied down or put it in the vehicle until you get to the ramp • Check the hook on your winch strap is secured to your boat, the bow of the boat is

into trouble on the water. Pre-water checks Once you’re certain you’ve got all your safety gear, there are a few important checks you should do before you leave home for the ramp: • Ensure you have sufficient fuel for the trip – fill your tank and, if you can, carry spare fuel for emergencies • Check your boat batteries are fully charged – you will need a marine grade ‘starter’ motor to start your engine and run any accessories such as your sounder, whereas if you have an electric motor, you will want a deep-cycle marine battery • Make sure you have all your required safety gear onboard and

Another thing you want to check is that the trailer’s connecting chain is in good condition and that the shackle on the chain that connects your trailer to your car is appropriately weight rated. Again, check the website, don’t assume it’s OK because someone had it before you. Then ensure your boat is fitted with the appropriate navigation and anchoring lights for being on the water in fading light or at night. Finally, I strongly encourage all boat users to join a marine assist service, such as Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland or Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, in case you run

* from P16

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 17

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

Boat prep basics and troubleshooting * from P17

Ensure your boat has a strong weight-rated tie down to your trailer towards the stern.

Make certain your emergency position indicating radio beacons and fire extinguisher are in a handy and easily accessible location.

Check that your boat’s batteries are fully charged before you go out.

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sitting tight up on the top roller and the safety chain is secured to your boat with a shackle • Ensure you have tie downs to secure your boat to the trailer – locate these towards the stern of the boat • If you have a steering wheel and haven’t used your boat for a while, confirm it turns smoothly before your trip and that it hasn’t seized • Check your trailer lights are connected to your car’s trailer plug and that they are working • Verify your trailer’s chain and shackle are secured to your vehicle’s hitch • Make sure your jockey wheel is swung up to its horizontal storage position before travel • Ensure your trailer coupling is lowered and secured to the vehicle’s tow ball with the R-clip • For added safety and security from theft, place a trailer lock over the trailer coupling for travel, and for security when the boat is off the trailer at the ramp • Check you have 4-5m of marine grade rope secured to your boat’s bow to hold the boat for launching • Finally, ensure your bungs are in. Once you get to the ramp, park in the designated loading and unloading zone and load your boat with anything you secured in the car and remove the tie-down straps. Have another quick check that the bungs are in, then you’re ready to launch. Once you’ve launched, you should then secure your boat correctly and

in such a way that you are not impeding other boats trying to launch or retrieve while you go to park your car and trailer. Trouble shooting at the ramp or on the water Let’s say you then go to start the motor, but it won’t start. There are a few simple things you can check before giving up and putting the boat back on the trailer. Here are a few ways to resolve some issues I’ve had over the years. Fuel Check the fuel hose is connected tightly in both the engine and to the portable fuel tank, if you have one. Pump the fuel primer bulb until it is firm – that is filling the fuel line. Also check that the air valve on the fuel tank vent is open – to allow the fuel to continue to pump without causing a vacuum – then try restarting. Kill switch Check that the ‘kill switch’ or safety lanyard hasn’t had the quick-release fitting attached to the vessel accidentally come off, thus preventing the boat to start. If so, refit the end of the lanyard around the switch and flick it back up, then try restarting. When the boat is underway, secure the other end of the lanyard around your wrist or life jacket as a precaution, in case you get thrown into the water. Battery If then engine isn’t ticking over at all, check that the wires to the battery terminals are firmly connected and that the connec-

tions are not corroded. If they are corroded, try to clean them of corrosion before restarting. Using something similar to Lanox MX4 grease on the terminals will help prevent further corrosion. Starter If you’re hearing your engine tick once but not turn over, there’s a chance your starter is corroded and not lifting to engage the flywheel. In this case, you can lift the cowling from the motor and give the starter a spray from a silicone lubricant – handy to have this onboard – and then give the starter a gentle tap with a wrench or similar to try to loosen it up. If you are in the same situation out on the water but this still doesn’t work, you can manually try to start the flywheel using the rope and instructions that should be inside the cowling. I wouldn’t recommend this when you first arrive at the ramp though because you could be caught out on the water later. Remove the boat and take it to a service technician, as you might need a new starter or solenoid. So, there you go. A few tips to get help transition into boating. When doing the checks more frequently, it will become second nature to you, but in the interim, I hope these processes and tips help you. For more tips and fishing reports, jump on to follow and like my Facebook page Ontour Fishing Australia. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Moreton Island Classic back after four year hiatus

ITH the global pandemic creating years of uncertainty, the Moreton Island Classic is back after a four-year absence. The bonus is that it will be bigger and better than it ever was. The classic will be held at the Bulwer Rural Fire Station – the largest venue in the town – from September 6-9. The prize pool is much larger, with new sponsors coming onboard and taking the

prize pool to about $70,000. To name a few, sponsors include Moreton Island Adventures, ARB, Anaconda, Ray White Pelican Waters, Sea Legs Brewing Co, Sam Allen Wholesale and Oztix. The competition is very similar now to when it was conceived in 2012 – heaviest species, mystery weigh-in species, daily random prizes, and cash and major prizes. There’s also a fantastic junior competition like no other – we’re

going to spoil them and also give them angler education. The format for this year’s competition is for it to be educational, entertaining and above all, fun. All proceeds from the classic will go to the Moreton Island fire fighters who, in 2019, not only saved Bulwer from a raging bushfire but also our SQAFCA clubhouses on The Strand. Don’t forget the opening day free sausage sizzle barbecue. Food and entertain-

ment will be available each night at the comp site. Also, this year there is an angler educational program for the kids and a ladies casting afternoon with Drew Argus, Australian Ladies Casting Champion Rachel Bunker and Steve Hunter. So, if you would like to meet some old and new fishing legends, who will demonstrate their skills at the comp site, enter the Moreton Island Classic. Entry for an adult is $93.50 and for a junior

aged between four and 14 it’s $37. Don’t miss this competition – you don’t even have to fish, as there are plenty of random prizes. If you’re interested, get your tickets through our sponsor Oztix. For more information and updates as we get closer to the competition dates, visit more tonislandfishingclas sic.com.au and the Moreton Island Fishing Classic Facebook page. Meade Murphy SQAFCA

$160 million to address risks to Great Barrier Reef

HE Albanese and Palaszczuk Labor Governments have announced critical funding to better protect threatened species that call the Great Barrier Reef home. Over $160 million will be delivered to significantly reduce net fishing and other high risk fishing activities impacting the reef. This includes ensuring the Great Barrier Reef is gillnet free by mid-2027. Destructive gillnet fishing injures and kills threatened dugongs, turtles, dolphins and protected shark species. As part of these reforms, the Albanese Government will request the Palaszczuk Government declares threatened hammerhead sharks a no-take species for commercial fishers within Queensland waters. The funding will also be used to: • Create net-free zones including in the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef and parts of the Gulf of

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Carpentaria to better protect threatened species that move between the reef and the gulf • Accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy • Introduce legislation to mandate the use of independent data validation on commercial fishing vessels to ensure we balance sustainable fisheries with protecting threatened species. The Federal Labor government has wasted no time acting to protect our precious reef, including legislating more ambitious emissions reduction targets and investing more than $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef. Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said, “The Great Barrier Reef is one the most beautiful places on Earth.” “We want to better protect it for our kids and grandkids. “We know one of the most immediate threats

to the health of the reef is unsustainable fishing practices. “It causes damage throughout the reef, as threatened marine life such as dugongs, turtles and dolphins are caught in nets and drown,” Minister Plibersek said. “The removal of gillnets in net-free zones on the reef has already helped boost local fish populations. “We want to see this happen right across the reef.” Queensland Minister for Environment Leanne Linard said, “The implementation of these new protections underscores the commitment of the Palaszczuk Government to ensure the reef’s longterm survival.” “The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of species and holds immense cultural significance to Indigenous people of the Queensland coast and the Torres Strait, who have maintained a deep connection with these waters for thousands of years,” Minister Linard said.

“In keeping with its recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage site, the reef must be protected, not only for Queenslanders but for all the people of the world.” Further information: • All hammerhead sharks will be made a no-take species for commercial fishers in all Queensland waters, noting they are already no-take for recreational fishers • Buy-out and remove all N2 and N4 licences by December 31, 2023 • Buy-out, remove and condition a limited number of N1 licences by December 31, 2023 • Phase out the re-

maining limited N1 licences to make the reef gillnet free by June 30, 2027 • With residual funds, protect the reef from other forms of commercial fishing through a voluntary commercial fishing licence buy-out • Accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy by introducing legislation to mandate independent data validation • Establish a ‘net-free north’ from Cape Bedford to the tip of Cape York • Establish additional gillnet free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria and other locations of high ecological value.

Gillnets are indiscriminate in that they drown whatever swims into them, including many iconic and threatened species. Photo: WWF Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 19

A Nomad Vertrex vibe-crunching spangled emperor.

Ross with a yellowtail kingfish caught jigging a Nomad Squidtrex vibe.

Good vibes offshore

Jesse’s nice trout.

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Page 20 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

ROM memory, it must have been over a decade ago that I watched the ABT Tournaments bream series on Channel 10 on a Saturday morning. I remember thinking how cool it was to watch fishos catching bream off the front edge of pontoons using tiny TT Switchblade, Jackall TN50 and Atomic Hardz lures. It was awesome viewing – watching light lines peel off while big bream launched at on the drop vibes as they scaled down the front of man-made and natural structures. Fast forward and the same technique has been employed to great effect across a vast number of species today. You hear about insane saltwater barramundi bites on Jackall Transam and Mask vibes up north or crazy inshore snapper sessions on Atomic Semi Hardz and Zerek Fish Traps.

Fishing Tactics by CHRIS RAIMONDI

The use of vibes – in particular soft vibes – has put a whole new fishing technique on the map and really, it can be applied to any situation in any depth of water. Last month, I wrote about live baiting offshore and the tendency for live bait to be able to consistently produce quality fish in all conditions. Well, the technology implemented in artificial vibration baits these days makes them as good as the real thing! When I speak about enhanced technology, I am talking about the fact that manufacturers have been able to develop soft vibes that are able to sink naturally to significant depths without compromising their action. This is the absolute critical element that enables a vibe to be

effective offshore. When you consider how every estuary and inshore species can be tempted to nail a soft vibe, it’s no surprise that red emperor, nannygai, coral trout, mulloway, pearl perch, sweetlip and snapper do the same! The tricky part is presenting your lure in the strike zone, given the current and wind conditions, and the fact you’re likely to be fishing in water depths of 30, 40, 50m or more. In releasing the Vertrex, and more recently their Squidtrex vibes, Nomad Design have definitely nailed the offshore soft vibe. The Squidtrex in particular has an incredible ability to sink without any compromise to the action of the lure. Also enhancing its * continued P21

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Good vibes offshore * from P20

effectiveness is that the natural movements of a squid are usually slow and sleek, so there’s less need for a tight vibrating action on the drop, or the retrieve for that matter. There are a few critical factors to employ in your technique when fishing soft vibes offshore. The first and most used technique is to fish your vibe as you would a soft plastic. Once you have located the fish you want to target, set up a drift line and cast way out the front of the boat in the direction you’re drifting. As the boat drifts towards your lure, allow plenty of slack line to enable your lure to descend naturally to the bottom. When you are in the zone that holds fish, work your lure via a few lifts of the rod tip and allow it to sink back down. Nine out of 10 bites will happen on the drop, so always keep contact with your slack line and be ready to strike. Work your lure until you’re right on top of it – almost vertically jigging it below the boat. Once your lure starts to drift out the back, retrieve and cast ahead once again. Another common technique is to simply ‘dead stick’ vibes out the back of the boat with your rod in the holder. This is an especial-

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ly effective tactic for mid-water feeding species such as snapper, who will often rise from the bottom and feed midway through the water column. In this scenario, the natural movement of the boat in the swell puts enough action on the lure to mimic an injured baitfish. If you are chasing bottom-dwelling reef fish, the slower the better in terms of the retrieve. For pelagic species such as mackerel, yellowtail kingfish, amberjack and trevally, simply speed up the retrieve or work the lure like a metal jig for the most effective results. Using soft vibes offshore over the past twelve months has produced some of the most enjoyable fishing I can remember. Species such as sweetlip, snapper, mulloway, moses perch and cod have been regular captures and provide great fun on light gear in 1525m of water. The next frontier is certainly to target some larger offshore reef species such as red emperor, coral trout and nannygai in depths of 50m plus. If bait is normally your go for fishing offshore, I would urge you to invest in some soft vibes and an outfit that’s designed to use them – you might be surprised at just how effective they are! Catch you!

A decent mulloway caught on light gear.

Snapper cannot resist a soft vibe.

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New rules for Spanish mackerel start 1 July To help rebuild stocks of east coast Spanish mackerel, new rules will be in place from 1 July 2023: • The recreational possession limit will change to one fish per person, or two fish per boat with two or more recreational fishers on board (the boat limit will not apply to licensed charter fishing trips). • The extended charter trip limit will be removed (currently allows recreational fishers to take twice the in-possession limit for charter trips longer than 48 hours). • The total allowable commercial catch will be adjusted from 578 tonnes to 165 tonnes for the 2023 fishing season. Search ‘Spanish mackerel management changes’ at daf.qld.gov.au/fisheries for more information.

Fish for the future this snapper and pearl perch closure

Changing seasons

What you

need to know Australian bass CLOSED

All Queensland tidal waters

1 June 2023 to 31 August 2023

Snapper and pearl perch CLOSED

All Queensland tidal waters

15 July 2023 to 15 August 2023

Spanish mackerel MANAGEMENT CHANGES

All Queensland tidal waters

Wondering what you should fish for during the snapper and pearl perch closure? Don’t worry, there are lots of other fish species to target. The fish aggregating devices (FADs) from Bundaberg to the NSW border offer alternative fishing options to target pelagic fish species including mahi mahi, tuna and billfish. Large mahi mahi are often caught at the surface FADs during the closure.

From 1 July 2023

You can do your part to ensure there are fish for the future by practicing responsible fishing: • Use circle hooks when bait fishing for snapper to avoid deep hooking. • Minimise the handling of fish to be released and avoid removing the fish from the water where possible. • Utilise wet surfaces (towel, hands and measuring board) and lip grips when removing fish from the water to be measured and always avoid placing fish on hot surfaces. Learn the techniques for improving the survival of fish with barotrauma such as using a release weight for fish showing signs. Watch how to identify barotrauma and minimise injury to released fish by searching ‘returning fish to deeper water’ on the Fisheries Queensland YouTube channel.

Download the free ‘Qld Fishing 2.0’ app from the App Store or Google Play DAF2007 06/23

Page 22 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 2007 Bush and Beach July 2023_FINAL.indd 2

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www.bnbfishing.com. au 8/6/2023 8:05 am

Lifetime fisher still learning and leading Women in Recreational Fishing Network leader Rhiannon began fishing and mud-crabbing estuaries in her early childhood.

to ‘stay in touch’ with her love of fishing while taking a break from the boat as a new mum to learn new skills and meet other women who like to fish.

“As kids, we’d pump yabbies on the mud flats at low tide. When the water came in, Poppy would take us out in his tinnie to the whiting beds where we’d get a good feed. I remember the big scaling and filleting sessions everyone in the family used to pitch in on. I had the best childhood by the water with my sisters and cousins, and want the same for my son.”

“I’m not the best fisher, but I absolutely love fishing, boating, and spending time with my family on the water.”

Rhiannon loves fishing for reef fish, mackerel, sand crabs and squid. She also likes to take credit for turning her husband into a mad-keen fisher. Rhiannon became a leader in the Women in Recreational Fishing Network

You don’t need to be a professional fisher to be part of the Women in Recreational Fishing Network. Join the community if you have a passion already or want to try something new, ask a question or share your fishing adventures online. Search for ‘Women in Recreational Fishing Network Qld’ on Facebook to join.

Partnerships protect fish stocks for everyone The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) conducts fisheries compliance activities across more than 7000 km of coastline (including islands and offshore waters) and 1.8 million km2 containing our inland waters. This is an enormous task undertaken by approximately 100 officers operating in 19 districts along the Queensland coastline. QBFP maintains strong relationships with partner agencies and community groups through cross decked compliance activities with the joint use of resources, staff, and knowledge. These activities provide an efficient and effective means of delivering optimal compliance on behalf of all agencies. Recently the Fisheries Patrol Vessel K.I. Ross covered more than 4000 nautical miles between Brisbane and the Torres Strait involving officers from the Queensland Police Service, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Maritime Border Command. Officers also regularly conduct local compliance activities including crab pot clean ups with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,

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2007 Bush and Beach July 2023_FINAL.indd 3

Maritime Safety Queensland and Indigenous Ranger Groups. We can achieve positive outcomes for all Queenslanders when we work together.

fisheries.qld.gov.au 13 25 23 FisheriesQueensland FisheriesQld DAFQld

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 23 8/6/2023 8:05 am

The new rig the author has dubbed ‘Old Ben’ in tribute to his father.

1770 prep and a new rig

The old boat console before work was done.

Offshore reef fishing fanatics WANTED One of Brisbane’s oldest deep-sea fishing clubs has vacancies for new members. Owners of suitable vessels encouraged. All levels of experience. Those without own vessels also invited to apply. Approximately 15 deep-sea trips per year. One week-long fishing holiday to town of 1770. Monthly meetings, video shows, guest speakers and free nibbles. 4WD beach fishing and camping. Inshore fishing also on the agenda. Interested? Then call Darren (0413 511 436) or Tim (0436 625 590).

POWER BOAT ANGLERS REEF FISHING CLUB INC Page 24 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

OT a lot has happened this month fishing

wise. Though there’s certainly been plenty of preparation for the annual trek to Seventeen Seventy to compete for the BNB Trophy. Many a wheel bearing has been inspected, replaced or re-packed and I’d only be guessing as to how many kilometres of new line has been purchased… just in case. No doubt the bait and tackle shops in the areas our members reside in have been doing a cracking trade over the past few weeks. Traditionally, the competition is held later in the year, usually October. But this year, it’s been brought forward to June to take advantage of the great winter weather the area has been blessed with over the past few years… we’ll just have to see. Rob Schomberg put up a couple of photos of the pre-prepared food he’s taking – I think someone should remind him it’s only for a week!

Power Boat Anglers by MICK CLUTTERBUCK

He had enough food for a boat trip to Fiji. Hopefully, it will be a great trip with plenty to show and tell next month. As you all might be aware, I purchased a new – well, second-hand new anyway – boat a few months ago. It hasn’t been on the water yet because I’m still adding a few things here and there, as well as having the wiring tided up and modifications added by Tony from Tony’s Boats and Marine. He did an excellent job on my previous boat and I can’t recommend him highly enough, you’ll find him on Facebook. Another reason I haven’t had it on the water is because I made a commitment to my wife that I wouldn’t use it until I sold the previous one – dumb move I know, but I have to stand by my commitment nevertheless. One thing I’ve learnt

over the years is that preparation and presentation sells things, so it pays to do a bit of work before selling something. Yes, it may cost a few dollars but the end result is that it sells quickly and you get what you’re after or close to it. It was no different for the trailer – it’s getting new springs, tyres, brake cable and replaced rollers finally, after having bought the replacements some time ago. The old boat had spent plenty of time in creeks and rivers and as such had a dirty ring of confidence around it on the water line – similar to a grotty bathtub. This actually cleaned up very well with a boat-cleaning chemical I purchased – for a spray-on and hose-off job, it’s really impressive. The Quintrex decals were replaced along with new registration * continued P25

www.bnbfishing.com. au

1770 prep and a new rig * from P24

numbers and the end result looked great. Yes, it still had scratches and a few small dings, but hey, it was a 2006 model and had been well used though not abused. When it came to advertising, I decided to put it up on Gumtree first and decide where to go from there if I didn’t get any decent bites. I had thought of advertising on several pages on social media platforms but was put off by the number of keyboard warriors that for no reason bag the thing being sold, at least comments can’t be posted with Gumtree. As it turned out, that was the way to go, with a number of interested parties making contact.

Even Barry from the Northern Territory was keen, but he missed out because the first couple who turned up loved it and made an offer I was more than happy to accept. The only downside with Gumtree was the automated scammers – three minutes after posting the ad, contact was made from an ‘ocean engineer’ – whatever that is – working on an oil rig wanting the boat for his son. One came from someone called ‘Cossi’ who wrote a war and peace on the how and why my electric motor was mounted incorrectly and how it needed to be mounted. I told him thanks for his information but as I’m selling the boat and it has never given

me an issue in eight or so years, it would stay where it was. His reply was that I was an idiot – tell me something I don’t know – so I wished him a nice life behind his keyboard. No offer to purchase was tendered, by the way. So, that was my experience. Though, if I had my time again, I would certainly still go this way. 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 will be Wednesday July 5, followed by Wednesday August 2. Until next month, safe boating.

The old boat console after Tony tidied up the wiring.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 25

A nice bream on ‘the beacon’ – a Firetreuse coloured StingerZ and Orange TT Fishing HeadlockZ Finesse UV jig head.

A bream from a red hot session shaking the Z-Man 1.75” Tiny TicklerZ over the weed and across the bottom.

A quality flathead that could not resist a jellybean.

A selection of Tiny TicklerZ rigged and ready matched with TT Fishing HeadlockZ Finesse UV jig heads.

A selection of Z-Man StingerZ rigged and ready, including natural, dark sihouette and fluoro or UV colours. Page 26 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Micro plastics fishing

NE of my favourite styles of fishing is casting finesse plastics on light gear in shallow water and it always surprises me the mix of species and quality of fish that this technique produces. There’s an old saying in fishing that big lures catch big fish, while small lures catch all fish. So, for anglers getting into plastics fishing, downsizing will often see you getting more action from more species more consistently. My obsession started with the arrival of the Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ – a tiny 10X Tough paddle tail that has landed some of my largest bream and flathead, along with a mixed bag of other species in both the fresh and salt. The recent addition of the Z-Man Micro Finesse BaitZ range of plastics saw me downsizing even further to 2” and 1.75” plastics, and the results have been awesome. Take note of the bait

Tackle Tactics by JUSTIN WILLMER

on your local flats, concentrated around structure such as jetties and pontoons or holding in the mouths of drains – it’s often tiny and you will see it spraying out of the water as predators attack. In this article, I want to give you an overview of three of the Micro BaitZ that I have been fishing with and where and how I have been fishing them. First, when it comes to jig heads to suit these tiny plastics, you are limited to hook sizes that fit them appropriately. I have been fishing light spin combinations – 7’ 1-3kg paired with 1000 size reels, 6lb braid and running 10lb leader in case of a flathead or tailor. You could downsize your leader as required if the water’s clear or the bite tough. My jig head of choice is the size 2 in a TT

Fishing HeadlockZ Finesse, which is a fine wire hook for maximum penetration. However, the size 4 in a TT Fishing HeadlockZ HD is an excellent option if you want a heavier wire hook for extracting fish from structure. When fishing these micro finesse plastics, I run jig head weights from 1/20oz to 1/8oz to cover extreme shallows and pontoon fishing to deeper flats and dropoffs. Z-Man 1.75” Shad FryZ This little baitfish profile has a segmented tail wrist to a paddle tail, which gives it a lot of action and micro vibration when retrieved. The built-in action allows it to be slow rolled, hopped or shaken on the retrieve and it makes a great presentation for prospecting the flats. * continued P28

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MICRO MADNESS! THE LITTLE LURES SCORING BIG RESULTS

1.75” Shad FryZ

2” StingerZ

BLUE GLIMMER SPARKLE

BUMBLEBEE

BLUE GLIMMER SPARKlE

COCONUT ICE GLOW

ELECTRIC CHICKEN

COCONUT ICE GLOW

ELECTRIC CHICKEN

FIRETREUSE

SMELT

FIRETREUSE

GLOW CHARTREUSE

SPACE GUPPY

PEARL

SPACE GUPPY

PEARL

1.75” LarvaZ

1.75” Tiny TicklerZ

BLACK

BLOODWORM

GLOW

GREEN PUMPKIN

HOT CHARTREUSE

PINK GLOW

MOTOR OIL

RED

BUMBLEBEE

FIRETREUSE

GLOW

GREEN PUMPKIN ORANGE

HOT SNAKES

PINK GLOW

SMELT

SPACE GUPPY

See ‘Em in Action!

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 27

Big fish eat big lures, all fish eat small lures, so don’t be afraid to downsize.

Ron with a handful of whiting on a Z-Man 1.75” Shad FryZ in Bumblebee colour.

Micro plastics fishing methods * from P26

Bream on a Z-Man 2” StingerZ shaken over the weed.

Flathead love the little 1.75” Shad FryZ with its lively paddle tail. Page 28 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

The first time I rigged it, I thought there was no way the fish were even going to see it. But within a few casts I was hooked to a 45cm giant trevally, followed by a 55cm model along with bream and grunter. In the sessions since, it has produced bream, grunter, whiting, flathead, tailor, trevally and more. Z-Man 2” StingerZ For easy jig head rigging, the 2” StingerZ has the same little bulky body as the Shad FryZ and a unique segmented tail section with a bulbous cross on the end. The minimal built-in action of this little jerkbait lends itself to a hopping or shaking retrieve as it darts erratically in the water. This will be a deadly plastic fished vertically around structure and among schooled fish because any movement causes resistance on the end of the tail, allowing you to shake it on the spot. I used this technique to land trevally, bream and

yellowtail pike around pontoons before casting it and twitching it in the mouth of a large drain for flathead and bream. Again, I wasn’t sure how it would go, before hooking a nice bream a few casts into the session and plenty more bream and flathead after that. Z-Man 1.75” Tiny TicklerZ The Tiny TicklerZ is a little more out there in terms of its design,

however the solid tubestyle body rigs well on a jig head and the four small appendages at the end dance with any movement. Its versatility comes in the ability to twitch and shake it like a jerkbait, then allow it to fall to the bottom where it can be hopped and shaken like a creature bait fished tight to structure or the bottom. The first time I fished * continued P29

Ready to fish the Z-Man 1.75” Shad FryZ on a TT Fishing HeadlockZ.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Micro plastics fishing methods * from P28

this plastic, I had one of the hottest bream sessions I’ve had in ages, casting it over a weed flat on the high tide, twitching and shaking it over the weed, then allowing it to drop once it reached the weed edge. Once on the bottom, I then hopped and twitched it back. The fish ate the Tiny TicklerZ with gusto and I landed a couple of dozen bream in quick time. Fish don’t have hands and the only way that they can investigate something interesting is to look at it or eat it, before spitting it out if it’s not food. The micro size of these plastics means that when fish eat them, they eat them! The plastic is tiny and the jig head light, so the take is often brutal and the whole plastic is in the mouth of the fish, minimising tail grabs and increasing your hook-up rate. Colour-wise, I run with the old three colour theory of a light – natural colour for clear water and bright days, a dark silhouette colour for

dark days, dirty water and fishing in weed, and a fluoro or ultra-violet reactive colour in case the other two don’t fire. In the Micro Finesse BaitZ this transfers to a Smelt, Blue Glimmer Sparkle or Pearl as a light natural colour, Bumblebee – black top and chartreuse belly – as a go-to silhouette colour, and then there’s the Space Guppy, Hot Snakes and Firetreuse as something a bit more out there. I also matched the colours up with TT Fishing HeadlockZ Finesse UV jig heads, with the Black pairing beautifully with the Bumblebee and the Orange pairing with Firetreuse to make a really bright presentation that I’ve nicknamed ‘the beacon’. Make sure you cover water with a long cast and mix up the retrieve from slow and subtle to more aggressive and erratic, until you find what the fish want on the day. I like to have three combos rigged – one with each of my three colours, so that I can switch things up, especially if the fish shut down on a particular

colour or are following the plastic and not eating it. A change of colour or retrieve may also trigger a different species to feed, so don’t forget to mix things up and you may discover a technique or colour that triggers a feeding response from a more prized species. Finally, add a smear of Pro-Cure Super Gel Scent if you’re fishing slow or the bite is tough. I am constantly impressed by the variety and quality of fish that these tiny plastics continue to attract. They excel in shallow water, on bright days, rubbish tides and other tough bites, so I would recommend them for everyone – from someone getting into plastics to the hardcore tournament angler who is looking for something different to show the fish on a pressured bite. As the saying goes, big fish eat big lures and all fish eat small lures – no matter how big or how full we are, we can’t resist a jellybean. See you on the water...

Take the Z-Man 1.75” Tiny TicklerZ over the weed and across the bottom for an awesome session. www.bnbfishing.com.au

This solid estuary giant trevally inhaled a 1.75” Shad FryZ fished on light spin gear.

A solid yellowfin whiting on the 1.75” Z-Man Shad FryZ.

The Bumblebee-coloured StingerZ got the bite fishing a shallow weedy drain. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 29

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 31

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HE Edencraft name is well known throughout Australia but more so in the southern states, with its cult-like following for being the pinnacle of offshore fibreglass trailer boats. The owners of the company are a husband-and-wife team who employ a group of highly experienced staff. They believe there should be absolutely no compromise in the build quality, performance and safety of their boats. Their 6.0m Offshore is the perfect balance of all the things required in a fibreglass boat of that size and is perfectly suited for anyone – whether you’re a firsttime boat owner or a serious hardcore angler or diver. The exciting news is that we now have a dealer in southeast Queensland. Australian Marine Centre at Springwood have these boats at their premises for anyone in-

Boat Review by BEN SMITH

terested in a new fibreglass boat. Overall length of the boat is 6.2m with a 2.4m beam and when on the trailer, it measures about 8.5m in length, depending on your motor options. Your shed door will need to be about 3m high by 2.8m wide to sneak it in. The deadrise at the rear of the hull is 22.5 degrees, which tapers up to a fine point of contact with the water at the bow to provide a soft ride. The horsepower options on this rig are incredible, with a maximum rated 400hp. The boat we tested had a counter-rotating pair of brand-new Suzuki 140hp four-stroke motors and after we ran them in, we were able to open them up to check the performance. The three-blade Suzuki stainless-steel pro-

Page 32 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

pellers running a 23” pitch topped out for a top speed of 80kph at 6000rpm with three people aboard and a belly full of fuel, which by the way has a capacity of 280 litres underfloor. At 4500rpm, the boat was sitting at about 45-50km/h and cruising nicely – getting a fuel burn a little better than 1 litre per kilometre. The hull rides extremely well as you would imagine, both into chop and over swell. Coming back over a following sea, I wasn’t able to get it to do anything silly when under power. At rest, as with all deep V-shaped hulls, there was that bit of roll, but you quickly get used to it because the hull locks out when it gets to the chine. I guess the real stand out in performance –

other than its speed – was the cornering. With the twin motors trimmed in and passengers holding on, this boat hits the corners like nothing I’ve seen. At full wheel lock and almost full throttle, it corners in under a 20m radius. Probably not something you’d do every day, but great to know you have it. It’s particularly good for getting yourself out of the brown stuff when you’ve been caught offshore, the weather changes and you need to get back over the bar, or even doing a beach launch and you need to get out through a gutter before the next set comes through. A couple of other main features and considerations are that the 6.0m Offshore can be towed with a standard four-wheel-drive without having the need to go to a big American-style truck, and the trailer comes with an auto engage and disengage catch, which al-

lows for solo launches. Every detail on Edencraft boats is finished to the highest quality, with no rough fibreglass spikes to cut your hands on under the gunwales. All the stainless-steel and welds are polished to a mirror finish, so no tea-staining and, best of all, it can be customised on the build with the options of your choice. The fly-by-wire single throttle control of the Suzukis is a must and, with a massive amount of dash space, you’ll be able to mount almost any sounder on the market. I could carry on all day about the Edencraft 6.0m Offshore’s non-sinkable foamfilled hull, the awesome side access dive door that makes going to the toilet easy and the amazing attention to detail in the wiring behind the helm, but the best thing to do is contact Rod at Australian Marine Centre and see these boats for yourself.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 33

BOATING & marine Insights into boat insurance

Ensuring your trailer is fit for purpose

HE least complicated piece of your boating equipment is also the one most likely to cause you the most problems and frustration. And that’s the trailer. To a large extent hidden under a boat hull for most of its life, plunged into cold water when its brakes, bearings and tyres are hot, left all day to bake in the sun after being immersed in a known corrosive environment – and that includes the electrical system – perhaps a cursory rinse off once back home but never chamoised dry, loaded to the max and hammered over ruts, potholes and possibly dirt roads… life sure isn’t easy for a boat trailer. They’re also expensive, which is why it makes sense to insure them. But when it comes to insuring your boat

trailer, there are a few key points to be mindful of. The first is that the trailer you buy for your boat needs to be appropriate for the job it has to do. If it’s not, you won’t get insurance for your rig. There is a myriad of design rules and regulations relating to the: • Aggregate trailer mass, or ATM • Gross trailer mass, or GTM • Gross combination mass, or GCM • Maximum axle load, or MAL • Load on the trailer ball • Payload of the trailer. And that’s before you consider whether you want a skid trailer, a bunk trailer, a multi-roller trailer, one made from galvanised steel or aluminium, whether the frame is to be box-section, C-section or I-beam, what

the suspension springs are made from as well as the materials in the braking system. The key point is that, if you get any of these figures wrong when slipping a trailer under your boat, you could be jeopardising the safety net of your insurance cover. That’s why it is important to get professional advice from a qualified person. Ordinarily, a reputable franchised boat dealer will be able to advise you on the trailer recommendations for the boat you purchase from them. The trailer might even come from the boat manufacturer itself. Likewise, you can seek professional independent certification of a trailer you are considering purchasing. But when your handyman neighbour down the road reckons he can knock you up a new

Leaving your boat trailer in a place where the tide can wash over it sounds like a stupid idea, but people do it.

boat trailer and save you a fortune, keep an ear out for the warning bells to start going off. Savings now may well be a loss later. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – which is the public face of Australian Consumer Law – notes that under consumer guarantees, a product must be reasonably fit for the purpose specified by the customer and agreed by the seller. If the product proves to be not fit for purpose, then the consumer can seek a remedy. Downstream from that is when you come to insure the trailer. If that trailer is not suitable for carrying your boat, then don’t expect an insurance payout when it causes significant damage to your boat. Likewise, trailer repairs. If you need to replace a crossmember, a section of the frame or any other component on your trailer, ensure that the work is done by a qualified tradesperson with expertise on trailers. That way your trailer’s insurance cover can continue. It’s always a good idea to inform your

insurer of any such repairs and to provide progress photos of the work undertaken. As noted at the outset, trailers will degrade over their lifespan – be it short or long. That deterioration is part of life – it does not qualify as ‘damage’ in the context of being covered by insurance. Leaving your boat trailer in a place where the tide can wash over it sounds like a stupid idea, but people do it… as depicted in the photo. Your trailer rusts – no, you can’t claim for the repair of that rust. It is not accidental damage. 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 34 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

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MACKAY REEF MARINE 26 Prospect St, Mackay (07) 4957 3521 www.reefmarine.net

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 35

Nina was elated to catch a tuskfish when on a Gold Coast Broadwater charter with the author. A quality by-catch when targeting arrow squid.

Broadwater squidding secrets

Bruce and his family had a fun day with lots of arrow squid and fish boated.

I everyone, it has been a fantastic winter of fishing so far, and July promises to be a stellar month too. There are lots of flathead around, as well as huge numbers of winter whiting. This month I’ll focus on arrow squid because it is peak season for them in the Gold Coast Broadwater. I started catching arrow squid in the Gold Coast Broadwater six

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years ago, and since then have learnt quite a lot about both them and tiger squid. While there can be good numbers of tiger squid to be caught over winter in shallow water near structure, it is arrow squid that are the dominant force. Arrow squid live for about one year. They are also known as Gould’s squid. This type of squid

forms the basis of major jig and trawl fisheries in Australia and New Zealand. Juveniles are found in shallow coastal waters, while the adults appear to spend much of their lives in deeper oceanic waters. Their major spawning season occurs in February and March, and they average 700g in weight – females can grow to * continued P37

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Page 36 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Damo booked a squidding trip with the author and took home heaps of delicious calamari.

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Broadwater squidding secrets * from P36

1.6kg and 40cm mantle length. In the Gold Coast Broadwater, they seem to be most common in areas where there are lots of winter whiting. No surprise really because winter whiting are great to eat! I focus on using 3.0 and 3.5 sized squid jigs, which match the size of winter whiting. My favourite jig brands are Ecogear Dartmax, RUI, Fish Inc Egilicous, Duel LQ Lens-Q and Daiwa Emeraldas Nude. Fish Inc Egilicous has a fast-sinking squid jig model, which comes in very handy when the wind and tide make it hard to keep lures near the bottom. Nat u ra l- colou red

squid jigs work best when the water is calm and clear, and on sunny days. When it’s cloudy and the water is murkier during run-out tides, darker and bright-coloured jigs tend to catch more squid. For in-between conditions, anything can work. Experimenting and cracking the code is half the fun. I prefer to also use some squid scent, such as Ecogear Egimax or Pro Cure Egilicious. Spray it on the hook end of the jig so the squid come sniffing there and not the other end, where they can hold on and not get caught. The most important thing is getting the

squid jigs down near sandy floors at around 4-6m depths. Working the lures slowly with long pauses tends to get the best results. Arrow squid hang around together in similar sized schools but, like fish, not all individuals are hungry at the same times. The golden rule is cover lots of ground slowly. Another great thing about squidding in the Broadwater is the bycatch. In all the same spots that produce arrows there are dusky flathead, bartail flathead, flounder and winter whiting – all fun fish to catch and delicious on the plate. While you have a few * continued P38

Simon and his friends caught 30 squid on a Broadwater charter with the author.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 37

FISHING EVENTS COMPETITION

DATE

LOCATION

2023 Gold Coast and Jul 21-23 Southport Amateur Fishing Club 2023 Tailor Competition

Gold Coast, Qld thebaitshopgoldcoast.com

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

Fernvale Qld lureshow.com.au

AFTA Tackle Show Aug 3-5

Gold Coast, Qld afta.net.au

Catch a Catty Family Aug 19-20 Fishing Competition

Burnett River, Qld facebook.com/Paradise-Fish-Stock ing-Association-105544657844248

Moreton Island Sep 6-9 Fishing Classic

Bulwer, Qld moretonislandfishingclassic.com.au

SCF Research and Sep 8-10 Fishing Competition

Sunshine Coast, Qld scfaustralia.com

Woodgate Beach Sep 15-17 Hotel Fishing Classic

Woodgate Beach Hotel, Qld woodgatebeachhotelfishingclassic.com.au

Baffle Creek Family Sep 18-23 Fishing Festival

Baffle Creek, Qld bafflecreekfishing.com

Flathead Classic Sep 26-28

Gold Coast, Qld gcsfc.profishingtournaments.com

Ray caught a heap of quality flathead on a Tweed River charter with Brad Smith.

Broadwater squid * from P37

squid jigs out on light rods and placed in rod holders waiting for a squid ‘bite’, drop some vibe lures such as Ecogear ZX40s, MMD Soft Prawn vibes and 70mm Samaki Vibelicious straight down to the bottom and jig for fish. Often squid get hooked when doing this. When they do, wind gently so they don’t

get off the hooks. Until next month, cheers and tight lines. To book on a charter with myself or Brad, or if you have any fishing related questions, visit goldcoastriver charters.com, SMS 0432 990 302 or email f ish i ng wit hcl i nt@ gmail.com – or find us on Facebook at Brad Smith Fishing Charters.

ANSA Maryborough Sep 29-Oct 1 Maryborough, Qld Fishing Festival 2023 ansaqld.com.au Fitzroy River Barra Oct 5-8 Bash

Fitzroy River, Qld fitzroyriverbarrabash.com.au

Wyaralong Dam Oct 21 Carp & Tilapia Eradication Comp

Wyaralong, Qld lafma.org

To have your competition listed in the calendar, please phone (07) 3286 1833 or email ads@collins.media Page 38 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Mick did well landing a few nice flathead with Brad on the Tweed River.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 39

Steve scored this late season spotted mackerel that went 110cm at Mermaid Reef.

A big live yellowtail scad was the recipe for nailing this 124cm mulloway outside the Seaway.

Tips for winter varieties

Brad thinks tuskfish are one of the best eating fish around.

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HIS time of year is simply heaven sent. Glassed out cool mornings extending into beautiful sunny days are what mid-winter fishing is all about. And, more often than not, the trip goes well into the afternoon for that hot evening bite. Though I haven’t had as much time on the water as previously because of business commitments, the days I have had out were spectacular. All kinds of fishing turn on in July, with snapper in full swing anywhere from the close reefs off the Gold Coast, right out to the 50-fathom grounds off Jumpinpin Bar, and everywhere in between. Big mulloway are lurking about their usual haunts in the Seaway or close reefs and love nothing more than a big live bait, soft plastic or vibe. Pearl perch are going to be chewing hard around the wire weed at the 36-fathom line east of Surfers Paradise, and there could be the occasional mahi mahi

Gold Coast by BEN SMITH

still hanging around for those who set a live yellowtail scad out behind the boat. Cobia – or black kingfish as they’re also known – are keen on swallowing down a bait or two at this time of year, so get rigged up for a couple of options when preparing for your next trip. Having a selection of rods for different purposes is something to think about because there are so many species out there to target. An option to consider is a 7’ overhead snapper stick rated to 8-10kg with a good overhead reel loaded with 15-20lb

monofilament line for snapper. I’d also be taking a similar rod with 30lb braid to run a paternoster rig on for bottom fishing for pearl perch. Two or three-hook dropper rigs work well made of 40-60lb mono. The third rig would be a jigging style setup for chasing a big kingfish if you see them on the sounder when float-lining for snapper. The beauty of having all your gear pre-rigged is that you can make the most of any opportunity as it arises. We often see kingies below the boat when * continued P41

Mahi mahi will slow down but there’re still a few around in July.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Tips for winter varieties * from P40

fishing for snapper and it’s a split-second decision to place the snapper rod in the holder, grab the jig gear and plunge a knife down onto their noses when you see them pop up. If I’m taking a fourth setup, it’s probably going to be a slow-pitch setup. This kind of fishing is sometimes technique specific but doesn’t always have to be, and winter is a great time to try it because the current generally slows to a bare minimum over the cooler months. The advantage of having a slow-pitch rod is that you can tie on anything – from a flutter-style jig to an octopus or even a soft plastic – and it will do the job just fine. Taking jigs in different sizes from 40g up to about 100g is your best bet, so you can vary the weight to keep the line vertical under the boat, allowing you to have good contact and feel for not only the action of the jig but also the strike from the fish. Colours vary quite a bit but it’s up to you as to what you choose. Though I do prefer something with a bit of orange in it, alternatively a natural colour usually works well too. The thing is, if you come across a school of hungry fish, they will hit almost anything you put in front of their faces. As I always say, try to work out the best bite time for the given day and make sure you’re on the spot at that time. Use your sounder to spot the fish first – it’s possibly one of the most

www.bnbfishing.com.au

important things you can learn. Tip is, get a good transducer – don’t use the one that came in the box unless you’re fishing in water only 30m deep or less. In fact, it’s better to spend the money to get a good 1kW transducer and a quality sounder with a good processor and matching 1kW output than it is to by four or five extra rod and reel combos. And don’t get misled that having a massive screen means the sounder is better. I have only a 9” screen but because the unit can run the full 1kW, I get to see fish and bottom hardness that is a blur

on some other units. Of course, the more power, the more you’re going to see but most setups will generally start at about $1500 for the transducer and $2500 for the head unit and work their way up from there. Though once installed and you start catching more fish, they will pay for themselves – or at least, that’s what I tell my better half! Anyway, have an awesome time on the water this month. Remember to check out the Queensland Fisheries website to familiarise yourself with the snapper and pearl perch closures, and pack a warm jumper.

Good eating-sized snapper are moving in close to smash your pillies and squid bait. Remember the Queensland tidal waters closed season for this species starts July 15.

This time of year is perfect for targeting snapper monsters off the Gold Coast, until the closure on July 15 that is.

Tim Farnell landed a 94cm 7.4kg monster in Western Australia on an Assassin Rod and GT Ice Cream Skinny lure.

Gold Coast Tailor Fishing Classic 2023

HE annual Tailor Fishing Classic is just around the corner and we’re gearing up to make it the biggest and best yet! Kick-off is at 4pm on Friday 21 July, with lines out in time to make weigh-in from 10am to 12pm on Sunday July 23. Entrants are able to fish from the Queensland NSW border to the tip of North Stradbroke Island. And though boats can be used to transfer between the islands within the fishing boundaries, all fishing is to be landbased, and entrants can bring a maximum of three fish to the weigh-in. If you’re thinking about entering in this year’s Tailor Fishing Classic, entry forms are available in-store and are $30 per person. But be sure to get in quick if you’re keen because we’ve capped the number of entries available for 2023. The weigh-in day will be an event for everyone, with a barbecue, fish-filleting demonstration and fish smoking ‘how-to’ on the day. So far, we’ve al-

ready had a lot of interest in groups looking at heading to North Stradbroke for the Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re thinking of doing this, make sure you book one of the first two barges back on Sunday to make it back to weigh-in on time. South Stradbroke gets its fair share of action as well, with South Currigee, North Currigee and Tipplers campgrounds filling up quickly. If you’re not heading away and planning to fish the mainland, the world’s your oyster. With so many gutters starting to take shape from Sea World and further south – I would start fishing now. Hopefully we’re lucky on the weekend of the classic and have a bit of westerly wind with an incoming tide for both nights. Given those prime conditions, there should be some good fish caught this year. For more information on the Tailor Fishing Classic, contact Paul Anderson at The Bait Shop Gold Coast on 0406 737 773.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 41

Targeting Gold Coast cobia

Cobia rig built to handle a bit of punishment while allowing better bait presentation. Bridle with rubber band for full hook exposure.

HIS month it’s about one thing! Well, a few things but one species… cobia. This hard fighting, great eating and quite often very frustrating target is one of my favourite fish to enjoy on the inshore reefs over winter. So, with that said, let’s get stuck into a few frequently asked questions and basics to get you out on the water with a bit of confidence. First and foremost, let’s talk tactics. These fish are often quite hard to find

‘Steery’ took a cracking cobia using dead bait and Hollowcore flashers.

Page 42 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Gold Coast by ANDY MELVILLE

due to their migration paths along different fathom lines – varying between pairs and schools – so figuring out where the whales are on the off chance cobia are slipstreaming is a good starting point. Fish as you would normally on a drift, with a heavier than usual float line for snapper and don’t be shy with the berley. A bottom rig catching and releasing fish or a live bait rig constantly seeking out smaller trevally, big slimy mackerel or oversized yakka will also cause enough of a stir to grab their attention. On anchor, be prepared for more bycatch and embrace it – it’s all part of the recipe, even if no one enjoys a mack tuna or a shark hook-up. Give sharks a bit of play until you know it’s definitely a shark and not a 30kg cobia giving you curry on a blistering first run. If you’re catching too many mack tuna, it would be worthwhile scratching around for bigger livies, such as legal sand flathead and silver trevally. Balloons are the absolute key to spreading your live bait at different depths, ranging from close to the bottom and up 8m in the water for each bait out. The bait closest the boat should be the deepest, with the sec-

ond having plenty of clearance – so allow time to clear lines on a hook up – the same for the third bait out. Blowing the balloons up larger to let the breeze spread them out is also worth taking into account. Note, if you use balloons, deflate and bin them after use, even the ‘biodegradable’ branded option. Cobia can be found on the bottom feeding on crabs, mid-water rounding up bait or on the surface sunning themselves, so slow-pitch jigs, plastics and octo jigs are always a good shout, with brighter ultra-violet enhanced colours being a smarter choice to grab their attention and have them chase the offering. When choosing ground, have a look for long reefs with large ledges and fish the edges mid-tide, especially if there are scattered rises surrounding the edge of the reef that are likely to hold bait. If you’ve had success with jewfish on the inshore reefs, use those marks as a starting point. Though fish it around a new and a full moon on mid-tide because it would normally start to ease off, and fishing generally goes quiet on a flood and a runout tide. Similarly, wrecks and big underwater * continued P43

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Gold Coast cobia * from P42

structure provide a similar hang out, or have a look for plenty of bait holding up on ground. There doesn’t have to be obvious structure because these grounds are all seasonal due to the migration between late May through to the end of October. Reef lines from 3035m with fish showing on the sounder or where you’ve had fun on spanish mackerel during summer through to the 50m teraglin spots are generally the best producing. Fishing 50lb monofilament is something I recommend, as you’ve got plenty of shock absorption paired with a generous trace of 60lb flouro, and use nothing short of a 9/0 octopus-beak snelled or octopus circle hook rig with a 8/0 stinger for live bait. Bigger bait will get less attention due to being the wrong shape for tuna but it’s worth having a smaller yakka out or even one dead bait under the boat mid-water in case the fish are focused on rounding yakka schools. Fishing dead bait – my tip is a three-hook snelled rig with sharp hooks and plenty of strength to get the job done all the way to the gaff. Cobia quite often swim in small packs and have no hesitation smashing an easy snack, so adequate exposure on the business end will increase the hook-up rate and secure multiple hook

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sets, which can come in handy if they decide to roll on the surface by the boat. Deep V-style hooks have a great anchor point and are inverted on the tip for better penetration. Likewise, octopus beaks do a fantastic job – thanks to their thinner wire for quick hook-ups. However, don’t get caught out by scaling down the hook – these fish are not fussy nor are they leader shy. Rod wise, a 20-30lb medium action about 7’6” will provide brilliant sport when paired alongside an overhead reel with a smooth drag. And for reel size, don’t worry, just make sure you’ve got a relatively hard-set drag that will set hooks in the rod holder without snapping, before adjusting once you get a scale of the force of the first run. These fish don’t fight dirty, they simply have a huge reserve of brute strength and are very well conditioned for a scrap that can end in tears moments after hooking up. Due to their size, they will tire and start to head for the surface for better oxygen intake. A hot tip is to back the drag the closer you get to the boat and let it have one or two last bursts before even thinking about sinking the gaff. Good luck out there. As usual, tight lines and safe travels from all of us at Suncoast Skutes.

Product testing on light gear for Suncoast Skutes – pulled a table-sized cobia from a spread of live bait.

www.suncoastskutes.com Flashers and pre-made rigs focused on SEQ water all year round Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 43

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 45

This jewfish was caught in the shallows recently and plenty more should be about this month.

Perfect new jew spot but no jewfish

C A few sand crabs have entered the Tweed estuary and, while not in the numbers we want, hopefully they’ll improve in size and quantity soon.

A funny looking jewfish from the new jewfish spot! Page 46 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

ON T I N U I NG on from June’s article on unusual captures, I’ve had a couple more. During the recent mackerel season, I was trolling about and getting bored from nothing biting, which was standard. I wandered out into the middle of nowhere and well off the main reef when the sounder revealed an isolated bommie that I didn’t know existed. Somehow, in all the years I’ve been around, I hadn’t come across it before. It was only small, but I like the bommies that are detached from the main reef because sometimes they can prove to be a jewfish hotspot. I marked it in and continued with the rest of the mackerel sea-

Tweed to Byron Bay by GAVIN DOBSON

son, promising myself to give it a go once winter arrived. A westerly in late autumn provided the perfect opportunity. I sounded around a couple of spots, but they weren’t holding much bait, so I made the decision to run to this new spot. I was settled in place with the bait set as the sun was going behind the mountains – everything felt good. An hour later and with no bites, everything felt less good and I was contemplating leaving, when I heard a rod buckle over. Eagerly, I started winding on what was sure to be a jewfish

that had taken a live slimy. The fight wasn’t out of the ordinary for a jewie, except that at about the halfway mark, the line suddenly went slack and I thought I’d lost the fish. A few more winds on the reel and everything came tight again. I wondered if I had been sharked but the fish was kicking strongly, so I wasn’t pulling in only a fish head. A little curious though still hopeful for a jew, on flicking the headtorch on the long silver shape that was revealed in the light, I was then con* continued P47

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Perfect new spot but no jewfish * from P46

fident I had a spanish mackerel on the line. It would certainly explain the erratic action of a minute or so prior. As a point of interest, from over the years when jew fishing at night, I have caught at least three spanish mackerel that come to mind. All bait were on a bottom-fishing style of rig but baited differently, with a live slimy, a butterflied yellowtail and a strip of mack tuna, and all the spanish were pinned in the end of the nose. I have also had numerous runs and biteoffs over the years that I attributed to mackerel when fishing for jew. On this occasion though, I was disappointed to find it wasn’t a jew nor a desirable consolation mackerel in the dark. Yes, you’ve seen the photo – it was a stinking rotten barracuda that took a bait set on the bottom on an isolated small bommie in the dead of night on a new moon! It didn’t even have the decency to bite me off so I didn’t have to deal with it in the boat. I was going to let it go but then remembered a friend was wanting some crab bait, so it got re-purposed with good results. As I said last month, odd species turn up in late autumn and early winter, but this one was also in a strange place at a weird time. I have caught three barracuda offshore from Tweed over the years and quite a few in the river – and I

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know others who have too, so they aren’t altogether unheard of – but still quite an oddity. This one was a pickhandle variety, though I have also caught the great barracuda before off Tweed. My other slightly unusual catch for the month was much more welcomed and came in the form of a 2kg redthroat emperor. It took a floated pillie on the Brunswick local reef and, while not exactly large, it provided a couple of good fillets that were delicious. Once again, I’ve caught the occasional smaller model off Tweed but this was a first for me out of Brunswick Heads. We have had the most amazing run of weather recently and the wide reefs were very fishable. A lot of quality fish came in from the shelf, with the closer 45 and 50-fathom lines producing great pearl perch. Snapper have been fairly quiet thus far, with only a few in close and very few mixed in with the pearl perch. That could change this month though – it’s early days yet. On the beach, some good hits of tailor have been made, with plenty of baitfish for them to harass. The schools of frogmouth pilchard have been prolific this year. An interesting occurrence recently was a school of bonito chasing them up the Brunswick River, nearly to the highway bridge. They were chopping

voraciously on the surface and a fisho at the boat ramp cast a slug from the shore and caught one. It was something I’ve not seen before. Let’s hope the great winter weather continues because there are certainly some great fish around the Byron coast.

A redthroat emperor from the Brunswick Heads local reef.

Snapper should be in numbers this month, both in close and out wider. Helen caught one a couple of years ago.

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Cool close in winter action

A few late-season mackerel are still being landed in close.

ELLO all, the cooler weather has certainly been encouraging our winter species to show up at their preferred locations. Unlike last year, the beaches have already experienced a small run of some quality tailor. Most beaches have produced fish at different times over the past few weeks, depending on the weather and prevailing wind. The usual bait such as pilchard, mullet and bonito have all accounted for fish, along with plenty of smaller models that were happy to chase

BALLINA BAIT & TACKLE Ken with a quality snapper caught off Ballina.

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02 6686 2527 Page 48 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Ballina Bait & Tackle by BRETT HYDE

down metal spinners in the 30-50g range. Bream have shown up on the beaches with the tailor too. The better quality fish were taking mullet fillets, pipis and squid, but it would also be worth trying some 3” minnows in natural colours. Back in the river, flathead were moving further up the river, with the better numbers being caught between the Burns Point Ferry and Broadwater. The cooler weather has signalled for flatties to move into shallower areas, which will help them keep warm. Most of the fish were caught in less than 2m of water, but a real mix of techniques have proved successful. Bait such as white or blue pilchard, mullet fillets and prawns were all good options, along with curl tail soft plastics, metal blades and suspending hard-body lures. As it is for flathead, bream also appear to be fairly spread-out at present, with fish being landed between the mouth of the river and Wardell Bridge. It doesn’t seem as though bream have swung fully into their breeding cycle yet, with some fish holding on the river floor while others are still fairly high in the water column. A run-in tide has been the best bet, and hardbody lures, plastics and metal blades have accounted for the bulk of the fish. The run-in tides have also encouraged luderick to move into the lower reaches of the river.

Weed for bait has been rather limited, so if you’re wanting to chase them, I’d suggest heading out to one of the rock platforms during low tide to collect some cabbage. Night run-in tides have combined with mullet making their way towards the ocean. And the tailor haunting the river mouth gave the mulloway plenty of encouragement to make their way from the close reefs to move into the lower reaches of the river. The usual live bait such as herring and yellowtail have accounted for a number of fish, though some keen anglers have persisted with a number of soft plastics and hard-body lures. The lures have produced a few of the better quality fish over the past couple of weeks and I’m sure this trend will continue during our next patch of rough weather or ideal tides. Offshore recently, we’ve seen the current drop away significantly. And while this makes fishing some of the wider grounds a much easier proposition, it can certainly slow the fishing. The lack of current allows the baitfish to spread out, which in turn forces predatory species such as kingfish and amberjack to roam around more in search of food. This can make it difficult to target small schools or even single fish when dropping down into deep water. The current can at times – and often does – * continued P50

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 49

Close in winter action * from P48

increase in speed over the winter period but on the whole, it should stay fairly slow. I would expect to see a few more captures of bar cod, blue-eye trevalla and other deepwater species over the next few weeks. A couple of pearl perch and some smaller kingfish were taken from the 48-fathom line, however there appears to be a little more activity in closer, which is where there’s been a moderate amount of current. As the weather continues to slowly cool, we’ve had good numbers of mulloway coming from the close reefs such as Black Head and Riordans. Live bait were the most productive method of targeting

them, though a few fish have also fallen to some vibes and soft plastics. A little unexpectedly, there were a few last-minute mackerel haunting the close reefs. It won’t take much wind or cool weather to encourage them to finally run away for winter. I am looking forward to some cooler weather over the next few weeks, which should see more snapper and mulloway move into the close reefs. It will also be worth having a stick bait or small metal spinner rigged and at the ready for the longtail tuna that will be cruising in the close reefs too. Well, that’s about all from me for this month, until next time – tight lines!

New rules for spanish mackerel start July 1

O help rebuild stocks of east coast spanish mackerel, new rules will be in place from July 1, 2023. From this date, the recreational possession limit will change to one fish per person, or two fish per boat with two or more recreational fishers on board. The boat limit will not apply to licensed charter fishing trips. Also from July 1, the extended charter trip

limit will be removed – this currently allows recreational fishers to take twice the in-possession limit for charter trips longer than 48 hours. And, the total allowable commercial catch will be adjusted from 578 tonnes to 165 tonnes for the 2023 fishing season. Search ‘spanish mackerel management changes’ at daf.qld.gov.au/ fisheries for more information.

Whole bream baked with oregano and chilli Ingredients • 3 desiree potatoes, peeled and cut into small dice • 2 lemons • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 2 x 400g bream, scaled, gilled and gutted • 2 tsps chopped oregano • 2 small red chillies, seeded and finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1/4 cup dry white wine Method 1. Preheat the oven to 220C. 2. Drain potatoes on a clean tea towel to remove excess moisture. 3. Finely grate the zest of the lemons and cut the fruit into thin slices. 4. Heat a heavy baking dish over a high heat, add half the oil, the potatoes and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes then stir and place in the oven and cook for a further 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden. 5. Wipe the belly cavity of the fish thoroughly with a clean damp cloth to remove any

New rules will be in place from July 1, 2023 for east coast spanish mackerel. Page 50 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

trace of blood. Score both sides of the fish with 3 or 4 angled cuts through to the bone. 6. Combine lemon zest, oregano, chilli, garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt and a good grind of pepper. Add half the remaining olive oil and spoon this mixture into the slashes on both sides of each fish. Arrange lemon slices inside the belly cavities of both fish. 7. Preheat another heavy baking dish over a medium heat. Add remaining olive oil and place both fish in the pan. Allow to cook for 2 minutes, then carefully turn fish over, splash on wine and place in the oven. Cook for 6-10 minutes, until flesh flakes easily when tested with a fork. 8. Place fish on plates, with potatoes on the side, and pour cooking juices over the top. Notes Alternative fish species for this recipe are snapper, tarwhine, whiting or any of the bream species. Desiree is a good all-purpose potato – though could use a bintje, pontiac, spunta or pinkeye. From the Sydney Seafood School

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Lismore angler Guy Stewart landed a quality jewfish in the Clarence River at night using a live mullet for bait. This nice school jewfish was taken on the Iluka breakwall in the middle of the day on a 6” soft plastic lure.

Twenty-four seven jewfish

HE great thing about being a jewfish angler and living on the Northern Rivers of NSW is that jewfish are able to be caught 24 hours a day, seven days a week – as long as you are willing to be adaptable and change fishing styles and locations as the weather conditions dictate. The headlands around Iluka, Evans Head, Ballina and Lennox Head will provide anglers with large jewfish on minnow and feather lures day and night, if there’s enough swelling of white water around the rocks. It may come as a surprise to some that fishing these locations in the middle of the day will more often than not yield the bigger class of fish, and I for one have taken

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Just Jew by TYE PORTER

the vast majority of my 20kg plus jewfish during daylight hours. Be it floating a live mullet into a rip off the beach, spinning the headlands with lures, using a whole octopus on the river side of the Iluka wall or fishing the river side of the south wall at Ballina with a live tailor during a southerly wind – the big jew are out and about feeding. By far and away the easiest time of the year for the average angler to catch jewfish are the months of May, June and July – or as I call them… ‘mullomay’, ‘jewn’ and ‘jewly’. The reason for this, as I’ve mentioned before, being that the jew congregate in the

lower reaches of the river systems in much larger numbers than usual as they feast on the vast schools of flat tail mullet that move downstream to breed each year. Sure, jewfish do have a good feed on the travelling schools of sea mullet, however that run typically ends by the second week in June, but flat tail mullet stay around in their millions until September, before heading back upstream for summer. At Ballina, as an example, these flat tails can be found right along the riverfront from behind the police station up to the mouth of Fishery Creek and beyond, so all you need to do is * continued P52

Brisbane angler Richard Hope captured a nice jewfish on cut bonito strips when fishing for tailor along the beach at Shark Bay.

Mischa and a nice fish taken inside the Clarence River on a 14cm Rapala X-Rap lure. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 51

Twenty-four seven jewfish * from P51

This fish fell to a live mullet at the old ferry approach during a low tide at night.

find where a patch is, hold up and fish there a few nights in a row over the slack high water. Don’t be a goose and shine your torches all night – you won’t catch a cold doing that! Stealth is the only mode to fish successfully with any consistency for jewies, so you have only yourself to blame if you keep catching nothing. Regardless of what the muppets at the fisheries department will try to tell you, there are still as many jew about now as there were when I started chasing them over 40 years ago. The only thing that has changed dramatically over that time period is that there are a lot more people trying to catch them. And using toy rods and braid in harsh environments and soft

The annual mullet run lasted well this year and jewfish were in big numbers to greet them.

Page 52 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

plastic lures will never produce the same number of big fish that live and whole bait such as squid and octopus have. You can stand beside me casting soft plastic lures or minnow lures when the jew are busting into the mullet and I assure you, I will out fish you 10 to one using a live bait – that’s just a fact of life. On the Clarence Coast of northern NSW, the past month has seen the humble jewfish taken from far and wide, with inside the lower river, the breakwalls, headlands and beaches all yielding fish of varying sizes on a variety of bait. The Iluka wall has fished well using squid, soft plastic lures and live mullet. While over on the Yamba wall, the ever-productive T-piece on the river side of the wall has been firing for solid jew over 20kg on both minnow lures and live mullet during the high and low water tidal changes. The bluff near Woody Head has been the place to be casting minnow lures during the low water around sunrise because that’s when you nearly always have a light southwesterly wind over your left shoulder at first light during winter. The Iluka Bluff has been yielding a few nice jew on hard-bodied lures, along with quite a few decent tailor to 3kg. It has been great to see these big choppers moving along Main Beach at night, giving

anglers plenty to cheer about. This trend will undoubtably continue throughout July, as long as the rain holds off and the local rivers remain clear of any dirty water. Luderick have finally started being landed in good numbers in the rivers, with black weed being the preferred bait recently, so all is looking good for this month and into August – which on the Clarence is by far the most productive month of the year for these hard-fighting little critters. The bream taken lately have begun to bulk up in condition, which is a welcome change to the skinny specimens that were taken during summer after a few lean months of eating shell grit. A handful of cracking nugget whiting to 650g weighed in recently, however the angler has kept his spot a closely guarded secret, and for good reason I suppose. Offshore fishing has returned to bottom bashing for snapper and teraglin because the run of mackerel has well and truly finished until next summer. Then again, I don’t know too many folks who would turn their noses up at a nice big red coming over the rails. All in all, July should be a repeat of June, with good fishing to be had far and wide. So, get out there and get among it while it lasts. Until next month, safe fishing.

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Amber Moy hooked a pearl perch on a recent trip offshore.

Linkin McInnes caught his personal best golden trevally.

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’DAY crew, I trust you’ve been keeping well and enjoying the beautiful crisp mornings, bluesky days and cold nights of the past few weeks. It sure is time to break out the Uggies and beanies – it is getting cold! On the note of beanies, you should pop in to the shop to see our new beanies, they look great and will keep your head toasty warm – be it around the campfire or while out on the boat enjoying our beautiful waterways, and at $24.95 each, they won’t break the bank. So, what was being caught over the past month in Tin Can Bay? Well, it would nearly be criminal of me if I didn’t start off by letting you know that squid are on. There were some cracker reports of fishos catching good numbers and decent-sized squid for the past few weeks and this is surely going to only get better with the onset of winter knocking at our door. The usual spots have

Tin Can Bay by CHRIS RIPPON

been firing recently and most squid were coming from the deeper parts of the channel. Drifting around the moored boats out the front of the Snack Shack mid-tide was a winner, as too were the leads near Carlo Point, but the powerlines were very hit and miss. The old paternoster rig with a jig about .4m off the bottom is always a winner in Tin Can Bay. For the more energetic fisho, casting ahead of your drift and using a small #1 or #2 running ball sinker will also catch you a good feed. As usual, there were good catches of winter whiting in the mix too, with reports coming from the moored boats and also out the front of Tinnanbar and around the mouth of Kauri Creek. A number of decent school-sized flathead were around – plenty of duskies in the 40-55cm range and plagues of

bartail flatties too. We’ve given some of the new lures in the shop a little ‘product testing’ over the past few weeks and were impressed with what we’ve been catching. The new Biwaa Curly Grub scored their fair share of fish and not only flatties, with the two stand-out colours so far being Kaleido Star and Pink Ice. Also new to the shop is the Pro Lure V42 Blade. These lures are small but deadly and have accounted for some great fish – from small snapper, cod, golden trevally, whiting and a couple of nice flathead. It’s been years since I personally threw a metal vibe around and, after the past couple of weeks, I don’t know why I haven’t used them more in the estuaries – they simply catch fish! Sometimes, the old saying of ‘elephants eat peanuts’ is so true. * continued P58

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 57

Neil Moy scored a solid 71cm Fraser Coast coral trout.

Top times in Tin Can Bay Chappo captured a flathead on a Pro Lure V42 Blade in Ayu Toffee.

Heath Mick with a fatty of a cod – fish was released.

* from P56

Further up the straits between the Wide Bay Bar and Inskip and into Browns Gutter some great schools of tuna have had the drags singing. Schools of mack tuna were harassing baitfish and were awesome fun to throw a few slugs at. You could even dust off the fly rod and chase a few on the old floppy stick. That’s what I did last Wednesday – I was driving home from an appointment in town and, looking at the blue sky and the trees not moving because of lack of breeze, I decided to grab the 9-weight fly rod and hook the boat up for a quick solo trip to Inskip. After twelve casts and three fish boated, I left

Harry Long and a belter of a snapper when on an overnighter over the Wide Bay Bar, prior to the closure.

Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

them biting and was back at the ramp in under two hours – all in all I was a happy fisho. With the average size of fish I saw running at about 4-5kg, a 7’ spin outfit and 20-30lb braid with a rod length of 30lb fluorocarbon leader does the trick. A high-gear reel will also make it more enjoyable. Going a little heavy and harder on mack will allow you to get them in quick, beat the sharks and get them back in the drink before they are too spent. It will also stand you in good stead if you hook a good longtail tuna – when they finally turn up. Being the better eat of the tuna we get in the bay, I personally enjoy taking one home for fresh sashimi. They also go great guns on the barbecue cooked to medium rare and lately, I’ve been smoking them in the smoker to have in salads, dips and to add a nice smoky hint to a fish pie. Throughout the past month, the weather has played the game and opportunities to get offshore were plenty – from all accounts, plenty of fishos took the chance to do just that – I reck-

on a few sick days may have been cashed in. While snapper reports were a little light on, there were some stonkers caught out wide, with lengths of 8090cm coming in. Pearl perch have been out in plagues and of good sizes, get in before July 15. Red emperor were also playing the game, with many charter crews taking nice catches. Coral trout, husser, moses perch and tuskfish were also on the chew and continue to be caught in good numbers, with some of the trout being proper oversize for our region. For those of you who enjoy having your arms ripped off, amberjack fishing out wide has been going off. Live bait fished down over the wrecks and metal jigs all proving to be winners – you just need to hold on and enjoy the ride. Well, that’s it from me for another month. Stay safe and, as always, get out there and enjoy our little slice of heaven and don’t forget to keep warm with your new Chandlery beanie. Tight lines! The Chandlery Bait and Tackle for all your fishing and boating needs.

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Jacob captured a decent golden trevally.

Jig head weight key to catching

T is cooling off quite a bit and the tuna seem to have slowed right down with the colder weather. They’ll still be about – occasionally busting up – but often caught down deep when chasing other fish. With the use of modern electronics, we hunt with scanners and sonar to target species such as trevally and snapper. Trevally have shown up, but snapper… not quite. A few squire on the grapevine, though nothing bigger as yet! Hopefully, they turn up before the closure. Squid of the local tiger variety are also something we get into up here, though I’ve had limited success with squid so far. Snapper are generally

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Frank caught his first Hervey Bay tuna.

Fraser Guided Fishing by TRI TON

targeted with bait or a soft lure. On tour it’s usually a soft lure, though they can also be targeted with a well-presented deep diver trolled at a slow pace. But I rarely troll at all, except for marlin season. Many believe lightweight soft plastics are gun, but I also like heavy heads that plummet to the zone or hang deep for long enough to trigger a strike. Each has an advantage, and it is often easy to fish both methods in one vessel. Heavy head plastics are better suited for less advanced anglers. Strong darting action and movement is not as important as getting into

the strike zone and staying there. My first try on snapper this year had my punter hook a mackerel – his first ever lure-caught fish – on his first drop, and I hooked a longtail tuna that at first had me thinking it was a snapper. Both species like to eat the lure on the drop. But the long fast surface runs most definitely indicated it was not a snapper. The snapper fishing * continued P60

> Hervey Bay > Fraser Island > Sandy Strait

Henry and Lewis enjoyed a nice feed of school mackerel.

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

Kev and a solid queenfish.

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www.fraserguidedfishing.com.au > 0427 230 261 Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 59

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Tide Times AUSTRALIA EAST COAST -

ADDY DDY POINT (FRASER WADDY ISLAND) POINT

LONG 153° 21ʼ E LONG High and Low Waters High

Time Time

Time

JULY

Time

2023

Time Zone –1000 AUGUST m

Time

0103 0103 0643 0643 1224 1224 1924

0.87 1.45 0.62 2.03

0037 0550 SA 1148 1853

0.86 1.34 0.55 1.96

0.80 1.33 0.67 2.02

0208 0737 TU 1317 2010

0.55 1.35 0.43 2.22

0153 0730 1300 2003

0.83 1.41 0.63 2.08

0128 0641 SU 1231 1935

0.77 1.34 0.51 2.10

0.75 17 0243 0822 1.35

0249 0827 WE 1406 2058

0.47 1.43 0.38 2.27

0312 0.63 17 0902 1.41

0240 0814 1336 2041

0.81 1.39 0.66 2.09

0317 0.73 0.67 3 0217 0735 1.37 18 0858 1.36 1319

MO 1319 0.48 2022 2.21

0325 0855 1411 2119

0.80 1.36 0.70 2.07

0306 0832 TU 1410 2112

0406 0933 1448 2154

0.82 1.34 0.74 2.02

0356 0.55 0421 0.76 0.49 0428 0.67 0.67 0501 0.49 0428 5 1056 5 1504 0928 1.43 20 0958 1.34 1.56 20 1030 1030 1.45 1.45 1.56 0.50

WE 1504 0.50 2205 2.27

0444 1006 1526 2231

0.85 1.33 0.78 1.96

0447 1025 TH 1557 2258

0.55 1.43 0.56 2.20

0451 0.79 0546 0546 0.57 0.57 0453 0.68 0.68 0453 21 1027 6 1152 1.34 1152 1.56 1.56 21 1108 1108 1.46 1.46

0522 042 1042 607 1607 310 2310

0.88 1.31 0.82 1.88

0537 1122 FR 1651 2351

0.59 1.43 0.66 2.08

0523 0.80 0009 0009 1.77 1.77 0520 0.70 0.70 0520 22 1101 7 0634 1.33 0634 0.65 0.65 22 1153 1153 1.47 1.47

602 0602 126 1126 656 1656 353 2353

0.89 1.29 0.86 1.80

0628 0.65 1223 1.43 SA 1748 0.79

0558 0.80 0100 0.80 0100 1.57 1.57 0551 0.72 0.72 0551 23 1146 8 0725 1146 1.33 1.33 0725 0.72 0.72 23 1249 1249 1.48 1.48 1722

646 0.90 0646 226 1.28 1226 753 0.92 1753

0044 0722 SU 1332 1855

039 0039 735 0735 345 1345 858 1858

1.72 0.88 1.29 0.98

0139 1.76 0032 0327 1.76 0032 1.55 1.55 0327 1.27 1.27 0118 1.21 1.21 0118 10 0817 0711 0.79 0.79 10 0926 0926 0.80 0.80 25 0729 0817 0.73 0.73 25 0711 0729 0.77 0.77 1453 1.52 1358 1.37

128 0128 824 0824 506 1506 009 2009

1.64 0.84 1.35 1.02

0239 0113 0002 0309 0239 1.60 1.60 0113 1.44 1.44 0002 0.94 0.94 0309 1.14 1.14 11 0912 0912 0.74 0.74 26 0754 0754 0.77 0.77 11 0459 0459 1.22 1.22 26 0846 0846 0.77 0.77 1606 1.62 1516 1.44

220 0220 910 0910 608 1608 126 2126

1.56 1.56 0.78 0.78 1.44 1.44 1.03 1.03

0346 0209 0054 0438 0346 1.46 1.46 0209 1.34 1.34 0054 0.86 0.86 0438 1.16 1.16 12 1004 27 1021 1004 0.74 0.74 27 0843 0843 0.75 0.75 12 0607 0607 1.24 1.24 27 1021 0.71 0.71 1706 1.74 1618 1.55

314 1.48 0314 1.48 952 0.71 0952 0.71 656 1.56 1656 1.56 240 1.00 2240 1.00

0456 0327 0125 0019 0456 1.37 1.37 0327 1.25 1.25 0125 0.79 0.79 0019 0.66 0.66 13 1050 28 0548 1050 0.73 0.73 28 0940 0940 0.73 0.73 13 0653 0653 1.28 1.28 28 0548 1.23 1.23 1756 1.84 1710 1.68

406 1.42 0406 1.42 030 0.66 1030 0.66 737 1.69 1737 1.69 343 0.94 2343 0.94

0046 0440 0149 0100 0046 0.93 0.93 0149 0.72 0.72 0100 0.52 0.52 0440 1.21 1.21 14 0600 14 1247 29 0640 0729 0600 1.32 1.32 29 1039 0729 1.33 1.33 29 0640 1.33 1.33 1039 0.68 0.68 14 1134 0.71 1756 1.82

458 1.37 0458 1.37 108 0.60 1108 0.60 815 1.82 1815 1.82

0134 0040 0215 0138 0215 0.67 0.67 0134 0.86 0.86 0040 0.80 0.80 0138 0.41 0.41 15 0654 15 1323 30 0723 0802 0802 1.37 1.37 30 0654 1.31 1.31 30 0546 0546 1.22 1.22 15 0723 1.45 1.45 1216 0.70 1136 0.61

1 2

0.59 1.40 0.47 2.28

0210 0741 SU 1257 1959

MO 1337 0.66 2037 2.02 TU 1414 0.65 2113 2.00

0350 0.74 19 0929 1.35 WE 1448 0.66 2146 1.95 TH 1522 0.69 2218 1.89

FR 1557 0.72 2249 1.82

0.79 SA 1636 0.79 2321 1.74 1.74

0.87 SU 1722 0.87 2355 2355 1.65 1.65

1.92 0633 0633 0.80 0.80 0.70 1242 1242 1.34 1.34 1.45 MO 1819 0.96 1819 0.96 MO 0.91 0.91

MO 1453 1.52 2024 2024 1.00 1.00

TU TU 1358 1.37 1930 1930 1.04 1.04

TU TU 1606 1.62 WE WE 1516 1.44 2207 2102 2207 1.03 1.03 2102 1.07 1.07

WE WE 1706 1.74 2338 2338 0.99 0.99 TH TH 1756 1.84

FR FR 1134 0.71 1840 1840 1.92 1.92

SA SA 1216 0.70 1920 1920 1.98 1.98

TH TH 1618 1.55 2242 2242 1.03 1.03

FR FR 1710 1.68 2348 2348 0.93 0.93

SA SA 1756 1.82

0243 0833 WE 1358 2044

0.64 1.40 0.56 1.92

TH 1429 0.56 2114 1.88

0338 0.64 0.64 0332 0.42 3 0916 1.42 1.50 18 0929 1.42

TH 1455 0.38 2145 2.24 0416 1005 FR 1545 2233

0.44 1.54 0.46 2.14

0.60 SA 1637 0.60 2321 1.97 1.97

0.59 FR 1501 0.59 2142 1.81 1.81 2142

0402 0.66 0.66 0402 19 0957 0957 1.44 1.44 1533 0.65 0.65 SA 1533 SA 2209 1.74 1.74 2209

1609 0.74 0.74 SU 1609 SU 2237 1.65 1.65 2237

1736 0.77 0.77 MO 1650 0.84 0.84 SU SU 1736 MO 1650 2307 1.55 1.55 2307

1257 1.57 1.57 MO MO 1257 1852 1852 0.92 0.92

1742 0.95 0.95 TU 1742 TU 2341 1.44 1.44 2341

1418 1.61 1.61 WE 1857 1.03 1.03 TU TU 1418 WE 1857 2034 2034 1.02 1.02

0203 0203 1.40 1.40 0823 0823 0.77 0.77 1540 1.68 1540 1.68 WE WE 2235 2235 1.01 1.01

1647 1.76 1.76 TH TH 1647

1026 0.80 0.80 FR FR 1026 1741 1741 1.82 1.82

1119 0.77 0.77 SA SA 1119 1824 1824 1.87 1.87

0019 1.32 1.32 0019 24 0632 0632 0.75 0.75 1408 1.51 1.51 TH TH 1408 2057 1.04 1.04 2057

1527 1.59 1.59 FR FR 1527 2235 2235 0.95 0.95

1632 1.71 1.71 SA SA 1632 2333 2333 0.81 0.81

1727 1.86 1.86 SU SU 1727

0.65 MO MO 1247 0.65 1938 1938 1.94 1.94

0125 0125 0.67 0.67 0645 0645 1.27 1.27 1228 0.52 1228 0.52 MO MO 1924 1924 2.11 2.11

0215 0215 0.34 0.34 0806 0806 1.56 1.56 1348 0.29 1348 0.29 TH TH 2028 2028 2.19 2.19

First Full Full Moon Moon First Quarter Quarter Full Moon

* from P59

soon ended as the sun got higher and the mackerel made a mess of anything we fished. We cut our losses, spun a few school mackerel to exact our revenge and quickly got a feed. School mackerel are often caught year-round here and, when fishing is slow, they can be a godsend. Sharks were still fairly active, even in late May. Water temperature was still warm and I think not yet cooled enough. Big schools of fish – probably trevally – were at certain places and hopefully the sharks will let us play in winter at least. Now with trevally, when they are playing the game during winter, they are great fun to chase on jigs. Jigs sink fast and you can accurately hit a school of fish. If they are fussy, you

can downsize the jig or try plastics. Vary the retrieve with the lures until you find the best for the day. They can come in big schools that are large in area and depth, so make sure you present the lure to as many fish in the school as possible. At times, among the trevally you may encounter tuna, queenfish, snapper and big cobia. So, keep this in mind when you choose your tackle. The lightest leader I use on tour when on trevally and snapper is 20lb. Light gear such as this will test most anglers on a trevally over 80cm. But I try to use 30lb most times because it gives a touch more abrasion resistance and pulling power. Targeting shallow water squid can be fun over weed and rock. Clean water and for-

aging species need to be present too. Use bream or flathead gear and a squid jig up to #3, depending on the depth and current. I like aggressive jerks of the rod with long pauses. Others prefer a very slow subtle retrieve. When you get a bite, strike firmly to turn the jig barbs into tentacles. Squid can grip the lure and, if you haven’t pronged them, they can just let go. Wear polarised glasses too, as sometimes you can see them following the jig. And when they get very shallow, you can sight cast to them. Small surface lures can be useful in ultra-shallow water too. Flathead can be a tasty by-catch also – another species I enjoy chasing in winter. Maybe more on them next month.

1218 0.45 0.45 TU TU 1218 1901 1901 2.12 2.12

0.60 WE 1303 0.35 0.35 TU TU 1323 0.60 WE 1303 2013 1944 2013 1.95 1.95 1944 2.19 2.19

ureau ureau of of Meteorology Meteorology New Moon ee

Jig head weight key to catching

1205 0.72 0.72 MO 1127 0.59 0.59 SU SU 1205 MO 1127 1902 1816 1902 1.91 1.91 1816 2.00 2.00

SU SU 1136 0.61 1840 1840 1.97 1.97

31 31

Tomy scored a cracker queenfish.

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31 31

First Quarter Last Quarter Last LastQuarter Quarter 17 17

Page 60 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Frank with a solid trevally.

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Manly Harbour Marine 570 Royal Esp, Manly Q 4179 P: 07 3893 2199 www.manlyharbourmarine.com.au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 61

A healthy saltwater barramundi on the Nomad Vertrex Max. Note that the vibe is bent but can be bent back into shape.

Soft vibes are worth a try

I Luke Peisker with a nice saltwater barramundi taken on the Nomad Vertrex Max.

Countless big king threadfin have been caught on the Nomad Vertrex Max. This one took a bit of retrieving. Page 62 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

HOPE you’ve pulled the winter woollies out and are planning your next piscatorial pursuit. This month I’ll do a bit of a run down on using soft vibration lures, or soft vibes as they’re called in the ‘biz’. Soft vibes are big business when it comes to the world of fishing. I’ve asked a range of competition and recreational fishers if they had to pick one lure for the rest of their lives, what would it be? Most of them have a nswered with, “That’s a no brainer – a soft vibe for sure!” A soft vibe can be worked efficiently in 1m or 30m of water. They can be cast at rock bars, drains, flats, wrecks, snags –

Capricorn Coast by JOHN BOON

tackle retriever would be required – and the list goes on. There’re not many lures on the market that tick all the boxes like a vibe does. These days the vibe market has gone absolutely crazy. Fishing shops don’t have only one type of vibration-style lure on their shelves anymore. Soft vibes, hardbody vibes, vibes with paddle tails and even prawn vibes are available. Personally, I think there’s now an oversaturation of soft vibes available to the public. There are small businesses popping up everywhere with the

claim that ‘their’ lures are the ‘go to’ when the bite is tough. Some of those businesses do have a fairly good product but there are also the cheap bulk imports that flood the market with a lesser-grade product. How do you tell what’s fact and fiction? Read on my friends, the answers are coming. So, as per the early days of walking in to buy a few soft plastics… where the hell do you start when you want to do a bit of vibe fishing? Well, we have all the information you’ll need for getting the * continued P63

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Soft vibes are worth a try * from P62

best out of those good time vibes. The lures I’m giving the good oil on are a totally unsponsored and are based on my opinion and experience. I’ve used a wide range of vibration lures, and these are the ones I’ve had the most success with. Just remember that, in order for a lure to be welcomed with open arms, it must first catch a fish. If you don’t have confidence in the lure you’ve tied on, I guarantee your mindset will be different and you won’t work that lure the same as you would ‘old faithful’. One thing that annoys me is when you pay top dollar for a new lure but then have to add the cost of a treble hook and split ring upgrades on top of it. It’s frustrating but unfortunately, it’s a way of life when targeting big angry critters and you really want to use that lure. My first choice for split rings and treble hooks would be those from Decoy. In the trebles, the Y-S81 is a proven winner. I find they are the lightest and strongest treble on the market. For split rings, the Decoy Extra Strong range are a great choice. You need to keep in mind that changing anything from the lures original setup can greatly hinder the performance and action.

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I know a few fishos who use only the original hardware because they’re that worried about the action being affected. I’ve played around with them by swimming them straight out of the packet, upgrading trebles and swimming them again. I’ll judge if it has worked by feel and seeing what it looks like in the water. The final test would be to see if it still catches fish and is still effective. Some of the competition fishos go as far as putting the lures on scales and getting in the pool to watch the action. I’ve pool tested a lot of vibes – you can tell a lot about a lure by testing and watching it in a pool. So, which vibes are worth the money? Samaki Vibelicious Thumper and Zerek Fish Trap lures are great to start with. Samaki Vibelicious now come with Decoy trebles, so there’s not much terminal change out required. I will still replace the trebles on a 95mm Fish Trap with size 4 Decoy Y-S81s. The Vertrex Max by Nomad is another great option. Though be mindful that these soft vibes have a very strong vibration and can sometimes put the fish off if they aren’t on the job. Vertrex also have a swim lure but I haven’t had much success on that model. Those would be my top three picks for soft vibes, if you’re keen

to get into fishing with soft vibes. Many times I’ve seen where the fish won’t eat a regular presentation but, get a vibe down in front of their face, and it’s game on! Make sure you tune in next month because we’ll be taking a look into more of the technical side of using vibes.

Sometimes it makes no sense why they ate the colour.

Javelin fish or grunter are a well-known soft vibe taker.

The author’s favourite Zerek Fish Trap is the Flying Bear colour. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 63

Berkley Pro-Tech Prawn Walker

THE Berkley Pro-Tech Prawn Walker 75mm is a highly effective topwater lure that walks and pushes a small splash of water with its unique cupped face design. This allows the Prawn Walker to be walked or popped to suit the mood of the target species on the day. The body of the Pro-Tech Prawn Walker closely imitates the natural segmented tail shape and head profile of a real-life prawn, making it a prime target for species such as bream, whiting and flathead in shallow water. As per all other Pro-Tech lure models, the Prawn Walker is fitted with the highest quality Owner hooks and rings to ensure delicate strikes stay connected time after time. Available in eight colours and from $16.99 recommended retail price. Visit berkley-fishing.com

TT Tackle Sling Bag

THE TT Tackle Sling Bag is perfect for anglers who are fishing land based and want to stay mobile. Constructed from quality water-resistant material, the Tackle Sling features a padded back and wide padded strap for

Page 64 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

comfort, along with a buckle for simple strap adjustment. Swing the bag around to your back and get fishing or swing it around to your front for at-your-fingertips access to everything. Features include a built-in rod holder to keep your rod safe and dry off the ground when rigging and accessing the pack, three D-ring attachment points for scissors, tools and accessories and a tool pocket with Velcro closure to secure a pair of pliers. Storage includes one main compartment designed to hold a medium-sized TT Waterproof Tackle Tray, drink, snacks, first aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray or other large items. The two smaller front trays each hold a small TT Waterproof Tackle Tray and are also ideal for soft plastics, scent, leader and other accessories. These storage compartments are finished with quality two-way SBS heavy duty zips. Input from our team has created a bag that is stylish and practical, while also offering anglers excellent value for money, with a suggested retail price of $49.95 each. Visit ttfishing.com

Samaki Shock Leader Fluorocarbon

SAMAKI 100 percent fluorocarbon leader has a high refractive index that makes it practically invisible underwater to all predators – particularly important with heavier leaders to aid in an increased strike rate. Samaki 100 percent fluorocarbon is

manufactured in Japan using a triple resin process, making it the ultimate in abrasion resistance. Ideal for trolling, jigging, popping or live baiting. Visit samaki.com.au

BG Bluewater

DESIGNED to withstand the rigours of offshore angling, BG Bluewater combines the pedigree and performance of the famous BG name with stunning value, to deliver anglers a rod series that ticks plenty of boxes yet won’t break the bank. Featuring unidirectional wrapped, graphite-fibreglass construction, BG Bluewater blanks are incredibly resilient, have an unwavering backbone and the power to lift and lead hard-pulling fish. The BG Bluewater’s components are equally designed and selected to handle the punishment of offshore angling with titanium oxide guides, EVA grips and rubber gimbals combining to deliver strength and control, selected with value and the budget conscious angler in mind. The BG Bluewater range features 15 models, including spin and overhead, and will have your blue-water angling needs covered, whether you’re chasing spring snapper in Port Phillip Bay in Victoria, southern bluefin tuna in South Australia or queenfish and trevally in Queensland. Whatever your taste or need, there is a BG Bluewater waiting for you instore now. Visit daiwafishing.com.au

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Angler’s Almanac August 2023

July 2023

DAY Above Below Sat.

9.04pm

8.35am

10.06pm

9.35am

1 Sun.

2 Mon. FULL MOON

Thur.

LAST GIBBOUS

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon. LAST QUARTER

Tue.

Wed.

12 Thur.

13 LAST CRESCENT

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tue. NEW MOON

18 Wed.

19 Thur.

20 Fri.

21 FIRST CRESCENT

Sat.

22 Sun.

Mon.

Tue.

Wed. FIRST QUARTER

Thur.

Fri.

Sat.

FIRST GIBBOUS

Sun.

Mon.

Fri.

Sat.

LAST GIBBOUS

1.19am

1.49pm

2.16am

2.43pm

3.08am

3.34pm

3.57am

4.21pm

4.44am

5.08pm

5.30am

5.54pm

6.17am

6.42pm

7.06am

7.32pm

7.57am

8.23pm

8.49am

9.16pm

Sun.

Mon.

Tue. LAST QUARTER

Wed.

Thur.

Fri.

LAST CRESCENT

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

9.42am 10.09pm NEW MOON

Thur.

10.35am 11.01pm

Fri.

11.25am 11.50pm

Sat.

12.13pm

Sun.

12.58pm 12.37am

FIRST CRESCENT

Mon.

1.40pm

1.20am

2.21pm

2.02am

3.01pm

2.42am

3.40pm

3.21am

Tue.

Wed.

Thur. FIRST QUARTER

Fri.

4.22pm

4.02am

5.06pm

4.44am

5.54pm

5.30am

6.47pm

6.21am

7.46pm

7.17am

8.50pm

8.19am

9.56pm

9.24am

Sat.

Sun.

FIRST GIBBOUS

Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

Thur. FULL MOON

11.32am

Thur.

Notes

11.00pm 10.29am

Wed. FULL MOON

12.17am 12.49pm

Minor Times: Add 6 hours

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Tue.

11.46am

4 5

DAY Above Below

11.12pm 10.40am

Tue.

Wed.

Notes

Super Moon – Perigee 357,309km from Earth

12.01am 12.30pm 1.56am

1.24pm

1.48am

2.14pm

2.38am

3.02pm

3.25am

3.50pm

4.14am

4.39pm

5.03am

5.28pm

5.53am

6.20pm

6.45am

7.12pm

7.38am

8.05pm

8.31am

8.57pm

9.22am

9.47pm

10.11am 10.35pm 10.56am 11.19pm 11.39am 12.20pm 12.01am 1.00pm 12.41am 1.40pm

1.21am

2.20pm

2.00am

3.02pm

2.41am

3.48pm

3.25am

4.38pm

4.13am

5.33pm

5.05am

6.32pm

6.03am

7.35pm

7.04am

8.39pm

8.08am

9.41pm

9.11am

10.39pm 10.11am 11.34pm 11.08am

Super Blue Moon – Perigee 357,181km from Earth

Minor Times: Add 6 hours

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 65

HUNTING & archery

This close-up shows the compact size of the range finder, just in front of the logo. It is unobtrusive and adds little weight to the unit. The quick detach cantilever mount comes with the Geni.

First time in the field and the function of the Geni GL35R’s range finder produced this mature fallow stag.

New InfiRay Geni GL35 Thermal Sight scope scoop

V ER the course of the past five or six years, I’ve spent more of my very limited leisure time enjoying hunting pursuits rather than fishing. Possibly as fishing no longer provided the challenge required to hold my attention or perhaps because I saw that I could deliver a beneficial service to farmers through pest animal management. Either way, as I did during my hard-core sportfishing years, I strive to keep in touch with cutting-edge methods and equipment for hunting. Because most of the introduced feral animals I chase are nocturnal, the greater majority of time spent in the field is after sunset. Instead of the time-honoured spotlight for night hunting, I use the equipment on

Product Review by NEIL SCHULTZ

the bleeding edge of technology. For hunters this means one thing – thermal imaging. Keeping up with tech sees me often running three or four thermal devices of differing makes and models. My vehicle-mounted monocular – which has passed its fifth birthday – is from InfiRay and has given many hundreds of hours of flawless performance. When that manufacturer released a new series of scopes, I keenly spent a few hours perusing models and the specifications of each. One model had all the features on my wish list, so I raided the money box and ordered one from the

Page 66 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

first shipment to come into Australia. That scope was their Geni Series GL35R and once in hand, it didn’t disappoint. For those of you who speak ‘thermal’, the GL35R sports a 384x288 thermal sensor with 12-micron pixels. At the front of the unit is a 35mm F1.0 lens, while the rear of the optic is equipped with a 1024x768 OLED display in the viewfinder. The sensor is able to read the temperature difference of a mere 40mK – a millikelvin is one thousandth of a degree Celsius. Photo and video recording with sound is stored in the onboard 32GB of storage. One of the features

I like on this unit is the manual recording function, which allows videos to be recorded without firing a shot. Eight different reticle styles and four different colour palettes are selectable, though I find ‘Black-Hot’ to be the most user friendly on the eyes. However, the main selling point for me was the GL35R’s inbuilt range finder. Anyone familiar with thermal gear will be aware how difficult it is to judge distances to targets at night through a scope. Having the range finder continually displayed on the screen of the scope takes all the guesswork out of the operation. Whether hunting pigs or deer, it’s our habit to spot them from the vehicle, then close to shooting distance on foot.

Here is where this range finder pays dividends – ensuring we don’t start firing from too far a distant or stalk too close and flush the game away. There is a photo with this article of a nice fallow stag harvested with the very first shot taken using the GL35R in the field. A small bachelor mob was spied from the vehicle in a valley on the edge of a steep thickly timbered ridge. Ranged at 260m distant, I knew I could comfortably walk much closer before considering a shot and stalked to within only 60m under the cover of darkness. Without the range finder, I’d have gotten nervous and stopped much further away, purely through being unsure of the actual distance. * continued P67

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HUNTING & archery

InfiRay Geni GL35 * from P66

Since that trip, I’ve swapped the scope onto my .44 magnum lever rifle and put the outfit to use on foxes and some decent boars in the Southern Downs region. When hunting feral pigs that are feeding in cultivated paddocks, we try to walk to within 30m or so before opening fire. This allows several shots at fleeing mobs after the shooting starts and before they run out of range.

In that scenario, having the built-in range finder takes the guesswork out of judging when to stop stalking and start shooting. Running time from the single 26650 rechargeable battery is very good, more than sufficient for our nocturnal sessions that always end after midnight. Having used the Geni in the field for over four months now, I am yet to find fault with its construction or performance.

A screenshot of the view through the Geni. The large boar is at 80m, the kangaroo on the right at 200m and the tree line in the background over 600m.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 67

TOURING & exploring The view from the camping spot high on the cliff at Point Drummond was nothing short of sensational.

Exploring western Eyre Peninsula

The sculpture trail along Anxious Bay’s clifftop is a must do.

Page 68 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

ITH the sun shining, we continued our adventures north along the west coast of the Eyre Peninsular in South Australia. This part of the country is very beautiful, with little beach camps splattered along the coastline. Ideally, it would have been good to have a few weeks or even a month to explore these places, to immerse in the locals’ way of life. However, on a relatively tight schedule of six months, we ended up spot-hopping between many places and simply passing through if time wasn’t on our side. The overall length of your trip definitely dictates how long you can spend in each place, which became more evident after speaking with fellow travellers. Some people we spoke to had grand plans with very small timeframes, while others seemed to have no real timetable in mind or even had up to two years to explore. So, a real mix of ap-

Family Adventures by BEN COLLINS

proaches and time constraints for travellers out there, all with various timeframes and expectations from their adventures. The route we planned was generic and we ticked off most of the big-ticket places from our travel wish list. Because of this, you may start to bump into travellers who are on a similar timeframe to yourself more frequently, which is a good thing

as you have fellow travellers to bounce ideas off. While our plans were – and still are – to travel solo, it can be reassuring to know that someone else will be in the general vicinity at about the same time. Not only is this good from a safety perspective – particularly if you have car or van issues – but if there are children in the family, the kids * continued P69

There was a mix of sculptures by different artists along the trail. Well worth the drive in if you’re down this way.

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TOURING & exploring Exploring western Eyre Peninsula * from P68

have something extra to look forward to and can continue to grow friendships. Thankfully, we’ve been lucky enough to meet several like-minded travellers who we’ve kept in contact with via Messenger, text or Instagram. Point Drummond This isolated camp provided plenty of room for caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes, with the bulk of the sites situated high on the cliff edges and with uninterrupted views to the water and along the coastline. You don’t need a fourwheel-drive to get to this spot and access to the beach is via foot, which means that often you have the whole beach to yourself. We were fortunate to see dolphins swimming and playing in the small surf break, putting the icing on the top of this place. On the northern side of the rocky headland, you could also swim in

a variety of rock pools which were ideal for the kids to play in. For mum and dad, it was a relaxing spot, but we were told it could get very busy on some weekends and during the holidays – I think we got lucky because there weren’t too many people about during our visit. This meant we basically had the place to ourselves and could watch the sun set over the blue-water horizon without interruption. Elliston Set on the shoreline of Waterloo Bay and surrounded by a dramatic rugged coastline and pristine beaches, Elliston is worth a visit. Known for its beautiful sunsets, spectacular surfing, fantastic fishing, and sea lions and dolphins, it also makes an ideal base for exploring the Eyre Peninsula’s west coast. A definite must do is the sculpture trail along Anxious Bay’s clifftop loop. It was hard to deter-

A few of the sculptures on the trail were interactive, great for engaging the kids.

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mine a theme with the sculptures as they were all unique, but the drive along the cliffs with the ocean as a backdrop to the sculptures made it very enjoyable. Another must do is the Elliston Jetty, which was erected in 1900. The jetty was heritage listed due to its steel pylons that were screwed into the seabed by a horse-drawn winch. In terms of length, it is around 427m. It has also recently been upgraded to include barbecues, tables, chairs and a toilet. Streaky Bay and Smoky Bay The western side of the Eyre Peninsula is littered with amazing beaches offering travellers a host of places to stay. One of the more publicised beaches is Pelubie, which we were booked into but ended up not staying at because it didn’t meet with our expectations. Unfortunately, when we dropped in and towed the van to the beach, we weren’t met with the picture-perfect view we had formed in our heads. Instead, there was heaps of seaweed and the tide was way out – apparently on the neap cycle of the tide, so it wouldn’t have been coming in very far. For a number of these coastal destinations, if you get the weather and other conditions aligned, they can be magic. In saying that, I found the towns of Streaky * continued P70

The backdrop for the sculpture trail included rugged cliffs and blue water – an amazing place.

The long wooden jetties are ideal for chasing a feed of squid or sand crabs.

Talia Caves provided a spectacular view back towards the ocean. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 69

TOURING & exploring The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park – amazing 30,000-year-old limestone structures.

The rock lobster tour was very informative. Vaughn, the skipper of Kalbarri Rock Lobster Tours & Charter, shared the lifecycle of a lobster.

A mixed bag of tailor, rock lobster and cuttlefish.

Exploring western Eyre Peninsula * from P69

Bay and Smoky Bay – located to the south and north respectively – much more enjoyable. Not that they were bustling towns, quite the opposite, however they had beautiful foreshores, nice jetties and some shops to grab a morning coffee or have fish and chips for lunch. Plus, the atmosphere of these little towns felt much

more welcoming as we settled in for a few days exploring and catching up on some rest and relaxation. Next month, we depart the Eyre Peninsula and start to head west, with the Nullarbor and southern Western Australian our next ports of call. To keep up to date on our travels and to see more photos, follow us on @bushn beachadventures

Page 70 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Exploring Western Australia

Y family and I are currently two months into an eight-month caravanning adventure travelling Australia. For the next couple of months, we will be working our way up the Western Australian coastline, checking out a number of coastal camp sites and tourist attractions. I bought a little kayak to throw on the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform as we passed through Perth and it has been put to good use – from paddling with dolphins in Lancelin to fishing several of WA’s national parks. To enter the national parks in this state, you require a Parks Pass from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. We bought an annual All Parks Pass for $120, which allows access to all 30 of Western Australia’s national parks – worked out far cheaper. These need to be printed and displayed in your vehicle’s windscreen. In addition, you gen-

Travelling Oz by MATT POTTER

erally need to pay a fee to stay the night in your van, which is about $15 per night. This can be done either online or go to the onsite caretaker, as we did. Sandy Cape, 10km north of Jurien Bay, and Lucky Bay, which is 50km south of Kalbarri, were a couple of favourite locations. We were lucky, scoring some great weather, and spent four nights at each. They were simply

stunning, with their huge sand dunes, crystal-clear waters and rugged scenery. Lucky Bay was where I finally threw on a wetsuit and jumped into the water to grab a few western rock lobsters. In my opinion, these are even tastier than the tropical rock lobster I spent years catching around Cape York and the Torres Strait. Unlike Queensland, you cannot spear WA lobster – you must use * continued P71

Snapper were the main catch on a Kalbarri charter.

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TOURING & exploring Exploring Western Australia * from P70

either a snare or your hands. This proved somewhat challenging because they sit deep in cracks and crevices – thankfully, they’re quite abundant and, after a bit of practice, I managed a few. Though check there isn’t a wobbegong shark sitting under the ledge before you shove your hand in. Be mindful that Western Australia has strict possession limits for most species of fish and a separate WA recreational licence is required to harvest lobster, throw a cast net and fish from a powered boat. Rangers and fisheries officers regularly patrol the national parks on buggies, so it pays to know the rules. As a Queenslander, I

was initially surprised and annoyed about the licences, however now I know that the revenue is spent on a range of projects that benefit fishers – from facilities, fish aggregating devices and stocking programs. WA also has some of the cleanest national parks I’ve been to, with ample facilities in the form of bins, dump points and such for travellers. Lucky Bay, with its protected lagoon and four-wheel-drive tracks, was definitely a favourite spot. It was there I met a fellow traveller who had a roof-top tinnie and kindly invited me out for a fish with his son. As we unloaded the tinnie, he informed me that he ‘thought’ he had plenty of fuel and that the 15hp Mariner was

The author grabbed a couple of western rock lobsters at Lucky Bay. www.bnbfishing.com.au

running a ‘bit crook’. This didn’t fill me with confidence, so I was glad I had my satellite phone in my tackle bag. We headed a couple of clicks off the coast and were landing some bartail flathead that, while in plaque proportions, were mostly undersize. This was when the engine cut out and wouldn’t start for over an hour, just as the swell picked up. He finally got it going and wanted to head wider but I convinced him that the smart thing would be to head back in and troubleshoot the engine issues, which thankfully we did. I spent some time fishing beach gutters with my kids and trying to grab a couple of western rock lobster. Whiting, squid, bartail flathead, herring and mullet were the most common species encountered land based. At the time of writing, we were in Kalbarri at the Red Bluff Tourist Park and overlooking the headland – what a spot! I didn’t mind that it was raining and blowing 30 knots because we’d spent five days exploring the area with glorious weather. From checking out the Skywalk, Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend at the Kalbarri National Park to snorkelling the Blue Holes and heading out on a Rock Lobster Pot Pull tour, it was one adventure after the other. It was certainly worth * continued P72

Sharing a fresh feed of lobster around the campfire at Lucky Bay.

Looking through Nature’s Window at Kalbarri.

Kayaking with dolphins at the sandy surf town of Lancelin.

Hutt Lagoon at Port Gregory is one of Western Australia’s pink lakes. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 71

TOURING & exploring The Kalbarri Skywalk with amazing views of the Murchison River gorge.

The stunning Island Rock at Kalbarri.

Exploring Western Australia * from P71

Red Bluff Tourist Park at Kalbarri was a great spot.

The colours of Sandy Cape near Jurien Bay.

A Sandy Cape sunrise. Page 72 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

doing a rock lobster tour in these parts because you learn a lot about the industry and there’re great views of the coastal dunes. Kate and skipper Vaughn do a brilliant job and the best part was that the catch was divided up among the passengers. My father-in-law Nev joined me for a half-day fishing charter too. It was great to be out on the water and catching a couple of fish after fishing land-based over the previous couple of months. Snapper were the main catch, though there were also a few baldchin grouper. It seemed we’d only just arrived at a decent spot and started catching fish when we were informed the boat had reached its quota of demersal fish for the number of passengers onboard and to wind up our lines. We had a quick troll, pulled some cray pots and made our way back to the little marina in the Murchison River. With reports of mullo-

way being caught off the beach and with a full moon, I dropped the tyre pressure on the Ford Ranger and headed down to one of the beaches to try my luck. While I didn’t get my mulloway, I landed a couple of nice tailor, which are great eating when bled and cooked fresh. A decent beach rod is a must for getting out past the breakers.

I speared a cuttlefish and later grabbed a couple of rock lobster, and we cooked up a seafood feast before heading to the Lights Up festival. I’ve learnt when cooking cuttlefish, it pays to marinate it in lemon or kiwifruit to tenderise it. We’ve loved exploring Kalbarri and will soon make our way to Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and Denham. Tight lines!

The author’s daughter Lyla with a solid western rock lobster.

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TOURING & exploring

Doing exactly what we bought it for.

Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, towing in comfort

I all, we’ve just had the pleasure of picking up our new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain from Bundaberg Motor Group, or BMG as its locally known. I was so impressed by the service and the sales staff’s knowledge. We knew what we required in the vehicle, so when we were in Brisbane, we spoke to several dealerships… to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. All were quick to point out they’d supply the vehicle standard and that it was up to us to take care of the outside after-market products. With so much advertising promoting the D-Max as a towing vehicle, you’d have thought some of our wish-list items would have been optional extras.

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Product Review by PAUL ‘CHIEF’ GRAVESON

Fortunately, BMD bent over backwards to have everything we needed fitted to the vehicle and kept the project progressing under their watchful eyes and quality control. When you walk into a dealership and begin discussing your needs and the salesperson sitting across from you is all over it, you know you’re in the right establishment. The new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain had a lot of features we wanted already built-in as standard and after our 12-month trip around Queensland – 95 percent off-grid and bush camping – we knew what was important to

us and the equipment we needed. We’re getting ready to undertake another adventure, and this time I reckon we’ll shed a good 200kg of unnecessary junk. Cutting to the chase, Tonia and I walked into BMG to pick up our vehicle – fitted out by both BMG and A2Z 4X4 Accessories. It’s so satisfying when you look over every bit of work and nothing looks like an add-on. Internal switches looked as if they were part of the original interior. The colour-coded Ironman 4x4 bull bar may have been a bit pretentious but wow, it

looks a treat – matching the standard of the under-body protection supplied on all X-Terrain models. Clearview Accessories Next Generation Towing Mirrors are the ultimate electric side mirrors – enhancing all-round visibility with a split screen on each side, which offer different perspectives of the rear view. The simple Lightforce Australia 20” light bar

was all we’ll need for our country night-driving. Even travelling at night a stone’s throw from our home requires an additional light source because of the local kangaroo population and occasional stray bovine. Having the Redarc braking system with all the wiring and Anderson plugs to our specifications completed made turning the key to drive * continued P74

TURKEY BEACH 2 Bedroom Villa Holiday Rental • Outdoor BBQ and pergola For • Fish cleaning facilities enquiries • Large yard with room and for the boat bookings • Undercover carport phone • Close to boat ramp 0458 742 153 • Linen available www.turkeybeachfishingvilla.com Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 73

TOURING & exploring Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, towing in comfort * from P73

out of the showroom a pleasure. We were walked through our extras, as well as how to make the most of the vehicle’s standard features. After our experience with our old D-Max LS-M, we had no hesitation in purchasing Isuzu again.

I’ve kept the LS-M – mainly due to the kilometres on the speedometer. It’s given us 400,000km of trouble-free reliability and if you were looking, an oil leak could not be found in the beast, even though it’s been used as a workhorse it’s entire life. Funny how a car can

The author thought it might be a bit pretentious but loves the colour-coded bull bar.

bring so many memories to mind. Two of the door panels still show the scarred dents from an angry bull who was indignant at the use of our car horn to entice him off a track. A near miss with a herd of camels when travelling along a dirt track west of Mount Isa springs to mind. I remember manoeuvring the caravan and truck in some extremely dangerous situations, when we pushed everything to their limits. Have to laugh, particularly when we had a property owner ask, “How the hell did you reverse and turn that caravan around on that

The classy lines of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain. Page 74 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

steep muddy slope?” In hindsight, we must have come close to rolling the whole rig, though I did ask my wife to leave the car and stand clear as we inched ourselves out of trouble. Believe me, I don’t consider myself the most experienced off-roader, however I’ve always felt the D-Max carried us well beyond my capabilities. If I was calm, steady and thinking laterally, the truck always responded and did what it was asked. When you have those memories, it’s very hard to look at any other brand. I’m praying the new X-Terrain gives us the

same reliability and performance. So far, we’re off to a great start, with our first ever automatic transmission in a fourwheel-drive. As a passenger in a manual vehicle, I can be a little critical when it comes to the driver’s choice of gear selection while towing, so with tongue in cheek, the auto should improve our overall travelling relationship. Driving long distances can be hard on the body, so in the old truck I always used a back support supplied by a local physio – but I cannot believe how good the X-Terrain seats are! With power lumbar selection, they give great support, helping to make sitting for long periods easy and ergonomically comfortable. A fractured neck and lasting nerve damage have left me extremely discerning when it comes to the correct sitting position for myself. Additional technology including adaptive cruise control, distance sensors, lane assist, blind spot monitoring and a host of other special features are all built into this impregnable Isuzu truck. You’ll see our new X-Terrain in some of our stories in coming months and we’ll let you know if it continues to deliver as well as our good old D-Max LS-M did.

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TOURING & exploring JetStream Bar with Skyline leg.

JetStream FX Bar with Skyline leg.

TrimHD Through Bar with Skyline leg. The StreamLine system can be configured to exactly suit your gear carrying requirements.

Yakima launches new StreamLine system n Revolutionary new roof rack solution ready-built for adventure

AKIMA – the innovative ma nu fact u rer of cargo and gear management solutions – announces the release of the all-new aerodynamic StreamLine integrated roof rack system. Designed from the ground up and created from decades of experience, StreamLine delivers Yakima’s most advanced and toughest roof rack system ever. A comprehensive system designed and built to accommodate multiple vehicle types, StreamLine combines advanced aerodynamics and clean lines with exceptional strength and versatility. The StreamLine collection uses pitch and

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tow adjustments to mimic the curvature of your vehicle’s roof for a stronger and better fit, with three distinct crossbar styles to maximise styling and cargo options that are central to the system. This highly modular system makes stocking the full Yakima range much simpler. Maximising shared parts and product architecture, StreamLine reduces the number of SKUs to stock by 50 percent, speeding up supply and simplifying the process for both the retailer and consumer. JetStream Bar An aerodynamic through-bar style for extra carrying width, the JetStream is engineered with a T-slot

attachment and SmartFill push-down technology to make adding your gear and accessories fast and easy. The wing-shaped bar profile creates aerodynamic design for reduced wind noise and is rated for a maximum of about 75kg* per pair. JetStream FX Bar The JetStream FX is an aerodynamic flush bar style with similar features to the Jetstream Bar, yet with a flush connected look to provide a sleeker appearance. Similar to the JetStream Bar, the JetStream FX has undergone comprehensive wind tunnel testing to ensure aerodynamics and strength, and is rated for a maximum of

about 75kg* per pair. TrimHD Through Bar Built tough to last, the TrimHD Through Bar is our heavy duty offering, allowing for a higher load rating of 100kg. Standard sized T-slots make adding your gear and accessories fast and easy, while load strips featuring an airflow diffuser ridge help with load carrying and reduced wind noise. The StreamLine system also features eight fully adjustable leg solutions to suit Jetstream, Jetstream FX and TrimHD Through bars. Each of the BaseLine, SightLine, Skyline and TimberLine legs are

made with a steel chassis, high rust-resistant coating and ASA plastic for strong weather resistance and UV stability. For vehicles with fixed points, the SkyLine system revolutionises installation with easy tool-free removal and reattachment. Sleek, stylish and built to complement a vehicle’s natural shape, StreamLine is available now and compatible with all Yakima rack accessories to accommodate everything from cargo solutions to bike, water and snow gear transportation. For more information and to view the full Yakima line-up of products, visit yakima. com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 75

TOURING & exploring

The coastline north of Nhulunbuy was lovely.

Northern Territory and Nhulunbuy

The Kamp-Rite Tent Cot I bought for $50 was quick and easy to put up.

I and sorry I don’t write as much local content anymore. These days, most of my time is spent exploring this great country either on family trips or fishing sorties up north. And this month is no different – the following is about a recent

The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series and boat and trailer were ready to roll out. Page 76 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

Touring South Australia by CRAIG TOMKINSON

excursion to Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory to visit my friend Nathan Dumschat. The Toyota LandCruiser 80 Series was all set, the 5m tinnie and the trailer were ready, all my gear was packed, and I had a permit to travel on the Central Arnhem Rd. So, on April 16, I headed west to Winton, then to Camooweal and crossed the Northern Territory border en route to the Threeways Roadhouse. Before I left, I bought a second-hand KampRite Tent Cot from a roadside sale for $50.

I had been after something similar for a while, as I’d lost my beloved swag last year on a previous trip. Friend Tony Wedd has one of these cots and said they were great, so I went with his recommendation. There were a few little holes in the midge screens that were fixed before leaving, so it was a nice quick set-up when sleeping on this trip. I was getting around 1000km before having to refill with fuel, as the 80 Series has one 90-litre main tank and * continued P77

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TOURING & exploring Excursion to Northern Territory and Nhulunbuy * from P76

a 45-litre sub tank, and I fill two or three jerry cans with diesel. This saves me from having to stop at service stations so much. You lose around 3045 minutes each time you stop and, over a 3700km trip, that’s a lot of time. Anyway, a few days later, I arrived at the turnoff to the Central Arnhem Rd at about 9pm. I pulled up and had a good sleep in the second-hand cot. I was up and away at 2.30am, and was I glad that I got going early because it took me nearly 18 hours to do that 700km stretch.

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The first 200km were rough, with lots of stony outcrops in the road that were hard on the tyres – even more so if you didn’t watch where you were driving. The next 300km weren’t too bad, but the last 200km were full of huge potholes of water and in some places the road was washed away – there had been 365mm of rain two days before I drove on it. For 60 percent of the road, I was in first and second gear highrange four-wheel-drive and 20 percent of the time, I was driving in second gear low-range 4WD through the deep washouts across the

road – it was steady going so as not to break my gear. On the way in, I saw many buffalo and donkeys, and a couple of dingoes. About three hours from Nhulunbuy and late in the afternoon, a white 4WD pulled me up and said the road was flooded ahead and to turn back now. He said he had to ring a helicopter company on his satellite phone to get food and 60 litres of diesel delivered so he could get out. He drove off, leaving me in two minds as to what to do – if I kept going, I wouldn’t have enough fuel to go back. So, I pulled up in the middle of the road and

made a chicken salad wrap – I always think better on a full stomach. I was feeding my face and, in the distance, could hear a V8 79 Series LandCruiser coming – they have a distinct sound. I moved my 4WD from the middle of the road and pulled them up for a chat. I asked the two gents about the road. They said they’d crossed the river two to three hours ago because it’s tidal and, once the tide ran out, the water level fell and they crossed over. They said by the time I got there, the water would be gone… which it was.

The gents in the 79 Series said if the person who’d got the chopper had waited a couple of hours more, he would have been able to drive into Nhulunbuy. I got lost in Nhulunbuy. I had to call Nathan to come find me, and I followed him to their house, where I had a shower, a lovely cooked dinner and a good sleep in a bed. I had been umming and ahing about going on this trip because of the distance, but it was a nice sortie up and I looked forward to getting out exploring. Until next month for part two...

One of the many waterfalls Nathan took the author to during the wet. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 77

The East Gippsland galaxias is one of nine species newly added to the list of critically endangered Australian fish. Photo: Dr Tarmo Raadik

Endangered fish species in Australia doubled

USTRALIA’S list of critically endangered fish has doubled in what conservationists say is a sign of the urgent need to tackle the problem of invasive freshwater species. Nine new species, all types of galaxias, were given critically endangered status in March, a recognition that they are on the brink of extinction. One species of galaxias was also added to the

endangered category. They include the shorttail galaxias, the tapered galaxias and the East Gippsland and West Gippsland galaxias, with the additions taking the total number of fish listed as critically endangered under national laws to 18. Invasive Species Council conservation director James Trezise said, “These freshwater fish are some of Australia’s most vulnerable animals, with almost all

Invasive Species Council conservation director James Trezise.

Page 78 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

of them being assessed as having a greater than 50 percent chance of going extinct in the wild in the next 20 years.” “If we are serious about stopping extinctions, then we need to tackle the major threats that are driving declines of our native animals,” Mr Trezise said. “Scientists have recommended a threat abatement plan be established for freshwater pest fish, yet this hasn’t happened.” The decision to list the species follows a raft of assessments that occurred in the aftermath of the 2019-20 bushfire disaster. The newly listed fish were once thought to be a single species, known as the mountain galaxias, but researchers have described the animals as distinct species. The biggest threat to galaxiid species is invasive trout, which

have caused the range of many of the fish to contract to extremely small areas, often in headwaters above waterfalls where trout are excluded. Many have only one population left, putting them at extreme risk of extinction. Victoria’s Arthur Rylah Institute senior research scientist Dr Tarmo Raadik said, “Because there’s only a single population, any normal disturbance that may occur in a forest such as a fire or sedimentation from a flood can knock out the whole population.” “The other issue of being forced to these small single areas is genetic decline, they become inbred because you’ve got no genetic recruitment coming in from elsewhere,” Dr Raadik said. University of Canberra associate professor Mark Lintermans said

some of the streams galaxias were now found in were tiny pools measuring a metre in width and 10cm deep. “So you have a drought and the stream dries up,” he said. Both scientists said it would take a combination of translocations and captive breeding to establish new populations and reduce the extinction risk. Assoc Prof Lintermans said fish fell into a category he called “underwater and overlooked” and there were dozens more considered threatened on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s red list that had not been assessed under Australian laws for listing. Many of the newly listed galaxiidae species had been acknowledged as threatened by other scientific lists, in* continued P79

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Fish n’ SIPS update

INALLY, we have a fourth winner in the Fish n’ SIPS Tagged Fish Competition – with only eleven tagged fish remaining to be caught in the five impoundments. Mark Hennessy from Brisbane with a 109cm barramundi caught in Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands was a very happy chap. Mark has $3000 to fund his next trip to Lake Tinaroo or one of the other four impoundments with green-tagged fish in them – remember, there is money in the water. Anglers get out there and catch those greentagged fish! Ninety-six tagged fish are still out there – meaning only 11 fish need to be caught from those for all the prize

money to be awarded. With $12,000 left in the prize pool, the comp ends on October 31, 2023 or when all 15 prizes have been claimed. So, get out to Tinaroo, Peter Faust, Kinchant, Callide and Cania dams to try your fishing skills and luck to catch either a green-tagged barra or a green-tagged Australian bass. For full competition details, terms and conditions for the competition, head to daf.qld. gov.au /news-media / campaigns/fish-n-sipstagged-fish-competi tion Remember to grab your Stocked Impoundment permit before you go! Visit dafqld.forms.de cipha.auspost/sip

Endangered fish species in Australia doubled * from P78

cluding the red list, for years. The Albanese Government has set a target of no new extinctions and has committed to introducing reforms to Australia’s national environmental laws. Other animals recently added to Australia’s list of threatened species included the eastern population of the once common Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, or pink cockatoo. Mr Trezise said the reforms were a “huge opportunity to fix Australia’s threat abatement and conservation planning system” and nation-

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al coordination was necessary to tackle major threats. Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said, “For nearly 10 years the Coalition Government had their heads in the sand about the extinction crisis on our doorstep.” “Our target of zero new extinctions includes our native freshwater fish. “Listing these 10 galaxiidae species under national environmental law is a critical step to increase efforts to protect and restore these precious populations.” The Guardian

Mark Hennessy from Brisbane with his prize-winning barramundi.

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 13/06/2023

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

PERCENTAGE FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

92 63 94 94 100 117 24 35 81 99 100 46 93 96 100 85 93 89 100 100 97 63 73 80 100 101 100 77 91 98

87 63 92 91 99 105 23 35 74 96 100 45 90 95 103 85 90 88 99 100 95 61 72 80 100 103 101 76 91 97

84 63 89 88 97 101 23 35 101 94 100 43 98 93 98 83 93 82 99 99 94 58 72 79 100 101 98 75 90 96

80 61 89 87 96 97 23 35 99 86 100 42 98 92 95 78 94 82 99 98 92 57 71 80 100 98 99 74 89 96

77 60 87 85 95 94 21 34 99 80 99 41 98 90 93 74 92 85 98 97 90 55 70 79 100 95 100 73 88 96

For updates on dams, visit sunwater.com.au or seqwater.com.au *This symbol indicates that a Stocked Impoundment Permit is required to fish these dams.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 79

Aaron Kemp from Nambour caught and released a monster 95cm cod casting a Jackall Gantia King of the Night.

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Billy Blake from Stanthorpe had a good day.

Lures, tackle and permits

ELL, the Aust ra lia n Lure Fly and Outdoors Expo is on again at Fernvale on the weekend of July 29-30, 2023. I can recall as a kid when Nock and Kirby shops were around, and they’d advertise on radio and TV. During the ad they said, “Bring your money with you,” and it’s the same for the expo. Tackle means boats, kayaks, canoes, rods, reels, hooks, sinkers… the list goes on. Not to mention the lures and collector’s section… not many more sleeps to go. There will also be a chance for you to talk to Fisheries Queensland and get to have a say, along with picking up information about future projects. Many anglers not only fish the storages but also freshwater rivers and streams. Right now, there’s concern over access to those waterways. From a fishing perspective, there’s also concern about access to rivers and streams for stocking fingerlings too. You, as an angler, need

Glenlyon Dam by BRIAN DARE

to find out about all the stock, water and camping reserves in your local shire council region. A review is taking place now and you need to have input into any changes taking place regarding access. And it’s not limited to anglers… this also applies to drovers, graziers, farmers, Indigenous land councils, tourist associations, Queensland freshwater fisheries section, fish stocking groups, bird watchers, horse riding groups, bush walkers, apiary sites, land-care groups, conservation associations, push bike riders… and more. I mentioned previously the off shoot of these locations. The town clowns, grubs, idiots and those who leave a mess behind, choosing not to clean up after themselves, make it very easy for councils to lock up these areas. I for one would be more than happy to pay an access fee if CCTV cameras were installed

at the camping locations and a maximum of five days allowed at each site. Note that at Inglewood, we have a local Indigenous ranger group stationed here, which has proven to be of great benefit to the region. There is no doubt that the group is vital in the daily running of the region’s reserves while working on country. Water reserves are a crucial part of all local township residents’ lives, particularly when it comes to those on weekend or camping holidays. The beaches along our creeks and rivers form part of our lifestyle and, in the bush, are used for relaxation. I live about three hours away from coastal beach areas, so, as a recreational angler, access to reserves is important. Funding freshwater Here we go again, Dare’s on the soapbox folks! Tell me of one recreational angler in Queens* continued P81

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Lures, tackle and permits * from P80

land or visiting fisho who would begrudge spending 10 cents a day to fish for a year? I’m suggesting $36.50 for an annual freshwater permit for all anglers 18 years and over including concessions, and a weekly permit of $10 each, with both locked in for 10 years. Let’s change the name from Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme to Freshwater Permit System. Currently, if you fish above a weir, you’re required to purchase a permit to fish on the river systems. Let’s be fair dinkum… you’re fishing in freshwater rivers and dams, so with a freshwater permit across the board, every township will receive fingerlings to stock streams in their region. Fishing stocking clubs can be formed, and you’ll be able to maintain the areas you fish. A weekly permit $10, an annual permit for 18 years and over $36.50 – both locked in for 10 years. There are 160,000 anglers who fish in freshwater – $36.50 by 160,000 equals $5.84 million… in one year. If you include weekly permits for visitors and tourists – say 50,000 at $10 – that’s an additional $500,000. In 10 years from now, the freshwater permit fees increase to $45.50 for an annual and $15 for a weekly, again locked in for 10 years. The current cost for an annual SIPS permit is $58, concession $42 and weekly $12.30. This last part is important. With regards to our

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input as freshwater anglers, when the questionnaire comes out in July, each of us needs to comment. The user-pay permit systems needs to be revamped. Currently, the cost of the SIPS permit is linked to the consumer price index and rises for it to be deemed successful. We need a set fee put in place for a 10-year period that will bring in $6 million annually. Not many anglers are getting the yearly SIPS permit because it’s too expensive at $58 and $42.

I am more than comfortable with a lockedin yearly cost which, I said before, should be 10 cents a day. You may think differently – that’s what the feedback paper is about! Not long now before pretty pictures time… with cod moving about from the end of July, it’s big fish time on storages. Don’t forget closed season for cod is August, September and October in river systems. You can still fish for them in the storages in Queensland all year round.

Len Hill with a hungry specimen caught on a hardbody diver.

If you’re interested in being part of the FFSAQ survey on the SIPS fee structure, sign up for the newsletter or contact FFSAQ president and treasurer Charlie Ladd on 0490 661 445.

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, July 2023 – Page 81

TRADING POST NOVA 5.5m HALF CABIN 1986 – Refurbished 140hp Johnson. Email for photos: dasuton@bigpond.com $12,995. 0438 463 601.

LATE MODEL TRAILER BOATS WANTED – We are seeking premium condition trailer boats including Quintrex, Signature, Cruise Craft, Stacer, Surtees, 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.

STESSCO RENEGADE 480 – This side console is an absolute cracker! With a 2.2m beam running right up into the start of the bow section, it adds to its overall stability and provides a mountain of cockpit space. There’s plenty of bow storage and the simple deck layout lets you

use nearly all of it effectively, no matter what your intended purpose of use is for this boat. So, if you’re looking for a fantastic almost new all-purpose boat, then you should definitely put this Renegade 480 on your list! $47,990. Contact AMC Boats on 07 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au PROFILE 585CC – Quality NZ plate centre console, Mercury 135hp (2018), 129 hours and freshly serviced, Dunbier GR5.7 tandem trailer, quality electronics, VHF, inshore safety gear, bait prep table, dual battery system and so much more. Priced to sell at $69,995. John Crawford Marine, STACER 481 SEAMASTER – This little Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since beauty is in mint condition and offers 1964 – johncrawfordmarine.com.au Call something for everyone, whether it’s tub- JCM Ph: 07 3890 2322. ing with the kids, chucking a few pots in the creek, cruising the bay or fishing with family and friends. Can be easily towed behind the family car and be maneuvered single-handed at the boat ramp. It’s easy to store, clean, maintain and handle, and is priced to sell. Come in and speak with our friendly sales team today! $36.990. Contact AMC Boats on 07 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au HORIZON 525 HALF CABIN – This little ADVERTISERS – To organise a clas- ripper hits the mark beautifully with persified ad in the Trading Post, call 07 formance, fit-out, safety and seaworthi3286 1833 or complete the form and ness – all key features for newcomers and post it to the address provided or family boaters. Don’t miss an opportunity email it through to ads@collins.me to own this well-presented boat with only dia 3 hours on the engine – it’s certainly worth a look! $49,990. Contact AMC Boats on 07 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au

August Edition Copy Deadline – Advertisements must arrive NO later than July 6, 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

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

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Page 82 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

REBEL 7.6 HARDTOP – Suzuki 300hp 4-stroke, HD alloy trailer freshly serviced. A rare opportunity to own such a ‘go anywhere’ platey. Over $40K Furuno electronic fit out, Minn Kota electric bow mount, outriggers, built-in ice chests and on and on... A steal at $149,995. John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 – john crawfordmarine.com.au Call JCM Ph: 07 3890 2322.

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Here’s a photo of my son Hudson with Showing off the flathead I caught in the his first whiting catch. He caught these Richmond River at Ballina… over Easter. in Moreton Bay. John Reed Daniel Jolley

My first tailor and jewfish – both catch and release. Hoping to get many more. The jewie was caught trolling an Atomic Hardz Shiner on the Gold Coast. And the tailor was caught Bayside jigging with a Jackall Transam. Verena Caltabiano

My son and one of his friends who are both mad keen on fishing. The flathead were caught in the Maroochy River, with one 42cm and one 47cm. The Flathead whisperer Lex Neal with a cracker 80cm model on his second cast at kids are hooked on catching flatties now. Jumpinpin. Daniel Frawley Greg Morianos 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, July 2023 – Page 83

Subscription offer for July! Subscribe this month and you’ll receive a free BNB beanie. Valued at

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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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GEN III

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

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 85

THIS IS THE STACER MEMORY YOU’LL NEVER FORGET. For more than 50 years we’ve been building strong, reliable, aluminium boats you can depend on, right here in Australia.

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Page 86 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

STB&B 005

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It might be winter but your mind says summer. It’s time to get ready for what’s coming. Quintrex boat bundles offer a range of options to suit any adventure you can imagine: The Comfort Bundle, The Fishing Bundle and The Captain’s Bundle. Easy to choose, easy to buy. Click on the QR code for everything you need to know. The only question is – Where next?

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023 – Page 87

SALE

520 TOP ENDER - 115HP

530 FREESTYLER - 135HP

Includes: Mercury 115hp Pro Xs, painted sides, rod locker, alloy trailer

Includes: Mercury 135hp, Elite FS9, bunk infill cushion, alloy trailer

NEW INTO STORE

SALE

590 CRUISEABOUT -150HP

530 RENEGADE CENTRE CONSOLE - 115HP

Includes: Mercury 150hp, live bait tank, bunk infill board, alloy trailer

Includes: Mercury 115hp, bimini, painted sides, Lowrance sounder, hydraulic steer, alloy trailer

IN STOCK

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540 OCEAN SPIRIT PRO - 135HP

460 RENEGADE SC - 60HP

Includes: Mercury 135hp, live bait tank, bimini and envelope, alloy trailer

Includes: Mercury 60hp CT, raised front cast deck, alloy trailer

Finance & Insurance available

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

Can’t make the yard? Shop online! For quality new and used boats! www.brisbaneboatingleisure.com.au 1743 Ipswich Road, Rocklea | Call 07 3875 1600 | Formerly Karee Marine Page 88 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, July 2023

BNB Fishing Mag | July 2023

Articles inside

Endangered fish species in Australia doubled

Gold Coast Tailor Fishing Classic 2023

Edencraft 6.0m offshore at Australian marine Centre

Hot winter species action