BNB Fishing mag | Aug 2020 by bnbfishing

Winter species on fire

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Back to basics in Moreton Bay Exploring offshore

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From the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing Editor

SIDE from enjoying the great weather, beautiful beaches, iconic reefs, spectacular outback and yearlong fishing action, in Queensland and northern NSW we have been ‘fortunate’ to have had limited cases of COVID-19 to date. I sincerely hope that by the time this issue of BNB goes to print this will still be the case. I realise closing down borders can have a dramatic negative economic impact, but tough times call for tough measures. It is easy to criticise from the sidelines, but what is wrong with making a new temporary border along the Clarence River and then back along the actual border so people living in the Tweed region and a little further south are less impacted? This would also be easier to patrol and enable people in that area the ability to move around for work and the like. I’ll get off my political soapbox now. That said, shutting down borders does not mean you can’t go fishing and boating – you can and I think these pastimes should be promoted now more than ever. The first part of this

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year has been crazy to say the least and I have spoken to many people who have indicated fishing and boating have been a much-needed release from this unthinkable situation. While very restrictive in many ways, the situation has allowed families to get out on the water together and reignite their passion for the outdoors. The positive impact of this has been seen through the sale of new and used boats, fishing tackle, electronics and the list goes on. Feedback from retailers indicated a lot of buyers were people who had planned to travel overseas, but with travel restrictions decided to spend their money in Australia instead. Spending money in Australia is a great thing as it supports local businesses who employ locals. Fishing On the fishing front, we are currently in the middle of a month-long snapper and pearl perch no-take period. Thankfully, it appears most people are abiding by this regulation and hopefully that continues. There has been a heap of publicity around this closure, so everyone should be aware.

Ignorance is not a defence if you are caught with these fish in your Esky during the closure. However, if you do happen to catch one of these fish, it is important to release it unharmed. Giving snapper and pearl perch a chance to do their thing will pay dividends in the long run and ensure their sustainability. Thankfully, plenty of other fish are around, so you will be able to get your fishing fix despite the closure. Now might even be a good time to broaden your horizon and see what else tickles your fancy in the piscatorial pursuits. Big bass have been on the chew in Somerset Dam and in this edition new contributor Robbie Rayner from Somerset Fishing Tackle gives you the lowdown on where they are biting and what techniques are working best. If you are heading that way you could also drop into the shop and say g’day. Alternatively, if you are wanting to head north, Barry Lyon has a travel guide to southeast Cape York. I would like to get up there myself but will probably wait until the kids are a little older. New-look mag Thanks for all the feedback on the new mag. The overwhelming response has been positive, so I think we made the right move. While the feedback indicated lots of people still want the printed edition, a number really liked our digital version. We are still offering the digital magazine

for free, which can be viewed on our website. Make sure you check it out each month because we are currently working on making it more interactive, which is something I’m looking forward to, and it will give you the reader an even better experience.

New office Our BNB HQ moved from Cleveland to Wynnum this month. We are still unpacking but in the move a few fishy items were found, which we will give away on Facebook, so make sure you like and follow our page. Ben Collins

OUR COVER

AMBER BROWNING showed off a beautiful redthroat emperor. For more hot fishing action, check out CHRIS RIPPON’S article on Page 48.

NEXT EDITION: September edition will be on sale in newsagents from August 28. AUGUST SUBSCRIPTION PRIZE: See subscription form on Page 89 to go in the draw to win an ultimate fishing pack valued at over $350. JUNE PRIZEWINNERS: Congratulations to Karl Guirin, Victoria Point; George Batkines, Bundaberg; and Kris Hewitt, Banksia Beach who have each won an Okuma Avenger 3000 spinning reel and BNB beanie pack valued at $81.95.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 3

August 2020 contents

Back to basics in Moreton Bay. . . . . . . . . . by Brian Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8 Focused on flathead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Conlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P12 Wily winter mangrove jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Keith Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . P18 Recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Melissa Frohloff . . . . . . . . . . . P19 10 tips for soft plastics in estuaries. . . . . . . . . by Justin Willmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P20 Magical month in the Broadwater. . . . . . . . . by Clint Ansell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P26 Winter species in full swing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Darren Rama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P28 Talking about targeting trevally. . . . . . . . . by Brad Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P30 Gold Coast fishing on fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Heath Zygnerski . . . . . . . . . . P32 Bream on at Brunswick Heads. . . . . . . . . . by Gavin Dobson . . . . . . . . . . . . . P34 Winter fishing in Ballina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brett Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P36 Jewfish steer clear of Clarence River. . . . by Tye Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38 Awesome Sunny Coast action. . . . . . . . . . by Grant Budd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P40

Family fun at Fraser Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean ‘Skip’ Thompson . . . . . . . P43 Fraser Guided Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tri Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P45 Endless options around Tin Can Bay. . . . . by Chris Rippon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P48 Bundaberg offshore exploration. . . . . . . . by Joel Johson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P50 Best-ever trip to the Bunker Group . . . . . . . . by Adam Foley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P52 Reef, river and Lucinda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brad Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P54 Readers’ Forum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P56 Boating & Marine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P58 Seachange Boating review. . . . . . . . . . . . . by Daniel Tomlinson . . . . . . . . . . P58

Yamaha Helm Master EX review. . . . . . . . by Daniel Tomlinson . . . . . . . . . . P64 Charter Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P66 Barra and jacks biting in Gladstone. . . . . . by Gary Churchward . . . . . . . . . P69 Hinchinbrook News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Team Crackajack . . . . . . . . . . P70 Capricorn Coast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by John Boon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P72 Stunning southeast Cape York . . . . . . . . . . by ‘Billabong’ Bazz Lyon . . . . . . P74 Camping visit to Stanage Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Craig Tomkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . P76 Caravanning trip continues. . . . . . . . . . . . . by Todd Eveleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . P78 Outdoors in Oz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Paul ‘Chief’ Graveson . . . . . . . . P80 Supporting Australian made. . . . . . . . . . . . by Neil Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P82

Superb Somerset bass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Robbie Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . P84 Cod at Glenlyon Dam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Dare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P86 Trading Post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P88 Subscription form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P89 Page 4 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

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

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

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

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

The Team

EDITOR: SUBEDITOR: ADVERTISING: PRODUCTION:

Ben Collins Daniel Tomlinson The BNB Team Jo Hendley, 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@bnbfishing.com.au PO Box 162, Wynnum, Qld 4178 PRINTER: Spotpress DISTRIBUTION BY: Fairfax CORRESPONDENTS: Editorial contributions are welcome, as is news from clubs, associations, or individuals; and new product news from manufacturers. Entire contents copyright. Nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. It is the responsibility of advertisers to ensure the correctness of their claims and statements. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Redlands Coast Inter Club Challenge 2020

HE past few months have been challenging and frustrating for everyone, with lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings and travel having a huge impact on sports and recreational activities. One major impact of the virus restrictions has been the cancellation of most major fishing competitions in southeast Queensland, including our own Moreton Bay and Offshore Family Fishing Challenge event, which was scheduled to be run in May this year. The Challenge is an event run by the Redland Bay Amateur Fishing Club for the past 26 years.

It’s with great pleasure that as club president, I can announce the RBAFC is launching a new event. The Redlands Coast Inter Club Fishing Challenge to be held September 18-20, 2020 will again be supported by community businesses and sponsors. While this competition won’t have a carnival with kids’ rides and market stalls, it still has something for all anglers, with offshore, inshore and junior categories as well as the major prize of $1000 cash for the ‘secret weight bream’. Food and drinks will be available on site for competitors and guests. Hand sanitation and social distancing is encour-

aged within the venue. All categories are open to the general public, with some great prizes to be won in the species events, together with raffles and lucky draw picks of the prize board during the awards and prize presentations on Sunday afternoon. Included in the event is a new Inter Club Challenge Shield, so if you think your club has the gun fishos on the Redlands Coast, here’s your chance to prove it. The RBAFC is throwing down the challenge to every fishing club in the region to enter the competition to try to take home the shield for a year and win a handy $1000 cash for your club.

Club members are also eligible for prizes in the inshore and secret weight bream categories. For full details of the event and all the rules,

go to moretonbayfami lyfishingchallenge.org or rbafc.org You can also contact the club on 0492 913 493. Peter Germolenko

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 7

Back to basics in the bay targeting bream

W Craig Stewart is an old bream fisho from way back.

Tim with a good-looking Moreton Bay longtail tuna.

ELL here we are halfway through winter and we really haven’t had that much cold weather. I changed my tactics this winter and have targeted squid and bream, then regular snapper trips. I have even ventured to the north side around Shorncliffe and Woody Point looking for squid off the jetties. My pursuit of squid has meant more trips to Manly and Victoria Point. The eastern side of Mud Island in close and the end of the rock wall at the mouth of the Brisbane River have been producing squid

Moreton Bay by BRIAN WEBB

in good numbers, and in close around Green Island. Scarborough and Redcliffe areas are also producing good catches. On the bream side, I’ve made a few trips to my old Jumpinpin stomping ground and have done really well. On a recent trip to Mud, a mate of mine scored the best bream I’ve seen for some time. It was 38cm, and those fishing the bay for snapper would be happy with a fish that size, let alone bream.

On the subject of snapper, remember the closure from July 15 to August 15. You can still catch both snapper and pearl perch, but they must be released – so don’t target them. Unfortunately, it won’t stop a few as they have no respect for the rules. Craig Stewart, an old bream fisho from way back, used the old mullet and chicken gut and bagged out on reasonable-sized bream, with a few 37-38cm as well as * continued P9

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This good-sized 60cm flathead was caught around Jumpinpin.

Greg Newton was stoked with his 38cm bream.

Basics in the bay targeting bream * from P8

a couple of flathead on his last trip. It doesn’t hurt to go back to fishing basics at times – bream let you know just how good they are as fighting fish when you have a good session. The weather at the Pin was kind and we ventured out to the bar. The water was black with whitebait and the birds were going off. We threw slugs around the school and letting them sink below the bait school, and we managed a fair few tailor ranging in size from choppers to others around the 50cm mark. On most retrieves we even caught whitebait on the treble because they were so thick. What gets me uptight are the idiots who drive their boats through the bait school and not giving a damn about those sitting on the edges of the school – they have no idea how to fish a bait school like it was that day. All they do is make it harder for those fishing www.bnbfishing.com. au

schools the right way, and there seem to be a lot more idiots fishing the bay these days, which makes it harder for more experienced fishos. I was out at Mud the other weekend along with 100 other boats and the noise they were making – it’s no wonder nothing was caught except small stuff. A simple trick to cut down on boat noise is to cover your anchor chain with a bicycle tube which eliminates a hell of a lot of dropping or pulling anchor racket. Another rant is the etiquette at the boat ramp. Of late most boat ramps have been full and overflowing onto surrounding roads, but it’s at the ramp itself where some have no consideration for others and seem to take all day to either offload or retrieve. If you prepare your trailer before backing down the ramp it will save time and you won’t hold other people up. We did a fair bit of drifting from Crusoe Island to the mouth of

the Pin on the outgoing tide targeting flathead, and though a lot were just under size, we managed two around 60cm – all on plastics. Prawns have been caught around Manly on the north side, around MacLeay Island and in the river as far as the pontoon at Colmslie. Tailor have turned up on the edges of most bay islands and we even found a school that had attracted a flock of terns – a giveaway to their whereabouts. A heap of bonito are in the bay at present and the odd school of longtail tuna are still around, and of course doggy mackerel are available through winter because they’re 12-month fish. Birds give the whereabouts of fish away sometimes but if you troll the edges of the drop-offs with whole pillie, chrome slugs or chrome spoons, you have a good chance of finding the odd one. Even a paravane * continued P10

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Back to basics in the bay targeting bream * from P9

comes in handy getting your lure down deeper, and the best areas to try are in the Rainbow Channel near the san-

dhills and the mouth of the Pearl Channel. The bottom end of the river was fishing the best it had done for many years, mainly be-

Darren with a two nice Mud Island snapper, prior to the closure.

cause the river was the cleanest it’s been for quite some time. Snapper, king threadfin salmon, bream and plenty of estuary and gold spot cod are being caught off structure, which is where you’ll find them because that’s their favorite place to hunt and we’ve pulled the odd cod from the rock wall at the mouth. A few jewfish have been caught around Clara Rock – which is upriver and just around the corner from the tug terminal – and the hole under the pipeline into Boggy Creek. In the eddies formed by the pylons at the Gateway Bridge and the drop-offs out from the shipping terminals, you’ll have a good chance of finding threadie.

Live bait such as poddies and herring can be found in Boggy Creek and the small bay near Luggage Point, and pike are around the coffee pots (navigation buoys) in the mouth of the Brisbane River. Sweetlip have slowed down with the onset of cold weather as have tuskfish and moses perch. So, with the snapper season on hold for a while, why not go back to basics in the bay and target a few bream? The bay is also inundated with toadfish and there are big ones among them. There are a fair few diver whiting available around the weed beds in the Rous Channel, Fishermans Gutter, Amity Banks and Pelican Banks, and in the

northern end of the bay around Cockle Banks. So, snapper fishos… why not get back to basics and target bream? You’ll be surprised just how much fun you can have. There are plenty around coming into spawning season. Just use 2/0 or 3/0 circles and they’ll hook themselves, they’re so aggressive at the moment. With the snapper closure, I wonder how charters will go releasing them from the depths? Even if they fish NSW waters, the snapper will have NSW number plates on them. So, once they cross over the Queensland border the plates will change to ‘no take’ Queensland… interesting.

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Focused on flathead in southern Moreton Bay

I Rhet caught this nice 68cm flatty after plenty of perseverance casting plastics into the shallows.

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HAVEN’T hit the water too many times in the past month but when I have, fishing the shallows was a little trickier than normal. There have been a few things happen that were out of my control, which is standard for this time of year. Especially with it being a little colder than previous years. One morning the water temperature was 16.1C – obviously that was on the surface, but at this end of the bay it was the coldest it’s been for quite a few years. We have had a couple of days where not much was caught – and yes there have been days when it’s tough out there, though with fishing we don’t talk about those trips too much. We have a tendency to talk about the good days.

Southern Moreton Bay by SEAN CONLON

On the flip side, we’ve had a few days where everything fell into line and we’ve picked up some nice fish. One day in particular, I took young Rhet out and when I say young it’s because he is younger than me. Anyway, I met him at the ramp at 6am and we had a short discussion on what he would like to do – he had decided to spoil himself by booking the boat for a private charter on his own. First, we were going to chase a few flathead on the low tide with soft plastics, as there hadn’t been as many fish around this year, we decided against trolling. So, sitting at the bot-

tom of the drains at low tide and peppering an area with lots of casts was the way to go. Initially, we had heaps of hits and bumps, and missed a few fish – we just couldn’t quite hook up because the fish were very tentative. Then after a fair chunk of persistence, Rhet hooked-up – not a big fish but around the 45cm mark. We kept putting plenty of casts in and before we knew it, he had caught himself another couple of fish, all around the same size unfortunately. We would hook goodsized flatties and then drop them – we just could not seem to keep the fish on the hooks. * continued P14

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Rhet with an early morning 45cm flathead caught casting soft plastics in the shallows. www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Flathead in southern Moreton Bay * from P12

The author managed a couple of fish and this one was caught on a Zerek Flash Minnow Wrigley.

Remember to release any squire caught during the closure.

You are always happy when the old Lowrance lights up like this. Page 14 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Eventually the area went completely quiet, so we chased the low tide and moved a little further south to a new location. We went with the same technique of sitting at the bottom of an area with a nice drain and plenty of bait and proceeded to put in plenty of casts. By this stage, the tide started to run back in, and we were casting on a little ledge in front of the drain. We had a few bumps and taps but still no hook-ups. While we waited, Rhet told me how he sold his boat 12 months earlier and had been working pretty hard. He said he didn’t realise how much he missed heading out, fishing and chilling. This made me think about how often we get caught up with life and put off doing the things we want to do. It also made me think about how being a fishing guide we can sometimes place too much emphasis on catching fish, whereas it is about the whole experience – chilling out and enjoying the great outdoors as well as switching off from work. Simply casting a few plastics and trying to pick up a few nice fish can make a huge difference to how we feel. Anyway, as the tide started to push in, fish came away from the ledge and started to move onto the banks. We had a few more bumps and taps, and before long Rhet had another flatty on the boat – not a big one

but in the 45cm range again. We quickly got the lines back in the water. A couple of casts later, he hooked a nice fish that was playing in the shallows and then ventured into the deep water where we were. We watched as, on the light line and in clear water, the fish would come over to the boat then go back to the shallows. This is what fishing is all about – a little bit of excitement, a little bit of knee trembling. In this case, because we’d dropped so many fish during the morning session, there was more anticipation than usual. But before long, Rhet had the fish under control and a nice 68cm flatty was in the net. After a few quick pics, we realised that the tide had pushed in too far. We put out a few more casts but nothing happened, so with about an hour left we thought we’d have a quick little session for squire. We packed up and headed north to a little patch where I’d seen a few fish over the past couple of days. We sounded around and found a few fish on the old Lowrance, so I deployed the electric and we started casting a few soft plastics. It didn’t take long and we started to pick up a few undersized fish, but then Rhet and I both picked up one nice legal squire each at around the 40cm mark. As usual we took a few pics and then released it to fight another day. The thing we instantly noticed was the biggest

fish took the plastic after a long pause, up to nearly 10 seconds, and when the plastic was on the bottom and moved around, smaller fish would bite – just a little tip. When it was time to go, Rhet asked to have one final cast. I said no worries as I had a bit of tidying up to do. Before we knew it, he was onto a reasonable fish. It was taking plenty of line and then, suddenly, the hook just popped out of its mouth. Luckily, he quickly opened the bail arm and dropped the plastic back to the bottom. The fish came back and smashed the plastic again, and after a nice little fight around the boat, a 45cm squire was in the net. We took a couple of pics, released the fish and then we headed home in beautiful glassy-flat conditions. We had a great day, and Rhet was relaxed and ready to head back for another week of work. As we all know with our busy jobs and lives, we are time poor, so if you can learn more to optimise your time on the water, then why not? Remember: knowledge is the key. If you’re interested in any off or on-water tuition classes or you just want to do a charter, don’t be afraid to give me a call on 0432 386 307 or send me an email at seanconlon sfishing@hotmail.com You can also check out the Sean Conlon’s Fishing Charters and Tuition Facebook page. Until next time…

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 17

Shaun and Phil managed a double hook-up.

Wily winter mangrove jack

UGUST signals the end of the calm winter days and cold nights. It is an excellent month to chase a wide range of species in southeast Queensland. There will still be plenty of cold weather this month but we normally see northerly

Local Luring by KEITH STRATFORD

wind turn up towards the end of the month, which will begin to see the water temperature rise slightly. It’s an excellent month to chase flat-

The heavy Chasebaits Flick Prawn is a perfect prawn imitation and gets deep into mangrove jack hideouts. Page 18 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

head around Brisbane and the annual flathead spawning will begin around the end of the month on the Gold and Sunshine coasts. A lot of larger flathead will begin to make their way into the deeper water around the bar entrances such as the Gold Coast Seaway and Jumpinpin. They are normally very aggressive and hungry at this time of year and can be enticed to eat a lure much easier than later in the season. Expect to find plenty of smaller males hanging around the big girls

and solid jewies should also be in the same areas. Mangrove jack will be more aggressive this month. I’ve had many good sessions during August over the years and I’ll be out there this year looking to get an early jack fix. Some anglers believe jacks leave the estuaries during winter to go offshore, but that isn’t the case. Some jacks might, but loads remain in the rivers and creeks. They slow down a lot during winter and feed less, but still need to eat. Though I don’t put much time into jacks during winter, I always

hook a few as by-catch when targeting other species around structure including rocks, fallen trees and deep holes. This winter, two of my mates and I decided we would head a couple of hours north to target them specifically. I have caught plenty of jacks in the areas we were going to target over the years, so we picked a good tide and packed a variety of lures and baits to see how we’d go. Many people won’t use bait to chase jacks, but we only had a small window of time, so wanted to maximise our chances. The plan was to cast * continued P19

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Wily winter jacks * from P18

lures around early in the morning, then float pilchards and pike into some rocks and fallen trees. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side and we had a 25-knot southeasterly wind and showers to deal with. This didn’t seem to worry the jacks, with Shaun landing a good fish within the first hour of fishing. It measured bang on 50cm, which is a goodquality fish for the area we were fishing. The action went a bit quiet after that, so we dropped anchor on a rubble patch and drifted some baits into it. Shaun was on again, landing a small jack, while we all hooked a few bream and cod as well. We gave a bit of fallen

timber and mangrove edges a go next and I boated a jack in the high-30cm range and lost a good one. The next spot was a rock bar and Phil got the fourth and final jack in the mid-30cm range. By this stage we were cold and wet but still happy we landed four jacks in very ordinary conditions. Hopefully I can get a chance to chase a few more jacks during August. So far the flathead season hasn’t been great around Brisbane, but hopefully it fires up a bit later and more fish show up during August and September. That’s it from me. Get out there and enjoy the good weather and clean water. I hope to see you on the water.

The author with an average winter mangrove jack.

by MELISSA FROHLOFF

Smoky chicken pizza

Ingredients

Method

• 2 smoked chicken breasts, cubed

1. Preheat barbecue or oven to 220C.

• 1 tbsp barbecue sauce

2. Place pizza base on a pizza tray or stone.

• 1 tbsp tomato relish • 1 thin & crispy pizza base • 1/2 red onion, finely sliced • 100g black olives • 5 0g white mushrooms, sliced • 25g red capsicum, diced • 2 50g three cheese blend, shredded Nigel Benfer trolled up this nice flathead on a pink Lively Lures Micro Mullet. www.bnbfishing.com. au

3. Mix barbecue sauce and tomato relish together and spread on the pizza base. 4. Top with smoked chicken, red onion, black olives, capsicum, mushrooms and sprinkle with three cheese blend. 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until base is crisp and cheese is golden.

Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 25 min | Serves 4 Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 19

No that’s not a lake, it’s the ocean. Love those glassy winter days.

Set the alarm, rug up and make the most of the glassy winter days. The author with a shovel-headed 69cm fish.

10 tips for using soft plastics in estuaries

INTER has been dealing us a mixed hand in terms of weather, however for those who have made the effort to get out on the water, the results have been pretty positive. We have landed good catches of bream and flathead, with the influx of bait and seasonal change triggering a stack of by-catch

Tackle Tactics by JUSTIN WILLMER

including flounder, stargazers, big whiting, random reef species and of course a tasty feed of squid. Following are some tips that have been working for us of late, both in terms of finding the fish and getting the bite.

Not the target species. Ron with a stonefish. Remember your water shoes in areas where these fish are found. Page 20 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Peak bite times We have found the fish biting throughout the day, however the morning and afternoon bites have been the winners. This can be a tougher ask in winter due to the cooler conditions, however it’s worth put-

ting the warm gear on and getting out there a little earlier or hanging around after most of the boat traffic has headed home early. This becomes even more important when targeting popular areas, shallow water and finicky species such as snapper and bream. Shallow water The shallow water is a favourite for me throughout the cooler

months and again it’s worth getting there before everyone else or fishing it later in the afternoon. When fishing the shallows, I target flats and drains with less than 1.5m of water, focusing on rubble areas, patches of weed, drains and slightly deeper sections on the flats. These shallows have produced bream, flat* continued P22

Quality flathead can be found sunbaking in the shallows, however you need to beat the boat traffic. www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 21

10 tips for using soft plastics * from P20

Midnight Oil colour claims another victim. The ZMan 2.5” GrubZ is one of the easiest lures to fish.

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head, whiting, flounder, tailor, trevally and more as they actively hunt food such as prawns, squid and baitfish. Deep water Many anglers prefer to fish deeper water in winter due to the water being so clear and the current often reduced due to smaller tidal differences. There is the added attraction of larger snapper entering the system (don’t forget the current closed season), along with schools of tailor and big bream in spawning mode. Remember to check your local regulations regarding closures, along with size, bag and possession limits. Structure is often the key when targeting fish in deeper water, so keep an eye out on the sounder for rock and reef, wrecks, ledges, bait and fish. Patches as small as your kayak or boat are

all it takes to hold bait and attract predators. Find the bait On multiple occasions over the past month I have been fishless for a period before locating the bait and turning it into a fish per cast session. Keep an ear and an eye out for prawns or baitfish flicking or disturbing the surface and focus your casts around the edges of this bait. You can often go from a quiet session to half a dozen fish in no time once targeting an area holding bait. Find the run No run, no fun is the saying and when dealing with the lack of run that is common in winter, I have two techniques I will employ. Try to locate areas where current is created, such as channels narrowing, points jutting into the channel and manmade or natural structure creating current breaks.

The locations with this current and the resulting eddies created can assist predators with hunting and ambushing bait and can often be productive. On the flipside, if there is no current, focus on structure and especially structure holding bait, such as rubble, weed and drop-offs. This key structure can still be productive without current, however you may need to slow your retrieves to get the bite. Downsize With the variety of species around during winter and a lot of smaller bait in the system, I tend to downsize my presentations, with the Z-Man 2.5” GrubZ and Slim SwimZ our go-to plastics, teamed with a size 1 or 1/0 TT Lures jig head. These plastics are our go-to for bream and flathead, while also accounting for jewfish, * continued P24

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Ron with a cracker 35cm whiting that inhaled a Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ in Midnight Oil colour. www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 23

10 tips for using soft plastics * from P22

Bream are a popular target during winter and this one ate a Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ.

This SUP session was quiet until the bait was located and then it was fish on.

Just one example of the by-catch being landed recently.

snapper, whiting and myriad other by-catch landed during winter. The plastics also respond well to almost any retrieve and I will normally rotate between slow rolling (slow wind), hopping (hop, hop, pause) and shaking (a few winds while shaking the rod tip, pause) retrieve until I find what the fish want on the day or even stage of tide. Over the flats, the fish may want a faster, more aggressive retrieve and then when they drop off the channel edge with a falling tide they may prefer a slower, hop, hop and long pause. Likewise, the bream may want a slow roll across the flats, while flathead might like a shake and pause. Lure colour Water colour and clarity will vary dramatically throughout winter, as will the brightness of

Sean Bekkers got lucky with two squid at once on a Fish Inc. Egilicious squid jig in Green Joker colour. Page 24 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

the day, and for this reason it is essential to carry some different lure colours. Westerly wind can create crystal-clear water and at times a very natural lure colour is required to get the bite, such as a Bad Shad, Opening Night or Baby Bass. When the water is dirtier or the conditions dull, a darker silhouette colour can produce more bites, and I also include a fluorescent colour in my kit, just in case, such as bright pink or chartreuse. Midnight Oil has excelled throughout winter for me, and I have heard this from other anglers as well. This colour combines the UV-reactive qualities of the super-popular Motor Oil colour with a silver fleck that creates a natural scale flash in the water. After fishing a bunch of colours throughout winter, this is now the first thing tied on. Go light We hear it often: “go light to get the bite” and this can be even more important in winter when the water is clear. I will generally fish with a 7’, 2-4kg or 3-6kg spin rod and 2030 size reel loaded with 8-10lb braid. Leader wise, I will commonly fish 10lb Platypus Stealth FC Fluorocarbon, which provides good security against flathead while still being fine and clear, however I will also carry 8lb and 6lb in my kit, especially

during winter, because you can’t catch the fish if you don’t get the bite. Scent Scent has proven itself to me over and over again. The bite gets quiet, I add scent and it’s fish on. Fish aren’t committing to the strike… add scent, fish on. It just works too often to be a coincidence, so add scent to your soft plastics, especially if the bite is tough or you’re fishing slower. Squid jig Winter is squid time and it’s amazing how often squid will follow and grab your soft plastic. You’ll just think it’s weed or rubble until you finally see the squid. It’s also frustrating how difficult they are to hook on a soft plastic and how distracting they are when you can see them but can’t catch them. Squid jigs are not expensive and it’s worth having a couple in your kit, just in case you come across some squid. A few casts and you could have a side of calamari to go with your fresh fish. That’s a quick wrap of what’s working for us at the moment and hopefully there’s something in there to help you get hooked up. Get out there early and make the most of those magical winter days, the influx of bait and the variety of species on offer. See you on the water www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 25

Sam hooked this nice flathead on a blade with his first drop of the day.

Rebel was delighted to land this solid tuskfish using a yabby as bait.

Magical month in the Broadwater

W Birthday boy Glen and a big arrow squid measuring over 60cm. It latched onto an Ecogear blade in the Gold Coast Broadwater.

Dianne with a big arrow squid caught on Daiwa Emeraldas Stream Rattle squid jig in the Broadwater. Page 26 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

HAT a month of fishing we have had in the Gold Coast Broadwater! It’s the best I’ve seen in years. The recently completed dredging operation in the western channel no doubt helped the fishing. We have been boating 30 to 100 fish, squid and crabs a day, keeping enough for a feed and releasing the rest, always keeping well under the bag limits. The most common fish at this time of year are winter whiting, dusky flathead, bartail flathead, flounder, tuskfish, tarwhine and bream. Arrow squid have been thick and big, and blue swimmer crabs have been active all through winter. We started using the new size Ecogear ZX43 vibes recently, and they are serious fish magnets. Try colours 404 (new colour) and 440 for ex-

Broadwater Guide by CLINT ANSELL

citing fishing action. Squid readily attack these blades too, and once you feel them grabbing the lures you can drop a squid jig to hook some delicious, fresh calamari. The new Ecogear ZX43s don’t appear terribly different when compared side by side with the 40s, but their weight is the main difference. They are noticeably heavier in the water and hold bottom in stronger flow and deeper areas. Both sizes still have their place on my boat in different conditions, but the Ecogear ZX43 adds another dimension and will account for many big fish. I even caught my biggest-ever squid on colour 404 recently. My favourite squid jigs come from the Daiwa Emeraldas Nude range in 3.0 size.

Try different colours to see what works when you’re on the water. Squid love chasing a sinking lure, so throw in some big slow lifts and then a long pause to let the jig sink. Always have a rod rigged with a squid jig ready to go. Arrow squid will often follow a bait, lure or hooked fish to the boat. If you see one doing this, keep the bait or hooked fish in the water and the squid will hang around, then drop the jig near it and let it sink. It is so much visual fun watching the jig sink and seeing the squid chase and then grab it. Count to five once the squid has hold of the jig and then slowly strike, and nine times out of 10 it will be well hooked on the prongs. It is addictive fishing * continued P27

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Magical month in the Broadwater * from P26

feeling the solid weight of a big squid as your rod loads up. Fight the squid gently as you would a flathead or it can pull loose. Then net it and put it in a dry bucket for a while, otherwise it will keep squirting ink everywhere if placed in a bucket of water. Yabbies shouldn’t be overlooked as a successful bait in the Broadwater. They catch everything and can easily be pumped on most of the big sandbanks. I use them like a lure, meaning I rig them in the tidiest possible presentation. Gently thread the point of a size 4 baitholder hook through the underside of the tail, then continue through the body and push the hook out near the legs, just below the head.

Hold onto the point of the hook with one hand and slide the yabby tail over the eye of the hook and up the leader. The yabby then sits straight like a lure, doesn’t spin and twist line and looks natural and attracts bigger fish as it bounces over the bottom. It will also stay on the hook better and the fish have to bite over the hook to get to the bait, thus greatly improving hook-up rate. If you’re planning on crabbing in the Broadwater, I believe an orange net colour on your pots attracts more crabs. Also run the heavyduty pots with bait pockets that open from the outside, and use fresh mullet for bait. For the best chance at snaring big male blue swimmer crabs, place your pots on the edge of sandbank drop-offs

on the run-in tide. To book a charter with Brad or I, or if you have any fishing-related questions, SMS 0432 990 302 or email fishing withclint@gmail.com You can also find us on Facebook by searching for Brad Smith Fishing Charters.

This beautiful moses perch took a liking to the new colour Ecogear ZX43 vibe.

JP with one of the bigger blue swimmer crabs of the day.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 27

Winter species in full swing

Grant scored a nice morning flathead.

INTER is flying by and we are already into the last month of the season, though our winter species will still be in full swing. Here in Queensland we are experiencing our first year of the snapper and pearl perch closure, which will be in effect until August 15, meaning you cannot target or keep either of these species until after this date. This will give the fish a good chance to do what they do best without constant fishing

Josh with a mangrove jack caught from his kayak.

A surprise giant herring in the Broadwater. Page 28 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Nerang Rooster Report by DARREN RAMA

pressure and make for a better back end of the season. Inshore fishing has been a bit of a hit, with good captures coming over the school holidays and hopefully many to come. The Broadwater has been a good place to target flathead, big bream and tailor, with the odd showing of summer species including mangrove jack, trevally and giant herring. Squid fishing has become increasingly popular of late. Due to the lack of serious rain, the high tides have seen very clear water in the Broadwater, meaning prime conditions for squid. One thing commonly spoken about is the location of squid. I have found them along rock walls, over weed banks, in timber, up shallow and down deep. The best bet is to give them all a go and if you get lucky, continue fishing that type of terrain.

In the Broadwater of late there has been an abundance of arrow squid in deeper water of around 3m. Squid jigs in 3.0 size seem to be most effective. I choose jig sizes that align with the depth of water I’m fishing (2.0 in 2m, 3.0 in 3m and so on), as squid will always go for a jig as it falls rather than on the retrieve. The slower the fall, the more chance you have. Another thing I like to do is run my drag so light that when I twitch the rod to jig the lure I hear slight ticks of the drag. If your drag is too tight, you’ll pull the jig out of their tentacles. I haven’t noticed any favourite colours but find I’m more reluctant to grab something with stripes than full colours. Tiger squid are still about and I find them around rock walls more than any other places, in locations such as the Grand Hotel and Tallebudgera Creek wall. Flathead are in full swing in preparation for their yearly spawn. With the cancellation of this year’s Flathead Classic, we are interested to see how the fish react to no pre-fishing and three consistent days of hundreds of fishers trying to catch them. Trolling hard-bodies and casting soft plastics remain the preferred techniques, with lures * continued P29

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This small jewfish was extracted from the Seaway.

Winter species in full swing * from P28

including Pontoon21 CrackJacks and Tango Shads popular for trolling. Tailor have moved into Jumpinpin Bar, making good fun for anglers trolling and casting lures of an early morning. They are busting up on baitfish, making it much easier to determine where they are. People are also doing well and getting them off the beach on pil-

chards and metal lures. The closer reefs offshore will hopefully produce good size mulloway on live baits and lures such as soft vibes and metal jigs. If you keep an eye out, you may stumble across some tuna. It can be fun when you see the birds diving in and the fish smashing helpless bait schools. Casting a small stickbait or metal lure will often pay off. If you incidentally and unintentionally catch a

pearl perch or snapper, try your best to remove the hook or lure without lifting the fish from the water for the best chance at a successful release to do the fish justice and save yourself from a fine. Hopefully you can get out there this month and make the most of the end of winter.

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This brassy (tea-leaf) trevally was caught on a MMD Splash Prawn fished on the surface over shallow water.

Talking about targeting trevally

’DAY everyone, in this month’s article I will discuss some ideas for targeting one of our hardest-fighting estuary species: trevally. The Gold Coast and Tweed Heads area harbours numerous trevally types including bluefin, diamond,

Gold Coast Guide by BRAD SMITH

brassy, golden, bigeye and giant, with the last two the most prolific. The common theme with all these trevally is they become more active on the big tides leading up to both the

new and full moons. They also like lots of baitfish present and tend to spike in their feeding habits around tide changes. Now let’s have a look at these varie-

This golden trevally hit a trolled deep-diving lure. Page 30 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

ties individually. Bluefin This trevally is startling in appearance and as its name suggests, has almost metallic blue fins and sometimes blue spots on its body. I have never caught one too far upstream, with the entrances of rivers being their do-

main, which makes the Gold Coast Seaway and its rock walls a great place to find them. The most successful technique for targeting them is to troll small deep-diving minnow lures. Diamond Once again, this is an amazingly pretty fish. Its body has a metallic, almost chrome sheen as well as long, flowing filaments extending from its dorsal and anal fins. It seems this fish is a bit of a loner and not so much a schooling species. I have only caught diamonds as welcome by-catch while targeting other species. Brassy Also known as the tealeaf trevally, the brassy has black spots on the sides of its flanks. I love this species because through summer it moves out of the * continued P31

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Talking about targeting trevally * from P30

deeper channels and up over shallow seagrass flats to terrorise the baitfish and prawns hiding in the channels between the grasses. This means you can target them on small surface poppers and stickbaits, so keep an eye out while flats fishing for any bird or surface activity. Cast your surface lure there and then hang on because this fish is powerful and when hooked will want to scream away with your line in order to get back into deep water. Golden Golden trevally are not overly abundant in our area because they prefer the warmer waters to the north, but they can be captured and wow what great fighters they are on light line. I have the most success using poppers over the shallow flats and trolling minnow lures along the edges and channels

parallel to the flats on big run-out tides. They thrive on patrolling the drop-offs, waiting for the bait forced off the shallows on the run-out tides. Bigeye This species is abundant in our area, which is great because they are fantastic fighters on light gear. Once again, I like to target them along the edges of channels on the run-out tides and current lines formed by hard-running water. This species can be targeted with both lures and live bait such as herring and prawns. What makes this species a little different is they will also feed aggressively at night. Giant This species is the most well-known and as the name suggests, they grow the biggest. Our rivers and creeks are mainly the haunts for the juvenile fish but once offshore they can grow to 50kg.

In saying that, they are caught in our rivers up to about 5kg and pull like freight trains, providing an unforgettable experience. Unlike some of the other trevally mentioned, GTs prefer the deeper parts of the rivers to the much shallow flats. Bridges, deep holes, deep channels and canal junctions are favoured locations for GTs to hang out. On big run-in tides I regularly encounter them corralling baitfish into the ends of canals as well. GTs are not fussy feeders and can be caught on both surface and diving lures as well as live baits. The weeks leading up to both the new and full moons in October and November are when GTs are at their peak in our area. Thanks for reading and I look forward to talking to you again next month.

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www.bradsmithfishingcharters.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 31

Joe the human good luck charm was all smiles with this solid pearl perch.

Mitch was pretty happy with this nice snapper hooked on a jig.

Gold Coast fishing continues to fire

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UST when you think everything is back to normal, you come to realise COVID-19 isn’t quite finished with us yet. At least the fishing hasn’t stopped through the pandemic, with the Gold Coast really turning it on. The past month has seen the water temperature drop and current slow. The reefs early on were full of baitfish and with them came the cooler water species such as snapper, pearl perch and kingfish. Snapper have been in good numbers along the coast, with fish hitting most baits and lures thrown at them. The humble pilchard or dead yakka floated down a berley trail has accounted for good fish, as have soft plas-

Gold Coast by HEATH ZYGNERSKI

tics and micro jigs. While floating baits down a trail is my favourite style of fishing, if the fish aren’t biting you can waste lots of time. Drifting and using baits or lures can really increase your strike rate because you cover more ground and find where the fish are holding. Pearl perch have been on the chew over the past month, with some fish going better than 60cm. They are holding in less than 50 fathoms too, which makes them easy to target for anglers in smaller craft. Pearlies tend to hit baits more readily on a paternoster-style rig. I find if I float line for them I miss more fish

than I catch. They love micro jigs though, with plenty of fish landed on these smaller metals. For Queensland anglers planning to target either snapper or pearl perch, you need to be aware of the closed season from July 15 to August 15, where both species are no take. If you plan on heading over the border to NSW and landing a few, be aware the rules in Queensland state ‘in possession’. So if you get checked by Fisheries Queensland on the way home, you have to prove you caught the fish in NSW. Fisheries Queensland * continued P33

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Gold Coast fishing continues to fire * from P32

states that if you plan on fishing in NSW waters and are coming back into Queensland that you let them know by phone. So be responsible, do the right thing and let them know on 07 5635 6900. Also, don’t forget your border pass needs to be renewed every seven days so you can get back across without hassle. You will additionally require a NSW recreational fishing licence to fish in the state. Just a few more minor details to add to your day. Squid have been on fire lately, both in the Broadwater and on the shallow local reefs.

I’ve never specifically targeted squid over the past 20 years but have recently found a new enthusiasm in chasing them. I use the cheap squid jigs you get in the bargain bin and find they work great – just as good as the $15 models in fact. I still haven’t worked out how not to make a mess, so it just goes to show that you never stop learning. Tailor have been biting along the beach gutters. There are excellent gutters at Narrowneck and near Broadbeach. Speaking of tailor, our annual Fraser Island trip is a goer for 2020, with our group heading

up at the end of July, so expect to hear all about it in next month’s edition. The Tweed River Bar is in OK shape, but the back bank just continues to grow and on the full tide is a mere 4m

deep, so will catch a lot of swell. Currumbin Creek Bar is shot. It is all but silted up on the low tide and even on half a tide is a risk. Tallebudgera Creek Bar is narrow and

shallow too. The Gold Coast Seaway is in good shape on most stages of the tide. Be aware of the sand bars to the north as always. ‘Til next month, screaming reels to you all.

Mitch with a solid kingfish taken on a jig.

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Melissa and Keira with a few stud bream.

Finally, Melissa got to cross the border into New South Mexico for a spot of fishing.

Bream are still on at Brunswick Heads

HE far north coast of NSW has fished very well over the past month. Making it all the more enjoyable have been days of very fishable weather. Over the past month I’ve had a bit of fun fishing with my cousin Melissa. With the border closures we hadn’t been

Tweed to Byron Bay by GAVIN DOBSON

able to catch up for a while but fortunately the closures relaxed a little and she was able to head down from the Sunshine Coast for a visit. Within an hour of her pulling up on the front lawn, we were through

the bar and headed north looking for a feed of reef fish. Conditions were excellent as we chipped away at a nice array of species. Melissa enjoyed the variety she brought over the side.

There were a lot of non-preferred species we threw back, but I think we brought home nine varieties of goodtasting reefies. Unfortunately, a big jewfish wasn’t one of them, but it was still a great afternoon. Something odd happened on the trip – Melissa thought she was out of bait so wound her line in.

This parrotfish flew – groan – off the bottom to grab Melissa’s bait high in the water column. Page 34 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

It was three quarters of the way to the top when the rod bucked, and she suddenly had a fish on. This in itself isn’t that unusual an occurrence as on many occasions I’ve had a bonito or doggy mackerel grab the shiny hook being wound up. This however wasn’t a fast-pelagic species but none other than a goodsized parrotfish. Never have I had a parrot follow a bait up off the bottom like that before, but we took it. So far this winter I just can’t cut a break and get any wider than 32 fathoms without hitting a massive current line. The boats that have fished the 50-fathom line successfully have brought home quite a few nice pearl perch and snapper before the closed season. Wider again I’ve seen some nice flame tail snapper and bar cod brought in. * continued P35

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Bream are still on at Brunswick Heads * from P34

Windarra Banks has produced nice snapper and teraglin. The bigger model trag have been present on the 45-fathom line behind Windarra, but not for me because of the current line that hits when I go out. Snapper are a no-show in close again this year. Sure, there are a few around but not in numbers and quality. Jewfish have been around though and are partial to a live pike, of which there have been plagues. The good news is no leatherjacket yet, but I’m sure we cannot be lucky enough to miss them completely, they must be a bit late. The Brunswick River has fished the best I’ve

seen for ages. Blackfish have finally turned up in good numbers and mullet have been schooling in the lower reaches. Sea mullet will refuse to take a bait but tiger mullet – also called flat tail – are hungry. Keira caught four on bait when targeting bream and used mullet for bait! Speaking of which, as I mentioned previously, we are having a proper bream season. Keira and Melissa were pretty keen to have a go, so we went and hooked a few bream around the harbour. The first trip was a bit slow but the next time we went the fish were ferocious, and we had a great session. Mullet gut is a messy

bait, but I’ve found nothing better. Flathead have been in the river in good numbers and live herring have been attracting them. Small bait jigs and a small amount of bread for berley – off the jetty behind the old co-op is your best bet for catching a few land-based herring at Brunswich Heads. They are worth the time to procure because along with the flatty are good-sized trevally and a few school jewfish. These last three species will continue on through to spring but bream numbers will start to taper off towards the end of the month. Best of luck with the fish and stay healthy through these interesting times.

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Thomas with a nice school mulloway from the rocks at Ballina.

Winter weather making it challenging to fish

ELLO all and welcome to the second month back running a print version of the magazine. I must say I’m definitely enjoying the new layout. I hope all of you like the new size and style as well. It has certainly made it easier to read when you are hanging onto it, and I’m sure many of you are appreciating the larger print. As for fishing over the past month, it has most

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Ballina Bait & Tackle by BRETT HYDE

certainly been difficult to say the least. At this time of year it is usually fairly dry and conditions are much calmer. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the case this winter. We have had plenty of strong wind, swell and a steady stream of rain. This inclement weather has meant that fishing has been tough to access from day to day. Bream and luderick have been in good numbers in the lower reaches of the river, and while the run-in tide has been a good bet for both species – apart from a couple of spots around the rock walls – the run-out tide does work a little better with luderick. However, green weed has been difficult to find in the cane drains, so it may pay to head over to one of the local rock platforms and grab yourself a handful of cabbage, or maybe try

one of the weed flies available on the market. Bream have been fairly happy to munch on most baits put in front of their noses, but green prawns and mullet fillets have been popular options. As is usually the case at this time of the year, curl tail soft plastics and metal blades have been working very well for bream. With water quality being quite good, more natural colours have been working a lot better than a few of the alternatives. Smaller tides over the last month have meant that most anglers have been forced to use lighter weights to make the lure offerings appear more realistic to wary bream. Better numbers of mulloway have continued to be compressed in the lower reaches of the river. The breakwalls and * continued P38

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 37

Winter weather making it challenging to fish * from P36

deep holes behind the CBD have been the pick of good spots but finding live bait has been a little tough at times. So, make sure you have some backup bait such as mullet and squid in case the live bait do not want to play the game for you. Large hard-body lures have worked fairly well of late on the rocks, so grab yourself some Leavey Lures, Croaker Lures, RMG Scorpion Lures, Killalure Jewie 150 and Halco Laser Pro 190 before you next head out. The Leavey Lures and Croaker Lures in particular are heavy – around 70g – and as such will cast better and hold their action firmer in rough conditions. Offshore has been a little difficult, with large swells and strong wind making it really dangerous to get across the bar. When we have been able to get out, we have had good quality snapper, teraglin, mulloway and tuna coming from the close reefs. Live baits, lightly weighted pilchards and soft plastics have all converted to success. The 32-fathom line has been holding snapper and trag, and on days when

the weather decided to finally settle down, the wider grounds have been producing kingfish and amberjack. Live baits such as slimy mackerel and yellowtail with small knife jigs have been tempting the majority of these. If you’re after an easy feed and a bit of a gym workout in the process, get ready because at any tick of the clock we should see leatherjacket turn up. I am however tipping that we may not see quite as many as we have in past years. The water temperature has stayed warmer than it normally does, and with the rough conditions over winter they may not want to come out and play with us at all. So, it’s certainly a good time to prepare for the leatherjacket that do show up by making a few rigs up. If nothing else, make sure you have a good supply of spare terminal tackle such as hooks, swivels, sinkers and leader line as leatherjacket can make short work of most pieces of hardware put in front of them. Well that’s all from me. ‘Til next time – tight lines!

Page 38 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Yamba-based angler Guy Hemmers proudly displayed this nice mulloway taken offshore on a live slimy mackerel.

Jewfish steer clear of Clarence River

’M not sure what may have happened in your local river jewfish-wise during the bright moon in July, but here at Iluka the fishing was abysmal to say the least. However, good catches of these smelly critters were still to be had offshore and around the headlands. Lismore jewaholic Guy Stewart made the pilgrimage on the first two nights and managed to snare a couple of fish early in the moon. From then on though the river was deader than a doornail, which was really odd because fishing traditionally gets better later in the moon, not worse. Ashby angler Ted McLean fished the Iluka breakwall in daylight at low tide with his son Ben, who was visiting from down south

Just Jew by TYE PORTER

and trying for a jew but could only manage stinking big stingrays and bream. I was happy to write the bright moon off and looked forward to the next dark moon but bugger me if we weren’t belted with wind in excess of 35 knots for the first half of it. Recently, I was sitting on the lounge watching TV and listening to the wind blowing outside, and my partner made a comment along the lines of: “I remember a time when you would wait for bad weather like this before you went fishing.” I replied, “Yeah, but I wasn’t 60 with shot lungs and ticker back then.” Oh, the joys of getting old.

Before the east coast low formed down south, sending huge swells and gale force wind up our way, excellent catches of jewfish and snapper were being taken offshore and believe it or not even the odd little spotted mackerel. My son Travis and his mate Guy Hemmers made several trips offshore and were rewarded with quite a few jew over a period of a couple of weeks, with their best fish tipping the scales at over 14kg and Trav snared a 60cm spotted mackerel. The lads used a variety of live baits including slimy mackerel and yellowtail. I would love to have * continued P39

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Jewfish steer clear of Clarence River * from P38

been a fly on the wall the day the lads were busy taking photos of their fish back at the boat ramp in Yamba, only to look up and see the boat drifting away! Lucky Travis could swim. Elsewhere, offshore Grafton angler David Atkins managed to boat nice snapper to 6.8kg up north at Black Rocks, while Bill Durham from Sydney led the way with snapper to over 8kg from the southern grounds off Wooli. Luderick have dominated catches in the Clarence River, with all

the well-known spots being full to the brim and anglers trying their luck. The majority of fishers have been getting a decent feed each day. Bream are to be had for those targeting them, however very few boats fish at night like they used to years ago, when you could easily tell the fish were on by the huge number of trailers in the carpark, but these days the carparks are empty. Both the Bluff and Second Bluff have fished well for jewfish to a tad over 20kg and tailor to 3kg on hardbodied minnow lures during low tide.

Back Beach and Main Beach have been the spots to fish for a good feed of tailor, bream and the odd school jew. Some honking tarwhine around the 1.8kg mark have been landed up along Ten Mile Beach at Shark Bay along with plenty of solid bream and a handful of school jew, and this trend should continue if the swell abates. Back in the 1980s, my mates and I used to fish Forty Foot on the Evans Head headland for mack tuna every August using metal slugs and though I haven’t been back there for over 20 years, I would assume these little speedsters are still doing their thing today. Given that our traditional land-based pelagic season is over until next year on the far north coast of NSW, the headland could be an option if you want to have a bit of fun during the off season, as

fish to 6kg were quite common. In theory, August should see similar fishing to last month, however I hope the smelly old jew return to the river for the rest of winter before the flat-tailed

mullet move back upstream for summer. Sorry, my report is a bit short as I’ve had a few health issues to deal with, but it should be all systems go next month. Until next month, safe fishing.

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www.facebook.com/bnbfishing Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 39

Matty Tatton captured a fat 50cm land-based bass. Photos: fishingnoosa.com.au

End of winter – not the end of awesome action

ITH August being the last month of winter, water temperatures are now at their coolest. This is also the time of year when we often have very low swell on the Noosa River Bar, which makes for a safer start to the day. The biggest change is the snapper and pearl perch closure for Queensland. By now, anyone intending to go offshore should be in the know that snapper and pearlies are off-limits from July 15 to August 15.

Sunshine Coast by GRANT BUDD

If you’re fishing during this time and you land these fish, they must be returned to the water, so get up to speed on how to correctly vent fish (not popping the stomach protruding from the fish’s mouth) or buy a release weight. We have plenty of other great fish to target and this is the perfect time to try new techniques and maybe leave the pilchard floater at home.

Page 40 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Offshore, water temperatures have been perfect for various reef dwellers, with numerous good-sized fish on the chew. Be sure to carry a few live bait rigs in your kit because a live bait can certainly lure the big fish out. Traditionally live baits are best suited to targeting jewfish, coral trout, midwater cobia and longtail tuna. These can be snelled

or ganged and sent down deep or allowed to free swim. If you catch a snapper midwater, the chance of a successful release is higher versus dragging one off the bottom, due to a lower risk of barotrauma. A traditional twinhook paternoster rig will leave you open to catching snapper and pearl perch so now is the time to move away from this method. If you find yourself hooking pearlies and snapper, it’s a good idea to take note of what they look like on your

sounder so you don’t continue to catch them. I enjoy jigging and slow jigging is a wellknown way to target snapper and pearlies. When a slow-pitch jig is fished slowly and close to the bottom, snapper and pearlies will smash it. Try slightly faster and longer lifts with a turn on the handle while the lure drops to tempt the bigger, more aggressive predatory species into biting. Jewies respond well to this method and Black Magic Flipper Jigs will * continued P41

www.bnbfishing.com. au

End of winter – not the end of awesome action * from P40

let you fish this style of retrieve. The stock hooks are very small and heavy, so switch these out for Decoy Twin Pike assists in 3/0 size. This method can be adopted around North and Sunshine reefs as well as many other reefs in 40m-plus of water. Double Island, the Barwon Banks and the Hards are great places to try something faster paced. High-speed jigging is an adrenalin rush very few forget. The act of dropping over 120g of lure into the depths, hitting the bottom and ripping it up appeals to amberjack, cobia, tuna and trevally, along with any other pelagic speedster. The hit from a fish can be anything from a small bump to an abrupt Mack truck of a hit followed by huge head shakes and the drag-screaming run we all dream of. This is not for light 7’ snapper rods and 20lb braid. Jigging rods and lines are measured in PE (line diameter), and PE3 (50lb) is the lightest anyone should try with this technique when big fish are present. It is important to know that the thicker the line, the heavier the jig will need to be if current is present. Generally speaking, the old saying of “no www.bnbfishing.com. au

run, no fun” applies. Use your time when there is no run to find bommies and aggregations of bait for marks to return to later. Come into one of our Davo’s Tackle stores and check out Oceans Legacy rods, Varivas lines and leaders as well as high-speed jigs and assist hooks from Decoy, BKK and Shout. The beaches have been popular with tailor anglers searching for the mighty greenback. Most anglers are finding the run-in tide after dark, the better time to target the bigger fish, with river mouths a popular area to fish. The perfect setup for big tailor involves a strong-scented bait such as salted bonito fillets on a two-hook strip bait or gang-hooked rig with bait wrap to keep your bait in place. This lets you punch casts out and know your bait will not fly off or get picked off in seconds by smaller fish. Jewfish are still present around the Noosa headlands, Point Arkwright and Yaroomba Rocks during the leadup to a full or new moon phase. Fresh mullet has been responsible for most catches, with live beach worms the winner on the open beach gutters during the daytime for smaller bream, dart and whiting. Chunky bream and tailor have been landed on the open beaches,

with first light on a runin tide proving to be the better time. When chasing bream and whiting in the surf, try throwing small handfuls of berley around your feet. The wave action will carry this out to the gutter and help bring the fish on the bite. In the Noosa River, bigger yellowfin bream and dusky flathead are showing up around the mouth, with sizes of both fish reaching serious specimen size. With bream now waiting to spawn, it should be noted that any captures reaching the magical 40cm and above length should be photographed and promptly released. These huge female fish are rare and more

Cory with a cracking flatty caught on the beach using a mullet strip bait.

* continued P42

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End of winter – not the end of awesome action * from P41

than 30 years old. As such, the eating qualities of such fish are questionable, not to mention they are an important link to the fishery’s future. To target these fish, fresh chunk baits of mullet, pilchard and small whole whitebait on simple running sinker rigs work well. For flathead, larger bait presentations such as a snelled whole pilchard work well too. Very few fish will pass up a prawn. Using soft plastic prawns such as the LiveTarget Fleeing Shrimp and Zerek Absolute Shrimp along the drop-offs and deepwater holes will see you connected. Aim to fish around rocks, sandy drop-offs, the dog beach and any

holes near the river mouth rocks and sandbags. If big fish are your target, then you must carry a landing net. The Berkley Catch and Release Snapper Net with a telescopic handle is the best option, regardless of where you fish from. A useful tip for carrying one of these is to put a shoulder bag strap though the frame so it can be slung over your shoulder. You can also target big flathead with soft vibes, which big bream and trevally will hit as well. Look at smaller Fish Trap lures from Zerek, especially if using lighter 2-4kg rods. The larger lures can be used on quality 3-5kg and 4-6kg outfits. For the best presen-

tation, an eight-strand braid should be used in conjunction with a fluorocarbon leader of at least 10lb. Take a look at the Davo’s range of Japanese leader material from Shimano and YGK and learn how to tie an FG knot. If surface fishing is your thing, the Frying Pan is a great location for capturing whiting, bream, trevally and even tailor. This is great visual fun and using 1-2kg lines and ultralight rods such as the NS Amped UL makes for the perfect casting rod. Always ensure you have at least three to four lures and look at the Bassday Sugapen 70mm, Atomic K9 and Lucky Craft Gunfish 75mm surface walkers because these are prov-

Clay Edwards scored a stonker 60cm pennantfish from Noosa. Page 42 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

en performers. At this time of year you’ll regularly see tailor in the same area. These fish are often on the hunt, so try medium size poppers and small stickbaits because the surface hit from a hungry tailor will get the heart pumping. Be sure to try a variety of retrieve styles and speeds because all too often tailor will hit a slow-moving lure right at your feet. The Woods Bays, Noosa Sound and Gympie Terrace have produced mixed schools of trevally including golden, diamond, tea-leaf, big eye and giant. They’ve been feeding hard in the early mornings before the sun is up and boat traffic starts. Micro jigs continue to be the pick of lures for chasing trevally throughout the river, with the Jigpara from MajorCraft and SeaRide Blue Blue the most popular. A good tip is to rig them with an assist hook on top and treble on the bottom for a better hook-up rate. Take a look at Decoy Light Class split rings and the new Light Game single assist for the best rigging option. Upstream, the ski run has seen school-sized jewfish of 60-70cm caught and released on prawn imitations including the Chasebaits Smash Prawn and Gladiator Prawns as well as live baits. When targeting jewies, you should strike hard at all bites and be sure your hooks are

brand new because dull points will only see hooks drop out during the fight. Away from the salt water, the freshwater impoundments have produced great fish. Bass are trying to spawn and have been found in good numbers around the dam walls. The end of August signifies the end of the wild bass closure. Though impoundment bass are not ‘wild’, they still have an instinct to travel downstream to breed. With the cool water, many big fish will be found hard on the bottom. Using a slower retrieve with lures like the Hot Bite vibration jig will help get the hook-up. Employing side and down scan settings on your sounder while under way will really help you find the fish. Lake Macdonald and Lake Borumba both require a Stocked Impoundment Permit to fish, so be sure to get one either in person from an Australia Post outlet or online at qld. gov.au before you hit the water. For all the latest information including upto-date bar and fishing reports, jump on fish ingnoosa.com.au And don’t forget to drop into Davo’s Tackle World, Davo’s Boating and Outdoors in Noosa or Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola to find out where the fish are biting. Tight lines and bent spines! www.bnbfishing.com. au

Steeply shelving beaches are a sign of deep water close to shore, which is ideal for targeting tailor.

Family fun at Fraser Island

T is that time of year again, with my family and I just returning from four nights at Eurong Beach Resort on Fraser Island. This resort is located about an hour’s drive from the ferry landing at Kingfisher Resort, and slightly less coming from Hook Point on the bottom of the island. Eurong Beach Resort The two-bedroom apartment we stayed in was in the ‘Coral Sea View’ wing, which overlooks the pool and

Fishing Tips by SEAN ‘SKIP’ THOMPSON

has a beautiful view of the ocean through the palm trees. During the COVID-19 shutdown, all the rooms had some renovations done, including ours. With a fresh look and feel, our accommodation featured brand-new floorboards, updated kitchen and a spacious living area. This resort is perfect for both a family

or friends fishing trip because the rooms are very comfortable and convenient but you don’t pay the big prices you do at many other islands and resorts on the mainland. Combine that with Fraser’s magical natural beauty and variety of quality fishing options and you’d be mad not to contemplate a stay if you’ve never been, are

A nice western side catch by the family on live worms, with a few bream released as well. www.bnbfishing.com. au

keen for a break or just want to get back to the island. For families it has everything. You can play tennis, swim in the pool or play footy, cricket or volleyball on the lawns, all in the safety of the fully fenced resort. There is also a fully

equipped shop, yummy bakery and variety of breakfast and dinner options at the restaurant if you don’t want to drag over Eskies full of food. That said, if you do want to cook your own food, many of the apartments have fully * continued P44

This flathead was caught using 6lb braid on an Alvey Orbitor and 2.5” Z-Man Slim SwimZ in pink. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 43

Family fun at fabulous Fraser Island * from P43

self-contained cooking facilities as well. Other benefits include wide four-wheel-drive parking spaces and an awesome coin-operated carwash to remove ex-

cess sand and salt spray from your vehicle. Fishing choices During our recent trip, the beach fishing for whiting was the best it had been in several years.

You can check the wind and ocean conditions while taking in the views from your balcony at Eurong Beach Resort.

While the tailor were sparse, they had been around in May and June and will no doubt be back by the time this goes to print, with more schools around the Gold Coast at the time of writing. The beach Beach fishing at Fraser Island in winter and early spring tends to be productive for tailor, whiting, bream, tarwhine and dart, with specialist catches of mulloway, sharks and spanish mackerel available for those who target them. For those chasing

Relaxing by the resort pool is a great option between fishing sessions with the family.

Look for flat sand spits with only a thin film of water over them for beach worming at low tide. Page 44 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

whiting, I strongly recommend live beach worms. Pipis will pick up a few fish and quality red-dyed frozen worms will also catch the odd one. The best locations for whiting are the shallow low tide gutters with a blind or closed end where the fish will gather to feed on worms and pipis. Be sure to stand well away from the water when casting or you will spook the fish. For those who don’t mind dart, fishing the deeper water gutters on high or low tide will pick them up most times of the day. If keen on bream and tarwhine, look for gutters around the rocks of Poyungan, Happy Valley and Ngkala, or fish just inside the back sandbank of middling to deep gutters. For tailor, you want to be looking at gutters close to shore with a back bank within casting range. South and north entry points are ideal. Sometimes the beach has just one long channel running for kilometres parallel to shore. In this case look for areas of variance, such as the back sandbank dipping in closer to shore or a steep drop in the sand from the beach into deeper water. An entry or exit point is also ideal. Mulloway like deep holes, which are also signalled by steep dropoffs on the beach and will hang around areas where bait congregates, such as patches of rock and reef along the beach.

Western Fraser flats The western side of the island offers a great option for a bit of variety and protection from strong southeasterly wind. The full and new moons are ideal for fishing the western side because these generate bigger tides, meaning higher highs and lower lows. The lower low tides (of 0.5m or less) will concentrate flathead around the entrances of drains and creeks and will also draw whiting to the melon holes and shallow drains/channels that run along the flats. I see some anglers making a couple of common mistakes on the western side. First, do not use unnatural baits for the area (such as pipis and squid), rather, use live yabbies and beach worms. Soft plastics also work very well here but on very light finesse jig heads (1/6-1/8oz in the shallow water). Don’t use extra-heavy jig heads meant for snapper because they sink like a stone. Flathead, bream, trevally, grunter and even cod are realistic targets on the flats in the low-low tides of 0.2-0.4m. For the bait anglers, fishing the drains as the tide moves in or out can be effective, as can targeting melon holes and right up on the edge of the mangrove line near high tide. That’s it for another month. As always, I hope you jump on and say hi via my Ontour Fishing Australia Facebook page. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Ken suffered through wild weather for this cracker snapper.

Plastics have been owning the scoreboard

E are well into winter now. I am sitting here freezing and thinking it has slowed my brain function. However, the fishing has been pretty good, with a bit of work my crews have managed some decent bites. Though Hervey Bay, as with any other fishery, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going off every day. Most days itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been plastics owning the scoreboard. Which I expect is due to smaller tides, clearer water and most speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; metabolisms slowing down. Water temperature is sitting just under 20C. So, I do my usual thing and lighten the leaders and lure weights.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Fraser Guided Fishing by TRI TON

However, there are days when this just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work and eventually you bite the bullet and try something else even if just the day before you were smacking them on soft plastics. Take for instance trying soft vibes. Yes, they are a soft lure, but the action is stronger. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of any other lure thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as realistic and with such a strong aggressive action. On a few recent trips they produced bites when nothing else did. Now, they may not hook the biggest fish, but they constantly get hit throughout the day.

They may work over maybe three trips and then they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. It is something you must always consider. It does helps when I have people who are

* continued P46

Johnny jigged up some dinner.

Mav put a squire on the table before the closed season. Bush â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Beach Fishing, August 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 45

Plastics have been owning the scoreboard * from P45

Chris boated his first diamond trevally.

familiar with vibe fishing principles. Teams can help make the magic. Another day comes to mind, we had some very experienced anglers on board. I fished plastics while they fished jig. I struggled to get a bite, but they pinged one here and there. When the fishing turned on for a short period, bites came easily for everyone. But it was curious that the jigs seemed to irritate the fish, when they were stuck on the bottom and sulking.

On the flip side, we travelled home and tried a different spot on the way. And the plastics dominated. Not just bite rate, but size too. Jigs hit on the bottom were all bites from smaller fish. Plastics hit all through the column, but generally midwater and definitely bigger fish. The day after, big snapper were caught on soft plastics. Queenfish and tuna in a mixed pelagic school – not a surface school – boom, on the soft plastic. Go figure…

Ben banged a few golden trevally on jigs.

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Endless options around Tin Can Bay

Wyatt Lee held a chunky Tin Can Bay mack tuna.

The author landed a diamond trevally on a Zerek Fish Trap along the ledges.

Chase Matthews with a nice-sized squid from Tin Can Bay. Page 48 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

’DAY guys and gals, I hope everyone has been keeping well and getting out and wetting a line. With the relaxation in COVID-19 restrictions early in July and the school holidays at the start of the month, we saw an explosion of boats on the local waterways. This also brought quite a few much-needed tourists back to our region. Now let’s have a look at what has been getting caught in our local area. Winter whiting have been captured in good numbers and size, with mid-20cm fish common. The mouth of Kauri Creek has been the hot spot, as has drifting around the Lady Woodward and the powerlines. Squid have been in plague proportions over the past few weeks and the Yamashita Egi SutteR jigs in NEB have been popular with most of the TCB Fishing Club members. Pink and orange colours have also been working a treat on the local cephalopods – no surprises there. The new Yamashita Egi Oh Live jigs are

Tin Can Bay by CHRIS RIPPON

also proving popular with local anglers. A few of the more keyed-in anglers have been getting nice tiger squid up in the shallows on the making tides. Fishing the mangrove line on high tide with jigs in the 3 and 3.5 sizes in natural colours has worked well. Bream are around in good numbers and make for great fun on light spin combos. Flicking smaller lures around the mangroves in the creeks or the pylons in Snapper Creek should see you bag a few this time of the year. For the bait crew, try fresh strips of mullet or small prawns lightly weighted and fished back into structure. Flathead are out in force. Some of the local guns have been getting great fish stalking the shallows on a rising tide with 60mm and 90mm hard-bodies. Using a steady retrieve, smacking into the mud and kicking up a puff of dust on the seabed is key. With the water crystal

clear, longer leaders, a long cast and stealthy approach are going to be needed to trick them into eating your offerings. One of the standout plastics lately has been the 4” Biwaa Deus in Pearl White and Pink Ice rigged on either a 2/0 or 3/0 TT 1/4oz jig head. Those flatties have no hope! A few squire have started to show up in Tin Can Bay recently. Fresh squid baits and diver whiting have been the baits of choice for most anglers. Some good size blackall have been caught and a few grass sweetlip are in the mix. The 40 Foot has been fishing well for those anglers. We have also seen solid blackspot tuskfish caught on crabs along Teebar Ledge. Golden and diamond trevally have been making an appearance along the drop-offs on the run-out tide for anglers vibing. It may pay to go heavier with your choice of * continued P49

Rubee and Jack Walton with a feed of mud crabs. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Neil Moy with a couple of muddies from a quality haul he got working the shallows.

Endless options around Tin Can Bay * from P48

vibe so you can spend more time in the strike zone. We have seen masses of baitfish turning up in Tin Can Bay and schools of mack tuna and Watson’s leaping bonito terrorising the bait balls. We’ve seen this action throughout the bay, from Inskip Point right down past the powerlines. Fishos have also been picking off nice size school mackerel. The bigger pelagics are still hunting around Inskip. Slow-trolled live baits and the trusty Halco Laser Pro in 160DD and XDD are doing the job for those into trolling. The anglers casting slugs at tuna have found nice spanish mackerel holding deeper under the schools and picking off the scraps. Sinking a Halco Twisty down through the bait schools a good 10-15m will work if you are targeting a feed of mackerel. Try retro-fitting your slugs with a single hook for a better hook-up. I like to use the Mustad Tarpon hooks in 5/0 and 6/0 because they are inline hooks. Jewfish have been www.bnbfishing.com. au

showing up on the beach, though only a handful of smaller specimens so far. Chopper tailor are also appearing in good numbers and we have seen lots of schools of smaller fish in the estuaries over the past month too. Surprisingly, a couple of decent mangrove jack were caught off Rainbow Beach by whiting fishos. I could not believe my eyes when I saw it on a Facebook post. Whiting, dart and bream have been keeping the locals and holiday-makers busy along the beach. Some stud dart are being caught on fresh worms. Sand crabs are on the march in the bay, so now is the time to get the dillies out and do a little prospecting for blue swimmers in the channel. Whiting frames would be my pick of baits for these tasty fish. Mud crabs are also around but a little doughy due to the cooler water. The ones that have been captured have been rather good quality though. Crabbing at the back of the bay in the shallows and around the full

moon has produced better muddies. Well that is it from me this month. One last thing: from me, Emma and the whole crew at The Chandlery Bait & Tackle, we would like to say a massive thankyou for the ongoing support you have shown us to help keep the doors open, especially in these trying times. Find us at the Tin Can Bay Marina, Emperor St for all your boating and fishing needs. Cheers and tight lines.

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The author with a stunning but unwanted chinaman fish that had him fooled it was a prized red emperor.

Bundaberg offshore exploration

HAT is more exciting than the unknown possibilities of a new fishing spot? I’m sure you’ve all had those dreamy weekday thoughts about fishing destinations you’re itching to explore.

Bundaberg Offshore by JOEL JOHNSON

It may be a creek you have researched using Google Maps or a hidden gem you’ve heard whispers about.

Either way, I know I am well and truly a victim of this kind of unknown attraction. Something that has al-

Kirstin with a lovely redthroat emperor. Page 50 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

ways fascinated me is the fishing opportunities our oceans contain. With about 70 percent of our earth’s surface being oceans, it’s not hard to believe there remain areas that haven’t been searched before, let alone fished. In the waters offshore from Bundaberg where I fish regularly, I think I would be grey and old by the time I’ve fished even half the reefs and likely fishing spots in my local area. This is of course where technology comes in handy. You let the survey vessels do the hard work for you in a sense, using the contour lines on your GPS to get you to likely areas where you can then refine your search for structure and fish. GPS co-ordinates are

often available online, however these are of course locations that get fished regularly. If you’re fresh out of ideas, they are a great place to start when searching for fish offshore. You have to remember, in most cases offshore fishing requires a degree of know-how when using your sounder and GPS. It isn’t always as easy as punching in some co-ordinates and reeling up the fish that are conveniently below you. It pays to start in the general area of your marked co-ordinates or contour line, then work the area in a pattern that surveys the bottom for structure and fish readings. Another excellent way of finding structure is * continued P51

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Epic Bundaberg offshore exploration * from P50

to drift and fish. If you’re in a likely destination to begin with, the wind and current will often push you across more good-looking reef or fish. During our most recent adventures offshore, we’ve headed far and wide in search of the elusive red emperor. I have not yet landed a legal-sized red emperor, and after many hours of trying they’ve still managed to steer clear of my baits. I have, however, caught countless undersized specimens, so I know I’m on the right track to landing one of these prized beauties. Throughout these occasions we fished everything from hard structure with pinnacles of 5-10m to rubbly bottom in depths ranging from 30-100m, but still no big red. I cannot complain about our by-catch, landing a mixed bag of hussar, venus tuskfish, redthroat emperor and maori cod to name a few. Finally, while fishing likely looking structure in 70m of water, I hooked up to something serious. With my rod seriously buckled, the fish did not want to come off the bottom and judging by the head shakes I quickly made the call that I’d hooked my desired red emperor. After a tiring fight, I finally saw colour and it was indeed red with www.bnbfishing.com. au

some beautiful white bars. I was ecstatic, thinking I’d done it, and when it finally surfaced I was deflated to see it was a chinaman fish. Equally beautiful but due to ciguatera toxins, a far less desirable species than an emperor. I was still stoked with the epic fight the fish put up, and sent it on its way to fool some other silly bugger! Over the past couple of trips searching for reds we have racked up some serious miles – thank God for our Suzuki outboard and its insanely good fuel economy! Hopefully one day soon the fishing gods finally hand me that trophy red emperor I’ve been trying so hard for, but until then I’m happy catching every other line puller that gets in the way. And why wouldn’t I – with so much water to explore, I’ve got lots of ‘work’ to do!

Zane captured a cracking tuskfish.

Leeah landed a great-sized venus tuskfish.

A maori cod brought up from the depths on a slow-pitch jig. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 51

Best-ever trip to the Bunker Group

HOPE everyone has been keeping well and getting about on the water. Restrictions have eased in Queensland and allowed us to travel through the state. The first place we headed was the Bunker Group at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. We took my old man’s Sailfish 2800 cat for its maiden reef voyage and all I can say is wow! We left Turkey Beach

Moreton Bay by ADAM FOLEY

at midday and took sanctuary out of a 20-knot northwesterly wind until the next morning. The wind swung to the south overnight and remained about 20 knots, so we were limited to shallow water fishing until it dropped out, but it was easy to see the fishing was red hot from the first, sec-

ond and third drops, with some quality trout hitting the deck. Soon after some bacon and eggs on the gas cooker we headed north of Heron Island in 8-12m of water and the good fishing continued, boating more trout, large redthroat and red emperor to 52cm. I had a feeling the reds

Sarah Lewin caught her first red emperor, coming in at a cracking 13kg.

Sarah Lewin captured her first-ever coral trout in 8m of water. Page 52 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

could well and truly be on the chew if we were getting them just under legal size in 8m of water! At lunchtime the wind showed the first signs of backing off, so we followed its lead and ventured further north to ground I had found on a previous trip. The first drop had me buckled over the side on what seemed like a good-sized red, but instead I pulled in a stonker spangled emperor, which was released straight away. On the next drift over the mark my dad hooked up to a solid fish, and my partner Sarah hooked an absolute horse that hit her very hard. My fingers were crossed as this could be her first red emperor and if so, it was going to be a cracker. I could see colour and it looked red, with its identity revealed moments later. To see Sarah’s first red emperor come in the form of a 13kg beast

was a pretty special moment because these fish are the pinnacle of reef fishing and anything over 10kg is a truly memorable fish for any angler. This set the scene for the most epic fishing session I have experienced, with massive trout, red emperor, redthroat, goldband snapper, pearl perch and many more hitting the deck one after the other. It shut down on dark, as the Bunker Group often does while all the fish take safe haven in caves and reef crevices and don’t usually come back out until first light the next morning. After a big sleep on a glassy ocean we woke to perfect weather and fishing, with the first drop seeing my younger brother Matt nailing a very solid red emperor. The 400-litre Esky was looking quite full and with plenty of red in the box, I figured we’d soon pull the pin. Dad hooked up * continued P54

The crew had called this for a big shark and not a giant chinaman fish. www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 53

Queensland – good to go: reef, river and Lucinda

HE past month has provided several good opportunities for offshore anglers to hit their favourite spots, with the most recent opportunity on the building tides before the full moon providing great fishing. I heard of quite a few happy anglers, with red emperor, trout and redthroat emperor fea-

Bundaberg Region by BRAD YOUNG

turing in their boxes, as well as some snapper. Remember the new closed season for snapper and pearl perch from July 15 to August 15! We’ve seen quite a few nice cobia landed

at their usual haunts. With the winter weather pattern providing ideal low wind or windless conditions offshore, there are sure to be more opportunities to head east and chase reef fish.

One advantage of being in the Bundaberg region of the southern Great Barrier Reef is smaller boats are able to access reef fishing opportunities close inshore, especially with a westerly wind blowing. If you are travelling through, grab some local information from Tackle World Bundaberg, Rehbeins Guns &

Cape Palmerston Holiday Park was a great stay.

Fishing or BCF to get some local intel. Keen young angler Joel worked his magic in the Kolan River again over the recent school holiday period. While he experienced a few quiet days, he came up with the goods, landing a nice lizard on a soft plastic he worked over the shallow mud flats, together with a decent haul of whiting. One secret to his success is the time he has invested in the Kolan. Many anglers are either not prepared or don’t have the chance to invest time in their preferred fishing location. Each trip becomes a piece of the puzzle as you begin to ‘wire’ an area. * continued P55

Best-ever trip to the Bunker Group * from P52

once again and with head shakes coming through the rod it looked like we might have nabbed another. I was over the moon when I saw that red twirl heading for the surface. With high fives all round we started the mission back to Turkey Beach in cracking conditions. I had the twin 200hp Yamahas humming along at 37 knots most of the way home. We managed a trip total average fuel economy of about 0.9km per litre, which is fantastic for a boat of its size. This concluded by far the best trip I had ever done.

No trailer problems to and from home was a bonus. Our YouTube channel Outer Line Adven-

tures has a 30-minute video of this trip and many more epic fishing adventures. If you would like to

A huge trout for the author from 60m of water.

Page 54 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

check it out and enjoy what you see, then please subscribe. Our apparel is also available at outerline.

bigcartel.com ‘Til next time, I hope everyone is having an epic adventure somewhere on the water!

The author’s brother with by far his biggest trout to date. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Lachlan held a winter barra from Lucinda.

Kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough.

Queensland – good to go: reef, river and Lucinda * from P54

This will enhance your ability to fish at peak times and be more successful. Over the holidays we were able to take our Brilliant Cobra XL caravan on a sojourn northward to visit a few places on our bucket list. Cape Palmerston Holiday Park was a fabulous base for two nights and provided the opportunity to fish the local creek. While we didn’t have any crab pots with us, we saw locals moving their pots around chasing muddies. This was a great park and highly recommended. Broken River Campground in Eungella National Park was where we spent our next two days. As well as having the prime campsite overlooking the platypus pool, we explored the other camping areas (Crediton Hall was a great one we found) and Eungella Dam. The local community group, based at the Eungella Community Hub, provided hot showers at the cost of $2 for three minutes or

www.bnbfishing.com. au

$4 for six minutes ($2 coins only). This is a fabulous initiative and will benefit the community as well as travellers. A four-day stay in Townsville at the BIG4 Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park provided us a central location from which to explore the Strand and its eateries, Magnetic Island for a day trip with a return transfer and bus combo deal as well as Castle Hill, Paluma Range National Park and Queensland Country Bank Stadium (home of the North Queensland Cowboys). The kids enjoyed their jet ski rides at Horseshoe Bay and a snorkel at Arcadia. The temperatures were so warm here the kids slept on top of their sleeping bags inside their swags and had their canvas flaps open to try to catch the breeze at night. My son Lachlan was keen to catch up with our good friend Daniel, who recently moved to Lucinda, in the hope of Daniel helping him to catch a barra. Wanderers Holiday Village was a fabulous base here.

Daniel has spent time getting to know his new ‘home’ and was able to put Lachy onto a nice barra on the first cast at one of his spots. With the tide building, we moved up into one of the creeks and targeted mangrove jack, with several solid fish landed on live baits. There was a chill in the air as we headed home in the dark from our first afternoon of fishing but I was looking forward to another opportunity the next day. Early the next afternoon we headed to a spot that fishes well around the turn of the tide. Lachy landed a nice blue salmon and Daniel caught a barra as well as some cod. We had a great time and enjoyed the fishing opportunities in this area. Lachy and I are planning another trip to this area next year. Our last stop was at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park for two nights. While there we had the opportunity to see the famous kangaroos on the beach at dawn, visit the Smalleys

Beach Camping Area and see the nearby localities of Seaforth and Ball Bay. Our Brilliant Cobra XL caravan performed faultlessly (thanks Mei, Kee and Therr Che from Brilliant Caravans) and was a pleasure to tow, even on the

more challenging trip down the Eungella Range. As always, I can be contacted via the Bush ‘n Beach website, by email at fishnboat@bigpond. com or pos t at PO Box 5812 Bundaberg West Queensland 4670. Until next month…

Joel knows how to target Miara lizards.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 55

Maddy’s first longtail tuna caught off the beach at Inskip Point on a 40g Gillies slug. Michelle McDonald

Nice fish scored from trolling the Kirkleagh flats at Somerset Dam with the Voodoo Silver and Chrome Fox. Tunza D Euler

Recently my grandson Lucas MacLeod, aged 12, went to far north Queensland with his father (my son Brendon) for a week’s holiday. Brendon took Lucas to ‘Hook A Barra’ at Wonga Beach. Lucas was lucky enough to hook the barra in the attached photo. The operator at Hook A Barra said it was a “1 in 10,000 chance” to hook one of these panda barra. Needless to say, Lucas was stoked and the fish was released immediately so there was no chance to get a length or weight. Wayne MacLeod

My 10-year-old son Ethan Parker landed this cracker golden perch at Lake Cania. It was his PB and hooked on a Jackall Brown Dog. Glenn Parker

To have a photo of your catch featured in Readers’ Forum, simply email ben@bnbfishing.com.au with a good-quality picture, your name and details or hop onto our Facebook page and send us a message. Page 56 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Four-year-old Oscar Daly was on holidays at Jacobs This solid tuskfish was captured in the northern Moreton Bay area. Well and caught and released his first whiting. Edward Liekefett Barry Daly

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 57

BOATING & marine

The best-value bay boats in Australia

F you are looking for the perfect bay and estuary boat, the SCBX range of fibreglass boats from Seachange Boating could be just what you need. Built with the renowned nous of the Aussie Haines boatbuilding family, the SCBX line-up is intended to make highquality fibreglass boating more affordable for the masses. Initially just one mod-

Boat Review by DANIEL TOMLINSON

el length is offered: a proven 4.85m (16’) hull available in four open boat configurations. Discerning readers may have put the pieces together and figured out that this is in fact the much-loved Haines Signature 485SF hull, albeit altered internally to suit Seachange Boating’s ‘build it your own

way and build it yourself’ philosophy. That’s right, if you’re handy on the tools, you no longer need to have the boat fitted out by the factory or a dealer, you can do it yourself in the shed at home! Say your budget is tight initially, so you start with the BA (Bare Ass) model, which

As far as tiller-steer boats go, the SCBX16T was one of the comfiest the author had ever ridden in.

A sleek beam of 2.05m doesn’t negatively affect stability while Xdeck greatly enhances under-foot feel. Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

kicks off at a scarcely believable $11,900 for the boat only, but you’re not a fan of tiller steer and you’d love to have a centre console with icebox to sit on. Simply jump into the brochure or onto the Seachange Boating website, head to the parts page and order a centre console ($985) and 40-litre cooler ($299) to install at your leisure. What a cool concept! The hull is a modular design, so modifying with SCBX accessories such as consoles and casting decks won’t reduce its structural integrity and won’t require days of measuring before committing to making the final cut, as while your boat might start as a blank canvas, there is a predetermined location for everything. It’s a revolutionary approach to boatbuilding and buying, and I’m

sure plenty of prospective boaters reading this are rubbing their hands with delight. I recently had the opportunity to sample all four configurations in the SCBX range around the Gold Coast Broadwater and Jumpinpin. Departing Runaway Bay Marina, I was lucky enough to find myself in the rocket of the pack: the SCBX16C side console powered by an 80hp Mercury FourStroke. The 4.85m hull is rated from 40-80hp, so I was stoked to have the maximum number of ponies sitting on the back of the boat I was commandeering. Once clear of the marina and six-knot zone, I punched the throttle and the hull jumped straight onto the plane and into an easy 40km/h cruise heading towards Jumpinpin. * continued P59

The SCBX16CS centre console has the chops to target big fish in arenas such as Hinchinbrook Island, as proven by YouTube and Instagram personality Brooksy (@frothcafe2). www.bnbfishing.com. au

BOATING & marine As a budget bay boat, it doesn’t get much better than this! Choosing the cheapest model doesn’t mean a lower-performing boat, with the same basic hull in place across the range.

With the maximum 80hp on the back, the side console SCBX hull flew across the water, feeling properly flighty at speed. The author wouldn’t have it any other way.

The best-value bay boats in Australia

* from P58

As is common in the Broadwater, plenty of pleasure cruisers were motoring about, along with the rest of our SCBX posse and two much larger Haines Group boats including the box-fresh Signature 640F, which you can read about on Page 59. Despite the high level of on-water traffic and the relatively low sides of the SCBX hull, it was easy to keep my passenger, The Haines Group’s wonderful national marketing manager Paula, and myself completely dry. I found the pedestal seat plenty comfortable and the rearward seating position meant hopping over chop and didn’t result in bums off seats and uncomfortable landings. And despite the lack of any real windscreen or cabin (just a wind deflector), Paula and I were able to hold a con-

www.bnbfishing.com. au

versation while travelling at 40-50km/h without raising our voices too much. The quiet ride is thanks in part to the hull’s full flat floor and of course its fibreglass construction, as you don’t get that ‘tinnie slap’ often associated with aluminium boats. Pinning the throttle saw us scooting out to about an indicated 65km/h, though it felt quicker than that. At cruise speed the SCBX16C handled like it was on rails, with no hint of cavitation and a beautifully flat and controlled cornering attitude. Pulling up near Jumpinpin, our group members had the opportunity to try all four SCBX boats and I found myself equally impressed by each model. After an unreal lunch at Tipplers Licensed Café, we headed back to Runaway Bay and this time I piloted the

SCBX16T tiller steer rigged with a Mercury 60hp FourStroke. Though it displayed a slightly more ‘nose-up’ attitude than the side console, it remained a breeze to handle, and while it certainly wasn’t slow with the 60hp, this 16’ hull in any configuration can absolutely benefit from the extra herbs and spices provided by the maximum horsepower. Looking closely at the images, you may notice the gunwales are devoid of rod holders, which

might seem odd for a fishing boat, but it’s a necessary omission to work with the modular and modifiable hull design. Instead, you can delve into the SCBX parts list and pick out a few stainless-steel clamp-on rod holders to mount to the four standard stainless steel rails on the gunwales of every hull. The team was quick to stress Seachange Boating isn’t just a boatbuilding company, and if you visit seachangeboating.com.au you’ll

see what they mean, with the brand offering everything from bean bags to wheel clamps, with the range set to expand continuously. It’s all about the outdoors lifestyle and I love it, with many of the products proudly Aussie made. For more information and to start the process of ordering the bestvalue bay boat on offer right now, head straight to seachangeboating. com.au Isn’t it time you had a Seachange?

The affectionally named Bare Ass model was set up, including a motor from Gumtree (that actually went pretty hard), to represent a boating package ready to hit the water for under $15,000. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 59

BOATING & marine Nothing rides like the new Haines Signature 640F

HE new 640F is a great addition to Haines Signature’s award-winning trailer boat range. Known for being the manufacturer of Australia’s best-built fibreglass boats, the Haines Signature team is extremely excited for the launch of the 640F. The Haines Group’s 640F builds on the company’s reputation for creating quality Australian-designed and built boats, providing customers with a versatile, family friendly fishing boat loaded

with new and exciting features. CEO John Haines said that the 640F has everything the now-replaced 602F provided plus more, allowing for a better boating experience. “The 602F has been one of our most popular boats, which was overdue to be reimagined,” Mr Haines said. This paved the way for the concept of the 640F. Taking boaters further for longer than previous models of this size, the 640F has a fuel capac-

Page 60 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

ity of 226 litres. This provides up to 25 percent more fuel capacity than its predecessor, maximising time on the water. The 640F can handle up to 225hp, so boaters can really have fun with it. This increased power option will give better fuel economy, range, handling and performance. “Derived from the 602F, we ensured the new 640F included all the existing features, but incorporated feedback from our valued

customers and dealers, taking this boat to the next level,” Mr Haines said. The new and improved dash layout can now handle up to 16” GPS/sounder screens and comes with even more desired features in the standard package – including Simrad and JL Audio electronics featuring chartplotter and sounder, VHF, stereo and speakers, as well as a dual battery system with VSR standard, giving long-range, trouble-free boating thanks to automated battery charging. In addition, the 640F has many optional design features, giving customers the chance to make the boat their own. This includes an optional fully enclosed hardtop with a sizeable roof hatch for great airflow, as well as a lockable sliding cabin door to ensure gear is secure with space for family and friends to escape the elements on extended trips. Finally, boaters may choose to include the best-in-class transducer option, with a pocketmounted, dual-frequen-

cy transducer moulded into the hull, giving the ability to read the bottom and mark fish with incredible clarity in depths to 1200m. The boat debuted to The Haines Group dealer network on June 22 via video conference due to the COVID-19 restrictions and is available for order immediately via the extensive Haines Signature dealer network. “In our 61 years of innovation and creation, I can say myself and the team at Haines Signature are truly proud of the boat we have created,” Mr Haines said. The 640F starts from the recommended retail price of $78,658 for a standard boat, motor, trailer package with Suzuki DF140ATX and Dunbier dualaxle trailer including Queensland registration and dealer delivery ex Brisbane and on waters. For more information, visit hainessignature boats.com.au or contact your nearest Haines Signature dealer today to order now. Nothing rides like a Signature. www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 61

BOATING & marine

C-MAP announces new website for recreational boaters Consumers who want to find a chart by geographical location can search by MY AREA, which will show available charts in and around the consumer’s location and area of their choosing. Clicking on any of the charts in the search results provides a detailed product description of the chart. The new CHARTS search gives consumers an overview of the different chart technologies available, along with an at-a-glance chart comparison guide.

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One of the most significant features of the new site is the capability to filter a search by device compatibility, under DEVICES. By providing a list of compatible chart options based on consumer chart plotter brand and model, the hassle of chart comparison tables and conducting online searches about device compatibility is removed. Navico CEO Knut Frostad said, “We are excited about the launch of the new CMAP website.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 63

L m

BOATING & marine Yamaha’s ergonomic Digital Electronic Control and joystick control combine to provide superb manoeuvrability, even for single-engine applications.

The latest Command Link CL5 digital gauge is super-clear and legible in all light conditions and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Helm Master EX suite.

Yamaha Helm Master EX digital boat control

AMAHA has just released a game-changing fully integrated boat control system that builds on years of experience with the original Helm Master system. The new Helm Master EX is designed around an expandable suite of Yamaha products, with Digital Electronic Control engines at its core. We all know and love the ease of operation and dependability of electric steering systems and fly-by-wire throttle controls, but the big news in the Helm Master EX line-up is the addition of an allnew Autopilot system and joystick control capable of being paired

with a single engine. These two electronic control systems are revolutionary for fishers and boaters worldwide, bringing unprecedented levels of manoeuvrability and versatility to single-engine boats, while improving functionality for multi-engine applications. For ease of consumer understanding and dealer installation, Yamaha has split Helm Master EX into four basic stages. Stage one is the upgraded Digital Electronic Control and CL5 Touchscreen display, with the option to add an electronic key switch and keyless remote. The second stage adds

Yamaha’s Autopilot uses a very advanced system that provides effortless hands-free driving, with features including Heading and Course Hold to keep you on track, regardless of wind and current. Page 64 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Yamaha’s Digital Electric Steering, which is exceptionally smooth and precise in its operation. Stage three introduces Autopilot and some seriously cool features including not just Heading Hold but Course Hold too, in case of being pushed off course while under way. The fourth and final stage adds the full-manoeuvrability joystick control system that provides control over shift, throttle and steering parameters. When broken down into stages, it’s obvious Yamaha’s Helm Master EX is designed with consumers front of mind, as those looking to spend less and simply get the basics can stick to a stage one or two setup and still receive a big boost to their boat’s functionality. However, for the serious offshore boaties who travel big distances to catch big fish, Autopilot will be an absolute boon. Built around a slimline, eight-button, console-mounted panel, Yamaha’s all-new Autopilot does more than

just maintain speed and course heading like the systems of old. During a recent water test in Moreton Bay, the Yamaha team flexed the system’s abilities by selecting several random points in the bay on the multifunction GPS/sounder display and selecting Course and Heading Hold as well as Track Point, a nifty feature that saw us navigating hands-free over the points plotted on the GPS. After scooting along at 50km/h for a few minutes, the system engaged Waypoint Arrival, which brought the boat down off the plane and into a fast idle speed for the final few hundred metres before kicking back the speed again closer to the mark and obviously reducing outboard noise (so as not to spook the fish!). Once we arrived on the mark, the on board joystick allowed us to engage FishPoint and hold us steady, bang on the mark – no anchors or electric motors here, just a super-quiet Yamaha four-stroke! Just imagine you’ve passed through the bar and set a course for a

mark on the 36-fathom reefs, keeping an eye out while kicking back in the helm seat with some brekkie as Autopilot flawlessly navigates to your set fishing location. As you near your destination, Waypoint Arrival kicks in and you can comfortably rig up your lines, lures and baits over the next couple of minutes before you arrive, at which time you engage either FishPoint or DriftPoint (the latter allowing you to drift with the prevailing wind or current but maintain a heading) and send your baits seawards. So easy and so cool in action. I’ve only scratched the surface of what Helm Master EX is capable of in this article, but after experiencing it first-hand, I can safely say it’s one of the most impressive boating innovations I’ve seen. Do yourself a favour and learn more about the system by visiting ya m a ha-mot or. c om. au or heading to your nearest Yamaha Outboard dealer today. Dan Tomlinson www.bnbfishing.com. au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 65

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 67

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Blue salmon can be sight cast on the flats. This one took a 4” ZMan Curly TailZ at the mouth of the Lillies.

Grunter will still be around and love eating 3” Gulp Shrimp lures.

Barra and mangrove jack still biting around Gladstone

HE last month of winter has arrived and so far in central Queensland, we’ve had only a few cold mornings when the mercury dipped below double digits. With the air temperature being quite stable and only a few mornings dropping below double digits, the water temperature has stayed consistent. This has affected several species, with our typical warmer water fish like barramundi and mangrove jack still biting quite well. While they are not feeding for as long or as hard as they do in summer, if you are willing to put in the time and effort you will find a few fish. If the air temperature increases towards the end of August, expect to see these fish starting to feed for longer and more aggressively. Live bait has been the most constant producer, with live prawns the first choice if you can get them past the hordes of bream around now.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Gladstone Region by GARY CHURCHWARD

Anyone on social media would have seen the amount and size of threadfin salmon getting around Port Alma and the Fitzroy River. It wasn’t long ago a fish over a metre was great and anything over 110cm was awesome, now 110cm is standard, 130cm is great and 150cm is the new trophy fish.

You might begin to wonder where it will stop – my guess is when they grow too big for the gear to handle. These fish are available year-round and though finding schools can be the easy bit, they do tend to have lock jaw. If you can find a feeding school or sit on a school until they bite,

Brian Scrivner found mack tuna on the outside of Curtis Island.

you’re in with a chance of scoring good numbers. If you have found fish and are struggling to get them to take a lure, finding live prawns will get a bite from them. Blue salmon are around though not as thick as usually can be expected at this time of year but more commonly in smaller schools. Gladstone Harbour has been holding better numbers as they move

around feeding on large schools of herring. You can find small schools moving up onto the flats as the tide rises and these fish can be sight targeted with soft plastics and hardbodies. While it’s cool, grunter is a species to target because they tend to fish better during cooler periods. Fingermark are still going strong and biting well through the har* continued P70

Phil caught this longtail tuna on a stickbait in between mack tuna when fishing with Brian. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 69

Wind hinders offshore efforts from Hinchinbrook

A Mic fished the estuary system for mangrove jack.

BIG g’day to everyone! I hope this finds you all healthy and happy. What a crazy few months we’ve had, with a few more twists still to come before the year is out no doubt. While we have continued to fish without clients through this time, trying out new grounds

Hinchinbrook News by TEAM CRACKAJACK

and techniques, our trips have been limited due to adverse weather. The wind has kept our ventures offshore to a minimum and the rain completed the double regarding our inshore trips. I mean, who really wants to get out of a nice warm bed and head outdoors when it is pouring rain? Maybe we’re just getting old! However, we can honestly say it is great to be getting back on the water and chasing fish again after this forced hiatus, even if the wind

is still restricting our offshore activities. Hopefully it clears up soon enough and we can have a better run for the remainder of the year. Inshore has seen some nice catches, even with the rain, which usually means a few slower days until the water clears. The fish have been around and surprisingly active. Catches have included bream, flathead, grunter and the ever-present estuary cod. Several quality mangrove jack and barramundi have been cap* continued P71

The Crackajack Sportfishing team.

Barra and mangrove jack still biting around Gladstone * from P69

bour and around the islands, and the headlands on the outside of Curtis Island. Your bread and butter species such as bream, flathead and whiting are going strong if you’re chasing a feed of fresh fish. The odd queenfish and trevally are being caught from the markers in the shipping channel.

Mackerel and tuna have been turning up on the outside of Facing Island, around the closer-in islands and on the outside of Curtis Island. Awoonga is fishing OK for barramundi and to consistently find fish in the dam, you really do need to spend time on the water to find where they are moving as the tem-

Page 70 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

perature changes. Crabs are still being caught in rivers and creeks, and sand crabs are moving through deeper channels in the harbour and sandy river mouths. I hope everyone stays safe and is able to get out on the water for the last month of winter. Cheers and happy fishing from Gladdy.

Lucas had a cracker father son fishing day.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Viv boated this barramundi on an inshore fishing charter.

Scott was pretty happy with this stunning coral trout.

Wind hinders offshore efforts from Hinchinbrook * from P70

tured too, with numbers up from last year. We were concerned about the fishing after this shutdown, mainly due to the extended pressure of netters targeting barra and the resulting by-catch. This was due to the netters not being able to move offshore chasing the more lucrative coral trout as demand for them was significantly down. And while we have noticed some systems were left almost lifeless afterwards, some areas are continuing to produce reasonable numbers of both barra and jacks, which is pleasing to see. Offshore has been mostly blown out, but we have managed a few trips to the reef, while other outings have seen us restricted to just wide of the islands in less-than-favourable conditions. The sharks remain plentiful, ensuring you have to work to get any-

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thing up past them. You can find the odd spot where you can fish for an hour or so before they find you again and it’s time to move. Hook-ups have included nannygai, various species of trevally and coral trout. Mackerel are starting

to make an appearance as well. We’ve had a few big runs while trolling lures, resulting in either pulled hooks or the fish being taken by sharks before we were able to boat them. We prefer the smaller mackerel models when taking one for the table.

It’s also that time of year when we again get to see the migrating whales, some of which make an appearance too close to the boat for my liking. However, it’s still great to see these majestic giants in person. There is always something to see when fishing

Two full-time local guides!

wide, from sea snakes to flying fish, feeding giant trevally, dolphins, turtles and surface-feeding schools, as well as the odd shark. Until next month, stay safe, smiling and positive. May the winds stay low and the fish count high.

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

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Luke Peisker with the best barra from poor conditions. The 66cm fish was taken on a Zerek Flat Shad.

Dan Baker has been getting into great local red emperor action of late.

WOULD put August down as one of the toughest months to fish the Fitzroy River. Two months of cold winter weather makes getting a bite out of species such as king threadfin salmon, barramundi and mangrove jack very difficult. It’s not impossible, as I stated last edition, and a bit of trial and error can get rewards.

prawn dangled on their nose. Luke had the first success after switching to a hard-body lure and slowly rolling it through some timber. The next fish, which was the biggest for the two days at 66cm, took a liking to a Zerek Flat Shad. We chipped away and tried many different techniques. We ended up with some small barra, threadies and a few good-sized flathead. Though we didn’t set the world on fire, we learnt a lot. Port Alma, on the other hand, has continued to fish well for monster threadies. I’ve seen some proper winter giants up to 150cm being caught out there. Samaki and Zerek vibes have done most of the damage. There have only been a few windows of opportunity to head wide. Reports have been pretty good from the

Trial and error will get rewards I Capricorn Coast by JOHN BOON

I recently took a couple of trips on the Fitzroy River with good mate Luke Peisker. One day we battled a sudden drop in air temperature and the next we struggled with strong southeasterly wind. We knew the bite was going to be tough but

I’m a big believer that you can learn plenty from the super-tough days. It forces change, so to speak. We tried many different lures and even live prawns on one day. We couldn’t even get the barra to eat a live

Great school holiday fun. Tom Baker, Roni Peff and Charlotte Baker with quality Keppel Island tiger squid. Page 72 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

fishos who have headed out when the dreaded westerly hasn’t been blowing. Red emperor have been caught in good numbers around reefs such as Douglas Shoal and Moresby Bank. The anglers targeting the reds have been getting wicked by-catch including big coral trout and horse redthroat emperor. Unfortunately, some stonker chinaman fish have been mixed in with the reds and it’s always disappointing when you think you’ve just pumped a 10kg red to the surface, only to be let down. Tiger squid have been reliable in all the usual places including Humpy Island, Miall Island and various places around North Keppel Island, such as Pumpkin and Sloping islands. School and spotted mackerel have been patchy along the coastline due to the wind not letting the bay clear. * continued P73

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Trial and error will get rewards * from P72

It seems just as the conditions come good, it starts to blow again. Mackerel have been caught on floating pilchards, Taipans and the ever-faithful Flasha lures. School-sized spanish have still been caught around the close islands such as Barren, Outer and Man and Wife. I know a few fishos have hooked decent giant trevally while targeting those macks. The inshore grounds have been productive, especially the headlands and wrecks heading north from Rosslyn Bay. Grunter have been the main target species but the odd fingermark and nannygai have been captured as well. Unfortunately, most who have headed this way have run into problems catching black jewfish. With the current laws in place, they must be released because the commercial total allowable catch limit has been reached. The jewies are being pulled from greater depths than 20m and upon release are just floating away and dying, doing nothing more than feeding the sharks. This is an absolutely stupid rule and needs to change. I have heard a whisper that Fisheries Queensland is looking into it, so I hope change isn’t far away. Flatties have responded well to the cooler conditions. We don’t seem to get the big girls like the southeast corner up here. I’ve seen some pics of duskies up around 80cm and into the mid-

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eighties at the very best, but never any around the metre mark from this region. The best reports have once again been from Corio Bay, with anglers successfully working slow-rolled grub tails off the flats and in the drains on the run-out tide. Sometimes getting out and walking the banks at low tide can give you a good indication if areas are worth putting time into. If you find lots of flathead lays in the sand, it’s a good spot to come back and have a go at. I haven’t heard too many reports about large schools of winter whiting. Most anglers I’ve chatted to have put together a feed but haven’t

cleaned up. One interesting thing about the fishos targeting whiting in the gutters and channels is they’ve been getting thumper grunter as well. Great fun.

I can tell you, they really test little 4lb whiting rods. That’s it from me for another month. Make sure to book your trip to the Rockhampton net-free zone

with the restrictions eased. We have plenty of top charters in the area to choose from if you’re not overly confident. Stay safe and fish hard.

The author held a nice Fitzroy River flathead ready for release.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 73

Exploring South Cape Bedford Beach, near Elim Beach.

Stunning southeast Cape – part one

OMETIMES people just don’t have enough time to do the full ‘tip trip’ – that’s just a reality. Others have done so but want to return to Cape York to further explore this amazing region. There’s an abundance of smaller areas to visit, and one of the best is the southeastern corner, from roughly the Bloomfield River north to Bathurst Bay, and west to the Peninsula

Cape York by ‘BILLABONG’ BAZZ LYON

Development Rd. This amazing swathe of country offers a proper mouthful, not just a taste of the Cape! It ranges from rainforest-clad mountain ranges to remote, scenic coastlines (and islands) and vast tropical savannah plains interlaced with rivers and billabongs.

All with an abundance of camping, fishing and photographic opportunities! To reach the Bloomfield River from the south, you can either travel via the famous Bloomfield Track, which starts at Cape Tribulation, or for the more adventurous, the CREB Track via

Looking south from the lighthouse at Archer Point. Page 74 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Daintree. Both routes feature steep hills, however the CREB route is epic and should only be tackled in fine weather in a well-equipped fourwheel-drive. I first drove the CREB back in the seventies in a short wheelbase Land Rover, just as the first storms of the ‘buildup’ were cranking up. Partway along we met a battered old Landy of the ‘held together with fencing wire’ variety,

skippered by an equally weathered looking tin miner. “Have you got wheel chains?” he asked. “Because if it rains and you haven’t, you’re stuffed!” I actually did, but in any case the rain that time held off. Anyway, back to our journey! A diversion at the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal to see the spectacular Bloom-

* continued P75

The Cooktown coastline is truly spectacular and offers superb fishing. Here looking south over the mouth of the Annan River from Mount Cook. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Stunning southeast Cape – part one * from P74

field Falls is a must, as is a visit to the scenic Weary Bay at the little village of Ayton just to the north. There are two great caravan parks at Ayton, and a boat ramp on the Bloomfield that allows access to the local reefs in good weather. A great place to spend a few days! The Bloomfield Track from here north is now all bitumen, but the beautiful mountainous scenery remains – part of what was once known as ‘The Big Scrub’. Great camping options en route to Cooktown are Home Rule Rainforest Lodge and Camping, and the famous Lions Den Hotel. Both offer ‘saltie’-free freshwater swimming, and there’s a cracker hiking track at Home Rule up to the waterfall of the same name. A stop at the boulderstrewn Black Mountain is a must. Onwards to Cooktown, but first with a diversion to Archer Point. Camping is allowed here, and you can take in great views along a truly spectacular coastline. You can beach launch to fish a plethora of nearby reefs and also visit nearby Hope Island, which is a true gem. Picturesque Cooktown is nestled on the southern bank of the Endeavour River, surrounded by beautiful nature, steeped in history and culture, and the town still retains its frontier character. There’s a stack to see and do, however I’ve covered Cooktown pretty well in the past so will move on.

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About 30km northwest on the Endeavour Valley Rd is the immaculately kept Endeavour Falls Caravan Park, another cracker place to stay. Just beyond there, you would normally turn left onto Endeavour Battlecamp Rd. However, I strongly recommend continuing on through Hope Vale to Elim Beach, where you can camp at Eddie’s Camp. This area is again seriously beautiful! It’s possible to beach launch at high tide to fish in the bay or around north Cape Bedford for barramundi, mangrove jack and fingermark, as well as mackerel further out. West of where you first reach the coast is the famous coloured sands, accessible by walking or 4WD at low tide. Never drive low on the beach – getting bogged is virtually a certainty and many vehicles have become swamped here. For a small fee paid

at Eddie’s Camp, you can also drive (all this is 4WD only) over to the pretty stretch of beach near south Cape Bedford. The sand en route can be very soft, so expect to air down, and if the trade wind is blowing – hold onto your hats! It’s well worth the trip though. From Elim Beach it’s back to the Endeavour Battlecamp Rd and into the magnificent Rinyirru National Park. However, we’ll visit there and places beyond next month!

Fingermark like this one caught by Drew Polderman are common captures along the Cooktown coast.

Coral trout are a prime target reef fish in this area.

Hope Island is easily reached from the Bloomfield River, Archer Point or Cooktown in good weather. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 75

C AMPING & outdoors

The 6m low tide view from the author’s campsite.

A weekend camping visit to Stanage Bay

I, it’s Craig To m k i n s o n here. With August just around the corner, the snapper and pearl perch spawning closure is in place for the first time. I think it’s a great thing and will only help fish stocks build up.

Noosa to Fraser Coast by CRAIG TOMKINSON

I have not been fishing for weeks because I lost my mojo with COVID-19 and I’m waiting to head off on my annual fishing trip once

things settle down. I have started packing my 5m tinnie for a trip away, though to where I don’t know, hopefully to Weipa.

If not, perhaps to the Northern Territory or Stanage Bay? I am just going – though, of course, it depends on what place is open. I did get away on a road trip with my wife Donna and our four kids to Stanage

The kids enjoyed exploring small caves along the rocky headland in front of Beverly Hills. Page 76 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Bay recently. It had been 24 years since our last visit there. The 100km drive from the highway to Stanage is great. You drive through stations and look out over the flood plains, with beautiful water holes and great bird life. It’s a top drive out. The 70km of dirt road was a bit corrugated, so I dropped all the tires to 28psi and we drove out easy. When I first saw the water, I thought ‘gee, why did I not come back earlier than this?’ because it is a beautiful place. We drove to Beverly Hills and hopped out of the four-wheel-drive to walk to the beach and it was great to come back for a look around. We were walking along the beach and a few people were coming the other way, so I www.bnbfishing.com. au

C AMPING & outdoors A weekend camping visit to Stanage Bay said hello and got chatting. I asked if it was still free camping and was told yes, things are just the same as they’ve always been, which was awesome. We learnt of a great spot to camp, so after making a mental note we had a quick walk along the beach then went for a drive to Happy Valley and on to Plumtree. Apart from a new boat ramp and some fill to build a new parking area for vehicles with boat trailers as well as a few new houses, Stanage was the same. How good is that? Also, compared to Seventeen Seventy, there was no one at Stanage Bay, only locals and a few campers – it was fantastic. We drove back and found a great campsite near the beach as per the recommendation and set up the van. We went for a walk along the beach and came back to the van because it was getting dark. We got the fire going in the stainlesssteel drum I’d made up, so it was safer around camp and young kids because it didn’t heat up the ground like an open fire. We had dinner and cooked marshmallows www.bnbfishing.com. au

over the fire then hit the sack. The next day we had breakfast and drove to the lookout. When the 6m tide was out we walked along the beach and explored small caves – the occasional one with micro bats – our grown kids had a ball. The rest of the day was spent exploring around Stanage Bay and thankfully because it was cold sandflies and mozzies were not around. We decided to stay another night and buy dinner from the Plumtree Shop – we ate the best steak-burgers and chips I’ve had in a long time. Then it was time to say goodbye to Stanage Bay and head toward home. ‘Til next month, be safe.

One of the many beaches to explore around Stanage Bay.

The author’s van was sheltered while still being close to the beach.

The view from the recommended campsite on the beach at Beverly Hills, Stanage Bay. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 77

C ARAVANNING & adventure Worth stopping at the lighthouse on the drive from Exmouth to Cape Range National Park.

Turquoise Bay was a well-known snorkelling location close to Osprey Bay campground.

Exmouth and Cape Range National Park have everything to offer

ELL people, still some crazy times with COVID-19 reappearing in big numbers through Victoria, with further restrictions and border closures for that state who are having a bit of a hard time of it – our thoughts go out to Victorians. This month we will talk about our time in Exmouth and Cape Range National Park. As it will be a long time before international travel is back on the cards, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and explore Australia, and support Australian tourism the best way we can. Exmouth is situated approximately halfway down the Western Australian coastline and almost lines up with Stanage Bay, north of Rockhampton on the east coast. It was originally founded by the fishing and pearling industry but became a military base during World War II and numerous Americans called Exmouth home. Pretty amazing stories

Caravanning by TODD EVELEIGH

are around, with lots of drinking and dancing – and American soldiers blowing off some steam when they were off duty – at the Exmouth Hotel back in the day. The information centre at Exmouth – the Ningaloo Discovery Centre – has an amazing little museum, which explains the history of the town, and a great aquarium with beautiful fish and live coral showcasing the colours through the reef. It is a fantastic place to take the kids and we adults really enjoyed it too and is definitely worth a visit. Exmouth itself is quite a small town, with only a couple of service stations and little IGAs, and doesn’t have major supermarket chains such as Coles and Woolworths. It does have fantastic accommodation options ranging from waterfront apartments, cabins, houses and caravan parks. We stayed at the RAC

Page 78 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

Exmouth Caravan Park, which had a beautiful pool, very clean amenities, super friendly staff, and you could hire snorkelling equipment and bikes – great for riding to different areas for a snorkel off the beach. Exmouth has wonderful restaurants with scrumptious seafood on offer. We went to the beautiful Mantarays restaurant for date night and had the most amazing seafood platter, which we both thoroughly enjoyed. There are also great pubs and places around town for a cold beer and a coffee. Amazing snorkelling, diving and fishing charters are on offer for day trips out of Exmouth, with one of the major attractions available being swimming with whale sharks, as well as guided tours to different locations from Exmouth. Exmouth is well set up and caters to tourists

with plenty of things to do and see. When people talk about Exmouth, you mostly associate it with amazing fishing. Whether it be fishing flats for permit (snubnosed dart) and bone fish, reef fishing for bottom fish such as coral trout, redthroat emperor and sweetlip or throwing stickbait along the coral fringes for giant trevally and spangled emperor – it’s all possible here. Exmouth is one of the most amazing billfish regions in Australia – you can get double figures of billfish such as marlin and sailfish in a day trip from Exmouth. On the western side of the Exmouth peninsula is the remarkable Cape Range National Park. On the way to Cape Range from Exmouth, it’s worthwhile checking out the lighthouse, which is perched on top of quite a steep ridge. You can drive up to get an amazing view of Exmouth peninsula, numerous beaches and the coral reefs fringing offshore along Ningaloo Reef.

Another point of interest are the very low frequency towers – the tallest tower is 387m and was for many years the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At Cape Range National Park there is a wonderful campground called Osprey Bay, which we booked in to stay for a week. There are only long drop toilets and no showers or water on offer, so you need to be very self-sufficient during your stay. Osprey is located almost in the centre of Ningaloo Reef, and though we camped on the beach and could swim, fish and snorkel where we were staying, we were directed to many other well-known snorkelling locations a short drive away, such as Turquoise Bay, Drift Loop and our favourite, Oyster Stacks. So, we made daily trips on the high tide to snorkel all the amazing locations straight off the beach and they were incredible. We absolutely loved it – to be able to snorkel www.bnbfishing.com. au

C ARAVANNING & adventure Exmouth and Cape Range National Park have everything to offer straight off the beach and see amazing corals and lots of big fish of different species was truly amazing. If you were on the east coast, you would have to travel at least an hour by boat to see the same level of corals and fish. Behind Osprey Bay is a rugged mountain range, with a fourwheel-drive track for the more experienced off-roader. So, one afternoon we decided to tackle it and went off-road to the top of the ridge to once again overlook the amazing views of Ningaloo beaches and reef. About 40km south of Osprey Bay is Yardie Creek. This creek only flows in the wet season when the area gets significant rain and actually gets landlocked in the dry season from the ocean. Sand dunes form across the creek mouth and block it off completely. At Yardie Creek, tour boats can take you into the gorge to view it from the water. You can also hike the Yardie Gorge Trail and walk along the gorge, with beautiful scenery and the chance of seeing a yellow-footed rock-wallaby early morning and late afternoon. Whether you want to live it up and eat out every night, go on one of the many paid tours, or

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have a more conservative family holiday where you can literally camp on the beach, with a variety of amazing snorkelling and sight-seeing destinations which are reasonably affordable to see – Exmouth and Cape Range National Park have everything to offer. The region caters to many people on a variety of budgets and wanting different experiences. This is just one location we’ve writing about, but we have written about many locations in Australia over the past few months. So have a read about the top end of Australia – from the east coast to the west coast for ideas, insight and travel inspi-

ration around the amazing place we call home. Have an amazing holiday in Australia and support our struggling Australian tourism industry. Stay safe until next month.

The seafood platter at Mantarays restaurant in Exmouth, Western Australia.

The many varieties of fish under Oyster Stacks in the Ningaloo Reef.

The beautiful Osprey Bay – the outlook from the Cape Range National Park campground.

The author’s favourite snorkelling spot at Cape Range National Park was Oyster Stacks. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 79

C ARAVANNING & adventure Marion and Jane’s perfect little camp.

A few waves on the beach at Agnes Water.

Is it discovery or rediscovery? H I all, we’ve only just started this adventure and already it’s had a great impact on my personality and thought patterns. The rigidity of time schedules and limitations have simply disappeared into nothingness. We left our home thinking of all the places we’d discover, but who would have believed the main discoveries would be internal and in such a small window of time. It’s a euphoric feeling to wake up and make the decision to either stay in the one location

Outdoors

by PAUL ‘CHIEF’ GRAVESON

a bit longer or move on. I feel confident in spending the amount of money we did on the On The Move Vortex Black Edition caravan. If we can pull up at the Agnes Water Beach Holidays park, on power and with water pressure, and live for four days in total comfort, then spend the next four days overnighting and free camping with the living

The author wouldn’t be without the Explore Caravan Awning Tensioner available from BCF. Page 80 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

being just as comfortable, we made the right choice. Recently, all our small country towns have felt the economic pressure due to COVID-19. We have actually been thanked for coming into town to restock a few items and putting money back into the pockets of locals. Over the past few weeks, we’ve travelled to and camped at Ban Ban Springs, camped at Bucca, spent time at Agnes Water – which coincided with four days of solid swell – stayed out at Cape Palmerston for three days, free camped at Rockhampton, the Leap Hotel in Mackay and at Proserpine, and we’re now staying for two weeks at Airlie on a family member’s property. Free camping is an important part of our travel and economically should extend the total length of our trip.

Who knows, this journey could easily turn into years. We thought we’d share a few of the free camping gems we have stumbled across so far on our short journey. Just north and out of town at Tairo is Petrie Park. One could be excused for thinking someone made a mistake with the information on this location because you meander through an area of small properties to a gateway that leads to a secluded little campground right on the banks of the Mary River. This area has limited space with a few hidden bush sites, but fortunately we had the entire park to ourselves except for a local using the concrete boat ramp. There is a picnic shelter set up with an electric barbecue and a toilet facility. Though it doesn’t have a shower or dump spot, this excellent little camp is extremely well maintained by the local council. After leaving Brisbane

at around midday, this spot provided us with an overnight stay – the perfect way to unwind – and set us up nicely for the beginning of our journey. With Tonia’s father passing, we decided to take a detour to Ban Ban Springs to visit his birthplace, and then travel through to the cane farm he had previously owned at Bucca on the Kolan River. What we did find was the perfect overnight stay location at Riverside Caravan Park in Gayndah. Situated on the Burnett River, it is a drivein drive-out setup with designated park areas. It does have a wellmaintained toilet block, with a dump point available for caravans and RVs. As you drive along the service road you will find a number of taps on both the left and right sides of the thoroughfare. It makes it so easy to pull over and replenish your tanks with drinking water.

* continued P81

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C ARAVANNING & adventure

Is it discovery or rediscovery? * from P80

Because of the excellent facilities, you could have numerous vans refilling with water at the same time and no wait times. A big thank you to Gayndah for providing such an asset. Just remember, most of the free facilities are provided by these towns, so make sure you spend locally while taking advantage. Fuel up and buy a few supplies, and visit the butcher shop and pub. It all helps put money back into the smaller communities. Kershaw Gardens at Rockhampton is another great free park with a 48-hour stay allowed. You need to be totally off-grid and have a grey water tank. All these sites are ideal stopover locations while you’re travelling up the Queensland coast, and in our case were utilised on the way to Cape Palmerston. We camped at Cape Creek for three days and took advantage of a powered site. We were spoiled with an absolute beach front park and four-wheeldrive access to both the beach and nearby creek. Each day saw a number of regulars find their way to the beach at high water for an opportunity to bag a few summer whiting. The small creek had a variety of fish including mangrove jack, estuary cod, trevally and juvenile queenfish. It’s a beautiful location

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and well worth visiting. When travelling you meet a high percentage of nomads who have been on the road for years and are always quick to pass on a little knowledge. Tonia’s greatest discovery has been using her mobile phone as a travelling tool. We used it to pre-locate free campsites on WikiCamps and Aircamps, and it also gives distances. Fuel destinations and fuel prices were valuable and the information was available at our fingertips and at a simple glance. One of the best tips I’ve been given was to use the range of Milenco clamp-on towing mirrors. Milenco offers an excellent product that does the job and it is available at a fantastic price. We purchased the Milenco Grande Aero 3 set and when used in conjunction with the Safety Dave monitor displaying our caravan rear camera, we have all the blind spots covered when on the road. My tip is don’t rush out and spend $700 hardearned cash on permanent slide out mirrors when these mirrors do a fantastic job for under $150. Another fantastic product we’ve been put onto is a simple clamp that tensions our awning onto the slide out arms. We use only one of the Explore Caravan Awning Tensioners and wow, what a difference it makes. When you have a

howling wind blowing, the extra tension it provides can make the difference between a good night’s sleep or being kept awake listening to a flapping awning. Explore Caravan Awning Tensioners are available from BCF and cost about $35. There are so many helpful products on the market but these two have already made a difference to the quality of our trip. We’ve had some wonderful experiences with people of different backgrounds from backpackers to grey nomads, but what I have noticed is the number of ladies travelling on their own. More power to you girls for exploring the countryside and stepping out of your comfort zones. Marion and Jane are perfect examples. Marion in her Hiace campervan and Jane in her retro teardrop caravan. The little teardrop van had such a well-planned layout and easy handling, especially when it came to the single traveller. I’m writing as we camp on a family property at Airlie Beach. The weather has been a little ordinary with the wind up and scuds of rain continually passing through, but still, how lucky are we travelling and having such an adventure? You can follow us on Instagram @outback 2seaaustralia Cheers, Chief and Tonia.

A Whitsunday wrasse came right up to the boat for a feed.

Tonia’s brother Brad with a nice spanish mackerel.

The author and a little trevally taken from the Coral Sea Marina (formerly Abell Point Marina). Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 81

The little Australis Bass Fishing Kayak is ideal for fishing hard to access water.

Supporting Australian-made companies

F there has been a positive to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps it is the realisation that we as a nation rely too heavily on imported goods. Personally, I’ve been buying Australian made as first preference for more than a quarter of a century. Taken almost to the point of obsession, I’ve been fishing exclusively with Australian-made lures for at least 20 years. Ignoring the focus on any particular country’s imports, buying Australian made is essentially investing in jobs for our kids and grandchildren and simply makes good sense. Looking at fishing gear for a start, finding Australian-made lures is very easy since the cottage craft renais-

Aussie As by NEIL SCHULTZ

sance of a decade ago. In a different league from the hundreds of backyard timber lure makers are a few major manufacturers who’ve been around longer than many of today’s young anglers have been fishing. Well-known brand names Predatek (formerly Downunder), Oar-Gee and Lively Lures all still manufacture moulded lures 100 percent in Australia and are regularly on the end of my lines. Whether your requirements are for tiny trout/ bream lures, deep-diving offerings for freshwater natives, surface lures, tough mid-sized divers for the bruisers of tropical estuaries or

Page 82 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

bluewater trolling lures for tuna and mackerel, these manufacturers have you covered. When you need a metal lure for high-speed spinning, casting from the beach or jigging in either fresh or salt water, you need look no further than Lazer Lures made by John Nowak on the Gold Coast. John is a secondgeneration lure maker whose father, John Senior, was the designer and manufacturer of renowned Wonder Lures, an Aussie institution in its day. Wilson Fishing has been around since the ‘40s and has grown from a backyard terminal tackle and rod

building component maker to one of the largest tackle operations in the country. The company has become the dominant domestic fishing rod manufacturer since taking over Snyder Glas in Brisbane, producing the Live Fibre, Venom, SureCatch and other ranges along with the original Snyder surf rods. Along with rods, Wilson manufactures metal fishing accessories such as landing nets, gaffs, lure retriever poles, crab pots, rod holders and more. Another name with a long history of tackle manufacturing in Australia is Alvey reels, this year celebrating 100 years in the industry. During the early years of my fishing career, I regularly fished from

the beach for tailor and was never seen without my Alvey 650C reel and Alvey wading bag and bait bucket – quintessential Queensland beach fishing gear. Along with its flagship sidecast reels, Alvey also manufactures the aforementioned wading bags and clever plastic accessories including a folding measuring stick, graphite worming pliers and bait sieves for use with metal yabby pumps, hand casters and so on. Alvey also designs its own range of rods purpose built to suit Alvey sidecast reels. I am lucky enough to own one of the company’s ripper telescopic surf rods (sadly no longer in production) that is compact enough to be taken on aircraft when I fly to fishing * continued P83

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Supporting Australian-made companies * from P82

destinations. Looking for homegrown line with which to spool your reel? You’ll need Platypus fishing line, made in Australia since the late1800s and still manufactured in Brisbane. The range of lines Platypus produces varies from the classic monofilament nylon and world-renowned Pre-Test sport and game fishing line to the latest in braided PE superline technology along with superb leader material. Need power? All my motorcycles, 4x4s, boat and even the sounder in my kayak are powered by Australian-built Century batteries. Boat manufacturers are too numerous to list, with all manner of craft from poly tenders through to alloy trailer boats and fibreglass cruisers able to be sourced from Aussie companies. I even own a little lightweight Bass Fish-

ing Kayak made in Australia by Australis Canoes near Wollongong. This handy sit-in kayak is light enough to be dragged considerable distances to access streams that rarely see a lure. Outside of fishing, much of my time in the great outdoors is spent engaged in feral animal control. My favourite rifle (and most accurate) is an Australian-made Lithgow LA102 chambered in .308 for feral pig, goat and deer management, but its pinpoint accuracy also sees it called into service for foxes and cats when the opportunity presents in the field. The Lithgow Small Arms Factory has been producing rifles, mainly for the Australian military, since 1912 and continues that tradition along with its range of superb civilian rifles. Factory-made ammunition is readily available from Australian

The all-Aussie combo of Lithgow rifle, Bertram Brass cases loaded with ADI Benchmark 2 powder, pushing Woodleigh 165g bullets took another introduced pest animal from the environment. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Munitions and is sold under various labels including Aussie Outback, ADI and OSA. Powder for the reloader is available at almost every ammunition outlet in Australia from ADI and has a long-standing reputation for quality smallarms powders. Excellent copperjacketed projectiles can be sourced Australia-wide from Woodleigh Bullets at Murrabit in Victoria, which has almost 40 years’ experience in the industry and currently exports to 10 countries worldwide. Cast bullets are produced by numerous manufacturers with my current stock having been bought in bulk from Black Widow Projectiles, whose hard cast, moly-coated bullets deliver great accuracy in both my .308 and .44 magnum. Even brass cartridge cases are made here in Australia by Bertram Brass who specialise in hard-to-find calibres but also caters to traditional favourites. The company’s quality cartridges proudly display a kangaroo on the headstamp, leaving no doubt as to their heritage. Even the snacks I take fishing are selected by their ownership, seeing me change from my traditional iced coffee brand when it was bought out by overseas interests. I now go out of my way to buy Norco, which is still 100 percent Australian owned, a rarity in the dairy industry.

An Australian bass taken on an Australian-made Predatek Boomerang in a colour dubbed Aussie Gold. More Aussie than a meat pie!

Roxbee used an Oar-Gee Malibu to tempt this very ambitious cod.

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07 4157 3881 or email info@lakem.com.au lakemonduranhouseboathire.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 83

Ty Laverick used a Somerset Special Dave’s trolling lure.

Matthew Day’s young bloke and a super-healthy bass.

Superb Somerset fishing for all

Superstar Rocco Bezzina with dinner. Page 84 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

ULY has come and gone and winter is in full swing, as are the bass. With the colder evening temperatures and water temps dropping, the bass are starting to build in numbers and getting chunkier. Schools remain around Pelican Point and honestly they will always be there. A good school has been sitting in front of Happy Clappers in 7-10m of water, though they can be difficult to tempt into a bite. We have found success using a technique Jason Ehrlich and Brett ‘Mr Somerset’ Klaws taught me: remove the spot lock and drift away from the school. This has been super productive when using tailspinners. Throw a big cast and let the tailspinner free fall with a little tension on the line (to feel

any pick-ups), let it hit the bottom, wind in and repeat. My go-to this month has been the Jackall Deracoup, with Hot Bites another favourite. We feel most other brands are too heavy for this technique. Spoons, Palms Slow Blatts and Halco Twistys have proved a force to be reckoned with this winter, as have smaller-profile Nories Metal Wasaby lures. I like to punch out a long cast, let it hit the bottom, make six to eight winds on the reel and let it free fall back to the bottom. Don’t be scared to rip the spoon up off the bottom on the first retrieve and then employ this technique. Flies have been really successful this winter and we have introduced some master classes on deepwater bass fishing. These are being held

at NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park. They are being instructed by extremely successful tournament angler and fly fisher John Scofield and Steve ‘Killer’ Kanowski and have no doubt changed a few anglers’ arsenals for chasing hard-totempt bass. Anglers who take up a one-on-one day session have come with no knowledge and left catching their first deepwater bass, all in one day. Hit us up through our Somerset Fishing Tackle Facebook page to find out how we can get you into a deep bass masterclass. Our friends Kym and Sean, who you will see on the water every Thursday, love their trolling and have taken great catches using Voodoo diving lures * continued P85

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Superb Somerset fishing * from P84

the Dave’s Diving Lure (both Australian made). Bait fishing off the bank has been quite successful for anglers using European night crawler worms. And if you have a frozen bunch of saltwater yabbies, yellowbelly love them. You can fish all around the day park area of the lake, we suggest to the point in front of the cabins or along the bank right off the day area boat ramp. If you ever wondered what bass taste like, head in to Somerset Fishing Tackle and ask Peter how he cooks them. They are actually delicious! Not only are they a good sportfish, but a great table fish when cooked correctly, with 40cm the magic mark for the old local chefs. The red claw captured have been monsters and they show no signs of slowing. They are easy to catch and some friends stayed in the park recently and managed a huge feed for all nine of them in one sitting. The red claw tails

were bigger than a can of beer! If you’re chasing a feed of red claw, please adhere to the rules, which means no crab pots. You can use opera house or triangle nets and a 6” float. Write your name and address on the trap and name and phone number on the float, with a maximum of four traps per person. Successful spots have been in 1-3m and rockmelon (cantaloupe) has been the standout bait. Try around trees, tree stumps or some sort of structure because they won’t venture far for a feed at the moment. The park is alive and super welcoming for visitors. The kiosk has stock of worms for avid bait fishers as well as cold drinks, coffee and so on. If you want to know where to go, wish to hire a boat or just ask for some help setting up your sounder, don’t hesitate to see the team at Somerset Fishing Tackle. Until next month. Robbie Rayner

Tunza went on his monthly trolling trip.

FREE T FREIGHrs on orde 0 over $12

Contact Robbie 0413 344 462 or Peter 0474 908 181

• Rods • Reels • Lures • Line

• Fishing tools • Storage • Clothing • Terminal tackle

Shop online or visit the shop at: 78 Kirkleagh Rd, Hazeldean QLD E: sales@somersetfishing.com.au W: somersetfishing.com.au Kym made his dinner reservations. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 85

Cod breeding starts at Glenlyon Dam

David Robertson of Stanthorpe landed a massive 111cm cod on a 50lb McCod Cod Shaker.

S most recreational anglers would have seen via Facebook and other electronic types of media, cod are being caught at Glenlyon Dam. Still sitting at 14 percent capacity, the local green legends have been giving a lot of anglers thrills at the sight of them breaching the water’s surface when caught. Once you arrive at your selected site, main fishing times are from 5.30am and most of the catch is from 6am to 9.30am. I suggest a return

Glenlyon Dam by BRIAN DARE

back to camp and then head out again from 12.30 to 3.30pm using lures and spinnerbaits. In the evening, we head out at 6pm and fish through to 8:30pm using swimbaits. We’ve found these times and setups are best for successful catches. Most cod caught are released back to the storage with the odd cod kept for eating, which is an option anglers may choose to take.

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 Page 86 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

I myself will keep a cod from the dam to eat. Particularly when I wish to eat fresh fish, not frozen then defrosted fish from overseas and purchased from the bigger shops in town. I must admit I love smoked haddock and it’s a good standby, especially with a slab of butter on top. Yes, I will return fish from the local rivers because it’s a tough life out there. As it’s catch and release, closed hooks are used, which is the correct way to fish if you’re a catch and release angler. With a closed barb, the result has a 50/50 chance of getting a good shot on your camera, and it’s a sporting format that should be used on rivers. I don’t know how many times I’ve said that I feel our freshwater dams and storages are glorified fish tanks and hold fish that go nowhere except within the storage. It gets to the point where it’s possible to overstock storages – as we have in the Dumaresq River, which we have been doing studies * continued P87

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Nick Frazer with his personal-best 81cm cod on his father’s Barambah Bidjiwong Surface Lure. This fish was released after the photo was taken.

Cod breeding starts at Glenlyon Dam * from P86

on for the past 15 years. We are seeing cod recovery taking place in our study site areas within four major northern Darling River systems – no more stocking of cod in the Dumaresq. It’s a case of doing more research trips with our team of recreational anglers now, which should be carried on for perhaps six more years. Breeding season has kicked in for cod once again in our rivers but we are in drought, which has put pressure on water flows in local waters. I ask again for anglers, who use the excuse that they only fish for yellowbelly during closed season, to stay away from the rivers during this long drought. Use all those storages that have fish www.bnbfishing.com. au

packed and stacked for your sporting use during closed season. Our local and regional farmers are going through a tough time – at the time of writing no allocations of water had been given and all storages are currently in low supply. We need to see big rains during prespring to get things up and going once more. No allocation of water means that any rain is welcomed and not having any flow in rivers is not a good sight. At the time of writing storage levels were Glenlyon 14 percent, Pindari 12 percent, Copeton 12 percent, Leslie 11 percent, Storm King had no water and were trucking it into town, and Coolmunda 28 percent. The one thing going for all these dams is that they are all fishing very well.

Finding it cold in the morning, Nicklas Lecei layered his clothes with a onesie outfit and caught this 101cm cod. Pictured with his father and brother.

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 16/7/2020

DAMS

PERCENTAGE

MAR APR MAY JUN AUG Atkinson 6 5 5 5 5 Awoonga 70 69 66 66 65 Bjelke-Petersen * 25 23 20 18 17 Boondooma * 38 37 36 35 34 Borumba * 100 99 97 96 93 Burdekin Falls * 106 98 94 95 92 Callide * 33 32 30 30 28 Cania * 56 53 52 50 58 Coolmunda * 33 31 29 29 28 Dyer/Bill Gunn * 4 3 3 3 3 Eungella * 90 89 88 88 87 Fairbairn * 18 16 14 13 12 Glenlyon * 14 14 5 13 14 Hinze 101 99 96 95 93 Julius 100 96 92 91 88 Kinchant * 77 82 85 86 85 Leslie * 14 14 13 13 13 Macdonald 104 101 100 100 102 Maroon * 61 60 58 57 56 Monduran/Fred Haigh * 63 61 60 59 58 Moogerah * 39 36 32 30 27 North Pine/Samsonvale * 69 62 64 62 60 Peter Faust/Proserpine * 72 70 68 68 67 Somerset * 83 80 79 78 78 Teemburra * 98 99 99 99 99 Tinaroo* 72 74 73 72 71 Toonumbar 69 69 66 66 67 Wivenhoe * 53 52 50 49 48 Wuruma * 63 62 61 60 60 Wyaralong 99 98 96 96 95 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, August 2020 – Page 87

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Page 88 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

AQUAMASTER 3.7 BARRA, Mercury 15hp 2S and warranty, Dunbier boat trailer, Lowrance Elite 5 colour GPS/Sounder, 2 bench seats with flotation under, 2 swivel seats with backrests, Checker-plate foredeck, 2 rod holders. Great buying @ $5995 tow away – John Crawford Marine Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 www.johncrawford marine.com.au Ph. 3890 2322. CSB HUNTSMAN 6000 WITH 200HP MERCURY VERADO (2005). A great family cruiser, perfect for the lake, bay and offshore. Fitted with a Mercury 200hp Verado four stroke this will easily pull water-skiers at the lake as well. One of the best Sports Cruisers still trailerable, with luxurious seats, and a lockable cabin – important if you want to go for a walk on the beach and lock up your valuables. Come in and have a look at this one, it presents in amazing condition, with a low 168 hours use on the engine. Full covers keep the sun off and also allow for an overnighter across the bay. $47,990. Call Brisbane Yamaha on 07 3888 1727 or visit brisbaneyamaha.com.au HORIZON V NOSE PUNT WITH 15HP YAMAHA (2001). 3.7m Horizon powered by a bulletproof 15hp Yamaha 2-stroke. Perfect for those who want something small and easy to handle, fitted with a Bimini top and carpeted floor, this little tinnie is ready to hit the water and catch a few fish. Includes a 2011 Seatrail trailer, front casting deck, seat straps mounted to hold rods in place, safety gear and registration. $4280. Call Brisbane Yamaha on 07 3888 1727 or visit brisbaneyamaha. com.au LATE MODEL USED ALUMINIUM BOATS WANTED from Quintrex, Stacer, Ally Craft, Stessco, Bar Crusher, Bluefin, Brooker and Clark – Make selling your boat simple and hassle free – Cash or Consign – John Crawford Marine Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 www.johncrawfordmarine. com.au Ph. 3890 2322.

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Subscription prize for August! OCEANCAT OFFSHORE 24 – Plate alloy demonstrator deal, launched 2020 with 9 hours on dual Yammy 130hp EFI’s. Superb build/design and quality craftsmanship. Transtyle alloy trailer. Genuine buyers call and book your inspection. $255,995 tow away. John Crawford Marine Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 www. johncrawfordmarine.com.au Ph. 3890 2322. POLYCRAFT 450 FRONTRUNNER WITH YAMAHA 60HP (2017). In excellent condition and with very low hours, the Yamaha 60hp four stroke still with manufacturer warranty and under 40 hours use, underfloor fuel tank, Garmin sounder, stainless steel low rails fore and aft, anchor well, stainless steel bowsprit and roller, Oceanice braked trailer, 2 swivel seats, 2 consoles, glovebox, storage under front cast deck with 2 hatches. $20,990. Call Brisbane Yamaha on 07 3888 1727 or visit brisbaney amaha.com.au QUALITY USED FIBREGLASS BOATS WANTED from Haines Hunter, Signature, Cruise Craft, Baysport and Whittley – Make selling your boat simple and hassle free – Cash or Consign – John Crawford Marine Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 www.johncrawfordmarine.com. au Ph. 3890 2322. SEA JAY 4.1 MAGNUM – Yamaha 30hp 2S, Redco Sportsman boat trailer, 2 bench seats with foam flotation under, bow and transom handles, carpeted floor. Great buying at $6995 tow away – John Crawford Marine Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 www.johncrawfordmarine.com. au Ph. 3890 2322. TRAILER BOATS WANTED Make selling your boat simple and hassle free – Cash or Consign – John Crawford Marine Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 www.johncrawfordmarine.com. au Ph. 3890 2322.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 – Page 89

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Page 90 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020

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1776 Ipswich Motorway, Rocklea | Call 07 3875 1600 Page 92 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, August 2020 www.bnbfishing.com. au