BNB Fishing mag | September 2021

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 3

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From the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing editor

W

HAT an ever-changing world we live in at present.

COVID has certainly impacted on everyone as we adjust to a ‘new normal’.

Unfortunately, it appears the best way to deal with an outbreak is an immediate lockdown.

While not ideal, it does seem to work.

A little bit of pain for long-term gain was how I saw it when Queensland went into a week-long lockdown recently.

We could still do several things during the lockdown thankfully, which has not been the case in several countries.

No, we couldn’t go fishing for food – and I can understand the reasoning of being less susceptible to catching COVID when you’re out on the water by yourself or with a family member.

However, you needed to get to the ramp first – which could have meant getting fuel, bait or fishing gear and contact with lot of additional people.

I run a small business, so I felt the pain many of you experienced, but I do feel we need to tow the political line.

It’s not a dictatorship or the gestapo – just

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a political party with medical advice trying to do the best it can in an unprecedented situation.

Through either good luck, good management, compliance or a combination of all three, Queensland managed to stop the spread of a delta strain outbreak – which meant it wasn’t long before we were back out on the water.

I feel that sometimes we just need to fall into line and, no this isn’t a breach of your civil liberties, but simply a nation trying to do the best it can.

It is hard to know what the best way to deal with this virus is, but I bet NSW is wishing they went harder at the start because they now have a crisis on their hands, which could mean a longer lockdown and stricter regulations.

At the time of writing, the Marine Area of Command – NSW Police announced that as part of ‘Operation Stay at Home’ recreational boating and fishing was allowed, however you must remain in your LGA or up to 5km from your residence if you must go outside your LGA. Boating and fishing activities in NSW are limited to the same household or a maximum of two people from

different households.

If you live in a declared area, recreation boating is not allowed but fishing is, as it’s considered exercise.

However, it is important to check what the current state directives are as these change regularly, if not daily.

Ignorance is not an excuse.

Amazingly, the current NSW regulations are less strict than those imposed in Queensland recently.

I’m so glad we did the hard yards because it certainly has paid dividends and allowed us to get back on the water sooner.

GVMs, ATMs, GTMs Since I was in the market for a caravan, I made sure I was aware of the regulations surrounding towing capacities and weights as it directly impacted the purchase.

If you tow a caravan or boat, I’d suggest getting your head around these acronyms.

I was after a decent payload for touring, so these numbers were vital in my search.

Knowing the rules could save you some pain, especially if you have an accident or get pulled over and what you’re towing is overweight.

While it may seem complicated, I’ll try to explain it clearly and concisely.

GVM or gross vehicle mass is the total mass or weight of your vehicle.

ATM is the maximum weight your caravan or boat can weigh when it’s fully loaded – full of fuel, water and all your gear.

GTM is the maximum weight of the caravan or boat when fully loaded

and hitched to the tow vehicle – GTM is less than ATM. Tare weight is the weight of the caravan or boat when it is unladen or empty.

Payload is the carrying capacity, which is the difference between tare weight and ATM.

Having a good payload means you can carry more stuff and allows more freedom for carrying water.

I will do a full in-depth article with examples of different boats, caravans and vehicles in the near future.

Ben Collins

OUR COVER

ROSS scored this quality redthroat on the shallow reefs. Picture by Chris Raimondi.

You can read his article about targeting these fish on page PAGE 38.

NEXT EDITION: October edition will be on sale in news­agents from September 24.

SEPTEMBER SUBSCRIPTION PRIZE: See the subscription form on Page 81 to go in the draw to win 1 of 3 tackle boxes from Tackle Club valued at $100RRP each.

JULY PRIZE WINNER: Congratulations to D White, Cleveland and L Stopps, Burpengary who have each won a pair of Blundstone boots valued at $225 RRP.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 5

September 2021 contents

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Goodbye winter, hello spring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Keith Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8 Spring in Moreton Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P10 Anglers turned around at SEQ boat ramps �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P11 How to get more bites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P12 Broadwater going ballistic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Clint Ansell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P16 Suggested sport with bite for 2032 �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P19 Hitting the shallow reefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Heath Zygnerski . . . . . . . . . . . . P20 Snapper during snap lockdown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Gavin Dobson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P22 New recreational fishing strategy unveiled for SA �����������������������������������������������������������������������P24

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Going off offshore and in close. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brett Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P26 Fantastic flathead and super soapies at Iluka . . . . . . . . . . by Tye Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P28 New NSW fishing rules �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P30 Preparing to clean up with spring season change. . . . . . by Grant Budd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P31 Short trip to Fraser and Eurong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . P36 Trailer boat trips to Fraser Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Chris Raimondi . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38 Tuna down deep - flathead fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tri Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P40 Swain Reefs redemption – Part 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mick Clutterbuck . . . . . . . . . . . P44 Ultimate Swain Reefs trip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Bill Corten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P48 Team Cruise Craft at Boyne Tannum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Nathan Nagy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P52

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Tide Times �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P54 Competition Calendar ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P54 New Suzuki improves Bar Crusher 535C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P58 Insights into boat insurance ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P60 Readers’ Forum ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P62 Product News �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P63 Water and action heat up on Capricorn Coast. . . . . . . . . . by John Boon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P64 Reef fishing northwest Cape York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by ‘Billabong’ Bazz Lyon . . . . . . . . P65 Barra Bash open for registrations �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P66 Mini lap around Queensland – Part 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P68 Back on the road again - destination Mt Isa. . . . . . . . . . . . by Paul ‘Chief’ Graveson . . . . . . . P70 Recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Melissa Frohloff . . . . . . . . . . . . P71 Fantastic family trip to the tip – Part 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Craig Tomkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . P72 Product review - Rexem Projectiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Neil Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P74 Cod on the move but late to breed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Dare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P75

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Man overboard warning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P76 Queensland stock routes’ future �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P77 Charter Directory �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P78 Trading Post ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P80 Subscription Form ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������P81 Page 6 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

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

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

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

The Team

EDITOR: Ben Collins ADVERTISING: Tiffany Brown PRODUCTION: Adrian Cardaci and Lisa Jones

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

Phone 07 3286 1833 Email: ben@collins.media PO Box 162, Wynnum, Qld 4178 PRINTER: Spotpress DISTRIBUTION BY: 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 and contributors to ensure the correctness of their claims and statements. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 7

Phil Benfer landed a solid tailor when chasing flathead.

The author caught this nice threadfin salmon while chasing flathead in the Pine River.

Goodbye winter, hello spring

S A super model Jumpinpin Channel flathead captured jigging deep water.

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PRING is my favourite time of year, with September and October being my favourite months to chase a wide range of species in southeast Queensland.

Winter was a bit of a fizzer for me.

Back in the middle of May, I hit an underwater obstruction in the Caboolture River while going to check my crab pots.

It was actually a channel marker that had rusted out and fallen over, leaving a very dangerous hazard for boaties.

I was lucky I was holding tightly to the tiller arm when we hit, or it could have been a very different story.

I see people driving boats without holding onto the tiller arm oc-

Local Luring

by KEITH STRATFORD

casionally and if I was doing that on this day, I hate to think what could have happened.

I’ve travelled this stretch of river hundreds of times, so it was a real eye opener for me.

My boat has been out of action for two and half months because of the accident and due to a lack of parts in the country.

The post has since been removed and replaced thankfully.

Luckily, I have a few friends with boats who had me out for a fish over the past few months.

My friend Benny and I went for a quick flathead fish up the Pine

River one afternoon.

It was super slow, with only a couple of small fish hitting the deck… until I hookedup to something solid in the shallows.

It swam slowly past the boat early in the fight and I called it for a shark.

It hit the afterburners and took off into the deep water, where we slugged it out for the next 10 minutes.

We were both wondering how it was staying on with the 12lb leader, when a big threadfin salmon popped up a few metres from the boat.

Luckily it stayed on, and I had a new per-

* continued P9

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Goodbye winter, hello spring * from P8

sonal best at 122cm.

It’s good to get lucky occasionally.

Once again, the flatty season around Brisbane has been average from what I’ve heard.

Every time I had a chance to chase them, we struggled.

We did manage to get down to Jumpinpin Channel for a flathead fish and it turned out to be a good session.

Unlike Brisbane, the winter flathead season on the Gold Coast never disappoints.

Most fish are found in the shallows during winter, and towards the end of August a lot of the bigger fish move to the deep water in the Gold Coast Seaway and Jumpinpin Channel entrance.

Hundreds of smaller male fish follow the big females to begin spawning.

These fish have become very switched on to lures bouncing around their heads and can be quite hard to catch at times.

Though if you’re there when they’re hungry, it can be a lot of fun.

We found plenty of nice fish in water about 4-6m deep by jigging 3” lures in tight to the structure they prefer to sit next to.

Mangrove jack will be very active this month as they start to wake up from their winter bludge.

September is one of my favourite months to chase this species on lures around south-

east Queensland.

Jack in the local creeks around Brisbane cop a real flogging these days and can be very hard to get a bite from.

I don’t spend much time chasing them around Brisbane anymore, I prefer to drive to the Noosa River on the Sunshine Coast or south to the Tweed River.

Larger rivers such as these have a lot more water for jack to spread out in, which makes it easier to get a bite from them… when you find them.

September and October are busy months for me, with a couple of competitions on and plenty of road trips.

Hope to see you on the water.

Bretto hooked a lovely flathead at Jumpinpin Channel recently.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 9

Spring in Moreton Bay

W

Craig with a nice model flathead.

Michael McCauley and a solid flathead taken from the Pine River.

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Page 10 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

ITH temperatures starting to rise, now’s the time to go looking for pelagics such as mack and longtail tuna, and the ever-present doggy mackerel.

It’s this time of the year small whitebait enters the bay in good numbers, just what the pelagics are looking for.

While bird activity is one of the best ways to find them, mack and longtail can be sited when they breach the surface, which also gives a better idea as to what is feeding on the whitebait.

In contrast, doggy mackerel don’t breach the surface, so trolling paravanes in areas such as the Rainbow and Rous channels, the drop-offs along Amity Bank and the Pearl Channel, the water off the Moreton Island Sandhills and around the Measured Mile beacons are also good areas to cruise around looking for bait boils.

The shipping channel beacons also come into play because doggies feed in the eddies where bait is holding and that have formed around the beacons.

Casting chrome slugs at the base of the beacons and winding hellishly fast while drifting past the beacon will often attract the occasional doggy to come on the chew.

Good schools of snapper are still hanging around the island reefs in the bay, plus the drop-off from the Curtin Artificial Rreef up to Bulwer Island.

The Brisbane River is also producing good snapper more often,

Moreton Bay

by BRIAN WEBB

better than the bay islands.

Plastics have been doing the most damage, by casting towards the container terminals and working the drop-offs out from the terminal wharfs.

Don’t be afraid to fish the shallows, especially around Mud and Green islands and the northern side of Peel Island, plus the Scarborough Reef shallows.

In reality, you never know with snapper – they could turn up anywhere, particularly where structure is present and where bait is holding around the structure.

Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef produces better numbers of snapper when less boats are around.

Squid are still plentiful in the shallow weed beds in the Rous, the western side of Mud and the rock walls near boat harbours and the jetties along the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Another fish that turns up in better numbers is the venus tuskfish, and taking an assortment of bait, while the big blackspot tuskfish are best fished with rock crabs or sand crabs.

Venus tuskfish can be found around most of the bay islands, whereas blackspot are more common in the Rainbow Channel – from Myora up the eastern side of the drop-off, nearly all the way up to Amity.

The northern side of Peel Island also holds nice blackspot but one

of the best areas to try is fishing the edge of the drop-offs in the shipping channels from Curtin up to Bulwer.

If you plan to target these big tuskies, rock crabs and sand crabs (minus the claws), you need to upgrade your gear because these bruisers run straight for overhands or other structure.

Single paternoster rigs and a downrigger are two of the best rigs for targeting these beasts, as the currents can be a big deterrent in keeping your bait where you want it.

If you ever wondered why tuskfish are so slimy, it’s because they use a mucus to hold themselves to overhangs or caves for the night, which is the reason you don’t catch tuskies at night.

Winter whiting are still around in good numbers, in areas such as the northern side of Cockle Banks and Fishermans Gutter in the Rous.

With water temperature increasing, both grass sweetlip and spangled emperor numbers start to increase, especially on a hot humid day.

Target areas include the eastern side of Mud Island, the northern side of Peel and the north end of Green Island, plus the Wellington Point drop-offs from Green towards Raby Bay, but I find the coffee rocks structure in the shipping channel off Bulwer is one of * continued P11

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MSQ general manager Angus Mitchell said some boaties had been turned around at boat ramps. Photo: ABC Gold Coast, Tara Cassidy

Authorities will be out in southeast Queensland waters enforcing compliance. Photo: ABC News, Tara Cassidy

Anglers turned around at SEQ boat ramps, ‘fishing for food’ no excuse

B

OATIES and anglers have been warned to abide by southeast Queensland lockdown restrictions, with rules on the land also applying to the sea.

Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitch-

ell said that during the recent lockdown, officers were out on the water enforcing COVID rules and those caught flouting them were warned and fined.

According to Mr Mitchell, authorities turned a few hopeful anglers at boat ramps

Spring in Moreton Bay * from P10

the best places for grassies.

Around the bay islands, fish the top of the shallows and then move off as the tide retreats and fish the drop-offs.

Plenty of jewfish are still in the river, so I suggest you use live bait, which can be found around Luggage Point.

Live bait also come in handy when chasing threadfin salmon, but they have gone a bit quiet recently.

While fishing the shallows, plenty of bream and flathead are on offer, especially after the sun has gone down.

For bream, chicken or mullet gut is my preferred bait when targeting these fish, while plastics do the most damage when www.bnbfishing.com.au

targeting flathead.

Areas such as the Pine River, Hayes Inlet and the western side of Green Island are producing good quality flathead as we come into the spawning season.

Plenty of sandies are around the northern end of Mud Island, the western side of Green, and out of Wynnum Creek across to the top of Green, plus the weed beds around Cockle Banks across to the Pearl Channel.

The biggest tip I can give is to fish the early morning tide change and the evening tide change, and areas where there is less boat traffic because nothing puts fish off the bite faster than the noise created by a multitude of boats and anchor chains.

around across the southeast, including locations such as the Gold Coast and Bribie Island.

He said the majority of the boaties had attempted to abuse loopholes to justify their trip – he warns others not to try if and when there is another lockdown in southeast Queensland and that “fishing for food” does not count as an excuse.

Mr Mitchell said: “So, if you’re looking for a loophole to try and do something that you know is meant to be restricted, well don’t.”

The rules of the lockdown were made clear

by Queensland chief health officer Jeanette Young.

As Mr Mitchell pointed out, there were other means for people to get food, and there were – fish was available in supermarkets, and those facilities were open.

“Don’t use it as an excuse to get out boating,” he said.

As stated by Mr Mitchell, there were only a few reasons people were allowed out on boats, which may apply to future lockdowns.

“Whether you’re on

the land or water, the rules are exactly the same,” he said.

“Recreational boating is one of those things we can’t do, it’s very clear, essential purposes only.

“So, certainly if you live on a vessel, well then you’re restricted to the vessel the same as you’re restricted to your home on land.

“But if you need to go out for essential purposes, work, for medical assistance, to the shops, it’s the same on the water and if you’re sitting in your house.”

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The author with the 1.23m samson fish caught on the live bait grounds out the front of the Sand Bypass Pumping Jetty.

The author testing the Assassin Jig Master PE 1.5-2 jigging rod on jewfish in the Seaway.

How to get more bites

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A jewfish caught in the Seaway on a live yakka while drifting.

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Page 12 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

OR many of us being able to fish is something we take for granted.

Some of us do it for fun, others do it because it’s essential to catch fish for the family to eat.

I live in a house where there’s plenty of hungry mouths to feed and fish have always been part of our diet, ever since I was a child.

Going to a shop and buying fish has started to become a little expensive and for many people, in their household it’s a treat.

That’s why it’s very important for us to be able to go to the water’s edge or out on our boat to catch fish for our family.

As we are all aware, there have been several lockdowns recently in different areas, and in particular, the ones that have affected southeast Queensland over the past month.

But hopefully that has changed now and for the future – if we all do what we are supposed to, fishing will

Gold Coast

by BEN SMITH

continue to be allowed both recreationally and commercially.

There have been plenty of catches lately and great fish have been taken in close proximity to the Seaway.

All of the close reefs have been holding large numbers of bait, and while fishing for bait, I’ve noticed large arches on the sounder – obviously predators rounding up bait in anticipation of a good feed.

Noticing this on a recent trip with a few good friends, we decided to simply hook up one of the live yakkas on a rod we’d had set up for fishing jewfish in the Seaway.

We dropped the line about 6-7m under the boat and placed the rod in a rod holder while we continued to jig for bait.

Within a couple of minutes, we noticed the rod was bent over and the new Penn Fathom 8 Star Drag I

purchased recently had line peeling off uncontrollably.

I reached for the rod and it jammed in the holder for a few seconds, though once I got it out I noted that the drag was done up reasonably tight because we were fishing for jew.

The line continued to peel off as though the drag wasn’t even done up, and I knew then that this was a very big fish.

I continued the fight, gaining line and losing line for about 20 minutes or so, and finally to the side of the boat a large silver image appeared.

We tried to guess what it was, thinking it may have been a jewfish, snapper or some other species but eventually we noticed it was a very large samson fish.

It had spent a considerable amount of its energy and I noticed * continued P13

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How to get more bite variety * from P12

its swim bladder blow and bubbles circle as the fish rose to the top and floated on its side.

The fish was all but spent so we decided to keep it, bringing it over the side of the boat.

It was unbelievable because a samson fish of this size is usually caught out on the 36 or 50-fathom reefs and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen one this big caught in so close.

I felt particularly privileged because it was only a little over a month ago my best friend Mark and I had caught two gigantic snapper in the Gold Coast Seaway, and so to catch a large samson this close to the

coast was very special.

The setup I was using was the new Penn Fathom 8 Star Drag reel on the Penn Regiment Black Ops REGBO-OH 621/200 rod with PE 2.5 Sufix 8 carrier coloured braid and a 50lb Ande leader with a 7/0 Black Magic Livebait hook.

On top of that, we’ve had a few wonderful catches in the Seaway recently consisting of jewfish and flathead and that will continue into next month.

I would suggest making the most of the fishing over the coming weeks – try to catch yourself a bit of live bait as well as using your frozen or fresh bait, particularly around the Broadwater

and close reefs.

This seems to be a very effective way of enticing big fish and on many occasions floating a live bait out the back while using frozen bait as well seems to attract a greater variety of fish around the boat, and it doesn’t take long to hook up to something reasonable.

Fishing with soft plastics this month will also be an extremely productive way to catch good sized flathead, jewfish and almost every other species the Gold Coast has to offer.

I’ve been using a variety of plastics and testing the effectiveness of different Bill

The author with a flathead caught using a Berkley Gulp on a 3/4oz jig head in the Seaway.

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How to get more bite variety * from P13

Lewis soft plastic lures on various fish.

I would suggest starting off by jigging areas in deeper water such as the Seaway and Jumpinpin Bar areas.

Using a 3/4 to maybe a 1oz jig head on a 5/07/0 size jig head is a good start.

Some of the more popular soft plastics include Gulps, Hogy, Gobblers and Z-Man. Find a soft plastic lure that is your own personal preference and take several types because different colours work better than others on different days – some days paddle tails will work better than a Berkley Gulp Nemesis and some days the shad will work better than a worm profile.

So, keep changing things up until you find what works best on the day.

Remember fish don’t only eat because they’re hungry, they will attack a lure out

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of aggression if you continue to bombard them with it.

Finally, and what’s most exciting for me is this month we will be able to start fishing for snapper and pearl perch again – snapper is my favourite and most sought-after species.

Many of us enjoy the excitement of heading out before dawn to get to our favourite snapper fishing spot.

Nothing matches the excitement of the sun coming over the horizon, the sound of line peeling off your real and a massive knobby snapper taking off with your bait.

During the lockdown, there was a lot of speculation over the ban on snapper and pearl perch from the middle of July through to the middle of August, but it’s something as recreational fishers we just have to deal with.

In anticipation of the snapper and pearl perch season recommencing, it’s a great idea to have all your equipment serviced, new line put on the reels and all your rings set up and ready to go.

I spend a significant amount of time making sure my equipment is 100 percent ready to go prior to any snapper fishing trip because you never know exactly when a trophy fish is going to come along.

Spend time going through your tackle and visit your local tackle shop for new hooks and leader.

Make sure every box is ticked prior to going out because it’s a

long way to go only to find out something isn’t right or working properly.

As far as bait for snapper goes, I suggest always having frozen pilchard and squid on board as well as slimy mackerel or yakkas, even if they are also frozen.

Sometimes being able to get live bait prior to the sunrise is difficult, but it is more important to be where the snapper are and fishing as the sun comes up because this is the most productive time of the day to catch good sized fish.

I quite often, if not always, simply use the frozen bait pre-dawn and then if I can manage to jig live bait close to where I’m fishing, I’ll start to use them as the sun comes up.

I hope you all had a very productive August out on the water and, if you are interested in learning a bit more on how I fish for snapper, we will be conducting a talk at the Coomera Waters Fishing Club soon.

Unfortunately, the talk has been cancelled a couple of times due to COVID but I’m sure it will take place as soon as things are under control.

Enjoy your fishing and remember that what you do supports your mental health, keeps the biggest recreational industry in Australia going and helps thousands of people keep their jobs in this country.

Keep up the good work and see you out on the water soon.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 15

Sophia did well to catch and release her personal best 67cm flathead.

Geoff scored this healthy flathead on a Broadwater charter with the author.

Broadwater going ballistic

W

Benny caught a healthy big arrow squid on an Ecogear jig.

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Andrew did a squid charter with the author and caught heaps of arrow squid.

Broadwater Guide

by CLINT ANSELL

catching big arrow squid, flathead, flounder, winter whiting, bream and more.

With every season there’s something new to look forward to.

As long as the demoralising lockdowns don’t continue, there is great fishing to be had on the Gold Coast.

Flathead will begin to move closer to the river mouths to begin feeding and fattening up to reach breeding condition.

Squid will still be around in numbers this month, as will squid, flatties, flounder, whiting and bream.

Bigger sand whiting will also start to appear more in the Gold Coast Broadwater, and they are best targeted on live yabbies.

Looking back at my photos from September last year, we have lots to look forward to if history repeats.

Good numbers of school mackerel, bigger tuskfish, arrow squid, dinner-plate sized flounder, big bream and big winter whiting all featured in our daily catches twelve months ago.

Just avoid the snot weed that often blooms at this time year, and if you look for baitfish on the fishfinder in 2-6m depths along the edges of all channels in the Broadwater, you’ll be among the action.

For land-based anglers, the western side of the Broadwater can produce many species, such as those mentioned, especially if you fish areas that suddenly drop off to deeper water – the beach between Sundale Bridge and the Meriton building at Southport, and along the Runaway Bay foreshore.

* continued P18

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Nick with an unusual spanish mackerel catch from the Broadwater.

Broadwater going ballistic * from P16

Also worth mentioning is the eastern foreshore from Sundale Bridge to Southport Yacht Club.

This area has been dredged recently to build up the beach, thus creating several distinct holes near the shore.

All sorts of fish feed and live here such as bream, flathead, whit-

ing and golden trevally, as well as big bull sharks at night.

I’m very keen to go wading again for big whiting with ultralight tackle on the sand flats.

Last season was so enjoyable, relaxing and productive.

It’s a great way to quietly enjoy nature, catch a feed and stalk trophy whiting.

The added by-catch of flathead, big bream and a few other surprises make it even more worthwhile.

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Shane from Victoria and his son enjoyed catching a few solid flathead. www.bnbfishing.com. au

Billy Lowery at the barefoot mud crab-tying contest at Lims Hotel in Darwin in 1983. Photo: Library and Archives Northern Territory

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A solid snapper from the reefs off Tweed Heads before the closure.

Brandon with a solid trout from 1770.

Hitting the shallow reefs

T

A nice cod in perfect conditions.

Mitch and a nice little red emperor that made it past the sharks.

Coral trout are always welcome.

Page 20 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

HE fishing has been damn good over the past month with tenacious fighting snapper schooling up on the shallow reefs to spawn.

With the closed season over, it’ll be full steam ahead to get stuck into a couple over the next few weeks, before the current starts to pick up and the water temperature rises.

It won’t be too far off, as whales are already starting to head south again after having a holiday in the warm water up north.

South of the border, if you’ve been lucky enough to get out, anglers have been having a field day with the reduced boat traffic, allowing for a few great solo sessions with snapper, pearl perch and jewfish all coming over the side.

The shallow reefs have been on fire with plenty of fish.

There have been stonker pearlies caught using deep water jigs

Gold Coast

by HEATH ZYGNERSKI

in 100m plus of water.

Jigging for pearlies has gained popularity in deep water as you spend more time fishing rather than winding up to check or rebait your lines and, as you move to deeper water again, bar cod come into the equation.

Winding up to check your bait from 300m plus of water will wear you out in no time, so jigging is a viable option to keep your line in the water until a solid hook-up.

In the rivers and creeks, mangrove jack are still being caught but everyone’s attention has turned to flathead.

Flatties love warm shallow water over a sandbank to lie in and wait for a baitfish to swim past.

This is what makes fishing for them with lures or soft plastics such fun.

For your best chance, try and position yourself near weed beds.

On the beaches there have been good catches of tailor.

They will increase in size over the coming month and don’t be surprised if the occasional jewfish is mixed in with them.

With the great weather, fishers have been doing the hard yards and heading up to Seventeen Seventy, chasing red emperor and trout and have been rewarded with great fish.

It is a long way to go, so planning is very important, with having everything ready – so you can race off at the drop of a hat should a weather window appear – often being the case.

Reds and coral trout made up most of the catch with the * continued P22

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 21

Steve found this cracking jewfish on a beautiful winter morning.

Snapper during snap lockdown

L

Dahn had a crack at catching snapper on the close reefs and scored this solid squire.

EATHERJACKET were unusual this year.

For the most part they were fairly thick, but strangely they seemed to move about a bit.

Usually, they blanket every reef in the 30-50 fathom region, but this year boats would come home reporting plagues of jacket in one area and boats in a slightly different spot on the same day would report none at all.

The next day would be a completely new game

Tweed to Byron Bay

by GAVIN DOBSON

– going back to the place where there were no jacket the previous day rarely saw a repeat performance.

There was absolutely no rhyme or reason as to where they were going to be on any given day.

They dragged their stay on a bit longer than usual this year too.

The good news is that the jacket have now

gone and the deep reefs are once again open for business.

On the fishing front, snapper dominate offshore catches in the deep and in close.

For those floating bait down in the 42 and 50-fathom depths, good squire to 3kg are fairly common.

The bigger models are * continued P24

Hitting the shallow reefs off Tweed Heads * from P20

occasional cod mixed in as well.

However, sharks played havoc and at least eight fish were lost to the grey-suited taxman.

It is best to move on once you have a fish ‘sharked’ because it’s

unlikely you’ll get another fish to the boat.

What is worse is when you actually hook-up to them – it’s a dogged tug-o-war to get them to the boat in the hope of getting any of your rigging back.

Page 22 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

The local bars are in bad shape.

Tweed is really shallow at the mouth and the sandbank out the front is starting to get wider and wider, which will make things very interesting on a decent swell.

Currumbin is very

messy, and care needs to be taken on a half tide or below.

It’s worth giving Tallebudgera Bar a miss – the dredge is in there at the moment, but it does very little for the actual bar itself, with it being narrow and shal-

low, and is only passable on the flattest of seas on a full tide.

The Gold Coast Seaway is the pick of the bunch, but keep an eye out to the north where it is very shallow.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 23

Snapper during snap lockdown * from P22

Gary and a nice shallow-water snapper.

Gary floated a bait down to this solid jewfish.

mixed in with them, but they are either slower to the bait or just more cautious.

It’s really good to have a few quality snapper in close this year.

The past last few seasons have been a real flop, but at least this winter you can head out to the shallow reefs with a bit of confidence of getting a run or two.

You’re not going to come home with a bag limit of big knobbies but who needs to do that anyway?

Ducking out to the local reef and knocking off a few red emperor and a good knobbie or two is a great trip in my book.

It’s an absolute privilege I reckon!

Owning and running a boat is expensive and for years people have tried to justify it by catching hundreds of dollars’ worth of fish each trip.

The justification should come from a broader range of factors.

The benefits to your health, both mental and physical, are important.

Would you rather spend a hundred bucks on fuel and bait or in fees for a crowded gym and a psychotherapist?

There’s the sheer enjoyment of being out on the water in nature that is nearly impossible to put a value on.

Of course, a humble feed of top-quality local fish should be in your sights as well, but always remember, it’s not the only governing factor.

Tailor this year have been fairly good.

They started well down at Brunswick Heads and have moved north, with good catches coming from the Wooyung and Black Rocks area and now they are also up Kingscliff Tweed Heads way.

They will still move around a bit following bait, of which there has been plenty.

Small white pilchard have been relatively abundant as have frogmouth pillies.

White pilchard moved into the lower rivers and creeks as they usually do and tailor followed, providing plenty of opportunities for estuary anglers, especially in the Tweed River around Fingal to Chinderah.

Still in the rivers, it’s time to start chasing flathead and whiting.

Flatties have begun to

show up in reasonable numbers in the shallows and schools of white pilchard gets them excited in the lower river too.

A bit further upriver where the bottom gets muddier, fish the edges of drop-offs draining the flats on the last of a run-out tide.

Flathead will lie with their face into the water of the sun-warmed flats and wait to ambush food coming to them.

When the tide turns, flathead will push up onto the flats and follow the abundant juvenile mullet to the base of the mangroves.

There are also a few good jewfish in the middle reaches of the Tweed River.

Keen mangrove jack fishers will be plying their trade this month, but if this fish is something you aren’t experienced with though want to have a go at, wait until next month when jack will be feeding more freely.

There’s always plenty going on in spring.

When we’re in lockdown, check which recreational activities are permitted, and stay safe and go catch a fish.

New recreational fishing strategy unveiled for SA

A

RECREATIONAL fishing strategy which lays the foundation for a prosperous future for the South Australian recreational fishing sector has been unveiled.

Developed by the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council on behalf of the state’s recreational fishing community,

the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia 2021-2024 outlines key pillars for the future of the sector – growth, delivery, partnerships, knowledge and information.

Key action items for recreational fishers include investigating the rollout of electronic diaries, explore new funding opportunities, improve research and

Page 24 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

monitoring and increasing education.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the strategy contains practical actions for priority areas of growth to achieve a strong future for all of the 277,000 recreational fishers in South Australia.

“South Australia has an incredibly proud rec-

reational fishing sector which plays a key role in the social and economic fabric of our state, contributing more than $160 million,” Minister Basham said.

“This new recreational fishing strategy, put together by MRFAC, provides practical actions to help grow the sector in a sustainable way and ultimately get more people fishing.

“We know that when people fish there are significant economic benefits because people often stay in regional communities, visit the local tackle shop and eat at local restaurants, which all support jobs.

“This is a practical comprehensive strategy which has been written after extensive consultation with the South * continued P25

www.bnbfishing.com. au

New recreational fishing strategy unveiled for SA * from P24

Australian recreational fishing sector.

“This is not a government document, it is a strategy prepared by South Australian fishers, for South Australian fishers.”

South Australians who pick up a rod, line, pot or net are encouraged to read this strategy and think about what they can bring to the table, as all state residents work together for the sustainable management of recreational fishing in South Australia.

“The government will consider the key actions in the strategy, as should all those who have an interest in the sector, including local government and retail fishing trade businesses,” Min-

ister Basham said.

“I congratulate the MRFAC on preparing this important, agendasetting strategy which is balanced across regions and stakeholder groups.”

Actions for the recreational fishing sector that are identified in the strategy include: • Investigate the rollout of electronic diaries across recreational fisheries which are managed by registration or total allowable recreational catch • Seek government commitments to ongoing funding proportionate to the value of recreational fishing, or alternatively, explore separate funding resources • Improve the participation of recreational

fishers in research and monitoring projects • Work with recreational fishing groups to increase fishing skills and best practise handling • Work with schools and the Department for Education to identify opportunities to promote recreational fishing as a safe, family friendly and healthy activity.

MRFAC chair Sharon Starick said the South Australian recreational fishing is diverse in its demographics, regions and practices resulting in a broad range of interests and needs.

“This strategy is looking at the key needs of the recreational fishing community over the next three years and aims to deliver tangible

outcomes to the recreational fishing community by building capacity and capability,” Ms Starick said.

“Incorporating the growth and progress opportunities identified by the 2020 Recreational Fishing Priorities survey, this strategy focusses on both short and medium-term outcomes for the sector to increase

stewardship, sustainability and security.

“It is now up to us – the whole recreational fishing community – to work together constructively to increase trust, unity, strength and resilience for a better future for this sector in South Australia.”

The full strategy can found on the MRFAC website mrfac.org.au

South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 25

Going off offshore and in close W ELL after all the lockdowns over the past month, I do hope that no matter where you are in the country, you are safe and sound.

I’m sure, at some point, we will be out of this horrible situation and can get back to the things we love – fishing, camping and generally being outdoors with those who are important in our lives.

For now, let’s all hang in there and maybe get some maintenance done on the fishing gear and start thinking about catching that personal best fish on the next trip out.

Ballina Bait & Tackle

by BRETT HYDE

Even though we have had a few cold patches over the past couple of months, this winter has been fairly mild across Northern Rivers.

The water temperature hasn’t dropped as low as it usually does and recently this has, to a degree, affected fishing.

Having said that, we’ve still had decent catches across most areas and the next few weeks are shaping up to be much the same, when we can get out there.

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Offshore we have had our usual run of leatherjacket around the 32 and 42-fathom line.

The slight difference this year is that we’ve had a few show up out wider than normal, and also the occasional jacket in closer than usual.

At the time of writing this article ample numbers are still being landed, particularly on the 32s, but I expect they will have nearly disappeared by the time this edition comes out.

The current has been fairly inconsistent over winter, which is unusual – it would normally settle down and be quite slow at this time.

Some days there has been as much as 4-5 knots of current, which is the speed you would expect during summer – not at this time of year.

The good thing about the current we’ve had to deal with is species

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such as kingfish and amberjack quite enjoy a faster current.

The quicker flow causes baitfish to congregate together around structure, which can make them a slightly easier target for these predatory species.

The current doesn’t seem to have put snapper and pearl perch off either, with respectable catches of pearl perch coming from the 48 to 55-fathom lines.

Bait such as mullet and squid have both worked, as have slow pitch jigs up to 300g, depending on the current on the day.

Snapper have been in fairly significant numbers over the past month, particularly on the close reefs.

Soft plastics and soft vibes have accounted for the better-quality fish, with brighter colours working a little better than darker ones.

Plenty of fish have also been landed on bait, such as pilchard and squid, but the trick has been to keep the weight to a minimum and float the bait down through the water column by letting out plenty of line behind the boat.

The close reefs have also produced good quality mulloway in recent weeks.

Lightly weighted live bait being fished late afternoon and into the evening have been the best way to target these silver ghosts.

The superior fish have been taken around the new and full moon cycles, so it will be worth trying your luck around these phases in the coming month.

Back in the river we

have experienced a decent run of luderick over the past few weeks.

Weed has still been a little difficult to get your hands on, but there are a couple of alternatives worth checking out.

A few of the companies now do a ‘weed fly’ imitation, which comes in a few different shades of green and brown to suit the water quality and the angler’s preference.

You could also try collecting a bit of cabbage from one of your nearest rock platforms and, while cabbage works quite well early in the season, luderick may turn their noses up at this offering as the season progresses, so it will still pay to hunt around for weed where possible.

The cooler conditions have definitely slowed flathead over recent weeks, with just a few warmer days producing better numbers of fish.

Recently, the consistency of flathead has been their location.

Most fish have been showing up between Pimlico Island and Rileys Hill in less than 1.5m of water.

On warmer days, a run-out tide has also helped flathead get a little more active and aggressive.

Slowly working curl tail soft plastics or slow rolling bait such as prawns or white pilchard have both been fairly productive ways to target flathead.

I do expect them to be a little difficult to target until about October.

However, the great part about this time of * continued P27

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Going off offshore and in close * from P26

year and flathead in the shallows, is there are plenty of cool lures such as swimbaits, glide baits, jerkbaits and even surface poppers that are worth trying on them – until the water starts to heat up and pushes them into deeper water.

Don’t forget, bass season is just around the corner in the river.

So, if you haven’t been targeting them over winter, now is the time to dust off the bass lures and get ready for the September 1 opening in freshwater.

Well, that’s about all from me for this month, until next time, tight lines!

The author with a quality pearl perch from the 48-fathom line.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 27

This well-conditioned school jewfish nailed one of Mischa’s 15cm Storm WildEye Shad soft plastic lures at the old ferry approach at Iluka during a slack low tide.

Fantastic flathead and super soapies at Iluka

H

OLY moley goalie, it’s September already which means spring has sprung and winter is over for another year.

At Iluka, August saw excellent catches of bream from the breakwalls, beaches and headlands, with jewfish to be had from the breakwalls, headlands and inside the mighty Clarence River, while inside the river, luderick dominated catches.

Actually, jewfish were that thick that even I caught one.

Yes, only one, but con-

Just Jew

by TYE PORTER

sidering I only had two casts I was super stoked – though it was a pitiful runt.

One night while Mischa went to the wall for a plastic session on a low tide, I thought I’d sneak up to the old ferry approach at slack low water for a look with an Old Dog Mutt lure in Elton John colour and was rewarded with a monstrous 78cm soapie on my second cast.

Page 28 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

It was only a pup but considering it was the first time this year I had actually fished for the smelly critters, I was quite happy with my effort and it sure did make good eating.

However, my joy was short lived when Mischa returned home a while later and laid his 14kg fish next to mine.

Elsewhere in the river, nice fish around the 15kg mark were taken from the Collis Wall and Pinchgut on live mullet during a slack high at night, while over at Yamba the T-Piece on the breakwall continued to fish well most nights – if you can find a spot among the hoard of anglers.

Lovers Point at Yamba and the first and second bluffs at Iluka have been the pick of the

headlands for jewfish in recent weeks, with solid fish being taken on hard-bodied minnow lures a couple of hours either side of a low tide.

The beauty of this area of the coast is that big jewfish can be taken from the above headlands year-round, as long as you have enough swell to get a nice blanket of white water.

September is the month to start fishing the breakwalls with fresh whole octopus during a high tide in the middle of the day, as the average daytime fish is in the 18-20kg range, compared to the standard 10-14kg fish you get fishing a night tide.

Bream have been in excellent numbers along the ocean side of the Iluka wall behind the surf break during the day, along with the occasional big tarwhine and just legal school jew.

Solid fish are also being taken from the wash

around the headlands on bait such as white pilchard and fresh prawns, and chopper tailor around 1kg have also been taken from these areas on metal lures.

Local angler Rebekah Ellis has been casting 3” soft plastic lures around the sandflats along Marandowie Drive for nice flathead to 55cm and rumour has it that she lost a couple of much larger fish at her feet.

Whiting are already making an appearance in the lower reaches of the river and, while the numbers are nothing to write home about yet, the sizes Mischa has returned home with on several occasions from night sessions have included fish over 45cm.

Plenty of decent schools of mack tuna are about and small bonito are moving along the ocean side of the Iluka wall feeding on large shoals of white pillies, * continued P30

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Mischa landed this 14kg fish from the Iluka breakwall using a 5” Berkley PowerBait Nemesis paddle tailed soft plastic.

Fantastic flathead * from P28

however nobody has been chasing them, which seems strange.

Main Beach has only recently started to get a bit of formation, in the past week or so after months of big seas, so here’s hoping tailor move back in and we can enjoy the quality of beach fishing we’re used to.

The offshore brigade has finally had a good run of fair weather and this in turn has seen excellent catches of snapper and teraglin being taken at Black Rocks to the north and in our southern grounds off Minnie Waters and Brooms Head.

Oddly enough, the occasional small longtail tuna has been boated off Woody Head and while the fish have only been in the 10kg range, they have certainly been a pleas-

ant surprise to the anglers involved.

Given the fiasco that is happening with COVID in NSW at the moment, I can’t see too many people being able to come down for a fish anytime soon, but here’s hoping things change for the better soon.

All in all, September is usually a bit of a transitional month – when winter species such as bream and luderick begin to move out of river systems and summer species such as whiting are yet to arrive in any great number.

Having said that, as long as the weather is kind this month, anglers shouldn’t have too much trouble getting a feed of their preferred species.

So, as long as you can legally do so, get out and have a fish.

Until next month, safe fishing.

Page 30 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

The Australian Fishing Trade Association has addressed the new regulations the best it can on a simple one-page sheet on its socials to get a clear message across to everyone.

New NSW fishing rules

W

hile the onus is on individuals to stay informed of the latest COVID restrictions in their state, NSW has announced new regulations that affect all fishing in the state.

The Australian Fishing Trade Association has addressed the new regulations on a simple one-page sheet on its socials to get a clear message across to everyone.

It also has social dis-

tancing images that can be used as a reminder for everyone during the regulation period.

The LGAs can be found at the link below and AFTA recommend using this to help define where you can and can’t fish – olg.nsw. gov.au/public/find-mycouncil/local-govern ment-area-boundariesand-mapping-informa tion/ Those in NSW are not to travel more than 5km from home, which in

NSW Spatial Services, NSW Administrative boundaries theme, Local Government Areas.

most cases has meant offshore fishing was not allowed.

However, AFTA has been working hard behind the scenes and now have recent confirmation from NSW ministers that offshore fishing to 3nm is permitted if the ramp access is within your LGA. This has been updated on the AFTA social media sheet.

Rules must still be followed in regard to ramp access and staying within your LGA, but this is great news and a common-sense approach.

To ensure this isn’t reversed, NSW residents must follow the COVID rules and restrictions.

Fishing in the river inside your local LGA for either catch and release or for food is allowed without any distance limits, as long as you stay inside your LGA. Check state authority websites for the latest recreational fishing information.

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Angler Liam Coppleman does it again with an 89cm jewfish caught on a Zerek Fish Trap. Photos: fishingnoosa.com.au

Preparing to clean up with spring season change

W

ITH daylight hours increasing and the mercury on the rise, we are also seeing water temperature creeping up.

For anglers, this means many fish will start to feed harder as the season progresses.

Offshore anglers will be chafing at the bit to get to the snapper and pearl perch, while the rivers offer a great range of species for all styles of fishing.

With the annual snapper and pearl perch closure ending on August 15, Chardons Reef and North Reef are two great systems.

Though not blessed with big structure, they certainly attract good numbers of fish.

Pilchard floaters work well on lighter current days for cobia and snapper, with reef rigs catching maori cod, grass sweetlip, pearl perch and even the occasional longtail tuna.

Closer in, Sunshine Reef often holds good numbers of squire, sweetlip, pearlies and www.bnbfishing.com.au

Sunshine Coast

by GRANT BUDD

maybe a coral trout.

Coral trout are suckers for a live yakka, so be sure to stop off at the bait grounds of Halls Reef and load up.

If you don’t want to use Sabiki rigs because of the hooks getting stuck in everything, come and check out the Sabiki rods in store.

These are designed in such a way that the entire rig stays inside the rod when not in use.

This keeps those super small hooks away from marine carpet, other rods and your fingers, of course.

Out wider from Double Island Point are amberjack, moses perch, venus tuskfish, snapper, cobia and mixed trevally species including longnose and diamond.

These fish will smash slow-fall jigs fished around 6-8m off the bottom.

Take a look at the Samaki Wingman and Ribcage jigs, which

cover multiple styles and conditions.

The Barwon Banks and the bottom of the Hards usually hold big snapper, kingfish, amberjack and pearlies due to the colder water temperature.

For any anglers fishing offshore, now is a great time to have a release weight on board.

Come and check them out instore so you can release fish with barotrauma more effectively.

Surf fishing is all about jewfish and tailor, which were slow to get going earlier in the year but continue to show up.

Fishing around river mouths, the run-offs around Castaways and Marcus Beach and any new gutters with an afternoon or evening runin tide will certainly go

a long way to helping you.

Places to fish include the gutters along Mudjimba, to the southern end of Yaroomba rocks, as well as Noosa headlands and various bays on the way out through the national park.

Double Island Point remains a popular spot for those casting metals or stickbaits on lighter PE3 gear for queenfish and tailor.

* continued P32

Rhyder Worth with one of several bass caught during the Fish Headz Noosa Borumba Bass Fishing Competition.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 31

Preparing to clean up with spring season change * from P31

The Rapala X-Rap Magnum Prey has a great baitfish profile and at over 40g is guaranteed to cast very well.

Traditional 4/0 gang hooks and a running sinker has been the popular rig for tailor fishos.

If you want to add a little more attraction to your offering, try adding a Neptune Tackle Flashy Tinsel Head skirt to the top hook.

This will stand out if you prefer to fish in low light conditions.

Off the rocks, especially around the Noosa headlands, you can expect to find squire and grassy sweetlip, with fresh mullet strips working well on simple two-hook snelled rigs.

Targeting jewfish during a run-in tide and the lead up to a moon is a

popular time to fish.

Be sure to check in and see if we have fresh mullet, as this is the preferred bait for many anglers.

The Noosa River mouth and the dog beach drop-offs are a couple of flathead and whiting hot spots for land-based anglers.

Trolling is one popular method for kayak anglers and small boat owners, and the new Berkley Pro-Tech range features many minnowstyle lures, the perfect choice for a variety of fish, from small bream to huge flathead.

Another popular area is the Frying Pan, which holds good numbers of whiting and bream.

As the flats drain, 4lb gear can give you some excellent fishing, especially if trevally show up.

Try smaller surface lures and work the edges with a mix of retrieves to find out what works.

Another popular place is the current line, which is on the edge of Woods Bay. The currents converge here and draw fish in, especially flathead and trevally.

Drifting and flicking is the most popular method, with 6-8lb because fish can be very line shy.

Look at the smaller 2” Keitech Easy Shiner, which is the perfect baitfish size if using soft plastics.

Away from the lower estuary, the ski run and between the lakes hold smaller jewfish, flathead, bream, queenfish, trevally and the occasional mangrove jack.

These fish will respond

well to unweighted bait including live bait, so be sure to check out our range of cast nets.

We can also teach you how to throw one if you need help.

During low light or dirty conditions try soft vibes such as the Nomad Vertrex, as they emit a lot of vibration which draws predatory fish in.

Freshwater anglers will see things start to warm up slightly, which gets fish moving.

Afternoon bite times will be better as the daytime sun sits directly overhead.

Saratoga can be seen free swimming and enjoying the sun just under the surface, but they are next to impossible to tempt.

The weedy edges will be holding the heat of the day, so when the

Max Pfiefer with a chunky giant trevally on a Holts Productions Swim Prawn.

Page 32 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

wind blows cold, try working the trees and weed lines.

While deeper water is cooler, it pays to throw suspending lures.

Smaller Jackall Squirrels and Norries Laydown Minnows are two proven lures.

Don’t forget, Berkley have a new range and a bent subsurface lure which mimics a wounded baitfish that can work wonders.

If you are finding deeper schooled up bass, then the Hot Bite Gang Banger spoons have claimed a lot of fish with a simple slow roll.

To get the best from these lures, you need to feel them vibrate through your rod tip.

Personally, I crimp all barbs because bass inhale these on the drop and you can perform quick safe in-water releases with a pair of long-nose pliers.

Remember to purchase your Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme permit and enjoy this time of year, no matter where you are.

And, if travelling between lakes and dams, be sure to wash any weed off trailers and propellors to prevent the spread.

For all the latest information, log onto fish ingnoosa.com.au for up-to-date bar and fish ing reports, and don’t forget to drop into Tackle World Noosa, Noosa Boating and Outdoors and Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola for all the right equipment, bait and advice to get you catching.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and remember, tight lines and bent spines!

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 33

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 35

Taking it easy in between tide changes and fishing sessions at nearby Eli Creek.

Short trip to Fraser and Eurong

W

A small chopper tailor taken not far from the author’s accommodation.

The author with a nice whiting taken from a low tide gutter.

Page 36 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

ITH beach fishing sessions in full swing, myself and a few friends did a short trip staying at Eurong Beach Resort in late July.

This was somewhat of a bonus, with our big trip of 10-nights planned for late August.

For four nights, the Eurong Beach Resort was a perfect location for our sortie.

Not only is this resort central to several popular spots to visit, such as Eli Creek, Central Station, Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) and more, but it also takes a lot of the hassle out of a short trip.

Instead of loading vehicles and trailers full of camping gear and Eskies, you just turn up, unpack and either take advantage of McKenzie’s Restaurant, bring a few meals to re-heat or cook in the self-contained apartments yourself.

You can also do as we did and get some premade sandwiches to go before hitting the tracks

Fishing Tips

by SEAN THOMPSON

to the western side of the beach during the day.

The other bonus is at the end of a long day’s fishing, you can shower off, have dinner at the restaurant or order takeaway pizza and sit back with a couple of drinks watching the football on the huge television in the king-sized apartments.

What more could you want?

Best of all, Eurong Beach Resort is also running a few deals, including accommodation, ferry, buffet breakfast and more.

To find out more, click on the QR code to go to the website.

The fishing As I’ve spoken about many times before, being prepared for a fishing trip will allow you to hit the ground running – or the beach in this case.

What this meant for us was that we had our whiting rods rigged up and in the back of the four-wheel-drive, and we had our shoulder bags, spare rigs, bait bucket and live worms ready to go.

This meant that even before we unpacked the 4WDs, we could fish the beach between Dilli Village and Eurong for whiting from the peak hour before to the hour after low tide.

What we were looking for were very shallow gutters with a blind or closed end and a back bank that ran diagonal to the shore, along the back of the gutter.

In these gutters the four of us stood well back from the water, so as not to spook the fish, and cast everywhere from right in the corner of the gutter to along the back bank edge, to * continued P37

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Short trip to Fraser and Eurong * from P36

lobbing our bait just beyond the shore break.

On the first session and a couple of other occasions, we found whiting to 37cm and a heap of tarwhine, especially in the slightly deeper water.

If you start to catch dart, generally the water you are fishing in is too deep or the tide too high.

We are not fans of these bait-stealing pests and will generally move to try and find whiting in shallower gutters.

The other tip is we only give each gutter a short amount of time.

If we catch no legal whiting in 10 minutes or so at the peak time, we gutter hop to the next good-looking gutter.

Live beachworms are your best bait for these fish, and on our trip we caught a few whoppers that approached the 180cm mark and fished them on both the eastern beach and the western side.

Western side As much as we love beach fishing Fraser, the flats fishing from the

shore of the western side can be phenomenal.

While it wasn’t quite up to its usual standards – possibly because we got stronger than forecast southwesterly blows, which discoloured the water and made it hard to cast into – we still managed a few lovely flathead to 70cm, as well as bream on soft plastics plus a few more bream and whiting on bait.

Typically, flathead are best on the last two hours of a falling tide around drains and weed edges and whiting are best as the tide is running in over the soft mud and sand flats, particularly early morning or late afternoon.

Tailor Of course, if wouldn’t be a Fraser Island trip in winter without chasing tailor, and we scored a couple at dawn and dusk within 100m of the resort.

There were also several schools reported at the southern end of the island, as well as around Cathedrals and a few kilometres south of Indian Head.

One thing to be aware of, which we experienced, is that as high tide approaches with a big full moon, the water can quicky rush in and the sweep will pick up your line and bait, making it hard to keep your line out straight.

A couple of solutions are to either lure cast, if you can reach the back bank or if bait fishing, use heavier four or fivestar sinkers, otherwise walk with the sweep to keep your line and rig directly in front of you and not swept into shore.

Alternatively, the morning high tide is currently much lower and much easier to fish, so keep that in mind.

So, there we go… a few tips from our recent Eurong Beach Resort trip to Fraser.

Hopefully I’ll have some more reports from Fraser for you next month, if COVID stays away from us!

In the meantime, please jump on and follow or like my Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages, Ontour Fishing Australia.

One of the many huge worms available for bait along the beach.

Matt the chef with a lovely flathead released for another day.

The magic view from the balcony of one of Eurong Beach Resort’s apartment balconies. www.bnbfishing.com.au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 37

The author with a nice amberjack.

Trailer boat trips to Fraser Island

F

A pair of lovely moses perch.

Fraser Island is a fishing and boating paradise.

Page 38 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

RASER Island – it’s a fishing and boating paradise and, to me, it is simply one of the greatest places on earth.

For all its beauty though, Fraser can be a brutal place at times, with many boats and four-wheel-drives coming undone on its soft white sands.

Trailer boat trips to Fraser Island can be very rewarding but it’s important to do your homework before you make the journey.

There are a few different options if you’re looking to fish the offshore waters of Fraser.

A popular option is to take on the Wide Bay Bar at the southern end of the island, departing from Rainbow Beach or Tin Can Bay. The bar itself can be dangerous in rough conditions, so typically larger vessels built for purpose can take on this option.

Another avenue is to

Fishing Tips

by CHRIS RAIMONDI

leave from Urangan and cross Hervey Bay, rounding the northern tip of Fraser, in the vicinity of Breaksea Spit.

The sheer distance you need to cover with this option means that at a minimum, an overnight trip is required to maximise fishing time.

The third option, and the one I take regularly, is towing the boat up the eastern beach and launching on the inside of Waddy Point.

It’s the perfect scenario for boats in the 5.5-7.5m range that are relatively easy to tow.

My 5.5m Galeforce centre console fits the profile perfectly for these trips and as part of the build, I ensured I went for a beefedup dual axle Mackay C Channel trailer with an extended drawbar – totally suited for beach launch and retrieval.

The trip itself requires patience and preparation, with a low tide run up the beach a must. Let the air out of both your car and trailer tyres – to around 18-20psi – to allow for the best possible run at the soft areas.

Specific areas where you’re most likely to get stuck are at Inskip Point while boarding and exiting the Manta Ray barge, the track that cuts across from Indian Head to Middle Beach and the inland track that takes you from Champagne Pools to the Orchid Beach township.

If possible, make the trip with at least one other vehicle and carry the standard beach recovery gear such as Maxtrax recovery tracks, a recovery strap and D-shackles. * continued P39

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Trailer boat trips to Fraser Island * from P38

Once you reach Orchid Beach, you’ll need to launch your boat in the gutter inside Waddy Point.

This stretch of beach changes regularly, so it’s important to carefully survey the conditions each and every trip.

If the weather is good on the day you arrive, it pays to head down the beach and mark where the tractors and boat trailers are parked, or better still watch a few boats head in and out so you can gauge the safest passage.

Tidal conditions are super important, so pay careful attention to the stage of the tide when you leave compared to when you plan to come home.

On our most recent trip – in June before closures – there was very little water in the gutter at low tide, which made it very difficult to get back in without risking being turned side on to the waves on the sand bank.

If you’re new to beach launching, it’s important to watch others, take your time, know your boat and have confidence in what you’re doing.

Once you’re offshore of Fraser in a small boat, with the trip up the beach and the surf launch behind you, it’s a great feeling!

The best part is that you’re literally a couple of kilometres away from unbelievable fishing – it’s right on your doorstep!

This part of the world is as good as any for catching big red emperor, and on a recent www.bnbfishing.com.au

trip that was our target species.

We trekked out to an area where we had caught good reds before, but we didn’t mark as many fish on the sounder as I’d hoped.

The conditions were calm but there was a little bit of current, which made things a tad tricky.

My friend Ross deployed the first bait of the morning and hooked up to a good fish straight away and I had hopes that it was going to be job done on the first drop.

However, as often happens, what might have been a nice red turned into a fairly big amberjack and it was back to square one.

It didn’t take long though and again Ross was bending – this time it was the right colour.

A 13.5kg red hit the surface, then the gaff and then the floor of the boat – right next to a bit of sand from the long trip to get there.

It’s at that moment, when a nice big red is on the deck, that the long journey was worth the while.

Unfortunately, the red emperor fishing didn’t really live up to the expectations we had on that particular trip, but we certainly did OK employing plans B and C. For the remainder of day one, we shifted our attention to the shallower reefs, using bait and jigs to tempt a few nice parrotfish, redthroat emperor and some of the biggest moses perch I’ve see.

We couldn’t add to our red emperor tally, so on day two we decided to stock up with yakka –

yellowtail scad – and hit a couple of areas fished well in the past.

We weren’t disappointed, with pearl perch and cod smashing our livies and jigs all morning.

You’d be hardpressed to find better offshore fishing variety anywhere in the world when compared to what’s on offer at Fraser Island.

The best part is that you don’t need a huge boat to get among it, just common sense, a bit of preparation and a good game plan.

A couple of nice pearl perch caught on live yakka.

A quality parrotfish.

Ross with his 13.5kg red emperor.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 39

Hannes loving this beast of a herring.

Tuna down deep - flathead fire

M

Dan with his best dusky flathead.

> Hervey Bay > Fraser Island > Sandy Strait

ORE horrible weather, lockdowns and tough bites to report, but thankfully the nibbles weren’t as hard as last month.

Surprisingly, tuna have been the saviours on a few trips – winter fish tend to school deep – pushing light tackle rods to their limits, especially when they’re around that 15kg mark.

Even sub-10kg longtail tuna will make life difficult on gear that handles similar sized

Fraser Guided Fishing

by TRI TON

trevally and queenfish with ease.

These fish are mixed in with trevally and queenfish but fortunately tuna need to eat, so if they’re in a school, you will probably get a bite from them.

Whereas, in my opinion, the other fish are prone to go through long phases of latency.

These not so feisty fish might swipe but will not always strike – resulting in foul hookups.

In one session recently, all three queenfish we hooked were jagged – one in the tail, one in the mid-section and one slightly behind the gill.

And that was when the weather was good enough to get out a bit wider.

When it wasn’t, thankfully on the right tide we pulled a few nice flatheads from in the channels and dropoffs. * continued P41

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Tuna down deep - flathead fire * from P40

Both dusky and bartail are in good numbers and chewing on ridiculous leaders.

Funnily enough, there was no need to stop using the 30lb leaders that were attached for queenfish and tuna.

Why they wouldn’t be as fussy as the rest of them was beyond me.

Anyhow, there were no bite-offs!

If you are chasing flatties this winter and spring, look for structures that may harbour ambush predators.

And yes, ‘think like a fish’.

Flatties are lazy and are the ultimate ambush predator.

Their laziness is probably why they are so tasty to our palate.

If you commonly experience fish over

Kai and a nice golden trevally.

50cm, I recommend leaders over 15lb.

The bigger females will often swallow your lure, and the thrashing headshakes will rasp through light leaders regularly.

And I suggest only drop leaders if you are not getting bites.

If you target them in areas where they are waiting for prey, you will catch them on heavier lures too – so that can make life easier when the wind is up.

To put it into perspective, 50-100cm depth can be fine with 12g jig heads.

If they get fussy or the water is still, try as little as 3g jig heads.

But generally, the rule of thumb is… hit the bottom, and target them in areas where they are ready to pounce.

Bader with a winter sashimi rocket.

Kel with a solid longtail tuna that ended up on a dinner plate.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 43

Rob Duncan could have strapped a saddle on this horse spanish mackerel.

Swain Reefs redemption – Part 1

A

Dale McClurg was happy with his healthy Swain Reefs red emperor.

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POWER BOAT ANGLERS REEF FISHING CLUB INC Page 44 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

FTER a disappointing experience at Swain Reefs a few years ago, Helaine decided to bite the bullet and organise a redemption trip, as both she and Schombie couldn’t really tick it off their bucket lists after the way the previous sortie had panned out.

They decided to go with a different operator and do a custom charter this time around, and one name kept popping up, Big Cat Reality out of Bundaberg.

They decided on the eight-day Centenary Reef trip and, with the boat booked, had other members knocking down the door to get on board.

With the deposit paid, the trip was then real – just had to wait 18 months for the date to arrive.

Three months out, H received a call from James the skipper asking about any possible changes.

After a bit of toing and froing and discussions with James and the crew, they decided to add an extra day and

Power Boat Anglers

by MICK CLUTTERBUCK

have nine days to explore the northern reefs.

This included a 30-hour steam up and back, leaving five full days of fishing and two half days either end.

Time flew and before they knew it, they were steaming north, rigging gear, sinking tins and talking up what the days ahead would bring.

A pot for the biggest red emperor, coral trout and redthroat emperor was made, with a couple of hundred dollars for the winning fish of the species.

Everyone enjoyed arguably the best eye fillet steak for dinner on the first night, with chef Kenny cooking up a storm.

If this was the standard of food they were going to be fed for the week, they may have considered joining several fitness clubs to lose a few kilograms when they all got back Next morning, everyone was up at the crack

of dawn, but they were still steaming north.

They were like caged animals waiting for the engines to slow and come to a halt.

At lunchtime, the purring of the engines slowed finally and a cheer went up – they had made it to East Cay and this was to be home for two nights.

The deckhands didn’t waste any time getting the mob into their dories, and all were soon out for an afternoon of exploring.

The fish that came aboard that afternoon were nothing of note but it had been a good session for all to get their bearings, work out the tenders and electronics, and get a basic ‘lay of the land’ as it were.

Next morning, after a briefing from James as to where they could go – up to five nautical miles with a buddy – everyone paired off, * continued P46

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Swain Reefs redemption sortie for PBA – Part 1 * from P44

hatched a plan of attack and headed off.

The morning bite was a cracker with everyone catching good fish

before all being summoned to return to the cat at 11.30am for lunch.

While everyone tucked into a hot

Helaine Wilesmith scored double coral trout.

cooked lunch and cold beverages, the deckies gathered the mornings catch, refuelled and restocked the Eskies for the afternoon session.

Back on the water after lunch, the crews were again scouting out new places, contours and bommies that would hold fish.

The Garmin electronics on the tenders were all equipped with relief shading overlays, making it extremely easy to see where the ridges, contours and bommies were in the deeper water.

Quite a few had never used Garmin equipment before but found the set up very easy to use and had no trouble finding fish.

The first day saw good numbers of fish boated with a good participation rate from coral trout.

Due to these good numbers, it was agreed by all to increase the minimum size limit in order to limit the catch and spread the take

John Henderson captured this monster giant trevally.

Page 46 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

more evenly between species.

After a great dinner and a few bevvies, everyone poured themselves into bed ready for the next day.

The wind was up a bit the next morning, so they decided to head to the next set of reefs and meet the cat for lunch.

The cat would then move to another reef while the dories fished their way towards it throughout the afternoon.

Lunchtime saw everyone being harassed by sharks, prompting a move even further ahead of big cat and a decision to meet up with it later in the day, where they would anchor for the night.

By the afternoon, the wind had come up again and, with an open passage to make of about 1km long, things were going to get a bit wet – thankfully most had raincoats on board.

Halfway there, H and Schombie’s Garmin

got the ‘black screen of death’, but they were able to follow the tender in front to the next reef to troubleshoot.

The other tender waited for them to catch up and guided their tender to the lee of the reef where they could inspect the Garmin.

They quickly found that one of the cords had worked its way loose, possibly from the jarring of the waves.

A quick tighten and reboot and it was back up and running again.

They continued fishing their way to the cat, pulling a variety of species not usually seen that far south.

At 4.30pm they were first in line at the cat in order to beat the rush for the showers.

After a long day fishing, it was good to relax in the sunlounges with a cool beverage on the upper deck and watch the sun set.

The wind had dropped out too and all were excited about what the next day would bring.

Dinner that night was another gourmet affair, with many a waistband starting to feel the strain – dessert every night probably didn’t help matters.

Time for bed… with part two coming next month.

Please note that PBA meetings times have changed and now occur on the first Wednesday of every month at ‘The Club Manly’ (bowls club), 26 Faine St Manly from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Upcoming meetings are Wednesday September 1 and Wednesday October 6.

Until next month, safe boating.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 47

George Baumber worked hard to land this cracker of a green jobfish.

Ultimate Swain Reefs trip Ivan got this trout past the sharks on the one windy morning we fished from the mother boat.

Dave Bremen with his best red emperor of the trip.

Page 48 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

I

MAGINE a trip to the Swain Reefs on a fully catered boat with excellent facilities enjoying fantastic dory fishing every single day.

Well, that is exactly what we did on the Capricorn Star out of Yeppoon this year, preCOVID lockdown.

The trip started with a glassy sea all the way on the 250km run to our destination and finished in identical conditions on the way home.

For anyone who hasn’t been to the ‘Swains’, it’s an exceptional fishing experience – even for someone who has been there many times over the years, I still looked around and pinched myself every single day of each trip.

The experience is enhanced when you have a sensible skipper who knows the water thoroughly and is supported by a well-drilled crew.

That is one of many reasons why we enjoy doing the Capricorn

Offshore

by BILL CORTEN

Star trip, and Scotty Wilson the owner and skipper has a lifetime of experience working as a commercial trout fisher before spending the past 15 years charter fishing this area for his clients.

His delivery is very professional.

If the weather is good out on the Swains, then it is dory fishing every day.

The dories were small aluminium centre consoles, equipped with the necessities of safety equipment, anchor, a brined icebox and plenty of cutting boards and bait.

A colour sounder and VHF radio to communicate with the mother boat and the other craft in the group rounded out the package.

You are free to fish the reefs within a generous range of the Capricorn Star and

dead set, Scotty knows your exact location the whole time.

This year, George Baumber and I fished the dory with newcomer to the crew Andrew Baumber and we developed a great fishing partnership.

Before each session we received a detailed briefing from Scotty on where the various sections of shoal, dropoffs and pressure points were around the reef he had chosen for us to fish, and we donned the now mandatory inflatable lifejackets before setting off to make our own luck.

On the first morning in the dory, we started off doing something similar to what we had done previously – working the weather side of the reef and probing the deep drop-offs for big trout, redthroat * continued P50

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 49

Ultimate Swain Reefs trip

* from P48

Ivan Mapp made a habit of landing big fish from the rear deck, such as this spanish mackerel.

emperor, parrotfish and the elusive red emperor.

We were also very happy to move about and work the fastflowing water around the pressure points and generally do our own thing.

After the first tide change, George suggested we head into the shallow edges and anchor up.

We lost a bit of gear in there initially and observed Andrew was having more success on long casts of unweighted bait.

Casting a long way across the tide and watching for the bait to get smashed further down the line, as it sank into the zone where the trout and redthroat would rise up and take it, was looking like a lot of fun.

Well, for us that was the start of doing the Swains differently for most of the week and it was quite addictive.

Timely too because our editor Ben Collins asked for something technique based this month, so here goes…

We mostly drifted using the cast and sink technique around all the shallow edges, reef corners and shoal areas, occasionally venturing deeper to do our thing with sinkers and see what worked best during that session.

While Andrew and I were well set up for casting, George wasn’t, so the old master regularly resorted to the trusty handline with a small running sinker, and he caught a few awesome trout and big lipper on the mono.

In fact, he was occasionally our entertainment as he played give and take on the stretched mono as another big trout or extralarge lipper was hooked and landed.

Thankfully, he was working his spin rod when he got monstered

George Baumber was happy as with regular trout captures of this quality.

Page 50 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

by something super big that stripped a lot of braid on a very tight drag.

Of course, we gave him the usual shark comments but in typical fashion George ignored us and remained seated, those long legs dug in deep around the transom with a determined look that I have seen so often in the past.

Nothing like being surprised!

He landed the biggest green jobfish I have ever seen.

That is the beauty of the Swains, the huge variety of fish on offer, if you want to chase them.

We hung in the shallows casting floated bait for the remainder of the session until the radio call to come in for a hot lunch.

The drift now was over a fairly flat rubbly bottom with the occasional rise of hard material and a smattering of fish, not where we would normally fish but the ideal location to really get on top of this cast and float technique.

Andrew was braining some classy lippers, so… monkey see, monkey do.

The key was to cast as far out to one side and up current as we could and let the bait sink as it ran with the current.

A good 40m of colour-coded braid was usually sufficient in about 15m of water, and as the line reached the point where it started to tension up, you would see the braid straighten as a fish attacked the bait and everything went into a locked-up mode. * continued P51

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Nothing like a chat on the rear deck at dusk sampling a couple of Scotty’s hot snacks washed down with a cold beverage.

Andrew Baumber with a typical coral trout that fell to the unweighted bait technique.

Ultimate Swain Reefs trip * from P50

If the hits didn’t occur at this point, we fed some more line off an opened bail arm and hung on or fed line and closed the bail arm waiting for the action.

With a bit of practice, we were losing very few rigs on the bottom and the fish were rising to the bait before it even got close to snagging in any case.

The rigs were simple – a length of fluorocarbon leader attached to the braid with an improved Albright knot and a pair of Mustad 7766s or similar hooks ganged with a swivel or a single octopus-pattern hook with a swivel and large bait at the business end.

The two 7766s acted as a form of trace on the occasions we landed spanish mackerel as a by-catch of the floated bait.

One great thing about casting the unweighted www.bnbfishing.com.au

bait was the small number of sharks we encountered.

The one exception was when Andrew lost a very impressive trevally to a shark when it was almost at the side of the boat!

On the flip side, one morning it was a bit too blowy to fish from the dory, so we lined up and fished along the starboard deck of the Capricorn Star – it was like shark city.

Big whalers up to 3m were patrolling up and down taking good fish at will, making it such a pleasure to be back in the tender for the afternoon session when the wind eased off.

Bring back the shark cull.

This year, most of the crew landed a few excellent spanish mackerel – be it float lining, trolling the reef edges in the dory or trolling from the rear deck in between reefs when

travelling – and Ivan Mapp landed the biggest of the trip, while fishing the back deck after dinner.

We also had a close encounter with a humpback breaching clear of the water near the tender one day, apart from this it was exactly the type of sortie you want – an awesome fishing trip with no mishaps.

The daily process with our fish ensured they had been brined, filleted, bagged with species identification and snap frozen to take home in pristine condition, and the extended trip bag limit per person was generous.

For anyone who hasn’t had a Swain Reefs experience yet, I highly recommend the Capricorn Star out of Yeppoon.

It represents good value for money, and you are in safe experienced hands for the entire trip.

The Capricorn Star at anchor in the lee of a reef.

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Hoa with the biggest barcheek coral trout for the trip.

Nathan with a nice red emperor taken on light tackle.

Team Cruise Craft and the annual Boyne Tannum trip

W

ITH the success of our Team Cruise Craft trip to Tannum in November 2020, we set ourselves a rather large goal – to get as many members as possible to the annual Boyne Tannum HookUp for 2021.

Everything was looking positive – no COVID – and we had a heap of interest almost straight away, with registrations stacking up and the local Tannum caravan parks’ phones blowing up.

With over 35 boats registered and 120 plus crew members, the event was looking to be something special.

We had a great sponsorship backing for the event with Garmin supplying every boat their own merchandise pack and also giving away three Garmin Quatix 6 Marine Smartwatches each night (each at a recommended retail price of $999).

Wilson Fishing put together a tacklebox full of lures for each boat (Wingman Jigs, Fish Traps, Ink Vaders and more), Your Mates Brewing Co supplied

the beverages for the first night’s meet and greet plus two merchandise packs, and Tide Apparel had a large box of clothes for people to sort through.

Everything was under control.

But Mother Nature had different plans, forcing us to cancel the trip three days out and reschedule to a date later in July.

With the mad scramble re-booking accommodation, the majority of fishos were able to make the new dates work, though a handful unfortunately were forced to pull out.

With those who couldn’t make the new dates, a few new members filled their places and the total number of boats didn’t change too much – all we had to do was pray to the weather gods.

One week out and we couldn’t have asked for a better long-range forecast (variable winds), but that soon backflipped and three days out the wind picked up.

By this stage, we’d invested too much, so we

Page 52 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

had to suck it up and go for it.

At 4:00am on the Thursday morning, we hit the road, and arriving in Tannum at about lunchtime, we had to prepare for the night ahead.

With the group’s Team Cruise Craft WhatsApp chat going crazy, with images of everyone arriving and setting up, it was setting out to be a great weekend.

The time flew by and 5:30pm come around fast, and with everyone turning up to the public barbecue area at the Tannum Sands Discovery Park, there was a great vibe with all TCC members meeting each other for the first time.

Everyone was sharing stories, talking different set up styles, tackle, electronics, boat options and going over the planned fishing itinerary for the weekend – all over a couple of cold beverages, lots of banter and pizza that we’d organised for all the members and crew.

For Friday morning, as the weather was predicted to be very av-

erage, we decided to launch a little later at 9am, so those who were new to the area could get an understanding of the ramp and a track out of the leads.

We all steamed out to a patch of reef near the north tip of Facing Island, when on arrival there were already half a dozen TCC members fishing.

So, Brent Ferguson and I decided to head to a few marks that we had nearby, with Harry Curley and Danny Jordin not far behind in Garmin’s Explorer 720HT. With a quick sound around, the bait stacked up on the Garmin GPSMap 8416.

Helm Master EX FishPoint activated and the bait jig was straight down, barely making it to the bottom, the rod loaded up with bait was soon engulfed by something much bigger!

A quick re-tie of a new jig and some fresh livies on board, Brent sent one down and almost straight away his Wilson Venom rod buckled over.

Struggling to get con-

trol of the fish, it was no match for the heavy tackle and Brent landed a solid gold spot cod.

With a good stack of bait in the live tank, I had to get in among the action and as for Brent, the live bait was eaten almost as soon as it hit the bottom, with the result being another large cod.

This went on for about an hour, with every bait getting thumped and the cod getting bigger and bigger, our arms were ready to drop off.

Eager to share in the hot action, we had a couple of members nearby super keen to get involved Hoa Cheng in his Explorer 720HT pulled up next to us with similar results, and Hoa also managed two cracking barcheek coral trout off the same spot.

As the weather continued to worsen, we decided to head back in and get everyone prepared for the next day’s fishing because it was going to be an early start.

On Saturday morning, we had everyone * continued P53

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Team Cruise Craft and the annual Boyne Tannum trip * from P52

launch at 3am to be at the grounds roughly around sun-up.

With the wind up the day before, there was a lot of swell hanging around making the run out in the dark a little slow.

Everyone headed for Guthrie Shoals, where we decided to pull up early for some filming and to fish a spot we had seen on Garmin’s new ‘Relief Shading’, that proved successful.

The first bait that went down didn’t last long and a couple of slightly undersized red emperor surfaced – the target species!

Quick release, re-bait and Danny was on.

Fighting the whole way, it was showing all the right characteristics and when we started to see colour, it was exactly what we were hoping for – the first legal red emperor for the day.

High fives all round, a few happy snaps and straight into the kill tank.

Everyone was buzzing and quickly sent down the next lot of bait with high hopes.

It didn’t take long and Brent landed a very nice tuskfish, and Danny was onto another cracking fish.

With the action heating up, we weren’t the only ones getting excited, as Dan soon found out, with his fish being the first payment to the local taxman.

Watching Danny fight a good fish and then lose it to sharks while using heavy tackle, I did what any crazy fisherman would do… grabbed the lightest setup and send a big bait down.

Fortune favours the brave and it didn’t take long before I set the hooks into what seemed like a good fish.

It was then a tug-ofwar and a quick prayer the sharks didn’t come back.

The fish surfaced and it was another good red, and I let out a sigh of relief once it was in the net and on the deck.

Adam scored a solid trout, which won him a Garmin Quatix 6 watch. www.bnbfishing.com.au

We persisted with the spot for about an hour only to land a few more smaller reef fish, and Brent pulled the short straw having to battle a big chinaman fish.

With calls over the radio of members getting a good haul of reef fish at the shoals, we decided to pack up and head out in search for coral trout and sweetlip emperor.

The weather got better as the day went on and it didn’t take long to get onto a good amount of lipper – it was easy pickings as one after another were landed.

After a while, Brent landed the first trout, which was a refreshing addition to the Esky.

While we were out there chatting to all members on the VHF, we could tell everyone had a heap of nice fish on board and that it was time to make our way back to the boat ramp.

Unfortunately for some it was slow ride home because one of the older boats had engine problems and had to be

towed 120km back…

by Bush ‘n Beach Fishing magazine editor Ben Collins, which earned him a Garmin Quatix 6 watch.

With the big day done and dusted, we gave the boats a quick wash and went to bed because everyone was exhausted.

The next morning, the ‘WhatsApp’ was lighting up with images of the day, so I set off around the campground to see how everyone went, and the smiles on the members’ faces were exactly what we wanted from this trip.

Everyone shared stories of what they’d achieved over the weekend, which was mind blowing.

From small Cruise Craft’s doing big kilometres to kids catching fish and others catching trophy fish – Terry Donohue landed a 35kg plus spanish mackerel.

With a handful of keen fishos heading out on the last day to make the most of their stay at Tannum, it was time

for us to fillet and give the boats a wash while enjoying fresh sashimi and a nice cold beverage.

With the boats cleaned and the fish vacuum sealed, it was time to sit back and reflect on what a great weekend it had been for everyone.

We can’t wait for next year!

A big thank you to those who made the weekend as successful as it was, Cruise Craft, Wynnum Marine, Garmin Marine, Wilson Fishing, Your Mates Brewing Co, Tide Apparel and Yamaha Outboards.

If you own a Cruise Craft boat and are interested in these types of trips, sign up to Team Cruise Craft via the website or email m a rket i ng@c r u is e craft.com.au If you are looking to become a part of the Cruise Craft family, contact your closest Cruise Craft dealership.

Nathan Nagy

Longtail tuna are often the perfect Esky Harry landed this nice trout on a Zerek filler, particularly on the way home from Live Cherabin. a reef trip.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 53

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Page 54 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 57

BOATING & marine

The boat sits better in the water and feels significantly more stable at speed and at rest with the extra weight on the pod.

I am very confident knowing what this boat can do and that it has the power and capability of handling reasonable conditions.

New Suzuki improves Bar Crusher 535C

R

ECENTLY Bar Crusher boats announced an upgrade to the horsepower rating of their Gen2 535 models.

The announcement came earlier this year in a bulletin from Bar Crusher that was sent to its agents advising that the hull had been re-rated to a maximum of 115hp on these beautifully built boats.

Before this 100hp was the maximum that these boats were rated to, but with the addition of extra flotation under the entire gunwale that creates a giant collar around the boat and additional structural improvements, the boat is now ready for the extra power.

Rod Elliott from Australian Marine Centre contacted me knowing that I would be inter-

Boating

by BEN SMITH

ested and so we very quickly organised to go about changing my Suzuki DF90, with 400 hours on it, to the new Suzuki DF115.

Firstly, we ordered the new compliance plates from Bar Crusher, which state the new specifications.

These plates are necessary for the upgrade to take place.

My DF90 Suzuki was a brilliant motor and performed extremely well on my Bar Crusher 535C. Some of the performance figures were very impressive, including a top speed of about 30-31 knots at 6000rpm and brilliant fuel consumption

Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

of 2.9-3.1km/L at about 4100-4200rpm.

At wide-open throttle, the fuel consumption would decrease to about 1.7km/L. On the 90hp, I was running a three-bladed 17” pitch, 14” diameter stainless-steel propeller, which after several tests turned out to be the most efficient propeller for this particular boat and motor.

After finding out that Rod had a new DF115 in stock, I took my boat to his workshop and we did the swap over, which was done in a day.

The new 115 is slightly bigger than the 90 externally and the displacement has increased from about 1.5L on the

90hp to around 2.0L of displacement on the 115hp.

The mounting holes were the same, so it was a relatively straightforward job for his fitter to install the new motor on the back of the boat.

After fitting, we slipped into the next bay where Rod’s head mechanic JP installed fresh oil and primed the motor to start it for the first time.

It was an excellent feeling to see that motor start up for the first time without hesitation.

We checked the oil and fluid levels, and he gave us the go ahead to hit the water.

We rigged the boat up on the back of the ute and took it straight to the boat ramp for testing.

The Suzuki was initially a 21” pitch, 14” di-

ameter aluminium prop.

This was the one recommended for the hull and, during the tests on the brand-new motor, the figures recorded were excellent.

The hole shot was amazing with its ability to get the boat onto the plane in almost half the time the 90hp could, mainly because of the extra torque and displacement of the bigger motor.

We were unable to run it at full revs for very long, but we were able to get to speeds well in excess of what the previous motor was able to put out.

Cruising speed was also significantly better, with an average speed of between 42-43km/h at about 3900-4000 revolutions per minute.

It increased to around * continued P59

www.bnbfishing.com. au

BOATING & marine New Suzuki improves Bar Crusher 535C * from P58

50km/h at 48004900rpm.

This 4000rpm zone was also a very economical speed sitting at 2.7km/L, which gave the boat a theoretical range of almost 270km, with its underfloor 100L of fuel.

The top speed we were able to achieve on the day was around 33-34 knots or about 63km/h at 5700rpm.

We had installed the motor at the same height as the previous motor, which was on the lowest hole possible, and it seemed as though it had more to give, mainly because the motor was so far in the water.

I have recently had it adjusted up one hole, about 20mm – it has increased the revs and the top speed to over 35 knots while engine revs were sitting at about 5900, which is just under the 6000rpm rev limiter on the 115.

I did several trials

with a 19” pitch, 14” diameter propeller and it was extremely good out of the hole but eventually revved out to the limiter if the boat was not loaded, so it was decided the 21” aluminium prop would be used for now.

My intention is to do more tests in the future with a stainless-steel propeller, as I did with the previous motor.

I found a significant difference to the overall performance, fuel economy and handling with the stainless-steel prop.

The most impressive factor of the stainlesssteel propeller was that there’s virtually no slippage, so when crossing bars or performing tight turns the stainless-steel prop was able to hold the water far better than the aluminium version – giving me the ability to hit the throttle knowing the boat was going to go forward and where I pointed it without any hesitation.

I am very confident

now knowing what this boat can do and that it has the power and capability of handling reasonable conditions.

I’ll continue to test the motor and give updates on its performance after it’s fully run-in, but at this stage it looks very promising and I’m happy with the extra power it has provided.

There is a 21kg weight increase with the DF115 but, compared to the previous DF90, this in fact allows the boat to sit better in the water and it feels significantly more stable at speed and at rest with the extra weight on the pod.

This boat handles and performs incredibly with the new motor, so if you’re thinking about buying a 535C, consider purchasing it with a new Suzuki DF115.

If you have any queries, contact Rod at Australian Marine Centre or if you want to see if your 535 is compatible, contact Bar Crusher.

The old Suzuki DF90 and the new DF115. www.bnbfishing.com.au

New compliance plates from Bar Crusher state the new specifications. These plates are necessary for the motor upgrade to take place.

Rod had a new DF115 in stock, so I took my boat to his workshop and we did the swap over in a day.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 59

BOATING & marine Insights into boat insurance

Make haste slowly and safely T HERE’S an old adage that experienced skippers use when manoeuvring into tight spaces, “Never approach any object at a speed greater than that which you are prepared to hit it at.”

Beautifully succinct with a clear message – approach potential trouble slowly.

And the tighter the space you are trying to place your vessel, the more important that message becomes.

And why do they use it?

Because as every skilled boatie knows, your boat will rarely suffer a mechanical failure at a time and place when and where it doesn’t matter.

For some extraneous reason, that failure is going to happen when you are trying to berth your boat into a tight

space, on the inside of a pontoon, while facing a rock revetment wall when the wind is blowing inconveniently and the tidal run is being a real nuisance.

It’s the same as that nick in your fishing line.

Is it going to let go when it accidentally snags firmly on a cleat while putting your rod into your boat?

Of course not.

Is it going to let go when you’ve got a personal best of some species of fish hooked up?

Of course it is.

That’s the way of life.

Now approaching an object at a speed you are prepared to hit it, doesn’t mean you have to approach it so slowly that you lose directional control over your vessel.

It also doesn’t mean that you can’t snap your outboard crisp-

ly into reverse while spinning the steering wheel the other way to tuck the aft quarters in neatly.

But that’s using engine torque, rather than boat speed.

It’s applying power to turn the boat on its own axis, rather than just powering ahead.

But what it does mean is that you need to prepare your manoeuvring plan well before approaching the dock and to brief others on your boat before entering into the danger zone for contact.

There’s no point in barrelling towards the pontoon and then trying to explain your game plan as the whole disaster starts to unfold.

By then it’s game over.

Likewise, if you are standing on a pontoon or waiting for a friend

to back your trailer down the ramp, be aware of what is happening around you.

Be prepared to take a line that an arriving skipper throws to you and then take a fast wrap around a cleat on the dock.

Remember that with one end of a powerboat secured, it’s always easier to get the other end into position.

But back to your dockside arrival.

If, after having undertaken all of your precautional planning and having sorted out how much throttle and steering you are going to apply in which direction, something does go pear-shaped, well that’s the time to minimise the damage as much as you can by whatever means are the safest.

And shortly after that, contact your insurer for advice about what to do next.

With fast-escalating boat prices, a vessel that you might have considered not worthy of insuring a couple of years ago, now may have risen substantially in value.

That value is worth discussing with an accredited boat dealer

and your marine insurer.

And don’t simply dismiss insurance options by falling into the trap that catches many people out – your annual registration fee does not include an insurance cover for damage that you or your vessel causes to other people, boats or fixtures such as pontoons.

You need marine insurance cover to protect you from what could be a frightening legal cost if things go wrong.

And the best place to get it is from a specialist marine insurer such as Nautilus Marine.

Even if something never goes wrong, you will have spent your time on the water without worrying about what could happen if you didn’t have a specialist marine insurer on your side.

Any special conditions and excesses should always be explained clearly in your insurance policy’s product disclosure statement.

If you need further information, you can contact Nautilus Marine Insurance on 1300 780 533 for any boat insurance requirements.

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

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

Page 60 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

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BRISBANE NORTH Holt Marine 25 Queens Rd Everton Hills Q 4053 P: 07 3353 1928 www.holtmarine.com.au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 61

My Uncle Stubb’s barramundi he got on his trip to Darwin.

Adam Nicholls

Never thought I’d see the day a mullet would eat another mullet, it hit like a freight train on the mullet swimbait.

Adam ‘Nikko’ Nicholls

John Crawford Marine senior salesman Jim Sydes with a personal best jewfish caught off Mud Island. The smile says it all!

JCM

These beaut 16kg mulloway and 94cm snapper were taken from the Busselton Jetty in July.

Stephen Hansen

Fish of the day was a 32cm bream caught by Emily on the beautiful Pumicestone Passage.

Johnny Andrews

To have a photo of your catch featured in Readers’ Forum, simply email ben@collins.media with a good-quality picture, your name and details or hop onto our Facebook page and send us a message.

Page 62 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

www.bnbfishing.com. au

the digital world while you’re waiting for a strike and ensure your mobile phone doesn’t get damaged when the action heats up.

Packed with features, comfortable and strong, the Wilson Fishing Chair will be the best seat in the house on any camping trip.

For more information, visit wilsonfish ing.com

POWERBAIT grubs have been favourites among Australian anglers for a long time and for good reason – they catch fish!

Whenever they’re moving forward in the water, the PowerBait Grub’s tail is working overtime.

This makes them easy to use for novice lure anglers and deadly for experts.

Berkley have redesigned the 4” and 5” Grub to better suit Australian species with a new range of favourite colours.

It’s slimmer, has more tail action and has the PowerBait scent package built in to help you catch more fish!

The Berkley PowerBait Grubs start from a RRP of $9.99.

For more information, visit purefishing. com.au

Wilson Fishing Chairs

THE Wilson Fishing Chairs are back, with new designs and a heap of features and extras that make these chairs great sellers.

There are two colours – purple camo and grey camo.

The Wilson Fishing Chair is rated to 150kg and built with a wider base to ensure anyone can comfortably sit in this chair.

But apart from the extra comfort afforded by the design, this folding fishing chair has several clever additions that will appeal to anglers.

For starters, there’s a rod holder that can be easily attached to the left-hand side of the chair, on the legs.

This sets your rod at an easy angle, allowing you to sit back and relax while you’re waiting for a bite.

If you plan on getting up from your chair, the designers have included a peg for the leg – to ensure the chair is secured to the ground and a massive strike won’t tip the chair over, allowing the rod to fall out of the rod holder.

A drink holder and a lined cooler bag are featured in the arms, plus there’s a small bottle opener attached to an arm on a lanyard, so you can be as lazy as you want when relaxing and having a fish.

Where the cooler bag is located on the right arm is also a mobile phone pouch.

This will help you stay in touch with www.bnbfishing.com.au

Shimano Twin Power XD

Berkley PowerBait 4” and 5” Grubs

THE new Twin Power XD has been redesigned and refined to set a new standard in saltwater durability.

Suited to inshore light jigging and lure casting, the Micro Module Gear II and Silent Drive makes the gearing extremely silent and smooth.

The main Hagane gear provides strong cranking power and X-Protects provides superior saltwater resistance.

The redesigned Long Stroke spool provides improved casting distance and the new MGL rotor delivers ultra-light friction free rotation.

Ci4+ construction reduces weight by 3555g when compared to the original Twin Power XD from 2017 and the aluminium Hagane body provides rigidity.

The new Twin Power XD features a Cross Carbon drag system that outputs up to 11kg, and all models are fitted with upgraded power handle knobs.

For more information, visit shimanofish. com.au

Berkley PowerBait 5” Jerkshad

BERKLEY have totally re-engineered the 5” PowerBait Jerk Shad for 2021.

It’s now slimmer across both axes and perfectly imitates the highly erratic action of a destressed baitfish.

It can be rigged with a wide range of weights and hook sizes and fished shallow or deep to target a variety of salt and freshwater species – it is a true allrounder.

The team have added six great colours into the range that are sure to perform in the tournament winning Powerbait formula.

The new Berkley PowerBait 5” Jerkshads starts at a RRP of $9.99.

For more information, visit purefishing. com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 63

Mick Slade sight casted this beast tuskfish from the shallows. An epic capture.

Barramundi will start to get easier to catch this month. The author with daughter Brooky and a nice Fitzroy River example.

Water temp and action heat up on Capricorn Coast

W

ELL, we weathered the storm and have come out the other side – winter is now officially behind us.

Pack away the Ugg boots and tracksuit pants and watch the water temperature start to rise.

September is a great time to get back into those prime estuary species.

Metabolic rates will be on the increase and tropical species will leave their lethargic selves in the review mirror to get on the hunt for an easy meal.

So, what sort of tropical species am I talking about?

That’s an easy explanation – all the cool

Capricorn Coast

by JOHN BOON

species, such as barramundi, mangrove jack, king threadfin and snapper.

Recently, I was chatting to fellow Bush ‘n Beach Fishing scribe Keith Stratford, and he believes that September is one of the best months to chase jack.

I am by no means an expert at catching jack but the good models I have caught locally weren’t available until the water temp had risen and stabilised into the October period.

In all honesty, I haven’t put much effort into chasing central

Page 64 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

Queensland mangrove jack during September, but with Keith’s experience and advice I think I might have to get out there and have a go.

I think you should too, and then we can compare results.

If you’re looking to get yourself a couple of deadly jack plastics, I have a couple of standouts that have worked a treat and can easily be skip cast into overhanging mangroves.

The first is the 3.5” Molix RT shad.

It’s only a small plastic but it puts out an incredible thump with its pulsating tail.

This would be the soft plastic that has worked best for me on those red devils, and Blueback Herring has been my pick of colours The second jack confidence plastic for me is the 3.5” Castaic Jerky J Swim.

This is another fantastic paddle tail option.

They don’t thump as

well as the Molix but with their cylindershaped body they are super easy to skip cast.

My favourite colour for these would be Blue Gill.

It’s not a colour I would generally go for but I’m glad I have – if you drop this plastic in the water it looks like the tail glows, which is cool.

You can run both these plastics on a standard jig head, but I would rather run them on a weedless weighted hook with a nose spring, such as an Owner Flashy Swimmer.

That way, you’re ready to cast them anywhere and don’t need to change.

September is generally the end of when we see big numbers of giant schooling king threadfin salmon.

March through to September is breeding season and after this time they seem to disperse.

You will still find patches to cast at, so make sure to keep your eyes glued to the sounder screen when

travelling around.

You now only have two months until the saltwater barramundi season closes its doors for 2021 (November 1 to January 31), so make the most of it.

One of the advantages we have here is that the nets were removed in November 2015.

Many people are under the impression that because the nets have been removed, barra will magically jump onto their line.

That is not the case.

You still need a fairly good understanding of barra fishing to get one into the landing net.

If you’re not confident in finding your own spots, there’s a handful of great charter options.

If you do want to book a day, make sure to get onto them well in advance and grab a date because I know they’re filling good tide spots fast.

The three charters I would recommend are Guided Fishing DownUnder 0400 221 055, River to Reef Fishing Charters 0447 322 849 * continued P65

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Reef fishing northwest Cape York

S

EPTEMBER on Cape York is very much a transitional month weatherwise.

This is the peak of the dry season – conditions are definitely warming and there’s an increasing chance the seemingly relentless southeast trade wind may ease off from time to time.

Inshore water along northwest Cape York is usually fishable by smaller but seaworthy boats of 4m plus, up to a couple of kilometres offshore, even when windy.

However, as that trade wind eases, so does the ability to range further offshore.

Cape York by ‘BILLABONG’ BAZZ LYON

And fishing these inshore reefs may come as a bit of a surprise for those more used to fishing the Great Barrier Reef.

While there are some deep reefs about, which can be incredibly productive – and they generally are out wider – many reefs lie in relatively shallow water.

They too provide excellent fishing.

Shallow reefs will normally be visible as darker patches than deeper reefs located

Golden trevally abound in the northern Gulf.

by a sounder.

And even though most of the east coast reef fish also occur in the Gulf of Carpentaria, the catch ratio of each species is often different.

As an example, while coral trout are still common catches here, fingermark or golden snapper are often boated more frequently, as are tuskfish – and some absolute crackers too!

Fingermark over 70cm are not unusual and of course are absolutely fantastic to catch – what beautiful looking and tasting fish.

However, it is important to remember that fingermark are very slow growing, so limiting keep is important to make sure populations stay healthy.

Red emperor, large and small-mouth nannygai and sweetlip are all in the Gulf reef mix too, as are jewfish, with * continued P66

A solid fingermark from a reef south of Weipa.

Chastyn and Arlo were super pleased with their Gulf of Carpentaria fingermark.

Water temp and action heat up on Capricorn Coast * from P64

and Hooked Fishing Charters 0455 888 855.

On the offshore front, when weather permitted many fishers headed wide chasing tasty reef fish.

The usual suspects have been caught including red emperor, large-mouth nannygai and coral trout.

A few reports from various areas have said that tuskfish have also been on the chew.

The big blackspot www.bnbfishing.com.au

tuskies are in a league of their own – they are the little tractors of reef systems.

They can be tough customers to extract from the reef, so make sure your gear is up to standard.

We’ve caught a lot of tuskies on slow pitch jigs – don’t be afraid to switch it up if the old faithful bait isn’t working.

Tuskies can be caught anywhere – from the deep up to the shallow reef

flats and islands.

Speaking to good friend Mick Slade recently, he walked me through an epic battle with a big tusky from shallow water, sight casted on 20lb braid and 40lb leader.

He described the initial run as “insane.”

It peeled so much line so quickly, the spool had heated up.

He put that fish in the net and on the deck, and could not believe the capture.

The tusky almost

hit the 80cm mark.

A true trophy – due to the gear he was using and the place it was captured from.

It was released to fight another day.

That’s all from me this month.

I’m frothing to go and chase a barra, so will hopefully have a few pictures for next month.

Big central Queensland mangrove jack also love a slow-rolled prawn imitation such as the Holt Productions Swim Prawn.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 65

Reef fishing northwest Cape York * from P65

A pair of cracking Weipa tuskfish.

a few monsters around, often caught near river mouths.

As far as pelagics go, spanish and grey mackerel and longtail tuna are prime captures in these waters, as are queenfish and a range of trevally species, including the legendary giant trevally.

Jigging soft plastics such as Berkley Gulps and metal jigs is an extremely productive fishing method over the Gulf reefs, as is trolling and tossing lures.

Of course, fishing with bait, especially pillies and mullet as well as squid, is as successful here as anywhere.

Where to fish The reefs along the inshore coast both north and south of Weipa are

among the most reliable producers in Cape York, as are those to Weipa’s north, near the Pennefather River and Cullen Point.

Further north, you can camp at Mutee Heads to access great local and more distant reefs and rivers.

A good sounder with digital charts is invaluable for exploring and fishing new country – one of my favourite pastimes.

The anticipation of what you might see and catch next and the unexpected, especially in remote areas, is a truly fantastic experience.

Along with that goes the amazing scenery and wildlife, including manta rays which are commonly seen along our coastline.

Weatherwise, it pays to keep in mind that the westerly sea breeze can come in kicking at any time now, particularly when the southeasterly loses some strength.

This can happen anytime from late morning onwards and will create a fairly lively chop to make a slower and occasionally wet trip back to the boat ramp.

Otherwise, the Cape has been extremely busy in terms of travellers, with plenty of broken vehicles and trailers from corrugated roads.

A big shout out to the road crews who have been working tirelessly to maintain the region’s roads and have done a great job considering the heavy traffic.

Until next month, stay safe!

Barra Bash open for registrations

T

Elly Cornick won Threadfin Salmon at 122cm – a monster.

Benn Durkin won Biggest Barramundi at 98cm.

Page 66 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

HE 2021 Fitzroy River Barra Bash, Australia’s richest barramundi fishing tournament, is now open for registrations, with the tournament kicking off from October 2731, 2021.

Anglers from around the country will compete across three days for their share of the $25,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes on offer.

In addition to the barramundi tournament itself, this year’s instalment sees the addition of the family fun day and return of the Barra Bash boat raffle.

Frenchville Sports Club is proud to host this prestigious event for the fourth year and the club’s gen-

eral manager Damien Massingham said the 2021 event was set to be bigger and better than ever.

“We are very privileged and thankful to have the support of the Queensland Government, the Rockhampton Regional Council and the Livingstone Shire Council for the event again this year,” Mr Massingham said.

“Frenchville Sports Club hosts this event with the objective of benefitting our entire community through both increased economic and social benefits.

“Barra Bash continues to grow and bring a greater number of visitors to the region, while encouraging all age participation in healthy outdoor activi-

ties and maintaining a sustainable catch and release event.

“All these factors link to the club’s commitment to deliver over $1 million back into our community each year.”

The Queensland Government is proud to support the Fitzroy River Barra Bash through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program, and it is a feature on the ‘It’s Live! in Queensland’ events calendar.

If you are visiting for the event, we encourage you to make time to explore the diverse tourism experiences on offer in this beautiful region.

For details and to book, go to fitzroyriv erbarrabash.com.au

www.bnbfishing.com. au

2021 REGISTRATIONS

NOW OPEN 27 TO 31 O CTO B E R 2021

OVE R $25,000 I N CAS H & PRI Z ES PLUS G O I N TH E D R AW TO W I N A H O RI ZO N 43 8 STRY KE R X PF W ITH YA M A H A OUTBOA RD, M I N N KOTA & E L ECTRO N I CS PAC K AG E REG ISTER ONLINE AT FITZROYRIVERBARRABASH.COM.AU

www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 67

C ARAVANNING & adventure

The new JB Scorpion Sting – with the pricing of second-hand vans, new was a better way for us to go.

Mini lap around Queensland – Part 1

M

y family loves ca ravanning and camping holidays, and earlier this year the decision was made to do a fourweek adventure around Queensland, starting the week before the June July holidays and finishing a week after.

Our partners in crime, or touring buddies, were family friends the Bocks – Nick, Kylie and kids Mason and Mikayla – with whom we have shared sev-

Exploring Queensland

by BEN COLLINS

eral short escapes and smoked meals.

Our first obstacle to overcome and turn the plan into reality was getting a van.

Late last year we sold our beloved Kedron caravan, as the family had outgrown it.

The Kedron served us extremely well over the past five years, with

plenty of good times had on and off road.

Unfortunately, the Kedron model with the layout we were after was heavier – so, given the LandCruiser had a towing capacity of 3500kg meant the van would only have a small payload.

So, the hunt was on for a new or second-

Our touring buddies were family friends the Bocks with whom we have shared several short escapes however this was their first great adventure.

Page 68 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

hand van – though it was going to be tough coming from one of the pinnacle Australianmade caravans.

Our efforts to find a van were made even harder due to the lack of availability of vans and because everyone seemed to have the same idea.

Long story short… we looked at a lot of new and second-hand caravans before deciding on new a JB Scorpion Sting.

The pricing of second-hand vans meant new was a better way for us to go.

As it turned out, we were a little lucky that a ‘yard stock’ van in the style and layout we wanted was already on the schedule and due for completion a week before we planned to head off.

Thank you to the team at JB Burpengary for their help in getting the van ready for us in time for the trip.

Since the caravan arrived a few days before we planned to leave, our clockwise lap of Queensland was going to be its maiden voyage and a decent test run.

We have talked about touring for longer, even taking a year to do the full lap, so this trip was also a test run to see if we could survive an extended road trip as a family.

After a few more ‘planning sessions’ – read as consuming smoked meals and beverages – we had put together an itinerary and route for the four-week sortie… that is to say, our wives had.

I thank them whole* continued P69

www.bnbfishing.com. au

C ARAVANNING & adventure

Mini lap around Queensland – Part 1 * from P68

heartedly for the huge effort they put into this – since we were on a tight schedule and, travelling over the school holidays, several if not all of the major camping spots and tours needed to be booked in advance.

This might seem simple, but I can attest to the fact that it isn’t, and their pre-planning prior to us heading off made the whole adventure a lot smoother and streamlined.

Thankfully our departure date was before a Brisbane lockdown, which meant we were able to travel.

We hit the road midmorning after peak hour traffic for our first destination – Miles.

Though Miles is only about four hours from Brisbane, we had decided not to do a massive first day and instead split the trip to Carnarvon Gorge – our first major destination and where we planned to stay for a few nights.

We also wanted to see how the van travelled fully loaded and how the kids handled being in the car for a long stretch.

After a successful first day – and only one wrong turn that took us 60km further – camp was set up at the Miles Showground.

While both vans were capable of free camping and there were several nights of that planned on the trip, for ease we chose the showgrounds, plus the Bocks had hired a van so they were testing it out before the free camps.

A family of four was around $30 a night, for which you got power and water plus use of the showers and toilets.

After a cool start to the morning, we were on the road again with another easy drive to Roma and then north to Carnarvon Gorge.

Most of the Queensland outback towns have something worth seeing, so I recommend stopping and

checking out the local information centre.

Roma for instance has streets full of bottle trees and a designated park for the largest bottle tree, which made for a good pitstop.

It was also interesting to see the old post office – especially as we mail a lot of magazines out each month.

Most of the post offices we saw looked very similar, having that traditional outback homestead style.

Our final pitstop before setting up the caravan in Carnarvon Gorge was Injune, which again had a great information centre.

Here we bought a few maps and some free brochures to help the kids with their daily journal entries, which covered our home-schooling duties for the trip.

The journey will continue next month, as we explore Carnarvon Gorge for a few days and then make our way north to Emerald and west to Longreach.

Roma’s designated park for its largest bottle tree made for a good pitstop. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Many regional post offices have that traditional outback homestead look.

Amaya and Matia enjoyed the first evening meal of the trip at Miles Showground.

After a few smoked meals and beverages, we had put together an itinerary and route for the four-week sortie.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 69

C ARAVANNING & adventure

The author’s son Clinton prefers a low budget approach to travel.

You can see the curvature of the earth on this wide flat country.

Back on the road again - destination Mt Isa

H

I all, we’ve been blessed to find ourselves living in Agnes Water and have enjoyed setting up our new home base, but the yearning for spending time on the road is never far from our thoughts.

It’s a special feeling leaving our driveway, watching the towing mirror as the van settles behind the Isuzu DMax, and any thoughts of work immediately dissipating into freedom.

Touring

by PAUL ‘CHIEF’ GRAVESON

I am very lucky to have a partner who loves the outdoors lifestyle and thrives when we’re on the road and off the grid.

Though this trip was only a nine-day coastal run, it was a great way to re-live a few of the travelling memories from the past.

It was this time last year we were camped

Typical dry country when approaching the Gregory River.

Page 70 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

with our oldest son Clint on the banks of the Gregory River.

He had met us in Normanton, and we travelled to Karumba for a spell and then down to Gregory Downs, Camooweal and eventually on to his home in Mt Isa. It was the section from Gregory to Camooweal that I will forever hold close to my heart.

As you travel the outback, the colours of the landscape fill your eyes and touch your soul.

The bluest of skies collide with the red dust, and the dry vegetation seems to roll on forever.

There are flat plains where it appears as though you can actually see the curvature of the earth, and the magical

sunsets give way to the darkest nights, with the only light being from your fire and the stars.

These views remain consistent for days and suddenly, in an explosion to your eyes when you see it, the Gregory River appears.

Most people tend to camp at the two areas within a stone’s throw of the Gregory Downs Hotel, by the bridge that crosses the Gregory River, while these are free camps, at times they are too crowded.

Heading out of town, you’ll come across a left turn that takes you along bitumen to the Burke and Wills Roadhouse.

If you go straight ahead at this intersection instead of turning left, you’ve made a fantastic decision.

This road soon turns to gravel with sizeable rocks, so caution should be taken with driving

speed and weather conditions.

You shouldn’t need a four-wheel-drive if you stick to the main road, but in saying that, the excellent quality of your tyres and tyre walls is paramount to you making the 160km.

This road is notorious for the hardship it places on your rubber, and many standard road tyres have been shredded to pieces by the sharp rocks.

In fact, we met a traveller at the Gregory Downs Hotel who had lost two tyres on the above stretch.

Because this part of the country is affected by flood from the rain that comes with northern cyclones, the concrete dips on this track are deep and dangerous, and can take you by surprise if you’re unaware.

When you see a sign warning ‘Dip’, treat it * continued P71

www.bnbfishing.com. au

C ARAVANNING & adventure

On the road again * from P70

with respect and slow down.

The constant cattle grids can be extremely tight when towing a caravan, so proceed with caution.

The last thing you want to do out there is brake hard on any of the loose heavy gravel.

Most people travel the much longer bitumen route to the Burke and Wills Roadhouse and then onto Camooweal, so you’ll be lucky to pass another vehicle on this track.

The side tracks 20km out of Gregory Downs are the real beauty of travelling this road, these lead to a couple of the most secluded and picturesque camp sites on the Gregory River.

The red dirt and heavily eroded landscape disappear as you enter a tropical green oasis with the coolest of crystal-clear water.

This will always remain in my memory as an explosive experience on the senses.

There are many camp sites to choose from on the banks, most on the smooth small river

rocks that have been deposited here from a time long forgotten.

You will find many of these tracks need to be walked and checked before committing with a caravan.

It’s normally the last 50m before hitting the river flat where difficulties strike and throw you off course, and that’s when you may need a 4WD. The steep declines through narrow cutaways are where the main concern is, affecting the roll of the van when descending.

Remember, there are no facilities and no mobile phone coverage, so plan and be prepared.

If you’re lucky enough to camp at one of these locations, leave them exactly as you found them and let the next person enjoy the wow factor of the pristine areas we’re so lucky to have in Queensland.

Over the next few months, while based in Agnes, we have a number of trips planned and I hope we can share a few new special memories of these great outdoors.

by MELISSA FROHLOFF

Potato and Leek Soup with Bacon Ingredients • 4 potatoes • 1 leek • 4 slices bacon • 300g bacon rashers • 3/4 cup thickened cream • 2 cups chicken stock • 4 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tbsp butter Method 1. Peel potatoes. Cut into medium-sized pieces.

Place potatoes and chicken stock in a pot, bring to boil.

Reduce heat to simmer uncovered and cook until potatoes are soft.

2. Cut leek in half and finely slice. Add garlic, butter and leek to a frypan over medium heat and sauté.

Remove from pan.

3. Dice bacon, add to pan and fry until golden.

4. Blend potatoes with a stick mixer until smooth.

Stir in leek, garlic, cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in bacon bits.

5. Ladle soup into serving bowls and top with chives.

Prep time: 15 min | Cooking time: 20 min | Serves 4 The reward of the campsite. www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 71

C AMPING & outdoors

The author’s family out near Somerset.

The author’s family at Lakeland Downs.

Fantastic family trip to the tip – Part 1

W

ELL, with the first trip north done and dusted, it was then time to head north with my wife and kids.

We loaded up our 30-year-old 1990 80 Series LandCruiser with a 1HZ N/A – which people have said are gutless, I totally disagree!

We love our fourwheel-drive – the best I have owned – and I reckon I’ve spent over 47 years driving 4WDs in low range all around Australia, and with nearly 800,000km on the tachometer now, it’s still running well.

We fitted new Vitora Country Life tyres, an all-round good-looking tyre with 10-11mm of tread and great in the wet.

Hopefully, we’ll get 60-80,000km out of them but we’ll see, and I’ll keep you posted.

Heading North

by CRAIG TOMKINSON

I had given the car a full service and, because we had our 1983 Jayco Lark in tow, it also had a once over, with new LT tyres, reset springs and new bearings.

We had a month to explore Cape York – for birdwatching, looking for critters and general sight seeing.

We headed off around 8.30am and our first overnight free camp was at the Stanage Bay turn off.

It was steady going up the A1 with the road works, but we set up for the night with a fire and it was great.

Away the next day – after I wet the fire area down with water and made sure it was

Page 72 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

out and not hot – we made it to the Palmerston Range turnoff at Innisfail, which was a free camp too, though no fire.

Next day we were over the Atherton Tablelands and did a shop at Atherton.

Once we hit the dirt, we aired the tyres down to 26psi in the front, 28psi in the back and 26psi on the van, and put the hubs in, as I always drive in highrange 4WD on good or bad dirt roads because it shares the load through the drive train and looks after the road and my tyres.

We poked along looking for birds and camped near a waterhole above Laura.

We had a fire and went exploring at night with our LED spotlights, finding a few little frogs and critters.

Next day it was over the Wenlock River and towards Bramwell Station.

We camped that night near Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve outside the national park at a road quarry – a great free camp with nice fire, and we found some interesting critters around to photograph.

It’s nice to see the old Bertiehaugh Station Rd through to Agnew along the Wenlock open again after many years of being closed.

What a great effort by those who got it open again, well done.

We didn’t drive the Telegraph Track because I didn’t buy and fit a $6-$800 winch, so if we broke something

on the track, it would have cost heaps to get pulled out plus my wife wasn’t keen, having done it 30 years before with 10 other 4WDs. So, Peninsula Developmental Rd had corrugations, but they weren’t bad and we poked along over the worst bits on to the Jardine Ferry.

We paid $138 for the 4WD and van return ferry trip and for this you get to camp free at Mutee Head, Roonga Point, Somerset Beach, and do the Five Beach Track to Sheridan Point and camp along that run for free.

Wow, things have changed around Bamaga!

For a start the road came in a different way and not past the World War II planes.

We did a shop at * continued P73

www.bnbfishing.com. au

C AMPING & outdoors

Fantastic family trip to the tip – Part 1 * from P72

Bamaga and drove up to the tip.

It wasn’t as busy as years ago – we had the tip to ourselves, stayed there for a hour or so, drove around to Somerset and camped the night near the beach – a great spot with portable toilets.

From Somerset, we drove back up the road where we checked out the free camp at Roonga Point, which looked good for launching a 5m tinnie and we bought a few things from the Croc Tent on the way past.

We went to look at the World War II plane wrecks near the Bamaga airport, then onto Mutee Head to view the old WWII radar tower, which was very interesting and had a great view over the water.

Around Mutee Head was nice and you could launch a boat there too.

We then went back over on the ferry, down the PDR and the bottom section of the Telegraph Track into Twin Falls and Fruit Bat Falls.

It was lovely at the falls and I had a bit of a swim though the weather was cold because we had rain showers across the tip and around this area.

From there we went on to Captain Billy Landing.

Gee, this spot brought back memories – I had stayed here three times between 1987 and 1991 for two to three weeks

www.bnbfishing.com.au

at a time before it was a national park – it looked great.

We had a big walk along the beach, though we didn’t stay as it was booked out online before we left home.

We did pass four 4WDs on the way in, and we chatted to one couple who had booked for two nights but were leaving after one because it was blowing a gale – we could have had their vacant spot but with no internet reception, we had no way of booking online.

I would have driven back to the ranger’s station and paid, but currently it’s a ‘booking and paying online only’ system.

What a shame, I think this booking online thing is nonsense.

We should only have to pay a weekly, monthly or yearly permit for

our 4WD and camping permits in all Queensland national parks and then have a ‘first in, best dressed’ basis.

We left the national park and free camped back along the PDR. The next day we drove to the Batavia Downs turn off and into Weipa, where we stocked up with tucker, then headed to Pennefather River for three nights.

My kids were only little when I took them camping there many years ago, so they couldn’t remember much about the place.

We did the 60km beach run and I showed them the P47 Thunderbirds plane wrecks on the old WWII beach landing strip.

One memorable day, at a secret spot I know, I scored a great feed of mud crabs for my wife Donna – she was happy.

We met up with friends who have had to camp there for weeks because their four-wheel-drive had cooked its motor.

I towed their car 7km to the red road so

RACQ could take it to Weipa to find out what’s wrong with it.

Part Two will be in next month’s issue.

Until next time, stay safe.

The author at White Lily Lagoon.

The author at the site of the old Lockhart River fuel unload ramp.

The author’s family at Chilli Beach, near the northeast boundary of Kutini-Payamu National Park.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 73

HUNTING & archery

This five-shot group with the 52gr Rexem Bushwackers measured only 0.33”, fired from a lightweight sporting rifle.

A batch of .223 ammunition loaded with Rexem F-Bombs, ready for a spot of fox control.

Product review - Australian-made Rexem Projectiles

A

S I type this, we in southeast Queensland are under COVID travel restrictions, so I've been happily scratching around at home busying myself with various tasks.

One of those, which I find quite therapeutic, is spending a little time at the reloading bench assembling ammunition.

While on the subject of travel restrictions, it appears there are quite a few folk who need to open a dictionary and look up the word ‘essential’.

Don't ask, “Can I go fishing, golfing, walking, shopping...”

Ask, “Must I?” If we all stay home when we’re supposed to, we'll be out of lockdown much sooner than if we take liberties for non-essential travel and spread the

Hunting

by NEIL SCHULTZ

virus around the state.

Readers familiar with my writing will be aware of my lifelong penchant for Australian-made products.

I've been using Australian-made lures and lines exclusively for more than thirty years.

Along with those items, my blackfish reels, surf reels, fly rods, fly reels and now even my spinning and baitcast reels are all sourced from Aussie manufacturers.

Like many readers, my outdoor pursuits aren't limited to fishing, and include wildlife photography and hunting introduced pest animals.

Hunting and shooting are painted in a bad light by the extreme

Page 74 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

left-wing mainstream media, to the extent that the two Aussie shooters at Tokyo vying for gold in the women's trap shooting finals didn't even get a mention in prime time, on what is laughingly described as ‘the news’.

Many thousands of Australian outdoor enthusiasts participate in pest animal management every weekend, with the sole purpose of removing ferals from our delicate environments.

These hunters do this entirely at their own expense and each is doing far more for the preservation of Australian wildlife than a busload of placard-waving, meme-sharing… end of rant.

Back to Australianmade products…

I reload my own ammunition for all of my centerfire rifles – and those of several friends – and use local components as much as practically possible.

Australian-made powders and brass have been readily available for as long as I can remember, but affordable jacketed projectiles have been hard to find.

Early this year, I stumbled across the website of Rexem Projectiles – not only an Australian outfit, but a Queensland business, manufacturing a range of high-quality copperjacketed projectiles for reloaders.

Based in Redcliffe, the team at Rexem have already built a reputation for turning out top shelf hollow-point bullets that are suitable for

precision shooting and have competition wins clocking up.

Their product range started with a few .224 calibre pills, suitable for cartridges from the venerable old .222 up to hotter cartridges such as the .22-250, .220 Swift and everything in between including, of course, the hugely popular .223 Rem. Always researching and listening to their customers, the range of .224 projectiles expanded and currently consists of five variants – from the latest 51gr Wasp (a boat-tailed hollow point), through to 52gr flat-based, 64gr, 69gr and 75gr rebated boat-tailed hollow points.

They are also producing a ripper matchgrade 130gr 6.5mm diameter hollow point * continued P75

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Cod on the move but late to breed

F

OR the first time in about three years, we might well see a late breeding season that ends in October.

Yes, cod are on the move as I write, but not getting into the breeding motion on the dam as yet.

With the rise in water levels and flows, we have huge amounts of duck weed floating about the storage, which came into the dam from local farm dams and flood water.

With Glenlyon Dam at 73 percent capacity, it’s a good level for cod breeding season – only further increases in water level will put the male off when it comes to setting up a nesting site.

For this to occur, a

Glenlyon Dam

by BRIAN DARE

couple of things need to take place – water temperature of about 17-18C and a surface level to 2m deep at the selected site.

This needs to stay, if possible, at that level for at least seven weeks, which means no more water inflow for the dam.

It is the male’s job to select the site and clean it up prior to the female showing up for inspection – a bit like the army, “Stand by your beds – room inspection.”

If the site is suitable, eggs will be laid down by the female to be fertilised by the male.

While the female shoots off, the male

plays dad for a month.

The same format takes place on rivers – again sites are selected either under log jams or beneath cut riverbanks, and will include a constant water level and temperature, the same as for water storages.

The Murray cod’s birthday is in September – a given date in the northern Murray Darling system.

At some stage, I would like to see the footage taken during the breeding season on the Dumaresq River from 2018-19, put out on DVD for sale from the Department of Agriculture in NSW, Queensland, Victoria

and South Australia, with the proceeds going towards restocking.

This would give all anglers who fish for Murray cod an insight into what takes place in the rivers, and the reasons why the closed season is so important.

We have several large water storages in three states open year-round to fish for cod, with more needing to follow suit.

This will give anglers options to fish for cod – leaving cod to breed in our river systems on an annual basis, undisturbed and with no pressure.

In August 2020, cod were belting anything that moved in Glenlyon.

It hasn’t been the case this past month though and I feel, come late

September through to October, it’s going to be the time to hit the storages – maybe even November.

Quite a few anglers who outlaid money for live scope units have seen many large cod swim past the boat, then turn around and come back with not so much as a ‘how’s your father’ at the presented lures and then move on!

With creeks and rivers flowing very well and bait not being on the plentiful side as a result, it’s a case of using lures for yellowbelly at this stage.

With the water level rising and falling due to intermittent rainstorms, we are seeing a distinct lack of bait. * continued P76

Product review - Rexem Projectiles * from P74

and by the time this goes to print, will have a 6mm projectile on the production line in a 108gr hollow point for the likes of .243 Win, 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm PPC and such.

I've been running the 64gr F-Bomb and the lighter 52gr Bushwacker .224 projectiles through my lightweight .223 rifle, which is my dedicated nocturnal fox and cat rifle.

Accuracy with both of the Rexem pills has been second to none, equalling the best imports from renowned manufacturers in the US and Europe.

Though these bullets have been excelling at the range for competition shooters, they have been giving great rewww.bnbfishing.com.au

sults in the field too.

The 64gr F-Bombs have been putting the lights out of foxes beyond 150m for me, and have snuffed several solid feral pigs and goats that pop up from time to time when we are chasing foxes.

At the other end of the weight range of projectiles, I run in my .223 are the 52gr flat-based Bushwackers.

Running a moderate load of ADI Benchmark powder, these are exiting the muzzle at a tad under 1005m/s and delivering 1.35Nm of energy.

Those ballistics, along with pinpoint accuracy and rapid expansion make for instant, humane kills on all of the thin-skinned ferals I hunt with the .223, from

rabbits to foxes.

Once I use all of my 52gr pills, I will swap over to Rexem’s latest model – the 51gr Wasp.

Because it's boat-tail design makes for easier bullet seating during the reloading process.

If, as for many Aussies, you want to help create local jobs and keep small businesses going during these challenging times, give Rexem bullets a go – you'll be very impressed.

One footnote on buying Aussie-made – the loaded ammo pictured is in OSA brass, with ADI powder, Rexem Projectiles and sitting in a Hillver loading block, assembled using a Simplex press and dies, all proudly Australian made.

Putting the Rexem F-Bombs to good use, another bettong-eating predator removed from the bush.

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 75

Cod on the move but late to breed * from P75

The dams used by shire councils for roadwork could be your best bet – use a bit of roadkill in your shrimp traps.

Shrimp is also a good stand-by for a feed.

Speaking of a good

feed, blue claw crayfish go well on bread and butter when cooked up.

Trick of the trade – boil your water, add a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon and a half of sugar.

When the crays are

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• Hot water • Sleeps 8, licensed for 10 • Self-contained • DVD player • BBQ • Fridge/freezer

CALL ROB & KELLY

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

cooked, they go a red colour – these are good to eat while warm or cooled down on ice, with a beverage to wash down your feed.

The other thing to try are shrimp, cooked the same way, but take note, it’s only creeks and rivers that hold these great bait or stand-by feeds.

Haven’t got a trap?

Well, look around for a ‘roly-poly’ bush that is dry, in particular, a galvanised burr.

Put your bait inside the bush, from the root system up, tie it in place, then attach a cord or bit of wire to the root system and throw the ‘trap’ into the water.

About 10-15 minutes

later, slowly pull the bush out of the water, then shake it because the prongs of the bush are shaped at an inside angle, they hold your catch in place for a few seconds so you can retrieve your feed.

Treat these dams with respect – don’t leave rubbish behind and, as most are on the edge of roads, if it’s fenced, it’s privately owned land.

On a bright note, it’s been stated that good rainfall for October and November could well be on the way.

If that’s the case, then all storages should be topped to 100 percent capacity for Christmas and New Year.

Man overboard warning system

O

N average, each year at least 23 people drown as a result of boating accidents in Australia, with the key demographic

being males aged 50-75.

While failure to wear a lifejacket is one of the leading causes of drowning, another crucial risk-factor is an in-

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 76 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

Don’t forget, you have until September 13 to have your say and point of view made known regarding access to all water reserves and stock reserves in Queensland, east and west of the Great Divide – that you want them to remain open for recreational fishing and not locked up.

There’s talk of an access fee as well.

If this takes happens, we won’t need a freshwater permit to stock fish.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries can do that, as we pay to fish stocked waters!

ability to communicate with emergency contacts when an accident happens.

This is why Mercury developed 1st Mate, the world’s first engineintegrated ‘man overboard’ monitoring and warning system.

The 1st Mate marine safety and security system uses wearable technology for up to eight people.

It’s designed to turn off the engine and sound an alarm during man overboard events and send distress messages to the captain’s emergency contacts.

Composed of an intelligent hub, a set of wearable devices and a mobile app, it ensures direct integration between 1st Mate and the vessel’s propulsion system.

For more information, visit mercurymarine. com.au

www.bnbfishing.com. au

Queensland stock routes’ future

F

ARMERS, fishers, councils, industry groups and outback locals are invited to have their say on proposed changes to the use and management of Queensland’s vital stock routes, to ensure they are well maintained into the future.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart visited Charleville, Longreach and Ilfracombe – towns situated along primary stock routes – announcing that consultation on the Stock Routes Network discussion paper had opened.

“The Queensland stock route network has a long history of supporting landholders in moving livestock, providing pasture for emergency agistment in times of drought and long-term grazing,” Mr Stewart said.

“The 72,000km network is used to feed and move up to 330,000 stock each year across 48 local government areas.

“The proposed changes outlined in the discussion paper aim to create a better funded stock route network that provides better outcomes for the drovers and farmers who rely on the network each year.

“Queensland’s local councils are the primary caretakers of the network, ensuring routes in their areas are monitored and maintained.

“This includes regularly checking water facilities, undertaking weed and pest control and upgrading facilities where needed.

“To help maintain and upgrade the network, councils collect fees from network users, but currently this only represents about 4 percent www.bnbfishing.com.au

of the total funds they need to cover the costs.”

AgForce chief executive officer Michael Guerin said: “Our aspiration is that we will soon see a functional active route for travelling stock that serves Queensland for centuries to come.”

Local Government Association of Queensland president Mark Jamieson welcomed the release of the discussion paper.

“Queensland councils have been seeking stock route reform over several decades to ensure the future sustainability of the network, a critical resource for the state’s agricultural sector,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The LGAQ looks forward to working with the minister, the department and our member councils as reform discussions continue.”

Mr Stewart thanked both AgForce and the Local Government Association of Queensland for working in partnership with Queensland Government agencies to ensure the network is well managed for many years to come.

“It’s about making sure users of the network are paying a fair and reasonable price for the benefits they gain, ensuring every cent generated from users’ fees is reinvested in managing the network, reducing councils’ administrative costs,” Mr Stewart said.

“This round of consultation builds on the vital feedback users, industry and key stakeholders provided over the past two years, and proposes changes that aim to make it quicker and easier for councils to manage their stock routes.

“Consultation and collaboration has been a key part of the Queensland Stock Route Network Management Strategy and is a continuation of that process.”

Consultation on the discussion paper opened Friday July 16, 2021 and will run for eight weeks, closing September 13.

An interactive consultation website is live where people can find out more information about Queensland’s stock route network and provide feedback via an online survey.

To get involved and provide your feedback on the discussion paper, visit haveyoursay. resources.qld.gov.au/ stock-routes For more information on the Queensland stock route network, visit qld. gov.au/environment / land/access/stock-routes

Changes are proposed to the Stock Route Management Act 2002.

You have until September 13 to have your say and register your point of view regarding access to all water and stock reserves in Queensland, east and west of the Great Divide.

Visit haveyoursay.resources.qld. gov.au/stock-routes to register.

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 18/8/2021

DAMS

PERCENTAGE

APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Atkinson * 5 5 4 4 4 Awoonga 45 43 42 42 51 Bjelke-Petersen * 8 8 7 6 6 Boondooma * 24 23 23 23 25 Borumba * 82 81 81 82 81 Burdekin Falls * 101 102 99 96 91 Callide * 22 22 21 21 50 Cania * 34 31 31 31 30 Coolmunda * 100 101 101 100 100 Dyer/Bill Gunn * 6 5 5 5 4 Eungella * 83 83 83 82 81 Fairbairn * 20 18 17 16 15 Glenlyon * 53 54 54 69 73 Hinze* 104 101 99 97 95 Julius * 98 60 91 89 87 Kinchant * 94 98 99 99 83 Leslie * 27 27 27 53 57 Macdonald* 102 101 100 101 99 Maroon * 97 100 100 100 99 Monduran/Fred Haigh * 42 40 39 38 37 Moogerah * 42 42 42 43 42 North Pine/Samsonvale * 100 100 98 96 64 Peter Faust/Proserpine * 64 63 62 61 60 Somerset * 80 75 72 70 65 Teemburra * 99 98 98 98 97 Tinaroo* 77 94 93 92 85 Toonumbar 101 101 101 101 100 Wivenhoe * 40 42 42 42 42 Wuruma * 38 37 37 35 34 Wyaralong* 100 100 99 100 99 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, September 2021 – Page 77

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0428 753 293 Page 78 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

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C HARTER directory TIN CAN BAY

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

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seanconlonsfishing@hotmail.com Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 79

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

CRUISE CRAFT 625 OUTSIDER – repowered in 2017 with Suzuki 200Hp (118 hours), Dunbier trailer, Lowrance HDS 12 GPS/Sounder, Simrad sounder, VHF and 27Meg radio, Fusion stereo, deck wash, full camper covers. Too much to list, go to the website for 30 pictures and full overview. $89,995 tow away! John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 – johncrawfordmarine.com.au Ph. 3890 2322

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

QUINTREX 450 FISHABOUT (2016) – This boat has great use of space for everything from fishing to water sports and cruising. A versatile boat to enjoy with family and friends and if you are new to boating, it’s easy to launch, retrieve, tow and store. The Quintrex 450 Fishabout has been thoroughly tried and tested and has delighted boat owners for decades.

A very tidy boat with a Mercury 60hp 4-stroke outboard motor and only 27 hours on the clock. $29,990. Call AMC Boats on 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au

Coastal bar crossing and electronics tuition: • Hands-on experience crossing

• Learn how to get the most out

coastal bars safely

of your GPS and sounder

• Direct supervision mastering

• Interpret sounder readings and

all bar crossing skills

shows

• Fine-tuning of skills in breaking

• Fine tuning your sounder for

swells and white water

better results

• Overcome your fears and learn

• Using your electronics to find

vital safety skills as part of an on-water training course.

reefs and structure • And much more.

Contact Bill Corten M: 0447 233 247 / 0447 ( a f f a i r ) E: reel_affair@yahoo.com

October Edition Copy Deadline – Advertisements must arrive NO later than September 6, 2021

POST TO PO BOX 162, Wynnum QLD 4178 or EMAIL with a photo to ben@collins.media When completing this form please leave one square of space between each word (Hyphens, full-stops, commas, word spaces count as one letter) ALL ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID 1 1 2

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Cost per insertion: 2 lines $15, $1.10 per line thereafter. Contact details must be included in ad.

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Page 80 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021

SMARTWAVE SW4200 CENTRE CONSOLE (2015) – Dry, smooth-riding with great stability at rest, easy to keep clean and easy to handle at the boat ramp. Mercury 40hp 2-stroke with 47 hours, Oceanic trailer and includes anchor, bimini, paddles, rod holders and tie-down strap. This boat is perfect for those who love to fish, or the whole family – kids and all! $16,990. Call AMC Boats on 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au STACER 429 RAMPAGE – tiller steer tinnie powered by a 2014 Yamaha 30Hp EFI four-stroke 121 hours, Redco Sportsman trailer, Lowrance Hook sounder, new 3 bow bimini top, seat cushions, cockpit floor. Ideal estuary crabbing and fishing package – only $9,995! John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 – johncrawfordmarine. com.au Ph. 3890 2322 STACER 429 NOMAD ELITE SC – side console, stunning condition, Yamaha 30Hp with electric start, Stacer trailer, Lowrance colour GPS/Sounder, Underfloor fuel tank, Inshore safety gear, custom made bimini, Nav www.bnbfishing.com. au

Subscription prize for September! lights, 2 pedestal seats, Plumbed LB tank, Painted hull, U/F kill tank and more. Stunning condition only $13,995 tow away! John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 – johncrawfordmarine.com.au Ph. 3890 2322

Subscribe this month to go in the draw to win one of three tackle boxes from Tackle Club!

STACER 449 NOMAD ELITE – tiller steer HD tinnie, Evinrude DI ETEC 50Hp with electric start/power trimn-tilt, Braked Stacer trailer, Lowrance Hook sounder, VHF radio, Underfloor 50l fuel tank, bimini, Casting platform, carpeted floor and so much more. Now reduced to $13,995 tow away! John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 – johncrawfordmarine.com.au Ph. 3890 2322 STACER 479 NOMAD SIDE CONSOLE 2010 – The Nomad is a terrific family, fishing and social boat with plenty of space and a good fishing layout. It comes standard with pedestal seating with four deck mount positions and is great for a run up the creeks and rivers or a coastal jaunt. It sits on a new trailer and the motor has just been serviced. $24,990. Call AMC Boats on 3808 7333 or visit amcboats.com.au STACER CROSSFIRE 499 SC – upgraded to a Yamaha 90Hp 4S, Stacer alloy trailer, as new condition and fully optioned. Lowrance 12” Carbon, VHF, Dual batteries, LB tank, UF fuel, Inshore safety gear, EPIRB, Bow lounge infills, Bimini, 3 x deluxe seats, bait board and so much more… $47,995 tow away!

John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964 – johncrawfordmarine.com.au Ph. 3890 2322 WANTED – Make selling your late model trailer boat simple and hassle free. Quality, used trailer boats are always in demand with John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists since 1964!

Call today to see how our experienced team can help you on 07 3890 2322 or visit johncrawfordma rine.com.au www.bnbfishing.com.au

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 – Page 81

Gamakatsu are at the forefront of hook development continually growing

Gamakatsu is Australia’s largest range of hooks

CIRCLE HOOKS Octopus Circle (OCC)

HOOK FEATURES High Quality Tempered Carbon Wire Construction

When using this hook anglers do not strike on the bite, rather the fish is allowed to run with the bait and as the line comes tight the hook will roll into the corner of the fish’s mouth.

Sizes: 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0,7/0, 8/0

Turned Eye

Offset Point

Conical Hook Points Micro Barbs

Circle Hook

Superior Chemically Sharpened

GENERAL HOOKS

HEAVY DUTY HOOKS

Baitkeeper (BK)

Live Bait (LB)

A heavy-duty estuary hook featuring two slices on the shank for holding on worm and peeled prawn baits. This is a high strength hook for its size.

A high strength hook with a short shank for superior hook-up rates. This is a great hook to use for tough and toothy fish from mangrove jacks to yellowfin tuna.

Sizes: 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, Red. Available in pre packs and 25 packs

Sizes: 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0, 9/0, Available in pre packs and 25 packs.

Barbed Shank

Offset Point

Straight Eye Straight Eye

Baitholder (Black BHB, Bronze BH) Inline Octopus Circle (IOCS) Gamakatsu’s Circle Inline Point Octopus Hook is the same design as the Octopus Circle, but without the offset.

Sizes: 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0,7/0, 8/0 Available in pre packs and 25 packs

Straight Eye

Circle Hook

Inline Point

Inline Big Bait Circle (IBBC) Gamakatsu’s Inline Big Bait Circle hook has the exactly the same design as the Big Bait Circle, but without the offset point.

Sizes: 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0, 9/0, 10/0 Available in pre packs and 25 packs

An Australian freshwater standard, but also incredibly popular in saltwater for bream and as a general all-round estuary hook.

Bronze sizes: 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0.

Black sizes: 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0.

Available in pre packs and 25 packs.

Turned Eye

Circle Hook

Offset Point

Sizes: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0, Black.

Available in pre packs and 25 packs

Circle Hook

Straight Eye

HEAVY DUTY CIRCLE HOOKS Nautilus Circle Light (NCL) A 3x wire hook that was developed for fishing live baits, the Nautilus Light is an ideal hook that’s long on strength. Produced from forged high carbon steel, the Nautilus Light features a straight eye and offset point for superior performance.

(NB: sizes are approx. 2 sizes smaller than standard hooks) Sizes: 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0, Black.

Available in pre packs

Circle Hook

Straight Eye

Offset Point

Straight Eye

Inline Point

A heavy duty hook with an excellent straight point and shank length greatly favoured in southern states for surf fishing for salmon and tailor.

Red Sizes: 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0.

Black Sizes: 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0.

Available in pre packs and 25 packs.

Sizes: 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0, 9/0, 10/0, Black.

Available in pre packs and 25 packs.

Straight Eye Straight Eye

SPECIALTY HOOKS

Ideal for presenting a prawn-like shape this is a great hook to use for whole unpeeled prawns.

Also great for pipis and King George whiting.

Sizes: 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, Black.

Available in pre packs and 25 packs.

Straight Eye

Gangster (GS) A top quality ultra-chemically sharpened gang hook. Featuring a turned down eye and offset point this is a great hook for ganging pilchards, squid and any other cut baits for tailor, flathead, and snapper.

Sizes: 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, Black.

Available in pre packs and 50 boxes.

Inline Point

An estuary standard that no fisherman should be without. Very popular for a wide range of estuary species Red Sizes: 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0.

Black Sizes: 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0.

Available in pre packs and 25 packs.

Straight Eye

Inline Point

Inline Point

Long Shank (Red LS, Black LSB) Offset Point

Sizes: 10/0, 11/0, 12/0, Black.

Available in pre packs and 25 packs.

O’Shaughnessy (OS)

Shiner (SH)

This is a heavier gauge circle hook for bigger fish but with a straight shank. It is a great hook to use for all large cut baits in both ‘floater’ and deepwater paternoster rigs, or with live baits.

It can be slow trolled with live bait for sailfish/ small marlin.

This hook will never let you down. It’s built tough and strong to handle whatever you throw at. Great for XOS yellowfin, marlin, broadbill, and sharks.

This ultra fine gauge hook allows for the most delicate of bait presentations due to its light weight and allows baits to sink very slowly and naturally.

Inline Point

Big Bait Circle (BBC)

Live Bait Heavy Duty (LB)

Worm (Red WM, Black WMB)

Barbed Shank Straight Eye

Barbed Shank

Inline Point

Turned Eye

Open Eye

Inline Point

Gangster Straight Eye (GSE) This hook has the same properties as the Gangster but with a straight eye.

For use with just about any cut bait requiring larger ganging hooks.

Sizes: 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, Black.

Available in pre packs and 50 boxes.

Inline Point

Siwash (SI) This is a great saltwater fly hook and general purpose straight hook with big eye. Featuring a round bend and resulting wide, perfect for bigger fish such as tuna that are eating small baitfish.

Sizes: 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0 Nickel.

Available in pre packs.

Big Eye

Inline Point

Straight Eye

Straight Eye

Open Eye

Inline Point

Distrubuted by

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1743 Ipswich Page 84 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2021 Road, Rocklea | Call 07 3875 1600 www.bnbfishing.com. au