BNB Fishing Mag | October 2024 by bnbfishing

Angling tips for spring

495

Includes GST

October 2024 Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 35, Number 10

Outback yarns

Moreton Bay jew

Spring snapper

Offshore action ISSN 1832-4517

10 Proudly produced and printed in Australia

9 771832 451001

Targeting barramundi

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 1

Page 2 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 3

Page 4 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

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From the Bush ‘n Beach Fishing editor

ACH year as we put the finishing touches to the October edition, I start to think about my week away with the family in the glorious seaside town of Noosa. Well, more precisely, the caravan park at Munna Point – Noosa River Holiday Park. Our family has been going here for several years and it never disappoints. Despite not having a pool, waterslides, kids club or any of the other fancy attractions, my kids still rate this as one of the best holiday destinations. That might also have to do with the fact the same families head up there each year. This park offers something a little different, but it’s hard to put your finger on what makes it so attractive. For starters, there is a sand boat ramp handily available, and you can moor your boat at the mouth of the adjacent creek. Another bonus is the kids can swim in the crystal-clear water straight out the front of the park – which also provides good fishing action as the sun starts to set. Plenty of solid whiting and bream have fallen to freshly pumped yabbies or night-caught prawns around the sandbags that help protect the beach from the constant flow of boat wash. There’s also a large playground, half basketball court and grassed area right next to the park. The list of positives

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goes on and on, not least the fact you can easily access the surf beaches or wander along Hasting St if you feel like shopping; and the fishing in the river is pretty good too. It’s hard to think of any negatives, although one might be the way bookings are made for the following year, making it difficult to book our regular spot due to the dates of the school holidays changing. Despite there being a survey about this put out last year, I feel that the Noosa River Holiday Park has lost touch with camping and caravanning families. This park was donated to the council with the proviso that it would remain open to the public and be accessible to all – this may not be the case soon. If the booking system changes as planned, this year will most likely be our last visit as our booking dates will not align with the school holidays next year. Unfortunately, this means us and plenty of other families might be saying goodbye to this beautiful piece of paradise. Flathead Classic This premier event is just around the corner and I’m sure if you’re fishing the event like I am you will be frantically sorting lures, plastics and all sorts of gear. I haven’t been able to do much, if any, pre-fishing this year, so will have to rely on past knowledge. Thankfully flathead are habitual creatures and unlikely to be do-

ing anything drastically different. Like any fishing trip, being able to read the water gives you an advantage. Although I think the water may be a little crowded, especially the clean water. This year there’s been a push to get to 300 teams, and due to me entering late, the two BNB Fishing teams took up places #297 and #298, leaving only two spots remaining. It’s great to see anglers support this event, but it might be a little busy on the water, especially if the fish all hole up in just a couple of spots. Hopefully the committee will look at extending the boundaries in future years. I’ve been told the resistance to do this is because it’s harder to monitor, however this competition is basically run on an honesty system so I don’t think that would be an issue. What it would do is open more areas up to fishing and put less pressure on the Gold Coast waters – food for thought for next year. Fish depredation Fisheries Queensland has recently asked for data and feedback on shark depredation. Unfortunately, I feel like plenty of the comments on the socials regarding this, they are missing the point. Fisheries Queensland is asking for your help – if they had the resources or funding, then yes, I’m sure they would do more real-world testing. We all know it’s a problem and to find a

solution the researchers need data. The easiest and probably fastest way to do this is from the help of recreational anglers. As far as I’m aware, commercial fishers are already obliged to do this. It’s time we stop

complaining and actually help solve the situation. This is not an us versus them or us versus the greenies issue – this is about addressing the problem of sharks and the number of fish they take. Ben Collins

OUR COVER Angling tips for spring

495

Includes GST

October 2024 Print Post Approved PP100001534 Volume 35, Number 10

Outback yarns

Moreton Bay jew

Spring snapper

Offshore action ISSN 1832-4517

10 Proudly produced and printed in Australia

9 771832 451001

Targeting barramundi

Estuary • Offshore • Freshwater • 4WD • Camping • Touring www.bnbfishing.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 1

JOHN BOON with a couple of ripper reds caught wide off Yeppoon. Read more about catching awesome offshore species on page 16 and 56.

NEXT EDITION: November edition will be on sale in newsagents from October 25. OCTOBER SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: See the subscription form on page 76 to subscribe this month and go in the draw to win one of 10 Jack Jumper premium bucket hats and a pair of braid scissors valued at $35 RRP each pack. AUGUST PRIZE WINNER: Congratulations to J. Prout, Cooloola Cove who will receive a MajorCraft prize pack from Frogley's Offshore valued at $350 RRP. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 5

October 2024 contents Tutorial on catching jew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Sean Conlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8 Tide Times - Brisbane Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P12 Moreton Bay Fishing Classic 2024 wrap-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P13 Not all trips are created equal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Chris Raimondi . . . . . . . . . P16 Iconic sportfish could soon be on impoundment menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P20 Queensland fisher fined $4000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P21 Fishing yabby beds with soft plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Justin Willmer . . . . . . . . . . . P22 Springtime fishing options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Clint Ansell . . . . . . . . . . . . . P28 Fishing wide on Windarra Banks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Gavin Dobson . . . . . . . . . . P32 Warm weather wakes up mangrove jack. . . . . . . . . . by Brett Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P34 Fishing Events Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P35 Top fishing along the Iluka breakwall. . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tye Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P36 2024 BIA Apprentice of the Year Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38 Best in show winners AFTA 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P42

2024 AFTA Hall of Fame Inductee - Ern Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P44 Trading Post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P45 Peeking into the secret lives of sawfish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P46 Dingo hobbled by gang hooks on K’gari. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P47 Rainbow Beach Fishing Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Mick Clutterbuck . . . . . . . P48 Snapper and tailor on fire in Tin Can Bay. . . . . . . . . . by Chris Rippon . . . . . . . . . . . . P50

Tide Times – Waddy Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P52 Whales add to fishing fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tri Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P52 Fishing holidays in Central Queensland. . . . . . . . . . . by Gary Churchward . . . . . . . P54 Barra season in full swing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by John Boon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P56 Cape York barramundi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by 'Billabong' Bazz Lyon . . . P58 Carp and tilapia eradication at Wyaralong Dam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P60 Tagalong tour to Cape Leveque. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ben Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P62 Yarns from the outback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Paul 'Chief' Graveson . . . P66 Citizen science – the great glossy count. . . . . . . . . . . by Neil Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . P69 Concerns over border river cod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Dare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P70

Catch a Catty Family Fishing Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P72 Dam Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P72 Having fun at Catch a Catty Fishing Comp. . . . . . . . by Helen Abdy . . . . . . . . . . . . . P73 Readers’ Forum ��P74 Subscription Form ��P76 Page 6 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

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The Team

EDITOR: Ben Collins ADVERTISING: Chantal Rimmington PRODUCTION: Tiffany Brown Lisa Jones

Bush ‘n Beach Fishing magazine is published monthly by Collins Media Pty Ltd ABN 43 159 051 500 ACN 159 051 500 trading as Collins Media. Phone 07 3286 1833 Email: ben@collins.media PO Box 162, Wynnum, Qld 4178 PRINTER: SpotNews DISTRIBUTION BY: Wrapaway Max. recommended retail price $4.95 (includes GST). CORRESPONDENTS: Editorial contributions are welcome, as is news from clubs,associations or individuals; and new product news from manufacturers. Entire contents copyright. Nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. It is the responsibility of advertisers and contributors to ensure the correctness of their claims and statements. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 7

Not a big jew, but the first for the day. And then a beautiful, solid fish to finish the day.

Tutorial on catching jew n Spring options for Moreton Bay

W The second jew for the day was a tad bigger.

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Page 8 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

E'VE had a couple of good weather windows this month and the fishing in the bay has been consistent, with catches of flathead, squire or snapper, bream and tailor being pretty much the norm on every charter. I had a couple of customers recently who only wanted to do a jewfish tutorial to learn how to catch jew in the southern bay. This is not something I often do because going out to catch jew is a lot harder than going out to catch some flathead, squire, bream and various other fish. One of the biggest reasons I don’t do it much is because these guys usually only want to chase jew all day, so the possibility of coming home with nothing is quite high. I explained this to the guys and after they fully understood this potential outcome I agreed to pick a day for them.

Southern Moreton Bay by SEAN CONLON

I would take them out to learn the fundamentals of chasing one of these elusive creatures. My favourite time to hunt jew is somewhere in the week prior to a full or new moon on a turning tide. I prefer the week prior to a full moon, however. I also like the turn of the tide at sunup or sundown for getting a better bite period. So, after agreeing to the trip, I picked a day prior to a full or new moon where we would have the turn of the tide early in the morning as the sun was coming up and, with a bit of luck, we would also get a rise in pressure in that early morning period as well. In certain areas I like the turn of the tide on the high tide and in others I find the turn

of the low tide fishes better. On the chosen day, I met the guys at the pontoon and talked through our game plan. We were going to try a few areas on the high tide and then a couple of areas on the low tide so we could all be finished and done by about 1.30 in the afternoon. We headed to the first location for the turn of the tide early in the morning and sounded up what looked like a couple of good fish around a wreck. There was plenty of bait and everything was looking good. I explained to the men what gear we were going to use, which for us was a 6-20lb Blade N Tails rod paired up with an ATC 4000 spin reel * continued P9

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Tutorial on jew * from P8

spooled with 20lb braid and 25lb leader using a Zerek Fish Trap lure. It didn’t take them long to learn the retrieve technique, so we soon started casting. We picked up a few tailor and small mackerel but couldn’t get the bigger fish to bite and so moved on to another wreck. I sounded around and could see some bigger shapes, so I positioned the boat and the boys started casting Unfortunately, we only picked up a couple of tailor and some small mackerel again. Then the wind picked up and we ended up with the wind and tide against each other, so

once more we had to move on. I explained that we were wasting our time fishing for jew in this area with the weather against us and would have to move and fish down towards the bottom of the tide. Another change of location! The new location still had a little too much run in the tide, but we sounded around anyway and found some large bait schools sprinkled with bigger shapes, We decided to position the boat to cast into the bait schools and ended up with some nice flathead, but unfortunately no jew. It was now our last * continued P10

This flathead was caught on the fish traps while casting for jew.

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Jets and Cats Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 9

There should also be plenty of pan-size squire in the usual locations in the southern bay.

Tutorial on catching jew * from P9

Flathead like this one should be caught in the coming months.

shot to move on and see if there was anything to cast at. If we didn’t catch

Tick all the boxes and catch more fish! FISHING TUITION

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

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WITH SEAN CONLON

anything in the next hour, the tide would start running hard back in and that would be the end of the day’s fishing. I was finally lucky enough to pick up a couple of larger shapes on the Lowrance, so we positioned the boat for good casting and retrieving. The fish kept moving around the boat, visible to the side scan and sounder. I could see when they were on the left or right side of the boat or whether they were underneath, which made it easy to direct the guys where to cast and retrieve. When the fish were on the left side, I’d tell them to cast there and then change sides when the fish moved. Well, it didn’t take

long before one of the boys hooked up. It wasn’t a big fish, but as it came to the surface that lovely silver colour emerged out of the green water. We put it in the net and the boys had their first jew for the day. After a couple of quick photos, we released the fish to fight another day. There were more fish on the Lowrance, so we continued with the same plan and 10 minutes later they were hooked up again. This fish was bigger but still not a legal jew, so we released it as well after a few pics. At this stage we were all pretty happy. We’d caught two of the target species but with the tide ready to run hard again we only * continued P12

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Email: admin@wynnummarine.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 11

Tutorial on catching jew * from P10

Tide Times AUSTRALIA EAST COAST -

2024

STRALIA, –– BRISBANE STRALIA, EAST EAST COAST COAST BRISBANE BAR BRISBANE BAR BAR

me ime

LAT LONG LAT 27° 27° 22ʼ 22ʼ SS LONG 153° 153° 10ʼ 10ʼ EE Times Times and and Heights Heights of of High High and and Low Low Waters Waters OCTOBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

m m

Time Time

m m

Time Time

m m

Time Time

had about 20 minutes of good fishing left. I could see some bigger fish on the sounder, so we had another shot. The boys smeared their lures with our trusty fish goop and began casting. Sure enough, they were soon hooked up to a Time decent fish. Zone –1000 Time Zone –1000 After a good fight DECEMBER DECEMBER Time Time m and solid runs Time m m Time three m 0331 0.30 0300 0.36 0331 to 0.30the 0300 0.36 easily it came 110932 16 1009 1009 2.64 2.64 0932 2.40 2.40 16 1700 1606 again 1700 0.54 0.54 1606 0.63 0.63and SU MO SUsurface MOonce 2220 2125 2220 1.75 2125 1.79 1.79 that lovely silver1.75col0332 0332 0.37 0.37 0414 0.34 0.34 from 22our 17 0414 1009 2.42 1054 2.60 1009 emerged 2.42 17 1054 2.60the 1646 1646 0.64 0.64 TU 1747 0.57 0.57 MO MOwater. TU 1747 2204 2307 2204 1.76 1.76 2307 1.72 1.72 The boys had caught 0407 0454 0407 0.39 0.39 0454 0.41 0.41 33themselves 18 1136 1046 1136 2.52 2.52 1046 2.43 2.43 18 their first 1830 0.62 0.62 1729 0.65 0.65 WE TU TU 1729 WE 1830 2245 2351 1.69 2351 to 1.69say 2245 1.73 1.73 legal jew and were happy is a 0443 0443 0.42 0.42 0534 0.50 0.50 44they 19 0534 1127 1216 1216 2.42 2.42 1127 2.41 2.41 19 understatement. 1813 1911 0.67 0.67 1813 0.67 0.67 WE TH WEslight TH 1911 2330 2330 1.70 1.70 It goes to show that 0522 0522 0.46 0.46 0034 1.67 1.67 by following a couple 551209 20 0034 0615 0615 0.61 0.61 1209 2.39 2.39 20 1900 0.69 1256 2.31 1256 1900 0.69 TH THof simple FR FR rules - 2.31 pick1949 1949 0.71 0.71

m m

0313 0313 0.18 0.18 0936 0936 2.60 2.60 1612 0.44 1612 0.44 SA SA 2141 2141 1.94 1.94

221 221 0.43 0.43 754 754 1.91 1.91 358 358 0.32 0.32 022 022 2.56 2.56

0230 0250 0230 0.24 0.24 0250 0.45 0.45 0822 0841 0822 2.23 2.23 0841 1.99 1.99 1435 0.32 1446 0.47 1435 0.32 1446 0.47 TU WE TU WE 2034 2050 2034 2.42 2.42 2050 2.24 2.24

16 16

0303 0303 0.34 0.34 0919 0919 2.27 2.27 1540 0.56 1540 0.56 FR FR 2115 2115 1.97 1.97

305 305 0.31 0.31 843 843 2.05 2.05 451 451 0.24 0.24 106 106 2.60 2.60

0318 0318 0.41 0.41 0914 0914 2.06 2.06 1522 0.47 0.47 WE WE 1522 2120 2120 2.20 2.20

0310 0.17 0.17 0331 0.34 0.34 0352 0.21 0.21 17 22 0331 17 0310 17 0352 0908 0952 1022 0908 2.37 2.37 0952 2.31 2.31 17 1022 2.63 2.63 1617 0.58 0.58 SA SA 1617 2147 2147 1.89 1.89

345 345 0.23 0.23 930 930 2.18 2.18 542 542 0.21 0.21 147 147 2.57 2.57

0344 0.38 0.38 0347 0.14 0.14 0400 0.35 0.35 0430 0.28 0.28 33 0344 33 0400 18 0347 18 0430 0945 0954 1026 1108 0945 2.13 2.13 18 0954 2.48 2.48 1026 2.33 2.33 18 1108 2.59 2.59

1558 0.49 0.49 TH TH 1558 2148 2148 2.14 2.14

425 425 0.18 0.18 015 015 2.29 2.29 630 630 0.23 0.23 229 229 2.46 2.46

0409 0409 0.36 0.36 1016 1016 2.17 2.17 1632 0.53 0.53 FR FR 1632 2216 2216 2.05 2.05

500 500 0.18 0.18 100 100 2.36 2.36 718 718 0.32 0.32 309 309 2.27 2.27

0435 0.37 0.37 0459 0.22 0.22 0500 0.44 0.44 0007 1.60 1.60 55 0435 55 0500 20 0459 20 0007 1048 1126 1137 0550 1048 2.19 2.19 20 1126 2.52 2.52 1137 2.28 2.28 20 0550 0.50 0.50

1706 0.59 0.59 SA SA 1706 2245 2245 1.94 1.94

535 535 0.22 0.22 146 146 2.38 2.38 807 807 0.46 0.46 350 350 2.04 2.04

0500 0535 0500 0.40 0.40 0535 0.33 0.33 1122 1214 1122 2.18 2.18 1214 2.45 2.45 1742 0.67 0.67 MO 1857 0.63 0.63 SU SU 1742 MO 1857 2315 2315 1.82 1.82

610 610 0.30 0.30 234 234 2.34 2.34 900 900 0.62 0.62

0528 0.46 0.46 0019 1.63 1.63 0020 1.57 1.57 0203 1.49 1.49 0115 1.66 1.66 0212 1.65 1.65 77 0528 77 0020 770115 22 0019 22 0203 22 0212 1157 0614 0615 0731 0702 0752 1157 2.15 2.15 22 0614 0.47 0.47 0615 0.59 0.59 22 0731 0.77 0.77 0702 0.60 0.60 22 0752 0.84 0.84

1528 0.30 0.30 TH TH 1528 2118 2118 2.34 2.34 1619 0.33 0.33 FR FR 1619 2201 2201 2.20 2.20

16 16

1704 0.48 0.48 SU SU 1704 2229 2229 1.82 1.82

1655 0.62 0.62 MO 1757 0.55 0.55 SU SU 1655 MO 1757 2220 2317 2220 1.81 1.81 2317 1.70 1.70

0424 0.16 0.16 0429 0.39 0.39 0509 0.38 0.38 19 44 0429 19 0424 19 0509 1040 1100 1155 1040 2.53 2.53 1100 2.31 2.31 19 1155 2.50 2.50 1709 0.40 0.40 SA SA 1709 2245 2245 2.02 2.02

1801 0.51 0.51 SU SU 1801 2330 2330 1.82 1.82

21 21

1820 0.76 0.76 MO MO 1820 2347 2347 1.69 1.69

1732 0.67 0.67 MO MO 1732 2255 2255 1.73 1.73

1850 0.63 0.63 TU TU 1850

1814 0.73 0.73 WE 1242 2.38 2.38 TU TU 1814 WE 1242 2334 1944 2334 1.64 1.64 1944 0.70 0.70

0532 0532 0.51 0.51 1218 1218 2.23 2.23 1900 0.78 0.78 WE WE 1900

1330 2.25 2.25 TH TH 1330 2038 2038 0.75 0.75

0557 0117 0557 0.53 0.53 0117 1.48 1.48 1235 0700 1235 2.10 2.10 0700 0.62 0.62 1904 0.84 0.84 WE 1400 2.20 2.20 TU TU 1904 WE 1400 2115 2115 0.80 0.80

0120 0120 1.52 1.52 0710 0710 0.66 0.66 1406 2.17 2.17 FR FR 1406 2111 2111 0.78 0.78

128 128 1.57 1.57 731 731 0.56 0.56 429 429 2.16 2.16 129 129 0.85 0.85

0028 1.57 1.57 0236 1.40 1.40 0240 1.52 1.52 0426 1.60 1.60 0335 1.77 1.77 0424 1.76 1.76 99 0028 99 0240 990335 24 0236 24 0426 24 0424 0632 0802 0822 0959 0920 1008 0802 0.76 0.76 0822 0.72 0.72 24 0920 0.73 0.73 24 0632 0.61 0.61 24 0959 0.90 0.90 1008 1.00 1.00

1323 2.04 2.04 WE WE 1323 2003 2003 0.90 0.90

1507 2.09 2.09 TH TH 1507 2227 2227 0.79 0.79

1514 2.17 2.17 SA SA 1514 2220 2220 0.69 0.69

1345 2.33 2.33 SA SA 1345 2045 2045 0.65 0.65

1336 2.20 2.20 SA SA 1336 2029 2029 0.72 0.72

034 034 1.79 1.79 647 647 0.42 0.42 327 327 2.26 2.26 004 004 0.77 0.77

1422 2.13 2.13 FR FR 1422 2131 2131 0.77 0.77

1255 2.36 2.36 FR FR 1255 1950 1950 0.68 0.68

1306 2.19 2.19 TH TH 1306 2000 2000 0.81 0.81

23 23

1418 2.08 2.08 SU SU 1418 2111 2111 0.72 0.72

0315 1.52 1.52 0222 1.69 1.69 0315 1.68 1.68 23 880222 23 0315 23 0315 0841 0806 0855 0841 0.86 0.86 0806 0.67 0.67 23 0855 0.94 0.94 1518 2.05 2.05 SA SA 1518 2224 2224 0.74 0.74

1616 1.99 1.99 SU SU 1616 2314 2314 0.68 0.68

1441 2.28 2.28 MO 1506 1.97 1.97 SU SU 1441 MO 1506 2140 2158 2140 0.59 0.59 2158 0.70 0.70

1541 2.22 2.22 MO MO 1541 2236 2236 0.52 0.52

1601 1.87 1.87 TU TU 1601 2248 2248 0.66 0.66

245 245 1.41 1.41 834 834 0.69 0.69 544 544 2.09 2.09 300 300 0.83 0.83

0123 1.47 1.47 0406 1.43 1.43 0404 1.61 1.61 0527 1.74 1.74 0446 1.91 1.91 0529 1.88 1.88 10 10 0123 25 0406 10 0404 25 0527 100446 25 0529 0724 0930 0945 1110 1036 1125 0724 0.70 0.70 25 1110 0.89 0.89 10 1125 0.99 0.99 0930 0.84 0.84 10 0945 0.71 0.71 25 1036 0.74 0.74 25

430 430 1.39 1.39 002 002 0.76 0.76 702 702 2.09 2.09

0250 1.42 1.42 0518 1.55 1.55 0516 1.79 1.79 0617 1.89 1.89 0551 2.10 2.10 0623 2.03 2.03 11 11 0250 26 0518 11 0516 26 0617 110551 26 0623 1055 1103 1213 1153 1233 0842 0842 0.75 0.75 26 1055 0.82 0.82 11 1103 0.65 0.65 26 1213 0.84 0.84 11 1153 0.72 0.72 26 1233 0.93 0.93

012 012 0.74 0.74 549 549 1.50 1.50 129 129 0.72 0.72 807 807 2.14 2.14

0017 0.65 0.65 0016 0.44 0.44 0038 0.53 0.53 0024 0.37 0.37 0027 0.56 0.56 0429 1.49 1.49 12 12 0429 27 0017 12 0016 27 0038 120024 27 0027 1012 0614 0616 0701 0650 0710 0701 2.04 2.04 12 0710 2.17 2.17 1012 0.71 0.71 27 0614 1.71 1.71 12 0616 1.99 1.99 27 0650 2.28 2.28 27

103 103 0.64 0.64 645 645 1.65 1.65 234 234 0.64 0.64 859 859 2.19 2.19

0058 0.56 0.56 0106 0.32 0.32 0115 0.46 0.46 0115 0.32 0.32 0112 0.51 0.51 0003 0.65 0.65 13 13 0003 28 0058 13 0106 28 0115 130115 28 0112 0658 0711 0741 0744 0753 0543 0658 1.86 1.86 13 0711 2.20 2.20 28 0741 2.17 2.17 13 0744 2.45 2.45 28 0753 2.29 2.29 0543 1.66 1.66 28

145 145 0.55 0.55 730 730 1.79 1.79 326 326 0.55 0.55 941 941 2.23 2.23

0151 0.41 0.41 0154 0.46 0.46 0058 0.49 0.49 0132 0.49 0.49 0151 0.24 0.24 0202 0.29 0.29 14 29 0132 14 0151 29 0151 140202 29 0154 14 0058 0736 0800 0818 0834 0835 0642 0818 2.28 2.28 14 0835 2.38 2.38 0642 1.86 1.86 29 0736 1.99 1.99 14 0800 2.38 2.38 29 0834 2.56 2.56 29

219 219 0.49 0.49 807 807 1.90 1.90 408 408 0.50 0.50 017 017 2.25 2.25

0146 0.35 0.35 0204 0.42 0.42 0233 0.19 0.19 0226 0.38 0.38 0248 0.28 0.28 0235 0.42 0.42 15 15 0146 30 0204 15 0233 30 0226 150248 30 0235 0733 0812 0849 0856 0923 0915 0733 2.06 2.06 30 0812 2.11 2.11 15 0849 2.51 2.51 30 0856 2.36 2.36 15 0923 2.63 2.63 30 0915 2.45 2.45

1427 2.01 2.01 TH TH 1427 2129 2129 0.90 0.90

1547 2.05 2.05 FR FR 1547 2256 2256 0.80 0.80

1704 2.16 2.16 SA SA 1704

1618 2.04 2.04 FR FR 1618 2328 2328 0.73 0.73

1722 2.05 2.05 SA SA 1722

1200 0.75 0.75 SU SU 1200 1814 1814 2.07 2.07

1253 0.68 0.68 1130 0.60 0.60 MO SU MO 1253 SU 1130 1858 1807 1858 2.09 2.09 1807 2.29 2.29

1238 0.48 0.48 MO MO 1238 1900 1900 2.40 2.40

1339 0.62 0.62 TU TU 1339 1936 1936 2.10 2.10

1339 0.38 0.38 WE 1421 0.58 0.58 TU TU 1339 WE 1421 1949 2011 1949 2.44 2.44 2011 2.07 2.07

1713 1.96 1.96 1622 2.21 2.21 MO SU SU 1622 MO 1713 2321 2358 2358 0.60 0.60 2321 0.57 0.57

1725 2.26 2.26 MO MO 1725

1802 1.94 1.94 TU TU 1802

1307 0.78 0.78 1215 0.58 0.58 WE TU TU 1215 WE 1307 1822 1847 1847 1.92 1.92 1822 2.27 2.27

1320 0.51 0.51 WE WE 1320 1915 1915 2.24 2.24

1421 0.46 0.46 TH TH 1421 2004 2004 2.17 2.17 1517 0.44 0.44 FR FR 1517 2052 2052 2.06 2.06

The only difference now is that it’s called Fish Goop, so if you’re interested in purchasing some, feel free to send me a text or give me a call. Our busy jobs and lives can mean we are time poor, so optimising your time on the water is important. Remember, knowledge is the key! Until next month, stay safe on the water and, if you’re interested in any of our tuition classes or want to do a fishing charter, give me a call on 0432 386 307, send an email to seanconlonsfishing@ hotmail.com or check out the Facebook page Seano’s Inshore Fishing Charters and Tuition.

0101 1.53 1.53 0019 1.67 1.67 0120 1.65 1.65 21 660019 21 0101 21 0120 0636 0608 0700 0700 0.72 0.72 0636 0.64 0.64 0608 0.53 0.53 21

1304 2.33 2.33 TU TU 1304 2001 2001 0.74 0.74

ing the right day, fishing, the best parts of the tide and knowing the local area, and with a bit of luck thrown in, you can catch your legal jew. The boys learnt plenty and caught their target species, and for me, I had happy customers. As for the month ahead, there should be plenty of flathead and squire around poking their heads up in the usual spots, as well as a few tailor and bream among them. Let’s just hope we get some good weather windows on the right days. We now have Gobbly Goop fish attractant back in stock for those who use it.

1356 0.72 0.72 TH TH 1356 1930 1930 1.89 1.89 1441 0.67 0.67 FR FR 1441 2009 2009 1.86 1.86

1524 0.64 0.64 SA SA 1524 2047 2047 1.82 1.82

0234 0.38 0.38 31 31 0234 0845 0845 2.20 2.20 1501 0.56 0.56 TH TH 1501 2044 2044 2.03 2.03

1700 1.79 1.79 1644 2.15 2.15 WE TU TU 1644 WE 1700 2330 2338 2338 0.62 0.62 2330 0.44 0.44

1745 2.07 2.07 WE WE 1745

1308 0.67 0.67 TH TH 1308 1845 1845 1.98 1.98 1415 0.61 0.61 FR FR 1415 1942 1942 1.90 1.90

1515 0.56 0.56 SA SA 1515 2038 2038 1.84 1.84

1759 1.75 1.75 TH TH 1759

1332 0.84 0.84 FR FR 1332 1852 1852 1.73 1.73

1423 0.76 0.76 SA SA 1423 1941 1941 1.73 1.73

1510 0.69 0.69 SU SU 1510 2027 2027 1.75 1.75

1609 0.53 0.53 MO 1555 0.65 0.65 SU SU 1609 MO 1555 2130 2111 2130 1.79 1.79 2111 1.77 1.77 0315 0.38 0.38 31 31 0315 0955 0955 2.51 2.51 1638 0.62 0.62 TU TU 1638 2155 2155 1.80 1.80

monwealth monwealth of of Australia Australia 2022, 2022, Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology New Moon First Quarter ns ns isis Lowest Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide Tide

ols bols

Full Moon First Last Quarter Full First Quarter Quarter Full Moon Moon

New New Moon Moon

Page 12 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

Last Last Quarter Quarter 99

Another good flathead caught on the fish traps.

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Winner of the Wynnum Marine $30k boating package.

Wynnum Marine Minn Kota Moreton Bay Fishing Classic 2024 wrap-up

HE Moreton Bay Fishing Classic wrapped up with a bang, and what a week it was! With emcee Paul Burt, the event brought together anglers from all over, all eager to snag a piece of the $100,000

in cash and prizes. Winnings ranged from Minn Kota trolling motors, cash, Humminbird sounders, a Wynnum Marine $30k boating package and so much more. Oh, and did we mention cash?

We heard you loud and clear – you loved the cash prizes! The competition was fierce and the excitement in the air was contagious. Every angler also scored a $40 voucher * continued P14

Open Grand Champion, Junior Grand Champion and Best Team.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 13

The Atomic Dash for Cash adventure crew featuring Wynnum Marine, Minn Kota, Cruise Craft and Paul Burt about to step outside on the Bay.

Wynnum Marine Minn Kota Moreton Bay Fishing Classic 2024 wrap-up * from P13

Liana and Bec from Manly Harbour Boat Club wearing the official limited edition Fishing Classic caps, available for purchase at the Club!

Our very happy junior winners. Page 14 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

to spend at the Frogleys Offshore merchandise tent. You’ve got to love a great new fishing tee or some awesome new lures! Thanks Michael, Domm and the crew – legends. This year marked a new chapter for the Classic, as we teamed up with the Australian Fishing Tournament’s app for the first time. The app made it easier than ever to track catches and keep the competition fair and fun. The feedback has been great and we’re already looking forward to adding more features to the comp for next year. A special shoutout goes to our major sponsors, Johnny and the gang at Wynnum Marine, Ben and the crew from Minn Kota, BLA, Green Beacon, Atomic and, of course, the headquarters of the Classic and home to the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club – Manly Harbour Boat Club. Thanks to our sponsor’s support, events like this can continue for our great community. And, of course, a massive cheer to our other

sponsors and the army of volunteers. Thank you for making everything run smoothly. The kids were a huge highlight of the event, with every young angler walking away with a trophy and some cool prizes. Seeing the smiles on their faces was priceless and a reminder of what this event is all about. A Family Fishing Classic! The live entertainment this year was next level, with amazing performances by Natalie Bassingthwaighte and the Rogue Traders plus Caitlyn Shadbolt. They brought the en-

ergy and kept the crowd buzzing long after the sun went down. “This year’s Fishing Classic was a fantastic success, and it’s all thanks to the amazing community we have here. “We’re already counting down to next year,” said the 2024 Classic team. For more highlights and to relive the action, be sure to follow our social pages on Facebook and Instagram or visit moretonbayfishing classic.com.au for all the highlights. Here’s to another year of tight lines and great times!

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 15

Rob caught this 11.7kg PB red emperor.

Not all trips are created equal T

Squidtrex-munching grass sweetlip. Page 16 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

HE anticipation and excitement before any fishing trip is normally high no matter the target species, location or plan of attack. It’s a consistent roll of emotions - the joy or frustration caused by regular checks of the forecast, to daring to dream about that fish of a lifetime you hope to hook as you spool your reels, check leader knots and tie rigs. That’s where the

Fishing Tips by CHRIS RAIMONDI

similarities between fishing trips ends and is the main reason we all keep fishing - we just don’t know what each trip is going to throw at us! Fortunately, our most recent trip offshore was one to remember. If you’re familiar with my articles, you will be aware that many of them feature

offshore trips targeting red emperor. In my view they are still the ultimate reef fish to target in Queensland. They are striking to look at, they taste great, they fight as hard as any fish in the initial few moments after hooking up and they are elusive and * continued P17

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Not all trips are created equal * from P16

tricky to target at times. There are so many factors that make them tough to boat. The big ones will test every part of your gear and if you give them an inch, they’ll quickly bust you up in the reef. Red emperor typically live in depths of more than 50 metres, which means weather and current are crucial factors in allowing you to even present bait or lures to them. We love to eat them, but so do sharks and depredation is becoming more of a problem when chasing reds. When the stars align and you do manage to boat one, it’s a special moment.

We were greeted with a magic forecast for this trip, and planned to fish a location we were all familiar with, the southern Bunker Group of islands. We made our way offshore midway through the afternoon in prime conditions. Our plan was to catch live bait and then head wide in time to chase reds from late afternoon into the evening. The first part of the equation went to plan in a big way with live yakka in abundance at one of our bait spots. We quickly caught our limit of livies and proceeded to head further east to an area with plenty of structure and isolated rocks in depths ranging from 45-55m.

With about half an hour of light left in the day we deployed our first live baits and were bending straight away. A little surprisingly, a trio of red throat emperor made their way on board. We decided to move on and head to an area where we had caught some nice red emperor before. One element of offshore reef fishing that continually rings true is the importance of your first drift or drop on a spot. Some of these wider reef systems will have gone weeks, months or even years without having a bait dropped on them, so the first drift is often the most * continued P18

A nice school-sized red.

Mick’s lovely coral trout.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 17

Not all trips are created equal * from P17

Jarrod with a red just shy of 11kg.

Mick got in on the action.

A striking blue maori cod. Page 18 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

action packed. Anglers should have their drags set correctly, knots checked and attack the first drift with readiness given the likely action. I found this out the hard way. Experimenting with a new braid to mono leader knot for the first time on a hectic red emperor spot is not advisable. Rods bent immediately on our first drop, and in my case, knots failed immediately. Expletives followed and my trusted ‘old’ leader knot was promptly tied on. Within a few minutes, both of my brothers-in-law had nice red emperor at their feet and my mate Jarrod was dragging his up through the water column. While I found new ways to lose some quality reds, a hot bite

period was certainly under way. Rob boated a lovely fish that ended up as his PB at 11.7kg and Mick and Jarrod both nailed models around 10kg. I did catch a few nice reds but my chance at a big one went begging after another comedy of errors which resulted in my braid getting tied up with Rob’s and slicing at the rod tip. More expletives left my mouth at a much higher volume this time given this fish took a good while to get off the bottom and was significantly bigger than the others I had hooked. It always hurts when you know you’ve left a 10-12kg model down there and your next opportunity might be weeks, months or years away! However, I should not harp on the negatives as this was an insane red emperor session that continued in several spots as we chipped away at some nice fish throughout the night and into the next day. Although we lost a few fish to sharks, they were largely absent on this trip and that is certainly rare these days in this part of the world. It’s not often that red emperor dominate the species count but this was one of those rare occasions. A couple of nice coral trout, blue maori cod, parrotfish and hussar rounded out what was a trip to remember. If only every fishing trip offshore was like this one. Catch ya.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 19

Iconic sportfish could soon be on impoundment menu

WO iconic sportfish will be stocked into a Queensland dam as part of a four-year project that could boost recreational fishing opportunities and tourism in the state. While barramundi dominate most northern Australian impoundments, giant trevally and

bigeye trevally could be introduced should this project prove successful. Renowned for their speed, power and size, trevally are considered one of the world’s greatest sportfish. A survey indicated trevally were among the top three species Queensland stocking groups wanted added

to the permitted list for impoundments. Recent economic surveys have shown recreational fishing contributes $333 million to the Queensland economy each year, with the most valuable impoundment contributing more than $10 million annually to the local economy. There is considerable

Giant trevally and bigeye trevally could be introduced if the project is successful.

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scope for iconic species such as trevally to grow these figures. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries researchers will collect broodstock from the wild and breed the fish at the Bribie Island Research Centre, before releasing the fingerlings into Kinchant Dam, southwest of Mackay. A small number of sub-adult and young adult trevally will also be released in a central Queensland dam to enable researchers to track any movements upstream and downstream. DAF principal fisheries biologist Michael Hutchison said, “This is an exciting opportunity because as well as improving fishing opportunities for locals, it could attract anglers from interstate and overseas, boosting tourism and benefitting local communities.” “If the trial is a success, these fish will be added to the permitted species list for stocking into suitable impoundments in central and northern Queensland. “Private hatcheries will also be trained to produce trevally so they can supply stocking groups with fingerlings in the future.” The trials will: • Evaluate survival and growth rates • Assess angler satisfaction levels

• Evaluate whether stocked trevally have adverse impacts on existing fisheries and the abundance of prey species • Assess the proportion of trevally that remain in the impoundment (rather than run up or downstream). The $1.14 million project is a partnership between DAF, the Australian Government through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Mackay Regional Council and Daiwa Australia. FRDC managing director Dr Patrick Hone said, “This research offers an exciting chance to diversify the fish species anglers can target in Queensland’s impoundments using a scientific and evidence-based approach.” “Fishing for bigeye and giant trevally in impoundments would be a unique angling experience.” Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association chair Tim Swann said, “MAFSA committee members are looking forward to seeing the trevally trial to understand how existing world-class dams will respond to a new species, as we look forward to further improving our tropical stocked impoundments in the future.” DAF

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DAF researchers will collect broodstock from the wild and breed the fish before releasing the fingerlings into Kinchant Dam. Page 20 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

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Seized mangrove jack.

Queensland fisher fined $4000 for exceeding mangrove jack limit

QUEENSLAND man has been ordered to pay more than $4000 in court costs and penalties after pleading guilty to breaching the bag limit for mangrove jack in Kalumburu Court on Wednesday, August 21, the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has confirmed. The 58-year-old, who did not appear in court, was found in possession of 23 mangrove jack above the bag limit after a fishing trip with three other fishers in Napier Broome Bay in June 2023. The man was the owner and master of a vessel with one other fisher aboard and in the company of a second vessel with two fishers. The man returned to shore with 31 mangrove jack in an esky, far exceeding the daily bag limit of two mangrove jack per fisher. He was issued a $500 fine for having more than twice the bag limit of a category one fish, and a section 222 penalty of $3220, or $140 for each of the fish above the limit. The Queenslander was also fined $200 on a second charge of being in possession of a green mud crab claw not prepared for immediate consumption and

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a section 222 penalty of $120. Section 222 penalties are mandatory and equal to 10 times the prescribed value of the fish in question. Mangrove jack are a slow-growing species that can take 6-10 years to mature and can live up to 50 years. The species also has a tendency to aggregate and is particularly vulnerable to localised overfishing. DPIRD’s Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer Luke Kotys said the restrictive bag limit of two mangrove jack reflected the vulnerability of the species. “The sustainability of fish such as mangrove jack is reliant on all fishers understanding and complying with the bag limits,” Officer Kotys said. “The Fish Resources Management Act is in place to protect and preserve these valuable natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said. A special guide for recreational fishing, which includes bag and size limits is available online at fish.wa.gov. au/Documents/recre ational_fishing/rec_ fishing_guide/recrea tional_fishing_guide. pdf or check the rules for your target species

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 21

Fishing yabby beds with soft plastics

S A mix of yabbies and the author’s go-to Z-Man Yabbie coloured soft plastics.

Another victim on the TT 7’ 1-3kg Black Mamba rod and Okuma Inspira 2000 reel.

This flathead was caught on a Yabbie coloured Z-Man soft plastic. Page 22 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

ALTWATER river and estuary systems are loaded with structure, bait and a wide variety of fish species, including bread and butter basics like whiting, bream and flathead, and more exotic species such as snapper, trevally and grunter. When exploring new systems or hitting my local waters, one key structure that I like to target is saltwater yabby beds. In this article I will break down yabby-bed fishing and discuss the key tides, techniques and gear I use when fishing soft plastics around these productive areas. Saltwater yabbies If bait fishing is your thing, then saltwater yabbies are readily accessible in many systems and can be gathered on the lower stages of the tide using a bait pump. Always remember to check local regulations in terms of gathering bait, possession limits and rules around using different baits. Once gathered, they can be stored in a bucket of salt water, making sure to change the water regularly throughout the session and keep them cool to maximise both quality and longevity. If I’m keeping saltwater yabbies overnight, I prefer to keep them in a cool place in a plastic tub, with one end of the tub elevated so that the yabbies can move up into shallow water if they wish to rest or escape

Tackle Tactics by JUSTIN WILLMER

the chaos in the deeper end of the tub. Remember to bring home a couple of buckets of salt water with you so you can change the water before you call it a night and then freshen them up in the morning again for your session. Saltwater yabbies appeal to a wide range of species and are especially effective when fished on a rising tide over the areas where you pumped them. Due to being such an effective and versatile fresh bait, they are also a favourite bait species to mimic when using soft plastics. Let’s take a closer look at saltwater yabby beds, key areas to fish and the target species

you may encounter. Breaking down the beds Yabby beds are always worth a fish as they hold resident bait, whereas other structure is less reliable. If you find yabby holes, you know that yabbies are in the area and fish will be foraging and hunting for them. Yabby beds also attract crabs, worms, prawns and other creatures to the area. Stingrays and shovelnose rays can commonly be found feeding on yabby beds on the higher stages of the tide and, in the process, they create larger holes called melon holes that attract bait and predators. * continued P24

The Yabbie coloured Z-Man Drop KickerZ getting the bite on the beds.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 23

Areas where water funnels onto the flats first can be productive on the start of the run-in and last of the run-out-tides.

Z-Man PrawnZ in Yabbie colour are a favourite for the author and the flathead.

Fishing yabby beds with soft plastics * from P22

Keep an eye out for anglers pumping yabbies and fish back over the area on an incoming tide.

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Exploring an area on the lower stages of the tide will allow you to quickly and easily locate yabby beds in the system you’re fishing. Let’s break down fishing these beds throughout the tide. Start of the incoming tide When the tide is low, I usually flick plastics to the edges of the yabby beds and channel dropoffs, either sitting cast distance from the edge and working the plastic back when the entire cast is through productive water, or fishing parallel along the edge if the fish are holding tight to the edge. Once the tide starts pushing over the yabby beds, I focus on areas where the fish will be pushing onto the flat first, such as deeper sections, drains and areas on the side that the current pushes onto. Whiting and flathead will be the first to push in and hold in very little water, followed by bream, grunter and other species.

Half to full tide As soon as there is enough water to drift or use the electric to navigate over the yabby beds, I start actively hunting fish. Key things that I am looking for on the flat include melon holes, weed edges, changes in bottom structure, rubble, timber and any other structure that may attract bait or cre-

ate current breaks. If the yabby bed lacks additional structure, look for variations in depth, as a depression in the bottom of even 20cm will often alter the flow and attract fish. I have a favourite flat that fishes well with 80cm to 1.5m of water on it and my favourite section is about 20cm deeper. * continued P25

A double hook up casting to active bait funnelling off the yabby flat.

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Fishing yabby beds with soft plastics * from P24

I have seen this section of the yabby bed hold whole schools of bream, flathead and other species. Full tide to half out The start of the dropping tide can fire up a hot bite period as fish recognise the need to feed before they are forced off the flat. Bream and grunter especially seem to fire up and feed before being the first to exit the yabby beds, while whiting and flathead will continue to hunt until almost the last of the water drains. I pay close attention to any fish that I see moving off the flat, noting their exit point so that I can set up for the next stage of the tide. Half tide to low It’s now time to move off the yabby beds and back into position on the edge of the channel. If I have noticed bait or fish moving off the flat, then I will set up the boat in a position where I can make casts to this area. If not, I’ll focus on the down-current side of the yabby bed and look for drains, deeper sections or current lines on the edge of the flat where fish are more likely to travel. The great thing about

this stage of the tide is that the flow will often bring the fish to you as they move off the flat. Once positioned, you can fan your casts or move the boat to cover more ground, with the dropping tide continually replenishing the area with fish. I usually catch bream, grunter, trevally and tailor first as they exit the flat, followed by whiting and flathead as the water on the yabby beds thins and they are eventually forced to move off the flat. Soft plastic selection When it comes to fishing soft plastics across the yabby beds, I have found that smaller plastics are often most effective, especially when targeting a mixed bag of species. I prefer 2.5-3” soft plastics and have had great success on a mix of paddle tails, curl tails and jerkbait profiles. If I want to run and gun for fast fishing, then I will generally select a paddle tail or jerkbait, slowing things down with a prawn or curl tail profile if the bite is tougher. The key is to mimic the movement of the bait - imitating prawns or baitfish if you see them on the flat or sticking with a slow

Z-Man Slim SwimZ getting the bite for Barry, rigged on a TT DemonZ jig head. www.bnbfishing.com.au

drag along the bottom using a shaking retrieve, or the kick, kick and pause of a yabby. If you’re pumping yabbies or releasing them back into the water when bait fishing, take note of how they kick and move so that you can mimic this action more effectively. They have a pronounced kick as they flee, followed by a pause and swim when they believe they have escaped. Hits will often come on the pause, so try to maintain some contact with the soft plastic or watch the line closely on the pause. In the past I have stuck with natural, clear and pearl colours when the water is clear and the day bright, or darker silhouettes and motor oil family colours when the water is dirty or in low light. The addition of the Z-Man Yabbie colour has been a game changer. In a few recent sessions while fishing this new colour, it was obvious from their aggressive strikes and inhalation of the plastic that the fish believed it was a yabby. A lot of work went into the development of this colour and the pearly coloured top with its sheen and light glitter is spot on, along with the pale orange colour on the underside. Give it a run over the yabby beds and I’m sure you’ll attract the interest of predatory species. When it comes to jig head selection, I commonly fish 1/8–1/4oz jig heads, using the weight to get a longer cast. More weight allows * continued P26

Something as simple as a deeper section on the yabby beds can be a magnet for schools of fish when the tide rises.

This section of the yabby bed offers additional structure, such as broken weed beds, melon holes, drains and depressions.

Light spin gear is perfect for flicking plastics over the yabby beds. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 25

Fishing yabby beds with soft plastics * from P25

Bream love yabbies and hunting over the yabby beds on a rising tide.

Adding scent can add to the realism of the presentation and increase the bites.

Tackle box Justin’s Tackle Box • TT Black Mamba Spin Rod – BMS701L, 7, 1-3kg • Okuma Inspira Spin Reel – ISX-C2000HA • Platypus Pulse X8 Braid – 8lb • Platypus Hard Armour Leader – 10lb • Z-Man 2.5” PrawnZ, Slim SwimZ, ST GrubZ – Yabbie • Z-Man 2.75” Drop KickerZ – Yabbie • TT DemonZ jig head – 1/4oz 1/0 Pearl • TT HeadlockZ Finesse UV jig head – 1/8oz 1/0 Orange • Pro-Cure Super Gel Scent – Saltwater Yabby/Nipper Page 26 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

me to get the presentation further from the boat, reducing the chance of spooking fish in the shallow water. Additional weight is also handy when punching casts into the wind, however you can reduce the weight when the wind is at your back as it will assist with casting distance. Scent I’m going to the effort of mimicking a saltwater yabby in terms of its general appearance, colour and movement, so it makes sense that I maximise my chances of attracting fish and triggering strikes by smearing on some ProCure Super Gel Scent in Saltwater Yabby/Nipper flavour. This scent is gel based, has a powerful smell and stays on well, so I smear on a little every 30 or so casts. Scent is great for masking foreign odours such as sunscreen and bug spray, firing up the bite and getting the fish to hold on longer, giving you more chance to set the hook. If the bite is tough or you’re fishing slow, scent is even more important. Combo selection I like to keep things light when fishing saltwater yabby beds to match the presentations, so you can punch them longer and fish with more finesse on lighter gear. Most species can be handled on light gear and the times I’ve hooked a decent trevally, queenfish or other speedster, I’ve chased them down in the boat to ensure that I keep line on the spool. My go-to combo for

this style of fishing is a 7’ 1-3kg spin rod, paired with a 1000-2000 size spin reel, 6-8lb braid and 10lb leader in case I come across a large flathead or other toothies. If the water is clear and shallow, the bite tough, or you’re focusing on whiting or bream, then you may prefer to drop the leader size. Don’t stress if you have a trusty 2-4kg ‘allrounder’ combo already as your go-to soft plastic combo, as this will get the job done. Other tips The yabby beds are a hub for bait and a hive of activity, so get up on those beds and give them a crack. Here’s a few final tips that have increased my productivity when fishing these areas. Cast to any bait movement you see, be it nervous water, small bow waves or bait skipping and being harassed. Often when I have cast to the bait movement, I have connected almost

immediately to a fish, and the mix of species on the yabby beds has been incredible. Cast to stingrays and shovelnose rays as they are stirring up the bottom and the food that resides there. Numerous times while watching the drone footage I’ve seen a stingray or shovelnose ray leave a trail of stirred up water behind it, often followed by a school of bream or a flathead. It’s important to mix things up. Change position on the flat, alter your presentations and mix up your retrieves until you find what the fish want. A change in presentation, retrieve or positioning may unlock a hot bite or a completely different species. Hopefully this helps you to break down your local yabby beds and get stuck into a few fish. Now it’s over to you fish on! See you on the water.

This fish ate the lure in 30cm of water on a yabby flat after casting to active bait.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 27

The new coral trout colour Samaki Vibelicious 70mm is already undoing loads of flathead.

The author with a 39cm whiting caught in the river on a beachworm.

Springtime fishing options on GC and AFTA highlights

H Simon caught a heap of whiting on a Nerang River charter with the author.

I everyone, spring is a great time of year here at the beautiful Gold Coast. It’s not too hot or rainy, can be stormy in the afternoons, and there are so many species on offer to target in the estuaries. Flathead, mulloway,

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Broadwater Guide by CLINT ANSELL

tailor, sand whiting, mangrove jack, trevally and crabs to name just a few. With so many options to choose from it’s hard to decide what to focus on when planning a fishing trip. The best thing to do is concentrate on one or two types of fish and not get distracted or otherwise your day can end up being fruitless. For example, if you’re after flathead, the runout tide is best as they wait for food off the bank edges as the water level drops. If the day you’re planning ticks these boxes, then just stick to lures for flathead. My two favourite fish to target at this time of year are flathead and whiting. They are both plentiful and relatively easy to catch, which is a big bonus when you’re a charter guide. One thing is for sure,

sand whiting are not easy to catch on lures here at the Gold Coast - certainly not in numbers. The best bait for them in the Broadwater is live yabbies while bloodworms are best up at the rivers, followed by beachworms. It always amazes me how sand whiting numbers hold up under so much fishing pressure. They are a prolific species, and it seems like many thousands of them enter our estuaries in spring to commence their annual breeding season. In the Broadwater most of the sand islands have yabby banks, which is the best place to fish for whiting. The best of these islands are Wavebreak, Curlew and Crab, where whiting forage for food on the yabby banks when they’re covered by water during run-in tides. * continued P30

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 29

Springtime fishing options * from P28

It has been great to see lots of juvenile mulloway lately in the shallows where we catch whiting.

This 50cm tailor smashed a Crush City plastic in whitebait colour.

The new 3” Rapala Crush City plastics are go-to lures.

Page 30 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

In the Nerang River there are many places where whiting can be caught. The most well known is the shallow bank on the southern side of the river known as the Council Chambers. Other great areas to catch them while anchoring with a boat are Capri corner, Bundall, Benowa and Carrara. The best depth I find is 1-2m. Use a soft-tipped rod with a sliding sinker and swivel, then at least 1m of 6lb fluorocarbon trace and a 4 or 6-size baitholder hook. AFTA 2024 This year’s fishing tackle show at the Gold Coast featured a lot of exciting new products. There were so many options it was hard to know which ones to choose. For my type of fishing, which is light tackle lure fishing in estuaries, I came up with a short list of new release lure highlights. Most of these I have already used and know they do consistently catch fish, especially dusky flathead. The Rapala Crush City 3” Heavy Hitter soft plastic is a perfect lure for flathead. It has a big paddle tail

and bulky body giving it an enticing wobble action and is infused with scent which makes it perfect for catching stacks of fish. The Samaki Redic DDS90 is a new hardbody lure that dives to 5m when trolled and comes in a superb range of colours. Mangrove jack, barramundi, and monster flathead will all fall victim to this exciting new lure. The newly released MMD HardyHead 90 and 110mm soft plastic lures from Mick Molnar look the goods and will be extremely popular

with flathead anglers. My Lure Box has released new paddle glides which have been exhaustively tested and perfected by John Costello. These lures slay big flathead, mulloway, and barramundi and come with the big bonus of being easy to use for beginners. To book a charter with myself or Brad, or if you have any fishing related questions, visit gold coastrivercharters.com, SMS 0432 990 302, email fishingwithclint@ gmail.com or find us on Facebook - Brad Smith Fishing Charters.

A trip to South Stradbroke with Paul Burt resulted in a fun tailor session.

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Fishing wide on Windarra Banks n How to cope with current offshore

Eli with a couple of solid jew caught on a recent sortie with Damien.

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NAPPER have been going off out wide this season. Windarra Banks has been fishing well, but it’s been the 40-50-fathom line that has really been on fire. Unfortunately, the current has been on fire as well in recent days and probably won’t drop off now as it charges down the coast. When the wind is right the strong current is still fishable and driving a long way back to the mark isn’t a chore when the fish are on the chew. I jagged a good morning recently, so I headed out to the 42-fathom line and found the current was a fishable 1.5 knots. The fish were on the bite from the first drop and if I lost one, another one soon climbed on.

Tweed to Byron Bay by GAVIN DOBSON

This is the advantage of using tough bait like mullet fillets, octopus and fresh squid. Pilchards are excellent at getting a bite, but you only get one chance and, if the hooks don’t find the mark, it’s a lot of wasted time winding in, rebaiting and re-positioning the boat for the next drop. With tough baits, if you miss the bite or the fish falls off, you can continue free spooling the bait down confident that it will still be good enough for another bite or two. I’ve also changed from using ganged hooks to a Snell rig of two or

three Gamakatsu octopus hooks. These hooks have been a favourite of mine for a long time and are deadly sharp and very strong. I should have been using them a long time ago for float-lining the deep waters as my hook-up rate has since improved dramatically. Snapper will start to disperse as October progresses, but they will still be there in numbers worth targeting. On the morning in question, I got some nice fish relatively easily, but was soon hit by a current line that in* continued P33

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Arlia and Eli headed to Windarra with Damien and scored a few snapper in farfrom-ideal conditions.

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Fishing wide on Windarra Banks * from P32

creased my drift speed to 2.8 knots. The fish were still biting but the effort required to catch them increased as I had to manoeuvre the boat to keep the bait sinking at a reasonable angle. After a few more fish I deemed it too much hassle and moved in a bit closer. It’s much easier with a few people on the boat on days with high current and wind as you can leave someone to operate the helm full time. Offshore will be a bit quiet this month apart from the snapper. In close, there will be a few snapper and a handful of jewfish around but you’ll have to work for them. Damien recently found a school of slimy mackerel on his jew mark. It’s always good to have a school of bait on your fishing spot and this time was no exception as it attracted jewfish. After anchoring on the mark, both Damien and his deckhand Eli landed a couple of fat fish. River fishing this month will be at its best but where are the whiting this year? The Tweed and Brunswick rivers are yet to see many whiting coming into fisho’s bags. It’s the worst start to the season I’ve ever seen – downright miserable in fact. Hopefully they turn up soon. Flathead, however, have their signals right and turned up on cue. There’s a good number of medium-sized flathead around and the big

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females are beginning to school up in the river mouths as they do every spring. Trevally are on the move as well and are travelling throughout the systems wreaking their usual havoc on anything resembling baitfish. I was interested to read in last month’s Bush 'n Beach about the possibility of releasing bigeye and giant trevally into a couple of Queensland impoundments. Imagine a 35kg trevally in the sticks - ouch! As always there is plenty to fish for in the region. Go get ‘em.

Josh and kids with some of the snapper spoils recently.

Ethan landed this 90cm specimen. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 33

Warm weather wakes up mangrove jack n Muddies on the move n Offshore

ELLO and welcome - we have had another few weeks of mostly dry weather. This has given the river some time to clean itself up after the minor flood in Lismore last month. The weather patterns have been incredibly unpredictable, with heat waves one week and strong, ice-cold wind the next. It will be very interesting to see what Mother Nature has in store for us over the next month. If I had to take a guess, I would say that we’ll see a few more weeks of reasonably cool weather before the brunt of the blast furnace winds up for

Ballina Bait & Tackle by BRETT HYDE

the incoming summer. The short-lived heatwave pushed some of the flathead in the river out into 2-3m of water. Prawns and pilchards have been the best bait options, while 60-80mm soft plastics and trolling small hard-bodies has worked for the lure throwers. While the hot weather has pushed some of the fish out into deeper water, there is still quite a few up in the shallows. Areas such as North Creek, Pimlico and Broadwater have been

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producing a reasonable number of fish. Large surface lures and swimbaits have tempted some of the fish holding in these areas, but if the weather continues to heat up, it may not be too long until these fish move into the deeper sections as well. Bream have behaved similarly to the flathead, in that some of them have responded to the heat, while others have not. The rock walls between the ferry and Broadwater have been producing plenty of fish and, at the time of writing, there still seems to be some reasonable numbers closer to the mouth. Mullet fillets, squid and prawns have been successful on bream, particularly on the run-up tides. The fish upriver seem to be responding better to small hard-body lures, while the ones closer to the mouth are still enjoying soft plastics or crab imitations. The warm weather has woken up some of the mangrove jack from their winter nap. While they haven’t completely stepped into summer mode, there have been reports of a few fish late in the day along the rock walls. This should only improve as the weather * continued P35

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Warm weather wakes up mangrove jack * from P34

heats up, but for now I would keep using suspending jerkbaits or even a surface popper along the walls. These types of lures will allow you to fish slowly and keep in front of the mangrove jack for a much longer period. Mud crabs are also starting to wake up and move around in the warm weather. There have been some encouraging reports of crabs in creeks and the main river. Much like the jack, this trend will only continue to improve as we move into summer. The beaches have been very much hit or miss over the last month. I believe that the floodwater, followed by inconsistent weather patterns has caused a slowdown in beach fishing. I think we need some calmer and consistent weather patterns for the beaches to settle down. Having said that, there have still been reports of a few bream, tailor and salmon being caught. The pick of bait has been pilchards, mullet and bonito, producing particularly good results in the late afternoon and evening. Offshore has been difficult at times over the last month due to the weather and the flood, but it seems to have settled down over the last couple of weeks, with some quality snapper hitting the decks.

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While there seems to be a number of snapper and some tuna on the close reefs, the run of warm weather has pushed some of those fish back out to the 32’s. A number of fish have been coming from the 32’s lately and, with the water temperature hovering around 22C, it’s most likely where they will stay. A mix of bait, plastics and jigs have been working, so anglers can choose what they prefer to target them with. The current appears to have kicked back in early and this, combined with the heat, seems to have kept the leatherjacket at bay. It appears the deep dropping season has been cut a little short. There has been some good quality bar cod, blue-eye trevalla, flame tail snapper and bass grouper landed recently, but if you’re keen to hit these shelf areas you should do it before the current really fires up and makes it impossible to fish. I like the current when we’re jigging for kingfish and amberjack. It causes the bait to ball up and tends to concentrate the predators. If you feel like a bit of a gym workout, The 48’s will be particularly good to target with 300-500g jigs over the next couple of months. Well, that’s it from me for this month, until next time – tight lines!

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FISHING EVENTS EVENT

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2024 Fitzroy River Oct 9-12 Barra Bash

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Tackle World Oct 18-20 Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic

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Gold Coast Oct 18-20 Shootout

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Wyaralong Dam Oct 19 Carp and Tilapia Eradication Comp

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Top fishing along the Iluka breakwall

Slaine (the slayer) Dodrill with his PB jew to date that tipped the scales at 21.2kg.

ISHING along the Clarence Coast of northern NSW has been above average in recent times, unless you’re a beach tailor fisher as these toothy critters have continued to play silly buggers by biting their heads off one day then disappearing for a week. One of the main reasons for the erratic tailor fishing is that stinking salmon have appeared in large numbers, preventing the local species from having the time to snavel your bait. Hopefully these vermin critters won’t be around for long as the weather starts to heat up. My youngest son Mischa has been hav-

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Just Jew by TYE PORTER

ing a ball fishing the rock platform at the southern end of Iluka Bluff using 8lb Platypus mono line and live beachworms for plenty of solid tarwhine and the odd bream during the days when the sea is too flat to spin for jewfish. Other anglers have been using beachworms in the narrow gutter running off Main Beach out along the rocks at the Bluff for excellent catches of solid whiting, with the same good fishing occurring at the southern end of the beach in the gutter along the breakwall. Inside the Clarence River, luderick are still on the chew, however the numbers and size are both declining, Most of the bigger fish have moved back out along the walls and headlands for summer as expected. Whiting that are currently biting well along the beaches will begin

to push into the river systems for their yearly spawning cycle. I don’t know about you, but I reckon a good feed of big sand whiting is hard to beat. Flathead are taken year-round in the rivers, however the warmer months see these tasty critters taken in good numbers along the beaches in the shallow gutters on soft plastic lures. Iluka angler Rebekah Ellis has been spending a few hours each night drowning a bait at the Iluka boat ramp for nice bream and the odd pan-sized flathead. It only proves that you don’t have to go far to simply catch a feed of fresh fish. The old ferry approach at Iluka has been yielding quite a few school jew on both soft plastics and live herring at night during the high tide. Every now and then * continued P37

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Mischa was gutted after playing a donkey jew that was foul hooked for ages before being left with nothing but a scale.

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Top fishing along the Iluka breakwall * from P36

they will start busting the surface feeding on small jelly prawns, which is a sight to see and hear. Sadly, the winter run of big river fish never really got going this year and even when Mischa did manage to hook an absolute donkey fish on live mullet it was unfortunately foul hooked and lived to fight another day after a drawn-out fight, leaving Mischa with nothing but a scale as a souvenir. Ipswich angler Slaine Dodrill has been having better results chasing jewfish from the beaches at night using live mullet on a slider rig and just recently managed to land his PB jew from Main Beach, Iluka that tipped the scales at 21.2kg. Credit where it is due though as Slaine spends a lot of hours gathering live bait during the day and many long nights waiting for that elusive bite, which is exactly what jew fishing is all about. I know I say it every year but October marks the beginning of the summer spring tides that occur during the day as opposed to winter when the big tides occur at night.

Fishing the larger river breakwalls such as Iluka, Ballina and the Tweed during the daylight hours using whole octopus will see you being rewarded with big jew averaging 18-20kg, whereas fishing the same spot at night using squid, for example, will see the average size drop to around 12kg. Early September saw schools of large yellowtail kingfish move into the lower reaches of the Clarence River and along the breakwalls - a common event at this time of year. I can’t believe the number of smallish longtail tuna that are still hanging around the walls with barely any anglers chasing them. Traditionally this species has long moved back north for the summer, but I’m not complaining. There’s also been an abundance of mack tuna and bonito feeding during the late evening to boot. I have just spent the last two-and-a-halfmonths off the road with vehicle problems, but now that it’s all systems go, I had better get off my butt and actually have a go

- so look out fish! Offshore catches continue to be dominated by snapper and teraglin along with the odd pearl perch, however come the end of October most boaties in the know will start to have the odd early morning tow for spotted mackerel, especially in the warmer waters off Woody Head. While September has never been my favourite month for fishing, this one has been an exception and bodes well for a ripper October, with no major rain events predicted as yet to spoil the party. Spring has well and truly sprung, so you had better do the same and get out and get among them while the conditions are finally in our favour. Until next month, safe fishin’.

Slaine with a solid school jew taken from Back Beach, Iluka using live mullet as bait.

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www.leckyleg.com.au sales@leckyleg.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 37

BOATING & marine

2024 BIA Apprentice of the Year Award

2024 QLD Apprentice of the Year - Simon Magnay.

2024 VIC Apprentice of the Year - Dimitri Giannikopoulos.

HIRD generation boating industry family member and apprentice marine mechanic Michaela Douglas of Douglas Marine, Pittwater recently won the Boating Industry Association’s Apprentice of the Year 2024 Award. “I’m delighted to see Michaela, who is third generation of this wonderful family business recognised in this way by industry,” BIA president Adam Smith said during the presentation at the official opening of the Sydney International Boat Show. “Michaela at only 22, has already started her second trade qualification in automotive electrical technologies, having just finished her marine mechanical apprenticeship; a testament to her commitment to be the very best she can, demonstrating her enthusiasm for continual learning and de-

BIA president Adam Smith with 2024 Apprentice of the Year and NSW Apprentice of the Year - Michaela Douglas. Page 38 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

velopment,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see our members taking such pride in their apprentices and providing them with the very best support to develop their skills and experience, none more so than our overall winner,” he said. The BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024 drew a strong field of nominees, from a range of member businesses, including boatbuilders, boatyards, marine dealers and global original equipment manufacturers. A shortlist of 10 finalists were interviewed by the judging panel with three very worthy state winners, along with three deserving highly commended nominees. “The calibre and enthusiasm of our industry apprentices was wonderful to witness during the course of a very tightly contested judging process,” Mr Smith said. “Congratulations to all who entered, and we wish them the very best for their ongoing careers in the boating industry,” he said. The judges determined three State winners for 2024, being: • NSW Apprentice of the Year – Michaela Douglas, a marine mechanical apprentice at Douglas Marine • Queensland Apprentice of the Year – Simon Magnay, a fixed and mobile plant apprentice at Riviera • Victoria Apprentice of the Year – Dimitri Giannikopoulos, a ma-

rine mechanical apprentice at Mercury Marine. Michaela was presented with a trophy and certificate, along with a $1000 Repco voucher to put towards tools. The prize will also see Michaela take a trip to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Tasmania next February, with BIA covering flights and accommodation. State winners were presented with a certificate and a $500 Repco voucher. In a very close judging, three finalists were selected for highly commended nominations, being: • Daniel Rogers, Northern Beaches Marine, NSW • Justin Savy, On Point Shipwright Group, NSW • Manning Elms, Cruise Craft Boats, QLD. Along with other Award finalists also worthy of recognition, including: • Zac Mackenzie, Onboard Marine Services, NSW • Max Robinson, R Marine Sydney, NSW • Ethan Hawke, Sydney Watercraft Centre, NSW • Alex Gardener, Cruise Craft Boats, QLD. For more information on the awards visit bia. org.au/programs-prod ucts-services/programs/ awards For more information on BIA visit bia.org.au Media contact: me dia@bia.org.au, 0418 279 465

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 41

BEST IN SHOW WINNERS AFTA 2024 SPECIAL EDITION

Page 42 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

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BEST IN SHOW WINNERS AFTA 2024 SPECIAL EDITION

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 43

BEST IN SHOW WINNERS AFTA 2024 SPECIAL EDITION

2024 AFTA Hall of Fame Inductee - Ern Grant

RN Grant was a Queensland government biologist and, in 1963, was asked to produce a book called Know Your Fishes. This book was commissioned due to the introduction of size and bag limits and the realisation that many anglers couldn’t correctly identify fish, which made prosecutions for illegal catches difficult. In 1965, that first book evolved into Grant’s Guide to Fishes. As a government biologist, Ern was allowed to spend 30 percent of his time on producing his books … which he did. After he retired from the government in 1984, Ern continued to produce his books, including 12 editions of Guide to Fishes, which today, despite the many online apps on fish identification, is the “go-to source.” Ern’s big book, Fishes of Australia, was published in 1987 and was widely acclaimed for its excellence and making it easy for anglers all

around Australia to correctly identify the fish they had caught. Apart from producing the consummate books on fish and crustaceans, Ern also did some other amazing things. In 1967, he assembled the largest display of corals in the world for the Montreal Expo. His interest and knowledge of corals led him to publish in 1991, the Corals of the Great Barrier Reef, which greatly helped people identify the different corals they saw while diving and snorkelling on the GBR. Ern was also involved in establishing a fish hatchery at Borumba Dam near Imbil in the early 1980s and ran a fisheries research station on the Noosa River from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. His late wife Meg and son Morgan helped him with producing his wonderful books, and Morgan still markets the Guide to Fishes, although since 2021, it has only been available as an online book.

Page 44 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

So now we get to why the Australian Tackle industry is honouring Ern Grant by inducting him into our Hall of Fame. When I was a kid, my dad had a copy of Guide to Fishes and used to lend it to me to read, with the threat of heavy punishment if I lost or damaged it. I devoured every bit of knowledge I could from that book on fish and crustaceans … as did kids all over the country … and it’s what started me on a lifetime of fishing and enjoying the coastal environment. My story is one I’ve heard many, many times and there’s no doubt in my mind, that Ern Grant was responsible for countless thousands of young anglers starting a life of fishing and coastal adventure. In our industry this is significant, as there can be no doubt, that over the 50-plus years Ern Grant wrote and published his books, that story was repeated thousands of times, meaning Ern was a huge catalyst

in stimulating sales in tackle shops, as these inspired young anglers to continue on their fishing journey. Sadly, Ern passed away peacefully in his sleep a couple of weeks ago, one month and three days after his 100th birthday. His son Morgan was going to be at AFTA to accept this award on Ern’s behalf, but unfortunately, is unwell himself and couldn’t make it. He asked me to accept

it on Ern and the family’s behalf and I am honoured to do that. So, here’s to Ern Grant, a wonderful, kind, gentle and knowledgeable man who did more for our industry than many others have. We salute you and thank you for your wonderful contributions to the world of fishing. Award presented by Steve Morgan and accepted by Kord Luckus on behalf of the Grant family. Steve Morgan

Ern Grant

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 45

Peeking into the secret lives of sawfish

EW research is using genetic techniques to assess populations of the protected narrow sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidate) in northern Australia. Commercial fishers in the Northern Prawn Fishery are working with CSIRO researchers to better estimate the narrow sawfish population and understand the stock structure of this protected species. Sawfish are considered one of the most threatened families of marine fish in the world, with estimates suggesting that only 10 percent of historic populations remain globally. Narrow sawfish is also an unintended bycatch species in the Northern Prawn Fishery. Bycatch reduction devices have reduced sawfish landings over the past 20 years, according to Fisheries Research and Development Corporation’s Status of Fish Stocks Reports. However, information about narrow sawfish

population numbers and the status of population growth is lacking. To address this, fishers in the Northern Prawn Fishery and researchers are working together on an FRDC-funded project using the genetically based close-kin mark-recapture technique to estimate abundance and assess the status of the population. Working with fishers Project leader, CSIRO’s Dr Toby Patterson, says industry is supportive of the project. “They’re keen to be on the front foot in improving management for sawfish,” he said. All vessels in the Northern Prawn Fishery have sampling kits on board, allowing crew or observers from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to collect data and tissue samples for the closekin analysis. CSIRO pioneered the close-kin mark-recapture technique as part of an FRDC project, which sequences the DNA of

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sampled sawfish to look for closely related pairs. “If you have a small population, you’d expect to get a higher proportion of closely related animals,” explained Toby. “We can then work backward from the incidence of related animals to estimate the abundance of mature animals,” he said. “From a conservation and management point of view, identifying and conserving the breeding populations is a key goal. But before the advent of the close-kin technique, there was no practical way we could use to estimate the size of the population,” he said. Toby said close-kin technique can also provide information on survival rates, based on parent-offspring pairs identified over time, and the sex ratio of the species. This project will use samples collected as part of previous research, as well as samples collected over the three years of the current project, which is due to end in late 2025. A second, related project is under way to examine sawfish populations more broadly across northern Australia, taking in the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Northern Territory and the Northern Prawn Fishery. It includes narrow sawfish, largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis), green sawfish (P. zijsron), and dwarf sawfish (P. clavata). This project is co-funded by the National Environmental Science Program and FRDC, with FRDC focusing particularly on

the assessment of the post-release mortality component of the research. Data from the narrowtooth sawfish project will contribute to the broader NESP project, which is being led by Dr Richard Pillans, CSIRO researcher. The NESP project will end in 2026. It is using the closekin technique to assess populations and satellite tagging to assess post-release mortality. “Building trust and the working relationship between researchers and fishers is a key part of this project,” says Richard. “We know that numbers of sawfish in Australia are lower than

they used to be, but we don’t know the extent of the decline. “Assistance from fishers is essential to get a clearer picture of what’s happening.” He says both projects will contribute valuable information to assess populations, improve management and ultimately support the sustainability of sawfish species. Under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List Australian Assessment, narrow sawfish are classified as vulnerable, dwarf sawfish are endangered, and largetooth sawfish and green sawfish are critically endangered. Catherine Norwood

The toothed rostrum of sawfish makes them vulnerable to being caught in fishing nets of all kinds. Photo: Australian National Fish Collection

A satellite tag attached to a narrow sawfish in the Northern Prawn Fishery showed this fish survived following its release. Photo: CSIRO

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The hook went through the dingo’s jaw and into its paw in an awful case of hooking.

Dingo hobbled by gang hooks on K’gari

ANGERS have captured and sedated another dingo on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) to remove a large set of gang hooks from the animal’s mouth and foot. The gang hooks had become deeply embedded into the dingo’s jaw, and as she tried to use her right foot to remove them, the third hook snagged her leg. The adult female dingo’s right paw was then hooked beside her jaw. She was observed in distress around the Orchid Beach region and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation received multiple reports from visitors to K’gari on Sunday. Ranger Dan Novak said the hook injury incident was one of the worst he had seen on the island. “The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service would like to thank

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everyone who reported the incident to us,” Mr Novak said. “Initial reports suggested the three hooks were stuck in her mouth and she was trailing a length of fishing line. “She could not walk properly, could not hunt nor eat, and was obviously in distress,” he said. “Without intervention, the injuries had the potential to be fatal. “To make matters worse, the dingo is feeding pups, so rangers had to act swiftly to remove the hooks and on August 12, she was sedated, the hooks were gently removed, and the wounds sterilised. “Less than 24 hours after receiving the initial report, the dingo had been captured, treated and ran free and went back to her den,” he said. Winter is considered tailor season on K’gari. Since July 1, more than 11,500 people

stayed at least one night in a camping area managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and more than 4700 vehicle access permits have been provided to visitors. Ranger Novak said rangers have already removed hooks and fishing line from several dingoes around the Orchid Beach area due to the influx of fishers. “We believe most incidents have involved fishing gear that has been taken back to camp and the fisher has not removed the bait from the hooks,” he said. “Every fisher who visits K’gari has to remove all bait from their hooks after their fishing session is over and preferably cover the exposed hooks with a protector. “Dingoes are extremely opportunistic, and they will scavenge around camping areas, which is why it is so important to remove

bait from all hooks. “The next dingo may not be so lucky, especially if it swallows a hook, so we need all fishers to follow K’gari’s five basic fishing rules. “Some incidents have involved dingoes grabbing a fisher’s catch as they reel it in, so all fishers need to follow the Be dingo-safe! rules and move dingoes on.” To help prevent hooking wildlife, follow K’gari’s five basic fishing rules: • Dispose of broken or leftover gear properly • Never leave behind fishing line, hooks, lures or bait • Do not release fish that still have hooks in them • Remove all bait from hooks when packing up • If you unintentionally hook an animal while fishing or see an animal impacted by hooks, contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service immediately.

Report all wildlife entanglements with fishing equipment to rangers by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo. ranger@des.qld.gov.au as soon as possible. Visitors to K’gari are reminded to ‘Be dingo-safe!’ at all times: • Always stay within arm’s reach of children and young teenagers • Always walk in groups and carry a stick • Camp in fenced areas where possible • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction • Never feed dingoes • Lock up food stores and iceboxes, even on a boat • Never store food or food containers in tents, and • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait. View further information on K’gari dingoes at parks.desi.qld.gov. au/parks/kgari-fraser/ about/wongari-dingoes

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 47

Pleasant bar crossing conditions.

A beautiful 7kg spanish mackerel taken at Rundell Island.

Rainbow Beach Fishing Competition – Round 2

Rob with a nice 70cm snapper.

Offshore reef fishing fanatics WANTED One of Brisbane’s oldest deep-sea fishing clubs has vacancies for new members. Owners of suitable vessels encouraged. All levels of experience. Those without own vessels also invited to apply. Approximately 15 deep-sea trips per year. One week-long fishing holiday to town of 1770. Monthly meetings, video shows, guest speakers and free nibbles. 4WD beach fishing and camping. Inshore fishing also on the agenda. Interested? Then call Dave (0455 125 358) or Tim (0436 625 590).

POWER BOAT ANGLERS REEF FISHING CLUB INC Page 48 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

OUND 2 of the fishing competition between the Power Boat Anglers Club and the Bribie and Rainbow Beach fishing clubs was held in late August. Initially there were to be two boats from the PBA taking part but with a forecast that was very hard to lock down it was decided to take just one, settling on Willpower, a 1992 268 Powercat capable of fishing four people. The weekend started with a briefing at the Deck on Friday afternoon and, as the weather was still a bit all over the place, the PBA team decided to opt for beach fishing Saturday and leave the offshore fun for Sunday. As it turned out, this was the wrong call with only a few whiting and the odd dart caught while watching a glass out in front of

PBA Spin by MICK CLUTTERBUCK

them as they fished Teewah Beach. On Sunday morning the crew of Willpower met John and his Noosa Cat at the ramp and split up three to a boat. The bar was flat as a tack with great condi-

tions outside, however they spent most of the time fishing about 5 nautical miles out before heading back for the 1pm weigh-in. All except for John, who’d headed in early

* continued P49

Anthony was thrilled with his 70cm snapper.

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Rainbow Beach Fishing Competition – Round 2 * from P48

after experiencing battery troubles. The fishing turned out to be good with Rod and Anthony landing two snapper over 70cm, a large mack tuna, rosie jobfish, plenty of grinners and various other odd bods you get on the reef. Warwick reported they also had six nice snapper on their boat. The ground fished that morning was small, isolated pieces of bottom not covered by sand, which you don’t usually find all year round. The tactic that seemed to catch most fish was float lining a pilchard, gar or yakka with a coating of nuclear green dye. Anglers from the other clubs fished a few miles further out and, besides snapper, reported taking some good sized pearlies. Pretty good fishing for close in grounds. In the end, our guys were destined to come last in the comp due to the small number of competitors from the club. That said, it was still a great weekend and Warwick was happy just the same as his wife Rob who won the raffle for a Wilson steel rod and other gear to the value of $350. Next year we plan to field bigger teams in both the Bribie and Rainbow comps. A big thanks again to the members of Rainbow Beach Fishing Club for their hospitality and for running

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such a great competition. Gladstone – Rundle Island It has been two years since I left working and fishing in Gladstone and I’ve been promising my mate Darrin that I’d be up with the new boat for a fish ‘soon’ for that same length of time. The opportunity finally arose when I received an invite to a mate’s 60th. Not knowing what the weather would be doing such a long way out, we decided that I’d bring the boat up and head outside if the weather was good or borrow a mate’s boat and go crabbing if the weather was bad. Thankfully the forecast was good so plan A got a run. I left Brisbane in the early evening and overnighted in Childers before hitting the road again at 4.20am Friday. The trip was non eventful, but it was easy to see how the fog has since caused so many traffic incidents. After arriving in Gladstone, we were on the water by about 8.30am, with lines down about an hour later. The conditions were excellent, but the fishing was slow, except for those damn small wire netting or honeycomb cod that seem to be prolific out that way. Darrin drowned a bait while I bounced plastics to catch a few legal hussar and some 42cm stripey snapper. We were snipped off

occasionally by small school mackerel but did catch a couple that were released. After the bite went quiet, we headed to the north side of the island. Again, we got snipped off but these fish seemed bigger. I changed over to a different rig using a 42g red and white Lazer Slug with about two inches of single strand wire as a trace. This did the trick, as on my second cast I was hooked on to a good spanish mackerel that took way more than its two regulation runs before it was gaffed and in the boat. It weighed in just over 7kg and measured a little over a metre. I hooked a few more of these and was bitten off before landing another around 80cm. Things died off after that, so we decided to call it quits and head home. It wasn’t the most fish we’ve caught out there but a good feed just the same. I can’t wait to get back again, but it better not take another two years this time. Any interested parties are invited to come along to our monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Club Manly bowls club located at 26 Faine St, Manly from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. The next meetings will be Wednesday, October 2 and Wednesday, November 6. Until next month, safe boating.

A couple of nice stripey snapper.

Robbie showing off her prize winnings.

The super-secret nuclear dye rig. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 49

The author with a nice one caught with a 5’’ Jerk from Crush City.

Snapper and tailor on fire in Tin Can Bay

Meghan Fah and Jonathan Mallard with a great last drift double.

Meghan with her PB 910mm snapper. The picture just doesn’t do it justice. Page 50 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

’DAY crew, I hope you’ve all been keeping well these last few weeks and making the most of the beautiful winter days. Despite a week of wind and rain in the middle of the month, most of August was glorious. It was good to see the rain didn’t murk up our local system for more than a day or two. From all accounts the water clarity was spot on. The last few days before writing has seen the daytime temperature climbing up into the mid-20s and there was even a 28C day. We can expect the water temperature to start climbing as well in the

Tin Can Bay by CHRIS RIPPON

next couple of months. Despite the stunning weather, many people were struggling to find consistent fish throughout August. I’m not sure why maybe the water got too cold too quickly, maybe it wasn’t cold enough or maybe it’s time to try a few new spots and freshen things up a little. I spent the best part of a week in bed with some awful flu-like bug, followed with a nice dose of bronchitis, so I barely fished. Maybe everyone was just sick in bed!

But there were fish around to be caught by those who put the effort in. The weather gods must have known that it was the end of the snapper and pearl perch closure on August 15 as the week following was a good one. We received many reports of fish being caught around the area. Float lining pillies and live bait, along with lightly weighted plastics all proved winners. We managed to sneak out for a day’s fishing * continued P51

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Snapper and tailor on fire in Tin Can Bay * from P50

towards the end of the month and had a great time floating lightly weighted 5’’ plastics down to 40-50m. The only problem we had was getting a snapper to the boat under 700mm, with most fish in the high 700-mid 800mm. Megan Fah even managed to get a PB for herself and the boat with a snapper of 910mm. What a weapon of a fish! The standout plastics of the day were the new Crush City 5’’ Jerk, the 5’’ Molix Fork Flex and we also picked up some good ones on the 80 and 100g Palms Slow Blatt R’s. With all the action going on with every drift I completely forgot to try out the Crush City 4.5’’ Imposter which I’m tipping will be a silent killer sitting in Rodney the Rod Holder. These lures already have runs on the board and if you want to see the full range, swing into the shop and check them out. Back inshore, the flathead have been reliably firing for all fishos over the last few months. As we move into September the fishing should only get better. Bream have been caught in good numbers on most of the structure in the creeks. Try using strips of fresh mullet or a lightly weighted peeled prawn on a running ball sinker rig fished back into the snags to bag a feed of these prolific fish. Decent sized summer whiting have been plentiful also. As always, freshly pumped yabbies and our locally cured beachworms work best on the flood tides. Large numbers of tailor have been caught

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over the last couple of months, everywhere from Poverty Point, up the creeks to the newest sink hole. There have been no real greenbacks but still some nice legal tailor. Trolling has proven to be a productive way to cover good ground and find them. It’s also great fun for the kids because at this time of year it’s fairly easy fishing once you pick your way through the choppers. We have been having a lot of success using Samaki Redic SF90s, Fishcraft Dr Stretch 65 and the Atomic Hardz Shiner 60. Colour doesn’t really matter that much in my opinion, but I do tend to go for the flashier lures. I like to get the boat moving to a good brisk walking pace of 2-4 knots and tend to have the lures 25-30m behind the boat and just wait for the rods to buckle over. Off the beach up at The Oaks there were also some good catches of tailor on the tides leading up to the full moon in the middle of the month, with the old

faithful pillie working a treat for many anglers. Some better fish, over 2kg, also took casted slugs and stickbaits. In the spirit of freshening things up, one thing I do religiously every time I’m out on the water is to go somewhere I’ve never fished before. It might be that place I’ve always driven past but never stopped at, or it might be more of a premeditated plan that involves a bit of Google Earth and looking at charts, or even a spot I’ve never looked at on a high or low tide in the past. Making a point of exploring and seeking out new waters to fish in your local area will open up new opportunities and make you a better fisho going forward. Plus, you might see some cool stuff in the process. Well, that’s enough philosophising from me for another month, get out there crew and explore your local. Tight lines! The Chandlery Bait and Tackle for all your fishing and boating needs.

A good pair of snapper caught by Megan and the author.

This one guzzled a Palms Slow Blatt R colour MG98.

Jonathan Mallard got pumped by this amberjack using a PE4 casting outfit and a Slow Blatt R.

a For

ll yo

a t in g ur bo

& f s h in g n e e d s .

• Kayak Hire • Fishing Rod Hire • On water 24hr fuel • Full range of chandlery • Paints & antifouls • Bait • Tackle • Ice • LPG All the BIG brands right here in Tin Can Bay!

The author with a first-drop special on a Molix Fork Flex.

Shop 1 The Marina, Emperor St. Tin Can Bay, QLD 4580 e - chandlery@bigpond.com www.tcbchandlery.com.au

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 51

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Tide Times AUSTRALIA EAST COAST WADDY POINT LAT24° 24°58ʼ 58ʼSS LONG153° 153°21ʼ 21ʼEE LAT LONG

2024 2024

LIA, EASTCOAST COAST––WADDY WADDYPOINT POINT(FRASER (FRASERISLAND) IA, EAST ISLAND)

Timesand andHeights HeightsofofHigh Highand andLow LowWaters Waters Times OCTOBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

ime mm me

Time mm Time

Time Time mm

Time TimeZone Zone–1000 –1000 DECEMBER DECEMBER

Time Time mm

047 0.41 47 0.41 636 1.43 36 1.43 216 0.40 16 0.40 848 2.07 48 2.07

0109 0.51 0.51 0033 0.20 0.20 0033 0109 0718 1.58 1.58 0647 1.78 1.78 0647 0718 1256 0.54 1235 0.33 1235 0.33 1256 0.54 TU WE TU WE 1915 1.78 1.78 1851 1.97 1.97 1851 1915

0057 0.37 0.37 0104 0057 0104 0.19 0.19 0744 1.89 1.89 0751 0744 0751 2.26 2.26 1340 0.59 1408 0.49 1340 0.59 1408 0.49 FR FR SA SA 1929 1.52 1.52 1956 1929 1956 1.56 1.56

0128 0050 0050 0.38 0.38 0128 0.37 0.37 0827 0753 0753 2.06 2.06 0827 2.34 2.34 1509 0.58 1415 0.66 1415 0.66 1509 0.58 SU MO SU MO 2040 1939 1939 1.36 1.36 2040 1.40 1.40

121 0.30 21 0.30 715 1.57 15 1.57 258 0.32 58 0.32 928 2.10 28 2.10

0130 0.47 0.47 0106 0.15 0.15 0130 0106 0747 1.65 1.65 0728 1.95 1.95 0747 0728 1327 0.52 0.52 TH 1321 0.33 0.33 WE1327 TH1321 WE 1942 1.73 1.73 1933 1.89 1.89 1942 1933

0123 0.36 0.36 0123 0142 0142 0.25 0.25 0815 1.96 1.96 0815 0838 0838 2.32 2.32 1420 0.61 0.61 SU 1507 0.54 0.54 SA1420 SA SU1507 2003 1.47 1.47 2003 2044 2044 1.46 1.46

0123 0215 0123 0.39 0.39 0215 0.44 0.44 0827 0914 0827 2.10 2.10 0914 2.30 2.30 1500 0.64 0.64 TU 1559 0.61 0.61 MO MO1500 TU1559 2020 2128 2020 1.35 1.35 2128 1.37 1.37

152 0.24 52 0.24 755 1.70 55 1.70 341 0.29 41 0.29 008 2.07 08 2.07

0149 0.45 0.45 0139 0.15 0.15 0151 0.37 0.37 0222 0.36 0.36 0159 0.43 0.43 0259 0.54 0.54 180139 180222 330149 330151 330159 18 180259 0816 1.71 1.71 18 0811 2.08 2.08 0848 2.00 2.00 18 0816 0811 0848 0924 0905 0959 2.21 0924 2.30 2.30 0905 2.11 2.11 0959 2.21 weather forecast 1359 0.54 1410

0.39 TH1359 0.54 FR FR1410 0.39 TH 2010 1.67 1.67 2017 1.76 1.76 2010 2017

1502 0.64 0.64 MO 1607 0.61 0.61 SU1502 MO1607 SU 2039 1.41 1.41 2039 2133 2133 1.36 1.36

1546 0.64 0.64 WE 1647 0.67 0.67 TU TU1546 WE1647 2214 2103 2103 1.34 1.34 2214 1.33 1.33

552 1.82 52 1.82 315 0.76 15 0.76

1434 1.68 1.68 FR1434 FR 2158 0.75 0.75 2158

1558 1.82 1.82 MO1558 MO 2239 0.41 0.41 2239

1616 1.62 1.62 WE WE1616 2236 2236 0.41 0.41

16 16

17 17

11 22

16 16 17 17

16 16

Michael jigging up some nice sized trevally.

17 17 Whales add to fishing fun

long-range

has not looked 225 0.22 0210 0.44 0.44 0215 0.20 0.20 0220 0.42 0.42 25 0.22 0210 0215 0220 0304 0239 0.65 0304 0.49 0.49 0239 0.49 0.49 0341 promising me re0.65 190856 191011 440846 440924 44cently, 19for0341 837 1.82 0846 1.77 1.77 19 0856 2.16 2.16 0924 2.01 2.01 19 37 1.82 0946 1040 1011 2.22 2.22 0946 2.08 2.08 19 1040 2.08 2.08 which is1729 just0.74 a bit 426 0.34 1436 0.59 0.59 SA 1505 0.49 0.49 MO 1550 0.69 0.69 TU 26 0.34 1635 1706 0.69 0.69 WE 1635 0.65 0.65 0.74 FR1436 SA1505 MO1550 FR TH TU1706 WE TH1729 051 1.97 2039 1.59 1.59 2102 1.61 1.61 2117 1.34 1.34 51 1.97 2039 2102 2117 2225 2151 2225 1.28 1.28 2151 1.31 1.31 2258 1.30 stressful when2258 you 1.30 have 300 0.26 0234 0.46 0.46 0251 0.31 0.31 0253 0.50 0.50 00 0.26 0234 0251 0253 0347 0321 0423 0347 0.63 0.63 0321 0.57 0.57 0423 0.75 0.75 multiple tours lined up, 50919 200943 5 20 5 5 5 5 20 922 1.91 0919 1.81 1.81 20 0943 2.18 2.18 1002 1.97 1.97 20 1120 22 1.91 1002 1100 1032 1100 2.09 2.09 1032 2.02 2.02 20 1120 1.94 1.94 515 0.46 1516 0.66 0.66 SU 1609 0.62 0.62 1642 0.75 0.75 WE 15 0.46 1726 0.67 1802 0.76 0.76 1726 some 0.67 FR 1811 0.79 0.79 SA1516 SU1609 TU1642 WE1802 SA TU TH TH FR1811 with clients com134 1.80 2111 1.50 1.50 2150 1.44 1.44 2159 1.27 1.27 2350 34 1.80 2111 2150 2159 2322 2245 2322 1.23 1.23 2245 1.27 1.27 2350 1.28 1.28 ing from abroad and 336 0.34 0300 0.49 0.49 0328 0.45 0.45 0329 0.59 0.59 36 0.34 0300 0328 0329 0439 0409 0513 0439 0.76 0.76 0409 0.65 0.65 0513 0.85 0.85 60954 211032 6 21 6 6 6 6 21 010 1.95 0954 1.82 1.82 21 1032 2.13 2.13 1044 1.90 1.90 21 10 1.95 1044 1151 1123 1.95 1200 1.82 1151 1.95 1.95 1123 1.95 21 1200 1.82 no flexibility in their 613 0.63 1600 0.75 0.75 MO 1720 0.74 0.74 WE 1740 0.79 0.79 TH 13 0.63 1859 0.80 0.80 1819 0.68 0.68 SA 1854 0.80 0.80 SU1600 MO1720 WE1740 SU FR TH1859 FR1819 SA1854 220 1.61 schedule. 2145 1.40 1.40 2241 1.30 1.30 2247 1.20 1.20 20 1.61 2145 2241 2247 2351 2351 1.25 1.25 414 But for Mother 0.46 0327 0.56 0.56 0408 0.60 0.60 0411 0.69 0.69 14 0.46 0504 0059 1.29 0038 1.20 1.20 0504 0.74 0.74 once 0059 1.29 220408 220038 770327 770411 77Nature 22 102 1.94 1031 1.80 1.80 22 1127 2.04 2.04 1135 1.82 1.82 22 02 1.94 1031 1127 1135 0545 1219 0612 0545 0.87 0.87 1219 1.87 1.87 22 0612 0.94 0.94 smiled on me. 728 0.78 1651 0.85 1836 0.81 1847 0.80 0.80 FR 28 0.78 1248 1.82 1.82 1914 0.66 0.66 SU 1247 1.71 1.71 MO1651 0.85 TU TU1836 0.81 TH1847 MO TH SA FR1248 SA1914 SU1247 309 1.42 2221 1.30 1.30 2345 1.20 1.20 2353 1.15 1.15 1944 09 1.42 2221 2345 2353 2001 2001 0.81 0.81 1944 0.78 0.78 I sit here now mar456 0.60 0356 0.63 0.63 0502 0.75 0.75 0507 0.77 0.77 56 0.60 0356 0502 0507 0207 0106 0220 1.34 0207 1.23 1.23 0106 1.26 1.26 0220 1.34 velling at the weather, 8 23 8 23 8 23 8 23 8 23 8 23 201 1.91 1112 1.75 1231 1.93 1240 1.76 01 1.91 1112 1.75 1231 1.93 1240 1.76 0658 0612 0723 0658 0.93 0.93 0612 0.80 0.80 0723 1.01 1.01 901 0.88 1757 0.92 0.92 WE 1957 0.84 0.84 1959 0.76 0.76 SA 01 0.88 1318 1.81 1.60 1350 1.72 1.72 1318 1.81 1339to 1.60 TU1757 WE1957 FR1959 TU FR SU MO SA1350 SU MO1339 but also grateful take 2301 1.20 1.20 2301 2106 2011 2036 2106 0.77 0.77 2011 0.61 0.61 2036 0.74 0.74 a0227 rest. 1.34 011 1.25 0432 0.71 0.71 0125 1.16 1.16 0128 1.16 1.16 11 1.25 0432 0125 0128 0326 0335 1.44 0326 1.31 1.31 0227 1.34 0335 1.44 240624 240817 991202 990625 990732 240848 552 0.73 1202 1.69 1.69 24 0624 0.86 0.86 0625 0.81 0.81 24 52 0.73 0817 0.96 0.96 0732 0.84 0.84 24 0848 1.04 1.04 The flat weather at the 316 1.86 WE 1926 0.94 0.94 TH 1344 1.83 1.83 1353 1.75 1.75 SU 16 1.86 1450 1.65 1.65 MO 1419 1.75 1.75 TU 1436 1.50 1.50 WE1926 TH1344 SA1353 SA SU1450 MO1419 TU1436 time of could 048 0.89 2358 1.12 1.12 2119 0.81 0.81 2103 0.67 0.67 2119 2103 2105 48 0.89 2358 2157 2125 2157 0.70 0.70 2105 0.55 0.55 writing 2125 0.69 0.69 few more days 151 1.16 0524 0.78 0.78 0301 1.20 1.20 0257 1.24 1.24 51 1.16 0338 0425 1.42 1.42 0338a1.49 1.49 0432 1.57 1.57 100524 250301 100257 250425 10last 250432 711 0.83 10 1313 1.65 1.65 25 0751 0.91 0.91 10 0756 0.80 0.80 25 1313 0939 1014 11 0.83 0751 0756 0858 0939 0.93 0.93 10 0858 0.84 0.84 25 1014 1.02 1.02 yet. 439 1.83 2057 0.88 0.88 FR 1455 1.76 1.76 1500 1.78 1.78 MO 39 1.83 1544 1.59 1.59 1519 1.69 1.69 WE 1533 1.42 1.42 TH2057 FR1455 SU1500 MO1544 TH SU TU TU1519 WE1533 221 0.83 2218 0.75 0.75 2156 0.54 0.54 2235 2205 21 0.83 2218 2156 2153 2235 0.62 0.62 2153 0.47 0.47mornings 2205 0.63 0.63 Most are 336 1.18 0141 1.09 1.09 0415 1.29 1.29 0404 1.39 1.39 36 1.18 0141 0415 0404 0510 0437 1.67 0518 0510 1.55 1.55 0437and 1.67 foggy 0518- 1.70 1.70 still a bit 110644 260919 110925 261044 111016 261119 842 0.87 11 0644 0.82 0.82 26 0919 0.89 0.89 11 0925 0.72 0.72 26 42 0.87 1044 0.88 0.88 11 1016 0.80 0.80 26 1119 0.96 0.96 1556 1.72 1.72 SA1556 SA 2258 0.67 0.67 2258

1631 1.54 1.54 TU TU1631 2303 2303 0.55 0.55

1627 1.35 1.35 TH TH1627 2242 2242 0.58 0.58

454 1.26 54 1.26 006 0.83 06 0.83 651 1.82 51 1.82 352 0.69 52 0.69

0321 1.16 1.16 0506 1.40 1.40 0457 1.57 1.57 0547 1.67 1.67 0526 1.86 1.86 0556 1.82 1.82 120321 270506 120457 270547 12 120526 270556 0826 0.79 0.79 27 1028 0.83 0.83 12 1032 0.62 0.62 27 1028 1032 1133 1123 1210 0826 1133 0.81 0.81 12 1123 0.74 0.74 27 1210 0.89 0.89 1543

542 1.34 42 1.34 105 0.75 05 0.75 738 1.82 38 1.82

0432 1.29 1.29 0543 1.50 1.50 0542 1.77 1.77 0620 1.79 1.79 0612 2.05 2.05 0631 1.92 1.92 130432 280543 130542 280620 13 130612 280631 1000 0.67 0.67 28 1117 0.75 0.75 13 1129 0.53 0.53 28 1117 1129 1215 1224 1254 1000 1215 0.76 0.76 13 1224 0.67 0.67 28 1254 0.82 0.82 1638

019 0.63 19 0.63 618 1.43 18 1.43 148 0.67 48 0.67 814 1.81 14 1.81

0523 1.44 1.44 0616 1.60 1.60 0625 1.96 1.96 0651 1.89 1.89 0656 2.20 2.20 0704 2.01 2.01 140523 290616 140625 290651 14 140656 290704 1101 0.52 0.52 29 1155 0.68 0.68 14 1220 0.48 0.48 29 1101 1155 1220 1254 1321 1335 1254 0.72 0.72 14 1321 0.62 0.62 29 1335 0.75 0.75 1726

045 0.56 45 0.56 649 1.50 49 1.50 224 0.59 24 0.59 846 1.80 46 1.80

0001 0.30 0.30 0017 0.46 0.46 0026 0.18 0.18 0019 0.40 0.40 0043 0.33 0.33 0032 0.47 0.47 150001 300017 150026 300019 15 150043 300032 0606 1.61 1.61 30 0647 1.70 1.70 15 0707 2.13 2.13 30 0606 0647 0707 0721 0741 0737 0721 1.98 1.98 15 0741 2.30 2.30 30 0737 2.08 2.08 1149

1.77 SU 1645 1.70 1.70 SA1543 1.77 SU1645 SA 2245 0.59 0.59 2330 0.60 0.60 2330 2245

1.87 MO 1724 1.68 1.68 SU 1638 1.87 MO 1724 SU 2325 0.43 0.43 2355 0.53 0.53 2355 2325

1.95 MO 1726 1.95 MO

1758 1.65 1.65 TU 1758 TU

0.40 WE 1230 0.62 0.62 TU 1149 0.40 WE 1230 TU 1809 1.99 1.99 1828 1.62 1.62 1809 1828

1649 1.83 1.83 WE 1713 1.49 1.49 TU1649 WE1713 TU 2317 0.30 0.30 2317 2327 2327 0.49 0.49

1736 1.80 1.80 WE 1736 WE 2351 0.22 0.22 2351 1821 1.74 1.74 TH 1821 TH

1313 0.46 0.46 FR 1313 FR 1908 1.66 1.66 1908

1751 1.45 1.45 TH TH 1751 2352 2352 0.43 0.43 1826 1.40 1.40 FR FR 1826

1334 0.69 0.69 SA SA 1334 1902 1902 1.37 1.37

0035 0.41 0.41 310035 31 0716 1.80 1.80 0716

1711 1.55 1.55 TH TH1711 2317 2317 0.36 0.36 1804 1.50 1.50 FR FR1804 2359 2359 0.33 0.33

1856 1.46 1.46 SA SA 1856

Fraser Guided Fishing by TRI TON

worrisome if you have whales everywhere - but generally this means a flat day is about to get served up. Fishing is hit-andmiss and I will be happy when spring comes with its bounty of surface feeders to keep the days more action-packed. The whales here have been ridiculous. I can’t recall seeing so many whales in so close to Urangan. They are overly inquisitive and interactive too, stopping us from

fishing many times - a blessing and a concern. Especially when a youngster leaps only a boat length or two from your bow. They are marvellous creatures of great stature and power yet possess such awareness and calm. Considering the fog, I decided to sit back in close on some tours as I deemed the risk too high. On one morning it was a wise move as the fishing in close was * continued P53

1717 1.30 1.30 FR FR1717 2317 2317 0.54 0.54

1802 1.28 1.28 SA SA 1802 2354 2354 0.50 0.50

1845 1.29 1.29 SU SU 1845

1415 0.59 0.59 MO 1415 0.68 0.68 SU SU 1415 MO 1415 1948 1927 1948 1.43 1.43 1927 1.32 1.32 0111 0.45 0.45 31 310111 0814 0814 2.14 2.14

1304 0.59 0.59 TH 1304 TH 1858 1.57 1.57 1858

1456 0.62 0.62 TU TU 1456 2010 2010 1.35 1.35

monwealth of Australia Australia 2022, Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology onwealth of 2022, Bureau New Moon First Quarter ns isis Lowest Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide Tide ns

ols ols

Full Moon

New Moon Moon New

Last Quarter

First Quarter Quarter First

Full Full Moon Moon

Page 52 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

Last Last Quarter Quarter 18 18

Kai with a cracking snapper.

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Whales add to fishing fun * from P52

better than expected. We didn’t smash the fish, but we caught a few nice grunter and trevally, with a couple of solid queenfish to finish the morning off. The fog cleared and off we went to try a spot that had been holding the large schools and big ones, but not always firing. We grinded for one hit; interesting, isn’t it? I reversed the sequence the next day and it was terrible! There was no love whatsoever, apart from some overfriendly whales, so I left the huge schools to target small groups of fish that were actually biting. Yes, I left possibly thousands of fish to target a handful, but I felt more confident knowing they would bite. And they did, like clockwork. There were many factors that could have caused these conditions, and it’s difficult to consider all the variables to be definitive. It was just a relief to put a few quality fish in the boat. Anyhow, another day another crew, and it was back to hunting the big schools which

were biting quite well. I even found visual evidence of schooling fish feeding and caught them after using my electronics to pinpoint their location. There had been no sign of this activity the previous two days, so it was cream on the top for us. Snapper, grunter, big goldens, mack tuna and a few reefies for the table made the day a standout. Judging by recent shark activity, I will be hunting for tuna more and more over the next few weeks. As the weather warms, the grey suits get more active and any schools in a fixed position will be shark beacons. It’s time for me to get more actively mobile to locate schools of tuna and, hopefully, other goodies among them. A few school mackerel would be handy for the school holidays in September. These fish are great at entertaining the kiddies, and not bad for the table as well. As usual, the Sluk will be the chosen lure for these fish, as well as for tuna. Here’s wishing for another steady spring with just a few northerlies!

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Scott enjoyed a few queenfish battles.

This coral trout, was landed by Ben.

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Ben with a nice grunter.

> Hervey Bay > Fraser Island > Sandy Strait

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

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Rohan pulling tuna past the playing whales.

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www.fraserguidedfishing.com.au > 0427 230 261 Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 53

This mid-60cm fish took a prawn imitation lure jigged over a rocky drop off in 8m of water.

Fishing holidays in Central Queensland

ARRAMUNDI will be on just about every estuary angler’s mind as we move into October and closer to the closed season for this iconic fish. These chrome-sided fish are a majestic sight when they jump. Even people who have caught plenty still get that hit of adrenaline when a good sized barra surfaces. Central Queensland houses a great population of wild barra and shouldn’t be overlooked for more northern areas as a viable barra fishing holiday destination.

Gladstone Region by GARY CHURCHWARD

With Rockhampton only a 6-8 hour drive from Brisbane, it makes it a cheaper alternative and can be fished effectively over a long weekend. The introduction of the net-free zone has boosted the population of both barra and threadfin salmon. The average size of fish has risen and since the big fish are no longer being taken out by nets, large trophy-sized fish

TURKEY BEACH 2 Bedroom Villa Holiday Rental • Outdoor BBQ and pergola For • Fish cleaning facilities enquiries • Large yard with room and for the boat bookings • Undercover carport phone • Close to boat ramp 0458 742 153 • Linen available www.turkeybeachfishingvilla.com Page 54 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

are more common. You still can’t expect to turn up and get straight into the fish, however. Even finding large numbers of fish with your electronics cannot guarantee they will be biting. Tide, temperature, water clarity, wind and weather are just some of the major factors that can influence how the fish bite. Cracking a pattern on where the fish are, what stage of the tide they bite and what they will bite on will see you get into some nice fish in good numbers. With the Fitzroy River, Port Alma and its surrounding waterways being such a large area, it can sometimes take a few trips to get an idea how to best fish these systems. If you base yourself in Rockhampton, you have

a variety of different accommodation styles to choose from. There are caravan parks, hotels and plenty of Airbnb houses throughout the city. It’s great to come back from a day’s fishing and be able to top the boat up with decently priced fuel and grab supplies at the supermarket before heading out to dinner. Rockhampton has many great eateries to suit any craving and budget. It’s always a good idea to drop into the local tackle store to get the lowdown on where the fish have been biting and what lure or bait has worked best. If you want to leave the boat at home, there’s the option to fly into Rockhampton and jump on board one of the charter boats that work out of the region. If you’re after a bit of competition, there are now five to six fishing competitions held in the region annually ranging

from social events to the more competitive barra tournaments. Gladstone doesn’t have the same numbers of barra as the Fitzroy River and Port Alma and fishes a little differently. Barra are found here in smaller schools of about one to five fish, which means you will need to cover more distance to find them, and they will often move quickly once pressured. A live bait rather than a lure will be more successful on these smaller schools, but once a fish is caught the school will soon shut down. The joy of an area like Gladstone is the diversity of fish species found so close by with plenty of different rivers and creeks near the harbour as well as the headlands, islands, reefs and wrecks just outside the harbour to be fished. You can be fishing a deeper section of the harbour for fingermark, black jewfish, barra and * continued P55

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Fishing holidays in Central Queensland * from P54

the odd reef fish then hit a headland or pressure point for a queenfish or trevally. Next you can be chasing the birds for tuna and mackerel or fishing the flats for permit and trevally before racing up a river or creek looking for barra, mangrove jack and salmon. Depending on the size of your boat, there are plenty of reefs close by to bottom bash or headlands to throw poppers at for trevally and queenfish. If you have a larger boat, the Great Barrier Reef is an option depending on weather conditions and how far you want to travel. Awoonga Dam is great for a getaway, especially if you’re looking for a barra fix while the season is closed.

With a caravan park and cabin accommodation nearby, it allows you to fish the early morning bite, rest during the day, and fish again in the late afternoon and into the evening. Gladstone has plenty of accommodation that suits all lifestyles and budgets for a weekend away or extended holiday. I have just touched on the two larger towns in our region but there are many smaller places to fish that offer an excellent fishing holiday. On the fishing front, the warmer weather and water temperature means the barra will be more actively feeding for longer periods of time. Mangrove jack will also be firing as they respond to the increasing water temperature – an

early morning and afternoon surface session is the way to go. Fingermark and grunter will still be good to target in slightly deeper water as we move into summer. Crabs need a good flush from rain, but it’s still worth a crack at them as there are enough being caught to get a feed. Some decent rain would get the prawns moving and the predators chasing them. With a month left this year to target barra in the salt, it’s time to get out on the water and chase a few. If you’re looking for a fishing holiday, consider the options around Central Queensland. You might be surprised. Cheers, and happy fishing from Gladstone.

Threadfin salmon are now common in the Fitzroy River. Phil caught this one on a 4” paddle tail soft plastic.

An 80cm barra taken around the rock piles in the Fitzroy on a soft vibe lure.

Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association 2024 Tackle World Bundaberg Family Fishing Classic Friday 18th – Sunday 20th October Lake Monduran, near Gin Gin Celebrating 25 years as one of the largest freshwater fishing competitions held in Australia. Senior and Junior section major category cash and prizes, hundreds of senior and junior lucky draws, raffles, kids’ competitions, food available and licensed bar operating.

Scan to register

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See website for more information – www.masa-fishstocking.org.au Contact MASA on 0497 072 368 Follow us on Facebook - Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 55

Thinking outside the square gets results. Not many people would know what this lure is or what it does. Giving pressured fish something different to look at can be the difference.

Saltwater barra over 1m are becoming a common occurrence in the Rockhampton NFZ. You still need to do your homework though to get the chocolates.

Barra season in full swing Brendan Warren with a 128cm PB saltwater barra.

Brooklyn Boon brought a nice saltwater barra home for beer battered barra burgers that night.

n Solid offshore reef action

CTOBER is one of the best months to get serious about chasing that chrome goodness. There’s no other fish that comes close to barramundi. I might be a bit biased but saltwater barramundi fishing is up there with the best piscatorial pursuit. What makes barra fishing so addictive?

Capricorn Coast by JOHN BOON

Once you start competition fishing for barra you’ll find an even greater respect for these incredible sportfish. Many years ago, I heard that barra are ‘the thinking man’s fish’, and I fully agree with that statement.

The author likes drains on a run-out tide for barra heaven. The Humminbird Apex shows this drain is stacked. Page 56 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

Barra would have to be one of the most temperamental fish on the planet. One day you’ve got them figured out and the next you’re scratching your head. I’ve lost count of how many donut days I’ve had in the past. Some days they just don’t want to know anything about what you’ve got to offer. Currently those donut days are few and far between because I’ve simply taken the time to put in the hard yards to figure out what I need to do and where I need to look given the conditions. It wasn’t easy to get to this point. It has been an emotional rollercoaster to get a handle on them and even now there is still so much more to figure out. No matter how much * continued P57

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Barra season in full swing * from P56

time you invest you will never know it all, but it’s bloody good fun trying. Unfortunately, this is the last month to chase this iconic species before the three month east coast closed season, so make sure you make the most of it. Get into your local tackle store and stock up on lures or buy a new cast net and maybe that new barra reel you’ve been dreaming of. I can’t think of any better species to invest your hard-earned into. So, where is the best area to catch a barra? You would be very surprised to hear how many times I get asked that question. The answer is simple the Fitzroy River. Of all the places you can catch a barra throughout the Rock-

hampton Net Free Zone, the Fitzy would be the easiest. Just make sure you do your research if you’re a first timer because there are quite a few hidden rock piles and rock bars in this area. The town reaches is one giant rock bar, so make sure you drop into Barra Jacks Rockhampton for a run-down. The lads are always happy to help you out, plus it’s fishing tackle heaven in there. At the time of writing, the freshwater run-off is still quite noticeable in the top half of the river. The anglers with live imaging have been doing well on saltwater barra measuring 1-1.2m. It’s not easy fishing when you only get one or two bites for the session, but the rewards

* continued P58

The author with a couple of ripper reds caught wide off Yeppoon.

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 57

Chastyn Lyon and Ryan Polderman with a nice freshwater barra from the Wenlock River.

Barra season in full swing * from P57

speak for themselves. Better numbers of school-size fish have been found in the Casuarina Creek area. The cut-through has been fishing well with many anglers reporting consistent catches of both barra and king threadfin salmon. Coorooman Creek has seen hot barra action on the rock bars. If you’re fishing rock bars with live bait, make sure you run a single paternoster rig with a single dropper loop and a circle hook. I use this method when live baiting with the kids because it keeps the hook and bait off the bottom and doesn’t snag as easily as a running ball sinker setup. Anglers chasing barra on the rock bars have been pleasantly surprised by fingermark as well. Now that’s a ripper by-catch in my opinion. Fingermark would have to be the best eating fish out of the creek. Offshore fishing has

remained solid over the last month with coral trout and redthroat emperor biting around the reef edges. Finding both species is made easier by looking for bommies on the pressure side of reefs. Most of the time you will get trout off the front edge and sweetlip at the back. Well worth the effort for two of the best eating-quality reef fish. Red emperor and large-mouth nannygai have been hit-andmiss. The fern patches were producing the goods but unfortunately sharks have been a big issue. They will only get worse as the water warms up over the next few months. If the men in grey suits move in, the best thing you can do is move on. Well, that’s it from me for this month. I’ve got a few weeks left before I decide what to do during the closed barra season. It’s time for something different I believe.

Page 58 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

The author with a colourful juvenile Queensland groper. A protected species, they are a good sign of a healthy ecosystem.

Cape York barramundi

ITH the barramundi fishing season set to close in Queensland on October 7 in Gulf waters and November 1 in east coast waters, it seems like a good time to focus on this iconic tropical species. While countless words have been written about barramundi, methods for best targeting them can vary seasonally. October is part of the famous - or infamous build up period to the wet season. At this time of year, the sun has got its sting well and truly back, and humidity levels are getting right up there. Winter typically sees a slowdown in barramundi activity; a time when it is often necessary to use live bait such as mullet or cherubic (freshwater prawn) to attract a bite, or to get lures down quite deep to where the fish are hanging out. It often pays to target snags or other structure in shady areas, as barramundi often prefer cooler hangouts. This time of year

Cape York by ‘BILLABONG’ BAZZ LYON

generally lacks the freshwater runoff that is so productive during the wet and early dry seasons, though tidal drains and creek mouths can be super productive. Any snags or rock bars around such areas should also be worked over properly. The breeding instinct for barramundi is strong at this time of year, and in running freshwater rivers most fish will be moving down to the estuaries to spawn - some may have already done so. These productive ecosystems are obviously the best places to target. As well as the usual snags, creek mouths and tidal gutters, the mangrove edges on high tide can offer exceptional fishing. In fact, this is one of my favourite habitats to fish for this amazing species - drawing them out and seeing or feeling that cracker hit is just magic.

Then, of course, there’s the challenge of keeping them out of those abundant tangled roots. Often there’ll be a mangrove tree or two out in the open away from the main mangrove edge, and these too can be fish hot spots. Threadfin, blue salmon, mangrove jack, and (protected) Queensland groper are also a good chance in most estuaries. Landlocked freshwater river holes and billabongs will still be holding their barra of course, as those fish must wait for monsoonal floods to release them into river mouths to breed. Regardless of the location, my experience is that early mornings and late afternoons are the most productive times to fish at this time of year. Barramundi are typically lethargic in the * continued P59

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if the fish aren’t biting. Quite a few times I’ve seen barra change their preference from hardbody lures to plastics, and vice versa, which is likely related to the prey they are chasing at the time. Staff at the Lure Shop in Cooktown and Tackle World in Weipa, as well as other far North Queensland outlets often have the drum on what lures work locally at any season. October may see a few thunderstorms on the western Peninsula, however these are usually very isolated and just small ‘practice’ storms for the bigger event due later this year! Until next month, enjoy the last of the barramundi fishing for a while and stay safe.

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heat of the day, though there are always exceptions. Night fishing can also be fabulous, usually using poppers or fizzers and aided by a good head torch. A torch helps you see the ruby-red eye shines of barramundi and tarpon and even saratoga if they’re around. These fish usually patrol the edges and shallows. And, of course, crocodiles too have red eye shines. As the croc-wise advice promotes - standing well back from the bank at all times is important for safety. Both hard-bodies and soft plastics will still work at this time of year, though it can pay to try different options

* from P58

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Carp and tilapia eradication at Wyaralong Dam 2024

I Just some of the lizards pulled from the dam.

We removed a significant number of pests from the waterways, including this massive carp.

A 2023 winner with their prize.

The Tillies were practically jumping onto the lines. Page 60 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

T’S on again, the annual Logan & Albert Fish Management Association’s Wyaralong Dam Carp and Tilapia Eradication Competition will be held Saturday October 19, 2024. This is a one-day family oriented fun fishing event aimed at catching pest fish. By entering this competition, you will help remove some of the noxious carp and tilapia from the dam, as well as help LAFMA raise funds to supplement money received from the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. This is also a major fundraiser for the stocking of the Logan and Albert rivers system because no annual funds are allocated from the Queensland Government for this purpose. There are heaps of prizes and giveaways, plus one lucky entrant could go home with a kayak. You don’t even have to catch a fish to be in the running for this ripper of a prize. Fishing can be done from the bank, kayak or canoe, even your boat - as long as you don’t start the motor. This is an electric only impoundment - motors can be left on but must not be started. We are now 26 years down the track from where it all started. The ‘carp out, natives in’ concept was started by a small group of concerned anglers in the Rathdowney Beaudesert area to get introduced noxious carp out of the Logan and Albert rivers system and replaced with native fish. Wyaralong Dam, 14km northwest of Beaudesert, was com-

pleted in 2011 and filled almost on completion. LAFMA decided to take on Wyaralong Dam as a project for our fish stocking program in 2012. As the Logan and Albert rivers system was already infested with carp and tilapia, we knew it wouldn’t be long before these pests took over the dam. Ranked in the top 100 invasive species worldwide, tilapia have a wide range of environmental impacts in Australia and internationally. From spreading diseases and parasites to damaging the banks and bottoms of rivers, carp and tilapia can make waterways unliveable for our native species and less enjoyable for recreational swimming, boating, and fishing. Tilapia and carp fishing can be a challenging and enjoyable experience, and is encouraged to help control populations, though what should you do with them once they’re caught? It’s important to remember that tilapia and carp must not be kept or released. Instead, humanely dispose of them as soon as possible, either in a bin or buried above the high-water mark. Even dead tilapia can spread their young as females carry eggs and babies in their mouths. We all have a biosecurity responsibility to help protect our waterways from further introductions of tilapia and other invasive species. In 2013, we re-invented the Carpbuster competitions of old, though concentrated on Wyaralong Dam only. All net profit from these competitions will

be spent on Australian bass and Mary River cod fingerlings to stock in both the dam and the Logan and Albert rivers system. LAFMA, in conjunction with Fisheries Queensland, decided to make Wyaralong Dam a trophy Mary River cod fishery, stocking mainly this species with a backup of Australian bass. Since 2014, almost 100,000 Mary River cod fingerlings and 240,000 bass fingerlings have been released into the dam. As the dam has only been on the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme for a few years, these competitions and other fundraising activities have allowed us to supplement the SIPS grants and provide funding for re-stocking the Logan and Albert rivers system with bass and endangered Mary River cod. For the 2023 competition, 298 competitors removed 198 carp and 1237 tilapia from this dam, nearly filling two bins. Their total weight was estimated at around two tonnes, with the heaviest carp weighing in at 4.48kg and the heaviest tilapia at 2.405kg. So, if you’re free on October 19, come out to Wyaralong Dam, bring the kids, throw a line in and help eradicate some of these pest fish. For more information, entry forms and further details, go to our website - lafma.org For those 18 years and over, note that a Stocked Impoundment Permit is required to fish Wyaralong Dam. Ian Fraser LAFMA Secretary 0412 736 495

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Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 61

TOURING& exploring

Cape Keraudren is a great place to kick back and relax while watching the sun set over the ocean.

Tagalong tour to Cape Leveque

The coastline at Barn Hill Station is littered with little rock pools, which are perfect for a dip. Page 62 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

FTER our enjoyable stay at Karijini National Park the plan was to head north. Once again, following the coastline as we made our way to Broome, which was going to be our base while we explored the area. Enroute to Broome there were a couple of places that we wanted to check out, the first being Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve. While the scenery

Family Adventures by BEN COLLINS

here was spectacular, like most of the western Australian coastline, we needed to manage the mosquitoes, especially around dusk. Thankfully we were well stocked with mozzie coils and spray, so sitting around the fire at sunset was still enjoyable. The coastline was

quite rugged, making land-based angling more difficult. A little car-topper boat would have been ideal here, allowing us to explore a little further afield and get to those truly remote fishing locations. There’s ample room if you’re planning a visit, * continued P63

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TOURING& exploring Tagalong tour to Cape Leveque * from P62

but you’ll need to bring your own firewood. Aside from fishing and relaxing there’s not a lot more to do, but if you’re similar to me, those are the boxes I like to tick. Our next port of call was Barn Hill Station. Unfortunately, the Station was still getting sorted after being closed for the wet season and resembled a construction site. The bowls rink was also closed, which was a bit disappointing as I was looking forward to a roll up. Despite these minor things, the kids still had an enjoyable time patting the baby goats, playing with the calf and having fun on the beach and in the rock pools.

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Broome Our plan was to stock up in Broome and then travel further north towards Cape Leveque to a place called James Price Point. We hit the dirt and corrugated road heading north, however the road conditions were very average and the journey took longer than planned. I think the road conditions also hampered anyone getting through to manage or maintain the camping areas as they had all become overgrown. It looked like no one had been there since the beginning of the wet season. This made finding a suitable campsite very challenging and we ended up heading back to Broome.

There was a rutted track down to the beach that I wanted to try but was convinced by my better half not to give it a go. I guess when you’re in remote areas with no one else around and a family to think about you need to make smarter decisions, because if you did break something you may be stuck for several days waiting to be rescued. Thankfully, we were able to book into Cable Beach Caravan Park, one of the better places to stay in the area. It was a little further out of town, but also a little further away from some of the locals who had a reputation for helping themselves to anything that wasn’t locked or bolted down. * continued P64

Amaya's adopted pet at Barn Hill Station.

One of our quick and easy setups where the car is still hooked up to the caravan. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 63

TOURING& exploring

Cape Leveque was an incredible place to visit.

Tagalong tour to Cape Leveque * from P63

My girls really enjoyed learning about bush tucker and indigenous culture from our knowledgeable tour guide Brian Lee. Page 64 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

While we had zero issues throughout our trip, we spoke to several fellow travellers who weren’t as lucky. Just make sure you do a bit of research on places you plan to stay or visit. It’s unfortunate that a few bad eggs can give others a bad name. On a more positive note, and since we missed out on camping at Cape Leveque, we managed to book a tagalong tour that allowed us to explore this remote part of the state. Our tour guide was Brian Lee, a local and elder who is one of the few people who can give you access to this incredible part of the world.

The tour group consisted of a few families, all with 4WDs, who had a thirst for some local knowledge and history. We weren’t disappointed. In addition to learning about bush tucker and what kind of tree bark is good for mosquito bites, Brian also showed us different types of animal tracks in the sand. After our lessons, we ventured further north along the beach until we arrived at a crystal-clear saltwater creek where a couple of Brian’s helpers immediately jumped out of his Hilux ute and went in search of mud crabs. Eager to see how they did it, I followed along in hot pursuit. It wasn’t long before

one of them was diving into the water with a hand spear after spotting a good sized muddie, which was destined for a hot plate over the fire. To add to the lunch menu, I ventured out in a kayak with fishing rod in hand, rigged with a soft plastic. It wasn’t long before I landed a mangrove jack and a couple of trevally, all gratefully added to the food cooking on the fire. I’ve been fortunate to experience cooking over fires or coals on a beach before, but it was amazing to hear how this was the first time for some people on our tour. After our feed, Bri* continued P65

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TOURING& exploring Amaya was at home cooking over an open fire.

Some tagalong tourers were slow to release air from their tyres, meaning they all got bogged except for us.

Tagalong tour to Cape Leveque * from P64

an showed everyone around the creek, pointing out different animals and plants as we moved along the shallow, clear waterways. We disturbed a decent sized bull shark on our

way up the creek which thankfully looked well fed and was a long way from where we’d been swimming. In addition to the shark, we spotted various stingrays and fish to make it an enjoyable

Amaya took to weaving leaves to make rope.

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trip for the young and old explorers. Once everyone had a chance to check out the area by boat, we were back on the road heading for the Cape Leveque resort (which is now closed and unlikely to be reopened). The resort ceased operating a few years ago and it’s a shame that it probably won’t reopen anytime soon in this beautiful part of the world. There seem to be many issues plaguing it, including funding, ownership and management which will restrict the project moving forward. If you want to explore this part of Australia, the tagalong tour is basically the only way to see it at this stage. I highly recommend the Brian Lee tour; it was educational, suitable for any experience level and enjoyed by kids and adults alike. If you’re keen, visit tagalongtours.com.au for more information.

One of the stingrays spotted on the boat tour.

Matia loved racing around the crystal clear waterways on Cape Leveque. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 65

TOURING& exploring

On the road - you wouldn’t be dead for quids.

Yarns from the outback

I all, poets like Banjo Patterson, Henry Lawson and Dorothea Mackellar wrote of the beauty of the Australian outback and brought many of its characters into our worlds with verse. When you’re traveling out west there’re three things you should always carry with you - your respect, your sense of humour and your ears. I can’t believe the conversations and laughs we’ve had with so

On the road by PAUL ‘CHIEF’ GRAVESON

many locals that start with a simple ‘g’day mate’ and a smile. The people can be anyone from station owners and workers to townies who have lived there all their lives. Everyone has a story and suddenly the town you’re in comes to life with history and yarns. After spending time out here, I have truly found meaning in the

Page 66 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

saying ‘if you didn’t laugh, you’d cry’. That same humour is shown in the words of “A Mountain Station” by Banjo Patterson where the opening verse reads: I bought a run a while ago On country rough and ridgy, Where wallaroos and wombats grow The up p e r

Murrumbidgee. The grass is rather scant, it’s true, But this a fair exchange is, The sheep can see a lovely view By climbing up the ranges. I read this and find it hard not to smile at that same Aussie humour still alive today. I just thought I’d share a few yarns that have recently been replaying in my mind. It wasn’t that many years ago we came across an old bushie

on horseback moving about 60 head of cattle along a section of main road. It was late in the afternoon of a hot, dry day and it became obvious by the smell that old mate must have started re-hydrating a little earlier than normal. Under his Akubra you could see a nose and a face flushed bright pink. There was no way this old chap was capable of stringing two words to* continued P67

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TOURING& exploring Yarns from the outback * from P66

gether and he struggled to deal with the forces of gravity as he swayed in the saddle. His old horse moved carefully forward, aware of his master’s condition, while a team of five kelpies pushed the cattle along a boundary fence, turned them across the road to a hidden dirt track and disappeared into the afternoon light meandering their way home. I’ll never forget that afternoon and have often wondered if the horse and dogs also took off the old bloke’s hat and boots and tucked him into his bed that night or if the next day he couldn’t think for the life of him who’d moved that mob of cattle. Another story happened a few years back at a family reunion in western Queensland. One of the uncles had a whole side of lamb on a rotisserie turning over an open fire. The tables were set with a range of salads and those tarts and cakes you only find at a County Women’s Association event. By the end of the afternoon the charred lamb carcass was sliced into plates of succulent meat and served to the starving quests. I was famished and hoed into the crisp, slightly burnt meat with a vengeance. Early next morning as the eyes opened my stomach alerted me

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that something was just not right. The groans of others soon joined in. Breakfast was considered a dirty word as everyone’s body rejected last night’s meal. The investigation began and concluded it had to be that bloody sheep and questions were asked. Remember that saying ‘if you didn’t laugh, you’d cry’? Well, I can say that now, but I wasn’t so understanding at the time - especially when we discovered that mouthwatering lamb was in fact roadkill. * continued P68

A cooling Gregory River, Barkley Tableland.

Another abandoned gold mine. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 67

TOURING& exploring Yarns from the outback * from P67

Typical outback - Baldy Top, Quilpie.

Late afternoon on Lake Belmore, Croydon. Page 68 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

The last true story comes from Boulia where a Canadian adventurer was travelling the outback dirt roads on a motorbike. The bike had mechanical problems about 20km out of town as the light was beginning to fade. The uncles made the decision to tow him back to town by securing a rope to the Falcon’s bull bar and the other end around our Canadian friend’s triple trees on his motorbike. As the convoy began its journey, the uncles soon found that the only visible thing behind

them was the rope disappearing into a cloud of dust. Common sense predicted that if the rope was angled high then all was well and the bike was still upright but if the rope was running low, the bike was on its side. With that highly scientific formula in place, the towing challenge was undertaken and the task successfully completed without a problem thanks to good old outback initiative. The only downside was one Canadian motorcyclist covered completely in dust with white knuckles that had to be massaged to get him to let go of the handle grips. This story got me thinking - these memories have been laughed about for years but it has been the recent passing of my wife’s young brother Brad Willmington that has brought back so many special times. Brad worked in remote places at times and would spend months living out of the Landcruiser and swag. He loved the area around Boulia and whenever passing through he’d throw his swag on our veranda. I knew he wasn’t travelling well when his sister offered him a bedroom last trip and he accepted for the first time. RIP brother.

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TOURING& exploring

Citizen science – the great glossy count

T’S part of the psyche of many Australians to spend time absorbing the sights and sounds of the bush (more on that next month). This has the fortunate side benefit of a significant number of lay persons becoming subject-matter experts without any formal scientific training. Knowing this, biologists, botanists and conservationists often call upon those amateur citizen scientists for assistance when undertaking research projects. By the time you’re reading this, the Great Glossy Count will have been run and done for another year. What is the Great Glossy Count? It is a survey conducted throughout eastern Australia to take a snapshot of the dynamics of the glossy cockatoo population. During one weekend in September each year, keen amateur birdwatchers grab cameras and binoculars and sally forth in the hope of sighting these endangered cockatoos. Known glossy habitat from southern Queensland right through to Victoria is divided into grid squares of one hectare. Each volunteer team is allocated a number of those grid squares

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Outback Tales by NEIL SCHULTZ

to survey during the weekend with at least an hour spent walking each location. Observers are not just recording sightings of cockatoos, but also note any obvious feed trees used by the birds and any nest sites. A little about the birds. Glossy cockatoos are the smallest of the five species of black cockatoos found in Australia (six if you include the palm cockatoo). They have very particular habitat requirements due to their restrictive diet, feeding exclusively on the seeds of just a few casuarina species. This puts them at a disadvantage when compared with the yellow-tailed and redtailed black cockatoos who share their range and have a very cosmopolitan diet. As mentioned, they are found in all three eastern states as well as the ACT, as depicted on the map to the right. Just a tiny portion of Queensland and Victoria is home to glossies with the bulk of their population being found in NSW. Like most Australian parrots they require

tree hollows for nest sites which is part of the reason for their decline. Land clearing for residential expansion and the removal of standing dead hollow-bearing trees for firewood continues to reduce the opportunity for these birds to nest. Here are some statistics from the 2023 Great Glossy Count. During the two days of the survey last year, 395 volunteers surveyed 377 unique sites. The total area surveyed was 424 square kilometres (equal to 1.6 million tennis courts). Investing 869 survey hours yielded sightings of just 277 glossy cockatoos. Of those 377 sites surveyed, all in known glossy habitat, just 63 had birds present on the weekend of the project. Evidence of recent feeding was found at 156 sites with no obvious signs of glossy cockatoos being found at the remaining locations. The future looks worrying! To find out more, or to become involved, google the Glossy Black Conservancy or go to glossyblack.org.au

This map shows the national range of the glossy black cockatoo.

Sadly, glossy blacks are so rare that I don’t have a photo of one. This is a red-tailed black, similar but larger to a glossy and far more common.

Another of our very rare black cockatoos is Baudin’s cockatoo from Western Australia which has distinctive white tail flags. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 69

It's that time of year again. If you're lucky you may see one or even two big cod hanging around the dam wall.

Concerns over border river cod T

If you are venturing out to see a big cod, give them plenty of space and try not to disturb them. Page 70 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

HE closed season is now in force on both sides of the border rivers. At the end of October, you can fish the Queensland side but keep in mind you can only keep the ones with maroon bums. The blue ones go back until the end of November in NSW. It’s good to see the size of the cod in the border rivers now starting to increase, with goodsized fish from 60cm to 95cm being caught and released. The moratorium on stocking cod in the rivers from 2008 to 2017 has seen the return of silver perch, catfish, yellowbelly and bony bream, which has made it good fishing again. Even with the hold on stocking cod, we are still seeing good-sized

Glenlyon Dam by BRIAN DARE

small cod turning up. Glenlyon Dam is sitting at 63 percent capacity at the time of writing, though it would be good to see October rainfall bring the storage back up above 80 percent. It would make for good fishing and when releases take place, the outflow wouldn’t be as large. As you read the following, you will have about two to three weeks to make up your mind where to cast your vote in October. Stocked impoundment permit What a shambles it was back in 2015. A total of one million dollars was collected from the SIPS scheme.

In 2021, 1.2 million was collected and 1.3 million was raised in 2024. Wow, so over a period of nine years we had an increase of $300,000. The cost of the yearly permit is $60.42, which is too costly in my opinion. How about 10 cents a day instead, or $36.50 for a yearly permit with no concessional permit. If you can’t afford 10 cents a day to fish, I don’t want to know you. Ten dollars for a weekly permit is another option. With 150,000 freshwater anglers over 18 in Queensland, the an* continued P71

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Concerns over border river cod * from P70

nual return would be over $5.5 million a year locked in for 10 years. Ask your local member to consider this, and if their answer is ‘we will look at it after the election,’ point out that you want a commitment or it’s a ‘no vote’ from you. Funding is a major concern to all anglers east or west of the great divide. Freshwater fishing workshop at Murgon on July 26-28, 2024 When the genetics section of the workshop came up, I asked how long it would take for the recovery of the longloved freshwater cod. The Brisbane River cod is now extinct, with the last one sighted in 1940. With the Mary River cod, we have less than nine years to save the only freshwater Queensland cod species left. A projected cost of $15 million would be required to save this fish. Given the situation, the Department of Primary Industries agri-science team will have to work on this project. One hope is that we have Fisheries’ doctors of biology within the department to do the genetics required to save this cod. There are some locations with small quantities of Mary River cod outside the Mary River main flow. These could be the answer to the long-term survival of the species. Long, slow crossbreeding of the species could assist an evolutionary revival of a very special fish. No, we don’t need a special state government hatchery.

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We already have hatcheries within the Wide Bay and Burnett regions. Use these posthaste and save this fish. Conflict of interest Right now, within the State Government, fisheries - covering freshwater, saltwater and aquaculture systems - come under the umbrella of DPI. Given the elections coming up in October, I feel it would be a coming-of-age change for Fisheries Queensland to have its own department. Farming is farming or agriculture, whereas fishing is fishing - be it recreational or commercial. Well, it was back at school in 1952. Again, I ask you to put the above points to your local member and if they say they’ll look at it after the election, cast your vote elsewhere.

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

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GLENLYON DAM TOURIST PARK via STANTHORPE 4380 Contact Debbie or Brian Dare for more information or for bookings Ph: 02 6737 5266 E: glenlyondamtouristp@bigpond.com Visit our new website at glenlyondamtouristpark.com.au Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 71

Our boy and girl Lucky Draw winners enjoying their new kayaks, sponsored by Koastal Kayaks.

Paradise Stocking Association’s hard-working members.

2024 Catch a Catty Family Fishing Competition Declan Mitchell - winner of the ‘Lofty’ Wendt Memorial Trophy for most catfish caught.

ARADISE Stocking Association held its annual Catch a Catty Family Fishing Competition at

DAM LEVELS CURRENT AS OF 10/09/2024

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

PERCENTAGE MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

82 54 89 92 100 99 17 26 67 100 100 38 63 101 97 86 73 103 100 91 99 67 67 80 100 102 102 82 79 100

82 53 88 91 100 98 17 26 70 99 100 37 63 100 95 85 72 101 100 90 98 66 66 80 100 102 101 82 79 100

78 53 88 88 100 95 76 26 70 98 100 35 63 98 92 85 70 101 100 90 96 64 66 78 100 101 101 81 78 99

77 52 87 87 99 93 16 26 70 95 100 36 63 96 90 84 70 100 100 89 94 63 65 78 100 101 101 80 78 99

76 52 87 88 100 90 16 27 69 98 100 34 64 97 88 82 69 99 100 93 94 64 64 79 100 100 100 80 78 99

Mingo Crossing on the weekend of August 1718 on the Burnett River. It was a magic weekend weather wise given the fresh in the river system after 5-6 inches of beautiful rain just days before. We had 168 senior anglers register and 94 juniors, which was up in numbers from last year. Many catfish were caught and the ‘Lofty’ Wendt Memorial Trophy for most catfish caught over the weekend went to Declan Mitchell, a fourteen-year-old from Monto, who weighed in 66 catties!

A small number of yellowbelly, spangled perch and eel-tailed catfish were also caught. We’d like to thank all our amazing sponsors again for their ongoing support of our small competition. Our hard-working volunteers didn’t stop over the weekend, but it was worth it just to see the kids’ faces light up when they received their prize bags. The Catch a Catty Family Fishing Competition will be back, hopefully even bigger and better, in August next year.

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.

Catch a Catty caps and stubby coolers. Page 72 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

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Having fun at Catch a Catty Fishing Comp

ARADISE Fish Stocking group held their very popular Catch a Catty Family Fishing Competition recently and I ventured over to join in. What a great weekend it was and such a great place to be. It’s held at Mingo Crossing which is on the back road (the old highway) between Gayndah and Mount Perry, west of Bundaberg and situated on the Burnett River. The council established a caravan park here not too many years ago and it’s an absolute gem in the middle of nowhere. This section of the Burnett River is downstream from the township of Gayndah and further downstream of Mingo Crossing is Paradise Dam. Mingo Crossing has well-maintained campgrounds where you can camp right beside the water if you wish or have a powered site a bit further back with the option of renting one of the popular glamping tents. All the amenities are there, with a stocked kiosk, two shower/toilet blocks, barbecues, shady camp areas and a very good cement boat ramp and cleaning table. The river is stocked with barramundi, bass and golden perch and has bonus fish stocked further upstream. When there’s a run, some of those fish even want to travel towards the salt and have to pass through Mingo. What we didn’t have that weekend was ideal water conditions as this district had received between 100-150ml of rain

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Outback Fishing by HELEN ABDY

in the week leading up to the competition. The rain was good for the ground however as tent pegs just pushed in by hand. We had flooding water, but it slowed down during the competition which meant it was even comfortable for the many kayaks out on the river. Catties weren’t the only species on the catch list, but they were the most common species caught over the weekend. There was so much food in the water that even they were a bit picky and it seemed they were only interested in eating small pieces of bait. Maybe that was all they could fit in. Even though they aren’t on everyone’s favourite list of sport fish, you certainly know when you’ve got a good one hooked. A 4kg catty puts up a good fight and this was the size of the biggest one weighed in

for the competition. Unfortunately, no barramundi were caught, so the $5000 for the best barramundi prize went back in the bank for next year’s event. Also caught were a few eel-tailed catfish, three golden perch and a handful of spangled perch. A few eels and even a huge lungfish were hooked but released; as you should do with any protected species. Even though the fishing was quiet, the atmosphere made up for that. The stocking group has a great following, with many sponsors who love the place as much as they do. There were heaps of great prizes and lucky draws and all the juniors didn’t go home empty-handed. If you need any more information, you can check out the Catch a Catty competition on Facebook. See you there next year.

Melissa Sadler from Gayndah caught the best Senior yellowbelly for the competition which had a lovely dark colour from the flooded waters.

Five-year-old Raidyn Pearce from Roma with his best eel tailed catty.

Mingo Crossing on competition weekend. Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 73

Noah with his nice flathead caught at Toorbul. Bruce Beattie

Matthew, Mason and Isla landed this longtail tuna off Mooloolaba. Bruce Beattie

About six months ago, my son Finn – who has been surrounded by boats, fishing gear and such his whole life – finally found fishing. He is now totally and utterly obsessed! He recently spent his fourth day in a row fishing in a row, in just one week. He’s hitting the Brisbane River after school on average 3-4 days a week. Danny Jordin

Bec Gleeson with her first-ever coral trout taken at Fitzroy Reef off 1770. Neil Stratford

Oh, and it’s made me get into fishing more too! A couple of big heads pictured... Danny Jordin

Our son loves reading through your magazine. It’s going to be so cool when I caught this 70cm blue threadfin he reads it and sees his picture. He calls salmon in the Brisbane River using live his fishing spot ‘the honey hole’. prawns as bait. Nyoka Molony Finn

To have a photo of your catch featured in Readers’ Forum, simply email ads@collins.media with a good quality picture, your name and details or hop onto our Facebook page and send us a message. Page 74 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024

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Keen angler Arlo, aged 8, couldn’t be prouder with this beautiful 42cm coral trout caught off the rocks at Hamilton Island while visiting his mum at work. Lorne Mccusker

A ripper 80cm snapper caught at Point Lookout. Sean Jenkins

A long-time reader, love your stuff! Here’s me from a recent weekend at Deepwater National Park getting some good tailor. Lukey Pettigrew

The flathead were caught on Pro Lure Clone Prawns around the Logan River and the giant trevally was hooked on a 30g slug at Inskip Point. Mick Richter

A decent 57cm flathead taken off the flats on a 2.5” Chasebaits prawn imitation soft plastic. Agustin Candusso

Bush ’n Beach Fishing, October 2024 – Page 75

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