Summer Fishing

The blue marlin can be caught all year round off the Gold Coast

Summer Fishing Guide

Nic fishing The Seaway

The Gold Coast waterways are home to blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs, coral crabs and spanner crabs (offshore).

The many miles of sheltered waterways, combined with a normally very safe Gold Coast Seaway and easy access to the offshore reefs, means the average boater stands a good chance of landing anything from a marlin to a garfish, all within 30 minutes of the boat ramp. Local NIC WELCH shares his favourite spots to enjoy moments of peace and fish on the Gold Coast waters.

ON CALM WATERS

Jumpinpin is by far my favourite location. There is no sign of civilisation apart from the like-minded fisherman. There is a labyrinth of mangrove-lined channels to set crab pots and places to escape the wind from every wind direction no matter what strength, and an underwater landscape of every variety to target your favourite fish. Yabbies can be pumped at the inlet at the northern end of South Stradbroke Island. Try your luck at channel junctions at Crusoe Island, Five Ways, Tiger Mullet, and Whalleys Gutter. Drift along Kalinga Bank and the Pig Sties for anything, from a whiting to a mulloway. Please take care if fishing further towards Jumpinpin bar itself. This is a notoriously dangerous bar and should only ever be crossed by very experienced skippers in a reliable vessel with recent local knowledge of the bar.

ONSHORE

When beach fishing, the surf side of South Stradbroke Island is simply a must do. You can anchor your boat on the calm side of the island and walk less than 10 minutes across the island to the surf in at least three locations: The Bedrooms, Brown’s Island, and South Currigee Campground. Just carry your surf rod with a trusty Alvey reel, a shoulder bag for your catch and bait, and a pair of worming pliers. Beach worms are readily caught all along the island, and a whole worm threaded on a hook is fantastic bait for mulloway, especially at night. So do not forget your head torch! There are permanent gutters which run every few hundred metres or so along the island. These hold countless numbers of dart and flathead, with tailor feeding in the white water and gutter run-offs ready to take your pilchard-loaded gangs, soft plastics, or silver spoons. Pipis can be dug easily at the waters edge, a favourite bait for dart.

WILD WATERS

When fishing offshore, the 24-fathom reef just five nautical miles due east of the Gold Coast Seaway is one of my favourite destinations. It takes less than half an hour to reach these productive fishing grounds, which hold consistent numbers of snapper and trag jew during winter. Venus tuskfish (parrot) and bar-tailed flathead are also a welcome bycatch. As the water warms in summer, spotted and spanish mackerel are a targeted species, often caught by trolling skirted lures or floating down unweighted pillies or live baits suspended by balloons on the surface. Being in only roughly 45-metre deep waters at the 24s means you are not winding in your line for minutes on end. It is handy for when the fish are hungry, as your bait can be smashed before it has the chance to reach the bottom. The current is good at the 24s, with a 4-oz to 8-oz sinker being suitable most of the time.

One of the biggest advantages of the 24s east of the Seaway, is that if you see weather approaching, it’s only a short trip home. The predominant winter south-easterly or predominant summer north-easterly breeze will produce a cross-shore chop which should be able to be handled by a 5-m+ vessel in 15 knots of breeze without difficulty by a competent skipper.

MAC TUNA

Known as the little tuna, belongs to the family with mackerels, tunas and bonitos.

Photos of Brendan Taylor

SPANISH MACKEREL

Can reach a maximum length of approximately 2.4 metres and 70kg in weight.

FLATHEAD

One of the elephant species with large heads that inhabit estuaries and the open ocean.

JUMPINPIN

There is a labyrinth of mangrove-lined channels at Jumpinpin to set crab pots and places to escape the wind from every wind direction no matter what strength. For assistance, contact VMRJacobs Well on (07) 5546 1100, VHF channels 16/73, or 27MHz channels 88/91.

THE 24-FATHOM REEF

Being in only roughly 45-metre deep waters at the 24s means you are not winding in your line for minutes on end. It is handy for when the fish are hungry, as your bait can be smashed before it has the chance to reach the bottom. Always log on and off with the Seaway Tower, Coastguard Southport, or VMR Southport on VHF channel 16/73, or 27 MHz channel 91.

SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

Beach worms are readily caught all along the Island, and a whole worm threaded on a hook is fantastic bait for mulloway, especially at night. So do not forget your head torch!

SOME HELPFUL HINTS

1Get out early, and catch your own bait. Try to be fishing at first light. If you pump your own yabbies, catch your own beachworms, castnet some poddy mullet, or jig for slimeys and yakkas, you will catch ten times more fish than if you buy that frozen pack of prawns or squid.

2Always have a good quality Gortex jacket, a pair of sunglasses, hat, bottle of drinking water, frozen bottles of water for the esky instead of a bag of ice, and a couple of Snickers bars.

3My main motivation to go out fishing is to escape the monotony of mainland life, and enjoy the great outdoors in the amazing aquatic playground the Gold Coast offers. It does not even matter if the fish are not leaping into your boat on the day. A bad day fishing is far better than the best day at work!

GP Tipplers Licensed Café S Coordinates 27°49'19"S 153°25'37"E

For bookings (07) 5577 3025 www.tipplerscafe.com

BERTHS PRE-SELLING

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Artist impression

PIER 61 - NOW LEASING

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ARE YOU READY TO DISCOVER A JOMO?

The latest and most versatile small boat to hit the water!

There is a new boat in town that ticks all of the boxes. Are you ready to discover the latest and one of the most advanced small boats?

Introducing the JOMO, an Australian designed, developed and made polyethylene boat that eliminates the anguish and irritation commonly associated with small boats. This really is the Joy Of Missing Out. LET’S TALK HULL DESIGN - Designed by a naval architect, the hull was created to be stable both at rest and on the move. Due to the hull’s shape, the JOMO planes comfortably and easily, even with only one person on board. The boat is rotomoulded using the latest materials and techniques. This creates a double skin that makes level flotation possible and provides a soft enjoyable ride. It is almost impossible to damage the hull due to its polyethylene structure, which is four times as strong as fibreglass. Dents and damage are a thing of the past. The hull is also manufactured as one piece, so there are no seams or welds that can break or bend. This was demonstrated during the JOMO drop tests for compliance to international standards. The boat was dropped from a 10-metre height onto a road and bounced with no structural damage. It was also dropped loaded with half a tonne of weight and was still undamaged. Very little hull maintenance is required due to the sheer durability of the material. Not only is the hull tough, but it is also naturally buoyant, allowing the hull to remain above water even when completely filled with water. As a result of the hull’s buoyancy and strength, the JOMO hull has the world’s highest safety rating with level flotation that keeps the occupants “in” the boat even if it is swamped — something essential when there are predators in the water. WHAT ABOUT HANDLING & POWER? - The JOMO handles and turns smoothly, and is very stable and comfortable even through choppy, rough water. It tracks precisely at high and low speeds, making it easy for anyone to handle on the water. The balance, by design, is exceptional. The JOMO can plane quickly and easily due to the unique hull design. With the rear tabs, steering is smooth and precise even in choppy conditions. The JOMO is legally allowed to use up to a 20hp motor, unlike the majority of 3 metre boats with many limited to 5hp. It planes with a 6hp motor, making it ideal for young water enthusiasts. The aluminium reinforced transom is extremely solid, unlike many small boats which lack rigidity. The internal aluminium plate is bound by plastic and sandwiched together with an additional two aluminium plates to provide unparalleled rigidity. This is what allows a 20hp motor to be used with ease. ALL-IMPORTANT SPECIFICATIONS - The JOMO is extremely versatile and can be modified for almost any use, from a tender to a fishing boat, it’s an allrounder. It is rated to carry four people comfortably, unlike many other boats of its size, with a rated maximum load of 459kg. The JOMO comes with a five-year warranty for private use and one year for most commercial uses.

The JOMO features a very ergonomic layout with comfortable seating, plenty of leg room and handles that are positioned to ensure easy reach by passengers when underway. The large cockpit has a solid, non-slip floor to ensure you always feel safe and stable. The gunwale is flat rather than round, providing a stable surface to step on when boarding or disembarking. There are also steps at the stern to assist with boarding from the water. Unlike many other boats, the JOMO will keep you and your belongings dry. The JOMO boasts a 1.5 metre-wide beam with excellent freeboard for a dry safe ride. There are two large water-resistant compartments for dry storage and a wet storage area, allowing wet and dry items to be kept separate. Underfloor drainage keeps feet dry and self-draining bungs stop water entering, even if the plugs are forgotten. There is a side channel next to the rear seats that can be used to store fishing rods or oars out of the way. Six RailBlaza mounts and a CleatPort allow almost anything to be attached to the boat, from rod holders to navigation lights. These multipurpose fixtures make it simple and easy to attach anything without drilling through the hull, preventing unwanted water from entering. The CleatPort is mounted next to the anchor locker, to ensure the safe storage of, and easy access to, the anchor. The JOMO has various optional extras to suit the needs of boating enthusiasts including a side console to enable forward steering and a bimini to protect occupants from the sun. In fact, almost anything can be added including snap davits or lifting eyes to suit most davit systems. The JOMO comes in a variety of standard colours, with custom colours available for those who desire a unique JOMO experience. Custom options are also available for the floor surface, including marine carpet and EVA foam. to large vessels. Due to its high safety rating, the JOMO is also suitable for commercial and emergency purposes. Commercially, the JOMO can be used as a hire boat, as a tender to houseboats, for pontoon fabricators and for emergency services. In fact, for any commercial use where a strong safe and stable boat with low maintenance is required, the JOMO is the smart choice.

Available in 9 exciting boat colours

A GREENER FUTURE - The JOMO can be fully recycled — a feature that is essential for a sustainable future. The life expectancy of the JOMO is over three times that of an inflatable boat, even if stored in the sun. This makes great use of our planet’s limited resources. Forget ever having to wax, polish or anti-foul the JOMO; all you need is a soft brush and some soapy water to keep the JOMO looking great. No more harsh chemicals that leach into the water, endangering our marine life. GET A JOMO TODAY - The JOMO is currently available at Me Tender in the Coomera marine precinct. A dealer network both in Australia and internationally is being established. For information about pricing or to become a dealer, give the team at JOMO boats a call on 1800 566 034 or visit www.jomoboats.com.au

COMPLETE CLEANING & PROTECTION

SYSTEM FOR YOUR BOAT

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In Australia, we have some of the harshest weather conditions. Boats that are not well looked after can lose their value much faster. So, a regular clean is key to retaining the value of your high-priced asset. Many boat owners appreciate their seafaring investment, but are not equipped to show that appreciation through proper care and maintenance.

CleanAWORX is a Gold Coast-based brand, specialising in developing the absolute best quality Australian-made marine cleaning and protection products that simply work. CleanAWORX products are perfect for use on all size boats, superyachts, commercial boats, inflatable boats, jet skis, cars, bikes, plus much more. Below, we introduce some of our quality Australian-made products that will help you take care of your most cherished boat’s cleanliness and surface protection needs. WASH & WAX: BOATIES PREMIUM GOLD cleans and washes your boat and leaves a wax protective barrier which assists with surface protection. The product utilises a biodegradable polymer additive, which provides improved gloss retention on all gelcoat and paintwork. Once washed and waxed, your boat will have a streak-free, clean surface. The high beading characteristics assist in water removal and spotless drying. SUPASEAL-IT is a blend of high-gloss carnauba wax, polymers, Teflon and, UV+ absorbers. It is a liquid long-life sealer polish, providing high-gloss shine protection that lasts against the harsh Australian environment. Easy on and easy off. CLEARS CLEANER & PROTECT cleans and protects your expensive clears to extend their life, and ensure the best crystal-clear views through your clears. The product has a sun-protection formula that is UV-resistant that also extends the life of stitching and zips. RUST OFF GEL is a unique gel that rapidly removes rust and rust staining from all stainless steel, 2-pack paint, gelcoat and more. It can be applied to all vertical, horizontal, and upside-down surfaces, and will not run, but simply stays on the surface where applied. STAINLESS STEEL POLISH WITH WAX PROTECTION cleans, restores, shines, brightens and protects stainless steel, aluminium, copper and bronze. It has a unique blend of super fine polishing alumina with added long-life wax protection. MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER is a commercial strength, biodegradable, highly concentrated product that will remove grease, oil, dirt, stains, adhesives and other residues from interiors' hard surfaces.

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INFLATABLE BOAT CLEANER easily cleans exhaust soot, airborne and industrial pollution, and removes salt, brown mineral stains, grease and grime. After washing, applying INFLATABLE BOAT PROTECT UV+ enhances and protects the appearance of your inflatable boat. It is suitable for Hypalon, PVC, rubber, plastic, and vinyl. It offers high UV protection, and it also has anti-static properties that helps extend the life of your inflatable boat.

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Teak cleaners in action

BEFORE AFTER Rust Off Gel in Action

Advanced Cleaning Technology

Enquiries email: info@cleanawerx.com.au

Teak Cleaning Series RUST OFF GEL

Rust Off Gel: Rust Stain and Oxidation Remover

• Cleans restores and brightens stainless steel • Brush on, soak and rinse off

SHAKE IT UP! AXOPAR 25

an innovative and compelling solution

Utilising Axopar’s knowledge and the time and effort spent developing the larger siblings in the range, Axopar are introducing a true crossover between comfortable day boating and extended island-hopping, where the seaworthiness and handling that all Axopars are renowned for come to the fore. An innovative and compelling solution, the Axopar 25 strictly adheres to its proven award-winning legacy and DNA. With the 25, Axopar dive into the thriving world of cuddy cruisers, and making another leap forward in terms of value for money – now offering more space, more overall comfort and more all-round capability. Eyachts managing director, Peter Hrones says, "The new Axopar 25 was extremely well received on its release at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival. To have an 8m (25ft) boat legally trailable in Australia and NZ is very exciting. The new Axopar 25 Cross Bow and Cross Top are set to be the ultimate all-rounder.” The wide helm console and front screen offer a helm seating area with more space and room for a step-through entrance to the front cabin, in a style used by other larger Axopar models. TA full-width cushioned sundeck is positioned atop the cabin roof, with a sloping backrest that follows the rake of the front screen “The Axopar 25 is like a mini Axopar 37 with a bow cabin and toilet, which means you can also do some overnighting on the water or road. Aussies will love to take the new Axopar 25 on road trip adventures and then, on arrival, keep the family entertained with some wakeboarding, water skiing, donutting, or just lazing about fishing and picnicking on board,” states Hrones. “A good spread of deck seating modules and storage options will enable customers to configure the boat precisely to their every need. The two most popular layouts will most likely follow the Axopar 22 with the U-shaped dining for 6 to 8 people with optional sunbed and the other option being the enormous toy storage area in the cockpit,” Hrones added. For Australia and New Zealand, one of the best-selling variants is likely to be the ever-popular, all-weather optional T-top version. The T-top roof is fixed securely in place by way of discreet, black-painted supports attached to bulwarks on either side. The roof consists of a fixed canvas top within a GRP surround and is also available with an optional folding canvas top that will open up the cockpit to the sun when wanted, or stay closed for maximum shade.

Axopar will now rigorously test the two prototype boats they had on display at the Cannes Yachting Festival for another 3 to 4 months before going into full production in late January 2022. Eyachts will have a display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2022.

Contact Eyachts for more… boats@eyachts.com.au or 9979 2443.

Choose the lens that suits and enhances every adventure.

The Photochromic How the Tonic PhotochromicCLARITY IN ANY CONDITIONS. SEEING IS BELIEVING. Glass lens construction. Lens adjusts to conditions. TONIC Glass Photochromic lenses, Copper or Grey, darken and light depending on ambient light conditions. These lenses have been designed and developed to

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TONIC Glass Photochromic Polarised Grey lens incorporates a 3 Colour Integrated Polarising Filter system using the colours: Green - to retain colour, Aqua - that acts as a splitter to define colour where it normally flattens out, TONIC Glass Photochromic Polarised Grey lens incorporates a 3 Colour and Grey - that gives deep contrast whilst activating the Photochromic Integrated Polarising Filter system using the colours: Green - to retain colour, properties. The TONIC Glass Photochromic Polarised Copper lens Aqua - that acts as a splitter to define colour where it normally flattens out, incorporates a 4 Colour Integrated Polarising Filter system using the same 3 and Grey - that gives deep contrast whilst activating the Photochromic colours as the grey with an additional Yellow - that enhances colour. properties. The TONIC Glass Photochromic Polarised Copper lens TONIC optically ground decentered glass lenses, Vistaview™, are a incorporates a 4 Colour Integrated Polarising Filter system using the same 3 lightweight 1.7mm thin glass, designed for wearing all day long and extremely colours as the grey with an additional Yellow - that enhances colour. light weight that you wouldn’t know they are actually glass. TONIC optically ground decentered glass lenses, Vistaview™, are a All TONIC Polarised glass lenses have an antireflective coating on the back lightweight 1.7mm thin glass, designed for wearing all day long and extremely light weight that you wouldn’t know they are actually glass. All TONIC Polarised glass lenses have an antireflective coating on the back surface of the lens, reducing back surface reflection by 45%. surface of the lens, reducing back surface reflection by 45%. Looking through a pair of TONIC’s you will enjoy true accuracy of depth and distance thanks to the decentered lens plus stunning colour saturation Looking through a pair of TONIC’s you will enjoy true accuracy of depth for reds, blues and greens - more vibrant than ever before. and distance thanks to the decentered lens plus stunning colour saturation for reds, blues and greens - more vibrant than ever before. LENSES FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS. LENSES FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

Did you know that different lens colours actually serve different purposes? The tint of your sunglass lenses can enhance your depth perception and reduce eye fatigue in different environments, improving your performance Did you know that different lens colours actually serve different purposes? The tint of your sunglass lenses can enhance your depth perception and across a number of sports, activities and alloutdoor activities. reduce eye fatigue in different environments, improving your performance across a number of sports, activities and alloutdoor activities.

TRANSITIONS FROM DARK TO LIGHT

In bright sunlight the lens is exposed to both visible and UV light. The lens changes to a darker shade and moves to its darkest state with an 86% tint. This means 86% of the light is blocked and only 14% passes through the lens to you eye providing maximum protection against intense sunlight.

TRANSITIONS FROM DARK TO LIGHTIn bright sunlight the lens is exposed to both visible and UV light. The lens changes to a darker shade and moves to its darkest state

In low light conditions the lens with an 86% tint. This means 86% of the light is blocked and only 14% passes through the moves to 67% allowing the maximum amount of light to reachlens to you eye providing maximum protection against intense sunlight. your eyes providing optimal daytime vision in cloudy or low light overcast conditions. Flemington Flemington combines our signature Slice Polarised Glass lens into a Handmade acetate frame that not only looks and performs as all Tonic Sunglasses

In low light conditions the lens moves to 67% allowing the maximum amount of light to reach your eyes providing optimal daytime vision in cloudy or low light overcast conditions. Flemington Flemington combines our signature Slice Polarised Glass lens into a Handmade acetate frame that not only looks and performs as all Tonic Sunglasses

All measurements show are in mm. All measurements show are in mm.

All measurements show are in mm. All measurements show are in mm.

OutbackOutback

51

39.5 51

39.5

135 15

NEW NEW

135 15

145 145

46

Outback offers a style that is both modest and Outback offers a style that is both modest and extremely comfortable, suitable for all day wear extremely comfortable, suitable for all day wear in any conditions. Available in the SliceLens, in any conditions. Available in the SliceLens, Outback will cut through glare and increase clarity Outback will cut through glare and increase clarity no matter what activity you’re involved in. no matter what activity you’re involved in.

All measurements show are in mm.All measurements show are in mm. 58

42.5

NEW NEW

58

42.5

135 15 135 15

150 150

50 50

Phone: +61 3 9761 7002 PO Box 547, Croydon, 3136, Victoria, Australia Phone: +61 3 9761 7002 PO Box 547, Croydon, 3136, Victoria, Australia