Logan River Fishing

Logan River An Epic Battle

By Ray Bricknell www.sbsfc.org

On the Logan River, I had one of the great fishing experiences of my life – one of those occasions you simply never forget.

I was out on the water very late for a morning fish. I travelled up to The Elbow, and the sounder indicated that the deep hole there was 50 feet deep at high tide.

Following advice, I anchored on the edge of the deep hole, in about 13 feet of water. I set two rods up in rod holders, one floating a bony bream I caught when throwing my bait net, a couple of metres below the surface, and the other on the bottom baited with a strip of mullet from my freezer. Both drags were set very light as I was trying to avoid having another rod and reel dragged over the side by a shark taking the bait “on the fly”. The bony bream lasted about 15 minutes and was taken without my seeing or hearing any action on the rod, so a big banana prawn went on to replace it.

I was rigging another rod, my tackle box open on the floor of the boat, when the rod up the front of the boat went off. It was exactly 11:00am. Something was taking the strip of mullet for a swim up the river – not a violent run; just very leisurely. I took the rod out of the rod holder, put a bit of tension on the line to sink the hook, and waited until the fish stopped taking the line.

After about 50 metres, it slowed a bit, and I started to try to recover some line. It didn’t take me long to realise I had a very big fish on the end of that line. You can tell when it is a very big fish – rather than frantically kicking and dashing and darting about, they seem to barely notice that they are dragging a line behind them.

I thought it was definitely not a shark. I have caught enough bull sharks in the Albert and Logan Rivers to know how they behave when hooked. They dash and dart all over the place, take you for a tour of the river, and nearly always leap out of the water soon after being hooked.

Neither did I think it was a big stingray. Stingrays have a characteristic feel to them when hooked, and this was not a ray. But it was a big fish, so I decided it had to be a jewfish, and it would clearly be the biggest jew I have ever caught.

The rig I had it on was about a 10 or 15 pound breaking strain mono line (say 5 to 7kg), two metres of 50 pound leader, a wire trace, and a live bait. I was determined to be patient, and to take as much time as was needed to tire the fish and gradually ease it to the boat.

The fish was covering a lot of territory, so I completely lost count of the number of times it swam around the boat and anchor line. It was at least six or eight times. I then decided to try to pull the anchor in, with one hand and a foot. I eventually got it in without losing the fish.

I was having to constantly walk from one end of the boat to the other to try to keep the line clear of my other rod and line. On one occasion, when the fish was going for a serious run, I stepped on the edge of my half-open tackle box and tipped the contents of one drawer all over the floor of the boat. What a mess!

At one point it swam just past the back of the boat and managed to wrap the line once around the propeller. I was able to tilt the motor out of the water with my spare hand and get the line off the prop. Then the fish headed for the big mangroves growing along the riverbank. When the boat was just two or three metres from the mangroves, the fish turned and headed out into the deeper water. Twice, I got the fish close enough to the surface to be able to see the top of my leader, but the water was too muddy for me to be able to see the fish before it headed off for another leisurely “run”.

Eventually, after about 55 minutes I got the fish close enough to the boat for me to be able to get hold of the end of the leader. And I am quite certain that the shark that came to the surface alongside my 3.7 metre boat was every centimetre of two metres long. Its head was at least 30cm across – probably more.

I got hold of the end of the wire trace. I was trying to decide whether or not I was game to try to get hold of the bottom jaw with my grippers, to try to get the hook out, when the shark gave a bit of a kick and solved that problem for me – by snapping the wire trace. I was actually very relieved at that outcome and will never forget that fishing experience.

Customised by Dylan Lopez

GEMINI BOATS QUEENSLAND

Australia's most experienced inflatable RIB designer, Dylan Lopez, has announced an exclusive Queensland distribution deal with Gemini Marine Boats.

Established in 1979, based in Cape Town, South Africa, Gemini Marine has designed and manufactured the most comprehensive range of RIBs and inflatable boats for many of the world’s rescue, military and patrol entities, and leisure markets for 40 years.

Gemini Boats QLD, headed by Lopez and located at Gold Coast City Marina, are equipped to customise boats for clients specific needs, with the product knowledge to guide buyers through the decision process, and deliver high quality after sales support. The Gemini boats offer resilience, reliability and durability in even the most extreme conditions. The rounded deep ‘V’ shaped Gemini hull offers great performance, comfort and excellent handling at top speeds, especially in heavy seas. They are built using the latest technology and techniques, ensuring quality and reliability.

All Gemini boats have been arduously tested on some of the most treacherous coastlines and sea conditions in the world. The Gemini Technical, Development and Quality Team work in partnership with clients on a wide variety of rescue, military and law enforcement projects. The Gemini client consultancy and progressive innovations ensure that they consistently meet the needs of customers to master the challenges of an ever-changing global market. The Gemini brand is most respected world-wide with a long list of users including NSW Water Police, Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Special Emergency Services, Royal New Zealand Navy, United Nations, Singapore Special Forces, UK Ministry of Defence, Olympic Security, African Union, to name but a few.

Gemini Marine has the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, assuring boat owners continuous quality management throughout the entire manufacturing production process.

To test drive a Gemini boat contact Dylan Lopez on Ph: 0424 487 226 dylan@gemini-marine-qld.com

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ANTIFOUL - COVERS - UPHOLSTERY - BOAT DETAILING BEST REFIT SERVICE TEAM

AT RUNAWAY BAY MARINA

RB Marine Covers, GC Antifoul and Bullet boats form a unique all-inone boat service centre at Runaway Bay Marina. Conveniently located on the Broadwater, it’s the ideal place to refresh your boat with any minor fibreglass repairs, annual antifouling and repair or replacement of your boat's marine covers and upholstery.

ANTIFOUL BOTTOM PAINTING - The application of a special type of paint used on the bottom of boats is designed to protect from micro-organisms that can eat away at your boat hull and reduce the efficiency of your vessel. Boat antifoul will provide a protective layer between your boat and the marine life, which usually lasts between 12 and 18 months depending on your location. In high-flow tidal areas, boat antifouling will need to be done a little more regularly than in a slow-moving tidal area due to many more micro-organisms passing by and attaching to the boat. Gold Coast Antifouling is also an agent for Propspeed propeller antifoul, which can improve your boat’s performance and economy.

MARINE COVERS AND UPHOLSTERY - The marine environment is harsh, and good quality covers will protect your boat when you are out at sea, moored, on a trailer or even in a storage facility. As a reputable marine trimmer, they only use top-quality UV-stable canvases, such as Sunbrella or Weather-Max 80 with a lifetime PTFE thread brand like Profolin, Healius or Tenara. The machinist will sew reinforced edges, finishing with a waterproofing spray to ensure there are no leaks. The team are capable of repairing or replacing; biminis, camping covers, clears, zippers, midge screens, window shields, hatch covers or even a cover for the entire boat. They can also repair or replace indoor and outdoor upholstery and bedding, throughout the boat.

HULL POLISHING - The professionally trained team also specialises in boat detailing and cleaning. All detailing packages include washing the boat from the waterline, cleaning under hatches, and all grooves and tracks. They will remove salt, bird droppings, water stains and grime. They can then buff and polish the gelcoat using a proven method of hull restoration to bring back the shine, while ensuring a protective coating.

FIBREGLASS REPAIRS - The team are skilled fibreglass repairers, able to undertake minor repairs and major boat repairs. The company is able to repair, restore, and build just about anything with fibreglass, from hulls to custom fibreglass parts. This includes minor scrapes from dock damage, to rebuilding after a major accident, and the restoration of old but reliable hulls, transoms, floors and stringers, and they are also experienced with bow thruster installation. With spray-painters on hand, the right paint work can be applied, so your boat will look good again with new gelcoat.

The team members pride themselves on delivering fast and extremely professional service from quality tradesmen, taking care of all your boat maintenance needs. For a free estimate on all these services, call Paul Tuesley Ph: 0417 173 257

Runaway successbuilt to go places

Interview by Caroline Strainig

Being able to pull up to a beach anywhere the fancy takes you is just one of the boats’ pluses. Smiles all round – happy owners and their friends enjoying the on-water lifestyle.

Manager Neil Stapleton (L) Salesperson Craig Winch (R)

Australian boat buyers are voting with their wallets when it comes to new luxury pontoon boats in which to cruise our waterways – and a longestablished Brisbane company is leading the way. Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats of Burbank/ Rochedale successfully manufactures and sells quality pontoon boats, proving that anything an overseas manufacturer can do an Aussie company can do as well, if not better. The company proudly and justifiably describes itself as “Australia’s Premier Builder of Basic to Luxury Pontoon Boats”. HERE TO STAY - Company manager Neil Stapleton attributes the strong demand to their boats’ build quality and easily customisable design, as well as the company’s excellent customer service and reliable local back-up. “Our parent company is Highgate Engineers, a division of Holmwood Highgate, a privately owned Australian company,” Neil said. “Holmwood Highgate was established in 1985, and today we have more than 200 employees. Buyers can have confidence that we will still be here for many years to come, which cannot be said of some companies who import boats from overseas. “Our pontoon boats are built by Australians for Australian conditions and that really shows in the build quality and their toughness. They are also built to Australian standards and even international standards, if required, and designed to be within standard towing width, so there are no issues towing them.” FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE - Neil knows all too well how important dealer and manufacturer back-up is, because it was after buying an imported pontoon boat for his own family that he came up with the idea of building an Australian-made version. “The imported boat in question was designed to cruise in freshwater in the USA and did not take kindly to constant immersion in corrosive salt water here in Australia,” Neil said. He found it difficult to get satisfactory dealer and manufacturer support for the problems that cropped up. Eventually, the dealer shut down and he was left on his own. Frustrated, he decided to build a pontoon boat himself, using his own ideas and the extensive expertise of the team at Highgate Engineers. The resulting two prototypes hit the water in 2008 and the rest – as they say – is history. Sales have continued to grow year on year, and their only issue is keeping up with demand, which is a wonderful issue to have. THE BEST - Company salesperson Craig Winch has been part of the success story since the beginning and his enthusiasm for the craft shines through in his comments. “We have some pretty special waterways in Australia and our boats are the perfect way to get out there and enjoy them,” Craig said. “Our pontoon boats can be built to survey, and we also offer various lengths and widths including many popular designs between 16 and 28-feet, all trailerable. Customers can choose their own colour scheme and customise their internal fit-out to some extent, so the boat layout truly reflects your personal preferences and usage. “They are all-day boats, designed for enjoying local waterways with your family and friends, whether that is fishing, water-skiing or wake-boarding, or just sitting back and taking in the world as you leisurely cruise on by. We work with clients to offer them the very best in sports fishing pontoon boats and leisure pontoon boats.” THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION - Neil noted that one of the aspects potential buyers appreciated the most was being able to visit the factory and see boats under construction, and observe first-hand Highgate Engineers’ meticulous attention to detail and build quality.

You can choose and customise the layout to suit your own envisaged usage.

“The company prides itself on a policy of continuous product development and improvement, while utilising the highest quality materials and keeping abreast of the latest technologies in the pursuit of perfection at a competitive price,” he said. “Those are big words and that is an ambitious goal, but it’s what we strive for, and I think our sales show how well we are achieving it.” In keeping with its underlying commitment of ongoing customer support, the company is also happy to repair and modernise older pontoon boats with new furniture. Neil said the reputation of the company is also reflected in the resale price of the boats, because owners often resell their boats for almost what they paid new, even after years of happy usage. Want your own dream boat? Call Craig at Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats to discuss your ideas. Prices start at $40,000 for a base boat excluding engines and trailer. You will find Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats at Highgate Engineers at 155 Ford Road, Burbank/Rochedale QLD. Office: (07) 3440 9000. Craig’s Mob: 0417 646 711 craig@runawaybaypontoonboats.com www.runawaybaypontoonboats.com

Integrity 520SX PLUS

Start your better boating lifestyle at

SPECTRUM MARINE

Formerly at Sanctuary Cove, Spectrum Marine is now conveniently located at Runaway Bay Marina. Spectrum has been best known for its role as the home the home of Integrity and Whitehaven Motor Yachts in Queensland. That role has been expanded in the last 12 months to include the amazing Aquila range of Power Catamarans, providing a full range of options for every boating lifestyle

Gavin Ward has joined the group as Dealer Principal and manages the day-to-day operations and sales across all brands and the range of brokerage vessels. Gavin has an extensive background in yacht sales and substantial expertise as a CEO in the corporate sector.

“Most of my life I have owned boats, raced boats, built them, repaired them and sold them. I’m passionate about the industry and I love talking to people about boats,” he says.

“In this role I will be working across all of our brands, each occupying distinct positions in the market. I’m also looking forward to contributing to some exciting developments. It’s a great time for our industry. We’re enjoying steady enquiry as people follow their hearts and make boating a priority. It’s all about family and leisure time, making memories. There’s nothing better than that!” Focusing on the boating lifestyles of clients, Spectrum Marine can offer a vast range of vessels to find the perfect solution for everyone’s boating needs; spanning luxury, long-range cruising, performance and entry level boating.

Whitehaven Motor Yachts can provide a wide selection of solutions, that can be adapted to embrace each owner’s vision of creating their ideal motor yacht. Aquila power catamarans have an impressive range of performance multihulls from the 28 foot Molokai offshore design to the luxurious Aquila 70. Integrity Motor Yachts have found a niche, delivering a high-quality finish, spacious design and easy, efficient operation with low maintenance and running costs.

On top of that, trading up has never been easier, with Spectrum Marine’s dedicated brokerage boat division.

“For us, it’s all about delivering lifestyle,” says Gavin. “We’re passionate about it, we live it every day! We love them, we use them, and we have many decades of experience as boaties and professionals in the business. With our substantial resources, the Spectrum Marine family can help owners get the best out of their boating experience.”

And there are many innovations to look forward to in 2023.

Extending on its existing success, we are looking forward to 2023 when we will be delivering some great new Integrity solutions. Key amongst that is the new 470 Coastal Express cruiser, which will embrace the traditional comfort and quality but will also provide a new ‘modern contemporary’ look and feel, plus provide genuine higher speed cruising capability for those who need to call for greater performance. This faster semi-displacement model is already in production and we will be releasing it when we talk to customers at this year’s Sydney Boat Show. We expect to have the first boat here in early 2023 and any new orders taken by August can be delivered in time for Summer boating in 2023.

Gavin Ward, Dealer Principal of Spectrum

Featuring advanced styling and higher speed cruising capability, this great new cruiser boasts a 17’2” beam at its widest point, offering huge volume accommodation for two couples, each with discrete shower and toilet facilities, including fully separate shower stall. No cramping in this is a luxury escape for you and your friends.

“It’s a real liveaboard innovation in the Integrity range,” explains Gavin. “As released the standard 520 should be capable of a top speed of around 22 knots.”

“It’s an exciting time to be involved in boating – whatever sort of boating you’re keen on – offshore fishing, custom, day boats, we have a variety of solutions to meet customer’s lifestyles” says Gavin.

“We are looking forward to catching up with our existing customers over winter with some exciting events and cruising experiences that will introduce owners to like-minded boating enthusiasts and show newcomers to boating some fantastic itineraries and anchorages.”

To get in touch with Gavin, phone: 0418 402 809 or email gavin@spectrummarine.com.au

SUITABLE FOR COMMERCIAL AND EMERGENCY PURPOSES

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unsinkable, indestructible, and comfortable

JOMO WILL PLANE WITH A 6HP OUTBOARD

The JOMO is an Australian designed, developed and made polyethylene boat that eliminates the anguish and irritation commonly associated with small boats.

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 roto-moulded 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 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.

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.

The JOMO is extremely versatile and can be modified for almost any use, from a tender to a fishing boat, it’s an all-rounder. 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.

JOMO is a boat for the world! To find out more, visit www.JOMOboats.com.au Me Tender Boats at Coomera Marine Precinct

AVAILABLE IN 9 EXCITING BOAT COLOURS

FEATURES

• licensed to carry four people • solid level non-slip floor • two large areas for dry storage • space for fuel tanks • anchor well with cleat mounted • handles ensure easy reach of passengers • bow handle makes moving simple • drink holders • six RailBlaza attachments and a CleatPort

OPTIONS:

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COMPLETE CLEANING & PROTECTION

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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 At all good stockists

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INTERIOR AND TRIM PROTECTION enhances and protects the appearance of high-end furnishings, 2-pack paint, vinyl, leather, rubbers, plastics and more. The product protects against the damaging effects of atmospheric pollutants and ultraviolet radiation. Applying a multipurpose protector with a non-stick finish produces an attractive glossy new look. TEAK DECK WASH assists with keeping your teak looking cleaner and natural for longer.

It is corrosion-inhibited and biodegradable. The product cleans and restores to a brighter and natural teak look.

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. National Wholesale Support & Distribution Centre - Coomera

For CleanAWORX info, contact Jeff 0449 266 673 Warehouse at Unit 3, 17 Ford Road, Coomera, QLD

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

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