Modern fishing yearbook 2016

Page 1

STCI4 1000FB | STCI4 2500HGFB | STCI4 C3000HGFB | STCI4 4000XGFB

ALL NEW MAGNUMLITE ROTOR The redesigned Magnumlite Rotor delivers ultra light, almost friction free rotation, enabling you to control the retrieve with ultimate precision and sensitivity. Lures become even more animated when using the Stradic Ci4+, and the ultra light experience lets you feel every movement of the lure, the bottom and ultimately the strike of the ďŹ sh, no matter how slight it is.

REDESIGNED MAGNUMLITE ROTOR NOW HAS THE BAIL ARM MECHANISM ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE TO THE LINE ROLLER FOR IMPROVED BALANCE AND LIGHTER OVERALL WEIGHT.

custom

ZODIAS 681 LIGHT SPIN ZODIAS 681 LIGHT / MEDIUM SPIN ZODIAS 702 LIGHT / MEDIUM SPIN ZODIAS 702 MEDIUM SPIN ZODIAS 661 LIGHT / MEDIUM BAITCAST ZODIAS 661 MEDIUM / HEAVY BAITCAST ZODIAS 510 MEDIUM BAITCAST ZODIAS 6 MEDIUM / HEAVY BAITCAST

VV28632

ZODIAS 7 ULTRA LIGHT SPIN

THE CREW

Yearbook 2016

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL Editor Adam Nicolson Senior Contributor Al McGlashan

DESIGN General Manager Sam Livolsi Creative Director Ryan Weeks Graphic Designer Matt Tan

CONTRIBUTORS Paul Malov, Alex Ciccozi, John Cahill, Tim Bishop, Peter Morris, Shane Murton, Al McGlashan, Lubin Pfeiffer

PRODUCTION Production Manager Bronwyn Rowe

ADVERTISING Director of Marketing Glenn Wright National Marketing Manager / Leisure & Motoring Division Michael Coiro Ph: 02 9741 3938 Fax: 02 9648 7293 Mobile: 0414 251 696 Email: mcoiro@expresspublications.com.au National Advertising Sales Manager / Leisure Division Mark Wilde Ph: 02 8719 3658 Fax: 02 9648 7293 Mobile: 0467 307 509 Email: mwilde@expresspublications.com.au Advertising Production Co-ordinator Cathy Drago Direct: 02 9741 3881 Email: cdrago@expresspublications.com.au

38 THE WILD COAST A journey to the fish-rich South

FEATURES 16 FLATS TACTICS Paul Malov shines the spotlight on one of his favourite fisheries, bream on the flats. As the water warms the fish move into shallower areas to feed which in turn opens up a bunch of exciting techniques for the summer!

28 ALLURE OF THE KING Finding quality kingfish on the reg requires skill, strength and dedication. Alex Ciccozi knows all too well the patience needed to crack these fish and shares with you some of his hard-earned tips

Australian waters of Arno Bay. John Cahill battles bad weather but finds some brutish fish that make this an ideal getaway for any keen offshore angler

48 HINZE HEAVY HITTERS Merely half an hour from the hustle and bustle of down-town Gold Coast lies a land-locked gem. Hinze Dam is home to a range of species but it’s the brutish Aussie bass providing the major drawcard

56 THE WORD ON WHITING Pete Morris loves the challenge of catching whiting on lures and shares some of his hard and fast techniques to ensure you catch your quota this summer

28

SUBSCRIPTIONS Freecall: 1800 801 647 Fax: (02) 9737 8017 Email: subs@magstore.com.au Back issues call 1800 801 647

RETAIL SALES Distribution enquiries – Circulation Department Email: circulation@emgroup.com.au Phone: (02) 8719 3503

PUBLISHED BY Published by EMG Express Media Group a division of Express Publications Pty Limited ACN 057 807 904 2 Stanley Street NSW 2128 Australia ph (02) 9741 3800 fax (02) 9748 1956, under licence from General Newspapers Pty Limited ABN 49 000 117 322, Double Bay Newspapers Pty Limited ABN 22 000 237 598 and Suburban Publications Pty Limited ABN 44 008 629 767. All rights reserved.

DISTRIBUTED BY Gordon & Gotch 26 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086

Singapore Distributor Pansing Distribution Pte Ltd Ph: +65 64577678 Email: infomags@pansing.com Email: infomags@pansing.com

All material in this magazine is protected by copyright laws and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the publisher. Prices and dates quoted in this issue were correct at the time of going to press but might be subject to variation. By submitting an unsolicited contribution to our magazine you agree to provide us with a licence to reproduce your material in print and electronic mediums worldwide with the right to edit any written contributions. All prices quoted in this magazine are current as at 31/10/16

48 64

38 56 IN EVERY ISSUE 8 ON THE WATER Ads battles Hurricane Matthew in search of his long-time dream of catching a Floridian redfish

10 SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Fishing a cure for cancer? Well, not quite but it certainly has its healing capabilities as Al McGlashan finds out

12 THROUGH THE LENS Check out some of the epic captures from Modern Fishing readers and find out how you can win with just the click of a shutter

64 ALL ROUND ANGLER Circle hooks will catch you more

66 CUTTING EDGE

Getting a lure deep in the snags will undoubtedly increase your catch but you’ll also encounter snags. Lubin offers a few tips to deal with snags and get back in the game

68 SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Estuary perch are a popular target in coastal estuaries and lakes right around the south eastern part of the country. Here’s all you need to know!

72 PRODUCT REVIEW Honda Marine unveils their new portable range of four stroke engines

74 THE TACKLE ADDICT A great range of Christmas gifts from the guys at Mo Tackle, all for under $50!

78 THE GOODS! A sneak peek at the latest and greatest gear

70 PRODUCT PROFILE Affordable fishing adventures to dream locations in the Coral Sea…..you can’t beat that!

fish when bottom bashing. Shane Murton looks at the advantages they provide

16

MODERN FISHING

5

k o owith these in H

NEW TT LURES PRODUCTS HEADLOCKZ EXTREME

CHINLOCKZ FINESSE

JIG SPINNER HD

77 /XUHV KDYH WDNHQ WKLQJV WR DQRWKHU OHYHO ZLWK %,* MLJKHDGV WR VXLW %,**(5 SODVWLFV DQG VWRS (9(1 %,**(5 èVK $YDLODEOH LQ ;+ DQG ;+ KRRN VL]HV LQ DQG R] ZHLJKWV

1RZ \RX FDQ èVK \RXU IDYRXULWH èQHVVH SODVWLF ZHHGOHVV RQ WKH VXUIDFH RU D GHDG VORZ VLQN ZLWK 77ØV &KLQORFN= )LQHVVH 77 /XUHV ×FKLQ ORFNØ V\VWHP LV GHVLJQHG WR VHFXUH \RXU SODVWLF LQ SODFH $YDLODEOH LQ KRRN VL]HV DQG

%XLOW RQ D KHDY\ GXW\ VWDLQOHVV VWHHO ZLUH WR KDQGOH ODUJH DQG DJJUHVVLYH SUHGDWRUV DQG KHDY\ GUDJ VHWWLQJV &OLS LW WR \RXU MLJKHDG WR DGG éDVK DQG YLEUDWLRQ ZKLOH DOVR LQFUHDVLQJ VQDJ UHVLVWDQFH $YDLODEOH LQ VPDOO DQG ODUJH IUDPH VL]H LQ DQG EODGH VL]HV

CHINLOCKZ SWS EXTREME

SNAKELOCKZ FINESSE

BUZZLOCKZ

,I LWØV D %,* ZHHGOHVV SODVWLF \RXØUH DIWHU FKHFN RXW WKH &KLQORFN= 6:6 QRZ LQ H[WUHPH VL]HV %HOO\ ZHLJKW IRU NHHOLQJ D QDWXUDO VLQN DQG DGGLWLRQDO FDVWLQJ GLVWDQFH ×FKLQ ORFNØ V\VWHP WR VHFXUH \RXU SODVWLF LQ SODFH DQG DYDLODEOH LQ ;+ DQG ;+ LQ DQG R] ZHLJKWV ([WUHPH MLJKHDGV DUH LGHDO IRU XVH ZLWK WKH QHZ =0DQ Û 0DJ 6ZLP= DQG Û +HUR= ; 7RXJK SODVWLFV

*HW \RXU IDYRXULWH èQHVVH SODVWLF GHHS LQWR VWUXFWXUH ZKHUH WKH èVK DUH $UWLFXODWHG KHDG IRU PD[LPXP DFWLRQ ×FKLQ ORFNØ V\VWHP WR ORFN WKH VRIW SODVWLF in place and stainless steel wire twist lock system DOORZLQJ \RX WR PL[ DQG PDWFK KHDG ZHLJKWV DQG KRRN VL]HV $YDLODEOH LQ KRRN VL]HV DQG LQ DQG R] DQG DQG LQ DQG R]

&DOO WKH èVK WR \RXU VRIW SODVWLF RU RWKHU OXUH DQG ZLWQHVV VRPH HSLF VXUIDFH VWULNHV ZLWK WKLV EODGHG EX]] EODGH &RPHV èWWHG ZLWK D 77 /XUHV &KLQORFN= 6:6 MLJKHDG IRU NHHOLQJ \RXU VRIW SODVWLF DQG ORFNLQJ LW LQ SODFH 6WDLQOHVV VWHHO ZLUH WZLVW ORFN system allows you to switch hooks or attach your %X]]ORFN= WR RWKHU KRRNV RU OXUHV $YDLODEOH LQ KRRN VL]HV DQG LQ EODGH VL]HV

NEW ZMAN MODELS! EZ SHRIMPZ 3.5”

The ultimate 10X Tough ElaZtech prawn / shrimp imitation with a segmented ERG\ DQG èQH OHJV IRU DGGHG UHDOLVP DQG PD[LPXP DFWLRQ $YDLODEOH ULJJHG DQG XQULJJHG

UNRIGGED (4pk) – The EZ ShrimpZ can be rigged on a TT Lures HeadlockZ HD MLJKHDG RU ZHHGOHVV ULJJHG RQ D &KLQORFN= RU 6QDNHORFN= MLJKHDG IRU èVKLQJ VQDJJ\ DUHDV

RIGGED SN Õ 7KH ULJJHG (= 6KULPS= IHDWXUHV D XQLTXH ZHLJKW V\VWHP WKDW ORFNV LQ SODFH WR FUHDWH D UHDOLVWLF KRUL]RQWDO VLQN DQG LV EXLOW RQ D TXDOLW\ 0XVWDG 8OWUD3RLQW FKHPLFDOO\ VKDUSHQHG KRRN 5HDG\ WR JR VWUDLJKW RXW RI WKH SDFNHW DW R] WKLV XQLTXH ZHLJKW V\VWHP KDV VHJPHQWV PDUNHG RQ WKH ZHLJKW DOORZLQJ \RX WR EUHDN VHFWLRQV RII ZKHQ D OLJKWHU SUHVHQWDWLRQ LV UHTXLUHG

TRICK SWIMZ 3.5”

STREAKZ CURLY TAILZ 5”

TURBO CRAWZ 4”

» /DUJH XQGHUFXW WDLO IRU PD[LPXP DFWLRQ

» 3RSXODU SURèOH QRZ LQ D ODUJHU VL]H

» 'HDGO\ VXUIDFH RU VXEVXUIDFH SUHVHQWDWLRQ

» 5LEEHG ERG\ IRU DGGLWLRQDO ZDWHU PRYHPHQW and holding scent

» 0LQQRZ ERG\ ZLWK EHOO\ VORW IRU HDV\ ZHHGOHVV rigging and holding scent

» 7KXPSLQJ 7XUER &ODZ= GUDZ èVK WR WKH OXUH

» 5HDOLVWLF EDLWèVK SURèOH

» /RQJ OLYHO\ FXUO WDLO WR DWWUDFW èVK DQG trigger strikes

» $OVR SHUIHFW DV D VSLQQHUEDLW &KDWWHU%DLW DQG jig trailer

AVAILABLE NOW

A UNIQUE COMBINATION of professional-level features plus easy-to-use operation makes the new HDS III Series of fishfinders/ chartplotters both exclusive and yet some how effortless. And now see underwater like never before with the new StructureScan 3D*.

See it. Believe it. Superior Lowrance® target separation Visibly better screens Faster interface Full boat integration and system control

· · · ·

Learn more at Lowrance.com Download and upload maps, software, and apps direct to your fishfinder / chartplotter.

*Optional accessory sold separately

ON THE WATER with Adam Nicolson

Ads battles Hurricane Matthew in search of his long-time dream of catching a Floridian redďŹ sh

A FLORIDA FIRST

here are few things quite like ticking off a new species that has sat atop your bucket list for a lengthy amount of time, DQG IRU PH RQH RI WKRVH Ă€ VK WKDW ,¡YH KHOG LQ VXFK KLJK UHJDUG LV WKH UHGĂ€ VK 7KLV LV D Ă€ VK IRXQG PRVWO\ LQ WKH VRXWK HDVWHUQ VWDWHV RI $PHULFD DQG KDYH TXLWH RIWHQ EHHQ FRPSDUHG WR RXU PXOORZD\ EDFN KHUH 7KH\ are not completely dissimilar in appearance KRZHYHU RQ FORVHU LQVSHFWLRQ WKHUH LV TXLWH D FRQWUDVW , ZDV OXFN\ HQRXJK WR PDNH WKLV FORVHU LQVSHFWLRQ IRU P\VHOI UHFHQWO\ DV , WUDYHOOHG WR WKH QRUWK RI )ORULGD WR YLVLW IDPLO\ DQG RI FRXUVH , ZDVQ¡W JRLQJ WR OHDYH ZLWKRXW KDYLQJ D GHFHQW FUDFN DW D UHGGLH Unfortunately, Hurricane Matthew decided WR SOD\ QDVW\ 7KH VWDWH RI )ORULGD DQG WKH SHRSOH OLYLQJ WKHUH DUH SUHWW\ ZHOO YHUVHG LQ WKH KXUULFDQH JDPH EXW WKLV ZDV QR RUGLQDU\ VWRUP Hurricane Matthew absolutely decimated islands in the Caribbean, particularly Haiti, and unlike VR PDQ\ KXUULFDQHV LQ WKH SDVW 0DWWKHZ GLGQ¡W WXUQ RXW WR VHD ,QVWHDG LW PDGH D EHHOLQH VWUDLJKW IRU )ORULGD JUDGXDOO\ VWUHQJWKHQLQJ DV LW PRYHG XS WKH FRDVW ,W WXUQV RXW WKLV ZDV JRLQJ WR EH a once in a hundred year storm and we were OLYLQJ VPDFN EDQJ RQ WKH EHDFK LQ RQH RI WKH ZRUVW DIIHFWHG DUHDV $Q HYDFXDWLRQ ZDV LQ RUGHU KRZHYHU ZH KDG WKUHH GD\V WR SUHS DQG E\ SUHS , PHDQ Ă€ VK 0\ EURWKHU LV OLYLQJ LQ )ORULGD VR LW ZDV KDQG\ WR NQRZ VRPH ORFDOV ZKR ZHUH SUHWW\ FRQĂ€ GHQW RQ SXWWLQJ XV RQWR VRPH Ă€ VK DQG RQ WRS RI WKH KLW OLVW ZDV UHGGLHV , KDYH ZDWFKHG FRXQWOHVV YLGHRV RQ Ă RRG WLGH VLJKW Ă€ VKLQJ IRU WDLOLQJ UHGV RQ Ă \

T

The Ed’s ďŹ rst redďŹ sh‌.a ‘two spotter’ as the locals would call it for obvious reasons

We didn’t manage any of the famous ood tide reds, but it wasn’t from a lack of trying!

8

www.modernfishing.com.au

DQG OXUH DQG WKLV ZDV P\ LGHDO VFHQDULR :LWK the hurricane pushing a huge amount of strom VXUJH XS WKH FRDVW WKRXJK WKH Ă RRG WLGHV ZHUH unusually large which meant spotting the reds in the deeper water amongst the grass almost LPSRVVLEOH :H FKDQJHG WDFW DQG KHDGHG IRU D GHHSHU VWUHWFK RI ZDWHU EXW QRW EHIRUH Ă€ QGLQJ D IHZ OLYH EDLWV DPRQJVW WKH JUDVV &DVW QHWWLQJ bait in the channels that sweep through these PDVVLYH JUDVV SODLQV ZDV DQ H[SHULHQFH LQ LWVHOI DV WKH HQYLURQPHQW LV VR GLIIHUHQW WR ZKDW ZH KDYH EDFN KRPH $IWHU SXOOLQJ XS QH[W WR D GHHS URFN ZDOO , ZDV DPD]HG WR Ă€ QG DQ DUP\ RI VOHHN American glass boats jotted all along the rock ZDOO DQG , FRXOGQ¡W KHOS EXW WKLQN KRZ WKH Ă€ VKLQJ ZDV VXSSRVHGO\ VR JRRG ZLWK VR PDQ\ DQJOHUV -XVW DERXW HYHU\RQH Ă€ VKHV LQ )ORULGD , ZDV DERXW WR Ă€ QG RXW MXVW KRZ IDU D ZHOO PDQDJHG Ă€ VKHU\ JRHV GHVSLWH WKH KXJH QXPEHU RI DQJOHUV $OPRVW as soon as the baits hit the water we were onto VRPH VPDOOLVK UHGV DQG EHLQJ WKH QHZELH , DP , ZDV Ă€ UVW XS RQ WKH URG DQG PLQXWHV ODWHU P\ Ă€ UVW UHGĂ€ VK KLW WKH GHFN DQG , ZDV VWRNHG 0\ EUR NQRFNHG RYHU D QHZ 3% QH[W DQG Ă LFNLQJ D IHZ plastics off the front deck we also managed to rack XS D WDOO\ RI RWKHU VSHFLHV LQFOXGLQJ RYHUVL]HG Ă RXQGHU DQG PRUH )LVKLQJ WUDYHO LV ZKDW , OLYH IRU DQG WKHUH LV nothing quite like getting connected to new VSHFLHV LQ D QHZ ORFDWLRQ DQG , ORYH FRQQHFWLQJ with anglers all the way across the other side of WKH ZRUOG ,¡OO EH EDFN IRU D SURSHU VKRW DW WKRVH Ă RRG WLGH UHGV LQ QR WLPH

Ads

Pro XS FourStroke Performance RedeďŹ ned Built on the legendary Pro XS reputation for superior hole shot, top end speed and durability. Mercury’s new 115HP Pro XS FourStroke redefines outboard performance. Visit mercurymarine.com.au to find out more.

There are few things more exciting than seeing your ďŹ rst marlin take to the air

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR with Al McGlashan

Fishing a cure for cancer? Well, not quite but it certainly has its healing capabilities

HEALING-FISHING STYLE ishing has long been recognised as Australia’s most-participated pastime activity with close WR Ă€ YH PLOOLRQ DQJOHUV :H DOO NQRZ LW¡V D SRVLWLYH EHQHĂ€ W WR VRFLHW\ KRZHYHU UHFHQWO\ LW has also been proving to show strong healing EHQHĂ€ WV DV ZHOO 5HVHDUFK LV VKRZLQJ WKDW Ă€ VKLQJ KDV VWURQJ KHDOLQJ FDSDELOLWLHV IRU D wide range of illnesses from returned servicemen GHDOLQJ ZLWK SRVW WUDXPDWLF VWUHVV PHQWDO LOOQHVV and even cancer patients. I guess it’s a combination RI IDFWRUV WKDW KHOS WR PDNH Ă€ VKLQJ VR JRRG LW¡V

F

more people getting out on the water. Some time ago I was chatting with my old mate Craig Rushby from the Compleat Angler down in Illawarra when KH PHQWLRQHG WKH LGHD RI WDNLQJ .LP +DOOH\ À VKLQJ Kim’s a regular in his shop but she wasn't always into À VKLQJ %DUHO\ LQ KHU WKLUWLHV VKH FRSSHG WKH GUHDGHG QHZV DOO JLUOV IHDU EUHDVW FDQFHU 6KH EHDW LW WKDQNV LQ ODUJH WR KHU QHZ IRXQG ORYH RI À VKLQJ 6HH .LP WRRN XS À VKLQJ GXULQJ WKRVH GDUN WLPHV RI FKHPRWKHUDS\ À QGLQJ LW D JUHDW ZD\ WR HDVH WKH VWUHVV DQG UHOD[ despite the uncertainty in her future. Now Kim is

“Sometimes all the drugs in the world aren’t as good as simply getting outdoors and close to nature to get you in a good headspace again!� HAVE YOUR SAY! Join the conversation at WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MODERNFISHING

UHOD[LQJ LW JHWV \RX FORVH WR QDWXUH EXW RQ WKH VDPH note draws out that primal hunting instinct we are steadily losing from our insulated societies these days. So it is full of positives for your mind and soul. , ORYH P\ Ă€ VKLQJ DQG DP UHDOO\ SDVVLRQDWH DERXW giving back to the community in a way that sees Kim with her ďŹ rst marlin. What better way to take your mind off the pressures of everyday life!

10

www.modernfishing.com.au

IXOO\ UHFRYHUHG DQG Ă€ VKLQJ KDV EHFRPH D ODUJH SDUW of her life! Cancer is one of those evils that seems to have WRXFKHG HYHU\RQH LQ VRPH ZD\ VR KHDULQJ .LP V story I decided that this girl deserved something special after such a rough trot. What better way than to upgrade her personal biggest capture of a PHDVO\ FP Ă DWKHDG WR D KXJH PDUOLQ %HWWHU VWLOO P\ SURGXFHU %UDG &RQH ORYHG WKH LGHD DQG TXLFNO\ turned it into an episode of Fishn’ With Mates for Channel Nine. What started as a small idea suddenly grew into a big one and before we knew it we were surprising the hell out of Kim when I called her out of the crowd during a ‘meet and greet’ at the Compleat Angler. The look on her face was priceless when I announced we ZHUH JRLQJ PDUOLQ Ă€ VKLQJ EXW LW ZDV QRWKLQJ RQ ZKDW was to come! 1H[W VWRS ZDV WKH FRQWLQHQWDO VKHOI RII .LDPD LQ NSW where Kim didn’t have long to wait before she ZDV ORFNHG LQ EDWWOH ZLWK D KLJK Ă \LQJ EDFN PDUOLQ $OWKRXJK , KDYH WR DGPLW ZKHQ , Ă€ UVW KDQGHG KHU WKH URG VKH KDQGHG LW VWUDLJKW EDFN PDNLQJ IRU VRPH great TV! ,W ZDV WKH SHUIHFW VL]HG Ă€ VK DQG VKH VRRQ KDG KHU GUHDP Ă€ VK WLFNHG RII EXW ZLWK WKH ZKROH GD\ DKHDG RI XV WKLV ZDV RQO\ WKH EHJLQQLQJ DQG ZH ZDVWHG OLWWOH time in chasing down number two. To makes things even better this time we used the rod that Compleat Angler and Shimano had kindly given to her to use. Everything went like clockwork and an hour later she was cranking the handle on her TLD 2 speed as a VWULSHG PDUOLQ ZHQW EDOOLVWLF RXW WKH EDFN 7ZR ELOOĂ€ VK species in one day is about as good as it gets! ,W LV LPSRVVLEOH WR GHVFULEH WKH H[FLWHPHQW WKDW Ă€ UVW WLPH Ă€ VKHUV JHW ZKHQ WKH\ IHHO D Ă€ VK RQ WKHLU OLQH HVSHFLDOO\ D ELJ RQH ,W¡V IRU WKLV UHDVRQ ZK\ Ă€ VKLQJ KDV VXFK VWURQJ KHDOLQJ DELOLWLHV KHOSLQJ SHRSOH like Kim through the darkest part of their lives. Sometimes all the drugs in the world aren’t as good as simply getting outdoors and close to nature to get you in a good headspace again!

Made for boats... Just boats

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE

Perfectly adapted to life on the water. Built with thicker plates and Century’s exclusive Platelock™ technology to combat wave pounding, engine vibration and damage from transportation by trailers. Available in a range of sizes and designs Century Marine Pro batteries are made just for your boat. For more information on Century’s range of products, contact your nearest Century reseller on 13 22 87 or visit www.centurybatteries.com.au Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

PLATELOCKTM TECHNOLOGY: VIBRATION RESISTANCE

DESIGNED & BUILT FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS

DUAL PURPOSE: STARTING & SEMI-CYCLING

THR UGH 077 M

M

m 5m

1:2-8

M LENS ZOO

17 -3

Mako Blade HOW TO ENTER Congratulations to this month’s winner! You’re taking away a brand new pair of Mako Blade polarised sunnies and a Mako fishing shirt and cap valued at over $390!

It’s pretty simple. Each month, we’ll be posting the competition on the Modern Fishing Facebook page and all you need to do is drop your best pics in the comments section and tag a fishing buddy. Alternatively, you can email us anytime at editorial@modernfishing.com.au with your best high resolution images. Get snapping!

WINNER

Matt Cools got it done with this pair of chunky yellowfin bream. Great fish Matt, we love the shot!

Luke Willoughby found some glamour conditions fishing out of Mackay and managed to connect to some reasonably rare giant herring. Great fish Luke!

Leigh Holtsbaum and brother in law Ryan capitalised on the sensational Gold Coast yellowfin bite this year and came away with a win in this month’s photo comp! Congrats lads! These are the two landed from a spectacular triple hook up. 12

www.modernfishing.com.au

We know that fishos around the country love a good fishy image and we want to showcase those epic shots of yours and give you the chance to WIN BIG! Stewart Hansen caught this chunky Aussie bass on an Atomic surface walker and nailed an awesome underwater shot of it too. Nice pic Stewart!

When Justin Speranza heads out to chase a few flatties, he actually means crocs! What a beast mate and a great photo to top it off!

Whoa! Put a saddle on it! Owen Gray fished just north of Noosa from his ‘yak and sight casted this massive 1.65m cobia with a garfish.

this solid Spanish Dave Kilgallon put the brakes on managed to get the and t coas t wes the on mackerel over Dave! sh fi at bite on a popper. Gre

Aaron Crompton scored this belter of a whiting on a Bassday Sugapen and managed a pretty nice shot to go with it. Well done Aaron!

Brett Amos battled with this solid GT in prime conditions and ended up with a top flick to prove it! Good stuff Brett!

Sometimes the best fish images are the ones that focus purely on the fish as is this one captured by Chris Barb of a stunning little rainbow trout and the dry fly that fooled it. Thanks Chris! MODERN FISHING

13

By Garry Loomis Master craftsmanship by the master of rod builders…….

YOU’VE NEVER SEEN A FISHING ROD QUITE LIKE AN EDGE! Gary Loomis is back in the rod crafting game and with his new brand EDGE Rods……his game is stronger than ever! EDGE has taken the world by storm – these hand-rolled pieces of art deliver superior sensitivity and uncompromised performance by following Gary’s ideology that “weight is a deterrent to performance.” EDGE Rods are shaped by decades of experience.

AVAILABLE IN FLY, SPIN AND BAITCAST MODELS

To have a closer look at the EDGE range, and to find your nearest stockists, check out

www.fish-tecsolutions.com or email sales@fish-tecsolutions.com

Give us a follow at

Check out EDGE RODS from...

QXBOWMF001

How to convince the family to JR ´VKLQJ HYHU\ ZHHNHQG Let’s face it, you need all the help you can get WR VOLS DZD\ ´VKLQJ DV RIWHQ DV SRVVLEOH :HOFRPH WR RXU %RZULGHU 5DQJH %RDWV GHVLJQHG IRU ERWK IDPLOLHV DQG ´VKHUPHQ 7KH EODGH hull with a sharper stem line slices through any conditions, while the raised deck means greater visibility. Meantime the easy-fold lounge is super comfy and such a cinch to stow, even kids can GR LW 6XGGHQO\ LW­V D SLHFH RI FDNH WR WDON WKH IDPLO\ LQWR D ´VKLQJ WULS :KR NQRZV" 7KH\ PLJKW ZDQW WR JR HYHU\ ZHHNHQG 7R GLVFRYHU \RXU IDYRXULWH 4XLQWUH[ YLVLW TXLQWUH[ FRP DX

BOWRIDERS Built by Quintrex. Loved by Aussies.

BREAM ON THE FLATS

TACTICS As the water warms, the flats fire up and there are few better ways to spend a warm summers day than cranking a few lures across a productive flat in search of big bream. Paul Malov shares his tournament winning techniques WORDS BY PAUL MALOV IMAGES BY PAUL MALOV, ALEX FRANCHUK, DAVID WOLTSCHENKO

16

www.modernfishing.com.au

MODERN FISHING

17

Soft plastic and hardbody creature baits do a great job of imitating the many crustaceans that bream feed on across these ats

18

www.modernfishing.com.au

BREAM ON THE FLATS

TIPS

Don’t b part of a e afraid to sac little bit bank, or shall rifice a small the first of research, be ow flat to do a cas for sectio t. What feels e you make session n, could turn in like a wasted to a , if y the fish ou know exactlykiller want on the day. what

ODWV À VKLQJ IRU EUHDP LV RIWHQ DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK VKDOORZ VDQG\ RU PXGG\ DUHDV WKDW ULVH XS IURP RXW RI WKH GHHS KRZHYHU WKHUH DUH D QXPEHU RI YDULDWLRQV WR WKLV WKDW ZLOO DWWUDFW OHVV DWWHQWLRQ IURP RWKHU DQJOHUV EXW VWLOO À VK FRQVLVWHQWO\ ZHOO QR PDWWHU ZKDW WLPH RI WKH \HDU RU ZHDWKHU FRQGLWLRQV )LVKLQJ WKH Á DWV LV D JUHDW ZD\ WR JHW \RXQJVWHUV DQG QHZ DQJOHUV LQWR WKH VSRUW RI À VKLQJ ZLWK OLJKW OLQHV DQG VRIW SODVWLF KDUG ERG\ OXUHV

F

7KHUH DUH VRPH VLPSOH WHFKQLTXHV WKDW FDQ EH XVHG WR WHDFK WKHP WKH IXQGDPHQWDOV RI À VKLQJ &DWFKLQJ D IHZ À VK DQG PLQLPLVLQJ WKH RQHV WKDW JHW DZD\ LV DOVR D ERQXV GXH WR WKH IDFW WKDW WKHUH·V YHU\ OLWWOH VWUXFWXUH IRU WKH À VK WR À QG WR ZUDS DURXQG RU GLYH LQ WR DQG EXVW \RX RII RQ $QJOHUV WKDW FRQVLVWHQWO\ À VK ZHOO RYHU WKH Á DWV KDYH ZRUNHG RXW WKH OLWWOH LQWULFDFLHV DQG YDULDWLRQV LQ ERWWRP FRQWRXUV DQG YHJHWDWLRQ DV ZHOO DV OXUH FKRLFH DQG UHWULHYHV WKDW JHW WKH À VK À UHG XS

“If they are head down, tail up, surrounded by a cloud of mud, I know they are feeding on worms or nippers” NO FLAT THE SAME 7KLQNLQJ RXWVLGH WKH VTXDUH FDQ XQORFN VRPH VSHFLDO QHZ À VKLQJ VSRWV WKDW \RX KDG QHYHU FRQVLGHUHG EHIRUH :H RIWHQ DVVRFLDWH D FHUWDLQ À VKLQJ DUHD ZLWK D SDUWLFXODU WHFKQLTXH RU VSHFLHV RI À VK KRZHYHU RYHU WKH ODVW IHZ \HDUV , KDYH VWDUWHG WR XQORFN VRPH QHZ DUHDV WKDW RIWHQ JHW RYHUORRNHG E\ RWKHU DQJOHUV EXW KDYH GHOLYHUHG VRPH VSHFWDFXODU UHVXOWV HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WRXUQDPHQWV ZKHUH WLPLQJ DQG FKRRVLQJ WKH ULJKW ORFDWLRQ LV HYHU\WKLQJ 6XSHU VKDOORZ Á DWV ² P ² :KHQ WKH ZLQG LV UHDOO\ KRZOLQJ DQG WKHUH LV HQRXJK ZDWHU RYHU WKH Á DWV WKLV LV P\ SUHIHUUHG WLPH WR WDUJHW WKH UHDOO\ VKDOORZ DUHDV , ZDQW WKH ZLQG WR EH EORZLQJ WKDW KDUG WKDW LW·V DOPRVW XQFRPIRUWDEOH WR À VK 7RXJK FRQGLWLRQV QRUPDOO\ PHDQ OHVV SHRSOH À VKLQJ WKH Á DWV DQG LI WKH À VK DUH WKHUH WKHQ WKH\ VKRXOG HDW ZLWKRXW KHVLWDWLRQ DV WKH FKRSS\ FRQGLWLRQV PDNH WKHP IDU OHVV ZDU\ 7KHVH FRQGLWLRQV DUH HQKDQFHG HYHQ PRUH LQ D WLGDO HQYLURQPHQW ZKHUH ZDWHU FRPSOHWHO\ GUDLQV RII RQ D ORZ WLGH DQG WKHQ FRYHUV WKH Á DWV RQ D KLJK WLGH DJDLQ )LVK ZLOO PRYH RII WKH Á DWV DV WKH ZDWHU GUDLQV RII DQG ZLOO VLW LQ WKH JXWWHUV DQG FKDQQHOV QHDUE\ EXW RQFH WKH WLGH ULVHV DJDLQ DQG FRYHUV WKHVH Á DWV WKH\ ZLOO PRYH

EDFN XS DQG VWDUW WR DFWLYHO\ IHHG 7KHUH DUH VHYHUDO NH\ IRRG JURXSV WKDW À VK OLNH EUHDP ZLOO IRFXV RQ RYHU WKHVH VKDOORZ Á DWV WKHVH DUH SUHGRPLQDQWO\ ZRUPV FUXVWDFHDQV DQG PLQQRZV 4XLWH RIWHQ , ZLOO VSHQG D OLWWOH ELW RI WLPH DQG VDFULÀ FH D SDUW RI WKH Á DW WR ORRN LQ WKH DUHDV WKDW ,·P À VKLQJ WR WU\ VSRW D FRXSOH RI À VK DQG ORRN DW WKHLU EHKDYLRXU ,I WKH\ DUH KHDG GRZQ WDLO XS VXUURXQGHG E\ D FORXG RI PXG , NQRZ WKH\ DUH IHHGLQJ RQ ZRUPV RU QLSSHUV KRZHYHU LI , FDQ VHH SUDZQV RU EDLWÀ VK VFDWWHULQJ DQG EUHDNLQJ WKH VXUIDFH WKHQ , NQRZ WKDW LW·V OLNHO\ WKHUH DUH SDFNV RI À VK URDPLQJ RYHU WKH Á DWV KXQWLQJ GRZQ DQ\ SUDZQV RU EDLW À VK WKDW PLJKW EH LQ WKH DUHD 7KLV VPDOO SLHFH RI LQIRUPDWLRQ DOORZV PH WR PDNH DQ LQIRUPHG OXUH DQG WHFKQLTXH FKRLFH ,W·V RIWHQ XVHOHVV WR WU\ WR LPLWDWH D Á HHLQJ SUDZQ VNLSSLQJ DFURVV WKH VXUIDFH ZKHQ WKH EUHDP DUH IRFXVLQJ LQ RQ VXFNLQJ ZRUPV RXW RI WKH PXG DQG FDQ·W VHH \RXU OXUH DQG DOWHUQDWLYHO\ WKHUH·V QR SRLQW WKURZLQJ D KHDY\ GDUN FRORXUHG FUDE LPLWDWLRQ WLJKW WR WKH ERWWRP ZKHQ WKH À VK DUH PRYLQJ TXLFNO\ DQG DUH NH\HG LQ RQ QDWXUDO FRORXUHG PLQQRZV RU SUDZQV FORVH WR WKH VXUIDFH

MODERN FISHING

19

BREAM ON THE FLATS So now you have found some likely ORRNLQJ Ă DWV ZKLFK \RX NQRZ DUH KROGLQJ Ă€ VK 7KH ZLQG LV EORZLQJ KDUG \RX QRZ KDYH WKH SHUIHFW UHFLSH IRU VRPH IDVW DQG IXULRXV DFWLRQ ZKHUH WHFKQLTXH RIWHQ GRHVQ¡W UHDOO\ PDWWHU ,W¡V RIWHQ HQRXJK MXVW WR FDVW RXW D VRIW SODVWLF RU KDUG ERG\ LQWR WKH IHHGLQJ ]RQH DQG \RX¡OO EH KRRNHG XS LQ D PDWWHU RI VHFRQGV 7LPLQJ ZKHQ WR Ă€ VK WKHVH LV FULWLFDO )LUVW DQG ODVW OLJKW LV RIWHQ EHVW KRZHYHU LI \RX JHW DQ RYHUFDVW RU UHDOO\ ZLQG\ GD\ GRQ¡W EH DIUDLG WR WU\ WKHVH Ă DWV DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ WKH GD\ DV ORQJ DV WKHUH LV HQRXJK ZDWHU WKHUH -XVW UHPHPEHU WKDW LI \RX FDQ VHH WKH Ă€ VK WKH\ FDQ VHH \RX DQG WKDW PDNHV LW UHDOO\ KDUG WR FRQYHUW D ORRNHU LQWR D WDNHU

2Q ZLQG\ GD\V VWDNHRXW SROHV UHDOO\ FRPH LQWR WKHLU RZQ 7KH\ DOORZ \RX WR IRFXV HQWLUHO\ RQ Ă€ VKLQJ ZLWKRXW KDYLQJ WR ZRUU\ DERXW ERDW SRVLWLRQ RU ORRNLQJ GRZQ DW WKH UHPRWH RU IRRW SHGDO RI \RXU HOHFWULF PRWRU 7KHVH DUH D PXFK EHWWHU DOWHUQDWLYH WR DQ DQFKRU SXUHO\ EDVHG RQ WKH QRLVH IDFWRU LQ VKDOORZ ZDWHU ,W¡V FULWLFDO WR NHHS QRLVH DQG YLEUDWLRQV GRZQ WR D PLQLPXP DQG PD[LPLVH \RXU Ă€ VKLQJ WLPH HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ LQ D WRXUQDPHQW VLWXDWLRQ HYHU\ PLQXWH LV LPSRUWDQW ² VR EHLQJ DEOH WR SXVK D VWDNHRXW SROH LQWR WKH JURXQG VLOHQWO\ LV WKH SHUIHFW RSWLRQ WR NHHS \RXU ERDW LQ WKH SULPH VSRW 7KLV DOVR DOORZV \RX WR TXLFNO\ FKDQJH VSRWV ZKHQ WKH Ă€ VKLQJ DFWLRQ VORZV

TIPS

Recent in braid technological im e we no lod lines mean th provements braids li nger need to u at as anglers, distanceke 3-4lb to get se really thin as thin, . 8-12lb braids great casting ti similar e great knots, pare now just c us greateasting distancerovide very , but giv r pull we needing power when e it most.

GRZQ SXOO WKH VWDNHRXW SROH RXW GULIW GRZQ P DQG WKHQ ORFN \RXUVHOI LQ SODFH DJDLQ DQG VWDUW À VKLQJ VRPH QHZ ZDWHU

“Rising water uncovers new feeding areas and pushes bait ďŹ sh up on to the shallow atsâ€? A slow twitch and pause retrieve got the attention of this Mallacoota black bream

20

www.modernfishing.com.au

go is a Letting big breeders g. These lin fee g yin isf sat y ver d to just big bream are too goo ce. on t gh cau be

A beautifully fat 40cm+ bream caught twitching an Atomic hard body on a shallow ямВat, near the mouth of a river

TIPS

Keep n minimu oise down to a m shallo when ямБshin spookin w ямВats to avoidg g making nearby ямБsh an d the your prem aware of sence.

0HGLXP GHSWK ├Б DWV VXUURXQGHG E\ FKDQQHO HGJHV DQG GURS RIIV ┬▓ P ┬▓ 7KH VOLJKWO\ GHHSHU ├Б DWV ZKLFK DUH VXUURXQGHG E\ JXWWHUV DQG GURS RIIV ZRXOG KDYH WR EH P\ IDYRXULWH W\SH RI ├Б DWV 7KH GHHSHU ZDWHU JLYHV WKH DQJOHU JUHDWHU SURWHFWLRQ IURP EHLQJ VHHQ HVSHFLDOO\ RQ FDOP GD\V EXW WKH\ DOVR SURYLGH D FRQVWDQW VRXUFH RI UHMXYHQDWLRQ RI IRRG DQG ├А VK PRYLQJ XS RQ WR WKH ├Б DWV DQG EDFN GRZQ LQWR WKH VXUURXQGLQJ JXWWHUV 0\ DSSURDFK WR ILVKLQJ WKHVH LV DOZD\V WR VWDUW RXW GHHS DQG ZRUN

P\ ZD\ LQ WR WKH VKDOORZ SDUW RI WKH IODW 7KH UDWLRQDOH KHUH UHODWHV SXUHO\ WR QRLVH DQG VSRRNLQJ ILVK ┬▓ ZKLFK , WU\ WR DYRLG DW DOO FRVWV XQOHVV , IHHO WKH QHHG WR VDFULILFH D SDUW RI WKH IODW WR JDLQ VRPH NQRZOHGJH DERXW WKH ERWWRP VWUXFWXUH RU ILVK IHHGLQJ KDELWV 7KH GHHSHU GURS RIIV VXLW P\ SUHIHUUHG ILVKLQJ VW\OH DQG VWUHQJWKV ┬▓ WKDW EHLQJ OLJKWO\ ZHLJKWHG FXUO WDLO JUXEV DQG FUHDWXUH EDLW LPLWDWLRQ VRIW SODVWLFV , UHDOO\ OLNH WR VORZ HYHU\WKLQJ

GRZQ ILVK PHWKRGLFDOO\ DQG YLVXDOLVH KRZ P\ OXUH LV KRSSLQJ DQG IDOOLQJ IURP WKH VKDOORZ ├Б DW GRZQ WKH GURS RII DQG RYHU WKH ZHHG SDWFKHV .HHSLQJ D VHPL WLJKW OLQH WKH ZKROH WLPH ,┬╖P DOZD\V DQWLFLSDWLQJ WKDW OLWWOH ┬╢SOXFN┬╖ LQ WKH OLQH ┬▓ WKLV LQGLFDWHV WKDW D ├А VK KDV VXFNHG LQ P\ OXUH DQG LW┬╖V WLPH WR VHW WKH KRRNV %UDLGHG OLQH UHDOO\ KHOSV ZLWK ELWH GHWHFWLRQ DV WKHUH LV QR VWUHWFK LQ WKH OLQH VR WKH WLPH EHWZHHQ WKH ELWH DQG WKH DQJOHU IHHOLQJ LW WKURXJK WKH URG LV DOPRVW LQVWDQWDQHRXV

MODERN FISHING

21

BREAM ON THE FLATS Casting accuracy isn’t critical RYHU WKH Ă DWV KRZHYHU WKHUH ZLOO EH VHFWLRQV WKDW ZLOO UHJXODUO\ Ă€ VK EHWWHU than others due to bottom structure that is often not visible to the naked eye. It’s important to take note of ZKDW SDUW RI WKH Ă DW \RX¡UH JHWWLQJ WKH bites and then try to replicate that in other sections of a river or lake that \RX DUH Ă€ VKLQJ 0RGHUQ Ă€ VK Ă€ QGHUV like the Lowrance HDS series of units with StructureScan technology allow anglers to idle around from a distance and identify and mark on your GPS, key structure points like sunken logs, rock piles or even just as simple as indentations in the bottom, which are PRUH OLNHO\ WR KROG Ă€ VK RYHU UHJXODU featureless areas. With deeper water, comes a wider choice of lures. Everything from surface lures to metal or hard resin vibration lures suddenly become a real RSWLRQ IRU FDWFKLQJ Ă€ VK ,I RQH OXUH isn’t working on the day, then it’s just a matter of swapping and changing XQWLO \RX Ă€ QG WKH ULJKW WULJJHU IRU WKDW particular day. Flats near structure – Whether it be an oyster covered rocky out crop, some sunken timber, or a weedy edge, these irregularities are often the key

The author ďŹ shing some wind-blown ats at Bemm River. Wind can be a deciding factor as to which ats will produce ďŹ sh

22

www.modernfishing.com.au

WR À QGLQJ D SURGXFWLYH à DW )LVK VXFK DV EUHDP HVWXDU\ SHUFK DQG à DWKHDG will often use these points of structure to ambush their prey, but will also PRYH RXW RYHU WKH QHDUE\ à DWV WR IHHG on other food sources that are missing from these structures. This is normally dependent on the weather conditions, moon phase and time of day. Often on a full moon, the day WLPH À VKLQJ FDQ EH TXLWH WRXJK DQG ZH EHOLHYH WKLV FRPHV GRZQ WR À VK DFWLYHO\ IHHGLQJ RYHU WKH à DWV GXULQJ the night and we back up this theory E\ VHHLQJ ORWV RI IUHVK GLJV À UVW WKLQJ in the morning, but the bream and à DWWLHV DUH RIWHQ QRZKHUH WR EH VHHQ This is when I shift my focus away IURP à DWV DQG VWDUW WR FRQFHQWUDWH DQG GLDO LQ WR VWUXFWXUH )LQGLQJ D pattern (rock, timber, weed) is critical in times such as this, as this will often GLFWDWH ZKHUH WKH À VK DUH VHWWLQJ XS all around the system that you are À VKLQJ As mentioned earlier in the article – it’s important to change the way our minds have been programmed to think about certain situations DQG À VKLQJ VFHQDULRV ,Q UHFHQW years I have started to think a little bit differently, made some minor

adjustments in boat and kayak positioning, placement of casts and this has made a huge difference in my catch rate – both quantity and quality. Flats near a river mouth – No run usually means no fun! Tidal movement is one of the key elements WR PRVW Ă€ VKLQJ VLWXDWLRQV 5LVLQJ water uncovers new feeding areas and SXVKHV EDLW Ă€ VK XS RQ WR WKH VKDOORZ Ă DWV 'XH WR WLGDO PRYHPHQW PRVW river mouths will have a shallow, sandy area with a constant supply of IRRG DQG UHSOHQLVKLQJ Ă€ VK 'XULQJ SHULRGV RI Ă RRG ZKHQ ODUJH amounts of fresh water are coming down the river, the mouth is the number one, ‘go to’ location. The fresh ZDWHU SXVKHV Ă€ VK GRZQ DQG RXW RI WKH river but allows them to setup right at the mouth waiting for all the worms DQG EDLW Ă€ VK WR EH Ă XVKHG RXW ZKLFK makes for an easy feed. Flats at the mouth of rivers are a hot spot for anglers and have been the winning location for many bream tournaments over the years. Avoid the temptation of heading up river and Ă€ VKLQJ URFN ZDOOV RU WLPEHU VWUXFWXUH and put some time in on the shallow Ă DWV DW WKH PRXWK RI \RXU IDYRXULWH river system.

TIPS

Makin when ďŹ s g long casts is h c a longe ing shallow  ritical in lengthr rod around 7’3ats. Using more wa will allow yo â€? – 7’6â€? u te will allo r, but most im to cover p w you to go unnoortantly by the ďŹ tic s h trying to that you’re ed sneak u p on.

Deep diving lures twitched hard into the sand attract a wide variety of species including bream

Ultra-light tackle can be great fun on the ats where there is little to no structure to contend with

The author with a big Mallacoota black bream, caught aggressively twitching a shallow Pontoon 21 Crackjack 48 hard body

MODERN FISHING

23

“It’s critical to keep noise down to a minimum and maximise your ďŹ shing timeâ€?

Big estuary perch are a welcome bycatch species when chasing bream over weedy ats

BYCATCH ON THE FLATS

HARD BODY RETRIEVES

%UHDP DQG VKDOORZ à DWV JR KDQG in hand, but it’s the feeling of the unknown that really excites me when À VKLQJ WKH VKDOORZV :DUP ZDWHU and a constant food supply means WKDW VKDOORZ à DWV DUH KRPH WR D ZLGH variety of species, such as bream, HVWXDU\ SHUFK à DWKHDG OXGHULFN ZKLWLQJ à RXQGHU VPDOO VQDSSHU trevally, tailor and salmon. Although these other species can be a bit of a nuisance during a species VSHFLÀ F WRXUQDPHQW RQ D VRFLDO outing, there’s nothing more exciting WKDQ D OXFN\ GLS RQ WKH à DWV Lure choice can help target a certain species or minimise the catch rates of another, however, the majority of lures that you would generally throw over the flats to target estuary species will mean that you stand a good chance of catching any of the species mentioned above.

THE SLOW ROLL:

24

www.modernfishing.com.au

As the name implies, this retrieve involves making a long cast, followed by a slow steady wind of the reel, without pausing. Fan your casts in all directions and repeat. This is the most straight forward retrieve of them all DQG PRVW HIIHFWLYH RQ \HOORZĂ€ Q EUHDP that prefer a constantly moving lure.

THE TWITCH AND PAUSE: The twitch and pause retrieve is most effective with a minnow shaped, suspending lure. With this retrieve the aim is to imitate a wounded bait À VK 7ZR WR WKUHH VKRUW VKDUS WZLWFKHV of the wrist, with the rod tip facing down, will have your minnow lure twitching from side to side. I aim for a 1-3 second pause and then continue this twitch and pause retrieve all the way back. It’s important that you take the time to pause, as this is often when WKH À VK ZLOO DWWDFN \RXU OXUH

PAUL’S TOP LURE CHOICES HARD BODIES • Jackall Chubby • Atomic Crank 38 • Ecogear SX40 • Pontoon 21 Crackjack 48 • Smith Camion • Cranka Crank • Cranka Crab SURFACE LURES • Megabass DogX Jr • OSP Bent Minnow 76 • Ecogear PX45 • Luckycraft Sammy • Bassday Sugapen SOFT PLASTICS • Gulp Shrimp • Gulp Sandworm • Damiki Monster Miki • Zman Grub 2� & 2.5� • Zman Slim Swim • Zman Streakz

BREAM ON THE FLATS

TIPS

Small siz Gamak e 00 lure clips perfect atsu and Decoy from lures, w for quickly ch are a it re-tie yo hout having to nging c ur leade you wan r every ut and tim t to lure sty try a different e le or colo ur.

SURFACE LURE RETRIEVES POPPING:

WALK THE DOG:

0XFK OLNH WKH VORZ UROO UHWULHYH SRSSLQJ LV WKH VLPSOHVW RI WKH VXUIDFH OXUH UHWULHYHV 7KH FXS VKDSHG IDFH RI ¶SRSSHU· VW\OH OXUHV GR PRVW RI WKH ZRUN IRU WKH DQJOHU :KHQ FKDVLQJ EUHDP RQ SRSSHUV , DLP WR ¶EORRS· WKH OXUH WLPHV EHIRUH OHWWLQJ LW VHWWOH RQ WKH VXUIDFH RI WKH ZDWHU , ZRQ·W VWDUW WKH QH[W VHW RI EORRSV XQWLO DOO WKH ULSSOHV KDYH GLVVLSDWHG ,I WKH À VK DUH PRUH DFWLYH , ZLOO UHGXFH WKH DPRXQW RI WLPH WKH OXUH UHPDLQV PRWLRQOHVV RQ WKH VXUIDFH DQG VWDUW P\ UHWULHYH DIWHU D VHFRQG RU WZR

3UREDEO\ WKH WRXJKHVW UHWULHYH WR PDVWHU ² EXW RQH RI WKH PRVW HIIHFWLYH 2QFH \RX JHW WKH KDQJ RI VORZO\ ZLQGLQJ WKH KDQGOH RI WKH UHHO ZKLOH PDNLQJ JHQWOH GRZQZDUG WZLWFKHV RI WKH URG WLS ZLWK HYHU\ UHYROXWLRQ RI WKH UHHO ² WKHQ \RX·UH ZHOO RQ \RXU ZD\ 7KLV DFWLRQ JLYHV WKH OXUH WKDW HQWLFLQJ VZD\ DQG PDNHV LW VNLS IURP VLGH WR VLGH DFURVV WKH VXUIDFH LPLWDWLQJ D Á HHLQJ SUDZQ RU PLQQRZ WKDW·V XQGHU DWWDFN IURP D SUHGDWRU EHORZ

SOFT PLASTIC RETRIEVES THE BURN AND STOP: 2QH RI WKH À UVW VRIW SODVWLF UHWULHYHV , OHDUQHG ZKLOH ZDWFKLQJ DQ $GDP 5R\WHU '9' DOO WKRVH \HDUV DJR ,·YH IRXQG WKLV WR EH DQ HIIHFWLYH UHWULHYH IRU À VK ZKHQ WKH\·UH LQ DQ DJJUHVVLYH PRRG 2QFH \RX·YH PDGH \RXU FDVW DQG WKH VRIW SODVWLF KDV VXQN WR WKH ERWWRP PDNH VHYHUDO TXLFN WXUQV RI WKH KDQGOH DQG WKHQ VWRS 7KH VRIW SODVWLF FRPHV UDFLQJ XS RII WKH ERWWRP Á LHV WKURXJK WKH ZDWHU FROXPQ DQG WKHQ FRPHV WR D GHDG VWRS DQG JHQWO\ ZDIWV EDFN GRZQ WR WKH ERWWRP .HHSLQJ D VHPL WLJKW OLQH KHOSV WR GHWHFW ELWHV DV \RXU SODVWLF VLQNV EDFN

GRZQ WR WKH ERWWRP RU ZKLOH LW·V VLWWLQJ PRWLRQOHVV RQ WKH ERWWRP $ VRIW SODVWLF ZLWK D FXUO RU SDGGOH WDLO LV PRVW HIIHFWLYH IRU WKLV VW\OH RI UHWULHYH DV WKH\ NHHS DQ DFWLRQ RQ WKH GURS

THE LIFT AND DROP: $Q HIIHFWLYH UHWULHYH IRU PLQQRZ DQG JUXE VW\OH VRIW SODVWLFV HVSHFLDOO\ RQ D ´GDUWHUµ VW\OH MLJ KHDG $IWHU WKH VRIW SODVWLF KDV VHWWOHG RQ WKH ERWWRP , ZDLW D FRXSOH RI VHFRQGV EHIRUH JLYLQJ WKH URG WLS VKRUW VKDUS WZLWFKHV DQG WKHQ GURS WKH URG WLS DQG NHHS D VHPL WLJKW OLQH ZKLOH WKH SODVWLF VLQNV EDFN GRZQ WR WKH ERWWRP ([SHULPHQW ZLWK WKH OHQJWK RI WKH SDXVH DQG KRZ DJJUHVVLYHO\ \RX WZLWFK DV HDFK GD\ FDQ EH GLIIHUHQW

A slow rolled Atomic Crank 38 gets the job done on this Mallacoota bream

FIND A FLAT NEAR YOU! If you’re looking for low risk, high UHZDUG IXQ À VKLQJ WKHQ QRZ LV WKH WLPH WR VWDUW VFDQQLQJ DQG OHDUQLQJ WKH OD\RXW RI WKRVH VDQG\ Á DWV RI \RXU ORFDO ZDWHUZD\ 7KH ZRQGHUIXO WKLQJ DERXW Á DWV À VKLQJ LV KRZ DFFHVVLEOH WKH\ DUH :KHWKHU \RX·UH VKRUH EDVKLQJ DQG QRW DIUDLG WR JHW \RXU IHHW ZHW À VKLQJ IURP D ND\DN RU FDQRH RU À VKLQJ IURP D ERDW DOO \RX QHHG LV D OLJKW VSLQQLQJ URG D KDQGIXO RI OXUHV D OLWWOH ELW RI ZLQG DQG \RX·UH ZHOO RQ \RX ZD\ WR FDWFKLQJ D ELJ EOXH QRVH EUHDP RU \RX PD\ MXVW JHW WKH VXUSULVH RI \RXU OLIH ZKHQ D ELJ Á DWW\ RU (3 VPDVKHV \RXU OXUH

MODERN FISHING

25

CUTTING EDGE DIGITAL FREEFORM TECHNOLOGY

YOUR OWN SIGNATURE LENS

. O G T S U J

GO5 XSE

GO7 XSE

Go With Confidence

NEW GO9 XSE

Go where the fishing’s good with an easy to use Simrad GO XSE fishfinder/chartplotter system. Take control with a super-bright touchscreen, and navigate to any fishing spot with ease. Broaden your search with the new GO9 XSE, featuring a large 9-inch display and support for Simrad radar solutions. Leave fish nowhere to hide with the Simrad TotalScan™ transducer for StructureScan™ HD and CHIRP sonar in one. Download and upload maps, software, and apps direct to your fishfinder / chartplotter.

StructureScan™ HD imaging

Built-in 10 Hz GPS

CHIRP fish-finding sonar

Built-in GoFree™ Wi-Fi

Radar compatible (GO9 XSE only)

NMEA 2000® Engine Interface

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/GO

KINGFISH TACTICS

Trophy fish warrant endless dedication and the mighty yellowtail king is no exception. Alex Ciccozzi looks at the tactics required to unlock the kingfish code WORDS AND IMAGES BY ALEX CICCOZZI

28

www.modernfishing.com.au

MODERN FISHING

29

KINGFISH TACTICS he big fish allure is littered with trials and tribulations alongside countless hours of time and money dedicated in the hope of one day landing that dream fish. It comes as no surprise to anglers that the yellowtail kingfish is one such species that falls perfectly into this category, but when it all comes together, each and every minute and dollar invested quickly become worth it and the negative memories of the past instantly erased. I know my better half dreads the time of year that kingfish season rolls around, as it often means the next two months or so to follow are wiped clean of social commitments. These fish don’t come easy and two or three day trips are the norm for us in order to have the best shot at landing at least one or hopefully a few. Single day trips are certainly a possibility but you really do limit your chances as time on the water will drastically improve results! Chasing kingfish is undoubtedly

T

Live baiting is a highly popular and productive technique

30

www.modernfishing.com.au

a stressful venture with many fisho’s succumbing to these powerful fish as such is their tenacity and level of intelligence that most anglers head for home from a trip with tails planted firmly between the legs. Not only are they one of the VPDUWHVW DQG PRVW FXQQLQJ À VK IRXQG LQ RXU $XVWUDOLDQ ZDWHUV WKH\ DOVR À JKW GLUW\ DQG pull line from heavy drag like a hot knife through butter. The fight of a kingfish is never over until the fat lady sings and the fish finds its way onto the deck of the boat. Unlike their close Seriola relatives the Samson and amberjack, kings fight all the way to the boat and are capable of leading you into a false sense of security, especially in shallow water. Even when you’re confident that the upper hand has been gained they’ll quickly make a last ditch effort to turn the tables and win their freedom. It’s highly stressful fishing but if it wasn’t for these particular attributes, the allure surrounding yellowtail kingfish would hardly be justified.

The micro jigging scene has also found its place in recent years and can be very effective when other techniques fail

COMMON BEHAVIOUR ,Q RUGHU WR DFKLHYH VXFFHVV RQ NLQJÀ VK \RX QHHG WR À UVW EH IDPLOLDU ZLWK WKH SDWWHUQV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK \RXU FKRVHQ ORFDWLRQ 8QGHUVWDQGLQJ ZKHQ DQG ZK\ WKHVH À VK DUH OLNHO\ WR IUHTXHQW WKH DUHD LV H[WUHPHO\ LPSRUWDQW DQG LW QHYHU FHDVHV WR DPD]H PH KRZ YDULDEOH WKLV FDQ EH DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ /RFDOO\ LQ 6RXWK $XVWUDOLD ZH À QG JRRG QXPEHUV LQ VKDOORZ ZDWHU V\VWHPV ZD\ XS WKH JXOIV DQG HYHQ VRPH RI WKH ODUJHU HVWXDULQH V\VWHPV GXULQJ WKH VSULQJ PRQWKV +HUH LW LV EHOLHYHG WKH NLQJV JDWKHU LQ WKH VKDOORZ ZDUPHU ZDWHU UHJLRQV WR FRPPHQFH WKHLU EUHHGLQJ F\FOH 6XPPHU DQG DXWXPQ DUH DOPRVW FRPSOHWH FRQWUDVW WR WKLV À VKHU\ KRZHYHU ZLWK WKHVH ORFDWLRQV EHLQJ ODUJHO\

YRLG RI À VK EXW WKH RIIVKRUH OXPSV DQG UHHIV KROGLQJ JRRG QXPEHUV <RX UHDOO\ GR QHHG WR EH LQ WXQH WR À VK WKH ULJKW ORFDWLRQV DW WKH ULJKW WLPH 2QFH \RX·YH QDUURZHG LW GRZQ NLQJV FDQ EH IDLUO\ SUHGLFWDEOH LQ QDWXUH ZLWK À VK RIWHQ IUHTXHQWLQJ WKH VDPH DUHDV RQ DQ DQQXDO EDVLV DOPRVW OLNH FORFNZRUN ZLWK WKH ZHDWKHU DQG ZDWHU WHPSV WKH RQO\ YDULDEOHV WKDW PD\ GHOD\ RU VSHHG XS WKHLU DUULYDO 6RPH FRRO WDJJLQJ GDWD VXSSRUWV WKLV WKHRU\ ZLWK PXOWLSOH NLQJÀ VK UHFDSWXUHV DW WKH VDPH ORFDWLRQV \HDUV DSDUW DQG HYHQ VRPH GDWD VXJJHVWLQJ WKDW WKH VDPH À VK DQQXDOO\ PLJUDWH WR WKH XSSHU HVWXDU\ V\VWHPV IURP WKH RIIVKRUH UHHIV DQG EDFN DJDLQ

2QFH \RX·YH GRQH \RXU KRPHZRUN DQG ZRUNHG RXW D ORFDWLRQ WKLV GRHV QRW LQHYLWDEO\ OHDG WR JXDUDQWHHG VXFFHVV LW LV VLPSO\ WKH À UVW DQG HDVLHVW SLHFH RI WKH SX]]OH +RRNLQJ DQG ODQGLQJ D NLQJÀ VK LV WKH KDUG SDUW 'XULQJ SHDN VSDZQLQJ VHDVRQ NLQJV FDQ EH TXLWH WHPSHUDPHQWDO LQ QDWXUH DQG IUXVWUDWLQJ WR VD\ WKH OHDVW ,·YH KDG P\ OXUH VPDFN EDQJ LQ WKH PLGGOH RI VRPH PDVVLYH ERLO XSV ZLWK WKH DQWLFLSDWLRQ RI DQ LQHYLWDEOH KRRN XS DW DQ\ VHFRQG RQO\ WR EH FRPSOHWHO\ LJQRUHG DV WKH À VK PRYHG RQ ,Q P\ RSLQLRQ WKH IHHGLQJ SDWWHUQV RIWHQ EHFRPH PXFK PRUH DJJUHVVLYH DV VSDZQLQJ EHJLQV WR VORZ DQG WKH À VK ORRN WR IDWWHQ XS DJDLQ IRU PLJUDWRU\

MODERN FISHING

31

KINGFISH TACTICS

MIND GAMES When the rod finally buckles and that chance arrives to crack the fish you’ve been waiting for it may literally all be over in a matter of seconds. You truly need to be on your game from the word go and back yourself to make quick spur of the moment decisions on your gut feel. If you have your pants pulled down by a good fish you’re guaranteed to be second guessing yourself in every way possible. Should I have gone harder, should I have gone softer, should I have used more drag, less drag, it’s a mind game like no other, but rest assured that some kings just aren’t meant to be caught, it’s all part of the allure that comes with this species. You often hear the old analogy that the harder you go on kingfish they’ll go twice

Often the larger kings are caught quite close to shore. It's worth targeting those inshore reefs if you want to increase the size of your catch

32

www.modernfishing.com.au

as hard, and to be honest I would have to somewhat agree with this statement for a majority of the time. I vividly recall one particular day fishing tight to structure where we were getting completely dusted fish after fish on heavy gear going as hard as we possibly could, but our saving grace proved to be the change in tactic by fishing hardly a couple of kilos of drag and leading the fish into open water before upping the ante. This landed us a couple of good fish for the day which proved if things aren’t working it pays to mix it up. Fish attitude is variable too with some smaller models going absolutely ballistic whilst we’ve witnessed fish come in up to the 140cm mark that have hardly peeled a few metres of line.

When a king jumps on, quick decisions are needed to be made to stop them from reaching the bottom

GO LIVE In my books it’s hard to beat live baiting IRU NLQJÀ VK DV IDU DV VXFFHVV UDWHV JR SDUWLFXODUO\ RQ WKH ELJJHU À VK WKDW DUH RIWHQ PXFK PRUH FDJH\ DQG GLIÀ FXOW WR WHPSW $ ZHOO SUHVHQWHG OLYH EDLW FDQ RIWHQ EH WKH XQGRLQJ RI WKHVH À VK EXW LW QHHGV WR EH GHOLYHUHG LQ DQ DSSURSULDWH PDQQHU 2YHU VKDOORZ ZDWHU JURXQGV \RX FDQ SUREDEO\ JHW DZD\ ZLWK VXVSHQGLQJ \RXU EDLW XQGHU D EDOORRQ RU HYHQ VHQGLQJ WKHP RXW XQZHLJKWHG ,Q VOLJKWO\ GHHSHU ZDWHU RU XS DJDLQVW H[SRVHG UHHIV RU LVODQGV GRZQULJJHUV FDQ KHOS JHW EDLWV GRZQ DV ZLOO D VOLGLQJ EDOO VLQNHU SODFHG RQ WKH PDLQOLQH ZKHQ À VKLQJ DW DQFKRU 2YHU GHHS ZDWHU RIIVKRUH reef systems the best method seems to be a PRGLÀ HG SDWHUQRVWHU V\VWHP ZLWK WKH KRRNV VQHOOHG FORVH WRJHWKHU GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH VL]H RI \RXU EDLWV 6TXLG DUH XQDUJXDEO\ RQH RI WKH SULPH NLQJÀ VK OLYH EDLWV QR PDWWHU ZKHUH \RX DUH À VKLQJ DURXQG WKH FRXQWU\ EXW XQIRUWXQDWHO\ they’re not always easy to obtain at the

drop of a hat so a bit of preparation may be UHTXLUHG EHIRUH HPEDUNLQJ RQ D PLVVLRQ ,I \RX·YH HYHU ZLWQHVVHG VTXLG EHKDYLRXU ZKHQ D NLQJÀ VK FRPHV LQWR WKH YLFLQLW\ WKH\·OO RIWHQ OLJKW XS OLNH D &KULVWPDV WUHH ZKLFK IXUWKHU H[FLWHV WKH À VK DQG RIWHQ SURGXFHV WKH ELWH , DOZD\V SUHIHU WR ULJ P\ VTXLG RQ WZR VQHOOHG KRRNV ZLWK WKH WRS KRRN SODFHG WKURXJK WKH SRLQW RI WKH KRRG and the bottom hook embedded behind the head or at the base of the wing with a bit of VODFN LQ EHWZHHQ /LYH \DNNDV VQRRN VOLPLHV JDUÀ VK DQG VDOPRQ DUH RWKHU SULPH OLYH EDLW options and rigging them with a single hook WKURXJK WKH QRVH RU XSSHU OLS LV FRQVLGHUHG IDLUO\ URXWLQH SDUWLFXODUO\ WKURXJK WKH EULGOH ULJJLQJ PHWKRG ZKLFK VKRXOG VHH \RXU EDLWV ODVW D ZKLOH $Q DGHTXDWH WDQN ZLWK VXIÀ FLHQW ZDWHU Á RZ LV DOVR UHTXLUHG WR NHHS WKH OLYLHV LQ JRRG FRQGLWLRQ DQG UHDG\ IRU DFWLRQ ZKHQ QHHGHG 'HSHQGLQJ RQ \RXU VW\OH RI À VKLQJ ERWK FLUFOHV DQG - KRRNV ZLOO ZRUN \RX MXVW QHHG

WR À VK WKHP DFFRUGLQJO\ ,I XVLQJ FLUFOHV \RX UHDOO\ QHHG WR OHW WKH À VK WDNH WKH EDLW GRZQ EHIRUH ORDGLQJ XS WKH URG ,I FRQGLWLRQV DOORZ LW SD\V WR NHHS \RXU UHHOV LQ IUHH VSRRO KHUH VR WKH À VK GRHVQ·W VHQVH DQ\ SUHVVXUH XQWLO \RX NLFN LW LQWR JHDU DQG WKH KRRN À QGV LWV PDUN - KRRNV FDQ EH À VKHG PRUH VWUDLJKW WR WKH SRLQW DQG VHW ZLWK D VROLG VWULNH RI WKH URG .LQJV DUH JRRG DW KRRNLQJ WKHPVHOYHV DV VXFK LV WKH PDQQHU LQ ZKLFK WKH\ HQJXOI EDLWV EXW ZH·YH ORVW TXLWH D IHZ JRRG À VK IURP LQDGHTXDWHO\ VHWWLQJ WKH KRRN GXULQJ WKH LQLWLDO VWDJH RI WKH À JKW RU ZKHQ WKH\ weren’t really taking the baits whole KHDUWHGO\ :KDWHYHU RSWLRQ \RX FKRRVH MXVW HQVXUH \RXU KRRNV DUH XS WR WKH WDVN DQG E\ WKLV , PHDQ D VWURQJ WKLFN JDXJH KRRN GHVLJQHG IRU KHDY\ GXW\ À VKLQJ ,·YH VHHQ GHGLFDWHG OLYH EDLW KRRNV RSHQ XS DQG DOPRVW VWUDLJKWHQ XQGHU KHDY\ GUDJ SUHVVXUH VR , FDQ RQO\ LPDJLQH ZKDW WKHVH À VK ZLOO GR WR VXE SDU JHDU MODERN FISHING

33

KINGFISH TACTICS

HEAVY METAL Offshore reefs and pinnacles provide prime jigging opportunities as they are home to EDLWĂ€ VK DQG RWKHU UHHĂ€ HV VHHNLQJ VKHOWHU from the elements and predators, but for WKH NLQJĂ€ VK WKLV PHDQV DQ HDV\ IHHG DV WKH\ URFN XS WR FUDVK WKH SDUW\ %HLQJ LQ tune with your sounder will pay for itself LQ WKLV HQYLURQPHQW DV WKH DELOLW\ WR SLFN RXW NLQJV DQG EDLW ZLOO QRW RQO\ VDYH \RX time but precious energy from fruitless MLJJLQJ 7KHUH¡V QR KDUG DQG IDVW UXOHV ZLWK RIIVKRUH NLQJĂ€ VK MLJJLQJ LI WKH\¡UH LQ WKH PRRG WKH\¡OO FUXQFK PRVW OXUHV RU MLJV LW¡V DV VLPSOH DV WKDW 7UDGLWLRQDO KLJK VSHHG MLJJLQJ with 200-400gm jigs is preferred in deeper water around 40-80m and gear tends to be upwards of 50lb or thereabouts, obviously GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH VL]H RI WKH Ă€ VK \RX¡UH OLNHO\ WR HQFRXQWHU 7KH EHQHĂ€ W RI KLJK VSHHG MLJJLQJ ZLWK moderate to heavy gear means you already KDYH D KHDG VWDUW RQ WKH Ă€ VK VR ZKHQ WKH MLJ LV QDLOHG \RX ZDQW WR NHHS WKH MLJJLQJ DFWLRQ JRLQJ XQWLO \RX¡UH FHUWDLQ WKH Ă€ VK LV KRRNHG DQG WKHQ NHHS LWV KHDG FRPLQJ WR stop it belting off for the unforgiving reef EHORZ 0LFUR MLJJLQJ KDV DOVR IRXQG LWV SODFH RQ WKH NLQJĂ€ VK MLJJLQJ VFHQH DQG VRPHWLPHV WKHVH VPDOO EXW GHDGO\ OXUHV ZLOO RXW Ă€ VK WKH PRUH WUDGLWLRQDO ODUJHU NQLIH MLJV :H¡YH KDG D FRXSOH JRRG VHVVLRQV RQ EXWWHUĂ \ MLJV ZLWK D KDQGIXO RI Ă€ VK FRPLQJ LQ DURXQG WKH FP PDUN ZKLFK DUH D KRRW RQ PLFUR MLJJLQJ JHDU %XWWHUĂ \ VW\OH MLJV OLNH WKH

Live squid are unarguably one of the best big king baits

34

www.modernfishing.com.au

6WRUP .RLND KDYH D XQLTXH Ă XWWHU DFWLRQ DQG WKH\ FDQ WKHUHIRUH EH Ă€ VKHG PXFK slower and be more enticing depending on WKH PRRG RI WKH Ă€ VK Jigging can be an expensive form of Ă€ VKLQJ LI \RX¡UH UHJXODUO\ ORVLQJ OXUHV DQG WHUPLQDO WDFNOH WR WKH NLQJV EHORZ EXW WKHUH¡V VRPH JUHDW EHQHĂ€ WV WR EH KDG ,W¡V D IDLUO\ PRELOH VW\OH ZLWK WKH DELOLW\ WR SDFN XS DQG PRYH TXLFNO\ LI UHTXLUHG ,W DOVR forgoes the need to collect live baits which

is often a highly stressful time during the periods you want to be out there chasing NLQJV 7KH GRZQVLGH ZLWK FRQFHQWUDWLQJ RQ RQH VW\OH RI À VKLQJ RQO\ LV WKDW \RX SODFH DOO RI \RXU HJJV LQWR WKH RQH EDVNHW DQG KRSH LW ZRUNV RQ WKH GD\ :KHQ À VKLQJ RIIVKRUH we aim to cover all bases, even if it means JHWWLQJ D IHZ EDLWV WR SODFH LQ WKH WDQN ZKHQ we are planning on a jigging or lure only VHVVLRQ <RX FDQ QHYHU EH RYHU SUHSDUHG ZLWK NLQJÀ VK Traditional knife jigs work great on kings

Kings of this size are in a class of their own. Heavy tackle is the only realistic option to stop them

UNIFORMITY One of the most thrilling aspects to targeting \HOORZWDLO NLQJÀ VK LV WKH VXUIDFH DFWLRQ WKH\ DUH FDSDEOH RI GLVKLQJ XS 7KHVH À VK FDQ EH IRXQG FUXLVLQJ DQ\ GHSWK RI WKH ZDWHU FROXPQ EXW XS WRS WKH\ SURYLGH D JUHDW RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU KLJKO\ YLVXDO DQG H[SORVLYH

WKH\ ORRN WR VRDN XS WKH ZDUP VXQOLJKW RU FUXLVLQJ VQHDNLO\ VXE VXUIDFH ZKLFK LV RIWHQ MXVW HQRXJK WR FUHDWH D PRYLQJ ERZ ZDYH LQ FDOP ZHDWKHU :LGHVSUHDG VKDOORZ JURXQGV DUH GLIÀ FXOW WR FRYHU DV WKH À VK FDQ OLWHUDOO\ SRS XS DQ\ZKHUH ,Q PRUH SUHGLFWDEOH

VWHDOWK\ PDQQHU ,W·V HDV\ WR JHW H[FLWHG LQ WKLV LQVWDQFH DV WKH ZLQGRZ RI RSSRUWXQLW\ FDQ RIWHQ EH TXLWH VPDOO DQG OLPLWHG EXW D OHYHO KHDG LV UHTXLUHG WR DVVHVV WKH VLWXDWLRQ DQG DWWDFN LW LQ WKH ULJKW PDQQHU &DVWLQJ XS DKHDG RU SDVW WKH À VK FDQ FHUWDLQO\ UHGXFH

À VKLQJ 7RSZDWHU WHFKQLTXHV YDU\ ZLWK VRPH JX\V SUHIHUULQJ WR EOLQG FDVW RU HYHQ WUROO DURXQG ZLWK D SRSSHU EORRSLQJ RXW WKH EDFN XQWLO À VK DUH ORFDWHG 7KLV LV DGPLWWHGO\ YHU\ KDUG SK\VLFDO ZRUN EHIRUH \RX·YH HYHQ HQFRXQWHUHG À VK DQG FHUWDLQO\ QRW P\ SUHIHUUHG PHWKRG RI JRLQJ DERXW LW ,·OO KDSSLO\ ERPE RXW D IHZ EOLQG FDVWV KHUH DQG WKHUH EXW JHQHUDOO\ VSHDNLQJ , ZRQ·W VSHQG ODUJH FKXQNV RI WLPH IDWLJXLQJ P\VHOI ZLWK HQGOHVV FDVWV XQOHVV ZH·YH VSRWWHG D SDFN RI À VK .LQJÀ VK FDQ JLYH WKHPVHOYHV DZD\ LQ WKUHH GLVWLQFW PDQQHUV VXUIDFH EXVW XSV RQ EDLWÀ VK LQ VLPLODU IDVKLRQ WR WXQD RU RWKHU SHODJLFV WDLOLQJ RU À QQLQJ WKH VXUIDFH DV

ORFDWLRQV KRZHYHU ZH WHQG WR VSHQG WLPH VHDUFKLQJ DORQJ FKDQQHO HGJHV DQG GURS RIIV QDUURZ VWUHWFKHV RU ERWWOHQHFNV LQ WKH ZDWHUZD\ WKH ZKLWH ZDVK DORQJ LVODQGV RU H[SRVHG UHHIV RU QHDU VWUXFWXUH VXFK DV FKDQQHO PDUNHUV RU VLPLODU )$'V $ YDULHW\ RI OXUH RSWLRQV H[LVW ZLWK DQ\WKLQJ IURP VWLFNEDLWV WKURXJK WR SRSSHUV ZRUNLQJ KHFN \RX FDQ HYHQ ORE RXW D OLYH EDLW RQ D OXUH WKURZLQJ RXWÀ W LI WKDW·V \RXU SUHIHUHQFH 8VLQJ D VZLYHO VSOLW ULQJ FRQQHFWLRQ ZLOO DOORZ \RX WR FKDQJH OXUHV TXLFNO\ ZLWKRXW WKH QHHG WR UH WLH HDFK WLPH 7KH NH\ WR VXFFHVV KRZHYHU OLHV ZLWKLQ WKH DSSURDFK DQG HQVXULQJ LW·V SHUIRUPHG LQ D

the chance of spooking the school rather WKDQ SORQNLQJ \RXU FDVW ULJKW LQ WKH PLGGOH <RX QHHG WR EH TXLFN WR DFW KHUH ZLWK WKH UHHO LQ JHDU EHIRUH WKH OXUH KLWV WKH ZDWHU DQG DQ\ VODFN LQVWDQWO\ ZRXQG RQWR WKH VSRRO DV LW ZRQ·W WDNH ORQJ IRU WKH À VK WR KRQH LQ ,·YH UHJUHWWDEO\ PLVVHG D KDQGIXO RI VKRWV DW WRSZDWHU À VK EHFDXVH RI VRPH DYHUDJH FDVWLQJ DQG D PDVVLYH EHOO\ LQ WKH OLQH FUHDWHG E\ WKH ZLQG ,Q KLQGVLJKW ZH VKRXOG·YH WDNHQ WKH H[WUD IHZ VHFRQGV WR SRVLWLRQ WKH ERDW FRUUHFWO\ DQG PDNH LW FRXQW EXW WKDW LV VLPSO\ one of the many pitfalls associated with FKDVLQJ NLQJÀ VK WKH\·OO NHHS \RX VHFRQG JXHVVLQJ \RXUVHOI WLPH DQG WLPH DJDLQ MODERN FISHING

35

KINGFISH TACTICS

OFF THE TOP Whether you are north, south, east or west, the tactics and techniques DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK FKDVLQJ NLQJĂ€ VK UHPDLQ WKH VDPH DFURVV RXU PDJQLĂ€ FHQW FRXQWU\ 7KHVH FDJH\ EXW SRZHUIXO Ă€ VK ZLOO continue to elude and frustrate anglers with their cunning antics but the upside WR WKLV IRU XV Ă€ VKRV KRZHYHU LV WKDW ZH FDQ VKDUH WKH UHOHYDQW NQRZOHGJH DPRQJVW HDFK RWKHU LUUHVSHFWLYH RI ORFDWLRQ DV ORQJ DV LW¡V DSSOLHG FRUUHFWO\ 7KH WLPH DQG PRQH\ LQYHVWHG ZLOO EH D FRQVWDQW KXUGOH EXW WKHVH VSHHG EXPSV in the road need to be endured for the IXOO NLQJĂ€ VK H[SHULHQFH ,I \RX¡YH EHHQ RQH WR SODFH WKH WKRXJKW of chasing kings in the too hard basket, I HQFRXUDJH \RX WR JHW RXW WKHUH DQG JLYH LW D FUDFN , ZDV RQFH LQ D VLPLODU SRVLWLRQ DQG DIWHU Ă€ QDOO\ JHWWLQJ WKH PRQNH\ RII P\ EDFN ZLWK P\ Ă€ UVW JRRG Ă€ VK LW ZDVQ¡W ORQJ DIWHU XQWLO PRUH VWDUWHG KLWWLQJ WKH GHFN :KHWKHU LW EH WKURXJK OLYH EDLWLQJ MLJJLQJ RU WRSZDWHU OXULQJ VSHQG WLPH RQ the water learning, adequately prepare and test your gear, and put a plan of attack into place to ensure you’re ready WR JR ZKHQ D ELJ NLQJ RSSRUWXQLW\ Ă€ QDOO\ SUHVHQWV LWVHOI

It's hard to deny the appeal of kingďŹ sh. They're great looking, tough customers and are prime eating when treated well

36

www.modernfishing.com.au www.modernfishing.com.au

Step Out to Sea Make launching your boat easier with the Hayman Reese Hitch Step. Stay dry and safe when you use the step to stay above the waterline. The high-grip, non-slip tread gives you the lift you need, without letting you fall. Built from aluminium, you don’t need to worry about the Hayman Reese Hitch Step rusting after a dip in the ocean and what’s better is you don’t need to remove it when you’re towing.

It’s the Hitch Step you can’t live without. Get yours now from all major auto retailers or a Hayman Reese stockist near you.

*Trailer Ball Mount and Tow Ball sold separately.

www.haymanreese.com.au | 1800 812 017

John Cahill travels to the ďŹ sh-rich southern waters of Arno Bay to tackle the over-sized snapper and Seriola clan the area is famous for WORDS AND IMAGES BY JOHN CAHILL

38

www.modernfishing.com.au om.au

MODERN FISHING

39

LOCATION ARNO BAY

This massive Sambo took some stopping on heavy jigging gear

aving driven back to the top of the track line on the vessels chart plotter the third drift was on, the drop of jigs and live baits on the lump had us peaking with anticipation. The first two drifts had already yielded good fish and we had kings and Samson’s on tap for now it seemed. Despite the rough conditions and reasonably fast drift, 250 to 300 grams was all we needed to get down to the 25 metre mark fast, the use of a big sea anchor side-on to the drift helping slow us no doubt. The fish were hanging on the deep

H 40

www.modernfishing.com.au

side of the ledge where it dropped off vertically to 45 metres and Skipper Ash counted it down to the second for us to hook up; “get ready boys.” First it was the live bait that was engulfed then a few fast pumps later my jig was hammered “yep, I’m on” is about all I managed to say before being near railed. Straight away I sensed these two were a much better class of fish – the weight was immense immovable almost. I was hardly able to gain more than a metre or two of line as we drifted away from the ledge before the big seriola realised what was going on and realised she did not like it! A massive

head shake then she screamed back into the ledge despite me palming the spool on my already locked Stella drag trying to stop it! Some fights weren’t meant to be won and this was one of them, I was left with a hot hand, bruised ego and some re-rigging to do. John’s fish on live bait took some massive runs but was miraculously kept off the reef somehow, I do not know how! A very solid 30 plus something kilos of Samson graced the deck, a sensational fish (PB number 1 for the trip) and not a bad start to a three day exploration to the Eyre Peninsula! We had only just begun.

Southern blueďŹ n tuna are abundant in the waters surrounding Arno Bay. Here the author nails one on a Heru Wahoo stickbait

MODERN FISHING

41

JC managed this beast snapper on the last day of the trip. Going a shade under 11kgs, it was a new PB for the author

TREKKING SOUTH The objective of this trip was to experience a selection of what was on offer offshore from the Eyre Peninsula - from offshore pelagics to South Australia’s world famous big snapper. Against me was that just about every time I head to South Australia I strike bad weather. Not just poor, but actually ‘blow-a-dog-off-a-chain’ type winds seem common when I go and with them come the nasty seas! Last February I cancelled a week-long trip to Arno Bay and this year it again came close, massive lows coming in from the Great Australian Bight being the nemesis stopping me accessing the offshore goodness, it is indeed the wild coast! Finally though and against the odds, our crew were in Arno Bay and fired up regardless of the wind and fortunately we were fishing with a very experienced charter operator with a sensational vessel, a 7.4-metre Clayton Gallant; Ash Smith from Arno Bay Fishing Adventures knows his stuff. 2XU VHVVLRQ RQ GD\ RQH Ă€ VKLQJ ZLGH RI 3RUW /LQFROQ ZDV D FUDFNHU Ă€ VK ZLVH :KLOVW it was very breezy and rough to begin the GD\ WKH *DOODQW LV D Ă€ QH VHD IDULQJ YHVVHO and made life comfortable and safe which

42

www.modernfishing.com.au

is vital when pushing that wide. Jigging and live baiting the Samsons and kings was D EODVW DQG WKH ELWH à XFWXDWHG LQ LQWHQVLW\ DQG VRPHWLPHV ZH ORVW WKH À VK RQO\ WR track them down again very quickly – we FDXJKW À VK IURP WKH À UVW GULIW WR WKH ODVW it seemed! The quality varies greatly, at some stages we were dealing with rats and others getting smoked on the same drift OLQHV DQ LQGLFDWRU RI KRZ PDQ\ À VK ZHUH down there. Overall, jigs caught the most À VK DQG WKH EDLWV SUREDEO\ WKH ELJJHVW 3( or 6 jigging tackle was about perfect for WKHVH À VK ZH KDG D EDOO DOO GD\ 7\SLFDO IRU DOO 6HULRODV ORQJ SURÀ OH MLJV ZRUNHG best and speed was the order of the day to get bites so we were working hard. It did not matter what live bait we put down, HYHU\WKLQJ JRW HDWHQ :KLOVW RQ WKH MLJ ZH RIWHQ KDG VFKRROV RI EOXHÀ Q WXQD EXVW XS within range and they became too tempting to ignore. Taking several opportunities when they came in range of us we found they were very receptive to stick baits or small trolled skirts as well so much so that it was worth quickly throwing lures out as we moved back to do another jigging drift, it was highly likely that we would hook up

and the quality of tuna was excellent, really fat nuggets! Day one rounded out with the brown coats moving in hard and taking SOHQW\ RI WKH NLQJV DQG 6DPERV :KLOVW we were practicing catch and release, we decided to give it away rather than donate WRR PDQ\ Ă€ VK WR WKH ELJ EURQ]H ZKDOHUV that hunt the area. No one kept score, EXW ZH FDXJKW SOHQW\ RI Ă€ VK RQ WKH ZLGH reefs, I would go back there in a heartbeat. Oddly enough we scored only one kingy for the day with the bulk being Samson Ă€ VK DFFRUGLQJ WR $VK WKH QH[W GD\ LW¡V DV likely to be the other way around and pot luck which species will be on the chew, sometimes both. It was a long day by the time we got back to Arno Bay that night, VRUH ZHDU\ \HW YHU\ VDWLVĂ€ HG Unfortunately, the next day was completely unfishable with very strong winds so a sleep in was in order. It gave us a chance to sort out tackle and relax while taking in a few too many hours in the Arno Bay pub while recanting stories from the previous day. In fact, the wind did not let up overnight into our third and final day but backed off enough to consider a midday session.

LOCATION ARNO BAY

THE SEARCH FOR BIG RED With the rough conditions, it was Ash’s assessment that we did not need to spend all day in the rough looking for snapper anyway, the afternoon tide change was all WKDW ZRXOG EH UHTXLUHG WR JHW WKH À VK ZH ZHUH DIWHU KRZ·V WKDW IRU ORFDO FRQÀ GHQFH Another sleep in and cook up in our lovely unit preceded a morning securing some fresh squid from the moorings in the Arno Bay marina for baits; we were set for the ODXQFK DIWHU OXQFK :LWK ZHW JHDU RQ KHDG to toe, it was a rough trip out the 20 odd kilometres to the wrecks with a big swell UXQQLQJ $VK·V DQFKRULQJ MRE RQ WKH VSRW ZDV À UVW FODVV :LWK DERXW P RI DQFKRU rope out we came to rest right on the spot – skill and experience right there! From the À UVW GURS À VKLQJ GHDG EDLWV WKH SLQNLHV were hitting hard, we were quickly making VRPH FRQWULEXWLRQV WR WKH À VK ER[ %LJ $VK is the consummate skipper, while we were EXV\ À VKLQJ KH ZDV JDWKHULQJ VRPH OLYLHV for when the bite warmed up towards the WLGH FKDQJH 6RRQ LQWR WKH VHVVLRQ D IHZ EHWWHU À VK VWDUWHG WR DSSHDU LQ WKH À YH

and six kilo class before Glen scored a VFUHDPHU RQ D VRIW SODVWLF :H ZHUH DOO EXV\ ZLWK RXU RZQ À VK VR GLG QRW SD\ WRR PXFK DWWHQWLRQ XQWLO LW ZDV LQ WKH QHW ZHOO DOPRVW A run around the leg of the inboard was a slight complication to overcome but once it ZDV NJV RI 6TXLGJ\ FDXJKW VRIW SODVWLF hit the deck – PB number one for Glen and a VHFRQG FUHZ 3% IRU WKH WULS The reds continued to come thick and fast, XVXDOO\ VPDOOHU À VK RU JRRG À VK LQ WKH À YH WR HLJKW NLOR FODVV D QLFH 3% IRU 6HDQ ² WKDW ZDV QXPEHU WKUHH IRU WKH WULS DQG WKH ELWH VKRZHG QR VLJQ RI VORZLQJ , KDG ORVW VHYHUDO MLJV DQG VRIW SODVWLFV RQ P\ OLJKW RXWÀ W WR WKH rough bottom - basically heavy bream gear to snags and to save time during the prime bite ZLQGRZ , JUDEEHG RQH RI $VK·V FRPERV DQG pinned a live yakka and dropped it straight XQGHU WKH ERDW :DWFKLQJ WKH URG VORZO\ ORDG ZDV IDPLOLDU DQG DOPRVW WRR HDV\ 6WULNLQJ KDUG WKURXJK WKH VSRQJ\ PRQR , FDPH XS WLJKW WR WKH REYLRXV ZHLJKW RI D ELJ 6RXWK

2] UHG , HQMR\HG WKH WXVVOH RI ZKDW ZDV FOHDUO\ D KHDY\ À VK WKDW GLG VRPH SRZHUIXO YHUWLFDO UXQV , ZDV VXUSULVHG ZKHQ LW FDPH LQWR VLJKW WKLV ZDV PXFK ELJJHU WKDQ , KDG DQWLFLSDWHG $W MXVW XQGHU NJV WKLV ZDV another PB and wow what a battle scarred À VK , FDQ RQO\ ZLVK WKLV UHG FDPH RQ WKH OLJKW URG LW ZRXOG EH HSLF EXW , DP QRW complaining for a moment - what a beast RI D UHG The bite continued with plenty more À VK LQ WKH VXE HLJKW NLOR FODVV EHIRUH $VK GHFODUHG ´ODVW FDVW µ 7KH À VK ER[ ZDV healthy and we had a solid run home in WKDQNIXOO\ HDVLQJ VHDV 'DYH KDG EHHQ persisting with the soft plastics and came up tight on a screamer only to have the hooks SXOO PLG À JKW ZKDW D EXPPHU )OLFNLQJ out once more with a nod of approval from $VK KH ZDV RQ DJDLQ WR D EUXWH $IWHU D VROLG WXVVOH NHJJV RI UHG VOLG LQWR WKH QHW DQG rounded out our session, and yet another PB for the team, cheers all round!

Last cast of the trip proved to be the undoing of this new best snapper for Dave

MODERN FISHING

43

LOCATION ARNO BAY

Jigging was the order of the day for the Samson ďŹ sh although baits seemed to get the bigger ďŹ sh

GETTING THERE Arno Bay is easily accessed by road (although it’s a long way from Melbourne or Sydney at around 14 hours), or better still by the short à LJKW IURP $GHODLGH WR 3RUW /LQFROQ YLD 4DQWDV /LQN $VK RUJDQLVHG D PLQLYDQ WR SLFN XV XS ZKLFK ZDV SHUIHFW ZLWK URG WXEHV DQG JHDU Whilst you can trailer your own ERDW DQG WDNH D ',< DSSURDFK , would not bother personally as the ),)2 DSSURDFK LV PXFK HDVLHU DQG SUREDEO\ FKHDSHU LQ WKH ORQJ UXQ We stayed in shared holiday home accommodation in Arno Bay, which ZDV FRPIRUWDEOH DQG FKHDS

Snapper are often taken over sandy grazing grounds giving them a spectacular silver tinge

MULTI SPECIES TRIP Whilst the Spencer Gulfs famous big snapper are undoubtedly the draw card for most visiting anglers, we wanted to experience the fantastic jigging on offer as well and are JODG ZH GLG ,W¡V QRW IDU E\ URDG EHWZHHQ &RIĂ€ Q %D\ $UQR %D\ DQG 3RUW /LQFROQ VR WKHUH DUH PXOWLSOH options to launch from depending RQ WKH ZHDWKHU DQG WKH ELWH 7KHUH LV DOVR XQEHOLHYDEOH NLQJ *HRUJH ZKLWLQJ DQG FDODPDUL Ă€ VKLQJ WR DGG to the repertoire or even seasonally hammer heads and mulloway if you KDYH D IHZ VSDUH GD\V

TACKLE Whilst you don’t need to bring a thing as Ash has all gear covered ZLWK TXDOLW\ 6KLPDQR RXWĂ€ WV \RX PD\ FKRRVH WR EULQJ \RXU RZQ , ZRXOG SUHWW\ PXFK NHHS LW WR WZR RXWĂ€ WV D NLOR IRRW VRIW SODVWLF RXWĂ€ W RQ D ² VL]HG UHHO DQG NLOR EUDLG IRU VRIW SODVWLF ZRUN DQG D 3( VKRUW SDUDEROLF MLJJLQJ URG RQ DQ VL]HG VSLQ UHHO SHUIHFW IRU WKH RIIVKRUH MLJJLQJ ,I \RX IDQF\ D FDVW DW WKH WXQD D 3( WR IRRW URG RQ D VSLQ UHHO DQG D VHOHFWLRQ RI ² JUDP VWLFN EDLWV LV ULJKW RQ WKH PRQH\

44

www.modernfishing.com.au

Quality kings are usually as abundant as Sambos around Arno

SAVMFREFINED001

Since 1898 Savage boats have been taking Aussies fishing. There aren’t a lot of rivers, creeks, lakes or bays we haven’t seen… and there’s not a lot of fish we haven’t hooked. With our Ultra Lift Hull, designed to get you there fast and dry, as well as tough plate sides on the 385 and up, Savage boats can handle just about anything. At a higher standard of comfort and a price for quality that stumps our competitors! Be Prepared - Get Savage.

Find your nearest dealer at savageboats.com.au

LOCATION ARNO BAY

“Some ďŹ ghts weren’t meant to be won and this was one of them, I was left with a hot hand, bruised ego and some re rigging to doâ€? 7KH Ă€ VK ULFK ZDWHUV RI $UQR %D\ UHDOO\ WXUQHG LW RQ IRU XV DQG GHVSLWH H[SHULHQFLQJ VRPH KRUULG ZHDWKHU DV XVXDO WKH Ă€ VKLQJ HDVLO\ PDGH XS IRU LW ,I \RX¡UH NHHQ WR H[SHULHQFH WKH PRQVWHU UHGV RU WKH KDUG Ă€ JKWLQJ 6HULROD FODQ \RX¡G EH KDUG SUHVVHG WR Ă€ QG D EHWWHU ORFDWLRQ WKDQ $UQR %D\ DQG $VK 6PLWK SURYLGHV WKH EHVW JXLGHG FKDUWHUV LQ WRZQ

Catching solid Samson ďŹ sh like this all day make for a weary crew!

46

www.modernfishing.com.au

keeping you connected We have the products for your next adventure Whether you need to keep in contact with friends on other boats, or simply communicate when you’re onshore exploring, there’s an ideal Uniden product to keep you connected. Even in the most remote locations without mobile reception.

MHS155UV Dual Band VHF/UHF 2-Way Radio

Maring & Land in One Communicate using International Marine channels as well as Dual & Triple Watch Operation. Plus the added benefit of 80 UHF Channels.

Waterproof/Floatable The waterproof, lightweight design allows flotation, reducing the risk of it being lost.

UM455VHF VHF In-Boat Marine Radio MHS127

GPS Connectivity Submersible Speaker Mic Digital Selective Dialing

A waterproof, lightweight floating design is ideal for any water activity.

BUILT RUGGED

FOR AUS & NZ CONDITIONS

UNIDEN.COM.AU 1300 366 895

48

www.modernfishing.com.au

LOCATION HINZE DAM, QLD

S R E T T I HEAVY H

Merely half an hour from the hustle and bustle of down-town Gold Coast lies a land-locked gem. Hinze Dam is home to a range of species but it’s the brutish Aussie bass providing the major drawcard WORDS AND IMAGES BY TIM BISHOP

MODERN FISHING

49

LOCATION HINZE DAM, QLD n the Gold Coast hinterland, nestled between Springbrook National Park and Mount Tambourine is a hidden gem, full of brutish Australian bass and southern saratoga. It’s a snag bashers dream and a destination that should be on the ‘to do’ list for any ‘bass junkie’. This is Advancetown Lake or more commonly known as Hinze Dam. Hinze Dam, situated on the Nerang River, was planned in 1947, completed in 1976, expanded in 1989 and again in 2011. The latest expansion has given the dam a new perimeter and numerous new bays and inlets that are densely packed with timber, not to mention some shallow Ă DWV RYHU JUDVV DUHDV SURYLGLQJ DQ LGHDO habitat for our beloved Australian bass and saratoga. The Dam now covers 18 square kilometres and is home to Mary River cod, southern saratoga, Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch, spangled perch and the banded grunter. The dam requires you to have a permit WR Ă€ VK ZKLFK FDQ EH SXUFKDVHG DW WKH local tackle stores or online at www. Ă€ VKKLQ]HGDP FRP DX IRU D ZHHN RU DQQXDOO\ 7KH IXQGV JR LQWR VWRFNLQJ DQG FDULQJ IRU WKH Ă€ VKHU\ VR , WKLQN WKDW¡V a pretty fair deal to be able to tangle OLWHUDOO\ ZLWK VRPH RI WKH EHVW Ă€ JKWLQJ Ă€ VK \RX¡OO Ă€ QG VR FORVH WR WKH KHDUW RI WKH Gold Coast. It is an electric motor only dam and LV ZHOO VXLWHG WR WKH ND\DN Ă€ VKHUPDQ giving you the ability to get right into the timber and hit the edge with your casts. Hinze Dam has two public boat ramps, one on the eastern arm and the other on the western arm that are open from 6am until 6pm daily and provide easy access

I

Petrol outboards are a no-go in the dam so kayaks, canoes and electric powered tinnies are the go. They help with a stealthy approach too

50

www.modernfishing.com.au

to the lake. Unfortunately there is no camping permitted at the dam but being that it is only 30 minutes or so from Gold Coast’s Cavill Avenue, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from and with local kayak hire available, it becomes a fantastic option for a day trip when holidaying in SEQLD; or as an option if you can’t stay off the water and need a ‘break’ from your holiday. It is a magic place to be in the early hours of the morning, amongst the timber and the mist, and although it’s a great part of the experience let’s be honest, ZH¡UH KHUH IRU WKH Ă€ VKLQJ QRW WKH VFHQHU\ Hinze Dam demands respect and therefore has its place on the ABT rounds some years and also hosts a range of other bass comps. If you have a look at how some RI WKH FRPS JX\V Ă€ VK WKLV ODNH WKH\ WHQG WR VHDUFK IRU VFKRROHG Ă€ VK RQ WKH VRXQGHU 7KH Ă€ VK DUH XVXDOO\ HLWKHU VXVSHQGHG DW certain depths off the points or schooled on submerged structure and tree skeletons, even schooling in the old river bed. The guys do well and get their bags by using ice jigs or other types of vertical presentations, some will position themselves off the school and super slow roll small plastics or TN60s through them, but it’s not a VW\OH RI Ă€ VKLQJ WKDW , GR RIWHQ VR , FDQ¡W shed too much light on their techniques. I have my kayak and a paddle and if you compare that to a boat, I think it limits my range but gives me the size and stealth advantage to fish deeper in the structure and in my opinion, that’s what Hinze is all about. It’s super exciting getting your kayak lodged well into the timber on the edges and fishing a top water technique in these confined spaces takes it to another level.

The author with a healthy Hinze brawler taken on a topwater Raid Two Side

THE TACKLE $V D À VKHU\ +LQ]H LV VRPHWKLQJ WR EHKROG LW FDQ KDYH \RX UHDFKLQJ IRU WKH À QHVVH JHDU LI \RX·UH ORRNLQJ WR GURS LFH MLJV EODGHV RU VPDOO SODVWLFV WR VFKRROHG XS À VK 7KLV LV TXLWH VLPLODU WR PRVW RWKHU LPSRXQGPHQW EDVV À VKLQJ EXW WKH UHDO DWWUDFWLRQ DW +LQ]H LV OXUH À VKLQJ WKH WLPEHU VWUHZQ HGJHV ,I WKH WLPEHU HGJHV WDNH \RXU IDQF\ \RX·G EHWWHU FRPH SUHSDUHG , XVH D NJ

RU D NJ EDLWFDVWHU IRU FDVWLQJ DFFXUDF\ DQG IRU SXOOLQJ SRZHU RQFH \RX KRRN XS , UXQ OE EUDLG DQG OE OHDGHU LQ PRVW VLWXDWLRQV EXW , NQRZ IHOORZ À VKRV WKDW GRQ·W JR LQ WKHUH ZLWK DQ\WKLQJ XQGHU OE EUDLG DQG OHDGHU GXH WR PXOWLSOH VPRNLQJV RQ OE JHDU LW VWLOO GRHVQ·W VHHP WR SXW WKH À VK RII , XVHG WR WDNH D OLJKWHU VSLQ VHWXS DQG KDYH PDWHV WKDW VWLOO GR EXW , SUHIHU WR

À VK KHDY\ DQG KDYH D À JKWLQJ FKDQFH DW ODQGLQJ WKH ELJJHU À VK ,Q VD\LQJ WKDW ,·YH KDG VXFFHVV ZLWK OE EUDLG DQG OHDGHU LQ WKHUH WDNLQJ D FP EDVV RII WKH WRS RQ WKH JUDVV\ HGJH 1RZ , WKLQN RU KRSH , NQRZ D OLWWOH EHWWHU EHFDXVH ,·YH VHHQ EDVV WR FP ODQGHG LQ WKHUH DQG ¶WRJD WR FP VR \RX GRQ·W ZDQW WR PXFN DURXQG ZKHQ \RX PLJKW MXVW FRQQHFW WR WKDW À VK RI D OLIHWLPH MODERN FISHING

51

LOCATION HINZE DAM, QLD

SURFACE LURES When it comes to top water lures at Hinze, don’t be scared to throw some big ones, I like to have a selection of noisy top water baits the likes of a Jackall Pompadour, both Junior and normal size, maybe a wake bait, a crawler and a selection of different size ‘walk the dog’ style lures of some kind. Lure sizes range between 50mm to 100mm depending on the day and the bite. The Hinze bass don’t have bony bream on their menu as they aren’t found in the dam so top water becomes a YHU\ YLDEOH RSWLRQ WR FKDVH KXQJU\ Ă€ VK WKDW and it is littered with snags below the surface

Glassed out early mornings are prime conditions. Remember to take a stealthy approach in these calm conditions

52

www.modernfishing.com.au

so it can sometimes be the easiest way to Ă€ VK 6KULPS GR PDNH XS D JRRG SHUFHQWDJH RI WKHLU GLHW DW +LQ]H VR , Ă€ QG D WRS ZDWHU bait like the Megabass Dog-X Jnr or Bassday 6XJDSHQ FDQ UHDOO\ JHW WKH EDVV Ă€ UHG XS worked with a few fast twitches followed by a pause and repeated, can see some explosive VWULNHV IURP WKH Ă€ VK IROORZHG E\ D IDVW DQG EUXWDO Ă€ JKW DPRQJVW WKH WLPEHU %\ FDWFK of saratoga is something you can hope for as well with this technique as they do love a top water presentation. There are good numbers of ‘toga in the lake but they can

EH HOXVLYH DQG GLIĂ€ FXOW WR FDWFK RIWHQ \RX will be cruising through the timber and spook one well before you see it. If you’re lucky enough to tussle with a ‘toga it can be a short-lived event as they are masters at jumping and throwing hooks. Those lucky enough to land one will often take a quick SKRWR DQG JHW D PHDVXUHPHQW RQ WKH Ă€ VK before carefully releasing them back home. 7KHUH DUH VRPH JUHDW Ă \ Ă€ VKLQJ RSWLRQV RQ offer targeting the edges of the timber and ‘toga and bass both seem to love the subtle SUHVHQWDWLRQ RI D WRS ZDWHU Ă \

“The real attraction at Hinze is lure fishing the timber strewn edges”

SUB-SURFACE LURES I know I’ve talked a lot about surface but don’t get me wrong, sub surface will also work a treat. I will also happily throw a FUDQNEDLW ZLWK D ELJ ELE DQG JRRG Á RDWDWLRQ to back out of the snags when (not if) you bump into them. If you like to live on the edge, you could throw a swimbait to resemble a banded grunter and chase that trophy bass or the Jackall TN60’s will work as well, although I re-rig mine with backwards facing singles to lower your chance of burying a treble in deep timber. Don’t forget the humble spinnerbait as they

are pretty good at resisting snags and do GUDZ WKH À VK LQ IURP D GLVWDQFH $QRWKHU variation of this is the jig-spin attachment for your soft plastics. I have a favourite combo on this dam for its snag resistance and it doesn’t seem to miss too many À VK HLWKHU $ VLPSOH 77 -LJ 6SLQ RQ D 77 6QDNHORFN= MLJKHDG ZKLFK LV WKH ZHHGOHVV RSWLRQ DQG , ULJ LW ZLWK D ,QFK = 0DQ 0LQQRZ= RQWR WKH KRRN VXSSOLHG , OLNH D 3/8oz weight to get you down into the zone DQG À QG WKH KRRN VL]H WKH EHVW IRU WKLV bait as you can hide the hook point really

ZHOO EHWZHHQ WKH WZLQ EDFN À QV RQ WKH SODVWLF $ OLJKW DSSOLFDWLRQ RI VRPH W\SH RI scent works nicely as well in my opinion, I can’t guarantee it works all the time but it FHUWDLQO\ ERRVWV P\ FRQÀ GHQFH ZKHQ XVLQJ this bait. I can sink it to the bottom and retrieve it back through a heap of timber without it getting snagged up. If it does, it’s usually in the fork of a branch and can be easily dislodged by paddling to the other side of the snag and popping it out. This is my go-to lure for this impoundment and tends to get the bite when nothing else will.

MODERN FISHING

53

LOCATION HINZE DAM, QLD

CRACKING THE CODE +LQ]H KDV VRPH VHQVDWLRQDO À VKLQJ RQ RIIHU EXW \RX PXVW DOVR UHPHPEHU WKDW LW LV D GDP DQG WKHUHIRUH OLNH DQ\ RWKHU GDP LW FDQ RIIHU XS VRPH GLIÀ FXOW À VKLQJ DW WLPHV WRR ZLWK À VK EHLQJ VKXW GRZQ IRU UHDVRQV XQNQRZQ WR \RX DQG , VR WKHUH FDQ EH SOHQW\ RI WKLQJV WR WDNH LQWR FRQVLGHUDWLRQ )RU H[DPSOH LQ VXPPHU \RX ZRXOG KRSH IRU D KRW WRS ZDWHU ELWH EXW WKLV \HDU WKDW KDVQ·W EHHQ WKH FDVH ZLWK ZDWHU WHPSV UHDFKLQJ GHJUHHV WKDW KDG SXVKHG WKH À VK GRZQ LQ VHDUFK RI FRROHU ZDWHU WR KROG LQ )LVK ZLOO VFKRRO XS ZKHUH HYHU LW VXLWV WKHP DW WKH WLPH DQG ZH KDYH IRXQG À VK VFKRROHG LQ WKH ROG ULYHU EHG WKDW UXQV WKURXJK WKH GDP WKH\ ZLOO VFKRRO RII WKH SRLQWV DQG DOVR DORQJ FHUWDLQ EDQNV HYHQ ULJKW LQ WKH WLPEHU VR LW MXVW EHFRPHV D PDWWHU RI À QGLQJ WKHP DQG WHPSWLQJ WKHP ZLWK WKH ULJKW SUHVHQWDWLRQ IRU WKH DUHD WKH\ DUH LQ 7KH VXUIDFH DFWLRQ SLFNHG XS DJDLQ DV DXWXPQ VHWWOHG LQ DQG WKH ZDWHU WHPSV QHDU WKH VXUIDFH DJDLQ EHFDPH GHVLUDEOH IRU WKH À VK WR KXQW LQ 'DPV IRUFH XV WR WKLQN RXWVLGH WKH ER[ DQG UHDOO\ WU\ WR WXQH LQWR WKH HQYLURQPHQW DURXQG XV WR FUDFN D SDWWHUQ RQ DQ\ JLYHQ GD\ 1R GRXEW WKH\ IRUFH \RX WR EHFRPH D VPDUWHU DQJOHU

,·YH DOVR KDG VRPH JUHDW WRS ZDWHU VHVVLRQV LQ ZLQWHU RQ +LQ]H EDVV EHLQJ WKDW LW·V LQ LWV RZQ VSHFLDO HQYLURQPHQW , WKLQN LW KDV LWV RZQ VHW RI VHFUHWV WR EH XQORFNHG :KHQ LW FRPHV WR WKH ZLQG WKHUH KDV DOZD\V EHHQ WKH ROG VD\LQJ RI ´ZLQG IURP WKH HDVW À VK ELWH OHDVW ZLQG IURP WKH ZHVW À VK ELWH EHVWµ EXW , FDQ·W VD\ ,·YH H[SHULHQFHG WKLV WR EH WUXH , KDYH KDG JRRG VHVVLRQV DQG GRXJKQXW VHVVLRQV LQ ZLQGV IURP DOO GLUHFWLRQV DQG FRQVLGHULQJ WKDW LW LV VHW LQ WKH KLOOV WKH ZLQG FDQ VZLUO RQ WKH GDP DQG EH FRPLQJ IURP GLIIHUHQW GLUHFWLRQV DW DQ\ WLPH VR , GRQ·W SD\ WRR PXFK DWWHQWLRQ WR ZLQG DOWKRXJK ORZ ZLQG GHÀ QLWHO\ PDNHV LW PXFK HDVLHU WR À VK LQ ,I DQ\WKLQJ , ZRXOG À VK WKH EDQN WKH ZLQG ZDV EORZLQJ WRZDUGV LQ WKH KRSH WKH ZLQG ZDV SXVKLQJ DQ\ EDLW RU LQ WKH FRROHU PRQWKV ZDUPHU ZDWHU WRZDUGV WKDW EDQN DOVR DVVLVWLQJ \RX E\ FDVWLQJ ZLWK WKH ZLQG , GR OLNH D KLJK DQG VWHDG\ EDURPHWHU EXW DJDLQ ,·YH KDG LW À VK ZHOO DQG SRRU RQ KLJK DQG ORZ EDURPHWHU UHDGLQJV VR , KDYHQ·W FRPH DZD\ ZLWK DQ\ FRQFUHWH HYLGHQFH RQ QDWXUH·V ZD\V \HW ,W FDQ EH GDXQWLQJ DW WLPHV WKLQNLQJ RI ZKHUH WR FDVW EXW MXVW NHHS FRRO DQG NHHS FDVWLQJ \RX·OO À QG RQH HYHQWXDOO\

Large saratoga are a real possibility in the dam and respond well to surface bass tactics

The timber structure in Hinze is like nowhere else and the bass love it!

,W FDQ FRPH DV D VXUSULVH DIWHU FDVWLQJ IRU D ZKLOH IRU QRWKLQJ DQG WKHQ DOO RI D VXGGHQ \RX KDYH DQ DQJU\ EDVV WU\LQJ WR WDNH \RXU OXUH KRPH IRU KLV FROOHFWLRQ 7KHUH DUH D EXQFK RI JX\V RXW WKHUH WDJJLQJ À VK DV WKH\ FDWFK WKHP WDNLQJ VRPH VWDWV RQ WKH À VK DQG UHOHDVLQJ WKHP DJDLQ LQ WKH KRSH RI XQGHUVWDQGLQJ +LQ]H EDVV D OLWWOH ELW EHWWHU 7KLV LV EULQJLQJ EDFN VRPH JUHDW LQIR RQ WKH JURZWK UDWHV DQG PRYHPHQWV RI WKHVH À VK XSRQ UHFDSWXUH VRPH UHFHQW UHFDSWXUHV IURP D IHOORZ DQJOHU WROG XV WZR À VK FDXJKW DQG WDJJHG LQ QRZ UHFDSWXUHG LQ KDG ERWK JURZQ IURP FP WR FP IRUN OHQJWK VR D WRWDO RI WKUHH FHQWLPHWUHV LQ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ WZR \HDUV IRU HDFK RI WKHVH À VK 7KHUH DUH VRPH TXDOLW\ À VK WR EH FDXJKW LQ +LQ]H 'DP DQG WKH\ DOO À JKW WRXJK DQG KDYH DQ XQFDQQ\ DELOLW\ WR À QG WKH QHDUHVW VQDJ 6R LI \RX·UH RQ WKH *ROG &RDVW DW DQ\ VWDJH DQG À QG \RXUVHOI LQ VHDUFK RI D À VKLQJ À [ JUDE D ¶\DN FDQRH RU HOHFWULF SRZHUHG WLQQ\ DQG JHW RXW WR +LQ]H ,W·V ZRUWK LW IRU WKH VFHQHU\ DORQH EXW \RX·OO IRUJHW DOO DERXW WKDW ZKHQ WKH QH[W WURSK\ EDVV GDUWV RXW RI FRYHU WR LQKDOH \RXU OXUH« KROG RQ WLJKW

54

www.modernfishing.com.au

WHITING ON LURES

Pete Morris loves the challenge of catching whiting on lures and shares some of his hard and fast techniques to ensure you catch your quota this summer WORDS AND IMAGES BY PETE MORRIS

56

www.modernfishing.com.au

MODERN FISHING

57

WHITING ON LURES V \RX VWDUH DFURVV WKDW FU\VWDO FOHDU ZDWHU LQ IURQW RI \RX DERYH JROGHQ WR ZKLWH VDQG WKHUH DUH PDQ\ UHDVRQV WR ZK\ RXU VDQG Á DWV KDYH VXFK DSSHDO )LUVW LQVWLQFW IRU PRVW LV WR ZDQW WR MXPS LQ IRU D GLS KRZHYHU IRU WKH PRUH VHULRXV DQJOHUV DPRQJVW XV LW·V ZKDW OLHV EHQHDWK WKH VXUIDFH WKDW DSSHDOV WKH PRVW $V WLGDO PRYHPHQWV GLFWDWH SURFHHGLQJV PDQ\ SUHGDWRU\ À VK PRYH DFURVV RXU Á DWV DV WKH\ DUH Á RRGHG ZLWK ZDWHU DQG RQH VSHFLHV WKDW UHPDLQV HQRUPRXVO\ SRSXODU LV WKH YHU\ FXQQLQJ DQG VHULRXVO\ KDQGVRPH VDQG ZKLWLQJ

A

WHICH FLAT WORKS? &KDQFHV DUH WKDW WKH Á DWV \RX KDYH SRVVLEO\ ZDONHG RU VZXP DFURVV DUH DEVROXWHO\ LGHDO ,W LV TXLWH RIWHQ WKH FDVH WKDW SHRSOH DUH VLPSO\ XQDZDUH DV WR WKH DPRXQW RI OLIH WKDW LV WKULYLQJ DFURVV VDQG Á DWV DQG WKH VHULRXVO\ GLYHUVH HFRV\VWHPV FRQWDLQHG ZLWKLQ ,W·V WKH VDQG ZKLWLQJ·V LQFUHGLEOH DELOLW\ WR EOHQG LQ WR LWV HQYLURQPHQW WKDW

keeps their location hidden. 2QH RI WKH À UVW JLYHDZD\V WR WKHLU ORFDWLRQ LV ELUGOLIH LI ELUGV DUH VWDONLQJ DQG DFWLYHO\ KXQWLQJ \RX FDQ EH IDLUO\ FHUWDLQ WKDW WKHUH LV DQ DEXQGDQFH RI IRRG DYDLODEOH DQG LQ WXUQ D JRRG FKDQFH WKDW WKH ZKLWLQJ ZLOO EH WKHUH WRR 2QH RI P\ IDYRXULWH ELUG VSHFLHV WR VHH OXUNLQJ WKH Á DWV DUH VDQG SLSHUV DQG WKHVH ELUGV DUH QRW KHUH VLPSO\ E\ FKDQFH 7KH\ DUH RIWHQ VHHQ UXQQLQJ DQG IHHGLQJ YHU\ SURÀ FLHQWO\ DORQJVLGH WKH ZDWHU·V HGJH 7KHVH YHU\ FOHYHU KXQWHUV RI WKH VDQG Á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

ELUGV ZLOO UDUHO\ EH ZKHUH WKH ILVK DUH QRW 2WKHU LQGLFDWLRQV DV WR ZKHWKHU D VDQG IODW LV KHDOWK\ DUH \DEELH EHGV DQG VROGLHU FUDE FRORQLHV %RWK SOD\ D PDMRU UROH LQ WKH GLHW IRU DOO PDQQHU RI ILVK VSHFLHV DQG ZLOO UHYHDO WKHPVHOYHV RQ WKH H[SRVHG ORZ WLGH SKDVH 3UHFLVHO\ ZK\ VFRXWLQJ ORFDWLRQV RQ WKH ORZHU WLGHV LV FUXFLDO WR ILQGLQJ WKH ILVK ZKHQ WKH WLGH SXVKHV LQ

PEAK TIDE PERIODS -XVW YHU\ UHFHQWO\ , KDG D GLVFXVVLRQ ZLWK DQ ROGHU DQJOHU ZKR VXJJHVWHG , ZDV WHOOLQJ KLP D IHZ H[DJJHUDWHG VWRULHV DV , PHQWLRQHG , ZDV FDWFKLQJ VRPH IDQWDVWLF ZKLWLQJ LQ JRRG QXPEHUV +LV UHVSRQVH ZDV VLPSO\ ´DK WKHUH DUH QRQH DURXQG DW DOO DW WKH PRPHQW µ +H FRXOGQ·W KDYH EHHQ PRUH ZURQJ $QG DOWKRXJK KH ZDVQ W PXFK LQWHUHVWHG LQ WKH UHDVRQV DV WR ZK\ KH ZDVQ W FDWFKLQJ DQ\ À VK , GLG PDNH DQ HIIRUW WR OHW KLP NQRZ LW ZDV DOO DERXW WLGDO PRYHPHQW DQG Á RZ RI ZDWHU ,Q P\ EHOLHI WKLV LV WKH VLQJOH PRVW FRPPRQ UHDVRQ EHKLQG ZK\ VR PDQ\ DQJOHUV PLVV RXW RQ HQFRXQWHULQJ TXDOLW\ À VK LQ DQ\ NLQG RI QXPEHUV

Small stickbaits such as Berkley’s 3B Scum Dogs are absolute dynamite on whiting

58

www.modernfishing.com.au

Luke Rutts with a beast a of a whiting taken on a soft plastic

LURE SELECTION

Sure many guys cast some lures and maybe SLFN XS RQH RU WZR À VK DQG KDYH VXFFHVV EXW DW WKH HQG RI WKH GD\ ZH DOO ORRN WR KDYH WKRVH VHVVLRQV WKDW SURGXFH XS WR D GR]HQ RU VR À VK DQG HQMR\ WKH PRUH FRQVLVWHQW DFWLRQ %HLQJ RQ WKH ULJKW Á DW DW WKH ULJKW WLPH ZLOO VHH WKHVH VHVVLRQV EHFRPH PRUH FRPPRQ 7R EHJLQ OHW·V ORRN DW WKLQJV YHU\ ORJLFDOO\ KHUH <RX DUH ORRNLQJ DW D VDQG Á DW RQ ORZ WLGH ZKLFK KDV QRZ MXVW WXUQHG DQG LV EHJLQQLQJ WR ULVH 7KH VZLWFK KDV QRZ EHHQ WKURZQ DQG À VK ZLOO VWDUW WR WKLQN DERXW PRYLQJ XS DQG RQWR WKH SUHYLRXVO\ H[SRVHG EDQNV ZLWK WKH VROH LQWHQW WR IHHG :LWK D SHULRG RI URXJKO\ VL[ KRXUV RI LQFRPLQJ WLGH DKHDG \RXU MRE DW KDQG LV WR LQWHUFHSW WKH IHHGLQJ À VK DQG RQH RI \RXU EHVW FKDQFHV RI GRLQJ WKLV RFFXUV ZLWKLQ WKH À UVW KDOI RI WKLV LQFRPLQJ SKDVH :K\" %HFDXVH WKH À VK DUH PRUH SUHGLFWDEOH LQ WKHLU PRYHPHQWV DV WKH\ DUH VOLJKWO\ PRUH OLPLWHG DV WR ZKHUH WKH\ FDQ URDP $V WKH WLGH EHFRPHV IXOO WR DQ HYHQWXDO ¶SHDN·

WKH À VK DUH DEOH WR KXQW ODUJHU DUHDV RI VDQG EDQNV DQG WKHUHIRUH EHFRPH IDU PRUH GLIÀ FXOW WR ORFDWH LQ QXPEHUV /XUH FDVWLQJ FDQ EH YHU\ SURGXFWLYH LQ WKH À UVW KDOI RI WKH UXQ LQ WLGH SKDVH 7KH WXUQ DQG IDOOLQJ WLGH SUHVHQWV GLIIHUHQW RSSRUWXQLWLHV $JDLQ ZLWK D VL[ KRXU SHULRG RI WKH UXQRXW À VK ZLOO EH IRUFHG EDFN RII WKH Á DWV DQG LQWR WKH GHHSHU FKDQQHOV UXQQLQJ EHWZHHQ VDQGEDQNV ,Q WKH LQLWLDO KRXU RU VR WKH À VK PD\ VWLOO KDYH SOHQW\ RI ZDWHU FRYHULQJ FHUWDLQ DUHDV EXW WKH VHFRQG KDOI RI WKH UXQ RXW WLGH ZLOO PRVW GHÀ QLWHO\ VHH WKH À VK UHWUHDW LQWR GHHSHU FKDQQHOV DQG RQFH DJDLQ \RX FDQ ORFDWH À VK WKDW ZLOO KROG XS LQ ODUJHU QXPEHUV 7KH UXQ RXW WLGH ZLOO VWLOO VHH WKH YHU\ RSSRUWXQLVWLF ZKLWLQJ DPEXVK DQ\ SUH\ FDXJKW XS LQ WKH Á RZ RI ZDWHU DQG \RX FDQ RIWHQ HQMR\ KLJKO\ SURGXFWLYH OXUH FDVWLQJ VHVVLRQV RQ WKLV SKDVH DOVR 7KH QDPH RI WKH JDPH KHUH LV WR FDVW \RXU OXUHV ZHOO XS FXUUHQW DQG ZRUN EDFN ZLWK WKH WLGDO Á RZ WR DSSHDU DV UHDOLVWLF DQG QDWXUDO DV SRVVLEOH

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·YH VHHQ DFURVV WKH IODWV ZLOO KDYH \RXU OXUH VHOHFWLRQ SUHWW\ PXFK VRUWHG ,W·V XVXDOO\ DOO DERXW SUDZQV ZRUPV DQG SRVVLEO\ HYHQ VPDOO FUDEV ZKLOH VPDOOHU PLQQRZ VW\OHV DOVR FRPLQJ LQWR SOD\ HYHU\ QRZ DQG WKHQ :KDW \RX DUH DEOH WR GR KHUH KRZHYHU LV EUHDN \RXU OXUH VHOHFWLRQ GRZQ LQWR WKUHH VHSDUDWH FDWHJRULHV ZKLFK VKRXOG LQFOXGH VXUIDFH SRSSHUV VXUIDFH VWLFN EDLWV DQG VRIW SODVWLFV :LWK DQ DUVHQDO WKDW IHDWXUHV VHYHUDO RI HDFK W\SH \RX FDQ EH FRQILGHQW \RX DUH QRW IDU DZD\ IURP KXQJU\ SDFNV RI ZKLWLQJ FKDUJLQJ GRZQ \RXU OXUHV 7KHUH DUH KRZHYHU D IHZ À QHU SRLQWHUV WR HDFK OXUH W\SH DQG HDFK GHVHUYHV WR EH ORRNHG DW LQ PRUH GHWDLO KHUH

MODERN FISHING

59

SURFACE POPPERS: Miniature surface poppers are the lures solely responsible for what began a rather obsessive ‘whiting on lures’ craze which was now, many years back. In more recent times there has most defiantly been a shift away from poppers in far greater preference towards surface stick baits. What must be remembered here however is how successful small poppers can often be when others such as stick baits are being ignored. I can recall many sessions where the fish have wised up quickly to my stick bait and with a simple change in lure type to a small popper, bang! This can be contributed no doubt to a different type of retrieve with added splash and that little bit of extra noise helping to entice a fish. Here lies the benefit of small poppers and on the days where wind chop may be

A stud whiting taken on the prawn imitation Sebile Splasher

60

www.modernfishing.com.au

affecting the water’s surface, these lures can be a very smart choice. When it comes to small popper selection those that are transparent in colour remain the best performers and the most likely theory being that they best represent a fleeing prawn. A clear body with maybe a hint of yellow or even purple hue are sensational lures and the general size range is anywhere between 50-70mm.

SURFACE STICK BAITS: Surface stick baits are quite possibly my all-time favourite lures. These classic little surface creations are amongst the most realistic of lures in my opinion, and the smaller 45-70 mm presentations can look so realistic that you would almost expect one to jump out of your hand. In the hunt

for whiting, these lures are an absolute must-have and when you are casting lures with the right colour combination and size you can expect some elbow slapping whiting to really charge down your offerings. As with poppers, the clear/ transparent colour patterns that feature a splash of colour on the topside seem to perform the best. A lure pattern such as this with a slim lined body and the ultrarealistic 3D eyes has ‘eat me’ written all over it. While some anglers prefer a larger 70mm stick bait, my preference has always been for the smaller 48-50mm sized lures as I just feel that these imitate a smaller jelly prawn so well. This can of course be judged by what sized prawns or bait are in your local system at any given time.

WHITING ON LURES

Although whiting are spectacular table fare, some anglers still make the choice to release their catch

LURE RETRIEVAL Another fact that must be mentioned is that surface stick baits are very versatile lures. They can be worked incredibly well across a still ‘glassy’ surface as well as one that is wind affected. As to just how much wind is too much needs to be carefully assessed by the angler and as mentioned, surface poppers can then be a smarter choice in creating more of a surface disturbance.

SOFT PLASTICS: While nowhere near as visual as surface luring, casting soft plastics aimed at whiting is still very satisfying. Plastics that imitate worms, yabbies, prawns and small crabs are all ideal choices and there are now many ‘scented’ offerings that are about as realistic as you could ever hope for. In particular, within the Gulp range there are sand worms, bloodworms and shrimp while of course there are many other lure scents available to run over your chosen soft plastics. It almost goes without saying here that natural colours are again the proven performers. It also must be stated that there is a very strong need to fish soft plastics in conjunction with ultra-light line and fine leaders. The eye sight of a sand whiting is amongst the sharpest of all and in these clear water scenarios, ultra-light fluorocarbon leaders are the only way to achieve regular success.

, RIWHQ Ă€ QG WKLV D YHU\ LQWHUHVWLQJ WRSLF ZKHQ being discussed amongst other whiting DĂ€ FLRQDGRV DQG TXLWH VXUSULVLQJO\ WKHUH LV often huge differences of opinion. The point of difference occurs when discussing whether or QRW WR ÂśSDXVH¡ D VXUIDFH OXUH ZKHQ VSHFLĂ€ FDOO\ WDUJHWLQJ ZKLWLQJ 0\ Ă€ UP EHOLHI LV WKDW LI \RX do incorporate a pause, it is instant suicide DQG WKH Ă€ VK WKDW PD\ KDYH EHHQ FKDUJLQJ down your lure will simply shy away and ORVH LQWHUHVW YHU\ TXLFNO\ ,Q RSSRVLWLRQ RWKHU anglers swear differently and tell me they UHJXODUO\ FDWFK Ă€ VK RQ DQ LQFRUSRUDWHG SDXVH phase. The way I look at this is as follows; when using surface lures we are looking to LPLWDWH D Ă HHLQJ SUDZQ DQG D Ă HHLQJ SUDZQ LV moving at speed. The prawn is not pausing or stopping at any stage and this is what we must look to replicate. When using surface poppers I will use a slow to medium retrieve while incorporating small ‘bloops’ (to gently push water), while keeping my lure moving at a steady pace. In the case of surface stick baits, I ZLOO RIWHQ ZRUN WKHVH UDWKHU TXLFNO\ DORQJ WKH surface and what this does in many instances is really stir whiting into a highly aggressive VWDWH ZKHUH ÂśSDFN DWWDFNV¡ IURP ODUJHU Ă€ VK FDQ be common. As the stick bait darts from left to right generated from a slight ‘shaking’ action on your rod tip as you wind, your lure will LPLWDWH D Ă HHLQJ SUDZQ DOPRVW SHUIHFWO\ In a complete turnaround soft plastics will have you doing the total opposite. On a very

Would whiting mover up and onto ats where large soilder crab colonies roam. The obvious answer is YES!

lightly weighted jig head (possibly with the inclusion of a small stinger treble in longer style plastics), your aim is to work these very slowly. Again think about the movement of a worm or yabbie and in each instance they DUH QRW PRYLQJ TXLFNO\ 2QH RI WKH ELJJHVW mistakes people make when casting soft SODVWLFV LV WR ZRUN WKHP IDU WRR TXLFNO\ $OO WKDW LV UHTXLUHG LV D YHU\ VORZ UROO DORQJ the sandy bottom while you incorporate numerous pause phases along the way. It’s usually on the pause that the strike occurs.

LIGHT GETS THE BITE The beauty of this form of lure casting is that the gear you will select remains very YHUVDWLOH IRU DOO W\SHV RI œÀ QHVVH¡ OXUH FDVWLQJ Your selection begins with a very light NJ URG WKDW IHDWXUHV TXLWH D IDVW DFWLRQ

MODERN FISHING

61

WHITING ON LURES while offering some softness through its tip section. This softness is of vital importance when working smaller stick baits as it will help you achieve the desired sidewards darting action (or walk), from the surface walking lures. A stiff tip will only impede the action and while this may be ok for smaller poppers it will simply kill surface stick baits to a point where newcomers blame the lure itself. The truth be known however is that the problem lies in actual rod selection. Once you have carefully selected a rod in the vicinity of 7ft, a reel in the 2000 size range should bring about a very nice balance to your overall set up. Over this you can run the likes of 3-4lb braid which will have you casting very lightly weighted lures and soft plastic presentations with ease. Possibly the most crucial bit of gear LV D TXDOLW\ Ă XRURFDUERQ OHDGHU DQ\ZKHUH between 4-10lb. Many people like to use PRQR OHDGHU IRU LWV Ă RDWLQJ SURSHUWLHV EXW , Ă€ QG WKDW , GRQ¡W UHDOO\ QHHG WKH OHDGHU WR Ă RDW DV ,¡P ZRUNLQJ WKH OXUH IDLUO\ TXLFNO\ (DFK WR WKHLU RZQ WKRXJK LW¡V LPSRUWDQW WR Ă€ QG D combination that works for you.

ODDS AND ENDS While the flats can be successfully WDUJHWHG YLD D ERDW , ILQG P\VHOI VSHQGLQJ far more time in the water wading the IODWV ,Q PDQ\ LQVWDQFHV D ERDW PD\ QRW EH necessary at all and wading is far easier LI \RX¡UH IDFHG ZLWK OLPLWHG WLPH 1RW WR mention it is far stealthier. $V \RX ZDGH WKH Ă DWV RWKHU OLWWOH KDQG\ ELWV DQG SLHFHV \RX¡OO QHHG WR LQFOXGH LQ your kit are needle nose pliers, a rod holder you are able to stick in the sand, a back pack and a small keeper bag. Obviously everyone is different and will have GLIIHUHQW PHWKRGV EXW , Ă€ QG D VPDOO EDFN pack very handy for a small tackle tray, leader material and camera gear. A small rod holder can be very handy if trying to WDNH SKRWRV DFURVV WKH Ă DWV WR IUHH XS ERWK hands and a pair of needle nose pliers in the pocket are essential for those small QHHGOH VKDUS WUHEOHV $QRWKHU LWHP , KDYH found incredibly useful is a small ‘keeper EDJ¡ ZKLFK LV XVHG WR SODFH \RXU Ă€ VK LQ WKDW

Small poppers can be very effective raising larger whiting from the bottom

you wish to keep for the table. This can be WLHG RII WR \RXU EDFN SDFN DQG WKH À VK ZLOO stay alive and incredibly fresh until you deal with them at the end of your session. Organisation always makes for a far easier time while on or in the water.

GO NOW! As the east coast starts to warm and water temperatures also rise it is now the time to make your move. Do not sit waiting for UHSRUWV RI ZKLWLQJ WR À OWHU LQ DQG ORRN WR EH the angler who creates those reports while EULQJLQJ KRPH VRPH RI WKH À QHVW HDWLQJ À VK of all time. Whiting tick all the boxes; they are good looking, great eating, fantastic sport and are easily accessible by all.

Slim poppers can offer a rather subtle ‘bloop’ and shufing action across the waters surface

62

www.modernfishing.com.au

WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR SECOND BEST

THE 30 SECOND TENTS

With a reputation built on quality and reliability Oztent has been the choice of Australian adventurers, helping create awesome experiences for over 20 years. Find out more about the range at: www.oztent.com

ALL ROUND ANGLER with Shane Murton

Circle hooks will catch you more fish when bottom bashing. Shane Murton looks at the advantages they provide

A classic hook position when using a circle hook - this nice snapper wasn't going anywhere!

64

www.modernfishing.com.au

CIRCLE WORK f you're not yet on the circle hook bandwagon, then it's safe to say you're missing out on a lot of advantages when it comes to general bait fishing in particular. Over the last decade or so it has become apparent that circles have a firm place in basically all typical 'J' hook bait fishing situations, from whiting through to marlin, and their popularity only seems to be snowballing by the year. 2QH IRUP RI À VKLQJ ZKHUH ZH KDYH VWDUWHG to incorporate them, almost exclusively, is in a bottom bashing role, when targeting the reefs for both a range of desirable species for the table, and those caught for their sheer pulling power. As we've found, circle hooks slot perfectly into an all-round bottom bashing role and it's hard to imagine not having them at our disposal each session!

I

CIRCLE BENEFITS

There's a swag of plus points to using these hooks. I guess one of the more notable advantages is consistently putting fish on the deck, and the lack of pulled hooks experienced. For bottom bashers this is a massive win, as a lot of fish are hooked down deep near the bottom, and with braided line commonly used, there's a lot of unforgiving pressure placed on the mouth region of fish. If you're using J hooks and they've missed their mark, by which I mean they haven't sunk into a solid part of the mouth, they can tear out with hair-pulling regularity. I don't think there's a more gut churning sensation than when a quality fish comes off mid-fight! As an example, down south our nannygai (aka Bight redfish) have lightly fleshed mouths, and standard hooks

Circles excel for soft mouthed fish like this Bight redfish, and will generally get a solid hook set in the jaw hinge area

For a bulk of hook-ups you'll get near perfect hook positioning like this when using circles

can pull out with amazing regularity when cranking these fish up from the depths. With circles however, they tend to find their mark in the jaw hinge of the fish as opposed to the thin fleshy parts of their mouth structure, and for a majority of the time you can lean back and fight them with the confidence that they'll reach the surface. With circles you also seem to get more positive hook sets. When using these hooks you'll need to deviate from the age-old

practice of nearly breaking your rod on the strike to set the hook, and learn to let the rod load up before applying a slow and steady upward lift of your rod. The whole dynamics of a circle and J hook are vastly different, and circles are aimed at finding the corner of the jaw basically under the self-induced pressure of the fish moving off with your bait. For bottom bashers this means that even rods left in the rod holder can result in well hooked fish, although

micro managing your line and keeping constant pressure on hooked fish is still the preferred way to go about it. Regular jaw hook-ups, that you become accustomed to with circles are also welcomed as they aid considerably in catch and release efforts, and also the fast removal of hooks, and ultimately this means more fishing time and increased ability to cash in on a hot bite! Convinced yet?

There's a range of circle hook options on the market. Be sure to select one that is of the correct strength for the ďŹ shing you intend to do MODERN FISHING

65

Learning de-snagging tricks will get you back in the game and catching more fish!

CUTTING EDGE with Lubin Pfeiffer

Getting a lure deep in the snags will undoubtedly increase your catch but you’ll also encounter snags. Lubin offers a few tips to deal with snags and get back in the game

DEALING WITH SNAGS HJDUGOHVV RI ZKDW VW\OH RI À VKLQJ \RX GR ZKHWKHU LW LV OXUH RU EDLW À VKLQJ JHWWLQJ VQDJJHG LV D FRPPRQ SUREOHP ZH IDFH DV DQJOHUV ,W·V WKH VLPSOH IDFW WKDW À VK ORYH VWUXFWXUH VR \RX QHHG WR À VK ZKHUH WKH À VK DUH EXW WKLV GRHV UHDOO\ LQFUHDVH WKH SUREDELOLW\ WKDW \RX ZLOO JHW VQDJJHG DW VRPH SRLQW GXULQJ WKH GD\V RXWLQJ 6RPH GD\V LW PD\ RQO\ KDSSHQ RQFH RU WZLFH EXW RWKHU GD\V LW FDQ EHFRPH D UHJXODU SUREOHP :KLOH FKDQJLQJ ZKHUH \RX FDVW LV RQO\ JRLQJ WR OHVVHQ WKH FKDQFH RI FDWFKLQJ D À VK OHDUQLQJ D IHZ YHU\ KHOSIXO GH VQDJJLQJ PHWKRGV ZLOO LQFUHDVH WKHP , WKLQN RQH YHU\ LPSRUWDQW SLHFH RI WKH GH VQDJJLQJ SX]]OH WR UHPHPEHU LV WKDW RQFH \RX IHHO WKDW WKH OXUH RU EDLW LV VWXFN LV QRW WR SXOO WKH OLQH WLJKW 7KLV GRHV WDNH D ELW RI SUDFWLFH VRPHWLPHV ZKLOH OXUH À VKLQJ \RX PD\ QRW EH VXUH ZKHWKHU LW PLJKW EH D À VK RU QRW $V ZLWK DOO WKLQJV VXFK DV WKLV WKRXJK SUDFWLFH ZLOO VRRQ KDYH \RX EDFNLQJ RII WKH SUHVVXUH ZKHQ \RX IHHO WKLQJV JHWWLQJ WLJKW RQ D SLHFH RI WLPEHU RU VWUXFWXUH DQG \RX VRRQ JHW D IHHO IRU LI LW·V D À VK RU QRW

R

UHDOO\ LV D VHQVDWLRQDO WULFN WR OHDUQ 0DQ\ WLPHV , KDYH EHHQ VQDJJHG DQG KDYH KDG À VK JUDE WKH OXUH DIWHU LW KDV EHHQ Á LFNHG IUHH XVLQJ WKLV PHWKRG 8VXDOO\ RQFH \RX KHDG RYHU WKH WRS RI D SLHFH RI VWUXFWXUH WR IUHH WKH OXUH WKH FKDQFHV RI ODQGLQJ D À VK RII RI LW JUHDWO\ UHGXFH $QRWKHU PHWKRG WKDW JHWV VLPLODU UHVXOWV LV WR WDS WKH ERWWRP JULS RI WKH URG RQ D VHPL WLJKW OLQH )RU VRPH UHDVRQ WKLV FDQ MLJJOH WKH OXUH IUHH DOWKRXJK , GRQ·W WKLQN LW LV DV HIIHFWLYH DV WKH ¶Á LFN WULFN· 7KHUH DUH D FRXSOH JRRG YLGHRV RQ <RX7XEH ZKLFK VKRZ ERWK RI WKHVH WULFNV LQ DFWLRQ )RU DQJOHUV À VKLQJ LQ ERDWV ZKHQ WKH Á LFN WULFN GRHVQ W GR WKH MRE WKHUH DUH D FRXSOH RI H[WUD ZD\V \RX FDQ JHW \RX OXUH EDFN 7KHVH FRPH LQ WKH IRUP RI WDFNOH EDFNV 8S XQWLO D IHZ \HDUV DJR WDFNOH EDFNV ZHUH IDLUO\ XQFRPPRQ LQ PRVW ERDWV EXW QRZ WKDW PRUH SHRSOH DUH OXUH À VKLQJ WKH\ DUH FRPPRQSODFH LQ PRVW DQJOHU·V NLW , FDUU\ WZR W\SHV RI WDFNOH EDFN RQ P\ ERDW 2QH EHLQJ D SROH ZLWK D SLJ WDLO RQ WKH HQG 7KH SLJ WDLO LV DWWDFKHG WR WKH OLQH WR JXLGH WKH SROH WR ZKHUH WKH OXUH LV VWXFN LQ WKH ZDWHU DQG WKHQ \RX FDQ WKHQ SK\VLFDOO\ SXVK WKH OXUH RII

“It is inevitable no matter how good an angler you are to get snagged every now and then so learning how to deal with it quickly will increase your catch rate” A couple to different commonly used tackle backs, worth their weight in gold!

66

www.modernfishing.com.au

,W LV LQHYLWDEOH QR PDWWHU KRZ JRRG DQ DQJOHU \RX DUH WR JHW VQDJJHG HYHU\ QRZ DQG WKHQ VR OHDUQLQJ KRZ WR GHDO ZLWK LW TXLFNO\ WR JHW EDFN LQ WKH JDPH ZLOO LQFUHDVH \RXU FDWFK UDWH 2QFH WKH OXUH LV FDXJKW WKHUH DUH D IHZ VSHFLDO WULFNV WKDW ZLOO JHW LW VZLPPLQJ DJDLQ 7KH À UVW RQH WKDW , XVXDOO\ HPSOR\ LV WKH ¶Á LFN WULFN· ZKLFK LV WKH VLPSOH PHWKRG RI VHQGLQJ D VKRFN ZDYH GRZQ WKH OLQH ZKLFK LQ WXUQ ERXQFHV WKH OXUH IUHH 7KLV FDQ EH GRQH D FRXSOH RI GLIIHUHQW ZD\V <RX FDQ HLWKHU SXOO WKH OLQH IURP EHORZ WKH À UVW JXLGH RI WKH URG DERYH WKH UHHO DV LI \RX ZHUH JRLQJ WR VKRRW DQ DUURZ DW WKH VWXFN OXUH 7KH À UVW FRXSOH RI WLPHV VKRXOG EH GRQH ZLWK D OLJKW WRXFK JUDGXDOO\ JHWWLQJ À UPHU LI WKH OXUH GRHV QRW IUHH LWVHOI ,I WKLV GRHV QRW SURGXFH WKH JRRGV WKHQ OHW VRPH OLQH RII RI WKH UHHO SXW WKH URG GRZQ DQG UHSHDW WKH VDPH DFWLRQ RQ MXVW WKH OLQH LWVHOI DERYH WKH URG WLS 6RPHWLPHV WKH JXLGHV RI WKH URG DEVRUE WKH VKRFN DQG GRLQJ LW GLUHFWO\ WRZDUGV WKH OXUH FDQ SURGXFH D EHWWHU UHVXOW ,I LW LV D IDYRXULWH OXUH RU \RX UHDOO\ GRQ·W ZDQW WR GLVWXUE WKH VQDJ \RX DUH À VKLQJ \RX FDQ GR WKLV IRU TXLWH D ZKLOH EHIRUH WKH OXUH ZLOO MXPS IUHH ,W

7KHUH DUH VHYHUDO GLIIHUHQW OXUH SROHV DYDLODEOH RQ WKH PDUNHW DOO RI ZKLFK ZRUN ZHOO ,I \RX DUH D KDQG\ SHUVRQ \RX FDQ FKHDSO\ PDNH WKHP RXW RI D OHQJWK FXW VR LW À WV LQ \RXU ERDW RI PP HOHFWULFDO FRQGXLW DQG EHQG D ORRS WR DWWDFK WR WKH HQG :KDW , WKLQN WKLV KDV RYHU WKH FRPPHUFLDOO\ PDGH PRGHOV LV WKDW WKH HQGV FDQ EH VHDOHG VR WKDW WKH SROH Á RDWV , FDQ WHOO \RX LW LV PLJKW\ DQQR\LQJ ZKHQ WKH OXUH SROH VLQNV RXW RI UHDFK DQG GRZQ WR WKH ERWWRP DQG RQH WKDW Á RDWV LV VXSHU KDQG\ /XUH SROHV DUH JUHDW IRU DQ\ VQDJV GRZQ WR DERXW WKUHH WR IRXU PHWUHV $IWHU WKDW LW LV EHVW WR XVH D OHDG ZHLJKWHG WDFNOH EDFN 7KHVH DUH D OHDG ZHLJKW ZLWK FKDLQV DWWDFKHG WR WKH ERWWRP ZKLFK JUDE WKH KRRNV RI WKH OXUH 7KH ZHLJKW KDV D FRXSOH RI JXLGHV RQ WKH VLGH ZKLFK WKH OLQH LV SODFHG WKURXJK DQG DOVR D ORRS RQ WKH WRS IRU DWWDFKLQJ D WKLQ URSH 2QFH WKH OLQH LV SODFHG WKURXJK WKH JXLGHV WKH ZHLJKW VOLGHV GRZQ WR WKH OXUH DQG WKH FKDLQV JUDE WKH KRRNV DQG \RX FDQ WKHQ SXOO WKH URSH DQG WKH OXUH IUHH 6RPHWLPHV WKH KRRNV PD\ EHQG XQGHU WKH VWUDLQ EXW UHSODFLQJ KRRNV LV IDU PRUH FRVW HIIHFWLYH WKHQ KDYLQJ WR EX\ PRUH OXUHV

IS YOUR EPIRB DUE TO BE REPL ACED?

GPS EQUIPPED

beacons can locate you within 20 mins

NON-GPS

beacons can take up to 5 hrs†

More Australian Rescues start with GME than with any other brand* Next time you’re out on your boat, double check the expiration date of your EPIRB. If it has expired, or is approaching expiration, contact your local Authorised GME Dealer and discuss options for replacement, including updating to the latest GPS equipped model from GME. With a GPS equipped EPIRB, you will be located faster, and rescue authorities will be able to reach you sooner. It could save your life.

M365i

† Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority * 66% of all beacons detected and determined as ‘Real Distress’ by AMSA during the 12 months from the 1st of July 2012 to the 30th of June 2013 were GME brand beacons. N.B. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is not a substitute for a 406 MHz EPIRB.

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Estuary Perch

OL’ BUCKET MOUTH

Estuary perch are a popular target in coastal estuaries and lakes right around the south eastern part of the country. Here’s all you need to know!

stuary Perch (Macquaria colonorum) is a coastal member of the perch family, preferring the brackish and sometimes lower reaches of many southern and east coast rivers as opposed to the closely related Australian bass, which spends the majority of their life in the fresh water. They are a highly regarded light tackle sportfish and are often caught as welcome bycatch when chasing more common species such as bream. While they are very elusive, they can be easily targeted by putting in the time to fish those key areas that are most likely to hold them.

E

SIZE & DISTRIBUTION

CATCH ‘EM HERE!

Estuary perch are often mistaken for bass, and to the untrained eye, the size, shape and colour of an estuary perch make it a pretty easy mistake. There are however some key differences that will help to easily tell the two apart. Firstly and the easiest way to differentiate between the two is by the concave section from above the eyes and GRZQ WR WKH VQRXW RI WKH À VK :KHUH EDVV NHHS

their rounded shape all the way to the snout, an EP’s head curves in (much like a subtle version of a barramundis head). The other difference is the snout is quite a bit longer than the Aussie bass. Despite the irregularity of captures, EP’s have a fairly large distribution and are more prolific than many people are led to believe. They are caught from the Murray River in South Australia, right around to as far north as the Richmond River in Northern NSW and can be found from the brackish regions right through to the river mouths at times. Their movements are mostly dictated by water salinity with major flooding seeing them push right out the entrance of some major estuaries. Probably the most prolific region for numbers of estuary perch is Victoria’s Gippsland region where fish are regularly targeted by budding sportfishers. Although reports of sizes reaching maximums of up to 75cm, a more likely trophy VL]HG À VK LV DQ\ZKHUH DERYH FP DQG D À IW\ FHQWLPHWUH SOXV À VK FRQVLGHUHG WKH XOWLPDWH $W WKLV VL]H WKH\ DUH WRXJK OLWWOH À JKWHUV ZKHQ caught on appropriately sized tackle.

A big ats EP caught running a hardbody over the tops of the weed beds

BAIT BOX EP’s are most commonly targeted by lure fishos but bait fishing can be potentially far more efficient if you have a good idea where the fish are holding. Known perch snags are often targeted with live baits such as prawns, nippers and small mullet or herring suspended under a float and cast tight into the snags. It usually won’t take long to get a bite if the perch are there. Fast reactions and a tight line are essential here as you’ll have split seconds to set the hooks and turn the fish before it buries itself deep in the snag.

68

www.modernfishing.com.au

EP’s can be targeted out in the open on surface lures in twilight periods. Listen for the ‘pops’ on the surface!

No prizes for guessing why EP’s have earned the nickname ol’ bucket mouth’

HABITAT There are a few key structures that estuary perch are attracted to and it is very regionspecific as to what structures you are likely to find them near. In the south and especially in the Gippsland area, the most common place to target EP’s is around tea tree lined banks of the river. The fish love to hang under overhanging shrubs of tea tree and it’s here that you’ll find them schooling in large numbers. Similarly,

EP’s will school in big numbers around snaggy bankside cover to the north of their distribution however with the lack of tea tree, other bankside snags are favoured. There seems to be a natural preference for those snags that are still living, most likely because the bushy fallen tops provide thick cover for wary fish. In complete contrast to this, EP’s in Gippsland and surrounds are also well-

TACKLE TACTICS EP’s are a hard pulling fish and

LURE LESSONS Lures are a great option for targeting

due to their preference for sticking close to dense structure, it’s best not to muck around with ultra-light tackle. 10-15lb braided mainline should be enough to put the brakes on most fish and a similar 12-16lb fluorocarbon leader should be tough enough to withstand a bit of rubbing through the snags. Rods in the seven foot range and in the 3-5kg class are about ideal for both lure and bait fishing.

perch as the mobile nature of these fish usually means quite a bit of casting and probing of different snags is required to find where they’re holding. Moving along a river bank casting at various snags can be a much quicker method than live baiting snags, and provides a more sporting aspect to these special catches. Small soft plastics, hard bodies and even surface lures are deadly on EP’s. The key thing is to get the lure close to them as they are reluctant to leave cover for

known for holding over dense weedy flats, often in land-locked lakes at times when the salinity is lower than when the mouth of the particular system is open. In floods in the north, EP’s can be found in strange locations such as holding deep on rock walls and again around weed strewn sand flats. Guess that’s why are they are referred to as enigmatic, they’ll show up just about anywhere!

more than a couple of seconds. This means getting your lures deep in the timber snags or running them just along the tops of the weed beds (depending on where you’re fishing). Weedless lures often make the most sense with regards to reducing snags however due to the oversize mouths of EP’s, they can reduce the hook up rate. It’s a delicate balance that works differently for each angler. As long as you’re lure is close to their home, you’re in with a shot. MODERN FISHING

69

PRODUCT PROFILE

Enjoy the hordes of ferocious and hard fighting species, and do it all with your best mates!

Reality Fishing Charters

FISHING ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER! Affordable fishing adventures to dream locations in the Coral Sea... you can’t beat that!

This could be you! Ask the crew about taking your own boat along for the ultimate adventure

KR GRHVQ·W GUHDP RI D À VKLQJ DGYHQWXUH IDU RXW LQWR WKH &RUDO 6HD LQ VHDUFK RI H[RWLF VSHFLHV" 7KH GHVLUH WR WDNH SDUW LQ RQH RI WKHVH GUHDP WULSV QHYHU VHHPV WR EH WKH SUREOHP LW·V XVXDOO\ WKH H[SHQVH WKDW LV FULSSOLQJ WR PRVW $XVVLH À VKRV EXW DV \RX·UH DERXW WR À QG RXW WKH &RUDO 6HD KDV EHFRPH D ZKROH ORW PRUH DFKLHYDEOH WKDQNV WR 5HDOLW\ )LVKLQJ &KDUWHUV DQG WKHLU DIIRUGDEOH VHOI JXLGHG WULSV 5HDOLW\ )LVKLQJ FKDUWHUV RSHUDWH D PDVVLYH IRRW PRWKHUVKLS RXW RI %XQGDEHUJ 4/' DQG EHJDQ WKHLU IRUD\ LQWR WKH À VKLQJ ZRUOG DIWHU PDQ\ VXFFHVVIXO \HDUV RI RSHUDWLQJ DV D PRWKHUVKLS WR GLYH FKDUWHUV ,W DOO EHJDQ IRU WKH %LJ &DW FUHZ ZLWK UHHI À VKLQJ FKDUWHUV WR À VKLQJ PHFFDV VXFK DV WKH 6ZDLQV %XQNHU *URXS DQG /DG\ 0XVJUDYH ,VODQG EXW TXLFNO\ HYROYHG LQWR WKRXJKWV RI À VKLQJ IXUWKHU DÀ HOG :LWK YHU\ IHZ YHVVHOV EHLQJ FDSDEOH RI VHUYLFLQJ WKH GLVWDQW

W

RXWHU LVOHWV RI WKH VRXWKHUQ &RUDO 6HD 5HDOLW\ )LVKLQJ &KDUWHUV VWDUWHG RIIHULQJ FKDUWHUV WR DUHDV VXFK DV &DWR 5HHI DQG :UHFN 5HHI ZKLFK OLH RYHU QDXWLFDO PLOHV HDVW RI %XQGDEHUJ :KDW WKH\ ZHUH RIIHULQJ WKRXJK ZDV D XQLTXH VHOI JXLGHG WULS ZKHUH FOLHQWV ZLWK D VWDQGDUG ERDW OLFHQFH DUH DEOH WR MXPS LQ RQH RI WKHLU VL[ SRO\ WHQGHUV DQG À VK XQWLO WKHLU KHDUWV FRQWHQW ZLWKRXW WKH XVH RI D JXLGH 1RZ ZH NQRZ ZKDW \RX·UH WKLQNLQJ +RZ ZLOO , FRQQHFW ZLWK WKH EHVW À VKLQJ LQ D FRPSOHWHO\ XQIDPLOLDU SODFH ZLWKRXW WKH XVH RI D JXLGH" :HOO WKH FUHZ RQ ERDUG KDYH EHHQ EXV\ SURELQJ WKH PLQGV RI DOO RI WKH JXQ À VKRV ZKR KDYH À VKHG RQ ERDUG DQG DUH PRUH WKDQ FDSDEOH RI SRLQWLQJ DQJOHUV LQ WKH ULJKW GLUHFWLRQ DW DQ\ JLYHQ DUHD 3OXV WKH À VKLQJ LV VR JRRG LW·V KDUG WR JR ZURQJ :KDW WKH VHOI JXLGHG RSWLRQ JLYHV \RX LV WKDW OLWWOH ELW RI H[WUD IUHHGRP WR À VK DQ DUHD WKH ZD\ \RX ZDQW WR DQG XOWLPDWHO\ WKH IHHOLQJ RI DFKLHYHPHQW \RX JHW ZKHQ \RX À QG WKH À VK RII \RXU RZQ EDW LV IDU EHWWHU WKDQ OHWWLQJ D JXLGH GR LW IRU \RX

BRING A BOAT! 2Q WRS RI WKH XQLTXH VHOI JXLGHG H[SHULHQFH 5HDOLW\ )LVKLQJ &KDUWHUV KDYH IXUWKHU FDUYHG RXW WKHLU QLFKH E\ RIIHULQJ DQJOHUV WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR EULQJ WKHLU RZQ ERDW DORQJ IRU WKH WULS SURYLGLQJ LW PHHWV WKHLU UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU OLIWLQJ LW RQ WKH GHFN YLD WKHLU RQ ERDUG FUDQH ,W LV D WUXO\ XQLTXH RIIHU WKDW \RX UHDOO\ FDQ·W À QG ZLWK DQRWKHU FKDUWHU FRPSDQ\ DQG YHU\ IHZ SULYDWH ERDWV ZRXOG KDYH WKH FDSDELOLWLHV FRYHUHG WR GR LW $QG WKH EHVW LV \HW WR FRPH ,W GRHVQ·W PDWWHU KRZ XQLTXH WKLV FKDUWHU LV LI \RX FDQ·W DIIRUG WR MXPS RQ D WULS 5HDOLW\ )LVKLQJ &KDUWHUV UHFRJQLVHG WKH QHHG WR SURYLGH D PRUH DIIRUGDEOH RSWLRQ DQG KDYH PDQDJHG WR SXW WRJHWKHU DQ LQFUHGLEOH SULFH DV ORZ DV SHU SHUVRQ IRU D QLQH GD\ WULS À VKLQJ D VHOHFWLRQ RI WKHVH UHPRWH DQG SURGXFWLYH UHHIV *LYH WKHP D FDOO WR À QG WKH SHUIHFW ORFDWLRQ IRU \RXU QH[W À VKLQJ DGYHQWXUH

CONTACT REALITY FISHING CHARTERS PH: 07 3204 9340 EMAIL: info@bigcatreality.com WEB: www.bigcatreality.com

70

www.modernfishing.com.au

THE ULTIMATE LONG-RANGE REEF EXPEDITIONS

GT POPPING, DOGTOOTH TUNA, HUGE CORAL TROUT, RED EMPEROR & SO MUCH MORE! IP

TR

1

EXPLORING THE LAST FRONTIERS

The ultimate extended live-aboard sportfishing trip to some of the most remote and productive islands and atolls in the Coral Sea. A popping and jigging specialty trip for hard-fighting GT’s, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, marlin and more. Don’t miss your opportunity to visit the infamous Cato Island, the massive Wreck Reef Group and the fish-rich Frederick Reef.

IP

TR

2

ICONIC REEF FISHING EXPERIENCE

Step aboard the mothership Big Cat to experience some of the Great Barrier Reef’s hottest fishing. Exotic species such as coral trout, sweetlip, red emperor and more mixed with line-burning pelagics to make this trip an unforgettable experience for all on board. Iconic destinations such as Swains and the Bunker Group are awaiting your visit.

www.bigcatreality.com

MF60_80

Phone: 07 3204 9340 Mob: 0438 812 384 Email: info@bigcatreality.com

PRODUCT REVIEW

Perfect for car toppers, tenders and inatables

Honda Portables

PORTABLE POWER Honda unveils

their new class-leading portable range of four stroke outboards

Easily portable and light weight

72

www.modernfishing.com.au

n the wake of news of a looming deadline for the new emissions standard for Non-Road Spark Ignition Engines and Equipment, Honda Marine have unveiled three new engines, the BF4 (4hp), BF5 (5hp) and BF6 (6hp), further strengthening their ever popular range of portable four stroke engines. The new standards will effectively see the end of the old carby and electronic fuel injection two strokes which astoundingly release up to 11 times the emissions of a modern day four stroke. It’s a step in the right direction for the marine industry, but it is important for consumers to know that any engines purchased before the release of the new standards will not be banned. Honda have been on the leading edge of four stroke technology for over 50 years and therefore are thrilled to see the introduction of the new standard as developing clean technology has been high on their agenda since they entered the marine engine market, and while other companies were manufacturing two-strokes, Honda has always stayed true to their policy of only ever producing clean, four stroke outboards. The BF4, BF5 and BF6 are lighter than ever starting as low as 27kg so they are very portable and come with a foldable carry handle, while the tiller handle also stows away to make the engines very compact, perfect for storing when not in use as well as transporting on those long drives. Honda engines have always been incredibly quiet and produced low vibrations but with the

I

QHZ UDQJH RI SRUWDEOHV +RQGD KDYH VSHFLĂ€ FDOO\ developed new rubber engine mounts which are integrated into the outboard to absorb engine vibrations almost completely from both low RPM to wide open throttle. This equates to a much more comfortable user experience and reduces operator fatigue over long periods. All three of the new models sport an integrated large capacity 1.5 litre fuel tank built in to the cowl which delivers a class-leading 43 minutes of running time at wide open throttle. Additionally the BF5 and BF6 can be connected to an external fuel tank to extend the running time for longer trips. The new Honda range are designed to provide a user and environmentally friendly, portable range of four stroke outboards to an area that has previously been dominated by two stroke engines with poor emissions standards and they have delivered their promise of a cleaner engine without compromising on power. The new BF4 retails at around $2,399, the BF5 at $2,449 and the six comes in at $2,499 so they are not only a great new option mechanically, they are very affordable as well. Buyers can be FRQĂ€ GHQW WKDW WKH\¡OO EH ZHOO ORRNHG DIWHU E\ DQ\ of the professional Honda dealers and with a 7 year domestic warranty, they’ll have peace of mind on the water too. 7R FKHFN RXW WKH QHZ UDQJH RU WR Ă€ QG \RXU local Honda dealer visit www.honda.com.au Honda’s new rubber diffusers reduce vibration signiďŹ cantly

MODERN FISHING

73

THE TACKLE ADDICT thamks to

GREAT X-MAS GIFTS Looking for that perfect fishing gift for a friend or family member? Check out these awesome pressies from MoTackle all for under $50!

PATAGONIA FITZ ROY TRUCKER CAP WILSON COOL CHANGE FISHING SHIRT The Wilson Cool Change Shirts are designed to keep you cool and protected from the sun in the harshest of outdoor situations. Made from quick drying, lightweight and cool fabric with the addition of mesh lined vents. Wilson Cool Change Shirts have all the features you expect in outdoor wear. Key Features: •UPF 50+ (97.5% UV blocked - Tested by ARPANSA 2014) provides excellent protection from sun •Lightweight Fabric Breathes - Keeping you cool •Mesh lined vents in centre back & Pockets allows air flow •Tie Back Sleeves •100% Polyester The Wilson Cool Change Fishing Shirt is available for $44.95.

Designed for the avid fly fisher, the hat features a traditional ball-cap fit in a trucker setup. It has an organic cotton bill and crown; polyester mesh in the back keeps you cool. The six-panel, low-crown design and pliable bill provide all-day comfort, and snaps in back make sure you're well-adjusted. For any of those fly fisher folk out there, the Patagonia trucker cap is an ideal pressie this Christmas! Patagonia Fitz Roy Truckers hats are going for $34.95.

BLACK DIAMOND GIZMO HEAD TORCH

The perfect gift for the night owl angler this Christmas comes in the form of the Black Diamond Gizmo head torch. Light, compact and durable and outputting 90 lumens of power, the Black Diamond Gizmo is very portable, easily fitting in your everyday tackle bag or stash one in the boat for use anytime. Key Features: •Full strength, dimming and strobe settings •IPX4 Storm Proof •DoublePower LED Grab the Black Diamond Gizmo for $44.95.

74

www.modernfishing.com.au

OZTRAIL MULTISHADE BEACH DOME Whether it’s for escaping the sun when soaking a bait on the beach or a lightweight overnight hiking tent, the OzTrail Multishade Beach Dome will ensure you’re protected from the harsh summer sun. They are the perfect gift for anyone who loves to get off the beaten path but doesn’t want to carry bulky tents or swags with them. That’s just about all of us right! The OzTrail Multishade Beach Dome retails for $49.95.

FLY FISHING DVD’S

FISHY FINGERS SOAP Christmas or not, here’s a product every angler could use! Fishy Fingers is a new bar of soap for the recreational or commercial angler to add to their tackle box, cleaning station or just throw a bar in the boat. Fishy Fingers is designed specifically to eradicate that fishy smell so you can enjoy your lunch without smelling the last catch on your fingers. Fishy Fingers soap is going for only $5.95.

With the fly fishing craze in full swing and only getting bigger, now’s the perfect time to get into fly fishing and a great way to check out the basics, watch some cool catches or learn to tie your own flies is by grabbing a couple of Mo Tackle’s awesome fly fishing DVD’s. Learn to cast that long wand with the best of them for just $34.95.

GERBER BEAR GRYLLS GRANDFATHER POCKET KNIFE This handy little foldable pocket knife is based on an old classic World War II knife that was a Grylls family keepsake passed down to Bear from his grandfather. Gerber have taken the old and made it into a modern utility knife with a fine edge blade, cork screw, fl at and Phillips head screwdriver, bottle opener and file. The knife features over-moulded TPU rubber with a stainless steel BG badge and comes with a lifetime warranty. Grab one for just $44.95.

SAMAKI KIDS APPAREL Got a son, daughter, niece or nephew who loves to fish? Why not get them looking the part on the water this summer with the new range of kids fishing apparel from Samaki. These great new designs feature strikingly real fish images printed on a lightweight 100% polyester fabric. Quick drying and UPF30 sun protection, they are the perfect gift for that upcoming fishing star! Available for $49.95.

DAIWA ROD SOCKS Know who’s getting a new rod this Christmas? Why not look at getting them a Daiwa rod sock so they can keep their flash new rod in A1 condition. Made from lightweight expandable nylon meshing, these fishing rod protectors are deigned to reduce friction and avoid harsh rubbing and rashes on your often expensive and delicate fishing rods. Easily fitted and adjustable to suit many sizes and styles of rod. Daiwa rod socks retail at $14.95.

ECOGEAR SX40 You can never have too many plastics and jigheads so why not grab your friend or family member a ZMan value pack this Christmas. Grab a River & Estuary Value Pack of TT HeadlockZ series jigheads, three packets of ZMan soft plastics as well as a fresh spool of Sure Catch Krypton Fluorocarbon line – the perfect estuary starter pack or just a top up for your collection. The pack is worth over $80.00 but available at Mo Tackle for just $49.95.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER!

UP TO $ 50 OFF!

GET $25 OFF! - Si m

ply spend $150 or single transactio more in n and enter the co this month at MOTackle.com.a a u, de ‘25BACK’ in th receive $25 off th e e total value of yocheckout to ur order! GET $50 OFF! - Si OR mply spend $300 single transactio or more in n and enter the co this month at MOTackle.com.a a u, de ‘50BACK’ in th receive $50 off th e e total value of yocheckout to ur order!

www.motackle.c om.au

MODERN FISHING

75

THE GOODS! Here’s a sneak peek at the latest gear to hit the shelves

SHIMANO MAIKURO Looking for a new rod? It’s hard to go past something from the exciting new Maikuro VHULHV IURP 6KLPDQR &RYHULQJ WKH À VKLQJ spectrum from ultra-light micro lure work WKURXJK WR OLJKW VXUI WKHUH DUH D QXPEHU RI RSWLRQV LQ RQH RU WZR SLHFH FRQÀ JXUDWLRQ in this massive 13 rod collection. 5ROOHG ZLWK WRQ 7RUD\ JUDSKLWH WKH EODQNV DUH OLJKW DQG UHVSRQVLYH

giving instantaneous feedback on what’s happening with that lure below the surface. 7KH 0DLNXUR URGV DOVR ORRN WKH SDUW ZLWK D PDWW EODFN ILQLVK ZKLWH VLOYHU DQG EODFN WULP 6HD *XLGH FDUERQ KRRGHG UHHO VHDWV DQG FXVWRP VKDSHG VSOLW DQG IXOO length EVA and cork grips depending on the model.

Whatever your preferred target species, Shimano Maikuro rods have a model to suit, so check them out at your tackle store today or jump online to view them DW ZZZ VKLPDQRĂ€ VK FRP DX

ZMAN 3.5â€? EZ SHRIMPZ Everything eats a prawn and the new ZMan EZ ShrimpZ are sure to appeal to myriad fresh and VDOWZDWHU VSHFLHV ZLWK LWV UHDOLVWLF SURĂ€ OH WKLQ OHJV DQG antennae designed for added realism and vibration. The segmented body creates maximum action and a natural SUDZQ ÂśNLFN¡ ZKLOH WKH IDQQHG WDLO FUHDWHV D QDWXUDO glide on the sink. $OVR DYDLODEOH LQ D SUH ULJJHG YHUVLRQ WKH XQULJJHG (= 6KULPS= FRPHV LQ FRORXUV ZLWK OXUHV SHU pack and can be used as a replacement body for the SUH ULJJHG YHUVLRQ RU ULJJHG VWDQGDORQH RQ D 77 /XUHV +HDGORFN= RU 'HPRQ= MLJKHDG IRU Ă€ VKLQJ RSHQ water and weedless rigged on the TT ChinlockZ or 6QDNHORFN= MLJKHDGV IRU Ă€ VKLQJ GHHS LQ VWUXFWXUH 7HVWLQJ RI WKH ; 7RXJK VXSHU VRIW DQG Ă H[LEOH ElaZtech EZ ShrimpZ saw it boat everything from EDVV Ă DWKHDG PXOORZD\ DQG VQDSSHU WR EDUUD MDFNV and trevally. How many different species will eat your EZ ShrimpZ? Fish on! . Check them out at www.tackletactics.com.au

76

www.modernfishing.com.au

SIMRAD GO9 XSE The Simrad GO9 XSE is the latest addition to the popular GO Series systems. Packed full of features, it has intuitive, multi-touch controls that smartphone and tablet users ZLOO LQVWDQWO\ À QG IDPLOLDU DQG HDV\ WR XVH Boaters can view charts, add waypoints and see key information on a large 9-inch screen. Additionally, the GO9 XSE is fully compatible with Simrad Broadband 3G/4G Radar systems and features an internal 10 Hz GPS receiver, StructureScan HD and CHIRP Sonar for fishfinding, autopilot integration for precision control, engine data monitoring, full audio entertainment connectivity with SonicHub2, built-in wireless connectivity, and the powerful Simrad TripIntel trip computer. The Cruise Charting page combines crucial navigation data and charts into one easy-to-read display, while new TripIntel technology tracks and displays the key information needed to plan a safe and

enjoyable day on the water. Fuel range overlaid on charts, current and future tide levels, and a detailed history of previous trips – including the route taken and how the boat performed – are all provided by TripIntel functionality. The Simrad GO9 XSE also connects to NMEA 2000 compatible equipment aboard vessels with either outboard or inboard HQJLQHV WR VKRZ IXHO à RZ à XLG OHYHO VSHHG heading and water temperature. A wide range of cartography options are available, including C-MAP, Navionics and more. Anglers can take full advantage of the built-in sonar by simply adding a suitable transducer for accurate, real-time depth tracking and fishfinding. A scrollable depth history view allows boaters to track back and easily set waypoints for promising anchorages. The TotalScan all-in-one transducer matches StructureScan HD Imaging, DownScan Imaging and CHIRP

sonar for picture-like views of the bottom on each side and beneath the boat as well as providing improved target identification at greater depths, a clearer display with less interference and enhanced target separation. ForwardScan sonar technology built into the GO9 XSE (transducer sold separately) also provides forward-looking, two-dimensional sonar views of the bottom depth ahead of a boat – a powerful defense against running aground and an invaluable tool for locating secure sites to drop anchor. The new Simrad GO9 XSE is available in various configurations ranging from $1,899 AUD RRP/ $2069 NZD RRP without transducer, and up to $2,049 AUD RRP/ $2239 NZD RRP with TotalScan transducer. Consumers can find the new Simrad GO9 XSE products in stores from November 2016. For a closer look, visit www.simrad-yachting.com.

MODERN FISHING

77

THE GOODS!

BRADLEY SMOKERS Australia is undoubtedly experiencing a culinary obsession with American style barbeque cooking. Served in numerous pubs and restaurants, people are starting to bring this style of cooking into their backyards. Low and slow barbecues are EHFRPLQJ WKH QRUP SHRSOH DUH VHUYLQJ FROG VPRNHG Ă€VK DQG FKHHVH DORQJ ZLWK hot smoked ribs and brisket at weekend get togethers to the attendees delight. For years, Bradley has created world-class smokers: now they introduce the new Original Bradley Smoker Range. The Original Smoker Range is an LPSUHVVLYH OLQH XS RI FRQĂ€GHQW FRRNHUV WKDW LQFRUSRUDWH PRUH IHDWXUHV WKDQ HYHU seen before on an electric smoker. 7KH QHZ %UDGOH\¡V DUH Ă€WWHG ZLWK D VOHHN KLJK HQG VWDLQOHVV VWHHO LQWHULRU and new rack supports to keep the racks level and keep steady when removing trays. On top of this, these cookers feature extra-large front feet for unparalleled stability from the ground up! With an extra-large cooking capacity, the Bradley BXLT comes with six removable racks that can be monitored with a simple-to-use temperature control for ease of use. If you’re looking for something smaller and more portable, the more compact Bradley BS611 is lighter and stocked with four removable racks. The Original Bradley Smoker Range boasts a classic look melded with new electronic components to provide a consistent and controlled smoke and temperature. If you’re patient and looking to cook a coq au vin or chilli con carne, both Bradley’s can also be used as a slow cooker or a slow roasting oven. The Original Bradley Smoker Range utilises the technology of electronic style smoking whilst maintaining a genuine and competition grade cook - and to top it all off the generator has a removable side panel for easy cleaning and SUHYHQWDWLYH PDLQWHQDQFH WR PDNH VXUH WKH VPRNH Ă DYRXU LV DV VWURQJ DV HYHU ,W truly is the backyard cooker you’ve been dreaming of. The smoker range starts from $799.

JL AUDIO MEDIA MASTER JL Audio is a respected audio company based in the US, focusing on delivering high quality audio equipment in the home, mobile, powersports and marine market. Respected Australian distributor Navico who is responsible for leading brands such as Simrad, Lowrance, B&G and GoFree have recently announced their partnership with JL Audio to bring the popular American Marine audio equipment to the Australian market. Navico will be distributing the MediaMaster 100, a full-featured, weatherproof marine source unit with its rugged, weatherproof chassis housing an ultra-bright, 3.5-inch full-colour LCD display, with separate Day and Night lighting themes to keep things easy-to-see at all times. An intuitive user interface with big, legible text and large backlit controls makes it easy to use, especially while in motion. Features include a digital AM/FM tuner, RDS (Radio Data System) display of extended FM program info where available, storage for up to 18 of your favourite channels for quick access, Bluetooth capability with full control of play/pause and track up/down functions from compatible devices, and USB 2.0 direct digital connection for an iPhoneÂŽ or USB storage device. In addition to the source unit Navico will distribute the M series of VSHDNHUV DQG VXEZRRIHUV 0 ,% DQG DPSOLĂ€HUV DORQJ with the MX series of speakers (650, 770), subwoofers (MX10IB3), and DPSOLĂ€HUV $ PXOWLWXGH RI SDUWV DQG DFFHVVRULHV ZLOO DOVR EH DYDLODEOH For more information on where to buy JL Audio Marine products, visit www.jlaudiomarine.com.au or contact 1300 NAVICO.

78

www.modernfishing.com.au

AQUASOUL APPAREL Aquasoul apparel was created through necessity by a couple of Australia’s most respected watermen and is now available to the Australian SXEOLF 7KH JHDU LV D UHà HFWLRQ RI the environment and the watermen behind the brand, incorporating clean simple designs with a focus on functionality for a purpose. Aquasoul has range of casual wear ZLWK $XVWUDOLDQ VSHFLÀ F GHVLJQV DQG cuts, and also the functional technical wear to keep the wearer protected, comfortable and at ease while they are enjoying time on the water. Whether you’re a surfer, enjoy SUP or just the ocean, whether you’re a à \ À VKHUPDQ EOXHZDWHU RU LQVKRUH VSRUWV À VKHU $TXDVRXO KDV \RX covered during your pursuits on and off the water. Check out the comprehensive range of styles and designs at www.aquasoulapparel.com.au

NEW-LOOK MERCURY XS Mercury Racing has released a bold new look for its 250 XS and 300 XS outboards. The new high-impact graphics emphasise the horsepower rating and the fact these engines come from Mercury’s super competitive Racing stable – where everything is about outperforming the opposition. By combining high power and torque with ultra-light weight, the 250 XS and 300 XS engines are in continual demand by racing enthusiasts around the world, and also ideal for repowering older performance boats. 250 XS - RECORD BREAKING SPEED The 250 XS, a low-emissions TwoStroke, was a game changer from the moment it was released, outperforming competitive 250hp engines in a variety of categories including fuel economy, mid-range acceleration and top speed. 250 XS models come exclusively with the legendary Sport Master gearcase. Designed for lighter weight hulls capable of speeds in excess of 135 km/h (85 mph), the Sport Master features a crescent leading-edge housing with low water pickups. This enables the 250 XS to run at elevated transom heights for maximum HQJLQH USP K\GURG\QDPLF HIÀ FLHQF\ and top-end speeds.

300 XS - VERSATILE HIGH PERFORMANCE Not only does Mercury Racing’s 300 XS outperform all competitors at the same horsepower – it does it no matter what the application. Available with 20�, 25� and 30� midsections, the 300 XS isn’t restricted to ski boats. A custom designed exhaust adapter plate – with built-in appendages for mounting after-market steering wing plates – enable the 300 XS to be used safely on high-speed multi-engine catamaran and vee-bottom boats as well. Offshore models come standard with a heavy-duty swivel/clamp bracket assembly and trim cylinder. The race-proven remote mounted trim pump provides a quicker trim-out speed and enhanced durability. For a closer look at the new XS models or any of the outboards in the Mercury Marine stables, visit www. mercurymarine.com

MODERN FISHING

79

MODERN FISHING

.'

YOU CAN’T MISS THE NEXT MODERN FISHING!

LOCATIONS KANGAROO ISLAND OFFSHORE LAKE ST CLAIR BASS

ORAL SEA C PLUS LOCKOUTS NG TROLLING & CASTIGIC FOR PELA S + HEAPS MORE!!!

URBAN JEWFISH

TACTICS ES

HNIQU EXPERTFUSTEC SY MULLOWAY TO FOOL

LOWN TOTDEIDALEWITLHEMSURSKYOWNATSER LEAR

CAN’T WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT MODERN FISHING FIX? Jump online to keep up with the action! www.facebook.com/modernfishing

e rdabl o f f A Phil’s

BARRA TOURS WKH ¿ VKLQJ VDIDUL SDFNDJH GHDO SURIHVVLRQDOV We arrange and include everything from your capital city airport to Darwin, VIP transfers to and from your Quality Darwin accommodation, pick up for your fishing safari by our professional fishing guide, all meals and accommodation on location. PLUS we save you money!!!

phil’s unbeatable packages bookings available for the 2017 Run-off

Daly River, NT Bynoe Harbour, NT

Another of our many Mother-ship options

Shady Camp, NT

Melville Island, NT

Dundee / Finniss River, NT

South Alligator River, NT

For Information

130cm Black Jew South Alligator River, NT

www.barratours.com.au Phone Mobile: 0404 485 006 - Email: phil@barratours.com.au

TAKE YOUR BOATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH A NEW YAMAHA OUTBOARD Choose Yamaha for industry leading innovation, legendary reliability, proven quality and long term durability that goes the distance.

$700 Now is the perfect time to take your boating to the next level with savings of $10 per horsepower on Yamaha outboards from 30 to 70 horsepower.

$400 off 40V

$700 off F70 $300 off F30

Promotion is available between 01/11/16 to 28/02/17 on newly purchased Yamaha two-stroke and four-stroke models. The savings amounts to $10 per horsepower from the 30 to 70 horsepower range, ie. a F30LA is equivalent to a $300 saving. Savings are based on RRP and subject to change without notice. Offer available for private buyers only on specified models installed and registered on or before the 28/02/17. Promotion is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply. While stocks last. See your authorised participating dealership for details.

TO LOCATE A DEALER & FIND OUT MORE, VISIT:

WWW.YAMAHA-MOTOR.COM.AU/NEXTLEVEL

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.