Fishing Monthly Magazine | September 2023

• AFTA TACKLE SHOW WINNERS • CRUSHCITY PUT TO THE TEST • FIND THE

LOGO COMPETITION QLD

NSW

VIC

TAS

WA

Species Spotlight

Bob Thornton brings us a shallow outlook on flathead

WA

Features

Shallow water flathead tactics • Secrets of kayak tournament fishing • Starlo: Subtle art of berleying • Spotlight: Illawarra • AFTA Winners • Testing Booth: Rapala CrushCity • Latest news and area reports •

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CONTENTS

OUR COVER September 2023, Vol. 4 No.5 VIC

TAS

QUEENSLAND Tweed River Gold Coast Jumpinpin Brisbane Northern Bay Noosa Bundaberg Mackay Townsville Hinchinbrook Cairns Port Douglas Cooktown Cape York Freshwater

16 18 20 22 26 28 30 34 38 40 41 40 42 44 48

NEW SOUTH WALES Sydney North Sydney South Sydney Rock Ballina Coffs Coast South West Rocks Hasting Port Macquarie Central Coast Port Stephens Swansea Illawarra Batemans Bay Bermagui Tathra New England Rivers Hunter Valley Batlow Albury/Wodonga Canberra

54 55 56 58 60 62 63 64 65 66 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76

VICTORIA Portland Warrnambool Cobden Geelong Port Phillip West Phillip Island Gippsland Lakes Port Albert Lakes Entrance Marlo Mallacoota Bemm River Robinvale Bendigo Wangaratta Shepparton Ballarat Crater Lakes Gippsland Freshwater 6 SEPTEMBER 2023

From the Editor’s Desk...

WA

78 79 79 80 84 85 88 88 90 91 91 90 92 93 94 95 96 97 97

We wrote about it last month and it went off with a bang – the Public Day at the AFTA Tackle Show was incredibly successful with a tripling of numbers from last year’s event and the Queensland Government kicking in to make sure that everyone could attend for free.

Traditionally the AFTA ‘Trade Show’ was a business-to-business event where tackle stores went to see what products were going to be released for the Christmas season and to get their summertime orders lodged.

It’s evolved to way more than that.

Interrupted by COVID for a couple of years, the initial Public Day attracted nearly a thousand people – all keen to see what is up and coming in fishing tackle.

Using his Diawa Beef Stik rod, Shimano reel and a squid-jig - one of seven squid, fishing obsessed Owen Morgan caught on a recent family trip to Airlie Beach.

A Racquel Morgan image.

18

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TASMANIA Hobart

77

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Esperance

98

Bunbury

98

Augusta

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Metro

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Mandurah

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Lancelin

102

Exmouth

104

Karratha

104

Freshwater

106

34

You can’t buy at the show, it’s not a sales event. But you got to look and feel the new gear.

That was plenty for the tackle junkies, who were used to seeing the gear launched on social media or in the pages of this magazine.

Fast forward to 2023 and the exhibitors are all committed to Public Days for the next three years. They’ve improved their stands and invested in making sure that their celebrity anglers and influencers are there to meet you.

And they did the job superbly.

Y’all showed up with just under 3,000 lining up out the end of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for the gates to open at 9am – among them were plenty of young, keen anglers. Some even came with fishing rods ready for an after-show fish!

Plenty voted in the People’s Choice awards. You got to cast your vote on the same product that the retailers voted on the days before. Some of the product winners were the same but lots were different – giving the manufacturers a glimpse of what the anglers value rather than the stores.

Overall, the atmosphere was incredible and the whole industry is getting ready to welcome you back in 2024.

If you’re a tackle tragic, it might be worth taking a few days off at that time and visiting?

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A shallow outlook on flathead BRISBANE

Bob Thornton

It’s hard to imagine how a fish like flathead, with so much media coverage in the form of books, articles and videos spanning back at least several generations can continue to invigorate the fishing world.

Lure fishing in Australia goes back to at least the early 20th century, and flathead (particularly dusky flathead) have long been a staple in the Aussie fishing community.

Being a highly aggressive

very specific approach and works only under certain conditions. On top of that, there’s usually plenty of casts between fish. If we take a step back and focus less on trophy fish, however, a bigger picture starts to form.

Prospecting shin-deep sandflats with smaller lures is not only a super fun way to target flathead, but also highly effective. Targeting these areas in the right way and at the right time can yield excellent numbers medium size flathead, and is perfect for small vessel and shore-based anglers.

Bent lures like this Stoner 115 from Tie On Tackle were developed specifically for shallow water flathead, and they have well and truly earned the tick of approval from Boothy!

Photo courtesy of Stephen Booth.

species that likes to hunt in the estuaries, they lend themselves to the luring novice who doesn’t yet own any fancy fishing gear or a big boat with all the bells and whistles. After all this time you might think there aren’t any surprises with this species, but that just isn’t so.

Our understanding of these great fish is still expanding, and we now have techniques refined to specifically target big flathead in some of the most exciting ways possible.

Throwing comically large lures across shallow flats for shovel-sized flathead has reignited an appreciation for these fish, with so many of the country’s foremost anglers back targeting the fish that got them into the sport.

I can tell you from experience that chasing them this way is some of the most heart-stopping fishing you can do, but it requires a 8 SEPTEMBER 2023

A SHALLOW OUTLOOK Chasing flatties on shallow sandflats is nothing new, however what the big bait flathead craze has done is remind us just how shallow they will venture to snaffle a feed. In most estuaries it’s easy enough to find a shallow sandflat dotted with yabby holes. In fact, there’s often so many of them that most anglers still walk straight past them without a second thought. I must admit, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve spooked flathead off a flat while trudging with determination to get to deeper water.

Fishing in deeper holes, channels and drains definitely has its place, and the flats aren’t always going to be the best places to target. Understanding a bit more about flathead will help when it comes time to decide whether to target deep or shallow water, so let’s look at what we know about these fish.

THE DUSKY DIARIES It’s well-known that dusky flathead spawn in sandy estuaries; usually where they meet the ocean.

In the period immediately leading up their spawning, they tend to feed very aggressively to build condition – a behaviour common to many fish species.

Dusky spawning tends to occur from about September to February, depending on the latitude. As a general rule, northern populations spawn in late winter and early spring, while further south this tends to happen in the height of summer. Spawning for most fish species is dependent on salinity levels and water temperature, and given the dusky range spans

a few different climates, this helps to explain the different spawning periods.

At the same time, the water in the shallows reaches a comfortable temperature for a lot of crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates, many of which emerge from their larval stage during spring and summer. This attracts a host of smaller estuarine fish species such as whiting, bream, garfish, herring, anchovies and more, which move up onto the flats periodically to snack on these vulnerable morsels. Following these little foragers are the larger predators, with flathead being one of main players.

This set of circumstances is what anglers throwing large soft plastics and glidebaits take advantage of. Lures that imitate the foragers are ideal for specifically targeting the big flatties that prowl the flats, but there’s still more to this story.

Flats that offer consistent action on big 80cm+ flathead tend to have a few things in common. Firstly, they’re generally nearby main ocean entrances. Secondly, they receive a moderate to fair amount of tidal current. And thirdly – and probably most importantly – they require a bit of effort to get to.

Expanding on this latter point, flats in areas where there are lots of swimmers, extra boat activity and other anglers don’t usually see an infllux of estuary foragers on the scale of the more ‘remote’ locations. The bigger and brainier bream, whiting and gar will tend to avoid these busier spots, preferring quieter, less disturbed flats where natural cycles can happen without human interruption. Bigger

A perfect flat: Soft sand in about 40-70cm of water with scattered bits of timber and weed, a small channel that runs out to the drop-off in the right of frame, and a tiny bit of wind chop to conceal the angler from fish!

Josh nailed this high 60s model working a soft plastic on the very edge of a flat. A lot of fish will sit right where the water depth drops off, so it’s a good area to target if the fish aren’t right up on the flat itself.

Photo courtesy of Josh Dunn.

flatties require a bigger meal, and are therefore less likely to waste their time on noisy flats devoid of their preferred prey. This is probably a big reason why a boat is required to get to most big flathead hotspots.

With that said, many smaller and less educated baitfish will happily mooch onto a busier flat. These sub-legal whiting and bream, along with palmsized herring, gar, and other opportunistic scroungers are a much more suitable snack for medium-sized flatties between 30-60cm.

Yes, big flathead will still get caught on flats in the heart of metropolitan areas, and small flathead will show up on pristine flats only visited but intrepid anglers, but this is a general rule based on my own experience and the experiences of others.

WHEN TO GO SHALLOW With all this in mind, it leaves the question: when should I fish the flats for flathead? The simple answer is, whenever and wherever you can find a sandflat with water on it, with about six inches being my minimum depth requirement.

Unfortunately there is no definitive answer, because the reality is that all estuaries are different, and flats can become fishable at different stages of the tide and remain viable for a variable amount of time. For example, a flat that is littered with flathead and baitfish may be high and dry two hours later, and an exposed sandbank could see the first flathead starting to move up onto it with the incoming tide within an hour.

To be good at flats fishing, you need to be able to spot these opportunities – just like flathead and other predators do – and to tailor your approach accordingly.

I can’t tell you exactly how to find flathead on the flats in your local estuary, but I can give you some common scenarios.

The first scenario, and probably the best in my opinion is when a flat is flooded on the incoming tide. These flats tend to be exposed at low tide and are great flats to explore because they offer the luxury of low tide reconnaissance. At low tide, walking across these areas can help you identify things such as flathead lies, patches of mud, rubble or weed, and slightly deeper channels on the flat that act as entry points for the fish. If you can time your return with when the water is starting to filter into these entry points and flood the flat, you should be able to capitalise on the action. I have found that it’s sometimes a good idea to wait for the water to fully cover the flat and to let the predators and prey establish themselves before I start fishing. Other times the flatties will be feeding as the water is covering the flat, chasing their quarry as it flees into ever shallower water. This is where it’s important to use your eyes to observe what’s happening.

If you can see baitfish mooching around, fishing nearby is always a good option. It’s also wise to target any baitfish holding features that you identified a low tide.

I will always throw a few casts around the edges of any

weed, mud or rubble patches, and if there’s an entry point nearby, I will work the area thoroughly.

Another common scenario is the outgoing tide, and often the same areas mentioned above can be fished on the outgoing tide.

In some instances, they may only start to fish well as the tide starts to run-out – trial and error is often the only way to piece the puzzle

together. Generally speaking, flatties are mobile hunters as the tide moves over a flat, however when the water starts to drain off it, their tactic changes slightly. With the water now disappearing, the foragers will be forced to gradually move back toward the entry points, which are now drainage points! Lying in these drainage points for baitfish that have no choice but to run the gauntlet is a far

more energy efficient way to hunt, and therefore working your lures nearby these areas is a no brainer. Once the water has all but completely drained off the flat, the flatties will tend to sit in the deeper water on the edge of the flat and wait for the last of the baitfish to be swept out through the remaining drainages. Targeting these areas isn’t necessarily flats fishing, but it’s an effective

The 90mm V-Swim from Venom Lures is similar to the big glidebaits that have become so popular amongst big flathead devotees, but is a bit smaller and appeals to the medium-sized flatties. Boothy chooses to use baitcast tackle for these lures for the extra ‘feel’ it offers.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Booth.

technique when the flats action (literally) dries up.

The last scenario I want to discuss is low tide flats.

In some areas, there are flats that only become visible at the lowest stages of the tide, and so long as there is a little bit of water over them, there’s no reason why our favourite flat fish won’t be there chasing a feed. They may not be ‘classic’ flats, but if it’s a shallow area where flathead can corner their prey, it’s highly likely that there will be catchable fish there. Once again, use the fact that it’s visible to your advantage and look for signs of life. My favourite local flat on the east side of Brisbane is only accessible by foot at low tide. At high tide the reachable area is covered with seagrass and driftwood that makes fishing very difficult.

TOP PERFORMERS IN THE SHALLOWS There are so many lures that will catch flathead, however, there are certain styles and designs that can really shine in the skinny water, and by observing the fish activity on your local flat you should be able to identify what will work best.

Hardbodies Hardbodies have recently regained popularity for chasing flathead over the flats, but the truth is that

When the sun’s out and the weather’s warming up, it’s big flathead time! Another 80cm+ specimen hits the deck for Lindsay.

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Stevenson.

anglers have been using them in this way since at least the ‘60s. Vic McCristal wrote about this technique in his book Great Fishing With Lures (1970).

These days, hard plastic lures with realistic colour patterns have replaced the hand-made wooden creations

with metal bibs. What hasn’t changed so much is how they’re used.

All sorts of hardbodies will work, but the best results tend to come on slender profiles between 60-90mm long that suspend, usually referred to as jerkbaits.

Using the rod tip to

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The Imposter lives up to its name, posing as a shrimp or prawn to deceive predators.

When you’re chasing aggressive predators and need to get the job done, send in the Heavy Hitter.

The Jerk is exactly that; twitchy, fidgety and erratic, even with the slightest rod twitch.

“THE JERK”

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twitch these jerkbaits across the flats, digging them into the sand, and allowing them to hover just above the bottom every so often is a great way to catch the eye of a flathead. Working a jerkbait this way perfectly imitates a whiting or prawn nervously foraging along the sand, so it makes sense to carry a few of these lures.

Soft plastics Everybody knows how effective these lures are on flathead, and that effectiveness includes over the flats. To get the most out of these lures though, it helps to rig them with lighter jigheads. A 1/4oz jighead will probably spook more flathead than it attracts in these shallow margins and certainly won’t allow it to sit or swim as naturally as something with less head weight. A jighead weight of between 1/16-1/12oz is more suitable in the shallows.

Most modern soft plastics are made from more stretchy and buoyant material than the plastics of old. What this means is when they sit motionless on the bottom, they will sit with their chin down and their tail up. So rather than falling flat on their side, they’ll sit more like a small baitfish searching for scraps in the sand.

Paddle-tail, curly-tail, fluke-tail and other ‘creature bait’ designs are all effective on flathead, with sizes between 60-100mm a great catch-all range. In recent years, forward-thinking anglers have started using 7, 8 and even 9” (230mm) plastics to imitate bigger whiting and other baitfish on the flats, but if you’re just chasing a few medium size lizards on a relatively accessible flat there’s no need to chuck something this big.

Topwater lures In the past many anglers would have laughed at the idea of flathead eating topwater lures, but those

When the water’s this clear most hook-ups are visual. Shayne has an enormous tally of big flathead to his name, and a large percentage of them have come off flats just like this one.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Booth.

who enjoy chasing flathead on shallow sandflats know better. Part of the reason flathead like to hunt on the flats is because they can easily corner their prey against the surface, so it makes sense that topwater lures will attract their attention in this environment.

Flatties are considered a fairly gentle eater, but their surface feeding habits definitely challenge this idea.

The ‘boof’ they create when they go after a topwater lure (especially the bigger fish) is comparable with Murray cod or barramundi!

With so many different types of topwaters, it can be a little difficult to decide which one to use on any given day. When it comes

to choosing, it helps to understand the pros and cons of each lure type, so let’s look at a few of the most common designs.

Poppers are probably the most recognisable topwater lure, and they’ve been responsible for many flathead captures on the flats over the years – often taken as by-catch by anglers chasing whiting! These lures make a lot of noise and displace plenty of water, and in places where the flathead are feeding aggressively a popper between 40-80mm worked fairly quickly with the odd pause can be deadly – especially if there’s prawns around! But sometimes a popper can be a bit much if the fish are wary.

Even mid-50s specimens like this one from the Gold Coast Broadwater are a stack of fun in the shallows. The ZMan 3.5” GrubZ in watermelon colour is a go-to for Josh.

Photo courtesy of Josh Dunn.

10 SEPTEMBER 2023

For a more subtle approach, stickbaits, spooks or ‘walk-the-dog’ type lures are an awesome alternative.

Flats that receive a bit of human traffic are better fished with lures like this that are quieter and present more realistically. These days some flats gurus will toss 200mm stickbaits across the shallows, but 60-100mm sizes are better if you want to cover your bases. Once again, working them quickly with the odd pause is a good way to attract the attention of feeding flathead, and also allows you to cover water to find where the best concentrations of fish are.

Bent lures are another proven topwater presentation on the flats. These curious creations haven’t been around nearly as long as the other two, and to the uninitiated they may seems a bit strange. Their asymmetric shape and erratic swimming action can cause new users to doubt the effectiveness of these lures, but believe me, there’s not much they won’t catch! One thing bent lures do better than most other lures types is imitate an injured or dying prey item, and most predators will prefer an injured baitfish over a fully fit one if presented with the choice. Anglers can now buy bents in a range of sizes, and large ones over 200mm have recently started becoming the main weapon of choice for some big flathead hunters! If you don’t wish to throw a lure the same shape and size as a Cavendish banana though, models between 70-120mm are a great size for flatties ranging from sub-legal rats to 80cm+ giants. They are very bizarre lures, but they are excellent to tie on if nothing else is working.

In fact, they’re great to tie on when fishing on any flat at any time.

Glidebaits and swimbaits Before about 10 years ago most Aussie anglers didn’t know what these were, but now you can find them in just about every tackle store in a range of sizes and colours. Flathead anglers were quick to start using swimbaits and glidebaits when they shot into the mainstream, and with their incredibly realistic designs and swimming actions, it’s no surprise that they have cemented themselves as a big flathead weapon.

Effective though the larger 150-200mm ones are, there are also plenty of smaller swims and glides (60-100mm) that can be cast on standard estuary spin tackle and won’t make your arm feel like it’s about to fall off. Floating and slow sink models are the best for working on the flats, because you want these baits to swim and sit just off the bottom.

Jointed and single-piece configurations both work,

and I find the looser, multijointed swimbaits work best with a slow retrieve, while the single-piece and single-jointed designs can be twitched so they glide from side-to-side in exaggerated ‘S’ curves. Both actions attract attention from flathead.

What amazes me when chasing flathead using swim and glides is how many flathead casually cruise up to them, sometimes eyeing them off for the whole length of the retrieve. With other lures they eventually lose interest or spook after a few seconds, but there’s something about these lures that mesmerizes

idea to look ahead to where you’re about to walk to see if there’s anything in front of you. Alternatively, you can do what I do and make little casts ahead of yourself as you walk to a new vantage; I call them ‘speculators.’

Another way to maximise your time on the flats is to fish with the wind at your back if you can. This will allow you to make much longer casts and search a greater area. The farther you can fish in front of yourself, the less chance there is of spooking fish.

Once you get onto a fish or you get a bite, a follow or any kind of interest from

Lindsay has big flathead down to an art. What is truly amazing is not how many he has in the bag so far, but how shallow the water is where he catches them.

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Stevenson.

big predators.

If you want to start throwing the bigger varieties, it’s important to adjust your tackle for it. The heavier tackle anglers use for bigger baits isn’t necessarily to fight the fish, but more to throw the lure without overloading and potentially snapping the rod.

Heavier line also prevents the line from breaking if it gets caught up on a runner during a cast – although if you cast a glidebait off over the flats, it’s easy enough to just walk over to where it landed and pick it up.

TIPS FOR THE FLATS Once you’ve found a suitable flat to fish, fishing isn’t overly complicated, but there are a few little bits of know-how that can improve your chances of success.

Firstly, it’s important to move often, but quietly. On a good flat you will spook a few flathead – it’s virtually inevitable – but by making a conscious effort to minimise spookings you will get more bites. It’s always a good

a flathead, slow down and work the area over. Flathead love to sit in common areas, especially around their spawning time, and groups of smaller male fish are commonly accompanied by a large female. I always tell myself, “She’s out there somewhere!”

FLAT OUT FISHING With the temperature starting to climb, there’s no better time than right now to be planning a trip down to a tidal sandflat. Apart from being an incredibly effective way to target flathead, it’s also a hell of a lot of fun!

A good percentage of the strikes will be visual, lure losses due to snagging are virtually zero, and as a little bonus, flatties will often jump clear of the water when hooked in the shallows!

If you want to add another dimension to your flathead fishing, or even if you’re just looking to get started with these iconic fish, start planning a trip down to the flats.

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The subtle art of berleying QR CODE

NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.fishotopia.com

Correctly using berley can often spell the difference between a donut day and a bag-out… But if you get it wrong, it can actually diminish your chances of success.

Called ‘chum’ in North America and ‘ground bait’ in Britain, berley (sometimes spelt burley) is any material deliberately introduced into the water to attract, concentrate and excite fish — hopefully making them easier for us to catch!

While berley is mostly used by bait fishers, I’ve actually enjoyed some red-letter lure and fly fishing sessions over the years by casting into a berley trail: either one that’s being used by bait fishers operating from the same boat or rock ledge, or a trail I’ve established myself expressly for the purpose of attracting fish to my artificial offerings.

For the most part, however, berleying sits best with bait fishing.

A berley ‘trail’ can be as simple as few scraps of

Thoroughly soak and mix your berley before beginning to distribute it. cabbage weed or sea lettuce kicked and scuffed from a wave washed rock ledge with a sandal-clad foot to attract luderick and black drummer, right up to the intensive efforts of serious bluewater shark fishers, who will sometimes use literally hundreds of kilos of mullet, tuna and other oily, bloody fish across an extended session to attract their toothy targets. Most of the rest of us lie somewhere in the middle when it comes to berleying.

One of the best tricks for becoming a more consistently successful

A little bit often is the key to successful berleying.

Scan this QR code to see a video that explains how to catch snapper at anchor in a sparse berley trail.

Starlo walks off the rocks with a lovely black drummer, taken with the aid of a half a bucket of berley.

Black drummer respond particularly well to berley. bait fisher is to develop the habit of stockpiling berley ingredients for future sessions. Having a small chest freezer at home dedicated solely to this purpose is not only enormously helpful, but will also maintain domestic harmony!

The best berley mixes for most types of saltwater fish will have an absorbent cereal base such as bread, bran, pollard, boiled wheat, dry pet or chicken food pellets and the like, supplemented with fish offcuts, bait scraps, out-of-date bait and perhaps a splash of tuna or pilchard oil. Ideally, this lot should be mixed thoroughly with seawater and allowed to soak for at least a few minutes

before being introduced into the area you’re fishing.

Adding sand to the mix also helps extend it, as well as carrying those (hopefully) appealing tastes and smells deeper in the water column.

In freshwater, some loose dirt from the riverbank or

The biggest tip I can give you with any form of berleying is the ‘little bit often’ rule. In other words, introducing small amounts of berley into the water on a regular basis is far more effective than dumping a heap in and then forgetting to follow up with more.

This latter approach can actually fill the fish up or — worse still — take them away from you.

Think carefully about tidal flow, current and wave action, too. If the water is moving too fast, your berley will be ripped away and deposited somewhere else, doing you little good in

QR CODE

Scan this QR code to watch Starlo catching drummer in a berley trail. point where they become much less keen to eat. In anthropomorphic or humanbased terms, the effect you’re looking for is quite similar

Glen Booth with a lovely Coffs Harbour snapper taken while fishing at anchor in a very sparse but regular trail of small berley items, such as prawn heads and bait offcuts.

The author throws a handful of soaked, stale bread, prawn heads and cabbage weed berley into the wash zone to attract drummer, luderick, bream, trevally and more to his baits.

14 SEPTEMBER 2023

lake shore where you’re fishing, spiced up with a few chopped earthworms, yabby claws and so on, makes a very good berley starter base. Corn kernels can also be extremely effective, especially on carp and trout.

Don’t rule out soaked, stale bread in the fresh, either, nor pet food. They all work.

the process. For example, if you’re berleying from an ocean rock ledge and seagulls are clearly feeding on your floating berley scraps 200 metres offshore, you’re probably doing something wrong! Re-think your strategy.

Finally, avoid filling the target fish up to the

to the tantalising aromas coming from the kitchen as the oven door is opened to check the Sunday roast…

The idea is to get the taste buds jumping and the nose twitching without actually satisfying those growing hunger pangs! Get this trick right and you’ll definitely improve your catch rate.

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Spring is in the air, and waters are warming THE TWEED

Leon McClymont

Springtime means warmer weather and warmer water, and this season we are heading into a suspected El Niño event.

This means warmer than average ocean

yellowfin, bluefin tuna and marlin.

The offshore game fishers should be following these up-dwellings over the next few months, as big yellowfin tuna will be on offer along with mahimahi and marlin, as the pelagic fish follow these currents and upwellings. Mobile

exceptionally good run of mackerel this year, with numerous Queensland anglers simply not targeting

them due to the reduction of the bag limit.

The estuaries have been warming up already,

Mitchell Ayers with a sunset snapper caught on ganged pilchards.

Ryan Ziets went to battle and came up trumps with this solid yellowtail kingfish. surface temperatures, changing currents and also upwellings, which will push all the nutrients to the surface from the cool, rich depths. This will give a boost to the entire marine eco system, from the microorganisms such as plankton all the way through to massive predators such as

apps can assist you in locating these waters. Once you know the general area you want to fish, set out a spread and start working the area. Finding birds, surface action or even marking fish on the sounder will assist in narrowing the playing field down. Focus your time in these zones until you can produce a strike.

Plenty of snapper and trag jew have been biting from the 24s right out to the 36s. Float lining or bottom bashing has been the ticket to the show.

Kingfish, amberjack and samsonfish have been caught out in the 50s. Fast jigging works well but can be very exhausting. Live baiting on paternoster rigs has been the best way to target these brutes if you want to save your arms for the battle.

Recently there were a few wahoo caught out at Nine Mile, with highspeed trolling lures getting the bites.

The inshore fishers have been kept amused with plenty of longtail tuna around, still harassing the bait balls up and down the coast. There have also been some good-sized mulloway coming off some of the inshore reefs lately.

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The mackerel scene won’t be far off firing up, so get your gear serviced and rigs ready because you don’t won’t to be late to the show when the action’s on. We should get an

Kooper Dale caught this 63cm mangrove jack on a cut bait while fishing for mulloway.

The author caught this samsonfish on a slimy mackerel fishing the bottom in 80m.

with numerous reports of good-size mangrove jacks coming on the chew. Plenty of trevally and mulloway have been taken on lures and live bait, and the eddies and structure have been the spots to focus your time on for these species.

The sand flats and shallows have also been showing good numbers of flathead, whiting and bream. You can use plastics and hardbody lures for the flathead and surface poppers for whiting. If bait is your thing, the old faithful yabby is unbeatable when it comes to fun in the estuaries, because everything eats them. It also provides some fun for the kiddies gathering your fresh yabbies before a day’s fishing.

All in all, there’s plenty on offer at this time of year, so be sure to take advantage of what’s around the Tweed.

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The author with a tagged kingfish caught off Tweed Heads in July. The fish had been released in December off Sydney, and had grown 12cm during its journey north.

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Wide grounds offer good game GOLD COAST

David Green

This month should see some good fishing on the wide grounds and striped marlin, blue marlin and big yellowfin are the main game fishing targets. Most of the yellowfin tuna are out beyond the 700m line, but closer to shore there have been good numbers of striped marlin in as close as the 36 fathom reef. It has been a good year for

used, switch baiting using hookless lures with a belly strip from a tuna sewn in generally gives a much better percentage of bites to successful hook-ups on stripies. Striped marlin can be notoriously hard to hook on lures as they tend to swipe the lure with their bill a lot. If you are specifically targeting yellowfin tuna start trolling roughly 80km east of the Gold Coast Seaway. Most of these fish fall to trolled lures with straight running bullet heads the most effective lure

with kings, amberjack and Samson fish as well. Deep paternoster rigs, jigs, soft plastics and deep fished live baits are all very effective.

The 36 fathom reef, particularly at the northern end, should fish well for snapper this month. A lot of the fish have spawned by this time and feed aggressively as they try to put on condition.

Pilchards, tuna strips, soft plastics and jigs are all effective. When fishing soft plastics use as light a leader as possible and keep your

A yellowfin tuna caught by Daniel Boy. stripies. It pays to downsize your lures a bit when compared to what is the usual fare for blue marlin, and stay in a bit closer to shore.

There are often schools of sauris around at this time of year, and if you find good bait stay in the vicinity.

While trolled skirted lures are the commonest method

type. Most of these yellowfin are between 35-60kg and it is quite common to have multiple hook-ups.

For those interested in chasing broadbill swordfish September is a good month to try as the current is generally fairly minimal.

In closer to shore the 50 fathom line should produce snapper and pearl perch

jig head size so it slowly sinks rather than plummets to the bottom.

Deep dropping should be good this month as there is generally minimal current. Bar cod and flame snapper will be the main target species in depths of 250-400m. Beyond this depth expect blue eye trevalla and bass groper.

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Mullet fillets are one of the best baits for deep dropping.

Jigging in these depths is not for the faint hearted and most anglers prefer electric reels.

On the inshore grounds the westerly winds make for good fishing conditions. It has been an excellent season for mulloway this year, and the inshore reefs should produce plenty of mulloway in the 90-120cm range this month. Live baits such as pike and slimy mackerel are generally the most effective option. There have been plenty of mulloway around the artificial reefs just to the north of the seaway. The fish are generally at their most active in the hour after dark and it is usually not too hard to catch your two mulloway fairly quickly when conditions are good.

Closer to shore there are often good schools of tailor, mac tuna and bonito from the back of the surf line out to the 20m line.

Spinning with metal lures and soft plastics is generally very effective and it is a good time to stock up on bait for the coming season.

ESTUARIES AND RIVERS This month is prime time for flathead fishing and there will be plenty of anglers out chasing them in preparation for the upcoming Flathead Classic hosted by the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club.

Flathead generally begin spawning in late August through to October, and this month should see plenty of large female fish move into the deeper water around Jumpinpin and the Gold Coast Seaway. These big fish are generally surrounded by large numbers of smaller males that often follow a hooked female right to the boat. Fishing large soft vibes, big soft plastics and live baits is usually very effective in the deep water. The last half of the run-in tide generally has the best fishing and it

Bone Lim with an impressive flathead. is more productive if the water is clean.

On the flats trolling small hardbodied lures like the famous Lively Lures Micro mullet, the Zerek Tango shad and small Stradas and Pig lures is a very reliable way to catch a feed of flathead.

Work weed edges, mangrove fringes and mud beds for best results. When you find a productive area stop and cast. This season we have had excellent results on soft vibes, Gulp swimming mullets and the Gulp Nemesis in fire tiger colour on 1/4 or 3/8oz jigheads.

Use brown, black or white when the water is clean and brighter colours when it is turbid or muddy. Water quality is the key to flathead fishing in September. When the wind blows hard from the northwest it tends to shut the fishing down and creates blooms of mid water weed that can make trolling almost impossible. In these conditions look for low flow areas and cleaner patches with greater underwater visibility.

September sees the

mulloway numbers drop off as the run of mullet comes to a close. There should still be a few fish in the deep water on a change of tide and deep live baits and soft plastics can be effective. Some really big mulloway do turn up in September but it can be a long while between bites. I tend to find that when the flathead are in good numbers in the deep water there are few mulloway, but when the flathead are slow a mulloway often turns up.

As conditions warm up a bit the mangrove jack make an appearance, and September is the first good month after winter to deliberately target mangrove jack around the floating pontoons and canals using soft plastics and hardbodied lures. There seem to be more and more jacks every season, and with most anglers practicing catch and release it is a fishery with a good future.

Overall, September is a good month to fish the Gold Coast. With the Flathead Classic being held at the end of the month it is a good time to get out and practice!

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The author with a nice mulloway caught while trolling for flathead.

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Big flatty season ahead!

JUMPINPIN

Bo Sawyer

It’s been very windy at the time of writing, and the bait has been fairly scattered.

Water temperatures have

corresponds with this tide.

Flicking 3.5-4” plastics has been the go, however, the slimmer profiles have worked the best on the flats for our charter clients.

Remember to pick natural colours if the water is clear,

Benno with a 94cm croc. He is one of the best shallow water flathead anglers in the country. been sitting around 18ºC, and the water has been very clean due to the lack of rain. The good news is, we are heading into big flatty season!

There are still some decent mud crabs being caught considering the time of year. Using fresh bait in your pots will outperform smelly, unfresh bait every time.

The flathead bite has been good at the moment, and we’ve had a few 40-60 fish sessions. But the numbers caught have dropped way off in the wind.

Low tide has definitely been the pick for chasing this species, and I’ve noticed a substantial bump in the bite when the moon rise

and if it’s a bit dirtier with the tide running, chuck a motor oil on. The entire Jacobs Well area has been fishing well for numbers, and the deep water around the Pin should fire soon. Find weed edges or banks with scattered weed for best results on the shallows. When chasing fish out deep, try 5-7” plastics with 1/2oz jig heads.

Some stonker mulloway have been landed recently as well, and September is an excellent time to target these beautiful fish. Fishing with live mullet, pike, and legal tailor is a great option. Just expect a few more pesky sharks stealing your prime livies as the water temps rise. The Pin bar, deep water off swan bay, and any deep channels or holes with bait are a great spot to target.

Plenty of big bream around. We’ve been getting a few models around the 40cm mark as bycatch chasing flathead on 4” plastics. Try lightly weighted white bait, prawns, and flesh baits, and if the current is running

Ben caught this 112cm stonker mulloway on fresh tailor. hard, you can drift back with your line. My lure choices would be 2.5-3” plastics on 1/8 jighead. If we’re getting them on 15lb leader and 3/0 hooks, I reckon you’ll slay them on a more finesse approach. Crusoe Island and Tiger Mullet Channel would be my two main choices.

We’ve been getting a few tailor as by-catch, but they don’t appear to have shown up in the crazy numbers like they did last year. If they are on your hit list, then make sure you’ve got a few spinners onboard and pillies as bait. As usual, the best sign that they are in the system is the diving bids. If birds are hovering bait but aren’t

Lote with a solid flatty caught on a soft vibe.

A nice schoolie the author caught on a soft vibe on the last of the run out.

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diving, this means there may be no tailor underneath pushing them up.

That’s it from me for now, guys. Don’t forget we’ve got the Gold Coast Flathead Classic at the end of the month.

• If you need any bait, tackle, or supplies, don’t forget to jump into the Jacobs Well tackle shop and have a chat with Brett. Take care and stay safe out there. • Capn’s Charters have dates available if you’d like to come out and learn how to fish lures or maybe just brush up on some fishing tactics, we’d love to have you on board! Call 0410 590 049 or email bookings@ capnscharters.com.au.

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Fishing delights in Moreton Bay BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

With air and water temperatures increasing over the month, anglers will begin to see several species increase in prominence and aggressiveness. Many of the cooler weather species will still be around in targetable numbers, and several others will come to the fore. September is a great month to get amongst a few quality fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Let’s explore your options!

SNAPPER Since snapper came back onto the catch, keep and cook menu mid-August, after the seasonal closure, anglers have been getting amongst some quality specimens.

Most areas of the bay have been firing with good results from the Mud Island and Harry Atkinson areas, as well as the surrounds of the other bay islands plus Coochie Artificial, Kaptajn Nelson, Ammo Barge, Bulwer Ledge, and many other locations.

I generally notice that the better quality snapper are caught later in the season, from now until well into November. Live offerings offer great opportunity to score premium quality specimens with yakkas, slimey mackerel, pike,

more appealing, especially to fussy or cautious fish. In the dead bait category, I prefer a big banana prawn or a salted fillet of tuna; however, the easily attainable frozen squid, mullet fillets, and pilchards still account for a lot of quality fish. Keeping all rigging to a minimal will increase the bite ratio considerably.

Soft vibes, blades, soft plastics (of many different types), micro jigs, octo jigs, and numerous other lures can work well. Vibes and soft plastics are best cast upcurrent, allowed to sink into the lower third of the water column, and then retrieved back with the current whilst utilizing hops, lifts, slow rolls, and pauses. Many anglers have their favourite retrieve, but it definitely pays to mix it up a bit, especially when the bite is slow. Micro jigs and octo jigs are ideal presentations for when the fish are sounding directly below the boat, especially in depths over 10m such as at some artificial reefs and many wrecks.

Lures generally work best when the current is running hard, and baits usually come to the fore around the changes of tide, but quality snapper and other species can be caught during any time of the day or night on both natural baits and artificials. The next few

species caught; however, sandies and blueswimmers are regularly taken down towards the mouth. After rain, muddies will often be flushed out of the mangrove expanses and drains into the main system where they are easier to catch. Without recent rains, anglers are best to set their pots deep in the mangrove system where the crabs commonly retreat to.

Safety pots baited with fish frames and heads, whole mullet, chicken carcasses, and similar baits will all work a treat. Pick-up style dillies (not witches hat style, which are illegal in Qld) often work well in heavily crabbed areas and will sometimes even score XOS muddies which struggle to get into conventional pots.

Dillies need to be checked at least every hour, whilst your safety pots can be left for several hours at a time. Around the mouth of estuarine systems and further out into the bay, sand and blueswimmer crabs are most common. These can be located in a variety of depths, and it pays to initially set pots in varying depths to establish where is most successful.

After pulling the pots for the first time, you can then move more pots to areas similar to where the most successful pot was. Remember that different crab species have varied bag and size limits, so ensure you have a suitable

August is a great month for jacks with increased numbers coming inshore to inhabit the estuaries, creeks, rivers and canals. Tyler Wessels recently nailed this beauty. herring, banana prawns, squid, and cuttlefish all working exceptionally well.

Generally, these are best presented close to the bottom, pinned on a snelled hook rig, and kept in the strike zone with minimal sinker weight.

Dead baits can also work well, but there is no denying that a live offering is a lot 22 SEPTEMBER 2023

months should see some quality snapper captures in Moreton Bay, and you won’t have to brave the freezing cold to get amongst them.

CRABS With water temperatures warming, crabbing will get better for all species. In the rivers, creeks, and estuaries, mud crabs will be the main

measuring device aboard and are able to identify the various crab species. The coming months will be prime for crabbing, so check that all your apparatus still meets current regulations and get out and score a few.

LONGTAIL TUNA As baitfish presence increases in the bay in

response to warming water temperatures, pelagic species will also become more prominent. Longtail tuna are one of the bay’s prized targets due to their size, fighting ability, and palatable qualities. Tuna flesh is best eaten raw (sashimi style) or just lightly seared. If fully cooked all the way through, it can be fairly dry - treat it like a quality steak and only cook medium rare.

Longtails can be found in large schools; however, the larger specimens are often located in smaller numbers.

Even a single splash on the surface is worth casting to with a stickbait, jighead rigged jerkshad, chromed slug, or pencil popper.

Smaller conglomerations of tuna are sometimes more aggressive due to having to work harder to herd and engulf baitfish. They will often peel off to chase any lure cast nearby. Live baiting is another way to target these larger, early-season fish. Drifting live baits along current lines or around shipping channel beacons and other areas where baitfish are present is a good ploy.

Yakkas, slimy mackerel, pike, and gar can all work well when fished in the upper third of the water column.

Lever-drag overheads and baitrunner reels are ideal for this pursuit, especially when utilizing circle hooks. Allow the tuna to run with the bait for a bit before engaging the drag and allowing the tension to take up. When fished in this manner, circle hooks will commonly lodge in the jaw hinge, providing a secure purchase and also minimizing the chance of the leader wearing through during a prolonged fight.

September can be a great month for longtails, so ensure you have a casting rod rigged and ready when transiting the bay waters.

SCHOOL MACKEREL The forever reliable school mackerel have been fairly consistent throughout Moreton Bay over the last few months for those who understand their habits and know where and when to target them. The Rainbow Channel, Rous Channel, and Small Ships Channel have all been producing decent numbers of schoolies at certain times. Working the edges of these channels and the mouths of the gutters leading into them from the sand flats can be rather successful, especially on the first few hours of the rising tide and the last few hours of the falling tide. Drifting pilchards or trolling spoons in these zones is commonly the most successful technique.

At times when the mackerel are prevalent, casting chrome slugs and

Bream are a great species for anglers of all ages and skill levels to catch as they will respond to a wide array of baits and lures. slices and then letting them sink to the bottom before retrieving them flat-stick back to the boat is an exciting way to score. School mackerel have also been caught around the shipping channel beacons on cast and retrieved slugs and slices and drifted pillies. I have also heard reports of decent numbers in the Kianga Channel, occasionally in the Pearl Channel, and also the odd one around the artificial reefs. Surface feeding schools are not that common in the bay at this time of the year. However, reasonable numbers of school mackerel are about for those who pursue them with the right method.

CEPHALOPODS Both squid and cuttlefish numbers have been fairly good in recent months, and results have been forthcoming for those putting in the effort. Squid have been found in all corners of the bay, and any areas with clean water flowing over reef, rock, rubble, weed, or discolored channel edges have been worth a try. Tiger squid are more common in these locales whilst arrows tend to frequent the main channels more often.

Casting egi in these zones and retrieving with a series of hops or slow winds and pauses will generally see a squid appear before long.

The land-based fraternity have scored from many positions, including Wellington Point, Manly foreshore, Scarborough, Woody Point Jetty, Amity Rock Wall, Wynnum Foreshore (including the T

Jetty), and many other spots.

Whilst spotlighting squid at night can be a successful approach, it can also make the squid cautious at times, especially in the more heavily worked areas.

Cuttlefish have been caught regularly along the eastern side of Green Island and along the channel all the way up towards Ormiston.

The junction of the Small Ships Channel and the Rous Channel has been another decent spot to try. Cuttlefish are commonly caught on egi, weighted so that they work just up off the bottom.

This can be achieved by adding weight to the loop knot attaching the egi or by fishing it on a paternoster style rig. Drifting along with the current and then slowly lifting and dropping the egi will generally produce the goods.

Both squid and cuttlefish are excellent eating when cooked on high heat for a short period. Whilst there is no size limit in Queensland, there are varying bag limits for cephalopods so check these out before heading to target them.

MANGROVE JACK With water temperatures warming, species such as mangrove jack will become more aggressive throughout the estuarine and canal systems. As early as late July, anglers were beginning to notice the return of jacks to the rivers, canals, harbours, estuaries, and creeks. As temperatures rise, jacks will move back in from the offshore reefs to these waters where they will reside and breed during

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the warmer months. Higher water temperatures result in increased metabolism which increases aggressiveness.

Often these fish are easier to catch in the early part of the season as they are yet to see a myriad of lures in their precinct.

Cast and retrieve fishing with minnow lures, soft plastics (shads and crustacean profiles), topwater offerings, and vibes will result in aggressive strikes if you present the lure into the strike zone adjacent prominent structure such as bridge pylons, jetties, pontoons, mangrove snags, rock walls, and rock bars.

Jacks like to seek cover in such areas in the eddies and slower water and then dart out to engulf any hapless bait species that meanders by. Their attack is lightning fast- they will often engulf the bait and return to their refuge in the blink of an eye. Quality tackle, quick reflexes, a sturdy drag, and a good degree of luck is required for each fish landed.

Live baits can also work well with mullet, herring, pike, and banana prawns being great offerings. Fish these close to the bottom with appropriately sized suicide or kahle pattern hooks (dependent on bait size) adjacent prominent structures and in deeper holes

along collapsed mangrove banks and you are in with a good chance of getting belted. Estuary cod, trevally, flathead, and occasionally mulloway will be common bycatch. Mangrove jack aggressiveness will increase in line with warming water temperatures over the coming months.

BREAM August is a great month for big bream in the estuaries and along the beaches. They commonly swarm inshore to breed at this time of the year and catches are great,

especially on the lead up to the full moon. At night, baits will generally reign supreme with peeled prawn, fillet strips (herring, pike, mullet, bonito, salted tuna), worms, yabbies, chicken fillet, mullet gut, fowl gut, and dough baits working well.

Sharp hooks, minimal sinker weights, and fluorocarbon leaders go a long way to ensuring a positive result.

Lure fishers will generally do best during daylight hours when working their offerings around structures such as pontoons,

moored boats, jetties, rock walls, and mangrove snags.

The shallows around the bay islands such as Mud, Peel, Goat, Macleay, Green, Russel, and Lamb can often hold some quality bream, along with snapper, grass sweetlip, tuskfish, and several other species.

The Scarborough and Coochiemudlo artificial reefs are other great areas to get amongst a few studs.

Quite a few tarwhine will also be taken by anglers bait fishing for bream, and the lure fishers can expect

There have been plenty of school mackerel around during the cooler months and these should increase in prominence over the coming weeks. Mark scored this one trolling a spoon recently.

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with baits on the lower tidal stages or on top of the banks on the high tides (especially with whole fish baits such as hardiheads, whitebait, diver whiting, frogmouths, herring, and pilchards) will allow you to encounter some creditable flathead. Ensure the bait (or at least your sinker) is dragging along the bottom as flathead lie semisubmerged in the sand, mud, and silt, and their lateral line will detect any movement or vibration nearby. Lures that occasionally bang the bottom are also more likely to be detected. Flathead are a great target for the fly fishers, and working clousers and other patterns across the bottom is sure to produce. Excellent numbers of flatties will be around for several months.

CONCLUSION With so many estuarine and bay species on offer, deciding what to target on your next sojourn might be difficult, especially on those calm days when you can fish almost anywhere.

A great array of fish species, cephalopods, and crustaceans will mean that you can return home with a quite a seafood feast to grace the table. Warming waters mean increased metabolism and aggressiveness, so August is an awesome month to venture out to chase your favourite species.

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FLATHEAD Another prominent estuarine species during August, September, and October is flathead. These are around in good numbers throughout most inshore waters and will readily accept a broad array of lures and baits. Working the edges of estuarine banks systems on the falling tide is probably one of the easiest ways for newcomers to score a few on lures.

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29/6/2023 5:15 pm

Southern

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Anglers wait for mercury to climb NORTHERN BAY

Tackle World Lawnton

The start of spring in SEQ is always an exciting time for anglers. Sure, winter offers some pretty good fishing. In fact, it offers some truly worldclass fishing, but nothing beats when the mercury

Let’s look at your options for September.

BAY AND OFFSHORE The big news at the moment is the re-opening of the snapper and pearl perch fishery. The monthlong ban was felt by all who like to chase these tasty fish, and while there were a few people caught doing the wrong thing,

as tuskfish, green jobfish and big Moses perch have been welcome additions to the esky.

A few of the deeperdwelling pelagics like larger cobia and kingfish have begun showing up more regularly to add a bit of colour to offshore sessions, particularly in the areas nearby and

It’s been busy around the Port of Brisbane lately, with giant warships, cargo vessels and tricked-up fishing boats all hovering around the area with different agendas. Corey stuck to his agenda and managed this magnificent thready from a drop-off adjacent to the main shipping channel.

Photo Courtesy of Josh Dow.

starts to climb and we can start thinking about chasing seasonal tropical visitors alongside the residential battlers that have been hanging low through winter.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, as September can feature some cool mornings and weather patterns that are difficult to predict. Because of this, the usual ‘summer species’ can be a little slow to start, but this is the time to do your recon and take note of what’s going on. Doing this be the difference between you having a bumper spring and an ordinary one.

Anglers won’t have to worry about a shortage of choices. The difficulty will be deciding what’s worth your time chasing, and while September can see a lot of overlap between winter and summer species, that doesn’t mean everything will be biting.

The mild and surprisingly wet winter we’ve had will have an effect on the fishing through September, and with abnormalities becoming the norm in our region, spring will definitely turn up a few surprises.

26 SEPTEMBER 2023

most people observed the ban respectfully.

The snapper fishing in the bay and offshore was fantastic right up until the closure, and there were a few good early signs through the late August to suggest we can expect some more excellent captures.

Offshore, areas such as the Hards, the Gneerings, Barwon Banks and Murphys will be good places to look if you’re chasing larger knobbies and pearlies. Soft plastics in the 5-7” range with at least 1oz jigheads are great presentations out wider, with heavier jigheads needed if the current picks up. Slow-pitch jigs in the 40-80g range are also effective in depths of around 40m and deeper.

Most of the best snapper offshore are taken floatlining, with California squid, slimy mackerel fillets and even the humble pilchard good bait choices.

During the closure a lot of anglers shifted their focus toward big mulloway offshore, and through September these silver slabs should still be out on systems like Shallow Tempest and the 29s.

Other bottom fish such

including the Wild Banks Artificial Reef.

For more heart-stopping pelagic action, it’s been hard to ignore the monster Spanish mackerel coming

from the Cape Moreton area, especially around the fringes of Hutchinson Shoal and wide of Flinders Reef (the area immediately on top of Flinders is a Green Zone.) Strangely, trolling baits and lures has been less effective than casting large stickbaits and poppers at the current lines and around bait schools. With the weather warming, anglers are hoping that these big residential fish will stick around as the smaller school size Spanish start to arrive later in spring.

Everything’s lining up for a bumper summer on the Spanish mackerel!

In the bay, July and August were a similar story to the offshore grounds where anglers struggled to avoid snapper by-catch.

Now they’re back on the cards and lure anglers will be looking to target them in shallow water. Reefy or rubbly areas in 5m or less around Scarborough, Woody Point, Mud Island, Peel Island and the Port of Brisbane will be worth targeting early and late in the day. As usual, soft plastics between 3-5” rigged on jigheads ranging from 1/16-1/8oz will be the main weapon of choice. If you’re using bait, lightly weighted baits of squid strips, pilchards or any fish flesh will work well in the same areas, just make sure you’re fishing as light as possible, which can sometimes mean using 10-12lb mono and a size 1 ball sinker.

The squid fishing has been hot and cold all season, however if you can find clear water and good

Better quality squid will be available where there is clear water, with the bay’s island fringes producing the best numbers of tigers over the last few months. squid-holding structure like coral, rubble, rock or weed, you’re still in with a good chance. Tiger squid have been a little inconsistent from mainland spots, but around Mud, Peel and Goat islands, as well as the whole western side of Moreton Island, clear water and large tigers have been easier to find. September is when a lot of clued-in squidders target big 1kg+ models as they finish their spawning and get ready to move back into deeper water again. Scanning the super skinny margins of these islands with slow sink jigs and covering plenty of

Moreton Bay juvenile snapper can be pretty lively critters in late winter and early spring, as Ryan well knows!

water is the best way to find the kraken.

Arrow squid have been a little difficult to find as well, but this year has been a vast improvement on last year. Deeper areas in 4-6m of water with a little bit of weed, such as the weedy areas near Woody Point and just off Sandstone Point are good places to try, as well as any beacon sitting in this depth range.

Winter whiting have been another species that has seasoned regulars scratching their head.

Numbers of fish have been easy enough to find, however decent-sized fish have been somewhat illusive this year. The Cockle Banks seem to be the only consistent producer at the moment, but fish have also turned up periodically just out the front of Scarborough and the Moreton Sandhills.

BEACHES The main beaches of North and South Straddie, Moreton, Bribie and K’Gari have all fired on tailor at different times, but now it’s starting to warm the bigger fish are likely to be on the northern leg of their annual migration.

K’Gari produced some cracking tailor captures through August, so we can expect this quality of fishing to continue through September.

We’ve also had reports of a few decent Spanish up to 20kg taken by anglers using live baits of legal tailor and dart flown out by drones. The last few years have seen more and more of these captures on our island beaches, and drones

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have really revolutionised what is possible from the beach. As we edge toward summer the land-based shark enthusiasts will no doubt be fishing these same areas with large dead baits and flying them out several hundred metres.

For the light tackle brigade, summer whiting and flathead will be at their best in the surf through September, and bait fishing with yabbies, beachworms and pipis will catch both in the shallower gutters. If you’re after a bit more sport, tossing 2-3” soft plastics on light 1/16-1/12oz jigheads

these fish are going to do.

Mulloway have been a lot more predictable, with a mixture of school-sized fish and the odd 90cm+ model caught around structure in deeper holes and around well-lit structures at night.

While prawn and small herring imitations were the gun lures through spring, SEQ mulloway will often have a crack at bigger presentations in late winter and early spring as chopper tailor and gar become a more regular part of their diet. This means 5-7” soft plastics and 120mm vibes if you’re fishing deep, and

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flats! A handful of regular customers have been doing well throwing 150-200mm glidebaits and soft plastics over the flats around the Pine and Maroochy mouths. Certain parts of Pumicestone Passage are also worth exploring, although it’s worth noting that the latter area often sees an influx of slime weed through spring that can make fishing difficult.

A couple of mangrove jack reports through July and August would indicate that the upcoming season has a lot of potential, and this September it will

The author managed this 76cm snapper in relatively shallow water early in the morning before the other boats moved in. Early and late starts will be the key to success in the shallows through September.

River bass are all special, and hopefully the majority that are caught in the 2023-24 season will be let go like this one. into the gutters can be really productive. The main beaches on Moreton, North Straddie and Bribie, as well as mainland beaches like Wurtulla, Mudjimba and Marcoola hold lots of shallow gutters, so if you’re looking to kill a few hour this can be a lot of fun.

RIVERS AND CREEKS The estuary action through winter has more than made up for the inconsistency offshore and in the bay, and the few good drops of rain we’ve had have definitely played a role in that. The amount of bait through our rivers and creeks has been ridiculous, with prawns, herring, chopper tailor and gar likely to be the dominant forage through September.

Threadfin salmon action was excellent through winter if you knew where to look, which for the most part was further downstream in our main systems like the Pine, Caboolture and Brisbane rivers. Lots of big fish were found in ‘bluer’ water than what is considered normal for these fish, but it’s anyone’s guess as to what they will do through spring.

Some anglers are hoping they make a run upstream as it warms, but they might also stick to the deeper holes around the mouths of these systems. Another possibility is that they shut right down until summer.

Only time will tell what

120-180mm swimbaits, 150-200mm jerkbaits and even 130mm bent lures if you’re chasing surface dwellers at night.

The flathead fishing has been good leading up to spring, and now that the shallows are warming up, it’s time to dig out the big baits and start searching the

definitely be worth heading out in search of a red dog on any warmer days. Casting soft plastics and hardbodies in canal systems like Pacific Harbour on Bribie and Newport Waterway at Scarborough, as well as at natural structure in smaller systems like Elimbah, Coochin and Bells creeks

is a good way to see if they’re biting.

Smaller systems around the South East will also start producing barramundi captures more regularly in spring. If you’re looking to nail your first SEQ barra, now is the time to start trying. You’ve got a couple of months before the Queensland East Coast barra closed season kicks in on November 1, so get cracking!

FRESHWATER The impoundment bass action in Samsonvale and Kurwongbah through late winter was excellent, with plenty of 50cm+ fish

Snapper have been on fire this year, with inshore areas producing what many have described as “the best fishing in years”. Josh nailed this solid river snapper and a few others on a Z-Man soft plastic around the Port of Brisbane just before the closure.

Photo Courtesy of Josh Dow.

coming from the deeper sections of both lakes, as well as the surrounding lakes like Ewen Maddock, Baroon Pocket, MacDonald and Borumba. Now that the temperature is rising, so should the bass’ will to eat!

Fish will still be found schooling, particularly through the daytime, with more aggressive presentations like 10-20g spoons and 1/4-1/2oz spinnerbaits more likely to elicit a response than smaller lures like blades, soft plastics and ice jigs that work well in winter.

Early and late in the day is a good time to prospect along the edges of these dams, with spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and 60-100mm jerkbaits effective spring baits in most dams. Fishing along the edges should also turn up saratoga in September, and if the number of incidental captures through winter is anything to go by, I’d say we’re going to see a lot more this spring and summer! The same should apply to yellowbelly, with September and October the peak time to catch one of these much-loved imports from over the range.

The one piece of news that has freshwater fanatics licking their lips is the commencement of the bass open season. A bit of rain through winter has kept our rivers healthy while the bass were spawning, and most systems are still enjoying the afterglow from the big flooding events last year.

At this time of year, river and creek bass will be stationing up around major rapids and riffle zones in the upper tidal limits of our systems, waiting for

the first big flush of rain to push up into the fresh.

They will also be stinging for a decent feed after losing condition during reproduction, so a wide variety of lures such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, topwater lures and even small to medium glidebaits will get their attention.

Where you get one there will likely be more, so make sure you work an area over thoroughly if you come across some action.

WRAP-UP September offers so much in terms of variety in SEQ, but paying close attention to the weather and staying up to date with fishing reports will be the best way to figure out what’s worth chasing.

In any case, I’m sure most anglers across the region will be rejoicing at the fact that the mornings are a little warmer and a handful of our favourite species are now back on the hit list.

Enjoy the beautiful weather we get during spring but be courteous to other anglers, and if I can make one recommendation, I encourage you to chase a species or try a technique you haven’t before.

Good luck!

• For more up to date information on fishing in and around Brisbane call into the guys at Tackle World Lawnton and they can point you in the right direction.

The friendly staff at Tackle World Lawnton cater to all levels of experience and offer the widest range of brands at the best prices.

They are located at 640 Gympie Road Lawnton (07) 3205 7475 or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

SEPTEMBER 2023 27

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Spring is on the way!

NOOSA

Peter Wells

With the last of the winter condition anglers have been headed offshore in droves, typically we get those morning breezes and then things tend to settle through the day.

There have been heaps of snapper and pearlies around at the moment with the reefs off the Southern end of K’gari, Double Island Reefs, Barwon Banks and the Hards are producing some outstanding fish. Snapper have been well spread throughout the deeper parts of the reefs, with some

bigger fish caught during the lower light periods.

Live baits have been the way to go, and the good news is there are plenty of bait schools around.

Fishing the run up to the full moon has been the ideal time, just remember with the bigger tides and a little more run anglers will have had to upsize jigs, jigheads and sinkers to get those lures and baits to the bottom.

There has been a real mixed bag taken from Sunshine Reef off Noosa.

Fishing hard to the bottom seems to be the most effective method here.

Plenty of big cobia are hanging around at this time

Nigel was fishing Double Island reefs and got this very solid snapper on a fish head. It’s a bit unusual as most people use the fillet but Nigel swears by the heads.

of the year and they love nothing more than live bait on a slow sinking floater rig. For those fishing North Reef try and get a good berley trail going, then send down a couple of light or even unweighted baits.

The snapper will be drawn in the berley and hopefully find your baits. Also from North Reef, this time of the year being very strong for cobia and mulloway.

Cobia tends to be more of a mid-water swimmer so having a lightly weighted floater can be very effective.

Up to the north in the Sandy Straits, tuna is still in good numbers with some quality long tails on offer.

These fish are very flighty so you will find you will only get a few casts into them before they disappear.

In and around the Noosa River those cooler nights are perfect if you are into chasing trevally and tailor, these fish seem to revel in those cooler water temperatures and with the river having plenty of bait fish on offer these predators are attracted to the area buy the food source. These predators love nothing more than forcing bait to the surface to feed so casting surface lures can see some amazing results. Smaller poppers and stick baits along with fast moving slugs have all been successful. For the anglers that are working off the banks, the river mouth and Munna Point have been very popular and have been producing great number of quality fish.

Bream have also been in very good numbers with the winter spawn just finishing up, so the fish are keen to feed and put on condition. Larger

Lindsay jumped onboard with Noosa River Fishing Safaris and got this nice trevally down toward the Noosa River Mouth. units have been regularly taken around structure at night. Lightly weighted prawn baits are ideal for bait anglers with the lure anglers have had great success with well scented grub style soft plastics. A couple to try are the GrubZ from ZMan and the Dirty Grub from Bite Science.

Flathead number continue to be very good with some larger females landed over the last week, just remember that upper limit of 75cm. These fish are in the shallows so walking and casting the flats can be very worthwhile. It is also coming up to nesting time for these fish so a lot of the time a group of younger males will congregate around a larger female so if you get a smaller one, keep

casting, the same area as you may find the female.

There are a few quality whiting around the Dog beach and the Frying Pan in the Noosa River.

Live worms and yabbies have been the best on the whiting while live herring have been standouts for the bream and flatties, for those of you without a cast net or yabby pump, cut pilchards and worms have been the favourite dead baits.

This is also the time of the year when the mangrove jack starts to fire up, as soon as those water temps start to come up these fish tend to start to feed with a little more purpose. Fishing up between the lakes is one of the prime spots with the start of the run out tide the ideal time. The warmer

Aiden Whitman picked up this monster 8kg pearl perch while fishing the reefs off K’gari. This is one of the larger pearl perch we have seen.

28 SEPTEMBER 2023

currents from the big lakes start to move downstream and with this the fish start to bite. Also, there is an abundance of food brought down on those tides so there is plenty to imitate for the lure anglers. One of the top preforming is a prawn profile as this is one of their favourite foods seems to be very effective.

A couple of great options are the Zerek Shrimp and the Flick Prawn from Chase Baits. Working these lures up into the timber or over the rock bars has been very successful in the past.

The Noosa North Shore has again been firing for tailor with the quality fish coming from the Teewah area, this is that great time of the year when they school up before spawning.

Another fish you find prevalent this time of the year are jewfish, these fish love nothing more than a fresh tailor fillet so if you catch a smaller legal tailor take the fillets off and run it down a set of 4/0 ganged hooks. Morning tides will be a good fish for the tailor and the evening tide with low light will be perfect for the mulloway.

For those looking to fish in the warmer part of the day there are still plenty of dart, bream tarwhine and whiting in the closer gutters, there are great for younger anglers just getting into it. Small baits of worm, pippy or prawn cast to the back of the gutter and then rolled under the white water should see the kids hooking up.

• Don’t forget to check in to www.fishingnoosa. com.au for all the latest up to date info on fishing and bar crossings. The knowledgeable teams at Tackle World Noosa, Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola our new store The Tackle Shop in Gympie can provide you with the right equipment, bait and advice to ensure success!

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Central OLD

Rising to the challenge of XOS fish BUNDABERG

Luke Truant

At the time of compiling this report, I have just experienced some of the best fishing in my life, in most of the areas that I fish. The big fish have been going off their heads like you’ve never seen!

Lately, hardly any of the big fish have been coming from the shallows (i.e. less than 30m of water). Instead, they have been coming from the edges of the reef in 30-45m of water. My clients have been catching lots of gold-spot cod, plenty of outrageously large coral trout (both common/leopard trout and bar-cheek trout), plus a few nice red emperor and extra-large tuskfish.

In fact, the fish have been so ginormous that we’ve had up to 20+ unstoppables per day which have gotten us back to the reef. The ones we have landed have been up to 15kg, and most of the ones that have gotten away are probably gold-spot cod, which can grow up to 35kg+.

If you hook a fish that gets back into the reef, there is still hope; most often the fish will swim back out,

Doug was surprised to pull up this big green jobfish.

Big coral trout have been scoffing live baits. do. The wrong thing to do is to put too much pressure on the fish while it’s still in the hole. More often than not, you will cut your line on the reef, or put heavy abrasions on the line, which won’t help you if the fish does come out.

The prime bait for big tuskfish is squid, and the standout bait for trout and cod is still live yellowtail scad. The livies usually stick

Doug with a big tuskfish. provided you have a long, abrasion-resistant leader. If you’ve had the fish out of the reef a few metres up and it’s taken another run, and went back down into the reef, sometimes the best thing to do is to ease the pressure on your line. You don’t want it to be totally loose, you just want the bare minimum of tension to be able to feel when the fish swims away from the reef.

If you see a big head shake on your rod, go hard because if their head is out and they’re swimming away in a different direction, you want to get them up and away from structure. Make sure your rod tip is really low with that loose line so you can strike fast and lift your rod to pull them up quickly.

That’s the right thing to 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

they’d be taking live baits now, but it seems the season is over early. They won’t be back until after Christmas.

The sharks haven’t been too bad lately; we have been losing maybe half a dozen fish a day to sharks. Fingers crossed this trend will continue in the coming weeks.

around until November, and it’s definitely worth the time to go and grab some on your way out. You should always drop down some dead baits as well though, because success on livies isn’t 100% guaranteed. We had a few trips this last month where you couldn’t give away a live bait – they were drowning from old age. Then someone flicked a switch after two weeks and we started having epic days on live baits.

Interestingly, the red emperor have been turning their noses up at live baits lately, and it’s not clear as to why. Still, I can’t complain because we have been catching plenty of reds on strip baits. The best bait by far has been mullet fillet, and you can get about five baits off one large fillet.

I cut along the fillet at a 45-degree angle, and each strip is probably nearly 10cm long and maybe 5cm wide.

So, as I’ve said before, you should always have at least one person fishing a dead bait amongst the livies.

You want the little pickers to create some commotion, because this draws the attention of the bigger fish. I have watched this phenomenon through a view bucket on a pro trout boat, and seen it happen over and over again.

I recommend using a bathyscope in shallow, clear water to observe how the fish interact with your bait.

If your sinker moves, you will see how the trout get spooked by it. Always keep your sinker as still as you can, and don’t strike until you get a solid hit. Let your bait get picked off five drops in a row if you have to, so that the wary, bigger fish don’t think your bait is a threat. A cautious, older trout may watch the pickers demolish your bait for a long while before finally the trout will feel safe enough to eat it. It might take 15 minutes for the big trout to gather its courage. I tell people all day long to please stop moving

A beautifully coloured coronation trout. your baits!

Big red emperor are no different; in fact, they can be even worse. I have observed them through the view bucket, and often they will take 20-25 minutes before they get excited enough or trusting enough to come and hit the bait. They like to sit further away than the trout do, suspiciously watching the bait from afar, weighing up the risk vs reward.

The one fish noticeable for its absence is grass emperor (grassy sweetlip).

We have been catching hardly any – maybe one a day – which is unusual for this time of year. Normally

Strips of mullet have been catching plenty of red emperor.

ESTUARY FISHING The flathead fishing right now is off the charts, and they have been taking soft plastic prawn imitations and curltails. A lightly-weighted, 3” soft plastic cast over the flats can be a fun way to catch a few flatties. If you can find snags on the flats in half a metre of water, so much the better. The incoming tide is my preferred time.

I like using bright colours, because flathead are lazy at it can take a bit to get them interested. It’s good to work your plastic with a small hop followed by a long pause. The flatties pretty much always eat it on the pause.

The flathead fishing will reach a crescendo in September and October.

When the flathead are in spawning mode, you can catch crazy numbers of fish in a session, but I would urge you to only keep enough for a feed. The average size is around 45cm, but there are some dinosaurs over 90cm getting around. These big ones are the females, and the smaller fish tend to be the males gathering around, hoping to be the one who gets to fertilize her eggs.

Remember that the legal minimum size for dusky flathead is 40cm and the maximum legal size is 75cm,

with an in-possession limit of five fish.

There are heaps of big, golden sand whiting around at the moment. We have been regularly catching big specimens over 40cm on beachworms and yabbies.

The open beaches are where most of the whiting have been coming from, rather than the creeks.

The dart have been super thick as well. They are the world’s best fighter for their size, and they also taste good when eaten fresh (they don’t freeze well).

Grunter have tapered off although there are still a few getting around.

Mangrove jacks are still quiet, and won’t really come on until the water temp starts ramping up towards the end of October. If you don’t want to wait that long, you can still catch a cold water jack at night-time on a live sprat, live poddy mullet or live squid.

You can get squid near the mouth in the Burnett River from the sail club towards the mouth. Small squid jigs are best, because a big squid will eat a small jig but a smaller squid won’t eat a big jig. I use size 2.5, and I like the jigs that have extra barbs on their backs, like the Jarvis Walker Razorbacks. The first tentacle always seems to be on those back barbs.

Through September, if you deploy a live squid at the rock walls in the river mouth, you can get great jacks, barra or even a huge fingermark.

• Truansea Charters specialise in 10-hour day trips chasing prized reef targets such as coral trout and red emperor, as well as arm-stretching pelagics like Spanish mackerel.

The maximum number of anglers is 6, so you’ll never feel crowded. The price is $370pp (or $350pp if you book the whole boat), which includes all gear, fuel, bait, ice, chilled water/soft drinks and laughs! You’re welcome to bring your own reef fishing gear if you prefer.

Other charter options include half-day reef trips, half day river trips and private guiding. To find out more visit www.truansea. com.au, look them up on Facebook, or call Luke on 0423 015 490.

TO FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER VISIT WWW.ANGLAPRO.COM.AU SEPTEMBER 2023 31

Mackay Isaacs

Lucky Catch and Snap 2023 If you are heading North for the September School Holidays stop in along the Mackay Isaacs coastline and you could win some hot cash.

In 2022 Mackay and Isaacs Councils in conjunction with Mackay Isaacs Tourism and Tourism Events Queensland launched the Lucky Catch and Snap recognising the value of fishing tourism to the region. In 2023 the event is even bigger with many more options to get involved.

Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap is a catch and release competition that anyone from the novice to the pro can win. At 6pm each night from September 9 to October 8, a random draw will happen across the following three criteria: 1. A location – One of twenty locations across the Mackay and Isaac regions, 2. A species – A species that can be caught at that location (out of the 30 included in the competition), and 3. A length – Depending on the species, up to 120cm in length (to the nearest cm)

If a fish you caught and registered with us via the Lucky Catch and Snap mobile application that day is a match across all three criteria, you win the cash!! To spice things up there will be 4 special draw days where an extra $25k is up for grabs.

There are more than 20 additional competition categories for seniors and juniors with scoreboard updated daily – so every entry has the chance to win cash while searching for glory.

The 30 species covered in the event and

Rivers, Kinchant Dam and Eungella Dam. Stop by at the official openings in Mackay th (8 July) and Theresa Creek Dam (9th) where the kids can take part in two-hour intensive fishing clinics while enjoying a BBQ or throwing in a line.

Ensuring that everyone can join in there is a special clinic for the disabled. During the School Holidays there are further clinics on each Tuesday and Thursday with two at the Gooseponds providing kids and teens the opportunity to clean out pest fish while honing their skills. To round things out there is a ladies day on the September 25th.

Another unique feature of the LCAS, sets of trading cards have been developed for the 30 species, these will be handed out to fishing clinic participants and through local tackle shops.

Whether you are traveling further North or looking for a fishing opportunity for the family this September the Lucky Catch and Snap has it all.

For more information including registering for the event as well as bookings for the fishing clinics go to www.luckycatchandsnap.com.au.

cover all the popular species, ranging from the staples like bream, whiting and flathead to reef and sports species. The 20 locations are picked to be amongst the cream of the locations both fishing wise and for some iconic scenery. Multiple sites have caravan parks close by including the Barracrab at Clairview, Carmilla Caravan Park camping at Cape Palmerston, Sarina Palms and Tropicana at Sarina or wake up with the Kangaroos on the beach at Cape Hillsborough.

For the inland fishers you can camp and fish at Lake Theresa Claremont, the Connors and Isaacs

Donovan Power winner of $15k in the 2022 Event.

Wake up with the Kangaroos on the beach Cape Hillsborough in the Net Free Zone.

Plenty of Land access to fishing on the Isaacs Coast

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Visit us for more details luckycatchandsnap.com.au

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Central OLD

Warm northerlies bring on the spring mackerel for the pike. A couple of effective rigs are the running sinker rig (running your sinker straight to the hook) and the paternoster rig.

For the small boats, try trolling 3-4” Halco spoons around the north wall and along the beach towards Slade Point for school, spotty and grey mackerel. And for the bigger grey and Spanish mackerel, try 120-190mm, 3-5m lures such as Halco

MACKAY

Clinton Hassan

With the blink of an eye, spring is here. As we say goodbye to a wet and windy winter, I hope and pray to mother nature for a better weather window for the next few months.

At the start of the month, we have neap tides rolling into the last quarter of the moon, which will be perfect for those anglers heading up the creek targeting barramundi, king salmon and mangrove jack.

Mid-morning low tides will be perfect for working small soft plastics and hardbody lures in the upper reaches of the creeks around rock bars and submerged trees for mangrove jack. Try 3” Cast Prodigy, Gulp Shrimp or ZMan MinnowZ rigged weedless and slow roll around back eddies of the rock bars.

Alternatively, you can work the fallen timber and snags with small 80-100mm lures, such as the Duo Realis, Samaki Redic or Daiwa Double 75.

For those anglers who

Jayden Royal was very happy with this solid nannygai. prefer bait fishing, the small neap tides are perfect for floating live baits around submerged snags. Try prawns, mullet and herring, or fish the flats on the run-in tides with strips of mullet and ribbon fish.

If the weather allows, try targeting big barra around

the headlands using big plastics, as the warming water should see them move off the headlands and into the creeks.

Popular plastics have been 120mm Westin Shadteez, 225mm Irukandji Sicario and Molix Shad RT. For the land-based anglers, warm northerly winds

will bring on the school, spotty and grey mackerel. Try working the south harbour break wall using small lures such as Halco Twisty 20-40g, Arma Radico 20-60g and the reliable Arma Anchovy 10-35mm. Use long casts and allow the lure to fall for a few seconds before high-speed winding. If you’re targeting bottom species such as black jew, fingermark and cobia, try jigging live herring or yellowtail pike using herring jigs, or small hardbody lures

Jack Bennet with a tasty whiting.

This green jobfish gave Willem Reichard a great fight.

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Laser Pros, Rapala X-Raps and Samaki Pacemakers.

For those bigger boats heading offshore, coral trout and red-throat emperor are still in good numbers around the islands and reefs, and big grassy sweetlip are around the shoal and gravel beds on the bigger tides. At this time of year, coral and king prawn are commonly caught close to the reef, so if you’re bait fishing, try fresh prawns along with

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A ripper Spanish mackerel caught by Sam Barlow.

the usual baits. They can quite often be an esky changer.

Spanish mackerel have been in good numbers both inshore and offshore, taking trolled hard body lures, ribbonfish and gar. Live baits such as fusiliers, hussar and stripies rigged with a floating live bait rig will also definitely produce the goods (when using live baits, make sure to check their size limit – don’t forget!)

The new limits for Spanish mackerel are now one per person and two per boat with two or more people on board.

For those anglers keen to hit the dams, as the water starts to warm up, barramundi feeding sessions will begin to get longer due to the fish wanting to get into condition for breeding later in the season (even though they don’t breed in the dams, it’s just natural instinct). For that reason, September can be one of the best months to target barra both day and night. Try working surface lures over the weed beds, such as ZMan Hard Leg Frogs and Chasebait Flexi Frogs. Alternatively, you can slow roll Thready Buster swimbaits and Zerek Flat Shads. You can also try working vibes, dropping them down the face of the weed beds to the bottom then hopping them back to the boat.

You can also try anchoring off points, casting up to the shallows and working the lure back to hopefully interest barra that are moving from one area to another.

Spring in Queensland …

a perfect time to hit the water and throw in a line!

Our Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol state manager Greg counts down his 6 top tips for fishing at this great time of year.

6.

5.

4.

Fish’n SIP$ … there’s still a lot of money out there!

There’s still tagged fish to catch … and a lot of cash to be claimed … in our Fish’n SIP$ tagged fish competition.

Anglers in 5 of our stocked impoundments across Queensland still have a great chance to claim their share of the $50,000 prize purse.

To be in the running you need to purchase a SIPS permit and fish for the tagged fish at either Tinaroo Dam, Lake Proserpine (Peter Faust Dam), Kinchant Dam, Callide Dam or Cania Dam.

DAF2051 08/23

Anglers who hook the first 15 tagged fish caught and accurately reported to InfoFish by calling 1800 077 001 will win a cash prize.

The competition closes on 31 October 2023 so time is running out!

So grab your permits and get fishing!

Visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au for more information, including how to correctly report your tagged fish catch and claim your cash!

Remember to carry a measuring rule r or crab gauge and immediately release und ersize or unwanted fish unharmed.

Make sure you have a current permit if you are fishing in our freshwater stocked impoundments across Queensland.

Only take what you need and make sure you’ve got your safe release techniques to minimise stress on the fish you put back.

3.

If you’re crabbing, be responsible.

Mark your pots correctly, use modern crab pot des igns and set them in sufficient depths.

2.

Say hello to your local Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers … they wil l be out and about across the state.

1.

Download the Qld Fishing 2.0 app for more information on Greg’s top tips ... and so much more including fish identification , regulations, closures. Last but not least, stay saf e on the water and enjoy your fishing.

Changing seasons

What you need to know Spanish mackerel

Mary River cod

MANAGEMENT CHANGES East Coast Queensland tidal waters From 1 July 2023

CLOSED WATERS

All fin fish

Enhanced protections for Mary River Cod during breeding season.

Selected Queensland fresh waters 1 August 2023 – 31 October 2023

CLOSED SEASON

Murray cod

Closed to the take of all fin fish to protect Tailor spawning aggregations K’gari (Fraser Island) Between Indian Head and Waddy Point.

1 August – 29 September 2023

CLOSED SEASON All Queensland fresh waters in the Murray-Darling Drainage Division 1 August 2023 – 31 October 2023

Download the free ‘Qld Fishing 2.0’ app from the App Store or Google Play

The app recently underwent a suite of improvements, including: • ‘Can I fish here?’ updated so you can see when you are near or have reached a marine park zone • Hyperlinks created from ‘Can I fish here?’ to relevant ‘Know the rules’ sections • Symbols added for pest fish and species with temporary restrictions

Are you one of the

100,000?

• Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) locations updated • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) Estuarine Conservation Zones added and headings updated in ‘Know the rules’ • Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) prices and Australia Post outlets updated

If not, why not?

Anglers across Queensland are loving the Qld Fishing 2.0 app – with 100,000 downloads and counting!

It is now the number 1 recreational fishing app for all of Queensland. Why? Because the app is a one-stop shop for recreational fishers with a plethora of handy tools, including helping fishers to identify their catch, check the rules, and receive reminders about closures.

Keeping Queensland fish on the menu

We’ve been speaking with recreational fishers to gather feedback about the app and recreational catch reporting for Spanish mackerel and shark depredation.

Recreational catch reporting using apps is happening in other jurisdictions around the country and the world, and we’ve been collaborating with these jurisdictions to learn and share experiences about this work. Extra development work to add catch reporting has begun, and we will keep you updated about this exciting project.

The reporting function will be available in the Qld Fishing 2.0 app by 1 July 2024.

Scan the QR code amd download the Qld 2.0 Fishing app here >>>>>>>

SCAN ME FOR THE APP!

If you aren’t lucky enough to land it on your line, you can always order it off the menu!

Queensland seafood was in the spotlight at foodie influencer The Fish Girl’s annual Meet the Catchers and Growers event in Brisbane.

Coral trout, barramundi, tiger prawns, cobia and grouper were all featured to the assembled event guests, including more than 100 producers, chefs, apprentice chefs and their teachers.

Our Fisheries Queensland team members were also there to support the industry, and ensure the state’s seafood continues to be the star of menus everywhere!

fisheries.qld.gov.au 13 25 23 FisheriesQueensland FisheriesQld DAFQld

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How to lure up some springtime barra and jacks research results that were used as evidence to heavily reduce the bag limits of anglers starting from 1 July, 2023. It’s quite scary that such a dramatic bag limit reduction was put

TOWNSVILLE

Dave Hodge

At the time of writing this piece we’ve just had our two coldest nights I reckon at 11°C and 10°C. Yeah, yeah, I know – that’s nothing compared to South Queensland, but for us here in Townsville it’s nearly fluffy slipper stuff. To be honest, I love it. It reminds me of frosty mornings chasing Murray cod around the Namoi and Peel rivers around Tamworth.

The only downside to the cold snap here is that it will probably slow the fish down for a week or two, especially with these 25-30 knot winds that have plagued us recently.

However, by the time you read this report, the fishing will likely have improved.

In between the long stretches of crappy weather days, there have been a few gems that have allowed the offshore guys and girls to

Andrew Tan with his first legal-sized barra taken on a weedless Halco Paddle Prawn in the lumo colour. going to have to move. The reason is that smaller jigs can be used to reach the required depths, and the ease of which an angler can work these smaller lures. Whether it be slow pitch jigs for the shallower marks, or more traditional styles like the Halco Outcast Jigs, they all work.

Creeks and rivers too have been producing plenty of jacks and barra, along with flathead and whiting towards the mouths of the rivers and creeks. Smaller soft plastics in that 2-4” size range are the best bet

for the shallows. 3” Atomic Prongs and the more slim profiled 4” Paddle Prawns from Halco are great options, especially when rigged on a lighter 1/6-1/4oz head.

At this time of year, it’s also worth looking in the deeper holes to see what’s hanging down deeper. In these circumstances you can use the same lures, but you’ll just need to increase the head weight a little bit.

ARE REC ANGLERS ON THE HIT LIST? It absolutely goes against the ‘supposed’

This barramundi fell to a Halco TBarra 80. in place without a true consultation of anglers, both recreational and commercial.

Even more concerning

When a barra this size hits your lure at your feet, it’s a sure thing that you will jump. Young Tannhym Hodge dragged this one out of some tight water on his new Abu SX baitcaster. get out wider. The results have been well worth the effort, with plenty of trout, nannygai, red-throat emperor and more being taken. Spanish mackerel have been thick, and many people have gotten their new bag limit of two fish per boat within 100m of beginning their first troll.

38 SEPTEMBER 2023

is the way in which commercial netting has been outlawed for all tributaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Reserve Park. To think that such a serious and long-

Jigging is still a good way to secure a feed of deep-water species, with anglers going from the traditional 80lb outfits to a much more effective PE4 and 50-60lb FC leader with greatly increased catch rates, if the sharks aren’t too bad in a spot.

If they are, you’re just

Flathead have been around in good numbers towards creek mouths and drains. This one took a Paddle Prawn meant for a barra.

lasting law can be snuck through without even a hint of public consultation is the act of a dictatorship.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited about what the local fishery will be like in a year or so of having no schools of breeding barra removed from the rivers and creeks by nets. However, to hit every commercial fisher with this new legislation is wrong. What happened to due process, and letting the evidence do the talking?

In my opinion, there will always be a need for at least some commercial netting to feed our population, not exported as a trade-off for some foreign trade agreement.

Australians deserve the right to eat local fish, and have the choice to boycott species imported from disgusting ‘farms’.

Species such as basa, also known as Mekong catfish, should never even be considered being an option in Australia, when we have enough fish for our population without the need of importing a sub quality substitute. Ill-informed, gullible members of society who don’t fish, or spend any time on the water, have shown support for the

OLD

move against commercial fishing, and you can be sure that rec anglers are next on the hit list.

minutes into our first day Tanny nailed a 67cm barra on a lumo Halco Paddle Prawn rigged weedless and swung

around fallen timber, rocks, and the like, you probably won’t have much trouble connecting to the desirable

For bass fishers it’s worth bringing a box of hardbodies such as Roosta poppers, Sugapens, Twitching Minnows, Tilsans etc because jacks love them, and so do some barra.

One lure type that will absolutely be a necessity is some weedless plastics, such as the Atomic Prongs and Halco Paddle Prawns in 4” and 5”. If you’re a snapper, jew or flathead angler, there’s a chance you’ll already have some, so you’re laughing.

However, the hooks will probably be a bit foreign to many southern anglers; and instead of the old-style J-style jighead, the best option by far will be the weedless design known as an EWG (I use the Atomic

Seeker EWG 5/0 1/4oz).

Being able to launch or skip these rigged plastics into the thick of the timber and still get them back out is a godsend. It allows anglers to put a presentation well back in those areas where you just can’t get a hardbody.

In saying that, a hardbodied diver is a musthave for those bigger laying down logs, drains, rock bars etc where a lure can be waddled out and then allowed to slowly float back towards the surface, drawing barra and jacks out from their hidey holes to smash the escaping baitfish profile.

I’ve been trialling the new Halco TBarra 80 in recent months, and it has proven to be an absolute winner in North Queensland creeks.

If you’re keen on seeing the variety of ways that the TBarra 80 and other lures can be worked, including soft plastics, jump on our YouTube Channel (Hodgie the Barefoot Fisherman) and see for yourself how well they work.

So, if you’ve been thinking of doing a northern trip in the future but thought you’d probably have to spend a small fortune preparing for it, you’ll be glad to know that it’s not the case. A heavier bass baitcasting outfit or light cod outfit will suffice. A spin rod on the heavier end of the bass spectrum, or light snapper spin rig will also do the job, unless it’s truly big barra you’re after. We’ll see you when you get up here.

Another TBarra 80 victim. This blue salmon smashed it while it was suspending in front of a snag while chasing jacks. Blues are great fun to catch.

Personally, I believe we need to keep a handful of conscientious commercial fishers, who have been instrumental in advancing less harmful practices, and weed out those old-school rogues who have deliberately alienated the rec sector.

BARRA AND JACKS ON LURES My mate Tanny from Toowoomba recently headed up here for a few days to enjoy the warm weather and catch a barra or two, and of course the mighty mangrove jack. I thought the fishing might be a bit tough due to the cooler weather slipping in sneakily for a couple of days before, but just 10

up under the face of a tree lying diagonally across the current. Fought perfectly, dinner was taken care of, and a bucket list fish was ticked off for him.

Several more rats were landed by Tanny before a red one finally got involved, and that was number two bucket list fish off the list.

The reason I’m relating this story is because so many people who travel north, or at least ‘plan’ on travelling north to catch some tropical species are often not confident in their ability or knowledge of the northern species. Honestly, if you’re used to chasing bass, Murray cod or yellowbelly

species in the northern parts of Australia. They are attracted to the same types of areas and structure.

Having said that, your lures may need a little bit of adjustment in contrast to your southern native species.

The shapes and actions of lures that are suitable down south (with their wide, bum wobble fat profiles) would be best exchanged for more slim profiled, shimmying actions.

Slim profiled, 70-120mm casting lures will take the place of spinnerbaits and native shaped hardbodies, but you’ll be casting them at the exact same types of structure that you would for a southern species.

A well rigged Atomic Prong is a dynamite presentation for fishing the snags for jacks and barra. The rainbow bass colour pictured is effective in clear water.

OLD

Hinchy steaming into September!

HINCHINBROOK

Ian Moody info@ianmoodyfishing.com

I have to say the last month has been quite challenging with the barra fishing being very hit and miss. I used to be able to pick seasons,

attempted bite at the lure.

From one day’s charter to the next has really been a lottery due to the fluctuations in weather patterns that shift that water temp a little lower or change that barometer a little too much. It doesn’t take much this time of year to put fish off the chew when we are under

Theresa had fun catching this fingermark. fail where sometime during these months they show up in numbers almost overnight at all the usual locations for barra to aggregate. They usually increase the urge

Isaac with a lovely barra. season. I recently took some researchers out with specialist freshwater measuring equipment and monitoring cameras. The results had shown some had a minor flow while others had none. Wonkys need that freshwater flow from underground springs to keep them flourishing with life.

Last year’s September and October months were awesome for my charters as a lot of the larger barramundi start to show up in big numbers. The last few years they have done this without

Another great catch for Toby with this 65cm barra.

Toby Maguire caught this 60cm specimen whilst on charter.

to feed more ahead of their spawning season, sometimes we catch them on headlands in as little as half a metre of water hugging the edge as they sometimes look for those popeye mullet cruising next to the water’s edge on rocky headlands and mud banks.

You would be surprised as to how shallow those big metreplus models actually swims in and quite often when you land that lure in front of them the smash on the surface is incredible in shallow water.

Fishing has really been a lottery due to the fluctuations in weather patterns. But there are still plenty of barra around. but the last few years have taught me that is no longer the case!

Last year experiencing one of the coldest winters, to this year being completely opposite. However, without fail we do get those horrible trade winds that seem to blow endlessly for weeks on end.

September should start to see those trends change and become hopefully much more stable and water temps should start to rise which means more active attitudes with barramundi at Hinchy.

Most fish in the last month have all been from about 58-70cm in size with an occasional 80-90cm messing with my clients lures but failing to hook up due to the half-hearted

Recent bad weather has let me make some serious headway on my new offshore charter vessel and she’s now not very far away from being put into operation. Hopefully

the influence of a barometer over 1020. Downsizing lures and slowing up retrieves immensely seems to work.

Inshore wonky holes have been a little quieter this year, maybe due to another poor wet

in a month or two I’ll be fully ready to operate her out to the Barrier reef.

• We still have a few bookings available for the last two months of the barra season so get in quick before they are gone, Gift vouchers can still be purchased if you’re looking for birthday gifts. You can email us at info@ianmoodysportfishing. com or phone us on 0402 339 459. Barra season closes midnight October 31st, so get in early to secure a booking for this year.

A glass half full attitude PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton Heffer www.fishingportdouglas.com.au

Having just experienced probably the harshest winter period in over a decade in the tropics, we have to look forward to brighter days ahead with the introduction of spring. I won’t go on too much about the negativity, but just for example, from the start of July to mid-August, we only saw 5 days where the weather stayed under 12 knots.

For the rest of this time frame, it was more than 18 knots and upwards to fresh and frightening. It’s been a write-off for many wanting to head offshore.

There were only biggersized vessels that could 40 SEPTEMBER 2023

tackle the elements in these conditions, and surprisingly, there were plenty of quality fish caught. It proves the fishing is still great at this time of year on the reef, but it has been limited to where you can fish and obviously on a bigger, stable craft.

Numbers of coral trout have been healthy, small mouth nannygai have played a significant role, and there’s been a smattering of others, including spangled emperor, long-nose emperor, cattle dog cod, baldy bream, Moses perch, and trevally.

On a ‘reel’ positive note, the Spanish mackerel have been a regular highlight, with some impressive days recorded at times on the float or trolling lures.

Looking ahead, there must be a break from the vicious cycle of weather, and this will open up all

sorts of opportunities. The deeper waters holding the large mouth nannygai and red emperor will be high on the priority list, and they’ve had an extended break from anglers for quite some time. The weeks ahead are still prime time to see some serious action from these fish.

Also, expect to come across some other exciting species such as cobia, jobfish, trevally, and a continued run of Spanish mackerel. For the light game enthusiasts, we should start to see some small black marlin action on our known grounds as we speak.

The calmer waters have been a haven for many on our rivers and estuaries, and there’s been some quite reasonable action along the way. Big queenfish to 1m have been a highlight, golden trevally have been

Despite limited opportunities to get out on the water, there has been some great Spaniard fishing on offer. enjoying the inshore scene, and fingermark have remained mostly consistent in the deeper water with plenty of structure around.

We’ll start to see mangrove jack and barra gradually

kick into gear as the daytime temperatures are already slowly incrementing.

Typically, there is also a good run of river trevally up to 2kg, which provide genuine fun

and will continue to do so in the weeks ahead.

Conditions can only get better, but be assured we are coming into a blue ribbon fishing phase on our fishing calendar.

OLD

NFZ Heating up in September CAIRNS

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

September would have to be one of my favourite months of the year to fish in the Net Free Zone.

Rivers and creeks begin to warm up and so do the fish. The latter half of September in particular, can see a very good run

of both barramundi and mangrove jack in the Trinity Inlet, Barron River and Moon Creek systems.

I really like fishing drains for these fish this time of year as the water in general in the creeks are pretty clean. A spilling drain can bring that little bit of dirty water which the barra love to sit off. This creates a great little ambush spot. Throwing a prawn

soft plastic up into the drain and working it out slowly will get you success if there is a fish present. There are some great little drains in Trinity Inlet on the opposite side of the Marlin Marina worth a look. They don’t have to be huge drains and even the smallest ones can spill out enough dirty water to attract a barra.

I really love chasing jacks this time of year as

September is one of my favourite times to target jacks as they are very aggressive and keen to smash a lure.

they really start to hammer lures with force. I find top water frogs are the way to go in September as the extra aggression can see them chase a frog with plenty of venom. I also encounter some big jacks this time of year so it’s best to put the light stuff away and step it up a bit. In all the creeks in the NFZ you will find jacks. They are more commonly found on snags which are always in the water or even better submerged just off the banks. This is where your side imaging sounder can be a real help as they will help you find these little pots of gold. When I find these snags, I like to cast a weedless paddle tail plastic upstream of the snag and slowly work it through the timber. If you can’t feel your lure bumping in the snags you aren’t close enough. Sometimes it takes a couple of casts as it can spook the fish but once they get used to it, they will hammer it. I like to use a thicker stiffer fluorocarbon for this and Sunline FC100 is a good choice. It also pays to apply some heavy drag and don’t be afraid to thumb the spool to get

Barra, especially this size, will be waking up and keen to bite towards the end of September. them out and away from the snag.

The last fishery worth mentioning are the open beaches and rocky headlands between the Cairns Inlet and Taylors Point. There are plenty of big trophy fish in this area and with the constant trade winds blowing through

August they have seen little targeting and pressure. It does pay to get out there first to beat the crowds.

Looking forward to October and the weather should get even better and the water warmer.

The fishing will pick up especially if those afternoon storms begin to brew.

SEPTEMBER 2023 41

OLD

There she blows for another month COOKTOWN

Justin Coventry

The winds have been relentless the last month.

You do expect the winds at this time of the year but can’t remember it being this strong. Also, the rain has been coming regularly and this is supposed to be the dry season.

Anyway, with the weather conditions not very productive to fishing there has been a few opportunities, and the fishing has been red hot, and I do mean red hot.

One day the weather dropped to 10-15 knots, and people made the most out of it.

Unfortunately, I was away at the time, but my good friend Col Jackson had some mates

Jonathan struggled to hold his well-earned barramundi. herring schools turn up, and there will be lots of action at the wharf. Space there becomes limited when the fishing is good, but the rock wall offers a great expanse to cater for overflow of fishers. The early mornings are the go and throwing out a live herring on a short wire trace can produce some nail-biting action. Although most of the mackerel are small size, there have been

This lovely barra was caught on a Cape York Lure hardbody. some big fish caught, but making sure your gear is up to it is key as land-based the first run can peel out

with that count, but it shows there are still plenty around and with the right conditions, it can be mayhem when they

Tony with a decent red off the reef. up and they ventured out to chase some reds and weren’t disappointed. Although they had to move around a bit they managed to get everyone on to some nice red emperor and large mouth nannygai.

The cooler months seem to produce good quality fish, but weather windows are limited with the constant SE winds that Cooktown regularly gets, especially at winter with winds above 25 knots most of the time.

The key at this time of the year is to be ready for any opportunity and make the most out of it.

Cooktowners are known for doing a wharfie. A wharfie is the chance to head past the wharf and see if anyone is catching any fish and then looking out to sea to see how calm it is and then working out if it’s a good day to go to work or head out fishing. Our wharf is at the end of our main street, and everyone would do at least one wharfie per day. Such is the importance of this local habit that when a local dies here, they do one final wharfie with the coffin 42 SEPTEMBER 2023

before they take them out to the cemetery to be buried.

The wharf area is undergoing a revamp, and it will look amazing afterwards and will have more boat trailer parks, and access made easier to the boat ramp.

Hopefully, it will be done soon as doing a wharfie at

the moment means you have to go through the only traffic light in Cooktown at the moment due to the works going on.

The wharf this month should see some bait schools move in and some mackerel following. The fishing will hit overdrive when the

Col with a great 90cm barramundi.

Tye with a nice large mouth nannygai.

some line. So make sure you have enough on your spool to fight a big fish. Also, trevally and queenfish are also in pursuit of an easy feed and can provide some added action. Queenfish can put on a powerful display as they leap into the air. There are lots of good opportunities this month at the wharf.

The barramundi fishing has also been productive on occasions with high numbers about and some larger fish showing up. The weather lately has been a little unpredictable and causes the fish to fire up or be shut down. However, when it’s hot, it’s hot. I just recently had a 50 count for the day, and most were in the 60-70cm range. You don’t get too many days in winter

are on the bite. Hardbodies are the go with a few soft plastics reaching down deep if the surface isn’t firing, but having a twitching hardbody with the appearance of an injured baitfish is hard for a barramundi to resist. Some of the smaller fish have put on a great display as they hammer up from below to smash the lure and go flying into the air. Such a great sight.

As the weather starts to warm up the action will even get better, so looking forward to the next month as there will be some active and hungry barra around.

Until next time get out there and get amongst them, and the weather should start allowing for more reef fishing opportunities.

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OLD

Pockets full of calm and bliss CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly wildrivercompany@gmail.com

Spring is upon us and the shifting sands and winds of winter will have been in full swing these past few months.

Despite September being a blowy month on the East Coast, there are usually pockets of absolute calm and bliss at some stage, no matter how short the window.

This is a brilliant time to be travelling up the Cape. The nights are getting warmer as are the days as they grow longer. Exiting winter in tropical style with temperatures straight back up

Keiser was pleased with his little tuna. find a section of the river or creek where fish are holding, play particular attention and focus your efforts on these areas. As we slowly move into build-up to the next wet season,

Andrew caught this jack using a soft plastic.

The beautiful Archer River.

Another barra in the net for Theo.

This is a great time of year to look for triggers that might set the fishing off. A change in tide, a drop in wind, a certain moon phase or bite time are all factors that can set the barra fishing into overdrive. If you

barra will begin to congregate in saltwater feeding areas.

The whole of Cape York seems to breathe a little easier fishing wise once spring settles in. Besides, the increased chance of less wind, the warming water temperatures from the tiniest freshwater stream all the way out to offshore Barrier Reef will fire up the locals.

The transition in blue water environs between cool and warm should spark off a resurgence in shallow water sport fishing opportunities.

Before temperatures rise too far and push fish back out into deeper water.

For many anglers sport fishing the East Coast, September will be a time to start cranking back into gear

Woody did well with this big queenie. to the 30s. This marked change in the weather normally brings about some very good fishing in pockets. Spring is in the air.

After a doughy period lasting the past few months, barramundi will be stirring back into action. Their feeding habits can be quickly 44 SEPTEMBER 2023

stimulated with a rise in water temperature and metabolic rate. Plenty of keen barra fishes will be using the next two months to get their share of epic captures before the seasons begin to close on the East (1 November) and West Coast (7 October).

The author didn’t miss out of the barra action.

after a few crappy months of weather. It is a great month to chase the full array of species before seasonal closures kick in for barramundi, coral reef fin fish and tropical rock lobster.

Make the most of any pockets of calm this time of year, but also be mindful of the new rules on Spanish mackerel, which should be relatively plentiful (one fish per person and two fish per boat).

Over on the West Coast of the Cape, fly fishers in particular will relish the conditions in early spring.

With light offshore breeze throughout the day and most mornings periods very calm, this is one of the nicest times to be wading the coastline and sight fishing the shallows. Fish such as permit will be high on the radar plus another 30 species which can be targeted on fur and feathers within easy range of the coast.

Spring will be a month where general marine activity really kicks into gear. Relationships between predators and prey will be getting strained by the minute and the predators will be stacking on weight. This is feeding time for fish and traveling time for tourists. So, make the most of September, be careful on the busy roads during school holidays and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Jake Hambrecht with big mulloway he caught using a vibe in the Pumicestone Passage at Caloundra. It measured 92cm.

SEPTEMBER 2023 47

OLD

Exceptional opportunities TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

Spring is here, and it brings exceptional fishing opportunities with it.

This month, we’ll have plenty of options as the waters warm up and the fish become more active. September is my favourite bass month.

While the bite may start in August, by

September, you know it will have reached its peak.

Big fat bass, carrying their winter condition, form schools and become voracious feeders. It’s not uncommon to catch dozens of fish in a single session.

Bass weighing over 2kg are quite common, and we might even see some 3kg models or possibly fish over 4kg.

Barra are another favourite during spring. As the warmer days increase,

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND CRESSBROOK CLOSEST TOWN: CROWS NEST Cressbrook bass have been elusive, but this month will reveal their true numbers in the lake. Schools start to form up in August and September. Smaller bass

Beams Creek, and around the big toilet point opposite Eagles Nest rock wall in Cressbrook Creek. Bass can also be found on any of the major points in the main basin. Smaller fish should be easier to find, as they are more numerous in the deep water out in front

the fishing becomes more reliable. They tend to stay relatively shallow, seeking warmth and providing great fun to target, with their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics.

Besides bass and barra, other freshwater mates will also be on the prowl. The excitement and action start now and will continue over the coming months. So, let’s buckle up our rods and get ready for some fantastic fishing! enticed by larger profiles, like the Raptor Jig and Slow Blatt in 30g. The original Gang Banger G1, G2, or a Nories Wasabi are worth trying if smaller lures excite the fish more.

Adding assist hooks on the rear of smaller spoons seems to be a good option at this time of year. Soft plastics rigged on 1/2-5/8oz

Events like this double hook up on goldens, will become more common as it continues to warm up. These fish were picked off using live sonar and small blades. tend to stay in deeper water over 8m, while the bigger ones favour points and flats at depths of 6-10m. Productive areas to explore are straight out from the ramp, Bass Bay (below the picnic grounds closest to the pump tower), the first point on the western bank past the tower up

of the boat ramp and across to the buoy line.

Once you locate the elusive Cressy fish, catching them should be straightforward. Spoons and metal jigs are highly effective, and it’s all about finding the right size they prefer. For smaller fish, around 20g jigs work well, while the big bass are

jigheads can also be very effective on the smaller suspended fish.

Golden perch numbers have significantly increased in recent years.

In September, they will become more willing to chase down lures as the water warms. Small blades jigged under and around the boat will get the bites.

Big Murray cod might be harder to find in the lakes but there should be quite a few smaller models around. Remember it’s still closed season in the rivers.

• For all your Cressy fishing needs, visit Fish’n’Bits on Water Street, Toowoomba.

They are an excellent store specialising in all freshwater lures and tackle.

From September 1, the access gates to the ramp and day use area will be open from 6am to 8pm.

SOMERSET CLOSEST TOWNS: ESK, KILCOY September is my favourite big bass month at Somerset. Bass over 3kg are a possibility, and occasionally, we may see a rare 4kg plus giant.

The condition of roed up females, gorging on bony bream, is at its peak, making them easiest to catch. As they move off the edges and form into deeper schools, flashy spoons resembling bonies are one of the best offerings.

Bass of all sizes should be schooled up and smashing bony bream and other smaller fish somewhere in the lake.

Smaller bass up to 1.5kg tend to favour deeper water as the thermoclines disappear over winter.

They can be found in water as deep as 20m and prefer the 12-15m range, where they find bait and suspend

in the water column. Fish will move quite a bit throughout the day as they follow the bait. Once you figure out their routine at this time of year, you can predict their whereabouts.

A good starting point is to explore the deeper water east and south of Pelican Point or through the Bay of Plenty (the bay below the road north of The Spit).

These are good morning spots where the fish gather around mid-morning before moving on. If you can determine their afternoon haunts, the fishing can be insane.

A few big bass will be mixed in with the smaller fish, and they often find a comfortable home to bunch up together in shallower areas close to the bottom.

Flats near the old riverbed are perfect places to search, but they will take some finding. The best way to locate them is to look for those big solid returns on your sounder. Pelican Point, Bay 13, Queen Street Wide, Kirkleigh Flats, and the flats at the start of Kirkleigh timber are all possible hideouts.

When you find these fish, they will also take spoons and bigger metal jigs but

tend to feed best early and late. A slow-rolled soft plastic can also be deadly between the major bite periods.

• For your Somerset fishing needs, contact the lads at Charltons Fishing at Redbank. They are well-informed about fish activity at Maroon and Moogerah and can guide you to the right gear and bait to catch the fish at Leslie.

MAROON CLOSEST TOWNS: BOONAH, RATHDOWNEY Maroon slowed down over winter, but the action will be back on this month. Bass will fire back up and be patrolling the shallows early in the day.

They can be caught on topwater and suspending jerkbaits during this time. As the sun rises, switch over to blades and spinnerbaits to target the deeper schooling fish.

Spectre Vibration Jigs and an assortment of other offerings, including blades and spoons, should also prove effective.

MOOGERAH CLOSEST TOWNS: BOONAH, ARATULA Moogerah showed

Gary’s Marine Centre

3201 6232

217 Pine Mountain Road, BRASSALL 48 SEPTEMBER 2023

Niki Sticklen had a magic day on Wivenhoe Dam last month. She used Gang Banger G2 spoons to pull some quality bass from the schools of predominantly smaller fish.

OLD

its potential in winter with some thumping big bass.

Even the smaller fish are in prime condition. While fishing was a little hit and miss over the winter months, the action should be pretty consistent from now on, provided the fish don’t get too much pressure from anglers.

To catch Moogerah fish, the key is to find them.

Fortunately, it’s a pretty small lake, so focusing on the most likely areas should yield results within a few hours. Once you’ve done that, the catching should be relatively easy. Spoons, Jackall Mask Vibes, blades, and soft plastics are all worth trying this time of year. The fish can be found anywhere from 5 to

10m deep, and the schools should have good numbers.

The flats in the timber, out from The Palms, The Spit, and the area between Moogerah Lakehouses and Camp Laurence Outdoor Education Centre are all worth exploring.

For up-to-date fish activity at Maroon and Moogerah, visit the folks at Warwick Outdoor and Sport in Palmerin Street. They can provide valuable guidance and supply you with the right gear and bait to catch the fish at Leslie.

COOLMUNDA CLOSEST TOWNS: INGLEWOOD, TEXAS Coolmunda’s water cleared up over winter, and if the rain stays away, the lake should fish well.

CAPRICORN REGION AWOONGA CLOSEST TOWNS: BENARABY, GLADSTONE It’s shaping up to be a good end to the year at Awoonga. The barra should be warming up and slowly making their way out of the weedy shallows. This month marks a transition where fish can be found in both

shallow weed and deeper water outside the weedy edges. By the end of the month, they should be hunting in the deeper weed edges and pockets at night.

During the day, the weedy pockets and submerged weed beds are worth prospecting with soft plastics. You can fish across the tops of the weed pretty fast in your search for fish.

Golden perch will be starting to get more active and small blades are one of the best ways to catch them. This healthy fish came from Coolmunda Dam. Weedless rigged plastics or even frogs across the top work well in the shallowest areas. As it deepens, add more weight to your rig so that it can be wound at a medium pace over the tops of any weeded areas.

If you come across a fish, you can work the area more methodically with a lightly weighted lure and slower presentation. Stealth is key in the shallows, and the addition of discolored

water will boost your chances of success.

Under the cover of darkness, the barra will go on the prowl looking for a feed in more open areas.

The deeper weed edges and weed pockets provide them added cover to launch an ambush. If the sounder isn’t showing much out wide of the weed edge, fish tighter to the weed at all times. If the fish are rolling through in numbers

in the deeper water, don’t be afraid to set up the boat a little wider and switch to a heavier offering to get it down to them.

• For guided trips on the lake and expert advice, contact Gladstone Fly and Sportfishing (0429 223 550) or Lake Awoonga Barra Charters (0404 151 844). They cater to both fly and conventional tackle trips and can help you target the lake’s

Golden perch are being caught throughout the lake, with quite a few found around the timbered areas. These fish are in excellent condition due to the healthy supply of baitfish. Coolmunda also has plenty of shrimp, which can be caught along the rock wall at night. Between live shrimp and a selection of soft vibes and small blades, anglers will be able to catch some quality fish.

Based on one short session on the lake, Murray cod numbers seem lower than prior to the drought.

Smaller fish are more common than the giants this dam was once known for. However, it’s worth exploring the water to see if you can locate the big ones. barramundi.

• Mark from Awoonga Gateway Lodge is a great source for productive secret spots.

The Gateway Lodge, on the way to the dam after turning off at Benaraby, offers comfortable, air-conditioned, selfcontained cabins with boat parking space right beside them. To book a stay, call Mark or Lyn at (07) 49750033.

FISHING NEWS

Northbank Fibreglass Boats under new ownership Northbank Fibreglass Boats, one of Australia’s leading trailer boat brands, has been sold to Andrew and Chelsea Harris.

Andrew comes to marine manufacturing with distribution and marketing experience in the Australian fishing and tackle industry.

Andrew and Chelsea are already proud owners of a Northbank 600C, with Andrew having a prior association with Northbank as a brand ambassador and

moderator of the Northbank social pages. Andrew and Chelsea come to the business with passion for the brand and product, proudly continuing as a family owned and operated business in SA. Retiring owner, Rob Cuming, will still stay in the industry, with interests in Christies Beach Marine in SA and Melbourne Marine Centre, where he will continue to be involved in retailing Northbank boats.

In announcing the sale, which took effect on 1 August, Rob Cuming

said it was a great day for Northbank.

“Over 20 years, we have built Northbank to be a leading trailer boat manufacturer in Australia, endorsed by the most passionate customers in the industry. I see this as an awesome opportunity for Andrew and Chelsea as the next generation of ownership and leadership, to take the business to the next level.

“We have a great dealer network, fantastic brand ambassadors, a very good order book and great people

within our structure. The expansion to our site over the last couple of years is paying dividends in factory output, and provides the foundation for further growth to meet Aussie consumer demand.

“Andrew will release new models in 2024.

Northbank is expanding its workforce in anticipation of new models and to allow expansion of its dealer network into regions

we currently don’t have dealers. Andrew witnessed the massive customer passion for Northbank after joining our ambassador program 18 months ago, and he just loves the brand.

Andrew and Chelsea are the right people to take over. I will stay on for mentoring and handover for the next year or so.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported Northbank in the journey,

AWOONGA GATEWAY LODGE

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All set up for fishos, with tranquil surroundings. “

from customers who have become good friends and part of the Northbank family, to our people and our suppliers.

My family and I have enjoyed every minute of the last 20 years and we look forward to exciting times for Northbank going forward.”

To view the latest range, head to www.northbank. com.au. - FMG

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• Minimum 3 night stay • BBQ areas • Saltwater pool www.awongagatewaylodge.com awoongagateway@bigpond.com SEPTEMBER 2023 49

Secrets of tournament fishing BRISBANE

Troy Brown

In 2019, I experienced my first ‘real’ kayak fishing competition, when the Hobie Kayak Bream Series came to the Gold Coast. At the time, I knew I could catch bream, even if they weren’t a species I intentionally

of attending a well organised and friendly event.

Thanks to COVID interruptions, my next opportunity to attempt the event came in July this year.

Due to my previous result, I was admittedly unsure as to whether I should make another attempt, but the desire for redemption quickly won over any doubts. I

from across the country, my expectations were focussed purely on improving my own results and enjoying the process, rather than seeing my name at the top of the leader board.

Compared to my first event, even one fish in the livewell would have been an improvement. With that in mind, rather than dreaming

curious to discover how Lex prepared, as much as I wanted to know how he planned to fish the Gold Coast event.

I was surprised when Lex told me that he really wanted to do well at the upcoming tournament, as the wanted Queenslanders to shine at their home event. Normally relaxed and understated, it was a rare display of the competitive nature which is required to achieve success against the best of the best.

The encyclopaedia of knowledge Lex shared is too comprehensive to share here. In fact, I quickly found myself overwhelmed with the information, knowing that re-programming my technique in a short timeframe was impossible. Instead, I decided to stay with the techniques I already knew, allowing myself the benefit of 12 months to absorb and practice some of the skills Lex described, then bring them with me to the 2024 event. If nothing else, the one lesson I learned from the 2019 Hobie

Ruth Beeby continued her winning ways, taking out the women’s division. Photo courtesy Hobie Fishing Asia Pacific

Pontoons featured in my original plans, but I went against all reason and tried a different approach. The winning fish were pulled from areas similar to this. Photo courtesy Hobie Fishing Asia Pacific of full bags of oversized fish, I decided that getting that one fish into my livewell would signify a successful weekend. It seems like an underwhelming target, but anyone who’s experienced the dreaded donut knows, that first fish feels a lot better than the last one to fill your bag.

With intentions of improving my chances, I decided to reach out to a more experienced kayaker. Lex Irwin has been a consistent performer in the bream fishing arena, as well as epitomising the friendly and sharing attitude which makes our sport so enjoyable. I was

Boat hulls are often productive, but netted only frustration for me during the event.

Familiarise yourself with the competition rules. For the Hobie events, the keytag board holds particular significance, so you want to ensure yours is returned on time! Photo courtesy Hobie Fishing Asia Pacific targeted. Despite warnings the Gold Coast was a tough event, I was shocked when I delivered two consecutive days of donuts, with several other competitors doing the same. I was disheartened, despite enjoying the process 50 SEPTEMBER 2023

deliberately switch off my competitive nature during our regular social meet and greets, so the opportunity to challenge myself was too alluring to ignore. As the Hobie Fishing Series attracts some of the best anglers

Last minute tips from a relaxed Lex Irwin helped calm some nerves at the start line.

round, was that last minute tips can be detrimental, as you don’t have the time to learn and trust new skills.

The one thing you need above all else, is faith in your own process. You may not have the skills of the elite anglers, but you’re best to trust what you know, rather than being trapped in an endless cycle of lure and technique changes mid-competition.

It was too late for me to take advantage of the advice from Lex, but what he shared is invaluable advice for anyone fishing these events, particularly around the Gold Coast. If you’re new to competitive kayak fishing and want to get a head start for the next event, start studying now. Following are some of the basics Lex was kind enough to share.

PREPARATION When you arrive at the event, the last thing you want is to be missing required tackle, or fixing an item which you need for the day.

I went into this event with some below average rod/ reel combinations, due to a freak rod seat breakage just prior to the day, as well as persisting with some gear which struggles to cast the finesse lures I prefer. Would

fish, to find they are in poor condition (or worse) when you return to the weigh-in.

Dead fish aren’t counted, but most importantly, we all want to release them in good condition. If you aren’t sure whether you livewell meets the standards required by the competition, check before the event!

• Lay out all lures and tackle, ensuring you’ve got jigheads to match plastics, enough of

reach. Ensure your landing net is in good condition and of a design which causes minimum harm to your catch.

• If you’re expecting to catch fish, which I hope you are, a compact hanging scale and culling tags are useful.

Your tournament may be won or lost by a few grams, so having a reliable scale to determine when you upgrade a fish in your livewell is critical. If you have three fish

Game on! Whether it’s the first fish of the day or a full bag, it feels great to make a deposit into the livewell. I’d only just started filling mine, moments before my first fish for the event was caught.

The start line feels like a race grid, as kayakers race to be the first on a favoured location. it have made any difference, if I’d had a couple of shiny new rods? Perhaps, when I consider the number of casts which just missed the spot, or the fact I needed to position myself too close to the fish at times, plus dropped some fish with poor hook-ups.

I made other mistakes which overshadowed these shortcomings, but they could be the difference that lands that one fish you need. In terms of general preparation, you should consider the following: • Ensure you have any items required to meet the tournament pre-requisites.

For official Hobie events, you need a compliant livewell and an approved PFD in good condition. For inflatable PFD’s, ensure they have been serviced to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Know the event schedule.

You don’t want to be late for the competition start, or for weigh-in. The Hobie rounds are exceptionally organised and make this extremely simple, but knowing the schedule will allow you to arrive in time, fully prepared and unstressed. Regardless of results, these days are a lot of fun, unless you fail to follow some basic guidelines.

• Check rods and reels are in good order. Change line as needed, service your reels.

Basic servicing is easily completed at home and is cost effective. Youtube is your friend!

• Check the operation of your livewell and sounder, ensuring the batteries will easily last the length of the event. You don’t want a great haul of

your favourite lures for three days (pre-fish and two days of fishing). Pack these in a logical manner, so you need to find them quickly on the water. You don’t want to be searching for a lure, just as the bite period hits its peak.

• Check your leaders. This may seem obvious, but if you reach for a roll of 4lb leader and find there’s only a foot of line remaining, there’s nowhere to restock on the water. Change your leaders each night, so you start with a fresh leader on every rod.

• Ensure you have spares of anything critical, such as braid scissors, pliers and scents. If possible, have your primary items tethered an in easy

your kayak. If you often find yourself searching for items on your kayak, the best means of avoiding this is starting fresh. Ensure everything you really need is easy to access, while discarding anything which you won’t specifically

need for that event. Don’t take offshore lures on a kayak which is destined for a bream event!

For Hobie Fishing Series events, you aren’t required to own a Hobie kayak.

Regardless of the brand,

what he feels gives him the best chance of success: • 4-5 Rods – Samurai and Atomic Arrowz, with actions and lengths suited to specific purposes • 10lb leader for fishing vibes in deep water

in your livewell, culling tags help you to stay organised and retrieve the smallest fish, so you can easily remove it when performing an upgrade.

Using a culling tag puts less stress on the fish, as trying to retrieve an individual fish from the tank on the water can otherwise be tricky.

With a culling system, the fish is identified above the water, instantly retrieved and there is less duress on all of your catch.

• Pack your kayak on the ground before leaving home, to scrutinise your workflow on the water. It’s surprising how much easier it is to critically analyse your layout, when you’re standing above

First fish for the event. Game on!

Is that Steve Morgan sneaking in for a quick photo? To make the weigh-in a little more daunting, Morgo was at the bump tub to check your catch!

ensure you inspect anything which may fail on the water.

Rudder lines, electrical connectors, pedal drives are just some of the items which need to be in perfect operating condition. In the rare instance someone has a technical issue on the water, the Hobie team are exceptional at providing assistance, but the time lost due to an equipment failure may ruin your day.

TACKLE I keep my gear simple and consistent, as until my bream lure technique improves, being distracted by which rod, reel, line and leader combination I’ll use is a distraction. I run 1-2kg rods, between 6’6” and 7’6”, all with 6lb braid and 4-6lb leader. Lex has a larger variety of gear, but also has the techniques to match. Lex is an ambassador for a well known tackle supplier, but his equipment choice is driven by

• 8lb leader for Cranka Crabs or Gulp Crabbies • 6lb leader for small hardbody lures • 6lb fluorocarbon (straight through) for any lures, as required when fish are more tentative.

• 6lb mono when fishing Bassday Sugapen on surface.

Monofilament is more buoyant than fluorocarbon, so is a logical choice when trying to maximise the efficiency of a surface lure.

• Minimise! Don’t take a massive selection of gear, when you’re likely to utilise only a small proportion of the items. Don’t try new techniques or lures unless you are 100% confident in your technique. Indecision and lack of confidence will introduce flaws into your technique.

FISHING LOCATIONS Lex is known in the Hobie Fishing Series as a deep water SEPTEMBER 2023 51

specialist. As the Gold Coast round typically coincides with the key bream spawning period, large breeding-sized fish are known to move towards the ocean side of the system. For this reason, Lex often targets the area near the Southport seaway, while acknowledging there are risks in this strategy.

Apart from physical risk due to the high currents, boat traffic and turbulent wave action, this tactic is reliant on the spawning congregation and it can be physically taxing. There is a potential upside with fish holding in deep water, as they are less affected by the incessant boat traffic of the Gold Coast. The trade-off is gambling against bream holding in the rivers and canals, where the odds of filling your livewell increase dramatically if spawning isn’t following an expected ritual.

The bridges are a popular target, with Sundale the early focus of many competitors at the Gold Coast. The bridge can be feast or famine, so treat it like every other piece of structure; if a fish doesn’t come quickly, move along! Photo courtesy Hobie Fishing Asia Pacific on top of the leaderboard.

Casting small hardbodies such as the Atomic Crank 38 allow you to get distance separation from easily spooked fish, while surface lures walked across the weed beds can elicit a strike when sub-surface isn’t succeeding.

• Canals and pontoons – target areas behind the pontoons, focussing on getting your lure under walkways and hard against the edges of the pontoon.

Gulp Crabbies, bream prawns and Cranka Crabs are popular choices, but Lex recommends increasing to an 8lb leader, if you want to enhance the likelihood of landing a large bream. If using a surface lure, don’t be afraid to include long pauses, as tentative bream can watch a lure suspend for 10-20 seconds before striking. When fishing the front of pontoons, sit at an angle away from the structure and cast forward, with lures such as the Atomic Bream Shad tuned to swim along or under the face of the platform. Bending the tow point slightly is one of the most basic lure improvements

you can make, but also one of the most under-used techniques for amateurs (such as the writer). As most pontoons are only good for one cast before fish become spooked, Lex recommends that if you see another

angler working a particular section of a canal, you should immediately move onto an untouched location.

• Reef areas near the Southport School are popular, but this spot also gets fished heavily and can shut down rapidly.

Wherever you choose to fish, plan your day and don’t deviate, as it’s too late to make changes on the water.

Part of this is planning should include your fallbacks when something isn’t working, so you don’t waste time re-inventing while you should be fishing.

• My own contribution to Lex’ list is to be extremely committed to a “one cast” mentality. Too often, a lack of confidence in your technique, or misplaced faith that several casts will pull a bream from a spot which looks “fishy”, will yield only frustration. Time is your enemy at these events and even though I improved my tendency to overstay this year, I still wasted an enormous amount of time having “just one more cast”.

The eventual and deserved winner of the event was Gareth Goodhew. Gareth is a fellow Qld Hobie Crew

Gareth Goodhew (right) was the event winner, closely followed by fellow Queenslander Guy Struthers. For the rest of us, competing is its own prize. Photo courtesy Hobie Fishing Asia Pacific

Anglers such as Simon Morley have a wealth of experience, which they’re happy to share. If you have confidence in your ability, there’s no fear in helping others. Most kayakers share the same philosophy as FM’s own Steve Morgan, whose “Who Shares Wins” catchcry embodies the spirit of most elite anglers. Photo courtesy Hobie Fishing Asia Pacific Fishing deep water also requires a dramatic technique change, as the depth and rapid current mean that finesse options are pointless if you can’t get them in the face of your target fish. Rather than casting light lures and struggling to maintain contact, Lex prefers drifting with a heavier lure directly below the kayak, using the tide and motion to impart the action required to tempt a strike. This is an oversimplification of his method, but something the beginner 52 SEPTEMBER 2023

should consider, before concerning themselves with more advanced techniques.

Regardless of how well an area is fishing, safety is the primary concern and exposed areas must be avoided if there is any risk.

• Shallower weed beds north of locations such as Crab Island can be productive, but also often produce smaller fish. These locations can help fill the livewell and improve your confidence but aren’t as likely to provide the larger fish needed for a position

member and quite frankly, a great guy, so I was excited to see him win. Gareth also offered some great advice prior to the event, as he did in 2019. Armed with the advice I received from Lex and others, how did I fare? In some respects, it could be considered an underwhelming result. As I did in 2019, I failed to follow my plan. I’ll give myself a pass on that one, as I decided to focus on enjoying the event, rather than worrying about the results. Part of that was enjoying the social aspect of fishing with firsttimer and fellow Qld Hobie Crew member Maz Watters, before worrying about filling the livewell. Maz is a good angler and great company, so it was an awesome few days. I was incredibly tired before and during the event, to the point I walked off the stage holding the hosts microphone, but I was so happy I didn’t care. Win! As for the fishing, I got that amazing first fish into my livewell. If you were there, you may have thought I’d just discovered some hidden lottery winnings,

When you see good bream under a pontoon, you don’t want the smallest fish winning the race to your lure. You’re not likely to get a second hit from the same spot, so you take your bruises and move along.

as the feeling (after a 2019 donut) was amazing. For seasoned competitors, that first would be business as usual, but that’s the great thing about these events, as we all find our wins in different ways. For me, the fun of being with Maz and that first fish renewed a spark I’ve been missing for a while. More fish came onboard and while I didn’t fill my bag either day, I felt privileged for having been part of the event. My place on the leader board was modest, but when I saw some of the names below me, it gave some context as to how difficult the Gold Coast event can be. It would be unfair to feel badly about a poor result, when the real win comes from spending time with a great group of people. I can’t wait for 2024!

SEPTEMBER 2023 53

Sydney

NSW

Winter species are still firing on all cylinders SYDNEY NTH

Steve Winser

With water temperatures as low as 14°C in the harbour, winter conditions have well and truly arrived.

The kingfish have been patchy; as the water temperatures drop, their metabolism slows and they feed less often. There is a permanent bunch of resident fish in the upper reaches, but consistency has been an issue of late.

Alex with a mid-size black drummer from the washes.

The author’s mate with a nice harbour blackfish.

On the other hand, the usual winter suspects have been firing on all cylinders.

The harbour has hordes of bream and blackfish in the shallow areas, freely taking weed and bread baits. Catches of 20+ fish have not been uncommon. The ribbon weed beds are holding large numbers of blackfish and some stonker bream around the rocky shoreline areas, as well as numbers of trevally on the edges of the deeper drop-offs. A meaningful amount of berley will see them stay with you.

The offshore reef drifts in 30-70m have been fishing well for snapper, mowies and bluespot flatties. The only issue

has been the wind, which has been making the drifts more of a challenge, and the inaccurate forecasts from the Bureau of Mediocrity haven’t been helping things (that’s gotta be the best job in the world, you can stuff up every day and not get fired!)

There have also been some seriously large squid showing up on the deeper reefs. For these we have been using a combination of twin jigs in the 3.5# to 4.0# range on a paternoster set up alongside a squid spike with a fresh baitfish on it. Pillies will work on the spike but they’re a bit soft and tend to get chewed off by the small fish.

The snapper are hitting their straps at the moment, and some good-size fish are moving into the shallow areas. Both bait and plastics are taking their share of fish, and this should only improve.

Our preferred approach is a pilly cube trail with pilly and cuttlefish baits, and a soft plastic up the middle on a dead drift.

Anyhow, being a bit of an old guy, retirement is on the horizon so this will be my last report. I wish you all the very best, and tight lines!

• Fishing Sydney Tours takes pride in tailoring every trip

to the customer’s preferred species, style of angling, and level of expertise, all within a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at competitive rates. There are some excellent fishing spots that can be accessed straight off Sydney, and we will show you

where. We offer harbour, wash and offshore fishing for species ranging from kingfish and mulloway through to snapper and mahimahi. For more info go to www.fishingsydneytours. com.au, call 0481 120 600 or look up ‘Fishing Sydney Tours’ on Facebook.

It’s good to let them go sometimes.

FISHING NEWS

Is this the death of Swan Lake?

Swan Lake is located approximately 210km south of Sydney. It is a small, shallow ICOLL (Intermittent Closed or Open Lake or Lagoon) with the maximum depth around 4-5m and is known as a back-lagoon. According to 2020 DPI Fisheries report, the lake currently allows commercial fishing with a recorded total harvest of 22,000kg, of which over 18,000kg is a combined total of yellow and black bream.

However, is this amount sustainable for long term recruitment in an ICOLL? There are 70 ICOLLs along the NSW coastline with most of them on the South

Coast. The majority of these ICOLLs are closed off to the ocean for significant periods of time and opened naturally from flooding, wash-overs or manual intervention, such as from councils to reduce flooding.

In 1994 D.A.Pollard researched three ICOLLs on the South Coast – Lake Conjola, Lake Wollumboola and Swan Lake – identifying the fish assemblages in those ICOLLs. Lake Conjola is significantly larger that Swan Lake and is open to the ocean more often. The number of species identified in Lake Conjola was 100 species, with 52 considered as commercial interest. Swan Lake only contained 39 species and 22 could be considered

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54 SEPTEMBER 2023

as commercial species.

Commercial fishing ceased about 20 years ago in Lake Conjola, however, it still continues in Swan Lake.

Swan Lake can experience long periods of closure from the sea, which has a lasting impact on recruitment numbers of many of the species in the Lake. In particular, bream, whiting, dusky flathead, luderick and mulloway can only spawn in oceanic waters.

According to Shoalhaven City Council Swan Lake Entrance Management Policy, “Openings are normally short duration and the opportunities for fish recruitment are limited…With an opening on FIG.2 Commercial Catch Bream (black/ yellowfin combined) YEAR 1984/85 1985/86 1986/87 1987/88 1988/89 1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99

Kilos 141 250 184 3,991 3,116 234 1,725 1,744 1,833 787 285 47 288 429 344

average once a year, the lake will often open too soon for fish stocks to mature.”

The main concern is that the recruitment level needed to sustain recent harvests (see Fig.1.) are not attainable for such a small ICOLL with limited openings.

The combined bream catch (black and yellowfin) is 18,224kg. The legal length of bream is 25cm and the approximate weight is 400g, therefore we can estimate that more than 45,000 bream have been taken from the lake in 2020. Comparing this amount to past numbers (see Fig.2.), it is considerably higher. In the 15-year period from 19841999 the maximum reported commercial catch of bream was 3,991kg in 1987/88, then the harvest rate commenced to deteriorate, and from 19941999 the harvest did not exceed 430kg. If the event days were 124 in 1997/98 then the commercial catch would be 3.45kg per event.

RECREATIONAL VS COMMERCIAL Recreational fishers have set length, bag and possession limits, however, commercial harvesting is basically dependent on the number of shares. The more shares, the more days to harvest and the more significant the harvest.

According to DPI there are a minimum of 6 commercial

FIG.1 DPI Commercial Catch in 2020, for 124 events (days): Species Kilos Black bream 18,045.5 Luderick 1,522.2 Sea mullet 1,494.5 Sand whiting 132.6 Yellow fin bream 178.7 Dusky flathead 78.7 Whiting (unspecified) 70.0 Tarwhine 22.1 Mud crab 14.2 Long Tom 13.0 Tailor 12.0 Silver trevally 11.8 Trumpeter whiting 10.7 Southern herring 7.9 Octopus 4.9 Other 2.6 Total Reported Harvest 21,732.40kg fishers in region 6. Region 6 is from Towradgi Creek to Nerrindillah Creek. The DPI Estuary General Category One Hauling allowable catch by commercial fishers states that the minimum share holding is 125 for a single fishing business for a region.

The number of category one hauling shares you hold determines the number of days you are allocated for each period. Catch quota is allocated to owners of the relevant quota shares at the beginning of each fishing period (annually).

MINISTER’S REPLY The Amateur Fishermen’s Association of NSW has been concerned that Swan Lake, like many of the other ICOLLs in the area, are being commercial

harvested at a rate that is not conducive to sustainable recruitment. The Association sought to find information and sent letters to a variety of stakeholders, including local Members of Parliament, Fisheries Management and State Ministers.

The office of The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC (Minister for Regional NSW) penned a reply letter stating that there are a “…suite of controls in place” to manage NSW rivers and estuaries for both recreational and commercial fishers. It states that commercial fisheries have “…undergone comprehensive environmental impact assessments…and [long term] commercial estuarine landings are generally

NSW

Good catches of luderick, bream and flathead the Port Hacking. Remember that you are only allowed to use a handline to catch them.

Try putting some pilchards in a stocking, and weighting it down with a sinker. This will usually get you a crab or two.

THE PROBLEM WITH NETS I work in a local tackle shop a couple of days a week, and we have so many customers coming in asking to buy a cast net. I, along with other team members, advise them that even though cast nets

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

The high rocks at Salmon Haul Bay are worth casting out a bait for bream, whiting, trevally, flathead and the odd kingfish. Fishing during the top of the tide seems to work the best. producing mulloway, trevally, bream and flathead for those who have been making those wide casts off the shore.

If you like trolling a couple of lures out the back, work the

The rocks off Cronulla have been producing good numbers of squid on a falling tide. stable”. However, it also goes on to admit that while these assessments consider the best information available, the data is assessed from a “whole stock” (state-wide) perspective. There is little information on the impact of individual harvested stocks in ICOLLS specifically.

The Minister’s reply letter states that “…all major NSW fisheries are monitored and scientifically assessed by expert NSW DPI staff to determine if they are being fished sustainably”. This is great news but again there is little information available to the public on specific health of individual ICOLLS and harvesting by commercial operators.

FURTHER INFORMATION The local progress association prepared a petition in January 2023 to

ban commercial fishing from Swan Lake. The Minister’s response (supported by Fisheries Manager, Rick Morton) was, “There are 21 coastal lakes and lagoons on the NSW South Coast which provide exclusive access for recreational fishers.

There are no current plans to create additional recreationalonly fishing areas.”

Despite the Minister and Fisheries’ assurances, local environmental, tourism and rec fish stakeholders are not convinced rigorous monitoring and research is being conducted at Swan Lake. The commercial catch rates recorded in 2020 are at least four times higher for just bream than at their peak in the 1984-99 period.

Likewise, the Minister’s response failed to address key questions and information that was initially raised back

shoreline on both side of the headlands at the entrance to the bay. There may be a few bonito still hanging about.

The rocks off Kurnell have been producing drummer, luderick and bream on a rising tide. Try using large peeled prawns or bread for bait, and don’t forget you will need to berley.

Another land-based spot that worth a shot is the break walls at the entrance to the Cooks River.

Further upstream in the Georges and Woronora rivers there have been good catches of luderick, bream and flathead. Use fresh green weed for the luderick, and live poddy mullet or prawns for the bream and flathead.

The beaches in Bate Bay are starting to produce good catches of bream, dart and whiting during the day, with the odd ray, shark and mulloway been caught by those anglers who are willing to put in the hard yards at night.

I have heard of a few blue swimmer crabs and mud crabs being caught in in January 2023, such as ‘How often does the DPI inspect harvests?’, ‘Where is the data for commercial catch rates from 20002019?’, ‘What is the impact on the ecology of Swan Lake with continual netting?’, etc…

Despite the Minister’s words, commercial catch rates are at an all time high. No evidence/ research specific to Swan Lake has been provided to reassure that all measures have been taken to ensure that stock recruitment is sustainable for the future.

• If you wish to get more information about this issue, please contact The Amateur Fishermen’s Association of NSW at afa-nsw.com.au. – Dennis Donald, Project Officer, The Amateur Fishermen’s Association of NSW

month’s fact is about the effect that weather can have on fish movement and behaviour.

Not only are the beaches off the Australian coastline greatly influenced by the ever-changing factors that our weather can dish out, so are we, the anglers, and all the fish species that live around the coastline.

To us, a rainy day may mean that we have to rug up and stay inside out of the elements, but to a mulloway that lives and feeds along the beaches, it’s a very different story. The mulloway will sense the coming of a storm or the rising of the swell, and know from previous experience that all it needs to do is hang around a river entrance and wait for the mullet, bream and whiting to get flushed out.

Don’t forget to keep those reports and pictures coming into gbrown1@ iprimus.com.au.

Power for your GOPRO or VIRB from your navigation light socket

Before putting in your crab pots, make sure that you have checked out the NSW Fisheries website to see where you’re allowed to go crabbing, and what you are allowed to do. are advertised on the website (which is national), you are not allowed to use them in NSW. It would be great to be able to use one, like they can in Queensland, to quickly gather your bait for your next outing, but you cannot.

As you’d expect, we sell a lot of are crab pots and witches’ hats. You are allowed two crab pots per person and a float/buoy to be labelled with CT, initial and surname, year of birth (YOB) and postcode of the person who sets, uses, or lifts the fishing gear. The minimum height of the float is at least 50mm above the water, with all letters to be a minimum of 15mm and in a colour contrasting to the buoy. There must also be a 50g weight attached to the float/buoy line so that no line is floating on the surface of

all letters to be a minimum of 15mm and in a colour contrasting to the buoy.

You may only take up to 10 blue swimmer crabs per day per person, with a total of 20 in possession.

The minimum size for blue swimmers is 6.5cm (2.55”).

The Port Hacking and its tributaries, upstream of a line drawn southerly from the southernmost extremity of Hungry Point to the northernmost extremity of Cabbage Tree or Pulpit Point, is closed to all crab pots and hoop nets and witches’ hats.

For further information on closures in other waterways I would suggest that you go to the NSW Fisheries website and check them out.

FACT 7 Now we come to fact number 7 in my monthly series of fishing facts. This

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Bream, whiting, dusky flathead and trevally have been feeding in the 1-5m depth off Brighton-LeeSands, Dolls Point, Silver Beach and Frenchman’s beach in Yarra Bay. If you are not getting any bites, I would suggest that you troll a couple of lures out the back for salmon and tailor.

While you’re doing this, keep an eye on your sounder for schools of baitfish.

For those of you who like to anchor up and berley, I would try fishing off the first and third runway for bream, flathead, flounder, whiting and trevally. The channel makers in the bay are worth a shot for leatherjackets and bream.

I would also put out a live bait for a kingfish or mulloway that may happen to be passing by.

Both the Captain Cook and Tom Uglys bridges have been

the water.

You are allowed to take up to five per person of mud crabs daily. The carapace width limit for mud crabs is 8.5cm (3.34”).

When it comes to hoop nets or witches hats, you are allowed four per person and a float/buoy labelled with HN, initial and surname, year of birth and postcode of the person who sets, uses, or lifts the fishing gear. The minimum height of the float is at least 50mm above the water, with

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A couple of mud crabs that were turned into chilli crabs.

SEPTEMBER 2023 55

Sydney

NSW

Mild weather and hard-fighting fish species SYD ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com.au

You might be wondering what fish species you can target in the coming weeks. Mostly, we can

expect to encounter winter species like salmon, trevally groper, rock blackfish and luderick, with a few residential bream and whiting that did not travel. However, there can also be some out-of-season species like

kingfish still lurking in the harbour. Snapper can also be caught off the rocks when the water temperature rises by only a couple of degrees.

Below are my predictions for this month, and what’s being caught at

This king was caught on 10lb J-Thread mono and went 65cm, and was caught fishing a berley trail meant for trevally. Thank you to my client for letting me have a fish on this trip!

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Mark George with his PB light line king on 8lb braid and 12lb leader. It went 68cm, and was caught estuary fishing north harbour. It took him a while to land, and reefed him up several times, which is typical for a king. the moment.

OCEAN ROCK FISHING Large rock blackfish don’t mind the cooler water temperatures, and they are around in numbers ranging from 33-55cm at the moment.

Cabbage weed also grows at its best during this milder spring period. On the ocean rocks you will notice lawns of green weed or large patchy clumps

of this long green weed growth, which can be up to 30cm in length. The rock blackfish feed on several types of weed like kelp, red weed, pink mossy weed and more. However, its favourite type is the green cabbage weed.

Green weed grows mostly above the high tide mark. In some cases when the sea conditions are right, grazing species like rock blackfish, luderick, rock

cale and more can feed on the high tide submerged ledges/boulders that have enough water depth for the fish to access it.

Generally, prawns and bread are the most popular baits, and cunjevoi works well too. Bear in mind that prawns and cunjevoi will also attract a lot of other species like the eastern wirrah, kelp fish, wrasses, yellowtail, sweep, mados and more. If you find

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A rock blackfish of over 50cm for John Halford. You can see the dorsal fin area where it was speared long ago and managed to escape. We released this fish so it can breed.

NSW

yourself getting hammered by the undesirable species, try a cabbage weed bait. It will eliminate all of these undesirable species by at least 90%.

prawn is a firmer bait than a pilchard, and can get better results. Squid also makes an effective, firm bait when cut into narrow strips.

A berley trail should

Fishing Dobroyd Head North Harbour for luderick produced this great bag of fish for Jim Orchard. Jim fished with hair weed and a sand/weed mix for berley.

You cannot collect weed in this area, but the Fisheries website will tell you where you can legally harvest it.

With cabbage weed you are also likely to encounter luderick or the rock cale, as well as blackfish. The downside is that you will have fewer bites upon average, but that’s OK as generally the bites you have will be quality fish.

I recommend that you use 2X strength hooks between no. 4 to a 1/0 with a well-presented cabbage weed bait suspended under a ISO float or small foam float. With these size hooks you’re fishing more for rock blackfish rather than luderick. Vary the depth for your float stopper from around 1-4m depending on water depth that you’re fishing, and berley up with cabbage weed for better results.

Trevally are still available and will be for another couple of months with these cooler water temperatures. You can get good catches by fishing the deeper rock spots with very light sinkers, 4-6kg line, a 10ft+ rod and a 1/0 to 2/0 size hook baited with a half pilchard or peeled prawn (either king, endeavour or banana). A

increase your results, although you can expect sweep, yellowtail and mados to be there as well.

Your bycatch can include leatherjackets, bream and plate snapper.

The ideal times for these species are the low light periods from dawn to about an hour after sunrise, and 1.5 hours before sunset until just on dark.

When a school of trevally comes through, they bully the other smaller species out of the way, and your results are generally better at these times. When the sun is up higher, they usually go off the bite and head for deeper water.

September can be good for distance casting for a snapper. Water temperatures and swell direction play a large part in this, and the time of the day is very important too, especially when the numbers of reddies are down. If you’re a competent rock angler, night time in the right conditions can be good.

And of course, the very beginning of the crack of dawn and the sunset period

are effective times as well.

If you don’t like to get up super early, nor fish during the late afternoon/ evening, then groper and luderick are the species for you. Groper, being in the wrasse family, are generally fished for during the daylight hours. Luderick can be caught both during the day and in the evening.

The preferred bait for groper is, of course, red crabs. I have clients that book me for a groper fish but don’t like gathering the crabs, which is fine – but if you’re fishing without a guide, you should learn how to catch red crabs.

You will need to have a low tide period, be close to the water line and have relatively calm conditions.

Also, you’ll have to be prepared to put your hand into submerged cracks nearly up to your elbows, or amongst the red weed.

Another option is to buy a crab spear and spear the crabs above the high tide mark in the cracks and rock ponds. These crabs aren’t quite as good as red crabs, but groper will still eat them. If all else fails, a large prawn will do as a last resort.

For the luderick, the go-to bait is cabbage weed, the more leafy weed or the hair weed. Both the crabs and weed can be harvested at rock areas that are legal for harvesting. Please refer to the Fisheries website for legal areas to gather bait.

Two locations to try are Barrenjoey Head, preferably in a swell size less than 1.5m for groper and rock blackfish and even distance casting for snapper, and North Whale rocks for luderick along the front and for groper and trevally. North Whale is also good for distance casting for snapper.

Another good spot is Warriewood high ledge northeast face for trevally, plate-size snapper and some bream and salmon too. It’s also good for rock blackfish. I prefer to fish it in a swell between 2m and 3m, with the swell direction preferably from the south-southeast.

OCEAN BEACH FISHING Aussie salmon have been in pretty big numbers off the ocean rocks and beaches lately, from Palm Beach all the way to Manly Beach. To catch these hardfighting fish, all you need is a light outfit. I like to use a Daiwa 109MH coupled with a Daiwa 5000 BG MQ, 15-20lb J-Braid Grand, and 20lb J-Thread X Link FC leader, with metal OT Jigs ranging from 30-40g.

People say salmon aren’t good on the plate.

Well, try the ones from 1-1.5kg, generally the smaller run of fish for Sydney. They are good eating size and have less of a blood line in the fillet that might put off fussy fish eaters. The larger fish

Dan Simmons and his 12yo son with a sashimisize trevally off the rocks. They will be around until about late November, even when the air temperature has warmed up. The water temperature will remain cool until about mid-November.

Sydney

This fat porker went 55cm and was caught on 15lb mono. It gave me some hell on the spin gear and relatively light line. I released it and kept a rock blackfish for my wife and I for a feed.

(2.5kg and up) aren’t very appetising, but they put up a great fight.

When using ganged hooks, a fillet/strip of salmon approximately 12-15cm long and 2-3cm wide will catch Aussie salmon as well, and it is a very hardy bait.

Traditionally though, ganged pilchards are the way to go. 3x 4/0 hooks will still get you the odd big bream and trevally, as well as the salmon.

In the very early part of the dawn to barely sunrise, you may encounter tailor as well. Often they are around the chopper size, up to about 40cm, at this time of the year.

In the coming weeks you may be able to add tarwhine to the mix. If you’re using fish baits you will not encounter these fish much; they generally fall for a beach worm, pipi or pink nipper bait. Peeled prawns work well for them too. Some of the tarwhine can be up to 40cm+, and they pull harder than a bream for their size.

MIDDLE AND NORTH HARBOUR Luderick have been quite reliable in the harbour, with many locations fishing well.

Dobroyd Head’s eastern front has rock blackfish and luderick, and Forty Baskets swimming pool has some luderick, as does Fairlight swimming pool.

The north side of the Spit bridge, approx. 90m east of the bridge, has a rock

wall which often fishes well for luderick. You will also encounter bream and trevally at these spots, as well as some salmon.

Out-of-season kings have been caught in Middle Harbour from the inside of Middle Head opposite Grotto Lighthouse.

They’re not very reliable in September though. Right up the harbour near the Harbour Bridge and west of there, we have picked up some good size kings on 7” Bait Junkie Jerk Shads with a 1/2-3/4oz 6/0-7/0 jighead. I’ve also heard a report of a 80cm king caught on a Saltiga Rough Ride 160F. And if you can get them a sea gar ganged, that also works well.

The weather is generally very good at this time of the year. It’s not too hot, and is mostly mild with some cold days when the wind is blowing off the snowfields from the southwest.

Stay safe this month, especially on the rocks.

Please use common sense and have your safety gear, life jacket and steel spikes or stretch on spikes. If the swell is too big, go for an estuary or beach fish instead, and save the rock fishing for another day.

• For rock and beach guided fishing or tuition in the northern Sydney region, visit www. bellissimocharters. com.au, email alex@ bellissimocharters.com.au or call Alex Bellissimo on 0408 283 616.

SEPTEMBER 2023 57

NSW

Surface action – the anticipation is killing me! fish should start to hold on the rock walls rather than the deeper holes.

Off the beaches and headlands, there are some quality tailor showing up.

Get out your spinning gear and throw metal slugs for these fish. It can be a great

BALLINA

Joe Allan

September brings with it the opening of the Australian bass season in NSW. Each year the excitement grows in the last few weeks of August, with the anticipation of what the upcoming season will bring. I can’t wait for the water temperature to start to climb, the prawns and yabbies to really get on the move, and the surface fishing to heat up.

I’m not saying that surface fishing in winter isn’t great, but there is just

Christian Booker caught this thumping snapper south of Evans Head.

1/4oz blades deep, and work your way shallow up the rock walls until you find the active fish. If there has been some pressure on the fishery, drop your line size to as light as 6lb and 4lb leader (6-7ft).

Wade Spencer with some quality bream from a local tournament.

Dylan Walsh with two of the fish that were in his winning bag in a local NCBB club outing. something about warm water, bugs in the air and Aussie brawlers smashing your surface lures. This time of the year has always seemed to bring with it some of the most aggressive

so it will be interesting to see how the fresh sections of the river are. Some of the normally salty estuary species, such as bream, mulloway and whiting, have been caught way upriver as

are looking to head back upriver after the spawn of the early winter months.

Searching and fast-moving lures like spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits can be very productive choices at this time of year.

The bream will be around in very good numbers through the lower and middle reaches of the river up to Broadwater and Wardell. Fresh prawns and yabbies are always the best baits this time of year – and the fresher, the better. If you want to throw some lures this month, I recommend that you start by throwing

Aussie bass early in the season are very aggressive and a crankbait is often a great option.

This should bring on a few more bites.

Keep your crankbaits handy as well, because the

way to spend a morning and catch some fresh fish for breaky. At night, try some cut bonito and blue pilchards

Anthony Melchior will be searching for more of these after 1 September once the season is open. strikes, as well as good numbers of fish caught.

This winter has been the opposite of last year.

It’s been as dry as a desert.

The river’s lower salt and brackish sections have fished well coming through winter, 58 SEPTEMBER 2023

on gang hooks.

There are some good numbers of dart and whiting along the gutters of South Ballina, and you’ll come across some nice snowy bream too. Towards the end of September, when the westerlies start to blow the

far as Woodburn and Coraki.

Some quality bream and jewies have also been caught around the river mouth.

Normally at this time of year, the Aussie bass are generally on the move in most tidal systems and

Nicole Bower has a habit of out fishing all the other people on the boat. This pearl perch was caught on an Atomic Semi Hard Vib.

swell flat, it’s worth throwing some soft plastics into these gutters. You can catch everything from flathead to whiting, tailor, bream and dart. It can be great fun, especially with young kids.

Don’t be caught up in chasing the snapper in close on good days. Instead, if the weather allows, get out to the 100 fathoms, and try for some blue-eye trevalla and bar cod. Good baits for these guys are fresh squid and cuttlefish. It can be hard work on traditional tackle when you’re fishing this deep, so electric reels are essential in this style of fishing.

On the 32s, there are good numbers of pearl perch and trag jew, and if you want to have your arms pulled off, try jigging for some amberjack around the 48s.

I mentioned the jewies earlier, but there have been some nice catches of jewfish both offshore and in the river in recent weeks, with the best seeming to come from the night-time expeditions. Live baits like mullet or slimies have been the standout by far.

There have also been some snapper in good numbers and quality sizes around the close reefs off south Ballina. Most of the fish are in the 35-50cm range, with the odd bigger fish of around 70-80cm thrown in. If you’re after a feed, then there is plenty around. The best baits for snapper would be cut bonito or squid; however, the bigger ones will come on soft plastics like the Atomic Jerk Minnow 6” in ghost pearl, white or radioactive rooster.

Towards the end of September, we should see some mud crabs show up.

At this time of year, the best baits for these are your leftover blackfish skeletons.

Until next month, tight lines.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 59

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It’s now time to chase the iconic Australian bass the same time, I’d be walking the rocks where our creeks meet the sea, and drifting weed around for luderick.

You’d be surprised at just how fun these fish are, and they are also quite tasty if handled right.

And of course, this month we’ll be entering bass season! Hopefully the rivers will fire like they did last season, and everybody will get the opportunity to chase that iconic green Aussie sportfish. The trick will be finding where the bass are in a given system, as they’ll be on the move upstream following their spawn run.

COFFS COAST

Rob Taylor

The inaugural 2023 Trophy Hunter Snapper Bash has been run and won out of Coffs Harbour. While the fishing was hard going for most of the one-and-a-half day competition, there were some epic snapper caught, with plenty of fish in the 80s and a couple in the 90s.

This plastics-only competition saw more than 60 boats from all over Australia converge on our waters to chase the mighty red. Typical of snapper fishing, some anglers found glory, and others crashed and burned. Yours truly was one of the latter, not managing to find a fish during the competition until the last few hours when I got absolutely hosed by a mega red in 12m

We’ve had a bumper season on big offshore mulloway.

Brad Bye with a typical September red from the shallows.

of water. My fishing partner, Brad Bye, had been similarly bricked by a rampaging the red in exactly the same place the day before. Big snapper are extremely difficult on light gear in shallow water, but therein lies the fun!

CREEKS AND RIVERS This time of year is typically the slowest for fishing in our local creeks and rivers. There will still be some flatties around in the shallows, and plenty of bream and luderick around the rock walls and mouths, but it can be a tad quiet.

Fishing this month requires precision targeting of your chosen species, and sticking to a game plan.

School mulloway are also slowing up, but there are still enough of them to throw the odd curve ball at anglers chasing bream and flathead.

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ROCKS AND BEACHES Tailor, drummer and bream are the talk of the rocks and beaches (and there have also been some solid blue groper encounters to keep things interesting).

Tailor in particular have been shoulder to shoulder at times, and metal slugs, stickbaits or ganged pilchards are sure-fire ways to bag out on choppers.

There will generally be good-sized bream feeding under the tailor schools, and letting your baits sink down will attract these opportunistic feeders. You may also catch the occasional

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Clayton McGuire showing that winter flathead can still be targeted with lures. Focus is needed to entice a bite. flathead amongst the bream.

Dart were still in the beach gutters at the time of writing, and with the water still over 19°C you shouldn’t discount these fun little speedsters.

Beach jewfish are starting to slow up, but some absolute horses have been caught of late. The odd one will still be patrolling the beaches in the

coming weeks, making them worthwhile target for those anglers willing to brave the chill and put in the time.

OFFSHORE Strangely, there have been plenty of mahimahi out at the traps and wave recorder buoy, which is quite unseasonal. They usually start arriving in late September, so it appears this year they

never left!

There have also been reports of Spanish mackerel being caught lately at North and South Solitary Islands, and they also appear to be remaining in our waters longer every season. When I look back at this year’s marlin run and the fact that species such as longtail tuna made it as far south as Tathra, it stands to reason that we still have pelagics here so late.

This month it’s time to start pulling lures off the shelf for an early striped marlin run. September and October are arguably the best months for stripies on our part of the coast, with some big bull mahi always on the cards too. I had a lot of success with a purple and black Fatboy Rogue last season, but there’s any number of lures which will work. Double and even triple hook-ups are not unheard of.

If pelagics aren’t your thing then bottom fishing usually fires this month for jew, pearl perch and snapper.

Bar cod are still available on the better days for those able to head out wide.

My favourite activity this month is flicking plastics in close for big snapper. Now is the time you will find quality 90cm fish in less than 20m of water. I can’t guarantee you will land it, but chances are good you will hook one.

FISHING NEWS

$850,000 in funding open to improve fish habitat Keen local anglers, farmers, land managers and community groups are invited to apply for the latest round of the Habitat Action Grants to see their local waterways flourish with more than $850,000 available.

Habitat Action Grants are open from 8 August 2023 to 29 September 2023.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said that recreational fishing groups, community organisations, local councils and natural resource managers across the state would have until September 29 to apply for funding for their projects to improve habitat for native fish.

“These grants will see up to $40,000 awarded per project for both our inland waterways and our coastal systems,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The Habitat Action Grant program is a fantastic opportunity to improve your local creek, river, estuary

or surrounding area to promote healthy waterways and to encourage more native fish, naturally.

“I encourage as many submissions as possible – so we can improve fish habitat to give our local fishers some great opportunities to make a difference in their area.

“As locals, you know your waterways better than anyone, so it’s time to float your ideas and come up with some fantastic ways to enhance our aquatic environments. We are particularly interested in your concepts for rehabilitating trout cod and their freshwater habitats.”

Habitat Action Grants are supported by the Recreational Fishing Trusts, with funds being raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fees.

In the past, habitat rehabilitation projects which have been funded have included: • removal or modification of barriers to fish passage

• rehabilitation of riparian lands (riverbanks, wetlands, mangrove forests, saltmarsh) • re-snagging waterways with timber structure • the removal of exotic vegetation from waterways and replacement with native plants • bank stabilisation works • fencing to exclude livestock.

“There are some long-term benefits for completing this work and ultimately, it’s about making sure we have functional fish habitat and happy native fish here in NSW,” Ms Moriarty said.

Since 2009, the Recreational Fishing Trusts have invested nearly $8 million into the Habitat Action Grants program, seeing significant improvement to fish habitat across NSW. For more information and to apply for this round, visit www. dpi.nsw.gov.au/ hag. - NSWDPI

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SEPTEMBER 2023 61

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Consistent fishing for a range of offshore species SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Vic Levett

I must admit I’ve really enjoyed fishing throughout the last few months of winter. The mid north coast put on an amazing show of truly stunning weather and limited ocean swells.

Fishing offshore has

pelagics, such as spotted and Spanish mackerel and longtail tuna, to keep everyone on their toes.

September should also be exciting with possibly an early run of striped marlin and hopefully the return of the big spring topwater kingfish at Fish Rock.

OFFSHORE Snapper were very active throughout August

productive, as they seem more prevalent in 40m and beyond waters. Soft plastics and live baits have been the key to success. As I’ve said before, find the bait and the snapper won’t be too far away. In amongst the reds there have plenty of big pearl perch, trag, blue-spot flathead and tuskies.

August was also a good month for yellowfin tuna and

Andy and Clint with a couple of winter mulloway taken on Oceanhunter Charters.

This month should also see plenty more offshore tuna.

Most success has come from small to medium skirts and hardbody lures such as Laser Pros. There

have been red hot of late.

Most fish have been in the 90-120cm range. Local gun Jack Riach weighed in an impressive 141cm offshore jew and an equally

models being encountered.

Hopefully this month will see the big boys turn up.

With good numbers of small fish, it hasn’t been hard to entice them onto lures.

Jordan with a late winter longtail tuna taken onboard OceanHunter Sportfishing Charters. been very consistent. We’ve had plenty of warm water pushing down the coast and with it some unseasonable

and should continue to be a target species for the next few months. Shallow water has not been overly

most people who ventured out beyond the 200m line were rewarded with tuna averaging around 30kg.

Pearl perch move into the shallows this time of year.

It’s great to target them with soft plastics.

Kath and Zane with a nice knobby red taken in 70m of water on a plastic.

have been plenty of gannets and shearwaters to give away the tuna’s location.

There has also been the odd striped marlin encounter for the guys trolling lures.

Offshore mulloway

impressive snapper of 83cm for the recent Seabreeze monthly fishing comp.

Fish Rock has had plenty of kingfish of late. Most fish have been around the 80cm mark with not a lot of larger

Longtail tuna have been a great option, with some larger models being caught along the back of the beaches. Plenty of bust-ups can be seen on those calm offshore mornings. Live

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An awesome sambo taken on Oceanhunter Charters. This one took a soft plastic intended for snapper.

NSW

Spearfishing along Macquarie THE HASTINGS

Kate Shelton

The Mid North Coast has some of the best spearfishing waters, accommodating a range of skill levels, including headlands, rivers, reefs, FADs (fish aggregating devices), and open pelagic offshore waters.

The most common target species for spearfishing in the area include mahimahi, kingfish, mulloway, tuna, snapper, luderick, flathead, bream and mackerel, and various other species are also on offer.

If you want to learn more about spearfishing, I recommend dropping into the Outdoor Adventure store in South West Rocks.

The expert staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.

WHAT’S BITING Down south in the Camden Haven River region, there have been

some terrific tailor catches for anglers fishing on the beaches, with many fish above 2kg caught. Lake

bait, soft plastics or small stickbaits are the go. Mac tuna seem to everywhere at the moment, and they make first class snapper baits.

ESTUARY Normally luderick are the go-to species at this time of year, however most of the die-hard blacky fishos I’ve talked to have been doing it tough. Maybe some

should be productive as long as the winds stay light.

Blue swimmer crabs have made an appearance in the river, just check the Fisheries app for the correct rules for crab size limits, bag limits and trap styles.

ROCK AND BEACHES There have been school mulloway taken on regular basis off the headlands.

Leavey Lures and soft plastics have been the

cooler water will kick them into gear.

The best option off the rocks and beaches would have to be the tailor. Some big greenbacks to over 70cm have been hitting lures whilst spinning for mulloway.

Springtime can be pretty ordinary some years for fishing. It comes with our lowest sea temperatures and sometimes quite windy

Port Macquarie local Brodie Thorn and skipper Roland Loumeau.

Brodie speared this stunning striped marlin on the Port Macquarie FAD. Image courtesy of @b.thorn and @rolandloumeau.

A tasty deep-water snapper taken by Jaiden on Oceanhunter Sportfishing Charters. cooler water this month will fire them up.

The river has been quite clear with the lack of rain. The best options lately have been flathead and bass further upstream around Jerseyville and Smithtown reaches.

Targeting whiting around the mudflats on the incoming tide with pink nippers or worms

main lures of choice. The small swells of late have allowed access to some of the lower ledges that are not accessible most of the year because of larger ocean swells. Be sure to assess the platform you wish to fish for safety, and never fish the rocks on your own.

Drummer have been reasonable.

Like the luderick, hopefully some

and unpleasant forecasts.

There are, however, some species that dominate throughout this season.

Kingfish, snapper and mulloway would be my preferred target species and generally, the biggest of these fish come from spring.

My advice is fish for quality rather than quantity, and take advantage of any good weather forecasts.

Cathie to North Haven beaches are all producing good fish late in the afternoons and after dusk.

Along with the tailor, anglers are hooking the odd salmon, along with a few school mulloway.

Isaac Heagney with an 18kg kingfish he speared south of Camden Haven.

Spearfishing guru Isaac Heagney with two tasty mahimahi, which he speared out off Laurieton. Image courtesy of @isaacheagney.

Off the rocks, drummer numbers remain reasonable.

The best reports over recent times have come from around Diamond Head and further south.

In the Hastings River area, luderick numbers remain consistent from the break walls, and Settlement Point is worth a look. On the bream front, the Coal Wall and Limeburners Creek have held some solid fish after dark, with those

anglers fishing further upstream also reporting pleasing results. Lightlyweighted mullet strips and gut have been particularly effective. During the day, soft vibes have been the lure profile of choice.

Flathead numbers and sizes remain quite good for this time of year, with both baits and lures proving successful.

On the mulloway front, lure fishers have been

enjoying consistent results on school-sized fish. The North break wall and Coal Wall area are also worth a look for bigger fish after dark on either large plastics or live mullet.

Offshore, some solid kingfish have been taken from around Trag Rock off Point Plomer, with live slimies achieving the better results. A few mulloway and pearl perch have also been caught from that general vicinity.

Closer in, our winter snapper season was a cracker, with some terrific reds taken on both plastics and baits, and this will likely continue into spring.

In the Macleay region, the river is still producing some great-sized bream off the local wharves and rock structures, as well as the odd flathead.

Offshore anglers who have fished the deeper reefs off South West Rocks have managed some great-sized snapper, pearl perch and kingfish in recent weeks.

On the pelagic front, gamefishing anglers heading out wide have been catching yellowfin tuna weighing up to 70kg, as well as the odd striped marlin.

• Kate Shelton is the proud owner of Bay Explorer Marine Services and specialises in making deep drop fishing rigs for blue-eye trevalla, bar cod, kingfish and bass groper.

For more info, look up ‘Bay Explorer Marine Services’ on Facebook and Instagram, or find her store on eBay. SEPTEMBER 2023 63

NSW

A springtime wonderland for anglers and fish FORSTER

Luke Austin

Hello spring! Waving goodbye to the colder months is one of my favourite times of the year.

It’s always exciting to hit the water during spring as you just never know what might happen, and there’s always loads of options to pursue depending on the weather, tide and water temperature.

Wallis Lake is a fishing wonderland during spring.

With water temperatures slowly rising, we have the choice to continue pursuing the cooler water fish, or we can take a bit of a gamble

and chase those species typically associated with summer, such as flathead and whiting. The local luderick anglers are still having loads of fun, and most are getting a good bag of fish each session.

The rock walls continue to produce plenty of solid fish, and you can also find good numbers up around Wallis Island and in Breckenridge Channel.

Bream have been spread all over the place of late. The rock walls are still producing some cracking fish (as they always do!) but the flats and weed beds have also really kicked back into gear since the last full moon. It won’t be long

You never know what might pop up on the break walls in September!

The beach can produce some cracking mulloway at this time of year.

before we’ll be listening to the chorus of cicadas, and throwing surface for some big bronze fish upriver!

The local flathead have really woken up now, and they are beginning to become much more active.

Unfortunately, anglers are having to fish through huge numbers of smaller fish to find a decent feed, but the better ones are definitely there if you persist. While the odd nice fish is still lurking about down the bottom of the system, the better sessions are all coming from a little way up the system (stick to the north or west of Wallis Island) and down towards Coomba/Tiona (anywhere south of Lanis Island).

September is a great time to get up in the shallows to look about for a bigger fish.

Try throwing large Bent Minnows or stickbaits and you will be amazed by what beasts rise up out of the sand in such skinny water!

Trumpeter whiting reports are slowly filtering through, but the fishing is still very slow on these tasty little treats, and you will find yourself having to move about a bit to find them in any decent numbers. The sand whiting are becoming more and more active up on the flats, but it’s still a little early for any real surface action yet. For now, you will have to resort to soaking some yabbies or worms if you are keen on securing a feed of these silver speedsters.

Beach anglers have really noticed a shift in

seasons in recent weeks, with good numbers of whiting, dart and tarwhine starting to show up. There is still the odd tailor and salmon cruising the gutters, but their numbers are much smaller now and you will find it very hard to predict where they might be. For the more dedicated fishos, I have seen some very nice mulloway landed lately, up to a very respectable 28kg!

The local rock platforms have been somewhat lacklustre. While there has been enough unsettled wash about to make for good fishing, most anglers have only managed the odd drummer mixed in with plenty of bream. The dedicated lure throwers down south have

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Ian with a typical spring bream.

been seeing plenty of good kingfish, but getting them to bite seems to be near impossible at the moment.

Offshore fishing has been a bit of a basket case of late. Decent weather windows have been fleeting, and the fishing has been awfully patchy.

However, those boats that have found success have been coming home with some unbelievably good bags of fish!

One thing that is ringing true for all boats is that heading south is the better option. Those anglers who have ventured north have found the odd snapper and plenty of trag, but the snapper have been small up there.

The reefs out the front and to the south have been holding some beautiful pearl perch, plenty of trag and snapper (as well as the ever-reliable flathead if you slip off the reef edge). If you can pick the day and head as far south as Seal Rocks, the deeper reefs down that way have been holding some great mixed bags of snapper, pearl perch, trag and the odd bar bod.

That’s it for this month. Get out and enjoy this spring sunshine, and happy fishing!

• Luke is the owner of Great Lakes Tackle – your ‘local’ bait and tackle store. They sell the best brands and offer sound, friendly advice on where you can go to land your next trophy fish while visiting the wonderful Great Lakes region! They are open 7 days in the main street of Tuncurry, and you can call them on 02 6554 9541, or find them on Facebook to see what they have been up to!

NSW

Outwitting wary fish in clear water CENTRAL COAST

Jamie Robley

As we say goodbye to what has been a very dry, sunny winter, the stage is set for the next chapter.

Historically, the early part of spring in this part of the country is also dry and sunny, which I’m very sure will be the case this year.

The drier conditions

an evening or into the night means we avoid the sun beaming down and into the water, so the fish can’t see us or our lines and aren’t put off by the bright sunlight. Always remember, fish don’t have eyelids, so they avoid the brightest time of day and they also mainly feed more around sunrise and sunset.

Secondly, lighter line tends to score more bites in clear conditions.

structure, because fish are less inclined to venture out into clear water. I see this a lot when rock and beach fishing in winter. Wearing good polarised sunglasses helps you see into the water and spot fish. Around the rocks you can spot plenty of bream, drummer and blackfish if you keep an eye around washy rock ledges and shallow reef.

At the beach, bream, tailor and salmon aren’t hard to

been catching most of my fish through the cold months, and the main species for me has been bream. In fact, last night’s dinner was pan-fried, boneless bream fillets. It’s a little bit fiddly to prepare bream in this way, but once you’re biting into the fillets you certainly appreciate the effort!

Almost all the bream I’ve caught this season have been taken right behind the shore dump, so short casts have been the order of the day. Some sections of beaches and some gutters produce more than others, so sometimes success has only come after I’ve walked up to another gutter or simply moved around a bit to find fish.

There will still be some bream around this month, so I’ll probably be chasing a few for the frypan again.

However, September is one of the peak months for beach salmon here, so hopefully they’ll thicken up a bit more in the coming weeks. The sambos have shown up in dense patches at times, but overall this has been the leanest year

September is a peak month for salmon. Aside from bait, small offerings like these thin profile metal lures, slinky soft plastics and light-coloured flies can make for fun salmon fishing action. for salmon I’ve seen for a long time. They were also a bit later to arrive, so they may possibly peak more this year in October.

Regardless though, there will definitely be some salmon along the beaches in the coming weeks.

Offshore anglers have enjoyed some good weather to head wide in recent weeks. Although patchy, some decent tuna have been encountered

at times, and jigging for kings around the 80-150m range has also paid off with some solid metre class fish.

On the flip side, westerly winds have kept some boats back in close. It’s a testing time of year, with the offshore winds always being a problem. Those with a heavy work schedule or family commitments may find it impossible to time things right to get out during a calmer patch in the weather, and so they simply miss out. That’s just part of fishing, and part of life in general, unfortunately!

Back inside the lakes and Brisbane Waters, my tip for the coming weeks is to chase flathead. All going well, the water temperatures should be rising, which encourages more baitfish and prawn activity, which helps kick the flatties into gear. It’s still early days right now, so don’t expect really amazing results, but as we move towards the end of the month I’m confident there will be some pretty good flathead fishing to be enjoyed.

Flathead are probably the most reliable species to target in the lakes and Brisbane Waters at this time of year. we’ve had mean it’s generally been easier to get out there and have a go, but at the same time, dry weather patterns also make for extra clear water, both inside estuaries and in the ocean. Clear water generally translates to wary fish, which means they’re harder to fool with bait, lure or fly. That said, there are three main things we can do to help us deal with wary fish in clear water.

Firstly, fishing early in the morning, later of

The definition of ‘light’ obviously varies, depending on where and how you’re fishing, so the main thing is just to try going as light as you dare. If you normally use a 3kg leader for bream or luderick, try a 2kg leader instead. If you fish the beach with 10kg mainline and trace, try going down to 6kg and so on. Fluorocarbon can also be a better alternative to nylon mono for wary fish.

Thirdly, try presenting your offerings closer to

spot as waves roll in close to shore. Once fish are spotted, try to present baits or lures as close to them as possible. I know this can be difficult, especially around snaggy rock ledges, but this is a good theory to remember if you’re a keen rock or beach angler.

Also remember that foamy whitewash is another form of structure and fish at the beach like whitewash over their heads.

Speaking of beach fishing, that’s where I’ve

The water is still cold, and bream will still be available along most beaches this month. In most cases it’s best to cast in close, just behind the shore dump. Sometimes you may have to try a few different spots to find fish.

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NSW

Warmer water gets many species on the move PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

September really fires up the fishing inside the bay, with the warming water sparking the start of the season for many species.

Flathead are one of those fish that will really turn on this month, and the best places to find them early season are in the upper parts of the system like Karuah River, Oyster Cove and Tilligerry.

One of the problems fishing this time of year for flathead is the winter ‘snot’ weed that carpets the bottom, and which sticks to any lures or baits that come into contact with it. While this horrible stuff will slowly disperse over the next month or so, for now, you will need to work around it.

There is one good thing about winter weed though, and that’s the fact that flatties don’t really like it either, which can work in your favour because it concentrates them into any weed-free patches. This makes the fish easy to find.

For lure choice, I prefer 4-5” paddle-tail plastics in whites and pinks when fishing up the river, and hardbodies like a 70mm

Flathead will start to fire up in September, with the back half of the system fishing best.

Double Clutch will also do plenty of damage.

Bream have been on the chew along the rock walls from Tea Gardens through to Soldiers Point, with small hardbody cranks and 2-3” soft plastics proving deadly.

Alternatively, you can get good results using bait like live nippers or peeled prawn fished down a berley trail in these same areas. With the lack of rain this year, the water is pretty clear, so light leaders of around 4-6lb can make all the difference.

The Nelson Bay and Anchorage rock wall is still producing stacks of luderick, with anglers having the most success on the first

Some great tailor can be caught on the ocean beach at dawn and dusk.

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hour of the run-out tide.

Other luderick areas inside the bay worth fishing are Little Beach and Shoal Bay jetties as well as the Tomaree Torpedo Tubes.

Mulloway will start to show up in better numbers this month, and the upper areas of the bay around the Karuah River Bridges and Oyster Cove are still the most productive locations.

The best times to try for mulloway are the tide changes using either live baits or soft vibe lures.

BEACHES Mulloway are moving on the ocean beaches, with Fingal, Samurai, and Stockton all worth dedicating a night session or two. You can get results using larger dead baits like squid and mullet fillets, but ideally you want to use a live bait such as a legal tailor or whiting.

Some healthy tailor schools get around the spit at Fingal Bay on last light with spinning metals. This is a great way to get stuck into them. Metals around the 20-40g range are ideal for this type of fishing, and it’s just a simple matter of casting and retrieving at a medium speed. Be sure to keep on the move when doing this type of fishing; don’t just stay in one place when the fish aren’t biting.

Make half a dozen casts, then move 20m or so up the beach, and repeat until you find a fish.

ROCKS Early spring is always a great time to be fishing the rocks. There are plenty of drummer around the wash zone, with peeled prawns and cunjevoi working best, either suspended under a float or lightly weighted. This is a good way to pick up plenty of other species too, such as bream, squire, leatherjacket, and groper.

Speaking of grouper, there have been some absolute tanks getting around, and areas like Tomaree, Fingal Head and Sunny Corner are prime spots to get connected to these blue beasts. Half crabs are by far the best bait for groper, and you’ll need a minimum of 30lb tackle to have any chance of putting the breaks on them.

Tailor are another good option on dawn and dusk off the stones, and you can’t beat tossing a whole garfish or 30g metal around for them.

OFFSHORE It’s been a great season for yellowfin tuna, and

it’s not over yet – keep watching rip charts for any good-looking patches of water in 300-800 fathoms.

There are plenty of options for targeting yellowfin as they will respond to a range of methods, from skirted lures to deep-diving hardbodies and vibes, to good old-fashioned drifting and cubing. It also pays to always have a stickbaiting rod ready to cast, as surface

action from torpedoing tuna is always a possibility.

Snapper remain a great option are this time of year around the islands and shallow reefs, all the way up to Seal Rocks. While the Edith Breakers area is a big run from Port Stephens, it is by far the most consistently productive area for snapper, so it’s well worth the effort.

Just remember that most of this area is lure-only zone.

Liz Oldmeadow with a beautiful blue groper.

Purple patch of yellowfin SWANSEA

Jason Nunn

Over the past month there have been good numbers of yellowfin tuna off the coast of Swansea, with fish ranging up to 50kg+, and an average size of 20-25kg.

Most of the fish have been coming from around 70 fathoms, but plenty have been getting caught in the 80-90 fathom region as well.

Skirted lures such as JBs have been catching a lot of fish, but one lure that’s been even more effective for us lately has been the Halco Max 190 bibless lure. You don’t need to upgrade the hooks, and the yellowfin love munching on them. We run our Max lures off the corners, and troll them at around 8 knots, depending on the conditions. We also run a couple of skirts out the sides for bigger tuna and striped marlin.

Trophy Hunter Profidgie plastics have also been catching their share. You can run the Profidgies way back on long riggers or out on the shottie, and run it quite a distance behind the boat; we prefer a longish corner.

A couple of tuna have also been caught on livies in cube trail, but hardly anyone has been cubing because the fish have been so aggressive towards lures. Recently the boys on FIFI got nine tuna from 14kg and pulled the hooks on a few more, with a couple of double hook-ups amongst them.

Sometimes you can even get quadruple hook-ups on the school fish when they’re in feeding mode.

The school fish are gorging themselves on slimies and pacific sauries at the moment. A few tuna have also been caught spewing up squid, which they would have eaten down deeper before coming up to eat sauris and slimies.

There are hordes of slimies out there, and I think that’s why we have the striped marlin around as well. It’s been a couple of seasons since we’ve had the tuna in such good numbers, and if you’ve ever wanted to catch a yellowfin tuna, now is your chance. At the time of writing this report, they can be found from Forster all the way to the south coast.

Around the Farm area on that 100m line we’re still seeing good numbers of snapper around, and also some good kingfish. A lot of smaller rat kings have been getting jigged up, while the bigger kings have been taken on live baits. If you’re using live bait, there’s also the chance of catching a bigger snapper, and there’s still the odd trag out there as well.

As we move into September we will start to see those nor’easters build.

If you plan to travel to these deeper waters, you’ll want to get out early and get home early, before the wind picks up.

There have been a few nice snapper caught on the inshore reefs, along with the

odd tailor, a few trevally and a lot of blue-spot flathead. These catches are typical where we’re having temperature changes (some patches are 17°C and others are 19.5°C on the inshore reefs). The summer species haven’t turned up in significant numbers yet, but there are enough fish out there for everybody if they’re keen to have a go.

September on the rocks is predominantly drummer oriented, and there have been some excellent drummer getting caught off our ocean rock platforms.

Prevailing westerly winds have been producing good conditions. The key to catching drummer is to find an area with a bit of wash (a making tide is better), and deploying some berley. Use plenty of bread or laying pellets, or a combination of the two.

You can catch drummer on bread baits, but peeled prawns will give you a better chance of catching more species. Prawns will catch bream, trevally and even the odd luderick at this time of year.

The luderick traditionally start to school up around late August/ early September, so we can expect big numbers around our headlands in the weeks ahead.

Quite a few salmon are being caught along our beaches and rocks, but they’re not in huge numbers. We didn’t get a big run of salmon in

NSW

Pottering around the rocks in spring ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke

Fishing amidst the rocks can be a really fun experience, offering plenty of excitement for those who enjoy this style.

While rock hopping may not be everyone’s preference, there’s a myriad of ways to fish around the stones, with numerous fantastic species to target.

At the moment it’s a bit too soon to dust off the game tackle and hit the deep ledges.

However, there are plenty of options open if you use a bit of bait and berley and work your way around the multitude of rock platforms, break walls and ledges available in the Illawarra.

There are also almost as many species on offer if we have a good look in the right spots. At the moment it’s a good time to target drummer (aka rock blackfish), and these guys really go hard.

Successfully pulling a big one out of a cave is looked upon by rock hoppers with equal the channel this year.

It still might happen, but conditions are warming up quickly now, so I doubt it will happen. Still, we can’t complain too much when there are yellowfin on offer.

Estuary-wise, September is your last real opportunity to chase tailor in the lake. The tailor gather through September before they start to migrate back out along the coast.

There are still big bait schools in the lake at the moment, and the tailor are ripping into them. The savage melee creates a natural berley that drifts to the bottom, where larger predators like flathead lie in wait.

We can expect good numbers of flathead through September as they leave the depths and start to spread throughout the lake, moving back into shallower water.

September can also provide some very good mulloway fishing. With all that bait that’s in the lake, and all the tailor building up before they move out, we get a lot of mulloway moving into the estuary from coastal areas. These mulloway feed on the last of the tailor. If you work the bait schools with soft plastics or vibes while chasing tailor and flathead, you may well pick up a school mulloway. You can also catch a bonus mulloway while trolling for tailor with deep divers. All in all, it’s a perfect time of year for estuary fishing.

There are a few blue

admiration as the offshore angler who nails that big yellowfin tuna. They don’t call them ‘pigs’ for nothing.

Most of the rock platforms hold a few drummer, and some spots hold a lot, with many of the bigger fish coming from the roughest country. Some of the better spots to start looking are up north between Stanwell

Park and Wombarra – and don’t just go to the spots that take five minutes to walk to.

Get your pack on and take half an hour to get to the middle of the cliffs below Clifton, and work the ledges there. This is drummer heaven.

Further south, Coledale has a few, but the ledge is flat and is best fished on

There will be more kingfish gathering over the offshore reefs this month, grabbing live baits and knife jigs. swimmer crabs around, but it’s usually better to wait until October-November, when their numbers increase. If the water gets warm enough, it may happen sooner.

RAMP REPAIRS Blacksmiths boat ramp on Ungala Road, which gives boaties their main access to the ocean, is only partially operational at the moment. Half of the ramp is closed due to a collapse, and Council are attempting to repair it and determine the best course of action. If your vessel is 6.5m+, you will struggle to launch on the only half that’s open because your trailer will likely bottom out. You can the Thomas Humphrey reserve boat ramp (formerly Coon Island ramp) but you may need to book a bridge opening the day before, depending on when you want to head out. If in doubt, contact Marine Rescue.

• Fisherman’s Warehouse Tackle World has a large range of fresh and frozen bait as well as a huge range of rods, reels, lures and accessories. They also sell and service outboard motors, and have a competitivelypriced selection of new and second-hand boats.

The friendly staff are all experienced local anglers, and they’re always happy to share their knowledge, whether you’re a novice or experienced angler. Drop in for a chat at 804 Pacific Highway, Marks Point, or give them a call on (02) 4945 2152. You can also find them on Facebook, or check out their website at www. fishermanswarehouse.com.au.

calmer days.

Bellambi is another great spot that turns up some quality fish, and there are just so many good holes and gutters all within a 5-minute walk of the car park. However, it is hit pretty hard, and you may not get the spot you want because someone else is already there.

Then there is Wollongong, almost in the CBD, with the eastern break wall all the way to south beach worth a throw. The area behind the Nuns Baths is also good for a look anytime.

Honeycomb is next along the coast, but it has the reputation of being one of the deadliest rock spots in Australia. It has earned this reputation because for some reason it holds a strong attraction for anglers who are new to the country, and who haven’t become used to the variable sea conditions. This is compounded by the fact that most of them fish a ledge where you get washed into the ocean, rather than just knocked off your feet and rolled along the rocks to lose a bit of bark and get bruised.

From the break walls at Port all the way to Port Beach is drummer country at its best, with cunje-covered ledges dropping into deeper water all over the place.

Windang Island has some safer high ledges, but further south, Barrack and Bass Point have so many options you just don’t know which ones to try first. Most are easily accessible.

Next along the coast is Cathedral Rocks. Here there is a heap of great water to work with, and there’s the bonus of the Boneyard being a safe and amazingly productive

spot in very big seas. True, no open ocean rock platform is 100% safe, but the Boneyard is sheltered like a harbour.

The fish take shelter there in big seas, and the local anglers know this. It can get pretty crowded when the seas are up and the fish are on.

Bombo is next. It is a very good spot, but it also has a reputation of being quite dangerous. It is best fished only by those who have a bit of local knowledge and experience.

Then we have all those rock platforms from Kiama blowhole to Werri Beach.

It’s a mass of coastline, with some areas almost untouched by drummer chasers. It would take months to fully explore, but it’s well worth the time.

The joy of this form of fishing is that even though you are chasing drummer, you just never know what you will hook next. Heaps of bream are a regular bycatch, and there are also trevally, luderick, snapper (often big ones), silver drummer, salmon and even the odd kingfish with a heap of lesser desirables like parrot fish, leatherjackets and numerous wrasse species.

And finally, there’s everyone’s favourite, the swallow-all. This brown, rubbery little creature never ever gets hooked in the mouth – it always swallows the lot. Removing the hook can be a lengthy process and is often fatal, so it’s better to just cut the line.

The other great joy of drummer fishing the washes is you only need the essentials, a few hooks and very light sinkers and some bait.

Royal red prawns are always good as is cunje but a loaf of bread will do the trick as well and is not hard to come by at the right price and a second loaf will do as berley.

While chasing the drummer and bream you will go past some deep ledges which at the moment have heaps of salmon working along them. Windang Island has been good as has Port Kembla, Bass Point and south of Kiama.

A few kings are starting to show but they have mostly been small ones grabbing pillies or lures meant for

There are still a few reds in close, but they will be moving into deeper water in the coming weeks. the sambos.

It’s much the same on the beaches with the majority of captures being salmon and big one too up to 4kg. Some nice tailor are around during the evenings as always and throw in a few bream and it is worth a look.

Jewies have been pretty reliable this year, probably due to the warmer winter, July was like summer, a few schoolies are still popping up here and there with the odd larger specimen still about but you have to be in the right spot at the right time, as always.

In the estuaries it has been quiet with mostly bream in the upper limits of the feeder streams and out around the rocky areas of the lake but you will have to work for them.

Later in the month it could be worth a look for a few early flatties around the drop-off to the lake but again it will be hard work. Wait a few weeks and it will be a bit easier to get a feed.

Offshore there are a few nice snapper left over after the cuttlefish run. I think they are still looking for the cuttlies as it was a very slow season for the giant cephalopods, but the snapper won’t hang about forever so get the berley going around the shallow reefs and you may get a few nice reds.

You will get plenty of silver trevally this month.

They love berley and come right up to the back of the boat

There are plenty of baitfish around in early spring, and plenty of salmon and small tuna chasing them.

in their dozens on some days.

They love the islands and get around Bass Point in droves.

Run the sounder over Bandit and Wollongong Reef and the Humps down south and keep an eye out for some nice kings up to 15kg, which will start to gather over the coming weeks. Knife jigs and live baits of yellowtail and squid run deep will usually find them willing, but there are hordes of leatherjackets about on some days so it can get frustrating when they take your tackle aimed at the kings.

Further offshore there are a few yellowfin getting about the shelf and wider, but albacore are more common.

You can try the usual trick of trolling smaller skirts to find them, then tossing a few handfuls of cut pillies over while fighting them. This should bring the rest of the school up with them, and keep them there.

At this time of the year there are plenty of mako and blue sharks around to make a nuisance of themselves and they come in all sizes, from little fellas of a metre or so to 250kg brutes.

If the current is slow enough then there are still heaps of gemfish and some trevalla if you like to deep drop the Kiama canyons, or you can head up to Browns but it is a long run.

For the bottom bouncers that don’t like to go that deep, the flathead are starting to wake from their winter hibernation around the sand patches. They are not bad fish at all but they’re not in huge numbers as yet. Still, put them with a few nice snapper over the gravel along with some mowies and pigfish over the reefs and you have the makings of a good catch.

Keep an eye out for the birds as the salmon schools are starting to build in size, and there might even be a few striped tuna hammering the little glass eels all along the coast, so there is plenty of fun available for the lure casters.

Good luck.

SEPTEMBER 2023 67

Illawarra: Conditions, target species and hotspots NSW

Aaron Roddam

The Illawarra region, located on the picturesque coastline of New South Wales, Australia, offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. From pristine beaches to tranquil estuaries and rocky headlands, the Illawarra

low tides throughout the day.

Anglers can expect clear to slightly turbid water conditions, offering good visibility for lure and bait presentation.

TARGET SPECIES AND TECHNIQUES Snapper Snapper are a highly sought-after species in the Illawarra. They can be targeted from both boat and

or mullet are consistently effective. Shore-based anglers can target snapper from rock platforms or beaches using a running sinker rig with fresh bait.

Flathead Flathead are abundant in the Illawarra estuaries and are a favourite target for many anglers. They can be caught using a variety of techniques, including drifting with soft

This by-catch of shovel nose shark put up quite the fight, with iconic Port Kembla ships in the background.

This yellowtail kingfish was definitely a good fighter for its size! is a haven for fishing enthusiasts.

In the following, we will explore the current conditions, target species, recommended techniques, and popular fishing hotspots in the Illawarra region.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this article will provide you with valuable insights to get the most out of your next fishing adventure.

CURRENT FISHING CONDITIONS The Illawarra region is currently experiencing favourable fishing conditions.

The water temperature is mild, ranging from 18-20ºC, attracting various species to the area. The prevailing weather conditions consist

68 SEPTEMBER 2023

They can be targeted using metal slugs or surface poppers. Casting into schools of baitfish or working the white water around headlands during high tide can yield excellent results. Early morning or late afternoon sessions are typically more productive for tailor.

FISHING HOTSPOTS Wollongong Breakwater

Plenty of bonito around, but rough water makes for a difficult photo opportunity.

Nothing beats a beautiful sunrise when out for an early morning fish.

There are plenty of small rat kingies around chasing the bait fish. of light to moderate winds, creating ideal fishing conditions both offshore and onshore. Tides are relatively stable, with a mix of high and

good size snapper are being taken. Just 2.5km south of the Five Islands you can also try your luck at the artificial reef for some bigger model yellowtail kingfish, trevally and blue mackerel.

Lake Illawarra Lake Illawarra is a large tidal lake system that provides excellent fishing opportunities. There are many spots around the perimeter of the lake to set up onshore, along with easily accessible boat ramps in each suburb around the lake.

Anglers can target flathead, bream, whiting, and luderick.

Fishing the shallow sandy flats during the incoming tide or drifting along the drop-offs can be fruitful. Soft plastics, live baits, and surface lures

shore. Boat anglers can find snapper around offshore reefs and rocky headlands.

Paternoster rigs with fresh baits, such as pilchards, squid,

plastic lures, casting shallowdiving hardbody lures along weed edges, or using live baits such as poddy mullet or whitebait. Targeting shallow sandy flats during the incoming tide is often productive.

Bream Bream are a staple species in the Illawarra’s estuarine systems. They can be targeted using light tackle and finesse techniques.

Fishing with small soft plastic grubs or shrimp imitations around structure – such as rock walls, bridge pylons, and oyster leases – is highly effective. Bream are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Tailor Tailor are a predatory species commonly found along the Illawarra coastline.

The Wollongong breakwater is a popular fishing spot, offering access to a variety of species. Anglers can target snapper, bream, luderick, and drummer from the breakwater. Using fresh baits, such as peeled prawns or cabbage weed, is

effective for attracting these species among others. Also, garfish have been spotted in large number just inside Wollongong break wall, for those who might be after bait.

Port Kembla Port Kembla, around the rocks at Hill 60 anglers are consistently reeling in bonito and tailor, as well as the odd rat kingfish. We’ve been fortunate enough to have minimal swell for the past few weeks so now is a great time to venture out to the Five Islands just off Port Kembla, where many rat kingfish and

Perfect time for fishing – calm before the storm.

are all effective options.

Kiama Blowhole The Kiama blowhole area offers a scenic fishing spot with a chance to catch species such as snapper, drummer, and tailor. Fishing from the rocks or casting into the white water can be productive. Ensure you take adequate safety precautions and be mindful of changing tides and swell conditions.

The Illawarra region provides a wealth of fishing opportunities for anglers of all abilities. With the current favourable fishing conditions, a variety of target species, and popular fishing hotspots, the region offers something for everyone. By understanding the current conditions, employing the right techniques, and exploring the recommended fishing areas, you can enhance your chances of a successful fishing trip in the Illawarra. So, grab your fishing gear, head to the Illawarra’s beautiful coastline and estuaries, and enjoy the thrill of reeling in your next catch. Happy fishing!

NSW

Catching winter species in the sun BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

You can hardly call it a winter when it’s been 20-22°C every day and sunny. Add a good tuna bite, and you have no

better place on earth to be.

Now spring is here already, and it’s like we never had a winter, although I still expect one or two little cold snaps before things start to really heat up. A bit like the tuna fishing, which has been

hot, then cold and then really hot again, before cooling off. Now we have to wait to see if we can get any inshore action out of them. Over the past five years, some Septembers have been red hot, with tuna of all sizes showing up inshore. During winter, the go was to have a deep drop out on the shelf for some ling before scouting for some yellowfin. In spring, you can quickly duck out for some snapper while keeping your eyes peeled for bust-ups. Once you have a couple of snapper for the dinner plate, you can scout around for some tuna. If we could be blessed with that, then it really doesn’t get any better.

The most popular and successful way to hunt for these tuna is trolling a Profidgie, Nomad Madmacs

and out extremely wide over the 152 line, it looks like winter water, but we had a strong push of hot water pushing down over the shelf, looking like a summer set-up. I’m expecting this to dissipate and go back to what we expect this time of the year before we get more hot water pushing down at the end of the year. It is looking like an early season ahead and with plenty of bait, we might see marlin getting caught early this season.

Outside of our exciting game fishing, the inshore reef fishing has been hot and cold as well. It’s been a great few years of snapper.

True, we’ve had dips here and there, but overall there have been a lot of big fish and many of them. Spring is usually the best time of the year for catching snapper

Louis with a nice groper caught from a local ledge.

Phoebe and Joey have been getting in on the red-hot tuna bite.

A 79kg keg of a yellowfin tuna.

Milah caught this fantastic brown trout at Blue Rock Dam. It was her first trout at 44cm, she was chuffed!

or Halco Max. When you’re not trolling, casting stickbaits has been the most successful approach.

Effective stickbaits include the Sea Falcon Real Saury, Tackle House Canarys, Nomad Riptides and the list goes on.

In previous years, between 1995 to 2015, we got used to travelling to the Continental Shelf and beyond for our tuna Spring run, and generally, they were smaller school fish.

Some years, we would find the odd albacore, and other years, the albacore could be thick. So, if our great run of inshore tuna has subsided, then moving out wider is the next option.

Some boys dropped a marlin at the end of July in 19°C water, looking for winter tuna. The water is cold along the coastline,

from a boat, targeting those 60-80m depths that they’re schooling in.

Most anglers are accustomed to all ways of catching snapper these days, and lure fishing with plastics, micro jigs, and kabura-style fishing is just as popular as bait. Micro jigging suits fishing these spring depths as they are designed to get down easily, and with a bit of glow on them, and some Gulp gel, they are irresistible to snapper and pretty much all other species. When I first started fishing with micro jigs, I once thought you could only catch snapper, nannygai, flathead and a couple of other species, and I was convinced you couldn’t catch morwong on them. Then once I caught a few other different species and a morwong, it started

raining mowies on my jigs.

Now I’ve caught just about every species out there as well. I understand people being sceptical at first, but I have to tell you, when it rains, it pours when it comes to micro jigging.

Fishing the ledges and headlands this September can see you encounter winter species like salmon, tailor, snapper, drummer, groper and bream.

Unfortunately, it’s too soon to get excited about pelagics coming down, even though it seems to be warming up earlier. Be patient, stickbait-casting lovers, be patient! Get your hands dirty with some bait, cunje, and crabs, and stick to the season. Cunje and crabs would have to be the best, easiest free baits you can get. They are still the most dynamite baits

for drummer, groper and bream. Fishing the rock ledges really doesn’t get any better, and it’s very enjoyable to catch winter species in the sunshine we have been experiencing this year.

The beach fishing has been very typical for late winter, with plenty of salmon schools and lots of tailor. There has been the odd mulloway in the mix as well. This winter has seen tonnes of metals leaving our store in pursuit of salmon and tailor, and the great weather has brought a lot of people to the beaches, headlands and break walls spinning metals. It’s a very quick, easy and clean way to fish, so I see the attraction.

Halco Twistys, Sure Catch Knights, Spanyids, EJ Todd Ignitions, and Nomad Ridgebacks have all been popular metals to spin.

The estuaries continued to fish well in early winter, with plenty of bream and flathead available. Then it started to pull up by the end of July when the water really started to cool off. After a cooler, slow August, the estuaries will start to wake up as we move into September. Now is when anglers start to pull out their swimbaits and big paddle-tails, ready to try to catch the metre flatties that comes to life in spring. It’s time for the estuary lovers to get excited and start sharpening their hooks. It’s springtime!

• For more up-to-theminute information on what’s biting where, drop into Compleat Angler Batemans Bay and have a chat to Anthony or one of the other friendly staff.

They’re located at 65A Orient St, Batemans Bay (02 4472 2559).

SEPTEMBER 2023 69

NSW

Harbour gets a welcome facelift BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

There is no doubt in my mind that Bermagui Harbour is the safest entrance to the ocean anywhere along the south coast of NSW. If you cannot get out to

sea here, you won’t get out anywhere.

To make life easier, the harbour has gone through several facelifts to accommodate more moored vessels, and is at present having the trailer boat ramp upgraded in time for the upcoming season. The ramp is currently closed while it is being reconstructed, and

it’s scheduled to reopen in the spring. In the meantime, anglers wishing to launch their boats can use the boat ramp adjacent to the main bridge, which has also had a makeover recently and can cater for trailer boats of all sizes.

A lot of boaties use these ramps to gain access to the many gamefish that

A refurbished Bermagui Harbour with a new boat ramp on the way.

frequent the waters offshore from Bermagui. At present, varying water temperatures between 14-18°C have the game fish on hold.

Currently, there have been no significant captures, with only a handful of stripies, an odd albacore or even a more stray bluefin tuna on offer. There is a greater chance of finding a mako shark in a berley trail than anything, with a couple caught recently by anglers fishing deep in the canyons for some of the tasty deep-water species.

Fishing deep towards the bottom in the Canyons off Bermagui is becoming more popular, with the modern electric reels available. It is a double dip for anglers, because they are out where the game fish are, and if one form of fishing is not happening you can revert to the other so as to not come home emptyhanded. Species like ling or ghost cod, hapuka, gemfish, and blue-eye trevalla are all on the short list, and you can always expect other weird and wonderful fish to appear.

For those who don’t want to venture so far, the inshore grounds

This is one of the reasons why anglers leave the safe port of Bermagui – quality gamefish.

The beaches are still the go to spot this month TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Having had a warm mild winter with beautiful sunny, still days, the beaches have been the place to go to drum up some exciting action – and they don’t seem like they are going to slow down anytime soon.

Walking the sands with a pocket full of hard metal lures and a light spin stick has seen many an encounter with a hardpulling salmon or tailor.

This winter has produced more big tailor than we have seen for many years, with fish regularly being captured up to 2kg in size.

These solid fish are a lot of fun on light 2-3kg spin gear. This gear will also account for many a hardpulling salmon.

For the less energetic angler who likes to soak a bait, both the tailor and salmon are only too willing to eat a wellpresented pilchard.

Some anglers have been using cut strips of salmon as a larger bait with great results for mulloway, and sharks like small whalers or gummies.

Those fishing the shallower gutters along the 70 SEPTEMBER 2023

beaches with baits like beach worms, pipis, or smaller cut fish baits are having a lot of fun with those tasty smaller

fish like bream, whiting and mullet, along with the odd flathead and silver trevally.

Silver trevally like it

Hey Dad, this is fun – let’s get another one!

when the water is a bit cooler, and they are a popular target species from off the Tathra Wharf. Sometimes these schools can be quite thick and of a good size, often resulting in many crossed lines and testing anglers’ patience. Mixing here with the trevally are usually plenty of yellowtail or slimy mackerel to add a bit of fun, whilst on the surface there may be some juicy garfish

to be found.

The adjacent rocks towards the headland and around down behind the pub are still producing some reasonable rock fish in the form of drummer or luderick on cabbage weed or cunjevoi, and a well-presented red crab may just prove to be the undoing of a blue groper.

Out at sea it is time to start looking for tiger flathead.

These fish move into the area

in the spring, providing anglers with many a tasty meal. Water depth is the main key to finding these fish, with depths around 50-60m being optimum for the better size fish.

One of the prime areas is down south out from Bournda, where these fish seem to concentrate in good numbers. Often anglers don’t need long to acquire their bags,

There have been some quality tailor on the beach this season.

NSW

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It is easy to see why Bermi is the safest entrance along the coast. are shaping up nicely.

Tiger flathead are starting to show in numbers in the usual spots like northeast of Tilba, out from the front and slightly south of Bermagui, with most fish being taken in 40-60m of water. Here in these depths, there are numerous reefs.

By starting up on the edge of the reefs with hopefully some of those early northeast winds to drift you south, you are likely to encounter one or both species of morwong (i.e. blue and/or jackass), ocean perch, nannygai, or snapper for the shortlist before drifting onto the flathead grounds. Often at this time of year, one or two moves

may be all that is necessary to achieve success.

Back on the coast, things are pretty ordinary along the ocean shoreline.

From the beaches, the best on offer are passing schools of salmon that are frequenting Camel Rock or Tilba Beach north, with Barragoot and Cuttagee being the best south. Off the stones around the Blue Pool is one of the better areas for rock fishing, with drummer being the most sought-after species. Mixing with them are some nice luderick, and for those who like to fish tough, try using some red crabs because blue groper love them. Blue groper provide one of the

A mixed bag caught offshore out from Tathra.

best challenges for anglers fishing from the rocks.

Warmer weather is not far away, and along with it comes the bass season.

Brogo Dam is poised to fish well this year, and with the ongoing stocking program of the FSCBSA, there are plenty of fish on hand. The association is also holding its annual fund-raising fishing comp on the first weekend in December, and anyone wishing to participate or get involved in this fun little fishing competition can contact the association by emailing them at fscbsa_ brogobassbash@hotmail. com, or calling secretary Jan on 0427 934 857. so on the way back to Kianinny Bay boat ramp try some of the reefy areas out from White Rock. You may need to move around trying various depths to find maybe a few snapper, however blue and jackass morwong are usually in good numbers at this time of year to provide a variety of tastes for the basket.

Out wide over the shelf, don’t expect too much as the cold water has made the gamefish near non-existent.

If you are lucky you may happen upon a stray bluefin or some striped tuna, with the best chance of something big being in the form of a mako shark. Berley trails would be the best way of attracting a mako, and while doing so you can use an electric reel to drop baits down in the Canyons for some of those delicious deep-water fish like ling, hapuka, gemfish or (my favourite) blue-eye trevalla.

Bass season is on its way, and so is the annual bass comp held at Brogo Dam on the first weekend in December. For anyone interested in participating or becoming involved in the event, you can contact the FSCBSA at fscbsa_ brogobassbash@hotmail. com or contact secretary Jan on 0427 934 857.

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NSW

Quality perch are being caught on bladed lures NEW ENGLAND RIVERS

Adam Townsend

September is here, spring has started and the Murray cod season is officially closed for the next three months (it will re-open on 1 December).

During this time, if you

target Murray cod in our river systems and selected impoundments in NSW you could receive a hefty fine and possibly lose your fishing gear etc, so make sure you do the right thing in the next few months.

Although trout season still remains closed at the same

time, there are many other species available to target in the New England area at this time of year, and also plenty of places to get out and explore.

Copeton Dam remains open all year round, so you can still get your Murray cod fix.

With the warmer weather now upon us as we head into

The Murray cod season is closed until December, so the cod can spawn. If everyone does the right thing, the fish will be bigger and more aggressive when the season opens.

the spring months, the perch species are all firing up, and they are awesome fish to target on the lighter fishing tackle. A rod around 7ft long, matched with a 2000-3000 size spin reel and 10-15lb braid and leader is good for both the rivers and impoundments, and can make for some fun fishing opportunities when the fish are on the bite. Depending on the location and temperament of the fish, you may have to upgrade or downgrade in leader sizes to get the bite.

If you do intend to fish the rivers for golden perch, remember that any lures over 70mm long are classed as a cod lure, which could see you in a bit of trouble. Down-sizing your lures can prevent that, as well as minimising interactions and bites from cod also.

When it comes to perch fishing in the warmer months, one of the most versatile lures (and a real favourite of mine) is the ZX blade. These lures can be worked at many depths and different retrieve speeds, they’re pretty snag-proof and the perch love them. It’s also the time of the year when the crayfish and shrimp become much more abundant and active again, which the bladestyle lures match perfectly.

I would definitely

Redfin are abundant in the warmer months. If there’s a waterway you want to fish, and you don’t know if it’s a listed trout stream, check the DPI website.

This can save you a lot of hassle down the track.

For full terms & conditions www.inverell.nsw.gov.au

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*

TAGGED COD

COPETON DAM, INVERELL

14TH -17TH SEPTEMBER 2023

*TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY 72 SEPTEMBER 2023

NSW

Bass fishing: improvise, adapt, and overcome lots of variables to think about, and that’s why bass fishing is so much fun. It’s also why those top 10% of anglers catch many more fish than those anglers who do the same thing every time.

Bass change what they do regularly, which has led to a myriad of techniques being used to catch bass, particularly at Glenbawn and St Clair, where there is no single, well-defined food source. The bass in both these lakes are very opportunistic, depending on water level and temperature. From

HUNTER VALLEY

Nick Price

September is a great month to be fishing both Glenbawn and St Clair. It’s very enjoyable to be on the water during those warm, still mornings, fishing plastics and jerkbaits on the edge.

The fish in both lakes, particularly Glenbawn, are very fat after the rise in water level over the last few years.

There are going to be some big, heavy fish coming out of Glenbawn over the next few years, so it’s a good time to focus on catching that trophy bass of a lifetime.

It’s a good idea to vary your plastic colour and techniques until you find what the fish want to bite on.

We refer to this as ‘finding a

When fishing together, work as a team to vary techniques and come up with an effective pattern. pattern’. If you want to have a good session and catch many fish, you have to be thinking all the time. The 10% of anglers who catch 90% of the fish are always thinking about how to entice a bite.

Part of this comes down to observing what is happening in the environment. Is it sunny, is it overcast, is there a prevailing wind, has there been a prevailing wind over the last couple of days? Did you previously catch fish on a steep bank, gently sloping bank, are you seeing a thermocline on your sounder, and if so, are the fish above or below this thermocline?

Can you find bait, what are the bait species at this time of year, how big and what colour is the bait? There are

The Glenbawn bass are in excellent condition. recommend having a couple of lipless crankbaits this time of year also. The Mazzy Vib and the Jackall TNs have always been favourites in the New England area during the warmer months. They have

aquatic food.

A great example is mice.

When we had a mouse plague not too many years ago, the bass discovered they had a new source of plentiful, easy prey. Bass were spewing up mice at the height of the plague, and were hitting big, noisy surface lures all day. This continued right throughout winter until the frosts finally took their toll on the mice population.

Back to September fishing. Traditionally, with a high water level and going in to an El Niño as

Plastics are very effective over the winter months, and also in September. yabbies to smelt, cicadas to grasshoppers, baby carp and even mice, the list of things bass eat is as big as your imagination. So, when you’re out chasing bass, look around and try different lures that represent both terrestrial and

definitely caught their share of solid fish, including many by-catch 1m+ Murray cod during the closure. It is not uncommon to have a big cod eat a small lure, or even try eat your perch off the hook mid-fight at this time of

With the air and water temperatures rising dramatically, bait-life such as crayfish and shrimp are becoming a lot more abundant. Imitating these with blades, such as the ZX, can be very effective.

A chunky New England golden perch caught on a lipless crankbait, matched with some light leader on a 2500 spin reel.

year, as they become more aggressive and try to protect their eggs during the spawn period. If you do catch a big cod out of season, please get it back as quickly as you can so it can return to its nest.

As mentioned earlier, Copeton Dam remains opened for targeting Murray cod all year around, and has been

fishing well of late, with many golden perch being caught as well as some cracking Murray cod. At the time of writing this report, Copeton Dam is currently sitting at around 92% capacity, while Pindari Dam is at around 83% capacity.

The new moon will fall around the middle of the month, on 15 September, with

the full moon rising at around 8pm on 29 September.

Good luck to everyone getting out on the water this month. If you are unsure which rivers and/or creeks remain opened or closed, head into one of the bigger tackle shops in Inverell, or check the DPI website for more info. Tight lines.

predicted, the bass will be on the edge. Jerk baits are a great, fun way to catch these fish. Once a few bass are caught, repeat and tweak what you are doing. If you catch bass on a moderately sloping bank, then target similar banks but try different colours, different-sized lures, and vary the pause time. It’s lots of fun working out what the fish want, with plenty of variables to consider and experiment with.

All up, my tip this month is to be the thinking angler if you want to catch size and numbers regularly.

Try different combinations, adding to what you know, and be ready to change as the environment changes.

Looking ahead, October is a transition bite. At this time of year, the water warms up and the bass start to hit reaction lures. The plastic bite, both deep and shallow, is still red hot in October, and the jerkbait and plastic bite on the edge is going strong, but the bass start to home in on spinnerbaits. In my October report I will look at fishing spinnerbaits for those big, angry bass.

• If you’re heading up to the Barrington, Glenbawn or St Clair, please drop into the shop at the turnoff to Glenbawn in Aberdeen and ask about the different techniques and what they are biting on. We stock all the quality tackle that you need.

SEPTEMBER 2023 73

NSW

Sight fishing for golden perch in September BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

Spring is officially here, and that means it’s big golden perch time. The warmer the weather gets, the more active the goldens become, so let’s hope for a good early start to spring so we can start lapping up the great fishing. If the goldens aren’t active enough for you just yet, you still have the ever-reliable redfin to play with, and some great trout fishing is still to be had in our lakes.

REDFIN The redfin will start to disperse this month, creeping out of that deep water and heading for the food-rich shallows when

There will be some big, hungry trout mooching around the lake margins this month after they get back from their annual spawning run. catch, particularly on that same style of lure.

It’s not just the extra fishing pressure that makes these fish smarter, either. It is also due to the amount of anglers now using lures, and the fact that more anglers are practising catch and release. Each time a fish gets caught on a certain

Quality redfin like this are a great alternative when the big golden perch don’t want to play the game.

Loud reaction-style lures like the Slap Walker (rattling lipless crankbait) are ideal for targeting giant golden perch in September. they dare. The golden perch are also doing this, and any small redfin makes a good feed for these predators.

For that reason, although the redfin will venture into the shallows, it will only be for a very short time, or in areas that aren’t holding too many natives.

For best results with the redfin, I’d stick to the deeper water in the 20-40ft mark for your best chance, and target these fish with lipless crankbaits, blades, ice jigs, rubber vibes or heavily-weighted plastics.

GOLDEN PERCH Sight fishing (or ‘polaroiding’ as some people call it) for golden perch has grown in popularity. It is little wonder when you experience firsthand the rush of spotting a fish in the shallows, casting to it, and then watching it eat your offering in crystal clear water before going like the clappers as it tries to free itself. You will need long, 74 SEPTEMBER 2023

accurate casts and lots of stealth for your best chance at catching a golden. A slight ripple on the water will certainly help your cause when it comes to not spooking them before you get a cast in.

The golden perch will be best targeted in the shallows around the entire lake, and the backs of any shallow, weedy bays.

The fish will be roaming looking for females, and likely looking for spawning areas, so even those open, desolate-looking banks can hold fish. Not many people are targeting these areas, so the fish there will be less spooky and, therefore, easier to catch.

This early in the season, the fish haven’t been pressured too hard, and conventional lures and methods will catch you plenty of fish. Still, towards the end of the month and into October and November, these fish will

have seen hundreds of lures – particularly the more popular brands. The fish soon wise up to the rattle, vibration and flash put off by the lures that they have been caught and released on before. These ‘educated’ fish become very hard to

Casting decks loaded with big golden perch are the norm in spring.

Redfin will start to disperse into shallower water this month, making it much easier for land-based anglers to get amongst them.

lure, the fish associates that lure type/colour with a bad experience. For that reason, towards the end of a season (and on highlypressured waters), it often pays to use something new or different that the fish have never seen, or only rarely seen. This approach can score you some extra fish at times.

If creeping around the shallows is not your thing, you can try to target the thousands of golden perch that are fixated on spawning up around the wall and the island areas. The fish up there can be huge, and they’ll completely black out your sounder

NSW

It is time to shine with some Lake Hume gold ALBURY/WODONGA

Connor Heir

A warm welcome to yet another spring, and what an awesome season it should be! This time of year is always exciting as we begin to target golden perch in particular around our region. Lake Hume is a fantastic fishery in spring and summer. The Lake is probably best renowned for its trophysized golden perch, and in

my opinion this lake is the best place in the country to catch particularly big golden perch. Honestly, no matter the species you target in Lake Hume, the fish are always super healthy, which is a good indication that the lake is healthy itself.

Over the past few years now, Lake Hume has been pretty much full, and going into springtime we are seeing another full Lake.

This should contribute to some more fantastic fishing

Quite often where you find one fish in springtime, you’ll find many more schooled up.

Fishing for trout at night in the river can be quite effective. screen at times, but getting them to bite can be very frustrating due to their spawning mindset.

Still, these fish do feed occasionally, and they can be super aggressive. Repeat casts with lures should see you come up solid at some stage. I generally find that late afternoon is the best time for these fish around the wall area, whereas the fish up in the shallows towards the back of the dam can fire all day long, especially on overcast and/or windy days.

TROUT At this time of the year, the trout in the lakes are mostly up around the surface, making them a fairly easy target for flat line trolling and/or fishing from the bank.

The browns will have well and truly finished their spawning run by the time you read this, and will be starting to get back to their normal routines. These fish will still be doing a bit of gorging, but there should

also be some hungry early rainbows back from their annual spawning attempts, and they will be super keen to pack on some condition again.

The rainbows and a lot of the browns will be patrolling the edges looking for any easy pickings this month, so you won’t need to venture far to find fish if you are landbased. Bait fishing with grubs, worms or dough baits will work well in the coming weeks. Remember, the fish are in close, so there is no need to try to cast a country mile; 5m off the bank is normally more than enough at this time of the year.

Lure anglers should do well on most lures as the fish aren’t overly selective after a laborious spawning run. They simply want to eat anything that comes with an easy chasing range.

Fly anglers should also do well this month, and stripping most large wet flies like Woolly Buggers, Hamills Killers, and Mrs Simpsons should see you get in on some action.

opportunities like it has over the past few springs.

Golden perch in Lake Hume generally can be found across the whole lake. Some areas of the lake do fire up quicker than others, mainly depending on the water temperatures.

Once the water jumps up a few degrees, golden perch fire right up, so finding the warmest areas is the best way to begin your search.

The goldens can be found both on banks or close to tree structure, in any depth, really. Sometimes submerged trees can be in over 15-20m of water, but the fish will be sitting in the first 5m of water. The deeper areas can’t always be completely ruled out without checking.

For fishing trees, there are a range of techniques that work well, but my two favourites would be slow rolling soft plastics and jigging vibes/blades. These techniques seem to work

banks feeding on grass beds. If you come across a golden while trolling, it’s definitely worth pulling up in that area and having a cast around because they are a schooling fish – especially when the water gets warmer and they enter spawning mode.

While fishing for golden perch in impoundments, it’s important to remember about depth trauma (barotrauma). For those who don’t know about depth trauma, it’s when you hook a fish in deep water and pull it up fast, and the pressure difference can kill it. For this reason, I prefer to fish for golden perch in under 10m of water, and I rarely see fish suffering from it. If you are a catch and release angler, that is something to be mindful of!

Golden perch aside, the trout fishing is also red hot at this time of year in the river below Lake Hume, and in the lake itself. Both the river and the weir do

A fun fish on light line, golden perch are definitely addictive to target. well in any impoundment when fishing for golden perch, but if you’re not into lure fishing, bobbing bait will work just as effectively, as long as you are trialling different

depths and water columns.

Where golden perch can be found will vary on different parts of the lake.

For example, with the lake being full, golden perch can be found cruising shallow

This photo shows just how healthy the golden perch are in Lake Hume.

not have a trout closure, so they can be targeted whenever you like. Like the golden perch, the trout caught in our beautiful lake and in the river are built very well and fight really hard. They are a super fun fish to target.

And last but not least, if you are looking at targeting redfin in the lake, you are in luck because they are still firing. Like golden perch, you have to move around a bit to find the patches of them, and you do have to sift through the little fish to find the better ones, but they certainly still are chewing. Redfin are a fantastic plate fish, and it’s hard to say no to targeting them!

No matter what species you chose to chase on the lake, good luck and most importantly, just enjoy your time on the water.

Tight lines!

SEPTEMBER 2023 75

ACT

Now is the best time to catch a stonker redfin CANBERRA

Toby Grundy

Cod season 2022/23 is done and dusted, and for some local anglers, this means putting the feet up and taking a few weeks to pore over the photos and think about what season 23/24 will

and head to the local lakes in search of the bigger reds and forget about the cod fishing for a while.

LOCAL LAKES Lake Burley Griffin is fishing quite well. I wouldn’t say that the lake is really firing at the present time but, as mentioned in my intro, the bigger redfin are still feeding up and will

readily take a 2” wrigglerstyle plastic in motor oil or bloodworm. I like to fish the plastic slow through early spring, gently lifting the plastic off the bottom in a wide arc before letting it sink again. A 1/16oz jighead suits this method of fishing because the plastic takes longer to get to the bottom after a slow

The shallower areas are producing fish.

Bonito have been hitting lures. bring. This is completely understandable, given how addictive cod fishing is and how much effort and time goes into each cod caught and released.

For me though, spring means getting stuck into some great redfin fishing from the first day of September.

I know I’m biased, but I think Canberra has some of the best redfin fishing on offer, especially for those who are willing to put in the extra work to catch the bigger models (45cm plus). The larger redfin tend to feed well through the cooler months, so those first few weeks of spring really do represent the best time to try for a stonker.

My advice for this month is to grab the light gear, a few wriggler-style plastics,

Catching big redfin is what spring is all about. are some truly enormous golden perch in the lake.

Lake Tuggeranong is a bit hit-and-miss at the present time. While some lucky anglers have cracked the code and are consistently catching small golden perch and redfin, most lure fishos

have found the lake tough going. Lake Tuggeranong is temperamental at the best of times, but the lack of rain over the last few weeks has shut down the larger fish and also those medium-sized goldens that were once a staple.

That said, kayak and

Smaller pelagics are starting to appear along the ledges at the South Coast.

No cod fishing means it’s time to target redfin instead.

76 SEPTEMBER 2023

lift, giving the reds plenty of time to take a look at it.

Golden perch also respond to this method, and some anglers have landed golden perch while fishing the concrete walls which lead up to Kings Avenue Bridge. This area is also a great spot to try for a carp.

Lake Ginninderra hasn’t really come to life yet. The Lake didn’t produce through winter and at the moment, the fishing is still slow. That said, the lake can switch on overnight, so it will pay to check in on this waterway from time to time over the next few weeks. I usually drop in on Lake G on a Friday afternoon, throw a few lures out from the points and underneath the bridge. I usually use paddle tail plastics and employ a twitch and pause retrieve.

Once I get a few redfin in a session, I tend to go back several times through each week as the golden perch bite well once the reddies come on the chew and there

Sam Hancox bringing in a nice Googong golden.

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Savouring the 2023/24 trout season HOBART

Andrew Large

Tasmania has been experiencing the effects of a mild and dry winter, and the fishing both in salt and freshwater could not be better for September!

In the south, close to Hobart, southern calamari are returning to coastal areas.

Many fish are being found deep, but this is not unusual for early season. Swell has been kind, and aggregations should move closer inshore in coming weeks.

Southern bluefin tuna continue to be captured in Storm Bay, Tasman Peninsula and Bass Strait.

Fishing for this species is tapering off for the year, but good fish are available for

A glassy afternoon at Granton, middle reaches of the River Derwent or home to the sea trout. boat-based anglers have caught some good fish about 10m out from the points near the dam wall, and these golden perch have been landed by those using Jackall TN 50s and 60s. There have also been plenty of carp caught by shorebased anglers fishing bait close to the islands at Greenway.

Yerrabi Pond is worth a look this month. There have been many good fish landed at the pond right through winter. The weed in the pond is still an issue, but smart anglers are circumventing this annoyance by fishing plastics rigged weedless or attached to a beetle spin. There have also been plenty of fish caught on Ecogear ZX 35s and

the persistent angler. The Tasman Peninsula offers the best chance of a tuna presently.

Sand flathead are continuing to bite, particularly around the Marion Bay area southeast of the Hobart CBD. These fish will gather momentum as the water warms as we head into October. The size has varied, but reports of 540mm specimens have filtered through.

We have experienced good runs of Australian salmon, with fish up to 2.3kg turning up at Cremorne, Adventure Bay, Denison Canal and lower Derwent River regions.

Larger 100mm bibbed lures are working well, as is the everreliable Halco 30g slice.

Soft plastics have worked on brighter days when the fish have been deep.

Gathering bait schools have been attracting the attention of black bream in our tidal regions of major estuary systems in the south, with good fish falling to bait, lure and fly. The best areas for a bream up to 40cm (to the fork) include Cornelian Bay, Montrose, and Lindisfarne areas.

These areas are offering huge amounts of structure, which in turn attracts bait concentrations.

Sea trout are still biting well in nearly all estuary systems around the state. We have been very lucky this winter and spring because seasonal flooding has not occurred, and we have predominantly been left with slower moving and clear snowmelt in our waterways.

The lack of flooding has meant trout are seeing our offerings and also bait easily.

Two good months of this style of fishing still remain.

As I write this report, the west coast, which is always a month behind other areas

of the state, is beginning to come online for the season.

Greenback flounder continue to run, and traditionally winter and spring are the best months for these fish. Calm nights and again the lack of rain, which normally affects clarity, is allowing spear anglers to get out and seek this fish under the cover of darkness with a light and spear.

Winter garfish have been responding well to berley and baits under a float inshore in recent weeks. These are a highly underrated species, and traditionally have been providing great sport and action to many. Areas of note are Dodges Ferry and Pipeclay Lagoon close to the Hobart CBD, and Adventure Bay on Bruny Island.

FRESHWATER Anglers are enjoying the milder weather at Great Lake, which has also fished well over the last few months. Healthy, wellconditioned browns for this time of the year have been landed by nearly all fishing methods. The use of bait has been highly effective during recent weeks. Anglers walking the shore with lure or fly have been taking their fair share of trout too.

Arthurs Lake has surprised many anglers with healthy browns and flashbacks to better days in times gone by. Browns to 1.4kg have been taken, mainly by those fishing from a boat with the wet fly or spinning with soft plastics.

The fish are relatively deep at the moment, feeding on freshwater shrimp over the many weed beds.

Central Highlands Lakes such as Bronte Lagoon, Bradys Lake and Tungatinah Lagoon have all fished well over opening weeks, with trout plentiful again this season. Browns to 2kg have

Smaller redfin have been appearing in big numbers.

The author with a healthy River Derwent searun trout. These tidal estuary trout love nothing better than smashing hardbody lures. been boated, with the best method being trolling with a hardbody or Tasmanian Devil lure.

Across the state, rainbow trout are in pre spawn mode and will spawn shortly.

Tasmania’s freshwater season has started well for the fourth season in a row.

However, we are entering a new phase of El Niño, so we may be facing a downhill

slide into slower fishing in future years as we enter potentially tougher drier winters or a drought phase.

The legacies of wet winters and well-conditioned fish might be coming to an end, so be sure to make the most of the 2023/24 trout season.

That wraps up September ’s fishing everyone! Tight lines to all over the next month.

40s. This has to be one of my favourite lures to use when fishing Yerrabi Pond.

Slow rolling the lure back to the bank is a good way to connect with a redfin or yella, or you can let the lure sink and then employ a ‘hop and pause’ retrieve, which is also effective.

Jigging the lure on the spot in the open patches of the lake can also work.

SURROUNDS Googong Dam is fishing surprisingly well for this time of year. The dam is starting to drop a bit, and this means that the golden perch have come on the bite a little earlier than usual. Paddletail plastics as well as wrigglers attached to a beetle spin and slow rolled tight to the bank have proven to be deadly choices when chasing redfin or

golden perch from the shore. ZX blades and TN50s have also been effective choices for boat fishos hitting the points near Bradleys Inlet. The fishing should get better and better as the weather warms, and hopefully we will experience some particularly excellent fishing at Googong this spring.

I thought I’d finish this report by briefly mentioning the pelagic fishing from the ledges at the South Coast. I have caught plenty of salmon and bonito in recent weeks with a lot of the fish hitting surface.

While none of the fish I’ve landed have been particularly large, it does bode well for the summer months.

SEPTEMBER 2023 77

VIC

Hoping for better weather as spring settles in will be more chances to get into the deep water in the coming weeks.

Anyway, as spring get going, so should the bay.

The breakwater should start

PORTLAND

Nigel Fisher

G’day everyone, I hope the fishing gods are on your side. Let’s hope the spring weather is better than the winter weather we’ve had in Portland.

In past years we have had some great opportunities in the cooler months, with good spells of favourable weather giving anglers plenty of time to get stuck into the tuna and bottom fish. This year, however, the windows of opportunity have been few and far between. There has been just the odd day here and there, which has made it quite difficult for charter operators and offshore fishers alike to

producing some nice bream and some perch in the Fitzroy.

The odd mulloway can be caught in the Fitzroy as well.

And of course, it’s only a short drive from Portland to

The crew from Sharkmen Charters with a good bag. tuna, they have been giving their customers the option of bottom fishing. This has been yielding species such as snapper, morwong, nannygai and sharks, making for a good mixed feed to take home.

Our local anglers have also been taking advantage of

the better days, with similar results. By the time you read this, we may have seen some barrel tuna again, as we have heard of some big hook-ups in recent weeks.

The shelf fishing has been very limited due to the weather, but hopefully there

The crew from Bag Out charters with a great feed.

Reeltime Fishing Charters with a boatload. travel long distances to spend multiple days fishing.

Having said that, when the opportunities have popped up, the fishing has been pretty

decent. Tuna operators have been hitting good numbers of school tuna, with the odd big run. Plus, when they have bagged out quickly on the

The crew from Mathew Hunt Fishing Services with a nice catch.

producing some larger snapper, better whiting numbers, and the larger squid should start to move as well.

The bay itself should do the same for the boaties, with whiting and squid numbers getting better. Sharks and snapper along the north shore will also improve as the water temperatures start to rise. This will help both boaties and land-based fishers.

The rivers, such as the Surrey and Fitzroy, have been

the Glenelg River, where you can have fun catching bream, perch and mulloway, among others. We also have some excellent freshwater areas within two hours of Portland.

Remember, whether you are a local or a visitor to Portland, you are very welcome to call into Portland Compleat Angler to get the latest info, or contact us on 03 5521 1844. You can also follow us on Facebook.

Happy fishing!

FISHING NEWS

Free forums dive into local fishing and boating

Recreational fishers and boaters from around the state are discussing their muchloved pastimes, and sharing ideas to make fishing even better, at a series of free Fishing and Boating Forums.

These forums, hosted by local fishing clubs, have become an annual tradition, with this year marking the third consecutive instalment.

The forums feature presentations from Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and Better Boating Victoria (BBV) staff on the latest in fishing and boating, including updates on the positive impact the Victorian Government’s $96 million package to 78 SEPTEMBER 2023

improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture is making in each local area.

The first of the 12 forums was held on Thursday, 3 August in Mildura, hosted by the Nangiloc Angling Club.

This was followed by forums at Kyabram, Wangaratta, Shepparton, Albert Park and Mitcham.

This month, six more forums will take place at Charlton, Ballarat, Horsham, Warrnambool, Leongatha and Nicholson.

The forums, all of which are held on weeknights from 7-9pm, feature a comprehensive hour-long presentation before the audience gets the chance to engage with VFA and BBV representatives directly,

providing an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.

Topics are tailored to each region, including local initiatives from the Go Fishing Victoria plan, upgrades as part of the state’s biggest ever boat ramp construction program being led by BBV, the vital work of Fisheries Officers and research insights from fisheries scientists into iconic fish like Murray cod and yellowtail kingfish.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling said this year’s run of forums was the biggest yet, and presented an opportunity for fishers and boaters to learn something new, share an idea or ask that burning question that has long been the source of debate with family and friends.

“We’re excited to be heading out to even more clubs to catch up with fishers and boaters and discuss how we’re helping

2023 FORUMS DATES 2023 FISHING AND BOATING FORUMS Date Time Tuesday, 5 September 7-9pm Tuesday, 12 September 7-9pm Wednesday, 13 September 7-9pm Thursday, 14 September 7-9pm Tuesday, 19 September 7-9pm Wednesday, 20 September 7-9pm

make their pastime better than ever,” he said. “What we’re really keen to do is hear what matters to fishers and boaters in their neck of the woods. Locals know their patch best, and their ideas can help us make fishing even better in Victoria.

“There’s so much to chat about, from where we’re stocking your fish, the growing all-abilities boating network, reinvestment of fees from

your fishing and boating licences, important education work and much, much more.”

For enthusiasts eager to enhance their fishing and boating experiences, the Fishing and Boating Forums promise to be a mustattend event. Each forum is free, and no booking is required. To find out more visit www.vfa.vic. gov.au/localforums. – Victoria Fisheries

Location Charlton - Charlton Angling Club Ballarat - Ballarat District Anglers Association Horsham - Horsham Angling Club Warrnambool - Warrnambool Offshore Angling Club Leongatha - South Gippsland Game Fishing Club Nicholson - Nicholson Angling Club Nicholson Reserve

VIC

In tough conditions, trout will always save the day WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

Things have been pretty tough for anglers recently here in the South West, and we have been looking forward to the change of season to hopefully improve things.

As was the case last month, the constant wind just hasn’t let up. In the small windows that have been available, there have still been tuna along the

coast and plenty of bottom species, but conditions have been very tough for offshore fishing. Some Septembers can be still very winter-like down here in the south west, so let’s hope this year isn’t like that.

Once again, the saving grace has been the trout fishing. Despite the Hopkins and the Mt Emu being too high for good fishing over the past month, the smaller catchment of the Merri River has allowed it to remain fishable, and some excellent trout have been taken. Most of the fish have

been in the 50-60cm range and in magnificent condition.

Unlike most trout fishing scenarios, you really want to be fishing heavier leaders and bigger lures in the dirty water for fish of this calibre.

8-12lb leaders and 8-10cm lures are standard fare. The Daiwa Presso Minnow 95 has been the standout lure for many anglers this season. It’s never fast fishing for these fish, but if you encounter one of these beasts in a session, you’ll be happy.

Come September,

El Niño? What El Niño?

COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

I hate to state the obvious, but up until mid-July the rain bucketed down in a big way – so much so, that in my neck of the woods, the juvenile Curdies River that snakes its way around Cobden via Devil’s Gully now could easily be described as a lake!

At the time of writing this report, the Curdies Estuary is currently unfishable.

Once it calms down, I’d be concentrating in the channel and surrounds near Peterborough on a rising tide, working the brackish side where the fish will sit, waiting for a morsel or two to come in with the fresh, clear salt water.

Prior to the rain, the

fishing had been good, especially for estuary perch, which appear to be still schooled up in spawning mode. Two gun anglers who wish to remain anonymous caught approximately 20 fish to 47cm in a single session.

Now we will have to wait for the water to slow and clear up somewhat.

Recently we had a few flat sea days the fishing offshore was quite productive, with gummy and school shark to 25kg landed. Most were caught out over reefs and rubble in 50m+ of water. Good snapper to 4kg are out here, waiting for warmer inshore waters, plus the calamari squid spawning run.

A certain amount of warm water from the Eastern Australian Current, which is now pushing southwards, is beginning to bleed into Eastern Bass Strait. In the coming weeks

it will push into the west of the state, announcing the beginning of our ‘summer’ fishing season.

Meanwhile, we will make the most of what is available to us right now.

Back to the rivers. The Hopkins has slowed right down regarding the bream fishing, and this occurred some time ago. Those who have their boats equipped with sounders have reported that the bream are already schooled up in anticipation of their spawning run upstream, and are very finicky when it comes to responding to a bait or lure.

Now, with dirty water flowing downstream, these schools might temporarily break up, with the fish sitting in smaller groups down near the mouth as they wait for the flood water to decrease. Only time will tell.

Big trout like this have been the winter saviours over past few months. hopefully the Hopkins and the Mt Emu will have returned to fishable levels and be turning on some good fishing for trout, which haven’t seen a lure for a while. If heavy September rains continue to make the rivers too high and unfishable, nearby lakes like Purrumbete and Bullen Merri can be a great alternative.

Spring can also be a great time to try some of the local

smaller lakes like Gillear, Elingamite and Aringa, as their water levels are often at their best for the season. Trout and redfin are best targeted by cast or trolled lures from small boast or kayaks in these locations. Lake Pertobe receives a VFA family lakes stocking of rainbow trout every year, and these fish can provide some fun for young anglers at this time of year.

The estuaries have been quite dirty but they are still producing fish. The lower reaches of the Hopkins have been good for both bream and estuary perch from the ski lane to the mouth, particularly on the incoming tides. Come September, these fish will probably be a better target upstream, but this will depend on how much rain we get.

Skeeta Andrews with a quality winter Merri brown.

With a rugged coastline like ours, it won’t be long before it’s totally fishable once again, with snapper, whiting, sweep, shark, trevally, leatherjacket, crayfish and more up for grabs.

Peter Sargeson got this great capture while beach fishing in Exmouth WA. The 5kg spangled emperor was tempted by a mulie.

SEPTEMBER 2023 79

VIC

Anglers enjoying the hot southern bluefin tuna bite Justin’s pinkie snapper was a solid 4kg!

Land-based anglers chasing snapper should try the Geelong waterfront, St Helens rock wall, North Shore piers, St Leonards and Portarlington Pier.

Boaties should head to the main channel off Clifton Springs and Portarlington.

This has provided some good numbers of snapper over the years, and will continue to do so.

Remember that you are not permitted to anchor in any shipping channel at all, so please respect the laws here.

The top baits have always been pilchards and other fish baits like red rockets, garfish and Australian salmon fillets, closely followed by squid.

It pays to have two baits out – one fish bait and

GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterfish@gmail.com

It’s been as cold as the other side of the pillow in Geelong, and windy as well. All the determined anglers who braved the conditions deserve a medal.

Wurdiboluc reservoir near Moriac has been producing fair numbers of redfin and the odd trout for anglers casting lures.

Hugh Hanson has been getting stuck into them using Nomad vibe lures skipped along the bottom.

The reddies haven’t been massive, but he has caught enough for a decent feed the few times he’s been out there. Hugh has also caught the odd decent trout up around 50cm, which has been nice in the smoker.

YouTuber David Le (Fishing with David) has also been out the Wurdi, and bagged a few reddies and trout. David has been using Pro Lure Live Yabbie soft plastics jigged long the bottom. David says he

catch fish.

Kevin Bardsley had a nice session out off Portarlington chasing flathead when a solid

Matt deserved this fish – check the conditions! Brr.

The Reef Thief lads with a 107kg (clean) SBT from the Surf Coast. red tide. The last few years have been flat out, and they have shown no signs of slowing up.

The first solid snapper normally show up off the Surf Coast in places like Bells Beach, Point Danger and Point Impossible. Try the run-out tide in depths of 10-25m first light and move deeper as the sun gets up. Don’t discount drifting over rubble out off the bluff at Barwon Heads as plenty of 5kg fish get caught drifting here.

Alan Falzon and Justin Green found a solid school shark and a fair sack of pinkie snapper drifting in 50m out off Barwon Heads recently. The lads were using fresh wrasse fillet for bait because it stays on the hook for a bit longer.

Alan’s schoolie was an absolute ripper at 18kg, and

David with a nice brown trout he caught at Wurdi. another squid bait. Keep them big to reduce the pest bites of small fish, and keep moving if you don’t

gummy climbed on his light rod! It was a heck of an effort as Kevin was fishing solo because his regular

Lachie O’Reilly from OReely charters with a big tuna from Anglesea. likes to fish slow with long pauses with the occasional rod tip shake to impart action into the claws, and not lift the lure up from the bottom.

Matt Bartlett sent in a pic of a quality brown trout he caught at Wurdi casting a Black Magic Candy Floss Lure in very ordinary 80 SEPTEMBER 2023

conditions.

Remember that as we approach the end of September, we can gear up for snapper season!

Typically, it is the end of September and the start of October when the temperature in Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay align, and snapper move in like a

deckie couldn’t make it.

King George whiting have been consistent over winter, with a range of sizes caught from legal

Kevin boated this big gummy solo after it grabbed his light flattie rod.

length to some decent mid-40cm units bending rods. St Leonards has been off its nut, with plenty of anglers returning with consistent captures of fish from 35-40cm. YouTuber Tibby Flora (the Happy Fisherman) has visited St Leonards a few times and managed to nab plenty of tasty whiting.

Around at Clifton Springs, the fishing has been a little slower, with most whiting topping out at 35cm, but it’s still worth a shot for a feed.

Alan Falzon was on his way to Flippers Marine, where his boat was being serviced, when he and technician Jack stopped at Clifton Springs boat ramp for a sticky beak. They noticed a bunch of dolphins ripping into a school of garfish, and decided to return with a torch later that night. It turned out a good move as the lads managed a few gars – nothing to set the word on fire, but the plan came off and they had fun!

As long as I can remember, I have not seen a silver trevally season like this. The trevally inside the Barwon estuary have been epic, not so much in numbers but in size. There have been some serious donkeys caught by anglers soaking pilchard fillets and flicking soft plastics when the water clarity has allowed. The water has been a bit coffee-coloured due to the rains, but the incoming tide does see it clear up a bit with all the saltwater flooding into the system.

Daniel Eastwell has caught a few big silvers from the Barwon, with most being taken around two hours either side of high tide, casting soft

VIC

plastics over the weed patches. Daniel says the ZMan single tailed GrubZ in motor oil have been the most successful lately.

One of his fish was an absolute trev-o-saurus that was too big for the brag mat, which topped out at 55cm. Daniel said since he only had 3kg gear he had to chase it around with the electric, which made for some excitement!

Out in Bass Strait, anglers have enjoyed a hot southern bluefin tuna bite, with fish to 100kg+ being hooked, lost and landed.

Lachie O’Reilly of OReely Charters headed out into Bass Strait in search of tuna with clients Aldo and Jake on board. Originally, Jake had booked Lachie for Portland, but the local bite in Bass Strait looked too good so out they went.

of writing, the tuna seem to be heading east from the back of the Rip in 60m, all the way to Cape Schanck.

Anglers just need to walk the gutters flicking lures, or pick a nice deep hole to lob a bait into. Dawn and

Greeny shows that drifting off Barwon Heads has its rewards. Image courtesy of A Falzon.

Bluff, which did quieten the tuna bite somewhat.

There have also been tuna showing up in patches at the south end of the foul grounds, from 55-70m deep. Those anglers brave enough to put in the miles have been getting the rewards out from the 70m line straight off the bluff and deeper into Bass Strait.

Kaiden notes at the time

Flake for days from Barwon Heads!

Image courtesy of A Falzon.

“We’re gonna need a bigger mat!” An XXL trev from the Barwon. Image courtesy of D Eastwell.

They scouted for ages until they had a call from Lachie’s mate, who had found a bit of life down at Anglesea. Word got around quickly, and before long, there was a bit of a crowd off Anglesea.

The boys picked a bait

ball and trolled past it a few times, and eventually a big tuna grabbed a Bonze D Shackle lure in Paris colour. The fish went nuts and the lads had it boatside when both the angler and fish were tuckered out.

There was a fair bit of

David Le with one of his many Wurdi reddies.

woohoo-ing on board when the fish was hauled over the side, and Lachie reckons you could have heard them from Sydney.

Lachie backed it up again the following weekend, grabbing two more barrel-sized tuna out off the Rip in 75m. The fish went 90kg and 98kg!

Kaiden Long from Reef Thief reports the tuna and bait have been holding in 30-40m from Point Addis to the north end of the foul grounds off Torquay.

A few killer whales have been spotted off Point Roadknight and another time off Barwon Heads

Check out this trevally approaching 60cm caught by Daniel in the Barwon estuary.

Alan and Jack recently saw the opportunity to nab a few gars.

There seem to be a few different types of bait that the barrels are on at the moment, with reports of yakka, pilchard, anchovy and whitebait all being found in the stomach of the fish. Kaiden and the Reef crew have been using Reef Thief 10” bullets in pine lime and killer python when run in the long corner 40-50m back from the boat, with good success.

The Surf Coast beaches to Lorne have been firing, with plenty of salmon on the go. Fairhaven has been hot, with solid fish to 1.5kg taking baits and lures.

dusk have been best, but the fish have been caught throughout the day.

That’s it for this month.

Fish hard, die happy!

• Catch a few around Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast to Lorne recently? Send in a report to slaterfish@ gmail.com with ‘FMG’ in the subject field or give me a call on 0408 997348.

Please include where (without giving away your secret spot!), when, what on and who caught the fish.

Pictures are always great, but please make sure they are at least 1MB (file size).

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Toughest part of fishing calendar is now behind us have been really mixing things up while fishing from the boat, kayak and land-based fishing in the bay, estuaries and lakes.

I’ve fished a lot locally,

PPB WEST

Alan Bonnici alan@fishingmad.com.au

It’s been a challenging few months of fishing, but September is where things start to get exciting. The days slowly get longer and warmer, and that’s music to any keen angler’s ears.

Recent weeks have been a grind, with cold and long days on the water, and lots of work to catch a bag of fish consistently. Although I have been catching plenty, it hasn’t been easy. I always consider June and August to be the toughest fishing months on the calendar in Port Phillip Bay. September is the start of good things ahead, and I’m pretty excited about that.

The water temperature was at its lowest last month, hovering at around 11°C for the most part. By the end of September, we should see that water temperature

it helps me to stay sharp.

In Port Phillip Bay, the most consistent fishing lately has been the King George whiting up around the Bellarine peninsula

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rising, up to about 13°C by the end of the month.

This is really good news as it means we’re not too far away from the initial runs of snapper into the bay.

In fact, many of our local species prefer rising water temperatures. With warmer water temperatures, King George whiting, salmon, flathead and other species start to fish better and more consistently. Many of those fish currently are still holding in deeper waters where it’s warmer.

It’s amazing how the water temperature can guide you on where to fish.

In recent weeks I

It’s time to dust off the kayak. but also travelled far and wide to Warrnambool, the Grampians and targeted everything from tuna through to bream and redfin. It’s refreshing to fish different systems and target different species, and

in locations around St Leonards and Queenscliff.

There have also been good catches of garfish around our piers and jetties, with locations like Mordialloc and Beaumaris fishing well, and squid around

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Harper with a Spavin Lake Stockie.

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Warmer weather and sunshine for school holidays Last month it was difficult for me to put a report together, and this month hasn’t been a whole lot better. With the cost of living getting out of control, and some very ordinary winter weather, many anglers haven’t been out fishing for a while. At this time last year, we were getting regular reports of barrels from offshore, with 20 or 30 boats out on the days the winds dropped.

This year there wouldn’t have been a week in total of suitable weather! Even the whale watching boat has been struggling to get past the entrances.

It’s not all doom and gloom though, because this is the time of the year

when the days get longer, and the sun actually comes out. True, the spring winds can be unpredictable, but the warmer weather and sunshine always make things feel better. Hopefully, we will see a very settled spring, with plenty of people out fishing and reports flooding into the shop.

Despite the weather, it’s been a good winter for those who enjoy fishing from the beaches, with more people standing on the surf than I have seen for many years.

The quality of the fish has been very good, but it hasn’t always been easy to catch them, with the rough seas creating plenty of weed to deal with.

Salmon from Anzacs are normally on the smaller side, but you can get good numbers of them, while Kilcunda beaches always

produce bigger ones. This year we had reports from Woolamai beaches of salmon up to 2kg, and when they are on, you can catch plenty of them. A Kilcunda, they have been a little smaller.

In fairness to Kilcunda though, being more open, it is affected more by the rough weather and it’s much harder to fish at times.

Lures have been the choice for most anglers, and they seem to be the most effective on the bigger fish.

Baits are still working, but the fish seem to be smaller on average.

Another lot of pleasing reports have come from Williamsons Beach. I have had reports of salmon of all sizes, but it’s been the gummies and flathead that have been the standouts; we haven’t seen catches like that for many years. As I

Indented Heads and Mud Island.

Outside the heads, the tuna fishing continues to be addictive, with barrels being caught out deep and many schoolies being caught just outside through the heads towards Barwon heads and Torquay.

tough here in recent weeks, but using fresh baits and berley has been accounting for many bream and mullet with some persistence and fishing through tide changes, regardless of the water clarity.

That’s covering a lot of ground around Victoria, but as the weather warms up, I

just cruising around and testing a new boat and sounder. We were testing different navigation systems and comparing mobile apps while going over some rubbly spoil grounds. It looked too good to resist, so we quickly chucked out some squid jigs and bagged in no

PHILLIP ISLAND

Craig Edmonds

said at the start though, the more people standing on a beach fishing, the greater the chance of seeing a fish or two.

The biggest thing holding back the fishing reports has been the weather.

However, when the weather has allowed, those anglers heading out in the boat have been finding a feed. It has been hard work finding a cleaner piece of water, but there are fish there. You just need to pick your area smartly, and stay away from the areas around the creeks and rivers that flow into the bay, bringing plenty of mud with them.

There have been two areas that have been better for whiting: the Rhyll Bank and between Reef Island and Leola Shoal. These areas seem to stay a bit cleaner and out of the weed drifts.

We have started to see a few reports from Cleeland Bight but not a lot of fish, and I really think those anglers down there are chasing calamari with a whiting rod rather than anything too serious. A few customers that have been fishing the Bight lately have told me they’ve been getting bitten off, especially when using a baited jig, so there are probably a few couta that are moving in.

There has been no real sign of snapper yet, although there have been a few photos getting around from those anglers who have been very keen to get the boat wet. With the very strong bookings for the school holidays, I expect we will start seeing plenty of reports come through as the weather allows.

The gummy reports

were good through the winter, with several being caught from some of the more common land-based gummy spots, and the bigger gummies coming from the boats that managed to get offshore. We will start to see more in the bay now as the spring pups show up, and the land-based calamari carparks from 5pm will be full of tradies’ cars as they chase their snapper baits.

In the shop, most of our season’s stock is either in or not far away. We are expanding our range again and increasing our variety.

We also now have our shop loyalty cards – just ask the next time you drop in and see us at Jim’s Bait & Tackle. We have also extended our hours – not quite our summer hours yet, but we are back open seven days a week.

Mark with a Barwon River silver trevally.

The metro stonker trout will be back.

Surprisingly many big redfin are being caught in local freshwater systems like Wurdiboluc Reservoir, and Devil Bend Reservoir. Not big volumes, but the ones you catch are generally sizeable.

Also, the bream and mullet fishing has been fantastic along the Maribyrnong River.

Fishing with plastics and lures has been very

will be staying local a lot more frequently and getting stuck into the amazing fishing just outside my doorstep. In fact, I’ve been catching squid just about everywhere around the bay in good numbers. On calm days I just fish the shallows, searching for weedy areas, and most often there will be squid around there.

Recently I was at Point Wilson and stumbled on some nice grounds whilst

time, and there were some good-size ones as well. We caught them working UV white and natural coloured squid jigs nice and slowly.

Generally, the grounds that are good for squid will also be good for whiting, so keep that in mind when fishing these areas.

I’ve been working closely with the VFA (Victorian Fisheries Authority) who will be at it once again stocking our

metro lakes with stonker rainbow trout. This is something that many anglers around Melbourne genuinely look forward to.

The ability to go to some of your common metro systems like Albert Park, lake, Yarrambat Lake and many others and catch huge freshwater fish is a fantastic initiative. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, it can create much buzz and excitement. This is followed up around Eildon, as masses of stonkers are put in systems around Eildon pondage and surrounding townships as part of trout season opening, which commences on Saturday 2 September.

Young Harper has been trout fishing with her granddad John at Spavin Lake Sunbury lately. They have been having a great

time getting stuck into a few stocked rainbow trout.

It’s a real thrill seeing young kids catch a few fish and creating memories.

They have been using coarse fishing techniques, with maggots and berley feeders, to great effect.

Other anglers have had great success employing floats and Powerbait. It’s great to see families out fishing and enjoying the great stocking systems we have here in Melbourne and Victoria. If you see me around on the bay or cruising along our lakes and streams for trout season opening, don’t hesitate to come and say hello.

Until next time, good fishing everyone.

• Feel free to contact me directly to share your fishing experiences, photos and catches around

Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and beyond which we can feature in next month’s article. You can contact me by email at alan@fishingmad.com. au. Please consider becoming a FishingMad member at www. fishingmad.com.au/ member for fishing reports, workshops, podcasts, and exciting monthly giveaways. Also, don’t forget to follow my fishing adventures on the FishingMad YouTube channel www.youtube. com/c/fishingmad and social media on Facebook page www.facebook. com/fishingmad.com. au, Instagram page w w w. i n s t a g r a m . c o m / fishingmad.com.au and on Channel 31 Tuesday evenings at 8.30 pm and Saturday afternoons.

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Your fishing licence fees at work Recreational fishers can look forward to even better angling opportunities in the years ahead thanks to 12 projects, worth more than $1.6 million, to be funded by fishing licence fees. » $317,000 to replenish reefs around Port Phillip Bay with recycled shell material » $294,000 to upgrade the fishway on Gunbower Weir » $150,000 to ‘crack the code’ on captively breeding Macquarie perch » $110,000 to install more snags into the Gippsland Lakes, which is now free of commercial net fishing » $110,000 to deepen pools, add snags and improve canoe access at Kennington Reservoir » $67,000 for OzFish to host six fish habitat forums to encourage restoration efforts » $50,000 to construct an all-abilities amenity block at Cairn Curran Reservoir » $49,500 to assess Murray crayfish populations at 17 locations » $47,000 to upgrade the submersible bore pump at Karkarook Lake » $38,000 to deliver multilingual fishing education on Melbourne’s 3ZZZ radio station » $127,000 to undertake catch and effort surveys in Port Phillip, Western Port, Corner Inlet, the Gippsland Lakes and off Lakes Entrance » $276,000 for educational products including the Recreational Fishing Guide, rulers and measures.

Your licence fees also contribute to extra Fisheries Officers, fish production at our Snobs Creek hatchery, VRFish, Fishcare, the Small and Intermediate Grants Programs, and the State Government’s Go Fishing Victoria plan.

Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/feesatwork2023

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Another Golden Tag win GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

Bream and bass have been the real feature of late, and it has been nice to see the yellow-eye mullet turn up again.

But first, I’m going to share another exciting recapture with you all.

GOLDEN TAG NUMBER TWO I can’t believe I’ve done it again! Fancy winning another $2000, and this time it was a tagged flathead just a stone’s throw from the Gippsland Lakes in the pretty Lake Tyers estuary.

The story behind this recapture is rather whacky. First of all, when I last spoke to the head of Fisheries, Travis Dowling, about eight months ago, he told me the Golden Tag program would not be extended again. So, when I recaptured this recent flattie, I recorded the tag number and pushed the fish back into the drink with the tag still firmly attached.

In the process, this was saying goodbye to any chance of collecting $2000.

You need the detached tag

as evidence of capture to receive any cash. But I didn’t need a tag because the program was over – or so I thought.

To make matters worse, my phone battery had died, so that I couldn’t take pictures as proof. The flatty was in the water, and I tried to make it swim, pushing it deeper and getting water thru its gills. It was hooked very deep and had bled badly from the gills, and it took me ages to clean the heavily weed-covered tag.

I left it in the shallows and looked for another fish. For over 10 mins, I watched and hoped for it to survive.

Sadly, it stayed belly up, and then, of course, I decided to bring it home.

It would have been nice for that tagged flatty to have swum away for someone else to catch.

Then much later, while talking to a mate, I explained how I was such an unlucky loser and how I caught a Golden Tagged fish, and that it was too bad the program was over.

However, my buddy told me the program had been extended just days ago!

I was totally shocked – I didn’t hear a thing about that! The news took my

breath away.

Now here’s the thing: when I recaptured my $2000 Golden Tagged perch 18 months ago, I could only claim it because the program had been extended due to COVID. And now, just a few days after the latest extension – which was never meant to happen – BINGO! My second Golden Tag. Winner winner, flathead dinner!

The fish was tagged in the same area about three years ago and had grown a modest 6cm. I had tried my best to throw away $2000, but failed. I can’t believe my luck.

RIP, poor dusky flathead, but you tasted great.

BREAM Although the bream have been quite elusive in recent weeks, some big fish to 42cm have been caught here and there. As usual, the main areas have been Hollands Landing and the Nicho River, which have been producing large specimens.

Strangely, it’s difficult to locate big fish almost anywhere else; they have been doing a good job of hiding lately. There are still mountains of small fish

The author with his second Golden Tag recapture and another $2000 prize. around 30cm in the lower Tambo and the Mitchell above The Cut. Vic Fisheries conducted

their netting surveys recently, which involve trawling small sections of all the rivers and other

areas. The good news is that big numbers of small bream and estuary perch have been found, so it seems

Time to hit the water – the whiting are waiting PORT ALBERT

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

It’s so nice to finally feel the sun get some heat back into it, and summer seems so much closer. In the meantime,

spring is a busy and fishy season, with many species active simultaneously.

Our only real problem is avoiding those typical windy September and October days.

WHITING I learnt years ago that the biggest whiting are

usually caught right now, and not at the peak of summer like many anglers think.

In fact, the closer we get to Christmas, the size and numbers of whiting drop away. The trick to catching bigger spring whiting over 40cm is to fish two hours on each side of a changing tide.

It’s snapper time again. Tony Pettie caught this pinkie on a soft plastic lure.

Grass whiting taste just as good as their King George cousins.

88 SEPTEMBER 2023

When the whiting start to feed, the bite is flat out and then, just like a switch, they stop within minutes or swim off to a new area. So, when you’re busy, stick to one rod and check the bait with even the slightest twitch of your

rod tip. You only need to cast out about a boat length in the distance, and keep hold of your rod with the net right by your side. If you get 15 minutes without any action, quickly move about 50m or so. You may need to make

multiple moves to find the bigger schools. Just about anyone can catch a feed of fish around 32cm, but bringing home big 40cm+ King George whiting is all about attention to detail.

I also target the grass whiting at this time of year because they are very aggressive when they take my small blades or soft plastic lures. Best of all, they are just as good to eat as their cousins.

If you are new to chasing whiting, seek local advice on where to go when buying your bait.

Also, look out for where other boats are anchoring up, because most of them all target these fish. Don’t stress about bait too much; you can just use mussels, which are easy to find, even at the supermarket.

Pipi baits are marginally better because they are a bit firmer and stay on the hook slightly better, but mussels will do fine.

Live nippers are by far the deadliest enticement, especially for big whiting, but you must dedicate plenty of time to pump them on a low enough tide. Yabby baits will also attract a whole heap of toadfish; they absolutely love tracking down and smashing every bass

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a lot of successful breeding has occurred.

Of further interest was a couple of small mulloway that were also recovered during the survey.

BASS AND YELLOWBELLY At this time of year, bass start gathering in the lower sections of our rivers for the breeding season. I

talked to our local electro fishers recently, and while harvesting tons of feral carp, they also saw impressive numbers of really big bass— lots of them around 45cm,

In late winter and early spring, bass head downstream to start their breeding cycle. yabby you present!

FLATHEAD It’s a little early for the big yank flathead to be up and about, but you’ll be able to find rock flatties on the last three hours of a dropping tide and the first couple of hours of the incoming. Some of these early rockies can be big, with better fish close to 40cm considered a real prize. Over the last few years, I’ve caught a lot of bigger models from 45-60cm, and let’s hope this is another cracker season and the trend of bigger fish continues.

The best baits for the flatties are half pilchards or, better still, whole whitebait or bluebait.

To be successful with lures, I find that soft plastics around 80mm are big enough. Sometimes the fish will ignore much bigger lures. For that reason, I swear by using blade lures around 45mm.

I have found that they far outscore all other lures, including hardbodies.

SNAPPER Another positive trend over the last five years has been the boom in pinkie numbers, with scores of fish from 34-40cm entering the Port Albert area. Sometimes they move into estuaries early and will start biting right about now. They school up

with some over an impressive 50cm. The biggest I’ve seen them recover was a beast just over 60cm, which looked to be around 4kg. I’ve seen the boys in action, and after the bass were briefly stunned, all of them quickly recovered and swam off in perfect health.

Amazingly, a lot of huge yellowbelly have also been turning up. Lately, a lot of much smaller golden perch have shown up after successful breeding, and their numbers are growing every year.

Now the real challenge is for anglers to catch those trophy bass and yellowbelly with lure or bait during early spring. I’ve had limited success in years gone by, with my best effort of six bass one early spring to 48cm, but it took many trips and a lot of searching.

YELLOW-EYE MULLET Slowly but surely, mullet are starting to push further up into the Gippy Lakes, like the good old days. For the last 10 years or so, they have turned up at Metung, Paynesville or in the Mitchell River, but big numbers have now arrived at Loch Sport, Toms Creek and Hollands Landing.

The key is to find decent sandworm as bait, because the mullet are very fussy feeders. Cured worm works well, but you can’t beat fresh live sandworm.

East Coast

This 43cm bream was caught on the deadly and ever-reliable black Hurricane Sting blade. in tight mobs, so they often take quite a bit of finding, but when you get one, there will be others very close by.

I’ll have more news next month about how this season is shaping up, snapper-wise.

SURF AND OFFSHORE Almost every angler here in Gippsland knows that the 90 Mile Beach shark and snapper fishing is going from amazing to nearly unbelievable. The locals living near the beach have told me that the gummies are going great guns again this year.

Flathead are also a feature on the surf now.

There have been a few flatties to 45cm being caught, and they will definitely grow in number as it gets warmer.

Drone fishing is a well-established angling sport now, and produces amazing sharks up to 10ft long, including bronze whalers, seven gills, and even the odd hammerhead. I’m tipping that in the near future, we will start hearing of bluefin tuna being caught by drone fishers. I just want to plant that seed before it happens.

Anglers casting surf rods have been catching a few gummy sharks and plenty of salmon. We are seeing catches of gummies and school sharks that are just undersize, but this is a great sign for the next few years, and the bigger gummy captures can turn up on any cast.

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A big flathead for a little man, but Lachie knows how to catch plenty of them with his dad during early spring.

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The fishing has been improving in Lake Tyers Small jerk bait patterns are highly productive in this situation, especially ones in natural minnow colours.

With the water slowly getting warmer, the monster flathead that call Lake Tyers

LAKES ENTRANCE

Steven Pryke

An early spring is definitely here. When the blossoms are out in force along the many river banks, it’s a sure sign that the warmer weather is on its way.

The water temperature has begun to rise, creating new angling opportunities.

The local whiting fishery has been a bit slower this winter, but with water temps on the improve, the whiting have begun to show their faces again. So far, anglers have had the most success fishing the deeper margins of the weed beds in 2-3m. When it comes to bait, fresh mussel and pipi baits are always a

home will begin to show their faces again. Shallow, muddy bays and points are ideal areas to start your search.

HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING? If you have been out

for fish lately and have a great pic, please send it to stevenprykefishing@ gmail.com with short description and you could be featured in the edition of Fishing Monthly.

Shallow, muddy bays and points are hotspots for flathead.

Ben Boch caught this 84cm pink snapper first drop on a brand new setup and drone. He was using a TLD 30A 2 Speed with an Ozflex Slayer 14ft rod and the drone was a Poseidon Pro. He used one of his drone rigs that he made using half a herring as bait. This fish was caught out Mandurah way approximately an hour south of Perth.

stand-out, and they are my go-to, especially in these tougher times.

Australian salmon have spread throughout the lower lakes, and they are often seen destroying baitfish off the surface early and late in the day.

These aggressive little hunters make for some great fun on light tackle.

Trolling has been extremely productive, and has made it easier to locate these schools, especially when the schools move deeper.

The wharfs around town have held good numbers of bream in recent weeks. Large schools have regularly been spotted hanging around the post office jetty and many others. Most schools have been suspended mid water column, so offering a lightly-weighted soft plastic has been a good approach.

LAKE TYERS The lake continued to play hardball through winter, but with spring here and rising water temperatures, the fishing should begin to improve.

The main lake basin has started to have numbers of bream making their way up into the shallows, especially around the many points and rocky edges.

MARLO

OCEAN VIEWS CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Bream have been making their way into the shallows.

Solid surf salmon BEMM RIVER

Peter McCoy

The fishing has been slow in recent weeks, but if you are persistent and keep moving around, you will find the fish.

There are four fishing platforms around Bemm to

fish from, and there is some good fishing to be had in the coming weeks.

Surf fishing is going well at Peral Point, with solid salmon getting caught from most beaches.

The Bemm River Angling Club takes on Marlo Angling Club on 2 September at Marlo (next

year it will be back to Bemm River for the tournament). We have been fishing against Marlo for many years, and it is always a great weekend. If you would like to compete in the fishing competition, visit the Bemm River Angling Club on Facebook.

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The entrance to the Bemm River.

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Warm weather setting in INTUITIVE CONTROL MARLO/ORBOST

Wendy and Matthew

Hello, my name is Wendy, and my husband Mathew, our son Darren and I have recently moved to Orbost from Bairnsdale, where we ran Bairnsdale Bait Supply for 12 years.

We have just recently purchased Compleat Angler Orbost in June of this year.

I hope our first report in this magazine will entice you to come for a fish in our rivers, estuary, surf and offshore. The fishing in

the colder months can be spasmodic, but when they bite, they are big fish.

The lake and estuary have been producing the goods, with large luderick and bream being caught at the junction of the Snowy and the Brodribb rivers, with an average size of 38-45cm.

Lake Corringle is also producing the goods with both bream and luderick on the bite. The bait of choice is fresh live sandworm and fresh frozen local prawn, both of which are available from us here at our shop in Orbost.

Metal lures have been working well on the tailor and salmon around Frenches Narrows, and on the incoming tide down near the entrance, and also on the surf beaches using blue bait and poppers as well.

As the warmer weather arrives, the local anglers tell me the fishing improves greatly so in the next report I should be able to give you more information.

• For all your tackle needs, plus local advice, drop into Compleat Angler Orbost on 53 Nicholson St, Orbost or call them on 03 5154 2440.

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East Coast

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The key to finding some active flathead is searching out the warmer water with northern facing bays. The dark, muddy bottoms are often the best places to try, and when you find a fish you can be sure there are more in the area.

With little rain, the fish head upstream with the black bream looking for the right area to spawn (water salinity a key factor) with little rain they travel further. Gypsy Point is a good launching choice as you won’t be far from the action.

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VIC

Can’t see the forest for the trees ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

With winter coming to a close, we are all looking forward to the promise of some warmer weather to come. Not much has changed in our local waters,

The massive population of carp have been a real problem, scoffing baits as soon as they touch bottom.

Their numbers are so thick it’s unsurprising that’s what’s left of our native fish are so hard to catch.

On a good note, the high flows are sure to set the yabbies marching again.

look forward to the coming months. I can’t wait to get the pot on a riverside campfire and cook up a feed of tasty crustaceans. I ate so many last season I almost started walking backwards.

Redfin have been a bit hit-and-miss in the lakes, with Boga and Kangaroo between Kerang and Swan

With the cod season coming to an end, it’s time to put the big gear away and target our local golden perch or head further afield and chase other species of fish.

Golden perch will be a tough ask amongst the hordes of carp, at least until the water clears enough to target them on lures. I guess we will just have to wait and see what comes.

I recently had a read of the preliminary brief regarding Victoria’s Murray cod fishery survey, conducted

by Victorian Fisheries. The results of the 32 questions asked were very interesting.

When it came to the question on “what impacts Murray cod the most”, the top answer was blackwater at 81%, and this was followed by carp at 74%.

The truth is, both problems are one and the same. When blackwater events kill off huge numbers of Murray cod, they don’t

There are plenty of carp in our rivers.

The redfin bite should only get better as we run into some warmer weather at the start of spring. with high, dirty flows closing down the latter part of the cod season, with few big fish captures to report.

Some smaller cod and the odd golden perch have been taken on bait, but even that has been a real struggle.

They were pretty good last season, but they are always about in better numbers the second time round. With early reports of good-sized yabbies at several locations, including the Anna Branch and the Murrumbidgee, I

Hill being the best. Most fish have been taken on bait, and a few on soft plastics. Local whitebait seems to be best, with shrimps and worms also taking fish. The bite in these lakes should only get better as the weather warms.

A hot perch bite on bait. We will hopefully see a bit more of this in our rivers as the water temp starts to climb.

We should see another good run of yabbies this season.

92 SEPTEMBER 2023

breed – and being dead, they don’t eat either. The removal of the river’s top predator gives carp the foothold they need to explode in numbers unchecked. Carp can handle thrive, breed, and survive blackwater events, whereas it’s the opposite for cod.

We have now had three blackwater events in 12 years. I’m glad this was top of the list and in being so should get some genuine priority. But I expect that while they know that we know that they know this Blackwater is a huge problem it will continue to take a backseat to the money tree of breeding and re-snagging. Re-snagging is great but hardly worthwhile if there are no native fish to take up residence. Instead,

the snags become pretty expensive carp homes.

Restocking is great too, but at fingerling size how many of these young natives dodge the rubber-lipped vacuums devouring anything that moves in our rivers? The benefits recruitment-wise of wild breeding cod in our rivers far outweighs that of stocked fish.

In truth many would remember when cod numbers were good and spread throughout the entirety of the river. Regardless of the location, there were all sizes of cod through to the big ones that this species is legendary for. At these times, carp numbers were always down.

The big problem needs to be addressed and take

priority, otherwise all the work done in our rivers will be wiped away again with the next blackwater event. I would love to add up the research dollars spent in the last decade or so on attempting to restore time and again a river that keeps getting cooked. If the truth on this was equated into a number, I’m sure there would be a jaw-dropping silence of disbelief. As the well-known saying goes, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”. I have much respect for science and those people trying to put things back on track, but if they can’t see the forest for the trees you might wonder just who is running the asylum.

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There are good fishing opportunities ahead BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

The productivity in the fishing in our local waterways is currently low. The poor productivity is mainly due to the cold water temperatures, combined with some very average water clarity in a lot of our local waterways.

The good news is that the recent trend has been for below average rainfall for the month. The majority of our catchments are at or near capacity, so we ideally would like this trend of below average rainfall to continue over the next couple of months. This will allow our waterways to settle, the water clarity will improve and this will be a big factor to help the productivity in the fishing.

LAKE EPPALOCK This location is currently your best choice to chase a few fish at the present time, with the water clarity being relatively good for the majority of the lake.

The clarity is the best in the Kimbolton pool and in the lower end of the Derrinal pool.

The clarity is currently the poorest in the Twin River section of the lake, so if you’re fishing there, your best bet is to use bait.

Worms, yabbies and shrimp

This golden perch inhaled this medium-sized Cod Hunter Flathead lure. Golden perch will become the main target species for many anglers over the spring months. are all good options.

Most of the fish being caught here are redfin. Locating a good concentration of redfin has not been easy; you need to be prepared to hunt around lots of different areas to find a good school. On a recent trip to this location, the best concentrations of redfin I found were in a depth range of 5-6m. We found some redfin around areas with a hard, rocky bottom, and also managed to catch a few that were hanging tight to submerged saplings. Soft plastics have been working well, and jigging with ice jigs and blades has also been producing a few redfin.

The numbers of golden

perch being caught has been low, but by the end of this month we should start to see a slight increase in anglers’ catch rates. By October we should hopefully see plenty of golden perch being caught at this location.

At the time of writing this report, Lake Eppalock was over 100% of capacity and the spillway was running, but currently there are only small volumes of water running over the spillway.

There is a very good chance the region will experience some flooding this season, but hopefully it will be only minor to moderate flooding, and the region won’t experience the major flooding event like last year.

Given the high levels in our catchments locally (and those southern catchments like the Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury reservoirs which feed water into Lake Eppalock when exceeding their capacity) it will take only one major rain event over the next three months and there will be flooding.

CAMPASPE RIVER The fishing in the Campaspe River has been very slow over the last month, due to the cold water temperatures combined with the poor water clarity.

The good news is that the clarity has started to settle down in Lake Eppalock, and therefore there is some clearer water starting to run

down the system.

You will currently find the best water clarity from Axedale upstream to the bottom of Lake Eppalock.

Downstream from Axedale, the water clarity is still poor and it will take a while to settle. How long this will take will depend on the volume and intensity of the rainfall we get over the next few months. If the region does experience some significant rainfall events, the Campaspe River will experience some flooding again.

If any flooding events occur, we should experience some excellent fishing opportunities below any of the weirs along the Campaspe River. During these conditions, some very good concentrations of fish will swim upstream and concentrate below these areas. Last season when this occurred there was some excellent fishing, with some great catches on small to medium sized hardbody lures and lipless crankbaits.

CAIRN CURRAN The fishing here has been slow, but like other locations we should start to see an improvement in anglers’ catch rates over the next couple of months. The water clarity is currently poor at this location but it has slowly started to improve in recent weeks.

Bait fishing is currently your most productive option

due to the poor water clarity.

If we see the trend of belowaverage rainfall continue, the water clarity will slowly improve and the productivity of the lure fishing will increase again.

At the time of writing this report, Cairn Curran was at 97% of capacity. Given the current saturated state of the water catchments, there is a high chance we will see some flooding in the Loddon River system this spring. Hopefully the trend of below-average rainfall continues and any flooding is only to a minor or moderate level, thereby limiting the damage that is created by major flooding.

LODDON RIVER The water clarity is still very dirty in the Loddon River. This is the longest period of dirty water it’s had for years. Unfortunately, I think it will be several months before we see any significant improvement. With the water clarity being poor in Cairn Curran, Laanecoorie and Tullaroop this means that there is only going to be poor water clarity being sent down the system.

It is likely the Loddon River will experience some flooding down the system again this year over the spring months. If this does occur, like last season, there will be some very good fishing on offer below all the weirs along the Loddon River system.

All signs point to a great season WEST/SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Billy Auldist

Trout opening is upon us, starting on 1 September, and with local streams looking

good it is the most exciting time of year to be a fisho in South West Gippsland.

There is plenty of trout fishing to be done in the next few months.

The rivers are looking good for opening this year,

Rick Rosser with an exceptional local redfin.

which will be a pleasant change from the last few openings. They were a ‘wash out’, making it very hard for fishers on the opening day.

The Latrobe, Loch and Toorongo rivers around Noojee generally receive quite a bit of pressure around trout opening by local fishos. The key will be to wake up earlier than you usually would, or alternatively go to stretch of river that is a bit more out of the way, and will take some effort to get to.

Lure fishers should find success on spinners and hardbodies at the start of the season, but soft plastics are worthy of a spot in your tackle box too, especially for those deeper holes. Bait fishers will find fish on most baits but it is hard to go past the humble garden worm, which may be the best technique on opening if the rivers are still up a bit.

The Tarago and Bunyip rivers don’t get as much attention as the other local rivers but they are still prime to be fished on opening. These rivers are

both narrow and snaggy so long casts with hardbodies or spinners are generally ruled out. My favourite technique in these two rivers is to hop a soft plastic on a light jighead.

These rivers boast the best quality fish in our region, so you have every chance of hooking a bigger model in the coming months.

Local estate dams have produced some very rewarding fishing for a few of the local fishers catching some great quality redfin, soft plastics are often the go-to in these waters especially for prospecting trying to find new dams.

BLUE ROCK LAKE The lake will start to become more popular as the weather slowly warms up, turning the bass back on and attracting anglers. Soft plastics and hardbodies should do the damage on those bass, with redfin a pleasant bycatch. Boat fishers have been reporting good catches of trout while trolling winged lures and hardbodies, and have even been picking up a few bass on the way.

It is a great time of year

The author with a cracking redfin of more than 40cm. to bait fish the lake, with trout, redfin, bass and carp all commonly caught from the banks. A small sinker with a bunch of worms is

the safest bet.

Good luck to all fishers heading out this opening. We should have a great season ahead.

SEPTEMBER 2023 93

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Ready, set, go for opening WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

Spring is finally upon us!

After a very grey and dull winter, it will be great to have some warmth in the

streams are high and flowing hard, worms will be a deadly bait. If they are lower than usual, you may wish to choose a lure or fly.

After bait fishing for other species all winter, I am really looking forward

as the Broken, Goulburn and Murray will be worth fishing for yellowbelly as well.

The many small ornamental ponds that are stocked with yellowbelly with be worth fishing in the coming weeks. Go to the

Holly Alexander fishing her way up a small mountain stream last season. yellowbelly, the redfin fishing should really start to pick up during September, especially the second half of

slow though. They tend to fish best after Christmas.

Interestingly, the redfin have been biting all winter

become a lot more active, and I am expecting there to be a huge amount of carp caught this spring. Even the

Rainbow trout may still be spawning in some areas, particularly early in September. air again. And of course, the big fishing news here in North East Victoria each September is the opening of the new trout season on 1 September.

to casting some lures around again when the trout streams open. Small soft plastics, minnows and bladed spinners will be in my tackle bag on trout opening morning.

Victorian Fisheries Authority website to see the full list of stocked ponds.

Of course, it’s the lakes that are the most popular with anglers targeting

A small brown trout caught drifting worms in September last season. the month.

There are redfin in many of the small creeks and small dams around the area that will be worth trying. The two main redfin fishing lakes, Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell, will likely be fishing very

in many spots around the Wangaratta area this winter, much better than other years.

OTHER SPECIES The fishing generally starts to pick up for every species in the region during September. The carp

yabbies start to move early in springtime, so it may be worth throwing a couple of yabby nets into your favourite dam. Remember that not only does the Murray cod season close in September, so too does the Murray crayfish season.

Worms are the best trout bait in September. Whether you dig them from your garden or buy them from the store, they will all work early in the season.

TROUT Trout fishing is where it’s all at in September, and many keen anglers will be out there trying to outsmart a trout or two when the season opens. It is almost impossible for me to predict how the streams will look on trout opening. Winter started very wet, but turned really dry during July. Either way, the streams are guaranteed to have a healthy flow at the worst, if not a high flow.

There should be plenty of trout around this spring, as there were plenty in the streams back in May before last season closed. If the 94 SEPTEMBER 2023

MURRAY COD Murray cod season is closed for all of spring.

The only place where you can legally target Murray cod is in Lake Eildon, so if you need a Murray cod fix during September, October or November, that’s the place to head.

YELLOWBELLY September usually sees an increase in yellowbelly activity in North East Victoria. A few will be caught in the Ovens River by anglers using bait such as worms or live shrimp (if you can catch any in September).

Other rivers in the area such

yellowbelly in spring. Lake Nillahcootie is the place to go for a nice sized table fish, and the trophy sized yellowbelly are caught each September in Lake Eildon and Lake Hume. If you want to keep a yellowbelly, 35-45cm is best. Once they get over 50cm they get very fatty and horrible, especially in lakes where they do not burn any fat competing with running water.

The second half of September will be the best time to fish, as everything starts to get a bit warmer.

REDFIN Much like the

The author is looking forward to casting lures such as this Strike Tiger soft plastic once the trout season opens.

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Raking in the good sized redfin from the edges SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

It has been a great few weeks at Waranga, with plenty of redfin being caught. Trolling seems to be the best way to target the redfin, with the Trelly’s white and orange Crazy Deeps working best.

Closer to the edge, there have been some good-sized fish caught on soft plastics and small chatterbaits, especially

early in the morning.

Bait fishing has been a little slow, but there has been the odd redfin caught on worms from the bank, along with some carp.

With a lot of rivers out of action recently, there have been some positive crayfish reports, with high numbers being caught amongst some legal crays.

It’s something to consider next cray season if the river levels run high.

SHEPPARTON LAKE The recent stocking of trout has been great for the fishing in the

Shepparton Lake, with consistent reports coming in from anglers both using bait and lures. Worms and Powerbaits have worked well near the grass hill, or under a float near the caravan park.

Small spinners and small soft plastics have been the best for those using lures, with both boat ramps producing plenty of fish.

Out deeper there have been some good-sized redfin and yellowbelly caught trolling TN60s and casting weedless-rigged soft plastics. Make sure

with your TN60s that you rig them with a single hook on the belly facing backwards, because this will help the lure to pull through the weed better.

GOULBURN AND BROKEN RIVERS We have had a couple of months of high rivers, but hopefully by the time you read this report they will have settled and started to clear up. The disappointing thing was we didn’t really get a chance to chase an end-ofseason cod locally.

Now that the season

has closed for Murray cod, our attention switches to yellowbelly, and both rivers can be great for targeting them. Smaller Bassman Compact spinnerbaits and square bills are the lures I would be using most often this spring. It might take some time for the water temperatures to rise, but when they do it should fish well, especially after all the high water.

KIALLA LAKES The redfin continue to bite on the edge at Kialla, with some reports coming

in of 2-3 fish caught in an hour’s session. Slow rolling soft plastics rigged with a beetle spin on the rock walls has again been a great way to chase these redfin.

There have been some smaller-sized yellowbelly caught on worms around the willow trees, and drifting scrub worms has been working the best.

Spring is a great time to fish Kialla, but remember to move around. On some days the fish will sit in certain areas, such as the sand bars, rock walls, weeds or willows.

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VIC

Primed for some successful springtime fishing No luck. It seemed that the fish had moved on, but I persisted in working along the shore.

I had waded out to where the water was up around my waist and was casting along the rocky edges, when all of a sudden, a trout nailed my fly. Unfortunately, the hooks didn’t stick. Bugger. I cast out again, and then bang –

BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

Our rivers, lakes and reservoirs around Ballarat and the Central Highlands region of Victoria are primed and ready to produce excellent fishing throughout the spring months.

I must say, this winter has produced some particularly good fishing – the best that I can remember. Other anglers I’ve talked to have had similar experiences. This winter I have been lucky enough to catch fish every time I’ve headed out (and some rippers too), on many local waters where I have struggled previously.

I’m trying to work out why this year has been better than previous years. I have only fly fished this winter

another fish nailed my fly, and I landed a ripper brown around the 3lb mark. After a couple of photos, he was on his way.

I continued to work along the rocky shoreline and another solid fish nailed my fly. Unfortunately, this one broke off with my orange Woolly Bugger in its mouth.

I tied on another fly and

The author landed this 3.5lb brown trout whilst fishing Hepburn lagoon on an orange Woolly Bugger. tussle. I continued to work my way along without any further success. I thought I’d move around and have a look along the rocky western shoreline, so I headed off only to find the other angler fishing where I was going to fish. Not to worry, there’s plenty of other water to fish; time to give the bay another go. Just then, the angler came walking back with a nicesized brown trout hanging off his belt.

We had a quick chat, and he mentioned that he had a ball around the corner landing four browns and decorating another four. The fish were smelting, he said, and they still are. I thought I’d better go and have a look for myself. I headed off and started fishing in the area the other guy had been fishing.

David Bandy landed this nice sized rainbow trout on Wendouree when the Ballarat Fly Fishers Club hosted the Red Tag Fly fishers club from Melbourne recently. Image courtesy of David Bandy.

Mick Fanning has been nailing some big redfin at Moorabool on Ambush lures 3” swimbait in rhubarb colour. Image courtesy of Mick Fanning. whereas in other years, I cast a lot of lures, catching fish but not as many. Still, I’m sure that if I had been casting lures this winter, they would have worked just fine. I’m wondering whether we are starting to see the real impacts of fish stocking programs put in place by Victorian Fishing Authority.

If so, there is more awesome fishing to come.

We received steady rainfall over the winter months, which has seen our lakes and reservoirs full and overflowing, and I’m sure there will be more to come. The trout will forage throughout the shallows, searching for worms, grubs, beetles, and anything that moves.

As the weather starts to warm, we will once again see some insect life start to 96 SEPTEMBER 2023

appear. The hungry trout will eat them with gusto, as it can be very slim pickings throughout the winter months. And then there’s the real gem for me and fly fishers all over the state: mayflies. They will start to appear in a couple of months’ time, and trout love to eat them.

HEPBURN LAGOON Hepburn Lagoon has continued to fish well over the last couple of months.

For me it’s always been hard work and I’ve never really obtained the results other anglers have… until this year. I don’t know whether it was just good luck or being in the right spot at the right time?

One session, I headed out mid-morning and the wind was blowing quite hard from the northwest, which it has

done nearly all winter. Upon arrival there was already one car in the car park and I could see the angler walking around the western shore, near a little bay I had planned to fish. I wondered whether he had fished the bay or not.

Anyway, I decided to try my luck around the outlet at the west end as I had previously caught a few small rainbows in the area. I popped on a couple of flies – a black Woolly Bugger on the point and an orange Woolly Bugger on the dropper – and worked the area for a while without any luck. I decided to head up and fish the bay that I had initially planned to fish, as the other angler had disappeared.

I was fishing my way through the bay when a small brown grabbed my orange Magoo, and put up a good

Steve Angee landed this 48cm redfin on Wendouree. He has been catching them on soft plastics, and has averaged three big reddies over 40cm each trip. Image courtesy of Steve Angee.

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Good catches on both bait and lures CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

Lake Elingamite’s levels are good so there is no problem launching the average tinny there. Some good brown and rainbow trout have been caught

lately, along with some sizeable redfin.

Trolling lures remain popular, followed closely by cast and retrieval.

Surface to deep diving lures can be employed, depending on what you are doing. The deeper section has seen school redfin

caught by those using metal bladed lures worked off the bottom and back up through the water column.

Bait anglers have done well fishing live mudeye under a bubble float close to the weed beds. Some 900g+ trout are coming out of the lake, along with

Redfin are taking crankbaits, metal vibes and soft plastics. resumed fishing.

My line tightened yet again. This one stayed on, and I landed another good brown of 3.5lb.

What a session! I thought to myself, as I continued to work the shore. After dropping another fish, I ran out of accessible shoreline, so I decided to call it quits for the day. It was my best session ever at Hepburn.

I have been back to Hepburn on numerous occasions since then and caught fish every time, although not in the same numbers. There are exciting times ahead over the next few months for all angling methods.

MOORABOOL RESERVOIR Moorabool has been producing excellent catches of trout and redfin over the past month, with plenty of reports filtering around the angling fraternity. This has seen angler numbers increase significantly, especially on the weekends.

I have been targeting trout myself at Moorabool, with fly fishing being my method of choice. Over the past few years, I have generally fished with lures at Moorabool during winter, but not this year. That wasn’t a strategic decision on my part; I think on one of my early sessions I went out and caught a couple of fish on fly, so I just kept on fly fishing and have reaped the rewards.

I’ve fished in most

the previous release that are fast approaching 2kg in weight.

Lake Purrumbete has a few browns and chinooks taking lures both trolled and cast, with the odd fish exceeding 3kg. Medium to deep divers in popular minnow patterns are doing well. Late afternoon through to dusk remains the prime time, followed by dawn. Again, mudeye is working well here when presented close to the weed edge under a float. Plenty of cheetah, tiger, brook and any other hybrid trout species are being taken mainly by lure casters working the water from the weed edge out to about 12m.

Schooling redfin are taking live minnow, metal vibes and soft plastics such as the Magbite 3” Snatchbite Shads in the darker colours, all jigged at depth around the lake’s edges. Schools can be located with your sounder. The fish are concentrating in depths from around 12-18m.

Lake Bullen Merri has been reasonable for Chinook salmon, tiger and rainbow trout over 60cm

The author has been fly fishing Moorabool Reservoir catching some beautifully marked brown trout on orange Woolly Bugger flies. areas around the reservoir, depending on the wind, and have not missed out on catching trout. The flies that have been working well for me have been an olive Woolly Bugger/Magoo on the point and an orange Woolly Bugger on the dropper. Most of the fish I have been catching have been eating the orange fly, which is to be expected, especially during the winter/ spawning months. At that time of year, any bright colours generally work.

When retrieving my flies, I’ve been using a medium/ fast roly-poly retrieve, being sure to hang or dibble the flies. The number of fish that have chased, eaten or missed the fly on the hang/dibble has been amazing.

During my sessions that I have been out at Moorabool, I have covered plenty of water and found that eventually you will come across a fish that is willing to look at or eat your flies. It’s just a matter of putting in the hard yards.

Mick Fanning has been targeting the redfin at Moorabool, and he’s been catching some absolute rippers. He said it’s the best winter redfin year he’s experienced, not only at Moorabool but at most of our local lakes and reservoirs.

Mick has been fishing the deeper areas or where there are drop-offs to catch the reddies, using soft plastics or chatter bait type lures. The reddies at Moorabool have taken a real liking to the Ambush

A decent redfin taken at depth jigging Snatchbite shads at Purrumbete. taking trolled minnow lures in depths around 6-8m, so not far from the shore at all. Bank anglers are experiencing similar success casting out to similar depths using live minnow, PowerBait, scrub worm and pilchard fillets.

Soft plastics cast out on a heavier than normal jighead have also worked well.

The weather is changeable at best, but for those who can access a fine day, whatever that day happens to be, are doing alright.

Lures 3” swimbait in rhubarb colour over the past month, where previously they were smashing the chatters. It’s just a case of trying different lures until you come across one they are happy to eat.

LAKE WENDOUREE The fishing is slowly starting to pick up at Lake Wendouree, with a few more reports filtering through.

Steve Angee continues to catch some big redfin fishing the rowing lanes with soft plastics. Steve said it’s the best year he has had on Wendouree on the redfin.

They have become harder to find in the lanes, but when you do, there are some big ones hanging around. Steve has averaged three 40cm+ models every session.

There are a few trout starting to be caught. Recently the Ballarat Fly Fishers Club hosted the Red Tag Fly Fishers Club from Melbourne for a day’s fishing on Wendouree.

Approximately 20 members from Red Tag hopped in boats with Ballarat members, with most fly fishers either catching a trout or having the opportunity to catch one.

Vern Barby landed the longest fish for the day – a brown trout measuring 54cm.

Most of the trout, both browns and rainbows, were in the 35-45cm bracket. Nearly all the trout were caught stripping Woolly Bugger fly patterns in a variety of colours, with the best being olive, orange and black.

The fishing will continue to improve on Lake Wendouree as we move into

the spring months, with insect activity increasing, and hungry trout and redfin willing to eat them.

NEWLYN RESERVOIR I haven’t fished at Newlyn Reservoir for over a month now as I have targeted other waters.

However, the reports that have been filtering through have been very good, with trout foraging around the edges feeding on worms, grubs and so forth. The water is a little discoloured now, but it will clear up moving forward.

Newlyn is an excellent all-round fishery whether you cast lures, fish baits or fly fish, and it’s very accessible to anglers. The fishing here, like everywhere else, will really fire up when we see insect activity increase.

TULLAROOP RESERVOIR Tullaroop Reservoir has been my favourite winter/ spring fishery over the past couple of years. At the time of writing this report, the boat ramps are closed due to the reservoir spilling.

Murray-Goulburn Water have closed the ramps to ensure the safety of boat users.

I haven’t been up fishing Tullaroop recently as the water is still very discoloured, which I’m not keen on. However, I will head up for a look soon given the excellent fishing I had last spring. I am hoping that the water does clear up and the trout will be foraging in the shallows again.

SEPTEMBER 2023 97

South Coast

WA

Opportunities for small boats ESPERANCE

Murray Johnson

It has been a wild and wet winter in Esperance, but anglers have still enjoyed plenty of good fishing along the coast. And now that spring is upon us, we can expect more sun, less wind and new species coming on board.

The local beaches are seeing more gummy sharks coming in, along with smaller mulloway and plenty of salmon. We are also seeing plenty of smaller skippy around the 1kg mark, good numbers of herring and smaller flathead. The choice beaches around town are Salmon Beach and Fourth Beach, which have been producing good catches of salmon and herring. The gummies have been coming from 14 Mile, Roses, and further west to Warrenup.

Heading east, the best places are Thomas River, Alexander Bay and Israelite Bay. Around town there are plenty of squid being caught, with the jetties still producing good numbers. You can astill catch the occasional garfish at night, along with some smaller herring around and the odd bonito.

Bandy Creek Boat Harbour has been producing

small King George whiting mixed in with better size flathead, the occasional flounder and some small skippy.

Other good spot in town to fish has been the viewing area from the Port Authority (remember that Tailor Street jetty is closed to fishing). Here you can fish for King George whiting, and some squid can be caught there as well.

Moving further east, an improvement in the weather has allowed more anglers to make trips to Israelite Bay and Poison Creek. Poison has been producing lots of salmon and bronze whalers, the occasional tailor, and skippy

to around 3kg. At Israelite Bay there have been plenty of gummy sharks, some smaller mulloway, bronze whalers, and flathead. Some good-size King George whiting are also being caught off the rocks out there.

The bream lakes are still firing. There’s plenty of water so you’ll have to move around and try different areas; the wind will determine which area they’ll sit in.

Some nice fish have been caught lately, with sizes up to around 35cm. The standard bait is prawns, and you can also get great results on small soft plastics such as the 2.5” Bait Junkie Minnow with a

Lachy Warren with a sunset queenie.

Image courtesy of @lachywarren.

faster retrieve than normal, to get more action out of it.

Blues and greens have been effectivecolours lately.

If you want to catch some squid from the jetties, a good jig is the 3.5 Harimitsu in the lighter colours such as cherry cream pie, or lime mojito.

In the bay we are still seeing plenty of good size squid, with areas around Cook Rocks and Flat Rocks producing the goods for boatbased anglers. There are also lots of sand whiting being caught around Twilight Cove, and out towards Lion Island.

The best approach is to fish on a drift line in behind the breakers to find what depth they’re holding at, and then you can anchor on top of them. The standard rig is paternoster with no 6 long shank hooks, or a Black Magic Whiting Snatcher in mini pilly or red worm.

Anglers fishing around the closer islands have been picking up good numbers of sweep, some queen snapper, and the occasional nannygai.

Plenty of breaksea cod are also being caught.

Heading out wide, we are seeing regular catches of nannygai up to the 60cm mark, lots of queen snapper, the occasional yellowtail kingfish, and heaps of samsonfish up to 40kg.

At that size they become

The nannygai should start to move in a bit closer in the coming weeks. Image courtesy of @lachywarren. pretty painful, and the guys are having to move to get away from them. For some reason, anglers have also been catching heaps of cuttlefish out wide, too.

We are also seeing the first signs of bluefin tuna, with some samples up to 6kg being caught.

SEPTEMBER FISHING The month ahead should see continued improvement in the weather, with more opportunities to hit the water.

Fishing off the shore should see more salmon being caught, and we should start to see a few more tailor coming in with the schools of salmon.

Beaches like Roses, Thomas River, Israelite Bay and 14 Mile are all good spots to target tailor. More gummy

sharks will also come in as they start producing their pups.

In the coming weeks, the samsonfish will start moving in around the close islands, allowing anglers with small boats to have a crack at them.

This time of year is also when we tend to see the kingies and bigger nannygai to 60cm come in a bit closer.

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Boaties might have the upper hand BUNBURY

Whiteys Tackle and Camping

Although we are getting to the end of winter, there is still a bit of average weather rolling through, which can make some regular types of fishing difficult. Beaches can be washed away, and combined with the dirty water and weed, it makes it nearly impossible to fish. The boaties will get

the advantage of fish being in closer to shore, but if it’s blowing 20+ knot, well, you’re staying at home.

The most passionate fishers start getting itchy casting arm (including myself!) when kept off the water for an extended amount of time, so start looking into options to get out there.

In my books, the humble black bream is the ideal target to fill in these rainy days. You can find them in all the estuary and river systems throughout

Harry Fowler is serious about his trout fishing.

98 SEPTEMBER 2023

the South West. When the rains are flowing, and the river is pushing fresh hard, target the downstream spots.

If there has been torrential rain, don’t be surprised if they get pushed completely out of the river. Locally, when we get a bunch of cold fronts that bring big milimetres of rain, there are constantly reports of black bream being landed around The Cut, which is basically in the ocean.

As you would expect, the water becomes super dirty this time of year, and you need something to get their attention. A small sinker to hold ground and a small circle hook loaded with a nice chunk of mullet (the fresher, the better) will give off the required stink to get them over and commit to a nibble.

You can even do this type of fishing without the rods and reels by using the humble handline loaded with 12lb mono and chucked on a stick embedded into the bank.

For the more adventurous, give the lures a crack, but remember there’s no point fishing the top part of the water column because the bream will be sulking in the brackish water that sits below the fresh on top.

Better results will come by using deep-diving bibbed

hardbodies, including OSP Dunks and Daiwa Spikes, but I prefer the sinking variety of lures at this time year. I find getting a lure slowly bumping along the bottom with lots of pauses will get the bream interested enough to pick it up. Hopefully, that super sticky treble or jighead will find its mark.

Another great tip for this time of year, while lure fishing or virtually any type of fishing, is keeping your hooks sharp! Keeping a small hook-sharpening stone handy in your tackle box or bag can be the difference in keeping the hooks in a nice bream.

Just giving your hooks a quick once-over with the stone will keep those hook points sticky sharp when dealing with snags or – a problem I’m sure many of you have – catching too many fish!

Plastics are probably the most commonly used lure this time of year, but there are a couple of extra tips to help you get better results. Make sure you use scent on your plastics or a type of plastic that has a lot of built-in scent, such as the Berkley Gulp saltwater range.

The water is dark and murky this time of year, and you need every advantage you can take. So, as well as vibration

Will Eccles loves chasing squid. and sound, adding the scent in will trigger the bream.

Beachgoers can expect to find some good numbers of tailor patrolling the beach and the odd snapper in between cruising the gutters.

Like all beach fishing, you don’t always need to cast the furthest to find a fish. Quite often, a metre-long snapper can be in behind the wash on the drop-off within just a stone’s throw. Berley up for

your herring and keep a few for dinner, and the rest presented butterflied or a live bait can be irresistible bites for the pink snapper.

Worst case, you have a tussle with some rays or banjos, but it’s all good fun!

This time of year also brings large squid into the bay to spawn. These guys are normally very aggressive and willing to attack most jigs.

WA

Things are getting spicy AUGUSTA

Anthony Gillam

Boy, oh boy! When winter decided to spice things up it certainly did with 50+ knot winds, rainstorms and

more salt concentrating their numbers before they make their way into the ocean.

This has been borne out by the increase in yellowfin whiting numbers being netted by the local commercial fishers. Until

Stacey Veitch with a nice dhufish caught while bottom fishing in Flinders Bay. even a bit of hail to add to the mix. It was enough to make you reassess some of your life choices, mainly the one about living in the southwest of WA. Rainfall throughout the lower half of the state peaked in the middle of the month culminating in a huge amount of runoff entering the waterways that invariably all lead down into the mighty Blackwood River into the ocean via Hardy Inlet. This in turn causes many of the fish that prefer brackish water to head downstream in search of My fav jig would be a red foil jig that seems to get a lot of attention in the discoloured water.

Don’t forget about the old favourite in the glow colours that can really stand out in the low light conditions that winter delivers.

Another fantastic target for this time of year is your trout and redfin perch, with the higher water levels causing a lot of your brooks and rivers to start filling with water and producing some fish. Tie on a plastic, hardbody, or rig up your fly rod and head to any of our local dams or river systems, and you’re in with a shot!

My personal favourite for the trout would have to be a nice realistic colour in the Rapala F-5 range, and for redfin, you cannot go wrong with a 75mm brawler baits Bruce on a nice heavy jig head to get

recently numbers were very poor but sizes and numbers jumped coinciding with the fresh water flush arriving.

The amount of siltstained water entering the ocean has discoloured most of the shallow water around the local coast and when you add the rotting seaweed masses slowly decomposing the result is some awful coloured water. Fortunately, it also means there is plenty of berley in the water to bring the fish around. The amount of maggots released into the water with each backwash is phenomenal and it is no wonder the coastal fishing has been good.

River fishing has dropped off, mainly due to the big influx of freshwater, however, off the Ellis Street Jetty and old Town Jetty have remained pretty active with some huge schools of herring observed doing the circuit between the two. I have not witnessed such large numbers for around ten years and they were monstering anything you dropped in the water. If you are into smoking fish bagging out on herring gives the perfect way to fill the smoker. I have been cold

A nice mixed bag of quality eating fish off the rocks. smoking them kipper style and the results are absolutely delicious.

The demersal open has come and gone with very little opportunity to get out for a fish in the deep water. The winds have been pretty horrendous and only when they shifted to northwesterly did you get

getting out away from the coastline was a bit more acceptable. The dhufish were hungry and taking baits out in the 40m+ waters with some big cuttlefish and pink snapper showing up as well. Unfortunately, limited chances mean reduced catches and as soon as the season was open it

Skippy are a staple off the rocks and can be caught on bait, lures and soft plastics.

A nice sized sea pike caught on a whole mulie fished on the bottom.

much of a chance to fish in close. That being said there was a couple of days where the wind disappeared but the swell was well up so

Mitchell Cooper caught an impressive snapper while fishing land-based. you to the bottom of the deep holes these fish love to hang out in! Or if you’re over the generic lure fishing, come in, and we can fit you out with

a new fly fishing combo and have a go waving the wand at some feeding trout!

• As always, call in to Whiteys Tackle and Camping at 1/143

South Coast

Grand Entrance in Treendale for the latest advice and for what’s being caught around the place to get your line tight and drag screaming!

was closed again. Squid and mullet were baits of choice and Vexed bottom meat jigs with fish fillet or whole mulies worked for the artificial fishers.

Many of the small bays that abound in the area are a natural catchment for large amounts of kelp torn free in the rough seas. I find that if you can get a high vantage point looking down into the bays you will soon find the ones that are weeded up and those that are free flowing.

There is nothing worse than trying to catch whiting or skippy off the rocks or beach when you end up pulling 20kg of king kelp each cast.

Get the right water flow where the weed is banked up onto the shore and the water is weed free and the fishing is great. I start off trying an unweighted river prawn or piece of mulie and allowing it to float down through the water column letting the current dictate what happens. If the skippy are around they will soon discover your bait and if they are in numbers just

replicating your actions should keep you in the zone.

Once skippy get over the 30cm mark you really do need to muscle them away from heading into snags as they will soon cut you off.

If the current is too strong for unweighted baits then try small weights at first until you get the ideal size to keep you in the zone.

Try the aptly named Skippy Rock which is an ideal place to practice this technique.

If you are more into soft plastics and want to hone your skills on skippy, herring and tarwhine then off the rocks to the left side of Ringbolt Bay is ideal. It has easy, safe access and if you use berley with a good slicking oil you will soon have a variety of fish coming right up to within a few metres of where you are standing. All of the mentioned species are very aggressive and if you use polarised lens sunglasses on a sunny day you can basically jig a soft plastic grub, worm or paddle tail right in front of them.

When fishing off the rocks don’t forget to throw out a few hardbodies lures, metal slices and squid jigs because they will all get results at times. Wherever you get maggots in the water the rest of the food chain will follow. Pike, squid and demersals can all be caught off the rocks and are a welcome addition.

• Rock fishing is dangerous at times and careful consideration of where and when you fish must be done. Unpredictable weather can quickly affect the fishing conditions and slippery rocks are a recipe for disaster. Please remain vigilant when rock fishing; wear a life jacket and tie off to something solid. You can hire one for free from Augusta Xtreme Outdoor Sports at 66 Blackwood Avenue Augusta - the local tackle shop, boat hire and font of all local fishing knowledge. Look for the big green sign on the roof, it’s right next to the BP Service Station in the centre of town.

SEPTEMBER 2023 99

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Looking forward to more options METRO

Jacob Crispe

As I mentioned last month, although closures currently exist, there are definitely options to go and wet a line.

However, an unfortunate result of current demersal closures is that many anglers who would regularly spend time on the water at this time of the year (in the metro area and beyond) are not bothering. This is the true shame for those people involved in the industry.

SWAN RIVER There is no question

being effective.

Areas of deep water off any of the flats in this area are likely to hold fish.

Generally, tailor will let you know when they are present.

Fleeing baitfish being a dead giveaway. School mulloway are often a by-catch around these tailor schools and the odd flathead as well.

While on the subject of mulloway, they too will be a popular target in the Swan.

The most consistent method at present is using live baits (large plastics also well worth a try) in the sections of the river with plenty of structure.

This can be in the form of

Young gun Lochlan with his impressive haul and puts his success down to using fresh squid as bait!

The fish tucker man Mr Dom Magoo with an excellent skippy, this fish was caught on an inshore reef out from Freo. And if you didn’t know, these fish make excellent sushimi!

Hools Orifici shows braving the cold is well worth it with this cracker!

option to pick up a few.

ROCK WALLS AND BEACHES The tailor fishing continues to be excellent off our rock walls and many anglers are being rewarded for braving the cooler conditions at first and last light. The tailor are in great condition and can be great fun to catch. A good burley trail will keep them around you for longer periods.

While I am talking berley,

to get a good trail going as it will improve you fishing.

The good fishing on our rock walls is pretty widespread.

Anywhere between the Fremantle Sailing Club walls to Cottesloe groin is worth considering.

Tailor will also continue to be most beaches anglers focus during the month of September.

Their numbers have been exceptional and the condition and size of the fishing will only improve. They certainly make to effort of braving the cooler conditions worthwhile.

Although most will focus on tailor, there are always plenty of sand whiting and herring about (a burley bag in the wash will help bring them to you) as well as the option to send a fresh tailor fillet back out into the surf hoping

Han Yeoh with a nice inshore squid caught in around 6m of water while drifting the weed patches – excellent photo bomb by My Thwin!

Lochlan Dickenson went fishing with his Dad Ken, where he caught this absolute thumper King George whiting. Such a proud moment! that the focus for Swan River anglers will continue to be towards the mouth of the system. One of the main focuses will be tailor and the fish that swim with them.

The area below the Narrows Bridge will be a good place to start, with small metal lures, hardbodies and natural baits all 100 SEPTEMBER 2023

bridges, moorings or natural structure. The area between the E-Sheds and Causeway is a good place to start.

Other target species are herring, bream and yellowfin whiting. Fresh baits like bloodworms or sand worms fished in the lower reaches of the system will be your best

a popular mix is pollard, fish oil and chummed pilchard (your local tackle store will be able to assist with good berley mixes) and it is not just good for tailor. Herring, skippy, King George whiting, sand whiting and even squid will all be drawn in by berley, so it pays to understand how

Lorenzo Lentini with a lovely shallow water sambo caught along the inshore reefs.

WA

New fishing adventures MANDURAH

Jesse Choy

September brings with it a change in season, marking the start of spring and new fishing adventures to go along with it. We can expect

receding and shorelines cleaning up as a result.

Although there will still be patches around, cleaner beaches mean that you can comfortably soak baits for longer periods of time without having to constantly check that your presentation has not been

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ruined, thus increasing your likeliness of catching fish. Herring, sand whiting and silver bream are all abundant along the stretches of beach ranging from Preston Beach to secret harbor. If you are fishing from the same beaches but are chasing something a

Ryder is a local surfer that absolutely loves his fishing. Quite recently he has become an absolute gun at casting up pink snapper and it is all due to effort.

Pink coloured plastics are deadly when chasing silver trevally, but not all of them will be quite as big as this one Corey captured on a coconut ZMan. the seasonal change to bring more consistently finer weather, as a result fishing will be more pleasant, and you will be able to spend more time chasing the species that brings you happiness.

Options are plentiful when it comes to fishing during the season of spring, so take your pick and enjoy the perfect weather while it lasts.

River fishing is a great prospect for inshore anglers, as you can expect to catch plentiful amounts of black bream, mulloway and the occasional bycatch of things like grunter, whiting and the odd giant herring. River fishing is not about catching bigger fish most of the time, although you can generally count on that either a mulloway or shark pick it up.

INSHORE It is all about King George whiting on our inshore grounds. There seems to be plenty about and they are good sized fish as well. Broken ground with intermittent sand patches in 6-12m of water is the ideal ground to look for. Although the fish seem to be everywhere, areas like Windmills would be a good place to start.

Other species that hold in similar locations are herring, skippy, tailor and at this time of the year some very big squid. It is not uncommon to catch squid with tubes between

a mission up the serpentine or Murray as a great way to get you out of your house and inner qualms.

If you are fishing the lower reaches of either systems, herring will often make an appearance, although you will want to target the middle reaches to really make the most of the bream or mulloway numbers when fishing the rivers. Using baits or lures will both be productive, with baits being an ideal shore fishing option and a great way of intercepting fish that are passing through the area. Lures will offer a more active approach, allowing you to hunt fish that are willing to bite and you are often rewarded with a bit more satisfaction when fooling

bit bigger, anglers will be pleased to know that there is still some great sized pink snapper and mulloway being caught by anglers

This tank of a black bream was just under 44cm and put up a great account for itself on ultra light gear. these fish on artificial presentations.

Fishing from the surf will produce quite

well, as anglers are able to fish much more of the coastline because of the winter seaweed abundance

Nolan Unwin is no stranger when it comes to trophy tailor like this one! Fresh baits and consistency always pays off!

putting in the casts.

Drone fishing will produce great results as usual, though you will want to make sure you have done the research on where you plan to fish, as bait placement is just as important as the bait presentation itself and will make all the difference in what sort of result you achieve. Although many anglers will have various preferences for drop distances, you will find that most of the time you do not need to send baits more than 500m offshore to have great results and should instead look for contour or structure that exists inwards of this depth.

If you are fishing from the cut or town, you will find that there is quite the variety of species which you can target and or encounter whether you are casually throwing a line in or purposefully targeting a certain fish. Both locations

are great for anglers of all skill levels as they hold a lot of different structures which encourages this vast variety to pass through, such as seaweed, rock, gutters and deeper holes.

When fishing from these locations you are spoilt for choice as you can comfortably cast from one of the many rocks or you may opt to take your kids and less adventurous mates for a fish on one of the many platforms.

Whether you are using artificial or bait, species you are likely to encounter when fishing from the cut or town will generally be herring, whiting and silver trevally. If you are a bit more of a serious, patient fishermen that plans to soak bigger baits or throw bigger lures then you will eventually be rewarded by some larger specimen like samson, mulloway, pink snapper and school sized sharks.

30-40cm. So well worth having a rod rigged with a squid jig ready to go.

Another species that I think will start popping up on our inshore grounds are juvenile yellowtail kingfish, a result of seedings done by fisheries. Watch this space.

OFFSHORE Ultimately our offshore focus is quite limited due to the current closures. There is still some excellent tuna and kingfish fishing available on the South West side of Rottnest and anglers deciding to venture out have enjoyed some excellent fishing for these species. The 30m mark seems to be the key.

Most other options come with the risk of a demersal

fish bycatch, making many anglers nervous.

One option that I haven’t mentioned for a while is targeting squid in deep water. Most tackle stores will stock Tip Run jigs. They come in a great range of weights to focus on the squid in the deep water.

Well worth the experiment if you like targeting big squid.

With the warmer weather now not too far away, I am looking forward to a few less layers while out fishing, but it doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy what’s on offer at the moment (just deciding what colour squid jig to put on). Get out and have a go and I will catch you next month.

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Demersal season reopens LANCELIN

Peter Fullarton

In September, I start to get excited as it marks the beginning of some of the best beach fishing for the year, continuing until the end of November. The beaches widen, making

rundown of what to expect includes catching Breaksea cod very close to the beach, with most lumps inside the white bank holding some fish. Similarly, plenty of dhufish can be caught in close proximity. Last season saw a cracker run of 10-15kg fish landed inside the white bank. Pink

grounds. The done fishers do well, and casting baits at the right spots will produce good snapper.

Small boats and kayaks can also do very well during this time of year. Baldchin groper, on the other hand, are mostly found out much deeper until the water starts to warm.

Skippy form aggregations, with mature fish schooled up full of ripe roe on the inshore reefs.

Smaller specimens can be caught inside the bay.

Samson fish are often not far away from the schools of skippy, also found around the jetty, smashing the bait schools that take shelter there.

Tuna come back this month, with yellowfin tuna and larger average size for the bluefin, often

Nolan with a 19kg samson from the first cast of the day!

After catching two pre-dawn mulloway Graeme Doodson with a monster Wobbegong bycatch – the biggest he has ever seen! beach driving easier, and granting access to wellformed gutters teeming with ravenous fat winter tailor. Other highlights for the month include the reopening of the demersal season on the 23rd, the return of big numbers of tuna, and the rock lobster moving back to the nearshore in large numbers.

On the weather front, there will be the last storm fronts rolling through, with magic days in between, cold mornings, and the start of afternoon breezes, albeit mild at this stage. Floating sargassum weed will make its return, likely brought onto the beach by onshore winds. Fishing during the morning offshore winds and high tides is the easiest and most productive during this time of year.

You will have to be quick to make the most of a ridiculously short demersal period as it only opens for two weeks during the school holidays, ending on the 8 October. A quick 102 SEPTEMBER 2023

snapper will be in spawning mode, and schools of large mature fish can often be found along the inshore

Callum said a whiting head was his favourite snapper bait. This is the result from a 200m drone drop.

You don’t need a big boat to get among the fish. This is one of seven snapper from a morning session in 6m of water near Lancelin island.

more prominent in the early part of the season.

Over the past several years, there has been a big resurgence in bonito, with massive schools arriving in September. Larger yellowfin tuna shadow the schools of bonito; trolling lures in the vicinity of the bonito shoals or bridling one up for slow trolling around the activity could catch a huge tuna or mako shark.

The jetty is a good land-based option to catch some squid, although not the best place to catch a fish by day due to the number of blowfish.

Casting towards the shore can grab a good feed of sand whiting, escaping the worst of the blowfish horde. During the night, the jetty takes on a whole new demeanour, and the blowfish issue diminishes as dusk descends. Tailor

are caught baitcasting from the north end, while schools of herring gather around the southern end of the jetty. Lightly weighed prawn baits are effective at catching the herring, as well as small soft plastics. If the herring are timid to bite, as they often are on calm nights, using scented plastics like gulp or applying one of the scents like Squidgies S factor should get a more aggressive response.

Letting the plastics drop below the schooling herring before commencing the retrieve is likely to find skippy as well.

Lobsters move inside the white bank throughout the month, and numbers will remain good until the end of the December white run. It’s a great opportunity to go for a dive or drop the pots out for a top-up of the freezer over the new moon period.

We are winding down towards the end of the mulloway season, and as usual, the best times are around the new moon or the few days leading up to the full moon. During this time, we are more likely to find some schoolies in the gutters too. It’s always a question of whether or not to use wire while the mulloway are around. The spring tailor run of sizable fish can bite through fluorocarbon like a hot knife through butter, and there is also an increase in small whaler sharks. I snell our hooks with 60lb wire or use gang hooks depending on the baits being used to prevent bite-offs.

We also concentrate a lot on casting lures during this time of year. There are normally plenty of spots to cast a lure to a nearshore deep hole or gutter, prospecting mainly for tailor and mulloway.

WA

On reef breaks, we often cast the Halco Rooster poppers, with little chance of getting snagged as

the floating lure passes over a shallow reef into the deep wash behind. When casting to the gutters, I prefer to

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use a stick bait style in a large size, looking for the greenbacks, things like the Halco Slide dogs and CID

No need to go far at all during the periods of swell, with another Lancelin Island pinky.

Garrit was very happy with a 24.5kg samsonfish off the cast.

Shiversticks. Sometimes, a long cast is required to run a lure past a reef or out to the back of the gutters. The slug

types work best, like GT ice cream or Dr Hook Longtom.

However, if you want the chance of a mulloway, a

diving lure or soft plastic worked through the deeper gutters and reef drop-offs offers the best chance.

FISHING NEWS

Courts crack down on illegal fishers Two women have collectively been issued fines and costs totalling more than $16,800 for joint possession of 127 undersize blue swimmer crabs and other offences.

A 27-year-old Brookdale woman and a 25-year-old from Champion Lakes were observed by Fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fishing for

located a plastic bag with another 62 undersize blue swimmer crabs under a parked vehicle registered to the 25-year-old. Those crabs ranged in carapace length between 66-124mm.

Mandurah Court was told the crabs in the blue esky ranged in carapace length between 61-132mm, but only one of them was legal size.

In total, 128 blue swimmer crabs were seized, measured, and then released back into

All of the seized crabs were returned to the water. crabs in the Peel Harvey Estuary near Falcon on 11 December 2021.

The younger woman involved in the Saturday evening crabbing was holding a blue esky containing 66 blue swimmer crabs, of which 65 measured under 127mm. A blue swimmer crab with a carapace length of less than 127mm is categorised as a Totally Protected Fish.

DPIRD officers also

the estuary.

It is an offence to be in possession of undersize blue swimmer crabs, and to take more than the daily bag limit of 10 blue swimmer crabs per person per day.

When requested to provide their names, principal places of residence and dates of birth, both women gave false information to the DPIRD officers. The younger woman also failed to hand over her mobile phone, which then

had to be seized resulting in a further charge of obstruction, attracting an $800 fine.

On Tuesday (8 August 2023) the 25-year-old was ordered to pay fines for three offences, an additional penalty of $6,350 related to the crabs involved in the joint possession offence, and court costs. In all, she was ordered by the magistrate to pay $8,814.

The 27-year-old woman from Brookdale was last month given the same additional penalty as her co-offender, plus two fines and costs for a total court bill of $8,014 for her offences and the false information that she gave to the officers.

DPIRD Director Regional Compliance Metro Todd A’Vard said the original offences occurred in 2021, and the successful outcome in each case is a credit to the investigating officers who had to track down the offenders after they gave them false information.

“At the centre of this case

though are the 127 undersize blue swimmers that were returned to the water to reach legal size and be fished another day,” Mr A’Vard said. “When the fishery reopens after the autumn breeding closure, there is a high proportion of small crabs, so it’s important that crabbers measure each blue swimmer they catch, and return it promptly to the water if it’s too small before they continue fishing.”

THE PENALTY FOR STEALING POTS A 40-year-old Karrinyup man has had his rock lobster fishing licence suspended for three years, and is also prohibited from being on a boat fishing for lobster in that time. In Perth Magistrates Court on 4 August, he was also fined $4000 on two counts of unlawful interference with fishing gear, plus a $350 fine, and mandatory penalty of $150 for not tail clipping a rock lobster on his vessel as well as a further $500 for failing to have a valid gear ID

A DPIRD compliance officer inspecting the illegal haul of finfish.

The lobster pot with no valid gear ID on the floats. on a lobster pot. All up, he was ordered to pay $5,114 in fines, penalties, and costs.

His offences were recorded on 27 December last year with Fisheries compliance officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) inspecting the man’s vessel on return to the Trigg Point boat ramp.

The skipper held a recreational rock lobster licence, but another man on the boat did not. Three lobster pots were located on board and one live rock lobster, which had not been tail-clipped as required under WA’s Rock Lobster fishing rules. Two of the pots had gear identification (ID) that was not registered to the skipper by DPIRD. The third lobster pot didn’t have a gear ID on its floats.

DPIRD officers contacted the fisher registered with the ID number on the first two pots and were advised he had not given anyone permission to pull his pots, which he had set

off Hillarys before Christmas.

DPIRD Director Regional Compliance Metro Todd A’Vard said the case was a timely reminder for fishers that officers carry out patrols around WA and that it’s important to permanently mark gear IDs on floats and, where possible, on lobster pots to deter theft.

In a second matter before the same court, a 49-year-old Girrawheen man was ordered to pay $2,254 over offences related to illegal net fishing in waters off Heirisson Island on 14 February this year, where he was in possession of black bream and mullet.

Mr A’Vard said the Swan River has been closed to netting for more than 30 years under a Closed Water Recreational Netting Restrictions Notice.

“Not only did the offender not have a recreational net fishing licence, he fished in closed waters and also breached the bag limit for black bream – the daily limit is six,” he said. – DPIRD SEPTEMBER 2023 103

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Archipelago adventures DAMPIER/KARRATHA

Troy Honey

Karratha 2023 dry season took a little time to get going, mainly due to warmer waters that were slow to cool and persistent winds that kept persisting. Forward a couple of months and all the stars aligned for a spectacular season across the board for a variety of local species.

The demersal fishing has been five stars throughout July and

August. The winds have been ideal on most days and the fishing for red emperor, saddletail seaperch and rankin cod has been second to none with most boats that fish out towards the rigs, further north off Point Samson or south off 40 Mile, all have had no problem finding good numbers and with the added benefit of cooler waters and less shark activity. The reds and cods will continue to be caught in the 40-60m mark and you don’t need to find lumps. In fact, this is most likely where you will

encounter sharks. Search around or drift over the coral broken ground and there are plenty of fish out there.

Coral trout are in abundance throughout the region. Smaller specimens around 400-600mm are all around the islands but if you are chasing the bigger 700mm+ trouts, you will need to head out to the 40m mark or more where they tend to hang around structure. Another method is to cast lures and stick baits around the shoals and many reef systems that

Local angler Harper Mclean knows what it takes to be successful when targeting mud crabs in Karratha.

Using the right moon and tides, and putting in the hard yards staying out overnight, is the key to Harper’s success.

surround the archipelago.

Trout will rise up and hit lures often in attempt to protect rather than feed.

There are some large bar cheek trout that live in those shoals, and it is best to target them with lures in high visibility conditions.

If you don’t wish to head out too far, there are literally thousands of blueline emperor around every bit of structure in the waters off Dampier. Any bait will work a treat as they are not fussy eaters.

The larger blueline do tend to be caught in waters around 30m deep and are

regular victims to soft plastics and small jigs. Try around Cod Bank where you will find some great size blueline emperor and the odd trout and rankin cod, as well as the hard fighting chinaman fish.

If you like trolling, then now is the time to target Spanish mackerel. Most fishers who are picking up a few Spanish mackerel at the moment are heading out wide first for a demersal fish and then doing a bit of trolling as they head back past the islands on their way home. Make the most of the time going slower

to clean and sort the boat out a bit after a morning’s demersal fishing mayhem and then top up the esky with the very healthy eating Spaniards. They are averaging the 120cm in lengthy size at the moment, which is just perfect for quantity of fillets and quality of taste. Spanish mackerel often get a bad reputation for being oily, with a strong fishy taste.

However, when prepared properly and eaten fresh, it’s actually quite good to eat, especially when grilled or smoked. Spanish mackerel are very high

Billfish move around the islands EXMOUTH

Barry Taylor

This month’s report has been supplied by David Holder.

The water visibility has really improved over the past month; the west side was around 12m the other day, and the Gulf was 8m, which is good for this time of year.

Billfish are starting to move in around the islands, and we have been seeing actual pods of sailfish which is very exciting. You can catch them trolling a stitched-up garfish, or a small skirt like a Richter Soft Oscar, towed at around 6-7 knots at any of the northern islands. The fish will start pushing down towards the Gulf once the bait moves in, which should happen this month.

In the Gulf, all around the rocky outcrops and marina rock wall there are lots of little GTs around, and you can often see them 104 SEPTEMBER 2023

eating the hardyheads. These small predators are great fun to catch on light gear. Small 3” soft plastics (e.g. Berkley Gulp 3” Jerkshads) are great at this time of year, with a 1/4oz to 1/2oz jighead, depending on

the current. You can also catch them on metal slices or, if bait fishing is more your thing, half a mulie should do the trick.

Morning and night are good times to fish, or you can fish the tide change throughout the

Eye on the prize! This fish fell to a Richter skirt. Image courtesy of indepthanglerjosh.

middle of the day. It’s a matter of being there at the right time when the GTs are feeding.

As the water temperature starts to rise, mangrove jacks will become a more viable target. These fish like a nice, chunky soft plastic, and I generally use a ZMan 4” MinnowZ. The ZMans are a smart choice for toothy critters like jacks, because the tough plastic stands up to a jack attack much better than a cheaper plastic will (ditto for a mack attack). You can also get great results with smaller vibes such as the Samaki Vibelicious or Nomad Vertrex.

Land-based squidding is still going well, and boat-based anglers are catching them, too.

A customer came in recently and reported getting 15 squid for an afternoon, which is a good session. People are getting them off the rocky outcrops, or you can get them around low tide around the weed beds. Bundegi Flats is a good location for squid at the moment.

In the clear water, a white

This’ll raise ‘em! Image courtesy of indepthanglerjosh. squid jig is a good choice in the morning and at night, or on cloudy days. Throughout the day when there’s lots of sun, darker squid jigs tend to perform better. Cephalopods aren’t overly smart, but they do have preferences. One squid

jig that has been working well lately is the 3.0 IKA in glow bug or dark knight.

You can experience some great soft plastic fishing in the Gulf at this time of year, in around those 15-20m shoals. All

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Squid, both northern tiger and calamari are about in abundance with both land and boat-based anglers picking up quite a few through August.

Heading into September and October this should continue and then start to drop off rapidly as the water temp rises in November. While the conditions are still ideal for camping over night in the boat, the squid are attracted to light, and it is worth flicking a glowing squid jig around after dark. This also goes for places such as the fuel station jetty behind the ALBERTON yacht club at night if you ALBERTON MARINE are land-based.

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Good luck this month.

• For all the latest news on what’s biting and where, There should be some good catches of sailfish this drop in to Tackle World month. Image courtesy of indepthanglerjosh.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 105

WA

Out with the old, in with the new FRESHWATER

Peter Fragomeni

There was a time when September would mark the start of the official trout season in WA. A group of dedicated fly fishers would camp in their cars, and at midnight on the opening day, would wander the shores of our inland dams searching for those trout that would come in close, chasing any unfortunate critters that got caught up in the rising water level in spring.

I was one of those crazy dedicated fly anglers, and if the moon happened to come up after midnight (in conjunction with broken cloud) you could be in for

With the recent stocking of brown trout into Logue Brook Dam, it is important we look after this sensitive fishery, and release the newly stocked browns. is very handy and now a method used over east is finding its way over here in the way of Live Scope technology. I was fortunate to be aboard a vessel using this technique and was fascinated by how good it can be in the right hands.

It comes at a hefty price but like all things time will deteriorate the cost

Wellington Dam is a large body of water by WA standards. The recent stocking of trout has freshwater anglers excited for the future and is showing promising opportunities.

Redfin perch are widespread throughout our dams and can dominate the water creating a stunted variety. This one was the exception. some champagne fishing, catching fat rainbows that would cartwheel across the surface when hooked. You had to be skilful with the fly-rod and at times you couldn’t feel your fingers from the cold nights that could be as low as -2ºC. Those days are gone as we no longer have a closed season due to it being dropped over a decade ago.

I find this sad as other states are implementing better control methods to protect the fish stocks whereas our authorities take the attitude that they are stocked fish and not worthy of the same protection. There was even talk of lowering the size limit and even removing it all together but hopefully, that has been put on the 106 SEPTEMBER 2023

back burner. Having said all that, I still find some good fishing at certain times of the year and there’s no better time than right now. Reports coming in indicate that the northern waters are fishing slow with all the action coming from the Pemberton region

with trout dominating the catches.

Redfin are being caught throughout most areas, those able to get on the water and moving around until they find the suitable spots are having better results.

The use of a sounder

PREDICTED DAM LEVELS SOUTH WEST WA Overall storage in our dams that allow public access and recreational activities are currently 54% at the end of July compared to 61.7% as of the same time last year. After the good rains we had in June the July falls were below average. Hopefully some good falls occur in spring as some dams are extremely low.

WAROONA DAM 68% DRAKESBROOK WEIR 87% LOGUE BROOK DAM 70% HARVEY DAM 75% WELLINGTON DAM 65% GLEN MERVYN DAM 40% BIG BROOK DAM 100%

The Pemberton region is fishing well with quality brown trout on offer. This month will see fish like this one taking up station in the fast runs.

and it will be the norm in sounder technology.

AUSSIE NATIVE Not a lot to report recently as our dominate species is silver perch and the cold conditions tend to keep them less active. This month should see some increased activity in the northern part of the southwest and wheat-belt areas.

Waroona Dam Reports of a couple of browns circulated recently but I can’t confirm this.

The lack of Hatchery brood stock is a concern to those anglers that travel from Perth and are returning fishless. I predicted this as limited stock is available due to a hatchery revamp underway. Redfin have quietened off as well.

Drakesbrook Weir A few trout are showing up recently up the back area of this small weir. Things should pick up with a few nice big trout earmarked for this water. Redfin numbers seem to be consistent in this dam with a few in the 35cm range making their way to the net. It seems they are not fussy on types of lures they are taking with anything from spinners to soft plastics doing the damage.

Logue Brook Dam This water is our only soul trout fishery with the absence of redfin. It’s not clear why redfin haven’t taken hold in this sky blue water as a number of illegal

WA

stockings by inconsiderate individuals have taken place since the 70s.

It’s my theory that the lack of fertile ground is not suitable for reproduction that redfin require. This is the same as waters like Sampson Dam and Stirling Dam that hold a very small population of redfin. These waters are now off limits to the public but, were once good trout

however, tempting them is proving difficult. Trout are being elusive as the water is extremely low and if decent rain doesn’t fall in spring the irrigators will face problems this coming summer.

Lake Kepwari Good redfin are being caught however, you need to move around until you find where they are holding.

Hopefully next year will see bigger numbers of trout going into northern dams where most of the paying licensed anglers reside. Redfin are also being caught in this pretty little water.

RIVERS Murray River I went for a drive to this river and found it unfishable as it was flowing high and dirty. The end

Shaun Mclennan had success with landing this rainbow fishing the Pemberton region. It refused most of his offerings until it finally decided to play the game. bushland is required to fine the better areas.

Collie River below Wellington Dam

A good amount of water has been let out for the purpose of ridding the lower water column that

Lefroy Brook A couple of guys from WATFAA fished this stream but found the level

Fishing the moonrise after midnight was a favourite amongst the earlier generations of fly anglers in WA. It was cold yet still a favourite technique, especially if cloud covers the moon, turning on the dinner bell for trout like this one. fishing destinations until they were taken over by Watercorp and closed off.

With the introduction of brown trout into this dam its hoped that it won’t disrupt the rainbow trout that do so well at times.

It is recommended that if you are lucky enough to land a brown you return it to fight another day. This is the case in all the dams, especially those that have redfin as the browns seem to prey on them.

Harvey Dam The water is slowly rising so the nice grassy banks should start to fire this month. Trout are harder to locate as the reduced stocking is making it hard to find them in this larger water.

Redfin are still being caught in around cover and standing timber.

Wellington Dam A few trout are getting caught in the feeder streams with the main body being a bit quiet at present. Redfin are being a bit fussy however, a few about 40cm are hitting plastics in the 10-20m zone.

Glen Mervyn Dam Big redfin are still showing up on the sounder

Big Brook Dam By far the best of all the dams we have. It seems a lot of trout are going into this small water. This is great news for the locals and those fortunate to be able to travel the long distance from Perth but for those young anglers that can’t make that trip it’s been frustrating for them.

of September should fine better water levels.

Northern Jarrah Streams Good rains throughout the scarp has seen a good number of trout pushing up these streams recently.

These trout are up there spawning so please release them as some of these waters never get stocked.

Long walks through thick

Livescope and Active Imaging has changed the game in sonar technology enabling you to view moving targets.

Water levels start to settle this month and rivers become easier to fish. The faster sections are where the trout lie with the redfin preferring the slower pools.

holds the saltier water.

This made fishing difficult until the flow was reduced.

A few rainbows have been taken recently.

Collie River above Wellington Dam Redfin have been quiet up around the town but some trout have pushed up from Wellington Dam lower down.

Blackwood River High and dirty so things should clear later this month, and trout will show up with the section from Hester’s Brook to Nannup being the better area.

Warren River Still high and discoloured but like other rivers this one can clean up later this month. The feeder streams are holding good numbers of rainbows and a few browns as well.

was high downstream while the upstream section was more fishable. Later this month should see some dry flyfishing conditions with the sunnier days.

Donnelly River This river is flowing clearer in the upper reaches around One Tree Bridge.

A mate of mine spotted a couple of nice browns that refused his flies.

That is another rap up of our freshwater scene in WA. While we aren’t blessed with the best freshwater destinations in the country there are a few that offer reasonable angling if you put the effort in. Please release the browns in the northern waters as they are generally less available and seem to keep the redfin at bay.

Until next time, Stay Connected.

SEPTEMBER 2023 107

Wyaralong Dam’s Carp & Tilapia Eradication Comp It’s that time of year again!

The annual Logan & Albert Fish Management Association (LAFMA) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Wyaralong Dam, Carp & Tilapia Eradication Competition, scheduled for Saturday, 21 October 2023.

This family-oriented, one-day fishing event aims to catch and remove pest fish from the dam, specifically targeting carp and tilapia. Not only will you be contributing to the removal of noxious fish, but you’ll also be supporting LAFMA in raising funds to supplement the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme

(SIPS) and the stocking of the Logan and Albert River system. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting event!

The Wyaralong Dam, Carp & Tilapia Eradication Competition offers heaps of prizes and giveaways, with

one lucky entrant even having the chance to win a kayak!

The best part is that you don’t need to catch a fish to be eligible for the grand prize.

Fishing from the bank, kayak, canoe, or boat is allowed, but please note that this is an electric-only impoundment, and motors can be left on but must not be started.

The origins of this competition trace back 25 years when a group of concerned anglers in the Rathdowney/Beaudesert area initiated the ‘carp out, natives in’ concept. The primary objective was to remove

introduced noxious carp from the Logan and Albert River systems and replace them with native fish.

Wyaralong Dam, situated 14km northwest of Beaudesert, was completed in 2011 and filled shortly

thereafter. In 2012, LAFMA adopted Wyaralong Dam as a project for their fish stocking program, anticipating the potential infestation of carp and tilapia from the surrounding river system.

Tilapia, classified among the top 100 invasive species worldwide, pose significant environmental threats in Australia and globally.

These pests are responsible for spreading diseases and parasites, damaging riverbanks and ecosystems, and ultimately threatening native species’ survival. While fishing for tilapia and carp is encouraged as a population

control measure, it’s vital to handle them appropriately after capture.

If you happen to catch a tilapia or carp during the competition, remember not to keep or release them back into the water. Instead,

dispose of them humanely in a bin or bury them above the high-water mark. Even deceased tilapia can spread their offspring, as the females carry the eggs and young in their mouths. As responsible anglers, we all have a role in protecting our waterways from further introductions of invasive species.

Since 2013, the Carpbuster competitions focused exclusively on Wyaralong Dam, with all net profits directed towards stocking the dam and the Logan and Albert River system with Australian bass and Mary River cod fingerlings. LAFMA, in collaboration with Fisheries Qld, has made Wyaralong Dam a trophy Mary River cod fishery, primarily stocking Mary River cod, along with Australian bass as a secondary species.

Thanks to the contributions from competitions like this, as well as other fundraising activities, 95,600 Mary River cod fingerlings and 200,000 bass fingerlings have been successfully released into Wyaralong Dam since 2014.

These efforts have been crucial in supplementing the SIPS grants for Wyaralong and supporting the re-stocking of the Logan and Albert River with bass and the endangered Mary River cod.

In the 2022 competition, we witnessed the dedication of 280 competitors, including 98 juniors and teens, who collectively removed 1,174 pest fish from the dam, comprising 244 Carp and 930 Tilapia. The heaviest carp weighed in at an impressive 4.305kg, and the heaviest tilapia reached 2.855kg.

If you find yourself free on

the 21st of October, we invite you to come out to Wyaralong Dam, accompanied by your kids, and join us for a day of fishing while helping eradicate some of the pest fish.

For additional information, entry forms, and more, please visit our website: www.lafma. org. Please be reminded that a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is mandatory for those aged 18 years and above to fish at Wyaralong Dam. We are excited about this year’s Wyaralong Dam, Carp & Tilapia Eradication Competition and look forward to seeing you there! Together, let’s make a positive impact on our waterways and preserve the native fish species for future generations.

• Photos supplied by Jason and Nicole of Pest Fishing Adventures, report supplied by LAFMA.

Tournament Calendar 2023 Date SEPTEMBER 9-10 Sep 12-13 Sep 24 Sep 29-30 Sep OCTOBER 1 Oct 7-8 Oct 15 Oct 21 Oct 28-29 Oct NOVEMBER 23 Nov 10-12 Nov 24 Nov 26 Nov 28-29 Nov

Tournament

Location

State

Contact

BASS Pro R5 BASS Pro R6 ECBS Shimano Round BARRA R1

Hunter River Lake St Clair Botany Bay Lake Tinaroo

NSW NSW NSW QLD

abt.org.au abt.org.au wsbb.com.au abt.org.au

BARRA R2 Lake Tinaroo BASS Electric GF Wyaralong Dam ECBS Grand Final Sydney Harbour Wyaralong Carp and Tilapia comp Wyaralong Dam BASS Pro GF TBC

QLD QLD NSW QLD QLD

abt.org.au abt.org.au wsbb.com.au www.lafma.org abt.org.au

BARRA R3 BREAM GF BARRA R4 BARRA R5 BARRA R6

QLD NSW QLD QLD QLD

abt.org.au abt.org.au abt.org.au abt.org.au abt.org.au

Teemburra Dam Port Stephens Kinchant Dam Peter Faust Dam Peter Faust Dam

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au Just supply a date, venue, tournament name, telephone number and contact name.

108 SEPTEMBER 2023

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SEPTEMBER 2023 109

BREAM SERIES presented by

Lonne continues hot streak in DUO BREAM event Brisbane’s Chris Lonne has followed up his BREAM Queensland Open win with his maiden ABT Daiwa BREAM Series Qualifier win, at the DUO Lures sponsored event in Gladstone.

In an arena that holds both yellowfin and pikey bream, Chris focussed on the yellowfin at the mouth of the Boyne River to fill his bags on both days. He edged ahead of last year’s Gladstone winner, Tom Deer, to take the $2,000 prize cheque and a bonus $250 for running a Mercury outboard.

Run on the ABT app, the event contributes to community monitoring by providing the data from the event (and importantly, the images of the bream) to the Gladstone Healthy Harbours partnership to continue assessments of waterway health. All bream are released alive after being measured and photographed.

Lonne took the

the session, he moved to Rat Island but was discouraged by the 5-6 boats working a small area. He upgraded there once, but decided not to return on the Sunday.

This decision proved to be a masterstroke, with the Boyne reef yielding him Scan the QR code to watch the Boater Winners Interview

the biggest bag of the event on the final day, and spring boarding him into first place.

Here’s how he fished it.

“On the bottom of the tide, I’d start by throwing crankbaits around the structure, mainly a Jackall Chubby deep in Brown Suji colour,” Lonne said. “As the tide rose, I’d start potholing the deeper channels in the rock with a soft plastic presentation.”

Lonne made sure that he

Chris Lonne is certainly on a roll, continuing the trend of 2023 throwing up multiple event winners - he joins Healey, Langford and Morgan. did it all using the identical bait that won him the event in 2022.

Day 1: 5/5, 2.434kg Day 2: 5/5, 2.146kg Total: 10/10, 4.580kg For the last halfdecade, Deer has relied on

his faithful Atomic Hardz 38mm crankbaits in deep and mid-depth versions (rock crab and muddy prawn colours) to fill limits countrywide. He weights them with doctored split shot to make them suspend and to add valuable

It pays to run a Mercury in ABT events - Lonne added another $250 to his winnings by being the highest placed Mercury owner.

DUO Designed by Ultimate Organizer

opportunity to head up to the arena for a pre-fish before the practice ban, and located good yellowfin in a couple of areas within the arena – Rat Island out the front, and at the mouth of the Boyne River on a prominent rock complex.

Day 1: 5/5, 2.300kg Day 2: 5/5, 2.574kg Total: 10/10, 4.874kg On the first day of the event, Chris started on his Boyne River reef, and it ended up fishing much better than he expected. Later in

had gear heavy enough to extract the fish once hooked.

To do this he used a Millerods Brawler and Daiwa TD Sol, spooled with 10lb Atomic braid and 8lb Sunline FC Rock leader. On the end, he tied a 1/8oz TT jighead, and he rotated between several Bait Junkie and Z-Man grubs in bloodworm, camo and UV colours to keep the presentation fresh.

Instantly qualifying for the BREAM Grand Final in Port Stephens, NSW, later in the year, Lonne recounted

BOATER RESULTS

110 SEPTEMBER 2023

that his form in NSW is nowhere near as hot as it has been in Queensland events.

He’ll be there, though, giving it a go and trying to take the title back to Queensland.

DEER DROPS A SPOT ON 2022 At the 2022 version of this event, South Australia’s Tom Deer broke through for his maiden ABT BREAM event win. 2023 was marginally less kind to him.

After leading on Day 1, he dropped a spot to second place on the Sunday, and he

South Australia’s Tom Deer continued his great form at Gladstone with a solid second place.

Full results at abt.org.au

Place

Angler

Fish

Weight(kg)

Payout

1

Chris Lonne

10/10

4.874kg

$2,000 + $250 Mercury

2

Tom Deer

10/10

4.580kg

$900

3

Stephen Wilson

10/10

4.366kg

$750

4

Peter Breukel

10/10

4.123kg

$500 + $125 Mercury

5

Wally Fahey

9/10

4.004kg

$75 Mercury

6

Blake O’Grady

10/10

3.981kg

7

Jamie McKeown

10/10

3.582kg

8

Allan Murray

8/10

3.558kg

9

Sam Peck

8/10

3.324kg

10

Steve Morgan

10/10

3.224kg

$500 Atomic Big Bream

casting distance, which was definitely a help in the pressured part of the arena.

Tom decided not to fish the mouth of the Calliope River where he won from during the event. The fish weren’t as plentiful and there were too many anglers dividing them up to have a shot at winning there.

Instead, he headed to the concentrations of yellowfin bream that he found at the mouth of the system near Rat Island.

“I got there on the first day and had it basically to

BREAM SERIES presented by “You need to adapt to the situation as quickly as possible, and my experiences at ABT have helped me to do that,” he explained.

Taka’s gear consisted of a

myself until boats slowly started showing up,” Deer said.

He fished the rugged country on a flooding tide with the crankbaits, a 7’4” 151 Samurai Reaction rod spooled with 6lb Unitika braid and 6lb Sunline Rock Fish leader.

Tom does a lot of fly fishing for trout, and his stream craft skills from that arena were very useful in the high-flow, clear water,

Scan the QR code to watch the on water highlights

Scan the QR code to watch the NonBoater Winners Interview

rugged environment around the island.

“You could pick where the bream were sitting and it was a matter of getting your boat shallow enough and close enough to get a cast in there,” he said.

Tom favours a slow roll (or a faster roll of keeping up to the current), but adds a pause if the bite is finicky.

At the end of Day 1, Deer sat in the lead and went out of his way to thank

Taka Kawasaki made himself unbeatable in the non-Boater BREAM Angler of the Year race with his second win of the season.

Daiwa Infeet Z 702 LRS rod paired with an Infeet reel, J Braid and an 8lb J-Thread X-Link leader.

Taka can now travel to the Gold Coast feeling relaxed that his AOY trophy is already in the bag.

Year (AOY) race, closing out all challengers by winning his second trophy of the year from the back of the boat.

Never having fished the arena before, Taka got a half-day pre-fish in with Wally Fahey before the event briefing. He got to see a little bit of the arena and got a notion of what the fish might eat.

Drawing BARRA-gun but BREAM tyro Liam Robinson on Day 1,

BIG BREAM PRIZE

Yellowfin bream like this helped kick Kawasaki into the top spot at the back of the boat.

Pimpama’s Jamie McKeown scored the $500 and Samurai-rod-winning Big Bream at the mouth of the Boyne River on a Dan Stead PML Finesse Deep crankbait in chameleon colour, cast over a shallow rock bar. His winning fish measured 35cm to the fork, which equates to 0.933kg on the length-weight curve.

Blake O’Grady for yielding the area when he beat him there on Day 2.

With a 31cm fish in the books early on Day 2, Deer was poised for another solid bag, but ultimately, he fell around 300g short of Lonne’s mark.

TAKA NAILS AOY WITH SECOND WIN OF ‘23 Sydney Daiwa lure designer, Taka Kawasaki, forced a premature end to the non-boater Angler of the

Kawasaki defied the odds to end up leading after the first day of competition.

The pair fished EcogearAqua to the mangrove edges, and caught a mixed bag of yellowfin and pikey bream.

“My kicker fish was a yellowfin, which was a surprise to me,” Taka said, while also explaining how hard the smaller pikey bream fought.

Day 2 saw him paired with NSW’s Al Murray, and the pair fished the Rat Island area for the whole session. This day Taka used the Daiwa Infeet Kodachi crankbait in brown suji colour to crank the rocky shallows, even though his biggest fish came on a Cranka Crab that he threw into some water disturbed by a departing Curtis Island ferry.

NON- BOATER RESULTS Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Angler Taka Kawasaki Col Wilson Gary Middleton Cain Waller Nathan Booth Scott Scicluna Chris Findlay Jordan Armstrong Bill Bland Warren Jones

Fish 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 4/6 6/6 5/6 6/6 4/6 4/6

DUO Designed by Ultimate Organizer

Jamie McKeown virtually locked up the 2023 BREAM Angler of the Year in the Boater division - his bag helped by the event’s Atomic Big Bream on 35cm (0.933kg) that he landed on Day 2.

Full results at abt.org.au

Weight(kg) 2.650kg 2.398kg 2.041kg 1.919kg 1.905kg 1.568kg 1.528kg 1.516kg 1.328kg 1.270kg

Payout Daiwa pack Cranka pack Daiwa pack Maui Jim Sunglasses Daiwa Pack ProLure pack Samaki pack Atomic pack EJ Todds pack TT Pack SEPTEMBER 2023 111

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CrushCity by Rapala – NEW for 2023 One of the things creating a buzz at this year’s AFTA Tackle Trade Show was the release of Rapala’s new generation TPE soft plastic range, CrushCity. Two and a half years in the making, these five new plastics are set to become favourites for many Aussie anglers. Here is what to look for: THE CREEPER This 2.5” curl-tail grub is a twist on one of Australia’s most popular soft plastic shapes. It has all the features of a curltail grub with the addition of tiny paddlelike feet. These feet offer extra movement during a retrieve, further enhancing what a curl-tail already offers. Add to that the Creeper is also infused with shrimp scent and has a number of colours that feature the new Core Shot technology unique to the Rapala CrushCity Custom range (see the fact box for more details).

THE SUSPECT The Suspect is a 2.75” small profile paddle-tail baitfish imitation.

The versatility of this style of plastic has again made it a favourite of many Aussie anglers.

The Suspect is no exception, a slim profile to match a small baitfish, a paddle-tail that requires minimal movement to vibrate, the addition of infused baitfish scent, as well

HEAVY HITTER At 4” this a bigger profile paddle-tail soft plastic. My prediction for the Heavy Hitter is that it will be used to target many

This purple haze colour Imposter is a prawn imitation plastic that uses Rapala’s Core Shot technology to produce a lifelike colour combination. It is also infused with shrimp scent.

When they hit the shops this is what you are looking for – CrushCity by Rapala. as the plastic being salt impregnated (the last two are new to TPE plastics as far as the author knows) all make it a great offering in this small paddle-tail space.

THE IMPOSTER This prawn imitation soft plastic is 3” long and takes advantage of what TPE made soft plastics offer with the CrushCity twist. The suppleness of the plastic offers maximum movement (vibration) during a retrieve. A small kink in the tale provides a lifelike kick when hopped and the small legs under the body also provide additional subtle movement. A great prawn imitation, further enhanced by the Core Shot colours and infused shrimp scent.

THE JERK This is a 3.75” fork tail jerk shad soft plastic. It is a classic shape and size that will appeal to many of our estuary anglers, but certainly has a place for our inshore reef anglers too. It is also salt impregnated and is infused with baitfish scent, again making it a great option for those anglers who enjoy using this style of soft plastic.

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more species than its smallish size says it should. On a slow rolling retrieve, this lures attributes truly come to the fore. It has an enticing body roll and almost a

swaying action that will be the downfall of many species. It is also salt impregnated and is infused with a baitfish scent. There are plenty of species from barramundi to flathead that will like the look of these.

A FEW MORE DETAILS There are 8 colours in each of the styles and you get between five and eight plastics (depending on the size) in a packet. They have a MSRP of $11.95 per packet.

Like any TPE plastics, these plastics do not like playing with others. Mix them with other plastics (even lures with plastic components) or put them in a tackle tray that isn’t worm proof and they will morph into an unusable mess. So, it pays to store them correctly to ensure you can go out and enjoy using them.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS My first viewing of the CrushCity range came in the form of some preproduction samples. A small offering of colours in each of the shapes. I was instantly drawn to the Creeper and The Imposter lures. Partially because they look a little different but mainly because of the Core

There will be plenty of bream anglers that will love the CrushCity Creeper’s twist on a curl tail grub.

Shot colours available in these two styles.

It offers a very realistic look and really stands out. The second standout and something that truly appealed to me was when you opened the packet, you could smell the infused scents. When I am fishing I am constantly adding scent to my plastics (particularly TPE plastics). The CrushCity plastics are infused with either

The Suspect in whiting colour was the undoing of this flathead.

Small profile paddle-tail soft plastics are very versatile lures.

The Suspect fits the bill perfectly and the whitebait colour will be very popular.

shrimp or baitfish scent, which leaches out as you use them. A TPE plastic with infused scent instantly had my attention.

I was pretty keen to get out on the water and swim them, and the positive first impressions continued. The first lure to hit the water was the Heavy Hitter. The feedback through the rod of the paddletail was instant, however what was truly impressive was when the lure came into view. The body roll and natural movement of it instantly had me wanting to head to one of our SE Queensland barramundi dams to use it or wishing spring would come early

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Aaron Dunlop was impressed by the subtle action of The Imposter and the fish that it caught. so I could go chasing mangrove jack. I firmly believe the Heavy Hitter will find its way into many tackle bags, to target many different species, for its action alone.

Some more subtle things also became apparent on the water. My thoughts on small curl tail grubs has always been that you just have to trust that they are working (the tail), however the legs on the Creeper offer some resistance and feedback to the angler, which I enjoyed. Other things were how the small kink in the tail of The Imposter creates a kicking action when hopped, how much movement is in the tail of The Suspect paddle tail or even The Jerk’s tail if sat on the bottom or in flow.

Only small things, but things that could make a difference.

One last impression came when rigging the lures (two really). Like most TPE plastics they can be a little finicky to rig, so it is worth taking the time and rigging them as straight as possible. It is however, the introduction of salt impregnation to The Jerk, The Suspect and the Heavy Hitter styles that caught my eye. Although

Rapala CrushCity TPE soft plastics offer next generation features through their Smart Injection TechnologyTM like: Super TPE Material This material offers extended durability (less likely to be damaged by fish or when fighting a fish), stretch and suppleness (meaning maximum movement during a retrieve or at rest). TPE is also positively buoyant so the plastics will have a natural tail up position on a jighead at rest.

Salt impregnated and Scent infused The Suspect, The Jerk and Heavy Hitter ranges are salt impregnated and have a baitfish scent infused in them while the Creeper and The Imposter have a shrimp scent infusion and no salt impregnation.

Core Shot technology The Imposter and Creeper ranges offer Core Shot colour options. A realistic and different way of adding colour to a range.

Another quality flathead that fell victim to The Suspect CrushCity soft plastic in whitebait colour.

This 56cm flathead was the author’s first fish on the CrushCity jerk baits.

TPE has revolutionised the soft plastic industry, one thing that has stood out amongst standard soft plastic baits has been salt impregnation, particularly on pressured waterways and fish. It can be the difference between getting a bite or not – just another advantage these CrushCity baits offer.

RESULTS PROVIDE THE ANSWERS I would have loved to have longer to test these plastics, as I like to offer a thorough opinion, however in this case I am pretty confident that the Rapala CrushCity soft plastics are on the money. With less than half a dozen trips under my belt using them I have managed to capture over ten species of fish and I am confident that all styles and colours (that I got) work. In fact, I am very keen to try a few colours that I didn’t get as they become available. These next generation TPE plastics from Rapala do seem to offer something new and it will be interesting to see how anglers take to them and where they will go from here with them.

Why not go and check them out at your local tackle store or look at them online at www.rapala.com.au.

Although the author would have loved longer to put the CrushCity plastics through their paces, he was impressed with the next generation features of the range and the variety of species he caught on them.

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AFTA FISHING TACKLE, MARINE AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW

BEST OF SHOW AWARDS

The AFTA Tackle Show, Australia’s only tackle trade show, was a great success this year. The annual 3-day event lets the entire industry come together to showcase new products at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and it’s always a memorable event.

In years past, the show was open only to wholesalers, retailers and the media, but now the Australian Fishing Trade Association has opened up the final day to the fishing public, so anglers can see the very latest tackle and accessories – some of which haven’t even hit the market yet!

The true highlight of the show, however, is the Best of Show Awards – where the latest product releases are judged according to their level of innovation, effectiveness and value for money – and we have compiled all the 2023 winners here for you. The judges are the tackle retailers, who are well-versed in what sets a product apart from its peers.

BEST ROD WINNER Shimano Zodias Travel Shimano’s Zodias range of rods has now been expanded to include travel rods, and they are ideal for all travelling anglers looking for a premium, sensitive and lightweight travel rod.

The Zodias Travel Series utilises the same Zodias Hi Power X Blanks, Carbon Monocoque Butt and Fuji Stainless Steel K Guides as the original rod series, with Alconite + SiC tip inserts.

The Shimano CI4+ engineered reel seat offers complete comfort, and the full carbon monocoque butt section delivers instant feedback from any bump, rock and bite.

The Zodias Travel Series comprises four baitcast outfits and three spin outfits, in 4-piece and 5-piece configurations.

Ideal for all your estuary, river and impoundment adventures, you’ll be able to take these rods almost anywhere on your travels. www.shimanofish.com.au

BEST COMBO WINNER Wilson Electric Assist Combo (WECOM3) The Wilson Electric Assist Combo was designed to give the power back to the angler. This combo comes with the Wilson 3000 electric reel powered by the 3.5 amp Wilson Electric Assist battery and presented on the Live Fibre RLFEA1S, which is a PE 2-4, straight butt rod designed with a specific taper to make electric fishing a breeze.

During testing, this combo was pitted against the likes of bar cod, flame tailed snapper and pearl perch. Even a billfish managed to get amongst the action!

Due just before Christmas this year, the WECOM3 will be ideal for anglers fishing for West Australian dhufish, snapper and Tasmanian trumpeter down south, as well as snapper, bar cod and pearl perch up the east coast and nannygai and red emperor further north. www.wilsonfishing.com

2023

BEST FLY FISHING PRODUCT

BEST ROD WINNER

WINNER G.Loomis IMX-Pro V2 Developed to cover a broad spectrum of modern freshwater applications, the G.Loomis IMX-Pro V2 boasts a mix of standard and technique-specific actions curated to offer anglers tools to elevate every on-water experience.

G. Loomis design engineers rolled this collection of smooth recovering actions using a new blend of technologies — Conduit Core and GL7 resin system — to increase strength and impact resistance without the extra weight. Designed to be day-in, day-out ‘workhorses’, IMX-Pro V2 oozes performance and utility, making them incredibly enjoyable rods to fish. www.gloomis.com.au

BEST COMBO WINNER

BEST REEL WINNER Shimano 23 Stradic The Stradic FM is the newest addition to Shimano’s CoreSolid line-up of spinning reels.

Showcasing reel technologies passed down from Shimano’s flagship spinning reels, the redesigned Stradic FM adds InfinityXross technology for unsurpassed gear durability and synergy by extending the gear tooth horizontally to distribute load across the gear tooth more evenly.

This parlays Shimano’s legacy of coldforged Hagane gearing for added strength with the refinement of MicroModule II for the ultimate reeling experience.

The addition of InfinityDrive delivers light rotation and increased cranking power under load, while the new Duracross Drag system provides the smooth performance of felt with up to 10 times the durability.

Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating and specially designed, waterchannelling labyrinth construction ensure a lifetime of dependable performance by stopping water penetration in key areas without adding a heavy rotational feel.

The new Anti-Twist Fin — an elastic polymer on the underside of the roller — enhances line management for anglers fishing monofilament or fluorocarbon line. www.shimanofish.com.au

BEST REEL WINNER

BEST LINE WINNER Daiwa J-Braid Expedition Daiwa’s new J-Braid Expedition braid features the same IZANAS fibre construction that has made J-BRAID so popular, but now featuring Daiwa’s Silicon ‘Coating PE’ technology to create a slicker, smoother braid with hydrophobic properties that increases durability and enhances feel.

The silicon coating means the braid does not absorb any water, and importantly this means the braid also does not absorb the silt and sediment present in that water, which is the number 1 cause of braided line wear over time. By shedding the water thanks to its hydrophobic properties, J-Braid Expedition will last longer than traditional braided lines, providing more value and greater performance.

The benefits don’t stop there either – with an incredibly high weave count, J-Braid Expedition is braided tighter than almost any other line on the market, providing an incredibly round profile braid which will not separate and fray when in use.

J-Braid Expedition is available in two colour options (hi-vis orange and metered multi-colour) in 150m, 300m, 500m and 3000m bulk spools across PE ratings from #0.6 (8lb) through to PE #8 (90lb). www.daiwafishing.com.au

BEST FLY FISHING PRODUCT BEST LINE WINNERS

2023 BEST SOFT LURE

AFTA FISHING TACKLE, MARINE AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW

BEST OF SHOW AWARDS

BEST SOFT LURE

BEST GAME FISH ACCESSORY

WINNER

CO WINNER

RAPALA CRUSHCITY IMPOSTER

OCEAN’S LEGACY HD HEAVY SW PLIERS

The CrushCity Imposter is the perfect prawn or shrimp imitation. It is made from supple TPE material and has been designed to produce subtle movements like that of the real thing, fooling even the wariest of predators.

The TPE material has been infused with shrimp scent to improve the appeal to fish, and is highly durable, lasting multiple fish per plastic.

The Imposter has been designed to be rigged either on a standard jighead or weedless on a worm hook, and is matched perfectly to the VMC Brawler Jigheads.

Rigged on a standard jighead, the Imposter will hop and dart with rod twitches or simply swim seductively, with its legs and appendages vibrating in the water.

When rigged weedless, the Imposter utilises the back slit to help hide the hook point, allowing anglers to fish it deep into the snags where the predators lurk. www.rapala.com.au

BEST HARD LURE

BEST HARD LURE WINNER BEST GAME FISHING LURE

BEST GAME FISHING ACCESSORY

BEST TERMINAL TACKLE

Oceans Legacy’s HD Heavy SW Pliers will open split rings sized #6 to size #11 with ease. These pliers are perfect for medium to heavy jigs and topwater lures.

Features include: CNC machined 6061 aluminium construction with an ergonomic design; oversized internal bearing design for smooth operation; long handle and spring for all day use; custom designed, high-quality stainless steel jaws with a Teflon coating for repeated use; hardened tungsten carbide cutters suitable for cutting PE line and mono line; comes with a custom stainless steel bottle opener, and recess holes on the handle as a hook tightening tool.

The pliers are available in blue, purple and gold, and come with a high quality, protective pouch. There is also a smaller model that is suitable for opening size #3 to size #10 split rings, making it idea for slow jigging, light jigging, and light to medium topwater fishing applications. www.oceanslegacy.com

BASSDAY SUGAPEN SPLASH

CO WINNER

The Bassday Sugapen Splash features a unique and realistic design, mimicking the appearance of a small prawn struggling on the water’s surface. Its concave face creates a captivating splash and popping sound, creating a commotion that attracts fish from a distance.

One of the standout features of the Sugapen Splash is its versatility. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this lure adapts seamlessly to various fishing conditions. Its compact size and aerodynamic shape allow for accurate and long-distance casts, reaching fish in hardto-reach areas.

Crafted with durability in mind, the Bassday Sugapen Splash is built to withstand aggressive strikes and rough fishing environments. Its high-quality components, including sharp treble hooks and strong split rings, ensure secure hooks ups and reliable performance.

Anglers have praised the Sugapen Splash for its ability to trigger explosive strikes from whiting, flathead and other predatory species. Its realistic appearance, enticing action, and proven track record make it a go-to choice for anglers targeting topwater bites. www.bassday.com.au

Introducing Toit Fishing’s only range of tools, made in the United Kingdom. This unique Split Ring Pliers encapsulates the prowess of British design, ingenuity and engineering. The handle is precision machined to exacting tolerances, incorporating 5-Axis CNC technology and billet machined from 6082-T6 aluminium. The nine stainless steel 60HRC inserts, capable of opening split rings ranging in sizes from #1 - #12, are included in the kit.

The unique ceramic-polymer technology coating (Prussian color Cerakote) improves corrosion resistance, durability and hardness, and it’s UV stable with both chemical resistance and thermal stability.

The pliers are housed in a blue polyester thermoformed moulded outer case, with an EVA insert in both the lid and the base, and are supplied with a Gedore-Red 6mm Chrome Vanadium spanner.

Patent pending technology underpins the biggest evolution in pliers design this century, with a removable jaw concept and nose cone detail. www.wilsonfishing.com

TOIT FISHING PRUSSIAN PLIER KIT

BEST GAME FISHING LURE WINNER OCEAN’S LEGACY KEELING POP The Ocean’s Legacy Keeling Pop is the end result of a long quest for ‘finding the right sound’ which commenced during the 2020 Safari at the Cocos Keeling Islands off the coast of WA. The Ocean’s Legacy Keeling Pop has been extensively tested, refined and improved since then. The cup face has been specifically designed and shaped to ensure maximum water displacement with popping efficiency, and the body has been shaped and balanced for stability in rough, choppy conditions. Full stainless steel through wire combines with Ocean’s Legacy’s honeycomb structure to deliver incredible strength. This lure is tuned to perfection so you can pop with confidence and drive the biggest, largest predators crazy.

The Keeling Pop is available in four sizes and eight irresistible colours (including Ocean’s Legacy’s special UV paint) to cover everything from reef flats to the largest bluewater pelagics. www.oceanslegacy.com

BEST TERMINAL TACKLE WINNER BARAMBAH CHIN NUTS If you want to quickly turn a floating lure into a suspending one, or a suspending lure into a sinking one – or just make your presentation sink faster – check out the new Chin Nuts from Barambah Lures.

The brainchild of lure designer Matt Fraser, Chin Nuts are a system of weights that can clip onto your lure’s eyelet, squid jig or weedless jig. They are easy to use, with a simple twist-on and twist-off design, and they’re good value for money ($9.95 for a pack of three).

Chin Nuts come in a range of sizes and have the weight engraved on them for easy identification. Although Matt has designed them to perfectly match his popular Detonator range of lures, which have a thin eyelet on them, the Chin Nuts will work just fine with other lures as well.

And as a bonus, these weights provide a better return on Live Sonar. www.barambahlures.com

AFTA FISHING TACKLE, MARINE AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW

BEST OF SHOW AWARDS

BEST SUNGLASSES WINNER TONIC OUTBACK LITHIUM The popular Tonic Outback, which was originally available only in black, now comes in a slick-looking, transparent grey frame, called Lithium.

Outback offers a style that is extremely comfortable, making it suitable for all day wear in any conditions. Available in the SliceLens, Outback will cut through glare and increase clarity no matter what activity you’re involved in. At only 1.7mm thin, SliceLens is lighter than any other lens on the market.

Of course, all Tonic lenses feature polarisation, with Tonic’s custom filtration system, and are made from Crown Corning Glass – the clearest glass lens available. The lens is decentered to provide the wearer with true depth and distance, which is especially important when sight casting, and its antireflective coating reduces ‘bounce back’ on the inside of the lens.

The available lens options for the Outback Lithium are: Glass Grey Photochromic and Glass Blue Mirror. The Outback Matt Black comes in Glass Blue Mirror, Green Mirror, Photochromic Copper, Photochromic Grey, and super low light Neon (prescription lens options available). www.toniceyewear.com

BEST OUTDOOR/CAMPING WINNER ROAD CHEF MICRO DINGKER If you have a microwave in your caravan, you are going to love the Road Chef Micro Dingker. This clever product allows you to cook toasted sandwiches (and more) perfectly in your microwave, so there’s no need for a jaffle-maker.

The silicone-lined, advanced alloy cooking plates distribute the heat quickly and evenly, making the outside of your food crisp and golden. The microwave will heat your food from the inside out, keeping it juicy and oozy. Your toasted sandwich will be ready to eat in just three minutes.

As well as toasted sandwiches, you can also try wraps, bagels and scrolls, or even cook hamburger patties, chicken thighs and wings, bacon or even crab cakes. Experiment and see what you can come up with.

The Road Chef Micro Dingker has a nonstick coating, is BPA free and dishwasher safe. It easily pulls apart for cleaning. www.rpminnovations.com.au

BEST FISH/BOAT ACCESSORY WINNER MINN KOTA INSTINCT Big water, bigger boats – that’s where Instinct comes in. With available shaft lengths up to 100” and the most dependable automatic stow and deploy ever built, Instinct comes ready to go where other trolling motors won’t.

The new Instinct Quest series of dual 24/36V brushless trolling motors was designed to thrive in the harshest environments. With a reinforced motor and mount, more advanced GPS functionality than ever and even an eco mode to extend battery life, Instinct is ready to tackle the elements where the waves are high.

You can stow or deploy Instinct, or trim it up and down, just by pushing a button on your wireless remote, foot pedal, the One-Boat Network app or Humminbird fish finder.

Instinct uses GPS to control your trolling motor with features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from the easy-to-read LCD

2023

screen of Instinct’s wireless remote.

Out of the box, Minn Kota motors come standard with everything you need to connect to select Humminbird fish finders, unlocking more advanced navigation features without needing to remember additional adapters or complicated set-up procedures.

Drift Mode gives you point-and-shoot navigation for superior boat control in any direction, at any speed without the need of sea anchors, kicker motors, or manual operation – even in the heaviest wind and current. With the built-in heading sensor, you can use the Jog feature to move your SpotLock location 5ft in any direction.

There’s a real-time, ‘time until empty’ display monitor, with a notification when battery power is reduced to 20% to prompt users to enter ‘Eco-mode’, which can reduce current draw to extend battery life.

Digital Maximizer provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge.

These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing.

At the core of the motor is Minn Kota’s indestructible composite shaft, which is guaranteed for life. www.minnkota.com.au

BEST SUNGLASSES

BEST OUTDOOR/CAMPING

BEST DIVE/WATERSPORT WINNER HUK ROGUE WAVE FISHING BOOT Sometimes, the best fishing is found in the worst conditions, and Huk’s Rogue Wave fishing boots have been designed for allday comfort and engineered for optimal performance in any conditions.

These slip-on style boots are constructed of incredibly durable neoprene rubber for protection from the elements, and to provide reliable strength. Carefully designed with positive traction in wet conditions, Huk’s exclusive Grip-X Slice outsole traction pattern and microchannels ensure stable footing that grabs in all directions, no matter how slick the boat deck or dock may become.

Breathable mesh liners help ensure the boots stay dry on the inside, keeping the wet on the outside. The comfortable rounded toe and non-marking outer sole help make the Huk Rogue Wave boots the right fit for wet weather. jmgillies.com.au/brands/huk-apparel

BEST FISH/BOAT ACCESSORY

JOHN DUNPHY AWARD WINNER 22 EXIST SF Daiwa light tackle spin reel design continues to break new ground with the release of Daiwa’s lightest spin reel ever, the 22 Exist SF. The latest addition to the 22 Exist line-up, the Exist SF features Daiwa’s latest spin reel design concept, Airdrive Design, a four pillar (Airdrive Rotor, Airdrive Bail, Airdrive Spool, and Airdrive Shaft) design concept that reduces weight, and enhances rotational smoothness and responsiveness to create a reel that is next level in both form and function.

Airdrive Design combines with proven Daiwa technologies including Monocoque Body, Magseal, Tough Digigear, ATD, and Twistbuster, to deliver anglers their most advanced Exist reel ever.

The Exist SF (Super Finesse) takes ultralight spin reel design to another level, with its sub-150g weight achieved through a smaller compact body, designed to reduce overall weight and reel size. Weight and size reduction is further achieved courtesy of a new short-stroke spool that results in a more compact, finesse focused reel.

Light, nimble and flawless in the hand, the new Exist SF once again showcases the Daiwa Exist as the leader in innovation and design. www.daiwafishing.com.au

BEST DIVE/WATERSPORT

JOHN DUNPHY AWARD FOR INNOVATION

2023 BEST GAME FISHING ROD WINNER

AFTA FISHING TACKLE, MARINE AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW

BEST OF SHOW AWARDS

BEST CLOTHING ACCESSORY WINNER DAIWA GORETEX RAINWEAR

BEST CLOTHING ACCESSORY

BEST TACKLE MANAGEMENT

Daiwa’s Goretex range of wet weather gear has been purpose designed for the Australian market. Goretex is suited to both cold and warm environments, as it’s uniquely breathable whilst still cutting wind chill to a minimum.

The Goretex jacket features top quality YKK AquaGuard zippers, and the hood has a high-stand collar with ventilation which can be worn over the face. The hood’s air-tunnel opening makes high-speed boat rides no problem, while a 3-way adjustment in the hood allows for perfect BESTaround CLOTHING ACCESSORY closure the centre panel design for a comfortable fit.

A concealed bottom hem cord stopper can cinch down the bottom of the jacket without loose cords and stoppers to tangle in wayward fishing line. Doublecuffed sleeves prevent the dreaded water seepage down the arm when fishing in heavy rain.

The Goretex bib and brace set gives complete coverage so you can sit down during rain. A buckle-less strap design with square shaped soft loops increases comfort for long sessions, and a gusseted crotch increases freedom of movement, so you never feel restricted. Zip open pant bottoms enable them to be slipped over boots easily.

Sizes range from S-3XL. www.daiwafishing.com.au

BEST GAME FISHING ROD WINNER Shimano SpeedMaster Game

The SpeedMaster Game series utilises Shimano’s strong and lightweight TC4 blank technology to deliver a dependable tournament game fishing and deep drop line-up.

Quality Fuji SiC guides with AFTCO Roller Tips provide control and preserve the performance of line during the fight,

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNERS

This year, members of the angling public also got the chance to vote for their favourite products on the final day of the show, in the People’s Choice Awards. Interestingly, most of the People’s Choice winners were different from the Best of Show winners – which is a sign of how close these races can be. The products that took out both awards were: • Rod: Shimano Zodias Travel • Soft Lure: Rapala CrushCity Imposter • Game Accessory: Ocean’s Legacy HD Offshore Pliers • Line: Daiwa J-Braid Expedition • Fishing/Boating Accessory: Minn Kota Instinct • Clothing Accessory: Daiwa Goretex Rain Jacket • Innovation: Daiwa 23 Exist SF • Game Lure co-winner: Ocean’s Legacy Keeling Pop The other winners in the People’s Choice Awards were: • Hard Lure: Nomad DTX 180 Heavy Duty • Terminal Tackle: Nomad BKK Heavy Duty Gang Hooks • Tackle Management: Daiwa D-Box SSU • Watersports/Diving: AFN Omni Bag • Outdoor/Camping Product: AFN Tango Kingfish Bottle Opener • Game Fishing Rod: Wilson Fishing Bone 3-piece Travel Jig Rod • Combo: Daiwa 23 Airity 2000S-P, 23 Infeet Z 712LFS • Fly Product: Hardy Fortuna Regent 6000 reel • Sunglasses: Live Visio XG Caspian Mirror, Polar Matt Black • Game Lure co-winner: JM Gillies Bluewater Bullet Jet • Reel: Daiwa 23 Saltiga 6000-XH

and ensures you keep the upper hand against whatever you may hook. To guarantee your favourite game reel fits perfectly to the rod, an aluminium Pac Bay reel seat and channel lock butt is used for the ultimate in strength and durability.

This is especially important because the strength and rigidity of your outfit will be upheld when under fighting load.

Tested on some of Australia’s hardest fighting game fish, the Speedmaster Game series covers five models across 15kg, 24kg and 37kg line classes for trolling and livebaiting, including a dedicated 7’ 24kg land-based game (LBG) rod and a 5’6” PE 8-10 deep drop rod. www.shimanofish.com.au

BEST TACKLE MANAGEMENT WINNER TT TACKLE SLING BAG The TT Tackle Sling Bag is perfect for anglers that are fishing land based and want to stay mobile. Constructed from quality, water-resistant material, the Tackle Sling features a padded back and wide, padded strap for comfort, along with a buckle for simple strap adjustment. Swing the bag around to your back and get fishing, or swing it around to your front and you have access to everything at your fingertips.

Features include a built-in rod holder to keep your rod off the ground, safe and dry, when rigging and accessing the pack; three D ring attachment points for scissors, tools and accessories; and a tool pocket with Velcro closure to secure a pair of pliers.

Storage includes one main compartment designed to hold a medium size TT Waterproof Tackle Tray, drink, snacks, first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray or other large items. The two smaller front trays each hold a small TT Waterproof Tackle Tray and are also ideal for soft plastics, scent, leader, and other accessories. These storage compartments are finished with quality two-way SBS heavy-duty zips. www.ttfishing.com

The strength of soft plastics PART 1 SYDNEY

Tom Slater

The old question “If you could choose only one lure, what would it be?” might be difficult for some people to answer. For myself, however, it couldn’t be simpler. When I need to just go out with

plastics, usually a 2.5” Bait Junkie grub or minnow. I have the good fortune of fishing from a bass boat, where I can have multiple outfits rigged up with different weights, but if I could only choose one weight, I’d reach for a 1/12oz #1 Bait Junkie jighead every single time.

When it comes to colours, I’m a firm believer

even bend down and pick up another rod.

It’s a pattern known as ‘junk fishing’. Basically, you’re just fishing whatever is in front of you, not specifically moving from spot to spot. It’s a method of fishing that is very well suited to a soft plastic.

If the bank is shallow and rocky you can swim

Fish Oil UV is one of the author’s favourite colours in the Bait Junkie line-up. one rod and get results, I reach for a jighead-rigged soft plastic. Soft plastics have totally revolutionised the Australian sportfishing scene over the past 15 years, and the results speak for themselves.

This feature article is not intended to be a ‘how-to’ article for beginners, as that topic has been covered. Think of this more as a collection of tips to help you get the most out of your soft plastic sessions. And remember, a soft plastic might not have the shiny shelf appeal of a new hardbody, but in a lot of cases it is much more versatile and effective.

KEEP IT SIMPLE The first rods rigged for me anytime I go fishing have an array of jighead-rigged soft

in finding your confidence baits and sticking to them.

You can’t go wrong with the staples like motor oil and bloodworm, but we’ll cover gear selection in more depth later on.

The reason I rig these first is I don’t want to waste time constantly tying on new lures during the day’s fishing. Like most anglers, I don’t get to spend as many days on the water as I’d like, so when I do, I don’t want to waste time.

I’m always very confident I can learn whether there are fish to be caught in the area by fishing a soft plastic. The great thing about a soft plastic is you can alter your retrieve to suit varying different structure types or areas without the need to

Estuary perch are a sucker for a well-presented soft plastic. This one ate a 2.5” Minnow. the Hawkesbury River, and I was throwing a 2.5” Bait Junkie Minnow on a 1/12oz jighead and catching a perch every few casts on an isolated rocky outcrop.

My friend couldn’t get a bite, but he was fishing too fast, and not letting his lure

A good collection of plastics and jigheads will see you through almost any situation.

All estuary species love a well-presented soft plastic.

118 SEPTEMBER 2023

the plastic over the top, or use any current to wash it naturally over the shallows.

If you find vertical structure, you can sink it down and fish the whole water column.

Boat hulls, oyster racks, boat ramps, pontoons – you name it, you can fish it effectively with a soft plastic.

LAND-BASED FISHING This scenario is exacerbated when fishing land-based, as very few of us could be bothered taking more than one rod on a landbased session. With your fishing area limited to how fast and far you want to walk, you’re forced to fish what’s in front of you.

In these circumstances, a soft plastic is infinitely more versatile. If you’re not stopping every five minutes to dig into a backpack and re-tie a different lure, you are far more likely to make more casts, and more casts each day ultimately means more fish caught.

One of the most common mistakes I see people make when fishing with me on is spending far too much time changing lures. It’s an easy trap to fall into, especially

when searching for confidence in a new system or a new lure.

ADAPTING YOUR TECHNIQUE It’s tough when you’re sharing water with someone who is onto a hot bite, and you can’t seem to raise a scale. How many times have you heard someone say, “I was throwing the same exact thing but wasn’t getting a bite”? In these scenarios, it’s ultimately something that person is doing, not what’s on the end of their line that’s making the difference. If you adjust your technique to match your friend’s, your luck can change in an instant.

This happened to a friend from work when he was on a trip with me. We were fishing for estuary perch in

sink naturally in the current.

His lure was falling on a semi-tight line, pulling his lure away from the structure.

I called him over my shoulder and showed him what I was looking at on Humminbird Mega Live. It was a large boulder which was causing an eddy on the back side. The perch were stacked up out of the current. When I explained he had to get his lure to sink vertically on a slack line, he immediately started catching fish.

Prior to that he’d been having two or three casts with a lure, then wasting time by cutting it off and trying something else, while I was making casts and catching fish the whole time. It was good to see him adopt my approach and start catching fish.

Next issue we will go on to discuss tips, tricks and tackle; how to rig your plastics straight; and effective ways to retrieve them.

Tom Slater is the head product designer at Daiwa Australia, and fishes his own gear as often as he can.

Fishing a soft plastic is a great way to find fish in a new system.

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Times and Heights of SOUTH High and Low Waters Local TimesLONSDALE and Heights of Time High and Low Waters SYDNEY (FORT (FORT DENISON) DENISON) –– NEW NEW SOUTH WALES WALES POINT – VICTORIA LAT 38° 18ʼ S LONG 144° 33° 51ʼ S SYDNEY LONG LAT 151° 14ʼ 33° 51ʼE S LONG 151° 14ʼ E LAT 38° 18ʼ S37ʼ E LONG 144° 37ʼ E LAT LAT 33° 33° 51ʼ 51ʼ SSof High LONG LONG 151° 151° 14ʼ 14ʼ EE LAT LAT 38° 38° 18ʼ 18ʼ SS AUGUST LONG LONG 144° 144° 37ʼ 37ʼ EE JULY JUNE MAY JUNE and Heights and Low Waters Time Times and Heights of High and Low Waters nd Heights of HighTimes and Low Waters Local Time Times andMAY Heights ofLocal High and Low Waters Times Times and and Heights Heights of of High High and and Low Low Waters Waters Local Local Time Time Times Times and and Heights Heights of of High High and and Low Low Waters Waters Time Time m Time mJULY Time Time m m JULY Time mMAY m Time m Time MAY m Time mm Time mm Time Time Time JUNE AUGUST JUNE JULY JUNE AUGUST JUNE MAY JULY NOVEMBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER Time Time m Time m Time Time m Time mOCTOBER Time m Time Time mm Time m Time m Time m OCTOBER m Timem m DECEMBER Time m

00061.36 1.68 0519 0.58 0633 0.53 0145 0.69 1.34 0150 1.40 1.26 0554 0.36 0037 1.78 00571.41 1.60 0557 0046 0452 0623 0034 Time m1.30 m 1 1 Time Time m0.43 m 11 0807 Time Time m0.49m 16 Time m0.5416 Time Time Time m 1 0735 T 16 1 1ime 16 Time m Time m 0646 1117 m1.28 1238 0750 0.51 0.62 1155 m1.39 16 0740 0744 16 0735 1.30 1148 0.55 1041 0.38 1158 0.58 1 13580623 1 0.69 160034 1 0049 16WE 1245 0 1 16 1 0557 16 16 SU0633 11.40 16 13031.34 1.43 16400.53 0.75 1804 0.76 1430 1.59 0.58 1446 1.43 0.51 17251.78 0.65 1345 1.33 1.3816 A037 TU SU1904 MO 1245 0006 1.68 0145 0150 1.26 0057 1.60 0.80 1900 1.50 1748 1.58 1.54 SAFR MO FRTH TU 1.36 0046 0452 1.41WE 1848 0.66 2110 0.56 2359 1.88 1911 0.79 1940 0.78 2314 1.71 2114 0.76 16 16 16 16 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 16 16 16 16 1 16 1 16 1 16 1 16 16 1 16 0646 1148 0.43 0.55 2319 1238 1.30 0807 0.62 0.58 0750 740 0.49 0744 0.54 0.38 16 1.44 1.35 1928 0.74 11 0 1 1158 1 1041 16 0.51 1 0735 1.47 1935 16 0748 0735 1.30 1303 1.43 1430 1.59 1446 1.43 345 1.33 WE 1804 0.76 1358 1.38 TH FR SU MO 1900 1.50 17481.66 1.58 1904 SA 1 SA MO FR TU 1245 WE 1245 TH 1257 0030 1.68 0.61 0255 1.18 0.75 0135 0301 1.25 0.87 0130 0138 0148 1.471.54 2110 0100 1.58 0.80 0043 07000.79 0.43 0023 0.74 0.68 0534 1.38 0.65 1848 0.56 0.78 0.74 2114 0.76 17 2 2 17 2 17 1935 1.44 1922 1.42 2 2319 1928 1.54 17 17 17 0608 2 2 0.66 2 17 2 17 2911 21940 2 17 0.52 17 1207 1.25 0858 0.65 0853 0.56 0835 0.54 17 0724 0828 0.58 0733 0.45 1300 1.31 2 2 2 1121 0.42 17 0656 1.29 0735 1.40 17 0842 1.32 0849 1335 1.34 1726 0.80 1542 1.47 1538 1.64 1447 1.35 1451 1.41 1359 1.49 1825 0.74 TH MO1256170.68 WE TU2 FR U138 1.66 0255 0043 0100 1.58 17 0301 1336 0.89 1231 0.65 0.68 1836 1.52 17 17 1.68 222WE0148 17 171.47 17 21.18 220.8117 17 17 22 MO0030 2219060023 1719571.25 17 TH 13452 0 2 TU SUSA SA 0.74 0135 0534 1.38 0.65 0.77 2227 0130 0.72 0.47 2230 0133 0.50 0.57 2019 0.82 20450.65 0.67 2 17 0858 835 0.54 17 0724 0.52 0828 0.58 0733 0.45 0853 0.56 1.40 1.37 2023 1947 1.44 1959 1.51 21 17 17 17 2 2 2 0842 1.32 0848 0656 1.29 1121 0.42 0735 1.40 0849 1.50 2019 1.47 18 447 1.3518TH 1335 1.34 1.41 SAPOINT 1359 1.49 1.64 MO 1542 FR 1451 TU 1538 18 18 3 3 3 LONSDALE – VICTORIA 3 3 18 3 18 18 1336 0.89 1347 0.95 1231 0.65 1836 1.52 1256 0.68 1345 0.85 0000 1.66 0406 1.16 0239 1.56 0245 1.37 0200 1.48 0422 1.22 0100 1.77 0126 1.63 SU 1 SU 0.67 WE 0.50 FR 0.65 SA 0.81 TU 0.75 TH 1906 0.77 2227 0.72 0.82 2045 1957 2230 2022 0116 0.75 0001 0144 0.59 0230 0230 3 18 3019 3 3 18 LAT 38°0.50 18ʼ1.44 S LONG 144° 37ʼ E1.51 2019 1.40 2009 1.38 1947 1959 2023 1.50 0953 0.66 0925 0.57 18 0815 0911 0.61 0825 0.47 1001 0.57 0809 0.49 18 0702 0.62 1818 18 0945 3of SA 3 163718Local1.44 3 09583 2 0628 0808 1.26 18 18 3 18 1813031.631.24 33 TH0245 18 18 3 3 18 18 18 331.28 TU0126 3 3 1.52 1544 1.40 FR 1543 1.46 14581.22 1.57 3 TU0858 1645 1.36 1.72 14141.56 1433 1.41 Times and Heights High and 1.34 Low WatersSU Time WE3 O239 0406 1.16 0422 1.37 0200 1.48 0.48 0.78 1321 0.75 0.96 MOMARCH SU WE 1402 TH 1438 0 0116 0.75 0230 0001 0.75 0144 0.59 0230 18220.50 0.83 3 0911 2330 0.65 0.43 2341 0.41 0.55 2129 0.81 0.7919 21140.57 0.64 19340.57 0.8018 0815 2015 0.75 3 1209 18 18 18 0953 0.66 1001 925 0.61 0825 0.47 JANUARY FEBRUARY APRIL 19 19FR 1453 4 2155 4 0.65 4 0223 1930 1.47 2058 1.48 1.55 2108 2124 2036 1.38 1.37 1.40 19 4 4 4 19 19 19 3 18 18 3 3 3 1 0628 1.34 0858 1.44 0958 0808 1.26 0945 1.36 0949 1637 1.52 WE 1645 1.72 544 1.40 FR 1433 1.41 1543 1.46 SU 1458 1.57 TU SA 00560.75 1.62 0513 1.17 0.92 0534 1.25 1.01 0339 1.49 0344 1.310.78 2341 0310 1.41 0.96 02090.81 1.68 0228 1.59 1 1209 0.48 2114 1402 1453 1321 0.75 2330 1438 1449 MO MO TH SA SU WE FR 0.65 0.41 129 2155 0.79 0.64 2015 0220 0.75 0329 0.61 0052 0.74 0252 0.51 0338 2 4 19 4 19 4 0914 440.53 1919 19440905 0800 0.61 4 1046 0.66 1.47 1106 2102 0.54 0954 0.62 0919 0.49 1.37 16 1 160.59 16 16 1 4 1009 120360.4819 1 1930 1.47 2058 1.48 2124 1.38 2108 1.35 19 19 4 19 4 4 4 19 19 19 19 4 4 19 19 4 19 4WE1014 0735 1.33 0922 1.27 14071.59 1.26 1728 1.58 19 1746 1.80 204 1103 16331.31 1.47 SA 1.5220 15581.25 1.66 15251.49 1.30 WE 15301.41 1.52 4SU TH 1044 MO U339 0513 1.17 0534 0310 20 1.53 5 1632 5 TH 5 1.42 50.51 5 4FR0344 5 0220 20 20 20 2019 0228 1307 0.57 1517 0338 0.85 0.39 1422 0.83 1.00 0.53 2234 0.78 2300 0.7419 22300.54 0.56 0.61 19290.48 0.84 20500.59 0.82 2128 0.70 TU 1106 FR 1550 0320 MO SA 1608 0 0.75 0329 0052 0.74 0252 4 19 1046 0.66 009 0905 0954 0.62 0919 0.49 2031 1.44 2200 1.48 2126 1.35 2200 1.36 19 19 19 4 4 4 41 1.33 1014 1.53 1103 1.61 0922 1044 1.42 1050 1.46 2229 1.58 1.80 633 1.47 SA 1530 1.52 16320735 1.52 1.66 1.27 WE 1728 TH 1746 MO 1558 171.45 17 2 2 MO 2 17 2 17 0020 1608 0.57 0.94 0039 1600 0.32 1.02 0433 0333 1.56 0442 1.28 0422 1.36 1.00 03200.78 1.62 01580.70 1.61 SU 1307 0.57 1517 0.85 1422 0.83 1550 234 2300 0.74 2230 0.56 2128 FR 0.71 5 50402 SU 0.56 TH 0.70 SA TU 201016 202229 50426 20 1.34 51 20 200858 0.58 55 5 1049 20 20 0.591.4420TU 55095621260.4620 20 5550.6221 20 20 20 5 20 5 1012 550.55 20 0330 0157 0.43 0445 0607 1.20 1.46 0633 1.31 1038 0.50 6 6 21 6 21 2031 2200 1.48 1.35 2200 1.36 2203 6 TU0039 21 6 211.28 6 1.36 21 TH0333 5MO0900 5TH1122 5 1205 1136 1.64 0.63 20 1206 1.51 0.49 1718 1.54 SU 1626 1.64 21 17171.35 1.5920 16580.32 1.77 16261.45 1.36 15121.56 1.33 1030 1.32 FR 1137 E433 0020 0.57 0422 2331 0.73 2240 0.61 2357 0.68 2342 0.46 22030.59 0.7920 0956 1814 1.65 1842 1.87 20430.46 0.81 3 1539 0.89 1418 0.66 1636 0.88 1701 1.00 1720 0 5 20 5SA0442 20 WE SA TU FR SU 0607 1.20 0633 1.31 049 1038 0.62 1016 0.50 0330 0.71 0426 0.56 0422 0.48 0157 0.70 0402 0.43 0445 0.36 18 2137 1.433 3 2300 1.50 18 18 3 18 1.35 2215 2255 1.37 1.52 2331 20 20 20 5 5 56 0 5 1136 0.63 1.64 1206 0.49 718 1.54 SU 1626 1.64 1717 1.59 1.35 1658 1030 1.77 1.32 0900 1122 1137 1.51 1147 1205 1.67 TH FR MO TU 0102 0.49 0129 0.25 0522 1.42 04380.46 1.54 05366 1.2722 21 05311.87 1.35 04230.73 1.59 03040.61 1.62 6 7 7 22 7 22 21 21 6 6 6 21 21 21 21 21 6 6 6 6 6 21 21 6 21 2240 2357 0.68 2342 1814 1.65 1842 1539 0.89 1418 0.66 1636 0.88 1 1701 1.00 1709 0.99 1720 0.92 WE SA MO TU FR WE SU 7 7 22 7 22 22 22 6 21 6 6 21 6331 21 21 0652 0.34 1.24 0724 0.50 1.37 1127 0.59 1046 0.44 11210.62 0.62 11150.64 0.49 1100 0.55 0950 0.52 0313 0507 2215 1.35 2137 1.43 2300 1.50 0432 2255 1.37 2308 1.356 0545 1 2331 1.47 0516 1221 0.59 1300 0.43 1758 1.61 1719 1.78 1800 1.65 1755 1.87 1716 1.44 1609 1.44 4 19 19 4 19 4 4 19 21 6 6 21 FR1224 1.74 SA 1225 1.59 SU WE H522 1.42 FR 1129 0.25 1.40 1301 0102 1.44 0.49 0129 0536 1.27 1.35 0438 1.54 1856 0545 1.72 0.33 23070.59 0.7421 1046 21540.44 0.74 6 11210313 1931 0520 1.91 0.43 2346 0.50 6TU1025 21MO0531 0652 0507 1.24 21 127 0.62 0.62 1115 0.49 1656 1.37 0.90 0.50 1541 0.72 0.86 0.96 TH 0724 WE SA 1746 SU 1758 MO 1822 0 0432 0.64 0.34 0516 8 6 1224 8 7 2359 23 8 1240 23 1221 0.59 1300 0.43 758 1.61 1800 1755 1.87 22 1.46 2304 1.36 1.52 1.72 7 2349 1.39 60021 67 0 21 6221301 21 FR 2240 SA22 WE 21 22 22 1.59 22 2204071.78 770540 22 770.6023 22 71.57 22 221.650.671.44 1129 1.40 1025 1.74 1225 8 77TU 8 23 23 23MO 1719 8 23 0141 0.42 0516 7 1.52 00437 00441.91 0.35 1.59 1.65 0213 0.22 1856 1.72 1931 2346 0.50 5 201.40 5 20 5 20 20 1656 0.90 1541 0.72 1 1746 0.86 1758 0.96 1822 0.87 1807 0.93 7 7 1142 0.54 22 1039 0.45 5 7WE0607 22 7 22 22 TH TH SA SU MO TU 0732 0.28 1.29 1136 0.44 06260.49 1.28 06350.57 1.37 0810 0.44 1.42 0522 0428 0604 0601 0030 1 2240 1.46 2304 1.36 2359 1.52 2349 1.39 1303 0.54 1759 1.52 1202 0.59 1812 1.90 1202 0.62 1212 0.48 1700 1.57 1349 0.40 R021 0.67 MO TU SA SU 1310 1.66 0141 1.57 0.42 22TH 0540 1.52 0043 0.60 0044 0.35 0213 77WE1138 7SA1320 7 0639 1218 0.22 1.509 1.81 22 240030 9 0010 9 18400604 18351.28 1.6822 0635 1.37 1.7124 18501.42 1.96 22590.44 0.63 7 0626 2017 1.90 24 1353 1935 1.79 22 22 0732 1.29 607 1.4024 1136 0810 1755 0.89 1844 0.82 1844 0.92 1703 0.73 FR TH SU MO TU 0522 0.57 0.28 0601 0.44 0428 0.49 1.49 1.39 9 88WE 96 0.48 23 2423 24 8 6 72321 24 23 822 061123 0.38 191578 00 880.68 TU 1812 230.62 880047 23 80.54 880.54 23 23 23 2305051.901.67 21 6 1202 210.61 6 91.81 21 0.40 1303 202 0.59 1212 SA 2339 TH 22 SU 1349 2350 1.38 1.50 7 22 7 1218 1.50 1320 1310 1.66 1138 1.57 0639 0.31 0254 0104 0124 0139 0.27 0000 0.39 0.22 0216 0.37 1935 1.79 1.68 1.71 1.96 2017 1.90 81840 23 231850 8835 23 1755 0.89 8 1844 1703 0.73 1353 1329 0649 1.39 0711 1.290.82 07321844 1.39 0.92 8 0811 0601 1.55 23 1125 0.40 0641 1.50 0852 1.45 1.65 1.33 1.75 FR SU MO FR 1 TH TU WE 0533 0053 1.55 0040 1.43 0123 0603 0.50 10 25 10 25 10 2350 1.388TH 2 2339 1.50WE 1915 0.81 1237 0.59 12420.37 0.6125 13060.22 0.46 12170.61 0.53 SU 1228 0.44 17480.39 1.72 1435 1856 0.39 0.85 1344 0.50 23 TU FR A104 MO SU 0124 0.54 0139 0.27 0047 0254 0216 0.37 8 8 23 1242 0.25 0644 0729 1300 1.60 2523 0641 25 25 10 10 9978 0711 2524 10 22 22 221.7423 0732 7 1.39 7 22 1910 19191.71 1.77 1944 2.01 9 7 0657 18361.39 1.59 1903 2.01 2100 0.40 1.85 2015 1.84 23 8 649 1.29 1.50 0852 1.45 0811 1.33 9 24 9 24 9 24 9 9 24 9 9 24 24 9 9 24 24 24 24 0.72 1.55 1.84 1.50 1.72 1.44 1840 0040 0.86 FR 1813 MO 1411 0123 TU 1352 0105 WE 1440 0 SA 1435 0533 0053 237 0.59 WE 1228 0.44 0.61 0.37 1306 0603 0.46 0.50 0.39 1.43 0.50 MO TH 1242 FR 23 SU 1344 1934 0.78 1926 0.87 2005 8 23 8 23 80 8 0144 0.56 0202 0.48 0145 0.30 0045 0.63 0000 0.51 0331 0.25 0230 0.22 0253 0.32 1242 1.71 0657 0.25 0644 0.40 0729 0.33 0659 0.35 1300 1.60 1.74 1919 1.77 1944 2.01 1903 2.01 2100 1.85 2015 1.84 26 11 26 11 26 11 9 9 24 9910 24 24 9 0730 1.38 0752 1.311.84 0740 1.48 0642 1.53 24 0600 1.68 0933 1.47 1.70 0826 1.41 0849 1.37 1.75 1 1813 0.72 1411 1352 1.72 1440 1414 1840 0.86 SA FR MO TU WE TH SA 8MO0144 230.60 TH0230 8110.78SA0331 23 0.25 8 0.22 23 1.56 1.46 0032 1.54 0033 1.42 26 26 MO0145 11 260.48 11 26 1311 1322 0.60 1319 0.45 23 12490.56 0.53 12100.30 0.37 8WE 1519 1942 0.41 0.76 0213 2 1359 0.45 0.87 1425 2005 0.46 0.75 FR U144 TU 0128 1934 1926 0202 0253 0.32 25 9 0815 10 101.8124 2520331.47 250.26 2425 101.6624 0740 25 2518361.481.8610 109 0752 25 251.311.7924 0826 10 1019561.412.0725 25 99 0629 10 100.26 25 0724 0642 0.44 1945 1957 191110 2141 0.37 1.76 2.0210 9 0746 2053 1.86 2410 730 1.38 0933 0849 1.37 1459 1.84 1434 1.75 1522 1338 1.81 1339 1.68 TU WE TH SA SU 0 0144 1.56 0128 1.46 0213 1.50 0157 1.49 0032 1.54 0033 1.42 311 0.60 TH 1319 0.45 1322 0.60 SA 1359 0.45 0.41 1425 0.46 27 TU 1519 MO12 12 0.379 2022 27 27 2052 01251.79 0.58 00572.07 0.40 FR 0407 0.31 0.34 0318 0.22 0330 0.29 0.36 12 0221 0.52 0241 0.24 0241 0.44 1919 0.83 0.75 2007 0.82 1908 0.70 9 9 24 9 24 9 9 24 9 24 9 24 24 0 0746 0.26 2141 0724 0815 0745 0629 0.26 24 0642 0.44 945 1956 1957 1.81 1.76 2053 1.86 2033 2.02 121.84 27 27 27 27 25 0656 12 0 0719 1.51 25 1013 10 0929 2512 10 TU 25 WE 1.67 10SA 1.47 1.73 09151434 1.42 1.75 1.41 1.73 0812 0837 1.46 0832 1.32 1 1459 1522 1456 13381.36 1.81 1339 1.68 SU TH FR SU 1.55 0214 1.48 0259 0123 1.58 0115 1.45 132011 0.54 12560.24 0.3711 1602 2027 0.46 14490.31 0.4511 1509 0.45 0.71 1345 0.62 1411 0.48 1401 0.590.75 11 26 11 11 26 26 O221 TU WE SU TU0230 TH SA 11 11 26 26 11 11 26 26 11 26 26 11 26 26 0330 0.29 0407 0318 0.22 0.52 0241 0241 0.44 1919 0.83 2022 2007 0.82 2052 0.67 1908 0.70 FR 10 10 0859 2 25 1013 19431.36 1.7125 0837 19241.46 1.98 10 0832 2218 0.36 1.65 28 21211.47 1.98 2133 1.85 25 13 20191.32 1.8225 0915 20471.42 2.0910 20350.20 1.8428 0833 0.30 0804 0720 0718 0.39 10 0929 1.41 812 13 13 28 10 25 10 25 25 10 25 10 1.80 1.49 1.76 1.53 1.87 1416 0.46 1.73 1.48 WE 1544 0259 TH 1515 0246 FR 1600 0 SU MO 1602 1509 0230 0.45 13 1449 0.45 1.45 345 0.6228FR 1411 0.48 1401 0.59 1.58 1.55 0214 0123 0115 TU 1430 28 13 28 13 02021.82 0.55 0407 0.72 0.28 0441 0.38 0259 0.50 SU 25 03341.98 0.23 28 03180.68 0.42 WE 2218 04031.65 0.25 01532.09 0.31 SA10 2107 2047 0.77 2136 1957 1957 0.80 10 0 10 25 10 25 2133 1.85 2121 019 2047 2035 1.84 0833 0.30 0804 0.36 0859 0.41 0831 0.35 0720 0.20 0718 0.39 1 075712 1.48 26 0751 1.63 11 0852 1.35 26 0932 1.44 11 0912 1.33 26 1002 1.42 11 1011 1.45 26 1051 1.47 12 12 12 27 12 1 27 27 1544 1.80 1515 1.76 1600 1.70 1535 1.73 1430 1.87 1416 1.73 12 12 12 12 12 27 27 12 12 27 27 27 27 27 27 MO WE TH FR SA SU MO 13490.50 0.56 WE 1554 0.45 1645 1.49 0.52 29 0343 14220.42 0.64 SA 1503 0.51 26 SU 14421.59 0.5829MO 1539 0.48 13430.23 0.40 11 FR U259 WE0315 TH14 1.52 0258 0209 0156 1.47 0441 0.38 0407 0.28 0334 0318 0403 0.25 14 14 29 11 11 26 26 11 26 2107 0.72 2047 0.77 2136 0.67 2113 0.58 1957 0.68 1957 0.80 20151.35 1.7626 0932 2215 0.36 1.80 26 0845 2255 0.37 1.52 11 0939 2 20561.33 1.8326 1002 21391.42 2.0711 21150.19 1.8526 1051 22071.47 1.90 11 0918 20131.44 2.06 11 0912 11 0809 0755 0.37 1011 1.45 852 29 29 14 29 14 29 14 1554 0315 0.45 1.52 422 0.64 SA 1503 0.51 14420209 0.58 1.59 1539 0156 0.48 1.47 1.74 1.46 1556 0335 1.74 1.55 1.87 1454 0.52 1.76 1.49 WE 1517 TH 1625 SA 1633 0 TU 1645 0258 0512 0.72 0.45 04461.52 0.31 0446 0343 0.29 FR 2129 03381.85 0.49 MO 2207 04281.90 0.27 MO 03570.67 0.41 TH 02391.83 0.52 02492.07 0.26 SU 2115 2255 2215 1.80 2139 2152 0.71 2217 2043 2033 0.78 11 11 11 26 11 26 26 1 0809 0.19 0918 0.36 0845 0.37 0939 0.47 0918 0.40 0755 0.37 27 12 12 27 12 27 2056 27 13 13 28 28 13 28 13 131.44 28 280848 1.5713 1312 MO0932 28 28271.331.87 13 28 28 13 13 13 1130 1.46 30 1048 1.41 1.48 1027 1.3430 28 083413 1214541.4128 27 27 15 0953 12 27 1556 12 1055 15 30 15 1 1517 1625 1.74 1.74 1633 1.66 1614 1.71 1.76 TU TH FR SA SU TU 1730 0.58 1627 0.53 1644 0.47 1500 0.66 1557 0.56 1523 0.58 14190.49 0.58 1430 0.45 FR TU TH SA SU MO E338 TH 0512 0446 1.58 0.29 0428 0.27 0357 0.41 0446 0.31 0254 0400 2217 1.48 0.64 0343 2159 1.49 0.50 0426 2 0236 0.45 1.48 15 15 30 15 30 30 30 2043 0.67 2152 0.71 2129 0.72 2033 0.78 2332 0.40 1.39 12 1016 22501.46 1.78 12 1000 2300 0.44 1.72 27 0929 21331.34 1.8327 1048 22291.41 1.9912 21540.21 1.8427 1130 20461.33 1.7827 1027 21021.41 2.10 12 0953 12 0856 1055 1.48 932 0830 0.36 1730 0.58 1644 0.47 500 0.66 SU 1557 0.56 15230254 0.58 1627 0.53 FR TH MO TU 1603 1.82 1704 1.68 1634 1.71 1532 1.75 13 28 13 28 13 28 13 28 TU FR 0527 0426 SA 0544 0425 SU 1704 0 WE 05280343 0400 1.48 1.49 1.58 0236 1.48 1.56 0.33 1.43 0.52 0417 0.50 0519 0.32 0437 0.4031 0.3814 03451.99 0.2514 031614 0.51 31 14 29 29 29 14 14 1 14 14 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 14 14 14 14 2332 1.39 2300 1.72 1.83 2229 2154 1.84 2250 1.78 2127 0.67 2235 0.70 2212 0.66 2256 2110 0.76 12 27 12 12 27 27 12 13 28 28 3133 28 13 28 13 1000 0.44 0929 0.40 1016 0.54 0856 0.21 0830 0.36 1006 0.47 1142 1.51 1210 1.45 1015 1.32 1120 1.39 1036 1.35 1133 1.40 0945 1.50 0913 1.41 31 FR0519 31TU 31 1704 1634 1603 1.82MO 1532 1.75 0.50 1.61 1820 0.64 1.68 1540 0.68 1649 0.61 1608 0.591.68 1715 0.59 1.71FR 1737 15210.32 0.51 14500.50 0.62 FR SA 0.52 SU 1704 TU WE MO 1652 WE 1 SA 0430 SU WE H417 0544 0527 0.33 0437 0.40 0.38 0338 1.55 0315 1.48 0446 1.42 1.49 0.43 0510 2235 0.70 2212 0.66 2256 0.62 2127 0.67 0.76 2245 2 2347 1.60 2213 2318 1.87 2235 1.81 2331 1.64 21541.39 2.08 13 21191.32 1.7928 1120 28 13 28 0528 1210 1.45 1142 1.51 015 1.35 1133 1.40 142110 29 14 1036 291.81 14 29 14 13 13 0942 0.28 Commonwealth 0906 0.37 1042 0.52 28 1014 0.46 13 1053 © Copyright of Australia 2019, Bureau of Meteorology 1820 0.64 1737 15 0.50 540 15 0.68 0.59 30 SA FR 1647 WE 1715 30 1.55 15 300606 15 30 15 0 1.75 1611 1.73 1.61 1714 1.68 150.52MO 1649 30 3004430.61 15TU 1608 30 300.59 15 1506100315 30 15 30 WE TH30 SA 1743 SU15 MO 1735 0015 0519 1.28 0.45 0609 0.38 1.40 0.2815 0500 0.51 0.40 0518 03551.81 0338 1.55 1.48 0446 1.42 0430 1.49 0510 Datum of 0.41 Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide 2347 1.60 213 2318 1.87 2235 1.81 2331 1.64 14 29 29 29 14 29 14 4Copyright 2209 0.67 2146 0.75 2318 0.70 2257 0.61 2332 Commonwealth of Australia 2020, Bureau of Meteorology 13 28 13 28 13 28 13 0.59 0.55 1.40 0.46 1232 1053 1.54 0.62 0619 1053 1044 1.43 1059 1213 1.37 1122 1.360.52 12181014 0952 1.37 09421.30 0.28 0906 0.37 Times 1042 are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) wh1 151611 30 15MOWE 300.71 15 30 15 1.43 1.63 1804 0.66 1.68 0.55 1.56 0.59 1622 1744 0.67 1656 0.611.61 1524 0.66 of 0.51 Predictions is1614 Lowest Astronomical Tide 1647 1.75 TU 1.73 WE 1730 1743 1714 1735 SU 1254 TH SA 1838 SA Rum 0015 1.28 0609 0.38 500 0610 0.40 0518 0.41 0606 0.45 TH TU TH 1 SA SU MO New Moon0534 1.37 First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Moon 0421 1.50 0355 0.59 1.46 0521 1.47 0558 1919 2331 0.69 0.39Full 22461.37 2.01 2254 1.78 2319 1.7629 2155 14 29standard 14+10:00) 29 2209 0.67 0.75 2318 0.70 2257 0.61 2332 0.60 es are1.30 in1.78 local time (UTC or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect 0619 1232 1.54 059 1213 1122 1.36 1218 2146 1.40 14 29311254 1025 0.36 0943 1.43 0.39 14 1120310.61 29 1101 0.54 14 1131 31 31 1838Moon 0.55 SU31 622 0.71Symbols 0.67 0.61 First 0.66 SA 1731 TU 1744 WE 1656 TH 1804 New Moon Quarter Last Quarter 1819 on Phase Full 1.46 1.37 0013 1.50 0542 0.34 0545 0.53 0007 1.74 0601 0.42 0435 0.54 0106 0620 1.17 1.53 1.67 1650 1.69 1.55 1.63 TH FR SU 0041 0558 MO 1754 TU 1806 0 1.50 0355 1.46 0534 1.37 1919 0521 1.47 0.69 1.78 23190421 1.76 31 31 15 14 30 30 15 30 15 5254 30 0657 1131 0.45 0.70 06451101 0.52 0.54 1143 1.38 1146 0658 0.47 1211 1.390.61 2225 1033 1.32 0703 0.65 0.65 0.69 0.74 2344 0.56 14 29 14 0 14 29 10251.29 0.36 29 0943 0.39 2252 1141 1120 1.56 1.51 13041.17 1.40 1.63SU 1328 17091.74 0.66 1710 0.73 1305 1.36 1749 0.641.55 16000.53 0.71 SU 1.42 1.58 FR TU A545 MO 1346 0041 1.46 0007 0601 0.42 0013 1.50 0106 1731 1.67WE 1650 1.69 TH 1813 1819 1754 1806 TH FR WE FR 1 SU MO TU 0507 0437 1.44 0001 0.70 0622 0010 1948 0.57 of 18590.65 0.72of 23410.47 1.91 15 1211 2339 1.73 1839 0.73 22321.29 1.7530 0658 2030 1.46 0.70 15 30 30 0657 1.43 0.45 146 1.39 0645 0.52 0703 2252 0.69 2225 0.74 1 2344 0.56 © © Copyright Copyright Commonwealth Commonwealth of Australia Australia 2022, 2022, Bureau Bureau of Meteorology Meteorology ©© Copyright Copyright Commonwealth Commonwealth ofof Australia Australia 2022, 2022, Bureau Bureau ofof Meteorology Meteorology 15 30 1107 1023 1.42 0.43 15 0630 1.32 30 1151 0.64 15 0650 © Copyright Commonwealth of Australia Bureau Meteorology 1328of 0.45 1.56 710 0.73 WE 1305 1.36 1749 0.64 1304 1.40 2021, 1346 SU TH FR MO Datum Datum of of Predictions Predictions is is Lowest Lowest1.46 Astronomical Astronomical Tide 06420.73 0.42 00580.70 1.37 0213 0018 1.10 0.37 Datum Datum ofof Predictions Predictions isis Lowest Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide Tide 1.43 1.58 1731 1.64 0.70 0.59 1.58 FR SA MO 1200 Tide TU 1838 WE 1212 0 Datum of 0507 Predictions is Lowest Tide1815 0437 0010 0622 1948 0001 0.57 0.70 339 1.73 1839 1859Astronomical 0.72 1.44 2030 31 31 31 1244 1.34 0723 0.58 0800 0.70 Times Times are are in in local local standard standard time time (UTC (UTC +10:00) +10:00) or or daylight daylight savings savings time time (UTC (UTC +11:00) +11:00) when 2336 0.71 2305 0.72 1857 1.49 1842 15 30 15 30 15 30 15inin efef0 Times Times are are inin local local standard standard time time (UTC (UTC +10:00) +10:00) or or daylight daylight savings savings time time (UTC (UTC +11:00) +11:00) when when in in effect effect Times are1107 in local 0.45 standard time 1023 (UTC +10:00) savings1.32 time (UTC +11:00) in effect 0.43 or daylight0630 0650 1.35 0726 1.51 when 1151when 0.64 1807 0.73 13531.10 1.41 1448 1.42 MO SA TU 0058 1.37 0213 Moon Moon Phase Phase Symbols Symbols New New Moon Moon First First Quarter Quarter Full Full Moon Moon 1815 1.58 1731 1.64 1200 0.70 1212 0.79 1230 0.75 1838 1.58 New Moon First Quarter Last Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon Moon Moon Phase Phase Symbols Symbols Full Full Moon Moon New New Moon Moon First First Quarter Quarter Last Last Quarter Quarter FR SA MO WE TH 0.68 SA 1 TU 1.42 2001 0.76 2148 31 0526 0723 2305 0.58 0.72 0800 0.70 2336 0.71 1857 31 1.49 1842 1.47 1900 1.52 1 31 1107 1.42 0.49 SA 1353 1.41 TU 1448 Tide predictions for Port Phillip Heads have been formatted by the 2001 National0526 Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved.

All material is supplied in good faith and is believed to be 1815 0.68 1.59 0.76 1.42 SU 2148 0110 0.37 Copyright ofthat Australia Bureau ofthat Meteorology correct. ItCommonwealth is supplied on the condition no warranty is2020, given in31 relation thereto, no responsibility or liability for2351 errors or0.69 omissions is, or will be, accepted and that the31 recipient will hold MHL 0832should 1.50 1107 0.49 and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission.

Predictions not atum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide

0554 1155 1725 2359

Time 0519 mm 0.36 Time 1117 1.39 0300 0300 0.09 0.09 0.65 SU 1640 0903 1.61 1.61 2314 1.88 0903

Time Time mm 0037 Time Time Time 0.53 mm Time 0.58 0633 1.78 mm 1.28 1238 1.30 0740 0.49 0247 0247 0.35 0.35 0333 0333 0.40 0.40 0406 0406 0.21 0.21 0.75 TU 1345 1.33 WE 1804 0.76 1021 1.79 0855 0855 1.49 1.49 0954 0954 1.68 1.68 1.71 1911 1021 0.791.79

1455 0.24 0.24 SA 1450 0.42 0.42 SA 1450 FR FR 1455

1636 0.23 0.23 MO 1614 0.38 0.38 MO 1614 SU SU 1636

0608 0.61 1.661.62 0700 0.43 2116 2116 1.95 1.95 2244 1.62 0030 2101 2101 1.61 1.61 0138 2244 2214 2214 1.68 1.45 1.45 0724 0.52 1207 1.25 0835 0.54 1300 1.31 1726 0.80 1.350.31 1825 0.74 0343 0315 0315 0.36 0.36 0404 0404 1.34 0.43 0.43 0343 0.13 0445 0.31TH 1335 MO 0.13 WE 1447 0445 0.821.79 0927 0927 1.53 1.53 2019 1105 1030 1030 0.77 1.71 1.71 0950 0950 1.65 1.65 1105 1.79 1906

0100 0809 1414 1934

0209 0914 1525 2050

0320 1012 1626 2203

0423 1100 1716 2307

0516 1142 1759

0000 0601 1217 1836

0045 0642 1249 1911

0125 0719 1320 1943

0202 0757 1349 2015

0239 0834 1419 2046

0316 0913 1450 2119

0355 0952 1524 2155

0435 1033 1600 2232

1548 1548 0.26 0.26

1529 1529 0.43 0.43

1656 1656 0.39 0.39

1730 1730 0.29 0.29

SU TU TU SA SA MO MO 1.56 0000 SU 1.66 1.77 2135 2135 1.55 1.55 0239 2254 2254 1.63 1.38 1.38 2205 2205 1.82 1.82 2332 2332 1.46 1.46 0126 0702 0.62 0925 0.57 0.49 0815 0.50 1303 1.24 1544 1.40 1.28 1433 1.41 TU 0.21 TH 0344 0344 0.39 0.39 0437 0437 0.75 0.48 0.48 0425 0425 0.21 0524 0524 0.42 0.42FR 2015 1822 0.83 2129 0.81 0.80

Time 0006 mm0452 Time Time Time Time Time Time Time mmm m 0145 Time Time mm0150 m m0557Time Time Time m 1.36 0623 1.40m 1.681.41 1.34 1.26 0057mm1.60 Time 1041 0.38

1148 0.55

Time Time 0.69 m m 0046 0735 1.30

1158 0.58

Time 0049 m m Time Time m m 0.51 Time T 0.58Ti 0034 0748 1.35 0735 1.47 03 0.870 0 1.4209 1 FR FR 15 0.5721 2

0807 0.62 0.43 0750 0.51 0744 0.54 0414 0414 0646 0.53 0.531748 0452 0.52 0500 0500 0.64 0446 0446 0.53 0.53 0032 00320.52 1.32 1.32 1430 0201 0201 1.48 1.48 0256 0256 1.70 1.70 0541 05410.64 0.36 0.36 0045 0045 1.59 1.59 TU 1245 0316 0316 1.80 1.80 0.80 19000452 1.50 1904 1.54 1.43 1303 1.431.58 1.59 SA1446 WE 1245 0.75 TH 1257 TH 1358 1.38 FR FR SU MOMO 1135 1135 1.75 1.75 1119 1119 1.80 1.80 1049 1049 1.84 1.84 1128 1128 1.93 1.93 0636 0636 0.54 0.54 0753 0753 0.64 0.64 0836 0.71 0.71 1248 1248 1.56 1.56 0731 0.48 0847 0847 0.60 0.60 1.54 0836 1935 1.44 1922 2319 1928 2114 0.76 1848 0.660.74 2110 0731 0.56 0.48 1940 0.78 1829 1829 0.45 1806 0.38 0.38 TH 1735 0.34 0.34 FR 1818 1818 0.27 1309 13090.27 1.43 1.43 SU 1355 1.40 1.40 WE 1433 1.41 1.41 1819 18190.45 0.64 0.64 SA 1402 1.55 1.55 MO 1455 1.51 1.51 TH WE WE 1806 FRFR TH 1735 SASA FR SA SU 1402 MO 1355 WE 1455 TH 1433 0023 1.18 0.74 0135 0.68 0133 0043 0.65 0130 0255 0148 1.47 2333 1.581.38 1.25 2333 0100 1.29 1.290534 1905 1905 0.60 0.60 0301 1959 1959 0.40 0.40 2031 0.21 0.21 1953 1953 0.30 0.30 2055 2055 0.13 0.13 0.47 2031 0842 1.32 1121 07350.56 1.40 0656 0.65 1.29 0858 0828 0.58 0733 0.450.42 0853 0.89 1256 0.68 12310019 0.65 SU 1542 1.47 1451 1.41 0500 1359 1.491.52 1538 1.64 0500 0.57 0.571836 0027 0027 1.20 1.20 0019 1.33 0003 1.24 1.24 0120 01201.33 1.41 1.41 0241 0241 1.58 1.58 0049 0049 1.52 1.52 0243 0243 1.71 1.71 WE 1336 MO FR0003 SA SA TUTU 2019 1.40 1959 1.51 19470547 1.44 2227 0.72 2045 0.81 1136 0.50 0644 06440.69 0.35 0.35 0823 0823 0.48 0.48 1136 1957 1.82 1.82 0.670544 0544 0.69 0547 0.55 0527 0527 0.62 0.62 0716 07160.55 0.53 0.53 2230 0828 0828 0.63 0.63

1336 13361.66 1.63 1.63 14460.59 1.59 1.59 TU 1340 13401.88 1.48 1.48 MO 1430 1430 1.44 1.44 1830 0.37 0.370001SA 1216 1216 1.66 1219 1219 1.88 1202 1.72 1.72 FR SU TU0230 SA MO 1446 FR 1830 SASA SU SUSU TH TH 1202 0116 0.75 0.65 0.75 0144 0406 1.16 0245 1.37 0200 1.48 1.22 1916 19160.51 0.48 0.48 2041 2041 0.19 0.19 1939 19390.30 0.51 0.51 0422 2031 2031 0.32 0.32 1914 1914 0.51 1912 0.30 1858 1858 0.46 0.46 0628 0858 1.44 08081912 1.26 0945 1.36 0953 0.66 0911 0.61 0825 0.471.34 1001 0.57

0848 1.37 0849 1.50 1347 1345 FR 1.74 TH 0336 1.74 0.9504 0 0400 0400 1.80 1.80 0.85 0336 2009 2023 0928 0928 0.59 0.59 1.50 0914 0914 0.68 0.68 1.3809 0

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1.62 1.62 0056 MO 1.62 0513 1.17 1.25 1.490.38 0228 0344 1.31 1.41 1.68 MO MO WE0329 SA SA 1556 SU SU TU TU 1528 FR 1614 MO WE SU SU SA SA 1229 MO MO SU SU 1644 TU TU 1825 FR 1248 1014 1.53 1103 09222006 1.27 1044 1.42 1050 2010 2010 0.43 0.43 m 2103 2103Time 0.27 0.27 2150 0.20 0.20 2007 2007 0.35 0.35 2125 2125 0.14 0.14 2218 2218 0.21 0.21 1.61 2150 2212 2212 1.47 1.47 1009 0.59 2340 2340 1.31 1.31 2000 2000 0.55 0.55 1929Time 0.40 0.400735 2006 0.34 0.34 2254 1.64 1.64 1953 1953 0.53 0.53 0800 0.61 1046 0.66 1106 0.54 0905 0.48 0954 0.62 1929 0919 0.491.33 0.53 2254 Time m Time TH m SA 1608 0.94 Time m Time m Time m Time m m 1307 0.57 1517 0.85 1422 0.83 1550 1.00 1600 TU FR SU MO 1.58 1.80 1.66 1.30 WE 1407 1.26 WE 1728 TH 1746 FR 1633 1.47 SA 1530 1.52 SU 1632 1.52 MO 1558 2031 1.44 2200 1.48 2229 1.46 2126 1.35 2200 1.36 2203 0445 0.91 0400 03301.30 0.85 2128 0028 1.48 0130 0348 0.85 0215 0238 0238 1.56 1.560.90 03540448 1.70 1.70 0.70 0518 0458 0458 1.69 1.69 0246 0246 1.70 1.70 0421 04210041 1.79 1.791.41 0354 0518 1.66 1.66 0413 0413 0.44 0.44 2234 0023 0515 0515 0.55 0.55 0207 1.18 1.18 01300052 1.23 1.231.34 0215 1.36 1.36 0505 0.32 0.32 0023 1.30 0152 0152 1.12 1.12 1929 0.84 0.78 0.70 2300 0.74 2230 0.560207 0.82 0505 1048 1.21 1020 0632 09530.54 1.34 0536 1015 1.27 0752 0.87 0825 0825 0.55 0.551.15 0402 0936 09361133 0.62 0.62 1030 0.64 0.64 0827 0827 0.41 0.41 0950 09500.43 0.53 0.530.62 0426 1045 1045 0.61 0.61 0.36 1030 1036 1036 1.57 1.57 1150 1150 1.69 1.69 0726 0726 0.77 0.77 06530623 0.66 0.660157 0.61 0.61 1125 1125 1.67 1.67 0603 0603 0.54 0704 0704 0.76 0.760.86 0653 0330 0752 0.71 0.561.34 0422 0.70 0445 1717 0.41 1623 0.55 1710 0.71 1302 1.40 1600 0.28 1150 1.31 1630 0.36 1212 1.18 0020 0.57 0039 0.32 0433 1.45 0333 1.56 0442 1.28 0422 1.36 1.62 1741 0158 1.61 TU WE SA 1.46 TU FR 1441 14411.68 1.52 1.52 WE 1541 1541 1.46 1637 1.42 1.42 1501 15011.50 1.68 1.68 16061.64 1.58 1.58 TH 1652 1.43 1.43 1.67 1653 1653 0.49 0.49 WE 1834 1834 0.45 0.45 SA 1348 1348 1.50 1327 13271838 1.71 1.710900 1413 1413 1.68 0.41 TU 1236 1236 1.68 1.68 THSU 1339 1.53 1.530.24SU 1.35 1122 1205 1030 1.32 1.511.39SA 1147 TU TH1137 SU SU 1637 MO MO WE 1606 SA 1652 TU MO MO SU WE TU TUTU MO MO 1741 0.41 WESA SA 1339 2352 1857 0.55 2343 1.50TH 1808 0.62 0.43 0607 1.20 0633 1.31 1049 0.59 0956 0.46 1038 1016 0.50 0.55 0858 0.58 0.66 1720 15392100 0.89 1.00 1709 2040 20400.38 0.37 0.37FR 1636 2138 2138 0.24 0.24 2232 0.23 2055 20550.57 0.25 0.25 2207 22070.88 0.14 0.14 SA 1701 2258 2258 0.28 0.28 0.92 2232 2251 2251 1.37 1.37 1718 1923 2049 2049 0.57 2031 2031 TU 0.41 0.411418 2100 0.38 2344 2344 1.44 1.44 1923 0.47 0.47 1626 1.64 2052 2052 0.58 0.58 WE MO 0.23 SU 1136 0.63 1206 0.49 1.54 1717 1.59 1658 1.77 1.36 1512 1.33 TH 1.39 SA SU TU0142 2137 TH 2331 1.47 2215 1.35 1.370.56 2308 0043 1.40 MO 0131 1.54 0000FR1.29 2300 1.50 1.40 1.43 0005 0134 1.47 22550545 0447 0.89 1814 1.65 1842 1.87 2331 0.73 2240 0.61 2357 0.68 2342 0.46 0.79 0546 2043 0.81 0559 0.90 0532 10591.18 1.33 0654 0519 0.81 0316 0314 0314 1.60 1.600.86 04311234 1.70 1.70 1.49 0556 0339 0339 1.72 1.72 0505 05050730 1.75 1.750.50 0431 0556 1.57 1.57 0540 0540 1.63 1.63 0445 0445 0.50 0.50 0031 0031 1.23 1.23 0546 0.45 0.45 0117 0117 1.18 0257 0257 1.11 1.110.77 0238 02380727 1.24 1.240.79 0304 0304 1.21 1.21 0316 1.41 1.41 04320901 0.64 0507 0.34 0.500.70 1123 0545 0520 1147 1.21 1143 1.23 0.62 1405 17120.65 0.22 MO 1306 1.36 0803 1145 1.28 TH TH SA SU 1816 WE WE 0859 0859 0.57 0.571.17 1012 1012 0.63 0.63 0912 0912 0.47 0.47 1030 1030 0.56 0.561.51 0516 1123 0.63 0.63 0.33 1111 1111 0.63 0.63 1115 1115 1.57 1.57 0522SU 0600 0600 0.62 0.62 1214 1.63 1.63 0646 0646 0808 0808 0.80 0.80 08031315 0.68 0.680313 0829 0829 0.80 0.80 0901 0.63 0.63 0102 0.49 1.420.65 0536 1.27 0531 1.35 0129 0.25 0438 1.54 1.59 1214 0304 1.62 1224 1.74 1225 1.59 1301 1.72 1240 1129 1.40 1025 1816 0.38 1748 0.40 1.44 1954 1917 0.21 17581.66 0.37 1512 1512 1.52 1.520.56 1616 1616 1.45 1.45 1540 1540 1.66 1644 1.55 1.550.54FR 1731 1731 1.37 1.37 MO 1721 1.39 1.39 1743 1743 0.53 0.53 1127 1240 1240 1.65 1.65 SU 1844 0.50 0.50 1326 1.59 FR 1439 1.45 1.45 14321931 1.66 1.661541 1443 1443 1.43 1.43 1515 1515 1.56 1.56 WE WE FR1758 TU TH TH 1644 SU MO 1721 1.24 0.591.59 1121 0.62 1115 0.49 0724 1.37 1046 0.44 0.55 0950 WE 0.52 WE FR TU TU 1844 TH TH 1326 SU 1439 MO MO 1432 TU TUTU WE WE 1746 0.86 0.96 SU 1656 0.90 0.72 TH0652 WE SA SU MO 1822 0.87 TU 1807 2111 2111 0.33 0.33 2213 22130038 0.24 0.24 2140 2140 0.21 0.21 2249 2249 0.18 0.181.51 2349 2336 0.36 0.36 2316 2316 0.29 0.29 2337 2337 1.27 1.27 1935 1935 0.49 0.49 2029 0.55 2151 0.60 0.60 2134 0.40 0.402240 2138 2138 0.58 0.58 2153 0.41 0.41 1221 0.59 1.61 1800 1.65 1755 1.871.46 1300 0.43 1.78 1.44 0220 1.46 00490.55 1.59 0131 1.45 TU2151 0229 1.60 2134 0110 1.45 0056 FR SU 1758 2029 WE0224 SA1.34 MO 1719 FR 1609 1.44 2359 1.52 1.391.45 2336 23042153 1.36 0814 0.69 0630 0.43 0604 0.86 23460700 0800 0.66 0644 1856 0.71 1.720652 0.76 0716 0.39 1931 1.91 0.500.85 0.74 2154 0.74 1.30 0.49 12101.09 1.35 TU 1245 1.23 1411 1302 1.35 1255 1359 0350 0350 1.62 1.621.25 0604 0510 05101327 1.66 1.66 0430 0430 1.71 1.71 0547 05470.28 1.67 1.671.60 0601 0634 1.48 1.48 1.49 0624 0624 1.56 1.56 0524 0524 0.57 0.57 0132 0132 1.17 1.17 0038 0038 1.27 1.27 0220 0220 1.09 0404 0404 1.15 1.151.42 0346 03461410 1.30 1.300428 0401 0401 1.26 1.26 0416 1.49 1.49 SU FR MO MO TH TH FR 05220416 0.57 0.441.63 0634 0030 0010 18220.73 0.16 0540 1908 0.35 2016 0.21 0917 1910 0.35 1900 0.38 1940 0141 0.42 0.67 1.52 0043 0.60 0044 0.351.57 1.57 0630 0407 1.65 0213 0.22 1320 1.81 1.660.67 1201 0639 0611 12181016 1.50 0955 0955 0.54 0.54 1109 1109 0.60 0.600.54 1310 1201 0.67 0.67 0.31 1154 1154 0.62 0.62 0933 0933 0.60 0.600.54 1047 10471906 0.65 0.65 1201 1201 1.55 1.55 0021 0740 0657 0657 0.68 0.68 0630 0.57 0.57 0740 0.73 0921 0921 0.81 0.81 09172015 0.67 0.671138 0937 0937 0.80 0.80 1016 0.63 0.63 0732 1.29 1.401.51 1136 0.44 0626 1.28 1543 0635 1.37 0.54 1307 1039 0.45 0810 1.42 1844 0.82 0.921.50 0.73 1353 1329 1755 0.89 FR 1617 1617 1.62 1.62 1721 1.49 1.491.53 1813 1813 1.30 1.30 1.75 1812 1.36 SU MO TH WE 1.36 1544 1544 1.50 1.501.41 1651 16510122 1.43 1.43 1842 1842 0.57 0.57 0607 1338 1338 1.61 1.61 1307 1.58 1.58 1423 1423 1.51 1545 1545 1.42 1.42 15430301 1.62 1.621703 1544 1544 1.38 1.38 1623 1623 1.46 1.46 TH TH SA SA1844 WE WE FR FR 1721 MO MOTU TU TU 1812 TH TH SA SA WE WE FR FR MO MO TU TU WE WE TH TH 0159 1.52 0149 1.66 0215 1.50 0319 1.64 0206 1.51 0143 1303 0.54 0.590.60 1.90 1202 0.62 2232 1212 0.482226 1.52 1955 1700 1.57 1349 2329 0.40 0.25 1915 0.81 1856 23502245 1.38 SA MO 1202 2140 TU 1812 TH0853 SA 0.58 SU0.63 2222 2222 0.21 0.21 2329 0.250.32 2250 2143 2143 0.31 0.31 22500714 0.25 0.25 0.31 2046 2046 0.50 0.50 1955 0.58 2140 2245 0.58 0.58 0.38 0.382339 2226 0.57 0.57 2245 0.44 0.44 0756 0.59 1.50 07110.60 0.79 0750 0.79 WE2245 0857 0.54 2232 0750 0.57 0740 1935 1.791354 1.37 1835 1.68 1840 1.71 18501.38 1.96 2259 0.63 2017 1.90 1444 1.66 TU 1415 1.74 MO 1.55 TU 1318 1.40 WE 1338 1.26 FR 1510 1.48 SA 1459 0533 FR 1408 1.44 0603 SA 0.50 0053 1.430.66 0123 1.50 0105 2019 0.37 0.37 19261.06 0.12 1954 0.32 2109 0.23 04472054 2008 0.35 1950 0428 0428 1.60 1.600.51 0015 0015 0.45 0.45 0003 0003 0.37 0.37 0518 0518 1.65 1.65 0630 06300.25 1.57 1.570.56 0040 0551 05511950 1.60 1.60 0033 0033 1.18 1.18 0104 0338 0143 1.13 1.13 0338 0246 0246 1.15 1.15 0503 0503 1.21 1.21 1.40 1.401242 0454 0454 1.34 1.34 0513 1.58 0.611.06 0124 0.54 0447 0139 0.271.71 0.68 0143 0505 1.67 0047 0.39 0254 0216 0.37 13000513 1.601.58 06570.22 0644 0.40 0729 0.33 0659 0715 0715 1.40 1.40 0711 0711 1.49 1.49 1035 1035 0.60 0.60 1147 1147 0.64 0.64 1125 1125 0.67 0.67 1008 1008 0.64 0.64 0612 0612 0.64 0.64 0649 0849 0721 0.66 0.66 0849 0.78 0809 0809 0.71 0.71 1033 1033 0.77 0.77 10320337 0.62 0.62 1047 1047 0.77 0.77 1133 1133 0.59 0.59 1.39 0711 1.29 0732 1.39 1.55 0721 1125 0.40 1.50 0852 1.45 0811 1.33 1813 0.72 1840 0.86 1411 1.84 1352 1.72 1440 1.75 1414 0233 1.53 02450.78 1.71 0641 0252 1.54 0403 1.66 1032 1.56 0254 1.57 0224 1.47 0203 1.53 FR SA MO TU WE TH 1243 0.70 0.70 0.75 1244 0.60 0.60 1655 1655 1.56 1.56 1800 1.42 1.420.28 1730 17300757 1.40 1.40 1615 1615 1.47 1.470.51 1258 1258 1.53 1.53 1407 1.53 1531 1.45 1449 1449 1.59 1.59 1649 1.41 1.41 1650 1.59 1.590.49 1645 1645 1.35 1.35 1730 1730 1.38 1.38 FR TU 1243 WE WE 1244 TH SA SA 1800 SU SU1926 FR TH TH 1407 SA SA 1531 SU TU WE WE 1650 TH THTH FR FRFR 0.59 1242 0.61 1306 0.46 0.53 1748 FR 1.72 1228 0.44 1435 0.39 1344 0.50 1934 0.78 0.870.23TU 2005 1942 0832 08091.45 0.70 0834 0.72 TU 0947 0.43 0843 0.45 0817 TU 1237 TH1649 FR0929 SU 1.53 WESU MO SU 2303 2303 0.25 0.25 23301500 0.28 0.28 1.80 1900 1900 1.22 1.22 1913 1913 1.32 1.32 2216 2216 0.30 0.301.49 1955 1955 0.59 0.59 1910 2115 0.61 0.61 2248 2248 0.60 2200 2200 0.47 0.47 2332 2332 0.55 0.55 23241544 0.36 0.361.46 2310 0.55 0.55 2333 0.47 0.47 1522 1.69 2330 14180.60 1.45 1903 1426 1.31 1604 1.51 2324 1506 1.52 2333 1445 1.74 1919 1.77 1944 2.012310 2.01 1.59 2115 2100 TU 1.85 2015 1.84 WE TH SA SU SA SU WE 0033 1.42 1.460.65 0213 1.50 0157 2055 0.58 01282032 2023 0.12 2033 0.30 2156 0.28 2131 0032 0.38 1.54 2058 0.36 2033 0.50 0144 1.56 0746 0.26 0724 0.37 0815 0745 06420606 0.44 0.561.10 0202 0.48 0542 0.63 0303 0000 0.51 0253 0.32 0.25 0.220.26 0607 06071.43 1.57 1.57 0637 0637 1.52 1.52 0054 0054 0.54 0.54 0.36 0056 0056 0.48 0.48 0509 05091.67 1.56 1.56 0331 0009 0009 0.33 0.33 0551 0551 1.30 1.30 0542 0230 1.52 1.520629 0541 0541 1.43 0606 1.67 0303 1.06 1.06 0457 1.10 0145 0407 0407 0.30 1.19 1.19 0146 0146 1.12 1.12 0144 0457 0411 1.58 0305 1.51 0336 1.73 07400329 1.58 0444 1.31 1.66 0335 1.59 0302 1.52 1459 1.84 1.751.55 TH 1522 1456 13391243 1.68 0849 1.37 0933 1.47 0826 1.411.81 1.38 0752 1.48 1.53 0825 0600 1.68 SA SU TU WE 1434 FR 1.43 0801 0801 1.33 1.33 1.73 0803 0803 1.43 0713 0713 1.46 1.460.27 1115 1115 0.67 0.67 1203 12030244 0.70 0.70 1045 1045 0.69 0.690.39 0825 0.72 0.72 1007 0.78 0.78 0930 0930 0.69 0.69 0717 0717 0.69 0.69 0730 1007 1135 1135 0.72 0.720.35 1143 11431002 0.55 0.551338 1151 1151 0.70 0.70 1243 0.52 0.52 0.40 0841 0.18 0903 0.61 0914 0.65 1033 0928 0.35 0854 0907 0.70 2022 0.75 0.82 2052 2027 19191832 0.83 1425 1519 0.41 1359 0.45 0.601.44 1322 0.60 1319 0.45 0.53 1210 SA 0.37 WE 1311 FRSU THMO MO 1.50 MO TU1.59 SA1627 1329 0.72 0.72 0.71 1341 0.56 0.56 1226 1226 0.70 0.701.68 1733 1733 1.49 1.49 1814 1814 1.36 1.36 1648 1648 1.43 1.43 1515 1.50 1644 1644 1606 1606 1.61 1.61 1407 1407 1.53 1.53 1744 1744 1.43 1.43 1751 1751 1.57 1.571908 1741 1741 1.33 1.33 1832 1.33 1.33 FR MO MO2007 WE WE 1329 TH TH 1341 SA0.46 SU SUWE WE TH TH MO FRFR SA SASA FR FR 1515 SU SUTH MO SA 1.51FR 1545 1.81 15151.44 1.48 1511 1.35 WE 1656 1.52 1558 1.58 1531 1557 TH FR SU MO 2053 1.86 2141 1841 1.76 20330.41 2.022350 2.07 1.66 2230 1836 1.86 1.79 1957 1959 1.17 1.17 1.49 2032 2032 1.30 1.30 1841 1.34 1.340.60 02142115 2345 2345 0.32 0.32 2252 0.30 0.300.50 2209 21160.57 0.14 1956 2110 0.31 2239 1.81 0.35 2141 0.40 2114 2129 2230 0.60 0.60 2345 0.57 2305 2305 0.40 0.40 2118 2118 0.55 0.55 1945 2345 2350 0.53 0.53 0230 1.55 1.480.66 1959 0259 0246 0123 1.58 0115 2252 1.45 0833 0.30 0804 0.36 0859 0.41 0831 0720 0.20 0718 0.39 0.58 0057 0.40 0330 0.29 0407 0.31 0221 0.52 0241 0.24 0241 0.44 0318 0.22 0336 1.58 1.55 0140 04231.17 1.73 0403 1.60 0519 0412 1.59 0022 0338 0657 0657 1.48 1.48 0556 0556 1.50 1.501.55 0048 0048 0.42 0.421.49 0013 00130324 0.33 0.33 0140 0.64 0.64 1.70 0157 0157 0.61 0622 0622 1.53 1.53 0427 1.08 1.08 0554 1.17 0515 0515 1.29 1.29 0012 0012 0.50 0.501.62 0011 00110444 0.35 0.351430 0022 0.49 0.49 0314 0314 1.12 1.12 0812 0554 1544 1.80 1.760.18 FR 1600 1535 1416 1.41 1.73 TH 1515 SA 0.61 SU MO 1.36 1.46 0832 1.51 0427 0656 1.67 0929 1013 1.47 0915 1.421.87 1038 0.32 0927 0956 0.52 08370950 0.58 1115 1.32 0.31 1008 0.29 0931 WE 0.29 0942 0.29 1156 1156 0.74 0.74 1121 1121 0.75 0.75 0801 0801 1.37 1.37 0729 0729 1.44 1.44 0853 0853 1.28 1.28 0901 0901 1.39 1.39 1246 1246 0.62 0.62 0938 0.73 0.73 1117 1117 0.73 0.73 1047 1047 0.62 0.62 0631 0631 1.39 1.39 0631 0631 1.64 1.64 0658 0658 1.75 1.75 0839 0839 0.68 0.68 2107 0.72 2047 0.77 2136 0.67 2113 1957 0.68 1957 0.80 1345 0.62 1411 0.48 1401 0.59 0.54 0938 1256 0.37 1509 0.45 1602 0.46 1449 0.45 1709 1.55 1630 1.77 1608 1.49 1553 1.38 1745 1.50 1644 1.60 1615 1.67 1629 1.64 TU WE TH FR SA SA SU TH TU FR FR MO MO TU TU 1815 1815 1.40 1.40 1726 1726 1.39 1.390.52 1308 0.75 0.750.63TU 12472157 0.71 0.71 0.67TH 1426 0.72 0.72 FR 1447 0.51 0.51 1832 1832 1.33 1.33 1624 1.50 1.50 1744 1.46 1715 1715 1.66 1.66 1229 0.64 0.64 12462249 0.46 0.460.46 1343 1343 0.45 0.45 1526 1526 1.58 1.58 2019 SA SU MO MO 1308 TU 1247 TH 1426 FR 1447 SA SASA SA SA 1624 MO MO 1744 TU TH 1229 FR FR 1246 SU SUSU SU 22071.46 0.20TU 2145 0.32 TH 2318 0.43 2219 0.45 2154 2202 1.82 2047 2.09 2035 1.84 1.71 1924 SU 1.98 2133 1.85 2218 1.65 2121 1.98 0315 1.52 0258 1.49 0343 1.46 0335 0209 1.59 0156 1.47 2332 23321.30 0.32 0.32 1927 1927 1.26 1.26 1909 1909 1.31 1.31 2120 2120 1.15 1.15 2201 2201 1.35 1.35 2330 2330 0.56 0.56 1830 1830 1.45 1.45 1847 1847 1.53 1.53 1931 1931 1.30 2230 2230 0.45 0.45 0918 0.36 0845 0.37 0939 0.47 0918 0809 0.19 0755 0.37 0407 1.47 0508 1.70 03340437 0515 0444 0407 1.57 0.280414 1.56 0553 0.42 1.57 0405 1.53 0.55 0441 0.38 04031.56 0.25 0153 0.31 0259 0.50 0.231.61 0318 1625 1.74 1556 1.74 1633 1.66 1614 1517 1.87 1454 1.76 1015 0.31 1046 0.46 1025 0.52 1115 0.25 1044 0.26 1010 0.22 1153 0.29 1012 0.22 SA SU 0.71 MO TU 0238 0238 0.73 0.73 0308 0308 0.71 0027 00270.52 0.39 0.39 0649 06490.52 1.43 1.43TH 0132 0.50 FR 0104 0104 0.41 0.41 0751 1.63 1.48 0528 1051 0132 1.47 0.50 1002 1.420029 1011 0108 1.45 1.350.52 1.44 0912 1.33 0054 0046 0046 0.47 0.47 00541753 0.36 0.361.56 0029 0.52 0108 0.52 0528 1.13 1.13 0431 0431 1.20 1.20 0852 0030 0030 0.52 0932 0000 0000 0.33 0.33 1700 1.60 2129 1701 1.47 1503 1635 1.40 1725 1554 1.59 1658 1.70 1832 0.58 1.47 2152 0.71 0.721.69 2217 0.64 2159 2043 2033 0.45 0.78 FR TU WE TU1442 SA 1715 1343 0.40 0.56 1045 1645 0.52 1539 0.480.67 0.64 0.51 0947 1.25 1.25 1000 1000 1.37 1.37 0750 0750 1.39 1.39 1202 1202 0.80 0.80 0858 0858 1.30 1.300.66 0829 0829 1.38 1.38 TH0.54 MO2330 WE WE 0.69 FR 1422SA SA SU 0707 1.49 1.490.52 WE 0718 0718 1.75 1.750.52 0701 0701 1.63 1.63 0745 1.81 1.81 1045 0.69 0959 0959 0.62 0.62 0638 0638 1.25 0609 0609 1.41 1.41 2236 22541.25 0.29 2219 0.36 SU0707 2255 0.50 0745 2234 2356 2240 0.69 0947 2013 MO 2.06 1.52 1.90 2215 1.80 1.830.66 2139 2115 1.85 1.76 1540 0.69 0.69 1.43 1600 0.43 0.43 1239 12390.53 0.81 0.81 1814 18140.39 1.34 1.34 2255 1357 0.80 0.80 WE 1343 1343 0.71 0.71 1315 0.57 0.57 1345 2207 0.38 0.380254 1335 1335 0.53 1435 1435 0.39 1721 1.54 1.54 1636 1636 1.68 1.68 2056 1214 0.66 WE 1155 1155 2.07 0.51 0.51 FR FR 1540 SA SA 1600 SU MO MO TU TU 1357 WE0343 0400 1.48 1.49 FR 0426 1.58 0236 1.48 0425 FR 1315 SA SA 1345 SU SUSU MO MO SU SU 1721 MO TU TU 1214 WE 05491.51 1.65 0509 1.60 0514 1.53 0449 1.55 1000 0624 1.51 1942 0450 1.49 2244 0549 1.53 0.21 0440 1.43 0929 2244 1.19 1.19 2316 2316 1.44 1.44 1901 1901 1.32 1.32 2027 2027 1.19 1.19 2021 2021 1.27 1.27 0.44 0.40 1016 0.54 0856 0830 0.36 1006 1912 1912 1.46 1.46 1942 1.49 1.49 1920 1920 1.33 1.33 2024 2024 1.29 1.29 2329 2329 0.34 0.34 1832 1832 1.51 1815 1815 1.71 1.71 0512 0.45 0446 0.291050 0.18 0338 0.49 0.270.45 0357 04460.22 0.31 0.52 0249 0.26 1134 0.41 04281100 0.25 1229 0.41 0.30 1152 1048 0.35 1704 1.68 1.710.28 SU 1704 1.61 MO 1652 1603 1.82 1118 1532 1.75 FR SA 16341058 TU WE1055 1130 0224 1.46 1.48 0932SU1.33 1027 1.411.42 0953 1.34 10481.54 1.41 WE 1.44 0848 1.57 1757 1.43 1717 1802 1.56 1742 1.68 1919 1.42 1806 1.60 1840 1735 1.53 MO TH WE SU TH SA 0114 0114 0.47 0.47 0224 0.59 0.59 0207 0207 0.51 0.51 0354 0354 0.81 0.81 0427 0427 0.78 0.78 0021 0021 0.36 0.36 2235 0.70 2212 0.66 2256 0.62 2127 0.67 2110 0.76 2245 0119 0119 0.45 0.45 0136 0136 1627 0.38 0.38 0.530106 01062330 0.51 0.51 0153 0153 0.53 0.53 1730 0.58 0015 0.50 0.50 0530 0530 1.31 1.31 1500 0107 0107 0.47 0.47 1557 0046 0046 0.26 0.26 1644 0.66 0.56 0.58 0015 2338 0.39 2257 0.41 MO 1523 0.58 0.56 0.472315FR0.58 2311 0.71 TH1.33 SA TU TH 1430 0.45 0848 0848 1.33 0959 1.25 1.25 0936 09362325 1.35 1.35 0.71 1042 1042 1.24 1.24 1100 1100 1.36 1.36 0754 07541.84 1.37 1.37 2332 0959 0741 0741 1.58 1.58 0803 1.84 1.84 1.780741 0741 1.73 1.73 0831 0831 1.84 0612 1.20 1.20 1106 1106 0.51 0.51 0715 1.33SU 2229 0657 0657 1.99 1.55 1.55 1.39 2300 1.72 2133 0715 1.831.33 2154 1.84 0803 2250 1.78 0612 2102 2.10 1.55 0315 1254 1.48 0446 0430 1.491.43 1700 0510 0519 1330 1330 0.87 0.87 15011.42 0.83 0.831.38TH 1455 14550541 0.68 0.68 0.62 0.62 1.40 1708 0.34 0.34 1254 0.83 0.831.52 WE 0032 06280.58 1.59TH 0542 1.57 SA 0.59MO 0544 1.48 0525 0515 1358 0.49 0.490.60SU 14380011 0.33 0.330338 1420 1420 0.44 0.44 1520 1520 0.36 0.36 1138 0.63 0.63 TU 1736 1.79 1.79 WE 1300 0.58 1255 0.40 0.40 MO MO WE 1501 TH1014 SA SA 1700 SU SU 1708 TU SA 1358 SU 1438 MO TU TUTU MO MO 1138 TU 1736 WE 1300 TH 1255 0942 0.28 0906 0.37 1042 0.52 0.46 1053 0.62 1053 0655 1.44 2032 0.38 2352 1122 12191.55 0.38 0519 1134 0.39 1.49 1151 0.27 2112 1131 2000 2000 1.25 1.25 2146 2146 1.15 1.150.40 1714 2156 21561145 1.29 1.29 2352 1.29 1.29 1.56 1918 1918 1.30 1.300.18 0544 0.52 0528 0.381.75 0527 0.33 0.51 1808 0345 0.25 0417 1913 0.50 0.32 0437 0.40 1951 1951 1.45 1.45 20320625 1.43 1.431647 2008 2008 1.34 1.34 2112 1.28 1.28 1808 1.58 1.58 1913 1.55 1908 1908 1.73 1.73 1611 1.73 1743 1.61 1.68 1735 1730 WE TH SA SU MO TU 1303 0.32 1902 1.52 1815 1.47 1855 1.39 1802 1.43 1232 0.20 1838 1.51 1827 1.63 TH1036 1.35 FR 1133 1.40 TH MO MO 1.32 TU FR 1210 SU 1.45 1142 1.41 0945 1.50 1015 1120 1.39 2209 0.67 2146 1.51 0.75 0.70 2257 0.61 2332 0.60 2331 2346 2005 1.38 0216 2338 0.48 1931 2356 0.63 2318 0527 0527 0.83 0.83 0212 0212 0.53 0.53 0332 0.66 0.660.76 0326 0326 0.60 0.60 0122 0122 0.41 0.41 0022 0022 1.56 1.56 0.64 0.590146 1737 0237 0.50 0.62 0051 1521 0.51 0.680.42 0.61 1608 0.59 0150 0.44 0.44 0146 0.50 0.50 0051 0.45 0018 0018 0.23 0.23 0139 0.42 0130 0130 0.23 0.23 0216 0.42 0.421.50 0237 0.55 0.55 SA 1820 0332 WE 1715 FR FR 0.45 SU 1540 0139 MO 1649 TU0150 2331 1.64 2347 1.60 1.79 0648 2154 2.08 1.81 2318 1.87 2235 1.81 1133 1133 1.26 1.26 0951 0951 1.30 1.30 1059 1059 1.24 1.24 1042 1042 1.35 1.35 0908 0908 1.35 1.35 0546 0546 0.80 0.80 0421 1.50 0355 1.46 0620 0534 1.37 0521 1.47 0558 1.37 0815 0815 1.67 1.67 0822 0822 1.82 1.82 0648 1.27 1.27 0621 0621 1.43 1.43 2213 0747 0747 1.41 1.41 0743 0743 1.68 1.68 0847 0847 1.88 1.88 0914 0914 1.85 1.85 0111 0.69 0552 1.32 0015 0.74 0019 0.50 0615 1.53 0054 0.67 0004 0.61 0604 1.48 0.36 0943 0.39 1141 1101 0.541.36SU 1131 1755 1755 0.52 0.52 0.70 1440 1440 0.91 0.91 1640 16400.61 0.80 0.800.45FR 1621 16210642 0.59 0.59 1403 1403 0.83 0.830.21 1120 1157 1157 1.38 1.38 1156 07050.52 1.51FR 1211 0.34 SU 1.44TU 0615 1.43 1214 0728 1438 1438 0.43 0.431.37 1505 1505 0.36 0.36 1223 1223 0.57 0.57 WE 1204 1204 0.39 0.39 TH 1341 1341 0.52 1350 1350 0.31 0.31 1528 15280705 0.30 0.301025 1602 1602 0.35 0.35 SU TU TU TH TH FR WE WE MO MO SU TU TU TU WE TH FR MO MO WE WE 0609 0.38 0015 1.28 0500TU0.51 0.401.43 0518 0.41 0606 0.451.67 0.52 0443 0.28 1900 13011.57 0.38 0610 1852 1315 0.22 1225 0.31 1916 1341 0.35 2122 1731 16502156 1.69 1813 1819 1.55 1.630.49 TU 1806 1.51 1808 FR MO TU 1238 WE SA FR SA TH FR WE 0.26 SU MO 1754 2111 2111 1.20 1.20 2311 2311 1.17 1.171.40 2323 2323 1.38 1.38 2045 2045 1.28 1.281.55 1808 0.26 2031 2031 1.44 1.44 2055 2055 1.34 1.34 1847 1847 1.63 1.63 1830 1830 1.87 1.87 1949 1949 1.57 1959 1959 1.70 1.70 2122 1.37 1.37 2156 1.28 1.28 0619 0.59 1059 1.30 1122 1218 1.400.69 1915 1232 1.37 1044 1.43 1955 1.35 1213 1.37 2030 1.44 1.45 2054 1.36 1.33 2252 2225 1.54 0.74 23442004 0.561.45 1838 0.55 1254 0503 1.43 0.69 1622 0.71 TU 1744 0.67 1656 0.61 TH 1804 0.66 0326 0.66 1614 0.59 SA SU MO WE SA 0326 0.57 0.57 0241 0241 0.47 0.47 0503 0.69 0454 0454 0.64 0.64 0048 0048 1.41 1.41 0120 0120 1.66 1.66 0123 0.41 0.41 0103 0103 0.16 0.16 2254 0209 0209 0.39 0211 0211 0.24 0.24 02570140 0.48 0.480507 0318 0.56 0.56 0.69 0222 0222 0.44 0.44 0228 02280040 0.50 0.50 0.68 0153 0.77 0257 0.75 1.43 0024 0.81 06220117 01000.39 0.61 0021 0.57 0038 0018 04370318 1.44 00010.69 0.70 1.460.75 0010 0.59 1919 1.78 2319 1.76 1.78 0123 2246 2.01 1054 1054 1.30 1.30 1018 1018 1.37 1.371.43 1153 11531.32 1.26 1.261.26 1151 1142 11420803 1.38 1.38 0634 0.81 0.81 1.35 0651 0651 0.77 0.77 0722 0722 1.33 1.33 0707 0707 1.55 1.55 0819 0819 1.49 0827 0827 1.78 1.78 09300753 1.90 1.901107 0955 1.84 1.84 0849 0849 1.75 1.751.30 0930 0905 0905 1.89 1.89 0805 1.38 0.45 0637 07411.49 1.44 0650 1.49 0647 1.37 0648 0726 10230955 0.43 0630 0.641.31 0634 0650 1422 0.39 1341 0.60 0.26 1234 0.52 13440.46 0.39SA 1251 0.29 MO 1300 0.35 1259 0.27 1614 1614 0.89 0.89 1533 1533 0.76 0.76 1800 1800 0.71 0.71 1737 1737 0.45 0.45 1222 1222 1.29 1.29 1251 1251 1.40 1.40 1301 0.51 0.51 1300 1300 0.29 0.29 0545 1418 1418 0.46 1444 1444 0.26 0.26 16151405 0.30 0.30 1642 1642 0.37 0.37 1518 0.37 0.37 1550 1550 0.30 0.30 SA SU TU WE WE TH SA SU WE WE TH TH FR FR SA SA MO MO TU TU 0041 1.46 0.53 0007 1.74 0601 0.42 0013 1.50 0.54 0542 TH 0.34 0106 1.17 WE WE 1301 TH FR FR SA TU TU 1615 TH TH MO 1518 WE WE 1815 1.58 1731 1.64 1200 0.70 TU 1838 1.58 1212 0.79 TH 1230 FR SA MO WE 2147 1.30 2210 2106 1.41 1838 1.39 1954 1.34 20531.57 1.33 0658 1948 1.42 1957 1.39 2014 2227 2227 1.20 1.20 2219 2219 1.33 1.331.47 1838 0.42 0.42 1.47 1900 1900 0.20 0.20 0657 0.45 1.29 0.47 1211 1.39 0645 0.520.71 1.32 1922 1143 1.38 0703 1922 1.66 1.66 1919 1919 1.90 1.90 1146 2024 2024 1.57 2048 2048 1.64 1.64 22102138 1.32 1.322336 2236 1.28 1.28 2113 2113 1.41 1.41 2144 2144 1.35 1.35 1900 23052236 0.72 18570.65 1.49 1842 1.360.67 TH 1749 13040.82 1.40 0.71 SU 1709 0.66 1346 1.42 SU 1328 TU 1710 0.73 WE 13050108 FR0235 MO0.75 0145 0.72 0242 0.64 0.85 0117 0.74 1.560124 0110 0.84 0239 0.73 05260359 1.42 0110 0444 0444 0.57 0.57 0021 1.25 1.251.21 0034 0212 0212 1.72 1.72 0411 0411 0.49 0.491.36 00340932 1.52 1.52 1.32 0134 0134 1.53 1.53 1948 0.57 1.73 0.73 1859 0.720313 1.75 0152 2341 1.91 2030 0021 0.70 0152 0.37 0.37 0236 0.37 03370854 0.53 0.531.32 0359 0.58 0.58 0146 0146 0.13 0.13 2339 0236 0250 0250 0.28 0.28 0256 0256 0.46 0.461.24 0337 0313 0.50 0.50 08190.37 1.36 1839 0730 1.44 0851 0724 1.31 0741 0735 11071033 0.49 0832 1150 1150 1.34 1.34 0620 06201322 0.68 0.680.59 0614 0743 0743 0.73 0.73 1120 1120 1.42 1.420.35 WE 0614 0.65 0.65 0.69 0721 0721 0.78 0.78 0753 0753 1.39 1.39 0850 0850 1.56 1013 10131507 1.87 1.870.32 0950 1033 1.81 1.81 0752 0752 1.66 1.66 0911 0911 1.85 1.85 0926 0926 1.81 1.810.43 MO 0950 1.94 1.94 14281.56 0.41 FR 1335 0.26 1513 1337 0.40 1348 TH SU SU MO TH 1458 0642 0.42 0058 1.37TH 0213 1.10 1815 1.59 1324 SU FR 1.42 21510.42 1.32SU 2052 1.42 TU 2247 2046 1.33 2121 2056 1734 1734 0.81 0.81 1239 1.30 1.301.31 1341 1.42 1657 1657 0.62 0.621.40 12372206 1.43 1.43 1.40TU 1308 1.33 1.33 WE 1338 0.46 0.46 1456 1456 0.42 1700 17002253 0.34 0.341.37 1719 1719 0.40 0.40 1352 1352 0.22 0.22 SA 1534 1534 0.23 0.23 1601 1601 0.34 0.341.29 1637 1637 0.27 0.27 TH SA SA 1239 WE 1341 FR FR SU SU 1237 TU 1308 TH TH 1338 SA WE WE FR FR FR FR SU TU TH TH 2351 2339 0.69 1954 1244 1.34 0723 0.58 2335 0800 1849 0.70 0.60 2335 1.24 1.24 1849 0.60 1946 1946 0.17 0.17 2339 1.45 1.45 1836 1836 0.31 0.31 1915 1915 0.33 0.33 1956 1956 1.67 1.67 2059 2059 1.55 1.55 2257 2257 1.27 1.27 2315 2315 1.27 1.27 2008 2008 1.86 1.86 2137 2137 1.54 1.54 2157 2157 1.38 1.38 2233 2233 1.34 1.34 0343 0.90 0400 0.66 0234 0.81 0200 0.76 0200 0.81 0220TU0.79 0211 0.85 1448 1.42 MO 1807 0.73 SA 1353 1.41 0950 1.19 1049 1.38 0901 1.30 0817 1.39 0808 1.25 0850 1.30 0852 1.19 2001 0.76 0547 2148 0.68 0259 0259 1.75 1.75 0547 0.55 0.55 0530 0530 0.48 0.48 0116 0116 1.36 1.36 0136 0136 1.66 1.66 0215 0215 1.63 1.63

0220 0220 0.35 0.35 0227 0227 0.15 0.15 0824 0824 1.44 1.44 0837 0837 1.74 1.74 1414 0.44 0.44 SA 1444 0.20 0.20 FR FR 1414 SA 1444 2029 2029 1.65 1.65 2056 2056 1.76 1.76

0304 0304 0.38 15160.38 0.42 FR 0921 0921 1.63 22491.63 1.33

0330 0330 0.35 0.35 1427 0.25 SA 0954 0954 1.88 1.88 2202 1.42

0332 0332 0.49 0.490.46 1616 MO 1006 1006 1.84 1.841.30 2351

0418 0418 0.59 0.59 1054 1054 1.82 1.82 1534 0.39 0.39 MO 1625 1625 0.25 0.25 WE 1646 1646 0.33 0.33 TH 1744 0.39 0.39 SU SU 1534 TH 1744 0500 0.92 0333 0.88MO 0259 0.85 WE 2135 2135 1.51 2226 2226 1.43 1.43 2243 2243 1.34 1.341.16 2342 2342 1.23 1.23 1100 09511.51 1.24 0915 1.34 SA 1615 0.43 2347 1.36

SU 1530 0.26 0408 0408 0.43 0.43 2316 1.43

TU 1731 0.46

1036 1036 1.86 1.86 0413 0.89 1715 0.30 0.30 TU TU 1715 1028 1.31 2315 2315 1.33 1.33 MO 1647 0.26

0400 04001419 0.51 0.51 0.46 0439 0439 0.60 0.60 0.45 MO TU 1452 TH 1424 0.66 FR 1620 0.74 0827 0827 0.69 0.69 1234 1234 1.38 1.38 1215 1215 1.49 1.491.37 0713 07132200 0.66 0.661.31 0715 07152303 0.63 0.63 1.42 0800 0800 0.74 0.74 1038 1038 1.95 1.95 1111 1.76 1.76 2145 1.28 1111 2231 1427 1.43 1.43 1827 18270.26 0.70 0.70 SA 1801 18010.43 0.45 0.45 SU 1319 1.35 1.35 MO 1327 1.47 1.47 WE 1351 1.37 1.37 TH 1727 1727 0.26 1756 1756 0.43 TH 1427 FR SA SU 1319 MO 1327 WE 1351 FR FRFR SASA 0507 0.56 0251 0.87 0339 0.80 0327 0.80 2030 2030 0.18 0.18 1926 19261017 0.49 0.491.23 1927 19271156 0.20 0.20 1.49 1953 1953 0.26 0.26 2325 23250906 1.33 1.33 1.19 2354 23541021 1.26 1.26 1.27 TU 1513 0.52 WE 1616 0.52 05192339 0.63 0.63 1.37 2253 1.27 0519

1148 1148 1.69 1.69 18320514 0.47 0.47 0.74 SU SU 1832 1148 1.30 TH 1745 0.55

FR 1542 0.71 2300 1.34

1734 0.75

1.01 0 1.3504

10 1

0.53 1 SU SU 16 1.4622 2 1.02 1.3405 0

1 0.4811 1 1.52 MO MO 17 0.9923 2 1.35

06 0

0.4311 1 1.59 1 TU TU 17 0.93

23 2

0 1.3906 0.3812 1 1.65 1 WE WE 18 0.85

1.44 00 0 0.35 0 1.7007 1 TH TH 13 0.76

19 1

1.49 0.3401 0 1.7307 0 0.6713 1

FR FR

2 1.5320 0.35 0 1.7301 0 0.5808

1 SA SA 14

1.5521 2 0.40 1.7102 0 0.50

09 0

1 SU SU 15 1.56 2 0.4723 1.68 0 0.4304

10 1 1.5516 MO MO 1 0.55 1.63 0.39

00 0

0 1.5305 0.65 1 TU TU 11 1.5817 1

01 0

0.37 0 1.5106 1 WE WE 12 0.75 1 1.5218

0.3701 0 1.5007 0 0.84 1 TH TH 13 1.4719 1

02 0 08 0 1 FR FR 14 20 2

SA 0230 0230 1.76 1.76 1.44 2355 0805 0805 0.61 0.61 1413 1.50 1.50 TU TU 1413 2012 2012 0.14 0.14

1815 to 1.59 FR 1324 0.84 used for navigational Use of these tide predictions willSU be deemed include acceptance of the above conditions. straliabe2020, Bureau purposes. of Meteorology 1954 1.47 2351 0.69 mes are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect © Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2019, Bureau of Meteorology SEPTEMBER 2023 121 tronomical Tide oon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon FirstDatum Quarterof Predictions Last Quarter is Lowest Astronomical Tide UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect

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Phone: (07) 3875 1600

Phone: (02) 6643 1199

Email: sales@kareemarine.com.au

Email: sales@discomarine.com.au

Website: www.kareemarine.com.au

Website: www.discomarine.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH WHITSUNDAY OUTBOARD CENTRE

SYDNEY NORTH WEST TR MARINE WORLD

17 William Murray Drive, Cannonvale 4802

4 Curtis Road McGRATHS HILL

Phone: (07) 4946 7286

Phone: (02) 4577 3522

Email: woc@whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au Website: www.whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au

122 SEPTEMBER 2023

Email: sales@trmarine.com.au Website: www.trmarine.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2023 123

Finance your

Fishing, Fun & Lifestyle

Specialist Marine Finance backed by Mercury Marine • Fixed Rates - Borrow with certainty knowing your repayment and interest rate is set, for the life of the loan • Choice of loan terms - Up to 84 months • Fortnightly or Monthly repayment options For more information go online or see your nearest Mercury dealer. www.mercurymarine.com.au