Fishing Monthly Magazine | February 2024 by Fishing Monthly

• CATCHING FISH AFTER THE FLOODS •

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Features

The lowdown on lizards • Fishing after the floods • Burdekin barra •

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LOGO COMPETITION

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INSIDE

Tested

Rapala Countdown Elite • Power Pole MOVE ZR

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

Aaron Roddam brings us: The Wonderful Lizard of Oz

February, 2024 ISSN 2652-5798

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Contents

From the Editor’s Desk... Please play nicely! In the age of all pervasive social media, we need to remember that we’re all on the same team. I’ve been exposed to a string of people trying to elevate themselves at the expense of others in recent months while showing off their catches or promoting ‘their’ way of fishing to be the best. Don’t get me wrong, social media is the best place to go and show the world what amazing stuff you’ve caught but let the catch stand on its own merit, don’t get sucked in to feeling the need to put others down to make yourself feel better.

It reminds me of the time ANSA guys would tell me that ‘wasted’ a fish, because I didn’t catch it on 1kg line. All captures have value and merit to their captor. At the end of the day, we all access a common resource and need to all fight for access and sustainability together. Get stuck into those flaunting the rules on purpose, re-educate those that don’t know any better and stick to your lane when it comes to self-promotion at the expense of others. TOURNAMENT ANGLER GUIDE INSIDE Every February we include the

ABT Tournament Angler Guide in the magazine. Even if you’re not a competitive angler, there’s always some tips inside that can help you catch more fish. Like it or not, a lot of modern tackle evolves from the tournament scene. There’s a big push this year about evolving our processes of netting and handling fish that we all could learn from. Who doesn’t want the fish that they release to survive better? Not into it? No worries, give it to someone who is! Love what you see? More information is available on abt.org.au.

INSIDE This Issue

QLD NSW

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Augusta

The Tweed

Hunter Valley

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101

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102

Townsville

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104

Hinchinbrook

Port Phillip

Cairns

Phillip Island

REGULAR FEATURES

Cooktown

Lakes Entrance

The wonderful lizard of Oz

Cape York

Gippsland Lakes

Freshwater

Port Albert

Upper Burdekin barra

Marlo

Fishing after the floods

Mallacoota

QLD DPI’s plans for 2024

44 47

New South Wales Sydney Rock

Robinvale

Sheik of the Creek

Sydney South

Yarrawonga

Testing Booth: Rapala

Ballina

Wangaratta

Countdown Elite

Coffs Coast

Bendigo

South West Rocks

Shepparton

What’s New Fishing

Port Macquarie

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Gippsland Freshwater

Tournaments

Central Coast

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Tagging Tales

Port Stephens

Crater Lakes

Trades and Services

103

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Tide page

110

Batemans Bay

Hobart

Bermagui

Tathra

Western Australia

New England Rivers

Esperance

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FISHING MONTHLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2024

Batlow

ISSUE: VOLUME 4 NO. 10

Queensland

6 FEBRUARY 2024

Joshua Mallam caught this big snapper off the Ballina breakwall while throwing plastics for mulloway. A Joshua Mallam image.

FEATURE

Species

FMM

The wonderful lizard of Oz NEW SOUTH WALES

Aaron Roddam

Australia is home to a wide variety of fish species, but one that stands out amongst anglers is the flathead – they’re easy to catch and are ubiquitous throughout the country.

Fishing glide bait lures for flatties is becoming a big new trend, and it’s particularly effective when you are fishing in shallow water. When retrieved, these hinged hardbody lures create an S-like motion, mimicking a swimming mullet or other baitfish. Flathead can be found all year long, with the spring and summer months generally producing more catches due to the warmer water temps, which in 8 FEBRUARY 2024

turn make these fish more active. There are three main ways that people target flathead: casting lures, trolling lures and fishing with bait. Of course, within these techniques, there are heaps of different applications, and realistically, the number of ways you can catch flatties with a rod and reel is limitless. Flathead fishing is popular all around the country, from the coastal waters of Victoria to the bays and estuaries of New South Wales and beyond. If you’re planning a fishing trip along the coast and are looking to target these sought after table fish, this article will assist you in identifying this aquatic species and where to find them, along with offering some tips and techniques to help you make the most of your time on the water. LOOKIN’ THE GOODS Affectionately known to fishos as ‘flatties’ or ‘lizards’, flathead have a distinctive appearance with a wide symmetrical mouth on a broad, flattened head with a slender body and a long, tapering tail. They are usually brown or green in colour, with spots or blotches that help them blend in with their surroundings. Their eyes are positioned on top of their heads giving them excellent field of vision to attack overhead prey. Using their appearance to their advantage, flathead are ambush predators, which means they tend to lie in wait for their prey to swim past before

striking with lightning-fast speed. These bottom dwelling carnivores feed on a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures. Some of the most impressive flathead can reach lengths of just over a metre and weigh up to 8kg, making them a challenging and rewarding target, and also a great trophy fish for all anglers. There are more than 40 species of flathead known in Australian waters, with blue spotted, sand, deepwater, tiger and dusky being among the

Above: A good dinner plate sized flatty taken on Crackerjack Lures’ Manic Mullet. Main photo: Easy fishing! This flatty was taken from the sandy shoreline down on the NSW South Coast and just goes to show you don’t have to have a boat or kayak to chase these fish.

Teaching them young. The author loves passing on his passion for fishing to the younger generation and showing them the dangers of being spiked.

most common. Each of these species share the distinct flatty shape but with their own unique colouring, largely dependent on their surroundings. Flatties have three venomous

Species FEATURE

FMM spikes, two on each side of their gill plate located just behind the eyes and one on top of the front of their dorsal fin. A lot of anglers have fallen victim to these poisonous spikes, myself included. Although not scientifically proven, an old fisho belief is that if you’ve been spiked you should rub your wound on the belly of the fish as the slime found there reduces the painful sting. CHOOSING YOUR GEAR When it comes to flathead fishing gear there are a few key items you’ll need to bring with you on your trip. Firstly, you’ll need a sturdy fishing rod and reel, preferably one with a sensitive tip that can detect the subtle bites of flathead. A medium to heavy action rod with a length of around 7ft is ideal for most flathead fishing situations. Next, you’ll need to choose your fishing line. A braided line with a breaking strain of around 10-15lb is a good choice, as it is strong enough to handle big flathead but still sensitive enough to feel their bites. You’ll also need to bring a selection of hooks, sinkers, and lures, as well as a landing net to help you safely remove your catch from the water. MATCHING THE HATCH Picking the best lure to be eaten can be a difficult decision, and you need to have faith that what you have tied

on is going to be effective. Flathead are opportunistic feeders and as such, runout tide is-the perfect time to target them as they lie in wait in deeper water for fleeing baitfish and prawns to be funnelled past them. Soft vibes, or vibration lures, are such a deadly lure when the fish are on a reaction bite. Soft Vibes have accounted for more flathead than any other lure

and have quickly become one of the best fishing lures for flathead as well as jewfish and snapper. They have a unique tight vibrating action attracting fish from afar. They are also the most natural looking soft lures with the most realistic action and will tempt any fish into a strike. Blades and vibes have become an increasingly common sight in the tackle boxes of most Australian

Sinking hardbody lures sure have come a long way with their realistic appearance fooling many fish.

anglers. Their versatility has meant that vibes have become very popular when chasing barramundi, jewfish (mulloway), flathead, mangrove jack and many more species that live in saltwater estuaries. Drifting is a common fishing practice when using lures such as soft plastic grubs, curly tails, paddle tails or worm and minnow imitations because it allows you to cover more ground and increase your catch rate. The challenge of drifting is that you must pay close attention to your line, because a lot of the time, that knock you felt on your lure was actually a strike. Vibes, blades, soft plastics and sinking hard body lures are all perfect for hitting up the shallows for flatty. While lure choice can sometimes be overwhelming due to the huge variety on the market today, always keep in mind that it is very rare for a flathead to pass up an opportunity for an easy meal. So your chance of a catch will rely more so on perfecting your technique and selecting the right colour lure rather than the type of lure you choose. LET’S TALK ABOUT BAITS Baits such as prawns, white bait and pilchards work extremely well and can be easily found at not only bait shops but also many service stations and corner stores that are in close proximity to the water. Bait is probably the better option for beginner anglers or

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FEBRUARY 2024 9

FEATURE

Species

small children as it encourages prolonged participation by keeping their interest due to the consistent small nibbles they will feel on the line. Most aquatic creatures will curiously nibble on – and sometimes steal – your stationary bait, so it’s good practice to wind your line in regularly and check that your bait is still intact. When bait fishing you can basically just cast the line out and wait, without the need for a whole lot of effort. Whereas with lures you will generally need to perfect your technique before landing fish. Live poddy mullet are an excellent option if using live baits. Poddy mullet can be caught in most waterways, they also spend a great deal of time close to shore around the mouths of streams and rivers or in brackish bays, inlets and lagoons and shallow sand banks with muddy bottoms. There are specially designed poddy mullet traps that can be bought from any good tackle shop that will help you successfully catch live bait. Place a weight inside or onto designated tie down points (if in a current) and place bait such as bread or tinned cat food inside, then check regularly until you see

FMM bait, and circle hooks work well in these situations. And the best tip is to always use super-sharp, good quality hooks. Also try a simple pre-rigged paternoster rig, or a running sinker to a hook for a simpler approach for the beginner. WHERE TO FIND THEM Once you have your gear sorted, it’s time to start fishing. When targeting

thereby maintaining a balance and contributing to the survival of the species. Interestingly, recent studies have found that, unlike barramundi and yellowfin bream, dusky flathead do not change sex from males to females as once commonly believed. The sex of an individual is determined at the juvenile stage and is maintained throughout the lifetime of the fish. In NSW, dusky spawning season extends from November to March annually, possibly around the new or full moon periods. Dusky flathead are known as ‘multiple batch spawners’, meaning they have the capacity to spawn up to once per month if environmental conditions are favourable. One dusky flathead can produce about 700 eggs per gram of body weight, and a single flathead has the capacity to potentially produce in excess of 30,000 young each year. Fisheries rules apply to help ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations. Abiding by the rules will help preserve our saltwater

Always remember to catch and release the large female breeders to do your part in guaranteeing the survival of the species for future generations.

Soft vibes, or vibration lures, are such deadly lures when flatties are on a reaction bite. Soft plastic vibe lures are very quickly becoming a favourite among Australian anglers.

Flathead can be taken on a variety of lures. The most effective lures are those which look the same as their staple diet – small bait fish. bait fish inside the trap. The legal size for poddy mullet is anything under 15cm with a bag limit total of 20 per person for live bait purposes. Remember, these guys have big mouths and are opportunistic feeders, so they will take most baits that are put in front of them, especially in the colder months when they aren’t as active and are just waiting for their next feed to come to them. WHICH RIG IS GOING TO LAND YOU THAT BIG FISH? Hook sizes can vary greatly, so the size of the fish you’re chasing will determine your desired bait size which in turn will determine the size of your hook. Usually a size range of 2 to size 5/0 will do the trick for flatty. Suicide, light gauge live 10 FEBRUARY 2024

flathead, it’s important to keep a few key things in mind. Firstly, look for areas where flathead are likely to be lying in wait, such as around rocky outcrops, weed beds, and drop-offs. Flathead are also often found around areas with structure, such as jetties and bridges. When casting your line, aim to place your lure or bait close to the bottom of the water column, because whether you’re fishing in 1m or 10m flathead will rarely be anywhere else. Slowly retrieve your lure, using a gentle jigging motion to imitate the movement of small fish or crustaceans. Flatties will generally hit it on the pause or on the drop – as a bonus, mulloway also hang out on the bottom of the waterways and are often caught as by-catch when chasing flathead – so remember to stay in the zone. Be patient and persistent, as larger flathead can be elusive and may require a bit of trial and error to catch. SIZE DOES MATTER By today’s standards, a trophy flathead is all about cracking that metrelong fish, which anglers commonly refer to as a croc. According to researchers, a flatty of between 50-54cm is most likely to be 4 years old, so a dusky flathead around 1m in length is probably more than 8 years old. Incidentally, males usually only reach 50cm in length and it is only the females that grow larger. Whilst it’s great to land one of these trophy lizards, it’s so important to ensure her safe release,

Two nice sized flatties taken on a soft plastic vibe lure. recreational fisheries. Plan your activity well in advance and ask about restrictions or closed areas at your local NSW DPI Fisheries office or the relevant fisheries

The author with a nice sized flathead taken from shallow waters on the NSW South Coast.

authority in your state. All fin fish and invertebrates (such as crabs, prawns, worms, nippers, cockles and squid) are subject to bag limits and many are also subject to size limits. SO, GET YOURSELF ON THE WATER Australian flathead fishing is a popular and rewarding activity for anglers of all abilities. With their distinctive appearance and predatory behaviour, these fish provide a thrilling challenge for those looking to test their skills on the water. By understanding flathead behaviour and choosing the right gear and techniques, you can increase your chances of a successful trip and coming away with a memorable catch. No matter the location and practice you choose always remember that your safety is of the utmost importance, so you should always tell someone where you are going and have a safety plan in place for emergencies. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, flathead fishing is an exciting way to experience the natural beauty and bounty of Australia’s coastal waters.

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FEATURE

Species

FMM

Catching barramundi from the Upper Burdekin NORTH QUEENSLAND

Joe Nugent

Since the beginning of time barramundi fishing and North Queensland have been synonymous, with our coastline being an ideal location to harbour barramundi in a variety of situations both fresh and saltwater, stocked and wild. Stretching over 850km, from its source in the Seaview Ranges to the mouth as part of Upstart Bay, the Burdekin River is well known as both an agricultural lifeline and a fisher’s playground. Passing through traditional North Queensland cattle country at its upper reaches and a multitude of cane properties predominantly towards its mouth, the Burdekin River is an essential and heavily relied upon resource for the primary producers in

the region. Additionally, it is common knowledge this system produces excellent barramundi, particularly in its upper reaches. During the 1970s extensive research was conducted into the economic development of the Burdekin Basin and

section of the Burdekin downstream. Being predominantly a land-based fisherman myself, I have no experience fishing in the dam itself. Instead, I prefer to concentrate my efforts in the portion of the river which flows below the dam wall. The Burdekin Falls Dam, being an uncontrolled reservoir, has water constantly flowing from an opening at the base of its wall. The flow from this opening does not change dramatically however due to the nature of North Queensland’s wet season the dam level

monitoring the dam by providing up to date and accurate information about the capacity and flow rate as well as any additional alerts regarding access. This information is updated multiple times each day and can all be found via their website (www.sunwater.com.au). With this in mind, the dam is generally accessible from April through to December each year. In my experience, the latter part of the barramundi season, being August until October, tend to fish better as the river has had a chance to return to normal after the annual dam

Another healthy specimen.

Close but no cigar, just shy of the magic metre mark! 12 FEBRUARY 2024

the effect availability of water resources would have on the agricultural growth of the region. As a result, it was decided a dam on the Burdekin River was required. In 1987 and at a cost of $125million the Burdekin Falls Dam also known as Lake Dalrymple was created. As it stands today, with a maximum capacity of 1,860,000 ML, it holds the title as Queensland’s largest water storage facility. As planned, it primarily supplies water to the region’s agricultural industry and Townsville, 150km to its north. Additionally, it serves as a regional hub of outdoor activities both on the dam and the

The smile says it all, well worth the effort. will rise beyond capacity and continue to flood the river below for months after. As a result, picking the right time to venture out to this remote location is important. Not just in terms of timing your trip with prime fish activity but to ensure the river is accessible. Sunwater does an excellent job of

run off and the weather has begun to warm up. This section of the Burdekin River is completely freshwater. As such, it is home to many tropical freshwater species both native and introduced, including sooty grunter, tilapia, catfish, eels and of course barramundi. This

Species FEATURE

FMM area consists of the main body of the river that meanders through the valley towards its eventual end just south of Ayr, while occasionally splitting off into

rapids or a waterfall. The water here is often relatively calm and may contain additional structure in the form of rocks or fallen trees.

Sooty grunter are a common by-catch when chasing freshwater barramundi. more confined forks, rapids and small waterfalls. The terrain along the bank is mostly made up of large rock faces with smaller rocks lining the edge of the water which continue into the river forming the riverbed and underwater structure. Being predominantly ambush feeders, barramundi will position themselves in areas where baitfish may wash into or where there is a break from a stronger current nearby. What this necessitates on the ground is focusing mainly on the smaller creeks and what are essentially small bays. These areas will usually be found after a section of

In my experience, targeting these areas with medium to large shallow diving lures, such as the Samaki Redic SF90 or Bomber 15A, has proven to be a successful combination. In sections of the creek that appear to be deeper or have more current I will often opt to use a deeper diving jerk bait, such as a Jackall Squirrel 79. Being able to get deeper and stall the lure in place can often trigger a bite in these areas. Apart from selecting quality lures, I chose to use a bait caster paired with 40lb braid and about a rod length of 40-50lb leader. This set up is more than adequate to handle the fish found in this system when used correctly. The majority of the tracks that provide access to the river are blocked

off by Sunwater or are privately owned, meaning much of this river is only accessible by foot, this can work both for and against you. The remoteness and necessity to walk long distances, reduces the fishing pressure and thus allows those willing to put in the effort to reap the rewards of their labour. The key to catching fish in this area is working the most likely areas and if

The mighty Burdekin in flood.

Samaki Redic SF90 doing its job.

you aren’t having success, move on. If you are willing to pack a bag and make a day of walking the river you will eventually find success.

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FEBRUARY 2024 13

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BACK TO BASICS

Fishing after the floods NSW SOUTH COAST

Steve Starling www.fishotopia.com

Catching fish immediately after floods poses special challenges, but it’s not impossible. One factor we have absolutely no control over as anglers is the weather, and this summer has so far proven to be especially fickle! Despite early forecasts of a likely return to dry, hot and droughtprone patterns, much of the country has actually been hammered by successive lows, troughs, cyclones and recordbreaking rainfall, resulting in minor to major flooding, and rivers that never seem to clear up entirely from the previous big

thousands of kilometres away can and do have dramatic effects on our local weather a fortnight from now — variations that defy the data crunching abilities of even the largest computer systems. As a result, we’re constantly surprised and wrong-

Beaches can be a good option after flooding, with many fish forced out of our estuaries. Starlo recently joined forces with surf fishing guru and YouTube star, Roger Osborne, to make some videos on exactly this subject.

When the estuaries and bays are chocolate brown and matted with flood debris, fishing can be tough.

Moving to the lower estuary reaches and working the incoming tides as they bring slightly clearer, more saline water can sometimes be the winning ticket. “flush” before being belted once again It can all be rather frustrating! It’s a popular trend these days to publicly bash the various bureaus and agencies that predict our weather, but I actually have a fair bit of sympathy for them. Generally, I reckon they do a really good job, and I can absolutely assure you that the one to five day forecasts we receive nowadays are light years ahead

footed by the weather, and there’s good reason to believe these surprises will only intensify as the climate shifts. (Yes folks, it is changing, and in case you missed the memo, the earth is also spherical, not flat.) As I write this column, my home patch is recovering from yet another deluge of monumental proportions. (I’ll do my best to avoid using that most over-worked of words: “unprecedented”!) While it’s definitely not without precedent, my local estuaries are again the colour of chocolate milk, with a slightly lighter band of coffee latte stretching several kilometres offshore before finally meeting the blue edge of a hard-pumping East Australian Current. The beaches are littered with driftwood and detritus and mats of sticks, logs and all-pervasive plastic waste choke every back eddy and bay It ain’t pretty. Catching fish under these conditions can certainly be a chore, but it can be done. Here are my five top tips for fishing after the flood: USE BAIT Much as I love my lure and fly fishing, bait tends to work a lot better in dirty water. If you insist on sticking to artificials,

choose something that can be worked very slowly, and douse it with a proven fish attractant like good old Squidgies S-Factor (yep, it works). WORK THE TIDES Incoming or making tides tend to push slightly cleaner, more saline water into our lower estuaries, bays and harbours. Concentrate on these areas, and fish those incoming tides. HIT THE BEACHES Estuary fish and their favourite food supplies that have been flushed from our coastal rivers often end up spread out along the adjacent beaches after a

If you’re going to use lures, pick something that can be loaded up with scent or bite stimulant and fished very slowly. The mighty Muss’ ticks those boxes.

It’s a wonderful time of year for prawning, and fresh or live prawns can work wonders as baits after the deluge. big fresh than others. Flathead and most pelagic fish are not especially fond of dirty water and lowered salinity levels. Bream, blackfish and mullet don’t mind as much, and mulloway will actively hunt in the post-deluge colour changes. GEAR UP Finesse becomes much less important in floodwaters. Fish are far less likely to detect, or be deterred by, thicker lines and leaders or heavy sinkers when the water is dirty. So, beef up your tackle to deal with the debris and strong flows and maybe handle that trophy size fish! No one loves a flood in the short term,

flood. The further you move up and down the coast away from the mouths of these systems, the cleaner and saltier the water will be. PICK YOUR TARGETS Some species cope much better with a

Southern black bream cope better with a big ‘fresh’ than most estuary targets, and are one of the first fish to come back on the chew after a flood. Flathead are not generally big fans of dirty water and lowered salinity levels. Chase the clearer, saltier tidal flushes for better results. of anything that existed when I was a young bloke. Beyond five days to a week, however, and the scientific principles of “chaos theory” kick-in big time! Tiny variations in barometric pressure, ocean temperature, the jet stream and a myriad other inputs happening hundreds or even 14 FEBRUARY 2024

Starlo loves his lure fishing, but will happily switch to bait when the water is dirty.

but over a longer time frame, they need to be seen as a critically important part of the natural ecosystem: nature’s enemas, if you like! They provide a valuable flush, an input of vital nutrients, and a trigger for fish movement and reproduction. In the bigger picture, floods are good news for the future of our pastime. And even in the short term, they don’t have to spell an end to your fishing, if you adapt your approach to suit.

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Fruitful fishing in blue and brackish waters ingredients for the table. Using beach worms, yabbies, or pipis are great bait for the summer whiting. Small surface lures can also be productive when targeting whiting. The recent run of fresh has

THE TWEED

Leon McClymont

February is providing a great mix of species from both the blue water and the brackish waters of the estuaries and rivers such as mulloway, cobia, mackerel, mangrove jack, trevally and more. The currents have been very strong of late so fishing the bottom out wide hasn’t been an option for most anglers of the Tweed region. Instead, anglers have limited their range as far as 80-100m mark, as beyond that the current is just screaming and getting a bait or jig down is near impossible. The FADS are fishing well for

A midday mulloway capture for Blazin Tailors fisho Ryan Zietlow, what a cracker! days, the small things make a huge difference. Anglers that aren’t willing to try new or different techniques will struggle on these days. The general talk at the ramp is, “Yeah, we’ve seen the mackerel on the sounder but can’t get the bite”. Mackerel are mostly thought to be topwater hunters, but they can often hang deep on the front or back side of the reefs resting and waiting for food to come to them. When mackerel are resting, they are particularly hard to raise from the depths when fishing

A nice size mangrove jack caught by Rylan Hall. mahimahi and have also been holding good size black marlin. Drifting or slow trolling live baits are a great technique for fishing these zones. Wahoo have also shown up on some FADS and the inner reefs. Fast trolling hex heads or hardbody lures are the most popular way to target these toothy speeders. 12-20kts is the desired speed for wahoo – the faster the better. When using hardbody lures in the spread, ensure to troll to speeds that the particular lure can handle. This can be easily achieved by watching the rod tip whilst slowly increasing your speed – if the rod tip isn’t loaded and vibrating then most likely you’re trolling too fast and the lure will be jumping, or it’s fouled up and isn’t swimming correctly. Once you have adjusted to your desired speed then you can cover ground going from zone to zone or going back and forth over hot spots will produce the bite. The inner reefs have been holding mackerel and plenty of them. Most anglers are targeting the Spanish macks with plenty of by-catches like cobia, yellowtail kingfish, trevally, mulloway and even snapper have been taken whilst targeting the mackerel. Some anglers have struggled when others are striking it hot on the same 16 FEBRUARY 2024

Steve Dale with one of three jacks from a hot session in the Tweed River. This fish was taken on Tweed Bait bonito and mullet. topwater as they will prefer to conserve the energy and wait for another much easier/closer option. Dropping jigs or weighted baits to the school is a more productive way to target them in this scenario. This is where a downrigger will shine, as trolling lures or baits at the desired depth (right on their noses) will often produce a bite on every pass. Using the downrigger will also open up the options for variety in species as the mulloway and snapper are generally feeding below the frenzied baitfish that the mackerel have schooled up. The Tweed River got a good flush out last month. Prior to this, it was fishing exceptionally well and very warm, over 30oC in some parts. Mangrove jack and trevally were feeding furiously, maybe they knew what was coming. Fishing live bait is always a great option when

chasing jacks, but if you can’t get your hands on live bait cut mullet, bonito and similar make awesome baits as well, as they are very good at sniffing out a smelly bait and will take a liking to an easy feed. With the run of fresh it has got the mud crabs on the move from the upper reaches down into the main arm to seek saltier water. They are very thick in most areas of the river, such as where mangrove trees meet the water’s edge, rocks/break walls, river junctions/creek entrances and drains runoffs are all great inhabitants for mud crabs. Using fish frames or old pre-used bait is using the most out of your catch, with top anglers nothing goes to waste especially if you can catch another feed out of it. Any smelling bait or even meat will attract the crustaceans. Ensure the bait is secured to the centre of your pot is the key so they have to enter to taste it and get an easy feed, poorly secured bait will lead to crabs siting on the outside of the pot pulling loosely tied bait to the side of the pot and freely feeding. Plenty of blue swimmer crabs were in the mix when pots were closer to the river entrance and deployed over sand banks. Whilst waiting to check crab pots or dilly pots on the flats, have a throw for flathead and whiting as it can contribute towards some really tasty

There are plenty of mud crabs on the run in the Tweed River and surrounding systems this time of year, especially with the flush of fresh it has had lately. mulloway congregating at river mouth entrances and nearby gutters on the beaches waiting for mullet and other baitfish that are being flushed out of the system. Soaking baits in these zones or rolling hardbodies or plastic lures are the go-to option for targeting these silver slabs. Fishing an hour each side of the tide changes is optimal hook up time, especially if you can coincide a tide change with dawn, dusk or moon phases. Big mulloway will really start to move into the river systems in large numbers over the next few weeks as they set their targets on the mullet, as the annual mullet run is right round the corner. If you can find schooled up mullet within the river or guitar on the beaches the mulloway won’t be far away. I hope this information helps you connect with some beauties over the next month, until next issue, tight lines.

Joel Brown with an impressive break wall 16kg, 119cm mulloway taken on a Leavey Lure.

Tagging Tales Suntag is a world leading citizen science volunteer fish tagging program that is part of an Australian program that has tagged over 1,000,000 fish and was the first volunteer program in the world to reach that milestone. Data collected through the program is used to improve our knowledge base of recreational fishing by providing near real time information on the status of coastal estuaries and inland impoundments. Thanks to the fish, we can

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provide you with some interesting stories that they tell. THIS BARRAMUNDI DID SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT TO ITS MATES This isn’t a tale of how long this fish was out before being recaptured or how much it has grown. It is more about the path it has travelled In most instances we would expect a barramundi of this size to head downstream to prepare itself for adult life and the big wide world. However, there have been examples over the years of fish that are wired

just a little differently. It obviously decided that it had had enough of the big wide world and headed up the Herbert river to chill out. We would never have known this without the hard work of our volunteer taggers. Thank you to all that have been involved. WHAT TO DO IF YOU CATCH A TAGGED FISH The information you will need to report your recapture is. The length of the fish and the location

it was captured. Get a photo if possible. To report the details of your recapture you have two options: Call 1800 077 001 or go to crystalbowl.infofishaustralia.com. au/suntag/recaptures/recapture_ form_1.html and fill in the form. In return you will receive a certificate providing the details of the tagging and recapture of your fish, as a thank you for providing the information.

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QLD Southern

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Pelagic playtime! GOLD COAST

David Green

February is a great month to chase pelagic gamefish off the Gold Coast. This season has seen some blue and black marlin in reasonable numbers although a strong current has at times made things difficult on the wider grounds from the 80m line out. Bait have been erratic and when the current is strong most of the bait have held close to the bottom. Trolling skirted lures has been effective when you need to cover ground, but when

A decent big wahoo for Sue Sullivan.

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you find a decent bait school drifting live baits is usually a better option. The FADs on the 36-fathom line have produced plenty of mahimahi but they are mostly small. Most of the black marlin I’ve encountered have been between 60-80kg this season. This month is a good month to chase blue marlin wide of the continental shelf in depths between 200-400m. These spectacular fish require plenty of line and 37kg outfits are the best option when fishing from a small boat. It is not unusual to have a decent blue marlin take 300-400m of line from the reel on the first run, and it is important to chase the fish to avoid being spooled. Large, skirted lures are generally the best option when chasing blues. I use a single hook placed at the back of the skirt and rigged stiffly by attaching the hook to a short piece of cable and then taping it so it lies straight. This season so far has been erratic. Luminous skirted lures have been the most effective. Mackerel should be in numbers this month on the close reefs off Southport as well as around Palm Beach and Mermaid Reef. Anchoring and berleying with chopped pilchards and fishing a mix of pilchards, live baits and metal lures is a generally reliable method for both spotted and Spanish mackerel. Trolling dead baits is another good method for bigger Spanish mackerel, particularly when used in conjunction with a down rigger. The best tides for mackerel are generally a high tide between 7 and 9am. Sometimes when fishing close reefs such as Palm Beach the bite will slow down at around 8am and it is often worth heading out to deeper grounds such as the Gravel Patch off Burleigh or the 24-fathom line off Southport. The recent floods will take a while to clear but when the water returns to blue summer current

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It’s crabbing time! the mackerel should be biting. There should be a few wahoo about this month. The Tweed Nine Mile is usually worth a look if the current is running, as well as the 36-fathom reef. Trolling high speed metal headed lures such as Hex Heads, deep diving and bibless minnows or small live tuna are all very effective methods for wahoo. When you catch a wahoo, it is important to quickly bleed the fish, scrub it with a scrubbing brush to remove the sheen of fine silver scales and place the fish on ice. They are a superb eating fish. The last few seasons have been quite poor for wahoo and I hope they return in numbers this year. Bottom fishing this month is generally quite slow due to the warmer water and prevailing current. Despite this, there should still be a few snapper, teraglin, parrot and mulloway on the close reefs. Snapper have been caught in numbers throughout December. BROADWATER AND RIVERS Target species this month include mangrove jacks, trevally, whiting and mud crabs. There should also be some good bream up in the canals and the odd flathead on the flats early in the morning. While the mud crabs have been slow, there should be plenty of sand crabs in the central part of the Broadwater. The flood in early January should revitalise the estuary but at the time of writing the Broadwater and Gold Coat rivers are full of brown mud. Mangrove jack are very active in February particularly early in the morning when they tend to roam around a bit more away from structure. At these times they respond to poppers and shallow running surface lures. Most of the action takes place before sunrise. A lot of these jacks are big fish over 50cm long. The canals around Runaway Bay can be particularly productive in February. As well as jacks these canals produce trevally, big bream and estuary cod. Whiting should be a good species to target this month. During hot weather whiting often bite better at night, and using wriggler worms, yabbies and soldier crabs fished on light line with a long trace is usually very effective. The section of the Nerang River near the council chambers is a very good area to

chase whiting at night on a rising tide. In daylight hours the first of a rising tide pushing up over the flats sees the fish move into the shallows to feed. At this time, casting unweighted yabbies is effective and it is possible to sight cast to individual fish. Small stick baits can be very effective as well, especially when the whiting are chasing small shrimp or prawns. Some of the fish on the flats are over 40cm long and in shallow water put up a great fight on ultra-light tackle. These fish are superb eating and boneless whiting fillets are very hard to beat. The Seaway and Jumpinpin entrances are good potential spots to fish this month, especially when the run-in tide brings in plenty of bait fish. Tailer, school mulloway and flathead all turn up from time to time and can be caught on live baits and lures. There are often flocks of terns in the entrances when tailor are chasing baitfish. Most of these tailor are small fish often called summer ‘choppers’. They are fun to catch on small metal lures. There is also a good chance of catching threadfin salmon further up the system and these fish have become increasingly common in recent months.

Releasing a solid black marlin. They have been in reasonable numbers this season.

QLD Southern

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Wet weather is a plus for anglers BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

It has been a hot and often wet summer so far with occasional storms and hot days, which has definitely helped anglers. The hot days create warmer water temperatures which increases the metabolism of many species. Freshwater influx into our rivers, creates and estuaries will flush prawns and crabs out into more open waters, which makes them more accessible to anglers and predatory species alike. Rising barometric pressure, which often occurs before storms, really gets the aggression of many species to a crescendo. Species such as mangrove jack, cod, threadfin, numerous pelagics and a host of others will often become a lot easier to tempt. Let’s look at a few of your February options. THREADFIN SALMON A key species for anglers fishing the Brisbane River, Logan River and southern bay areas are threadfin salmon. These regularly reach lengths in excess of a metre and offer anglers awesome sport and great table fare. Threadies easily pinpointed for anglers with good sounders plus the ability to drive them, because they possess large air bladders (making them show prominently on quality marine electronics). Threadies are often found in sizeable schools of fifty or more fish. Even with so much competition, they can still be hard to tempt, especially the case when they are feeding on prawns. Whilst anglers may get results on live baits of herring, banana prawns, biddies and mullet, lure fishers sometime struggle to connect. Good offerings include soft,

hard or hybrid vibes, numerous soft plastics, small micro jigs and flies plus several other offerings. The hopping technique employed with vibes will often entice as this presents action similar to a fleeing prawn. There are numerous prawn profile soft plastics on the market including Samaki Live Shrimp, Chasebait Flick Prawn, Samaki Dr Prawn, Atomic Prong, Berkley Shimma Shrimp, ZMan EZ Shrimp and Daiwa Bait Junkie Prawn. Whilst some come pre-rigged others offer the ability to rig yourself (either jighead or weedless worm hook) which allows weight to be altered to the fishing situation encountered. Additionally, anglers can add extra stinger hooks to increase hookup potential. Once threadfin are located, anglers will need to try different offerings, retrieves and approaches until they get a result (or perhaps leave in frustration). Prawns being flushed out into the main river and estuarine systems, due to an influx of fresh waters from storms, will fire up the threadies feeding activity and often push them out of the river systems to the flats or estuarine areas. Find the prawns

February is a great month for threadfin salmon as prawns are plentiful due to rainfall flushing them down the rivers. Good numbers can be found in the Brisbane River, Logan River and throughout the southern bay island areas.

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and you will usually find the threadfin. In the Brisbane River, live baiters will often anchor along the decline into the main river basin, out from the International Cruise Ship Terminal, Clara’s Rocks, Gateway Bridge area and out from any of the major jetties. These spots are ideal for lure fishers who use their electronics, especially side scan, to locate threadfin before casting towards them. Good threadfin action should continue for a few months yet so plan a trip to target them soon. LONGTAIL TUNA There have been reasonable numbers of longtails throughout Moreton Bay over the last few months although at times you may need to do a bit of searching to locate them. Good areas to look include along the shipping channel, northern side of The Paddock green zone, Middle Bank, around the Harry Atkinson to mouth of the Rous Channel, between Peel Island and Naval Reserve Banks and around Gilligans Island. At times the longtails will be actively harassing bait on the surface with their presence initially indicated by surface disturbance and/or the presence

of birds wheeling overhead. Such mayhem can often be seen from a good distance, especially on the calmer days. Approaching these fish is occasionally easy yet other times they will disappear well before you get within casting range. In this situation you need to predict their movements before getting ahead of them and cutting the motor off (then hoping they will sound again within range). When you can get close enough for a cast, several different types of offerings can be tried. A small chromed slug (often 20-40g), jighead rigged jerkshad plastic (ZMan 5” Jerkshad in Bubblegum work well), stickbait (I have good success with the Oceans Legacy Keeling 105H), pencil poppers, baitfish profiled flies and a host of other offers can be employed. When they feed on small baitfish, longtails can often become very profile orientated. Unless you are using a lure or fly of the same profile, they will regularly ignore it. Sometimes longies can be exceptionally easy to catch and other times downright frustrating. Even when hookups are received, getting a fish to the boat can be

While not the best month for snapper, plenty of decent eating sized fish are there throughout February. rather hard because sharks, predominately large whalers, will engulf a hooked fish once it begins to tire. If you lose one fish, move on and find a new school as every subsequent fish will get eaten. This just feeds the sharks and depletes your lure supply. Live-baiting around the shipping channel beacons, along the edges of current lines and other places that hold bait (such as the artificial reefs) will generally reward. Smaller numbers of longtails passing periodically in these zones which presents less chance of sharks being in attendance and ruining your day. Live baits such as yakkas, slimy mackerel, cowanyoung, large herring and gar will produce results. These are commonly fished in the upper half of the water column. I usually present one bait a good 30m or more behind the boat using a balloon to keep it within a few metres under the surface and a second bait closer to the boat, just drifted in the current without a sinker or float. Sometimes both baits will go off almost simultaneously which creates quite a bit of chaos, especially when fishing solo. One longtail offers a great haul of quality flesh which is succulent and juicy, especially when eaten raw or only lightly seared. MACKEREL Another prime table fish, a staple for Moreton Bay anglers, is the mackerel. Both school and spotted mackerel are often common fare for anglers during February. The spotties are more highly prized, they are slightly better eating, generally larger and great fighters. Spotties are often located visibly smashing bait on the surface with a tell-tale spray of water erupting as they periodically smash through the herded baitfish. February 2023 offered quality bay spotties with several 90cm fish hitting the chromed slugs and slices I cast at them. I found fish just out the front of Wellington Point and then further south between Peel Island and the Naval Reserve Banks on several occasions. Other successful locations included between the Harry Atkinson and Paddock green zone, Lucinda Bay, Middle Bank, between Mud Island and Measured Mile and along the edges of the shipping channel. Further north in the bay, anglers also located patches of spotted mackerel with smaller numbers often herding baitfish into ‘meat balls’ before smashing and slashing their way to gluttony. Spotted mackerel have a bag limit of 5 fish per person

Southern QLD

FMM over 60cm in length which is different to school mackerel so ensure you can easily identify each species. School mackerel have been plentiful and they are always a reliable catch in the bay for those who understand their habits and movements. Schoolies will venture up onto the flats during the higher tidal stages, often via the channels and gutters that feed off the Rous Channel, Small Ships Channel and Rainbow Channel. As the tide recedes, they will retreat back down through these channels and then patrol the channel edges and mouths of these gutters to ambush the baitfish and other prey species flushed from the flats. Trolling lures or drifting pilchards along the edges of these channels during this period is highly likely to reward. Spoons such as Halco Barra Drone and Kimberley in the 3” and 4” size are commonly trolled 4-5m behind a paravane or trolling board. These apparatuses are used to get the spoon tracking 5-7m below the surface at speeds around 5-7 knots. This is a highly successful way to catch mackerel, if they are in attendance a full bag of 10 fish over 50cm per person can be achieved quite easily. SNAPPER Whilst definitely not in the peak of their season, snapper numbers are still healthy throughout Moreton Bay during the warmer months. Plenty of quality fish are still taken around the artificial reefs and bay islands utilising a host of natural and artificial baits. Quality fresh baits fished from an anchored position offers a relaxing brand of angling. Presenting baits more naturally by using somewhat finesse technique with minimal sinker weights, fluorocarbon leader, and sharp hooks well buried in the bait you will increase your chances. Fresh offerings are always better than frozen but it is still surprising the numbers of quality snapper and other species tempted with frozen pilchards, squid and other offerings. Fillet baits from bonito, tuna, gar, pike, mullet and several others will generally work a treat when presented on a snelled-hook rig which allows the bait to waft in the current.

Last year spotted mackerel were fairly prevalent in Moreton Bay and the quality was excellent. Many were taken by casting chromed slices to surface feeding frenzies. Snelled rigs using two or three hooks offer more flexibility and less metal than a ganged hook rig. This will often result in the larger and more wary snapper mouthing the bait longer and eventually swallowing it. The same can be said for mulloway, which will often expel a bait quickly if it doesn’t feel right. Live baits including yakkas, herring, mullet, pike and slimey mackerel are ideal. You may need to do some miles to locate these when fishing areas such as the bay islands and the Harry Atkinson. A broad array of lures can be put to good use around the artificial reefs, wrecks and bay islands to tempt snapper, mulloway, sweetlip and occasionally tuskfish, morwong and other species. Soft vibes are my personal favourite, especially the Samaki Thumpertail 100mm, however a broad array of soft plastics will also work. These are commonly rigged on jigheads, cast upcurrent and retrieved back with the flow. Slow pitch micro jigs are ideal for vertical presentation when fish are sounded below the boat. ESTUARY OPTIONS Anglers fishing the estuaries, rivers and canals are offered a broad array of prime species during February. These include mangrove jack, estuary cod, threadfin, whiting, bream, mulloway,

flathead and others. Drifting the flats and channels with small whole fish baits can yield an array of species and offers a great way to fish unfamiliar territory. Whitebait, small pilchards, hardiheads, diver whiting, herring and others can be pinned on a snelled hook rig and weighted so as to just stay in contact with the bottom as you drift along. Drift the tops of the flats on the rising tide and in the channels on the lower tidal stages. Anchoring and deploying such baits, especially along the edges of the banks and channels or in the deeper holes will also reward. Live offerings are ideal for mulloway when fished in the deeper holes and channels and mangrove jack and cod will pounce on these when they are fished close to prominent structure such as bridge pylons, mangrove snags, rock walls and rock bars. Herring, mullet, pike, yakkas, biddies and banana prawns are all ideal. Brisbane River anglers are likely to score on mulloway, threadfin, snapper cod and numerous others whilst fishing live baits along the declines into the main river basin and the deeper holes. CRUSTACEANS Prawns, mud crabs and sand crabs are all on the menu during February. The mud crabbing has been fairly good in recent months due to regular storms

which flushes them into the main system. Lowering salinity also flushes the prawns down the system and to the lower reaches of the creeks or rivers and into the bay shallows. Dependant on the amount of rainfall, areas such as the Salt Works, Jackson’s Hole, Giants Grave, out from Nudgee, Deception Bay, Clontarf, Redland Bay Channel and many others can all offer quality prawning. This can vary on a daily basis and the best bet is to get out and have a look for yourself. Sometimes you will see numbers of boats gathered in a small area which is a giveaway that the prawns are on. Setting a few safety pots baited with chicken carcasses, fish frames, whole mullet and other baits will produce mud crabs in the creeks, rivers, canals and estuaries and sand or blueswimmer crabs around the river mouths and out into the bay. Remember that numerous crab species and prawns have both individual and boat bag limits so ensure you are familiar with these. There is also stipulations on the apparatus used to secure each so ensure you comply. CONCLUSION Although often one of the hottest months of the year, the fishing, crabbing and prawning can be excellent during February. One aspect that can affect the availability of numerous species is the amount of rainfall we receive. Flooding rains can make the rivers, creeks, canals and estuarine areas hard to fish as the lowering salinity will flush a lot of species out of these zones. A moderate amount of rain is ideal as it stirs up the crabs and prawns and many species that predate on these will be a lot more active. Bay pelagics generally like rather clear, high salinity water therefore they will be forced further east if salinity levels and clarity are minimised inshore around the bay islands. You simply need to observe the conditions on any given day and fish accordingly in the areas that offer the best opportunity. There is likely to be a lo on offer during February so get out and score some of the SEQs finest seafood and sportsfish.

FEBRUARY 2024 21

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QLD Southern

FMM

Abundance of options in the heat BRISBANE

Bob Thornton tackleworldlawnton@gmail.com

February is always an interesting time in our region. Holiday traffic has well and truly dispersed, the daytime temperatures are still way up there, and if any cataclysmic rain events are going to occur it’s usually in February. Regardless of how hot or wet February is, though, there is always a stack of great fishing opportunities available. From the tiniest trickles in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range to the cobalt-coloured ocean water out on the continental shelf, late summer is a highly productive period on our fishing calendar. The end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 saw plenty of hot and humid days, with the

When the creeks are flooded and unfishable it pays to think outside the box. Heading downstream to the tidal water paid off in this case, and yes, those are mangroves behind the author. odd afternoon thunderstorm thrown in. Fire and flooding has occurred across the region in almost equal measure, and despite early projections for a predominantly dry summer, the season hasn’t been quite as dry as we all thought it was going to be! In any case, February will continue to dish out challenges to Queenslanders as it has always done, but by planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions we can ensure a safe and bountiful end to the summer. Let’s see what’s been happening across our beautiful region! BAY AND OFFSHORE Pelagics are the flavour of February 24 FEBRUARY 2024

out in the bluewater and the lead up to this month has been very promising on that front. Spanish mackerel and wahoo have been terrorising baitfish around the wrecks, reef edges and pinnacles for months now, but this time of year is when it can reach fever pitch in SEQ. Bear in mind that from 1-21 February the first of the two annual southern Spanish mackerel closures will be in effect. The interim between the end of this closure and the next one (1-21 March) will be a good time to harvest some Spaniards. Trolled baits have been highly successful on both Spanish and wahoo, with tailor, gar, bonito, sauries, yakkas and slimies all claiming their share. Large bibbed lures that can be run at high speed have also collected decent numbers of macks and ‘hoos, and this is a good alternative if you don’t want to invest too much time or effort into the meticulous and sometimes costly task of rigging troll baits. Sharks, as usual, have been a problem in areas where mackerel and wahoo are congregating, which in the last few months has been in the Wild Banks Artificial and North Moreton Trench areas. Mahimahi have been a fairly consistent option offshore, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require effort to find and catch. Waking up early to reach the wave recorders and FADs before the masses arrive will increase your chances ten-fold, and having a tank full of livies ready to go upon arrival is preferable. Drifting dead baits such as pilchards and squid strips definitely catches fish, however larger and wiser fish commonly turn their nose up at dead baits, instead preferring a nice big live yakka, slimy, gar or fusilier. If you turn up to a spot and your baits don’t get eaten within the first few minutes, your best option is to go and try another buoy or FAD. Tossing or trolling lures in the vicinity of the FADs and buoys has been working well too, but it’s definitely worth hedging your bets with bait if the priority is collecting fresh fish. Sinking stickbaits and poppers in the 100-150mm range, 5-7” jerkshad soft plastics, metal slugs and even flies have landed good numbers of mahimahi this season. Anglers trolling for mackerel, wahoo and billfish have also seen plenty of action on these golden acrobats as by-catch. The mahimahi that get caught on the troll tend to be larger on average, and because of how delicious their meat is they are always welcome even if they are not the target species. Moreton Bay has been offering plenty of fantastic fishing options this summer, with some days providing almost too many options for anglers! Big schools of longtail tuna have been moving about the northern half

of the bay since December, but by now they should be spread throughout the bay and hounding any bait they can find. These fish are notoriously fickle in Moreton Bay and this season has been no different. Finding schools of feeding fish hasn’t been too hard, however getting close enough to land a cast into the melee and then tricking one into eating your offering has proven very challenging. Being patient on your approach and trying to position yourself so that the feeding fish come to you is the best way to target bay longtails. If the school goes down as you’re approaching, quite often you can just sit still for a minute or two and they will pop up somewhere nearby, and then the hunt can continue. Small to medium-sized stickbaits, metal slugs, soft plastics and flies have been the go-to presentations lately, but anything that imitates a gar, hardihead, anchovy or prawn stands a chance of being eaten. Speaking of being eaten, sharks have been very active in the deeper parts of the bay, and a longtail tuna on the end of a line is one of their favourite meals. Another of the shark’s favourite meals is mulloway, which have been schooling up over some of the deeper reefs, wrecks and ledges in the bay. Places like Harry Atkinson and West Peel artificial reefs, Bulwer and Cowan ledges and the Port of Brisbane are great places to look for bigger mulloway but keeping them away from sharks is hard work some days. Once they get a taste for it you will struggle to get any past them at all. If you start losing fish to sharks your only option is to move to a different area. Chasing reefies along the shallow drop-offs and rubble patches is a good way to get away from the sharks, and although you will occasionally get sharked in the shallows they certainly don’t stack up in these places like they

Mahimahi have been active out on the wave recorder buoys and FADs and this is about the average size at the moment. Photo courtesy of Toto Vanafook.

do on the deeper marks. The reefy shallows in the bay have been stirred up by rain, large tides and strong winds, and this is a perfect recipe for species like snapper, grunter, grass and spangled emperor, tuskfish and estuary cod. Whether you like using plastics, hardbodies, flies or even topwater lures (yes, I have seen bay snapper crash topwater lures), you will want to keep them small. A 2-3” size range with your lures will keep you among the action, with 1/16-1/8oz jigheads preferrable for plastics and suspending models recommended if using hardbodies. I like to run what I call ‘heavy bream gear’ to help me make long casts with such small, light lures. A 2-4kg spin rod and 2000-3000 size reel with 6-10lb braid and 8-12lb leader will do the job nicely. You may need to take your time on some of the larger models, but it’s awesome fun and I guarantee you will hook more fish when running light gear. I recently managed to land a 60cm grunter out in the bay running actual bream gear, so don’t be afraid to go super light to get the bite!

Snapper and spangled emperor is a pretty good combo in anyone’s books, and lately Moreton Bay has been producing an unusual amount of the latter! Photo courtesy of Ben Godwin-Mathewson.

Southern QLD

FMM The edges of Mud, Peel, Green and Goat islands, as well as Scarborough and the northeast-facing rock wall out the front of the Port are good spots to try your luck. Arriving at your spot early will give you the best chance of scoring a few tasty reefies, however fishing with lightly-weighted baits will allow you to catch these wary fish later in the day as they move a little deeper. Small strips of flesh like bonito, mullet, slimy mackerel and squid rigged on a light running sinker rig or completely unweighted are deadly. Additionally, you can specifically target the tuskfish by using crab pieces for bait, however I would recommend using slightly heavier gear for these rainbow steam trains, as they seem to know where every nook, crevice and cranny is within a 100m radius! Those chasing a feed of sand crabs have been faring well around the shallower areas of the inner bay. Deception Bay, Woody Point, the Brisbane River mouth and Sandstone Point have been producing good sandies, and the areas in 2-5m of water nearby any seagrass have been the pick for most locals recently. RIVERS AND ESTUARIES The frequent storms have made fishable periods in the creeks a little difficult to come by, however the longerterm positives that these events bring

more than make up for the interrupted fishing. Prawns are now running through most systems, and even the local canals like Newport Waterway, Raby Bay, Pacific Harbour and Pelican Waters have been awash with nervous prawns flicking and skipping along the surface at the first hint of danger. The nutrients washed in by the recent rain have provided ample food for these crustaceans. As their numbers have increased, so have the feeding activities

of predators like bream, mangrove jack, trevally, tarpon, giant herring and even a few barramundi, with the season now open for the latter. The jack fishing has been unreal lately, with small creeks, large rivers, canals and marinas all providing top sport for the insatiable lure casters who worship these little red devils. With discoloured water and so many prawns around there have been plenty taken on topwater lures, with brighter

colours and faster retrieves receiving the majority of attention. Soft plastic frogs, 70-90mm walking baits and poppers, bent minnow designs and topwater prawn imitations are working well on the top, although 70-90mm suspending jerkbaits, 3-5” paddle-tail soft plastics, medium-sized swimbaits and glidebaits, and literally any sinking prawn imitations are worth throwing when the sun is up. I run 20lb braid and 30lb leader as my minimum for jacks these days, and sometimes even this isn’t enough. A recent session saw three jacks get the better of me running this sort of gear – that’s just jack fishing. Chasing jacks in our creeks, rivers and canals also puts you in with a chance of nailing a fabled SEQ barra, and from 1 February you can legally target these chrome battlers again! Like most predators at this time, they will be focused on prawns, and any areas where freshwater is running into a tidal system will be worth closer inspection. Away from the snags the trevally, tarpon, giant herring and other estuarine speedsters will be chomping prawns out in the open, so keep an eye out for any boils, bubbles or bust-ups as you cruise through a system. Casting in the direction of any such disturbance with a prawn imitation will often result in a hook-up, and quite often a fruitless jack, barra or thready session can be saved by these willing customers.

Barramundi in SEQ are becoming a more regular thing, and someone who knows a thing or two about these mythical creatures is Mitch.

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QLD Southern Speaking of threadies, there have been a few massive models found in the middle reaches of the Brisbane, Caboolture, Logan and Pine rivers. The details I’ve received seem deliberately vague, no doubt because those who have worked so hard to crack the thready code are understandably guarded about this info, but the size of some of these fish is very impressive. With a decent prawn run we can expect these guys to continue feeding in the same areas for at least another month or so. After that it’s anyone’s guess where they’ll go; the past few years have been a learning curve for anyone who targets these enigmatic fish in SEQ, so I look forward to seeing what data we can gather on them this year! The bread-and-butter species have

There’s so much to love about jacks, but watching them light up red before they power back to the snag they came from is the best bit if you ask most anglers. been having a field day in the estuaries, with stonking whiting and bream sipping jelly prawns in the shallows and flathead showing up wherever there’s a decent feed available. The flats have been alive with trophy whiting, with the mouths of smaller systems such as Coochin and Elimbah creeks firing consistently, and the mouths of larger systems like the Pine and Caboolture worth exploring after a downpour. Yabbies and worms (beach, blood or sandworms) are top bait in these areas, however with the amount of jelly prawns around you’d be mad not to take a few small topwater lures in the 40-70mm range. Small and skinny profiles that can be worked quickly and that ‘spit’ when retrieved imitate jelly prawns perfectly, and if the whiting are hungry they will let you know! Up around the bridges, pontoons, rock walls, rubbly flats and in the mangroves, bream have been chasing the same quarry, however a slower retrieve is better for these inquisitive forages. While whiting will usually chase 26 FEBRUARY 2024

FMM a lure and turn away if it stops, bream seem to like getting a good look at lures before committing to eating them. With both bream and whiting, topwater lures retro-fitted with small assist hooks have a far better hook-up rate. Bream and whiting tend to slurp their prey off the surface, and because of this small assist hooks tend to pin these fish inside the mouth and make for a much more solid hook-up. It’s not just the fish that love eating prawns, plenty of anglers love a feed of fresh prawns as well. The prawners have been doing reasonably well throwing specially-designed prawn castnets in the estuaries and bay. Plentiful though they may be, the prawns schools have been moving around week-to-week, so it pays to keep an ear to the ground when looking for an area to try. Rainfall has a big effect on their movements, with dryer periods seeing better hauls up the rivers and creeks, and periods following heavy rain favouring the river and creek mouth areas and even the inner bay. If you’re looking to get into prawning, make sure you come and check out our range of prawning nets! FRESHWATER It’s been great to see so much water flowing into local impoundments, and the nice thing about our dams and lakes is that they don’t have recovery periods after heavy downpours like our rivers do. Immediately after a sharp rise in water level (and even sometimes during) bass and saratoga will often push up into newly flooded grass and brushes to hunt stranded insects, frogs and other critters. Throwing topwater frogs, buzzbaits, walking baits, poppers, cicada imitations and bent minnow designs into these zones is an incredibly fun way to fish in the dams. While not all dams will produce topwater action like this, smaller dams with plenty of aquatic vegetation are always worth investigating after a downpour. Kurwongbah, Ewen Maddock, MacDonald, Maroon and Hinze are

This 60cm+ grunter, taken while chasing snapper, was a surprise for the author but a welcome catch nonetheless. They fight hard and taste great! all known for their excellent topwater fishing, so if the rivers are running too dirty to fish this is a great option. Between floods, our freshwater streams have been teeming with hungry bass. Should any of the abovementioned dams spill (Kurwongbah and Hinze are very close to spilling at the time of writing), the fishing in the stretches below the dam walls can be exceptional in the following weeks. Systems such as the Brisbane, Pine, Caboolture, Logan, Albert, Coomera and Nerang rivers, as well as the smaller coastal streams like the ones flowing into Pumicestone Passage, have all produced excellent bass fishing over the past month. Loud and flashy lures like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, topwater frogs and chatterbaits have been deadly when the water is high and discoloured, but once it drops and reasonable clarity returns anglers have found better success on weedlessrigged prawn imitations, crankbaits, topwater cicadas and other more natural presentations. Another thing to keep in mind is

One that didn’t get away. Jacks will test your gear, your patience, and your understanding of fish behaviour, but the satisfaction of winning a battle makes you forget all about the grind.

that even though it’s summer some wild bass will still hang out in tidal water, especially in smaller systems where the freshwater stretches can oscillate between bone-dry and biblical flood over just a few weeks. The other day I ventured down to a local suburban creek to chase some bass on foot, but upon finding that it was still in flood and flowing a little too high and dirty, I decided to head down to where the tidal water meets the fresh. The water was still quite dirty in the tidal water, but with the freshwater gushes dispersed by the wider pools I was able to find areas where bass were holding and feeding. I observed a few fish boofing prawns in the shallows, so I rigged up a CrushCity Imposter Prawn on a lightly-weighted EWG hook and quickly nailed half a dozen decent bass! WRAP-UP February in our region always brings excitement in one form or another, so my advice is to be openminded with your approach and adjust your techniques when something isn’t working. There is a lot happening in the environment at the moment, so be observant and, to quote a tournament angler I once fished with, let the fish tell you what they want! We may be spending a fair bit of time waiting for the weather and river levels to return to normal through February, but those first few days after things settle are always top times to be out on the water. Stay safe during any storms this month, drink plenty of water and don’t be a slouch with sun protection. See you next month! • Thanks to all our wonderful customers who send us photos and give us intel over the counter. If you’re in the Brisbane North/Moreton Bay region, make sure you swing by Tackle World Lawnton on 640 Gympie Road and check out our range. We stock everything you need to chase local species, plus a great selection of fresh bait as well.

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QLD Southern

FMM

Plenty of pelagic action offshore NOOSA

Peter Wells

With the kids back at school, it has become that little bit quieter with less boats on the water. The big full moon tides improve the amount of baitfish in the rivers with good numbers of trevally. Fishing the deeper drop offs has seen some

you stop often the fish will spook. Another good tip is to use small assist hooks, this will help when the fish are biting that bit short. Jacks have also picked up with the bigger tides and a bit of fresh in the systems. Fishing plastics like the ZMan SwimmerZ in the 4” size rigged weed free and cast deep into the mangroves has been very effective.

snapper, sweetlip, pearl perch, cobia and jew. Pelagics were also on the menu with plenty of tuna on offer, longtail and mack along with some nice Spanish mackerel all hit the decks. Speaking of pelagics plenty of tuna were also taken in the straights and up in Hervey Bay. Large trevally have been stretching anglers arms around the top end of Fraser Island and have been taking large stick baits and poppers like the Nomad Riptide and the Shimano rockslide. North Reef has been fishing well out of Noosa with the pelagics again featuring highly on the fish count. Some big mackerel have been coming from just behind the breaker around Stingrays with plenty of yack anglers getting amongst them. The bay in Noosa has again been alive with tuna and anglers in smaller craft have had no trouble getting across the bar to get amongst them. Casting smaller slugs and stickbaits has been the way most have encountered them, as well as floater baits picking up the odd Spanish. On the beach, the February

Ben Forgan picked up this solid sweetlip from the Gneerings Reef. It went for a small squid bait. common but these days anything over 80cm is considered a solid fish. Fishing that early morning tide can also be productive with a couple of solid tailor taken, these fish are more resident than migratory and seem to be a lot larger. In the fresh, the Mary River has seen a fair bit of flow after recent rains, this in turn has changed the way a lot of anglers are targeting their fish. Spinnerbaits are very popular

Stuart Hargreaves got this solid saltwater barra from Spot X. better fish, GT, golden, and even diamond trevally have all been taken. Fishing small pilchards on a three-gang rig, lightly weighted around the top of the tide was one of the better strategies. Whiting numbers are also good with plenty of quality fish on offer. Fish over the 35cm mark have been taken around the Frying Pan and Dog Beach on the Noosa River. The best baits have been yabbies, peeled prawns and worms. For those that love to target them on surface, the good old Sugapens have been very effective. Remember to work the lure all the way back to the boat, if

Jono Montgomery got this 76cm flathead from Caloundra on the new Clone Prawn. The fish was released after the photo. 28 FEBRUARY 2024

Casting your plastics around the shadow lines of pontoons and letting your plastic slowly sink has been another way anglers have been coming into contact with those fish. For the bait angler’s mullet strips and small fish baits have been popular around the bridge pylons on Munna Bridge and the Sheraton Bridge in the Noosa Sound. Flathead numbers are still strong with the better fish coming from the lower reaches of the Noosa and Maroochy rivers. These fish are best targeted on the run-out tide with most fish taken around drains off sandbars. Targeting these areas with soft plastics is the way to go and a good prawn profile soft plastic should see you in with a chance. Up in the creeks, plenty of crabs have been on offer, the jennies are plentiful but there are some good bucks amongst them. Mullet has been the Number One bait to load those pots. Fisheries have been red hot on crabbers so making sure you follow the rules is the best way to avoid getting a fine. Remember seven crabs per person and a maximin of 14 crabs per boat no matter how many are on board. With February usually bring those more moderate offshore conditions plenty of angler will be able to head out and get amongst the many fish on offer. Those that crossed the bar headed to the Reefs off Double Island with some good reef species coming over the side, these included

The crew on Noosa River Fishing Safaris were happy with this very solid jack. offshore winds should kick in giving beach anglers the opportunity to get amongst the fish. The swell has also dropped seeing plenty of anglers fishing the many gutters that those bigger cyclone swells created over the last few months. Anglers fished the Noosa North Shore were pestered by the ever-present dart that are in great numbers which is great fun for the kids. Casting into the close gutters with pipis, prawns, or beach worms will see you land plenty. Bigger bream are also about along with trevally and some nice flathead. Night anglers have seen some nice mulloway with most fish taken on large baits fished around those darker new moon tides. A few years back fish over a metre were

with a lot of the darker colours seeming to work the best. Bigger bass, sooties, and saratoga have all been landed. In the dams most of the action has been up in the timber first thing in the morning or late afternoon. For those that are into bait good old garden worms have worked well along with freshwater shrimp. • 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!

QLD Central

FMM

Drop down strip baits to catch reds and trout BUNDABERG

Luke Truant

There are big coral trout and red emperor getting around at the moment, the only challenge is getting them past the sharks. It’s a significant problem, but there are a few things you can do to help your chances of bringing home a feed. First, don’t do the pump-and-wind retrieve. This style of retrieve makes it far too easy for the sharks to take your fish. Just keep cranking that reel as fast as you can. Second, don’t stay in a spot after you’ve lost a couple of fish to sharks. Instead, move at least a mile to a new spot. Third, try fishing at a different depth. If you find the sharks are thick at one of your shallow marks, things may not be much better at other shallow locations. You may have better luck if you head deeper. Fourth, avoid fishing around the full and new moon. The sharks seem to be worse at those times.

If all else fails, and you’ve had an absolute gutful of getting sharked, maybe stick to fishing the estuaries this month. When autumn sets in, the sharks

should be less numerous, and you can head offshore again. BOTTOM FISHING If you’re determined to fish

Sophie with a solid trevally caught at the 2 Mile. Image courtesy of Tackle World Bundaberg.

Most of the red emperor caught lately have been taken on strip baits.

offshore this month (like me), you can get some sizeable red emperor and solid trout on strip baits. Big fish like to eat big baits, and I usually use whole hussar fillets or whole iodine bream fillets. You can catch hussar pretty much anywhere, and the iodine bream like sandy areas next to the reef edges. Both species will take smaller flesh baits on 4/0-6/0 hooks. One you’ve knocked off some big fillet baits, insert an 8/0 hook at the thick end, and you’re all set to catch reds and trout. If you think the fillet looks too big, you’re underestimating how greedy these predators are – particularly trout. As I’ve send before, a 20cm+ strip of hussar will still catch a 2kg trout. In the coming weeks, there should be more grassy emperor (grass

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sweetlip) hanging around the reef edges and rubble patches. The best bait for grassies is whole local squid, which tends to be more robust than imported squid. I like to rig the squid on a strong 7/0 or 8/0 hook with a running sinker down to a swivel, with a 45cm trace. Bear in mind, if you’re fishing over staghorn coral, this rig will snag up more often than a paternoster will. I don’t recommend switching to a paternoster though, because grassies aren’t overly keen on paternosters. You’re better off sticking with the running rig, sacrificing a few rigs to the coral, and going home with more fish.

Jaden Bond with a 48cm jack caught in the Burnett River. Image courtesy of Tackle World Bundaberg.

The easiest way to catch Spanish mackerel is by trolling hardbody divers. PELAGICS A good option inshore this month is to target pelagic species. There’s lots of bait around at the moment, and the mackerel and mac tuna have been having a field day on the bait balls. School mackerel are the most common pelagic species here, and a reliable way to catch them is with a simple spoon on a paravane/trolling board. (Go to wp.fishingmonthly.com. au and search for ‘school mackerel’ to see how to catch them this way. - Ed) Of course, you can also cast a slice at the bait balls, and rip it back as fast as you can. The Spanish mackerel are still plentiful around the reef areas, in a range of depths. The easiest way to catch them is to troll hardbodies like the Halco 190 XDD. Those lures have been catching some decent Spanish for us this summer. If you troll your lures at around 6 knots over any of

Central QLD

FMM the reef areas, you’ll likely encounter a Spanish sooner or later. We have also caught plenty of Spanish by trolling pike. You can catch pike around the rocky reef areas at the river mouth, and it’s

Emily Haagen with a nice mud crab. Image courtesy of Tackle World Bundaberg.

actually a lot of fun because they jump all over the place. Trolling garfish will work, too. There have been some big Spaniards getting around in recent

weeks, with some pushing 20kg, but most of the ones we’ve caught lately have been only 6kg or so. If you catch one that looks undersize, just flick it off over the side and keep fishing. There’s no point bringing the fish aboard and have it thrashing around on the deck, scouring off the slime that protects it from infection. Better to send the fish back in good nick, and hopefully catch it again when it’s three times as big. Lastly, remember that the annual Southern Spanish Mackerel Closures run from 1 February to 21 February, and again from 1 March to 21 March. The bag limit for Spanish is one fish per person or two fish per boat (with more than two people on board). ESTUARY FISHING If you fish around the rock bars this month you can catch grunter, flathead and bream on strip baits. Be prepared to get smoked by the occasional mangrove jack while you’re doing this. If you want to specifically target jacks, your best bet is to fish with livies. The prawns and crabs have been plentiful after the influx of freshwater. If you want to give prawning a try, you’ll need to fork out for a good quality cast net. The mass-produced nets catch a fraction of the prawns that a handmade net will catch. Trust

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QLD Central

FMM

Locals champing at the bit for barra open season MACKAY

Tackle World Mackay

This month’s report has been supplied by Nathan Edwards. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for: the barra season opening on February 1. I recommend planning your trips around some of the creeks that have had storms in the catchment areas. Places like Rocky Dam Creek, Sandy Creek or Constant Creeks have been some of the lucky ones to have a bit of freshwater coming through the system. Judging by all the by-catch barra encountered during the off-season, we should be in for a good season this year. Some good fish were caught by anglers targeting grunter in the creeks in the Mathers and Murray area, using baits of fresh creek prawns or slab gar. It was a similar story in Sandy Creek to the south. Most of our customers have been releasing their by-catch barra quickly and carefully, which is great. With all the prawns around, floating a live prawn under a float will be a good way to tempt a few barra this month. And, of course, a live mullet under a float is always a consistent method. While you’re chasing barra, you can also pick up a few

who prefer lures, the Chasebaits Ultimate Squid is a popular choice. Staying inshore, some grunter have been taking squid bait fished on the bigger tides. Some areas further south have been fishing better due to the rain down there because the rain pushes the bait out of the creeks onto the inshore reefs close to the headlands. Glendower Point and Freshwater Point are good spots. If you want to catch grunter, look for the soft coral rubble patches close to the headlands, anchor up and deploy some berley to hold them in the area for longer. While doing this, you may also catch some nice grassy sweetlip (grass emperor) and big stripies (Spanish flag).

All smiles with a healthy impoundment barra. Image courtesy of Brendonmoohin.

Campbell (12yo) with a 33cm whiting caught on a lure. There are still plenty of prawns in the creeks, and they are growing into quality sizes now. We’ve had good reports up in the Seaforth area, at Conow and Cluny creeks. You can get some prawns casting at the drop-offs along the mud banks and the gutters as the tide drops. If you’re a bit more adventurous, drag nets are always effective at this time of year if you want a feed of prawns. Armstrongs Beach to the south and St Helens Beach are good spots. Be sure to

wear appropriate clothing because there have been reports of box jellyfish. Sandy Creek and Rocky Dam Creek have been producing some good crabs, but there are plenty of empty ones, too. It’s a bit of a lucky dip at the moment. The sharks have been thick in the warm water inshore. Some anglers have resorted to using Sharkbanz Zeppelin magnetic sinkers and have reported some success. It can also help to fish isolated structure, and use electric reels to get the fish up fast. And remember, when you get sharked, don’t stick around or you’ll just keep feeding them. If you’re lucky enough to find a good spot out in the fishing channel, there are good numbers of quality nannygai (large-mouth and small-mouth) and red emperor. You can also encounter parrotfish, red-throat emperor and other mixed reef species. Cuttlefish heads, fresh slab baits and pinkies are the go-to baits. With summer in full force, the trout have been on the chew around the islands. Anglers have been getting good results at Brampton Island, Wigton Island and the Beverly Island group, fishing the reef

Lewis Hudson with a nice bluey.

edges in depths less than 20m. Pilchards and herring have been the go-to baits. Slow jigging has been working well, too; the jigs seem to annoy the trout into striking. The Samaki Ribcages and Palms Slow Blatts are trout favourites. Some solid grey mackerel are still being caught in patches of cleaner water. You can catch them on a trolled gar or a Halco spoon rigged with a trolling board/ paravane to get it down deeper. IMPOUNDMENTS Many barra have moved into the basins of the dams in an attempt to spawn. At Kinchant and Teemburra, anglers have been catching some quality fish away

Image courtesy of @lurehuddo.

Ben Matthews with a nice sooty grunter.

blue salmon or a feed of quality bream. A few die-hard fishers have also been getting good grunter on the 3” and 4” Gulp Shrimp and Zerek Vibes fished close to the bottom. You can still catch some nice fingermark (golden snapper) off the headlands, when you can find some cleaner water. Places around the Seaforth area on Fish Reef, Newry Islands, and Cape Hillsborough have been producing good catches of fingermark in cleaner water. Most of the fish have been caught on live herring and live squid. For anglers

from the main points, out in open water. Suspending and slow-sinking lures are the go, as they stay in the fish’s face for longer. Jackall Hank Tunes, Samaki Redic DS80s, and Zerek Live Mullets have been producing well. Kinchant Dam has had water pumped into it, submerging the weed beds around the edges. The barra like to cruise over the weed beds at this time of year, and you can sight cast to them early in the morning. A ZMan FrogZ slowly retrieved in front of their face will often do the trick, and it’s always good visual fun.

34 FEBRUARY 2024

There are some good crabs getting around at the moment. Image courtesy of @annemariefishing.

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QLD Tropical North

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Get ready for great runoff barramundi fishing TOWNSVILLE

Dave Hodge

At this time of year, barra are on most anglers’ minds. With a decent runoff, there should be some good fishing in the weeks ahead. Solid barra can be caught off the side of the road at this time of year, with some big fish often celebrated by a toot of the car horn as a passing driver watches the excitement unfold. At 134cm, my biggest ever barra came from a spot just metres from the main highway a few years ago,

stem water flow and create bottlenecks, backwaters and so forth. Prime spots for these migrating jacks and barra are deeper areas – deep enough to have slower water beneath the torrent above. Here, the predators can sit and watch for food passing overhead. Lure choice depends on the scenario. Soft vibes in the 100-120mm range are probably your best bet in fast water that gets funnelled into a narrow exit. These heavier lures can sink below the fastest water and be worked back just below the main flow, avoiding the floating weed and debris. Barra and jack bites in this situation

in the faster water. When the weed is thick, weedlessrigged soft plastics are a good option. Paddle-tails are the most popular option. Hook weights and smart rigging will affect your results, and in faster-flowing situations, a little ball sinker in the loop knot can make all the difference. This sinker helps get the nose of the plastic deeper and helps it to hold better in the fast water. Other things you’ll need for fishing the roadside are a set of long-nose pliers, ideally a landing net, and, most importantly, a safe position to stand. The accumulation of barra attracts hungry crocs looking for the same thing we are – an easy feed. Every year, we worry that someone will get eaten around here. People take stupid risks just to catch a fish. No fish is worth your life. The influx of freshwater dislodges the massive weed beds that form during the dry months, and these big mats swirl around in backwaters and make it impossible for a hardbodied diver to be worked effectively. If you wait until the water clears up a bit, you can start using hardbodies again. After a prolonged rain event, there will usually be runoff for

As the fresh stabilises, other species will make the most of the big bait schools that will show up. This fingermark (golden snapper) ate an Atomic Metalz blade down deep. and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens this year. Jacks also start moving in the flood waters, and you can find them (and barra) around weirs or blockades that

are fast and brutal, as they feed at speed and smash any prey that darts overhead. Many vibes will work, but some may need upgraded hooks to land bigger fish. Big jacks and barra pull like hell

This fish took a Paddle Prawn rigged on a 7/0 Atomic Seeker EWG 1/4oz. across the main flow and down deeper for a retrieve through the backwaters towards the end of the retrieve. Locations for runoff barra fishing are often kept secret because there are usually limited standing areas when the barra are running. Famous locations like Aplins Weir are shoulder-to-shoulder when it’s all happening, which can be intimidating for newcomers, but the congestion of anglers usually fishes harmoniously. Most seasoned weir fishers help each other when an angler hits a big fish, and it’s more about enjoying a seasonal event than competing with other people. There will always be a few scumbags who kill fish after fish, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them. Many of us have seen unscrupulous anglers kill their bag

Tannhym Hodge caught this fish on a 4” Atomic Prong with a ball sinker included to reach the fish in a deeper section of the river. a few weeks, and that’s when we break out the diving hardbodies. The longer it runs high, the clearer the water will get. Just as the water begins to clear (usually a few days into the runoff), we get pretty excited, as this seems to be the height of fish activity. You’ll want to cast your hardbody across the current and then allow it to shimmy its way across and beneath the main water flow. A lure that dives to around 2m is ideal in this scenario because you can make it dive deeper with a downward rod angle and then work it up towards the surface with an upward rod angle. This lets you work around and over structures like rocks and logs, and also 38 FEBRUARY 2024

Once the flush of weed has backed off a bit, Atomic Real Baitz are a great choice, perfectly imitating one of the main food sources.

Tropical North QLD

FMM what was happening. They scrambled to leave as fast as they could, full of angry comments on their way past as I laughed at their displeasure. The next day, old mate returned and started killing fish after fish. However, as he went to lift a fish with the rod, the rod broke due to his Gumby fumbling, snapping halfway down the blank. Now, the funniest bit about this whole thing is that I had sold the guy a rod and reel combo the week before as he was preparing for the runoff. I remembered his face, but he didn’t remember mine. The next day, he came storming into

the Fishing Warehouse where I work, ranting and raving about how the rod was a piece of garbage and it ‘just broke’ on a small fish. He didn’t know I’d seen him land many big fish on it before making the bull%@# claim of its faultiness, which he tried to pass off as a warranty issue. He was quite aggressive about the whole claim until I pointed out I was standing just meters from him when he negligently broke it, and that I’d also seen him catch big fish on it the day before. I suggested that he carefully stick that rod where the sun don’t shine. His shoulders slumped as he

realised he hadn’t fooled anyone, and embarrassed, he walked out with his tail between his legs. Revenge is sweet and comes in unexpected ways sometimes!

Faster sinking blades and soft vibes are necessary in deeper and faster waters. limit, take the fish home (or get someone else to pick up the catch) and return shortly after to kill even more fish. There are still plenty of drongos who repeat this year after year. I remember watching an old bastard killing a heap of fish and tethering them behind a rock (which isn’t smart in croc country). He and his mate carried them up to a waiting car and then walked back to their spot to continue the slaughter. I made a quick phone call to Fisheries in front of them so they knew

This mangrove jack was caught on an Atomic Heavy Hardz vibe.

The 7” Pink Paddle Prawn works well in dirty water. This big girl couldn’t resist one rigged weedless and worked through runoff water.

Anyway, just keep in mind that bag limits are in place, and to limit the amount of fish that you take at all times of year, not just during the runoff frenzy. That’s it for this month. I hope your rod bends frequently in the future.

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FEBRUARY 2024 39

QLD Tropical North

FMM

The barra battle begins HINCHINBROOK

Ian Moody info@ianmoodyfishing.com

Here we go, off and racing for another new season on those silver slabs that love to jump, fight and at times get off your hooks. During the next three months I consider to be the best times to chase those larger models of barra at Hinchinbrook. I learnt a few new things during

Jackie was very pleased with her 94cm capture. the last few weeks of the 2023 season that I’m eager to try this year on the right tides. Last year I thought outside the box to try a few different areas and it really paid off. Sometimes even scraping my boat into areas just deep enough to float it! You will be surprised how shallow water level these fish hang out in. For chasing the larger barra, for

or non-existent on the day, I would switch to live bait instead of casting lures. Alternatively, I place one live bait out while clients cast lures to see if that is the technique barramundi prefer on the day. Pinning a live mullet or larger sized herring in through the mouth and out through where the membrane is between the eyes is a good method where there is a bit of current running. And I will often pin them through the tail for smaller sized baits or if fished in deeper water. It pays to be versatile when fishing the area; some days they will hug the bottom and ignore lures and want baits or slow rolled plastics, and some days they move around and rise closer to the surface and prefer lures. February can be tricky with the likelihood of heavier downpours from storms and cyclones. Back in December the Cassowary Coast and Herbert areas received a lot of rain and, if the area continues to receive a lot of rain, the flow will extend right through the channel and right up to the northern end near Cardwell. The initial flooding events can be a bit of short-term pain, but definitely long-term gain when things settle. The mouths of rivers and creeks can still be flowing fresh out of them on the surface but still hold some salinity towards the sea bottom. Often, I find way out the front on the sand gutters can hold a lot of various size oceanic barra on the outgoing tides. Catching

James with a 107cm barra. The next few months will be prime time barra fishing. for operation and I’ll be looking at taking bookings for those trips soon. • If you’re looking to do a barra charter with us for this year’s barra season, bookings are filling up quick

so now is a good time to get in and get your name down on some good dates. For bookings, please email us at info@ ianmoodysportfishing.com or phone me directly on 0402 339 459.

The rains are here! CAIRNS

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

As I sit and write this, Cyclone Jasper has come, but unfortunately not gone, and has dumped over a metre of rain in five days. Every creek and river system from Cooktown to Ingham are in moderate to major flood levels. Whilst this will put a significant damper on the fishing over the next month, over the long term we will see huge recruitment levels in the Net Free Zone. All this flooding will get catchments flowing again, which will allow fish to move around and trigger spawning events. Once this rain event subsides, the best option anglers will have is to find those eddies and backwaters out of the current and running flood waters, which is where the fish will be waiting. Jacks, in particular, will be hanging in these spots. Fishing run off areas is also an excellent idea especially once the barramundi season opens. Barra are

Jacks this time of year are quite large and thick, like this one, as they feed up on prawns. suckers for congregating in run off areas and there are plenty to fish thanks to this huge amount

Chris with an impressive barra that measured 101cm. incoming tides I prefer to look for backwaters that are thrown off points, rock walls, and creek mouths, etc. Usually casting into these areas with a slow retrieve works great and playing around with a different style of retrieve is best to find out what they like. Looking for baitfish working in dirty water is another thing I keep an eye out for. I usually at least pin 40 casts into an area before moving on. It pays to keep a look out for those barra feeding off the surface with those ‘boof-like’ popping noises you may hear in the distance. However, if surface activity is slow 40 FEBRUARY 2024

them on lures can be quite fun if you can find the spots, they like to ambush bait species leaving the river mouths during the runout tides. Barramundi will be the bigger focus heading into March as this is one of my favourite months chasing them. Making the most of the stable weather periods in between bad weather spells will be the best. I wish everyone the best during the opening of the barra season and hope mother nature gives us a few chances to get out. Also, beginning this year, my 7.6m offshore charter vessel will be ready

This was one of the author’s favourite catches when fishing the runoff during the start of the barra season.

Tropical North QLD

FMM

Barra madness returns COOKTOWN

Justin Coventry

The weather events in the North have been intense with record floods hitting the region. The waterways have been smashed with many being opened up to deal with the massive flow running through them in such

fish hold and ambush their prey. With river reaching epic levels no doubt that many breeding females might have reached further up the rivers than usual, so the rivers should see some nice stocks of fingerlings in the upper reaches this year. The Keatings lagoon area here often brings large numbers of juvenile barra action as the first flood allows them to escape but the flooding was so quick and high that I think most would have had an express trip out to sea. The rivers were showing large numbers of juvenile prawns in the

Just short of the magic metre, Joshua with a 90cm barra.

A beautiful coastal barrel. a short time. The crazy thing is that it’s only the beginning as more than likely more rain is on its way. The rivers here have changed so much, and the riverbeds have as well. The Annan River boat ramp isn’t surrounded by sand banks but rock dumps. The trees ripped out by the water are scattered throughout the system and will no doubt provide new habitat for fish, and even upstream big granite boulders would have tumbled down to form new obstacles traversing the river in the tinny. There is so much change but so much opportunity. There will be new areas where

The floods have moved the barra further up the rivers. system so they have been well and truly flushed out as well. The headlands before the flooding were alive with breeding barramundi and some large schools could be seen

Jacks will be found in areas out of the flow. of water receding. Natural run off areas in the NFZ include small creeks and drains right through to artificially areas such as storm water pipes. This will be your best chance for barra after the opening of the season and, where you can find running water, you will catch. My preferred lures are any shallow running hardbody that has super bright colours. This is where your old faithfuls, like Tilson’s and

Gold Bombers, are the best options. You want a lure that has a massive roll action in hard running water. Plastics are good for just throwing in and letting it float with current. You will need to upsize your jighead weights. Prawn style lures are a very good option. Hopefully the rain will slow down over February and the NFZ creeks and rivers will return to some normalcy where we will see some of the best fishing we have had in decades.

circling around them and also in our local wharf area. There should be still some hanging around the headlands and wharf, especially as waters start to clear. Bait schools have also started to appear around the wharf so where there is bait, there will be fish. The race will be on this month when the opening for barramundi season opens to be the first to get to the headlands and coastal mangroves as that will produce some action. There has been some nice fish up to 90cm caught there and sure there will be some big metre fish still hanging around. The floods could also see good numbers up further in the river systems and should make for some exciting fishing when we can get access into Lakefield National park this year. There will probably be a lot of change there in the rivers but also plenty of new snags in the system. I’m looking forward to finding some new fish holding snags and also think the fish will be in good numbers as there has been an increase in numbers and in size in fish over the last few years and the floods will only help spread them around. The reef fishing is still producing good numbers of coral trout and I’ve noticed some large numbers of smaller fish around, especially when spearfishing. They are so inquisitive and when I’ve speared a nice trout lots of others appear. The population looks

healthy and great to see it doing so well when it’s such a targeted species. Large mouth nannygai and red emperor are on the chew with some large specimens being caught and in good numbers. The wonky holes close to shore seem a little hit and miss but think it’s from all the freshwater still around and I think it should improve as that settles down. Plenty of nice days on the reef ahead and it should only get better as the waters start to clear up more. The weather here has been extremely hot and it’s hard not to go for a swim on the reef when the fishing slows and what better place to cool off then to swim around this

Joshua holding a nice mud crab. beautiful wonder of the world with such amazing clarity. So worthwhile taking some dive gear. Mud crabs have been affected by the floods and they were almost flushed all the way out to the Ribbon Reefs with the amount of water we had. The fresh usually makes them head to the coastal bay and river fronts but there haven’t been the numbers there. I think as waters clear they will return and it would be worth throwing a few pots in this month as I’m sure they will be moving through the river system and looking to move back into the river. Once located I’m sure there will be some nice catches of mud crabs – chilli is back on the menu! Better get the pots ready and I’ll let you know how I go next month. FEBRUARY 2024 41

QLD Tropical North

FMM

Reefies on the chew CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly wildrivercompany@gmail.com

With an early bang to the wet season in Far North Queensland and Cape York, it will be the follow through of rains into February and March

to offer. One of the most significant aspects of February and March occurs on the Cape’s eastern coast in the form of cloudy, humid, breathless days of calm ocean. This is likely the only time of year where two weeks straight of calm conditions are on the cards. The ability

Maori sea perch are always a favourite. found around the deeper reefs and shoals and adjacent to the outer reef where current flow and cleaner water are to be found. A safe way to think about it might be to look at areas deeper than 15m. Sediment run-off from the coast, jellyfish, stingers and all manner of weird and whacky stuff seems to get around in the water over the summer months and getting well offshore is often the only means of combatting these challenges. Taking a deep drop onto shoals, deep reefs, wrecks and deep holes can be particularly productive. Common coral trout, red emperor, nannygai, cattle-dog cod, green job fish, black spot cod and a host of trevally species are just the tip of the iceberg in these places. Hopping soft plastics, metal jigs and vibes and of course baits are all effective methods for targeting these deeper fish. Many will suffer from barotrauma so taking only what you need and avoiding

A big red bass taken on the reef edge. that will be crucial to recording a decent wet season. Even if the golden gumboot was decided with early rains at the tail end of Cyclone Jasper. Following last year’s fantastic wet season, fishing across the board was awesome throughout Cape York. This trend will be set to continue with the opening of the barramundi season commencing 1 February on

This big GT ended up taxed at the boat. killing or wasting too many fish should always be considered. Yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, wahoo and the odd mahimahi might also be on the cards out wide of the reef passages. Those who really target the deeper stuff might also look for jobfish

A nice jack and cattle dog cod taken on the outer reef. to get well offshore in small vessels can be done in relative safety. Always with a watchful eye on inclement storm fronts on the horizon. Although the blue water and reef fishing can be tricky this time of year, calm conditions usually make up for the fickle fish. With warm to hot water temperatures affecting the reef tops and shallows, better fishing will be Kissing cudas on an outer reef cay. both sides of the Cape. Accessing the fishing will be most of the challenge. February is typically a slow month across much of the Cape, with roads closures, intense heat and storms dissuading the crowds. For those with access to larger vessels, mother ships and offshore sport fishing rigs, the blue water scene will be where it’s at. Let’s take a look at what February might have 42 FEBRUARY 2024

A school sized yellowfin taken on the surface.

A great double capture on the reef flats. and cod species in the 100m+ range. It takes a bit of specialist equipment and the ability to pull fish out of water inhabited by oceanic sharks to get the job done out wide. Regardless of the type of fishing involved, February will normally be a month fished by a handful of diehard locals up in Cape York. With the temperature and humidity at dizzying levels and the barra season just kick starting, when the going gets tough, the tough will get going.

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FEATURE

Fisheries

FMM

There’s plenty going on at Queensland Fisheries After two years in the job heading up Fisheries Queensland I thought it would be good to share some of my thoughts and learnings. When I started in the role in late 2021, the state borders were still closed and then when they did open I got up to Brisbane quick smart with my family. Ironically, after two years living in Victoria through the pandemic, I got COVID in the first month of moving to Queensland! We also then faced the ferocity of the Brisbane floods, that came within an inch of our backyard. It was a nice welcome to Queensland. I was super excited to be given the chance to lead Fisheries Queensland, having worked in fisheries management in the state many years ago, before heading south to Victoria and NSW. I also spent three years running the recreational fishing peak body in Victoria and I look back fondly on my time in this role. I deliberately spent the first six months in the job not trying to change the world. I did a lot of listening and asked a lot of questions. Continuing the rollout of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (SFS) 2017-2027 was my first priority. It was at the halfway point and much progress had been made on how we assess stocks and set catch limits using harvest strategies. The staff had done an amazing job to develop and introduce more than a dozen harvest 44 FEBRUARY 2024

strategies and complete a bunch of new stock assessments. It’s no surprise to anyone that Spanish mackerel was a hot topic and took up a lot of my time. I spent days travelling the coast and meeting with commercial and recreational fishers, charter operators and seafood businesses. It is one of the best parts of the job. I’m pleased we struck a balance between maintaining fisher access in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area, and at the same time setting a course to rebuild stocks for the future. I’m also pleased some of the fishery controls, such as the commercial total allowable catch, has now been set to constrain the

catch and is no longer 300 tonnes under caught each year. Even better is the fact that we now have a Harvest Strategy and a new stock assessment soon to start. The future looks very bright for this fishery. Other important and iconic species such as black jewfish, coral trout and red emperor have been assessed as healthy and this is great news. Despite the challenges of COVID and what this has done to events, we have been able to improve stakeholder engagement with sponsorships at the Lure Expo and Australian Fishing Trade Show. The free public day at the trade show last year was a winner! These are key events on the fishing calendar and draw a diverse angling demographic from all over the country. Fisheries management is more about managing fishers and influencing their behaviour, rather than fish per se. I’m proud of the investment we have made in people, especially the QLD Women in Recreational Fishing Network that is only 18 months old. It is a safe space for female fishers of all abilities and with more than 1,600 members, it has already helped provide a pathway for women in the marine industry and made a massive impact on the gender balance of our working groups and advisory forums. While on this point, we have done a major refresh of our working groups and they will be meeting throughout

2024. The Cape York working group is also a great initiative and we have built a new team of First Nations fisheries managers and scientists. The biggest reform to our fisheries currently is the commercial gillnet fishery reforms in the GBR. A major $160 million industry transition and support package is currently underway and we are implementing all of the recommendations of the Future Fishing Taskforce. This also includes a $9 million investment in research and development into alternative fishing gear. It’s a oncein-a-generation reform that will provide improved environmental and recreational outcomes for Queensland. We acknowledge it is a difficult time for parts of the industry and our team has done a top job to deliver the legislative and policy changes needed to meet the commitments by the Queensland and Australian governments to the continued health of the Great Barrier Reef. This year will also see a greater focus on the Gulf of Carpentaria inshore fisheries. A new stock assessment is almost complete for king threadfin salmon and we hope to work closely with all stakeholders on the proposed gillnet free zones and management reforms in this region. Places like Weipa and Karumba are fishing meccas that rely heavily on our blue economy and tourism.

Fisheries FEATURE

FMM Queensland continues to deliver high-quality, sustainably sourced wild-caught and farmed seafood to consumers across Australia and the world. The aquaculture industry in Queensland is continuing to thrive with record investment from government and industry. Close to $23 million is currently allocated to help transform the sector and continue to see it prosper. It is one of the fastest growing primary industries in Australia. At the time of writing this, the industry is confronting the flooding impacts of

ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper rainfall and loss of barra from some of the farms. We are committed to working with industry to build the resilience of this sector, to meet the challenges of climate, natural disasters and biosecurity disruptions. As for 2024 and recreational fishing, we will continue to stock fish and support the SIPS (Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme) program. We will also keep a close eye on the national carp control program developments in Victoria and NSW. Our freshwater fisheries are vital to our regions and stocking will continue to play a role in our overall strategy to grow fishing and provide a great experience to locals and visitors across our beautiful state. The same goes for our Fish Aggregating Devices program which have helped to enhance offshore fishing for pelagic species in South East Queensland. We are rolling these out in the Gulf of Carpentaria and seeing how they support the sailfish offshore from Weipa. We will also be at key fishing events on the social calendar this year. We still have four years left to run on the SFS. There is work to be done on more environmentally friendly recreational fishing gear such as phasing out opera house nets and light weight crab pots. Consultation is set

to occur, so please keep an eye out for this in future. We hit a milestone recently of 100,000 users of our Qld recreational

out to the communications team here at DAF. We have the biggest social media following of all the fisheries agencies in Australia. The team is always looking

fishing app. This app provides fishing info at your fingertips and we are committed to continuing to incorporate feedback from users to enhance its performance. We have some upgrades coming in mid-2024, so watch this space, and download the app today if you haven’t already, it’s free! Finally, I’d like to give a huge shout

at new ways to communicate with our diverse fishers across this expansive and beautiful State. 2024 is set to be a big year and I would like to thank Steve and all the fishers who have contributed to help ensure we have fish for the future. – Dallas D’Silva, Executive Director, Fisheries Queensland

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Ben Delaney from Creasy Bear Tours, Wollongong, was caught between two storms and didn’t waste any time to get back out on the water. His efforts rewarded him with this 42cm bream from the Sussex Inlet.

FEBRUARY 2024 47

QLD Freshwater

FMM

Wet start to the year TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

This is my first report for the year. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to prepare the January report on time and Peter Jung stepped in. Thanks to Peter, we had a good insight on how our dams would be fishing as we kicked off a new year. It’s been a wet start to 2024 but the rain is being very selective when it falls. Without widespread dumping, there will be different outcomes in each region. In most cases it hasn’t been enough to influence the dams but keep an eye on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane lakes as they are most likely to see some runoff or even flooding. Flooded lakes will affect the fishing so check in with

the local tackle stores or online dam level information before planning a trip. It’s a good month to try your luck on a range of species. Water temperatures are still up so early mornings and late afternoons will fish well unless the fish are holding deeper where they can bite all day long. Golden perch are still very active, bass can be a little more tricky but will chew when found and offered the right presentation, cod are also likely to be harder to find in deeper water but still catchable and the same goes for barramundi as well. The key is finding where the fish are most comfortable and willing to feed. Every year we see new lures on the market that need to find a home in our tackle boxes. In most cases they are adaptations of existing products which

Impoundment barra have been tough to catch for the past couple of months. They spread out more but if you fish smart you’ll still be in with a good chance. have been tuned and refined to make them even more effective. As a lure maker and designer myself, I hope to move a step closer to bringing out a couple of new products under the Hot Bite Fishing banner. Hopefully we see them by the end of the year but it all takes time and lots

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND CRESSBROOK CLOSEST TOWN: CROWS NEST The golden perch are still chewing at Cressy. These fish are usually found in 5-8m of water and frequent the many lake points. Trolling the edges of the dam is a good way to encounter a few fish and you will find lures towed to accurately follow the depth contours and stay close to the bottom will perform best. Your standard hard body lures are good for this approach and there are many locally made timber models that I prefer over the plastic injected varieties. You’re more likely to find these at the smaller specialist stores than the big chains. If you struggle to get your hands on some, give the readily available RMG Poltergeists a try. If you find goldens on your sounder, jigging small blades will produce good numbers. The ZX40 or similar style blades perform well with their trailing silicone dressed assist hooks. Short casts and more vertical hops are the best way to jig these lures below and around the boat. Bass numbers have been low. Fishing deeper lures around the lake’s edges could score you a few bass and also

Niki Sticklen is a machine when it comes to catching Somerset bass on Spectres. golden perch. Lures like lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits are great for covering heaps of water as you move quickly along an edge in search of fish. • Fish’n’Bits in Toowoomba has all the gear and tips on how to chase the Cressy fish. They are an excellent store specialising in all freshwater lures and tackle. The access gates to the ramp and day use area will be open from 6am to 8pm. SOMERSET CLOSEST TOWNS: ESK, KILCOY The fish at Somerset have started to get back into their usual routine. It’s been a tricky year or so predicting where those

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bigger model bass will be but they look like they are going to hold around the ever-reliable Pelican Point for some time now. Fish location is based around the time of year and dam levels. Pelican Point is the longest point in the whole dam and offers a range of depths up on the flats and along the drop offs to suit the fish in changing conditions. While the bass may be found on the northern side one day, they can move out wide to the east or even all the way down to the southern point. Having a sounder with a map of the lake is very beneficial. You can see all the contours and where the ledges and points run out into the middle of the dam. Places like Brads Bank and Bay 13 will also hold a few bass at times. Smaller models seem to be in plague proportions in about 7m of water to the north and south of Kirkleigh. When you see so many smaller fish you know stocking efforts are going to ensure the dam fishes well in the future. While the fish can be found in really good numbers, you can still struggle to get a bite. Trolling deep diving lures which are running at the same depth as the fish is one of the best methods at this time of year. Mix up you colours a bit to see what they prefer. I do know when trolling, I like to use colours I rarely use when casting. You’ll find bright chromes, chartreuse and green all work well when trolling. Maybe we should play with these colours more

of testing to ensure they are better than what is already available. This of course means lots more fishing to perform the testing requirements. With that said, we might bump into each other on the water somewhere. Until next month, buckled rods from the Colonel. when casting too. The other proven methods to lure them are Spectre Vibration Jigs and deep cranks like the Rapala DT20 and Imakatsu IK800. At times you can cast these lures over the fish and get them to bite. Usually, it is best to long line them by driving over the fish and freespooling heaps of line off the reel to drag the lure all the way back through them. When using the Spectres, try driving along at 1.5 to 2km/h and winding for 4 turns and dropping back to bottom. You’ll want at least a full cast of line out. When all else fails, this is the go-to technique to get them to bite at Somerset. Once mastered, a typical day should see dozens of fish caught. Golden perch numbers have been low when fishing in the bass spots. This is a bit unusual but if you go and

The deeper water is the place to be when the days are hot. Bass can be found on the old creek and riverbed edges of most lakes. target them specifically you are sure to find success. At the current level, good numbers of goldens can be found along the drop offs and on the timbered flats north of Kirkleigh. Lures which dive 6-8m should do the job when trolling. Lure casters will be able to have fun if they locate numbers of fish or pick them off with live sonar when using small blades. While up in the timber, fishing the edges with spinnerbaits or suspending jerkbaits could

Freshwater QLD

FMM surprise you with a saratoga or two. These fish have become a lot more common as we have seen numbers grow over the last decade. MOOGERAH CLOSEST TOWNS: BOONAH, ARATULA Good numbers of bass should be found on the timbered flats. The southern end of the lake is a good place to start searching. Lipless crankbaits, cast and trolled, have been a great way to entice the suspended fish through the timber. We may see these fish drop a little bit deeper and if they do, bibbed hard bodies may be a better option. Lure casters will also do well when casting

crankbaits, soft vibes, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. If deeper schooling fish are found, try 1/4oz blades or chatterbaits like the Hot Bite Spectre or Jackall Dera Break. The dam has the potential to deliver excellent catch rates once the bulk of the fish are found. The bigger models tend to hold together and stick to the timbered areas at this time of year. I’m not sure it’s the timber that holds them. It is more likely this area has a lot of 5-9m flats with deeper creeks running nearby. Don’t expect to just turn up and start catching if you haven’t been to the dam for a while or had a hot tip about fish location. Hours may need to be spent on the sounder first but the reward will come

when they are located. • The lads at Charltons Fishing at Redbank are all over the fish activity at Maroon and Moogerah. Call in and grab your supplies and hit them up for tips on where the fish are biting. It is recommended camping be booked at least a couple of weeks in advance and you can also organise your day use barcode for the gate with Lake Moogerah Caravan Park (07) 5540 5600. MAROON CLOSET TOWN: BOONAH The bass will continue to chew well in Maroon. Surface session can be fun in the early morning and afternoon. Low light is the key to getting bites on topwater offerings. The bay below the

day use area and the edges below Pointro are good starting spots. Pick an area which is out of the wind if using topwater. The surface sessions are only short-lived. Schooling bass are the best targets during the day. Chatterbaits will still be hard to beat when it comes to producing numbers of fish. These can be cast or trolled in 5-8m of water where bass are found in schools and scattered concentrations. • The lads at Charltons are great to talk to and set you up with the right gear for this lake. It is one of the best lakes to target bass if you are just starting out and now is a great time to get them.

DARLING DOWNS AND GRANITE BELT

productive depth. I saw the fish move a lot over January. Maybe they will find a spot they like and take up residence for a while but they have been pretty scattered and even up in as little as 3m of water at times. Lure trollers should be able to get a few bites. The dam is great for trolling at the moment with very little floating weed. Deeper lures which dive 6-8m have been scoring well. The fish do tend to feed at certain times of day so be prepared to put in a bit of effort when trolling. I did notice a lot of fish in shallower between the boat ramp and the sailing club. This part of the dam has one of the best flats and it therefore has a healthy weed bed. If you stick just outside this weed edge and troll a TN60 I think you’d bang quite a few fish. Lure casters have also been getting into the action. ZX40 blades are usually the standout but they have been a bit slower than normal. They are still worth a go but if the action is slow try casting them and hopping them back rather

than the standard vertical presentation. A mixture of other small blades have been outperforming them at times. Lipless crankbaits seem to be getting a better response. Even in deeper water lures like the TN60 Jackall are drawing interest. They should be allowed to sink all the way to the bottom, wound up for 4-6 turns and dropped back to bottom. We have been watching the goldens charge off the bottom and chase them as they lift up during the retrieve. Live sonar has also been good for picking off suspended fish with lipless crankbaits. A tip is to remove the rear treble and replace it with a set of small assist hooks. It’s surprising how many fish pick at these hooks at the rear of the lure. • Cooby is open to paddle and electric motor-powered craft. The gates are open from 6am-8pm. Fish’n’Bits tackle store in Toowoomba can help you out with all your bait and lure fishing needs. LESLIE CLOSEST TOWN: WARWICK It should be another red-hot month for golden perch at Leslie Dam. The fish can be caught on baits like shrimp and saltwater yabbies. Lure trollers will also be able to score quite a few fish. Slow trolling lipless crankbaits in 4-5m of water will

see a few fish caught. Moving out into the deeper water near the old creek bed and trolling in 6-8m with deeper diving hard bodies will see better numbers caught. The middle to top reaches of the lake

COOBY CLOSEST TOWNS: HIGHFIELDS, TOOWOOMBA Cooby has been a little slow at the start of the year. Golden perch are being caught on a range of offerings but they are a bit of hard work unless you have a supply of live shrimp. Shrimp can be caught in traps left in the dam overnight. Pot raiders seem to be common out there and are not only emptying traps but stealing them as well. If you are one of them, you are a low life grub and should wake up to yourself. I had a mate that rushed home from work after a storm and put pots in at 7 at night. The plan was to have a bit of fun with the kids on his holidays. When he checked them, they had been raided, baits tipped out and one trap stolen. It makes me cranky. If you want shrimp, catch your own. When bait fishing, try in around 7m of water. This has been the most CAPRICORN REGION AWOONGA CLOSEST TOWNS: BENARABY, GLADSTONE Awoonga and the other southern barra lakes have been a lot tougher this year. Anglers who are prepared to think outside the box are the ones likely to be rewarded. Weed point fishing at night is one of the most popular ways to pull Awoonga barra. Soft plastics tossed around the western shoreline and up New Zealand Gully will continue to get the bites. The numbers encountered or biting when found have been much lower than past years. While working lures out of weed beds can produce, think about sitting wider of the weed on major bottom formations. This works well where the old riverbed tucks in tighter to the weed edge or there is a creek or gully junction. Here the fish will often roam the deeper open water. Blind casting with the Molix 140 or Zerek Live Mullet 5.5” is a good way to start. The black gold colours or darker ones are the pick for after dark. If you are lucky enough to own forward facing sonar, you can see the fish swimming around in real time and target them more accurately.

During the day, the water clarity makes the fishing tough. If the dam receives any runoff, this would be the ideal time to head upstream and find where the dirty water meets to clear and look for actively feeding fish. Otherwise, daytime is a grind. One of the best ways to get a bite is to fish topwater lures. A slow and subtle walk the dog retrieve with a surface lure can produce early in the morning. As the light picks up, switch to a weedless rigged frog. These lures can be buzzed over shallow weed and pockets to find fish willing to chase them down. Surface fishing seems to produce in really clear water since the fish don’t get to inspect the lure as closely as one presented subsurface. This is why buzzing surface frogs is so effective on this lake. Find the fish and look for these reaction strikes in the shallows. • Gladstone Fly and Sportfishing (0429 223 550) and Lake Awoonga Barra Charters (0404 151 844) run guided trips on the lake. Both cater to the needs of the angler and can do fly or conventional tackle trips to target the lake’s barramundi. It is hard to beat time on the water and a guided trip is a great way to learn more about this lake and its fish.

The author loves watching yellas eat lures on Active Target. Don’t knock live sonar until you’ve tried it, it’s addictive!

Dustin Voll wrestled in a few big yellowbelly at Cooby Dam. The fish were caught with Grandad’s help. will be best suited to this approach. At times, the deeper fish will be suspended and you can catch them mid water with shallower offerings. Jigging small blades and soft vibes around the drop offs and structure should be another good way to tempt big numbers of golden perch. There are plenty of smaller fish but when they are chewing you can expect some quality amongst them. Small Murray cod will be an occasional capture for those jigging and trolling lure. If you troll big 1oz spinnerbaits along drop off and over structure in about 5m of water, you’ll stand a better chance of scoring a sizeable cod. Most cod will be out in the deeper water for the majority of the day due to warmer water temperatures. • The local blokes at Warwick Outdoor and Sport in Palmerin Street can point in you in the right direction and hook you up with the good gear and bait to catch the fish at Leslie. FEBRUARY 2024 49

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

SHIMANO HARD LURE/ 1 STICKBAIT CASE

The Shimano Hard Lure/Stickbait Case features a sturdy construction made from high-quality materials, including 420D Polyester. Its multipiece design ensures compactness while effectively preventing rust and corrosion. The durable zippers have been specifically designed to withstand harsh saltwater conditions. Opening the case reveals a convenient front mesh panel, allowing for quick and easy access to your stickbaits and swimbaits. No more fumbling around or wasting time searching for the right lure. Inside, you’ll find a high-density EVA mesh divider, which provides excellent protection and prevents lures from tangling or becoming damaged during transportation. There’s also an integrated hook keeper. The case’s rigid walls prevent collapse, maintaining its structure even when subjected to rough handling. This feature not only protects your lures but also allows for efficient storage and easy identification. You can confidently carry your assortment of stickbaits and swimbaits, knowing that they are well-organized and ready for action. www.shimanofish.com.au

DAIWA 23 TATULA W 100

The Bone Espybarra 176F is a multifunction floating glidebait constructed from extremely durable ABS plastic. It features a mid-joint section and comes with three interchangeable tail types that produce different swimming actions. The default glide tail gives the Espybarra a wide side-to-side action, which most anglers are familiar with in glidebaits. The extended paddle tail changes the action to a more subtle side-to-side wobble, with an enticing paddle at the end of the tail to trigger strikes. The Fluke tail gives the Espybarra the widest side-to-side sway when you need to get the most action in the shortest distance. The tails are easily interchanged by pulling the tails downwards. The Espybarra 176F is also versatile when it comes to buoyancy, with a chin weight eyelet fitted so anglers can add as much or as little weight as they like to reach the depths they need. It is so realistic, you’ll think it’s a real baby barra, and at 176mm long and 61g it can be cast and fished off just about any setup you like for barra, cod or flathead. www.wilsonfishing.com

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY 50 FEBRUARY 2024

For its abundant natural beauty and observable wildlife, Nu’u Landing is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. An inspired nylon design, this quintessential wrap creates a modern appeal with high performance thermoplastic elastomer accents, a sustainable substitution to traditional rubber materials. Combining a streamlined construction with PolarizedPlus2 lenses, Nu’u Landing offers unmatched protection with an environmental focus for all your outdoor escapades. SuperThin Glass provides the absolute crispest optics available. 32% thinner and lighter than standard glass, it offers the best scratch resistance. Models available are: Black Gloss frame with Grey lens with Bi-Gradient frontside lens treatment; White frame with Grey lens with Blue Mirror finish; Teal with Grey lens with green mirror finish; and Tortoise with Bronze lens with Bi-Gradient finish. www.mauijim.com

CRUSHCITY IMPOSTER

The new 23 Tatula TW 100 incorporates Daiwa’s newest baitcaster design concept, Hyperdrive Design, for the first time. Hyperdrive is the culmination of multiple key-elements with the goal of creating a reel with more winding-power under load, that’s smoother and more refined and has a long-lasting feel. A totally new precision designed solid aluminium frame and gear side plate delivers maximum power and unrivalled durability, while its ergonomically designed profile fits effortlessly in the palm of the hand. Hyperdrive Digigear, TWS, Magforce Z, deliver unmatched strength, smoothness and precision both on the cast and on the crank, while Daiwa’s UTD gives you the muscle to stop just about anything that swims. Whether its chasing Australian bass on the southern lakes, mangrove jack on the Gold Coast or barramundi in the north, the 23 Tatula TW 100 is the perfect way to celebrate 10 years of Tatula, and it’s available in four models. www.daiwafishing.com.au

BONE ESPYBARRA 176F

MAUI JIM NU’U

6 2

The CrushCity Imposter is the perfect prawn or shrimp imitation. Made from Super T.P.E. material and infused with shrimp scent, The Imposter is designed to produce subtle movements like that of the real thing - fooling even the wariest of predators. When rigged on a VMC Brawler Jighead, The Imposter will hop and dart providing a seductive swim with its appendages vibrating in the water. When rigged weedless, The Imposter utilises the back slit to help hide the hook so anglers can fish it deep into snags where the predators lurk. The Imposter is one of the most realistic prawn limitations on the market and will deceive fish anywhere. www.rapala.com.au

OKUMA BARBARIAN PRO

Requests from anglers and the popularity of the Okuma Barbarian range of spin rods has inspired the release of the Barbarian Pro range, featuring upgrades across key models. Praised as having the perfect actions for targeting bait fishing favourites, such as whiting, bream and luderick, the Pro series has maintained those soft tips, smooth actions, and power in the butt section that allows fish to eat the bait with minimal resistance, while keeping hooks in the fish during the fight. Along with the aesthetic upgrade of a deep blue blank, with pale blue tip and bright blue branding, these rods have upgraded guides – premium SeaGuide stainless steel guides with zirconia rings. Other features include an ergonomic cut-out reel seat and low-profile EVA grip, reducing weight and increasing feel. Okuma’s patented UFR Technology is designed so that long-strand fibres running the length of the tip increase the strength and lifting power by up to three times that of a standard rod blank. Available models are 7’0”, 9’0”, 10’0” and 10’6”, each with a two-piece design that makes for simple transport and storage. Price: SRP from $99.90 www.okuma.com.au

5 Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au

TESTING BOOTH

Trout slayer: Rapala Countdown Elite minnow FISHING MONTHLY

Peter Jung Rapala minnow style lures have long been a favourite option for trout anglers in Australia and around the world. My first introduction to them was some 40 years ago in the form of the Rapala Countdown and Floating 3cm and 5cm minnows.

in the Snowy Mountain lakes and the floating option just kept producing fish in my local rivers. My collection of them grew as my passion for fishing increased and that collection continues to grow, as these Classic Rapala’s are still being made today and you can never have to many lures, can you? However, it is not these classics that this testing booth is about. It is the latest iteration of a Rapala minnow, the Countdown Elite minnow. Available in 3.5, 5.5, 7.5 and 9.5cm, this is a modern day version of the classic balsa made Rapala minnows. What’s different? The obvious thing is that they are slightly longer than the original offerings, but for me the really obvious change is

the finish on the paintwork of the lures. The combination of HD printing, metallic plating and a matt finish really appealed to me. The two trout pattern colours (gilded

which offers a real opportunity/possibility for fish to hit them as they fall through the water column. It is a very similar action to that of a sinking stick minnow, which in

Main Pic: The author’s friend Andy Queck has been using the Rapala Countdown Elite minnows for a while now with great success. The gilded rainbow trout colour is always a favourite. Above: A mix of 7.5cm and 5.5cm Rapala Countdown Elite minnows that the author was given to test.

The gilded brown trout colour will always be a favourite for many anglers. These lures were the perfect option to transition from the bladed spinners I had been using, to a more lifelike lure that offered better castability and an extra set of trebles to get better results. The sinking (Countdown) version was a revelation

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY 52 FEBRUARY 2024

Another lovely fish caught casting into likely looking areas from the boat. This time in the gilded silver shad colour.

rainbow trout and gilded brown trout) will always be must-haves for trout fishos and these two colours look as realistic as any I have seen. The 13 colours available follow a more natural colour scheme, with only the gilded gold orange colour providing something completely out of the ordinary. The rest focus on mimicking the real thing or using subtle highlights to get the interest of any fish it swims past. A change that you are less likely to see, is how the lure sinks in the water. The Elite minnows have a lovely flutter on the drop,

turn broadens the fish species these Elite minnows can be used for. Australian bass and bream are just a couple of species that love a lure that flutters on the drop. While I am discussing actions, I also feel like the Elite minnow has a slightly stronger action than the original classic. It certainly provides plenty of feedback through your fishing rod to let you know when it is swimming correctly or not. On the water In the middle of 2023 I wrote a feature on trout fishing at Lake Eucumbene in the

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au

TESTING BOOTH NSW Snowy mountains (August issue if you want to check it out). In that I explained how well Lake Eucumbene has been fishing in recent history and how I believed that this should continue for an extended period of time. So, you can imagine when another opportunity came my way to visit again just before Christmas with a few of these Rapala Countdown Elite lures, I didn’t need a second invitation.

A small selection of the author’s Classic Rapala Countdown lures he has. You can never have too many lures, can you?

The gilded vairon colour quickly became one of the authors favourites. No wonder when fish like this 4lb+ brown trout ate it while he was prospecting shore based at Lake Eucumbene. Eucumbene hadn’t changed too much from when I had been there in June 2023. Water levels were marginally lower and the outside temperature was a touch warmer, but the focus remained on trolling the medium taper margins, while looking for

runs at approximately 4-5ft, while the 7.5cm option runs a fraction deeper. On the water, with the lures well back it felt like they ran a little deeper than that. As far as results go, more fish were caught on the 5.5cm lures (on this trip), which was the opposite to the results in the winter months. My take on that is both sizes catch plenty of fish. Lure colour choice/preference is always dependent on the individual, however there is no doubt why the gilded rainbow trout and brown trout colours have the following they do. They catch plenty of fish. However, I now have a big soft spot for the gilded vairon and silver shad colours, they were stand outs for me on this particular trip. On the cast The majority of my early fishing for trout was shore based and involved casting lures around my local waterways. Although I now have many other fishing options available to

the gilded vairon coloured lure I was using while casting from the shore. The 5.5cm size was perfect for the fishing we were doing which was casting to likely looking structure or drop offs (towards the shore generally) while drifting in the boat or land-based flicking into likely looking zones. Most of these areas were 3-8ft deep, so the diving depth of the Countdown Elite’s was perfect. The extra weight of the lures also helped in the windy conditions we fished in. A quick tip would be to use a line clip or loop knot to attach your lure to your line to maximise the lure action. Final thoughts It seems I now have another very good option when it comes to my trout fishing and Rapala has another great lure in their range that many trout anglers will want

Andy Queck with a lovely little rainbow trout he caught trolling a Rapala 5.5cm Countdown Elite. 1000-2000 sized reel spooled with 4-6lb casting fluorocarbon line. The larger Elite minnow was little too heavy for this outfit. This could be easily fixed by upping the rod to a 2-4kg model. I used the 5.5cm Elite minnow exclusively when casting on this trip for this reason and could not have been happier with the results. I caught fish on six different colours (all that I had), with the biggest fish I caught (a 4-4.5lb brown trout) smashing

to get their hands on. I would say that the Countdown Elite minnows tick all the boxes that most anglers would want them to, with one small request. I think every Aussie trout angler would love to see a spotted dog colour in the range, I know I would. To check out the range of Rapala Countdown Elite minnows head to your favourite local store or check them out online at www.rapala.com.au. I know that there are seven more colours I need to try.

A stunning brown trout taken on a 5.5cm Elite minnow in the gilded ayu colour caught while casting from a drifting boat. likely areas to drift and cast our Countdown Elite minnows around. Trolling The Countdown Elite minnows are an excellent trolling lure. I had the 5.5cm and the 7.5cm models to try and there is nothing more comforting than seeing rod tip rhythmically dancing with the action of the lure. I tend to have the lures set well back from the boat while trolling, so have a lure with a solid action is very important. On the box it says that the 5.5cm lure

me, my first passion is and always will be, to cast lures trying to catch a trout or three. I am not fussed if it is shore based, drifting in the boat or out of my kayak, I just get a thrill catching a fish on a cast lure (trout in particular). Not surprisingly the Rapala Countdown Elite minnows cast really well. At 5g and 10g respectively, they offer plenty of weight to cast with, possibly in the case of the 7.5cm Elite minnow, too much. My normal outfit to cast minnows for trout consists of a 7’ 1-3kg rod matched with a

The first fish of the author’s recent trip to Lake Eucumbene fell to the 5.5cm Countdown Elite in the gilded vairon colour.

FEBRUARY 2024 53

NSW

Sydney

FMM

Hot water means hot fishing in the weeks ahead SYDNEY ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com.au

In February, the water temperature is often around 23°C and occasionally up to 25°C, as tongues of warm current come in close to the coastline for short periods. During these times, anglers can catch a wide range of species, including a few tropical visitors like spangled emperor, cobia, samsonfish, amberjack and more. And, of course, all your regular Sydney species are on offer, too.

Simon Apter and son Madden with a great bag of bream and whiting caught on a trip with the author. Yabbies are a gun bait for these fish. Let’s look at what’s biting on the rocks and beaches. ROCK FISHING Anglers chasing pelagics have been catching the likes of bonito, big tailor, frigate mackerel and, of course, sizeable kingfish. (When I say ‘pelagics’, I mean free-swimming oceanic species as opposed to bottom feeders.) Lately, we have been spinning 20-40g OT Jigs in the white flash, white glo and bronze colours for bonito, frigate mackerel, mac tuna and tailor. Some of

the bonito have been solid fish up to 70cm, and there have been reports of stud tailor getting around as well. The biggest kingfish caught lately was 13kg (roughly 118cm). Live yellowtail, sea gars, and whole squid baits have been the best baits. There are a few rock locations that are pretty easy to fish because the sand is literally up to the rock edge. It’s easier to land a big king in areas like these. Conversely, when there’s more reef that extends out further, more ledges, rock gutters, and sharper objects that can damage your mono or braid, things are trickier; kingfish like to swim close to submerged ledges and bommies in an attempt to cut you off. North Curl Curl is one location where it’s harder to land big kings, while at South Curl Curl along the Flat Rock area, you have a better chance at landing a larger specimen. If you’re new to catching big kingfish off the rocks, it can help to use heavy gear like 24-37kg outfits, especially when fishing the nastier rock locations. Of course, if you are hooking smaller kings, fishing heavy isn’t as much fun as fishing light. Ultimately, though, fishing with heavy gear is worth it if you want a better chance at landing a trophy fish. When using 24-37kg braid, it’s recommended to use 60-100lb leader. You should preferably use more abrasion-resistant leader. Some anglers who fish for big kings use leader up to 150lb! Locations for the smaller pelagics and kings include Bluefish’s east front, South Curl Curl’s flat rock, North Curl Curl’s spinning ledge about 80m north of the swimming pool, and South Whale’s Inner Ovens ledges. You can catch some quality snapper distance casting and wash fishing at this time of year. Robust baits help when you are distance casting. Squid and cuttlefish strips are good options, and firm, oily fish baits are also excellent. I like using salted slimy mackerel, tailor fillet or bonito fillet; they are nice, oily baits that release a lot of scent to entice

A client caught this king while fishing with a 7” Bait Junkie Jerkshad, which worked better than sea gars on that trip. The Jerkshads were rigged on a 3/8oz, 7/0 jighead. the snapper. It can be good to fish both squid and flesh baits to see what the fish want on the day. And remember, fresh is best. Snapper may be scavengers at times, but you’ll get more consistent results on quality fresh baits (the same is true for bream). Wash fishing (fishing the sudsy white water off the rocks) can be very rewarding at this time of year. Berley will draw in predators like snapper, bream, trevally, bonito or kings into your area, and when you throw out your well-presented half-pilchard, squid strip, or king prawn, it will get smashed with relish. Keep your ball sinker sizes relatively small so your bait sinks more slowly and looks more natural. I use 20lb braid and 20-25lb fluoro leader when fishing the washes (for distance casting, I use 30lb braid with 40lb fluoro). Once again, Bluefish’s east front is a hotspot, although it’s dangerous and a pretty long walk in. A much easier spot to get to is Freshwater Point’s northeast face. You can also try Long Reef and, in rougher conditions, the Warriewood high

John Halford loves catching snapper. On a recent trip fishing the sudsy white water, he caught four fish up to 67cm.

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cliff northeast face. The beaches have been producing nice whiting lately, and also bream up to 42cm, which are sizeable beach bream. Manly Beach is an often-overlooked beach for catching these fish, mainly because it gets very crowded, especially when the surf is a metre or more. There’s also the surfing school, which can occupy a large area. Sometimes, your chosen gutter might get inundated with a class full of surfers, so you need to be prepared to move around.

NT angler Barry Straube with his first whiting. NSW whiting are much bigger than their tropical cousins. Barry also caught his first beach worm on this outing.

Weed such as kelp can be a problem when you’re fishing the northern suburbs beaches, but Manly Beach generally has less weed, as do the Curl Curl beaches. Curl Curl is much less crowded and is best fished just before sunrise to an hour or two afterwards and from an hour before sundown to well after dark. Whiting and bream fishing after dark off the beach can be really productive. Other beaches that have been producing – when the kelp/ribbon weed hasn’t been too thick in the gutters – are Dee Why, Collaroy, North Narrabeen,

Sydney NSW

FMM

Stick to the plan for more consistent fishing SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

Now that the festive season has started to calm down a bit and the boat traffic at the boat ramps in the Botany Bay, Georges, Woronora and Port Hacking rivers have gone back to a bit of normality you

being caught. Places that are worth a shot are the end of the southern and northern ends of the entrance to the Cooks River, the rock platform near the La Perouse sailing club, Bare Island off the northeast corner, the Kurnell Peninsula and under the Captain Cook Bridge. Mono Point, The Drums, the oil wharf and the southern end of Bare Island

both live baits and lures. The only thing is that on those glassed out days you are going to have to get there early to beat the crowds. Snapper, morwong, pigfish and mulloway have been on the chew on those close reef patches. Half pilchards have been working great. You can also try trolling the soft plastics like the ZMan 5” and 7” Scented Jerk Shadz on either a 3/4oz (21g) #7/0 or a 1oz (28g) 7/0 jighead. Another option is trolling hardbodies, such as the Laser Pro Deep Diver 160mm in gold or white redhead, at a speed of around 4 to 6 knots. The beaches from Boat Harbour and along to South Cronulla have been producing whiting, bream, dart and the odd flathead. The best bait by far has been the beach worm. It’s a crying shame that we are still not able to drive into Garie Beach, as this is one of my favourite beaches in the area to fish. Maybe someone will be able to tell me when this is going to open up again. I have been informed that the road is

Riley Finlan caught this 43cm bream in the Georges River. He plucked it from underneath a moored boat on a Squidtrex 55cm vibe. should find it a bit easier to launch and retrieve your craft. As usually around the festive season in the above areas the boat ramps that usually get hammered are the ones at Foreshore Drive Botany, the one near the entrance to the Cooks River, the Hole in the Wall at Sylvania, Wallys Wharf in Dolans Bay and the one at Swallow Rock Drive. There will also be less traffic on the water. Hopefully by now the larger size kingfish will have shown up in Botany Bay as over the past couple of months the reports have been mainly of rat kingies and Bungan. Basically, all of the beaches produce fish to varying extents depending on kelp, gutter depth, swell/ wind and so on. On some of the beaches throughout Sydney, there is a medium population of pipis. Yes, there are still some pipis left on Sydney beaches. They work quite well on the whiting but are a better bream bait (remember that it’s prohibited to remove pipis from the beach you got them on). For the whiting, live beach worms are the go-to bait, but pink nippers work very well, too. February is a good month for tailor, and a lot of the fish are in that 35-45cm size range – my favourite eating size. They are a lot of fun to fish for, too. If you’re after a fish that bites aggressively,

would be great places to start if you are fishing out of a boat. I find that anchoring up, berleying and fishing with live squid, yellowtail and slimy mackerel is a good way to go. If you are going to use bait you could try a couple of live nippers on the hook, fresh slimy mackerel, strips of fresh squid and peeled prawns. When buying fresh or live baits, I recommend visiting Mac’s Bait Bar at Blakehurst or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ macsbaitbar. They have so much great bait. Offshore the FADs have been producing kingfish and mahimahi on

Glenn Loveday caught this 73cm dusky flathead on one of his favourite soft plastics, the ZMan Baby Goat.

The Bait Junkie 3” Prawn has caught a lot of snapper up to 40cm on recent trips. fights well on the right gear, and is a great eating fish (as well as being a great bait), tailor are the perfect target. The traditional way to catch them is with a

whole pilchard on a set of 3 x 4/0 gang hooks. If you prefer to use lures, it’s hard to beat a 20-40g OT jig. You can safely use the 20-30g metals with line as light as 5kg.

Jack Tuckwell with a great dusky flathead. It’s great to see kids getting into their fishing. managed by the National Park. Email me at gbrown1@iprimus.com.au. TIP OF THE MONTH This month’s tip is to devise a plan. No matter what you do you must have a plan, somewhere to start from. It’s much better than just going out for a fish and hoping that something may jump onto your line. When making your plan, think about what fish species you are going to target, where you are going to fish, at what part of the time of the day or night, and so on. Are you going to fish the rising or falling tide, and what part of the moon phase are you are going to fish? This will help you to catch fish more consistently. You’ll also need a Plan B ready to go, just in case things don’t go the way you’d hoped. For example, I was fishing on the south coast at Gerroa at black Head, only to find that when I got all set up there were no snapper about. Time to put Plan B into place. Plan B resulted in me getting silver trevally to 1.5kg, and a 13.5kg mulloway on a floating strip of striped tuna. Don’t forget to keep sending those great photos to gbrown1@iprimus.com. au so that I can share them in my Fishing Monthly column. I recommend 7-8kg or even 9kg line for the 40g metals. You can have a lot of fun fishing from gutter to gutter with your light outfit, with a shoulder bag for your lures and leader, and a clip seal bucket for your fish. Enjoy this month and catch some great fish! • Alex Bellissimo is an experienced rock fishing guide with proven teaching formulas. If you’re an experienced angler, he will bring your abilities to new heights. And if you’re new to rock fishing, Alex will teach you all the fundamentals so you can consistently catch fish -- and stay safe at the same time. All tackle and bait is supplied. To find out more, visit www. bellissimocharters.com.au, email alex@ bellissimocharters.com.au, or call Alex on 0408 283 616. FEBRUARY 2024 55

NSW

Byron Coast

FMM

Forming a February game plan after the flush BALLINA

Joe Allan

It’s funny how everything works in patterns and cycles. I just read over last year’s article for February and I talked about how the river has been in semiflood – which is exactly what happened while writing this article. The Tweed got to a lot higher level than the Richmond and Wilson, which didn’t rise much but certainly dirtied up a lot and has had a flush. By the time this goes to print there should be plenty of marlin getting around offshore. We have had the odd one come through in early January, but these should get more prevalent as the fish come down from the north. There have been plenty caught north of the Tweed already with reports of some boats going double digits on the blacks. The mackerel have also been coming

in from the north as well as some spotties a little further south from Evans Heads. When these go crazy make sure you’re at the ramp early as the numbers at the local boat ramps rival Pacific Fairs car park on Christmas Eve. There have also been a few dolphin fish around and these can be really fun on light gear so get stuck into them.

Grant Clements with a 50cm mangrove jack caught jerkbaiting a rock wall.

The Atomic Cicada in snake black has been doing some damage on the summer bass population.

Sonni Allan getting stuck into cleaning and cooking a Richmond River muddy. READER’S

Before the dirty water hit around Ballina in mid-January there were some nice jacks being caught. Jerkbaits like the Atomic Slim Twitcher Deep 95 have been most productive. Once the dirty stuff hit, I heard of some nice fish being caught but not on lures – they were caught on cut/ strip baits floated down the same rock walls. You forget how hard these fish can go when you get a decent size one. They PICTURE

really are so much fun. The freshwater stretches had been on fire before the downpour, with good sizes and numbers of bass being reported. It will be interesting to see what happens after the fresh to see where the fish end up in numbers. Early mornings and late afternoons were producing good numbers of fish on surface. Cicada imitations like the new Atomic Hardz Cicada 35 Fur Finish are great at getting bites. You often don’t have to do too much with them, just jiggle the rod to make the lure shake on the surface, exactly like a cicada that’s fallen from a tree. Imitation frogs have probably been the most popular bait for surface presentations over the last couple of years though. There are a few brands on the market now that all do the same thing, which allows you to put a surface lure really deep in cover and pull them out without snagging. That’s really the advantage of using a weedless surface frog. There were crabs all over the river system throughout the end of December and into January. Blue swimmers have been in great numbers down the front and big muddies up as far as Swan Bay. Once the dirty water settles, I’d say the muddies

Gus Collings and Sonni Allan with a topwater bass taken near Swan Bay. will be back downriver and will hopefully still be around in decent numbers. Until next issue, tight lines.

Liam Doonan caught his PB snapper using a Rapala CrushCity Imposter fishing in the Brisbane River.

Nicole Bower with a solid mulloway caught offshore from Evans Head. 56 FEBRUARY 2024

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NSW

Coffs Coast

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Cracking flathead and hard-pulling pelagics COFFS COAST

Rob Taylor

The second month of 2024 is shaping up to be a good one for pelagics on the Coffs Coast, with good numbers of spotted and Spanish mackerel being caught already and plenty of marlin showing up out wide. We should see a good pulse of water coming down with the EAC this month. There have been social media posts of the Narooma FAD struggling to stay on top due to a raging current, and this means we’re in for a bumper run of warm-water speedsters. Not only has our offshore scene been starting to fire but our creeks and rivers have been turning on some pretty good fishing for locals and holidaymakers, particularly for jacks and flathead.

There have been some great mangrove jack sessions going down, and the red devils seem to be getting thicker every year. Just as more barramundi are being

Hayden Elks with a north coast lizard. He likes targeting the big girls with artificials on the flats.

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caught as far south as the Gold Coast, jacks are also extending their southern migration, which no-one down here is complaining about! It’s been a pretty solid year on the freshwater, all things considered. We were all spoilt with last year’s incredible season, so comparing seasons back-toback doesn’t give an accurate picture of how good this year has actually been. The Clarence has been a little slow but the smaller rivers such as the Orara and Bellinger have been fishing remarkably well. So, with a good start to the year underway, let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer on the Coffs Coast for February. CREEKS AND RIVERS As mentioned, the talk of the coast at the moment is just how good the jack fishing has been. There have been plenty of solid fish taken in most of the local creeks and rivers with both lures and baits producing fish. Not to be overlooked is the local Coffs Harbour marina. It often holds horse jacks, which can be caught around the inner rock walls and pro boats at night. The best technique is to float some live mullet or yellowtail around these areas. Just be prepared to lock up on hook-up or you’ll be toast before you know it. You can catch your yellowtail over at the Co-op where the commercial boats fuel up. Some big flathead will be on the chew this month and if you’re looking for a big girl I’d be fishing in the Urunga, Nambucca and Kalang rivers. Try using big glidebaits, paddle-tail plastics and shallow crankbaits over the flats and you’re in with a chance at the magic metre mark. If bait is your thing, live mullet and yabbies are great baits for producing a feed of flatties and drifting the sandflats with livies is a great way to pass the time over summer. Fish light and you’ll also pick up whiting on the live yabbies. The whiting have been quite thick in places this year.

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• Sales • Spares • Repairs • Repowers Servicing all makes and models Daran Ryan with a local GT taken on fly. The rivers are full of them this month.

Aaron Dyett with a thumping Coffs red. ROCKS AND BEACHES February is the time to get excited if you’re into your land-based game fishing as we’ll have some good numbers of longtail tuna cruising the local headlands and the occasional big Spanish mackerel for the LBG fraternity. Drifting baits or spinning big metals or stickbaits off ledges such as Muttonbird Island, the South Wall, Quarry and Third Headland should produce longtails. You can always depend on tailor in the washes if the pelagics aren’t playing ball. Not w ithstanding w ater temperatures hitting their peak, there’s still quite good tailor fishing off the rocks in February. Just make sure you hit it early as the bite will shut down once the sun is up. I find Moonee Headland, Muttonbird Island and the Quarry near Gallows are all reliable tailor haunts. If you’re feeling adventurous you can rig a live legal tailor on wire and send it straight back out for a big Spanish mackerel. OFFSHORE As mentioned, we should start to see the offshore pelagic action begin to hot up this month and there’ll be everything from mackerel (spotted and Spanish), wahoo, marlin (stripes, blacks and blues) and yellowfin all starting to arrive as the warm water moves down the coast. February is the prime month for little yellowfin tuna at places like South and North Solitary islands. These tuna are very simple to catch; you only have to put some Halco 190 Laser Pros in the water and troll them around the islands at around 8 knots and you’ll eventually drag them through a school. These yellowfin may not be as big as the big ‘fin run enjoyed down south but they sure are tasty at the size we get them here. There’s also been plenty of striped marlin action out wide and a couple of small blacks in close. We can expect the bigger blues to start arriving this month from the 200m line out. Look for good water, bait and birds, and you’ll be in with a solid shot.

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NSW

Coffs Coast

FMM

Sifting through small fish to find the trophies SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Vic Levett

Warm southbound currents have delivered the annual run of pelagic species. Inshore water temperatures have reached highs of almost 26°C, and the inshore reefs are loaded with baitfish. In January we had a steady stream of mackerel, marlin and cobia, and February should see these fish increasing in numbers on the inshore reefs. Grassy head and Scotts Head are the main focus for most of the mackerel, and you may also encounter the occasional cobia. One method to target mackerel is to slow troll slimy mackerel or yellowtail, which allows you to cover a lot of ground in search of fish. Another method is to lay a berley trail of cubed baitfish around reef structures to attract the fish to the boat, and then free drifting baits back on light wire. You can either be anchored or on the drift,

There have been some awesome mahimahi getting around. This one was taken onboard Oceanhunter Charters.

been producing Spanish mackerel and cobia on metals and stickbaits. Some good mulloway have also been landed at Grassy and Scotts, along with plenty of tailor and bream. I’ve been seeing some good-sized drummer around whilst diving, but I haven’t really heard of many caught. I guess not too many people target them at this time of year. February sees the bulk of the holiday crowds leave town, but the fishing remains hot. Hopefully the weather will remain good and we can target all the great fish that February is renowned for. • Vic Levett and his son Zane run Oceanhunter Sportfishing charters out of the beautiful South West Rocks. They

Fish Rock has been the main focus for these fish. As usual, sharks have been a real pain in the backside; they can home in on a hooked fish in no time. You must get your hooked fish to the boat as quickly as possible to have a decent chance of getting it past the sharks.

February is a great time to target mackerel.

Olivia with a solid kingfish which she chose to release. depending on the strength of the wind. Wahoo have also been encountered in recent weeks, with most fish taken on fast trolled lures. Deep divers and bullet-head skirts have been doing the damage. The Gaol ground through to

There’s nothing worse than seeing your fish disappear down the throat of a shark within metres of the boat. Catches of kingfish and mahimahi have been consistent, although there have been lots of small fish around.

Some tasty bottom fish caught on Oceanhunter Charters. 60 FEBRUARY 2024

This can make it hard to get through to the larger models, but the rewards are there if you are patient. Some black marlin have been caught on the inshore grounds, but better numbers have been encountered further offshore. Blues, stripes and the odd yellowfin are also in the mix. Bottom fishing for pearl perch and snapper has also been productive in the 40-70m depth range. Catches of sand flathead and trag have also been good. Bonito, mac tuna and frigates seem to be everywhere, and they make great live bait or can be used for strip baits. The river has been fishing really well, with bream and flathead being the main target. The odd legal mulloway has been caught along the break walls, but there are still plenty of undersized fish in the river. Please handle the little guys carefully and return them in the best condition possible, as they are the future of the fishery. Whiting are on the flats and in Back Creek, and have been taking pink nippers and beach worms. The odd cobia and kingfish have also been caught in the river, with the top of the tide being the best time to target them. There have been some very big bull sharks in the river too, with some being caught well upriver beyond Gladstone. ROCK AND BEACH Some great fish have been coming in off the headlands. Hat Head has

target all manner of sports fish from king fish, mackerel, cobia and all way through to the famous black marlin of Trial Bay. Whether you’re a beginner or

Some sizeable flathead have been caught in the river lately. This big breeder was returned in prime condition. an experienced angler, the boys will put you onto the best fish available. To find out more visit www.Oceansportsfishing. com.au, Insta Ohsportfishing, Facebook Oceanhunter Sportsfishing. Email vic@oceansportsfishing.com.au, or call 0414 906 569.

Macquarie Coast NSW

FMM

Anglers taking advantage of the inshore scene Kate Shelton

In the local rivers this month, the fishing will remain excellent with plenty of options available to anglers. The baitfish are prolific, with garfish, yakkas and poddy mullet spread throughout the Hastings and Camden Haven systems. Anglers targeting flathead have had some fun on the lighter tackle, with a by-catch of mulloway and mangrove jack. For those wanting to chase a feed of whiting, Lake Cathie and the Camden Haven River have produced some great bags of fish this past month. Both surface lures and baits have proven effective on these fish. A few nice bream have been caught from the break walls, with bonito strips working very well. Mud crabs have been hot and

and in Crowdy Bay. Off the rocks, the Macquarie Coast land-based game season has begun. There have been reports of kingfish, along with the odd Spanish mackerel and cobia caught on the northern headlands over the last month. No doubt there will be plenty of interest from the rock fishing anglers over the coming weeks. Apart from the pelagic species,

Matt and Mitch Whalen with some terrific mahimahi they caught off the Port Macquarie FAD.

Matt Easson caught this unique masked pigfish in 120m of water off Point Plomer. Image courtesy of @matteasson.

Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie has produced a few decent tailor at first light along with some reasonable bream. Rock fishing for luderick has been excellent around Bonny Hills and further south around Perpendicular Point. Tailor have also been abundant, with some larger specimens caught around Crowdy Head, and the odd school mulloway has also been taken at first light around the southern ledges.

Early January was a bit of a slow start offshore, but things have certainly picked up in recent weeks, with hundreds of boats heading out off the coast to take advantage of the inshore pelagic fishing scene. Point Plomer and Hat Head have both produced a sprinkle of mackerel and even the odd mahimahi. All the local FADs have been producing fantastic numbers of mahimahi for anyone wanting a feed of fish, or just some fun on lighter fishing gear. For fishing the reefs, I received several reports from local anglers catching decent-sized snapper, pearl perch, teraglin and kingfish off Crowdy Head and Laurieton. • 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, king fish and bass groper. For more info, look up ‘Bay Explorer Marine Services’ on Facebook and Instagram, or find her store on eBay.

Ty Vassallo with his first teraglin. He caught it fishing with his dad out of the Camden Haven. cold this year, with only a couple of reports from further up the Hastings and Maria rivers. Lake Cathie has started to produce some nice catches of mud crabs and school prawns. Off the beaches, bream and whiting remain quite consistent, with good reports from the northern end of Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie as well as near the entrance of Lake Cathie. Live beach worms have been the standout bait. Tailor and bonito have also shown up in numbers around Diamond Head

James Turner with a 92cm flathead he caught in the early hours of the morning in the Hastings River. Image courtesy of @jamoboy.

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NSW

Macquarie Coast

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Heading into the most productive time of year to be inhaled by a solid bream in no time at all! Just about any bait will work when the bream are feeding like this. The good old flathead are still powering along. The lower reaches are still producing the better-quality fish, but areas further upstream, such as The Cut, the back of Wallis Island and Regatta Island, are holding huge numbers of 35-50cm fish. Soft plastics are a very effective method of fooling a few flathead, and if you are new to the lure fishing scene, a 70-100mm curly-tailed lure is

FORSTER

Luke Austin

We are fast approaching a period that many anglers regard as the most exciting and productive for the whole year. The water is warm, food sources are abundant, and the fishing options and possibilities are almost endless! I absolutely love the next few months and can’t wait to see what piscatorial wonders turn up.

Solid bream will start getting into the system’s lower sections this month. Our estuary remains the most consistent of all options, with loads of fish and fishing methods on offer. We have seen some great bream action down around The Paddock and the rock walls. It’s a bit early to be seeing so many big fish sitting down this low in the system, and it’s a great sign of what should be a cracking winter season. A lightly weighted bait floated down along the rock wall or into an oyster lease is all but guaranteed

super easy to use. Not many flathead can resist that wriggle! Fishing live baits is another fun and productive way of fooling a great bag of flathead. The estuary is alive with live bait options right now, with herring being particularly plentiful and very easy to gather. Hitting the channels and dropoffs around the bridge, rock walls, or oyster leases down around The Paddock should see you converting just about all

your live baits into nice 40-75cm fish. There’s also the possibility of running into something much larger! The nice, clear water that we’ve had pouring into the estuary with each high tide has been perfect for the local sand whiting. They have been schooled up in great numbers on the shallow sand flats, waiting to belt any well-presented surface lure or bait that comes their way! Most fish have been around 25-30cm, but there has been the odd bigger model mixed in, pushing the magic 40cm mark. If you are keen to chase the smaller, tastier trumpeter whiting there are still plenty up around The Duck Pond, and it may be worth checking the area down around Lanis as well. The local beaches continue to tick along nicely, and the sandy stretches from Pacific Palms south to Seal Rocks have been holding some cracking whiting and bream, along with the odd tailor and mulloway. Closer to home, 7 Mile is fishing well for whiting, while 9 Mile in Tuncurry is fishing unusually well for flathead and bream (but very few legal whiting). Rock fishing anglers are really starting to get excited now. An amazing amount of bait is schooled up along our coastline, and we have some very nice warm water pushing in. Tuna, mackerel and marlin will all be chasing these schools of bait, and it’s only a matter of time before anglers start to set their hooks into some quality fish. There have also been some solid kingfish up to about 8-9kg and some really nice tailor sitting off the ledges to the south. Offshore fishing has been really good

Now is a great time to get offshore to search for some black marlin. fishing particularly well with a lot of bigger fish landed. The biggest I have heard of recently was a very impressive 94cm! On the pelagic front, things are ticking along very nicely, with some nice black marlin cruising about. Fish have been seen all over the place, but most fish caught have been hooked down south. The FAD is still holding plenty of mahimahi, and there are enough legal-sized fish there to make the trip worthwhile. Just be prepared to fish through a hundred undersized fish to find the legal ones!

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Matty Britza with a cracking Feb flatty!

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of late. There can be a huge amount of current roaring south out there at this time of the year, so the reefs in 50-80+m are not always easy to fish; however, fishing the shallows nice and early in the morning (or late in the afternoon) instead of battling the current should see you running into some red hot snapper fishing. The reefs to the north have been

• Luke is the owner of Great Lakes Tackle - your ‘local’ bait and tackle store. They only sell the best brands and offer sound, friendly advice on where to land your next trophy fish while visiting the wonderful Great Lakes region! Open 7 Days in the main street of Tuncurry, ph:02 6554 9541, or find them on Facebook to see what they have been up to!

Hunter Coast NSW

FMM

Warm currents bring hungry predators in close CENTRAL COAST

Jamie Robley

We’ve certainly had some proper summer weather this year, with heat, storms, rain and wind. Luckily though, there’s been no shortage of good conditions, and those anglers who have managed to get time off work have been getting into some first-rate fishing. As is always the case, local anglers will be glad to see the crowds have thinned out, making it quicker to launch the boat and have your pick of the good spots. I

immediately. Places like The Entrance, Mannering Park, Swansea, Gosford and Woy Woy have no shortage of very fishable shallows, with bream, whiting and flathead in abundant supply. Providing the weather behaves itself, this is about the best month of the year for chasing fish in ankle-deep water. Of course, casting from the shore or wading is also an easy option. Just be mindful of stingrays and sharp shells, which are also common around the shallows. Surface lures are the best things to cast in the super-shallow spots. In fact,

When it comes to targeting inshore predators like bonito, there are plenty of alternatives to the old-style metal lures. The author will be casting these Molix hardbodies and Palms jigs from the rocks over the coming weeks. spend a lot of time fishing from a small kayak so I don’t have any sort of boat ramp dramas; with a yak it’s possible to launch almost anywhere. It’s also much easier to fish extremely shallow bays or flats that powered boats simply can’t reach. It’s a good advantage to have through the holiday period and weekends, and I highly recommend it. After you have launched your kayak, you can usually start fishing almost

Flathead have remained very active in recent weeks, taking soft plastics cast in the slightly deeper channels next to the extreme shallows. Softies will also work well around the illuminated bridges at night.

in many places it’s virtually impossible to use anything else effectively. Good quality bait, soft plastics and other lure types will still work well in slightly deeper water that’s adjacent to the shallows. What doesn’t work so well at this time of year is casting into deeper water. The truth is most fish will be found in water less than 2m deep right now, and most of those fish are likely to be hooked in places no more than 1m deep. When fishing in places where the banks drop straight down into deep water (i.e. more vertical bank structure), most fish will be found up higher and tucked in close to the bank. Some examples of such places are along Wyong, Ourimbah, Erina and Narara Creeks and The Hawkesbury. So, while the mindset of many anglers leans towards casting into deeper water, try to force yourself to cast your bait or lure up close to the bank. It can take a bit of discipline to train yourself to think that way but after you start catching fish this will become a habit. The beaches are fishing very well at the moment, with bream, whiting and tailor being the main species caught. These fish prefer the shallows with plenty of whitewash over their heads. When you’re looking for where to cast, try to find deeper gutters and then cast towards the shallower edges of the gutter. This is where clearer, deeper looking water meets sudsy whitewash. This can be right behind the shoreline itself. There’s no point casting way out and trying to get your bait into the

deep water when you can catch fish with short casts straight in front of you. After sunset you can also catch mulloway off the beaches. Tailor, sharks and large rays are also very common when casting larger baits into the surf right now, so be prepared to lose a few hooks to the toothy beasts that may be lurking around. Rays and sharks can peel off line at lightning speed and just keep on going. I got completely spooled in one long run at Soldiers Beach once; I’m pretty sure it was a big ray but it could have been a shark. I’ve also endured plenty of long battles from our beaches towards the tail end of summer over the years. You do your best to win the fight, as you always hope it’s going to be a big mulloway or maybe even a kingfish or cobia, but mostly it ends up being a big eagle ray or whaler shark. The warm currents this summer have brought plenty of hungry predators for the inshore boaties and keen rock fishos this season. February is normally the best month for pelagic action, so

It’s been a fantastic summer for bream and, once again, they’ll be keen to smash surface lures cast over the shallows this month. I’d be expecting some pretty decent fishing in the coming weeks. Although bonito and kingfish are our main local targets, everything from tailor and frigate mackerel to marlin and cobia are very possible. We just need the weather and timing to be on our side!

Quiet after the holidays PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

Local waterways are settling down after the hectic Christmas holiday period, which will mean a lot less competition on the water, especially inside the estuary.

you a great chance to have a look around these areas and see if you can spot any ‘lays’, which are the flathead-shaped indentations the fish leave behind. Once you’ve found a few of these lays in one area, come back and fish there on the next high tide. As far as I’m concerned, soft plastics are still the most lethal thing you can

Matt with a 48cm bream caught on a surface lure. Flathead are being caught from the bottom of the Port around Shoal Bay and Jimmys beaches all the way up to the mouth of the Karuah and Telegherry tributaries. If you’re new to flathead fishing, the best places to start are any of the intertidal sand and mud flats that are exposed on low tide. Low tide will give

cast at a flathead. However, hardbodies, vibes and surface lures all account for their fair share of lizards too, so mix It up a bit. There is some great bream fishing to be had at this time of year, especially on surface lures on those hot days. High tides will generally work best, with FEBRUARY 2024 63

NSW

Hunter Coast

FMM

Anglers spoilt for choice this summer February is a stand-out month for game fishers. The Big Fish Bonanza is coming up fast and will be held over the weekend of 3-4 February. Competitors will be targeting the likes of marlin, mahimahi (dolphinfish), yellowfin tuna and shark species. Nowadays more fish are tagged and released instead of weighed in, but there will still be some fish brought to the weigh station over the weekend. Weigh-ins will take place after 5pm on Saturday and/or Sunday, depending on how many fish are brought in. As I compile this report, the water temperature on the shelf off Swansea is around 25-25.5°C. From late December into January we saw big numbers of striped marlin, black marlin and a few blue marlin being caught offshore. In recent weeks I heard of a 200kg+ blue lost and a 170kg fish tagged, so there are some big fish out there. Some of the marlin have been caught on trolled lures but anglers have been getting better

results skip baiting and live baiting. Big mahimahi have also been turning up amongst the billfish. The average size dolly on the shelf is 10-15kg, with a few bigger fish pushing 20kg being reported as well. The FAD has been producing good numbers of mahimahi as well, but the size hasn’t been great. There are lots of just-legal and undersize fish at the moment but the average size should improve as we head into March. On the inshore reefs we have started to see the usual buildup of bonito. Their numbers are improving each day although size is lacking at the moment. There have been reasonable size snapper getting caught, and good numbers of trag around the 30m line. Success is far from guaranteed, though; some days you can bag out while on other days you’ll struggle. One deciding factor at this time of year – a factor that be the difference between catching fish and going home empty-handed – is water temperature. Northeasterly winds scour out the warm water, and if we

get three or four big nor’easters in a row, we have a problem; the water cools around 2-3°C and the fishing can become very tough for a while. On the flipside, if we get 4-5 days of southerlies pushing in warm water, the fishing tends to improve. ESTUARY AND BEACH On the beaches, the water temperature has been hovering around 21°C and we’ve been seeing good numbers of whiting along the Belmond/Blacksmiths stretch. Anglers are also picking up dart, and some days bream have been turning up, too. For the night angler, some very nice mulloway have been found in recent weeks, with some fish up to 1.3m in length. Our estuary fish got absolutely hammered over the holidays, especially whiting, which are the most popular target for the hordes of holidaymakers. The whiting bag limit of 20 was fine in years gone past, but it’s no longer sustainable. There are just too many people now, and the influx will only increase. We need to halve the whiting limit to 10 fish, and also make it an in-possession

limit (i.e. a limit which includes fish at home in the fridge/freezer). 10 whiting is enough for anybody. Hopefully this year NSW DPI will have a closer look at bag limits and listen to input from anglers. Anyway, for the moment we locals are happy because the school holiday crowds have dispersed, easing the pressure on our waterways. You can almost hear the collective sigh of relief! Very good numbers of whiting and bream were caught for most of January. The best bream I’ve heard of so far was a 52cm, while many of the whiting caught lately have been between 38-44cm. As February progresses the whiting will a less popular target because more anglers will be shifting their focus to other species like flathead. Flatties are a bit more prevalent in the estuary in February, making them a more popular target. As February progresses, we’ll see the winter fish start to make an appearance, mixing with the summer species. It’s a fun time for anglers, who can catch both summer and winter fish in the same session.

the rock bars and points around Pindimar, Soldiers Point and Garden Island all good spots to have a lash. For the bait fishers, the ever-

nipper or peeled prawn to have success because these bream are not easy to fool. There are whiting on offer in the clear waters of Nelson and Shoal Bay as

bait for whiting is live worms. Squid have been getting caught around the Shoal Bay moorings as well as the weed beds off Jimmys Beach, with 2.5 size jigs working best. Smaller jigs around 1.8 to 2.0 have been doing the trick for the land-based guys fishing Little Beach, Boat and Nelson Bay, with the best time being late in the afternoon. BEACHES It’s whiting time off the beaches, so get yourself some live worms and head down on the high tide to a good-looking gutter along any of the major beaches such as Fingal, Samurai, One Mile or Stockton. A good way to catch them is with a double paternoster rig with #4 long-shank hooks. As well as catching nice whiting, you have good chance of scoring a big bream, dart or even mulloway as bycatch when fishing this way. Tailor will be well worth a spin this month at first or last light along Box Beach, Fingal or Samurai. You can catch them on gang-rigged whole pilchards or 20-40g metal lures. OFFSHORE The inshore marlin should really come on the chew this month. If some good water pushes in close, they can be caught only a few miles from the heads, making them accessible to most boats on a good day. The easiest way to catch one is to load up on livebait such as slimy mackerel or yellowtail. Bridle rig your livie and troll it slowly behind the boat. You’ll want to concentrate your efforts around bait schools, especially on the proven haunts such as the Pinnacle, Gunsight, Vee and 21 reefs. For the more serious anglers and/

or those with bigger boats, you could run all the way up past Seal Rocks or head out to the shelf. Here the striped marlin bite has been pretty good, and there’s also been the odd big blue encountered out wider. Anglers have been picking up plenty of teraglin (trag jew) on the inshore reefs around Broughton up to the Gibber. Some nice squire-size snapper have also been turning up, along with the odd pearl perch.

SWANSEA

Jason Nunn

There are some ripping big flathead getting around. reliable Nelson Bay and Anchorage marinas always hold quality big bream. However, you need to use light leaders and unweighted baits such as a live 64 FEBRUARY 2024

well as the Boulders. Just like the bream, light leaders and the right bait can be the difference between coming home empty handed or with a bucketful. The prime

Ben with a Shoal Bay moorings squid.

Illawarra Coast NSW

FMM

There are so many options — where to start? ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke

February marks the start of the best three months of fishing you will get all year. There’s a wide range of species on offer at the moment, and as the month progresses, it will only get better. Offshore, there is plenty of action, starting with everyone’s favourite: the mahimahi (dolphin fish). The traps, wave rider and the new Fisheries FAD have all been holding fish. Bear in mind there’ll be fewer legal fish if these structures have been fished hard. Live baits like slimy mackerel and yellowtail are the number one producers,

Black marlin, like this 100kg fish, are sensational smoked, crumbed or on the BBQ. The author keeps just one marlin each year because a single fish goes a long way. but pilchards and lures have been taking their fair share. More often than not, the bigger fish will be a bit away from the FAD, so if the ‘FAD hogs’ are out there (i.e. the boats that sit right on top of the FAD all the time and block everyone else), then slow troll or drift a bigger livie a bit away. You will be surprised how many better fish you will pick up. Marlin hang around FADs, too; usually not right on them, but a bit away. There have been a few marlin taking baits in recent weeks. Often, the dollies are quiet due to these predators hanging about. It’s not just FADs that hold mahimahi — any floating object will hold these fish. This month there could be plenty of floating trees and stumps getting around in the current after the Christmas and New Year floods in Queensland. Uprooted trees can circulate in the current for quite some time after the floods, and they can be big, forming their own ecosystem over time. These are like gold when you find them. February is always the best month for billies, and you don’t need a big boat. Just grab a few live slimies or yellowtail and head for one of the closer reefs like Bandit, Wollongong or the Southeast grounds. You can drop the anchor, feed out a live

bait and wait. While waiting, hit the berley for any snapper that might be about; it’s great to have an extra option when chasing your target species. If there are any marlin about it shouldn’t take too long to get a hook-up, and the rest is up to you. Blacks are the most common species encountered over the close reefs, but they are not confined to these places — they can be picked up anywhere, even when drifting in closer for species like flathead. Further offshore around the traps and FADs, the odd striped marlin might come into play, while out around the shelf, the big blues mix it with the other two. It’s not unheard of to catch all three species in one day. Black marlin are great on the plate. I take one every year, and that one fish goes a long way, saving a lot of other species from the ice box for several months to come. While the hot water is pouring down the coast, sailfish, wahoo, small yellowfin tuna, extra-large mahimahi, and even the odd spearfish are possible. It can be a real lucky dip at this time of year. More often than not, the current will be raging from the north, so slow trolling live baits or dragging plastics will be your only options over the wider reefs. Closer in, the action has been hot as well, with heaps of kings around all the recognised spots. The trouble is they are mostly just under legal length, but they should grow over the coming weeks, making for some excellent autumn fishing. There are some decent fish among them, with a few going 5kg and better, so all is not lost. Big salmon and bonito have been knocking off live baits meant for kingfish. At this time of year, the bonnies and sambos often team up, pushing the baitfish into bait balls in close. When this happens, you can experience chaotic fishing, usually the morning after a solid northeaster the day before. Watch for the terns frantically diving, or just the water being smashed to foam by the fish on the surface. A few exotics have been reported recently in the form of rainbow runners, amberjacks and the usual tropical trevally species — and you know there is hot water about when schools of barred longtoms start gathering about the islands and Bass Point. With a bit of luck, the current could bring with it some spotted or Spanish mackerel, so if you are fishing in close for snapper with whole pilchards and getting bitten off, put on some light wire and hope they weren’t just tailor. A few mackerel usually show up this month, as do a few cobia, but you have to be lucky enough to be in the right spot at the right time. Other surface speedsters out there include mac tuna, frigate mackerel and striped tuna, and you can have great fun chasing these with light tackle and small lures. Some nice snapper have been around the shallow reefs in less than 10m of

water. Success isn’t guaranteed; you have to be prepared to put in a bit of time and berley. Still, they are generally quality fish between 2-5kg. With the berley comes the sharks, particularly during the evenings. Heaps of hammerheads and even more whalers are getting in on the act. For the bottom bouncers, there are plenty of flathead about. They have copped a bit of a hammering over the northern sand by the trawlers, but if you can get a drift along the edge of the rock, but still on the sand, you can pick up some very nice flatties. Over the reefs, there are mowies, trag, kingfish, samsonfish, trevally, pigfish, sweep, leatherjackets and some quite good catches of small snapper up to 2kg. Most reports lately have come from the close-in reefs due to excessive current out wide. There have been some reports of green toads snipping off lines, so if you run into these dreaded pests, move before you lose a lot of gear. Closer in around the rocks there are some nice blackfish getting around the washes. Green weed and cabbage weed have been working equally well. Just remember, if you are fishing the rocks in the Wollongong council area, you can be fined for not wearing a personal floatation device. I haven’t heard of anyone booked so far, but it is a law now, so you have been warned. Those anglers using a bit of bread and tuna oil berley early in the mornings have been coming away with some nice summer bream and a few trevally. The bite window is short, usually ending half an hour after sunrise. Pilchards and lures have been catching salmon and tailor early in the morning and later in the evening off the deeper ledges and around the wash-covered bommies from Port Kembla south to Kiama. Those anglers taking the time to get a few live baits have been getting some of those large salmon, along with quite a few legal kingfish and the odd mackerel tuna. The target for most people fishing in the Kiama area is a marlin. I haven’t heard of any captures yet, but this month is your best chance to hook a marlin from the local stones. Beach fishing is also at its best this month, with everything lining up to have a crack at your bait. Whiting are a popular target, and they are on most beaches. Port Kembla, Windang, Warilla, The Farm, Fairy Meadow, Woonona and Thirroul are all top spots this month. Dart are a common bycatch, and although they’re not as common as they are further north, they certainly put up a good scrap on light tackle. Flathead, salmon, trevally, tailor and bream are all common at the moment, with beach worms the premier bait. Plastics work very well on the flatties, too. Throw in a few pilchards, and you just about have all the bases covered

A regular size summer snapper from in close over the shallow reefs. This fish was taken in 5m of water. — that is, unless you want to tackle a mulloway (jewfish). For that, you will need some fresh squid or fish bait such as mackerel or yellowtail. Most of the mulloway you’ll encounter in February will be school-size fish between 2-10kg. Just about any beach with a good gutter will produce mulloway. Coniston, Coalcliff, Fairy Meadow, Windang, Shellharbour and Bombo are all good places worth a look. Take plenty of hooks with you because there are heaps of hungry little whaler sharks looking for a quick bite. In the Lake and Minnamurra, there’s some good fishing on offer. Minnamurra has plenty of flathead along its entire length, taking the usual assortment of soft plastics. (Does anyone use bait for flathead anymore?) Whiting are along the main straight, taking nippers and worms, with some nice bream under the bridges at night. Blackfish are feeding along the weed beds but, as yet, they seem to be on the small side. If you put away the weed, and berley with a bit of bread, you can catch sizable mullet and garfish. The fishing is much the same in the lake, with flathead all over the place, particularly in the main channel and at the drop-off. Some nice bream are around under the bridge, with the best option being to fish in the evening using live prawns. There are heaps of mullet in the creeks and feeder streams, and whiting taking worms down near the entrance and in the main channel near the bridge. The prawns will be worth a look this dark as well. Just keep an eye out if you’re boating as there are plenty of crab traps all over the lake just looking for a prop to tangle in. That’s it for this month. Good fishing! FEBRUARY 2024 65

NSW

Batemans Coast

FMM

Holiday crowds thin out as the fishing ramps up BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

Now we have the excitement of the holiday season out of our system, it’s time to say goodbye to the crowds and get serious about our fishing. February is when things turn up a notch. The marlin have arrived and have settled in, the mahimahi have taken over the FADs, the kings are terrorizing the reefs and headlands, whiting are ruling the beaches, bass are destroying the surface upstream, and the flatties, bream and mulloway are holding up the estuary. Now we wait for the next wave of pelagics – longtail tuna, bonito, mac tuna and schools of frigate mackerel, which are due any time now.

traditionally sees the best pelagic bite on the south coast, continuing into March. This year we started with all the right ingredients: strong cobalt blue current and lots of bait. With the stage set, it wasn’t long until the predators turned up. We first had a few big kings along the coast until the dirty, fresh water from the heavy rain changed those conditions. Then we had the currents push down blue water and all the bait with it. Conditions kept changing rapidly during the beginning of summer; we had north-easterly winds and hot days, then south-easterly winds and cool days, cold water temps then hot water temps. In just one day you could get sun, rain and humidity, dirty water then clear water, high pressure then low pressure. It was

There has been no shortage of snapper lately. This fish was caught onboard Game On Charters. Let’s get down to it and see what’s been making people happy lately. One standout locally has been the relentless run of snapper. Just when you thought there would be a slowdown after a solid spawn run in the depths over spring, the snapper schools broke up and were found spread out in all depths in good numbers. After such a solid spawn run, you’d expect a bit of a break but they just keep running. It’s quite amazing how many snapper have been on the chew this year and in recent years, and great sizes too. It will be great if this stays the norm. The other species that has put smiles on dials lately has been the whiting. Many locations along the coast are seeing a good early run of whiting. We had a bad run last year so seeing them showing up in a lot of locations in great numbers is making plenty of fishos happy. Worms and nippers have been the most popular baits. Now let’s talk about the main event: offshore fishing, particularly the marlin fishing. Februar y 66 FEBRUARY 2024

very unstable, but this month things should be more settled. We are lucky to have one of the best striped marlin fisheries in the world. The bait ball action is second to none, and when you can get a day of no wind, you can be in for one of the best experiences in your life. When it comes to game fishing, February is the month that dreams are made of, especially if we get some breaks in the typical summer north-easterly wind. The mahimahi (dolphinfish) is the other pelagic of interest at this time of year. With the strong currents and lots of bait early we were thinking we might get an early run of dollies and marlin, but they didn’t arrive until January (like usual), and it will be all systems go in the coming weeks. Last year the FADs were very consistent, and most days had good numbers of dollies. The difference between fishing and catching some days is live baits. True, you can catch dollies on lures and dead baits, but if the bite is tough, live baits reign supreme. If the current pulls up, then it’s

always worth pulling out the electric and dropping a rig to the bottom. Every day is a good day for deep dropping if the currents favour it. Smaller electric reels are becoming very popular for this, particularly with older anglers or those who’ve had a gutful of pulling up sinkers from the depths. Daiwa has a reasonably-priced model and a more expensive one, and there are suitable options from other brands as well. These smaller electrics are perfect in 100-120m of water chasing bar cod and other species. In the snapper grounds the small electric reels are also good, and you can use the handle and wind manually whenever you like. I’m expecting the snapper to be reasonably consistent throughout Februar y, judging by other months. I’m also hoping that the kingfish will be more consistent in the coming weeks. We could see some good fish along our headlands and inshore reefs, but it would also be good to see them as bycatch when snapper fishing or on some of our outer reefs. It’s always worth trolling a mediumsize skirt and hardbody diver when you pass headlands as you head out snapper fishing. We’ve looked at marlin and dollies offshore, snapper, flatties and kings inshore, kings and pelagics off our headlands and whiting on our beaches so what are we expecting in the estuary? Well, it’s February, so it’s on! The menu is full – we have flathead, bream, trevally, flounder, whiting, estuary perch, mulloway and more. From here until the end of autumn we have a red-hot estuary that’s begging you to come and fish it. Everything still works here, with good results

Emma Turner with a big croc. Emma not only has the best sunnies in fishing, but is also one of the best fishos on the coast.

Tim Hallaz with a brace of snapper. coming on plastics, hardbodies and baits. I don’t have much in the way of new products to discuss, aside from the smaller Nomad Squidtrex lures. The large ones absolutely smash snapper and now the new smaller ones are killing the estuary on bream and flatties. The Daiwa Double Clutch is still the number one bibbed hardbody and Sugapens still rule the surface. The new Sugapen Splash, which is more of a popper, has put poppers back in the spotlight after a few years of taking a backseat to stickbaits. Mulloway (jewfish) will be a popular target over February, especially at the night with live baits or fresh baits. Not too much has changed when it comes to catching a jewie. Get some fresh bait (the fresher the better), pick a tide change (the later the better) and fish either side of a new or full moon and you are in the game. I’ll end on one of the most iconic Aussie species that helps make February special: the Aussie bass. The bass bite has been on since September 2023, and they went straight for the surface since then. Surface action excites all anglers, and it’s no surprise most of the surface cicadas, Soft Shell Tiemcos, Bassday Bugs etc are all selling out in our store. Even the old Jitterbug has been getting a cast. It seems there is plenty of water after all the rain and all the bass haunts and waterholes have some activity. From February into March, it doesn’t matter what kind of fishing you’re into because there is something for everyone. It’s a great time to hit the water. • Anthony Stokman is the owner of Compleat Angler Batemans Bay, your one-stop shop for tackle, bait and valuable advice on how to catch more fish. The crew are always happy to chat about what’s been biting and where, so drop in and say hi. You can find them at 17 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay, or give them a call on (02) 4472 2559.

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NSW

Eden Coast

FMM

Changes to local waterways after the rain BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Not too long ago, our area was deemed to be in drought, and then it rained big time. Small lakes and estuaries that were closed to the ocean re-opened, allowing all the regular fish species to enter. One such lake is Wallaga, just north of Bermagui, which has come back to life after opening to the ocean. Lately, we’ve seen some exciting captures. Why is Wallaga so exceptional after floods? Well, it’s because of the sheer amount of food that becomes available for the many different fish species entering the lake. Bream, whiting, trevally and luderick are just some of the regular catches, feeding on the likes of squirt worms, nippers, small prawns and shellfish. Always a popular target, dusky flathead have definitely benefited from the rains. There have been some exceptional fish captured as a result. Marlin are gaining in intensity, with February being one of the best months to target them. Water temperatures have risen, bringing the gamefish with them. With easy access to the billfish from the port of Bermagui, many anglers will be excited this month. As always, find the bait, and you will find the predators. This can happen very close to shore or way out wide over the Continental Shelf. In the past, I have seen anglers drive past fish because they couldn’t read the signs.

Dusky flathead have benefited from the rains. Check water temps on gauges, but also learn to read the water. Clear, cobalt water with plenty of life in it is what to look for. A safe starting point is the Twelve Mile Reef, where blacks, blues and striped marlin will be in search of the ever-present bait schools. The best way to find out if fish are in the area is with a spread of lures. This allows you to travel around sounding bait fish as you go if they are not up on the surface. Also, listen to the radio; excited anglers who have encountered a marlin may give away an area where these fish are concentrated. There are other game fish, too; short-billed spearfish have been showing up, along with mahimahi, hammerhead sharks, and tuna species (including some very nice yellowfin being taken on lures).

Around Montague Island, kingfish are in very good numbers, although sizes are mixed. Jigging is popular and takes fish regularly, while bait fishing with live mackerel or yellowtail is also effective. If the fish are near the surface, trolling may produce not only kingies but also some of the many small tuna that frequent the area, like bonito, stripies or frigates. Black marlin like to eat these small tuna, so towing one around may give you a pleasant surprise. Lots of those smaller tuna are being encountered closer to shore, where they can be targeted on lighter gear. Some of the better areas are the entrance to Bermagui Harbour, around the Blue Pool and down off the Brothers rocky

Luderick have been a regular catch lately.

Bega River revitalised after massive rainfall TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Massive pre-Christmas rain kept the Bega River wide open to the ocean just when it looked like it would once again shut, thus making for difficult angling. For now, anglers can once again cash in on the fruits of nature following the rains. The Bega River is revitalised, with all species of fish on offer for us fishos. Black bream are a good prospect with lures and the Bega River is a hot spot. Areas around rock bars, Where there are worms, prawns or nippers, there’ll be whiting, and the Bega River has its fair share.

Bream are a popular fish species that call the Bega River home. 68 FEBRUARY 2024

sunken timber or gravely bottoms are particularly good, with both hardbodied and soft lures working. Don’t disregard baits for these fish either because black bream are particularly partial to a pink nipper, worm, or live prawn. Get out there and have a go, because you won’t get better bream fishing than at present. Not to be outdone, all our other favourite estuary species are fired up

as well. There are plenty of flathead in the Bega River along with some nice estuary perch, bass in the upper reaches and the odd mulloway (jewfish) in the deeper water towards the bridge. In the surrounding estuaries open to the ocean, anglers can expect to catch all manner of estuarine species, and the fishing should be great for at least another two months. The beaches are also fishing well.

The highlight is the good run of whiting at the moment, with the north end of Tathra beach being one of the better areas. Mullet, bream, tailor and salmon are also being encountered, while at night you can expect the occasional mulloway and sharks. Tathra Wharf and adjacent rocky areas are hosting quite a few small pelagics as well as some larger ones. Kingfish are patrolling these areas and are being taken on lures and live baits. They are following schools of mackerel and yellowtail, which are also providing plenty of action on the wharf. Small tuna in the form of bonito or frigates are only too willing to take a lure, and of course you can put one of these out as a live bait to entice a passing hammerhead shark or possibly a small black marlin. Ocean garfish are around in good numbers, too. With a bit of berley, you can get a nice bag of these tasty morsels. Out at sea there is plenty to do, from trolling close to shore for smaller predators, through to reef or gamefishing out wide. On the reefs, snapper have lingered through the warmer months and are still a

Eden Coast NSW

FMM outcrops. Mixed in are some very nice salmon, which will keep any seasoned angler on their toes, along with some very good tailor towards dusk and dawn. For the reef and bottom fishos, things couldn’t be better. How far you want to travel is totally up to you, as most systems are holding good stocks of fish. In close to shore, many anglers are having fun with

that have been hanging around the rocky areas will also move along the beaches, where they are easy to catch. For a bit of variety, southern yellowfin bream will provide some entertainment, along with plenty of whiting. The top baits for these fish are beach worms and fresh pipis. If you fish at night, you can encounter larger species like gummy sharks and mulloway

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These spritely young gentlemen, both in their 90s, had a ripper session at Wallaga Lake shortly after it re-opened to the ocean. soft plastics on a wide variety of species. Most people are targeting snapper but are coming home with real mixed bags of assorted reef species and some nice lightweight pelagics. Conventional bait fishing has been producing best on the wider grounds, with large tiger flathead at the top of the list. Good sandies are there, too, along with gummy sharks, morwong, perch, and nannygai in the deeper areas. For the beach-goers, those salmon regular catch. Morwong are the most prolific reef species, mixed in with a few ocean perch and some nice nannygai. Off the reefs on the nearby gravel, you can enjoy some terrific fishing for tiger flathead. It’s been one of the best seasons we’ve had in recent times.

(jewfish), along with plenty of tailor in between the larger bites. February is one of the best months to fish the estuaries around Bermagui. Many of the estuaries are fishing extremely well because of the amount of prawns this season. The fish are in excellent condition and are feeding quite freely in the warm water. Whether you like to target estuary fish on lures or bait, there’s no better time than right now – and it’s also an ideal time to fish locations you haven’t tried before. shore for those anglers who don’t want to travel as far. Also, no matter what areas you are fishing, whether they’re shallow or deep, there is a good chance of catching some gummy sharks. Out wide, there are game fish in the form of marlin, mostly stripes and blacks, as well as hammerhead sharks, some

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This year is proving to be the year of the flathead, thanks to the rains. Anywhere from 40m of water should produce tigers, and the fish usually get bigger the deeper you go. Sand flatties are out from most beaches closer to

small tuna and the occasional yellowfin. Most fish are being taken on trolled lures, although if you find bait schools you are likely to find predators as well. FEBRUARY 2024 69

NSW

Freshwater

FMM

Rain events put a nice flow in the rivers NEW ENGLAND RIVERS

Adam Townsend

The month of February in the New England area is always a good time to be out on the water, no matter what species you target. For me, it’s all about the Murray cod as we start heading into the autumn months. Already there is a noticeable change in the air and water temperatures, and as the days get cooler and it will make our days on the water more comfortable to fish in as we get further from the summer heat. The New England area received widespread showers throughout the holiday period. This put a nice flow in the rivers and at the same time added some much-needed water back into the impoundments. It will take a fair bit more rain before the slime and debris is fully cleaned up and the larger waterways get back to full capacity, but the rain we did receive seemed to do the fish wonders, with some awesome captures all around the area. Fishing the impoundments

DAM LEVELS Dam levels current at the time of writing and may fluctuate with recent rainfalls and releases Glenlyon - 71% Pindari Dam - 64% Copeton Dam - 76% Split Rock Dam - 98% Lake Keepit - 67% Chaffey Dam - 90%

This cod ate a weedless frog off the surface just before midday. Other lures weren’t an option with so much weed and slime around. It goes to show that bringing a variety of lures can definitely pay off.

One of many gorges in the New England Tablelands. It’s time to get outdoors and explore. been a favourite technique of mine, although it is very hard to beat throwing swimbaits as the water temperatures start to cool, especially with the water clarity looking so good at the moment. Targeting the inlets where water is flowing into the impoundments is also a really good option throughout the day, especially

after rain. Most of the fish you find up in those areas are only there for one reason, and that is to feed. Any lure that sinks quickly and creates attention, such as a chatterbait or big paddle-tailed soft-plastic, is perfect for this type of fishing. The best thing about the larger impoundments around the New England area is that it’s not just the Murray cod that are on offer. There are plenty of other species to be caught such as trout, golden perch, silver perch, redfin, bass and carp so it’s definitely worth getting out and exploring what these waterways have to offer. If dam fishing is not your thing, and hitting the smaller systems is what you prefer, there is some good fishing to be had this month. Most of the rivers from the Queensland The author likes to attach a stinger hook for maximum hook-up rates, although this cod didn’t need the stinger this time. Adding a trailer hook between two lumo beads can keep the hook in place without it dangling down and getting fouled up or snagged.

Diving hardbodies (crankbaits) can catch fish all year round. The Big M can be worked slowly beside and through the weed beds, eliciting a reaction bite from any predator looking for a meal. in the low light periods have been producing the most consistent results of late when chasing larger Murray cod, especially after all the boating pressure throughout the school holidays. Throwing surface lures up tight to the bank has always 70 FEBRUARY 2024

The Entice GotchaMax definitely gets the big natives’ attention at 38cm long and 500g. This was an awesome visual eat right beside the kayak.

border to right down south have nice flows at the moment and hold several species willing to chase down a lure it. Having a tacklebox with a variety of lures is recommended with the unpredictable conditions we’ve been having. Finally, there will be a super new moon on 10 February with a micro full moon on 24 February. Good luck to everyone getting outdoors this month, and tight lines.

Freshwater NSW

FMM

February heat is warming up Murray cod action! ALBURY/WODONGA

Connor Heir

It’s that time of year again – the holiday period is over and our waterways start to become a bit less busy with fishing and camping traffic, which is a good thing for keen anglers.

Plenty of smaller cod are around at this time of year. There’s no better time to hit the small water than this time of year, and there are so many creeks and rivers to fish. A little over an hour from Albury you can fish the Mitta River, Kiewa River, Ovens River, King River and of course the Murray River itself. Whatever direction you choose

to go, we are spoiled with options. When I fish the small water, I’m typically talking about wet wadding/ walking banks or kayaking. If you have the luxury of a boat, you can get yourself into some prime Murray cod water, too. At this time of year, it can be draining fishing all day in the heat. However, if you are geared correctly, prepared for a long trek, and are committed to doing the hard yards you will definitely get good results. Being adventurous and curious is key to success. Sometimes you need to do a few extra kilometres to get away from where most of the fishing pressure is. I’m not saying you should write off fishing spots that do get fished regularly, I’m just saying it sometimes pays off to literally go the extra mile. SPOT-TO-SPOT FLOATS For boating at this time of year, I really like to do spot-to-spot floats when fishing the rivers. You can do this with someone else, or get someone to pick you up at the pick-up point. Either way, I find floats are really good to cover water properly and fish a lot more effectively; there’s no stress to get back upstream with the worry of how far away you are. You don’t have to motor past snags and potentially spook fish. It’s a natural, quiet approach, which in many anglers’ opinions is the best way to approach water you want to fish. I find for a day float (provided it’s good fishing water) it takes usually around 12 hours to fish 8-10km of water correctly. This includes fishing as well as navigating rapids between holes, etc. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew, and you also don’t want to make your float too short if you plan on making a day out of it.

A very healthy cod from a recent river float. Doing floats isn’t something I’d recommend if you are unfamiliar with a stretch of river, or if you’ve never done one before. I only have a small flat bottom boat so most water is accessible, but if you have a bigger boat this probably isn’t the best idea unless you have an idea of what that part of the river holds. Do some

Even if you aren’t super keen on doing long sessions, and big walks or floats, doing short sessions can also be really good. Most of our fisheries around here are healthy enough that you should snag a few fish. Still, if you go that step further, you will get better results. A lot of people ask about lure

A very healthy trout cod. It’s good to see so many about!

This is what the author’s river set-up looks like.

research beforehand, and also keep in mind the river heights, which are probably the most important thing to keep in mind for navigation purposes. WHAT’S BITING The fishing is usually switched on at this time of year. Around our region we’ve had some big dumps of rain which has made it hard to report on some areas, as the water hasn’t been right for lure fishing all of the time. However, for the most part, at this time of year you can expect to see good numbers of Murray cod. Most are smaller fish, but the action is great fun and you never know when you might bump into a better fish along the way.

choice for fishing the small water. I would suggest using lures you don’t mind snagging, and lures you have the most confidence in. Traditional Murray cod lures will do the trick, and there really is no right or wrong answer. These days I love swimbaiting small water, mainly because the hit is so impressive, but also because I find swimbaits are less used in snaggy areas and I don’t mind going for a swim. That said, I always carry a range of lures to cover all the options, and I always recommend switching it up if something isn’t working for you! That’s it for this month. February is a great time to fish, so get out there and enjoy it! FEBRUARY 2024 71

NSW

Freshwater

FMM

Overlooked snags will produce good bags BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

Blowering Dam has been a very popular spot this summer, with many fishos and families taking advantage of the free-form camping that the near-capacity lake has to offer. While watching all the people enjoying watersports on the lake, you could spot some persistent anglers. Dealing with the very warm weather and the nonstop boat activity was difficult at times, but those anglers who stuck with it were rewarded with some very good catches. As expected, the main species being caught at the moment is the good old redfin, but there have also been plenty of natives willing to play. There have been some good-size fish caught, including plenty of golden perch up around 5kg+ being caught so far this season. I have also heard of and seen quite a few Murray cod well over 20kg (1m+) being landed. Most of the cod landed were caught

There have been good numbers of big Murray cod landed at Blowering Dam over the last month or so.

Once you have located a school, try to position your boat within casting range and keep casting to them until they stop biting. This is the best way to get big numbers of redfin at this time of the year without spooking them. The best lures to troll whilst searching for redfin at this time of the year are lures that run comfortably at about 3-5m, such as AC Slim Invaders, Viking lures, Balista Dyno 60s and the good old lipless crankbaits. Most lipless crankbaits on the market these days will work to some extent, but I personally use the Jackall range, the Balista range, Slap Walkers and the Mazzy Vibes. I believe these lures have a much better swimming action when very slowly retrieved. Jigging is another popular way of targeting redfin and can be very rewarding when the right tree, weed bed or patch of rocky bottom is

points can also be productive. If you’re having no luck off the points or in amongst the heavily tree-lined banks, look for a single snag or tree.

Redfin are spread out all over the dam at the moment, making them easily reachable for land-based anglers.

Fishing early or late in the day, or during overcast conditions, will be your best bet for landing a few big goldens this month. by lure casters at night but a few big fish have let their guard down during the day as well. REDFIN Anglers have been catching these tasty little fish all over the dam on bait and on lures, with quite a few up around the 2kg mark. Bait anglers have been doing well off points and in amongst the standing timber which lines most of the lake at the moment. The best baits are small yabbies, maggots and worms. Bigger yabbies around 8-10cm are my favourite as they keep the pesky little redfin from stealing your bait, which can be a real problem at this time of the year. Casting small lures like spinners, soft plastics, blades and small lipless crankbaits from the bank around 72 FEBRUARY 2024

A solitary tree can hold 20 or more fish – even if the tree is small and spindly. Also, it is less likely that these individual snags have been copping a hammering from other anglers. Trolling with almost any small hardbodied lure should see you stumble across a patch of redfin.

Even at this time of the year the size of Blowering Dam’s golden perch is impressive.

located. The best lures to jig for redfin include plastics, lipless crankbaits, soft vibes, spoons, blades, redfin jigs and ice jigs. There have been plenty of jigs made over the years, and all work to some degree on redfin, but none seem to be as consistent as the increasingly popular ice jig. They are incredibly effective, accounting for well over 1000 redfin per season for me. If you haven’t tried them yet, I strongly recommend adding at least one to your arsenal. GOLDEN PERCH Most golden perch at Blowering Dam at this time of year are in fairly deep water, which can make targeting them difficult at times. When there’s a lot of boat traffic, high water temperatures and dropping water levels, a lot of the yellas seek out cool, deep water with structure. Their favourite structure during the warmer months seems to be standing timber, which provides shade throughout the entire day. These tree-hugging fish can be targeted jigging with either bait or lures. Bait anglers using yabbies have been clued onto this

Freshwater NSW

FMM

Catching deep bass using jigs, blades and ice jigs HUNTER VALLEY

Nick Price

February is hot and the bass are deep. This month I will focus on catching these deep bass using techniques other than Gulps

even a small difference sometimes makes a big difference in numbers of fish caught. If you drop an ice jig down and the bass don’t disappear then they probably want a different colour. Keep trying different colours until you find what they want. Ditto for blades. If you drop one of these

how to do it drop into the shop and talk to Liz! The Hunter River has been fishing really well around Muswellbrook and Aberdeen. Surface lures such as Soft Shell Cicadas and subsurface small plastics on a beetle spin are the most reliable lures for catching river bass. At times small cranks will out-fish everything, so always have some of these in your box. The trout have suffered due to the hot weather and lack of flow this summer. There are still trout in the higher areas of the Barrington but in the lower streams the trout have died

sponsors and all. He has done a fantastic job creating an event that is great fun for the whole family. Worms are my pick for catching carp, fished near the bank with a running sinker. Berley with a bit of soil and bread mix. Better carp fishers than me love using corn, and add a bit of corn to their berley mix. It would be worth trying both! Next month is a transition month and I will go through a few techniques that will catch fish during this time. Surface fishing is also strong during March. If you’re heading up to the

The Carp Muster is on this month at Glenbawn. (because I discussed Gulps in the last issue). When fishing for deep bass, jigs, blades and ice jigs can be very effective. Blades and ice jigs use the same basic technique: find the bass on the sounder, drop the blade or ice jig into the school and do short, sharp hops. The bass hit on both the hop and the drop. I find colour can be a significant factor when using ice jigs and blades;

aggressive lures down and the bass disappear off the sounder screen, you know to go back to a Gulp. Fishing black jigs with a Gulp for deep bass works very well. Fish jigs without weed guards. I like to fish the jig on the bottom and do a special shake I call the “Sump Shake”, named for local identity Bigsump who has mastered this technique. The actual truth is Bigsump’s wife developed the technique, so if you want to know

phenomenon for years and are normally the only ones consistently catching golden perch during summer. However, more and more people are discovering that these shade-hugging yellas will also hit a well-presented lure. Slow rolling soft plastics up the sides of standing timber that’s adjacent to a drop-off or in 5-15m of water is the go, and it will put you in with just as good a chance of landing a yella as a bait will. There are all types of yabby imitation plastics on the market and all will catch fish when rigged and used correctly. However, minnow-style plastics such as the Ecogear Grass Minnows are deadly on shut-down golden perch and are my first choice while targeting them this way. Slow rolling spinner baits and lipless crankbaits in the same areas is worth a shot, too. Trolling the banks early and late in the day with small to mediumsized lures can also result in some golden perch action during the

warmer months. MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER The Murrumbidgee River from Wagga Wagga to Canberra has fished sensationally so far this season. There has been a fairly steady, decent flow in the river most of the season, which has kept the natives very happy and willing to hit most things cast in their direction. The usual baits like bardis, shrimp, worms, yabbies and cheese have been working all season, but the sensational lure fishing action is what really made this season so good. Lure fishos have been catching natives on pretty much everything, especially trollers who have been catching them on hardbodies, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. Casting lures into snags has also been working really well. The pick of the casting lures has been the spinnerbaits, Angel baits and chatterbaits, but hardbodies and big plastics have been getting amongst them as well.

Brody with a cracker Hunter River bass. due to the hot water temperatures. The Glenbawn Family Carp Muster will be held on February 24, a date for your diaries. This is a great initiative by local angler Jamie McBain who has organized the event,

Barrington, Glenbawn, Hunter River or St Clair, feel free to 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.

Deep bass are great fun for kids to catch. FEBRUARY 2024 73

ACT

Canberra

FMM

Pockets of good fishing in the discoloured water CANBERRA

Toby Grundy

To put it bluntly, Canberra’s weather of late has been absolutely shocking. One minute we are copping a run of crippling heat and the next, massive downpours. Anglers have been left

much at the time of writing. LBG is a little clearer than the other local lakes but it’s still quite discoloured, and the fish are shut down. I have spent a fair bit of time fishing the lake in recent weeks, and a number of my regular haunts which previously produced good fish have been basically bereft of any fish activity.

Smaller surface lures work well in flooded areas. this hasn’t affected the fishing to the same extent as other waterways across the ACT. Lake Tuggeranong always fishes well after rain, with the spillway being the best spot to stop and have a cast with a Jackall TN60 or Doozer. The golden perch push up into this area and eat worms and small fish which flow over the wall, and the cod follow the golden perch looking for one of the smaller yellas to make a

The pelagics are on the chew. with few options due to the state of the local lakes and the river, which at the time of writing, resembles chocolate milk. However, there is one fish which seems unfazed by the state of any waterway and will feed with gusto in even the most turbid of water: European carp. Now, I’m the first to admit that I am not the biggest fan of mud marlin, and if it were up to me, I would very much like to eradicate the lot of them. That said, when the native fishing is slow, packing a handful of plastics, walking the banks of Lake Burley Griffin with a light spin outfit and casting for carp does have its place. I’m not suggesting for one moment that carp fishing compares to casting surface lures for cod or working a long shallow point with a ZX blade for yellas, but it’s a great option at present because it could be weeks before the water clears and the native fish really switch on again. If you do decide to chase a few carp using lures in the coming weeks, be sure to keep things light (a 1-3kg spin rod, a 1000-sized reel and 6lb braid and leader). Look for those long stretches of shallow gravel beds which line the edges of many of our local lakes, and which are particularly prevalent along parts of LBG. I like using 2-3” wriggler-style plastics attached to a 1/16oz jighead at this time of year. I look for cruising carp, cast a few metres ahead of the fish and then employ a hop/pause retrieve. LOCAL LAKES Lake Burley Griffin isn’t producing 74 FEBRUARY 2024

I did have some success fishing in around 4m of water parallel to sunken weed with a Jackall TN60. By working the lure slowly and close to the bottom, I landed a few goodsized redfin and a solid golden perch. There is a bay behind the Yarralumla Nursery which sits just off the main rowing lanes, and this spot does hold good populations of redfin during February. This little bay is also my first stop if I am chasing carp on soft plastics because the gravel bottom holds plenty of food and the carp move into this area at dusk to feed up on mosquitofish, yabbies and worms. Lake Tuggeranong would be my pick of the local lakes. While the water is particularly turbid and a lot of rubbish has flowed into the lake,

Get into the carp fishing this month.

mistake. The islands at Greenway are also worth a visit, especially if you’re chasing cod on surface. Lake Ginninderra is very much like Lake Burley Griffin. There are pockets of fish activity in certain areas of the lake but, overall, the fishing has been slow. A few experienced anglers have worked out the golden perch bite and while I won’t reveal any of their spots, I will say that

The author with a solid cod. all the yellas have been caught on paddle-tail plastics attached to a beetle spin and worked slow and close to submerged weed. The reddies have been quiet but every now and then a small school will sweep in from deeper water and attack baitfish along the edges at Diddams Close. The Murrumbidgee River is flowing fast and has been in flood on and off since the middle of January. The water clarity is non-existent, and the hot cod bite experienced in early December has well and truly tapered off. Despite the current conditions there is a short bite window which runs for a few hours after sunset. I have been hitting a few of the slower, wider pools and have

Hobart TAS

FMM

Heatwaves bring welcome visitors to the state HOBART

Andrew Large

The weather for the moment has eased significantly in recent weeks all across Tasmania, allowing anglers to pursue their chosen summer species. A marine heatwave event is currently occurring, and we have already seen some semi-exotic captures for this state. Tiger flathead are biting well from Musselroe Bay in the northeast to Adventure Bay, Bruny Island in the southeast. Anglers have been experiencing good fishing on the top of the tide just on the turn. These flathead have been taken on both fresh bait and slowly drifted soft plastics. The Daiwa Bait Junkie Minnow in the 100mm size has been doing well. Meanwhile, Australian salmon have begun chasing and feeding heavily on the influx of bait over the last month or so.

the Hobart CBD in the Derwent estuary and further afield into Storm Bay. Marion Bay on the east coast has also surprised anglers with a happy mix of both tiger and sand flathead. Drift spinning the many beaches from the shore with a Berkley Nemesis has also been producing good flathead as these fish feed closer to shore. The Derwent and other larger estuary systems in the southeast continue to produce bream to 45cm. The best results are being obtained further up in the mid sections of these systems. Hardbody minnows and soft plastics seem to be imitating the bait at the moment. Kingfish abound state-wide, particularly in the southeast as they do every year around this time. The magic 1m mark has been broken numerous times so far this season, particularly in the northwest around Stanley and Woolnorth. Southern calamari are now in full swing with Storm Bay, Marion and

Southern rock lobster have been potting well lately. Swansea, St Helens, Orford and Dunalley have all experienced great runs of fish to 2kg. Cremorne, closer to Hobart, has seen masses of these fish taking Halco silver slices in the 30-40g size. Sand flathead continue to fire up, with some great catches being taken close to caught a number of fish on surface by using a DStyle Reserve Hatch, running the lure only a few centimetres away from a likely bank, and fishing the bank parallel. It will be several weeks before the river returns to normal, and it will only start to improve in the coming weeks if the rain stays away. SURROUNDS Googong Dam is the one fishery that is currently bucking the trend. The cod fishing has been exceptional of late with larger greenfish hitting surface lures and spinnerbaits on colder, overcast days. The middle of the dam is a great place to start as the cod can be targeted by casting at the larger half-submerged trees which

Freycinet areas fishing well. The size has generally been small to medium; they are possibly the progeny of the winter spawn session. Sea trout are now all but finished for the season. They are still around, just not in the concentrated numbers

of recent months owing to the intense feeding on whitebait during their annual upstream run. Most sea trout now will have reverted to feeding on seasonal baitfish and crabs. On the Tasman Peninsula close to Fortescue Bay, good runs of southern bluefin tuna have continued, with school fish to 40kg available. They are patchy but rewards are there for the persistent angler. Schools of yellowfin tuna have been seen off Maria Island, and there have been rumours of some captures. If true, this will only get better as we head into autumn. Striped marlin have been seen early and are expected to be captured in the coming weeks. FRESHWATER In freshwater, all our lakes are looking full to capacity and full of life, which is exciting for anglers, especially on the back of numerous wet summers in a row. A wet winter pay-off has meant nearly every lake is fishing well. Great Lake continues to amaze anglers with the quantity and quality of both its rainbows and brown trout. The average size is around 1.3kg, with some bigger fish nudging 3kg mixed in. Bait, lure and fly are all working well around the extremely high edges, taking fish that are foraging over new ground. Arthurs Lake has really bounced back this year with fish to 1.5kg being taken by anglers drift spinning through the many sunken trees covering the lake. Fly anglers have struggled a tad as the water on the shoreline has remained cloudy due to the windy conditions and wave action. Large stocked rainbow trout have come out of Bronte Lagoon in recent weeks, along with healthy, wellconditioned browns, mainly caught by fly and troll anglers close to the shorelines. The Tasmanian Devil Y106 lure has been working extremely well. It may possibly illicit a strike amongst the multitude of gum beetles falling onto the water on hot days.

Sam Hancox with a good fish.

The author’s father, Philip Large, with a 52cm sand flathead caught spinning the shallows with Berkley Minnow softies. A little further to the northeast, Lake Echo is once again full and fish are feeding well around the newly-flooded edges. Both rainbows and browns are being taken even on the brightest and stillest of days. The value-for-money Black Magic bibbed minnows have been taking bags of both species both trolled and spun, and the Lively Lures Mad Mullet has also been very effective. As always, enjoy the marine heatwave while it lasts, and have fun catching the different species making their way south in the warmer currents. Please remember these species are only visiting our waters – sometimes for only a part of summer – so get out there and enjoy the milder and calmer conditions this wonderful month has to offer. sit several metres off the bank. The golden perch are also on the bite and will hit all manner of lures, from ZX blades through to Jackalls and plastics right along the length of the rocky bank which leads to Bradleys Inlet. There are plenty of big reddies holding near the end of Bradleys Inlet, and they will readily hit plastics and vibes fished along the middle of the water column. Don’t forget about the South Coast. The pelagics are on the bite and can be caught at a variety of locations ranging from the beach to the rocks. I have landed a lot of fish using small jerkbaits, and this bodes well for April/May when the larger specimens will turn up in big numbers. FEBRUARY 2024 75

VIC

Central

FMM

School tuna providing a lot of fun on light gear PORTLAND

Nigel Fisher

It’s been a crazy summer here in Portland, and the fishing has been quite productive. I have never seen the Lee Breakwater so busy over the holiday period as it was this year. The fishing does slow down a little with all the bait, lures and sinkers going everywhere, but the quality of the fish has still been great. Species like kingfish, snapper, whiting, squid and sharks, just to name a few, have made their presence felt off the breakwater. February should certainly produce the same quality of fish off the breakwater. The kingfish have made their mark again around the Water Tower

in this area and also around the North Shore reef lines right up to Julia Reef. Other popular species to target are whiting, snapper, sharks, squid and trevally in the bay area and reef lines along the north. Our school tuna are also on the go in the usual areas for this time of year. There are good numbers around the Ship Anchorage and North Shore. Some of the tuna have been up into the 30kg range, but most fish have been around 10-20kg. In spite of their small size, they are still great fun in the shallower waters. Small skirts and small hardbodies have been doing the damage, but poppers, soft plastics and stickbaits can certainly work and create some awesome fun. Some of the tuna

Some good quality tablefish from the deeper waters off Cape Nelson and Bridgewater Bay. opportunities to head to deeper waters. Lately, good numbers of flathead and gummies have been caught around Bridgewater Bay. Gummies, schoolies, nannygai and snapper are being caught around Cape Nelson Lighthouse. This month, the big boys will be taking any opportunity to head deep to the shelf chasing blue-eye, pink ling, gemfish and blue grenadier. There are also big makos on offer for some crazy action. Depths range from 40-500m and sometimes beyond. This is when electric reels come in very handy, with big deep drop gear to get you to the bottom. Plus, you won’t get a very sore

Chris with his first kingfish. Not a bad way to open the account. and Town Reef areas. Livies, poppers, plastics and small skirts have been doing great when the kingfish have decided to feed. Generally, through February, the kingfish are in good form READER’S

have been caught in as little as 5m of water, but the 10-25m depth range seems to be the most productive. In February, we usually see the weather improve, providing anglers more

Andrew experienced an awesome bite window recently at Blue Rock. The bass fishing was on fire, Andrew and his son Rusty fished from 3pm right through until 10pm! They were using lures and the fly rod during the day, and off the surface after dark using bigger surface lures to match the termite hatch. 76 FEBRUARY 2024

Sam and Maney have been catching some nice school tuna around the ship anchorage.

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Tom scored this ripper 1.7m gummy off the breakwater.

arm from winding all day. All in all, February can certainly bring on some awesome fishing in the Portland area. There’s a huge variety of species up for grabs, whether you’re land-based, fishing from a small boat, or heading offshore. If you are keen to wet a line this month, call in and see the team at Portland Compleat Angler for all your bait, fishing and boating accessories. You will find us at 61 Bentinck Street, right next to the Gordon Hotel. You can also call us on 03 5521 1844 or check us out on Facebook. Happy fishing!

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Hoping for warm weather and calm seas WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

After a promising start, the South West summer has been a bit of a fizzer so far. The Christmas/New Year period was particularly disappointing, especially for those wanting to get offshore, with constant southerly winds making things tough. Fortunately, there are plenty of inshore options for anglers desperate for a fish, and hopefully, this month we’ll get some warm weather and flat seas. February is one of the prime months for offshore angling here in the South West. When conditions are right

all the game species including kingfish, tuna and mako sharks are available. There are also plenty of bottom fish on offer, including snapper and gummies in closer and all sorts of tasty critters out deep near the shelf. Estuary perch have been producing some good fishing in recent weeks. February can be a great time to chase these fish in both the fresh and saltwater sections of the Hopkins River. A warm, calm evening can produce some exciting surface action whether you’re using lure, fly or floated cricket baits. While you’re doing that, there’s a chance you’ll hook a bass as well. Bass have never been officially stocked in the Hopkins, but they are there.

Lake Bullen Merri Chinook salmon are always an option if the winds are bad offshore.

Jimmy Lombardo and Bilal Khanyari with some nice kings caught in poor conditions. In the freshwater sections, it’s a great time of year to set off in the kayak or canoe and fish for bream, estuary perch, trout and bass. The mouth of the Hopkins closed over pretty quickly this summer, but it will be interesting to see how long it stays that way after all the rain inland. Bream have been biting well along the margins, responding to a variety of techniques. Some of the smaller local waters such as Yambuk Lake have also been providing good breaming for those anglers looking to get away from the crowds. If the weather curtails your offshore fishing plans it’s only a

short journey to a number of lakes like Purrumbete, Bullen Merri or Elingamite. Bullen Merri in particular can fish well during the warmer months for those anglers prepared to fish deep. You can either run lures on a downrigger or fish baits (e.g. cut pilchard or glassies) in a berley trail in depths of around 15-20m. A warm night on the beach is always a great option at this time of year. The beaches west of Port Fairy like Yambuk, Fitzroy and Narrawong are always worth the bit of extra effort if you are after a decent gummy or school shark. Let’s hope we get some good conditions for this style of fishing in the coming weeks.

The Hopkins River at Warrnambool remains good for bream, with most captures occurring within 2km of the mouth. The shallow mud flats have been working a treat first thing in the morning. Once the sun hits the water, the bream tend to go deeper into 2m+ of water. Bait such as shrimp, brown

shell and whitebait have been catching fish, along with various soft plastics (particularly prawn/shrimp patterns). As I write this report, the perch are still congregating downstream. In recent weeks anglers have been catching the odd mulloway, with fish ranging from 80-100cm in length. The offshore scene has been buoyant when the wind has behaved itself. Any reefs and rubbly ground from 20-40m have been favoured by many anglers, with snapper to 4kg being caught on fresh squid. There are also plenty of school and gummy shark about, with one specimen pulling the scales down to a whopping 24kg recently. Blue morwong, nannygai, leatherjacket and calamari squid are also plentiful. Closer inshore, some good flathead to 1.8kg have been caught, often over ground that’s also suitable for King George whiting (which have been averaging around the mid to high 30s in length). That’s it for this month. The way things are going, it’s looking like a great season to be had, especially offshore, so bring it on!

Morning sessions working the shallow mud flats COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

Much of summer has seen aboveaverage rainfall, which has kept many of our local estuaries’ mouths open (more or less) to the sea. However, as we enter into autumn, the rains have dissipated somewhat, allowing all and sundry to target all the bread-and-butter species in our estuaries without the summer crowds and getting wet. The Curdies River has had a great flush out, and much of the lower reaches, including the lake, has oxygenated seawater flowing throughout. The bream have spawned and are scattered up and down the river. They can be finicky sometimes, but on the right day they’ll take both bait and lures. You can get good results using soft bait such as local shrimp and greyback minnow. Soft plastics in prawn, worm and minnow patterns have also been catching a few. By the time you read this report, I expect El Niño would have finally

begun, spelling a dry period that points to good fishing. With that in mind, please limit your catch to allow the future generation a chance at catching a bream. Many of the local estuary perch can be found near the river mouth, and they can be either very easy or extremely hard to catch.

A Hopkins bream taken on a shallow diving lure over the mud flats opposite the transit lane.

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Future is looking bright for our local fisheries GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterfish@gmail.com

February is a great time to fish the Bellarine. The boat ramps have cleared up slightly from the school holiday rush, it’s nice and warm, and kingfish and tuna are high on the hit list. The freshwater fishing has been a little tough this summer. The Barwon in Geelong remained brown for most

West Barwon Dam near Forest is always worth a look. There haven’t been too many reports coming from there but it’s a beautiful waterway at this time of year. The wall has BBQs and a picnic area with parking and toilets. Stony Creek Reservoir past Anakie remained clear during the rains and has been producing a few smaller redfin. It has been very popular and plenty of anglers have been having a go there – possibly because of its lure-friendly

worth having a look. Whiting have also been biting throughout the estuary, and an incoming tide has been the best time to target them. The Barwon estuary has seen an increase in estuary perch captures this year. I’m sure this is a direct result of the estuary perch stocking in the Barwon in Geelong. These stocked fish have made their way downstream past the second break thanks to the fish ladder installed there a few years back. A few of us were invited to help stock the Barwon with 45,000 estuary perch at Breakwater recently. It’s great to see such an investment in this waterway, which has been underutilised as a fishery. I had a chat with Dr Amber Clarke, CEO of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority during the release. Amber is a great supporter of creating a positive fishing experience in the Barwon and is enthusiastic about its future. It’s come a long way since I was a lad, and the future is looking bright. Chris from Drysdale Bait and Tackle reports that the pier at St

Dr Amber Clarke, CEO of Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, assisting with the recent estuary perch releases into the Barwon River.

Steehl and a honking bronzie he caught and released from the sand on the Bellarine. of the holiday period due to the heavy rain in November. Bait fishing with worms is still an option but lure fishing has been very difficult. If you are keen on fishing the Barwon and visibility is still a problem, try worms or live minnow for redfin. You can also try using worms, corn kernels or white bread for carp. Adam from Trelly’s Tackle in Geelong has been using bait to great effect, ripping the Barwon carp a new one. Wurdiboluc Reservoir near Moriac has also had plenty of colour but a few small to medium redfin have been caught by those who put the time in.

Trolled skirted and diving lures have been doing well. This fish was caught on a Reef Thief in white knight colour. 78 FEBRUARY 2024

clarity. This is a good spot to see a few trout on the surface early in the morning, too. Corio Bay inner harbour has seen rat kingfish caught by land-based anglers targeting snapper with pilchards and squid. I’m a bit excited Corio Bay’s inner harbour could turn into a solid kingie fishery! Here’s hoping. The kingfish bite can really peak in February so load up on tackle. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us. Whiting and calamari have been biting well from Point Henry to Point Richards inside Corio Bay, and St Leonards to Queenscliff in Port Phillip. The calamari bite off Clifton Springs has been solid, with a few anglers nailing bag limits early in the morning before the boat traffic peaks. I’ve been out a few times with my 15-year-old son Max chasing whiting and squid in Corio Bay. We always stop by the old Alcoa pier and have a flick and troll for salmon. On a recent trip, the sounder blacked out with fish and we threw every lure at them without much luck. I eventually nabbed a small pinkie snapper around 23cm. If the mini-pinkie schools are this big, the future of the snapper fishery sure looks good! The Barwon River estuary has had a great run of silver trevally over the last few months, with most fish measuring around 40cm long, so it’s

Nick had a day to remember after boating 12 tuna during a mad session in Bass Strait recently. Leonards has been fishing well for pinkie snapper and squid around dusk. Chris also said the Queenscliff harbour has been going very well for a mixed bag of small salmon, pinkie snapper and silver trevally. The incoming tide has been fishing the best. The salmon, pinkies and trevally have all been taking baits and soft plastics. Top baits in the harbour include pilchard fillets, raw chicken and pipis. The stand-out soft plastics have been 50mm single-tailed grubs in motor oil. I recently received a text from a guy asking after a few reel repairs. He dropped over a couple of Tiagra 80Ws, saying they needed a service and that

one was a bit squeaky and sticky on occasions. We chatted about fishing for a bit. Long story short, the Tiagra owner (his name was Steehl) and his mates had been targeting bronze whaler sharks land-based around the Bellarine Peninsula after dark. I had a lot to unpack – so many questions! Steehl sent in a few pics and let me tell you, these were not small fish. The biggest was nudging 4m! Yikes! Steehl and his mates caught the sharks on large baits of stingray, whole salmon and other stuff too big for anything else to eat. They deployed their baits via a paddle board and small tinnie from the beaches

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Their recent success was no fluke either; the lads have caught and released plenty of bronzies for some time now. On one occasion, they were wrestling a big unit into the shallows for a few pics when one of the gents yelled and ran out of the water. It turned out that all the thrashing in the shallow weed beds stirred up an angry blue ringed octopus. It was bobbing around all the bare legs in the shallows – not ideal! Southern bluefin tuna have been going off their dials from the Rip to

has been a wide variety of sizes lately, ranging from 25kg all the way down to 2kg jellybeans. Kaiden said that the tuna have been eating whitebait and have been particularly hard to capture. Nick Powell from @ fishingonthebellarine had a day out on the tuna in Bass Strait recently, boating 12 fish up to 20kg along with some rat kingfish. The 4” Reef Thief skirted lure in white knight colour has accounted for most of the captures for the lads. Fish hard, die happy! • Catch a few around Geelong, Bellarine

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Mathew Dwyer is a keen land-based fisherman from northern NSW. He puts in the hard yards and is rewarded with captures like this beautiful blue groper.

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The fishing in 2024 has been crazy already! PORT PHILLIP BAY WEST

Alan Bonnici alan@fishingmad.com.aua

What a crazy start to 2024 it has been. These past few weeks I have caught a large volume of fish and ticked off some impressive bucket list items. I really do love fishing at this time of

some time to get confident with it. I also had to learn how to create rigs suitable for big sharks and big baits that could be flown out 300-400m by a drone – and then there was the gear required to pull off this style of fishing. I was excited because I love sinking my teeth into something new. It’s always good to expand your

A solid bronze whaler shark. year because the weather is pleasant and the fish are active. The New Year started with me catching some big land-based sharks. At this time of year when the water temperature is at its warmest we get a large volume of sharks entering the bay. This will include the usual suspects including gummies, 7-gillers and bronze whalers, just to name a few. I recently got myself a Swell Pro drone which opens up a world of possibilities for land-based fishing; I had always wanted one to target large land-based sharks. Learning how to operate a drone of that size and use its features was a daunting at first. True, I operate drones for the FishingMad TV show, using portable mini drones to do all those cool aerial shots we see in the intros. However, the Swell Pro was much bigger and I knew it would take

knowledge of different fishing styles. I went out and bought a couple of game reels that had a line capacity of about 1000m, paired with 30-60lb or 40-80lb rod; the sort of stuff you typically use to target school tuna with. I had some custom wind-on leaders made up and I dabbled in wire trace rigs with snelled 10/0 and 12/0 hooks. It was a bit out of my comfort zone but exciting at the same time. Finally, I had learned how to operate a large size drone, and how to create the right rigs. Armed with the right gear, I knew I was ready. At this time of year you can catch big sharks in both bays around Victoria, and typically they like to hang around the entrances where there’s running water. There are so many options around the Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula. Sharks are most active at night so on our first session we started fishing from 10pm and fished through to about 2am. We

The author’s first bronzie.

The author loves this time of year. set out two large baits about 300m out and about 100m apart. We waited patiently, and every now and again the reel would scream off. We landed several large 7-gillers and finally landed a bronze whaler around 3m long. For me, the bronzie was a prized catch and an absolute thrill. The power and the runs of all the sharks were amazing. I had underestimated the physical strain required to bring them in, especially when they go on big runs trying to keep that line tight. All the sharks were released quickly and all swam off strong, although we did take an extra moment with the bronzie to get a quick photo and some video footage. Remember that no matter how big, small or toothy your catch is, it should always be treated with respect. I work with fish care, environmental, stocking and revegetation programs and this is something very important. Extreme caution must be taken with this type of fishing but it sure is a thrill. We have been back on the sharks a few times and on each session landed some impressive sharks,

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Steep learning curve for out-of-town anglers

Fortunately, most of the fish species haven’t taken any notice of the weather bureau and have been behaving as normal – when we’ve been able to get out to chase them, that is. Snapper season was

OK, whiting fishing has been good to very good, gummies have grown up in the bay, and there’s plenty of action offshore during the limited good weather windows we’ve had. The bay is still full of baitfish, ranging from small species to some very respectable salmon, couta and pike. Kingfish turned up in the bay long before Christmas, and the tuna snuck in on a few windy days to be just outside the entrance once the weather settled. The disappointment of the season has been calamari. They made a few false starts, even turning up at the San Remo jetty one night with ink and calamari going everywhere for half an hour, then disappearing for the next week. Still, for some anglers it has been a reasonable season so far, with the best of it still to come. We are now heading into the offshore season, and hopefully the conditions will settle enough for everyone to get out. If you’re a new visitor to our region, seeking advice is a good idea, even if you’re an experienced offshore fisher. At the shop, many anglers tell us they know what they’re doing because they have fished offshore, generally NSW or Portland way, but never here. We have a unique stretch of water off this section of the coastline, with the biggest problem being that it’s shallow. For the majority of Bass Strait, around 70m of water is as deep as you’ll find between the mainland and Tasmania. As a result, you can encounter very close, sharp swell and waves, and the wind has

with our biggest being a bronzie that measured about 3.4m. WHAT’S BITING The snapper and King George whiting have also been fishing really well. I’ve put in a lot of hours this past month fishing with soft plastics at Altona, Kirks Point, Werribee and Geelong. Most of snapper have been around 2-3kg, and have come from shallow reefy zones on the drift. The massive reds have eluded me this past month but that’s OK because I’ve caught plenty between 40-60cm. The 5” Gulp Nemesis continues to be the stand-out soft plastic for me this summer, worked very slowly. The whiting have also come on really strong and this is probably my favourite time of year as King George whiting thrive in these warm conditions. Areas including Clifton Springs, Indented Heads, Werribee and Kirks Point have been fishing really well. I have caught most of my whiting on soft plastics in 3-5m of water. Many of my angling mates have smashed them on small strips of pipis and squid whilst anchored up, making lots of small moves until they find a feeding school. It sure is a fun form of fishing and it’s great to take home a good feed.

Anyway, that’s it for me this month. What a crazy start to the year it’s been, and it will only get better as I’m headed to Portland and I’m pretty sure we will get stuck into some awesome fishing action. Fingers crossed we get some good weather as I’m never great with big offshore swells, and I have some new toys and techniques I’m dying to test out. Until next time, remember to stay safe on the water and be sun smart. Good fishing everyone. • Feel free to contact me to share your fishing catches and photos 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. in stag ram . c om / f i shing mad . com.au and on Channel 31 Tuesday evenings at 8.30 pm and Saturday afternoons.

PHILLIP ISLAND

Craig Edmonds

“Drought”, “soaring temperatures”, “hottest summer on record” – these were just some of the statements being thrown around in 2023 by the weather bureau as we supposedly entered an El Niño weather pattern. So far this summer, those predictions were way off the mark!

Steve and Chloe swapped out the rods for the wetsuits and got a good haul of abalone for the BBQ.

Sometimes you don’t need to travel too far to get into the action. Liam was chasing flathead in 8m of water in the entrance when the tuna found him. a huge bearing on whether you should launch your boat or keep it parked in the shed at home. If you haven’t done much offshore fishing in our region and want to head out this month, drop in and see us at the shop. We’ll help you out with weather conditions and where anglers have been catching the fish. The other thing we see from visitors is overthinking the tuna fishery out here or bringing ideas from other places, thinking they will automatically work here. I could write pages of advice, but ultimately, the best tip is not to overthink it. They are only school fish. Drop in and we will share as much as we can to help you out. If you aren’t into tuna, you can target flathead, snapper, gummies, school shark, arrow squid, mackerel, yakkas, couta, salmon and all those other odd species that show up on the reefs off Kilcunda. February is generally the best time to head offshore, with settled conditions or at least a north-easterly weather pattern in the mornings. There are, of course, the school tuna that seem to be making a home of these waters through the summer. With the excitement of chasing tuna, mako sharks have been forgotten and left alone. The makos are still there, though, and if we get the right conditions, it’s worth the trip. Kingfish are also an option. They are very much an untapped fishery here and require a very different approach from other areas around Australia. A few customers have also found some very good bags of calamari just outside the entrance towards Gull Island, along with plenty of yakkas and mackerel. Through the late summer into autumn, the beaches are a great place to walk in the evening before it gets too cold to flick a metal lure, squid jig or plastic. All you need is a shoulder bag, a small tackle box with a few lures and a couple of other bits, and away you go. There are plenty of beaches you can fish, and anything is possible. The best part is that the whole family can join in, getting everyone out in the fresh air for a couple of hours. The salmon along the surf beaches have been good all season, with some very big models amongst them. We have seen a handful of flathead and a couple of pinkies in the surf also, which is something we

haven’t seen for quite a few years. The beaches at Cleeland Bight and Ventnor continue to be the best places for calamari this season. The jetties and even boats have been producing very little at times. What we haven’t seen this season is many small calamari. Their numbers are definitely down, and it’s the smaller ones, sometimes not much bigger than your jig, that are missing. However, plenty of the big models are around, with some measuring over 6” long from the tip of the hood to the end of the candles. In the bay, there will be plenty of options to choose from this month, with pinkies, whiting, gummies, flathead and many other summer species around.

Heath took his new rod on holidays and managed to catch a few squid. Judging by recent reports, if you are fishing for whiting, it pays to have a soft plastic or two with you, either a paddle-tail or a curl-tail rigged on a reasonably heavy jighead. Drop it just under the boat, out of your way, and wind it just enough off the bottom that it isn’t getting caught up. Several of my customers have been doing this in their whiting spots and have been having a surprising amount of success catching rock flathead. This underrated fish often gets thrown back because people aren’t used to seeing a flathead so dark in colour and think something is wrong with it. In truth, it’s one of the besteating fish in the waters around here and is traditionally the hardest to catch. FEBRUARY 2024 81

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Dirty water isn’t a problem for keen fishers The many rock walls and jetties around Lakes Entrance and up to Metung have been great areas for anglers to target bream. Areas such as the Metung yacht club have held large numbers of school-size bream that made their way down the lake system. A quality sounder has made locating these schools a lot easier. When targeting these bream, you can get good results using lures such as metal vibes or hardbodies that create plenty of vibration. These vibrations make it easier for the fish to find the lure in the dirty water. Schools of salmon are on the hunt, and anglers trolling metal lures have been getting amongst them. The salmon have been hard to locate at times, which is why trolling has been the best technique, allowing you to cover lots of water. The many points and channel edges are great places to start your search. Anglers have done surprisingly well on King George whiting in the dirty water. The lack of visibility has made it tricky to locate the ideal weed beds, so trial and error has been a big part of the game. Rigby Island is a good area to try;

LAKES ENTRANCE

Steven Pryke

After a massive amount of rain, the lake turned many shades of brown, but it’s finally begun to clean up. Let’s look at what’s biting this month. LAKES ENTRANCE More and more flood water! Don’t be discouraged by the dirty water though – the lower lakes are highly productive during flood events as fish from further up the lakes make their way down the system, trying to find cleaner water.

A solid lake Tyers bream – one of many hiding in the main lake.

being close to the entrance it still has a decent amount of saltwater. Fresh smelly baits such as mussels have been very productive lately. I recommend spending the time to establish a good berley trail, which will help bring whiting and other species into the area. LAKE TYERS At the time of writing this report, the lake has nearly opened. The summer rains delivered up to 2.3m of extra water in the system, resulting in massive changes. Anglers fishing in the lower lake should see good numbers of bream and flathead this month, as these fish have been pushed down the system with the rains. Once the system has settled and cleared up, the many weed flats will be ideal areas to target bream with hardbody lures. Small, prawn-patterned jerkbaits are highly effective in the system, especially if you take the time to work them well. Unfortunately, our local surf beaches have been disappointing lately, thanks to dirty flood water and red weed. The weed seems to be covering all the beaches throughout East Gippsland,

A few nice gummy shark have been caught off the beach when conditions have allowed. and many anglers simply haven’t bothered. Hopefully things will be better next month. HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING? If you have been out for fish lately and have a great pic, feel free to send it to stevenprykefishing@gmail.com with short description, and you could be featured in the edition of Fishing Monthly.

Gearing up for Gippy bream and flathead the bream are eager to attack lures again after they have been busy breeding. Because we have had so much rainfall, I’m quite sure that, like last year, the bream have had at least two spawning events during the

GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

Just like this time last year, things are slowly getting back to normal here in the Gippy Lakes as the floods drain away. Some of the rainfall totals in this area have beaten the last biggest event, which was back in 2007. We got totals over 250mm and even 300mm in some areas. The last three or four months have seen some crazy rain and weather events, and it’s been a challenge to find some reliable fishing. BREAM TIME February is when I really focus back on my bream fishing because

The Gippy Lakes have some beautifully-marked flathead like this 60cm fish, which was released to fight another day.

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Another solid run of smallish pinkie snapper are moving in for summer. Some much bigger models will be around as well. last four months. I’m already hearing that big bream will be out in Lakes Wellington and Victoria feeding around the shallow edges, and this is also very good news for bait anglers. Frozen prawn is the best bait by far at this time of year. Not many anglers have been fishing

Hollands Landing, but I have been told about a few captures of bream around 40cm there. Typically, when that starts, you can bet the lakes are going to fire as well. The lower Tambo around the snags at the river mouth will be a go-to area this month, especially for slow-twitched hardbody lures, and the same goes for the timber at The Cut down at the mouth of the Mitchell River. Those anglers who know the Nicho River will already be looking for bream well upstream from the railway bridge to the backwater. As usual, the rock walls and bigger snags will be holding some of the biggest bream. DUSKY FLATHEAD I’m excited to see how the flathead fishing will turn out over the next few months because their sizes and numbers have been nothing short of stunning for two years now. Early reports have been a bit slow, but a few trucks around 65-70cm have been caught in the lower reaches of the Gippy Lakes around Nungurner and Kalimna. This is exactly where the big breeding duskies always get together for some loving. With that in mind, my advice is to start searching around the Metung area and head towards Lakes Entrance. I’m almost certain we will see thumping models around 90cm being taken there, and maybe some even bigger fish close to 1m.

East Coast

FMM

VIC

The summer fishing is sizzling hot right now PORT ALBERT

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

The big highlight this summer has been another excellent run of snapper and whiting have finally turned up in big numbers. The flathead continue to fill bags and even the gummy

to have moved on for now. KING GEORGE WHITING TURN UP The whiting were quite late in arriving this year, at least in big numbers, but they’re back now and a lot of them are pushing 40cm. It is quite weird to see them turn up in mid-summer, because most seasons

How solid is that gummy! Sharks this size have been a regular feature this summer right across South Gippsland.

While hooking whiting you can also get a great by-catch of trevally, rock flathead and leatherjackets. sharks are surprising us. My favourite fish, the estuary perch, continue to show up where and when you least expect them, but sadly the squid seem

they peak way back in the early days of spring. Their late arrival may translate into a later season, and we could be catching good whiting beyond May

WHITING Whiting seem to be a regular summer feature nowadays (back before Christmas they were even being caught in dirty water). It seems we can stop worrying about whether the whiting will turn up each season, as they are clearly fully entrenched back into the Gippy Lakes system for good. They are in big numbers, and although they may take some locating, you should find success in the end when targeting them. Just a reminder that pipi bait may be hard to source, but mussel works just as well, and so does fresh or cured sandworm. Another very underrated bait is live shrimp, which can be deadly on some days. SNAPPER Another reliable summer feature is the run of pinkie snapper. Each season, they have been getting just

a little bigger, and 40-45cm fish are turning up more and more. I sometimes wonder if we put in a dedicated effort with big baits, would we catch much bigger snapper into the 70cm range? I mean, look what happened when a young local decided to chase gummy sharks with big squid baits in the Gippy Lakes a while ago. Hardly anybody had tried it before because nobody thought it would work. That didn’t deter him from giving it a go, and he caught five gummies on his first try. I think this kind of success could also happen with big snapper if anglers made the effort to target them specifically. A few skates or the odd ray may get in the way, but I suspect the rewards would be there for those anglers who persist. Maybe even a surprise mulloway could turn up as a welcome bonus.

Nice bream are showing up on lure, like this decent fish caught in the lower Mitchell River.

and maybe into July. I have been getting quite a few whiting on my favourite lure, the Hurricane Sting blade, but mussel baits have been by far the best guarantee for a feed. You have to be aware of tides and you really need some movement in the water to fire them up. You don’t want too much flow though, because those tides that rip out from very high to extremely low create too much turbulence, and the bite can shut down. Study your tide heights during the monthly cycles and pick the optimum cycles where the flow is not running hard. If you do this your catch rates will improve out of sight. Most of us who have been chasing whiting have also been getting a lot of bycatch like trevally, mullet, and the odd big leatherjacket. All are welcome additions to the family meal. I love seeing the diversity of fish because that tells me the inlet is in very good condition. GO THE GUMMIES I have yet to meet a single Victorian angler who doesn’t like eating gummy shark. If you poll 100 anglers, I’m tipping these sharks will be in their top three seafood favourites. However, in NSW north of Batemans Bay, gummy sharks are considered a pesky and unwanted by-catch! Can anyone tell my why that is? We are right now celebrating another golden season of gummy action, with plenty of captures of sharks around that 8-10kg mark. A lot of bigger gummies have been caught offshore from Port Albert and Welshpool, and most notably right along the 90 Mile Beach. There has also been a surprising number of solid fish caught inside the estuary from McLoughlins and Manns, and right down past Sunday Island. The key to gummy success is fresh bait. If you can source fresh fish fillets of salmon, trevally or even mullet you are already on the front foot. If you can’t get fresh bait, all is not lost. Simple baits like frozen squid or blue bait can also get you the odd shark. One fella I met recently on the water caught a solid little 3ft model on an old prawn bait while chasing flathead. Skates and rays are annoying, but

they do tell you you’re in the right area because they live where the gummies hang out. EP AND SNAPPER This is the fourth year in a row now where the snapper numbers have grown from the previous season. This season we are seeing a lot of them the 45-55cm range and that makes for

At this time of year, when you locate a school of EP in the Port Albert channels, double hook-ups can be common. outstanding sport on light gear. I’m so glad they readily attack all lures, including hardbodies, although soft plastics are your best bet. I have once again found snapper living side-by-side with the perch, and it’s an exciting session when you can catch either species while casting to the same area for hours on end. My best session recently included 16 estuary perch to 47cm and six pinkies to 40cm. My buddy Rhys Smith caught similar numbers of both fish over about four hours. We fished the same channel on the dropping tide and both of us had the best success on Tomahawk Sprat 85 soft plastics rigged on a 1/8oz jighead. With the odd rock flathead and a big yank flattie thrown in as a bonus, the two of us went home pretty happy. FEBRUARY 2024 83

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East Coast

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Discoloured water has the fish all fired up MALLACOOTA/EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Over the past couple of months, the town has been abuzz with visitors, with people fishing both offshore and in the lake. Fishing the beaches is very popular, too, with a variety of fish species on offer, and it should only improve thanks to the warm water. Anglers have been catching salmon and tailor on the main beach around the lake entrance and the good gutters along Tip Beach down to the Betka River mouth. Fresh bait and lures have both been catching fish. Sand whiting and yellowfin bream can also be caught from the same gutters, with beach worm or fresh local prawn working well. The incoming to high tide near dawn or dusk is the best time to wet a line. Those heading offshore have been

Soft plastics have been working well on the bream. This fish was caught in the Bottom Lake.

reporting good catches of sand flathead and tiger flathead, sometimes catching their limit. If you are struggling to catch anything, stay on the move until you find the fish, and you should be able to return to the same area the next day and pick up where you left off. Gummy shark have also been caught down around the Aerials and around the back of Gabo Island. Once again, stay on the move; once you’ve found the fish, concentrate on that area. Remember that summer brings north-easterly winds, so get out early, catch your fish and be back before the wind makes things uncomfortable. The lakes and rivers have been fishing well. Recent rain has made the water dirty and really fired up the fish. The fishing for bream really picks up in these conditions, and we often see good numbers of fish caught while the lake is dirtying up and a few days after. After filling their bellies in the dirty

water, the bream can become harder to catch, so be sure to get a line in before that happens. The Bottom Lake has offered the best fishing around Goodwin Sands, and the deeper water behind has also been fishing well. Fresh bait and soft plastics have been catching plenty of fish. Mulloway (jewfish) are in the same areas. Don’t be surprised if you see a jewie caught during the day, particularly around the new and full moon period. Plenty of flathead are being caught, with catches coming anywhere in the system, from right upstream to the estuary mouth. Plenty of fish are caught out around the channel markers through to the John Bull marker. Lastly, summer is the time for chasing bass up in the freshwater reaches, and the recent rain will have got the fish on the move.

There are still fish to be found after the rain • Les and Kathy Heyne are the owners of the Marlo Ocean Views Caravan and Camping Park. It has 13 acres of beautiful grassed parkland just a short stroll to the beach, with both powered and unpowered sites, and cabins

MARLO/ORBOST

Marlo Ocean Views

Two significant flushes through the Christmas and New Year period saw the Snowy River turn into something that resembled a latte rather than the pristine waterway we know and love. Fishing in the Snowy and Brodribb rivers this month will depend on how well the water clears and how quickly the saltwater dilutes the fresh in the system. Until the salt takes over, the best fishing will be towards the mouth of the Snowy. The flush will concentrate the baitfish in this section. The predators are never too far away when this happens, so the area between The Slips and the mouth will be worth a try. Interestingly, during the floods anglers were picking up some fish in the shallow lakes (Corringle and Curlip). This fishing is very tide-orientated and Lake Corringle offered the better fishing. If you

There’s good flathead fishing offshore if you travel wider to get beyond the dirty water. have the boat to take advantage of the shallow lakes, this may be another option if the water remains dirty. The beaches, too, have been affected by dirty water flushing out into the ocean. The local beaches

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21 Marine Parade MARLO VIC

should get back to normal as the water clears. The beach at Yeerung is another option. With a few reefs close to shore, it’s a popular place for shark anglers, with some nice bronze whalers consistently caught there. While the dirty water persists, the best option is to head offshore (weather permitting ). Like the rest of the system, the inshore grounds are still washed out, but if you head beyond the dirty water (10-15km) there has been some excellent flathead (sand and tiger) fishing and the occasional gummy shark being caught. As the water clears, the kingfish that inhabit the Marlo reefs should also show up, so let’s hope we get a run of clear weather through February and beyond. If we do, the fishing will just get better and better.

Tamara Heyne with her first ever gummy shark. available. There are two undercover BBQ areas and a full kitchen, as well as an onsite kiosk and LPG refills. For more information visit marlocamping.com.au or call 03 5154 8268.

Pumping up your bass and perch fisheries We’ve just stocked 721,000 Australian bass and estuary perch into 32 waterways to make your recreational fishing even better! They’re all part of our plan to stock 10 million fish for the second time in three years, thanks to your fishing licence fees and the State Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan. Aussie bass:

Estuary perch:

Mitchell River

100,000

Lake Elingamite

10,000

Gippsland Lakes

98,000

Snowy River

60,000

Traralgon Creek

10,000

Barwon River

45,000

Blue Rock Lake

52,000

Tambo River

10,000

Lake Glenmaggie

50,000

Thomson River

5,000

Upper Stony Creek Reservoir

24,000

Cann River

40,000

Lake Guthridge

5,000

Werribee River

20,000

Lake Narracan

20,000

Hyland Lake

5,000

Lakers Cutting

15,000

Timbarra River

20,000

Ferntree Gully Quarry

5,000

Genoa River

10,000

Macalister River

22,000

Tyers River

2,000

Bemm River

10,000

Latrobe River

20,000

Cowwarr Weir

2,000

Snowy River

10,000

Avon River

10,000

Valencia Creek

1,000

Lake Tyers

10,000

Lake Bullen Merri

10,000

Rainbow Creek

1,000

Little River

10,000

Devilbend Reservoir

9,000

Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishstocking

VIC

Freshwater

FMM

Murray cod bite is warming up at the moment ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

Murray cod have continued to bite at most locations, taking a variety of baits and lures. The Murray River at Swan Hill has been producing a few Murray cod up to 65cm on scrub worms and Bassman

Clinton Hann trolled up this Murray cod on the new 120mm Cod Lolly.

A good-sized Murray cod taken on the Bassman Scope Bait on the cast. Tubby lures. Some good-sized golden perch have also been caught bobbing shrimp around the snags in the flow. The biggest perch reported so far was a respectable 55cm specimen, while others have mostly been around the 40cm mark. Carp continue to bite, but it seems their numbers might be starting to thin. This seems the norm at most locations according to bait anglers. The Wakool River at Kyalite has continued to fish well, producing a mix of Murray cod and golden perch on lures and bait. Trolling lures has been the most

productive method with cod to 75cm and perch up to 50cm having a crack. Bait anglers too are getting some goodsized cod and perch fishing with shrimps, yabbies or scrub worms. The Murrumbidgee River between Hay and Maude is following on from last season with good numbers of Murray cod on bait and lures. The cod have ranged in size from very small up to 90cm. Chicken seems to be a popular bait. Small to medium diving lures and spinnerbaits, either cast or trolled, have also been working well. Back onto the Murray River, Boundary Bend has been producing Murray cod on bait and lures. Cod up to 68cm have been caught on trolled lures, and bait anglers have been picking up good-sized perch on shrimp and worm baits. Anglers fishing the Murray at Robinvale have been catching Murray cod to 75cm on trolled lures upstream of The Cut. Perch have continued to smack the cod lures and have been partial to a hook full of fresh river shrimp. Below the Euston weir, golden perch continue to bite on bait, Bassman

spinnerbaits and Tubbys. Some of the perch have been pushing the 60cm mark, with an average size in the low 50s. These are solid fish for the Murray River and it’s been a great run since spring. The best cod bite so far has been experienced in the section of Murray River between Red Cliffs and Wentworth. Good numbers of Murray cod and golden perch

have been caught on trolled lures in recent weeks. Several fish around the metre mark have been landed, with a few other big ones getting back to the snags or pulling hooks. A wide mix of lures have been doing the damage, with StumpJumpers, Cod Lollys, Old Mates and Ladd’s Lures all producing fish. I also heard of a 130cm fish landed near Wentworth off the surface on a wake walker. Downstream on the Murray, the Fort Courage area has also produced a few cod to 80cm, mostly on bait. Some goodsized perch have also been taking bait at this location. With the full wrath of summer upon us, remember to cover up and pick the best times to be on the water, such as early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Remember that mosquitoes like warm, low-light conditions, so bring the bug spray. All up, the fishing has been quite good, with both cod and perch biting at most locations.

Brent Martin with a solid golden perch taken on a Bassman spinnerbait in the Murray below the Euston weir.

Good catches leading into competition season YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett

The mayhem of the holiday boating traffic has died down, so we fishos can now come out of hiding! We are entering the prime time for fishing at Mulwala – February to April. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a trip so you don’t miss out on the fun of targeting a Mulwala ‘Muz’ or two. During this time of year there’s no right or wrong way to target cod. Casting or trolling hardbodies, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, plastics, surface lures or bait – all methods will account for fish if put in the correct place. Personally, at this time of year, there’s nothing I like more than casting mid-sized (100mm-ish) hardbodies around the fallen timber at the top third of the lake in the late afternoon. This always leads into 86 FEBRUARY 2024

Vito Lorusso’s 105cm whopper helped him win Champion Angler at the 2023 Cod Classic.

the best fun of all: surface fishing. Launching from the Hogans Rd, Majors Creek or Drain Lane boat ramps will put you in the vicinity of the best areas, with plenty of fallen timber to target. For those choosing to bait fish, you still can’t go past the traditional bardi grub, if you can get them. Cheese and chicken continue to account for many cod, and a well-placed scrub worm or yabby will also do the trick. COD CLASSIC The 2023 Yamaha Cod Classic proved to be another great success, with 2200 anglers taking part. This was a welcome result after rebounding from two years of COVID, followed by the floods of 2022. The Murray cod played the game, with just shy of 900 legals being recorded. Vito Lorusso claimed bragging rights for 12 months, taking out the Champion Angler title

Freshwater

FMM

VIC

Crack out the baits for big summer cod WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

February is one of my favourite months to fish in the Wangaratta area because the school holidays are over, and most people are back at work, meaning the waterways are much quieter. It’s not always the best month fish-wise, but it’s a very enjoyable time to fish. MURRAY COD February is a great time to target Murray cod in the Wangaratta area, although it’s not as good as January

started to fire in the Ovens River this summer. Stocking started several years ago, and now the yellowbelly are turning up more and more frequently. Some of them are a very good size, over 45cm. In the Ovens River, most yellowbelly are caught as a welcome by-catch by anglers targeting Murray cod on lures. I have caught yellas on a range of diving lures and spinnerbaits this summer. I have caught quite a few using worms, too. I expect the yellowbelly fishing to still be very good in the Wangaratta area in February. Important to note is the increasing

This is a Macquarie perch. These fish are totally protected and must be released. or December. As the days get shorter, the cod fishing can become a bit more hit-and-miss, but it can still be quite a productive month, and I’m planning to do a lot of fishing for Murray cod on both lures and bait. If you’re lure fishing, try using a surface lure at sunrise and sunset. Murray cod will sometimes hit a surface lure during the day, but low-light periods are definitely better. During the day, it’s best to switch to a diving lure or a spinnerbait. If you’re bait fishing, it’s hard to go past tasty cheese and slices of chicken breast (we call these ‘kitchen baits’). Sweetcorn is a great kitchen bait for carp. Natural baits such as bardi grubs and yabbies are also great Murray cod baits. YELLOWBELLY The yellowbelly fishing has really

number of endangered Macquarie perch in the Ovens River system. These fish are totally protected and must be released unharmed. It is the angler’s responsibility to be able to identify their catch. If you are heading to the Wangaratta area, do a bit

with a 105cm beauty. In the juniors section, Ky Reardon landed a beautiful 85cm cod to take the top award. After the floods of 2022, carp numbers boomed. This was evident throughout the comp, as 2700 were caught and removed from the water. A 90cm beast was the longest. In the yellowbelly section, Robyn Eddy landed the biggest in the event’s 24-year history, stretching the tape out to a whopping 61.5cm. SUMMER CATCHES After the Cod Classic, the holiday period was hectic with plenty of quality reports. To give everybody a mention would see me running out of room! Along with the cod, mega numbers of carp below the weir were caught. These ‘mud marlin’ kept the kids excited for weeks.

The competition season is upon us, with a couple of events coming up. These are open to all and you’re more than welcome to get involved. The first comp is the ever-popular Humminbird Da$h 4 Cash (Feb 17-18), followed by the Venom His & Hers Partners Classic (March 2). If you are visiting town, call into Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, the shop with the big green cod out the front (opposite the Post Office) in Mulwala or check out our Yarrawonga store located between Rivers and One Zac in the main street. We’re Yarrawonga / Mulwala’s fishing specialists and specialize in all things ‘greeng! For any information on upcoming events or fishing reports, give us a hoy on 03 5744 3133. Happy fishing and all the best for the coming weeks.

A lovely Ovens River cod caught on cheese just before Christmas. of research so you can correctly identify a Macquarie perch or trout cod. REDFIN I love fishing for redfin in Lake William Hovell at this time of year. Both Lake William Hovell and Lake Buffalo usually fish quite well for reddies in February, but Lake William Hovell has the peaceful advantage of no speedboats or jet skis. I’m hoping to get a few nice redfin at the lakes this month, but I’ll

Widespread rainfall led to some amazing trout fishing in the Ovens River catchment. most likely catch stacks of small fish in between the bigger ones. Casting soft plastics from the bank is very effective at both lakes and so is casting bladed spinners. Small minnows also work well, although they tend to foul up on weed more often, particularly in Lake Buffalo. From a boat, try trolling small to medium-sized deep diving lures in either lake. It’s good to troll them at a depth that keeps them a metre or so off the bottom. If you’re bait fishing, try using worms or small yabbies. If you get tired of catching small redfin, try using a larger yabbies. You won’t catch as many redfin,

but when you do, it might be a bigger one. TROUT We’ve had some great summer rainfall, which will go a long way towards ensuring we have a healthy flow of water in the trout streams in the coming weeks. The start of February is often still very hot, which can lead to poor trout fishing. However, if we get another deluge of rain, it will really fire up the trout. I went trout fishing after the rain at Christmas time, and the trout were going bonkers. They were loving the fresh, cool water. If we get rain in February, I would expect the same thing to happen again. Towards the end of the month, as the nights get shorter, the trout fishing may pick up a little bit and become a bit more consistent. This will depend largely on what the weather does. Hopefully, we’ll get some rain and cooler weather in the second half of February. If we don’t, March will see the trout start to fish really well. OTHER SPECIES February is still a great time to catch yabbies. Often, they can start to slow down towards the end of summer, so the earlier in February you can go yabbying, the better.

A small cod caught on worms at sunset. The cod fishing should be quite good in February.

February can be a great time to fish for redfin in Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell.

Freshwater blackfish are abundant in many mountain streams and are a lot of fun to catch. They are rarely targeted for food because they’re so small. February is a great time to target these native fish, and sunset is the best time of the day to do it. FEBRUARY 2024 87

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Freshwater

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High water levels create perfect edge bite SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

There has been some unstable weather around our region this summer. It has been very much like spring weather with wind, rain and thunderstorms hitting the area. This made fishing and camping a tad difficult in the Goulburn River, but those anglers who managed to get out reported plenty of good fish. Trolling has been very productive around Toolamba, with cod up to 75cm reported. The standout lures have been purple Codgers and also single-bladed spinnerbaits trolled on the shallow

Nate Brown with a Kialla Lakes redfin. side of the boat. Around Murchison I have also been getting plenty of reports, with bait fishing being a great option. Chicken, cheese and bardi grubs have been great for those chasing cod. Shrimp has been the best yellowbelly bait.

In the heart of Shepparton there have been good numbers of fish caught, mostly in the afternoons. The Jackall Swing Mikey is quickly becoming a favourite of many who fish the Goulburn, with some legal-sized fish reported on these lures. Carp are still being caught up and down the Goulburn, with some people reporting 20-30 in a session. Worms and corn have been the best baits for carp, fished hard on the bottom or just under a float drifting in the shallows. KIALLA LAKES The lake is now full after all the rain. The increased water level has pushed the fish onto the edges, which can make for a fun time for anglers fishing the lake. When the lake is full, casting more adjacent to the bank is key, as the fish will hold around 6-8ft from the bank, right near the drop-off. Here they lie in wait to ambush prey, and sometimes they will even follow your lure from the drop-off and hit the lure at your toes. The best lures are lightly-weighted plastics and shallow diving lures because you’re only fishing in around 1-3ft of water. Bent Minnows, Jackall Chubby 38s and Rapala XR-4s and XR-6s are all great shallow water lures for Kialla. When using soft plastics, it’s best to try to match the baitfish that can be seen in most areas of the lake. Sometimes a 2” plastic is best but there can be bigger baitfish around, so you may need to go up to a 3”. Colour-wise, anything with silver in it seems to work well but again, try to match the bait you can see from the banks. Bait fishing is also a very productive way to chase both yellowbelly and redfin when the water is up. Floating the baits seems to be working the best. The advantage with the floats is that you can

Ayden Brown with a healthy yellowbelly caught on a Jackall crankbait. adjust the depth of your bait, keeping it just above the bottom in all areas. WARANGA BASIN Fishing early in the morning or late in the afternoon is the go in the basin at the moment, due to the amount of boat traffic and heat. Fishing shallow early in the morning has been productive, with some nice-sized redfin caught casting jerkbaits both the banks or from a boat. Slow rolling small chatterbaits has also been a great way to chase redfin in the mornings in 6-8ft of water near points. As the morning gets on and the fish push deep, we’ve had success trolling the white and orange RMG Poltergeist 50s in around 12-15ft of water. As the boat traffic slows down in the evening the fish tend to push shallow again, so you can use the same morning techniques. Bait fishing from the banks has been producing some nice fish the morning and evenings. With all the activity and heat during the day it can

get pretty tricky to bait fish from the banks, so drift baiting from a boat would be the best option, if possible. BROKEN RIVER It’s prime time fishing in the Broken, with plenty of reports coming in from the river. Out towards Benalla there have been some legal-sized cod and yellowbelly caught on lipless crankbaits rigged with single hooks. Downstream of the weirs is still a great area for chasing cod. The Balista Smoke 65 has been the standout lure in recent weeks, especially in the purple beast colour. Surface fishing almost anywhere along the Broken has been a great option with the fish super active at this time of year. The Jackall Pompadour in the black and orange colour seems to be the standout, along with the Codger topwater lure. Bait fishing around Broken River Drive with shrimp has also been a great way to target cod and yellowbelly with some promising reports coming in.

Variable, unpredictable conditions in Bendigo BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

The unpredictability of this season has continued in recent weeks. Summer brought with it some extreme weather events, with some areas within the region receiving double or even triple the monthly rainfall in just a few days. These rain events have produced some minor flooding in areas, and this in turn has reduced the water clarity in some sections of our local rivers. There have also been some rises in water levels in our local reservoirs. It would be nice to see the weather settle down. However, the way the last few months have been, I’m not going to try to predict anything regarding the weather. 88 FEBRUARY 2024

This European carp was caught on a Jackall TN60 Lipless crankbait. Always dispose of carp humanely and don’t release them.

LAKE EPPALOCK At the time of writing this report, Lake Eppalock was at 90% of capacity. There have recently been small rises in water levels after some recent heavy rainfall events. The water clarity is still pretty good in most of Lake Eppalock. The poorest water clarity is currently at the top of the Twin Rivers section due to recent inflows. The lake is always extremely busy with boat traffic over the holiday period. The best times to fish are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the boat traffic is reduced. If you are fishing during the middle of the day, a good area to fish is up the Campaspe Reach. This section of the lake has the highest concentration of standing timber and gets less boat traffic. Redfin fishing has been going

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Next generation of anglers enjoy local fishing BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

Seeing so many young anglers fishing our waters around the Ballarat district is great. A big shout-out to the mums, dads, and grandparents who take the time to

WHAT’S BITING Lake Wendouree has been the talk of the town for those anglers who chase trout despite the fact that it’s the middle of summer. The El Niño weather pattern hasn’t really kicked in at this stage, and hopefully it won’t anytime soon. We’ve had strange

Mitch Howlett has been catching some big trout at Wendouree, including this 67cm brown that ate his Craig’s Nighttime fly. Image courtesy of Craig Howlett. take the kids fishing and enjoying our great outdoors instead of sitting at home playing computer games. We’re lucky to have many great fisheries in our region and even luckier to have Lake Wendouree right in the middle of town, full of trout and redfin waiting to be caught. It’s great to drive around Wendouree and see so many kids fishing the lake, either riding their bikes to get there or being dropped off by parents. It takes me back some 40-odd years! Some things were a little different back then, though. The gear was different, and we couldn’t get information on social media or YouTube. We didn’t have support from the Victorian Fishing Authority either, which now stocks fish heavily. The VFA also has initiatives encouraging the younger generation to get into the sport, which is great.

weather this summer, with lots of rain and lower temperatures than normal. As a result, the traditionally quiet fishing period has been not so quiet. Anglers, both young and old, have been lining the shores of Wendouree to take advantage of

OK but you need to be prepared to work hard to find a good concentration of redfin. The best concentrations of larger redfin are currently in 7-9m of water. Trolling deep diving hardbody lures has been working well. The standout colours have been chartreuse, and fluoro orange, and purple. The numbers of golden perch has been slowly increasing over the last few weeks. Productive lures for the golden perch have been spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits and medium sized hardbody lures. There haven’t been many Murray cod caught lately, but the occasional good quality cod has been landed by anglers bait fishing from the bank. Worms, shrimp and yabbies are all good baits for these fish.

CAMPASPE RIVER It has been a frustrating season so far for anglers fishing the Campaspe River. The water clarity is still poor at the boatable sections of the river at Elmore and Rochester. Hopefully the extreme weather events are behind us for a while, and the water can have a chance to clear. The most productive fishing continues to be from Barnadown upstream to the bottom of Lake Eppalock. The water clarity has improved in this section, which is good news for lure fishers. Catch rates in these sections haven’t been too bad, with a good mixture of Murray cod and golden perch being caught. CAIRN CURRAN At the time of writing this report, Cairn Curran was at 87% of capacity. There have still been reasonable numbers

the favourable conditions. My son Max and a couple of his mates fished nearly every day during the school holidays. The boys spent most of their time fly fishing or casting lures from the shore, catching some magnificent brown and rainbow trout every time they ventured out. One of Maxi’s mates, Mitch Howlett, his brother Lachy and dad Craig have been fishing Wendouree after dark for mudeye feeders. The boys have been putting in some long, late nights at Wendouree and have been rewarded for their efforts with some stonkers. Mitch recently landed four big trout on the fly, including some ex-brood fish released into Wendouree for the opening of the trout season back in September. Mitch caught two of these big rainbows, measuring 71cm each, plus two big browns measuring 61cm and 67cm (weighing in at around the 7lb mark). All fish were caught on a Craig’s Nighttime fly pattern. It’s been good to see the boys rewarded for their efforts at a time when most of us were at home sound asleep. Jakey Young, another keen young angler, fishes as much as he possibly can at Wendouree and the local streams. He was recently out on Wendouree with his dad, Ben, who is one of the best lure fishers you’ll ever meet. The boys nailed quite a few trout and redfin casting shallow diving lures from a drifting boat.

Blake Herrick has been catching some nice brown trout at Moorabool Reservoir, mostly on Bag flies. Image courtesy of Blake Herrick. of fish caught lately, despite the poor water clarity. Anglers bait fishing off the bank have been managing to catch a mixture of golden perch, redfin, European carp, and the occasional Murray cod. Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, hardbody lures and soft plastics are all worthwhile options. Fluoro colours have been working the best on most days. The best concentrations of golden perch are currently being caught off the standing timber and around the rocky shorelines. If you are chasing a Murray cod, try trolling a large hardbody lure or, in low light conditions, try some swimbaits or surface lures. LODDON RIVER The Loddon River has been fishing quite well considering the suboptimal conditions in a lot of areas along the

Max Stevens caught this 53cm brown trout on a brown Flashback Nymph on Lake Wendouree. Jakey said the weather conditions were ideal, with overcast skies and a good breeze, which had the fish out and about in feeding mode. He said it was an unbelievable session with many fish hooked and lost, and lots of follows as well. The pair did manage to get a couple of good ones in the boat in the mid 50cm range, and a couple of bigger ones not committing to eat the lures. Jakey’s passion and excitement was evident as he described the session to me. Maxi and I have often ventured out on Wendouree ourselves when I haven’t been at work. We have been fly fishing during the day, generally from 11am to 4pm. It’s unusual for this time of the year because the trout usually shut down due to the warm weather and lack of insect activity. This year, however, we have had excellent results on every session, landing rainbows and browns in varying sizes up to 53cm. The best sessions happened when there were a few dun/mayfly drifting through and damsels buzzing around; these insects get the trout up and about. The flies that have worked well for us have been brown nymphs, flashback nymphs, and pheasant tail nymphs moved reasonably quickly (slow rolypoly retrieve), which is not normal when fishing nymphs. Hopefully the Loddon River. The fishing has been good below the weir at Laanecoorie, with anglers mostly catching golden perch, along with a few Murray cod. The fishing in the Newbridge area has been slow, mainly due to the very dirty water. The Loddon River had been fishing quite well at Bridgewater despite the average water clarity. There were some quality Murray cod and good golden perch caught in this area before the rains, and we can expect more good catches when the water clarity improves again. In the Loddon River at Serpentine, the water clarity is below average. If we don’t receive more significant rainfall, it should start to fish well again in the coming weeks as the water settles. FEBRUARY 2024 89

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Weather is turning it on and so are the local fish WEST/SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Billy Auldist

We’ve experienced more rain than we bargained for this summer, which had had our waterways constantly moving up and down, making the fishing a bit tricky. However, this is now behind us and the coming months are as good as it gets when it comes to fishing in South West Gippsland. BLUE ROCK LAKE Blue Rock Lake is just about at its prime, with the heat turning the bass on. They are in good numbers and, due to years of stocking by Fisheries, we now have older fish starting to reach trophy

sizes. The warmer weather brings along ant hatches and cicadas, which drive the bass nuts and bring surface fishing into the game. Any topwater crawlers or poppers will be sure to get some bass attention this month. Local fisho Matt Atherton reports good catches of bass in the lower half of the lake using paddle-tailed soft plastics on a 1/8oz jighead. The trout in the lake are harder to come by in the hotter weather, but they will still occasionally show themselves. Other species in the lake, such as redfin and carp, can be readily caught on bait from the banks. RIVERS The Tarago and Bunyip rivers

Matt Atherton with a brown trout caught in a feeder stream.

still fish well in the higher reaches at this time of year, particularly in the evenings. I find small soft plastic creature imitations to be the most successful, particularly around timber and other structure. The tributaries and feeder streams of the Tarago have been fishing extremely well lately, with big trout taking hardbodies and spinners. This good fishing is probably due to the lack of fishing pressure in the smaller and lesser-known streams. There are plenty of these streams out there, it’s just a matter of trial and error to find good spots. The Latrobe, Toorongo and Loch rivers around Noojee have been reliable as always, turning up the same numbers of brown trout like clockwork. Like most months, spinners, hardbodies and unweighted worms are stand-outs, and have accounted for a good number of fish. It’s hard to find a quality fish in these rivers but they make up for it with numbers. Rainbow trout have also turned up in a few of the streams, and these fish can be a nice gem amongst the brown trout. ESTATE DAMS Local estate dams are a good option close to home, and they traditionally fish well at this time of year. The dominant species is redfin, and there are endless ways to catch them in these

excellent fishing will continue in the coming weeks. Young angler Blake Herrick has also been getting amongst them om Wendouree and Moorabool Reservoir, catching some nice browns at both waters. Blake has been casting lures and fly fishing at Moorabool, where the fishing has slowed down a little since the water levels dropped, which forced the fish to retreat to deeper water. This hasn’t deterred Blake, who has been out putting in the hard yards and reaping the rewards. During one session, he landed a couple of nice browns around

Jakey Young has nailed a few trout recently, including this 56cm brown caught on a small shallow-diving hardbody. Image courtesy of Ben Young.

The author has been catching brown and rainbow trout from Lake Fyans on bug/spider mudeyes suspended under a bubble float. 90 FEBRUARY 2024

the 2kg mark during the day on a Bag fly. During another session in a torrential downpour, Blake landed a couple of similar-sized browns on a Bent Minnow surface lure. Other anglers I’ve spoken to have been out at Moorabool for the ‘evening rise’ (as we call it in the fly fishing circles), hoping to catch fish moving into the shallows from the deeper water. These fish feed on migrating mudeyes and other insects that hatch on or around the evening. The reports have been mixed. Some nights, the fish have been up and about, feeding everywhere, while on other nights there hasn’t been a single fish in sight. It’s just a

matter of being out on the water as much as possible; sooner or later you’ll get lucky. At Tullaroop Reservoir the water level is still high, and boating is now allowed. A few anglers have been catching some nicesized redfin on worms, small yabbies and gudgeon. It’s just a matter of finding the fish. A colleague of mine, Paul Dawson, regularly fishes for redfin at Tullaroop and said there’s a lot of water between them. Once you do find a school, however, you can fill your bag with them. Vern Barby has been fly fishing there in the evenings, hoping to catch a trout or two. He said the water clarity has improved, with visibility not too bad. Vern

Matt Atherton with a solid Blue Rock bass. dams. Spinners, hardbodies and soft plastics are the most popular lures to throw for reddies, however vibes and jigs can also come into their own for adventurous fishos. Of course, bait fishing will also be successful on the reddies, and will also bring carp into the picture. Although the last month has been tricky, we are in for a real treat in the coming weeks. The weather is turned on and so is the fishing. February is going to be a rewarding month for those who get out there and have a crack. landed one small brown on fly but did mention how disappointing it was to see so many European carp. “They were bloody everywhere!” he said. “It’s one of our best trout waters; how can this happen?” Hopefully, the carp won’t take hold and ruin the fishery, as has happened to other trout fisheries over the years. We need the Victorian Fishing Authority to revisit the eradication of European carp from our waters. I recently fished Lake Fyans, which is about 1.5 hours from Ballarat and one of my favourite trout fisheries. The fishing at this time of the year is generally pretty good and this trip was not different. Lake Fyans sits at the foot of the Grampians and it’s well-stocked with brown and rainbow trout and has an excellent population of redfin. I generally like to fish mudeyes suspended under a bubble float. On my recent trip the fishing was OK but didn’t set any world records. We fished bug/ spider mudeyes suspended 6-12ft deep. We moved around, tying up to trees and casting baits out, waiting for a fish to come along and eat the mudeyes. We managed to catch some nice browns and rainbows around 2.5lb. A noticeable absence on this trip was the lack of surface activity. We saw hardly any dragonflies and damselflies buzzing around, which generally get the fish up and about. It was a bit different from what’s been happening at Wendouree.

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Best-laid plans don’t always work out at Eildon! EILDON

Daniel Piazza

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday break and that you’re all keen to wet a line this month. Over the past 12 months, I have chosen to fish at random times on the lake to figure out which times work best. I’ve found that the new moon can provide some of the most stable and productive days out on the water, while the full moon can be less reliable.

tree on a tiny grub soft plastic, after about 1.5 hours of moving from tree to tree. Figuring out why the fish shut down can be a struggle. At times like this, it may be worth ditching the lures and just going back to basics. Try driving to a peaceful, shady area where you’ve previously caught fish, hit spot-lock on the electric, bait up some hooks and just kick back. Some days, the only fish moving around are thousands of trout, smashing whatever comes their way, so they can be a good option when the natives won’t bite.

Ben was fishing from the bank when he caught this solid cod on a Primal twin-arm spinnerbait in black and purple.

Ben had a great day out searching for the elusive Murray cod. On the full moon in January, a few of my friends and readers were out at different locations on the lake, all having a crack. Some were bait fishing, but most were casting and trolling lures. The next day, we spoke about what we saw and shared our experiences. There wasn’t much on the chew, which was surprising because the water temperature and clarity were mostly the same. The only angler who caught a fish was using Live Sonar. He caught a 65cm cod while trying to catch redfin on a

I was in this situation last month and tried matching the hatch with a small fluoro orange 50mm paddle-tail plastic that I made. I was using a light river trout rod and a Stradic 2500-reel spooled with 6lb braid 6lb leader. I cast into the shadows, and with every 10 casts I saw either a tiny redfin or a half-decent brown trout come darting out. I figured that if the trout were that close to the surface, it wasn’t a day for chasing cod, and it would have been an afternoon bite rather than a morning one.

That said, some of the regular anglers have been catching cod this past month, so it’s worth doing. You don’t need a boat either – walking the bank is just as good here. Just be careful because the banks can be quite steep with loose rocks. And, of course, redfin are everywhere. Just remember to take some bait, preferably worms or small yabbies, because sometimes the fish can’t be fooled into eating silicone. Until next time, tight lines. And remember, if you’ve had some fun or interesting experiences out on the lake, I’d love to hear about them. • Daniel Piazza is the creator of Primal Spinbaits – quality handcrafted, Australian-made spinnerbaits with a wide

range of coloured heads and skirts. These spinnerbaits feature heavy-duty wires and high-quality finishes, and are proven effective on our native fish. Google ‘Primal Spinbaits’ to see where you can buy them.

Red and black lures have been a standout over the past month.

Good bankside fishing – just watch for snakes CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

The Hopkins River is still firing for many species. Brown and rainbow trout around 60cm have been taking lures and plastics fished shallow or slow rolled with the waters around the Framlingham Forest and below the falls. The most productive times have been first and last light. Above Jubilee Park and even Tooram Stones, estuary perch have been going crazy, and lure anglers have been working the edges with great success. Bank-holding estuary perch have been coming in all sizes, and have been attacking anglers’ offerings throughout the day. Fishing at night would probably be even more productive. Over the past month, when anglers have caught one estuary perch, they have often encountered more fish close by. This indicates there’s some sort of schooling going on. That’s great news because the nights are becoming increasingly colder. Good trout continue to be caught out of Purrumbete with many picked

up on the troll, in depths up to 12m. You can fish with either deep-diving lures or lures assisted with trolling sinkers or lead line. Alternatively, you can get good fish working the weed beds, casting. School redfin continue to be taken at depth. Using a sounder to find the schools, and berley to entice the fish into biting, has been

working for many anglers. Earthworm and live minnows have been the go for the bait soakers, whilst soft plastics in minnow styles (3” or 4” on a 1/4-1/6oz jighead) have been doing it for the lure aficionados. Quite a few Chinook salmon to 55cm have been caught by bank anglers and trollers at Bullen Merri. The odd rainbow

Purrumbete redfin are still schooling at depth and taking live minnows and soft plastics jigged off the bottom.

has also been taken. 6-8m depth and medium divers are doing it, otherwise you can use PowerBait in pinks or red, or live minnow for those static fishing from the shore. Tiger trout over 3kg have been being taken trolling just out from the bank in around 8-10m of water. The new-ish double boat ramp and pontoon system at the south bank has finally made it much easier for boaters launching and retrieving their craft. The Mount Emu Creek still has a small amount of flow in it. Some good trout, both brown and rainbow to 1100g, have been taken on the fly and on surface lures at either the head or exit waters of any of the many pools that can be found along its length. Dawn or dusk is the go, and the creek can be easily accessed from any of the many road bridges that cross it. A word of warning though – many tiger and brown snakes are currently active along the bankside. It’s a risky situation if you’ve walked several kilometres from where your car is parked. Make sure your phone is fully charged and, if you’re bitten, pray that you get a signal. I strongly recommend purchasing a solid pair of gaiters. FEBRUARY 2024 91

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Mega fish caught at 2023 Cod Classic YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett

In the lead-up to the Yamaha Cod Classic in December, the forecast was for perfect weather, and 2196 excited anglers were locked in to vie for the many prizes on offer. There were categories for cod, golden perch and carp, plus a host of other prizes, including five boat packages. The gates opened on Friday afternoon. The Yamaha Kids Fun Motorbikes were there, along with trade stalls, food vendors, the first round of the Australian Pro Casting Championships and ‘Cod Talk’ featuring Thomas ‘The Captain’ Pinter and Merv Hughes. After the briefing, the first lucky door prize boat was drawn. The winner ended up being Leslie Austen of Shepparton. Winners had to be present, and the first fella whose name was drawn out had gone home early to organise his tackle! Oh well. On Saturday morning, conditions were amazing, with light winds and plenty of sun. Carp provided a lot of fun for everybody, especially downstream in the Murray River. A number of cod were caught as well. In the afternoon, the wind blew up a bit, but it didn’t deter the fish. At the end of the day, anglers lined up in droves to have their catch recorded. Andrew McKee had the biggest cod – a fat fish that could have weighed 60lb but measured only 102cm.

On Saturday night, competitors and onlookers converged on the Mulwala Football Ground. Over 130 major prizes, including junior and adult lucky door prizes, were given away. The first boating package winner on the night was a junior, Mathew Boyd of Lethbridge, who took out the Mega Raffle. It was a great reward for Mathew, who’d had his electric motor stolen the night before. He also won another major prize – a Humminbird sounder. Another big lucky door prize was won by Daniel Corboy, who took home a Yamaha/Quintrex / Humminbird package. Sunday ’s fishing conditions were perfect. Many photos were returned for verification, but the only movement on the leaderboard was in the Biggest Cod category. Vito Lorusso caught the winning 105cm fish on a surface lure at 7.15am. The other winners were: Longest Cod Junior – Ky Reardon (85cm), Longest Yella Adult – Robyn Eddy (61.5cm), Longest Yella Junior – Dom Dunstan (54cm), Longest Carp (Open Section) Josh Conduit 90cm, and Canoe & Kayak – Matt Rogers (74.5cm cod). A massive thank you goes out to our many sponsors and volunteers and our loyal competitors who have made this into Australia’s biggest freshwater fishing event. - Tony Bennett, 2023 Cod Classic Event Director, Mulwala Football Netball Club.

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TOTAL NUMBER OF FISH CAUGHT • 45 golden perch (45cm+) • 2680 carp • 892 legal cod Cod size No. Caught Under 70cm 811 70-80cm 75 80-90cm 4 90-100cm 1 1m+ 2 COD BAIT/LURE STATS Bait Cheese (143 fish), chicken (56), yabby (45), bardi grubs (37), worms (30), sausage (5), dim sim (3), shrimp (2), bacon (2), snail (2) Sponsored lures StumpJumper (87 fish), Bassman (72), Spin Wright, (30), Jackall (27), Predator (27), Wilsons/Zerek (13), Gidgee (11), Native (9), Pimp Daddy (8), AC’s (8), Bogan SB (8), Custom Craft (7), Codger (6), Cod Dog (6), Kuttafurra (5), Balista (5), Sumo (3), Halco (3) YELLOWBELLY BAIT/LURE STATS Bait Yabby (9 fish), worms (2), chicken (1) Sponsored lures Jackall (3 fish), Predator (3), StumpJumper (2), Bassman (2), Pimp Daddy (1), Zerek (1) FEBRUARY 2024 93

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2023 Charlton’s Springfield Lakes Pest Classic FISHING MONTHLY

Peter Jung

This was my third year involved with the Charlton’s Springfield Lakes Pest Classic and its popularity continues to grow. 2023 saw both bottom lakes open for fishing and an increase in competitor numbers from 200 to 300.

(this species is not endemic to SE Queensland), and then at the end of the day Australian native fish fingerlings are put in the waterway in the hope that they will eventually takeover and assist reducing invasive fish numbers. This year Australian bass were released. It is a win for the waterway and also a bonus for the waterways below the system. Flood events are one of the biggest distributers of these noxious fish into other waterways, so to remove some and then have native fish put in their place can only be a positive for the future. The event was already a success before it even started when you see the mix of anglers who attend. Children or all ages with mum, dad

Local State Member Charis Mullen won the Interparliamentary fishing competition sponsored by Stroud Homes, with this 26cm Australian bass. As in previous years, the quota of anglers was taken up in just over a week, with anglers from the Gold Coast and a number of fishing clubs attending as well as many family groups and friends, to lend their support for the Brisbane Valley Anglers Stocking Group (BVA) who organise the day. The concept of the event is pretty

The Ipswich City council has always been a strong supporter of this event. Councillor Nicole Jonic has attended each year and always seizes the opportunity to release some native fish back into the system at the end of the day. simple. Anglers get to fish a waterway (Springfield Lakes) that is currently closed to fishing, outside of events like this. Their objective is to catch and remove as many invasive species as possible from the system: tilapia, European carp and barred grunter 94 FEBRUARY 2024

Councillor Nicole Jonic enjoyed the opportunity to fish in the Stroud Homes Interparliamentary fishing challenge and to avoid the dreaded donut with this little Australian bass. and other family members in tow, fishing clubs and groups who fish this type of event (the removal of invasive species) because they know every little bit helps. The other winner is the BVA. Proceeds from the day (entry fees) are the only source of revenue for the group to raise money to stock another two local waterways, Lake Manchester and Enoggera Reservoir. Without the event, money to purchase fingerlings for these potentially great urban fishing locations, would be lost. Another recognition of the importance of days like this was the attendance of Charis Mullen, local State Member, Milton Dick, Federal Member, Mark Furner, Fisheries Minister, and Nicole Jonic from the Ipswich City Council. Stroud Homes sponsored a friendly one-hour fish off between the MP’s, with Charis Mullen taking home the perpetual trophy after catching a 26cm Australian bass. All enjoyed a little bit of friendly banter, a bit of fishing and saw how much all the other competitors enjoyed the day. At the end of the day most anglers caught fish, even though the fishing seemed a little slower than the previous

300 anglers enjoyed fishing a couple of the lakes on the Springfield Lakes site. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the noxious fish species and remove as many as possible from the waterway, replacing them with Australian native fish, all while raising funds to stock other urban fisheries. A win all around. two years. This doesn’t mean that a healthy number of tilapia were not removed from the waterway. The leading angler in the Male and Female divisions alone caught nearly 20kg of the noxious species between them. Overall, 201 tilapia were removed from the system. Native numbers were also down a little, but there was clear evidence of definite year classes coming through (native fish) from the native fish stocking done at previous events and a number of previously tagged bass were caught. These fish will provide invaluable information about the fish that have been released into the waterway. All in all, a win for the waterway, a win for the anglers attending the event (lots of prizes and giveaways were on offer) and a win for the stocking group and their plans to establish Lake Manchester and Enoggera Reservoir as urban fisheries. This event could not have been

run without the assistance of many groups, people and businesses and the BVA would like to thank Charlton’s Fishing, Shrimplovers, Ipswich City Council, Lend Lease, Fishing Monthly, 2 Bent Rods (for running the day), Stroud Homes, Klik Sinkers and the Red Hookers Fishing Club for helping

Anglers of all ages enjoyed the day and it was great to see how well the native fish (stocked after previous events) in the waterway have thrived.

2 Bent Rods ran the day and also provided two kayaks as lucky draw prizes. This young lady was pretty happy to win one of them.

the BVA on the day and for donating a huge numbers of fishing outfits for the junior anglers participating to have a chance to win. Also, a big thank you for the support of all levels of government, the team from fisheries Queensland and the BVA members who attended and made the day run so smoothly. The Charlton’s Fishing Springfield Lakes Pest Fishing Classic will be on again next year, so keep the 1st of December 2024 free on your calendar and keep an eye out for the BVA take a kid fishing day scheduled for April as well. – Peter Jung (BVA)

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South Coast

FMM

Good captures of bronzies off the beaches ESPERANCE

Murray Johnson

Over the past month, the fishing has been pretty good, but we’ve had plenty of windy, overcast days. At times like this you need to plan ahead and pick the right areas to suit the wind direction. For example, during a south-easterly, you can fish areas protected by the headlands, such as Salmon Beach, West Beach, Rossiters and Duke of Orleans. Fortunately, things look like they’re improving, with a stable summer pattern and warmer temperatures on the horizon. The local beaches have been producing plenty of salmon, with the standouts being Salmon Beach and Fourth Beach, Roses, and Munglinup to the west. To the east, beaches such as Alexander Bay, Thomas River and Israelite have been producing really good fish. At Israelite Bay, Poison Creek and Point Malcolm, lots of mulloway are being caught, with samples up to 1m. There are also plenty of gummy sharks and small bronze whalers. This time of year normally produces big schools of 3-4ft whalers that can be caught during the day. You can even sight cast them sometimes. People taking tinnies out to Israelite Bay have been catching decent King George whiting, with plenty of fish up to 1kg being caught. You can also catch plenty of good-size flathead, along with the usual tailor, herring and salmon.

Oli Stevensson with an impressive catch off the beach. Image courtesy of @olistevensonn.

Thomas River has been producing plenty of mulloway, bigger bronzies and good size skippy up to 4kg. Closer to town, Fourth Beach has been the choice spot, with easy access for 2WD and good numbers of scattered salmon. Anglers have been catching plenty of big bull herring, a lot of salmon trout (juvenile salmon), and plenty of good size flathead, and skippy around the 1kg mark. Town Jetty is producing plenty of herring, which are getting bigger, and heaps of squid in good sizes. Jigs in natural and pale colours have been working the best, such as the Yamashita Live 3.5 in blue.

The herring are still taking a simple lumo tube sitting on a no. 4 long shank, hook cast out with a no. 2 blob. The trick is to load up the blob with berley, make half a dozen casts until the berley disperses, and then re-berley. Your retrieve should be fast enough to get the float splashing around and create a bubble trail from the lumo tube. The best time is late afternoon into the night. The bigger bull herring tend to come in a couple of hours after dark, and that’s also when the squid come through. At Bandy Creek Boat Harbour, there are plenty of small King George whiting being caught, along with plenty of small herring, skippy, flounder, juvenile pink snapper, and the occasional solid black bream. The local bream lakes are still fishing well for fish up to 40cm, with the occasional rain event keeping levels up. The current go-to lure is the 3.9g Cranka Crab in the sand crab colour. Just let it sit on the bottom, and its legs will move on their own; the bream will bite at the legs and get hooked. Boat fishing in the bay is still producing plenty of squid and the occasional sand whiting. Around the close islands, there are heaps of queen snapper, sweep and breaksea cod. Sand whiting are being caught around Lion Island and Observatory Point. When the weather has allowed, anglers heading out wide have been

getting good catches of red snapper, with some samples going 66cm (nearly 3.5kg), along with plenty of good-size breaksea cod, harlequin, and queen snapper. We are also seeing plenty of samsonfish up to 30kg and 6-8kg yellowtail kings. Bluefin tuna sightings have been rarer than usual, but we expect that to change this month. We should also see more settled conditions this month, giving boaters more chances to get out. More nannies will be caught, and there’s potential for more pink snapper. Catches of pink snapper so far indicate we might get a good season for them this year. For shore-based anglers, there should be the occasional salmon around in the coming weeks as they settle in for the build-up towards Easter. Herring will get bigger and more numerous, skippy will get bigger, and there should be plenty of mulloway. With the better weather, more anglers will start planning trips to places like the Cliffs, Cocklebiddy and even Eucla, chasing 100lb mulloway. The best times are the full moon and new moon when you get peak tides. • Established in 1986, Southern Sports and Tackle specializes in supplying and servicing fishing equipment. They have extensive knowledge of the local area and provide all brands, whether you’re fishing from the beach, jetty or boat. Come and chat with the friendly staff at Shop 16, The Boulevard, Esperance or phone 08 9071 3022.

Hot days fire up the local fishing BUNBURY

Whiteys Tackle and Camping

The warmer weather and, especially the warmer water, have certainly fired things up! After 1 February, our local boat fishers will have to stop scratching their demersal itch! In January, plenty of dhufish and snapper were still hanging in nice and close from 10-20m depths while the larger models are being found more often from 25 to the dirty 30s. Heaps of reports of good size King

George and skippy for the fishos fond of the old anchor and berley trick. The local Leschenault estuary is full of yellowfin whiting, these magnificent fish can be targeted with bait (usually bloodworms) rigged with a simple long shank hook and small running sinker

Targeting whiting on lures is a great option. They’ll hit a anything, from vibes and plastics, to surface lures and flies.

Local beaches are producing plenty of chopper tailor. 96 FEBRUARY 2024

or with lures. Targeting whiting on lures is a great option as they hit a variety of lures from vibes and plastics to surface lures and flies. The local beaches are producing plenty of chopper tailor to around 35-50cm, using a mulie on a set of ganged hooks or casting a metal slice on sunset is a sure fire way to get amongst them.

We have had some cracking reports of mulloway around the 10-15kg mark, if you’re wanting to target the elusive mulloway you’ll need a nice gutter to cast into, a well presented bait (fresh is best) and lastly patience! The local divers have been getting their fair share of crays. The guys who are a little keener diving the 25-30m patches have been getting great bags of jumbo crays. Plenty of smaller crays in the shallower regions as well with some King George whiting. The blue manna crabs have been on fire with the catch being split fairly evenly between the scoopers and crew dropping nets out of the tinnies. On the slower days, the shallow waters right on the drop offs seem to hold more and better size crabs so don’t be scared to get your nets into the 0.5-1m depths to see results. Last year the people willing to get their feet wet and wander around the flats were getting exceptional results with numbers easy to come by, especially in the afternoons when coinciding with the high tides. When selecting your bait options keep in mind the dolphins and stingrays will show preference to fish type bait so when dropping pots shallow, try mullet or

The ban is on, you’ll have to wait a couple of months to get into the demersal action! mulies and when setting deeper, spleen seems to keep the undesirables at bay. Even the numbers are through the roof! Remember to stick to bag and size limits and only take what you need to ensure the crab population for the next fisher! • Get out there and enjoy the sunshine and if you’re having any issues with your gear or techniques or just need some advice come in and see the boys at Whiteys Tackle and Camping, they have a wealth of local knowledge that they are always happy to share.

South Coast

FMM

Weather conditions on rinse and repeat decides to go away soon and there will be some news for next article. One place that you can try if the winds are east or south easterly is. Cosy Corner. The rocks to the right from the carpark where a track winds behind the hillside affords some shelter from the wind, as does the rocks to the left at the end of the beach which is known as The Honeycombs. Large kingfish and samson fish can be observed there hunting on most days and

AUGUSTA

Anthony Gillam

Southeasterly winds, 20-40 knots with swells from 2-3m. From 12-25oC, cloudy with the chance of drizzle and possible thunderstorms. Rinse and repeat for 30 days and that just about summed up the last month! This is the unfortunate weather conditions that the southwest region of WA had to ring in the New Year and it just happened to coincide with the open season for demersal fishing. There were very limited fishing opportunities with only two safe ocean fishing days for the regular boaties and one or two other days for those owning larger vessels able to handle rougher conditions. The closed season is again imminent and demersal fishing will again be a no go. Unfortunately, the closures do not take weather conditions into account, meaning, quite often you miss out on the chance to take home a worthwhile fish. But when the weather doesn’t play nice during school holidays you have to make the most of what you have. This meant that recently most family activities involving water revolved around the river or heading over to Hamelin Bay which was more sheltered.

Louie Marsh captured this 3m tiger shark off the beach using a dead bait. It was released to swim away strongly after a lengthy battle at Hamelin Bay. the most of the conditions; bringing the fish to you without the need to be exposed to the winds. Most catches resulted from bait fishing although small hard bodied lures did snap up a few larger fish. There were also a few nice mid 30’s bream caught off the Turner Street jetty early in the morning with plenty of whiting inn between. With the larger tides around the full moon there was little chance of keeping a line on the bottom so it was important to pick the right time to have a go. That being said, the best time to go fishing is

The rocks at Cosy Corner Beach have sheltered spots where you can fish when the wind is blowing hard. Most days the wind was a little lighter during the mornings, so in order to get some fishing in the old ‘early bird gets the worm’ was the way to go. This trend seems to be continuing as there is little sign of change in the near future. The whiting fishing in the Hardy Inlet has been pretty hot with yellowfin and king george whiting actively hunting throughout the system right up to Molloy Island. There have also been some goodsized sand whiting in the Colourpatch area on the turn of the tide. Most have been caught on squid pieces, with small baits and small long shanked hooks doing most of the damage. Prawn pieces and cockles have accounted for some of the biggest fish. Heading up the Blackwood River has been fruitful for black bream if you could find a bit of shelter. Using some prawn pieces, heads and shells with some mashed up mulies as a berley trail made

when you have the time, so if the tide is rushing in or out then try looking for the areas where it is a bit deeper or the water swirls back on itself as that will generally create an area of slower water movement. The river is again producing some big crabs although at this early stage, numbers are small. The size of those caught however, has meant that although you have to work hard to get a few, those caught are full of meat and worth the effort. Spleen and chicken necks in a bait pot will last the best as fish heads tend to attract stingrays that are notorious drop net wreckers especially in Hardy Inlet where there are some huge black stingrays and eagle rays. For those desperate for a beach fish, then Hamelin Bay and Boranup Beach were about the best places to have a go. There were not many fish worth writing home about with mainly herring and sand whiting being caught. With less than ideal

fishing conditions it lent itself towards sending out a big bait and sitting back waiting for the action. Louie Marsh who was visiting the area on holidays at the end of December did just that when conditions were less than ideal for much else. Dropping a large dead bait from his kayak into Hamelin Bay to see what was about resulted in a massive run that became an epic battle. After some frantic action the result was a beautiful specimen of Galeocerdo cuvier better known at the tiger shark. While it was an impressive capture and release, it is not uncommon for the area with numerous bronze whaler, tiger and white pointers frequently sighted by boaties and divers throughout the area. Not happy to rest on his laurels he repeated the capture the next day with a 3m specimen that was also released, swimming away strongly. Generally, if you want to catch a shark for eating it pays to keep things reasonably small or you sometimes end up wrestling a 3m tiger shark. Bronze whalers are not only extremely common but are also great eating so are the perfect target. I find that even though most people tend to use steel trace, it is not needed for most sharks under 2m as a heavy mono trace will work 9 times out of 10. Slide baiting from the rocks or a paternoster rig from the beach with a whole herring, tailor or small bonito is dynamite for sharks, mulloway or kingfish. Just remember that there are maximum sizes on sharks and the best for catching, cleaning and eating are usually around 1.5m long. Not much rock fishing was possible this month due to miserable conditions so nothing to report. Hopefully the wind

The beach near Flat Rock just south of the marina is worth a fish even in less than ideal conditions. will take lures or live baits readily. Dead bait floated through the water column will also work especially if you have fish pieces for berley. Nothing works as well as an unweighted live squid however, so if you catch one give it a try. • Should you decide to give rock fishing a go please remember that it 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.

A typical Augusta King George whiting, mid 30s, fat and healthy. It was captured using squid strips. FEBRUARY 2024 97

West Coast

FMM

Get your arms stretched fishing around the FADs METRO

Jacob Crispe

As of 1 February, demersal closures will be in place and the freedom we all enjoyed during January will be restricted for three months – at least when it comes to bottom fish. Luckily for our offshore anglers, the FADs are truly on fire, and there are other good options to wet a line, too.

for the bream, while live baits will give you the best chance of tangling with a mulloway. ROCK WALLS AND BEACHES Our rock walls will continue to produce good fishing in the coming weeks. It will be all about the bread

which is exciting for anglers. While chasing some flathead recently, I saw good numbers of yellowfin whiting also patrolling the flats. Some of the fish were a good size, up to around 40cm long, but I could only manage to tempt a small one that day. I think a bit of persistence would produce results. As mentioned, the fish are widespread (East Fremantle to the Narrows Bridge), but a few good places

Young gun Mitch from AFW getting into some great flathead on the back of the flats casting the new Oceans Legacy micro jigs. other target species. February will see them spread throughout the system (from the mouth all the way up to Guildford). Bream and mulloway love

and butter species like skippy (silver trevally), herring, tailor and whiting. As always, the key will be setting up a good berley trail and using fresh baits. Lures and plastics can also work well once you have the fish concentrated in your area. Another consistent target from the rock walls are squid. There tend to be

An awesome picture of a mahimahi caught while fishing out on the boat with Luke Ryan from Tackle West. SWAN RIVER The recent stretch of warm weather has really fired up the fishing in the river, from the shallows right through to the deeper water. Flathead anglers have been enjoying some great fishing, and it feels as though this is becoming the norm. Feathered jigs, hardbody lures

to try would be Point Walter, Alfred Cove and around Como Beach. Another fishing option is to target tailor along the deeper drop-offs in the river using metal spoons or heavier hardbodies that allow you to cast to the deeper water. Mixed amongst the tailor have been some giant herring. Giant herring captures are becoming more consistent, which is exciting for Swan River anglers. Bream and mulloway are the

Han Yeoh is a master when it comes to stalking black bream on surface lures, what a great pic! structure, both natural and artificial. More specifically, they love the bait that concentrates around this structure. Fresh baits and lures will be best

The Fish Tucker Man strikes again! Dom is no stranger when it comes to putting some great King George on the plate!

Nolan and his daughter sharing a precious moment supplied by an early start with sand between their toes and a rod in hand! and blades hopped, slow rolled and worked across any of the flats in the river have a chance of being intercepted by a flathead. Most flats will hold fish, 98 FEBRUARY 2024

Another catch by Han, a lovely flounder on the Swan’s flats, from the lower reaches.

P Willy with an absolute thumper flathead caught while chasing whiting.

plenty of squid around at this time of the year, although they will be a little smaller. South Mole is always a popular location for squid fishers because, depending on the wind direction, you can fish either side of the wall. Like the rock walls, the beach

West Coast

FMM

Beach fishing is the go MANDURAH

Jesse Choy

February brings a lot of change, with notable ones including the closure of demersal fishing at the beginning of the month and marron fishing also ceasing come the 5th of the month. Although some of our favourite activities come to a halt, outdoors enthusiasts can rest assured that there will be many species to target and invest some time into despite these changes. Beach fishing is a great option for anglers of all skill levels as it tends to produce plenty of fun and good quality species – especially during the warmer months. If you are chasing a bit of fun fishing or some decent table fish, herring, whiting and tailor are all species that you are likely to come across when casting from the sand. If you are willing to spend a bit more time persistently fishing for larger species, like mulloway, then you will find that fish well over the metre mark are there for the taking and are willing to eat when they are present. If you are specifically interested in catching herring or whiting, your best bet will be to target them with lightly weighted coral prawns or small bits of cubed squid and pitch them into gutters or flats. If you are chasing tailor or mulloway, your best chances will be casting pilchards, mullet or squid into gutters on a change of light and patiently waiting for the right fish to commit to eating. As with any beach fishing, it is always a good idea to get some fresh bait that is local to the area you are fishing as it will make sure your presentation looks like it belongs there and will give you a better chance of catching. If you fancy a spot of wading or fishing focus will be based around tailor, whiting, herring and skippy. First and last light will provide the best fishing and again a berley trail will help to improve your fishing. Cottesloe, Trigg and Floreat always offer good fishing options. For those looking for a bigger beach challenge, mulloway and even Spanish mackerel are also an option. Generally, the better fishing is at night on the full and new moon fazes. Your local tackle store is a great source of information to go and do this type of fishing. INSHORE This month, squid will be a main focus for many anglers along our inshore grounds (Garden Island to Hillarys). Any patchy ground in 3-8m of water will most likely hold squid in good numbers. The odd King George whiting will also be found in similar water. The other main options will be

hitting the flats with the dinghy, our estuary is a great option to consider when fishing during the warmer months and is full of entertainment all day round. Estuary fishing can be inconsistent at times, though if you are willing to cover some ground when needed, there is some great sized blue swimmer crabs, yellowfin whiting, herring and tailor there for the taking. If you are fishing the estuary from a kayak or boat, towing some shallow diving lures or metal slices can work well providing that you are keeping the lure above the weed and not decreasing your odds of catching by collecting it. Wading flats is often more productive

Han Yeoh is no stranger to catching Peel YFW, with this one falling to a 70mm Bassday Sugapen. Both baits or lures will work well when heading up the rivers, though for both applications you will generally want to fish with a finesse approach to give yourself a chance in the clearer waters and on calmer days where the fish can be quite picky. If you are fishing with soft plastics or smaller baits,

Fishing with soft plastics off the beach is something that is under rated but will yield a lot of results when paired with persistence. than boat fishing, as it allows you to keep your presence to a minimum and actively target fish with a well thought approach. If you are fishing with top water lures or metal vibes for example, considering where your shadow is casting onto the water will give you increased chances of hooking up to some flighty fish that would otherwise turn their nose at you and never commit if they feel like something is not quite right.

Fishing up the Murray or Serpentine systems, anglers are bound to encounter some great sized black bream and the odd mulloway whilst wetting a line. You will want to focus your time fishing the upper reaches of both systems as great numbers of fish tend to move upstream in the warmer months aiming to escape predation in the abundant snags while also making the most of this less contended terrain when foraging.

Young Luka with an absolute cracker squid caught out with his Grandad drifting in 6m of water.

tailor and skippy, and the inshore reefs will be popular locations to target them. Unweighted baits or lures cast in and around the reefs will provide the best results. There is also a chance of picking up a small kingfish at this time of the year. OFFSHORE With demersal species off the cards, the offshore focus will return to pelagics like Spanish mackerel and tuna. Trolling lures or dead baits will provide the best results. Locating the fish will be a matter of searching with a spread of lures out or looking for bird concentrations to show that the fish are below them. The other option is to fish the FADs. As mentioned in the intro, the fishing around the FADs has been fantastic, and this will continue in the coming weeks. Mahimahi, tuna, mackerel and even marlin have all been captured in those locations, and it’s a great way to get your fishing fix while the demersal closures

When fishing further up the river this time of year, you will find bream schooled up at times and often they are spread throughout too. fishing with lighter weights will be very beneficial and allow your presentation to maintain some degree of naturalness.

Hools Orifici is all smiles with this jumbo. are in place. With our stint of warm weather set to continue, it’s nice to know that even with fishing closures we have plenty of options to go and wet a line. I hope you have a chance to do so, and I will catch you next month. FEBRUARY 2024 99

West Coast

FMM

Time to give the demersals a rest LANCELIN

Peter Fullarton

The next demersal ban starts 1 February. At least it is partially the right time to implement a ban that will help the recovery of dhufish stocks, as they will be well into their spawning season.

suggest giving it another crack this year. Practice makes perfect and a decent sized fish are not that hard to find and well worth the effort as they yield a lot of meat – 80% of the fish by weight, compared to demersal fish at 35-40%. Some quick tips for success: Around the new moon is best, head out to have lures in the water at first or last light. Have a deep diver and shallow

We have had schools of yellowtail kingfish, at times busting up in the beakers of the bay’s reefs. Sometimes the schools bust up baitfish a little further out to the 8-12m drop off just out from Lancelin Island. Lancelin Bay is a perfect spot to fish from small boats and kayaks. There’s always a feed of herring to be had, while the deeper weed banks have been loaded with snook that aggressively attack small minnow style lures or pilchard baits. King George whiting are a cyclic species in the bay with good years and slow periods, while the last two years were difficult to find many. They are on an uptick now, so no better time to try grab a feed. The whiting feed in the weed finding small crabs, mussels, worms etc. The cast right to the edge of the weed often gets the fish. Bait? I like to use cuttlefish tentacle, squid or prawn leaving the

The author with a better than average whiting from the bay. The ban can allow fish to behave like they did in ‘pre-GPS’ times schooling up on lumps unmolested. Back in the 1990s, schools could be

Robbie with a snapper caught in a berley trail off the beach. in the hundreds of fish. Efficiencies of GPS enabled fishers to identify the key lumps fish school on and accurately return to the same spot. These days, 20 odd fish seem a good size school. It is a great shame by fisheries management there are no protected areas in suitable depths along the west coast set aside for fish to build large schools. Our waters will be warming to the critical point, around 24oC, when it becomes the most reliable proposition to troll lures or baits for Spanish mackerel. A number of anglers dabbled last year due to the extended demersal bans. Feedback I received was it was a waste of time and fuel! It was a poor season for mackerel, the first in over ten years I failed to find a Spanish myself. I only caught several smaller spotted mackerel. I would certainly 100 FEBRUARY 2024

runner in the spread. A must is to have a Halco Laser Pro 190 red head white body, most of the time it is the first lure to go off. A lot of people suggest mackerel are sluggish in our latitudes and to troll slow, I would rather suggest moving the lure at a fair pace to get the reaction bite, minimum 6 knots preferably 7-8. Lastly, find the bait! If you come across schools of pilchards, bonito, or blue mackerel there will be almost surely some Spaniards not far away so concentrate the efforts around the bait. If you can’t find the bait, troll the west edge of a reef or drop off. We also have the FADs out this year that should be holding wahoo, mahimahi and even marlin, being the first year deployed we are still waiting to see what the warm waters will bring. Random schools of bonito and tuna have been throughout the depths, mostly southern blue and striped, but there have been some big yellowfin about too. Just keep an eye out for the tell-tale birds.

Warm water brings the guitar fish, testing angler’s skill and stamina. shell on reduces pickers. Anchor in a sand hole casting all around to the weed edges and broken ground. When you catch one cast straight back and you may get several more. If you catch a couple of butterfish cast a different

Eddie finding it doesn’t take long to gather a feed catching double headers like this. and more are attracted to the activity. While demersals are out of bounds for the boat fishers, beach casters have had a great run on snapper, find a near shore reef and pump out the berley. Most the fish off the cast will come from the hours of darkness or very early in the morning. February drone fishing can be the best time for the year where snapper can be considered a reliable target. Traditionally we always used two to three hook paternoster rigs with the drone, using a mix of baits to encompass what we may encounter 200-300m from shore. Although under the new rule only one bait may be used when targeting demersal species. It’s a hard one when are you targeting demersals vs whatever takes the bait? It is very different to fishing from a boat in deep water when most of the fish you catch are going to be classed demersal. When you start catching snapper perhaps it is time to switch to one hook rigs. A nonsensical rule from fisheries, where it’s ok to catch a snapper so long as you were not trying to catch one?

Dan with a typical size snapper he caught casting from the shore.

Aiden, posing for a quick picture before releasing his catch.

direction for a while so they move off. Certainly don’t use berley unless nothing is biting otherwise you might bring in the blowfish and hordes of pickers. Fishing like this tends to build momentum, starts off slow then more

Tailor will be starting the second breeding for the summer where they feed ravenously as they mature to spawn late this month. Keep in mind the fish for the future mantra only keeping what you immediately need for a feed.

West Coast

FMM

Unusual species turned up early KALBARRI

Stephen Wiseman

With warm water pushing in from a current brushing the Abrolhos islands the first of a number of unusual early fish have turned up, mahimahi, wahoo and big yellowfin tuna have

been among the reports around town. Yellowfin have been in the 20-25kg and Tom’s wahoo was just over 1200mm. A decent mahimahi (dolly) was taken onboard Aden’s charter boat by Alex, a second dolly was lost at the side of the boat while another yellowfin was lost by drag tightening at the wrong time. All the warm water may bring some

This mahimahi was taken by Alex onboard Aden’s Charter boat while fishing with a Halco Redhead.

billfish activity into the 50m depths, as happened about 10 years ago when a few sails were hooked and a black marlin was caught and released by myself. So it’s time to check all lines and gear. North of the river, big tailor are still on the prowl with one specimen going 90cm. A few early mulloway have been on the chew, best bait is mullet strip or live whiting if you can catch a few. For the boat brigade, pink snapper can be found all along the coast from close inshore to out wide in the 50m range and that’s also were the big yellowfin have been cruising. Bait schools are scattered at the moment but as they group up the activity will get better and more reports of macks will trickle in. It’s just a bit light on at the moment with only the occasional fish being taken and a lot of hours spent looking. Good reports of baldies from along the cliffs and the mix up of snapper mostly taken on crab as the pick of the bait. Whiting are quite thick in numbers and size with plenty for all, best areas are still along the flats by the boat hire and a little further up to the jetty.

Tom’s 120cm wahoo made a welcome addition to the fridge. Further up river from the pens is still the best for black bream with the occasional jack grabbing a bait, some of the recent catches have been over 30cm and that’s a nice fish for anyone. The unlucky Christmas story was of a local taking the grandkids out for a fish only to lose his Christmas rod and reel combo overboard as grandson couldn’t hold on, oops. With the current wind and weather conditions take care in the channel.

Land-based fishers landing quality fish species EXMOUTH

Barry Taylor

This month’s report has been supplied by Callan Gaunt. It’s been pretty windy over the past month, but the fishing has been pretty good when we’ve been able to get out there. Out wide, there are still blue marlin, black marlin and sails, although they’ve been less consistent than they were in December. Most have been taken on skirts such as on skirts such as Richter 6” Grassies for sails and smaller blacks and Soft Oscars for all species. We have been getting good reports from anglers heading out deep dropping. In recent weeks, they have been catching some nice 8-bar cod, ruby, comet cod and goldband snapper. In the 40-70m depth range, we’ve been seeing the odd rankin, red emperor and the odd spangled emperor turning up. Most have been caught on bait, but jigs and soft plastics have also been catching their share. Rankin and nannygai, in particular, respond well to artificials, and jigging is my preferred way to target them. I like the Vexed Dhu Drop, and I typically use a 100-150g jig, depending on the depth and current. Two of the standout colours have been pink and orange. There are estuary cod at those depths as well, both gold-spot and

malabars and a few oversize ones have been caught lately. If you think you’ve hooked an XOS cod, it’s good to slow the retrieve for the last 20m or so to minimise barotrauma. In around 20m of water and less, there have been quite a lot of red-throat emperor around. I like catching them on 5” ZMan Paddle TailZ and as light a jighead as I can get away with. The shallow water is also plagued with Charlie courts (Chinaman cod). Around that same depth, there have been a few mackerel getting around. Anglers fishing around the northwest tip of the Cape have been catching a couple of better size ones around the 20kg mark. There are still black snapper, trout and so on in the Gulf; it’s just a matter

Kyle Daniele with a nice eating size malabar cod.

Travelling anglers like Aaron Fitzgerald from Panawonica have been having a ball getting into the local trout population. of getting good weather windows. Moving to land-based fishing, the action has been pretty good around the flats lately, with quite a lot of GTs, queenfish and giant herring being reported. One of the guys also got a land-based Spanish on lure up near the Mildura wreck recently. Good lure options off are small stickbaits and poppers such as a small Ocean’s Legacy Keeling or smaller soft plastics such as Bait Junkie 3.2” Minnows. These lures will catch just about anything, including shark mackerel, giant herring and flathead. Pretty much any pelagic will hit it if you move it quickly.

There have been reports of quite a few estuary cod in the Gulf, with many being caught on the troll, and others on jigs and soft plastics. Jacks have been feeding actively around the local marina and jetties, with Learmonth Jetty consistently producing jacks. You can fish on plastics or hardbodies, but your best bait is to use bait, either dead or live. We’ve been hearing of a few GTs and queenies caught down around that Learmonth area as well. In the Bay Of Rest, there have been quite a few mud crabs getting caught lately. Some have been picked up by anglers just walking around in the shallows. FEBRUARY FISHING February is a good time to throw lures land-based for GTs, which get fired up in the warm water. For boat-based anglers, we’re hoping the wind will back off a bit so we can do a bit more bottom fishing in 50m+ of water, chasing reds, rankins and spangos. • For the latest news on what’s biting and where, drop in to Tackle World Exmouth at 3 Maley St, Exmouth or call them on (08) 9949 1315. You can also view the range at www. tackleworldexmouth.com.au, and see the latest catch photos on their Facebook page. This family business stocks a large range of tackle, from light spin to big game. The staff have a wealth of local knowledge and expertise, and are always happy to help. FEBRUARY 2024 101

South Coast

FMM

February is firing in Karratha DAMPIER/KARRATHA

Troy Honey

With January seeing a marked reduction in windy days it has allowed the local anglers to finally get the boats out and get into some creek and offshore fishing. The average daily temps have been hot but nothing out of the ordinary and it is in these conditions we get to enjoy superb wet season fishing. The tail end of January really saw the barra fire up in the local creeks with multiple anglers enjoying plenty of tussles and some solid fish landed. Airport Creek has been quite consistent with fish in the 60-80cm being the most common caught. One local angler enjoyed landing over 8 fish in a low tide session. Nickol Creek has also been fishing well for barra, as well as the creeks around Point Samson and Cossack. Further north towards the Port Hedland is where the real action has been taking place for barra and the fish size increases dramatically with endless reports over the last month of

number are by far the best we have seen in years. Crabbers walking the creeks at low tide have been rewarded with easy picking with large sun bakers easily found. Likewise, those who have been dropping nets from tinnies, a few pulls of the nets have seen bag limits easily reached. Full moon periods have been the optimum time although all the larger tidal days have been producing good numbers. With the relentless wind of

along the coastline you will find schools of whiting everywhere. I recently did a shore dive off Hearsons Cove for a bit of fun and couldn’t believe the amount of whiting in the water, not to mention the size of some of them, which easily exceed 30cm. One of my favourite species to target during the wet season would have to be octopus. You can catch octopus all year round in the Pilbara but I find they are far more easily found during the warmer

Local angler, Taj Hicks, knows the tricks to catching big mangrove jack land-based in Karratha with this solid one going 53cm.

The author with a couple of massive Karratha mud crabs caught in the creek during a full moon period.

Wet season is the perfect time to hunt for Pilbara octopus as they are more prevalent during the warmer months. fish exceeding 90cm. All of these creeks between Karratha and Port Hedland are fishing well for threadfin salmon as well and it is expected we will see both species being the predominate species caught in the creeks for the next couple of months, February and March. Still in the creeks, the season has been exceptional for mud crabs. Crabs 102 FEBRUARY 2024

December gone it has allowed for some good days targeting GTs around the many shoals of the archipelago with poppers and stick baits cast into the whitewash or over shallow reefs. Reports of fish exceeding 20kg have been common and among the catches there has also been quite a few large coral trout and the odd spangled emperor. Further offshore in waters exceeding 50m depths there are rankin cod literally in the hundreds with a few saddletails and red emperors among them, albeit tricker to entice as the rankins have been ferocious with the speed to rise up and take jigs on the drop. There are plenty of sharks about in the warmer waters so best to move about often otherwise they will congregate and you won’t get a fish past them. The creeks and estuary areas are alive with mangrove jack, cod, queenfish, bream, flathead and mullet. A great way to spend a day is flicking lures off the banks in the creeks with a couple of crab nets thrown out. Perfect for the whole family for catch and release or take a BBQ down with you and cook some lunch up. In the sandy areas in the creeks or any of the bays

months. During low tide on the springs, simply walk around the exposed reefs and search the shallow pools for them. You will need a good pair of polaroid sunglasses to help cut down the glare on the water surface. Octopus are often

in barely an inch or two of water slowly moving about in search for food or laying perfectly camouflaged waiting to strike on unsuspecting crustacean or small fish. You will need to look carefully, once you have spotted a couple you start to be able to spot them more easily. Bag limits are 15 per person in Western Australia so you will need to keep an eye on how many you catch and if you are using them for bait. I find ten small octopus is ample for a feed for 2-4 people to enjoy this great Pilbara delicacy.

Taj Hicks has been doing very well on the land-based jacks.

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Freshwater

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Determined freshwater anglers are rewarded FRESHWATER

Peter Fragomeni

The hot summer conditions has seen a lot of freshwater anglers turn their attention to our superb saltwater fishing. I am one of these anglers that normally puts the freshwater gear away for this period due to the lack of decent freshwater species that are active in summer, preferring to chase our world class rock lobster, blue manna, demersal, and pelagic species that our West Coast is famous for. Having said that, some reasonably good trout and redfin fishing has been had by those dedicated freshwater anglers that refuse to get their gear rusted up by saltwater. Ben Kelly is one such angler, he has a very successful kayak Facebook group called South West Kayak Anglers. He also runs a number of competitions that attract some fantastic sponsors and prizes. The recent Fishing Monthly Magazines freshwater photo competition

Redfin are widespread throughout the South West region of WA. They offer the only reliable year-round species for freshwater anglers. Photo courtesy of Blair Hutton Fishing

to give my readers photos that are rarely seen on the internet or Facebook groups, I also seek permission and credit the actual anglers that take the photos, unlike was the case here. This was not the first time and I believe writers should not plagiarise and have moral obligations and

Silver perch fishing on a small inland farm dam. They are such a hardy sportfish. It is a great pity they aren’t part of our stocking program.

We are lucky to have an unique freshwater crayfish fishery in South West WA. Marron are the second largest freshwater crayfish in Australia. A well policed season runs from 8 January to 8 February each year. They are found in most of our dams and rivers. standards or risk being discredited on the material they write. As was evident by the photos, redfin would be the only freshwater species we have over here which would equal any place in Australia, and in some cases surpass some states in both size and quantity. A big thank you to Ben and all the participating members that provided

licence and at $50 it’s not cheap, however, just a few good size marron would justify the cost. I wrote a full area report of the best locations on where to find them in the last edition so cross referencing would be advisable if you choose to seek out the best spots. AUSSIE NATIVES It seems any suggestions by Recfishwest to pursue the government and secure a public stocking program has lost any traction. This is sad because the untapped potential of our freshwater may never be realised in this state. The few lucky anglers that have access to these Aussie icons have caught enough quality size specimens to indicate that they are well suited to our warm waters. The silver perch seen to match growth rates similar to their natural range on the East Coast. There is no excuse why this species shouldn’t be included in our stocking program. DAMS Waroona Dam Only a few small redfin are being caught in the deeper water on jigs and soft plastics. Drakesrook Weir Local angler Jonah Chiera has been fishing this water and reports that the redfin have been inconsistent recently. He has done better on the trout compared to earlier on in the season, with a few nice rainbows falling to one of his favourite

A classic shot of Wellington Dam at night. Sights like this are what draws thousands of marroners and anglers each year. Photo courtesy of Collie Yak Facebook he organised was a huge success with some impressive captures of mainly redfin throughout our South West. It was sad to see one of the winning photos appearing in a weekly report that is emailed to thousands of anglers here in the West. This is the same organisation that I support and am a part of. Hopefully the individual responsible was unaware that it was an exclusive photo competition for this very magazine. I go to great effort 104 FEBRUARY 2024

some great photos for future issues. MARRON The prospects look good for the marroners with pre-season surveillance indicating there should be some good catches in a few locations throughout our South-West of the state. The season normally runs from 8 January to 8 February so there is still time to get out and secure a few of these tasty freshwater crustaceans. You must have a marron

Jonah Chiera with a plump redfin he landed after working the shoreline at his local dam. He is one of many anglers that were frustrated by the lack of trout available last season.

Wasabi spoons. Even a nice brown couldn’t resist its fantastic action. Logue Brook Dam Very busy with ski boats and jet-skis which makes being on the water hazardous. The quiet bays have fly fished well at first light by the dedicated anglers that know this water. Harvey Dam Good redfin are still being caught up in the tall timber, however, size is on the lower side. Trout are hard to come by with low rewards for big efforts. Marron are the main feature here but the huge fishing pressure over the last few seasons has resulted in them being hard to snare and spooking when first seeing a light.

Vince Gervasi has now retired after selling his tackle company. He loves his freshwater fishing and silver perch are one of his favourites. Wellington Dam A few redfin are being caught up the Collie arm and a good report has come through by a couple of anglers dropping jigs and plastics deep around the farm in the mid section of the dam. Trout have been quiet, and good numbers of marron have been seen prior to the season so things look promising. There will be no moon in the first week of February, which is the last week of the season. Dark nights and low winds are perfect for snaring along the banks. Glen Mervyn Dam A few redfin are available and marroning can be reasonably good on occasions.

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Freshwater

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Liam and Rhys Simpson with an impressive bag of quality redfin caught casting soft plastics from their kayak. This photo won them a year’s subscription to Fishing Monthly Magazines by competing in the South West Kayak Anglers freshwater photo competition.

branch can be good at times. As with all redfin most of the common lures work here, with soft plastics being a good start. Capel River A few good redfin upstream of the highway have been caught. Blackwood River A bit hit and miss at the moment so I wouldn’t target it, however, if you are down there try upstream of Bridgetown for redfin and down for trout. Warren River This river is fishing well for redfin with some impressive captures over the last couple of months. The deeper pools are the most productive with those able to get into the more secluded areas by kayak have the best results. Trout are a little quiet judging by the reports coming through. Lefroy Brook Low clear water has caused the trout BRAESIDE to be very spooky so any careless approach

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Lake Kepwari Redfin are being caught well up from theALBERTON boat ramp on deep diving lures, look MARINE for ALBERTON fish on the sounder. 39 JohnsonBig Street Alberton Brook Dam P:This (03) would 5183 2344 be the only dam worth F: (03) 5183 targeting trout2219 as it stays relatively cool W: summer. albertonmarine.com.au over It had a huge stocking late spring so worth a visit if you are BENDIGO down that way. BENDIGO MARINE & OUTDOORS RIVERS 160 Midland Highway Epsom I will only report on a few of the rivers (03) worth 5448 3988 thatP: are exploring over summer. W: bendigomarine.com.au Most have redfin and marron and others have trout as well. MELBOURNE Murray River BL MARINE Very busy over summer with redfin 612- 614 Plenty Road Preston the only chance in the deeper pools. P: (03) 9478 1420 Collie River below Wellington Dam F: (03) 9470 4638 By far our best summer fishery for W: blmarine.com.au trout as its fed by cool water let out for irrigation. The water can be fast this time SHEPPARTON of the year so heavy BOATS AND MOREflies and lures are essential to get down inShepparton the current. Brown 207 Numurkah Road andP:rainbow trout are right through the (03) 5822 2108 section down to South West Hwy. F: (03) 5821 2908 Collie River above Wellington Dam W: boatsandmore.com.au Some great redfin fishing has occurred

MORWELL DAM LEVELS CRAWFORD MARINE

71-77 Chickerell SouthStreet WestMorwell WA P: (03) 5134 6522 in the dams that Overall storage allow access and recreational F: (03)public 5134 6455 activities are currently 49.1% at the W: crawfordmarine.com.au end of December compared to 65.4% the same time last year. Conditions ECHUCA have remained very dry throughout EADES XTREME MARINE summer with cooler weather 24 Sturt StreetinEchuca experienced December. It’s been P: (03) 5482 2333resulting in elevated extremely windy evaporation, which means more F: (03) 5482 2133 irrigation and lower dam levels. W: xtrememarine.net.au

WAROONA 45% GEELONG DAM DRAKESBROOK WEIR 92% EDENCRAFT MARINE LOGUE BROOK DAM 66% 22-30 Buckley HARVEY DAMGrove Moolap 62% P: (03) 5248 4520 WELLINGTON DAM 44% E: admin@edencraftmarine.com.au GLEN MERVYN DAM 31% BIG DAM 86% W: BROOK www.edencraftmarine.com.au recently with a few quality fish in amongst the bag. Getting any exact locations has been hard as the anglers I chat to are very secretive, and for good reason. I would try the area from the weir well downstream of the town all the way to where the south

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Cnr Nepean Highway & along with a quiet electric motor is Ponderosa Place Dromana all that you need on a warm day. P: (03) 5987 0900 W: mymarine.com.au

is sure to result in failure. A few good browns have been spotted in the upper MORNINGTON PENINSULA Bigbrook just below NAUTICAL MARINE the dam but were reluctant to take 141 Hotham Roadanything offered to them. Donnelly River Sorrento Dry upstream with most of the pools P: (03) 5984 1666 very stagnant this time of the year. This E: info@nauticalmarine.com.au situation could have been avoided if a deal W: nauticalmarine.com.au had of been agreed to by all stakeholders when the proposed new dam was being TOORADIN tabled to be built on theCENTRE Record Brook. P&J MARINE SERVICE P/L This dam Station wouldRoad haveTooradin been the size 101 Tooradin of Waroona Dam and supplied much P: (03) 5998 3107 needed water to the area. A clause in E: pjmarine_services@bigpond.com the way of an environmental flow of 5% minimum would have delivered about the MELBOURNE same amount of water as Bigbrook Dams TRIPLE M MARINE total storage. One could only imagine 117 Northgate Thomastown what the stateDrive of the Lefroy Brook would P: (03) 8787 be in if9465 the construction of Bigbrook Dam was blocked by a few individuals that were F: (03) 9466 1418 opposed to the idea. We would not have a W: triplemmarine.com.au Hatchery so trout fishing would have been a thing of the past. The South West of WA offers some beautiful scenery and in some cases it borders on majestic. The freshwater fishery can be erratic at times. Be careful as snakes are common around water. Please take your rubbish and only leave your footprints. Total fire bans are in place with huge fines for those caught lighting them. Until next time Stay Connected.

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FEBRUARY 2024 105

YAMAHA LAUNCHES

Advanced Built-in Digital Electric Steering system and Yamaha’s TotalTiltTM feature.

106 FEBRUARY 2024

V6 4.3HORSEPOWER LitreOUTBOARD 350

Yamaha Marine has announced the release of their much anticipated allnew V6 350 horsepower outboard, combining big horsepower, state-ofthe-art features, industry leading boat control integration, premium level performance and Yamaha’s legendary reputation for reliability. Yamaha was the leader in bringing big horsepower engines to the outboard market, introducing the V8 350 way back in 2007. Since this time, Yamaha has dominated the Australian offshore market when it comes to high horsepower and boat control system integration, with the new V6 350 filling an important segment in Yamaha’s extensive big horsepower lineup. The new 350 has been built on Yamaha’s most reliable and proven big block V6 platform, which has been completely redesigned with an upgraded 4.3 Litre capacity, extra-strong gear case and many other engineering enhancements brought across from Yamaha’s pinnacle XTO 450 horsepower outboard – making it the most advanced V6 outboard Yamaha has ever produced. This engine delivers genuine 350 horsepower in an impressive 286kg industry-leading lightweight package, making it more suitable to a wider range of offshore boating applications, than ever before. Advanced Integrated Steering System The new 350 is both smart and good looking, coming with Yamaha’s state-ofthe-art built-in Digital Electric Steering. Neat and compact, this integrated steering system delivers extremely smooth, quiet and responsive steering, with additional technical smarts to give you even

more control over your boat. The system removes the need for steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines and bleeding procedures, resulting in a cleaner and less cluttered engine well, and the easiest outboard to fit in the market. More Charging Power – When You Need It Most The enhanced heat management system keeps everything nice and cool under the cowling. This not only improves engine durability and reliability but creates more available amps, when it is needed most, at idle – powering the increasing array of electrical devices used in today’s modern boats.

Industry-Leading Boat Control Integration When it comes to cutting-edge technology, nothing compares with the integration of the new 350 and Yamaha’s exclusive Helm Master® EX (HMEX) boat control system (sold separately). With its extensive point modes for making fishing easier, Autopilot navigation functionality and Joystick maneuvering capabilities, no other outboard can offer the level of control as the Yamaha 350. Now with the additional precision control of a Variable Speed Bow Thruster (optional), on single to quad outboard applications, HMEX delivers a premium experience, previously only

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available to much larger non-outboard powered vessels. Stronger and More Efficient Gear Box To handle the enormous power generated by the new 350, Yamaha’s engineers have enhanced the gear case, ensuring maximum torque transfer from the power head to the propeller and improved long-term durability. The enhanced gear case also features Yamaha’s Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) technology, which redirects exhaust bubbles away from the prop when operating in reverse and under 2500RPM, resulting in cleaner water for greater prop grip and significantly improved thrust. This is handy for navigating around marinas and docks, reversing onto your catch and when used in conjunction with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX boat control system.

Sleek and Sophisticated Design Styling The new 350 takes its styling cues from Yamaha’s V6 and XTO lineup, portraying a masculine and sophisticated design look. Available in Yamaha’s Signature Grey or Pearlescent White, these engines are immaculately finished, with raised chrome graphics to compliment even the most premium boats. For convenience, an optional propeller light rear panel is available for Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability mode. The rear panel light flashes when the engine is operating autonomously, to create propeller safety awareness for boaters and swimmers. More Convenience For an improved user experience, the new 350 comes with Yamaha’s

TotalTiltTM feature, delivering faster and easier engine tilting. TotalTiltTM allows the user to completely tilt the engine up from any position with a simple double-push of the “UP” trim/tilt button, or fully tilt down (to bottom of tilt range) by the same double push of the “DOWN” trim/ tilt button. Another handy feature is the optional dual flush system, allowing the boater to flush the engine from in the boat, or multiple engines at once. 350 Outboard Availability The new 350 will be hitting Australian shores in Autumn, with Yamaha Dealers currently taking pre orders.

To find out more, visit www. yamaha-motor.com.au.

“ The new 350 has been built on Yamaha’s most reliable and proven big block V6 platform, which has been completely redesigned with an upgraded 4.3 Litre capacity, extra-strong gear case and many other engineering enhancements brought across from Yamaha’s pinnacle XTO 450 horsepower outboard – making it the most advanced V6 outboard Yamaha has ever produced. “

FEBRUARY 2024 107

FMM

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Watch Troy from MinnRepairs install the Power Pole MOVE ZR on the FM BassCat

Hear how Loud electric motors can be underwater

Power Pole MOVE ZR FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

I must admit, I was pretty excited when I heard that the shallow water anchor company, Power Pole, was working on an electric motor. It was years ago and it took a fair while for the rumours to turn into a marketable product. I was an early adopter of their shallow water anchors. Josh Batterson from Skeeter Boats brought in a couple and Scott Mitchell and I laid down the coin to try them out. Nowadays if I fish a bream event in a shallow arena (like Mallacoota in Victoria), nearly every boat will have a shallow water of some type fitted to their boat. They make stopping in a foot or two of water a breeze. One thing that the company, based in Florida, USA, is famous for is after sales service. I’ve heard many stories of people with a ten-year-old pole that’s having issues that are resolved, for free, with the

product a decade out of warranty. You don’t see that type of service from many modern manufacturers. So when the Power Pole MOVE electric motors were released, everyone had high expectations. I received a motor for review and fitted it in August 2023. When I say “I” fitted it, I mean Troy from MinnRepairs fitted it. He’s the Queensland Power Pole guy and way more meticulous than me when it comes to completing a quality install. At this point, I’ll add that Power Pole do make a bracket that uses any of the existing holes you may have drilled for other brand electric motors. I opted not to use this part, I just filled the holes that were left over from when I had the (fantastic) Garmin Force fitted on the Fishing Monthly BassCat. You can watch a video of the install by scanning the QR code hereby. Like most things I review, I like to actually use the product for months before I publish an opinion. As such, this motor has fished everywhere between Lake

The two models available are the PV (pivot) and ZR (scissor) mounts. The MOVE is available in black and white. 108 FEBRUARY 2024

Main: The White Power Pole MOVE ZR looks great on the FM BassCat ... especially when there’s a barramundi hooked up. Above: Troy Whyte from MinnRepairs doing his thing. He’s the man to see if you’re interested in the north-eastern part of the country. Tinaroo for barramundi through to the top of the Myall Lakes in NSW for bream and a pile of places in between. I’ve logged hundreds of hours on it and it’s fair to say that there›d not be too many people in this country who have done more time on them. There’s two models of MOVE motors currently, the ZR (which is a scissor mount, like a MinnKota Ultrex or Garmin Force) and a PV (which is like a Minnkota Terrova or Garmin Kraken), so whether you have a bass boat or a higher sided craft, you’re covered. There are various shaft lengths available in the PV - up to 72” and in the ZR up to 60”. Both motors come in black or white colours. For the record, the MOVE on the BassCat is a 47” shaft white model that I run on a 24V Torqeedo lithium battery.

This gives me about 85% of the potential thrust that I’d achieve if I was using a 36V battery system. Like a lot of modern electrics, this motor can run on either and auto-switch. So let’s get down to it – what features does the MOVE have and how did they suit my type of fishing in both fresh and saltwater in Australia? WEIGHT This is pretty simple, but I was excited about the weight savings that this motor would offer me on the front of my bass boat. Granted, this isn’t as important in other, slower hulls, but at high revs, the BassCat likes to ‘pop’ up onto a planing pad and it with all of the weight I’ve added to the front of the boat (in the form of sounders and live sonar). I’d actually moved from a 3-blade to a 4-blade propeller to re-gain the bow

The main armature is barely bigger in diameter than a Coke can.

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BOATING PRODUCT

lift I needed to pop onto the fastest part of the pad. Moving to the Power Pole MOVE essentially deleted the weight that I added with a Garmin 16” and Humminbird Helix 12 at the bow. The MOVE at 24kg is 6kg lighter than my Garmin Force (30kg) and my sounders weigh 7.4kg. It may not sound like a lot of weight, but it’s where you put it. It’s like adding an overly heavy replacement tip on your rod and feeling it soften the action.

experienced. The best way to explain it is that it does away with lots of the lock-tolock steering changes that all of my other electric motors have done. It may have something to do with the accuracy of the GPS module or the algorithm it used to forecast which way it needs to correct, but when you lock it in place, it stays there. There is a ‘jog’ feature available on the hand held remote that lets you micro-adjust the position without having to reset the point.

The charging cradle is an awesome idea and it works on all available boat voltages. The Lowrance Ghost and the Garmin Force weigh about the same. The Minn Kota Ultrex Quest will be the heaviest of the bunch when you›re comparing weight of similar thrust brushless models. The titanium shaft in this motor obviously adds to the cost, but the advantages are noticeable. WHAT IS BRUSHLESS? It was a few years ago now that Garmin and Lowrance released their ‘brushless’ motors. If you’re familiar with the adoption of brushless motors in power tools in recent years, you’ll know that these motors are small, quieter and more powerful than their ‘brushed’ older siblings. For electric motors, noise is everything. I’ve done the hydrophone readings on electric motors under the water when completing a review on the Hydronut (QR hereby), and soon worked out that what we thought was whisper quiet operation sounds like a scream underwater. Some of this noise is generated from the propeller, but lots is from the motor architecture. Brushless motors help keep it quiet. QUIETNESS First impressions of the MOVE was how small the motor armature was ... and how quiet the tiny motor was. But there was more to the silence than the motor itself. Above water noise is often generated in the steering head of electric motors, but the MOVE has re-engineered this part and has minimised this sound to virtually nothing. SPOT LOCK Speaking of virtual anchoring, ‘Anchor Mode’ is as accurate as I’ve ever

CONTROLS There are several ways to control the MOVE. Most of the time, I use the hardwired foot pedal. It’s set up the same way as cable-driven electrics have responded for years, although it’s all fly-by-wire. Rock the pedal forward to turn the motor right and back to turn it left. There’s a momentary button that you engage with the ball of your foot and a variable speed control that you adjust by rolling your foot on it. But if you’re a remote-control guy (and I’m not), all MOVEs come with a remote control that you can use to control your power poles as well as the electric motor. This remote comes with a wired, rechargeable cradle that can be used to store the remote when not in use and to charge it when it has power. This is a really neat feature that means that you ALWAYS know where your remote is.

THE APP You can also control your MOVE with the Power Pole app, although I’ve really only used the app for software updates and to set my preferences after install. That’s right - you can set preferences for this motor - how fast it accelerates, which side the propeller stows when you’re storing the motor and the angle you like the pedal when you’re pointed straight ahead. You don’t use these features every day, but it sure is nice to be able to dial these in with a swipe on the screen on your maiden trip. STATUS PANEL Something that I haven’t had on an electric motor previously is a wired, display panel that shows the motor’s status. This fits neatly at the bow next to the motor and shows me the power level that the motor is set to and various colour LEDs indicate the status of your MOVE. All of the wired accessories need to be powered, but the cool thing is that they run on everything between 12 and 36v so you can run it off the crank battery or the electric motor batteries. NO INTERFERENCE One of the best parts of using a brushless electric motor is that you don’t get interference between your sounders and the motor if running them off the same batteries. Remember the days when you had a sounder and an electric running off the same 12V battery? And every time you powered up the motor, your sounder would go all fuzzy? It doesn’t happen with brushed motors. This means that I can run my Garmin LiveScopes off the same battery that I run my MOVE from. I have zero capacity issues and no interference! POWER TO BURN Operationally, there’s not much difference in feel from my older Force and the MOVE - except when you look at where the thrust is coming from. The MOVE has a significantly smaller motor to deliver similar performance. This thing would be crazy when rigged with a 36V battery setup! And just like the Force, I get days and days out of a charge. If I want to be on the water for a couple of days, there’s no need to recharge - especially if I’m doing a little

The MOVE ZR makes it easy to quietly sneak up on estuarine bream in the shallowest of waters.

Here’s how I solve the illumination problem. running around. My onboard DC-DC chargers keep the lithiums topped up nicely. DISLIKES? My opinion is that Power Pole have nailed it with their first foray into the trolling motor market. Is it perfect? Not quite. Very few modern motors have an illuminated pointer showing where the motor is headed. This is fine during the day, where you can easily see where the head is pointed, but at night, I find myself taping a glow-stick to the head so I can see which way the motor (and the attached Garmin LiveScope transducer) is pointed. I’m sure that someone clever will design a 3D printed attachment so that I can neatly attach my sticks, but a solution to this shortcoming would be great in a V2. Also, at times, the stowing mechanism and steering can fight when you have the motor half-up and skimming through the shallowest of water. Lots of anglers are in the habit of doing this to get themselves out of shallow water after beaching the boat or retrieving a lure. I’m sure it’s just a programming tweak, but if this was solved, it’s be a perfect motor in every respect for my current duty cycle. PRICE Obviously a titanium shaft electric motor with state of the art components isn’t going to be the cheapest on the market. The MOVE is the most expensive and around 50% more than the cheaper options on the market at the moment. The MOVE on my boat has an RRP of $10,400, which is around $1,000 dearer than its most expensive competition. Is it worth it? Hell yes! I spend 90% of my time on the electric motor and 10% of the time on by combustion motor. If you can afford it, why not have best tools to do the best job? I’ve put hundreds of hours on this one and I’ll be kicking and screaming when the time comes to take it off. For more information, PowerPole’s main corporate website breaks down a lot of the design features in great little videos. Locally, call Minn Repairs or Manning River Marine if you want to buy one. FEBRUARY 2024 109

New South Wales Tide Times

Victorian Tide Times

2021 2024 Times and Heights of High and Low Waters20212021 Local Times andLocal Heights of Time High and Low Waters T 33° 51ʼ S LONG 151° 14ʼ E Low38° Waters LAT 18ʼ S LONG 144° 37ʼ ETime EY EY (FORT (FORT DENISON) DENISON) –– NEW NEW SOUTH SOUTH WALES WALESTimes and Heights of High and POINT POINT LONSDALE LONSDALE ––VICTORIA VICTORIA

SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALESPOINT LONSDALE – VICTORIA SYDNEY (FORTLONG DENISON) – NEW LAT 33° 51ʼ S 151° 14ʼ E SOUTH WALES LAT 38° 18ʼ S LONG 144° 37ʼ E T DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES POINT LONSDALE VICTORIA LAT 33° 51ʼ S LONG 151° E SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES 14ʼ POINT–LONSDALE – VICTORIA LAT 33° 51ʼ S

LONG 151° 14ʼ E

2024

LAT 38° 18ʼ S

LONG 144° 37ʼ E

2024 2024

JULY MAY AUGUST MAY JUNE Times and Heights of HighJUNE and Low Waters Time Times and Heights of High and Low Waters and Heights of and151° Low Local Time FEBRUARYTimes andLAT MARCH APRIL Heights ofLocal High and Waters LATm33° 33° 51ʼ 51ʼ SHigh S Time LONG LONG 151° 14ʼ 14ʼ Waters EEJANUARY LAT LAT 38° 38° 38° 18ʼ 18ʼ 18ʼSSSTime LONG LONG LONG 144° 144° 144° 37ʼ 37ʼ 37ʼELow EE Time Time m m m Time m m JULY Time m Time m TimeLAT m JUNE JULY MAY AUGUST Time m Time m Time m Time JUNE MAY Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m JUNE JULY AUGUST Times and Heights Heights ofmHigh High and and Low Low Waters Local Time Times Times and andJUNE Heights Heights Heights of ofmHigh High Highand and and Low Low LowWaters Waters Waters Local LocalTime Time TimeTime m MAY Time Time m Time m Time of Time mm TimeWaters m Time Local m Time TimeTimes m and Time m Time of Time m JULYTime Local TimeTimes m and Time m

0633 0.53 00061.36 1.68 0519 0.58 0145 1.34 0150 1.40 1.26 0554 0.36 0037 1.78 0057 1.60 0557 0452 0623 0034 0.51 0052 1.4816 02081 1.63 1.41 0134 m1.71 0205 16 1.57 0046 0.69 0122 1.60 0034 1 1.26 0113 1.39 0028 1.52 m1.30 Time Time Time m0.49 Time Time m0.54 16 16 1 1 MARCH MARCH APRIL APRIL FEBRUARY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY MARCH MARCH MARCH APRIL APRIL APRIL m 1 0735 Time JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY 1155 m1.39FEBRUARY 0740 0744 1238 0646 0.43 m 1117 m1.28 0750 Time 0.51 0807 0.62 Time m0835 Time Time m Time Time m Time m 0735 16 1 1 16 16 1 16 1 16 1 1 16 1148 0.55 1.30 1041 0.38 1158 0.58 1.47 0821 0.65 0637 0.48 0.56 0825 0.55 0923 0.65 0601 0.67 0706 0.68 0642 0.62 16 1 1 1 16 1 16 1 16 1SA0037 16 SU0633 1MO 1225 TU 16 1 16 17251.78 0.65 1345 1.33 1358 1.38 1804 0.76 1303 1.43 16400.53 0.75 1430 1.59 1446 1.43 WE TH FR SU MO 1.68 0150 1.26 00570452 14121904 1.18 0034 1257 1.41 1.79 0006 14301748 1.31 0623 1.22 0.69 1.18 1.62 1.42 1.36 1.37 0145 1900 1.50 1245 0049 0.80 0.58 1.58 1.54 1245 0207 0.75 TU1.60 TH 1307 FR FR FR 12381.40 SA 14161.34 MO TU 1533 0.51 SA MO TU WE 0557 0046 1848 0.66 2314 1.71 2110 0.56 2114 0.76 2359 1.88 1911 0.79 1940 0.78 1 0.51 16 1 16 0740 0.49 16 1238 1.30 0744 0.54 0646 0.43 0750 0.51 0807 0.62 1935 0.78 1932 0.32 2028 0.60 1949 0.71 2042 0.88 1910 1928 0.56 1835 0.59 0.74 0.58 16 0735 1.30 1.54 1.44 1.35 1928 1 0938 1 1158 1 1041 1 160735 16 0.55 2319 0.38 16 1148 1.47 1935 1345 1.33 1358 16 1.38 FR 1303 1.43 10.43WE 1804 1606080.760.61 0118 1TH 1.27 10030 1616 11 WE 11TH 0748 16 1446 11 1.54 16 1602331.59 161.18 11900 11.43 1616 SU MO 1430 1427 1.50 1245 1257 1748 1.58 1904 1245 0.75 1.68 0301 1.25 0.87 0138 1.66 0148 1.47 0100 1.58 0.800225 0255 07000.79 SA SA MO FR TU 0146 1.50 1848 03070534 1.60 1.63 1.58 0317 1.52 0158 1.41 0108 1.52 0.66 2110 0.56 2114 0.76 1911 1940 0.78 0.74 0135 0.65 0.47 2 20.6208281.38 17 2 1.44 171928 2 0.68 172 0130 2057 17 17 1207 1.25 2 2 0648 2 17 20801 0.730.521717 20.67 17 22 1300 1.31 20043 17 170023 0858 0.65 0.56 1.42 0.54 0.45 2319 0.74 1.54 17 170733 220938 20.58 0739 0.541720724 0955 09411935 0.61 0.65 17 102117 0.65 0853 1922 0.710835 073317 2 21121 0656 1.29 0842 1.32 1.40 0849 1.50 17261.68 0.80 1.34SA 1544FR 1542 1.47 1447 1.35 14510.42 1359 1.49 TU MO 18251.66 0.74 MO 1350 1.62 TH 1.17 15341.25 1.13 15310735 1.17 WE 1636 1.24 1.54 1353 1.58 1.31 1323 1.27SA TU 1538 1.64 SU WE1.47 SU TU 1305WE FR1335 SA 1.41 0030 0255 1.18 0138 0148 0100 0301 1231 0.65 0.89 1.52 0.68 0.85 SU WE SA TU TH 1345 0315 0023 0.74 0135 0534 1.38 0043 0.65 1906 0.77 2227 0.72 2230 0133 0.50 0.57 2019 0.82 2045 0.81 1957 0.67 0.68 2021 0.40 2126 0.68 20530.56 0.79 20521256 0.81 0130 2157 0.47 0.85 1336 1948 2007 0.61 191317 0.66 0853 2 0.54 17 17 2 1836 0858 0.65 0835 0.54 17 0724 0.52 0828 0.58 0733 0.45 1947 1.44 2019 1.40 1959 1.51 2023 1.50 17 17 17 2 2 2 17 17 17 17 2 2 2 2 17 17 2 2 17 17 2 2 2 17 17 2 2 2 0656 1.29 1043 0842 1.32 0848 1.37 1121 0.42 0735 1.40 0849 1.50 1542 1.47 18 1.3518TH 1335 1.34 1451 1.41 SA 1359 1.49 1538 1.64 MO FR 1.29 TU 181345 18 3 3 0.890342 0406 3FR 1347 3 3 0206 3 18 18 3 1447 18 0421 0.85 1.52 0422 0243 1.53 0248 1.42 0415 3 1.58 01563 1.50 WE 03431336 1.56 1.59 00000.77 1.66 1.16 0239 1.56 0245 1.37 0200 1.48 1.22 0.95 01000.82 1.77 0126 1.63 1231 0.65 1542 1836 1.52 1256 0.68 SU SU SA TU TH 1906 2227 0.72 2019 2045 0.81 1957 0.67 2230 0.50 18 18 08470.570.601830815 18 3 18 3 0116 0.75 0230 0.65 0001 0.75 0144 0.59 0230 0.43 1109 0.63 0.750925 0908 0.75 1119 0.62 0836 0.70 1100 0.64 1053 0.59 3 3 18 3 18 3 0809 0.49 18 0702 0.62WE 0742 0953 0.66 0911 0.61 0825 0.47 1001 0.57 0.50 1947 1.443 2205 2019 1.403 2009 1.383 1959 18 1.51 2023 18 1.50 1723 1.32 1.45 1450 1.45 FR 1451 1.48 1.22 1.12 1421 1.18 17051.22 1.13 1.22 1.44 0808 1.26 0628 0958 1.55 TH TH1.37 SA1433 SU 1.46 MO 13031.63 1.24 1349 TH 1637 1.52 1544 1.40 15431.34 1458 1.57 WE 1656 1645 1.36 1.72 14141.56 1.28 1.41SU 1712SA TU TU0858 SU WE 0945 MO 0406 1.16 0422 0239 0126 0245 0200 2259 0.79 2030 0.57 2111 0.49 2055 0.66 2235 0.73 2002 0.72 2213 0.82 2219 0.77 1321 0.75 1438 0.96 1209 0.48 1402 0.78 1453 0.92 2330 0.65 0.43 0.4118 2129 0.81 0.79 2114 0.64 19340.57 MO 1001 TH 2341 WE 0426 0230 0001 0.75 0144 0.59 0230 3 1930 18 18 18 180.55 30116 30.470.750.75 1818 3319 18 18 0.57 33 2058 18 18 343 0223 30.80 1818220.500.83 33 0911 18 32015 18SU 0953 0.66 0.61 0825 19 19FR 2124 4 2155 4 0.65 4 1918 0815 4 19 4 0258 19 4 19 4 0925 2036 1.38 2108 1.37 1.47 1.48 1.47 3 18 18 3 3 3 0808 1.26 1145 0945 1.36 0949 1.40 0628 1.34 0858 1.44 0958 1.55 1637 1.52 1645 1.72 1544 1.40 FR 1433 1.41 1543 1.46 1458 1.57 TU 1.59 SA 1.320339 0343 SU 0524 0458 1.54 0458 0513 1.66 0513 1.54 0534 1.25 1.56 0345 1.46 0256 WE 1.50 0056 1.62 1.17 1.49 0344 1.31 0310 1.41 0228 1.59 0209 1.68 1321 0.75 2330 1438 0.96 1.01 1209 0.48 1402 1453 19 40905 19 190919 4 1155 40.62 0.65 0.81 2015 0.75 4 2155 0.79 2114 0.64 MO MO 1659 TH SA 1449 SU WE FR 19 0.59 12080.41 0.62 0.49 1147 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0.50 01331746 0.43 0112 0.60 0535 1.53 0313 0642 0.62 1.70 0007 0.63 0.64 062823 1.74 1656 TH WE SA SU MO 0432 0110 0.34 0545 0.33 0520 0.43 23 8 1240 23 8 1221 0.59 1.6123MO 1719 1.78 1800 1.65 1755 1.87 7 22 7 22 7 22 7 22 FR 2240 SA TU 0.66 WE 21 0803 1.69 07360.43 1.63 06502359 1.89 0711 1.72 1.57 2349 1216 1342 0.50 0649 1.73 13208 0.40 1300 2304 1.36 1.46 1.52 1.39 6 6 6 21 6 21 8 1758 8 23 8 23 23 1129 1.40 1025 1.44 0715 1224 1.74 1225 1.59 1301 1.59 0141 0.42 0516 1.57 0407 1.65 0021 0.67 0540 1.52 0043 0.60 0044 0.35 0213 0.22 1931 1.91 2346 0.50 1856 1.72 1446 0.45 1411 0.50 1317 0.25 1320 0.52 1757 1.22 1930 1.21 1345 0.42 1918 1.34 TH FR SU MO SU MO WE TH 22 2220141758 22 221.29 77TU 1807 220.93 0030 2271.33SA 77 0.86 71656 7 0.440.90 7770604 220522 7 1142 70.54 22221039 0.45 2342 22 0810 22 1.400.7222TH 71136 2222 7 70.60 1541 1746 1822 0.87 0732 0607 0626 1.28 0635 1.37 0.96 1.4222 WE TH 1418 SU MO 20420428 1.41 1.73 0.28 1938 1.65 0601 1937 1.28 0.57 0.49 0.44 1.49 17590.67 1.52 17001.52 1.57 1202 0.59 1812 1.90 1202 0.621.52 1212 0.48 1.391926 2304 1.36 2240 1.46 TU 1952 2359 2349 SA 1303 0.54 22 FR SA MO WE TH SU 1349 0.40 0141 0.42 0021 0540 0043 0.60 0044 0.35 0213 0.22 22 7 7 7 1218 1.50 1138 1.57 1320 1.81 1310 1.66 0639 0.31 9 9 24 9 24 9 24 1835 1.68 1840 1.71 1850 1.96 1935 1.79 2259 0.63 2017 1.90 22 0635 7 1703 22 1136 0.449 06257 1.63 0215 0.57 0.73 01581.42 0.60 01281844 0.34 0.82 0149 0.55 1844 0.92 0053 0.62 0.55 005222 0.54 0810 0732 1.29 1.4024 0626 1.28 1.37 1755 0.89 1.75 9 0607 24 90105 24 9SU 24 FR TH SU MO TU 1353 0200 0522 0.57 0428 0601 0030 0010 1.39 23 8 23 8 8 0842 1.72 0604 08130.40 1.65 0.44 0741 1.87 23 0746 1.49 1.55 0733 0.49 1.74 0743 1.86 23 0.56 07230.28 1.87 1349 1303 0.54 1202 0.59 TU 1812 1.90 8 1314 1202 0.62 1212 0.48 SA WE TH 2350 1.38 1.50 0.81 70104 7 1320 22 7 230639 22 0.61 0124 0139 0.27 1.66 00001.68 0047 0.39 0.2223 0216 0.37 1.50 1138 1.57 1310 23 2314401.90 23 88 0611 230.38 19157 0800 232339 88 1.81 81218 81.96 80.68 230505 1.67 23 8 81.24 1518 0.42 0.47 0.25 1347 0.31 0.52 0254 1429 0.45 22 1433 0.30 1407 0.28 2017 FR 23 SA MO881359 TU TU23 TH8 MO 1857 FR 0.54 1840 1.71 1850 1935 1.79 23 81835 23 8 0649 1.39 0711 1.29 0732 1.39 0.922011 0601 1.55 23 1125 0.40 0641 1.50 1.45 1.65 0811 1.33 1755 0.89 1703 0.73 1844 1353 1329 1456 211581.38 20451844 1.47 1.85 2009 1.75 1.71 0852 2019 1.2423FR 2027 1.36 20060.82 1.46 TH SU MO TU WE FR 1.55 0040 1.43 1.50 0533 0603 0.50 10 SU0053 251915 25 0123 2036 10 10 1237 0.59 12420.37 0.6125 FR 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 0.81 TU MO10 2350 1.388TH 2339 1.50WE 0047 0124 0.54 0139 0.27 0254 0216 0.37 8 23 8 23 0SA0104 25 10 25 10 25 10 25 0657 0.25 0644 0.40 0729 0.33 1242 1.71 1300 1.60 0234 0.55 0142 0.60 0200 0.46 0031 0.58 0147 0.43 0252 0.53 0221 0.28 0227 0.51 2015 1.84 1910 1.74 1919 1.77 1944 2.01 1836 1.59 1903 2.01 2100 1.85 8 23 23 23 8 0649 1.39 0641 1.50 0711 1.29 0732 1.39 0852 1.45 0811 1.33 24242408460.39 9 0713 24240.61 9 083490603 9 0814 9MO 1.84 1.72 1.44 1.75 0.72 1840 0.86 1.66 1.43 0819 0.37 1.77 1306 1.97 24 1.74 1.96 1435 09161813 1.74 0053 1.80 24 0823 1.50 1.51 TU 1352 WE 1440 0245 FR SA 1.55 0040 0123 0.50 1237 0.59 0.44 12420533 0.46 1344 0.50 WE 1228 TH 0.44 FR 9 MO SU 9 24 24 9 9 9908311411 24 24 99 0105 240.35 9 9 24 24 15081.85 0.45 1509 0.41 1519 0.20 1403 1452 0.19 1547 0.41 0.29 1415 0.33 0.54 1926 0144 0.56 0145 0.30 0202 0.48 0045 0.63 0000 0.51 0331 0.2524 0253 0.32 0230 0.22 0.40 0.78 0.87 2005 0.75 SU WE FR TU SA SA TU 14401934 WE 8 8 8 23 8 23 23 0840 1242 1.71 1944 1300 0657 0.25 0644 0729 0659 1.60 11 2015 1.84 1910 1.74 1903 2.01 1919 1.77 2.01 2100 11 11 1.722056 261440 26 9 9 24 24 21151352 1.53 2100 1.2824 0740 2115 1.45 1.280730 205226 1.58 214591.41 1.92 2040 1.75 1.76 11 1.38 1.48 0752 1.31 0642 1.53 24 0600 1.68 1951 9 0933 1414 1.47 1.70 0849 1.37 0826 1.41 1528 1813 0.72 1411 1.84 1840 0.86 SA FR MO TU WE TH SA 1SU0144 11 26 11 26 11 26 MO0145 0032 1.54 1.56 1.46 1.50 0033 1.42 1311 0.60 TH 13190.22 0.45 26FR 1322 0.60 12490.56 0.53 12100.30 0.37 1519 1942 0.41 0.76 0213 2115 1425 2005 0.46 0.75 13590.25 0.45 0.87MO0144 WE TU 0128 SA 0202 0.48 0253 0.32 0331 0230 1934 0.78 1926 0121 0.541945 0226 0.57 0251 0.38 0.51 024024 0.33 0642 03090.44 0.52 0.27 0.26 030524 0.50 0724 925 90315 9 0815 0.36 2141 0.37 1.76 2053 1.86 1.79 1956 2.07 0328 19570.26 1.81 19111.38 1.6624 0740 18361.48 1.86 2033 2.02 0746 9 075225251.31 24 0826 9 0629 0730 0849 1.37 1.41 10 25 25 0800 1.85 0900 1.79 10 0923 2.04 25 0948 1.73 10 0903 2.00 0933 09191.47 1.65 10 0922 1.69 25 0901 1.47 10 25 10 10 10 10 25 25 10 10 25 10 25 25 10 25 10 10 25 1338 1.81 1459 1.84 1434 1.75 1522 0326 1.73 1339 1.68 SA TU WE TH SU 1311 0.60 1322 0.60 1319 0.45 1425 0.46 1519 0.41 1359 0.45 0144 1.56 0213 0157 1.49 0032 1.54 0033 1.42 FR 0.340221 TU SA SA0241 12 1.46 27 12 0.39 1603 0.15 161512 0.40 153427 0.16 MO 15330128 0.45 0.37 1445 1.50 0.57 12 WE 1451 TH 1545 SU 0.44 WE 1520 0330 TH 01251.79 0.58 TH 1956 00572.07 0.40 0407 0.31 27 2052 0.52 0.24SU MO 0241 0318 0.22 0.29 1908 0.70 2022 0.75 2007 0.82 0.71 1919 0.83 9 9 24 9 24 9 24 2053 1.86 2141 1.76 1945 1957 1.81 2033 2.02 0916 0746 0.26 0724 0.37 0815 0.36 0745 0.34 0629 0.26 0642 0.44 2042 1.33 2138 1.31 2200 1.52 2216 1.45 2137 1.68 2144 1.58 2141 1.95 2114 1.80 12 27 20 0719 1.51 27 25 0656 12 10 25 1.67 10 0812 1.36 2512 0837 1.46 27 0832 1.32 0915 27 1.42 10 0929 1.41 25 1013 1.47 1459 1.84 WE 1434 1.73 1602 13380.62 1.81 SU 1339 1.68 SU 1557 TU TH 1522 FR 1456 SA 13200.52 0.54 12560.24 0.37 0211 TH 0.46 1.73 0259 1345 1411 0.48 1401 0.59 1449 0.45 1.750409 1509 0.45 MO TU WE 0214 SU TU0230 1.55 1.48 1.49 0123 1.58 0115 1.45 0407 0330 0.29 0221 0241 0241 0.44 0318 0.22 0402SA 0.50 0.30 2052 0345 0.71 0.50 0.50 0306 0.70 0.55 FR 0343 0.32 03320.75 0.27 03450.31 0.50 2151 2022 2007 0.82 2027 0.67 1908 1919 0.83 1924 1.98 2218 1.65 2133 1.85 1943 1.71 2019 1.82 2047 2.09 2035 1.84 2121 1.98 10 10 10 10 25 25 0837 10 2511 11 26261.32 26262609521.47 0.30 0804 0.3626 0859 0.41 0720 0.20 0718 0.39 0929 1.41 0812 1.36 1.461111 0832 0915 1.42 1021 1.70 11 10140833 1.55 094225 1.41 13 0849 1.94 0938 1.79 1012 2.05 26 095228 1.97 1013 1.61 11 11 26 26 11 11 11 11 26 26 11 11 26 11 26 11 26 13 28 13 13 28 1642 0.42 0230 16001544 0.48 0259 0.61 1618 1.58 0.39 1646 0.13 1.45 16151.55 0.17 1602 0.46 1.48 1509 0.45 0.6228FR 1411 0.48 1401 0.45 1.80 1.76 1.53 1.70 1.87 1416 1.73 MOSU TH FR 1518 1.49 TH 1538 FR0.59 SU MO TU 16000.46 WE TU 1430 SA 0.25 SU 1449 WE TH 1515 FR 1600 0405 MO 0123 0214 0246 0115 28 28 13 3 1345 13 28 13 0202 0.55 0407 0.28 0441 0.38 0153 0.31 0259 0.50 0334 0.23 0318 0.42 0403 0.25 22471957 1.48 0833 1.93 0.72 2149 1.80 2047 2130 10 1.37 2213 0.20 1.33 25 2247 1.58 0.39 2222 1.76 2218 22141.65 1.63 0.3622272107 2133 1.85 1.82 2047 2.09 20350720 1.84 2121 1.98 0.77 0.35 2136 0.67 0.68 1957 0.80 10 0952 10 25 25 0831 0718 12019 26 1051 26 26 0757 1.48 26 0751 1.63 11 1011 0859 1.45 0.41 1.47 0852 1.35 0932 1.44 11 0912 1.330.30 10020804 1.42 11 10 1624 1430 1.87 1544 1.80 1515 1.76 1600 1.70 1535 1.73 1416 1.73 MO SU WE TH FR SA MO 13490.50 0.56 WE 1554 0.45 1645 0.52 13430.23 0.40 0301 FR 14220.42 0.64 1503 0.51 0438 1442 0.58 1539 0.48 0.51 0505 0.37 0429 0.51 0.45 0344 0.54 SA 0436 0.25 0.31 0425 0.26 0421 0.49 TU WE TH SU MO 0441 0.38 0259 0334 0318 0403 0407 0.28 29 29 0343 2225 14 14 12 292136 1.52 0.67 14 0258 1.4927 1.46 0209 12 1.59 0156 1.47 12 12 2710261.47 12 1211060315 27 12 2113 1212 27 2714 1957 0.68 2107 0.72 2047 0.58 1957 0.80 2720131.44 122139 2711 121.76 27 27 2727 1212 27 1053 1.64 1.41 27 102526 1.36 12 0938 2.01 1014 1.78 1100 1.99 104126 1.87 1051 1.56 2255 1.52 27 20151.35 2215 1.80 2.06 2056 1.83 2.07 2115 1.85 2207 1.90 0.77 26 0932 11 2612 11 0912 1.33 1002 1.42 1011 1.45 11 11 0918 0.36 0845 0.37 0939 0.47 0809 0.19 0755 0.37 14 29 14 29 14 29 4 0852 29 1709 0.44 1643 0.59 1554 0.66 1624 0.20 1650 0.40 1730 0.17 1656 0.24 1626 0.49 TU FR SA FR SA MO TU WE 1645 0.52 1422 0.64 SA 1503 0.51 14420209 0.58 1.59 0.48 1.47 1554 0315 0.45 1.52 TH SU 1.40 MO 1539 WE 1.74 1.74 1.66 1454 1.76 TH FR 1556 SA 1633 0444 0156 0258 0512 0335 0.45 1.55 0446 0.31 1.49 0446 0.29 02492.07 0.26 2220 03381.85 0.49 0428 0.27 MO 03571.87 0.41 02391.83 0.52 23181517 1.51 23141625 1.86 0343 2229 1.46 1.79 2246 1.34 2207 2335 1.62 2308 TU 1.80 2255 22441.52 1.66 2139 2115 1.90 2215 1.80 2152 0.71 2129 0.72 2217 0.64 2043 0.67 2033 0.78 11 11 26 11 26 11 26 12 27 27 27 22056 1027 08091.33 0.19 0755 0.3712 0918 0.36 0845 0.37 0939 0.47 0918 0.40 1130 1.46 1048 1.41 1055 1.48 0932 1027 1.41 0953 1.34 0834 1.44 27 0848 1.57 12 150.54TH 15 0605 1644 301633 15 30 15 0516 0.46 0515 1.66 0.54 0353 SA 0.42 0420 0.54 SUTU 0530 0.33 051930 0.29TU 28 05001556 0.51 1653 1517 1.87 1454 1.76 1625 1.74 1614 1.71 1730 0.5828 1627 0.53 1.74 0.47 14300.27 0.45 13 1500 0.66 1557 0.56 1523 0.58 14190.49 0.58 TU MO FR SA SU 13 13 28 13 13 28 28 13 13 28 13 13 28 28 FR TH TH MO WE 28 13 28 13 28 0446 0.29 0512 0.45 0338 0428 0357 0.41 0446 0.31 28 13 28 13 28 13 13 28 0254 1.58 0400 1.48 0343 1.49 0426 1.43 0236 1.48 1126 1.56 1202 1.29 1112 1.30 1027 2.04 1047 1.75 1148 1.87 1130 1.72 1101 1.48 30 15 30 15 30 15 5 0932 30 2043 0.67 2033 0.78 2152 0.71 1130 2129 1.39 0.50 22501.46 1.78 0.72 2300 2217 1.72 0.64 2332 2159 21021.41 2.10 12 0953 2133 1.83 2229 1.99 2154 1.8427 20461.33 1.7827 1027 12 27 1048 1055 1.48 1.34 1.41 12 12 12 1016 2258 17360856 0.48 0.21 0.71 0.44 0.71 0929 0.40 0.54 0.54 SA 17271000 SU 163527 SA 1712 0.18 SU 1721 0.41 TU 1813 0.25 WE WE 1737 0.34 0830 TH 16540.36 1644 0.47 1730 0.58 1500 0.66 SU 1557 0.56 1523 0.58 1627 0.53 TH FR MO TU 2352 1.52 2314 1.75 2310 1.43 2321 1.35 2355 1.81 2316 1.67 1603 1.82 1704 1.68 1634 1.71 1704 0524 1.61 1532 1.75 TU FR SA SU WE 0544 0.52 0528 0.38 0527 0.33 0316 0.51 0345 0.25 0417 0.50 0519 0.32 0437 0.40 0254 1.58 0400 1.48 0343 1.49 0426 1.43 0236 1.48 0425 1.56 31 31 2332 1.39 2300 0.67 1.72 1.83 2229 1.99 2154 1.84 2250 1.78 13 28 13 28 13 28 32133 2127 2235 0.70 2212 0.66 2256 0.62 2110 0.76 12 27 12 12 27 27 12 1210 1.45 1133 1.40 1142 1.51 0913 1.41 28 0945 1.50 0445 1015 1.32 1120 1.39 1036 1.35 0856 0.21 1000 0.44 0929 0.40 1016 0.54 0830 0.36 1006 0.47 1102 0024 1.65 2931 0557 0.57 0616 0.36 29 0.54 14 1.76 29 0610 0.58 14 0.41 0458 0.56 14 14 290541 140004 290.50 14MO 1652 291.68 WE 1724 1414 29 29 0527 140.62 2915210.320.51 14 29 141649 31 FR0519 31 0.6429 1715 0.59 1.71 14500.50 1540 0.68 0.61 1608 0.59 1603 1.82 1704 1.68 1634 1704 1.61 1532 1.75 SA 1820 WE FR 1737 TH 0.33 0544 0.52 0417 0437 0.40 0528 0.38 14 29 14 29 14 29 14 29 TU FR SA SU WE 0627 0.40 1200TU 1.47 1221 1.54 1139 1.40 0708 0.55 1206 1.26 1116 SU 2.01 1120 1.69 MO 0338 1.55 0315 1.48 0446 1.42 0430 2245 1.49 0.43 0510 2331 1.40 2331 1.64 0.66 2347 1.60 21191.32 1.7928 1120 21541.39 2.08 2213 1.81 2318 1.87 2235 28 WE 13 2127 0.67 2235 0.70 2212 2110 0.76 1.51 1015 1036 1.35 1133 1.40 1238 1.69 1804 1142 0.53 181728 0.47 1210 17241.45 0.60 1.20 2256 1725 0.62 0.76 1759 0.19 1751 0.44 TH TH 1.81 FR SU 13031042 MO SU 13 MO 13 28 13 0942 0.28 0906 0.37 0.52 28 1014 0.46 13 1053 0.62 © Copyright of Australia of Meteorology 1737 0.50 Commonwealth 1820 1540 0.68 MO 1649 0.61 1608 0.59 1715 1855 0.59 0.36 23520.64 1.66 18182019, 0.80 Bureau 2356 1.37 FR SA TU WE 0015 0519 1.28 1.55 0609 0.38 1.40 0500 0.51 0610 0.40 0518 0606 0.45 03551.81 0.52 04431.87 0.28 1.75 1.73 1.61 1.68 1.56 WE 1647 TH 1611 SA 1743 SU 1714 MO 1735 0607 0338 1.55 2331 0315 1.48 0446 1.42 0430 1.49 0510 Datum of 0.41 Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide 2347 1.60 2213 2235 1.81 1.64 29 29 14 292318 14 29 14 4Copyright Commonwealth Australia 2020, Bureau Meteorology 15 15 15 15 30 30 15 15 30 1515 3030 0619 0.5930 1232 1.54 1059 1.30 1213 1.37 1122 1.36 1218 1.40 0.46 0952151.37 1044 of1.43 15 30 15 30 2209 0.67 2146 0.75 2318 0.70 2257 0.61 2332 0.60 0100 1.65 0006 1.71 0000 1.46 0114 1.64 0043 1.77 0626 0.58 0537 0.59of 13 28 13 28 13 28 13 0942 0.28 0906 0.37 1053 0.55 1141 1042 0.52 1014 1053 0.62 Times15 are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) 30 or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in 15 30 15 301804 15Moon 1.43 1.63 0.55 1622 0.71 1744 0.67 1656 0.61 0.66 1.68 1524 0.66 0.59 atum of 0.51 Predictions is1614 Lowest Astronomical Tide 0816 0.62 1735 0713 1.56 0.59 0540MO 0.43 0727 0.48 07161.61 0.46TH 12211.28 1.32 1154 1.62 TU SU 1254 SA 1838 FR SA 0015 0500 0610 0.40 0518 0.41 0606 0.45 0609 0.38 1647 1.75 1611 1.73 WE 1730 1759 1743 1714 WE TH TU TH SA SU MO New First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon 0421 1.50 0355 1.46 0534 1.37 0521 1.47 0558 1.37 1919 0.69 2254 1.78 2319 1.76 2155 1.78 2246 2.01 1416 1.17 1310 1.24 1206 1.93 1330 1.49 1315 1.36 1757 0.66 1821 0.47 29 14 29 14 29 MO TU MO TH FR SA TU mes in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight time (UTC when in effect 0619 0.59 1059are1.30 1213 1.37 11222209 1.36 1218 2146 1.40 1232 2318 1.54 0.67 savings 0.75 +11:00) 2331 0.39 0.70 2257 0.61 2332 29 0.60 14 0041 14 1131 0.70 0.86 0.61 1827 0.80 1101 0.54 1845 1939 0.66 0.48 14 190029 0.60 1254 0.36 0943 Last 0.39 1.43 1622 0.71Symbols 0.67 1656 0.61 First 1838Moon 0.55 SU TU 1744 WE 0.24 TH 1804 SA 1025 oon Phase Full New Moon Quarter Quarter19241120 1.46 0007 1.74 0013 1.50 0542 0.34 0545 0.53 0601 0.42 0435 0.54 0106 1.17 1.53 1731 0534 1.67 1.37 1650 0.69 1.69 1.47 1819 31 1.55 1.37 1754 0620 1.63 1.51 31 31 31 TH FR SU MO TU 1806 0006 1919 2254 1.78 2319 1.76 0421 1.50 0355 1.46 0521 0558 31 0032 1.64 1.3830 0658 0.47 152252 5 1033 1.32 30 1143 1.38 15 0657 0.45 30 2344 0645 0.52 15 14 1146 0033 1.29 12110.69 1.39 30 0703 0.65 2225 0.74 0.56 14 29 14 29 29 14 1025 0.36 0943 0.39 1141 0.65 0658 1120 0.61 1101 0.54 1131 0.70 31 31 0717 0.62 0619 0.64 1.56 MO 1346 1.42 13051.50 1.36 13041.17 1.40 17091.74 0.66 17100.42 0.73 WE 17491.46 0.64 FR 16000.53 0.71 SU SU 1328 1806 TU SA 0041 0545 0007 0601 1731 1.67 1650 1.69 TH 1.55 0106 TH FR WE 1813 FR 1220 SU 1819 MO TU 0.70 13101754 1.24 1229 1.53 SU WE 1948 0.57 1.51 0622 1839 0.73 1859 0.72 1.63 0001 23410.47 1.91 15 1211 2339 1.73 22321.29 1.7530 0658 2030 0.70 1.58 0010 15 30 0013 0507 0437 1.44 1.46 0.59 0.52 0657 1.43 0.45 30 0703 1146 1.39 0.65 2252 0.74 1836 2344 0.56 1838 0.73 1853 0.69 0.51 0645 2225 15 30 15 30 15 1107 0.45 1023 0.43 0630 1.32 1151 0.64 0650 1.35 1304 1.40 1328 1.56 1710 0.73 WE 1305 1.36 1749 0.64 1346 1.42 FR SU TH MO © © © Copyright Copyright Copyright Commonwealth Commonwealth Commonwealth of of of Australia Australia Australia 2023, 2023, 2023, Bureau Bureau Bureau of of of Meteorology Meteorology Meteorology onwealth onwealth of of Australia Australia 2023, 2023, Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology 0642 0.42 00580.70 1.37 0213 1.58 1.10 1859 0.72 1948 0.57 2339 1.73 1839 0.73 2030 1815 1.58 1731 1.64 1200 0.70 1838 1212 0.79 FR SA MO TU WE 0507 1.43 0437 1.44 0001 0.70 0010 0.59 0018 0.37 0045 0622 1.46 31 Tide 312305 31 30 0726 1244 0723 0.58 0.70 Datum Datum Datumof ofof0.43 Predictions Predictions Predictions Lowest Lowest Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide Tide Tide ns s isis Lowest Lowest Astronomical Astronomical Tide 1.34 © Copyright Commonwealth Australia Bureau ofisisisMeteorology 2336 0.71Astronomical 0.72 1.49 1.35 0800 1.47 15 30 15 30 15 15 1107 0.45 of 10232023, 0630 1.32SA 0650 1.51 1842 0753 1151 0.64 1857 1807 0.73 1353 1.41 1448 1.42 MO TU 0058 1.37are 0213or Times Times Times are are inininlocal local localstandard standard standard time time time(UTC (UTC (UTC +10:00) +10:00) +10:00) oror1.10 daylight daylight daylightsavings savings savingstime time time (UTC (UTC (UTC +11:00) +11:00) +11:00) when when wheninininTH effect effect effect tandard tandard time time (UTC (UTC +10:00) +10:00) or or daylight daylightDatum savings savingsoftime time (UTC (UTC +11:00) +11:00) when when in in effect effect 1815 1731 1.64 1200 0.70 1212 0.79 1230 0.75 1304 1838 1.58 Predictions is1.58 Lowest Astronomical Tide FR SA MO WE SA TU 2001 0.76 2148 0.68 31 31 0723 0.58 0800 0526 0.70 1.42 Moon Moon Moon Phase Phase Phase Symbols Symbols Symbols Full Full FullMoon Moon Moon New New New Moon Moon Moon First First FirstQuarter Quarter Quarter Last Last Last1.52 Quarter Quarter Quarter 2336 2305 0.72 1857 1.49 1842 1.47 1900 1921 New New Moon Moon First First Quarter Quarter Last Last Quarter Quarter ols ols Full Full0.71 Moon Moon Times are in local standard (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect 1353 1.41 1448 1.42 31 SAtime TU 1107 0.49 2001 0.76 2148 0.68 Moonof Phase Symbols 2020,New Moon Moon First Quarter SU 1815Full1.59 Last Quarter 0526 of1.42 0110 0.37 © Copyright Commonwealth Australia Bureau Meteorology 2351 0.69 31 31 1107 0.49 0832 1.50 Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide 0519 0.58

0554 0.36

0037 1.78

0633 0.53 1238 Time Time1.30 mm WE 1804 0.76

1.28 1155 0.49 m Time Time mm 0740 Time me me mm 1.39 Time Time 1117 mm Time m

TU 1345 1.33 A 1725 0.65 SU 1640 0.75 2359 0.79 1.52 0208 0208 1.63 1.63 1911 0028 52 52 1.48 1.48 1.88 0113 0113 2314 1.39 1.39 1.71 0028 1.52

0134 0134 1.71 1.71 0835 0835 0.56 0.56 0825 0825 0.55 0.55 37 37 0.48 0.48 0706 0706 0.68 0.68 0642 0642 0.62 0.62 0030 1.68 0700 0608 0.61 0138 1238 1.66 1.37 1430 1430 1.31 1.31 1416 1416 1.22 1.22 57 57 1.79 1.79 0.43 1307 1307 1.42 1.42 1238 1.37 FR FR FR 0.54 SA SA TH TH 0724 0.52 1300 1.31 1207 FR 1.25 0835 1928 1928 0.56 0.56 1835 1835 0.59 0.59 2028 2028 0.60 0.60 1949 1949 0.71 0.71 32 32 0.32 0.32 1335 1.34 1825 0.74 1726 0.80 1447 1.35

2019 0.82

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46 46 1.50 1.50 0158 0158 1.41 1.41 0307 0307 1.60 1.60 0108 0108 1.52 1.52 0233 0233 1.63 1.63 39 39 0.54 0.54 1.77 0801 0801 0000 0.73 0.73 1.66 0955 0955 0.62 0.62 0239 0733 0733 0.67 0126 0941 09411.63 0.61 0.61 0100 1.56 0.67 50 50 1.62 1.62 0.49 1353 0702 1.31 1.31 SA 1544 1544 1.17 1.17 0925 1323 1.27 SU 1534 15340.50 1.13 1.13 0809 0.62 0.57 1.27 0815 FR FR 1353 SA SA SA 1323 SU 1414 1.40 0.66 21 0.40 0.40 1.28 2007 2007 0.61 0.61 1.24 2126 2126 0.68 0.68 1913 0.66 2053 20531.41 0.79 0.79 O21 TU 1303 TH 1544 1913 FR 1433

0452 0006 1.681.41

0057 1.60

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0557 1.26 1.36 0150

0046 0.69 0034 0.51 0735 0735 Time Time Time1.30 m mm Time Time Time m m1.47 m 1900 1.43 1.50 MOMO 1748 19041.59 1.54 TU 1245 0.80 1303 1.431.58 SU 1430 SA1446 WE 1245 0.75 TH 1358 1.38 FR FR 1935 1.44 2319 0.74 1928 1.54 1848 0.66 2110 0.56 1940 0.78 2114 0.76 02050432 1.57 1.571.70 0122 01220436 1.60 1.601.61 0432 0432 1.70 1.70 0524 0524 0524 1.65 1.65 1.65 0454 0454 0454 1.62 1.62 1.62 0501 0501 0501 1.47 1.47 1.47 0436 0436 1.61 1.61 0205 0505 0505 0505 1.55 1.55 1.55 0432 0432 0432 1.52 1.52 1.52 1148 0.55 11580.51 0.58 0646 0750 0744 TimeTime mm1041 Time Time mm0.54 Time Time m m0.43 m 0.38 Time Time Time Time m mm Time Time Time m mm Time Time0807 m mm 0.62 Time Time Time m mm Time

2045 0.81

1957 0.67

1947 0.72 1.44 2227

19590.50 1.51 2230

2019 1.40

0225 02250506 1.58 1.581.58 03170512 1.52 1.521.68 0512 0512 1.68 1.68 0506 0506 1.58 1.58 0317 0532 0532 0532 1.53 1.53 1.53 0601 0601 0601 1.60 1.60 1.60 0500 0500 0500 1.51 1.51 1.51 0532 0532 0532 1.57 1.57 1.57 0116 0.75 0001 01441.22 0.59 0938 0938 0.65 0.65 10211058 0.65 0.65 1058 1058 0.37 0.37 0.37 1053 1053 1053 0.58 0.58 0.58 1021 1139 11390406 0.40 0.40 0.40 1.16 1209 1209 1209 0.14 0.14 0.14 1108 1108 1108 0.32 0.32 0.32 0230 1142 1142 11420.65 0.15 0.15 0.15 0245 1.37 0200 1.480.75 1139 0422 0628 1.34 0858 1.44 0808 1.26 0945 1.36 1722 1722 1.52 1.52 1655 1655 1.34 1.34 1.34 1800 18000953 1.41 1.41 1.41 0.66 1905 1905 1.58 1.58 1.58 1738 1738 1738 1.53 1.53 1.53 SU 1843 1843 1.64 1.64 1.64 1531 1.17 1.17 1636 1.24 1.241.52 0911 0.61 0825 0.47 FR 1001 SA 0.57 WE WE WE1722 TU TU TU1655 FR FR1800 SA SA SA1905 SA SA SU SU1843 TU TU 1531 WE WE 1636 1209 0.48 1402 0.78 1321 0.75 1438 0.96 MO TH SU WE 1543 1.46 1458 1.57 2306 2306 0.35 0.35 2250 2250 2250 0.42 0.42 0.42 2157 2341 2341 23411637 0.57 0.57 0.57 1.52 WE 1645 1.72 2321 2321 2321 0.59 0.59 0.59 2358 2358 2358 0.61 0.61 0.61 2052 0.81 0.81 21572306 0.85 0.850.35 SA2052 SU TU

58 58 0.56 0.56 20 20 1.69 1.69 51 51 0.44 0.44 56 56 1.37 1.37

0024 0024 0642 1.65 1.65 0.42 0557 0557 0.57 0.57 0627 0627 1244 0.40 0.40 1.34 1200 1200 1.47 1.47 1238 1.69 1.69 TH 1804 1804 0.53 0.53 0.73 WE WE 1238 TH MO 1807 1855 1855 0.36 0.36

0616 0616 0.36 0.36 0541 0541 0.54 0.54 1221 1221 1.54 1.54 1139 1139 1.40 1.40 1817 0.47 0.47 FR 1724 0.60 0.60 TH TH 1817 FR 1724 2352 2352 1.66 1.66

37 37 0.59 0.59 54 54 1.62 1.62 21 21 0.47 0.47

0114 0114 1.64 1.64 0727 0727 0.48 0.48 1330 1.49 1.49 TH TH 1330 1939 1939 0.48 0.48

0043 0043 1.77 1.77 0626 0626 0.58 0.58 0716 0716 0.46 0.46 1221 1221 1.32 1.32 1315 1.36 1.36 SA 1757 0.66 0.66 FR FR 1315 SA 1757 1900 1900 0.60 0.60

0350 0350 1.69 1.69 0006 0412 0412 1.56 1.56 0100 01000350 1.65 1.651.69 00060412 1.71 1.711.56 0922 0922 0.59 0.59 0713 1003 1003 0.54 0.54 0816 08160922 0.62 0.620.59 07131003 0.59 0.590.54 1536 1536 1.47 1.47 1604 1604 1.37 1.37 1416 1.17 1.171.47 1310 1.24 1.241.37 MO MO MO1536 TU TU TU1604 MO MO 1416 TU TU 1310 2130 2130 0.21 0.21 1827 2200 2200 0.39 0.39 1924 19242130 0.86 0.860.21 18272200 0.80 0.800.39

0032 0032 1.64 1.64 0717 0717 0.62 0.62 1310 1.24 1.24 SU SU 1310 1838 1838 0.73 0.73

0439 0439 0439 1.56 1.56 1.56 1037 1037 1037 0.49 0.49 0.49 1643 1643 1.39 1.39 1.39 WE WE WE1643 2233 2233 2233 0.45 0.45 0.45

1822 0.83

2129 0.81

2015 0.75

43 43 1.53 1.53 0248 0248 1.42 1.42 0415 0415 1.58 1.58 0156 0156 1.50 1.50 0343 0343 1.56 1.56 1.49 0.70 0209 47 47 0.60 0.60 1.68 0908 0908 0056 0.75 0.75 1.62 1119 1119 0.62 0.62 0339 0836 0836 0.70 0228 1100 11001.59 0.64 0.64 0.61 0.59 1.18 0905 0914 50 50 1.45 1.45 0.53 1451 0800 1.22 1.22 SU 1712 1712 1.12 1.12 1009 1421 1.18 MO 1705 17050.48 1.13 1.13 SA SA 1451 SU SU SU 1421 MO 1407 1.26 1633 1.47 1530 1.52 1525 1.30 WE 0.66 FR SA U11 11 0.49 0.49 0.82 2055 2055 0.66 0.84 2235 2235 0.73 0.73 2002 0.72 2213 22130.70 0.82 0.82 1929 2234 2002 0.78 0.72 2128 2050

0524 0524 1.59 1.59 0433 0256 0458 04581.56 1.54 1.54 43 43 1.56 1.56 1.62 0345 0345 0158 1.46 1.46 1.61 0256 1.50 0333 1.45 1.50 0320 1234 1234 0.59 0.59 1049 0956 1208 12080.46 0.62 0.62 04 04 0.63 0.63 0.55 1027 1027 0858 0.74 0.74 0.58 0956 0.70 0956 0.59 0.70 1012 1830 1830 1.15 1.15 1815 18151.64 1.18 1.18 59 1.30 1.30 1.36 1606 1.16 1.16 MO 1541 1.13 1.54 1.13 1626 1626 1.33 MO TU SU SU 1606 MO MO 1541 SA 1718 SU TU E59 TH 1512 0.73 0.76 2203 2345 2345 0.72 0.72 2331 2113 2329 23290.61 0.79 0.79 04 04 0.56 0.56 0.79 2155 2155 2043 0.69 0.69 0.81 2113 0.76 2240

1.42 1.53 0423 44 44 1.60 1.60 1.59 0448 0448 0304 1.52 1.52 1.62 0627 0627 1.62 1.62 0522 0409 0603 06031.54 1.56 1.56 0409 1.53 0438 0.59 0.64 1100 27 27 0.62 0.62 0.55 1145 1145 0950 0.66 0.66 0.52 1330 1330 0.54 0.54 1127 1118 1259 12590.44 0.58 0.58 1118 0.64 1046 1758 1.61 1719 1.78 1716 1.44 1609 1.44 SU MOWE H15 FR 1.15 15 1.21 1.21 MO 1729 1.15 TU 1925 1925 1.21 1.21 1902 1902 1.26 1.26 1712 1.15 1.15 MO 1729 WE TU TU 1712 2346 0.50 2307 0.74 2154 TU 0.74 00 00 0.61 0.61 2303 2303 0.68 0.68 2236 2236 0.74 0.74 0516 1.57

0407 1.65

0021 0.67

0540 1.52

0000 0.68

0505 1.67

0104 0.61

0047 0.39

45 45 1.65 1.65 0.54 0551 0551 1039 1.61 1.61 0.45 0045 0045 0.68 0.68 0607 0524 0524 1.62 1136 0030 00300.44 0.73 0.73 1.40 1.62 1142 42 0.56 0.56 1.52 1251 1251 0.55 0.55 1.57 0719 0719 1.66 1.66 1202 1226 1226 0.52 0654 06541.90 1.59 1.59 0.59 0.52 1759 MO TU 1812 R42 SA 1700 29 29 1.19 1.19 TU 1840 1840 1.20 1.20 1412 1412 0.49 0.49 1824 1824 1.23 1.23 1338 1338 0.54 0.54 1835 2259 WE 0.63 TU WE WE WE 1.68 TH TH 59 59 0.62 0.62 2006 2006 1.27 1.27 2350 2350 0.66 0.66 1941 1941 1.34 1.34

1.39 1.74 0601 0134 0134 0.62 0.62 0649 0628 0117 01171.50 0.66 0.66 42 42 1.70 1.70 1.55 0007 0007 1125 0.63 0.63 0.40 0628 1.74 0641 0.59 0.40 1217 TU 1237 1320 WE 1228 A42 SU 1748 0803 0803 1.69 1.69 0736 07360.44 1.63 1.63 42 0.50 0.50 0.53 0649 0649 1.73 1.73 1.72 1320 0.40 1910 1.74 1903 2.01 1836 1.59 1446 0.45 0.45 TH 1411 0.50 0.50 30 30 1.21 1.21 WE 1345 0.42 0.42 TH 1918 1.34 1.34 FR TH 1446 FR 1411 WE 1345 TH 1918 2042 2042 1.33 1.33 0144 0.56 2014 20140.30 1.41 1.41 1937 0000 1.28 1.28 0.51 0045 0.63 1937 0145

0730 1.38 0642 1.53 0600 1.68 0740 1.48 0215 0215 0.57 0.57 0158 0158 0.60 0.60 53 53 0.62 0.62 0105 0105 0.55 0.55 0052 0052 0.54 0.54 WE 1311 0.60 TH 1319 0.45 U 1249 0.53 MO 1210 0.37 0842 0842 1.72 1.72 0813 08132.07 1.65 1.65 33 33 1.74 1.74 0743 0743 1.86 1.86 0723 0723 1.87 1.87 1945 1.79 1911 1.66 1836 1.86 1956

1518 0.42 0.42 FR 1440 0.47 0.47 29 29 0.45 0.45 TH 1433 0.30 0.30 FR 1407 0.28 0.28 SA FR 1518 SA 1440 TH 1433 FR 1407 0125 0.52 1.46 2115 2115 1.38 1.38 0221 2006 2045 20450.24 1.47 1.47 19 19 1.24 1.24 0.58 2027 2027 0057 1.36 1.36 0.40 2006 1.46 0241

0719 1.51 0656 1.67 0812 1.36 0837 1.46 1320 0.62 0.43 0234 02340.48 0.55 0.55 42 0.60 0.60 0.54 0200 0200 0.46 0.46 0.37 0147 0.43 0252 0252 0.53 0.53 O42 TU 1256 TH 1345 0147 FR 1411 1943 1.71 1924 1.98 2019 1.82 0846 08462.09 1.66 1.66 19 19 1.77 1.77 0834 0834 1.97 1.97 0814 0814 1.96 1.96 2047 0916 0916 1.74 1.74

1508 15080.23 0.45 0.45 09 09 0.41 0.41 0.55 1519 0153 0.20 0.20 SA 1452 0.19 SU 1547 1547 0.41 0.41 0259 SU FR FR 1519 SA SA 1452 SA 0202 0.31 0.50 0.19 0334 2115 21151.44 1.53 1.53 00 00 1.28 1.28 1.48 2115 2115 0751 1.45 1.45 1.63 2052 1.58 0932 2145 2145 1.41 1.41 0852 2052 0757 1.35 1.58

1349 0.56 WE 1343 0.40 0.64 SA 1503 0.51 U26 FR 1422 0240 26 0.57 0.57 1.76 0251 0251 2013 0.38 0.38 2.06 0328 0328 0.51 0.51 0.33 2139 0309 03092.07 0.52 0.52 2015 2056 0240 1.83 0.33

00 00 1.79 1.79 0923 0923 2.04 2.04 0948 0948 1.73 1.73 0903 0903 2.00 2.00 0919 0919 1.65 1.65 0.49 0.16 0428 0239 0.26 45 45 0.39 0.39 0.52 1603 0249 0.15 0.15 SU 1615 1615 0.40 0.40 0338 1534 0.16 MO 1533 15330.27 0.45 0.45 SA SA 1603 SU SU SU 1534 MO 1.33 1.68 0834 38 38 1.31 1.31 1.44 2200 2200 0848 1.52 1.52 1.57 2216 2216 1.45 1.45 0932 2137 2137 1.68 1027 2144 21441.41 1.58 1.58

SA 1500 0.66 SU 1557 0.56 E 1419 0.58 TH 1430 0.45 1.83 0.27 2046 0343 2102 0.32 0.32 2.10 0402 0402 0.50 0.50 2133 0332 0332 0.27 2229 0345 03451.99 0.50 0.50 06 06 0.55 0.55 1.78 0343

1012 1012 2.05 2.05 1021 1021 1.70 1.70 0952 0952 1.97 1.97 0952 0952 1.61 1.61 38 38 1.79 1.79 0316 0.25 0.50 0.17 0519 1646 0345 0.13 0.13 MO 1642 1642 0.42 0.42 0417 1615 0.17 TU 1600 16000.32 0.46 0.46 18 18 0.39 0.39 0.51 SU SU 1646 MO MO 1615 TU 0913 1.41 0945 MO 1.50 1015 1.32 1120 1.39 2247 2247 1521 1.58 1.58 0.51 2247 2247 1.48 1.48 1540 2222 2222 1.76 1649 2214 22140.61 1.63 1.63 13 13 1.33 1.33 0.68 1.76 H 1450 0.62 FR SU MO 2119 1.79 2154 2.08 2213 1.81 2318 1.87 0436 0436 0.31 0.31 0438 0438 0.51 0.51 0425 0425 0.26 0.26 0421 0421 0.49 0.49 44 44 0.54 0.54 1100 0443 1.99 1.99 0.28 1053 1053 1.64 1.64 0500 1041 1041 1.87 0610 1026 10260.40 1.56 1.56 14 14 1.78 1.78 0.52 1100 0355 0.51 1.87 1730 1044 0.17 0.17 TU 1709 1709 0.44 0.44 1059 1656 0.24 WE 1626 16261.37 0.49 0.49 50 50 0.40 0.40 1.37 0952 1.43 1.30 0.24 1213 MO MO 1730 TU TU TU 1656 WE 1524 0.71 1.80 2335 1.62 1.62 0.59 2318 2318 1.51 1.51 1622 2308 2308 1.80 2244 22440.67 1.66 1.66 46 1.34 1.34 0.66 2335 R46 SA 1614 MO TU 1744 2155 1.78

2246 2.01

2254 1.78

20 20 0.54 0.54 0530 0530 0.33 0.33 0516 0516 0.54 0.54 0519 0519 0.29 0.29 0500 0500 0.51 0.51 0.53 1.72 0435 47 47 1.75 1.75 0.54 1148 1148 0542 1.87 1.87 0.34 1126 1126 1.56 1.56 0545 1130 1130 1.72 0007 1101 11011.74 1.48 1.48 1146 1.29 0658 0.47 1033 1.32 1143 1.38 21 21 0.41 0.41 TU 1813 0.25 0.25 WE 1736 1736 0.48 0.48 WE 1737 0.34 0.34 TH 1654 1654 0.54 0.54 TU 1813 WE 1737 1710 0.73 WE TH 1305 1.36 1600 0.71 1709 WE 0.66 TU A21 SU 21 1.35 1.35 1.75 2352 2352 1.52 1.52 2339 2355 2355 1.81 1839 2316 23160.73 1.67 1.67 1.73 1.81 2232 2341 1.91

33 33 1.38 1.38 19 19 0.64 0.64 29 29 1.53 1.53 53 53 0.51 0.51

TH 1257 0.87 1922 0445 0445 0445 1.48 1.48 1.481.42

09231010 0.65 0.65 0821 08211015 0.65 0.650.61 1010 1010 0.47 0.47 0.47 1.38 1108 1127 1127 1127 0.15 0.15 0.15 0043 1038 1100 1100 11000.68 0.11 0.11 0.11 1055 1055 1055 0.32 0.32 0.32 1105 1105 1105 0.30 0.30 0.30 1015 1015 0.61 0.61 0923 1108 1108 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.74 1038 1038 0.35 0.35 0.35 0135 0023 1.18 0133 0.57 0534 0.65 0130 0.47 0148 1.47 0100 1.58 0301 1.25 1533 1.18 1.18 1412 1.18 1.18 1629 1629 1.51 1.51 1.51 1813 1813 1.63 1.63 1.63 1756 17561.32 1.72 1.72 1.72 MO 1801 1801 1.57 1.57 1.571.37 1755 1755 1.61 1.61 1.61 1615 1615 1.36 1.36 1.36 1720 17200255 1.41 1.41 1.41 FR 1702 1702 1702 1.53 1.53 1.53 SA MO MO 1412 TU 1533 FR FR FR TU TU TU1629 TH TH TH1720 FR FR1813 SA SA1756 MO MO1755 MO MO MO1615 TU TU1801 1121 0735 1.40 0849 1.50TU 0656 1.29 0842 0848 0828 0.58TU 0733 0.450.42 0858 0.65 0853 0.56 1935 1935 0.78 0.78 2042 2042 0.88 0.88 2218 2218 2218 0.26 0.26 0.26 2338 2338 2338 0.49 0.49 0.49 2317 2317 2317 0.56 0.56 0.56 2314 2314 2314 0.72 0.72 0.720.95 2332 2332 2332 0.70 0.70 0.70 2215 2215 2215 0.35 0.35 0.35 2306 2306 2306 0.50 0.50 0.50 2248 2248 2248 0.55 0.55 0.55 1836 12561.64 0.68 WE 1336 0.89 1231 1.47 0.65 SA TU TH 1345 0.85 FR 1347 1451 1.41 1359 1.491.52 SU1542 1538

1930 20580.41 1.48 2036 0.65 1.38 2108 1.37 2114 0.641.47 2330 2341 0535 0535 1.55 1.55 0421 0550 0550 1.65 1.65 1.65 0.74 0601 0601 0601 1.49 1.49 1.49 0.75 0019 0019 0019 0.58 0.58 0.58 0252 0530 0530 0530 1.48 1.48 1.48 0329 0612 0612 06120.61 1.51 1.51 1.51 0342 03420535 1.59 1.591.55 04210550 1.52 1.52 0220 0052 0.51 0344 1.31 0310 1.41 0534 1.25 1130 1130 1130 0.54 0.54 0.54 1109 1145 1145 0.30 0.30 0.30 1209 1209 12090513 0.37 0.37 0.37 1.17 0640 0640 0640 1.53 1.53 1.53 1137 1137 1137 0.31 0.31 0.31 1044 1223 1223 12231.42 0.22 0.22 0.22 1053 1053 0.59 0.59 11091145 0.63 0.63 0922 1.27 0735 1.33 1014 1.53 0954 0.62 0919 0.49 1046 1106 0.54 1735 1735 1.32 1.32 1.32 1819 1819 1819 1.51 1.51 1.51 1841 1841 1.41 1.41 1.41 0.66 1252 1252 0.18 0.18 0.18 1816 1816 1816 1.52 1.52 1.52 1930 19301.00 1.54 1.54 1.54 1656 1.22 1.22 1723 1.32 1.32 1422 0.83 1550 1307 0.57 1517 0.85 WE WE WE1735 TH TH THMO SA SA SA1841 SU SU SU1252 SU SU SU MO MO MO1930 WE WE 1656 TH TH 1723 TU FR TH 1632 1.52 1558 1.66 1728 1.58 1746 1.80 SU2219 WE 2126 1.35 TH 2324 2324 2324 0.49 0.49 0.49 MO 2352 2352 0.45 0.45 0.45 2000 2000 2000 1.51 1.51 1.51 2200 2355 2355 2355 0.65 0.65 0.65 2200 1.36 2031 1.48 2219 0.77 22592352 0.79 0.79 23000.77 0.74 2259 2230 0.561.44 0330 0.71 0157 0.70 0016 0402 0601 0.43 0629 0629 1.60 1.60 1.60 00160020 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.57 0101 0101 0101 0.67 0.67 0.67 0037 0037 00370.56 0.68 0.68 0.68 0604 0604 0604 1.51 1.51 1.51 0513 0601 0601 1.45 1.45 1.45 0426 05130629 1.54 1.54 0458 0458 1.66 1.66 0442 1.28 0422 1.361.35 0016 0039 1030 1.32 0900 11220.32 1.64 1231 1231 0.25 0.25 0.25 0632 0632 06320607 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.20 0721 0721 0721 1.45 1.45 1.45 0653 0653 06531.51 1.43 1.43 1.43 1204 1204 1204 0.52 0.52 0.52 1147 1207 1207 1207 0.30 0.30 0.30 1137 11471231 0.59 0.59 1155 1155 0.49 0.49 1038 0.62 1016 0.50 0633 1.31 1539 0.89 1418 0.66 1636 0.88 1701 1.00 WE TU FR SA 1921 1921 1.49 1.49 1.49 1241 12411136 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.63 1334 1334 1334 0.25 0.25 0.25 2300 1304 13041.37 0.31 0.31 0.31 1818 1818 1.31 1.31 1.31 1859 1859 1859 1.48 1.48 1.48 TU 1801 1.41 1.41 1801 1.33 1.33 1717 1.59 1658 1.771.43 0.49 FR FR FR1921 SU SU SU1241 MO MO TU TU1304 TH TH TH1818 MO MO MO FR FR 1801 TH TH 1801 MO TU TH 2215 MO 1.35 FR 1206 2137 1.50 2255 1928 1928 19281814 1.39 1.39 1.39 1.652055 2055 2055 1.44 1.44 1.44 2021 2021 2021 1.44 1.44 1.44 23570.67 0.68 2349 1842 1.87 23492342 0.72 0.72 0.46 2333 2333 0.67 0313 0.62 0432 0.64 0507 0.34 0516 0.50 0536 1.27 0531 1.351.44 0054 0129 0038 0038 0.57 0.57 0.57 0054 00540102 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.49 0146 0146 0146 0.75 0.75 0.75 0119 0119 01191.59 0.75 0.75 0.75 0000 0000 0000 0.57 0.57 0.57 0556 0030 0030 0030 0.71 0.71 0.71 1225 0603 0603 1.76 1.76 05560038 1.56 1.56 1025 1129 1.40 12240.25 1.74 1121 0.62 1115 0.490.72 0706 0724 0708 0708 0708 1.54 1.54 1.54 0706 0706 1.40 1.40 1.40 1.24 0807 0807 0807 1.37 1.37 1.37 0739 0739 07390.96 1.34 1.34 1.34 0635 0635 0635 1.47 1.47 1.47 1221 0633 0633 0633 1.40 1.40 1.40 1541 1656 0.90 17461.37 0.86 1247 1247 0.38 0.38 1221WE 0.55 0.55 TH0652 SA SU 1758 1800 1.65 1755 1.871.46 1315 1300 0.43 TU FR SA 2304 1.36 2240 2359 1.52 2349 1316 1316 0.24 0.24 0.24 13151221 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.59 1421 1421 0.33 0.33 0.33 1348 13481.39 0.41 0.41 0.41 1239 1239 0.49 0.49 0.49 1240 1240 1240 0.30 0.30 0.30 WE 1854 1.46 1.46 1836 1836 1.49 1.49 SA SA SA1316 MO MO MO1315 TU TU TU1421 WE WE1348 FR FR FR1239 TU TU TU FR FR 1854 SA SAWE 1856 1.72 1931 1.91 2024 2024 2024 1.46 1.46 1.46 2021 2021 2021 1.37 1.37 1.37 2154 2154 2154 1.37 1.37 1.37 2117 2117 2117 1.35 1.35 1.35 1907 1907 1907 1.30 1.30 1.30 1947 1947 1947 1.43 1.43 1.43 0522 0.57 0428 0.49 0604 0.28 0601 0.44 0043 0.60 0044 0.351.57 0141 0.42 0213 1218 1.50 1138 13200.22 1.81 1310 1.66 0125 0125 0125 0.68 0.68 0.68 0135 0135 0135 0.81 0.81 0.81 0237 0237 0237 0.83 0.83 0.83 0207 0207 0207 0.81 0.81 0.81 0038 0038 0038 0.66 0.66 0.66 0106 0106 0106 0.78 0.78 0.78 0036 0036 0.55 00320635 0.65 0.65 06260.55 1.28 0032 1.370.73 FR0732 0810 1755 1.29 0.89 1703 18441.42 0.82 MO 1844 0.92 TH SU 0751 0751 1.46 1.46 1.46 0743 07431303 1.35 1.35 1.35 0.54 0902 0902 0902 1.28 1.28 1.28 0834 0834 0834 1.25 1.25 1.25 0708 0708 0708 1.42 1.42 1.42 0634 0709 0709 0709 1.35 1.35 1.35 0659 1.85 1.85 06340751 1.57 1.57 1202 0.62 1212 0.481.50 0743 1349 0.40 2350 1.38 2339 WE0659 TH SA SU 1404 1404 0.26 0.26 1354 13541935 0.34 0.34 0.34 WE 1517 1517 0.41 0.41 0.41 1439 1439 0.51 0.51 0.51 1315 1315 0.46 0.46 0.46 1318 1318 1318 0.31 0.31 0.31 TH 1334 0.30 0.30 1251 0.53 0.530.26 SU SU SU1404 TU TU1354 WE WE1517 TH TH1439 SA SA SA1315 WE WE 1840 1.71 1850 1.96 TU 1.79 2017WE 1.90 SA SA 1334 SU SU 1251 0533 0603 1.55 2126 2126 1.44 1.44 1.44 0.37 2121 2121 2121 1.36 1.36 1.36 0.50 2259 2259 2259 1.33 1.33 1.33 0053 2045 2220 2220 22201.43 1.30 1.30 1.30 2003 2003 1.30 1.30 1908 2045 2045 1.38 1.38 1.38 0040 1941 19412003 1.60 1.601.30 19082126 1.57 1.57 0124 0.54 0139 0.271.71 0216 0254 1242 1300 0.37 1.60 06570.22 0.25 0644 0.40 0711 1.29 0732 1.390.72 0223 0852 1813 1840 0.86 14111.45 1.84 0121 0121 0121 0.76 0.76 0.76 0112 0215 0215 0.78 0.78 0.78 0223 0223 0.89 0.89 0.89 1.33 0344 0344 0344 0.89 0.89 0.89 0148 0148 0148 0.84 0.84 0.84 0311 0311 03111.72 0.86 0.86 0.86 01120215 0.60 0.60 0133 0133 0.43 0.43 FR SA0811 MO TU 1352 1242 0.61 1306 0.46 1435 19340.39 0.78 TH0650 FR SU MO 0745 0745 0745 1.37 1.37 1.37 0711 0840 0840 1.39 1.39 0829 0829 08291344 1.29 1.29 1.29 0.501010 1010 1010 1.21 1.21 1.21 0756 0756 0756 1.30 1.30 1.30 1926 0946 0946 09460.87 1.18 1.18 1.18 07110840 1.57 1.571.39 0650 1.89 1.89 1919 1.77 1944 2.01 2015 1.84 2100 1.85 1354 1354 0.44 0.44 1456 1456 0.30 0.30 0.30 1.54 1443 1443 0.34 0.34 0.34 TH 1630 1630 0.46 0.46 0.46 0144 1408 1408 0.34 0.34 0.34 FR 1546 15461.46 0.58 0.58 0.58 1320 0.52 0.52 1317 0.25 0.250.44 SU SU SU1354 MO MO MO1456 WE WE WE1443 TH TH1630 TH TH TH1408 FR FR1546 MO MO 1320 SU SU 1317 1.56 0128 0032 0033 1.42 2105 2105 2105 1.31 1.31 1.31 1938 2229 2229 1.42 1.42 1.42 2231 22310253 1.35 1.35 1.35 0.32 2153 2153 2153 1.34 1.34 1.34 0724 2326 2326 23260.37 1.28 1.28 1.28 19382229 1.65 1.65 1926 1926 1.73 1.73 0642 0.44 07460.25 0.26 0629 0202 0.48 0331 0230 0.220.26 2231 1339 1.37 1.68 14591.47 1.84 WE 1434 1.75 1338 0752 1.31 0933 0826 1.411.81 SU0849 TU SA 0314 0314 0314 0.86 0.86 0.86 0325 0325 0325 0.94 0.94 0.94 0006 0006 0006 1.32 1.32 1.32 0444 0444 0444 0.86 0.86 0.86 0210 0210 0210 0.85 0.85 0.85 0246 0246 0246 0.89 0.89 0.89 0128 0128 0.34 0.34 0149 0149 0.55 0.55 1919 0.46 0.83 TU 1519 1908 20220.41 0.75 2007 0.82 0.450.70 MO 1425 FR 1322 0.60 SA 1359 0937 0937 1.32 1.32 0930 0930 09302053 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.860511 1111 1111 1111 1.16 1.16 1.16 0829 0829 0829 1.32 1.32 1.32 0746 0904 0904 0904 1.26 1.26 1.26 0511 0511 0.89 0.89 0.89 0741 0741 1.87 1.87 07460937 1.55 1.551.32 1957 1.81 2141 1.76 2033 2.02 0230 1.55 0214 0123 1.58 0115 1.45 1557 1557 1557 0.34 0.34 0.34 1547 1547 1547 0.34 0.34 0.34 1712 17121.48 0.62 0.62 0.62 1438 1438 1438 0.42 0.42 0.42 1513 1513 1513 0.38 0.38 0.38 1126 1126 1126 1.18 1.18 1.18 1359 1359 0.25 0.25 1347 1347 0.52 0.52 TU TU TU TH TH TH FR FR FR SA SA SA1712 MO MO MO FR FR FR MO MO TU TU 08330.31 0.30 0720 0718 0.39 0407 0241 0.44 0318 0.220.20 2345 2332 2332 1.42 1.42 1.42 2345 23450330 1.38 1.38 1.38 0.29 1745 1745 1745 0.48 0.48 0.48 2210 2210 2210 1.34 1.34 1.34 2009 2309 2309 2309 1.34 1.34 1.34 0804 0.36 2011 2011 1.85 1.85 20092332 1.71 1.71 1544 1.80 1515 1.76 1430 1.87 1416 1.73 WE TH SU MO0929 1.41 1013 1.47 0832 1.32 0915 1.42 1957 21070.46 0.72 1957 0.80 1602 1401 0.59 1449 0.450.68 0444 0425 0425 0.90 0.90 0.90 0444 04441509 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.45 0027 0027 00270.77 1.30 1.30 1.30 0309 0309 0309 0.93 0.93 0.93 0227 0404 0404 0404 0.88 0.88 0.88 2047 0110 0110 0110 1.36 1.36 1.36 0221 0.28 0.28 02270425 0.51 0.51 WE SA0221 SU TU 2218 1.65 2035 1.84 2121 1.98 2133 1.85 0638 0638 0638 0.83 0.83 0.83 0315 1034 1041 1041 1.27 1.27 1.27 1.59 1050 1050 1050 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.47 0616 0616 06161.49 0.79 0.79 0.79 0920 0920 1.28 1.28 0823 1034 1034 1.24 1.24 1.24 0258 0831 08310920 1.80 1.801.28 08231041 1.51 1.51 0209 1.52 0156 1237 1237 1.20 1.20 1.20 0918 1705 1705 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.19 1706 1706 0.33 0.33 0.33 SA 1228 12280.37 1.21 1.21 1.21 1532 1532 0.39 0.39 0.39 1634 1634 1634 0.42 0.42 0.42 SU 1440 0.29 0.29 1415 0.54 0.54 WE WE WE1705 FR FR1706 SU SU1228 TU TU TU1532 SA SA SA SA1237 TU TU 1440 WE 1415 0.36 0845 0809 0755 0.37 0441 SA 0.38 0318 0.42WE 0403 0.25 FR 0407 0.28 1852 1852 1852 0.46 0.46 0.46 1829 1829 1829 0.62 0.62 0.62 2317 2317 2317 1.39 1.39 1.39 2056 2056 1.92 2040MO 1.76 1.76 16251.47 1.74 FR 1556 1.74 1517 1454 1.45 1.76 TH 1051 09121.92 1.33 2040 1002 1.421.87 TU1011 2152 0.71 2129 0.72 2033 0.78 2043 0.67 1645 0.52 1442 0.58 MO 1539 0.48 1554 0.45 TH SU0315 WE 0036 0036 1.44 1.44 0420 0420 0420 0.97 0.97 0.97 0305 0054 0054 00542215 1.44 1.44 1.44 1.800201 0201 0201 1.40 1.40 1.40 0019 0019 0019 1.39 1.39 1.39 0116 0116 0116 1.34 1.34 1.34 0315 0.27 0.27 03050036 0.50 0.501.44 2255 1.52 2115 1.85 2207 1.90 0254 1.48 0236 0544 0544 0.89 0.89 0.89 1.58 0605 1020 1020 1.25 1.25 0901 0605 0605 0.88 0.88 0.88 1.48 0744 0744 0744 0.73 0.73 0.73 0400 0532 0532 0532 0.79 0.79 0.79 0343 0715 0715 07151.49 0.69 0.69 0.69 0922 09221020 1.69 1.691.25 09010544 1.47 1.47 0856 0.21 1000 0.44 0929 0.40 0830 0.36 1148 1148 1.25 1.25 1.25 1637 1637 0.35 0.35 0.35 1218 12180446 1.27 1.27 1.27 0.29 1339 1339 1.25 1.25 1.25 1209 1209 1209 1.30 1.30 1.30 MO 1331 1331 1.29 1.29 1.29 0512SU 0.45 0357 0.41 0446 0.31 SA 1520 0.37 0.37 1445 0.57 0.57 TH TH TH1148 WE WE WE1637 SA SA1218 SU SU1339 SU SU MO1331 WE WE 1520 TH TH 1445 1603 1.82 1704 1.68 SAMO 1634 1.71 1532 SU 1.75 TU FR WE 1130 1.46 09531.95 1.34 2114 1048 1.41 1811 1811 0.36 0.36 0.36 1824 18241055 0.29 0.29 0.29 1.48 1946 1946 1946 0.45 0.45 0.45 1801 1801 0.42 0.42 0.42 2212 1927 1927 19270.66 0.61 0.61 0.61 2141 2141 1.95 21141811 1.80 1.80 2127 0.67 1824 2235 1801 0.70 2110 0.76 FR 1730 0.58 MO 1523 0.58 TU 1627 0.53 TH 1644 0.47 2332 1.39 2154 1.84 2250 1.78 2300 1.72 0151 0151 0151 1.51 1.51 1.51 0240 0240 0240 1.45 1.45 1.45 0117 0117 0117 1.46 1.46 1.46 0155 0155 0155 1.38 1.38 1.38 0023 0023 0023 1.46 1.46 1.46 0135 0135 0135 1.47 1.47 1.47 0409 0409 0.30 0.30 0345 0345 0.50 0.50 0338 1.55 0315 1.48 0446 1.42 0430 1.49 0716 0716 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.37 0830 0830 0830 0.63 0.63 0.63 1042 0651 0651 0651 0.64 0.64 0.64 1014 0756 0756 07560.46 0.58 0.58 0.58 0538 0538 0.96 0.96 0942 0655 0655 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.28 0716 1014 10140538 1.55 1.550.96 09420655 1.41 1.41 0942 0906 0.52 0528 0.381.75 1332 0527 0.33 0544 0.52 0437 0.40 1647 1611 1.73 1743 1.61 1714 1332 1332 1.36 1.36 1.36 1431 1431 1431 1.32 1.32 1.32 1325 1325 1325 1.43 1.43 1.43 1420 14201.68 1.40 1.40 1.40 1129 1129 1129 1.25 1.25 1.25 1252 1252 1252 1.25 1.25 1.25 1600 1600 0.48 0.48 1518 1518 0.61 0.61 SA MO SU TU SU SU SU TH1142 MO MO MO MO MO TU TU1420 TH TH 1.35FR FR FRWE TH TH TH FR FR 1133 1.40 1.51 1210 1.45 1036 2209 2146 0.70 1931 1931 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.75 2030 2030 2030 0.44 0.44 0.44 2318 1917 1917 1917 0.41 0.41 0.41 2257 2011 2011 20110.61 0.60 0.60 0.60 1746 1746 0.30 0.30 2149 1909 1909 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.67 1931 2227 22271746 1.93 1.930.30 21491909 1.80 1.80 FR 1737 0.50 SA 1820 0.64 TU 1608 0.59 WE 1715 0.59 2331 1.64 2347 1.60 2235 1.81 0421 1.50 0355 1.46 0534 1.37 0521 1.47 0242 0242 0242 1.59 1.59 1.59 0311 0311 0311 1.48 1.48 1.48 0209 0209 0209 1.54 1.54 1.54 0228 0228 0228 1.43 1.43 1.43 0123 0123 1.53 1.53 0429 0227 0227 1.51 1.51 1.51 0505 05050123 0.37 0.371.53 04290227 0.51 0.51 1025 0.36 0943 0.39 1120 0.61 0815 08150609 0.60 0.60 0.60 1.69 0906 0906 0906 0.54 0.54 0.54 0752 0752 0752 0.46 0.46 0.46 1101 0830 0830 08300.54 0.49 0.49 0.49 0645 0645 0645 0.90 0.90 0.90 1025 0755 0755 0.77 0.77 0.77 1106 1106 1.41 1.41 10250755 1.36 1.36 0015 0518 0.41 0606 0.451.67 0815 1731 1650 0.38 18191.28 1.55 MO 1754 1.63 TH FR SU 1435 14351232 1.46 1.46 1.46 1.54 1515 1515 1.39 1.39 1.39 1430 1430 1430 1.57 1.57 1.57 WE 1500 15000.56 1.49 1.49 1.49 1241 1241 1.28 1.28 1.28 1348 1348 1.28 1.28 1.28 1643 0.59 0.59 1554 0.66 0.66 0619 TU 0.59 1122 1.36 1218 1.400.69 MO MO MO1435 TU TU TU1515 TU TU WE WE1500 FR FR FR1241 SA SA SA1348 FR FR 1643 SA SA 1554 2252 2225 0.74 2344 2030 2030 20301838 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.552109 2109 2109 0.45 0.45 0.45 2016 2016 2016 0.41 0.41 0.41 2047 2047 2047 0.60 0.60 0.60 1849 1849 1849 0.24 0.24 0.24 2229 2000 2000 0.33 0.33 1254 1.43 1656 0.61 1804 0.66 2314 1.86 1.86 22292000 1.79 1.790.33 SU WE2314 TH SA 0507 1.43 0437 1.44 00010.69 0.70 0622 1.46 1919 2319 1.76 0326 0326 1.64 1.64 1.64 0.43 0338 0338 0338 1.51 1.51 1.51 0630 0254 0254 0254 1.60 1.60 1.60 1151 0257 0257 02570.64 1.46 1.46 1.46 0216 0216 1.60 1.60 0515 0308 0308 1.54 1.54 1.54 0.45 0326 1107 1023 1.32 0605 06050216 0.46 0.461.60 05150308 0.54 0.54 0601 0.42 0013 1.501.58 0907 0106 1815 1731 1.64 12001.17 0.70 0907 0907 0.45 0.45 0.45 1.46 0938 0938 0938 0.46 0.46 0.46 0844 0844 0844 0.30 0.30 0.30 0901 0901 09011.58 0.41 0.41 0.41 0742 0742 0742 0.81 0.81 0.81 1112 0845 0845 0.69 0.69 0.69 FR SA0041 MO TU 1838 1202 1202 1.29 1.29 11120845 1.30 1.30 1211 1.39 0645 0.52 0657 0.45 0703 0.65 2336 2305 0.72 1.49 1532 1532 1.56 1.56 1.56 WE 1553 1553 1553 1.45 1.45 1.45 1857 1527 1527 1527 1.69 1.69 1.69 TH 1535 1535 1.57 1.57 1.57 1345 1345 1.35 1.35 1438 1438 1.31 1.31 1.31 0.71 1727 0.71 0.711.35 1635 0.71 0.71 TU TU TU1532 WE WE WE WE WE TH TH1535 SA SA SA1345 SU SU SU1438 SA SA 1727 SU SU 1635 0.64 1304 1.40 1328 1.56 1346 1.42 TH 1749 FR SU MO 2121 2121 2121 0.28 0.28 0.28 1.42 2144 2144 2144 0.48 0.48 0.48 2107 2107 2107 0.43 0.43 0.43 2121 2121 2121 0.60 0.60 0.60 1946 1946 1946 0.20 0.20 0.20 2314 2045 2045 0.33 0.33 23142045 1.75 1.750.33 0526 1859 0.72 1948 0.57 2030 0.70 1107 0.49 0407 0407 0407 1.67 1.67 1.67 0405 0405 0405 1.52 1.52 1.52 0336 0336 0336 1.63 1.63 1.63 0327 0327 0327 1.48 1.48 1.48 0305 0305 0305 1.65 1.65 1.65 0343 0343 0343 1.56 1.56 1.56 0004 0004 1.76 1.76 0610 06100058 0.58 0.58 1.37 0213 1.10 SU 1815 1.59 0956 0956 0956 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.69 1009 1009 1009 0.40 0.40 0.40 0930 0930 0930 0.18 0.18 0.18 0932 0932 0932 0.36 0.36 0.36 0832 0832 0.70 0.70 1206 0926 0926 0.61 0.61 0708 07080832 0.55 0.550.70 12060926 1.26 1.260.61 2351 0723 0.58 0800 0.70 1627 1627 1.62 1.62 1.62 TH 1629 1629 1.50 1.50 1.50 1619 1619 1619 1.75 1.75 1.75 FR 1609 1609 1.62 1.62 1.62 1443 1443 1.41 1.41 1523 1523 1.35 1.35 1303 1.20 1.201.41 1725 0.76 0.761.35 WE WE1627 TH TH1629 TH TH FR FR1609 SU SU SU1443 MO MO MO1523 1353 1.41 WE 1448 TH 1.42 SU SU 1303 MO MO 1725 SA TU 2209 2209 2209 0.33 0.33 0.33 2215 2215 2215 0.51 0.51 0.51 2153 2153 2153 0.46 0.46 0.46 2153 2153 2153 0.61 0.61 0.61 2039 2039 0.18 0.18 2124 2124 2124 0.36 0.36 0.36 2001 0.76 2148 0.68 1818 18182039 0.80 0.800.18

1934 0.80

0049 0.58

0748 Time Time Time m mm 1.35

2155 0.79

0446 0446 0446 1.67 1.67 1.67 1042 1042 1042 0.21 0.21 0.21 1720 1720 1.65 1.65 1.65 TH TH TH1720 2254 2254 2254 0.41 0.41 0.41

2023 1.50

2009 1.38

2124 1.47

2102 1.35

0528 0528 0528 1.40 1.40 1.40 0534 0534 0534 1.44 1.44 1.44 0223 0230 0.43 1135 1135 1135 0.42 0.42 0.420.55 1136 1136 1136 0.31 0.31 0.31 0958 1.55 0949 1848 1848 1.48 1.48 1.481.40 1836 1836 1.56 1.56 1.56 WE WE WE1848 TU TU TU1836 1449 FR 1453 0.92 SA 2356 2356 2356 0.76 0.76 0.761.01

0615 0615 0615 1.32 1.32 1.320.53 0006 0006 0006 0.74 0.74 0.74 0320 0338 0.39 1216 1216 1216 0.52 0.52 0.521.46 0609 0609 0609 1.40 1.40 1.40 1050 1103 1.61 1940 1940 1940 1.39 1.39 1.391.02 1211 1211 0.32 0.32 0.32 1600 1608 0.94TH TH THSU WE WE WE1211 SA 1922 1922 1922 1.49 1.49 1.49 2229 1.46 2203 1.34

0422 0445 0.36 0043 0043 0043 0.79 0.79 0.79 0044 0044 0044 0.81 0.81 0.810.48 1147 1205 1.67 0649 0649 0649 1.36 1.36 1.36 0713 0713 0713 1.24 1.24 1.241.52 1709 1720 0.92 MO SU 1252 1252 0.36 0.36 0.36 1302 1302 1302 0.62 0.62 0.620.99 TH TH TH1252 FR FR FR 2331 1.47 2308 1.35 2016 2016 2016 1.42 1.42 1.42 2034 2034 2034 1.34 1.34 1.34

0545 0.33 0126 0126 0126 0.82 0.82 0.82 1301 1.72 0745 0745 1.31 1.31 1.31 1822 0.87 MO 0745

0520 0.43 0145 0145 0145 0.83 0.83 0.831.59 1240 0831 0831 0831 1.19 1.19 1.190.93 1807 TU

0030 1.49

0010 1.39

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0639 0.31 0611 0224 0224 0224 0.82 0.82 0.82 0313 0313 0313 0.82 0.82 0.820.38 1353 1.75 WE 1329 1.65 TU 0900 0900 0900 1.28 1.28 1.28 0958 0958 0958 1.20 1.20 1.200.85 1915 0.81 1856 1449 1449 0.50 0.50 0.50 SU 1521 1521 0.79 0.79 0.79 SA SA SA1449 SU SU1521 0123 1.50 0105 2232 2232 2232 1.37 1.37 1.37 2226 2226 2226 1.30 1.30 1.301.44

0729 0.33 1440 1.75 0242 0242 0.78 0.78 0.78 WE 0242 2005 0.75 0935 0935 0935 1.30 1.30 1.30

0659 0.35 1414 0435 0435 0435 0.75 0.75 0.751.70 TH 1942 1112 1112 1112 1.27 1.27 1.270.76

TH 1522 1.73 0409 0409 0409 0.67 0.67 0.67 2052 0.71

FR 1456 1.73

FR 1600 1.70 2136 0.67 0524 0524 0524 0.51 0.51 0.51

SA 1535 1.73 2113 0611 0611 0611 0.55 0.55 0.550.58

SA 1633 1.66 2217 0.64

SU 1614 1.71 2159 0.50

1649 1649 0.81 0.81 0.811.49 1512 1512 0.57 0.57 0.57 MO MO1649 SU SU SU1512 0213 1.50MO 0157 2315 2315 2315 1.32 1.32 1.320.34 2239 2239 2239 1.39 1.39 1.39 0815 0.36 0745

0530 0530 0530 0.65 0.65 0.650.67 2027 1211 1211 1211 1.38 1.38 1.38 1105 1105 1105 1.40 1.40 1.40 0259 1.49TU 0246 1755 1755 0.81 0.81 0.811.53 1640 1640 0.61 0.61 0.61 TU TU1755 MO MO MO1640 0859 0.41 0831 2358 2358 2358 1.35 1.35 1.350.35 2337 2337 2337 1.45 1.45 1.45

1218 1218 1218 1.55 1.55 1.55 1257 1257 1257 1.50 1.50 1.501.55 0343 1.46 0335 1759 1759 0.61 0.61 0.61 1842 1842 0.79 0.79 0.790.40 TU TU TU1759 WE WE1842 0939 0.47WE 0918

0030 0030 0030 1.51 1.51 1.51 0036 0036 0036 1.39 1.39 1.39 0426 1.43 0425 0622 0622 0622 0.35 0.35 0.35 0645 0645 0645 0.47 0.47 0.471.56 1006 1016 0.54 1320 1320 1.70 1.70 1.70 TH 1335 1335 1335 1.60 1.60 1.600.47 WE WE WE1320 TH TH 1704 1.61 MO 1652 1.68 SU 1858 1858 1858 0.61 0.61 0.61 1919 1919 1919 0.77 0.77 0.770.43 2245 2256 0.62

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0018 0.37

0244 0244 0244 1.60 1.60 1.60 0225 0225 0225 1.48 1.48 1.481.51 0650 1.35 0726 1212 0.79 TH 1230 0846 0846 0.14 0.14 0.14 0827 0827 0827 0.34 0.34 0.340.75 WE 0846 1842 1.47SU 1900 1549 1549 1.83 1.83 1.83 1521 1521 1.74 1.74 1.741.52 SA SA SA1549 SU SU1521 2114 2114 2114 0.63 0.63 0.63 2101 2101 2101 0.74 0.74 0.740.37 0110

0832 1.50

0324 0324 0324 1.58 1.58 1.58 0300 0300 0300 1.48 1.48 1.48 FR 1324 0.84 0930 0930 0930 0.17 0.17 0.17 0901 0901 0901 0.33 0.33 0.331.47 1954 1633 1633 1.77 1.77 1.77 MO 1559 1559 1.72 1.72 1.72 SU SU SU1633 MO MO1559 2154 2154 2154 0.65 0.65 0.65 2136 2136 2136 0.75 0.75 0.75

0415 0415 0415 1.64 1.64 1.64 0358 0358 0358 1.49 1.49 1.49 0404 0404 0404 1.54 1.54 1.54 0337 0337 0337 1.46 1.46 1.46 1016 1016 1016 0.12 0.12 0.12 1003 1003 1003 0.32 0.32 0.32 1014 1014 1014 0.24 0.24 0.24 0935 0935 0935 0.33 0.33 0.33 1708 1708 1.76 1.76 1.76 SA 1642 1642 1.65 1.65 1.65 MO 1717 1717 1.68 1.68 1.68 TU 1638 1638 1.68 1.68 1.68 FR FR FR1708 SA SA1642 MO MO1717 TU TU1638 2236 2236 2236 0.51 0.51 0.51 2226 2226 2226 0.63 0.63 0.63 2234 2234 2234 0.68 0.68 0.68 2211 2211 2211 0.77 0.77 0.77 0430 0430 0430 1.49 1.49 1.49 1034 1034 1034 0.31 0.31 0.31 1717 1717 1.65 1.65 1.65 SU SU SU1717 2259 2259 2259 0.66 0.66 0.66

SU 1815 1.59 FR 1324 0.84 ustralia 2020, Bureau of Meteorology Times Tide arepredictions in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time Australian (UTC +11:00) when in effect 2351 0.69 1954 is1.47 for Port Phillip Heads have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material supplied in © Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2019, Bureau of Meteorology stronomical Tide New Moon First Quarter Last Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon good faith and is believed to be correct. It is supplied on the condition that no warranty is given in relation thereto, that no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) whenDatum in effectof Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian of Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss © Copyright Commonwealth Australia 2019, Bureau of Meteorology w Moon First Quarter Quarter Full Moon Times are inLast local standard purposes. time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (U or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions shouldAstronomical not be used for navigational Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to Datum of Predictions is Lowest Tide New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols include acceptance of the above conditions. Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effec New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon

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2024 calendar of events

Tournament Angler Guide 13 Fishing BASS Pro Series Qualifier Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6

Grand Final Rapala Australian Open

Daiwa BREAM Series

BREAM QUEENSLAND OPEN

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TASMANIAN TEAMS OPEN

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Qualifier Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9

Grand Final Duo Tassie Teams Open Daiwa Australian Open Samaki Queensland Open

Zerek BARRA Series Event Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7

Venom Australian Open

2024 Bass Electric Tour Event Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5

Teams Round

Date 31 Jan/1 Feb 3/4 February 13/14 April 16/17 April 26/27 August 29/30 August

State VIC VIC NSW NSW QLD QLD

1-3 October NSW 29/29 September NSW

Lake St Clair Glenbawn Dam

Date 6/7 February 10/11 February 12/13 March 16/17 March 20/21 April 4/5 May 15/16 June 20/21 July 23/24 July

State VIC VIC TAS TAS WA NSW WA NSW NSW

Location Gippsland Lakes (Metung) Mallcaoota St Helens Derwent River (Bellrieve) Emu Point (Albany) Hawkesbury River (Pittwater) Blackwood River Richmond River (Ballina) Tweed River (Fingal Head)

Event Boat Round 1 Boat Round 2 Boat Round 3 Kayak Round 1 Kayak Round 2 Kayak Round 3

Kayak Grand Final Boat Grand Final

2024 Vic Bream Classics Event Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Grand Final

Event Social Round Round 1 Round 2 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 7 Round 8

Location Lake Blue Rock Glenmaggie Dam Clarence River Richmond River Somerset Dam Wivenhoe Dam

29 Nov - 1 Dec 8 March 30 April - 2 May 1/2 June

NSW TAS NSW QLD

Lake Macquarie (Wangi Wangi) Huon River (Franklin) Sydney Harbour; Drummoyne Gold Coast / Moreton Bay

Date 13/14 September 13-14 October 15 October 11 November 12 November 14 November 16/17 November

State QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD

Location Monduran Dam 2N Lake Tinaroo 2N Lake Tinaroo O/N Teemburra Dam Kinchant Dam Peter Faust Dam O/N Peter Faust Dam 2N

16-18 September QLD

Awoonga Dam

www.basselectric.au Date 24 February 16 March 20 April 25 May 22 June

26 October

State QLD QLD NSW QLD QLD

QLD

Location Maroon Dam Hinze Dam Richmond River (Coraki) Wyaralong Dam Moogerah Dam

Bjelke Petersen Dam

Facebook: WA Bream Classics

2024 West Australian Bream Classics

Queensland Teams Series

4 TAG 2024

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Date 23/24 March 9 June 13 October 10/11 February 18/19 May 15 October

Location Blackwood River Mandurah Swan River (Perth) Kalgan River (Albany) Blackwood River TBA

2/3 November 7/8 December

Swan River (Perth) Blackwood River

Date 23/24 March 4/5 May 15/16 June 17/18 August 12/13 October 23/24 November

Location Metungwww.vicbreamclassics.com.au Nelson Hopkins Mallacoota Marlo Nelson

Date 10 February 23 March 21 April 19 May 15 June 6 July 18 August 15 September 12 October

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State QLD NSW QLD QLD QLD NSW QLD QLD NSW

Facebook: Queensland Teams Series

Location Brisbane River (Colmslie Park) Tweed River (Fingal Head) Paradise Point Brisbane River (Colmslie Park) Jacobs Well Tweed River (Fingal Head) Jacobs Well Scarborough Tweed River (Fingal Head)

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Tournament Angler Guide

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Tournament Fishing Evolves Again in 2024 ABT

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

At ABT, we try to evolve events to suit conditions - from how well the respective barra lakes are fishing through to formats that both keep anglers happy and progress the sport. It’s a fine line that we’ve learned to walk, through the GFC, COVID and over a handful of other promoters telling us that they were going to be the end of us. 2024 sees more evolution in what we do - some new and some recycled from past successes. BREAM is back to Tasmania in 2024. The cadence of Tasmanian ABT legs to every second year has been a real success and has motivated the largest Tassie fields we’ve ever had. Keep an eye out for the Huon River trial event. This is a no entry fee test to see if we can use it as a future Tasmanian venue. Fish as a team with your mate and we’ll run it with the ABT app. And we’ll scare up some prizes for y’all. The BREAM and BASS Pro Grand Finals will adopt an 6 TAG 2024

identical 3-day format with all anglers fishing the first two days of competition. We’ll award the champion non-boater after the second day and then cut the field to at most the top half of the field for the final day. This will feature boater-only plus observers. We expect that we will be able to generate some excellent on-water coverage for our biggest payout events of the year. Speaking of Grand Final payouts, we’re giving away bigger boats this year. There’s a pair of Alloycraft 498s already

on order that will be fitted with 90HP Mercury outboards and all of the fruit. The BASS Electric series is going to live with the BlueFin team, who have already taken it under their wing and are looking to give it the time and attention it deserves. There’s only so much that we can do with the resources we have and letting this event leave home allows us to try and accelerate the improvement of our banner events a little quicker. BARRA events will be capped at 50 boats in 2024. We had up to 46 in 2023 and we’re

at about the limit of what we can put on the lakes and still have an enjoyable experience. Nobody really likes the 2 hour process to get all of the boats in and out of Peter Faust dam, but we’re willing to endure it for the quality of tournament fishing on offer. We are also adding a Monduran Dam BARRA Series event to run hand-in-hand with the BARRA Australian Open. We’re due to cater for the new breed of Brisbane Barra Experts and y’all are welcome to come and fight for the trophy.

In 2024 BARRA Events will be capped at 50 boats - finding the balance between an awesome field of anglers and the limitations of boat ramp and parking at places like Peter Faust Dam.

BARRA Team of the Year will still be your best 5 finishes. It’ll give some teams the ability of drop a poor finish or two and the competition should be tight. Scan for the ABT website - it got a facelift in 2023!

We are still sticking with plenty of double-header style events in the days of $2.30 per litre diesel. We know that it’s a balance between time and cost, but it allows people to get two events for one travel cost. If you can only make of of a doubleheader, that’s no worries! You’re welcome at any or all of the events through the season. Finally, we’ve got with the times and now have an online entry form system that you can fill out once and tick multiple events. Anglers have been asking for it, so we hope that it meets your expectations. AT the time of writing, early entries are at record levels, so something must be right. Enjoy the Tournament Angler Guide and we look forward to seeing y’all on tour in 2024.

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Do Your Homework: Top Anglers Share How They Get ABT Tournament Ready ABT

Ryland Sainsbury

It’s an age-old question and one we as tournament anglers have heard in some variation time and time again. “Isn’t fishing just luck?” or, “how can you be ‘good’ at fishing tournaments?” Well, it’s a fair point. How can someone be consistently good at a past-time that, to the public, is often accredited to just plain old ‘luck’? To put it bluntly, if luck alone was all there is to it, we wouldn’t see the same faces on stage, relieving us of our cash and collecting trophies and badges time and time again. It would also mean that the anglers you’re going to hear from in this article would have all given up tournaments years ago and just played the lottery because they must be riddled with luck! I digress, but the point is that the anglers at the top of their game aren’t relying on superstition and luck alone to get them over the line. So, if not good fortune, what sets them apart? PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY In preparation for this article, I found a quote that I 8 TAG 2024

believe summed it up perfectly, it read, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” That’s it. It’s the not-sosimple science of preparation and execution and the steps these anglers take off the water are arguably more important than the ones they make on the water. How prepared are you if you lose a propeller in a tournament session? Do you make the effort to scour contour maps and Google

Earth, finding new locations? Do you keep what seems like a tackle shop in your garage? How often do you fish in the lead up to an event? These are all questions you might take into consideration if you’re looking to improve yourself towards the best tournament angler you can be. In this article we’re endeavouring to peek into the minds of some of the most successful tournament BREAM, BASS and BARRA anglers in the country, to

see how their approach to preparation for an event sets them apart from the rest of us. Or if they even prepare at all? TOMMY WOOD The Sunshine Coast’s Tommy Wood has had a meteoric rise to the forefront of the Australian tournament scene. Now with four ABT tournament wins in Australia, two BARRA Series Team of the Year titles and, most remarkably, a win in the co-angler division of the Bassmaster Open at Wheeler

Main: Four time BASS Angler of the year Matthew Langford uses his boat for work and play, So he makes sure to go the extra mile to prepare for any unforeseen troubles. Above: Tommy Woods ability to plan, organise and execute at a tournament are beyond question. In 2023 He became the first Australian to win a Bassmaster open as a Co-angler in Wheeler Lake, Alabama.

Lake, Alabama in the USA earlier in 2023 - making him only the second Australian ever to win a Bassmaster event behind Carl Jocumsen. That’s elite company. Tommy has a great fishing brain and a keen eye for

“ PREPARATION BEGINS AS SOON AS THE TOUR DATES ARE ANNOUNCED FOR THE YEAR ” detail which translates into his approach to tournament preparation. He begins preparing in his head for the events as soon as the tour dates are announced for the year. “Straight away when the dates are announced for the year I can start thinking about where the fish will be sitting in the dam and how they will be feeding at that time of year, just based off experience and knowledge. I can also research moon phase and bite times for those specific dates,” he explained. Unlike the BREAM and BASS events spread across the year where anglers can plan and prepare for a single event at one location at a

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abt time, the whole BARRA tour happens fast, usually with three or four events over a two-week period all in different locations. On one hand, this gives anglers the whole year to strategise and prepare for the flurry of events. But, on the other hand, it also means there isn’t enough time between events to account for Boat, motor, trailer, or tackle failure; everything must be ready to go again. Out of the BREAM, BASS and BARRA events ABT runs, I doubt many would argue against the fact that Barramundi are by far the most unforgiving of the three when it comes to tackle. They’ve earned their reputation worldwide as a sportfish because of their propensity to expose every weakness in your hardware that they possibly can. As such, before the tour Tommy changes all the braided main lines on his reels. This mainline usually only lasts one or two events before being changed again to ensure 100% peace of mind. Leaders also MUST be changed after each event. Keeping bulk supplies of heavy-duty split rings and trebles (approximately 3-4 boxes of each size, he says) also means he doesn’t have to think twice about replacing all the old hardware on every lure he’s thrown after each event. “Rolled hook points and bent trebles will 100% cost you fish if you get lazy and don’t change them over,” said Tommy. This process is time consuming, so he usually makes sure all this tackle preparation is completed at least two weeks prior to the events so he wastes less time doing it in the short gaps between events. A very methodical angler, approximately three weeks out from the events, before any tackle preparation, Tommy will spend roughly three days servicing his outboard, replacing all oil, spark plugs and filters as well as checking all navigation lights and replacing the trailer bearings. A process made slightly easier for Tommy due to the fact he works as a marine electrician, but still, something we should all consider when organising our vessels. MATT LANGFORD All the anglers I interviewed agreed on most 10 TAG 2024

Tournament Angler Guide

Before and after - this is what Tommy’s tackle prep for the BARRA tour looks like! topics we discussed regarding event preparation: rods must be rigged and ready to go days prior, batteries must be charged, sounders updated, however one thing resonated more than anything else. “Nothing will ruin a competition faster than Boat, motor, or trailer issues,” Matt said. The four-time BASS Angler of the year winner also owns and operates his own charter business so it’s safe to say he’s had his fair share of inconveniences in this department. This explains why has gone to lengths most of us wouldn’t even consider, to ensure he is prepared for any nasty situation on the water. “Being on the water three or four days a week doing charters, I’ve pretty much had every worst-case scenario thrown at me. If it can be broken, I’ve broken it,” he explained. Which is why Langford now ensures he has spares of nearly all moving parts on the boat. This includes keeping a spare stainless-steel prop, prop nut, spanner and block of wood to change props on his outboard should he lose or damage one. A spare prop, nut and shear pin for his electric

motor, a spare pull cord for the electric motor, spare lanyards for his kill switch and a spare box of fuses. If things break you also need tools to fix them,

“ NOTHING WILL RUIN A TOURNAMENT FASTER THAN BOAT, MOTOR OR TRAILER ISSUES ”

so Matt keeps a small toolbox handy as well with all the necessary tools to fix things on the fly. Most of us know these

are common things that can break, but how many of us can honestly say we go to the lengths to prepare ourselves for this worst-case scenario? “When things go wrong on tournament day – and I’ve had it happen - you need to be prepared to get yourself out of trouble quickly and having these things on hand will have you back fishing quickly, while someone less organised might lose the whole day and any hope of a good result,” explained Langford. Another small tool Langford uses in preparing for an event is his social network.

abt.org.au Using social media, he can keep his finger on the pulse of each impoundment in the lead up to an event and remain in touch with locals that might be able to give him some insight as to what the fishing has been like. This can help greatly when it comes to lure selection and planning. MARK CROMPTON ‘Crommo’ has been around the ABT circuit for about 15 years now, making him a veteran of the BREAM series and in 2023 he finally added the title of Grand Final Champion to his extensive resume. These days, Crommo is a family man and takes a much more relaxed approach to his preparation for an event than when he was younger, choosing instead to focus more on enjoying a relaxing weekend away with friends and family. Tournament fishing can be as mentally draining as it can be physically, so a lot of emphasis can be put on the importance of a good head space coming into an event. By focusing more on enjoying the social aspect of fishing tournaments and enjoying it as a getaway rather than stressing out over the finer details, Crommo goes into an event with a clear mind which he believes helps him perform much better. He instead chooses to rely more on the depth of his knowledge from tournaments past and roll with the punches on the day. “I’ve fished every venue ABT routinely visits now, so I have a really good idea of what the fish are going to do just from my experience from years prior. So, nowadays my tournament prep is digging through the memory

Family man and 2023 BREAM Grand final Mark Crompton (pictured with wife Danielle and son Alvey) talks of the importance of a positive mental attitude in his approach to a tournament.

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abt bank to recall where they should be and what they might eat”. Fortunate enough to fish out of the Daiwa stable, Mark Crompton has an almost warehouse-like approach to his tackle inventory. Generally fishing once-aweek at least, it is easy for him to go through some terminal tackle. As such, Crommo has taken it upon himself to turn his garage into a miniature tackle shop. He went into detail about his system by saying “I have pegboards setup in the shed with all my jigheads, soft plastics and lures I use the most, organised in order from smallest to largest and colours from lightest to darkest. That way whenever I get home from a day’s fishing and I’ve used something up, I can grab it straight off the shelf and re-stock the boat”. With the advent of the app-based events, another piece of advice Crommo offers to up-and-coming boaters is to get a USB port installed on the

Tournament Tournament Angler Angler Guide Guide during the session. While they may seem like insignificant details, they all add up to make an insurmountable difference on comp day. JAMIE McKEOWN Much like his bream counterpart Mark Crompton, the current 2023 BREAM Angler Of the Year Jamie McKeown has been around the scene long enough that he doesn’t have to overcomplicate things in his preparation - such is the luxury of experience. Apart from the obvious, having rods rigged and tackle organised before the event, Jamie explained that he only checks the tide and the moon phase for each event once the dates have been announced, just so he can start to plan how and where he will fish. He takes a slightly more tech savvy approach to his preparation. With the introduction of the new Humminbird Coastmaster charts, McKeown has been able to take a far more detailed look at the arena he will be fishing. “I use the Coastmaster

Jamie McKeown took out another Angler of the Year title in 2023 by making the most of the modern technology available. console so you can keep your phone charged throughout the day. Otherwise, something as simple as a flat phone may ruin your event if you can’t log your catches into the app. On top of that, it pays to keep an umbrella in the boat or just to make sure you have a dry spot to sit down and log catches if it happens to rain 12 TAG 2024

maps together with Google Earth to try and find spots that I can tell look good and that are more out of the way. Places where I know other competitors won’t fish or would possibly drive right past,” McKeown explained. “These days I’m always looking for new areas I can have to myself instead of fishing

abt.org.au abt.org.au

Deja Vu? Back-to-Back Grand final champion Braden Schuch speaks of the importance of spending time on the water in preparation for an event. the same spots everyone knows and ending up on top of people. I did it a lot this year and although I didn’t have any wins, it worked enough to get me consistent placings and win the AOY trophy”. The advantage of the Coastmaster maps is that they show extreme detail of the bottom and all contours within a system, however they don’t show bottom structure. This is where Google Earth comes in. He uses satellite images on google earth or SIXmaps in NSW, to check the bottom structure of the areas he found in the charts. This way he can tell if the area is sand, weed, mud, rock or reef which ultimately decides – based off his experience – if it’s worth fishing or not. BRADEN SCHUCH Winning an ABT BASS Grand Final is one of the highest peaks you can summit as a tournament angler in Australia and for most of us, winning one alone would be a lifetime achievement. But in 2023 Braden Schuch did the unbelievable and became the first back-to-back BASS Grand Final Champion. Braden’s approach to physical preparation is very generic in that it probably doesn’t differ too greatly from how you or I would prepare.

He has rods rigged and ready to go, tackle organised, he’s researched the arenas and his bags are packed. The only real difference, he explains, is that he prepares for two events at a time instead of just one. Asked why he looks at them as pair rather than singles, he explained: “There’s lots of double-header events in the BASS series and usually the year can be broken down into two Victorian rounds, two NSW rounds and two Queensland rounds. Most of the impoundments are only a stone’s throw from each other and they usually follow the same patterns in one as they do in the other”. For this reason, it makes sense to prepare for two rounds at a time rather than just taking

“ THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR TIME ON THE WATER ” it a single round at a time as most of the techniques translate. However, Grand Final preparation looks a little different. If there’s one event you want to leave it all out on the table, it’s the Grand Final. You’ve already done the hard work to qualify and it’s the very last event of the year so it

makes sense to leave it all on the table, which is exactly the mindset Braden carries into Grand Finals. “I’m usually a bit more cautious during qualifying rounds but Grand Final time I throw caution to the wind. There’s no point trying to play it safe you just have to leave it all out on the table and hunt for big fish, so I change my mindset to take bigger risks” he explained. The last point we touched on, which Braden hammered home, was one I heard emphasised from every single angler I interviewed. “There is absolutely no substitute for time on the water”. Growing up, he would spend every single weekend at Borumba dam on the Sunshine Coast where he sharpened the skills that have carried him to two Grand Final victories. Much like a runner training for a marathon, time on the water is invaluable practice for a tournament angler as it gives us the opportunity to try new techniques and products while keeping in tune with the target species. While Braden doesn’t get to fish socially as much as he used to, he agrees wholeheartedly that getting out and fishing as much as possible will make you a better tournament angler.

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Tournament must haves for 2024!

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We have a saying at ABT. It’s two words - “Sponsor Karma”. It describes the disproportionately large number of times an event sponsor’s angler or product leads or wins an ABT event. It happend all the time. If you want to partake in some Sponsor Karma yourself, simply buy ABT sponsor products! They represent the top shelf of BREAM, BASS and BARRA gear. Here’s your 2024 shopping list!

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Duo Ryuki MDF 50mm MSRP $23.99 Rapala CrushCity Imposter MSRP $11.95

Bassday Surface Popper 75mm MSRP $22.95

Zipbaits Khamsin Jr Dr 40mm MSRP $29.50 Daiwa Bait Junkie Prawn MSRP $11.99

Ecogearaqua Bream Prawn MSRP $15.99/pk

TT Switchprawn+ 37mm MSRP $15.95 Fishcraft Dr Prawn MSRP from $17.95

Maui Jim Mamalu Bay MSRP $356

Daiwa Bait Junkie 2.95” Flick MSRP $11.99

Shimano Environet MSRP from $69.99

Rapala Shadow Rap Fat Jack MSRP $22.95

Outback Breamer Baits Muss MSRP from $26.50 Barambah DETON8OR 58mm MSRP $24.95

Daiwa 23 Infeed Ex MSRP from $549 14 TAG 2024

XBraid Olltolos Shangrilla Braid MSRP $49.95

Cranka Minnow 59mm Deep MSRP $20.95

Samaki Zing Xtreme V3 MSRP from $249.95

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Tournament Angler Guide

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Ecogear ZX40 MSRP $21.99

13Fishing Jabber Jaw MSRP $21.95

Samaki Redic MF50 MSRP from $17.95

Shimano Environet MSRP from $69.99 Zipbaits Khamsin Jr Dr 50mm MSRP $29.50

Rapala Shad Rap Elite 55mm MSRP $26.95 Duo Ryuki MDF 70mm MSRP $23.99 Duo Realis Shinmushi MSRP $23.99

Bassman Spinnerbaits Mumbler Jaw Knocker 5/8oz MSRP $20.99

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Sufix 832 Braid MSRP $44.95

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Maui Jim - Byron Bay MSRP $356 Keitech Swing Imact Fat MSRP $17.99

Rapala CrushCity Suspect MSRP $11.95

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Barambah DETON8OR 68mm MSRP $24.95

Sunline X Plasma Asegai PEx8 MSRP $49 16 TAG 2024

Zman 2.5” Slim Swim MSRP $13.95/pk with TT Demonz Jighead MSRP $12.95/pk

Bassman TW MSRP $16.95

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barra

Tournament Angler Guide

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abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

The Barramundi Experience: A Canadian’s Dream Fishing Trip ABT

Jeff Gustafson

I can still remember the first bite I got from a barramundi very well. It was a couple of hours into my first session on Kinchant Dam in November 2022. The bite almost ripped the rod out of my hand and in the moonlight, I can still see the fish jumping five feet in the air. I had never hooked a fish like that before. Carl Jocumsen and I had made the trek across the Pacific Ocean, Carl from the USA and I, from Canada and we were there to compete in a few 2022 BARRA Tour events. While we knew each other in passing from fishing against each other in the U.S. for several years, Carl and I really hit it off in 2019 while competing on the Bassmaster Elite Series. We have become best friends and work together as much as we can on the Elite Series. We trust each other and it has worked out well. We have learned a lot from each other over the past few years. In July of 2022, Carl invited me to come and join him for the BARRA Tour events and I jumped at the opportunity. 20 TAG 2024

I’m always up for an adventure and some fishing competition. November in central Canada is also a great time for me to travel because winter is setting in, our lakes are freezing over and there isn’t a lot of fishing going on. Carl and I had a great time visiting Australia, fishing the events and I especially enjoyed meeting all of the anglers. There are some real characters who fish the BARRA Tour and it’s a great group overall. After having such a good time in 2022, I was committed

to coming back again this past year. It’s a bit of a project to get from Canada to Australia but after that, Steve and Nicholle from ABT really made everything pretty easy. I owe them a good time over in Canada some day! I had the good fortune of winning the Bassmaster Classic back in March. It is the biggest event in bass fishing over in North America, so that gave me a little bit of freedom to come back again. The group of Aussies who

came over for the Classic to support Carl were a really fun part of the celebration after the tournament and I told Steve then that I was back in for 2023 if we could make it work. Carl was unable to make it in 2023 so I invited my friend Bryan Gustafson. He owns one of the top fishing stores in Canada and is a long-time fishing buddy, so we jumped on a flight and showed up to fish. While our results in 2023 were not as good as Carl and I did the year before, we had an

Main: We have excellent fishing over in Canada but we have nothing in freshwater that fights like barra do! Above: Carl and I had a great time visiting Australia.

amazing trip and so much fun. The ten days of fishing went by so fast. When I look back at the fishing in 2023, it was a little bit different than what we experienced in 2022. Carl and I caught nearly all over our fish on swimbaits, casting around grass lines. This year, it just felt a lot harder to catch those fish on all three dams. We could see a lot of them on Humminbird 360 and Mega Live but they just seemed much harder to catch. While we were competing, it quickly became apparent that most of the anglers that were scoring the best results were catching suspended barra over the basins, especially at Kinchant and Faust. We have seen the explosion of live sonar go off over here in North America over the past few years and the same thing has happened in Australia. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming years, if these fish that are out in open water that were never really targeted by anglers in the past, start to smarten up and get harder to catch or if they move back into cover where they can hide. We mixed up our techniques, casting swimbaits

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au around grasslines and points some, while also trying to catch some of the suspended basin fish. At Faust especially, it seemed like if you weren’t targeting those basin fish, you were not going to be competitive. We spent most of our time at Faust doing that and what we learned is that we still have a lot to learn to keep up with the Aussie anglers. It was very impressive how many fish the top teams were catching. One of the first things that I learned last year is that if you have any weak points in your tackle or equipment, these fish will expose them. Carl and I blew up split rings, straightened out treble hooks and broke lines last year, especially during the first few sessions we spent on the water. There were some real heartbreakers. Returning this year, we had a little better idea of the tackle that we needed to be using, both to get bites and land the fish that we hooked. A huge thank you to Samaki, Wilson and Rapala for sharing some tackle with Bryan and I so we had the best stuff to

I brought Bryan Gustafson as my plus one in 2023 and another Canadian BARRA addict was born! use. We didn’t lose many fish because of equipment failure this year so that was good. We did however, manage to lose plenty to the crazy jumping and fighting that most barramundi put an angler through. The greatest part of fishing for barra that I’ve experienced is the bite. It’s almost always a smash and the fish is instantly going the other way or exploding out of the water. If you survive the first few seconds of chaos, then you have a battle on your hands, every time. We have excellent fishing over in Canada but we have nothing in freshwater that fights like barra do. Our biggest, meanest fish, the

musky, would get pulled backwards by a barramundi. They are truly impressive. It is fun watching how these fish interact with your baits on live sonar and the technology is certainly allowing anglers to catch more of these legendary fish but there is something about reeling in a swimbait in the dark, under the moonlight and unexpectedly getting smoked. The bite and fight are going to lure me back again, no doubt. Looking back on my couple of trips over to Australia, I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to experience everything that I have. I have made some lifelong friends, seen parts of

the world that I never dreamed I would and I’ve learned a lot about fishing. The Aussie anglers may be more advanced with the use of electronics than North American anglers so it’s been interesting to see how everybody uses everything and I’ve picked up some great lure, knot and tackle tricks and modifications from these trips. The long flight across the Pacific is rough but I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip once I’ve gotten to Australia. The food, especially the fresh fruit and coffee are top-notch. The group of anglers

abt that fish the Barra Tour is special. I’ve enjoyed all of the camaraderie, visits on the water and appreciated everybody sharing tips with us to try and help us catch an extra fish or two. Also, I’ve enjoyed the Great Northern’s and Bundy Rums while I’ve been over there, especially after the all-nighter! I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it every year but I have had the time of my life these past couple of years and you will definitely see me over there again chasing the magnificent barramundi. Tight lines everybody.

One of the first things that I learned is that if you have any weak points in your tackle or equipment, these fish will expose them.

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TAG 2024

abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

Better Nets for Better Fish Care at ABT Events For 25 years, ABT has created and modified a set of rules that aims to level the playing field, but also to prioritise fish care. We are a 100% catch-andrelease organisation and it’s in everyone’s best interest to use equipment and strategies that get as close as possible to 100% post-release survival. Minimum-sized livewells, the use of lures-only and avoiding the warmest water of the year in BASS events are a few of the examples of measures we have taken to help reach this goal. You may notice that it’s been years since we’ve published an image of a bass or barra swinging from its jaw. It’s bestpractice and we like to back up our rhetoric with action. As we collective, we want to keep improving these outcomes. The first time we put rules in about nets was in 2005 when we started the BARRA Tour. There was some science done in the Northern Territory showing the the old-style knotted nets were demonstrably worse for fish survival than a fine mesh net like an Environet. As a result, knotted nets have always been disallowed in BARRA events. Early in the ABT BREAM 22 TAG 2024

days, we worked with Dr Ben Diggles, examining which livewells were actually the best

for fish. A side discussion to these measurements was about fin splitting in fish.

Ben said that one of the causes of post-release mortality of fish was when their fins were

Main: There’s a range of sizes available in modern landing nets used by ABT anglers. The gold standard for fish health is the (blue) Environet. For BREAM and BASS, aa maximum mesh of 15mm will be allowed after 2024. Above: These fish all swam away, but check out the fin splitting from this 25mm mesh sized net. We can do better.

split down to the base. It can provide a point of infection that can reduce the medium-term survival of the fish. They might swim away OK on the day, but not be as good in a week or a month’s time. There’s a few ways fish can split fins. One is to interact with the fishing line during the fight. Another is interaction with other fish in the livewell. There’s not much we can do about these, although the latter isn’t a problem in App events. The third way is when getting netted at the end of a fight. We can do something about this. When we initially wrote the BARRA Rules, silicone/ rubber nets weren’t on the scene. Anglers like them because they can quite easily swipe them through the water and potentially net a fish earlier. The trouble is that when you get an early net shot on a fish, it’ll usually do most of its fighting in the boat and when a fish bounces around in a rubber net with a large mesh, it inevitably does itself fin and scale damage. Of course, the gold standard in fish care nets is the Environet. Invented by ABT supporter and gun angler, the late

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abt Dave Irvine, his legacy has endured under Shimano’s umbrella. It’s been copied by other brands, but if the outcome is better fish care, then it’s probably a better outcome for the fish stocks. When it comes down to it, it’s a balance between mesh size and usability. Some tournament anglers want to get an early net shot at any cost and they’re usually equipped with the rubber mesh nets. In 2025, ABT will be introducing maximum mesh sizes for BREAM/BASS (15mm) and BARRA (30mm) nets. Your current nets are all OK for this season, but this is a one year warning that the nets will have to be compliant at the start of the 2025 season. We will check them in the morning check-out process. HOW DO YOU MEASURE MESH SIZE? This is the obvious question that anglers will ask. What is a 15mm or 30mm mesh size net? The way that you measure mesh size is by stretching a mesh to its longest reach. Then you measure the length from point to point. You don’t measure the net in the resting position. Your next comment may well be that this means that your current rubber net is not going to be allowed in 2025. This is correct. Larger mesh rubber nets are, in our opinion, the biggest controllable factor in

Tournament Angler Guide

The bouncy, rubber silicon nets are actually no good for fin splitting. Even this finer meshed net with a 25mm mesh size splits fins, as can be seen here. This is why we are aiming for a 15mm maximum mesh size for BREAMA and BASS landing nets from 2025 onwards. fin splitting, so we don’t want them used in ABT events from 2025 onwards. If you’re on a budget, it is possible to buy a replacement mesh for your current frame for a fraction of the cost of a new net.

BUT MY LURE GETS TANGLED! It is true that if you choose a mesh style landing net and not an Environet, it may be harder for you to get the lure out if the mesh after you’ve

abt.org.au

We don’t want fish to look like this at the weigh-in. Changing net size is the first step in the process. landed the fish. Steve Morgan is pretty blunt on this point. “If it takes you an extra 20 or 30 seconds to untangle your lure from the net but it’s better for the fish, than that’s a sacrifice any ABT angler should be willing to make,” he says.

“As a collective, the more proactive we can be on fish care issues, the longer we will have the social licence to keep enjoying the sport that we all love,” he continued. If you’re a devout ‘swiper’, you’ll still be able to do it - just with a finer mesh net. - ABT

Bouncy silicon nets and green barra are a fin splitting combination.

You measure a mesh from end-to-end of its widest point when you extend it. At over 40mm, this silicon net will be no good for ABT BARRA events in 2025 and onwards. 24 TAG 2024

We can’t control fin splitting in livewell, or with the line during the fight, but we can reduce mesh sizes to minimise impact of fin splitting on our catch and release fishing.

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TAG 2024

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Tournament Angler Guide

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Best Practice Fish Handing for ABT Events ABT

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

You’ll notice a bit of a theme throughout this year’s Tournament Angler Guide ABT is all about being the best when it comes to survival of released fish. We need to take the lead on doing things the right way if we want to be proactive in ensuring that we can keep fishing tournaments well into the future. One of the things that we can do as anglers is to always use best practice when it comes to handling fish that you catch in events. And that means for keepers as well as discarded fish. We want them all to have the maximum chance of survival when they’re released. After all, they may help us win an event next time we are on that arena. Generally, ABT anglers come from a background of catch-and-release fishing, so a lot of this may be old news to some of you, but from what we sometimes see both on and off the water, it’s definitely time for a refresher course. So let’s take a look at some of the general elements

This is the way you should hold bass for all pics - in tournaments and socially - if you’re wanting to use best practice. Keeping the fish out if the water for a minimum amount of time is fish handling 101. The biggest dilemma that comes with a livewell event for bream is how to manage the fish for upgrading. Many anglers use cull tags to sort out the sizes of the fish in the well. I’m not all that comfortable with that. In the whole process, cull tags

Bream are naturally designed to handle while supporting the belly. of best-practice fish care and specific-to-species what we should be doing. BREAM Whether you’re fishing in an app event or in a livewell event, there’s a lot that you can do to ensure that the fish you’re processing has the best chance of living after you’ve caught it. Basics like making sure that the fish isn’t being dropped onto a hot deck and having the appropriate tools to allow you to remove the hook quickly are standard practice for most of us. 28 TAG 2024

stick out to me as the worst optics in a catch and release event. Especially when anglers are using massive, penetrating cull tags that look like they’re more at home on a snapper than a bream. Largemouth bass anglers have nearly all reverted to non-penetrating cull tags in events stateside to minimise effects of the fish. Bream have a much smaller and different shaped mouth than bass, so neither of these methods is really suitable. Maybe there’s an opportunity for an

entrepreneurial angler to invent a solution for this? All I know is that the cull tags as we have them now have a limited shelf life in tournament fishing and are on our radar to eliminate in the near future. BASS Australian bass have their own unique set of challenges when it comes to livewell events. All of the river events are app-based to get around possession limits, so it’s in the lakes where anglers need to brush up on their fish care. One of the potential issues for keeping Australian bass in the livewell is the issue of barotrauma. Fish from 20 feet and deeper will often suffer from an overinflated swim bladder when placed in a livewell after capture. This places unnecessary pressure on internal organs and can be alleviated by learning how to ‘vent’ a bass. Venting a bass involves puncturing its swim bladder with a hypodermic needle and equalising the internal pressure. It means the bass in your livewell will swim around like it’s been caught in the shallows and not flap around on the surface. Anglers usually vent a bass by inserting the needle level with the pectoral fin and level with around four spines back on the dorsal fin. You’ll hear the air rushing out when you’ve hit the right area. A tip here is to not squeeze out all of the air. The fish

still needs some in there to balance itself in the water, When you stop hearing it exit (or when the bubbles stop if you’re holding in underwater), remove the needle. If you take out too much air, the fish will sink like a stone to the bottom. The other obvious area we can improve is to always support the weight of the fish by the belly when taking fish pics. In fact, you’ll notice that we haven’t published a pic of a swinging bass for many years. ABT photographers will always ask you to pick up one fish and hold it the right way. There’s no suitable way to photograph two fish per angler. As an angler, you can extend this behaviour through your own practices and social media content. It’s frustrating for us to take a pic the right way and then see you walk to the riverbank and then take your own photos with a couple of swinging bass. This may be cool for other tournaments, but we don’t like it at ABT. We expect you to be leaders in the field when it comes to demonstrable fish care when at ABT events OR fishing socially. BARRAMUNDI Teams are getting better at processing their barramundi in the BARRA events. They’re often a large fish and after a long fight it’s important to minimise the time that the animal spends out of the water. We have developed a process for this that you’re welcome to duplicate. The first part is a proper Environet. With the necessity to bring the fish into the net

(rather than swiping at it when it’s too green), you know that fish isn’t going to kick its way through the net and break it. The angler who nets the fish holds the fish in the water in the confines of the net while the other angler gets all of the gear ready. This includes getting the measuring board out, getting the phone in camera mode and ready to take the pictures, getting the keytag icon in place that’s required in the photo and the pliers ready to extract the hooks. When all of this is done, you bring the fish into the boat. Drop it in the cockpit if you’re worried about it escaping over the side, or do it on the deck if you want. Just make sure that the surface isn’t hot. The heat damages the fish slime. One angler whips out the hooks while the other gets ready to take the pics. When the hook is out, slide the fish onto the wet board and take the measurement shot. Straight after that, pick up the fish and do the quick glory shot. When those two pics are on the phone, you can release the fish. The whole process should have the fish out of the water for less than 60 seconds. After the fish is released, then you can enter the data into the App, retie that leader and get right back into it. What we don’t want to see is anglers preparing gear or uploading data while the fish is still on the deck. We all agree that the fish is too good to catch just once, so a little bit of attention to this process will ensure that post-release survival is sky-high.

If Canadians can do it, anybody can. Processing fish quickly maximises post release survival.

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Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

Sponsor Karma is a thing at ABT and so are Sponsor Bonuses! ABT anglers are fantastic supporters of our sponsors and when given the choice, they usually support the companies that support their tournament fishing. You don’t need to look much further than ABT’s longest running Sponsor Bonus Program - the Mercury Bonus and Mercury Cup - to see how anglers and sponsors can work together to create an outcome that makes everyone happy. MERCURY BONUS In an environment where sometimes Mercury outboards make up 70% of an ABT field, national marketshare is around half that. The reason? Apart from quality product that suits boaters’ needs, its the fact that owning a Mercury can pay you more cash. At every BREAM, BASS and BARRA qualifying event in 2024, Mercury offers an extra $400 into the boater payouts. $250 for the highest Mercury owner, $125 for second and $75 for the third highest placed Mercury owner. In addition, BREAM anglers compete for the Mercury Cup. It’s an extra $1,500 to the boater 32 TAG 2024

who performs the best across the BREAM Qualifiers and Open events. How do you become involved? Own a Mercury and

let the ABT staff know that the sigh-in at the briefing. RAPALA BONUS Boaters aren’t the only anglers who get rewarded. For example,

let’s take a look at the Rapala Bonus program for non-boaters in BASS events. In your first BASS registration of the year (this can be the first or the last

event of the season) you will be given a Rapala or 13 Fishing branded fishing shirt. Wear this (or any other season’s Rapala shirt) at the weigh-in each

The Mercury Bonus has been rewarding anglers at BREAM and BASS rounds for a few years - in 2024 this program will include BARRA rounds too!

The MUSS have lure for 2024 BREAM www.barambahlures.com

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TAG 2024

abt day and you qualify. Payouts are the same as the Mercury Bonus - $250 for 1st, $125 for 2nd and $75 for 3rd at

Tournament Angler Guide At an app event (eg. the Victorian rounds) non boaters will need to submit a glory photo of a fish that measures 36cm or more

away across the season, we’ll keep a running total going over on the ABT website under the BREAM tab. VENOM TARGET DOLLARS The team at Wilson Fishing shook up the BARRA Tour anglers in 2023 with the last minute introduction of their Venom Target Dollars. This program is named after the locally built Venom rods - in particular the Target range made specifically for live sonar. Anglers just needed to wear the supplied Venom cap while catching a 101cm or bigger barramundi during any of the BARRA Tour events. At the Wilson sponsored Kinchant Dam event, this was doubled to $1,000! Overall, $15,500 worth of Wilsons gear of the angler’s choice was awarded to anglers over the four events. “It was an amazing promotion and we will definitely

do it again this year,” said Kord Luckus, Wilsons boss. TRY SOME MAUI JIMS For the last few years, Maui Jim has been the exclusive ABT sunglasses sponsor. Every season, more and more ABT anglers are switching to the brand that supports their sport. They love the lenses, the frames and the fact that they’ll make sunnies to prescription. At select events in 2024, there will be a range of Maui Jim glasses available to loan for the duration of the event. “It’s rare to be able to try glasses out on the water before you buy, so this is a unique program,” said ABT Tournament Director, Nicholle Smith. Anglers will be able to sign out a pair at the briefing and return them at the end, all cleaned and ready for the next user. Those Maui cleaning kits that are supplied to anglers at

abt.org.au

briefings will come in use here. Maui Jim Sunglasses will are also presenting the Big BREAM and Big BASS prizes at the season qualifying rounds this year. If you catch the big fish at these events you’ll score yourself $500 cash plus a pair of Maui Jims. You won’t have to wait to get your hand on the product this year - we will have your pair of sunglasses ready for you to collect at the conclusion of the event. You’ll be able to put them to use straight away! Of course, the best reason to support ABT sponsors is to take advantage of the Sponsor Karma that comes your way when you do thee right thing. It’s a thing! - ABT

We’ll be seeing plenty more non-boaters wearing Rapala / 13 Fishing Shirts at BASS rounds in 2024! each BASS Pro qualifying event. XBRAID TROPHY BREAM BONUS Non-boaters at Daiwa BREAM series qualifying events will also have something to look

forward to with the launch of the XBraid Trophy Bream bonus in 2024. This bonus is all about rewarding 1kg (or bigger) bream caught from the back of the boat. The mechanics are simple. 34 TAG 2024

to to fork. At a weigh in event you’ll have to nominate a fish that you feel is at least 1kg (or heavier), the same as you do for big bream, to have it registered for the bonus. The bonus consists of an XBraid Pack put together by the team at Bluefish Imports and will include a selection of braid and leader. Non boaters will be able to claim this once during the season. Watch this space to see how many packs we can give

The Venom hats supplied by the team at Wilson Fishing suited all the angler and resulted in over $15,000 in Wilson Product awarded for 1m + barra caught across the Zerek BARRA Tour.

QUALITY FUJI COMPONENTS VENOM ULTRA-HIGH CARBON BLANKS DESIGNED TO DOMINATE LIVE TECHNOLOGY

WWW.WILSONFISHING.COM

abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

2023’s Top BREAM, BASS and BARRA Anglers ABT’s Grand Final prizes are pretty special - everyone wants to win a boat package! But arguably, the Angler of the Year (AOY ) titles are the most cherished amongst the tournament anglers’ ranks. Being AOY (or Team of the Year - TOY in BARRA) is an award that’s hard won across an entire season. You have to be the most consistent among your peers and be versatility across a range of venues and usually techniques, as well. Add in a little luck and that’s the ingredients for a top AOY finish. There’s a whole article in this Tournament Angler Guide about how these guys prepare and execute their plans for a season, so you can get an insight into their thought processes there, but for now, let’s recognise the best of the best for 2023! THE BASS MASTER It’s no secret that Matthew Langford has dominated the local BASS Pro events in 2023. With the season culminating in his 4th consecutive Boater

Jamie McKeown

AOY win, there’s now not much that this Queensland angler hasn’t achieved. Apart from a Grand Final win. That’s eluded him to date, but with results as consistent as he’s delivered across the years, we all know that his time will eventually come for the lucrative prize. Langford was pusted the whole way through the season by his good mate, Mick Johnson. Indeed, at the last Qualifier of the year, Johnson was still a mathematical chance of taking the title, but Langford emphatically slammed the door on the final fishing day.

At the back of the boat, Adam Mears progressed from being Rookie of the Year in 2022 to Non-Boater AOY in 2023. This was a much closer race, with five anglers right in the mix until the last day of fishing. Mears ensured he took the trophy by winning his final event of the year (and likely as a non-boater). He’s taking the step up to running his own moat in 2024 and we reckon he’ll do it well. BASS ELECTRIC SWEEP Gold Coast BASS Electric angler, Chesley Lennon, managed the double and won

both thee BASS Electric Grand Final AND the AOY titles in one year. It the electric events, it helps that the Grand Final result is counted in the AOY calculations, but regardless, it’s been a stellar year for the quiet African expatriate. His countess hours of practice paid off in the ultimate event of the year, where he averages 2kg per fish in a stunning win. BREAMERS LESS CONSISTENT Taka Kawasaki had a massive year in any estimation. He win the BREAMA Grand Final, but before that, he sealed the 2023 BREAM Non-Boater AOY by winning the final Qualifier of the year in Gladstone. It became a two horse race between Taka and Lance Marsh at the final event, but Taka took the title and will also follow the pathway and become a boater in 2024. Don’t let it diminish the feat, but Jamie McKeown’s win of the Boater BREAM AOY was with one of the lower totals in modern history. In a year that every single angler had bombs,

ABT perennial trophies often acquire nicknames. The BARRA TOY Trophy is now called ‘Liam’!

Steve Morgan

Mark Crompton

Wally Fahey

Blake O’Grady

2023 BREAM AOY NON BOATER

2023 BREAM AOY BOATER Rank

Angler

Points

Rank

Angler

Points

Jamie McKeown

470

Taka Kawasaki

480

Mark Crompton

442

Michael Sammut

462

417

396

376

369

Drew Griffith

358

Alan Lister

344

343

320

2 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 36 TAG 2024

McKeown managed a top-ten average and won by one of the largest margins on the modern era, with Steve Morgan and Mark Crompton 28 points in arrears. It’s McKeown’s second AOY accolade and quite possibly not the last if he maintains the stamina to travel. BARRA BARBIE GOES BOOM! Tommy Wood and Samaki’s Josh Lowry seemed to have an unassailable position in the BARRA Series, yet Team Compleat Angler Cairns (Harry Bez and Ron Bruggemann) pushed them right to the final day of fishing to seal the title. Team Samaki’s strength across all venues (3rd Awoongs, 2nd Tinaroo, 1st Faust) in multiple parts of the state ensured that they’s be hard to beat and their shills with both hard and soft baits stood them well for the trophy. What do you get for AOY? Bugger all! A trophy, bragging rights and a place in ABT’s record books. And the winners all love it.

Steve Morgan Wally Fahey

Blake O’Grady Sam Peck

Allan Murray

Paul Langley Brett Crowe

Harry Schofield Kris Hickson Mark Healey Grant Oliver

Ahmad Mahfoud Tom Slater

Adam Richards Chris Lonne

Peter Cashman

442

430

409

391

369

365

345

344

335

312

Lance Marsh

Joel McKenzie Colin Wilson

Scott Scicluna Bill Bland (R) Gavin Atkin

Nathan Booth (R) Dallas Blatchford Peter Clark

Gordon Pullin

Brendan Parry

Jordan Armstrong John Parkinson Matt Perry

Van Ho Nguyen (R)

Ryan Vanderburg (R) Richard Hadlow Glenn Hoskin

476 452 429 421 419 408 405 390 386 380 369 365 352 324 320 311 309 291

A NEW LEGEND TO BEHOLD At the bow of your vessel, below the thunderous sea, is a monster in wait. More powerful than the waves, precise enough to hold its place. It wasn’t crafted from folklore or superstitions rooted deep. It’s real. It’s here. And it’s taking control.

abt

Tournament Angler Guide

Matthew Langford

Mick Johnson

Mitchell Cone

Braden Schuch

Rank

Angler

Points

Rank

Angler

Points

Matthew Langford

397

Adam Mears

386

Mitchell Cone

384

Jake Hardie

380

378

367

358

349

341

338

335

319

2 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Mick Johnson

Braden Schuch

Keeghan Painter Corey Goldie

Graham Ford Ben Hay

Dane Pryce

Mark Lennox

Collin Robinson Cameron Hall

Steve Morgan Tony Thorley Tom Deer

John Noble Ryan Allen

Jayson Deforrest-Haddleton

Bill Latimer

Chesley Lennon

Nicholas Brunyee

Keeghan Painter

2023 BASS AOY NON BOATER

2023 BASS AOY BOATER

392

383

368

359

358

348

341

336

333

311

Shawn Ezzy

Heath Kimber Mal Draper

Garry Wilton Tim Jones

Nick Brown

Tyson Eveleigh (R) Barry Reynolds Kelvin Hatton

Reece Winters Phil Hoyt

Damien Winters Troy Lowe Philip Nix

Rodney Thorpe Bridgett Currey Stephen Mears Paul Mazaroli Taj Duff

Team Samaki

2023 BASS ELECTRIC AOY

385 367 366 361 358 358 350 350 343 339 334 331 274 268 263 261 196 191

Team Compleat Angler Cairns

2023 BARRA TOY

Rank

Angler

Points

Rank

Team

Points

Chesley Lennon

295

SAMAKI (Wood/Lowry)

525

Casey Monagle

286

DOBYNS RODS (Slade/Wilcox)

489

T.B.C ( Lain/Williams)

484

2 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 38 TAG 2024

abt.org.au

Shawn Ezzy

Christian Manolea Harry Hardman Beau Eveleigh

Tyson Eveleigh Marcus Hope

Clint McDermott Declan James

Michael Dauth

Glenn Wiggins

Stephen McLean Darren Love Rob Butler

Michael Goodwin Elyon Cloete

Phillip Dudgeon Mark McKay Greg Rigby

287 285 285 284 283 275 273 270 267 261 259 256 256 255 253 252 252 251

2 4 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

COMPLEAT ANGLER CAIRNS (Bruggemann/Bez) 517

FISHING MONTHLY (Morgan/Smith) ZEREK (Robinson/Hodgson)

FISH WITH ME (Edmonds/Dow) TRACKER (Pelling/Lassig)

484 472 471 463

HOOKED_ON_EXPLORING (Calvert/Calvert) 453 VENOM (Dixon/Meredith)

445

LIKELY LADS (Newby/Lyons)

428

ATOMIC (Starkey/Martin)

SCALE RAISERS (Ryan/Williams)

WILSON FISHING (Cornelius/Mulcahy) HALCO (Carter/Ehrlich) FAMILY AFFAIR (Sohier/Sohier)

MUNDI MADNESS (Mainas/Smith) GARMIN (Mott/Mott) RENEGADE (Pisani/Hooton)

RAPALA - CRUSHCITY (Morgan/Horn)

431 423 409 407 388 382 374 362 353

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