New South Wales Fishing Monthly - December 2015

SUMMER SURF FISHING • COD OPENING

Feature

Cod opening bonanza • Christmas Gift ideas • Surf fishing with softies • Holidaying at Burrinjuck •

Tried and Tested

Robalo’s R207 • Anglapro’s Predator 16 • Bar Crusher’s 490WR and 490C • Samaki Boom Baits • Safeguard Cargo Net •

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Black Magic 4kg+ Inferno® Braid and Black Magic 8lb Fluorocarbon tippet were used by Lee Rayner to catch this brown trout while fishing near The Snowy Mountains.

A Black Magic Squid Snatcher® 2.5 ‘orange glow’ was used by Brett Johnstone to take this impressive squid.

Black Magic 30lb Tough Fluorocarbon leader was used buy Adam Epifanis to catch this great snapper at Port Stephens.

Ben Petrone landed this chinook salmon using a Black Magic BMax ‘smelt’ lure while trolling in Lake Bullen Merri.

This 24kg mulloway was landed by Alex Deacon at a secret location. Alex used Black Magic 80lb Supple Trace.

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December 2015, Vol. 21 No. 5

Contents 08

BYRON COAST The Tweed 28 Iluka 31

SYDNEY The Hawkesbury 16 Pittwater 18 Sydney North 20 Sydney Harbour 21 Sydney rock and beach 22 Sydney South 26 Botany Bay 24 REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics 92 Boating 96 Dam Levels 77 Fun Page 94 Kayak Fishing 84 Tides 103 Trade Directory 104 Tournaments 86 What’s New in Fishing 66 What’s New in Boating 102

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SPECIAL FEATURES Cod opening special Surf fishing with softies Useful Xmas gift ideas Holidaying at Burrinjuck

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If you end up doing a last-minute thing, don’t panic – you can sign up via our online partner, iSubscribe (www. isubscribe.com.au).

You can visit the www. f i s h i n g m o n t h l y. c o m . a u website for the links to this. They will email you a printable voucher that will save your hide right up to the big day and beyond!

If you’re superorganised and have your mobile phone next to you right now, you can scan the QR code right here to do the whole process on your mobile. What could be easier?

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FRESHWATER Canberra 72 Jindabyne 73 Yarrawonga 76 Echuca 75 Robinvale 74 Mildura 74 Batlow 77 Lithgow-Oberon 78 Hunter Valley 79 Copeton Dam 80 Burrendong 79

them already.

Our suggested tactic?

Copious use of a highlighter and then leaving the open magazine in a well trafficked position – say under the TV remote control… It’s worked in the past and it’ll work again, trust me!

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUBS - READ THIS We really do appreciate that thousands of readers subscribe to the Fishing Monthly magazines and hundreds and hundreds buy gift subscriptions every Christmas.

Just some housekeeping here – if you like renewing or buying your gift subscription over the phone or via mail to the FM office, please make sure you get it to us by the 14th of December. The very last day we process subs is the 17th, but if you get it to us by the 14th we can get the gift certificate to you on time.

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EDEN COAST Bermagui 62 Tathra 63 Eden 65 Mallacoota 65 Merimbula 64

COD SEASON OPENS We know that a lot of you would have been waiting with bated breath for the opening of the Murray cod season in Victoria and NSW, and the waters that bridge these two states.

To help you make the most of this situation, we’ve compiled a string of articles that will help you make the most of this cod season. If you haven’t experienced this iconic Aussie fish, then now is the best time to plan.

Get into ‘em!

CHRISTMAS GIFTS We’re not ashamed of the fact that we like to do some of the thinking for you when it comes to Christmas gifts for anglers. Curator of our www.tacklejunkie.fish website, Nicole Penfold, has examined all options for you this year and compiled it into a comprehensive list of things that you’re sure to want if you don’t have

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BATEMANS COAST Batemans Bay 60 Narooma 61

At Fishing Monthly, we wish it was summer all year long. The fishing is top notch, the writers are bursting out of their skin with excitement and, because our summer issues are so big, the staff in the office are on a high as we put the magazines together.

We love it!

And the only thing that makes summer even better is giving the Kiwis a flogging in the cricket (yes, the Rugby World Cup is ancient history now) and having that play on the radio in the background as you’re winding one in.

Alternatively, smashing out a dawn session and having the boat washed and the fish cleaned by the time the Channel 9 Wide World of Sports logo scrolls across the screen can result in similar enlightenment.

Bring it on.

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ILLAWARRA COAST Illawarra 47 Nowra 49

From the Editor’s Desk...

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HUNTER COAST Port Stephens 42 Hunter Coast 43 Swansea 44 Central Coast 46

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MACQUARIE COAST The Hastings 36 Forster 38 Harrington-Taree 40

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COFFS COAST Ballina 30 Coffs Harbour 32 Coffs Game 34 South West Rocks 35

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Cod Feature

It’s all about the ‘boof’!

WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

angling became popular they were targeted with bait.

For many years there was a combination of commercial fishers and keen anglers using rods loaded with all different types of baits ranging from garden worms to small birds and everything in between.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s lure fishing started

to heat up in the cod fishing scene with large bladed spinners known as Aeroplane Spinners accounting for many of the cod caught, followed by the popular Floppy and Mudbug lures.

Over the years, Murray cod became less and less popular as a commercial fish species and more popular as

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Murray cod have always been one of the most sought after species of fish in the fresh.

Back in the early days they were netted and harvested by old style commercial fishers. Once

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Lauretta Alexander enjoys surface fishing for Murray cod. At the end of the really stinking hot days, nothing beats surface fishing for Murray cod, mixed up with a bit of wet wading.

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Brett Corker landed this 66cm Murray cod on a surface lure just as we were about to leave. We were making our last two or three casts for the evening when ‘BOOF’! a sport fish until eventually the commercial fishers all had their commercial fishing licenses revoked.

By the late 1990s fish stockings, improved fishing ethics and a tightening of the regulations in Victoria and NSW led to improved Murray cod sport fishing, which then led to a boom in lure manufacturing, improved fishing tackle technologies and an overall greater respect for this iconic Australian native fish.

In recent years, sport fishing for Murray cod has been taken to a whole new level with the growth in popularity of surface fishing.

Over the years, anglers have caught cod off the surface with some of the older design smaller surface lures that were usually made for the American bass fishing scene, but it is only in the last few years that surface fishing for Murray cod has really taken off. Not only has it taken off, but I believe it is the fastest growing craze in

Brett Corker with a trout cod caught on a surface lure, once again right on sunset. the freshwater fishing scene here in Victoria.

THE SURFACE LURE CRAZE Why has surface fishing for Murray cod become so popular in recent years?

There are a few answers to this question, but by far the number one attraction

to the sport of surface lure fishing for Murray cod is the BOOF that is made when a cod hits a surface lure.

Even a modest sized cod of around 40-50cm in length will make a loud, sharp splashing sound as they boof your surface lure, usually causing the angler

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Terry Alexander caught this little Murray cod on a small surface popper at 3:00pm on Christmas day a couple of years ago. Cod will hit surface lures during the daylight periods, but not as readily. Look for really shaded areas.

to jump! The closer to your feet the fish hits the lure, the more of a fright you will get.

The sharp splashing type sound is usually made by the cod’s tail when it slaps the water at break neck speed as the it turns quickly to head back down into the depths.

several times in the one cast! If the line pulls tight and you know the cod has the lure in its mouth, that’s when you lift your rod tip to put tension on the line.

One of the other reasons surface fishing for Murray cod has really taken off is because it is a bit more cost effective with regards to

have to be an expert to read the water. You don’t have to visualize where your lure will sink with the current.

You don’t have to search for drop-offs and ledges with a depth sounder, you just cast your lure out and retrieve it. The cod will sense the lure swimming across the surface, and seek it out. A

This nice Murray cod fell victim to a Z-Man Pop FrogZ. Surface soft plastics come into their own in clear water where natural presentations work the best.

Hook-up rates can be quite poor when using surface lures, however more and more anglers still enjoy the sport of surface fishing.

As many of us say “It’s all about the boof”. One of the reasons hook-up rates are poor is because anglers automatically tend to lift the rod tip and strike to set the hooks. Quite often, this pulls the lure out of the cod’s mouth and sends it flying through the air. The

losing lures to snags. When walking the banks casting diving lures or spinnerbaits, losing expensive lures is a part of the experience. With surface lures, anglers can see where the snags are and cast beside them. Avoiding snags is so much easier when surface lure fishing, allowing anglers to access snag-infested sections of creeks and rivers that would otherwise be overlooked.

In saying this, we still

slow to moderate retrieve speed is best.

TIPS Surface fishing for Murray cod is best at night time, or during the low light periods of the day. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.

Many anglers, myself included, have caught cod on surface lures during the day, even in full sunshine, however it really is during the low light periods and under the cover of darkness

A twilight Murray cod taken on a Koolabung Codwalker surface lure in the middle of Wangaratta. best thing to do when you get a boof is to just leave your rod tip down low and wait to see whether your line pulls tight or the lure keeps floating. If the fish doesn’t hook up, quite often it will return to the lure for another boof. Sometimes, the cod will hit the lure

lose a few lures. Overhanging vegetation and casting too far, resulting in hooking up on the opposite bank are two great ways to ensure your surface lures don’t join you for the trip home!

Another attraction to surface fishing is that it really is simple! You don’t

when the action really starts to heat up.

Choosing a surface lure really is a personal thing.

It comes down to personal choice. They all do the same job. Some have different sounds, some are jointed, leaving the tail end sitting To page 10

DECEMBER 2015

9

Cod Feature is a personal choice thing.

There are plenty of surface lures on the market for you to choose from.

Some of them are incredibly lifelike to look at. I like the really lifelike surface lures in the really clear water of the upland reaches of our river systems, where the cod can get a good look at the lure. In the lower reaches, where the water is usually murky, I just look for the lure that will displace the most water.

From page 9

lower in the water, which helps with your hook-up rate, some have flashing lights in them, some have glow in the dark bibs, there really is a surface lure out there to suit any situation.

My personal favourite is the medium sized Koolabung Codwalker, as I find it has the best hook-up rate for my style of fishing. It also has a plopping sound that I really like. My mate Brett Corker has a preference for the Sweetwater surface lure, as he likes the action of it.

My best mate Sandy Hector (A.K.A. The Camo Man) has a preference for the Kingfisher Mantis. It really

the cicadas are active in the trees above the river, this tends to lend itself to better surface fishing.

Another trick that many anglers find useful is to take the rear hook off the surface lure, and put a split ring or two between the hook and the lure. This will make the rear hook sit lower in the water and may help with improving hook-up rates. I do not do this personally, because I am too lazy and simple, but

A nice surface feeding Murray cod caught on a Koolabung Codwalker.

Joey Barca landed this magnificently coloured Murray cod on New Year’s Eve last summer.

Murray cod do not study encyclopaedias, look up at something on the surface and think to themselves “Mmmm, that’s a maniacal cackle tree frog… I’d better eat it!”. They just see something swimming across the water that will fit in their mouth and smash it. It could be a small young bird, a wounded bird, a possum, a rabbit swimming or even

my fishing mates do this and swear by it.

If you want to see first hand what all the fuss is about with surface lure fishing, have a look at my YouTube channel ‘robbiefishing’ and you will see a few short clips that I have shared over the last couple of seasons of Murray cod being caught on surface lures.

Trout cod will happily hit a surface lure as well. I find they don’t hit them as frequently as Murray cod, however they will have a go from time to time. This little one took a Bassman buzzbait. a small duck. Murray cod do not discriminate and have even been known to swallow baby snakes as they swim across the river.

One thing I have found when surface fishing for Murray cod is that when 10

DECEMBER 2015

For the ultimate Murray cod surface fishing footage, have a look at Rod Mackenzie’s latest DVD titled ‘Almighty Cod’.

This honestly has some mind-blowing Murray cod surface fishing footage.

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Cod Feature

Cranking for cod: clever casting tactics BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

Ten or so years ago if someone talked about a lure angler, you’d instantly think of trollers.

Fast forward and sure, trolling is still as popular as ever, but casting lures is now growing in leaps and bounds.

Gone are the days of casting lures only being for the tournament anglers.

Just look around on any given weekend in any given impoundment around the country and you will almost definitely see boats actually casting lures rather than just towing them around hoping for a fish.

Magazines, the tournament scene and social media certainly have helped push the types of info anglers needed to become successful lure casters.

for this is the ability to continue to target the one snag or fish repeatedly and much quicker than you could by trolling, thereby annoying the fish to strike at your lure whether the fish is hungry or not.

The strike from a Murray cod whilst casting and retrieving lures can be bone jarring and often scare the hell out of you. Anyone who has experienced this before will tell you that once you feel that first strike from a big Murray cod, just like the rest of us, you will be converted to this casting game and will be addicted for life.

If you’re new to the world of Murray cod I will now run you through what types of areas to look for when casting lures, what lures to use in what areas and the best retrieve styles to help you all have more success when casting lures for these great fish.

but particularly lay downs.

Although these areas are great to target Murray cod, don’t disregard other forms of structure like rock walls or points and shallow weedy bays when fishing the lakes or back eddies in faster flowing creeks and rivers.

In low light conditions cod will often leave the safety of their home and venture along these rock walls and shallow weedy bays in search of a feed.

LURES When casting lures to drowned trees it is hard to beat spinnerbaits, angel baits, and large plastics rigged weedless on jigheads matched to the depth.

If the water you are fishing is not too deep, a floating hardbody could be useful as it will enable you to get down into the zone and keep it there for the maximum amount of time.

If you feel your lure bump against a snag, simply

It’s easy to see why these fish are so highly prized. On top of being absolutely gorgeous looking fish, they grow to massive sizes and when casting lures strike your lure with a force like no other southern freshwater fish.

Once anglers realised that not only is it just as easy as trolling, it is more fun and most importantly, casting lures is often much more successful. The reason

TARGET AREAS Murray cod live on and ambush their prey from structure and the obvious places are any form of drowned tree both standing,

Low profile baitcast set ups are ideal for casting lures for Murray cod. This cod fell for an Insanity Tackle Slap Walker rigged on the rear tow point. crankbait. Fish in these areas don’t see this style of lure very often so they tend to work quite well, but they are prone to snagging.

When fishing the trees and weed I recommend rigging your lipless crankbaits with a set of swinging, backward facing assist hooks to limit your snags. or try the Insanity Tackle Slap Walkers rigged on the rear tow point. These lipless crankbaits when rigged this way are one of the most snag resistant lipless crankbaits on the market.

If you are searching large areas for active fish a good loud rattling lipless crankbait is my favourite, but all of the above mentioned lures will work

for this type of fishing.

Spinnerbaits are by far the most dominant cod lure on the market, and in dirty water, I only use double Colorado set ups.

They’re also effective when targeting really big fish.

RETRIEVE STYLES Slow retrieve This is probably the most consistent cod catching retrieve. Simply cast your lure out and once your lure is in the zone simply start slow rolling the lure back. Often the slower the retrieve the better .

Slow retrieve with pauses This retrieve is commonly used when fishing from a boat and is exactly the same as the slow retrieve. You just

implement pauses during the retrieve to allow the lure to sink down to the desired depth again as most lures will ride up in the water column when retrieved.

Pausing and allowing the lure to sink back to the bottom will keep your lure in the zone for the maximum amount of time.

This retrieve is especially handy when fishing deep areas like steep rock walls.

Depending on how deep the water is, one or two pauses during the retrieve may be enough but in super deep water that drops off quickly you may need to just do two or three winds then allow the lure to sink again, sometimes up to ten times in one retrieve.

stop winding and allow the lure to float up and over the snag before recommencing your retrieve.

Alternatively, you can if you dare try a lipless

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One of the most common structure types to target Murray cod with lures. The cod live deep on these snags so don’t be scared to fire those lures in there as tight as you can.

Cod Feature rod to really get those lures out there.

As for line, I have used 30lb braid and 30lb fluorocarbon leader for years and it has served me well, but if you are fishing snag infested water and the average fish is up over a metre, then 50lb braided main line down to a 50-60lb mono leader will do the

job on most fish you will encounter.

GET CASTING Low light periods such as early morning, late afternoon, night time and overcast days are all great times to be targeting Murray cod on the cast, but the beauty of casting lures is even at non ideal times you can annoy a fish into striking.

By constantly casting at the fish, it will eventually get annoyed enough and strike at your lure.

Sure, it might be a little bit more work then trolling but the reward for effort will surprise anyone who has never tried it before.

Until next article, good luck, good fishing and tight lines.

Spinnerbaits are one of the most popular lure styles for casting around structure for Murray cod as they are one of the most snag resistant lure styles out there. It is very hard to beat the single willow blade set up as this tends to attract the fish but not scare them.

Burn and kill Burning and killing is pretty much as it sounds.

When commencing the retrieve, the lure is wound really fast for a few cranks and then suddenly stopped, and this is usually repeated back to your feet.

When all else fails this retrieve can fire many fish species up, especially opportunistic feeders like Murray cod.

Fast retrieve A straight fast retrieve also has its place in Murray cod fishing. This retrieve is great in shallow water and when searching large areas for active fish.

ROD SET UP It is hard to beat a baitcast set-up when casting lures. This rod set-up is much more accurate once mastered, which in turn will result in more fish as

your lure will reach the zone where the cod are.

A rod of around 5-6’ in length and a 4-6 kg rating is fine, especially with the lighter lures but some anglers opt for 6-10kg rated rods. I use a short handled rod when fishing from the bank or from canoes and small boats, but if I’m searching a large area (especially in lakes) and long casts are needed, then I like to use a 6-7’ double handled

It’s not all about timber; rock walls like this are great areas to target Murray cod. On top of already living in the crevices of the rocks, in low light conditions cod will patrol along these sorts of areas in search of a feed.

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13

Cod Feature

Try trolling spinnerbaits ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

When Fishing Monthly asked me to be part of the Murray cod feature for the December edition, I must say, I got a little excited. So much of last season’s learning had not had time to exit the pen onto paper and this would be the perfect opportunity to share some of the on water action that made last season so memorable.

Where to begin is I

a sport of gentry and took it into the world of swags, campfires and Murray cod.

Catching several solid Murray cod on fly has fuelled something that I had always perceived to be well beyond my reach, when in truth, it was always there and ready for the taking.

Add to this a range of giant wake baits and surface lures that attract the larger end of the green machine and there’s much to come once the season starts.

I reread my email to see how many words were allocated for my piece and

Dean Norbiato with a nice Murray cod trolled on the new Bassman 4x4 spinnerbaits. guess the biggest question, as we tried so many new techniques. We ventured down the soft plastic road and smashed home some excellent results landing several very nice cod on a range of different plastics.

This was a method I had wanted to try for a while and was very pleased with the new ground and opportunity we had opened.

A short time after, we dragged out the fly and took

found that my section of the cod yarn was to be done on trolling. So often I brush across things in my haste to get to where I am going that I miss the things I should have seen. So no soft plastics or fly this time, and the wake baits will have to wait. While we were very busy honing new skills last season we did continue to build our knowledge on trolling with some very surprising results

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Yamba Bait & Tackle • yambabt@gmail.com PH: (02) 6646 1514 - Mail Orders Welcome 14

DECEMBER 2015

that might see you change a few things you try on the water this coming season.

While most of us have the basics of trolling worked out we need to continually push to improve. Last season we revisited the art of trolling spinnerbaits with some excellent results.

While most native anglers are proficient at casting spinnerbaits, not many take the time to see the effective nature of these lures on the troll.

While single armed models can be trolled, you’d do far better to use either the DT model or the new 4x4 range from Bassman.

The arms and blades on these styled spinnerbaits work somewhat like a canopy, creating plenty of lift and flash. The canopy effect on these models also

Kris Stiglic trolled this solid cod out of less than 2m of water on a spinnerbait! results fall well short of the stealth-like presentations associated with the use of a

good electric motor. While an electric motor is so much quieter than a petrol,

they also provide you the luxury of being able to drop the speed down so the lure

Another plus sized cod taken on the troll using a Bassman 4x4 spinnerbaits. helps minimise snagging, which is a real positive when trolling structure.

We found the best results on the troll came from water depths of 3m or less, depending on water clarity.

If the water was really clear we would regularly pull fish from a depth of 5m.

As with all forms of trolling, the real benefit comes from presenting your lure to hidden snags that are otherwise not fished. This past season we trolled up some honking cod on spinnerbaits from seemingly barren stretches of river that most other anglers roared across in search of greener pastures.

Many of these fish were caught in less than 2m of water in areas that we too had passed over at one time or another. The best fishing practises, regardless of your level, are to slow down and take it all in.

While you can troll with a petrol motor, the

Spinnerbaits are excellent trolling lures, and using a stinger soft plastic adds profile and bulk, which this aggressive species just loves.

holds depth. Remember, with several rotating blades caching water the spinnerbait will want to climb if you are traveling too quickly.

Trolling spinnerbaits is the opposite of hardbodied lures in that you don’t pause when you bump up against a snag, instead you grind your way through the timber, keeping the spinnerbait upright and moving forward. If you pause and allow the spinnerbait to fall over you will spend all day going backwards to retrieve your lure off the snags and believe me, this is no fun and incredibly frustrating to say the least.

We still run a stinger soft plastic trailer when trolling as it vastly improves the hook-up rate.

If you have never thought about trolling spinnerbaits, why not give it a run this coming cod season? You may be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities this style of fishing provides.

Dean killing it again with this lovely example of a river dwelling Murray cod.

Murray cod regulations reminder Last year Victorian and NSW Governments agreed to common Murray cod size limits in the interests of recreational fishers. This came after the confusion caused by the previously proposed laws to differ slot sizes for both states.

This confusion was centred on the Murray River, which is one of

the premier Murray cod fisheries and forms the NSW/Victorian border for most of its length.

Murray cod now have a slot limit of 55-75cm in NSW and Victoria.

The bag limit differs in both states. The daily bag limit is two per person, with a maximum of four to be possessed at any given time in NSW.

NSW MURRAY COD REGULATIONS Slot limit.....................................................55-75cm Daily limit.............................................2 per person Possession limit..................................................... 4 Closed season................................ 1 September to 30 November (except Copeton Dam)

Murray cod must not be taken or even targeted from 1 September to 30 November in both states, and must be released immediately if taken as by-catch during this period. On-the-spot fines apply for anglers caught breaking the rules. An exception has been made for the waters upstream of Copeton Dam. Similarly, trout cod must not be taken or targeted from any waters in NSW, and must be released immediately if taken as by-catch. On-thespot fines apply for anglers caught breaking the rules. – FMG

The new rules are designed to protect and preserve our Murray cod fishery.

DECEMBER 2015

15

Holiday hotspots on the Hawkesbury River suitable tidal flats to try your luck.

On the subject of surface fishing, the bass have been going great this year with plenty of average sized fish from 25-35cm plus the odd better fish to 40cm+ readily taking surface lures and flies in the upper Nepean from North Richmond to well above the Gorge. If they are being stubborn and not actively taking surface presentations then a shallow running crankbait or jig spin/soft plastic combo has been working well. When the main river gets too busy with other recreational users you can usually find some peace and solitude in the small sweet water streams. The better ones take some effort to access but the results and stunning natural surrounds are well worth the effort.

Flathead have been biting well leading up to this month – a trend that should continue throughout the festive season. They will be making their way back upstream after the spawn run in spring and taking up residence on the many sand bars and drop offs from

THE HAWKESBURY

Dan Selby dan@sydneysportfishing.com.au

Another great year of fishing is drawing to a close and the start of a new one inspires expectations of that next big capture and the techniques that are necessary to get that monster. For most, it’s a great time to catch up with friends and family over the Christmas holiday break, eat and drink too much, sleep in and maybe harass a fish or two when the opportunity arises.

When that holiday timing does arise, try your luck tempting a bream or whiting from the flats on surface poppers and stick baits or try a sub-surface offering of a lightly weighted soft plastic grub or creature bait. Selecting shallow tidal flats that incorporate some weedy areas on the top of the tide will put you in the mix to enjoy this very visual style of fishing. Places like Pittwater, Cowan, Brisbane Waters, Narrabeen lakes and Berowra all have

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Wisemans to Windsor in the main river and throughout the brackish reaches of the

thin in the upper reaches this month with the smaller soapies (under the legal

70cm size) taking over and becoming ravenous.

The bigger models will

Kingfish are biting well in Pittwater and on the headlands north and south of Broken bay. Casting lures, downrigging and live baiting are all accounting for quality fish. creeks and feeder streams that make up the massive arterial system. Soft plastics and bibless minnows are great for casting and covering water to find those active concentrations. Make sure to maintain regular contact with the bottom where predators lie in wait to ambush unsuspecting victims. Anchoring up and fishing light tackle with fresh frozen or live baits of prawn is a very effective way of tempting some nice flathead to the boat.

Check and replace your leader regularly when on a hot flattie bite as the next one could be that monster you have been waiting to get a picture and bragging rights with.

The better sized mulloway will start to get

be heading back down to the near shore reefs and beaches to commence their annual spawn with plenty of anglers trying their luck in the Broken Bay area.

Eleanors Bluff, Flint and Steel, Juno, Gunya, Wobby shores and the rail bridges will all have their day and it’s the most prepared anglers that will get the best results. Quality tackle and a bait tank full of livies will put you in the game.

Tailor, pike, squid, yakkas, mullet and herring are all favourites but it’s anyone’s guess which one will be eaten first when that school of brutes finds your spread.

Kingfish have been biting well with lures and baits both accounting for good fish from day to day.

Sometimes they surface feed on small baitfish, soft plastics, and surface lures with an erratic retrieve, and the next day a live squid on the downrigger gets the hits. Having a few tricks up

Quality bass are being caught on all manner of lures and are great fun for young and old alike.

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your sleeve with the ability to change your technique and approach from hour to hour will have your reels screaming and smiles all round.

Blue swimmers and mud crabs have been pretty good so far this season with plenty of guys getting into them. To be most effective keep your dilly/witches hats away from high traffic and current areas. Working your pots every half hour seems to be best to save big tangles and to find where the best concentrations of blue swimmer crabs are on any given day. Try areas from lower Cowan creek all the way to Spencer. For the mud crabs the feeder creeks and gutters tend to produce better from Berowra up to and above Wisemans ferry if it remains dry. Setting them overnight with fresh fish frames caught the same day produces better results.

I hope this gives you some ideas to help you get into a few piscatorial delights over the festive season. Be safe on our roads and on the water, and catch you next year!

Some great flathead were caught over spring. This should continue as they chase baitfish and prawns in the brackish waters from Wisemans to Windsor.

Some big mulloway have been caught in the lower reaches of late. Use live baits and fish the tide changes to score ripper fish like this one that Peter caught recently.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Go Fishing Day on 6 December NSW is being encouraged to go fishing on 6 December, with the NSW Government launching its inaugural Go Fishing Day. DPI will be running events at six locations around the state, so if you have ever thought about trying fishing or are already a keen fisher, get down to one of the six locations for the ‘Go Fishing NSW’ Day. A range of fun-filled fishing activities will be held at each location: • Free ‘try fishing’ sessions for beginners (adults and children five years old and over welcome); • Free goodie bags with lots of ‘fishy’ giveaways; • Casting competitions;

• DPI Fisheries display with everything you need to know about fishing in NSW; • Free local seafood tastings at Coffs Harbour, Kurnell, Nowra; and • Free fish hatchery tours at Jindabyne, Narrandera and Ebor.

Locations included in special ‘Go Fishing’ day events include: • Kurnell, Sydney, Kamay Botany Bay National Park (at end of Captain Cook Drive); • Nowra, Greys Beach on Shoalhaven River (Fairway Drive); • Coffs Harbour, Boambee Creek Reserve; • Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Narrandera (Buckingbong Drive);

• Jindabyne, Gaden Trout Hatchery (off Kosciuszko Road); and • Ebor, Dutton Trout Hatchery (Point lookout Road).

Can’t get to one of the six locations? Don’t worry, you can still enter a draw to win one of 50 Shimano rod and reel fishing combos (worth over $350 each) by emailing a photo of yourself fishing in NSW on 6 December to gofishing.nsw@dpi. nsw.gov.au. Or you can email a photo of yourself collecting litter from your local fishing spot.

More information can be found at www.dpi. nsw.gov.au/fisheries or phone DPI on 02 4424 7421. – DPI DECEMBER 2015

17

Once more into the fray PITTWATER

Peter Le Blang plfishfingers@bigpond.com

Once again, the kings are back in Pittwater and showing up along our part of the coast. Broken Bay is seeing some surface activity in the mornings, which has given everyone a chance with lures.

Small metal lures are working well if you work the school properly. Don’t be discouraged if you cast a few times into or at the edge of

be a frustrating way to start the day, but when it all comes together for you the failed retrieves are soon forgotten.

Another area to watch for surface activity is the Longnose Point to Stokes Point area. There seems to be a fair amount of baitfish building up in this zone. Tow a small live yellowtail around on a downrigger, or better still a small live squid – the current best performing bait. Pittwater has a lot of super small squid amongst the weed beds and they are difficult to catch.

Normally these squid are first

fish to target at the moment.

Lately we have been doing a bit of micro jigging and once again these methods are working extremely well. On many occasions we’ve caught kingfish, mulloway, flathead, tailor and salmon while drifting around structure near deeper water. These lures have a small rubber squid above the hook and with all of the small squid along Pittwater it’s a no brainer why they are working as well as they are.

FLATHEAD For those wanting to catch a flathead or two, the drop off from Palm Beach to Mackerel Beach is a great spot to grab a feed of fresh flathead fillets. Casting soft plastics towards the weed edges on the shallower ground or dragging bait down the drop off is a great way to spend a few hours.

There are some big flathead in Pittwater at the moment and it is worth trying some of the points and holes along the river. Lovett Bay has a large sand flat at the end of the bay and on the run out tide there is usually a flathead or two sitting in the hole in front of the flats. Working small paddle tail plastics from the shallower

Matthew (Dig) Davis with one of many kingfish that he caught on a charter.

Most were caught on 15g metal lures when the kings were surface feeding. ground into the deeper water is extremely effective.

Along our part of the coast kingfish have shown up in patches. Once again there is some surface activity on those still mornings so have your live baits caught early or be loaded up with a variety of 4-6” soft plastics. Some places that have seen recent activity are Barrenjoey Head, Avalon,

and Newport Reef. In fact, most headlands have had a patch of fish at some time in the last week. The better bait has been small yellowtail or slimy mackerel if you can find them!

Downrigging areas such as Barrenjoey Headland or Newport Reef is a great way to find a decent king. Watch for the balled up bait schools on

A very proud young man with a personal best flathead. the melee and don’t get a hit or a follow. When this occurs, the first thing most anglers will do is change over lures.

Sometimes this is the answer but more often than not a simple change in your retrieve can be all it takes to get a hit.

Try to let the lure sink to the bottom before you retrieve it.

If this fails then change your lure style or size and try again.

Surface feeding kings can

seen chasing the bigger jigs back to the boat and from there it’s a simple matter of introducing the small jig into their line of sight. The better size jigs are the small 1.8g models and the natural colours are working well.

If you are unlucky enough to miss out on some surface activity first thing in the morning don’t worry, there seem to be plenty of other

This plate sized snapper pounced on a squid strip in 60m of water off Broken Bay.

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your sounder and hang around that area. The reef fishing is starting to pick up as well.

The species that are being encountered vary from day to day with snapper, morwong, flathead and trevally making up a few species.

Water depths around 60m seem to be working well and finding the baitfish near the bottom part of the water column before you deploy your baits is standard. Over the sand 50-70m of water will see you catch your bag limit of flathead.

There are a few smaller fish to catch before the bigger fish are located. Using a paternoster rig is a great way to pick up two fish at a time. The better baits have been squid strips or pilchard pieces. For something a bit different, place a soft plastic on the top hook of the paternoster rig and watch how many flathead swim past a bait on the bottom hook to nail the plastic. You may be surprised at your results.

I hope that you are able to get out on the water to enjoy our wonderful part of the coast.

• Peter Le Blang operates Harbour and Estuary Fishing Charters, phone 02 9999 2574 or 0410 633 351, visit www. estuaryfishingcharters.com.au

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Industry Profile

Windybank’s Bait & Tackle FMG

Ryan Limpus rlimpus@fishingmonthly.com.au

It’s always interesting to learn a little history of businesses – how they started and why they started.

Some have a relatively short history and others can stretch over 50 years, but there are not many that can say they have a family business that stretches five generations back into the 1800s.

You would be hard pressed to find a bait fisho in Sydney or the Central Coast who hasn’t at some stage fished with Windybanks Hawkesbury prawns. There is more to the story of the Windybank’s name than a frozen packet of prawns.

NSW Fishing Monthly had the opportunity to sit down with Paul Windybank who manages the wholesale bait side of Windybank’s Bait and tackle, based at Mt Colah, and delved into some of the story of Windybank’s Bait and Tackle.

The Windybank’s name in Sydney first came to be when Edward Clarke Windybank travelled from Bedfordshire, England by sailing boat in 1853. On his arrival in Australia he worked as a boat builder in boatsheds in Double

Bay and Elizabeth Bay. Later, working on the building of the new railway to Brooklyn, he saw water from the ridge top near Berowra Station.

He walked down through the bush, and was so enchanted by the bay that he decided it was where he would settle.

This tough pioneer lived in a cave for approximately two years while bringing building materials by ship from Sydney to the Hawkesbury River, then

day visitors, and fishermen.

The enterprising Windybank built and hired houseboats and clinkers on the river and at one stage there were eleven houseboats and two steamboats – Wildflower (1895) and Lady Zara (1903).

Additional boats included the motorboat, Lady Alicia, which could carry 110 people, and a lifeboat from the SS Maitland (which had been wrecked off Broken Bay in 1898).

The original Windybanks Boatshed at Waratah Bay. rowing them along Cowan Creek to Waratah Bay to build his house.

In the late 1890s Edward Windybank built a boatshed at Waratah Bay, which became the centre of activity for holidaymakers,

Another purchase was a large paddle steamer, the General Gordon which had been used by the railway department to transport passengers across the Hawkesbury River before the rail bridge was built. This boat was cut in half by Windybank

and made into two houseboats.

A shop was run at the boatshed, and a donkey from Berowra carried daily supplies, while larger items came in later years by monthly trading ship. One way or another, the entrepreneurial skills and life based on the waters of Hawkesbury (Cowan Creek) lead to the formation of Windybank’s Bait and Tackle.

This side of the family business was established when Gordon Windybank and his wife Mavis, moved to the Pacific Highway at Mt Colah with their three sons. Their eldest son was of school age and formed Windybank’s Bait & Tackle as it is known today. From this location, the business has gone from strength to strength and continues to run from the same location.

In 1971 one of Gordon’s sons, John Windybank and his wife Annette took over the running of the business and continue to run the shop at Mt Colah today. John and Annette’s son, Paul and his wife Teresa, run the wholesale side of the bait supply. Paul’s son Tristan also works in the business.

Confused with all the names? Fair enough, but in essence what it means is

Having fun down at the Boatshed circa 1946. that five generations have worked on and built this family business and they are as committed to their service today as they were when they started over 100 years ago. From the beginnings of selling bait to holidaymakers at the Waratah Bay Boatshed, to now supplying wholesale bait from the Central Coast through Sydney and down to the Illawarra region.

When it comes to

bait – the Windybank’s name is sure to live on for generations to come.

Paul’s a bit of a historian, and when it comes to his family history and has some great stories to boot! Why not pop in and see them at the home of Windybanks at 523 Pacific Hwy Mt Colah.

Or give them a call at (02) 9477 1501 if you’re interested in selling their range of bait.

– Ryan Limpus

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19

Kingdom of kings SYDNEY NORTH

Darren Thomas

Our typical Sydney summer weather has finally arrived and has definitely encouraged the fish to go on the chew. The warmth has allowed more anglers the opportunity to head out and chase their favourite species without leaving their comfort zone.

More kingfish and mulloway this month with some good captures being reported in and around the northern beaches. The next few months will be prime time to land both of these species from the shoreline and the boat, on baits and lures alike.

Josh Laws and David Rothwell headed out to the 60m mark off Narrabeen recently looking for a king or two, and it wasn’t too long before Josh had himself hooked up to a solid fighting fish. He used a live slimey for bait, and was rewarded with a 98cm fish up and over the gunwale. After a quick fight, and a couple of pics, it was straight on the ice. When you’re looking to get a feed of fish, a little preparation goes a long way to preserving the flavour of the fish. Spending $10 on ice for your esky is paramount.

Hardly a day goes by in the shop where we aren’t hearing of kings being caught somewhere

locally. One of our regular fishos has been on the money again – Anthony Ball went for a trip out off a couple of local reefs in the Dee Why area and wasn’t disappointed. ‘Bally’ hooked a 114cm king on a live squid using 60lb braid and a Saragosa 6000.

After a valiant fight, the fish unfortunately couldn’t be revived. The king had been tagged recently by the guys over at Oceanhunter Sportsfishing and weighed in at 14.2kg – a solid fish on medium size gear.

It didn’t take long for this year’s winner of ‘The Hunt For Red October’ snapper comp to get back into the fish. Hardly a week had gone by before Tim

Anthony Ball with an amazing kingfish with a length of 114cm.

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Tim Angus with a solid Hawkesbury mulloway.

Angus headed off down the Hawkesbury River chasing mulloway on plastics and got into them during a mid arvo session. Tim

the moon was in the first quarter with the tide on the run out.

Lately the fishing has been crazy. Brennan Webster just rang me with a report of a 118cm kingfish he caught on a live yakka using 80lb gear in 24m off Manly – another great sized fish caught just out the front.

Having a boat is a terrific advantage to get you closer to fish but it’s not always necessary. Land based fishos are well and truly getting among them and this report focuses more on getting in the zone rather than anything else. Place yourself in the right spot at the right time; every spot has its day and you need to do as much as possible to give yourself the best chance. Jesse Riley and a few of the boys from KFNSW (one of the kayak Facebook sites) left the yaks at home and hit the beach when the wind got up recently. Using pilchards,

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Sydney kings are going off! Brennan Webster holds a 118cm king.

tart and s zes! y a d o i Join t g some pr n i n n wi

Josh Laws with a 98cm kingfish.

was fishing with a 125mm Squidgy Whipbait in the white lightning colour when he hooked a 104cm fish that was released after a few photos. Tim mentioned he caught a couple of smaller mulloway on this trip. For the moon and tide guys –

they caught a great number of salmon and flathead just behind the wash casting into the breeze.

Sydney Harbour has been holding some good schools of pelagics lately with salmon and tailor To page 21

We three kings of NSW SYDNEY HARBOUR

Craig McGill craig@fishabouttours.com.au

The warm water has flooded in very early this season, we even had a remarkable 20°C in Sydney Harbour in late September – the earliest I’ve ever seen it. This has fired everything up and kick started an early run of kingfish.

Kingfish have appeared in good numbers through middle harbour and around Watson’s bay on the lower reaches.

They have also been feeding with the salmon schools who have been found in large seasonal schools near the heads and, uncharacteristically, in scattered schools well up the harbour.

With fish activity reaching its peak period and numbers of pelagic

MONTHLY TIPS: LURE KIT MAINTENANCE The most important part of your lures are the hooks.

Inspect your hooks for rust! Rust can make hooks weak and blunt and a rusty hook will not penetrate as smoothly as a shiny one.

Replace rusty hooks and split rings.

You might decide to replace your hooks with chemically sharpened ones which will improve your hook up rate. If you decide to go with standard hooks then take to them with a sharpening stone and get those points razor sharp.

Check that your lures are performing correctly. The style of lures that are most likely to get out of tune are the minnows. A bump on the bib last season can put them out of tune which will result in incorrect swimming action. In really bad cases they might even spin. Adjustment can be

construction. In this case you can make the same adjustments by bending the bib itself. Naturally this is only practical with the metal bibbed lures and should not be attempted with the plastic bibs.

Other maintenance might include cleaning dirty painted finishes, polishing tarnished metal reflective surfaces and patching up torn soft plastics with a hot wire. Organisation of your lure collection in your tackle box is equally important. There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for a suitable lure and finding that it comes out in a tangled mess with 20 others, while tuna are busting out all around your boat. The time taken sorting out the mess can often exceed a feeding spree. Plastic hook guards are a great remedy for this but remember to keep the WD40 up to them as they

An example of a good sized surface feeding salmon. species riding the warm currents it’s probably a good time to kick your lure collection into action.

Not only is this prime time to lure up some surface fish it’s also your best shot at taking bream and flatties on artificials.

From page 20

prolific in and around from the heads to the Harbour Bridge. You’ll find bonito and kings mixed up with these species. A good way to find the fish is to find the feeding birds. Lures from small metals to hardbodies and soft plastics will be suitable for casting into these schools. At times it can be hard to hook these guys up, so try and get in front of them and shut the motor off as there’s every possibility they will

made by bending the tow eyelet a fraction in the opposite direction to the direction that the lure is swimming. With some lures, like the Rapala CD series for example, it’s near impossible to bend the eyelet due to its solid swim into you. Shutting the motor off can be imperative as many boats chasing these fish can make them motor shy. At all costs, avoid driving into the middle of any school you locate as this will make them dive and who knows where they will come up next.

Finally on behalf of myself, and all the boys here at Fishouttawater Tackleworld do have a very Merry Christmas and I’ll catch you all in the New Year.

have a tendency to hold moisture.

Sort your lures into types and sizes and familiarise yourself their positions in the box.

SALMON Salmon have been in huge numbers this season.

They can usually be found by locating the gulls and other sea birds. However when they are feeding on tiny prey, as is often the case early in the season, the sea birds might not show any interest. When the prey is tiny, it usually gets inhaled whole in a process that leaves few scraps.

When the prey is large, let’s say for example a 3” pilchard, then there is more chance of escaped, crippled bait and chopped bait pieces on the surface. This provides a worthwhile feed for the gulls. Therefore, if

The boys with a nice catch of kingies! you find a school of surface feeding fish with relatively few gulls on top, it is fair to assume that the prey is tiny. On the other hand, if the school is supported by plagues of gulls then chances are that the bait is of a decent size. I’ve also found that predatory fish feed very tightly on small prey and loosely on large prey. So if you pull up to a school of loosely feeding fish with plagues of birds then you will be fairly safe tying on a 2-3” lure. Furthermore, when they are chasing tiny prey they will feed for hours.

If the prey is big the feed session will be dramatically shorter – maybe as little as 20 minutes. If they are feeding on large prey they will be easy to catch and if they are feeding on tiny prey then they are going to be tough.

The prey at the moment is tiny. You can’t match it with a lure and it wouldn’t make any difference even if you could. When salmon are feeding on tiny prey they are not targeting an individual fish and hunting them down but rather charging around the bait cloud gulping water and hoping that a couple of baitfish go in with each gulp. It’s hard work for the salmon as it takes them up to three hours to get a belly full of these miniscule appetisers.

Fly fishermen have successfully matched the hatch and have had the means to deliver but it’s often proved no more successful than spinning with larger lures. I’m thoroughly convinced now, that matching the hatch is not always the key. The point I am trying to make is that when they are feeding on tiny prey they are not individually chasing them so it is unlikely that they will individually chase your lure or fly, even if it is the right size. When they are feeding on big prey they are

singling out an individual baitfish and chasing it down.

The odds of them doing the same to your lure are good.

When the prey is big, tie on a big chrome lure (5-10cm) and the strike rate will be high. When they are feeding on small prey tie on a small chrome lure (3-5cm) but the strike rate will be

low. Sooner or later some a salmon will give in and eat it. Maybe on your tenth cast but more than likely it will be on your hundredth!

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21

Beach fishing bonanza - just can’t kelp myself!

SYD ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com

Whether you’re fishing from rock, beach, or estuary, successful landbased fishing comes down to simply having a plan – where you’re going, tides, conditions, and gear, bait and lures to suit.

And you can be fishing in a relatively short time without the fuss of a boat to tow, launch, retrieve and clean down after the trip! The service I provide for my clients is an adventure to some remote spots, where they may enjoy the luxury of fishing and catching a decent fish from the shore and also to catch their favourite species at scenic convenient spots throughout Sydney. With the added bonus, of course, of learning new techniques to do it all themselves!

December is a great month for virtually all species. Off the ocean rocks the snapper fishing is good with fish to over 55cm reported. There are still a few trevally around, but

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DECEMBER 2015

What a buzz when you see a nice mulloway being slid up the beach! Jonathan Walsh was over the moon with his fish caught on live yellowtail.

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by late December they’re generally gone. Trevally are traditionally caught during the winter/spring months but the last run is normally about now. The snapper are in the washes with some nice bream and good sized kingfish thrown in. One of my favourite ways to fish for snapper is to use a consistent berley of chopped up pilchards, bread, and whatever else you’ve got handy. A variety of ball sinkers from 00 to say 2 with a Mustad 2/0 92247 will suit most size pilchards and will hook species like trevally, snapper, bream, kings, and salmon. 6-10kg line should suit most rock locations and a 3.2m+ rod with a sensitive tip to pair with your favourite 4000 size Daiwa reel or 6-6.5” Alvey.

Don’t forget the necessities – pack a keeper net, steel spike boots, high-vis raincoat, life jacket, and a decent size backpack. Not to mention a packed lunch.

Sustenance is the key to a great session!

Choose from the dozens of great washes that we have relatively good access to and you have a good chance at any one

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Rob Marich with a stonker whiting from Manly beach. We caught five bream and five whiting on this occasion.

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Billy Ganley had a great outing with about eight salmon to approx 65cm and two of his first ever kings – one at 78cm and the other at 80cm spinning ganged sea gars.

of these species. I could write much more about the safety concerns of ocean rock fishing. Make sure you maintain caution when battling the blue from the rocks. Too many injuries have occured over time.

Better be safe than sorry!

Try Bluefish, Flat Rock at South Curl Curl, North Curl Curl front ledges, Mona Vale pool front ledge and more.

The kings are also biting this month.. I am currently catching them on fresh sea gars in the X/L size – which are not cheap to purchase! It’s definitely worth buying a kilo for an outing – can’t argue with the results. The 9” white Slapstix and the clear versions with the silver specks work well. They make a good substitute for gars and are fairly long and similar in shape as well.

Good kings to 95cm have been reported. The hat near the Quarantine, Bluefish, Curl Curl, and North Whale southeastern point have been producing.

In the harbour, Middle Head, and the Grotto have had a few with The Spit producing as well.

The beaches are seeing continual success with the run of mulloway, with fish to 9kg landed. Kelp is a problem though, especially

on some beaches like Dee Why, Collaroy and Bungan Beach. The others are fairly good with a better chance of less or no kelp. I like to check out a few beaches beforehand. Look for the dark patches in the waves – they are a good indicator of kelp. Kelp can be a real pain in the bum when you’re fishing in the dark off a beach and you end up landing a kelp monster!

Live baits like the reliable yellowtail can be caught at your local wharf in the harbour and Pitt Water. Chopper tailor are coming in just over legal size of 30-35cm, they are fairly reliable on most beaches this month and they make great large live bait. Spots like Manly, Dee Why, Collaroy/ Narrabeen, Bungan, and Palm Beach have been producing mulloway in the last month or so.

The bream and whiting are in good numbers. Fresh pipis that are often found on a few of our Sydney beaches are working well on big bream from Bungan and Bilgolah beaches. Fish baits like fresh tailor and mullet are taking fish as well. Some of the better bream are over a kilo.

The whiting have been caught on typical baits pink nippers, beach worms,

the ultimate blood worm and if you cannot harvest these, frozen beach worms are a reasonable substitute.

A better run of tailor in the evening produces fish to a kilo from Warriewood beach – just be wary of the kelp.

December can be one of the worst months for fishing for regular folk who have too much going on elsewhere before the end of

Everyo

the year.

But if you can get out there for a fish this month you will be rewarded greatly for your trouble.

• For rock and beach guided fishing or tuition in the northern Sydney region, visit www. bellissimocharters. com, email alex@ bellissimocharters.com or call Alex Bellissimo on 0408 283 616.

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DECEMBER 2015

23

Fishing on the improve BOTANY BAY

Gabe Quercigrosse gabeandgabe@bigpond.com

In last month’s magazine I predicted that we would see vastly improved catches once the water temperature climbed up a few degrees. That has finally happened with bream, whiting, flathead, school mulloway and trevally being taken in good numbers. After an ordinary season fishingwise, we can now look forward to making up for lost time. The Cooks River and its tributaries have been fishing particularly well, with school mulloway around the 7-8kg mark.

For a feed of bream, the Kurnell oil wharf is a great location which can be relied upon to provide a feed. I like fishing on the western side where the wharf makes a slight bend, and fish about 200-300m out. To maximise your chances for a bream, try using lines of 3-4kg and keep lead to a minimum.

Slightly yo-yo your bait to attract the attention of the fish, then tease it until the bait is taken for a run.

Pink nippers are one of the best baits.

We’ve had good

reports of tailor being taken at night from the artificial reefs in Yarra Bay. These fish average around 55-60cm and will readily take unweighted pilchards or live yellowtail.

Ray caught this mixed bag caught from Port Kembla.

It’s great when the kingfish are willing to play the game.

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If you are having difficulty finding live bait, try the cove behind the Port Botany wall. A steady stream of berley is all that’s required to bring yellowtail, slimy mackerel and tailor in around your boat. A slightly larger bait set down on the bottom will also attract some of the good bream and flathead that frequent the area.

Moving towards the western side of the bay, good size whiting and trevally have been taken land-based on the sand and weed patches just north of the Brighton-Le-Sands

shark nets. The exact spot is in front of the Shell service station on the Grand Parade at Brighton.

The best time has been on the low tide, when you can cast to the drop-off where it meets the deeper water. This is where you’ll find the fish. Make sure you’ve got bloodworms, otherwise you’ll be wasting your time.

Another spot that has been fishing well is the canal in Sylvania Waters.

This area features imposing waterfront homes and lots of swimming pools, and offers some of the best sneaky bream fishing in Sydney. This is night-time fishing, so please do the right thing and keep the noise down. Use light gear, 2-3kg line, a nibble-tip type rod of around 2.1m, and just a pinch of lead behind the hook. Cast along the walls of the bank. The bite can be just the faintest touch on the line.

These bream are ultra-shy, but it’s nothing

to catch fish over 1.5kg.

You can also catch flathead and whiting.

GEORGES RIVER The system is slowly improving, but it hasn’t reached expectations.

There are still thousands of juvenile bream and whiting taking baits meant for larger predators.

The whiting are there, but biting very timidly. I found them in the Caravan Head channel during the outgoing tide, and picked

which indicated interest on the bait – then the only way to catch them was to allow at least 10m of slack line before turning the handle and applying pressure on the fish. This is what I call fishing at its very best; it requires a lot of skill and finesse. It’s important to use a fluorocarbon leader no heavier than 2kg. Bloodworms are a necessary evil if you want a good catch.

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DECEMBER 2015

Dom Violi with another nice catch – a mulloway and flathead for dinner. up some quality fish to 45cm. They’re not in peak condition, with the largest fish going a neat 750g.

All you could notice was a slight quiver on the rod,

Como Bridge has delivered a few surprises in the shape of 60cm tailor and school mulloway to 80cm plus the added bonus of the occasional large mud

crab. The first pylon on the northern or Sydney side is the place to be, with the slack low water period the best time to fish.

Live yellowtail or fresh Hawkesbury squid have been providing the spoils.

The Woronora (or ‘Wonnie’ as the locals call it) has been solid, with better class luderick available.

Boss Pits, Bonnet Bay and the Old Road Bridge have been the focal points. Whiting and bream to 800g have been taken on the edge of the channel on squirtworms and bloodworms. The Ranch,

here you have to do it early in the morning or during the darker hours.

Chipping Norton Lake continues to surprise, with luderick to 500g falling for local weed baits at the reclamation wall in the middle of the lake.

Salmon to 60cm have been schooling at the entrance to Prospect and Cabramatta creeks, and they’re showing a preference for 10g Lookalike silver lures.

It’s actually a surprise to see these fish there, but apparently this is the time of year when they migrate to the upper reaches.

The kings are a bit hit-and-miss, but some anglers have been having good sessions on them.

Red Rock, Washington Drive Reserve and Bottle and Glass at the entrance of the system are the gun possies. If you want to fish

Good size prawns have been scooped along Lake Gillawarna Beach, Williams Creek, Burrawang, Cattle Duffers,

Sandy Point Beach and the stretch between Alfords Point Bridge and Mickeys Point. It’s essential to keep your prawns cool. I recommend immersing them in local water cooled with frozen water bottles until you get home. I find that an aerator helps, and if you’re going to freeze them, please make sure you lay them flat in a freezer bag with at least two pages of newspaper covering them. Write the date on the package and use the older dates first. If done properly, these prawns will remain in good condition for 12 months!

OFFSHORE The offshore fishing has been hit-and-miss, with excellent catches of kingfish one day and nothing the next. The 12 Mile Reef has been a happy medium, with kings to 10kg falling for the Shimano Butterfly jigs and slowly jigged Pirate Jigs in fluoro yellow. The Peak has longfin perch on offer on the drop-off, particularly on the eastern side, with fish to 1kg. At $28 per kilo in the shops, they are worth chasing and make excellent eating.

Flathead are still on the chew and have been taken on the drift off Mistral Point, the Tank, the 40m mark between Botany Bay Heads and wide of Boat Harbour.

Check out the prices of slimy mackerel at the markets – they’re $14-15 per kilo. The humble yellowtail is $10 per kilo, and whole bonito cost up to $22 per kilo. Hawkesbury squid will cost you up to $30 per kilo! With prices like these, it really is worthwhile spending a couple of hours getting your own live bait. Apart from saving a bucket load, you’ll have the best bait on offer.

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DECEMBER 2015

25

Sutherland Shire gets a makeover for Christmas!

SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

First and foremost I would like to wish all the readers of NSWFM a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I hope that your Santa stockings are filled with plenty of new fishing gear

and that you find the time to get out there and enjoy your fishing as much as I do.

Before I get into my report for December I would like to let you know that the Sutherland Shire Council is planning upgrades to 10 of our existing boat ramps. The works are scheduled to start from May 2016 and finish June 2018.

The types of changes will vary from place to place, but in general they will be upgrading some of the actual boat ramps, providing some new facilities for small craft such as canoes and kayaks, the demolition and replacement of existing wharfs and jetties, floating pontoons, and an upgrade

Try for whiting, bream, trevally and dusky flathead off the beach at Bonnie Vale.

One thing that we lack in the Sutherland Shire is cleaning tables. Maybe the council could put some in with the ramp upgrades. Would be a great addition for everyone!

of nearby foreshore and car parks.

These projects will be jointly funded by Council’s input of $2.62 million from the Infrastructure Program, along with grants totalling $1.74 million from NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) under its Boating Now program. This is a total spend of $4.36 million.

So over the next two and a bit years you will start to

notice a number of changes to these 10 launching facilities in the Sutherland Shire and the only inconvenience you will have to put up with is the closure of some of the existing ramps while the work is done. These changes are sure to make boating in the Sutherland Shire a more pleasurable past time.

BEACH FISHING If you are into beach fishing the following

beaches will start to fire over the next month and into the New Year. Maroubra, Bondi, Coogee, Green Hills, Wanda, Cronulla, Wattamolla, Marley, Garie, South Era, Burning Palms, Stanwell Park and Coal Cliff will be the pick of the beaches for bream, whiting and dart during the day. You can also try fishing during the night for tailor, Australian salmon and mulloway.

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26

DECEMBER 2015

242x165 HORIZONTAL 2015.indd 4

berkley-fishing.com.au

8/09/2015 3:49 pm

Josh Wilson caught this 40cm bream in the Georges River.

I met a couple of budding anglers while out walking who thought they had a monster on. But it turned out to be a puffer fish.

Better luck time!1 STA15827HP-FM_Layout 1 10/09/14 4:16 next PM Page

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For those of you that don’t mind fishing off the rocks back into the gutters that will run parallel to the rocks at the end of some of the beaches can also hook into silver trevally, drummer, luderick and the odd groper. Kingfish will have started to show up in their usual haunts in Botany Bay and the Port Hacking River. Places that are worth a shot are Sutherland Point, Henry Head, Bare Island, the Drums, the end of both of the runways and Trevally Alley in Botany Bay. Also try in the Port Hacking southwest arm, Lilly Pilly, Jibbon Point, Sandshoes, Jibbon Bombora and Shark Island.

The best bait by far is live squid which can also be caught at all the places listed above. If you can’t get live squid you should buy some fresh squid or catch a few yellowtail and slimy mackerel.

I have also caught kingfish on live poddy mullet that were meant to be taken by flathead.

Dusky flathead, bream, whiting, flounder, silver trevally and the odd legal sized snapper can also be caught at the above places.

You will need to have run in the water and you will need to have a small, but steady berley stream going out the back of your boat.

As mentioned earlier, the dusky flathead will be one of the fish species that will

be around in numbers during December. So get out those soft plastics and blades and start working those dropoffs. If you don’t like using artificials you could always try to catch small yellowtail or poddy mullet, hooking one through the nose and dropping it over the side. They can also be great to use when fishing from the shore.

One of my favourite places to do this is from the beach that runs from Brighton-LeeSand to Dolls Point. All you need to do is find a patch of sand and cast your bait out and wait for the flathead to grab it.

This section of shoreline is a great place to bring the family.

Josh Wilson sent me a short email about some of the

fish he and his dad have caught in the Georges River around our area. Some of which have included mulloway and bream. His latest was a cracker! Keep up the great work Josh.

If you would like more

information on the fishing in southern Sydney, just send me an email at gbrown1@ iprimus.com.au and if you have something to report or a photo you might like to see in the magazine just send me an email.

FACT BOX There will be upgrades and changes made to the following 10 boat ramps and their facilities: • Bonnet Bay Boat Ramp Bonnet Bay • Burnum Burnum Sanctuary Boat Ramp Woronora River • Captain Cook Bridge on the Southern Side • Connell Road Boat Ramp Oyster Bay • Lugarno Ave in Burraneer Bay, Port Hacking • Holts Point Place Boat Ramp at Sylvania • Old Ferry Road, Georges River at Illawong • Scylla Bay boat ramp and wharf at Como • Tom Ugly’s Bridge Wharf at Sylvania • Tokin Street Boat Ramp at Cronulla

The ramp on the southern side of the Captain Cook Bridge is on the list to receive an upgrade.

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DECEMBER 2015

27

Not the usual suspect!

THE TWEED

David Solano

If you are a local, December should be a lot of fun as the river in January will be chockers with holiday makers.

The weather’s slowly heating up, but the good news is the river is full of baitfish and prawns of all sizes making the waterway a veritable smorgasbord to the fish.

THE LOWDOWN Bream, trevally, whiting, fingermark, flathead and the odd jack are all showing up around the sand pumping jetty up river from Chinderah with plastics rigged to suit the tide working well. Blade vibes seem to work best and as the water is murky the brighter coloured lures seem to entice them. If you are up that way it’s a great spot to chase the elusive horse bream along the banks all the way up to the

boat building shed.

BASS DREAMS I’ve heard of a few showing up but not much excitement yet. One keen mate with his new yak has been surface fishing at daybreak at Bray’s Park Weir, but so far no luck. I will be chasing bass myself soon – and if you don’t have a boat check out some of the inland streams from Bilambil to Marbah, it’s a lot of fun and the fish are there.

Terranora Broadwater and Dave with Graham and his custom made rods with a decent sized flatty.

Dave and his personal best trevally!

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Cobaki are currently producing a lot of nice legal whiting and I’ve noticed the ‘guys in the know’ pump their nippers at low tide – whatever the time – and head out when the flats are covered with water. As the nippers seem to be everywhere, they catch their feed and go home. If you can’t pump your own nippers, some of the local tackle shops sell them and live worms work almost as well.

Look for the yabby holes on the low tide, then fish them with fresh bait on the high tide and you could be in for a feed.

Those nippers bite, so I’ll stick to poppers any day!

The north and south walls have been a little unpredictable, with more fish caught on the outgoing rather than the popular incoming tide. If you’re bait fishing for bream, tailor or mulloway I’ve always found the incoming works best.

Tailor have been landed on metal slugs and gang hooks with pillies, however I suggest at this time of year, if you’re a night fisho, to explore Jack Evans Boat Harbour. Sometimes the fish that move through there chasing bait are the biggest you’ll see in the river.

JACKS? NO – A SURPRISE TREV! Good news for flathead fishermen, as more quality fish are being landed in the river. A lot of them have been around the 55cm mark, which is perfect for the table. If you’re chasing lizards with lures, sometimes it’s better to think for sale on

outside the square. A common practice is to find a hole and fish either side of it depending on the tide, but out of the 10 or so 90cm plus lizards I’ve landed on the Tweed, eight were caught in less than 2ft of water, which is very interesting indeed!

Getting back to those big predator fish – you’ll need what I call a broom stick rod – one that can stop a big fish in its tracks, or at least slow it down, as well as a good reel and some serious braid and leader. One morning under Boyds Bay Bridge around 2am – it was pitch black, tide coming in, I was on my yak casting along the pylons with the trusty Horn Dog Z-Man jack lure, and then ‘damn – a snag.’ That snag took off like a bullet! I turned the yak away from the bridge and peddled my guts out trying to pull this fish away from the structure.

I was thinking ‘big jack’ but this monster was pulling the Hobie all over the place, I’m thinking ‘don’t panic’ - all I wanted was to see what it was, and I knew once I had him away from the bridge he was mine. Eventually I wore an astonishing big trevally out and as he was floating behind me, I couldn’t even fit him in the net, so I ever so slowly pulled him in and lip gripped my personal best 7kg+ trevally.

These fish will show up at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, under all the bridges, but if you have a boat and don’t mind an all nighter Condong Sugar Mill is worth a try, seems quiet most of the time. But if you’re like me you’re thinking every cast you’ll get one and then after a hundred casts you’re starting to think lovingly of breakfast foods and then ‘whack!’ And the fun begins!

What a great fish, this trev fed three families and was much appreciated.

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Whiting poetry on the flats BALLINA

Joe Allan

The last month has seen the summer species really start to fire up. There have been some great catches of whiting all round.

The lower reaches of the river, pretty much from Pimlico Island and down

start looking. They have been going off on surface lures like the Megabass Dog-X Jnr and the Bassday Sugar Pen. Try colours like hachiro reaction, albina ragyio or laser beam for the Dog-X Jnr’s or MB-16, C-95 and C-137 in the SugaPens.

These are old favourites among whiting lure fishers so rest assured these will give

with a small assist hook – just a different technique to think about if you are getting a

lot of short strikes. One tip for anyone wanting to give this style of fishing a try, is

Anthony Melchior with a sample of great whiting caught for a good feed.

Dave McKenzie - Gamakatsu Pro Angler

have been where the best catches have taken place.

Any sand flats with nipper holes will be a good place to

Jake Stewart with one of our friendly neighbourhood jack!

you the results you are after.

A few well known locals swear by removing the rear treble hook and replacing this

Stephen Walsh with a beautiful mulloway. Such a gorgeous fish!

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30

DECEMBER 2015

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Cracker snapper on the prowl in the deep blue ILUKA

Ross Deakin

Whiting have been on in recent weeks, with good specimens out on the beaches and in the river. Worms have been the most popular bait, and little poppers have been taking their share as well.

Bassday Sugapens are still the most popular popper choice for these fish.

Out on the beaches, there are some really nice bream around and juvenile off the headlands. There have been a few big snapper taken off the headlands too, with a 5.3kg one caught only a few weeks ago. Floating out a pilly is your best bet to catch a snapper.

Beach fishers are catching some reasonable size dart, and there are still some nice school-size mulloway being taken on the wall at night and off the headlands. Some nice tarwhine are also prowling the open beaches.

Inside the river, the flathead fishing has been a bit ordinary. There is the odd monster around, but certainly the fishing still could improve on the flathead front. It should start to improve soon though. At the moment the water in the river is still very clean, but it’s likely we’ll get more rain before long, and that will give us the dirtier water we need. The flatties are taking a mixture of bait and plastics,

with the most popular plastic being the 7g Zerek Live Shrimp. Anglers are also picking up the odd school mulloway in the river.

Some big snapper have been caught offshore in the last couple of weeks. We recently had two 10kg snapper weighed in – a 10.6kg specimen from Black Rock and a 10.4kg snapper from an undisclosed location. There’s also the odd cobia getting caught.

A couple of yellowtail kingfish have been caught

off the Bluff recently in the 60-70cm size class.

If you’re keen to catch some crabs for Christmas dinner, there are a few blue swimmers around and the odd mud crab, with the better catches of muddies coming from further up the river.

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Ballina on the bottom half of the run-out tide. The gutters will improve with solid numbers of beach whiting and bream starting to move in.

The bass are well and truly on the move now with reports of good numbers from the upper reaches

goes without saying that early morning and late afternoons will be very fun for surface action. The end of November and start of December should see cicadas start to hatch and which is prime time to get out your Tiemco Soft Shells and Megabass Siglets. Look

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Whiting will do anything for a Bassday Sugar Pen MB-16. these little fellas and they also make for some great fresh bait in the gutters. If you’re capable of getting some beach worms there are a few around South

of both the Richmond and Wilson arms. Now it’s a matter of putting in the time to find them in good numbers as they have started to spread. It

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the whiting will shy away and bream will come in for a look. Not a problem if you’re just out for some fun, but if you’re trying to bag a feed, you might go hungry!

Summer really is great fun for this style of fishing.

Our lovely red friends, the mangrove jack, have been more consistently captured as the afternoons and mornings become muggy and hot. Try any rock walls while the tide is running. Best results come in the last of the run-out, but as long as there is water moving you are in with a chance. I’ve talked about them a lot lately, but the Atomic Shiner 75DD in ghost gill brown or gold wolf will do the trick depending on the water clarity. Lucky Craft Pointers are great for a more shallow approach.

Flathead are still around in the middle reaches of the river, so check out any large holes. When trying for the bigger girls try poddy mullet or any other live bait, alternatively, big bright soft plastics with tails that get some water moving are also very productive.

The beaches have been a little quiet, however the amount of bait around should mean that they will start to produce solid numbers very soon. If you’re after some fun with the kids, go on the hunt for some pipis. The kids can really get involved with

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31

Estuary fun in the sun COFFS HARBOUR

Stephen Worley worleybirdfilms@hotmail.com

The month of December typically marks the end of the cooler water conditions.

Toward the end of this month we should start to see the East Australian Current kick in towards the coast and the warmer water start to dominate.

This summer is going to be

a little test as to whether the pattern of the last few years has been a ‘phase,’ or instead a general shift towards more tropical conditions.

Some of the best have declared these last few years as the best mackerel seasons in memory. We’ve had consistent warm water and mackerel catches almost all year round. At present, scientists are still forecasting an El Nino weather pattern

until the middle of next year, so we may experience cooler waters than normal off the coast. This could mean not only less rain but also possibly less of the summer visitors that have dominated the last few seasons. Are we going to see the mackerel return in force again this year or will we see it go back to more ‘normal’ numbers and maybe see the end of a warmer ‘phase’ in between the last El Nino and now?

Sam Gilchrist’s very impressive mutant snapper, with a face only a mother could love!

Photo: Justin Gilligan

The author letting the Zman Chatterbait dominate the left field snapper work off Boambee Headland.

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Prior to visiting the Solitary Islands Marine Park pick up a Zoning Summary and User Guide from the local marine park office at 32 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty

For further information call 02 6691 0600 www.mpa.nsw.gov.au 32

DECEMBER 2015

Photo: Nicola Johnstone

Th ere

Only time will tell but this month will be the decider.

In the last couple of years we have seen the mackerel show up well before Christmas each December, but in the years before, a ‘pre-Christmas’ mackerel was considered quite fortunate. It wouldn’t surprise me if they still show up early but I feel the cooler water pushed over by El Nino will knock around our season a little. Unless you get the word that they’re around, I wouldn’t start wiring up your leaders quite yet. As soon as you do put wire on you will be limiting the number and species of fish that will have a crack at your bait or lure, and those other species are well and truly on the chew.

There have been good numbers of amberjacks and samson fish on the deeper reefs and islands.

Slow jigs have been very successful alongside the more traditional mechanical jigging. The kingfish are also around to complete the Seriola trio but are mostly quite undersize at 64.5cm and under. A few anglers have seen proof of larger models around, as it doesn’t take long for undersize kings to magically turn into metre plus hoodlums before their very eyes. Very big live baits and perhaps a decent berley trail around the island washes will give you a shot at a big kingy but will also likely lead to a fight with some big bronze whalers or similar.

Elsewhere in the estuaries, the fishing is already in full summer swing. There are whiting on the surface, flathead everywhere and the jacks and trevally in the upper reaches are all showing form. In the lower end of the estuaries the whiting have been very active on poppers and surface walkers, in particular the trusty Bassday Sugapen. Throw these lures in anywhere around the seagrass beds and

drop offs in any creek. From Moonee, Coffs, Boambee, and Bonville to the larger rivers of Bellinger, Kalang and Nambucca. Flathead, too, are very active in all of these systems from the lower ends right up to the brackish stretches. The larger girls though, will be down in the

grub worked slowly under some structure has been the undoing of many decent GTs this season already.

In the freshwater, there has been enough rain to give the bass a few chances to get past the main obstacles in the river systems. If you’re chasing bass this month I

Sam Gilchrist flicking up a good kingy to add to team ‘By The Gills’ plentiful catch. salty lower reaches where you’ll find piles of 40-60cm males hanging around hoping to find ‘favour in her eyes.’

Mangrove jack and GTs are at full throttle in the upper reaches of these catchments.

Surface lures like Bassday Sugapens, Zipbait Skinny Pops and OSP Bent Minnows have claimed their fair share of the catch. You don’t need to use big lures. Smaller bream lures are often plenty big enough to attract a jack out of his snag and a 2”

would suggest heading higher up in the catchments to look for big pools in between the rapids. Surface crawlers like the Taylor Made Basscada, Koolabung Basswalker and Tiemco Soft Shell Cicada would be my ‘go to’ lures for chasing bass this month.

With almost all fishing environments firing it shouldn’t be too hard to get among the catch. If you do get out I hope the bite is hot and your lines are tight.

Stripes dominate but blues are getting close COFFS GAME

Glen Booth

As far as the start to game fishing seasons go, this one just keeps on giving. When other ports are looking on enviously with green water, cool temperatures and patchy pelagic fishing, Coffs Harbour is still enjoying consistent striped marlin action.

While stripes are apt to turn up just about anywhere anytime (even in marinas if you’ve had a look on YouTube lately), their tolerance for cooler and even green water is well documented. Still, the way it’s been off here lately, throw the lures in the minute you hit the blue water (which is only about 30-40ft out) and you’re in with a very good chance of raising one almost

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immediately. It therefore pays to have a rod bucket and harness on the deck, but most importantly precisely who’s on strike established the moment those outriggers are dropped.

The key to all this good fishing has been a pool of slack water to the north of Coffs, holding along and inside the shelf. The stripes are by no means confined to the coastal fringe though.

A couple have come from as deep as 800ft, caught by boats looking wide for blues.

Along the shelf line you do dice with death running 24kg outfits though. While most of the blue marlin we see off Coffs are eminently catchable on 24, it’s that better marlin that will make life difficult when you’re tying to lift it should it go deep. The advantage of stepping up a line class to 37kg is you can muscle a stubborn blue out of its resistance and turn it over quickly for a healthy tag and release.

There are enough blues available at present to warrant up-scaling the line class, lure sizes and hooks, but it’s a given that you’ll

raise a messy eating striped that can’t get its mouth around a 12 or 14” lure!

depths, but with the big gear in the rod holders, because the water is warming and the

For the jiggers, yellowtail kings and more than a few amberjack have been biting

Dylan Steel swims a blue alongside Seaborn, the second leg of an unusual double hookup with only two on board.

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DECEMBER 2015

As an example of how good the fishing has been so far this season, Solitary Islands Game Fishing Club boat Seaborn has leapt out of the blocks, and in one memorable day tagged two stripes and a blue, and crewmember Dylan Steel weighed a blue of 170kg on 24 that couldn’t be revived.

They had a couple of other bites that didn’t stick, and an unusual double header of a blue and a striped. Not a bad day’s fishing with just two on board.

The bait has become more widespread than just the occasional blob in 40-80 fathoms, and a number of Solitary Islands’ club boats were lucky to observe some Attenborough-like bait balls, with whales, sharks, dolphins and the odd striped marlin ripping into the balled-up yellowtail and slimy mackerel.

And yellowfin? Well nobody’s really gone wide, simply because the striped marlin action has been keeping most people fishing inside and along the shelf, but the longliners have been bringing in modest amounts of quality fish. It might be worth a look around in the deadly

East Australian Current is likely to spring back into life any time now.

There’s also a trickle of mahimahi of mixed sizes starting to appear, which is

well up at the light when the current gets into gear, but it’s been shark city at times.

Whalers and some quite decent hammerheads for the time of year have been

Another of Seaborn’s stripes from a memorable day’s fishing. encouraging for those of us whose frozen fish stocks have dwindled lately.

taxing a lot of fish. Still, it’s better that they eat kings than mackerel, I suppose.

South West ‘Rocks’!

SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Brent Kirk kempsey@compleatangler.com.au

December is already here and there is excitement in the air as good warm water pushes down from Queensland and the north coast of New South Wales.

With the influx of warm water comes the first run of northern species of fish that inhabit South West Rocks in summer.

Black marlin, spotted and Spanish mackerel and mahimahi catches will become consistent from now through to Easter.

Cobia, and various tuna species will be in abundance throughout this period as well. Bottom fishing will still be productive for the remainder of the year but will become harder as the current picks up and we progress into summer. Bottom Ship style jigs on light tackle will still allow access to these fish in moderate depths even

if the current is running a little. Fish Rock has been loaded with kingfish – but there have been many small fish to every big one. As we get closer to Christmas, those smaller kingfish typically plague this area making it extremely hard to get to the big fish. Baitfish have been in good numbers on the inshore reefs, although traditionally they become harder to locate as the summer pelagics settle in. Live baiting and jigging out on the deeper reefs is producing some solid kingfish when the ocean conditions allow and some nice mulloway, have also fallen for live baits in these same areas.

Rock fishing has been very good lately. We have had an awesome run of decent sized school mulloway and metre long fish have been caught regularly with a few bigger ones among them occasionally. Most headlands in the area are

holding these fish. Large soft plastics of all shapes, colours and sizes work on mulloway, as well as a whole array of fresh and frozen baits when they are on the chew. Mixing it up between bait and lures can be the key to success when chasing mulloway. Tide changes around dark are the prime time to target these fish, especially if you can find a good washy hole that is holding some form of bait in it. Big bream have been a common by-catch while fishing for mulloway - especially after dark.

The lower Macleay has had some big flathead along the rock walls and in some of the deeper channels throughout the system. School mulloway and whiting are fairly reliable species to target in the river through December. Early whiting catches have been awesome this year with some red-hot surface sessions recently.

Bait fishing with live beach

Steve Lee with a Macleay River monster. worms and pink nippers is a relaxing yet productive way to target whiting along the edges of the sand flats and the bait gathering can be just as fun as the actual fishing.

Mud crabs are being found in all the local creeks and into the upper salty reaches of the Macleay

FISHING FILL-ITS

Extra charter in SWR from Boxing Day! The MV Monique, usually based out of Newcastle will be up at South West Rocks from Boxing Day through to the end of January to help cater for the influx of holiday makers heading to the popular region for their Christmas break.

They catch a large range of game and other offshore species, such as marlin, yellowfin tuna, kingfish and mahimahi.

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and Clybucca Creek.

These crabs are in great condition and there have been plenty to go around.

Blue swimmer crabs have been in the faster flowing channels in good numbers as well. The first few kilometres of the river and Clybucca Creek are good places to set witch’s hats.

It pays to drift for flathead close to where you set

your traps as share farming becomes quite rampant as the holiday season approaches.

Bass fishing on the upper Macleay is absolutely firing and the action will only heat up as the weather does. It blows me away how many quality fish get caught on surface lures on this river at this time of year.

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35

Fishing for festive favourites THE HASTINGS

Mark Saxon castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com

I cannot believe how fast these last 12 months have vanished into fishy memories! Once again we have Christmas

and the holiday season upon us and with that a whole host of fishing opportunities. Let’s look at what December can bring us besides the big fella in the red suit!

THE RIVERS December will be exceptional for most of our

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favourite species and there will be a few decisions to make about your desired target. Will you chase whiting and bream with surface lures, or get a feed of flatties on plastics?

Maybe chasing a mulloway is the way to go – a species that has remained on the scene despite heavy boat pressure on the water. Then again, it may be nice to go for the leisurely opportunity and simply lay out a couple of crab traps and find a nice little spot to send out a nipper or prawn while the muddies crawl into your waiting trap. If bream and whiting are your favourites try all the flats such as the front of the Hastings Rivers near the sand spit and Limeburners Bay. Cast a popper to catch these fish in this area or slow roll your shallow-running hardbodies while moving

towards the multitude of oyster farms.

Lake Cathie has already started to fire and surface whiting fishing is exceptional here and you don’t necessarily need a boat. Other systems like the Camden Haven will also produce good catches over the sand flats. Flathead should not be too difficult to lure – fish the edges and shallow drop offs with assorted plastics or, if you prefer, drift whitebait along the edges of weed beds – another deadly method.

For the bass fishos, this is prime time for an early morning hit out or even an after dark session to get you into some serious fish.

Bass areas to try are the Maria River, Wilson River or even a quick drive to the Macleay System. Take note; the louder the cicadas, the better the bass fishing!

A highlight in the author’s year: his son Gavin Saxon getting his first mulloway on plastic last month.

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Fishing for bass can reach another level of fun so make sure you have some imitations in your bass kit.

Mulloway really turned it on last month with plenty of fish caught throughout the system. The main trick will be getting away from the boats, which can be hard at this time of year, so I tend to fish early or late during this period.

Try the deeper holes in the Hastings and the Camden Haven and give the tide change your attention if you would like to catch one of these silver ghosts.

Crustaceans are a great treat for a lot of our Christmas celebrations and the humble prawn is king. If you like to catch your own, the place to be will be Lake Cathie. For a great way to spend an evening with the kids, grab a scoop net and torch and have some fun – the kids will never forget it. Mud crabs are around in good numbers so check the Fisheries regulations and properly mark your trap before setting. Mullet

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or fish frames from your fishing are great bait and should see you get a few for the Christmas seafood feast.

OFFSHORE FISHING December will be the time for early starts to beat the ‘nor-easter’ home, while most recent reports have been patchy.

This is mainly due to the

wind situation but with holiday time hopefully you will not only be relying on the weekend to get your fishing fix. Reef fishing will be great with snapper, trag, and pearl perch worth targeting. Try a mixture of baits such as, pillies, big prawns and squid and add a trip to the close in bait reef for some livies. Try

early in the morning on the 40m and wider grounds and hopefully the wind will not affect your fishing.

By the first sign of breeze you should hopefully have a few fish and can either head in close to do a drift or two for flatties or just head home for lunch and a holiday ale.

No matter what you like to fish for, be it offshore, rock, beach, or in the river - remember to respect the waterways and the fish.

Also make sure your gear, especially safety gear, is up to scratch. That way you can enjoy a safe and productive holiday season.

Merry Christmas to you

Dion and Lyndall Carle holding Lyndall’s first mulloway, these fish always make you smile.

Family fun off the shoreline at Lake Cathie.

Mandy and Gavin Saxon enjoying an afternoon using poppers for whiting.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Zoning maps app

More than 1400 copies of electronic maps have been downloaded since the NSW Marine Park Zoning Maps were made available for smart phones and tablets via the Avenza PDF Maps app. The maps allow people to identify where they are in a marine park and what types of activities are permitted in that zone.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) District Fisheries Officer Brett Vercoe, said those who had downloaded the maps had valuable information at their fingertips. “The app uses the GPS in your mobile device to show you exactly where you are in a marine park and what types of activities you can do,” Mr Vercoe said. “With more than 1400 maps downloaded, members of the community have the ability to access important information on the water, without the need for expensive chart plotting systems. “They can now

easily ensure they only fish in zones where fishing is permitted, and don’t accidentally creep into sanctuary zones.”

The Avenza PDF Maps App and the Marine Park Zoning Maps are free for download from the iTunes Store or Google Play. Once the app is installed, you can go to the map store to search for and download the desired marine park map. You can search for maps by marine park name, for example ‘Jervis Bay Marine Park’ or ‘NSW DPI Fisheries’ for all available maps, but you must ensure you enable location services for the App. The maps are stored locally on your device and phone reception isn’t required to use them, making them ideal for offshore use. Paper zoning maps and user guides are still available from Marine Park offices, bait and tackle stores, service stations and tourism information centres.

DECEMBER 2015

37

Catch me if you can FORSTER

David Seaman dseamo@bigpond.com

While the countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway, it’s that time of year again when the lake becomes abuzz with boats and other craft. During the day, given sunny conditions, the lower lake and entrance will be choked with holidaymakers enjoying the waterways.

Jet skis buzz past showing off their speed and annoying skills of avoiding collisions while party boats and drifting anglers make navigation through the channels difficult. Avoiding the mayhem of the holiday period is easily done with commitment to early starts in the morning or disappearing to the lower lake where you’ll share the space with a few crab pot floats. You can’t blame visitors for wanting to come to the Great Lakes area!

Areas beyond those close to the boat ramps and sand islands will produce plenty of good fishing.

The weed flats down near Booti and Snake islands are good early morning spots for those who want to do

a bit of surface luring for big bream and whiting.

3B 68mm Scum Dogs and Pop Dogs are a good lure

Quality flathead are lurking in the shallows and will be all over a well-presented bait or lure.

Fishing Monthly reader Damien Gough with a Gulp Shrimp caught bream from the leases. as are fizzer lures like the Lucky Craft Bevy Prop, especially on the stud

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the big sand flat bordering Tuncurry channel Co-Op. Concentrate on the deeper, darker patches of water and after a few casts you’ll know if there are fish there or not.

If you’re looking for a feed of flathead, away from the crowds, travel south toward Pacific Palms and lure or live bait the sand and weedy shallows that skirt the bottom of the lake.

The general run of fish aren’t big, around 35-50cm, but you should find enough to make it worthwhile

and you shouldn’t get too bothered down that neck of the lake. One thing I would do is set a crab pot or two if you are heading out into the open areas of the lake. The blue swimmers have started getting about and it’s always worth the prospect if you’re off fishing for a few hours.

A reminder though, out of courtesy, don’t set near the commercial crabbers’ gear, and have your traps marked appropriately. I found the blue swimmers were a little light and soft early last month but sampling done since were simply delicious.

The flathead are warming up nicely with plenty to catch across this holiday period. The island

times the yabby flats are just covered in fish.

For a bit of fun for the kids, garfish and mullet are cruising the surface and a few slices of bread on the drift will soon have them erupting. A No.10 hook baited with the smallest of dough balls and a small float will have the kids amused for hours. On the edge of a channel with a slow current or an eddy with a weedy bottom are the best locations. The gar and mullet make great whole and strip baits if you’re planning a trip outside or rock/beach fishing so it may pay to cash in on brownie points – taking the kids fishing – while you get them to do your dirty work of bait collecting.

and a few mixed reef fish and snapper in the deeper water on fish baits. I did hear there were a few good snapper coming from ‘south of Forster’ so your guess is as good as mine.

The evening beach fish is far more comfortable now than it has been with temperatures staying in the 20’s. The sand whiting and dart should be patrolling the beach gutters by now and many aggregating fish left in the lake will soon be joining them. Yabbies or beach worms on a light 10lb outfit, a bit of red tube and a smallish ball sinker and you can have the time of your life.

If the tide is running up, even during the day there is a fair chance the fish will

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fringes where patchy weed and mud/sand combine is a good spot to start, especially if you’re throwing lures.

Channel drop offs and backwater eddies are also worth a short. Ohmas Bay, and the big flats opposite, are one of my favourite spots at high tide and at

Talking of outside, December is when we start to see some of the big kingfish visit the area and a trickle of small tuna species like bonito, macs etc. Most reports I’ve had from anglers heading offshore are consistent with bags of sand flathead

be on. Beach worms are the obvious bait and can be bought at many of the boat sheds in Forster. The run out tide is the best for catching your own, but that is a whole other experience.

Good luck and happy holidaying for our visiting readers.

Now is a great time to fish the Harrington area HARRINGTON-TAREE

Ian Pereira ianpereira@aapt.net.au

The past month has definitely been an interesting and rewarding one for all anglers. While the coastal strip has received a bit of rain, the country up river has been in need of a good drenching for the last six weeks. Consequently, the freshwater part of the Manning is clear but water levels are low.

The bass have moved up the river and tributaries as far as they can and the mullet are spread throughout the system. The small amount of rain we’ve had on the coast hasn’t influenced the fishing, but has cooled everything down and is a much welcome change. We have experienced quite a lot of south to easterly winds which have had a devastating effect on the beaches. At one stage the beach from Crowdy Head to Diamond Head was washed completely flat and there was no good water to fish. Thankfully, a few days of northeasterly winds has allowed the beaches to build up a little.

ESTUARY At this time of the year, the big female flathead come down to the mouth of the estuary to spawn. They will be here until the end of March but some head off up river a month before this time. The spawning flathead gather in groups in the lower parts of the estuary and once you know their habits it is very easy to find them. They are susceptible to a live bait presented on a bobby cork rig; the depth of the bait does not matter much. I have seen a 7.5kg fish chase a live bait around a bobby cork until the bait was wound up against the cork. These fish are easy to catch but also easy to spook. Once a few fish have been hooked they will move to a new location.

Sometimes only 50m or so away, or they could cross over to the other side of the river. However, all is not lost, as other fish will move into a vacant spot within a few days. At the present time the lower part of the river is full of smaller flathead ranging in size from just legal to 50cm in length. Soft plastics are the way to tackle these fish and they will take just

about any colour or type of lure. The sand spit in the mouth of the river is fishing well for whiting, chopper tailor, bream and school mulloway to 6kg.

BEACH AND ROCK Beach fishing has been restricted by the southerly weather, but chopper tailor have been caught from Crowdy Beach on lures and pilchards while salmon and small school mulloway have been taking beach worm baits. The southern end of Crowdy Beach has produced catches of bream while the Diamond Head end has fished best for school mulloway and whiting. Anglers fishing the rocks at Crowdy have scored small blue groper and a few pigs on crabs and cunjevoi baits.

OFFSHORE Outside anglers have mainly been fishing the northern grounds in the Mermaid Reef area for medium and small snapper and pearl perch to 2.5kg.

Flathead have been plentiful on the drift and bonito have been taking trolled lures but they seem to disappear at times. The offshore fishing will improve in December when the northeasterly

winds blow consistently.

They start up about midday and drop off just before

to fish the Harrington area.

There are tailor, salmon, whiting and mulloway to

your fishing pleasure. The boat angler has miles of river to fish for flathead, bream

This month there’s the chance of a mulloway from the river, estuary and beaches. Photo courtesy of Bohnock Bait & Tackle. sunset. This makes morning and night fishing fairly enjoyable.

December is a great time

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PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

Summer is here and the combination of hotter days and warmer water will bring a range of new fishing options to anglers in Port Stephens. Marlin and mahimahi will become more available, whiting numbers will spike on the surf beaches, and the surface bite will start to fire inside the estuary.

The only bad news is the recent announcement of an eight-month ban on fishing in the upper Tilligerry creek area while a human health risk assessment is done. Fire fighting chemicals formaly used at the RAAF base were found in some surface

and ground water as well as in small numbers of fish.

ESTUARY In the estuary there

have been plenty of whiting around with live worms doing the damage around Shoal Bay and Jimmys

early morning tide change.

BAY BEAUTIES The mulloway fishing in the bay has been

Mark Lennon with a nice beach mulloway – fish like this are a real chance this month!

Beach. Surface poppers have been effective along the flats near Pindimar, Taylors Beach, and Soldiers Point. Bream will be smacking surface lures this month especially around the structure spread between Soldiers Point to Garden Island and from the Short Cut rock bar through to the Tea Gardens Bridge.

If you’re targeting flathead, the back half of the bay from Soldiers Point up to the Karuah River will be your best bet with 100-120mm hardbodied or soft plastic lures the most effective method by far. Kingfish are another big fish estuary option at the moment, especially along the Nelson Bay Rock wall where kings to an impressive 15kg have been hooked of late. 30lb gear should be a minimum when fishing the wall for kings with 50lb sometimes still not enough to stop the larger models.

Live squid is no doubt the best bait to target them, but they will also hit plastics or stickbaits when they are in the mood – which is usually around an

Tony Fowler with a cracker whiting caught on a surface popper off the flats.

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exceptional over the past couple of months and shows no signs of slowing down just yet. If you want to target them on lures try working 100mm soft vibes around the Karuah bridges or Corlette wreck.

If you’re going to fish live baits or fresh squid these same areas will also produce, as will the deeper drop offs and holes around Soldiers Point.

December is probably the best month of the year to get stuck into some tasty sand whiting off the surf beaches with Fingal, Samurai, and Stockton all producing good fish.

Time of day is not critical for whiting on the surf

Big flathead like this 80cm model should be a common catch this month. beaches; rather the key to success is the combination of live worms, high tide, and a nice looking gutter.

Beach mulloway are also a great target this month.

I like to time a high tide around 6 o’clock so I can chase a few whiting before dark, then throw a few metals around for a tailor as the sun sets, and finally stick around for an hour after dark for a chance at a mulloway!

Offshore, the trag have been thick on the Gibber, V, 21 and Uralla reefs with

late afternoon and night outings the best time to target them. The FAD has been holding plenty of mahimahi, however they tend to get pretty clued into what’s going on after several boats extract a few of their mates, so get there early for your best shot.

The marlin season has kicked into gear with good numbers of fish reported on the edge of the shelf, which is a good sign of things to come, and the fishing is only going to get better over the next few months.

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Barry Jones from Newcastle caught this mammoth 95.5cm (8kg) flathead at Evans Head.

We’re fishing up a storm on the Hunter Coast HUNTER COAST

Gary Earl earlybird13@optusnet.com.au

Our region has seen some awesome fishing lately, with a lot of warm water flowing down through our area and some storm systems encouraging some heavy humidity. This means one thing around here and that’s bass – the one fish you can count on in the late afternoon to be on the ball just before a storm hits.

The bass have moved upstream and are taking lures like there’s no tomorrow and some anglers have released up to 20 per session, with some exceptional fish among them. The best places that have been reported to me are the waters between Raymond Terrace and Morpeth and the mouth of the Patterson River.

Both soft plastics and hard lures either trolled or cast at structure have been doing the damage – don’t forget that as the storm starts to lift the humidity it’s a great time for surface lures to do the trick.

In the Harbour there have been reports of big bream, mostly taken on baits but I am sure that around the wharfs and dog legs of rocks they will also chase lures. As it’s now prawn season, the bream are on the move and any lure resembling a prawn should get snatched. Don’t forget to use some trace as flathead have been grabbing lures in the same places as the bream. Try the Stockton side out from the cricket ground or the drop off sandy area straight out from Kooragang Island point. I have been using Schneider traces and find they can be rubbed over rocks and around pylons with tenacity. No wonder they’ve been around for so long making lines.

On the beaches mulloway have been taken, with fishos employing fresh fillets of whiting caught just before dark then put out on sunset on

big gear. I heard of a monster 26kg fish taken behind the soccer ground in the hole between here and the pipe just to the north. Tailor should start showing up this month.

spinning or casting, as foxes have been grabbing bait and spoiling the day for a few anglers. Although it sounds fun, if one grabs all your bait then your time fishing is over!

squid off the barbie, and since they’re in big numbers, using the head or a couple of tentacles in the same place as where you’re catching them is a

the way it is pelagic fish should be in their element.

I predict a good marlin and mahimahi season this year, so a troll out wide with a stitched up bait or skirted lure may see you hook up.

The rocks have been giving up a few bream and flathead on the Stockton side of the Harbour. Try the river mouth or just up from the Adolf wreck on the beach side. Squid have also been hanging out here.

I can’t wait to see what new tackle is available for us in the coming year. Christmas is the time the letter box fills up with all the specials from the tackle catalogues with new stuff to try out to put the fun in fishing. I know some companies have a few new rods and reels that will be released in the New Year, and we are all looking forward to that!

I hope everyone has a great and safe Christmas.

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02·4982 7899 A bass in murky water after a storm hits a lure like it’s going to be its last feed. They are best on the lightest gear – troll the edges of the lilies and cast around trees and logs.

Mulloway love a fillet from these as well, just be aware the fish you fillet must be of legal size. Avoid leaving bait on the beach up near the dunes when you’re down

Offshore on the closer reefs squid are still pretty thick and I am expecting them to be around over Christmas. There is nothing better than a feed of fresh

great way to entice the fish to bite. Nannygai, school mulloway and school kingfish are over the close reefs and further offshore.

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FAD fishing – not just a fad! or so that I have lived here.

The lake itself is firing, and the offshore fishing is heating right up. The FAD is now back in for another season and hopefully this heralds another great run of mahimahi for anglers out for a session with these fantastic sportfish.

Leading into Christmas, the fishing should jump

up yet another level. With plenty of holiday-makers flocking to the area, the trick is to know how to jayro@hotmail.com.au navigate around other The fishing forecast contenders. Even with certainly looks very more anglers, there is still promising for Lake awesome opportunity to put Macquarie anglers. The a few fish in the esky and fishing at the moment is onto the Christmas plate. about as good as I have ever The lake in particular seen it in the last 12 years is producing a number of quality mulloway. Lure and bait anglers are scoring big time on the lake and anglers have found good fish about both during the usual night sessions and also during the day – for those willing to put in the effort. Local kayak Lake frontage with • Boat ramp angler Richard Benson has well appointed villas, • Jetty cabins, been scoring fish from his safari tents, • New playground kayak regularly with lures powered & unpowe red sites. as his go to tactic with Midweek great results. A few of the Special locals have put in the effort Mention this ad after dark and found that when booking a cabin, villa or safari local live squid are just too tent and receive 3 good for these mulloway to nights for the pass up. Most fish are not price of 2. huge but with the majority in the 80-100cm range they are a great sportfish option and not too bad on the table either. In order to be successful, bait anglers really need to master the art of catching squid first, Host the rest of the game will look s Chris & Jennie Muldoon eir guest play itself out after that forward t h t s a u o welcoming yo ie. r a to the but the mastering the squid u q c best kept secret in Lake Ma is critical.

Kingfish action has also picked up in the lake for another season with Watkins Road, Wangi Wangi NSW 2267 the usual spots producing.

Phone: 02 4975 1889 Fax: 02 4975 4841 The Swansea Bridge is Book online: www.lakemacholidayparks.com.au popular; many anglers have Email: wangi@lakemacholidayparks.com.au scored fish on poppers and Terms & conditions: micro jigs. Similar to the Offer subject to availability and applies to midweek accommodation bookings outside of school and public holidays. mulloway, the kingfish find it hard to resist a well presented live squid. Fish your livies around any of the many markers throughout the deeper waters in the lake and you’re in with a real chance – 1m kingfish are not uncommon in our Lake.

Bream and whiting are about in good numbers on the shallow flats and around the sand islands. Worms are proving effective bait on both fish species and lure anglers are having a blast fishing topwater lures.

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There have also been a few yellowfin tuna caught recently and although not overly large fish, they are certainly a welcome catch for those anglers lucky enough to get onto them. The fish are still fairly wide spread at the moment. However, as the bait starts to ball up the marlin will become a little easier to connect with. The fisheries FADs have now been deployed up and down our coast and should start producing their usual run of mahimahi. These can provide some very nice fish and although most fish are around the legal size, you will find fishing live baits will produce a better run of fish for your efforts.

Another important thing to remember is that it’s not only mahimahi that frequent these FADs. Marlin are caught each year around the many FADs up and down our coast. Due to the large numbers of mahimahi at the FADs, the marlin can’t resist sneaking past for a quick bite to eat. I like to troll a spread of lures up to a few kilometres around these FADs and generally do well on 5-8” lures at this time of year. Try not to get too close to the FADs as many anglers are trying to fish them and it’s only fair to let everyone enjoy them. If you are having a troll then it doesn’t hurt to keep a little distance from the FADS so as to not upset other anglers.

Shark anglers have also scored some solid fish recently, and as the currents

Amanda Bajada with a lovely yellowfin tuna on a recent trip with her husband and CCGFC President Nathan Bajada. your thing you should still show some respect to fellow anglers and give these guys a wide berth. Like the rest of us they are putting in a big effort and pumping through big dollars to be out there doing their thing so it’s great if we all get along and share the ocean.

more bases. The next 1m kingy taken by an angler floating out a decent live yakka certainly won’t be the last. The usual summer run of bonito are a great light tackle sportfish and when treated carefully and correctly can come up not too bad on the plate either.

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start pushing, the shark bite should also begin to pick up.

Generally shark boats will be fishing the wide grounds and it’s usually pretty easy to spot these boats as they drift around as they usually have a couple of coloured balloons floating out nearby.

Even if shark fishing is not

Rock and beach anglers are not missing out either.

Kingfish have started to move in and although many anglers like spinning lures such as stick baits for their summer action off the stones, a wide floating live bait is always a good option and helps you cover

It has been a fantastic year fishing for many Lake Macquarie anglers and hopefully we have another bumper year ahead of us.

I would like to wish all of you and your families a happy, safe and Merry Christmas and I look forward to 2016.

More than 3000 shellfish seized at Iron Cove More than 3000 shellfish illegally caught at Iron Cove in Sydney have been seized by Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries officers. DPI Fisheries officers were

Area Command provided assistance and a search of a nearby vehicle located 8 buckets, a wheelbarrow and two large tubs full of shellfish. In total, 1844 cockles, 1328 oysters, eight

of seashore animals in the prohibited area could result in large fines.

“All tidal waters of Port Jackson and its tributaries are closed to the collecting of molluscs, such as cockles and

prohibited in these closures.

This includes crabs, snails, cunjevoi, octopus, sea urchins, anemones, pipis, cockles, mussels, oysters and nippers.

“Breaches of the fisheries legislation are regarded as serious offences and can attract large fines.” Fisheries officers have the power to

seize items connected to fisheries offences including boats, vehicles and fishing equipment. The Fisheries Management Act 1994 and Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2010, prohibits the taking of any species of shellfish from the whole of the tidal waters

of Port Jackson and its tributaries.

A person who takes fish from waters declared can be fined up to $22,000 and face six months imprisonment.

For more information please visit: www.dpi. nsw.gov.au/fisheries/info/ closures/ipa. – DPI

SC flathead warning

A shameful display of the seized shellfish. patrolling Henley Marine Drive, Russell Lea, when they observed two men on the mud flats with large buckets beside them.

Officers spoke to the pair and found numerous shellfish the men had collected.

Police from Burwood Local

tapestry shells and four other marine snails were located and seized. The men were formally interviewed by fisheries officers and will be issued with court attendance notices. DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance Patrick Tully, said the collection

oysters as well as other lesser known species,” Mr Tully said. “Intertidal protected areas were established around Sydney to minimise threats and ensure the sustainability of rocky shore animals and plants. “Collecting seashore animals is strictly

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Deformities found in sand flathead on the south coast have been investigated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), which has established a link between physiological changes and a fish parasite. During 2015, reports emerged detailing deformed sand flathead captured in the Culburra Beach and Jervis Bay areas, which prompted DPI to launch an investigation into the cause.

L a b o r a t o r y investigations indicated the presence of a parasite known as Myxosporeans, in the fish examined.

Myxosporeans are known to cause spinal deformities.

These parasites are not

known to have any adverse effects on human health and infection is confined to the fish and invertebrate host species. The presence of parasites in wild fish is a relatively common occurrence, as part of natural aquatic ecosystems, and the numbers of affected fish can vary depending on a range of environmental factors.

DPI Acting Manager Animal Biosecurity Strategy and Standards, Melissa Walker, urged anglers to report suspected diseased fish.

“Recreational fishers who catch fish that are suspected to be diseased are urged to contact DPI, who will advise further action,” Ms Walker said.

“The community plays an important role in monitoring the health of the aquatic environment, and we encourage reports of suspected disease in wild fish to our reporting hotline or email, so that further investigation can be considered.”

Previous cases of sand flathead abnormalities associated with a similar Myxosporean parasite were noted in this region of the south coast of NSW during the late 1980s.

Suspected aquatic pest and disease reports should be made to the NSW Aquatic Biosecurity Pest and Disease hotline: (02) 4916 3877 or aquatic.pests@dpi.nsw. gov.au. –DPI

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45

The early bird catches the fish!

CENTRAL COAST

Jamie Robley jrobley@iprimus.com.au

Hard to believe, but another year is drawing to a close. A new fishing season is just starting to kick in with the official start of summer and the unofficial start to the blue water pelagic season.

As mentioned last month, kingfish are normally around in good numbers from November onwards, with December generally an excellent time if you want to have fun with lighter tackle on the smaller kings around the legal length of 65cm.

Bird Island, The Bull, The Entrance bommie and just

off the prominent points from Terrigal to Box Head are all places to look for these inshore kings.

Another favourite among local anglers, bonito are due to show up anytime from now. While they’re normally around in better numbers towards the end of summer, bonito are certainly worth trying for during December. Try to troll small white feather or pink squid lead head lures between 8-14 knots close in over shallow reef or casting chrome metals around the same areas. The best approach is trolling to locate them and then casting once they’re found.

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holiday period, so try to get out super early. This season we’ve got new facilities at Norah Head, which will make things easier than the same time last year.

Bream have seriously sparked up around the lakes and Brisbane Waters now and I’ve been having a ball casting small vibes, surface lures and soft plastics around the shallow margins.

I know a lot of anglers place priority on lure selection. However, what’s even more important than that, particularly around the lakes, is to simply be on the water and casting before sunrise. There is almost no point to launch at 8 or 9am if the aim is to catch Tuggerah Lake bream on lures. Waiting for the late afternoon period is a better strategy if you’re not an early riser.

SUMMER FAVOURITES Our other summer favourites, flathead and whiting are also more active around sunrise or the hour or two leading up to sunset. When fishing for them with lures, timing isn’t as critical as it is for the seemingly more wary and intelligent bream.

At this time of year flathead also congregate around illuminated shallows at night. The bridges at The Entrance and Toukley are two of the most reliable places for them, although sadly, a large percentage of flathead are only small or just on or under the legal size limit of 36cm.

The odd larger model is caught at The Entrance, but illuminated spots in Brisbane Waters attract larger fish, in less numbers.

A variety of baits or lures work well on these nocturnal flathead, but my pick is a simple white soft plastic bounced through the lighter looking spots. A 100mm Squidgy Wriggler or 4” Berkley Powerbait are two models that I’ve enjoyed great success with.

The beaches become a lot more productive from this month onwards.

Tailor and mulloway are prime targets along our main beaches like North Entrance and Budgewoi although a few bream and the occasional salmon are also likely to be hooked, as are several species of sharks and rays. Pick a rising tide that peaks sometime after sunset and be prepared for some tailor to move in right on dark, as they often do.

As mentioned last month, whiting are also well worth chasing through the middle of the day and all Central Coast beaches house at least a few whiting through the summer months. Visitors unsure of where to find some pipis or beachworms for their whiting bait should head to one of our local tackle shops, as most sell some pretty good fresh and live bait during the holiday season.

Rock fishing offers reasonably good fishing in December, although exactly what species turn up largely depends on the fickle ocean currents that

As the sun sinks behind the sand dunes make sure you’ve got a bait in the water as this is when tailor are likely to move in and grab a bite to eat. Of course, mulloway are also on the cards as darkness sets in. flow down the coast at this time of year. While the general trend is warming water, it can be a bit up and down, with cool green

A lot of bream are in our estuaries right now.

If you’re keen to get stuck into some lure casting action be sure to get out on the water before the sun creeps over the horizon.

water one week and warm blue water the next. This simply equates to drummer, bream, sweep and salmon one week, with bonito and kings a good possibility the next.

My personal strategy during the early stages of summer is to bring along one outfit for casting metal lures and surface poppers, with another lighter outfit for chucking light baits around the washes for bream, drummer or luderick.

Overall, my main picks this month are the lakes and Brisbane Waters for bream, flathead or whiting, the inshore reefs and bommies for kings and the beaches for whiting through the day.

Good luck and have a happy and safe Christmas.

Whiting are out and about along the beaches and inside calmer waters.

These fish fell to a small surface lure briskly walked across the top, but first class bait like pipis or beachworms are a better bet when beach fishing.

46

DECEMBER 2015

Hoping for a Christmas feast ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

It can be feast or famine during December, with the ocean starting to get a good push towards the south as the East Australian current starts to really get going.

The warm water brings with it all those speedsters we love to chase. However, the early run pushes that cold water up from down deep so we can have 23°C water one day and 15°C the next, shutting down everything before the next lot of warm

ignore but there are so few inshore fish now it is just a fluke if you hook one randomly. However, you still hear of one popping into a snapper angler’s berley stream and grabbing a pillie before giving the angler the run of a lifetime just before all the line disappears.

Black marlin shouldn’t be too far away now but as always it is in the laps of the currents. There have been some quality striped marlin about out on the shelf and even in as far as the 50 fathom line for some weeks now but the warmer water should bring the blacks. The

The blacks won’t be far away but for the moment there are a few striped marlin about for some. water takes the cold away again. This can make it tricky, but the good days are usually very good with all manner of pelagics eager to smash a bait or lure. It makes for some great memories, and when the water goes cold again we seem to forget about those days anyway so a bit of hit-and-miss is tolerable.

The small mahimahi won’t be around in numbers for a while yet but the ones that have been caught have been good fish. Most have been grabbing lures intended for marlin, but a few have been taken around the FADs and floating debris.

Yellowfin tuna have been a bit hit-and-miss as well so far, with the majority of better fish coming from so far out you will need to get your passport stamped before coming home. The first week in December used to be when large numbers of jumbos hit the local shallow reefs like Wollongong and Bandit, and the odd one or two still do from year to year.

Instincts built up over generations are hard to

middle of January is when they usually hit their straps but some seasons they come on early. Let’s hope this is one of them.

Kings are still a bit hit-and-miss on all the local reefs so you will have to work hard to get decent results. It’s much the same as last month with a few fish in the 10-15kg range, but a lot of water has to be covered to get them. Smaller legal-sized fish seem to be a little more accommodating, with undersized rats more prolific. It’s strange that they’ve gotten more and better fish to the north and south of the Illawarra region for the past few years, while we can expect just a few good days over the season if we are lucky, with very little consistency.

Schools of striped tuna are popping up along the coast so a bit of fun bait gathering can be had on the fiery little speedsters. However, the one fish you can truly rely on is the salmon. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea but, pound for pound, they’re one of the best sportfish in the

country and they are readily available all along the coast on most days. The only thing they lack is high regard in the culinary department, but I still haven’t met anyone who can pass by chilli and garlic Aussie salmon fish cakes.

The islands off Port Kembla, Bass Point and almost every headland with a bit of wash around it and deeper water will hold salmon. Ganged pilchards, small live yellowtail and lures of many types all take fish.

BOTTOM BOUNCING Snapper are a bit hit-andmiss, with the rapid changes to water temperature and current. While the bigger fish can be loners they are mostly found in schools, so whether you’re fishing plastics or hitting the berley you will either score well or come up donuts. With the fish holding in the 30-50m depth range at the moment, the current will play a big part in your success.

For the bottom bouncers it’s good news with good quality flathead in numbers over just about all the sand patches off the coast. The northern areas up around Stanwell Park and further north seem to be the best areas, but they will cop a bit of a hiding just prior to Christmas when the pros move in and vacuum the place. This is where a good sounder comes in handy so you can drift along the edges of the reef where they keep the nets at a distance, so a few fish remain there out of harm’s way.

Over the reefs and gravel there are some excellent mowies on the move, with quite a few pigfish about as is usual at this time of the year. Leatherjackets are still around in abundance in some places but not others, so depending on your feelings for the humble ‘jackets you will be happy or disappointed when you find them.

Small snapper are fairly plentiful over the reefs as well, with the deeper reefs providing more fish.

ROCK AND BEACH On the rocks it will just get better as the weeks progress. The winter species will slow right down but with the cool water still popping up this month the drummer and bream will be an option in the washes all along the coast.

When it does get consistently warm we will have a few more options with bonito, salmon, tailor and plenty of smaller kings on offer on the deeper ledges down around the Kiama area. The breakwaters at Port Kembla are also worth a look the morning after a northeast blow. Then it won’t be long before the frigates arrive and

that is when the action really starts, with big kings loving frigates, and marlin not too far away for the dedicated LBG anglers. Throw in a few hammerheads and whalers and there will be enough action to keep you on your toes.

On the beaches it is good times with the warmer water making it bearable to spend all that time with your feet in the drink.

Bigger mulloway will be the target this month, because it’s around Christmas when the bigger fish seem to hit their straps (there will be plenty of smaller fish in between the whoppers as well). Any local beach with a good deep gutter is worth a throw after dark, with fish of 25kg+ not uncommon.

You won’t hear much about them until a few weeks later from the diehards, who keep the mulloway’s arrival quiet so they can avoid the crowds when the word gets out.

Or you will hear about them when a young knucklehead happens to catch one and plasters themselves and their fish all over social media. They then can’t understand why they can’t get toehold on their spot the next evening, and their information source from the regulars dries up.

They’ll learn!

Salmon are plentiful over all the beaches, with worms and pilchards doing the trick. The whiting are just getting better, with all the beaches now holding some good fish in good numbers.

The beaches around the lake are the best, with Windang and Port producing plenty.

The odd dart is starting to show as well as the water warms, and flathead are now a common bycatch or worth targeting with plastics.

Bream are about in the gutters along the edges of the rocks, and some solid tailor have been hitting pilchards just on dark on most beaches.

The lake and Minnamurra are really getting going now with flathead all over the place, and some good ones too over the 70cm mark. Whiting are on all the shallow flats grabbing nippers and worms, and if it is quiet poppers are getting some as well.

Bream are in the deeper parts around the bridges during the evenings and it’s worth a throw with plastics for a mulloway around Windang, but they are irregular at best; if you manage to get one, well done! Chopper tailor are a nuisance but fun for the kids as they are thick around the drop into the lake. A few big blackfish are picking up worms and weed.

Good fishing and have a Merry Christmas!

At the moment most kings average about this size, which isn’t all that bad, but a few bigger ones are about too.

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The bass have been going off in the upper reaches in recent weeks. They have been smashing surface lures, particularly Jackson lures, Tiemco Soft shell Cicadas and Megabass Sigletts.

There’s good fishing for bream and flathead further down the river at the moment, but the real standout species is the estuary perch. The prawns are running in the river so the best lures are prawn imitations and also sinking minnows.

Squidgy Prawns are taking a lot of fish.

There are a few mulloway around but not a whole heap.

Still, in a couple of months the fishing should improve a

lot. Until then, you really have to put in the hours to have a chance of success.

There are plenty of snapper around at the moment. The kingfish are a bit hit-and-miss, although there are some around the 10-11kg mark if you put in the time to find them. You can catch both species on lightly weighted soft plastics.

Focus your efforts early in the morning and late in the afternoon for the best chance of success. During the day, micro jigging is an effective way to catch them.

Out wider I haven’t heard of marlin or mahimahi yet, but we should see a few fish showing up in December and January.

St Georges Basin has been fishing really well on

the eastern side, with good flathead captures. This will probably change in the coming weeks though, as the water temperatures rise further. As I write this, the fish are congregating in bigger schools, but soon they’ll become more dispersed and a bit harder to find.

Until next month, here’s hoping we get a nice early marlin bite.

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49

Softies in the surf!

BRISBANE

Justin Wilmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

Anglers generally jump to metal slugs, poppers and maybe the occasional hardbody when surf fishing with lures. In recent years soft plastics have excelled on our surf fishing adventures.

It’s no surprise when you think about the benefits

when the fish are finicky.

On a recent Fraser Island trip we stood side by side with many other anglers chasing schools of tailor that we could see moving through the water, thanks to quality polarised sunglasses. Other fishos popped their poppers and high speed spun their metal slugs for no result, while we hopped 3” paddle-tails, rigged on 1/2oz 3/0 jigheads, through the school, just metres away and

harassed by queenfish and kingies and therefore spooking from the more aggressive lure presentations, I had them rigged up with a plastic and hooked up in no time!

Depending on the application, your soft plastic selection may vary between a jerk bait, paddle-tail, curl-tail or crustacean style plastic.

JERK BAIT Due to its straight tail and minimal action, the jerk

In search of fish. What a gorgeous day for it!

A selection of plastics rigged and ready to rock the surf. of a soft plastic lure; they look and feel realistic, are available in a wide range of sizes, colours and profiles to ‘match the hatch,’ can be weighted for casting and to fish through the water column, and can be presented much more subtly than a metal slug or popper – which can be a major benefit

hooked up on almost every cast. After a couple of fish were pulled into the shore, we inevitably were questioned on our use of soft plastics along with the common concern that the fish would tear the plastics to shreds. After a quick chat about 10X Tough ZMan plastics and factoring in that the tailor were being

If possible have a selection of rods rigged and at the ready.

bait profile is ideal for longer casts and a quicker sink rate, especially with the finesse of lighter jigheads. An ideal option on heavier heads, they perform an extremely long cast and faster or more aggressive retrieve. This is my go-to when covering water and focussing on specific current lines, washes, points and other fishy sections of water, for speedsters such as queenfish, mackerel, tuna and trevally.

CURL-TAIL The other extreme is a curl tail profile. The large curly tail hinders casting distances, however it offers the benefit of plenty of action without having to move the lure far or fast, allowing you to keep it in the strike zone longer. Curl tails are ideal for prospecting deep gutters close to shore and by hopping and pausing them you will encounter a wide range of species, including flathead, mulloway and trevally.

Find the bait and the fish won’t be far away.

50

DECEMBER 2015

A 3” paddle tail matched the hatch and soon attracted the attention of this trevally.

PADDLE-TAILS This is generally the first style of soft plastics I will rig, and is an excellent all-rounder.

It is also a great starting point for beginners as it sits somewhere between a jerk bait and a curl-tail, in a sense that it still casts well, while offering plenty of tail action at a wide range of retrieve speeds. This versatile plastic option can be fished quickly or slowed right down to a series of hops and pauses. Paddle tails have produced dozens of different species on our adventures, from whiting and dart on 2.5” paddle-tails, through to 3” models for tailor and flathead, and right through to 4, 5 and 6” models for queenfish, trevally and mulloway.

CRUSTACEANS Prawn and crab imitations have their place, and although they’re not the first plastic I rig, they will get a run if the bite is tough. Crustaceans are generally fished slower to mimic the real thing, making them best suited to working a specific section of water, thoroughly fishing smaller areas, sight casting more finicky feeders or fishing flats and areas where crustaceans are readily available as a food source.

When it comes to colour selection, natural colours are a great starting point, especially in clear water, chartreuse and pinks are also effective

options. Adding scent to your plastics can make a difference when the bite is tough and especially when fishing with slower retrieves.

RETRIEVES There is no wrong retrieve when fishing plastics in the surf, however it is important to mix it up until you find what is working on different

species, tides and at different times of the day. There are three main retrieves that we use when fishing the surf and you may find that a school of fish will respond to one type of retrieve for a couple of fish, before switching off and then switch back on again when you change the retrieve. My wife Sheri and I managed to follow a school of tailor along a kilometre of beach and extract a couple of dozen by changing the retrieve when they switched off or continually followed the lure without striking.

Burning and killing This retrieve is basically a quick retrieve (burn), that may or may not be interspersed with a few pauses (kill).

Vary the speed of the burn, and duration and frequency of the kill, until you find what switches the fish on. If the fish are aggressive this will trigger a reflex feeding response and because the lure is moving at speed, the strikes can be brutal!

Longer rods are ideal for long casts with larger plastics and heavier heads.

Slow Roll If the fish aren’t responding, slow it down.

The slow roll is basically a slow wind that sees the plastic ‘swimming’ realistically through the water. If you want the plastic swimming higher in the water column speed up a little or lighten your jighead and vice versa. If you want the plastic to run deeper, slow the retrieve further or increase the jighead weight.

Hopping This retrieve involves casting the plastic out, allowing it to sink to the desired depth (which may be the bottom) and then using a couple of lifts of the rod tip (hops) to bring the plastic to life, before allowing it to sink again while dropping the rod tip and winding up the slack line to stay in touch with the plastic. When using this retrieve the plastic is often eaten as it sinks on the

This flathead responded to a paddle tail plastic slow hopped through a hole.

pause and hence inhaled by the fish, so a heavier leader or short wire bite guard may be necessary if bite offs become an issue.

JIGHEADS When it comes to jighead selection, a basic guide would be 3” plastic - 3/0 hook, 4” plastic - 4/0 hook, 5” plastic – 5/0 hook, and so on.

In terms of jighead weight, the old adage of fishing with the lightest jighead possible to achieve a natural presentation still stands, however, heavier heads allow you cast further and stay in touch more effectively with the plastic in sweep, wave action, and water movement.

Your flathead or light snapper combo, consisting of a 7’ 3-6kg rod and 2500 reel loaded with 10lb braid and 20lb leader, will be fine for throwing lighter weights for smaller species such as whiting and dart, through to 1/2oz 3/0 jigheads and 3” paddle tails for tailor, salmon, flathead and so on.

My medium combo consists of a 9’ 5-10kg spin rod, 4000-5000 reel loaded with 20lb braid and 20-40lb leader. It is capable of throwing 1/2-1.5oz jigheads, for medium to large species.

This combo casts the same 1/2oz 3/0 and 3” paddle tail longer distances, while allowing me to step up to a larger plastic and heavier

jighead in search of trevally, queenfish, mulloway and other larger predators.

WHERE? In terms of where to start throwing your plastics, keep

great places to start throwing your soft plastics in the surf, include points, deeper holes,

Match the hatch and you’ll catch the fish.

Finally my heavy spin combo is 13’ 6” long, capable of throwing jigheads up to a couple of ounces and is fitted with an 8000 spin reel, loaded with 30lb braid and 40-60lb leader. I have thrown 9” curl tails, 8” paddle tails and 10” jerk baits on this rod and successfully landed trevally and queenfish over the metre mark.

an eye out for birds, bait and fish. Learn to look deep into the water and through the waves for signs of fish. As a net fishers once taught me, it’s often easier to spot the shadows of the fish, rather than the well camouflaged fish themselves.

As with most fishing, structure is key and this also applies to surf fishing. If you are unable to locate bait or fish,

gutters that open to the ocean, current lines and any reef, rock or rubble in the area.

Keep soft plastics in mind next time you fish the surf and you might be pleasantly surprised by the variety of species that eat them, the quality of these fish and the ability of the soft plastic to produce results when other lure types aren’t putting a bend in your rod. Fish on!

NEW

R A E G

THE SOFTEST COOLEST FISHING GEAR YOU’LL WEAR!

UPF 50

DECEMBER 2015

51

Gifts they’ll actually use!

FMG

Nicole Penfold nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au

No matter what our Christmas budgets are, we all want to give our loved ones presents they’ll actually use.

Just don’t forget that the present should also be fun! Your loved one may well use a loo brush, but it’s not a Christmas experience they’ll look back on fondly. And neither will you, seeing as you’ll probably end up being beaten over the head with it.

A much better gift option is some new fishing or camping gear. If you’re not sure what to buy for the angler in your life, you’re in luck – here are some great gift ideas! And if you’re an angler wanting ideas on what other people can buy for you, just circle one or two products in this

article and discreetly place the magazine where your loved one will see it. For maximum effectiveness, try draping the magazine over your loved one’s head when they’re trying to brush their hair, or boldly thrust it in front of their face while they’re driving. They’ll get the message.

LATEST LURES AND EGI ••••••••••••••

Lures make a great present, and they suit all budgets. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, you can just give one or two – or you could buy a bunch and present them in a lure wallet (more on that later).

For the angler who loves squidding, one of the most impressive squid jigs on the market is the hi-tech Yamashita Live Search 490. It was developed in conjunction with university researchers in Tokyo. These days, too many scientific studies focus on boring stuff like curing diseases and saving the planet.

These Tokyo researchers, on the other hand, have their priorities right, working out the best light 52

DECEMBER 2015

for squid to detect so we anglers can catch more. The Yamashita 490 has special paint to achieve this. And like other Live Search jigs, it has a 600hz rattle, which is the sound that squid are proven to be most attracted to. Go science!

Other features include Warm Jacket (the thermo storage cloth transfers any

locked split ring at the rear, and if you remove that you can dismantle the lure and switch its parts around to match the colouring and/ or claw size of your local crabs. And of course you

Cranka Crab

Yamashita Live Search 490

surface, making a commotion with its paddling wings.

As you’d expect, a big Megabass lure like this one doesn’t come cheap (SRP is over $80), but the quality is absolutely top notch.

Collectors of fine tackle will love it. But yeah… you really don’t want to lose it. Unless you have stacks of money, in which case you should send a big donation to me so I can buy more Derbys for my own personal use. Don’t

with the Tide and Fishing Monthly logos on the front and back. All Tide shirts are made from top quality

Tide Apparel

light into heat), double crown stainless steel hooks, and a slim nose design that gives the jig a sharp, darting action with minimal angler input. The 490 comes in 2.5, 3 and 3.5 sizes, and retails for roughly $20.

And I also have to

can change the weight to suit the conditions. The SRP is around $20.

Finally, if you want a truly superb lure for fish like cod and big bass, the Megabass Derby X mouse imitation is awesome. This 3/4oz surface lure has metal

which could be handy if you’re on a crowded jetty.

And designer Josh Ker says it’s already ‘inked’ so if you get squirted it won’t matter. These Aussiemade shirts are incredibly soft, cool and lightweight, and you can see the full range of species at www. bigfishgraphics.com.au.

With most good quality sun-protection shirts like these you’re looking at about $80-$90, but this price is worth it because they’re super comfortable and last forever. If you’re prepared to pay a bit more, you can get the cool Nosilife shirts that have insect repellent built in – and it won’t wash off. Having built-in insect repellent is a great idea, seeing as mozzies have no problem biting through traditional fishing shirts and pants (there are Nosilife pants as well). These shirts have

worry, I won’t keep all of them for myself – I’ll donate a couple to other anglers eventually… if they’re prepared to dive down to a snag to retrieve them.

Megabass Derby X

wings that fold away when you cast it, and they then unfurl during the retrieve. It mention the new bigger wobbles enticingly along the Cranka Crab. The original Cranka Crab is hugely popular, having blitzed the bream tournament scene.

If you haven’t used it yourself, you have to check it out on YouTube to see how lifelike its movements are. Just search for ‘Cranka Crab Morgan’ to see Steve Morgan’s interview with designer Steve Steer, who swims the Crab in a tank to show viewers how it moves.

Now, in response to public demand, Steve Steer has released a larger Crab for species like jew and snapper. The bigger Crab still has those lifelike floating claws, which mimic the defensive behaviour of a threatened crab, but instead of trebles on the claws it has a bigger single through the body. There’s a

APPAREL ••••••••••••••

A quick drying, sun protection shirt makes a great gift, especially if it’s a cool sublimated one from an Australian company like Big Fish Graphics or Tide Apparel. Tide has some cool looking jew and mangrove jack shirts, plus a new shirt

Nosilife shirts

Big Fish Graphics

materials so they’re super comfortable, and they have a flattering cut so you don’t look like you’re wearing a colourful sack. Tide makes other clothing like pants and gloves as well (see tideapparel.com.au).

Big Fish Graphics is best known for its huge range of fish species shirts; no matter what fish you chase there’s a Big Fish shirt with that species on it. One of the latest models is a squid shirt, which features the most badass looking tentacled beast you’ve ever seen. It would easily scare young children,

a vented back and gusset, plus some handy pockets including a hidden zippered one. Nosilife shirts might not be dazzling to look at like the Big Fish and Tide shirts, but they’re good if you fish in sandfly/mozzie infested locations and don’t like drowning yourself in bug spray.

CAR, CAMP AND BOAT ••••••••••••••

If you’re buying a present for your partner, I reckon the best kind of present is one you can share. Plus it means you can

spend more money and get something more flash! Just be sure to both agree on the purchase before you spend the money, unless you like living dangerously.

If you and your partner are on the road a lot, you’ll love having a fridgefreezer in your vehicle (and campsite). It won’t be long before you’ll wonder how you ever did without

with built-in magnet to stop rattling; USB port and bright LED internal light. They have a fiveyear warranty and are priced from roughly $1080, depending on size.

And while we’re on the subject of trips away, let’s talk about showers.

Nobody likes those awful

I respond that if you don’t like my rules, you can jump overboard and swim home.

No, no, don’t go moaning that we’re 60km offshore, you should have thought of that before you gutted a snapper on the damn carpet.

Anyway, if you want to keep your boat squeaky clean, I have three pieces of advice. The first is to not install marine carpet (I don’t know what I was thinking).

The second is to avoid fishing with people who, for some reason, can’t seem to lift a kill tank lid. The third is to use a purposebuilt cleaning solution like Salt-Away. It washes away salt and other contaminants, and protects surfaces from corrosion. It’s designed

Glind Cape Yorker Maxi

Evakool TravelMate

it. On long trips you just reach back to grab a cold drink, and you can stop for lunch and make sandwiches or chow down on a cold chook. No more stopping at servos for expensive food and drinks! Plus you can feel superior to all the other people who don’t have fridge-freezers in their cars.

There’s a host of options to choose from, and one of the latest is the Evakool TravelMate series.

These fridge freezers come in both side-opening and top-opening versions in sizes from 38L to 80L. Features include: a rugged casing; a lid that opens from either side or can be removed completely, all in one action; no protruding

camp ‘showers’ consisting of a black bladder that’s heated by the sun. When you hang it up so it can trickle lukewarm water on you, it feels depressingly like getting dribbled on by a bulldog. Those cheap 12V camp showers aren’t much better, and in my experience they break easily. Usually when you’re particularly filthy.

If you want a real shower, the Glind Cape Yorker Maxi (approx. $400) is for you. Its water pressure can be adjusted so you can wash dirty dishes, clean fish, wash the boat or fill water containers. It’s a compact unit that’s built with quality components including an efficient and

heat water in a drum over a fire. A Sand Spear Filter comes as standard. The team at Glind have a very slick, classy slogan to sum up their product range, and it’s this: “We don’t build crap at Glind.”

It’s blunt but true. I wish more companies had slogans like that. Think how much more interesting toilet paper commercials would be.

Another present that’s guaranteed to be well received is a quality camp chair, and you’re looking at about $60 for a good one that’s comfy and durable.

A good choice is the new

Wilson Deluxe Camp Chair

to not remove lubricating products, and it has the bonus of being non-toxic.

For 2015 the manufacturers released the A-Salt Mixing Unit, which has a throttletype control valve to switch between ‘rinse’ and ‘SaltAway’ settings. You can put it with their Deluxe Muffs to flush out the engine, or add the Spray Gun to wash down the boat and gear.

Salt-Away is highly concentrated, so a 946mL bottle (RRP $42.50) will last for ages. It also comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle (RRP $13.25) for rods, reels and other tackle.

Another way to clean

A-Salt Mixing Unit

hinges or latches; Secop (formerly Danfoss) compressor; low power draw; silent operation; multi-voltage operation DC 12V and 24V, and AC 240V; heavy-duty handle

reliable Flojet pressure pump, and it’s all housed in a heavy-duty case. It has a flow of 13.2L/min and the pressure is 40psi. You can match it with a Glind heat exchanger for hot water, or

attractive Wilson print in either blue or pink. They’re at tackle stores now, so drop in and rest your rear in one.

Finally, I know I said presents should be fun but sometimes a super-practical gift can be awesome. For example, do you know someone who likes to keep their boat clean? I am one of those people.

Friends I’ve fished with have accused me of being a boating neat freak, to which

run, which means you’ll have more spare cash to buy more gear! It’s like the circle of life, only better.

BUYING ON A BUDGET ••••••••••••••

Everything in its place If you’re on a tight budget there are still plenty of excellent gift options available. A lure wallet is always handy, and a good quality one makes an affordable gift at around $18-30. I particularly like the latest Daiwa Lure Wallet, which can be worn as a mini shoulder bag when you’re land-based.

To page 54

RinseKit

Wilson Deluxe Camp Chair, which is built to withstand 150kg. The build is also extra wide, so they’re comfortable for anyone to sit in. All materials are double stitched with reinforcement around the rubber eyelets, and features include a silver lined cooler bag on the left arm, an insulated cup holder in the right arm, a powdercoated steel frame (reduces rust and damage) and the

your salt-encrusted gear when you’re away from home is with a portable, pressurised shower. As well as the first-class Glind Maxi that I mentioned earlier, there’s a new unit called RinseKit which is much more basic but also more affordable (RRP $149).

Somehow it manages to deliver pressurised spray for up to four minutes with no pumping and no batteries. It has an 8L pressure chamber and fills with hot or cold water from the tap in as little as 20 seconds.

So definitely consider giving – or receiving – the gift of cleanliness this Christmas. Looking after your gear properly will save money in the long

Daiwa Lure Wallet

DECEMBER 2015

53

From page 53

It’s built tough, and has a fold-out section for jigs, jigheads, and lures. The back of the bag is perfect for storing packets of soft plastics. There’s also a zippered accessory pocket in the lid that’s ideal for terminal tackle.

And if you like chasing squid, you can’t go past the Shimano Egi Case. It accommodates a range of jig sizes, and it’s designed to withstand a hose-down

hats are great – they’re so much better than slathering sunscreen everywhere – but in photos they do make you look like Lawrence of Arabia. Sure – you could take your desert headwear off for a photo, but that would reveal your wild, sweaty, hat hair. The horror!

Enter the CapHat accessory! It’s a one-sizefits-all attachment that goes on top of your favourite cap or hat to protect your ears and neck. You just slip

Shimano Egi Case

eyes. Prices range from around $15-$20.

Save the reef You’ve probably seen news stories about how sunscreens are harming the marine environment.

Ugly Stik Cooler Bag

savingsunscreen.com.

On the nose Catch scent is a budget gift that keeps on giving, and Squidgies’ much-loved S-Factor scent is now available in a larger and more user-friendly 35mL tube (approx. $15). The tube has been designed to prevent leaks, so nothing will get smelly except the lure. This scent has the added bonus of being UV enhanced, to add a visual attraction aspect as well as an enticing smell. Anybody who’s enjoyed success

Liquid Mayhem

at the end of the day. It has nylon zippers and 10 piece dividers, and has a SRP of $17.55. If you’re buying it as a present, you can make it look extra good by stealing some of your gift recipient’s squid jigs from his tackle box and put them in the Egi Case before you wrap it. Then he’ll be doubly pleased on Christmas day to find the missing jigs he’s been stressing about for weeks!

On second thought, maybe don’t do that.

For the land-based angler, a great gift is the Ugly Stik Cooler Bag (RRP $29.95). It holds six cans and keeps a full day’s worth of food. The zippered closure ensures you’re always ready to enjoy a cold drink. Plus, the back of the cooler bag folds down to reveal two drink holders, so you’re not constantly bending down to put your drink on the ground. An Ugly Stik stubby cooler is included for free.

A hat for your hat Another affordable present is a hat accessory called the CapHat (www. caphat.com.au). It’s an alternative to those serious sun-protection hats whose fabric drapes over your ears and neck. Those serious sun 54

DECEMBER 2015

it over the crown of your cap, tighten the CapHat’s toggle and you’re away. If there’s a lot of wind or glare, you can close the Velcro tabs at the front to cover everything but your

Surf Livesaving Australia Marine Friendly

A 2015 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study found that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in coral reefs worldwide every year, a c c e le ra ting c ora l bleaching. In light of this discovery, it’s clear that we outdoor lovers have to immediately throw away our sunscreen and start roasting ourselves as red as beetroots to save the coral.

Or do we? It turns out that there’s a less painful way to protect the marine environment – it’s Surf Livesaving Australia Marine Friendly spray (RRP $17.49). This clear mist spray comes in a 175g can and is certified SPF50+. It’s been tested and proven to be non-toxic to marine life, so now you can have the benefit of maximum sun protection with minimum eco-impact.

This product is oxybenzone and preservative free, provides up to four hours of waterresistant sun protection, and comes in a recyclable aluminium can. And by purchasing Surf Lifesaving sunscreen, you are helping support surf lifesaving training and development programs around Australia – so you’re saving human lives as well as coral! You can find out more at www.surflife

with S-Factor-impregnated Squidgies will love having the option of adding this potent scent to their other lures.

The range of Liquid

Mayhem scents are also worth a look. These scents are made from real baitfish, which have been distilled into a super concentrated liquid.

To this the

manufacturers have added special enzymes and other proven bite stimulants.

Liquid Mayhem scent is easy to apply, and it’s thick and sticky so it holds onto the lure for up to half an hour before needing to be reapplied. Liquid Mayhem costs a bit more than other scents (RRP $26.95 for 2oz tube) but it’s very concentrated so you only need to apply a smidge of it to your lure. It’s available in four flavours, all with extra UV enhancements.

You might be suspicious about whether catch scent actually works, but I reckon it’s one of those inexpensive things that you might as well use as not. Besides, the best tournament pros all use it, and you have to respect anyone who’s figured out how to get paid to fish!

Lucky buggers, getting paid for doing what they love. I have asked them how it’s done, but they start talking about horrible things like ‘commitment’, ‘dedication’ and ‘putting in the hours’. Oh well.

A gift from the kids If you want gift ideas for under $10 – the typical kid’s Christmas budget – a simple packet of plastics is a great choice. And it’s always good to get plastics that are new on the market, because new stuff is always more exciting than old stuff!

Something that’s a bit different is the Boom Bait range from Samaki. These

S-Factor scent

Boom Bait range

plastics have special marker dots along their backs to represent different sizes of worm hooks or jigheads.

This makes it super easy to rig them nice and straight.

You just match, say, a 2/0 with the appropriate marker dots and you can rig it easily and perfectly right away.

There are 10 models, starting with little smelt for trout and bream, right up to larger paddle tails and shads for barra and reefies. All have impregnated scent.

Or, for the angler who chases big fish, you could go for the huge Z-Man 10” HeroZ jerk bait. It’s made from buoyant ElaZtech plastic so it’s perfect for everything from walking across the surface to being fished on a jighead or paternoster rig. When retrieved at speed, it has a life-like, snaking action that has been the undoing of tuna, cobia and trevally. It should also do well on kingfish and mackerel, as well as bottom fish like snapper, coral trout and other reefies. Like all Z-mans (Z-men?) the HeroZ are made from ElaZtech plastic – a super-tough, super-stretchy plastic that’s practically bomb-proof. The only time I’ve seen one of these plastics damaged was when it got attacked by a mackerel, whose teeth left little slits like razor cuts, but didn’t demolish it as I had expected.

The most affordable gift though that I’ve found is the Rod Ruler sticker (www. therodruler.com.au). You just peel off the backing, stick it on your rod and then you can Rod Ruler sticker

quickly and easily measure your catch. It measures 8mm wide and 1m long (you cut the sticker to suit your rod), and it’s UV and water resistant. As well as rods, it can also be fitted to your boat or kayak. No more stuffing around looking for a brag mat or ruler! The RRP is just $6.95.

out ways to lower their camera into the depths (and keep it stable) to see what the fish are up to. There’s some amazing underwater footage on YouTube and on fishing DVDs that’s been shot on action cams, showing fish just quietly doing their thing, as opposed to going berserk on the end of a line.

Garmin’s latest action cams are the VIRB X and VIRB XE (RRP $429-$529).

They shoot HD footage and are waterproof to 50m. The flat lens makes underwater shots crystal clear, and it also repels droplets. The XE shoots at 1440p/30fps and 1080p/60fps with super slowmo, image stabilisation and zoom levels. The X shoots at 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps with slow-mo and zoom.

Both versions can capture sharp still photos (even while recording) and photo bursts up to 12MP. They have secure mounts, and the microphone delivers clear audio, even

and talented at cool outdoor sports, which I am not. If you are one of those energetic people though, you’ll get a kick out of getting data from the GPS and accelerometer,

stack of other features as well, plus plenty of amazing videos on YouTube.

You might have noticed I haven’t mentioned any rods or reels. That’s because they’re risky things to buy

on a room full of cats.

To avoid situations like these, we developed the Tackle Junkie website. If you direct your loved one to www.tacklejunkie.com they’ll find pics and info on ZMan 10” HeroZ

as presents; you really need to know exactly what rod or reel the recipient wants.

If you just try and guess, you’ll be greeted with a frozen, pained smile when your loved one removes the wrapping paper. It’s the same smile that I made last year when I was hoping for a box of Ferrero Rochers and instead got a new age music CD that sounded like someone turning a fire hose

on the latest rods and reels, which should give them some ideas on what they might like. You’ll find info, pics and videos of a host of other tackle there as well.

Then, once you have your inspiration, it’s off to your local tackle store to get the perfect present.

Happy gift hunting and Merry Christmas!

Hero4 Session

VIRB

RECORDING THE MOMENT ••••••••••••••

It seems everyone is getting into the fun of using waterproof action cams on fishing trips. They’re easy to use (the good ones are, anyway), and you can mount them almost anywhere – on a headband, up high on a rocket launcher or on the end of a pole to hold down at the waterline when fish come boat-side. Enterprising anglers have even worked

underwater. Through the mobile app, users can get a live stream of video.

One-touch controls make it easy to wake the device and start/stop recording.

If I had to list a downside, it’s that there are fancy sensors built in that cater to those annoying people who are gloriously fit

plus compatibility with other sensors that detect everything from heart-rate to G-force.

Of course, I can’t talk about action cams without mentioning the latest GoPro, which is the Hero4 Session (approx. $450). It’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than other Hero4 cameras, it’s compatible with current GoPro mounts, and has a new low-profile frame and ball joint buckle for extra mounting flexibility.

It captures 1080p30 ultrawide video and 8MP timelapse photos at 0.5 second intervals. You can also operate HERO4 cameras using the GoPro App or Smart Remote. This camera is waterproof to 10m, and a single press of the shutter button powers the camera on and begins capturing video or time-lapse photos automatically. A second press of the shutter button stops recording and powers off the camera. There’s a DECEMBER 2015

55

CATCH IT on your waterproof phone!

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DECEMBER 2015

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SRPF

KORR LED Lantern

GX Series by LSM

3 Yes

3 Yes

The Rod-Runner

The Rod-Runner is carefully engineered to protect expensive rods and reels and get you fishing faster with less effort. It lets you carry five rods safely in one hand, and once you arrive at your location will stand your rods up with its two removable legs, keeping your reels up off the sand and dirt.

Having all of your rods rigged, ready and securely stored in the Rod-Runner system will mean that you’ll spend less time rigging and undoing tangles while out fishing.

The Rod-Runner is perfect if you enjoy jetty fishing, surf fishing, land-based fishing or even getting to and from the boat on your next offshore fishing trip. With its long, curved, comfortable handle design and the deep cut rod holders, your expensive rods and reels will naturally hang in a diagonal direction, meaning that you can easily manoeuvre around avoiding door frames, low ceilings and fans. This clever product is sure to make your holiday fishing experience easier.

Price: RRP $100 www.brismarine.com.au

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I would love this for Xmas!

KORR Lantern $ 20.00

Lone Star Marine has once again found a way to cram more value and performance into their mainstay without the high price tag. The new GX series is set to become the new workhorse and standard in perfectly engineered anchoring systems at the right price.

Features include all Australian made 6mm 316 stainless and machined 6061 T-6 aluminium construction, real Italian transmissions, triple sealed bearings, twin shaft bearing systems, machined slimline ‘fast change’ collars, and an all new emergency release as standard on all models. Motors are once again custom manufactured and are pre-rigged with twin leads.

LSM manufactured the world’s first drum anchor winch with a 200mm drum that’s suitable for 6m+ boats with a holding at anchor capacity of 2800kg. This tiny yet very powerful model will be well suited to larger boats with very small anchor wells. The GX series caters to boats up to 9m+ and is backed by LSM’s famous 5 + Life Warranty.

Price: from RRP $1099 www.lonestarmarine.com.au

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PERFECTING FISHING ROD TRANSPORTATION

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The Emergency LED lantern from Korr Lighting is the perfect product for both camping adventures and for use around the home. In the case of a thunderstorm where the power is knocked out, this family-friendly LED lantern is great at providing quick and easy lighting, and is much safer than using candles or gas lights, which are a fire hazard in your home.

The LED lantern is very easy to operate and has an extended run time of up to 12 hours. Made from a durable ABS construction, this compact LED is tough and is backed by a one-year warranty. It’s a great addition for any camping set up or emergency LED lighting. Visit the Korr Lighting website for more information.

Price: RRP $20 www.korrlighting.com.au

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Every angler loves to capture photos and sometimes even videos of their catch. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to use your phone, but a wet, rocking boat isn’t a safe environment. However, when you use the new Wetsuit Impact for the iPhone 6S/6S Plus you can relax knowing that your phone is protected.

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BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

The season has started with guns blazing! We’ve had a very warm spring, and a push of warm water saw the fishing kick into top gear, and it’s the estuary that’s the place to be. But we will start with offshore.

OFFSHORE Although there has been a large injection of hot water, the currents seem to be similar to those in previous years.

We’re looking forward to the

marlin coming on this month, and the action should continue into January.

The snapper have continued to fire. A lot of anglers here have switched onto the micro jigging for snapper and are having a lot of fun on the light gear. It seems every brand is making a micro jig rod, with our best sellers being the Samaki Vanquish, Storm Gomoku and, for that bit more class, the Shimano Grappler. Match these rods up with a 4000-5000 size reel spooled with 20lb braid, tie on a 40-80g jig and you’re in your micro jig element! The

A Yamashita Tai-Kabura jig was the undoing of this snapper.

larger schools of snapper tend to be in that 60-80m depth, and if there is a slight current you will be looking at an 80g jig.

These micro jigs come in all shapes and sizes. Some flutter on the way down, some drop fast. They can be retrieved fast or slow, and there are a few variations of jigs that prefer either slow or fast retrieves. I’ve been watching the tai-kabura fishing technique starting to slowly take off over here. These jigs have a weighted head that separates from the skirted body of the lure. We’re all familiar with the likes of the Lucanus and Bottom Ship jigs, and they work well at times, but this is something different.

‘Tai’ means ‘red snapper’, and ‘kabura’ is a shaped jighead with skirts and ties, which swim with rather small hooks.

Snapper can peck and tease sometimes before making the bite, so small, swinging assist hooks catch the lips and mouth of the snapper playing with the presentation.

This style of fishing is very interesting because the weight drops first and separates from the skirted body. Once it hits the bottom you then slowly retrieve the lure body towards the weighted head. Don’t make any actions – just do

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a slow, steady retrieve from 0.5-2 turns per second. The skirts and ties will flutter to attract fish.

At times I think the weight can turn finicky fish off. At these times if you take the weight out of the equation you are left with this light, swimming squid-looking thing, which is very tempting to a snapper. And it’s not just snapper that will have a go – you can catch all kinds of species including kings and nannygai.

Changing colours and jighead shapes might make a difference, and we all have our favourite colours. However, I think the weight is the most important change, because you need to fish in accordance with the depth and current.

If you are interested in this style of fishing, come into the Batemans Bay Compleat Angler for a chat.

INSHORE Kings have made a bit of an appearance, from rats to larger specimens. If you are keen to chase them, go to their popular haunts and use livies, fresh squid or jigs and plastics. Downrigging is a popular and successful way to catch these guys, but you don’t always need to be downrigging baits to get a bite as there are some good plastics and jointed hardbodies that will work a treat. The Z-Man 8” SwimmerZ and big 10” HeroZ are a great tough plastic lures that will stand up to the abuse of a king. These plastics are big, floppy, juicy looking things that have a good swimming action. Hopefully as you read this we’ll be experiencing a better season with the kingfish instead of the bigger ones being further south.

ROCK AND BEACH The rock and beach fishing has been average to good. A few good snapper were caught from the stones over spring, and the drummer made up for any lack of snapper. Quite a few of the lads had their arms stretched by grouper and some big blues. It looks as though there’s no shortage of these guys on our coastline.

Salmon and tailor have been very slow on our beaches; you have more of a chance catching bream, whiting and sharks. There have been big schools of horse salmon, more offshore amongst the boats, and anyone noticing these guys on the surface has been having a ball with them on light gear.

ESTUARIES In the estuaries is where the party’s at! With water temps warming and bait moving in, there have been plenty of goers at this party. There are flounder, big trevally, schools of tailor, massive flatties, whiting and it’s looking to be one of our better summers of bream. I had a customer the

Rod Stockman with a 95cm Batemans Bay flathead. other day who lives on the river saying he hadn’t seen this many bream in years. He loves his flathead, which are also there in numbers, and his complaint was he couldn’t catch one from all the bream in the way! You don’t have to go too far for any bream, just hit up the closest racks and have a go. You will also find good numbers upstream if you want to get away from the crowds.

The flathead lately have been massive. My brother recently caught a very healthy 95cm one and in the same week there was one caught over the magic meter mark. There have been plenty of 50cm models and bigger caught and released in recent weeks.

A welcome surprise to the estuary has been the big trevally getting around lately.

People love catching these little rockets, and pretend it’s a GT on bream gear.

And, as with every major party, you need bouncers!

Enter the mulloway. These

quite consistent. This year the beaches and ocean bays saw a lot of action through September and it looks like that action is moving into the estuary now. Mulloway are still the fish to target during the still of the night, but you can still try for them on plastics, vibes and hardbodies throughout the days on the tide changes.

Warm, hot weather equals bass and the season has started with a bang! Those anglers who have been getting the area right have been cleaning up.

It’s looking like a great season for these fish.

Well I’m done, and I have just psyched myself up to go out and get amongst it! This is not a summer to miss!

• For the bass brigade, we’ve just loaded the shop with 1/8oz black and purple spinnerbaits and have Kokoda Bats on special this next catalogue. The soft shell Tiemcos will fly out of the shop like a summer cicada,

Annette was happy with this solid snapper. guys have been lurking around and there have been some good bites, but a lot of quiet nights as well. These fish aren’t called ‘the ghost of the estuary’ for nothing.

Over the past couple of years, the period from September through to December has been

and we have plenty more for what looks like a great run this season of these Aussie brawlers.

To check it all out, drop into Compleat Angler Batemans Bay on 65a Orient St, Batemans Bay (02 4472 2559).

There’s Narooma for everyone these holidays!

NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

Narooma and the surrounding waterways are firing up nicely on the fishing front just in time for the Christmas rush.

Narooma’s population will triple in size, but that won’t bother the fishing fanatics with a smorgasbord of species on offer.

Anglers fishing the estuaries will be happy to know that it’s all systems go, with Wagonga Inlet, Tuross, Mummaga Lake and Corunna all fishing extremely well. The latter two have been excellent for flathead so if you’re after a feed then these are the places you’ll find good fish. Both systems don’t have a huge tidal movement, making offshore currents less important when it comes to water temperature. Due to this and the maximum depth of 5m in both, these systems warm up a lot quicker than their bigger counter parts.

With the water at a balmy 22-24°C, the flathead have woken up big time and it’s certainly not hard to get a cracking feed.

Soft plastics, vibes, and blades are working well with anglers using live poddy mullet getting their fair share too. Most of the fish are averaging 40cm, but there are a few bigger fish around 80cm being caught. Thankfully they are also being released which

Up at Tuross, flathead are going off in both the river section and main basins. I had a recent guide there and managed over 50 flats for the day – nice fishing in anyone’s books. Fish to 85cm makes for a great day. The lower sections and basins have been good for bream, whiting, and luderick with bait anglers doing particularly well.

Fishos using live nippers, worms and live prawns are getting the best results especially for bream and whiting. This action will continue and it’s great to see that the entrance to this system is quite deep and wide allowing for plenty of tidal flow. In Wagonga Inlet the classic saying works – find the bait, find the fish.

The upper reaches have been excellent, with acres of bait there you can expect anything from mulloway to salmon and everything in between. Anglers using a variety of softies and blades will fare best, with smaller presentations around 3” producing better results.

Outside sport fishers are getting excited as marlin season is upon on.

There have already been sightings and the odd fish lost so all looks good for a cracking beakie season. The shelf is the place to fish, with the Kink and Tuross canyons worth a look.

Success will depend on water temperature, current, temperature breaks and bait activity. There have been sporadic catches of albacore and smaller yellowfin tuna to 30kg. These

Montague Island, the kings have been good but the seals are present and have been a real pest. I know some crews are getting 1/5 kings in the boat which isn’t a great average. Not a whole lot can be done about this frustrating problem. Almost all methods are working on the kings, but jigs seem to be the best working method at present. The fish are averaging to 5kg, not huge but still great sport and great on the plate – if you can get them in the boat!

If you’re after a feed of bottom species then you’re in for a treat. Sand flathead, snapper, morwong and pigfish can be found on most reefs with the SW corner of Montague a good starting point. The flatties have been going great guns with water depths of 30-35m ideal for these tasty morsels.

The beaches continue to fish well for bream and whiting, look for a beach that has rockier corners with a gutter present.

There’s a few that have these characteristics at the minute, Narooma main at the northern end, and Blackfellows towards Tuross to the southern end are the. Both are fishing extremely well, with pipi and live beach worms the gun bait to use. I wouldn’t be surprised to see mulloway caught from both these destinations too as there’s cover, reasonably deep water and a heap of bait. If I was targeting mulloway I’d use 3-4 beach worms on a single hook paternoster rig, and cast the offering

with the advantage of an afternoon/evening flooding tide your chances will increase ten-fold.

Anglers fishing the

of Narooma is fishing extremely well. There’s a heap of bait out the front of the ledge that these species are gorging themselves on.

balloon is worth a go. Slow rolling ganged pilchards will also work, especially on the southern part of the ledge. Casting a few

Darren ‘Cookie’ Cook with a nice mulloway that was tagged for future fisheries research. Hopefully it will be caught again and the information can be put to good use. stones are in with salmon, and kingfish Mystery Bay

for some fun tailor, bonito all chewing. to the south

Successful bait has been a mixture of pilchards, slimy mackerel and yellowtail, and a live bait under a

slugs and poppers might be worth a go to.

Good luck and Merry Christmas to all.

The ladies and the author with a cracking 85cm flathead from the upper reaches of Wagonga Inlet. This beautiful croc was released in great condition. is in the spirit of fishing. I expect both these Lakes to continue to produce over coming months with bream and legal sized snapper also on the cards.

supercharged speedsters have responded well to trolled skirted pushers and bibbed minnows, with their whereabouts changing daily depending on conditions. At

at various distances within the session. Sometimes they will be just past the shore dump and other times in the deeper water. If you combine this technique DECEMBER 2015

61

Anglers go nuts for summer estuary captures of lures will produce on a regular basis. A mix of skirted, bibless, and deep diving lures will cover most aspects when trolling for tuna and best of all, will provide a pattern as to what lure preference the fish may have. Often whatever mimics the food source fish are dependent on or where they are feeding in the water column. Deep diving lures often produce a strike from fish hesitant to come to the surface and once hooked can excite other fish in the school to the lure pattern.

For marlin, skirted lures are important. Marlin

BERMAGUI

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will also take the diving lures although the hook up rate will not be as good as the skirts. With marlin already around, things are looking good for later in the season but for now concentrate around the edge of the shelf and further out. A well-structured lure pattern will also attract a variety of different species including recent schools of albacore, striped tuna and the occasional mako shark all captured whilst trolling.

Makos often follow tuna schools and are a real bonus when taken on a lure. If you know sharks are in the area and you wish to target them, berley will give you the best results.

If game fishing is not your scene, try for kingfish at Montague Island or reef fishing south of Bermagui.

The kingies have been good already this season with fish responding to both jigs and bait. Sizes are mixed so you may need to do some weeding to get fish of size. Remember there are size limits as well as marine park restrictions so check it out first to avoid embarrassment. Perhaps as a result of less commercial pressure, the reef fishing has been excellent. Flathead are the main stay with one of the best seasons in many years. Large tiger and sand flathead are being caught just about anywhere with the 50m mark due east of Bermagui providing close easy access to these fish.

Around the other reefs there have been plenty of morwong entertaining anglers. Mixed in are some late season snapper, pretty pigfish, and the odd gummy shark, plus those ever present jackets.

There has been lots of small baitfish around lately providing food for schools of salmon and tailor either

around the rocks or beaches.

White bait and small slimy mackerel are the food source and any lure resembling them will work, as well as bait. Using bait can also get you onto some lovely bream or trevally patrolling around the bait schools.

One of the best activities anyone can do at this time of year is to go prawning, and there are plenty of prawns to be found. A fun family adventure, the reward is a tasty bucket of fresh prawns that everyone loves and so do the estuary fish.

When you have good prawn stock in the lakes and rivers, estuarine fish species are gorging themselves on them while the food is available, which provides good angling. Most of the common species like dusky flathead, bream, whiting, mulloway and many more will be encountered on both lures (soft plastics in the early mornings have been very exciting) and bait. The estuaries this season is as good as it gets.

Solid bream are a favourite summer species.

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A tasty summer by-catch, you can find these little rippers in the local lakes and rivers.

Not to be left out, the sweetwater fishing in Brogo Dam for Australian bass is firing. Hot days are leading to balmy evenings at the dam producing large insect hatches and excellent fly and surface lure activity for anglers. Fish are of a mixed size range to 45cm, but as most seasoned bass anglers know it doesn’t take a very large fish to get the heart racing. Try trolling through the daylight hours, jigging small lures or bobbing shrimp (don’t be frightened to try some of those fresh prawns as bait when bobbing, they work just fine). For the more adventurous angler, walk into the holes on the river below the dam wall, there are plenty of bass there which will need more effort to extract than in the dam.

Summer fun at Tathra TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Tathra Wharf attracts many children over the Christmas holidays looking to catch fish. This is where the famous ‘one more cast’ phrase must have originated in the pursuit of the variety of species that can be caught from this platform. These school holidays will see the trend continue not only for the kids but also for the adults.

The species available here this summer include the infamous yellowtail, scad, yakkas – whatever you may like to call them, are the dominant species caught from this structure and provide plenty of action, entertainment and bait for future excursions.

You may also encounter slimey mackerel causing havoc when they turn up in large schools, attacking just about every bait that hits the water and tangling lines beyond repair. Trevally will be around and garfish are becoming more numerous each day. Closer to the rocks, luderick can be seen turning on their sides as they graze on the vegetation attached to the stones. They can be caught

with the use of cabbage weed for bait. Heavier gear and sinkers, combined with long casts fished on the bottom out from the north east corner of the Wharf often results in a nice bag of sand flathead – not very sporting, but effective for the table. Tailor patrol the

water pelagics will start to harass the bait schools giving anglers the chance to lure or live bait these larger species, which may include salmon, kingfish, bonito, sharks, other tuna species, and everyone’s dream of a marlin from the shore.

Whiting are a summer specialty around Tathra.

Luderick can be targeted in many areas from estuaries to rocks, and even from the Wharf. fringes of the lights fading out over the ocean at night and will fall victim to a wellpresented strip of yellowtail.

Larger baits fished on the bottom should account for the occasional gummy shark, skate or ray. With the warming

OFFSHORE Out at sea from Tathra, the fishing has been consistently good. For those who wish to fish the bottom and have a liking to put some lovely flathead fillets on the table, head out from Bournda

in 50m of water and you’ll bag some sizeable tiger and sand flathead, perhaps with the odd shark or red gurnard thrown in. For those wishing to target reef fish, snapper and morwong are abundant east of Arragunnui, or Goalen Head north, in a variety of depths and the northeast trade winds will allow anglers a chance to catch some sand flathead out from Wapengo as they head home.

Game fishing is also hotting up with plenty of schools of tuna, mostly yellowfin and striped although the odd albacore is hanging

around. Following them are sharks, mainly makos, with the odd whaler or hammerhead making an early appearance.

Marlin have also started to show their bills, mostly stripes at this stage with the wider you go the better.

BEACHES On the beaches, whiting are in good numbers and are consistently caught on worms with light tackle. The best spot to set up is the main beach adjacent to the mouth of the Bega River. There has been plenty of bream mixed with the whiting as well as some very large sand mullet. Most

beaches are holding good stocks of salmon providing plenty of action while at night expect some reasonable shark fishing around the moon.

BEGA RIVER Every possible estuary species is fired up in the Bega River providing great fishing, whether you lure or bait fish – you simple cannot get better than now. All through the system from bass in the fresh through to flathead at the entrance, the activity is a result of an abundance of prawns in the river. Now is the time to slip on the waders and get prawning.

DECEMBER 2015

63

Fishing forecast is hot, hot, hot!

MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

Summer is finally here!

Warmer weather plus longer days is an equation that can only equal more time on the water – and I for one can’t wait.

The increased water temperature is really going to set the fishing on fire in the local estuaries.

Both the Merimbula and Pambula systems have been excellent with an array of species on offer.

Good numbers of flathead have woken up from their winter slumber with some solid crocs around 90cm coming from both systems.

These larger girls have responded well to bigger soft plastics and rubber vibes which are great fun to fish with and highly effective. There’s a stack of different types of vibes on the market. I prefer to use natural coloured imitations anywhere from 10-20g.

Choice of size depends on the depth I’m fishing as well as current and tidal movement. It’s a good idea to have a selection of vibes because some

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days the smaller versions work better and vice versa.

Artificials are easy to work and big flathead find it hard to throw the hooks due to the two trebles.

They are also excellent for catching mulloway.

Other species that can be expected include bream, trevally, whiting,

results whether fishing baits or lures. The bream and whiting are really starting to zone into surface presentations – again this is a great way to fish, it’s a visual and highly exciting form of angling. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but if you haven’t tried surface lure fishing you should give it

Some solid estuary perch have been found around the deeper rock walls in the southern estuaries. flounder and blackfish.

All of these species are playing the game and anglers are getting great

a go. I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised with the results!

On the beaches, fishing

hasn’t been red-hot, mainly due to the recent low swell.

Those fishing the low light periods have come away with salmon, bream, and whiting. When it’s tough on the beaches try and downsize your tackle and use fresh bait if you can.

The fish are there but become wary when there’s not much cover from white-water so a different approach is needed. You will be surprised what little changes like this will do to your catch rates. Beaches that have fished well include Haycock, Tura, and North Tura. There’s a solid gutter at the northern end of North Tura beach near Bournda Island that is definitely worth a look.

Mulloway and gummy shark are also possible, fish those moonlit nights on a flooding tide for you best chance of catching one.

The rock-hopping brigade have done it tough, especially those targeting drummer and blackfish.

Little or no wash makes it difficult but expect that to change when the conditions become more suitable. If you’re after the pelagic species you will be a happy little angler as bonito have

Stu Walker with a few quality bream from the shallows taken on plastics. already turned up a long with some monster salmon to 5kg. Casting chrome lures is the best method as the fish are travelling through quickly from headland to headland. There are still kings to be caught, but they have slowed up a bit over recent weeks. However, this should change in the near future.

Offshore it’s business as usual, with the bottom bouncing brigade finding plenty of flathead from the 35m line. Bags have been caught quite easily of late and I can’t see that

changing anytime soon. If you’re after snapper you will be happy as these fine table and sport fish have continued to chew on most reefs. The reds these days are a year round proposition but the summer months tend to see a lot of school fish around the 1-2kg mark caught and not many bigger models conquered. That’s ok though, as what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. The better reefs are Whitecliffs, Long, and Horseshoe with squid, pilchards, and soft plastics all working a treat.

The name of the game is bream!

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

As we race toward summer, we are seeing very little rain and with the days getting longer and warmer, the visitors are starting to turn up. The months prior saw plenty of rain, and as a result, the water was a lovely shade of mud. The entrance is good and with good flow the system has now cleared right up.

Good gutters on all the local beaches have provided anglers with the opportunity to get among plenty of salmon with fish to 2kg and good numbers of fish moving in and out of the estuary system. The growth on the rocks at the new harbour at Bastion Point will create some great fishing here in the coming months. This is a safe spot to wet a line and with the water warming, there will be a greater variety of fish caught.

Offshore the water is starting to warm up and gummy sharks have been caught alongside a few goodsized sand flathead with fish to over 2kg a common find.

Bags caught over the summer period were very impressive.

There is plenty of water out there and finding the bigger fish can take time.

Last year the arrival of big schools of baitfish saw the kingfish turn up over the Christmas period with plenty of fish caught on trolled lures.

The fishing in the Bottom

Lake has been good with steady tidal flow around the entrance area. Silver trevally love this area and can be caught on fresh bait and a variety of soft plastic lures.

Yellowfin bream and dusky flathead have also been caught in the same area along with a few good size sand whiting. The Goodwin Sands are also producing with numbers of both black and yellowfin bream caught alongside plenty of good eating size flatties.

The Top Lake has also been fishing well with numbers of good size bream caught. The blacks are the more common of the two species along with big flathead. From the Top Lake to above Gypsy Point sees plenty of black bream and flathead.

Recent rains have made travelling in this area a challenge, and it’s easy to run aground as the sand banks shift. Maintain caution when boating so as to avoid any damage to your boat. The rains have kept the rivers moving which is great for the early season bass fishing. We’ve already seen some great fish come through and with anglers releasing these specimens; the bass season promises to be a good one.

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Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

The past month has seen very little rain on the far south coast with excellent spring weather allowing everyone to get out there and enjoy the area.

The warmer weather has seen visitors taking advantage of the quiet times prior to the busy Christmas period.

The fishing on the beaches has been good with plenty of salmon caught on bait and lures with good tailor in among the salmon.

Fishing the corners of the beach around the rocky margins has produced yellowfin bream with fresh bait worms and prawns catching the fish. As we head towards summer, more sand whiting will be roaming the beaches.

The rocky headlands have been fishing well with good catches of hard fighting drummer.

Those heading out to fish the inshore reefs and

beyond need to get an early start as most days have seen the wind pick up quickly. Out on the shelf there have been a few reports of yellowfin tuna caught and the fishing out there will only get better in the months ahead. The inshore reefs have been fishing well for snapper caught on both bait and lures. Morwong and gummy sharks have also been caught as well as both tiger and sand flathead.

Kingfish are also about and it shouldn’t be long before they become a regular catch. The fishing in the rivers has fired up with good catches of dusky flathead on any number of soft plastic lures. This time of year sees some big fish caught as they start to liven up with the warmer water. The entrance to the estuaries has seen yellowfin bream and sand whiting caught, alongside plenty of silver trevally on the bite. Black bream are further up the system along with the estuary perch.

The bass fishing has started to fire up with the fish heading upstream for

the summer months, surface lures have been working well around the dusk and dawn period.

TH

EDEN

. BASS . JEWFISH . F LA

Warm bite a delight!

EAM . BR

Filming in the winter months for Fishing Australia was great fun.

PE R RY

. WH AD

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MALLACOOTA

Crystal enjoyed catching a fish but wasn’t as keen on picking it up!

FISH WITH A LOCAL AT

MALLACOOTA

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• COST $ * PER PERSON *BASED ON 3 ANGLERS. • PACKAGES ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE BEMM RIVER AND TAMBOON INLET.

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Book with Capt Kev

0424 625 160

DECEMBER 2015

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What’s New FISHING

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ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES

Over five million Australians fish for fun,* which makes it one of our most popular pastimes. Indeed, the tradition of fishing dates back tens of thousands of years in Indigenous communities, so really it’s fishing not BBQing, surfing or footy that’s the quintessential Australian pastime.

It Happened on a Fishing Trip is a collection of the stories that we can all relate to – the fishing adventures and misadventures of onetime anglers, amateurs and pros, families and friends, all in the stunning landscape of Australia.

This book features stories, pictures and hilarious anecdotes from folk across the country, including authors and fishing royalty: Angela Pippos; Vicki Lear; Philip Weigall; Steve Starling; Greg French; Hilary McPhee; Krissy Kneen; and Vicki Hastrich. To be in the draw to win a free copy, cut out the entry form on page 36 of this magazine.

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

DAIWA MORETHAN SWITCH HITTER

Price: RRP $29.99 www.affirmpress.com.au

The new Daiwa Morethan Switch Hitter is a high-density, compact, sinking pencil developed to cast for topwater feeding pelagics. Precision tuned and balanced for long cast performance, and unrivalled in its ability to slip and slide with unmatched ease, this is the lure that sets a new standard in the ‘sliding technique’.

Built for ultimate strength and big fish capability, the Switch Hitter has been finely balanced, with emphasis placed on an optimum swimming posture that darts under the surface, reminiscent of a fleeing baitfish.

The flattened forehead allows the lure to dig in when twitched and ripped at high speed but also allows it to zigzag slide at low speeds.

Though twitching and ripping is highly effective, this lure is also equally deadly when cast into a surface feeding school and allowed to sink. On the sink, the lure shimmies and slides, enticing feeding fish into striking.

The Morethan Switch Hitter measures 85mm, weighs 20g and dives to 1m. www.daiwafishing.com.au

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*From the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

ZEREK STEP SLIDER

The centrally weighted Zerek Step Slider is constructed from high-density lead to give the heaviest weight for the smallest profile – a combination that has been proving deadly on all manner of fish species.

The central weight design allows the Step Slider to flutter on the drop, giving the appearance of a wounded baitfish fluttering to the bottom after a vicious attack from a predator above. This fluttering action is appealing to slower striking fish like snapper and nannygai, and it’s also extremely tempting for faster predators like mackerel and tuna that are picking up the scraps below.

With four sizes currently available (20g, 30g, 40g and 50g) and seven fish-catching colours, the Zerek Step Slider is set to take your micro jigging to the next level. Whether you’re fishing slow or fishing fast, the Step Slider has you covered. Check it out now at your favourite tackle store. www.wilsonfishing.com

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OKUMA AVENGER X

For 2016 the third generation of Okuma’s Avenger series has received a makeover and some important upgrades introducing the Avenger X. The drive system begins with a powerful forged aluminium handle arm with premium EVA knobs. On the interior, the precision elliptical gearing system includes machine cut brass pinion gear. Four ball bearings plus a Quick-Set anti-reverse bearing deliver fluid performance and commanding hook-sets.

A solid aluminium bail wire circles the rigid, machined aluminium spool.

The Blade Body Design is ultra compact and, along with the computer balanced rotor, is made from lightweight and corrosionresistant graphite. The spool is aggressively ported to reduce weight, and the spool arbor features braid lock knurling, eliminating the need for mono backing and increasing precious line capacity. The multi-disc oiled felt drag system churns out 3-11kg of drag.

Available sizes are 25 (shallow spool), 30, 40, 55, 65 and 80, all backed by Okuma’s 10-year limited warranty.

Price: from RRP $79.95 www.okuma.com.au

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SHIMANO LUGGAGE SYSTEMS

Shimano has released a new tackle luggage range in consultation with Aussie anglers.

The range includes reinvented rod tubes, soft tackle bags, a water-resistant Banar Bag and the foldable jig case gear bag. Also to join the family are five luggage tackle bag concepts, including lifestyle and full tackle system backpacks, lure binder cases and wallets, and a double-sided egi case.

All are made with heavy-duty adjustable strapping, reinforced handles, water-resistant and durable single-finger PVC zips. Some bags also include smart phone pouches and laptop sleeves. Prices are as follows: Gear Bag - $42; Egi Case - $17.55; Jig Case - $33.80; Lure Wallet - $32.50; Tackle Wallet - $32.50; Tackle Bag M - $78; Tackle Bag L - $89.70; Back Pack 25L - $58.50; Back Pack and Tackle Box - $91; Banar Bag M - $48.10; Banar Bag L - $54.60; 1.22m Rod Tube - $39; 1.90m Rod Tube - $58.50; 2.20m Rod Tube - $65.

Price: from $17.55 www.shimanofish.com.au

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TT LURES DEMONZ JIGHEADS

Featuring the award-winning HeadlockZ grub keeper, TT Lures DemonZ jigheads are premium quality hand-painted jigheads, with realistic 3D eyes, built on Gamakatsu, black nickel, chemically sharpened, heavy wire hooks. The colour range has been customized by the Tackle Tactics Pro Team to match popular soft plastic colours and common baitfish species that inhabit our freshwater and saltwater systems.

The HeadlockZ grub keeper is designed to suit the 10X tough Z-Man ElaZtech soft plastics, while also being suitable for other brands.

It locks the plastic in place on the jighead so that you can cast hard and work the plastic aggressively. Even after a missed bite there’s a good chance the plastic will still be locked in place and swimming effectively, encouraging the fish to return for another strike.

DemonZ are available in 1/6oz 1H and 1/0H; 1/4oz 1H, 1/0H, 2/0H and 3/0H; and 3/8oz 2/0H and 3/0H in seven colours, with three per pack.

Price: SRP $10.95 www.ttlures.com.au

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

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

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What’s New FISHING

POWERED BY

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SCAN THE QR CODE!

TICA GALANT GAAT SERIES

The new Galant series reels from TiCA are silky smooth reels full of exceptional features, and they’re also very reasonably priced.

The TiCA Galant series reels feature a high tensile strength body, aluminium alloy spool, worm shaft system, thick bail arm system, instant anti reverse and feature TiCA’s RRB (rust resistant bearings) with each model featuring six RRBs. These reels also feature the new Easy Maintenance Oil Inlet System, which allows the anglers easy access to oil the reel without having to strip the reel down. On top of that, the Galants also have a carbon drag washer system that allows the reels to have superb drags, with the 6000 size featuring a max 10kg drag setting.

The TiCA Galant comes in four sizes to cover most fishing applications, from a little 1500 size for finesse work right through to a 6000 size to cover boat and offshore fishing.

Price: from RRP $129 www.jurofishing.com

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

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ECOODA HORNET STICKBAIT

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TIDE GUIDE AND ALMANAC

The Ecooda Hornet 180S Stickbait has two unique swimming actions.

It has a sensational walk-the-dog action, which is constant in both smooth and rough conditions. The second action is what Ecooda calls ‘snake ‘n’ roll’, and this is achieved by pulling your rod tip slow and long across the water’s surface, giving it a very unique action that fish can’t resist. Whether you’re chasing GTs and coral trout, or spinning off the rocks for macks or tuna, the Hornet is ideal.

The Hornet is 180mm long, weighs 80g and has a one-piece stainless welded wire for strength. It comes in four lifelike colour concepts, and its reflective prism tape insert creates added attraction in the water.

Every angler has a hook preference so Ecooda has left the option up to you.

Price: RRP $29.95 www.ecooda.com.au

The little orange Tide Guide is back!

The publishers had thought digital predictions would replace print, but when a 2015 Tide Guide failed to appear in the shops, a huge outcry resulted.

“We got it wrong,” a spokesman said.

“About a hundred phone calls told us so. A few thousand others were more polite!”

The 2016 Tide Guide’s predictions are now in the large typeface of the official BOM format, but users will not lose their familiar feet and inches. The back cover has a flap which folds out to become a placeholder.

There’s a conversion table, a daily diary section, and a colour fish ID section with bag and size limits.

The 2016 Angler’s Almanac has also been released, with all the usual features including colour fish ID photos and knot tying diagrams. The predicted best fishing times of each day and best days of the month can be used anywhere, and it also contains the 2017 moon phases.

Price: $6.60 admin1@tideguide.com.au

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

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MURRAY MOTH BY LEAVEY LURES

The opening of the cod season is almost upon us (December 1), and there’s no doubt all those die-hard cod enthusiasts will be stocking up their big cod lures in anticipation for the event. One lure that is now on the topwater radar is the Murray Moth, new to Leavey Lures.

This lure, designed by Yamba lure maker and tackle shop owner Mick Leavey, incorporates an awesome paddle/crawling action working alongside the movement of its jointed body. Cod find it irresistible! It took Mick 12 months of testing and tinkering with the design before he finally came up with the 120mm Murray Moth, which is available in six colour options and comes fitted with Owner ST56 size 2 trebles to handle these strong natives. For more information check out the Yamba Bait and Tackle Facebook page.

Leavey Lures are available from Yamba Bait and Tackle or via phone/mail order.

Price: RRP $26.95 Ph: 02 6646 1514

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WILSON FOLDING NETS

With features like extendable handles and collapsible frames, the Wilson Folding Landing Net range is perfect for storage in tight spaces. These nets have environmentally friendly netting with large diameter mesh to avoid excessive hook tangling and keep fish in the best possible condition for release. With a flat base and steep sides, the net’s design means that once a fish is in the net, it stays in.

The two models, Large (333FND1) and Snapper (333FNDSO), have some unique characteristics.

The Large net has an extendable handle that can reach out to 1.8m! This net was designed with the aid of barra tournament experts who literally catch a barra as it jumps. This handle length makes this net ideal for larger boats and for shore- and pierbased anglers.

The Snapper net has a fixed handle length of 90cm and is squarely aimed at the boat angler looking for an easy to store net that will handle large fish easily. www.wilsonfishing.com

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ATOMIC 60MM VIBE

Atomic has released a 60mm Vibe in both rattle and silent versions. It’s available in all existing colours in Atomic range, plus some new colours as well – and these new colours will be spreading to all other Atomic lures soon.

The goal for the designers was to develop a vibe that would work at a slower speed.

They have achieved this with a unique design that allows the Atomic Vibe 60 to be worked at high speeds offshore and at very slow speeds in the fresh. This allows you to keep the lure in the strike zone for longer than you could with other vibration lures.

It’s available now, so check it out at your favourite tackle store. You can also watch a video review by scanning the QR code on this page, or you can hop on YouTube and search for ‘AFTA 2015 Atomic Vibe’.

Price: SRP $17.95 www.atomiclures.com.au

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

What’s New FISHING

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VIKING LIVEY TACKLE POD

Viking Kayak’s new Twin Livey Tackle Pod prototype has been put to the test

by Stephen Tapp.

Stephen has reported that the Pod allows him to easily transport live baits in one half, and tackle in the other half.

The concept uses a high flow design so water exchanges rapidly, so you can run the pump on a timer if you want to conserve battery power. The output has an anti-siphon on it to stop the tank draining when the pump is off. This also directs the pump output to swirl and stir the water in the tank to help ensure there are no oxygen-poor spots in the tank.

“The pump intake in the transducer scupper is completely self priming, making the system really easy to use,” Stephen said.

“The four outlets overflow at a rate matching the pump to keep the tank full. The overflow outlets on either side are directly over the foot-well scupper for rapid draining, and have bungs.” www.vikingkayak.com.au

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MARINEFRIENDLY SLSA SUNSCREEN

You’ve probably seen news stories about how some traditional sunscreens are harming the marine environment. A 2015 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study said it’s estimated that every year, approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in coral reefs worldwide.

An easy way to do your part to protect the marine environment is to use Surf Livesaving Australia Marine Friendly spray.

This clear mist spray comes in a 175g can and is certified SPF50+. It’s been tested and proven to be non-toxic to marine life, so now you can have the benefit of maximum sun protection with minimum eco-impact. And by purchasing Surf Lifesaving sunscreen, you are helping support surf lifesaving training and development programs Australia-wide.

This product is oxybenzone and preservative free, and provides up to four hours of water-resistant sun protection. To be in the draw to win a Surf Lifesaving sunscreen prize pack, simply complete the Find-A-Word puzzle on the Fun Page in this magazine.

Price: RRP $17.49 www.surflifesavingsunscreen.com

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BLACK MAGIC FIBRE GLIDE

Black Magic SSP Fibre Glide is a PE line which is not braided. It is up to four times stronger than mono with a similar diameter, and has zero stretch and super sensitivity.

This line features 1m indicator marks to give you better bite detection when your lure or jig is sinking. It’s supple and smooth, has outstanding castability and a fine diameter.

Black Magic recommends that you use their high quality leader to minimise line abrasion.

Fibre Glide is ideal for spinning reels, and for fishing soft plastics, squid, jigging, lure and bait fishing. It is available in 4kg (0.13mm diameter) and 6kg (0.18mm diameter) breaking strains in 150m spools.

Price: SRP $24.95 www.blackmagictackle.com

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

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PENN FIERCE II

The Fierce II comes in standard and LiveLiner models, ideal for all manner of bait fishing. Now, with improvements to the bail and spool, the Fierce II also enhances line management.

The aluminium body and side-plate maintain precise gear alignment under heavy loads. The Fierce II stays smooth with four corrosion-resistant shielded SSBB, and it also has a heavy-duty aluminium bail wire.

The spool is braid ready, eliminating line slip on the reel, and line capacity rings let the angler know how much line is on the reel at any time. The Techno-Balanced graphite rotor and bail configuration also improves line lay on the spool.

The ultra-reliable drag system remains smooth and cool throughout battle. A machined and anodized aluminium handle is finished with a comfortable, soft-touch knob.

There are 10 models, including four LiveLiners. Gear ratios range from 5.2:1 to 6.2:1 with weights ranging from 275-908g.

Maximum drag on the 2500 is 6kg; 14kg on the 8000.

Price: from RRP $119.95 pennfishing.com.au

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TIEMCO W BUZZ

The W Buzz, one of the latest creations from Japanese company Tiemco, is a noisy topwater lure that’s fitted with twin fizzer props on the sides, a silver Colorado blade on the belly and a small cupped face.

When fished with a simple straight wind the W Buzz creates an impressive commotion on the surface. It’s proven to be a very effective lure for catfish overseas, and in Australia it’s perfect for calling in those active Aussie bass.

The Tiemco W Buzz measures 56mm long and weighs 13g. It’s currently available in five colours: 02 (green with a black stripe and pale belly), 04 (greenish gold with pale belly and black spots), 05 (black with white face and stripes), 07 (black with a red head) and 10 (gold with a black back).

Price: approx. $30 www.ejtodd.com.au

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PENN FISHING TOOLS

There is a spring-loaded Penn Plier designed for a wide range of applications, with 304 and 420 stainless steel wrapped in a titanium black nickel coating giving these tools maximum hardness, durability and corrosion resistance. Each tool has passed Penn’s extreme 168-hour saltwater and acid tests. Handles are non-slip and ergonomically shaped for comfort.

The 7” wire cutters have sturdy, sharp jaws to cut through stainless steel single-strand wire cable up to 0.84” thick. This is a great companion to the 10” leader crimpers that can handle sleeves up to 0.08” in diameter.

The all-around use Bull-Nose pliers from Penn come in a 6.5” size with plenty of torque strength. They’re equipped with side-mounted cutting jaws that feature replaceable blades.

The 6.5” Parallel Plier is the ideal offshore plier for cutting wire, monofilament and hooks.

The design produces extreme pressure on the jaws for heavy work, while the bypass cutters actually cut instead of pinch.

Price: from RRP $44.95 pennfishing.com.au

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

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visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

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What’s New FISHING

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

TESTED: Samaki Boom Baits are the bomb!

A close up view of the Lime Chatreuse 5” Bomb Shad in action.

I like seeing new products that take a little bit of this, add a little bit of that, and when put together result in a great product with cool features. This is what we found at the AFTA Trade Show 2015 when the team at Samaki showed me their new range of soft plastics – Boom Baits.

The Boom Baits are made of the 10X super stretchy plastic material that has

TESTED:

become popular with soft plastics in Australia - great for longevity and durability.

The plastics have also been infused with a fish attracting scent to help entice bites.

The range of Boom Baits also have UV enhanced options – a proven fish attracting addition to any lure. An interesting aspect about these new plastics is the rigging points along the top of the plastic. They provide a guide to where the hook point should come out of the plastic according to size of the hook in the jighead you are using. I’m the first to admit to being a klutz when rigging plastics so this is a great idea, and also a great help for those who are starting out and learning how to rig up and use plastics themselves. As the material is made of the super stretchy 10X material, I would suggest adding a dab of super glue to where the jighead meets the head of the plastic to keep it in place. Baits made from this material have the tendency to slip up the hook if retrieved sharply through the water.

There are also jigheads available that are designed for this plastic type.

We were lucky enough to be given some models of the Boom Baits to review before they hit the shops. The range comes in a variety of styles from your curly tailed grub baits for bream and bass, right through to your larger paddle tailed models which are perfect for your larger species.

The Spider Prawn is unique bait and is a creature type lure that has bream and bass fishing written all over it. It comes in 2 sizes (40mm and 60mm). We had the chance to see this bait rigged at AFTA and swum in the casting pool. Its light tentacles and

legs flutter on the drop providing a fantastic natural presentation like a live prawn.

We tried out a few models in both the salt and fresh water and picked out a couple of shapes we thought would suit our target species.

Flathead were the target species in the salt and I found they loved the bright lime chartreuse colour of the 5” Bomb Shad. The paddle tail gave an irresistible rolling action when retrieved, and on a day that was fishing hard with some dirty water around,

Bob with a little jungle perch captured on a Boom Bait. this bait got the bites. A simple slow to medium lift and wind technique was perfect to get this plastic working all the way back to the boat.

In the fresh water some of the smaller sized Boom Baits looked perfect for chasing jungle perch, so when sub-editor Bob headed up north on a trip he was pretty

keen to give them a run. The 3” Forking Jerk model in avocado pearl looked like a perfect natural bait presentation. Fished in shallow water with small twitches, these small finesse baits worked great and accounted for plenty of JPs. Overall I’m pretty impressed with the range and look forward to using them more in the future.

Prices for a pack of Boom Baits start from $9.95, and they’ll be available in all good tackle stores from early December.

For more information visit www.samaki. com.au, or scan the QR Code to link you to Steve Morgan’s interview with Samaki’s Josh Lowry regarding Boom Baits release at the AFTA Trade Show.

- Ryan Limpus

Safeguard Cargo Net

It comes in a quality storage bag to keep everything together when not being used.

The Safeguard Cargo Net covers the Stratos 201 bass boat perfectly.

There are a few things that can really spoil your trip to or from the boat ramp. Firstly, a police officer telling you that although you have packed all your gear safely in the boat, it’s not safely packed and you will need to pay a fine. Alternatively, you arrive at the boat ramp or home and find that bump you hit on the way was enough to dislodge a favourite outfit and send it on its way. Both situations can be avoided because I have found the solution.

Safeguard Cargo Nets, formerly Gorilla Cargo Nets, manufacture certified cargo nets of various sizes and shapes that can be adapted to fit any open trailer boat of any length. Safeguard Cargo Nets have sold over 45,000 units over the last five years in Australia alone. These units have been purchased by SCAN THE QR CODE!

Fishing with these lures guarantees you a great day on the water.

government departments, local councils, tradies, 4WD enthusiasts and anglers who want the peace of mind that whatever they are covering will be protected and still there at the end of the trip.

I tested the XXL size cargo net on a Stratos 201 XL bass boat and it fit perfectly and covered the decks from front to back.

The cargo net is made of heavy-duty UV stabilised webbing material and incorporates eyelet anchor points for the carabiner style connection straps, which are attached quickly and easily. The buckle that comes with the fastening strap is easy to tighten or loosen as required.

Everything about this cargo net screams heavy duty and quality. The webbing has been tested and has a certified load rating

of 544kg/2.6cm, and it’s backed up with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. The net comes packaged in a zippered storage bag with side pockets to store the straps.

Being the largest in the range, the XXL size net is quite heavy and I found it much easier to pull over the boat with two people (it would still be possible to do with one person, you would just need a bit more time). I’m sure the smaller nets are lighter and a one-man job.

The dimensions of the XXL are 5.60m x 3.16m, suppling more than enough coverage for the internals of any larger open style boat.

The next size down is the XL, which is 3.00m x 3.60m and would be more appropriate to put on an open tinny. Both these sizes come standard with eight tie-down straps.

With more emphasis being placed on

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

The adjustable straps are easy to tighten up the net. fining people for unsecured loads, and more and more stories about theft at petrol stations or even at traffic lights, the Safeguard Cargo Net provides peace of mind when travelling to and from your next destination. The cargo net could also be used to cover the boat during storage, to stop leaves and debris falling in, or transferred to other trailers or items during transport. It is a great deterrent to people who like removing things from your boat, trailer or roof rack while you’re not around.

Although at the higher end of the price scale, these cargo nets are worth every cent in the way of quality, durability and peace of mind.

For pricing and more details contact your local dealer. To find your nearest dealer go to www.safeguardnet.com.au - Michael Fox

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

Fishing Fill-its

Clarence River erosion update ‘No Wash’ signs erected at the boat ramps on either side of the Clarence River at Old Punt Road and Old Punt Lane were removed and replaced with signs that prohibit towing wake boards, but allow skiing.

Confusingly, the RMS’s brochure for the area designates the area as a ‘no slow-tow zone’.

Resident Brian Gane says the sign appears to allow skiing “without qualification or restriction”.

He argues that without enforceable ‘no wash’ zones the ramps are difficult to navigate when launching or retrieving boats.

Roads and Maritime Services have chosen not to implement the key recommendation defined in a report prepared by the University of NSW’s Water Research Laboratory (WRL) – to manage erosion along

vulnerable to further boat wake erosion.

Clarence Valley Council formed and coordinated the Clarence Valley Riverbank Vulnerability Assessment Working Group (CV RVAWG) and, as a result, commissioned the WRL study. The primary reccommendation on the study called for “enforcing [of] ‘No Wash’ zones’” between Rogan Bridge and Moleville Rocks and “buoy deployment at the mid-river width from the shore” between Moleville Rocks and Susan Island.

However, the Clarence River Erosion Management Plan does not implement ‘No Wash’ zones; instead it states that the “new no slow-tow zone between Rogans Bridge and Moleville Rocks” is identified “as highly eroded and too narrow to focus wake-generating

The management plan, which covers a 35km stretch of the river from Rogan Bridge to Ulmarra, was released in August 2015, following further community consultation by the Maritime Management Centre (in conjunction with the RMS).

Boating restrictions, which are in force from 1 September, 2015 to 1 September, 2017, are also outlined in a brochure titled ‘Clarence River Erosion Management Plan – New Boating Restrictions’.

One resident, Brian Gane, thought his and other like-minded residents’ concerns had been addressed when ‘No Wash’ signs, which concurred with the WRL report’s recommendation, were installed at the Old Punt Road and Lane boat ramps in Seelands. However, the signs were soon replaced

on Saturday and Sunday October 3 and 4.

“RMS had two [patrol boats] and two jet skis patrolling the Clarence River,” Mr Gane said. “I was pulled up three times

by RMS patrols to check my torch battery and last service date on my life jacket; while a flotilla of Queensland-registered wake boats were careering unchecked in other reaches of the river.”

As a result of Mr Gane’s perception that the RMS was not enforcing the new regulations, he emailed an enquiry to the RMS, “to request clarification on the new riverbank signs and other issues”.

He was later contacted by an RMS officer, whom Mr Gane said, told him that “those No-Wash signs at the Old Punt Road and Lane boat ramps were mistakenly placed there

Pictured here is the difference between a river with wake boats and one with out. Whiteman Creek doesn’t have wakeboats operating on it, and the lush reed cover surrounding the edges is testament to that. Photos courtesy of Brian Gain. the banks of the Clarence River upstream of Grafton between Rogan Bridge and Moleville Rocks, and from the Moleville Rocks to Susan Island, according to residents in the area. Parts of the area were severely eroded during the floods of 2013, leaving the riverbank

activities into the middle of the river to effectively limit erosion. ” They go on to say, “The no slow-tow restriction is a two year temporary restriction while riverbank remediation is undertaken and its effectiveness will be subject to review.”

Up to 12 hours run time

to reflect current buoy and riverbank signs, which state ‘Towing of Persons Prohibited – Water & Barefoot Skiing Excepte.’

Mr Gane related his experience, which began when he volunteered as a safety boat operator for the Bridge to Bridge races

by the contractor who was putting up the other riverbank signs … we’ll have to take them away;

The original signs that were on the banks of the Clarence at Old Punt Road and Old Punt Lane. Photo courtesy of Brian Gane. they were intended to be placed further downstream.’

Outraged, Mr Gane reacted to this news by writing to Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis, the Maritime Management Centre, the Premier and the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay. He had not received any responses as the Independent went to press. The Independent was also contacted by John Griffith, a member of the former CV RVAWG, who wrote in an email: “RMS have informed me that the WRL recommended buoyage system… in the reaches of the river identified as susceptible to wash erosion, Moleville Rocks to Susan Island, has been removed from the plan and the buoys will not be laid.”

Meanwhile, at the July Clarence Valley Council meeting, Cr Karen Toms called for the

WRL report to be tabled at the next Clarence Valley Council Coast and Estuary Committee for ‘information’ and consideration.

This meeting is yet to be held.

Councillor Toms wrote in her notice of motion (NOM) that “WRL has provided the report to CVC but the report has yet to be considered by Councillors or an appropriate Council committee.” “I’ve been informed by a member of the group the report cannot be considered further by RVAWG as the group has been dissolved,” she wrote.

“This study has been released publicly by NSW Maritime Management Centre but not reported to Council or its Coast and Estuary Committee.”

Councillors backed Cr Toms’ NOM unanimously. The RMS and Chris Gulaptis were unavailable for comment.

– Geoff Helisma

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These signs, which were mistakenly placed upstream of where they were supposed to be, were erected at 2 main boat ramps. They caused much confusion and outrage to residents against erosion on the river banks. Photo courtesy of Brian Gane.

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Get the secrets of tricky trout in good condition for the opening, with plenty of cover and a good flow of clear, cold water – conditions that should have been excellent right through the region.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, with few anglers returning home satisfied from an outing. The fish simply did not show.

CANBERRA

Bryan Pratt

Anglers expecting good fishing in the streams as the trout season opened after a four-month layoff have been disappointed with the outcome in our part of the world. Most streams were

Big fat browns like this were what anglers were expecting for the opening of the trout stream season but they proved to be pretty few and far between.

The same disappointing reports came from many streams, including the big ones – the Thredbo, Eucumbene, Murrumbidgee and other waterways that normally should have fished well. Some anglers hiked deep into the Kosciuszko, upper Tumut, Geehi and Goobragandra wilderness, expecting to find plenty of fish well away from the opening season crowds.

They too were disappointed and one group in particular said they never even saw a fish, much less caught one.

Varying theories have been put forward to explain the lack of fish but most anglers believe that an unseasonal burst of heat on the opening weekend was to blame. The temperature rose to 30°C on a day when we would normally expect a maximum of about 14°C. More importantly there was intense sunlight for the whole opening week. Fish don’t like bright sunlight. They have no eyelids to protect themselves and all they can do to escape the sun is get deep into a weed bed or under an overhanging stream bank.

They appear to have gone deep and stayed deep, probably only feeding at night, at a time when anglers weren’t

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around – hence no fish.

The only productive area reported to date is around the streams east of Cooma.

The Kydra, Kybean, Badja, Big Badja and associated waterways carry a good number of resident fish and veteran anglers know exactly where to find them. A number of rainbows to 1.4kg and larger browns were caught on fly and released. One angler caught and released a 2.5kg brown he thought he recognised as a fish he had caught and released the previous year.

LAKES FIRING By contrast the lake fishing has been good. Fly anglers have done well at Rushy Plains Bay, Middlingbank, Buckenderra and Yens Bay in Eucumbene, using brown nymph, Hamills Killer, Woolly Bugger and Muddler Minnow, with rainbows to 1.8kg and browns to 2.6kg. Bait fishers have caught some nice fish on scrub worms, wood grubs and PowerBait. Trollers have had the most success on small minnow patterns and Tasmanian Devils, on flat line, but especially on lead core line and downrigger.

Jindabyne has fished extremely well, especially for one angler who has discovered Gulp salmon eggs.

Jindabyne has a problem with the large population of goldfish who eat all the soft Gulp and PowerBait offerings, denying the trout a feed. But they won’t touch the firmer salmon eggs, which remain in situ until a trout finds them.

The angler discovered this and fished with salmon eggs each day for eight days, landing 20 large rainbows and a host of small ones. Enough were kept for the table and the rest released.

URBAN LAKES The most productive fisheries at the moment are the urban lakes in Canberra where the golden perch are going gangbusters. Everybody is

Top: Although stream trout were pretty well nonexistent for the opening week of the season, lake fishing with fly, lure and bait was very rewarding.

Bottom: Some of the Lake Burley Griffin golden perch have been of large size, with the best of them taken on bait or lure weighing in at 6.8kg. catching them and it’s simply a matter of chucking in a scrub worm, wood grub or yabby, especially in Burley Griffin, Ginninderra and Yerrabi. Most anglers are catching 1-3 fish in a session and some up to 8. The fish range from about 1.5kg to thumpers up to 6.8kg.

It’s been a similar story

at Burrinjuck too, where good catches of golden perch have been made on bait and on Burrinjuck Specials and Jackalls. On the downside, the park manager has reported seeing carcasses of undersized and out of season Murray cod at the cleaning tables. Not on chaps, not on.

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Golden perch have been going gangbusters in Canberra’s urban lakes.

This prime specimen was caught in the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin, right in front of the Carillon Tower and Parliament House.

Water levels perfect at Jindy JINDABYNE

Steve Williamson swtrout@airlan.com.au

Welcome to December and the start of summer.

The big news is that the water temperatures on the lake are a few degrees colder than last year, which is good for trout and it looks like we have a great month of fishing ahead.

NEWS Last winter, DPI Fisheries released 148 large (the biggest 4.7kg but most were 2-3kg) 3 year-old rainbow trout into the Thredbo River at Gaden Trout Hatchery. These fish were all tagged with a yellow tag containing details of who to contact when recaptured. It was not compulsory to release the fish, as long as the tag number was recorded. eleased fish could still have their movements tracked no matter how many times they are caught and released.

On the October opening weekend, quite a few of these fish were caught in the Thredbo just down from Gaden. If you catch one, please notify fisheries on the phone number on the tag. There are still plenty swimming around waiting for you to catch.

FISHING Lake Jindabyne’s water level is still quite high once again, with Snowy Hydro conserving water in case the predicted El Nino reduces rainfall.

Snowy Hydro have been conserving the water and not generating electricity as they would normally do this year and so all of our lakes water levels are higher than normal.

It’s normal over summer to get out of bed before sunrise and make certain you have lines in the water at first light. However, with cooler water temperatures you may be able to stretch your surface fishing into mid morning this year before you have to go deeper using downriggers to get your lures down to about 35ft where the trout are lying.

For boat trollers, the usual techniques of fishing

extend the better fishing well into the late morning.

You will do best using minnow lures early, before sunrise, and then switching to Tasmanian Devil lures later in the morning. The best coloured Tassies to use will be darker lures early with the number Y48 yellow wing red nosed brown bomber or even Y94. Try the yellowing Tasmanian Devils a little later as the sun is about to rise over the horizon.

The number 111 Tasmanian Devil Lure ‘Willies Special’ has been a very good lure over recent months!

Minnow lures like

same speed.

The best lures to try and catch those trophy brown trout will be small minnows and you need to troll these over the weed beds using longer dropbacks (to 80m) and lighter line or braid to keep the lures at the deepest depth possible. You need to do this well before the sun comes up to get the bigger fish.

Lake bait fishing has been nothing but excellent for months now and over recent weeks the mudeye fishing has been spectacular.

Local scrub worms fished off the bottom, however, are best for brown trout

Loren Radovancevic with one of the tagged rainbow trout caught in the Thredbo River.

StumpJumpers in brown trout and rainbow trout patterns are also good, but there are many good brands of lures on the market that will do the job if you know what speed to troll to get the best action out of the

while artificial baits of various colours are proving themselves for rainbow trout and salmon. If you want to catch yourself a big brown trout then the best baits are still going to be a well-presented scrubworm.

spots much better than others at the moment, so with the trout cruising the margins of the lake they can be in one place one day and another the next.

It will be an interesting fly fishing season. The lake water levels are great at the moment and the lake will fish well, especially in the shallows early morning and into the late evening.

If we get some evening hatches of insects to excite the trout into feeding. The best flies on the lake have been green or olive flies like Hamills Killers, small shrimp patterns and olive nymphs, but there might be a little dry fly fishing at night after the hatches.

So keep that in mind and a mayfly or caddis pattern is well worth having in your collection.

The river and stream fly fishing was a little slow to start this year, due to a few very cold changes in October. Now that there are more insects, beetles, caddis fly and grasshoppers about, we have had some very good fishing, especially in the evening dry fly fishing after a warm and sunny day.

Those who like throwing lures into rivers and streams, will need to make certain the lure is getting close to the bottom in the running water on the days that are bright and sunny.

Your best time to fish will again be early and late in the day. In the middle of the day fish the deeper pools and make certain that you are getting down to the bottom. The longer you can keep the lure down there the better chance you will have of catching a trout.

Don’t forget soft plastics in the deep pools can be very effective on trout.

Lures like Celtas, Vibrax spinners, Wordons Rooster Tails or Gillies spinners and, of course, minnow lures like floating Rapalas are all good for river fishing. A new lure that has been great on the rivers is the new Bullet range of 5cm minnow lures, which now come in two sizes. The larger one is better for the lake or larger stretches of the river like

Gabriel Baker with her very first fish taken on a scrubworm! is perfect for trout and there is always a colour to suit the conditions of the day.

The new Strike Tiger Frog copies are amazing, you just have to try using one for trout because they really do work.

Finally, I would just like to wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year, and I also want to thank you all for

your support over the last 12 months. Hope to see you down in Jindabyne soon.

• If you want the very latest fishing reports, check us out on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/LJTFA and if you would like to recieve a weekly report directly e-mailed to you, you can send us an e-mail and subscribe at sales@ swtroutfishing.com.au

Euc Lak um e ben e

Catch Trout

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DECEMBER ROUNDUP – THE BEST OF THE BEST! Best Best Best Best Best Best

method:.......................Lake Trolling: surface until an hour after first light and then downrigging at 35ft lake lure:......................Tasmanian Devils with yellow wings or Y48 (Yellowwing brown bomber) lake area:.....................East Jindabyne Islands and Hayshed Bay fly method lake:...........Hamills Killers, Williamson’s Gold Fish and in dry flies brown Mayfly river for fly:..................Beetle, grasshopper and Mayfly patterns River for spinners:......Bullet minnows, Vibrax Spinners and Gillies Hoppers

on the surface in shallow water at first light and then moving out into deeper water using lead core with 20-30m of line out will

lures. It is not a good idea to try and mix and match different brands, as no two brands of lures will work best the same at the

These are best fished with a greased line to stop from sinking into the weed and getting caught up.

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Cod crew assemble artillary MILDURA

John Menhennett goobyfish@hotmail.com

River levels have been relatively high and dirty during the spring months but have since steadied creating satisfactory conditions for luring. This summer is gearing up for fantastic fishing around Mildura, particularly for those targeting Murray cod in the mighty Murray River.

Some very nice yellowbelly have been caught all around Mildura during the warm conditions, especially around Merbein and Apex Park and below Lock 9. The warmer the better it seems for catching yellowbelly, especially when humidity is high.

These fish have mostly been caught on bait, especially in the dirtier water,

however lure fishos are experiencing some success now that the water has cleared up. Downsized lures intended for yellas have been working well around snags and clay banks.

The biggest yella of late has been 54cm – a great river fish. Others have come in at the usual 33-48cm range, which is typical of summer yellowbelly. Smaller lures in the 50-70mm range work a treat on yellowbelly and vibration lures work very well around lock and weir structures. Spinnerbaits will become increasingly popular as the water clarity improves.

Bassman ‘Yella-man’ series of spinnerbaits are the best lure for this situation as they are specifically designed to target this species.

THE BIG MURRAY COD Murray cod season is upon us again and Mildura anglers are looking forward to

the action this season should bring. Anglers are reminded to be mindful when handling bigger fish in the summer heat before releasing. Have all of your releasing gear ready to go in the boat before a fish is even landed.

Running a combination of 50lb braid and 50-60lb leader seems to be optimal for targeting big fish in the Murray. Lure size should range between 90-200mm in most colours and should be an essential part of the cod angler’s tackle box. Lighter tackle will also see you land the big one, but can tire big fish too much causing stress and higher rates of mortality.

The best smaller lure, that specifically targets yellas, but doubles as an awesome cod lure too has been Koolabung 90mm Codbait. Koolabung lures have dominated previous cod seasons – the

120mm Codzilla is still the go to lure for big cod. Other lure makes such as Bassman Spinnerbaits, Muldoon and Balista should also be successful this season.

Whatever your choice of lure or tackle, this is set to be a cracker of a cod season.

Officially opening on Tuesday 1st December, a lot of local anglers will take their annual migration to Mulwala for the 2015 Classic, among other venues and camps along the river banks.

Summer is a great time to fish for our special native species, but it is vitally important if you are heading out to carry the appropriate safety and medical gear appropriate to your crew and size boat being fished from.

Maritime are also going to be out in force over the summer, so do everyone a favour and do the right thing when on the water.

Jack Menhennett, 7yo from Mildura, with a decent little summer yellowbelly. This fish was caught on a cocktail of shrimp and worm around the snags.

Clearing up for the open ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

The Murray River has experienced a high flush of water in the run-up to the cod opening. This is most certainly an environmental push, and the dirty water has meant that most fish have been caught on bait.

In truth, the poor water clarity has provided the perfect conditions for bait fishos, and those chasing the calm backwaters have had some very good catches of perch.

All fish are opportunistic feeders and golden perch

generally tempt a bite over other baits. Under high water conditions most fish will hold and feed out of the main flow where they can either sit and wait or move freely, unrestricted by heavy current.

Here much of what they eat is delivered on the edge of the current line, falling to the bottom in the calmer backwaters. Golden perch freely patrol the calm and are quick to hone in on any fresh morsel delivered.

Silver perch, too, will patrol these areas and can become quite annoying as they eat every bait that hits the water.

Backwater can be found in many locations but those areas that roll close to snags

to pull several fish from the same spot. After the bite tapers off, seek out a new spot with similar features and start again.

A typical rig for perch will consist of a small ball sinker that runs directly to a number 2/0 hook. When you do get a bite from a fish, make sure to be patient, as perch will often mouth a bait before deciding to eat it.

River shrimp and small yabbies are also excellent perch bait, as are the oversized scrub worms that are almost as thick as your finger.

Smaller, undersized perch will sometimes swallow the hook right down. When this is the case

Carp have come on the chew. Don’t just leave your catch on the bank to rot, either bury it or use it for yabby bait and compost. are no different as they scavenge the fringes of the backwater flows searching out an easy meal.

Worms have been a favourite bait under such conditions and will 74

DECEMBER 2015

are prime locations to start.

Cast your baits to the small calm patches of water that generally sit close to the timber. If there are perch there, it won’t take long to get a bite and it’s nothing

just cut the line close to the fish’s mouth and release it. Most fish will pass the hooks with few problems.

Of course, carp are ever present as the waters continue to warm and they

The high flows in the Murray river has lead to some great golden perch fishing. too have enjoyed the high dirty flows. Remember not to leave these unwanted fish in piles on the bank as the smell is not that great for other anglers fishing these locations. Carp make great yabby bait and garden fertilizer, other than that it’s not hard to dig a hole and bury them.

It’s been a seemingly long wait but the cod season is once more upon us with plenty of angling options available for those eager to land a cod. The Murray River at Swan Hill is well worth a look and the cod fishing has continued to improve to no end over these past few seasons.

Other bonuses include the close proximity of several other cod waters that include the Wakool and Edward rivers. Add to this the Kerang Lake system and you are smack bang in the middle of a cod fishing Mecca, and a lot if it has hardly been scratched.

Boundary Bend is another spot that has

continued to improve on the cod fishing scene these past few years. Regular catches of smaller fish up to 90cm are a great sign for the future of this area.

Robinvale, Euston, Wemen and beyond are all Murray River locations that continue to produce good captures most seasons.

With the river on the fall it shouldn’t take long for the

water clarity to improve and the cod should once again start to smash lures.

My advice is to get in early as it won’t take too many weeks to re-educate cod that have not seen lures for a while.

Good luck for the cod open and I look forward to our next report and the multiple big fish captures I am sure it will contain.

Gareth Lynch with a typical Murray cod most anglers will be trying to land this season.

Echuca beauties shine ECHUCA

Daniel Bongiovanni

Murray cod season is here and now’s the time to go out and chase those elusive monster fish. With summer cranking up, the water temp will be high and the cod should be active.

There are many great spots around the Echuca area to catch Murray cod, with Barmah Lakes performing as a hot spot for the locals. The best method in these waters is to troll shallow diving hardbody lures in and around the timber. Surface lures are always worth a try in the last couple of hours of light, just look for the shaded areas and the snags in shallow, slow running water. Bait fish in around the snags with grubs, yabbies, and cheese – just use a fairly heavy sinker in the fast running water.

The fishing around Echuca town itself can be quite good too with plenty of river access for the bank fisherman or out of the boat. Through the summer months, with irrigation in full swing and plenty

of speedboats around, the water clarity can be down a bit, in which case it would be

wise to use bright coloured lures – StumpJumpers, Oar-gees, AC Invaders and

A decent Murray cod specimen caught on a spinnerbait. They are just waiting for you!

Another day, another cod!

Koolabungs are all good lures to try.

Down around the Torrumbarry area is a great place to pick up larger cod in the slow moving pool water with plenty of water around 6m or more. Deep diving hardbodies are the

best option, but casting spinnerbaits is always worth a try and the 1/2oz 5/8oz seems to be the best sizes to use. Remember to let them sink down into the snags and use a very slow retrieve back.

The best times to be

fishing in this area is late in the afternoon or early in the morning when the speed boats have eased up.

Bait fishing is fine in this area, just remember to fish close to the snags and keep changing spots if you’re not getting a bite.

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75

Green fish fever on Mulwala YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

It’s cod season! And that means cod fever down this way. Hand in hand with cod opening goes the iconic Cod Classic fishing tournament, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest ever, with the lure of a potential one million dollars on offer for whoever catches ‘Phil’, the specially tagged Murray cod – you would be crazy to miss it.

Pack the boat, grab your gear and get yourself to the home of the Murray cod, Lake Mulwala as soon as possible so you don’t miss out.

Early season fishing should see all anglers in with a great chance of tangling with a legendary cod or two.

Either by boat or from the bank, using bait or lures, the common denominator is patience equals return. You put in the time and the fish will come. Traditionally the river sees a lot of smaller cod caught while the lake will produce lesser numbers but of a better quality, especially for the lure fishers.

Trying to excite you

with what’s gone on with the yellowbelly fishing over the past month is nigh on impossible but it’s worth a mention. October remained steady with the expected run of yellas turning up earlier than in the past few years due to some unseasonal hot weather.

Fishing the traditional local ‘hot spots’ became more a game of lucky dip than skill, as anglers stood shoulder to shoulder taking turns at casting into the small honey hole. Even the ‘average Joes’ landed close to 30 yellas in a session with just as many missed. Deano Langford landed a stonker reportedly measuring close to the 60cm mark. Out and about further in the lake, Adam Thommo, Johnny Fry and George J were others who had productive outings.

I dont’ condone targeting Murray cod out of season, but if they are a genuine by-catch, I’ll give them a mention. The amount of smaller cod reported has been encouraging and points to a great season ahead. The biggest and most unusual capture came from big Alan Jovanovic. Fishing around Bundalong, Alan was slapping his lure on

the water to remove some weed and in the process; a mighty cod of 90cm came from nowhere and took it directly beside the boat!

I was witness to another unwanted but welcomed cod by-catch when Simon Weir got a fair surprise from a 78cm model that grabbed hold of his TN60 Jackall.

A fun weekend’s fishing came in the form of the Golden Do$$ars fishing competition. Specifically, targeting golden perch with a strict set of rules to minimise Murray cod encounters. A whopping 62 anglers took to the waters in search of perch.

After two 5-hour fishing sessions, a total of 33 yellas had been returned to scale for measuring and release.

Team Whopper Stopper’s George and Alan Jovanovic got off to a great start landing four yellas in the first session to take the early prizes on offer. Team STORM’s Mark McDonald and myself had a good morning boating 3 quality fish for second place, while David and Zeke Adams of Team Grizzly finished close behind in third for their 3 fish.

The arvo session was tough, as the fish had shut down. One fish could make

or break you. Criss Crabb and Kyle Dalrymple of Team Dizzy Scent - Outcast had a super afternoon boating three to take out the afternoon session. Vanessa Bennett and Painter Rogers of Team Venom 2 boated two to secure second while Thomas Pinter and Dale O’Mara of Team Black Widow snuck into third.

Ultimately Chris and Kyle boated four yellas for the day finishing a grand total of 16mm in front of George and Alan Jovanovic.

On the back of Mark McDonalds biggest fish for the event measuring 53.9cm, Team STORM snuck into third place.

NEWS The rumour has been around for a while now that Lake Mulwala Fish Camp and Ski is opening a new store in Yarrawonga and it’s true! Our store is now open at Shop 1A 59-63 Belmore St located between Rivers and One Zac in the main street.

Come in, say g’day and have a look at all the goodies we have to tempt you.

• If visiting the Yarrawonga/ Mulwala area, I urge you to call into one of Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski’s two locations, the shop with

Mark ‘Macca’ McDonald with the biggest yella from the recent Golden Do$$ars comp, stretching the tape out to 53.9cm. the big green cod out the front (Opposite the Post Office) in Mulwala and located between Rivers and One Zac in Yarrawonga. We are the region’s Murray cod specialists and specialize in

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Back to business on Blowering for XOS cod BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

The Murray cod season is finally upon us, and if Blowering Dam’s cod continue to fish as well as they have over the last couple of months it should be a cracker of an opening.

There has been an amazing catch rate for both golden perch and Murray cod over spring. Hopefully this trend will continue at least for the first part of summer.

Many anglers have been kept busy lately with big

never know when it is going to happen next.

During the closed season, a lot of Murray cod were caught on small to medium sized lures on the troll. These lures will still work well this month, but now that the season is open, anglers can use much bigger lures to really annoy the big resident Murray cod.

If you’re targeting Murray cod on the troll try big hard bodied lures like the 90mm and 150mm AC Invaders.

These lures have a large profile and amazing diving ability that is hard to match. Other large profiled deep diving lures that are worth a troll are

anglers will now upsize to large lipless crankbaits such as the #2 Prism Murrins, 70mm Slap Walkers or the Jackall Doozers to increase their chances.

As for spinnerbait style lures I find double blade set-ups, particularly at Blowering Dam, scare more fish then they attract so I’d suggest sticking with a single blade set up. If you want to upsize it to appeal more to the XOS Murray cod add a bigger plastic rather than an extra blade. Alternatively, try chatter baits or the new Insanity Tackle Angle baits as, compared to spinnerbaits, the fish have seen far less of these.

One of the ‘bass headed’ golden perch from Blowering Dam. The small mouth deformity doesn’t seem to affect them though as they are as fit and healthy as any other fish in the lake.

A monster 136cm Murray cod caught by Ron Chaplin on a Tassie Devil while targeting trout.

the cod this month with the aforementioned larger lure styles that will still catch plenty of yellas. However, to really target them you will need to use smaller lures.

Trolling or casting with smaller lures like #3 Prism Murrins, TN50 or TN60 Jackalls, 60mm Slap Walkers, Storm Hot’n’Tots, Trollcraft Double Downers, small StumpJumpers or any of the smaller Viking lures is a good way to target the golden perch at this time of the year.

Another productive technique during the summer months is to bait fish around shaly banks, rocky points, and submerged trees. Bait fishing for goldens has been insane this spring and the best bait proved to be medium sized yabbies. Your best bet is to rig them on a paternoster rig to keep them from burying themselves in the bottom.

Alternatively use a yabby like you would a soft plastic, just rig the yabby on a hook

and add a small running sinker if needed then simply cast the yabby out and allow it to flutter to the bottom, once it hits bottom give the rod a slow and gentle lift of around a metre or so then allow the yabby to fall back to the bottom, repeat this all the way back to your feet.

Fishing this way is far more fun and rewarding. One lucky angler fishing this way landed 21 golden perch in less than an hour in mid spring right as a big thunderstorm hit. There is a batch of golden perch in Blowering Dam that must have originated from a stocked group known for misshapen heads (see picture). We call them bass headed goldens and quite a few have been caught now over the last five or so years. They are all of a similar size, a fact that leads me to think it was only 1-2 batches of deformed goldens. Either way, other than having a smaller than usual mouth they fight just as hard as any other yellas in the dam and the deformity

doesn’t seem to affect them.

They certainly make a novel catch though and make for some interesting pictures if you are lucky enough to land one.

REDFIN Redfin start to move towards the shallows this month hunting their own offspring as well as anything else that will fit into their mouths. These fish are a reasonable target for all anglers and can be caught trolling or casting with small lures or by bait fishing with worms, maggots or small yabbies.

When the natives are being tight lipped these fish make a great alternative.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for anglers fishing the area over Christmas – I didn’t even get to mention the trout fishing which can be spectacular at this time of the year as well!

Until next month have a great but most importantly safe break and may the fishing gods look after us all.

DAM LEVELS

Dam

An average sized Murray cod for Blowering Dam caught on the increasingly popular Angel baits. There are massive numbers of cod this size in the lake to keep anglers interested while waiting for that trophy sized fish to come along. numbers of 50-60cm cod.

However, the beauty of this fishery is in its unpredictability – you never know when the next Murray cod is going to be 150cm. One lucky angler targeting trout landed a monster 136cm Murray cod on a Tassie Devil.You just

big StumpJumpers, Mudeye Mohawks and Koolabung lures to name a few.

There has also been plenty of Murray cod caught on the cast. Most of these fish where taken on small lipless crankbaits or on spinnerbaits thrown for golden perch. Most

GOLDEN PERCH The golden perch fishing during early spring was not as exciting as in previous years but certainly picked up around mid-spring as the weather warmed and continue to get better and better. Most anglers will be targeting

% Full

Dam

% Full

Blowering............................. 42

Glennies Creek....................... 86

Brogo................................ 101

Hume.................................. 46

Burrendong........................... 19

Jindabyne............................. 60

Burrinjuck............................. 70

Keepit.................................. 17

Carcoar................................ 19

Lostock.............................. 101

Chaffey................................ 57

Oberon................................. 64

Clarrie Hall..........................N/A

Pindari................................. 36

Copeton............................... 22

Split Rock.............................. 7

Dartmouth............................. 59

Tantangara............................ 13

Eucumbene........................... 58

Toonumbar.......................... 102

Glenbawn............................. 88

Windamere........................... 43

Glenlyon............................... 27

Wyangala............................. 59

(All levels correct at time of going to press. Dam levels can change at any time, so please check with local authorities to ensure safe boating and fishing.)

DECEMBER 2015

77

Summertime patterns LITHGOW/OBERON

Glen Stewart stewie72@bigpond.com

With a warm spring just behind us, summer patterns will form quickly.

This means early starts and late finishes with a lay-up time during the middle part of the day. This suits me just fine – I’ve been a devotee to midday naps for quite some time…

Extended periods of cloud cover can lengthen the bite windows of most fish at this time of year so keep this in mind when you are out on the water. Generally, once the sun gets up and starts to penetrate, the fish go deeper and search out cover – chasing the shade is a term I have used before. Basically as the sun rises and the heat increases, look to move to areas where shade is thrown from a western facing slope, or tree line on a river, it’s a real winner on bass. I’ve seen and caught bass off banks where the shade line is pulling closer to the bank. As the sun gets up, the fish get tighter to the bank which can be great fun until such time as a retreat to deeper water is the only option left.

Water clarity and the amount of cover available has a big influence on how deep fish will go after the sun rises. In Wyangala in the main basin, visibility under water may be down to 3m, I would add another 3-4m to that for the ideal running depth of a lure to troll during the middle part of the day. The backwaters of the same lake might only have an underwater visibility down to 1.5m, so you could get away with trolling much shallower. The amount of cover available also determines where a fish will sit. Lakes such as Mulwala will see cod quite happy in less than a meter of water, during the heat of the day.

It’s all relative to the water you are fishing, its only a rule of thumb, but a good thing to keep in mind.

COD TIME Cod are such a great fish to target. The bigger models in pressured impoundment waters are very cagey and most will have seen lures, heard boats, and maybe even seen the inside of one.

So it pays to think outside the square a little to catch these fish. Sure, there are times when conditions are absolutely ideal, when they

throw caution to the wind and do something silly, but for the most part it’s a case of look, listen, and feel from a distance before committing, especially in a deep clear water lake environment.

Rivers and creeks can be a little more open book as far as cover and current are concerned. Picking apart structure is the key – where are the cod going to sit?

Again, light levels and water clarity still play a part. Early mornings and late afternoons may actually see them out on the prowl, but rest assured, once that sun gets up they will pull back very close to cover, current can actually be a big help, at least you know which way they will be facing, presentations should be made with this in mind.

A good mate of mine, Rodger Miles, is the best reader of cod structure I know.

Current and the direction it’s flowing plays a large part as to where Rodger will place a lure. Cod may be at the top of the food chain but a lure cast from behind a fish and bought directly to the front end is more often than not seen as an attack – it’s much better to position your cast and retrieve so it comes from the side or the front.

Rodger Miles from Cod Hunter fishing tours is the best reader of cod structure I know. Rodger focuses on current flows into a snag to establish the position of the fish.

I mentioned earlier about cagey cod in pressured impoundments. You can bet they’ve seen a great many lures in Wyangala on some of the popular troll runs. Good structure on these runs still hold fish and you can see them on the sounder, it takes a bit of common sense to catch them though. Stay away from the norm, maybe make some slight adjustments to timing – why not try super early, before the sun even gets up? Cut the main motor way out, troll with

the electric if you have one, keep everything quiet and have your lures at the right depth well before the structure. Try a no bump no contact approach at first, a meter or so above.

Mix it up, kill the motor on the next approach so the lures are level with the structure, try a twitch, twitch pause, even just a different trolling approach angle, different lures, maybe a longer slender profile lure that still gets down. Maybe even a 2-3oz spinnerbait trolled over or through the same

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piece of structure.

Depending on the depth of the structure, try pulling up on the bank and walking to where it is, make use of the early morning low light levels and the fact that the cod just may be out cruising close by. Remember these fish are well educated, but good structure is good structure, and will attract quality fish, on a continual basis.

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The home of the mega bass really kicks off HUNTER VALLEY

Peter Fogarty bakerods@hotkey.net.au

Constant water levels at Glenbawn over the past few years have seen the dam slowly return to its former glory as the ‘home of the mega bass.’ When I first arrived here six years ago a 35cm fish was the average, now a 40cm fish is common.

Not only have the fish got longer, they’ve also become more diamond shaped with wider shoulders and bigger bellies - a bit like the author.

Without a doubt this has made Glenbawn one of the most consistent bass dams in Australia. Tournament results only complement this status – where other dams perform

trolling and baiting success. If you are bait fishing, shrimp, yabbies, and live worms work well. You can also walk around the foreshore searching for cicadas, grasshoppers, or crickets. Some fishers have reported using spinnerbaits, mumblers, or chatter baits, but they seem to get more hits then hook ups. Glen Casey - from Bassman - suggests you use a fast or very fast action rod. Spinnerbaits have large hooks and when the fish hit with venom you need a rod that loads up quickly and strikes back to ensure a good hook up.

When using Jackalls or other lipless crankbaits you need a more moderate action rod. On a crankbait the hooks are generally a lot smaller and the fish need a little more time

Dave and Belinda Hedges set the bar high with these fish. selectively during the year, Glenbawn fishes well all year round. December is one of my favourite times with the top water action, reaction bite,

to set the hooks, sometimes you can even feel one of the trebles slip. Some like to replace the treble with a single hook. The same can be said for

ice jigging where a medium action rod is also suitable as you don’t want your rod loading too fast and flicking your lure out of fish range.

After you use a flicking action your line will loop over the tip of your rod which spells trouble if your lure gets hit at the same time – another reason not to use a fast action when ice jigging. Smak Ice Jigs come with a single hook at the Kiosk and will increase the hook up no matter what rod you like to use. I like to use a moderate action rod on the top water to give a little more time to set the hooks for when the fish comes from underneath, hits your lure and starts to power downwards.

Deep jigging with plastics is another great technique. Fish vertically with Gulp or Z-Man mainly, and use a slow taper rod to let the fish have several bites and take the lure before they start to feel any resistance from the rod.

At Glenbawn, try around Black Boy Bays and continue past the Clay Slip for top water as well as in the mouth of Boat Harbour. Spinnerbait and lipless crankbaits go well around the spindly trees at the Spillway, the Island opposite the Soil Conservation Shed, and in the timber at Eagles Nest. Use lighter, more natural coloured lures in the first half of the dam and darker colors, like gold/black or purple/black (even camo) up the back of the dam. Trolling from the Spillway up to the end of the main wall should fish well, or try the bank on the right side of Bass City and through to the 8 knots sign

Wayne Smith and John Picton with a few chompers out of Glenbawn Dam. Top water is my go to when fishing St Clair this month. Try around St Clair Island in the back of the Little Bays, and fish the last two bays on your left. For a reaction bite try a spinnerbait in the Calbrook Arm up underneath the house and the bays opposite the boat ramp in the 8 knot zone. Continue in and around the timber, trolling down the Falbrook Arm on the right hand side to the Dog Leg and the bays near the land slip should produce some quality fish.

• Peter Fogarty runs the popular Lake Glenbawn Kiosk - offering fuel, tackle, ice and the best food on the lake. Make sure you drop in when you visit the lake for the latest reports. You can also visit them on www. lakeglenbawnkiosk.com.au or call on (02) 6543 8355.

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Local angler scores huge cod!

BURRENDONG

Jason Kirk

With the water continuing to heat up, fishing Lake Burrendong has pescatorial rewards aplenty, and with the end of the cod season, the gloves are off to hunt down the Queen of the basin.

A number of Cod have been caught during the closed season, with not a real lot of size among them. One exceptional monster was caught and released by Mark Rich off the Federal Hotel fishing club in Wellington.

This fish was caught on a static line with a yabby off the bank.

Yellowbelly are continuing to fire up. A combination of soft plastics and yabbies around structure should tempt even the fussiest of eaters and the yellows have been giving themselves up easily. Even the author (self nominated worst fisherman in the

world), landed four yellows at Eagle Beagle around the 40cm mark off the bank with worms and yabbies.

Although not many have been caught of late, the captured redfin have been of quality with fish landed around the 30-35cm range reported. The first signs of

Mookerawa – good signs that they are about to fire.

Recent storms have put a small amount of water back into the Lake, which is great news. However, this has brought down a lot of mud as well.

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Woah Nelly – that’s a big yelly!

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David Allan manager@copeton.com.au

December is here, and before we know it Santa will be sliding down chimneys, hopefully to deliver all sorts of fancy new tackle! While it’s great to dream about the Christmas holidays, it’s the fishing that you should be thinking about at this time of year. With long summer days, and all sorts of fishing opportunities, every day on the water is like Christmas!

Let’s talk yellowbelly, as now is the prime time to get out and chase some Copeton gold. They are an all-day proposition if you are really keen. Alternatively, you could fish the morning, have lunch and a rest, then head out again for an afternoon session.

There are a number of techniques to target the yellowbelly at Copeton.

Trolling deep diving hardbodies in and around structure has been very popular for as long as I can remember, and was how I caught my first yellowbelly in Copeton. In the late 70s there weren’t a lot of lures to choose from, and my first yella was caught on a medium green rubber Floppy. Nowadays, most of the best trolling lures are Australian made, and they don’t get much better than the Predatek 65 and 80mm Boomerangs, which were first carved from red cedar by Rob Smith, Frank Gaukroger, and Kevin Clarke in the early 80s to catch yellowbelly and cod in Copeton. There are now hundreds of lures to choose from, with a few local favourites – Kingfisher Tempests, Hard-At-Its, Radar Lures, and Mudeyes.

Cast to the edges and structure, with spinnerbaits and hardbodies. Depending on the conditions at the time and the rise and fall of water levels, this form of fishing can see you working newly covered ground by rising water to deep structure in 30-60ft of water.

Compact spinnerbaits like the new Bassman Yellaman is about the most versatile lure you can tie on for casting to any form of edge or structure,

and it has the ability to work well at all water depths. Cast it to a shallow edge and start your retrieve as soon as the lure hits the water, or cast to a vertical edge, let it helicopter down into the depths, then slow roll it back. Another technique is to cast at structure

and work the lure back with a stop and start or lift and fall retrieve. Any medium to deep-diving hardbody from the above group can also be used in this scenario.

Schooled fish sitting on the flats in 15-50ft of water will respond to lipless crankbaits and blades. Mazy Vibs, Jackalls, Ecogear ZX and VX, TT Lures and many more will do the job. Any reasonable sounder will show yellowbelly schooled out in the open so you know the fish are there. The trick with this style of fishing is to work the lures very slowly – twitch and pause, twitch and pause. The twitch may be only moving the lure a few inches and the pause could be up to 10-15 seconds, it just depends on the day. At other times a slow roll will be the presentation the fish want to see. You need to mix it up until you find what is working on the day.

Work a number of trees to find fish if you don’t have the luxury of one of the fancy new

0408 621 426 80

DECEMBER 2015

release device. This generally involves a weight and some means of attaching it to the fish. Attach this to a line and you can send the fish back down into deep cool water, to recompresses them – we’ve found the response is almost instant. The photo shows the

Tim and a decent Copeton gold caught on a Mazy in windy black colour.

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sounders with bottom and side scan. The technique is much like bait fishing and really just entails working grub style soft plastics vertically through the timber. Aim for a slow fall technique on a jighead about 1/4oz then slow roll back up – be ready for the bite

Another wicked yellowbelly om the depths of Copeton Dam.

Deep release device – a great way to aid fish suffering from barotraumas. as you don’t have room to play around, you are fishing right in the timber and freedom won’t be far away. Stop ’em or pop ’em!

The release style of yellowbelly is important. As the water warms, yellas can become hard to release in good condition, especially if they are coming out of deeper water. They can suffer barotraumas and effects of transition from water that may be 16-18°C to surface water temperature of 26-30°C, which makes them very lethargic when released.

The best solution for this problem is a deep

clip that goes on the bottom jaw. The fish is slowly lowered back to the bottom, and often you will feel them start to kick and pull off the clip on the way down. If not, just give a quick pull on the cord to release the fish when they’re back on the bottom. It works really well.

• Copeton Dam is one of the best lakes in NSW to catch a trophy Murray cod. Dave runs the Copeton Waters Holiday Park and is a great source of up to date, local information on what’s biting.

Contact the park on (02) 6723 6269 for information and accommodation bookings.

Burrinjuck Waters – an oasis and fishing Mecca FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

The waterways in and around Canberra are where my love for fishing began. Locations like Lake Burley Griffin, Googong Dam and the Murrumbidgee River hold many fond memories for me both in life experiences and fish caught. They have they also provided plenty of stories for around the campfire.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Burrinjuck Wa t e r s State Park. As the name suggests, it is situated right on Burrinjuck Dam about 6km from the dam wall proper. This was the first time I had been to the park and one of the first things I thought was, ‘this is something I missed out on’. As first impressions go this is a beautiful place and the views as you drive in only whet the appetite.

I wasn’t expecting to find what I did at the end of Burrinjuck Road.

LOCATION Burrinjuck State park occupies 75 hectares of land directly on the water 6km from the dam wall and not far from Carrolls Creek. To get there, you turn off the Hume highway (well signposted) onto

The foreshore of the park has some good fishing and is a great family friendly option.

There are plenty of steep banks with structure.

Catching fish in these areas can be child’s play. Photo courtesy of Josh Buckingham. accidents happen.

ACCOMMODATION There is a plethora of accommodation options available in the park from unpowered campsites to cabins and cottages. This means that no matter what your budget is, the park has an option for you. Please note that you will need to bring

Several fish cleaning stations are provided for anglers to process their catch.

Burrinjuck Road and follow it for 24km. Beware, the last 6km is very windy and narrow, so please take care and have a bit of patience to ensure no

82

DECEMBER 2015

conference centre. There are numerous fishing clubs that take advantage of these areas.

General store I stopped in and had a quick chat to Steve Sellars who runs the Burrinjuck general store. The general store provides all the necessities you may need as well as a few of those luxuries we all partake in at times.

Fuel, ice and basic foodstuffs are the necessities.

The bonuses are it also has a coffee bar, bottle shop, hot food and catering for the

your own linen and towels.

Cottages There are 16 cottages on the property that sleep from 6-12 people. All are air-conditioned, have their

own bathrooms, TVs and cooking facilities. They are spread out through the park with some right on the water and others with great views of the dam.

En suite cabins Slightly smaller and sleeping up to five people, there are 12 en suite cabins available. They are, again, fully self-contained and have their own bathrooms and air conditioning. Situated at the dam wall end of the property (two are centrally located) they are set back from the water and have ample boat parking and nice views.

Cabins There are five cabins that do not have a bathroom. They are situated in the middle of the park and are set back from the water. They are still self-contained as far as cooking facilities go and have air-conditioning. There is also plenty of boat and vehicle parking.

Powered sites There are 35 powered sites centrally located in the park. They are close to the children’s playground, volleyball court and general store.

Well-maintained amenities blocks are also close by as well as a camp kitchen.

Unpowered sites There are seven location options for unpowered camping. Four are centrally located and three are at the Carrolls Creek end of the property. During my visit, the Carrolls Creek sites impressed me; large flat spaces to set up, fire pits with seating and well-maintained toilet blocks can only ensure a trouble free camping experience. The views weren’t bad either.

Josh Buckingham from Jackpot Spinners Lures uses the area in and around Burrinjuck Waters to test his creations. Photo courtesy of Josh Buckingham.

Hopping a vibe style lure from shore can be a very effective method on our native fish. Photo courtesy of Josh Buckingham.

FACILITIES Something that makes a park or accommodation provider stand out from the crowd is the facilities they provide and the maintenance of them. There are seven amenities blocks (four that have laundry facilities) with coin-operated showers (20 cents per five minutes).

There are numerous electric and wood BBQs throughout the park as well as three

camp kitchens with hot water, fridges, electricity and covered seating. I had a look at many of them while I visited and they were immaculately maintained.

There are also tennis courts, volleyball court, children’s playground, playing fields and picnic areas for visitors to use.

Other facilities include a picnic shelter that seats 60 people and a 50 person

park. Steve showed me a menu he offers for delivery around the park. It was good value for money and would be a treat to get out of cooking for a night.

THE FISHING As soon as you walk into the office you realise that a major drawcard for Burrinjuck Waters and the dam is fishing. It is recognised as a premier Australian native fishery and

if the pictures on the wall of the office are anything to go by, that is justified.

Dean Brind, one of the managers of the park, is a keen angler and has an intimate knowledge of what’s biting and where.

He is a fantastic source of information for any visiting angler.

Species you can catch are Murray cod, golden perch (yellowbelly), redfin and trout. Trout are less prominent since the drought event of the early 2000s, however Fisheries have begun a stocking program of rainbow trout to try and return this aspect of the fishery.

One thing that did surprise while I was doing the research for this article was the absence of information on catching silver perch in the lake. Some of my fondest memories about fishing Burrinjuck Dam was the excellent fishing for silver perch. I am not sure if it still exists; I will have to do a bit more investigating.

I have to admit my knowledge on the area is limited. So I spoke to Josh Buckingham from Jackpot Lures, who regularly fishes the area with mates and his family, for some tips and tricks to catch a few fish.

Land-based The foreshore along the front of the park is a great area to do a bit of bait fishing.

Scrub worms, yabbies or garden worms are all great baits for golden perch and redfin. The key is to look for an area with a bit of deep water nearby or a bit of structure in the water in the form of a sunken tree or large boulders and cast near them.

The unfortunate thing about bait fishing is that the dam also has European carp in it. These pests tend to find your baits and knock them off before your target species has a chance to get anywhere near them. The bonus of the presence of carp in the system is that they provide great sport for anglers and a great target species when fishing with the kids. They pull hard, and because the water in Burrinjuck is so clean they tend not to be like the dirty, smelly fish found in most other places. Just remember, they cannot be returned to the water, so dispatch them

A U S T R A L I A

Margay 2016

$49,990

My first look at Burrinjuck Dam came from the road on the drive in. humanely and dispose of them correctly.

The foreshore and surrounding banks also provide options for the lure casters amongst us. Along the shallower shorelines, shallow running minnows or spinnerbaits will catch their fair share of fish. There are a number of banks that drop steeply into the water and this is where soft vibe lures come into their own. Casting into the depths, letting them drop to the bottom and slowly working them up the contours of the bank is a deadly technique on golden perch, but don’t be surprised if a cod falls to this method as well.

Josh swears by his Jackpot Soft Vibes for this, but other lures like a Zerek Fish Trap or Samaki Vibelicious would also be suitable.

Boat-based Having a boat or kayak to explore the dam opens up a lot more fishing options. Using your sounder to find schooled fish or fish around structure can improve catch rates.

These fish can be targeted with either lures or baits.

Trolling is a highly effective way of catching fish and searching the waterway.

Bibbed lures are the traditional lure used to get to the depths along steep banks or dropoffs off points and islands.

Ensure your lure dives deep enough to get where the fish are and hang on.

Trolling spinnerbaits is a less frequently used method,

The facilities at Burrinjuck Waters are abundant, wellmaintained and will ensure you enjoy your stay.

• 17’7” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Pantera II 2016

$74,990

• 19’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 200 hp Mercury Optimax • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

Yar-Craft 1785BT 2016

$59,990

Top: Launching your boat can safely be done from the shore or from one of the all water level boat ramps at the park. Bottom: Burrinjuck Waters has an accommodation option for you no matter what your budget is. but it’s highly effective as it allows you to troll very slowly and still have the blades of the lure ticking over attracting the fish to your lure.

Casting spinnerbaits and lures at the abundant structure along the shoreline is another effective way to catch yourself a fish. Our native fish love a roof over their heads and there is plenty of structure on offer all over the dam. Keep your retrieve as slow as possible and don’t be afraid to cast at likely structure multiple times.

As Josh is a local, his spinnerbaits have been designed for waters like Burrinjuck Dam and they are popular with local

anglers. Bassman and TT Spinnerbaits are also good options. Gobsmacked Lures are another popular local product that have caught more than there fair share of fish in the dam.

SUMMARY Burrinjuck Waters State Park is the ideal base to explore everything that Burrinjuck Dam has to offer.

I know the next time I am in the area, I will be putting aside some time to explore it better.

For more information on the park you can go to www.inlandwaters.com.au/ park/info/burrunjuck-waters or can contact the office on (02) 6227 8114.

• 17’5” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 75 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Sabre FTD 2016

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• 18’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

We Build Dreams...

It’s a Family Tradition

A U S T R A L I A

Phone: 0410 173 060 basscataustralia@gmail.com DECEMBER 2015

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Setup and storage for kayaks BRISBANE

Justin Wilmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

With some wild weather, I reluctantly shelved my planned camping adventure and decided it was time to take the opportunity to tick a job off the list and reclaim the floor of my shed.

There were three kayaks dominating a fair amount of floor space and the plan was to wall mount them.

PADDLE I often fish from paddle kayaks but even when I’m fishing from a pedal kayak I still ensure that I have a quality paddle at my disposal. Many new kayak packages include a paddle, unfortunately these paddles are often very basic and heavy, made with an aluminium shaft, and often without drip rings with a chunky rectangular shaped paddle blade. The lack of drip rings on the shaft, just above the paddle blades,

physically and definitely don’t give you the return for effort of shaped kayak paddle blades. Many kayak retailers will allow you to pay a little more and step up to a better paddle from the start.

This doesn’t mean that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a paddle, but if you spend around $150 on the workhorse paddle of our kit, the Carlisle Simply Magic or something similar, you will gain a paddle with a fibreglass shaft, glass fibre

hiding for nearly a decade.

In our kit we have paddles worth a few hundred dollars that feature carbon shafts and multi-laminate fibreglass or carbon blades.

These paddles are an absolute pleasure to paddle with, they’re super lightweight and you appreciate this when using them for long range missions offshore. I avoid using these paddles though when bashing through the skinny water or using the paddle to push off or anchor the kayak in the myriad of rocks, oysters, rubble beds, mangroves and snags of the rivers and estuaries, due to the relative fragility of high performance blades.

SEAT Some kayaks come fitted with deluxe seating systems that provide plenty of adjustment, support and comfort to make your day on the water more comfortable, enjoyable and productive.

Often kayak packages come with a basic paddle and also a basic seat with minimal adjustment and padding, so it’s worth upgrading the seat if the one that comes with

A comfortable seat is essential for multi-day missions. the kayak doesn’t look up to the task.

For a small addition to

the price you may be able to step up to a seat with more adjustment points, better

A durable paddle is a must have when battling fish in snaggy country.

With Christmas and the holiday period just around the corner, I’m sure there will be plenty of new kayaks finding their way into homes around the country and these too will need storing, so this article is dedicated to exploring some storage options for the three key accessories that are generally purchased along with a new kayak to get you started on your aquatic adventures. Let’s look at the PFD, paddle, and kayak seat and get started on clearing some floor space.

will see water running down with each stroke into your lap, or down your arms.

The aluminium shaft may not seem heavy at first, however after a few hours out exploring and fishing you will soon notice the difference a fibreglass shaft makes in comparison. The alloy shaft also becomes an issue in southern climates, transferring the cold into your hands and causing ache and discomfort. Finally, the chunky rectangular blades can do more harm than good

reinforced injection moulded polypropylene blades with an asymmetric cut and have a cupped shape for plenty of power and an efficient stroke. This translates to a reasonably light paddle that is virtually bulletproof, a pleasure to paddle with and you don’t have to be afraid of pushing off from boat ramps and oyster rocks, or pushing it into the sand or weed flats to hold position. This paddle is ideal for beginner to intermediate paddlers and we have been giving ours a

Inflatable PFDs are popular due to their lightweight and unobtrusive design.

Left: A quality paddle makes your time on the water more enjoyable. A selection of the author’s paddles. Right: A quality sooty on a quality paddle!

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quality construction and thicker, higher density foam for cushioning. This can save you money in the long run, if after a couple of trips you purchase a better quality seat and the original one finds itself gathering dust and cobwebs in the depths of the shed.

PFD Buy a quality PFD and wear it. Should something go wrong, it’s not going to do you any good packed in your hatch. I have been a long time wearer of the inflatable style PFD, due to the lightweight and unobtrusive design, but after replacing a couple of rusty canisters I am beginning to lean toward the foam style PFD as a preferred option. The foam

floor space in your shed for years, it’s time to work out where to store them.

Manufacturers recommend that you do not store them flat on their hull on hard surfaces as this can cause flat spots, do not suspend them by their ends or carry handles as this can create a banana shaped kayak. Do not store them on a trolley as this can concentrate stressing and cause hull damage.

Experts recommend storing them on the strongest point of the kayak by storing them on their side, either on the ground, or by suspending on their side using a padded cradle or webbing strap that distributes the load. These cradles or straps should be toward stronger sections of

Compare the base of the seat from the package (top), and the author’s upgrade (bottom). are only four screws to remove the Aquaracks and rehouse them.

RAILBLAZA – STARPORT WALL SLING For my crusty, sit-inside kayak, that sees plenty of action, I opted for the RailBlaza StarPort Wall Sling as it’s simple for me to operate by myself. Simply lift one end of the kayak, slide the strap around and clip it in, then move to the other end and lift it, slide the strap around and clip it in. This system also lays flat against the wall when not in use –in case we need to store a vehicle in the shed. The StarPort Mounts can be unlocked so that the WebEyes and straps can be removed completely. I currently have another StarPort Wall Sling mounted high on the opposite shed wall to store my large Bazooka rod tube.

This system is again quick and easy to mount, with two screws per StarMount and then simply insert the Webeyes into the mount and slide the lock closed. It took me about twenty minutes to measure, drill, install

and hang the kayak. The weight rating is 30kg per sling (total 60kg), so it will handle most kayaks, canoes and SUPs with ease.

With the wall full and only my pedal kayak left to trip over I am currently investigating the range of hoist systems that are on the market. Not only could I free the last area of floor space, but by lifting the kayak up toward the insulated ceiling of the shed I could also back the vehicle in and lower the kayak straight onto the roof racks, saving a lift at one end.

I hope Santa brings you something fishing or kayak related for Christmas and that you find some time to get out on the water during the holiday period. If your time off happens to coincide with average weather though, maybe it’s time to visit your local tackle store for a new lure or two, or head out to your shed to sort your gear for future adventures, hang those kayaks and find some floor space.

See you on the water!

Top: Aquaracks are rated to 80kg and suitable for craft of all sizes.

Below: With all the kayaks out of the way, we’ve finally got enough floor space to find a new project – maybe some new yaks!

PFD doesn’t require you to pull a cord once in the water, nor does it rely on a canister for inflation. There are now more kayak angler friendly versions with a design that allows more movement, no bulky foam on the lower back to interfere with seating and plenty of storage pockets and attachment points for gear. Oh, and did I mention – wear it!

STORAGE Now, you’ve unwrapped your new kayak, or like me they’ve been haunting the

the kayak and not toward the ends, again to avoid the ‘banana’ kayak.

SEA TO SUMMIT – AQUARACKS For my wife’s small, lightweight kayak I opted a pair of Aquaracks. These racks are simple to install.

I inserted a length of timber into the framework of the shed to reinforce it, measured, drilled and used the supplied hardware to attach each rack. Being an open rack I am able to lift my wife’s kayak above my head,

climb the ladder a few steps and insert the kayak into the Aquaracks. One kayak out of the way.

I also selected Aquaracks for my big offshore paddle yak. They are rated to 80kg so are well and truly up to the task and a two person lift made it easy for me to lift one end onto one of the racks and then assist Sheri to lift the other end onto the second rack.

Simple, secure, supportive and if we were ever to move house there

Top: As you can see, there is very little hardware protruding from the wall once the kayak is removed. Below: The creek basher secured on the RailBlaza StarPort Wall Sling.

DECEMBER 2015

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Registration open for 2016 Riverina Classic The Darlington Point Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing Competition is held on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Darlington Point

in the Riverina NSW, located 30km South of Griffith and 150km West of Wagga Wagga.

The Darlington Point Riverina Classic Catch and

and Murray cod fingerlings into the Murrumbidgee River and raise $18,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Over 2000 visitors attended the weekend

Included in the prize pool is a $10,000 Flight Centre holiday voucher, a Stacer 399 Proline Angler running a 30hp Merc – complete with trailer, and a cash prize for the best represented fishing club in attendance over the weekend!

The Riverina Classic Fishing Competition offers something for the whole family, and is a good chance to teach the kids about fishing responsibly and sustainably.

Release Fishing Competition is a not for profit organisation who concentrate their efforts on re-stocking the waterways of the Murrumbidgee River with fingerlings of Murray cod and golden perch in order to help secure a sustainable fishing future.

The competition is a community event run by members of the Darlington Point and Coleambally APEX club and their partners and friends.

The competition area spans 24km of the Murrumbidgee River; a thriving water system with an abundance of fish caught over the summer period by keen anglers using bait, spinnerbaits and hardbody lures. The boundaries of the fishing competition line four state national parks making it an ideal location with plenty of river access from the bank to camp and fish. The river is also easily accessible by boat and it’s common to see 5m fishing boats getting around the river system.

This year’s competition enabled the committee to release 3000 golden perch

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with over 500 entrants into the competition chasing Murray cod, yellowbelly, and carp from boat and land.

have maximum opportunity to chase that elusive big one.

The Riverina Classic is not your average fishing competition. We offer a family fun weekend filled with markets, entertainment for kids, helicopter joy

flights, river train rides, merchandise, and food stalls.

An array of fishing tackle will also be on offer from some of the leading suppliers for the fishing enthusiast. There’s a $60,000 prize pool – one of the largest prize pools

There will be plenty of entertainment options over the weekend, that’s for sure!

Next year will see the third consecutive running of the Riverina Classic, and with the success of previous years the committee are dedicated to doubling their efforts in fingerling numbers to be released into the Murrumbidgee. The committee will donate profits from the 2016 competition to Motor Neurone Disease NSW and Griffith Motor Neurone Disease support group in order to help fund vital medical research and support for those suffering with Motor Neurone Disease.

This year the committee have elected to move to a photo entry competition in order to minimise any negative effects on fish welfare and ensure anglers

offered for inland fishing competitions in NSW. Included in the prize pool is a $10,000 flight centre holiday voucher, a Stacer 399 Proline Angler running a 30hp Merc – complete with trailer, and a cash prize for the best represented fishing club in attendance over the weekend.

The competition will again be held over two days in 2016, commencing on Friday afternoon 12 February with presentations and prizes to be drawn Sunday 14 February. Entry fees are $50 for adults and $25 for kids so bring along the family and enjoy a great weekend out in Darlington Point.

To register online visit: www.riverinaclassic.com or visit the registration tent at the Darlington Point Lions Park on the day.

For more information, check out our Facebook page – Riverina Classic Fishing Competition.

You can also call Shaun Roche: 0447 727 697 or Chris Sutton: 0427 516 197.

A fantastic list of sponsors help the Riverina Classic Fishing Competition give back to the community, including much needed monetary support to charities such as the Griffith Motor Neurone Disease support group.

Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic results The 372 competitors for this year’s Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic Lake Hume were greeted with beautiful weather.

With yellowbelly as the primary focus of the event, the numbers of other fish caught was down on previous years.

SENIOR RESULTS Yellowbelly Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm).

1....................... C. Mitchell.............63 2....................... M. Watson.............62 3....................... D. Bauerle.............62 Redfin Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm) 1....................... R. Ivone.................44 2....................... P. Pund..................42 3....................... D. Haynes.............40 Trout Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm) 1....................... S. Bradbury...........67 2....................... K. Smith................64 3....................... S. Longmore.........64 Carp Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm) 1....................... D. Stormer............72 2....................... S. O’Keefe.............69 3....................... S. Hudson.............68

The competitors managed to produce 386 fish between them. Of this, there were 264 yellowbelly, 21 trout, 37 redfin, and 63 carp. Several yellowbelly of 60cm+ were presented during the event.

The winners for the weekend are as follows: Mulwala Spinner Baits took out the team event with 18 fish and the best-represented club was Kinross.

Congratulations to all who were successful in placing in a category and being lucky enough to get a fish or two.

Next year’s event will be held over the weekend of 22-23 October 2016. Don’t forget to mark it into your calendars!

Beautiful weather led to great yellowbelly catching conditions!

JUNIOR RESULTS Yellow Belly Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm).

1....................... J. Divine................62 2....................... A. Cohalan............58 3....................... C. Craig.................55 Redfin Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm).

1....................... J. Divine................42 2....................... C. Craig.................36 3....................... M. Rayner.............36 Golden perch hit hard and great fighting specimens made for an interesting competition!

Trout Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm).

1....................... C. McKinnon.........55 2....................... D. Schmidt............43

CHAMPION RESULTS

Carp Place................ Angler...................Fish Length (cm).

1....................... R. Pitt....................69 2....................... J. Melbourne.........67 3....................... L. O’Callaghan......60

Division............ Angler...................Number of Fish.

Women:............ B. Street................4 Men:................. S. McPherson.......14 Junior Boys:..... R. O’Keefe............5 Junior Girls:...... K. Brandi...............1

Look at the belly on this chunker!

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR DECEMBER

Dec 4-6

Yamaha Cod Classic Lake Mulwala

Tony Bennett (03) 5744 1667

Feb 13-14

SCFCA Beach Albion Park

southcoastfca@yahoo.com.au

Feb 12-14

Riverina Classic Darlington Point

www.riverinaclassic.com

Feb 19-21

Deniliquin Fishing Classic Deniliquin

www.denifishingclassic.com.au

Mar 18-20

Club Marine Trailer Boat Touranment Nelson Bay

www.tbft.com.au

Mar 19-12

SCFCA Deep Sea Oak Flats

southcoastfca@yahoo.com.au

MAY

May 21-11

SCFCA Rock Berry

southcoastfca@yahoo.com.au

JUNE

Jun 11-12

ABT BREAM Qualifier #6 Foster

www.abt.org.au

JULY

Jul 8-15

Evans Head Fishing Classic Evans Head

www.evansheadfishingclassic.com.au

2016 FEBRUARY

MARCH

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing nsweditor@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours.

Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

DECEMBER 2015

87

s egabuck BASS M Lake St Clair produced the goods for anglers in the Edge Rods BASS Megabucks with all teams delivering fishing to the weighmaster’s scales each session.

Lake St Clair, one of the premier bass lakes of the state, fired for anglers.

A series of recent water rises, perfect weed beds and active shallow dwelling bass combined to make it one of the standout bass bites of the 2015 ABT BASS season.

Despite an impressive effort from all the teams, one team dominated for top honours. Peter Phelps and Mitchell Cone from Team 13 Fishing/Searing Tackle stamped their authority on the event by claiming 1st place and Big Bass each session.

A notable and dominant display of local knowledge and the intricate nuances that are needed to garner the bigger bites in a tournament, Phelps and Cone used a multifaceted approach to catch their fish. Dialling in on where the bigger fish were and what they wanted early,

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St Clair shines for BASS Megabucks then making adjustments as required to stay on the winning bite.

SESSION 1 1st place Team 13 Fishing/ Searing Tackle Phelps and Cone started their tournament in the main basin but it didn’t take long for the pair to quickly make their first change for the tournament.

“The water was simply too clear in the main basin so we stowed our rods on the deck, started up the motor and headed up the Carrowbrook arm to find water that wasn’t as clear,” said Phelps.

The move paid off with the pair filling their limit in 40 minutes throwing a combination of a Pontoon 21 Cablista jerkbait, Fish Arrow J Shad soft plastic and Bassman Shorty spinnerbait.

Fishing water no deeper than 5’ and paralleling their way along the bank, the pair fished the gutter that ran between the water’s edge and the inner edge of the weed bed.

Focusing on here as the prime area to target, the pair alternated between lures with Phelps throwing the Bassman Shorty and Cone, swapping

between the jerkbait and the soft plastic.

“The bigger fish were definitely shallow and close to the edge. If we fished wider and the outer edge of the weed bed we could only catch small fish,” said Phelps.

The kicker fish in their bag, and the session’s Big Bass, was a 1.27kg fish caught off a tree on a twitched and paused Pontoon 21 Cablista.

Weighing in a 3.98kg limit Phelps and Cone secured a 410g win for the session and held momentum heading into session two.

2nd place Team Paul Hopley Autos For Simon Marchant and Wayne Beazley, session one at the Edge Rods BASS Megabucks was the start of a consistent and ultimately successfully event with the pair cashing in at each session.

“Wayne and I were simply looking forward to getting out on the water, having some fun, and getting to spend some time together,” said Marchant.

Upbeat and relaxed about what was in store, the pair started session one fishing the stained upper reaches of the Falbrook arm throwing topwater lures.

“We threw and shook Tiemco Soft Shell Cicadas and OSP iWavers along the edges for a while then swapped to a Slider and

Cone headed to Falbrook arm in session two.

“We wanted to rest the Carrowbrook and we were confident that the Fallbrook

session, their best going on to secure the Big Bass Prize for the session, and falling to a soft plastic in 4’ of water.

Phelps and Cone with the bag that got their event rolling, their 3.98kg session one limit. fished it tight to the weed,” said Marchant.

Using a combination of cut down muscadine and avocado glitter coloured Sliders rigged on 1/6oz, size 2, Diztek (Marchant) and Nitro (Beazley) jigheads the presentation for the plastic involved casting it tight to the weed edge then hopping and shaking it back out.

The approach paid off with the pair weighing in a 3.57kg limit to claim the $500 2nd place cheque for the event.

3rd place Team TT Lures/ Hobie Fishing Kris Hickson and Owen McPaul from Team TT Lures/ Hobie Fishing picked up the last cheque in session one with the pair starting out in the Carrowbrook arm of the lake before moving to the main basin.

Spot hopping their way around the basin the pair focused on the gaps, allies, holes and edges of the weed to catch their fish. Throwing a TT Lures Jig Spinner the pair fitted to it a 1/4oz, size 1/0 TT Lures Headlockz jighead rigged with a 2 1/2” smoke hollowgram coloured Z-Man Slim SwimZ softplastic.

The tackle Hickson used to present his TT/Z-Man setup included a Daiwa Generation Black Trauma Centre rod, Daiwa Silver Wolf 2500 reel, 8lb PE, and 10lb fluorocarbon leader.

Catching 15 fish for the session the pair weighed in a 3.03kg limit to win themselves an Edge Rod for their performance.

SESSION 2 1st place Team 13 Fishing/ Searing Tackle Rather than returning to the scene of their successful opening session, Phelps and

would hold fish just like our session one area,” said Phelps.

The validity of the pair’s thinking was quickly confirmed and in 30 minutes they had their limit filled.

Using the same approach and techniques as in session one, the pair once again threw a combination

2nd place Team Paul Hopley Autos Marchant and Beazley were on the fish and on the money again in session two. The pair fished the main basin for the afternoon session targeting the weed beds and the clear area between the weed bed and the bank. The pair threw

Simon Marchant and Wayne Beazley were consistent during the Edge Rods’ presented event claiming 2nd place each session. of jerkbaits, soft plastics and spinnerbaits. While Cone threw the jerkbait and plastic, Phelps focused his efforts on the spinnerbait, but in contrast to session one when he threw a Bassman Shorty, in session two he threw a super-compact customised 1/4oz Bassman.

The retrieve for the jerkbait was a standard three twitch pause fished tight to and over the weed, the plastic was fished with a slow roll with a twitch every 3-5 turns of the reel, while the spinnerbait was given a slow roll with a small surge in the retrieve every 3-5 cranks of the handle.

Numerous upgrades followed throughout the

their cut down Sliders for a successful session.

Weighing in a 3.7kg limit for the session, Marchant and Beazley claimed second place by a mere 30g.

The tackle Marchant used to catch his fish was Samaki Zecton Phase 2 rod, 1000 Daiwa Luvias reel, 6lb Stren Microfuse mainline and 7lb Sunline FC Rock leader, while Beazley used a 6’8” Pflueger Patriarch rod, Patriarch 9530 reel, 6lb Berkley Fireline, 6lb Berkley Sensei leader.

3rd place Team Legend Boats/ Hyper Marine John Picton and David Lane had a red-hot session two. The pair caught 35 fish for the session to finish the

day with big smiles and a new Edge rod to their name for their 3rd place performance.

Fishing the Falbrook arm for the session, Picton and Lane threw a two-lure combination, soft plastics and spinnerbaits.

“We started with soft plastics and picked up a fish in the first 10 minutes, but there was not much after that so we tried a spinnerbait and caught a fish almost immediately,” said Picton.

Listening to what the fish were telling them, the pair then stuck with spinnerbaits, throwing a combination of 1/2oz Bassman and Smak models.

With the water dirty, the pair cracked a pattern for success, a key element that they needed in their lure selection to get the bites.

“You needed to have red in your spinnerbait skirt. We used more natural colours to begin with but they worked with limited success. The best colour was a skirt with 8-10 strands of red in it,” said Picton.

The retrieve for their spinnerbait involved casting it to the edge, sinking it to the bottom, then giving it five cranks of the reel handle, sinking it again, then giving it another five cranks.

“A lot of the hits came as the lure was sinking back down,” said Piction.

SESSION 3 1st place Team 13 Fishing/ Searing Tackle After resting their session one location (Carrowbrook) for session two, Phelps and Cone returned to the Carrowbrook arm for the third and final session.

“It was just too good not to go back and see whether we could go back and get them again,” said Phelps.

Rather than fish the same banks again, the pair fished a long way up the creek deciding to fish water that rarely gets fished and water that they believe would hold fish due to the

OVERALL RESULTS

PLACE TEAM 13FISHING / SEARING TACKLE

1 2

PAUL HOPLEY AUTO’S & LPG CENTRE

TT LURES / HOBIE

4

DUFFRODS

5

ILONA FINE SOY CANDLES COSTA / SMAK LURES

7

Peter Phelps, Mitchelle Cone

12/12

12.78

$3000

Simon Marchant, Wayne Beazley

12/12

11.23

$1500

12/12

9.46

Edge Rods

Kristoffer Hickson, Owen McPaul

12/12

9.27

Edge Rods

Greg Beattie, Troy Danes

12/12

9.26

Karen Fontaine, Deborah Kowalczyk

12/12

9.23

Craig Simmons, Stephen Kanowski

12/12

8.76

8

FILLET AND RELEASE

Tony Thorley, Paul Gillespie

12/12

8.52

9

BASS N BREAM TACKLE

Mark Ferguson, Luke Mulholland

12/12

7.79

Mark Lennox, Michael Thompson

12/12

7.47

Wayne Gordon, Justin Scott

11/12

7.44

DUFFRODS / TORAY

10

TACKLE WORLD TOOWOOMBA

11

Edge Rods

TOOWOOMBA

12

TEAM TENNESSEE

John Brider, Mark Lawson

9/12

6.72

13

GRUMPY OLD MEN

Peter Leggett, Peter Morgan

8/12

4.92

TOTAL

148

112.85

with the pair once again getting stuck into plenty of fish with their shallow water three-lure approach.

Catching their heaviest limit for the tournament, Phelps and Cone in the end secured a comfortable win for the session, and just like they had in the first two session, picked the Big Bass prize for session three.

Incidentally, the fish was caught off the same tree as their session one big bass.

Phelps’ tackle included a 13 Fishing 71LM Envy Black spin rod, 6lb PE Delux Amigo/8lb Gamma line for his soft plastic and

Owen McPaul and Kris Hickson fished the main basin to secure 3rd in session one. prevailing water level and bite pattern.

The approach paid off

FISH WEIGHT PAYOUT

LEGEND BOATS / HYPER MARINE David Lane, John Picton

3

6

ANGLERS

jerkbaits, and 13 Fishing 71 medium Envy Black baitcast rod, 13 Fishing

Concept C reel spooled with 16lb Delux Amigo PE braid and 12lb Gamma leader for his spinnerbaits.

While Cone used a Millerods Finesse Freak rod matched with 5lb Power Pro Bite Motion mainline and 8lb Gamma fluoro leader for his jerkbaits and soft plastic.

2nd place Team Paul Hopley Autos Marchant and Beazley started the thrid and final session in the Falbrook arm of the lake.

“The first half of the session was essentially a repeat of session one with

said Marchant.

Later in the session they moved to the main basin and picked up where they left off in session two throwing and working soft plastics along the weed beds and the weedless gutter between the weed bed and the bank.

With a double figure catch card for the session the pair weighed in a 3.96kg for the session to claim another podium finish and pick up their third cheque for the tournament.

Post event Marchant was acknowledging of his sponsors, both for the event and the year.

John Picton and David Lane with their 3rd place session limit. fish coming from the weed edges on plastics and the occasional topwater,”

“I would like to thank Paul Hopley Autos from Lake Macquarie for

sponsoring us. It’s great to have a sponsor outside the fishing industry. I hope this continues to help grow the sport. Also Darren Dizzy Borg from Diztek lures for his support this year,” said Marchant.

3rd place Team Costa/Smak Saving their best until last, Craig Simmons and Steve Kanowski hit main basin points in the final session to catch their fish.

Fishing spinnerbaits (OSP and Smak) early the pair focused on the outside of the weed edge and worked their spinnerbaits with a slow roll, interspersed with the occasion jerk. The approach delivered them their limit by 8.30am.

“The cloud came in around 9am so we decided to give topwater a run,” said Simmons.

Throwing a combination of Imakatsu Dilema Poppers and Tiemco Soft Shell Cicadas, the Simmons and Kanowski caught multiple fish, with the bite lasting up until 10 minutes before the 11.30am end of the session.

Fishing the dirty water gutter located between the inner weed edge and the water’s edge, the pair found the fish active and numerous, much to both Simmons and Kanowski’s surprise.

“This was something that neither of us has seen

much before, bass hitting surface lures on a muddied edge,” said Simmons.

The dirty water approach delivered them a 3.66kg limit for the session and saw them secure the final prize for the session and the tournament.

OVERALL CHAMPION TEAM It was a dominant performance from Phelps and Cone with the formidable pair claiming a perfect score, top honours and Big Bass each session, to stamp their name on the overall winners’ trophy.

Compiling a 12/12, 12.78kg limit for the tournament, Phelps and Cone attributed much of their success to many years of experience on the lake, particularly in conditions like those in the tournament.

“St Clair can be a challenging place when the water is clear and has risen.

But it suits our preferred style of fishing which is hitting the shallow edge,” said Phelps.

For their perfect performance Phelps and Cone cashed in to the tune of $3,000.

ABT would like to thank all competitors and event sponsor Edge Rods for once again making the event a huge success and one of highlight bass events of the tournament calendar.

DECEMBER 2015

89

Phelps gets jiggy at BASS GF CE 1ST PLA

Peter Phelps (6/6, 7.61kg) has added his name to the select group of anglers who have won an ABT Bass Pro Grand Final. Lake Glenbawn NSW, was the happy hunting ground where Phelps overcame Australia’s best bass anglers to secure the victory. Using all his experience Phelps keyed into a pattern during the pre-fish, and presented a lure that has, until now, been largely synonymous with largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing in the USA. In the first session Phelps, a 30-year-old Operator at Liddell power station, quickly compiled a small limit of around 1.2kg in 20 minutes using a Bassman Shorty Spinnerbait and Mumbler over shallow weed and timber.

After losing another 4-5 fish on reaction lures he then picked up the jig at 8am looking for upgrades. After almost 3 hours of fishing with no result Phelps started to think he had made a bad decision. The sun came out and the water glassed out.

“I did one last run over a rock wall that delivered me two fish for 2.5kg in the last 20 minutes, which had me sitting in 4th after the first session,” explained Phelps.

At the start of session two Phelps was confident that his jig presentation was going to pay dividends, “I knew the jig was going to work better in the afternoon. The water was glassy, which allowed me to fish methodically and I felt the heat of the afternoon would drive the fish tighter to cover. I did a pass over the stretch where I caught my session one limit for no bites. I then jumped between

rock walls. Three casts later I boated my biggest fish for the tournament. The bites then started to flow; I caught one every 30 minutes. Ultimately my first two fish were my biggest, weighing 2.7kg and elevated me to second place.

In the third and final session Phelps dispensed with the reaction lures and focussed on using his jig presentation

I felt a bite, and let it fall again and he came back and loaded up giving me my first keeper.”

“At around 11am, relying on past experience I went to one spot that could hold a fish thinking no one would have fished it much. I came down the dam to a slow tapering bank with a good weed bed and 5-6 isolated trees right on the edge of the weed.”

Peter Phelps with two of his consistently solid winning bass. to get fish. The wind, which had strengthened made things difficult.

“Around 9am I had only managed 2-3 little taps again on the jig. All of my spots had been hammered and finding fresh fish was hard. I came out to the very start of the 8 knot zone and fished a stretch thinking the location might be protected from the wind.

However the wind started curling around the rock wall and pushing straight in my face. I was unable to really hop the jig and ended up dragging it rod tip down parallel to the bank in deeper water than I had been fishing (around 25ft).

“I targeted the tree bases throwing multiple casts at each. With minutes to go I warned my non-boater Dayne Taylor to get ready to go. I fished the front side of a tree and as the boat went past I started casting to the next one. When I looked behind I saw the shade cast by the tree and threw in.

The cast was almost straight down beside the boat. I hopped the jig once and felt weight. The next part was a blur. All I remember at the death was high-fiving Dayne as he yelled, “Drive!” and sorted my rods and fish out for me!”

The rock walls of Lake Glenbawn provided the bulk of Phelps’ fish with five of six coming off rock walls in the 8 knot zone. The sixth came off a weed edge at the base of a tree in around 12ft of water.

The rock walls provide the fish with an uneven bottom and ample structure to hold off. The steepness of the walls provide depth for the bass to move up and down with changing moods and weather conditions. Most fish ate the jig in the 10-15 ft range.

The lure that Phelps used to great advantage was a skirted jig and craw trailer that mimicked native crustaceans.

Practising with this lure presentation and understanding how to naturally present the lure was key to getting the bass to react. Phelps shares his experience, “All of my limits were weighed on the skirted jig and craw trailer. I cast tight to the edge and because of the steepness of the banks fished I gave the jig the smallest hops possible trying not to let the jig fall more than one foot at a time. I would pause it for a second, then hop it again. I would fish the lure down the slope to around 15- 20 feet deep before quickly winding in and firing out the next cast.

Most fish ate it on the drop.”

The lure was a Peppers Custom Finesse football jig in blue/black and a Bassman Jig (custom and yet to be released) in Colour 051, both weighing 3/8oz. “On the Peppers jig I would rig a Berkley 3” Chigger craw in black/blue and on the Bassman jig a 3” Gulp Crabbie in camo colour. I trimmed the skirts slightly to give a jagged edge and smaller profile and trimmed the plastics to suit and match the jig size.”

“Having good mates Mitchell Cone right beside me and Tom Slater right behind him kept my head in the game during the whole tournament, because I felt if I fell short one of them would win – which to me is just as good as winning.”

Hickson almost steals top spot CE 2ND PLA

STORM VENTAFISH®

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888.

90

DECEMBER 2015

Kristoffer Hickson, a 29 y/o tackle manager at Manning River Marine pushed Phelps all the way, falling only 30g short of securing a Grand Final victory. Hickson, long recognised as one of the most consistent bream anglers on the ABT circuit, showcased his versatility, and went within a whisker of simultaneously holding both bream and bass Grand Final titles!

Kris Hickson came away with second place and the biggest bag of the weekend.

Hickson targeted banks from the top of the main basin all the way to the 8 knot zone, and caught fish on most of them with the two best banks located on the outside of pump house bay and a bay just short of the 8 knot zone. The first session started slow for Hickson as he threw topwater and jerkbaits for the first hour with no result.

A change to a Jackall TN60 saw the first solid legal fish hit the deck. Hitting a number of locations with the same presentation saw Hickson fill his bag with smaller fish. In the last hour a move to a productive pre-fish bank saw a solid upgrade fall to an Imakatsu Alive chatter.

In the second session conditions became more challenging. Wanting to keep his key locations rested in case the fishing became tough he considered other options. Hickson shares his second session thoughts and approach, “ I saw a few ski boats on the outside of a bay at the top of the basin and thought that was the best chance I had of finding some stirred up water where the bass should have been confident to feed in. It was a bank I had done well on

in the past with weed, deep water and trees, plus the dirty water. Throwing the Alive Chatter, it was only a couple of minutes before I got my first fish for the session and in the next 45 minutes I had landed 8 fish with a few upgrades.”

The final session wasn’t a problem for Hickson. He returned to a bay where he had located bigger fish during the pre-fish, “I had a plan to fish tight to the edge for big fish for the first hour then move out to the weed edges and pockets after that.

I went back over the same bank as I planned and then to the edge of the weed for one good upgrade. With an hour to go I decided to go back to where I got fish at the start of the second session and after 6 or so more fish I got a 41cm on my last cast.”

The technique that produced the best results for Hickson was slow rolling the Imakatsu Alive chatter over from the bank over the weeds, dropping it into the gaps and rolling it back out.

Once that area was covered he would cast parallel to the outside edge of the weed, sink it to the bottom then slow roll it back with pauses keeping it close to

the bottom and in and out of the weed.

Lures used included a Jackall TN60 in brown dog colour, TT’s Jig Spinner sporting a 1/4oz #1/0 HeadlockZ Jighead and a 2.5” Z-man Slim SwimZ in smoke hologram colour and a Imakatsu Alive Chatter. Hickson alternated between baitcast and spin outfits depending on lure presentation. For the Jackall TN60 Hickson used a Daiwa Black Label 6101MXB paired with a Daiwa T3 1016 reel with SV spool and spooled with 12lb flurocarbon fished straight through. For the Jig Spinner and Alive chatter Hickson used a Daiwa Gen black Trauma centre paired with a Daiwa 2500 Caldia reel spooled with 8lb Daiwa J Braid and 10lb Gamma leader.

Hicksons final thoughts on the 2015 Toray Bass Pro Grand Final, “I think the key to this tournament for me was being able to find fish that were catchable in any situation. This gave me confidence in what I was doing, especially when it came to honing in on where the bigger fish were, determining what they were eating and choosing the right lure for the situation.”

Falkenhagen up!

-BOATER 1ST NON

Shaun Falkenhagen, a 31-year-old Technical Manager at Holcim went back to back, adding the 2015 Non-Boater Champion title to his illustrious tournament resume that included the 2014 Non-Boater Champion title and 2010 Electric Convention title. With a skill set the envy of many boaters across the ABT tournament circuit, Falkenhagen again showed that when the chips are down he can never be discounted.

In session one Falkenhagen headed to the middle stretches of the dam.

Using a Z-man soft plastic, the first two casts yielded his tournament limit. It was an auspicious start and a sign of things to come. Session two saw Falkenhagen start in the 8 knot area where both anglers caught their limit within the first hour

Peppers Custom Finesse football jig in blue/black with a Berkley 3” Chigger craw in black/blue

on soft plastics. A move to steeper timer banks yielded seven upgrades using lipless crankbaits.

Session three saw Falkenhagen paired with Paul Gillespie. The anglers headed to the main basin rock walls. Using a 5/8oz spinnerbait in 20-25ft, Falkenhagen would make long casts then sink the spinnerbait to the bottom while employing a slow retrieve. In all twelve fish were boated for the session including 3-4 upgrades.

Falkenhagen discusses the locations and presentation of the lures used, “Weed edges were targeted with soft plastics, with most fish coming out of water less than 6ft in depth. Lipless crankbaits were fished in the tops of the trees. After casting, I would count the lure down to 10 and then slow roll the lure back.

Finally spinnerbaits were used along the deeper rock walls in the main basin; the technique involved sinking the lure to the bottom in 15-20ft with a slow retrieve. Long casts were important in the clear water.”

Falkenhagen’s lures included a Z-man slim swim soft plastic in watermelon red, slightly cut down on

BASS PR O Presente SERIES d by To ray

a 1/4oz painted impact tackle jighead, Silent Jackal TN60 in shad colour and a modified Impact Tackle 5/8 spinnerbait in smoke yellow core colour. “I altered this spinnerbait to have a single willow to help keep the lure stay deep in the clear water,” explained Falkenhagen.

Falkenhagen’s tackle outfits were rotated depending on the lure used.

For soft plastics the outfit included a BarraBass IP901 rod paired with a Daiwa Certate 1000 reel spooled with 6.5lb Toray Light Fish PE and 6lb Toray LEX leader. For lipless crankbaits; BarraBass REV702 rod teamed with a Daiwa Alphas reel spooled with Toray 13lb Jigging PE and 10lb Toray Superhard Leader.

Finally for spinnerbaits, a BarraBass XSB610 rod matched with a Daiwa Sol 1500 reel spooled with 12lb Toray SeaBass Power Game and 8lb Toray Superhard leader.

“Thanks to ABT and my boaters for the weekend.

Also thanks to my sponsors Fishtec Solutions, Stomr Rain Gear and BarraBass Rods for their continued help and support”.

WINNING NOTES

Winning Ways

I would say it was a combination of everything. My years of experience fishing Glenbawn give me a great understanding of the fish and how they behave. The lure was something completely different to what the pack were using, and I knew I could get big bites in the right locations.

1 foot hops, followed by a pause

Winning Tackle

Rod: 13 fishing 7’3” Medium Envy Black Reel: 13 Concept C 8.1:1 bait cast reel Line: 16lb Delux Amigo Braid Leader: 10lb Gamma fluorocarbon “The fast reel was used for winding quickly on a bass after it bit and getting the jig in quickly once I had finished a retrieve.”

15-20 feet

Quick retrieve

TOP 10 BOATERS

TOP 10 NON-BOATERS

Place Angler

Fish

Total Weight (kg)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6

7.61 7.58 7.47 7.17 7.17 6.96 6.96 6.47 6.45 6.40

Peter PHELPS Kristoffer HICKSON Tom SLATER Mitchell CONE Greg BEATTIE Tony THORLEY Anthony THORPE Mark LENNOX David YOUNG Grant CLEMENTS

Prize

Trip to the USA 13 Fishing Prize Pack 13 Fishing Prize Pack NS Black Hole rod NS Black Hole rod

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

Place Angler

Fish

Weight (kg)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/6 4/6 5/6

6.16 5.73 5.66 5.55 5.44 5.40 5.36 5.05 4.55 4.45

Shaun FALKENHAGEN James HICKSON Cameron LEY Ryan JONES Tony NEAL James REID Luke DRAPER Warren HOWE Ben RANDELL Owen MCPAUL

Prize

MotorGuide Xi5 13 Fishing Prize Pack 13 Fishing Prize Pack NS Black Hole rod NS Black Hole rod

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au DECEMBER 2015

91

Working with wire NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

The use of wire trace is one of those necessary evils that anglers must occasionally embrace to target those ‘toothy critters’ that could otherwise easily chop through their lines. Here’s the best way to tackle the need for a little bit of bite insurance.

There are quite a few species of fish equipped with teeth sharp enough to slice, chew, or chop through an angler’s line or leader. Obvious contenders in this category are genuine ‘razor gang’ members such as Spanish and spotted

like also have hard enough jaws or sufficiently rough scouring pad teeth to damage finer leaders, and billfish like marlin and sailfish have sandpaper bills that do the same thing.

In many instances we can hedge our bets against these fish by upping the diameter and breaking strain of our mono leaders. Moving from 6 to a 10kg nylon or fluorocarbon may be all that’s required to prevent regular chew-offs from big flatties, while a 30-40kg leader or bite tippet will usually cope with all but the very biggest barra.

However, tropical mackerel, wahoo, big tailor and many sharks will continue to easily cut such leaders. If this starts

coated, multi-strand wire with a barrel swivel at one end and a snap clip at the other.

Shop-bought traces do a good job of preventing bite-offs, although it can pay to choose more expensive brands fitted with quality hardware over the cheapies.

As useful as pre-made traces are, they rarely display much in the way of finesse.

Most are thick and obtrusive, often carrying bright, shiny fittings. There’s absolutely no doubt that the use of any form of wire leader will reduce the number of bites you get, especially when targeting fussy, sharp-eyed species in heavily fished waters. This phenomenon is especially evident when running thick,

Wahoo are one species that virtually demands the use of wire!

Teeth marks on these jigs paint a graphic picture! Most are rigged on short, singlestrand wire traces. For good reason!

mackerel, wahoo and tropical barracuda. Down south, tailor, barracouta, even pike and snook all have sharp teeth and, of course, most sharks are well-equipped in this department. Big flathead, barramundi, Murray cod, queenfish, mahi-mahi and the 92

DECEMBER 2015

to happen on a regular basis, fishers are likely to reach for the wire.

Faced with these chop-off challenges, many anglers choose to buy a couple of factory-made traces. These are usually constructed from 30-40cm lengths of plastic-

factory-made traces.

Many tropical and sub-tropical fishers who regularly pursue mackerel and the like make their own wire traces, and this is my preferred approach. Rolling your own allows the use of thin, dull-coloured, singlestrand wire and also means you can customise the length and fittings to suit your needs and optimize the end product.

Strong connections are created in this material using a combination of haywire twists and barrel rolls. Take a look at my accompanying instructional video, which can be accessed via the QR code on this page, or by going to: https://youtu.be/ PIoXIKXUS3I.

Single strand wire is most often sold in 10m coils in a zip lock plastic bag with a cardboard backer enclosed. Opt for well-known brands such as Mason, Malin or American Fishing Wire and always choose dull, non-reflective finishes in brown tones rather than flashy silver.

Single strand wire is very thin for its strength and although it often kinks and coils badly after catching a few fish, it’s cheap enough to be regarded as a disposable item. I’ll usually pre-make a couple of traces, but once you become adept at the technique, it’s easy enough to do it in the field. If you’re new to working with

The author with a small wahoo that fell to a metal jig rigged with a very short (15 cm) trace of single-strand wire. wire, carefully study the illustrations hereabout and closely watch my how-to video on YouTube channel at ‘Starlo Gets Reel’.

As a final couple of tips, keep your home-made traces as short and fine as possible, minimise the number and size of terminal items attached to them, and always choose dark, dull-coloured swivels, clips and the like. You’ll hook a lot more fish as a result!

VIDEO

Scan the QR code to learn how to make your own wire trace.

Product Profile

13 Fishing Muse Gold When I heard about a new range of rods coming out from 13 Fishing I was eager to see what they were going to be like. Being a huge fan of the Envy Black series, I was interested to see what sort of developments they’ve made since the introduction of the Omen and Envy bloodlines a few years ago.

The new Muse Gold rods feature a softer taper than what

swallows the lure.

Although these new models feature slightly softer actions, I still find them to be very responsive and with that ever so satisfying ‘crisp’ feel. This is probably due to a slightly downsized Kigan guide train, and partly due to the high quality graphite used in the blank’s construction.

The first glimpse I got of the Muse Gold series was

in my lure without the rod tip striking the water surface with every movement.

As the rocky, timber lined bank slowly dwindled and made way for a shallow weed bed, I picked up the 72ML Muse Gold. Equipped with a 1/4oz Bassman jighead and plastic, the slightly longer length gave me ultimate control on the end of a long cast to keep the plastic just

The Muse Gold has also proven successful on bream for both Charles and Peter.

Peter Phelps has been impressed with the performance of the new 13 Fishing Muse Gold, testing it at Glenbawn,one of his favourite dams.

I was used to with my beloved Envy Blacks. The softer action lends itself well to light line applications like bream and bass fishing. This is very true when you need a soft sensitive tip to either feel bites or help with timid hook sets.

In situations like crankbaiting for bream, they’re just perfect, where a long soft rod helps absorb the runs and head shakes of the fighting fish. Or the situation I’m more familiar with, fishing soft plastics at Glenbawn Dam for bass.

Here the bass bite so timidly I find you need a rod with a very sensitive tip to detect that split second where the bass commits to swallowing the lure, which allows you to set the hook with perfect timing. It’s not uncommon to feel a bass biting at the tail of your soft plastic for 2-3 seconds before you feel the tell-tale ‘bump’, as the fish

when Tom Slater showed me a few photos of the then secretive models. I instantly fell in love and could not wait to have a play with them. In the hand they are everything I had imagined. The beautiful combination of cork and Eva foam grip makes the rod very comfortable in the hand.

Gold trimmed accents make a very visually pleasing rod, but being attractive doesn’t always make for a workhorse performer out on the water.

My first cast with the 69ML model amazed me with the distance I achieved.

Usually I’m a fan of 7ft+ rods, but this little 6’9” was taking my fancy pretty quickly. The slightly shorter length made easy work of the close quarter targets around the timber-lined banks of Lake Glenbawn.

Working a 70mm jerk bait, the shorter length allowed me to rip the rod tip downwards, to mimic that killer darting action

over the top of weed, then drop my rod tip as it nears the edge following the contour of the structure.

Being a tournament bass angler, my equipment is pivotal to my performance on the water under pressure. I

cool dark gold blank these rods certainly look the part. Complimented with high quality cork and Eva handles, the Muse Golds have to be one of the best looking rod series I’ve seen for quite some time.

There’s no point looking the part if you can’t stand up when it counts, and the Muse Gold certainly stands its ground when it comes to fishing. It’s good to see a range of spin rods that have a slower

why you would choose one rod over another, it’s a good starting point.

I have managed to use 2 models over the past month, the MGS72ML and the MGSA69L. Let’s start with the 69.

You might notice the addition of the ‘A’ inside this rods model number. As with all 13 Fishing rods, there is a lot of input from Australia.

This particular model was developed by the guys in

Charles West loves flicking soft plastics for dam bass, and the Muse Gold was perfect for this application.

The aesthetics of these rods are second to none.

want to be able to cast further and with more accuracy than the next guy. That gives me more chances at catching those trophy fish that you need to win tournaments. I feel the new Muse Gold certainly gives me these advantages.

With a model to suit every light spinning situation check them out online or at your local tackle shop. – Peter Phelps • • • • • • • • • • • When I first saw the Muse Gold rods I thought about how good they looked.

With the gold trim and the

action. I’ve become used to the fast and extra fast actions that are so prevalent these days.

Instead, the MUSE Gold rods have a nice soft and springy mid-section but remain crisp and responsive, something that I’ve found many rods with this taper lack.

My general rule of thought has always been a faster taper rod for anything with a single hook, and a softer rod for lures equipped with treble hooks. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule but if you’re ever wondering

Australia to expand the range into the realm of ultralight bream, bass and trout fishing.

This light powered rod has a casting weight of 1/401/6oz, so it can cope with a wide variety of lures. I love using this rod to cast small crankbaits and for twitching small jerkbaits. The soft action is great for lures with treble hooks, as so commonly fish are hooked outside the mouth and pulling hooks can be problematic. I like to call this my small lake assassin rod.

Anyone that knows me knows

I love Maroon Dam and its great bites on small jerkbaits, light plastics, and surface lures. I know I can pick up this rod with any of those lures and it will have the versatility to do the job.

The other rod I have been fortunate enough to use is the MGS72ML. It has a cast weight of 1/8-3/8oz with a moderate fast taper, which makes it very versatile, from casting soft plastics to small vibration baits and mid-size crankbaits. I have been using a lot of 1/4oz-rigged plastics of late and have been amazed at the casting distance I can achieve.

I did mention that I like a faster taper rod for fishing soft plastics, and that is mostly true for when I am twitching or hopping a plastic. When it comes to slow rolling small paddle-tail plastics in lakes for Australian bass, I actually find a slightly softer taper works better as the fish tend not to smash the plastic on the first bite, but rather nibble much like bait fishing before hooking up. The slightly softer tip of this model compared to the rod I normally use actually makes it easier to detect the bites without spooking the fish from feeling the pressure of the rod.

For all you saltwater guys, I think this model would be the perfect all-rounder for versatile estuary fishing. It’s light enough to cast a small bream lure a long way, yet has enough grunt to fish 12-15lb braid and chase flathead, school mulloway, trevally or any other typical estuarine species.

The MUSE Gold rods are on the shelves of good tackle stores now and I can quite confidently say they are one of my favourite rods from the ever growing stable of 13 Fishing. – Charles West

SURF LIFE SAVING FUN PAGE CHRISTMAS COLOURED FISH

GURNARD

TRIGGERFISH

TOMATO COD

REDFIN

JUNGLE PERCH

AUSSIE SALMON

MAORI WRASSE

MAHI MAHI

BLUEFIN

RED EMPEROR

KINGFISH

TREVALLY

NANNYGAI

SNAPPER CRAB

BONEFISH

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MANGROVE JACK

Win a prize pack from Surf Life Saving Sunscreen, including the NEW Marine Friendly SPF50+. Save your skin and save the fish…so there are more for you to catch!

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SEND ENTRIES TO: NSW Find-a-word Competition, PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129

FINS SCALES & TALES by A. Both

NSW DECEMBER 2015

Phone (day):

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to B Mannering of Leumeah, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive a Fishing Monthly prize pack. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks.

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

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October locations: 14, 18, 21, 24, 34, 47, 49, 51, 60, 64, 71, 80, 90, 94, 97 .

October winners: The Find the Berkley logo prize winners for October were: N Webster of Kurrajong Heights, F Ricketts of Ulladulla, R Wheatley of Baulkham Hills, A King of Villawood, W Short of Hamlyn Terrace, T Hodges of Ballina, J Roberts of Camden, J Brooks of Woy Woy, A O’Keefe of Grafton, R Kresevic of Canley Vale, K Yarnold of Tuncurry, C West of Dapto, D McIntosh of Blacktown, H Turner of Telarah, D Sullivan of Aberdeen, S Mulcahy of Taree, B Broadfield of Lake Mumorah, T Ryan of Wagga Wagga, S Horan of Orange, B Gorham of Toronto, J Cross of Mondrook, M Quigley of Bega, M King of Bellbird, G Woods of Horsley, M Markham of Singleton, R Rich of Hamlyn Terrace, T Gounder of Macquarie Fields, R Lewis of Sussex Inlet, F Seal of Junee, T Kennedy of Karuah, D Spinks of Scone, D Baker of Uralla, J Wicks of Cooramundra, R Durie of Macgregor, J Hammond of Mallabula, L Slick of Taree, G Sanson of Boronia • New Park, B Newham of Penrith, Zproducts Mehmet of Ingleburn, J • Videos Morante of Singleton.

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The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of the month will win a Shrimp Hook Pack.

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3

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5

VALUE OF WILSON PRODUCTS

400

$ ND

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PLACE

VALUE OF WILSON PRODUCTS

200

$ RD

3

• Zerek 2” Live Shrimp Hook Pack • 1gm and 3 gm weighted worm hook/jig head • Value RRP: $11.95 each

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15

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Robalo’s R207: ultimate family/fishing crossover

FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

The challenge that a lot of anglers face in their boating life is when they make a family. When you’re young and carefree, you get to buy a boat that gets you to where the fish are. That’s your focus.

Fast forward to later in life, you have a partner and kids and all of a sudden their safety and comfort trumps your needs for the ultimate fishing craft. Historically, crossover boats compromise in all areas, but on a Robalo

R207 we tested recently, imported by Aussie Boat Sales, there’s a mix of creature comforts and fishability that we’ve rarely seen.

Now, upfront, let us tell you that this isn’t a boat that’s in the same price range as other, locally made offerings, but if you bear with us you’ll see that the serious features well and truly justify the serious price tag.

We caught up with Scott O’Hare at his marina at Williamstown in Melbourne, at the mouth of the Yarra River – a superbly located family business nesting a fleet of Chaparral fun machines.

Aussie Boat Sales is also the

SPECIFICATIONS LOA............ ..20’7” (6.27m) Beam......... ....8’4” (2.54m) Weight on water... .1588kg Max hp....................200hp Deadrise......................18°

casting is your deal, and the front gunwales are wide enough to get up and cast off if you feel that you’re standing too low on the front deck. Wet storage for skis or kneeboards is between the consoles.

Naturally, all deck fittings on the 207 are stainless steel and suitable for saltwater use, while through-hull fittings are bronze. This boat is built to last.

Eminently trailerable, the test boat was supplied

Draft..........................37cm Fuel............................227L Capacity...........8 persons Livewell.......................49L The boat is broadly a bowrider configuration, although when you ditch the creature comforts you’ll find that there’s a very functional casting deck up there.

Additionally, although the test boat wasn’t fitted with one, you can definitely add a long shaft trolling motor to satisfy your need for boat control while casting.

Other features are nearly too numerous to name, but again, for the angler, an under-seat livewell on the transom ticks a lot of boxes, as do the Targa rod holders.

You are able to fit an electric motor at the bow if lure

See yourself and the family in the 207? As tested, this rig, on a trailer, will set you back just over $90K. Prices start from the high 80s. meticulous build process that’s born from decades of manufacturing experience from the brand. Give him a call on (03) 9397 6977 for more information on this boat, or their Robalo or Chaparral brands.

The windscreens are high enough to see through while seated and over while standing.

Sometimes manufacturers get this wrong.

PERFORMANCE RPM. Speed Fuel (km/h) (L/h) Idle...............2...........1.9 1000.......... 6.5..........3.2 2000...........13..........9.5 3000...........29...........19 4000...........48...........28 5000...........64...........58 5200...........69...........65 • 5.6 seconds to plane 96

DECEMBER 2015

dealer for that other iconic American brand – Robalo.

“The 207 is my favourite boat in the Robalo range,” Scott said, as we hid from the wind at the restaurant in his Anchorage Marina complex. “It’s unashamedly a fishing boat, although if you’re getting some pressure to have a craft that can tow a ski or tube, then it does that with style.”

on an Australian-spec twin axle trailer. This size boat is towable by most twin-cab 4WD utes and larger.

Scott has fantastic knowledge of all things Robalo, including the Kevlar-reinforced hulls and

VIDEO

There isn’t one piece of wasted space under the deck. Rainproof storage lets you keep either tackle or day tripping gear safe and dry.

Scan this QR code to watch the full interview with Scott O’Hare from Robalo.

Beside the helm is massive underfloor storage.

The helm itself has a broad array of switches and controls, but you may have to sacrifice a cup holder if you want to add a larger sonar screen.

You see this more and more nowadays – helm seats with a hinged cushion that acts as a lifter or as a backrest. It’s all about the functionality in this Robalo 207.

Hidden under the comfortable rear lounge is a 50L livewell with LED lighting and a blue gelcoat finish. In practice, this could be easily used as a kill tank as well.

Remove the cushions and there’s ample room for lure casting on the front deck. Additionally, the gunwales are wide enough for anyone who’s half nimble to get up there and increase their angle on the fish.

These are the features that get the kids across the line – a fully enclosed and lockable mini-cabin with a portable toilet.

Americans definitely win the ‘who can make the best anchor storage’ competition. Nearly all American saltwater boats I’ve seen have excellent hanging-anchor wells that are built for the purpose and do their jobs well.

Robalo’s Hydro Lift hull is efficient, self draining and backed by a 10-year warranty. Practically, hose down is easy. There’s an on-board deck wash for keeping things tidy during a trip, and clever design to make hosing down a cinch when you get back to port.

The 200 Honda now comes with a 7-year warranty and pushed the 207 up onto the plane in 5.6 seconds – both with and against the wind. The concealed ladder is a nice touch.

R260

www.robalo.com 03) 9397-6977

Time to get serious....

DECEMBER 2015

97

A tale of two Bar Crushers: 490WR and 490C

FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

We love the opportunity to do a bit of head-to-head testing at Fishing Monthly.

It puts us in the same position as a customer – what’s the best product for me and my application?

We recently had the opportunity to take a couple of the smallest Bar Crusher boats for a drive on a wild and woolly day on Western Port; the cabin (C) and open version (WR) of the 490 hull.

Apart from being able to

check out the features and performance of these hulls, it was great to be able to spend some time with Mr Bar Crusher – Peter Cleland – to hear first-hand some of the history and theory behind the brand. You can hear a full interview by scanning the QR code in this article with your smartphone.

All of the Gen 2 Bar Crushers work on a standard theory. A Delta Flare planing plank holds a water ballast feature. This sub-floor tank fills up at rest, dropping the chines lower into the water and making the boat more stable. It also allows the hulls to be built with a

deeper vee in them, dealing with the perennial plate boat problem of ‘banging’ in the rough water.

And test that feature we did on test day. Confronted by a nasty 20-25 knot sou’westerly we took the pair on a decent run through sheltered and open parts of the estuary.

My opinion? For the first part of the trip, I braced each time a pothole opened up before the WR. By the end of the run, it was business as usual – shooting the breeze with Pete Cleland as we traversed the bays and channels. The console did lack a place to hold

Bar Crusher’s Delta Flare planing plank and water ballast feature allow their hulls to carry a deeper vee than a standard plate boat. Here you can see how it cuts the water.

98

DECEMBER 2015

on with your right hand, although Peter commented that he was on to that. I’m sure there will be a handle in future models.

The ride wasn’t 100% dry, though. Quartering the seas, the inevitable spray blew back across the craft.

Dressed in a GoreTex rain suit, this wasn’t a problem.

I’ve been to enough rodeos to know what open boats are like in nasty weather.

VFM’s Peter Jung made the trip in the Cuddy model, and arrived at the destination warm and dry.

And that’s the difference between the two boats. The Cuddy is more resistant to the weather and better set up for dropping a spread of baits, while the WR model is exposed getting there, but super efficient when the lure casting begins.

Both of the test boats were fitted with 60hp Suzuki outboards. They’re quiet, reliable and ridiculously fuel efficient, getting 4km per litre burned at 4,200rpm.

That’s value for money at the petrol pump right there.

Prop setups were spot on, maxing out a 5,800rpm. You can see the full performance range in the table on this page.

Both models arrived on an Australian-made Easytow trailer, single axled and fitted with Bar Crusher’s Bar Catch launch and retrieval system. This

PERFORMANCE RPM.... 490C.....490WR Idle......... 2.5.................3 1000...... 4.1.................4 2000...... 8.3.................8 3000..... 12.8..............11 4000.......24...............27 5000.......40...............42 WOT.......50...............52 • 0.25L/km at 4,200rpm.

• Both boats propped with 10 1/4” x 15” three blade. is a real time saver when it comes to getting the boat on and off the trailer. For two-person launching, it’s ridiculously quick and for solo launch and retrieve, it’s like having a second set of hands. Scan the QR code nearby to see it in action in the test video.

“Once I told a guy at a boat show that we could launch or retrieve a boat in 30 seconds. He didn’t believe us, so we made a video and could actually do it in 20,” Peter explained, proud of their invention.

“Bar Crusher is all about being the quality option in the market,” Pete explained as we ran across the bay, “We make them from 5083 aluminium plate and take great care with our welding and fittings. The Rigideck floor is fully sealed, so that nothing can find its way under it and we take pride in our aim to build a better engineered boat.”

Built on the same hull, the Bar Crusher 490 C and 490 WR offers two totally different configurations that will fit on the same trailer and used with the same Suzuki 60hp outboard. Our conclusions: the WR is a boat for the north and lure casters, while the C is a boat for the bait angler and southerners – but you can make your own mind up!

Indeed, depending on options, these rigs weigh in at around $35,000 to $40,000. There’s a mountain of information – including local dealers – on www. barcrusher.com.au.

• Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/ trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

VIDEO

Scan this QR code to watch the full interview with Peter Cleland from Bar Crusher.

The 60hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard is ridiculously efficient, getting up to 4km per litre of fuel burned. Both boats were fitted with identical outboards and propellers – being a 10 1/4” x 15” pitch. Revving out to 5,800rpm, the setup seems about right, maxing out at around 50-52km/h.

The differences in layout are pretty obvious. The Cabin model had protection from the wind, spray and rain, while in the open boat, you’d better have a good set of wet weather gear if things turn nasty. The advantages of the open boat, though, are 360o fishing access and the ability to fit an electric motor for ultimate manoeuvrability.

The super-structure of the Cabin model folds down from 2.1m to 1.8m in height, allowing you to fit this boat into a smaller garage. A single axle trailer helps manoeuvrability.

If you haven’t seen the Bar Catch system in action, you’re missing out. For two-person launching, it’s ridiculously quick and for solo launch and retrieve, it’s like having a second set of hands. Scan the QR code nearby to see it in action in the test video.

Here’s how the water ballast system works – at rest, this cavity fills with water and lowers the chines further into the drink – making the boat more stable. Underway, gravity drains the water out. The system allows the Bar Crusher hull to carry a deeper vee then most other plate boats, resulting in a smoother ride and less banging.

Here’s a new accessory from Bar Crusher – a bait board/live bait tank combo.

It’s pump filled and overflow vented and fits on either hull configuration.

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple.

In the WR, the icebox doubles as a seat. Added to the in-floor kill tank, it gives these smaller Bar Crushers some serious range and capacity for extended camping and fishing trips.

The wide dash allows the Cabin model to hold any electronics you can throw at it, while both the helm and passenger seats are designed for maximum storage and functionality.

This is where all the serious work gets done on the WR model. Comfortable for one person throwing a lure with the offset electric motor mount. Non-skid on the gunwales means that if you’re nimble, then it’s pretty easy to jump up and get a better angle on the fish.

DECEMBER 2015

99

Versatile Anglapro Predator 16 centre console SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

If you are looking for an aluminium boat that would be ideal for both fishing in the estuaries and working those close inshore fishing grounds offshore, then the Anglapro Predator 16 centre console with a 4-stroke 100hp Mercury outboard would be definitely worth a look.

With its sleek lines and strong design the Predator will handle just about everything that is thrown at it when it comes to fishing in the estuaries and close offshore. It would be an ideal outfit for someone who would like to baitfish in the estuaries or freshwater while either drifting or at anchor. You could also quite comfortably troll or cast lures in both salt and freshwater; and if you are into targeting snapper and other reef species offshore, the Predator 16 with the 4 stroke 100hp Mercury outboard would do the job.

DESIGN The bottom and sides are built from 4mm aluminium with reversed chines pressed into in the rear two-thirds of the hull, while the underfloor section is engineered for strength with welded stringers and gussets in what Derek calls his X-core construction.

The floor in the Predator that was tested on the day was fully welded aluminium and was set at a height from the top of the wide gunwales to the floor that made it extremely comfortable while leaning up against the sides. With two adults leaning up against the side there was very little change from when at rest.

What I liked about the open design of the floor area was that there was plenty of room to walk around the centre console and not get in the way of the skipper. This extra room would be ideal when fighting a fish that takes you on a bit of a

merry dance.

In the photos you will notice that there is a slightly raised floor area at the front.

For me, this achieves three

thirdly, it gives you a lot more storage area for extra tackle and lifejackets. As I have always said, “You can’t have enough storage”. You will also

DECEMBER 2015

In fairly flat conditions with two adults on board the outfit was able to achieve around 30 knots. This would be plenty to get you from

The 100L under floor fuel tank will give you exceptional range for the fuel-efficient 100hp 4-stoke Mercury outboard.

The Anglapro Predator 16 would be ideal for both fishing in the estuaries and working those close inshore fishing grounds offshore.

Derek from Good Times Marine/Anglapro taking a couple of people for a test run.

The 100hp 4-stroke Mercury outboard had plenty of power to spare behind the Predator. things: Firstly, you have that bit of extra height when pulling in the anchor to the open anchor well at the front.

Secondly, you have a bit more height when casting lures and,

see that there is a raised rail around the front of the boat that makes sure that you have something to lean against, and also to secure your anchor rope when at anchor.

Notice how the chines force the spray downwards?

This keeps you dry as you travel along.

100

PERFORMANCE The moderately flared bow runs back to flatter sides.

This, along with its optional 50mm spray rail at the front

The 100hp 4-stroke Mercury outboard gave it plenty of power to push the boat up out of the hole with ease. and its reversed chines that have been pressed into in the rear two-thirds of the hull, does a great job of deflecting the water spray while travelling at speed.

Suggested power for the Anglapro Predator 16 is between 80-115hp. During the field testing, I found that the 100hp 4-stroke Mercury outboard gave it plenty of power to push the boat up out of the hole with ease, leaving some power to spare if needed.

In my opinion, a padded seat/ storage box for the skipper to sit on would have been ideal, but that may be because I’m getting a bit older.

Due to the fact that this outfit can be custom-designed to suit your needs, you may find that you would rather stand while driving, rather than sit. I prefer to do both, and sure, you would lose a bit of deck area, but you would gain so much storage.

spot to spot. When turning sharply I found that the there was no slip from the prop as the boat held its line. Both on smooth and rough water I found that the boat gave an extremely comfortable ride, even after coming off the top of a few wakes.

FISHABILITY Anyone who knows me knows that I prefer to have a boat that I can fish out of rather than just cruise around in. The thing that impressed me about the Anglapro Predator 16 is that it could do both. As stated earlier there is plenty of deck

SPECIFICATIONS Overall boat length...........................................4.9m Overall boat on trailer length.........(motor in locked position) 5.1m Beam..................................................................2.3m Trailer width from outside of guard to outside...2.2m Weight.................................... Approximately 1350kg Max persons...........................................................5 Max outboard.................................................. 115hp Fuel Tank..........................................100L underfloor.

Steering system........................................ Hydraulic Prop Size............................................................. 16” Deadrise................................................................16 Battery type and size........................... Century 720 Trailer................................................. Dunbier SR5.0 Max Speed in Knots/Revs............... 33kn 6000rpm RRP...............................................................$46,990

Check out the size of the screen on that Lowrance HDS9! area for you to comfortably walk around, high sides for you to lean up against when fishing, a raised casting platform at the front, and an aluminium rail at the front and rear side where you could put a couple of swivel rod holders.

You will also see in the photos that there is a custommade aluminium cleaning and cutting table that also comes with a couple of rod holders.

What I would like to see is a small 20mm lip at the front and a couple of drain holes at the rear. This would allow you to have a cutting board that wouldn’t slide off and

somewhere for the excess slime and water to run off.

Every fishing boat needs somewhere to store their catch, and what did impress me was the very large kill tank towards the back of the boat. The tank would allow you to put in a few big snapper, trevally, whiting, squid, tailor, salmon, trout or flathead. To keep them cool you would just have to add some saltwater and ice. At the end of the day it would be just a matter of taking out the drain plug and washing it out ready for next time.

ERGONOMICS At the rear of the boat

you will find the upholstered quarter seats on each side have two sturdy legs for the crew.

So whether you are fishing at anchor, trolling or towing someone behind you, there will always be somewhere to rest those weary legs. The good thing about these seats is that they can be folded back down out of your way.

Twin bait tanks sit in each corner of the transom and over the back there’s a boarding platform with a ladder that will be handy for divers and swimmers.

Even though the centre console may look fairly basic

there is an opened section that could be closed off and used for more storage of, say, your safety gear. This package comes complete with a Lowrance HDS 9, A Lowrance Link-5 radio, speedo, RPM and fuel gauges. Plus you have navigational lights as well.

At the rear and below the cutting/cleaning board you will find a hinged hatch that houses the bilge pump and battery. There is plenty of extra room to put another battery if you need to put an electric motor on the front of the boat. The wide gunwales will allow you to put extra lighting underneath for that night time fishing.

NOISE As with all aluminium boats you can get a fair bit of noise transference through the hull, but what I found on the day was that there was very little noise, making the ride much quieter than I thought it would be. Not only does the 4mm bottom and side make the Predator very strong, it also helps keep the noise down as you are travelling at speed and coming down off a wave, through the wake of another boat or the chop.

Having the carpet on the aluminium floor also helps to reduce the noise when you are fishing and all you need to do is hose it out after a day on the water.

I have a 4-stroke engine

SYDNEY’S NO.1

on my boat and sometimes I will find that I leave the motor running. This is because it is so quiet! The 4-stroke 100hp Mercury outboard was so quiet that I had to turn around to check a couple of times that it was still going.

So if you’re looking for an outfit that would allow you to fish both in the estuaries, offshore, freshwater, and even do a bit of float tubing or

water skiing, then you should get yourself to your closest Anglapro dealer and check these beauties out.

• Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith.

Performance of individual boat/motor/trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and

Anglapro can custom design and fit a seat/ storage if you prefer to sit while driving.

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101

What’s New BOATING

1

SIERRA FUEL INJECTOR KIT

Fuel additives and fuel alone cannot clean away layers of deposits when the engine is running. The only proven method is by removing the ‘stale’ fuel (the cause of the deposits) and using a fuel system cleaner periodically.

By using Sierra’s Fuel Injection Cleaning Kit regularly, you will help maintain the fuel injection system’s cleanliness and performance throughout the life of your engine. For best results, use E-GO! Blast Fuel Cleaner (S18-8606).

To also enhance the motor’s life and performance use Sierra’s E-Go Boost (S188607), suitable for both petrol and diesel motors. Simply add to your boat’s fuel tank.

The Sierra Fuel Injection Cleaning Kit includes a Cleaning System Container, a hose, a small fitting, a large fitting and also a carry case.

Cleaning your fuel with the Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit will only do good for your engine and save you lots of money in the long term. www.bla.com.au

2

FLAT STICK

Tackle Addict Australia is proud to introduce this revolutionary new product to the Australian boating and kayaking fishing community.

Tackle Addict Australia has flown under the radar for a number of years distributing quality apparel and producing an outstanding range of custom built surface lures to a select number of national clients. Tackle Addicts enters the boating/kayaking market with the Flat Stick!

Flat Sticks are designed to make your flats fishing productive and hassle free. Flats Sticks are a rod and bracket system designed to slow or stop a boat’s drift across the flats. Flat sticks consist of an aluminium bracket and highquality composite rod to create the ultimate flats fishing tool.

With a range of fixing options available to suit all types of craft including a no drill bracket, which slips under your bow mount electric, installation is a breeze. All components are build tough for the harsh Australian saltwater environment and designed to last.

– Tackle Addicts Australia

3

MORNINGSTAR HYDRO HULL

Morningstar boats* are revolutionary when it comes to construction, appearance and performance in the worldwide aluminium market.

The Hydro Hull sets these boats apart from mainstream alloy craft. Traditional alloy boats use a basic frame structure of horizontal and vertical ‘C’ and box section frames for their support structure. Morningstar’s advanced technology allows them to press a sophisticated and stylish design into a previously rigid alloy medium. The three pieces of structure consisting of the sides and bottom pressing are robot-welded to create a very strong outer shell and ‘exoskeleton’. This ‘unibody’ concept is also used in high-end sports cars, aeroplanes and bicycles.

The ‘Origid’ deck structure provides the internal structural integrity. Incorporating the 6mm internal keel, the backbone of the deck structure, the Hydro Hull skeleton is cemented in place with the welding of the Origid deck frame.

Morningstar’s rigid exoskeleton shell and Origid deck structure combine together to form the Hydro Hull. *A Taiwanese company, not a Korean company as stated in Wayne Kampe’s article in the November issue.

www.morningstarboats.com.au

4

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

NORTHBANK 650HT

1

South Australia’s premier boat builder, Northbank Fibreglass Boats, has just released a new model of its ever popular 650 Hardtop.

The new 650HT still uses the same 1400kg dry hull with a 2.44mm beam and 930mm of freeboard. The difference is the new toughened glass top which increases visibility from the helm, and lets much more natural light into the cabin.

The new lid has also freshened the look of the 650HT into more of a contemporary design, while being functional and robust at the same time. Another positive is that the new lid can be retro-fitted to all existing 600 and 650 cuddy models opening up a whole new market for current owners of these models.

The new 650HT will also save time in the build process, so from a manufacturing point of view this also made a lot of sense.

The new 650HT looks great and will certainly stack up against the competition. www.northbank.com.au

5

TWO-PRO BRAKE CONTROLLER

Adelaide-based Redarc Electronics is releasing the next generation of its award-winning electronic brake controller Tow-Pro, with sights firmly set on the export market.

The Tow-Pro Elite, launched in October, incorporates a number of new features that will result in smoother braking for motorists towing heavy trailers and caravans.

It also features ‘Active Calibration’, which means that once fitted to the customer’s vehicle, the Tow-Pro Elite will automatically calibrate itself, even without a trailer attached.

Redarc’s Managing Director, Mr Anthony Kittel, said Tow-Pro Elite had undergone extensive quality control and product development at Redarc’s Lonsdale headquarters.

“We continue to set the industry benchmark for innovation in electronic technology,” he said. “Since its launch in June, 2014, Tow-Pro has become one of our most popular products, being used by people who tow caravans and camper trailers, horse floats, boats and the like.” www.redarc.com.au

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QUINTREX NEW HORNET RANGE

Quintrex has updated its Hornet series for 2015 with the entire range now featuring the successful Fighter Series bow.

The Fighter Series features a wide ‘forked’ shaped bow, designed to improve stability at rest and also increases internal storage room and the casting area.

The Fighter Series bow was first released in 2013 exclusively to the 450, 481 and 500 Hornet Trophy models and after rave reviews was developed for the entire Hornet and Hornet Trophy range as well Quintrex’s renowned Explorer range in models 390 and above.

The new 2015 Hornet Trophy range is packed with features, some of which are premium carpet as standard on all models and a new look side console on models 450 and above.

The 440 Hornet Trophy features a rear casting platform with a live bait tank, a front casting platform, rod holders, transducer bracket and smooth look 2mm marine grade aluminium top sides making it one serious fishing rig, suitable for a range of different applications. www.telwater.com

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

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visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

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Time

Time

m

0.37 1.52 0.42 1.47

0406 1026 TH 1649 2257

0.41 1.52 TH 1639 0.46 2241 1.39

2 0454 1117

17 0508 1133

3 0545 1211

18 0004 0547

4 0054 0741

19 0053 0633

5 0302 0845

20 0150 0730

6 0415 0954

21 0257 0836

7 0521 1101

22 0408 0951

8 0003 0614

23 0513 1102

9 0046 0658

24 0609 1206

16

1

0.22 1.81 0.20 1.51

0432 1055 FR 1720 2320

m

Time 0036 0617 SU 1242 1928

0.48 1.61 SA 1803 0.43

2 0133 0711

17 0040 0615

3 0235 0811

18 0136 0712

4 0340 0917

19 0238 0817

5 0441 1025

20 0344 0930

6 0534 1129

21 0446 1043

7 0619 1224

22 0544 1152

8 0037 0700

23 0015 0637

9 0114 0736

24 0104 0728

16

1

20 0420 1027

6 0533 1146

21 0520 1140

7 0619 1242

22 0617 1247

8 0030 0700

23 0040 0711

9 0108 0740

24 0131 0802

25 0152 0817

10 0145 0816

25 0220 0851

11 0220 0845

26 0240 0906

11 0223 0854

26 0308 0938

27 0219 0837

12 0253 0918

27 0327 0954

12 0301 0932

27 0354 1022

13 0258 0914

28 0305 0925

13 0327 0954

28 0415 1042

13 0342 1013

28 0439 1104

29 0234 0847

14 0328 0946

29 0352 1014

14 0403 1030

29 0501 1128

14 0426 1055

29 0523 1145

30 0320 0936

15 0359 1019

30 0439 1102

15 0443 1111

30 0014 0549

15 0512 1139

30 0029 0607

6 0219 0812

21 0107 0657

7 0336 0919

22 0216 0802

8 0445 1024

23 0330 0915

9 0541 1121

24 0437 1023

10 0025 0626

25 0533 1123

10 0124 0735

25 0045 0700

10 0147 0811

11 0102 0704

26 0017 0624

11 0157 0810

26 0133 0748

12 0136 0740

27 0104 0712

12 0228 0842

13 0206 0813

28 0149 0800

14 0236 0845 15 0305 0917

1.25 0.54 WE 1748 1.58 0.41 1.31 TH 1210 0.49 1832 1.60 0.37 1.37 FR 1253 0.45 1911 1.62

0.35 1.42 SA 1331 0.42 1946 1.62

0.33 1.46 SU 1407 0.40 2020 1.61

0.33 1.49 MO 1444 0.39 2053 1.58 0.35 1.51 TU 1520 0.40 2128 1.53

16

5 0443 1044

20 0010 0602

0.46 1.50 FR 1723 0.50 2322 1.32

0.51 1.48 SA 1813 0.54

1.24 0.57 SU 1236 1.45 1912 0.58

1.18 0.61 MO 1334 1.44 2021 0.57 1.16 0.62 TU 1441 1.46 2131 0.52

1.19 0.59 WE 1549 1.52 2235 0.43 1.27 0.52 TH 1651 1.62 2329 0.32 1.39 0.41 FR 1746 1.72

0.21 1.52 SA 1218 0.30 1839 1.80

0.13 1.64 SU 1312 0.20 1930 1.84

0.09 1.74 MO 1405 0.14 2020 1.83 0.09 1.80 TU 1459 0.11 2111 1.76

0.14 1.83 WE 1553 0.14 2203 1.65

0.33 1.75 FR 1748 0.29 2353 1.38 0.45 1.67 SA 1852 0.38 1.26 0.55 SU 1409 1.58 2100 0.46 1.19 0.62 MO 1514 1.50 2208 0.50 1.18 0.65 TU 1621 1.46 2311 0.50 1.22 0.64 WE 1724 1.45 0.48 1.28 TH 1200 0.59 1817 1.47 0.45 1.35 FR 1251 0.54 1901 1.49 0.41 1.43 SA 1334 0.48 1941 1.51

0.39 1.49 SU 1413 0.43 2017 1.52

0.37 1.54 MO 1449 0.39 2053 1.51 0.37 1.58 TU 1526 0.37 2128 1.49

0.38 1.61 WE 1602 0.36 2203 1.46 0.40 1.63 TH 1640 0.37 2241 1.41

1.30 0.53 SU 1215 1.57 1852 0.46

1.24 0.59 MO 1303 1.53 1948 0.49 1.21 0.63 TU 1400 1.50 2052 0.49

1.21 0.64 WE 1506 1.50 2159 0.45 1.26 0.61 TH 1616 1.53 2300 0.39 1.35 0.53 FR 1723 1.59 2355 0.30

1.48 0.42 SA 1822 1.66

0.23 1.62 SU 1305 0.31 1917 1.70

0.17 1.74 MO 1401 0.21 2010 1.72 0.16 1.84 TU 1455 0.14 2102 1.69

0.18 1.90 WE 1548 0.11 2155 1.62 0.24 1.92 TH 1642 0.13 2248 1.53 0.32 1.89 FR 1736 0.19 2342 1.43

1.26 0.61 MO 1334 1.59 2027 0.45 1.22 0.68 TU 1431 1.49 2126 0.50 1.22 0.71 WE 1533 1.42 2222 0.53 1.25 0.71 TH 1636 1.38 2313 0.52 1.32 0.67 FR 1733 1.38 2358 0.50 1.40 0.61 SA 1823 1.39 0.47 1.47 SU 1311 0.54 1907 1.41 0.44 1.55 MO 1353 0.47 1947 1.43 0.43 1.61 TU 1431 0.42 2026 1.43

0.42 1.67 WE 1509 0.38 2103 1.42 0.42 1.71 TH 1545 0.35 2142 1.41

0.44 1.73 FR 1624 0.34 2222 1.38

0.46 1.74 SA 1705 0.34 2304 1.35

0.50 1.72 SU 1748 0.36 2349 1.32

1.29 0.58 TU 1242 1.64 1929 0.41

1.28 0.62 WE 1336 1.59 2027 0.41 1.29 0.63 TH 1439 1.55 2127 0.40

1.35 0.61 FR 1547 1.53 2226 0.37

1.44 0.55 SA 1656 1.54 2322 0.32

1.57 0.46 SU 1800 1.55

0.29 1.69 MO 1255 0.35 1858 1.57 0.26 1.81 TU 1353 0.26 1954 1.56

0.26 1.90 WE 1447 0.19 2048 1.54 0.29 1.95 TH 1540 0.16 2141 1.50

0.33 1.95 FR 1630 0.17 2232 1.45

0.39 1.91 SA 1720 0.22 2324 1.39

0.47 1.84 SU 1809 0.29

1.34 0.55 MO 1214 1.73 1858 0.37

1.26 0.69 WE 1346 1.50 2034 0.50

0025 0603 WE 1227 1909

19 0317 0912

5 0109 0709

1.20 0.58 TU 1656 1.55 2341 0.45

1

Time

m 1.29 0.62 1.62 0.45

4 0348 0935

19 0518 1146

1.18 0.59 MO 1555 1.53 2245 0.49

0104 0639 TU 1259 1945

18 0216 0801

4 0008 0614

1.22 0.55 SU 1446 1.54 2137 0.51

16

Time

3 0251 0830

18 0441 1104

1.32 0.48 SA 1340 1.58 2021 0.49

m

0527 0.54 1154 1.69 MO 1836 0.38

17 0118 0700

3 0523 1144

1.46 0.38 FR 1239 1.63 1908 0.43

1.34 0.52 1.71 0.37

Local Time DECEMBER

2 0157 0731

17 0407 1026

0.27 1.68 TH 1801 0.34

Time

m

0.44 1.63 0.39 1.36

2 0435 1051

0.17 1.71 WE 1701 0.26 2312 1.62

2015

LAT 33° 52’ LONG 151° 13’ Times and Heights of High and Low Waters OCTOBER NOVEMBER

1.26 0.73 TH 1439 1.41 2124 0.54 1.29 0.75 FR 1537 1.35 2214 0.55 1.34 0.73 SA 1639 1.31 2302 0.54 1.41 0.67 SU 1737 1.31 2347 0.52 1.49 0.60 MO 1830 1.32 0.50 1.57 TU 1330 0.53 1916 1.34 0.48 1.64 WE 1411 0.45 2000 1.35 0.47 1.71 TH 1450 0.39 2041 1.37 0.45 1.76 FR 1530 0.34 2122 1.38

0.45 1.81 SA 1609 0.30 2204 1.38

0.45 1.83 SU 1650 0.28 2248 1.38

0.46 1.82 MO 1733 0.28 2334 1.37 0.49 1.79 TU 1819 0.30

31 0527 1152

0.41 1.81 SA 1831 0.28

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astonomical Tide Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols

m 1.37 0.52 1.73 0.32

1.37 0.56 TH 1318 1.66 2001 0.34 1.39 0.58 FR 1416 1.58 2057 0.37

1.44 0.59 SA 1522 1.50 2154 0.38

1.51 0.56 SU 1631 1.45 2251 0.38

1.61 0.50 MO 1741 1.42 2347 0.37 1.71 0.41 TU 1845 1.42

0.36 1.80 WE 1347 0.32 1944 1.43 0.36 1.88 TH 1441 0.25 2037 1.43 0.37 1.92 FR 1530 0.22 2128 1.43

0.39 1.92 SA 1616 0.22 2215 1.41

0.42 1.89 SU 1700 0.25 2301 1.39

0.47 1.82 MO 1741 0.30 2345 1.36 0.53 1.73 TU 1821 0.37

1.34 0.59 WE 1224 1.62 1900 0.43

31 0113 0653

1.32 0.65 TH 1304 1.52 1941 0.49

Last Quarter

Tide predictions for Sydney (Fort Denison) have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material is supplied in 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 is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions should not be used for navigational purposes. Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to include acceptance of the above conditions.

Trades, Services, Charter Calypso Yamba Holiday Park (02) 6646 8847

BAIT & TACKLE

Iluka Riverside Tourist Park (02) 6646 6060 Wooli Camping & Caravan Park (02) 6649 7671

BYRON COAST

3Gelcoat repairs 3 Insurance repairs

Yamba Bait & Tackle (02) 6646 1514

COFFS COAST Compleat Angler Kempsey (02) 6562 5307 Rocks Marine Bait & Tackle South West Rocks (02) 6566 6726

MACQUARIE COAST Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333

HUNTER COAST

3 Transom & floor repairs 312v Electrical installations 4 Aspinall Place, MULGRAVE 02 4577 3482 www.westernboatrepairs.com.au

FISH TAXIDERMY

Port Stephens Tackle World (02) 4984 2144

SYDNEY

MACLEAY VALLEY COAST Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks 1300 262 782 Crescent Head Holiday Park: 02 6566 0261 Hat Head Holiday Park: 02 6567 7501 Horse Shoe Bay Holiday Park: 02 6566 6370 Stuarts Point Holiday Park: 02 6563 0616 Grassy Head Holiday Park: 02 6569 0742

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Fish Taxidermist 0428 544 841

Gabes Boating & Fishing Centre Narellan (02) 4647 8755 Windybanks Bait and Tackle (02) 9477 1520

BREAKDOWN RESPONSE Boat Assist 24 (02) 9746 6224 or www.boatassist24.com.au

CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014 Korr Lighting www.korrlighting.com.au

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EDENS COAST Bermagui Bait and Tackle (02) 6493 5444

FRESHWATER Loomzys Fish and Fix (Forbes) (02) 6851 1425

BOAT IMPORTS

Penrith Marine (02) 4731 6250 Moby Marine (02) 9153 6506 or www.mobymarine.com.au Aqua Marine 0415 600 301 or www.aquacash.com.au Cohoe Marine Products (Sydney) (02) 9519 3575 Blakes Marine (02) 4577 6699 Watersports Marine (02) 9676 1400 Neken Marine (02) 9979 9649 Boat Assist 24 - On Water Mechanic (02) 9746 6224

NEED REPLACEMENT MARINE ENGINE PARTS OR ACCESSORIES?

KAYAK DEALERS Hunter Water Sports (02) 4947 7899

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HUNTER COAST Wangi Point Lakeside holiday Park (02) 4975 1889 Blacksmiths Holiday Park (02) 4971 2858

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1

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Werri Beach Holiday Park (02) 4234 1285 Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park (02) 4234 1340 Kiama Harbour Cabins (02) 4232 2707

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MACQUARIE COAST Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333

FRESHWATER

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FRESHWATER Burrinjuck Waters State Park (02) 6227 8114 Providence Lodge (Eucumbene) (02) 6454 2200 Winter Keep (Snowy Mountains) www.winterkeep.com.au

Dubbo Marine and Watersports (02) 6882 2853

BOAT HIRE Boab Boat Hire (NSW) 1300 002 6221

HOLIDAY RENTAL NORTH COAST Brooms Head Caravan Park (02) 6646 7144

Grabine Lakeside State Park (02) 4835 2345

Advertise here - $90 + GST for 6 months Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au Lake Glenbawn State Park (02) 6543 7193 Wyangala Waters State Park (02) 6345 0877 Bass Lodge Macleay River NSW 0433 482 325 Chifley Dam Cabins 1800 68 1000

This section in NSW Fishing Monthly consolidates the trades and services in your area that are relevant to your fishing and boating. Whether you’re a local looking for more options or a travelling angler fishing around the state, this guide will direct you to reputable businesses in the area you’re searching.

Boats & Guided Fishing Tours Directory CHIFLEY DAM

Cabins

COFFS COAST Oceanic Sea Urchin II Charters (02) 6566 6623 or 0428 650 321 South West Rocks Fishing Charters (02) 6566 5298 or 0429 995 390

FREEDOM CHARTERS EDEN

The Rocks Fishing Charters 0412 074 147 Wooli Deep Sea Tours (02) 6649 7100 Trial Bay Fishing Charters, 0427 256 556 South West Rocks Fishing Adventures 0411 096 717

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY ON THE NSW STH COAST! • Reef, Game and Kingfish • Shared and private charters • Bait and tackle supplied • Homemade morning tea • Packages available • Owner operated

WE CATCH FISH! Ph: (02) 6496 1209 or 0415 602 446 E: fishing@freedomcharters.com.au W: www.freedomcharters.com.au www.southwestrocksfishingadventures.com.au

Right on the peaceful shores of Chifley Dam Comfortable affordable accommodation Close to Bathurst and all its facilities Talk to Bathurst Visitor Information Centre for details

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Contact: David Hayman (Stumpee) Mobile: 0411 096 717 info@swrcharters.com.au

MACQUARIE COAST Castaway Estuary Charters 0427 239 650

Swains Reef • Bunker Group • Coral Sea • Shoal Waters and Beyond

Ocean Star Fishing Charters 0416 240 877

W capricornstar.com.au • E info@capricornstar.com.au

HUNTER COAST MV Capricorn Star 0408 755 201 or www.amytiadventure.com.au Mikat Cruises Fishing Charters Swains & Coral Sea 0427 125 727

Tailermade Fishing Adventures 0411 096 717

www.fishin.com.au 0425 230 964

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DEEP SEA & GAMEFISHING

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BOOK NOW FOR MARLIN, MAHI-MAHI AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

TRIPS INCLUDE

All Bait, Fishing Rods and Reels Sunscreen and Morning Tea

Specialising in “Tournament Quality Lures” 0425 230 964 SHOP 18, 29 KIORA RD MIRANDA NSW 2228

Blue Bottle Fishing www.bluebottlefishing.com info@bluebottlefishing.com Ph: 0409 333 380 Mo Tackle (02) 6652 4611 or www.motackle.com.au Specialty Fishing Products www.specialtyfishing.com.au

MAKE YOUR OWN

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MONTIQUE

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PHONE: 0411 096 717 www.tailermadefishn.com.au DEPARTS STOCKTON BOAT DOCK...

SYDNEY Harbour and Estuary Fishing Charters (02) 9999 2574 or 0410 633 351

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U-Make-Em Soft Plastics www.u-make-emsoftplastics.com.au Adrenalin Flies www.adrenalinflies.com.au Techni Ice www.techniice.com J Roc Tackle www.jroctackle.com.au Jayro Tackle www.jayrotackle.com.au

CHARTER BOATS BYRON COAST Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters, 0428 828 835 Sea Master Fishing Charters, (07) 5524 8849 or 0415 593 901

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ILLAWARRA COAST Sea Lady Charters 0411 024 402 Silver Star Fishing Charters (02) 4421 7462 or 0412 977 000 Shell Harbour Fishing Charters 0425 216 370

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EDEN COAST

Reel Time Fishing Charters 0428 231 962

Esprit Fishing Charters 1300 556 658

Coffs Coast Sport Fishing 0434 517 683

Freedom Charters Eden (02) 6496 1209 or www.freedomcharters.com.au

Phone: 0427 125 727 I Fax: (07) 4972 1759 michael@mikat.com.au

www.mikat.com.au SWAINS

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BATEMANS COAST Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures (02) 6495 9902 or 0400 062 504

EDEN COAST Captain Kev’s Wilderness Fishing Tours (02) 4474 3345 or 0424 625 160

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Cowra Cowra Marine Centre 29 Grenfell St Cowra Phone: (02) 6342 2904 | E:info@cowramarine.com.au Website: www.cowramarine.com.au

Sydney North Shore Shannon Outboards 3/41 Leighton Pl Hornsby Phone: (02) 9482 2638 | E:sales@shannonoutboards.com.au Website: www.shannonoutboards.com.au

Dubbo Dubbo Marine & Watersports 36 Bourke St, Dubbo Ph: 02·6882 2853 | E:bbeandel@bigpond.net.au Website: www.dubbomarine.com.au

Port Macquarie Hastings Marine 185 Hastings River Dr Port Macquarie Phone: (02) 6583 5511 | E:sales@hastingsmarine.com.au Website: www.hastingsmarine.com.au

Sydney North West TR Marine World 44 Curtis Rd McGraths Hill Phone: (02) 4577 3522 | E:sales@trmarine.com.au Website: www.trmarine.com.au

Mid North Coast Disco Marine 160 North St Grafton Ph: (02) 6643 1199 | E:sales@discomarine.com.au Website: www.discomarine.com.au

Hunter Valley Maitland Power and Marine 23 Melbourne St, East Maitland Phone: (02) 4933 3284 | E:sales@mpm.net.au Website: www.mpm.net.au

Sydney North West Watersports Marine 11 Binney Rd Kingspark Phone: (02) 9676 1400 | E:info@watersportmarine.com.au Website: www.watersportsmarine.com.au

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Sydney South Hi Tech Marine 40 Princes Hwy Albion Park Phone: (02) 4256 6135 | E:pauline@hitechmarine.com.au Website: www.hitechmarine.com.au

Batemans Bay Batemans Bay Marine 6/37 Gregory St Batemans Bay Ph: (02) 4472 7133 E: batemansbaymarine@hotmail.com

Far South Coast Merimbula Outboards 382 Sapphire Coast Dr Tura Merimbula Phone: (02) 6495 9634 | E:info@merimbulaoutboard.com.au Website: www.merimbulaoutboard.com.au Sydney West Penrith Marine 4/133 Coreen Ave Penrith Phone: (02) 4731 6250 | E:sales@penrithmarine.com.au Website: www.penrithmarine.com.au

Central Coast Insinc Marine 278 Manns Road, Gosford West Ph: (02) 4324 4300 | E:troy@insincmarine.com.au Website: www.insincmarine.com.au Northern NSW / Gold Coast Tweed Coast Marine 32 Machinery Drive, Tweed Heads South Ph: (07) 5524 8877 | E:admin@tweedcoastmarine.com.au Website: www.tweedcoastmarine.com.au

FREE HP UPGRADE SAVE UP TO $1977 ON THE 80-150HP RANGE

PLUS AN AMAZING

MERCURY FINANCE RATE

OF ONLY 4.99%

**

So get in to your nearest participating Mercury dealer or go online to check out these amazing deals and finance offers.

HURRY OFFER ENDS FEB 26, 2016. www.mercurymarine.com.au *Terms & conditions apply. Savings are based on RRP including recommended SmartCraft Kit and subject to change without notice. Prices exclude local freight charges, Fit up and local statutory charges. Offer available on selected new consumer FourStroke outboards from 80 to 150hp purchased from participating dealers from Friday 20th November until Feb 26th, 2016. Ask your participating dealer for full list of models in the program. Offer is subject to availability and engines must be 2014 build onwards and installed and registered by no later than April 30, 2016. Offer not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or rebates. **Terms, conditions and credit criteria apply, offer available over a maximum 36 month term on Motor and Repower only. The comparison rate is based on a secured loan of $30,000 for a term of 5 years at an annual percentage rate of 4.22%. The amount of credit provided to you and the term of the loan may be different to this. WARNING: The comparison rate only applies to the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Finance is provided by Mercury Finance Pty Ltd ABN 28 156 248 092. Australian Credit Licence Number 421347.