New South Wales Fishing Monthly - February 2016 by Fishing Monthly

FEBRUARY FINESSE • TOURNAMENT ANGLER GUIDE 2016

Tried and Tested

New 13 Omen Black baitcaster rod • SeaAdex 5.5m Hard Top • Robalo 260 Centre Console • Daiwa 2015 Zillion Mag Seal 1516SH •

How to

Features

Slow-pitch and micro-jig offshore • Use scent to your advantage • Kayak bass fishing in impoundments •

Tango with a Spanish mackerel • Micro-jig for kingfish • New Shok fishing app • Guide to fish handling •

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Mark Saxon of “Castaway Estuary Fishing Charters” recently started using the NEW Black Magic 4kg+ SSP™ Fibre Glide on his boat. He commented, “Mate, very impressed with the product, it has caught large quantities of bass, bream and flatties already and still looks like I just spooled up”. These two nice bream were caught by Gavin Saxon of Port Macquarie.

Wil Tippet caught this 44cm whiting just out of Portland Harbour on a Black Magic Whiting Snatcher ‘red worm’, with yabby as bait. Well done for making it into the magazine Wil. Great catch!

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Thomas White was fishing in Lake Macquarie, NSW when he landed this dusky flathead. He was using Black Magic 15lb Tough Fluorocarbon.

This 32kg cobia and impressive kingi were caught using Black Magic 60lb Tough Fluorocarbon. Alex Deacon from Raworth, NSW caught these two from a secret location.

A Black Magic 10/0 C Point® Hook was used by Clint Pavlidis to land this 33kg jewie. He says he has used our hooks for the past 2 years with a lot of success on jewfish. This one was caught in the Newcastle Harbour during low tide.

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February 2016, Vol. 21 No. 7

Contents 15

BYRON COAST The Tweed 24 Iluka 26 COFFS COAST Ballina 25 Coffs Harbour 27 Coffs Game 28 South West Rocks 29 MACQUARIE COAST The Hastings 30 Forster 31 Harrington-Taree 33 HUNTER COAST Port Stephens 34 Hunter Coast 35 Swansea 36 Central Coast 37 SYDNEY The Hawkesbury 14 Pittwater 15 Sydney North 16 Sydney Harbour 18 Sydney rock and beach 19 Sydney South 22 Botany Bay 20 ILLAWARRA COAST Illawarra 38 Nowra 39 BATEMANS COAST Batemans Bay 40 Narooma 41

From the Editor’s Desk... TIME UP FOR THE EUROPEAN CARP? At the time of print, the big news and subject for debate was the CSIRO release about them being ready to release the European carp specific modified Herpes virus, which seems to be the panacea to their omnipotence. Figures put the biomass of this introduced pest at around 80% of all life in the Murray-Darling system. If you’ve ever seen carp infested rivers and billabongs out west (and even in many eastern drainages) then you’ll likely nod and agree. Of course, being wiser from the knowledge that cane toads, lantana and prickly pear cactus weren’t getting anyone on the ‘Best Ideas of the 20th Century’ list, the agency is rightfully being overly cautious about testing the hell out of everything this virus comes in contact with to make sure

that there aren’t any unforseen impacts on other, possibly more desirable species. Reportedly the team had been working on the potential impacts for eight years. When is enough? Who knows? We’re sure only time will tell. But am I the only angler who thinks that there may be a bit of collateral damage when the carp start going belly up? If you’ve ever owned a fish tank, live bait tank or livewell, you’ll know about what impact a dead fish or two have on water quality. It goes south pretty quickly. Thousands of carp rotting along a length of shared habitat may take out the odd yellowbelly, carp or bass. Of course, we all want the end goal. Carp free waterways with increased clarity, vegetation and biomass of native fish, especially ones important to recreational anglers. As we’re usually the ones on the ground in these places,

I’m sure we’ll need to play our part when the proverbial hits the fan for Cyprinus caprio. Be prepared to spend time in your local river, hooking out dead fish when the time comes. That’s what we do – we look after our waterways. SUPERTRAWLER MAKES A STATEMENT Nobody likes being taken for a fool, but the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation has expressed disappointment and concern that the Geelong Star operators have not heeded advice from ARFF or honoured undertakings made at a meeting with the Government, Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), ARFF and the vessel operators before Christmas. This follows reports and wide spread social media outrage that the Geelong Star has been fishing the popular and iconic recreational fishing grounds off Bermagui on the South

Coast of NSW in recent days after ARFF advised them not to fish these areas. It seems like it’s gloves off. If you see the Geelong Star fishing your local grounds, take pics and post them to show your outrage. We guarantee that you’ll strike a chord with your fellow anglers. “Find the bait, find the fish,” we’ve stuck by it for years. Imagine not finding the bait. ENJOY THE TOURNAMENT GUIDE You’ll notice a bumpersized magazine this month - your Fishing Monthly includes the 2016 version of ABT’s Tournament Angler Guide. Even if you’re not a tournament angler, there’s plenty of information in there that’ll fuel your fishing passion. We hope you enjoy it!

EDEN COAST Bermagui 42 Merimbula 43 Tathra 44 Eden 44 Mallacoota 45

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NEW SOUTH WALES FISHING MONTHLY

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AUST

SPECIAL FEATURES Tango with a Spanish mackerel Kingfish micro-jigging Tournament Angler Guide 2016 Does that make scent? New Shok App Fish handling guide

REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics 79 Boating 114 Dam Levels 90 Fun Page 102 Kayak Fishing 112 Tides 122 Trade Directory 124 Tournaments 106 What’s New in Fishing 98 What’s New in Boating 118

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FRESHWATER Canberra 86 Jindabyne 87 Yarrawonga 89 Robinvale 88 Mildura 88 Batlow 90 Lithgow-Oberon 92 Hunter Valley 94 Tamworth 95 Copeton Dam 96

ING TRADE

Spanish Mackerel

Enjoy a tango with big Spaniards this summer ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

I love chasing Spanish mackerel, and coming from NSW that can sometimes prove a

don’t travel all the way down the NSW coast, with their southern most reliable point being about Port Macquarie. Some years, if the currents are favourable, a lump of fish may come down as far as Sydney – usually

supply they will stay in the same place for as long as the food lasts. They’re like the backpackers of the fish world. WHERE TO FIND THEM The good thing about mackerel is that you

easy feat. They first show up off the Tweed, often in early

Brooms Head and the Sandon River have plenty of good reefs that seem to

This is why you need wire; the sharp end of a spotty mackerel. challenge. Queenslanders have them on tap for most of the year, and at times they can even be a pest up there when chasing other species! But for us southerners, it is often a waiting game, not merely for a fish to take your bait but for the fish to actually show up. In the northern waters of New South Wales, one of the most eagerly awaited arrivals is the Spaniards, narrow-barred, snook or spotties. Call them what you like, they come in many names and sizes but one thing is for sure, they are popular. The sad thing is they

spotted Spanish mackerel. Sometimes the odd narrowbarred mackerel has even been caught as far south as Jervis Bay, but these are occasional and sporadic at best. From Port Macquarie north, they can be relied upon each year to show up when the water gets hot and the current runs hard. They are a communal fish that travel in schools often in their thousands, that can show up one day and be gone the next, only to be further up or down the coast. They do frequent favoured reefs on an annual basis, but for the most part, when they find a good food

generally don’t have to travel too far to sea to tangle with them. Unlike their cousin the wahoo that loves the open ocean, mackerel travel and feed along the inshore coastal reefs, islands and bommies – anywhere they can find baitfish. During their travels they pass close to the deeper rocky headlands and breakwalls as well. As you can see, mackerel are not just the offshore anglers’ targets but landbased anglers can get in on the mack action as well. Each year they sweat on the arrival of the mackerel, as a land-based mackerel is no

One from the archives: A slab of a mackerel taken on light gear. It emptied the spool on the first run and was totally unexpected.

Head are always worth a look before one of the most productive and popular areas along the coast, the reefs off Grassy Head and South West Rocks. When they are on the bite, there can be up to 50 boats working the area and all catching fish. Grassy Head headland itself, while not that deep produces some good land-based fishing as well. The next spot is the legendary Hat Head, where you need the combination of current and bait to catch fish. Whenthe stars align the fishing can be exceptional. Hat and Hungry heads are both very popular land-based spots that have produced many great fish over the years. Crescent Head doesn’t produce that many fish, probably due to the lack of launching facilities and land-based access, but just down the coast at Point Plomer anglers catch heaps and that is where the mackeral run seems to stop, with a few fish taken around Port Macquarie. From around late January through to late April, you would expect to have a good chance of a mackerel around any of these places. It just depends whether you want

Another Grassy Head Spanish, you never get tired of that first run.

If they are there, Geoff will catch them, either off the rocks or from the boat. Here is another victim. 8

FEBRUARY 2016

January and the 9-Mile Reef is a noted hotspot in this area. Depending on the currents, they then move down the coast with speed moving south from reef to reef. They gather over the reefs off Byron Bay, Ballina and Evans Head before hitting Yamba with Woody Head and the Bluff good places to look while the Breakwall at Iluka has produced some big fish for the shore-based anglers over the years.

produce fish from early in the summer to late winter most seasons. Next they hit the Solitary Islands and Coffs Harbour area – one of the most popular areas to chase Spanish. Specific spots are endless due to the magnificent reef systems, bommies and islands all along the coast. Many of the headlands in this area are popular for land-based anglers with the Coffs Harbour Breakwalls a standout. Sawtell and the reefs off Nambucca and Scotts

to rough it and launch off the beaches and small creeks, or fish out of the more populated areas with better facilities. For accurate GPS marks in all areas, just look up the numerous web sites, everyone has their own special spot. Not so special once it goes on the web, but they can be handy. WHAT THEY EAT Being a predator up near the top of the food chain, they eat all the standard baitfish from pilchards to

Thread line gear is adequate to handle fish up to about 15kg. small tuna, it just depends on what you want to catch and how big. Pilchards, garfish, yellowtail, slimy mackerel, pike, trevally, bonito, frigate mackerel, mac tuna and striped tuna will all work well in different situations. While slimy mackerel are a top bait for both species, there are other stand out baits. Striped sea pike are one of the best baits both alive or rigged dead, they just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t swim past them and the humble tailor is one of the better baits for big narrowbarred, particularly off the rocks. If you are chasing spotties, then slimies and pilchards will do the trick, but if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big fish you want, there are plenty of big baits. Live mackerel tuna, bonito and striped tuna are hard for big mackerel to pass up and a 25kg Spanish will make short work of a 3kg striped tuna. Keeping this in mind there are a lot of lures out there that will catch Spanish, but the further south you get the more finicky they become to the point that

Travis with another mackerel from Grassy Head, a busy place when they are on the bite.

This mackerel was picked up on a downrigger over sand when things had shut down. south of Coffs Harbour they can be a real challenge. Off the rocks the big flashy chrome slices, big

poppers and minnow type lures are the mainstay while trolling out in the boat if bait is impossible to get.

The big diving minnows are a standout with bibless minnows a close second. To page 10

FEBRUARY 2016

Spanish Mackerel From page 9

Rigged dead baits like garfish are always preferred before trying lures, and can at times be more deadly than live baits. Dead rigged small bonito and mackerel tuna are killers on the bigger fish. TACKLE Rule number one: wire is a must. I usually use a single strand of varying strength and thickness depending on where I’m fishing. You can use multistrand, but it usually only lasts one fish or even one

strike before it kinks and twists beyond repair. You won’t catch many Spanish without wire, but you may fluke one from time to time. I managed one on a single 3/0 that ate a pike I was bringing in right at the back of the boat. It was 24kg and subdued on 6kg line – sometimes you get lucky. The other 5,000 unexpected bite offs were the norm. That fish was taken on a snapper rated threadline rod, but for the bigger fish, light game tackle from 8-15kg is much easier and you can still

get a good fight. Anything heavier is probably overkill. For the spotties, a light threadline outfit or bait caster will do the job as a very big spotty would be 10kg, with 3-6kg the average. As always, the finer the line, the more strikes you will get, that goes for the wire too. Use the lightest you can, at times down to 6kg wire and 2kg line for really fussy spotties, and even then they may shy away. They can be very frustrating at their southern limits.

Hook sizes should be dictated by the bait you use and the size of the fish you

slow down when hooked. This first run is what they are renowned for and will find any

many different methods, but as always you must target your species for best results

This ripper 20kg+ fish was taken on a live garfish from Iluka Breakwall on 10kg tackle.

With heads and teeth like this, it’s no wonder they’re known as the wolves of the sea.

chase. As always, make sure that your hooks are deadly sharp as they have hard mouths full of teeth and they love to shake their head violently to rid themselves of the hook, so getting them to stay on can be difficult. The other crucial requirement is that your reel’s drag system must be silky smooth, as mackerel hit the bait at warp speed and don’t

chinks in a lumpy drag. They eventually slow with constant pressure and have a few more good runs in them, before they throw in the towel. They are not like kingfish or trevally in the slugging department, so unless they are very large fish on lighter tackle the fight is not usually extended. HOW TO Mackerel respond to so

and while spotted and narrow-barred are similar, the spotties don’t grow to nearly the size of the narrow barred, so you must scale your baits and tackle down to suit. Narrow-barred mackerel don’t always play to the rules though, and will grab a small bait fished for spotties – this is where the fun begins. To page 12

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Spanish Mackerel From page 10

The most popular method to catch spotties is to anchor down on your chosen reef, put out a live bait and berley while fishing an unweighted pilchard down the berley trail. It’s pretty simple really. Cubing with cut pilchard pieces will often bring the spotties right up to the back of the boat where you can see them grab your bait as you drift it back down the trail. Cubes of fresh tuna are even better. Live baits can be fished with or without a float, but if you use slimy mackerel, I recommended a float as

the little buggers swim all over the place and with a float you can keep an eye on where they are and adjust accordingly. A slimy mackerel, yellowtail or any live bait put out in mackerel country is a very nervous creature. Slow troll live or rigged baits over your desired spots, particularly if the fish are spread out or moving around – take your pick. For the bigger narrowbarred, larger baits are successful both live and rigged dead. Garfish in XOS sizes are effective, and small tuna exceptional, and if there are any fish

about they rarely miss. Like most fishing, the hours just prior to sunrise and sunset are prime times and this especially rings true with mackerel. During the day, they will often lay up into the current just off the bottom and sit there. You will see them on the sounder and when this happens, a down rigged bait will at times tempt them. The rest of the time they will amble about and you will see them slowly swimming in the berley trail or near the boat. They don’t swim fast all the time. When the sun is low in the sky they really switch on to hunting mode,

particularly during the evenings and some sizzling bites happen at this time. When they make up their mind that they want something, they hit fast and hard and rarely miss their target, but you will miss many fish if you don’t have at least two hooks in the bait. I have seen pros rig with up to five big trebles in a bonito or frigate mackerel and even then they sometimes miss. There are a thousand articles and books on rigs for live and dead baits, so a little homework on several will not go astray if you are chasing Spanish mackerel. Asking the locals or the

local tackle shop is always a good way to get the heads up on any location and buying something at the shop or a beer with the locals always helps.

flesh is just too good to get warm. Ciguatera poisoning can sometimes be a result of eating an affected mackerel, and south of the

Sometimes spotties take big baits meant for bigger fish. EATING When you do manage to catch one and get it in the boat, dispatch it quickly as a thrashing mackerel is a very dangerous thing. The pointy end has razor sharp teeth that can inflict more than a nasty wound. Place it on ice as the

border this is rare, but does happen. As a general rule, fish under 10kg are usually a pretty safe bet. Armed with this information, you may soldier forth and crack that first Spanish. Once you do, you will get mackerel fever and always crave one more.

A striped pike brought this one undone – Spanish just love them. 12

FEBRUARY 2016

Testing Booth

13 Omen Black baitcaster rod CAIRNS

Garry Smith garrysmith@fishingmonthly.com.au

I was excited when I unpacked the latest rod from the 13 Omen stable – the 13 Omen Black OB2CA6MM 6’0” baitcaster. It looked great and felt instantly comfortable in my hand.

suited my luring style, as I like to feed the line through my thumb and index finger when retrieving – as per baitfishing. The first chance to wave the Omen Black in anger came while fishing off the rocks north of Cairns, so I switched to an old Daiwa CVZ 253A, loaded with 30lb Power Pro Super 8 Slick braid. I often have to

cast. I managed 5-10m further with every cast. The good thing is I had a legitimate comparison, as everything from the reel to the lure through to the wind direction was exactly the same as when I last fished at this same spot. The only variable was the rod. The other thing that dawned on me with time was that I had no overruns.

A few casts with the Prawn Star Gold produced the first of many fish on the Omen Black – a 44cm coral trout. Off to a great start! I immediately fitted my Daiwa Luna 253, loaded with 30lb braid and 40lb leader, even though it was a bit above the line recommendations for this model at 6-12lb. The extra length in the cork butt looked ideal for my style of double-handed casting, and the reduced diameter in the middle of the cork meant it would tuck very comfortably under the armpit when retrieving lures. The short front grip

wade up to my neck getting to my favourite rock and back to shore, and I didn’t want to dunk my brand new Luna. The Evolve Engage reel seat on the Omen Black is superbly designed, and reels can be changed very quickly, without the need to find a pair of multi-grips. The reel can be removed and a new one bedded down firmly by hand. I was instantly impressed with the Omen Black, right from the first

I would average an overrun every 5-10 casts with my usual rod and have to consciously thumb the spool every cast, to minimise overruns. I put this down to the smoother runners on the Omen Black. The ALPS guides with zirconia inserts are a definite winner! Another plus was the extra 6” of rod length, which meant another foot of leader, which is significant in the ‘sudden death’ environment of

The Omen Black easily handled this superb bar-cheek trout that smashed a soft plastic along the drop-off on Gould Island.

rocks, barnacles, oyster and coral that I fished. I really like the slightly longer cork butt, which means I naturally tuck it under my armpit when luring, using my preferred, baitfishing finger position. This is important because I regularly encounter barra and golden snapper off the rocks, and they hit hard! When I switched from using a ZMan DieZel MinnowZ soft plastic, rigged on a 1/3oz homemade weedless jighead, to a PrawnStar Gold, I changed to a thumb over the reel grip and found the rod grip excellent for this style of luring. It makes it much easier to retrieve using a multiple short jerk and rest action, ideally suited to prawn style lures. A few casts with the PrawnStar Gold produced the first of many fish on the Omen Black – a 44cm coral trout. I was off to a great start! Another feature I took an instant liking to is the heavy-duty hook mount in front of the reel seat. The Evolve snag-less hook keeper is another winner. I usually don’t use hook mounts to attach a lure, as I find them to be flimsy, so I’ve always preferred to use the mount of the first runner instead. Overall, the OB2CA6MM did a great job but I felt it was a bit light for the type of fishing I do, so I bought the heavier OB2CA6MH model, which is recommended for 3/8oz1oz lures and 10-20lb line. It has the power to handle serious fish but enough finesse to flick 1/3oz jigheads very accurately, and to cast a significant distance when required. Like all high-end blanks, the 30 ton Japanese Toray blanks with PVG (poly vector graphite) technology

The very first fish to the boat was an 85cm golden trevally, of approximately 8kg. need to be treated with respect, so if you are a crash-and-bash fisho, they are not for you. I headed down to the Johnstone River, in Innisfail, with a couple of mates for its first field test and once again, what a start! The very first fish to the boat was an 85cm golden trevally, of approximately 8kg. What a workout from the first fish! It towed us all over the river and took over 15 minutes to subdue. The Omen Black handled the battle superbly, though I would have liked about

another 3cm of length on the synthetic grip in front of the reel seat, especially in the last half of the fight. I have tested both rods almost exclusively luring, which is pretty much all I do nowadays. They have accounted for numerous golden snapper, barra, jacks and coral trout, with a sprinkling of other species. Both rods are superb but I certainly prefer the heavier OB2CA6MH for chasing barra, jacks and golden snapper, which are my main target species.

What a workout from the first fish! The golden trevally towed us all over the river and took over 15 minutes to subdue. FEBRUARY 2016

Headlands turn on amazing fishing this month THE HAWKESBURY

Dan Selby dan@sydneysportfishing.com.au

What a great season we’ve had so far on the Hawkesbury! Warm water pushed on shore in January, and with it came some spectacular fishing. Mixed bags of kingfish, bonito, tailor and salmon have been common, and we’ve also seen the odd northern visitor like spotted mackerel and cobia to name a couple. The kingfish should still be lurking around the headlands and into Pittwater this month. Live baits of squid and yakkas are the most consistent producers, but fresh strips of squid or fish fillets like fresh caught bonito floated down a berley trail will also work. Back into the river and the options are endless. There’s everything from bream, whiting, flathead and bass on surface lures and soft plastics. You can also troll up some pelagics using a downrigger or the standard flat lining, and the age old favourite method of soaking a bait. Take your pick as all these techniques seem to produce results at present. The mulloway have been active in the lower reaches, with good catches coming from the bridges and Flint and Steel. The smaller soapy mulloway have invaded the upper reaches from Spencer to Wisemans. Fresh and live prawns have been the standout bait. This month should see some of the bigger models move upstream to feed before winter sets in. Large live, whole and cut baits will get you in the game for a large mulloway. I prefer to target reef edges, but the many deep corners and rock walls are all worth a go at this time of year. The flathead have spread out this year. Even with several small

Bream, although not abundant in numbers, are still being found as far up as Dargle. freshes there are still good populations above lower Portland. The school prawns are why these guys are have stuck it out. Sound out a drop-off or two and either anchor or hold ground with an electric motor. Present these fish with soft plastics, hardbodies and blades. For best results be sure to make regular contact with the bottom. If you baitfish up this high in the system, eels can be a problem. One method to reduce the frequency of eels coming to the boat is to actively fish your baits like you would a soft plastic. Cast up past the boat, allow your bait to reach the bottom and then slowly hop it off the bottom and feed a bit of line back as it drifts past you. This will reduce the amount of unwanted pest species and put you in with a shot at a decent predatory species like flatties, bass and EPs. Bream have also been caught lately, as far up as

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Good mulloway can be caught in the lower reaches this month using live baits and lures. Fish structure an hour either side of the tide change. If all goes well we should see some good catches of bream in the next few months leading into winter as in previous seasons, where they smack out bigger lures aimed at mulloway. The bass have kept plenty of locals happy, with double figure catches on most outings. Surface lures have worked a treat this year. I put this down to the Christmas beetle and cicada hatches spurred on

by frequent rain events. S u b s u r f a c e presentations of spinnerbaits and shallow crankbaits are great to have on hand if the bass aren’t keen to come to the surface. Purple/black, white/chartreuse and red/ black are my preferred spinnerbait colours in the Hawkesbury. As for the crankbaits, most colours will score fish but it’s hard to go past purple, pink or gold for consistency.

Flathead are still well spread throughout the system. Using your sounder and some sinking lures like soft plastics and blades will help you find the action. Dargle. Although not a common capture this far up, they certainly do cover the ground to find a feed. The Skeletons have been producing the odd bream as well but the rock walls up around Wisemans Ferry are where the bulk of the action is at present. Small soft plastics and crankbaits that get down to around 2m are yielding good results. The oyster leases in Berowra

and Mooney Mooney Creek also hold good concentrations of 1kg+ bream. Extracting them is another story though. Use small surface lures like poppers and stickbaits on the flats and in some of the smaller feeder creeks use cicada imitations to target bream. It’s a very visual and exciting form of fishing, and it’s something I can’t get enough of lately.

Kingfish are on the headlands and inside Pittwater. You’ll need to cover lots of ground to find active fish to get results this season.

Hot holiday fishing PITTWATER

Peter Le Blang plfishfingers@bigpond.com

Over the last couple of weeks the fishing along Pittwater has been a little tricky for those chasing kingfish, but great if you are prepared to cover ground drifting and trying for flathead.

If you are going to try from the shore along Pittwater or one of its many wharves remember to bring some berley with you, and make sure that you wash down the wharf when you are finished. When fishing off a wharf it’s important to try to attract fish to where you are. Flathead and baitfish will be attracted to the berley. A soft plastic

This prime bait can be the difference between catching a kingfish or going home with none. The size of the flathead this year has been great and I hope it will continue. Flathead are a great species because anyone can catch them without any fancy fishing gear or too much knowledge. All you have to know is that they prefer a sandy or muddy bottom to bury themselves into so they can ambush passing prey. If you have a boat the areas to try at the moment are the sand bars in the bays along Pittwater. Cast soft plastics on the sand bar on the rising tide and into the holes at the front of the sand bars on the dropping tide. A great bay to start is Careel Bay towards the moorings. If you want to drift an area, the better spot at the moment is the drop-off from Palm Beach ferry wharf to Mackerel Beach. This long drop-off is a large area to cover but is definitely worth the effort and time. The shallows in front of the Palm Beach Golf course is another cracker area for those who want shallow water to fish.

worked up the berley trail will see a few caught, as will a well-cast baited hook. The kings along Pittwater have been fixated on the small, clear baitfish that seem to be abundant along the river at the moment. On flat mornings the schools of kings can be seen slurping baitfish off the surface and are hard to tempt with anything except a well-placed fly. The only other way we’ve had success in that situation is when downrigging live squid in the same area that the fish are working. The key is to downrig the squid in the upper section of water and to extend the drop back to about 8m behind the downrigger clip. The best depth has depended on water visibility, but as a general rule about 3m down will see your bait in the strike zone. This next week or two should see the kings starting to feed more readily on live squid and yellowtail as the small fry get eaten. We have been catching most of our kings at Towlers Bay and Careel Bay. Once again, the birds give away the kings’ location but be careful not to deploy your squid bait too quickly. There are schools of small chopper tailor in the same areas so be careful what you send out to the feeding frenzy. Catching a squid or two has been easier than in previous months, and most weed beds see a few squid actively chase jigs. The better colours to use at the moment seem to be orange or pink in the cloth jigs, and multi-coloured patterns in the hardbodied ones. Don’t forget

Geoff with one of those co-operative Pittwater kingfish. to use a smear of scent on the jig if the squid are playing hard ball. It’s also important to have a jig in the 2g size in case the squid still won’t play the game. The better areas this month are the same as last month. You can find a few squid at The Basin, Currawong Beach, Mackerel Beach and near the ferry wharf at Palm Beach. Along the coast there are kingfish on most headlands south of Avalon. There has been the odd big kingfish encountered but they don’t seem to stay in the same area for long. Once again this month you’ll have to go through a lot of undersized kings before you encounter a larger model, but the fun is in the hunt! The better bait has been live yellowtail, and when the kings are on you’ll find that monster yellowtail are needed to get past the small, greedy kings that are willing to choke on a bait almost half their size. On the flat mornings poppers have also worked, and I don’t know of a more exciting way to catch kingfish. Those surface takes are enough to get anyone’s adrenalin pumping for the morning. I hope this report sees you grabbing the kids and getting

out on the water to enjoy our wonderful part of the world. • Peter Le Blang operates Harbour and Estuary

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Some excellent fish are on at the moment SYDNEY NORTH

Darren Thomas

The late summer water temperatures have finally arrived and here’s hoping they will stay around a bit longer than in previous years. Some excellent fish are on at the moment, with this season proving to be another good

OceanHunter Sportsfishing during a kingfish session when the guys headed out to Long Reef with a tank full of live bait. Matt dropped one over the side and his reel started screaming. The mako attacked the bait, managing to dislodge the hook only for it to become foul hooked in its tail. After a quick couple of photos the shark was released.

good fish caught for the day. Plenty of rogue kings are on our local reefs and headlands at the moment and it will stay like this for a few months yet. On the lure side, stickbaits of the hard and soft variety are working a treat. So too are micro jigs in the deeper water. It pays to be prepared so try a few different methods. Once the bite starts kings will

Anthony Ball with a Long Reef snapper.

Matt Young released this mako shark after a couple of quick photos. one both inside our bays and offshore. This month we can expect all manner of species to be caught. Matthew Young hooked a small mako shark fishing with

Beau Worthington headed out to Newport Reef chasing kings and came up solid on a good size model. Yakkas and squid were the baits of choice, with some

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often take all sorts of different offerings cast in their direction. Anthony Ball and Brennan Webster fished out off Long Reef at the 35m mark chasing snapper, and live baiting slimy mackerel. The guys had a terrific session on the reds, landing fish up to 76cm on their 20lb outfits. It’s a great time to get into these fish at the moment, with plenty of smaller plate-sized models also on the chew. Snapper are frequently targeted in winter out here on the north side but some cracker fish are regularly caught during our warmer months on baits, plastics and jigs. Preferable plastics are the big Squidgies and Gulps. Inchikustyle bottom jigs (basically a knife jig attached to a skirt) like the Shimano Bottom Ship also catch their share. Most of our estuary waters have something on offer for all anglers at the moment, and the likes of chasing that one big fish and hooking it up certainly can happen as Andrew Kingston found out. Andrew and a few mates hit the Hawkesbury searching for the mulloway of a lifetime, and it wasn’t long before the pick was down and some big squid were sent to the depths. Big baits often mean big fish, and that was certainly true in this case. A big mulloway wolfed the bait and was subdued on the heavy kit. The fish weighed in at 32kg with a total length of 146cm – a cracker fish. This month we can expect the mahimahi (dolphinfish) to fire up as they’ve been a little quiet this season and have arrived late with the warm water. These guys will

take everything, from livies to strips through to jigs, plastics and hardbodies. I use the element of surprise to catch these fish. While some anglers will troll straight past the FAD, I prefer to drift down upon it with the motor off and my biggest live bait in the water. I’m looking to pick off the biggest mahimahi around with this method.

The local inshore reefs will hold a few teraglin this month so big baits are on the cards. Davey Saunders and Mark Ratcliffe landed four fish up to 91cm on whole butterflied slimy mackerel. A few trag also took micro jigs, with the Storm Koika jigs and the Austackle Shrimp Jig in the 74g size the two most successful lures.

There’s plenty of bait available in the harbour at the moment. The slimies have moved in and can be caught at The Fridge near Chinamans Beach and at the Centurion Wreck off Quarantine. Big yakkas are also available at these two spots so be sure to have some size 6 bait jigs as the size 10 is a little small for these bigger baitfish.

Andrew Kingston and the boys with a monster Hawkesbury mulloway.

Beau Worthington with a kingfish from Newport Reef.

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Nothing beats giant kingfish in the Harbour SYDNEY HARBOUR

Craig McGill craig@fishabouttours.com.au

February is a great month to nail some big kings in the harbour. They are back from their spawning run

Hole, the Cakes and Shark Island should hold the big ones. Squid baits are a must and you should find plenty around the deeper kelp beds on the lower harbour. While the salmon won’t be around in numbers much after February, this

to a size that is easy to match with a lure, and the warm water has them feeding in overdrive. You will find them well inside the Harbour, North Harbour and occasionally even up Middle Harbour. This season has

sand flats, and if you’re fishing from the shore, cast along the banks (instead of as far as you can towards the middle). Around 80% of bream I have taken, come from water less than 4ft deep. Bream will eat pretty much everything that’s fresh, and plenty of stuff that isn’t. They are opportunists, but this doesn’t mean that they won’t actively hunt live prey. Examination of a bream’s stomach contents will nearly always reveal shell grit, particularly in the bigger specimens. I was cleaning a good-sized bream the other day at Berowra and found only a yellowish pasty substance

fish flesh pieces. I stress fresh for all of the above. You can also use prawns, yabbies, worms, pipis and black crabs. Tackle for bream can be as simple as a handline, and I know people who still prefer this method. More common these days is a rod and reel combo matched for 4-6kg line. The Baitrunner style of reel became very popular in the 90s among the majority who prefer to let their bream run before striking. This system allows the angler to let the fish run straight off the spool while the bail remains closed. A quick flick of the lever, the spool is engaged, and you are in direct contact with the fish.

swivel on the main line with a trace of about 0.5m of 6kg line finished off with a size 4 to 1\0 hook depending on the bait being used. You should only use enough lead to hold bottom. Very often no lead at all will prove the most effective. Lure fishing for bream is also very popular and it seems to work better in some areas than others. The most productive areas are the shallow muddy spots where the water clarity is very low, such as the upper reaches of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers. Both trolling and casting are equally effective, and once again over the shallows at high tide will produce best

Big kings are suckers for live squid. and hungry for big squid. The classic spots like Old Mans Hat, the Watsons

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produced some great bream fishing for bait and lure fishers alike. Bream are found right throughout the system from the freshwater reaches right down to the ocean washes around the heads. Bream source the bulk of their feed on the intertidal zone. This means that, in general, the most productive sessions will be had on high tide and in shallow water. Just think about where and when you collect your prime bream baits. Yabbies, worms and pipis are all collected on the sand or mud flats at low tide. Black crabs and oysters are also collected at low tide around the rocky foreshores. We access these creatures at low tide but the bream can only access them at high tide, and that is where you will find the fish, especially early in the morning, late in the afternoon and at night. Don’t be scared to get your boat right up over the

Salmon will be at their best this month. in its stomach. I had no idea what it was until I found a small label stuck to one piece with ‘Jarls’ printed on it – it was half of the Jarlsberg cheese label. The only problem was that we hadn’t been using cheese for either bait or berley. Top bream baits include mullet and chicken gut, skirt steak, chicken breast fillet, prawns and

I don’t let the fish run. I find I get more positive hook-ups by either striking immediately or just leaving the rod in the holder and letting the fish hook itself. A light threadline or baitcasting outfit capable of holding 200m of 4kg matched to a light spinning rod about 1.8m would be ideal. My rig consists of a running sinker above a

results. The best lures are usually small and brightly coloured. Small suspending jigs are the most versatile if you are casting to structure, while small minnow lures are best for trolling. • If you are interested in doing a guided fishing trip on Sydney harbour with Craig McGill please call 0412 918 127 or email craig@fishabout.com.au.

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The Harbour has experienced one of its best bream seasons for many years.

Finding new snapper spots SYD ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com

February is a peak month for a range of species. You can get snapper in the washes and by distance casting, kings off the ocean rocks and in our fantastic estuaries, and a mixed bag off our beaches with the usual suspects like whiting, tailor, sharks and mulloway. Just some of the exciting things happening off the shore around Sydney! The snapper in particular are in good numbers, with good reddies in the washes and distance casting to

spot to spot and looked very closely at the wash structure and decided to fish some smaller washes at the correct compass bearing direction to the location I was fishing. After some trial and error I fished three new washes for this species. On the third one, while fishing with variable ball sinker sizes, I felt that distinct snapper ‘whack, whack.’ The rod tip loaded up but damn – missed the first bite! My heart was racing, and I continued the berley in very consistent, small amounts. About 20 minutes later the rod tip loaded up and the 5.5kg line was running from my spool at a fairly fast pace with the fish

Billy Panagiotopoulos with his first whaler shark off the beach. Often caught as a mulloway bycatch, they are great sport and great on the plate as well. They’ll be available until about May. the gravel/sand patches on a lot of our headlands. Fairly recently I had some time off from chartering. You may wonder why a full-time guide would want to go out for a fish. The answer is simple: to experiment, explore and advance. Besides, I love fishing so I try and do it as often as possible! I love the anticipation of catching my favourite species, being challenged during complex situations and the adventure of finding new spots at my local. Yes, you heard right: new spots for specific species after 37 years of fishing Sydney rock and beach fishing. I was at Barrenjoey Head and was trying to fish a snapper spot but found it to be just slightly too rough. I had a look from a high vantage point from

making a 15-20m run. I had that distinct bounce of a good snapper. Woohoo, a good red! I continued to play it out and got that distinct line dart when it was only a few metres out, going from left to right with the head shakes. Then the snapper surfaced in close, and I got the cloth quickly around the fish and put it into my carry bag. It was a good fish, well over the 50cm mark. What a way to start off at my new found wash! Several casts later I got another in the mid 40s and a few salmon as well. It just goes to show there is still adventure on our great ocean rocks around Sydney! Some suggested spots around the northern suburbs ocean rocks are Barrenjoey’s south face near the point, North

Whale Point, Bangalley near St Michaels Cave, Turrametta Head near the old pipe and North Curl Curl. These are the more recent spots for a snapper. There is a combination of distance and wash fishing options at these locations. Use pillies, squid strips, bottle squid when you can get them, or salted stripy or slimy mackerel. KINGFISH The kings are finally on. There were stacks of undersized fish around in December and January with only a handful of legal, medium-to-large fish around. It seems that the harbour has had a good run lately. Chowder Head and Georges Head have produced a few kings in that 65-75cm size, with some larger ones lost. I recommend a 15kg outfit as a minimum. Sea gars on gangs or a two hook snelled rig are good options. When it comes to plastics, I’ve had good results on 9” Slapstix in red/white and white. Off the ocean rocks try Bluefish Point and the Hat at the Quarantine wall. South Curl Curl has also produced some fish. BEACHES The beaches have a good population of whaler sharks in that 0.8-1.3m size range. Generally it’s mulloway anglers who encounter them. A few good mulloway to 11kg have been caught off the beaches. Typically you’ll catch a lot of sharks before you get a mulloway bite. Use live baits like sand mullet caught in Narrabeen or Queenscliff lagoon. You can catch sand mullet on white bread and a no 10 to 12 hook with a berley trail. Ducks can be a problem scoffing into the berley. It seems that the mullet are well aware of them, and you can have ducks in the berley trail and mullet feeding in among them. To catch some mullet, fish either un-weighted or with a small pencil type float with a tiny split shot – just enough to make the float stand up and be weighted enough so it’s not too buoyant. An aerator with a 15-20L bucket with a clip-on lid and a little hole just large enough to push the aerator hose through with an aerator stone will suffice. A rod suitable for 2-3kg line with a whippy tip and an Alvey or spinning reel suitable for 2-3kg line is all you need. Ideally you’ll get the opportunity to catch them before you go fishing in the evening. The whiting have tapered off a little but they

are still consistently caught on virtually every beach. Manly, Dee Why, Collaroy, Narrabeen and Warriewood have been good lately. In recent weeks conditions have been favourable, with minimal kelp and some good gutter formations. All that can change though. Blood worms are best, but beach worms and pink nippers also catch their share. Plenty of tailor have been caught on ganged pillies at these beaches. Most are in the chopper size but they’re great for live bait, slab bait or on the pan or smoker. Sensational tucker! It pays to have a readymade pack of whatever you want to fish for in your car or just sitting at home. As soon as you get home from work you can pick up the pack with your lures, bait and whatever

Up and down the coast there are lots of great snapper washes for the angler willing to get out there to find them.

Aerick Lee’s PB snapper of 59cm was caught while distance casting. It’s always great to see a client go out on their own and catch one of their favourite fish. else you need and go for a quick, cheeky fish. Even better if you have the gear in the car! You’ll want an esky with some cold packs and frozen bait, or fresh bait wrapped in newspaper,

plus your pre-packed tackle and a change of clothes. Then you can drive straight to your favourite spot. It’s that easy! • For rock and beach guided fishing or tuition

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Be patient, the fish will find you BOTANY BAY

Gabe Quercigrosse gabeandgabe@bigpond.com

This month’s report will cover the entrance to the Georges River and surrounding areas which at this time of year fish particularly well for most estuarine species. TOWRA POINT This point was once graced with an abundance of ribbon weed growth but is fast becoming a very shallow sand flat. This has created different tidal movements of the bay, and some of our good fishing spots have completely gone from this point. The sand flats however, do produce flathead, whiting and bream on the making tides. I would regard early morning fishing as the optimum time and live bloodworms, nippers and Hawkesbury prawns serve as the top baits. Crabs are there but not as plentiful as in previous years due to the lack of weed growth.

TOWRA DEEP Towra Deep is 150m south of the red channel marker right out in the middle of the entrance to the Georges River. This area is on mussel beds and fishes best by day on both tides. It can be a real hotspot on its day, with most bread and butter species found there. A long trace rig works particularly well in this area. TOWRA WIDE Best fished on the last three hours of the run-out tide by day for tarwhine, bream, whiting, trevally and flathead in line with Towra Deep and directly behind the red markers and 300m wide of Towra Point itself. It can produce good size schools of mulloway and pan-size reddies on local octopus legs. TAYLOR BAR This bar at times can become very treacherous and rough in adverse conditions, with the best fishing to be had from the shore. Excellent fish are caught on bloodworms and nippers. On calm days it is a very good drifting spot.

The bar extends well out to the channel marker and is a good spot for flathead, flounder and whiting. Taylor Bar is on the western side of the entrance to Georges River. STINK POT This little bay southwest of Towra Point is, in part, an oyster lease. It is very close to the marine park in this area so take care not to overstep this mark. During February you can get good flathead, big bream and both mud and blue swimmer crabs. A shallow draft boat is suggested here and it’s only accessible half tide up. It is a real hotspot and is best fished at night with a small running sinker to the hook. PELICAN POINT FLATS AND LEASES This is another spot that is building up with sand and can only be fished on the high tide for any worthwhile catches. The usual array of estuary species are caught here. You can collect pink and green nippers on this flat at low tide.

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Just off the shallow marker pole good jackets are available, and mulloway and trevally often take a bait on both tides. This can be a nasty area with a falling tide and a north wind blowing. Anglers often fish the drop-off near the cardinal marker for reasonable bags of luderick using quill floats on light tackle and good weed. A fresh squid bait at night often picks up a mulloway or large bream. SOUTHERN END OF CAPTAIN COOK BRIDGE This is a favourite landbased fishing spot in a southerly wind. To get there, take old Taren Point Road, which goes to the old ferry ramp off Box Road. There are limited parking spots so make sure your vehicle is parked wisely. Cast towards the first pylon off the bridge. Fish as light as possible. There are nice weed patches which attract luderick and bream. The old ramp is often used to launch kayaks, canoes and small tinnies but it can be very slippery on the low tide, so take care. ST GEORGE SAILING CLUB FLATS This is one of my favourite spots in the river and at times produces the largest whiting in the system. I have caught elbow slappers to 1kg and excellent bream. The best time to fish here is at dusk with the last two hours of the outgoing tide and the first two hours of the rising tide. Live nippers are dynamite and the bloodworm dominate the scene here. There are three green channel markers close by and the best method is to line each one with the club with approximately 50m north of each one the desired

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FEBRUARY 2016

Mick got these nice whiting in Port Hacking recently. distance. The depth of water is variable and the terrain contains cockles, shail and mussels. Move around this area until you find the fish. The action should continue until the end of March. CAPTAIN COOK BRIDGE I have written about this spot many times and it never ceases to amaze me the amount of fish taken from this area. Firstly, the bridge offers excellent fishing on both tides from a boat. Fish as close to the bridge pylons as possible. The deepest channel is both sides of the third pylon from the northern side and the famous Jew Hole is 150m west of the bridge. It is essential to berley near the slack water period as this will attract the fish to your boat. If you’re fishing at night, make sure you comply with all regulations as it’s a very popular area with plenty of boats moving around. A landing net is a must, and the top baits are bloodworms, nippers, Hawkesbury prawns, local prawns and fresh strips of squid. SAN SOUCI RESERVE This reserve is on the northern side of the Captain Cook Bridge and parking is available. This spot is an excellent area to take the kids out for a few hours in safety, and there is great opportunity to fish the Reserve wall, old ferry ramp, the discarded Fisheries wharf and the wharf next to the police station. While there may not be a lot of fish taken, the more experienced fishos always manage to take home a feed. Small fry such as yellowtail and tailor are there for the taking, and there is always a good chance of

bream and flathead. Plenty of octopus are available from the Reserve wall, and the nearby Rocky Point pontoon is a haven for squid jiggers and yellowtail seekers. I’ve covered all of the main fishing grounds within a few kilometres of each other and if fished correctly there is no reason why you can’t take a good feed home. Still, I stress the fact that it’s time to start looking for new spots in the bay and look for locations which may increase our catches in the future. With the aid of the new Navionics app on my iPhone, I have found new trenches, sand flats, deep holes, structures, reefs, weed corridors and potential opportunities which need to be investigated. Over the next few months I’ll try to cover all these possibilities and report on the outcome. While we are looking into new apps in our iPhone I recommend Total Fishing. Total Fishing is a comprehensive app that covers all your needs in a small package, and is sure to satisfy even the most hardcore angler. JANUARY RESULTS Plenty of trevally were taken at Molineaux Point, mainly from No. 156 and 157 marked on the retaining wall. The drums in the middle of the bay also provide excellent spots to find kingfish. Although most of them were undersize, the odd few legal ones were taken on white and pink Slapstix. Both sides of the oil wharf are productive for tailor at night. Float and suspend pilchard baits under a bobby cork to get into a few. A few small sharks were also sighted but not landed. The downriggers fared very well with larger kings taken along the front of Cape

Banks all the way past Shaky, Julienne and close to Long Bay. If you attempt this type of fishing, it’s vital to have at least one experienced crew member who knows what to expect and how to go about landing a big king – otherwise you will lose most fish. Live squid are the best bait, with squid strips coming in a close second. The Californian squid readily available from most bait shops also work well. I’ve heard reports of good tailor trolled along the main wall and Yarra Bay early in the morning. The odd salmon has been around too, but I recommend trolling a little deeper as these fish don’t stay on the surface for too long. The hot water outlet at Kurnell has been inconsistent, with chopper tailor taken at night on floating pillies near the full moon period. Pilchards floated on ganged hooks have worked the best. The artificial reefs in Congwong have provided plenty of slimy mackerel, and while they provide a bit of sport, they also make great bait and aren’t bad on the plate if smoked in a bit of hickory dust. Bream have shown up in good numbers, and have been taken around the Sticks, Silver Beach, the Towra weed corridors, the Logs and the Patches. There are some decent specimens among them, with the odd fish nudging the 1kg mark. Live nippers have been the most effective bait, and the best method has been to anchor and give your berley plenty of time to work. If you haven’t got the time to make your

forget to retrieve it when you’re moving, otherwise you’ll have no berley. It has been a great month for mulloway, with Captain Cook Bridge and Tom Uglys delivering fish to 6kg. Como Bridge has also offered up fish over 1m. Not far away, the stretch upstream from the bridge to Gungah Point has provided plenty of activity as well. Land-based, it’s hard to go past the rock wall near the Big Dipper at Picnic Point and the deep hole near the railway bridge and Picnic Point. Plenty of prawns have been scooped up at Coolum Beach, Cattle Duffers Flats, Burrawang Reserve, Lake Gillawarna Beach and the Mickeys Point to Alfords Point stretch. Cooks River has been a little quiet, but school mulloway have been on the prowl under the March Street Bridge and between the moored boats near the road bridge at Kyeemagh. I’ve heard a story about two anglers fishing from the wharf at Greenwell Point at 11pm, who were approached by a male person who asked, “What are you fishing for?” “Mulloway,” they replied. “What bait are you using?” “Tailor.” Straight away they were presented with a Fishing Inspector’s authority card and asked to pull the baits in, which resulted in the issue of infringement notices for possession of undersize tailor. It shows that you need to observe the rules no matter what time of day or night it is.

Some bream caught at the Go Fishing Day held at Kurnell recently. recipe, the new Gotcha berley logs are ideal. All you need is a keeper net. Place the log inside it and hang it over the side, and this will last for around four hours. Don’t

FEBRUARY PREDICTIONS The bream run will continue and the size will increase. I expect the schools to move in the 4m depth

along Silver Beach and be targeted during the incoming tide. A little patience is needed, but the fish will find you. Bream will also be available from Douglas Park flats to the sailing club during the last of the run-out tide. Live nippers will entice the fish best. The stretch from Tom Uglys to Como Bridge will also be good, with the deeper parts of the channel the most likely locations. Plenty of bream will be on the chew in the upper reaches of the Woronora River upstream of the Neales Inlet foot bridge, with the western shoreline the hotspot all the way to Shacklers and Needles. Small black crabs are the dynamite bait for larger bream, and if you’re using plastics I recommend the bloodworm Wriggler. If you’re going offshore, look no further than the 40-50m mark between Botany Heads and Cape Banks. This is surely the most consistent ground for sand and bluespot flathead between 45-55cm in length. The golf tee in front of the green tank at Kurnell is a good starting place. Cocktail baits of prawns and squid or pilchards will do the job here, and if things are a little quiet, move to the pinnacle in 53m just a few hundred metres northeast for a feed of morwong, reddies and nannygai. Hargreaves Reef, a little wider out, is the place to try if you’re after a feed of snapper. This flat reef isn’t fished much these days but it’s a real hotspot during February. Alternatively, you can go just wide of the Wedding Cake Island at Coogee for a feed of reds or kings. Although this is not part of my designated area, I have to mention the excellent run of bass in the Nepean River. Most readers would know I have a tackle shop at Narellan, which is very close to the Nepean River, and the latest reports of bass catches would make anyone sit up and take notice. Douglas Park to Menangle Weir, the foot bridge at Elderslie, the grove bridge at Kirkham, Cobbitty Weir and Wallacia Bridge have all produced catches of up to 40cm per session. The best times have been early in the morning and late in the afternoon or night, with the barometric pressure over 1015 hectopascals. Water temperatures over 22°C are desirable, and soft shell cicadas in the darker colours have been simply irresistible. • For all your fishing needs, as well as the latest info on what’s biting, drop into Gabe’s Boating and Fishing at Narellan (4/1A Somerset Ave), or Silvania (268/264276 Princes Hwy). You can also call them on (02) 4647 8755 or (02) 9522 5100 respectively, or visit the website at www.gbaf.com.au.

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FEBRUARY 2016

25 hot spots in Sydney SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

I love going for a fish at any time of the year, but February is one of my favourite months of the year to fish. It’s a time when you can expect

to tangle with whiting, bream, dart and flathead off the beach; bream, trevally, drummer, luderick, salmon and tailor off the rocks; and bream, whiting, trevally, dusky flathead, luderick, tailor, salmon, kingfish, and mulloway in the bays and rivers. It’s a great

time to chuck a line in. To give you a head start on where to go during February, here are my recommendations for both land-based and boatbased anglers. ESTUARY SHORE 1. Brighton-Le-Sands to Dolls Point would be worth a shot using pink nippers, blood worms, strips of mullet or tuna and half pilchards for bream, flathead, flounder and whiting. 2. The Cooks River breakwall for tailor, trevally, bream, flathead, whiting and luderick. 3. The Silver Beach groynes at Kurnell for tailor, bream, whiting, trevally and leatherjackets. 4. Bald Face Point on

The Alley at Cronulla Beach is worth a shot for bream and whiting. Use nippers, beach worms or blood worms on a falling tide.

Tailor can make a mess of those soft plastics, so you may like to try using small metal lures.

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the northern side of the Georges River for bream, dusky flathead, mulloway and whiting. 5. The end of Forrest Road at Lugarno for bream, dusky flathead and the odd whiting and mulloway. ESTUARY BOAT 1. Trevally Alley on the northern side of Botany Bay for kingfish, bream, whiting, pan-size snapper, bonito, dusky flathead and of course trevally. 2. The southern side drop-off on the Bare Island bombora for kingfish, bream, whiting, pan-size snapper, bonito, dusky flathead, bonito, tailor, salmon and trevally. 3. The Como Bridge for bream, dusky flathead, whiting and mulloway. 4. Bonnet Bay in the Woronora River for bream, whiting and dusky flathead. 5. The entrance to the Salt Pan Creek in the George River bream, whiting and dusky flathead.

OFFSHORE BOAT 1. Jibbon Bombora for kingfish, snapper, trevally, bream, tarwhine, bonito, tailor and salmon. 2. Osborne Shoals kingfish, snapper, trevally, bream, tarwhine, bonito, tailor and salmon. 3. The Hump off Stanwell Park for snapper, morwong, trevally and the odd sand flathead around the edges. 4. The Peak for kingfish, snapper and morwong. 5. The 40-50m mark east of the Wedding Cake Island off Coogee for kingfish, s na pper, tarw hine, morwong and bonito. ROCKS 1. North Bondi Rock for bream, trevally, luderick, tailor and salmon. 2. Kurnell Peninsula for luderick, trevally, bream, tarwhine, snapper, tailor and salmon. 3. Jibbon Point for luderick, trevally, bream, tarwhine, snapper, tailor and salmon. 4. North Garie Beach for

luderick, trevally, bream, tarwhine, snapper, tailor and salmon. 5. South Stanwell Park beach for bream and whiting. BEACH 1. South Cronulla to Greenhills Beach for bream, whiting, tailor, salmon and dart. 2. Jibbon Beach for bream, whiting and the odd dusky flathead and tailor. 3. Maroubra Beach for bream and whiting. 4. Wattamolla Beach for bream, whiting, tailor, salmon and the odd sand flathead. 5. Coalcliff Beach for bream and tarwhine. So there you have it – 25 places to chuck a line in during the month of February. If you need any further information to help you on your way, all you need to do is send me an email at gbrown1@iprimus. com.au and ask away.

Andrew Humphries hooked up to a solid tailor in the Port Hacking.

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Fishing fires as tourists leave THE TWEED

David Solano

February is a strange time to fish on the Tweed. The pressure is off the river and hopefully all those visitors that passed through have fattened up

the fish, as I saw a lot of undersized fish caught and released over the Christmas period. The bite is on out front off the walls with the incoming tide, right up until the clear water arrives. The bream are there in numbers with tailor

and trevs moving through every now and then. What excites me is news that little mac tuna have been running through the headlands. Their favourite spot to harass bait is Jack Evans Boat Harbour. They don’t stay for long but they are a lot of fun if you run

Scott with his new non-slip rock hopper shoes, rock fishing is dangerous after all.

into them! They tend to like a very quick moving metal slug lure, and the quicker the retrieve the better. I’ve paid attention to what people use to fish the walls and as you can imagine, it varies greatly. I’ve seen fancy paternoster rigs, and gang hooks, but I found for bait fishing a jighead on its own does the job, just make sure you beef your leader up a fair bit. The bait I saw ranged from lives, prawns, pillies and green prawns, but unnatural baits like tenderloin chicken works too. Those elusive Tweed mangrove jack are around for those keen to try them out. I haven’t caught a screamer yet, but have consistently caught 40cm fish around the old yacht club bridge, Boyds Bay bridge and the cadet school. In fact, I’ve been catching trevs and jacks so much so that I’m starting to tell the difference in the way they fight. It takes confidence to chase these fish, and every jack I caught previously I initially thought was a trev. Jacks, they go hard at the beginning, but once you get them away from their

A nice trevally taken on the Tweed River at night. lair they are pretty much done, where as some of the trevs I’ve caught go nuts, ramming the kayak, trying to bust me off on the Hobie peddles – a lot of fun. The good news is these fish eat lures and baits and they’re moving through the whole river system. Whiting in good numbers and size are still caught at Cobaki Broadwater and Terranora flats, and nippers are the preferred bait. If you don’t have a boat, try the south side of Boyds Bay bridge. You’ll see a heap of tender boat, this is the area I’m talking about. Around there and past the fuel pumping

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jetty is a great area to target for whiting. Again, the incoming tide works better at the moment. Everyone loves mud crabs and they are in plentiful supply in the Tweed River. If you’re crabbing, remember you need to have your details attached to your crab pot. Don’t leave them out of sight, as there are some blacked out boats and ski riders that have taken up raiding pots. I received a new one for Christmas and when I went to check it after using it for the first time, it had been slashed in four places, making it useless. To page 25

Fresh fires up the river BALLINA

Joe Allan

The Christmas period has come and gone and some great times were had in and around the Richmond River over the holidays. Offshore, there’s been some memorable action. Around the 32m area there’s been snapper of average size, but you can guarantee a good feed of fish this size.

The FADs are holding mahimahi, and the bigger models have come from the 48m when the tide is really moving. The mackerel and marlin have been quiet since Christmas, but hopefully the action on these speedsters will pick up into February. The beaches around South Ballina hold good numbers of dart and whiting. When the swell is down, try flicking blades and plastics

like the Atomic 3” Prong for flathead in the low tide gutters. This can be a really productive technique and you may be surprised at how many quality fish you come up with. Take care when traveling on the beaches; it only takes a couple of idiots to spoil the fun for everyone. In the river, there are great numbers of whiting on the flats around Pimlico Island on the surface, along with bream and flathead. The Bassday Sugar Pen 70s are still catching great numbers of all these species. This time of year, the number of families lining the river with kids just hoping to catch something is huge – great to see. Getting kids into fishing is something that is easy to do if you use fresh bait, the right equipment and you don’t make them stick out in the sun for too long. In the main river, try Mobb’s Bay, or the weed flats past the Ferry with the little ones.

William and Hayden Sharp with a pair of whiting. Both fish were caught on topwater lures. With all the fresh that’s been flowing down the river, the lower reaches have had good mulloway off the break walls in the last part of the run-out tides. Big hardbodied

Noisy presentations like spinnerbaits have been the key to undoing Richmond River’s chunky bass.

flash, that’ll catch them… The Murwillumbah arm of the river has fished well too, however the wind has made most of the good spots

too hard to fish. Fingers crossed, the temperature will increase before the cool and the bigger predators will show their heads.

Rules are there for everyone to abide by, so the fisheries are sustainable for everyone in the future. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to authorities.

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lures and soft plastics like a Sunami Paddle-Tail have produced some great results. Once you do hook something, try to get it in ASAP, as there are plenty of toothy critters around looking for a feed. Bass are in the main river sections with all the fresh water coming down from the Kyogle and Casino region, and the bass should really get going once this settles down. Dirty water fishing can still produce good numbers, though, and the drains and creeks running into the main river are good places to start. Chatterbaits like the Bassman Mumblers are a good option, along with noisy jerkbaits like the Megabass Live X Margay. You might have to do some traveling to find the fish, but when you do, you can rack up good numbers quickly. Crabs are a little quiet, however the new moon should fire them up. Remember to mark your pots properly, as NSW Fisheries confiscate

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Iluka on fire in February ILUKA

Ross Deakin

What a fantastic holiday period it has been here in the Iluka region. The end of January marked our first year as the new owners of Iluka Bait and Tackle (formerly Dizzy’s Bait and Tackle). Local reports indicate that this has been one of the busier years, with plenty of NSW and interstate holiday-makers enjoying this fantastic area with all its incredible diverse fishing. It has been an unusual year weather-wise. The lead up to January was characterised by long dry periods and warm water temperatures. We experienced extensive rainfall at the end of last summer, with a great deal of fresh water flushing the Clarence, but unfortunately

not much after that. The river is very clean and in need of another good flush to help improve things. Having said that, there have been some good fish caught in the river over January. Flathead have been taken around the entrance to the Esk River, Browns Rocks, and other usual spots, and recently local angler Debbie Brown weighed in a nice 1.9kg fish at the Bimbimbi Caravan Park. Lots of smaller fish have been caught, but the odd 4kg monster is caught and released in the area. Local fisho Brett McInnes weighed in a 4.4kg lizard taken on lure at Turkeys Nest on 8 January. The bream have been plentiful, with some great fish taken off the beaches on yabbies and nippers. Peter Miller caught a beautiful 1.69kg tarwhine on Iluka Beach early morning on 10 January.

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There have been some elbow slapping whiting caught around river sand flats and the open beaches on worms and poppers. Ben Geide weighed two whiting at 360g and 400g in store, and there have been others up to 500g. The newly renovated rock wall has pleased everyone, as now there is much better access, which consequently means more great fishing. Mulloway have been a constant staple catch off the new wall and there have been some nice schoolies taken on the beaches and headlands (when weather has allowed it). The Old Ferry crossing and further up the river are the places to frequent for mulloway. They have been taken on squid and octopus baits, as well as hardbody and soft plastic lures. Karl Grossman weighed in a 12.5kg fish on fresh squid on 21 December. When the southerlies aren’t kicking up a fuss, trag jew and snapper are available at Black Rock and Woody Head. Spotty mackerel were on the run and were caught on Woody Head reef until those winds hit us. Unfortunately, they haven’t really returned yet, but I’m sure it won’t be long now. Trevally, cobia and snapper have been caught off The Wall, The Bluff and Woody Head. The odd luderick has been caught around the Old Ferry, and Allan Murdock weighed in a 930g fish on 9 January. Mud crabs are still elusive, with greater numbers further up the Clarence. Blue swimmers are around but aren’t going

A stonker tarwhine caught in the Iluka area! crazy. The tailor fishing has been very poor with a few fish caught around 1-2.5kg. An estimated 80kg black marlin was a standout recent catch by Steve Millington in 100m of water. We are looking forward to the Spanish mackerel and tuna season, which should start to fire up very soon. Happy fishing, and make sure you pop into the newly renovated Iluka Bait and Tackle store as you enter the town, on your right. You can’t miss the giant blue marlin over the door. • For all your fishing needs and up-to-date information and tips for spots and fish drop into the shop for a chat. Iluka Bait and Tackle is located at 3 Owen Street, Iluka NSW 2466. Give us a call on (02) 6646 5217 or 0402 997 572. We are available online at www. ilukabait.com.au or visit our Facebook page.

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Since my last article a few months back, I’ve been on a mission to hit the magic metre mark on the dusky flathead. The metre flathead is a common word thrown around too easily, and I wanted to catch one and place it on a Brag Mat as proof. We’ve all seen a lot of claims on social media, but no Brag Mat pictures, or at least very few of them. In the past few months I’ve caught a couple of 98cm fish along with a bunch of others over 90cm. However, a few weeks back I hit a good one that was so heavy I couldn’t lift it with any control or confidence. I got to see the fish twice, and it was a monster. It was definitely larger than the 101cm beast I did land, but busted me off at the net. My estimate was a fish around

10-11kg and a length of a minimum 110cm. I spoke with my rod builder Ian Miller at Millerods, and he recommended a heavier model rod and came up with a 7’1”X 3-6 kg, which is now my go-to rod when the big girls are around. I’ve spent the last 3-4 years perfecting my

approach on this single species, and I’ve loved every second of it. In my last article I spoke about commitment, and perseverance, along with dedicating all your time on a single species of fish. Mine was the dusky flathead. I’ve achieved my goals, so I am chuffed. But in saying that,

it’s lit the fire in me to go larger and I am prepared for however long it takes to achieve my next personal milestone. Looking at the pictures, I’m sure you’ll come to understand (if you don’t already) why I love to chase these special fish on lures. – David Johnstone

There it is, 1m of flathead. Too often the phrase “1m flathead” is tossed around, but there’s only a handful of substantiated claims like this.

Kicker pelagic season coming at Coffs Harbour COFFS HARBOUR

Stephen Worley worleybirdfilms@hotmail.com

This summer has been proof that the wild isn’t as predictable as we’d like it to be. Through the back half of last year, one of the strongest El Nino systems on record was developing. From this we expected to see colder ocean temperatures off our coast and therefore possibly an underperforming season on the summer pelagics. Fortunately for us, this prediction has not come to fruition so far. The El Nino

then this is your chance. The inshore run has been made up of mostly 20-40kg fish. Marlin love a good live bait but will have a go at almost anything when they’re thick. The key is to find the bait in areas exposed to the current. If the current is running right along the coast, then there’s nothing stopping the marlin swimming right in around the headlands and inshore reef. Once you’ve found the bait, you have a couple of options; one is to stay right with the bait and drift a live bait on top, or the other is to slowly troll your baits around the general area,

of these methods have landed marlin as well as plenty of healthy by-catch. Another species that’s denied trends has been the local kingfish. We’ve had larger models hanging around right into the summer period. Marauding packs of rat kings is expected in summer and that’s certainly been the case, but we’ve had welcome numbers of larger kingfish captured from the rocks, islands, washes and out on the deeper reefs. Sinking stickbaits like the Maria Fully Loaded, Sebile Stickshadd and the Nomad Madscad have all

Billy Patterson decided to have a quick flick off the North Wall after his morning surf and was rewarded with this kingy after it took a Nomad Madscad off the surface.

Jason O’brien found another sucker for the stickbait out in the washes around the islands. system is well and truly in place but it has not seemed to affect our season on mackerel, tuna, mahimahi or marlin. The mackerel and wahoo have been in action from well before Christmas. Live baits, hardbody lures and stickbaits have all collected their toothy targets as well as some welcome by-catch of kingfish, tuna and small marlin. The inshore run of marlin has been more of a trickle than a flood, but hopefully that lends itself to an extended run rather than a ‘tsunami one day and gone the next’ kind of season. Many anglers look forward to the warmer months and the mackerel for their summer excitement, and rightfully so. They’re aggressive, fight fast and hard and taste great on the plate for those keeping a couple. I love a good mackerel session, especially on the kayak, but I find it hard not to be drawn in by the inshore black marlin. I don’t mind neglecting the mackerel for the first few months in the year and chasing a fish that we don’t see that often. February is the likely height of the inshore marlin run for us, so if you’ve always wanted to catch a ‘beaky’ but don’t really have the boat or the means to chase the big girls out around the shelf,

either on the surface, on a downrigger, or both. The latter allows you to cover ground, makes your boat into a teaser and hopefully draws attention to your baits while presenting your offering to them in different ways to cover as many bases as possible. If you decide to stay put on the bait, you can drift a live bait out the back while fishing a couple of other methods to target other species at the same time. Both

performed well on this front but similar lures will work. You may recall these are the same lures I mentioned in the January issue as very useful on mackerel, so you can double up your targets. If you’re fishing off the rocks this time of year you never know what you could get. Mackerel, marlin, kingfish, tuna and even cobia are on the cards. Again, stickbaits are the easiest to cover ground and get in their

face. The longtail tuna should arrive in numbers this month, so be prepared to have a lot of line disappear from your reel. The battle of late has been getting out in between the wind and high seas. For those who love the surface action, the estuaries are right up your alley. The surface action has been hot, even in the middle of a hot clear day. Big bream, flathead, trevally, whiting and jacks are all chewing on the top. Whether fishing smaller lures for bream and whiting, or the larger lures for jacks and GTs, everyone seems to be getting a mix of everything. OSP Bent Minnow, Bassday Sugapen and Tiemco Soft Shell Cicada have been standouts in all the estuaries, but any surface lure seems like it will get a reaction at the moment. I haven’t seen a lot of large jacks caught, but there are seemingly thousands of small jacks willing to tackle

lures as big as themselves. Good news for the future of jack fishing! Surface gazing seems to be the main pastime for the local bass too. Even during the day the surface crawlers and cicada lures have been the most successful. The better fish mostly come during the night though, especially on a dark night before the moon is up. In this scenario, large

noisy baits like the Jackall Pompadour Jr, Koolabung Bass Walker and my favourite, the jitterbug are producing the most consistent results. As you can see, there are options for good sessions pretty much anywhere on the Coffs coast this month. A bit of this and a bit of that is the call of the season, so why not get out and enjoy a month of varied fishing?

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Cabin fever at Coffs Harbour COFFS GAME

Glen Booth

It might be summer, but once again we’ve been made to work for our game fish. It’s not that the fish aren’t biting; it’s just that the weather has been so horrendous that offshore opportunities have been few and far between. Hopefully normal transmission has resumed by the time you read this. As anyone who game fishes knows, getting the weather, crew availability and fish activity to dovetail is never easy. Consequently, my boat and fishing gear has never been so well prepared as it is at this very moment! The pre-Christmas and Christmas/New Year period in particular was an absolute shocker, which for a tourist town like Coffs Harbour is never good news. There were scant opportunities to fish wide, and those that braved

the conditions hugged the coast and did it fairly tough. Meanwhile, Port Stephens and the far south coast enjoyed glamour weather

And that’s why they call them blues. A nicely lit-up fish caught by Mitch Andrews. with lots of striped marlin and a few blacks. There have been some little blacks in close here, with enough seen tailing and others hooked up on fairly

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There’s been little current along the coast, and even out at the shelf it’s been manageable for a change… or flowing north, or non-existent. This can be a double-edged sword as we want the water to refresh and bring new fish with it, but we don’t want it screaming south at 3 knots either. Suffering from cabin fever, a few boats have dashed down to South West Rocks for their black marlin fix, which is better protected from anything out of the south. With plenty of bait in the bay, typical of SWR the first fish could be 15kg, the next 90kg, so you just never know. There are undoubtedly blues out wide, but again, the opportunities to chase them just haven’t arisen. The striped marlin have thinned out and moved south, but there’s almost certain to be the odd straggler still passing through. Strangely, mahimahi have barely put in an appearance this year. Wind the clock back 12 months and they were so thick around the FAD, the waver recorder buoy and sundry fish traps that pro boats were taking hundreds

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of kilos in a session. For the recreational boats, it was great to troll or drift by with live slimies and put a couple of brownie point fish on ice, and then get back to the serious business of marlin trolling (with the possibility of even more domestic credits during the course of the day). There has been the odd sizeable one taken while hunting along the shelf and wider for blues, but they’ve not been their reliable selves. The mackerel have been so-so, with only teeny tiny (in other words, mostly undersize) Spanish, and some bigger spotties, but it’s still early days. We’ve been blessed with a couple of seasons where the razor gang arrived en-masse well before schedule, so there’s no need to panic just yet — and we need those flooding rains of late summer to stay away too. The kings are somewhat hit and miss, but a couple of quality models have been landed on stickbaits and soft plastics away from the usual hoodlum haunts. Apparently

John Wilton with his first black marlin that was out playing with the big boys in 800 fathoms prior to Christmas. Photo courtesy of Better Than Vegas charters. the Boxing Day weather window had the visitors stacked up at South Solitary so thick that you could almost

walk from boat to boat to the island, but after an early flurry the fish got all moody and shut down.

Blake Levitt with a 121cm kingfish that was tagged and released on a trip with Ocean Hunter Sportsfishing.

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River predators out in force SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Brent Kirk kempsey@compleatangler.com.au

February is here again as we move into the peak pelagic period for the mid north coast of New South Wales. Whether you are fishing from a boat or are a land-based angler, now is the time for the serious

of spotties towards the end of last year saw good numbers, but no real size. Fortunately, the catch size has increased since then and so have their numbers. Black marlin are around the grounds off the gaol with a lot of small fish around the 20kg mark caught in this area. Mahimahi have been in good numbers on the FADs north and south of us,

beforehand helps maximise your time on the water. Fish and Black rock have had loads of rat kingfish around them, although occasionally a bigger one turns up as well as a cobia or two. Longtail tuna have begun to frequent the area now and can be caught from the stones. Kingfish have been around the headlands

the schoolies, so it is still worth fishing heavy when targeting mulloway from the rocks. The bread and butter species of bream and trevally are present in the washes and provide a healthy food source for some big cobia that are also in these areas. Stickbaiting has been a productive method to fish the rocks as the pelagic species get in

This solid Macleay bass fell for a large surface lure.

Crab imitation lures are working well along the rock walls and dropoffs for flathead. action to begin. Warm blue water from the north has settled in now and should remain this way through until about May or so. This water will hold a vast array of northern pelagic species of fish over this period of time. Spanish and spotted mackerel catches increase by the day and these fish are caught all along our coastline. The early run

however the South West Rocks FAD has been a bit hit and miss this season. Plenty of good mahimahi have been picked up on the troll from closer in off Hat Head while trolling for marlin. It is important to keep your options open at this time of year as anything can pop up anywhere. Having a range of different rigs made up on land

Having rigs prepared at home maximizes your time on the water. fairly regularly this year with some big fish causing unsuspecting anglers a fair bit of grief. School mulloway are still everywhere around the rock ledges. Some big fish have been caught among

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on the act at one stage or another when using these lures. Sinking versions seem to be more effective as they are slightly heavier and they allow for longer casts as well as being more versatile on the retrieve

than the floating versions. The beaches have had a mixed bag of species, however once again this year, large whiting have been a stand out. Fish above 40cm are caught quite regularly along most of the beaches. Now is the prime time to catch some quality blue spot flathead from the surf. School mulloway have been a common by-catch when targeting flathead on hardbodies and soft plastics in the gutters. Blue swimmer and mud crabs are prolific in the Macleay River, along with most of the creeks in the area. The large expanses of

sand flats above Jerseyville bridge and up in Clybucca Creek are holding good sized whiting in good numbers with the everpresent dusky flathead lurking along the dropoffs and along the rock walls. Small bull sharks are prevalent throughout the salty zone of the river and even up into the fresh. In the upper Macleay, the river has been up and down a few times after heavy showers but the bass fishing just keeps on firing. Surface lures of all shapes and sizes are doing the trick on these fish with the general consensus that the bigger the lure, the bigger the fish.

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Cicadas create a buzz THE HASTINGS

Mark Saxon castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com

With January gone we will find less traffic on our local waterways, so in a sense as the holiday season ends the fishing will regain some normality with a more relaxed atmosphere around our ramps and

spotted mackerel appearing at Point Plomer and the northern grounds. We also should see some small blacks get into the action. The great thing about slow trolling a live bait, be it slimy, bonito or yakka, is that you just don’t know what will eat it! Lure fishers should be able to get into some great fish action as well and with

and depth variables to play with. You could also run a downrigger, as these have proved invaluable on some of the tougher days last season. While the mackerel are an exciting proposition, the reefs will still put on some red letter days with snapper, pearlies, trag and kingies around different patches of reef.

Cicada bream action has been great the past few months and should continue.

Matt and Geoff with two 40cm+ bass that enjoyed cicada imitations. fishing grounds. If the weather is right, now is the time to take your holiday. OFFSHORE This is the month that we should see Spanish and

so many great hardbodied lures for trolling fast or slow, the options seem endless. You will be able to experiment with different brands as well as colour

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ESTUARIES Let’s hope the surface action for bream and bass continues in February. On my boat, we have used cicada patterns, either paddlers or fizzers, and have got good results with this style. It is a pretty simple theory, ‘match the hatch,’ although on some days the hook ups can be difficult with sloppy feeders, but that is part of the excitement. Who doesn’t like watching their lure get smashed? For locations, the bream are around the edges and under the tree canopies, just look for the places where the cicadas are really singing you will almost definitely find some activity in these spots. The bass similarly, enjoy the odd meal of cicadas, all I tend to do differently with bass fishing is use a slightly larger presentation. My favourite lure for bass is the large Koolabung Soft Fizzer. They are around 65mm and the noise these bad boys make really brings the bass up. Depending on rainfall, the Wilson and the upper Maria will fish well for bass, and if surface does not produce, then try diving lures and spinnerbaits. The lure that has performed well for me, especially in the upper Maria, is the Strike Pro Hummer vibe, the small version. We have had some great sessions with these and the reason I like them up here is that they are a smaller presentation to my usual Samaki Vibelicious 70mm soft vibe, which I prefer in the Macleay River.

Nathan with a solid Hastings River flatty. The smaller vibes work really sweetly in the skinny water we fish. Flathead fishing has been consistent, and a plastics worked on most banks of the Hastings,

Camden and Lake Cathie will get results with 3” soft plastics. This style of lure has been brilliant as bream and whiting take a liking to it as well, and who doesn’t like a mixed bag?

On the mulloway scene, although patchy, there is still plenty on offer for anglers persisting in deeper water. Just remember, if the bait is around, then give that area a fair work over. Try plastics or vibes and keep at it as the results will be impressive when you find the fish willing. BEACHES When I was doing a lot more beach fishing than I do now, February was one of my favourite months. A simple but effective way to spend a few evening hours is to rig a light surf rod and 3000 sized reel with 5kg braid, take a handful of sinkers of varying style to combat currents and sweep, along with some long shank hooks from size 4 for bream and whiting, with maybe a few 5/0 for school mulloway. Then to add the main ingredient to the equation; beachworms! Keeping it simple gives you more opportunity to move around checking gutters, holes and rocky ends for results. There is a host of spots worth looking at and North Beach, Lighthouse to the Cathie End plus Dunbogan give you ample opportunity. The quieter places once the surfers have departed like Middle Beach and Grants are also worth a try. Good luck !

Mandy and Gavin with results from a surface luring session.

Life is back to normal FORSTER

David Seaman dseamo@bigpond.com

There is no doubt this summer holiday season was a great success and brought much-needed economy to the area, but for those who set their spare time outside of the peak period, the benefits

the National Park off Sugar Creek road at Tarbuck Bay. It’s as if the fish have never seen a lure before and the timber and mangrove snags hold a heap of good bream. The shallow water also has plenty of legal flathead if you prefer catching flat fish, but the peace and quiet of this stretch of river is something else first thing in the morning.

caught and released with photos doing the rounds on social media. Legal, live whiting or mullet are the best options with a circle hook to make sure you do the least damage to the fish. Drifting baits or throwing large lures around Tern or Little Tern Island and Tuncurry Channel would be my first stop, and the weed patches on

Bream on lures, whether hard or soft, factor in many lake captures through February.

Bonito from the rocks or boat make great bait and a few recipes can also transform them into good table fare. are enormous. Less crowds on the streets and lake make it easier to do what you want, especially on the water. February is perhaps the middle of what could be called the summer season. While the calendar may tick over into autumn next month, the fishing and water temperatures are still hot. Fish activity extends throughout the estuary and surface action in the upper reaches is a major attraction for anglers. The cicadas are still drumming their little bodies off and the bream and bass are only too willing to mistake a Tiemco soft shell cicada for a real one. The bream are thick around the causeway on the Wallamba and Lockett’s Crossing on the Coolongolook River. I’ve even had a few sessions on the upper Wallingat River through

Unless you have a small tinny, kayak or canoe, don’t bother with the big boat along the dirty tracks. The dirt ramp isn’t great and isn’t worth the potential damage. Going up the Wallingat from the lake can be tricky with plenty of shallow spots and rock bars, so take it easy and perhaps fish your way up. The lake itself is fishing well with the growth of last year’s spawned poddy mullet and the influx of baitfish into the system. The flathead have been consistent through the last few months, and it hasn’t been hard work to get a feed. February and March are prime times to target a trophy flathead, with all the large females hanging around the shallows and channels until the water starts to cool off. Fish of 90-110cm are regularly

the northwest side of Miles Island are also worth a look. The big fish often slide up into less than a metre of water and conceal themselves in the sand, so don’t discount spots because they are shallow. The blue swimmers and mud crabs in the lake have not been as good as last season but there are still plenty to go around. One concern I had during the holiday period was the number of people taking 4 kids under 15 years old (some as young as two) out in the boat and having 10 crab pots with them. A clarification from the DPI NSW stated as there is no further definition of ‘person’ in the regulations and provided all the other conditions are met – marking of floats and weighted ropes etc – this is acceptable. I assume it depends on the strength of

the child too “…who sets, uses or lifts the fishing gear.” It is one aspect of the recreational fishing regulations that I find needs further clarification. Nevertheless, blue swimmers around the weed edges of The Step and the channel between Regatta and Bandicoot Islands have been rather plentiful. Mud crabs can be found in holes at the bends of

the rivers and the shallow waters around the Islands and bays. The southern and eastern side of Wallis Island is a great spot to try and where possible, I’ll electric over the flats to find an active muddy hole and set close to it. Early starts offshore are the right idea with morning sessions best done before the nor’easter blows too hard. Good snapper, pearl perch

and spotty mackerel have all passed over the cleaning tables along with flathead and mixed reef species. Bonito and slimies are hanging close to the coast and are easily caught for bait, so there is no excuse for not using fresh or live baits. Trolling livies is a good way to cover large areas of water and prospect for tuna, marlin, mackerel and even the odd cobia.

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HARRINGTON-TAREE

Ian Pereira ianpereira@aapt.net.au

We have experienced a rather dry period for the past few weeks. The Manning has slowed to a trickle and there is a great deal of slimy weed clogging up the pools, making lure fishing difficult. However, the rain started to fall last month, it looks like it will continue. Downstream, the water is blue in colour and very salty. The sand spit in the mouth of the river has built up against the south side of the sea wall and it is possible to drive onto the spit and fish the southern end and side of it. This saves anglers a big walk to reach the mouth of the river. ESTUARY The Manning has fished better than the beaches, rocks and outside areas over the past month. Flathead have been the most prolific species, caught from all parts of the river. There are reports of double figure catches of fish just under legal size, as well as many fish of 50-60cm in length. Catches are made from

the wall, Chinamans Point, Manning Point, the mouth of the Lansdowne River and up around the buoy near Croki. The south arm of the Manning near Old Bar has also fished well. The sand spit in the mouth of the river and the backwater behind the river wall have produced big whiting on poppers from the shallow water. Chinamans Point has produced some mulloway to 15kg on live baits and soft plastics, while the river wall has delivered smaller fish to 5kg on soft plastics. Bream have been patchy with occasional good catch coming in every few days. The best fish are up to 1kg in weight but the majority of fish are in the 450-700g range. BEACH AND ROCK The rocks have yielded the best tailor on lure, and fish up to and over 1.5kg are common. The tailor coming from the beaches are chopper size models in the 33-38cm range, mostly caught on bait. Some small salmon have shown up with the tailor and mostly take bait. Bream are scarce on the beaches and best catches have been made at night.

Crowdy Beach fished well for mulloway to 6kg on the moon rising to full. Beach worms are the bait to use. OFFSHORE The northern grounds have been the most productive with snapper to 5kg and trag to 3kg making up most of the catch. Mahimahi to 9kg have been taken on lures out around the wave rider and the FAD. Pelagic action has generally been a bit slow, but when the baitfish show up, so will the bonito and mackerel. In February most days will be stinking hot and the northeasters start to blow at lunchtime so it is best to go out early in the morning and come in by midday. If you fish in the evening, go out when the wind drops and fish all night. The big tailor turn up around the second week in February, but you must fish the high tide at night and at least two hours after slack water to have a hope of success. There will be heaps of flathead in the lower parts of the river and they can be caught either boat or landbased with bait, lures or live bait on a bobby cork rig.

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Annabelle Maddison with her biggest ever fish! A nice 40cm whiting from the Manning River. FEBRUARY 2016

It’s bills, bills and more bills PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

Port Stephens is famous for its marlin fishery and February is the month where it all starts to happen with consistent numbers appearing both inshore and on the shelf. It’s also the time of year when longtail tuna start to make an appearance along

HUNTER · P O R T

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the coastline sparking the start of the LBG season for many anglers. In the estuary you will find good numbers of flathead towards the mouth of the system around Shoal Bay through to Bagnalls Beach, as well as on the opposite side of the bay from Jimmys Beach through to Pindimar. Whiting have been in good numbers in these same

S T E P H E N S

areas, especially around the high tide. Live worms or nippers have had the most success. The sand whiting’s smaller yet just as delicious cousin the trumpeter whiting have been thick for

to hit will be stones at Box Beach, Fingal Head and Sunny Corner. The surf beaches always fish excellent this time of year with whiting plentiful along the

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This month should see good numbers of small black marlin inshore as well as a good bite of billfish on the shelf.

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Live squid fished around the rock wall is by far the best way to get connected to kingfish and mulloway. those drifting around the moorings at Corlette, over the top of West Bank and the back of Soldiers Point Through to Taylors Beach. Monster mulloway still lurk in the deep water around Soldiers Point and have also been caught recently along both the Nelson Bay and Anchorage Rockwalls. Off the stones and its time for LBG anglers to dust off their gear with longtail tuna and even the odd prized cobia a real chance over the next couple of months. Smaller pelagics like bonito and tailor also provide plenty of fun for anglers spinning metals early morning and late afternoon. The best spots

Stockton, Samurai, One mile and Fingal beaches, however if you’re not using live worms, you’re simply not in the game.

Cracker mulloway like this are always a chance through the summer months inside the Port.

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The beach action is heating up HUNTER COAST

Gary Earl earlybird13@optusnet.com.au

All the action has been out on the beaches and in the estuary, and Stockton and Redhead beaches been produced some nice fish, mainly bream, whiting and flathead. The best baits are pipis and live worms if you can get them, the next best is pilchards and whitebait, frozen beach worms and messy mullet gut. In the estuary, soft plastics thrown up under the shipping wharves has been the best

way to get onto the bigger bream. Make sure your gear is up to scratch, as they can sometimes pull you around the pylons and at times you may hook into a decent mulloway, which will test your line to the limit. A lot of anglers get a big surprise when they hook a mulloway from under the wooden structures in the deep water. Tailor have moved in, not huge green backs but just legal fish which, if cooked that night or the next day, can make for some great tucker. Tailor are a great plate fish and as long as they’re a decent size and

Drifting for whiting with an imitation worm found this flathead over a sandy bank.

you can fillet them, they are great tasting with hardly any bones. Slow drift the shallows with worms or live green nippers to see a few trumpeter and sand whiting. Try around the shallow sand beds out from Kooragang Island and along Horseshoe Beach, both are reliable spots. While you soak a bait, flick out some small soft plastics and jig them along the bottom, this is a fun way to fish for whiting, but don’t be surprised if a flathead jumps on it. Sand flathead have been reported at the back of the break off Stockton Beach, but keep well away from where the waves are crashing and keep a good eye out as some waves do start to rise out wide. Offshore the kingfish have turned up and most are around 6-10kg, but even at that size they put up a good fight on medium gear, which make the fishing more fun. The lighter you go, the more fun they are, just make sure you’re using good trace. Floating bait in a berley trail usually brings them in close and then you can start using poppers and have some real fun.

The water out wide has been green and cold one minute then warm and blue the next, so a bit of travel should see you find the right water. Sometimes the kingies hang around the coal ships that are anchored out wide, so try and entice the kings as well as the mahimahi away from the boats with surface baits or medium diving lures. The marlin have showed up and have been caught in the same way, just remember to keep a good distance from the ships, they don’t like you getting too close. Off the rocks, it’s been a mixed bag. Drummer are still taken with a few groper thrown in. When the warmer water moves in, the bream and juvenile snapper should show up. For you mountain goats that lumber over half a tonne of gear to the land basedledges, I am pleased to tell you a few bluefin tuna and kingfish have been hooked along the coast. They should become thicker from now through to March. I am getting a bit too old to do that these days, but I have fond memories of Tomaree and Charlotte headland, Snapper Point and Seal Rocks. Upriver the bass are

While trolling for tailor, this flathead jumped on instead. moving around in both the Williams and Hunter rivers, and late afternoons are great this month. I call February ‘the noisy month,’ with all

the cicadas screaming from the trees. They near send you mad but if they are there, you can be in for some great sessions on the bass.

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The crowds dissipate are now out and about in good numbers. It can be frustrating to fish the lake during the Christmas holiday periods and you can be forgiven for struggling to get into a few fish, as it does take a bit more planning to avoid crowds. Febuary is a great month, in comparison, as the traffic has settled down considerably and fish actively feed in their usual haunts. The lake has loads of options this month with great numbers of mulloway pulled from the lake regularly. Local anglers fishing fresh squid continue to score great results. Most mulloway are in the 70-100cm mark, with the odd one going towards 110cm, which is

SWANSEA

Jason Scerri jayro@hotmail.com.au

Now we can relax a little and get back into the swing of things. The school holidays are done and we can now get back to some normality. The other good news is that summer is pumping along nicely and the fishing is red hot. It is a great time of year to be out fishing in our region with so much on offer and plenty of options for all anglers, regardless of whether they prefer to fish inside Lake Macquarie to chase quality estuary fish, or would rather head wide offshore to chase the summer pelagic fish that

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fantastic to see. The lure brigade is not to be outdone with many anglers scoring good results also. As has been the case for some time, the lure anglers do well during the daylight hours and bait anglers generally get into some good fishing well after dark. The deeper waters produce better results, so work areas that are holding good bait and the mulloway will be there as well. As we know, when summer hits, the mighty yellowtail kingfish also hit, and they hit hard! They are an awesome sport fish and reside in Lake Macquarie in both size and numbers throughout summer. A variety of techniques have worked. Slow trolling live squid set down on a down rigger has been one of the more productive methods again this year. Anglers who throw large surface poppers and stickbait lures also do very well. A mate of mine nailed a few working his fly gear, which has been a blast for him. The kingfish are found in many areas during summer. Swansea Bridge holds good numbers but getting them out from the

Mitch Martin with a nice locally caught mulloway. While not a big fish, it went hard on his bream gear. and flathead caught. Good numbers of bream well into the 30cm mark are around and some really good numbers of flathead in the 40-60cm range are about as well. Fishing these shallows is a blast, however, the fish can be very shy. You will find that the best time to hit these areas is during windy periods where the surface is messed up, hence

majestic marlin are on the minds of most, if not all offshore anglers this month. Each year sees the East Australian Current run down our coast and bring with it large amounts of bait and predators such as marlin. If the currents play the game they can bring these bait balls and marlin right in close to our coast and at times, we have caught marlin only

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during the very early or late periods of the day. I don’t believe that your lure colours must be this or that. Keep an open mind, have a few options available and trial and error until you find what’s working on the day. Some days, browns, olives and black colours produce, but other days bright greens will be deadly, so be prepared. Offshore fishing is one of the highlights at this time of year. Those

Moon Island. Generally, the majority of the inshore fish will be small black marlin and as a rule, the wider you go the more likely you are to come across some solid stripes. Out around the shelf and the canyons is prime for anglers who want to target the mighty blue marlin. Trolling lures is a fantastic way to get into the action. Don’t use more lures than you can handle. It’s not about getting as

many lures out as possible. Plenty of crews simply run a spread of 3-4 lures and do very well and equally so, some experienced crews can have 7 lures working out the back scoring good results for them. At this time of year I’d lean towards a spread of 4-5 lures in a 6-10” size bracket. You want the larger lures closer into the boat and generally the smaller lures further back. As for colours, that’s a whole article in itself for another day. What I will say is to mix it up a little. Certain colours have a reputation for being great marlin lures but that doesn’t mean they work in all locations. As majestic as the marlin are, they are certainly not the only quality fish offshore at the moment and they are not everyone’s cup of tea. For anglers looking for a little light tackle sport fish action and some quality table fish then I suggest you get out there and head to one of the fisheries FADs. There is no shortage of mahimahi out there. A few tactics work well with bait anglers getting good numbers on pieces of pilchards and other cut fish baits but many fish falling for these baits are under size. For the better quality fish you will find live baits working well and also jigging. One tip for anglers looking for a few mahimahi for the table is to treat them right from the start. They have a very tasty flesh, however they need to be treated with respect. Once caught, they need to go straight on an ice slurry and cooked and eaten without being frozen This will ensure a plate of beautiful mahimahi fillets that the whole family will love.

Learn the ways around the weed for success CENTRAL COAST

Jamie Robley jrobley@iprimus.com.au

One of the very best months of fishing in this part of the world is now upon us. Holiday crowds have thinned out and almost all species are out in force, ready and willing to take baits and smash lures. So let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer over the coming weeks. The lakes and Brisbane Waters have fished very well right through the warmer months and all going well,

leave a bit to be desired at times. With some persistence though, the occasional bigger specimen is hooked. Despite all the holidaymakers over recent weeks, The Entrance is still one of the most reliable places to pin a few bream, flathead or whiting on baits or lures. The main area of action through the holiday period and on weekends for that matter, is from just west of the bridge, down to the sandy channel mouth. This stretch should produce the goods this month, with whiting the main player between the bridge and the mouth.

The first is simply to seek out clearer sandy patches adjacent to the weed, but not right in it. Secondly, soaking a bait is far less troublesome than lure casting, as lures act like a rake, especially surface lures, skimming across the top. They’ll always catch any bits of floating weed in their path. If you’re keen on using surface lures at The Entrance or any other seriously weedy areas, try replacing the trebles with upwards facing ‘W’ hooks. The hook up rate is about 80% as good as it is with small trebles, but because you end up catching

whiting, as well as others ranging from the dreaded longtoms through to tailor and even the odd mullet.

other great rock ledges along the Central Coast, so there’s always somewhere to fish. Likewise, beaches are all

Offshore fishing is also firing right now, with larger pelagics out wide and small pelagics closer in around

The lakes have seen very healthy numbers of bream this summer. The good news is that these bream will be keen to smash all types of bait or lures this month.

The shallow sandy area from the bridge down towards the mouth is a whiting stronghold at The Entrance during late summer. Surface stickbaits will work here, although small wormy soft plastics, 30mm vibes and natural baits like bloodworms or prawns can be a more productive way to go. the action should only get better this month and the following. As mentioned in last month’s issue, bream, whiting and flathead have all been on the chew and that’s nothing unusual, as they are our primary summer estuary targets. Personally, I reckon it’s been one of the best bream summers for quite a few years, with very healthy numbers around, particularly within the Tuggerah system. Having said that, the average size can

However, there are also plenty of fish to be caught further back into the lake, around the islands and on the north and south sides, where boat traffic and angling pressure tends to be much lighter. On the downside though, it’s extremely weedy on the northern and southern sides and I’ll admit to being driven crazy, as strands of weed constantly foul around lure hooks. There are a few ways to get around the weed problem.

less weed this can translate to more fish hook ups and that’s always the aim of the game! Due to the abundant weed, I never use diving hardbodied lures at The Entrance, as there are some excellent alternatives that don’t foul up with weed anywhere near as much. Soft plastics, like small Gulps or little 30mm vibes fitted with single or ‘W’ hooks, rather than trebles. These lures will interest bream, flathead and

Aside from the weedy spots, surface lure action should be first rate around the shallow margins of the lakes and Brisbane Waters. Of course, the racks and more in the way of boat hulls, jetties and rocks through Brisbane Waters means there’s a lot of bream-attracting structure to cast lures at. Rock fishing normally peaks this month for bonito, kingfish and other small speedsters, as well as the occasional larger predator. Unfortunately, a nagging shoulder problem means that for the first time in many years I’ll have to miss out on such action this season. South Avoca and Wybung Head were two of my old favourites for high speed spinning back in the old days. Thankfully, these locations can still turn on the fun. Of course, we are blessed with plenty of

systems go at the moment. If you’re a rock and beach junkie it can almost be a nightmare at this time of year, as both are fishing so well, it’s hard to choose the arena! It can boil down to which species grabs your attention and along the surf zone we’ve got whiting, bream, tailor, flathead and mulloway to choose from.

the shallow reefs, bommies and headlands. Of course, that’s certainly not to say that you won’t run into mobs of bonito, striped or mac tuna out wide or the odd marlin or cobia right in close. It always pays to be prepared with a good range of tackle, rigged up and ready to go, particularly when fishing in February!

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If there’s one fish the author hates to catch when chasing bream it’s the dreaded longtom. They can be a real pain when it comes to unhooking them and yes, they certainly do bite. Always be cautious with these aggressive mini predators. FEBRUARY 2016

Black and blue beaky bonanza ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

I just itch for this time of the year. The air is hot, the water is hot and the fishing is even hotter, with all those sensational fish that come with summer out there now and ready to be chased. Marlin have to be on the top of the list and this is the best month all year to find one. Blacks are from just offshore to the shelf and beyond, so

you have a chance no matter where you are. You can tow skirts around all day and hope you score a strike, or you can grab a few live baits and head to the recognised spots like Bandit and Wollongong reef, the Trap Reef, out around the FADs or the South East grounds off Shell Harbour. You can either slow troll those livies, anchor, or just drift around while chasing other species, but always keep that live bait out where ever you go. If there are any

billies about, they will find it. Whether you catch it or not, the jumps and tail walks of a marlin are something you will never forget. Like everything, it is so much better live than on the television. You don’t need a big boat either, as most of these spots are accessible from the average tinny with many anglers fishing these places at other times of the year for snapper and other reefies. There will be the usual stories of the small fish brought in when a marlin

Blacks aren’t the only billies about, with the odd striped marlin hooked further out around the shelf or in closer at times if the current and the bait schools align. Then there are those who chase the big blues on the shelf and beyond. It has been a good season already further up the coast, and now some good fish are coming from local waters as well. A good place to start is the Kiama Canyons then head east. With fish to 300kg

There will be a few striped marlin about this month and they are generally big ones.

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You just can’t beat the colours in a mahimahi. Head for the FADs if you want a few. suddenly grabs it and takes to the air. These chance encounters inevitably end in disappointment as the angler is usually well out gunned in the tackle department, but if

and bigger on offer, heavy tackle is generally the rule with most of the larger boats and more recently many of the smaller vessels that head east fishing 36kg outfits.

It’s not all marlin though with mahimahi of varying sizes all along the coast. Most are targeted on the fisheries and various other FADs that are about, but the good old random floating object generally fishes better than any of these as they have not been hammered day in and day out and the fish are generally fearless. Good luck if you find one of these. If you do, it will more likely than not hold other species as well, as these objects often become mini eco systems. Striped and yellowfin tuna of various sizes, wahoo and the apex predators like sharks and marlin will always be present if there are a few fish on any object. All of these will be encountered randomly while chasing marlin anyway, but are more prevalent around a floating object. Any live baits tossed in will be smashed by

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The blacks will be getting around and many don’t go back as there is not much better tucker than marlin steaks on the BBQ. you have that livey out on the required tackle you stand a better than even chance of landing one.

They make short work of small blacks and stripes but put you in with a chance on a massive rampaging blue.

the mahimahi, but if you put out a small mahimahi live, it usually gets nailed by the big boys 90% of the time.

If you are trolling skirts always keep a few smaller ones out in the spread as there is even a chance of a sailfish when the water is hot and they prefer the smaller lures. You will also score plenty of striped tuna, small yellowfin and, if they don’t snip you off, wahoo. Closer in can be a lottery. If the currents have been good to us we can get cobia, spotted and narrow barred Spanish mackerel and rainbow runners. Bigger mackerel are rare and even more rarely caught as they are often put down to shark bite offs when you come back with no hook and no live bait. The smaller spotties often show up late this month with a few fish caught by anglers who click quickly when their pillies meant for snapper are cut off. Thinking they are big tailor, a little wire is added and the next hook up results in a spotty. Cobia are generally picked up by those who fish live baits for yellowtail kings, as they like the same sort of underwater structure, but a few grab snapper baits and are hooked away from trouble. Kings have been about in most of the regular haunts and they have had a liking for live squid and slimy mackerel fished on a downrigger. Fish to 15kg are available, but most fish are well under 10kg and are fat as there has been plenty of bait fish about over the past months. Good numbers of summer snapper have started to come in, and the reefs in 30m of water produce fish. Good fish are taken in deeper water and the shallows around the bommies in the evenings, but the majority seem to be in the 30m area. To page 39

Sensational summer prawn action on the lake NOWRA

Johnny Nolan straydog1974@gmail.com

February can be a pretty cool time on the south coast of NSW and a great time for fishing! The crowds have gone and our local waterways have started to become somewhat normal once again. Although the holiday crowds do give a valuable boost to the economy, it’s nice to have the place largely to ourselves again in February. The visitors’ last hurrah is on the Australia Day long weekend, after which time they head back to their busy city lives, or perhaps back out to the western lying towns. One of the highlights this summer was the

amazing prawn run at Lake Wollumboola at Culburra. Earlier in the year the lake, which is normally closed, opened to the sea after heavy rains and a big swell washed away the build-up of sand at the mouth of the lake. The timing was perfect for prawn spawn to enter the lake and get trapped in there once the lake reclosed a few weeks later. Early December was when the prawns really started running, with record catches in record time. Locals who have lived there their whole lives had never seen anything like it! I have never seen such an amazing natural phenomenon, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. The full moon of Christmas did slow the catches a little, but that’s OK – it just meant the prawns

had a chance to grow larger. At the time of writing this report the next dark is fast approaching, and you could cut the the anticipation with a knife. Can’t wait for the

On the fishing front, the Shoalhaven/Crookhaven River has had a continuing run of school to mid-sized mulloway right through the spring and summer months,

After filling his own net, the author grabed his wife Leslee’s net and proceeded to fill hers. These two nets display 5 minutes worth of scooping.

Getting ready for a night of fun-filled prawning action as the sun goes down over lake Woolumbulla. From page 38

Most fish are up to 2kg, with a few bigger fish spread among them. Plastics and micro jigs work well as does the good old pick and berley method when the current backs off. Closer in there have been a few trag taken on the bumps that haven’t produced a trag in years – strange creatures those teraglin. Plenty of samson fish, morwong and even the odd pearl perch and spangled emperor have come in off the reefs, while all the sand patches along the coast have good numbers of flathead. On the surface, the bonito, salmon, frigate mackerel and rat kings make a meal of the small baitfish all along the coast, just look for the birds and frothing water. On the rocks it is all action as well with the bonito, salmon, mackerel tuna, frigates and trevally all grabbing lures and pilchards

on the deeper ledges. Big kings patrol the deep shelves around Kiama early in the morning and this month there’s also a real chance of a marlin off the deeper spots in the same area. We may even see a few longtails at the end of the month. Don’t forget the fun in the harbours with small lures catching frigate mackerel as they zip in and out looking for small baitfish. Bellambi will be standing room only, Wollongong is always good as is Port Kembla and the front of Kiama harbour. If you are down there in the evenings there are heaps of squid about as well for tucker or bait. Whiting are caught on all beaches, alongside a few dart, bream and the ever-present salmon – that’s only if you are using beach worms for bait. Throw in some nice flathead and tailor if you use lures or pilchards. The mulloway have been about in good

Leslee Nolan checking out the catch. This was her first time prawning and probably the best she will ever experience.

next two darks! Hopefully the prawns will last all through February and into March before the water begins to cool as we head into autumn. Just a word of warning – if you do plan on having a go in the lake (or anywhere for that matter), take care to abide by the Fisheries regulations. During the dark of December the Fisheries officers had a field day at the lake, catching people with no fishing license and people with well over their bag limit of 10L per person. numbers for those that pursue them with plenty of schoolies and few better fish as well. The lake and Minnamurra are at their best over the coming weeks as the flathead take advantage of all the prawns and baitfish filling the estuaries. Prawn like plastics are the go but just about any will score fish at the moment. Whiting take nippers and worms if you want a feed, but if you want a bit of excitement, little poppers have pulled a few fish as well when the water traffic is low. Bream are around the bridges in both systems in the evenings and you may even score a small mangrove jack if you are very lucky and using live prawns for bait. A few mulloway have been spotted around the lake bridge but persistence is the key to getting any results here and the prawns and crabs in the lake will be on the boil for a while yet. It doesn’t get much better.

Lynne Neville with an average size Shoalhaven River mulloway. with most fish returned to swim another day. Some anglers got catches into the double figures for one session. How things have changed! Not too long ago you would have been the talk of the town if you came back to the ramp with a couple of mulloway, but these days it’s the norm. The introduction of soft plastics has definitely played a massive part in the amount of fish caught. Sounders have helped as well; they pinpoint where the fish are, so all you have to do is put the right lure in the spot and hang on! So what is the right lure? Well in the Shoalhaven at the moment it would have

to be one of the Samaki Vibelicious vibes in either the mullet or white bait colour. It comes pre-rigged, so you just tie it on and you’re away. The offshore fishing has kicked off for another season, with plenty of striped marlin and a few blacks starting to make a show. The Banks has had plenty of current flow over it now for a couple of months with a few decent kings caught on and off. The cliffs have also produced a few nice fish in the 10-15kg class, caught mainly on downriggers baited with a slow trolled live squid or slimy. The squid can be caught in nearby Jervis

Bay; there are stacks of them there and they’re a much better size than they were a couple of months back. The green Yamashita in the Live series is definitely the jig of choice, and should hopefully get you enough for bait and a feed. Apart from what I have gone into detail about in this report there are plenty of other things happening in our local waters, so if you wish to find out more you can drop me an email where I work at the above email address or contact me or one of my fellow workers at McCallums Tackle World Nowra on (02) 4421 2418. Happy fishing. FEBRUARY 2016

Is this our last marlin season? BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

The marlin are on and another good season is unfolding. The only problem we have is a bigger predator preying on our bait. The floating factory named the Geelong Star is cleaning up the baitfish from our waters. The government says it’s all cool and it’s just another business deal. But the anglers out there witnessing its operation are seeing massive schools of bait being hauled away. When you see the Geelong Star, you know no marlin will be tagged in the area that day. The big question is how much of this activity can our coastline withstand before it disrupts the food chain? And why is the government advertising Australia as the world’s biggest marine park, locking out Australian commercial and recreational fishers to protect our marine ecosystem, yet allowing overseas vessels in to do what they like? All I see is fat greedy men in grey suits. I can never understand politics. I would much rather swim with the grey suits in the water so I guess I’ll stick with the fishing.

OUT WIDE If you are out fishing the shelf at the moment it looks as though there’s still some bait and some marlin. We are expecting the marlin bite to be quite a good one coming off a cracking year last year, and with the way the action has been so far it’s still definitely worth getting the boat wet. The bottom out on the shelf still fishes very well so if you have purchased an electric reel like many other anglers in the last 12 months it’s still worth taking out if the current is favourable. When you are out there, keep your eye open for the fish trap buoys as there have been some nice mahimahi caught off them. The FAD up until now has seen a lot of small kingies but surely there are some good days with many more to come. The FAD is always worth a look and I’m betting by the time you read this the mahimahi will be all over it. INSHORE Closer to shore, kingies have provided us with some more entertainment than they did over the last two years. Small numbers of decent ones have been caught off Durras and south of the Tollgates. Still, we are plagued with smaller

throwbacks and no real good schools holding. You have to go on the hunt if you want to find the bigger ones. If you are looking for more consistency on the kingies, Montague Island is the place to be with some good fish holding there and in the surrounding area. Snapper have been reasonably consistent out on the reef and gravel. The afternoon to night bite produced some nice catches leading into and past the last full moon. Snapper of late have been found in shallow and out to deep water. They seem to be quite spread out, so a little bit of hunting or berley is what’s needed to find some. It’s that time of the year again where we get fishy visitors in the form of samsonfish. Tyrone had a fish scream off like a freight train the other day. It swam horizontally over to Yellow Rock and then went another 300m out to sea, leaving him with an empty spool which could indicate an early Spanish mackerel or even a wahoo. ROCK AND BEACH Off the stones the drummer and grouper have been popular targets. Spin metals to find salmon and tailor. If you are at the right ledge at the right time you will find yourself in

a fight with a king. With the snapper so widespread there have been some nice ones caught from the shore. If you are rock fishing the Durras area, don’t forget your squid jigs as this area has been very consistent for squid. There are some good size ones in among them as well. On our beaches the whiting have been the most popular target, with some big schools of salmon in some patches. A standout report from one of our Sydney customers told us he had a great day on kings over sand where he landed three kings to 4kg, a big trevally, a salmon and busted off at the end of the day by what he thinks was a big mulloway. He was straight into the shop to upgrade the gear and ready to head back out! ESTUARY The estuary copped a bit of rain throughout January but seems to have recovered quite quickly. In the meantime, it made the fishing quite good out the front of the estuaries, with bream laying deeper in the saltwater along the breakwall and flathead along Surfside to Maloneys. At night there have been mulloway from 70-90cm schooling and feeding from the bridge to the coastal patrol. Brendon

Josh Baddock does it again with a quality Clyde mulloway. Sweeny was there to catch his first one and then backed it up again the next night. The lakes are fishing very well, with stories of metre long flathead caught and lost, and bream and whiting keeping everyone entertained. The prawns are in the lakes and it’s no secret that Coila has

been endless and plenty. How many prawns can you get out of one lake? Seems that this year Coila had more prawns in it than water, and everyone has been talking about it. “Hey, let’s go swim in the prawns at Coila.” “Hey, let’s go to Coila

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To page 41

Tantalising offshore offerings NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

What a great summer it has been for those fishing the local estuaries around the Narooma region. Both Narooma’s Wagonga Inlet and Tuross Lake have been on fire, and all species have come on the chew at some point during the day or night. Big flathead (to 95cm) and mulloway are high on anglers’ lists, with both species caught in both systems and in good numbers. Most models are caught on soft plastics, though some of the big flathead have fallen to live poddy mullet fished hard on the bottom. The fish are widespread through the systems, with every day’s success made on different techniques. However, patterns have emerged for those switched on enough to see the signs. At Tuross, the surface action is awesome to say the least, as bream and whiting hit surface walk baits and poppers with gusto. It’s probably the best start to a season l can recall, and 20-30 fish a session has become the norm, which is excellent fishing. The whiting average 33-35cm, these are solid fish and great tucker for the pan. If estuary perch is what you are looking for, the fishing has been excellent. I’ve had some great sessions there lately, often with a result of 20+ fish. The trick is to find the snag that’s holding the fish that want to eat. Once you do that you can expect some serious fun from these little brutes. A few of the EP’s are nudging 45cm. A little further upstream you’ll find bass are going great guns on spinnerbaits. It’s been a cracking bass season this far and will continue for a while yet. The smaller estuaries like Mummaga Lake (Dalmeny) and Corunna Lake just south of Narooma both fish well. They are loaded with eating sized flathead to 50cm with some cracking bream too. Again, From page 40

Prawn and we’ll see if there’s any water.” Soon there will be pedestrian crossings there for prawns. Hopefully this kind of abundance can continue up and down the coast. Mud crabs have been around, and with clearer, salty water we should see blue swimmers out the front. Upstream there have been plenty of perch, and out the back bass are as consistent

plastics are the optimum choice, but smaller blades catch their fair share too. Fish the lower sections of these estuaries for some great results. OFFSHORE Offshore is in full swing with the water temperature hovering from 22-25°C depending on prevailing currents. With water like this, both striped and black marlin will make their presence felt. It’s usually this time of year that the smaller blacks up to 80kg start to patrol the inshore currents. Places like Montague Island, the reefs off Potato Point and Tuross are all worth a look, especially if striped tuna and slimy mackerel schools are present.

great ways to catch fish at this time of year. I prefer to troll lures until I find concentrations of fish, and then use live bait as required. Switch baiting is also popular for wise game crews and can prove deadly on marlin at times – especially striped marlin. It’s pretty impressive viewing to watch an 80kg fish eat live-bait only meters from the transom, awesome stuff. Inshore the kingies have been good at Montague Island with jigs, live bait and squid on flasher rigs working well. The fish are quite widely spread but the northern end has seen a lot of the action. The kings aren’t huge, averaging 4kg but there are some bigger models

species like snapper, flathead, long finned perch and morwong should have little trouble finding a feed. Almost all reefs will hold fish with Potato Point the pick of them. Use fresh squid, pilchards and striped tuna fillets to see some quality action. Those after flathead should have no worries with the 35m line off Kianga a goodstarting point. The local beaches continue to fish well for bream, salmon, tailor and whiting. Most beaches hold fish, the beaches south of Narooma are the pick of the bunch. Fish either Tilba, 1080 or Camel Rock as these beaches have produced some great captures over recent weeks. Live beach worms has been the stand-out bait, and coupled with a running sinker rig is ideal – especially when the beach conditions are calm. Salmon, tailor and bonito can be expected off the ocean rocks with most rock platforms producing, however, Mystery Bay to the south of Narooma is the pick of the bunch. You will have to get there early, as this is only a

A solid 70cm flathead caught by Amanda on the last cast of the day, a nice way to end a trip. small ledge that doesn’t hold many anglers. Fresh pillies on ganged 4/0 hooks is the best way to tempt them. Use only a small ball sinker straight down to the hook and slowly wind the pilchard back to you. A few kingfish are caught this same way every year, so using slightly heavier tackle will at least give you

a fighting chance of landing one. Throw larger chromed lures, around 40-50g is ideal. If you’re after a feed, then bream, blackfish, and trevally are possible options in the washes. Fish lightly weighted baits like fresh prawns or cunjevoi for best results. A little bit of berley will help to chase these bread and butter fish.

Katherine King managed to catch this kilo sized snapper at Wagonga Inlet, a great catch and it’s awesome to see kids out fishing. Out wider, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahimahi and various shark species will be on the cards. The shelf is a great starting spot, and many anglers fish there. Some days the fish may be wider, closer to the second drop-off or further up the coast around the Tuross canyons. Trolling skirted lures or slow trolling live mackerel and striped tuna are both

mixed in with the school fish. Early morning has seen bust-ups of these bigger fish as they hammer the saury bait schools. A lot of this action happens on the Fowl House Reef and the northwest corner of the island. Expect this action to continue but remember early mornings are usually the best time to target them on the surface. Anglers who like to target the bread and butter

as they get. A lot of these fish are caught and released, so numbers have remained very stable. Well there you have it – I’m finding myself getting up at 4am to get this report out which is a sign of how busy we are on the south coast! We have had a bumper season this far and a lot of traffic on our roads. We also have the Clyde Mountain between us and the country which has seen too many

accidents of late. Remember to take it easy on the road and drive to the conditions. Remember that the fish aren’t going anywhere (unless the Geelong Star takes them). • For more up-to-the-minute information on what’s biting where, drop into Compleat Angler Batemans Bay and have a chat to Anthony or one of the other friendly staff. They’re located at 65A Orient St, Batemans Bay (02 4472 2559). FEBRUARY 2016

Following the baitfish BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

As most anglers know, wherever you fish there will be a bite window – that special time of the day or night when fish feed in a frenzy. These bite windows can happen very regularly at this time of year along our part of the coast. As vast schools

of baitfish congregate, predators follow and incredible angling action ensues. Marlin fishing will gain intensity, and February is one of the best months to target the beaks. Water temperature has risen, and the game fish have arrived! There is easy access to them from the port of Bermagui for many excited anglers. Find the bait and you will find the predators. This

can happen very close to shore or way out wide over the Continental Shelf. In the past I have seen anglers drive past fish because they didn’t know how to read the signs. Check the water temperature on gauges, and learn to read the water. Look out for clear cobalt water with plenty of life visible. Learning to recognise signs of possible game fishing action is only achieved by spending plenty of time on

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the water. A safe starting point is the Twelve Mile Reef; here blacks, blues and striped marlin will be in search of delicious bait schools. The best way to find out if fish are in the area is with a spread of lures. This allows you to travel around sounding for baitfish as you go (if they are not visible up on the surface). Listen to the radio; excited anglers who have encountered a marlin may give away an area where these fish are concentrated. There are other game fish too; short-billed spearfish have been present as well as mahimahi, hammerhead sharks, mixed tuna species, and some very nice yellowfin taken on lures. Around Montague Island kingfish are in very good numbers, however they are varied in size. Methods to capture these fish are as mixed as the size of them! Jigging is popular, and will take fish regularly, while baitfishing with either live mackerel or yellowtail will also be effective. If the fish are near the surface, trolling will catch kingies as well as some of the many small tuna that frequent the area such as bonito, striped

or frigates. Be prepared – black marlin take a liking to these small tuna so towing one around may gain you a pleasant beaked surprise. Lots of those smaller tuna have been encountered closer to shore where they can be targeted on lighter gear. Some of the better areas are the entrance to Bermagui Harbour, around the Blue Pool, and down off the Brothers rocky outcrops. There’s also the opportunity to catch some decent salmon, which will keep any seasoned angler on their toes, along with some great tailor towards dusk and dawn. For the reef and bottom fishos things couldn’t be better. How far you want to travel is totally up to you, as most systems currently hold good stocks of fish. Many anglers have fun close to shore with plastic baits on a wide variety of species. Most target snapper but have come up with mixed bags of assorted reef species through to some nice lightweight pelagic species. Conventional baitfishing has been successful on the wider grounds, with large tiger flathead at the top

of the list. Great sandies are there too, along with gummy sharks, morwong, perch and nannygai in the deeper areas. The salmon that have been hanging around the rocky areas will move along the beaches, and anglers can easily gain good bags. For a bit of variety, southern yellowfin bream will entertain, along with plenty of whiting. These fish are caught on beach worms or fresh pipis. Larger species like gummy sharks and mulloway, will come out to play at night, with plenty of tailor chomping in between the larger bites. February is one of the best months to fish the estuaries around Bermagui. The amount of prawns this season is fantastic, which makes estuary fishing extremely fruitful. Fish are in excellent condition, and are feeding quite freely in the warm water. Whether you like to target estuary fish on lures or bait, you won’t find a better time than the present nor will you have a better opportunity to fish in different locations – places you may normally wouldn’t consider.

Flathead are a popular target species and baitfishing will hook you a decent feed.

Have whiting for dinner MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

The Christmas crowds are gone after another festive season but thankfully there’s still a huge amount of fish to catch. It really depends on what you want to target and where, but whatever you decide to do you won’t be disappointed. The estuaries continue to fire for all species, with the Pambula system a standout. This stretch of water may not be huge, or very deep, but the variety of species on offer still amazes me. The place is loaded with solid tailor to 40cm and bigger with some chunky salmon mixed in too. Expect flathead to 60cm and legal sized snapper under the feeding

triple hook-ups the norm. This action happens in the main lake itself and should continue as long as the bait stays there. For anglers who like to throw softies, the lower sections toward the river mouth has been excellent for flathead, bream, whiting and flounder. Cast smaller presentations up to 70mm for results; natural colours have worked well. Fishos that anchor up on the draining tide in the same area have also fared well, especially on whiting. With the current, you may have to use a heavier sinker than normal but that won’t deter the fish from biting. The most effective baits have been worms and fresh prawn with a little berley to help things along. Offshore sportfishers are licking their chops as the marlin bite hits full

in anyone’s books. The beaks are predominately stripes up to 100kg but there’s been the odd better black hooked also. Trolling skirted pushers seems to be the go-to method, though switch-baiting on bait balls should work if the conditions are right. The bite has mainly occurred wide off Merimbula with the 70-fathom line to the shelf the place to fish. The water temperature has bounced around 22°C, which is ideal. I’ve also heard of yellowfin tuna to 40kg+, and a handful of mahimahi caught while targeting the marlin. I’d expect this action to get even better as we head further into the season. Closer to shore, the bread and butter species like flathead, morwong and snapper are keeping their end of the bargain up

Whiting and surface lures go hand-in-hand during summer as Stuie, Nikki and Ben found out. The guys managed 25 whiting in a short two hour session. tailor as they hammer the whitebait schools. Diving tern birds are a dead give away, and once you locate them, it’s mayhem – with

swing. The sluggish start to the season is now over, with switched on crews getting up to six bites a day – a pretty impressive tally

with anglers filling their eskies with ease. The flattie fishing for both sand and tiger has been impressive with the 30-35m line off

Kids getting out and having a fish is a great thing to see. Here Sophie Hindson and Will Roberts pose with their solid blackfish caught on Merimbula Lake. The fish was released after the photo. Pambula a great place to start. Both Lennards island and Long Point have been the hotspots for snapper with fish to 3kg on the cards. Anglers using fresh squid and striped tuna strips have fared best, and drifting is the preferred method. The rocks will continue to fish well for all the usual suspects. Anglers who cast lures can expect kingfish, tailor, salmon and the odd chance of a northern bluefin tuna. My advice is to fish Tura Head, as it is the deepest and most productive rock platform we have in the area. The bread and butter species like drummer and blackfish populate the spot, and you should still manage a few in the wash zones, however, persistence is the key, with plenty of berley. Use the freshest of baits like prawns, cabbage and cunjevoi for best results. On the beaches, the evening flooding tide has seen some excellent captures of bream and whiting. I know of a few local fishos getting thirty for sale on

fish a session. These guys use live beach worms and pipis for bait, with a lightly weighted outfit casting their presentation just past the shore dump. This is easy,

simple fishing with great rewards if done correctly. The better beaches to try include North Tura, Tura Main and Haycock Beach to the south of Pambula.

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Prawns running and predators following suit TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Offshore from Tathra has some of the best fishing along the coast, especially if you like to target bottom or reef fish. With so much good ground to the north and south of Tathra how do you determine which direction to head?

from the north, where you can expect some reasonable fishing in both areas. What’s up north? After leaving the entrance of Kianinny Bay, the last headland north you will see is Arragunnui. Just around the corner there is Goalen Head, arguably the best reef complex within this area. Here you will find a mix of reef fish, which include the much sort after snapper,

the form of small tuna like bonito, stripies, frigates and there are schools of slimies, which attract larger predators in the form of marlin and sharks. Slightly south of Arragunnui, sand flathead are in good numbers out from Wapengo and Gillards beaches in around 25m water depth. Wider will have you in the mix with some very nice tiger

When prawns are abundant in the estuaries, what do you use? Let the weather decide, if it is going to blow from the south, go that way and similar if the winds come

morwong, perch, kingfish and more, all of which fish well at present. Pelagics are up on the surface in

flathead, gurnard and a few gummy sharks. There are more reef complexes out from Nelsons Headland,

which also fish well. This area is worth a look for those large game fish. Tathra Bay plays host to plenty of sand flatties if you don’t want to travel too far. Straight out the front of Kianinny there are a mix of reefs, sand and gravel bottom features. This area provides very mixed bags of a lot of species already mentioned. Going south, White Rock is not far and provides good reef species, mainly morwong and snapper. You can fish wide or close to shore where jigging with soft plastics is often successful. Further south out off Bournda Island is flathead heaven. Most species are here in varying depths where they have been accompanied by some excellent gummy sharks. There is plenty of action on the Wharf with slimies and yellowtail ever-present. Mixed in are trevally, some garfish, tailor of a night, while schools of predator fish in the form of salmon and small tuna are regular visitors. Some sharks are present, such as hammerheads and whalers and they often take a wellpresented frigate mackerel under a balloon. Most beaches are firing within the area and salmon are the most prolific. Tailor

are a night time option along with mulloway, small whalers and gummy sharks.

still plenty in the Bega. When used live they have accounted for many large

Salmon are a popular species around Tathra. Through the daylight hours whiting and bream are in very good numbers, and are a regular catch in the shallow gutters on worms. The estuaries are not to be left out, with the Bega River and surrounding systems all firing. The good prawn season is responsible for excellent fishing and there are

flathead, plenty of bream and estuary perch. To try something different, you can fish them unweighted in shallow water over the sand flats for whiting, this can be exciting and can produce some very big fish. Tailor have grown quite large in the Bega River, and provide some good light To page 45

Look to the sea for some fun out on the blue EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

As all the caravan parks in the area have been full of visitors over the Christmas period, the town has been abuzz with activity.

R E V A L LY . S N A P P E R . E S G.T TU A PE R RY

. WH AD

The weather was kind to the visitors with next to no rain, allowing everyone to get out there and experience everything the area has to offer. Great amenities are provided for the anglers coming to the area with great boat launching facilities and car parking making for

hassle free boating, which in turn attracts plenty of anglers to the area. A variety of fishing available ensures everyone leaves happy. With the amount of boats heading offshore, it is not surprising that a great number of fish have been caught on the inshore reefs, providing anglers with all the usual species such as snapper, morwong, and leatherjackets along with plenty of kingfish. The best fishing is around the moon either full or new, of course, plenty of rat kings are caught alongside the more quality fish. Anglers will be pleased to hear there has been good fishing for sand and tiger flathead recently. The key is to keep moving until you find a patch of good fish. Boats heading out wide can

FISH WITH A LOCAL AT

expect to catch yellowfin tuna, albacore and striped marlin with the fishing set to improve over the coming months. Plenty of salmon have been caught on all the local beaches, along with yellowfin bream and sand whiting. With the recent big seas there are plenty of good gutters to choose from. The

local headlands have fished well with big drummer a regular catch along with the odd groper. The local estuaries have fished well with bream, whiting, silver trevally and dusky flathead all a regular catch. Fishing at night has also proved successful with reports of some good

mulloway. The key to catching these fish is good quality fresh bait and patience. Anglers have found great numbers of bass up in the freshwater, and with enough rain falling to keep them flowing the bass season is looking good for the coming months.

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Plenty of good size silver trevally have been caught on a variety of lures.

Quality fish numbers are up across Mallacoota MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Mallacoota has had ex cellen t we a t he r recently, and we’ve even been blessed with some wind free days, which is very unusual for this time of year. Offshore, the water temperature has been up and down which has played havoc with the fishing. Presently the days have warmed up, and it’s good times all round for those heading offshore. Good tiger flathead have been caught out

wide at around the 60m mark. Closer to shore, sand flathead have also been on the bite. Good gummy sharks have made an appearance, along with various reef fish. The good news is the kingfish have turned up on cue with plenty of fish available. Of course, there plenty of rats among the big fish, so make sure you double check the size if you are keeping a feed. If you head out from the Bastion Point boat ramp take some caution, as it is very shallow at the moment at the tip of the breakwall. An early start is needed

to beat the wind and get a car park after launching, as, in the busy periods you could find yourself parking a long way from the ramp. The breakwall has produced salmon and blackfish along with goodsized yellowfin bream. Anglers fishing the local beaches have caught salmon, and yellowfin bream along with some great gummy sharks. Fish for sharks in the evening for the best results. Good size tailor are found from the beach with some good fish also in the lake – the bigger specimens usually bite through the

line and that’s the last you see of them. The lake is fishing well, and offers a variety of species. Over the last week anglers fishing with Wilderness Fishing Tours have pulled in over 250 fish including trevally, whiting, flathead, flounder and both yellowfin and black

bream. Fish are spread throughout the system with good fishing above Gypsy Point right through to the Bottom Lake. There have been some good size flathead landed in the past month but the average size has been smaller than usual for this time of year. Heading upstream

into the freshwater, there have been some good bass found. The best fishing is had in the evening after a good hot day. You can expect to run into the water police and fisheries over the next few months, so don’t be surprised – just make sure everything is in order.

From page 44

tackle angling, especially at night. Some anglers have used fresh strips of tailor as bait for good results on mulloway and large flathead in the river. Brogo Dam has fished excellent at night or early in the morning. Some of the fish there have reached a good size with 40cm fish encountered regularly. For some very exciting angling try surface lures at night. This form of angling can be exhilarating as well as scary!

Solid bream are to be found on the beaches and in the estuaries.

Good yellowfin bream are on the bite in the estuaries on the far south coast.

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FEBRUARY 2016

News

Sydney Trailerboat Show 2016 set to impress The Sydney Showground Dome and Hall 2 at Sydney Olympic Park is set to play host again to the Sydney Trailerboat Show over the weekend of 27 and 28 February, 2016. It will mark the third occasion the show has been

staged at the centre after its move from its previous home at the Rosehill Gardens Convention Centre. Organiser, the Boating Industry Association (BIA), has issued invitations to exhibit and confidently expects 50 or more exhibitors

to respond. Planning is well advanced with a number of crowd-pleasing attractions under consideration. The show will operate from 9am to 5pm each day and admission is free. Although ample parking

is available on site, many choose the easy way and access the show by train, with the railway station

Central Coast and even Newcastle districts. In the market for product in the boating camping area,

Its popularity with exhibitors and visitors forced the BIA to seek larger premises prompting

There’ll be plenty to see and do at this year’s Sydney Trailerboat Show.

Sydney’s Trailerboat Show isn’t just about boats – there will be lots of fishing tackle on display as well.

FEBRUARY 2016

only a short walk from the main entrance. While the Sydney Trailerboat Show may be regarded as ‘a minor event’ when compared, say, to the massive Sydney International Boat Show, it has proven itself a prime attraction for the industry at large. This is a show where product sells. It attracts the top marine dealers, not only from the Sydney Metropolitan region, but from the Illawarra,

the general outdoor lifestyle, perhaps canoes and kayaks, fishing equipment, general boating accessories, even new or used boats, this is where show visitors will be able to ‘strike a deal.’ The Sydney Trailerboat Show has a proud history; it began as the Great Silverwater Boat Show staged on the banks of the Parramatta River at Silverwater more than 20 years ago.

the move to Rosehill. Now, in its third and possibly final home, the show continues to go from strength to strength and more than 10,000 are expected to flow through the gates over the show weekend. For further information visit the website, MyOutdoorLife.com.au or contact the BIA, telephone (02) 9438 2077. – Boating Industry Association

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Australian Bass Tournaments

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2016 abt calendar

COSTA BREAM SERIES

Australia’s number one boater/non-boater bream series will have eight qualifying rounds throughout the year to lead up to the biggest bream event on the calendar – the BREAM Grand Final on St Georges Basin in early December. Don’t miss your chance to go to battle with Australia’s biggest bream names or begin your tournament career in Australia’s ultimate recruitment tournament bream series, the ABT BREAM Series.

DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

20-21 Feb

VIC

Mallacoota

BREAM Qualifier #1

24-25 Feb

VIC

Gippsland Lakes

BREAM Qualifier #2

9-10 Apr

Mandurah

BREAM Qualifier #3

25-26 Apr

TAS

St Helens

BREAM Qualifier #4

30 Apr - 1 May

TAS

Derwent River

BREAM Qualifier #5

BREAM Qualifiers • Boater $250 • Non Boater $125

11-12 Jun

NSW

Forster

BREAM Qualifier #6

20-21 Aug

NSW

Clarence River

BREAM Qualifier #7

24-25 Aug

QLD

Gold Coast

BREAM Qualifier #8

2-4 Dec

NSW

St Georges Basin

BREAM Grand Final

BASSCAT AUSTRALIA BASS PRO SERIES

BassCat Australia takes the reins of the 2016 BASS Pro Series, with Australia’s longest running bass tournament circuit delivering anglers new challenges for the year in the form of shared weight and river rounds in 2016.

DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

5-6 Mar

NSW

Glenbawn

BASS Pro Qualifier #1

8-9 Mar

NSW

St Clair

BASS Pro Qualifier #2

9-10 Apr

NSW

Richmond River

BASS Pro Qualifier #3

16-17 July

QLD

Boondooma

BASS Pro Qualifier #4

10-11 Sep

QLD

BP or Borumba

BASS Pro Grand Final

BassCat BASS Pro Qualifiers • Boater $300 • Non Boater $100 Guaranteed Entry • Boater $250 • Non Boater $100

BLUEFIN BOATS/EPROPULSION BASS ELECTRIC SERIES DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

SESSION TIMES

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

13 Mar

NSW

Clarrie Hall Dam

17 Apr

QLD

Isis Balancing Storage

7-8 May

NSW

Toonumbar Dam

BASS Electric #3

BASS Electric #1

7am-1pm

Joseph Urquart

0439 764 369

BASS Electric #2

7am-1pm

Les Barber

0428 726 857

1pm-6pm, 6am-11am

Adrian Melchior

0415 587 900

10 July

QLD

Hinze Dam

BASS Electric #4

7am-1pm

Justin Thompson

0421 476 392

27-28 Aug

QLD

Borumba Dam

BASS Electric #5

12pm-5pm, 7am-1pm

Steve Noble

0409 239 065

25 Sep

NSW

Lake St Clair

BASS Electric #6

7am-1pm

Daniel Clancy

0419 690 418

22-23 Oct

QLD

Maroon Dam

BASS Electric Convention

7am-1pm

ABT

(07) 3387 0888

Bluefin Boats and ePropulsion power into another bass season. Featuring six qualifying rounds and a convention, anglers in 2016 will fish for cash and prizes in Australia’s only bass electric series. The series will hit QLD and NSW’s best bass lakes with a combination of single and two-day events, all of which lead to the Bluefin Boats/ePropulsion BASS Electric Convention at Maroon Dam in October. Check out the calendar to find out where and when you can get your Bluefin Boats/ePropulsion BASS Electric fix. BASS Electric Entries: $50 (single day events), $100 (two-day events)

HOBIE KAYAK BREAM SERIES PRESENTED BY DAIWA

CONTACT

DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

6-7 Feb

VIC

Bemm River

27-28 Feb

Blackwood River

5-6 Mar

VIC

Mallacoota

20 Mar

NSW

South Sydney

22-23 Apr

TAS

Scamander River

27-28 Apr

TAS

Swan River

15 May

NSW

St Georges Basin

5 Jun

QLD

Gold Coast

26 Jun

NSW

Port Macquarie

2-3 July

Mandurah

R10

23-24 July

NSW

Lake Macquarie

R11

27-28 Aug

NSW

Wallis Lake

R12

10-11 Sep

VIC

Nelson

R13

8-9 Oct

QLD

Bribie Island

R14

28-30 Oct

QLD

Queensland

Australian Championship

TAG 2016 abt

BARRA TOUR DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

8 Nov 9 Nov 11-12 Nov 14-15 Nov

QLD QLD QLD QLD

Kinchant Dam Teemburra Dam Peter Faust Peter Faust

BARRA Tour Round #1 BARRA Tour Round #2 BARRA Tour Round #3 BARRA Tour Round #4

The BARRA Tour returns after a record-breaking year in 2015, expanding to four events across the three northern impoundments of Kinchant, Teemburra and the barra mecca that is Peter Faust. Planned in consultation with the anglers, the 2016 tour is slated to be the best ever, starting in the build-up to the full moon and culminating with the epic all-night event on the day of the full moon at Peter Faust. If you want to brush shoulders with some of Australia’s best BARRA tournament anglers and learn the tricks of the trade, plan the time off for a week of the best barra fishing Australia has to offer. The Hobie Kayak BREAM Series, presented by Daiwa, hits the water nation-wide to offer anglers the ultimate kayak bream fix. Featuring events in WA, SA, VIC, NSW and QLD, anglers are spoilt for choice in 2016 with 14 rounds in the series. All events lead to the biggest event of the year, the Australia Championship. The Big Show will see anglers fish from identical factory-supplied Hobie kayaks in a bid to be crowned Grand Final champion for 2015. One Day Events - $80 for an on-time entry ($20 discount available for anglers fishing out of a Hobie kayak during the competion.) Two Day Events - $120 for an on-time entry ($20 discount available for anglers fishing out of a Hobie kayak during the competion.) The entry form and payment will be completed by the close of business on the Friday the week before the event (seven days). Entries received after this time will incur a late payment fee of $40, which competitors are required to pay to enter the tournament. First time entrants on a Hobie Kayak are eligible for a one-off free entry but are not eligible for prizes and their scores will not be recorded.

For stockist information tel. 02 9780 8200 www.rapala.com.au

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Breaming in a Box Kris Hickson

Having such a broad range of events in 2015 required a heck of a lot of tackle at each event. I like to be super prepared, with everything I could possibly need at my disposal. But as usual, like many other anglers, I tend to stick to lures and techniques that I am comfortable with and have worked before, with just a few tweaks here and there to adapt to each tournament situation. In the end, it was pretty easy to go through and come up with one box that would suffice for the whole year (well, a pretty big box). THE YEAR OF THE CRAB Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way – the all popular Cranka Crab. This

lure has taken the bream scene by storm. Although it doesn’t particularly suit my faster style of fishing, these lures catch fish – big fish. I have learned to use it where necessary to great success. Anyone who doesn’t have a good handful of crabs in their kit these days is definitely doing himself or herself an injustice.  I had a Cranka Crab tied on in every comp in both heavy and light, just waiting for the correct conditions to throw one. There are two main situations where I pick up the Crab. Firstly, when the fish are eating crabs! Secondly, I tend to use the Crab when I find a bit of a short bite on soft plastics. The trebles in the claws seem to get the hook-up when the fish are only picking at the tail of the plastic. I’ll fish these baits around pretty much any structure, shallow

and deep. Colours depend on personal preference but olive, brown and cockle would be my top picks.  Cranka Crabs are far from the be-all and end-all though. When it comes to bream lures there are plenty of situations where a more traditional approach is necessary. THE ROLL CALL Daiwa Spike I use this suspending crankbait any time I want to cast a long way, to cover rocky or muddy ground, and parallel. The Daiwa Spike is great for walking over shallow structure and off deeper edges or in cracks.  With some sticky weight added, the Spike gets down deeper, quicker and stays there for longer. It was my standout lure at Mallacoota this year and got a run at every other event this

A ZMan GrubZ was one of Kris’ go-to plastics in 2015. 4

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A season in a box. Hickson’s selection of hardbaits for the tour. year. Colours vary, but all are successful. They include, brown suji shrimp, midnight trout, bleeding tiger prawn, sushi prawn, and matt shad.

Daiwa Presso Rolling Crank DR I use this in similar areas to the Spike, but more so in the nastier country and in snags. It dives a little deeper and has a squarer bib for walking over structure without hanging up quite as much. Being a slightly smaller, fat bodied lure, it’s a more traditional bream crankbait. The DR got a run in the dirty water at the Tweed this year, banging into the rocks and timber to get the attention of the fish. The DR runs the same colours as the Spike.   Daiwa Presso Rolling Crank MR The Daiwa Presso Rolling Crank MR is my go-to mid-diving crankbait. This lure will normally get a run over the shallower ground, over flats and for running high around structure like bridges

and pontoons. Although it’s a mid-diver it’s quite versatile, and can run from just under the surface to around 4ft. This year I used it in both Clarence tournaments, as well as the Tweed, mainly around the bridges and pontoons. The MR runs the same colours as the Spike and Rolling Crank DR. OSP Dunk Quite similar to the Daiwa Spike, but diving 1-2ft deeper, I use this crash diving crank in the deepest of crankbait areas. The OSP Dunk is perfect for getting right down along rock walls, steep banks and deep reef. When you dig it into the bottom, it makes a heap of racket and gets plenty of attention. It floats really slowly, and the front hooks are far enough away from the bib that it can be slowly walked over the nasty stuff. I tied it on at most comps,

but used it predominately at the Clarence and Hawkesbury on the deeper, steeper banks. The best colours include olive shrimp, and clear shrimp. THE MARK OF Z ZMan 2.5” GrubZ Generally the first plastic I grab out of the box these days is the bloodworm GrubZ, which works absolutely everywhere. I fish it on a multitude of head weights and hook styles to suit the situation. I fished it

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Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au on a #1/0 TT HeadlockZ HD 1/20-1/12oz rigged weedless to get it right into the structure at Mallacoota, Gippsland and the Hawkesbury. I fished it on 1/20oz #1/0 hidden weights around the more shallow structure and areas the fish were high in the water column, and on 1/16oz #1 HeadlockZ wide of the banks and where I needed it to get a bit deeper on the Clarence. Bloodworm is my go-to colour, but

TT’s jigheads are Hickson’s choice when fishing jighead-rigged plastics.

watermelon and gudgeon are also great colours to start with. 2” ZMan GrubZ The little 2” ZMan GrubZ are spot on for when the fish are a bit picky, or feeding on smaller bait. I almost always use them on a 1/16oz #2 HeadlockZ head fished on 3lb and just drifted down and along drop-offs into anything up to 25ft of water. It takes some patience, but when it’s clear and slow they work really well. I gave these lures a good run upriver at the Clarence this year. Colours that do the damage include motor oil and bloodworm. 2.5” ZMan Slim SwimZ The Slim SwimZ look like nothing special, but this little baitfish imitation is one of the best little paddle tails I have used. This lure is a great alternative in profile and action when the GrubZ aren’t doing the job. I find they work best fished around structure like oyster racks, pontoons and wharves – areas where you tend to see more baitfish. They work great on a variety of weights, but tend to swim best on a standard head rather than a hidden weight. The bloodworm Slim SwimZ accounted for a few fish in the racks at the Hawkesbury this year. ZMan CrusteaZ Far from my favourite bait, I pulled the CrusteaZ out at

the Tweed this year to fish weedless as a crab imitation tight in the mangroves. Although I don’t use them a lot, they really do catch fish if you get them in the zone. Bloodworm and pumpkinseed on a 1/20oz #1 HeadlockZ is spot on for fishing them like this. EcogearAqua 50mm Bream Prawn These smelly little globs are typically what I throw in places where I know people feed the fish. Success varies day to day with this bait, so it’s a bit of trial and error to establish if the fish are in the mood to eat them. If they are, then hold on, if not I tend to find it will be the same everywhere that day. The tavern at the Clarence, and the trawlers and tavern at the Tweed were the two places I fished these with success this year. Colours come in white and grey. GETTING DEEP Tiemco Sinking Stick Minnow Another staple lure in the box, The Tiemco Sinking Stick Minnow works well when the fishing is tough. I tied them on 2-3lb to target deepschooled fish in the rivers at the Metung round. It’s small and subtle, with a natural look when it sinks that black bream absolutely adore. The only legal fish I caught at that round was on a shrimp patterned

No bream kit is complete without pink grubs and EcogearAquas. Stick Minnow, however I did catch quite a few undersize on it as well. They also get a run over weed flats, against boat hulls and to mudding fish at Mallacoota when it’s clear. The Sinking Stick Minnow comes in shrimp and ayu. Ecogear VX35 Blade I pretty much only throw two colours of the Ecogear

VX35 Blade, the #439 and #445 brown and black. I used these on schooled fish at Metung and managed a few small fish, but I had greater success at Mallacoota over the deeper flats and wide of the points. During pre-fish the performance of the blade led me to believe that I would use To page 6

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From page 5

them all comp until I stumbled on the spike pattern and caught quite a few good fish early in the first session. These blades just work, and it’s always worth keeping a few in the box, no matter where in the country you are. Tiemco Tiny Cicada If there is an event in

summer, some tiny black cicadas have to be in the box. There were a few times in the Grand Final when they came in handy, thrown under the trees when the sun came out and the cicadas were chirping. Ecogear Grass Minnow M 2.5” Okiami (pink grub) Fished on a worm hook, the Ecogear Grass Minnow

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is my go-to search bait if there are prawns about. They are perfect to see what is around on a pre-fish, and just as good at catching them come comp day. These little prawn imitations excel when dropped back under the surface if the fish aren’t keen on eating right off the top.

The fruits of Kris’ red-hot year. Procure Scent The three main attractants I have on the deck include crab, shrimp and mullet. For reasons that are selfexplanatory, use crab on the crab patterns, shrimp on the shrimp patterns and mullet on everything else. Make sure

The Daiwa Presso rolling crank got plenty of work in 2015. HICKSON’S STANDOUT LURES OF THE TOUR Place Primary Tweed: Cranka Crab Heavy – spotted Gippsland Lakes: Everything in the box! Mallacoota: Daiwa Tournament Spike brown suji shrimp Hawkesbury River: ZMan 2.5” GrubZ bloodworm 1/16oz #1/0H HeadlockZ Clarence River: Cranka Crab Heavy – cockle Grand Final: Cranka Crab Heavy – olive

your one all-encompassing box is deep enough to fit them in. Last of all, a bit of sticky weight allows you to change the buoyancy of a lure that can make all the difference, as I found out at Mallacoota this year. Sticky weight is

perfect if you need to get a lure deeper, make it suspend or cast that little bit further. There were a whole lot of other lures that caught fish this year, however, those mentioned are the standouts and what yielded the most success.

Secondary ZMan 2” CrusteaZ bloodworm/ 1/20oz #1 Light Wire HeadlockZ Everything left in the box. Ecogear VX35 #445 Cranka Crab Light – brown Daiwa Tournament Spike – brown suji shrimp Daiwa Tournament Spike Sushi Prawn and ZMan 2.5” GrubZ bloodworm 1/16oz #1 HeadlockZ Light

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The winds of change ABT

This year marks the first dramatic change to how the BASS Pro Series has been run since its inception in the year 1999. A new title sponsor, a new format and new venues will broaden the horizons of Australian bassers as ABT moves into the next phase of tournament angling in Australia.

BassCat sits atop the banner in 2016 as the new title sponsor and brings with it a wealth of opportunity for anglers that succeed throughout the year. Australian Bassmaster Elite Series pro Carl Jocumsen will be running a BassCat during the 2016 Elites season and ABT again is offering the greatest USA fishing experience as the Grand Final prize. Peter Phelps, who won the Grand Final in 2015, will be flying to the New York

and Vermont border and the picturesque Lake Champlain for the B.A.S.S. Northern Open in September. BassCat produce some of the finest fibreglass bass boats in the world, and you’ll be able to see a number of boats up close and personal on the tournament trail in 2016. A drastically new look format will challenge anglers’ strategy as well as their practical skills. The two-fish limit imposed by Australian Fisheries has always been a Anthony Thorpe getting set for the start.

Warren Carter punches out a cast on the BASS Pro Tour.

challenge for the tournament bass organizations, and a move to the shared weight format will see the bag limit per session double to four per boat, allowing eventual winners to weigh a 12/12 tournament limit for the first time in Australia. Previously, ABT segmented the BASS Pro events into multiple sessions. “In the early days we ran with five sessions over two days, then changed to three sessions in around 2001,” explained ABT’s Simon Goldsmith. “The move to shared weight will reward anglers who find consistency

on the water.” 2015 Grand Final champion Peter Phelps favours the move to reward consistent fishing in 2016, and admits had the format changed in the previous year, he might have approached the Glenbawn Grand Final a little differently. “I definitely would have adjusted my game plan,” he said. “I was confident of catching good size fish each session on jigs, but I wasn’t getting many. Had it been shared weight I would have definitely worked as a team with my non-boater and had him fish a reaction bait up

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ahead of the boat.” Phelps only landed his second keeper of the final session in the last five minutes – had it been shared weight and he was able to deliver a one-two punch all morning, he mightn’t have needed to scramble in the dying moments. The change to shared weight is definitely going to challenge anglers’ game plans as they walk the line of when to visit the weigh master in 2016. The weigh-in process changes to accommodate with an open ‘slot style’ weigh-in commencing on Saturday around 9:30am

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abt.org.au and running for 90 minutes. Anglers have the choice as to when they return to weigh in their morning catch. Weigh in early and maximise the afternoon period, or fish until the last minute hoping to upgrade and build a buffer going into the afternoon. As soon as the morning’s catch has been weighed and released, anglers are then permitted to return to the arena immediately to

continue fishing for their afternoon limit. This change allows for the familiar two sessions without the need to stop and start in the middle of the day. This allows anglers to finish before dark and have time to recuperate for Sunday’s morning session. Jocumsen credits the shared weight format for his transition into the Bassmaster Elites following his success in the

Catching bass like these two could see you heading to the US to fish with Carl Jocumsen.

US Open in 2009. “Shared weight is the way of the future for people wanting to succeed in tournament fishing,” he said. “My experience at the US Open would have been markedly different had I been competing with my boater for the fish rather than working together to put together our heaviest stringer.” Had Jocumsen not experienced the success of his runner-up finish in his first US event, he might not have gathered the confidence to chase his dream over the last five years. The addition of a river round has been a talking point among anglers and sponsors for some time. Late in 2015, ABT ran a trial bass event on the picturesque Richmond River on the far northern NSW coast. “Our trial event was a fantastic success,” explained ABT’s Simon Goldsmith. “The venue is the perfect location for our first foray into rivers for the BassCat BASS Pro series in 2016. Running a river event obviously has its ups and downs, but we feel it’s the right time to step out of what we’ve been doing over the last decade and propel tournament bass fishing to new heights.” Craig Simmons, BassCat

Shared weight events will bring a team focus to bass comps in 2016. Australia’s managing director and avid tournament fisherman, is thrilled at the changes slated for 2016, believing it’s the right way forward to produce growth in what is a more crowded tournament scene than ever before. The year culminates with the Grand Final returning to Queensland and slated for either Lake Bjelke-Petersen or Borumba Dam, depending on water levels and quality. ABT hasn’t run a major event on Borumba since the MegaBucks of 2007, with Bjelke-Petersen featuring on the schedule in 2015 where Grant Clements notched his first pro level victory. “Both Bjelke-Petersen

and Borumba have fished exceptionally well over 2015, so we are excited to bring the Grand Final back to one of these fantastic QLD impoundments,” Goldsmith declared. “Water level and quality will be the factors that determine exactly where anglers will vie for the title of Grand Final champion, and anglers can expect an announcement well in time to give them opportunity to prepare for the event.” The BASS Pro series has been the cornerstone of ABT’s events over the past 15 years. We have looked into the future with determination to grow the sport of tournament fishing and accelerate the learning curve for young

or fresh anglers entering into competitive fishing. There’s no doubt these changes will make for some exciting finishes to the four qualifying rounds throughout the year. New formats, new sponsors and new venues are the headline of what is sure to be an exciting challenge for anglers as they look to succeed at the top level.

Scan this QR code to see Carl Jocumsen talk about what’s new.

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Hobie Kayak BREAM Series presented by Daiwa Bob Finlay

Hobie Cat Australasia teamed up with ABT in 2009 for the inaugural Hobie Kayak BREAM Series, with the first kayak fishing event held on the Parramatta River, at Bayview Park Concord in Sydney. It was the first in a series of four tournaments that culminated in the Australian Championship, which took place at Forster in New South Wales. Since those fledgling days, Hobie Fishing has maintained its commitment to the sport and the marine industry, and the massive growth in kayak fishing in Australia is reflected in the interest and participation numbers in the Hobie Fishing tournaments. Hobie Fishing allows owners of any brand of sit-on kayak to participate in their tournaments, but supplies all anglers with brand new Hobie factory supplied Hobie MirageDrive kayaks for those who qualify for the annual Australian Championship. This unique format allows anglers from each state to compete and creates a level playing field, providing a 10

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true test of fishing skills. Hobie has shown it is dedicated to the development of kayak fishing tournaments in Australia and their commitment to presenting professionally run events at the highest standard has taken the competitive kayak fishing scene in this country to the highest standard in

the world. Tournaments are now held throughout Australia with the Hobie Fishing Series becoming the only truly national kayak fishing series and the premier kayak series in the country. The hugely successful 2015 season attracted both male and female entries with up to 70-80 competitors in a

number of tournaments in the 14 round season. NEW DIVISIONS INTRODUCED IN 2016 To create even more interest and excitement in the 2016 Hobie Fishing Series presented by Daiwa, in tandem with the usual open division, Hobie Fishing has introduced new divisions

Top: Scott Baker from Mornington Victoria, was the 2011 Hobie Fishing World Champion. Here he sight casts at fish feeding on rocky edges in Lake Macquarie, NSW on Day Two of the 2015 Hobie Kayak Bream Australian Championship. Above: Glenn Allen from Killarney Vale in NSW works the racks in the Forster round of the Hobie Kayak Fishing Series. Allen finished in second place in the tournament and won a place on the Australian team to compete in the 2015 Hobie Fishing World Championships in China.

in all tournaments for the coming season. FIRST TIMER ENTRY Another exciting innovation by Hobie Fishing in 2016 is the ‘First Timer Entry.’ This has been established to encourage new anglers to enter the tournament scene. An angler who enters a Hobie Fishing Series tournament for the first time has the option to have the requirement of being an ABT member waived and they will not be required to pay an entry fee. ‘First Timers’ will be able to experience and learn the tournament process – including briefings, key tags, weigh-in bags and bump tubs, weighing in of fish on stage, fish care and releasing of fish. Most importantly they will experience how enjoyable and friendly Hobie Fishing Series tournaments are and observe successful anglers being rewarded for doing what they love to do while sharing their passion with like-minded people. This is an excellent opportunity for those considering entering a Hobie Fishing kayak tournament to taste, to learn and to enjoy all that the Hobie Fishing tournament lifestyle has to offer.

For further information on the new divisions and first time entries go to www. hobiefishing.com.au. THE 2016 CALENDAR Summer/Autumn The 2016 series will hit some new and exciting waterways, and revisit some old favourites. The season will feature a return to one-day and two-day events as well as the awesome World Championship qualifying rounds from which six anglers will earn themselves a place on the team to represent Australia at the Hobie Fishing World Championship of kayak fishing. After last season’s amazing participation numbers, an absolutely huge turnout of excited anglers is once again expected to hit the monster black bream with a bang! The legendary Bemm River will host the season opener on 6-7 February. Bemm has gained an international fishing reputation after the third Hobie Fishing World Championship was contested there in 2013. To continue Bemm’s association with the Hobie Fishing World Championship, the season’s first tournament will also be the first qualifying round for the 2016

World Championship which will be held at a yet to be disclosed location. Western Australia - the booming state of Hobie Fishing tournament anglers in Oz - gets the next bite of the bream, on Blackwood River which sits at the head of a staggering 41 tributaries on the continent’s west coast. The Australian Championship was held at Mandurah just outside of Perth at the close of the 2014 series, and the numbers registering for Hobie Fishing tournaments in WA since then

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2016 NEW HOBIE FISHING SERIES (PRESENTED BY DAIWA) TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS Division Age limits (determined as at 31 December 2016) Youth 16-21 (must be 16 years on the day of the tournament and under 21 years on 31 December 2016) Womens 16+ (must be 16 years on the day of tournament) Masters 60-64 Grand Masters 65+ have swelled dramatically. This year participation is expected to reach a whole new level of interest from the Sandgropers. You deserve this one WA - you’ve hooked another big one! Blackwood River will be the second World Championship qualifying round for 2016.

incredible event, it’s the fourth in the series of World Championship qualifying rounds – again, yes you read it right! Tassie has a World Qualifier event, the first time one has been held off

The Hobie Fishing big bream battle then heads to Victoria’s East Gippsland region for ‘Mallacoota Madness in March’, where anglers will battle it out on one of Victoria’s finest bream fisheries on 5-6 March. Every angler who has fished Mallacoota loves the

2013 Australian Champion Darryl Head from Basin View in NSW launches into a drop-off, from one of the brand new, fully kitted out factory supplied Hobie Pro Angler 14 kayaks. These were supplied to all anglers that competed in the 2015 Hobie Kayak Bream Australian Championships on Lake Macquarie.

As the sun rises over East Gippsland in Victoria, a section of the huge field of 86 kayak anglers head off from the Bemm River starting line in the first tournament of the 2015 Hobie Kayak Fishing Series.

challenge it offers, and being the third in the series of five World Qualifiers, this round could have massive rewards. Sydney fires up on 20 March, with the first ‘one day wonder’ event of the year, the opening tournament in a massive season of kayak fishing for NSW. In late April the Hobie

Fishing road show then heads across the Tasman, for the first time since 2013, for a sensational bream busting week. Anglers will smash into the waters around Scamander on the north east coast of Tassie for a Friday and Saturday tournament. Yes, you read it right! To make this an even more

the mainland. But wait, there’s more. Four days later, the Hobie Fishing tournament train rolls further south, 90km down the Van Diemen’s Land coast to Swan River for a second two-day tournament on the ‘Apple Isle.’ Now, for those inexperienced To page 12

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kayak tournament anglers this may not seem much, but for the rest of you, hold onto to your tackle boxes and get this – the tournament is held on a Wednesday and Thursday. Whoa! A midweek tournament and two events

BREAM

in just one week in Tassie – unbelievable but true! Two weeks later, Hobie Fishing is back on the mainland on the NSW South

5 HUGE ROUNDS AND A GRAND FINAL

For ful l

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‘The Basin’ is working, this could be a seriously good competition for a novice tournament angler to see what Hobie kayak tournaments are all about. Winter/spring June sees the seasons change and the tournaments

Geoff Alford from Fyshwick in the ACT found himself a small cove and slow rolled a crankbait over the mud flats on the north end of Lake Macquarie during the 2015 Hobie Bream Australian Championship.

Australia’s Premier Bream Tournament Teams Series 2016 Round dates Feb 14 - Hawkesbury River NSW March 20 - St Georges Basin NSW

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April 17 - Sydney Harbour NSW May 22 - Forster NSW June 26 - Lake Macquarie NSW

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head up north with the first ‘Winter Warmer’ heating up in the Gold Coast canals on 5 June. The event will be Queenslanders’ first

first Hobie Fishing World Championship back in 2011. Mandurah will see the tournament schedule head back for a second visit to Western Australia with anglers competing over the weekend of 2-3 July. Lines will tighten on Lake Macquarie in NSW just a few weeks later on 23-24 July. Anglers will be happy to travel to the picturesque Wallis Lake just south of Forster for the only August tournament, run on 27-28 August. The washboards, racks and flats of the lake always excite bream anglers, but chasing some sweet prize money always adds a little more excitement to a day on the water. Hang in there! It’s the final World Qualifying Round and your last chance to get a hook in to represent your country. The last round of the season is way down south on the Victoria and South Australia border, at Nelson in early September. This is the last chance for anglers to crank a qualifying spot in the

Dan Brady from Croydon in Victoria pulls a keeper on board his Hobie Pro Angler at the mouth of the Bemm River in round one of the 2015 Hobie Kayak Bream Series. Coast with Round 7 kicking off on the doorstep of Hobie Fishing in Australia, St Georges Basin. ‘The Basin’ is within easy reach of Canberra, Wollongong and Sydney and this waterway can really turn it on, so if conditions are right and

hometown event for the year, and the first of two ‘one day-ers’ for the month. The second one-day event on 26 June will be the first visit in a couple of seasons to magnificent Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast, the scene of the very

Australian Championship, which will be held thousands of kilometres further north on the pristine waters of Queensland’s Bribie Island, in October. That’s right, the Australian Championship is heading to Queensland.

ream.c

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Madeline Hill from The Ponds in NSW is one of a growing number of female anglers competing in the Hobie Kayak Bream Series presented by Daiwa. 12

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The natural progression Brad Roberts

No one would argue that rising through the non-boater ranks is one of the best ways to start and also fast track a fishing career. The amount of knowledge you are constantly surrounded by in this situation is immense and uplifting. However, after you’ve fished as a non-boater numerous times, and on many different tournament arenas, you will find yourself having your own ideas of where and how to attack the waterway come tournament day – ideas which tend to be more in line with your strengths as an angler. Once you reach this point, it may be time for you to take your tournament fishing to the next level. After three inspiring seasons fishing in the non-boater side of the draw, I made the step up, recently completing my first season fishing with the boating pros. If you’re thinking of making the switch, here are some tips on making a smooth and positive transition. HOW DO I KNOW I’M READY? So you’ve been fishing 14

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as a non-boater for a few years now and you’re wondering whether you should make the switch up to the main game – fishing against the best of the best in Australia. But when is the right time to cross over? Each individual is different, but the more you think about making the move, the more ready you are! You just might not realise it yet. Once you reach the crossroads, you can choose to just continue doing what you’ve always done – or you can turn the corner, and take your fishing career to the next level! That bend in the road will present you with the kind of steep learning curve you’ll remember from your first couple of tournaments as a non-boater. Like I mentioned earlier, every angler is different and has their own set of goals when it comes to what they want to achieve from tournament fishing. However, if your goals include improving your skills and becoming the best you can be, you’ll want to join the boater division. It will make you a better angler. After lengthy conversations with friends

in the tournament circle, both boaters and non-boaters (also the non-boaters I’ve had on board with me during tournaments over the past 12 months) I’ve noticed a few common themes. Most relate to confidence. There are many competitors who own a tournament-style boat but choose to fish in the non-boater category, and I suspect that quite a few of these guys (though certainly not all) lack the self-belief required to progress. I was undecided for a while myself, but I’ve since discovered there’s no feeling in the world like the take-off on the first morning of competition, knowing that you’re in charge of your own destiny! I completely understand that some people are happy to stick with the non-boater category; everyone has different goals and aspirations. However, if you want to be the best angler you can be, you have to take calculated risks and throw yourself in the deep end once in a while! GOAL SETTING As with any facet of life, setting yourself goals is the key to success. I like to set myself one large goal plus some smaller goals to use

Top: Brad Roberts flicks a plastic under a jetty searching for those elusive bream. Above: Tristan Taylor and Dave McKenzie, have won multiple back-to-back QLD Bream Open titles through hard work and many years of experience as tournament boaters.

as stepping stones to keep me on track. As an example, a large goal for the season might be AOY honours or grand final qualification. A smaller medium-term goal (typically one per event) might be to finish in the top 10 or to catch five legals each day of a tournament. Then there are my shortterm goals. These differ as the seasons change, but usually revolve strongly around the upcoming comps I have planned. For instance, if I know I have a comp coming up on a place like Sydney Harbour in summer, I’ll go out of my way to spend a day or two on the water practicing my casting around structure. The reason is because I know from past events that most fish are caught this way, and that I’ll have to be able to pull fish out of places that many other anglers can’t if I want to finish well up on the leader board. Other short-term goals can include breaking down new bodies of water, practice for comps and learning new techniques to make you more versatile as an angler. THE MENTAL SIDE The mental side of fishing, and tournament fishing in particular, has received a lot of attention in

recent times, and rightly so. There aren’t many sports out there with as many variables as tournament fishing, and that’s what keeps bringing us back! There is no hiding the fact that your first few tournaments as a boater are when you’ll be at your most vulnerable, but with some methodical preparation you can make the transition a lot smoother. Being able to block out nerves is no easy task. However, the ability to do so and control emotion will allow you to fish in the moment and make more calculated decisions while under the time pressure of a tournament situation. You’ll achieve this calm mindset by putting in the time on the water, and there is no substitute. Another thing that can keep you feeling upbeat is to taking the positives out of small wins throughout the day, be it during practice or on comp day. Focussing on small things and taking note of patterns can help with this. Preparation and planning have been a huge part of my first year fishing as a boater. Google Maps and Navionics charts have become even better friends of mine while practicing for tournaments, particularly

those tournaments held on unfamiliar waterways. I thoroughly enjoy the planning phase for each event, and I spend as much time as I can to familiarise myself with waterways before the tournament comes around. This reduces my stress levels during the pre-fish, and ultimately during the tournament. On local lakes and those that I can practice on before the pre-fish ban starts, I aim to break the water down into sections and concentrate on one section per day. If I

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neglect to do this, I find myself spending too much time driving and not enough time fishing. Breaking the water down helps me to fish more thoroughly and efficiently. KEYS TO SUCCESS The best competitors are those who are the most consistent, and in my opinion the biggest key to consistency is adaptability. Tournament fishing forces us to fish in all conditions, and on many different and often unfamiliar waterways. For this reason, it’s those

anglers who can predict what the fish will do in different situations (whether it be seasonal change or weather conditions) and adapt to this who nearly always come out on top. In saying this, the ability to think outside the square regularly produces the goods for some competitors. These guys have the nerve and patience to stick it out knowing they’re employing a method that’s completely left of field, yet potentially deadly on its day. Being able to address

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your own weaknesses and ‘self coach’ is a great habit to get into as you progress. There’s usually nobody else to do it for you, so the more you can address your angling shortcomings, the better you will become. These obstacles don’t have to be anything difficult either; sometimes the things we think are smaller and less significant can be the ones that come back to haunt us the most. It could be something as simple as being able to control an electric motor properly in rough water. This can open up so many more options in these conditions, and save you from moving to less productive areas to escape wind. Being able to hone skills to suit particular waterways or events is an extension of this. It’s often hard enough to get the time off work and other commitments to get to competitions, let alone justify the time it would take to practice on interstate tournament venues. However, those anglers with a bit of creativity and patience will work their way around this. This is where using tools such as past event reports and Google Earth is invaluable. You can look for areas of similar structure on To page 16

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From page 15

both your local waterway and the tournament venue, and target those areas in preparation for the upcoming tournament. It all helps to build confidence and reduce downtime while competing in events where time isn’t on your side. EXPERT OPINIONS I took the time to speak with fellow competitors Ross Cannizzaro, Kris Hickson, Ben Shuey and Zac O’Sullivan to run through

their ideas on the best way to make a smooth transition from non-boater to boater, and also how they go about preparing for each of their tournaments. The one theme which featured strongly with each individual was preparation. They all said how important it is to sit down before each event and research the venue, past event results (whether it be their own or from event reports) and seasonal patterns. Boat preparation

was also a factor. Continuing on from this is the way in which they all view pre practice for a particular event. They all agreed that for local events, they will try to fish the arena before the pre-fish ban kicks in, however for non-local and interstate events these guys turn their efforts in preparation more toward web-based avenues such as Google Earth and past tournament reports, combining these with their

One of the ultimate goals of tournament angling is to take out a BREAM Grand Final. Liam Carruthers achieved the title of BREAM Series Grand Final Champion of 2015, after a lot of hard work, determination, and preparation.

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existing knowledge to create a plan for their pre-fish day at the very least. While talking to the guys I also asked for their top five tips on making a smooth and positive transition. Ross Cannizzaro Ross has been extremely successful over the past few years, including winning this year’s Hawkesbury River ABT qualifier, a second place at Mallacoota and a win with his teammate Alan at the BETS teams Grand Final on Lake Macquarie. Here are his tips. 1. Believe in yourself and your ability. You need to be at the top of your game each and every time you hit the water for a tournament. Back yourself and your judgement in every situation. 2. Prepare your boat in a way that allows everything to be within easy reach for fast and easy re-rigging, to maximise your fishing time. 3. Work on your boat position. Give yourself the best possible chance at extracting fish from cover. 4. Keep a diary of patterns and techniques on all non-local tournament arenas. It may be a number of years before you get back there to fish again so you want to hit the ground running when you do. 5. Practice! Nothing can

Dave Young shows off his tournament angling skills with two fat bass. top on-water experience, especially in your first few years. Make the extra effort to get out there as often as possible and practice a range of techniques under different conditions. Kris Hickson Kris has had an outstanding last few years by winning the ABT BREAM Grand Final in 2014 and following up by taking out the Angler of the Year (AOY) crown

this year. He believes a competitor’s attitude is an important factor. 1. Brush up on all the rules and etiquette. Now that you’re running the boat it’s your responsibility to know them. 2. Remember how you wanted to be treated when you were a non-boater and try your best to replicate that for the non-boaters you have. You might see that it’s not as easy as it seems to

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abt.org.au abt.org.au give everyone a fair shot, but be as reasonable as possible without sacrificing your own opportunities. 3. Figure out what style of fishing suits you most, now that you are in control of the boat, and work on it. When you were at the back of the boat you had to adapt to what the guy at the front was doing, but now you have the reins so try to fish

He’s had top 10 finishes in each. He even managed to qualify for this year’s BREAM Grand Final in both the non-boater and boater categories. He’s all about the preparation. 1. You have to be organised! You can never be too organised when it comes to things like lure colours and sizes. Also regular maintenance of boat, motor

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of the bunch and has had a number of successful years as a non-boater in the past. This year he made the step up to the boater category in a classy fashion, with a number of consistent results, and he finished the year ranked 15th in the Angler of the Year race. He has some practical ideas to make your experience easier.

Tournament angling is essentially a community, where anglers can have a laugh, get to know one another, and hone their fishing skills among friends. Friendly competition makes it easy for non-boaters to advance their tournament careers and maybe end up as a boater. to your strengths. 4. Most boaters have spent a lot of time working out each arena and spots they like to call their own. There is only so much water out there and the majority of arenas have been fished enough that most of it is fair game, but if a previous boater has shown you any sneaky little places that they have worked out, your best bet is to leave it to them. 5. BUY MORE GEAR! It’s your boat now so fill that sucker up. Ben Shuey Ben has been fishing tournaments for a number of years across multiple states, and competes in a range of events from teams tournaments to ABT boater and non-boater events.

and trailer is a must. 2. Practice your knots – a lot! Tournaments will test every facet of your fishing so the better your knots are the harder you can pull to extract fish from cover. It also helps to be able to re-rig quickly when you bust off or change lures. 3. Learn how to read and understand your sounder so you’re confident in it in all situations. 4. Practice driving your boat in all weather conditions, both on the main motor and the electric. This is a must. 5. Finally, research. You can never do too much research on tournament venues, past reports and maps. Try to organise this so you can fish to your strengths. Zac O’Sullivan Zac is the youngest

1. Plan your year, and organise to share accommodation to save costs. For example, a non-boater as a travel partner will also help with pre-fish, sharing ideas and different techniques. 2. Preparation is the key with your boat and gear. Have everything organised and in its place so it’s easy to find on the run. 3. Back yourself and stick to your guns. Fish similar areas on foreign waterways as you would on your home water. 4. Do your research on each waterway, check Google Earth and previous tournament reports. 5. Make sure you learn something from event (keep a diary to help with this) and have fun!

As a non-boater, you will learn essential tricks of the trade on your tournament career path as well as getting to spend time with some amazing anglers. abt

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Solving the jig-saw puzzle Tom Slater

When Peter Phelps held the Bass Pro Grand Final trophy aloft in October 2015, he broadcast to the wider bass fishing community a new weapon anglers could add to their arsenal. When you look back through the ABT BASS record books, the lures and techniques used to win read like your local pub menu that hasn’t changed in a decade. The same old offerings get tossed around at every tournament, with spinnerbaits and soft plastics, the chicken parmies of the tournament scene. Someone might add a beetle spin, and one might dip the tail, but that’s just tweaking existing techniques. Last October we witnessed something new and for the first time, a major ABT BASS tournament was won using a skirted jig. I was fortunate enough to witness the excitement

in our camp as Mitchell Cone led Peter going into the final session. Both were fishing the same area, and both were keyed into the jig bite that everyone else overlooked (including me). What transpired in October at Glenbawn was over 12 months in the making. Peter and Mitch first started experimenting with jigs many years ago. The spring of 2014 was when they really keyed into their first good jig bite at Glenbawn, and when the ABT calendar was set for 2015, they marked the Grand Final as a potential jig fishing tournament. WHAT IS A SKIRTED JIG? A skirted jig is essentially a lead or tungsten jighead, fitted with a brush guard to help reduce snagging, with a skirt much like a spinnerbait attached to the head. Skirted jigs are primarily used in Australia to imitate a redclaw or yabby. There are numerous styles of jigs (e.g. swim and football) available and the difference between them is usually the shape of

EQUIPMENT Rod: Medium action baitcast from 6’10” to 7’6” (Mitch uses Millerods Blade Freak, Peter uses 13 Fishing ENVY Black 73M) Reel: High speed baitcast – at least 6.6:1 anywhere up to 8.1:1 Line: 15lb braid, leader varying depending on structure from 8-16lb. 18

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the moulded head. A swim jig has a streamlined head, with the line tie coming out of the front most point of the head, while a football jig has an oblong ‘football’ shaped head with a line tie protruding out of the top of the head. These subtle differences affect how the jig performs in the water. Football jigs are designed to drag along the bottom with the football shaped head preventing the jig from rolling onto its side, eliminating hang-ups. If you tried dragging a swim jig you would catch the bottom a lot more often than you’d catch fish. On the other hand, if you wanted to swim a jig through weed or cover, the blunt shape of a football jig would tend to hang-up more often than the streamlined design of a swim jig. There’s a time and a place for all jig types, but to get started, Peter recommends sticking to a football or stand-up shape that lends itself to beingdragged along the bottom. You can also find differences in the skirt of a jig. There are predominantly two types of skirt material, silicon and living rubber. Silicon is available in a broader assortment of colours but sometimes lacks the

action and movement of living rubber, which flares very well underwater – especially in cold water. There’s also the size of the material to consider – you can commonly buy both regular and fine cut silicon, as well as fine size living rubber, which can add even more flare to the skirt. PICK A JIG As with many techniques that originate overseas and are imported to Australia, they often require some sort of modification to either the equipment itself, or how we use the equipment to effectively target our Australian species. In the case of the skirted jig, it’s the jig itself we have to look closely at. As you discover the hundreds of different types of jigs on the market worldwide, it’s easy to get confused. Australian companies such as Bassman, with the help from their pro anglers like Peter, are in the process of developing jigs specifically suited to our conditions. International brands such as Pro’s Factory (a Japanese jig manufacturer) will become more available to Australian fishers through local distributors in 2016. The size and gauge of the hook is the most frustrating element of building the right jig, and a lot of the jigs that are available

Top: A glorious day led Phelps to take the win, in a seriously tight competition. Middle: Peter Phelps and Mitchell Cone developed a jig bite theory over many years of trial and error, and the 2015 ABT Bass Grand Final was their opportunity to show the professional bass fishing community the merits of this technique. Bottom: Mitchell Cone with two excellent fish captured on a jig.

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au have a hook that’s too big for our much smaller-mouthed bass. Peter and Mitch both prefer a #2/0 sized hook for

appendages more accurately imitates the prey you are trying to replicate. Plastics such as the Keitech Crazy Flapper

Not only did Phelps take out the championship title, he also opened the conversation on jig technique for all bass anglers to consider. Australian bass jig fishing. Jigs are normally fished with some sort of soft plastic trailer. This bulks out the profile of the jig, giving a more natural look and feel. You can use any number of various soft plastics but a plastic with two flapping

are an excellent choice when looking for trailers. WHAT TO DO Skirted jigs have been around for over half a century, and I’m sure that most Australian tournament bass fisherman have used one briefly in the past. What

so many have not done, is put the time and effort into working out exactly how to use these lures to effectively target and catch Australian bass. The best time to target bass on a skirted jig is September through to early summer. During this time the bass are active and patrol the shallow waters as they warm from a long, cold winter. This also coincides with the spawning season for the yabby and redclaw, as these species begin to spawn when water temperatures exceed 16°C. Peter and Mitch had their first dose of really consistent success in the spring of 2014. During this time of year, the bass are found shallow and feed aggressively on almost every technique you could imagine. It’s easy to fall back on tried and true techniques when you know you can pick up a familiar lure and enjoy almost immediate success. But this can be the best time to experiment with new ideas and gain confidence. Jigs are best used when you know an area or particular spot is holding fish. It is a slow presentation, and covering vast amounts of water fishing a jig is time consuming. Fishing a jig properly requires patience; you need to crawl and hop the jig slowly along the bottom. This isn’t just a ‘cast it out and wind it back’

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Peter and Mitch carry an assortment of jigs in a number of different weights. Usually a 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2oz will cover almost all scenarios as you can vary the rate of descent by using a larger trailer, or a trailer with more action.

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Tournament Angler Guide

From page 19

scenario. Rock walls offer the perfect terrain to fish a jig. In Glenbawn Dam, the rock walls that scatter the upper section of the lake are consistent fish producers.

Peter locked onto this early in the tournament and rode it for the first two sessions. Cast the jig right up shallow, then gently hop the jig from one rock, letting it fall onto the one below. The key here is not letting it come away

from the wall and sink too far, too quickly. If it sinks more than a foot, then you’ve hopped it too hard. During low light hours, bass will more than likely be roaming around the lake. This can be a tougher

time to catch numbers on jigs, however, after much practice we have established that big bass love to eat a jig. In these times you want to target ‘highways’ – areas where bass will move into or along a bank. The

ABT BASS Grand Final Champion Peter Phelps displays the fruits of his labour – a fat Glenbawn bass caught crawling a jig on a steep rocky bank. inside breaks of a weed line along a bank is the perfect place, as bass can either be hiding just inside the weed or patrolling the gap between the bank and the weed edge. Crawling a jig along the bottom in that gap is a fantastic way to target fish before the sun starts beating down. This was the pattern Mitch Cone used to lead the ABT Bass Grand Final after two sessions. The large fish vacated Mitch’s key areas on Sunday and left him in 4th place.

abt.org.au THE JIGS 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2oz are the most popular, paired with a small hook around #2/0 Pepper Custom Baits Micro Jig Pro’s Factory OP Jig Jackall TG Spade Jig Pro’s Factory Motion Jig Bassman Phelpsy’s Finesse Jig Trailers Gulp Crabby Berkley Chigger Craw Keitech Crazy Flapper Keitech Little Spider Netbait Paca Chunk Jackall Chunk Craw As the sun rises fish tend to pull closer to structure, whether it’s standing timber, lay-downs or weed. This where the jig really shines! In the low light scenario above, the simple transition to make as the sun rises is to move to the outside edge of the weed. Try somewhere between 8-12ft, and work the edges of the deeper weed that the bass will use to ambush prey. Standing or lay-down timber is another perfect spot to target when the sun rises. Fish will pull in behind timber into the small shade pocket created by the tree. With reaction style baits like a lipless vibration or a spinnerbait, your lure will only be in the strike zone for a few seconds; you will simply be hoping to draw the fish out. However, you can drop a jig quietly down a standing tree, or flip it into a lay-down and leave it there for a long time, just gently hopping or crawling the jig around the structure drawing a strike out of a fish that perhaps might not have bitten a faster moving presentation. This was the pattern that really achieved results for Peter in the final session. He was struggling, with only one fish in the well and only 30 minutes

to go. Leaving the rock walls that had treated him so well in the previous two sessions, Peter stopped on an isolated cluster of trees off a weed edge and caught his final fish to fill out his six out of six limit. Peter and Mitch carry an assortment of jigs in a number of different weights. Usually a 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2oz will cover almost all scenarios as you can vary the rate of descent by using a larger trailer, or a trailer with more action. You will want to use a jig that’s heavy enough that you can maintain feel on the bottom. As the fish predominantly pick up the jig off the bottom, the ability to detect a change in how your jig feels will be key to putting fish in the boat. As you start fishing jigs you need to learn how your jig feels on the end of your line, and if this feel changes you’re either snagged or soon to be snagged, or a fish has picked up your jig. We’ve experienced a number of different bites while fishing jigs. Occasionally you will feel one solid thump and then weight, while other times they will peck at it with that tell-tale rattle you feel when fishing a soft plastic. Quite commonly you won’t actually feel anything at all. This is why

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abt.org.au it’s important to really get to know how the jig feels because if you lose contact there’s a good chance a bass has grabbed it and is

less fairly simple. You are trying to imitate a yabby or redclaw, so bottom contact is by far the most important. Hold the rod tip up just

so slightly to put a small amount of slack into the line. A small upward flick of the wrist should be all that’s needed to bring the

Mitch works the jig through timber. swimming towards you. MOVE IT The actual technique of fishing the jig is more or

past horizontal and more or less ‘tap’ the line. Wind up and get tension on your line, then drop the tip ever

AREAS AND TECHNIQUE Target the shallows during low light hours, the edge of weed in close to the bank or a shallow rock wall. As the sun rises work the deeper edge and close to hard structure like standing timber, rock or lay-downs. Work the jig slowly around the structure and wait for the bite.

tip of the rod up, ‘tapping’ the line as it takes out the slack. This small tap will make the jig hop and bump along the bottom. Normally I would repeat the process until my rod is pointing high in the sky. Then wind down and repeat. Another technique is called stroking, and it’s a bit more of a reaction style bite. It’s very similar to

the technique you would use hopping a blade off the bottom. Give two whips of the rod from horizontal to almost vertical, ripping the jig off the bottom and allowing it to fall back down on a semi slack line, following your lure with your rod tip as it’s sinking. This retrieve imitates a yabby or redclaw flicking off the bottom and can be a great way to stimulate a bite. There is still so much to learn about fishing jigs for Australian bass. What I’ve described above just scratches the surface. Thanks to guys like Peter Phelps and Mitchell Cone, new techniques like this will always come along and thanks to organisations like ABT and Fishing Monthly, new techniques get outlined and examined, and anglers can be educated. As more anglers begin to experiment with their use of lures, they begin to unlock secrets to make them more effective. At the end of the day, time on the water with a technique is everything, and the more people willing to adopt and try out a new technique, the more time is going to be devoted to fishing it and finding out why it works. I’m sure the skirted jig is just the beginning.

As the sun rises fish tend to pull closer to structure, whether it’s standing timber, lay-downs or weed. This where the jig really shines!

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The lure of the tour: the pull of big barra Tom Slater

The ABT BARRA Tour is a unique event for tournament fishing. A full weeklong immersion into barra fishing, ‘The Tour’ is a barra junkie’s ultimate adventure. For stalwarts of the tour, the barra road trip is an opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded, competitive individuals and to experience the outstanding barra fishing that North Queensland has to offer. For anglers new to the tour, it’s an opportunity like no other to fast track your learning and knowledge of this iconic species. The last two tours in particular have produced fishing that can only be described as world class. If average catches of metre plus barra is your thing then the BARRA Tour should definitely be on your bucket list. GET PACKING Knowing what to pack, and the essentials you need to have with you for life on tour can be hard to summarise to the uninitiated. A seemingly endless array of lures, lines, tackle and electronics can make the tour (or any barra fishing excursion) seem daunting. This uncertainty isn’t unique to beginners either, with experienced barra anglers still puzzling over every new piece of equipment that comes to market. The BARRA tour doesn’t have to be complicated though; success on the tour isn’t limited to your

Scan this QR code to see how to modify Slick Rigs for barra.

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This is what the BARRA Tour is all about. Big fish and big smiles. performance on the score sheet. Nor is it indicative of the size of your bank account. To find, hook and ultimately land even metre long barra is the pinnacle of fishing for many Australian anglers. This article intends to provide some clarity to the enormous amount of options available on tour and to open a dialogue with successful and seasoned pros on the musthaves for a successful sojourn to the northern lakes and the BARRA Tour. SOFTY DOES IT ‘Soft plastic’ is a pretty generalized term for what is a very diverse style of lure. There’s a multitude of shapes and sizes, which can be perplexing on a shop wall. From flukes to frogs and everything in-between, soft plastics encompass some of the most effective and reliable barra lures we’ve seen on the tour. Let’s break down these

soft and squishy morsels and give you the hard facts on what to pack for your first tour. The Squidgy Slick Rig is like the forward defensive shot in cricket. It’s somewhat boring, but fundamental to prolonged success in the northern impoundments. Sure, there are other options, but no other lure has experienced the successes of the Slick Rig. Seasoned barra professionals modify the Slick Rig a fair bit these days. Craig Griffiths of the 2015 TOY (Humminbird/ EJ Todd) takes a soldering iron to his Squidgies to maximize their effectiveness on the water. You can watch a video of how Craig modifies his ‘Slickies’ by scanning the QR code. Let’s take a look at a few other options for the inner tackle junkie in all of us. Just like your favourite meal deal, don’t be afraid to upsize in search of giant barra

on the tour. Size definitely mattered for some teams on the 2015 tour, especially at Peter Faust Dam – the Mecca

of big barra. Lures of 7-9” were not uncommon on the decks of the top teams. Storm R.I.P. Shads gained key fish

for Team Humminbird/EJ Todd in their domination of the event. Large profile baits with strong action were the most advantageous lures late in the tour, when the moon was fading and light was low. Some creative rigging is necessary to throw a soft plastic measuring the best part of 20cm, and some of the most enjoyable time in the lead up to a tour is figuring this out. Westin and Castaic are two companies relatively new to the Australian market, and both offer some simple yet incredibly effective lures to fill those remaining gaps in your soft plastic box. The Westin Shad Teez is a great natural boney bream profile, and its large paddle-tail exhibits great action and body roll when rigged on a standard jighead. Castaic’s Jerky J Swim series of boot tail swimbaits are a little thicker in the body than their Westin counterparts, again featuring a thumping tail beat that draws barra in to have a look. Both are available in a range of different sizes from petite 3” versions to mega profiles of 7” and bigger, catering to every bait size.

No BARRA Tour kit is complete without one of these, a pimped and tricked Squidgy Slick Rig.

One last contender for the specialty spot in the soft plastic arsenal would be the Zerek Flat Shad. A unique collapsible body makes this perfect for rigging weed-less and throwing into some really nasty structure. HARDEN UP So, now that you have a box of go-to soft baits, it’s time to harden up and put together a tray of the best and most effective hardbodies

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abt.org.au for an assault on the 2016 BARRA tour. There’s a reason why Rapala have been the major supporter of the tour in the last few years, they saw a group of anglers have fantastic success on some of their products and rewarded them with support. The Rapala X-Rap is renowned as a fish catching machine, and are super effective for the barra angler. If the ‘Slickie’ was the forward defence of

Larger sized soft plastics proved their worth on the 2015 Tour, and are something your shouldn’t leave home without.

soft plastics, the X-Rap would be the frontline quick of a steamy pace attack. As anglers, we’re all about diversity; no one likes to own all the same stuff. So here are a few other options to look at building your one stop shop hardbody box. The Luckycraft Pointer has been a benchmark barra lure since the brand first made its way to Australia from the largemouth filled waters of Japan. Available in a multitude of sizes and running depths, a box of assorted Pointers could probably satisfy even the pickiest of barra junkies. Now available with out-ofthe-box barra-ready hardware, the benchmark just got higher. Ecogear BM125s were probably one of the first Japanese designed lures specially made to target barramundi in Australia after Japanese lure designer Takayoshi Orimoto came to Australia many years ago. Still a fantastic shallow water option to this day, the BM125

Scan this QR code to see the best way to tie the FG knot.

Having and knowing how to use the latest sounders is essential for barra success on the lakes. is a contender for sure. Of course, it isn’t just overseas where we look for successful barra lures. Australia has produced some truly excellent options for the box. Companies such as Reidy’s continue to make some of the most relied on barra lures in the country, with the B52 continuing to do damage in the hands of BARRA Tour stalwarts like Peter Price. It isn’t just the long, slim profiles of jerkbaits that barra love to munch on in North Queensland. Fat profile, short

bodied crankbaits imitate a boney bream better than almost anything else and continue to fly under the radar of many barra anglers. Karim DeRidder of Team Humminbird/EJ Todd put the Luckycraft SKT Magnum on the map when he used the gigantic crankbait to notch the team’s first win of the 2015 tour at Teemburra Dam. The behemoth crankbait measures over 100mm, and a simple slow roll and pause technique was all that was needed to capture almost 10m of barra in the two-day evening event.

Steve Morgan told stories about how they used to catch plenty of barra on an old Rapala Risto Rap, again a slightly shorter and fatter profile crankbait that you simply slowly wind through structure, with the odd pause to capture the interest of a nearby barra. While they aren’t as diverse and as easily accessible for the average angler, jointed hard swim and glidebaits are quickly becoming a consistent fish catcher in the northern impoundments. To page 26

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With continued success they become more and more accessible as more options come to market. There are a few different styles of swimbaits available; some swim with a very pronounced ‘S’ motion, while others glide majestically side-to-side, sometimes as wide as 3ft. Evergreen, Duo and Megabass make some great hard swim and glidebaits, which are definitely a contender for that last space in the hardbody box.

Tournament Angler Guide PICK UP STICKS Now that you’ve sorted a couple of boxes of go-to fish catching machines, you will need some rods to throw them on. Barramundi rod selection is like a game of young against old. Traditionally, short overhead baitcast rods were the norm. The perceived added control of a sub 6ft rod and the older method of simply fishing the snags meant a shorter rod was always favoured. These days, with our added

knowledge of how to target fish offshore away from structure, longer overheads and spin rods especially have really taken control over the last few years. Realistically, you only need a couple of rods to be a successful barra angler. One spin and one baitcast would see you set for almost all situations you’d encounter on tour. A medium-heavy rated baitcast around 6’6” in length would be the first choice. Something of this length

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can be used for tip down presentations like twitching a jerkbait among timber, yet is not disadvantaged too much on an open point casting a soft plastic to a weed edge. You don’t need to worry too much about how many million modulus the blank is. As long as it’s comfortable and light enough to cast for eight hours without fatigue, you won’t have any trouble detecting a bite from a hungry barra. A spin rod of a similar rating around 10-20lb around the 7’0” mark would be the second stick in the quiver. This rod would mainly be used for long casting on open points and bays, but could be equally used for slowly winding a lure through structure. A key with spin rods is to make sure the guides are suitable to pass your chosen leader knot. If you tie a large knot like an Albright choose a rod with larger guides, likewise if you’re familiar with the FG knot (which you can watch by clicking the QR code), you open up a few more options with smaller guides. On the 2015 tour I took up everything from 5’8” to 7’9” baitcast rods, as I wanted to put everything to the test and identify what I believed to be the best. After ten days of flat out fishing I have to admit I definitely prefer a longer rod, with 6’6”

Spin and baitcaster rods in varying lengths, tapers and weights will ensure you have the right tool for the job. being the absolute minimum for what I would take. The main benefit I saw in longer rods over 7ft was the added ‘tip’ you get from a longer blank. A longer rod can still be powerful in the butt and yet retain a sensitive tip, whereas a short 6ft rod will inherently exhibit a stiffer tip due to the short length. I found

my hook-up ratio was a lot higher with longer rods in accordance with how barra feed. The longer rod allowed me a few extra milliseconds to react to the initial bite while the softer tip loaded. With a short stiffer rod, the fish feels resistance almost immediately. To page 28

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TINKER TIME Getting prepped for the barra tour is almost as fun as winding them in. The preparation and tinkering that goes on is rewarding bothon and off the water. If

you scanned the QR code you would have already seen how Craig Griffiths modifies his Squidgy Slick Rigs, and you can modify almost anything in your equipment to maximize the results. Upgrading the terminals on your favourite hardbodies can alter the buoyancy, so doing all this at home before you hit the water can prevent wasted time. Adding a stinger hook to your soft plastics is the number one modification most experienced barra anglers make, to increase their hook-up ratio. There are a number of ways to rig a stinger, some more complex than others. Swivels, Hawaiian snaps, and crimps can all be used to secure a treble on the underneath of a soft plastic. Tinkering with your anchor can save you a huge headache in the weeklong barra fest. Being able to quick release your anchor if you hook up to a rampaging fish will definitely keep more fish from rubbing you off. Most of the in-the-know guys have a quick release clip with a float on their anchor line. If you hook up and need to up anchor, rather than pulling the anchor in you simply unhook and throw the float overboard. The float will keep the anchor line up top so you can come and re-clip in after you’ve

There’s no bigger challenge than catching barra in the timber. landed your fish. Another boat modification that can come in handy is some lighting. No doubt you’ve seen the awesome

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W W W . J M L . N E T . A U

lighting rigs floating around on the Bassmaster pro’s boats for the last few years. This functional bling can definitely help you stay organized in a

abt.org.au night session or the gruelling all night event. Spotlights either handheld, or mounted to the bow of the boat can help navigate the timbered sections of the lakes, making night time manoeuvring much easier. SOUNDER SECRETS Barramundi are one of the best fish to look for on a sounder. The large, slow moving fish appear perfectly on the screens of even the smallest sounders these days. The technology game is moving fast and while the big units are nice, the budget friendly new generation like the Helix from Humminbird offer all the barramundi finding tech in a wallet friendly bundle for all anglers to enjoy. Side imaging sonar is probably the best invention for barra fishing ever. Being able to scan up to 150ft each side of your vessel can be invaluable for finding the sweet spot to key you into a red-hot barra bite. Using side imaging sonar is an article in itself, but the main story here is you don’t need a 12” unit to take advantage of these technologies. Do some research and become familiar with how to use side imaging and even a Helix 5 or 7 will be a barra locating machine! For the electronic

nut, take side imaging and imagine a 360° view around your boat – that would be cool right? Well, that’s exactly what Humminbird’s 360 imaging provides. A sideimaging signal is a static beam that runs perpendicular to the direction of the boat, and on that premise, it relies on movement to scan the underwater environment. 360 Imaging is a spinning transducer that is lowered underneath your boat by either a stern mount or a trolling motor mount and allows you to scan the whole way around your boat – you can literally watch barramundi moving around a point as your boat is anchored stationary. THE WRAP UP The ABT barra tour is the pinnacle of competitive barra angling for me, a southerner who only gets limited opportunities to catch these giants every year. To travel alongside some of the country’s best anglers, listen to them share tips and strategies, watch them select which lures to use and how to approach a certain location is invaluable in becoming a better angler. So pack your gear and plan the time off. The dates have already been set for what will surely be another week to remember as the ABT BARRA Tour heads north in 2016.

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abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

2016 ABT Rankings and Angler of the Year It was a fruitful year for many anglers on the tournament trail in 2015. Kris Hickson continued his hot run of form to finish the year as the Angler of the Year (boater) and number one ranked boater, while Simon Johnson claimed the number one nonboater ranking and Stuart Walker the nonboater Angler of the Year title. Warren Carter once again had a red-hot year on tour, albeit in 2015 it was the BASS Pro side of the tournament calendar with the tournament veteran claiming the BASS Pro Angler of the Year (boater) title. It was a close battle in the nonboater AOY points race with Queensland’s James Reid securing the win. Steve Kanowski reigned supreme, claiming the number one boater ranking, while Shaun Falkenhagen made it back-to-back wins in 2015 successfully defending his Grand Final nonboater title, and in doing so ascending to the number one ranking position.

BASS Electric veteran Adrian Wilson capped off a sensational year by claiming the BASS Electric AOY title and number one BASS Electric ranking, a fitting reward for one of the BASS tour’s most passionate and driven competitors.

On the kayak front, Chris Burbidge continued his reign as the number one ranked BREAMer, while Simon Morley claimed his first major title securing the AOY crown for 2015. One the bass side of things Glen Hayter finished the 2015 season as the number

one ranked kayak BASS angler and Stephen Maas the Angler of the Year BASS kayak champ. The 2015 Rapala BARRA Tour produced quality fishing for teams with Craig Griffiths and Karim De Ridder the standout anglers, finishing

the year as the Team of the Year (299/300 points) and as the equal number one ranked BARRA angler.

For full rankings, records, and earnings of each species and series visit www.abt.org.au.

Being a non-boater is as much about learning as it is about being part of a team. Here Shaun Falkenhagen assists Dave Young to place his fish in the weigh-bag before the weigh-in begins.

Mark Crompton had a hot 2015 and will be primed for another succesful season on the BREAM tour.

BREAM PRO RANKINGS BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kris Hickson Ross Cannizzaro Warren Carter Chris Britton Jamie McKeown Cameron Whittam Scott Butler Mark Healey Russell Babekuhl Shayne Gillett

NON-BOATER 253 222 194 165 165 158 158 150 142 137

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Simon Johnson Grayson Fong Clint Voss John Galea Shaun Egan Robert Kneeshaw Jonathon Thompson Alex Franchuk Aaron Clifton Tanya Konsul

175 164 158 156 150 149 147 135 124 122

BREAM PRO ANGLER OF THE YEAR (AOY) BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kris Hickson Ross Cannizzaro Mark Crompton Steve Gill Cameron Whittam Warren Carter Tom Slater Steve Morgan Mark Brown Brad Roberts

NON-BOATER 296 293 290 288 282 278 274 273 268 268

BREAM KAYAK RANKINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 30

TAG 2016 abt

Chris Burbidge Jason Meech Simon Morley Stewart Dunn Glenn Allen Ben Phayer Michael Maas Patrick McQuarrie Joel Crosbie Kane Terry

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stuart Walker Grayson Fong Simon Johnson Bradley Young Aaron Clifton Clint Voss Rodney O’Sullivan Luke Vanbrandwyk Jonathan Thompson Tanya Konsul

284 283 280 275 265 259 257 256 255 253

BREAM KAYAK AOY 364 289 289 286 271 268 265 253 249 240

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Simon Morley Chris Burbidge Jason Meech Richard Somerton Brian Hunt Martin Fellows Glenn Allen Carl Dubois Patrick McQuarrie Scott Lovig

488 486 456 455 452 449 444 440 439 424

abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

BASS PRO RANKINGS BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stephen Kanowski David Young Mark Lennox Craig Simmons Kris Hickson Warren Carter Paul Gillespie Peter Phelps Michael Thompson David Lane

NON-BOATER 215 187 183 172 164 164 157 151 142 124

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Shaun Falkenhagen Peter Morgan Brett Hyde Owen Mcpaul Duane Macey Ryan Jones James Reid Luke Draper Ben Randall Liam Fitzpatrick

188 168 164 155 128 116 116 115 106 105

BASS PRO ANGLER OF THE YEAR (AOY) BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Warren Carter Craig Simmons Michael Thompson Stephen Kanowski Kris Hickson Mark Lennox Anthony Thorpe Tony Thorley Greg Beattie Grant Clements

NON-BOATER 297 283 281 280 273 273 268 268 266 264

BASS ELECTRIC RANKINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Adrian Wilson Tom Reynolds Joseph Urquhart Jonathon Bale Tim Steenhuis Les Smith Charles West Shaun Falkenhagen Brett Renz Robert Butler

Glen Hayter Richard Somerton Alan Britcliffe Stephen Maas Peter Bostock Dave Mann Mick Skinner Jonathan Chen Chesney Fung Joel Crosbie

384 310 294 288 255 250 241 238 226 219

Craig Griffiths Karim De Ridder Geoff Newby Ashley Sims Dan Curry Dustin Sippel Rick Napier Cameron Johnson Justin Welsh Peter Price

293 291 291 291 290 277 272 269 269 254

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Adrian Wilson Johathon Bale Tom Reynolds Rebecca Smith Tim Stenhuis Charles West Robert Butler Joe Urquhart Brett Renz Christian Manolea

489 482 478 458 382 296 292 284 283 279

BASS KAYAK AOY 283 253 218 181 151 151 140 122 100 97

BARRA RANKINGS 1 1 3 4 5 6 6 8 8 10

James Reid Owen Mcpaul Luke Draper Brett Hyde Peter Morgan Jason Martin Ben Randell Deborah Kowalczyk Rodney Thorpe Jim Hickson

BASS ELECTRIC AOY

BASS KAYAK RANKINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stephen Maas Glenn Hayter Luke Atkinson Alan Britcliffe Peter Woods Callum Sprott Scott Sandilands Mark Hodkinson Jason Harrip Paul Holmberg

297 287 282 280 277 266 265 264 263 262

BARRA TEAM OF THE YEAR 185 185 164 154 154 144 144 135 135 126

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Craig Griffiths Rick Napier Dan Curry Paul Butler Mick Weick Geoff Newby Wally Wilton Talin Payne Shane Clarke Rhyce Bullimore

Karim De Ridder Dustin Sippel Ash Sims Greg Thomas Brendan Barnett Phill Lyons Jake Mitchell Jonathan Clark Mat McFarlane Luke Kerin

299 293 292 284 276 274 272 270 269 265 abt

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Slow-pitch and micro-jigging NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Slow-pitch jigging and micro-jigging are among the fastest growing trends in offshore fishing around the country right now. But what are they? When most anglers think of offshore jigging with metal lures, their imagination immediately conjures up images of massive knife jigs weighing as much as half a kilo, heavy tackle and an exhausting, intensive style of angling requiring a bewildering combination of high speed reel cranking and violent rod movements. Two or three drops with that style of gear and most of us are ready for a break! Throw in a hook-up or two on a big yellowtail kingfish, samson fish, amberjack, cobia or trevally and you’re looking at a form of angling best suited to the young and fit! But the great news is that this isn’t the only way to jig. In recent years, microjigging and slow-pitch jigging have emerged as real growth areas in offshore lure fishing. Both forms developed in Japan and have slowly spread through the rest of the fishing world, including to Australia. Anglers who’ve embraced the micro and slow-pitch jigging revolution have discovered that it is not only highly effective on an incredibly broad range of fish species, but also a lot less physically demanding than high-speed ‘mechanical jigging’ with hefty knife jigs. Micro-jigs are basically any metal lures suited to vertical presentations that weigh less than about 100-120g. Some go right down to 10-15 g in weight or even less, although these very small jigs are obviously more useful

in shallower water with minimal current. Slowpitch jigs (also referred to as flat-fall jigs, butterfly jigs and so on) cover a

are not necessarily ‘micro’ models, if you get my drift! It’s possible to slow-pitch with jigs weighing as much as several hundred grams.

micro-jigging also catches a wider range of species than any other vertical presentation style. So, while you’ll still hook kingfish,

Jo Starling with a cracking Moses perch taken on a micro-jig.

Mulloway are a prime target for micro and slow-pitch jigs. wider range of weights, but are designed to be worked with much slower, gentler lifts and drops than the standard knife jigs. There is a great deal of overlap

Slow-pitch jigging is closely related to the sort of jigging some Aussie anglers have been doing with skirted octa-jigs like the Shimano Lucanus for

Pearl perch are a regular target for micro and slow-pitch jigs. between these jig styles, and most micro-jigs are in fact slow-pitch jigs, although all slow-pitch jigs

nearly a decade now, but it takes the whole slow jigging concept several steps further. Slow-pitch and

A huge variety of reef fish will respond to these jigs.

samson, amberjack, cobia, trevally, mackerel, tuna and the like on slow-pitch and micro-jigs, you’ll also catch a lot more snapper, morwong, mulloway, teraglin, emperor, other reef fish, flathead and the like. You can even micro-jig in freshwater for trout, bass, yellowbelly and redfin! Tackle for these slowerpaced jigging styles will obviously vary depending on the environment, depth and target species, but it’s generally much lighter than ‘mechanical jigging’ equipment, with an emphasis on longer rods in the 2-2.5 m range with relatively soft tips. Tip action is an integral factor in imparting motion to slow jigs. Both spin and overhead reels can be used, but the keenest slow jiggers prefer compact overheads, as these seem to give better line control. Line is almost always quality PE-style braid rated in the 10-30lb (5-15 kg) range, with a reasonably

These jigs are typically fitted with one or more assist-style single hooks. long (2-10m) fluorocarbon leader of a similar strength tied to the end. Trying to describe in words the rod and reel action best used when micro and slow-pitch jigging is extremely tricky, but if you jump on-line and Google these topics, plenty of video clips will come up. Don’t stress that most are narrated in Japanese! Just turn the sound down and watch. You will quickly start to glean some of the

secrets of these deadly jigging styles, and find out what the best tackle is to use. You’ll also discover that there is no absolutely ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do it, and that each angler has his or her own personalized style of working these lures. The take home message from this is that you can experiment, add your own tweaks and still catch plenty of fish. Along the way, you’ll also have lots of fun!

Both spin and overhead tackle can be used, but braided line is practically essential. FEBRUARY 2016

Yellowtail Kingfish

Kingfish micro-jigging basics COLAC

Scott Gray

Jigging is a popular technique for targeting a wide variety of fish, from snapper to kingfish. One of the reasons that

then, I probably would have laughed, but now I find myself a convert to micro-jigging after landing some great specimens to over 10kg last season. Summer is here and the warmest months of the year are a great time to get

as they say, a little bit of finesse goes a long way in fishing! ROD SELECTION There’s a huge range of micro-jigging tackle on the market and I’ve been using the Storm Gomoku range of rods over the past

When it all comes together you can land very respectable kingfish on light micro-jigging tackle. micro-jigging techniques have found a new niche with lure enthusiasts is it is essentially a scaled down version of more conventional jigging techniques and tackle. But just because it’s scaled down, it doesn’t mean that this tackle can’t pack a punch. You can comfortably use these much lighter durable blanks (fitted with smaller micro guide rods), smaller jigs and threadline reels that can be used all day long without exhausting the angler. Fishing tackle continues to develop at a fast rate, with new gear coming out each year and if you would have said to me a few years ago that I’d be targeting yellowtail kingfish with micro jigs

out and chase yellowtail kingfish. It seems that over the past few seasons this species has become more prevalent. Whether this is because more anglers are targeting kingfish or that they are becoming more abundant with the increased water temperatures over the past decade, the mystery remains, but nobody is complaining! One of the great things about kingfish is that they are an inquisitive schooling pelagic fish and love movement, which makes jigging one of the best techniques for targeting them. When I first started using micro-jigging gear for kingfish, I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out, but now I see that there are plenty of benefits using these techniques and

FEBRUARY 2016

Micro-jigging is great fun with your mates when you hit a school of rat kings and everybody gets hooked up!

The black gripped Storm Gomoku Kodachi PE 2-4 is my favourite microjigging rod and when combined with a 3500-4000 sized reel spooled with 40lb braid, it can really pack a punch! Overhead and threadline micro-jigging rods are also available depending on your preference.

Learn to tie the neat and strong FG knot; it is perfect for many applications! 80

18 months. They are colour coded with white blanks and micro guides and these are designed for a range of situations and species. The Keiryo (green) is rated PE-0.4-1.0, the Erito (red) at 0.8-1.5, the Kaiten (blue) at 1.0-3.0 and the Kodachi (black) is rated at PE 2.0-4.0, and is the heaviest model. Braid PE ratings can mean a whole lot of different things these days, so basically, multiply these ratings by 10 and this gives you the range of breaking strain of braids that work well on the rods. I use the Keiryo for anything from freshwater to light saltwater, from bass to snapper; the Erito for snapper and salmon; and the more serious models for kingfish and tuna, with the Kodachi. The Kodachi PE 2-4 is the pick of rods I use for targeting kingfish. When matched to a 35004000 sized threadline reel spooled with 40lb Sufix 832 neon braid, this outfit packs a serious punch.

Overhead configurations are also available, but I prefer the threadline models for the simple fact that if need I can quickly cast the jig out if I need to get closer to the fish. JIG SIZE AND SELECTION Gomoku micro-jigging rods were originally designed for slow pitch jigging, which essentially means using ‘leaf shaped’ flutter style jigs that have plenty of action by themselves when they fall through the water column. The tips of these rods are very flexible and help to impart action to the jig with a minimal amount of effort so that you don’t have to use the rod aggressively to provide action. While my preferred Kodachi PE 2-4 model

To get the most out of vertical jigging you need to use your sounder. This saves time and makes you more efficient. Spend time to find the fish first before dropping the jig! Here is a screenshot from the Garmin 7412xsv of a big school of kingfish sitting midwater.

Yellowtail Kingfish for kingfish is designed to use jigs over 200g, I rarely use jigs over 80g for kingfish, particularly in shallower water up to 50m in depth and in the absence of current. You don’t need to use a big jig to catch a big fish and the more finesse you have, the easier it is to fish with without getting exhausted and losing interest. Why work a 150g jig all day when you can work one half the size and still get plenty of bites? With these leaf style jigs you will find most of your hook ups occur on the fall of the jig (usually around 90%) so when letting your jig fall make sure you follow it down by dropping your rod. While this style of jigging is not labour intensive, if the fish are deep or you are fishing in current, or both, a knife style jig might be a better selection to get down to the fish. Knife style jigs are narrow and usually heavily weighted at one end of the jig, which means they will dive quickly to hit their target, however, by themselves these jigs have very little action, which means the angler needs to work the rod and reel to get the action going. As a result this is usually more labour intensive and most

Kingfish are a pelagic schooling fish, which makes them a great candidate for targeting with micro-jigging techniques! of the hook ups will occur on the retrieve. I always keep a selection of different styles of jigs handy depending on the situation.

LEADER AND KNOT SELECTION Kingfish don’t have sharp teeth or rough bodies, however they can grow to over 20kg in Australian waters

and they love heavy structure, so once hooked into a good fish you need to ensure that your connections are sound and you can confidently settle in for a serious battle.

When using micro-jigging rods you need a neat knot that will slide effortlessly through the micro guides, and the best and strongest knot for the job is the FG knot. This is a slim

profile knot with almost 100% knot strength. It takes a little longer to tie than an albright or uni knot, but once mastered has many applications. The reason this knot is so slim is that the monofilament or leader material is not actually knotted at all, and it gets its strength from the braided line gripping the leader. If you are fishing for ‘rat’ kings (2-6kg) you can comfortably get away with 30-40lb leader, but if you know there are bigger fish around or are fishing on heavy structure, I prefer to use 50-60lb leader. Fluorocarbon leader is a good choice if fishing around heavy structure with its abrasion resistance, but it is more expensive and doesn’t have the stretch of regular monofilament, so generally I use a standard monofilament leader of around 4m in length. That way it ensures that my leader knot is on the reel by the time the fish is ready to be landed next to the boat. FIGHTING THE FISH One thing I’ve learnt about kingfish over the years is that the harder you pull on them, the harder they will pull back. When you are vertically jigging and you hook a fish, its natural instinct is to pull directly away from you in the opposite direction. This usually doesn’t work out To page 84

FEBRUARY 2016

Yellowtail Kingfish From page 83

well if you are a little under gunned, so if I’m having trouble losing line I use my boat to my advantage. I always like to keep the boat moving and try to lead the fish either away from structure or get it to follow the boat. If it’s following you its most likely not burying its head into the bottom and

there is less chance of getting busted off! The other important thing to remember is to not lock up on a good fish. Some situations will definitely call for lock up and hold on approach, particularly for big fish, but for most of the fishing I do just a steady amount of drag pressure of usually no more than 5kg is plenty for landing

a solid fish. This way there is less likelihood of getting reefed and there is usually less chance of a knot breaking or hook pulling out. GET JIGGY It’s not expensive to get into micro-jigging and most rods retail for around the $130-150 range and the jigs are around the $10-15 mark, which means you can often

just pick one up and match it to a threadline you have already lying around. Micro-jigging is effective, affordable and definitely worth trying. And it’s not just kingfish; you can enjoy getting bent on a host of different species using the techniques I outlined in this article. There’s nothing stopping you. Get out there and have some fun!

Knife style jigs are usually narrow and heavily weighted at one end like this 150g Williamson Abyss jig. Knife jigs are great to get down deep quickly in fast current to find the fish.

Light micro-jigging tackle also give you the opportunity to get the most out of the ratsized kingfish. Note the ‘leaf style’ 60g Storm Koika jig used to hook this fish.

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FEBRUARY 2016

Does that make scents? FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

I have recently come to the conclusion that I have an infatuation when it comes to fishing scents and

After thinking about this, I have come up with the following conclusions for developing this obsession. Tracing my interest in scents took me a lot further back in my angling experiences than I expected. I remember anglers in the

time I listened, but ignored this friendly tip. A move to Queensland and being introduced to the ABT BASS, BREAM and BARRA tournaments was my next exposure to the use of scents or, in the case of the bass events, scented dyes.

TIPS AND TRICKS Using scents is something you need to commit to – if you are using scents give them a chance to work. Here are some helpful hints that will help you discover the wonderful world of fishing scents. 1. Get into the habit of reapplying the scent regularly. I reapply scent every 8-10 casts. 2. Use the features of your plastics or lures to keep the scent in place. Plastics like Squidgy Wrigglers, have ribs that you can pack scent into and others are hollow (Zerek Live Flash Minnow) that scent can be placed inside. 3. Dipping the tails of plastics to change their colour, not only adds scent but also a focal point for the fish to bite on. 4. Direct sunlight/heat and scent packaging are not friendly. The heat and sunlight can cause the scent to separate, melt, evaporate, and change colour or all of the above. It is worth taking the time to store them correctly to maximise their usefulness. Dyes in particular evaporate very quickly if the lids are not on tightly and stored in a cool place. 5. Find your favourite/s or you will find you have several tackle boxes full of scent like me. SCENTS AVAILABLE Scents • Spike It • JJ’s Magic Dips and Dyes • S-Factor • Pro-Cure – 9 options • Halco – 3 options • Sax Scent – 5 options • Dizzy Scent – 4 options • Liquid Mayhem • MegaStrike – 3 options Scented Plastics • Berkley Gulp – Large range • EcogearAqua • Marukyu • ZMan – 4 styles have Pro-Cure scent mixed with the plastics • Samaki Boom Baits the use of them. I have a growing collection of different brands, styles and smells and I would rarely fish a soft plastic or a lure without some scent applied.

know, coming into the tackle shop I frequented in Canberra, swearing that the use of Aniseed on their baits improved their catch rates for natives and trout. At the

I spent a bit of time around people like John Schofield, Craig ‘Simmo’ Simmons and Steve Kanowski and quickly realised that very rarely did a fly or soft plastic hit the water without being submersed or dipped in a garlic scent or garlic dye. Simmo was also responsible for my introduction to stimulant/ pheromone-based scents in a Gold Coast bream event. We had come across schools of bream free-swimming in the canals and although they showed interest in our soft plastic lures, they would not eat them. That was until he put Squidgy S-Factor on his lure and then they just smashed it. A solid bag of fish later and it wasn’t hard to understand that the S-Factor had made a difference.

Not everybody believes scent helps with species like flathead, however I have caught way too many fish after first applying scent to think it doesn’t make a difference. The success of scents on bream can be further highlighted when Berkley Gulp was introduced to anglers. Bream couldn’t resist them (still can’t) and their natural smell and flavour has been the undoing of many bream,

whether it is in a tournament or a social fishing situation. I also found impoundment barra were not immune to the allure of scent. Squidgy Slick Rigs or Berkley Hollowbellys covered in garlic scent or in the case of the Hollowbelly,

inserted into it, resulted in them being hammered by barra when you slow rolled them around the weed beds of the barra impoundments. The seed had been sown and my collection had begun to take shape. Recently my use of scents and their

I have found that barramundi love garlic scent applied to your lures.

Use the design of plastics to your advantage and fill areas that will hold scent. The Stinky Fingers soft plastic has holes in it to insert scent as well as a sponge to absorb scent and disperse it while fishing. The Zerek Live Shrimp Hot Legs has multiple areas to load with scent. ZMan soft plastics have a channel to assist rigging them, which is ideal to put scent into. Most Squidgy soft plastics have ribs, which are ideal to fill with scent. 84

FEBRUARY 2016

Inserting scent into the belly of this Zerek Live Flash Minnow Wriggly further enhances its appeal as an injured baitfish. value was questioned. This inspired me to look at the latest inclusions and the pros and cons they have. DIPS AND DYES There are plenty of dips and dyes available from the original Spike It, to a plethora of colours and smells through U-Make-Em Soft Plastics (JJ’s Magic Dips). Dye pens are also available to pimp your favourite plastic or lure. Most are used to dip the tail of your plastic in it to change the colour of the tail and to add a garlic scent to it. Garlic scent and our freshwater species go handin-hand. People like Carl Jocumson swear by this process and recommend

doing it every 3-4 casts. Something to be aware of in this day and age of super stretchy and durable plastics (ZMan and Zerek, to name a couple), all dips will completely dissolve or turn these plastics to mush. They are NOT dip friendly. GELS AND PASTES The first scented gels I remember seeing in a retail outlet were the Halco Freshwater and Saltwater Scents. The storeowner wasn’t overly convincing trying to explain it to me, but he did explain that a little of the freshwater version on your lures on tough days got you more bites. I came across it again while I was running

Mayhem, it is a super sticky, super resilient gel that requires less frequent application. I look forward to putting it through its paces. Another new trend with the range of scents available is the use of UV enhancers. These enhancers improve the ability for your lure or plastics to be seen during low light periods or in deep-water situations. UV enhanced lures have

the juices they are soaked in create a scent trail drawing the fish to them and again encourage them to eat. Berkley Gulp leads the way, with others like Ecogearaqua, Marukyu and Slam producing viable alternatives. Excitingly, Samaki has revealed a new range of soft plastic lures that hit the stores recently called Boom Baits. They are made of 10X stretchy material that is infused

a retail store in Darwin. The locals swore by the saltwater version on their soft plastics for barra. My first purchase of a scented gel was made and my obsession had started. The range of scented gels and pastes now available is quite significant. S-Factor from Squidgy started the ball rolling and then overseas products like Pro-Cure, MegaStrike and YUM provided more options in taste, smell, hormones, stimulants and pheromones to entice fish the eat your offering. Locally made options like Sax Scent and Dizzy Scent provide targeted products for Australian Stinky Fingers soft plastics can be loaded with scent and this mulloway couldn’t resist it. species with different smell combinations and the introduction of glitter representing scales falling from injured fish or a bit of extra flash, giving that Aussie edge when you go fishing. A new player I noticed at this year’s Fishing Tackle Trade Show was from the wholesaler who brings in Ecogear. Called Liquid

been a huge trend over the last couple of years, so it was never going to be long before switched on scent makers jumped on board. SCENTED SOFT PLASTICS The introduction of biodegradable scented baits (soft plastics) changed soft plastics fishing as we know it. Not only are they environmentally friendly,

This fish put a smile on Evan Zikos’s face. He had only put S-Factor on his plastic a couple of casts before he hooked it.

A small selection of the scents that I take fishing with me each trip.

Before and after shot of a plain plastic enhanced with SAX scent. Note the difference the addition of glitter makes. Aussie made scent like SAX Scent and Dizzy Scent are Australian species focused and use the addition of glitter and UV enhancers to provide that fish catching edge.

with scent. They should be well worth a look. CONCLUSION There are many who doubt the effectiveness or the need to use scents. Others believe that its effectiveness is limited to fish that are not reaction or ambush-based feeders. Scents have a place no matter what species you are targeting. Flathead are the classic ambush feeder and a fish I target regularly. There have been many occasions when I have either been struggling for bites and applied scent or reapplied scent because the bite had slowed, and got a fish the next cast. To me, this means the scent has turned a fish from looking at my lure, into a fish biting it. Scents are no longer simply a masking agent or a smell. Huge money has been spent on research to determine the best combinations of natural (in concentrated forms) salts and bait products, mixed with amino acids, pheromones and enhancers to produce a feeding reaction from a predatory fish. It was recently put to me that the use of scents is all about imitating a baitfishing scenario. How do fish find your bait? The smell it produces leads the fish to your bait looking for a feed. Scents do the same, so why wouldn’t you use them? I know why I am obsessed, because they work. FEBRUARY 2016

Murray cod dominate catches CANBERRA

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Everybody is talking about one thing at the moment— Murray cod. After a three-month closed season designed to give the fish a chance to breed undisturbed, the fish are now fair game again and anglers are out in force searching for them. Generally the prospect of catching a fish, and a big fish in particular, looks good. Intensive stocking of lakes and rivers in recent years has resulted in a great boost to the general population, and outstandingly large populations have developed in some specific areas. In addition to this, the now-widespread practice of catch-and-release has resulted in larger fish in many areas. In past years the Holy Grail for a cod angler was to catch a fish over 1m. Today that is surprisingly commonplace. Other factors have contributed to a higher success rate for modern cod chasers. There are many new, highly effective lures on the market; some locally made, some imported. Lures have become larger,

in particular have made their mark in Australia, with some outstanding fish taken. Surface lures have become an important item

considered satisfactory and what to do with them. GOLDENS ACTIVE For those who aren’t chasing cod, golden perch

Most cod can be released without removing them from the water. remember the relevant size limits. In the ACT the minimum legal length is 60cm. In NSW fish between 55-75cm can be retained. Remember how to handle a cod without damaging them. Most cod can be released without being removed from the water. That’s the best way to treat them. Failing that, make sure it is supported with both hands out of the water. Be sure to learn the difference between the generally protected trout cod and a Murray cod. Trout cod are becoming increasingly popular in rivers and lakes and it is important for them to remain protected to some extent until we decide what population level is

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provide a good alternative. They like the hot weather and have been active in Wyangala, Burrendong, Burrinjuck, Googong and Canberra’s urban lakes. Many are taken on lures, especially Jackalls and Burrinjuck Specials trolled or cast around snags and steep rock faces. The black Berkley 8cm soft plastic grub has also been a winner, especially when jigged around flooded trees. REDFIN GALORE Redfin are around in great numbers, and provide a lot of fun for lure and bait anglers, but they interfere with lures meant for cod and goldens. It’s something you just have to put up with, because there is nothing you can do about it!

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Nathan Miller provided this photo of a redfin over a ‘foot’ long! These fish are around in great numbers. noisier, flashier and obviously more interesting to the cod, and the choice of colours, sizes and patterns has increased dramatically. Spinnerbaits and jointed, segmented lures

in the cod fisher’s armoury. A few years ago, a cod taken on a surface lure was considered a fluke. Today, many fish are taken purposefully on big, noisy, splashy surface lures,

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Not only can they match new Mercury outboards to their range of Quintrex boats, but they also have a fully trained team in the workshop for all servicing and repower needs. If you’re interested in a new Quintrex/Mercury package, pop on down to see Ben and the team at 5 Wiluna Street Fyshwick or call (02) 6280 6738. – FMG

Patience you must have, my young angler JINDABYNE

Steve Williamson swtrout@airlan.com.au

As reported last month, the river fishing season was very late this year and is only now about to peak. Due to the late season and cool conditions, flyfishers are now experiencing the best flyfishing for years, with lots of bugs about the trout are leaping for joy!

well early and late with surface lures and on lead core lines and downriggers in the middle of the day. We’ve seen some very big rainbow trout caught over recent weeks. Overall, it’s time to hit the mountains for a little trout fishing while the weather is warm and the fish are biting. SECRETS OF THE TROUT Baitfishing on lake Jindabyne has been good

work a treat, and there are plenty about at the moment however, you might need the kids with a butterfly net to help you collect a few! Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay and Curiosity Rocks are the best places to baitfish as well as the bottom of Discovery Holiday Park near Widows Creek Inlet. Some of the best lake flyfishing will come in the next few months, and with the steady lake level

Young Edward Keys with his first ever trout – what an achievement!

Smiles all round with some great fishing fun. The water level on the streams is lower and clear after a fantastic 5” of rain in early January. River lure spinners are still doing alright with small spinners and small minnow lures. Over the last month, Lake Jindabyne’s water level dropped a bit, but is still high and fishing well. Although a late start to the boat fishing this season, the trollers are now doing

over recent months with the higher water levels. Mudeyes or even worms have been good used under a float. Either let the waves move it about, or if there’s no wind try and wind it in very slowly with a pause every turn of the handle. Another bait worth suspending under a float is the old faithful grasshopper, bait you don’t see used very often. Grasshoppers

we should see some big fish caught. Try any of the streamer patterns such as Mrs Simpson and Williamson’s Snowy Mountains Gold Fish. Olive green nymphs and shrimp patterns are also worth a try. The South Arm, Creel Bay and Kangaroo Bay are all great places to catch a trout on fly. The boat trolling this year has been very good and we are still catching

trout on the surface. The water temperature hasn’t been as warm as in previous years; however, we have downrigged on hot and bright days. Downrigger depth however has not been as deep as in previous years, try for 25-35ft. Expect to see this formula continue to yield results over the next month or so. The Tasmanian Devil #111, the ‘Willy’s Special,’ is still just about the best Tasmanian Devil colour at the moment followed by the Yellow Wing Brown Bomber. My black/ gold Tasmanian Devil or the Holographic has been the best for darker conditions and have also worked well downrigging. I also recommend Bullet Minnows in gold colours down off the downrigger and lead lines. Gaden Trout Hatchery released rainbow trout fingerlings into Jindabyne last month, so all natural rainbow trout colours are working well. With water levels still high, some of the better trolling areas this month

will be Hatchery Bay, Hayshed Bay, Sid’s Bay through to Rushes Bay; however, watch the rocks as the water levels drop and the East Jindabyne Islands start to reappear. The lake has seen some great lure spinning in the shallow bays early and late in the day. You can start by spinning the edges with Celtas, small Stumpjumpers, and flicking 3cm and 5cm Bullet lures. Spin late in the day off steep drop-offs with plenty of rocks in places like Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay and the Snowy Arm. On brighter days, change to a Tassie and cast further out over drop-offs, and let the lure sink before you slowly retrieve. Try down at the South Arm or near Banjo Patterson Park. THREDBO RIVER Fish have been caught in the Thredbo River on small 3cm Bullet lures, and rainbow trout and perch have been the best colours. You can also try some Strike Tiger soft plastics very early and late in the

day. Olive pepper colour over the weed beds will catch rainbow trout, but the Strike Tiger nymphs work well on the bigger brown trout. Use the lightest jighead possible and work them very slow. On the smaller streams like the Moonbah or upper Snowy, a variety of lures will work, but the best will be small bladed spinners, like the Gillies Spina or Celtas in numbers one or two. Fishing on the Thredbo River has been spectacular, with a late season this year we should continue to see some fantastic dry flyfishing again this month. The Alpine streams are still at their best, and plenty of small fish have been caught on dry fly. Fly selection is not too critical in these streams, but placement is imperative or else you risk scaring the fish away. Must have flys include brown beetle patterns, Snowy Hopper, Stimulator, Royal Wulff and Parachute Hoppers. Maybe a brown and a black nymph if the fish are not rising, a white moth or white Wulff, a midge pattern, brown mayfly and an Adams as well, just to make certain you have most circumstances covered! All in all, conditions are looking good for some great lake fishing over the coming months, so get your gear together and come and try some of our fantastic trout fishing. Until next month, hope you catch the big one. • If you would like some personal guiding, I will be available over the coming months for fly-fishing tuition and lake trolling trips. Lessons can be booked from 2 hours’ duration, and trolling trips from 3 hours to a full day. If you want to know more about the latest in fishing conditions, just give me a call on (0264) 561 551 or check out my website at www.swtroutfishing.com. au. You can also see our daily Facebook updates at https://www.facebook. com/LJTFA.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Tackle World Orange now open

Harrison Keys enjoying his day out trout fishing.

To the delight of many local anglers, Tackle World Orange is now open at 66 Peisley St, Orange, NSW. Owned and operated by life resident Ian Mclean, he and his dedicated staff will bring over 40 years of fishing experience to the many locals who enjoy a leisurely day on the water at one of the many dams and

rivers that are only a short drive away. The store will stock a wide range of products for the most experienced anglers to the youngsters just starting out. For everything from rods, reels, line and lures, all the way down to a packet of hooks, come in for a friendly chat and find out where the fish are on the

bite and what you will need to catch them. The store will be open 7 days a week, so come on in to the big blue building and catch a bargain. Tackle World Orange: Unit 1, 66 Peisley St, ORANGE NSW, 2800. You can call us on 0478 083 066 or email thegurusgear@ gmail.com Tackle World Australia FEBRUARY 2016

Mighty Murray cod dominate river in Mildura MILDURA

John Menhennett goobyfish@hotmail.com

Over the last couple of months, the river has been clear enough to lure up some big Murray cod. Flows are to a minimum, and many people have been out on the river enjoying this great time of year. We are gearing up for a fantastic summer of fishing around Mildura, particularly for the iconic Murray cod in the Mighty Murray River. Some awesome yellowbelly have been caught all around Mildura during the warm conditions, especially around the Merbein and Wentworth areas. These fish have mostly been caught on lures big and small, but bait fishos are having the best time with some cracking fish caught upstream of Mildura on grubs and worms. Trolling with smaller lures, intended for catching

yellas, has worked well around the timber and clay banks, and quite a few anglers have reported catching large Murray cod on these small lures as well. There is no doubt, however, that bigger lures are one of the keys to catching bigger fish. Biggest of the yellas of late has been around the 55cm mark – a great river fish. Others have come in at the usual 40-48cm range, typical of a summer yellowbelly. A lot of yellowbelly have been full of eggs, so practice catch and release if you can to keep our yellowbelly fishery and waterway healthy and sustainable. The yellas have been hitting the large lures very hard, which is a sign of their typical aggressive breeding behaviour. A few Murray cod have been caught on lures around Mildura, and others on shrimp and grubs. Some baited fish have weighed in up to 25lb. Cod caught on

Luke Haaja and Russell Payne with a nice summer yellowbelly caught on a Koolabung Codzilla. 120mm trolled hard-bodied lures have been between 15-20lb, with the odd one landed at over 50lb. The Darling River has fished well and should continue

until the water recedes. Running a combination of 50lb braid and 50-60lb leader seems to be the ultimate setup to target big fish at this time of year.

Lighter gear will also see you land the big one, but with so much cover in the river, like snags and rocks, to contend with, the chances of line breakage, probably

with a nice fish on the end of it, are high – something no angler wants! I would like to remind you to handle fish appropriately over summer, to ensure large Murray cod in particular, have a chance of survival after being caught. Be aware of the slot limits in place, and the heavy fines which apply to those anglers who keep under or oversized fish. The best smaller lure lately has been the Koolabung 90mm Codbait. Larger lures however, have done most of the damage when catching and releasing large Murray cod. One lure, which has dominated the cod season so far, has been the Koolabung 120mm Codzilla in all colours. Large Bassman Spinnerbaits with coloured blades seem to also be doing the damage. This summer is set to be a cracker of a season, so get out there and wet a line; you may be surprised what puts a bend in your rod.

Cod fishing in a furnace town year have a better than even chance of dying due to extreme temperatures, both in and out of the water. For

ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

The full wrath of summer has seen the fishing slow down considerably along the Murray, with temperatures frequently pushing through the 40°C barrier. Not much fun on the water, with most sessions aimed at first and last light. While angling conditions are less than favourable, spare a thought for the poor cod that are drawn up from the depths into the unnatural furnace like conditions of summer. Large deep-water cod trolled at this time of the

this reason, I tend to leave the deep-water fish alone during the hottest months, as the risks of fish mortality

Fluoro colours are effective – here a decent sized cod scoffs a chartreuse coloured StumpJumper on the cast.

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are not worth the thrill of the catch. Larger fish in shallow or current rich water seem to have less of a problem, and few, if any fatalities occur in fish that are handled properly. The Murray at Swan Hill continues to fish well for smaller cod on bait, and many anglers have reported that the fishing is at its best since the blackwater, several seasons gone. Cheese has remained the go-to bait, with some anglers landing more than a dozen fish a session. Most of these cod are undersize, but great fun none the less, and a welcome catch to those who have never landed a Murray cod before. Anglers have also landed some excellent golden perch – mostly on baits of shrimp and small yabbies. The Wakool Junction near Boundary Bend has good numbers of large perch on bait, with just a few cod to keep anglers guessing. Cod to 94cm have been landed in the Edwards upstream of Kyalite on the Wakool River on StumpJumper lures. A few good perch have also been caught in this area on baits of shrimp and scrub worms. Several cod have been landed in the Wakool downstream of the Kyalite Hotel on surface lures. This is one way to beat the heat, and very exciting if you can tempt a strike. Several cod have been taken from the surface at this location – the largest of which was a solid 87cm model. Robinvale on the Murray has been ski boat central

This monster cod at 118cm took a liking to the fluoro orange Codzilla in dirty water conditions. during the day, but come the evening those in the know have landed good numbers of cod and perch on bait. Below the loch at Euston through to Wemen, some great perch to 50cm+ have been landed on shrimp bobbed among the timber. Reports of cracking cod to 118cm abound – these gladiators fall to hardbodied lures and spinnerbaits both on the troll and cast. Most of the better cod have been angled close to or directly from rock bars, with the perch favouring the old

timber snags. Both StumpJumpers and Koolabung Codzilla lures in fluoro orange and Bassman 4x4 spinnerbaits have yielded great results. While the weather remains hot for the next month or so, the bite will remain slow in the deeper sections of the Murray. I recommend you target either the smaller rivers, or tempt the shallow water giants in some of the current rich sections of the Murray River.

Murray monsters lurking below YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

As the smoke clears from the New Years Eve fireworks and the painful screech and squeal of the ‘doof-doof ’ boats decreases to a minimal level, we charge into February and prime cod fishing time in and around Lake Mulwala. Balmy calm summer evenings have presented the greatest opportunity for surface fishing, which has become the most popular form of fishing over the past couple of seasons. With that, those using wake baits (sub-surface lures) is also on the increase. The surface action gives you the chance to tangle with numerous average size cod but also some genuine brutes. As per usual, those working both spinnerbaits and hardbody lures will encounter numerous cod on a regular basis. The hour or two before dusk is prime cod time, however, these fish will respond to a wellplaced lure all day long. Between 9am-5pm water deeper than 3m will be more productive, while 5pm-9am will see the shallow water come alive. Look for areas that have some current flow to increase your averages. Looking back, the week between Christmas and New Year saw a multitude of fishos descend on Lake Mulwala and the Murray River below the weir. Many fishers came into the store with reports of plenty of small cod caught below the

weir. Those fishing the lake caught better quality cod, but in less quantity. Mixed in with the smaller models were some outstanding cod. Zac Alexander and Matthew Sakic had great success, using cheese to land three cod that measured between 75-100cm. Cain Peatling was the first in store to report a great lure caught cod the he trolled up among the speed boats. Cain’s fish measured a healthy 102cm. Corowa boy Kyle Dalrymple was next to hook a good cod with his also measuring 102cm. This was taken on a cast Gangster Spinnerbait. Brendan Pejkovic was next to step up to the plate and create his own memorable moment. Not happy with landing his personal best of 70cm only an hour or so before, Brendan’s cast Koolabung surface lure was gobbled up by a superb 105cm cod. To top this off, Jamie Beer was one lucky fella when his Kuttafurra surface lure was smashed by a behemoth that measured 122cms, an absolute Mulwala monster. Cod of this size don’t come out of Mulwala regularly, especially caught off the surface, so this undoubtedly wins the unofficial ‘Cod Of The Year’ for 2015. Mulwala lad Joel Thomas recently landed a great cod that measured 94cm. In the same evening, a beautiful 98cm cod was caught by Will Sharrock of Albury. Will’s lure of choice was a jointed Taylor Made surface lure. It may interest some to know that I’m now doing a weekly ‘live’ Lake

Mulwala fishing report that can be viewed via Youtube or the Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski Facebook page. It will be posted each Thursday and let you know the latest local action.

& Ski (opposite the post office) in Mulwala and say G’day. We are your largest Murray cod-specific shop in Yarrawonga/Mulwala and specialise in all things ‘green’! For any information

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Yar-Craft 1785BT 2016 Jamie Beer with a monstrous 122cm cod taken off the surface. • If you are visiting town, I urge you to call into Lake Mulwala Fish, Camp

on the upcoming events or fishing reports, give us a hoy on (03) 5744 3133.

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It’s curtains for carp CSIRO scientists are one step closer to effectively combating the carp infesting the MurrayDarling basin. For the past seven years, a group of Australian scientists has been investigating ways to control the carp with an Indonesian carp herpes virus. This strain of herpes has evolved to kill only carp. An alliance of stakeholders including anglers, farmers and environmentalists all want the virus to be released into the carp population. Lead researcher Ken McColl said the team was nearing the finish of the scientific end of the work. “We don’t want the virus to affect anything other than carp,” he said. “Over a number of years we’ve looked at about 13 species

of native fish... and we’ve not been able to find any evidence of disease or virus multiplication... so we don’t believe it does anything in any other species.” The scientists have also successfully tested the virus on yabbies, mice and chickens, and looked at incidences where humans have come into contact with the virus. “We’re fairly confident that it’s not going to cause problems elsewhere,” Dr McColl said. For once the Australian Conservation Foundation and the National Irrigators Council are in agreement with each other, and have joined calls from the National Farmers Federation, the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation and other stakeholders for the virus to finally be released.

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Sabre FTD 2016 CSIRO scientists are one step closer to releasing a virus to decimate carp populations. Image: Marc Ainsworth Jonathan La Nauze, acting campaigns director for the Australian Conservation Foundation, said that getting on top of carp is essential to maintain healthy rivers. “It’s time our Government stepped up to the plate and funded this terrific work,” he said. NIC chief executive Tom Chesson agreed.

“The environmental outcomes from this one action could be greater than those we’ve seen from the (Murray Darling) Basin Plan,” he said. However, Matthew Barwick from the NSW Department of Primary Industries warned that the approvals would take a couple of years to process. – FMG

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Phone: 0410 173 060 basscataustralia@gmail.com FEBRUARY 2016

Natives and imports biting hard BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

February may be a hot one but it does not have to mean no native fishing. There is still great Murray cod and golden perch fishing to be had for those willing to get up super early or start late in the day and fish through the night. You can still catch a few natives in Blowering

lakes, anglers have to think outside the square and fish tough areas to successfully catch fish during the heat of the day. TROUT STREAMS As is almost always the case, the Tumut River and most of the smaller streams in the area have fished quite well all summer, but it could possibly get even better this month. Spinning with small bladed lures and small hardbodies is great way of hooking into a heap of

Bait anglers drifting worms in the shallow runs or juicy grubs in the deeper holes should also do well this month, the key to success and good numbers of fish when bait fishing is to keep moving, just like the fly and lure anglers do. If you catch a few fish from a hole, then get no action for ten minutes or so, move on and preferably move up stream to the next hole. Being willing to do the hard yards can be the difference between one fish

Another stonking Tumut River rainbow. Fish of this size have been very common this season. during the heat of the day if you target the wind swept banks and points that are adjacent to deep water. Blowering Dam lacks the appropriate standing timber for ‘grubbing’ (vertically rolling soft plastics up standing trees) for golden perch, so unlike most other

great-fighting trout. Many lures and lure styles work on trout but the consistent fish catchers are lures like Celtas, Vibrax minnows, Rooster Tails, Rapala CD3 and CD5s, IMA Sukaris or Asari Matsutas, which work great particularly in the higher flows.

and 20 or more fish being caught for the day. If you’re like me and addicted to dry fly fishing, then this month should see you getting your fix all day long. A loudly splashed down hopper fly should get any trout close by to stick their noses out and grab

hold of your imitation. As an each way bet it is always good to run a bead head nymph dropper below your hopper fly, so that if the fish aren’t willing to take the dry you still have a great chance of hooking them on the nymph. Quite often you will see a trout come up and look at the hopper after it splashes down, but then not rise for it or reject it, but quite often they will drop back down in the water column where they feel more at ease to feed and grab hold of the nymph. TROUT LAKES Anglers targeting the lake trout with lures will have to troll or lure deeper during the middle parts of the day for best results. In saying this, once that sun starts to go down the late afternoon hatch normally starts and the fish will be up on the surface feeding hard. Sometimes the fish can be fixated on the particular insect that is hatching that afternoon, but often you can still catch these rising fish on lures as the fish are already feeding hard, and being opportunistic feeders they will often attack a well-presented lure or even a generalist sub surface fly like a Mrs Simpson. Bait fishers like the rest of the anglers will have the best luck late in the afternoon and through the night. Even in summer it can get quite cold at night, especially up at Tantangara and Eucumbene, but if you put the hard yards in through the night you will rarely go home empty-handed. MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER TRIBUTARIES The Murrumbidgee River has been fishing

This golden perch was one of many caught on the new Insanity Tackle Twin Tail plastics while fishing a mud line along a windswept bank. Fishing these windswept areas can be difficult but it is what you need to do at Blowering dam if you want to successfully catch golden perch during the heat of the day. really well for natives from Canberra all the way threw to Narrandera. Its smaller anabranches like the Tarcutta Creek and Old Man Creek have also been fishing well at times. Some very good-sized Murray cod were being caught quite regularly during the closed season and it’s very pleasing to see that they are still around with quite a few monster Murray cod being landed

since the season opened back up on 1 December. Both lure and bait anglers have been getting amongst the catches in the ‘bidgee, but bait has probably been best due to the high and fast water. Once the irrigator demands start to slow, so too will the rivers flow and the lure fishing will then get much, much better and be fishable from canoes and kayaks. Bring it on!

DAM LEVELS

Dam

% Full

Dam

% Full

Blowering............................. 28

Glennies Creek....................... 87

Brogo................................ 104

Hume.................................. 38

Burrendong........................... 17

Jindabyne............................. 54

Burrinjuck............................. 56

Keepit.................................. 15

Carcoar................................ 15

Lostock.............................. 104

Chaffey................................ 53

Oberon................................. 61

Clarrie Hall......................... 100

Pindari................................. 40

Copeton............................... 19

Split Rock.............................. 7

Dartmouth............................. 50

Tantangara............................ 17

Eucumbene........................... 51

Toonumbar.......................... 100

Glenbawn............................. 87

Windamere........................... 41

Glenlyon............................... 30

Wyangala............................. 50

(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.) 90

FEBRUARY 2016

Daniel Smith with his PB Murray cod that fell for an Angel Bait on his first outing with one. Murray cod fishing, especially in the Murrumbidgee River, has been very good so far this season and this month should be no different.

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Searching structure in summer LITHGOW/OBERON

Glen Stewart stewie72@bigpond.com

It’s hard not to get all caught up in the sights, smells and sounds of summer, cricket on the radio, the rumble and shake of an approaching

field, the smell of wet grass after the storm… Summer will fade into the colours of Autumn before we know it, but for now let us just soak it up. Cod know the sights, smells and sounds of summer, too. They might not listen to the cricket, but I am sure

in air pressure, the rumble in the distance – it’s a definite trigger. I’ve had some great lure casting sessions on cod in the Macquarie and Lachlan rivers as the build up to a storm takes place, especially in a river or creek environment. This is safe enough as long as you keep in mind lighting

This junkyard bass was one of the silly ones. With a landing percentage rate of less than 50%, I had had to do some serious thinking; it was getting embarrassing and expensive… afternoon storm, the soft straw colours of first morning light in an open

they feel and possibly hear the changes that take place before a storm, the changes

strikes and giving yourself plenty of time to make it back to shelter.

Don’t be afraid to go with a surface lure in rivers and creeks, even if it’s still early in the afternoon. Heightened activity with the approaching storm will draw them out of cover, the noise and splash of a surface lure above can be just too much for them. Cod don’t do anything by halves, so once they commit, its game on… TROLLING TECNIQUES Some recent observations and trolling success in Wyangala has had me thinking a bit. I know it’s a subject and technique that has divisions among the lure fishing fraternity with just as many devotees as detractors. I enjoy catching fish too much to limit my techniques in any way, shape or form, and will quite happily troll when I think it’s the best method of catching fish. I think it may have been a piece by Warren Steptoe many years ago where he said “drive the lure, not the boat”, and it’s something that has stuck with me whenever I pick up a trolling outfit. To do so most efficiently, you need some tools, eyes underwater, like a quality depth sounder, nothing will help you more when trolling. My eyes are never far from the sounder screen, and I am constantly adjusting the lure to what I am seeing on the sounder via the boat motor. To do this a tiller steer boat wins hands down, and it was one of the main factors in me opting for a tiller steer boat. I can make incremental adjustments quickly via the main motor to suit the bottom topography keeping my lure closer to structure and fish. A bow mount electric is also very useful when extra

There is a lot more to trolling than meets the eye. transducers are networked so it allows me to get information from the bow, and this allows me to react earlier than if just using the transom mounted transducer. Repeat runs are important. So many times I see boats head off into the wild blue yonder like they are on some sort of track or rail around the dam that has no stations and nowhere to turn around. My troll runs and lengths are directly related to what I am seeing on the sounder, some of my runs may only be 50m long. I may hit that run 5-6 times before moving on by trying different lures or different speeds, especially if I can see good structure and fish. Neutral is one of the most underrated gears on your tiller when trolling. Think of it as your rod and reel, imparting action to the lure underwater – the barra guys up north get it big time, it is such a deadly technique.

ones my percentage rate would be way less than 50%, and the ones I land are the silly ones. I do like a fishy challenge though, and have made some adjustments. Going back to a mono leader is one, my thinking has been with a fluro carbon leader, braid, a fast action high modules graphite rod and a tight drag there is very little shock absorption in the system. The other is a change of stance or rod angle, as a few times I was busted off on the strike (the fish strike not mine). Thinking about it made sense, everything was locked up and pointed directly at the fish and the rod played no part in the action. So now I make a point of having my rod at right angles to the retrieve so that at least it can bend and give a little on the fish’s strike. I think a lot more about where and how far I cast as well. I think a lot more about which direction my electric motor is pointed before I cast,

Brown trout on spinnerbaits is not the norm, but mixed species dams can throw you curve balls every now and then. The flash and bling of this OSP High Pitcher spinnerbait was just too much for this chunky trout to resist.

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stealth is needed, you do lose a little direct control and quick speed adjustment, but when it’s a stealth approach that is needed, it’s the bomb. I also use the transducer on the bow mount electric, even if I am not using the motor itself to move and change direction. Both my

JUNKYARD BASS Junkyard bass are mean nasty critters that live in the drowned timber of our lakes, and I am sure some of them have collections of expensive Japanese lures stacked on the branches and limbs that surround them. On the big

and wherever possible I try to fish in pairs. It may sound a little extreme, but these fish are brutal, and it can sometimes be quiet an expensive afternoon of leisure. Hope to see you on the water soon, until then, tight lines!

Preventing the spread of WATER WEEDS Can’t see the fish through the weeds? Don’t let your favourite spot get like this.

Help prevent the spread of water weeds! WHAT ARE WATER WEEDS? Water weeds are invasive plants that pose a threat to the economic, environmental and recreational value of our waterbodies. HOW DO THEY AFFECT ME? Water weeds can form large floating mats, dense submerged thickets or extensive stands along the bank. They create poor water quality conditions affecting the diversity and abundance of fish and other aquatic life. Heavy infestations restrict watercraft navigation, prevent access to fishing spots, foul fishing gear and make it difficult to land fish. Water weeds can be spread by fishers and boaters. Propellers and anchors can cut plants into fragments and spread them within and between waterbodies. Fragments can spread from an infested waterbody to a weed-free waterbody by attaching to watercraft, trailers and fishing equipment. Some weeds can survive considerable time out of water and a single plant fragment can start a new infestation. WHICH WEEDS ARE CONSIDERED A PROBLEM? Weeds such as alligator weed, salvinia, water hyacinth, water lettuce and cabomba can have serious impacts on the health of water systems, as well as restrict access for recreation (e.g. boating and fishing). Recent outbreaks of water hyacinth on the Dumaresq

river near Tenterfield and alligator weed on the Namoi and Peel rivers near Gunnedah and Tamworth raise serious concerns about the invasion of water weeds in the Murry/Darling river system.

SALVINIA (Salvinia molesta): a floating water weed.

WATER HYACINTH (Eichhornia crassipes): a floating water weed.

HOW CAN I HELP? WHAT SHOULD I DO? You can help reduce the spread of water weeds and prevent new outbreaks by: • Inspecting and removing any plants from watercraft, trailers and all equipment before leaving a site or launching at a new site. • Learning to recognise water weeds. Be on the lookout for new or unusual water plants.

WATER LETTUCE (Pistia stratiotes): a floating water weed.

CABOMBA (Cabomba caroliniana): a submerged water weed.

ALLIGATOR WEED (Alternanthera philoxeroides): an emergent water weed that can also grow on land.

Weed profiles are available in NSW WeedWise, via the free Android and Apple smartphone app (available in the app stores), and online at: weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au. Specifically, a list of important water weeds in NSW can be found at: weeds.nsw.gov.au/weeds/aquatics • Avoiding weed-infested waterbodies and stopping the engine in infested areas. • Reporting suspicious infestations using the contact information at the bottom of this page.

Inspecting and removing water plants from watercraft, trailers and gear can help reduce the spread of water weeds.

Report to your local council weed officer or NSW DPI on 1800 680 244 or email weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au Further information on water weeds can be found at ww.dpi.nsw.gov.au/weeds

Freshwater fun on schooling bass down deep HUNTER VALLEY

Peter Fogarty bakerods@hotkey.net.au

The reaction bite will slow down this month as water temperature will be around 27-29°C. You will still get some surface fishing in, but you will have to go very early morning or late at night.

or even deeper are places to be searching. Trolling is still an option, and there are a number of lures that will reach 30ft, such as the Invader or Smak Baga Blitz. You can also use a downrigger, but the other and preferred method is to deep jig. As I wrote last month, you don’t jig the lure, you slowly wind the lure through

you can slow wind your lure through the school and the fish should follow the lure up and down, but if they won’t bite, every few turns you can do a faster crank. I have caught fish out of frustration, where a fish gives me five bites or more but the rod doesn’t load up, and I have slapped the rod tip at the water and have incited a

February is when the bass start to school up in Glenbawn, and many fish can be taken in a session.

Trolling has produced many great bags of bass. Fish will start to school up and go deep this month, and anywhere from 30-60ft

the schooled fish. You can vary your techniques when fishing deep. Sometimes

hook up! I have also caught fish mid water while trying to untangle a wind knot. Deep

bass fishing is the same as most trades, there is a basic way, and then everyone adds their own twist. Anglers are always trying to develop new techniques, things the fish haven’t seen that trigger them to bite. Lure fishing for bass can get in your mind. If you don’t like the lure or colour you are using, you usually wind it

too fast or cast short, but when you are confident with your presentation choice, everything seems more calculated and you seem to catch more fish. This is why I have the utmost respect for the anglers and the lure makers who persist and develop new lures and techniques. Most of us just want to go out and catch a few, not spend

hours on end trying to make the fish bite. At Glenbawn, try trolling from the point at Yellow Bouy Bay and down to the back of that bay, also from Pelecian Point up to Soil Convesation Bay. Bait anglers should try deep trees in the mouth of Boat Harbour and Black Boy Bay and in the Boot. Live To page 95

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Pressure on local rivers eased TAMWORTH

Adam Mears adam.mears@hotmail.com

With the country music festival been and gone, the streets will clear and the dust will settle on our normally quiet town. Last month was a busy time with it being almost impossible to find a spot along the river that you could call your own, this month will be a little tough in the rivers but with a little luck and some persistence, you should be able to get onto a few. Going back to basics and fishing a few worms under a float or a shrimp along a running sinker rig will be a simple yet effective method of bringing most species undone, including golden perch, murray cod, catfish, European carp and trout. Collecting you own bait can be just as much fun for the kids, and digging worms in the garden or catching yabbies using string and some meat can be as big a thrill for the kids as the fishing itself, so get the family involved and have fun.

PEEL RIVER The Peel River received a lot of pressure last month, so I expect the fishing to be quite tough, but if you can find a bit of river a little out of town, your chances will be much greater. European carp are still in prolific quantities and fishing for them with bread, corn or worms will

see many rods bent and reels singing as these imported brutes run havoc around our local waters. NAMOI AND MANILLA RIVERS The Namoi and Manilla rivers have been fishing quite well with Murray cod and golden perch frequenting anglers catches. From all

Hayley Mcdonald with a river black fish. These little natives should be handled with care and returned carefully to the pristine waterways in which they live.

Cameron Jones with a beautifully marked cod taken during a tough session.

The author supporting another yellowbelly caught during an afternoon session on the Peel River. From page 94

worms, yabbies or even black crickets and grasshoppers have been the baits of choice. Fishing vertical with plastics will be at its best from the Main Basin up to the Eagles Nest. In the Main Basin, try Apex Park, Cemetery Point and May Farm Point. There is also reasonable water to the right hand side of the Narrows and the eastern side of Lost Island. Here you will find a line of deep sunken trees. Another spot I like to fish is just north of Bass City itself, as there is a lot of deep timber in this area. Head into the 8 knot area, fish the edge of the river and follow it

reports, little vibration lures have accounted for many of the yellowbelly with brands like Balista, Kokoda, Jackall and Mazzy all successful around these parts. The Murray cod have also been fired up and surface lures are a crowd favourite around dawn and dusk. Quite often people

Matt Cuschieri with a feisty little bass that hit a surface lure at St Clair.

forget cod will feed well into the night and will still take conventional lures such as spinnerbaits and diving hardbodied lures. If you’re camping by the river and are throwing a line in, you won’t find a better bait then bardi grubs. These juicy cod lollies are the number one bait for Murray cod, so if you can get a few grubs then the cod won’t be far away. SPLIT ROCK DAM Last month the dam really fired up and anglers from around the region travelled to join in on the spectacular golden perch fishing that had been occurring on the dam. Fishing the rock walls and weed-covered edges is a popular technique. Casting to the edges and winding out with a slow steady roll was all the was needed to down into the back of the Pan Handle. At St Clair, surface fishing early and especially at night will be productive. Suspending jerk baits and deep-worked plastics around Dog Leg in the Carrow Brook Arm and of the points to the left hand side of the boat ramp have also produced some promising results. • 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.

put a few fish on the score board and the action should continue this month. Going a little deeper to around the 4m mark with trolled hardbodied lures close to the bottom will be a sure fire way to find some quality fish as the water warms up. Anglers fishing the banks have also done well using yabbies, shrimp and worms for bait. Carp are also very common in the dam and my favourite way to chase them is on fly. A 6wt rod and some floating line is what we use and by walking the edges, we can spot the feeding carp and cast Woolly Buggers or Woolly Worms about a metre in front of them. Then it’s time to hang on! They are great fun to catch like this and really pull hard.

LAKE KEEPIT Lake Keepit has been a consistent dam since the warm summer season started. Golden perch are very common and a good number of large Murray cod are also being caught, and trolling large lures is the most common method for finding these larger fish. The bigger cod lures in the 100mm range or bigger are perfect. For golden perch, we find casting lures around the sunken timber to be best with vibration lures, blades and soft plastics all very effective on any given day. For those anglers who prefer to fish with bait, all the usual favourites will work but finding the older broken down trees has been the way to go about finding fish.

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Bring on the edge bite! The best thing about February is that you are not battling the crowds that are part and parcel of fishing Copeton in January. We will get some of our hottest days of the year this month and if we are to receive really heavy or flood rains, then this is the time it will happen. Copeton is far enough north to catch the bottom of the monsoon systems of northern Australia and if a big low pressure system comes across the centre or down the QLD coast, then flooding is possible in our area. Also at this time of year the release of water for irrigation will stop so it is a time when we can often see a rise in water levels. As in most inland waters, a rise in level and

COPETON DAM

David Allan manager@copeton.com.au

February will see water temperatures in Copeton peaking at around 30°C and fish activity will be at its best early mornings and afternoons. This time of year afternoon storms are very likely and the build up to these storms can see a rush of fish activity, just be careful on the water as these storms can see the dam become very rough. If caught out on the water during one of these storms, the best course of action can be to wait it out, it will usually be over in less than an hour.

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the inundation of fresh ground can trigger a spike in fish activity. Last time we saw this situation the yellowbelly in Copeton were fixated on black crickets, and if you matched the hatch and cast around the edges then success was nearly guaranteed. The cod also took advantage of the situation and could also be caught close to the edges, as they were hunting the species hunting the insects, bugs and worms. This edge bite can be fished a number of ways, but a personal favourite is casting spinnerbaits at timber and rock structure close to the bank. Shallow running lures, vibes and soft plastics will also do the job. If the dam does experience good inflows, then it is worth remembering that yellowbelly particularly will find their way to running water, so the areas to target will be Woonulla Bay where the Gwydir River runs in to the dam. Copes Creek on the eastern side and any of the smaller creeks that run into the back of the bays along the northern side of the dam also harbour some good flow. Sometimes the

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Check out this whopping 96cm cod caught on a 110mm Kingfisher Mantis surface lure. fish will sit right up under the running water, at other times they will sit back in the bay. Find the fish using your sounder, then work out the best way to target them. Lures and bait will both work, but at times in these conditions it is possible to catch large numbers of fish, so be mindful of bag limits and how you handle fish that are to be released. At this time of year fish can be harder to release with water surface temperatures as high as 30°C. Deep water release devices will make successful release much easier. This time of year is also a great time to work some of the local rivers and creeks, all of which are stocked regularly with

summer’s evening. In the rivers and creeks, surface lures around 80-120mm will see cod from little tackers of 50cm through to solid fish of 80cm and larger smashing your lures off the surface. The locally made Water Stalkers and Mantis Lures are popular as are Jackall Pompadours and Mikeys. Because of the possibility of hooking some very solid fish, we generally fish 20-30lb braid over a fast action casting rod around 1.8-2m long. A rod length of 15-20kg leader, mono or fluorocarbon, attached with an FG knot to your main line then a Lefty’s loop knot to your chosen lure completes the setup. Two local fishing competitions to note are the

restock local waterways. The Great Inland Fishing Festival, which has been held at Copeton on the first weekend in December for many years is being moved to the October long weekend in 2016. This is to take advantage of the school holidays and the fact that there is no closed season for Murray Cod at Copeton. This is a family orientated competition and is all catch and release and is open to both lure and bait fishing. Contact Copeton Waters Holiday Park for more details or to make bookings for either of these comps. • Copeton Dam is one of the best lakes in NSW to catch a trophy Murray cod. Dave runs the Copeton Waters Holiday Park and

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cod and golden perch. All lure methods will work, but I can’t think of anything better than throwing surface lures at all the fishy looking snags and cover on a balmy

Kingfisher Invitational and The Great Inland Fishing Festival. Held on 27-28 February, all proceeds from the Kingfisher Invitational go into fingerlings to

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.

What’s New FISHING

SENSHI EGI PRO

Senshi Egi Pro Series jigs are advanced Japanese designed egi jigs in natural colours using state of the art cloth material. Senshi Egi Pro Series jigs are perfectly weight balanced for a precise lifelike swimming action, and feature high quality UV finishes, oversized glow eyes and have super sharp prongs. Senshi jigs are available in two sizes: 2.5 with a sink rate of five seconds per metre, and 3.5 with a sink rate of three seconds per metre. Both sizes are available in eight natural colours that are deadly on squid, with different foils underneath including red, gold and silver. These jigs will be superb for anglers targeting squid, and are very well priced for a squid jig of this quality. Price: SRP $9.95 www.jurofishing.com

TONIC RISE SUNGLASSES

Tonic Polarised Eyewear, the new leader in high quality fishing sunglasses, have released the new Rise in time for summer. Rise features the new Slice lens, the thinnest and lightest polarised glass lens in the world. The Rise is designed for fishing, with hockey arms that curve over your ears. It’s extremely lightweight with Tonic’s non-slip adjustable nose pads giving all day comfort. The new Rise comes in Slice Glass Photochromic Copper, Slice Glass Photochromic Grey, and Slice Glass Green Mirror. Fully made in Japan, every pair of Tonic sunglasses incorporates the latest optical technology including de-centred lenses for distortion-free viewing at any angle. Tonic’s scratch resistant Slice lens is the thinnest, lightest glass polarised lens in the world – 50% lighter than regular glass. All Tonic lenses feature anti-reflective coatings and new Tonic polarising filter systems. Tonic polarised sunglasses come in more than 12 wraparound styles and a variety of lens types to suit different weather and water situations. Price: RRP $279 www.toniceyewear.com.au

SCHNEIDER CRYSTAL CLEAR FLUORO CARBON

Schneider’s new Crystal Clear 100% Fluorocarbon is a superior line made from the highest grade of PVDF FluoroPolymer, delivering a near zero visibility in the water. This new line is smooth to handle, incredibly sensitive so you can feel every bite, has ultra abrasion resistance, excellent knot strength and is fast sinking. It’s ideal for all fishing applications, and performs outstandingly when placed under extreme conditions such as rough structure, rock and bottom fishing. Schneider recommends using it with their new 8 Carrier Pink Braid. Schneider Crystal Clear Fluorocarbon is available in 10lb/100m, 15lb/100m, 20lb/100m, 25lb/80m, 30lb/80m, 40lb/50m, 50lb/40m, 60lb/30m and 80lb/30m. Visit the Schneider Australia website to find out your local stockist. Price: too new www.schneiderfishinglines.com.au

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

NEW SLOW BLATT ASSIST HOOK

Two of the latest releases from Anglers Republic are the Slow Blatt Cast Oval and the Slow Blatt Heavy Assist Hooks. The Slow Blatt Cast Oval features a very wide profile (the widest we have seen for a jig this size) which creates an enticing flutter and slow sink rate. The centre balanced body is fitted with twin Decoy front assist hooks and single rear assist hook. It’s ideal for shallow water, shore jigging and light jigging for a wide variety of species, and is currently available in 30g, 40g and 60g weights in 11 colours. Slow Blatt Heavy Assist Hooks are the result of a collaboration between Palms and Decoy. These heavy single and twin assist hooks have been designed with the ideal drop length for the different Slow Blatt and Slow Blatt Cast jigs. These are heavier hooks than those which come standard on the Slow Blatt Cast jigs, and are ideal for everything from snapper to kingfish. They’re available in #1 Single, #1 Twin, #1/0 Twin and #2/0 Twin. Price: RRPs from $10 (hooks), $15.50 (Oval jig) www.ejtodd.com.au

ATOMIC HARDZ NEW COLOURS

Atomic Hardz have introduced three new spectacular colours into their range. These colours have been tested extensively by pro anglers around the country for different species in many different situations. Black Beauty has been designed specifically for the Atomic Vibs. This darker colour is perfect for natural specialists who chase those elusive native freshwater fish that can be very difficult at times. This colour is only available in the new Atomic Vibs. Based off the actual colour variation of a rock crab, Atomic’s Rock Crab pattern consists of a mottled green body with an enticing orange eye with matching stripes down the sides, giving any predator a target to smash! This colour is available across the whole Hardz range. Last but certainly not least is Tristo’s Proton Pill colour. Designed by Tristan Taylor, this colour will have anything homing in on it. Bream, snapper right up to mulloway and barramundi are all prime targets, and we’ll definitely see this used across all of Australia’s waters! www.atomiclures.com.au

SURF GIFT PACK

It’s that time of year when we pack our surf-casting rods in the car and head to the beach, and to make things easy, Black Magic has developed a new gift pack containing a hand-selected range of their best surfcasting tackle. From the specialised long distance surfcasting line – Velocity Surf – to the Black Magic Longreach Rig, (winner of “Best in Show” at the 2014 AFTA Trade show) this pack offers you everything you need – and more. Keep an eye out for it at your favourite tackle store. Price: RRP $59.95 www.blackmagictackle.com

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

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

What’s New FISHING

BROTE SWIMMING RUBBER JIG

SURF WAIST PACK

The Brote swimming rubber jig has been designed in Japan and makes an excellent shallow water snapper jig. The Brote’s enticing side-to-side action is achieved with a simple slow roll. The rubber legs and skirt dance behind the lure and look amazingly similar to a fleeing octopus. For best results let the jig sink to the bottom and vary your retrieve from a simple straight wind to a hopping technique. The Brote is fitted with a single hook and twin assist hooks. The single hook can be used to attach a soft plastic for additional appeal. It weighs 30g (the head size is 50mm), and is currently available in five proven colours. Scan the QR code on this page to see a video of the Brote, or go to https://youtu.be/XCTRx3M-CrY. Price: RRP $19 www.ejtodd.com.au

Black Magic Tackle is always looking for new ideas for surf and rock anglers, and have come up with a great new Surf Waist Pack. Whether surfcasting or rock fishing, anyone can appreciate the idea of having fewer items to carry in their hands. The Black Magic Waist Pack is made from high quality materials and features a number of compartments and pockets to store your choice of tackle. In this case Black Magic has taken it a step further by creating a ‘ready to go’ waist pack which is filled with essential tackle and accessories. The pack includes: Velocity Surf line; Tough Trace; Longreach surf rig; hooks and swivels; Wasabi fillet knife; Bait Buddy thread; and fish handling towel. And once you have the waist pack, you can refill it when necessary with whatever tackle you require for your next fishing adventure. Price: RRP $89.95 www.blackmagictackle.com

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

RAPALA FINESSE SERIES

The new Rapala Finesse Series (RFS) of rods has been crafted to provide anglers with heightened rod sensitivity and perfect lure control when on the water. A fast action ultra-high modulus two piece 40-ton graphite blank is complemented by the revolutionary Fuji KR guide system, VSS and ECS real seats, making the RFS series perform as great as they look and feel. One spinning and two baitcasting models have been incorporated into the RFS series, each with different length and line ratings. The 6’8” Elegance 2-6lb spinning model is ideal for landing spooky bream on ultra-light line. For anglers looking to downsize their baitcasting tackle, the 6’4” Zephyr 3-10lb is the perfect all round finesse rod for when you need to draw on some additional power to tackle trophy Aussie bass. Finally, the 6’3” Micrology is rated to 2-5lb, making it the lightest rod in the range and your ticket to the ultimate in finesse fishing. Price: SRP $379.95 www.rapala.com.au

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WILSON COTTON PRAWN NET

The Wilson Cotton Prawn Net has been designed to make prawning with a dip net easier. The cotton doesn’t allow the prawns to slide up the netting – in fact it actually traps the prawns in the bottom of the net. This means you don’t have to worry about any prawns sliding up and out while you’re dipping for another prawn. The frame and handle are constructed from lightweight and strong aluminium, and the handle is 39” (100cm) long, giving you enough reach to dip for that prawn swimming past on the outside of your light. The net has a drop of 80cm to hold many prawns easily, and the fine mesh will mean you can catch bait prawns as easily as you can food prawns. The Wilson Cotton Prawn Net is what anglers have been asking for, and Wilson’s has delivered it in a lightweight, strong, and easy to use package. Always remember to check your local regulations for the legality of this net, as different states have different regulations. Price: approx. $40 www.wilsonfishing.com

TT’S FLASH POINT

Flash Point tail spinners, from Australian brand TT Lures, feature a realistic baitfish profile and 3D eyes. Other features include: hand-painted finishes; a chemically sharpened, black nickel hook; and a 24K gold-plated or nickel-plated blade designed to create flash and vibration to call fish to the lure and trigger strikes. These lures have been tested and proven on bass, golden perch and cod, while also producing some surprise captures in the salt. Deadly on a slow roll, hopped retrieve or vertical presentation, Flash Point tail spinners are available in two weights – 14g and 20g – and eight of TT Lures’ most popular tested and proven colours – golden boy, red nightmare, Aussie green and gold, brown mongrel, peacock blue, purple minnow, silver minnow and green back. So the next time you’re on the water, heat your session up to Flash Point! Price: SRP $11.95 www.ttlures.com.au

GERBER MP600 BLADELESS

The Gerber MP600 Bladeless has a host of great features that more than make up for the lack of a blade. This heavy duty, 420HC stainless steel multi-tool is travel safe, and its features include needle nose pliers, the centerpiece and pivotal point, replaceable tungsten carbide wire cutters and a tough (removable) RemGrit saw. Another great feature is that it can be opened with just one hand (a feature that would be illegal with a blade). These pliers measure 9.3” overall and 5.1” when closed, and weighs 9.0oz. Other features include: ruler; scissors; flathead screwdriver (three sizes), Phillips head screwdriver; bottle opener; file; rotatable, replaceable carbide cutters; replaceable RemGrit saw; and can opener. The MP600 Bladeless is black oxide coated, made in the USA, and complies with ‘no knife’ policy in the workplace. Price: RRP $159 www.gerbergear.com

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

What’s New FISHING

UGLY STIK LUGGAGE

The Ugly Stik Tackle Bag is the big daddy of Ugly Stik tackle storage. It has a spacious main compartment that includes and holds four large utility boxes. Constructed of durable, splash-resistant fabric, this bag also has a front and side organizer with two plier holders. There is plenty of storage space with the zippered side pockets, and a top lid pocket. An adjustable and padded shoulder strap and a carrying handle is quick and easy. Ugly Stik have also released a cooler bag, for ultimate convenience while fishing. The cooler bag is convenient enough to hold six cans and keep a full day’s worth of food, and the zippered closure ensures you’re always ready to enjoy a cold drink. The back of the cooler bag folds down to reveal two drink holders, which is a clever design feature. The Cooler Bag also includes an Ugly Stik stubby cooler – the engineers at Ugly have thought of everything! Price: RRP $29.95 (cooler), $99.95 (tackle bag) www.shakespeare.com.au

MONSTER JACKS DVD

Come for an adventure into Jack World, in the search for the ultimate jack fishing experience! This season we return to our own backyard: the rivers and canals around the Gold and Sunshine Coast. The Jack Guide - Monster Jacks is your key to hooking the biggest estuary jacks in the country. Included are the tips and technical advice you need to take your fishing to the next level – above the 50cm mark. Learn how to plan sessions to get your drag burning! Monster Jacks not only provides loads of exciting footage of catching these monsters, it also includes advice for planning better sessions. This DVD goes beyond looking at rock bars, bridges and deep holes. Jacks are choosy residents, and you’ll be surprised at where they’re hiding. Make this a monster summer and get The Jack Guide working for you! Check it out on Facebook or buy direct at http://bit.ly/1lgpAjC. Price: $30 facebook.com/thejackguide

BERKLEY E-MOTION RODS

Berkley E-Motion rods are designed for anglers looking to take the next step in rod performance. From finesse estuary and freshwater presentations to punching out big plastics on inshore reefs, these rods combine superb function and performance at a best-in-class value. Lengths, powers and actions are engineered to perform and designed with the keen angler in mind. Constructed of a 100% carbon fibre blank, E-Motion Performance rods deliver a unique balance of strength and sensitivity to detect even the subtlest bites. The High Energy Transfer Reel Seat Design provides maximum energy transfer from butt to tip for more powerful hook sets or working big fish out of heavy cover. The soft coat texture applied to the reel seat, combined with the ergonomically shaped split handles, provides added grip, comfort and control. Fuji Alconite guides ensure smoother, longer casts. There are seven spinning rods ranging from 6’6” to 7’2” with extra light to medium heavy actions. Price: RRP of $129.95 www.berkley-fishing.com.au

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

DAIWA REVROS DX

The Revros DX is Daiwa’s most feature packed reel ever developed in its price range. Its features, durability and ultrasmooth performance are second to none. Featuring such Daiwa innovations as Twistbuster II, Silent Oscillation and Infinite anti-reverse, this reel also employs seven ball bearings, a high speed retrieve ratio and Digigear II gearing system for ultra smooth rotation and feel. The ABS spool has a maximized core diameter and reversed taper meaning there is 100% useable line, no ‘dead’ line buried deep in the spool, so you can fill it with line right up to the edge of the spool lip without fear of tangles. The rearward taper of the spool’s core helps prevent tangles caused by excessive loops of loosely wound or stiff line falling forward from the spool on the cast. This huge diameter spool lets line flow freely in larger coils and produces less line memory coil. The result is less casting friction for longer, easier casting. The Revros DX also uses Daiwa’s Digigear II system for ultra-smooth rotation and optimized speed, power and durability. www.daiwafishing.com.au

AUSSIE-MADE PLATYPUS P8

Extra thin and round, P8 is a premium quality braid from Platypus. Utilising eight-strand construction ensures P8 is one of the thinnest braids on the market. Round, smooth and supple, it will pack more evenly onto your reel for longer, accurate casts time after time. P8 is ideal for all lure casting applications, from light tackle soft plastics through to rock fishing and deep sea jigging. Eight carrier construction is the best braid structure for any fishing situation or species using either overhead or spin gear. Eight carrier braids are rounder and thinner than regular three or four carrier braids, and do not flatten and take on water as 12 or 16 carriers do. With the actual unknotted breaking strain on the label of Platypus P8, anglers are able to make a more informed choice. P8 braid is available in 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50lb breaking strains in 150yd and 300yd lengths in hi-vis orange. Australian Monofil, the owner and manufacturer of Platypus lines, has 117 years of experience that allows them produce the highest quality fishing line in their Brisbane factory. Their motto is, “By Australian fishos for Australian fishos”. Price: RRP $39(150yd) www.fishplatypus.com.au

WILSON BEACH ROD HOLDER

Having a place to safely store your rod on the beach, out of the sand and surf is a necessary part of beach fishing. It doesn’t matter if you hold your rod while fishing or let it sit in the holder, at some stage you’re going to need both hands free to do something like bait up or re-tie a rig. The Wilson Beach Rod Holder is a powder coated, extra strong alloy to ensure, even under the most trying circumstances, your equipment stays high and dry. A large, two-winged fluke is double welded to provide extra security and the rod rest and butt rest are simple and effectively designed. Easy to transport, easy to use and built for the harsh conditions found on the beach, the Wilson Beach Rod Holder is an essential companion on a beach fishing trip. Price: approx. $15 www.wilsonfishing.com

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

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What’s New FISHING

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

TESTED: Daiwa 2015 Mag Seal Zillion 1516SH

Above: Here’s how the 2015 Zillions look on the flash Daiwa website. 0-100 in 2.5 seconds. Right: This is what one looks like when it turns up in the office. Increasingly, I like giving Testing Booth products for Fishing Monthly a real flogging before I write about them in these pages – after all, plenty of products work fine straight out of the box, but start the downward spiral after a heavy workload. So when the opportunity came to test the Mag Sealed 2015 Zillion, I saw the chance to incorporate it into my regular fishing regime and give it the treatment it deserved. Harsh! Let me backtrack a little. For the least few years, I’ve specialised in Brisbane River predators – mainly mulloway and threadfin salmon – and have landed maybe 400 of these fish since the addiction started a few years ago. I fish most nights in the cooler months and fish mostly from the bank. It means that I can get a trip over with in a couple of hours, where if I fish from a boat, it seems to be at least a six hour turnaround and I don’t have the stamina to give up six hours of sleep a night. Two I can live with. That’s all sort of beside the point. The point is, I wanted to catch 50 fish on this reel in at least 50 trips before I passed judgement. Because surely the regular duty-cycle for a Zillion wouldn’t be that heavy? I might be wrong, but if I couldn’t break it, maybe you wouldn’t be able to break it either? This Zillion is part of a four-reel line up that comprises the 2015 Zillion range. All are the same size with the same spools and line capacities, however there’s three gear ratios available in right-hand versions and a single 5.3:1 ratio available for the left-handers. Discriminatory, I know. Deal with it. I used the fastest in the range, the 7.3:1 1516SH. Daiwa don’t like publishing prices for

their product, but I looked it up on Mo Tackle and they sell all reels in this range for $499. All of the Zillions carry 8 ball bearings and a roller bearing and an anti-reverse bearing. The most exposed bearing beneath the cast control cap is protected by Mag Sealed Technology. Although not all points of potential water ingress are covered, it’s pleasing to note that it seems as though – internally at least –

surfaces. And then it gets in. I used to use a very similar reel for a lot of my River fishing – a 4.9:1 Zillion Crazy Cranker. The ratio made it a great reel for keeping a lure in the strike zone, but a pain in the bum for quick retrieves between productive areas and for catching up to a fish that swum towards you, it was especially poor.

After around 50 trips and 50 fish, we couldn’t find much evidence of salt incursion at all. I was sort of disappointed – I can get salt anywhere! Scan the QR code to watch the TackleJunkie team disassemble the test Mag Seal Zillion. this iteration of the Zillion seems very resistant to having its guts filled with salt water. You may not realise, but everyday fishing, especially with braided line that holds a lot of water through the cast and retrieve process, can infiltrate a reel (especially a baitcast reel). Every time you cast, saltwater from the line is finely sprayed across most parts that see the spool. Your hands effectively distribute this salty water across the rest of the reel exterior

With my ridiculously heavy duty cycle, I could render this Crazy Cranker unfishable from a finely tuned machine in around 6 months. Enough saltwater would make its way into the reel to denature the grease and infiltrate the bearings in this time. It’d start to ‘sing’ and crackle. Sometimes the free spool button wouldn’t return. Time to send it back for a service, after which, it’d be good as new. I couldn’t do this to the Zillion (spooled with

code is printed here, too, but I’m arrogant enough to think that nobody can crud-up a reel as good as me. Critics believed maybe Daiwa had pre-selected a few reels to prove their point? Sorry for being a sceptic, Daiwa. Mag Seal may just have my measure! ON THE WATER Technology aside, though, how did the Zillion fish? Putting it into context, the baitcast reels in my regular rotation include the old faithful Crazy Cranker, a 13 Fishing Concept A and a generation-old Shimano Chronarch that refuses to give up. They sit on a variety of double-handed baitcasting rods, including Nories VOICE, Daiwa Battler Harrier and 13 Fishing ENVY models. Compared to the 13 Fishing reel, the Daiwa feels bigger in the hand and sits higher on the rods – regardless of the type of reel seat. The real key to dialling in this Zillion, however, is getting the Magforce cast control just right. It seems to be the most sensitive Magforce reel I’ve used to date. Screw the control up too high and your casts will be pulled short, regardless of how hard you punch them out. It took me a session to realise this and when I immediately dialled it down to ‘0’, I lost control of a few lures into the darkness, resulting in a couple of backlashes and nudging the control up onto the bottom third of its range. And that’s where it’s comfortably sat ever since. Throwing big swimbaits that weigh several ounces at the BARRA Tour in 2015, dialling it up to around halfway made the casting virtually fool proof without any real noticeable decrease in distance. The Magforce control is on the left-hand side of the reel and is intuitive enough to use in total darkness. Audible detents let you know just where on the range you are. The other noticeable difference between this reel and my regular Daiwa was the T-Wing System (TWS). This is a level-line that flips up when you depress the free spool button to decrease the line angle and reduce friction and acute angles on the cast. Bring the first reel I’ve used with the TWS, I could detect the lack of friction in this area only when I was at the lower end of the Magforce settings. I’ve subsequently fish a little with the TWS version of the ultra-light Silver Wolf baitcaster and the difference, to me, is much more noticeable when you’re throwing lures that are 5g and less. Baits three times this weight and heavier tend to get where they want after a double-handed heave.

Mag Sealed 2015 Zillions Model Gear Ratio #Ball Bearings Wt. (g) Drag Pressure (kg) Spool Capacity 1516P 5.5 (61cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m 1516H 6.3 (71cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m 1516HL 6.3 (71cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m 1516SH 7.3 (81cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m

The 2015 Zillion caught plenty of these during the test period – mainly casting lures in the 14-25g range.

SCAN THE QR CODE!

30lb Daiwa J-Braid) and so we ignored the “don’t disassemble at home” labels and pulled it apart to see how much salt I could get into the guts of this reel. You can scan the QR code hereby to see Simon Goldsmith and I pull the reel apart, but the bottom line is that there was virtually zero ingress and definitely not enough to result in a salt build-up anywhere we could find. We shot this live and definitely didn’t do any sort of practice run to pre-judge the result. I’d shot a similar piece at the Daiwa Service Centre in Sydney a month before. That QR

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SUMMARY Could I break it? No. Could I give it a heart-attack with saltwater ingress? Not unless I dunked it underwater. Do I want to give it back? Not really, but I must, because I pulled apart a Mag Seal reel and I suppose I’d better let the experts put it back together. Watch a disassembly comparison between a used Mag Seal Zillion and a standard Zillion.

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

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Win a prize pack from Surf Life Saving Sunscreen. Save your skin and save the fish…so there are more for you to catch!

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The first correct entry at the end of each month will win the prize pack. SEND ENTRIES TO: NSW Find-a-word Competition, PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129

FINS SCALES & TALES by A. Both

NSW FEBRUARY 2016

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FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to P Smith of Tuross Head, 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. – NSWFM

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

BITE ME by Trisha Mason

The subscriber prize winner for November was K Reading of Tamworth, who won a pair of Permit Costa Sunglasses valued at $300. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

FIND THE ZEREK LOGO

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

3 102

• DECEMBER FEBRUARY 2016 2010

December locations: 8, 12, 14, 23, 35, 36, 42, 50, 61, 67, 74, 80, 83, 85, 87. – NSWFM The Find the Zerek logo prize winners for December were: C Roberts of North Ryde, B Fisher of Pacific Palms, B Keogh of Bathurst, C Carter of Richmond, B Laurenson of Oakville, R Kresevic of Canley Vale, M MacMurray of Eglinton, J Walker of Cowra, T Flentjar of Grafton, M Markham of Tea-Gardens, E Douglas of Tullamore, A Bird of Wattle Flat, J Lollback of Ballina, I Errey of Leeton , N Bryant of Nth Albury, E Walters of Goodwood Island, P Smith of Tuross Head, G Sanson of Borowia Park, D McIntosh of Blacktown, J Vagg of Sunshine Bay , D Miller of Cobar, J Morante of Singleton, M Fullagar of Liverpool, N Webster of Kurrajong Heights, E Ristau of Ilford, A Thompson of Ermington, R Crossman of Echuca, P Wallace of Belmont North, T Forbes of Bolwarra, W Forbes of Nambucca heads, S Mulcahy of Taree, C StevensonByrnes of Whittingham, M Kojic of Penrith South, D Appleby of Macquarie Hills, L Cupitt of Goulburn, S Byrne of Docker, B Whyte of Myers Flat, P Stever of Austinmer, T Hainsworth of Warwick, N Kenny of Cobar. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

Shok App – no effort, win prizes! Have you ever heard of a tournament whose entry fee is less than $1.50? That’s what you get with Shok Tournaments – a $35 first year fee (from mid-February) provides entry for 26 back-to-back fortnightly tournaments, at $1.35 each. And the fact that the membership fee includes a measure mat, which would cost nearly $35 retail on its own, means your outlay is

your standard phone camera function, keeps everyone honest and the competition fair. PRIZES FOR NOVICES AND DIE-HARDS If you’re not the best angler in Australia, don’t worry. Shok regularly runs categories to cater to casual anglers, such as the ‘nearest cm’ category. “For example, we’ll say whoever can catch a flathead closest to 36cm will win,”

silver perch, redfin, luderick, flounder and whiting. The organisers are also open to requests, “Sometimes someone will say they haven’t seen a particular species come up for a while, so we’ll run a comp just for that species,” Aaron said. “We take also take requests from groups of friends who want us to manage their friendly comps when they’re on an extended trip. Each person chips in around $25-30,

Post a question, photo, fishing tip or a story.

Live standing, current tournament, rules. Anything you need to know.

The fun part! Use this camera to automatically upload your catch!

Sell you old fishing gear for free? Or buy more!

even better value. Basically, if you feel like you could use a measure mat, get a Shok membership! You might think that with such a low entry fee, the comp prizes would be pretty dismal. A couple of packets of hooks, maybe, or a few bargain bin lures. Not so! The fortnightly tackle prize packs are valued from $150-$300. One of the reasons Shok can afford to do this is because they have low overheads and support from some of largest companies in the industry; it’s far more expensive to run a conventional tournament (think staff, travel expenses, insurance etc.) than it is to run a digital one. Most tournaments have a date, time and a fixed location, but with Shok Tournaments you just go about your normal fishing business at your favourite waterway. Tournaments are run backto-back, you can submit an entry whenever you catch an eligible fish. All you have to do is use the Shok app to take a photo of your (live) catch, measured against the Shok measure mat. Then you press ‘Upload’. Done! The fact that you have to use the app’s camera function, rather than

explained co-creator Aaron Hoskin. “Or we’ll run a pop-up comp where the next person to catch a squid and a bream will win. Or combined species comp, where you have to catch, say, a bass and a yella, and the person with the greatest combined length wins.” Sometimes you don’t even have to measure a fish to win a prize. One of Shok’s latest comps asked members to share their favourite photos/stories of getting kids into fishing, with the winner receiving a start-up tackle box to fuel their youngster’s enthusiasm for the sport. As well as all these comps, Shok continually runs standard ‘longest fish’ comps back-toback. These are divided into separate groups of species, designed to put freshwater and saltwater anglers on an even playing field. The first category is won by the longest snapper, saratoga, red emperor, other emperors (sweetlip), pearl perch, coral trout, slatey bream, nannygai or Murray cod. The second category is won by the longest grunter, morwong, King George whiting, yellowbelly or mangrove jack. The third and fourth categories cover bream, brown trout, rainbow trout,

and we supply a prize. They can see each other’s catches live online, which makes it a really fun experience.” The regular tournaments are run back-to-back every fortnight, with prizes sent out at the end of each tournament. Prizes include a range of tackle (see the website for details). DON’T PAY STRAIGHT AWAY Most of us are unfamiliar with this kind of tournament concept, so Shok have made it free to sign up so you can learn what it’s all about. After you get a feel for the app and decide you want to compete, you can go ahead and pay the registration fee. Currently set at $44.95, the 12-month registration fee will drop to $35 from mid-February, which enters you in 26 tournaments. That works out at only $1.35 per tournament! You’ll be posted an official Shok measure mat to verify your catch, and a Shok stubby cooler. After the first year the membership fee drops even lower, to $21.95. THE SOCIAL SIDE The Shok Tournaments app has a newsfeed that allows anglers to connect socially, share stories and maybe even fishing locations... maybe! The

organisers monitor all posts to maintain a family friendly environment. As well as the fortnightly online tournaments, the organisers also travel to various locations on the east coast hosting social meet-andgreet trailerboat tournaments that are also run via the app. “We tell people we’re planning to run a trailerboat meet-and-greet comp, and people give us suggestions on where to hold it,” Aaron explained. “We go with what the majority wants. The last one was held at the Hawkesbury, attracting anglers from Newcastle to Ulladulla. Around 40 people fished the comp. You just rock up and pay $25 per person, and there are more prizes to compensate for the added entry fee. As a bonus, you can enter the same fish in our regular app comps as you can in the meet-andgreet trailerboat comp, so it’s like double dipping! “We provide a BBQ and drinks. Everyone meets at the ramp at 6am before going fishing, and we monitor the photos coming in via the app during the day. We arrange for everybody to be back by 3pm for the BBQ and presentation. “It’s really good to put faces to names. We’ve made a lot of good friends among our members and their families, and so have they. Our Facebook page has photos of most of our meetand-greet tournaments, so you can see what they’re like. The feedback has been really positive, so we’ll definitely be doing more of them.” BUY AND SELL The app includes a Classifieds section, where you can sell anything to do with

Shay Bogg, co-owner of Shok, loves snapper fishing. fishing or boating. If you find you have too many rods or reels, or you want to sell your boat, this is the place to do it. The tournament registration fee gives you unlimited free listings. Soon there will also be a video link feature so you can post videos. LOOKING FORWARD “We’re not flashy tournament anglers or famous TV presenters, we’re just two blokes who love fishing so we really appreciate the support from our sponsors,” Aaron said. “Shay and I launched SHOK Fishing only just over 12 months ago and to date we’ve got half a dozen sponsors that have been fantastic, including Evolution Boats, Frogleys Offshore, Raymarine, Mako Eyewear and Fishing World. They’re generous companies who have not only backed two regular blokes from day dot, but have also supported the everyday anglers, giving back to the social fishing scene”.

“With their support, and the support of all our members, we’re looking to give back to our community with projects such as restocking dams with fingerlings. “We also have new features coming out, including more upgrades to make the app even more user-friendly than it already is. We’re streamlining it with other social media so you can, for example, like and share on Facebook via the app. We’ve received good reviews in the App Store, and have listened and responded to requests. Shok will be even bigger and better this year, but still just as easy to use, and even more affordable than before. We’re even in talks for overseas versions in the USA and elsewhere. It’s a very exciting time!” To find out more, visit www.shokfishing.com or search for ‘Shok Fishing’ on the App Store or Google Play. – Nicole Penfold

Left: The ‘Tournament’ section of the app displays all currently running tournaments you can enter, with info on eligible species. It also has info on the current standings and rules. Right: In the ‘Classifieds’ section, you can buy and sell used fishing and boating gear. This is a free feature for members. FEBRUARY 2016

103

Just when you thought you knew everything FORSTER

Blake Hudson

Every issue of Fishing Monthly is filled with comprehensive articles that suggest tackle, bait and locations for target species. This month we’re offering fresh information concerning fish handling as opposed to simply how to get them in the box. Welcome to the first instalment of a fourpart series focused on caring for your catch. Releasing fish in a healthy condition is important for maintaining sustainable fish populations, and with this in mind I’ll include information on the many benefits associated with proper handling. I’ll also include an easy to follow guide on how to maximize the quality of the catch you take home for the dinner table. REASONS TO SUPPORT PROPER HANDLING TECHNIQUE I’m not alone when it comes to hearing tales of a time not too long ago, when the local river, beach or home reef used to yield a plentiful bounty. These abundant times create a stark comparison to the meagre hauls of today. You may yourself have even experienced such a dilemma, with your favourite secret spot of yesteryear now not so secret and hardly worth the effort. With the creation of superior fishing and boating equipment, and more lines in the water, it comes as no surprise that we face an uncertain future regarding the endurance of our cherished, dwindling fish stocks. There are many problems that can be blamed for this obvious decline: pro boats and half a century of insufficient quota controls, estuary netting and the decimation of the start of the food chain, trawlers and the annihilation

of by-catch, pollution and the degradation of ecosystems, and the ever-present disaster of climate change. However, not everything is shrouded in doom and gloom. If each of us live up to our obligation to play our part to maintain our precious resource, we may indeed leave for future generations much more in the water than just plastic, garbage, and a perilous assortment of snagged and tangled fishing gear. As responsible anglers, our obligation extends much further than just to stick to bag limits, return undersize catch and remove rubbish from our designated place of fishing. It is about respect. Many years spent on professional wetliners (not to be confused with longliners) in the Indian Ocean, under the guidance of a short-fused Trojan of a skipper, taught me about respect and completely changed the way I fished for the better. When we see a better way of doing things – a more streamlined, more sophisticated, superior way – we ultimately adapt, lest we be left behind. RESPECT THE FISH The first thing I learned was that contrary to popular belief, fish are uniquely fragile, and should be handled with extreme care and respect, whether alive or dead. Important things to keep in mind include the fact that a fish’s body has never experienced numerous things that our bodies do, and which we take for granted every day. The most significant of these is that fish have never experienced the full force of gravity, spending their whole lives suspended in water. A fish has never experienced heat. I don’t mean the kind of heat they might experience with the change in temperature of a warm ocean current or sun bathing in the shallows. I’m talking about a human hand around 37°C, or the scorching bottom of an

aluminium boat that burns like a hot poker on their delicate scales. Most anglers are completely unaware that highly sensitive layers of outer skin completely cover the exterior of a fish’s scales –

Holding a live fish by the mouth, by using lip grippers or other alternatives, all too often results in vertebrae separation or tearing of the lip completely. rather than underneath them! A fish has also never experienced anything hard or dry. Fish will often use rock or reef to scratch an itch, but they have never had to endure metal or fibreglass or wood or a bucket, and certainly have

Fish have never experienced the heat of day and the scorching temperature of a boat deck. If you intend to keep a fish, make sure you dispatch it quickly. If you intend to release the fish, attempt to do so boat-side if possible. 104

FEBRUARY 2016

never experienced anything dry. Is it any wonder they flip about? Fish have never experienced being held by their mouth or their tail. This practice is completely

intolerable, no matter what the size of the fish, from a mullet to a marlin. Dead or alive, holding a fish vertically by the mouth or tail is an absolute no, no! If the fish is alive, holding it by the mouth (using lip grippers or other

alternatives) often results in vertebrae separation or tearing of the lip completely. And holding a live fish by the tail is similar to lifting a person off the ground by the head – it’s dangerous! This

separated under the load of its own weight) and disperse them into the flesh. This can greatly affect the taste. There is of course a correct way to hold fish, both dead and alive, and this simple

Holding live fish by the tail is dangerous! This stretches the spinal discs and vertebrae of a live fish, which is dangerous to their health and quite probably the future of the animal. stretches the spinal discs and vertebrae of a live fish, which is dangerous to their health and quite probably the future of the animal. If the fish is dead and set with rigor mortis, holding it by the tail can release toxins built up in the spine (once

technique will be explored in detail in part two of this series, ‘Landing Your Catch.’ FISH OUT OF WATER On the wetliner boat, the second requirement of the working deck was fundamental to success. Fish were to be sorted and

As anglers, our responsibility is not only to care for the fish, but also to ensure the environment we fish in is left clean and safe. Sights like this are far too common and can cause irreparable damage to fragile aquatic ecosystems.

processed swiftly and smartly, or once again we’d risk the wrath of the temperamental skipper. In any five-minute period, there could be up to

the mix, and without keeping the fish calm and eliminating flipping around, this scenario would have been absolute chaos – not to mention so

death increased to 72% for fish held out of the water for just 60 seconds (Ferguson and Tufts 1992). Many of these died up to 12 hours later. That

a photo means precious extra seconds out of the water, so if you want to take pics make sure you have a camera on standby so this time is kept to an absolute minimum. Based on the statistics from the above research, it is easy to see how detrimental poor handling can be to the environment, with a great proportion of throwbacks from recreational fishing alone simply ending up as berley. This is unsustainable. Our second major responsibility is the respectful treatment of the product we keep. The way a fish is treated after landing affects the quality. A few simple and inexpensive

techniques will result in the best possible eating product that can be achieved. Moving forward, it’s essential to change our ways, and every one of us must be more responsible in the management of recreational fishing into the future. We must dismiss certain damaging fishing practices like fumbling around with a fish with bare hands. Such practice is completely unnecessary – not to mention the damaging, often irreversible air exposure the fish suffers as every second goes by. And we’ve all done it. The good news is, there is a better, easier, and inexpensive way – with

a one-time investment of less than $50 to set up. A way so very sophisticated you will actually be taking home export quality fish to your very own table and be wondering why you hadn’t implemented these techniques years ago. And above all, a way that will sustain fisheries for generations to enjoy. Be sure to catch the following three parts of this series, as all will be revealed, arming everyone in the wider fishing community with the skills to become a more responsible, sophisticated angler. Until then, see you in the soup!

Sitting in a hot, shallow bucket causes the fish to stress, and spoils the meat. 80 fish landed carefully on the kill tables. Predominantly, the catch consisted of the target species, pink snapper, but among those there could be a 25kg amberjack, one or two spangled emperor, a cod that would only just fit in a sleeping bag, and a couple of crazed tailor as big as cricket bats just to keep things interesting. Throw a hyperactive yellowfin into

inefficient it probably would have been a complete waste of time. How did we combat such a problem? We remembered that every second counts when a fish is out of the water. A study on released fish mortality found that an unfortunate 38% of fish held out of the water for just 30 seconds after a line fight to exhaustion died. The rate of

means when you see a fish swim off after release, you shouldn’t assume it’s unhurt. Try to hold your breath next time you land a fish, and only recommence breathing once the fish is released, as this is what the animal experiences. This is the crux of the issue, and our first responsibility as anglers. If a fish isn’t a keeper, return it swiftly and carefully to its place of origin. Taking

There are a thousand reasons to treat fish and their environment with respect. Most importantly, is to sustain our waterways for future generations to enjoy.

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105

Cod Classic

2015 Cod Classic wrap-up FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

Each time I attend the Cod Classic I get a greater appreciation of what the iconic Murray cod means to our native fish anglers. A huge 2825 competitors converged on Lake Mulwala and the surrounding area to compete in this year’s Yamaha Cod Classic. All were hoping to catch themselves a fish (cod, golden perch or carp) and go into the running for $150,000 worth of prizes and the chance to catch Phil the $1,000,000 tagged cod. Although the opportunity to fish Lake Mulwala and the Murray River below the lake for cod is a large draw card for anglers, the registration and expo area gave everyone the opportunity to check out the latest lures, spinnerbaits, rods, sunglasses, fly fishing gear, boats and kayaks available. With plenty of space to sit down, enjoy a quiet ale or two, a bit of food and hash-out a plan of attack, this sociable space was appreciated by all. The

expo area was the biggest I have seen in the years I’ve attended the event, and it was great to see wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers all busy talking

committee also arranged for people like Rod Mackenzie to give talks to competitors gifting them with expert insight to catch themselves a Murray cod.

early 6:30am start. The format of the Cod Classic was that any legal fish gave you a chance of winning a Yamaha/Quintrex boating package. This competition

Matt ‘Spider’ Rogers took out the kayak division of the classic. No wonder when you get a fish like this 1.02m cod.

Junior lucky door boat package winner Christopher Sviler and his father could not have been happier with their win. to competitors and giving them the lowdown on their products. The organising

THE FISHING Saturday saw the fishing begin in earnest, with an

was clearly not just about the fast boats and flash gear. I visited a number

of the measuring stations around the lake and it was great to see fathers with their sons and daughters, families and mates all enjoying what the fishing had to offer. Catching fish wasn’t restricted to fishing from a boat either. Plenty of people set themselves up

MURRAY COD CAPTURE STATISTICS Caught and released........................................... 869 Adults.................................................................. 794 Junior................................................................... 75 MOST PRODUCTIVE METHODS Bait...................................................................... 258 Lures.................................................................... 129 Unidentified bait or lure....................................... 482

on their favourite piece of bank and managed to get themselves into one of the boat draws. I was invited by the Wilson Fishing team to get out on the water for a few hours on Saturday. Stephen Booth and Anthony Pavlou won the Cod Nationals this year, and it was great to get their insight on fishing in the lake, as I had never done this before. It seems one of the keys to success is having an enormous amount of gear on board, but then buying cod fishing tackle is addictive – I should know! We started fishing in about 3m of water, casting spinnerbaits and hardbody

WINNERS

Steve Hobbs with his 115.5cm beast, which took out the longest cod for the classic.

Plenty of anglers set themselves up on the shores of the lake to try and catch a fish. 106

FEBRUARY 2016

CATEGORY............................................ ANGLER.............................LENGTH (CM) Longest cod adult.................................. Steve Hobbs.......................115.5 Longest cod junior.................................. Flynn Docking.....................97 Longest golden perch adult................... Matthew King......................60 Junior golden perch................................ Alex Hawke.........................49 Longest carp (open section)................... David Taylor.........................90 Overall Junior Champion Angler............. Thomas Clark

The measuring stations were kept busy with anglers registering their catch to go into the draw to win a Quintrex/Yamaha boat package.

lures at the numerous stumps and structure that Lake Mulwala is known for. The fishing was a little slow, with only a small fish falling to my Bassman spinnerbait. We then moved further up the lake and into shallower water. Boothy’s decision to change to his beloved purple StumpJumper (winky) was the turning point. Its legendary fish catching ability was once again on display as Boothy picked up a small cod. With the amount of lures in the boat, changing things up to get a bite was always going to be the case. At one point Pav was throwing a large, imported swim-bait. It looked amazing in the water and it was obvious the fish liked it too. Cast at a laydown, a larger cod smashed it and within

Cod Classic seconds was off. Not because it pulled the hooks, but because it broke the rear section off the lure. There is definitely something to buying lures designed and built for Australian fish. Although disappointed, Pav regrouped and got a nice 63cm fish on one of his own spinnerbaits. Thank you to the boys for getting me on the water. Visiting the measuring stations provided a great insight into the fishing. Fish were caught using all manner of methods. Bardi grubs, worms, shrimp, chicken or cheese baits were the main options used by bait anglers with varying success. Trolling deep diving lures along the old

immediately saw a big cod cruising near where they had cast. Steve’s lure was a little

too large for their net, so after some tense moments they eventually managed to

FISH CAUGHT Murray cod.......................................................... 869 Golden perch....................................................... 234 European carp..................................................... 570* *(Approximately 750kg removed from the lake and given to Charlie Carp for processing) SIZE BREAKDOWN

The presentation area was packed with nearly $150,000 in prizes given out.

Golden perch numbers were down this year, but any caught were much appreciated.

river and creek beds and the buoy lines were a very popular method and proved to be effective during the early morning hours of each day. Lure casters enjoyed plenty of success with spinnerbaits resulting in about 50% of the catch, with the remaining captures predominately coming on Australian made lures. As always, there were tales of the fish that got away, but the measuring stations were kept busy by plenty of happy anglers. BIGGEST COD Steve Hobbs from Wantirna in Melbourne caught the biggest cod for the weekend at 115.5cm long. He was fishing with his mate Andrew Suttie from their 3m tinnie, nicknamed Eddie. Steve and Andrew are more often found fishing for trout, and this was their first time fishing the Cod Classic. After some early success on Saturday, the fishing slowed and they decided to head up the lake and try some new water. With the abundance of structure in the lake it wasn’t hard to find new submerged trees to cast at

Size (cm)........................................... Number of fish 55-59................................................ 440 60-65................................................ 276 66-69................................................ 64 70-75................................................ 48 75-80................................................ 16 80-89................................................ 12 90-99................................................ 7 1m+.................................................. 6

Sunday morning’s fishing was a little tougher, but fish like this were still hitting the tape. and they settled into an area with about 4m of water. Not long after arriving Andrew noticed a disturbance in some shallower water and they headed towards it, casting at any stumps as they went. As they were moving along, both men cast to a particular tree and both almost

BOAT WINNERS CATEGORY.................................... WINNER Friday entrants................................ Lachlan Spencer Early entry...................................... Linda Harding Cod catch and release................... Chris Addlington Carp boat....................................... Bruce Woodfall Raffle.............................................. Mick Wyatt Adult lucky door............................. Jason Tonna Junior lucky door............................ Christopher Sviler

Plenty of smiles at the measuring stations.

Beautiful cod caught by one of the junior competitors in the event.

Steve Hobbs accepting the trophy for his 115.5cm cod.

further away than Andrew’s and he was able to guide his spinnerbait in front of the fish, which it promptly ate. The fight was not without its dramas, with the fish wrapping itself around the electric motor and being

get the fish into the boat and onto a Brag Mat. At 115.5cm, it was only Steve’s second ever cod. It will be a tough one to beat, but he reckons he is up for the challenge! To page 108

FEBRUARY 2016

107

Cod Classic From page 107

He caught the fish on a Gangster Mother Frogger lure in orange and black on a Shimano 10kg rod using 30lb braid. I think it will be pretty hard to go back to trout fishing after this fish! METRE COD FROM A KAYAK The kayak section of the Cod Classic has become a very popular part of the event over the last couple of years. This year, the Rogers brothers, Matt and Ian took out 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Matt ‘Spider’ Rogers took out the event champion overall. He also caught one of the six metre plus fish caught during this years Cod Classic. Fishing from a Hobie Mirage Outback kayak, he caught the fish

Catching a carp never felt so good for Bruce Woodfall as he celebrates winning a boat package.

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST FISHING COMPETITION!

on Saturday afternoon using a purple Bassman spinnerbait. I can only imagine what hooking a 1.02m cod out of a kayak would be like, let alone getting it onto the kayak, so congratulations to Matt for an amazing capture. Matt cast his Bassman spinnerbait using a Venom 2-4 PE Crankbait rod, using 50lb braid and 40lb leader. He and his brother got some quality fish over the weekend, showing that yak fishing for cod is well worth a try. JUNIORS JOIN IN ON THE FUN The Wilson Fishing Junior Cod Classic runs in conjunction with the main event. All junior anglers received a Wilson Fishing lure and a Bassman spinnerbait with their registration. Add to that the opportunity to win one of the many lucky door prizes or go into the junior

A fantastic catch by any standards. THE WRAP UP Lake Mulwala would have been a much quieter place after 2pm on 6 December as all the various competitors headed home, seven of those with a new Quintrex/Yamaha boating package in tow. In total 1,673 legal fish were caught during the event, unfortunately Phil the $1,000,000 cod was not one of them. I am sure at some point during the event a lure or bait would have been somewhere near him. Maybe next year. If you haven’t considered taking part in the Cod Classic, I recommend it. The reward is a really good weekend, with a great atmosphere, and the prospect of winning part of a $150,000 prize pool. I love the fact that it is not about catching the most fish or the biggest fish, it is simply to catch a fish.

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Every legal cod caught gave the angler a chance to win a Quintrex/Yamaha boating package. Winners are grinners. prize boat draw The junior champion angler was Thomas Clark who caught 5 cod with the average size of nearly 61cm. The longest cod was caught by Flynn Docking at 97cm.

This means everybody has an equal chance. Congratulations to Tony Bennett and his team for running a great event and I look forward to being involved in 2016.

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FEBRUARY 2016

The legend of Winky the purple StumpJumper added another chapter to the book after once again picking up a fish for Boothy.

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR FEBRUARY

MARCH

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Rnd 1 Hobie Kayak BREAM series Bemm River

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Secret of impoundment bass for kayak fishers BRISBANE

Justin Wilmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

Last issue we visited a local impoundment where the stocking group released 20,000 bass and 10,000 yellowbelly

and apply techniques that we had learnt from fishing other impoundments to see if we could land a couple of fish. The day had arrived. After a late start, we got onto the water around mid-morning, with drizzly conditions and this, combined

lures with me though, and a plan to target structure that had produced fish on other impoundments. A bit of earlier online research via Google Earth and Lowrance’s Insight Genesis mapping on their website, soon saw me paddling towards my first target structure, the

positioned the yak up wind and commenced a slow drift back over the schools. Tail-spinners and blades

to something more subtle; a 2.5” paddle-tail plastic rigged with a #2 Gold Jig Spinner. Casting across the

offer somewhere to escape average weather, less boat traffic and multiple launch points. They can be

A bass in the net caught on a ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ.

Jay Noble looking happy with a decent bass. When it comes to fishing the sticks, spinnerbaits and weedless plastics are excellent options. fingerlings into their new home. We hatched a plan to return to this impoundment, which we hadn’t fished previously

with the remote controlled, fuel powered boats whizzing around the main basin put a small dint in my confidence. I had a few of my favourite

original riverbed as it left the main basin. There were bass schools holding on the edge of the old riverbed, so I

A jig spinner adds subtle flash and vibration to your soft plastic.

did not produce fish, so it was time for a switch to soft plastics for a more subtle, finesse presentation. A couple more drifts and it was time to change things up as the fish seemed to be shut down. Moving to a hump, where the water rose from 10m up to around 4m, I switched to metal vibration blades, a technique that saw me catch a couple of small fish, before the lilies started to call. After paralleling the lily edges for a while, positioning the kayak a couple of metres off the lilies and fanning long casts along the edges in front of the yak, I received a couple of bumps on spinnerbaits, but was unsure if they were spangled perch or bass that weren’t keen to commit to the strike. It was time to move onto my favourite bass structure, points. Points are a go-to for impoundment anglers, offering fish a variety of depths, including shallows in close proximity to deeper water and often holding bait. A couple more taps on the spinnerbait and I decided to switch

The sounder picked up some bass and bait holding on the edge of the original riverbed. 112

FEBRUARY 2016

A couple of smaller fish came from this school on TT Lures Switchblades. point and also along each side, it wasn’t long until a subtle tap turned into a jolting hook set and solid first run. After a couple of hours of experimentation, I had finally landed a decent bass. From this point I landed a couple more bass on the soft plastic, rigged with or without a Jig Spinner, before calling it a day and leaving the water by early afternoon. It was a good feeling to fish new water and land a few fish, especially after talking to a dozen other kayak anglers and discovering only one of them had landed fish. There was no magic to my success, no voodoo dolls, lucky charms or rubbing of Buddha’s belly, it was simply a matter of doing some research, zeroing in on some key structure and carrying a few different lures that proved successful over time. Let’s have a look at a few key lures that have consistently produced fish for me and structure types that should see you hooked up. Impoundments are ideal for kayak anglers, but often

daunting though in terms of their size and knowing where to start fishing and what to look for. DEEP SCHOOLS Locating schools on the sounder, commonly in the old riverbed, on the flats near the riverbed and on deeper points, can lead to red hot ‘fisha-cast’ sessions when the fish are on. On the other hand, some sessions will have you work your way through every lure in your box as the fish stubbornly sulk on the bottom. I will generally start with blades or tail-spinners, cover plenty of ground, and look for the reaction bite. If the school is shut down, I will then slow the blade right down or switch to a soft plastic and work it slowly through the school. Blades around 1/4-1/2oz and jigheads from 1/4-1/2oz will generally do the trick, rigged with 2.5-3.5” paddle-tails or curl-tails. At times, anglers will sit on a single school all day in a tournament and wait for the bite window, when they switch on and feed. While fishing socially I prefer

the pockets and prospect these breaks in the weed and lilies. POINTS Points are a favourite of mine, and are a consistent producer of fish. If I could only fish one piece of structure

own for more shut down bites, and especially when the fish are smaller. TIMBER Unfortunately I didn’t access any timber on this trip, missing out on the brutal strike and white knuckle fight that only

right into the ‘V’ where branches and logs cross each other will increase your catches and ‘knock on wood’ – let your lure bump the timber, a method that could potentially wake up a predator. This is a basic guide

Small paddle tail or curl tail plastics are consistent producers on bass.

Points are consistent in producing good numbers of bass and are my favourite areas to fish.

Three favourite reaction baits - tail spinner, blade and spinnerbait. to explore more structure types for active fish and return to the schools occasionally to see if they have become more active. HUMPS Sudden rises in the bottom often hold fish

schooled fish. WEED AND LILY EDGES My go-to lures when fishing weed and lily edges are spinnerbaits and Jig Spinner rigged plastics. I fish this structure with

If the bite is finicky or slow I will then switch to a more subtle presentation in the form of a soft plastic, rigged with a Jig Spinner for more subtle flash and vibration. If the edge is fairly straight I will parallel

in an impoundment it would be points. Points offer variations in water depth and temperature, commonly hold bait, and even create different environments within close proximity as the sun or wind can hit one side of the point and not the other. This often creates a more active environment within the larger environment of the impoundment. In terms of lures, they’re all worth a throw, with blades and tail-spinners deadly in the deeper water. When the fish are active, smaller blades are worth a go, but when the bite is slower, spinnerbaits are ideal. Jig Spinners and plastics come into their

timber offers. When fishing timber I turn to the snag resistance of lures like spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits and weedless rigged plastics, with the first two options calling more active fish and the weedless rigged plastics amazingly effective at opening the mouths of fish sulking deep in structure. Cast to the outer edges and gradually work your casts deeper into the structure. If you can draw the fish out of the structure a little before it strikes, you increase your chances of landing it, but sometimes you just need to buckle up and get the lure right in there. Paralleling lay down timber and getting the lure

to some of the lures that work for me and some of the structure types that have consistently produced results on my adventures. The key take outs when it comes to exploring your local impoundments would be; research the area and available structure, have a plan, carry a variety of lures and mix up your lure presentations, target structure and retrieves until you crack a pattern. The more time you spend on the water, the more your bank of knowledge and experience will grow, the quicker you will work things out, and fingers crossed the more time your rod spends bent! See you on the water.

Picking pockets in the lilies with spinnerbaits and jig spinner rigged plastics. and are worth marking on the sounder for future exploration, even if they are not holding fish on the day. I fish these in the same way that I fish deep-

two different techniques. I generally start with spinnerbaits from 1/4-1/2oz depending on depth, searching for those active, aggressively feeding fish.

the bank, and if it is less defined, with more pockets, small points and breaks in the weed and lilies, then I will sit a cast distance out from the bank and pick

The author with a bass taken off a point on a ZMan Slim SwimZ. FEBRUARY 2016

113

Robalo’s 260 Centre Console – your dream boat?

OPTIONS AS TESTED

FMG

Steve Morgan

• Vacuflush head with macerator and overboard discharge • Aft seat back rest (removable) • Stainless pull-up cleats • Windlass pack • Power assisted hydraulic steering • T-Top outriggers • Console cover • T-Top and enclosure • Garmin VHF Radio • Battery charger • Canvas pack • Australian spec aluminium trailer • Twin 225 Hondas

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

I’m sure that we all have the same dreams as anglers – unlimited resources to fish for whatever we want, whenever we want. Some of us work hard enough to be able to live out these dreams. Others buy a lottery ticket each week. Either way, the Robalo 260 would have to feature pretty highly on any offshore angler’s wish list. Big enough to be uber-comfortable. Fast enough to do more fishing than travelling. Good looking enough to turn heads at any boat ramp across Australia! So we were smiles from ear to ear when we got the opportunity to take out the Robalo R260 Centre Console out for a drive on a windy day on Port Phillip Bay. Meeting Robalo’s Australian dealer – Scott O’Hare from Aussie Boat QR CODE

Scan the QR Code to see Scott O’Hare from Aussie Boat Sales talk about Robalo boats and the R260 in particular. 114

FEBRUARY 2016

There’s some serious workstation action going on at the business end of the R260. The livewell has rounded edges and is coloured to keep your bait calm, while the lids fold down to give the angler a great work area. Sales at his Anchorage Marina – we took the opportunity to talk about Robalos in general and the 260 Centre Console in particular (scan the QR Code hereabouts to watch the full interview). Scott is definitely Australia’s Robalo expert, having sold hundreds of Robalo and Chaparral boats through his dealership over the years. He’s the man you need to talk to when you decide to put the 260 on your wish-list. So, what do you get for a couple of hundred grand? You get a kick-ass fishing

boat that’s had decades of refinement in the design and manufacturing process. You get a Kevlarreinforced hull, built with abundant closed-cell foam flotation. You get premium gelcoat that resists fading and you get the latest in resins that keep your pride and joy looking fine for years to come. But most of all, you get yourself an ultimate fishing platform that has the range and speed to get you fishing in places you’d only dreamed about in the 15ft aluminium tinny. From bow to stern, there’s no wasted space and it’s the

little things that make the boat a joy to fish from. “All Robalo boats are designed for ocean fishing,” Scott explained. “They all have self-draining decks and bronze through-hull fittings. All of the kill tanks drain overboard, the live bait tanks are huge and there’s storage for over 20 fishing rods – and some of this storage is lockable.” Under the deck, all wiring is tinned and there’s 715L of fuel. Combine this with a 2.7m beam and you’ll need a truck like an F250 to tow it – as well as complying with local regulations for oversize

towing. Scott said that a lot of owners opt to put these boats in dry storage or on a pontoon, adding that this makes them very popular in the northern parts of Australia. One of the real advantages, however, is the fishability of this rig. Most cabin-based 26-footers only fish four people comfortably, whereas the R260 has room to fish at least six anglers in comfort. So, get out your calculator and work out where 715L of fuel gets you (Scott calculates a range of 680km at 3000rpm), and you can imagine all of that awesome fishing on your doorstep that this Robalo could open up

for you. With petrol prices as low as they’ve been for years, maybe there is room in your budget for an R260? Let’s face it – you’re thinking about it, aren’t you? The best way to get a feel for this boat is to test drive one yourself. Call Scott on 03 9397 6977 or visit www. aussieboatsales.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.

PERFORMANCE RPM...............Speed (km/h)............. Fuel (L/h/engine) 1000........................ 8.5................................................3.3 2000....................... 14.5...............................................9.5 3000.........................39..............................................20.5 4000.........................58.................................................38 5000.........................72.................................................70 The test day was too rough to take boat to WOT RPM of 6100 and speed of 98km/h. Time to plane 5.0 seconds (tabs-up), 4.1 seconds (tabs-down)

Now THAT’S a console. Big bore pipework and a fibreglass hard top allow outrigger mounting, rod holder mounting and a shaded helm position – everything you need for a big day on the water.

Can you picture yourself here? The transition from a smaller boat to the 260 isn’t as hard as it seems. A drive-on trailer and common-sense console layout make driving the R260 a piece of cake. It’s like the boat you have now – just bigger!

As well as fishability around the whole boat, you’ll find all of the under-deck storage space well organised and practical.

These bad boys – a pair of VTEC 225 Hondas – jump the 260 up on the plane in as little as 4.1 seconds (with the trim tabs down).

For 26ft of boat, the 260 is surprisingly nimble. The HydroLift hull technology is efficient, using a combination of sharp keel and wider strakes for optimum control.

R207

www.robalo.com 03) 9397-6977

Time to get serious.... FEBRUARY 2016

115

SeaAdex 5.5m Hard Top: deep vee for smooth ride

FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

I’ve seen unique, Brisbane built plate alloy boats around for a while now, but it took a calm day in mid-October to finally get on one in Moreton Bay. It was a great opportunity to catch up with the SeaAdex business – Adam Mortimer and Rex Willis – to get a ground-up explanation about the company and the hulls. Firstly, SeaAdex comes from ‘Ad’am and R’ex’ and the play on words hints that they’re ‘addicts’ to boating in and around Moreton Bay. Being a long term boilermaker, Adam conceptualised a soft riding, deep sided and pleasant experience for families – even if they’re caught in the inevitable bay sea-breeze in the after lunch ride home. “I knocked up a prototype pretty quickly and although it QR CODE

Scan the QR Code to see this SeaAdex in action and hear a full interview with Adam and opinions from the author. 116

FEBRUARY 2016

was pretty ugly, we got a naval architect to modify the shape and create more pleasing lines while retaining the core attributes of the boat,” Adam explained before we took the 5.5m Hard Top for a run on the bay. “There isn’t a variable deadrise in this boat – it carries a 23° vee right to the front of the boat,” Adam continued. This has a couple of implications. It makes the ride super soft. Even if the boat gets air over a wave and lands heavily, it’ll be cutting the water with a sloping part of the hull. This also makes the boat slower. With no flatter planing surface at the transom, speed is limited to maximise comfort. Any angler who has been battered in a flat bottomed boat knows that this is a happy compromise to make. “The last thing any boat owning dad wants is to beat the family senseless if it gets rough. When that happens, you’ll find that they won’t want to come out next time,” Adam said. And it’s true. A comfortable ride makes for a happy family. The other main hull performance feature is the wide, reverse chine sponsons that broaden the beam at rest and add incredible stability. These chines tend to grab a little air while the boat is on the plane to further soften the impact of water on the hull. They also make the hull at waterline wider than at the top of the gunwales, which has no real practical issues except while docking at a

SPECIFICATIONS Length................................................................5.5m LOA (boat only).................................................5.8m BMT Length (trim down).................................. 7.2m Beam................................................................2.45m Hull weight (finished with batteries and 80l fuel)....... 1180kg Fuel....................................................................150L Max transom weight.......................................235kg Max hp............................................................ 200hp Rec hp.............................................................150hp Height on trailer................................................3.2m Draft at rest (leg up)........................................50cm Draft at rest (leg down)...................................80cm 2C Survey ready.

More and more helm seating comes with a fold-up seat option. This one converts to a back rest for driving the boat in a standing position. pontoon where you’d need some fenders to minimise paint damage. On the water, the hull delivers as promised. The supercharged Verado pops the boat onto the plane with ease and at a comfortable cruising speed of 4000rpm, uses 1.6-1.7L for each kilometre travelled. Spinning a 17” Enertia propeller, the rpm maxes out at 6100 and a comfortable 70km/h.

With that combination, I’d assume that you could load this boat with half a tonne of gear and the stats wouldn’t change too much. Likewise, get this rig into some nasty water and the low-end torque would be there to manhandle the boat through the slop. Adam said that this was their experience on the day before the Fishing Monthly test, when they were prop testing with Mercury staff.

“In 20 knots of wind with 1-1.3m of breaking chop, the performance stats were actually a little better than on the calm test day,” Adam said. “We were getting 1.8km/L with three or four people onboard while cruising at around 50km/h. The speed also achieved 72km/h.” We do know though that the Speed Over Ground can be affected by tides. Running with and running against it can explain the discrepancy. Apart from the specialised bait station at the transom, this hull is really a blank canvas and Adam makes no bones about the fact that he will not only customise per buyer, but he’ll do it happily. Got your own ideas to make an ideal

fishing boat? Discuss and implement. Easy. The test rig was fitted with some luxuries, like an anchor winch, Garmin combo unit and a Mercury VesselView for all of your outboard data. As tested, you could drive it away for $76,000, however, BMT packages start from $67,000. Give Adam a call on 0435 453 455 or visit www.seaadex. com.au for more information. • 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.

PERFORMANCE RPM.......................................km/h................ FUEL (l/h) Idle (600)................................4.6.................................1.5 1000.......................................6.5.................................2.5 2000.......................................12..................................6.5 3000.......................................23...................................15 4000.......................................38...................................23 5000.......................................53...................................43 6000.......................................68...................................75 WOT (6100)............................70...................................75

Seriously – the front cabin is nearly as wide as it is long. When you get in it, you’ll see that the quality of finish is excellent. It’s fully carpet lined and the under helm wiring is covered. Yay!

The transom bait station features a cutting board that folds up to reveal a cavity that holds several blocks of pillies.

The SeaAdex we tested came with a transom door to facilitate easy access. Adam said that if you wanted a dive door at the side, that’s no problem. Small manufacturers like SeaAdex usually love customising and Adam is no exception. At FM, we love the L4 Verados. 1.7L of supercharged awesomeness. This one would shine climbing nasty ocean swells, however the test day offered nothing like that. Nothing at all.

Want more fishing rods? If you buy a Hard Top with this many tubes, you’ll need to buy more to fill it up.

Simple and practical. That’s how a hard top window should be. The simpler they are, the less there is to go wrong.

From the bow, the lines are pretty aggressive. The hard top cabin is definitely tall enough to provide excellent visibility and you can see that the sponsons start virtually at the bow of the boat.

For the drive-away price of $76,000, this rig comes with an anchor winch. Once you’ve had an electric winch, you’ll never want to go back to pulling the pick manually. Especially if your fishing buddy doesn’t turn up.

A modern console contains the most information we’ve seen to date in the fewest units. Mercury’s Vessel View gives you all of the engine diagnostics while the Garmin combo unit provides GPS mapping and sonar imaging.

The 23° deadrise runs all the way through to the front of the boat, making it one of the softest riding aluminium boats we’ve ever been in. The sponsons with reverse chines add beam and therefore stability at rest. We like the little additions, like the nonpainted tie down points that alleviate the need for a tie down strap. We hate tie down straps.

After a day’s testing with the Mercury techs the day before, you’d expect it to be propped right, and it is. A 17” Enertia Mercury propeller throws the boat out of the hole and the WOT rpm is 6100rpm – right in the sweet zone for an L4 supercharged Verado. FEBRUARY 2016

117

What’s New BOATING

RULE LOPRO BILGE PUMPS

The new Rule LoPro (low profile) bilge pumps are small enough to fit into tight spaces in the bilge – yet they pack real pumping power at 900 gallons per hour – 3,400 litres per hour – 57 litres per minute. These new pumps include numerous features for ease of installation, ease of use and multiple options for use. There are two models available; standard non-auto or dual sensing automatic. With this pump, you can pump up to 57 litres per minute at open flow. The fully submersible horizontal or vertical mounting makes for a long life, and will stand up to lots of punishment. The ignition is protected, so it won’t create a spark, and there will be nothing to worry about. The rotating discharge body swivels 180° for ease of installation, and a threaded discharge nozzle with multiple hose ports included as standard in the package. There are four different hose ports provided for your convenience. www.rwbmarine.com.au

DIAMOND DECK’S NEW RANGE

Diamond Deck is boasting many new additions to their already fantastic range in 2016. These additions include the new DIY Quick Stick Grip Pads, which are perfect for gunwales and steps. These ae available in black, white and grey. You have a choice of a set of 4 pieces, in size 310 x 85 x 5mm + 20mm radius corners, or a set of 2 pieces in size 450 x 85 x 20mm + 20mm radius corners. CEO and Director of Diamond Deck Andrzej Adamcewicz says Diamond Deck are all for the customer’s needs and want to have a product for all your non-slip decking needs. “Diamond deck is not just a moment, and it is not a fad or this year’s trend, it is a life and it is here forever to shape your adventure.” Coming soon is an official voting poll to vote for your favourite colour, because we care and want to listen to our DIY customers here at Diamond Deck. www.diamonddeck.com.au

DEEPER GRABS CES INNOVATION AWARD

Deeper Fishfinder was chosen to be one of the honourees at an annual Consumer Technology Association competition, (CES Innovation Awards). Deeper was nominated the best innovation among Wireless Handset Accessories and gained CES Best of Innovation award. The smart, castable sonar Deeper Fishfinder took part in the awards for the first time this year. However, it already took the nomination. Smart portable sonar was strictly evaluated following special criteria and chosen by a competent jury comprised of on field professionals. All the participating nominees were assessed according to their aesthetics, design, engineering qualities and novelty of their features. Therefore, Deeper appeared to be the most innovative product inside the Wireless Handset Accessories category. The President of Deeper U.S.A Casey McKnight commented on the prestigious award. “The core value of our team is bringing consumer innovation to the fishing market and this achievement proves Deeper to be a superb quality and design technological innovation, which is able to compete with other top notch brands”. www.buydeeper.com

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

SIMRAD GO XSE SERIES

Coming in 2016, the Simrad® GO XSE series delivers powerful, full-featured standalone marine chartplotter/ fishfinders packed into compact, easyto-use 5 or 7” displays. The GO5 and GO7 XSE feature superbright multi-touch displays, internal 10 Hz GPS receivers, StructureScan® HD and CHIRP sonar, autopilot integration and control, engine data monitoring, full audio entertainment integration with SonicHub®2, integrated wireless connectivity and the powerful new Simrad TripIntel™ trip computer. GO XSE displays offer intuitive multi-touch controls that smartphone and tablet users will instantly find familiar. Boaters are able to tap the screen to create or select waypoints, pinch-to-zoom, or tap-and-drag to pan smoothly across charts, while simple home screen and menu layouts allow quick access to all functions. Adjustable split-screen views and customisable panel layouts with large icons that are easy to recognize make the GO XSE series full-featured chartplotters. www.navico.com

SMALL CRAFT NAV LIGHTS

Our range of Small Craft Nav Lights, which come in sets of three, are ideal for small boats, kayaks, tenders and so on, where there is no 12-volt battery on board – they can also be used as an emergency set of navigation lights on larger craft. Black ABS plastic weatherproof construction with reflectors and integral mounting brackets on each light make this device very easy to install. They are also supplied with rubber ‘O’ ring lens seal. The lights can be turned on and off by simply turning the lens. The Standard bulb lights come in sets of 3, 1.5 volt 0.2 amp screw globes. They require 3 x D cell batteries for the set of 3, 1 battery for each light (batteries not included). The LED lights also come in a set of 3. They requires 9 x AA batteries for the set of 3, 3 batteries for each light (batteries not included). www.rwbmarine.com.au

LOWRANCE ANNOUNCES ELITE TI SERIES

New touchscreen displays deliver incredible performance at an affordable price, and Lowrance® is proud to announce the launch of a new, premium Elite Ti standalone series of fishfinder chartplotters. The Lowrance Elite-5 and Elite-7 Ti touchscreen fishfinder/chartplotters offer anglers high-performance at an incredible value. With an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, Bluetooth® and wireless connectivity, proven Lowrance navigation technology and high-performance sonar – including CHIRP sonar, StructureScan® HD and DownScan ImagingTM – the Elite Ti Series is a robust, feature-rich, yet compact solution – all at an affordable price. The Lowrance Elite Ti is designed for anglers who want a complete view of the area beneath their boat. CHIRP Sonar offers improved fish-target separation and screen clarity, while the StructureScan® HD sonar imaging system with exclusive Lowrance DownScan Imaging™ delivers photo-like images of fish-holding structure on both sides and directly beneath the boat. Scheduled availability is January 2016 for the Elite-7 Ti and March 2016 for the Elite-5 Ti. www.navico.com

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

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Trades, Services, Charter BAIT & TACKLE

HOLIDAY RENTAL

BYRON COAST

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Yamba Bait & Tackle (02) 6646 1514

COFFS COAST Compleat Angler Kempsey (02) 6562 5307 Rocks Marine Bait & Tackle South West Rocks (02) 6566 6726

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Import USA Boat 0435 476 177

KAYAK DEALERS Hunter Water Sports (02) 4947 7899

MODIFICATIONS & REPAIRS // BOAT & TRAILER Bold Trailers (02) 8544 8114 www.boldtrailers.com.au Salt Away 1800 091 172 www.salt-away.com.au

FLUSH YOUR ENGINE WITH

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VISIT www.salt-away.com.au SYDNEY The Boat Pimpers (Sydney) (02) 9792 7799

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

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FRESHWATER Dubbo Marine and Watersports (02) 6882 2853

BOAT HIRE

Crescent Head Holiday Rentals (02) 6566 0500 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 South West Rocks Tourist Park 1800 666 264

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6 MAIN ST, CRESCENT HEAD NSW 2440

MARINE MECHANICS

Loomzys Fish and Fix (Forbes) (02) 6851 1425

Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks 1300 262 782 Crescent Head Holiday Park (02) 6566 0261

Email: holiday@crescentheadrealestate.com.au

Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014 Korr Lighting www.korrlighting.com.au

FRESHWATER

MACLEAY VALLEY COAST

BREAKDOWN RESPONSE

CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES

Bermagui Bait and Tackle (02) 6493 5444

Brooms Head Caravan Park (02) 6646 7144 Calypso Yamba Holiday Park (02) 6646 8847 Iluka Riverside Tourist Park (02) 6646 6060 Wooli Camping & Caravan Park (02) 6649 7671

Fish Taxidermist 0428 544 841

Boat Assist 24 (02) 9746 6224 or www.boatassist24.com.au

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NORTH COAST

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Ulladulla Headland Tourist Park 1300 733 021

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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

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South West Rocks Fishing Charters (02) 6566 5298 or 0429 995 390

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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

Email : ads@fishingmonthly.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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MACQUARIE COAST Castaway Estuary Charters 0427 239 650

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

DEEP SEA & GAMEFISHING

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HUNTER COAST

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2016 2016 Local Time

SYDNEY DENISON) – SYDNEY (FORT (FORT DENISON) – NEW NEW SOUTH SOUTH WALES WALES LAT 33° 52’ LONG 151° 13’

FR FR

SA SA

SU SU

44 MO MO

55 TU TU

66 WE WE

Time Time 0200 0200 0744 0744 1347 1347 2024 2024 0250 0250 0842 0842 1439 1439 2111 2111 0345 0345 0950 0950 1541 1541 2203 2203 0442 0442 1101 1101 1647 1647 2256 2256 0536 0536 1206 1206 1751 1751 2346 2346 0624 0624 1301 1301 1846 1846

0032 77 0032 0709 1348 TH 0709

1348 TH 1934 1934 0116 0116 0750 1430 FR 0750 1430 FR 2019 2019 0159 0159 0831 1510 SA 0831 1510 SA 2102 2102 0241 0241 0914 1550 SU 0914 1550 SU 2145 2145 0325 0325 0956 1631 MO 0956 1631 MO 2230 2230 0412 0412 1040 1715 TU 1040 1715 TU 2317 2317 0500 0500 1126 1759 WE 1126 WE 1759

10 10 11 11

12 12 13 13

0006 0006 14 0552 14 1213 TH 0552

1213 TH 1845 1845 0058 0058 0648 1303 FR 0648 1303 FR 1934 1934

15 15

JANUARY JANUARY m m 1.32 1.32 0.71 0.71 1.43 1.43 0.53 0.53 1.33 1.33 0.74 0.74 1.34 1.34 0.56 0.56 1.36 1.36 0.75 0.75 1.27 1.27 0.58 0.58 1.40 1.40 0.72 0.72 1.24 1.24 0.58 0.58 1.47 1.47 0.66 0.66 1.24 1.24 0.56 0.56 1.55 1.55 0.58 0.58 1.26 1.26 0.54 0.54 1.63 1.63 0.49 0.49 1.30 1.30 0.50 0.50 1.71 1.71 0.40 0.40 1.34 1.34 0.46 0.46 1.79 1.79 0.33 0.33 1.38 1.38 0.43 0.43 1.86 1.86 0.26 0.26 1.42 1.42 0.40 0.40 1.89 1.89 0.22 0.22 1.45 1.45 0.39 0.39 1.90 1.90 0.21 0.21 1.48 1.48 0.40 0.40 1.87 1.87 0.22 0.22 1.49 1.49 0.43 0.43 1.79 1.79 0.26 0.26 1.50 1.50 0.47 0.47 1.68 1.68 0.32 0.32

LAT 33° 52’ LONG 151° 13’ Times and Heights of High and Low Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY MARCH FEBRUARY

Time Time 0152 0152 0749 0749 1400 1400 2027 2027 0252 0252 0858 0858 1502 1502 2124 2124 0355 0355 1015 1015 1615 1615 2225 2225 0500 0500 1132 1132 1730 1730 2326 2326 0601 0601 1243 1243 1837 1837

m m 1.51 1.51 0.52 0.52 1.56 1.56 0.38 0.38 1.52 1.52 0.56 0.56 1.44 1.44 0.43 0.43 1.56 1.56 0.56 0.56 1.35 1.35 0.47 0.47 1.61 1.61 0.52 0.52 1.31 1.31 0.48 0.48 1.68 1.68 0.45 0.45 1.32 1.32

0025 0025 21 0658 21 1342 TH 0658

0.47 0.47 1.75 1.75 0.38 0.38 1.35 1.35 0.45 0.45 1.81 1.81 0.32 0.32 1.38 1.38 0.43 0.43 1.84 1.84 0.28 0.28 1.41 1.41 0.42 0.42 1.84 1.84 0.28 0.28 1.42 1.42 0.43 0.43 1.82 1.82 0.29 0.29 1.42 1.42 0.45 0.45 1.77 1.77 0.33 0.33 1.42 1.42 0.49 0.49 1.70 1.70 0.38 0.38 1.41 1.41 0.53 0.53 1.61 1.61 0.42 0.42

16 16 SA SA

17 17 SU SU

18 18 MO MO

19 19 TU TU

20 20 WE WE

1342 TH 1936 1936 0118 0118 0750 1432 FR 0750 1432 FR 2028 2028 0208 0208 0838 1516 SA 0838 1516 SA 2114 2114 0254 0254 0922 1557 SU 0922 1557 SU 2156 2156 0337 0337 1002 1634 MO 1002 1634 MO 2235 2235 0417 0417 1040 1709 TU 1040 1709 TU 2314 2314 0458 0458 1116 1743 WE 1116 1743 WE 2350 2350 0537 0537 1152 1815 TH 1152 TH 1815

22 22

23 23 24 24

25 25 26 26 27 27

28 28

0029 0029 29 0619 29 1228 FR 0619

1228 FR 1850 1850 0109 0109 0704 1307 SA 0704 1307 SA 1928 1928 0154 0154 0757 1353 SU 0757 1353 SU 2011 2011

30 30 31 31

1.40 1.40 0.59 0.59 1.52 1.52 0.48 0.48 1.39 1.39 0.64 0.64 1.42 1.42 0.53 0.53 1.38 1.38 0.69 0.69 1.33 1.33 0.58 0.58

Time Time 0246 0246 0900 0900 1448 1448 2102 2102 0345 0345 1012 1012 1557 1557 2202 2202 0446 0446 1125 1125 1711 1711 2303 2303 0544 0544 1227 1227 1815 1815

m m 1.38 1.38 0.72 0.72 1.25 1.25 0.62 0.62 1.39 1.39 0.72 0.72 1.19 1.19 0.64 0.64 1.43 1.43 0.68 0.68 1.18 1.18 0.63 0.63 1.50 1.50 0.60 0.60 1.22 1.22

0000 55 0000 0635 1318 FR 0635

0.59 0.59 1.59 1.59 0.50 0.50 1.28 1.28 0.53 0.53 1.69 1.69 0.39 0.39 1.35 1.35 0.46 0.46 1.79 1.79 0.30 0.30 1.43 1.43 0.38 0.38 1.87 1.87 0.22 0.22 1.51 1.51 0.33 0.33 1.92 1.92 0.17 0.17 1.57 1.57 0.30 0.30 1.93 1.93 0.15 0.15 1.61 1.61 0.29 0.29 1.88 1.88 0.18 0.18 1.63 1.63 0.32 0.32 1.78 1.78 0.24 0.24

MO MO

TU TU

WE WE

44 TH TH

1318 FR 1909 1909 0050 0050 0723 1403 SA 0723 1403 SA 1956 1956 0137 0137 0808 1445 SU 0808 1445 SU 2041 2041 0224 0224 0852 1527 MO 0852 1527 MO 2125 2125 0311 0311 0937 1608 TU 0937 1608 TU 2210 2210 0400 0400 1024 1651 WE 1024 1651 WE 2256 2256 0450 0450 1111 1735 TH 1111 1735 TH 2345 2345 0543 0543 1200 1820 FR 1200 FR 1820

10 10 11 11

12 12

0034 0034 13 0639 13 1251 SA 0639

1251 SA 1908 1908 0128 0128 0740 1346 SU 0740 1346 SU 2000 2000 0227 0227 0849 1450 MO 0849 1450 MO 2058 2058

14 14 15 15

1.64 1.64 0.38 0.38 1.65 1.65 0.33 0.33 1.62 1.62 0.45 0.45 1.50 1.50 0.42 0.42 1.60 1.60 0.51 0.51 1.36 1.36 0.51 0.51

Time Time 0331 0331 1007 1007 1605 1605 2203 2203 0440 0440 1125 1125 1725 1725 2312 2312 0546 0546 1234 1234 1833 1833

m m 1.58 1.58 0.54 0.54 1.27 1.27 0.56 0.56 1.59 1.59 0.53 0.53 1.25 1.25 0.57 0.57 1.63 1.63 0.48 0.48 1.28 1.28

0015 0015 19 0645 19 1330 FR 0645

0.55 0.55 1.68 1.68 0.42 0.42 1.33 1.33 0.51 0.51 1.72 1.72 0.38 0.38 1.39 1.39 0.47 0.47 1.74 1.74 0.35 0.35 1.43 1.43 0.45 0.45 1.74 1.74 0.34 0.34 1.47 1.47 0.43 0.43 1.73 1.73 0.35 0.35 1.49 1.49 0.44 0.44 1.69 1.69 0.37 0.37 1.50 1.50 0.46 0.46 1.63 1.63 0.40 0.40 1.51 1.51 0.49 0.49 1.57 1.57 0.44 0.44 1.50 1.50 0.53 0.53 1.49 1.49 0.49 0.49

16 16 TU TU

17 17 WE WE

18 18 TH TH

1330 FR 1929 1929 0110 0110 0737 1415 SA 0737 1415 SA 2015 2015 0158 0158 0822 1455 SU 0822 1455 SU 2055 2055 0241 0241 0902 1530 MO 0902 1530 MO 2132 2132 0320 0320 0939 1603 TU 0939 1603 TU 2207 2207 0358 0358 1015 1634 WE 1015 1634 WE 2241 2241 0435 0435 1048 1704 TH 1048 1704 TH 2314 2314 0513 0513 1123 1734 FR 1123 1734 FR 2348 2348 0552 0552 1158 1805 SA 1158 SA 1805

20 20

21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25

26 26

27 27

0025 0025 28 0634 28 1236 SU 0634

1236 SU 1840 1840 0106 0106 0723 1319 MO 0723 1319 MO 1920 1920

29 29

1.49 1.49 0.58 0.58 1.41 1.41 0.54 0.54 1.46 1.46 0.63 0.63 1.32 1.32 0.60 0.60

Time Time 0153 0153 0819 0819 1412 1412 2009 2009 0248 0248 0927 0927 1516 1516 2110 2110 0353 0353 1040 1040 1632 1632 2220 2220 0500 0500 1146 1146 1745 1745 2327 2327 0600 0600 1242 1242 1842 1842

m m 1.44 1.44 0.67 0.67 1.24 1.24 0.66 0.66 1.42 1.42 0.69 0.69 1.19 1.19 0.70 0.70 1.43 1.43 0.66 0.66 1.18 1.18 0.69 0.69 1.49 1.49 0.59 0.59 1.23 1.23 0.64 0.64 1.57 1.57 0.49 0.49 1.31 1.31

0025 66 0025 0652 1330 SU 0652

0.56 0.56 1.68 1.68 0.38 0.38 1.42 1.42 0.46 0.46 1.79 1.79 0.28 0.28 1.53 1.53 0.36 0.36 1.87 1.87 0.20 0.20 1.63 1.63 0.28 0.28 1.91 1.91 0.16 0.16 1.72 1.72 0.23 0.23 1.89 1.89 0.16 0.16 1.78 1.78 0.22 0.22 1.83 1.83 0.20 0.20 1.80 1.80 0.25 0.25 1.72 1.72 0.29 0.29

TU TU

WE WE

TH TH

44 FR FR

SA SA

1330 SU 1930 1930 0116 0116 0741 1415 MO 0741 1415 MO 2016 2016 0207 0207 0829 1458 TU 0829 1458 TU 2101 2101 0257 0257 0916 1540 WE 0916 1540 WE 2147 2147 0347 0347 1005 1624 TH 1005 1624 TH 2233 2233 0440 0440 1055 1708 FR 1055 1708 FR 2322 2322 0534 0534 1146 1754 SA 1146 SA 1754

77 88

10 10

11 11

12 12

0012 0012 13 0631 13 1240 SU 0631

1240 SU 1842 1842 0105 0105 0733 1338 MO 0733 1338 MO 1934 1934 0202 0202 0842 1444 TU 0842 1444 TU 2034 2034

14 14 15 15

1.78 1.78 0.32 0.32 1.58 1.58 0.39 0.39 1.74 1.74 0.40 0.40 1.43 1.43 0.51 0.51 1.67 1.67 0.48 0.48 1.31 1.31 0.60 0.60

Time Time 0307 0307 0957 0957 1600 1600 2145 2145 0418 0418 1109 1109 1716 1716 2258 2258 0527 0527 1214 1214 1821 1821

m m 1.61 1.61 0.53 0.53 1.25 1.25 0.66 0.66 1.58 1.58 0.53 0.53 1.25 1.25 0.67 0.67 1.58 1.58 0.51 0.51 1.30 1.30

0002 0002 19 0626 19 1305 SA 0626

0.63 0.63 1.60 1.60 0.48 0.48 1.37 1.37 0.58 0.58 1.63 1.63 0.44 0.44 1.44 1.44 0.53 0.53 1.64 1.64 0.42 0.42 1.50 1.50 0.49 0.49 1.64 1.64 0.41 0.41 1.55 1.55 0.47 0.47 1.63 1.63 0.41 0.41 1.58 1.58 0.45 0.45 1.60 1.60 0.43 0.43 1.61 1.61 0.45 0.45 1.57 1.57 0.45 0.45 1.62 1.62 0.47 0.47 1.51 1.51 0.49 0.49 1.62 1.62 0.50 0.50 1.45 1.45 0.54 0.54 1.60 1.60 0.54 0.54 1.38 1.38 0.59 0.59

16 16 WE WE

17 17 TH TH

18 18 FR FR

1305 SA 1912 1912 0058 0058 0715 1347 SU 0715 1347 SU 1954 1954 0145 0145 0759 1424 MO 0759 1424 MO 2030 2030 0226 0226 0837 1457 TU 0837 1457 TU 2104 2104 0303 0303 0913 1527 WE 0913 1527 WE 2137 2137 0339 0339 0947 1556 TH 0947 1556 TH 2208 2208 0415 0415 1021 1625 FR 1021 1625 FR 2240 2240 0452 0452 1057 1655 SA 1057 1655 SA 2313 2313 0530 0530 1133 1727 SU 1133 1727 SU 2348 2348 0612 0612 1213 1801 MO 1213 MO 1801

20 20 21 21

22 22 23 23

24 24

25 25 26 26

27 27 28 28

0027 0027 29 0658 29 1256 TU 0658

1256 TU 1840 1840 0111 0111 0750 1346 WE 0750 1346 WE 1928 1928 0203 0203 0852 1448 TH 0852 1448 TH 2029 2029

30 30

31 31

1.57 1.57 0.58 0.58 1.31 1.31 0.65 0.65 1.53 1.53 0.63 0.63 1.25 1.25 0.71 0.71 1.50 1.50 0.65 0.65 1.22 1.22 0.75 0.75

Local Time APRIL APRIL

Time Time 0306 0306 1000 1000 1600 1600 2142 2142 0415 0415 1105 1105 1712 1712 2255 2255 0421 0421 1101 1101 1712 1712 2300 2300 0519 0519 1152 1152 1802 1802 2356 2356 0613 0613 1239 1239 1849 1849

m m 1.49 1.49 0.63 0.63 1.23 1.23 0.74 0.74 1.52 1.52 0.57 0.57 1.29 1.29 0.69 0.69 1.59 1.59 0.47 0.47 1.40 1.40 0.59 0.59 1.68 1.68 0.37 0.37 1.53 1.53 0.47 0.47 1.77 1.77 0.29 0.29 1.66 1.66

0049 66 0049 0704 1324 WE 0704

0.36 0.36 1.83 1.83 0.23 0.23 1.78 1.78 0.27 0.27 1.84 1.84 0.21 0.21 1.88 1.88 0.21 0.21 1.81 1.81 0.23 0.23 1.93 1.93 0.20 0.20 1.74 1.74 0.29 0.29 1.94 1.94 0.23 0.23 1.63 1.63 0.38 0.38 1.91 1.91 0.30 0.30 1.51 1.51 0.49 0.49 1.84 1.84 0.38 0.38 1.40 1.40 0.59 0.59

FR FR

SA SA

SU SU

44 MO MO

TU TU

1324 WE 1936 1936 0142 0142 0755 1409 TH 0755 1409 TH 2023 2023 0235 0235 0846 1455 FR 0846 1455 FR 2111 2111 0329 0329 0939 1541 SA 0939 1541 SA 2200 2200 0425 0425 1033 1629 SU 1033 1629 SU 2250 2250 0522 0522 1129 1718 MO 1129 1718 MO 2343 2343 0624 0624 1229 1812 TU 1229 TU 1812

77 88

10 10 11 11

12 12

0039 0039 13 0730 13 1333 WE 0730 1333 WE 1913 1913 0142 0142 0837 1445 TH 0837 1445 TH 2023 2023 0250 0250 0941 1556 FR 0941 1556 FR 2135 2135

14 14

15 15

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology  Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon

1.74 1.74 0.46 0.46 1.32 1.32 0.69 0.69 1.65 1.65 0.52 0.52 1.29 1.29 0.74 0.74 1.58 1.58 0.55 0.55 1.30 1.30 0.75 0.75

Time Time 0357 0357 1038 1038 1655 1655 2242 2242 0455 0455 1127 1127 1743 1743 2338 2338 0545 0545 1207 1207 1824 1824

m m 1.54 1.54 0.55 0.55 1.36 1.36 0.71 0.71 1.54 1.54 0.54 0.54 1.43 1.43 0.66 0.66 1.54 1.54 0.52 0.52 1.50 1.50

0025 0025 19 0627 19 1244 TU 0627

0.60 0.60 1.55 1.55 0.50 0.50 1.57 1.57 0.55 0.55 1.55 1.55 0.49 0.49 1.63 1.63 0.51 0.51 1.54 1.54 0.49 0.49 1.67 1.67 0.49 0.49 1.53 1.53 0.50 0.50 1.71 1.71 0.47 0.47 1.50 1.50 0.52 0.52 1.73 1.73 0.47 0.47 1.47 1.47 0.55 0.55 1.73 1.73 0.49 0.49 1.42 1.42 0.59 0.59 1.71 1.71 0.51 0.51 1.37 1.37 0.64 0.64 1.68 1.68 0.55 0.55 1.33 1.33 0.69 0.69 1.64 1.64 0.58 0.58 1.29 1.29 0.73 0.73

16 16 SA SA

17 17 SU SU

18 18 MO MO

1244 TU 1900 1900 0106 0106 0706 1315 WE 0706 1315 WE 1933 1933 0144 0144 0743 1346 TH 0743 1346 TH 2005 2005 0219 0219 0819 1416 FR 0819 1416 FR 2037 2037 0256 0256 0855 1447 SA 0855 1447 SA 2110 2110 0332 0332 0932 1519 SU 0932 1519 SU 2144 2144 0412 0412 1011 1553 MO 1011 1553 MO 2219 2219 0453 0453 1052 1630 TU 1052 1630 TU 2258 2258 0538 0538 1137 1712 WE 1137 1712 WE 2342 2342 0628 0628 1229 1800 TH 1229 TH 1800

20 20 21 21 22 22

23 23

24 24

25 25

26 26 27 27

28 28

0031 0031 29 0725 29 1327 FR 0725 1327 FR 1900 1900 0131 0131 0826 1433 SA 0826 1433 SA 2012 2012

30 30

1.60 1.60 0.59 0.59 1.28 1.28 0.76 0.76 1.57 1.57 0.57 0.57 1.31 1.31 0.76 0.76

Last Quarter 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.

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