New South Wales Fishing Monthly - January 2016

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Beach Fishing Tips • Spinnerbaits 101 • Spotlight on Tuross Heads • Be proficient with prawns •

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January 2016, Vol. 21 No. 6

Contents 08

BYRON COAST The Tweed 22 Iluka 26 COFFS COAST Ballina 25 Coffs Harbour 27 Coffs Game 28 South West Rocks 29 MACQUARIE COAST The Hastings 30 Forster 32 Harrington-Taree 33 HUNTER COAST Port Stephens 36 Hunter Coast 37 Swansea 38 Central Coast 39 SYDNEY The Hawkesbury 10 Pittwater 12 Sydney North 14 Sydney Harbour 15 Sydney rock and beach 16 Sydney South 20 Botany Bay 18 ILLAWARRA COAST Illawarra 40 Nowra 41

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From the Editor’s Desk...

In a prelude to the ‘National Gone Fishing Day’ to be held on the 16th October 2016, NSW DPI held their statewide ‘Go Fishing Day’ in half a dozen locations in early December. NSWFM was based at Kurnell, only metres from where Captain Cook landed and said something like, “Geez, there’s plenty of stingrays in here.”

Organised by the DPI and staffed by departmental staff and mountains of volunteers, visitors could learn to cast, sample local seafood, talk to the experts on boating safety, fish on the beach and even watch the weigh-ins for a Pro-Am bream fishing tournament, featuring ABT BREAM anglers and various politicians and decision makers.

The jury is still out on whether the big crowd for

the weigh-in was to hear the pollies speak or for the free fishing gear being handed out? We’ll let you make your own mind up on that one.

With over 1000 people visiting the site on the day, some were even treated to casting lessons from Australian USA-based bass fishing pro, Carl Jocumsen, who spent hours with the volunteers putting over 400 people through the casting clinic.

When kids hit the targets they won prizes and the joy on their faces was infectious.

Other groups of kids and new anglers tried fishing on the beach, and although nothing giant was caught, there’s now hundreds of anglers who have taken the first steps into a new recreation.

And that’s priceless.

So mark the 16th October 2016 into your diaries – it’s

a Sunday – as a day where you must go fishing. Your country demands it!

WELL GROUNDED As an aside, I was pretty impressed with Australia’s first tournament fishing export – Carl Jocumsen – at the casting alley. What started as a photo opportunity quickly became a labour of love for the 31-year-old Queenslander, who loves giving back to the sport which has provided him with so much opportunity.

Three hours in the hot Sydney sun passed after the initial induction, and Carl beamed about the kids he’d taught to hit the targets from scratch.

It got me to thinking – if each of us brought just one new person to fishing on National Gone Fishing Day, we could broaden the passion we all love so much into a far broader community.

It’s not much – just one extra person. You have nearly a year to plan for it.

Get cracking!

BIG FEBRUARY ISSUE COMING! There’s not many publishers who can boast that their February issue is the biggest of the year, but with NSWFM including the ABT Tournament Angler Guide in the February 2016 issue, we can say just that.

Hitting the news stands in late January, it’s a musthave for all keen anglers.

Of course, if you were lucky enough to be one of the hundreds who got a NSWFM Subscription for Christmas, then you have no worries – it’ll be in your mailbox before you know it.

Remember that all subscribers go into the draw for super monthly prizes – details are on the subscriber page inside each month.

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SPECIAL FEATURES Ten beach fishing tips Spotlight on Tuross Heads Prawning glory

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Ten beach fishing tips CENTRAL COAST

Jamie Robley jrobley@iprimus.com.au

The coming months normally provide first-rate beach fishing right along the NSW coastline. Quite a few species are on offer as well, including bream, whiting, tailor, salmon and mulloway.

Unlike mid to late winter, coastal water temperature remains very comfortable too, so feet don’t end up

frozen, even when autumn starts kicking in.

As with all forms of angling, a number of different factors are involved to bring success on the sand.

There aren’t just one or two key points or any sort of closely guarded secrets.

Rather, success comes from a combination of tackle, technique, common sense and good luck that adds up to fun times and perhaps a tasty seafood dinner at the end of the day.

Mulloway are the grand prize of beach fishing.

Generally, you’ll need first class baits like calamari squid, beach worms, freshly caught mullet or tailor to be in with a good chance of catching one.

You’re most likely to catch one after sunset.

This solid salmon took a whole pilchard bait pinned to a set of ganged hooks. Pillies are one of the very best beach baits that appeal to many other species besides salmon.

A 3m rod, 4000 size threadline reel, bucket and carry bag. This is everything you need to catch pretty much anything from most beaches along the NSW coastline.

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JANUARY 2016

GEARING UP One of the most proficient beach anglers I’ve ever seen used only an old plastic Coke bottle, with 100m of line wrapped around it to cast small baits into the North Coast surf, for bream, whiting and flathead. While I’m certainly not about to recommend a Coke bottle as your main weapon at the beach, it simply shows that expensive or sophisticated tackle isn’t a major requirement.

However, it is definitely beneficial to use a lightweight, balanced outfit of reasonable quality. A good starting point for rod length is 3m or 10ft, with an extra half metre performing better in some cases. In more sheltered stretches, where the surf is only small, much shorter rods can also be fun and practical to use.

Simple, decent quality threadline reels, spooled up with mono rather than braid, are easy to use and get the job done without problems. Of course, Alvey sidecast reels are practical and durable for the beach, although probably not as easy to use as threadlines or ‘eggbeaters’ for kids or less experienced anglers. Either way, try to buy the best the budget allows and avoid dropping them in the sand, if possible.

If a reel does end up taking a swim in the surf or gets covered in sand, give it a hose with freshwater at the very first opportunity and brush off the sand with a toothbrush or small cleaning brush. If it feels clogged or very rough to wind, then it probably needs a full service. If not, then perhaps a light spray with Inox or WD40, then a few drops of oil around the working parts will be enough to get it back in order and ready to fish again. Remember to wipe off any oil or residue around the reel, as this attracts more sand and grime.

As for lines, the simplicity and stretch of nylon mono can be preferable to the more modern braids or PE line for surf fishing, and a must if a sidecast reel is used.

However, braids can make for better casting distance and greater bite sensitivity.

When you use braid, it’s important to also use a nylon leader, to avoid bust-offs or fish shaking the hooks free.

Of course, this means there are more knots to tie and things start to become a bit more complicated.

Other items like a small plastic bucket with a lid, a carry bag, compact tackle box, knife, pliers and a rag or cloth to wipe your smelly hands or the rod are also essential. Bear in mind, the lighter the kit is the easier

There is a lot of beach fishing fun to be enjoyed at this time of year and in the months ahead. Although a relatively simple form of fishing, it’s best to be a little specific about things in order to bring results. and more enjoyable the beach fishing experience will be.

PLANNING Well before heading to the nearest beach, it makes sense to check weather, sea and tide forecasts, even up to a week or more in advance, particularly if a long trip is in mind. Strong wind or rough seas could mean things are going to be problematic and perhaps not even worth trying. Reasonably good, stable weather is generally your best bet.

Other aspects of planning may involve securing some good quality bait, arranging plans with other anglers or perhaps doing some further research into a certain species or location.

TIME AND TIDE Most fish bite best as the tide is rising at the beach.

Sometimes the bottom of the tide may be a good time to start, while at other times it may be better to concentrate more an hour either side of the top of the tide. Each beach and species is a little different, so it may take some experimentation to work out what’s best. If in doubt, the few hours leading up towards high tide are generally productive for most fish at most beaches.

If the tidal phase can be timed to coincide close to sunrise or sunset, the fishing will be even better. Like most fish in any sort of salt or freshwater environment, the low light periods that last an hour or so are when many fish are actively seeking food.

Some fish, like mulloway and tailor, bite really well through the night as well, but it’s still important to time outings with the tides.

SPECIES SPECIFIC Every species of fish has slightly different habits and feeding preferences than others do. Some may respond really well to a certain type of bait, while others may ignore it in favour of something completely different. Some have much bigger or smaller

Take plenty of time to land fish at the beach.

Remember the force of the waves exerts a lot of pressure, so it’s not hard to snap lines or pull hooks. mouths than others and on it goes.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose which species of fish you would prefer to catch or consider what’s most likely to swim along your local beaches. Most NSW beaches have the same species available, however there are some differences from north to south.

During autumn, winter and spring large numbers of salmon migrate up the coast and they can appear in huge schools from the south coast up to the central coast. Past Newcastle though, salmon may not be quite as thick and once we get north of Port Macquarie they tend to only be occasional visitors during winter and early spring.

On the far north coast tarwhine and dart are a lot more common than the south coast. Yes, both species do turn up way down south, but

they’re not as consistent or in the same numbers as beaches north of Coffs Harbour.

Tailor also tend to be a bit more prolific on the north coast, but overall they are much like bream, whiting and mulloway in that they’re common right along the length of the coast.

Pick a species then choose baits, lures and strategies accordingly. Keep in mind what is most likely to work on the fish you are targeting, rather than simply turning up and hoping for whatever may come along.

BEST BAITS A very broad range of baits will entice fish at the beach. There are however, a handful of baits that consistently produce results.

These baits are pipis, beach worms, prawns, pink nippers, pilchards, squid and strips or fillets of fresh mullet and tailor.

While most of these baits are commercially available (pilchards are a classic example), sometimes it’s best if they can be secured fresh or caught just prior to use. Fresh or freshly frozen calamari

work almost, if not as good as freshly caught worms.

IN A SPIN Lure casting is another alternative that can be very effective at times. While it is possible to tempt almost

metals such as SureCatch Knights cast like a bullet, and the flashy chrome is often irresistible to tailor or salmon.

READING A BEACH Reading a beach to establish the best spots to

Those low light periods around sunrise or sunset are when most species of fish are actively looking for food. squid that you’ve caught yourself is vastly superior to any squid purchased from a shop. On the other hand, good quality beach worms that have been properly preserved can last in cold storage for months and they

any fish with some sort of lure, the most reliable targets along our beaches are tailor and salmon.

Soft plastics, hardbodies and others will work, but the truth is that metal lures remain the best overall. Chromed

try isn’t too hard at all. The basics of it are that darker or more settled looking water indicates deeper water – a hole or gutter. An area where waves are constantly crashing and lots of white foam is washing in towards the

beach indicates that shallow sandbanks are just under the water.

Around low tide it’s normally best to cast baits or lures into the deeper water, as this is where most fish will be concentrated. As the tide comes in and more water covers the shallow sand banks fish like to move up over these spots, looking for food.

So a cast placed amongst the foamy whitewash or close to the edge of a deeper gutter or hole is a good idea.

IN CLOSE There’s certainly no need to cast out as far as possible either. In fact, many fish like to swim right in close, just behind the shore dump. This is a particularly good area for whiting, but even larger fish like sharks and mulloway may move right in close under the cover of darkness.

HOLD THAT ROD It’s very common to see a popular fishing spot where anglers cast out and then place the rod in a PVC rod holder. Such rod holders are a good invention and quite convenient, especially when rigging up or re-baiting.

However, if you want to hook more fish the best thing to do is always hold the rod. This way you’re ready to respond by striking or winding at exactly the right moment and there’s also less chance the rod will be pulled over with

the reel landing in the sand.

TAKE IT EASY Another handy tip to finish off with is to take things easy when fighting a fish in the surf. Not only are many fish here quite solid, stubborn battlers, we also have to fight the power of the surf as well.

So trying to get fish onto the sand as quickly as possible isn’t always a good strategy.

Take your time and allow fish to run if they or the waves are pulling with a lot of force.

A relaxed, careful approach, without trying to bully the fish, works a lot better.

Tailor is one of the most common beach species and can be caught all year along the entire length of the NSW coastline. They bite best just after sunset or just before sunrise.

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Explore, there’s plenty to find!

THE HAWKESBURY

Dan Selby dan@sydneysportfishing.com.au

I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year period with plenty of time to catch up with friends, family and of course time to fish.

Flathead have been abundant throughout the main river and its tributaries this season for those using lures and baits.

Use your sounder to target them by finding a sharp drop-off, then positioning the boat to either cast lures or drop baits back over the edge. Prawns are doing the damage for the bait fishos while pumpkin seed, motor oil, watermelon and gold minnows and grubs have been the standout for soft plastic aficionados.

Bream fishing has been a bit slow, as they have spread right up the tributaries.

Anglers can expect to find these little fighters at the very top range of the salt water in the smaller creeks and rivers that flow into the Hawkesbury. Use Google Maps and small watercraft

like a canoe or kayak to get you onto some real sweet water where you can expect to encounter bream, flathead and EPs! The added bonus is that these areas are generally fished less and are shaded by the overhead tree canopy – a far more enjoyable environment to fish on those warmer days.

Small surface lures, soft plastics and shallow running crankbaits are the lures of choice here. Slowly drifting along, casting into all the likely shady pockets and snags, often only in a metre or two of water, is as good as it gets in my books!

The bass have been a bit slow around the terraces with a lot of smaller fish beating the bigger ones to the lures. Despite this, there are still good fish to be had, especially at night with surface lures. There are quite a number of locations that are accessible by land but the best method is to drift in a boat or canoe (or kayak) and cast over the weed beds and adjacent to open water.

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Some decent kingfish have come inshore and will be residing on structures like marker buoys, wrecks, dropoffs and major points. This fish fell to a well presented surface running stickbait cast tight to a marker buoy. your pots at creek mouths and at the ends of rock walls from Spencer to Wisemans.

Try using fresh fish frames

or chicken carcasses and an overnight set should see you eating chili mud crab a day or two later.

The flats have been firing for bream and whiting but don’t discount the odd flathead grabbing your surface lure too. have featured in captures.

The mulloway are only small but are in good numbers and the bigger schoolies shouldn’t be too far off coming back upstream.

Berowra has been fishing well, with a couple of recent charters finding a stack of flathead and the odd bream caught on small wriggler soft plastics and 3.5g blades around the man-made structure and drop-offs. The flats will be firing right now so it’s time to get those small surface poppers and stickbaits out.

Long casts and a lot of stealth is required to pursue whiting and bream around the shallows. I often find it better to get out and walk as this is a less intimidating way to approach the fish and will generally increase your catch rate.

Speaking of surface feeding antics, the pelagics have kicked into gear with small frigates and mac tuna darting about the harbours and bays. The kingfish are off the headlands and patrolling Pittwater and Cowan.

Flatlining and downrigging live baits of yakka, slimies or squid have been the most successful method to catch kingfish over the last month, which should continue as long as the warm water stays.

While targeting the larger species it can pay to have a small 2-4kg outfit rigged and ready with a 7-10g metal slug or soft plastic stickbait for those mini tuna that can pop up for 10 seconds then

disappear in an instant. They make great live baits for XOS fish or fantastic fillet baits for a big mulloway, sharks or kingfish.

Bonito and tailor have been up to their usual bait stealing antics, with anglers encountering them while downrigging and trolling for kings. Most are a welcome surprise for my clients and their arms thank them for it!

The mud crabs have been thick this season with most guys getting into a few. Set

Meegan nailed this impressive bream on freshly caught squid bait while targeting mulloway recently. You can expect most bream to be in the upper brackish reaches of the creek and river systems this month.

They don’t all have to be monsters! Young Dane with a neat soapy mulloway he caught cast and retrieving a soft plastic prawn imitation.

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Feeding frenzy in Pittwater! mulloway, and sharks.

There’s been a lot of baitfish along Broken Bay and Pittwater, and these schools have made the areas primary targets for a variety of species.

With the water still warming, the pelagic species are not always at structure

PITTWATER

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Over the last couple of weeks we’ve had some great days for fishing.

Species that have fired up include flathead, kingfish,

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along Pittwater. They seem to be happy to move as the baitfish do and occasionally go into a short feeding frenzy on the surface. With this in mind downrigging is a good method, but casting out lures from the sides of your boat as you go will increase your chances. We regularly catch other species of fish such as tailor and salmon, depending on the lure choice.

To cover your bases it may be necessary to gather both squid and yellowtail.

Most days squid work a treat but the slow days see the fussy fish preferring yellowtail. Both can be gathered at West Head and fringing kelp weed.

A few squid have started to show up in the bays along Pittwater. The best areas so far for squid are The Basin, Mackerel Beach and Palm Beach near the ferry wharves. The squid are favouring brighter coloured squid jigs of fluoro pink or orange and in hardbody squid jigs, flashy pilchard colours are working well.

The better size has been 2.5g on most occasions but have a 2g jig ready for the fussy ones.

If you are drifting along

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while casting for squid, cast towards the area ahead of you. By doing this you’ll allow your squid jig to sink to the desired depth, which allows you to work the squid jig properly. The kings seem to be roaming Pittwater; unfortunately there aren’t big schools of fish, but the fish are quality.

Areas that are worth a try are Scotland Island, Careel Bay, and Longnose Point and if you can get out on the ocean side of Barrenjoey Head there are a few smaller fish to play with. For those that are after a flathead or two there are some nice dusky flathead showing up. These big fish can be targeted at Woody Point, Sand Point, Portuguese Beach, Careel Bay, Mackerel Beach and the drop-off in front of Palm Beach.

There is no best technique to catch one of these big girls but the most popular way is using the humble pilchard on a paternoster rig or a running rig.

Use soft plastics on the sand banks in the upper reaches of the bays on the high tide to track down and catch a few decent fish. If you are going to cast to the shallows, stealth is your key requirement. Not only do you have to be silent, you must also use a soft plastic that isn’t going to make too much disturbance on the surface. Work the fringes of the weed beds and you will also catch a few bream.

The deeper channels along Pittwater are also seeing a few mulloway caught. These aren’t monster mulloway, but fish between 75-85cm are still quality fish and go hard on lighter tackle. I have been amazed at how many mulloway like to eat micro jigs that are aggressively worked as you drift the channels. For those of you that like to use bait,

This 82cm kingfish couldn’t resist a small live squid. it’s been a real lucky dip. We have caught mulloway on pilchard pieces, squid, and even prawns so I think it is really more about finding the school rather than trying to find the perfect bait. Areas to try include the channel that runs from Longnose Point though to Sinclair Point, Stokes Point, the drop-off out in front of Currawong Beach and near the outer moorings that run from Church Point towards Bayview.

Before drifting or anchoring, check that the area has baitfish close by.

Target these fish on the change of the tide for your best chance. Even though there are times when they will eat everything, you should try to catch fresh bait if time allows.

Along our coast we are also finding kingfish to catch. Most days the better bait has been live yellowtail or slimy mackerel if you can find them. Downrigging live bait along the headlands and reefs catches kingfish. There are some areas that have a lot of smaller kings that are great fun on the lighter tackle. If you find yourself near a surface feeding frenzy don’t hesitate to work your lures or live baits a bit deeper. There have been

a few bigger fish lurking under the smaller kings on the surface, you just have to find a lure that the smaller ones will leave alone.

Some areas to try are Barrenjoey Head, Avalon Headland, Newport Reef and the Turimetta Headland area. The birds working the surface will show you the areas to target and for those that love casting lures the standard 6” white soft plastic is the choice meal of most fish.

Reef fishing has been a bit of a struggle of late with the strong currents at 4 knots on some days. With this in mind we have still been able to find kingfish, small snapper, flathead and trevally in waters of 50m.

There is the odd patch of leatherjacket showing up as well so have a few spots chosen that you can try before heading out. Micro jigs have been working well for most species and are a great way to stay active while fishing.

Hopefully we can all catch some fish over the next few weeks!

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

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Long live the kings!

SYDNEY NORTH

Darren Thomas

Sydney is in the midst of a kingfish frenzy at the moment with fish landed from landbased and boat

platforms. Some real bruisers are sorting out fishos and fishing gear alike. With all the big fish on the prowl be sure your kit is up to scratch as these monsters will find any weak link in your

Peter Roberts with a huge 1.2m long king – what an achievement!

equipment and smash it!

Hooking a big king from the land is always a challenge as you’re generally up against the fish and the platform you’re standing on. Anthony Amos nailed a cracker fish recently while floating live baits under the suds on a local ledge. At 17kg this fish smashed a live squid set under a float on a baitrunner 6500 outfit. An epic battle and a clean gaff shot ensured the fish would be landed. This is one of the great captures recorded this season by the boys on the stones.

Fish Outta Water Tackleworld staff member Phil Hanks has been chasing the kings and had a mad session landing five fish to 80cm on live yakkas.

Live squid has been the key to getting among the king during past seasons, but times are a changing. This season the yakkas have been an absolute mainstay with plenty of anglers loading up on them and getting into the solid fish.

Vic and the Oceanhunter Sportsfishing team have been putting clients onto big fish all season. Peter Roberts went out fishing off South Head and landed a cracker 122cm fish on an 80lb kit. This fish was hooked in close to the

Jethro Lyons with just one of the many healthy Sydney North kings on offer in January.

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Anthony Amos’ cracking 17kg kingfish. rocks and was towed out into deeper water where the fight from hell took place. Once out of the danger zone the fish was eventually subdued and photographed. Since these guys have hit the scene, the Sydney kingfish tagging program has had a huge boost thanks to anglers recording captures.

Long Reef is holding its own with some good reports coming from the trailer boat brigade. Jethro Lyons caught a tank full of live slimies and live baited at the 18m mark. Not long after his bait hit the water he was hooked up to a 98cm king on his 60lb kit.

Finding schools of bait on the sounder is the key to locating fish, so be sure to run from spot to spot as this will get you in the zone as these fish move around.

The Harbour is holding plenty of bait at the moment. Squidding is usually temperamental at this time of year so allow yourself a couple of hours to chase them up. Our squid do downsize a little during the warmer months, so be sure to have an assortment of jigs from 1.8-2.5 in a few colours. Don’t be shy with applying a bit of S factor or Egimax spray as this flavours the jig, masks any

human odours and leaves a scented trail on each cast for a squid to swim up.

The flatties are out on the chew now so hitting the sand flats with your favourite plastics and blades should have you in the action. Late season trevally, salmon and bream

areas of the lake have been working well, particularly up near the entrance.

I’ve heard of a few more mulloway hooked in there too by blading the deeper holes.

Kayaking is going crazy at the moment as this type of watercraft allows easy

Phil Hanks with a great catch, another perfect kingfish. will be on the lookout too and the drop-offs of most sand banks are spots where these fish hunt. Some terrific whiting are on the chew now and Narrabeen Lake has been a good venue for targeting these fish. King beach worms have been a reliable bait to use on these guys, and all

access to plenty of spots not requiring a boat ramp to launch. If you don’t have time or the room for a boat, this is a great option to get fishing on the water.

From all the boys and myself here in store we hope you all have a very fishy new year and we’ll catch you in 2016!

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Kingfish – the crown jewels of Sydney Harbour SYDNEY HARBOUR

Craig McGill craig@fishabouttours.com.au

January is the time to start looking for big kings in the harbour. They will begin to move in off the close offshore reefs, and if early season catches are an indicator, we should see some fish as heavy as 15-20kg this year. Hooking one of these big fish is easy but landing one around the heavy structure where they are often found is another matter. It can be linked more to technique than tackle.

KING TIPS Going up in line class creates a number of problems including difficulties in delivering baits or lures, and a decrease in interest from the fish due to the distraction of heavy traces. Heavy gelspun lines are a poor defence around barnacle-encrusted structure despite allowing better presentations than mono of the same class.

Furthermore, heavy line and drag settings are detrimental to the technique that best suits landing big kings.

Working on the theory ‘the harder you pull the harder the kings pull’, I’ve found it best to go fairly lightly until the fish is clear of the cover. Some fish charge straight into the cover regardless of what you do and I don’t think there’s a

thing you can do to stop them.

But in general I’ve found that leading fish away from cover gently is a lot more productive than going hammer and tongs.

In rough country a good skipper is an asset. Quite often, for reasons unknown, big kings will run straight away from cover. This is great but you have to know how to handle it. The natural instinct is to chase the fish out but this can prompt the fish to swim against the direction of the pull and back towards the cover. Instead, stay close to the cover and let the fish tire for a while before chasing him. I’ve never had a king swim back towards the boat like tuna do, so keep the boat near the cover to ensure that the fish will not swim back to it.

Once you are confident that the fish is either tired or too far from the cover to get back, move the boat quickly towards him. From here on, keep the boat directly above the fish. The greater the angle of the line is from the boat, the more chance the fish has of clipping it across the top of bottom structure. Furthermore, being directly above the fish means that for him to make any headway toward bottom structure he has to take drag, expending more energy. Low line angles created by the fish being away from the boat mean that the fish needs only to swim sideways to make

ground towards cover, without having to take drag.

In the case where you have lead the fish gently away from cover, wait until you feel you are a safe distance from the cover and then go hard. But ensure that, before you get stuck into it, you place the boat between the fish and the cover in an effort to encourage the fish to swim away from the boat and hence away from the cover. All this is much easier if you are drifting but it can be achieved at anchor providing your crew acts quickly. Once the fish is close to the boat, back the drag off a touch to compensate for the reduced stretch of a shorter line.

Presenting your bait in a way that draws the fish away from the cover has obvious benefits. Cast your bait so it lands very close to the structure and let it sink on a tight line, back towards the boat. This encourages the king to chase the bait out of the structure.

BAIT – GET A GUTFUL Big kingies like whole live squid, but small ones don’t.

The big specimens will just as happily take a squid head.

Therefore, using a squid head will get you lots of big and small kingies. If you use live squid, you’ll get fewer fish but they will be bigger on average.

A whole squid gut is not only exceptionally good bait, but it’s also the best berley that you can use for kings. It’s all

about the guts! Use the guts, and especially the ink to entice the fish. You can burst the ink sack before you send the bait down, or you can let the first

pay close attention to what I said about the bait, guts and ink. Kings are easily turned on and then off again if you know what buttons to push.

Technique and sound tackle is the key to landing big kings. king burst it for you. Strips of squid cut from the tube are good baits, particularly after the guts and heads have got the school in frenzy. Rub it all in ink. Kingies mostly hold from mid-water down so this is a good place to present your bait.

High tide and the first two hours of the run-out, early morning and late afternoon are when you will find them feeding. These times also present good opportunities to catch squid. You won’t have to worry too much about tides or time of day if you

The worst thing you can do is to keep presenting something that has been rejected, in the same manner. A school of following kings can be turned into a school of taking kings by something as simple as changing the presentation angle, which applies to both lures and bait. If they follow a lure or show interest in bait more than three times without taking it, don’t present it again.

They are the exact opposite to barra in this sense. Barra can be teased into striking where kings can be teased out of striking. The more you shove

it in their face the more they’ll reject it. Change lure size, let it sink, change presentation angle or best of all, try another spot and come back in half an hour.

To turn them on, surprise them. Rock up to a spot noisily.

Throw your anchor with a big splash and then get all your baits out there quickly. Let the baits sink to the required depth and then rip them back in.

Kingies behave like an overexcited golden retriever. As soon as the anchor hits the water they come straight over to see what’s happening. The key is to not give them too much time to think about it.

Trick them into an impulse attack. Action excites them, but not for long, so work quickly.

In addition to this it’s better to have five or six baits in the water rather than just a few.

More baits should excite them.

If you can’t handle six rods, take a few out of action once you have the fish on the bite.

Lastly, fish with your reel in gear and with your normal fighting drag. Don’t feed kingies any line when they take the bait. When you feel a take, lower the rod and move with the fish. Once the rod tip reaches the water it’s time to strike.

• 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.

AUTHOR’S OPINION

Will marine parks mean more shark attacks?

The NSW north coast has seen a dramatic increase in shark attacks and sightings in the last two years. There have been 13 reported attacks, including three fatalities and hundreds of sightings between Forster and Byron Bay. Swimmers and tourist numbers are down, and businesses have felt the impact. While residents, government and scientists scramble for solutions, the answer could be right under their nose: marine parks.

The benefits of marine parks (MPs) have been well documented worldwide. Researchers and conservationists regularly praise the benefits of marine protected areas. A recent study commissioned by the Australian Marine Conservation Society showed that MPs have up to twice as many large fish species and five times more fish biomass. But the report goes on to reveal that they shark numbers also increase by up to 14 times. It stands to reason that if we increase the biomass of lower end species, top end predators will increase as well.

The North Coast was the site for some of NSW’s first MPs. Are we now experiencing some of the unforeseen downsides of MPs in the form of increasing human fatalities?

The Cape Byron Marine Park, created in 2002, is at the epicentre of the recent spate of attacks and sightings. It’s a large park, and the study highlights that it has been established for long enough to show significant benefits for size and abundance of marine life. In other words, it’s a mature MP. Other significant MPs in the attack zone include Solitary Islands (created 1998) and Port Stephens (2005).

Of the three recent fatalities, two were in MPs and the other less than 10km from a MP. Of the 17 attacks, fatal and non-fatal since 2010, 12 have been in or very near MPs and only five have been outside parks. The recent fatality sites include Campbells Beach at Coffs Harbour, Shelly Beach at Ballina and Clarkes Beach at Byron Bay. The most recent attack on surfer Sam Morgan occurred only a few kays from cape Byron Marine Park on 10 November.

It’s also worth considering

the situation in the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, where there have been 18 attacks including seven fatalities since 2011. In 2013 the situation deteriorated to the point that the government banned all swimming and surfing, and their tourism industry has been devastated.

In 2007 shark fishing was banned and a MP established along the island coast.

Another example occurred in Cabo Pulmo Marine Park in Mexico, where shark numbers have increased 10 times according to a paper published in Nature Journal.

When conservationists pitch MPs to small local communities, they extol the benefits of increased tourism. I fail to see how increased shark numbers can benefit coastal towns, where watersports are their major drawcard. I do not believe that a few ‘eco-divers’ will compensate for the loss of tourist dollars generated from families, surfers and backpackers travelling from overseas.

While the same rate of attacks have not occurred in MPs further south, the three northern NSW parks in question represent the cross-

over point of the three larger aggressive sharks: the tiger and bull sharks of the sub-tropics and the great white from the temperate south. These three sharks are not found together in abundance further south.

They do however occur off Sydney during the warm flush of the east Australian current in summer.

One of the theories put forward for the increased attacks is that there are more people in the water. This theory carries little weight when we consider that there have been 40 fatalities recorded in Sydney Harbour between 1892 and 1963. There have been no fatalities since 1963 and only a few attacks. There are many more people swimming in the unprotected waters of Sydney harbour today when compared to 1963. This doesn’t fit the “bigger population equals more attacks” theory. There were simply more sharks.

Removal of shark nets at many harbour beaches including Manly Harbour Pool (replaced with one not even a quarter the size of the original), Camp Cove, Balmoral and Roseville Baths is testimony to the current situation.

There is also some

evidence to suggest that large groups of people in the water actually deter shark attacks, with the majority of attacks occurring on isolated swimmers or surfers, well away from condensed groups of swimmers. Whether it be seals or schools of fish, sharks are renowned for ‘picking off’ the straggler. With this in mind, it matters little whether there are 50 people in the water or 500 – a hungry shark will pick off only one. Multiple attacks are rare.

It’s curious that some of the people who say “more people in the water equals more shark attacks” seem unable to grasp that more sharks in the water could also equal more shark attacks!

A recent study, the ‘Reef Life Survey conducted by the Underwater Research Group,’ shows a significant increase in warm water fish in Sydney. If that’s accurate we can expect to see more sub-tropical shark species like tigers. Activity levels of bulls and whites are also known to increase in warmer waters.

In January 2016, the Marine Estate Management Authority will finalise a draft proposal for managing the

Hawkesbury bio-region.

This region includes most of Sydney, including Sydney harbour. The draft is expected to include marine sanctuary zones. With protected zones proven to increase shark numbers up to 14 times, is this good for a city with a population of 4.5 million?

Sydney Harbour’s potential as a shark attack hot-spot should not be underestimated.

Middle Harbour holds the trophy for the highest number of shark fatalities of any Australian waterway.

The Baird government is scrambling to find ways to combat increasing shark numbers and attacks, but by implementing more MPs for Sydney they could be making the problem worse.

Can Mike Baird assure the people of Sydney if he brings in MPs, that in 10 years, we are not going to see a repeat of what is happening in northern NSW at the moment – or go back to the carnage of the pre-1960s?

– Craig McGill • The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the opinion of this publication.

JANUARY 2016

15

Master all conditions SYD ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com

This month is set to be a scorcher, and temperatures have already soared. Hot days are possibly as much of a discouragement as the freezing winter alternatives.

Anglers often make the mistake of attempting to find a utopian day to fish that’s not too cold, sunny, rainy or windy. However, it is much easier to simply fish the conditions faced and put in the work to find what works on those ‘less than perfect’ days.

I was a competition angler for well over a dozen years, and have tried to win the rock and beach section as well as the monthly trophy against rock, beach, estuary and deep-sea anglers. This means I’ve not only competed against fellow rock and beach competitors, but also against the boat division for the monthly trophy. You really have to put in the homework, master precise strategies, and

fish when the tides are not good on some of the monthly comp weekends. Again, fish when the conditions are unfavourable, and even though some days when the fishing seems to be insurmountable, I’ve done really well! What I am trying to say is that if I had spent all my time over the last four decades trying to fish only the days with awesome weather, I would not have had the privilege to have caught those great bags of fish, and build my skills. At the same time, everything is calculated, and compromising your safety is not part of it.

The more outings you spend not fishing over your lifetime because it’s not perfect, the less opportunity you’ll have to perfect complex techniques!

Snapper and kings are the most popular species off the rocks of late with tailor and salmon in good numbers and bonito making a good show on some days. Bream have also been around in good numbers as well as samsonfish. Snapper are in relatively close in the sudsy white water, and using berley with fish baits like

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pillies can catch a mix of species. Snapper, samson fish, bonito, kings, bream, salmon and tailor can all be caught occasionally on the same outing. You never know what you’re going to hook next!

The iconic bluefish areas include the first main ledge of Little Bluey, South Curl Curl below the ramp and Flat Rock, Dee Why, South and North Whale Rocks. All the headlands along the Northern beach and eastern suburbs rocks are producing some or all of these species. Pease take into account the dangerous aspects of rock fishing. I can show you how to make your experience a much safer and rewarding time, as some of the spots can only be reached via a dangerous climb and are situated in high energy wave zones. Even though the more summer species are very much sought after, the cooler month species like luderick and rock blackfish are still being caught. Little Bluey, Long reef and Warriewood are producing some nice bags of these species.

I had a big group out fairly recently for a beach worm and whiting expedition. Half of the six-person group caught beach worms. They were hard to catch on the day! The whole group caught quality fish on the outing. Whiting to 36cm, two bream to 38cm, a salmon of approximately 2kg and two sand mullet up to 40cm were all caught on live beach worms from Mona Vale Beach and fish caught from Bungan Beach. Other locations that produce all of these species are Dee Why from the surf club to the pole and the northern section of the beach near the Long Reef Surf Club, South Narrabeen and North Narrabeen Beach, Warriewood, and North Avalon.

The bronze whaler sharks are showing up in good

From left to right: John Fazekas, Peter Wood, Sharleen Fazekas, Mitch Wood, Keanen Wood and Heath Lindsey. Their collective catch included whiting to 36cm, bream to 38cm, sand mullet to 40cm and a cracker 2kg salmon. Expect a mix of species while out fishing for whiting this month.

Sharleen Fazekas with her first beach worm! numbers on most beaches in the evening. They are great sport and great tucker as well. The sharks caught get up to about 1.3m with the occasional larger shark and are generally caught while

pursuing mulloway. My clients normally just keep the occasional one with the vast majority released. On 8-12kg line they pull harder than a mulloway and are way more prolific. Tailor numbers are on

the increase as well. Ganged pillies just before dark will get you onto these succulent fish.

When they are small enough, tailor also make great bait. Use legal size to near 40cm to catch sharks and big mulloway. A butterflied tailor or big fillets are choice bait. Manly, Dee Why and North Narrabeen are my top spot picks but you can generally catch these species on any beach in the northern suburbs.

As I mentioned in the first paragraph of this column, try not to fall into the habit of trying to only fish perfect weather days. The fish may bite better, and you will also find that those middle of the day periods that often don’t produce as well, will under cloudy conditions.

Fish smart, fish safe!

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

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Mitch Wood with his personal best beach bream that measured 38cm.

Sharleen Fazekas is happy with a nice whiting.

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Some golden rules for 2016 GOLDEN RULES Here are a few golden rules to help boost your catch rates in 2016.

1.

Specialise, don’t generalise - target one or two seasonal fish species.

2. Balanced tackle - ensure your reel matches your rod; you can’t put a small reel on a heavy action rod and vice versa.

3. Wind and tide direction - make sure the tide is flowing the same direction as the wind otherwise your boat will be going around in circles.

4. Correct bait - live bait

BOTANY BAY

Gabe Quercigrosse gabeandgabe@bigpond.com

Best wishes for the New Year. May your catches surpass all expectations!

During the last 12 months we have scanned Botany Bay, offshore reefs, and the tributaries very closely, highlighting numerous locations that have stood the test of time, and I trust you have benefited from the experience.

Even the best-laid plans

Rob West was justifiably happy with this kingfish. can sometimes fail for one reason or another though.

We just need to try harder in order to excel!

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feeding on.

5. Berley - Keep it simple.

Ordinary chicken pellets will do the job, but prawn or tuna nuggets work well also.

Stale bread dangled at the back of your boat transom in a keeper net is a cheap and effective way to bring the fish, and keep them in your area – boiled wheat mixed with pollard and tuna oil works a treat.

6. Get the timing right fish the right stage of the tide and the right time of day and you’ll boost your catch rates. The run-up is great as it allows fish to move in shallower areas like mangroves and submerged rock walls where they normally would not be able to feed. I’ve found that a change of tide, whether it be high or low, is ideal if coupled with daybreak or dusk.

LOCATIONS The southern side of Botany Bay fishes well during the first few hours of an incoming tide, especially when there is a northeasterly breeze. The last couple of hours prior to the high tide are ideal for the patches, the logs, Towra close and Elephant Trunk, while the last few hours of the outgoing tide are a treat for the middle of the Georges heading into the bay. Possies like Towra wide, Primrose House and the old Mick Moylan’s Pub cockle beds relish these conditions.

If a westerly is blowing you can fish both landbased or by boat on the stretch between Dolls Point and Kyeemagh. This area is well protected and fishes well under these conditions.

The run-out tide is best here.

Around the Cooks River entrance to the Runways we’ve found the first few hours of the run-out tide

to be the best option, with a big ebb best. The Port Botany reclamation wall to La Perouse can be fished at any given time, as long as there is run on the water. I like a run-out tide in Yarra Bay, Astrolabe Cove and Bare Island if fishing for duskies. If fishing the Georges River, stick to the southern side during a making tide, or a northern side during an outgoing tide.

DECEMBER REVIEW We experienced a hot and cold month, with some parties doing really well and others missing out. Como Bridge was definitely the standout possie for the month, with many school mulloway up to 10kg landed. Once again, Hawkesbury River squid strips have been doing the damage. Most mulloway were landed during the

Bob had a successful day at the shelf recently which included a broadbill spearfish club record. late afternoon and into the night, with slack tide fishing the best.

Some nice mulloway were also taken land-

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18

JANUARY 2016

The author with a brace of whiting (910 and 880g) caught at Lilli Pilli.

based just downstream from East Hills railbridge with one notable specimen nudging 17kg.

Surprises in the shape of big muddies and 60cm tailor have also created interest.

Whiting have been caught at night on the sand flats opposite Black Butt. I boated a dozen good elbow slappers during the run-up tide using blood worms, but also losing a couple of jewies in the process.

Estuary perch made a welcome appearance along the rock walls and boat pontoons near the entrance to the Woronora River and Jewfish Point with small vibes doing the damage.

Flatties around the 50cm mark were boated near the mangrove behind Shark Park in Woolooware Bay, Arthur Kelly providing the spoils on 80mm black and gold Squidgies.

Elsewhere in the bay, school flatties appeared near the yellow tidal gauge in front of Monterey but no big fish amongst them.

Grasshopper Squidgies

rigged on 3/8oz jigheads with 2/0 hooks are the best combo.

Blue swimmer crabs were netted along the Towra Beach, Sandringham Bay and Dolls Point parameters, and a few school prawns were scooped inside Carrs Park Baths and Coolum Beach.

Trevally are just poking their head outside with the artificial reef in Congwong Bay, the hot spot with blurters up to 45cm.

The mulloway are still available around the Marsh St bridge pylons at Tempe, and bluespot flatties were taken on the drift on the 40m mark just outside Botany Heads with the golf tee in the middle of the green tank on the Kurnell shoreline.

January is a top month to fish the Georges River, with the stretch from Kangaroo Point to Cranbrook the most prolific in the whole system.

Fished correctly, you should never have any trouble getting a feed from the spots I’ve mentioned.

Paul Osborne and family got this mixed bag at Currawong recently.

1. Kangaroo Point – strictly a making tide possie. You can easily identify the area by fishing 50m out from the large pine tree. Bream and mulloway are the main species taken at this spot.

It produces best early in the morning.

2. Connells Point - easily identified by the large, sloping rock near the entrance to Oatley Bay. This rock is often fished from the shore by luderick anglers, but it’s better fished from a boat around 60m out. Both tides produce, but the fishing is especially good for big whiting in season during the first of the outgoing tide.

3. Caravan Head Shore - fish the channel during the run-up tide anywhere between the shore and the first green channel marker.

This location can yield excellent mulloway on fresh squid strips.

4. Northern end of Como Bridge - highly recommended! Fish this spot both tides directly under the new bridge. There is a deep hole with a mix of species including school mulloway and trevally.

5. Gungah Point - located on the northern side of the river, approximately 200m upstream from Como bridge. It’s identified by a very well kept boat shed; the only one on this point.

Fish as light as possible on the run-out.

6. Jewfish Point - a very good run-out possie and can be identified by a sandstone boat shed on the point. To fish this spot correctly, moor fore and aft.

Drop the stern pick over and drive into shore. Place your front anchor on the rocky shoreline, and pull out 15-20m in channel. The bottom is a mussel bed so expect to lose some gear. I recommend a long trace of around 180cm in length. Try a live poddy or yellowtail on the full or bottom of the tides for mulloway.

BOTANY BAY IN JANUARY 1. Centre moorings - best fished on a falling tide, around 200m west of centre

buoy. Best fished during the day for bream, trevally, flathead etc.

2. Main channel - good, deep water with a fair tidal movement. Best fished on falling tides. Kingfish often frequent this area and can be found near the channel markers. Floating pilchards and pencil garfish will often entice them.

3.

Brighton wide/ Lidcombe - About 600m off the end of the airport extension and in line with the big President Towers units at Brighton Le Sands. This area has been dredged to make way for the desalination pipeline.

There is also a large area of mussel beds which big bream inhabit. Move around until you find fish.

4. Towra Deep - 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. I like pink nippers and cockles as bait.

5. Cook Park close in - can be fished from the shore along the retaining wall. When the bay is rough this spot fires for bream, whiting and trevally.

• 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.

Zane Levett with a 92cm flathead.

JANUARY 2016

19

Join the beach party SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

Along the east coast of southern Sydney you will find around 24 different beaches that you can quite comfortably cast a line for bream, whiting, dart, the odd dusky and sand flathead, mulloway, salmon and tailor.

They are in order from north to south: Bondi, Mackenzies, Tamarama,

Marley, Little Marley, Wattamolla, Garie, North Era, Main Era, Burning Palms, Werrong, Stanwell Park and Coalcliff Beaches.

Whether you fish with a threadline reel or a side cast I would suggest that you have a rod length somewhere between 3-3.6m in length and 6-8kg line. This type of outfit allows you to cast out bait like whole pilchards, garfish, strips of mullet and tuna, prawns, pink nippers and beach or blood

or the paternoster ring with two hooks and the sinker at the bottom.

I have found that over the years most of the beaches will fish slightly different to each other. For instance Bondi, Tamarama and Werrong beaches will fish very well in the early morning and late afternoon for bream and whiting, while Bondi at times will have a few salmon and tailor join in the fun.

Coogee, Maroubra, Garie, Stanwell Park and

The Royal National Park has a number of beaches and rock ledges that are worth a shot during January.

A helpful beachgoer aids a seagull caught in fishing line.

Bronte, Little Wanda, South

Coogee, Maroubra, Bay, Greenhills, Elouera, North and Cronulla, Jibbon,

worms. You can either use a running sinker down onto a swivel and a leader of around a metre in length,

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Main Era will not only fish well for whiting and bream, but, on a rising and falling tide you will be in with a good chance to tangle with a mulloway or two. The best time seems to be after there has been a bit of a southerly blow and whole or half pilchards and strips of tuna would be worth a shot as bait.

Wattamolla, North Era and Burning Palms beaches seem to produce more fish at either the southern or northern ends when there have been deep gutters formed. All of the species of fish that are listed above will hang out for a feed in these gutters. You could try fishing off the rocks and casting back into these gutters. Fishing to about an hour and a half before high tide and to about three hours of the run-out tide is best.

As with Little Bay, you will need to fish right up in the back of the bay – not far from the boat ramp. This small beach needs to have a lot of white water around for it to give bream something to hide under. This will only occur when the seas are too big to fish any of the other

beaches. You can also get silver trevally and tarwhine mixed in with the bream.

Mackenzies and Bronte beaches are a good place to get out of those northeast winds and fish for bream, whiting and the odd trevally while using nippers and worms. There is a 45-60 minute walk to get into Little Marley and Marley, but it sure can be worth it. At various times of the day and night you are in with a great chance of catching any of the common fish species. You will need to take all your bait in. I would suggest a block of pilchards, a couple of fillets of tuna, pink nippers and either a few blood or beach worms.

You could also take in a few metal slicers as well for the salmon and tailor. I would also take in at least a couple of outfits – one about 6kg and one with 8kg. This should cover everything.

To get to Werrong Beach you will need to check with the Royal National Park as to the closing and opening times of the gates as you don’t want to get stuck in there. A great spot for tailor, salmon and bream.

But remember there is a fair walk to get in there.

Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera, North and South Cronulla will all fish well at different times. What you need to do is fish with the wind at your back. Sure you can fish Greenhills in a northeast wind, but a southerly will blow straight into your face. An easterly wind will wipe out all of them and a westerly wind will flatten the seas out to a billiard table. So I would suggest that you pick your moment when the wind is not in your face. Jibbon Beach is very good for

bream and whiting when the wind is coming from the south.

Last, but by no means least, Coalcliff can fish extremely well one day and terribly the next. I have found that about an hour either side of the top of the tide seems to produce bream, tarwhine and dart.

Worms and pink nippers are the go.

There you have it, a bit of a rundown on the

beaches that I have fished on the southern side of Sydney. Why don’t you have a go? Nothing is better than getting a bit of sand between your toes.

If you would like more information on fishing in southern Sydney, just send me an email at gbrown1@iprimus.com.au.

If you have something to report or a photo you might like to see in the magazine just send me an email.

This double header of dart was caught on bloodworms while fishing off Wanda.

This double header of tarwhine was caught fishing off Coalcliff Beach on beach worms.

Spinnerbaits: getting started NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Spinnerbaits are unusual lures that can be deadly on all manner of freshwater fish, as well as quite a few living in the salt. Here’s a basic primer on how to use them.

Spinnerbaits are strangelooking contraptions. They consist of a wire arm formed into a shape similar to a coat hanger, with a spoon-like blade or blades rotating on the end of one arm and a lead-headed jig fixed at the other end. This jighead usually carries a skirt, consisting of a collar of shredded rubber or plastic strands. The skirt hangs behind the jighead, over and around one or more single, upward-facing hooks.

Mostly used in freshwater, spinnerbaits are particularly effective on Australian bass,

Murray cod, golden perch (yellowbelly) and saratoga.

They’ll also tempt barra (on occasions) as well as sooty grunter and jungle perch.

Smaller versions catch trout and redfin perch.

Spinnerbaits can also be effective in saltwater, especially on flathead, estuary cod, coral trout and even mulloway, but their components may corrode when they’re exposed to saltwater. If you use a spinnerbait in the salt, wash and dry it afterwards.

Because of their unique design — with the upwardfacing hooks shielded by the wire frame — spinnerbaits are surprisingly snag-resistant and can be thrown into dense cover (especially timber and rock) with only an occasional hang-up. This is one reason they’re such a deadly choice on bass and cod living among structure.

as well as some featuring unusual blade designs, such as ‘hatchet’ blades.

Most anglers feel that rounded Colorado blades have a stronger action, more flash, and create a larger ‘sonic signature,’ especially at slower speeds. The downside is that spinnerbaits with Colorado blades tend to ride up in the water column through the retrieve. Thinner profile blades need a slightly higher retrieve speed to spin well, but also track a little deeper than Colorados.

Some spinnerbaits come with a soft plastic ‘trailer’ factory-fitted to their hook, and others may also carry a second ‘stinger’ hook, usually linked or ganged to the main hook. Many keen anglers also add these items as after-market tweaks. However, it can be tricky to add both a trailer and a stinger without causing constant tangling.

skewering the point of the spinnerbait’s hook through the tubing and stinger hook eye.

Swinging stingers are simply slipped over the existing hook via their eye and a length of tubing or bead added to the spinnerbait hook to prevent the stinger working free. Both approaches have advantages and drawbacks. Try both and discover which you prefer.

Stingers are almost always rigged facing upwards, in the same plane as the fixed jig hook. Ideal patterns include Siwash-style hooks with rounded-bends and no offset.

Those sold specifically for this purpose have an over-sized, round eye to aid rigging.

The trade-off with any stinger is the fact that it will result in a few more snags, as well as some tangles when casting. You need to decide if the extra hassle is justified in terms of increased hookups.

There’s nothing fancy about most spinnerbait retrieves. Cast the lure out and let it sink to the desired depth (often the bottom), then commence with a couple of fast turns of the reel to get the blades rotating before slowing down a little. You’ll clearly feel the resistance and throb of the twirling blades, especially through braided line. In deeper areas you may wish to pause once or twice during the retrieve and allow the spinnerbait to sink again. Apart from that, clever rod and reel

While spinnerbaits are mostly cast-andretrieved, they can also be slow trolled. work is generally unnecessary: simply cast and crank!

Spinnerbaits can also be trolled, and this approach is growing in popularity.

No matter where you live, chances are there’s a fish swimming nearby that will happily smack a spinnerbait. If

you haven’t tried these oddball lures yet, this summer might be the ideal time to literally give one a ‘whirl’!

To watch me catch my ‘PB’ Murray cod on a spinnerbait, scan the QR code hereabouts or go to: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9Qq1I1m0PLE.

Aussie bass love spinnerbaits!

VIDEO

Scan the QR code to see me catch a cracker Murray cod on a spinnerbait!

Spinnerbait blades come in different shapes. The most common are Colorado, Indiana and willow. Colorado blades are rounded, like the bowl of a soup spoon, while Indiana and willow blades are progressively longer and thinner. Spinnerbaits with two or more blades often carry a mix of different shapes.

There are also spinnerbaits with extra arms and blades, including doubles and quads,

Stinger hooks are a popular choice among tournament anglers, who can’t afford to miss too many strikes. Whether or not they’re needed depends on the fish you’re targeting and how they’re striking on the day.

Stingers can be fitted in a number of ways: either semistiff or swinging. To rig a semistiff stinger, slip a short length of plastic tubing over the eye of the stinger hook before

Murray cod are a prime species to target when casting spinnerbaits.

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21

Rolling down the river THE TWEED

David Solano

You’ve got to love January on the Tweed!

Even though there are lots of tourists around and the waterways are pretty crowded during the day, the fish are beautifully conditioned

and the whiting, bream, and flathead are fat and fired up. The healthy state of the river, with baitfish of all kinds is to blame for these gorgeous fish. With all this holiday traffic, if you’re planning a picnic or fish beside the river get there very early as all the good spots fill up quickly.

The nippers are plentiful on low tide, and chasing them is a great way to spend some quality time with the kids, screaming blue murder when one bites you! They just so happen to be one of the best baits to use on the river. Traditionally used as whiting bait, in the last month nippers have

A great bass caught by the author on the Tweed.

You never know who you’re going to run into on the Tweed!

accounted for mulloway, tailor, whiting, bream and rays. A great way to fish the Tweed is on the move without anchoring, I can cover so much ground and with a few rods on board I’m ready for anything and everything.

Locations to catch decent fish are a hit and miss affair (by decent I mean a trophy jack or mulloway or a cracker trevally) as they move all the way through

the river system. The big trevs, alongside some nice-sized fish have been caught under the Boyds Bay Bridge – the little bridge you cross before you get to Seagulls Club, and some monsters have come out from the Chinderah Highway Bridge.

Mangrove jacks are on the bite and showing up at all the usual spots, the bridges mentioned, along Chinderah wall, the rock

wall out the front of Oxley Cove, the mulloway hole near Seagulls, and of course the trawlers and Ivory Hotel.

If you are chasing jacks, keep in mind how hard they will hit your lure, usually on its way back home to a snag. You need good stopping power and heavy line as sometimes there’s just no room to move.

Tailor, bream and the odd juvenile snapper are caught off both rock walls

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at the seaway entrance on pillies and metal slugs, with chicken tenderloin the favourite meal of bream off the walls. Be quick though. as they smash it, don’t think twice, just set that hook.

The beaches along Fingal are always worth a look, and a lot of whiting have showed up in the gutters. If you’re keen a mate of mine landed a monster mulloway in the middle of the night on a ganged hook with a pilly for bait. He noticed the whiting while surfing during the

Richard and Brenton with some nice fish caught on the Tweed.

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day and thought that something would want to be eating them and targeted big fish accordingly. With all this bait, the big fish are around just not necessarily during work hours.

Down the other arm of the river (heading to Murwillumbah) the fishing has been going off. I fish from a yak and live near Terranora Broadwater, so this area of the Tweed is too far for me, but I’ve got a couple of mates who are keen yak fishos that live down that way, one at Oxley Cove and one at Mar-Bah. The photos Josh sends me make me so jealous as he is constantly pushing the margins. He catches bull sharks in the canals at Oxley Cove; he tells me the permanent sand pumping structure just downriver always holds fish, and that the Piggery is another hot spot. I’ve seen my other mate Les catch two bass on a Megabass Siglet and he simply smirked at me like this was normal practice.

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By January they should be back up and moving around again, and this should fire up the estuaries.

Bass have been quiet around Coraki and Woodburn as the fish have well and truly moved

with these is not to do too much. Just shake your rod tip slightly every now and again, exactly like a cicada that’s fallen out of a tree.

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more traffic on the water then normal, so take care.

Be patient and make sure you have done your preparation with all your equipment. At the boat ramp take your time and above all, be courteous to all other waterway users.

The lower reaches of the Richmond have produced some great catches of bream, with the dirty water pushing downstream from around Lismore and Casino. Try casting noisy crankbaits at the walls early in the mornings while the tide is running.

Fluorocarbon line straight through is best suited for this. I’ve had good success on the Atomic Crank 38 Deep, and the colour I use depends on the water clarity – dark colours for low light, solid and bright colours for dirty water and more translucent and natural finishes for bright sun and clearer water.

Crabs have turned up in patches around the middle reaches from Pimlico to Broadwater. The dirty water has stirred them up somewhat. Give the pots plenty of time to settle and let the crabs find the bait.

Prawns are on the move around the river, but

The author with a fat bass caught on Bassman spinnerbait around Lismore. upstream. You may find them in patches but for good numbers, try the upper reaches around Lismore and Casino. If you’re out early or late and the cicadas are deafening, be sure to tie on a cicada imitation. The trick

weight. If you’re getting bites but not hooking up try putting a treble hook as a stinger hooked into the fish’s tail. This has helped a few local boys turn those bites into fish.

To page 26

JANUARY 2016

25

Famous Clarence bass ILUKA

Ben Pilch bjpcdh@gmail.com

Looks like we are in for a steamer of a summer!

Outside the mackerel are

getting around in numbers and trolling has been the best way to get into a few.

The clear pink squid with pink glitter in them have been the gun lures to troll at the moment. I like to keep a spin rod set

up with a spinner on it to throw around, which can be productive at times after a hook up. There have been some nice cobia getting around on the inshore reefs as well caught on live baits, but make sure you

Steve Patti testing out some prototype lures on some big Clarence Valley bass.

Ben Rampling down from Ballina giving the Clarence bass a touch up.

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come prepared with some heavier gear.

If you want to get your kids into fishing, get out in Shark Bay and berley up heavily with tuna oil and pillies. Put out a pillie under a float on a bit of wire, hand it over to your son or daughter and tell them to hang on. Get them a black tip shark and you will make their day! You may regret it next Saturday though when they wake you up at 5am with the question, “Are we going fishing today!?”

In the river, summer is synonymous with whiting, flathead and muddies.

If you really want to get into some good size whiting, try night fishing around the new moon using nippers and live worms on a run-out tide on any of the sand flats in the lower river. The majority of the flathead action will be at the bottom end of the river, as this is the time of year

Curtis Parkes taking a break from running the Mann River Caravan Park out at Jakadgery to chase a few of his beloved bass. they congregate to breed.

Bright coloured plastics and blades are the go and chartreuse is the first colour I tie on if I’m looking for a feed of the flat fish. If you’re looking for a feed of muddies, any off shoots of the lakes like Woolaweyah in Yamba or the Broad Water up past Maclean will be good places to start.

Remember to keep a close

eye on your pots as we share the water with plenty of light fingered people that are not happy with just taking your crabs but also may take your pots as well – and they aren’t cheap.

Curtis Parkes of the Mann River Caravan Park says that up at Jackadgery there have been good numbers of mid-sized bass ranging from 35-45cm

around in the upper reaches of the Clarence River and many of her tributaries.

The best producers of late have been lures with a bit of shine in them, such as the ever faithful Bassman Spinnerbaits. In certain places there are almost plague proportions of small 30-50cm eastern cod – nice to see a healthy amount getting around.

From page 25

Mackerel traditionally come in towards the end of December and should be really thick through January. There were good reports around the Gold and Sunshine Coast early in December, so as the water warms up these beauties will come along with it.

The beaches have been producing good catches of whiting and flathead.

Look for the main gutters around South Ballina, along Patches Beach and Boundary Creek. Fresh bait is always better. Try digging a few pipis or getting a few beach worms – that’s a skill I have not yet mastered!

Tight Lines.

Adam Young with a flats caught whiting on a Bassday Sugapen MB16.

Marauding mackerel wreak havoc on the reefs COFFS HARBOUR

Stephen Worley worleybirdfilms@hotmail.com

I can’t believe we are heading into the New Year and planning our 2016 already!

The stars have aligned for a cracking season of fishing ahead. The little black marlin have been working their way down the coast and now we just need the twitchy current to remain inshore long enough to keep them here.

When the marlin are thick you’ll be able to get them trolling hardbodies, throwing stickbaits, working a jig or even possibly on the old paternoster rig. As long as you find the warm water and the bait, they’ll be there. If they’re thinner on the ground, live bait will be the most assured way to target these top predators.

Live slimies, yellowtail or small little bonito are perfect little marlin jellybeans. If the mackerel are around and you’re specifically targeting marlin then a yellowtail would

number one on their dinner list. Usually at this time of year, schools of slimies are easy to find, and it’s just a matter of catching your livies and throwing them straight back out on the line. There’s no point in locating a bait reef and going to the effort of catching your bait there only to fish miles away in deeper ocean. If there’s bait on the bait reef then that’s where the mackerel are too.

This time of year is great for targeting mackerel on lures.

Stickbaits, like the Maria Fully

Unfortunately for Rob Gaden, even a GT this big was still only worth 5 points in the Berkley Urunga Flathead Tournament.

Dayne Taylor hasn’t stopped talking about this bream he caught down in the Kalang River.

These guys are super fun for the inshore angler, as we don’t get to see many of these ‘mega garfish’ throughout the rest of the year. The inshore run of blacks ranges between 20-50kg so most inshore light line tackle will do the job.

be the go-to bait. Mackerel generally prefer the slimies and bonito, so a yellowtail will hopefully give you more time to pick up a marlin before a mackerel smashes your rig. If you are chasing the mackerel then know that the slimies are

Loaded and the Sebile Stick Shad in the sinking versions were the hits last year. Any decent sinking stickbait will do the job as long as you can get it to sink into the baits schools and be able to walk it out again. The mackerel lures

Get stuck into the hard fighting mangrove jacks this summer.

don’t have to be as heavily rigged as kingy or GT baits, but cheaper lures will risk losing a good fish. Stickbaits are also the easiest lure for chasing mackerel off the stones. These same lures were responsible for many good mackerel this time last year.

Muttonbird Island, the South Wall and other deepwater headlands all have schools of mackerel doing the rounds. If you can get up to high ground during good conditions you’ll even be able to sit and watch schools come in and follow a route. If you can nail down the route they come through, then you can set up ready to have a cast at them as the schools come through.

For those not blinded by the pelagic frenzy that occurs at this time of year, the snapper and kingfish are still biting well and will sit under the same bait balls that are peppered from above by the crowd of mackerel anglers. Slow pitched jigs, plastics and live baiting under these schools has been doing very well, and there have been some unstoppable fish hooked but not captured on the deeper reefs recently. A bit of berley and some really big live bait are your best tactics for targeting a big hoodlum this month. You will also have the added chance of bonus cobia by-catch. As with any fishing throughout the back half of summer, if you don’t have wire on you risk losing your gear if the mackerel come around.

On the other end of the spectrum the trout fishing has faired reasonably well so far, considering the heat and lack of rain. The hot paddock streams are still worth avoiding as most of the fish will have moved or are sulking in the coolest spot they can find.

The forested streams are still fishing well and with the warm weather most fish have been more than happy to slurp and dry fly or surface lure off the top. The route along Waterfall Way has been getting a lot of attention, so if you can find creeks away from the main drag then your effort should be rewarded. As you come further back down the hill, but still in the fresh water, the bass have become very active on the surface, even in the daytime.

Surface crawlers and other cicada imitations have been the favourites.

Lastly, just a note that the NSW Research Angler Program that I’ve mentioned in previous issues has been expanded. Previously the program solely accepted mulloway frames, but will now also collect legal sized frames for dusky flathead,

tailor, snapper and yellowtail kingfish. If you are keeping any of these species for a feed, consider donating your frame to this program and you can find out how old your fish was and where it sits within the rest of the captured fish data. Visit this website http:// www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/ recreational/researchangler to find out drop-off locations and the details of what is required for donations.

For those of you visiting the Coffs Coast, just a quick reminder that a NSW fishing license is required for all fishing unless you’re exempt, so make sure you jump on the DPI website and sign up so your fishing trip doesn’t turn into a very expensive one. No matter where you’re from or where you’re fishing, I hope you have tight lines and good times.

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Hot Current event a success COFFS GAME

Glen Booth

The Coffs Harbour Game Fishing Club’s Hot Current Tournament

was very well supported, with 25 boats and 102 anglers turning out for the three-day event.

The striped marlin that made spring fishing on the Coffs coast such a delight,

were still in residence, with five tagged on Day One and plenty more lost. There was only one blue weighed — a 134kg fish to Rhys Nixon aboard Spread Em. Day Two was pretty untidy, and most entrants deciding to call it a lay day, as did the fish, and just a single mahimahi was tagged.

Day Three was slightly better though, and everyone got out there, with one marlin tagged to Gerard Billing on Black N Blue, and a few yellowfin tuna to other boats.

While Coffs undoubtedly has plenty of sharks of all species, they aren’t really targeted, but the Hot Current usually

turns up a few beauties.

The No Excuse boys found some hefty makos, with Joel Radnidge capturing a 201kg fish on Day One, and then topped it with a 217kg specimen on Day Three. Needless to say they blitzed the capture section.

The tournament briefing and presentation dinner was held at the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club, possibly for the last time, with the main supporter of the bail out doing precisely that and letting everyone down. The future of the club remains up in the air, but the board are talking to a number of suitors.

Since the tournament, there have been very

Josh Partridge swims a striped marlin beside Stella II during the Hot Current.

Specialising in Bluewater Game & Sport Fishing

Rhys Nixon captured the only blue of the tournament. few offshore fishing opportunities. It’s just been a succession of harsh

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To page 29

Anglers are firing as surface action heats up SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Brent Kirk kempsey@compleatangler.com.au

The Macleay River has settled down nicely after the latest fresh through the system, and the local bass fishery has been absolutely firing as you would expect at this time of the year. The whole river system above Kempsey has been a hive of activity with kayak, canoe and land-based anglers all getting into some solid fish.

Larger surface lures are the most exciting and productive lures to fish at the moment as fish are

sweltering summer sun and allow anglers that work from 9-5 to get in on some great fishing. River whaler sharks or bull sharks as they are commonly known are fairly rampant at this time of year so it is advisable to be a little cautious when releasing fish, especially in or just above the tidal zone of the river.

Big flathead have been patrolling the drop-offs and gutters adjacent to the sand flats in the river up above Jerseyville. Fish up to one meter in length have been quite common in this area lately. Live mullet and herring as well as big soft plastics will draw out these bigger fish

big breeding fish provide for the river system and the species far outweighs the eating quality of large fish.

Big elbow slapping whiting are coming in from the shallows of these same sand flats as well as an abundance of bream. Using small surface lures for whiting like poppers and small walk-the-dog style stickbaits is growing in popularity in our area and is an awesome way to have some fun with these smaller species using light gear.

The rock walls adjacent to the entrance of the river are holding plenty of school mulloway and bream as well as some trevally and kingfish

create a huge amount of run in the river. The South West Rocks bar is currently very shallow and a lot of sand has been deposited on the southern side of the channel.

Take extreme caution if you are unfamiliar to the area, especially at low tide, and if you have any doubt seek other access points if you are in a small boat or don’t go out at all. Bar cameras can be viewed on the RMS website if you need help to aid your decision before you go.

Offshore the water is warming up nicely as the currents begin to push down from the north and although at present mackerel catches are fairly low, this will change and who knows what even tomorrow might bring. Once these fish hit our reefs and headlands they generally can be caught right through until May or June with success.

Black marlin, cobia, wahoo and longtail tuna are just a few of the other species that will call this area home over this period. Smokey Beach has been fishing well for whiting and flathead and bait gathering of pipis and beach worms has been a relatively

come fishing at Marty Nichols with a solid Kempsey night time bass. feeding aggressively.

Late afternoon and night sessions are providing some awesome fishing and these hours provide relief from the From page 28

nothing but nice things to say about the middle of the season.

Reports from Cairns boats returning to southern ports at the end of their heavy tackle season speak of the odd blue, plenty of mahimahi, and masses of flying fish out over the

if you’d like to target them.

A quick photo and a gentle release is the best method of preserving the flathead stocks for the future. The value these

at times. Concentrate your efforts around a tide change to aid your ability to fish these areas as big tidal differences at this time of year can

edge, so it’s really only a matter of getting the weather to play the game.

Inshore, there is bait in the form of pilchards, slimies and yellowtail everywhere you care to look, which promises a summer black marlin bite if they choose to stop here. If not, it could kick-

start the mackerel season nice and early.

There have been some small marlin sighted tailing inshore, but nobody has been able to confirm the actual species as yet. Let’s hope they’re blacks, as they are easily accessible over the summer months, and a viable target even on rough days.

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Goals for the New Year THE HASTINGS

Mark Saxon castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com

This New Year I would like to look at something a lot of us tend to do and that’s make New Year’s resolutions. Maybe there’s a particular species you would like to target, or a new technique you would

The one thing about setting a fishing goal is to be focused on the target you are chasing, read everything you can, watch clips on YouTube, listen to local reports and most of all, get out and do it! The more time you spend on the water will help build up your knowledge of the species you’re after, and will also give you an idea

Jason Isaacs and Col Trenaman with a haul of school prawns taken using one of Jason’s custom-made nets. like to become more efficient with – e.g bream or snapper on lures or flatties on plastics. Maybe you have a size goal, such as catching a mulloway over the magic metre, or a bass over 50cm.

on the most successful ways and times to capture your prized adversary.

I mostly fish with lures, so I often head to the water with a certain style of lure and will only fish with that for the duration. Sure, I

PORT MACQUARIE

may change colours, but the style of lure remains the same and I will try them in different areas, moving from shallow into the deep if that’s possible with said lure. I try to see what the lure does and how the fish react to it, and work strategies of when the lure will be at its best for the conditions. After a full session I’ll usually have an idea of the lure’s potential, and it will either join my ever-growing collection or be put aside for further evaluation.

The hardest part of tracking down a trophy of your favourite fish is maintaining the single mindedness you need to get consistent results. It’s easy to get distracted from trying to catch a mulloway on a lure when the guy next to you is pulling in bream or good flatties on smaller gear. Stay confident and stick with your game plan. The pieces will come together. Oh, and don’t get too upset when your mate with the light gear hooks a mulloway, as this can happen!

Now let’s look at what is happening on the local scene.

FISHING IN JANUARY The rivers, in particular the Hastings and Camden, will cop a fair bit of traffic this month and for good reason. You should be able to pick up a feed of flathead from most shallow banks, with the fish hanging around weed waiting to ambush any prawns that may be there. Using 2-3” plastics will get you into these fish, and remember they are eating prawns so a prawn imitation (or the real thing) is a good option.

The cicadas are starting to sing while I write this report, and if it keeps

Ryan O’Shea with a nice upriver mulloway taken on the ever-reliable Samaki Vibelicious.

While walking along the banks of Lake Cathie, the author caught and released this 65cm flathead. going we will be looking at some great surface action for bream and bass. My

favourite lures are the cicada imitations, and there are plenty on the market.

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JANUARY 2016

Rohan Dawson with a cracking 5.65kg pearl perch.

In the Hastings River I have had great success with Koolabung Soft Fizzers and the Austackle Insektas, but there are some other great looking imitations that will get the job done.

The trick for cicada fishing is to find a bank where they are singing and cast your lures up under the structure to where the cicadas are falling into the water. If there is a breeze, accurate casting might not be necessary as the cicadas get blown out into open and the fish follow, making it easier to target them.

While we’re on the subject of surface fishing, the summer whiting this season have been excellent, with plenty of fish being caught in Lake Cathie and also around Pelican Island in the Hastings. You can also try the flats in Limeburners Creek.

For all those fishos who love a feed of prawns, they have been great down at Cathie and either dragging or scooping can result in a good feed. Just be wary with the lake closed and the water high, any more rain could see them disappear.

Mud crabs have been great, so a couple of crab traps put out should get you a good return for your efforts.

Offshore, there have been some good mulloway, snapper and pearlies caught, and recently the 40m mark off Port Lighthouse gave one lucky angler a 5.65kg pearl perch. That’s a cracking fish in anyone’s book! Young Zac Danby and his dad Shannon have been getting some nice mahimahi around the FAD, and this should continue through this month.

For our land-based guys, whiting, bream and school mulloway have been entertaining anglers on North Beach, Grants and Lighthouse beaches.

Worms are a favourite at this time of the year and should see you get a feed.

Enjoy the New Year and let’s hope those New Year resolutions are fulfilled

Do you feel the buzz? Cicadas lead to big bream!

FORSTER

David Seaman dseamo@bigpond.com

The population of Forster and Tuncurry swells each year through January with an influx of holiday-makers, and it can be difficult to find space on the water to enjoy by yourself. Even offshore you can fish within sight of other boats but with an early start you’ll enjoy some good mixed reef bags.

The bags are made up mostly of flathead and the occasional small snapper for

those who want to bounce cut baits on the bottom. Trolling small lures over your intended spot should hit a school or two of bonito or a quick stop at Haydens reef to catch livies.

Forster Sport and Game Fishing have been making the most of the seasonal kingfish with some great deep jigging captures, topped off with some very tasty bar cod. There are a few marlin around, and with warmer water they will be sticking their beaks in the mix more and more. Trolling up the marlin and throwing healthy live bait at them, on heavy threadline gear, is

It’s that time of year for the kings and there should be some horses among the schools.

a popular way of knocking over the smaller blacks that appear this time of year and can be a very exciting way to spend the day.

For those restricted to fishing the lake I would suggest you arm yourself with a couple of crab traps and set them early in your day around The Step or in the wider lake area. The blue swimmers have been pretty good of late and a few swimmers in the pots at the end of the day is the best finish to a session I can think of. Sticking the pots along the riverbanks will increase your chance of catching mud crabs.

I would suggest setting at dusk and checking them at dawn.

This will help prevent share farming. Avoid setting your gear too close to commercial pots or along their string. They do not appreciate it and may take or disable your gear.

Bream up the rivers have been going off on the surface and the cicadas are buzzing, which makes lure selection easy. The best cicada pattern lure by far has to be the Tiemco Soft Shell. The bream love them, and I’ve made them my go-to lure for fishing the shoreline structure. Colour isn’t overly important, but the black and yellow striped (bumble bee) is killer. The

bream surface fishing around the racks should be peaking at this time of year. Stick poppers like the Berkley Pop Dog are ideal for the racks because the fish are used to chasing prawns and these particular lures hang tail down giving the fish a good target on the pause of the retrieve. Of course, yabbies and prawn fishing around the structure of leases make good lure substitutes. One way to find a target area for you bait is to drift a berley trail of floating bread over the surface.

The Paddock and Breckenridge Channel sand patches have been producing heaps of legal male flathead as they search out the larger females. Often there will be five or six males to the biggest females, so if you hit a spot that produces fish on consecutive casts you can feel confident there is a big momma in the vicinity. If you are lucky enough to land a big girl, remember to take a few photos and release her, they are too valuable to the system to kill. Another spot that can fire is the small channel behind Mosquito Point that drains around the island. It is shallow in spots but the deeper edge drop-off is worth a few baits or lures cast over it.

Big sand whiting are still

hanging around the bridge and are easy targets during the run-out evening tides. Combine a few live prawn baits out the back of the boat while you’re

end of the run-out flicking prawns and plastics around the pylons. Most of the fish have stuffed themselves with prawns but they always seem

The FAD should be harbouring some mahimahi like the one Shane Crockett found for his clients. prawning and it just a matter of dealing with being distracted from the prawn net and light.

Alternatively, you could collect some bait in Breckenridge Channel, the most popular prawning venue, and then target the whiting. During the evening run-out, soft plastics, like the Gulp 2” Shrimp work a treat, as do grub- tail plastics, for the whiting and flathead under and around the bridge.

I’ve had great success at the

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to think they can fit one or two more in! The best prawning and blue swimmer fishing will be around the 10 January and a few days either side of the new moon.

With the good rain and storms we experienced before Christmas, the local freshwater rivers are not looking too bad for a bass fish. Weed is always a bit of a problem at this time of year but at this stage, it has been manageable.

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JANUARY 2016

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Big flathead bring holiday-makers to town HARRINGTON-TAREE

Ian Pereira ianpereira@aapt.net.au

The freshwater part of the Manning, has been quite low and hasn’t received

a great deal of run over the last few weeks.

Consequently, the green slimy weed has built up and made fishing fairly difficult. A week or so ago the springs opened up and put a foot of run in the

river and we had a couple of good storms – one in the Gloucester area and one above Mount George.

This put a 7ft rise in the river and brought down a heap of dirty water.

The fresh cleaned out

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the weed from the higher parts of the river but did not clear the lower parts above Wingham. There is now much more weed in the river just above Wingham. Local anglers are finding it difficult to catch fish under these conditions.

ESTUARY The big female flathead are populating the waters around the mouth of the river and can gather in groups of over 20 fish before they spawn. At this time it is easy to catch these big fish with live bait on a bobby cork rig. Heavy gear is not necessary. A 5kg line and a 4/0 - 6/0 hook will do the trick. It is very important to play the fish very gently and not to get its head out of the water. This way the fish can be netted and released without damage.

Unfortunately, we have a few anglers who proceed to keep all the fish they catch. Some even get one in the morning and then go back and get another in the evening. This practice is detrimental and is certainly not appreciated by the majority of the anglers who do the right thing.

As well as the flathead, there are some good whiting feeding on the sand flats in the mouth of the river and some bream feeding along the river wall. School mulloway have been on the bite around the gantry on live bait but they have only reached 5kg in weight.

BEACH AND ROCK The beaches have been very quiet for weeks. The chopper tailor have moved for the time being and there are only a few salmon moving up our beaches. The southern end of Crowdy Beach has fished the best

Dylan Roberts caught this gorgeous 96cm flathead on a 3” Gulp Minnow Grub in pumpkinseed. with some catches of bream to 800g. Beach worms, mullet strips and pipis are the best baits. When conditions have allowed, the rocks at Crowdy Head have produced small pigs to a 1.5kg on cunjevoi.

OFF SHORE Sea conditions have not been good apart from a couple of days of calm when it was great to be out at sea. The northern grounds have fished best for small to medium-sized snapper with the occasional catch of trag thrown in.

Those drifting close in have scored bags of big flathead

when the seas are down.

Mahimahi to 7kg have been caught in 80m of water off Crowdy Head.

Flathead are the main species to tackle in January.

Live baiting is the best plan of attack. There is always the possibility of a big bream taking the bait or a mulloway scoffing up the offerings. There are plenty of herring to be caught on a live bait rig from the wall near to where you will use them. Outside fishing is good in January, especially in the mornings before the north easterlies turn up about lunchtime.

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Stacer Boats have long been a favourite with Australian anglers who fish a wide spectrum of waterways.

However, if you were to look at a breakdown of where most anglers spend the majority of their time, you’d find the answer is at most fishing rivers, estuaries and lakes, therefore it is no wonder that up until recently the number one

this time the day consisted of a poker run. Starting at Sea World we headed north to Wave Break Island adjacent to the Southport Seaway and then up the Nerang River making several stops to draw cards before tying up the Stacers at The Isle of Capri for lunch and to see who had the best hand. I certainly wasn’t going to win with only a high card but along the way I made the most of every stop getting a ride in each of the new Prolines.

Included in the Striker series line up are the 399

deeper entry point and the result is you have a hull that is going to deliver a softer ride.

Across the entire Striker Series you will find the chines are now wider delivering more stability both at rest and underway. The wider chines are also effective for providing a dry ride. In the moderate 12 knots of breeze we had while testing the Striker Series I cannot recall copping any spray other than a little bit caused by pretty ordinary boat driving skills from another journalist.

A very noticeable point of

there was very little weight in the way of a fit out. Stacer offer an upgrade option of

to go fishing package at an affordable price. Across the Proline Anglers you will

a side console, bow mount plate, bimini top, live bait tank, live well transom step,

The 409 Proline Angler replaces the 399 Proline Angler.

One difference in the Striker Series is that the chines no longer meet in the centre line, providing better stability. selling boat in the Stacer Range was the 399 Proline – it has now been narrowly overtaken by their popular 429 Seaway model. To keep up with customer demand and feedback, Stacer have revamped their larger Proline boats by introducing the Proline Striker series for 2016.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing what Stacer is offering in the new Striker Series first-hand at a media day held on the picturesque Broadwater at the Gold Coast.

In true Stacer fashion, the day revolved around a theme,

and 429 Prolines, as well as the 409, 429 and 449 Proline Anglers. It is worth noting that there is no longer a 399 Proline Angler in the range; the 409 Proline Angler has superseded that model.

The new series sees some significant changes to what has previously been a popular hull design. So how exactly did Stacer improve their number one selling boat?

The keel has been relaxed by 7% meaning that the bow has less of an angle that is likely to ‘bump’ into a chop but rather skip over it. Match the relaxed keel with a now

different between the Striker Series and the previous Prolines is that at no point do the chines actually meet up with the centre line on the new models resulting in an ‘arrow’ shaped bow that, from a bird’s eye view, gives these boats a sporty new look.

It’s not all for show though, it provides anglers with 11% more space up front for the 399 and 429 Proline and an extra 11% fishing space on the front casting deck for the Proline Angler range.

The barebones 399 and 429 Prolines handled very well, especially seeing as

Gold Coast angler Mick Horn demonstrates the fishability of the 409 Proline Angler.

34

JANUARY 2016

The new bow design provides anglers with 11% more casting platform to work with. having 2mm bottom and sides on the 399 Proline and with this upgrade, increases the maximum outboard rating from 30-40hp.

I couldn’t wait to get on the 399 fitted with a 40hp E-Tec and, as expected, it turned out this thing was a rocket ship.

While the 399 and 429 Prolines serve their purpose, the Proline Anglers offer keen fishers a ready

find front and rear carpeted casting platforms, the very comfortable Stacer Sea Pro seats with six seating positions, side decks, rails, a transducer bracket and a quality Stacer paint job.

The extra room on the front casting platforms offer ample room for two anglers up front throwing lures. There are also the usual popular options available to go with the Proline Anglers, such as

underfloor fuel tanks and a flash rod storage pocket.

After spending several hours jumping between the different boats and giving them a test drive, including stopping for a sneaky cast at a school of trevally to ‘test’ its fishability, I can now certainly appreciate the benefits of the changes in design. The R&D team at Stacer have not just tweaked the design but actually significantly improved on something that was already a proven success. You can expect a softer, drier and more stable ride from the new Striker Series.

All boats that we tested throughout the day were fitted with Evinrude E-Tec outboards that performed effortlessly getting each boat onto the plane quickly, even when loaded with four people.

The word on the street is that the Striker Series will be rolling out of the factory to dealers in early January so contact your nearest dealer to find out more.

The 429 Proline Angler rode nicely even with four on board.

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Always have a live bait on hand PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

Over the school holidays, the population of Port Stephens doubles in size, making January one of the busiest months on the water.

You’re going to have plenty of company out there on the water but, nevertheless, the fishing is always great in January with stacks of target options.

HUNTER · P O R T

Your local

Inside the estuary whiting are a great species to focus on now and a fish that doesn’t seem to mind the crowds and activity too much. In fact if you get yourself some live worms and fish on the high tide you should be able to get stuck into a few even in the middle of the day on the Port’s busiest beaches such as Shoal Bay, Little Beach and Nelson Bay. Surface Poppers will work well on whiting but you will need to fish further

S T E P H E N S

up the system around areas such as Corlette, Mary and Taylors beaches.

If you’re after flathead there will be plenty around this month right through the bay from Jimmys Beach all the way to the bottom end of the Karuah River, but be

to hit are the rock walls and Corlette Wreck.

From the surf beaches the whiting should be chewing their heads off this month, and as long as you have live worms or pipis you shouldn’t have any trouble catching a feed off any of the ocean beaches.

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Striped marlin will be in good numbers this month.

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sure to get out early before the waterways get too hectic. Soft plastics and hardbodied lures or even an old school slow rolled pilchard on a set of gang hooks will all do the trick on the lizards. Just remember, if you do catch a big girl over 70cm it should always be released back into the system.

While there are plenty of mulloway in the bay this time of year they are certainly one fish that will go into shut down mode with the amount of water traffic the bay is experiencing right now.

If you want to target them my advice is to wait until everything quietens down and fish for them late at night through to the small hours of the morning. The best areas

It will also be worth fishing into the night, chancing your luck at a mulloway off the beach this month especially along Stockton, Samurai or Hawks Nest.

OFFSHORE Offshore there are plenty of trag on the bite, predominately around sunset with the Big Gibber, 21,Vee and Uralla reefs all producing great bites. Kingfish to an impressive 25kg are cruising the shallow reefs around the Islands reeking havoc on schools of yellowtail, slimy mackerel and garfish. The best way to get connected to one of them is to slow troll live bait around the bait schools.

Mahimahi are thick on the FAD, however get there early

as they tend to shut down after a few boats go through them and they see their mates start disappearing.

While it’s still a bit early for the small blacks to be caught in any sort of numbers, there might be the odd one around if we get a good push of warm water in close. On the edge of the shelf things really start to heat up in January as striped and black marlin start to show up in proper numbers, as well as the odd big blue over the edge.

While there’s no doubt trolling lures will catch marlin, the preferred method by most out of Port Stephens is skip or live baiting, which yields a

far better hook up conversion rate when compared with skirts. Most boats will cover the ground using skip baits looking for schools of bait on the sounder, but always have a live bait or two rigged and ready to pitch at a fish that comes up on a the skip bait but just wont commit or hits the skips but doesn’t hook up. Rigged live baits will also come in handy if the skipper thinks they’ve marked a marlin on the sounder feeding on a bait school.

In this case the bait is bombed down to the desired depth with an 8-16oz snapper lead attached via elastic band, which hopefully results in bite!

Hoodlum kingfish will patrol the shallows this month, catching them is the hard part!

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Offshore offers hot opportunities HUNTER COAST

Gary Earl earlybird13@optusnet.com.au

Thankfully the warm water is running through our area with temperatures that are bringing us some really good fishing, especially off the shelf. Water is fluctuating between 22-25

from the Hunter Coast, Port Stephens, Newcastle, and Swansea area.

Plenty of mahimahi and yellowtail kingfish have been showing up. With the current, nice temperatures and aand a few smart moves from fisheries, I am sure the marlin will turn up as well.

But it’s not just the wide FADs, some close buoys have

recommended to keep your engine idling and stay out of shipping lanes.

Shallow reefs have great catches of snapper, kings, cobia, school mahimahi and bonito. I do remember Spanish mackerel and cobia have turn up down here before, and they may return this year. The water temperature will let us know.

Weight isn’t always a factor, these battle blades were jigged for mahimahi and kingfish, and most were hit on the drop. around here at the moment in the cobalt blue water, and a lot of fish have been taken from all the FADs

been giving up fish as well.

Off Newcastle the buoys are working well for tailor, mahimahi and bonito. It’s

Lately, the conditions have been good one day and bad the next. Sometimes it’s a waste of money and fuel to

shoot out unless you have the word, and that usually comes from the fishing clubs in your area, or really good mates.

I look at these conditions and the influence that it has on the water temperatures way out their where most people can’t get to. That also filters inshore, so the water in the shallows can become warm and swarms of certain species can move in close. You don’t need a million dollar boat to catch good fish , although we would all love one. The tip this month is to look what is close inshore, and if fish are feeding on bait balls, or if you find them schooling over a pinnacle, just try to match the hatch with you lures. Look for bait schools of slimy mackerel, yellowtail, bonito, small whitebait, spats, squid, pilchards, herring, and find a lure or use the same bait.

If you’re willing to put the time in to collect it, it beats anything.

The upper reaches of the Hunter River have gotten hot. A lot of fish move downstream to cooler tidal areas, so try finding the tidal flow and follow it out. Both the north or south work, and they both can both run hard on big tides. Don’t be surprised if you hook a mulloway or

A striped marlin lit up ready to be tagged on the shelf. This one was tagged and released. bass on any run-out tide down from Raymond Terrace to Sandgate.

Besides this you have certain creek mouths, which are another good spot to flick live baits or softies, but I use all lures and all brands.

In the channel of the creeks, I like poppers on top in the centre of the channel, then I’ll bounce softies on half tides, and bibbed divers on really big tides.

I know flathead love the afternoons of humidity, similar to bass, but it’s the worst time for us humans! We usually have to be there as the humidity rises and then the thunderstorms start, but you

really have to get out on the first sign of lightning. Safety first. Also, the mozzies and cicadas that hatch from these storms are all great for fishing but not us, but that’s fishing.

Don’t forget this is the time the bream come back through all close beaches and break off into the estuaries, they all spread into the NSW Coast estuaries to feed on young Pacific Oysters through January, February and March. The oysters are dried and open, and the bream feed on them in this state.

Can you imagine the first punter who tried an oyster?

Brave is one word for it!

Happy fishing!

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Mahimahi mayhem off Swansea of crowds here on Lake Macquarie and boat traffic is not favourable for the fishers that’s for sure. But, as always there are ways around it and planning your trips around the crowds will ensure you’re still in with a great chance of a fish or two.

The weather has really started to heat up now that summer is in full swing and

the fishing is just as hot. The water temperatures in the lake are rising and the fish are well and truly moving jayro@hotmail.com.au about the shallows. Both Firstly I’d like to wish you bream and flathead are about a happy New Year for 2016. in really good numbers over Hope you all had a fantastic the flats throughout the lake.

Christmas break, enjoyed a Not only are the numbers drink or two and had some good but there is also some quality time out on the quality fish in the bags as water. There are still plenty well. A great method for fishing the flats is to work shallow diving hardbody lures above the weed beds and through the sand patches in between these weed flats.

I suggest 2-3lb straight through fluoro for chasing bream like this but if you’re Lake frontage with • Boat ramp after flathead, and there are well appointed villas, • Jetty cabins, a few about, then a heavier safari tents, • New playground leader is a must or your powered & unpowe trip will quickly become red sites.

Midweek expensive due to lost lures.

Special For anglers chasing a Mention this ad feed there is some very nice when booking a whiting throughout the lake cabin, villa or safari at the moment as well. These tent and receive 3 nights for the fish provide a load of fun on price of 2. light tackle. You can catch whiting by throwing small surface lures around the shallows of the sand islands.

Small poppers or small walkthe-dog style lures like the Gladiator Kazami 60 are good options for this type of Hosts fishing. Many anglers prefer n o C t o h d r l s i u s & Jennie M look gue live worms when chasing a r i e forward t h t . o welcoming you as e i feed of whiting and they are r a to the u best kept secret in Lake Macq proving very effective at the moment and a great way to secure a few fresh whiting fillets for the dinner table.

Watkins Road, Wangi Wangi NSW 2267 Mulloway are still around Phone: 02 4975 1889 Fax: 02 4975 4841 in good numbers, and both Book online: www.lakemacholidayparks.com.au bait and lure anglers are Email: wangi@lakemacholidayparks.com.au getting their fair share of the Terms & conditions: mulloway action in Lake Offer subject to availability and applies to midweek accommodation bookings Macquarie. Bait anglers outside of school and public holidays. fishing live squid after dark are scoring great numbers, and the lure anglers are doing well during daylight hours.

Due to the Christmas holiday crowds, it’s important to try and get out there nice and early or leave it until late in the afternoon when the crowds start to thin out a little.

Kingfish are also about in the lake again and this annual run of kings is a welcome addition to the lake fish population each year. Slow trolling live squid 15 Wallarah Street Watkins Road around the drop over area Swansea Wangi Wangi Crescent Street 30 Gommera Street Street 15 Wallarah Street Watkins marker Road and buoys is 24 Paley Crescent 24 Paley 30 Gommera 15 Wallarah Watkins Road nearby Belmont South Swansea Wangi Wangi Blacksmiths A spacious tree filled park Nestled between the shores Belmont South Blacksmiths Swansea Wangi Wangi Located on a peninsular Juststroll a shortfrom stroll from quiet and A spacious tree filled park Nestledeffective between the shores method to a very Located onLocated a peninsular surrounded a short on a peninsular Just a shortJust stroll from A spaciousthe tree filled park Nestled between the shores surrounded the Lake, with the quiet andand patrolled on the shores of the Lake. of Lake Macquarie and on the shores of the Lake. ofthebyLake Macquarie surrounded the Lake, with quiet and patrolled on the shores beach. of the Lake. of Lake Macquarie and by the Lake, by with waterfront Blacksmiths waterfront accommodationpatrolled Blacksmiths beach. Stylish A range of accommodation National land. Lovely into a Parkfew of these local waterfront accommodation Blacksmiths beach. Stylish A range of accommodation National Parkget land. Lovely accommodation and campsites and and campsites andStylish modern accommodation or options and family friendly quiet settings for campsites accommodation or A range of accommodation National Parkormodern land.

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of the first few boats on the scene. The better fish can be some distance from the FAD itself so don’t be afraid to keep your drift going a little longer passing the FAD by a couple of hundred meters at times. If you’re trolling lures be respectful of other anglers and give the FAD a bit of a wide berth. There should still be plenty of fish out wide of the FAD and more than enough to keep everyone entertained. A small, skirted trolling lure like the Colorato Lures ‘point 38’ is a great lure for this type of fishing. For bait anglers, pilchard cubes are very effective on smaller fish but nothing beats live bait if you’re after quality.

Kingfish are about in good numbers on the inshore reefs, and again live baits are the number one bait.

Micro jigging with 20-40g jigs has also become popular and is a very effective way of scoring a few kings from the inshore reefs and other structure. Areas such as grounds out from Norah Head to the south are ideal locations for soaking live bait during these warmer months. For anglers wanting to get into some bigger models, the offshore reefs have a few less fish at the moment when compared to the run of inshore summer fish but there are some real brutes out wide and a deep set live bait is a good option to try your hand at getting

There will be plenty of quality fish like this solid mahimahi on offer over the summer period. Central Coast GFC angler, Amanda Bajada, caught this great fish. one of these hoodlums. Live squid, yakka or slimies are all great options and it really is worth putting in that extra

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Local Lake Mac angler Brad Knight with a great flathead on his recent trip to St Georges Basin. Plenty of fish like this to be had in Lake Mac over coming months.

effort to secure some quality baits at the start of the day.

Marlin anglers also have a bit to smile about at the moment with some good fish starting to show. There are a few marlin about, certainly not on fire yet, but some solid blues have been encountered off the coast out around the shelf and Norah Head canyons. Bait schools continue to build up on the inshore grounds from up North off Port Stephens through the grounds off Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and down to the waters off Terrigal. If you’re searching, use a spread of skirted marlin lures in the 8-12” range. Some crews will opt to stick with pulling lures for the trip while others prefer to pull lures until the fish and bait balls are located and then switch over to slow trolling live baits. Both have their place and can be equally effective. The best advice I can offer is to try and be prepared for both options and go with what’s required on the day. Remember safety comes first when you’re heading offshore chasing these game fish. Make sure you log on with the local authorities and it’s also a great idea to join up with the local Lake Mac Game Fishing Club or Central Coast Game Fishing Club. You can usually stay in touch with a few of the club boats when out there and they really do keep an eye out for each other, which is a fantastic show of camaraderie.

Holiday fishing in full swing jrobley@iprimus.com.au

The beginning of a new year brings many different things, including some of the very best angling action of all. On the flip side, this is also a very busy time around the water, with boat ramps, beaches, headlands and estuaries seeing a lot of people out and about.

While not having the same sort of reputation as places like Coffs Harbour or Port Stephens, offshore fishing in our neck of the woods is still very good from now on. Each season

trip out, but if you’re running a smaller vessel then it’s still worth putting in some time at marks like the Perch Grounds. Even if marlin are a no show, there’s still a very good chance of running into some reasonable mahimahi around any marker buoys or kingfish down deep.

Either way, stocking up on livies before venturing out there makes a lot of sense.

Smaller boats can still get stuck into some action within a few kilometres of the ramps at Norah, Terrigal or out from Broken Bay. Rat kingfish and bonito are the primary surface targets, but others ranging from tailor to mac

make things difficult when coming back into the ramp at Norah Head, so keep an eye on that wind.

Rock fishing this month can still be a touch hit and miss, due to changing sea conditions. A general guideline is that winds with any sort of northerly airflow cool the water down and when a southerly blows up the coast warmer water is pushed in closer to the rocks. However, the stronger the wind from either direction, the more the seas get stirred up and waves start crashing over the rocks, so safety then becomes an issue. So visiting or local anglers can do well from checking the

Prawns are abundant in the lakes this month. They not only make a good feed, but great bait for bream, flathead or whiting. So grab a strong, light, scoop net and take a look around the shallows at night. a number of small black marlin come in very close to take anglers by surprise who may be targeting something a little less exotic. So it’s advisable to have an outfit rigged up and ready to send out a livebait

tuna can also provide some lure casting fun.

The only potential negative aspects of offshore fishing this month are the predictable north easterlies through the afternoon period and some

While casting surface lures for bream is very popular through the summer months, the author has been enjoying success with lures like the Daiwa Baby Vib in water about a metre deep. if a beaky is spotted.

Of course, if marlin are the main priority then heading out to wider grounds is the logical option. The shelf and Norah Canyons are a long

crowding at the ramps.

This points to an early start being the best approach and that means getting to the ramp well before sunrise. Be aware too, that a strong northeasterly can

various weather websites like WillyWeather and the BOM coastal forecasts, as well as NBN weather, nightly at 6:50pm to get an idea of what the wind and seas should be doing. Gavin, the NBN weatherman, really knows his stuff and if ever I’m not fully sure from looking at websites, I’ll watch him to get the latest, most accurate forecast.

If all goes well though, tailor, bonito, kingfish and bream are some of the more reliable species on offer over the coming weeks. Traditional winter targets like luderick and drummer are also well worth chasing, particularly if the water seems a bit too cool for any surface action.

This region is blessed with a plethora is excellent rock fishing spots and the main areas of interest are Avoca, Terrigal, Norah Head, Munmorah and Catherine Hill Bay. Unfortunately though, many of the best ledges can get very crowded at this time of year, especially the big South Avoca platform and the rocks below Norah Head lighthouse. So it’s always worth taking a look at some of the lesser known

or smaller rocky outcrops, as long as they’re safe to fish and don’t require a potentially hazardous climb to reach them.

Beach fishing tends to be easier than rock fishing through the holiday period, as you’re looking for decent sand formations, rather than a specific headland or point for example. Just like South Avoca, our most crowded beach fishing place is North Entrance. Yes, it’s a very reliable stretch of sand, from the lakes run out, north towards Majenta Shores, but so too are plenty of other spots from Pearl Beach, up to Catherine Hill Bay. Whiting are a good holiday option, as they can be caught right through the day, although a rising tide is preferable. Bait, in the form of pipis can be gathered at your feet as waves recede, but good quality prawns and beach worms are normally stocked in shops and the worms are about the best bet for whiting along the beaches.

The lakes have been going very well in recent weeks, with loads of bream and a sprinkling of flathead and whiting. Brisbane Water is similar, but a few larger flathead can be expected, along with the chance of a mulloway or two.

The Entrance, Woy Woy and Patonga are about the most heavily fished places through the holidays, but don’t let the crowds put you off. By trying your luck a bit further away from all the boats and shore-based anglers you’ll still be in with a very good chance, without the hassles. For example, The Entrance Channel, around the bridge and down towards the mouth can get absolutely packed with people, yet just to the west, south or north of the islands there are still plenty of fish to be caught, with only the occasional boat or kayak in the vicinity.

Try bouncing soft plastics for flathead this month.

Ettalong, Woy Woy, Patonga and The Entrance are all reliable areas for these tasty fish.

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More marlin please!

ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

January is when it all starts to happen and fishing just gets better as the weeks roll on with holiday anglers out in force to take advantage of the great weather and better fishing.

The lake at this time of the year is chaos with locals as well as people from all points of the compass descending on our beautiful stretch of water for a chance of some excellent Illawarra fishing action! Flathead will be the main target, as always, and there have been plenty to go around with most anglers getting a few.

Prawn pattern plastics have

always achieve results.

The prawns are on during the evenings so grab the scoop nets and lights and get a feed and some for bait the next day.

Blue swimmer crabs have become so much more popular over the past few years and at this time of the year I doubt anyone can motor in a straight line from the drop-off north or west for more than 500m and not pick up a trap line around the prop. Be diligent, and keep an eye out because on any given day during the holidays there will be hundreds of trap floats bobbing on the surface and pretty much all will catch a few.

Popping the quiet flats for whiting can be rewarding very early in the morning

This marlin was hooked deep and bled out when it took a kingie bait in 6m of water. been other well. their

the killers with most plastics performing The old timers and live poddy mullet

before the crowd wakes up.

When the traffic gets a bit thicker on the water switch to live prawns that you

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scooped the evening before to bolster the catch or pump a few worms. Bream are active on live prawns, and the best time to catch them is during the evenings in the main channel around the bridge pylons. A quiet paddle up into the feeder streams flicking live prawns into the snags can get good results and some good bust ups.

Very light line gets the most strikes but also makes it difficult to get big fish out in tight water. The odd mulloway should be present for the persistent anglers working the channel and bridge with big plastics during the evenings.

Remember, they have to get in there some way so the breakwalls during the dark on the top of the tide could be worth a look too.

Minnamurra is much the same but you usually get a bit more quiet time early in the mornings except for all the ski paddlers but they don’t disturb much. The estuaries don’t get better and a feed of prawns and blue swimmers, followed by a few whiting and flatty fillets washed down with a coldie makes a good end to the day.

Don’t forget the Lake Illawarra Flathead Classic held by Wollongong Sportfishing Club early this month with great prizes for the whole family. Ocean Storm tackle at Warilla will have all the details.

BEACHES AND OFFSHORE On the beaches there’s fun all around with the whiting now on all the local beaches. Grab a few beach worms and work the edges of the gutters at low tide and it shouldn’t take long to find a school. MM Beach is always excellent in January as are Windang and Warilla beaches, however, these two get a bit of pressure when they are ‘on’ so finding fish elsewhere is a way to avoid the crowds. Salmon can be a bit of a bonus or a nuisance depending on your tastes, but one thing is for certain they put up an excellent scrap on whiting tackle and there are plenty about.

Target them very early in the morning particularly with ganged pilchards. The evenings have been the domain of the tailor and some very good ones as well with some fish pushing 3kg.

Most fish are under the kilo mark though. Flathead are on all the beaches now and make a pleasant by-catch when chasing other species, or you could just grab a few plastics and spend a pleasant hour or two walking the beach and casting to likely looking spots. What could be better?

Nice little kings like this are very welcome and tasty.

If you really want to get serious, now is the time to chase bigger than average mulloway on the beaches.

There are good numbers of schoolies popping up on the usual beaches but the bigger ones are what we all chase, if only for bragging rights, and this is the month to do it. On the rocks, the small pelagics have made a show with a few frigates zipping around the headlands. Bonito are improving and salmon and small kings are around most of the deeper ledges. With the rise in small pelagic activity comes the larger fish. Kings have been active along the deeper ledges around Kiama taking squid if you can get them and live yakkas and mackerel.

MARLIN Kings are great, but the main target will be marlin.

This is the time they turn up at Jervis Bay and to get there they have to swim past us so the patient and persistent will be rewarded.

Every year there are a few hooked in January with the odd one landed which is pretty good considering

harbours in the early hours of the mornings.

Offshore fishing is starting to heat up and January is renown as the month when the black marlin shows up.

Any day now they’ll pop up and when they do you won’t get toehold at the ramps or any of the usual spots like Bandit and Wollongong reef.

Big live slimy mackerel are the bait of choice and there are plenty about, but some anglers will still go out and drag skirts about all day picking up a fish or 2 now and then – unless the fish are going crazy and then they might get a few more. A few stripes are about out a bit further but you will put in the kilometres chasing them.

Then there are the big blues that hang about the shelf and beyond.

So with that, the next few weeks are your best chance to score the grand slam of blue, black and striped on the one day.

Not done by many and very special. If the billies aren’t co-operating there have been good shows of mahimahi around the FADs

A small marlin boatside just before release.

They are great fun at this size! most locals head to JB as it’s so close. If the big fish are not your cup of tea there are plenty of bream in the washes along with a few drummer still grabbing royal red prawns and some nice blackfish are in the washes during the day and the sheltered

both legal and private. Most of the fish are just legal or under with a few better fish attaching themselves to random FADs, it is simply the luck of the draw. The bigger fish mostly come from open ocean areas out around the shelf when they grab marlin bait.

THE WRAP UP A few school yellowfin tuna have shown up when the current is running but they are hit and miss at best and there have been better numbers of striped tuna about from the coast to the shelf. Not so long ago they would swarm along the coast at this time of the year, even chasing the bait into the surf but that doesn’t happen anymore. If you do score a few they are great put straight back live if you are chasing marlin or looking for snapper, mulloway and bream baits.

Kings have made a bit more of an appearance in most of the usual spots around the islands and bommies. A few better fish are among them too but they seem to like the shallow water lately making it very difficult to get them out unless you use extra heavy tackle.

This style of killing a fish using 50kg braid or heavier and dragging the fish out with the boat into deeper water to rip it in is not angling. Some might say it’s the only way to get them, but in the end it is an ex-breeding lump of meat on the deck – or even worse, on Facebook.

My opinion.

A few decent snapper are about over the deeper reefs and gravel with those big plastics getting the results again as long as there is not too much current. On the shallower reefs there are plenty of smaller reds and a lot of small samson fish have moved in over the past few weeks. A few trevally, pigfish mowies and even the odd trag have shown up too and the flatties have hit their straps over the sand patches all along the coast in excellent numbers and size.

Schools of salmon, bonito, small kings and frigate mackerel are popping up all along the coast chomping into the baitfish, providing lots of fun and fresh bait.

Happy New Year!

St Georges basin producing fantastic hauls NOWRA

John Nolan

A big hello, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from me, Johnny Nolan, your new reporter for the Shoalhaven region in this great magazine. Up until now, Wes Murphy, a good mate of mine, has done a terrific job in bringing you all the latest in fishing info for our area, but it was time for Wes to step back due to work commitments and bringing up a young family – so I’ve come on board. It is a new year after all, so why not start it off with a fresh new face and new outlook and perspective on fishing?

I have been writing reports for several years in the local rag with good feedback from my readers, so hopefully I’ll get the same from my new audience and be able to bring you some great info and fishy stories that you’ll be able to take on board and enjoy.

OK, so a little about me. I live just out of Nowra on the NSW South Coast. I’m a born and bred local and have fished this area my whole life. I work at McCallum’s Tackle World in Nowra and have done so for

about 15 years. I’ve sampled many forms of fishing over the years, from the beach to the rocks, offshore, inshore, estuary and freshwater. You name it, I’ve had a go at it!

And whether it be lure or bait, I love it all.

Now I’m not saying I’m an expert… far from it! But I do know a lot about fishing tackle and what’s working where, and I have some great reliable sources when it comes to getting info on what’s happening in our local waters. Plus I will share my own fishing adventures along the way, fishy or fishless!

Recently I’ve started doing

more trips with my new partner in life, my wife Leslee. It’s great to see so many women getting into our fantastic sport; they can really hold their own, often out-fishing the guys!

But enough about me, now to the fishing!

FISHING REPORT From the start of spring we had a pretty awesome season and we have some great fishing to look forward to in late summer. At the moment the local fishing has been nothing short of exceptional.

The bass have been firing in the freshwater reaches of the river as well as the brackish, and with hot weather

Some of the smallest squid I’ve seen in the bay in years and still willing to hit this pink Ika jig.

forecast it’s only going to get better. Stormy summer afternoons make for some great surface bite sessions.

As the storm begins to roll in, the high barometer begins to plummet, sending the bass into crazy mode smashing lures off the surface left, right and centre. One of the hit lures this season is the new Jackson Cicada, with its soft, lifelike legs and wings.

What an amazing season we’ve had so far on St Georges Basin! I’ve never heard of so many big flathead coming from this great recreational fishing haven, with most being returned to the water to live on and terrorize anything they can fit their mouth around. One of the number one lures for the basin this year is the new Squidgy Prawn paddle-tail in the cracked pepper colour. If you put this lure beside a real prawn, the similarity really stands out; at a quick glance it’s hard to pick from the real thing. It really is a winner for the lizard chasers.

Recent weeks have seen some good catches of whiting on the beaches… finally! It was one of the leanest winter/ spring seasons on the beach I can remember, so it’s great to see some quality fish showing up.

In Jervis Bay the squidding has been hit and miss. They have either been big and not many of them or small and plenty of them.

Actually, they are some of the smallest squid I’ve seen in

the bay in recent years, but they are still willing to have a go at a jig which is about the same size as them. They’re an amazing fearless predator.

Happy fishing until next month.

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41

Spotlight on Tuross Heads BRISBANE

Sean Thompson

Tuross Heads is a picturesque seaside location, a short 5-10 minute drive off the Pacific Highway between Moruya and Narooma on NSW’s beautiful South Coast. The township is nestled between two large scenic lakes and while it has a small resident population of around 2200 people, it’s a popular holiday home destination for Canberra locals as well as a favoured holiday destination for anglers and their families from much further afield.

Despite the holiday influx, Tuross’s growth is limited by geographical boundaries.

With the ocean to the east,

fishing beaches can also be found north and south for the adventurous as well – just grab a CMA Topographic map of Bodalla (8925-4-N) (which can be purchased online) to find how and where to access these beaches via dirt tracks.

COILA BEACH The catchment of Coila Lake is relatively small; therefore the lake is only open to the ocean intermittently and usually for short periods.

When Coila is closed there is easy access to a steeply shelving beach to the north of the Tuross township. Often there is a deep hole directly out from fthe entrance to the lake. This occurs as water from the closed lake seeps under the sand, weakening it at the entrance, which enables the

offers the chance for renewal in the lake with the rising tides bringing fish and prawn larvae back into the system.

BINJI BEACH While Australian salmon tends to be rated quite low as a table fish, for those like me who love the fight and acrobatics of this species, nearby Binji Beach is the place for you.

Binji is located a couple of kilometres north of Tuross, and those who are fit enough, with some time available can walk there when the lake is closed. Otherwise it’s a short drive back to the highway and then 5 minutes past Coila, take a turn to the right, where you can then follow a local map or GPS to end up on Binji Road.

Take a dirt track to the right to come out just south of the

The entrance to the beautiful Tuross Lake doubles as a gorgeous sight and a great fishing spot. the lakes to the north and south, and highway to the west, there is very limited scope for new development or indeed over-crowding from holiday-makers.

There is a vast array of options for anglers, with great beach, rock and magnificent estuary fishing. Offshore anglers don’t have too far to travel to Narooma to launch for great fishing grounds offshore including Montague Island.

Tuross Lake is a beneficiary of the NSW Government’s wise decision in 2001 to buy-out commercial fishing licenses in a number of coastal estuaries.

Unfortunately the buy-outs didn’t extend to Coila Lake, and consequently one of the great bream fisheries in the state, is sadly netted by a small few. Despite this, Tuross is still one of the best all-round fishing locations in the state - let’s look at what you can catch, where and how.

BEACH AND ROCK FISHING There are three beaches with good fishing in the immediate area, Blackfellows, Coila and Binji. Many great 42

JANUARY 2016

sand to be pounded out by prevailing sea conditions.

This is a great spot for salmon most of the year. You will also score the occasional tailor although salmon dominate catches. Tailor fishing on the NSW South Coast peaks around December to April as the fish make their annual migration up the coast to spawning grounds such as Fraser Island. Dawn and dusk through to the night are best for salmon and tailor here and I have caught some big tailor to 66cm from this location during crisp autumn nights.

Every few years, including September 2015, Coila Lake is opened up to the sea by heavy machinery. This occurs when the lake reaches a level that is deemed to be a flooding risk from any further heavy rain or catchment inflows. When the lake opens, the fishing at the entrance can be spectacular for a couple of days as fish and prawns escape from the lake to the sea. If you are lucky you might also tangle with predators including mulloway that sit at the lake mouth to take advantage of the smorgasbord. The flush also

rocks at the northern end of Binji Beach.

The salmon are known to congregate here at the northern end of the beach.

The beach shelves away quickly and you can usually find some deep gutters within an easy cast from the shore.

As it’s fairly exposed to the southerly swells, paternoster rigs with size 3-4 star sinkers are a better option than casting and retrieving running ball sinker rigs.

I’ve had a lot of fun here with catches of big 3kg+ salmon on offer. If you haven’t tried it, use paternoster rigs with 2-3 droppers, and a combination of a pilchard on gang hooks as well as surf flies and/or surf poppers on two other droppers. This requires a strong fluorocarbon leader of around 50lb and about 1m in length. The star sinker is attached to the bottom via a snap swivel so you can change sinker sizes easily, with 3 droppers of around 10cm in length. Just hold on when you get a couple of those 3kg salmon jumping and zigzagging in different directions! You will

also catch the odd tailor and bream at Binji, but salmon will dominate catches.

BLACKFELLOWS BEACH While the entrance to Tuross Lake can be fished from the northern or Tuross side, the run-through here is quite strong and can make fishing difficult in all but around the change of tides. A better option is to jump in a boat and pull up on the back of the beach on the southern side of the lake entrance. If you don’t have a boat drive 30 minutes around to the southern side where you will eventually end up on a dirt track to Beachcombers Caravan Park. Here you can park and walk the 2-3km to the entrance, and maybe stop and fish prospective gutters along the way.

There are good beach worms and pipis along this beach for bait, and these juicy little morsels will catch you some big whiting, thumper bream and the occasional flathead at the entrance. You can also bring a yabbie pump and pump some nippers at the edge of the lake behind the beach as nippers fish very well around the entrance for the same fish. I’ve also caught the occasional luderick from the entrance on nippers, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Peak times for summer species such as whiting and flathead is around December to early April when the warmer currents arrive.

Along the last kilometre or so of the beach (from the rocks about halfway along) you can usually find a good gutter or two for tailor and salmon. For those that prefer tailor over salmon, this beach is a better option than further north at Coila and Binji. The occasional mulloway is also caught towards the entrance, and as usual these are best targeted with heavier gear and either a bunch of beach worms, a live legal tailor or fresh tailor fillet.

ROCK FISHING Rock fishing no longer has the popularity it once did in the 1970s and 80s possibly due to greater media attention that unfortunate rock fishing deaths generate in this age of social media. If you do fish the rocks you need to take great care and follow all the recommended guidelines and consider safety precautions like fishing in a lightweight lifejacket.

Assuming you do, there are a few good rock fishing locations nearby such as One-Tree Point at Tuross, Binji-Binji Point, Blackfellows Point and Potato Point headlands (the latter three require a 20-25 minute drive to the north and south respectively). A variety of species are available such as tailor, salmon, bream, drummer and blackfish in season.

A great technique to

The author’s son working the edge of a drop-off to catch flathead. employ in these locations is to cast and retrieve a very lightly weighted pilchard on a gang hook at dawn and dusk (I prefer dawn to give me more light as the session progresses).

This involves a very simple rig with a small size 1 ball or bean sinker running down to the hook. Cast out towards the wash in front of the rocks or in the wash behind other rocks in front of your fishing platform.

Slowly retrieve the rig, making sure you speed it up as you get closer to the rocks as there is thick kelp growing directly in front of some of these rock platforms that just loves to eat lures and fishing rigs!

In light-medium swell, these rocks are also great spots for some fantastic fun throwing lures including poppers off the rocks. To see a couple of marauding tailor, or a 2kg+ hungry salmon chase and smack your popper in full view on the surface, sometimes a metre or two off

for bait to chase bream.

Berley close to rocks with a bucket mix of sand, water, unprocessed bran and tuna oil.

Throw a couple of handfuls out at a time. Alternatively, tie a tuna frame to the rocks and let it disperse bits of berley as it washes around in the wash.

COILA LAKE Unfortunately Coila Lake is still open to commercial fishing and it seems to cop a lot of commercial fishing pressure. As a result it is probably best to check with the locals at the tackle shop, or Scott Mazz the local fishing guide, on how it is fishing at the time.

The lake can at times produce some monstrous black bream, tailor, whiting, a few flathead and in years gone-by legal snapper in the deep hole on the northern side. As a result of the lake’s closure for the last few years, a thick weed has grown along the shoreline, which has made fishing from

Scott Mazz showing how to finetune your lure for better results. the rocks, is exhilarating stuff and one of the reasons I love our great sport!

Another option off these rocks is to use a 1/0 suicide hook and striped tuna cubes

the shore really difficult.

TUROSS LAKE Tuross Lake is the jewel in the crown of Tuross Head.

Due to the lack of commercial netting for over a decade, the

estuary fishing can be superb.

As a result, flathead numbers and sizes have flourished, as have other species like whiting, bream, luderick, estuary perch, tailor and the mighty mulloway. The lake is made up of the main lake, the Tuross River and smaller lakes and creeks that offer a choice of locations to fish and explore.

ACCESS There are two main public boat ramps in Tuross Lake. The most popular ramp

side of the bridge on the Princes Highway 6km south of the Tuross Head turnoff.

The former is the most popular ramp for access to the front of the lake system. The latter is normally used for chasing fish upstream, particularly after a lengthy dry spell that has the effect of increasing the salinity levels of the Tuross River upstream. Anglers chasing estuary perch and bass also tend to launch from here.

There is also a third smaller dirt ramp for small boats and

Tuross Lake

where you then turn left to Horse Island Road. There is only really room for one or two cars/trailers here though.

ADAPTING TO THE CONDITIONS While Tuross has been pro-free for over a decade, don’t turn up and expect the fish to simply jump onto your hooks. You still need to fish to the prevailing conditions, which are subject to both natural and human influences.

Natural influences can include the water temperature,

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kayaks at the back of Horse Island. This ramp is accessed from the road to Potato Point

int Rd

water colour and salinity (due to recent rains or lack thereof), tidal influence (based

on the flow at the entrance), cloud cover, and wind.

Human influences can include boat traffic, boat noise and vibrations or recent fishing pressure in the location.

One way to adapt to the conditions is during the ‘in between’ seasons of spring and autumn. Use your sounder to find patches of warmer water, and you will soon find the fish. Sometimes you can find variances of 2-3°C in water temperature. Often the warmer water will be around the shallower areas of the lake, particularly those with dark mud or dark sandy bottoms further upstream from the entrance, which tend to retain the heat from the sun just like a dark t-shirt retains heat in summer.

Also, if there has been quite a bit of recent rain, the fish will move towards the entrance or sit in the cleaner salt water in the deeper holes.

The cleaner water will be at the bottom of the deep holes as freshwater is less dense that salt water and hence will float on top of the salt water. In Tuross there are a couple of deeper holes you can target, in the main basin in front of the boatshed, and northeast of Reedy Island.

WHAT’S ON OFFER? A great place to start before tackling any new location is to use Google Earth or grab a fishing and

SYDNEY’S NO.1

My son with another nice flatty he caught from the drop-off. boating map of the area.

NSW Roads and Marine have a handy waterproof map of Tuross and other nearby lakes available for purchase online for $7. Just look for map 13A - Moruya River Area and Congo Creek, Tuross, Coila and Mummuga Lakes.

You can also download the Chartered Waters – Australia Fishing Maps app and get

hold of a map of Tuross Lake on SD card or download an interactive map of the lake that includes contours, boat launching facilities, islands, campgrounds and navigation aids. The map displays shallow water (at normal water levels) and deep water, all colour coded for ease of use. Failing that, To page 44

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From page 43

the Tuross Boatshed and Café has a rough mud map with a few suggested fishing locations on it.

As mentioned earlier, the fact Tuross has been free of commercial fishing for over a decade has significantly increased fish stock and sizes.

The lake has consequently been building its reputation for some monster flathead. Of course anglers are encouraged to release the larger big breeders, particularly over 70cm.

The flathead fishing in Tuross is one of the reasons anglers return year after year.

Take your choice, you can drift with whitebait or live poddy mullet, throw soft plastics or vibes, or troll hardbodies or soft plastics in the shallows. In fact, some of the big shallow bays in Tuross are perfect spots for the very underused technique of trolling plastics. Run two lines behind the boat on light jigheads of around 1/8 - 1/6oz, with a 2.5m fluorocarbon trace of around 8-14lb, depending on water colour (clearer line = lighter trace). I’ve also found if the water is discoloured even in shallow water of 3ft or so, you can get away with running the plastics as short as 8-10m from the boat. Be sure to also hold your rod and impart some action with it. If I’m driving the boat I will hold the rod over my shoulder and give the rod four or five gentle jerks from the

drop-off onto the flats and slowly working it a few metres over the drop-off before bang, on again!

Top spots for flatties in the lake are nearly too numerous to list but include the flats behind the entrance, near the channel markers out from the boat ramp, the flats east of horse island, the four wayside and some of the shallow lakes such as Borang, even in the cooler months.

Luderick are also in good numbers in the lake, with fish caught throughout much of the year. Look for locations with a rocky deep shoreline, the edges of thick weed or submerged obstacles with weed growth. Places to try include the pipeline past the boatshed, the four ways and Sandy Point (just south of the boatshed). I’ve caught Luderick at the latter location on plastics, in particular using the 3” Gulp Swimming Mullet in watermelon.

Big whiting are also available from Tuross. Top spots include in front of the boat ramp (where you can wade out to the markers if you wish), on the flats behind the beach on the southern side, the flats up around Reedy Island and in the channel leading to the lake entrance (particularly at night).

Surface fishing for whiting has also grown in popularity at Tuross in recent years, largely as a result of the early success of anglers such as Kevin Gleed and Steve Starling. Much has

Nanobraid in 4lb, with a leader of around 2-2.5m of Sunline system shock leader in 4lb. This leader is a better option than fluorocarbon, which tends to sink and tends to pull the surface lure under the water. Productive walk-the-dog style lures include the Bassday Sugapen – replace the trebles with Ecogear ZX stinger hooks for better hook up rates.

Surface poppers are probably your next best option with the Pop50 Atomic Hards also a productive lure for whiting on the surface.

Bream can be found in good numbers in the lake, particularly around the oyster leases up near the broadwater.

They can also be found in the fallen trees and rocky outcrops in the smaller creeks and upstream of the highway bridge. Around FebruaryApril, the entrance to the lake is a top spot for some big specimens.

Mulloway are also on offer in the deeper holes in the lake, such as in the main basin in front of the boatshed. Ideally is you have a good quality downscan and sidescan sounder you can search around in the holes looking for baitfish and signs of bigger fish among them. Live baits and big soft plastics are the go. Fish to 13kg have been landed in the lake late in 2015.

As mentioned, bass and estuary perch are also available upstream from the Tuross Bridge. The lake and

A couple of thumper whiting from Tuross caught at night. horizontal to 90°C above my shoulder and slowly drop the lures back again keeping the line tight.

As usual, target locations are the edge of weed banks, edge of rocky outcrops, drain entrances and drop-offs and these are littered throughout Tuross. In fact, the fishing can be so good it’s important you limit your catch when the fish are on. A great way to look for the drop-offs is with quality sunglasses. Alternatively, look for the ripple effect on the water as the tide is falling. At one such location on the flats near the entrance in January last year, my 11 year old son threw seven casts for seven consecutive flathead (many released) simply by landing the bait and then a lure just past the ripple water of the 44

JANUARY 2016

been written about this topic in recent years including from Starlo himself and is definitely worth reading up on. Scott Mazz can also help beginners and those wanting to improve as well. The key is to keep your lure moving and not stop the retrieve. Walkthe-dog style lures require a side-to-side flicking action that can be achieved by keeping your graphite rod low to the water and tapping your rod with your finger while you retrieve. For poppers you want a slow constant wind with short, sharp stabs of the rod-tip to get the lure to ‘bloop’ or throw up water on the surface.

In terms of tackle, a good starting point for chasing whiting on the surface is to use ultra thin Suffix

beach and in the estuaries around Tuross, there are many places to catch your own live or fresh bait.

them from the Moruya river flats at low tide.

A few beachworms are available from the main beach

Fishing guides often have handy storage tips like this.

For those with a boat, there are plenty of locations to pump yabbies around the low tide in Tuross Lake. Just pull your boat up onto a sand bank behind Blackfellows Beach on the southern side or onto the sandbanks around some of the islands, such as Reedy or Horse Island.

A productive option at these spots is to pump yabbies in knee-deep water using a sieve and fish the berley trail while you yabby. You can either throw a line or two out for the kids, set your own rod, or use Polaroid sunglasses to pick out big whiting and toss out an unweighted yabby. I use Spotters photochromic lens sunglasses as these allow you to spot fish or melon holes even in cloudy conditions as they adapt to the light. I have been incredibly impressed with what these glasses allow me to see.

For those without a boat, there are a couple of spots with limited numbers of yabbies near the Tuross boat ramp and

at Tuross and on some of the small beaches between the rocky outcrops in front of the township. Otherwise, if you decide to fish the beach to the south of the lake then there are plenty of worms along there.

The best worming is probably down the southern end, closer to the rocks near the Beachcomber Caravan Park.

A few tubeworms are also available in the darker black sandbanks behind the southern entrance of Tuross Lake. These are deadly bait for whiting around the entrance area. Better quantities of tubeworms are available further upstream in the Tuross River around some of the sandy islands.

Poddy mullet are an awesome bait for big flathead in the river. These can be caught using either a cheap mesh trap or clear plastic poddy mullet trap. While stale bread is a good option in and around the traps, the number one ‘bait’ for poddy traps in my view are hot potato chips!

This beach gutter produced a dozen big whiting on the rising tide. river are also home to garfish, trevally, flounder and mullet.

BAIT COLLECTION For those anglers wanting to target fish on bait off the

One other piece of advice is to stir the bottom a little around the trap with your feet. I think this gives them

on the small sandy beaches right up near Tuross Lakeside Tourist Park. Otherwise a better bet might be taking a drive north to Moruya and pumping

Their oily texture creates a great berley trail and even more so if you squish a couple as added berley around the trap.

a bit of protection and thus they are a little less hesitant to enter the trap. I came across this by accident when I slipped rear-end up once in the mud around the trap to the great amusement of my mates. The laughter turned to awe when I returned 10 minutes later to a trap full of poddy mullet! I’ve stirred the bottom up ever since.

If you can bring yourself to not eat them, live prawns, caught from the lakes at night are dynamite bait. They can be cast unweighted in among the fallen trees further up Tuross River or in many of the smaller offshoot creeks in the lake system. They are also deadly on big whiting particularly under the cover of darkness on the estuary flats at high tide or the channels near the entrance at low tide.

Green weed is your bait of choice for luderick in Tuross. Check with the guys at the boatshed as to where you might be able to access some fresh green weed locally.

PRAWNING Tuross and Coila lakes are popular spots for prawning around the new moon periods over late spring and summer. The best prawning in Tuross Lake is behind the beach on the southern side, particularly on a falling tide around the flats and edges of the channels. Coila Lake is generally a better prawning location, particularly if the lake has opened then closed again prior to summer. Coila is home to the greentail (or greasyback) prawn, which can complete its lifecycle in enclosed waters, however prawn stocks are noticeably improved if the lake is open to the sea in late winter.

Coila Lake had closed up again at the time of writing, so

the prawning season in Coila should in theory be good with the prawns growing and being trapped in the lake.

Unfortunately though, the pros have been hammering the prawns this year. This is unfortunate, as while the old theory is you can only catch prawns in months with an ‘r’ in them, in years gone by I’ve caught huge prawns in Coila right up to June.

If you have no luck on the prawns in Tuross or Coila, nearby Tilba or Corunna lakes were producing good quantities of prawns around the new moon late in 2015.

FISHING GUIDE Like any location, whether you have fished there or not, nothing beats local knowledge. One of the most impressive, laid-back and value-for-money fishing guides I have come across in a couple of decades of fishing is Scott Mazz from Allure Fishing. Scott has an incredible knowledge of Tuross Lake and runs separate 2hr adult and kids’ classes through summer for only $20 per session. Learn how to use hardbody and plastic lures as well as knots, equipment selection, modifying lures

Another monster Tuross whiting!

and much more on a different species in the lake from whiting to mulloway. Scott is also available for inexpensive private fishing charters outside these class times, between 5-10am and 1-8pm each afternoon/evening with the charter length pretty flexible within these hours.

Scott’s knowledge of the lake and catching fish with lures is very impressive and worth the small investment if staying for a couple of days or more, or if you are a regular visitor to Tuross.

He can be contacted on 0429 390 309.

FISHING BAIT AND TACKLE Tuross Boatshed and Café have a variety of fishing tackle and hire boats at very reasonable prices. It is located right on the lake’s edge at 93 Trafalgar Road, Tuross and, even better, you can also tie your boat up to the pontoon situated directly out front on Tuross’s main basin. Here you can top up on fuel, grab some tackle, advice or simply have lunch or just buy some snacks and run. The guys are forthcoming in terms of what is biting where, when and on what bait or lure.

The Tuross Heads service station at the main set of shops on Evans Road, Tuross also has a reasonable assortment of fishing tackle and frozen bait. They do quick and

reliable trailer repairs and boat servicing.

PLACES TO STAY Although a small town, Tuross boasts a diversity of places to stay from bed and

visiting kids. Both Tuross Beach Holiday Park and Tuross Lakeside Tourist Park have a choice of cabins as well as caravan and camping sites, as well as storage for

has a playground and games room for the kids.

GREAT ALL ROUND LOCATION All in all, Tuross Head is hard to go past as a

The main boat ramp at Lavender Bay is the most popular place to launch a boat. breakfasts, the Tuross Motel, two caravan parks and three holiday house and unit letting agencies.

If coming with a family, the caravan parks are a great choice as you are not only close to the beach or lake, but the kids often mingle quickly and enjoy a game of cricket, hopscotch or the like and a swim in the pool with other

your boat. The former has the advantage of location to the beach and lovely beach/ lake/ocean views, while the latter has the advantage of its own boat ramp, fish cleaning tables and being able to leave your boat in the water on the sandy beach by the lake’s edge. Both locations have a pool, while the Lakeside Caravan Park

fantastic fishing and holiday destination. From great fishing beaches, to brilliant estuary fishing (in a lake free from commercial fishing), good prawning options and best of all no hustle and bustle like more heavier populated coastal locations. So pack the boat, family and get down (or up) there for a weekend or a week!

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45

Royal visit continues BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

Summer is on and it’s crazy times. For most people it’s travelling, work parties, family, New Year, sales and, hopefully, fitting in some fishing and bbqs with mates. If you do head out for a fish and you are thinking offshore then there is a lot of bait out wide and where there is bait, there is marlin!

Game fisthing should start to warm up by January. The bottom out on the shelf is still seeing some good fish captures, so if you are heading out for some beakie action and the morning is beautiful with a slight current running north to south and then pull up at one of your deep drop spots for a chance to boat some of the best eating fish in the sea. It’s always nice to start the day knowing you have already made the effort worthwhile with some nice blue eye or perch on board.

The big bonus is catching livies whilst doing it! You can then go about your day chasing marlin.

When trolling lures for marlin, make sure you

have a small to medium size lure out for mahimahi.

They are getting around at the moment, and you never know your luck you may even pick up a small yellowfin tuna!

The species to target closer to shore have been the brutes of reef fishing, one of our favourites, kingfish. Good schools have been swimming along our coast in a variety of sizes. There are lots of rats out at the wave rider but underneath them could be some bigger models. In along the rock ledges and bommies, bigger models have been hooked and lost, with some being claimed by the spearfishers.

Anglers that have found kingfish in numbers have been casting poppers over them and stirring them up, then switching to plastics.

Big soft 7” Gulp Jerk Shads and big soft ZMans have been working well in these situations. The good thing about the weighted plastics is that you can get close to the bottom, which puts you in for a chance of a nice snapper. Charlie Azzapardi found this out when he and his mate Paul were having fun catching kings and

big salmon.

Once again if there are fish in numbers ready to feed you can bet Ray ‘Fish flirt’ Smith is already there.

His not so secret weapons have been Gulp Jerk Shads, Nemesis and short skirts – I don’t mean short-skirted lures, he actually wears short shirts! Sometimes you have to do anything and everything to get a bite…

Other reef fishing has been average to good. There have been some anglers finding a few nice snapper and most have been getting onto mowies, pigfish or a few nice salty flathead. Not much beats blue spotted or tiger flathead tails with a beer over summer.

There are also a lot of sharks and small makos around. ‘Brendon Bruce Martin’ the white pointer off Moruya, hasn’t been seen lately to my knowledge but that doesn’t mean he isn’t around.

Off the stones you can expect the odd school of kingies swimming by as you collect some squid for dinner and you curse yourself for not bringing the popping stick as you pelt your squid jig at them in disgust with your

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These kingfish treats are bound to tempt the fussiest eaters. laziness. If you’re not successful with kings off the rocks then you might find some salmon or tailor in the process. Drummer and grouper live around the rocky coastline and you can always rely on them.

On the beach it’s this time of the year where it shines. Take your shoes off and roll up your trousers.

The water is warm and there’s nothing better than soaking your feet in the ocean and relaxing on the sand immersed in our beautiful south coast landscape chasing whiting.

We really do live in a special place and over these warmer months you can soak up the scenery on one of our many world class beaches and when the beach is alive with whiting you have one of the best eating fish for dinner.

Congo, Bengello, Durras and Bawley Point are all good options for whiting off the beaches.

The estuary is fishing very well, with only the odd slow day here and there. It’s good to see decent numbers of bream and mulloway on the go.

Big and small flathead and perch have been common catches from Big Island to Nelligen.

Sand flats off Little Island would be a good place to catch whiting, along with a lot of other river destinations. Fishing the front of the racks with Ecogear SX, Daiwa Double Clutch 60s, Saku and Yakamito lures have all worked well. Out over the sand in about 2m of water the Saku copies of Jackall Chubbys have been doing very well.

The Saku lures in the shallower diver in the dark colour with orange belly

has been a winner on bass lately and you can’t go wrong with the black

Summer is doing what summer does best, sunshine with some arvo drizzle

Ray Smith having a ball on the light gear and plastics for some healthy little kings. and purple Ausspin Mini Spin Spinnerbaits, which has been the spinnerbait of choice for our area the last couple of years. The Kokoda Bats are probably one of the most successful bass surface lures around – they’re affordable and actually work!

Mudddies and blue swimmers are abundant at the moment, but the prawns have been small of late. They should improve in January.

or odd storm and a good choice of sea life. Marlin, kingfish, whiting, bream and bass is what summer is about and we have not been disappointed.

• For more up-to-theminute information on what’s biting where, drop into Compleat Angler Batemans Bay and have a chat to Anthony or one of the other friendly staff.

They’re located at 65A Orient St, Batemans Bay (02 4472 2559).

Finding gold in the estuaries NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

The summer holiday crowd is with us for the next month or so, but don’t let this deter you, as there will still be some terrific angling on offer.

Anglers fishing outside have it all laid out before them with kingfish, yellowfin tuna, albacore, black and striped marlin, plus a heap of different shark species ready to play the game. The water will be hovering around 22-24°C, which is ideal for these pelagic species, it really just depends on what you want to target and how. I know of several solid striped marlin already caught over the last few weeks, so the season ahead looks promising.

Kingfish have been a little difficult of late, but will improve once we get more southerly current.

This is important for kings, especially the bigger fish, and when using live bait.

The fish that have been captured recently are averaging 5-6kg, not huge but still a whole lot of fun!

Live bait and jigs work effectively, and the north end of the island fishes best.

On some days catching the live bait has been more difficult than the kingfish, but if you put in the time to get the bait, the rewards may just be worth it. Some of the bigger kings have mixed in with the bonito on the surface and taken on trolled deep divers. This is a great way to target them as you can cover a lot of ground. If

the chance of a big blue if fishing wide enough. Troll a mixture of different coloured skirts early in the season, though switch-baiting when bait balls are evident down deep or on the surface will certainly work. Anywhere from the 70-fathom line to the second drop is the place to fish, and success will depend on prevailing currents, bait activity and current direction.

SALTY SUCCESS There should be some reasonable yellowfin tuna to 40kg, plus albacore and a variety of shark species. I did hear of a 62kg yellowfin caught while trolling for a minute.

Those after a feed will do well as sand and tiger flathead are presently in great numbers. Fishing in 40m straight of Dalmeny has been excellent, with bag limits reached on most outings. Anglers who target snapper have found conditions a little harder, but once you find a patch – hang on, it’s pretty good!

You will have to work for them, but the deeper reefs in 55-60m straight off Potato Point are a good place to start searching.

The rock fishing brigade are finding good numbers of salmon and bonito. Both these species are in solid numbers close in and a stack of fun on spin tackle. Casting smaller shiners around 40g is recommended, but those casting ganged pilchards on heavier tackle have also fared well. Expect to see a few kings in the next few weeks especially down at Mystery Bay and the Golf course rocks in town.

casts are not required here, so a light outfit with a running sinker rig baited with live beach worms or pipis will see some nice fillets for the pan. Better beaches to try include Narooma main, Tilba and Brou Beach just north of Dalmeny. Brou has been exceptional of late, and salmon, tailor and gummy sharks have all succumbed to bait fished on heavier tackle.

ESTUARY MADNESS In the estuaries, where do I even begin? The

There’s been a few nice mulloway caught over recent weeks but certainly no guts to them. Local angler Flex did get a 13.3kg fish on a poddy mullet while targeting croc sized flathead so there are some big fish in there at present.

Other species like flathead, bream, whiting and particularly luderick are abundant through the system with mullet in the thousands. This all adds up to a very healthy system,

These bream are the typical sized surface fish that Tuross produces.

Josh Hollis with a nice estuary mulloway caught on a plastic, which was released shortly after this photo in super condition.

which can only get better as the months progress. The upper reaches of Tuross around Commerang have been quite good for bass, with switched on anglers getting a dozen fish per session. Most are using spinner-baits and smaller running hardbodies, especially during the day, with surface plugs and fizzers dynamite around dusk and after dark.

This is great visual fishing but please do the right thing and release these bass, it’s only a small pocket of water and to my knowledge everyone fishing there is practising catch and release, great to see in my books.

estuaries are firing, though Wagonga Inlet has been a little slow after the recent heavy rains from last month.

This system will pick up once the water warms and clears further. The smaller systems like Corunna and Dalmeny continue to produce excellent flathead with 40cm fish the average model. It’s quite easy to get your 10 fish limit but

Andy Marshall with a solid metre plus mulloway that ate a plastic just before sunrise.

If you put the hard work in, the just rewards will soon follow on most occasions. you do hook up, throw a live bait over on another outfit and you’ll be surprised by how many times this results in a double hook-up. A little wider and the marlin action will be in full swing. Expect both black and striped with

On the beaches the warmer water has pushed both bream and whiting high up on anglers’ lists. These bread and butter species can be found on almost any local beach with a half decent gutter close to shore. Long

please remember to only take what you require.

All methods are working, blades, soft plastics and bait fishos are all having a ball.

Tuross has been excellent, but increased holiday boat traffic can spook the fish.

JANUARY 2016

47

Happy days while the sun’s up BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

This season the water temperatures are already high. What can we expect because of this – when, where and how?

When – it doesn’t matter if you are an early starter, you like to sleep in, or you want a late start to fish into the night, the only things that may affect your chances of catching a fish is the weather or tides.

Where – is only determined by the type of fishing you enjoy as all areas, from the sweet water of Brogo Dam through to the estuaries or beach, right out onto the blue sea are producing fish.

How – dam fishing yields great results for bass in the early morning or late afternoon, however, the prime time for bass is into the night when the insect life is at its best. Surface lures or flies are not only effective, they also make for exciting angling. Currently

Five different species in as many minutes, expect this with a handful of nippers in the shallows. all the estuaries are fishing well. Spice up your life and try a variety of them as we have many on offer in our part of the world. Species to target include flathead, bream, luderick or whiting, however many other species are to be found. Choose a fishing method, lures or baits are both working, however, for some fast action try using nippers on light gear in the shallows and count up the different species.

This is a beautiful time of year on the beaches, you can wake up early to watch the sun rise and target a few whiting, bream or mullet with a worm in the shallow

Flathead are a popular summer fish whether out at sea or in the estuaries.

Big marlin out in the blue, make for an amazing day out. gutters. Or you can enjoy a stroll along the beach casting lures into the many gutters in pursuit of tailor or salmon.

In the evening, sit back in a chair and soak bait for some of those species or target

some others like mulloway or sharks.

For the boaties out at sea targeting game fish, marlin are high on the bucket list.

Baitfish are here in numbers To page 49

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15

Estuary action abound TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Tathra is a great seaside town to spend the holidays and is a place that families can really explore, with many angling options on offer.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES First port of call when you arrive at Tathra is the historic Wharf; if you have kids or an outspoken inner child in you then Tathra Wharf is a good place to start fishing. All kinds of species visit here during the summer months from hard fighting pelagics through to garfish near the rocks. Other

species on offer will include those ever-entertaining slimy mackerel, silver trevally, yellowtail, salmon and tailor plus a host more. Don’t expect to have this platform to yourself, if you don’t like crowds then start looking at other options in the area. If you have family that like to go to the beach, then there are always angling opportunities.

Most of the beaches are holding good numbers of salmon along them. The evenings have provided some excellent tailor, gummy sharks and the odd mulloway. In the shallow gutters some very nice bags of whiting, bream and mullet have been taken on beach worm. The best area is

the north end of Tathra Beach, near the entrance of the Bega River. Good rock platforms are adjacent to most beaches and are easily accessed by a short walk. Using baits like prawns or nippers will land you a variety of species such as drummer, blackfish, groper, wrasse, trevally, garfish and many more. Berley will improve your strike rate, and setting a berley trail can be as simple as throwing some soaked bread into the water.

Rigs are simple here too with just about any rod and reel combo doing the trick. Just as simple is to rig up, with a small ball sinker running straight to a no.1-4 hook with the bait of your choice.

The hard pulling sand mullet are often underrated, and great fun in the shallows or surf.

From page 48

attracting these predators to our waters, and striped, blacks or blues can all be found. Stripes are the most prolific however, at this time of year, many large blues has been encountered out over the Canyons often resulting in a long tedious battle lasting many hours.

Ultimately the fish often wins! Yellowfin tuna are not in the numbers of years past although they are still often encountered while in pursuit

of marlin. If tackling large biters is your thing, welllaid berley trails are likely to attract makos, whalers, and hammer heads. At this time of year, tigers are also possible.

Closer to shore, kingfish around Montague Island have been and still are plentiful, however getting them past the seals is a problem – you have to move quickly.

For those who just like being out on the water

catching a feed of juicy table fish, you can’t go past the many flathead that are on offer and you don’t have to go far to find them. Just go a few miles from the entrance in and around the 30-40m water depths and your bag limits of sand or tiger flathead can be achieved in a short space of time. Once you have done this, try the nearby reefs as these will hold plenty of morwong, snapper, perches or pig fish just to top up your catch.

You don’t need to have an expensive outfit to have fun in the estuaries.

RIVER AND ESTUARIES FIRING UP Calm sheltered water on some of the lakes and estuaries in the area should satisfy those looking for a little variety. The Bega River is fishing well for flathead that feed on prawns in the lower to mid reaches of the system. These fighters provide some good early morning lure fishing. All through the system bream are on the chew and have been caught on lure and bait. The beauty about the Bega River for luring anglers is the diversity of the area and how you can fish them. If the lower parts of the river are not producing, or you want a change, go further upstream for bass, estuary perch, bream and mullet. Some of those big bully mullet upstream will take a small soft plastic ripped across them at speed. I don’t know whether this is out of aggression or hunger, but I do know it’s heaps of fun when one does. Don’t limit yourself to lures though, as the river fishes very well for the bait fishos too. Worms, nippers, live mullet, fish strips, and (a specialty for this time of year) live prawns. The river is full of prawns, so when it gets dark, grab your prawn gear, get out there and get into them.

This season should be the best in years! Wallagoot Lake to the south has a share as well, which you may find larger than the river.

OFFSHORE FOCUS Offshore, bottom fishing is excellent with both sand and tiger flathead dominating

catches. Out from Bournda is producing well for the tigers with the north grounds performing best for the sandies. While up north, you might like to check out some of the reef complexes as they are holding good numbers of reef fish. Goalen Head is the last point north coming out of Tathra and is a complex reef system running many miles to sea, hosting a variety of fish including bottom dwellers through to game fish. Down deep you would expect to encounter snapper, kingfish, morwong, wrasses,

and plenty more. Up on the surface, all sorts of game fish have begun to visit.

Game fishers should try trolling a pattern of lures for marlin, yellowfin, and albacore tuna. Anywhere from 50 fathoms to beyond the shelf will hold game fish.

Striped marlin hang around the edge of the shelf feeding on the many baitfish schools.

For those with larger vessels, go further afield to beyond the Canyons as now is the time to chase those big blue marlin that patrol the deeper ocean.

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The very unlikely pair MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

The south coast estuary systems still amaze me with what species are likely to turn up during the summer months. The last week in Merimbula lake has seen two species that l have never heard of entering a southern estuary let alone staying in there for a while. While these two creatures have certainly turned some heads, they aren’t a viable estuary target.

The unlikely pair – an 8ft blue shark and a dugong, that’s right a dugong made a dramatic appearance. To say they are a different visitor

drink and pushed it off the sand. It was spotted a few hours later swimming in the channel so hopefully it’s ok too. Let’s get stuck into what we all want, southern estuarine fish.

The recent rains we experienced a few weeks back really knocked the estuaries around, but they’re clearing now with the water temperature rising. The front sections of Pambula and Merimbula is definitely the place to fish with the last two hours of the flooding tide producing best. Anglers who use a mixture of bait and lures have had success in the clearer water. Species on offer include trevally, flathead, whiting, flounder, bream and blackfish. The upper reaches should fish

too. I haven’t heard of any caught in either system but that’s not saying they aren’t there either.

For fishos fishing the stones it’s all systems go.

The pelagic action has been great for months now and the good times will keep rolling on. There’s a heap of bonito and salmon to be caught with the odd kingfish coming from the deeper ledges of Tura Head and Long Point.

Those using chromed lures and ganged pilchards have fared best on the smaller fish, with live-bait the go for the bigger models. Those after a feed for the pan should be able to rustle up a few fillets from the wash with bream, blackfish and drummer on the cards. You won’t get stacks of fish with the

There are some cracking good tailor getting around our southern estuaries as Jack found out. bracket. The water just north of us is warm and it won’t be long before the first marlin is encountered. Already striped marlin especially have come to play in the warm 20°C+ water. You will have more success trolling early in the season with the 70-fathom line outwards the place to start. If you find the bait and smaller tuna, you should be in business. Another method is switch-baiting with livies, it takes a little bit of organisation on the deck but

is a highly effective method if done correctly.

On the beaches, tailor numbers are increasing with some nice fish up 1.5kg caught. The salmon are still in huge numbers and with the warmer weather both bream and whiting numbers will increase. Both these species are great fun on light lines and pretty good on the plate. Concentrate around the estuarine mouths like Pambula and Short Point (Back Lake) for best

results. A few locals have been having some nice sessions there so it’s worth a look. Other beaches to try include North Tura and Tura, especially if a gummy shark or mulloway is your target. There’s been the odd gummy caught by those fishing for salmon so if you fish the right conditions and time you could be on to one.

Fish the flooding tide just after dark with fresh salmon strips for your best chance at getting one.

Almost there! A 95cm mulloway hooked and just out of net range. to the region is an under statement, perhaps these lads are lost! The dugong has been seen for around a week in the lower channels on Merimbula Lake right in front of town. By all reports it’s healthy, just a little way from home. The blue shark was probably ill as it had tried to beach itself in shallow water, but a few locals got in the

better in a couple of weeks or so. Because of the dirty water, flathead have been slow, but expect to see some jumbo flathead start to chew soon. Anglers fishing larger live-baits like tailor and mullet should do well, but bigger vibe lures will certainly work too. Throwing these bigger imitations around gives you a chance at a big mulloway

warmer water but enough to keep you happy. The better spot to try is Short and Long Point with cabbage, fresh cooked prawns and cunjevoi the preferred baits.

Outside, sport-fishers look forward to this time of year as it all starts to happen. There’s already been a handful of yellowfin tuna caught to 35kg with stacks of albacore in the 4-10kg

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Mallacoota swells with keen holiday anglers

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

It’s summer once again and that summer weather livens the area up with the visitors enjoying the fishing swimming and seclusion that the Eden area can offer.

The past month has seen very little rain and plenty of hot days. The usual summer wind is here and if you’re heading out fishing, an early start is needed so you can get out there catch a few fish and be back before that wind is really howling.

caught with the dark of the moon the best time to chase a feed.

In the estuaries, things have come alive with good numbers of blue swimmer crabs about and as we move into summer the rivers should come alive with prawns.

Plenty of dusky flathead have been taken with a variety of lures catching fish. Silver trevally are also being caught on both bait and soft plastic lures.

The rivers are still flowing after the rain earlier in the year and some good reports coming in of some good bass fishing with good fish taking surface

IN

REVA G.T

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this the big fellas should be about. Good snapper are being caught along with morwong and out on the sand there has been catches of good flathead along with some gummy shark.

The local beaches are still seeing some good catches of salmon along with tailor, while there have been reports of some great fishing of the local headlands with drummer and yellowfin bream taken with some big salmon also showing up. Again, an early start is needed with the best fishing happening when the tide is rising. Once that wind is up it’s time to head home.

E

EDEN

IT

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PE R RY

Warm weather action

lake entrance. Weed under a float has been the way to catch fish.

The lake has been fishing well with good numbers of flathead being caught. The fish are spread throughout the system with fish caught above Gypsy point and a variety of lures have been working with the soft plastic lures the pick.

Silver trevally are also being caught with the best action in the Bottom lake out around Goodwin Sands. Some good fishing has been had for yellowfin bream as well.

Black bream have been on the bite, but you need to keep on the move to find them, as they are in one place one day and gone the next.

TH

Summer is here and the town is abuzz as the locals and tourists alike enjoying the warmer weather.

With many of the visitors to the area enjoying the boating both offshore and in the lake at this time of year you need to make sure everything is up to scratch as fisheries are out and about, along with the water police, so don’t be surprised when they pull up alongside you.

Fishing from the local beaches has been good with catches of salmon and tailor along with some

good marlin landed by one of the keen game fishers in town and no doubt with more boats heading out there more fish will be caught. Care needs to be taken when entering and leaving the new harbour, and if in doubt, don’t go out! An early start is the go before that summer wind starts blowing.

The breakwater and jetty in the harbour have been fishing well and as more growth appears on the rocks it is only going to attract more fish. A number of anglers are taking advantage of the amount of blackfish that are about with good fish caught around the harbour jetty and the channels at the

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captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

good size yellowfin bream the entrance to the lake has been the best spot for the bream. Fishing into the night for gummy sharks from Quarry Beach has been good with the incoming tide your best chance. The warmer water gets things going and with plenty of baitfish around its fingers crossed for a good season on the kingfish.

Last year saw plenty of quality fish caught over the Christmas period.

The sand flathead have come on the bite with some good catches of quality fish caught. You need to spend a bit of time to find the fish with the Arials a good place to start.

Last year saw some

EA . BR

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The warmer weather has seen the perch fire up.

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On the inshore reefs there have been reports of small kingfish turning up and by the time you are reading

As the water warms the fishing will only improve and more species will start turning up. Whiting numbers increase when the water is warmest. Plenty of squid are also being

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What’s the story, prawning glory BRISBANE

Bob Thornton

In all fishing, understanding the fish’s basics habits only gets you so far. Knowing what they eat is certainly another piece in the puzzle, but with predatory species, getting an insight into their prey will go a long way toward finding and ultimately catching more fish.

Without doubt, one of the most common prey items for fish in Australia and across the world is prawns. Almost all species will feed on one of the many members of this family of crustaceans at some point, with an incredible number of fish species choosing these as a staple to their diet. Even bluewater species like tuna, mackerel and marlin have been known to chow down on prawns as juveniles in sheltered waters.

Luckily for us, many lure companies, fly tiers and bait distributors bring a lot of prawns and prawn imitations into our world so we can capitalise on the habits of our quarry and catch more fish.

FIND THE PRAWNS Prawns are prolific all up and down our coast. In Queensland, we experience a run of prawns making their mad dash for the sea down rivers and inlets from about February. This usually last a few months, but the cycle changes slightly with each season.

In our southern waters,

the start of summer sparks some incredible weeks of fun-filled nights. Those in the know will don a pair of waders, dust off the prawn net, put some new batteries in the spotlight and head out into the estuaries in the hope of scooping up some tasty prawns.

Up in the freshwater, shrimps, the prawns of the

fresh, will be active almost year round and while they sit under bankside structure and vegetation during the day, the night will prompt them to mooch around in a search for scraps to sustain themselves. It’s during these dark hours that many shrimp will meet their doom.

In short, these little critters really are

Bass love to eat prawns and shrimps, so the Ecooda Live Shrimp rigged weedless and hopped through dense structure is a deadly presentation.

Luke Segalla knows estuary species love prawns and swears by the Squidgy Wild Prawn when peppering the snags in Hinchinbrook.

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everywhere along our coast, but if you find exactly where they are in your local system, you’ll be able to target an area where the fish are eating prawns. Each ecosystem is different, and a bit of reconnaissance may be in order to find when and where the prawns are most active.

Making trips to the water at different stages of the tide and day, while time consuming, can really help narrow your search for predatory activity. If you’re lucky enough to stumble across fish chasing prawns, slashing through the water

King threadfin are notorious prawn eaters, but can be very fickle when they’re tuned in to a certain bait type.

A bit of thinking outside the box with a squid jig from Lachlan Hickey resulted in this chunky little thready. while the prawns take to the air in an attempt to avoid hungry mouths, you know exactly where to fish.

THE REAL THING In an area where prawns

are on the menu, sending a live, flicking prawn into a medley of splashes, or even just an area where you know fish are sitting is a method that seldom fails.

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Adding weight to your prawn imitation will aid casting distance and sink rate, which is perfect for working deep snags.

52

JANUARY 2016

But it’s getting your hands on this premium bait that can present a challenge.

Dead prawn baits will catch fish, as almost anyone who has held a rod in their hands will know! Packet prawn is really the entry level for a lot of anglers around Australia, and their certainly was a time when I would ride my push bike

down to the nearest water’s edge and soak packet prawn for some bread and butter species. But by far the best prawn bait is some fresh, and preferably live and kicking!

In Queensland, where cast and drag nets are legal, getting a handful of prawns is fairly straight forward.

In our southern states and

non-tidal freshwaters, where cast and drag nets are not permitted, anglers have to be a bit creative.

A common method of collecting live prawns is to set baited traps that comply with regulations. These are particularly effective in freshwater.

Down south, using waders, scoop nets and

GT spend their adult life on offshore reefs eating other pelagic species, sometimes up to 50cm long, but they’re quite happy to munch prawns as juveniles in the estuary.

Nothing seems to mimic the darting, fleeing action of a prawn quite like a squid jig – the squid seem to agree.

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is a sure way to keep the prawn kicking and sending out good vibrations.

If you can see the fish that you want to catch chasing prawns on the surface, it’s sensible to fish with as little added weight as you can get away with.

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distance. If you can’t reach the madness with your cast, you may need to up the weight. It can be a difficult balance to find, but ultimately the fish will let you know when you’ve found it.

Fishing with floats is fantastic when you want to hold the bait in a productive area. A suspended prawn or

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53

shrimp hovering naturally in the face of a hungry fish is about as deadly as techniques come. Some of my best childhood memories involve setting little baited traps at night, harvesting the shrimp the next morning, before rigging them under a wagler float and peppering the snags for bass. I still remember every nerve ending tingling in anticipation, just waiting for that float to be ripped beneath the surface.

In my search for shrimpcrunching river bass, often I’d only be able to gather really small shrimp, but there was a solution. By taking around 3-4 little shrimp and cramming them on a hook together, I was able to craft the perfect little mouthful for a hungry bass. It looked a bit silly but the bass didn’t mind!

THE IMITATION GAME Even after many years, artificial prawn imitations are still swum by the most seasoned anglers and account for plenty of trophy fish. From the early imitations such as Prawnstars and Deception Lures (which I still use today), to the more recent additions like Zerek Live Shrimps and Squidgy Wild Prawns, it seems the search to find a perfect imitation is never-ending.

Apart from being a very exciting way to fish, a live prawn or shrimp imitation has a few pros over actual live bait. First and foremost is that time isn’t spent trying to gather live bait, and instead a single lure can be fished all day.

Secondly, being a lure designed for casting makes getting it to likely areas a whole lot easier.

Where an unweighted live prawn might only cast a few metres, an unweighted soft plastic prawn imitation is designed to cast far and sink slow, which enables an angler to reach feeding fish in the distance.

Thirdly, the action is imparted by the angler and can be tailored to what the fish want. Trying this with live bait would result in the bait dying prematurely or falling off the hook.

Some anglers like to employ small, subtle flicks to the lure to imitate a disoriented little critter that’s not up to speed with what’s going on, and this is the most common approach when working snags.

Between flicks, it’s a good idea to let it sink back down into the ‘zone’. For species like bass, trout, mangrove jack, barramundi and estuary cod especially, I like to give 3-4 little flicks, and then let it fall, repeating this process

until the retrieve is over.

There are species that are more receptive to aggressive movements of the lure. Species such as flathead, schooling bass, snapper, mulloway and other fish closely associated with the bottom of the water column.

Finally, species that feed close to the surface such as tuna, mackerel, kingfish,

bonito and cobia will usually enjoy a fast-paced retrieve. When prawns are being chased they can really get a move on! Don’t be afraid to really crank that imitation back to the rod tip if you can see prawns under attack and fleeing off in every direction.

Another positive is that many prawn imitations now come in weedless

configurations, and these lures can be fished far up into the danger zone. Fishing weedless prawn imitations right into structure is a way to reach fish that were previously unreachable and has revolutionised fishing. On a recent trip to Hinchinbrook Island fishing the many mangrove creeks for barra, mangrove jack, trevally and a host of other

Even the author’s old man, after 40+ years of luring for bass, still enjoys a bit of shrimp under a float action on the bass.

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northern by-catch, weedless prawns saved us when the tide got too high. As the tide rose, the fish retreated back into the mangroves and our weedless prawn presentations allowed us to hit the areas where other lures and baits would have become stuck.

EARLY IN THE PRAWNING This month, prawns are starting their annual run all along our east coast, and this should continue for a few months. Every system has its subtleties and the prawns won’t always run like clockwork. Anglers who make an effort to gain an understanding of the prawns and predators in their area will see some exciting fishing in the months to come, whether they fish with lures, baits or flies.

Prawns are one of the most prolific bait sources in any inshore and fresh waters and the tackle industry had done wonders for anglers all around the world wanting to catch or imitate these flighty little flickers.

So make sure you soak a livey, cast a prawn plastic or flick a fly into the realm of some prawneating predators. You may find yourself hooked into a fish of a lifetime.

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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

Rains are falling on Canberra CANBERRA

Bryan Pratt

It’s amazing how quickly rain can change things in the fishing world.

Just one month ago we were worried about a developing El Nino system. The weather was hot, the sun was piercingly bright and trout in the streams had bedded down and were virtually uncatchable.

Now we’ve had substantial rain throughout the Canberra-Monaro district and the fishing pattern has changed dramatically.

Streams are flowing again, air and water temperatures have fallen, the fish have moved back into the upper layers of water, and more

importantly, have started feeding during the day instead of just at night.

Fly and lure fishers, who could hardly catch a fish in the streams, have suddenly begun reporting good fish captures in all of the regional waterways, including the important streams east of Cooma, in the high alpine areas and all around Tumut. Some of the fish have been quite spectacular and include a 3.2kg rainbow caught on a Woolly Bugger and several browns 2.2-2.8kg also caught on Woolly Buggers, and small nymphs.

Numerous good-sized browns and rainbows have suddenly shown in waters seemingly barren just a few weeks ago.

Unfortunately this doesn’t mean that El

Nino is about to vanish.

The most likely scenario is that it’s just lurking in the background, to emerge powerfully as soon as this freakish rain period declines. Then we will drop back into the bad situation. So the message is still the same as it was a month ago – get all your stream fishing in as soon as possible, because the good times won’t last very long.

LAKES GOOD ALTERNATIVE Thankfully, if and when the stream fishing declines, the big mountain lakes Jindabyne, Eucumbene and Tantangara will provide useful fishing alternatives.

Most of the 650 anglers who fished the 2015 Snowy Mountains Trout Festival in early November reported satisfying fishing, with a

good scatter of browns to 2.8kg, rainbows to 3.2kg and a few brook trout and small Atlantic salmon. The fish were taken on fly, such as on Woolly Buggers, stick caddis and brown nymphs, on Tasmanian Devils and small hardbodied minnows on three colours of lead core line, and on bait consisting of scrub worms, wood grubs and PowerBait.

GOLDEN CHANCES Golden perch have also provided a lot of fun in Canberra’s urban lakes, Burrinjuck, Wyangala and Burrendong. Lure fishers have taken plenty on Burrinjuck Specials, Jackalls and the sensational

Holding cod like this provides a great photo, but we have now learned it can cause serious damage to the backbone and result in early death of released fish.

This is a satisfactory way of holding a cod for a quick camera shot, with support in different areas to avoid placing undue stress on the backbone.

8cm black minnow grub from Gulp. Big catches have also been made with scrub worms, yabbies, shrimps and wood grubs.

COD OPENING The focus of attention now shifts to Murray cod.

The season opened on 1 December in both the ACT and NSW. Catch results from earlier in 2015, together with stockings since then by ACT and NSW government agencies, suggest there should be plenty of fish around. The now-common practice of catch-andrelease also means there are many more larger fish around than in previous years. The million-dollar tagged fish on offer at this year’s Mulwala Cod Classic also should provide a lot of interest to kick off the season. All in all things are looking good.

Golden perch are on the move in all of the regional waterways and are great fun on hardbodied lures such as Jackalls, Burrinjuck Specials and soft plastic lures.

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Working snags like these with lures provides maximum opportunity for a hookup on our two most common freshwater fish, Murray cod and golden perch, but it is important to get right in where the fish are hiding.

Excellent results on surface JINDABYNE

Steve Williamson swtrout@airlan.com.au

Happy New Year from all of us at Steve Williamson’s Tackle Shop and Fishing Adventures. I hope Santa was kind to you and you have some new fishing tackle to try out over the coming month.

In the Snowy Mountains, January is when the dry fly fishing is at its best, with plenty of grasshoppers about. There are many different grasshopper patterns available. You just have a look around and see what the size and colour the real ones are and find a fly to match. It can depend on how hot it has been as to how big the hoppers are, so you can never predict what size to choose as it can vary from place to place depending on the microclimate.

In the early stages of hopper development we like to use smaller patterns; even flies like a yellow Humpy will imitate the local hoppers. However, as the hopper develops wings then the Snowy Mountains Hopper pattern or a larger yellow Stimulator are a couple of flies you should have in your box. Also keep your eye open for evening hatches of other insects, such as the mayfly.

I love the dry fly fishing at this time of year. If you are a lake fly angler, nights are the best time to fish the lake, and bigger dark or black flies like a Woolly Bugger or other dark streamer patterns are good flies to try. Craig’s Nighttime is another Snowy Mountains favourite, not to forget my own Snowy Mountains Gold Fish where fishing the bays and the inlets will be best places to get results.

Boat trolling in January is very popular, because all you have to do is get the lures down to the right depth and wait for the trout to bite. We start the day off by surface trolling

lures like Warlock or Bullet minnows, just a couple of the many brands that work on trout. Minnows are very good for the bigger brown trout fished off the surface line early, or you can troll these off lead core lines to get them a little deeper if it’s very bright.

deep using lead core lines, paravanes, trolling sinkers and so forth, but the best way to achieve results is to use a downrigger so as you know exactly what level you are fishing. At the moment the depth continues to vary from 35ft early in the day to 45ft later in

case to allow them to swim around beneath a float.

Early and late in the day are the best times. Fish the bays and move to deeper water as the day brightens up. The shallow bays are the best nighttime fishing locations, however look out for the snags.

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Amanda Walshaw with a brown caught trolling on a Tasmanian Devil number 111 Willy’s Special.

Surface trolling Tasmanian Devils in green colours (like the number 111 Willy’s Special) is also well worth trying, and my special red-nosed Yellow Wing is also great when the sun starts to get higher in the sky. On the overcast days the holographic and number Y48 Yellow Wing brown bomber or other darker lures will be best.

The best areas to fish have been Hayshed, Hatchery, Rushes Bay and the South Arm, but if you are smart you should look for the wind lanes early in the day. You will often locate these by looking for the ducks and gulls (lake gulls, not seagulls) because these birds often also feed on the surface insects that the trout love to eat.

Later in the morning, the best fishing will be

Lee Boag with a rainbow trout caught trolling with a Yellowwing Number 48 Tasmanian Devil.

the morning.

Lake spin anglers will also do best in the first hour or so of light or dusk as the sun sets. Again, I like to spin with lures, the same as the trollers. I like to use those little metal blades that are often used by bream anglers in the saltwater. Blades definitely work on trout, and gold colours are best.

By mid-morning you’d be lucky to catch a fish on the lake in summer. You may be better off heading to the alpine rivers for a spin in the creeks where the trout may be a little more active.

River spinning is much better than last year because the water levels are a little higher. There have been some good trout caught by those anglers prepared to walk a little further away from the holiday crowds.

Look for some deep pools or some deeper running water where the fish may lay under cover.

Small minnow style lures like CD Rapalas work very well, and the old favourite Gillies Spinners are also a must for any tackle box. Change lures often and never work one area of water over any more than a half a dozen casts.

Bait fishing in summer is mudeye time. The mudeye is the nymph of the dragonfly, and anglers use them as live bait, hooking them through the wing

If you want to bait fish in the middle of the day, you are best to look at bottom fishing using either a tiger worm or a local scrub worm. Artificial baits are also good, and there are several colours to choose from. Everyone has a favourite, but you can always drop into my shop and ask which one is best at the time.

The secret at the moment to catching trout on bait, is to also grease up the line to stop the drag on the water and to stop it floating to the bottom into the weed and getting caught up. You need a trout to run with the bait without feeling any resistance, and greasing the line will help catch more fish. Always fish with the reel bail arm open so the fish can run with the line. The best line grease is silicon muclin as it will not harm the line.

Until next month, hope you catch the big one.

• If you’re down in the mountains, drop in and say hi at my shop, at Snowline Service Centre, where you will find me next to the Shell Servo. I will have the latest fishing information available and you can also book a tour with me while you are there. If you would like to book a tour or fly fishing lesson you can always check us out at www.swtroutfishing.com.au or give my shop a call on (02) 6456 1551.

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57

Mildura monsters finally come out to play MILDURA

John Menhennett goobyfish@hotmail.com

River levels have dropped and continue to fall back into the banks from higher waters earlier in the year.

Flows have subsided and water clarity is good enough to catch some nice fish.

This year is gearing up to be a fantastic summer of fishing around Mildura, particularly for those targeting the iconic Murray cod in the Murray River.

Some very nice yellowbelly have been caught all around Mildura during the warm conditions lately, especially around Merbein. The fish have been caught on lures mostly, but bait fishos are having a great time bobbing shrimps and small yabbies.

Downsized lures intended for yellas have been working well around snags

and clay banks, but recently the fish have been caught on larger lures as by-catch to their much larger and more aggressive cousins, the Murray cod. Others have been coming in at the usual 40-48cm range – typical of summer yellowbelly.

Larger lures have done most of the damage to the Murray cod. One lure that has dominated the cod season so far is the Koolabung 120mm Codzilla in the holographic range. We have been smashing a lot of cod on these lures over the years and they continue to produce great fish.

There have been numerous larger models caught on trolled lures in multiple locations around Mildura. This season should be a ripper for catching big Murray cod due to the appropriate water levels.

Try trolling big lures for a decent chance of landing a metre cod. Spinnnerbaits,

either cast or trolled, have been working well with the improved water clarity on submerged logs and other structure.

Running a combination of 50lb braid and 50-60lb leader is the optimum for targeting big fish. Lighter gear will also see you land the big one, but with so much cover in the river to contend with, the chances of line breakage are high.

Upsizing your treble hooks is also a good idea, because you don’t want to be left wondering what could have been.

Releasing Murray cod is also a good practise, so if you intend to release cod it is important you have all the right landing gear to make the release smooth and trouble free. A large net, lip grips, pliers for hook removal and gloves are just some of the important equipment anglers should possess.

Summer is a great time to fish for our special native

Luke Haaja with a huge Murray cod caught on a Mumbler-style spinnerbait. Fish this size are quite common in the Murray River, even during the summer months. species, but it is vitally important if you are heading out to carry safety and medical

gear appropriate to your crew and boat size. Maritime are going to be out in force over

the summer break, so do everyone a favour and do the right thing.

Ripper cod season coming up ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

While there are good flows in the Murray River the water clarity is not that great. In saying that, a few cod are being landed on lures and most of these fish have been quite large.

a 105cm cod on a fluoro orange StumpJumper lure.

It was their first visit to the Murray and they were not perturbed by the poor water clarity stating they just needed to get the lure a little closer to insight a strike. They were correct, and hooked up not 50m into the first troll run of the morning. It’s fair to say they loved the Murray and

Nigel Greenwood with a solid Murray cod landed on the cast using a Bassman 4x4 spinnerbait.

In the Murray downstream of the Euston weir a group of visiting fishos landed 58

JANUARY 2016

will be back for sure.

I have always found that bright fluoro colours have worked best for me under

dirty water conditions. This goes against the general consensus that adhere to the adage ‘dirty water, dark lures’.

Above the weir at Robinvale local accountant Phill Tyrell tells of hooking a ripper cod on the troll around the back of the Nine Mile, only to have it spit the lure beside the boat.

“A foot across its head at least,” he said, as he handed me his fee for doing my tax. I’m not sure on the size of the cod but his bill was indeed a thumper and one I wish I could throw back.

Several reports of good cod in this area has me thinking it might be time to slug it out for a few days on the Murray River at Robinvale once the water settles and clears up a little. This area is always good for perch and amongst them some very good-sized models for the Murray River. Bobbing shrimp or small yabbies around the snags is a sure fire way of bagging a few goldens as the weather continues to warm.

Bait anglers chasing cod are reporting a few fish upstream of Robinvale through Tol Tol and onto Belsar Island. There are good numbers of perch biting in these areas also, so it’s a win-win fishery at the moment. The best baits for cod have been large grubs, either wood or bardi, closely followed by cheese.

Scrub worms, too, will tempt a bite and a few cod have been landed on large

dead yabbies that have had the carapace crushed, releasing a small berley trail that draws the cod to the bait. Shrimp are now abundant in the warming water, and both cod and perch will scoff this natural bait if it’s fished in the right spot.

Swan Hill Tackle proprietor Jim Credlin says that good numbers of cod are biting in the Murray River locally on a variety of baits and lures.

In the Kerang Lakes, good-sized redfin are taking white bait and shrimp at Lake Charm. It’s a similar story at Kangaroo Lake with a few golden perch in the mix.

The Wakool River at Kyalite has good numbers of Murray cod to 90cm on

Michael Wenning with an example of the monster cod that reside in our local waters. bait. The perch are also biting well in this area.

With the Murray threatening to steady and clear, the cod bite will only

get better as we head into what looks to be another ripper cod season up this way. Good luck to all over the coming month!

I have always preferred to use fluoro colours in dirty water for Murray cod. This one fell to a pink StumpJumper on the cast.

Watch out for weed!

ECHUCA

Daniel Bongiovanni

Cod season is in full swing, and the fishing is shaping up. The cod season opened on 1 Dec and there were immediate reports of plentiful cod captures, which is great to hear!

The Barmah Lakes has been a very popular place to start, with some nice fish caught both on trolled hardbody lures and bait. There was some nice size cod caught to around the 80cm mark, a positive kick-start in the right direction. Moving closer to Echuca, around the Goulburn junction there were reports of a few fish caught on lures, mainly small cod and plenty of yellas. With Goulburn so low at the start of the open season, the water remained clear in the Murray – this made for excellent lure fishing conditions.

The river was looking good at opening, with plenty of small cod caught

both on lures and bait from Echuca down to Torrumbarry. I also went

moment, there is a bad weed growth in the shallow water and around the fallen down

It’s always positive to see smaller models populating the waterways.

One day this little specimen will grow up to pull some hooks!

That’s what we’re after! A nice sized cod pulled in the late afternoon. down there during cod opening week and managed to get a couple of small cod casting hardbodies. At the

timber, which inhibits lure casting. This weed is really the only bad thing about the Torrumbarry area. Below

the weir, there were reports of small cod caught on bait.

The best bait to use includes grubs, cheese, shrimp, and yabbies. A few better fish were picked on lures, try casting spinnerbaits and trolling hard bodies.

Once again, there is plenty of weed washed up on snags making it hard

for lure fishermen. The Gunbower creek seemed to produce plenty of fish on the opening weekend, with some nice size cod caught around 80cm. Majority of the fish were caught on bait, with the odd catch

on a lure. With the low rainfall of late, the water clarity in the Murray and others rivers should remain good. The environmental flows have stopped, so the Murray should remain at normal summer level.

Mulwala doesn’t disappoint YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the opening of cod season, it’s shaping up to be a cracker! All fishing methods this time of year should see you in with a great chance of action.

Traditionally lure fishing tends to turn up bigger cod while the bait fishers will be rewarded with numbers. For the trollers, 70-120mm lures are always a great choice while spinnerbaits should not be discounted, as they have produced many fish on the troll in the past couple of years. Those who prefer to cast tend to use spinnerbaits and crankbaits, but a look at casting some timber hardbodies should not be discounted. Cod have seen many spinnerbaits over the past 15 years and it might be a case of ‘what’s old is new again’ with a return to the old style timber lures.

The bait crew should be looking towards bardi grubs, yabbies and the ever-popular scrub worm.

Fishing below the weir early in the season generally produces plenty of undersize Murray cod, the protected trout cod, the fun to catch silver perch, numerous carp and

good numbers of yellas.

The Murray is more often than not a better option for the family if they are looking to put the kids onto a fish for a bit of fun.

A special mention goes out to Sally Finch.

Under expert guidance of her new partner, Sally managed to catch four nice yellas casting Bassman Spinnerbaits. Not a bad effort for somebody that hasn’t done much fishing before!

The feel good story for the month came from an excited conversation and photos from a proud father and grandfather. It related to the exploits of young 3-year-old Derik Cjepa.

Derik is a passionate, young kid who is very handy when it comes to casting a line. Unbelievably, Derik was casting and retrieving a hook and sinker with no bait. In the process a small cod grabbed hold and became hooked! To top that off, the following day, Derik was casting a spinnerbait from the bank and hooked up and landed a nice cod of around 45cm, again, all on his own. Great work young fella!

I welcome all anglers visiting Yarrawonga over the Christmas period to pop in and say hello at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski (opposite Mulwala Post Office) and out our new store located between Rivers and One Zac in the

main street of Yarrawonga.

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59

‘Bidgee natives come out to play BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

When I think about January, I think of long hot days, camping and holiday time.

January sure is a great time of the year to be in the outdoors and what better way to enjoy the outdoors then by fishing and camping? Blowering dam has free form camping

the day either target the redfin or hit the most wind swept area you can find. Even on super hot days natives can be found in these well-oxygenated areas feeding heavily on all of the disorientated baitfish and dislodged yabbies, shrimp and crays.

TROUT WATERS The Tumut River has been up and down all season, when it has been down it has fished reasonably well. High

dry fly completely chuck on an indicator and add another nymph. Fishing this way is not quite as much fun as getting them to rise to the dry but once mastered, this technique can yield fish when nothing else is working.

Spinning with Rooster tails, Rapala CDs, IMA Sukaris or soft plastics almost guarantees you a fish in the Tumut River and spinning with the above mentioned lures has

lifetime. The ‘Bidgee’ has had plenty of water flushed down it to suit irrigator and electricity demands which, for those that like to fish from a boat, is pleasing as the higher water level makes most of the river accessible. Anglers have been blessed with a great start to the season with lots of Murray cod landed and it’s only the canoeists and kayakers that are unhappy at the moment as the river is simply flowing too fast for them to get out there and get among them.

Baitfishing in the deeper holes has been very successful.

Shrimp, if you can find them, are easily the best bait to use in the river but juicy grubs (preferably bardies) are the gun bait for targeting Murray cod. Big scrub worms will put you in with a great chance at any of the species mentioned, but if the carp are taking your worms too often then try using medium sized yabbies and you should start to see more natives then carp on the end of your line.Casting lures can be a bit difficult in the higher flows as it’s hard to present your lure properly, however, sticking to

Another beautiful Murray cod fooled by an Insanity Tackle Angel bait. Big Murray cod like this will be most anglers’ main target this month both in our rivers and lakes. back waters behind large logs, in back eddies, flooded creek mouths and on the inside of bends on the river can make the process easier. The water in these areas is much slower

moving and is more suitable for the natives. Fishing in these areas in high flow will give you the best chances of hooking a few hard fighting natives on lures.

For the best native action this month focus your efforts super early or late in the day and through the night. around the lake, and is a popular spot at this time of year. The lake is massive and there is heaps of camping room so even if there are a lot of people around you’ll still be able to find yourself a nice little area away from the crowds.

The fishing can be fantastic in the lake in January but early and late starts are required if you want to catch fish regularly and not get roasted in the process. Concentrate on the natives at night, and if you want to fish in the middle of

flow rates and plenty of rain, especially through spring, made it almost unfishable at times but those that put in the hard yards still managed a few nice fish.

Big grasshopper pattern flies have worked well recently and should continue to work this month. If you can’t get one to come up to your dry fly I’d suggest tying on a black, brown or red copper john weighted nymph dropper to achieve results. If you find you are only getting them on the nymphs then get rid of the

already brought many big fish undone this season. The smaller creeks in the area have fished better than the Tumut river and although the fish are smaller in size they are much easier to catch and in bigger numbers. If you feel the river is too high, go and explore one of the many small streams in the area.

MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER The time has come to head to your favourite stretch of river in the hope of catching that big Murray cod of a

DAM LEVELS

Dam

% Full

Dam

% Full

Blowering............................. 42

Glennies Creek....................... 86

Brogo................................ 100

Hume.................................. 46

Burrendong........................... 21

Jindabyne............................. 60

Burrinjuck............................. 69

Keepit.................................. 18

Carcoar................................ 20

Lostock.............................. 100

Chaffey................................ 58

Oberon................................. 63

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

Pindari................................. 37

Copeton............................... 22

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

Dartmouth............................. 57

Tantangara............................ 16

Eucumbene........................... 54

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

Glenbawn............................. 89

Windamere........................... 42

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

Wyangala............................. 58

(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.)

60

JANUARY 2016

The Tumut River is home to some very good-sized trout. The river fishes best when in low flow however, if it’s flowing too high and the fish aren’t biting then the smaller creeks in the area fish well and make a great alternative.

Dean Rogers caught this salmon on a pilchard at Boomerang Beach near Forster. It was hard work reeling it in from the surf in the twilight!

New Year fishing resolution – catch more!

LITHGOW/OBERON

Glen Stewart stewie72@bigpond.com

They don’t call it the silly season for nothing! Water activities on the bigger lakes in the district reach fever pitch during the holiday season, and it’s easy to get caught up in it all and maybe get a little frustrated. There are some measures you can take to ensure a smooth day out on the water. Get up super early to avoid the boat traffic, as some recreational water users enjoy a sleep-in in the morning. Quite often you can get a good few hours in before the melee starts.

Early morning is the best time to be on the water at this time of year anyway; with a cooler night and a drop in activity on the water, fish are encouraged to resume normal activities. Night sessions are something that many anglers also enjoy.

HIDDEN GEMS We all have one or two hidden gems in our fishing destination kitty, and January is a great time

of year to visit them. The backwaters of Wyangala and Burrendong offer some great boating and camping options. Although it does take a little extra planning, these spots are well worth the effort, especially for an extended stay. Apart from a little extra food, you can take the same amount of gear whether you’re staying for two nights or five.

Taking a backpacker’s approach is best – only take what you really need.

I find it best to do up a list and work through it; it’s amazing what you can do without. Always keep in mind what could happen, as distance from civilisation can make a difficult situation worse.

Good advice is to carry things such as a spare prop or shear pin.

Canoe and kayak water is awesome fun at this time of year, with rivers such as the Macquarie and the Lachlan offering some great drift options. The use of stock routes on these rivers allows you to drift between two cars with a camp riverside for two or three nights. It pays to know the river heights on

some stretches, and you can monitor this online. Once you have a good idea of water level or flow releases from the dams you can decide whether to embark on a trip. Get it wrong and you could be dragging boats and pushing over logs, or at the other end of the scale getting pushed into banks and logs in high current. A bank-side car and camping trip is a good start to this sort of adventure; take notes, and use your phone (if service permits) to get the latest river level updates, check out drop-off and pick up points, and always keep in mind the lazy kilometres of a river.

Water clarity may not always be good in this water. Depending on flows, baitfishing is a great fallback option and you can spend relaxed, lazy afternoons under river red gums, watching and listening to nature at work. Carp are prolific in these waters and can be great fun to catch if the golden perch and cod do not respond. Baits such as worms and shrimp will do wonders, and if the water clarity allows and you are handy with the long wand, flyfishing for them is top notch. Small woolly buggers, soft hackle wets, and in some cases a well presented dry fly can be skipped off the surface, the big ones will have you into the backing in no time.

PETER PHELPS I was delighted to hear about Peter’s victory in the ABT Bass Pro grand final a month or so back. I don’t know Peter but when I heard about his victory on the back of skirted jigs I was stoked. For those of you that follow my

Backwater adventures offer a lot to those who seek them out. You may have to do some research and quiz a few in the know to find them! writing you will know that I have been jabbering on about them for quite some time. If memory serves, Peter Dolan was the last guy to mention them in a tournament wrap and that’s going way back! It was interesting to talk to Phelps about the similarities and

differences between what he has found with the bass and my experiences with golden perch, there is a whole lot more to be discovered about skirted jigs and with Peter’s win I know that more people will be tying them on and hopefully catching fish on

them. Like any lure fishing technique there is a time and a place where they work the best, working that out is half the fun I reckon!

It also gives everyone an excuse to buy more stuff!

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61

Cod season in full swing TAMWORTH

Adam Mears adam.mears@hotmail.com

The golden days of January are upon us, and with the combination of warm water and afternoon thunderstorms we are guaranteed a season of fantastic fishing around the region. As a

cod fisherman, this is the time of year that I love most, the cicadas are in full song as they drown out an otherwise peaceful riverbank and the baby birds of spring past are trying to leave the safety of their nests.

Unbeknown to those baby birds, a powerful predator lies waiting in the river below, the

great Murray cod! These opportunistic times lead to the almighty ‘boof,’ the hook up that gets the adrenalin pumping and heightens our senses tenfold. A quick photo with these magnificent fish later, and they can be returned safely to the pristine waters they rule over. Cod fishing is a real buzz so I suggest you get out of your

Hayley McDonald with a beautiful Murray cod taken on a recent trip on the Namoi.

Mark Crampton of Tamworth shows off his angling skills with this mottled green machine taken on a Lurestrike spinnerbait.

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favourite stretch of river and pepper the snags with surface lures, you will not be disappointed.

PEEL RIVER Stretches of the Peel River in recent months have provided some great fishing, and golden perch in particular have been active feeding on shrimps and yabbies. Lure fishing for these tough little natives has also been productive, vibration lures like the

ballista juggernaut and jackal TN range are a great starting point.

The Murray cod in the Peel have been on the chew and are caught regularly on smaller lures aimed at the perch. If you’re serious about targeting the cod though, larger lures like spinnerbaits and diving lures will see you hook a few larger fish.

CHAFFEY DAM Chaffey Dam is a beautiful dam situated about thirty minutes drive from Tamworth and is home to both golden and silver perch as well as Murray cod, eel tailed catfish and European carp.

Although the dam holds very little structure in the form of timber, if you slow down and look around you

and fish heavy tackle around the weeds. Small vibrating lures will be productive, but keeping them out of the weed is another story. Cod are also partial to bait and shrimp, and baitfishing can be as good as it gets for most species in this dam.

Locally sourced rock worms are dynamite.

LAKE KEEPIT Keepit Dam has been sensational, over the last couple of months I was lucky enough to experience this first hand on a few occasions and the dam should continue to fish well right though till the end of summer.

Golden perch have dominated catch stats and the guys using worms and yabbies around the copious amounts of standing timber

crankbaits past any likely looking locations and we definitely were on the money with this technique. Fishing deep and hopping our lures along the bottom rewarded us with fish pushing 60cm in length, and although there are Murray cod in the dam, I haven’t been lucky enough to find them. We have seen a few great captures of large cod taken from the banks using bardi grubs and large yabbies, so don’t be surprised if you run into a few brutes on your next outing. The European carp in the dam have finished their spawning season and are now in full force, so if you want to have some fun with the kids while doing the ecosystem a favour, then head out there with a tub of worms, some corn kernels

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The author pictured here with a solid cod that smashed a chatterbait in tough conditions. will find fish. My favourite way to find fish in this dam is to locate the many weed beds scattered around the western foreshore of the dam

have been rewarded with bent rods and full bags.

We had a ball up the dam following the old riverbed and casting our lipless

and bread and hang on! The action will be thick and fast and you won’t be able to wipe the smile off their face for days.

Do a deep jigging jig in January!

HUNTER VALLEY

Peter Fogarty bakerods@hotkey.net.au

Walking the banks of your favourite dam or river can produce some quality fish. In the river, look for overhanging trees or lay downs. It helps if you get to look in advance at the river or dam to check water levels and to give you a fair idea of where the fish will sit when the water comes back up.

There are plenty of cicadas and bugs around at the moment, which makes for excellent topwater fishing. Try Megabass Siglets or Kokada Bats for results. Sometimes the fish are present but won’t take surface patterns; so try using sub-surface lures or shallow ducks as this can switch them on. If using bait, try a float with a short trace, and look around for the insects the fish are feeding on – whether it be cicadas, black crickets, or grasshoppers, the native fish will smash them. In the dams, early morning or late afternoon and into the night are usually the best times to fish. However, overcast days can also produce. A good start area at Glenbawn is down

from the Scone Fishing Club, as you don’t get a lot of boat traffic, and there is adequate cover from the sun in the mornings and shade cover in the afternoon. Another spot is Diamond Point and the point of Ski Beach, both of which are great for spinnerbaits, as is around the timber at the Gig. Lake St Clair is an excellent surface fishing dam.

At night from the bank you can get surface hits right in front of your camp. Try fly on

surface, just keep walking the bank till you find them and start having fun. By the end of January, water temperature will be getting warmer and the fish will start to school up and sit in deeper water.

Lure anglers will go from an adrenaline packed reaction bite using Jackall spinnerbait and surface fishing to the subtle deep vertical bite – deep jigging. Deep jigging is not actually jigging, rather you fish vertical with Gulp

Scott Hutchinson with son Cole and daughter Jade after a productive day out on Glenbawn.

minnow grubs in 2-3”. Some anglers prefer to use ZMan 2” Grubz. Bass pros drop these plastics down from 10-20m or even more using light line. I like to use 4lb Berkley Nano Fill with 4lb leader. With the leader I will use up to 8m for two reasons. Firstly, your leader knot doesn’t leave a bubble trail when slow winding up through a school of fish.

Bubble trails sometimes put the fish off from following your lure. Secondly, the longer your leader, the more stretch the leader has, which allows you to put more on the fish once hooked.

Use a slow tapered rod for vertical fishing and drop your lure down into the fish (a good sounder will pick up your jighead going down and you can see the fish come up and down with it) then slowly wind. When you get a bite don’t stop and don’t strike just keep slowly winding and you can feel your rod load up. When you think the fish has your bait, slowly lift and set the hook. Fish caught at these depths can suffer barotraumas. There is a lot of information about this issue at www.dpi.nsw.gov. au. Venting fish is something bass tournament fishermen

Samanatha Anderson caught this absolute chunker of a bass. Look at the belly on this one! have to do to keep their fish alive and well, Vent a Fish or Bends Mender are tools used to vent fish.

Ty Marchant, a budding young producer and his father Simon have a video on Youtube on Australian bass, check it out at https://m. youtube/watch?v=x_ d8agCJkWQ. Another great video on yellow belly is

located on Facebook at Big Sump’s Fishing.

• 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.

JANUARY 2016

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Family friendly fishing fun!

COPETON DAM

A U S T R A L I A

David Allan manager@copeton.com.au

Margay 2016

$49,990

• 17’7” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Pantera II 2016

$74,990

• 19’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 200 hp Mercury Optimax • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

Yar-Craft 1785BT 2016

The start of 2016 has left us scratching our heads and wondering – ‘where did 2015 go?’ January will see a lot of family fishing at Copeton Waters Holiday Park so let’s discuss what the average Mum, Dad and the kids can enjoy at Copeton.

One of the great things to do while visiting the dam is to take the kids down to the water’s edge, set up some fishing gear and watch the kids have a ball catching some of our wonderful native species. The main targets for the family fisho are yellowbelly, catfish (eel tailed), silver perch, spangled perch (bobby cod), and redfin.

One of the easiest set-ups is a handline with running sinker to a swivel then trace to a size 2-2/0 hook and a bait of earth worms or frozen prawns – both can be purchased at the Copeton Kiosk as can handlines, hooks, and sinkers. I guarantee this will keep the kids entertained for hours, and you never know when a Murray cod might swim by.

The next option would be a light spin outfit rigged for bait fishing. Again, the standard setup is the running sinker rig described above.

An alternative that was used by guests at the park recently was a paternoster rig that kept the bait suspended a little off the bottom, these guys caught a number of nice yellowbelly as well as catfish. Fresh and live bait can be counted on to produce better results than frozen bait. The gun

baits are fresh water shrimp and craybobs (yabbies) these can be caught in the dam using traps approved by fisheries. Another great activity for the kids is to search along a rocky shore just after dark with a good

through the tail with a fairly light gauge hook in size 4 to 2/0, suicide pattern are still very popular but a number of bait fisherman are now using circle hooks with very good results. The advantage of circle hooks

Even I get to fish now and then, here’s a fat 88cm cod caught on a spinnerbait. quality torch, look for the shrimp’s red eyes, yabbies can be caught by turning over rocks and either grabbing them by hand if you are quick enough or using a small scoop net.

The ideal bait size yabby is about 50-70mm long unless you are fishing exclusively for Murray cod, in which case you won’t find a yabby too big to use. Yabbies should be hooked lightly

is that nearly all fish are hooked in the corner of the jaw; this makes release of unwanted fish much easier.

If trying circle hooks for the first time remember not to strike, circle hooks are designed to roll out of the gut and throat then hook in the jaw hinge, just let the fish move away with the bait then engage the reel and let the rod load up. Very few fish are lost

$59,990

• 17’5” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 75 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Sabre FTD 2016

$59,990

• 18’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

We Build Dreams...

It’s a Family Tradition

A U S T R A L I A

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JANUARY 2016

Phone: 0410 173 060 basscataustralia@gmail.com

using circle hooks. If you want to target cod on bait at Copeton then wood grubs and bigger yabbies are the baits of choice. Wood grubs are bait that is well worth securing, as I don’t think any cod can refuse a big fat

An exciting 46,000 Murray Cod fingerlings released into Copeton Dam during December.

wood grub. You will need to bring these with you, as they are not available at the dam. Old fallen kurrajong trees can be a great source of grubs in the local area, as can fallen willows.

Another way to entertain the kids and Mum and Dad without the need to muck around with bait is using soft plastics and targeting the little fish in fairly shallow water. All that is required is a light spin outfit with 2-4kg line tied direct to a light jighead of about 1/4oz with a small grub or paddle tail (Squidgies, Gulps etc. in sizes between 1.5-3” long).

With only one hook point, this is about the safest lure fishing the kids can do and it can be a very effective way of catching the smaller species. The kids will giggle and laugh for hours catching bobby cod and redfin. If dad wants some fun tie on a little 50mm stick bait and twitch it across the surface and watch the reddies and bobbies chase it down, which will bring out the kid in any of us. Enjoy the holidays.

• For information on bookings at Copeton for the holiday period please contact the Park Office on (02) 6723 6269 or go to the website www.inlandwaters. com.au/copeton.

What’s New FISHING

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WESTIN PLATYPUS 100MM DR

The Platypus DR is the latest addition to the Westin stable of lures.

This new arrival is 100mm long. It crash dives to 4m on a constant retrieve, but on a twitch-and-pause retrieve the Platypus DR will slowly float in the zone longer, to trigger those aggressive strikes. It has a built-in long cast system which allows anglers to produce long, accurate casts with ease. The unique sonic rattles, the trademark Westin Platypus wobble and the hand-painted detailed colours will call out and entice even the biggest predator into eating this lure.

Available in six colours, the Westin Platypus DR weighs 16g, and dives to 2-4m.

Check out the JML website for more info, or like them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/JMLAnglersAlliance.

Price: RRP $18.95 www.jml.net.au

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ABU BLACK MAX REELS

Abu Garcia Max reels are dedicated to giving everyday anglers professional results. It doesn’t matter if they head to the local river or to their favourite impoundment, the Max family of reels can handle the stress of everyday use.

Abu Garcia has made many enhancements to the popular line, giving them even more attributes that make them a workhorse. Each feature a machined-aluminium ported spool that greatly reduces overall weight. The line of Abu Garcia Max reels have a one-piece graphite frame and graphite side plates.

Utilizing a MagTrax brake system, the Black Max is consistent throughout the cast and won’t let anglers down when fishing all day. The popular reel has a 6.4:1 gear ratio and features a Power Disk drag system, Duragear brass gear, one-piece graphite frame and compact, bent handle and star that provide a more ergonomic grip.

Price: RRP $119.95 ($149.95 for the combo) abugarcia-fishing.com.au

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STORM ARASHI DEEP

The Storm Arashi Deep dives quickly and gets right into the strikezone. This series of crankbaits from Storm is their deepest diving yet, with the two models reaching depths of 18ft and 25ft on the cast. This lure is built tough and is ideal for targeting Murray cod, yellowbelly and barra.

Featuring a self-tuning line-tie, the Storm Arashi Deep generates a lively, unregulated action that triggers intense reaction bites.

An ultra-tough circuit board lip combined with added body buoyancy allows the Arashi to bounce off snags with ease. The hook hangers on the underside and the rear have both been rotated 90° to keep the hooks closer to the body. This helps to further discourage snagging and allows for larger hooks to be used.

The Arashi Deep contains a boisterous rattle that provides a deafening pitch as it moves through the water. Backed with premium black nickel VMC treble hooks, this lure comes in two models: 18ft diving (7cm, 22g) and 25ft diving (9cm, 32g).

Price: from RRP $19.95 www.stormfishing.com.au

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

SAMAKI ZING CRAZE

Zing Craze brings a new dimension to lightweight rod design with a great sense of fun and some craziness on the side.

Measuring 5’8” long, each model is separated by their camouflaged colour grips. There’s a light PE 1-2 in red camo, a medium-light in PE 1.5-3 in blue camo and a medium PE 2-4 in yellow camo, in spin and overhead models.

The Zing Craze consists of a pearl white 30-tonne Japanese Toray carbon fibre blank, Fuji K Guides, Fuji reel seats and ultra hard EVA camo grips. It’s designed for microjigging, yak fishing or purely to enable you to get into tough places with a shorter length rod. And on top of all this, it’s excellent value for money.

To find out more about the Zing range, or to locate your nearest stockist, visit the Samaki website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Price: RRP $199.99 www.samaki.com.au

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STRIKE PRO ENTICER CRABS

The lifelike Strike Pro Finesse Crab has neutral buoyancy, so it drops and sinks like a real crab. Its legs flutter and move just like a natural crab does as well, and the plastic is infused with a secret shellfish formula to smell just like the real thing!

This versatile soft plastic can be rigged on a standard bullet type jighead, and used with a lift-and-drop technique or slow rolled over the bottom. It can also be rigged on a Hidden Weight hook for a slower flutter on the drop, rigged with a Cobra-style jighead to stand up in a strike pose, or even rigged on a 90° jig hook to fish across the top of oyster racks, snags and structure.

Finesse Crabs come in six natural colours, have a carapace size of 23mm x 20mm and come in packs of six with moulded trays. These lures are deadly on bream, EPs, bass, snapper, drummer and all species that eat crabs.

Price: SRP $11.95 www.jurofishing.com

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REVOLUTION COASTAL RODS

Shimano’s four innovative Revolution rod line-ups have been given a complete revamp for the 2015/16 season.

There are 11 bluewater rods in the Offshore series suitable for jigging, trolling, spin casting, deep dropping the continental shelf, stickbaiting and popper fishing. The Inshore series includes rods for chasing bream, barra, mackerel, snapper, kings and more. The two-piece Coastal series consists of 9, 10, 12 and 13ft rods with a good spread of line weights for rock and beach work. There are nine rods in the Travel series, breaking down to three pieces (four pieces for the big 904 Spin), and covering everything from barra baitcasting through to spin and light rock, beach and jetty work.

Designed by Ian Miller, these rods are built on high modulus 24-30 ton Toray graphite, with Fuji ‘K’ series Alconite guides, custom Shimano reel seats, and split or full-length EVA grips where applicable and high-tech ferruling when required. www.shimanofish.com.au

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

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

What’s New FISHING

POWERED BY

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TONIC FINDS ITS MO JO

Tonic Polarised Eyewear has released two new frames – the Mo and Jo. Both feature the new Slice lens, which is the thinnest and lightest polarised glass lens in the world.

Doug Phillips, maker of high quality polarised eyewear in Australia since 1992 and founder of Tonic Eyewear, said the Mo and Jo were a new direction for Tonic.

“They are big styles and bolder than anything we have ever done before,” he said. “They are great for fishing and everyday use too.”

The Mo and Jo come in photochromic copper, green mirror, red mirror and silver mirror.

Fully made in Japan, Tonic Eyewear use the latest optical technology including decentred lenses for distortion-free viewing at any angle. Tonic’s scratch-resistant Slice lens is 50% lighter than regular glass and, like all Tonic lenses, they feature anti-reflective coatings and Tonic’s own polarising filter systems. There are over 12 wraparound styles and a variety of lens types.

Price: RRP $279 www.toniceyewear.com.au

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

8

MIMIX JELLY PRAWN 40SP

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SILVER WOLF Z SPIN

Mimix has released their first ever crankbait/jerkbait. Like all Mimix topwater baits, the Mimix Jelly Prawn has all the detail of the real thing.

Its unique small profile, realistic colour patterns and swimming action make the Mimix Jelly Prawn stand out in the crowd.

Being 40mm long but weighing 3g, it casts considerably further and with a twitchpause it imitates an injured prawn. Diving to 1.5m and suspending on the pause, bream and many other species will go crazy over the Jelly Prawn.

The Mimix Jelly Prawn is currently available in 13 colours.

Price: RRP $18.95 www.jml.net.au

Designed for Australian bream anglers, Daiwa’s Silver Wolf family includes 10 high-performance spin rods with technique-specific bream actions. Eight models feature Daiwa’s revolutionary AGS guides and SVF carbon blanks, making them the most lightweight, sensitive and precise rods you will ever feel.

The other two spin rods reintroduce Daiwa’s most innovative rod technology – Interline. Interline rods do away with external guides, and the line runs internally through the centre of the blank along a raised spiral structure, delivering unprecedented sensitivity, ultimate blank action and eliminating tangling.

These technically refined rods are matched to either a 2004 or a 2506 Magseal protected reel. With the added feature of a Magsealed line roller, Silver Wolf spin reels combine Daiwa’s other technologies including Zaion, Air Rotor and Automatic Tournament Drag.

Silver Wolf offers a strong endorsement of what be achieved with Japanese and Australian collaboration. www.daiwafishing.com.au

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

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WILSON FISH FRIENDLY NETS

In a move to make catching and releasing fish easier, Wilson Fishing has released a range of Fish Friendly nets that are much lighter and more convenient to store and use.

There are six models, ranging from the massive XL net suitable for the largest of barra, Murray cod and flathead through to the smallest single-handed net that will suit squid, trout and kayak fishers.

To keep weight down, each net is constructed from aluminium that is powder coated in a rich metallic blue, and the fishfriendly netting is jet black, giving these nets a striking appearance as well as a functionality that is hard to rival.

Storage is always an issue with nets, especially in boats that are short on space, but with several two-piece handle units in the range, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Price: approx. $35-$120 www.wilsonfishing.com

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GAMAKATSU ASSIST 61 HOOKS

The Assist 61 hooks from Gamakatsu are specifically dedicated for jigging. The unique shape of this hook dramatically reduces the chance of getting tangled with the jig.

These hooks come in two different styles, a Single hook (RRP $23.95) and a Double version (RRP $28.50), allowing it to be fished with different jigs for different situations.

Assist 61 hooks feature a solid ring and sealed snell knot so you’ll get less wear and tear, preventing you from losing that fish of a lifetime!

Gamakatsu Assist 61 hooks are currently available in sizes 1 and 2. Have a look for them at your favourite tackle store, or for more information check out the Gamakatsu website.

You can also Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gamakatsuaus.

Price: from RRP $23.95 www.gamakatsu.com.au

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SUNLINE SUPER PE

Sunline have upgraded the muchloved Super PE to make it even smoother, rounder and slicker than the previous version.

The smoother surface texture combined with a rounder profile will improve casting distance, feel and reduce noise through the guides.

Sunline Super PE is made in Japan and is now available in bright green and the new light blue colour across three different lengths: 150m (4lb to 30lb), 300m (15lb to 80lb) and 1800m (20lb to 50lb). The addition of 4lb line class will cover all finesse fishing applications.

Distributed by EJ Todd, this popular all round braid just got even better! To view the full range of Sunline products, visit the EJ Todd website.

Price: from approx. $40 for 150m www.ejtodd.com.au

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

What’s New FISHING

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NEW TANGO SHAD COLOUR

It seems the design team for the incredibly popular and successful Zerek Tango Shad cannot stop at just 20 colours, with the addition of colour PB to the range.

This colour takes in every flathead angler’s favourite colour – pink – and adds UV sensitive yellow tiger stripes to enhance an already proven lure.

The new colour is initially available only in the 50mm floating model, and flathead anglers country-wide will really appreciate this colour addition. Trout, bass, redfin and bream anglers will similarly fall in love with this outlandish colour.

When reaction and aggressive strikes are the order of the day, tie on the PB colour and get those fish cranky at your lure.

Available at all leading tackle stores, the Zerek Tango Shad is available in 50mm long suspending and floating models and now in 21 colours.

Price: SRP $9.70 www.wilsonfishing.com

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ECOODA GENIUS BAITCAST REEL

With a long development process and extensive research, Ecooda has welcomed the Genius to the line-up.

This new baitcaster is jam-packed full of features.

The Ecooda Genius has an ultra strong yet lightweight Japanese carbon fibre body and side plate, and it weighs only 160g! It has a centrifugal and magnetic dual cast control system for casting accuracy. Other features include a double support pinion gear for strength and longevity; carbon fibre drag washers, carbon fibre handle and rubber cork knobs; an aircraft aluminium machined worm drive and drive gear for strength; and a custom oil port for easy maintenance.

Available in right and left handed models with nine ball bearings and a drag power of past 4kg, the Genius is now available in Australia. For more details and stockist information visit the Ecooda Australia website, or you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Price: RRP $259.95 www.ecooda.com.au

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RIVER2SEA CRUSTY CRAB

The Fish Candy Crusty Crab has been modelled on the Australian shore crab.

It is perfectly balanced to always flip onto its belly when cast. With rapid vibrating legs, 10X material and a super strong fine gauge twin hook, the Crusty Crab is tough and ready for battle. Rigged from the side it is perfect for sinking alongside pylons, ledges or into snags. While slow rolling across flats, the legs walk and claws float just like the real thing.

A pre-drilled hole is made so you have the option to rig the crab from the rear. You may prefer this style for open water casting or a faster retrieve – the option is yours.

Price: RRP $18.95 www.river2sea.com.au

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

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16

MUSTAD OCTOPUS GOES LARGE

The incredibly popular Mustad Octopus hook has had two larger sizes added to the range – 10/0 and 11/0 – expanding the range from size 4 through to 11/0.

The Mustad Octopus features classic lines that allow the hook to be snelled onto leaders or simply tied with a conventional knot via the turned out eye. The UltraPoint hook point is slightly curved inwards to provide exceptional hook setting and the Micro Sharp point is 4.3 times stronger than traditional chemically sharpened hook points.

The hook is also offset to provide the easiest of penetration of this Nor-Tempered hook. This Nor-Tempering process allows the hook to be slimmer, resist corrosion better and provide 30% more strength, giving you the confidence you’ll need to battle the strongest fish.

Initially available in hanging packs, the 10/0 and 11/0 Mustad Octopus hook gives anglers looking to present bigger baits more options than ever before.

Price: $5.95 per hang pack www.wilsonfishing.com

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TAIRYO NANO MATRIX HYPER

With the introduction of the Nano Matrix Hyper, everybody can now afford a Tairyo Nano CarbonTube rod, from the beginner to the to the pro tournament angler.

These rods feature a new generation blank with Tairyo’s proprietary carbon nano tube (CNT) technology. They’re slim and light, yet powerful enough to control stubborn fish, as you would expect from a Tairyo nano rod! Suitable for salt or fresh water fishing applications, these series of nano rods represent excellent value for money!

Features of the Nano Matrix Hyper Rod include: new generation nano blanks; carbon nano tube (CNT) resins; K-frame anti-tangle guides for longer casts; VSS painted graphite reel seats on spinning models; ACS painted graphite reel seat on baitcast models; high-density EVA full grips; and attractive, decorative winding checks and rings. Look for them at your favourite tackle store.

Price: SRP $99-$199 www.anglermate.com.au

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SPIN DOCTOR SPINNERBAITS

For the Tribe it’s all about catching, and Spin Doctor spinnerbaits are up to the task. Constructed from quality components, including a silicone skirt, chemically sharpened black nickel hook, hand-painted finish and realistic 3D eyes, Spin Doctor spinnerbaits offer excellent value for money so that the whole Tribe can get hooked up.

The compact frame design makes the spinnerbaits ideal for bass, golden perch, saratoga and sooty grunter, and the UV Flame Scale skirts ‘light up’ to attract fish and trigger strikes. Spin Doctor spinnerbaits are available in 1/4oz and 3/8oz weights and six proven colours. Tie one on and go hunting!

Price: SRP $13.95 www.tackletactics.com.au

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

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What’s New FISHING

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

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TESTED: Magnum Rods by Wilson Fishing The fishing rod market is a tough one these days; manufacturers are looking to produce rods at an affordable price point, while still retaining the features and concepts that the top end models provide. Many times this is done by using lesser quality components or by minimizing the options for the angler.

This, in most cases, means the price to the consumer is right, but the product is inferior to their needs.

When I was given a few of the Magnum Series of rods from Wilson Fishing to try, I was immediately intrigued to see where they fit into the picture. While talking to the Wilson fishing team, the first positive I discovered was that their rod builders had designed the rods, and although Wilsons outsources the building process, the knowledge of many years of producing their popular Live Fibre rods here in Australia is encompassed in the 23 rods in the range.

taper that provides plenty of power to stop big fish, plus the give to absorb the headshakes and lunges that cost many anglers the fish of a lifetime. I have found this to be a huge asset while trolling for flathead. Trolling for flathead is not my favourite way to target them, but it is a highly effective method to get them.

The Magnum light has been more than suitable, but my colleague Michael Fox (who has a real knack for trolling them up) has been using the ultra light model and couldn’t be happier. He uses very A recent gorge country fishing trip provided the opportunity to give the baitcast rod a try.

bigger natives or some of our estuarine saltwater species like mangrove jack or smaller barramundi.

I noted that there is a heavier 6’3” model that would suit our cod or barra anglers. There is a lighter baitcast model in the range, but it is 5’4”, which would be better suited to fishing from a kayak or if you wanted to throw hardbodies and work them in and around structure.

I have one small gripe,

The author used the Magnum rods mainly for flathead fishing and got some great results both casting and trolling.

Secondly all Fuji components are used on the Magnums. This is great piece of mind, as component failure is one of the most annoying things that can happen to you, and is synonymous with lower price point rods.

The rods I have been using are the Magnum 7’ medium and light spin rods and the 6’5” medium baitcast rod. Much of my fishing these days revolves around targeting flathead in my local estuaries.

This requires me to use a rod that is able to cast 1/4-1/2oz jigheads, has enough sensitivity to feel the smallest bite or the type of structure my lure is bouncing over, and has the power to set the hook through the flathead’s bony mouth. The light spin rod meets these needs beautifully and the medium isn’t far behind (I have tended to use it more in deeper water with larger lures).

The sensitivity of the rods is what has impressed me the most. You have an incredible feel for what your lure is doing at the end of the line, and this has been a big advantage on those days when the fish haven’t quite been on the chew.

The rods have a medium to fast

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light lines and leaders, and the soft tip and powerful butt section of this rod have been ideal to use when trolling for flatties.

I recently spent some time chasing wild river bass on plastics and surface lures.

Although the fish were not huge, they went hard and the Magnum light provided the castability and the stopping power I needed to get these fish away from structure and back to me on the bank.

This trip also provided the option to use the baitcast rod. I primarily used it to cast 1/2oz spinnerbaits. The rod was a slight overkill, not because it wasn’t right to throw them (if anything the 6’5” length gave you more leverage to cast further), it was more that the rod is rated 6lb-25lb which is heavier than I would use for this type of fishing and is set up in quite a robust format (longer heavy-duty EVA foregrip designed for a double-handed cast). Something slightly more finesse in the same or similar length would have been better suited.

Having said that, it did everything I needed it to, it just would have been nice for it to be a little lighter in the hand. This more robust format would be ideal to target

which is that there are no hook keepers on the rods. I dislike using the guides to hold my lures, so I have added my own to avoid this. My need to have this stems back to when guides were not the same quality as they are today and lure hooks damaged them. It only takes losing a few fish when your line is cut on a damaged guide to make this important to you.

With 17 spin and six baitcast options in the Magnum series range, there is sure to be a rod that suits your needs and the best part about it is that you won’t break the bank when you go to buy one. You may even just buy two.

To find out more about the Magnum series of rods you can go to www. wilsonfishing.com.au or ask about them at your local tackle store. – Peter Jung

Wild bass go hard and try to stitch you up. They were a great test for the Magnum rods.

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

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

Industry Profile

Fishing the pristine Marion reefs It’s amazing to fish somewhere that’s virtually untouched by other anglers, and just such a place is Marion Reef, in the Coral Sea. The variety, numbers and size of the fish there is staggering! There’s something for everyone, whether that’s bottom

perfectly. It has a permit to go beyond the 200 mile limit, so it goes where other boats do not.

Its nine-day trips to the Marion reefs are the stuff dreams are made of! Hardly any boats get out there, so the area is virtually untouched. Indeed, the fish are so unused to boats that the Norval’s big four-

were 12 guests (the maximum allowed) and three crew.

As we stepped on board the excitement was palpable; we were told to expect encounters with GTs, dogtooth tuna, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, coral trout, long-nose emperor and stacks more. Some of the guys were regular customers,

The Norval has air-conditioned cabins and a bimini-covered top deck set up with tables, so guests can relax and enjoy a few cold ones. bouncing for reefies, poppering for GTs and bluespot coral trout, or trolling for big dogtooth tuna and other pelagics.

You need a big, long-range vessel to make a trip like that, and the MV Norval fits the bill

blade prop draws the pelagics in to see what’s causing the disturbance! It’s like ringing a dinner bell for the dogtooth to drag them out of their kennel!

Our experience started on Friday, November 27 at Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach. There

and regaled the newbies with stories of their last trip.

The Norval is a fantastic mothership, with air-conditioned cabins and a bimini-covered top deck nicknamed ‘The Penthouse’, which is nicely set up with

MARION REEF ADVENTURE This 9-day trip will take you beyond the 200-mile limit to the spectacular Marion Group of reefs, including Kenn, Wreck, Frederick, Saumarez and Cato. Species encountered include red emperor, sweetlip, GTs, dory, trout, mackerel, wahoo, dogtooth tuna, sailfish, snapper and more. Extra activities available on request include sightseeing, snorkelling and crabbing at Standish Bay or Conway Beach.

Getting there There are direct flights to Proserpine from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, or direct to Hamilton Island.

Tackle Norval supplies rods and reels for bottom bashing, but passengers must bring their own gamefishing equipment. Hooks and sinkers are available for sale on board.

Food and beverages The package includes all meals. The food is of excellent quality and well presented, with three fish nights plus such meals as roasts, lamb chops, steak, stir fries and pasta – plus nibbles and fruit. And of course, the only thing better than fishing is fishing with free cold beer! There’s plenty to be had on the Norval, and the package includes non-alcoholic drinks as well.

Itinerary The following is the standard itinerary, subject to weather.

Day 1 • Depart 4pm Friday from Shute Harbour Airlie Beach.

• Meet your fellow passengers over a light meal and a cold beer.

• Arrive at the first reef by 10pm, anchor in a lagoon, fish through the night.

Day 2 • Fish the Hardline Reef from Whitetip Reef en route to Marion.

• Anchor in a lagoon for dinner and night fishing.

• Depart for the Marion at midnight.

Days 3-6 • Arrive midday at the Marion where the real adventure begins! Fishing and snorkelling with reef fish aplenty.

• Option to take out one of the dories for bottom bashing, or you can go snorkelling, exploring the pristine marine environment. Or you can take the dories to the beach and throw poppers at GTs! Being on Marion for five days and nights means everyone gets to fish the main boat and the dories.

Day 7 • Depart for Hardline.

• More fishing!

Days 8-9 • Fish the Swains.

• Return to Shute Harbour at 4pm on Day 9.

Max 12 anglers. Individual price is $3500. For more information visit www.norvalcharters.com.au.

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JANUARY 2016

tables so guests can relax and enjoy a few cold ones. There’s a friendly, fun atmosphere with excellent food and free beer that was thoroughly enjoyed but not to excess. At the start of the trip it was great to relax up on the Penthouse with a few cold ones and talk about our hopes for the trip; and then each night we enjoyed chilling up there and chatting about what had happened that day.

The Norval travels at night, so every day clients wake up to a new location to fish. That first night we fished the Hardline Reef, and caught a variety of reefies, including coral trout, coronation trout and red-throat emperor.

Normally an experience like that would be a highlight of an offshore trip, but for we lucky dozen it was just an appetiser. We were all pumped and looking forward to the main course at Marion!

After picking up a couple of mahimahi (dolphinfish) trolling on the way out to the banks, we left at around 5pm to steam to Marion for the night. When the sun came up on Sunday morning we were nearly there. A few of us early birds started trolling from sunrise and picked up a 17.5kg dogtooth tuna and a nice 15kg yellowfin straight up on an X-Rap 30 and a skirted pusher lure. It was a great start and we were all stoked.

Then the serious fishing began!

This reef area extends for around 24 by 16 miles, comprised of two cays and a long breaker reef, Long Reef, with incredible gutters and run-offs. Everyone was excited to be in such a special location.

Every night we moved five or 10 miles, slowly working our way down to the southern end. With this charter you have the choice of drift fishing the deeper reefs from the mothership or trolling, fishing from the dories, or land-based casting for GTs from the beach of the sandy cays. No matter what we did, the action was good everywhere. While drifting, our species tally included long-nose emperor, coral trout, coronation trout, ocean bream, the occasional Maori

Mahimahi are a welcome by-catch. wrasse (which we released), trevally and heaps more. From the dories we caught dogtooth and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahimahi and more.

The water visibility was amazing; we did some snorkelling and diving around the boat and were getting 40-50m visibility. We also enjoyed exploring the coral cays and seeing the nesting booby birds, which showed no fear of humans. We also did some popper fishing off the beach in the crystal clear water, and let me tell you – seeing GTs and jobfish hitting

explosive fishing!

The highlight of the trip though was the 48kg dogtooth caught while trolling the edges.

I’ve been a guide for years so I’m not easy to impress, but I told the guy who caught it, Tom Guidotti, that it was the fish of a lifetime. Dogtooth tuna are insane powerhouses of energy; you hook one and it goes like a freight train. In this case it hit a marlin lure, fished on a heavy game reel with 80lb mono, and it nearly spooled us on the first run. We told the skipper to back down and he thought we were joking!

You can target pelagics from the dories, or use them explore the coral cays. There’s good GT fishing there. your lures right at your feet is amazing! There were little bluefin trevally as well, and one guy was having fun with these off the beach when a big GT came screaming in. My mate pulled the popper in and missed it at the shore, only 5ft off the beach, then flicked it back out 20ft. The GT turned around, smashed the popper as soon as it landed, and screamed off over the reef flats. My mate managed to get it in and it went over 10kg. Very visual and

It took three people to hold up Tom Guidotti’s 48kg dogtooth.

These fish tire after that first big run, thankfully, and after a couple more short runs the big doggie came aboard for some photos. He wasn’t the only dogtooth of the trip; we got over 20 of them, mostly around 15-20kg, and lost others to sharks. If you want to catch doggies, this is the best place as far as consistent results go. Tom was stoked with his 48kg specimen, and said he was grateful there were seasoned gamefishers and crew to help him score that trophy fish. It nearly pulled him in a couple of times!

So are you interested in doing a trip? You should be – you get nine days with all meals and a free bar, plus all the amazing fishing I’ve mentioned, for only $3500 (max. 12 anglers). And the owner Ron is very obliging and helpful, listening to what each person wants out of their trip. Whether you’re an experienced angler wanting to take your fishing to the next level, or you’re new to fishing offshore and want a good feed of fish, this trip will blow your mind. – GR & NP

h is Your catc gged a b , d e t e l l Fi frozen and snap ort for transp

N O I R A M MANIC nnel

e K s e i g g o The D

Father and Son School Holiday Trips

(special pricing)

FREE BEER ON ALL TRIPS

NORVAL REEF CHARTERS BOOK ONLINE

www.norvalcharters.com.au

contact Ron Murphy (owner) 0413 148 554 ď ž norval1@norvalcharters.com.au

Carruthers crabs to take win CE 1ST PLA

A new Grand Final champion was crowned in November with Nowra’s Liam Carruthers storming through from 6th place on the final day to claim victory in the biggest event on the ABT BREAM calendar, the Berkley BREAM Grand Final, 6-8 November.

With limited Clarence River experience and only a successful Thursday prefish to guide him, Carruthers started off on Day One fishing one of his successful prefish locations, Middle Reef.

“I caught some good fish there on Thursday, and it didn’t take much to get them to bite, but by 10:30am on Day One we only had one fish for our efforts,” Carruthers said.

With a less than ideal start, Carruthers moved and headed to perhaps the most well known location on the Clarence: Browns Rocks. He had a mark in his GPS from the day before, and despite Browns having plenty of people on it, there was no one near his mark.

It didn’t take long for Liam to find the fish, and within 10 minutes he picked up a 35cm bream. That fish was the start of a string of fish with Carruthers and his co-angler, Simon Johnson, filling their limit, as they upgraded and were busted off by big fish multiple times throughout

the session. Curruthers’ technique involved casting a heavy Cranka Crab upcurrent then drifting it down with the tide so it hit the rocky bottom and associated current eddies in about 14-17ft of water.

“That was the key working depth, as the fish held there in eddies intercepting food as it was flushed down with the current,” Liam explained.

Carruthers would feel the Cranka Crab bump its way along the bottom, and give the lure the occasional small twitch. That was when most fish crunched the lure.

Sitting in 10th place at the end of Day One, Carruthers returned to Browns Rocks at the start of Day Two and picked up where he left off.

said. “The nerves had started to take hold, so I recomposed myself and focused on catching some larger upgrades.”

A few bust-offs frustrated the situation, but Carruthers soon calmed down and added a solid 35cm to his limit. A couple more bustoffs followed, but despite that Carruthers weighed in a 2.95kg limit to land in 6th place heading into the third and final day.

“I didn’t sleep much the night before the final day,” he said. “The thoughts of what might happen kept running through my head. There was always the chance that I could catch a big bag to run down the leader, but I knew the reality was more likely

Liam Carruthers now adds his name to BREAM Grand Final shield thanks to his victory in the Berkley BREAM Grand Final on the Clarence River.

His first cast resulted in a legal, and his non-boater Taigan Heath soon followed with a legal on his first cast. More fish followed, and by 8.30am the pair had their limit.

“It’s exciting when you get your limit early,” Carruthers

a top ten finish. I resigned myself to this, and my focus as we headed off on the final morning was to simply catch my bag and finish in the ten.”

Hitting Browns again, the action was a little slow, albeit the fish a little bigger, and

by 10.30am Carruthers and his non-boater Alex Franchuk had their bag. The gun lure once again was the heavy Cranka Crab.

“It was a lot harder going on the final day with the weather and rain making it hard to hold position with the electric motor. By 1pm my electric motor batteries were just about dead. I said to Alex let’s do one more run and see if we can get a final kicker’.”

Not far into the final drift, a twitch of his Cranka Crab saw Liam tight to a big fish.

An heroic battle followed and a 37.5cm fish was soon added to the livewell. Alex followed this performance with another upgrade, a 35cm bream that bumped their bag into true contender status.

“We were jumping out of our skin when we caught those two fish and the high we were on as we were driving back to the weigh-in was like nothing I’d ever felt before.”

Carruthers hit the stage mid-way through the weigh-in and threw the gauntlet down to his challengers, weighing in 3.75kg to charge into the lead, seeing off multiple challengers until only Day Two leader Chris Britton stood in the way of victory. The standout angler on the first two days, Britton struggled to find the fish he needed on the final day, weighing in a 2.44kg limit to fall 60g short, and hand Carruthers the tournament win.

“To win a BREAM Grand Final and do it by weighing in your biggest limit for the tournament on the final day is the stuff of dreams. It’s a memory and achievement that I will cherish for ever.”

Cranka Crab

Drift lure down

STORM

14 feet

VENTAFISH®

Twitches

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888.

72

JANUARY 2016

Current

Rock bottom

17 feet

Britton stumbles to finish in second CE 2ND PLA

Brisbane’s Chris Britton narrowly fell short of claiming victory on the Clarence with the Berkley BREAM Pro stumbling on the final day to hand victory to Carruthers. Leading the field out on the final day, Britton weighed in his lightest bag (2.44kg) for the tournament on Day Three, a limit that was 1.31kg lighter than Carruthers’ bag.

Fishing a combination of locations for the tournament, Britton started Day One at Collis Wall pitching crab profile lures onto the wall and drifting down the slope of the wall into 30ft+ of water.

The first cast produced a 30cm fish and a string of fish followed for an hour.

“While I caught a couple of fish high on the wall most came down deep as the lure sat slack on the bottom,” explained Britton.

After picking up his

limit and a few upgrades, Britton moved to Middle Wall in search of upgrades.

Catching only small fish he then moved again, this time hitting Browns Rocks for the last hour of the session. A big fish found its freedom after rubbing through the line,

Berkley BREAM Pro Chris Britton narrowly missed out on the win, finishing second to Carruthers.

and despite this last minute attempt failing, Britton weighed in a 3.21kg limit which put him in in the top three heading into Day Two. Collis Wallis beckoned again on the start of Day Two, and with the tide an hour later the bite took longer to kick into gear.

“We moved up and down the wall, and while the numbers of fish were down, the quality was up, with four of the five fish in our limit over 30cm.”

Britton’s non-boater Aaron Clifton added a 38cm fork length fish to their limit 1.5 hours into the session, and half an hour later decided to move location and rest Collis Wall for the 3rd and final session.

Hitting Middle Wall and a series of spots between Maclean and Yamba, the pair picked up few more fish, no upgrades however, before

BREAM

returning to the weigh-in to deliver the biggest limit for the day to the scales, an impressive 3.82kg.

Leading out the field on the final morning Britton once again headed straight to Collis Wall. An hour in and with no fish in the well Britton was starting to get a little nervous.

“I wasn’t sure if the bite was being driven by tide or time, but not long after the first hour the first fish came,” explained Britton.

While smaller (28cm) than the fish of the first two days, it was a start, and was soon followed by the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th fish of his limit.

“The last fish for the limit was only 25cm and we had nothing bigger than 30cm.

We had to bucket fill and add an aerator as the livewell didn’t want to work, and that didn’t make for a great start.”

Presente SERIES d by Berk ley

A couple of missed upgrades from fish rubbing them off soon followed and Britton and his non-boater Shaun Egan moved location and headed to Middle Wall.

The move paid dividends with three bites producing two upgrades. After a couple more drifts on Middle Wall, they moved back to Collis Wall hopeful of a couple more upgrades.

Their thinking was spot on, and while Britton and Egan got the two big bites they were looking for they rubbed off on the rocky bottom below.

“When we lost both those fish I had the feeling that I’d just lost the Grand Final,” explained Britton. Britton’s gut feeling right and his 2.44kg limit fell just short of claiming him the win.

Egan powers through to achieve final victory “We got dusted by a few fish as soon as we got there but we eventually boated a 40 and 35cm,” explained Egan.

-BOATER 1ST NON

Newcastle’s Shaun Egan claimed victory in the non-boater division with the 40-year-old breamer securing a wire-to-wire victory. Fishing with Tom Slater on Day One Egan fished the North Wall using a deepwater Cranka Crab to catch his fish.

“I got off to a flying start, we picked up a 35cm and a 31cm in the first dozen casts, and over the next hour we picked up two 27cm and a 28cm,” explained Egan.

With the wall starting to slow, the pair moved to Browns Rocks and it was here that they struck gold, catching 25-30 fish in around four hours. With the clock ticking, and the need for more upgrades foremost in their mind, they returned to Middle Wall, timing their return with the tide change and a bite window.

and over the next two hours filled their limit with a bag of quality fish. The pair then fished a series of locations including Middle

Shaun Egan secured the non-boater crown thanks to quality fish like this.

The kicker fish they needed bumped their bag to over four kilos (4.18kg) and had both Tom and Shaun sitting in the number one spot heading into Day Two. Partnered with Matt Finney on Day Two the pair hit Collis Wall first

Wall and Browns Rocks before finishing off their session in the canals. The pair weighed in a 2.88kg limit and once again it was the heavy Cranka Crab that did the damage.

With the leading boater paired with the leading

non-boater on day three Egan headed off from the start line on the final day with Chris Britton excited about what lay ahead.

“We went to Collis Wall first and it took a while to put a fish in the well. We then picked up a few and at around 10.15am we caught the 5th fish of our limit. We then moved to Middle Wall and picked up two upgrades,” explained Egan.

With the weather changing for the worse, the pair headed to Browns Rocks, Middle Walls, then returned to Collis Wall in search of the big bites they needed to bump up their overall weight.

It was on their final run on Collis that they both hooked up on the fish that they were looking for, but unfortunately both fish found freedom.

“We both wondered whether those fish would cost us at the end of the day,” explained Egan. The lost fish ultimately cost Britton the win, but for Egan their 2.44kg limit was just enough to deliver him the win.

The winning technique for Egan involved a Cranka Crab drifted with the current

TOP 10 BOATERS

run; it’s the best tournament series in the country. For any fisherman out there that wants to get into tournament fishing on an individual basis, the ABT Boater or non-boater divisions is the place to start.”

ABT would like to thank all sponsors, anglers and stakeholders for the 2015 Berkley BREAM Series.

For dates and details on the 2016 BREAM Series visit www.abt.org.au.

WINNING NOTES

Winning Tackle

Rod: 1-4kg, 7’, Duffrods Line: Berkley Fireline Leader: 5lb Sunline FC Rock leader Reel: Daiwa Luvias and Shimano Soare Lure: Heavy Cranka Crab in cockle, brown, olive and spotted colours

Winning Edge

A lack of experience on the Clarence was no liability to Carruthers with the Grand Final champion keying in on the winning location, technique, and lure during the prefish the day before the event.

TOP 10 NON-BOATERS

Place Angler

Fish

Weight (kg)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

9.53 9.47 9.21 8.93 8.87 8.46 8.26 8.11 8.05 8.05

Liam CARRUTHERS Chris BRITTON Tristan TAYLOR Peter MACOR Matthew FINNEY Kristoffer HICKSON Simon SCZEPANIAK Steve GILL Warren CARTER Warwick LYNDON

and drawn and dragged across the rocky bottom.

“If you felt a fish touch the lure you either dragged or slow rolled the lure to set the hook,” explained Egan. Post victory, Egan was thankful to many for his win.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my three Boaters for the Grand Final: Tom Slater, Matthew Finney and Chris Britton. I would also like to thank the ABT for the tournament series they

Payout

Mercury 115hp Motorguide prize Berkley prize Sponsors prize pack Sponsors prize pack

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

Place Angler

Fish

Weight (kg)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

9.50 9.47 9.42 8.76 8.75 8.30 8.10 7.95 7.95 7.95

Shaun EGAN Alex FRANCHUK Aaron CLIFTON Luke VANBRANDWYK Richard PATTERSON Bernard KONG Brendan HERDEN Clint VOSS Simon JOHNSON Angus CHANDLER

Payout

Mercury 60hp Berkley prize Motorguide prize Sponsors prize pack Sponsors prize pack

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au JANUARY 2016

73

2015 Shimano ‘Reel it in’ Flathead Challenge Road trips began as early as a week before. From Geelong in the south, as far as Rockhampton in the north, teams of fishers converged on the picturesque town of Mallacoota for Victoria’s premier flathead weekend.

The annual Shimano ‘Reel it in’ Flathead Challenge was held on the weekend of 14-15 November in 2015 and brought great excitement to the township of Mallacoota, with 54 teams and 154 anglers keen and ready to go. Only 5 teams were local.

TOP 10 RESULTS Team Name................................... Points Scored Lizard Tamer................................................... 1045 Duffrods...........................................................990 Dusky Busters..................................................981 Tsuribaka Tackle...............................................968 Hooked on Plastics..........................................958 Samurai Megabass...........................................954 Shanghai Dusky Hunters..................................952 Voss Motors.....................................................951 The Crusty Crab...............................................938 Team G.............................................................936

The local eateries were doing a great trade and the hotel was buzzing – definitely the place to be for a good yarn and a couple of frothy beers.

After the complete wash out on the Sunday of 2014, and some soaking mid-week rain, the teams closely monitored the weather forecast hoping for better conditions. The weather was looking pretty good for the weekend. But the downpour in the middle of the week would end up having the greatest effect on the fishing and results.

Those that braved the conditions on those two mid-week days were rewarded with some great fishing. Flathead over 60cm were caught readily and

James Currie with the biggest fish on Day 1. This big beautiful girl went 83.5cm.

Flathead needed to be clearly photographed on the 2015 Flathead Challenge bragmat with keytag visible. anticipation for the weekend heightened. Despite the rain, the water clarity remained fairly good, even up around Gypsy Point and Cape Horn.

But the two main arteries of Mallacoota Inlet, the Genoa and Wallagarugh Rivers were carrying plenty of fresh water that would soon change this. Friday evening

Glorious conditions greeted anglers on Saturday morning. at the Mallacoota Hotel saw the briefing take place, and anglers were able to grab their bag of goodies that included jigheads, Squidgies, their 2015 shirts and most importantly the bragmat they would have to use over the weekend.

DAY ONE Saturday morning after a quick coffee and toasted sandwich from the local cafe that was kind enough to open their doors early for the event, punters were greeted with glorious sunshine and light winds upon reaching the Karbethong ramp. Teams were keen and launched their boats up to 90 minutes before the scheduled start. Once all teams were ready, the 54 boats were released in a safe sequence and raced off to hit their favourite spots, take advantage of the light winds, and get started on catching their 10 fish limit.

An incredible number of fish were caught and released on this day, but it seemed that 95% of them were between 32-45cm. Teams that put their hopes on heading upstream to areas like Cape Horn, that had fished so well earlier in the week, were greeted with water that had lost that beautiful tannin colour and now resembled the coffee they’d had with breakfast! The water temperature had dropped almost 2°C and it seemed that the better fish were sulking and not interested in a meal of any kind.

The organiser’s boat, which also had a film crew on board from Kaydo Fishing World and Shimano representative Leroy Horton, were out having a casual fish, but more importantly waiting for a phone call that someone had at last landed a better

On one of the toughest days to find bigger fish, Davide Corio managed a 70cm model that was the biggest fish on Day 2.

Winners are grinners. The Lizard Tamer team seem pretty happy with the victory! fish – but it was a long wait.

At last, around 3pm the phone rang. James Currie from the team Lizard Tamer had found

an 83.5cm flathead right up the back of Fairhaven. After much yahooing, filming and photographing, the big

RESULTS Biggest Fish................. Angler..............Length (cm) Day 1........................ James Currie..................... 83.5 Day 2........................ Davide Corio......................... 70 Biggest bream ............Steve Duff........................... 44

2015 SHIMANO ‘REEL IT IN’ FLATHEAD CHALLENGE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1 2 3 4 5 6 74

JANUARY 2016

Fishing times from 7:30am-4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Lures only. No bait but scent allowed.

Each team’s longest 10 fish over both days will count.

2 points are awarded per cm measured. (Eg: 45.5cm = 91 points) Each fish must be photographed live on the 2015 Shimano ‘Reel it in’ bragmat with tag clearly visible.

Photos judged each night at the Mallacoota hotel from 5pm.

breeder was released. This fish was the only 80cm+ for the day.

Only 2 other fish pipped the 70cm mark, and not one fish between 60-69cm was caught. Some of the best flathead anglers in the land were left scratching their heads and hoping for an improvement on the Sunday.

Saturday from 5pm back at the headquarters (the hotel), photographs were viewed and lengths tallied.

Team McGrath Lures found themselves on top after Day one with a solid bag of

mid to high 40s fish, plus a couple of 50s thrown in, but it was Team Lizard Tamer sitting in second place that looked like the team to beat with that 83.5cm in their bag and some smaller fish that could be easily upgraded.

DAY TWO With most teams entering 10 fish on the Saturday, Sunday was all about upgrades. Upgrading would prove to be a hard task as the fresh water that had dirtied up the rivers had now been pushed right down into the bottom lake. This in turn

pushed many teams down into the main channel not far from the entrance, but while decent numbers were landed here, the big girls were still not playing the game.

Team Duffrods had other ideas. Languishing in 29th place after Day 1, the boys used ultra light gear like 3lb straight through connected to small hardbodies and blades, and headed into the bays of Double Creek arm where the dirty water hadn’t penetrated as much yet and where the water temperature was up a bit. This proved a winning

A bounty of prizes was on display from some great companies – an irresistible incentive to chase those big girls. A Shimano Stella was awarded to each member of the winning team.

move as the boys landed 3 fish in the mid 50s and a nice 65.5cm kicker that shot them up the leader board.

But would it be enough?

Day 1 leaders, McGrath Lures were struggling to find upgrades, as were most teams. But there was one angler that had other ideas.

That angler was James Currie from Lizard Tamer, and like a spicy vindaloo, Currie was on fire! With three 50cm+ upgrades for the day, James ended up with 6 of his team’s top 10 fish which included the biggest fish of

the weekend at 83.5cm. This was enough to secure the win for his team ahead of Team Duffrods, who finished a strong 2nd place.

The Lizard Tamers celebrated the weekend taking home almost $9000 worth of prizes, including a Shimano Stella FI 2000 each from major sponsor Shimano.

A boat wrap from Form a Sign and some awesome gear from Tonic Eyewear, Nitro Rods, BCF, PFD Australia, Pirtek and Lowrance.

Other sponsors of the event included Kaydo Fishing

World, Jigman, Pelican Petes/Caltex, Beachcomer Caravan Park, Kingston Trophies, Sax Scent and the Mallacoota Hotel.

Anglers dug deep into their pockets for charity over the weekend raising over $2000 for Beyond Blue which helps many suffering from anxiety and depression, a truly great cause.

Well done everyone! All had a magnificent weekend at Mallacoota, and already teams are looking forward to the 2016 challenge.

– Scott Wakefield

A huge turn out saw the competiton remembered as a massive success.

13TH & 14TH

FEBRUARY 2016

T

he Darlington Point Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing Competition is a weekend for the whole family. With Riverside markets, entertainment and a huge prize pool up for grabs for any keen angler.

OVER $ Including a

In 2016 all proceeds raised from the Riverina Classic will be donated to support Motor Neurone Disease NSW (MND) and our local Griffith support group for MND.

60,000

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ENTRY Adults .................$50 Kids .....................$20 Family (2 adults, 2 kids) ...$120

Register today www.riverinaclassic.com • 0428 627 688 JANUARY 2016

75

Great family fun at the Burrinjuck Convention The Canberra Fisherman’s Club hosted the 41st ANSA Burrinjuck Convention on 6-8 November 2015.

Burrinjuck Waters State Park on the shores of Lake Burrinjuck, (330km southwest of Sydney and 110km from Canberra), was where 169 anglers from 12 fishing clubs gathered for the annual convention.

Heavy rains up to 55mm drenched Burrinjuck in the week leading up to the Convention. The rain continued to fall up to Friday 6 November, 2015.

By early Saturday morning, anglers were greeted with clear blue skies and flat seas.

The number of fish caught over the weekend

was up compared to last year, with 232 European carp, 48 golden perch, and 38 redfin perch.

Most

of the golden perch were released unharmed after being weighed.

Chris Stolk put in a

Tyler Robinson from the Happy Hookers club with an impressive 4.42kg carp.

Kimberley Stolk of the Wollongong Sportsfishing Club and her 4.3kg carp.

strong effort and claimed four trophies for the Wollongong Sportsfishing Club. He weighed in a massive 19kg of carp, the biggest, a whopping 5.61kg that earned him the trophies for Heaviest Carp Senior, Highest Point Scoring Carp (Adult Male), Highest Point Scoring Fish – Flycasting. Chris also won the Rangers Trophy for Highest Aggregate Points.

His sister, Kimberley Stolk, also claimed the trophy for Highest Point Scoring Carp (Adult Female) for a 4.3kg carp. Gordon Jobson claimed the Trophy for Highest Point Scoring Fish

– Lurecasting, taking the Wollongong Sportsfishing Club’s trophy count to five.

Tyler Robinson from Happy Hookers Sportsfishing Club took out the trophies for Heaviest Carp Junior and Highest Point Scoring Carp (Junior Boy) with his 4.42kg carp.

Ty Schneider’s 1.23kg golden perch took out the Heaviest Native Junior Trophy while Grant Hartley of Ocean Beach Hotel Fishing Club’s 3.28kg golden perch took out the trophies for Heaviest Native Senior and Highest Point Scoring Native – Senior. Also from Ocean Beach Hotel Fishing Club, Angelina Bandulet won the Native Catch and Release Trophy after catching and releasing 1290mm of golden perch. Ann Gerard of the Sea Bees Boating Club took out the Heaviest Redfin Perch Trophy with a 0.46kg redfin perch.

However, the weekend belonged to the Botany Bay Sportsfishing Club.

Douglas White’s 0.3kg redfin perch won him the Heaviest Redfin Perch Trophy. Cameron Addis won the Junior Mystery Weight Prize.

The Stathakis/Windon Family weighed in 40 fish to take out the Champion Family prize. Rachel Camilleri won the Highest Point Scoring Carp – Junior Girl with her 3.86kg carp and Breanna Busuttil won the Highest

Point Scoring Native with her 0.88kg golden perch.

As always, the fight for the Champion Club was closely fought between Wollongong Sportsfishing

compared with the adults who weighed in an average of 1.6 fish each. The junior anglers represent the future leaders of our clubs and the fishing community.

Adam Camilleri holding Rachel’s 3.86kg trophy winning carp.

Club and the Botany Bay Sportsfishing Club.

In the end, Botany Bay Sportsfishing Club claimed the trophy with 42 points, followed closely by Wollongong Sportsfishing Club with 34 points, Happy Hookers Sportsfishing Club claimed 3rd place with 9 points, and Ocean Beach Hotel Fishing Club in 4th place with 5 points.

Once again, there was strong participation by the junior anglers at the Burrinjuck Convention.

They weighed in an average of 3.5 fish each,

It’s pleasing to see junior anglers get ‘hooked on fishing’ at events such as the Burrinjuck Convention.

The Canberra Fisherman’s Club executive and members would like to thank all our sponsors including Tackle World Canberra and Fishing Monthly Magazine who helped make this event successful. Without the sponsors this event would not be able to run. The Club looks forward to hosting its 42nd ANSA Burrinjuck Convention in 2016. – Anthony Heiser

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR JANUARY FEBRUARY

MARCH

Jan 30-31

Maria Lures Sunline Bream Classic Marlo

www.vicbreamclassics.com.au

Feb 13-14

SCFCA Beach Albion Park

southcoastfca@yahoo.com.au

Feb 13-14

Riverina Classic Darlington Point

www.riverinaclassic.com

Feb 19-21

Deniliquin Fishing Classic Deniliquin

www.denifishingclassic.com.au

Feb 20-21

ABT BREAM Qualifier #1 Mallacoota

www.abt.org.au

Feb 24-25

ABT BREAM Qualifier #2 Gippsland Lakes

www.abt.org.au

Mar 7

SWAA Albury – Wodonga River Classic Albury Wodonga

www.southwestanglers.org.au

Mar 19-20

Shimano BCF Bream Classic Warrnambool

www.vicbreamclassics.com.au

Mar 18-20

Club Marine Trailer Boat Tournament Nelson Bay

www.tbft.com.au

Mar 19-12

SCFCA Deep Sea Oak Flats

southcoastfca@yahoo.com.au

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing nsweditor@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours.

Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

76

JANUARY 2016

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Yakking about impoundments BRISBANE

Justin Wilmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

The east coast of Australia is dotted with impoundments.

Lakes and dams of various sizes that often allow access to anglers, including kayak anglers, and many of which are stocked

with popular freshwater sportfish, including Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch, Murray cod, saratoga, barramundi and more.

Impoundments can offer excellent fishing for kayak anglers, often providing sheltered waters, multiple launch points, less boat traffic and an environment that is a little more gear

friendly than the salt.

There are, however, some important considerations when investigating your local impoundments to plan an adventure.

Ensure that fishing is permitted and check out any regulations regarding no fishing zones, closed seasons and whether any permits or licenses are

lilies, pockets in the weed, timber and other structure, with minimal noise, a low profile and with little shadow and water displacement. This allows you to get surprisingly close to fish and fish holding structure and the next fish that showers me with water as it eats the lure beside the kayak will definitely not be the last.

Before visiting your local impoundment there are a couple of great online resources that can give you a head start. Google Maps allows you to explore the area surrounding the impoundment to find access points close to fishy looking structure and sheltered water, while also giving you a basic lay of the land in terms of steep drop offs, shallow drains and basic vegetation. It is important to note though that these maps can be dated, so use them as a basic guide as their accuracy may

A bucket of golden perch fingerlings is readied for release.

Map, which is viewable from their website – www. lowrance.com. These charts are created by anglers, boaters, sailors and others who are out on the water, running their Lowrance or Simrad electronics, who then choose to upload the information to the social mapping. These charts

offs and other structure that may hold fish. Not all coastal or inland waterways will be mapped, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find that much of a local impoundment that I plan to explore has been mapped, allowing me to make note of structure that will definitely be worth a

PRFMA President Steve assists the kids with a release of Australian bass.

Water like this is built for kayak anglers.

required. It’s also worth investigating if there are open and closing times for being on the water, or accessing the impoundment through locked gates.

Remember that some of these bodies of water are quite large and can become choppy and even dangerous in windy conditions, so check the weather forecast and wind direction as this may influence your plans, launch site or the area you fish.

I have fished many impoundments over the years and the kayak is perfect for stealthily exploring the weed beds,

This chunky impoundment bass thumped a TT Lures Vortex spinnerbait. vary due to the changing water level.

Another great tool for anglers is Lowrance’s Insight Genesis Social

show water depth contours and can be a great resource for locating the old river bed, humps that rise from the bottom, steep drop

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JANUARY 2016

Shane and Dave admire a cracker 70cm saratoga caught on a TT Lures Vortex spinnerbait.

few casts.

The stocking of these impoundments is often funded by permits, licences and the efforts of local stocking groups that oversee the fishery, raise and manage the funds, and co-ordinate the release of fingerlings. Recently my wife Sheri and I caught up with the PRFMA (Pine Rivers Fish Management Association), a group that I am a former member of and hope to be involved with again soon, at a co-ordinated fish release at Lake Kurwongbah in South East Queensland. It was great to see so many volunteers turn up on the day to assist with the release, as buckets of fingerlings were acclimatised before being released into the safety of the weed and lilies. It was also fantastic to see so many kids taking part as

these young anglers are the future of our sport.

I caught up with Steve Wighton, the PRFMA president, and we chatted about their recent tilapia bash aimed at reducing numbers of this noxious species, along with the fishing events that they have run for the kids and the shared access that is now in place on Lake Kurwongbah that allows kayak anglers to fish this picturesque waterway. Steve and his fellow stocking group members are passionate

about fishing and the future of the sport, evident in the smiles on their faces as they stood knee deep in the water, slowly releasing 20,000 Australian bass and 10,000 golden perch into their new home.

If you’re a passionate freshwater angler looking to be more involved in your local fishery, touch base with your local stocking group. Alternatively, make sure you buy a raffle ticket, donate, or even fish one of their events to assist them with their

efforts. I kayak fished the salt for many years before sliding the yak into the sweetwater and for the saltwater anglers out there, I can highly recommend a freshwater adventure. The environment and wildlife is so different, the freshwater is gear friendly, you can camp right on the water at many locations and freshwater species can be challenging, rewarding and great fun.

I am looking forward to my maiden voyage on this local impoundment,

Releasing fingerlings into the shelter of the lilies almost ensures their safety and survival.

especially after witnessing the addition of these new fingerlings, and the team from the stocking group freely offered a few tips for fishing this lake. A bit of research among friends that have fished the lake also gave me a good starting point for my upcoming adventure and you will see a few of their successes among the accompanying photos. Spinnerbaits, tailspinners and blades are among the go-to lures for fishing this impoundment and worth including in your freshwater kit.

Stay tuned for next month’s article where I slide my kayak into an impoundment that I have never fished before and report back with a breakdown of the structure I encountered and techniques that I employed to catch a few… hopefully Murphy doesn’t throw a spanner in the works and put the mocker on me.

Take the time to Google the local impoundments in your area and plan a freshwater adventure. You may discover a gem of a fishery, be blown away by the tranquillity of the surroundings and even get to tangle with a new drag peeling, hard-fighting and iconic fish species.

See you on the water.

Top: Signage like this will fill you in on local regulations, available species and other relevant information.

Bottom: Impoundments and kayaks go hand in hand.

JANUARY 2016

79

SURF LIFE SAVING FUN PAGE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

NEW BOAT

LESS WORK

CANOEING

CAMPING

HOLIDAYS

GETAWAY

ROAD TRIP

SWEAR JAR

PHOTOS

HIKING

GEAR

MATES

BUSH WALKING

CATALOGUE

EXERCISE

FLY FISHING

PERSONAL BEST

RODS

FLY TYING

TIME

REELS

REPLACING

KAYAKING

LURES

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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P/Code:

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 JANUARY 2016

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Congratulations to Audra Bird of Wattle Flat, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive a Surf Lifesaving 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 H Lawn of Mount Colah, who won a Zerek Innovation prize pack valued at $316.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

MAJOR SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The major subscriber prize winners who each won a Berkley prize pack were: 1st ($600) E Bodley of Evans Head; 2nd ($400) L Robinson or Fishermans Paradise; 3rd ($200) J Allen of Blacktown.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

FIND THE BERKLEY LOGO

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

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• DECEMBER JANUARY 2016 2010

November locations: 8, 16, 17, 29, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42, 46, 58, 60, 64, 90, 96. – NSWFM The Find the Berkley logo prize winners for November were: W Short of Hamlyn Terrace, W Olsen of Sans Souci, D Chandler of Theodore , B Whyte of Myers Flat, T Gardner of East Corrimal, E Walters of Goodwood Island, J Cross of Mondrook, G Arnold of Sunshine Bay, M Quigley of Bega, K Jones of Narromine, L Robinson of Fishermans Paradise, R Todd of Wahroonga, D Reeves of Windsor, M Blake of Walcha, P Davis of Eleebana , B Bush of The Oaks, R Chown of Glendenninl, J Kettley of Woonona, R Crossman of Torrumbarry, M O’Hare of Rouse Hill, M Dunford of Young, M King of Bellbird, G Wade of Empire Bay, G Fuller of Allawah, B Hughes of Wallalong, R Rich of Hamlyn Terrace, G Tasker of Belfield, M Markham of Singleton, M Ryan of Aberglasslyn, K Finch of Mulgoa, L Cupitt of Goulburn, K Batho of Quirindi, N Webster of Kyrrajong Hts, S Burnitt of Glenmore Park, R Cooper of Forster, R Derrick of Barraba, L Boyd of Hawks Nest, S Ayre of Denman, D Collister of Tamworth, P Herbert of Emerald Beach. – NSWFM

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MONTHLY PRIZES

Logos hidden throughout the pages of Fishing Monthly.

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The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of the month will win a Shrimp Hook Pack.

All entries will go into the major prize draw.

(Drawn MAY 31, 2016)

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What’s New BOATING

1

WHITTLEYS ARE HONG KONG BOUND

Oceanaire Marine Management Ltd, a Hong Kong-based boating consultancy with over 30 years of industry experience, has been appointed as the sole Whittley distributor for Hong Kong.

A family owned and operated affair, Oceanaire is headed up by the husband and wife team of Joe Poon and Pye Lee Wan Sin. Joe has previously owned a Hong Kong-delivered Whittley CW2080 and not surprisingly, this was one of the first models ordered.

It joins a Volvo Penta diesel-powered SL22 as part of Oceanaire’s initial order. Both boats have been snugged into their container in preparation for a long voyage north.

“Hong Kong is the first of several international markets that Whittley will bring on line over the next few months,” revealed Whittley’s Managing Director, Neville Whittley.

“The growing middle class in Hong Kong and other Asian markets have shown an appetite for quality recreational products and the time is right to cultivate our brand in these and other regions.” www.whittleymarinegroup.com.au

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FIXTECH ADHESIVE SEALANT SOLUTIONS

Now you can buy a proven adhesive sealant solutions for the harsh marine environment.

FixTech products are developed specifically for the marine industry and will lift your present expectation by offering products that are UV resistant and colour stabilised, a complete range of MS Polymer adhesive sealants free from toxins, solvents, silicone and isocyanate, 100% waterproof one part adhesives, products that are so smooth to work with, that you can feather edge for a great finish and reduce wastage.

FixTech Adhesive is the best quality range of marine adhesive sealants in terms of health and safety. There’s also no nasty chemicals in the mixture.

FixTech is also setting new benchmarks for user friendliness, strength, paintability and longevity.

So when you need a reliable adhesive for a marine-orientated project, or need something to perform repairs, look no further than FixTech. They have a range of adhesives and sealants to suit all your building and fixing. www.bla.com.au

3

RAYMARINE FITOUT A “GAME CHANGER”

Internationally renowned game fishing skipper Captain Tim Dean says his new suite of Raymarine electronics is a “game changer” when it comes to finding fish and navigating the Great Barrier Reef.

The champion skipper recently refit his 43ft O’Brien fly bridge Calypso with a collection of Raymarine products.

The suite includes the gS Series, eS Series MFD, dual CP470 CHIRP sonar, Evolution autopilot, 4kW HD Colour Radar, Ray 60 VHF radios, and a FLIR thermal night vision camera. Dean travels 2,000km from his home base in Port Stephens for the heavy tackle season in Cairns. He uses both an Evolution autopilot and FLIR thermal camera equipment linked to his gS Series and eS Series MFDs on the voyage.

“I can basically turn the Evolution autopilot on when I leave Port Stephens and turn it off when I get to my berth in the Cairns marina,” Dean says. “My Raymarine gear is the best of the best. I wouldn’t use them if they weren’t.” www.raymarine.com.au

4

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

VHF AND UHF 2-WAY RADIO

A pioneer in communication solutions, Uniden, has launched Australia’s first combined VHF and UHF CB 2-way handheld radio.

VHF marine radios enable users to communicate while out at sea while UHF 2-way radios are used on land. The new Uniden MHS155UV dual band VHF/UHF CB 2-way handheld radio is a must have tool for outdoor adventurers who want to stay in touch while exploring the ocean or ashore.

Perfect for a variety of outdoor trips – from an afternoon of fishing to hiking – the innovative design removes the need to carry two different radios for reliable communication.

The MHS155UV radio sports a fully submersible waterproof body based on IPX7 waterproof standards. Its floating, lightweight design ensures the radio remains afloat and can be easily retrieved if dropped overboard.

With a white and grey exterior, the MHS155UV can be easily identified when misplaced in the bushland or in the water. A large LCD backlit display offers clear viewing in dim or brightly lit conditions.

Price: RRP $249.95 www.uniden.com

5

1

2

SPITFIRE X7 PROPELLER

Mercury Marine, the world leader in marine propulsion and technology, has introduced SpitFire X7, a stainless steel propeller designed to improve all performance facets of the growing 75115hp outboard class.

The SpitFire X7 is the first in the 75-115hp engine class to be marketed with Mercury’s proprietary X7 alloy, which is 30% stronger and four times more durable than conventional steel. Using the X7 alloy and building off the best-in-class aluminium SpitFire, the SpitFire X7 will significantly improve acceleration, top speed and holding compared to other stainless steel propellers in its class.

“A high-performance propeller is the most cost-efficient way to improve a boater’s experience, and for the 75-115hp outboard class, the SpitFire X7 delivers,” said Jared Reichenberger, brand manager for Mercury Propellers. “With gains of up to 1.5 miles per hour and 0-20 acceleration improvements by five-plus seconds versus other stainless propellers, the SpitFire X7 will be a staple in the Mercury propeller lineup for many years to come.” www.mercurymarine.comu

3

4 5

6

MERCURY POWERING PONTOON MARKET

Pontoons are one of the fastest growing boat segments in the world, and Australian boat-lovers are quickly discovering why.

Paul Eade, who owns Eade’s Xtreme Marine in Echuca and is the national distributer for Harris says he’s seen the popularity growing.

“The thing about pontoons is that they are incredibly versatile and manoeuvrable. With them being new to the market, once you get people experiencing the ride out on the water they’re quickly converted.

Paul is one of the people leading Australia’s pontoon push, offering great boats and full support – including a manufacturer’s warranty – which has been lacking in the market. He’s also selling more Mercury engines.

“They make a good match. I recommended Verados for my last two pontoons, a 225 and a 300hp, which provide all the power you’d need for skiing, but are ultra-smooth and ultraquiet which is ideal when you’ve got friends and family aboard for a cruise,” he said. www.mercurymarine.com

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

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Stacer Proline gets a revamp: 449S Angler

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Stacer have made it their business to keep a close eye on customer demand, and they are always on the lookout for ways to make a good thing even better.

With their Proline series of entry level fishing tinnies they’ve managed to neatly balance practicality with price, and for very good reason: there are many keen fishos that are dedicated to their pastime yet are rendered time poor by family or work, or perhaps have strict budgetary commitments.

These anglers need a boat to enjoy their precious time on the water but cannot justify an overly large outlay for a state-of-the-art craft that’s going to see only occasional use. Far better, for these fishers, to seek out a budget package that can cover a wide number of angling

activities but without over commitment.

This value for money concept has been the strength of the Stacer Proline series.

They have always been regarded as boats that can comfortably fish small families or groups of mates, tow and stow easily and (despite modest price tags) still look quite attractive behind the car or on the water.

This year’s release sees the already successful Proline Angler series of models (from 409 to 449 in length) featuring a new ‘Striker’ series of redesigned hulls. These hulls offer more beam, more depth thanks to a deeper entry point, and more easy performance from given horsepower.

Interior dimensions reflect these changes; models with casting platforms, such as the Angler 449S I reviewed, have up to 10% increase in cast deck area up front. Other features include extra storage space, roto anchor wells,

A long shaft 60 E-Tec was top power for the reviewed rig and was quiet with impressive amounts of get up and go. Given the very easy performance of the 60, smaller family or fishing teams might want to opt for less power and save some dollars in the process.

84

JANUARY 2016

optional live wells and smart wraps to add extra bling.

The deeper entry of the Proline Striker series results in an increased interior depth of these craft, particularly up front and towards amidships.

It’s not so noticeable in those models where a floor is fitted but very easy to see in craft without a floor, such as the 399/429 models, where the forward floor area is substantially veed.

The added depth between sides and keel is a contributor to ride quality as well as minimizing water intrusion when underway. With the almost metre depth of the sides of the 449 Angler, boaters with youngsters SPECIFICATIONS Length: ...................4.49m Length on Trailer:...5.65m Height on Trailer:....1.40m Beam:......................2.04m Bottomsides:...... 3.00mm Topsides:............. 2.00mm Max. HP:....................60hp Min. HP:.....................40hp Max people:.................... 4 Weight (hull only): .335kg aboard will doubtless be reassured by the Proline’s excellent freeboard.

LAYOUT The new top-of-therange 449S Proline Angler Striker comes standard with a carpeted floor, two rod holders, an extended front casting platform, extruded side decks, transducer bracket, a painted hull, side rails, two strong pedestal seats, and six seat positions.

Engines are rated from 40-60hp, with the reviewed

449S being equipped with a long shaft 60hp Evinrude E-Tec. Options are numerous, with over a dozen on the factory specs sheet, and among those most likely to

PERFORMANCE On the water the 449S Angler will make a lot friends with its easy, very smooth ride and high degrees of stability at all times.

The reviewed rig was set

The new Stacer 449S Proline Angler is in many respects an ideal smaller family craft for sheltered or semi-sheltered waters given its generous beam-to-length ratio of 2.05m to 4.59m, the

A very wide beam to length ratio gives the new Proline 449 Angler appeal to family groups as well as the more serious anglers among us. The standard Proline seats were comfortable, roomy and quite supportive, and excellent storage was available within the hatch up front under the casting platform. be chosen include a live bait tank, 70L under floor fuel tank, side pocket, bimini and envelope, a sounder GPS from a wide selection of units available, decal combinations and perhaps a side console in lieu of the standard tiller steer set up.

An electric motor bracket is also an important option.

Construction of the Proline 449S Angler sees 3mm bottoms and 2mm sides linked to ample ribs to ensure rigidity. With a hull weight of 335kg, the craft is certainly no lightweight – hence the engine ratings as mentioned – and this gives it a really sturdy, solid, feel whether at rest or underway.

It takes up to four people, ideal for a fishing boat of this size.

up with a tiller steer (top power) 60 Evinrude E-Tec on the transom but I’d see it going almost as well with a 40 E-Tec if there were only one or two people aboard most times.

I was impressed with the lack of hull slap, thanks to the Proline’s excellent design, and also with the overall comfort experienced with three aboard during test runs around the Southport Broadwater. The very snappy performance from the smooth E-Tec with its muted hum astern also added to the pleasure of the boating experience.

Performance figures with three aboard saw the craft planing at around 13km/h and cruising easily and very quietly at 40km/h, with a top speed of almost 54km/h recorded.

excellent freeboard of 0.91m and very easy going ride.

Competent sportfishers would also enjoy the same attributes and no doubt catch their share of fish in this boat. It’s right sized, could be towed by most family sedans or SUVs, and won’t involve too much of an outlay to own. The hull warranty is three years.

For more info visit your local Stacer dealer or go to www.stacer.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.

Storage space is always hard to come by in open boats of this size so there’s little doubt that the full-width storage locker up front of the 449 Proline will be put to good use by owners.

With such a roomy casting platform, two anglers could fish up front of the 449 Angler with ease. Fortunately, an electric motor bracket is on the options list.

Fishing Monthly’s Will Lee looks like he’s enjoying time at the tiller of the 449 Angler.

One option sure to be selected by prospective Proline 449 Angler owners would be the live well, in this case a roto moulded job.

The E-Tec 60’s impressive 2-stroke power saw an easy cruising speed of around 40km/h during runs within the Southport Broadwater and surrounds.

NEW FOR 2016

IS THE STACER PROLINE • INCREASED STABILITY • SOFTER RIDE • DRYER RIDE • MORE SPACE The Stacer Proline Angler 449 is the ultimate inshore fishing package with front and rear casting platforms, 2 x Stacer Sea Pro seats with 6 seat positions, rod holders, side decks, transducer bracket and anchor well as standard with many more other options.

Contact your local dealer for more information.

ILUKA

CENTRAL COAST

DUBBO

GRAFTON

2 A Charles Street, Iluka Ph (02) 6646 6106 ilukaboatshed@bigpond.com

425 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty Ph (02) 4333 3444 stacerboats1@aol.com

36 Bourke Street, Dubbo Ph (02) 6882 2853 bbeandel@bigpond.net.au

160 North St, Grafton Ph (02) 6643 1199 sales@discomarine.com.au

ILUKA BOATSHED AND MARINA

www.ilukaboatshed.com

IN TUNE MARINE

www.intunemarine.com.au

DUBBO MARINE

www.dubbomarine.com.au

DISCO MARINE

www.discomarine.com.au

MACQUARIE COAST

SYDNEY

SYDNEY

THE ILLAWARRA

537 Ocean Dr, North Haven Ph (02) 6559 9344 enquiries@camdenhavenmarine.com.au

1 Railway Rd North, Mulgrave Ph (02) 4577 6699 sales@blakesmarine.com.au

1131 Pacific Hwy, Cowan Ph (02) 9456 1444 info@huettmarine.com.au

240 Shellharbour Rd, Warilla Ph (02) 4297 2888 sunsetmotors@bigpond.com

CAMDEN HAVEN MARINE

www.camdenhavenmarine.com.au

BLAKES MARINE

www.blakesmarine.com.au

HUETT MARINE CENTRE

www.huettmarine.com.au

SUNSET MOTORS & MARINE

www.sunsetmotorsandmarine.com.au JANUARY 2016

85

Savage 655C powered by 200hp Gen 2 E-Tec BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

The Chinese-made Savage fibreglass boats have been around for a couple of years now, and they have

largest (by volume) boat manufacturer, and these boats come pretty well set up from the outset – and for the right price.

The hull’s design lends itself to both seaworthiness and comfort underway, thanks to a decent amount of

ratings. All these features make the Savage 655C (for cabin) suited to the really dedicated bay, estuary and offshore angler, or the more family-orientated fisho who divides time between fishing with mates and taking the family touring, tubing or

This shot of the Savage 655C underway gives an idea of just how large this fibreglass rig really is. While many 6.5m boats are rated for up to six people, the Savage takes the honours with an eight-person capacity.

Here you can see how well the hull’s design pushes water well astern at speed, maximising lift plus offering the best chance for occupants to remain dry.

fishing. With the Gen 2 E-Tec 200 High Output on the transom you could virtually tow the whole family!

The beamy (2.48m) fibreglass Savage came with a walkaround capability easily accessed

via a moulded side step.

There were plenty of handholds via the bimini and windscreen framework on the test boat to facilitate going forward; handy for approaching a beach but not required when tending

The Savage’s neatly finished cabin can keep the crew out of the weather or just as easily be used to store valuable fishing gear when underway. been received pretty well.

And why not? The finish is good, the warranty is backed by the nation’s

vee aft, ample beam in ratio to length, and there’s a fair degree of flexibility in aft seating layout, plus engine

There’s seating for three people on padded storage bins at the transom. You can also move the bins around to a different configuration when necessary.

The oval backrest sections can be removed to allow boarding from astern.

The Savage’s skipper has the option to either stand or remain seated to drive.

Both positions allow full visibility plus ample comfort from the large pedestal seat. Note the depth of the foot well in the cabin, plus the handy lower shelf.

86

JANUARY 2016

ground tackle as a Muir winch came standard.

Within the roomy and well lit cabin with its wide entrance between skipper and mate’s seats there’d be room for two to sleep and enjoy the comfort of soft cabin lining, under-bunk storage, plus generous shelving for an easy overnight stay. Removing the bunk infill would see an ice box or Porta Potti installed if necessary.

The 655C’s helm station came equipped with the sevens! Flush mounted were a 7” Evinrude Icon Touch gauge plus a Lowrance 7” Elite sounder/ GPS. These dominated the twin radios (Fusion and Marine) above, but it was interesting to note that an even larger nav unit could be fitted, although the low mounted wheel might obstruct your view of a larger flush mounted unit.

Comfortable, height adjustable, pedestal seats up front came with bolster sections, and there was

Complete versatility in aft seating allows the padded bins there to be moved into several positions or completely left out of the craft.

easy visibility through the two-section windscreen, both when seated and when standing.

Additional storage comes via an under-floor box at the cockpit’s rear, both skipper and mate being provided with low level storage pockets to complement the pockets each side of the cockpit. There were also very large storage boxes set up as seats at the transom. These moulded boxes, or bins, were entirely removable and would have been very well suited for the catch if they had been lined or insulated. Still, few would complain of their usefulness,

as they could be moved to any section of the cockpit to facilitate fishing or even left at home.

Corner-mounted transom backrest sections were also removable to assist entry from astern, the oval cushions being equipped with handles for ease of use. With these items removed, two walkthrough entry areas were on hand, and the starboard one equipped with a boarding ladder. Twin rod holders per gunwale side complemented the rod holders set into the rocket launcher at the rear of the

Many of the important features of the big Savage walkaround can be seen here. Note the lift out transom back rests and the large high backed pedestal seats for skipper and mate, plus the width of the walkaround area.

craft’s bimini, so there’d be no reason to leave an extra fishing outfit or two at home. One item lacking was a dedicated bait tank; a surprise omission in such a well-provisioned craft.

On the water at Southport the 655C proved very easy to drive, amply powered by the 200 High Output E-Tec. It was quite stable while at rest in Seaway swell, which is obviously important for offshore work. The 655C’s engine ratings go right up to 225hp, which saw the Gen2 Evinrude E-Tec fairly close to maximum

power. An easy hole shot saw the craft planing at a mere 24km/h (2700rpm), with an economical cruising speed of 35.2km/h at 3000rpm. Wide open throttle saw the rig blasting along at 77km/h, yet ample intermediate speeds and throttle applications were instantly available from the E-Tec 200 HO to cater for cruising, fast travel, or tow sports. Fuel tank capacity was 170L, which provides a massive cruising or fishing range.

Overall, I saw the big Savage fibreglass walkaround as an ideal craft

One of the great benefits of the Savage’s removable aft seating is access to the craft’s fuel filter – always an important issue for boat owners.

for many boating pursuits.

For more info visit your local Savage Glass dealer or go to www.fibreglass. savageboats.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.

SPECIFICATIONS Hull length.......................................................6.50m Beam................................................................2.48m Length on trailer.............................................8.10m Height on trailer..............................................2.40m Weight (boat only)......................................... 1020kg Min. hp.................................................................150 Max. hp................................................................225 Max persons...........................................................8

An easy to monitor dash design is highlighted by the premium Evinrude Icon Colour touch gauge linked to the 200 Gen 2 E-Tec plus the Lowrance Elite 7. Other switches for various functions plus the winch are lower, but still within easy reach.

8 9 8 1 e c n i S n o c I e i s s u A n A about

• Over 100 years strong - since 1898 • Moulded for strength - full fibreglass stringer system free of organic materials • One HULL of a ride - 22 degree hull deadrise • 10 Year Structural Warranty • Packed with features including: underfloor storage, twin transom walk-through ..... and loads more!

6 MODELS IN THE RANGE OF BOWRIDERS AND CABINS

CANOBOLAS MARINE CENTRE 166 - 172 Bathurst Road ORANGE 02-6361 3014 www.canobolasmarine.com.au

HUETT MARINE CENTRE 1131 Pacific Highway COWAN 02-9456 1444 www.huettmarine.com.au

MACS MARINE 1 Denne Street TAMWORTH WEST 02-6765 8858 www.macsmarine.com.au

NEKEN MARINE 83-85 Darley Street 02-9979 9649 www.neken.com.au

MONA VALE

JANUARY 2016

87

Trades, Services, Charter Calypso Yamba Holiday Park (02) 6646 8847

BAIT & TACKLE

Iluka Riverside Tourist Park (02) 6646 6060 Wooli Camping & Caravan Park (02) 6649 7671

BYRON COAST

3Gelcoat repairs 3 Insurance repairs

Yamba Bait & Tackle (02) 6646 1514

COFFS COAST Compleat Angler Kempsey (02) 6562 5307 Rocks Marine Bait & Tackle South West Rocks (02) 6566 6726

MACQUARIE COAST Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333

HUNTER COAST

3 Transom & floor repairs 312v Electrical installations 4 Aspinall Place, MULGRAVE 02 4577 3482 www.westernboatrepairs.com.au

FISH TAXIDERMY

Port Stephens Tackle World (02) 4984 2144

SYDNEY

MACLEAY VALLEY COAST Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks 1300 262 782 Crescent Head Holiday Park: 02 6566 0261 Hat Head Holiday Park: 02 6567 7501 Horse Shoe Bay Holiday Park: 02 6566 6370 Stuarts Point Holiday Park: 02 6563 0616 Grassy Head Holiday Park: 02 6569 0742

SAMPLE AD - BUSINESS NAME This is where your copy will appear.

You will have approximately 30 words within a 5x2 ad size.

Fish Taxidermist 0428 544 841

Gabes Boating & Fishing Centre Narellan (02) 4647 8755 Windybanks Bait and Tackle (02) 9477 1520

BREAKDOWN RESPONSE Boat Assist 24 (02) 9746 6224 or www.boatassist24.com.au

CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014 Korr Lighting www.korrlighting.com.au

MARINE MECHANICS SYDNEY

EDENS COAST Bermagui Bait and Tackle (02) 6493 5444

FRESHWATER Loomzys Fish and Fix (Forbes) (02) 6851 1425

BOAT IMPORTS

Penrith Marine (02) 4731 6250 Moby Marine (02) 9153 6506 or www.mobymarine.com.au Aqua Marine 0415 600 301 or www.aquacash.com.au Cohoe Marine Products (Sydney) (02) 9519 3575 Blakes Marine (02) 4577 6699 Watersports Marine (02) 9676 1400 Neken Marine (02) 9979 9649 Boat Assist 24 - On Water Mechanic (02) 9746 6224

NEED REPLACEMENT MARINE ENGINE PARTS OR ACCESSORIES?

KAYAK DEALERS Hunter Water Sports (02) 4947 7899

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

has you MOBY MARINE covered

S E R V I C E S

P T Y

• We are one of Australia’s largest suppliers of after market spare parts & accessories • Trade Enquiries Welcome

CORROSION CONTROL SALT REMOVING TREATMENT

WARNING!

9 out 10 engines fail from salt corrosion ACT NOW AND PROTECT YOUR VALUABLE BOAT, ENGINE, TRAILER, FISHING AND DIVE GEAR. SALT-AWAY IS A MUST FOR:

For more info

WASHING BOATS FISHING & DIVE GEAR

1800 091 172

VISIT www.salt-away.com.au SYDNEY The Boat Pimpers (Sydney) (02) 9792 7799

L T D

HUNTER COAST Wangi Point Lakeside holiday Park (02) 4975 1889 Blacksmiths Holiday Park (02) 4971 2858

CENTRAL COAST Central Coast Holiday Parks 1800 241 342

ILLAWARRA COAST Jan’s Retreat (02) 4441 7000 Currarong Beachside Tourist Park 1300 555 515 Sussex Inlet (LJ Hooker) (02) 4441 2135

1

(02) 9153 6506 sales@mobymarine.com.au

Killalea State Park, Shell Cove (02) 4237 8589 Holiday With Us, Sussex Inlet (02) 4441 2135 Surf Beach Holiday Park (02) 4232 1791 Kendalls on the Beach (02) 4232 1790

• Huge range of spare parts • Sterndrive & Outboard Specialists • Servicing All Makes & Models

AUSTRALIA’S # For Spare Parts & Accessories

FREECALL

South West Rocks Tourist Park: 1800 666 264

Riviera Caravan Park, St George’s Basin (02) 4441 2112

Import USA Boat 0435 476 177

ENGINE FLUSHING JETSKIS TRAILERS

Email : ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Werri Beach Holiday Park (02) 4234 1285 Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park (02) 4234 1340 Kiama Harbour Cabins (02) 4232 2707

Discounts for Fishing and Boating Club Members

44 Barry Ave, Mortdale, NSW

www.mobymarine.com.au COFFS COAST Jetty Boating (02) 6651 4002

MACQUARIE COAST Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333

FRESHWATER

Ulladulla Headland Tourist Park BOOKINGS: 1300 733 021 14 Did-Dell St, Ulladulla, NSW 2539

• close to boat ramp and Harbour • boat parking for park guests • accommodation for fishing groups • large outdoor areas and BBQs • 27 cabins and 140 powered/ • short walk from Ulladulla town unpowered sites centre

www.holidayhaven.com.au/ Ulladulla

SOUTH COAST NSW

www.holidayhaven.com.au

Ulladulla Headland Tourist Park 1300 733 021

FRESHWATER Burrinjuck Waters State Park (02) 6227 8114 Providence Lodge (Eucumbene) (02) 6454 2200 Winter Keep (Snowy Mountains) www.winterkeep.com.au

Dubbo Marine and Watersports (02) 6882 2853

BOAT HIRE Boab Boat Hire (NSW) 1300 002 6221

HOLIDAY RENTAL NORTH COAST Brooms Head Caravan Park (02) 6646 7144

Grabine Lakeside State Park (02) 4835 2345

Advertise here - $90 + GST for 6 months Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au Lake Glenbawn State Park (02) 6543 7193 Wyangala Waters State Park (02) 6345 0877 Bass Lodge Macleay River NSW 0433 482 325 Chifley Dam Cabins 1800 68 1000

This section in NSW Fishing Monthly consolidates the trades and services in your area that are relevant to your fishing and boating. Whether you’re a local looking for more options or a travelling angler fishing around the state, this guide will direct you to reputable businesses in the area you’re searching.

Boats & Guided Fishing Tours Directory CHIFLEY DAM

Cabins

COFFS COAST Oceanic Sea Urchin II Charters (02) 6566 6623 or 0428 650 321

SAMPLE AD - BUSINESS NAME

South West Rocks Fishing Charters (02) 6566 5298 or 0429 995 390

This is where your copy will appear.

You will have approximately 30 words within a 5x2 ad size.

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

Freecall 1800 68 1000 Book online at visitbathurst.com.au

t ea Gr

CHART

MV CAPRICORN STAR u Mid week packages from $420 p/p* u Weekend packages from $320 p/p*

EXTENDED FISHING CHARTERS

*Minimum 6 people

On board our fully equiped 38ft Randell TRIFECTA

r

o tf

INatGing H IS Bo

o sp

F

PORT & REEF SFISHING GAME ERS

QUEENSLAND

&

ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS

Contact: David Hayman (Stumpee) Mobile: 0411 096 717 info@swrcharters.com.au

MACQUARIE COAST Castaway Estuary Charters 0427 239 650

Swains Reef • Bunker Group • Coral Sea • Shoal Waters and Beyond

Ocean Star Fishing Charters 0416 240 877

W capricornstar.com.au • E info@capricornstar.com.au

HUNTER COAST MV Capricorn Star 0408 755 201 or www.amytiadventure.com.au Mikat Cruises Fishing Charters Swains & Coral Sea 0427 125 727

Tailermade Fishing Adventures 0411 096 717

www.fishin.com.au 0425 230 964

www.fishin.com.au

DEEP SEA & GAMEFISHING

ONLINE BREAM TACKLE STORE

BOOK NOW FOR MARLIN, MAHI-MAHI AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

TRIPS INCLUDE

All Bait, Fishing Rods and Reels Sunscreen and Morning Tea

Specialising in “Tournament Quality Lures” 0425 230 964 SHOP 18, 29 KIORA RD MIRANDA NSW 2228

Blue Bottle Fishing www.bluebottlefishing.com info@bluebottlefishing.com Ph: 0409 333 380 Mo Tackle (02) 6652 4611 or www.motackle.com.au Specialty Fishing Products www.specialtyfishing.com.au

MAKE YOUR OWN

Soft Plastics & Spinnerbaits

MONTIQUE

40ft RANDELL. Fishing capacity 12 persons.

PHONE: 0411 096 717 www.tailermadefishn.com.au DEPARTS STOCKTON BOAT DOCK...

SYDNEY Harbour and Estuary Fishing Charters (02) 9999 2574 or 0410 633 351

0400 587 515

MOB www.u-make-emsoftplastics.com.au

U-Make-Em Soft Plastics www.u-make-emsoftplastics.com.au Adrenalin Flies www.adrenalinflies.com.au Techni Ice www.techniice.com J Roc Tackle www.jroctackle.com.au Jayro Tackle www.jayrotackle.com.au

CHARTER BOATS BYRON COAST Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters, 0428 828 835 Sea Master Fishing Charters, (07) 5524 8849 or 0415 593 901

SATELLITE TV INSTALLED

ILLAWARRA COAST Sea Lady Charters 0411 024 402 Silver Star Fishing Charters (02) 4421 7462 or 0412 977 000 Shell Harbour Fishing Charters 0425 216 370

TRADES AND SERVICES ADVERTISING

(02) 6258 7515

• Reef, Deep Sea and Sport Fishing • Swains, Samurez, Cap Bunker Group • Dories available • LUXURY 20m Cat. New V8 Scanias. Large comfortable and stable.

• Air conditioned and fast (cruise up to 16 knots) • Professional crew (over 22 years experience) • Cater for groups up to 12 people from 3 to 10 days • BYO or fully licenced bar • Desalinate unit • Trips designed to suit your requirements

Sydney Sportfishing Adventures 0405 196 253

HUGE RANGE OF LURE MAKING PRODUCTS AVAILABLE!

PH

FISHING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!

Line listing from $90 + gst 6 months* 2cm x 2 from $195 + gst 6 months* 4cm x 2 from $320 + gst 6 months* 8cm x 2 from $590 + gst 6 months* Rates exclusive to Trades and Services Directory *Conditions apply Call (07) 3387 0833 or email rlimpus@fishingmonthly.com.au

If you have any other trades or services that you would like to see in this section please don’t hesitate to give us a call Email: rlimpus@fishingmonthly.com.au

EDEN COAST

Reel Time Fishing Charters 0428 231 962

Esprit Fishing Charters 1300 556 658

Coffs Coast Sport Fishing 0434 517 683

Freedom Charters Eden (02) 6496 1209 or www.freedomcharters.com.au

Phone: 0427 125 727 I Fax: (07) 4972 1759 michael@mikat.com.au

www.mikat.com.au SWAINS

EXTENDED QLD REEF TRIPS FOR UP TO 10 PEOPLE •Swains Reef •Port Clinton •Stanage Bay •Island Head Creek •Shoalwater Bay •Pearl Bay P: 0419 789 921 www.inyadreamscharters.com

FISHING GUIDES ILLAWARRA COAST Bay & Basin Sportsfishing 0413 610 832

BATEMANS COAST Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures (02) 6495 9902 or 0400 062 504

EDEN COAST Captain Kev’s Wilderness Fishing Tours (02) 4474 3345 or 0424 625 160

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

2016

SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES LAT 33° 52’ LONG 151° 13’ Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY

JANUARY Time

m

Time

1 0200 0744

16 0152 0749

2 0250 0842

17 0252 0858

3 0345 0950

18 0355 1015

4 0442 1101

19 0500 1132

5 0536 1206

20 0601 1243

6 0624 1301

21 0025 0658

7 0032 0709

22 0118 0750

8 0116 0750

23 0208 0838

9 0159 0831

24 0254 0922

10 0241 0914

m

1.51 0.52 SA 1400 1.56 2027 0.38

Time

m

Time

1 0246 0900

16 0331 1007

2 0345 1012

17 0440 1125

3 0446 1125

18 0546 1234

4 0544 1227

19 0015 0645

5 0000 0635

20 0110 0737

6 0050 0723

21 0158 0822

7 0137 0808

22 0241 0902

8 0224 0852

23 0320 0939

9 0311 0937

24 0358 1015

25 0337 1002

10 0400 1024

11 0325 0956

26 0417 1040

12 0412 1040

m

1.58 0.54 TU 1605 1.27 2203 0.56

Time

m

Local Time APRIL Time

1 0153 0819

16 0307 0957

2 0248 0927

17 0418 1109

3 0353 1040

18 0527 1214

4 0500 1146

19 0002 0626

5 0600 1242

20 0058 0715

6 0025 0652

21 0145 0759

7 0116 0741

22 0226 0837

8 0207 0829

23 0303 0913

9 0257 0916

24 0339 0947

25 0435 1048

10 0347 1005

11 0450 1111

26 0513 1123

27 0458 1116

12 0543 1200

13 0500 1126

28 0537 1152

14 0006 0552

15 0058 0648

1.32 0.71 FR 1347 1.43 2024 0.53 1.33 0.74 SA 1439 1.34 2111 0.56 1.36 0.75 SU 1541 1.27 2203 0.58 1.40 0.72 MO 1647 1.24 2256 0.58 1.47 0.66 TU 1751 1.24 2346 0.56 1.55 0.58 WE 1846 1.26 0.54 1.63 TH 1348 0.49 1934 1.30 0.50 1.71 FR 1430 0.40 2019 1.34 0.46 1.79 SA 1510 0.33 2102 1.38 0.43 1.86 SU 1550 0.26 2145 1.42

0.40 1.89 MO 1631 0.22 2230 1.45 0.39 1.90 TU 1715 0.21 2317 1.48

0.40 1.87 WE 1759 0.22 1.49 0.43 TH 1213 1.79 1845 0.26 1.50 0.47 FR 1303 1.68 1934 0.32

m

Time

m

1 0306 1000

16 0357 1038

2 0415 1105

17 0455 1127

3 0421 1101

18 0545 1207

4 0519 1152

19 0025 0627

5 0613 1239

20 0106 0706

6 0049 0704

21 0144 0743

7 0142 0755

22 0219 0819

8 0235 0846

23 0256 0855

9 0329 0939

24 0332 0932

25 0415 1021

10 0425 1033

25 0412 1011

11 0440 1055

26 0452 1057

11 0522 1129

26 0453 1052

27 0552 1158

12 0534 1146

27 0530 1133

12 0624 1229

27 0538 1137

13 0034 0639

28 0025 0634

13 0012 0631

28 0612 1213

13 0039 0730

28 0628 1229

29 0029 0619

14 0128 0740

29 0106 0723

14 0105 0733

29 0027 0658

14 0142 0837

29 0031 0725

30 0109 0704

15 0227 0849

15 0202 0842

30 0111 0750

15 0250 0941

30 0131 0826

1.52 0.56 SU 1502 1.44 2124 0.43

1.56 0.56 MO 1615 1.35 2225 0.47 1.61 0.52 TU 1730 1.31 2326 0.48

1.68 0.45 WE 1837 1.32 0.47 1.75 TH 1342 0.38 1936 1.35 0.45 1.81 FR 1432 0.32 2028 1.38

0.43 1.84 SA 1516 0.28 2114 1.41

0.42 1.84 SU 1557 0.28 2156 1.42

0.43 1.82 MO 1634 0.29 2235 1.42 0.45 1.77 TU 1709 0.33 2314 1.42

0.49 1.70 WE 1743 0.38 2350 1.41 0.53 1.61 TH 1815 0.42 1.40 0.59 FR 1228 1.52 1850 0.48

1.39 0.64 SA 1307 1.42 1928 0.53

31 0154 0757

1.38 0.69 SU 1353 1.33 2011 0.58

1.38 0.72 MO 1448 1.25 2102 0.62 1.39 0.72 TU 1557 1.19 2202 0.64 1.43 0.68 WE 1711 1.18 2303 0.63 1.50 0.60 TH 1815 1.22 0.59 1.59 FR 1318 0.50 1909 1.28 0.53 1.69 SA 1403 0.39 1956 1.35 0.46 1.79 SU 1445 0.30 2041 1.43 0.38 1.87 MO 1527 0.22 2125 1.51 0.33 1.92 TU 1608 0.17 2210 1.57 0.30 1.93 WE 1651 0.15 2256 1.61 0.29 1.88 TH 1735 0.18 2345 1.63 0.32 1.78 FR 1820 0.24

1.64 0.38 SA 1251 1.65 1908 0.33

1.62 0.45 SU 1346 1.50 2000 0.42

1.60 0.51 MO 1450 1.36 2058 0.51

1.59 0.53 WE 1725 1.25 2312 0.57 1.63 0.48 TH 1833 1.28 0.55 1.68 FR 1330 0.42 1929 1.33

0.51 1.72 SA 1415 0.38 2015 1.39

0.47 1.74 SU 1455 0.35 2055 1.43

0.45 1.74 MO 1530 0.34 2132 1.47 0.43 1.73 TU 1603 0.35 2207 1.49

0.44 1.69 WE 1634 0.37 2241 1.50 0.46 1.63 TH 1704 0.40 2314 1.51 0.49 1.57 FR 1734 0.44 2348 1.50

0.53 1.49 SA 1805 0.49

1.49 0.58 SU 1236 1.41 1840 0.54

1.46 0.63 MO 1319 1.32 1920 0.60

1.44 0.67 TU 1412 1.24 2009 0.66 1.42 0.69 WE 1516 1.19 2110 0.70 1.43 0.66 TH 1632 1.18 2220 0.69 1.49 0.59 FR 1745 1.23 2327 0.64 1.57 0.49 SA 1842 1.31 0.56 1.68 SU 1330 0.38 1930 1.42 0.46 1.79 MO 1415 0.28 2016 1.53 0.36 1.87 TU 1458 0.20 2101 1.63 0.28 1.91 WE 1540 0.16 2147 1.72 0.23 1.89 TH 1624 0.16 2233 1.78 0.22 1.83 FR 1708 0.20 2322 1.80

0.25 1.72 SA 1754 0.29

1.78 0.32 SU 1240 1.58 1842 0.39

1.74 0.40 MO 1338 1.43 1934 0.51 1.67 0.48 TU 1444 1.31 2034 0.60

1.61 0.53 WE 1600 1.25 2145 0.66

Time

1.58 0.53 TH 1716 1.25 2258 0.67 1.58 0.51 FR 1821 1.30

0.63 1.60 SA 1305 0.48 1912 1.37

0.58 1.63 SU 1347 0.44 1954 1.44

0.53 1.64 MO 1424 0.42 2030 1.50 0.49 1.64 TU 1457 0.41 2104 1.55

0.47 1.63 WE 1527 0.41 2137 1.58 0.45 1.60 TH 1556 0.43 2208 1.61 0.45 1.57 FR 1625 0.45 2240 1.62

0.47 1.51 SA 1655 0.49 2313 1.62

0.50 1.45 SU 1727 0.54 2348 1.60

0.54 1.38 MO 1801 0.59 1.57 0.58 TU 1256 1.31 1840 0.65

1.53 0.63 WE 1346 1.25 1928 0.71

1.49 0.63 FR 1600 1.23 2142 0.74 1.52 0.57 SA 1712 1.29 2255 0.69 1.59 0.47 SU 1712 1.40 2300 0.59 1.68 0.37 MO 1802 1.53 2356 0.47 1.77 0.29 TU 1849 1.66 0.36 1.83 WE 1324 0.23 1936 1.78 0.27 1.84 TH 1409 0.21 2023 1.88 0.21 1.81 FR 1455 0.23 2111 1.93 0.20 1.74 SA 1541 0.29 2200 1.94 0.23 1.63 SU 1629 0.38 2250 1.91

0.30 1.51 MO 1718 0.49 2343 1.84 0.38 1.40 TU 1812 0.59

1.74 0.46 WE 1333 1.32 1913 0.69 1.65 0.52 TH 1445 1.29 2023 0.74 1.58 0.55 FR 1556 1.30 2135 0.75

m

1.54 0.55 SA 1655 1.36 2242 0.71

1.54 0.54 SU 1743 1.43 2338 0.66

1.54 0.52 MO 1824 1.50 0.60 1.55 TU 1244 0.50 1900 1.57

0.55 1.55 WE 1315 0.49 1933 1.63 0.51 1.54 TH 1346 0.49 2005 1.67

0.49 1.53 FR 1416 0.50 2037 1.71

0.47 1.50 SA 1447 0.52 2110 1.73

0.47 1.47 SU 1519 0.55 2144 1.73

0.49 1.42 MO 1553 0.59 2219 1.71 0.51 1.37 TU 1630 0.64 2258 1.68

0.55 1.33 WE 1712 0.69 2342 1.64 0.58 1.29 TH 1800 0.73 1.60 0.59 FR 1327 1.28 1900 0.76

1.57 0.57 SA 1433 1.31 2012 0.76

31 0203 0852

1.50 0.65 TH 1448 1.22 2029 0.75

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology 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 New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon

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.

aLL new 2.1L modeL Torque (Nm)

UNthiNk

115hp FoUrStroke torqUe compariSoN previous 1.7L (L) modeL

6500

6000

5500

5000

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

Unbridled power, unexpectedly compact, uncompromising reliability, unbelievably fuel efficient. Mercury’s all new 75-115hp FourStroke Range. Unlike anything the world has ever seen.

2000

everything you know about 75-115hp FourStrokes.

Engine Speed (rpm)

115hp produces up to 23% morE TorquE and quicker acceleration than the previous 1.7L FourStroke.

See your authorised Mercury Marine Dealer today.

Cowra Cowra Marine Centre 29 Grenfell St Cowra Phone: (02) 6342 2904 | E:info@cowramarine.com.au Website: www.cowramarine.com.au

Sydney North Shore Shannon Outboards 3/41 Leighton Pl Hornsby Phone: (02) 9482 2638 | E:sales@shannonoutboards.com.au Website: www.shannonoutboards.com.au

Dubbo Dubbo Marine & Watersports 36 Bourke St, Dubbo Ph: 02·6882 2853 | E:bbeandel@bigpond.net.au Website: www.dubbomarine.com.au

Port Macquarie Hastings Marine 185 Hastings River Dr Port Macquarie Phone: (02) 6583 5511 | E:sales@hastingsmarine.com.au Website: www.hastingsmarine.com.au

Sydney North West TR Marine World 44 Curtis Rd McGraths Hill Phone: (02) 4577 3522 | E:sales@trmarine.com.au Website: www.trmarine.com.au

Mid North Coast Disco Marine 160 North St Grafton Ph: (02) 6643 1199 | E:sales@discomarine.com.au Website: www.discomarine.com.au

Hunter Valley Maitland Power and Marine 23 Melbourne St, East Maitland Phone: (02) 4933 3284 | E:sales@mpm.net.au Website: www.mpm.net.au

Sydney North West Watersports Marine 11 Binney Rd Kingspark Phone: (02) 9676 1400 | E:info@watersportmarine.com.au Website: www.watersportsmarine.com.au

Batemans Bay Batemans Bay Marine 6/37 Gregory St Batemans Bay Ph: (02) 4472 7133 E: batemansbaymarine@hotmail.com

Canberra Canberra Marine Centre Shop 1/5 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick Phone: (02) 6280 6738 | E: canberramarinecentre@outlook.com Website: www.canberramarinecentre.com.au

Sydney South Hi Tech Marine 40 Princes Hwy Albion Park Phone: (02) 4256 6135 | E:pauline@hitechmarine.com.au Website: www.hitechmarine.com.au

Far South Coast Merimbula Outboards 382 Sapphire Coast Dr Tura Merimbula Phone: (02) 6495 9634 | E:info@merimbulaoutboard.com.au Website: www.merimbulaoutboard.com.au Sydney West Penrith Marine 4/133 Coreen Ave Penrith Phone: (02) 4731 6250 | E:sales@penrithmarine.com.au Website: www.penrithmarine.com.au

Central Coast Insinc Marine 278 Manns Road, Gosford West Ph: (02) 4324 4300 | E:troy@insincmarine.com.au Website: www.insincmarine.com.au Northern NSW / Gold Coast Tweed Coast Marine 32 Machinery Drive, Tweed Heads South Ph: (07) 5524 8877 | E:admin@tweedcoastmarine.com.au Website: www.tweedcoastmarine.com.au

FREE HP UPGRADE SAVE UP TO $1977 ON THE 80-150HP RANGE

PLUS AN AMAZING MERCURY FINANCE COMPARISON RATE

OF ONLY 4.99%

**

So get in to your nearest participating Mercury dealer or go online to check out these amazing deals and finance offers.

HURRY OFFER ENDS FEB 26, 2016. www.mercurymarine.com.au *Terms & conditions apply. Savings are based on RRP including recommended SmartCraft Kit and subject to change without notice. Prices exclude local freight charges, Fit up and local statutory charges. Offer available on selected new consumer FourStroke outboards from 80 to 150hp purchased from participating dealers from Friday 20th November until Feb 26th, 2016. Ask your participating dealer for full list of models in the program. Offer is subject to availability and engines must be 2014 build onwards and installed and registered by no later than April 30, 2016. Offer not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or rebates. **Terms, conditions and credit criteria apply, offer available over a maximum 36 month term on Motor and Repower only. The comparison rate is based on a secured loan of $30,000 for a term of 5 years at an annual percentage rate of 4.22%. The amount of credit provided to you and the term of the loan may be different to this. WARNING: The comparison rate only applies to the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Finance is provided by Mercury Finance Pty Ltd ABN 28 156 248 092. Australian Credit Licence Number 421347.