NSW Fishing Monthly August 2018

WHAT’S IN STORE AT THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Tried & Tested

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Quintrex 610 Fishabout • Cruise Craft 595EX • Bar Crusher 780HT

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Boating & Kayaking

Features • • • •

The magic of Merimbula Estuary tactics and hotspots Lure Expo award winners Father’s Day gift guide

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Sydney International Boat Show • Trailer boat tidy up • Battery black magic • Towamba River from a yak • Kayaking: the hour of power

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August 2018, Vol. 24 No. 1

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From the Editor’s Desk...

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You’ll also notice the SIBS feature in this issue.

There will be plenty to see and do at the show, no matter what sort of fishing or boating rings your bell, including the weigh-ins for the Berkley Super Series Grand Final.

See the guys, see the boats, see the fish. Mint.

GONE FISHING DAY DATE CLAIMER I know I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s time to mark it on the calendar in ink. 14 October is national Gone Fishing Day. It doesn’t matter what you’re catching or where you’re catching it – just make an effort to get out on or by the water on Gone Fishing Day and show that you love it. Like the Gone Fishing Day Facebook page for further updates.

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SYDNEY BOAT SHOW Of course it’s now Sydney International Boat Show time. It’s Australia’s biggest boat show, and you’ll see us producing a lot of content there for our Fishing Monthly partners. In fact, we’re going to be so busy creating content at the show that we’re not running the FM stand with the free gifts for subscription.

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Can’t hang out for the extra week? Remember that you’ll be able to read the magazine just hours after we send it to the printers if you buy a digital subscription. The growing number of digital subscribers get the magazine around a week and a half before the print subscribers.

With the addition of the WA issue, digital subscribers will get all of the Fishing Monthly issues for $65 a

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CHANGE IN PRODUCTION TIMES As we start production of our new magazine West Australia Fishing Monthly, the publication date is changing for NSW Fishing Monthly magazine.

Currently, it is produced at the same time as Victoria and Tasmania Fishing Monthly magazine.

From the September issue, NSWFM will be made at the same time as Queensland Fishing Monthly and be delivered to your newsagent, tackle store or letterbox in the first week of the cover month. That means that the September issue, which would have arrived in the last week of August, will turn up in the first week of September.

We know that this will catch some of you by surprise. We’ve put an ad about it in this issue as well as mentioning it here, but all

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REGULAR FEATURES Black Magic Master Class 23 Back to Basics 40 Cooking 43 Dam Levels 54 Fun Page 49 Tides 78 Trade Directory 70 Tournament News 72 What’s New Fishing 64 What’s New Boating 82 SPECIAL FEATURES The magic of Merimbula 8 Estuary tactics and hotspots 38 Lure Show wrap-up 50 Father’s Day gift ideas 66

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BYRON COAST The Tweed 24 Ballina 25 Yamba 26 COFFS COAST Coffs Harbour 28 Nambucca 30 South West Rocks 31 MACQUARIE COAST The Hastings 32 Forster 33 Harrington-Taree 33 HUNTER COAST Port Stephens 35 Hunter Coast 37 Erina 36 Swansea 36 SYDNEY The Hawkesbury 19 Sydney North 22 Pittwater 18 Sydney Harbour 16 Botany Bay 12 Sydney South 20 Sydney Rock and Beach 14 Western Sydney 21 ILLAWARRA COAST Illawarra 42 Nowra 41 BATEMANS COAST Batemans Bay 44 Merimbula 45 Narooma 45 EDEN COAST Bermagui 46 Tathra 47 Eden 48 Mallacoota 48 FRESHWATER Snowy Mountains 58 Albury-Wodonga 56 Wagga Wagga 59 New England 63 Lithgow-Oberon 61 Canberra 52 Hunter Valley 62 Mildura 54 Batlow 60 Yarrawonga 56 Robinvale 54 Orange 60 SYDNEY BOAT SHOW FEATURE 79

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Fishing Diary Angler: Brad Nelson Date: May 4th 2018

Location: Port Stephens Conditions: NW 6 kts, incoming tide

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The magic of Merimbula on the Sapphire Coast SAPPHIRE COAST

Brent Hodges

The Far South Coast of New South Wales, also known as the ‘Sapphire Coast,’ covers an area from Bermagui in the north through to the Victorian border in the south. The township of Merimbula is the main hub and every year the population swells at Christmas and Easter when this sleepy seaside village becomes a busy

15 years ago. We’ve been regularly returning ever since, sometimes 2-3 times a year, mostly during school holiday periods and nowadays with young children in tow. Our girls, aged four and six, often reminisce about our family trips to Merimbula.

They’ve already learnt so much observing various marine creatures within the crystal clear lake system or collecting crabs, yabbies and shells on sand flats at low tide.

Yep, Merimbula might

courses, national parks and spectacular secluded beaches to explore. Many visitors are of course keen anglers and, while there are some sensational offshore options, pitching lures and soft plastics on light spin outfits within the more tranquil tidal estuaries is how my time is spent when holidaying in this region.

TARGET SPECIES Dusky flathead and bream are undoubtedly the major drawcards year round, however you can also expect to encounter season

Check out these blue-nosed oyster crackers taken in less than a metre of water.

As the temperature gradually heats up leading into spring and summer, so does the fishing at Merimbula. tourist centre. Outside of peak periods, however, it is pure bliss. Situated approximately seven hours (580km) northeast of Melbourne and six hours (525km) south of Sydney, Merimbula is just far enough away from the major cities to avoid large weekend crowds.

Indeed, my wife and I fell in love with Merimbula during our first visit around

just be the perfect southern family holiday destination.

Indeed, it offers something for everyone, from active water sports such as surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing, to more passive pursuits like sightseeing, sipping lattes or sampling the local wine, cheese and divine seafood, especially the oysters!

There are scenic walking paths and cycling trails, golf

runs of yellowfin whiting, silver trevally, tailor, Australian salmon, luderick, juvenile snapper and school mulloway. Remarkably, even the odd stray kingfish have been known to find their way into the estuaries at both Merimbula and the nearby Pambula River. For those keen to do some exploring, a few neighbouring systems also produce estuary perch and Australian bass.

HALF MOON

You’ll look like a Maverick in Costa’s Half Moon sunglasses, a West Coast inspired beach style that rides the mystique of epic ocean swells.

BLUE MIRROR: Best for bright, full-sun situations on the open water and offshore.

• Gray Base • 10% light transmission

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AUGUST 2018

OPTIMAL USE: • Boating and fishing in deep water • Open reflective water • Harsh sun

WHERE TO START With so many options, where do we start? Which species should we target?

What are the best lures?

Should we concentrate on the deeper sections of the lake or the shallower margins, in amongst the oyster leases or perhaps the faster moving waters of the entrance channel? What about the time of day? And don’t forget to factor in the all-important changes of tide.

These are the questions that must be considered when visiting any new location.

So, before leaving home, do some research. There’s so much information available in magazines and even more online these days, that there really are no excuses for not being prepared with at least a few theories.

Upon arrival, visit the local tackle stores as well as the boat ramp and nearby jetties in an attempt to gain a bit of a feel for what’s on the move. More importantly, it’s about getting out there, observing the conditions and taking in as much information as possible in order to come up with a well-researched plan of attack. It’s easier said than done with a couple of keen and excited youngsters on board! Even so, rather than going at it all guns ablazing, try chopping and changing tactics sporadically, to devise some sort of a strategy.

While it always pays to be flexible, my advice to those prospecting any new location for the first time is to set realistic goals and focus on just a couple of

techniques or target species, at least initially. Try to keep it simple, but be ready to improvise, adapt and pounce on an opportunity as your angling instincts and intuition become synchronised with the local conditions.

racks are sound options either side of high water.

As the water temperature cools over winter, for me it’s all about the chasing the pelagic species such as silver trevally, Australian salmon and tailor in the

Working the main channel with soft plastics on the draining tides is generally a sure bet.

PLAN OF ATTACK My approach differs depending on the time of year. During the warmer months, working the dropoffs and weed edges with soft plastics in search of a dusky flathead on the outgoing tide is high on the agenda. Likewise, chasing bream on diving minnows and surface presentations over the shallow flats and amongst the oyster

HOLIDAY HINTS Prospecting a new waterway is always exciting. At the same time, attempting to uncover just a few secrets in a short space of time can be daunting.

Sticking to these basics is a key component: specifically focussing on just one or two target species, employing proven lure designs and techniques, running the lightest mainline and leader material you can realistically get away with, and working the changes in tide, as well as low light periods at dawn and dusk. It’s simply not possible to do it all in one go, especially during a family holiday, but it’s fun trying!

faster moving waters of the entrance channel.

While there is undoubtedly plenty of by-catch and crossover between the seasons in term of the species encountered, this is basically my plan of attack for this region.

It’s all about maximising my chances during everdiminishing time on the water as the girls develop other interests – bike riding, swimming, surfing and the like. So, with this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some successful techniques and strategies.

FRISKY FLATHEAD Dusky flathead are generally more predictable during the later stages of a falling tide when prawns, shrimp, baitfish and various other morsels are forced from the refuge of the shallow margins. Lying in

ambush along the fringe of the ribbon weed adjacent to deeper water, flathead can be taken on a wide range of soft plastics. School fish up to 45cm are a common catch on single-tailed grubs and baitfish profile lures in more natural patterns, while larger paddle-tails and jerk shads more commonly account for the big bruisers. A slow lift and drop retrieve, followed by a brief pause up to about five seconds (or thereabouts) is a proven tactic along the 4-6m line within the top lake.

Generally it’s a case of the slower, the better, especially when the fish are lethargic and just mouthing the tails. More aggressive whipping or lifting and shaking the rod tip will at times produce a strike, while a quick burn of the reel

Late winter and early spring is when the resident trevally will be at their best, both in terms of numbers and size! handle, followed by a pause is another variation well worth a shot in difficult conditions.

While reasonable numbers are reported throughout much of the year, warmer

AUTHOR’S PREFERRED ESTUARY TACKLE Outfit 1 (Flathead) Rod and reel: Abu Garcia Veritas 7’ (4-8kg) / Revo ALX 30 Line: Berkley Fireline Ultra 8 (8lb) Leader: Vanish Fluorocarbon (10-14lb) Soft plastics: Berkley Gulp Jerk Shad (5”), Swimming Mullet (4”) and PowerBait Bass Minnow (4”) Outfit 2 (Bream/Trevally) Rod and reel: Abu Garcia Salty Fighter 7ft (1-3kg) / Revo SX 20 Line: Berkley Fireline Ultra 8 (6lb) Leader: Vanish Fluorocarbon (4-6lb) Surface lures (bream): 3B Prawn Dog (45mm) and Scum Dog (68mm) Soft plastics (trevally): PowerBait Bass Minnow (3”)

conditions from spring through to late summer are prime for duskies.

BREAM BOUNTY Both yellowfin and southern black bream are viable options throughout most of the year. A typical day on the water during the warmer months usually involves peppering the shallow flats at first light when bream, as well as whiting and flathead, case the shallows with confidence.

Here, well presented surface offerings like small poppers or walk-baits are effective searching tools.

Lightly weighted soft plastics in worm, shrimp or crawfish patterns are also successful in the skinny water. A stealthy approach

is required and the best form of attack is to use a tailing breeze to make the longest cast possible.

These areas are generally more productive during low light conditions, though many fish will still forage the flats during a midday flood tide. As the tide starts to recede, concentrate your efforts in the deeper channel section with soft plastics.

While chasing bream in the faster moving current of the lower estuary, silver trevally, tailor and flathead often contribute to some exciting mixed bags. Bream are also taken in good numbers right around the margins of the top lake and especially close to oyster racks.

CHANNELLING TREVALLY Silver trevally are a yearround option, but tend to be

Salmon often turn up in the South Coast estuaries during winter, and many remain until early spring. Matching a lure or soft plastic to the conditions is crucial, especially when the water is crystal clear, as it so often is at Merimbula. far more prevalent during the cooler months. Late winter to early spring is generally when they’re at their best, both in terms of numbers and size! The latter half of a rising tide and the first few

hours of the run-off generally produce the most consistent action. As the tide recedes, schools hold in the eddies adjacent to the main boating channel, intercepting prey as To page 10

The author’s daughters hooked up within casting distance of the township, and just metres from the boat ramp. How’s that for accessible family fishing?

AUGUST 2018

9

From page 9

it’s flushed from the flats.

The key to locating these silver pocket rockets is to seek out structure in

the form of bridge pylons, moored boats, jetties, channel markers, weed beds – anything that provides a break in the current flow and

therefore creates a swirling eddy for fish to conserve energy and ambush prey.

Interestingly, periods of bright sunshine often see

The real fishing experts – pelicans are a feature of this stunning waterway.

the local trevs huddled up in the shade of the moored boats, whereas they’re more likely to be roaming the nearby shallower flats and weed edges under some cloud cover.

Silver trevally will intercept a range of lures and soft plastics designed to imitate various marine worms, shrimp and baitfish, though much of my success can be attributed to Berkley PowerBait 3” Minnows in the pearl watermelon colour pattern rigged on a 1/121/24oz jighead. Hits usually occur as the plastic descends through the lower section of the water column, either immediately after casting or during a deliberate pause in a ‘wounded baitfish’ style retrieve.

SPASMODIC SAMBOS Although migratory patterns vary somewhat from year to year, salmon often turn up in the south coast estuaries during winter and many remain here until early spring. Pambula River mouth is a hot spot, though they’re

Schools of silver trevally have the potential to provide hours of family fishing fun. concerned, it doesn’t get too much better than watching a large salmon engulf a surface lure.

Now that’s waterfront accommodation! also present in the lower Merimbula estuary at times.

As with trevally, salmon can be taken on lightly weighted soft plastics, while small surface poppers and walkbaits create some spectacular surface strikes, particularly during the change of tide. As far as winter estuary action is

TRUSTY TAILOR Locating a few tailor usually isn’t too difficult, although it can be challenging when they’re holding in tight schools within the top lake. When actively feeding, however, the presence of birds hovering, diving or flapping furiously above

nervous baitfish is often a dead giveaway. In the lower reaches of the system, tailor can be found mixing with schools of trevally or salmon, and can be targeted using similar methods.

ACCESS AND FACILITIES

Boat access to Merimbula Lake is serviced by a triple lane concrete boat launching facility at the southern end of the bridge, equipped with a floating pontoon, ample car and trailer parking and nearby public toilets. There are two highly credentialed tackle stores in the main street, each loaded with the latest tackle and a variety of live and frozen baits, fishing licences and watersports gear.

Merimbula offers a choice of three caravan parks, as well as an abundance of rental houses, motels and resort-style accommodation overlooking the water. Boat hire and guided fishing charters are also available and there’s even a small airport serviced by flights to and from Sydney and Melbourne on a daily basis.

As the weather gradually heats up leading into spring and summer, so does the fishing! I’ll see you there this holiday season.

Youngsters absolutely love collecting crabs and yabbies on sand flats at low tide.

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AUGUST 2018

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Anglers need to work harder to get the results BOTANY BAY

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

As we come into August you will find that many aspects of the fishing tend to slow down, but not everything.

I find that even though you don’t tend to find as much action during this month from a wide variety of fish species, what you will find is that there are still plenty of fish about and all you need to do is work harder.

There have been a number of reports coming in of flathead taking artificials and bait from those anglers who have been drifting in the 2-4m depth from the entrance to the Cooks River and down to Dolls Point. Flathead have also been caught on the run-out tide out in front of the entrance to Woolooware Bay and where the yellow markers for the no-go zone in Quibray Bay. Try using half pillies and strips of fresh mullet and tuna for bait.

With lures, 1/8 and 1/4oz Switchblades worked slowly over the bottom and soft plastics will also help you get amongst a few.

BREAM

This silver trevally would have got the shock of its life when it got pinned in the back while Rob West was trolling for duskies.

There have also been a few flounder about, and if you are having trouble finding a few, I would keep an eye out for the tailor and salmon that should be working along this stretch of shoreline, as the scraps of fish that they leave behind will attract the flounder and flathead. It works just like berley!

If you can only fish from the shore you should try fishing off the Cooks River

breakwalls, as there will be bream, flathead, tailor and trevally on off on the run-out tide. Luderick will also be schooling up along the wall and I find that both tides work. All you need to do is find the green weed, just don’t forget to mix some sand with your berley.

Another couple of places to target luderick in the bay are off Bare Island, the breakwall at the ramp at Port Botany, the breakwall at the sailing club

that cross the Georges and Woronora rivers, as they are always a good chance.

These areas are particularly good when the bait schools are hanging about. You could also try Bald Face and Oatley points from the shore and Kangaroo and Jewfish points from the boat.

The odd big trevally and Australian salmon have been caught by anglers fishing from Lugarno and up to Picnic Point from both the shore and out of a boat.

Bream and flathead will take a liking to live poddy mullet and whitebait during the month. Try drifting the deeper sections of the area called the Moons, just upstream of Lugarno.

If you are after some fresh bait in the way of mullet and garfish, I would try downstream of the foot bridge at Prince Edward Park in the Woronora River. Small pencil floats and pieces of bread would be the go.

Another place that would be worth a look at is the

ST A O C T S EA 8 1 0 2 S SERIE

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Sheryl Kelly was at it again chasing dusky flathead in 2-4m of water while drifting off Ramsgate.

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in Yarra Bay, inside of Henry Head and on the southern side you could always try the point at Kurnell.

Trevally Alley will have trevally and bream, while there should be schools of tailor with the odd salmon

As usual the oil wharf will have plenty of anglers anchored up chasing bream, snapper and trevally.

Remember that you need to be at least 100m from the oil wharf. When fishing here I only use two types of rigs: the ball sinker down onto the bait, and a running ball sinker down on the swivel then a long leader.

My main baits would be peeled prawns, pink nippers, skinned strips of trevally, half pilchards, strips of mullet and salted bonito.

The end of the runways is always a great spot to try for bream, flathead, trevally and whiting. My preferred way is to anchor because I can berley when using bait, but you can always drift as well. If I am using either soft plastics or blades, I will always drift and if the wind gets up, I will deploy the sea anchor and just have my electric motor running slowly.

If you are looking to possibly tangle with

SW NG KI

OOD SPORTS

Number of monetary prizes will depend on number of entries for each round and there will be 5 sponsor prize packs for each round.

and bonito mixed in for those of you who like trolling lures along the shoreline in Yarra Bay. If you are going to fish the drums in the middle of the bay, you will need plenty of anchor rope and you will need to position yourself on the outside of the drums, as you are not allowed to drift, troll or anchor inside the area of the drums.

a mulloway or two, you could always try the end of the third runway where it drops off into about 10m of water or the southeastern side of the red marker where Captain Cook first anchored in the bay.

If you are going to target mulloway during August, I would go to the base of the pylons on any of the bridges

boat ramp just downstream of the Woronora River or at Bonnet Bay. This is a great place to take the kids for a few hours.

Don’t forget to keep those reports and photos coming in! If you have anything to report or have a picture of your latest catch, just email it to me at gbrown1@iprimus.com.au.

Entry form & terms and conditions can be found at

www.wsbb.com.au Entry & payment should be submitted 7 days prior to each event

au . m o c sbb. w . w ww 12

AUGUST 2018

Payment via direct deposit (Details on entry form)

The author came across a couple of locals bait fishing with chicken gut for bream just downstream of Lugarno. They managed to get a few while the author chucked a few soft plastics for dusky flathead.

See your authorised Mercury Marine Dealer today.

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Productive mixed wash fishing SYD ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com.au

This month we can expect trevally, bream, snapper (some plate-size or bigger), salmon and tarwhine. There’s also a chance you may encounter other species such as rock blackfish, luderick, groper or leatherjackets.

In fact, I have caught all of these species on the same outing before, very rewarding!

A good place to try is Little Bluey at the end of Bower Street, Manly. There is a ledge approximately 10m long that you can fish from, and it’s only about 150m from the car park.

Flat Rock at South Curl Curl is an easy location to access, and you can also try the North Curl front ledges, Long Reef (preferably around the low tide period), and Mona Vale in front of the swimming pool ledge (also preferably around low tide).

No matter which location you are fishing, avoid anything more than a 1m swell size. You must make a clear decision whether or not to even start at the rock location you have chosen. If it is too rough, go to your Plan B rock location. If it’s still too rough, choose a safer alternative!

Let’s move on to the other species still being caught. The first is the rock blackfish, which thrives in these cool conditions. A few good fish have been caught in recent weeks, mostly in that 1-2kg size range. Luderick can be found at the same

locations, and are in good numbers as well.

It’s still worth pursuing a king, even though we are well out of what’s considered to be the season for them. You can pick up kings at the rock spots mentioned above, with the exception of the Mona Vale pool rock ledge.

On the Sydney Northern Beaches, there’s a late run of mulloway. You don’t necessarily have to be a die-hard angler to catch

to bring two head torches as well, so you have a back-up if the first one fails.

The tides in the evenings are big on the new moon on Saturday 11 August. I recommend fishing the high tides from Thursday 9 August to Tuesday 14 August. The peak high is the new moon, and the peak full moon tide is 1.7m. Some of the gutters you may fish might be quite deep, possibly too deep for the mulloway to hunt down food

George and Nicko Voulgaris with a tarwhine and snapper from a mixed wash fishing session.

Trevally were also part of this bag. The snapper was caught on 3.6kg mono so it put up a great fight. them on a winter night, as when the WSW wind isn’t blowing too hard it can be a relatively comfortable night.

Chest waders are a good choice. They will keep you nice and dry, and with the warm clothing beneath that you will be relatively snug on a cool night. Long quick dry pants, booties, and (if you can afford them) Cortex pants work a treat. Gloves with the fingers section cut down to the first or second joint allow you to tie hooks, bait up and do finer tasks that require fingerto-eye coordination. It’s good

Mark Wilkinson and Adam McGuiness with some out of season kings. In Sydney you can catch them in the cool water.

successfully, so you may want to fish the shallower gutters.

Organise your gear so that if you need to move it’s not a pain in the butt. And of course, check out some gutter options before dark if you can.

A 7kg mulloway was caught a day before I typed this column. A client of mine independently caught it, and it was his second mulloway.

As you may know, catching these silver ghosts of the surf requires a lot of time spent and fresh bait. Fresh squid is a very popular bait, along with live or butterflied yellowtail. Live or fresh mullet, either fillets or whole, work very well too.

I recently had a conversation about fillets versus fish heads. The fillets can be destroyed by bream, trevally and assorted vermin at some beach locations, and if that’s the case then using a tough bait like a mullet head, a large yellowtail head or a smaller tailor head is a good move. These heads can better withstand the attacks from the pests you may encounter during an evening’s fishing, allowing you to have a bait that lasts.

Big salmon and a run of big tailor are picking up the mulloway baits as well.

A 2.7kg tailor was caught recently – that’s over 6lb in the old class (not that it means anything to the generations that don’t remember pounds!).

The beaches I recommend are Bungan, North Narrabeen, and Dee Why. Unfortunately these beaches can be notorious for kelp, so choose your gutters.

ROCK FISHING TIPS Mixed species wash fishing off the ocean rocks is one of the most rewarding ways to fish and to catch a succulent feed. A rock spot with at least 4m+ of water depth is a good start. Fish the low light periods (dawn to 9am or 2pm to dark), and bring a head torch just in case.

The outfit can be fairly basic – I recommend a two-piece, 12ft, 6-8kg Live Fibre RLF38/2 rod coupled with a 625B Alvey and 8kg mono. An alternative for the spinning reel enthusiast is a Live Fibre RLF39/2 with a Daiwa Saltist Nero or BG 4000 with 10kg JBraid, and 10kg Sufix Invisiline fluorocarbon leader. These are great, balanced sturdy rod and reel outfits for a wash fishing session off the ocean rocks, and are also great for tailor and salmon off the beach.

Henri Delaporterie with a sizeable king taken in cool water. This fish was caught on a pilchard. so forth, and an Alvey bait container and belt.

As far as bait is concerned, I recommend a 2kg bag of pilchards, a handful of endeavour prawns, and a whole squid (which can be used as strips). You should also bring around three loaves of white sliced bread for berley, and some for bait. Wet the bread in a bucket, chop up some pilchards and add a few prawn heads, and mulch

A blue and a brown groper. The larger fish was released and the smaller one kept for a feed. If you’re itching to catch something big during the quieter cool months, these fish are the go.

When it comes to hook sizes for wash fishing, I recommend a 2/0 in the Mustad 92247 or 92554 suicide pattern. You should fish with the lightest sinkers possible; sinker sizes from 00-3 ball will cover the majority of situations. I take an Alvey carry bag to carry my hooks, sinkers, spare leader, braid scissors and

it together. Throw the berley regularly in small handfuls.

White water will help to spread the berley around the area, and will also send it out to passing fish.

While rock fishing, it’s highly recommend to wear steel spike boots and a lifejacket, and to also wear light clothing, preferably with fabrics that dry quickly. You

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also have to remember that patience and research are paramount when it comes to safety and success. If you’re new to rock fishing, do your research and seek as much advice as you can before setting out. Always tell a reliable person where you are going, when you’ll be arriving and when you’ll be leaving.

And when you get back to your car at the end of the session, text or call them to say all’s well.

Rock fishing, unlike estuary or beach fishing, requires careful decisions to be made to stay safe. If you’re not very experienced at it, it can be difficult to work out the best place to go, which swell size is fishable, where to stand on a ledge, the stages of tides safer to fish, the size of tide to safely fish, whether or not to fish a specific swell direction at the spot and more.

If you haven’t done a great deal of rock fishing, feel free to call me for a fishing/ guiding trip – I promise I will vastly improve your angling abilities, even if you’re an experienced angler. I will also show you practical safety tips to prevent an accident from happening.

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

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August fishing is luder-crousley very good SYDNEY HARBOUR

Craig McGill craig@fishabouttours.com.au

The water will be really cold by now, meaning that fish activity will have generally slowed down.

Fish, being cold blooded, have a metabolism linked directly to temperature.

They eat less when they are cold simply because they can’t process it as quickly as when it’s warm – so they eat less often. This means you have less opportunities to catch them.

LUDERICK Vegetarian fish like luderick generally spend more time eating than carnivores. They get less energy from vegetable matter and therefore must eat more to achieve the same result as their meateating counterparts. So even in winter when the water is cold they are on the feed more often than most other fish. This is good for us, as it means they present more opportunity to catch them at

this time of year when many other species are shut down.

Luderick move into the harbour at this time of year and can be caught in good numbers and sizes.

Fortunately, on the lower harbour, they will take cabbage weed, being primarily ocean blackfish, as opposed to the smaller river blackfish who prefer the often hard to obtain river weed.

Cabbage can be found on most ocean rock platforms.

You’ll need a bucket of sand as well, which is mixed with some chopped cabbage weed and used for berley.

Sow and Pigs, the Wedding Cakes and the Spit are prime spots for boaties while the rocks around from Reef Beach, the foreshore around Taronga Zoo, the Spit, Middle Head and inner South Head are all top spots for shore-based anglers.

Luderick are one of the hardest fish to pin a tide on and it seems to vary dramatically from spot to spot, so it’s just a matter of getting to know

each location. Although they are obviously exactly the same species, blackfish often get categorised into river blackfish and ocean blackfish.

River blackfish are generally smaller, darker fish found in the upper reaches of the harbour. They usually don’t exceed about half a kilo and therefore require a scaling down in tackle compared to that used to catch their much larger ocean brothers and sisters.

Rods still need to be long, but are of lighter construction. There are a couple of reasons for the long rods used for blackfish.

The main ones being that they are required to lift the belly of line that often forms between the rod tip and the float. The other is to cushion against the fishes’ numerous powerful lunges and avoid pulling the tiny hooks used for blackfish from their small mouths.

I prefer an egg-beater reel to the traditional centrepin

Luderick are top eating if processed properly. down their body. They are found in much rougher country, so accordingly the tackle must be scaled up a bit. Rods are slightly heavier in the butt section and 4-5kg line is more appropriate.

The heavier, long-stemmed floats are used and a no. 8-6 hook is more suited to these larger fish.

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Lower Sydney Harbour is abundant with quality bream during the cooler months. loaded up with 2-3kg line.

Quill floats are far more efficient than the heavy, long-stemmed floats used for the ocean fish. A number 10 Mustad Sneck hook completes the rig.

River weed, which is the hair like weed found in the brackish reaches, is the preferred bait for river blackfish. Some of the better spots in the Harbour include Greenwich, Long nose Point, Lane Cove River, Blues Point, Balls Head, Valentia Street Wharf and the wall near Luna Park. In Middle Harbour, Roseville, Killarney Point, the Spit Bridge and Beauty Point are the pick of the spots.

The lower harbour has a number of spots that attract some superb quality ocean blackfish. These fish are in the same class as the fish you would expect to find off the ocean rocks. They are of a good average size, at around the kilo mark, and are much lighter in colour with prominent bands running

The other main difference between these ocean fish and the river fish is the bait.

Cabbage weed commonly found on the ocean rocks grows in abundance on the lower reaches of the harbour and is therefore the obvious bait. You’ll have to gather your cabbage from the ocean platforms though, as taking anything from the intertidal zone of Sydney Harbour is prohibited.

They are a top eating fish if they are bled, iced, filleted and skinned. Don’t forget to remove the black lining from the stomach.

BREAM Bream fishing has improved out of sight over recent years on the harbour.

This has become very obvious to me while chasing yellowtail for bait. Because of the heavy berley used for yakkas, there has been a few bream in the berley trail in previous years. Recently though, their numbers have increased considerably to the point where they have almost

become a nuisance. They displace the yakkas, darting in in large numbers, scaring the yakkas and grabbing the tiny baits. This is great if you want bream, but a pain if you are focused on yakkas.

Bream will eat almost anything providing it’s fresh, but sometimes even when it’s not fresh. They are an opportunist feeder, but this does not mean that they will not actively hunt live prey.

Examination of a bream’s stomach contents will nearly always reveal shell grit, and this is particularly so in the bigger specimens. I was cleaning a good-sized bream the other day at Berowra and found only a yellowish pasty substance which I could not identify, until I found a small label stuck to one piece with the letters Jarls on it. It clicked later that it was half of the Jarlsberg cheese label. The only problem was that we had not been using cheese for either bait or berley.

Top bream baits include dead mullet and chicken gut, skirt steak, chicken breast fillet, prawns and fish flesh pieces, but I stress fresh for all of the above. For live baits, prawns, yabbies, worms, pipis and black crabs are preffered.

Tackle for bream can be as simple as a handline, and I know people who still prefer this method. More common

these days is a rod and reel combo matched with 4-6kg line. The bait runner style of reel became very popular in the 90s amongst the majority who prefer to let their bream run before striking. This system allows the angler to let the fish run straight off the spool while the bail remains closed. A quick flick of the lever and the spool is engaged and you are in direct contact with the fish. Personally I don’t let the fish run and find I get more positive hook-ups by either striking immediately or just leaving the rod in the holder and letting the fish hook itself. A light threadline or baitcasting outfit capable of holding 200m of 4kg line matched to a light spinning rod about 1.8m would be ideal.

My rig consists of a running sinker above a swivel on the main line with a trace of about half a metre of 6kg line finished off with a size 4-1\0 hook depending on the bait being used. You should only use enough lead to hold bottom. Very often no lead at all will prove the most effective.

• If you are interested in doing a guided fishing trip on Sydney Harbour with Craig Mcgill please call 0412 918 127, visit www.fishaboutsydney.com.au or go to ‘Fishabout Sydney Harbour’ on Facebook.

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Chilly starts but great fishing PITTWATER

Peter Le Blang plfishfingers@bigpond.com

The last month has seen some great fishing along Pittwater and our wonderful part of the coast.

Hopefully we will continue to see some great fishing in the coming month.

On Pittwater we are still tangling with kingfish, but they are becoming very hard to tempt. For those who have patience and are willing to catch small cuttlefish and downrig them along Pittwater, you will run into a few beast kingfish.

A big part of chasing winter kingfish along the rivers and harbours is to have the correct bait. When on charter we will often catch squid and cuttlefish as well as the odd yellowtail. The one bait that will catch more kingfish than any other at this time of the year are those small ink machines, cuttlefish.

I have been amazed at how many times you can drag a live squid and yellowtail through a school of large kingfish without getting a look. Yet you lift lines, rebait with live cuttlefish and you don’t make it through the

whole school of kingfish before hooking up.

So as you can see, catching cuttlefish is extremely important if you are targeting a big winter kingfish on Pittwater. To find some of these cuttlefish is one thing, but to catch them can be the definition of frustration. We target cuttlefish around the rocky areas using small size 2.0 jigs or smaller. The jigs have to be worked slowly within 1m of the bottom, otherwise you don’t have a chance of catching one. When you do have one of these aggressive cuttlefish decide to pounce on your lure, you

The mornings are chilly, but this kingy didn’t care.

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Bay and Illawong Bay should see a run into a few. Be prepared for cold evenings if you are going to try and catch them, as Cowan Creek sees some very cold temperatures during night hairtail sessions.

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wait until you try and pull out of the tank. One tip – don’t wear loved clothes unless they are black.

The areas to target kingfish at the moment seem to be along the moorings in Careel Bay and around Scotland Island. Other areas to try throughout the day would be the Kingfish Highway and the Supermarket.

Some of the other species to target while in Pittwater can be found drifting, as we still seem to have quite a few flathead around 45cm being caught towards Palm Beach on the Pittwater side.

Fishing the shallow grounds is seeing a better bite than in the deeper water in front of the drop-off. In the same area near the mouth of the river there is the odd flounder being caught as well. The baits to use are prawns when targeting flounder, and use pilchards or soft plastics when targeting flatties.

If you are prepared to anchor around Soldiers Point or Sinclair Point and berley, you will run into a few trevally as well as bream and the odd winter whiting if fishing near the weed beds. Remember, use only just enough lead to get your baits down through the water and quite often in both of these areas no weight is required at all.

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really can’t play them like you would with a squid.

Their tactics are completely different. Instead of pulling against you they would rather spin like a helicopter blade while squirting ink everywhere. It is normally during their helicopter spins that they manage to twist themselves off the squid jigs.

By basically skull dragging them back to the boat, you will have the best chance of actually landing one.

When you have finally got them in the live bait tank, don’t think that the fun has ended, as they load up with the ink very quickly and will

Another victim to a cuttlefish dragged through the moorings.

Another area to try first thing in the morning when targeting bream is on the Pittwater side of West Head.

Anchor up and berley during the run-out tide, preferably just before the sun comes up.

For those of you who don’t feel the cold, I have some good news for you – hairtail are in Cowan Creek.

They seem to be moving around quite a bit, but the usual haunts of Jerusalem Bay, Smiths Creek, Waratah

hairtail, find baitfish first before anchoring. Berley to attract baitfish to your boat, so not only do you have a ready supply of fresh bait, this will also bring hairtail closer to your boat. Vary your baits and depths to cover the whole water column. Pilchard fillets are a great bait to float down unweighted all the way to the bottom, as not only will you have a great chance at picking up hairtail, but there may be a mulloway lurking around as

well. Remember to take your glow sticks, a thermos full of hot chocolate or soup and a beanie so you can enjoy the night. If you are like me and hate the cold, you still have a chance at catching these chrome bars at the change of tide in the last hour or two of daylight.

Along our coast on the reefs we have been tangling with snapper, trevally, morwong and flathead. As usual, we’re finding baitfish on the reefs before deploying any bait. At the moment we are catching most of our decent fish in water depths around 40m and finding a better bite first thing in the morning rather than in the middle of the day.

Unfortunately there are a couple of seals making their presence known and taking the better fish for the day.

On a few occasions now they have followed us 10km while we are travelling at 20knots so they can help us unhook even more fish. There isn’t a lot we can do when a seal shows up and when there are no other boats around to share them with, it does make for an interesting day.

The better areas to try at the moment are Boultons Reef, Mona Vale Reef, Narrabeen Wrecks and the drifting grounds around Long Reef.

So as you can see, even though it may be chilly outside there is still is a lot of fun that can be had. I hope this article sees you grabbing some fishing rods, a nice warm jumper and heading to your local waterway to enjoy a day on the water.

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

Some sensational action on the Hawkesbury THE HAWKESBURY

Dan Selby dan@sydneysportfishing.com.au

So far this winter we have received only small amounts of rain, and this has mostly fallen on the coastal fringes, leaving the upper tidal reaches high in salinity.

and blackfish move into the lower reaches and start to feed up to replenish some of the condition they would have lost during spawning and long migrations to the north. Rock walls are my first choice at this time of year, especially if they have bigger boulders or points along their length. Anchoring adjacent or slightly up current

advantageous in getting the fish into a feeding mode.

Flathead will still be on offer from the heads through to Spencer, and will be more inclined to take small soft plastics and blades around 50-75mm in size. A good smear of scent will help to get them in the mood. Slow your retrieves down and work

Some terrific mulloway have been captured by the author’s clients this winter.

Greg pinned this metre-plus fish on a 100mm soft plastic lure and 10lb line.

These conditions combined with slightly higher water temperatures and improved clarity have meant the fishing has been great!

Estuary perch, or EPs, and bass have been relishing in these conditions, although they are less inclined to spawn in these conditions. Their urge to find the crucial 20 parts per million of salinity has occurred way upstream, meaning less time migrating and more time feeding on the still abundant school prawns.

This has created a great crossover of species where bream, mulloway, flathead and even whiting and flounder have been captured well above Wisemans Ferry mixed in with the bass and EPs. Small soft plastic grubs and minnows rigged on light jigheads and light leaders are the standout fish taker, but the bait anglers are still doing well on fresh frozen prawns, again rigged on light line and small sinkers.

There is still good fishing to be had around Broken Bay this month as migrating bream

from the chosen structure will allow you to drift your float or lightly-weighted prawn and flesh baits like mullet or yakka fillet back to where the fish should be. Berley for both bream and blackfish is highly

your lures down deeper all the way back to the boat. Keep your eye on the sounder for concentrations of bait, and work the area thoroughly.

If you have located likely looking clouds of bait.

Drifting with prawns or ganged whitebait will also account for good flatties, and these baits come with their own natural scent to boot! Try deeper drifts of 6-8m to encounter the better concentrations.

If you are venturing around Broken Bay, Pittwater or Cowan, keep your eyes out for seagulls and terns diving into the water, as the tailor and salmon should be eager to feast on the small baitfish commonly referred to as ‘eyes.’ A small metal slug, soft plastic minnow or small surface stickbait around 50mm long is the best approach for those with conventional spin tackle. Fly fishers will have an advantage, as they can present a far smaller offering into the feeding frenzy using the weight of the line.

You should approach these schools from upwind or upcurrent and let the fish come towards you from a stationary boat, with the motor turned off for the best success. I commonly see boats making the mistake of motoring up from downwind, trying to throw lightweight offerings to the tails of the fish and into the wind. This easily halves their casting distance, making the anglers drive even closer into the school, which nearly always shuts the fish down.

Mulloway have been very consistent through winter and should become even more active as the days lengthen and the water ever so slightly increases in temperature as we approach spring. Lures have been the standout for the school mulloway up to and over the metre mark. The

dedicated live baiters who target the monster mulloway the Hawkesbury is famous for have been faring well at the popular spots like Juno, Middle Ground, Gunya and the rail bridge after sourcing live baits of southern calamari, yakkas, tailor and pike around the headlands.

Post-spawn bream are filtering into the river and are feeding on small crustaceans and baitfish along the rock walls.

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Take advantage of less boat traffic this month SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

Fishing in the Port Hacking River during August can at times be extremely frustrating, especially when the water is very clear.

What is in the angler’s favour is that during this month there will be less boating traffic, as many anglers have packed up and are waiting for the weather to warm up.

to get out of the wind.

When you look at an overhead map of the Port Hacking River you will see that the main channel has a number of deep bays running off it. On the northern side you have coming in from the entrance Gunnamatta, Burraneer, Yowie and Gymea bays. All these bays have a number of shallow areas and deep drop-offs that you can anchor up at.

On the southern side you have Jibbon Beach, Bundeena Bay, Bonnie Vale, Maianbar

the wind is up I will need to use two anchors to stop the back of the boat from moving around causing the lines to cross over themselves.

Luderick, leatherjackets, squid and trevally will make up most of the catches in the estuary, with a few bream, flathead and the odd mulloway or two thrown in.

There have been a few reports of squid being caught on the inside of Jibbon Point and at the northern end of Jibbon Beach. I noticed a few anglers fishing off the

Bryce getting dusted up by a big drummer. It took a liking to the cabbage that was right at his feet. try flicking out a few soft plastics or blades for dusky flathead. This is a great place for someone to learn how to use them, as there are only a couple of snags.

Luderick can be found throughout the system right from the old Fisheries Point and right up to just below the weir at Audley. The main thing is that you need

If you are going to try from the shore you could try Gunnamatta Bay and Gymea Baths, Yarra Bay and Wallys Wharf. The eastern and western side of the ramp at the end of Swallow Rock Drive is another good landbased spot. The rocks on the inside of Jibbon Beach and in Salmon Haul Bay offer more options for the shore-

of hours of the falling tide seem to work the best.

If you don’t have a boat or don’t like fishing from the shore you could always book yourself a trip out on one of the charters that put out from the Port Hacking. These skippers know what they are doing and will usually put you onto a good feed of fish. Snapper, morwong,

There is nothing better than a feed of leatherjackets and this one was destined for the pan. It was caught while using a paternoster rig and fresh strips of mullet.

Cold and wet weather doesn’t deter me from wetting a line. All you need to do is rug up and pick your time to go out. What does put a bit of a dampener on my fishing is the wind, and even though the Port Hacking River is not all that big in area, you can always find a small pocket of water

and South West Arm. Further upstream you will find North West Arm and Fishermans Bay. From here the river narrows and winds its way up to the weir at Audley, where there are a number of small areas to either anchor or drift in close to the mangroves.

I find that at most of the places that I anchor in when

Bundeena Wharf pulling in a few on size 3.0 squid jigs. Just make sure that you move out of the way when the ferry comes in.

A couple of mates of mine walked the beach at Bonnie Vale and caught bream, whiting and trevally on the beach with tube worms. You could also

Bryce and the author ventured out to Kurnell for a session on the luderick and drummer.

There will be a number of morwong coming aboard the charter boats that are heading out from the Port Hacking River.

20

AUGUST 2018

to get yourself some fresh weed. I have a number of spots, but you are going to have to locate your own.

My suggestion would be to look for areas where there is a stormwater pipe or drain coming out into the river, and this is not necessarily the Port Hacking River.

You could try the Georges and Woronora rivers, down at Lake Illawarra or further afield in Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River.

Places where there are dams or lakes are also good, with Chipping Norton Lake an example.

based fisher. For the more adventurous, you could try Boat Harbour.

The beaches in Bate Bay will be worth a shot for salmon, tailor, bream, sharks and rays. Fresh squid, mullet and yellowtail would be the go. You could also try half pilchards for bream and dart.

I like using beach worms off the beaches, as you are then in with a great chance of getting a few whiting as well.

Further south you could try the southern end of Garie Beach or Stanwell Park for bream, trevally and the odd dart or two. The first couple

pigfish, trevally, sweep and leatherjackets will be on the chew this month offshore on the close reefs.

You could also try trolling a few lures up and down the coast in close for salmon, bonito, striped tuna and the odd kingfish. You will most probably see some whales migrating north when offshore this month.

Don’t forget to keep those reports and photos coming in! If you have anything to report or have a picture of your latest catch, just email it to me at gbrown1@iprimus.com.au.

Head to the lakes for a fix WESTERN SYDNEY

Cameron McDonald

While it’s still cold, the end is in sight, with bass season re-opening at the end of the month, and cod season closing just a day later.

At Lake Lyell, recent reports have been mixed. Yes, there are lots of fish being

side, redfin are one of the tastiest freshwater fish there is, and no one is going to complain if you take lots for the freezer. If filleting, don’t bother trying to scale them, as redfin seem to have magic scales like a suit of armour, so just skin them outright, or alternatively cook them skin on. The fillets are pretty small, so you’ll need more

hopping metal blades will all produce fish. They’ll also readily chomp slow-rolled soft plastics, particularly paddle-tails. If bait is your preference, worms would be the best choice, but they’ll basically eat anything.

With trout season still closed, it’s the semi-local lakes that scratch the trout itch. Thompsons Creek Dam is probably the closest dam to Sydney where you can catch a trout, and there are some big girls in there. Be warned though, not only is Thommos getting more and more popular, but it can be

one of the most infuriating places to fish. Big trout can regularly be seen in the shallows or at the edge of bays; you can place 50 perfect casts right in front of them and they won’t even blink. Or one will follow it for what seems like forever and simply not hit the lure. If they follow it once and don’t take it, you must change lures, as they won’t follow it again. Change shape, size, colour – whatever you think, but do something slightly different.

The fly guys say the same thing, a perfect cast

Lukas Bednarz took this rare brook trout. caught, but worryingly they than one to make a meal. seem to be predominately Redfin are stupid, will redfin. A regular customer eat a variety of baits and recently caught over 100 lures, and tend to move in fish in a weekend, but only packs, so catching large one was a bass, and only numbers is not too difficult. two were trout. Sadly, the Trolling deep divers around gorgeous Lake Lyell seems contour lines, jiggling to be becoming yet another brightly coloured ice jigs in STA16112 19/06/2018 11:32 Page 1 redfin dam.Revo On499 theFM_Layout plus the1 tree branches andAM slow

Lukas Bednarz with a cracking bream caught on a soft plastic at night.

Taryn Mason is pleased with her PB bream. softly touches down one foot from a 60cm trout’s nose.

They come up and look at it and then just turn away.

The ever-reliable Tassie Devil is a must-have lure for when the shallows aren’t working. Simply fire the simple piece of winged plastic out into the depths, and let it sink. The retrieve is a simple slow roll, super slow. Every now and again simply pause and let the lure fall back to the bottom.

One quick hop or sweep to keep it out of the weed, and it’s back to a super slow roll.

Be patient at Thompsons, as many, many fine anglers have come away with a dreaded doughnut. Finally,

pay close attention to regulations, as the rangers there are well known for enforcing them.

I have been having a tonne of fun chasing local carp. A light bream or bass rod, a float, small hooks and bread or corn will get you started, with some easy to get to local spots including Glenmore Park (there was some chatter about bass being stocked there soon, so fingers crossed), Pughs Lagoon, Yarramundi, Penrith Weir and the pipes at Windsor.

Please remember to clean up your spot when you leave, even if the mess is not your fault. As ABT says, ‘who shares, wins’, and no one owns the whole river.

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AUGUST 2018

21

Quality fish caught in uncomfortable conditions SYDNEY NORTH

Paul O’Hagan

Fishing has been hard with the weather and the seas changing day by day, but for those who have been able to get out and

a showing over the next few weeks of a tuna or two.

As these fish travel at speed when they run, it is a bit of an unknown as to when they will show up around the Sydney area, but the reports coming in from the South Coast are that they are on

Dave Gregory braved the cold for a feed of salmon from the beach. overcome some of the conditions there has been a bonanza of fish to be taken from the beaches and out to the offshore reefs.

the move. Over the last few years the tuna have arrived around Sydney and for those anglers lucky enough to find them in numbers there has

have been some good-sized kings on offer while using live yellowtail and a range of jigs. As always there is a horde of leatherjackets holding on these reefs and they will snap off anything that shines in the water.

Fishing on the inshore reefs has been pretty consistent, with lots of small kingfish and some good quality snapper taking a range of baits from soft plastics to live bait. As with most reef fishing, setting down a trail of berley in a bit of current should draw fish in from far and wide and hopefully result in a good feed of fish for the table.

Long Reef has been very consistent and a great spot to pick up a good range of species using a variety of fishing styles. Drifting along Narrabeen has been very good with some good flathead on offer.

When the sea conditions have been favourable, there

Dave Rothwell took this quality kingfish offshore. has been a lot of action on While offshore fishing been plenty of action. While the rocks and headlands with for those using deep drop there’s usually only a very trevally taking prawns and methods around the Browns small window with these fish, fish baits using small floats Mountain area there is some hopefully they will hold for a and luderick taking weed. good quality fish to be taken, bit longer this year.

There has also been small and with a cold current slowly For those who have been kingfish and salmon for those moving up the coast from the fishing around the Twelve- using a range of stickbaits south, hopefully there will be Mile Reef and the Peak, there and metals and the chance of picking some of the larger winter kings.

Inside the harbour it has been hot and cold. Some days salmon, tailor and kingfish school up chasing the small

Adam Clemente was very pleased with this mulloway. whitebait that is available, and other days it has been quiet and it takes a bit of time and effort to locate a fish or two. When the days are quiet at the mouth of the harbour, a lot of anglers are fishing further into the system towards the harbour bridge and picking up a feed of bream and flathead in some of the shallow bays, while others are chasing the elusive mulloway and having a lot of luck as the sun goes down.

Fishing at the back of Narrabeen Lake has been very productive, with good flathead and bream being taken on small plastics and vibes. With the lake being opened to the ocean, things should improve dramatically as the water gets a chance to flush out and the oxygen levels increase, hopefully getting the fish excited and into a good feeding mode.

Beach fishing has had its good and bad days, depending on which beach you are fishing, and every day is different. Freshwater Beach has been one of the more consistent beaches, with good numbers of whiting being taken on fresh and frozen worms in the early morning. Although there are a lot of small fish eager to jump on your line, there are some better quality

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22

AUGUST 2018

Salmon and some very big tailor have been moving around Collaroy to Narrabeen in the evening and as darkness falls, there has been a large amount of bronze and dusky whalers patrolling most of the beaches destroying wellpresented live and dead baits set down for a better class of fish. Fishing for some of these awesome predators can

Seven-year-old Sandy Lockwood had a blast catching her first squid.

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fish available, and it is just a matter time before a good-sized fish will bite and hopefully fill a good bag. Be sure to persist.

Further up the peninsula there have been some nice mulloway taken around the opening to Narrabeen Lake and a few taken near Palm Beach, but there haven’t been any good numbers reported.

Jared Abrahamse nailed this fun-sized harbour king.

With fish of this quality being taken, there is a lot of secrecy about where the fish are being caught.

Fishing on the beaches in the evening at this time of the year is not for the fainthearted as the temperatures drop, but for those who are prepared to wrap up well and face some of the bad conditions that we have had lately, the rewards can be very good.

be a lot of fun but a lot of care is needed if you are to set your rod into a sand spike, as the first run is enough to pull over your rod and drag it into the ocean. Always make sure the spike is well buried into the sand and the drag on your reel should not be locked up, as the fish have a very good lever advantage when they hit.

As always stay safe and enjoy the fishing.

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Using the right tackle to catch bigger snapper One of the best things about winter along the Mid North Coast of NSW is the snapper fishing. While quality reds can be caught all year round, it’s the winter months that are the most productive.

This is especially the

If you’re serious, get there well before the prime time, so you’ll be anchored up and in position. This will give any reds spooked by your presence time to readjust and you can get a good berley trail going; this is something snapper respond very well to.

a ledge or bommie if the current is going to wash your berley away from where you’re casting.

With the berley going the right way snapper can often be whipped into a frenzy with baits often getting smashed immediately after hitting

The author with a 14.6kg NSW record red caught in less than 10m of water. they fish sinkers way too heavy for snapper in this depth of water. If you can get away with it, a totally unweighted bait is all you

need, however depending on current you may have to go up to a pea-size sinker.

This allows the bait to slowly work its way down

something you’ve just got to deal with. If you go too heavy, you won’t get the bite and if you go too light, you’re going

As the sun sets or rises big reds come out to play. case over shallow reefs in less than 30m of water, with quality reds up to the magical 20lb mark on offer.

While bait fishing for reds is nothing new, it has taken a bit of a backseat over the past decade to soft plasticslures, so much so that many anglers have never tried or forgotten how to use bait for reds.

It’s something I do a lot of and while it’s a simple form of fishing there are a lot of mistakes and things you can do wrong that pretty much instantly write off your chances of having success.

The number one hard rule is that snapper are not a gentleman’s hours fish; if you’re not prepared to be out there before the sun comes up or to be coming home in the dark then you will miss the prime time.

When it comes to fishing the shallow reefs in 10-30m of water dawn and dusk periods are critical and when 80% of snapper are caught.

A few blocks of pilchards cubed up and a handful thrown over every few minutes is all it takes. This will in turn attract plenty of baitfish around the boat, which will further amplify the berley’s effectiveness.

Position yourself up current of the area you want to fish; it’s no good anchoring on one side of

the water.

I find the best baits to use are fresh squid, cuttlefish, pilchards and slimy mackerel fillets. It’s important to make this bait look as natural as possible and also to have it wafting down through the water column around the same speed as the berley.

This is another common mistake anglers make as

Gathering some quality bait will greatly increase your chances.

Working the berley pot as the sun sets – dusk periods are critical for snapper fishing. the water column and if there’s no action within five minutes of casting, wind up and throw out again.

The perfect hook for this is the Black Magic C points in a 5/0-6/0 depending on bait size.

These hooks aren’t too big to catch pan-sized snapper, but strong enough to hang onto that 20-pounder too.

They are also the only hook I’ve used on snapper that consistently penetrate through the super-hard top jaw molars – an area that for most hooks usually results in a bent tip and no fish.

The best areas to target big reds in the shallows are usually super nasty terrain and getting steamrolled by the odd big fish is

to get blown away just about every time. I find a good compromise for bait fishing is 30lb braid with 30lb leader. This will give you a good cast and keep you in the game when that trophy fish comes along.

I use Black Magic 30lb FC leader as its abrasive resistance is as good as it gets and it’s able to deal with being scuffed through the reef far more than other softer leader lines.

The ideal outfit is a 5000-6000 size reel paired with a 7ft rod rated 20-30lb with plenty of grunt to try and put the brakes on these things before they find the reef.

AUGUST 2018

23

Long nights worth braving for big results THE TWEED

Anthony Coughran

With the temperature drop, anglers have shivered through the long nights in the rivers and have had very cold starts to the mornings offshore.

The water is very clear at the moment with 20m of visibility on most reefs.

Coupled up with no run on most of the shallow reefs, this is making it tough for most offshore anglers. Early mornings are still fishing the best for most mixed reefies.

so clear, it’s been hard going for most offshore anglers.

Finding some run or current is the key to better fishing offshore this month. There are still plenty of mixed reefies on close reefs, but finesse is the key. Using lightly-weighted plastics and drift baits is a good ploy.

The more natural the bait presentation is, the more fish anglers are catching.

Venturing wider is normally the better option this month. Finding deeper reefs and fishing different styles such as micro-jigs, plastics, drift baits octa

pike and bonnies. The Ten Minute Reef has just yakkas.

Bait jigs, small plastics and metals working best for the bait collecting.

ESTUARY They’re going to be very cold conditions in the rivers this month, which is making it very hard for most anglers.

However, those who brave it will reap the rewards.

Mulloway are starting to school up in good numbers in the Tweed. The larger holes around the river mouth are holding better fish and large live baits of a night are catching these

Jamie French landed this impressive mulloway in the Tweed.

Plastics and drift baits are still catching a good feed on close reefs for most anglers, where live baits and jigs are catching the cobia and kingies.

Mulloway have really started to come on the bite in the rivers, and bream are thick at the moment.

Anglers are finding it hard to get through the bream to get to the more soughtafter species.

Trevally are in good numbers in the river mouth this month, with micro-jigs and metals working well.

There are still some quality flathead up in the skinny water.

Tailor are around most of the bridges, rock walls and current lines in the river on the run-in tide.

Beaches are fishing really well this month, and the schools of tailor and mulloway are sitting in most deeper gutters, along the rock walls and around the headlands. Metals and ganged up pilchards are working best this month.

Let’s take a look at the month’s fishing in more detail.

OFFSHORE With the slowing of the currents and with the water 24

AUGUST 2018

jigs and paternoster rigs is catching good numbers of tuskies, pearlies, snapper, gold-spots, spangled emperor and Moses perch.

The cobia and kings have moved in to the closer reefs.

Fishing with live baits, jigs and plastics is working well on these brutes. Finding bait with arches sitting around them on your sounder is the key to finding big kings and cobia.

Lots of pike have moved onto the close reefs at the moment and the mulloway are feeding up. Finding these schools and catching a few for live baits before dropping them back down on heavy gear should see you onto a nice mulloway. Isolated wrecks and bommies are holding these grey ghosts.

A few packs of tuna are starting to show themselves.

Look for feeding birds or bait schools on your sounder, then crank a high speed metal through them and you should be onto one of these speedsters. There’s lots of bait around this month, and if you want to collect your own, try Kirra Reef, Point Reef and Desal for pike, yakkas, tailor and bonito.

Fidos, Kingy and Cook Island Marker have yakkas,

bigger models. A nighttime run-out seems to be working better for the mulloway.

Vibes, blades, plastics and hardbodies are catching the schoolies during the day, just look for bait moving through these holes to find them. Good boat placement

is vital to having your baits or lures in the right spot for the bite period.

Bream are really thick at the moment. Most sections of the system have good schools sitting on them. Bait is still fishing better than artificials at the moment, so finding a nice school then drifting a bait down to them seems to be the favoured method. Having mixed baits on hand helps a lot and running a fine soupy berley will get them up feeding.

Run-in tides are best for the bream this month.

Despite bait catching more bream, lures are still working. Using a light leader around 6lb, small plastics and small lures will get them biting and can be really fun. Try the hospital rock wall, Blue Hole, Boyds Bay, Barneys Point, Balaclava Park and around the trawlers for a bit of dinner plate fun.

Lots of trevally have been caught in the river mouth. Metals, jigs and plastics are all fishing really well, but only on the run-in tide. Jack Evans rock wall is fishing the best this month.

A few bigger GTs are sitting with the small mulloway around the bridges of a night, and live herring baits are catching the better fish.

There are still some good flathead sunning themselves up in the skinny water. Fishing plastics and hardbodies over the skinny water will see you with a great feed and quite often a big female will be sitting with them. Remember, if you get a few smaller ones in one area, keep casting because you will often get a larger female sitting around these smaller males. Plastics in the 2.5-3” range are working best in this shallow water.

A solid mulloway from the rocks for Len McClymont.

Justin ‘Staytie’ Stayt with a nice cobia caught off Brunswick Heads.

Vibes and blades will also work well in the deeper holes at low tide.

A few packs of tailor are starting to feed up in the river. Try small metals, plastics and small poppers worked fast across the top for a bit of chopper action.

Using a short heavy shock leader helps land some of the larger tailor.

BEACHES The beaches are fishing really well this month. Small swell and westerlies make near perfect conditions on beaches.

Good schools of tailor are hanging in most gutters, rock walls and around most headlands. Dusk and dawn are still the best times, with metals, hardbodies and plastics catching the most tailor. Soaking a ganged up pilchard rig is better during the night in these draining gutters.

A few larger mulloway are being caught around the headlands and rock walls.

Ganged pilchards, whole worms, hardbodies and plastics are all catching fish this month. Look for washing waves rolling into the gutters around the headlands and rock walls. A well-placed bait or lure won’t last long in these areas. Trying to get them up the rocks is another story.

Catching large sea bream that are moving around and sitting in the gutters on the beaches, rock walls and around the headlands has been good fun. Baits such as strip baits, white bait, worms, pipis, pilchards, cunjevoi and crabs are all catching fish this month. Crushing up pilchards will get them up feeding close to you and keep them in front of you.

Dart, whiting and flathead are still in most gutters this month. Try the

skinny gutters on the last of the run-out with small plastics and baits for a good feed. You only need to use small light setups in these small shallow gutters, which makes it lots of fun. Due to the lack of waves, a 6-10lb set up will be more than enough for these gutters.

NEXT MONTH Next month will see more big reefies move onto close reefs to spawn.

Targeting these species after the full moon should see you get more and larger fish next month.

The mulloway, cobia and kings will sit around the bait schools on these same close reefs. Isolated reefs and wrecks will fish the best with live baits.

Tailor will keep rolling through on their annual migration on their way to their spawning grounds off Fraser Island. Anglers will be getting their fill as they move through.

The mullet will continue to run up the coast and the mulloway will follow these schools. Find the schools and find the mulloway.

Bream will keep thickening up as they come to their spawning season.

Fishing baits after the full moon will fish better for these silver dinner plates.

Trevally will keep patrolling the rock walls over the mouth and the flathead will keep sunning themselves in the skinny water as well.

Beaches will fish well right throughout the next month. Dusk and dawn will be the best time to fish the beaches.

If you need any further advice on any fish or of fishing the Tweed, send a message to me on my Facebook page ‘Fishing Fun Gold Coast’ and I will help you out and steer you in the right direction.

Region fishing as good as ever BALLINA

Joe Allan

The Richmond River and surrounds have been fishing pretty well lately.

The water clarity in the river has been beautiful, but could use a little flush of a little dirty water to stir things up.

Offshore fishing around Ballina has been consistent over the last month. This should continue with all signs pointing towards a bumper snapper season.

Areas around Riordans Reef, Black Head, Lennox Point and the close reefs around the Ballina beaches are all holding quality numbers and sizes of snapper up to 90cm. There are some big girls out there at the moment around the Evans Head region too.

The best baits to throw are horse mackerel, fresh squid and bonito, either floating or very lightly weighted, depending on the current. Soft plastics are accounting for the bigger fish, and for best results

Anthony Melchior with a nice tailor caught on dusk using pilchards and Gamakatsu Gangster hooks. there are so many in such good numbers. Only keep what you are going to eat immediately and let those trophy ones go.

Using the big knife jigs is a really physical way to fish, so don’t worry about going to the gym that day. Try to get in early before the wind

and metal slugs. When the westerly winds flatten the winter swell, it’s also worth walking the gutters with 1/4-1/2oz blades targeting flathead. You’ll get the odd bit of by-catch of big snowy bream, and these things pull hard on light spin tackle.

There’s plenty of bait if you’re out for some fun with the kids, and catching pipis is a great activity. These then turn into some great fun bait fishing as the winter bream and whiting will take a liking to them.

Surface fishing for bream in Emigrant and North creeks will be worth a shot. It may not produce huge numbers, but you’ll most likely come across some thumper winter whiting.

The river mouth has been producing some great sizes and numbers of bream and blackfish. Try getting there on the top of the tide as it starts to run out for best numbers of blackfish.

As always, green weed or weed flies are always best.

The Gamakatsu Pan Fish Green hooks are best for this technique.

For great numbers of bream, try cut baits along south wall on light weights.

The bream hole in behind Police Station is also worth a shot.

Aaron Swanson with a 99.5cm mulloway caught on 6lb braided line.

A chunky flathead from North Creek caught on a suspending Bassday Mogul Minnow 66.

Atomic Semi-Hardz sink slowly and are capable of being fished in a wide range of situations.

They are built extra tough with heavy duty wire running through the lure, insuring you stay connected with your prey.

The life-like feel of the Semi-Hardz will keep fish coming back again and again.

Tony Fendal with a quality snapper caught on a 6” Atomic Jerk Shad in electric chicken. try big plastics around 6” long. Use as light a jighead as you possibly can, as this will defiantly help your catch rate. This time of year, the big girls are here to breed, that’s why

Further offshore on the wider reefs along the 42 fathom line, there are pearl perch, amberjack and kingfish. There have been a lot of great fish caught on Lucanus and knife jigs.

gets up and it becomes too hard to hold on the fish.

The beaches of South Ballina and Seven-Mile at Lennox Head have seen plenty of tailor being taken on blue pilchards

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AUGUST 2018

25

The best time of year in Yamba YAMBA

Dave Gaden

Well here it is, August – my favourite month has arrived. Mid-winter is cold,

out there this month. I’m not saying you won’t catch them at other time of the year, but with the abundance of fish in close your chances are greatly improved.

Snapper aren’t the only

cod and Moses perch on a daily basis. While float baiting the snapper is the most productive, a simple paternoster rig fished in conjunction with your floater will pick up the other species.

Brian and Steve were stoked with their snapper. but exciting times for those who like to fish offshore in this part of the planet.

Finally we’ll see calmer seas, and I must say after the year we have had with bad weather that in itself will be worth having.

Quality fish will shoal up in good numbers on the close in reefs and with offshore breezes early most mornings they will be well and truly accessible to those with even the smallest of seagoing vessels. Snapper amongst others spawn at this time of the year, waiting for the water temperature to drop to 16-18°C. These bigger fish come in from the wider grounds and can be targeted in water so shallow that you wouldn’t normally fish it. Even last month we were catching quality fish in 10m of water or less. As I’ve said before, if you have ever wanted to try and catch a big snapper on a plastic or vibe or even a micro-jig, then get

quality fish around in these waters this month. We catch good numbers of the Venus tuskfish, pearl perch, Maori

South of Yamba try in close between Freeburn Rock, known as ‘the Bommie,’ and Shelly headland, further

south between Plumbago and Red Cliff. Get in close and drift using the offshore breeze to push you from the edge of the kelp out over the reef. It’s a bit snaggy but very productive. To the north there aren’t many spots better than the front of Woody Head, which is a great bit of shallow reef that always holds nice fish.

Shallow water fishing rarely lasts all day, so I usually move out after around 9am to slightly deeper water, around 30-40m. With the fish shoaled up they are easy to find on your sounder and as long as you have a bit of current you can anchor up and fill the creel.

Normally you would just fish with your standard paternoster bottom rig while at anchor, but don’t put your float line away, you will still take some amazing fish by flicking the lightest weighted pilly or mullet strip up current and just letting it free spool down through

Ash from Inverell took this lovely snapper.

Father and son Jaques and Alex with a pearly and a snapper respectively. your berley trail. I have taken fish this way even in 80m of water.

For those who want to venture way offshore, the calmer seas and lighter current on the 50-fathom line will make fishing conditions easier. The deep water fish like pearl perch, blue morwong and pigfish will be there in good numbers, but, and this is a biggy, there is every chance the reef could be covered in those jolly yellow giants – the Chinaman leatherjackets.

Although they are a great eating fish they will destroy anything not made of steel.

I make a simple bottom rig from 90lb wire to fish when they are around. I know some of you will say they just eat the braid or line above the rig anyway, but the secret is to take their attention away from anything but the hook.

I do this by using hard glow in the dark beads right down on the hooks, the bigger and brighter the better, and I lose very few rigs. Using wire, you may think that the jackets are all you will catch, but on the contrary, when the jackets invade a reef the competition for food is great and you will have no trouble catching all the quality species on the same rig.

In the estuary we are having a fantastic start to the luderick (blackfish) season, and this should continue through August. With fish running in from the ocean to spawn, and after needing to feed up, they are a lot easier to target. The rocks in front of the peninsula units are always a popular spot, as is the tug boat near Calypso Caravan Park for those land-based. The tide gauge on the Iluka side of

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Middle Wall and Turkeys Nest on Iluka side are great spots for those with boats.

Most good fish have been taken on the black weed early in the season, but have a bit of green and even some cabbage on hand, as they are very fickle.

Bream have been in large numbers this year, and the size is amazing. Lots of fish are topping the 1kg

mark and are fat as well.

We still bag and sell mullet gut at the shop, and even though it’s old fashioned and not to everyone’s liking, it really does bring the old bream unstuck.

Further upstream there have been some nice flathead taken around the entrance to the Broadwater just up from Maclean. The Broadwater itself is producing good fish,

ba Prawn Blade s” “Yam Maori cod are a fantastic catch offshore.

YAMBA BAIT & TACKLE “Yamba’s Leading Tackle Shop” “IN THE MAIN STREET” Shop 3, 8 Yamba St, Yamba A double-up of tasty pearlies for Andrew. but the deep water at the entrance seems better. There is a basic boat ramp opposite the entrance near the trawlers and a bit of parking area on the other side of the road. If you have a small tinny, you are set to go. My favourite bait is the white pilly, and drifting past the entrance

Don James was very proud of this snapper.

seems to be a very productive way to catch a feed.

If you’re planning a trip this way at this special time of the year for a fish, or would like to jump aboard one of my deep sea charters, call into the shop and let us send you in the right direction.

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This is a season for just about everything COFFS HARBOUR

Stephen Worley info@tdsimages.com.au

The Coffs Coast doesn’t really have well-defined fishing seasons for many species.

There’s no real ‘on season’ or ‘off season’ when it comes to fish like snapper, kingfish, bream or mulloway.

There’s no time of year where they’re completely off the cards. There are times when the fishing for such species is a little more reliable, or the bigger fish are more common, and if you’re going to call any month of the year ‘snapper month’ then August might be it.

Offshore of the Coffs Coast the winter is only just getting started for real in August. Through most of the winter, as we’ve seen this year, the offshore waters stay quite warm, and it’s only in August that the current really starts to break down and move away from the coast.

The snapper, on the other hand, head in the opposite direction. Throughout the winter the snapper have moved onto the near shore

Lightweight plastics are often the best way to fool the lower estuary clear water bream, just as Jason O’Brien did here with a nice pair on the lower rock walls. reefs, headlands and gravel beds, where colder water of around 18°C will signify the time to spawn. For us it means August is the time that the most snapper will be gathered inshore and therefore this is the prime month to get out offshore for a red.

The quality winter snapper grounds are well within reach of the smaller boats and kayaks, as almost

imitations also doing well, especially in the ‘floater’ position out the back of the boat on drift. For the bait anglers the floatlining technique has been the most successful in the shallow and clear water over the last couple of months. More subtle than bottom bashing with paternoster rigs, floating a cube out into a berley trail is generally more effective at pinning a larger cautious fish when in shallow and clear water.

Pearl perch are hard to specifically target, but they have been common captures for most snapper anglers, and usually very welcome additions to the dinner menu.

have accounted for many metre plus kingfish in this last month. Other live baits, along with hardbodies and soft plastics have also worked well around the islands and headland washes.

Mulloway are another species that tend to have a modest peak through these months, especially when it comes to larger fish. The couple of hours around the high tide is the time to hit the beach gutters, especially when timed with dawn and dusk. A fresh or live squid would also be the go-to bait if targeting mulloway, but a metal slug, or some pilchards also offer the chance for the plentiful tailor filling the beach gutters

mullet up around the deeper holes and bridges is the best bet for the bait anglers. Soft plastics, vibes and hardbodies have all produced results for mulloway in the river, whether day or night, with 80-100cm fish common.

Tailor have been moving around the estuaries in schools that can generally can be seen as they hit bait on the surface. Smaller lures that mimic the whitebait still swarming around the river systems have been working best. The white bait have been a focus for the local bream also. Light and low profile plastics and hardbodies have most commonly tempted the larger bream. Clear water

any headland and near shore reef will be holding snapper. Over the last month the inshore reefs have been producing large numbers of large snapper. Quality 3-5kg fish have been very common, with larger fish also being captured regularly.

Soft plastics have been the most popular for the lure anglers. Jerk shads are the proven performers, but squid

Thomo keeping it anonymous behind this solid river mulloway.

Further offshore you could say August is the month of the kingfish. Although common throughout the entire year, it’s the months of winter that bring the majority of large kingfish into boats on the Coffs Coast. Squid have been prolific on the inshore reefs and there’s no better avenue to a good-size kingfish than releasing a freshly caught live squid into an island wash with line in tow. Live squid

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and headlands washes at the moment. Around the headlands and breakwalls the soft plastics and hardbodies have been accounting for many 5-10kg mulloway, as well as the copious numbers of 1-2kg tailor.

The larger rivers are offering great mulloway fishing for the lure anglers as well as those using baits.

Live or dead squid around the break walls, or a live

has made the midday bream fishing more trying, but some finesse and stealth will go a long way towards producing good fish, even with the sun high and skies clear.

Whether you’ve been waiting for the ideal time of year to target your chosen species, or that species is your target month in, month out, I hope August brings you much success for a feed or just good fishing.

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AUGUST 2018

FINANCE

AFTA 2018 - New Product Releases The 2018 Australian Fishing Trade Association show saw industry leaders make the annual pilgrimage to the sunny Gold Coast on July 24-26 to exhibit. Daiwa was at the forefront with their new tackle releases consisting of a huge range of rods, reels, lures, line and accessories that received outstanding reviews.

Check out some of the exciting new products for 2018 that you will see in your local retailer soon.

BEEFSTICK RODS Tradition meets contemporary looks and styling with the release of the new Daiwa Beefstick. With homage to the traditional solid tip fiberglass rods of the past, Daiwa gives the much loved workhorse a makeover to deliver anglers a rod series that doesn’t disappoint in performance, design, or value.

The Beefstick has a graphite/glass butt for unmatched strength and durability, with the lower section featuring a carbon wrap for added strength and weight reduction. A solid integrated tip provides ultimate sensitivity, yet delivers unmatched durability. Solid, yet sensitive guides provide ultimate connectivity between angler and fish, with their ultra tough construction handling the rigors of angling and delivering anglers unmatched feel for a rod of its price.

Shaped custom EVA grips blend perfectly with the Beefstick’s reel seats, providing anglers with the comfort and control to take full advantage of the rod’s power. The durable composite cork butt cap design makes it perfect for the rough and tumble of rod holders and rough ground.

With 26 models available, there is a model available for nearly every conceivable scenario. If you’re looking for a modern twist on the rod that your grandfather had when you were a child, the new Daiwa Beefstick is the range for you.

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Designed to excel and built to perform, the Eliminator integrates many of Daiwa’s most innovative designs and technologies including Digigear and Air Rotor, and blends them with proven designs and features to create a reel that has few peers when it comes to spin reel excellence.

With higher graphite density able to be achieved through Nanoplus technology, the result is a lighter, crisper, more powerful rod. The addition of Braiding X technology further enhances rod performance by increasing wall strength and reducing blank twist.

Inner strength abounds courtesy of Digigear, with the performance inspired gearing system featuring a highprecision cutting technique that achieves perfect gear meshing and ultra smooth performance.

Optimum casting and fighting performance is elevated by TD Black’s Fuji Alconite K guides, with their lightweight construction and tangle free design tailor made for braided line, while the TD Black’s neoprene grips and ergonomically designed reel seats ensure ultimate angler comfort and in hand balance and control.

The TD Black series is available in single and multi-piece offerings, with a multitude of lengths, weights, and powers. Whether it’s finesse FIFO fishing for trout in Tassie, or muscling XOS thugs from the reefs and mangroves in the tropics, the new TD Black series has you covered.

J-THREAD FLUORO LEADER First you became a fighter, now you must become a leader. Backing up from the success of J-Braid. J-Thread FC is a brand-new 100% fluorocarbon leader material that boasts increased abrasion resistance and super-low memory.

Made in Japan from the finest raw materials, J-Thread FC features a low-memory core, improving handling characteristics and improving knot performance. The outer layer is treated to increase hardness and resilience to abrasion.

Available in 4-80lb breaking strains in 100 or 50m spools, J-Thread FC is ready for battle. (Available August/September)

Delivering ultimate control is a collection of Daiwa’s finest and most innovative line control technologies.

Daiwa’s famous ABS spool design leads the charge with the reverse taper spool enabling greater line control and increased casting distance.

Daiwa’s ATD delivers fingertip drag control and unrelenting stopping power. With silky smooth start up and a tonne of stopping power to rein in the hardest pulling fish, the Eliminator will never see you under gunned in the heat of battle. The new Eliminator spin reel opens the door to a new age in light and offshore tackle durability and reliability.

SALTIST X Loaded with the pedigree and features that have made the Saltist name famous, this new series has it all. Featuring a blank with HVF graphite and Braiding X technology, the result is increased rod strength, sensitivity and lifting power.

Trouble and tangle free time on the water is ensured with Fuji’s new Fazlite Anti-Tangle K-Series guides, while EVA grips, Fuji reel seats and butt caps make sure comfort and control boxes are ticked.

With 12 models in the range, the Saltist X range has all your offshore angling needs covered.

For more information visit www.daiwafishing.com.au and keep up to date with all Daiwa news on the Daiwa Australia Facebook page.

The rocks are still giving up solid catches NAMBUCCA

Riley Wilson

Winter is almost at an end, not that I have been complaining! Sure the bones ache and the fingers go numb but modern gear and a little fortitude goes a long way! It actually hasn’t been too hard to get out and go for a fish, providing everything goes right getting to the ramp!

It had been a while since I had the boat out on the river, so I decided it was time to get out there.

Everything was primed, the batteries were charged and rods were rigged the boat trailer looked good. I wasn’t far down the road when I realised everything wasn’t good! It was evident that the trailer tyre was trying to part from it’s home on the wheel rim. A

quick check to find a spot to pull over and my guess was correct, the tyre was a mess, but this was only the start… The wheel nuts were so rusted the wheel brace would just spin on the corroded nuts, so only one option was available – a hammer and cold chisel were used to split the nuts.

After a quick drive home to take some wheel nuts from another trailer we were off the highway safe. Lesson learned!

Preparation and maintenance prevent headaches (and hammered hands).

So after that effort it was time to head out off the rocks. In the Nambucca Valley, rock fishing is really underrated and if it’s a feed you are after, it’s pretty easy to secure.

Catching bream is as easy as a strip of mullet or a piece of prawn drifting

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across a groper, drummer, mulloway or tailor. This style of rod has proved very versatile and captured all of the above species with relative ease.

Usually here on the Mid North Coast August moving into September sees the change start to happen with a hint of warmth showing up, and most of the keen anglers I know start to see bass in their dreams.

While it starts to warm, don’t forget that the bigger of the winter species will still be ready to eat an easy meal. Big tailor are what comes to mind, so don’t stop chasing them too quickly!

Drummer will also continue on for a while yet, so don’t pack up the rock fishing gear either!

• If you are fishing on the Nambucca or just want some great gear and the best advice, drop in and see Riley or Rob at the Boatshed Cafe and say hi.

They will be happy to help with all your fishing needs.

Estuary fishing will also be fruitful in the tail end of winter. around on a rising tide just before dark. If you are the lure casting type that likes bream, these big blue nose brutes will have your rod buckling as they dive for cover.

Don’t think your average 7ft 2-4kg bream stick is suitable for the wash of the rocks and the size of the fish, it can be done, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Bigger, heavier gear is the go. I use a 9ft rod with a softer tip with 15-20lb braid and a 20lb fluorocarbon leader, and while a little overgunned for just legal bream, those 45cm models put a real bend in it. The other thing to remember is you can always come

Rock fishing is at its best in August. www.southwestrocksfishingadventures.com.au

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Land-based action on the cards ranging from just legal to well into the 40s.

The main feature of the inshore fishery through August will be the shallow water snapper fishery.

The close reefs of Grassy Head and Point Plommer are great places to start before venturing out as far as the conditions allow, remembering that whether you fish bait or lures, jigs or plastics, you need to be fishing as light a line class and as lightly weighted as possible. A consistent berley trail is always helpful when fishing in the shallower grounds, especially when the fishing is a bit slow and can be responsible for mixing up the bag by

SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Brent Kirk kempsey@compleatangler.com.au

Considering that it’s just past the middle of winter and about as cold as it gets in this part of the world, it is great to see that getting out there and having a go is still worthwhile, especially for shore-based anglers.

The headland fishing has been red hot of late, especially around Hat Head, with tailor numbers through the roof. While the majority of the fish are only around the 1kg mark, there are definitely days where the class of fish has been much larger.

Fishing vibes at night around bait schools quite often draws a strike from school mulloway.

ROCKS Marine

It’s great to see fishing on the agenda in our local schools. Here is Koa with a solid little bream, which she released.

A classic two for one deal on the Samaki Vibelicious!

A fair few kingfish have been showing up around the washes and there are even a few reports of cobia being spun up.

Bream numbers have also been outstanding this winter, with huge schools populating most headlands and beach gutters with fish

come fishing at

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attracting a whole array of other species including pearl perch, mulloway, kingfish and trag. You may also bring in any tuna that are still hanging around.

Mulloway seem to be everywhere the last few months, and this is generally the case for this time of

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year with the spawning fish migrations. While the beaches and headlands have been fishing as well for mulloway, the river has been producing some good fish, with some of the hotspots being a lot further upstream than usual. Finding these fish is always a matter of locating where the bait is holding, and if this is further upstream, there is a good chance they will not be far away. If bait fishing, catching the local live bait is always a sure-fire method and if luring, try to match the hatch.

Fish Rock is starting to have a few good kings show up around it, and this will become a bit of a hotspot over the next few months and an awesome spot to target kings on the surface. Stickbaits

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and poppers will do the job, but so will unweighted soft plastics when they are being a bit flighty.

Bream and flathead are out in force in the river, and there is a mile of spawning bass up around Smithtown.

These fish would be just about ready to head upstream for when the season opens in September.

The deep drop fishery has been a bit quieter this winter, with mixed reports coming in from inside the shelf due to a mass of sand that seems to have shifted south over summer, making some spots unrecognizable. Out wider, the fishing for bass groper and blue eye is still good when the conditions allow.

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The last of the cool nights THE HASTINGS

Mark Saxon castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com

August in the last couple of years has had quite fine weather in the region. You could say it’s like a false

spring, and hopefully if it continues this year we will be in for another great month of fishing!

HASTINGS RIVER The local river has fished well for bream, flatties and luderick and should remain that way this month.

You can also throw in some upriver mulloway over the coming weeks.

Luderick have been present on the coal wall and several of the local fishos who are anchoring are getting some nice bags using a twin hook setup. The anglers

Martin with a lively mulloway caught vibing in the deeper water.

CRESCENT HEAD HOLIDAY RENTALS

have been putting weed on one trace and a green weed fly on the other, which has become very popular as well

from the truth! Over the last month we have been getting reasonable catches using hardbodied lures and plastics along the flats. The technique we have been using is to work our plastics a whole lot slower than we do in warmer water temperatures with longer pauses. The fish have been hitting on the pause mostly, with everyone’s new favourite the Daiwa Double Clutch working really well. This lure is suspending and by using a ‘twitch-twitch-pause’ retrieve over the shallows, some decent flatties as well as some decent bream hve been taken.

Bream fishing has again been a favourite with the local sportfishing community, with deep water vibes and plastics getting plenty of attention from our silvery friends. Land-based bait fishing for bream in the evening has also been very productive, with good bags being caught from both walls and Settlement Point Road.

The number one bait for bream has been mullet strips, which is always a winner at this time of year.

Micro-jigging in the river has been quite productive. while waiting for some action on the mulloway rods. One thing I did notice was a need to go a bit heavier than my standard 3kg braid, as I got dusted up on this a few times, however a change to 5kg line and the same strength leader did help. There are some big bream lurking around the walls of a night!

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Mandy with some big winter bream on Samaki vibes. as successful in recent years.

Luderick have also been caught off the south wall, town jetty and in and around Limeburners Creek.

Flathead on lures have been consistent all through the cooler months and it still surprises me how many people think they are only caught in the warmer month.

Nothing could be further

On recent trips chasing mulloway from the boat along the coal wall we have managed some great bream

Slow jigging in the river hasn’t taken off, and from what I’m seeing only a few fishos are using

this method, and recently I decided it was time to try my hand at this form of our sport. So far it has been a useful method with flathead, bream, tailor and luderick. Micro-jigging is definitely not a new idea, but I think with a few more anglers doing this in our river the catches might be surprising. At the moment, 7-14g jigs have been getting me fish and I look forward to trying them on our local mulloway over the upcoming months.

BEACH AND ROCK The winter season has been impressive from both the rocks and beaches, with local headlands producing some excellent fishing for black drummer, bream and tailor.

The beaches have also seen some great bags of tailor and bream as well as the odd mulloway, all you need is to keep rugged up and stay dry so you can stay out longer.

This month the good fishing should continue!

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AUGUST 2018

Bart Davidson with a cracking 90cm flatty caught and released in the Hastings.

August fishing rocks!

FORSTER

David Seaman dseamo@bigpond.com

The winter winds of August make it arguably the coldest month of the year and one of the toughest to fish. The odd glassed-out day on the

sizes from pan-sized to jumbo and while catching them on lures is fun, a more productive approach is certainly bait.

Squid and slimy fillets will produce the goods and broaden your catch to other species. We are coming up to the time of year where the ocean leatherjackets

Winter bream in the lake are tough to crack, but worth the effort. sea should be the trigger to get your gear sorted and head out to the shallow close shore grounds.

A mix of trag, flathead and leatherjackets compliment the target species of snapper. The snapper will come in a few

become a nuisance offshore and while some scorn the beaky biters, others will reap a tub of delicious fish.

You will need extra strong hooks and as little terminal attachments as possible due to the leatherjackets’ habits

of chewing on anything shiny or moving. For those with the capacity to venture further out to the shelf, bar cod, yellowfin tuna and gemfish as well as kingfish are prizes for the effort. Colleting live bait at Haydens Reef, behind the Tanks should have you set for the 30km trip east from the Forster bar to the edge of the shelf.

Chilly starts to the mornings are standard at this time of the year and aren’t entirely necessary if you intend to fish the lake and entrance area. It is best to concentrate on the tide and fish either side of the slack water, especially in the bridge area. If you fish near the leases in the Paddock area, you’ll notice the incredible numbers of seven spine and fanbelly leatherjackets that are present. They are only too happy and willing to smash your soft plastics and cost you money, but with a bit of squid bait and a no.

10 hook you can get your revenge. The jackets are that cheeky they will follow your lure, or what’s left of it, back to the boat.

The bridge and leases will benefit from the bream returning early from the coastal run. The return of the bream is generally staggered over the next three months and the lower leases are the first contact of structure where the bream can hold and feed. The lower leases are also holding some solid silver trevally, bigeye trevally and the random, roaming kingfish.

Breckenridge Channel seems to be the Kingfish Highway at the moment, with large fish being seen on a regular basis.

Clear waters fish well HARRINGTON-TAREE

Ian Pereira ianpereira@aapt.net.au

The river at Harrington has been clear and the coastal showers have not dirtied it at all.

On low tide some dirty water is flowing into the backwater at Harrington from Vinegar Creek. Vinegar Creek is so named because the water flowing out of it is the same colour as brown vinegar. This creek drains the water from the swamps in the National Park into the Manning River.

ESTUARY The Manning has produced bags of luderick during the daylight hours with fish to 900g being caught. Green weed and cabbage baits have been taking fish.

Plenty of bag limits of

bream have been scored by boat anglers fishing around the piers and the oyster leases. The best bream have been up to 1kg in weight.

Flathead are still being caught in fair numbers, but there are no big fish being taken. The best fish weighed was around 2.5kg.

Plenty of mullet, a few garfish and whiting make up a good percentage of the catch.

Mulloway have been absent from the estuary for a couple of weeks, but they should be back on the full moon.

BEACH AND ROCK Beach fishing has picked up, with tailor being caught from the spit and Crowdy Beach. The best fish will weigh over 1.5kg, with most fish being 800g-1kg.

Salmon are also being landed, with some fish up to 3kg. Metal lures, pilchards and garfish baits will work.

On the rocks, black drummer and groper have been bagged on prawns, cunjevoi and crabs.

OFFSHORE There have been some great snapper catches this month. Both northern and southern grounds have been firing with fish to 6kg being boated. Trag and pearl perch have been taken from the northern grounds wide of Mermaid Reef, and eastern blue-spot flathead have been boated on the drift.

Those anglers fishing the deep water have landed some great bar cod to 16kg.

Leatherjackets are on the bite out wide.

Around 40 years ago August used to be the month when you checked your rods and reels and did any repairs necessary, however, now with the water becoming warmer and tropical species being caught in our region, August is quite a good month to fish.

Good pan-sized pigs are easily found, but hard to extract from the washes.

The fishing from the Tuncurry Breakwall has been steady, with bream, blackfish and the odd school mulloway showing up. The work on the Forster side wall has allowed boat anglers to drift the hole at the end of the wall for some quality mulloway without upsetting the land-based anglers.

Forster Boat Harbour cleaning tables should be well underway or finished now. It will be a significant and much-needed renovation for the much-used cleaning area. Council just need to train the pelicans not to steal fish from the table; one

unlucky angler lost two good snapper to the pests! They have the art of distraction down to its finest form.

The temptation of big tailor, salmon, blackfish, bream and drummer should be enough to get you on the beach or rocky fringes this month. Formations on Seven-Mile Beach have been deep and long, with plenty of tailor filling them in the early morning. Janies Corner has had a good gutter travelling south and spinning up a salmon or two isn’t hard. The rocks have fished well for bream, blackfish and pigs, but keep your options open

by carrying a range of tackle and lures. You never know when a school of salmon or tailor will bust up within casting range, and for that reason I carry a spin stick rigged and ready.

With the southeast swell, pick the northern side of headlands to reduce the amount of swell. Bennetts Head is a great option, as is the southern corner of Elizabeth Beach or Blueys Beach. The best thing to do is to check the swell and pick your spot accordingly. So, for my money the odds are on the rocks to bring home a feed of fish.

Australian salmon are great sport and are kicking around the coast at the moment.

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August action in the estuaries PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

While many anglers go into a hibernation mode at this time of year, August actually provides some excellent fishing! It’s just a matter of rugging up and getting out there.

in the shallows or when they are feeding high up on weed and scum lines.

Bream are in good numbers around the rock walls, the oyster racks, rocky shorelines and marinas.

Lightly-weighted nippers fished down a berley trail on the top of the tide are the best for them, especially if

There are plenty of luderick around at the moment, and this one was very hungry.

Inside the estuary, luderick remain thick along the Nelson Bay and Anchorage rock walls, Tomaree Torpedo Tubes and on the other side of the bay from the Short Cut through to Winda Whoppa.

Many locals have been using green weed flies over natural weed and cabbage baits when chasing luderick with great success. The beauty of the green weed flies is you never need to change your bait, even if you strike and miss a bite! You just leave it there and wait for another.

They can be fished a range of different ways. You can use them as a replacement for natural bait completely, or you can run them on a double hook rig with one natural and one imitation weed bait. The other way is to fish them on a light fly rod using a strike indicator. This is especially effective when targeting them

you can time the tide with dawn or dusk.

Salmon have moved into the estuary system, which is good to see, as they were very quiet the last couple of years. Little Beach seems to be the hotspot for them to show up, just arm yourself with a light spin rod and small metal around 25g and

wait for them to bust up within casting range.

Tailor are also worth spinning for from the Nelson Bay rock wall and Torpedo Tube on first and last light, with small metals around 25g the best thing to throw.

Squid have been pretty thick in amongst the moorings at Shoal Bay, and some models to 1kg have been caught over the past month, as well as stacks of cuttlefish.

Off the ocean rocks, drummer remain the number one target, with good catches reported from Boulder Bay all the way through to Cemetery Point. Fresh cunjevoi or large peeled prawns are the two best baits when chasing drummer, just remember to fish them very light or even under a float.

There are always plenty of big squid off the rocks at this time of year, with most of the sheltered bays along the rocky coastline holding them. Off the rocks I like to use larger jigs in 3.5-4.0 size and in colours that will stand out such as whites, oranges and pinks.

On the beaches, schools of salmon have been working from Stockton Beach through to Fingal Bay. These are great fun on light gear and usually happy to smash a metal lure cast amongst them.

Tailor can also be found this month off the beaches, with Fingal Spit, Box Beach and Samurai all early morning and late afternoon hotspots.

Outside the snapper fishing has been pretty good.

There have been reports of quality reds to 6kg being taken on plastics around Edith Breakers as well as Broughton and Fingal Island.

Bait fishing the shallows has also been producing reds around the islands and as far

south as Fishermans Bay. Fishing the wash zones around the islands and rocky coastline is very productive at this time of year and will often result in a mixed bag of bream, drummer, snapper, luderick and groper.

The best way to fish the wash is to back your boat up to casting distance off the shore and lob a lightlyweighted peeled prawn or cunjevoi as far back into the white water as you can.

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35

The calm before the storm SWANSEA

Jason Scerri coloratolures@hotmail.com

If I were to be completely honest, August would not be the month I’m most excited about when I think of fishing. Look, it’s not that the fishing is rubbish or that there is anything terrible about the month, it just doesn’t excite me like other months do.

Will I put the effort in to waking up early and getting out there to have a go still? You bet I will!

And more than likely I’ll still manage to catch a few (with a little luck that is) but more than likely they will not be chewing their heads off. The water temperatures will be very cold, the ambient temperatures will be equally cold, and it’s just not the most exciting month of the year. Hence why I’ll be fishing South East Queensland for the start of August. But in saying that, I’ll be back early August and keen to hit the lake once again and try my luck

and let’s be honest, the fish are there, so most of us will still be keen to get out and wet a line.

The lake is still fishing quite well, which is what makes it all still worthwhile for anglers to put the effort in. Flathead in particular are on the chew and I’ve generally been scoring good bags each trip. The great thing is there are good numbers of plate-size fish for a feed and also some great fish well over the 70cm mark, which are a great sportfish, so enjoy the battle before putting the big girls back to catch next time.

The deeper sections are most productive during these colder months and the 8-10m areas up around Toronto and Wangi have all been producing a few good fish. Drifting with cut pieces of pilchards and other fish cubes is working for bait anglers and lure anglers like myself are doing well on 3-4” soft plastics. I’ve not found a particular ‘go-to’ colour this season. In the one session I may get fish falling to 3-4 different

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colour offerings, so I’ve had to continually keep mixing it up to get the results.

Mulloway are also around, but the average size has dropped off and we are encountering quite a few smaller fish around the low 70cm mark compared to the average for us which is generally up around the 80-90cm range. Most of the mulloway have fallen for soft vibe-style lures.

Bream are a little hit and miss at the moment but that should change soon enough. Just as August is one of my least favourite months, September is one of my most favourite months!

A good southerly blow during September and the flats of Lake Macquarie can turn on some sensational hardbody lure fishing for good numbers of solid bream, which certainly gives anglers plenty to look forward to. At the moment, slowly working soft plastics are proving an effective way to find a few bream. It is a slower style of fishing and not everyone’s idea of fun, but I don’t mind it and when I do come across a few fish it is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours out there.

Salmon fishing would be the most popular on the lake at the moment. August is generally a very good month for chasing these light tackle sportfish. Small soft plastics

and flies are very effective choices for anglers targeting salmon. They often won’t go for large lures or baits and it can be very frustrating for anglers that can see huge schools of fish but can’t pull a strike from the school purely because their offering is just too large. Go small, go light and enjoy the thrill that salmon fishing has to offer. Get the kids off the couch and get them out there. Generally there isn’t much downtime between bites if using the right lures, so it’s great for the whole family and particularly the kids.

Offshore fishing is quiet at the moment, but we are expecting that to change any moment now. The SBT and YFT have been going nuts off the NSW South Coast and up through the waters off Sydney and we are really sweating on them making their way further north to our waters. If they do, crews will be concentrating their efforts around the continental shelf and canyon regions off our part of the coast. If the fish are schooling, then cubing is a very effective option, but if the fish are spread out you will be best off trolling a spread of skirted game lures in the 6-8” range, but always include a larger 10” lure in the mix for that big barrel tuna.

August is never a

A couple of mid 40s flathead coming home for dinner.

There’s no shortage of these fish about this month! thrilling month for offshore game fishing in our part of the world. If the tuna show, then that’s a different story, but if not, then it is a very quiet month and hopefully if it’s quiet it’s just the calm before the storm and a hot summer marlin bite might just be around the corner.

Although the game fishing is often quiet this

month, there can be some reasonable reef fishing on offer and a good chance to pop a few good table fish in the esky. Kingfish and snapper are the two main target species and both good prospects at this time of year. The offshore reefs are the more productive locations and live baits or lures are a good option.

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Well it’s certainly been a cold winter… but results have been there for those who have braved the weather.

Brisbane Waters has been fishing well at times, and there have been plenty of mulloway around of a night.

to try. The majority of fish have been taken on plastics in the 6-8” size.

Bream have been still biting well in the usual areas like the Rip Bridge, Paddys Channel and the Broadwater.

Bait fishing can be super productive at this time if you berley a bit and float your baits down with the smallest sinker possible. The lure fishers will mainly use small plastics and Some great bream fishing is available in the colder months.

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AUGUST 2018

Glenn Allen with a cracker bream on fly.

Both shore and boat-based anglers have been catching a few, mainly around the turn of the tide. Any areas that have lights over the water and attract baitfish are good places

vibration type lures.

Blackfish have really started to bite and most of the public wharves are good places to try your luck. Once again berley is the key, and a

sand and finely chopped weed mix is the best bet. Float your baits along with the current and you should be in business – it’s a great way to get a feed as well.

This is my favourite time of year to fish the rocks, especially for ocean blackfish on fly. It’s so much fun and not as hard as people think!

A fly rod around a 6wt size is perfect. Just look for the washy areas and start casting, and usually it doesn’t take them long to find the fly. The bite is very different to when using a float, as they seem to really run off with it and are easily hooked.

Drummer have been

around and feeding hard and on a recent trip I saw groups of huge drummer tailing in shallow water. They should increase in numbers as the month goes on.

Snapper fishing has been great, with a lot of switched on local anglers targeting them in the shallows using soft plastics in the 5-7”size on lighter jigheads. Fishing early and late has brought the best results.

Gamefishing has been super quiet out the front, but hopefully the bluefin tuna will push up this way in the next few weeks like they did last season. Signs are certainly looking good!

It’s cold but still fishing well HUNTER COAST

Shannon Malone

Winter this year has certainly been a cold one with the trifecta of wind, rain and the low temperatures we all expect. Nevertheless, fishing has been rewarding for those making the efforts to venture out.

toast. We’d pack our rods and tackle into the car and head for the harbour, finding a spot on one of the many wharves on Selwyn Street on the Carrington side. Back then these were accessible to fishers, including near the old Lynchs Prawn hut, where we would get our green bait prawns, which were the freshest prawns in town and

Some solid bream have been found around structure lately.

Remembering back to my childhood, on those chilly mornings my father and I would get up at around 4am.

I would be up first, hardly sleeping from excitement.

We had our usual breakfast when we were going fishing, which was sardines on

the bream and flatties couldn’t resist them.

Nowadays most of them have been demolished or have had large commercial buildings constructed along the foreshore, but you will still find some good vantage points along Wharf Road.

Often my uncle would take his boat and we would launch from Stockton and do the drift for flathead from the ramp down the river to the main harbour, at times bagging out in a single drift.

This time of year there are good numbers of bream holding to structure in the form of bridge pylons like Stockton or Hexham bridges. Baits like prawns or some striped tuna fillets cut into strips will get them interested, but it’s worth throwing a lightly-weighted plastic like 2” prawn plastics, grubs or minnows or rolling cranks around 30-40mm long right in close to the pylon, remembering to go slow, with a pause now and then. Again, metal blades are also a winner, but expect any number of species on them because you’re working all of the water columns, so flathead, snapper, whiting and even mulloway often fall victim.

EPs are another possibility around similar locations to the bream, and are often a welcome by-catch.

You don’t always need a big lure to catch big fish.

There are football field size schools of Australian salmon on the run-in tide in Swansea Channel, with the seals chowing down on them at

times. Some fishos think it’s cool to hand feed these 300kg beasts, but it’s not a great idea, as it encourages them to start assuming other boats may throw them an easy meal, not to mention the danger they can cause if one tries at the side of the boat, especially a small tinny. They don’t need to be fed and are more than capable of catching their own.

Luderick have hit top gear, with some great reports coming in. Weed is still like rocking horse dung to find, yet the standout once again has been the weed flies.

Some solid drummer and few groper are about for those who like a bit more of a fight, just remember the bag limit.

There have been some cracking tailor off the beach and rocks and in the harbour.

One I was told about by a very reliable source with photos to back it up was a beast up around 75-80cm. This is the fish of a lifetime for many anglers.

There are a few trevally and pan-sized snapper in amongst the mix. You can’t go wrong with the good old pilchard, of which I prefer the salted variety, as they are a lot more durable and the fish just love them. There are also some thumping bream

Solid bags have been taken by those fishing from the rocks. off the beach, with some nice sand flathead mixed amongst them.

Offshore there are some good kings, snapper, trag and perch in the usual spots such as the Farm or Texas to the south, but you don’t always have to travel far, as there are plenty of inshore locations that produce quality fish like off Dudley and Merewether.

There are some excellent snapper up around Broughton Island as well as further north off Seals Rocks. It’s worth using your GPS, especially if you have a chart card that shows sonar chart features, as you can use the contour lines with 0.5m increments to show drop-offs and rises on the bottom, which often hold fish or baitfish.

Further out, reports of tuna busting up are a good sign with yellowfin, albacore and striped tuna all possibilities in areas such as the Middle or

Southern Canyons, or if you have the range capabilities, a trip to Browns Mountain can produce the abovementioned. Don’t forget to take the electric reel gear and try for a gemfish or blue-eye while you’re there. They certainly aren’t the prettiest looking fish, but by crikey they taste good!

Although it’s an all new level of cold, chasing Australian bass in the dams such as Glenbawn or St Clair at this time of year can be well worth the trip; it’s just the fact you need to be on the water before the sun comes up not to miss that early bite.

Suspending jerkbaits are the best way to fish those shallow weed beds and edges, with ice jigs or football jigs working in the deeper water. Although bass season is closed for now in the rivers, you can still fish for them, it’s just a zero bag limit.

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37

Estuary tactics and hotspots BRISBANE

Sean Thompson

The term ‘estuary’ basically covers the transition zone between the mouth of a river (where it enters the open sea) and the upper limits of its fresh or brackish reach.

Estuaries include rivers, bays, harbours, creeks and lakes connected to the sea.

The variety of fish species available in Australian estuaries is nearly

as well as how to fish them.

Entrances, jetties, oyster racks, deep holes, rock walls, tributaries and bridges – the list of estuary habitats goes on and on. Anglers also need to know what species to target at these locations and be prepared to vary their location and strategy according to the time of year, the water temperature, water colour and more. This article outlines a number of estuary hotspots and provides a range of tips and tactics on how to fish them.

• Rain and water colour; • Water temperature; • Whether the estuary is currently open to the sea; and • Current and tidal influences.

This article will not go into the detail of the influence of the moons and tides as it was covered in the July 2016 edition of Queensland Fishing Monthly, and it’s also available on the new FM website at wp.fishingmonthly.com. au. The main consideration worth noting here is simply that the tidal movement

the estuary waters warm.

Shallow bays, water near rocks and muddy bottoms all tend to have warmer water. Look for variations in temperature on your sounder to see if the water is too hot or cold. Fishing cooler water at night or early in the morning can be better for some species in summer.

Open or closed Estuaries that have been open in the warmer months but closed during winter can have great prawning in spring. Estuaries that were closed but open up to the ocean will have fantastic fishing at the entrance as bait tries to escape to the open sea. Closed estuaries will have more even water temperatures, and on average warmer water.

Closed estuaries that aren’t commercially fished can have some big fish in deep holes.

Current/tide Estuary entrances are best fished around the change of tide due to strong current flow. Some fish, such as whiting, will follow the

A hook-up on a big Australian salmon behind an estuary entrance in big seas. these tends to be harder to predict. Anglers should just be aware of them and adapt as required. This means following Fisheries advice in the case of spills, fishing

Rock walls are popular fishing locations, but if you don’t fish them properly, you can lose a lot of gear. as diverse as the types of structure in which to fish.

From whiting and bream to barramundi and mulloway, estuaries are a great location to fish, whether you want to soak a bait while relaxing on a chair by the river’s edge, or patrol up and down throwing lures from a boat.

To successfully fish estuaries, anglers need to understand the types of habitat that will hold fish

KEY INFLUENCES Before we detail how best to target specific areas of the estuary, it is worth outlining a few key natural influences on how and where the fish might reside and feed in an estuary.

Natural influences Some of the biggest natural influences on estuaries include: • Moons and tides; • The effect of the wind;

A small but feisty golden trevally caught in the busy Noosa River, in a bay away from the crowds.

38

AUGUST 2018

in the estuary around the new and full moon will be greater, i.e. higher highs and lower lows.

Otherwise, some of the key natural influences on estuary fishing, and their impacts on the fishing, are outlined below.

MAKING THE MOST OF NATURAL INFLUENCES Wind Wind lanes on the water attract insects and fish.

You should use the wind to make longer casts and use an electric motor to position your boat when drifting against the wind. Fish the leeward (downwind) side of an estuary in strong winds.

Be aware of the effect of winds from different directions, and remember that wind can affect water temperature as it can push currents along.

Rain/water colour After heavy rain you should fish cleaner water near entrances. Saltwater is heavier than fresh, so deep holes will hold fish after heavy rain. Match your lure to the water colour, e.g. use black/dark lures (for a silhouette effect) or bright lures in dirty water. Fish the rising tide in dirty water as cleaner water pushes into the system.

Water temperature In winter, the best fishing can be around midday as

Permanent light sources at night will attract baitfish and thus predators at night. tide up and down an estuary so you should follow the tides as well. Learn the ‘rule of 1/12s’ in terms of tidal movement, e.g. 6/12ths (or half) of the tidal movement occurs in the middle two hours of the tide. Aim your lures to ensure they move with the direction of the tide, not against it, for the best presentation.

Other influences Artificial influences on an estuary include environmental spills, commercial fishing pressure and boat traffic. However, the timing and influence of

snaggy or shallow areas where commercial nets can’t get into, or moving away from areas that have heavy boat traffic.

Finally, it is important that anglers have a bit of knowledge about their main target species and the best time of year to fish for them.

It’s no use fishing for them if they aren’t there!

Now we have these key influences covered, let’s take a look at some estuary hotspots and how to fish them.

ENTRANCES Entrances are top

fishing locations, whether you’re fishing from a boat or from the shore. The fishing technique you should employ will depend on the structure, i.e. whether the entrance is rocky, sandy, shallow or deep. Be aware that entrances can also be subject to strong tidal flows, so they are best fished within one to two hours either side of a tide change. Eddies or channels that are located behind the entrance are also good spots, and can be fished mid-tide due to their location out of the main tidal flow.

Some deep estuary entrances, such as Yamba in Northern NSW, are surrounded by rock walls which host big fish such as mulloway, tuna and kingfish at times. Others, such as Noosa in Southeast QLD have mid-depth entrances and are popular locations in winter for tailor on pilchards and lures, and luderick on weed. Some estuary entrances, such as Jumpinpin on the Gold Coast, have deep water inside their entrance which also attracts roving schools of tailor and huge flathead in season.

Others entrances can be quite shallow and are perfect to fish for species such as whiting, bream and flathead. These fish will sit in the surf just outside the entrance under the foam in melon holes and little gutters, or as the tide comes in, they will feed inside the entrance on the flats or in the shallow channels behind the beach.

Entrances can also fire after heavy rain has flushed fish from further upstream.

The first few hours of the rising tide are best as new, clean water is pushed into the estuary, bringing with it predators chasing the bait that has been flushed out.

Likewise, the protected water just inside the entrance

can also fire for species such as tailor and salmon in heavy seas. Rough conditions force the baitfish inside to seek protection, and the predators soon follow.

Closed lakes that only open to the ocean after heavy rain events, or by artificial intervention, are also brilliant spots to fish. All the prawns, baitfish and other bait that flees to the open ocean will attract bigger predators – everything from tailor and salmon to the mighty mulloway.

BOAT RAMPS Some of the most underrated and under-utilised

the breakwalls at the entrance to rivers have a strong tidal flow which pushes rigs around easily and they soon become snagged. So how should you fish them?

Techniques From a boat, you should vary your technique according to the tide when targeting the breakwall. Due to the strong water flow, plastics and vibes are best cast and retrieved during the hour and a half or so either side of the change of tide. Outside this period, ‘tea bagging’ (lifting your lure up and down) is possible while drifting with heavier

(like Duel Adagios) or big minnow lures off breakwalls is also a great option for tailor and salmon as well as mulloway. Mulloway like to the hunt at the river entrances after a flush.

Bream and flathead are other popular targets off the wall. A good approach is to fish close to the wall, walking your baits. Alternatively you can cast against the tide and let your bait drift naturally with the tide, then retrieve it as it gets close to the rocks.

‘Walking the wall’ involves casting the bait out and then walking parallel with the bait along the wall

Marinas can produce good fishing off the jetties and pontoons. fishing locations are boat ramps. This is particularly true if the ramp has fish cleaning facilities, as all the discarded bait and fish offal from filleting brings fish into the area. These spots are best fished late in the day or at night when most of the boats have gone home. If the ramp has a permanent light source, that’s even better, as it not only helps you see at night but it attracts baitfish as well, bringing even more predators into the area.

Boat ramps are best fished using very lightly weighted or unweighted fish flesh such as mullet, striped tuna or pilchard pieces, as these will be a common food source for the area. A good choice of hooks is 1/0 suicide or 1/0 circle hooks.

BREAK WALLS Breakwalls are artificial structures at the entrance to estuaries that jut out into the surf zone, in an effort to create safe passage to open water for boaties. They are also excellent fishing platforms for anglers, and provide structure for boat anglers to fish as well.

However, due to their rocky terrain, heavy loss of sinkers and rigs can result around breakwalls if they’re not fished properly. Many of

jigheads, although trolling is another great technique with deeper diving lures.

Land-based fishing from a breakwall offers a lot of opportunities and is one of the most popular locations for anglers to fish at night, given the access to deeper water and good fishing.

Tailor and salmon are popular target species off rock walls in QLD and NSW, and for good reason. The best way to target these fish is to fish the white water right out the end of the wall, or cast and retrieve into the river or ocean towards the end of the wall around the change of tide. Run your light sinker (1-2 ball or bean) right down to your ganged hooks to help avoid tackle loss if you’re casting and retrieving. You can also throw heavier sinkers out and let the bait sit when there is less run around the change of the tide.

Another technique to target these fish is to use a ganged pilchard under a float to keep the bait off the bottom, reducing the chance of snagging up. You can also add a glow stick to the float at night to keep a watchful eye on it.

Throwing metals (like Halco Twisties and Spanyid Raiders), bibless lures

as far as possible with the tide, then retrieving and heading back upcurrent to start again.

Luderick are another popular species off breakwalls, although they require a much more specialised technique. This involves walking the wall with small stick floats with cabbage or green weed baits.

You can get green weed from the backwaters of nearby creeks, or cabbage weed from the rocks.

ROCKY POINTS AND WALLS There are of course other rocks, both naturally occurring and aftificial in and along estuaries which are also good spots to target fish. Artificial rock walls often drop into deep water and are best fished using similar techniques to breakwalls according to the tide. Once again, they are great places to ‘walk the wall’ from the shore, or drift parallel to them in a boat with lures, or even bait or trolling beside them during the middle stages of the tide.

Isolated rock patches in an estuary can also hold bream, and are top places to use topwater stickbaits and poppers for bream and trevally, particularly if the rocks are only just covered by water on high tide.

Rocky points are also good spots to target as they break the current flow, and the backwaters created near them will often hold baitfish and therefore predatory species. These are top spots to anchor near with flesh baits.

OYSTER LEASES Oyster leases are a wellknown hotspot for bream.

However, several other species are caught around their perimeter including flathead, trevally and whiting. They are attracted not only by the molluscs growing on the racks (and those that fall off as they are farmed) but also due to the amount of baitfish attracted to the structure of assorted posts and racks.

There are a few ways in which you can fish oyster leases and their surrounds.

Whichever way you choose, always be polite to oyster farmers and remember it is their private property and livelihood, so avoid

damaging their racks and oysters.

One less common but very productive method of fishing oyster leases is to troll shallow diving lures (such as Lively Lures Micro Mullets, Tilsan Minnows and Zerek Tango Shads) in the area between oyster lease boundaries (marked by posts). You can also troll along the outside boundary of a lease. Friends and I have caught some big

Morgan, have continued to popularise throwing small hardbodies, but also soft plastics, vibes and metal blades around the leases.

This method is best done with an electric motor going up and down the leases, and requires accurate casting and a tight drag, but it is a whole lot of fun. High tide around the leases is the best time to target bream, with casts right alongside the racks required.

If you are game, you can also

Trolling small lures in estuaries can result in captures of angry bream as well as flathead. flathead with this method, as well as the odd bream and big whiting.

However, oyster leases are best known for anglers targeting bream by throwing hardbody lures.

This technique has been around for a couple of decades, and was made popular by TV personalities like Kaj Busch and Steve Starling in the 1990s. Their captures and coverage had big numbers of light tackle lure anglers (including myself) rushing out to buy some McGrath Attack Minnows.

Since that time, tournament anglers, such as several-times ABT champion and Fishing Monthly Managing Editor Steve

Entrances to drains are a great place to target flathead on a falling tide.

throw surface lures on top of the racks near feeding fish.

Bait fishing around the leases is also an excellent option for anglers chasing bream and flathead. The leases are best fished with bait as the tide just starts to cover them and continues to rise.

If you want to target fish with bait around the oyster leases, try the following technique: 1. Anchor your boat upcurrent (i.e. the water is flowing past your boat towards the oyster leases). This will allow your berley to draw the fish out of the leases towards you; 2. Position your boat either parallel to the racks or along the end of a number of racks; 3. Berley with pea-sized cubes of striped tuna or pilchards, or a mix of unprocessed bran/tuna oil and sand – a couple of handfuls at first, then one handful every five minutes; 4. Cast your baits (such as whitebait or a striped tuna or pilchard piece) to within a metre of the edge of the racks/oyster posts. Set your rod low and parallel to the water but with a firm drag.

I recommend using a trace of quality 10lb fluorocarbon (like FC Rock) and 8lb monofilament mainline. Once again, I like suicide or circle hooks in size 1/0.

Next issue I will continue this article, covering small estuaries and tributaries, artificial structures such as bridges and jetties, and fishing other productive spots such as flats, channel edges, banks and holes.

AUGUST 2018

39

Choosing soft plastics styles for beginners NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

With so many different shapes and styles of soft plastics on the market these days, picking the best option for a particular fishing scenario can be confusing, especially for less experienced anglers. Here are some valuable clues on getting it right.

absolutely ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ selection, there are certainly better and worse choices.

With that in mind, here a few guidelines I use every day that I go fishing with plastics. Hopefully, they might also help in your on-water decision-making process.

Most soft lures — including the older-style, more traditional PVC-based plastisol models, the newer, tougher, stretchier ones and those made from supposedly

The best way to look at this question is to broadly grade or sort your soft plastics, starting with those models that have the least amount of built-in action (and which therefore tend to track straighter through the water when simply retrieved in a direct line) and work your way up the action scale to the tails that have the most in-built action.

Roughly speaking, that means starting with the likes of flukes, stickbaits, flick baits, jerk shads, senkos, straight worms and so on. These lure shapes tend to have very little inherent action or movement and rely instead on the action being ‘dialled in’ by the angler through rod and reel manipulation.

The next rung up the action ladder belongs to the so-called critter or creature baits that have various ‘dangly bits’ hanging off them that do move or pulse a little when pulled through the water.

Soft plastics with curly tails have still more action again, as these tails wriggle or flutter when the lure moves.

The thinner the tail, the faster but more subtle that action usually is. The wider the tail, the stronger and slower the fluttering action will be.

At the top of the action tree are all those plastics with

Adding ‘dangly bits’ like legs and feelers to soft plastics can enhance their movement and action, even at very slow presentation speeds, when dead-sticked, or while on the drop. are almost always best off choosing the lure with the strongest, most pronounced swimming action… But they’d actually be wrong! Sometimes a more subtle, discrete and downright sneaky swimming action is much more effective than a strong, obvious action, and far more likely to fool a wary fish into striking.

So, when is a more subtle action from the bottom half of that action ladder or tree likely to be more effective?

My answer would be: In at

action scale likely to be more productive? Well, there’s another four situations you can use as guidelines.

Firstly, in dirty, discoloured or muddy water, secondly, in low light or at night, thirdly, at greater depth, and lastly, on aggressive, highly predatory fish.

Hopefully, these tips have given you some basic clues on where to at least start when it comes to choosing a particular soft plastic style or shape for a given fishing scenario. It really pays to think about these things every single time you hit the water. You’ll catch more fish as a result!

Bream often tend to respond well to plastics with more subtle or discrete actions. Curly tails are a firm favourite with many bream specialists, and with good reason.

One of the most common questions I get asked is about choosing the best soft plastic action (as dictated by the tail design of each model) for a particular fishing situation.

While there are actually multiple answers to this question and, in most cases, no

biodegradable substances — are highly effective fish catchers that work in an incredibly broad range of situations. However, certain shapes, designs and patterns do produce better results than others in specific applications, at least in my opinion.

Hungry bream will never say no to a curly tail soft plastic.

Subtle-actioned soft plastics can be fantastic when trying to imitate a particular food source with a particular swimming action, like a yabby!

T-tails or fish-shaped tails complete with lobes that cause them to flap or wag from side to side when pulled through the water. This includes shads, swimbaits, fish profiles and the like. Some of these also feature body roll as well as a flapping tail.

A newcomer to the game might figure that they

least these four scenarios!

Firstly, in ultra-clear water, secondly, in super-shallow water, thirdly, on extremely finicky, wary or shy fish, and lastly whenever attempting to imitate a food source with a subtle swimming action Conversely, when is a strongly-actioned lure from the upper end of that

Strongly-actioned shad-style tails tend to appeal to more aggressive predators… regardless of the size of those predators!

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Join the clear water crays NOWRA

Johnny Nolan straydog1974@gmail.com

It’s time for those strong cold westerly winds that this month is renowned for in this part of the country.

I’m not really excited about it; the only good thing about August is that this is the end of it! So for the next month, batten down the hatches, fish when you can and look forward to the beautiful spring weather which isn’t so far away.

One thing the westerly winds do bring to our area at this time of year is clear, flat seas, which make conditions perfect for cray diving. Many fishos that come through the shop are also cray divers, so when the weather is miserable for fishing, diving for crays is the next best thing and the rewards are pretty good. A couple of crays and a couple of abalone is a pretty good alternative to a feed of fish. There have been a few around Jervis Bay and to the north, but as per usual the better ones have been further south around Ulladulla and south to Batemans Bay. Just remember to adhere to the size and bag limits, as these

areas are well policed and visited regularly by Fisheries officers.

The beaches have plenty of Australian salmon on them, and again, when the seas are blown flat you can get down to the water’s edge and you don’t even have to get your feet wet casting a lure! Don’t worry too much if you don’t have any beach rods, because when

the conditions are like this your light estuary tackle will suffice. There is a lot of fun to be had flicking small metals of the beach for salmon and although I don’t like eating them, I’m told if you look after them, they chew pretty well. Remember to take a handful of soft plastics as well when you head down to the beach, as there have been some nice flatties sitting on

Beck Jones with a nice little king from a popular South Coast ledge. These rat kings are quite common around the rocks during the winter months.

the sand banks at high tide waiting for a feed.

There have been some good kings around the rock ledges of Jervis Bay the past couple of months, but with the clear water they have been very spooky and not really interested in taking baits.

Early mornings on overcast days with low light conditions have been the best times to fish, and a fair few have been taken in these scenarios.

Stickbaiting has become quite a successful alternative to live baiting for kings off the rocks and also quite successful – hooking them has anyway – but landing a big fish on stickbait tackle from the stones is no easy feat. Quick reflexes, some good rod work and a whole lot of luck is needed to land a big king. There have been some good drummer and groper landed around the shallower rock ledges on the south side of Jervis Bay on cunjevoi and bread baits, and if you get there before sun up, there have been some big squid around the clumps of kelp.

Although it is closed season for estuary perch and Australian bass, the Shoalhaven does fish well through the winter months

Chris Neville taking time out from one form of fishing to do another, with a couple of nice South Coast crays to show for it. and is a bit of a saviour when a lot of other species shut down and develop a case of lock jaw. Flicking small plastics and blades around places such as the Nowra Bridge or the ferry where it commutes across to Comerong Island is a good option for EPs, and these areas are quite accessible for the shore-based anglers.

Both these spots have been producing the odd nice mulloway as well.

So make the most of the good days through August if we have any. I’m sure there will be a couple! Catch you all next month when the weather settles, the days start to get longer and we’re that little bit closer to summer!

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Bag a late season snapper ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

This month it can be tough going to scratch up a feed, so you sometimes have to revert back to bread and butter fishing and work the washes around the deeper headlands and islands.

There are 17 beaches along the Illawarra Coast so there are headlands and long rocky areas at each end with bomboras and islands interspersed among our stretch of coast as well.

The trouble is that most of the rocky headlands from Wollongong north are quite low and don’t really drop off into deep water, so getting a boat in close and casting baits into the washes can be fraught with danger around these shallow points.

If you go in the other direction, you hit Port Kembla, and from here south you get some decent deeper water in front of the ledges, and that includes the five islands, so you can get in quite close and place those baits right on the edge of the white water running off the rocks.

These areas hold an amazing variety of fish as they hunt for food dislodged by the wave action or ambush any baitfish moving along the coast or even herd the bait from deeper water into the rocks, leaving them with nowhere to go except back into the waiting jaws of the predators.

The key to fishing these areas is stealth, so keep your boat movements as slow and quiet as possible, then cast your bait with little or no weight to allow it to move around in the wash as naturally as possible.

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The trusty pilchard on a three-hook ganged rig is deadly on salmon, tailor, snapper, bonito, kingfish and trevally, with pieces of pilchard on a single hook getting more trevally, bream and even big sweep. Peeled prawns and crabs are great for the bream, trevally, drummer, blackfish and groper, so there is plenty of variety available even at this time of the year.

This type of fishing is for the more experienced boat driver, as you can get into all sorts of strife if you get in too close at the wrong time and end up on the rocks, but you will never get experience if you don’t try. Just stay out far enough to allow your cast to get into the strike zone just in the white water, and be aware of the wind and any current that may push you towards the rocks. Within a few trips you

picking up spent cuttlies, so anchoring over a reef and berleying, then fishing with unweighted cuttlefish pieces will be the best method, as there will be fewer cuttlefish popping to the surface in the later weeks to make it viable to sight cast.

That said, certainly don’t drive past a floater without having a cast, as there is always a chance.

Towards the end of the month most reds will start to move out into deeper water, so drifting soft plastics in the 30m+ depth will be worth a try, but there will be a few little makos around too, sometimes helping themselves to your fish. You can get your own back, as they are great on the barbie and put up a spectacular fight, more often than not jumping all over the place.

Evenings are a good time to target snapper this month, and even if you can’t get cuttlefish for bait, slimy mackerel will do. deep to escape the sambos.

You may get lucky and spot a few terns moving fast together across the waves and diving among the splashes that seem to be moving even faster than them. This usually means a

The stripies aren’t all big, but some may push the 10kg mark this month. will get a feel for it!

An electric motor can help in keeping you in position, but won’t have the power to get you out in a hurry if you need to. Always err on the side of caution.

If you don’t want to poke around the rocks the snapper will still be on the cuttlefish for the first couple of weeks with the moon going from full to no moon in the first two weeks, which will be prime time.

By now you should have plenty of bait from

August also heralds the arrival of those tiny little eel like baitfish that see the salmon schooling on the surface, vacuuming down mouthfuls at a time. They can be almost impossible to catch when in this frame of mind, and will only look at the most tiny baitfish imitations, even when there are thousands feeding on the surface all around your boat. It is certainly fun trying with ultra light tackle.

Sometimes it’s best to let you lures drop down below the schools for any trevally, small snapper and tailor that stay a little deeper, picking up scraps or baitfish that head

few striped tuna have moved in onto the baitfish as well, and they will be big ones, as they show up in August every year. They seem to be smaller in numbers every year, but that is the same with everything these days except southern bluefin. What the stripies lack in numbers they make up for in size with fish to 10kg not uncommon.

Casting small lures on light tackle to fish of this size really tests your skill as an angler, as not many fish in the ocean have a burst of speed faster than a striped tuna, and that includes wahoo and sails.

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Sometimes they just don’t get to the boat when the sharks are about!

you now have the best bait for snapper and bream that money can’t buy.

A few kings can at times be found over the reefs in around 30m. The best methods are live baits set deep while drifting plastics for snapper, or you could do a couple of drops with a knife jig if you spot them on the sounder, Further offshore there are a few yellowfin and albacore, with the bluefin having moved out of striking distance from the local area.

Deep dropping the canyons off Kiama and Stanwell Park for blue-eye and gemfish will be worth a try, with the current usually slowing right down at this time of year, but the taxman will be around with numbers of makos and a few blue sharks often following your fish up and taking them.

Back on the rocks it is drummer, bream and groper time on the deeper ledges, and groper will be more viable if you can get some crabs.

Salmon and tailor will be on the deeper ledges early in the mornings and into the evenings taking pilchards.

The Kiama area and north up at Coalcliff are the picks of the spots for the salmon, but for the others, any headland is worth a try; just berley your chosen spot with a bit of bread and bran for best results.

The beaches are quiet, with a few bream, salmon and tailor in the late evenings and very early mornings. You may get lucky and pick up a school mulloway, but it is pretty quiet.

It is much the same in the estuaries with a few blackfish around the bridge in the lake and Minnamurra, and bream in the feeder streams of the lake.

Macquarie Rivulet between the road and rail bridge is worth a shot and a nice spot just to sit and fish, with easy access on the southern side and good old Mullet Creek up to the golf course. Bread and peeled prawns are the baits, but you may score a few big eels with the prawns even at this time of the year, and they really go hard!

We’re all looking forward to the end of winter, and spring will bring better things.

Cooking

Delicious traditional fish pie recipe SYDNEY

INGREDIENTS

Andrew Humphries

500g flathead fillets skinned, deboned and chopped 1 diced leek ½ onion finely diced 1 clove garlic finely chopped 2 sticks celery diced

1

4

7

Prepare and chop all vegetables and set aside: celery, leek, dill, onion, garlic and parsley.

15g parsley chopped 15g dill chopped 50g butter 30g flour 4 sheets puff pastry 1 egg for egg wash

2 5

To make the roux, melt 30g butter in saucepan, add flour and cook on low heat for three minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside for later use.

Take off the heat and divide the mixture between four individual ramekins (or into one large pie dish).

8

Fresh flathead fillets to be skinned and deboned.

In the same pan add 20g butter and sauté the leeks, celery, onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes on a medium heat. Then add white wine and let boil for two minutes.

Add milk and bring to a simmer. If the milk looks to have split don’t worry; when you add the roux it will bring it back together. Add the roux that was prepared earlier to the pan and stir through to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes.

Cut the puff pastry to fit over the dish and leave a 1.5cm overhang. Brush pastry with egg wash. Bake at 180oC for 20-25 minutes or until puff pastry is golden.

1 cup white wine 1½ cup milk salt and pepper to taste * This recipe makes either 4 individual pies or 1 family size pie

3

6

9

Cut prepared flathead into 2cm pieces.

Add chopped parsley and dill, season to taste, then add the flathead. Turn down the heat to low and cook for two minutes.

The filling is now ready for the fish pies.

The finished product, a delicious lightly golden fish pie.

AUGUST 2018

43

Yellowfin, bluefin, everyfin!

BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

Wow! What a great tuna season it has been and the best thing is that it’s not over! We still have August and September to go, and then October and November can be good months for albacore and school yellowfin tuna. How long the season lasts will ultimately depend on the currents and the water we’ll see leading into spring.

It’s been a great winter so far. We have seen a good run of big yellowfin tuna from autumn into winter; there’s been a solid run of bluefin tuna of all sizes from 20-120kg caught from Jervis Bay down to Eden and we have seen a good run of solid albacore.

Then there was a great swordfish season, with

Everyo

smaller swords getting caught up and down the coast, and the monsters of Mallacoota also turned it on this year. There were some serious captures, including George Lirantzis and Mitchell Ryan’s fish on board Side Effect coming in at 436.2kg, making it

The boys got the blues. Brent Smith and his mate got on top of these fish.

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the largest swordfish ever caught on rod and reel in Australia. The Mallacoota fishery is now on the map, not only for its bream fishing in the lake but now for its gamefishing offshore.

If you are planning on going tuna fishing this August, check the weather.

We have had a lot of westerlies this year and then some good southerlies that have brought some good-sized swells. People are getting more and more adventurous these days in small boats and everyone wants their action of bluefin tuna. When bluefin madness hits town, it’s madness!

And we are at the shop late rigging lures, spooling reels, selling boxes of pilchards and checking the current and weather charts. If seabreeze. com.au is showing winds 10 knots and under for the day then it’s looking like a safe day. Willyweather will tell you it’s safe every day. So it’s good to check a couple of sites and Seabreeze will give you the most exaggerated wind prediction that smaller boats should probably go by. If you haven’t been out over the Continental shelf in your small boat then it’s a good idea to go on a charter first and there are some good charters on the South Coast: Topcat Fishing Charters, Aspro out of Batemans Bay, Charter Fish Narooma with vessels Playstation and Nitro and Nathan at Head

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So if the weather is good and you are heading out to chase bluefin, you are heading out into that water with a temperature of 17-20°C. Bluefin can endure 3°C water and as high as 30°C water when spawning. During migration (as they go up the coast and through our backyard) I love being in 18.5°C blue water with sparkles in it with bait, stripe tuna and birds flying around. You don’t need bird action to help find bluefin.

Quite often there is little bird action when catching bluefin, but it’s a good sign if there are quite a few around. Usually every year we find bluefin at or over the second drop-off, so this means travelling 50-90km offshore. Be prepared to cover the distance. Finding them means being in the area and dragging 8-10” skirts and watching the area and the sounder. This year the bluefin were well spread along the coast and they seemed a bit patchy. There were a lot of fish being caught but there were also a lot of boats not catching.

There were only a couple places and a couple of days so far where they were up on the cube for a short while.

They weren’t in massive schools around boats and on the bite for hours on end. So this being the case we saw more teasers being dragged around and here at Compleat Angler Batemans Bay we sold a lot more IQF

The Sheffield boys caught a nice winter yellowfin off Batemans. we hope the bite continues and if it’s not bluefin, then yellowfin and albacore are still on the cards.

What is on the cards over these cooler months is snapper. Throughout June and July there were some up and down days and a couple of the up days resulted in a 10kg snapper cleaned being caught off Durras, which is a massive fish for this area. Another good day for a Moruya crew involved catching another good fish for the area going 7kg.

Cody with a cracking 71cm tailor spun up with a Rapala X-Rap Long Cast lure. boxes of pilchards. This year with the fish being patchy and finicky it was a good idea to drag a dredge around with all the imitation shiny baitfish behind you to encourage the bluefin.

Once you have the fish up and hitting your lures then proceeding to berley with the higher quality IQF pillies is the go if the fish are reluctant. In previous years with a thicker school they were not as fussy, but it’s worth going that extra mile if it’s the difference between missing the bite and getting one. So as you read this

Snapper in winter can be caught in any depth from the stones to offshore 5km or more. We have had a reasonable squid run and should start seeing more cuttlefish starting to move in. These are obviously great baits for snapper as is the humble pilchard. Plenty of anglers are completely comfortable now with catching snapper on plastics.

Today it is now regarded as normal as bait and what is now becoming as accepted is catching them on hardbodies and micro-jigs. Anything goes these days. For years

now I have been selling deep diving hardbodies to kayakers who use them to troll up snapper. People are willing to give anything a go now after seeing a lot of imitations working.

Off the stones drummer are in full swing and you’ll start to get big yellowfin bream as by-catch as they move out to spawn. Another great by-catch you can expect is grouper.

The beaches have been going well with good schools of salmon and tailor and the run of horses seems to be continuing with those 3kg models still kicking around.

Obviously the estuary starts to cool down at this time of the year and so does the fishing. Although June was a cracker month for big bream and lots of decent flathead, with no signs of it slowing down, we can expect that it will going on previous years. One thing that has been red hot in the estuary for the last 12 months – and this looks like a trend to continue – is the mulloway fishery. The Clyde River officially seems to be home to mulloway.

Let’s hope that we see this healthy system of mulloway continue. If you want to experience one then fresh squid and tide change in the right place would still have to be the simplest formula for these majestic fish.

Come to Batemans Bay if you want to play this winter!

• For more up-to-the-minute information on what’s biting where, drop into Compleat Angler Batemans Bay and have a chat to Anthony or one of the other friendly staff. They’re located at 65A Orient St, Batemans Bay (02 4472 2559).

Great offshore fishing NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson

The last few weeks have seen some cracking weather along this part of the coast, making the trip to the tuna grounds offshore that much more pleasurable.

Some days, a 70km run is needed to get there.

Having ideal conditions and more fishing time is certainly advantageous to everyone. The best part of it all is the SBT run is in full swing, with plenty of fish abundant right along the coast.

I’d almost say they’re the best numbers we have seen for at least 6-7 years, though there haven’t been too many jumbos caught.

Most have been in that 40-70kg bracket, which are still quality fish. Most of the tuna are falling to trolled skirts and bibbed minnows, but the last week has seen plenty of SBTs caught on the cube after catching one on the troll. This is a great method sometimes; as long as you are prepared with cut cubes ready to go, you can keep them under the boat. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does you are in for some serious fun. It’s not uncommon to catch 15-20 bluefin when it happens and on a variety of methods.

A mate of mine got 22 bluefin the other day and left them biting. They caught them on cubes, jigs, soft plastics and poppers; the lads were in the right place at the right time and the tuna were obviously fired up. Sure this doesn’t happen all the time, but it does show there are plenty of fish to be caught at the minute. There have also been some albacore to 18kg mixed in with the SBT and I heard of a 61kg yellowfin caught while cubing as well. It’s like a lottery as to how long these fish will be here, but I’d expect the next 2-3 weeks to be the same if the conditions stay like they are now.

Closer to shore there have been sporadic catches of kings and bonito at Montague Island, but certainly no numbers to them. If you’re there on the right day, you will get a feed; it’s just a bit unreliable at the minute. The fish that have been caught have been mostly on jigs and a few on trolled deep diving minnows as well. If you’re after the bottom dwellers then you will be happy as there are plenty of flatties on the inshore grounds with the 40-45m line straight off Dalmeny a good place to start. The same area has also produced a few gummy sharks, so it’s definitely worth a look.

The beaches continue to fish well for salmon and Brou Beach just north of Dalmeny is a standout. This 7km piece of sand has ample gutters along its length; it’s just a matter of finding one that has fish in it. It’s a great beach to cast metal lures, as you’re covering the area and locating the fish, not waiting for them to come to you.

You can expect tailor as well. If you’re soaking a beachworm or pipi as bait then bream are certainly on the cards, especially in front of the Brou Lake entrance.

This area is excellent for bream and don’t be surprised to see some big winter whiting from the same area. The key here is to fish light and use a little berley – not too much or the stingrays will become a nuisance.

On the stones the pelagic action has been slow except for salmon, but that’s to be expected at this time of year. Give it another 6-8 weeks or so and it will pick up for sure. Smaller rat kings and tailor will be the main species targeted.

If you want some fun then the salmon action won’t disappoint you at all. There are stacks of them with all the headlands producing at times. Casting metal slices has been popular with some of the sambos nudging

Gemfish are great eating and certainly a welcome by-catch when fishing the deep canyon walls for blue-eye trevalla.

3kg. At that size they are a handful on any tackle you throw at them.

If you’re after a feed then blackfish, drummer, groper, bream and some decent snapper will all be available, especially after heavy seas. The golf course rocks in town, Dalmeny headland and Mystery Bay to the south of Narooma are all top rock ledges and worth a look.

Those fishing lightlyweighted baits like cunjevoi, cabbage, cooked prawns and bread will catch plenty with a little berley helping things along, too.

If snapper are your target, whole rigged pilchards or fresh squid should get you the desired results. The southern end of High Rock at Mystery Bay is definitely the ledge to fish.

In the estuaries things have slowed up considerably, especially at Wagonga Inlet. With the water a cool 14°C, this is to be expected. The main species to target are the pelagics like salmon, tailor and trevally, which can still be caught in the cold water.

Look for white bait schools on the sounder or working birds and work your lures or

metal shiners around them.

Some days it’s good, other days like a desert.

If you put the time in, you should be rewarded.

The closed estuaries like Mummaga and Corunna lakes have seen some okay flatties getting caught on smaller soft plastics fished very slow. The bites are timid, but they are there.

Lighter leaders will certainly get you more bites. You also have a good chance at bream using these same softies or blades. The deeper sections of both lakes in the 4-5m range are the places to start.

Merimbula estuaries have cleared up nicely MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson

Those fishing offshore are having a great time as bluefin mania hits town. Both locals and visiting anglers are getting amongst them with some solid models being caught.

The best SBT I’ve heard of went 81kg and was taken by a visiting angler – a solid fish on 24kg stand up tackle. This same crew got another three fish to approximately 60kg, but chose to let them all go, which is great to see.

Other boats also got amongst them with a local crew getting 20 odd fish for the day, although they were a little smaller, with the average around 40kg or so. Apparently it didn’t matter what you threw in the water, they would just eat it! The lads even got a few on poppers, soft plastics and jigs on heavier spin tackle, and said it was loads of fun. After getting their arms well and truly stretched, the boys left them feeding and headed home. Now that’s good fishing in my books!

There’s some decent size black bream to be found on the windier banks, and casting smaller hardbodies has produced some great results.

The fish have been wide, around 30-40 miles offshore, so weather conditions certainly need to be good. There have been a few reports of big albacore mixed in with the SBT, with a couple of fish nudging 18kg. At that size on the right tackle, you’re in for some serious fun.

Closer to shore there’s been a smattering of kingfish

around Tura Head, but not in any numbers. The fish that have been trolled up are averaging 8kg, and these brutes have fallen to bibbed minnows trolled deep on downriggers.

Those after a feed are getting snapper, but they have been difficult to locate some days. Once you find a patch it’s full on, but finding them has been the

key. The close in reefs have been better with Whitecliffs, Long and Lennards islands all producing at times.

Anglers using the freshest of baits have fared best, with squid strips all the rage at present. A few switched on anglers are getting great results on micro jigs as well, with green being the preferred colour, but the leatherjackets have caused

them a bit of grief with lost tackle.

In the estuaries August is usually the quietest month of the year, but there’s still some nice fish to be caught. The lower sections of Merimbula Lake has trevally, bream and salmon in the channels.

They have responded well to soft plastics, with the salmon taking any sort of metal slug wound flat out. It’s good to see these pelagics entering the system once again, they are great fun on light tackle and ideal for the kids new to fishing. Up in the main lake tailor are plentiful, with a few flatties and trevally around the shallower margins. Cast your offering towards the weed and hang on, some serious fun can be had!

At Pambula it took a while for the water to clear after the recent rain, but now it’s gin clear again.

The lower sections of the Pambula River have been good for trevally, the odd flathead and salmon.

Casting soft plastics has been popular and successful, with the flooding tide best.

Traditionally, the next two months is when this system fires and all things so far indicate that this will happen again this year.

On the beaches, like everywhere else along the coast, salmon are in huge numbers. All beaches are holding fish, with Tura and North Tura prime places to start. It really will depend on how you want to target them – there’s that many spots.

All techniques will work, but casting smaller slugs on light gelspun line is a great way to kill a few hours. I quite often head to North Tura doing this and catching a dozen or so sambos is the norm. It’s good fun and easy.

Rockhoppers after a feed should have no problem, with drummer, blackfish and the odd bream all succumbing to well presented baits.

Short Point has fished well, especially for drummer, with cunjevoi and cooked prawns gun baits. If you’re after salmon, then you won’t have many dramas getting some action. Cast lightlyweighted pilchards past the wash zone and hang on, it won’t take long to get connected. Better ledges for the pelagics include Tura Head and Long Point.

AUGUST 2018

45

Salmon run has been great fun BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

When it’s cold with westerly winds prevailing, how can we take advantage of these conditions? One way is to chase salmon from the beaches. While it’s cool of a morning, most days warm up mid-morning and this is a good time to start walking the sand.

With offshore winds, seas are usually calm along the coast, allowing anglers a chance to sight cast to these fish. You could sit back, soak a bait while you wait for a passing school or – my favourite – walk the beaches with a light spin stick and a handful of lures until you locate a school. Whatever you choose, salmon are just great fun.

Off the rocks the cool weather doesn’t seem to have affected the groper and drummer that are everpresent along the coast.

A well-presented piece of red crab will often have the desired effect on the groper while cabbage weed and cunjevoi will result

in a nice bag of drummer.

The odd silver trevally can be found there as well while passing schools of Australian salmon will keep the lure enthusiasts entertained. There are a few tailor mixing in with them to provide a bit of variety.

While the estuaries are generally pretty quiet, anglers working some deeper water with lures in Wallaga Lake are finding warm pockets of water where the flathead are holding, however a lot of effort is needed to extract them. Around the bridge pylons there are some very nice schools of luderick, which are responding nicely to green weed. In the same areas garfish are lurking, providing anglers with another option.

It seems every year in August schools of luderick, trevally, bream and whiting will congregate around the Bermagui Bridge towards the latter part of a falling tide. These fish will generally have a bite time as the tide starts to push in, where a well-presented nipper will often produce a strike. However, how long this bite time lasts will vary daily and the only way you

will find out is to go and have a go.

Usually at this time of the year we see offshore winds where either reef or bottom fishing becomes an option around the inshore grounds.

One area in particular that is good for this form of fishing is south around Goalen Head and Aragunnu. Cliff formations in this area allow protection from the offshore winds where anglers can try a few different methods for a diversity of catches.

Sounding out lumps of reef in as little as 20m of water, by anchoring up on these and berleying, anglers are having some reasonable fishing with a variety of species.

Using cut or whole pilchards, strips of tuna or other cut fish baits either floated or sunk back in a berley trail is often a very good way of attracting some of the larger snapper that inhabit these reefy areas.

This is good light tackle sportfishing, with some of the fish occasionally reaching double figures.

There are also a lot of other cold water fish that will respond to the berley and provide plenty of entertainment on light

tackle. Species like silver trevally, sweep, wrasse, and the odd school of salmon will also come into the trail.

It isn’t going to be thick and fast fishing but it’s better than nothing at all, and quite often you will come home with a reasonable feed of fish. If conditions are good, you can look at the outer reefs in these areas where snapper can also be obtained along with jackass and blue morwong, plus most of your other reef fish like nannygai, ocean perch, leatherjacket and a few pigfish.

When the weather is extremely good, some of the locals are making use of their electric reels and fishing the deep water from the TwelveMile east to the Canyons.

Here they are finding species like Tassie trumpeter, hapuka, blue-eye trevalla, ghost cod, gemfish, ling and a few other gourmet species from the deep. A lot of arrow squid are also around lately and a few of these are being tempted from the deep with the addition of a squid jig on the line dropped for the other species.

The beach fishing for salmon has been great recently.

Back close to the shore, the grounds out from the beaches are producing decent numbers of sand flathead within reasonable proximity to Bermagui,

although you can expect several to be released before one of size is kept. Usually after a few hours you can obtain enough of these tasty fish for a meal.

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AUGUST 2018

During a squidding trip, young Dane Corbin asked his dad Mark to head to Middle Ground in Jervis Bay to grab some reds. Dane loves lure fishing, but being a squidding trip there were no lures onboard. Dad found a couple of hooks and one small squid to use in the hour of fishing they had left. This was the result!

Action-packed fishing sessions on the wharf TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

There are so many options for anglers in the Tathra area, with the old wharf being just one of them.

Many a fish is caught at all times of the year at the wharf, and it’s not only fish, there are other things that can also be captured. Even though the water is cool, it can often be very conducive to chasing southern calamari and arrow squid. At this time of year off the wharf, jigs work well if the squid are concentrated, otherwise an old fashioned steel squid jig inserted into a yellowtail and drifted out with the offshore winds under a float generally attracts the attention of one of these tasty delicacies.

The fish on the wharf encountered at this time of year are more of the colder water species like silver trevally, which are a regular catch, yellowtail, and with a bit of berley added, especially tuna oil, you should see some beautiful winter garfish hanging closer to the rocks. A small float, a size 8-10 hook and a little bit of peeled prawn is all that’s required to obtain a

tasty feed of these fish.

There are some luderick also hanging close to the rocks, which are partial to a well-presented piece of cabbage weed. A good long cast with a reasonable sinker and a nice fresh strip of fish potitioned on the bottom will often result in a few nice sand flathead.

rocky foreshores close by the wharf and around to Kianinny Bay, where again anglers have the option of targeting them with either baits or lures.

What there is off the stones are plenty of black drummer, which don’t seem to be as effected by the cooler weather and are being caught regularly on well-presented baits like

Squidding from Tathra Wharf is great fun.

Also passing by are schools of Australian salmon, which are often interested in a live bait fished under a float. You could also fish with them with the aid of polaroids, as schools can be seen passing. This often results in multiple hook-ups for anglers casting lures.

The salmon passing the wharf also travel along the

cunjevoi or cabbage weed. In Kianinny Bay itself when sea conditions are a bit choppy often the garfish and squid will move into the bay posing another option for anglers.

Going out from Kianinny Bay, anglers are having mixed results on reef and bottom fish, and the best option at present is probably the sand flathead out from most beaches in

around 30m of water. They’re not huge in size, and more often than not a lot of weeding is needed to be done to secure a reasonable bag of these tasty table fish. Sometimes though, anglers will be graced with a pleasant surprise of a good gummy shark, although they’re not plentiful, they are usually of a decent size.

The other two major species being caught offshore are snapper and morwong, although they’re not in great numbers in the cold water.

Anglers prepared to put in the hard yards will often triumph with a reasonable bag and a few other species thrown in like ocean perch, pigfish and the ever-present leatherjackets.

Fishing the beaches is at the best tough, and you really have to work to find good fish, with salmon being the best option. Quite often the wind is blowing offshore, resulting in very little wave force, allowing anglers to polaroid the ocean looking for the passing schools of salmon.

When found, a lure cast and hastily retrieved is all that is required to secure a hook-up.

In the estuaries surrounding Tathra, it is also very cold and quiet, and the Bega River is the best option, especially for bream on baits

Trevally are just one species sought after from the wharf. like nippers or worms. They are more likely to be found in shallow water, not only fossicking for food but also soaking up the rays of the sun.

Estuary perch can often be sounded in schools in some of the deeper holes along the rocky foreshores where an angler who is prepared

to persist jigging lures in amongst them will often end up getting results. For those who want to put a real tasty feed of fish on the table, try berleying up some garfish around the weed beds in the Bega River. There are plenty of them and they are always a great option.

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Prime fishing options for the end of winter EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

With winter there were very few tourists about but the fishing options available made it worth a visit, particularly if you enjoy chasing southern bluefin tuna.

It’s a long trip out to where the fish are at around 50km, but if you pick a good weather day you can be sure you are going to come across fish, as there are plenty out there. The big fish are up to 80kg, with the average fish around the 40kg mark. Fish are being caught on trolled skirted

lures, with good catches also coming from anglers berleying up and fishing a cube trail. These fish are only passing by and how long they stay in the area is anyone’s guess.

Tiger flathead are still being caught with the water temperature around the 18°C mark. The fish are still on the bite closer to shore with good numbers of sand flathead also being caught.

It’s time to chase the snapper and the bigger fish are generally caught over the next few months.

Snapper should be on the go soon once the cuttlefish shells are being washed up on the beaches.

Flathead are still around, but getting them to bite can be a challenge.

Some good gummy sharks are also being caught. You need a bit of luck finding an area with fish, but as with all fishing, if you can catch one, you can be sure there are more in the area. Salmon are being caught on all the local beaches, with plenty of good gutters around. You only need a bit of wave action to stir things up and the salmon will be on the bite. Fish are being caught on both lures and fresh baits like pilchards. The local estuaries have all the winter species on the bite, with plenty of silver trevally around. The trevally really love the colder water. They can be caught all year

round, but they are at their best over the winter months.

Yellowfin bream are still being caught around the mouths of the estuaries.

With the black bream on the bite they can be found in numbers further upstream.

This month really sees the dusky flathead fishing slow down. If you’re chasing a feed, work your lure slower than you would in the summer months and look for warmer water, like those northern facing bays that might be just a bit warmer than other locations.

A little rain has fallen but a good wet is needed to fire things up once spring arrives.

Cold, windy weather makes it hard to get out MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

If you had any doubt that winter had arrived, the past month would have let you know in no uncertain terms with rain, freezing cold days and a rough, windy ocean.

The offshore fishing saw a massive broadbill caught early in the month. This fish was over 435kg – a true beast of a fish. With the weather conditions over the past month being as they have been, there has been little to report, as very few boats have managed to venture offshore.

If weather conditions allowed a trip offshore,

southern bluefin tuna can be caught, as they are being caught in numbers further to the north.

With the cold weather and constant swell creating gutters on the local beaches, the salmon have turned up in force. They will be around until the water warms up and that will be well into spring.

The best way of getting amongst the salmon is to walk from gutter to gutter tossing metal lures. When the fish are around in numbers, once found they will bite at anything that comes by their noses. By keeping on the move you will find fish quickly.

For those fishing into the night, gummy sharks are being caught. To find gummies, fish in the same

gutters where the salmon have been caught during the day. Use salmon for bait and you will be in with a good chance of catching a gummy shark (just remember to rug up or you will freeze).

Recently the fishing in the lake for black bream has fired up. As usual the fishing has been at its best in the deeper water, with fish being caught on a variety of soft plastic lures and blades also catching fish.

The fish have been caught in both the Top and Bottom lakes. As winter moves on they will be on the move heading up towards Gypsy Point.

Flathead are being caught in the same areas, as this is where the whitebait are schooled up; where there

is bait, the fish won’t be far behind. Silver trevally come to life in the colder water and they will also be found near the whitebait.

They are constantly on the move and don’t mind a small soft plastic or a blade and feature in the catch while chasing bream.

Good size tailor are also still trapped in the lake, with fish to 70cm about.

The best way to get fish is to fish with big poppers.

They attract big fish and there is more lure for them to chew on, therefore less chance of them chewing through the line. Some good-size snapper around 35cm are being caught and once again these fish are only going to keep growing with no way of heading out to sea!

Lauchy with a great bream caught on a blade.

FISHING NEWS

A better way of attaching your braid to leader FG knots have all but revolutionised the way that anglers attach braid to leader. In the early days people did it with modified Albrights, and sometimes those

would let go. Do it with an FG knot, however, and the connection is well nigh indestructible.

It works with anything from big GT popping rods down to barra rods

down to the bream end of the spectrum.

There’s a problem though – the FG is a reasonably complicated knot to tie if you don’t know how to do it properly.

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That’s where the FG Wizz tool comes in. It puts the perfect amount of pressure on the braided line.

Designer Ray Fewell said he originally wanted to learn to tie the FG knot because it allows for longer leaders without fear of getting caught on the rod guides when casting, which had happened to him several times.

“Everything I saw on the internet suggested there had to be a better way to achieve the result,” he said.

“I had several versions before coming up with the FG Wizz. It looks simple but it is made with precision to ensure that it’s reliable and ties a neat, uniform knot every time, regardless of braid and leader weight.”

If you’ve never tied an FG knot before, or you’ve given the knot

one awkward try before deciding to return to the inferior Albright, check out our YouTube video on the FG Wizz at youtube.com/ user/FishingMonthly. In the video, Fishing Monthly Managing Editor Steve Morgan tries out the tool without ever having used it before, and in the process

discovered just how simple it is to use.

The FG Wizz dismantles to a compact and convenient size, is solidly made and works for braid/leader joins of all sizes. To find out more or to place an order, visit www.fgwizz. com.au. - FM

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ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to Janis Natt from Sussex Inlet, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive a sponsor prize. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – NSWFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winner for June is M McNay of Buff Point, who won a Hard Korr 8m Blue and White Boat Light Kit and T600 Headlamp valued at $328.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

Panorama, J Cupitt of Sanctuary Point, T Ryan of Wagga Wagga, B Bell of Wodonga, A Whiting of Berowra Heights, Z Mosessen of Wanniassa, K Hester of Beverly Hills, B Whyte of Myers Flat, P Hamilton of Uranquinty, J Paul of Inverell, I Donaldson of Cessnock, S Worthington of Burraga, E Murta of Gungahlin, J Nicolson of Burraga, D Nisbet of Tuncurry, W Forbes of Nambucca

Heads, S Cook of Seven Hills, C Thompson of Soldiers Point, B Laurenson of Oakville, J Wardman of Nyngan, K Carter of Shepparton, A Bird of Singleton, L Cupitt of Goulburn, P Bak of Monash, B Keogh of Bathurst, J Gill of Laurieton, J Vagg of Tuross Head, P Dubbelde of Orange, F Seal of Junee. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE DAIWA LOGO

The answers to Find the Daiwa Logo for June were: 9, 12, 14, 28, 32, 39, 41, 49, 54, 62, 66, 70, 82, 93, 94. – NSWFM

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Cobia

The Find the Daiwa Logo prize winners for June were: P Doherty of Mudgee, M Claydon of Karuah, G Tasker of Belfield, A Giblin of Warrnambool, S Ramage of Davistown, R Morrison of Forbes, L Comerford of South Penrith, H Hosking of Alstonville, P Stever of Austinmer, S Mathews of Edgeworth, T Maroney of Gunnedah, C Colley of Mt

GUESS THE FISH?

Answer: AUGUST 2018

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Thug Lures Thug Cray BEST ORNAMENTAL PIECE Chris Anderson and Kim Baldwin had a pretty good 2018 Lure Expo, taking out three categories at the awards night. The standout was the Best Ornamental Lure, the Thug Cray. This one would look fantastic in the pool room, which is exactly what it’s for! This creation looked so real at the show, you almost expected it to crawl out of the cabinet and start terrorising children and small dogs!

The boys also took out the Best Stand award, with

their small but jam-packed stand with dozens of amazing designs on display. if you’d like to learn more about Thugs Lures, see some of the crazy designs, or maybe even buy one or two, be sure to visit the ‘Thug Lures’ Facebook page.

BEST BIBBED DIVING LURE

to resemble claws, this can either be fished as a trolling or casting lure. If you’d like to find out more about these incredible

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AUGUST 2018

Matt Fraser from Barambah Lures is well-known for making amazingly life-like creations for big fish, and the Manic Budgie is no exception. Matt got the idea while fishing for Murray cod in some of the western rivers when he noticed the

lures, visit the ‘Kuttafurra Lures’ Facebook page.

BEST BLUE WATER LURE

MB Custom Lures are put together by Le Ve Hua, who makes the blanks, and Darcy Paton, who does the amazing art work. Darcy hand-paints each of these fantastic lures, which are designed to be used on bluewater pelagics, but with such a beautiful finish on

This year, the Lure Expo inducted two very important people from the lure industry into their Hall of Fame.

Peter Pakula has been making bluewater lures for years, and is a recognised name in the industry.

No doubt thousands of marlin have been landed on his lures.

Anthony Curtis has been making the very widely-used and respected AC Lures, or Australian Crafted for around 25 years. Any seasoned cod fisher will have used or at least know about these great Aussie classics.

Marcus Walker Blowfly

out around two per week, it makes sense that the finished product is just that much more special, and worthy of these quite high prices. If you want to get a hold of any of Le and Darcy’s lures, visit www. mbcustomlures.com.au.

TENT CON

Peter Pakula

Anthony Curtis FLY TYING CHAMPION Marcus Walker from the Brisbane Fly Fishing Club may have entered the smallest fly, but it was good enough to take out the Best Fly Award! Marcus has already caught trout on this very tiny fly. If you’d like to join the Brisbane Fly Fishing Club, you can do so by visiting www.bffc.org.au.

You can participate in events, including fishing days, and learn more to improve your own fly fishing.

BEST TOP WATER / SURFACE / WAKE BAIT amount of birds that were flying around the river. With no other lure makers producing anything like it, it seemed like the perfect chance to introduce this wonderful creation to the fishing world. The lure is a wakebait, meaning it wobbles like a normal bibbed lure, but

it doesn’t dive. if you’d like to see more of Matt’s lure, or even buy a few yourself, you can do so by visiting the ‘Barambah Lures’ Facebook page.

Barambah Lures Manic Budgie

This is the second year in a row Chilton Tackle Co. has won the Best Swimbait category. Blair Chilton from Chilton Tackle Co. designed this lure from a

photograph of a baby barra, hence the ultra-realistic appearance! And given that barra are known for being canabilistic, there’s no doubt these swimbaits

BEST SWIM BAIT will catch their fair share of barra! f you want to buy any of these amazing lures from Chilton, visit www. chiltontackleco.com.au.

MB Custom Lures 222 Twitch them, it would almost be a sin to throw them into such risky territory! This is backed up by the fact that these lures average around $400 each when auctioned off, however some have sold for as much as $855! Given that the boys can only put

RA

HALL OF FAME AWARD

BEST PRESENTED STAND

Kuttafurra Lures Yabby

Aaron from Kuttafurra Lures is wellknown for making some of the most imaginative lures available anywhere in Australia, and this year’s winner seems to have raised the bar even further! Rigged with assist hooks on the rear

Thug Lures decided that the smaller Swagga from last year needed to be pumped

up to cod size! Now this intriguing design can be used for all manner of freshwater species.

T

Thug Lures Cod Swagga

Q

BEST BLADED METAL LURE

AN THE

Lure Expo Award winners impress in 2018

DE FOR EX

16-17 JUNE 2018 • IPSWICH SHOWGROUNDS

CO

EXPO

- SC

Lure Fly & Outdoors

RE ONLINE MO

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The Australian

Chilton Tackle Co. Chilton Barra

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Anglers putting in effort are finding the gold CANBERRA

Toby Grundy

There is a small but evergrowing group of ACT anglers who focus all of their fishing efforts around the cooler months.

These anglers, like Jason Naumann, Adam Rolls and Vladimir Nikolic, vertical jig instead of casting for big golden perch, and their success rate is phenomenal.

This technique is dependent on finding a school of slow-moving redfin in deep

Big goldens are on offer at Googong. water in any of Canberra’s major lakes, and steadily lifting and then dropping a

small vibe next to the school.

The golden perch tailing these schools of fish think the vibe

is a straggler or injured fish and strike.

It has been amazing to see how quickly this technique has caught on, and it has added another method to the arsenal for anglers chasing our big yellas through winter.

In fact, this method can be so effective that an angler need only spare an hour to land good numbers of fish, with Jason and Vladimir doing just that recently.

Within 45 minutes they had caught three goldens to 53cm and several large redfin.

August is the best time to try out this technique, so for all the kayakers and boat fishos out there who haven’t tried vertical jigging in Canberra’s lakes, get out and give it a go. The results may surprise you.

LOCAL LAKES Lake Burley Griffin continues to be Canberra’s

erratic and fast worked deep like a quickly retrieved blade, rather than a lethargic live yabby sitting on the bottom.

Now is the time to try for a big cod in the lake, so put the hours in and work the rocky drop-offs and points around the various islands with surface lures and spinnerbaits at dawn and dusk.

Golden perch are still biting well at Googong as Vladimir Nikolic discovered. most consistent fishery. Over the past few weeks a number of anglers have caught good numbers of golden perch and redfin, with the majority of fish caught coming from deeper areas. Most fish have been fooled by vibes and plastics with the Ecogear

Lake Tuggeranong has produced good fishing for redfin and golden perch over the past month. I have been fishing the lake regularly using small soft plastics and have picked up plenty of large redfin in the shallow bays and along the reed-lined

Stephen McPhee with his ‘Bidgee beast.

ZX blade proving to be a particularly good choice, accounting for big numbers of natives.

That said, bait fishos have struggled lately and this could be because the actively feeding fish are looking for something

banks towards Greenway.

The Ecogear Grass Minnow has been the pick of the lures but the Strike Pro Enticer Grub has also produced, especially when slow rolled around the bridge pylons. If you’re after a Murray cod, try

Nick Wright with a solid Lake Tuggeranong reddy.

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AUGUST 2018

surface lures along the islands at Greenway at night. The cod push up into these areas looking for baitfish during the cooler months.

Lake Ginninderra is starting to produce some good fish again after several lean months. Anglers have found redfin feeding up around the edges near the skate park and a few lucky anglers have landed golden perch. Though the lake is still full of weed, it’s possible to

fish the shallower areas with plastics rigged weedless or with small, shallow running divers. The fishing at Ginninderra should get better and better as we approach spring, as early spring produces some outstanding golden perch fishing.

Gordon Pond has slowed down, but there are still redfin being caught around the dam wall. Most of the fish have been caught by anglers using small vibes and blades,

with the occasional golden perch falling to a larger vibe fished a little slower. This is one of my favourite little fisheries in Canberra and always fires after a good hit of winter rain.

The Murrumbidgee is fishing reasonably well considering it’s winter and we haven’t had much rain.

A few large fish have been landed over the past month – Stephen McPhee’s 109cm horse is the largest that I

The guys from Tackle World Fyshwick have landed plenty of good fish over the last few weeks.

Canberra local and young gun Nathan Kenny with an 87cm Burrinjuck slugger.

know of for this season. Fish like this were more common last year but if we get a bit of rain before cod close, it might be worth giving the river one more go and focussing your attention on the wider pools.

SURROUNDS A lot of anglers gave up on Googong once the cold weather hit, but for a select few anglers who kept at it, the dam has produced some epic fishing, especially over the last few weeks. Vladamir

Nikolic landed several solid fish recently with a 58cm slab being the highlight.

If you’re after a golden perch, and are land-based, walk the bank towards Shannon Inlet casting plastics in the 65-80mm range and stick to natural colours. Work the lure slow and insert plenty of pauses.

This way you will also be in with a chance of catching a redfin or trout.

Burrinjuck has been hit and miss for Canberra

anglers. Some have come away with some epic catches like Nathan Kenny, who landed an 87cm slab on surface at dawn. However, a lot of anglers haven’t had much luck despite fishing key bite windows. If you’re after a big cod, focus your efforts around the new moon and look for banks that may have been ignored by other anglers. Nathan deliberately fished areas he saw other anglers skip, and landed a lot of green fish.

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53

Lure fishing is the winter go-to MILDURA

Rob Oswin

Over the last month there have been consistent reports. Numbers of fish being caught on bait have been slowly going down considerably, while fishing on lures has remained the best approach to catching perch and cod alike.

Smaller cod and even cod up to the magic metre are still being caught, mostly on hardbody lures. Lighter colours such as light greens, pinks and yellows have been much more effective than darker colours lately.

Once the cold winter weather set in there were fewer and fewer people on the river, which has been

A decent golden perch caught recently. great for those who have been out, giving them just about a free reign on the river. The fishing for cod has been good due to the cod

attacking lures of just about any size. There have been plenty of fish being caught anywhere from Wentworth right through to Red Cliffs

with the Merbein Common producing some excellent fishing. There have even been some reports of catfish being caught around the willow trees around Gol Gol. The fishing can be expected to slow down rapidly over the next month.

This comes after the annual event of the bardi moths having flown and with the added effect of the continuing decrease of the water temperature. Reports of golden perch have slowed right down and it can be expected that the numbers of perch will remain low.

With there being fewer anglers on the water and the fishing becoming slower, it’s a great time to ensure everyone who is on and around the river is being safe, as fewer people

Smaller cod, and even cod up to the magic metre, are still being caught. around means more room for fishing, but also less chance for others to be in the area in the unfortunate case there is an accident on the river. It’s also an excellent time to catch up on maintenance of your

boat and gear and to top up on any lost or damaged tackle and lures.

Remember to stay safe. It doesn’t get much better than sitting around the fire after a long day on the river.

Brave anglers fish the frosts ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

For as long as I have been fishing for Murray cod the arrival of the first few frosts has been a sure sign to start casting the shallows.

It’s been my observation over the years that as the

icy chill paints the ground a brilliant white, large cod shift their hold from deep water snags to those in just a few metres of water.

Possibly this is a prelude to the pending breeding season, as these fish now hold on the opposite bank to what you might normally fish.

While the cold, frosty weather heralds some excellent

Redfin are always a chance in the Kerang Lakes.

cod fishing opportunities, it also frightens away the fairweathered fishos. There has been little traffic in our local waters over the past month with just a few brave souls cashing in on the cold water cod bite. Around Swan Hill in the Murray River several nice Murray cod up to and over a metre have been landed on bait and lures.

The chill has taken the sting out of the perch bite, with just a few large fish reported on bait. The frosts have also seen a few Murray crays moving in our local waters – a good sign for the future of these prickly crustaceans that took a pounding in the first black water event.

The Kerang Lakes are a little quiet, but it’s fair to say some good-sized redfin can be

DAM LEVELS Dam............................... % Full

Dam............................... % Full

Dam May June July Blowering 47 52 68 Brogo 91 86 87 Burrendong 37 36 36 Burrinjuck 40 40 40 Carcoar 55 55 55 Chaffey 65 62 56 Clarrie Hall n/a n/a n/a Copeton 27 27 27 Dartmouth 88 88 89 Eucumbene 28 24 24 Glenbawn 72 69 67 Glenlyon 58 50 49

Dam May June July Glennies Creek 70 69 69 Hume 31 37 44 Jindabyne 45 37 63 Keepit 13 13 11 Lostock 100 100 100 Oberon 62 60 58 Pindari 59 59 59 Split Rock 6 15 14 Tantangara 22 22 30 Toonumbar 100 100 100 Windamere 42 41 41 Wyangala 65 63 61

(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.)

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AUGUST 2018

caught on fresh white bait or small soft plastics and blades during the winter months.

Some days a few solid golden perch are caught in the mix.

The fishing around Robinvale has been very quiet with just a few reports of golden perch on bait. Even the carp population has closed ranks in the icy flows.

MURRAY CRAY CONFUSION Locally it seems there is still some confusion regarding the rules and regulations surrounding the Murray cray open season that started on 1 June.

The May 2018 media release from NSW Fisheries states “In the Murray River, fishing for Murray crays is permitted between the Hume Weir and the Tocumwal Road Bridge, including Lake Mulwala, and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Gundagai Road Bridge and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek.” All other sections of the Murray River and NSW waters below these points are closed to fishing for Murray crays.

Size and bag limits for the open waters are pretty straightforward and are as follows; the minimum legal

Tim Polis and the monster Murray cray he caught upstream of Tocumwal in the Murray River. size for Murray crays is 10cm and the maximum size is 12cm.

The measurement is made of the carapace (head section), not the entire crayfish length.

In addition to size limits, there is also a daily bag limit of two Murray crayfish per person per day that applies when anglers are on or adjacent to inland waters. An absolute state-wide possession

Frosts often herald the start of some excellent big cod fishing action; all you have to do is brave the cold.

limit of four Murray crays per person applies.

Murray crays must be retained by anglers whole or in carcass form, however female crays carrying eggs or with young attached must be released immediately and unharmed.

Anglers require a valid recreational fishing licence to take Murray crayfish, unless exempt, and can only take them by hand or with permitted equipment.

Since the open anglers have enjoyed some very good captures upstream of Tocumwal including Lake Mulwala and above.

This season anglers are reporting not only good numbers, but some of the biggest Murray crays they have ever seen. If there is still any confusion surrounding the Murray cray open season, contact your local tackle store or go directly to the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

FIND THE

LOGO COMPETITION

There are 15 Logos hidden throughout the pages of Fishing Monthly.

The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of each month will win a Neck Scarf

Fill in the entry form below with the page number of each logo location and go in the draw to win!

All entries will then go into the Major Prize draw to win 1 of 3 prize packs to be drawn on [DATE].

31st October, 2018.

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Anglers’ hard work and effort will be rewarded ALBURY/WODONGA

Connor Heir

Over the past month my focus has been primarily on walking the banks of the Murray River around the Albury/Wodonga area. The river has been quite low for some time now, and this has created some amazing fishing opportunities for anglers.

has accounted for many of my cod not only recently, but has been a highlight for me all season.

As well as Murray cod, golden perch have also been playing the game as well. Earlier in the month I was picking up many of them right in close to the banks, so close in fact that they were eating the lure almost at my feet. Although often caught when chasing

Golden perch are always welcome as by-catch when chasing Murray cod.

Although I have not caught fish any huge fish recently, there have been several anglers catching Murray cod of monster sizes, and well over the magic metre mark.

I have been managing to pick up numbers of smaller cod, averaging around the 60-65cm mark. While these aren’t huge fish, it’s still great fun to be out fishing and to get a few numbers on the board, considering it can be difficult to fish the structure properly from the banks. The majority of my fish lately have been caught on hardbodied diving lures and surface lures, such as particularly Joe the Rat by Kuttafurra lures. This lure

cod, the golden perch are always welcome to join in. They are an awesome fish, they fight very hard and eat so many different styles of lures, from big cod lures down to small trout minnows. Earlier in the season, I was even picking them up off the surface, which is not a common way to catch golden perch!

As well as fishing the river, I was lucky enough to join my friend Kyle in fishing a competition at Mulwala for the day.

This was an awesome opportunity, and I managed to catch a 67cm cod off the surface using a Thirstyfurra Rat. It was a slow day for us in terms of fish, but we

both managed to catch fish, which is definitely better than not catching anything at all. Anyone who has fished Lake Mulwala will agree how beautiful it is, and even though fishing can be slow ther, it is still an amazing place to visit for its beauty alone.

The trout fishing in the Albury/Wodonga area hasn’t kicked into gear yet, but when authorities release water from Lake Hume into the Murray River it should fire a few trout up in the river, remembering that the Murray River is always open to trout fishing, as is Lake Hume. I have heard of a few trout being caught in the river lately, but they have been caught with a lot of persistence and hard work.

For the remainder of the Murray Cod season, I will keep persisting with fishing the Murray River and hopefully crack my

Surface luring in Lake Mulwala will be productive this month.

PB this season. If not, I will still have fun being out doing what I love most. The fish I have been catching have taken a fair bit of time on the water to catch, and I have walked many kilometres for them, but

Golden perch have been taking lures intended for cod in the Murray River.

Walking the banks of the Murray has been productive for the author.

with persistence you will see results, especially during this time of year. The cold weather can be difficult and tough going, but rewards are certainly worth all the time

and effort. So if you can handle having cold hands, and be persistent and stay keen, you will certainly be in with a chance to catch a very memorable fish.

Mulwala impossible to predict YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

Without doubt, predicting what could be happening in and around Lake Mulwala fish-wise at present is nigh on impossible. This month the lake should be filling after being drawn down to below 20% over winter to kill off the ever-increasing weed problem. How the cod will resettle back in their home snag is anybody’s guess. If history repeats from the last drawdowns, end of cod season should peter out quietly with action expected to return to normal come the cod season opening on 1 December.

The major change for those heading out for their final fix before season’s end 56

AUGUST 2018

will be the change in techniques needed to snag a fish. Over the past couple of years it has been ‘Fishing Basics 101’ where it wasn’t hard to throw either a swimbait, wakebait or surface lure in, around or over the weed beds. Plenty of young whippersnappers have made their social media name doing this, and they are now going to have to learn to fish deeper timber without weed. Spinnerbaits, diving hardbodied lures and crankbaits are sure to become flavour of the week once again.

Looking back, once the lake became too low to launch a boat, it was only those with kayaks who had a bit of fun. Many went emptyhanded but there were a few anglers who stood out from the rest and cracked the low lake code. Brad Murray and Josh Millard had an amazing

couple of weekends landing five 1m+ cod measuring up to an incredible 124cm! Matt ‘Spida’ Rogers was another who figured out how to find them with 15 landed over two days with. A 110cm cracker was his best.

Below the weir Cain Peatling came up trumps with a super 109cm cod but that was about all that was caught in the general Yarrawonga township area through the month. Further downstream between Yarrawonga and Cobram there were some monsters caught with a 132cm beast being a standout.

Be warned – a couple of big fish don’t mean the fish are ‘going off’ as promoted by some. Winter fishing is tough with catch rates being low.

The positive of winter cod fishing is that the cod you do come across are generally

bigger than usual.

The cray season continued, and most returned with their daily bag limits after putting a bit of effort into working pots. For those pursuing this favourite pastime, the average return has been about 20 undersize or female to one legal.

As the fishing slows down, organisation for the 2018-19 fishing competition season ramps up. If you are keen to get your name added to the Golden Dollars, Cod Classic, Dash 4 Cash, His and Hers Partners Classic or Cod Nationals mailing lists, shoot me an email at codclassic@ bigpond.com. The big news on the Cod Classic front is a tagged cod with a potential reward of a new Toyota Hilux Ute on offer. Keep your eyes peeled for some more details soon.

Matt Rogers with a 90cm Lake Mulwala drawdown cod.

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Look to Snowy Mountain lakes for your trout fix SNOWY MOUNTAINS

Rod Allen

Winter in the Snowies is a great time to rug up and get amongst the terrific lake fishing this time of year offers.

With river season still closed, anglers are heading to the impoundments to get their trout fix. Lake Jindabyne has been a standout fishery right through June, with bags of mixed species being common and some anglers completing the ‘grand slam’ of Atlantic salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout in one day.

Jindabyne has slowly been receding since the start of May. At its current level and lower the lake reveals its weed beds and rocky structures, which help you to concentrate your efforts around these areas early in the mornings. Low light or overcast days with lures, bait or a wet fly can be very productive.

Atlantic salmon to 7kg and brook trout to 4kg have recently been liberated into Jindy, and targeting these fish with lure or fly is great fun. Add the by-catch of well-conditioned rainbows and browns and it makes it fairly hard to go past this picturesque lake. Flat line trolling or casting lures in deep water from The Haven, The Clay Pits, Curiosity Rocks or Hatchery Bay should find you some salmon.

This is the view anglers are blessed with when they approach Guthega Pondage.

Prospecting a bit closer in around the structure and weed beds of Wollondibby, Widows Corner and Hatchery Bay is a good way to find the brookies and resident browns and bows. Largeprofiled flies such as Buggers, Matukas, Hammils and Mrs Simpsons are the go-to wets and streamers.

Kalkite from the Eucumbene arm to Taylors Bay has also been very reliable for casting lures or flies, as the weed beds are in reach from the banks and the fish look to fatten up prior to and after their spawning migration.

Bait fishing the lake’s margins with the humble scrubworm or PowerBait has been accounting for many fish, especially around Widows Corner and the Clay Pits.

Lake Eucumbene has been consistently dropping for months now, and although it may make for an uncomfortable muddy foreshore, it can also be an angler’s best friend. The lake’s yabby beds are being exposed and on windy days the waves pound and destroy them, washing them out of their homes. At this time of year the yabbies are in a dormant or hibernated state and are virtually helpless and at the mercy of the waves where they either get mopped up by the browns in that dirty water or pushed up onto the bank where the birds pick them off.

Land-based anglers who identify the tell tale signs of blue claws littered areas of banks usually do very well targeting these patches with soft plastics or slow fished vibes. Fly fishos with tandem rigs of Buggers or Tiahape Ticklers on intermediate lines fishing a slow figure-of-eight retrieve or even no retrieve are having very memorable sessions once they find one of these destroyed yabby beds. Eucumbene’s browns have stacked on an amazing amount of condition over the last month on these yabbies and when you hold one there’s no mystery as to what they’re eating.

Flat line trolling has been outstanding, with many boats

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Jack Allen took this healthy male rainbow trout.

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Guided tours 10 am and 2 pm.

Self-guided tours on selected days.

Small admission fee.

Gaden Rd (off Kosciuszko Rd) Jindabyne. 02 6451 3400 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au 58

AUGUST 2018

This is a fairly typical Snowies brown for winter. evenings and on overcast days will reward the dedicated with some lovely fish. Those who prefer gentleman’s hours can also expect to do well with a scrubby or PowerBait fished a little deeper on a running sinker rig.

Lake Tantangara is no doubt a beautiful place to visit, and it’s fishing has

front of the trout’s path while keeping a low profile from the skyline to prevent the fish detecting you. If you think the fish has or is going to pass your offering without noticing, impart a subtle twitch to gain its attention.

Tangy in my opinion has the most reliable evening fishing in the whole of

on a good day you will be fishing to many sighted trout.

When it isn’t on, the scenery more than makes up for any disappointment in the fishing.

• For more info, tips or queries, drop into The Alpine Angler at 647 Snowy Mountains Hwy, Pine Valley, call us on (02) 6452 5538 or find us on Facebook.

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the Snowies, and it’s commonplace for the lake’s edges and soaks to come alive with activity before and after dark, and as close to a sure thing as possible is when the lake is rising. The best baits are scrub worms, grubs and PowerBait. The best flies are Buggers, Simpsons, Craig’s, black pheasant tail nymphs, Midgeballs and pupa flies.

Your best lures will be Bullets, Rapalas, Wobblers and Celtas.

Lesser fished alpine lakes such as Guthega, Island Bend and Rainbow Lake have been sensational over the last few months, with some amazing above average size fish taken by the stealthy fishos who polaroid the shallows and the rock shelved margins.

The fishing can be a little spasmodic, but when these trout are out and about they can be like rabbits, and

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Gaden Trout Hatchery Open 10 am–4 pm daily.

bagging out in a few hours on the same lures as Jindabyne, which are Bullets and Tassie Devils. Bait fishing with scrub worms or wood grubs under a bubble float or unweighted around drop offs and rocky outcrops early mornings,

been a highlight since Easter with consistent water levels.

Now that it’s beginning to rise, some even more exciting times lay ahead! Tangy’s fish are all wild and it has been self-supportive virtually since it was built, so no supplement stockings have been necessary, which makes it a real drawcard to us trout lovers. Searching the margins with lure or fly, or by flat line trolling and bait fishing the deeper bays will commonly reward the angler throughout most days.

Tangy’s fish can be a bit shy on still, glassy topped blue sky days, and that’s when the polaroiding the edge can be your best shot. Walking very slowly, anticipating and finding a trout is nearly as fun as actually catching one, and when you do, don’t rush it.

Wait for the opportunity to present your unweighted worm, fly or lure well in

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Big Murray cod still the focus WAGGA WAGGA

Rhys Creed

Winter in the region so far has been exactly as predicted… cold and dry!

We have seen beautiful

MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER In the last report I didn’t touch on the Murrumbidgee River, as the focus was pushed to unlocking the big Murray cod in Blowering Dam. Now that the temperature is on the

Jack with his big winter Blowering cod that inhaled the Fury Plastic on the drop. clear and warm days with freezing cold nights and massive frosts. These conditions make for an enjoyable time when

rise and the days are getting longer, the fishing in the river will start to pick up.

Winter on the Murrumbidgee can be tough

fish shut right down and become difficult to catch, but the larger fish still need to feed.

The water is usually as low and clear as it gets all year, so it’s by far the best time to be out casting large spinnerbaits and hardbody lures for big fish.

If the river is still low (and this depends on environmental flows) it will be well worth a fish before it begins to rise ready for the irrigation season.

The fishing will still be slow, but the water temperature will be beginning to rise and the smaller fish will start to show themselves again. Casting lures is by far the best option, as you’ll need to cover as much structure as possible to find that hungry fish. Trolling will be tough, as the water is low, which means minimal areas with enough depth and structure.

The end of August will be the last chance to head out and target cod before we leave them alone for three months, so make sure you get your cod fix!

OLD MAN CREEK This place can be a great bank walking location in the cooler months and August is no exception. The fish are spaced, with some sessions

water is the best time to target them.

Surface lures up to 130mm cast on first and last light are a great option as well as casting spinnerbaits and hardbody lures up to 100mm in amongst the timber. With little to no flow, you can cast your lures anywhere in the creek, and casting tight to structure isn’t as important at this time of year. With little flow the fish can be sitting off their logs and there will also be plenty of submerged logs that you may not see in the middle of the creek.

Hardbody lures are a great searching lure for these situations and if you use a good quality lure that’s snagresistant you’ll have more enjoyable sessions (and save a few dollars).

I like lures like the 90mm AC Invader, Balista Dyno 90 and the 100mm Strike Force Cod Stalker. These are all great options for this style of fishing.

The cold early mornings are worth braving for solid river fish like this one. last report, but now we are beyond the coldest of days we will start to see a spike in the cod bites through to the end of August as the cod begin to switch into spawning mode.

Using the same techniques of casting in the dark and in low light periods with big soft plastics, swimbaits and surface lures is the best technique.

Both the steep banks loaded

1-7m is where you want to concentrate your efforts. Early in the morning, target the very shallows with surface or slow sinking swimbaits. During the night if you are fishing with plastics or spinnerbaits, hold the boat in 8-7m and cast diagonally forward towards the bank, allow your lure to sink and give it a lift and slow roll back to the boat.

Tallis with a Blowering slab that took his surface wakebait in less than 3m of water on a grassy bank.

Chris admiring his cracking 85cm creek cod that smashed his custom designed surface fly, a Kaos Cod Flys Deceiver with a Strike Force Resin Head. fishing during the day but on the flip side the nights on Blowering Dam are far from enjoyable!

and is usually slow, but it’s rewarding for those who spend the time targeting trophy fish.

In the cooler water the smaller

going fishless, but the reward is larger fish! There are plenty of 70cm+ fish living in the creek and the lower flowing

BLOWERING DAM I couldn’t leave off the good old favourite! This great lake produces the best fishing memories every winter but not without the hard yards. As you would know by now, you need to put in so many casts and continue to fish trip after trip to catch those monster cod.

July is a tough month, as you would have read in my

with structure and the flatter grassy banks are worth fishing.

If you are after that trophysized fish well over the metre mark, then concentrate your efforts on fishing the grassy banks, but if you’re just after a fish of any size, fish the steep banks.

Make sure you work along a bank slowly and cover the water. Fishing in

RUG UP! Just remember that wherever you go it is still going to be on the cool side, so make sure you have warm clothes and that you are rugged up. For those who don’t fancy winter and prefer the warmer months, you’ll be happy, as the spring season is just around the corner!

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Surface lures are a great option during the cooler months when walking the banks of the rivers.

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Diehard anglers still reaping decent rewards BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

The last month of winter is normally a great time of the year to be on the water at Blowering Dam. Sure it’s still fairly cold, but once rugged up you barely notice the cold because of the beautiful scenery and usually glassed-out conditions.

a very large size at Blowering Dam at this time of the year.

Just like the rest of winter, these fish are best targeted vertically with lures, jigs or bait. The fish are normally sitting fairly deep at this time of the year – anywhere from 30-60ft down – but once a school is located it is quite easy to entice them with any vertically presented bait or lure. Just remember to keep your presentation moving and you’ll fill your keeper bag

target big trout than Jounama Dam. This picturesque little lake is a great place to take the family for a fun-filled day beside the water. The big trout and redfin this lake is associated with fire right after the official close to the trout streams. This is a bonus for those addicted to trout fishing in the area, as you can

of months and this should continue this month. Casting lures or flies from the bank is very productive and is my preferred way of fishing the lake, but bait fishing with PowerBait, grubs or worms is also a great way of hooking into a trout or two. If you’ve never been to Jounama, I strongly recommend you

Those chasing a trout fix this month will have to hit the lakes now that the creeks and rivers are closed, and what better lake to hit than Jounama Dam?

Murray cod will be one of the main targets at Blowering Dam this month, but if you are fishing Jounama Dam, you may be rewarded with one of the now-prevalent Murray cod in there as well.

To add to this, there are no ski boats to contend with and a lack of other diehard anglers on the water can make for a great day on the water in anyone’s books. As a bonus, the fishing is normally sensational, particularly if you’re after a feed of succulent redfin.

REDFIN Redfin can be caught in huge numbers and some are of

before you know it.

MURRAY COD Anglers who aren’t targeting redfin at Blowering Dam this month will more than likely be getting their last Murray cod fix before the close of the season at the end of the month.

Although the majority of Blowering Dam’s Murray cod anglers prefer to target them at night at this time of the

year, the middle of the day can also be very productive.

The reason for this is that the air and water temperatures are at their highest in the middle to latter part of the day and the fish’s metabolism is also at its highest, which means the normally nocturnal Blowering Dam Murray cod will feed sometimes aggressively during the middle of the day. Remember this all changes once it warms up and the water and air temperature go above the Murray cod’s comfort zone, then obviously the best results are going to come from fishing at night when these factors are at their coolest and the conditions are more to the

Murray cod’s liking.

Blowering Dam is renowned for its crystal clear water, and now that it is classed as a highly pressured lake, it pays to use something different to the norm to try and fool those big wise resident fish. Lures like swimbaits, glide baits and large soft plastics or something from overseas that you just know the fish have never seen before will give you an even better chance of tangling with an XOS Murray cod.

JOUNAMA DAM For those of you who are keen to get a trout fix, with all the creeks and rivers closed your only options are the lakes, and what better lake to

This is what winter fishing at Blowering is all about!

Big smiles, good times and good redfin on every cast. successfully fish for goodsized trout in good numbers all year round.

The lake has fished well over the last couple

It’s not too cold to go fishing ORANGE

Michael Collison thegurusgear@gmail.com

The cold weather is here and the big cod are out to play in the waterways around the central west.

Most people think it’s too cold to go out fishing, or to be anywhere near the water, but as the old saying goes, ‘put the time in on the water and you will catch the fish.’

Some people will tell you you’re mad to fish at night in winter, with the temperatures

dropping down to -2°C and the line freezing up as you roll your lure back to the boat.

However, this is the time when those big 1m+ fish are out feeding on small baitfish in the low light. The fish feel comfortable in the shallows where the water is warmer,

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take the time to head there, or stop in next time you’re on your way past to the snow fields or more notable trout dams!

Josh Copp with a quality cod at Wyangala taken on a Jackall Gantarel.

and this is why the baitfish are sitting in there.

When we cod anglers are fishing during the day, we know the cod will be looking for somewhere to hide or ambush their prey, so good areas to focus your efforts on include rocky banks, rock walls and laydown timber. At night, however, the opposite applies. Most of the good fish we have gotten at night have been from flat banks and other areas with minimal structure, between 15ft of water all the way up to 1ft of water. You wouldn’t even look at those spots in the daytime.

The best way to target these fish is with swimbaits and surface lures. Bigger is better, as a large cod won’t waste its time on a small feed. With a bigger bait, the cod will follow you all the way back to the boat, with 70% of your hits coming a few metres off the rod tip.

It’s hard to work the cod out, but if you’re on the water when they are feeding, it’s not hard to pull two or three fish in a half hour of fishing. The time they feed is all around the moon; I have found that 30 minutes before and after the moon rise hour To page 61

A winter sun on your back LITHGOW/OBERON

Glen Stewart stewie72@bigpond.com

The feeling of warmth as the sun gets a full glow on over the hill in winter is unmistakable. On any exposed skin the contrast is at its greatest for those first few minutes of early morning rays.

evidence – just some interesting observations and conversations with some likeminded enquiring minds.

One such encounter I had with a big cod was after ‘the bite window.’ The sun had crested the hill, its rays were well and truly penetrating waters below me, the baitfish splashes and general panic had subsided, the sounder screen had also settled and

and behold, I was on! After releasing the cod, I moved over to the edge where he had positioned himself. I knew exactly where he had been sitting, what was he doing there? It was a lot shallower than where the bait was or had been. He could have been using the cover to ambush baitfish in deeper water… or maybe he was just cruising. Maybe I was

Bite windows can be extended with cloud cover. I suggest you stay in the game while it lasts!

I hope my readers don’t mind if I digress a little on things this month. In one way it’s about trying to answer not only questions of my own, but the many I have fielded in the last few weeks and months.

If you read last month’s column I ended with some notes and theories on winter impoundment cod, not backed I might add by one iota of scientific From page 60

as the moon is at its highest in the sky, and 30 minutes as the moon sets. You can’t catch them in your lounge chair, so get out on the water and brave the cold!

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the baitfish dispersed, but casting I did with rhythmic repetitive motion. I was in the groove, and besides that a warm winter sun had just hit my back; it felt good.

My very next cast was up into some spindly woody stuff quiet shallow, 4ft at best. I cursed, as I must have been losing concentration.

I cranked the swimbait a little faster, threw in a pause away from the habit, and low

just thinking too much…

Mental notes were taken.

I’ve had three or four encounters since, and not all have stayed connected and not all have been in water so shallow. The old grey matter was in overdrive by this time!

I had begun to ask questions of others, a tight group who I call on from time to time. We all have them as fishos, the ones you

outdoor equipment, drop into Canobolas Caravan & Marine Centre. You can find them on 166-172 Bathurst Road, Orange, call them on 02 6361 3014 or visit their website at www. canobolasmarine.com. au. Canobolas is the local supplier for Jayco, Quintrex,

XFI, Skicraft, Mercury, Evinrude and more.

• For all the latest info on what’s biting and where, drop into Tackle World Orange at 66 Peisley St, Orange or call them on (02) 6361 8924. You can also see the latest specials and catches at www.facebook. com/TackleWorldOrangeNSW.

talk to when you have some slightly left of centre theory that needs to be thrashed about. I was starting to theorize and it was going something like this….

Fish are exothermal (they use external environmental factors to regulate their temperature), and we as humans are endothermal (we maintain our temperature through internal mechanisms). Are those first warm rays of a winter sun positioning the post-bite window cod I have encountered so they could make best use of the sun’s warmth for a short period?

I think so.

By the way, apart from the exceptions listed, most of my winter impoundment cod have come from the bite window proper. The postbite stuff is just an interesting piece of the puzzle that may or may not fit with time and a lot more casts…

TCD TROUT Water clarity in TCD (Thompsons Creek Dam) near Wallerawang and the trout that call its waters home will taunt many over the next few weeks and months, myself included. I get the odd one at this time, but spook many more, so you’re not alone.

Thompsons Creek Dam really is a tough gig fishing for trout on lures at the moment. The incredible water clarity is not helping, and the best conditions are those windy, cold and cloudy days for the lure anglers.

Flyfishing really is the best way to target these shallow false spawning fish.

No other presentation can beat the ability of putting something so small and light in the right place at the right time.

Very small nymphs and glow bugs, a 5-6X tippet, long leaders and light rods and nerves of steel are required to get bites on a consistent basis in most circumstances.

If you’re lure fishing, I would suggest you save your time and efforts for windy, cold and cloudy days for best results. The trout seem to be a little more aggressive towards larger presentations on these days.

The result of handling cod without gloves… but what’s life without a few bumps and scratches?

BEN CHIFLEY FOR REDFIN The depths of winter are a great time to specifically target bigger redfin in Ben Chifley and Carcoar dams.

It’s predominately boatbased, with a big reliance on a quality depth sounder and the ability to interpret what you’re seeing. When set up properly, they do not lie.

Seeing the fish on the screen and catching them are two different things.

I’ve spent many an hour and thousands of casts sometimes for very little, but occasionally they bite well. Staying on them can sometimes be the most frustrating thing. Pelagic in nature, they tend to move around quite a bit. It’s better if they are holding on something specific, like a deep ledge or rocky outcrop.

Ice jigs can be a killer technique in these scenarios.

I suggest a slightly softer rod and spinning reel and light line for this style of fishing.

Some 4-6lb braid with matching leader is perfect.

Try to stay as vertical as possible, in other words, no drift. Blades are a good alternative and have the inherent ability to be cast as well.

I hope to see you on the water soon, until then, tight lines!

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Andrew McLure caught this cod off the surface at Wyangala.

AUGUST 2018

61

Work out the weed to boost your catch rates HUNTER VALLEY

Peter Phelps

Winter has been a little up and down so far. We have had some cold periods with snow on the tops and some mild frosts. There have still been no big rain events to raise the lake levels; they have just steadily declined over the last 12 months.

Still, there has been some light rain that has helped to green the grass, which had almost been back to dust in some areas, so that’s nice to see.

The water temperature

NEW

will be still down very low, and the fish will remain in their predominant winter pattern. The bass bag limit in the river systems is still zero until 31 August, so the lakes are where you want to be. Generally, the fishing in both lakes is excellent this month, with masses of fish still feeding up on their winter gorge.

Lake St Clair’s weed has bounced back and is keeping up with the slow dropping water levels. These weed beds will be nice and thick by now, and towering near the surface out into 10-15ft of water. At this lake the larger

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Small surface lures are also worth a try this month.

Small walking baits or cicada imitations worked super slow around standing timber and over weed holes are effective.

If jerkbaits and surface lures aren’t getting eaten, your next reliable choice is a jighead-rigged plastic. I like to try a lightly weighted minnow, stickbait or fluke style first. Similar to a jerkbait’s action of darting around, these can be fished deeper as they sink down. I start with a 1/16oz jighead for over the top of the weed beds and into holes. Then I go to a 1/12oz or an 1/8oz to fish down the face of the weed. You don’t need to do anything fancy with the retrieve, just the standard two or three little twitches up with the rod tip and let the plastic fall on a semislack line. These styles of

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fish like to call the weed home, as it provides perfect cover for ambushing prey.

There are several types of weed in St Clair. The main type you want to fish is more broken with lots of holes and towers coming up. This provides ambush points for the fish, and makes it easier for them to locate your lures.

There are also solid weed mats in the lake which you want to avoid. These mats look like an old, worn-out rug covering a large section of bank. There may be fish holding underneath but it’s hard for them to hunt there, and hard for anglers to catch fish from there too.

The shallow water fish living in the weed are almost black to a golden bronze – perfectly camouflaged to match their environment, compared to deeper fish which come in shades of silver and grey.

The author with a bass caught on a lightly weighted small stickbait plastic.

Even though the weed fish have this enormous area of cover to hide in and get out of the sun, they can be very temperamental when it comes to feeding conditions.

Low light is always the best for getting these fish to eat a lure. Early morning, late evening and overcast or even windy conditions make the fish feel more confident about moving around and feeding in the weed.

Picking a spot can sometimes be confusing when almost the entire edge of the lake is covered by weed. Look for points and bays, even rock and timber – something that will give the weed an uneven edge and holes. In these areas the fish will congregate, and multiple casts to the same area can catch several fish as they move around looking for food.

A jerkbait in the 50-80mm range is an excellent choice to start out with. It looks like an injured baitfish darting around, and the bass and golden perch can’t seem to resist one aggressively worked along the weed and paused in their face.

plastics and retrieve typically get eaten on the drop.

If you’re still not getting bites, a paddle-tail or grub is your next best option.

These styles will work on a straight slow wind retrieve, and 1/8oz, 1/6oz and 1/4oz jigheads are the best options.

Use the lighter 1/8oz and 1/6oz for over the weed beds, and the 1/4oz for

Jack Maunder and a pair of shallow water bronzed bass. fishing down the face and along the weed edge. When slow rolling the plastics, try giving them little twitches in your retrieve to mimic a baitfish that is trying to escape. This can turn lookers into biters.

If the bites are not coming, try to focus on where you are putting your lure and what retrieve, then change the brand or colour.

Rigging plastics weedless is another option for getting in tighter to the weed, and catching those fish that others might miss.

Moving out wider from the weed there should be some schools hanging around. Anywhere from 20ft out into 60ft you can find them stacked up off points or humps. A paddle-tail or grub plastic, ice jig or even a small blade should catch you some fish. Traditionally the school fish are smaller than the weed-dwellers, but they can provide a lot of fun with their willingness to eat a lure.

Mitch Cone used a Bass Vampire fly to fool this shallow water Glenbawn bass.

Lake Glenbawn will be fishing its head off this month. The weed never really got going this winter because of the speed the water was dropping. Though it will fish very similar to Lake St Clair, in the low light periods the fish will be up in the shallows hunting down baitfish. A jerkbait and small soft plastics worked in that 5-15ft of water close by main points and steeper edges will catch you some seriously chunky bass this month.

Glenbawn banks are a lot deeper than St Clair, so once the sun gets up a 1/4-3/8oz jighead is better suited for fishing a plastic. Slow roll your plastic out off the edges down to around 20ft of water or where you can see them sitting on the sounder.

Twitching plastics up like a flathead retrieve and letting them fall back to the bottom under a tight line works as well. The plastic will always get eaten on the drop.

A skirted jig with craw trailer will start to work a little better this month. As the water temperature may rise a degree or two in the afternoons, try pitching these at hard cover like standing trees and laydowns in 5-15ft of water.

Sitting out wider, some fish should be schooling as well. Points or near sunken timber lines are good places to look in 30-60ft of water.

Also, up the back of the lake in the 8 knot zone there can be some really big schools of fish this month. Anywhere off the rock walls or next to the old river bed can see the sounder nearly blacked out with fish. Plastics, ice jigs and small blades will be the best option to get these fish to bite and hopefully you’ll experience some fish-a-cast sessions.

Put in the time for bigger Murray cod bites NEW ENGLAND RIVERS

Adam Townsend

August is now upon us and this usually means some pretty exciting fishing if you are lucky enough to put in the time on the water.

The colder weather has settled in well along the New England Tablelands and although this time of year usually starts to get a bit warmer, our winter seemed to start a bit later than usual this year so it could just hang around a little longer.

Unfortunately for the rivers and the local farmers, little rains this winter are making the countryside and its waterways look pretty miserable across several different river systems.

Holes that were filled with water last year and also flowing now barely have a

A healthy Murray cod caught on a downsized chatterbait.

trickle to them, some have no flow at all. In saying that, Murray cod are very smart fish and can usually sense when they are in danger and will often travel early looking for deeper water, although they are known to be very territorial.

The Severn River has been fishing well in recent weeks despite the conditions. Working lures across the deeper sections of the pools and the tops and bottoms of weed beds seem to be most productive methods of late. Most lure types will still catch fish in their right conditions, however I think with the cold water temperatures, slower retrieves are definitely the key.

The Beardy River is closed for trout breeding season (local Inverell DPI Fisheries have been present making sure people are doing the right thing).

Copeton Dam has been producing some monster fish this winter but very few anglers have caught them without putting in the hours and the effort.

Swimbaits and chatterbaits still seem to be the most effective lures, but with stable cold temperatures

recently, surface lures have been claiming some very healthy fish as well.

This time last year Copeton was at the 47% mark, recently it was sitting around the mid twenties mark, so there are lots of different banks to be looking for fish on this year, and lost lures.

Pindari Dam has also been producing some quality fish this winter between both the Murray cod and the yellowbelly.

With all the rain we were receiving this time last year, the dam was sitting at

over full capacity. This year it is currently around the 58% mark, so there are a lot of exposed banks, which means lots of structure – the perfect place to target a chunky Pindari native.

There isn’t much time left until Murray cod fishing closes for the annual breeding season (this excludes Copeton Dam) so get out there and make the most of it while we can. Fingers crossed we get some much-needed rain very soon. Tight lines and hopefully I will see you on the water somewhere.

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AUGUST 2018

63

WHAT’S NEW FISHING DAIWA FREAMS LT

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One of the more popular reels in the Daiwa spin reel range receives an overhaul in 2018 with Freams experiencing the LT makeover to elevate it to a new level of strength and performance.

With the LT principles of Light and Tough the foundation of the new Freams LT this is a reel that is loaded with Daiwa’s finest spin reel technologies to deliver anglers a reel that is classic in looks yet light years ahead in design and performance.

Air Bail, Twistbuster II, MagSeal, Air Rotor, an ultra light aluminium spool featuring Long Cast ABS, a redesigned line keeper, High Grip I-Shape knobs, and a super sized ATD drag provide unmatched design and performance enhancements, while the heart of the reel, LT’s new Tough Digigear delivers unmatched refinement, strength, and power.

Revamped, restyled and reborn, the new Freams LT has set a new standard in value, performance and design possibilities, and will be available in six different sizes, ranging from the finesse, shallow spooled, 2000S, through to the big daddy in the range the 6000D-H. www.daiwafishing.com.au

REPAIRS ON THE GO

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Two of the latest outdoor accessories released by EJTodd are Gear AidTenacious Tape and RevivX Water Repellent Spray.

Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid is an allpurpose, weatherproof repair tape that fixes rips, holes and gashes in almost all outdoor gear. It stays put no matter how bad the conditions are, and leaves no sticky mess. Tenacious Tape repairs camping gear, sleeping bags and mats, tents, clothing, vinyl rafts, down jackets—whatever needs a quick patch.

You can make your raingear shed water like new again with ReviveX Durable Water Repellent Spray. This breathable DWR repels water, oil, and stains, and is ideal for use on raingear, tents, nylon jackets, pants, waders, and gloves.

You can either restore the DWR treatment on waterproof breathable garments, like eVent, NeoShell, and Gore-Tex jackets, or add DWR to gear that isn’t pre-treated, like down jackets.

The continuous, air-powered sprayer dispenses every drop in a wide, even application, and can even be sprayed upside down. www.ejtodd.com.au

X-RAP MAGNUM XTREME

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The new shallow running X-Rap Magnum Xtreme trolls true at over 15 knots, allowing you to cover more water and trigger the speedsters of the deep. Sleek flat sides create a tight rolling action while its tail keel adds stability at all speeds.

You can troll the X-Rap Magnum Xtreme fast or slow through reef terrain or around rocky outcrops, amongst skirted lures or other Rapala lures in your spread. Designed with Rapala’s Magnum level of strength, each X-Rap Magnum Xtreme comes complete with through-wire construction, heavy-duty split rings and VMC 9626 3x strong treble hooks.

For more information on this and other new gear from Rapala, along with catch photos and videos, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rapala.australia.

You can also find them on Instagram (@ rapalaaustralia), YouTube (www.youtube.com/ user/RapalaVMC) or visit their website. www.rapala.com.au 64

AUGUST 2018

NOCQUA PRO POWER KIT

PRODUCT GUIDE

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The Nocqua Pro Power Kit, brought to you by Hobie, is the first truly portable fishfinder battery for powering your sounder, GPS, and other outdoor electronics.

Lightweight, durable, and water resistant, the Nocqua Pro Power Kit utilizes the same battery technology developed for light systems, with openended connections to easily power your electronic devices.

The Pro Power Kit (#72025010) comes in two capacity sizes, 4.4Ah and 10Ah, to power every adventure. While not a perfect fit, they can be stored in Hobie mountable Fish Finder Battery Holders.

For more information on these and other Hobie accessories for sounders/GPS, visit Hobie.com.au. For all the latest news on upcoming events and new releases, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/HobieCatAsiaPacific.

Price: SRP $224.95 www.hobie.com.au

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SHADOW RAP JACK 5 DEEP 5 Rapala VMC Australia has added the new Shadow Rap Jack Deep 5 to the ever-popular Shadow Rap family.

This 5cm lure certainly packs some punch. It consists of full through wire construction, and VMC hooks strong enough for predators far bigger than the bait would lead you to believe. It will also stay in the zone for longer thanks to its slow rising, deep diving action.

With a weight of 6g it can cast a mile, making this bite-size lure such a versatile option for a variety of different species from bream and trout through to flathead, sooty grunter and mangrove jack.

Available in 15 of the coolest fish catching colours, the Rapala Shadow Rap Jack Deep 5 is due to hit tackle store shelves in August 2018. www.rapala.com.au

NEW MUSTAD GLOVES

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Mustad has released three new gloves: Landing Gloves, Casting Gloves and Sun Gloves.

The Landing Gloves are designed to help you land fish without damaging your hands.

These are heavy-duty, reinforced gloves designed for offshore fishing, however, in Australia anglers chasing raspy-toothed fish like flathead and Murray cod will appreciate the build of these gloves. Specifically designed for handling fish, the gloves feature a flip top on the index finger, Velcro wrist strap and heavy duty padding in all the right places.

The Casting Glove is designed to be used while casting big lures on big tackle offshore.

A mesh matrix top fits like a second skin and allows sweat to evaporate. There is extra padding in high stress areas.

The Sun Gloves are UPF 50+ rated and lightweight. They feature reinforced grip pads so that rods and reel handles are held securely while the thumb, index and middle fingers are cut off to allow for a better feel. A strong Velcro wrist strap ensures a perfect fit.

These gloves are available now in sizes M, L and XL. www.wilsonfishing.com.au

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

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING DAIWA RYOGA 1520

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An ultra strong, alloy frame and side plates is the foundation of the Daiwa Ryoga 1520 baitcaster, providing an immoveable foundation for this stunning reel, regardless of what’s thrown at it.

Integrating many of Daiwa’s most famous technologies, the Ryoga once again takes baitcaster design to the next level with Magseal, ATD, Hyper Mesh Gear System, Speed Shaft, Magforce Z and Zero Adjuster combining to deliver a level of refinement and power rarely seen in heavy duty baitcasters.

A G1 Duraluminium spool, swept handle, and clicking star drag further enhance performance and features, and combine with the new High Grip I Shape knobs to provide unmatched cranking power, balance and control.

Flawless in design, stunning in looks and style, and unparalleled in performance and power, the new Ryoga 1520 is the pinnacle of heavy-duty baitcaster design and the ultimate big bait reel. www.daiwafishing.com.au

MUSTAD WORM BINDER

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Mustad has just released two Worm Binders, a single and double.

Constructed from tough, waterproof 500D tarpaulin, these Worm Binders are sealed with a waterproof zipper for the ultimate in safety for your gear.

Zip locked inner plastic pockets for lure storage (10 in the single version and 20 in the double) allow anglers to carry more than enough rigs, hooks, plastics, spinnerbaits or chatterbaits for any fishing session. The bags also contain plastic accessory pockets for things like jigheads, snips and small leader spools, while a larger mesh pocket can also store gloves, larger line spools and other accessories.

The plastic pockets are held in place with a rust-proof nylon split ring, ensuring longevity in this traditional weak area, and there is also an elastic small tool storage area inside the binder.

Outside there are two Velcro straps for attaching the binders to backpacks, tackle bags or boats, and the handles are finished off with soft neoprene for the ultimate in angler comfort. www.wilsonfishing.com.au

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NEW LURES FROM JOLLIP

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Australian lure company Jollip Lures has refined its Jaboa 55 diving crankbait, which is designed primarily for bass and yellowbelly.

“This lure has evolved significantly since its initial design, and we have added saltwater colours to the range with a narrower bib and beefed up trebles,” said designer Joey Urquhart. “The deeper bib dives to 8ft and the narrower bib dives to 6ft.”

The Jaboa 55 will catch a range of species, from jacks and barra to bass, yellowbelly and cod.

Another new model is the River Rodent Fizzer, which is 100mm long and features twin blades that work at a slow and fast retrieve.

This lure works at its best with a short, sharp retrieve, creating lots of noise and bubbles.

“It’s hand crafted from timber and assembled using only the best components,” Joey said. “You can instantly feel the quality of the build and know it’s going to be up to the task of taming those river monsters.”

Price: $20 (Jaboa 55), $35 (River Rodent Fizzer) www.jolliplures.com

REDINGTON BEHEMOTH

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The Behemoth reel combines the most powerful drag in its class with stunning aesthetics that push the limits of fly reel design.

The Behemoth’s unique, un-machinable, die-cast construction is coupled with a durable, interlocking, large-arbor spool design that both looks and functions like a premium reel. A super heavy-duty carbon fibre drag package brings the utmost in drag strength, reliability and performance to the family. Sized for your favourite 5wt trout rod and all the way up to the saltwater ready, big-game sizes.

Features include: large arbor design that speeds retrieve and reduces line memory; oversized drag knob for easy adjustment; easily converts to left or right hand retrieve; deep V-spool for increased backing capacity; twin moulded, softtouch ergonomic handles; included nylon reel case; and a lifetime warranty.

The Behemoth is available now in black or gunmetal. www.jmgillies.com.au

GAMAKATSU LONG SHANK BLACK

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Gamakatsu are the benchmark in high quality, chemically sharpened Japanese steel hooks, and they have now added a black colour to the existing long shank red.

Long shank hooks are versatile and perfect for worms, pipis, prawns and cut flesh baits either fished from a boat or land as well as mud eye in the fresh. They are perfect for kids starting out as they are available in a wide variety of sizes, and they are also easy for anyone to get fish off quickly, often without touching the fish at all. In addition the long shank offers protection from toothy species such as leatherjackets, a wharf staple for many young anglers.

Beach anglers are also extensive users of this hook style for whiting and bream, while boat anglers will find them effective at catching yellowtail and slimy mackerel allowing a quick turnover from de-hooking a fish to getting another bait in the water.

This new colour is available in sizes 12 up to 2, and in pre-packs and 25 packs. www.frogleysoffshore.com.au

OKUMA LRF RODS

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LRF rods feature Okuma’s patented UFR technology (Unidirectional Fibre Reinforcement), which uses an outer layer of longitudinal fibres around the blank. This increases the lifting power and also the maximum strength of the rod by up to three times that of a standard blank.

Other features include quality Seaguide XO guides, with SS316 frame and SIC inserts for long, smooth casts, full grip design for comfort and use in rod holders, comfortable reel seat design, hi-vis yellow tip section and slick looking black and gold highlights.

The result is a series of strong and durable rods that cast lures well and offer excellent feel, while also having the sensitivity to transfer well to bait fishing applications. There are seven models, covering everything from skinny water bass and trout missions with the 5’ 1-3kg, through a selection of line ratings in 6’ to 7’ rods and a 7’4” 2-5kg model that’s perfect for long casts on the flats.

Price: SRP $89.90-99.90 www.okuma.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au AUGUST 2018

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Gift

FATHERS DAY GUIDE GARMIN ECHOMAP SAMAKI RED 1 PLUS SNAPPER SHIRT

The new Garmin ECHOMAP Plus features powerful sonar capabilities, preloaded charts and mapping, and built-in WiFi. The Plus series features a bright, sunlightreadable 4”, 6”, 7” or 9” display. The 7” and 9” units have a new keyed-assist touchscreen, providing quick access to the features you use most.

Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, anglers can take advantage of the free ActiveCaptain mobile app. You can use the app to access, update and purchase maps and charts on a mobile device anytime, reference the ActiveCaptain community for marina and other points of interest details, and more. The app provides notifications directly to the plotter/combo, software updates, off-vessel planning capabilities and more. Once the unit is turned on, the maps and charts will be instantly available.

All units have built-in CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar. The 7” and 9” Plus models also provide support for all Garmin Panoptix allseeing sonar transducers. The entire range is preloaded with BlueChart g2 HD cartography.

Price: $499-$1599 www.garmin.com/newmarine

COSTA REEFTON

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Black Magic has added the exciting slow pitch Flipper jig to their range.

Their original design stands out with a dramatic spoon-like scoop on one side of the jig. They fall with a wide and sweeping side-to-side flutter and retrieve with a large darting action, giving them a strong visual presence which will be attractive to a wide range of species.

Flipper Jigs come in four striking colour options with lumo spots or stripes. There are two strong hooks attached with Kevlar thread, and the available weights are 60g, 80g, 100g, 150g and 200g.

Flipper Jigs are available now from Black Magic dealers nationwide. For more information, photos and videos, visit the Black Magic website or check them out on Facebook (www.facebook. com/blackmagictackle), or Instagram (@ blackmagictackle). www.blackmagictackle.com 66

AUGUST 2018

ZMAN BEANIEZ

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With the weather cooling it’s perfect timing for the arrival of ZMan’s BeanieZ. Constructed from quick-drying 100% acrylic, these comfortable beanies feature four topseam knit construction and embroided ZMan ‘Z’, in a one size fits most cool weather headwear option.

These beanies are a quality Richardson Sports product. Richardson Sports is a company who has served the team sports market both in the US and internationally since 1970, and its products are known for their quality and reliability. Today Richardson is recognised as a leader in the sports product industry, delivering performance-inspired headwear to millions of athletes around the world. It makes sense then that they should make headwear for the largest recreational sport in the world: fishing.

The new ZMan beanies come in two shades, charcoal and grey, and are available now.

Price: SRP $19.95 www.z-man.com.au

SUGAR DEEP 90 BARRA TUNE

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BLACK MAGIC FLIPPER JIGS

Samaki’s new Red Snapper shirt is striking and full of colour. It features hungry snapper in a baitfish-filled rockery, chasing down a Samaki Boombait.

This shirt is made from lightweight fabric that features UPF50+ technology, providing the highest level of protection against the harsh sun. The soft touch, 100% polyester material is comfortable on the body and has the added feature of being breathable, keeping you cool and dry.

Samaki designs are brought to you

by Australian anglers who love to design Australian species. Red Snapper shirts are available in adult, youth and kids sizes, ranging from a size 2 through to a 3XL, allowing the whole family to get in on the action and out onto the water.

For more information, including the location of your nearest stockist, visit the Samaki website or like them on Facebook and Instagram.

Price: SRP$59.95 (adults), $49.95 (kids) www.samaki.com.au

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One of Costa’s latest models is named after a popular fishing destination: Reefton. With 12 different river systems less than an hour’s drive from town, it’s no wonder New Zealand’s Reefton is world-renowned for its freshwater fishing.

These size large frames are the perfect companion to explore any body of water.

They will stay put on larger heads under any condition, thanks to their co-moulded temples, Hydrolite nose and temple pads, and cam action spring hinges.

All Costa lenses have 100% UV blockage for maximum protection and 100% polarization to kill reflected glare.

Their 580 lens technology effectively blocks the harshest light waves in the visible spectrum, and enhances the portions that help you see more clearly into the water.

Costa’s Bio Resin frames now come available in four new colours, including two new brilliant matte teak finishes. To check out the full range of Costa sunglasses, plus their range of apparel and accessories, visit the Costa Australia website or look them up on Facebook. www.costadelmar.com.au

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Japan produce some of the most lifelike lures in the world and the Bassday Sugar Deep 90 Barra Tune is no exception, except this time it’s been tuned for Aussie conditions. This realistic 90mm jerkbait is available in seven fish-attracting colours, covering everything from clear to dirty water, making them ideal for inland dams as well as rivers, streams and estuaries.

The Bassday Sugar Deep 90 Barra Tune has heavy-duty construction and extra strong trebles. It has a life-like appearance and can be cast accurately, quickly diving to a depth of 2.5m.

This versatile lure can be used with a slow, steady retrieve producing a sharp wobble or a fast erratic stop-start retrieve which will have the lure darting about, imitating a dying baitfish. It also works well in heavily fished waters or on days where the fish are timid, as its neutral buoyancy lets you pause it near structure and it will suspend right in the strike zone.

The Barra Tune will be perfect for barra, threadfin salmon and other species as well as flathead down south over flats. www.frogleysoffshore.com.au

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Guide

FATHERS DAY GUIDE LOWRANCE FISHHUNTER

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BIG WILLY BAIT PUMP

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The Lowrance FishHunter castable fishfinder is designed for anglers fishing from the shore or a kayak. It sends realtime sonar data via WiFi to view on your smartphone or tablet, and doesn’t require a cellular or internet connection.

FishHunter Pro features a tri-frequency transducer, offering four ways to view sonar data including Fish (fish symbols), Raw (arches), Bathymetric and Ice Fishing Flasher views. You can troll it behind a boat to create bathymetric maps.

Incorporating five tri-frequency transducers, FishHunter 3D offers five functional views including 3D Fishing and Ice Fishing Flasher, as well as a Directional Casting View that pinpoints fish depth and location relative to the transducer. FishHunter 3D can be trolled to create bathymetric or structure maps.

FishHunter’s antenna ensures constant WiFi connectivity for the highest signal range.

FishHunter Pro provides a 150ft depth and 160ft WiFi range, and FishHunter 3D offers a 160ft depth and a 200ft WiFi range. The rechargeable battery lasts for 10 hours of active use.

Price: SRP $173.90-$218.90 www.lowrance.com

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Pumping worms and yabbies is a great way to get the freshest of fresh bait for your day’s fishing. Having the right tool to get the job done is an important step to success and one that needs careful consideration.

The Wilson Big Willy Bait Pump gives users an extra long 39” shaft meaning you do not have to bend so far down when pumping. This is a great asset for those who want to collect bait comfortably and easily.

Stainless steel and brass construction mean that this pump will go the distance, giving you years of faithful service and opening up your fishing options.

Available at all leading tackle stores, the Big Willy will become a vital part of any bait collection trip. For more information on this and other bait collecting products from Wilson’s, visit the Wilson Fishing website. You can also catch up with the latest news, catch photos and videos at www.facebook.com/LWilsonAndCo. www.wilsonfishing.com.au

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DAIWA DUCKFIN LIVESHAD

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The Duckfin Liveshad has a very effective design, which delivers outstanding action that resembles the swimming movements of a real fish. By applying 3D design and modeling around the realistic natural baitfish shape, this premium grade soft bait is one of the most accurate lifelike shads available on the market today.

Suited to fast and slow retrieves, the Duck Fin tail creates a strong rolling and swinging action. Combined with its enticing swimming action, the lure’s streamlined shape, fins and large tail make it a very lethal lure.

Features include: realistic patterns; 3D eyes; UV active prevents fading; fins for stabilization; and large Duckfin tail. The special soft material is also tough, and can endure multiple takes from predators.

There are two models, a smaller size that measures 150mm long and weighs 28g, and a larger model that measures 200mm long and weighs 64g. They are available now in tackle stores around Australia.

Price: from SRP $19.99 www.daiwafishing.com.au

HOBIE BARNACLE +

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The Hobie Barnacle + is a durable floating speaker with Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in microphone for taking hands-free calls, and the capacity to hold 1000 songs, so you don’t have to use your phone. It mounts to any smooth surface using an industrial suction cup base, and is perfect for the kayak, SUP or tinny.

This new speaker is designed to go where other speakers can’t; it’s 100% waterproof, and can be submerged to a depth of 6ft for up to an hour. It also floats!

No matter how it is dropped in the water, the Barnacle will always surface with the speaker facing up, keeping your tunes afloat and jamming.

As well as being waterproof, the Barnacle is sand and dust proof. Its all-terrain design is sealed tight, and is engineered to withstand the most demanding elements. No matter how dirty your speaker gets, you can freely wash it off in water and you’re good to go. It also has built-in 4GB memory, produces surprisingly bold sound, and has a battery life of up to five hours. www.hobie.com

LIVETARGET BAITBALL 11 SPINNER RIG

The LiveTarget BaitBall Spinner Rig is one of the latest LiveTarget lures to be released

by Australian distributor EJ Todd.

With three different wire-frame sizes, the LiveTarget BaitBall Spinner Rig is a versatile lure which can be fished at any depth. The three teaser bodies and willow blade create a vibration and flash which call in nearby predatory fish. When bass or cod see the BaitBall, they will strike the primary target body, which is strategically placed away from the teaser fish in the BaitBall.

The LiveTarget BaitBall Spinner Rig is available now in six colours to match various water conditions. There are three sizes – small (11g), medium (14g) and large (21g).

For more information head to the EJ Todd website, or for news, photos and videos check them out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ EJ.Todd.Australia) or Instagram (@ej_todd). www.ejtodd.com.au

PLANO WEEKEND SERIES

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For 2018, Plano’s successful Weekend Series includes three distinct, reimagined models that work as hard as you do.

These models are called the Weekend Series Tackle Cases, Weekend Series Softsider Tackle Bags and Weekend Series Speed Bags.

Each one is available in Plano’s popular 3600 and 3700 sizes to build – or integrate seamlessly into – any tackle management system. And they look better than ever in brand new, classy and clean tan or grey colour schemes.

In addition to standout new aesthetics, these bags feature upgraded, no-fail zipper pulls and tactical-inspired MOLLE exterior webbing for easy attachment of fishing tools or accessories. Best of all, these handsome and durable standout performers are available at very reasonable prices that any working angler can afford. For more information on this and other Plano tackle storage solutions, visit the JM Gillies website. You can also get all the latest news and catch photos on the JM Gillies Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ jm.gillies. www.jmgillies.com.au AUGUST 2018

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The signal in the noise SUNTAG

Stefan Sawynok

This is the story of a two-year journey to bring new technology to Australia and how it changed my thinking on where we needed to focus as a business in the coming decade. Fishing for food will always be part of the Australian lifestyle, but the economic reality is for fishing to continue to grow as an industry, we need to make more money from taking less fish. Just for the record – that is both commercial and recreational sectors.

on harvest, focus on less take, less species, greater value-add.

This insight led me to seek out others that held that belief.

From San Diego, I travelled to Aberdeen, a small town in Washington State. Aberdeen is a fishing community with a mix of recreational, native and commercial fishers. I was there to meet up with a long-term friend – a Baptist preacher and musician who had spent a year collaborating with me on an audio book. None the less, I couldn’t help but do a bit of digging. Aberdeen is a small community and Rick– now a DJ knows everybody – managed to get me introductions to many people, including the First Nations owner of a takeaway, who

for around 30 years, who have been making echo sounders that come with a unique feature – they can count things. A couple of the more exciting objects they count include people and torpedos.

On a more mundane level, the Biosonics also counts fish with some handy additions, such as filtering out sections of the water column and calibrating the signal strength to species.

to look at habitat in Central Queensland. Even with the full support of all the major local organisations and a lot of work on design and implementation, we failed to convince Fisheries that the project had merit.

Despite my disappointment, we kept going, and during 2017 I openly advocated that we should take the risk and bring in the equipment. That was

Aaron Dunlop using the Biosonics Unit.

Standing wood in the Woolwash.

Top: Balls of tilapia detected on the Biosonics.

Below: A section of scan at Woolwash Lagoon.

Over the last five years of visiting different fisheries around the country, one of the most significant problems I have encountered is the time it takes to work out many fundamental fishing questions.

What if we could reduce the time to work out a fishery down to days, even hours?

I have spent many thousands of hours working out how to make that idea a reality.

AN UNEXPECTED CHAIN OF COINCIDENCES Back in the middle of 2016, I received an email from the World Fisheries Monitoring Conference in San Diego. The conference is a meeting of mainly governmental agencies on how to tackle the challenges of monitoring the world’s fishing fleets. I have no idea why an invite made it my way, but I decided that I needed to go. The conference was eye-opening. With its heavy focus on the global commercial fleet, a topic I knew nothing about, I was free to be inquisitive and connect with some of the left field thinkers. One thing I didn’t expect was to be convinced by a commercial fisher that we needed to invert our thinking 68

AUGUST 2018

also operated a commercial vessel on the Chehalis River.

During that encounter, he mentioned that the local tribe had a very different approach to monitoring the fishery on Lake Quinault. That led me to a breakfast meeting with a fisheries scientist who introduced me to some smart technology that changed the way I think about fishing problems.

BIOSONICS What is this technology?

Biosonics is a company that has been based in Seattle has

Most of the time this sort of technology is used by scientists on expensive projects, but I had a vision that with a bunch of work, this technology could be used by ordinary fishing groups to rapidly work out local fisheries problems such as setting the right stocking levels.

I want to more than bring the Biosonics Unit to Australia – I want to deliver its benefits to as many people as possible.

FAILURE TO LAUNCH While I was busy working my way through the fishing community of Aberdeen, I received an email from my father Bill that he had met with Rockhampton Council.

He had met with council and established that the number one priority with the new Net Free Zone was to map out the habitat and fish aggregations across the length of the Fitzroy.

This is exactly what the Biosonics system is designed to do, so I was pretty excited.

On return, we presented to council and worked with the technicians at Biosonics and developed a plan. At the same time, a one-off funding opportunity came up

Fish identified in the lagoon.

not a small risk, as Biosonics systems come with a hefty price tag, not to mention a lower Australian dollar and all the complications of financing equipment with a vendor overseas. The internal agreement within Infofish was yes to moving forward, so long as there were some locked in clients. That process was slow – unsurprisingly it’s hard to get progress on something you can’t demonstrate. By the end of 2017 I was becoming very frustrated and at times despondent that we would never get there.

Rockhampton City Council came up again at the start of 2018 when we were invited to apply to another program. This time around we were not just thinking a single river, but how would you apply the technology to the entire state. Once again we put in a lot of work to establish how that could happen and yet again we were knocked back, failing to pass the bar set by Fisheries.

AN EMERGENCY TO GET ACTION Fortune smiled upon me in a very unexpected way.

Out of nowhere one of the groups we had been talking to for more than a year decided at the end of April that they wanted to do a project and it had to be done by June 30.

Fresh from the disappointment of months of work on the second proposal to Fisheries, everyone at Infofish wanted to see the project happen. This time I managed to prosecute the argument that we take the risk. The next six weeks were chaos, but finally, there was momentum to make it happen, and as fast as hurdles appeared, we knocked them down.

On 30 May after one last hurdle at customs, we took possession of a 95lb box of gear. Never in my life have I been so nervous and at

the same time hopeful that something magical lay within.

THE SIGNAL IN THE NOISE My very first question –

question should be, is the Biosonics a good observer?

Think of the ways fish are counted – nets, electrofishing, cameras and so on. Each has its limitations in sampling, which require statistics to make estimates. The more fish a method can detect – the more accurate the estimate.

Figure 2 shows the opposite problem with this technique.

While most other methods are naturally selective, this unit is very capable of picking up a lot more than you might imagine – so in reality, the challenge is finding the signal in the noise.

QUANTUM OF ACCURACY In our initial test surveys,

Fish densities in Yeppen Lagoon. which I suspect all my readers would share – is it accurate?

Not for the first time in my articles, we come back to the ‘can we count all the fish in

we selected two lagoons of around the same width, Woolwash Lagoon and Yeppen Lagoon just outside Rockhampton. In Woolwash

Density mapping of wood in the lagoon. the sea’ principle. Straight up, nobody would believe me if I said yes, and the reality is, based on field experience, the natural world doesn’t play ball in that way. However, that is not the question I should have been asking. The real

Lagoon, the Biosonics detected around 15% of the number of fish in the Yeppen Lagoon. Also, we identified a higher proportion of bigger fish (>50cm) at approximately 50% of fish present, while fish in the Yeppen were generally

smaller. In this case, based on additional validation work, Woolwash has mostly barramundi, while tilapia are the dominant species in the Yeppen.

Does it matter if there are 5601 or 5605 fish if we want to make decisions on how to improve these fisheries?

In the case of the Yeppen, stocking barramundi would be a good idea especially, as the point of our surveys was to look at habitat enhancement. How much better do you want to make things for tilapia? In the case of the Woolwash, habitat enhancement is probably a waste of time as there is already more habitat than fish to support.

At project inception, a one size fits all approach to habitat enhancement was

Fish counts per transect and depth of water fish were in.

4 is a section of the resulting map. The gap in the scan is where the boys encountered one of those pieces of wood up close and personal.

Development time aside, we were able to get the time from survey to map down to around two hours for the full extent of a 6km track. Straight away we can demonstrate the power of what we are aiming to do – we can map large areas

Tilapia nests out to the side of the boat were visible on the unit. taken as our understanding of the differences in the lagoons were limited – that changed once the reality was clearer.

That is not to say that numbers don’t matter. Some problems require much greater level of precision. My point is so long as the data is reliable in presenting what is actually in the water, better decision making will result.

SO MUCH WOOD Now on to practical matters. If you look closely at Figure 2, there are some large hotspots. Figure 3 provides a bit of a clue as to what they are.

Anglers will likely get quite excited (and with good cause) at all that wood, but what happens if you are counting wood as well as fish? As it turns out, this is what happened in our first survey run, we ended up with ridiculous counts.

Not to be discouraged, we worked through the tuning process until we were able to screen out the wood and see the fish. One useful outcome from this exercise is we found we could go the other way and count wood. In this case, we came up with a figure of around 2870 wood structures.

Based on surface observational counts used as a validation, that wouldn’t be far off.

To make that large number more useful, we grouped the scan blocks to 10mx5m, 50 square metres surface area. We were able to use that method to generate a wood density map that fitted well with external observations and manual inspection of the images returned by the sounder. Figure

with real numbers in much less time than conventional means.

For a contrast, Figure 5 shows fish in the same area detected in 10mx1m blocks.

Most of these fish are >50cm.

Ready to break out the rods?

SIDESCAN? Another thing that takes a little getting your head around is while we are using a dual beam scanner, the transducer is in many cases aimed to the side.

I should make the point that I am not talking sidescan, which is more like a wall of higher frequency noise. Instead, think of downscan where the edge of the river is the bottom. By

using this configuration, we can scan large areas in quite shallow water. In the case of the Woolwash, the depth was rarely over 2m, which if we used conventional downscan would give us a beam width of 20cm.

One of the fun facts I learned about downscan is the swim bladder is the most visible part of the fish. By scanning from the side from a distance of 30-50m the echosounder has a wide beam targeting a more reflective side surface.

COUNTING FISH So how does the Biosonics count fish? Most fishers are familiar with the images that are presented by echosounders. The reality is this is not a photographic technique. A sensor in the transducer is compiling a bunch of returned signals and storing those signals as data. In order to construct an image, the echosounder has to interpret that data. Figure 7 presents an idea of what that looks like in practice and how the Biosonics unit takes advantage of a more powerful transducer.

The software paints fish it has identified based on userprovided criteria and some clever maths based on years of collected observational data.

In the case of Figure 7, we are firing through a 4m thick layer of bony bream, which we didn’t want to count. The bump on the bottom to the left is a fish hotel, which you can see fish hanging around.

How about scalability in counting fish? Well, just for

A single shot with the cast net results in a boatload of tilapia.

kicks we used the sidescan mode to have a look at the bony bream bait ball. Figure 8 is the result.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Yeppen Lagoon offered the perfect opportunity to test

identify the fish densities across the lagoon. We repeated the surveys three times to get an average and to check the stability of the sampling. The good news being we detected little change between samples.

A TILAPIA PREDICTION One of the observations made in the Yeppen Lagoon was that tilapia were in highest densities in the parts of the lagoon that averaged less than 4m in depth.

Woolwash Lagoon is close to Yeppen, around 2km apart. The two connect up during floods, and with shallower water you might expect a substantial number

tilapia dominated the cast net surveys.

THE FUTURE? I am excited by the potential of this technology, as it allows us to reduce the costs of rapid assessment of localised fish stocks, habitat, pest fish and many other questions that fishers ask. That will lead to smarter decision making, improved success rates for fishing groups investing in taking fisheries forward and better fishing opportunities for all fishers.

Creating better fishing experiences is what I am dedicated to, 7 days a week.

Right now we are learning

Top: Counting bony bream in a bait ball.

Below: Biosonics software identifies and counts fish. both side and down modes of operation. Figure 9 shows the two different survey patterns used. The red line represents side scanning transects, the coloured contour represents downscan transects.

One of the real world questions we wanted to look at was to see if there was evidence that showed the fish hotels were attracting fish. To do that correctly, we couldn’t just look at the hotels; we needed to compare the results against areas without fish hotels. A 250m wide area was selected that covered 120m or so either side with transects performed every 5m apart. Figure 10 shows that transects with fish hotels did in fact show higher numbers of fish present. Plotting the aggregations on a map then confirmed that indeed the numbers were highest around the hotels.

For the record, a fulllength transect of the Yeppen Lagoon was also conducted revealing that the bony bream bait ball extended for 500m, was an average of 4m deep and extended 60m at the widest points. That is some bait ball, given that the Lagoon is only just over 1km long.

The use of the side scanning option aimed to

of tilapia. Woolwash Lagoon also connects to the Fitzroy in smaller floods via Gavial Creek, so barramundi have more regular opportunities to make their way into the Woolwash. Even though tilapia are present, it seems the barra are keeping them under control. Yeppen Lagoon, on the other hand, has very few opportunities for barramundi to enter, so the Tilapia can live

new things every day we are on the water, and I suspect that will be the case for a long while. That aside, already we have a production process in place to get the data extracted and analysed without the need for a great deal of human intervention, which is crucial to keeping the costs down.

Portability is the other goal. If we have to cart around a boat that is a big limiter, but

Horses for courses survey patterns. out their lives in relative peace.

Another 700m on there is another lagoon – Crescent Lagoon – which has no public access, so we had no idea what would be there. That said, I speculated that if the Lagoon was shallow, there was a high probability that the tilapia numbers would high. Low and behold, with an average depth of 3-4m,

most fishing groups already have someone with a suitable vessel and sidescan. By only transporting the kit and operator we can get to more places around the country and keep the costs down as much as possible.

You can get excited too and check out more on the Biosonics at http://crystalbowl.com.au/biosonics.

AUGUST 2018

69

Trades, Services, Charter HOLIDAY RENTAL

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EDEN COAST Captain Kev’s Wilderness Fishing Tours (02) 4474 3345 or 0424 625 160

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.

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AUGUST 2018

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Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au AUGUST 2018

71

Wyaralong Dam shows promise The third stop of the Casino Outdoor and Disposal BASS Electric Series was held at Wyaralong Dam. This location had never been visited by the electric series before and 47 anglers held high hopes as it has been producing some massive bass over the last few months. Recent drops in water temperatures had shut things down with only 21 anglers weighing fish and only 9 full bags of bass.

Taking out 1st place and the only person to weigh in over 3kg was BASS Electric organiser Joey Urquhart, weighing 2/2 for 3.120 kg and taking out the round’s Big Bass of 1.715 kg.

Taking out 2nd place was Chris Osley, getting his 2/2 for 2.65kg. Chris fished in a similar area to Urquhart, midway up the lake. Osley fished a timbered point throwing Jackall TN60s in a gill pattern and worked his way through the carp to fill his limit and upgrade once.

He would slow roll his lure, then pause, letting it return to the bottom, before starting the retrieve again.

Osley fished in around 9ft of water targeting those feeding fish.

His rod of choice was a Megabass spin rod matched up with a Stradic 2500 Ci4 spooled with 8lb braid and 14lb leader. Osley took

STORM

The biggest fish for the session was this 1.715kg beast caught by event organiser Joey Urquhart. Look at how chunky that bass is! home $300 for his efforts.

In 3rd place was Les Smith with his 2/2 for 2.285kg. He fished the same location as Osley and used the same lure and technique.

There were 30 fish weighed in with an average

With fish as deep-bodied as this, the lake’s future looks promising.

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888.

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AUGUST 2018

Urquhart had never fished the lake before prefish on Saturday, so he covered lots of ground trying to find areas he liked. He came across two key areas, which had good showings of fish. With the start of the tournament underway Urquhart returned to the first key area midway up the lake and filled out his limit in 30 minutes. His approach was to sit wide of the bank casting to the edge slow rolling silent lipless crankbaits and crankbaits in natural colours. Urquhart fished only 50m of bank for the session.

“The area is what I call a transition bank. That’s where the fish are holding wide of the bank, but moving up to feed, and it’s those active feeding fish that I targeted. The magic depth was the 20ft mark,” he explained.

His choice of tackle was a Daiwa Pixy matched up with a Valley Hill Raison Odessa 6-16lbs rod, which was perfect for this application.

His reel was spooled with Sufix 832 15lb braid and Sufix Super 21 leader in 10lb. Urquhart explained that this lake played right into his favour, as this is his favourite technique. He took home $420 and $150 for Big Bass.

of 1.01kg per fish, which is fantastic given this is a relatively new dam.

Joey would like to thank everyone who attended and those who helped out. The last and final round is at Lake MacDonald on the Sunshine Coast.

The event had a great turnout, and it was great to see such a new fishery attracting so much attention.

TOP 9 BOATERS Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Angler Joey Urquhart Chris Osley Les Smith Brandon Goulding Liam Fitzpatrick Robert Butler Brett Kleinsmitt Nigel Skyring Michael Rowswell

Fish 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2

Weight 3.12kg 2.65kg 2.285kg 2.28kg 2.135kg 2.065kg 1.525kg 1.485kg 1.465kg

Prize $420 + $150 (Big Bass) $300 $220 $180 $140 $120 $120 $80 $80

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

R2 East Coast Bream Series The second round of the East Coast Bream Series, sponsored by Compleat Angler Nowra and Camping World, was held on the NSW South Coast in the seaside town of Sussex Inlet. The arena for the tournament was St Georges Basin, and the event attracted interest from all corners of NSW, with 63 teams taking part, a great result for a new series.

The weather for the day was a chilly 9°C at 7am as the teams took off up the river, looking for five big bream in the Basin, with all teams required to be back at 1pm for the weigh-in.

The conditions on the day were pleasant but not ideal for fishing. The water temperature was in the single digits, and glassed-out conditions made fishing tough until the wind

Father and son team Peter and Ethan Henkel weighed in a 3.87kg bag that earned them first place.

picked up at around 10am.

While taking the boat around during the competition and speaking to the anglers, it was evident that the fish were around, but actually getting them to bite required working out the right presentation and technique.

Most teams ended up weighing in fish, but father and son team Complete Angler/Cracka Flat were the winners on the day with their 3.87kg bag of five bream. Peter and Ethan Henkel said the secret to their win was finding fish in roughly 3-4m of water, then throwing 3lb straightthrough fluoro line and using a slow lift followed by long pauses. The lure of choice was the Stealth Blade in suji brown.

Second place was taken out by Marcelo Manuelian and Christian Bermudez from team Arguru, with a bag weight of 3.45kg.

The guys said they needed to move around to secure their bag and win the $1500 prize.

In third place was team Savage Gear with their bag of 3.01kg. They also commented that a slow lift and long pause were

key to getting the bigger fish to bite. They went for natural colours that matched the surrounding baitfish that they saw earlier in the morning. Taking home $1050, it was a good day on the water for Adam Hughes and Jared Sullivan.

The Big Bream prize was taken out by team Couple of Old Guys, who brought a 1.17kg bream to the scales. - WSBB

Most of the 63 teams ended up weighing in fish.

RESULTS Place Team Anglers Weight Prize 1 Compleat Angler/ Peter Henkel/

Cracka Flat Ethan Henkel 3.87kg $2500 2 Arguru Marcelo Manuelian/

Christian Bermudez 3.45kg $1500 3 Savage Gear Adam Hughes/

Jared Sullivan 3.01kg $1050 4 Kingswood Sports Mick Johnson/

Rick Ritchie 2.93kg $750 5 Full To the Bream Grant Oliver/

Mitchell Maddison 2.89kg $500 6 Flickinmad Mike Ahern/

Peter Hewitt 2.86kg CA Nowra pack 6 Team Triton Paul Mazaroli/

Mick Colotourous 2.86kg ABA pack 8 Cranka Compleat Liam Carruthers/

Angler Nowra Aurthur Amies 2.83kg Shimano pack 9 Compleat Angler Brad Williams/

Nowra/Prolure 4 Brimin Matt Cools 2.77kg Tempt pack 9 Compleat Angler Terry Parmenter/

Batemans Bay/Shimano Jason Mayberry 2.77kg Lure Men pack For complete results go to www.wsbb.com.au

for • Sign up updates!

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73

Hickson’s Hawkesbury win After several years and plenty of top-10 finishes, Taree’s Kris Hickson bounced back to the top of the podium with style, taking out the Atomic sponsored round of the Costa BREAM Series on the Hawkesbury River.

“I spent the whole weekend just fishing places I have caught big fish before and places I thought big bream live, and it worked out this time,” Hickson explained.

Anchored by a bream in the 1.4kg class each day, Hickson did what he usually does and rotated through a selection of proven baits fished in nasty country to get the bites he needed to contend for the win. The

A cool trophy, $3,400, and novelty cheque for the pool room that Happy Gilmore would be excited about was the reward for Hickson’s Hawkesbury heroics.

STORM

Bream like this really launch you up the leader board. Hickson presented a 1.4kg-class fish to the weighmaster on both days. fact that he landed his big kicker fish was the edge he needed to get the job done.

“I fished three key baits and mainly in oyster rack country. They were a ZMan 2.5” bloodworm grub on a

thousands of dollars in events all round the country, but it was the subtle differences in presentation that got Kris the bites he needed.

“The bream were only nipping at the tail, so I’d use a slower, dragging retrieve more than the standard hop-and-drop and sometimes I’d change to the Cranka Crab to convert some of those bites,” he said.

Also helping the fish eat the lure was a liberal application of Pro Cure scent in blue crab flavour.

Although fishing with an assortment of Daiwa tackle, Hickson singled out a favourite rig that was virtually impossible to pull drag from. Spooled with 10lb fluorocarbon leader and 10lb Daiwa J-Braid, it consisted

of a Silver Wolf rod and 2500 sized Daiwa reel.

Best of all, both of Hickson’s kicker fish were captured on his on-board Garmin camera and you can watch him catch them on the highlights reel on the ABT YouTube channel (ABT Tournaments).

Although suffering a setback (in the form of forgetting to screw in the bung) on the Sunday, Kris managed enough bites to box a 4.02kg bag and steal the win from Matt Hall by 170g.

The win propelled the Manning Valley breamer back to no. 1 in the national rankings with two Qualifiers and a Grand Final remaining on the 2018 Costa BREAM Tour.

1/16oz, #1 HeadLockz head, a heavy, olive Cranka Crab and a deep diving Jackall Chubby in brown suji,” Hickson said.

Between them, these baits have won hundreds of

WINNING TACKLE Rod: Reel: Line: Leader: Lure 1:

Daiwa Battler Water Zombie Daiwa Exist 2015, size 2003 Daiwa Evo-braid 14lb Yamatoyo Chinu Harris Gulp! Shrimp 2.5” camo and banana prawn Lure 2: Cranka Crab 5.9g olive Lure 3: ZMan 2.5” Grubz Lure 4: Jackall Deep Chubby brown suji

Canberra non-boater Tani Konsul landed the Daiwa J-Braid Big Bream with this awesome crab eater on a rocky river bank.

TOP 10 BOATERS

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888.

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AUGUST 2018

Scan this QR Code for the complete Hawkesbury River YouTube highlights Playlist.

Place Angler

Fish (kg)

Weight

1 2 3 4 5 6

Kris Hickson Matt Hall Liam Carruthers Jason Mayberry Ross Cannizzaro Steve Morgan

10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10

7 8 9 10

$3,150 + $250 Merc Bonus $1,500 $1,250 + $150 Merc Bonus $1,000 $900 $800 + $150 Merc Bonus + $200 Pro $700 $600 $500

Russell Babekuhl 8/10 5.66 Cam Whittam 10/10 5.61 Phil Nix 9/10 5.58 Todd Riches 9/10 5.34 For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

7.15 6.98 6.96 6.32 6.18 5.97

Payout

Matt Hall Junk Fishes Way to Second

Making his ABT debut at the Franklins Australian Open earlier in the year, Matt Hall consolidated his position as ‘a-boater-to-watch’ by logging a solid second place amongst a big field of quality anglers at the event.

Falling 170g short of Hickson, Matt Hall, a 25-year-old fire protection technician from St Clair in Western Sydney, started each day on the Barrenjoey flats, throwing 2 1/2” Gulp!

Shrimps in camo and banana prawn colours on 1/24oz HWS jigheads.

“I picked up a quality fish each morning there before the pressure got too heavy,” said Hall. “I’d throw a long cast and sink the bait into the weed, then I’d pop it out again. The bream Matt Hall and his blue Bass Cat have been making a splash in the ABT events in usually hit it on the drop.”

2018. He narrowly missed his first win at the Hawkesbury event with bream like this.

Cranka Crab

He then left the flat and fished windblown points with washes near Juno Point in the main river using the ubiquitous Cranka heavy, olive crabs. As the tide dropped, he’d switch to ZMan Grubs fished on the secondary drop-offs.

Adding a vital final day fish on a Jackall brown suji Deep Chubby, Hall, like Hickson, displayed the versatility needed

BREAM SERIES to catch the fish to contend.

Hall’s gear consisted of Daiwa Battler Water Zombie rods, high end Daiwa reels (his favourite a 2003 Exist 2015), 14lb Daiwa Evo-braid and 4lb Yamatoyo Chinu Harris leader.

“For me, it’s all about the wind. If it’s calm I struggle, so the windy conditions really played to my strengths,” Hall concluded.

DUFFRODS BIG BAG NSW breamer, Liam Carruthers presented the Duffrods Big Bag to the scales (4.32kg) on the second day. Fishing 65mm Cranka Crabs in Cowan Creek, Liam lamented that he hooked the fish to win the event on Day 1, but too many made it back home into the sandstone rocks.

HICKSON’S WINNING PATTERN

Liam Carruthers won the Duffrods Big Bag with a 4.32kg limit on Sunday.

Shuey Finally First after 4 Years Victorian Ben Shuey has been non-boating the ABT circuit for around four years and snatched his first title from the back of the boat at the Hawkesbury. Fishing exclusively the heavy, olive Cranka Crab, Ben assembled his limits in Cowan Creek (Day 1) and Berowra Creek (Day 2).

Victorian Ben Shuey weighed only three fish on the Sunday, but they were all donkeys.

TOP 10 NON BOATERS Place

Angler

Fish(kg)

Weight

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ben Shuey 8/10 5.79 Michael Thompson 9/10 4.32 Chris Micallef 6/10 3.51 Craig Johnson 6/10 3.38 Jim Hickson 4/10 2.61 Wayne Siow 3/10 2.45 Grant Oliver 5/10 2.45 Tani Konsul 3/10 2.28 Nathan Gregory 4/10 2.21 James Morgan 4/10 2.10 For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

Payout Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack Prize pack

“There was a bit of a knack to getting the bream hooked up. We were getting lots of bites and had to keep the crab moving until the rod loaded up. Then we just wound them on,” Ben said.

Ben used his favourite 13 Fishing Envy Black 7’1” light spinning rod paired with a Shimano Ci4 reel spooled with Sunline Castaway 10lb braid and 4lb Sunline Bream FC leader.

Ben’s winning margin was significant (1.47kg) but would have been much more so if he’d added another couple of legal fish to his Sunday 3-fish for 2.61kg bag. He was definitely catching quality fish.

Qualifying for the 2018 Costa BREAM Series Grand Final in 2018 in his home waters in Victoria, Ben will be a great draw in the season ending event where the winning boater will take home a Bass Cat Margay and Mercury motor package.

DAIWA J-BRAID BIG BREAM The event’s Big Bream was a 1.44kg giant yellowfin landed by non-boater Tani Konsul from Canberra.

It ate a 5.9g olive Cranka Crab fished along a rocky wall up the river with braided line and a 4lb fluorocarbon leader. Running back into the rocks several times, boater Bradley Young described her as excited as any non-boater he’d ever seen.

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75

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

Brought to you by

2018

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

11-12 Aug

ABT BREAM Series Round 8

Lake Macquarie

24-26 Aug

Grabine Classic

Grabine Lakeside State Park

25-26 Aug

ABT BASS Electric Series Grand Final

Wivenhoe Dam

8-9 Sep

ABT BASS Pro Round 6

Clarence River

15-16 Sep

Round 7 Hobie Kayak Bream Series

Central Coast

22-23 Sep

ABT BASS Pro Grand Final

Lake Somerset

23 Sep

Round 4 WSBB East Coast Bream Series

Lake Macquarie

6-7 Oct

Round 8 Hobie Kayak Bream Series

Swan River, WA

13-14 Oct

ABT BREAM Series Round 9

South West Rocks

13-14 Oct

Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic

Lake Hume

13-14 Oct

Round 9 Hobie Kayak Bream Series

Hopkins, Vic

20-21 Oct

ABT BASS Australian Open

Lake Glenbawn

21 Oct

GF WSBB East Coast Bream Series

Parramatta River

3-4 Nov

Round 10 Hobie Kayak Bream Series

Lake Macquarie, NSW

10-11 Nov

Berkley Urunga Flathead Tournament

Urunga

19 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 1

Kinchant Dam (evening event)

20 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 2

Teemburra Dam (evening event)

21 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 3

Peter Faust (Night Championship)

23-24 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 4

Peter Faust (evening event)

24-25 Nov

Round 11 Hobie Kayak Bream Series

Mallacoota, Vic

30 Nov-2 Dec

ABT BREAM Series Grand Final

Marlo

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www.hobiefishing.com.au

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www.lakehumeclassic.com.au

www.hobiefishing.com.au

www.abt.org.au

www.wsbb.com.au

www.hobiefishing.com.au

www.urungasportsfishing.com.au

www.abt.org.au

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www.hobiefishing.com.au

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Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@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

AUGUST 2018

2018 Grabine Freshwater Fishing Tournament The 18th annual Grabine Freshwater Fishing Tournament will be held at Grabine Lakeside Holiday Park from 24-26 August. This not-forprofit competition puts money from sponsors and

entry fees back into the next year’s tournament prizes and restocking of Wyangala Dam. A family-friendly event, the Grabine Freshwater Tournament brings people from all walks of life together to enjoy a weekend of fishing and camping in the natural beauty of Grabine

Lakeside State Park.

There will be over $30,000 worth of prizes up for grabs this year, and there’s a chance for any competitor to win the major prize – you don’t even need to record a fish. The major raffle at

this year’s comp is a 429 Stessco Fisherman with 40hp 4-stroke Mercury outboard, electric motor and trailer/ rego, and the runner-up raffle is a 349 Stescco Lagoon Car Topper. All you need to do to be in the running is to enter the competition and be there for the prize draws.

This year’s comp will

also include a Mystery Dialler Length Prize for the native categories to encourage more fish to be registered, to give a better idea of the amount of fish being caught over the weekend. The tournament is catch and release with

photographic entries, and a video of the release to be provided when showing photo of fish on brag mats.

The Catch and Release

The goal of this popular tournament is to create an enjoyable weekend of fishing for everyone, from the keenest tournament anglers to casual fishos and even whole families camping out together for the weekend. For all the details, including entry forms and the complete tournament

SPECIALISED SERVICES GROUP sections are Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch, catfish and trout. Both senior and junior prizes will be awarded. Prizes will also be on offer for the longest carp and the most carp caught during the tournament.

The registration fee is $25, and registrations will commence at the Grabine Function Centre on Friday 24 August from 8am onwards.

rules and regulations, visit www.grabinefishing.com. au. You can also get news updates on the Grabine Freshwater Fishing Tournament Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ GrabineFishingTournament.

Bring your family or some mates and have a great weekend of fishing at the 18th annual Grabine Freshwater Fishing Tournament. - GFFT

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77

2018 2018 2018 Local Time

SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY(FORT (FORT DENISON) NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY DENISON) – –NEW WALES LAT 33° 52’ LONG 151°SOUTH 13’ JANUARY MAY Time JANUARY Time m

LAT 33° LONG 151° LAT 33° 52’52’ of LONG 151° 13’13’ Times and Heights High and Low Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY JUNE JULY Time MARCH FEBRUARY m Time m Time m Time m

Time m m Time m m Time Time 0213 0.53 0141 0.34 0812 1.96 0846 1.72 0242 0.32 0309 0.42 0213 0.53 0141 0.34 1451 0.19 1525 0.39 0844 1.60 0909 1.52 0812 1.96 0846 1.72 TU MO 2116 1.33 2049 1.48 TU 1436 0.41 1459 0.51 1451 0.19 1525 0.39 WE MOTU 21011.33 1.99 21241.48 1.80 2116 2049 0233 0.32 0250 0.51 0904 2.04 0922 1.75 0333 0.29 0351 0.45 0233 0.32 0250 0.51 1544 0.12 WE 1559 0.37 0936 1.55 0950 1.45 0904 2.04 0922 1.75 TU 2144 1.50WETH 2152 1.35 1522 0.45 1532 0.57 1544 0.12 1559 0.37 WE TU 21491.35 2.00 21591.50 1.77 2144 2152 0326 0.32 0327 0.50 0956 2.07 0958 1.76 0427 0.29 0432 0.49 0326 0.32 0327 0.50 1636 0.09 1633 0.35 1031 1.38 1031 1.50 0956 2.07 0958 1.76 WE TH 2238 1.50 THFR 2229 1.36 1606 0.63 1613 0.51 1636 0.09 1633 0.35 WETH 22351.50 1.73 22401.36 1.98 2238 2229 0419 0.34 0404 0.50 1047 2.05 1033 1.75 0524 0.32 0515 0.53 0419 0.34 0404 0.50 1728 0.12 1708 0.36 1130 1.44 1113 1.33 1047 2.05 1033 1.75 TH FR 2331 1.48 FRSA 2305 1.36 1706 0.58 1642 0.69 1728 0.12 1708 0.36 THFR 23341.36 1.91 23131.48 1.67 2331 2305 0514 0.38 0444 0.51 1139 1.97 1109 1.72 0625 0.37 0600 0.58 0514 0.38 0444 0.51 1818 0.18 1743 0.37 1231 1.40 1158 1.28 1139 1.97 1109 1.72 FR SA 2345 1.37 1806 0.65 17230.18 0.75 SASU 1818 1743 0.37 FRSA 2355 1.61 2345 1.37 0025 1.46 0524 0.53 0609 0.45 1146 1.68 0033 1.83 0650 0.62 0025 1.46 0524 0.53 1230 1.84 SU 1819 0.39 0729 0.41 1249 1.25 0609 0.45 1146 1.68 SA 1909 0.27SU 13380.39 1.39 1813 0.81 1230 1.84 1819 MO SASU 1914 0.70 1909 0.27 0120 1.44 0026 1.38 0706 0.52 0608 0.56 0044 1.55 0138 1.74 0120 1.44 0026 1.38 1321 1.69 MO 1226 1.61 0832 0.44 0745 0.65 0706 0.52 0608 0.56 SU 1858 0.42 2000 0.36MOTU 1446 1.41 1349 1.24 1321 1.69 1226 1.61 MO SU 20270.42 0.71 19140.36 0.85 1858 2000 0215 1.42 0111 1.39 0806 0.60 0658 0.60 0246 1.67 0143 1.50 0215 1.42 0111 1.39 1415 1.53 1310 1.53 0930 0.46 0845 0.65 0806 0.60 0658 0.60 MO TU 2049 0.45 TU 1941 0.45 1550 1.46 1455 1.26 1415 1.53 1310 1.53 WE MOTU 21400.45 0.70 20250.45 0.85 2049 1941 0201 1.41 0313 1.42 0352 1.62 0248 1.48 0754 0.63 0913 0.66 0201 1.41 0313 1.42 1400 1.45 1513 1.39 WE 1024 0.47 0941 0.62 0754 0.63 0913 0.66 TU 1646 1.54 1557 1.32 2029 0.48 2140 0.52WETH 1400 1.45 1513 1.39 WE TU 22480.48 0.65 21350.52 0.82 2029 2140 0411 1.43 0257 1.44 0452 1.59 0352 1.49 1023 0.68 0900 0.64 0411 1.43 0257 1.44 1615 1.29 1501 1.37 1113 0.47 1030 0.58 1023 0.68 0900 0.64 WE TH 1737 1.63 1648 1.40 2124 0.50 2230 0.56 THFR 1615 1.29 1501 1.37 WETH 23490.50 0.59 22380.56 0.76 2124 2230 0508 1.47 0358 1.51 0545 1.55 0446 1.53 1133 0.67 1016 0.61 0508 1.47 0358 1.51 1156 0.48 1114 0.53 1720 1.23 1615 1.32 1133 0.67 1016 0.61 TH FR 1822 1.70 1732 1.50 2320 0.58 FRSA 2225 0.50 1720 1.23 1615 1.32 THFR 23310.58 0.67 2320 2225 0.50 0600 1.52 0501 1.60 0535 1.56 0042 0.54 1237 0.62 1133 0.53 0600 1.52 0501 1.60 1153 0.47 0635 1.52 1820 1.22 1731 1.32 1237 0.62 1133 0.53 FR SA 18131.22 1.62 SASU 1236 0.49 2329 0.47 1820 1731 1.32 FRSA 19040.47 1.76 2329 0009 0.58 0603 1.71 0019 0.57 0129 0.49 0647 1.57 1244 0.42 0009 0.58 0603 1.71 0621 1.60 0720 1.49 1329 0.56 SU 1841 1.35 0647 1.57 1244 0.42 SA 1232 0.43 13131.35 0.51 1913 1.24SU 1329 0.56 1841 MO SASU 18531.24 1.73 1943 1.80 1913 0053 0.56 0029 0.43 0106 0.47 0211 0.47 0730 1.63 0702 1.83 0053 0.56 0029 0.43 0706 1.62 0803 1.45 1411 0.49 MO 1345 0.29 0730 1.63 0702 1.83 SU 1311 0.40 1348 0.54 1958 1.27MOTU 1943 1.41 1411 0.49 1345 0.29 MO SU 19331.27 1.84 20191.41 1.82 1958 1943 0134 0.55 0127 0.38 0153 0.38 0251 0.46 0810 1.68 0758 1.94 0134 0.55 0127 0.38 0754 1.62 0845 1.42 1449 0.44 1440 0.19 0810 1.68 0758 1.94 MO TU 1352 0.39 1423 0.58 2038 1.30 TU 2038 1.47 1449 0.44 1440 0.19 WE MOTU 20161.30 1.93 20551.47 1.82 2038 2038 0221 0.33 0330 0.47 0851 2.01 0221 0.33 0925 1.38 1530 0.12 0851 2.01 WE 1458 0.61 2130 1.52 1530 0.12 WETH 21301.52 1.80 2130

Time m m Time m m Time Time 0311 0.46 0315 0.30 0943 2.04 0936 1.75 0416 0.22 0409 0.48 0311 0.46 0315 0.30 1618 0.11 FR 1605 0.34 1020 1.49 1005 1.35 0943 2.04 0936 1.75 TH 2203 1.44 2220 1.54FRSA 1559 0.47 1533 0.65 1618 0.11 1605 0.34 THFR 22281.44 2.04 22051.54 1.77 2203 2220 0348 0.44 0407 0.30 1032 2.00 1012 1.75 0513 0.25 0448 0.51 0348 0.44 0407 0.30 1705 0.14 SA 1638 0.33 1118 1.47 1046 1.33 1032 2.00 1012 1.75 FR 2310 1.55SASU 2239 1.47 1655 0.53 1612 0.69 1705 0.14 1638 0.33 FRSA 23211.47 1.96 22431.55 1.72 2310 2239 0427 0.44 0459 0.33 1047 1.72 1120 1.91 0610 0.30 0530 0.54 0427 0.44 0459 0.33 1712 0.34 1750 0.21 SU 1130 1.30 1217 1.45 1047 1.72 1120 1.91 SA 2316 1.50 2358 1.54SUMO 1654 0.73 1755 0.59 1712 0.34 1750 0.21 SASU 23231.54 1.67 2316 1.50 2358 0508 0.45 0550 0.39 1126 1.67 1207 1.77 0018 1.85 0615 0.57 0508 0.45 0550 0.39 1746 0.36 1833 0.30 MO 0707 0.36 1217 1.29 1126 1.67 1207 1.77 SU 2357 1.51 1318 1.44 17410.30 0.78MOTU 1746 0.36 1833 MO SU 19001.51 0.64 2357 0553 0.48 0045 1.51 1206 1.60 0643 0.48 0007 1.61 0117 1.72 0553 0.48 0045 1.51 1824 0.40 1254 1.61 TU 0703 0.60 0803 0.42 1206 1.60 0643 0.48 MO 1916 0.41TUWE 1310 1.28 14200.40 1.46 1824 1254 1.61 MOTU 18350.41 0.81 2009 0.68 1916 0040 1.52 0134 1.48 0642 0.51 0738 0.57 0058 1.55 0220 1.60 0040 1.52 0134 1.48 1250 1.51 1341 1.45 WE 0755 0.60 0858 0.47 0642 0.51 0738 0.57 TU 1905 0.45 1959 0.50WETH 1407 1.31 1520 1.50 1250 1.51 1341 1.45 WE TU 19380.50 0.83 21210.45 0.69 1905 1959 0128 1.53 0226 1.45 0838 0.64 0738 0.55 0324 1.50 0155 1.50 0128 1.53 0226 1.45 1431 1.31 TH 1342 1.41 0845 0.59 0948 0.50 0838 0.64 0738 0.55 WE 2045 0.58THFR 1952 0.51 1505 1.36 1617 1.56 1431 1.31 1342 1.41 WETH 20460.58 0.82 22310.51 0.67 2045 1952 0320 1.43 0223 1.53 0945 0.69 0845 0.58 0426 1.43 0257 1.48 0320 1.43 0223 1.53 1531 1.21 FR 1445 1.32 1036 0.53 0935 0.56 0945 0.69 0845 0.58 TH 2136 0.64FRSA 2050 0.56 1709 1.62 1559 1.44 1531 1.21 1445 1.32 THFR 23340.56 0.62 21540.64 0.76 2136 2050 0419 1.44 0327 1.55 0522 1.39 0357 1.48 1057 0.69 1002 0.57 0419 1.44 0327 1.55 1643 1.16 SA 1602 1.26 1120 0.54 1021 0.52 1057 0.69 1002 0.57 FR 1756 1.68 1647 1.55 2235 0.67SASU 2200 0.58 1643 1.16 1602 1.26 FRSA 22560.67 0.68 2235 2200 0.58 0519 1.46 0437 1.61 0453 1.49 0029 0.57 1205 0.65 1122 0.51 0519 1.46 0437 1.61 1752 1.17 SU 1724 1.28 1106 0.48 0613 1.36 1205 0.65 1122 0.51 SA 1734 1.67 1201 0.55 2334 0.66SUMO 2312 0.56 1752 1.17 1724 1.28 SASU 23520.66 0.57 18390.56 1.73 2334 2312 0615 1.51 0546 1.70 0547 1.51 0114 0.52 1300 0.59 1232 0.41 0615 1.51 0546 1.70 1150 0.44 0700 1.35 1851 1.21 MO 1835 1.34 1300 0.59 1232 0.41 SU 18191.21 1.80MOTU 12411.34 0.56 1851 1835 MO SU 1918 1.76 0028 0.63 0018 0.49 0155 0.48 0045 0.45 0702 1.57 0648 1.80 0028 0.63 0018 0.49 0742 1.35 0640 1.53 1346 0.52 TU 1331 0.30 0702 1.57 0648 1.80 MO 1318 0.57 1236 0.42 1938 1.26TUWE 1933 1.43 1346 0.52 1331 0.30 MOTU 19551.43 1.79 19061.26 1.92 1938 1933 0114 0.59 0118 0.42 0137 0.35 0232 0.46 0745 1.63 0745 1.89 0114 0.59 0118 0.42 0733 1.54 0822 1.35 1425 0.45 WE 1424 0.22 0745 1.63 0745 1.89 TU 1323 0.40 1355 0.58 2018 1.32WETH 2026 1.51 1425 0.45 1424 0.22 WE TU 19541.32 2.01 20301.51 1.80 2018 2026 0155 0.54 0229 0.27 0308 0.44 0824 1.68 0155 0.54 0828 1.54 0901 1.35 1500 0.40 0824 1.68 WE 1413 0.41 2054 1.36 FR 1431 0.59 1500 0.40 WETH 20441.36 2.07 2105 1.79 2054 0233 0.50 0322 0.22 0345 0.44 0900 1.72 0233 0.50 0924 1.52 0940 1.34 1533 0.36 0900 1.72 TH 1504 0.43 2129 1.40 SA 1509 0.61 1533 0.36 THFR 21341.40 2.08 2141 1.77 2129

m Time m m Time m m Time Time 0214 0.51 0213 0.34 0837 1.94 0832 1.69 0452 0.18 0422 0.45 0214 0.51 0213 0.34 1511 0.17 FR 1459 0.37 1059 1.51 1019 1.33 0837 1.94 0832 1.69 TH 2100 1.50 2114 1.58FRMO 1642 0.43 1547 0.63 1511 0.17 1459 0.37 THSU 2304 1.93 22171.58 1.74 2100 1.50 2114 0304 0.30 0251 0.45 0926 1.94 0909 1.72 0544 0.24 0500 0.47 0304 0.30 0251 0.45 1555 0.17 SA 1531 0.34 1153 1.50 1100 1.32 0926 1.94 0909 1.72 FR 2200 1.62SATU 2135 1.57 1739 0.49 1629 0.66 1555 0.17 1531 0.34 FRMO 2357 1.79 22551.62 1.69 2200 2135 1.57 0354 0.29 0330 0.41 1014 1.89 0946 1.72 0635 0.33 0540 0.50 0354 0.29 0330 0.41 1636 0.21 SU 1604 0.33 1144 1.32 1248 1.49 1014 1.89 0946 1.72 SA 2244 1.64SUWE 2211 1.62 1714 0.69 1841 0.57 1636 0.21 1604 0.33 SATU 23351.64 1.62 2244 2211 1.62 0443 0.32 0411 0.39 1059 1.79 1026 1.70 0051 1.62 0621 0.52 0443 0.32 0411 0.39 1716 0.29 MO 1638 0.34 0726 0.42 1230 1.33 1059 1.79 1026 1.70 SU 2327 1.63MOTH 2249 1.66 1345 1.48 1803 0.73 1716 0.29 1638 0.34 SUWE 1946 0.63 2327 1.63 2249 1.66 0531 0.38 0455 0.39 1143 1.66 1107 1.64 0020 1.55 0149 1.47 0531 0.38 0455 0.39 1754 0.38 TU 1715 0.37 0706 0.53 0815 0.49 1143 1.66 1107 1.64 MO 2330 1.69 13210.38 1.35 TUFR 1445 1.50 1754 1715 0.37 MOTH 1900 0.75 2058 0.67 2330 1.69 0009 1.60 0542 0.41 0619 0.46 1151 1.57 0111 1.48 0252 1.34 0009 1.60 0542 0.41 1225 1.52 WE 1754 0.43 0753 0.54 0906 0.55 0619 0.46 1151 1.57 TU 1830 0.48WESA 1415 1.39 1543 1.52 1225 1.52 1754 0.43 TUFR 20040.48 0.76 2210 0.66 1830 0052 1.56 0015 1.69 0709 0.55 0634 0.44 0209 1.43 0357 1.27 0052 1.56 0015 1.69 1308 1.38 TH 1240 1.47 0842 0.53 0957 0.58 0709 0.55 0634 0.44 WE 1837 0.50 1907 0.57THSU 1511 1.47 1638 1.56 1308 1.38 1240 1.47 WESA 21150.57 0.72 2316 0.63 1837 0.50 1907 0136 1.51 0103 1.67 0803 0.62 0732 0.49 0313 1.39 0500 1.24 0136 1.51 0103 1.67 1356 1.27 FR 1335 1.37 0933 0.51 1046 0.59 0803 0.62 0732 0.49 TH 1948 0.66FRMO 1928 0.58 1605 1.56 1729 1.61 1356 1.27 1335 1.37 THSU 22250.66 0.64 1948 1928 0.58 0200 1.64 0226 1.46 0419 1.39 0011 0.57 0841 0.52 0904 0.67 0200 1.64 0226 1.46 1443 1.29 1453 1.18 SA 1025 0.49 0554 1.24 0841 0.52 0904 0.67 FR 1700 1.68 1132 0.58 2030 0.64 2040 0.72SATU 1443 1.29 1453 1.18 FRMO 23300.72 0.53 1814 1.65 2030 0.64 2040 0324 1.43 0306 1.62 0522 1.41 0056 0.51 1014 0.69 0958 0.52 0324 1.43 0306 1.62 1604 1.15 SU 1602 1117 0.45 0641 1.27 1014 0.69 0958 0.52 SA 1752 1.81 1216 0.57 2146 0.67 2146 0.75SUWE 1604 1.15 1602 1.27 SATU 1854 1.69 2146 0.67 2146 0.75 0430 1.43 0420 1.64 0028 0.40 0134 0.46 1123 0.66 1112 0.48 0430 1.43 0420 1.64 0622 1.44 0723 1.29 1721 1.17 MO 1722 1.31 1123 0.66 1112 0.48 SU 1210 0.41 1256 0.55 2257 0.75MOTH 2303 0.63 1721 1.17 1722 1.31 SUWE 18440.75 1.93 1931 1.73 2257 2303 0.63 0533 1.47 0531 1.69 0123 0.28 0210 0.42 1222 0.61 1217 0.41 0533 1.47 0531 1.69 0719 1.47 0801 1.32 1824 1.22 TU 1827 1.40 1222 0.61 1217 0.41 MO 13021.22 0.38 TUFR 1334 0.53 1824 1827 1.40 MOTH 1936 2.03 2008 1.75 0000 0.70 0011 0.55 0216 0.19 0245 0.39 0628 1.52 0634 1.76 0000 0.70 0011 0.55 0815 1.49 0838 1.34 1311 0.54 WE 1313 0.34 0628 1.52 0634 1.76 TU 1357 0.36 1412 0.52 1912 1.29WESA 1921 1.50 1311 0.54 1313 0.34 TUFR 20291.29 2.09 2043 1.76 1912 1921 1.50 0051 0.64 0111 0.47 0309 0.14 0318 0.38 0715 1.59 0729 1.81 0051 0.64 0111 0.47 0910 1.51 0915 1.35 1351 0.48 TH 1400 0.29 0715 1.59 0729 1.81 WE 1450 0.36 1449 0.52 1951 1.37THSU 2009 1.59 1351 0.48 1400 0.29 WESA 21201.37 2.09 2117 1.75 1951 2009 1.59 0134 0.57 0204 0.39 0400 0.14 0352 0.38 0755 1.65 0819 1.83 0134 0.57 0204 0.39 1004 1.51 0951 1.36 1426 0.42 FR 1445 0.27 0755 1.65 0819 1.83 TH 1545 0.38 1528 0.53 2027 1.44FRMO 2053 1.66 1426 0.42 1445 0.27 THSU 22121.44 2.04 2153 1.72 2027 2053 1.66 0254 0.35 0427 0.39 0906 1.80 0254 0.35 1030 1.37 1525 0.28 0906 1.80 SA 1607 0.55 2135 1.71 1525 0.28 SATU 2229 1.67 2135 1.71

1 11

16 1616

2 22

17 1717

3 33

18 1818

4 44

19 1919

5 55

20 2020

6 66

21 2121

7 77

22 2222

8 88

23 2323

9 99

24 2424

25 2525

10 1010

11 1111

26 2626

27 2727

12 1212

13 13 13

28 2828

14 14 14 15 15 15

1 11

16 1616

2 22

17 1717

3 33

18 1818

4 44

19 1919

5 55

20 2020

6 66

21 2121

7 77

22 2222

8 88

23 2323

9 99

24 2424

10 10 10

1 11

16 1616

2 22

17 1717

3 33

18 1818

4 44

19 1919

5 55

20 2020

6 66

21 2121

7 77

22 2222

8 88

23 2323

9 99

24 2424

25 2525

10 1010

11 11 11

26 2626

12 12 12

Local Time Local Time APRIL AUGUST Time TimeAPRIL m

m Timem m Timem m Time Time 0212 0.40 0241 0.34 0819 1.68 0851 1.74 0555 0.34 0502 0.41 0212 0.40 0241 0.34 1428 0.36 1502 0.33 1213 1.53 1109 1.38 MO 0819 1.68 0851 1.74 SU 2043 1.79 2115 1.73 1818 0.50 1650 0.58MO TH 1428 0.36 1502 0.33 SUWE 2307 1.60 2043 1.79 2115 1.73 0327 0.36 0256 0.36 0934 1.65 0903 1.65 0023 1.48 0540 0.44 0327 0.36 0256 0.36 1538 0.40 1505 0.38 0640 0.44 1152 1.39 TU 0934 1.65 0903 1.65 MO 2155 1.73 2124 1.84 1305 1.50 1737 0.61TU FR 1538 0.40 1505 0.38 MO TH 1920 2348 1.52 2155 1.73 2124 1.840.58 0412 0.41 0344 0.34 1016 1.54 0950 1.60 0619 0.46 0116 1.33 0412 0.41 0344 0.34 1613 0.48 1545 0.42 0727 0.53 1239 1.40 WE 1016 1.54 0950 1.60 TU 2233 1.70 2208 1.86 1400 1.47 1830 0.65WE SA 1613 0.48 1545 0.42 TU FR 2030 2233 1.70 2208 1.860.63 0456 0.47 0434 0.35 1058 1.44 1041 1.53 0036 1.43 0218 1.21 0456 0.47 0434 0.35 1645 0.56 1630 0.48 0704 0.49 TH 0818 0.60 1058 1.44 1041 1.53 WE 2311 1.65 2255 1.85 1330 1.43TH SU 1500 1.47 1645 0.56 1630 0.48 WE SA 1933 0.66 2143 2311 1.65 2255 1.850.64 0542 0.54 0530 0.39 1135 1.44 1140 1.34 0328 1.15 0133 1.35 0542 0.54 0530 0.39 1718 0.56 1720 0.65 0915 0.63 0755 0.51 FR 1135 1.44 1140 1.34 TH 2346 1.80 2350 1.59 1600 1.48 1429 1.48FRMO 1718 0.56 1720 0.65 THSU 2250 2046 0.64 2346 1.800.61 2350 1.59 0631 0.60 0630 0.43 1226 1.26 1235 1.37 0436 1.15 0243 1.29 0631 0.60 0630 0.43 1800 0.72 1815 0.64 1014 0.64 0852 0.52 SA 1226 1.26 1235 1.37 FR 1657 1530 1.56SA TU 1800 0.72 1815 0.641.51 FRMO 2345 0.55 2203 0.57 0035 1.53 0045 1.75 0726 0.65 0739 0.47 0534 1.18 0357 1.28 0035 1.53 0045 1.75 1320 1.21 1345 1.32 1108 0.61 0954 0.50 SU 0726 0.65 0739 0.47 SA 1851 0.78 1921 0.70 1746 1.56 1632 1.67SUWE 1320 1.21 1345 1.32 SA TU 2314 0.46 1851 0.78 1921 0.70 0130 1.48 0152 1.70 0829 0.67 0850 0.48 0030 0.49 0508 1.31 0130 1.48 0152 1.70 1428 1.18 1501 1.33 1056 0.46 MO 0621 1.23 0829 0.67 0850 0.48 SU 1958 0.82 2038 0.71 1731 1.79MO TH 1156 0.57 1428 1.18 1501 1.33 SUWE 1830 1958 0.82 2038 0.711.61 0235 1.45 0305 1.67 0109 0.43 0015 0.33 0934 0.66 0956 0.46 0235 1.45 0305 1.67 1542 1.21 1612 1.39 0701 1.29 0611 1.37 TU 0934 0.66 0956 0.46 MO 1238 0.52 1154 0.40TU FR 2114 0.82 2154 0.68 1542 1.21 1612 1.39 MO TH 1828 1.91 1908 2114 0.82 2154 0.681.66 0345 1.46 0415 1.68 0144 0.38 0110 0.21 1034 0.62 1055 0.43 0345 1.46 0415 1.68 1645 1.27 1711 1.48 0738 1.33 0707 1.44 WE 1034 0.62 1055 0.43 TU 1317 0.48 1250 0.34WE SA 2222 0.78 2301 0.61 1645 1.27 1711 1.48 TU FR 1944 1921 2.00 2222 0.78 2301 0.611.69 0445 1.50 0515 1.70 0200 0.13 0215 0.34 1124 0.57 1145 0.40 0445 1.50 0515 1.70 0800 1.49 TH 0813 1.37 1735 1.35 1801 1.58 1124 0.57 1145 0.40 WE 1345 0.29TH SU 1354 2319 0.70 1735 1.35 1801 1.580.45 WE SA 2013 2.04 2019 1.71 2319 0.70 0534 1.56 0001 0.53 0250 0.09 0248 0.32 1205 0.51 0609 1.70 0534 1.56 0001 0.53 0852 1.54 FR 0847 1.41 1815 1.44 1230 0.38 1205 0.51 0609 1.70 TH 1438 0.27FRMO 1431 0.43 1847 1.67 1815 1.44 1230 0.38 THSU 2104 2.03 2053 1847 1.671.70 0006 0.62 0054 0.47 0338 0.10 0319 0.32 0617 1.61 0658 1.68 0006 0.62 0054 0.47 0943 1.56 SA 0922 1.43 1243 0.45 1312 0.39 0617 1.61 0658 1.68 FR 1531 0.28SA TU 1509 0.43 1852 1.53 1930 1.74 1243 0.45 1312 0.39 FRMO 2154 1.95 2129 1852 1.53 1930 1.741.67 0048 0.54 0142 0.43 0425 0.15 0352 0.33 0658 1.65 0744 1.64 0048 0.54 0142 0.43 1032 1.57 SU 0958 1.46 1317 0.40 1349 0.41 0658 1.65 0744 1.64 SA 1626 0.33SUWE 1549 0.44 1928 1.62 2009 1.78 1317 0.40 1349 0.41 SA TU 2243 1.82 2204 1928 1.62 2009 1.781.62 0130 0.46 0227 0.41 0510 0.23 0426 0.35 0738 1.68 0827 1.58 0130 0.46 0227 0.41 1122 1.55 MO 1036 1.48 1351 0.37 1425 0.46 0738 1.68 0827 1.58 SU 1720 0.41MO TH 1632 0.46 2004 1.71 2047 1.80 1351 0.37 1425 0.46 SUWE 2332 1.66 2244 2004 1.71 2047 1.801.54

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0.39 1.49 FR 1719 0.50 2326 1.45

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2016, Bureau of Meteorology Copyright Commonwealth Australia 2016, Bureau Meteorology  Copyright Commonwealth of of Australia 2016, Bureau of of Meteorology Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of are Predictions is Lowesttime Astronomical Tideor daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect Times in local standard (UTC +10:00) Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect New Moon First Quarter Last Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Last Quarter New Moon First Quarter Last Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon 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.

78

AUGUST 2018

The Sydney International Boat Show

boats & kayaks

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

In the skipper’s seat 90 Battery magic Inside story...

Bar Crusher leads the industry in design and quality to produce some of the most advanced plate aluminium fishing boats on the market. Incorporating exclusive innovations, Bar Crusher Boats are renowned for their superior performance.

Made for...

Bar Crusher’s philosophy is all about ensuring the buyer ends up with a boat that’s ideal for their offshore boating needs.

Bar Crushers deliver a super-smooth ride – a far cry from the uncomfortable, pounding ride of traditional aluminium boats – and superior stability at rest.

This month...

Steve Morgan takes the Barcrusher 780HT with Yamaha F300hp 4-stroke for a test flight. Check it out on page 104!

Batteries are part of life when boating, so why not learn all about them from Neil Slater.

96 Time for Towamba

Toby Grundy visits another beautiful South Coast system in his kayak.

98 Trailer boat tidy up Wayne Kampe shares a few tips to keep your rig in tip top shape for its next trip.

102 Cruise Craft 595EX

Steve Morgan takes a ride in this custom rig from Cruise Craft, powered by a Yamaha F200.

106 Quintrex 610 Fishabout

Gary Brown puts this versatile rig through its paces to see if its ride is as impressive as its looks.

AUGUST 2018

79

The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Sydney International Boat Show returns to ICC The Sydney International Boat Show returns to the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney and Cockle Bay from 2-6 August, 2018. The show, being the largest recreational boat show in the southern hemisphere, fills the entire exhibition space available at the ICC, as well as the show’s purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay. Every year, more than 60,000 people visit the event, renowned for being the largest public exhibition to be staged at ICC Sydney, with more than 800 watercraft housed within both levels of the exhibition space, and another 200 on-water vessels berthed at the purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay. More than 250 exhibitors from across the world will be represented at the show.

With space now fully booked by exhibitors from both the government and the private sectors, the 2018 Sydney International

all budgets.

“The enthusiasm for the show is remarkable,” Alan Blake said. “We returned to Darling Harbour last

Boat Show has something for every water-loving Aussie. Over the five days it promises to deliver the very best of boating.

Alan Blake, President of the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) who organise the event, said the popularity of the show with exhibitors means available display space is in high demand, with visitors to the show expecting quality presentations and gear to suit

year after the new facility was complete, and the ICC Sydney’s two-level venue, the outdoor Event Deck, and marina at Cockle Bay certainly lived up to expectation. 2018 is shaping-up to be an even grander show.”

The event always showcases the recreational boating lifestyle plus all the gear needed for a great experience on the water. With almost five million people

80

AUGUST 2018

SHOW INFORMATION Dates: Thursday 2 to Monday 6 August, 2018 Hours: Halls & Marina: 10:00AM-7:00PM Venue: International Convention Centre - Sydney & Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia Tickets: $22 - adults, $49 - family (2 adults and 3 children, 6-17 years), $13 - Children (617 years. Free entry 5 years and under), $30 - 2-day guest pass, $40 - 3-day guest pass, $16 - pensioners, $20 - seniors. All tickets $5 after 5pm for use on the day of the ticket sale (door sale only, excludes family tickets).

Size of show: 7 Halls (32,600m2) and 250+ exhibitors. Custom-built marina, 200+ vessels which equates to more than 2km of boats end to end.

Special activities: Australia International Dive Expo; Spirit of Australia II display; Boating Safety Zone; Australian National Maritime; Museum Special Activities; Fishing, Boating & Dive stages; Adventurer: Michelle Lee; Two super-sized pools on the Event Deck; fishing competition enjoying our waterways each year in Australia, this show is again expecting thousands to visit for their annual pilgrimage.

There will be plenty of educational and entertaining activities as well. Fishing master classes, historic boats, the Australia International Dive Expo, and on-water

equipment demonstrations are just a few of the many activities to be seen.

ACTIVITIES The entertainment, education, interactive displays and presentations at the show are designed to make anyone’s day on the water even better.

Apart from the nearly

1000 boats on display at the show, on the upper exhibition level visitors can head to the outdoor Event Deck where two giant pools host on-water demonstrations of marine products. Everyone can see and actually hop aboard kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, pedal boards and other unique vessels on

where the kids get to enjoy free bumper boat rides, while the Event Deck is also home to the outdoor food and beverage bar, which is a great place to relax and rendezvous while enjoying a spectacular view across the city, with Bondi Beach Radio playing a few tunes.

Australia enjoys a rich history centred around boating and travelling great distances across the seas.

The Australian National Maritime Museum returns to the Show to present treasures and artefacts, sourced from their collection at the museum. A visit to their display will reveal how the museum is protecting relics from our early maritime history, and some of the preservation activities taking place right now across their impressive collection, and how you can get involved.

The show welcomes Transport for NSW as our Partner in Safety, hosting the Boating Safety Zone where government regulators and other associations are keen to discuss how they keep our waterways safe, and protect the ecological sustainability of the marine environment. Here you

the water. Offshore power boats will also be on display, as well as speed craft from Ski Racing NSW, iconic Perry surf boats, and an array of tinnies. This is also

will find information, maps, guides, and plenty of advice about how to make your boating experience better at this educational and interactive area. Don’t

The Sydney International Boat Show 2nd to 6th August, 2018

miss the opportunity to discuss the many ways you can participate in keeping our waterways safe and sustainable.

The show also features on-stage talks by ocean adventurers, including Michelle Lee (who is set to be the first Australian woman to row 5000km solo across the Atlantic), Lisa Blair (the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica and who is preparing to circumnavigate Australia), and on-water speed world record holder Ken Warby, with his boat the

Visitors can buy tickets at the various ticket booths at the show, however organising tickets online is a great way to avoid the inevitable queues, and walk straight into this popular event.

To purchase tickets, visit www.sydneyboatshow.com. au and click on the blue ‘Buy Tickets’ button. Fill in the payment details and the tickets are subsequently emailed to the requested address. A printed version of the ticket, or the QR code displayed on a mobile phone or tablet, is all that

at the show (excluding family tickets). Multiple-day tickets for return visits are also available.

Your ticket gives entry to both exhibition levels of the International Convention Centre, the popular fishing clinics, the on-water displays at Cockle Bay, entry to the co-located Australia International Dive Expo, and bumper boat rides for the kids at the 16m pool located on the open-air Event Deck.

Whether you’re boating and fishing on Australia’s inland waterways or prefer

Spirit of Australia II, which Ken has designed to be almost 50% more powerful than his original world record breaker.

Show visitors can also take advantage of the ever-popular fishing masterclasses, expert boating advice, and dive tutorials and demonstrations at the Australia International Dive Expo co-located at the show, all for the price of admission.

TICKETS The show is open each day from 10am until 7pm.

is required to gain entry to the show. You might even choose to buy tickets online for a friend or relative as a gift and then forward the tickets to their email address.

Adult entry is $22, and children’s tickets (6-17 years old) are $13. Kids aged five and under are admitted free.

Family tickets (two adults and up to three kids) are $49, seniors are $20 and pensioners are $16. If you arrive after 5pm, all tickets are just $5 when purchased from any of the ticket booths

the open waters off the coast, the Sydney International Boat Show promises everything for the avid boatie, fisher or sailor, with new vessels, new tackle and loads of technology designed to make your adventure on the water even more enjoyable.

If you want advice and guidance from industry experts, and a range of boats, fishing gear and boating accessories at the one big event, be sure not to miss this year’s Sydney International Boat Show. - BIA

FISHING MASTERCLASSES Lower Level of the Exhibition Centre (rear of hall 1) The popular fishing masterclasses are back, with presentations ranging from inland waterway fishing to the more adventurous offshore competitions, presenting videos, photos and stories to match.

PRESENTATION TEAM: Justin Duggan – Sportfishing Sydney’s harbour & estuaries Steve Starling – 1. Setting up your fishing boat & 2.

Hooking, fighting and landing fish Greg Reid – Big flathead: how to find and catch them Paul Burt – 1. Preparing tuna ‘poke’ for a taste

sensation & 2. Sneaky techniques for reef fish Jo Starling – 1. Finding fish in new water & 2. Getting kids fishing the right way Rhys Creed – You can catch huge Murray cod Tim Simpson – Catch a marlin from your trailer boat Brett and Cookie – Supertank fishing demonstration Berkley Super Series – Competition interviews

580 WITH

SEAHAWK

SPECIFICATIONS BEAM – 2.50M DEPTH – 1.45M WEIGHT KG BOAT ONLY – 840KG BOTTOM – 4.0MM SIDES – 4.0MM PEOPLE – 6 MAX HP – 150 SHAFT – X LONG

CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY Inverell Boating Centre

North Coast Yamaha

10 Swanbrook Road Inverell, New South Wales, 2360 Phone: 0427 078 739 botts28@hotmail.com

4 Luckly Lane Billinudgel, NSW, 2483 Phone: (02) 6680 3322 marine@northcoastyamaha.com.au

A & J Outboard & Boating Services

Merimbula Outboard Service

734-738 Woodville Road Fairfield East, NSW, 2165 Phone: (02) 9728 9311 Fax: 02 9728 9322 sales@ajoutboards.com.au

382 Sapphire Coast Drive, Tura Merimbula, New South Wales, 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 9634 Fax: 02 6495 9345 info@merimbulaoutboard.com.au

Coffs Harbour Marine

Deniliquin Yamaha

J & M Marine

Shoalhaven Marine

3/11B Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450 Phone: (02) 6652 4722 info@coffsharbourmarine.com.au

1/4 Fernvalley Parade Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444 Phone: (02) 6581 0272 admin@jmmarine.com.au

167-169 Napier Street, Deniliquin, NSW, 2710 Phone: (03) 5881 1461 paul@riverinamotorcyclesandmarine.com.au 29 Browns Rd South Nowra, NSW 2541 Phone: (02) 4422 3947 info@shoalhavenmarine.com.au

For more information visit www.stessl.com.au AUGUST 2018

81

WHAT’S NEW BOATING AQUAYAK BANJO

1

Lightweight, extremely stable, easy to paddle and available in a wide range of colours, the Australian-made Banjo is the perfect gift for kids. Like all Aquayaks, the Banjo’s rugged, one-piece construction guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment.

Designed to accommodate paddlers up to 65kg, the Banjo’s cockpit is deep moulded, lowering the centre of gravity, making it extremely stable.

The Banjo measures 1.8m x 0.6m and weighs 11kg, and features include 10-year warranty on construction and UV certification; 1 x two-piece paddle; central storage soft hatch; 2x heavy-duty handles (sides); 2x toggle handles (front and rear), 1 x paddle leash saddle; 2 x flush rod holders; cup holder; drain bung; utility pocket; self-draining cockpit; thruster (3 fins) keep for wave surfing; stackable for storage and transport.

Price: SRP $249 www.aquayak.com

EVINRUDE 10 YEAR 2 WARRANTY For the first time in Australia, Evinrude is offering a 10Year Factory Backed Warranty on all engines from 25hp-300hp inclusive, available to Australian customers purchasing at participating boat shows in 2018.

Evinrude engines already offer best-inclass fuel efficiency and torque, no break-in period and no oil changes ever. These engines also comply with and exceed new Australian emissions standards.

Telwater (manufacturer of Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats and Evinrude AU distributor) Director of Sales and Marketing Damien Duncan said the offer added extreme value and showed high confidence in the quality of the products offered to the market.

“Telwater chose to work with Evinrude as we believe it is the best outboard on the market and offers customers leading innovation in the marine industry,” Damien said, “and now we can offer industry-leading warranty coverage.”

This offer is available at all eligible boat shows by participating dealers and on factory-fitted BMT packages. For full terms and conditions head to the Evinrude website. www.evinrude.com.au

MOTORGUIDE XI3 AND 72” XI5

3

The new MotorGuide Xi3 is up to 40% quieter than its nearest competitor, and a hand-held remote is included as standard.

Its SecureStep system lets users release the motor from its locked position without having to reach over it, while providing a clear visual and audible signal to confirm that it’s stowed and locked correctly.

The Xi3 also boasts the Pinpoint GPS module, which lets you focus on fishing while taking advantage of GPS functions like Anchor, Jog, Heading Lock, Route Record and more.

Available in 12V and 24V options, with thrust ranging from 55-70lb, all Xi3 models are Lowrance, Simrad and Mercury VesselView connectivity compatible.

Anglers also have the option of freshwater or saltwater variants, along with the choice of 48-60” (122-152cm) shafts. A three-blade Machete propeller is included as standard with all Xi3 models, and built-in sonar is optional for selected motors.

In addition to this, the MotorGuide Xi5 just got even better with the release of a 72” (183cm) shaft version. www.mercurymarine.com.au 82

AUGUST 2018

NEW MERCURY PRO XS MODELS

PRODUCT GUIDE

4

Mercury has announced multiple new Pro XS outboards – V-8 4.6L engines in 200, 225, 250 and 300hp, along with an all-new V-6 3.4L 175hp model.

The new 200-300hp Pro XS models are built on Mercury’s new V-8 engine platform and boast a 4.6L powerhead that delivers phenomenal torque while weighing just 229kg. During testing, the 250hp Pro XS outpaced the leading competitor by 20% for 0-32km/h acceleration under heavy load while also delivering up to 16% better fuel economy at cruise.

The 200-300hp Pro XS models also feature a robust 3.2cm diameter prop shaft and are available with a next-gen Torque Master gearcase that offers a 1.75:1 gear ratio and low-water pickups on the nose-cone for added mounting and trimming flexibility. These engines are smooth and quiet at cruise.

The new 175hp Pro XS is built on Mercury’s new 3.4L V-6 platform. This large displacement engine delivers higher maximum RPM at full throttle, while providing superior fuel economy and weighing just 213kg for the 175hp. www.mercurymarine.com.au

1

2

3 4

JL AUDIO LAUNCHES 5 MM50 JL Audio has released a new 2.8” weatherproof, powered marine source unit. The MM50 is a high-performance, single-chassis, powered source unit with outstanding audio performance and advanced features, specifically designed for marine applications.

The easy-to read, 2.8” full colour LCD display has adjustable brightness and an intuitive interface with large, easy to use backlit controls. There are flexible zone controls, including tone controls for bass, mid-range, treble and balance, independent or linked with zone 1. The built-in amplifier generates 100W of high-fidelity output.

The MM50 has a digital AM/FM tuner with Radio Data System display info (where available), and can store up to 18 AM/FM stations. It also has Bluetooth compatibility, a USB 2.0 direct-digital connection, and NMEA2000 certified compatibility.

The MM50 is has three remote controller options (each sold separately) to help you create a versatile audio command centre.

Price: SRP $449.99 www.jlaudio.com

RAYMARINE AXIOM XL

6

The new Raymarine Axiom XL family is fully waterproof, and each model delivers wider viewing angles, sharp contrast, and unmatched readability in bright sun.

Axiom XL has three Ethernet ports for connecting with network sensors or with additional Axiom, Axiom Pro, and Axiom XL family displays. Axiom XL’s FLIR thermal imaging camera support enhances navigation awareness and safety, while HDMI input enables Axiom XL to serve as a remote touchscreen PC or entertainment display.

A quad-core processor supports Raymarine navigation, radar, sonar, and FLIR thermal technology for an all-in-one HD display.

Powered by Raymarine’s LightHouse 3 OS, the displays offer an uncluttered interface that is easily personalised. There’s the choice of multitouch screen control or the Raymarine RMK-10 keypad for complete remote system control of multiple Axiom XL displays.

Axiom XLs are available in 16”, 19”, 22” and 24” display sizes. The XL24 is available now, and the XL22 will be available in September.

Price: SRP $9995 www.raymarine.com.au

5

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

SCAN THE QR CODE!

SUZUKI & EVINRUDE OUTBOARD PACKAGES

COME & SEE

OUR WIDE VARIETY OF BOATS ON DISPLAY

HUGE SAVINGS

FINANCE AVAILABLE

TO BE HAD ON ALL BOAT MOTOR TRAILER PACKAGES

T.A.P

EXTRA BONUS OPTIONS AT THE BOAT SHOW ONLY!

COME & VISIT BLAKES MARINE FOR SOME GREAT DEALS AT THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

sales@blakesmarine.com.au | 1 Railway Road North, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph

02 4577 6699

·

www.blakesmarine.com.au

The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Ausmarine One again Sancho and the Ausmarine team are saying there’s a lot to be excited about at the Ausmarine stand this year!

On display will be a range of affordable and value-formoney boating products, from car toppers to forward control boats.

The Ausmarine SeaTrail trailer range is continuing to grow, with a large range of fixed frame and folding trailers suitable from 2m hulls to 7.8m hulls.

Complementing their ever

Marina Bayside

popular offering of SeaTrail trailers and SeaCraft boats are the range of pontoon boats.

The Party Pontoon 580 boat can comfortably seat up to 10 adults, and boasts features like front and rear boarding platforms, four doors each side, twin bimini roofs and a luxurious curved lounge.

By contrast, the Worker 490 Pontoon is much more of an empty canvas ready for you to customise to your own design layout. Use it as a work platform or transport boat to your mooring – the options

are limitless!

So whether it’s a hot dipped galvanised trailer frame or an aluminium trailer with alloy wheels you’re after, the Ausmarine SeaTrail trailer, SeaCraft boats and Pontoon Boat range will have exactly what you need – not to mention the great boat show

specials!

The team have promised that their prices will shake up the competition.

See the full range of Ausmarine products by visiting www.ausmarine.biz.

As well as having a range of models on display at the Sydney Boat Show, Stacer distributor Telwater has some other news: they are welcoming Marina Bayside, located in Taren Point NSW, to their network of dedicated Stacer dealerships.

Marina Bayside is Sydney’s newest premium marine dealership and offers custom packages to suit a wide range of customer needs. The dealership boasts a dedicated team with extensive industry experience in sales and service.

Dealership General Manager Alex brings over 15 years of experience to the business. Alex said he is very excited to partner with the Stacer brand, and is looking forward to supplying the Southern Sydney area with quality boats and expanding their customer base.

“We have a great facility and employees here and can provide a great service to Sydney boaties,” Alex said.

“Marina Bayside has built a reputation for excellence in service and customer satisfaction over many years with our on-water facility which measures 10,000m2,

located on the southern shores of Botany Bay at Taren Point. The site features a facility that can lift boats up to 80ft directly out of the water, and is the largest of its kind south of Sydney.

“Our qualified shipwrights at Marina Bayside are able to perform any work from antifouling to full restoration – yet another great service offered by our dealership.”

Dominic said.

Marina Bayside will be displaying Stacer/Yamaha packages at the Sydney International Boat Show this year.

Stacer recently released the Revolution hull, a brand-new hull design, along with massive updates to their entire model range.

“This revamp has seen more features made standard, a more simplified

National Stacer Account Manager Dominic Smith said the partnership presented a great opportunity for both companies.

“Marina Bayside are a professional team who are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the products they sell,”

range to alleviate confusion, brand new models and new sizing options as well,” Alex said. “Come and shop Stacer’s new selection and visit Marina Bayside today.”

For more information visit www.marinabayside. com.au

Formosa

w w w. e n t e r p r i s e m a r i n e . c o m . a u 8/77 Bassett St, Mona Vale NSW 84

AUGUST 2018

Ph: (02) 9999 5558

Formosa Marine, based in Brisbane, is a leader in Australian plate boat design and manufacturing. The release of the X Bowrider has proven to be very popular, and it’s available in Formosa’s iconic Tomahawk brand and their Sea-Rod brand, with innovative counterbalance water ballast and transom features.

The X Bowrider has a raised dash and bollard seating position for offshore adventures.

Formosa’s V2 Hull provides superior performance, safety and strength, with a softer ride, extra floor structure, solid under-footing, high sides, wide deck space and a large forward seating area. The cushioned bow seating encompasses a large

Formosa Marine are known for quality, safety and performance, and the new X Bowrider is no exception.

Features on the X uniquely allow for the perfect crossover boat. You can enjoy family skiing one day, and transform the X for offshore fishing the next.

accessible storage area underneath, and removable cushions and centre board in which to create the perfect fishing platform.

Designed by Formosa Marine, the X Bowrider Rocket Launcher is unique on an aluminium plate boat.

It’s welded for strength and

stability, with a fold-down design for storing the boat undercover. Fully welded onto the launcher are three grab rails, four rod holders and a ski/wake pole. The unique ‘knuckle’ design features exposed perforated ali plate on the outside, and inside it has the perfect housing for speakers.

Other design features include the new folding side seats which Formosa added to their long list of optional extras for custom designing your boat. The X Bowrider has two side seats as standard and an optional third folding back seat. It’s a very practical feature, sitting low for safety, and allows seating for up to six people. When it’s not needed it all folds away to enhance the generous deck space Formosa Marine is known for.

The versatile Formosa X Bowrider is available in a Classic range in sizes 520, 550 and 580, and in an Offshore range with selfdraining decks from sizes 520 to the new 740. This model will be on display at the 2018 Sydney International Boat Show.

For Formosa Tomahawk pricing and sales contact your local dealer. You can find a list of Tomahawk and Sea-Rod dealers at www.formosamarineboats. com.au.

Don’t leave the show without visiting stand 404

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The Sydney International Boat Show 2nd to 6th August, 2018

Hobie

CREATE YOUR ADVENTURES

485 SCORPION For more information visit

www.horizonboats.com.au or call your nearest dealer

Independent Outboards 59 Holbeche Road Arndell Park NSW 2148 Phone 02 9672 1922

Aussie Boat Sales ACT Unit 9 Vicars Court Mitchell 2911 ACT Phone 0433 531 226

Michael Parker Marine 4 Erica Court Albury NSW 2640 Phone 0418 578 805

North Coast Boating Centre 2 Marina Crescent Urunga NSW 2544 Phone 02 66557700 sam@northcoastboatingcentre.com

Waves Overseas 128-134 Parramatta Road Croydon NSW 2132 Phone 02 9745 5555

Deniliquin Yamaha 167-169 Napier Street Deniliquin NSW 2710 Phone 03 5881 1461 paul@riverinamotorcyclesandmarine.com.au

indout@bigpond.com

mick.parker.marine@bigpond.com

theteam@waves.com.au

Aussie Boat Sales NSW 27 Beach Road Batemans Bay NSW 2536 Phone 0433 531 226 aussieboatsales@gmail.com

88

AUGUST 2018

Hobie will have its latest and greatest models on display at this year’s show. The newest addition to the fleet is the Compass – a quality, minimalistic fishing kayak that boasts an impressive blend of stability, efficiency, manoeuvrability and reliability at an affordable price.

The Compass is supplied with the MirageDrive pedal system, and has a breathable mesh seat. Borrowing design elements from the Pro Angler series, the Compass offers maximum stability and an oversized

fully rigged and is priced at MRRP $2790.

Another new model is the 3.4m i11 Inflatable Kayak, which weighs just 29.3kg fully rigged. Over the years inflatables have had a bad rap, often regarded as poor quality, unstable and low performance. The Hobie Mirage Inflatable i11, however, offers on water

cockpit and flat deck for standing. This kayak is highly manoeuvrable, and can reach speeds not normally achieved in a kayak of its dimensions.

Angling-ready features include moulded-in rod holders, H-Track accessory mounts and a Lowranceready transducer cavity. The Compass is 3.66m long, 0.86m wide, has a capacity of 181kg, weighs 39kg

performance that rivals traditional rigid kayaks.

The i11 features three chambers. The two side chambers provide rigidity, while the centre chamber provides the stability needed for fishing, stand-up and recreational use. The heavy-duty 1000 denier PVC hull features a stand-up skid pad, bungee tie-downs

for accessory attachment, and convenient carrying handles, making carrying and launching much easier.

Propulsion is supplied by the hands-free MirageDrive 180, which produces full power in both directions, excellent manoeuvrability, shallow water access and easy shore landings. You can also opt to replace the MirageDrive with the included plug if you want a paddle board.

The comfortable and dry Vantage CTi high-back padded seat can be easily removed to double as a beach chair.

The i11 folds down into a travel bag that also includes a pump, repair kit, cup holder and paddle. All this fits into the boot of even a small hatchback! Optional Hobie accessories also allow you to pimp your kayak. The price is MRRP $3190, and you can find out more at www.hobie.com/au/en.

There’s more big news for Hobie Cat Australasia.

The company, based in Huskisson, has taken on the distribution of Power Pole in the Australia and South Pacific region.

“The papers are signed and this is big news for Hobie Asia Pacific!” said Hobie General Manager

“All warranty for existing product will be handled in-house, and there’s plenty of potential for both the Micro Anchor and Blade products in our geographic areas,” Fields continued.

The best news for retailers, though, is that the distribution network will be

bass boats, flats boats and bay boats.

Sport fishing is all about capitalising on opportunities and making the most of your time on the water. With the unmatched versatility of Power-Pole, you have a shallow water anchor that deploys silently, holds strong and gives you the best shot

Steve Fields. “The Power Pole product is available for boat and tackle stores as well as boat OEMs, and we will be basing the whole operation from Huskisson right alongside our kayak, SUP and sailing businesses.”

Known in the industry for doing things properly or not at all, this is nothing but good news for current and future Power Pole users.

broader than the traditional Hobie Dealers. If you have a combined boat and tackle dealership or are a boat manufacturer, then dealers are being signed right now.

Power Pole, wellrenowned worldwide as one of the key components for tournament fishing, has developed a range of shallow water anchoring systems for all kayaks, small skiffs,

at putting more fish in the boat, all at the touch of a button. Power Pole puts control in the palm of your hand. Just choose the Power Pole anchor model, size and colour that fits your boat and your style of fishing.

To find out more about the products Hobie Cat Australasia will be displaying on their stand, visit www.hobie.com/au/en.

aussieboatsales@gmail.com

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Battery black magic GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

Batteries are a force of nature to be reckoned with.

Anyone out there who has done year nine chemistry or worked in the industry will get most of it, but for a lot of us, it isn’t straightforward.

They can look fine, test fine and then really let you down. Remember that it’s not like a car where you can just get out and walk home.

For that reason alone, batteries are a vital bit of kit if your outboard relies on it to start.

There are a few checks we can all do to help

that is, recharge the battery, and it reverses this chemical reaction. Neato!

BUYING THE RIGHT BATTERY FOR THE JOB There are so many types out there with varying price points, and it can get very confusing. Buying the right battery for the task at hand will ensure it provides maximum performance, life and recovery after discharge as possible.

Lead-acid battery A high quality lead acid battery will be very heavy, as it has thicker lead plates in it.

Thicker plates make it more durable and longer lasting.

Cheaper batteries that quote high cranking amps (CCA or MCA) may not last as long as

Regularly check your terminals to ensure that they’re tight and free of corrosion. prolong their life, diagnose minor issues before they become major ones plus a bit of maintenance here and there never goes astray. Get comfortable – here comes the waffle.

WHAT IS A BATTERY? Basically, a battery is something that can store electrical energy in a sack of chemicals. Clearly this is sorcery and should not be trusted! Understanding a bit about them can help you look after them better and remove that evil halo that surrounds them.

CHEMISTRY When two dissimilar metals are linked together with an electrolyte, they can form a chemical reaction where electricity is produced.

You can stab a zinc nail and a copper coin in a lemon and generate about 0.9 volts – not enough to start a boat. So, for batteries with enough power to start engines, the smart people chose lead alloy (a mix of lead and other metals to give the lead plate strength) as the anode or negative pole, lead dioxide as the cathode or positive pole and sulphuric acid as the electrolyte. This produces about 2.1V. Hang on, you need 12V…. Yes, not enough; so, they joined six of them together! This gives us approximately 12.6Vat full charge. As batteries discharge, a chemical reaction changes the sulphuric acid to lead sulphate and water.

Supply an electrical current, 90

AUGUST 2018

the more expensive ones.

‘Maintenance’ or ‘Serviceable’ Battery These batteries often require the owner to check the electrolyte level and specific gravity (SG) of each cell via the fill caps on top and must always remain upright as their electrolyte is running liquid.

They are used for most cars and some marine ‘cranking’ batteries. The electrolyte can be topped up with distilled water or sulphuric acid. Plain tap water should not be used but could be in an emergency.

Maintenance Free Battery Maintenance free batteries are sealed and the electrolyte level does not need to be maintained. Some also have a built-in hydrometer often called a charge level window, giving some indication of the charge in one cell (only).

Most calcium batteries are maintenance free.

Marine Battery Most marine batteries have extra reinforcing between thicker lead plates to cope with the rough ride at sea and on a trailer. They also sometimes have extra terminals so you can add accessories. Some of them are also labelled ‘dual purpose’ (see ‘hybrid’ below) so can cope with deep discharge to run accessories and high current output as required for cranking an outboard.

They will also have an MCA (marine cranking amps) figure quoted – the higher the figure, the more cranking power.

VRLA Battery VRLA stands for ‘Valve Regulated Lead Acid’. These batteries do not like to get too hot when charging. Warm is normal, but not hot. See AGM and GEL batteries below.

GEL Cell battery This is a type of VRLA battery where the sulphuric acid is in gel form rather than fully flooded plates. They are often found as deep cycle, or deep discharge batteries and have an amp hour (Ah) rating such as 100Ah rather than a cold cranking amp (CCA) or marine cranking amp (MCA) rating. Basically, they are used to slowly discharge and often used for portable 12V fridges, solar panel electricity storage, caravans, electric bow mount/trolling motors and as a ‘house’ or ‘accessories’ battery on a dual battery system.

AGM battery AGM stands for ‘Absorbed Glass Matt’, and they are also known as ‘dry cell’, ‘sealed lead acid’, or ‘non-spillable’ batteries. The sulphuric acid electrolyte in these is absorbed into a glass matt and has similar deep discharge capabilities as GEL batteries. The glass matt adds to their durability.

Calcium battery A calcium battery’s plates are still predominantly lead and the electrolyte is sulphuric acid, but calcium replaces antimony in the lead plates

A battery box will keep the battery secure and out of the elements. of the battery. Advantages include better resistance to terminal corrosion, less off gassing of hydrogen when charged and lower selfdischarge. The one major disadvantage is that they do not like to be deep discharged (allowed to run dead flat to 10 or so volts too often).

Since there is less off gassing during charging, the battery can ‘stratify’, meaning the acid is not mixed by the gas bubbles and some parts of the lead plate can deteriorate before the others.

Calcium batteries require a slightly higher charge voltage of around 14.8V and can hit 16V

rather than 14.4-14.6V for conventional batteries for maximum life. This higher voltage is delivered by battery chargers that have a ‘calcium’ setting or mode and helps mix the electrolyte to avoid stratification without smashing it with amps.

Most calcium batteries are ‘maintenance free’.

Lithium Battery These are new-tech, so expect to see a few more of these in boats as they become more affordable. Walks like a normally battery, quacks like a normal battery, but weighed in at half the weight at around 13-14kg for a 100Ah battery. They also come with

Deep cycle or Deep discharge battery Deep cycle batteries have less plates, but they are thicker. This provides less short-term power, but greater long-term energy delivery and can survive multiple charge/discharge cycles. A good deep cycle could have 100Ah capacity or more. The more capacity, the heavier and more expensive the battery.

Hybrid or DualPurpose batteries These batteries do their best to achieve both results, but are never the best at either of them. For example, a decent hybrid may only have 75Ah and 650MCA.

A multimeter is a quick way to check the battery. Note that some batteries read high immediately after charging. Give them an hour and recheck. If it falls below 12.6V, the battery could be on its way out.

BATTERY TERMINOLOGY Cold cranking amps (CCA) Most commonly found on car batteries, this is the amount of power (amps) that the battery can produce for 30 seconds at -18°C (0°F) before it falls below 7.2V. Marine Cranking Amps (MCA ) Mostly found on marine batteries, this measures the amount of power (amps) that the battery can produce for 30 seconds at 0°C (32°F) before it falls below 7.2.

Hot Cranking Amps (HCA ) This is the amount of power (amps) that the battery can produce for 30 seconds at 26.7°C (80°F) before it falls below 7.2V. Amp Hours (Ah) Most often quoted on deep cycle batteries, this is the number of hours the battery can supply 1 amp of current before dropping below 10.5V. E.g. a 100Ah battery can run for 100 hours if the device it is powering is only drawing one amp – In theory. However, due to discharge of the battery, while this is happening, the real-world result is often much less. The bottom line here is that an 80Ah battery has less capacity than a 100Ah battery.

Reserve Capacity (RC) This is the time (in minutes) the battery can deliver 25 Amps at 26.7°C (80°F) before it is reduced to 10.5V. Specific Gravity (SG) This measures the thickness of fluids. Battery electrolyte (sulphuric acid) is thicker than water and measures in at values above 1 while pure water has an SG of 1.000.

staggering warranties of six years or more, with some offering limited lifetime warranties. However, they cost in the order of $1300 to $1800 for an 100Ah unit.

Cranking or starter Battery The starter or crank battery is designed to give short bursts of high amps that are required to turn over an outboard. To achieve this, they often have a more plates than a deep cycle, but they are thinner, which offers a higher surface area to provide more current. A good starter battery to suit a 70hp outboard could have 750MCA and 60Ah

BUYING THE RIGHT CHARGER FOR THE JOB A decent battery charger is worth almost as much as the battery – sometimes more! To achieve the best life of your battery, you need a good battery charger. Battery chargers state their charge rate in amps. A rough guide is that the charger should be able to deliver about 10% of the Ah rating of your battery in amps.

For example, a 100Ah battery should be charged with a 10Amp battery charger.

A decent battery charger will be ‘multi stage’, where it gives the battery a cuddle and

VELOCITY SPORTS

CRUSADER

The Sydney International Boat Show 2nd to 6th August, 2018

puts on some Barry White before it makes its move and ‘bulk charges’. Almost. Bulk charging hits the battery with the maximum current to get the charge back to where it should be. Absorption charging gives the battery a top up charge to approach 100% gently, so as not to over charge and a reduced current is supplied. Once fully charged, the multi stage charger then enters ‘float charge’ where it monitors the voltage and keeps the battery in a fully charged state.

OUTBOARD ALTERNATORS Never rely on your outboard’s alternator to

expose the flywheel. You may notice a notch in the top of the flywheel on a groove. This is for you to wedge the end of a knotted rope, wrap around the flywheel a few times and pull start the outboard. Remember that you’ll need the ignition in the ‘start’ position, and watch out for the first mate behind you as that knot can put someone’s eye out.

WHAT IS A FULLY CHARGED OR DEAD FLAT BATTERY? More chemistry. You can check the charge of your battery in two ways; either with a multimeter or a hydrometer. For voltage, set your multimeter to ‘DC’

For fu

Another method if you have a serviceable battery (one with caps you can take off for each cell) is to measure the specific gravity or ‘SG’ using a hydrometer. The SG is the density of your electrolyte. Fully charged batteries’ electrolyte is all thick (heavy) sulphuric acid and fully discharged battery’s electrolyte is all full of (light) runny water.

It’s a reasonably messy but accurate procedure where you draw the electrolyte up into the hydrometer and read the SG off the side scale. So, the SG for a fully charged battery should be around 1.265-1.275, at 50% charged

NEW MODELS

VELOCITY SPORTS TD

The new Tuff Deck Range is a new variant of the popular Velocity Sports Range. With all of the features of the Velocity Sports the TD models come standard with sealed checker plate floor draining into a sump box. This no-nonsense deck layout is perfect for crabbing, prawning and general dirty or hard yakka work while offering a hull with a proven performance record. If you’re hard on your gear, the Tuff Deck may be just what you’re needing. Available in 520 & 550 sizes.

Check your outboard’s flywheel. It may have an option to pull start if your battery fails. charge your battery to 100%. voltage and place the red it should be about 1.175 to Larger motors do have lead onto the positive (red) 1.195 and dead flat will be better alternators, but this terminal and the black onto close to the SG of water is not consistent. You may the negative (black) terminal. 1.095-1.115. Thankfully, all have done your alternator The voltage of a fully charged this is written on a battery homework before buying battery varies on its chemistry. hygrometer. As you can see, an outboard, but this figure A standard lead acid battery these are of no use if you have of alternator output amps is should be 12.6-12.7V while maintenance free or sealed measured at high or maximum an AGM or GEL will be about batteries and it is much easier revs. For example, my old 12.8V. A reading of 12.0V to carry around a multimeter!

70hp 2-stroke Yamaha only is about 20% charged and It is best to avoid fully had a stator, not an alternator, 11.8V is dead flat, so you can discharging your battery and that only delivered 10A at see there isn’t a great deal of try to keep it above 12.4V or 5500rpm, so a weekend of voltage headroom there. This completely full at all times stop/start lure trolling can see can also vary a bit between where possible to achieve the a battery at 70% or less! So manufacturers! best life out of it. always pop the battery on the charger after a fishing trip and it will last longer.

Smaller motors may require a regulator/rectifier installed to keep the voltage NEW RELEASE supplied to your batteries and accessories below 14V. Check with your local service centre if unsure.

WHAT IF MY BATTERY FAILS AT SEA? There are a few things you can check before firing off the flares if it is safe to do so. The number one cause of that dreaded ‘clickclick’ sound of a battery not able to turn a motor over is a dirty terminal. Turn the ignition to the off position and check that both battery terminals are tight and clean.

VELOCITY SPORTS CRUSADER If in doubt, remove them and scratch both to reveal shiny lead and reattach them tightly. A lot of outboards also have the ability to be pull started. Take the cowl off and you may have to remove Don’t expect a day’s trolling to charge up your battery. a plastic flywheel cover to

BOATING IN A SEA JAY Full Range on Offer

BOATING IN A SEA JAY Full Range on Offer

AVENGER RS SERIES

The new RS Series from Sea Jay Boats offers a stylish new look on the proven design of the Adrenalin Hull. Featuring a Raised Sheerline, the RS Series offers all of the great features of the Avenger (tiller) and Avenger Sports (side console) models and incorporates the re-designed rear deck for better functionality. Available in sizes 448 and 468.

NEW RELEASE

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· Wide Body 2350mm Beam · Live Bait Tank · Max 90hp

DISCOVER

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DISCOVERY SPORTS NAVIGATOR DESIGN STRENGTH PERFORMANCE

To like us on

For further information visit www.seajayboats.com.au To like us on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/SeaJayBoats AUGUST 2018

91

The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Blakes Marine

Bar Crusher

For over 25 years Blakes Marine in Mulgrave have been one of Australia’s most reputable marine dealerships, and you can see everything they have to offer at the Sydney International Boat Show.

MasterCraft Boats.

Bar Crusher plate aluminium boats have ranges to cater all your fishing requirements, with hard tops, cuddy cabins, walkaround, side and centre consoles. See the Bar Crusher boat test on

You can customise your new boat purchase or re-power your existing boat with Blakes Marine by choosing either a Suzuki engine or Evinrude E-Tec with a wide variety of colours and stripes that you can choose from to suit your

Blake Marine are a family owned and operated business that service the greater Sydney and NSW boating community. Renowned for service and after sales care, they make boating easier.

Blakes Marine are the sole NSW and ACT dealer for some of the best brands in the industry, including Bar Crusher, Chaparral and

page 104 for an idea on just how much you can do with these boats.

Blakes Marine has now become Australia’s largest Stacer dealer and this year has already been very exciting with the release of the all new Revolution hull and models.

A great range of Australian designed and built boats just got even greater!

own taste.

Make sure you come and see the friendly Blakes Marine team at the Sydney International Boat Show. They are ready to help make your boating dreams come true and get you on the water now.

To find out more about some of the boats that will be on display, visit www.blakesmarine.com.au.

BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER & SAVE

Call Sales Direct - Craig Winch 0417 646 711

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM.AU

92

AUGUST 2018

9

A huge range of Bar Crusher boats will be on display at the 2018 Sydney International Boat Show.

From the entry-level 490C right up to the flagship 780HTP, Bar Crusher’s NSW dealer Blakes Marine has selected popular models from the folding-roof cuddy cabin (C) series, centre console/walk-around (XS and WR) series, hard top (HT) series, and hard top pilothouse (HTP) series, to ensure there will be a Bar Crusher boat at the show for every type of fishing – freshwater, estuary, inshore and offshore.

design, with a walk-through windscreen providing access to a comfortable forward lounge that quickly converts to a large and functional casting platform.

The fold-away rear lounge, interchangeable baitboard/ skipole and other innovative features make it a truly versatile boat – whether it’s towing the kids around in a ski biscuit or waterskiing with friends on the river, casting lures for bream in an estuary or chasing snapper and kingfish on the reef.

Designed and built for Australian conditions, all Bar Crusher boats incorporate

that starts wider at the transom and narrows as it runs forward. The result is greater hydrodynamic lift for more efficient planing and improved fuel economy, a higher bow attitude and better spray deflection for a drier ride.

Renowned for quality construction, superior performance and maximum fishability (with a range of standard features other manufacturers charge as extras), every Bar Crusher boat is factory-packaged on a custom-designed trailer, which ensures towing, launching and retrieving is

Along with the full range of C models – 490C, 535C, 575C, 615C and 670C – show visitors will be able to check out the feature-packed 585HT, all-rounder 615HT, award-winning 670HT and the bullet-proof 730HT. The 535XS and 615WR will turn heads, while the big 780HTP is the ultimate offshore fishing weapon.

Making its Sydney International Boat Show debut will be Bar Crusher’s brand new 615BR. Pulling triple duty as the ultimate family boat, fishing boat and sports boat, the 615BR is a dual-console bowrider

exclusive innovations such as the Waveslicer deep-V, non-pounding hull for an ultra-smooth ride, Rigideck engineered sub-floor system for maximum hull strength, and Quickflow water ballast technology for excellent stability at rest.

All models from the 490 through to the 615 are also built on Bar Crusher’s industry-leading Gen2 hull.

This design combines key features including a wider negative chine running forward, optimised wider chine aft and the distinctive Delta Flare – a complex V-shaped planing plank

a breeze. Self-centering and aligning perfectly every time, Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Catch system also allows for single-handed launch and retrieve, to deliver the ultimate boating experience.

Whether you’re a firsttime boat buyer or have owned 10 boats and you’re looking for your next one, drop by and say g’day to the Blakes Marine team on stand 103 and 105 and pick up a copy of Bar Crusher’s latest boat buyer’s guide to assist with your research.

To find out more about the Bar Crusher range, visit www.barcrusher.com.au.

QXOUTBACKFMM001

The new Quintrex Outback Explorer is our best tinnie yet.

And that’s really saying something! The deeper sides, more room, and storage space make the Outback Explorer hard to beat.

You’ll find yours waiting at a Quintrex dealer right now – at a great price!

Visit quintrex.com.au for more information.

The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Mercury Marine For people interested in superior performance and first-class reliability, the Mercury Marine stand is a must-see at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show. Mercury’s industry-leading line-up of motors has been substantially increased in recent months, and the latest outboard models will be on hand for visitors to inspect.

These new V-6 and V-8 Verado, FourStroke and Pro XS engines are the next generation of outboards for boaters looking for the best

in power, reliability and efficiency.

Of course, smaller boats haven’t been forgotten with Mercury’s ultra-lightweight reliable 15hp and 20hp EFI FourStroke outboards on hand. Designed for anglers, family boaters and commercial operators, they feature battery-free EFI for fast, dependable starting, instant throttle response and better overall performance.

Also on display will be the latest MotorGuide trolling motor: the Xi3. With wireless

Navico

control straight out of the box – and a whole lot more – the Xi3 is the easiest to use motor in its class, and is up to 40% quieter than its nearest competitor.

Another major attraction at the Mercury stand will be the interactive Joystick Piloting simulator. Visitors will be able to experience how Mercury joystick technology lets you easily move your boat sideways, diagonally or spin it on its axis, all the while watching your progress on a giant computer screen.

In the meantime you can find out more about the latest products at www.mercurymarine.com.

Navico, parent company to Lowrance, Simrad and B&G, will have a prominent display yet again at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show.

On display will be fish finders, chartplotters, instruments, autopilot and radar to suit all boaters and anglers.

Lowrance’s new Hook2 series of fish finders and fish finder/chartplotter combos boasts features and functions normally found on high-end fish finding gear but at prices that are easy to afford.

Another release from Lowrance, the HDS Carbon

series, has high-performance features that make it the choice of anglers at all levels. The Simrad NSS evo3 Multi-function display is the premium choice for sportfishing and cruising enthusiasts with the Simrad NSO evo3 the ultimate in glass bridge systems.

From B&G, the only brand dedicated to sailing, there is a new wireless wind system, the WS300, and chartplotters and instruments to suit the weekend cruiser up to the high-end maxi yacht.

For more information about these products visit www.navico.com.

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Turning up the heat at the Towamba River CANBERRA

Toby Grundy

Throughout my early twenties, I did a lot of fishing off the rocks down the South Coast with my favourite spot being Green Cape at Eden. My friends and I caught a lot of salmon, tailor and kingfish using poppers, plastics and big metals. I didn’t really pay much attention to the river systems in and around Eden during these trips but that all changed after a weekend spent casting off the rocks.

My friends and I hadn’t caught a thing over two days at the cape and popped into the local tackle store to quiz the staff about where the fish were hiding. One shop assistant told us that he didn’t even bother fishing

The Towamba River is a spectacular fishery, and is perfect for kayak fishing.

FACILITIES The Towamba River is located in Eden, which is about three and a half hours’ drive from Canberra. The town contains a few petrol

google and found a place to launch about halfway down the river and there are plenty of other spots like this scattered along the system.

SPECIES The Towamba River is packed full of all the usual suspects including bream, flathead, whiting and trevally.

I mentioned mulloway earlier and we did sound a couple of big ones, but we weren’t able to coax them into biting.

using this method.

Shallow running divers twitched in the shallows also work well on flathead and bream. I inserted a lot of twitches into the retrieve and found that this brought a lot of attention from bream.

KAYAK I used my Native Slayer Propel and to be honest, it was a bit frustrating because of the propeller drive. In hindsight, I should have left the pedal

certain sections even during high tide. Having a big stable kayak was good though, especially when fishing the deeper, faster pockets.

I think having a larger yak would also be beneficial for those planning a full day on the river, as you will need plenty of food and water and a place to store it.

SOUNDER If you’re chasing the resident mulloway, a sounder is essential. We passed several deep holes, which I could have sworn would hold a big silver slab, only to find the hole empty, whereas there were other holes that didn’t look too fishy and did hold large mulloway. I used my Lowrance Elite 7ti and this is a good unit, especially now with FishReveal, but any

before the whaling station, we consistently found big numbers of fish that hit lures during both tide changes.

TACKLE I took two setups with me – one for casting heavy plastics and the other for small topwaters, plastics and small divers. I used my Daiwa Harrier 6’4” light spin stick coupled with my Daiwa Certate 2000 spooled with 6lb braid and leader for chasing flatties, bream and whiting.

For mulloway, I used my Daiwa Harrier 6’10” medium/ light spin stick coupled with a Daiwa Certate 2500 spooled with 15lb braid and 20lb leader.

TIMING Towamba fishes really well in winter. There is a surface bite despite the cold

Releasing another Towamba trevally.

A good sounder is a must if targeting the mulloway.

Green Cape during the cooler months and explained, “The stones are for summer, the river is for winter. Try Towamba next time.”

After showing us a few photos of flathead, bream, trevally and a couple of big mulloway, we decided to ditch the rock fishing and

stations, a good supermarket, several excellent caravan parks and a few really nice cafes. There is also a tackle shop in the town (Eden Outdoors and Marine) where you can stock up on gear and get some honest advice.

I had phone reception right along the river up to the

The trevally seem to be in plague proportions in the river. focus on the river for our next visit to Eden.

We finally fished Towamba recently and aside from being a beautiful place to fish, it’s also packed full of really interesting fishing options. Here’s what I learnt over a few days on the Towamba.

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whaling station, but I brought a beacon for emergencies and I would recommend wearing a life jacket when fishing the river just to be on the safe side.

It’s possible to launch at the whaling station and paddle from the river mouth, however we did a quick

It’s very easy to catch a good feed of fish.

TECHNIQUES I tried surface lures first (despite the fact we fished it in early winter) and I was surprised by the amount of action I had on an OSP Bent Minow. In my opinion, this is one of the most effective saltwater surface lure options and it was incredibly exciting watching bream, whiting and trevally barrel towards the lure in the shallows.

I cast the lure up into the shallows and then held my rod tip at almost twelve o’clock before twitching the rod tip while winding at the same time. This takes some practise but is a deadly technique that produces some amazing takes.

If you aren’t getting much on the surface, switch to a plastic in the 65-80mm range and match this lure to a 1/8oz jighead. Slow lifting a wriggle-tail plastic in natural colours off the edge of a snag is a great way to connect with a shutdown bream or flatty.

Most of the better fish caught during the trip were hooked

drive off the yak and used a paddle. This is because the Towamba is quite shallow, meaning I was constantly lifting the drive out of the water and putting it back in again. We fished both tides and I found I had to do this in

unit that gives a clear read of the bottom and gives you an indication of the species in the area would be fine.

LOCATIONS Towamba surprised me.

In a lot of locations where I thought there would be fish given the time of year, we found nothing and yet along the flats and in several shallow bays we found good numbers of a variety of species. I think fishing the river is about casting your arm off at almost every likely location (and some unlikely spots too!) until you find the fish.

That said, around the oyster-lined rocks just

and if one species isn’t on the chew, you can guarantee that at least one of the other resident species will hit a lure.

The system doesn’t receive a lot of angling pressure, but this is especially true in winter, meaning the fish will be even more likely to strike.

The Towamba River is an excellent winter fishery and well worth the long trip down to Eden. It’s a stunning location bristling with aquatic life, and the fact that there are plenty of fish on offer as an added bonus. I would recommend visiting in winter as the crowds are down but the fish are well and truly on the bite.

The author hooked up to a big flathead.

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Tidy up that trailer boat BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Boat ownership is a big part of my life, and I’m guessing that it’s also a big part of yours as well – or at least that you’re seriously considering it. My advice to you is this: go for it!

Boating is a multifaceted escape from the more mundane things in life.

Whether you’ve launched the boat merely for a fun run or for some serious strategies on the fish, your the time on the water is always changing.

I’ve rarely had two boating excursions that are the same, given the variation in weather and sea conditions we boaties constantly encounter.

Once the craft is home

probably be somewhere inconvenient) it’s a good idea to clean things up good and proper so that your pride and joy can look its best and perform just as well.

After all, the quality of a trip can depend on how well you tidied up the last time you went out.

But before we start cleaning up let’s work out some strategies for orderly management of important items.

WASH OUT THE WELL Starting at the bow, we have the anchor well.

Some wells can take in a little water via the outflow at times, so you might want to check the amount of salt and other unwanted material that’s in there with the anchor rope. Open wells can gather all kinds of random items

can also further tangle the anchor rope after it was hastily retrieved in between sets of swells or chop. At the end of the day you should completely remove all anchor warp and clean up the well before you neatly store the anchor rope for the next trip. You’ll appreciate this the next time you’re on the water.

ANOINT THE ELECTRIC When it comes to electric motors, even a saltwater model needs some special care. I’ve seen even the best brands fail from sheer neglect. During the boat wash down, you should put the electric motor in its down-for-use position so that all salt residue is entirely removed from vital abovewater componentry. For some

Multi-roller trailers are great, but there are times when the rollers are affected by exhaust from a diesel engine, and cause unsightly black marks on the hull. boaters have both a hand and foot control for their electrics as a failsafe. Most people favour the hand control due to its convenience, but it’s a good idea to also understand exactly how the foot control is set up for use – either with or without a wireless link to the motor – so you should consult the handbook.

It may also have some tips on foot control use stored strategically in the boat, and it could save the day if you’ve never used the unit before.

Remember, too, that some foot controls also rely on a small battery to power them, so it’s smart to replace that battery regularly.

use detergent of any kind you’ll need to rinse the live well, as any detergent residue will kill the next lot of livies very quickly. A thorough wash-out is necessary after detergent use.

CLEANING THE ALLOY HULL Alloy hulls are great. They’re so easy to maintain, especially if they’re unpainted, and lend themselves to all kinds of fishing. Most owners give their craft a hose-down after use, but there are other things you can do to really make things fresh and clean again. One of the kindest things an owner can do to

So long as other ramp users aren’t inconvenienced (and trust me, they will let you know if they are), you should clean all water marks or scum lines off the rig at the ramp while they are still damp. If that scum and other residue is allowed to dry out it becomes very hard to remove, and may even require some hand polishing to completely obliterate.

When I owned my TABS punt I found that a super quick rubdown with a soft, wet broom at a freshwater ramp removed scum and other residue about 20 times more rapidly than when I tried to clean it up at home.

These roller marks will require some effort to clean off the fibreglass.

Metho might work but acetone will be more effective. again, you need to ensure things are ‘ship shape’ for the next expedition. Along with some careful thought as to where you should put important items (at the end of a day on the water, they’ll

like tangled tackle, leaves or discarded bait or lure packets, which are annoying when you want to quickly drop the ground tackle.

A bit of bump and thump during a late run to the ramp

models it’s recommended that you remove the side plates, so you should read the small booklet that came with it.

Some spray with a lubricant is good practice as well.

As a side note, many

Isolator switches are designed to cut off power, but extra insurance against power leakage is as easy as removing a battery terminal after use.

An hour in the Brisbane River caused these marks to form on a new alloy hull.

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The last thing to remember about your electric is to un-plug the main power lead as a safeguard against any leakage.

FISH BOXES AND BAIT WELLS A wash-out and rub down with diluted vinegar followed by another wash-out can ensure these areas are odour free. Remember that if you

an alloy hull, especially if it’s painted, is to get all the scum, water marks and scuff marks off that hull ASAP. If your boat has been used in the salt, a thorough hose down is a good way to get the ball rolling. If your boat has been used in the freshwater, there’s a lot you can do at the ramp to help keep the boat clean.

This tactic applies to both painted and unpainted alloy hulls.

Painted alloy hulls can be revamped at home with a wash down with a highly diluted mix of No More Tears baby shampoo and tap water.

The baby shampoo cleans very well, leaves no water marks or residue and is a remarkably effective method

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

The Sydney International Boat Show 2nd to 6th August, 2018

of restoring painted surfaces to their best condition.

It is also very gentle on paintwork.

Lastly, when the alloy craft is declared clean enough to be put to bed before the next use, don’t simply rely upon the ubiquitous isolator switch to prevent any sneaky current leaks (which will in time cause paint bubbling and other corrosion thanks to electrolysis). It’s far better to completely remove a battery terminal if you know the boat won’t be used for a while.

CLEANING THE GLASS HULL While fibreglass hulls look super shiny, they will soil just the same as alloy.

As with an alloy hull, all electrical components should be isolated (consider removing a terminal) at the end of each use, especially if the boat is going to sit for a spell.

Cleaning a glass hull can be a bit tedious, especially when those pesky black scuff marks are showing up on the one side of the hull courtesy of rubber rollers from the trailer.

Every wondered why this happens? Allow me to provide the answer: it’s because of a reaction between the exhaust of a diesel car and the rubber roller. If your tow vehicle is petrol powered you probably won’t be seeing it all, but if your car is an oil burner you will know what I’m on about if your trailer is equipped with rollers.

Cleaning fibreglass can be as easy as a wash down with a sugar soap or specialized detergent solution, but for really

Whether your boat is fibreglass or alloy, it will always benefit from a clean-up after use. trailer that has been in saltwater needs a good hose-down, and special attention should be paid to any brake assemblies.

Extra hosing on all brake components is smart, and the springs should get some extra washing as well. A strategic spray of lubricant on the brake assembly’s main activation mechanism will extend its life considerably as well.

Testing the park brake

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of the trailer is as easy as giving the unit a little push and applying the lever. If the trailer doesn’t stop instantly you’ll need to tighten up the cable to a small degree.

Don’t overdo this or there will be excessively hot brake discs and callipers when towing the boat.

So that’s the plan. A good clean up, everything in its proper place and your boat will be clean, tidy and ready for its next trip! Enjoy.

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If you use detergent to clean out the bait well, ensure it’s flushed very well or the next lot of livies won’t last long.

tough marks – such as those diesel/rubber demons – metho might work, but acetone definitely will.

This stuff is flammable and somewhat corrosive.

I recommend gloves for handling it. Acetone is a last resort, but it’s worth the extra care for those marks on the fibreglass that are very hard to remove.

THE TRAILER? Saltwater is hard on trailers. Every part of the

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

The hour of power BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

For years my mates and I have spoken about the hour of power when fishing, referring to the first hour of morning light and the last hour of daylight. Although

to spot you as easily and less boat traffic on the water. These variables and more often contribute to making this hour a hot bite opportunity.

For those of us fishing from an SUP, kayak, canoe or other paddle craft, it’s a great opportunity to be on the water before the waterway gets busy, which

You don’t want to take your expensive gear out on the SUP. A couple of $80 combos do the job just fine. this is two hours in each day, with work, families and other commitments, we often only get the opportunity to fish one of these hours… the hour of power. In these low light conditions, you will often find the water comes alive with bait and the fish feed more actively, there are less shadows being cast, less visibility for the fish

can often spook the fish and make the bite tougher.

Alternatively, you can hang around for the last hour of light, when many boaties have already packed up for the day to get home and get their boat and gear cleaned up and put away. The other thing to consider is your launch point, as you often don’t need to rely on a boat ramp to launch, so try

and launch close to where you intend to fish to make the most of the morning or afternoon hour of power.

Here are a handful of tips to make the most of this peak bite period and a quick wrap up of a recent SUP session where I made the most of the late afternoon bite.

THE 5 PS Prior planning prevents poor performance… well you won’t catch them every time, that’s fishing, but if you only have a short period on the water, try and line up a tide you like to fish or a species you like to target with one of the magic hours of the day and be organised. Have your vessel and kit ready to roll so you can make the most of the time available.

RIGGED AND READY Make sure you aren’t wasting the peak bite

AUGUST 2018

my favourite target species in the estuaries, however I will also target bream, trevally, mulloway and other species. A popular

more important to keep the cockpit of your vessel organised, with items leashed, secured or stowed.

When fishing I have scent,

Back at the launch point - note the clear deck, with everything stowed and secured for the paddle home. period by digging through your tackle and rigging your rods out on the water.

I generally carry two rigged rods on the deck of the SUP, or up to four rigged rods in my rear rod holder setup on the kayak. I will either have both rods rigged with the same lure if I have been catching on it and am confident of repeating this success, or I will be rigged with a couple of different lures. Flathead are

The shallow water presentation also produced plenty of bites. The ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ on a 1/4oz jighead was working great.

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A fresh feed of fish for the table. An icebox is ideal for keeping your catch in optimum condition.

go-to for these species in my local waters is one rod rigged with a 2.5” paddletail on a 1/4oz 1/0 light wire jighead and a second rod rigged with a bulkier 3” paddle-tail on a 3/8oz 3/0 heavy wire jighead.

These two plastics have me covered from rolling the flats for bream, trevally and flathead, to fishing drop-offs for flathead and mulloway.

VISIBILITY It’s important to ensure that you are highly visible when fishing low light, especially when you’re low to the water in a paddle craft. A headlamp is a great idea for your own visibility and for signalling to other watercraft if necessary. I prefer a waterproof LED battery-powered headlamp and I always switch it on to check the power level before heading out and carry a spare set of batteries with me. Other ways to make yourself more visible on the water include the range of lighting options from Railblaza, which are quick and easy to attach, along with high-vis and reflective clothing, a PFD with reflective tape or reflective tape or stickers attached to your vessel.

DECK ORGANISATION When fishing low light conditions, it is even

a ruler, Boomerang Tool line snip, water bottle, camera and other random items on my deck, however when paddling to my spot

stowed in a dry bag that is rolled up with enough air left inside to make it float.

CLOTHING Hot, cold, sunburn, insect bites and wind can all be part of it… before I scare you off the water, I just want to say that most of this can be overcome with simple clothing choices.

Headwear, gloves, sunnies, buffs, layered tops, long sun pants, wading shoes and rain gear are just some of the clothing options available to paddlers, with a lot of technical clothing available with features that include quick dry, wind-proof, lightweight, UPF ratings and more. Plan your clothing to suit your adventure and you can always carry a couple of

Being able to stow loose items is a big plus on a paddle back to the launch point. or back to shore, especially in darkness, the camera is secured in my pocket, water bottle in my icebox and the scent, line snip, ruler and other accessories are

additional items in a dry bag, just in case.

COMMUNICATION Finally, let someone know where you are going and what time you expect

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

The Sydney International Boat Show 2nd to 6th August, 2018

to be home. I always carry my phone, fully charged in a waterproof case… except for that one time when I went on my first quick SUP mission and my wife and my father were looking for me with binoculars and telescopic camera lenses… time gets away when you’re fishing and especially when you’re catching. For more

wanted to cover a small technical tip with regard to the stand up paddle board, for those who are wanting to get into the sport or have recently purchased a board.

The board that I purchased has a removable fin and on one of my adventures, where I found myself landlocked and removed the thumbscrew and fin

One for the table! Note the author’s headlamp around the neck and PFD with reflective strip ready for sunset. extreme adventures a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is not a silly idea.

SUP TECH TIP Before we head out onto the water, I just

to slide the board across the weed beds, I learned a valuable lesson…

When I next went to use the board and screw the fin in, I discovered that the thumbscrew doesn’t actually screw into a fixed

point, it in fact screws into a little plate/nut, which was somewhere out in the ocean, as it had slid out of the fin slot. I had a quick look online and discovered that these are readily available to purchase, so I’m guessing I’m not the first and won’t be the last to make this mistake.

Here’s hoping I can save a couple of others from making the same mistake!

In future, if I remove the fin for transportation or other reasons, I will ensure that I screw the nut and screw together into the fin for safe storage.

Anyway, in true Aussie ‘tie it up with wire’ style I simply pushed the fin into the slot, placed a little silicone scraper from my painting kit over the slot and taped the fin in with silver tape. It was a success, and I am out of trouble until a new plate/ nut arrives, along with a few spares… just in case.

LET’S HIT THE WATER! After being busy all weekend recently I made a last-minute decision to grab what was left of Sunday afternoon and launch the SUP to drift for flathead. It was the last of the run-out tide, bottoming out around dark and as I slid the SUP in at 4:30pm I figured I had about an hour and a half of fishing time.

Positioning the SUP about a cast distance from the bank, I drifted the channel edge, casting to the edge of the weed and hopping the plastic down the drop-off. The first 50m of bank dropped steeply into about 3m of water, so I opted for my 3” paddle-tail and 3/8oz jighead, allowing

A typical weedy channel edge and drain that will produce flathead on the run-out tide.

After losing the first flathead, this one was going in the net. plenty of time between hops to ensure the plastic was on the bottom. With a tap, followed by a solid hookset I was connected to my first flathead, which was on the deck and then off again in the blink of an eye as it shook its head, threw the lure and launched back into the water. There are a couple of reasons why I should have netted the fish. Firstly, I would have had dinner in the icebox and secondly a fish that is going crazy on your deck has the potential to launch unsecured items into the water.

It wasn’t too many casts before I had a fish on again! This time, I netted a flathead that measured mid 50s, and I carefully slid it into my icebox that doubles as my seat. Although it’s called an SUP, my icebox

makes a pretty good seat, it’s at the perfect height and securely strapped to the deck attachment points, and I must admit I spend most of my time sitting, relaxing and taking it all in.

As the bank began to taper more slowly into the depths, I picked up the other rod and started fishing the 1/4oz jighead and 2.5” paddle-tail, casting right up into the shallows where the bait was flicking. Fish on!

A small but cranky flathead was landed, followed by another next cast and then a yellowtail pike that was also released. Flathead often school, so I paddled back to work this section again, landing two more small fish in two casts and then another for the icebox a couple of casts later.

With the sun

disappearing and the tide almost still, I paddled a little further to a patch of sand at the mouth of a drain and landed a few more flathead and yellowtail pike, all of which were released, as I had one fish for dinner, along with one for our neighbour.

What had been a busy and stressful weekend had ended on a high, thanks to an hour and a half on the water that included the afternoon hour of power. A dozen flathead and a few yellowtail pike, including a feed of fresh fish – a wind down before heading back to work and a fun session on the water.

I hope you all get an opportunity to get out on the water soon and remember to make the most of your hour of power.

See you on the water.

Stephen Smith caught this nice 93cm cod on a yabby at Picnic Point on the Murray River.

AUGUST 2018

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Cruise Craft 595EX with Yamaha F200 4-stroke - SC

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Main: At full cry, the Cruise Craft 595 looks, sounds and feels great. It’s what you’d expect from a premium Australian boat builder. And Cruise Craft have a sound relationship with Yamaha – the F200 is an ideal power plant for the type of fishing you’d do in this rig, delivering just under 1.9km/L at cruising speed.

Above: Although the test day on Port Phillip Bay was glamorous, the rough water ability and quietness of the Cruise Craft hull is legendary. We can report that it goes well on flat water! the test boat was fitted with the maximum 200hp. At over 2t on the trailer, it’s not a light rig, however the F200 delivered maximum economy of 1.8km/L at 3600rpm and a comfortable cruising speed of 40km/h.

Want to drive this rig flat out? No worries, it’ll give you a smooth 77km/h at 5900 rpm and 1km/L, so ease up on the throttle if you want less pain at the bowser.

Length.......................................................5.95m Length Overall..........................................6.35m Length on trailer.........................................7.5m Height with targa.....................................3.22m Height with screen..................................2.43m Tow weight............................................. 2100kg Beam.........................................................2.44m Transom deadrise........................................ 20° Transom height..............................................XL Max hp......................................................200hp Recommended hp................................... 175hp Capacity.......................................... Six persons Fuel............................................................. 190L AUGUST 2018

important if you need to store your boat undercover in an area with limited height.

Want to know more about this rig? You can watch the video review on YouTube on the Fishing Monthly Magazines

PERFORMANCE

SPECIFICATIONS

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If you’re a fan of Fishing Monthly boat tests, you may remember the test that Streaker Marine’s Sean Savage and I did on the $200,000 Cruise Craft 685HT. Powered by a 300hp Yamaha, it’s a dreamboat for plenty of anglers out there, and Sean has seen plenty of them roll out the door ever since. This time, we’re taking one of the smaller Cruise Craft models for a spin – the 585EX with a 200hp Yamaha.

Built in Brisbane to exacting standards and factory fitted with motors and trailers, Cruise Craft boats have a reputation for quality and a price tag to match. Incidentally, the Cruise Craft factory also makes the Streaker boat brand now in Brisbane. This test is for Streaker Marine.

It’s a small world in the boating industry.

The 595EX (Explorer) is the third smallest and third largest fishing boat in the Cruise Craft range. Designed to run a 175hp outboard,

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made from scratch from the water up and it carries its beam a long way forward.

That gives it the ability to stay on the plane at slower speeds, which helps while driving in rough water.

When looking at the

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From bow to stern, the build and design quality is obvious and the boat rides quietly on the water. At the helm, there’s ample space for whatever suite of electronics you want to fit to be flush mounted. The helm seating is comfortable and designed to store coolers underneath.

I’m a particular fan of the soft top fitted with a slide out sunshade, especially in northern climates where it’s virtually mandatory to fish undercover. The test boat was also fitted with clip-in carpet, which makes life easier at the wash-down stage, especially if you’ve had a busy day on the fish.

Sean Savage has sold plenty of Cruise Craft packages and rates the 595EX as “The best bang for buck in the Cruise Craft range.”

“And the resale value of these rigs is also amazing.

The fact that everything is plush and factory-fitted

means that there’s ultimate confidence from both the dealers and the customers that everything is done right. We love selling them,” Savage continued.

“What I also like about the hull design is that it was

RPM................... km/h.................... km/L 700............................5........................ 1.7 1000..........................7........................ 2.5 2000........................ 15........................ 1.9 3000........................ 24........................ 1.6 3600........................ 40........................ 1.8 4000........................ 45........................ 1.7 5000........................ 61........................ 1.3 5900........................ 77........................ 1.0 *As tested with a 17” S/S propeller differences between the base model price (packages start from low $90K) and the test boat ($111,850), a lot of the cost is made up of the stainless steel, factory-fitted folding Targa top. Erected, the boat’s height tops out at 3.22m, but folded down you can fit it into a garage with a 2.45m clearance. That’s

YouTube channel, or by scanning the QR code on the page hereby with your smartphone.

For a face-to-face chat make sure you call in to the huge Hunts Marine stand at the Sydney International Boat Show and if you cant get there, visit their website www.huntsmarine.com.au

At wide-open throttle, like all boats, the economy drops. If you want to go 77km/h at 5900rpm, the fuel calculations become easy – you get 1km/L burned.

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

The Sydney International Boat Show 2nd to 6th August, 2018

The 595 is supplied from the factory on an Australian built Easytow trailer with twin axles.

Indeed, the whole boat/motor/trailer is factory rigged for the best in quality control.

There’s plenty of cockpit space and removable carpet to aid cleaning after a big day on the water.

Here’s the rear bench seat deployed. The mechanism is strong and neat to pack away.

You can store a few rods or gaffs in the side pocket as well as tackle in the bottom section.

This model comes with a sliding, lockable cabin door for privacy and security.

Now there’s a helm that’ll hold all the electronics you’ll want to put into a $100K+ boat.

Cruise Craft cabins are always a combination of style and practicality. This one takes an optional toilet for a weekend away.

The 20° of deadrise at the transom and a 2.44m beam combine to offer good ride and stability at rest.

Cruise Craft’s bait stations have evolved over the years to this design, and it’s removable for family days.

The slide out shade option on the targa top is wonderfully practical and you can keep your excess rods out of the way above it.

The Stressfree electric anchor winch is bordering on a standard inclusion rather than an option.

Once you’ve had one, you’ll never go back.

Cruise Craft’s Yamahas are factory fitted in Brisbane for the best in quality control.

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Bar Crusher 780HT with Yamaha F300hp 4 stroke

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RPM........................ km/h....................... km/L 1000............................... 9...........................1.9 2000............................. 13...........................1.0 3000............................. 36...........................1.5 4000............................. 54...........................1.1 5000............................. 67...........................0.8 5600............................. 80...........................0.8 * Figures from Yamaha Performance Bulletin Main: What do you get when a Bar Crusher dealer says, “Let’s see if we can order the most optioned-up Bar Crusher ever?” A 780 hard top with a 300hp Yamaha 4-stroke and all the fruit.

Above: This 780HT has been fitted with a 500L (instead of the standard 330L) fuel tank, but at the expense of an underfloor kill box. It gives this rig a theoretical range of over 700km at the economical cruising speed. radar, toilet – you know, all of the things that are necessary for a big day on the water. That’s what you

Length:............................................................ 7.8m Beam:........................................................... 2.45m Weight on trailer (dry):.............................2,380 kg Fuel:....................................... 500L (330 standard) Max hp:............................................................ 300 Capacity:................................................6 persons Materials:....................... 5mm bottom, 4mm sides

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door and boarding ladder arrangement.

You can watch a video review of the boat test on the Fishing Monthly Magazines YouTube

PERFORMANCE

SPECIFICATIONS

this rig. It’s long enough to bridge the waves, heavy enough to move the water (and not vice versa) and dry enough in the wheelhouse to cop a gale warning and still keep you warm and comfortable.

And it had all of the accessories – a fridge,

CO

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

I asked Stones Corner Marine’s Glenn Baker if he was in an option-ticking mood when he put together this demo rig for their dealership in Brisbane.

After all, this 780 Bar Crusher hard top with a 300hp Yamaha 4-stroke was one of the most kitted out boats that we’ve tested in the last couple of years.

“We like to have all of the good gear on our demo boats, because customers see the finished product, relate to it and then want to take it home,” Baker smiled, “and that’s exactly what a demo boat should do.”

We knew we were in for a great day on the water in this epic rig – even though Moreton Bay was white capping and there was hardly another trailer at the ramp. It didn’t matter in

R

of the rough water and the waterline length bridged the gaps. Quartering the slop, you’d definitely get wet if it wasn’t an enclosed hard top design, but the cabin and

Steve Morgan

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get for $165,000: A great Australian-built boat with enough gear and range to take you to a different state.

We had Stones Corner salesman, Troy Wegner, take us out for a spin on a day that was perfect for seeing what hulls like this can do.

“This boat has a 500L

fuel tank rather than the 330L standard, but it comes at the expense of an underfloor kill-box,” said Troy on the test day.

After running the numbers, we calculated that this rig would have a theoretical range of over 700km with that tank and a captain sitting on 3000rpm.

At those revs, the Yamaha pushed the 780 along at 41km/h and delivered 1.6km/L of fuel burned.

If you’re showing off to your mates at wide open throttle, you’ll only get 700m/L, but you’ll have plenty of fun. It all depends on how much you like spending money at the bowser.

The way that the Bar Crusher ate up the sub-metre

chop was impressive – the faster you went, the more the hull got on top

new hard top design kept the cabin warm and dry.

There’s a lot to like in a rig like this, but I was particularly impressed with the lockable cabin, the dash that can flush-mount any of your electronics and be visible from where you’re fishing and the practicality of the transom

channel or by scanning the QR code hereby with your smartphone.

Or better still, visit the guys from Blakes Marine at the Sydney International Boat Show to check out this weapon of a rig yourself or if you can’t get to the show, visit www.blakesmarine.com.au

Like all boats, economy varies with how heavy you are on the stick. Drive this rig as fast as it will go and it will sting you with 700m/L performance.

You’ll at least double the range at 3000rpm and still travel at 41km/h.

The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Yamaha’s 300hp 4-stroke is an imposing piece of machinery. It’ll give you 1.6km/L at 3000rpm and 41km/h.

How’s this for luxury? An Engel fridge/freezer that slides out from under the seat. No use having over 700km of range if you haven’t got a fridge.

As you’d expect, there’s enough cockpit space in the 780 to take all of your mates fishing.

And most likely a few of their mates as well!

The chequer plate deck is easy to clean and very practical for an offshore boat.

There’s a mile of visibility with Bar Crusher’s new hard top design and the forward-sliding windows allow the ventilation that you need in warmer climates.

The helm is well laid out and there’s a lockable sliding cabin door. To keep your gear secure when you’re on the road. It also offers the family privacy if needed.

Top: Now that’s a bait board! There’s nothing worse than a cluttered bait station.

Left: There’s both a fresh and saltwater deck wash on the 780. The freshwater version has a 60L tank.

Right: With folding rear ladder, transom door and non-cushioned rear lounge seat, egress from the boat is as easy as it gets.

Top Left: The cabin-fitted macerator toilet will make the weekends with the family more comfortable for everyone.

Top Right: Although an option, I’d call the Stressfree anchor winch on this boat a necessity.

Left: These are neat. They can caddy up to four rods, as well as your favourite lures along the side pockets.

Right: There’s enough room in here for a day’s worth of live baits and the clear lid allows you to continuously assess their condition.

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Quintrex 610 Fishabout with 135hp Mercury

SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

The 610 Quintrex Fishabout is the largest in the Fishabout series, powered by a 135hp Mercury EFI 4-stroke outboard and supplied on a dual axle alloy Quintrex trailer. As well as looking very impressive out of the water, it’s just as impressive to drive.

Launching was made easy by being able to keep the front section of the trailer out of the water so that my feet didn’t get wet. It was just a matter of un-clipping the safety chain and strap and having the skipper put the outboard into reverse. The boat easily slid off the adjustable keel rollers and adjustable long Teflon skids on the dual axle alloy trailer.

On the test day the conditions were extremely calm, so the only way I could put the boat through a bit of rough water was to keep traversing over the wake of the camera boat. With two adults onboard the 135hp Mercury EFI 4-stroke outboard easily pulled the rig onto the plane out of the water, and I found SPECIFICATIONS Hull length: 6.2m Length on trailer: ~8m Beam: 2.46m Depth: 1.34m Bottom sides: 5mm Top sides: 3mm Transom material: 5mm Height on trailer: 2.36m Fuel capacity: 120L Max capacity: 7 adults.

Max hp: 200 Towing weight: 1800kg 106

AUGUST 2018

Main: The specially designed bladed flared hull and chines push the excess water to the rear of the boat, giving you a very dry ride. While travelling at about half throttle we were doing about 41km at 3500rpm.

Above: Conditions on the test day were very flat. To get an idea on how the Fishabout handled, we had to go over the camera boat’s wake several times. As the Fishabout came down, the specially-designed bladed flared hull cushioned the ride as we came off the wake. that when turning the boat sharply to the left or right there was no cavitation or side slipping.

While driving the rig while seated and standing I had plenty of clear vision over the windscreen. The wraparound upgraded swivel marine seat made the ride comfortable, while at the same time providing plenty of stability. While seated I was able to use the fold section of the seat to give me more height, and I was still able to rest my feet on the bar near the floor.

The Lowrance Elite 9Ti Combo and GME VHF radio were situated so that they didn’t impede the driver, and the gauges were clearly visible.

While at rest we positioned two adults up against the gunwale. The boat did tip to one side, but this was to be expected. At no time

did I feel like the boat was going to tip over, and the high sides of the Fishabout give that extra reassurance that you aren’t going to fall out.

Inside the cockpit there is plenty of room for you to move around the boat, and the rear seat could be folded down when fishing or left in the upright position when cruising or towing a waterskier or two.

If you’re an avid angler you might want to think about putting in a kill tank for your fish. An esky may be all you would need though, and you would still have plenty of room to walk around.

Up in the cuddy cabin there is more storage underneath the padded beds, where you could put a small esky for your drinks and food, tackle and safety gear. This would then leave the two side pockets for storage of other gear that can be exposed to the

elements. The wide gunwales allow you to run extra cabling for any additional electrics that you may require.

Even though the selfdraining bait board was adequate, I would most probably want a larger size for filleting those larger baits.

The transom door provides easy access to get in and out of the boat, either while on the water or on the trailer.

One thing that I did notice on the rig was that the middle section of the windscreen was fixed. That means you would need to gain access to the anchor well through the sealed access hatch. If you are launching or retrieving the boat by yourself you could use this as an access point.

The layout of the console was great and there was still plenty of room to put a couple more gauges if needed, and maybe a drink holder or a compass. On the passenger’s

side you will find a lockable glove box and grabrail, and in the cabin there is enough room for two, plus that storage underneath the beds.

The owners Troy and Lee Durham of Insinc Marine at 20 Dell Road West Gosford were very obliging, and have been running their business at West Gosford for over six years. Troy’s knowledge is very extensive, and his mechanics have many years of knowledge in the boating industry.

The test boat package, which includes a 135hp Mercury EFI 4-stroke

and bow roller, two rear bollards, two rod holders, two side pockets, underfloor fuel tank, cabin hatch, cleat on transom corners, windscreen handrail, two Fishsports seats, painted hull with stripes, pole mount insert, fully carpeted floor, folding rear lounge, mechanical steering, aft short side rails, cleat on front seat, transducer bracket, isolator switch, nav lights and a bilge pump.

This package also includes a bimini, envelope, five rocket launchers, live bait tank, sealed timber floor, transom door, heavy-duty alloy ladder,

SPECIFICATIONS – 135HP MERCURY EFI Hp/kW: 135/101 Engine type: 8-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) Full throttle RPM: 4800-5300 Air induction: performance-tuned scroll intake manifold Fuel induction system: computer controlled multi-port electronic fuel injection (EFI) Alternator amp/Watt: 60 amp/756 Watt (belt-driven) Recommended fuel: Unleaded 91 RON minimum Recommended oil: Mercury Four Stroke Oil 10W-30 Engine protection operator warning system SmartCraft Engine Guardian outboard on a dual axle alloy Quintrex trailer, is priced at $63,950. If I was looking for a second boat that could allow me to fish in the estuaries or freshwater dams, plus take me to my favourite offshore reefs or allow me to take the family cruising or water-skiing, this would definitely be a rig I would look at.

STANDARD FEATURES The standard features include a five-year boat and trailer warranty, six-year engine warranty, Blade hull, Flared hull, extruded side decks, anchor well, bowsprit

Lowrance Elite 9Ti Combo, GME VHF radio, upgraded marine seats, two extra rod holders, boat and trailer rego, Smartcraft digital gauges, alloy bait board, rocket launcher, marine battery and inshore safety gear.

• 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.

The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

The 135hp Mercury EFI 4-stroke outboard delivers the ultimate in compact versatility. The get-up-andgo will allow you to not only fish in and offshore, it will also allow you to tow a skier or tube.

The swivel padded seats are positioned so that you don’t have to stretch to get to the controls. While sitting you can easily see over the windscreen, and there is a rail for you to rest your feet on. If you prefer to stand there is still plenty of room to get in and out.

The 610 Quintrex Fishabout, powered by a 135hp Mercury EFI 4-stroke outboard on a dual axle alloy Quintrex trailer, is very impressive both in and out of the water.

Top: The 135hp Mercury EFI 4-stroke outboard pushed the 610 Quintrex Fishabout out of the water with ease.

Above: There is enough room on the front of the trailer to stand without getting your feet wet. If you are by yourself, retrieving the boat can be made easier by having a self-catching lock on the trailer.

The adjustable keel rollers and adjustable long Teflon skids on the Quintrex trailer have been carefully positioned to sit in between ribs of the bladed flared hull, making it easy to launch and retrieve. The wheel hubs are within the overall width of the boat and, being short legged, this made using the rear fold-down ladder essential.

There’s plenty of room to put a couple more gauges if needed, maybe a drink holder or a compass. On the passenger’s side there’s a lockable glovebox and grabrail, and in the cabin there is enough room for two, plus storage underneath the beds.

Top Left: The rig comes complete with a removable self-draining alloy bait board that can be replaced with a ski pole.

Top Right: The extra wide gunwales give more protection from the elements where you can store items like your lifejackets, gaffs and so on. The storage tray is up off the floor so you can put your toes under while leaning up against the gunwale. The fully carpeted floor gives that extra grip.

Left: At the rear you will find a transom door, removable bait board with two rod holders, padded fold-down seat and a plumbed live well. Behind the bench seat you have your battery, plus more space to store a few items.

Right: Up front you have a sealed access hatch that will allow you to deploy your anchor. If you are launching or retrieving the boat by yourself you could use this as an access point.

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The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Hastings Marine The team at Hastings marine are excited to be heading south again and return to the Sydney International Boat Show with a big fleet of New Zealands finest offshore fishing weapons to the Sydney market.

Particularly the brand new Extreme 795 Walkaround and 605 Centre Console.

the trailer boat market without introducing a series of recreational boats with a major point of difference.

All Extreme hulls are designed in-house. Designed as a range of serious off-shore boats based on proven hull technology, all our boats feature the ‘Deep Vee’ hull. The boats boast fine entry for high-speed

Extreme Boats is a family-run business, producing New Zealand’s premier aluminium boats with a high quality finish to make sure your boat performs well and looks great. They began manufacturing boats in 1998 in small runs and have gone from strength to strength. From the outset they could see no benefit entering

head sea performance, all while retaining a high chine with full shoulder for excellent sea-handling.

Excellent stability at rest or full-throttle comes from a pair of very large aft chine flats. This also makes for an incredibly dry ride. It is these features that have allowed Extreme Boats to grow from a small company

Surtees producing a few boats in 1998 to a sizeable company today. Employing 50+ staff and produce more than 200 new boats annually thanks to a strong following from boaties both in New Zealand and around the world.

“We have enjoyed showing off these fantastic boats to the Sydney market the last two years representing Extreme Boats as their NSW Dealer at the Sydney international Boat Show.Our dealership is located on the Mid North coast in the sunny seaside town of Port Macquarie and this central location lets us service customers all over the state, the market exposure we get from the BIA shows is fantastic. We meet so many fans of the Extreme Boats product at these shows and it’s great to hear the feedback on the quality of finish, looks and practicality of the product. For this show we have selected a range of value models and specification levels to best showcase what is available and show that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a quality custom built plate boat.” Says John Morton from Hastings Marine.

The Axiom MFD from Raymarine is reinventing navigation.

With faster performance, intuitive operation, and leading-edge technology, Axiom delivers unmatched awareness, above and below the water line.

• Powered by the all new, fast and fluid LightHouse™ 3 OS • Available with built-in RealVision™ 3D Sonar • Blazing-fast quad core performance • 4-in-1 wide spectrum CHIRP sonar transducers • Rugged and sleek, all-glass construction for any helm For more information, go to raymarine.com 108

AUGUST 2018

Surtees are well known for building top quality alloy boats that are built to fish. The new 540 Workmate is the smallest hardtop in the range and boy does it pack a punch!

arguably the largest in its class offering more fishing area than many larger boats.

The 190L water ballast offers the ability to add weight for stabilisation at rest, or additional weight can be locked in with the

strongest hull designs in the world with two fully sealed safety buoyancy compartments, for complete confidence when out on the water. Combined with a 10-year hull warranty, the handcrafted 540 Workmate

Like every Surtees, the 540 Workmate Hardtop features patented Razortech super smooth riding hull and Anti-roll Stability Ballast Technology for the perfect fishing platform.

The cockpit is

Anti-Roll Lock shut off gate for added weight when underway.

SiQ technology comes as standard, with safety at the forefront of every Surtees. Tough Deck provides one of the

Hardtop is available with a wide range of customisable options allowing fishos to personalise their boat to their exact requirements.

To find out more about the Surtees range, visit www.surteesboats.com

Insinc Marine is the NSW Quintrex Dealer of the Year for 2017/2018

Come and see our range of amazing boat show deals from Crownline, Quintrex and Baysport Boats all powered by Mercury Engines on STAND 405

The Sydney International Boat Show

COCKLE BAY MARINA IN DARLING HARBOUR & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY

2nd to 6th August, 2018

Aussie Boat Sales ACT/NSW Based in the ACT, with branches at Bateman’s Bay Marina on the South Coast, Freshwater in Sydney and also Patterson Lakes in Melbourne, the team from Aussie Boat Sales ACT/ NSW pride themselves on providing a customised service for boaters. Aussie Boat Sales also service customers Australia-wide as one of Redco Trailers’ biggest suppliers, and can deliver trailers and new boat packages just about anywhere in the country.

In the alloy plate range, Aussie Boats has partnered with Formosa and are Australia’s largest dealer of both the Tomahawk and Sea Rod ranges. Together with Ross and Duncan of Formosa Marine, Jason and Johanna from Aussie Boat Sales are stretching the boundaries of the Formosa range with the latest models on display at the show. The growing range in the Formosa line-up means they have a quality plate aluminium boat to suit every customer’s needs and budget.

Jason says they have a lot of repeat customers buying their second or third Formosa, going bigger each time, which speaks volumes about the quality of

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these boats. Interested parties are welcome to take them on the water to experience the ride for themselves, and that includes customers from Far North NSW to Melbourne, Tasmania, Adelaide and everywhere in between.

Aussie Boat Sales ACT/ NSW was awarded 2017

fishing and fibreglass boat market in Australia. Jason specialises in the Trailerboat range of Caribbean boats, and those anglers who know the Reefrunner and the 2300 models know just how awesome these boats are.

Jason is also the sole distributor for the Sidewinder

Formosa Tomahawk Dealer of the Year. This is a great credit to the business and testament to their ability to cater for customers in different locations with different needs, with the massive Honda family offering all the aftersales servicing along with a seven-year warranty.

As well as with Formosa, Aussie Boat Sales ACT/NSW is a dealer for Caribbean Boats. Since 1958 Caribbean Boats have had a formidable reputation in the

made by Micro Cat Boats which are custom built on the Central Coast of NSW, and will have the all-new 4m twin cat on display again.

“It is a great fishing platform and we know that people are going to love the layout of this ingeniously designed boat,” he said.

“You must see it to believe it, and like all our brands it is great quality and at the right price. This boat is definitely a boat that combines brand new ideas with a no-nonsense

well-designed boat which caters for just about any type of usage, including in the commercial market and marina-style operations as a hire or work boat.”

Aussie Boat Sales ACT/ NSW has also just become the main distributor for Black Dog Cat plate alloy twin hull boats coming out of New Zealand in the North Island.

The Black Dog Cat range is well known for their build quality, performance and stability in the rough seas of New Zealand.

“We know the Aussie market will love these boats, and after testing them ourselves in New Zealand the performance is unbelievable,” Jason said.

The media and public launch to Australia for the Black Dog Cat brand was at the Melbourne Boat Show and was a huge success for the Aussie Boat Sales ACT/ NSW team who will have the ground-breaking 630 Enclosed Cab with walkthrough, a 510 Cuddy with folding rocket launchers and the 410 Side Console with enough room to swing a cat. These boats are ready for demonstration and water tests, and Aussie Boat Sales ACT/NSW are looking forward to getting them out to all the boat shows this year.

For any information contact

the team and they can forward video footage and brochures prior to the launch.

All of Aussie Boat Sales’ business partners have jumped on board the new aussieboatsales360.com. au website, and when they launched this completely new concept at the Melbourne Boats Show the public voted with their feet and couldn’t believe how well it showcased the boats on offer. The fully interactive online showroom will take you on boat tours and help you decide on the style and options of the perfect boat for you.

“We at ABS thank all of our business partners for supporting this,” Jason said, “We are looking forward to showing and entertaining our customers with a whole new buying experience.”

Aussie Boat Sales ACT/ NSW is also one of Australia’s largest Honda Marine dealers, and are major business

partners with Garmin, Redco-Tinka galvanised and aluminium boat trailers, Fusion Electronics, Sam Allen Wholesale Marine Products, Minn Kota, Savwinch, Horizon Aluminium Boats, Spotters Sunglasses, Railblaza Deck Hardware, Solas propellers by AMS, Aussie Boat Transport and Freight, Ozzy Tyres ACT, Dometic Group (Waeco fridges and cookers), Mobile Boat Covers and Marine, X-Factor wraps and signage in Sydney, Marine Graphics Ink Victoria, Mid North Coast Trucks - Isuzu - Macksville, Boat Names Australia, and the BIA throughout Australia.

ABS are also partners with Club Marine Insurance, and you can find them at the show too, or head to the Aussie Boat Sales ACT/ NSW Pty Ltd stand. In the meantime, if you want to talk to Jason, you can ring him on 0433 531 226 or visit www. aussieboatsales360.com.au.

• CANBERRA • BATEMANS BAY • FRESHWATER • PATTERSON LAKES

NEW

www.aussieboatsales360.com.au.

0433 531 226

Call Jason sales@aussieboatsalesactnsw.com.au www.aussieboatsales360.com.au

UNBEATABLE 75–115hp FourStroke

Unbridled power, unexpectedly compact, uncompromising reliability, unbelievably fuel efficient. Mercury’s 75–115hp FourStroke Range. Unlike anything the world has ever seen.

UNEXPECTEDLY COMPACT 115HP FOURSTROKE MERCURY

OPTIMAX YAMAHA EVINRUDE SUZUKI TWOSTROKE TWOSTROKE

DISPLACEMENT COMPARISON 115HP FOURSTROKE HONDA

2.4L

2.4L

2.2L 2.0L 163kg 170kg

(54kg Heavier)

2.1L 2.0L

1.8L

171kg 177kg

182kg

217kg

1.8L

1.6L

MERCURY YAMAHA SUZUKI HONDA FOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE

THE MERCURY 115HP FOURSTROKE COMES IN AT AN INCREDIBLY LIGHT 163KG MAKING IT THE LIGHTEST IN ITS HORSEPOWER CLASS – 4.6% LIGHTER THAN YAMAHA AND 24% LIGHTER THEN HONDA.

EVINRUDE TWOSTROKE

THE MERCURY 75–115HP RANGE HAS CLASS LEADING DISPLACEMENT TO WEIGHT, HELPING OUT GUN THE COMPETITION.

Based on Mercury’s 115hp (L) model. Information based on all manufacturers’ claimed horsepower and weight figures.

mercurymarine.com.au

1.7L