New South Wales Fishing Monthly - March 2015

PIRTEK FISHING CHALLENGE INFORMATION IN THIS ISSUE

Features

Kayaking at Mallacoota • Easter tips for taking kids fishing • Easter camping gear ideas • Illawarra Spotlight •

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Black Magic 8lb Fluorocarbon tippet, Black Magic 4kg+ Rainbow Braid and a Black Magic BMax ‘smelt’ lure were used by Rod Shepherd to catch this nice bream while fishing in the Hopkins River and Estuary.

Anthony Dobran used a Black Magic KL 1/0 hook and Black Magic 10lb Fluorocarbon tippet to land this 14kg murray cod at Lake Eildon. Anthony released his fish after a quick photo.

Alastair Vanstan caught this impressive 33kg, 1.5 metre mulloway on a Black Magic 8/0 Gummy Snatcher rig while fishing the Far West Coast of South Australia.

These two fine snapper, weighing 3.8kg and 4kg, were landed by Steven Azzopardi in Port Philip Bay on a Black Magic KL 5/0 hook.

Black Magic 60lb Tough Trace was used by Adam Epifanis to catch this excellent cobia while fishing from Forster.

For your nearest retailer and our full range visit our website at

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YOUR PHOTO COULD APPEAR IN OUR ADS! If we use your photo in our advertising you will receive a FREE BLACK MAGIC CAP AND PRIZE! Include your name, address, fish weight, where you caught it and which Black Magic or Wasabi products were used. Send a high resolution image to: photos@blackmagic.co.nz

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March 2015, Vol. 20 No. 7

Contents BYRON COAST The Tweed 30 Ballina 31 The Clarence 32 COFFS COAST Coffs Harbour Coffs Game South West Rocks

36 37 38

MACQUARIE COAST Port Macquarie 40 Forster 42 Harrington 45 Port Stephens 43 HUNTER COAST Hunter Coast 46 Swansea 47 Central Coast 51 SYDNEY The Hawkesbury 40 Pittwater 14 Sydney North 16 Sydney Rocks and Beach 19 Sydney Harbour 18 Sydney South 22 Botany Bay 20 ILLAWARRA COAST Illawarra 52 Nowra 53

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From the Editor’s Desk...

SORRY TO SYDNEY SUBSCRIBERS Apologies to the cohort of Sydney subscribers who were victim of a batch of magazines that Australia Post decided to send south by camel (or something maybe slower). They all seemed to turn up (eventually) and we appreciate you calling us to let us know that they’re late.

As always, our guarantee states that if a magazine goes missing in the mailing system, we’ll replace it free-of-charge.

If you’re not a subscriber, there’s plenty of incentives to be. It’s cheaper than buying it at the newsagents each month, you often get it earlier than they’re released at the stores and there’s a great subscriber prize that’s drawn every month.

BE ON THE COVER This issue’s cover pic is the first of three in the next three months (March, April, May) that feature YOUR

images. We’ve been running the details in the magazines for the past few months and have had plenty of great entries.

Best of all, there’s still time to get your entries in.

Make sure that it’s portrait format, crisp and sent to us at the highest resolution you can (frontcovercomp@ fishingmonthly.com.au) and you’ll be in the running. We send a block-mounted copy to each of the winners, so there’s a lasting souvenir of your superhuman fishing abilities!

GO CAMPING The Easter long weekend is a traditional time to pack up the family or mates and head out into the wilderness – or at the very least the local campground. We do it, we love it and even when it’s nasty weather we wouldn’t miss it for quids.

So we’ve compiled some ideas about how you can pimp your campsite a little and make it a little more comfortable. We

hope that you find a few of the ideas and products interesting.

TAKE THE KIDS Sharing family time over Easter is also well established in Aussie culture. Steve Worley gives you some tips of making it easier for the juniors to get hooked up – to a fish over the holidays, but also to fishing in general.

Most fishing kids I’ve met have been well grounded and a pleasure to be around. Someone said once that if your kids are hooked on fishing, then they won’t have any money left for any of the nastier vices. Sounds right to me.

STAY TUNED FOR NEW PRODUCTS There’s a couple of product launches in the outboard motor world in late February – just after the deadlines for the March magazines – but make sure you stay tuned for news about the Yamaha F130 HP and something from Mercury Marine that we’re in

the dark about at the time we went to print. #mercuryunleashed if you’re impatient and hashtagsavvy or follow the action daily on the Fishing Monthly Magazines Facebook page – with links to all releases and videos.

MICHAEL FOX AT FISHING MONTHLY? No, it’s not Michael J Fox, but NSWFM advertising sales rep Micheal Fox has moved sideways in the company across to the Queensland publication. Michael and Ryan Limpus are the hard working men behind the ads that let you know what’s out in the market place.

Ryan is now taking on the combined role, so if you’re wanting to promote your fishing or boating related product, he’s the man to see.

Thanks for all your hard work on the title, Michael, and enjoy the 10 foot move to your new digs.

BATEMANS COAST Batemans Bay 56 Narooma 57 Bermagui 60

Editorial Manager: Jacqui Thomas Sub-Editors: Nicole Penfold, Bob Thornton, Glen Booth Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall

Office Manager: Marie Dykstra

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Ben Janke caught this 79cm Murray cod caught at Deepwater, NSW on a 90mm Cooby Cobba surface walker.

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Windang to Stanwell Park SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

Working our way up from Warilla Beach to the north end of Stanwell Park Beach, there are literally hundreds of places that you can successfully chuck a line in for a fish.

So with this beginner’s guide to fishing this stretch of coastline, the 15 spots I have put together are really only going to scratch the surface and you will need to do a lot of exploring yourself.

Despite its large and densely populated towns, I have found that even during the weekend I can sometimes get a spot to myself for a few hours, but most of the time weekends mean there will be someone else fishing beside you.

When fishing down this way, you will need to be aware of the places that you cannot fish, so I would suggest going online and check out where you can and can’t go: Roads and Maritime h t t p : / / w w w. r m s . n s w. gov.au/maritime/ Boating closures NSW Fisheries http:// w w w. d p i . n s w. g o v. a u / fisheries Fishing closures Port Kembla Port Authority http://www. portkembla.com.au/ Boating closures Located on the east coast of NSW, Port Kembla is one of 3 major ports in the state. Port Kembla was established in the late 1890s to facilitate the export of coal from the mines of the Illawarra region. Since that time, it has rapidly grown to accommodate both the expansion of traditional industries along with the development of new ones.

has serviced the needs of regional industries, predominantly coal (export) and steel (import of raw materials and steel products). In more recent years, the port has diversified its trade base to include general and bulk cargoes, containers and motor vehicle imports. It is also the principal grain export port for producers in south and south western NSW. 1. WARILLA BEACH Warilla Beach fishes extremely well when there has been a southerly blow

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MARCH 2015

I have been present when the luderick are on the chew and it has been shoulder-to-shoulder anglers. The same happens when the whiting are on.

During the dark of the moon you could also try catching a few prawns.

3. LAKE ILLAWARRA Even though this is a very shallow lake, you can catch flathead, bream, whiting, flounder, tailor and blue swimmer crabs. In fact, I could do a whole article on fishing Lake Illawarra, but what I will do is list a number of

Wollongong City Beach

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Stanwell Park Beach in the foreground, and the Sea Cliff Bridge and Coalcliff at the top of the photo.

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TACKLE SHOPS 5 Port Kembla

Leisure Coast Bait and Tackle 297 Rothery Road Corrimal Phone: (02) 42842734 Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/LeisureCoastBaitandTackle Fergo’s Tackle World Wollongong 4/135 Princes Highway Fairy Meadow Phone: (02) 4225 7233 Website: http://www.tackleworld. com.au/nsw/wollongong.html

4 Perkins Beach

Lake Illawarra 3

Deans Tackle and Outdoors 312 Windang Road Windang Phone: (02) 4295 1615 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Deans-Tackle-Outdoors/128694183841595

Windang Island

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Windang Beach Tourist Park http://visitshellharbour.com.au/accom_result1/ windang-beach-tourist-park/?UseSession=True

Warilla Beach

Shelllhour

Scale 2.5 KM

Try fishing the back of Towradgi Ocean Pool for a couple of hours either side of the high tide.

The diverse commodity base of the port today reflects the growth of the region and its capability to service the growing south west Sydney market.

Historically, the port

2 hooks. Bream, whiting, tailor, salmon, flathead, mulloway, sharks and rays can be caught here.

If you find a bit of a rip forming up here, cast your rig into it and let the current take it out to the deeper water for you. Don’t forget to take a few metal slugs for that distance cast when you need to get out the back of the breakers.

2. LAKE ILLAWARRA CHANNEL The luderick run in this channel during the cooler months of the year, and during the warmer months

for a couple of days and the water is running out the Lake Illawarra Channel.

Try using a ball sinker down onto a swivel with a leader of about 1m long, or a paternoster rig with

Wollongong Harbour has a number of safe places to fish, and if you don’t catch anything you could always buy some at the brilliant fish and chip shop nearby. you will find whiting and bream feeding along this stretch. There has been a number of fishing and walking platforms installed here for people to fish off.

places you can go to and fish from the shore. They are as follows: Hooker Park, Lacey Park, Purry Burry Point, Wegit Point, Boat Harbour, Hooka

Killalea State Park http://visitshellharbour.com.au/accom_result1/ killalea-state-park/?UseSession=True Shellharbour Beachside Tourist Park http://visitshellharbour.com.au/ accom_result1/shellharbour-beachsidetourist-park/?UseSession=True Park, Kanahooka Point and Mogurah Point, just to name a few. Try using Where Is to find out where these spots are.

4. PERKINS BEACH This beach is situated on the northern side of the Lake Illawarra entrance, and it fishes the same as Warilla Beach. The main difference is that the southern end is a bit protected from Windang Island when the weather is coming from the south.

5. PORT KEMBLA BREAKWALL There are a number of fishing restrictions in place here, and the southern breakwall can be closed at times. This is usually when they are repairing it, as it does get a hammering from the

sea. When fishing the outside of the southern breakwall, you will need to watch your step and find a flat area to fish from. You will also need to take a rod of somewhere between 3-3.6m. This is not a place to take the kids.

The inside of the southern wall is a place you could take the kids to for a fish, but care still needs to be taken. Bream, luderick and squid can be targeted here. The boat ramp is a good place to fish at night.

Just a short walk further out from the southern breakwall is Battery Point.

This is a good spot to target bream and drummer during the top of the tide. You will need to use a ball sinker down onto the bait, as it is very snaggy here.

6. WOLLONGONG CITY BEACH There is plenty of car parking just up from the beach. If you are going to try fishing here, I would suggest you look for the

beach can produce bream after a southerly blow.

Try fishing as light as possible and cast your bait in and around the boulders.

This spot can be a bit snaggy at times though.

Parking can be a problem here at times, but if you park in the side streets you should be okay.

Wollongong Harbour has a number of great options.

You could try fishing off

Coalcliff Point can be a great place to live bait for kingfish. deeper gutters and be mobile enough to move from gutter to gutter. This will give you a better chance of finding where the fish are. The corner of the

Top: Plenty of new walkways have been built for land-based anglers to use along the Lake Illawarra Channel. Bottom: The boat ramp in Port Kembla Harbour gives great access to spots within the harbour and offshore. You can also fish the breakwall when it is open.

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15 Stanwell Park

14 Coalcliff

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will need to check on where and what you can do here by going to the NSW Fisheries website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov. au/fisheries. Try fishing off the breakwall when the conditions are coming from the south. The small

ut

8. BELLAMBI POINT This is another great spot to have a fish, as there are so many different options for the land-based angler. There is fishing to be had from the beach, or off the rocks and breakwall that are found here. You

13 Scarborough

12 Coledale

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9 Woonona

8 Bellambi

Wollongong City Beach is worth a shot for whiting, bream, salmon and tailor during the day or at night.

Try flicking a few metals off the breakwall at Bellambi for tailor, bonito and salmon.

MARCH 2015

Scarborough

7 Towradgi

The beach just adjacent to the Towradgi Pool is very popular. Some good gutters form on either side of the surf house.

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may have to move around a bit to find the fish.

Bulli Point is always an option for bream, trevally, drummer, groper, salmon, tailor and leatherjackets.

This is usually a good spot when the wind is from the south.

11. AUSTINMER

This beach is overlooked by a lot of anglers, and yes it can be a bit unproductive at times, but when it’s on fire it’s on fire. Try using strips of mullet, half pilchards, pink nippers, beach and bloodworms for bait.

Bream, luderick, silver trevally and drummer can be caught when fishing the rocky ends. Tailor and salmon school up here at times.

12. COLEDALE Fish along the ledge towards the beach on a rising tide at night

So

the small point near the boat ramp.

The northern wall will produce salmon, tailor, trevally and bream when there is a bit of a southerly blow. If you don’t happen to catch a few fish, you could always try the great fish and chip shop in the harbour. It’s a good place to bring the family, as there is a beach and a park area nearby.

7. TOWRADGI This is a very popular beach with surfers and beachgoers. The best time to fish is early morning and late afternoon when it is less crowded. Days when it is just raining a bit of overcast would be a good time to expect fewer crowds. This is one of my go-to spots during winter when the swell is up a bit.

Tailor, bream and whiting are worth a shot here.

Depending on where the wind and the swell are coming from, the north and south ends of this beach where it meets the rocks is a great place to target bream and trevally.

Use a long shank hook and either a small piece of prawn or squid for bait.

The paternoster rig seems to work the best.

10. THIRROUL Over the years I have found that the northern end of Thirroul has produced the better catches on the last 2 hours of the rising tide and the first 2 hours of the falling tide. Now as for the main beach, I would suggest that you position yourself at the edges of the main gutters and either use a paternoster rig or a ball sinker down onto a swivel with about a 50cm leader. Whole and half pilchards, pink nippers, beach and bloodworms are the bait options.

There is a set of rocks in the middle of the beach that are worth a shot for bream and whiting at the top of the tide. You can fish

he

Mixed bags are a feature of this region.

and protected bay where the boat ramp is situated is a great place to chuck out those squid jigs.

Where the rocks finish on the southern side of the beach is worth a shot for bream, trevally and tailor.

Whole or half pilchards are the go. You could also try casting out a few metal slugs, and plastics are another option.

The front of the point produces drummer, bream, luderick, salmon, tailor and the odd kingfish. Make sure you don’t fish here when the seas are up though. A rod of about 3.6m in length will get you out over the rocks and boulders to the sandy patches.

9. WOONONA Bream, silver trevally, drummer and luderick can be berleyed up while fishing from the point.

Suspend your bait either

under a stemmed float or a bobby cork to keep it away from the snags.

Leatherjackets are another option when fishing here.

the southern rock platform after a big blow for bream, drummer, luderick, tailor and salmon. The depth of water can vary here, so you

for bream, trevally and drummer. You will need to berley and I would suggest white bread. You could mix some squashed up pilchards with it as well.

The southern point at Coledale is a good place to fish on a rising tide.

The first of the run-out will produce fish as well. Try suspending a bait under a small bobby cork or fish as light as the conditions will allow. Cunje can be found here, so try it for bream and drummer.

13. SCARBOROUGH This small beach is best fished during the upper parts of the tide for bream, whiting and trevally. I have found that early morning and late afternoon sessions seem to produce the better results. It’s a great place to take the family, as there are picnic tables, toilets,

and a car park. Try using half pilchards, strips of mullet or striped tuna.

Pink nippers, beach and bloodworms will always get you a few fish.

Sometimes this beach can have a fair amount of kelp wash into the gutters after a big blow. This is when you can go and fish off the rocks and cast past the kelp onto the sandy patches out wider. Don’t

forget the squid jigs either.

14. COALCLIFF Even though the beach at Coalcliff is not all that long, you can fish for bream, whiting, salmon and tailor here. At the southern end lies an ocean pool. Fishing off the back of this into the sand gutter that has scattered boulders throughout is good for bream and drummer. As you walk further south

around the point, you will be able to fish for bream and drummer, but care will need to be taken as the rocks are close to the water’s surface. Fish with a small ball sinker down onto the top of the bait.

The southern end of the rocky headland has quite deep water and I have caught bream, drummer, snapper, tailor, salmon, kingfish, bonito and silver

trevally from here. You will need to wear footwear with non-slip soles though, as there is a fair amount of

the south coast, as there are so many options for the land-based angler.

You could target, bream,

about 50cm long.

This particular beach can fire one day and then be completely dead the

Not a bad result after a couple of hours fishing the rocks at Waniora Point.

The four-lane boat ramp at Bellambi Point not only gives easy access to offshore fishing, it’s a great place to go squidding as well.

that slimy black moss on the rocks.

This part of the headland is also a good place to catch live yellowtail, slimy mackerel and squid. During peak fishing times, this area can get fairly crowded.

15. STANWELL PARK This beach would have to be 1 of my favourites on

trevally, dart, tailor, salmon and the odd mulloway around the boulders at the northern and southern ends of the beach. There are 3 main rigs that I use while fishing here. They are the paternoster, a ball sinker directly down onto the bait, and a ball sinker down onto the swivel with a leader

next, so I would always have a Plan B up my sleeve and make sure that I am mobile. This is why all my tackle, bait and fish are carried in an Alvey shoulder bag. If the fishing is not happening, I can just walk back up the beach, hop in the car and go to another beach close by.

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MARCH 2015

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Hot summer action continues into autumn THE HAWKSBURY

Dan Selby dan@sydneysportfishing.com.au

The start of autumn really gets fish and anglers alike fired up, as the days gradually get shorter and the weather and water temperatures become more pleasant. Not that we can’t get the odd 40 degree scorcher this month and next though!

Kingfish have been biting well in Broken Bay and Pittwater, with plenty of rats in between legal and 65cmplus. Live yakkas and squid strips on the downrigger have been getting the better fish to 90cm, and the odd bustoff on occasions. Barrenjoey, Lion Island, West Head, plus the deeper channels, wrecks and points off Pittwater are the places to try. I find a mobile approach until an active school

SPOTS FILLING FAST!

A few places to get started are The Breakaway, Ebenezer, Sackville and lower Portland. Look for back eddies near structure like rock walls, weed beds and large tree snags. A couple of quick casts with a soft plastic grub or minnow to likely structure on the drift will help you locate the schools, after which you can either anchor up or hold with the aid of an electric motor and work the school of fish until they wise

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has been located is best when looking for kingfish.

Tailor, salmon and bonito are regular bycatch when targeting kings, especially when using live bait like yakkas. Keep an eye out beneath the tiring fish when it nears the boat, as up due to their inquisitive nature, its schoolmates don’t mind following them. They can often be tempted with another livie or soft plastic quickly put into the zone, turning 1 into 2!

Surface bustups have been quite regular this season, with multiple species feeding together. Towards the end of this month should see mac tuna and frigate mackerel turn up inshore and wreak havoc on whatever bait the kingfish, salmon, tailor and bonito have missed. Keep an eye out for flocks of birds working the surface around Flint and Steel, Cowan Creek, West Head and Pittwater. Casting and retrieving small metal slices and soft plastics at high

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good dump of rain convinces them otherwise and aids their migration back to the main river. Surface fishing in the small creeks can be amazing in March, as they are fully tuned into their surroundings, belting lures as soon as they land! ‘Pelagic’ bass that chase prawns on the surface in the tidal water are going great guns this year too. Early mornings and late afternoons are part of the equation, but it depends if the prawns run while you are

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speed is fun, but sometimes challenging as the schools can move swiftly from baitball to baitball. Most times the patience game works, so turn off the engine and drift in the general area until they come back within range — sometimes even balling the bait up under the boat, making it seem like a fish washing machine!

Autumn has been kind to me and my clients, producing metre-plus mulloway on a regular basis. Live baiting with yakkas, pike, tailor and squid will produce some solid fish over the next few months.

Spending time learning how to catch these other species for the purpose of bait is essential for getting regular results on big mulloway.

Lure casting for mulloway has been producing regular results, with fish to 89cm so far. This will improve as we get closer to April. Bream and flathead have also been making a regular appearance when casting soft plastics around the tide changes and deeper reefs.

The rock walls have been fishing well with soft plastic grubs, creature baits and deep diving crankbaits in Berowra and the main river up to Wisemans Ferry. Another fun and challenging technique has been surface cicada lures twitched seductively near shaded and snag-strewn edges in the smaller creeks.

Some impressive fish give themselves up for a well-placed cicada imitation, with 40cm plus thumpers quite common.

Estuary perch will be starting to sense the change of seasons and begin to school up in the upper tidal water.

With only 2 months of fishing left before the new closed season, anglers should get their light spin/fly outfits, soft plastics, flies, jigs and blades ready for some action-packed sessions on the Hawkesbury’s quality EPs.

Top: Big bream have been suckers for cicada lures cast tight to shaded structure in the creeks. Matt Brown looks pretty stoked with his first encounter using this technique, fooling a 40cm model. Bottom: Estuary perch are a fun and challenging species. Fastsinking fly lines and weighted flies or conventional spin tackle and soft plastics paired with modern electronics can yield cricket score catches in autumn. up or you have caught and released them all!

A lot of bass will still be in the smaller creeks, until a

there. Most are school-size fish around 30-35cm, but the odd 40cm-plus monster gets in on the action most times.

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Warm water fishing hots up been encountered during the melees, but vary the depth of lure or bait for a chance at different fish.

The areas that they having been working best of late seem

PITTWATER

Peter Le Blang plfishfingers@bigpond.com

Over the last few weeks, Pittwater has been a great place to be fishing. With the seasonal warm water, the predators have been active and giving anglers a chance to catch a decent feed.

The most active species around the neighbourhood has been the kingfish. The schools are making their presence known first light most mornings towards the mouth of Pittwater. The surface feeders are of a smaller size and most are just under legal, but with a bit of patience some larger ones can be found on a baitfish school close by.

If you want to have some fun with light tackle, the smaller kings are readily pouncing on small surface poppers, 4” white soft plastics, and even 20g metal lures. The schools are starting to get a bit wary of boats and boat traffic, so please use stealth mode when you arrive and find others already fishing.

Other fish to target in the same feeding frenzies are salmon, tailor, amberjack, samsonfish and flathead.

All of these species have

The better way to find one on Pittwater has been to drift the dropoffs of Portuguese Beach, Palm Beach, The Hill and the dropoffs in Towlers and Lovett bays. The best

Steve Starling and the Offroad fellas joined us for a day’s fishing and loved nailing some Pittwater kingfish.

You never know what you’ll catch until you get out on the water and try! bait has been the humble pilchard, but if you are after a bit of extra fun, try using soft plastics. Hopping these lures along the bottom and over the steep dropoffs has been the easiest way to get a smile on your dial. Not only is this style of fishing active and addictive, it covers more QXFMTR001

to be towards the mouth of Pittwater. The area from Palm Beach through to Careel Bay seems to be where most of the action is happening.

Those wanting to target a flathead or 2 will be happy to hear that there are some decent models in Pittwater and Broken Bay.

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Best areas to try are Croppy Point, Gunya Point, the Railway Bridge, Bar Point, Pumpkin Point and Little Settlement.

Offshore, the warm water has seen a lot of species show up and the pelagics are going nuts in close to the coast. The mahimahi are on at the FADs, but if you travel around a little and find some fish trap buoys, there seems to be better fish under less pressure.

While you are trying to catch a few fish off the surface, it can be a good idea to drop a bait to the bottom as well. The reef fishing has been a bit funny this year, with cold-water species still being caught in areas that should have warm-water species showing up. At the moment there are still morwong, nannygai, trevally,

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all areas to investigate on a dropping tide.

The bigger kingfish are still cruising along Pittwater and Broken Bay, but are proving hard to tempt once again. These big kings don’t get big because they eat everything in their path, but because they are selective feeders. Sure, when a feeding frenzy is on, they will be in the mix of fish, but they can be very selective about what they eat when on their normal cruise. For this reason I suggest that before you start chasing a

Pittwater, and checking the baits often will ensure that when you find a monster king there is something left on the hooks for him to play with.

Squid have been a fair bit easier of late, and the best colour has been pink for the cloth jigs and the pilchard colour for the hardbodies. To help send these squid into a feeding frenzy, use scent on the jigs. I find that Halco Paste is a great scent that doesn’t eat away at the cloth, and squid just love it. On many occasions we have clients wind in squid all the way to the boat without being hooked at all. They just hang onto the jig and suck at the areas that have scent applied.

Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River have been seeing mulloway caught, as well as some great flathead.

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ground than just dragging a bait around.

On the low tide, try the points along Pittwater. Soldiers Point, Stokes Point, Longnose Point and Taylors Point are

metre-plus kingfish, you cover your bases and catch squid, slimies and yellowtail to see what they want on the day.

The areas where we have encountered a few big kingfish are Barrenjoey Head, West Head, The Basin, and along the western side of Pittwater between Soldiers Point and Scotland Island.

Use 2 downriggers to cover the ground and vary both the baits used, as well as dropback distances and depths. There are quite a few pickers around the various wrecks along

The mulloway are hungry for squid heads, but the pickers on the day determine how successful you will be. If you find that your favourite area has a lot of rubbish fish about, change your baits over to butterflied yellowtail or slimies. The pickers will still have a chew, but they are less likely to rip the baits to bits.

The smaller mulloway are being caught on prawns meant for bream, and small squid strips. Just remember that all mulloway under 70cm have to be released.

teraglin and flathead being boated in water depths of 40–70m. Closer to the coast, the species are the same, but you also have a great chance at samsonfish. The samsons have shown up in huge numbers this year, and although they aren’t all that big (55cm), they still put up a great fight and are lovely to eat.

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

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Northern Beaches continue to bubble along there’s been no shortage of metre kings and mahimahi, with some great billfish

SYDNEY NORTH

Darren Thomas

As summer comes to an end, we are finding the fishing here on the Northern Beaches still firing on all fronts.

Offshore, the marlin fishos are hooking good fish in warm waters out wide, while the mahimahi are running amok at the FADs and the 12 Mile.

Closer to shore, some good reds are taking baits and jigs on the local reefs, while off the stones big kings are making their presence felt. Pittwater and the Harbour are both holding visible schools of fish and bait, and finally the beaches are performing above expectations, with some good reports from the sand coming in.

Vic Levett and the guys and girls from Oceanhunter Sportsfishing have been smashing it this summer, and recent days have been no different. Reports of black and striped marlin are now frequent with this newly established outfit, with big mahis also being a seasonal specialty. In this company’s first season,

easy operating a charter outfit, but these guys just make it look that way. They

Russo headed out to the 80-fathom mark in search of marlin. After dropping

Anthony Ball with a Sydney north snapper caught on a live squid. also hooked (even on micro gear). This company is leading the way in tagging fish off Sydney, with many recaptures already reported.

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are very professional and successful, so if you’re looking to boat fish, give them a ring.

On the subject of big fish, Kirk Branch and Ben

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2 fish, the guys managed a solid mahimahi that smashed a live yakka on 15kg string for Ben. Sydney has been having some prime days and conditions

Kris Preussner with an epic Northern Beaches’ king from the stones.

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to get out wide, and we can only hope it continues that way into the tuna season.

Our local reefs have fished reasonably well, holding schools of mulloway, trag, kings and snapper. Anthony Ball was chasing mulloway in 45 fathoms off Long Reef recently, and nailed a good snapper while live baiting with squid. Davey Marsden and Luke Rowden fished further north off Newport, landing mulloway to 12kg, while Mad Huey Dan ‘Blackbeard’ Webster has been getting amongst the metre kings with the boys from Long Reef Pirate Crew by casting surface lures in 25-30m of water.

Northern Beaches’ rock ledges have been providing successful platforms for land-based anglers seeking a fish, particularly the high speed casting guys and the serious kingie fishos.

Schools of bonito and salmon have been taking lures of both the hardbody and metal varieties, with some good size fish being landed. Most of these guys are casting 20-30lb braid on 9-10’ graphite rods with 4000-5000 size reels, as punching a lure is what they do best. We carry a variety of this style of rod in store at Fishouttawater Tackle World, so drop in

and check them out. Keep in mind that this application is year round when conditions are good, and this type of rod also works well in our estuaries and bays.

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baits, and therefore the fish will come. Kings and mulloway up to 10kg have been landed here recently, as well as plenty of bonnies and salmon. Live baits on the sandy bottom are a

specimens reaching 40cm.

Mid Steyne and Queenscliff have bream schooling beyond the breakers, so a longer cast is required, but keep your hooks and baits small, as even the biggest

Kayaking appears to be one of the fastest growing styles of fishing that I’ve ever seen, so to accompany this growth, here at Fishouttawater Tackle World we have a

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Vic Levett and Nick Martin with a tagged Sydney black. capture off the stones was a mammoth 33kg kingfish landed on 24kg line off a local rock ledge by Kris Preussner, using a live bonito for bait. This is a terrific capture and one that will be remembered for a while, I expect. South Curly is a very popular ledge for fishing and one of the Northern Beaches’ safest, which means it attract anglers soaking

preferred method, while spinning metals and squid jigs are also adopted styles.

As per usual when the rocks are firing, so too are the beaches, with the southern end of the peninsula proving very popular with anglers chasing bread and butter species. Manly Beach has had some good whiting at the southern end on beachworms, with some

of bream don’t have a large mouth.

Over at South Curl Curl, beach whiting to 38cm have been caught, but you will need to move around and chase the gutters, as these fish are often on the move. An early morning session into sunrise has been a good time to chase down these tasty fish, with beachworms being the undoing of most.

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Rain brings on the Sydney Harbour mulloway SYDNEY HARBOUR

Craig McGill craig@fishabouttours.com.au

We have had some pretty solid rain lately, which has really got the mulloway fired up. If you are chasing them through the daylight hours, there’s no question that fresh squid baits are first choice. Live squid aren’t necessary, as most of our daytime mulloway are caught on tube strips or, ultimately, the heads and guts. If you are after large specimens, then live squid and big live baits like mullet or pike is probably the way to go.

Night fishing is a different matter and while I’m sure that squid are still the best bait, they are hard to use because tailor and many other non-target species hammer them. So generally, you can’t keep a bait in the water long enough to attract a mulloway. The good news is that tailor make great live baits, so if you do lose your squid to them, at least you

The bigger kings should really fire up in the deeper holes this month. can put the tailor straight back out live. Don’t be scared to use big tailor for live baits either, as even a 10kg mulloway will have no problem swallowing a 1kg chopper.

Spots worth a try are North Harbour, Fairlight

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Point, Reef Beach, and Cannae Point.

In Middle Harbour, try The Hole at the Spit, Killarney Point, Seaforth Bluff, Pickering Point, and under the power lines above Roseville Bridge.

For Main Harbour, look around Neilson Park, Clifton Gardens, the red marker inside South Head, Blues Point, Balls Head and the deep holes around Gladesville.

As a result of all the rain, the Main and particularly Middle Harbour have had moderate freshwater flushes, including some discoloured water. Middle Harbour, being relatively deep and only having a small catchment, should still hold a few fish regardless of its resemblance to the Murray.

My bet would be that mulloway and bream will hold in there, but pelagics like frigates, kings and tailor are going to move out. A big fresh tends to knock the crustaceans and small baitfish around, making them an easy target for bream. Bream can tolerate extended periods in pure fresh, so you could find them in the upper reaches and right in close along the shoreline at high tide. At low tide, try the deeper holes and off the rocky points. I’ve always found stinky baits to be far more productive in these conditions, rather than live baits like nippers or prawns. Try baits of chicken and mullet gut, or skirt steak.

The fresh won’t worry the mulloway either; in fact, hunting in dark, discoloured water is their specialty. There’s a lot of mullet in Middle Harbour at the moment, so big live mullet baits would be ideal if you can get them. If not, then live tailor caught in the lower reaches or squid from North Harbour would be a great choice. At last resort,

big slabs of frozen squid or mullet will do.

Down in the lower reaches, look for areas where the fresh coming down-harbour meets with the cleaner ocean water.

This usually occurs around

to the gut and steak baits, try some pilchard fillets.

A couple of spots I have found work well in these conditions include Inside Grotto Point, Cobblers Beach, Tailors Bay, inside South Head (red marker), Sow and Pigs, the eastern cardinal mark at Dobroyd (if the swell is not too big) and inside Cannae Point.

North Harbour will offer the cleanest water, having only a minimal catchment and should be well out of the swell.

We have had a great run of kings this season, dominated by mostly smaller fish in the early stages. March/April is renowned for runs of bigger hoodlums, so it’s probably time to dust off the heavy gear. We know that squid is the ultimate bait, but the big fish are partial to live gar, which should have made their harbour run by now.

Concentrate your efforts around the deeper areas on the tides, with good variation between high and low.

which they hit the surface when chasing bait. Salmon and kings feed across the surface leaving subdued boils, whereas bonito and tailor dart up from below with a burst of speed that leaves a ‘rooster tail’ of water showering high into the air.

Bonnies are generally less fussy about lure size than salmon, but on rare occasions can be difficult to tempt. They make great salted bait and with a little care and a feisty dipping sauce (fish sauce with a hot chilli chopped through it), they are great tucker.

As sashimi, they have a reputation for causing stomach upsets and you will rarely find them completely raw in Japanese restaurants.

To counter this problem, they are usually served ‘tataki’ style. All exposed surfaces are cooked very briefly on a searing hot plate and then immediately plunged into iced water. The steak is then thinly sliced into traditional sashimi sized pieces.

Top: Seared, skin-on, bonito make great ‘tataki’ style sashimi. Bottom: For those that make the effort to catch fresh squid, mulloway are around in numbers.

Balmoral in Middle Harbour and Sow and Pigs in the main harbour. Berley will help concentrate the fish, and once again odorous baits will work best. In addition

It’s been a solid bonito season, with good sized fish mixed in with the surfacefeeding salmon schools. You can visually pick the two apart by the by the way in

• If you are interested in doing a guided fishing trip on Sydney harbour with Craig McGill please call 0412 918 127 or email craig@fishabout.com.au.

Going gar-gar over tailor, kings and other things SYD ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com

I have been documenting my fishing outings since the 1980s. Consistently since the early 1990s, I have noticed regular trends, and in some cases some not so regular! As an example, saying that the snapper or kings are going to be really on is something you cannot count on for that specific month. Within a 2-3 month period it will come to fruition though.

We have all heard anglers in the know say

snapper, rock blackfish, and a species that most rock fishos are not so acquainted with, the samsonfish, will be available. The garfish run is approaching its peak, so spinning or live baiting eastern sea gars is a great choice for kings. Get yourself a set of ganging pliers, strong Mustad swivels, and hooks like the Mustard 7766D in 5/0-7/0 and make up a set of 4 gangs (5 for the larger gars). The Slap-Stick stickbaits are also working well, especially the 9” in white. The Sure Catch 12” stickbaits are great too.

Kings are on in Sydney Harbour, along the ocean

Daniel Coote was cheering about this king. You can expect a couple this month, and for the next few at least. that the whiting run is late this year, or the mulloway have arrived unusually early. I like to look at it this way; a little like checking out the weather. For a more accurate decision on what to do on the day, check out 2 or preferably 3 weather sites so your assessment is closer to being correct. The same applies to fishing reports.

NSW Fishing Monthly

of course, Facebook, the 2SM High Tide Fishing Show, and various fishing forums can give you a handle on what is current, but more importantly, how to do it correctly. So by documenting your outings accurately and checking out other information mediums, it will give you better, more consistent results.

This month kingfish, pelagics like bonito, mac tuna and frigate mackerel, bream, snapper, tailor,

rocks, and in Pittwater, at Balls Head, Clifton Gardens, Obelisk Rocks and Middle Head (treat the Obelisk and Middle Head platforms like an ocean rock spot and take the necessary precautions).

Off the ocean rocks, The Hat near the Quarantine Wall, Bluefish Point, South Curl Curl’s Flat Rock, The Ovens, South Whale and North Whale are all worth checking out.

The run of samsonfish will continue for another couple of months yet.

South Curl Curl, Dee Why and Long Reef are some of the better locations, with every headland producing the occasional specimen.

Snapper are coming in from Bluefish, North Curl Curl, Long Reef and Bangally Head. For the samsons and reddies, large bottle squid, cuttlefish, striped tuna fillet, pillies

and large prawns are working well.

Luderick, pigs and groper are available from Little Bluey, Long Reef, Warriewood and the Barrenjoey rocks. Try peeled prawns, white sliced bread, cabbage for the pigs, while for luderick hair and cabbage weed with white sliced bread as berley is working. Try red crabs and scotchies for the groper.

There’s a mixture of species on the beaches this month, and it would be difficult to walk away without a feed. In the evenings there are reasonable numbers of tailor, and some good fish at that. These are often by-catch of the mulloway/shark angler, so fishing for them with the appropriate techniques is more productive. In saying that though, in the surf a live bait is hard to beat for a tailor.

Back in the day, ah yes, back in the day when a 2kg block of pillies was $4 (and we were not happy when it went to $5), the eastern sea gar was worth $5 a kilo and it was viable to use them as baits for tailor. At about $15-17/ kg now, they’re expensive compared to pilchards, but longer lasting. Apart from being sensational spinning baits for tailor and also kings, they are a top bait for a number of species off the rocks and beaches.

Going back to tailor, if you can acquire gars at a cheap price when there is a glut (which can occur this month), you will occasionally get them for as little as $9-$10/ kg. Purchase a few kilos and Cryovac them if you can. Alternatively, wrap 6-8 together in cling wrap and squeeze all the air out before freezing. Also have your kilo pack of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) pilchards on hand as additional bait.

Use gars as a prober bait, then swap to the less expensive pilchards when you have located the tailor.

A kilo bag will represent 15-20 baits. They are also cheap enough to use for berley if necessary.

Swapping to a half pillie and presenting it on a 1/0 can produce good results on bream. Use a hard fluorocarbon leader like Sufix or Sure Catch 15lb to reduce bite-offs if you encounter tailor or flathead.

The latter have been on the chew in amongst the choppers. Fish to 65cm are about, with salmon thrown in as well. The beaches that are producing tailor recently are Manly/ Queenscliff, Curl Curl, Dee

Why, Narrabeen mid and north, Mona Vale, Newport and Bilgola.

On the whiting front, virtually every beach has reasonable to good numbers of this succulent fish. Starting at Palm Beach, the northern end to a couple of hundred metres past Black Rock has fish to 36cm, with some bream thrown in. More bream are available after dark and not only on worm baits; use mullet fillets, tailor or slimy mackerel.

At Bilgola Beach, good whiting and bream to near 40cm are available from the middle of the beach to the southern corner. This beach is subject to kelp invasion, so don’t waste

Allen Irving with a 65cm flathead caught off the beach of an evening. Flatties are often bycatch of anglers fishing for mulloway or tailor.

Charlie Wood with his best king of 95cm, taken spinning with ganged garfish.

This fish was caught in some nasty terrain and he did really well to land it. your time if the weed is there. This also applies to Warriewood Beach, which is producing good bream and whiting. There’s tailor about in the low light to evening period.

The Pines at Octavia St has whiting, with a large dusky flathead of 90cm reported there by one of my sources, caught on a ganged pillie meant for tailor. Fortunately, it was released. Heading further south, the Collaroy side of Dee Why Beach is fishing fairly well for whiting and some tailor before and after dark. Pink nippers pumped from Narrabeen Lagoon or Pittwater work very well, and at times are better than beachworms. The southern side from the surf club to the corner is fishing nicely in a moderate southerly swell, especially if the weed is at a minimum.

Freshwater Beach is fishing okay for bream and tailor in the evening. The bream are up towards and parallel with the southern corner rocks. Manly Beach has seen good hauls of whiting to over 40cm, bream, and some flathead.

An evening fish here for whiting is quite good on the calmer nights. It is well lit and accessible from the

beach car park, so you can park only 50m from where you fish.

There is still 4 months left for the warmer water species off the rocks and beaches. If you haven’t taken up fishing before or if you have fished for years and think that you have missed out on most of the

fun, think otherwise. There are still plenty of good months left.

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

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MARCH 2015

19

It’s trevally time BOTANY BAY

Gabe Quercigrosse gabeandgabe@bigpond.com

Trevally are at their top from March onwards but can be taken in lesser numbers all year round.

These tough fighters like pink nipper bloodworms and Hawkesbury prawns both peeled and whole.

Not many anglers go out to catch trevally but at times they will give nothing else a chance to take a bait.

When they are like that, it is nothing to get your bag limit in quick time.

They are both a day and night fish. Some schools of trevally are very large and often congregate along Brighton Beach where large catches can be made. The aptly named Trevally Alley at the end of the Port Botany

specimens all the way to Picnic Point in the Georges River. Again, use the same rod and reel as for bream and the same rig. Trevally will take a bait either tide, day or night but prefers the deeper waters during the day and anywhere close to structures at night.

In slack water, I use a rig that has resulted in many fine catches. Use no trace and tie a 1/0 9555B hook with a No. 0 ball sinker running directly above the hook. About 30cms up the line above the hook and sinker, tie a no. 10 swivel to avoid twisting or kinking of the line. I have found that a size 6, 30ft. green luminous bead behind the hook is a great attractant. Place a nipper or whole prawn on the line and cast as far from the boat as possible. I like squirting a little Ultrabite on the bait, which I find is irresistible to the fish. This setup will sink

Trevally are great fun on light gear. Get out there and have some fun! container wall is however the hot spot and can always be relied on to provide a feed of blurters.

You will also get them in lesser numbers just about anywhere in the bay including the oil wharf at Kurnell, Watts Reef, Towra Point and larger

slowly and quite often the trevally will rise up to the bait and take it quickly. If you can get fish in this mood large catches are assured.

A little berley during this method of slack water fishing will keep the school in the area. Quite often the bite of

a trevally is just a slight pick.

When you feel this, just turn the handle of your reel 2-3 times and lift the rod and you will feel the weight of the fish. Do not strike hard as this will only pull the bait away or tear the hook out of its soft mouth. Most fish will be lost at the boat, so make sure you use a landing net and place the fish in a salt water ice slurry to preserve their eating qualities.

Last month produced excellent catches of bream from Watts Reef with specimens to 1.2kg taken.

Watts Reef is the shallow reefy area between the Kurnell Oil Wharf and the Captain Cook Reserve.

Because it is shallow, fishers ignore it and in doing so they are missing out on a bundle of good fish. The secret of Watts Reef is to fish it at night – in the daytime you will only get rubbish but at night big bluenose bream are on the prawn and best results are on pink nippers.

To find the spot, line up the blinking red bell buoy with the remains of the old pump house on the oil wharf then come out from the large pine tree on the Kurnell Reserve. I’ve caught over 100 fish in one session prior to the bag limits being introduced. These days, the spot is not as good as it was, but will improve steadily till the beginning of June.

Another possie, which has been fishing well, has been the small groin along the swimming pool on Silver Beach at Kurnell. It is a good general spot and on bright moonlight nights and this wall produces top catches of tailor, flathead, flounder, whiting and bream. This wall is made up of broken rock so watch your step. Make sure you take a landing net with you if fishing this spot.

Ryan Stephenson and Riley Powers with a nice haul of mahimahi.

The late mail is also for the Cooks River Breakwall.

The end of the southern wall has been fishing particularly well for school mulloway, bream, trevally and tailor. I like night fishing or at first light hours and the run-out tide will carry your bait out.

One right out of the box and probably the most underrated river in Sydney is the Woronora River or ‘Wannie’ as it is known to the regulars.

Members of the Woronora RSL Fishing Club make outstanding catches, which would make you sit up and take notice. Fishos who give it a miss and try the bigger Georges River are missing out on bream, blackfish, whiting and flathead catches.

And in the upper reaches you can catch estuary perch.

When a fresh is on, a lot of perch are washed downstream are often picked up by bream fishers. The Wannie is for small boats only and the

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entrance to the system has been dredged to deepen the channel. The key to success in the Woronora is the right bait; it is useless in fishing there without those magical estuary baits. Pink nippers or bloodworms are great baits and keeping your line weight down to 4lbs.

Spots to try include The Needles, Shackles, Bonnet Bay, Swains, The Hummers, Jannali Reserve and don’t forget to take your dillies as there are many mud crabs to be taken along the mangroves.

March is a top month for the Georges River and many fish will be taken by those willing to give it a go. Whiting (sand and trumpeter) will be taken in the channels, as will bream, school mulloway and flathead, not to mention the good run of blue swimmer crabs that move onto the flats at half to full tide.

It is in this month also that you can expect a good run of luderick, and given a fair run of weather with a little discoloration in the water, you should have little difficulty in bagging these fine fighters. Selecting a spot is one of the handicaps of angling, so if you try the following, I’m sure that you will be well rewarded.

Como Bridge down to Bald Face has many spots often ignored by the boatman, but if you wish to fish tides that suit, many fine species can be caught on most outings. On the making tide in the main channel at Caravan Head 30m out from shore, you will catch all the species mentioned. This spot also sometimes produces on the first hour of the falling tide, but make sure that you fish with at least a 1.5m of trace and use pink nippers or bloodworms. Always carry a landing net, because some very large whiting come out of this stretch of water and

fish to 500g are common.

You must remember that fish do move to better feeding grounds like cattle.

Experienced fishos get the best from a given spot, then they move on until the spots start to produce again. On a falling tide, the Connells Point area on the mussel beds for some reason produce excellent bream. It is advisable to fish at least 60m out from the shore. Fish this spot to suit the run, but the last half of the falling tide is best.

Moving over to Bald Face Point now, and this area can only be fished the last two hours of the falling tide because of the hard right turn that the river follows coming down from the Como area. Fish the point at least 50m from the eastern shore.

The depth of water is very good and quite often good mulloway will be taken if you wish to live bait this water.

On the slack water, large tailor are hooked so a 3-hook rig with pilchard bait fished with no weight will quite often reward you.

If you intend to try for crabs, the making tide at the entrance to Oyster Bay is very good. Try setting crab traps while you are fishing for other species. Use mullet whole as your crab bait with deep cuts into both sides of the fish.

Over the next few issues we will be looking at the hot spots on the close and wider grounds off Botany Bay and share with you the secrets of success experienced.

For all your fishing needs, as well as the latest info on what’s biting, drop into Gabe’s Boating and Fishing at Narellan (4/1A Somerset Ave), or Silvania (268/264276 Princes Hwy). You can also call them on (02) 4647 8755 or (02) 9522 5100 respectively, or visit the website at www.gbaf.com.au.

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Avoiding ramp rage SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

We have a number of boat ramps in the southern Sydney area, and at one time or another I have used each one of them.

One of my pet peeves is boaters that either don’t know how to use ramps, or couldn’t give a stuff about anyone else who uses them.

Now don’t get me wrong, I would say that well over 95 per cent of boating anglers know how to launch and retrieve and use a boat ramp efficiently, but some clearly don’t.

I know it’s been done before, but I thought I would put boat ramp etiquette out there again, so before I give you a rundown on what fishing to expect over the month of March, here are my top 7 don’ts at boat ramps: 1. Do not back your boat down to near the water’s edge and then proceed to take the tie down straps off, unload your fishing gear from owrance Sounder the car, put your petrol tank in the and boat and then r from Berkley

connect it. Do it while you are waiting in the queue. I don’t care if there is no one else at the ramp. Somebody may come down to use it while you are doing all of this.

2. When have put the boat back onto the trailer, drive away from the boat ramp before tying your boat or anything else. Just don’t drive to the turning area where it has a sign

Remember your boat ramp etiquette when using ramps.

It took Andrew and your columnist nearly 2 hours to get 4 squid to use as troll bait for kings.

saying NO STANDING and proceed to do it, making it impossible for anyone else to use the ramp.

3. If you have never backed a boat trailer down a ramp before, go somewhere else and practice how to do it first. That’s how I taught my kids to do it and they have no trouble at all. This way the trailer doesn’t end up diagonally across the ramp, making it impossible for anyone else to use it.

4. When backing the boat down the ramp in the dark, turn off your lights.

If you haven’t realised before, it makes it near on impossible for someone else to back their boat down, as they can’t see, no matter how good their eyesight is.

5. Don’t jump the queue. Wait your turn, or if other boaters in front of you are preparing their boat to launch and they still

have a lot to do, you could politely ask them if it is okay to jump ahead. I have had plenty of other boaters just wave me around.

6. Don’t drive your boat up at 5000km/h, creating a huge wave. I was at a ramp when this happened and it knocked a boat off a guy’s trailer and onto the guards. I then had to help him get the boat off and reposition it on the trailer.

As he walked past, the guy

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MARCH 2015

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who caused it said, “Don’t you know how to retrieve a boat?” The old guy who owned the boat rightly gave him a gob full.

7. After having retrieved your boat and cleaning your fish, don’t throw the frames on the end of the ramp. Throw them into the water beside the ramp.

Okay, now that I have got that off my chest, it’s down to what should be happening over the next month. Bream, flathead and whiting will be on the chew in the Georges River at places like The Moons, Picnic Point, Georges River State National Park, the Como, Tom Uglys and Captain Cook bridges, and over the cockle beds near Dolls Point.

Further upstream, the M5 and Milperra Bridge pylons would be worth a shot for a mulloway or two with blades and soft plastics. You could also try here for bream and flathead with either baits or lures.

Chipping Norton Lakes will be worth a throw for

bream, luderick, and the odd bass and perch.

In Botany Bay, you could anchor up at the end of the first and third runways for bream, whiting, flathead and trevally. Remember to have a steady stream of berley out the back. Trevally Alley on the run-out tide will produce trevally, bream, the odd flathead, and a few kingfish. Just remember to berley and fish as light as the conditions will allow.

Try anchoring up on the outside of the drums and off the oil wharf and live baiting for kingfish.

While you are waiting for the livies to go off, put a bait out for trevally, bream and tarwhine.

Lure anglers should find trevally, tarwhine and bream over the flats off Towra and Silver Beach. I would also have a squid jig handy while fishing here, as you will encounter the odd inker or two.

The beaches off Cronulla through to Boat Harbour will start to fire on

the whiting, bream, tailor and salmon side of things.

For the salmon and tailor, use either whole pilchards or garfish for bait. Throw in a few metals/slugs to get that extra distance if needed. For the bream, whiting and flathead, you can’t go past pink nippers, beach and bloodworms.

Off the rocks throughout the Royal National Park, you will see an increase in bream, trevally, luderick, drummer, groper, tailor and salmon. Places to try are Garie and Wattamolla. The point at Kurnell would also be worth a shot.

Now that the crowds have died down on Port Hacking, chase flathead and squid up and down the main channel, and bream in the deeper sections of Yowie and Burraneer bays.

Luderick will start to show up along the stretch known as the Ballast Heap.

For land-based anglers, Gunnamatta, Gymea and Lilli Pilli Baths are good for bream, whiting, flathead, flounder and squid.

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23

Camping Feature

Camp in comfort and style this Easter holiday With Easter just around the corner, we know that a lot of Fishing Monthly readers will be preparing to make the most of the long weekend. And based on history, Easter will either offer up sparkling Easter weather, or unleash more rain and wind than you’d had in the previous month combined. It could go either way.

As anglers, the campsite is often not the be-all and end-all of the experience.

Often it is a base from which you hub all of your fishing and boating activities. It’s undeniable, though, that a well set-up campsite can turn a good trip into a great trip and a horrible wet weekend into a pleasant experience with your family and your mates.

In that light, this piece takes a look at some of the ways you might want to pimp your campsite. Some of the products available

are for safety, others are for convenience and some just turn heads in the campground. How many times have you seen a set-up and thought, ‘I need one of those!’

And whether you’re a swag-and-esky person or you want your site to offer a WiFi network to you and your mates, there’s usually something available to make your camping dreams a reality.

TARPAULINS

We’ve all done the basic ‘camp under a tarp’ setup and I daresay we’ve all had the ‘tarp blown away’ disaster at some stage in our camping travels, so it’s sound advice to have a quality tarp and know how to set it up.

There are products available from springloaded guide ropes through to custom-moulded tarp clamps that take the sting

out of the gusts of wind when the going gets tough.

We’re sure you’ve seen the world’s flashest tarp poles advertised in this magazine previously.

They hold up your tarp, but also have LED lighting and a USB charging socket to keep your smartphone charged. That would be useful when you’re out fishing the Pirtek fishing competition!

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lighting means that you can now light your campsite for much less of a power load than you use to a decade ago. Of course, the best way to light a campsite is with a roaring campfire, but for various reasons, that’s not always legal/ possible or convenient.

Drawing a fraction of the current to run than the old incandescent bulbs (and a whole lot more durable) it seems like the LED technology was just made for camping.

Camping Feature POWER

There are camping applications that require

beer (and food) cold. Most Aussie blokes have a spread of keeping-it-cool devices on

quietly and keep your food and drinks cold. With the availability of 12v DC in your vehicle, there’s no need for the milk to go sour.

And starting the day without your Weetbix just feels wrong.

They’re compact, set up in 20 seconds and provide pretty good protection from the

been around for a couple of decades. Glinds have been making top-of-the-line hot

make up your own kit or take advantage of any of the pre-assembled bags

elements – especially in the cooler months.

If you’ve got plenty of room, a camp cot keeps you up off the ground and insulated from the heat or cold. They fold up into a stowable size and ensure that you wane up full of beans and ready to tackle more fish.

water showers that use your 4x4’s engine to heat your cold shower into hot for ages and if you need that little bit of extra comfort as a carrot to get someone out under the stars for the Easter break, it’s $500 well spent.

that you can buy at most camping stores, it’s pretty sensible to have one stashed under the seat of the car.

DRIED MEALS

If construction of the ultimate evening camping meal in a nest of camp-ovens doesn’t ring your bell, there are plenty of options that bridge the gap between 2-minute noodles and a roast dinner.

Gourmet, just-add-water dehydrated meals are super convenient and often provide an excellent accompaniment to fresh fish. And we’re sure you’ve got that side covered.

TENTS AND SWAGS

You might have a killer tarp setup, but especially if it’s hot, you’ll want some sort of protection from the elements.

And by elements, we mean biting insects. There’s an infinite range of tents available – from 100% insect screen to models that can withstand a cyclone.

At the end of the day,

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FIRST AID

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NO BOAT? CAMPER TRAILER!

If you’re not towing a boat to your Easter destination, then a super comfortable way to camp in style is with a camper trailer. With pop-up bedding, cooking facilities, on board water and often the kitchen sink, a top notch camper trailer can cost a pretty penny. But you can also rent them for those couple of times a year you really want to get away.

Both your family or your mates will thank you for it.

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more power than a battery and inverter can provide. In these cases, you’ll realise that modern generators can turn petrol into electricity fairly cheaply.

The cheaper the unit, though, the more chance it will annoy your camping neighbours, so a step up from the cheap, Chinese old-school generators may be wise.

Modern generators are like modern outboards – quiet, compact, frugal and low emission. They’re also multi purpose and some have a 12v battery charging outlet as well as 240v power available.

Whack them behind a tree and you barely know that they’re running at all.

REFRIGERATION

If Aussies are good at anything, it’s keeping our

hand at any one stage. Apart from the mandatory stubby cooler, a fibreglass esky will be much better insulated and long lasting in the field than a plastic model that’s limits are getting to your mates’ BBQ in one piece and making your drinks slightly cooler than air temperature.

Use some of the hi-tech freezer blocks and wraps that are available and all of a sudden your refrigeration prowess will go to a whole new level.

If you want to up the ante, there’s a swag of electrical fridge/freezer boxes available that keep your important stuff cool for a minimum of power input. Plug these into a 12v (battery or solar) or 240v power source and the little compressors will hum away

your tent or swag becomes your little cocoon where you can get the rest you need to go out and catch them all again tomorrow. It’s a place where if all gets cyclonic, you can curl up and resign yourself to dealing with the aftermath in the morning.

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And last, but definitely not least is man’s desire to design, find or buy the ultimate camping chair. We’ve all seen the BCF ads, but seriously, compared to the options we had when your dad was a kid, there’s a dizzying array of cooling, foldable, reclining, foot rest-supplied.

So enjoy your Easter break and make sure you get out into the wonderful Aussie outdoors. You’ll love it and your mates/kids/girlfriend/ spouse will also love it when you roll out the latest camping luxuries!

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Camping Feature

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Featuring an IP66 waterproof rating, making it perfect for use through rain, hail and shine.

The Korr 10w headlamp is powered by AA batteries.

The lamp allows owners to use high, low and strobe beams, boasting a massive 840 Lumens.

The anti-shattering ultra clear lens alongside the robust construction makes the KORR 10w Headlamp a necessity in any situation.

These torches are making friends with every angler and camper.

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Techniice have really filled a void in the market with their 200L long box with external dimensions of 60.7x134x 44.6cm (WxLxH).

It is a perfect balance of size and capacity for those of us who catch some seriously big fish or want a box to remind them what they are there for!

The ability of these boxes to keep things cold for a very long time and great value for money is no surprise, given

the pedigree that comes with any of the products with the Techniice brand.

This company has extensive experience with making products for the Department of Defence, SES, CFA and many other demanding commercial users.

You don’t have to be Einstein to appreciate the build quality of this box with thick insulated walls and lid, tough, serious hinges and fittings, and 3 big full length skids welded to the bottom of the box to prevent scratching when storing in your boat or ute.

They can even be used to wash the dog or take a hot or cold bath at the campsite!

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LED Flexible Light Strip

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A 1m long fully waterproof, IP67 rated, flexible LED light strip that is perfect for any application needing some bright, reliable lighting.

This flexible light strip uses 60 of the highest brightness LEDs that are fully sheathed in a protective plastic casing to protect from water, dust and damage.

Each strip features waterproof male/ female connections at each end to ensure that your power connection is protected from the elements.

At the same time it also allows multiple strips to be daisy-chained together to create a longer length (up to 5m maximum).

It is powered by 12VDC with 720 lumens. It comes in a cool white colour for added brightness.

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However, along comes the Powertech range of portable fridge/freezers at a price breakthrough. The range covers the three most popular sizes: 30L, 40L and 50L. The Road Tech Marine units feature the same German Danfoss compressor and control module as used in the leading Eurostyle units on the market today.

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Glind is now manufacturing a 316 stainless steel filter so you can pump water from the sandy bed rivers and never have sand enter your pump again! You can even bury it on the beaches like Double Island or Fraser and access freshwater from the water table that lay beneath the surface. You can also pump water for the van or camper trailer’s water tanks from the numerous waterways in Australia’s top end.

This amazing little sand filter fits neatly inside a 20L drum or can be fitted down a length of pipe to make your own Sand Spear.

Individually handcrafted in Queensland from the highest quality 316 stainless steel.

Virtually indestructible, you will never have to buy another one ever again. Travel anywhere with total peace of mind. Simply clamp one of these little beauties to the end of your 1/2” suction hose. Perfect travel size, it is only 115mm long and 37mm diameter.

Price: $120 www.glind.com.au

6

KORR Camp Kit 4

Over the past six years, Korr has constantly upgraded the popular Camp Kit range, by making the already impressive components stronger and brighter. Now featuring 3 different power source options, many extension leads, dimmers and high powered bars.

With a 5 year paperless warranty, the Camp Kit range can withstand even the most harshest of environments. The bars and extension leads have an IP68 Waterproof rating, making them fully submergible up to 3m. The LED bars included in the kit now have grommets on either end to reinforce the connections, and therefore preventing any fraying of the wires after years of use.

The Korr dimmers have also had magnets built in so that they are now able to be mounted to your tent poles. The entire kit comes in a sturdy, compact aluminium case, keeping everything in one place. The 4 Bar Camp Kit, Korr Lighting’s most popular product in the range, is high in demand. You really can’t afford not to make the KORR Lighting 4 Bar Camp Kit a part of your next adventure.

Price: $249 www.korrlighting.com.au MARCH 2015

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Camping Feature

Stainless Steel Fridge

1

The recently released Techniice Stainless Steel Fridge is one of the most versatile units we have come across. They come in a dual zone version in 60L and 80L, and single zone in 80L. The dual zone model comes with dual lids and temperature controls that display both the fridge and freezer temperature at the same time on the fridge and the remote control. A unique feature of these dual zone fridge freezers is that either compartment can be operated as a fridge or a freezer. Both compartments have separate controls that take them from below -20ºC right up to fridge temperatures.

The 80L single zone model has one compartment and can be used as a fridge or freezer. It is particularly popular on boats that already have refrigeration but want to expand their capacity. They are ideal in a marine environment or off road. The case is stainless steel along with solid stainless steel handles and hinges. The whole range is powered by Danfoss Compressors. Techniice stainless steel fridge freezers come with a 6 year parts and labour warranty! Service is available through their large network of Techniice accredited service agents right across Australia.

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6.5” LED Driving Light SRP

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6

The Cape Yorker

Glind’s Cape Yorker is a truly portable, travel anywhere pressurised shower system that you can choose the flow and pressure. Pumps can be from 3.8L/min to a whopping 11L/min and the pressure can be from 35psi to a massive 50psi – you choose. This compact unit is built with top quality components including the super efficient and ultra reliable Flojet pressure pump, and it is all housed in a rugged tough case.

For general use, such as showering, Glind recommends the 3.8L/min model however if you intend on using a Glind Sand Spear Filter, you must order the 11L/min model. The 3.8L/ min model is perfectly suited to pumping from drums, buckets, jerry cans or on board water tanks, but the 11L/min model has the grunt you need if you intend on pumping from rivers or creeks or for accessing underground water or connecting the Cape Yorker to a garden hose and sprayer. With awesome flow and pressure, the Glind Cape Yorker is one of the most reliable, toughest camping, boating or 4WDing accessories you can buy.

Price: $250 www.glind.com.au

Jungle Reef Swags

When Jungle Reef Swags were first introduced to the American market last year, it really reinforced how Americans appreciate the sheer toughness and manufacturing quality that Aussies design into their outdoor products.

One of the unique features on the Jungle Reef Swags came from one of their staff of 30 years. After a lifetime of camping experience in remote regions here and abroad, he found that one of the big problems they had was that in wet humid conditions it was impossible to get a good flow of air for sleeping. So one of the first things added to the design was a foot window complete with insect mesh and handy roll up canvas cover. This enables users to adjust the air flow through the swag from zero to fully open without getting water in and ensuring a great night sleep. Jungle Reef Swags use 15oz rip stop canvas and big tooth heavy duty zips.

The Jungle Reef Swags are a 3 pole design with a thick PVC floor, which comes partially up the sides so you can even wake up in a puddle without getting wet! They have a thick mattress and a compartment in the floor to hold the poles.

Price: Single $169, XL Swag $189, Double Swag $209 www.techniice.com

Reversing your Caravan 4

Take the guesswork out of reversing your caravan or trailer with this wireless reversing camera and display. Installation is a cinch – simply mount the camera onto the rear number plate and wire to the reverse light.

Once you engage reverse gear the camera will wirelessly transmit the vision up to 50m to the 4.3” display that suction mounts to your windscreen and plugs into the cigarette lighter for power.

Main features include: 12 or 24V systems, 2.4GHz digital technology for clear transmission, screen resolution 640 x 480 pixels, camera dimensions 84(W) x 42(H) x 36(D)mm, monitor dimensions 140(W) x 87(H) x 21(D)mm.

Price: $199 www.roadtechmarine.com.au

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KT6 Torch

The newest member to KORR lighting’s range, the KT6 Torch features versatility, intense light output and reaches distances only dreamt about. In the past, the capabilities of torches have been based on their power source requirements, with this one only using alkaline batteries, and that one depending on the availability of 12v. This is what sets the KT6 ahead of the rest. The KT6 is powered by a high-quality Samsung Lithium battery, which can be charged from both 12v and USB, enabling you to use your vehicle, laptop, jumper pack and generator. And if in the case where you can’t access 12v or USB outputs, there is an included AAA battery adaptor. The KT6 is sure to light up the night, no matter where you are.

Incorporating new designs and technologies, the KT6 uses the latest T6 CREE Chip to generate a pencil beam reaching distances as far as 200m. This torch also offers the ability to transform the pencil beam to flood, so that you can have a wider view of camp. The KT6 is built of tough aircraft aluminium, making it one of the strongest torches on the market today. This lightweight torch also offers a waterproof rating of IP65, and a lifespan of over 50,000 hours.

When you consider all of the high performance components included in the KT6, as well as the many charging options available, you’re left with a versatile, strong next-generation torch. This is a must-have any fisher, camper or outdoorsman.

Price: $79.99 www.korrlighting.com.au

6.5” LED Driving Light 6

Spotties, or driving lights, are often a necessity for the serious 4WD owner, offroad enthusiast and long haul trucker, and LEDs are ideal for these applications.

LEDs are almost completely resistant to shock and vibration and use far less power for the amount of light they produce. They are very compact and turn on instantly with no ‘warm up’, and they last for over 50,000 hours.

These driving lights use 7x 10W Cree XM-L LEDs to produce over 6,000 lumens of brilliant white light, which is equivalent to about a 500W halogen lamp. Combination spot/ flood reflectors will light up the road out to a distance of 523m.

The durable light is made of diecast aluminium alloy, the lens cover made with near-unbreakable Lexan polycarbonate, and assembled with 316 grade stainless bolts.

They are completely waterproof and dustproof.

Suitable for both 12V or 24V systems.

Available from Road Tech Marine stores nationwide or from their website.

Price: $229 www.roadtechmarine.com.au

fishers can trust what we’vve dellivered � Moratorium on Marine Parks � Saved Oilies Wharf � Hands Off Meroo Lake RFH � Overturned Ban on Beach and Rock Fishing

Peter Johnson, SFP Candidate Peter Johnson has been fighting for fisher’s rights for the past 20 years, and will be someone all fishers can trust to look out for them in Parliament.

Peter previously held the title President of NSW Fishing Clubs Association, was the former club captain of the Warringah Anglers, and has guest presented on Hi-Tide Fishing (2SM).

Authorised by Robert Borsak Unit 26, 9 Salisbury Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154.

David, the flathead jinx THE TWEED

David Solano

Just recently, I did something I’ve never done before; I bought a filleting knife. As I don’t keep any of the fish I catch, I’ve never needed one. After spending a good 5 hours on the water the other day, I went down to the local fish shop. I really

morning, as I’d caught about 6 50-70cm flathead.

Anyway, I paid for my fish and chips and quite enjoyed it. I even asked the fishmonger to teach me how to fillet them. He gave me a go and after a couple of attempts I ended up with a nice fillet, so look out flathead!

At first light the next Saturday I headed out with 4 rods all loaded

storms had been smashing us down on the Tweed, so with a lot of runoff coming from Piggabeen Creek and Bilambil Heights, the river was not in a good state at all. It was really muddy, with floating logs everywhere, and I saw a dead chicken and a bloated roo floating downstream.

I wondered if this would affect the bite? It did! Some 4 hours of trying everything

Dave with a good whiting. No flathead though…

A cheeky blue swimmer that ate a lure. felt like a classic Aussie feed of flathead and chips.

Well I looked at the price, and it was a whopping $39.95 a kilo!

I stood there scratching my head, trying to figure out how much ‘money’ I’d let released earlier that

with various Z-Man lures covered in stinky scent. I gave my shiny new knife a wink and away we went.

I thought the first place I’d try was Cobaki Lakes, which is a renowned lizard hunting ground. I had one major problem though;

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and I only got one bite, but hey, looking back it was probably a rock.

Okay, so the next day I thought I’d give Terranora Broadwater a try. Same thing, probably a bit worse actually, and again no flathead, but I did catch a

The trawlers are always worth a go and you can walk them, but it’s always hard pulling something big out from under a crusty old hull.

Another thing I’ve noticed is the quality of the mud crabs being caught in the river, so if you’re into crabbing they are in there.

I’ll finish on a funny note. I was under Boyds Bay Bridge just as it was just starting to get light, when I noticed what looked like a body wrapped in sheet.

I peddled over for a closer look and it was a body alright, a naked girl wrapped in a sheet. I couldn’t tell if she was breathing or not, so I got closer and poked her with my paddle. She screamed and I screamed! It transpired that she had a little too much to drink, had an argument with her boyfriend, and fled, but just hadn’t realised how

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has invited me up that way for a fish, so I’m keen to see how they target them, as they also post photos of some impressive leader bustups.

At the time of writing, the water is clearing and the bite is back on.

There are a lot of little jacks hanging around most bridges, and in all the years I’ve fished the Tweed I’ve never caught so many. I don’t chase them, but I’ve noticed a lot of garfish, a nice size too, swimming around in schools.

The big flathead should be out near the seaway, so try for them on the higher tide when the water is clearer. Big greenbacks and trevs will make an appearance soon, and I love chasing them also.

Screaming a slug across the top of the water, a big

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nice bream on a hardbody right behind the tourist crab boat. I returned home, cleaned the ’yak, frowned at my shiny knife, and thought ah, next week.

A week later the water had cleared, but again 2 days and hundreds of casts for nothing. This has easily been the worst fishing of my life; it makes you lose confidence in your choices and ability, but fishing, like life, has its ups and downs, so it’s gotta get better.

So is there anything biting at all? There is, but in another part of the river — Oxley Cove to be exact. There’s a couple of young guns, Josh Gurney and Codie Munro, who chase jacks and mulloway off the walls and jetties in the area, and they are constantly posting photos of themselves with massive

Dave with a couple of young fish groms — Codie Munro and Josh Gurney.

65cm red devils. At nighttime it’s bull sharks, legal schoolies and all the rest!

These 2 are on fire. Josh

splash and you’re on. Try Jack Evans Boat Harbour, both rock walls, and Fingal Headland.

close she was to the water — gotta love the Tweed.

PS: The knife is still shiny.

My last cast from the Richmond River area BALLINA

Tristan Sloan tris.sloan@gmail.com

This month is the best time of year to hook a pelagic from the local rocks. If you have your sights set on catching a tuna or mackerel with your feet firmly anchored on solid ground, then you will be seeing a lot of sunrises.

If you put in enough effort though, you will be rewarded.

I know the local boaties will be haunting the shallow reefs this month with a single-minded focus on mackerel, but there is something very special about catching the same fish off the rocks.

Local hotspots include our north and south walls, Iron Peg, and the platforms of Broken Head and Cape Byron. Goanna Headland at Evans Head is also a popular spot. Be warned though; many of these ledges are closely guarded secrets and you will need to do a bit of exploration — both on foot and with Google Earth — to find appropriate spots to fish.

The inshore garfish run is the catalyst for these pelagics coming within casting range, and by the time you read this it should be in full swing. Depending on the amount of time I have up my sleeve, I prefer to live bait, but if I can only squeeze in a quick session I am happy to high-speed spin.

This isn’t complicated, and involves throwing a variety of stickbaits, poppers, metal lures and hardbodies about.

A spin outfit of around 10’ rated at 10-15kg, with a suitable reel holding at least 300m of 15kg braid is perfect. Make sure your reel has a fast retrieve; 6:2:1 is standard. I rarely use wire as this can put the tuna off, and rely on the length of the lure to protect my 30kg mono trace from a mackerel’s sharp teeth.

Live baiting is by far the most effective technique. I prefer to fish a rising tide up until a high early in the morning, and with enough

bread berley in the water you can often attract schools of garfish without a problem.

I simply use a size 10 bait jig with a fixed bobby cork

trace. Garfish aren’t strong enough swimmers to be able to tow larger torpedo floats, but rigged this way with a 5/0 for tuna or twin 5/0s and

occasionally producing a few fish. If you’re looking for a feed, good numbers of bream and school mulloway have been taken up-river around

on mackerel this month, there is still good pan-sized snapper on the 32 and 42 fathom lines, pearl perch are also available if you can find those triangle-shaped schools on your sounder, and kingfish on the wider grounds when the current isn’t raging.

On a personal note, this will be my last monthly report for the Richmond River area. I have been lucky enough to land my dream job, working as the Executive Officer for

the Amateur Fisherman’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT). The organisation is the peak body representing the interests of recreational fishermen and maintaining the quality of the sport in the NT. It has been a pleasure writing this column and I would like to thank all the friends I have made and the fellow fishermen who have gone out of their way to communicate with me during this time. May there be many tight lines for you in the future.

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The offshore fisho’s prize this month; a thumping Spanish mackerel.

A blow-up pool full of live garfish. These are tuna lollies! above it, and a pea-sized sinker to sink it under the water a bit. Baited with pieces of peeled prawn, it is a simple and very effective method of securing a few live baits.

I generally keep about half a dozen live garfish in a small inflatable wading pool, as overcrowding can lead to the death of all your baits. For tuna and mackerel, these are fished under a small fluoro bobby cork with about 3m of 30kg

When the swell gets up, find a safe spot and spin the walls for mulloway.

18kg wire for mackerel, they make an excellent bait.

If you’re not keen to chase a pelagic, there should be some bigger mulloway starting to poke around on the walls and headlands in anticipation of the start of the mullet run next month.

Obviously live mullet or tailor are great bait, but they will also be taking slabs of fresh fish, octopus and squid. Big hardbodies and soft plastics are also reliable producers. Just remember to take a long gaff (14’) and somebody to help you use it. A local fisherman took a nasty fall on the north wall several months ago while trying to gaff a fish by himself, and had to be carried out on a stretcher by the ambulance service.

Rock fishing is a dangerous sport and a good pair of rock boots, a long gaff, and even a flotation device for your own safety is a wise investment.

In the river there has been good numbers of whiting taking live worms and nippers, with surface lures

Pimlico Island and right up to Rileys Hill. Live herring, mullet and small soft plastics have been doing the damage.

Flathead have been strangely quiet lately, with only whispers of the odd successful fishing trip, but the mangrove jacks have certainly been playing.

A good mate and myself experienced multiple bustoffs in North Creek lately. The red devils are often super active this month, as they look to put on condition prior to the onset of winter.

On the offshore scene I’ve been surprised about the lack of small mahimahi around the FAD this year.

Last year they were in plague proportions throughout summer and right through to June, but this year there is a distinct lack of small 2-4kg fish, with just bigger specimens of 8-15kg turning up for boats trolling for marlin with lures and live baits.

While the majority of boaties will be focusing

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Sweating on the pelagics arrival garfish. You can catch them with a mixture of bread and tuna oil, lightly berley with

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hook to catch the gars. To keep them alive, a small inflatable kids’ pool with an

more size, you can’t go past trolling a live bait. You can use any of the usual suspects

bjpcdh@gmail.com

Well it’s March and everyone is getting keen about our land based game season — keeping an eye on sea surface temperatures, wind direction, and rainfall in the catchment.

These are all factors that can play a big part in how the LBG action plays out, and how hard you may have to work for a fish.

Our 2 main target species are longtail tuna and Spanish mackerel, but whether you’re floating out a live bait or throwing lures, you never know what you might hook in the big blue.

Bycatch can be anything from a mulloway to a marlin.

With live baiting being the most common way to chase pelagics in these parts, the most readily available bait at this time of year is

Kaleum Gannon and Steve Patti holding another solid Clarence Valley mulloway. it, and then I like to use a size 12 longshank hook with a small ball of the berley mixture kneaded onto the

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aerator is all you need, but you will have to keep the water fresh throughout the day, so a bucket with a bit of rope attached is handy for this.

All these conditions make for great boat fishing as well. We should still be seeing a few spotted mackerel getting around at the usual haunts like Shark Bay and Angourie, and mixed in with them should be better-sized Spanish.

The tuna will be making their way along the coast too, so if you see a bit of bird action, you might be in for some fun.

The good old Clarence favourite, a 6” pink squid, will still be accounting for some good quality fish this month. If chasing a bit

like yellowtail, mullet and garfish, but by far the best is a slimy mackerel. Slow trolling them around any of the inshore reefs should see you in with a good chance of connecting to something big.

In the river we will be seeing a good bit of action with the prawns running.

Any of the favourite flattie spots from the mouth to Maclean will be worth hitting, with North Arm, Oyster Channel, Browns Rocks, Harwood and the Back Channel holding some quality eating size flathead from legal up to the 50cm mark. Soft plastics and blades are the way to go if chasing up a feed of lizards.

Hopping them along the bottom on sandy dropoffs near weed beds that are

A solid mulloway on a Croaker Lures Jewie Jewel. holding prawns is a sure-fire way to rustle up a few.

The crabs are still running hot, with plenty of good muddies around.

Again, the usual spots like the North and South arms, Lake Woolawayer, or the Broadwater are all producing good numbers of crabs, but you do have to watch out for people who like to check your pots as well as their own. To try

and keep crab theft down, stick around your pots and have a fish while keeping an eye on them.

The mighty Clarence and all her tributaries are firing on the bass front, with plenty of action still to be had. And for all you mulloway chasers, if you’re anything like me you’re counting off the days on the calendar until mullet season is here!

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Illegal fishers hoping to fool Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) fisheries officers got a nasty surprise when they were apprehended for illegally spearing a blue groper on the NSW south coast.

DPI Acting Director of Compliance, Tony Andrews, said the two men were fishing at Tura Headland, near Merimbula, late last year, under the covert surveillance of fisheries officers.

“It will be alleged that a 25 year old man from Monash in the ACT, speared the Blue groper and then placed it on the fishing line of his companion, a 43 year old man from Gungahlin, in the ACT, who was fishing from nearby rocks,” Mr Andrews said.

“The diver did this in an attempt to legitimise the capture because Blue groper can only be taken by a fishing line. This shows that both men were calculated, deceptive and indicated knowledge of wrong doing.

The men were apprehended as they attempted to leave and were found to have a large blue groper with a spear wound, measuring 76cm long and

old was issued with a $500 Penalty Infringement Notice for possessing fish illegally taken.

Fisheries officers also seized all associated diving

be prosecuted and subjected to seizure of equipment and heavy penalties, including a maximum penalty of $22,000 and/or six month in prison.

DPI Fisheries officers seized the blue groper. weighing 9.1kg in their possession.

The 25 year old was issued with a $500 Penalty Infringement Notice for spearing a groper, and the 43 year

and fishing equipment.

Blue groper are protected from spearfishing and have been for many years, and anyone who spears, or has in possession a speared blue groper, will

“Illegal fishers should be aware that DPI fisheries officers can be anywhere, anytime and are dedicated to protecting our precious fisheries resources,” he concluded. – NSWDPI

Can I come, pleeeaaase? Tips for fishing with kids COFFS HARBOUR

Stephen Worley worleybirdfilms@hotmail.com

The weekend is here, the weather is fantastic, and for miracle number 3 the lawn hasn’t grown a millimetre since you mowed it last Saturday. You’ve finally got some free time and what better way to spend it than by heading off for a fish.

You start packing the gear and then that inevitable question sounds out from behind you: “Where are you going, daddy?”

You answer, “Going fishing” knowing that it will only elicit the question that always follows. “Can I come too? Pleeeaaase?” Not that you don’t want to hang out with the kids, but the last time you took them fishing it was not all that much fun for anyone.

The kids got bored and started being silly, you got frustrated, and no one really caught much.

Maybe this sounds familiar, or maybe you haven’t even attempted fishing with the kids yet. The fact is that whether you are a keen angler, a holiday fisherman, or a grandparent looking for something to do when the grandkids visit, fishing with

kids is something you need to think about more than just who’s going to hold the camera.

It can take some planning and a little practice for fishing to become that enjoyable family experience you were hoping it would be. Here’s a few tips and techniques that will hopefully lead to family fishing trips being easy, effective and fun

for all involved. The techniques that work best for you will depend on how old the kids are, as well as how many, but all of them can be applied to fishing with them at some stage.

INVOLVE THE KIDS IN THE PROCESS Kids don’t want to sit around while you’re getting things ready or waiting for

Somewhere sandy and flat makes it easier to fish, as well as land the catch.

Lip grips can be very useful for spiky fish like bream and flathead.

bites; you need to get them connected to every step of the process. From picking out their fishing clothes, packing the car, and collecting the bait, to landing and releasing the fish, or alternatively cleaning and cooking them, they need to feel part of it. This helps them learn the whole process of going fishing and it keeps the trip rolling rather than alternating between the ‘fun’ bits and the ‘boring’ bits. There may be parts of the process that you have to do yourself, but there’s

always a way to get the kids involved or find something they can be doing while you get the job done. If you need to rig the rods, get younger kids to pass terminal gear as needed (being careful with hooks and other sharp objects of course).

With older kids you can show them how to rig the lines and tie the knots.

Bait collecting is something that kids love; it can easily be just as fun as the fishing. Although bread is my go-to bait for catching fish

with youngsters, for older kids and sometimes with the little ones it’s worth fishing with live self-caught bait just for the fun of pumping nippers, catching pipis or pulling worms.

The same applies here as with fishing; get the kids doing as much of the catching as possible. They love spotting or picking up the yabbies as you pump them, and what’s not to love about digging your feet into the beach sand while feeling for pipis. It’s great fun for young and old alike.

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COMFY KIDS ARE HAPPY KIDS Nothing ends a family fishing trip faster than shivering kids, or, even worse, someone getting hurt. Unlike you, who may grit through the cold blustery wind or the scrapes and bruises from getting to a fishing spot, spurred on by the thought of that massive fish of a lifetime, the kids do not have that same incentive. If it’s not fun now, then it’s just not fun. Make sure you have the appropriate clothing to keep them warm and/or protected from the sun.

Sometimes that means rugged up and keeping them out of

protective footwear that can get wet. This is why I love fishing with the kids on sandy shores. They can run in and out of the water with no worries about oysters or rocks.

Keeping the kids comfortable goes further than just putting them in the right gear. It means selecting a suitable location and the right day to go. If the weather’s a bit ordinary, don’t force a trip that might just mean the kids decide fishing just isn’t very nice.

LOTS OF FISH ARE BETTER THAN BIG FISH Although I’m certainly used to having fishless fishing

‘GO TO’ TECHNIQUES BY AGE Really young (2-6 year olds) Lots of fish no matter what the size, bread fishing or pumping nippers for bait at an easy-to-access sandy estuary location.

Primary age to high school (6-12 year olds) Bait collecting and fishing in estuary locations, or introducing lure fishing to the keen ones.

Teenagers Teach them how to do their own thing quickly.

Teenagers will want to make their own decisions on gear and techniques. Kayak fishing can be perfect, as you can fish together, but do your own thing a little more. You can also get into areas that most kids don’t get to see. the water; sometimes it means swimmers on, or wetsuits, so it doesn’t matter if they get wet.

Depending on your location, they may need comfortable,

trips, it’s very hard to convince the kids that fishing’s still worth doing even if you don’t catch anything. This is especially the case with

younger ones. Choose your location and technique based on what will produce the most consistent action. Heaps of small fish keeps the action rolling along. Even if you’re getting large fish, long periods of nothing in between will be boring for most youngsters.

They don’t really care that much about the size of the fish, they just want to see fish of any kind and size. As the kids get older, you can push the trips to focus more on catching better quality specimens.

LURE FISHING EQUALS NO RE-BAITING Lure fishing very much limits the small fish action that comes with bait fishing, but it has the bonus of not having to re-bait the hook every cast. For older kids, and keen young ones, lure fishing can be a more enjoyable and active way of fishing. This works particularly well from a boat or kayak, as you can move around and fish the snags or structure in an estuary. This is not only an effective way of catching good fish, but it also means you get to see a bit more wildlife and different areas of an estuary, making a trip more interesting for them.

Lure fishing is obviously restricted to kids that are able to cast themselves.

KIDS LIKE THEIR OWN GEAR Often, for the first few trips you will be using your

own gear for the kids. This can be problematic for a couple of reasons: Firstly, it is most likely not suited to being used by small people. It may be too big and/ or too technical. This makes it harder for them and therefore less enjoyable for both of you.

Secondly, you will be way more protective of your own gear when the kids keep dumping it in the sand and/ or water, or running the rod into the ground or whatever objects they can find. This will lead to you having to control their movements far more, which is frustrating for all concerned and will possibly lead to yelling from one, or both, of you. Yelling should be avoided when attempting any kind of fun activity.

Kids having their own gear solves these problems for the exact same reasons.

It will be more suited in size and function. Not only will they find it easier and more enjoyable, they will also be more protective of it as it’s their own to look after.

When it comes to choosing suitable gear, there are two schools of thought.

You can either buy expensive equipment that will absorb more punishment, or buy cheap gear so you can replace it when it inevitably breaks, corrodes or otherwise stops functioning. I would always recommend the latter as kids

have the knack of being very harsh, even on expensive gear. If it does exist, kid-proof tackle will likely be way more expensive than you will be prepared to pay anyway. Keep it cheap and simple until you know that fishing is the hobby for them and they have learnt to look after their gear.

WATER SAFETY Safety should not be an afterthought once you’re at the water. It should be integral to the decision of when and where to fish. How deep does the water get close to shore?

Is the water flowing? What would the kids do if they end

up in the water? What would you do? These are all questions you need to answer before you get started. Remember that you will often be distracted by the fishing process and may not have your eye on the kids for every second. I like to remind them that they need to stay safe and close by when fishing. For toddlers/ non-swimmers, a comfortable kids’ PFD can give a child some help to swim to shore or keep them afloat so you can rescue them easily should they end up in the drink. An extra pair of eyes is always helpful, whether it’s another parent or

On a calm day, beach fishing with the kids can produce exceptional results.

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an older child that can alert you to any issues.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR FISHING WITH KIDS The penalties involved in breaking the fisheries rules in any state can quickly turn a small fishing trip with the kids into a very expensive day out, so make sure you’re on top of any regulations that apply to the area you will be fishing.

In Queensland, anglers do not require a licence to fish, apart from some stocked impoundments. You’re free to fish in tidal waters or on the coastline without a licence, but make sure you pay attention to fisheries information signs in the area and check www. daff.qld.gov.au/fisheries/ recreational for the rules and regulations, including size and bag limits as well as prohibited methods and locations.

In NSW, a person under 18 does not need to pay a recreational fishing fee.

An adult assisting a person under the age of 18 to take a fish using a single rod is also exempt from paying a recreational fishing fee. If an adult wants to fish or collect bait themselves, separate from helping someone under the age of 18, then they will need to purchase a recreational fishing licence unless they are Aboriginal or hold an approved pension or concession card.

SHAD TEEZ

You can buy licences for 3 days, 1 month, 1 year or 3 years. To purchase a NSW recreational licence, you can go to a local tackle store that provides that service, however, it is usually easier to pay through the government website at this address: www. dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/ recreational Here you’ll also find all the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in NSW. In Victoria, anyone over the age of 18 and under the age of 70 will require a recreational fishing licence to collect bait or fish in any waters within Victoria. There is a list of exemptions on the Victorian fisheries website for seniors, concession cardholders, and traditional owner groups that may apply.

Check http://www.depi.vic. gov.au/fishing-and-hunting/ recreational-fishing for all the rules and regulations or to purchase a licence.

MY GUARANTEED ACTION, FIRST FISHING TRIP FOR UNDER 5S This is just my quick go-to method for fishing with my kids. Results will vary depending on fishing location and time, but I reckon it would be the most consistent technique for action in almost any estuary environment around the country. Pick a location where it’s sandy, easy to get to, and will hold various

estuary fish, especially bream and mullet.

For the first part of our routine we dig a small hole in the sand above the waterline.

The kids then crumble a few slices of bread into the hole,

love the idea of making sandy bread mud pies? The kids then throw handfuls of the mixture into the water, as well as break up another slice of bread to throw in slightly larger floating chunks. As soon as you see

Make sure you’re rigged up and ready while the kids are throwing out the berley.

All you need is a light spin outfit, 6lb line, a small float, and a very small hook (size 8-12). Attach your float a

Trolling from the kayak or boat can give you a break from the bait, but without the kids having to be expert casters. throw in a few handfuls of water and mix it all up with the sand. What kid doesn’t

these floating pieces getting hit by fish, you know it’s on and it’s time to start fishing.

good couple of feet above the hook. Peel small strips of bread for the bait. I like

to wrap the strip around the shank of the hook and pinch it at the bend so that the fluffy ends sits over the point. This way the fish is more likely to grab the hook point and get caught.

All you do is cast it gently out to where you’ve been throwing the berley. When the kids were 2-3 years old, I did the casting while occasionally letting them ‘help’ me cast.

Most of the time they dug in the sand and played in the water, while I hooked the fish. They would then come running to wind it in, take a pic and release it. That way they’re just having fun and doing all the high action bits.

When you’ve set up right, most of the time it’s a fish every couple of casts.

Once the kids are older, you can teach them to cast and hook the fish themselves.

This method is a nice, visual technique, as they get to see the bream and mullet grabbing the berley off the surface and watching the float disappear under the water when a fish takes the bait.

Remember that with a small hook it’s easy to gut hook the fish, so try to keep the slack out of the line so they are hooked before the bait is swallowed deeply. You will mainly catch small fish, but if you’re in the right spot, you can occasionally catch some very nice sized models.

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March is certainly a time of year many anglers look forward to here in Coffs Harbour. It marks the height of the summer fishing action, but without the craziness of the beginning of the year and the increased crowds of the holidays. We’ve all had time to settle into 2015 now, and there’s plenty of fish around to keep us occupied.

The start of 2015 has been highlighted by the run of small black marlin. The average size has been between 25-60kg, so they make great fun and don’t require kitting up with dedicated marlin gear just to have a go. Many captures have occurred while anglers are targeting mackerel with live baits. Most fish are either lost or subdued in 10-20 minutes, so they can easily be released in good health if that is your plan.

The mode of attack has mostly required finding a decent bait ball on the sounder and staying on top of it with live baits out. Fish that are found cruising away from the bait balls have been a bit picky when taking a bait. Having a

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chance of a marlin.

On the beaches, some very large swells during February have moved the sand around a bit, so that favourite gutter may have shifted address for the time being. Mulloway are the big reward in the right gutter, but there are also plenty of whiting and tailor for those

that’s not willing to have a go at something struggling on the surface.

High up in the freshwater reaches, despite the rainfall, the rivers have been running pretty clean. The water levels have been higher than average, but just the right amount for increased activity without

At this time of year snapper can be a forgotten species, but there’s still plenty around even if you can’t see past the mackerel. longtails have been showing up around the inshore reefs and will increase in numbers throughout this month. They are great fun on light gear, especially when targeted on small metals and plastics.

Land based anglers have been quite active over the last month, with multiple rain events giving the local rivers and creeks a good flush out.

Numbers of mulloway have been caught on hardbody lures around the dirty outflows.

targeting smaller fish.

The whiting are still firing in the estuaries, with large specimens as well as really good numbers being caught in most creeks and rivers. Surface poppers remain the most effective method for bagging the bigger fish, with live nippers coming in a close second.

February saw some good flushing of our local estuaries by major rain events, which slowed down the fishing

dirty water. I particularly like bass fishing when there’s a bit more flow in the river, as it narrows down the locations where the fish are likely to be. Fish will not spend any length of time out in the hard flowing current. They will rest in eddies and along the banks where the water flow is slow and/or uphill. They will want to be near the flowing water though, as that’s the source of their food. This makes the tops of the pools and the eddies

PHOTO: NICOLA JOHNSTONE

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

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In the Solitary Islands Marine Park there is over 550 species of reef fish, 100 species of coral and 600 species of mollusc.

Marine parks are multiple use and a zoning plan is in place to manage this natural asset.

surface bait and a deep bait out will increase your chances.

Trolling live baits around bait balls should also give you a good chance of some mackerel and longtail tuna.

The mackerel have been a little on and off over the first part of this year, but should thicken up during March. The

Craig and Ash got this fella not too wide and had him swimming around the boat for 10 minutes before he eventually found their live bait.

When fishing a flooding river mouth, a large hardbody will send out a lot of vibrations and give mulloway a good size profile to hit in the murky water.

The rocks continue to produce tailor and the occasional tuna. Going by the season so far, a live bait floated off the rocks could see you hook anything from tuna and cobia to mackerel, with every

for some and took a bit of readjusting to work out what the fish were doing once it all settled down. Most of the local estuaries are only very short, so flatties, jacks, trevally, bream and whiting should spread right through to the brackish stretches again very quickly. The bream continue to go nuts on cicada lures, and throughout the systems you’ll struggle to find any species

behind rocks a great target area, as the fish will sit in them waiting to pounce on anything that flows past or into the eddy.

Surface lures, particularly cicada styles, have worked best and are always my first port of call when bass fishing, but dark coloured medium diving minnows will also work and can get a little more in the face of bass when they’re not that eager.

Raining on our pelagic parade COFFS GAME

Glen Booth

makes holding your trolling run over a canyon or other offshore feature hard to achieve. It doesn’t encourage the bait to stack up either. Working the shelf edge and ducking in and out of the slack water has proven productive for some.

be hosting its fifth Heavy Tackle Challenge on March 28-29. Details are available from the club’s website at: www.solitaryislands gamefishingclub.com or contact President James McGinty on (0418) 969 798 for further information.

Mahimahi are still about in numbers. Jarred Flynn with a 16kg cow. interesting mix of sizes: some as small as 15kg, and others ranging up to 90. Rachel Terrassom aboard the newly re-fitted Hoo Kares caught her first little black during summer, then high-graded with a substantially better one of 90kg a couple of weeks later. These were interspersed with some nice mahimahi.

Out on the shelf, there’s the occasional blue marlin being caught, but the current is still trucking south at 3-4 knots, which

There are still quality mahimahi out there though, at the FAD, the Wave Recorder, and roaming about in the open. As always, they lessen the blow of a marlin-less day when you have some prime table fish to show at the end of it.

We can anticipate the current easing as we get into March, which is often the best time for blue marlin action along the Coffs coast anyway. This is why the Solitary Islands Game Fishing Club will

Compounding local anglers’ frustration with bad weather and fickle fish, the Coffs Harbour City Council demonstrated an incredible lack of foresight once again in not removing the sand buildup at the ramp in advance of the Australia Day long weekend. Having the excavator start work on the Saturday morning is simply not good enough. Even by Sunday the entrance was still so shallow that boats were bumping the bottom on low tide.

Work on the new basin adjacent to the ramp should be well underway by now

Rachel Terrassom gives her second black marlin a pat. It was caught just over the shelf, a bit wider of where they are usually found.

— even at this council’s glacier-like pace of doing things — so it will be QUALITY FISHING

HO O

KS

Marlin to the north of us, marlin to the south of us, but in the middle it’s still not really happening.

I’ve gotta say, this is sounding like a broken record! As game fishing seasons go, I’d rate what we’ve experienced so far here on the Coffs coast as just okay, but certainly nothing to write home about.

It definitely looked promising over early summer, with some sly early Spanish mackerel turning up to make the live baiting effort worthwhile, and a couple being caught on stickbaits. There was a few scattered blacks about in close, and bait was reasonably easy to come by.

Then the Coffs region got smashed a couple of times in quick succession at the start of February by heavy rain (200mm in 48 hours in town, and somewhat heavier elsewhere). This understandably pushed a lot of unappetising mucky brown water well offshore.

This can be okay for some species, but the mackerel and little blacks aren’t terribly fussed about it.

As an inveterate rain gauge watcher, last season we had no substantial weather events producing heavy rainfall at all, and the mackerel were booming from January through to June. This year, my gauge recorded 520mm for January alone, as opposed to 103 and 145mm for January and February last year.

Fortunately, a succession of

southerlies that has made offshore fishing difficult will clear the water up a lot faster than an endless succession of nor’ easters.

Provided we don’t get any more rain of course…

The blacks that have been caught are an

interesting to see whether the $1,000,000 it has cost has been well spent or not.

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A good flush out brings the Macleay fish on or large live baits within the first few kilometres of the river system will put you in with a chance at cracking a monster.

Good numbers of quality bream have been coming in from around the Jerseyville area. Small, lightly weighted grub tail soft plastics and

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Heavy summer rainfall has given the Macleay River system the flush out it has been crying out for.

The upper Macleay was becoming overgrown with weed, which not only made the bass fishing difficult, but it also gave the fish a haven full of shrimp to eat, making them lazy and hard to entice out of cover.

Fortunately, the latest rise has removed most of this weed and the fishing has been on the improve ever since. It looks like we will have a good tail end to the bass season now.

The salty end of the river has benefitted from this fresh too, as it has brought all the saltwater species that have been spread throughout the system back down to the lower reaches of the Macleay.

Big mulloway will be at the top of the hit list until the fresh passes through the system. Fishing with large paddle tail soft plastics, big diving bibbed minnow lures,

Zach Pritchard with a nice up-river bass.

mullet strips fished around a tide change are proving to be the best method of capture.

Be prepared to hang on whilst fishing these methods though, as decent school mulloway are present in this same area and there have been plenty of towel-ups handed out to

most productive way to catch a cobe, however, plenty of fish are taken on the troll and even wire rigs intended for mackerel don’t seem to put them off.

Spotted and Spanish mackerel are also inhabiting the inshore reefs. If gathering

Keen young angler, Jack Riach, with a 7kg mahimahi he caught out from Hat Head. unsuspecting anglers of late.

Popping for whiting has been as productive as ever.

This year there have been countless reports of giant herring inhabiting the river too. These fish have been everywhere at times, from the oyster packs of Clybucca Creek to the sandflats and bridge pylons of Smithtown, with plenty of metre-plus fish amongst them. Numerous whiting poppers have been lost to these speedsters over the last few months, so it can be well worth upsizing your reel to allow for better line capacity when fishing this method.

Cobia are starting to show more frequently on the inshore reefs and around the washes of most of the headlands.

These are a prize fish in the area and should stick around in good numbers until winter hits. Live baiting with slimy mackerel or yellowtail is the

It’s not all about live baits. The author with a Spanish mackerel taken on a pilchard.

live bait is a problem, I wouldn’t be too concerned as a large portion of the fish caught this season have fallen to pilchards and cut baits fished down a consistent berley trail.

Yellowfin and longtail tuna are being attracted to these same berley trails at times, which provides a bit of variety, and if handled properly can result in a good feed of sashimi.

Out wide, striped marlin are still around in reasonable numbers and there has been some cracking mahimahi picked up while trolling for billfish.

The beaches have been fishing really well, holding great stocks of whiting, flathead, bream and school mulloway. Live beach worms are as good a bait as ever, due to the diverse range of species that can be targeted on a single bait.

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Illegal fishers targeted Recently, Primary Industries issued a warning to illegal fishers in NSW that if they do the wrong thing, they will be caught. During a visit to the DPI Statewide Operations and Investigations Group at Ourimbah, Minister Hodgkinson inspected a wide range of seized items used by illegal fishers, including nets, line and traps.

“Illegal fishing in NSW will not be tolerated, and the highly-skilled and dedicated team of fisheries officers continue to ensure that our State’s fishers comply with rules and regulations,”

Minister Hodgkinson said.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers issued more than 6000 written warnings and infringement notices last year.

In 2014, around 49,000 fishers were checked by fisheries officers, with nearly 2300 penalty notices issued, 250 successful prosecutions and 13 jail sentences handed down.

“Most of our fishers respect the resources and fish responsibly, but it was still disappointing to hear of many still doing the wrong thing, including failure to pay the recreational fishing fee, possess undersized

fish and possess more than the bag limit,” Minister Hodgkinson said.

“Last year the fisheries team seized over 3500 items of fishing gear and equipment including fishing lines, crab and yabby traps, nets, spears, and even three boats,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

The most serious offences last year included theft of abalone, lobsters and the illegal use of eel traps.

Hefty fines and penalties, including imprisonment, are in place to protect our fisheries, and fisheries officers will continue to target those people doing the wrong thing on our waterways.

Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson, and Candidate for The Entrance Michael Sharpe, with DPI fisheries compliance officers at NSW fisheries compliance headquarters, Ourimbah.

To report illegal fishing contact the Fishers Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536 or visit heet://www.dpi.nsw. gov.au/fisheries. – NSWDPI

Too many teraglin is costly The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has warned that heavy penalties for illegal fishing apply, after a recreational fisher was caught in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park in possession of 49 teraglin in mid Summer.

DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer Lee Burdett said recreational fishers need to be reminded of the rules.

“There is a recreational bag limit of 5 for teraglin (commonly known as trag), with a minimum legal length of 38cm,” Ms Burdett said.

“The male recreational fisher we apprehended near Broughton Island in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park had exceeded the bag limit by almost 10 times.

The man faces a maximum $22,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment (or both).

Ms Burdett said teraglin reside near the ocean floor during the day, but rise towards the

A DPI fisheries officer with the seized teraglin. surface to feed at night – which is why DPI fisheries officers caught this illegal fisherman on their night patrol.

“People engaging in this type of illegal fishing activity are warned that our fisheries officers regularly patrol waters in the Port Stephens

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region any day of the week and at any time of the day or night,” Ms Burdett said.

DPI fisheries officers enforce bag and size limits and anyone breaking the rules will lose their catch and risk facing significant fines or court attendance.

The daily bag limit is the maximum number of fish that an individual angler can catch in a single day and have in their possession.

The size limit is considered as the total length measurement of a fish, whether it is forktailed or round tailed, is taken from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.

The public is encouraged to report illegal fishing to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or your local DPI Fisheries office.

For detailed information on recreational fishing rules, including bag and size limits for each species, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov. au/fisheries/recreational/ regulations – NSWDPI

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Golden Lure another success THE HASTINGS

Mark Saxon castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com

The 31st Golden Lure tournament has come and gone, with impressive

results. This event, hosted by the Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club, had 40 boats competing, with 169 anglers in all divisions.

There were 45 black marlin, 6 blue marlin, 17 sharks, 2 yellowfin, 1 shortbill

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PORT MACQUARIE

CALL MARK

spearfish, 1 wahoo and 24 mahimahi tagged.

Champion Male Angler Tag and Release was Dennis Minuti and runner up was Michael O’Brien.

Champion Female Angler Tag and Release was Ebony Brown, and runner up was Jessica Hyde.

Champion Junior Tag and Release was Zac Danby, and runner up was Hannah Wilkes.

Champion Boat Tag and Release was Team Simrad, with Eastbound and Rarely In in second and third place respectively.

Twelve-year-old Port Macquarie angler Zac Danby, fishing on the boat Pheel the Bite, is definitely on a hot streak following his success in the Hot Current Tournament last year. Zac managed junior champion and was part of the team to

headlands have been producing drummer, bream and blackfish. Recent reports suggest fresh bonito and large peeled prawns have been accounting for some good mixed bags. There’s nothing quite like a sunrise on the ocean rocks, but make sure conditions are suitable for it and if not sure don’t fish.

On the beach this month, we will be looking at getting into a few mulloway.

March does seem to throw a few school sized fish our way, especially if using beachworms. If you can manage an early season tailor, you have the perfect bait to present to a larger mulloway, so it is definitely time to get the big gear ready and start looking at your moon and tide phases.

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Talented local angler Zac Danby with a black marlin he caught during the Golden Lure. This helped him win the Champion Junior Tag and Release category. places. Try around the edges for your bream, with casts placed under overhanging structure or along fallen trees. The other place is the canals, especially with a mid to high tide in the morning.

Cast into the shade of jetties and boats and you should be rewarded.

Mulloway in the river have been patchy, but on the last dark we managed a couple of smaller fish to 70cm on plastics, so these will be good targets over the new and full moon periods.

All the deeper holes from 5-7m hold fish at times, so if you see bait on the sounder in those depths, give it a try. I like using

flatties of 30-40cm around.

Some days you may get dozens of these before a big girl makes an appearance, but again persistence will pay.

In Lake Cathie, anglers are still getting flathead and whiting. Both lures and bait have been accounting for fish and is definitely producing, but with a lack of prawns this last month, I wonder if that will continue? Local prawn fishers find it strange and are at a loss to explain why the prawns were great in November, but December and January was dreadful, to the point of a handful of prawns at most. This system is closed, but has been plenty of times before, to no

An early spin for bonito helped Ryan Ford to turn one into this nice catch of bream off the rocks. win champion boat. It is great to get back-to-back wins, and when asked about his good fortune, he just said, “I love fishing.” Zac also supported AB Lures produced by Brad Fancett from Port Macquarie, and had great success on the skirted lure ‘Long Tom’, which accounted for Zac’s black marlin.

ROCK AND BEACH It’s March and we are starting to look at speedsters off the rocks. It should not be long before the longtail tuna show up and it will be standing room only at ledges in the local area. Point Perp’ at Dunbogan is one of the likely hotspots. Live bait and spin gear will account for a lot of fish again this season, so if you are going to be doing this you’ll need to get out on the stones early to gather some bait as well as a position.

In other less demanding rock fishing pursuits, the washes around the local 40

MARCH 2015

intend to spend some time trying for a big one off the beach this year, as it has been a while since I hit the sand.

RIVER AND LAKES The fishing in the Hastings has been all over the shop and you really have to put in the effort to get consistent catches at the moment. The fish are there, but the triggers are not as dominant as in previous seasons. By this I mean there is a surface bite, but prawn life in the river (at the time of writing) is nowhere near what it should be for this time of year. Also, the cicadas are not in abundance like previous years. Yes, there are some around, but not enough to generate those ridiculous days where you fish surface lures and enjoy constant action.

For the surface fanatics, there are still fish to be caught, but it just means more casts in the right

Top: The big girls are still around in the Hastings River, as Sid found out on a recent trip. This one measured 83cm, and after some pics she swam away. Bottom: Nathan Vandermeel with a great 10kg mahimahi caught off Plomer Bay. 10-17cm plastics, but just be observant of the bait and don’t be afraid to swap lures during your session.

On the flattie front, there has been some big girls caught and released. They have been moving around, as several have come from upriver past Dennis Bridge.

There’s also a few holding in the Maria section of the river.

You need to be patient, as there has been heaps of little

detriment of the prawning.

Oh well, I’m sure we will find out over coming months, but until something shows up it could be the end of prawning for this season. If the prawns have let you down, then the blue swimmer crabs can give you a crustacean fix, as Cathie and especially the Hastings have continued to produce the goods and at this stage do not look like letting up.

A month for insomniacs and early risers FORSTER

David Seaman dseamo@bigpond.com

It seems that the weather can be all or nothing. After a prolonged dry spell, we managed to get a good coastal and tableland soaking through January and into February. It was enough to revive the miserable flow in the freshwater streams and rivers, and as a result the

successful. Lures don’t get caught up as much, and it gives the fish a good clear water margin to attack your lures in. Where weed is still an issue, there are generally pockets of clear water that can be fished with weedless lures like Arrow Fish Cover Cicadas or Live Target Frogs. They are also lures you can cast to heavy cover and gently extract without fouling on snags.

The bass have been enjoying the rises in the

in the wee hours of the following morning.

The prawn runs have been pretty decent though, with some large tiger prawns heading them. As a general rule, the tigers will get bigger and better up to May. Taking up a position in Breckenridge Channel is the obvious spot for a feed of prawns, but spots further afield can produce better catches. The Paddock side of the bridge (without blocking the passages), Hells Gate

The Zerek Prawn is the ideal size to throw around the flats, and looks good enough to eat! whole system is better for it. One thing it didn’t do was move any of the thick beds of weed that basked and grew in the summer heat, and almost choked some sections of the freshwater pools.

If you are hunting bass, the weed can be a problem, but with the increased water flow it helps keep the growth from floating to the top and makes surface fishing at night and early morning far more

river. Many take advantage of newly flooded ground, where they find insects and drowning worms, so fish the edges and eddied backwaters for fish that may have snuck in for a feed.

Another nocturnal activity to stick in the calendar around the 17-23 February (the 19th new moon) is a prawning session.

Be prepared for a late, long night though, as the lake high around 10.30pm means the end of the run-out is

end of Breckenridge, and the channel that runs out from the Great Lakes Caravan Park past the oyster sheds just up from the Tuncurry boat ramp, are also prime spots.

Breckenridge Channel along Little Street is well worth a wade with a submersible light to scoop the male blue swimmers that get along the shallow sand and weedy patches. A lightly weighted live prawn out the back of the boat or from the

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bank while prawning should secure a feed of big whiting, bream and flathead, so make the most of the time out in the dark and fish too.

The offshore fishing is better during the prawn run, with twilight trag, pinky snapper and reliable flathead all on tap. The new moon period is always a good time to fish, from bass to bluewater. For the more adventurous and hopeful, there has been a scattering of small black marlin in close to the coast, along with cobia and mahimahi hanging at the traps and the FAD. Bonito schools, mac tuna and the odd longtail are all contributing to the game fish lucky dip for those anglers skilled or lucky enough to find the warmer water. Heading north from Forster may produce the results, but consulting sea temperature charts for updated information is a must. There has been a stream of 26-28 degree water coming south, and with it some handy bait balls.

This month onward sees many of the male flathead disperse from around the spawning females that have dominated their interest over the summer months. It will mean the legal size males are a bit more common in the day’s catch, and don’t discount the shallow edges of the island like Regatta and Wallis. The growing baitfish flood the shallows around the islands, and this in turn draws the flathead in for a feed. The patchy weed beds are ideal cover, and prawn or minnow style plastics are best. Yabby and prawn baits will generally be set upon by frustrating numbers of small bream and snapper, so bait fishing should perhaps involve poddy mullet.

Janie’s Corner has lost some sand and is a little dangerous for anyone doing a night fish that is unaware of this. The missing sand doesn’t make Janie’s any less productive for tailor and a few early salmon though.

Beach gutters and hole structure is not fantastic, but this can change quickly, so a scout in daylight before your session is the best way to ensure you are fishing the best water. I hear One Mile Beach has been fishing well on the south end around the rocks, while Blueys Beach at the north end has surrendered a few mulloway.

These were caught on slow rolled paddle tail plastics, but I’m sure a big bunch of beachworms would produce the goods too.

Rock and breakwall fishing has been okay, but nothing to rave about. Lots of berley from the stones will help, and there are a surprising number of pigs

Drop lizards (eastern water dragons) and bass fishing are a given, but they can ruin a great cast. When you see the tongue start to roll out, you know your lure is in trouble. and bream hanging around.

Spinning for bonito, macks and tailor is an option, but

you will have to find the bait schools because it is like a desert otherwise.

Top: A good evening haul of channel prawns.

Considering the time and effort it takes to go prawning, the experience and fun is still well worth it. Bottom: A bass sitting on a snag in clear water, just waiting for a lure. The clarification of the closed season means year-round fishing in the freshwater and tidal areas for post-spawn fish.

Great times at Port PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

March is the best time of the year to be fishing at Port Stephens, with just about everything on the chew.

in fact, it should only get better through March both inshore and on the shelf.

March should also spark the start of the land based game season, as longtail tuna as well as the odd trophy cobia begin showing up along the major

Peter Raymond displays a solid Nelson Bay rock wall mulloway.

By the time this goes to print, the 2 major game fishing tournaments held each year out of Port Stephens — the CaboHatteras Billfish Shootout and the NSW Interclub, will have both been run and won. That doesn’t mean that the marlin fishing is going to slow down at all;

headlands from Seal Rocks through to Sunny Corner.

ESTUARY Hopefully, like the last couple of years, the longtails will also push up into the estuary system, potentially popping up anywhere between Shoal Bay and Salamander Shores Jetty. If you’re in the right

place at the right time and they bust up within casting range, a 40-65g metal or medium sized stickbait shouldn’t get rejected. This is why it pays to have a rod always rigged up ready to throw, as these finned torpedoes have a habit of appearing just when you don’t expect them, and then disappearing again very quickly.

Kingfish continue to loiter in decent numbers along the Nelson Bay rock wall, although they have been quite cunning and tough to trick of late.

Your best chance is to focus effort around early morning high tide changes and spend an hour before light trying to get a few live squid. You shouldn’t have too much trouble catching a few around Shoal Bay moorings, along Little Beach, or even inside the marina.

Mulloway are also worth targeting around the rock walls at the moment, and again high tides and fresh squid are your best chance of connecting with one, while some will argue that low tide is just as productive.

The deeper channels between West Bank and Fame Cove are good places to find mulloway at this time of year, with some real beasts pushing the 30kg mark already taken over the last month.

Dusky flathead should be plentiful through the lower end of the estuary, with Corlette all the way through to the inside of Yacaaba Head worth investigating. The water is very clear at the moment, and when it’s like this I use natural coloured plastics around 100mm in length, with my personal favourite being a Sebile Magic Swimmer.

OFFSHORE Trag have been plentiful over the Gibber, 21 and V reefs, with charter boat

Marlin should be about in good numbers this month, both inshore and along the shelf. operators reporting quality fish in good numbers, as well as a few snapper and morwong.

Snapper have also been consistently good around Edith Breakers, with those having the best success being anglers making the effort to do the big run up in the dark, ready to start fishing before daybreak.

Alternatively, if you don’t have the range to fish Edith, try the shallow reefs in 10-20m of water around Broughton Island, which have also been fishing well for reds at dawn and dusk.

There are stacks of mahimahi around the trap floats and FAD, with the first boat there using live baits the key to getting the

better quality fish.

ON THE ROCKS It’s shaping up to be a ripper LBG season, as there is plenty of bait holding around the ledges, with bonito and tailor being spun up amongst it all. This is a great sign and it shouldn’t be long before the larger pelagic species like longtail tuna and cobia turn up.

March should see the arrival of plenty of longtail tuna along the coast.

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daylight hours though, with the best catches being made at night over the high tide period. The salmon have not shifted from the beaches at all, and fish to 3.5kg have been taken on pilchards, worms and squid baits. The mulloway turned up about a week after the full moon, and

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released by anglers trolling lures or fishing live baits.

The northern grounds have produced snapper to 7kg and trag to 4kg. Pearl perch to 3.5kg have also been taken. Mahimahi are feeding on live baits and lures jigged near the FAD and the Waverider buoy. A few bonito have shown up,

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The Manning and its tributaries have received some much-needed rain and although the falls have been scattered, there has been sufficient to put a metre rise in the freshwater part of the river. This will hunt the bream back downstream and move the prawns closer to the lower parts of the estuary. Also in March, there aren’t as many holidaymakers in the area and this allows keen local anglers to make a planned attack on the fish. When the school holidays finish, there is also an influx of people who like to fish under less crowded conditions.

ESTUARY Flathead are on the bite in most of the lower parts of the river. The majority caught are up to 55cm in length, with the occasional big female being taken. I am pleased to report that most of the anglers who land big breeding fish are releasing them these days, in order to to increase stocks. Very few of the big fish have spawned at this time, but by the end of March most will be empty

and whiting to spin on surface poppers, or worms and yabbies.

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John Brewer with a 4kg snapper caught while bream fishing off the Harrington breakwall. and heading back upstream.

There have been a few schools of baitfish moving into the river, but by the start of March there will be great clouds of them travelling inland up past Taree. These will attract all the larger species, with bream, flathead, tailor and school mulloway feeding on them. There will be luderick to catch on weed and live yabbies,

fish to 16kg were weighed in. Some nice whiting have been taken from the spit in the mouth of the river, and bream have been caught from the southern end of Crowdy Beach.

OFFSHORE The temperature has been 24-25 degrees, which makes for good fishing at this time of the year.

Lots of small black marlin around 40kg have been

to hunt, while luderick are being taken from the river wall on weed. Around the rocks, tailor can be spun on lures or garfish on ganged hooks, and the odd big blue groper will take a red crab on a 6/0 542 hook. Outside anglers can fish the close reefs for snapper on live bait or soft plastics, and maybe come up with the occasional mulloway to 20kg.

MARCH 2015

45

Boom times are here for the Hunter coast HUNTER COAST

Gary Earl earlybird13@optusnet.com.au

Well here we are again, the very best period to fish in this region. March through to the middle of April sees many factors combining on the Hunter Coast to make it the place to be.

It’s drying time for the oyster trays in our estuaries.

During late February they are taken from the racks and the Pacific oysters are dried off, which then open and die. The trays are then put back into the water and the bream stuff themselves silly on the dried Pacifics, leaving the Sydney rock oysters to grow on.

The bream feed and fatten up for their long spawning run up north, and some of the biggest females are taken during March. Then, as April arrives, the smaller girls pack

up and move on in droves, so lurking large females are targeted. Some can be around 2kg easy, and they usually move up into the top part of the estuaries, making them great targets on both lures and bait. Sometimes it’s hard going and a little exploring has to be done, as these big fish can be loners or just holding in very small schools. If you do hit the jackpot, really huge bream can be taken.

Bream aside for a moment, the flathead love March also, as the waters are very warm and any amount of whitebait, sprats, small pilchards, baby whiting, herring and small mullet are moving in the shallows. They are ambushed by the flathead on sandbars and in currents that hit and bounce around breakwalls, or rocks that filter the water around them.

Live baiting and being in tune with what is swimming

about can make for your fishing better. Just match the lures to the same size and colour of what is in the estuaries and throughout March you can catch some great flathead. Try over muddy and sandy banks, but keep an eye out at the boat ramp or clear shallows to see what bait is thickest on the day, or in what area, as sometimes a matter of 10km can make all the difference.

A good example of this was demonstrated by a mad keen fisho who doesn’t want to be named, but fishes Ash Island on the Hunter River, from one side to the other. On some days he sees amazing amounts of small mullet, so he reflects upon this and uses blue and silver and black and silver hardbodies and soft plastics, exactly the same size as the fish swimming around the shoreline.

Then, on other days, he sees herring, so he swaps to small chrome or reflective lures. Other times he spots prawns all over the place, so he finds a match for them

It’s probably not the most sporting way, but when you love eating a certain fish, well I just go and get them.

Both sand and bloodworms work as well as each other, and as a secondary bait pipis

Whiting on lures or bait are easy to target in March. They will take lures if you have the patience to try for them, but worms and pipis are a much better option if you like eating the chicken of the sea.

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Bream like these are about in great numbers during March before the spawn run.

Try the top parts of the estuaries where they school up ready to hit the coast. too. I can tell you he catches a lot of flathead and bream, and occasionally knocks off a few mulloway on light gear as well.

Whiting are still around in great numbers, although they will thin out as April arrives.

There is nothing better than bait for these easily caught fish. I know the craze of getting them on poppers and other lures is great fun, but the patience you need for this type of fishing is something I know I haven’t got. Some of my mates fish constantly with small poppers on the lightest braid and do quite well, but since I love eating whiting, I take the easy way out and shoot over to a gutter or hole on the beach with a handful of worms and usually have my limit within a few hours.

would have to rank way up there too.

Around Horseshoe Beach and the sandflats just

A lure that resembles a small baitfish can be a godsend when targeting fussy fish.

west of Stockton Bridge are other places worth fishing if you’re looking for whiting this month.

Offshore, an unusual number of mahimahi have taken up residence on the 2 FADs placed out there by Fisheries. They also have a load of just legal kingfish underneath, so if you can get out to them through the week when there’s less boating traffic you should be able to either troll, cast or jig some up.

Take some live bait and do wider circles, trolling them around the area and you may end up attached to one of the small black marlin that have been sweeping in under the FADS and grabbing slimy mackerel and small bonito.

Bottom bouncing has been good on both the close reefs and the wider shots.

A lot of table size squire, red morwong and nannygai, as well as teraglin, have shown up in catches, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the game isn’t the same for another month.

With the warm waters lapping the coast right now, expect some unusual catches turning up, such as small spotted mackerel, which hang in amongst the bonito schools at times. The longtails haven’t shown up just yet, but this could change in March. Land based game fishermen have been trying for them with no luck, catching kingfish and sharks instead. This usually cuts up their gear pretty bad, so if you get the time I would instead pack the boat and get out there before the season is over.

Autumn looms, but the fishing remains hot SWANSEA

Jason Scerri jayro@hotmail.com.au

Well it’s coming to an end all too quickly for another year. Summer is just about done and dusted, but what a season it has been. There was plenty of hot weather and plenty of hot fishing to go with it around Lake Macquarie over these warmer months.

producing the goods.

Live baits and large soft plastics are by far the 2 most effective methods, but quality California squid have also been scoring well for anglers. As for lures, many of our clients are using the Smash Bait 8” plastics with great results, and all the colour options appear to be working.

Remember, it’s not all about cold nights and long, dark hours to get into a few Lake mulloway. I would

Young Lachlan Kay with his first-ever bream on a hardbody. It was landed on an Austackle Ranger lure in black.

The next couple of months also provide some fantastic fishing as a rule, and I see no reason this year will be any different. It is also a time of year when we generally start to get a little more settled wind patterns for the next 2-3 months, before the dreaded winter weather starts to kick in. Water temperatures have pretty well peaked now, and it will basically start to fall after this month, but don’t be put off as there is still loads of great fishing opportunities out there for those anglers keen to get into a few.

The Lake has fished very well over the summer months, with plenty on offer. There are loads of mulloway throughout for those that know where to look, and a variety of techniques have been

score more during the hours of 6.00am-6.00pm than after dark. It is far more important to work out productive locations if you want success on Lake Mac mulloway.

Kingfish have been about in both size and numbers again this year, which is always great to see. Swansea Bridge has been very productive, with 2 very different methods being equally effective.

Some anglers are scoring well working large poppers, while others are having luck working micro jigs through the area. Jigs of 20-30g are doing the trick.

Kings are also about in good numbers inside, with Coal Point and Wangi both producing, and the channel markers about the dropoff holding quality specimens to 90cm. Down-rigged live squid are certainly a favourite for Lake Mac kings, that’s for sure.

Squid numbers have risen sharply again. This is great for those looking at securing some quality live baits, but also for others like me who are more interested in fresh salt and pepper squid for dinner.

Bream have been exceptional this past month, and should continue to bite. They are in good condition and generally in that 30-35cm range, with some more respectable fish nudging 40cm. Lure anglers have been having a great time with them.

Soft plastics worked around moored boats and jetties along the shoreline has been successful, and those fishing shallow diving hardbodies around the many flats throughout the system have also done well. Remember, for best results, fish as light as you can and success will

2-3lb fluorocarbon fished straight through.

Bait anglers have also been rewarded, and fishing lightly weighted peeled prawns is producing top bags of bream. Many bait soakers are also scoring whiting over 40cm in these same areas.

Offshore fishing has been great around the wider grounds off Swansea.

There have been plenty of mahimahi present again this year. Trolling small skirted lures has worked, as has fishing live yakkas around the fish traps and FADs. Not only a very striking fish to look at, the mahimahi is also one of the better eating fish in the sea, so be sure to look after your catch in a saltwater ice slurry and you will be sitting down to a very nice meal at the end of your day out.

Marlin fishing has also been good, and there should still be a little more left in the season just yet.

As mentioned in previous reports, there are a few ways to entice a bite from one of these magnificent fish. Trolling a spread of quality game lures is certainly one way to do it.

Generally the marlin will be blacks and stripes, so lures should be around 10” for those trolled closest to the boat, and then as small as 5-6” for those being run from the ’riggers and shotgun positions.

If the marlin are schooled up and feeding on bait balls of slimies, then you are far better off to load the bait tank with fresh livies and slow troll a pair around. The marlin really can show up anywhere during summer and they are not just on the wide grounds either. There is often fish in the 20-30f area, out around

marlin in residence when the bait is present. Keep an eye on the sounder and your surroundings.

Rock fishing has picked up nicely, with plenty of

it could be green or blue.

Many anglers like to catch live baits when fishing the stones and float one out under a balloon while they concentrate their efforts

Danielle Goddard with a cracking 40cm bream that took a liking to her Asakura lure. bonito and some solid kingfish in the mix. Casting metals from the rocks is a very effective way that many locals use when chasing these summer pelagics. Make sure you have a good mix of colours, as it seems 1 day they are hitting pink and the next

on spinning up the usual bonito and smaller kings.

It is generally the larger offering of a live bait that scores those kings that really give you a workout off the rocks. They never give in easily, which is most of the appeal with these brutes.

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47

Sticking it to whiting on top NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

In the concluding instalment of his two-part primer on the basics of topwater luring for yellowfin, sand or silver whiting, Starlo examines the rise of the stickbait, and also lifts the lid on some tricky twists for hooking more of these great fish.

Last month in this column, I outlined the

basics of surface or topwater fishing for sand and yellowfin whiting, mainly using small, cup-faced poppers. I explained that this was one of the deadliest and most exciting new forms of southern estuary fishing to come along in the last decade or so.

In that column, I also touched briefly on the use of ‘walk-the-dog’ style surface stickbaits, but promised to tell you more about them this month, as well as sharing some other advances in topwater

The characteristic ‘zig-zag’ wake of a wellpresented surface stickbait. These lures do their best work in calmer conditions such as these.

whiting fishing.

So, here we go!

To be honest, these days I hardly ever use poppers for whiting unless the water is badly chopped up by wind. Today, I much prefer to throw floating stickbaits.

In the places where I fish, bigger whiting (which are quite old fish) have now seen a lot of poppers, and I find they can be rather suspicious of them.

Stickbaits are more subtle and sneaky and seem able to go on catching these more ‘educated’ whiting season after season.

The trick with surface stickbaits lies in achieving that deadly walk-the-dog action, with the lure bobbing, weaving and zig-zagging from side to side. Each brand and model of stick bait requires a slightly different retrieve to achieve its best action, but the basic method is to constantly crank the reel handle at a slow to medium pace while bouncing or flicking the rod tip with a regular, mechanical cadence, rather like one of those metronomes

musicians use to maintain the beat.

You can either angle the rod down towards the water (best when standing on the deck of a boat) or upwards at 45° (when wading or sitting in a kayak). You’ll need to experiment a little to get it right but when you do, you’ll know!

My theory is that cup-faced poppers provide a sonic imitation of another whiting or bream slurping and sucking noisily at a fleeing prawn, while stickbaits mimic the prawn itself. Poppers rely on an ‘uneducated’ or fired-up fish tracking the sound to its source and then not stopping to question why the phantom predator and its prey have suddenly merged

Starlo has taken to retrofitting most of his surface stickbaits with tiny, needle-sharp assist hooks when targeting whiting and bream.

This move definitely increases hook-ups!

The moment of truth as a stud whiting chases a topwater stickbait!

A typical assist hook-up. This tenuous (but successful) connection would most likely have been just another missed hit on a standard treble hook.

into one small dollop of plastic. However, as already mentioned, I’m increasingly finding that this particular deception is no longer as effective as it once was. By representing the prey item itself, 50-85mm stickbaits have given topwater whiting (and bream) fishing a whole new lease on life.

The other big breakthrough for me this past season has been the adoption of small, wickedly sharp ‘assist’ hooks, rigged to dangle from the tail of my stick bait. These little singles on their short droppers have significantly increased my hook-up rate,

especially on more hesitant or uncommitted whiting (and bream) that might only make one quick nip at the back of the lure before fading from sight.

I began by using Ecogear’s replacement hook sets for their brilliant ZX series of metal blades.

These are superb bits of kit, but a tad expensive, and also prone to an occasional failure when the non-eyed, flatted shank hooks pull free of their connection knot or snell. So, I’ve begun making my own. I’m damned if I can find hooks quite as good as the ones Ecogear use in their ZX replacement

kits, but I’m getting close, and definitely hooking more whiting than I did back in my treble-only days.

Like all forms of modern sport fishing, I’m sure that targeting topwater whiting will continue to evolve over coming seasons. But the one thing that won’t change is the incredible thrill of seeing a lit-up, elbow-slapper of a whiting streak up from the bottom to climb all over your dancing surface lure! If you haven’t tried it yet, you really need to, and the good news is that there’s still enough time (and warm water) left this year to have a crack!

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Summer retreats, but the fishing remains hot CENTRAL COAST

Glenn Ellis-Helmers

After many months of very warm weather and lots of people out on or near the water, there are signs that things are changing.

A few mornings have had a distinct chill in the air, and there’s not as much daylight as there used to be. What is great though, is that fishing should really be firing on all cylinders this month.

Often at this time of year, we are hearing plenty of reports of marlin and other large oceanic predators being hooked offshore.

and plenty of kingfish. As always, the majority of these fish are caught out on the wide grounds or as far as the shelf, but a couple of smaller marlin have been hooked very close in, even at places like the bommie just out from the mouth at The Entrance. So, as they say, it pays to be prepared!

Apart from the weekends, crowds are disappearing from our popular rock fishing venues now, but the fish are still there. If you’re lucky enough to jag a few days off work and the weather is okay, then it’s going to be worth hitting spots like Wybung Head, Terrigal or South Avoca

course, big plastics and noisy surface poppers or walkbaits can be a fun way of enticing a decent king to bite.

But these aren’t the only fish available right now. The bread-and-butter rock species like bream and drummer are certainly there and can be a good backup target if those pelagic predators don’t show. On top of that, it’s not out of the question that some less frequent visitors to our waters like big cobia or Spanish mackerel may turn up this month. A good strategy may be to cart along a heavy tackle outfit as well as your lighter, more conventional spinning or bait fishing gear.

whiting, with a few flathead or bream thrown in. Small baits of peeled prawns, worm

remain a great surface lure target. The same shallow water or flats’ fishing

Some good mulloway are around in the Brisbane Water system, mainly from

Plenty of fish are swimming along our local beaches at the moment and the trend should continue over the coming weeks. This flathead fell to a prawn bait and was kept for the table, along with bream and whiting.

Many anglers will be fishing the rocks at this time of year, and there are a variety of fish to be caught. Through March, pelagics like kings and bonito are still quite likely, but bream, tailor, drummer and blackfish are also an option.

This season has been the same, with various notable captures in our waters ranging from black marlin to mahimahi, yellowfin tuna,

to target kingfish, bonito, tailor or frigate mackerel by casting metal slugs or whole pilchards pinned to a set of ganged hooks. Of

On the beaches, everything’s going great as well. A quick bait fishing session in the gutters can produce a nice feed of

Tyler Buckingham landed this cod on a Jackpot spinnerbait in the Murrumbidgee.

or pipi, 3kg line, small hooks and small sinkers are the way to go. Casting distance isn’t an issue because a lot of these fish are in pretty close to shore anyway.

We are also getting close to the time of year when mullet start running along some of our beaches.

This means that mulloway, sharks and perhaps the odd kingfish will be swimming closer in looking for a meal.

It therefore makes sense to try using fresh mullet fillets for bait. Some keener anglers may like to catch mullet in the lakes and bring them down to a nearby beach.

If a large predator swims near a mullet pinned to a 10/0 Gamakatsu, it will most likely smash it, so hang on.

Bream and whiting continue to please those who are fishing in one of the lakes or in Brisbane Water. Even though a chill is starting to creep into the air, it’s still very warm in the water and these fish

approach will still be very effective this month. While many whiting may be small, I’ve heard of some real elbow-slapping beasts pinned on large surface walkers lately.

Fishing at night with baits has also been productive, resulting in a high class of bream at places like The Entrance near the bridge. Flathead, whiting and tailor have also been in good supply nearby and in adjacent channels.

Woy Woy down to the Rip Bridge and out into Broken Bay. Live baits fished at night score most of the larger ones, but anglers casting soft plastics or drowning fresh squid baits pick up some good fish here. Big flathead take the same baits or lures.

Now with all these fish about, it would be nice if I had a bit more time off work and domestic duties to get stuck into them, but I’m sure many of us are in the same boat!

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It’s fish lotto out there ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

Whether it’s offshore or in the estuaries, this is the best month of the year because you just never know what you will tangle with. The hot water has been pouring down the coast since early January, and all sorts of northern visitors have stopped off in the Illawarra.

Offshore is a real lottery, with just about anything available on any given day.

Out wide there is the chance of spearfish, sailfish, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna mixing it with the regular blue, black, striped marlin and mahimahi.

Closer to shore, there is the possibility of cobia, spotted mackerel, Spanish mackerel, rainbow runners, longtail tuna and an assortment of trevally in with the yellowtail kings, snapper and salmon.

Dragging small skirts with the larger marlin lures will

tempt sails, wahoo, mahimahi and tuna, but remember that wahoo have teeth, so wire will be needed on the rear hook.

Smaller live baits like yellowtail and slimy mackerel slow trolled around the FADs or any floating object is likely to be more effective on the mahimahi or that stray sail which might be about.

The marlin showed up early this season and have been hanging around now for a couple of months, so it is well worth a look at the regular spots and out on the shelf with bigger live baits and skirts, as this is blue marlin time from now right into May. Yellowfin tuna will start to increase in numbers over the coming weeks, starting with the little fellas under 10kg, and plenty of striped tuna in the mix to bolster the bait and berley supply.

Closer in, the yellowtail kings are about on all the usual spots. The better fish seem to be coming from the islands for the insomniacs who have

their squid and big mackerel in the water way before daylight. As the sun comes up, live frigate mackerel are the gun bait swum live around Gap or Pig Island.

The same baits will pick up any stray cobia that may be about, but a big strip bait of tuna will get a look in as well, as a few are taken every year. If you are drifting a few pilchards around looking for a snapper and get bitten off, don’t blame the tailor as the culprit could well be a Spanish mackerel. A bit of light single strand wire in front of the next pillie should do the trick.

You just never know what will grab a live bait at this time of the year. If you use a little wire, you may just stay attached. perch and trag have made an appearance of late.

On the rocks there are nice bream in the washes, with tuna pieces the gun bait.

Some drummer are in there as well, grabbing cunje or royal red prawns, with big bronze blackfish starting to make a run along the rocks later in the month.

On the deeper ledges, live yellowtail and mackerel will produce salmon, bonito, kingfish, some good sized mac tuna, and towards the end of the month, a few northern bluefin tuna, or longtails if you like.

The Kiama area is the main place to be, but the breakwalls at Port and Hill 60 (if you can get a spot) are good places.

Most of these fish will fall for metals cast and retrieved as well, so put out that livie and start casting for maximum

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Snapper are on the up and up at the moment too, with shallow bommies and deeper reefs both producing fish. Pick up and berley, and use striped tuna or frigate slabs on the

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some stage, generally on the top of the tide in the mornings.

They go like the clappers on light line and make great bait for the next trip anywhere.

The beaches are humming along quite nicely too, with the species list just about as good as it gets. Flathead are taking baits and plastics in gutters on every beach, and it doesn’t matter what time of day it is, so you can sleep in and still have fun.

Whiting are the same, although I like low tide as it concentrates the fish in the gutters. Dart are with them and always give a good account of themselves on light gear.

During the calm evenings, there are plenty of tailor, salmon, bream, and a few nice mulloway working the gutters on most of the local beaches.

Frigate mackerel, tuna and slimy mackerel are the baits of

13 12 69

close, shallow reefs. Plastics will do the job on the deeper drops, as berley will attract a lot of sharks.

For a bit of fun you could throw small lures at the schools of pelagics along the coast, and again come home with a mixed bag of surface speedsters.

Look to the birds and splashes for the ever-reliable salmon mixed with tailor, trevally, bonito, mackerel tuna, frigate mackerel, striped tuna, Samsonfish, kings and even the strays like rainbow runners and spotted mackerel.

The bottom bouncers are having a good go as well, as the flatties are on over all the sand patches, with a flounder or 2 thrown in for good measure. Most of the flatties are 40cm-plus, so the kilos add up pretty quickly.

Over the reefs, there are some nice mowies showing now, with plenty of pan-sized snapper, Samsonfish, piggies, and even the odd pearl

Not all mac tuna are big, but they go hard for their size and make great bait, berley and even live bait at this size. results and water coverage.

Don’t forget the harbours for a bit of fun with the kids, casting small, shiny lures at the frigates as they zoom in and out smashing baitfish. Bellambi, Wollongong, Port Kembla, Shellharbour and Kiama all have schools of frigates at

choice, but pilchards will get fish as well, although they do favour tuna at this time of year.

Our two main estuaries are firing, with heaps of flathead in both the lake and at Minnamurra. Plastics, poddies and live prawns are the killer To page 53

It’s marlin mayhem out there at the moment!

NOWRA

Wes Murphy wesmurphy@bigpond.com

Marlin, marlin, marlin!

That seems to be all I’m hearing from anyone heading offshore at the moment. This season has not disappointed, with a lot of people experiencing their first-ever captures or tags, and seasoned anglers raising, hooking and losing or landing a heap of fish, depending on which boat you’re fishing from!

It’s now time for the stripes to move aside, as the blacks start to snake their way in to the area. Don’t get me wrong, the stripes are still around, but we should see the balance start to swing in the other direction. If you’re willing to burn a bit more fuel and travel a couple… sorry, a lot more miles, then the opportunity for blue marlin is out there too — way out there!

Head towards the canyons and rig up some 12” skirted lures, which are much larger in comparison to the smaller 9” ones that have been working in closer on stripes. Some say elephants eat peanuts, but generally speaking big baits catch big fish.

While you’re out there, make sure you pay a visit to the

FADs and any surface debris you see floating around. These are going to be the hotspots for big mahimahi. These guys are pretty happy to have a go at almost anything, so flies, plastics, skirts, stickbaits and bibbed lures should grab their attention. They’re great fun on lighter gear.

While on the topic of fish attracting devices, a huge structure has just been installed off the coast from Shoalhaven Heads, with the end goal resulting in better fishing opportunities for recreational anglers. These large concrete structures, totalling over 460 tonnes in weight, have been in planning by the Department of Primary Industries for some time now, and to see the reef come to fruition is great news for locals and tourists alike. It’s pleasing to see the recreational fishing trust money being put to good use — in other words, our fishing licence fees at work. The size of the deployment and management area is 150m x 250m and the centre point of the reef area is rumoured to be at 34°50.955 S, 150°47.731 E, although there has been no confirmation of this since the deployment.

So that’s a lot of news and information about the goings-on offshore, so let’s have a look in closer now.

The river has been running

A section of the new artificial reef is lowered into position.

From page 52

baits, with the prawns picking up some nice bream and whiting as well.

The whiting are all over the shallow flats, so taking the time to pump a few nippers or squirtworms will score a feed just about every time. Bream are in the deeper holes and hanging around the bridge pylons, and while chasing them toss a few small minnow type lures around the oysters to see if there isn’t a stray mangrove jack about.

A live poddy under a float will get better results though.

Down around the entrances, there have been

plenty of salmon bashing away on the baitfish an hour each side of the top of the tide, and there are plenty of blackfish along the edges of the weed beds if you can secure some nice green weed.

Don’t forget the smaller creeks and streams along the coast either, as they have plenty of nice flathead and bream in their shallow waters, mainly because no one thinks they are there. So if you are strapped for time and need a fishing fix, just head down to the local creek and you could get a surprise.

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Mark Crompton with his first marlin that came from wide of Jervis Bay. very dirty for the last couple of months, due to continuous big dumps of rain locally and further upstream. This has resulted in metres of water pouring over the dam wall in Kangaroo Valley, and what seems like chocolate milk making its way down the river and out to Greenwell Point.

Just as the river seems to clear up, it repeats the process, just to annoy anyone who is hoping to make the most of what is left of the bass season.

If you’re looking for cleaner water, it’s best to start at the mouth of the river. It will clean up pretty quickly due to tidal flow, but the dirty water will commence around the canal.

This can, however, trigger the right conditions for mulloway, so make sure you soak big baits or throw around some big paddle tail plastics in the hope of hooking these elusive estuary ghosts.

With the tourist season well and truly over, fishing in St Georges Basin has returned to how we like it. Less boat traffic and less pressure on the fish means that it’s been a great spot to head to if you’ve got some time up your sleeve.

The flats have been fishing the best, with the OSP Bent Minnow 76 being the standout lure. Just 2 or 3 slow twitches with a long pause has been getting the bream to bite, and if you’re lucky the occasional flathead will hit them, and then put on a show by leaping into the air while trying to shake the lure.

On the topic of flathead, there have been reports of larger specimens a couple of hundred metres south of artificial reef number 3 at the slight change of depth between 7 and 9m, and also

the south east corner in around 8m. Reports are that the new Squidgy Paddle Prawn on a 1/4oz jighead is the go-to lure when targeting these guys.

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BITE ME by Trisha Mason

The Find the VMC logo prize winners for January were: P Byrne of Windeyer, G Waugh of Greystanes, J Butcher of Basin View, J Frazer of Tamworth, K Finch of Mulgoa, M Sutton of Georges Hall, N Morgan of Fairymeadow, J Wall of Narooma, E Douglas of Tullamore, M Thompson of Hillvue, B Stokes of Morwell, A Bird of Wattle Flat, G Galvin of Warabrook, J Culshaw of Banyo , D Upton of Gloucester, G Wade of Empire Bay, J Morante of Singleton, R Blevins of Emerton, R Waters of Temora, G Collins of Grabben Gullen, R Durie of Macgregor, C Wilson of Lake Albert, S Davis of Emu Plains, R Bochdal of Shoalhaven Heads, O Paterson of Sawtell, G Foster of Evatt, R Chown of Glendenning, A Beckmore of Tenambit, P Kennedy of Raymond Terrace, C Cooper of Boorowa, M Wetteland of Wagga Wagga, S Mulahy of Taree, P Bak of Monash, D Chandler of Theodore, P Stever of Austinmer, B Mannering of Leumeah, I Dando of Tuggerawong, D Sullivan of Aberdeen, M Kelly of Waratah West, C West of Dapto.

Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

FIND THE VMC LOGO JANUARY LOCATIONS GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

The Find the VMC logo prize winners for January for January were: 9, 12, 20, 27, 32, 34, 41, 50, 57, 58, 61, 68, 76, 81, 83, 96. – NSWFM

FIND-A-WORD WINNER Congratulations to Joshua Parker of Gateshead, who was last month’s winner of the Hawk Tournament Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive Hawk Tournament Tested Bayer Perlon IGFA line, assorted Panther Martin lures, Youvella hooks and a keyring. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – NSWFM 2 54

• DECEMBER 2010 MARCH 2015

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Fewer crowds above the water, but heaps under BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

Well the silliest of the seasons is over and it’s that time of year when locals start to stick their heads out again and can venture back down to the boat ramps without any of the stress of holiday traffic. The screaming, yelling, boats sinking without bungs, and flying boat winch handles have ceased, at least until Easter holidays.

This is a local’s favourite time of the year. The fishing is still red hot, but minus the traffic. Don’t get me wrong, the town needs the business, it’s just that it coincides with some of the best fishing of the year. Such is the cycle of life in tourist locations; you can’t have 1 without the other.

So now’s the time locals, and where will you go? Well, there are plenty of options.

We’ll start offshore, and it’s been a cracker marlin run to date. More people are getting into the offshore scene, and towing lures is still popular amongst the beginners. Just getting your confidence sorted about being out so far and concentrating on safety equipment, electronics and what the boat can handle and what seas you are comfortable in is more important at this stage. Think safety first and make sure all your safety equipment is in good working order and that you have all that’s needed to make your trip a safe one.

We have had a few beginners this season and with such a good run of marlin we have had a few first timers landing their first marlin in their first to second trip out.

So well done Anthony and his crew. Well done also to the Magic duo Brian Morris and Rabia Hussain who have caught 3 marlin in 4 trips

out for their first time marlin fishing this season. And the season isn’t over!

Last issue we talked about switch baiting and that method has definitely been proving its reliability over the last few weeks. We had the Batemans Bay Tollgates Classic back in January and the competitors tagged 104 marlin and weighed in 2. The smallest boat in the fleet, the aptly named Fearless, captained by ‘Mad Mick’ Fields, caught the

Some good-sized mahimahi from 10-20kg were boated, and Zoe O’Connor on Opportunatee caught a spearfish. Competitions with such a large number of boats gives you a good indication of what’s out there. The competition results indicate plenty of striped marlin, some blue and some black marlin, with large mahimahi and the odd surprise. One surprise caught just up the coast was a large northern barracuda.

Peter McMaster’s winning blue marlin from the Batemans Bay 2015 Tollgates Classic. heaviest marlin of the comp, with Peter McMaster weighing a blue marlin of 162.4kg.

As the water increases in temperature to 25 degrees during March, don’t be

surprised to even see the odd Spanish mackerel and wahoo down here, as they will venture down with the current.

But the main target species would be marlin and mahimahi.

The mahis don’t seem to be around the FAD off Burri at this stage, and in smaller numbers than last year, but are bigger in size. Best catches have been off the fish trap buoys at the back of Montague Island and while trolling wide looking for marlin. Any object you see floating is definitely worth investigating, with lures being trolled past or sneaking up and putting down a livie yielding results. So offshore is all systems go and even closer to shore there have been a few little black marlin chasing bait.

Looking at the inshore reefs, and the fishing it is as to be expected at this time of year.

You’ve got to move around to find snapper though. Some fishos are finding them in 15m by anchoring and berleying.

Others are drifting in 40m and 1 guy I know found a good school in 100m.

Kingfish are around in small to medium schools, with the odd nice fish, and patches are moving around our points, bommies and islands.

They are not holding off The Bay in 1 spot as they do off Moruya. Montague Island and Jervis Bay are still the most consistent.

If you have a kayak and want some fun, then try trolling the new Rapala XXX-Rap XXXR-10 with 6 x strong hooks. It’s the perfect size, and the colour range is proving irresistible to the fish. They swim at 5’ and are getting smashed by small kings around Wasp Island, and there’s always the chance of landing a bigger 1 too.

Kayaks have done well in this area and I have been pushing deeper diving hardbodies onto them with

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great success on snapper and kings over the last 3 years. As soon as I got hold of these new lures, I thought of the boys in that area and knew this was the lure for that terrain. Obviously they work well in all other places like out the front of Pretty or Snapper Point, but we have done a lot of testing here and the kayaks seem to do better than the powered boats.

The stealth of the kayak has its advantages. If you want to get your lure down deeper, trolling the Rapala Fat Minnow 9 is a good bait imitation and swims down to 8-10’. Then, getting even deeper is the Classic Lures’ Dr Evil that swims down to 20’ and has caught snapper and kings time and time again.

If kayaks are catching inshore snapper and kings, then this also means rock fishermen are in with a chance.

Layton Brant and Jem Abbot, the area’s rock gurus, proved that with some recent catches of snapper from our stones.

Salmon, tailor, drummer and sharks have been in the mix of late, with the odd king off Pretty and Snapper points.

Steve Moy had some luck on small kings on lures off Snapper Point, and it was a nice size shark that took off with his livie on his last visit.

On the beaches, the whiting continue to run and are of a good size. This species has been a great standout during the warmer months, and a fisherman is welcomed home with lots of love by his family, not because of his husband/ father qualities, but because he is bringing home whiting!

Beach fishos have certainly been feeling the love this past summer.

Salmon and tailor continue to be found in large numbers on any given beach up and down the coast. Tailor have been massive in our estuaries, as have the trevally. If you are

chasing bream or flathead and your lure gets picked up and goes flying, the chances are one of these species has hit it and could be initially confused with a mulloway.

Speaking of mulloway they have been as common as catching bream in the Clyde.

There hasn’t been a massive army attacking them during the day with lures, but of a night they have been a regular catch. The Clyde produced fish every night for 2 weeks running during January, and they continue to be a popular target. Anything seemed to be working, which shows the potential numbers in the estuary. Fresh strip baits, butterflied yakkas, Lund frozen squid, to livies of any kind have all been successful.

Keep in mind the rules and regulations with live bait though. Squid have been in abundance and are great bait as well as a top feed.

Upstream, Nelligen has been struggling to produce productive water, with further rain every time it looks like cleaning up. There has been a few prawns getting up there and the fishing is slowly improving, with bream around structures Right up the back, the bass have been a pretty reliable target, but get right up there and beyond Shallow Crossing.

The prawns have been very patchy and there isn’t really one standout area, so you can go almost anywhere and have a reasonable to average catch on a good night.

Autumn is coming, but the fishing is still hot.

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).

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56

MARCH 2015

More than marlin to get excited about this month NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

Marlin, marlin, marlin!

That’s the word of all the game fishers’ lips. Now’s the time to get out and tangle with a billed behemoth.

OFFSHORE Offshore it’s the best marlin season seen for a very long time with striped marlin in excellent numbers. Some crews are getting 8-10 shots a day, which is world class action. The recent Tollgate Classic out of Batemans Bay just north of Tuross saw 106 marlin tagged and released in 2 days, now that’s a lot of beakies in anyone’s language!

Then at Bermagui at their comp they to tagged in excess of 100 marlin – another ridiculous haul! If you work out how many more were lost and then raised, it gives you an idea of how many there are at present, it’s awesome.

The better fishing has been wide with the shelf to the second drop being the hot spot, though every day is a little different with current and water temperature. The fish have responded well to trolled pushers, with darker purple coloured skirts being a consistent colour to troll.

Quite a few crews are switch baiting with live slimy mackerel after teasing them up. This method is dynamite with better catch rates, though you do require an organised deck for best results.

There’s been a few decent sized black marlin to 150kg caught on skip baits with striped tuna and bonito the preferred baits to use.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few blue marlin captured in coming weeks to. The water

solid fish. The colours of these fish is something to see, with their eating qualities just as great.

There’s been a few shortbilled spearfish plus smaller yellowfin tuna to 30kg caught, especially when trolling. With the water being so warm at a consistent 24°C, this red-hot action will definitely continue and I for one can’t wait to get out there and give it a crack.

Closer to shore at Montague Island the kings have been a little sporadic, which is surprising considering the current and water quality there. There’s plenty of kings around the 60cm mark, but getting the legal sized models has been difficult. Those who have done OK are trolling bigger deep diving minnows around the shallower southern reef sections, this method has worked on fish to 90cm so it’s worth a go for sure.

The reefs are still holding snapper but can be hard to find in any numbers. Moving around until you locate them is the go, but once you do a quality feed will be had. The southwest corner of Montague would be a good starting point.

RIVERS Over the last month or so the Narooma/Tuross region has received in excess of 400mm of rain, which has made the fishing a little tough, especially in the Tuross River system. The river flooded with the peak height at over 11m at Eurobodalla, which is the biggest I’ve seen for a very long time. This fresh has given the system the flush it needed, it’s gouged out the entrance to be at a depth around 2-3m at high tide, which is awesome to see.

The tidal difference is around 1m between high and low, which hasn’t been seen

Mitch Bloomquist with his first mulloway at 83cm caught in Wagonga Inlet and released. strong tidal movements. But in saying this, the mulloway have entered the system in good numbers and are hungry.

Catching multiple fish in a session is occurring regularly with one of our guiding days yielding 3 mulloway and a couple of others lost. These fish fell to larger soft plastics and soft vibes with fishers trolling deep diving minnows also getting results.

The fish are averaging 65-75cm, so not monsters but there’s still the odd meter job being caught. If the bait continues to hold there, I can’t see any reason why this action won’t continue for a few months yet.

If the mulloway are quiet, there’s plenty of flatties to be caught with the majority of fish around the 40cm mark.

You will get the odd better fish but you do have to work for them at present. Those die-hards who love to throw

system with the main basin being excellent. The bream numbers are the best I’ve seen for many years with some great fish to 42cm being captured.

These bream are clean fish, so I expect with the deeper entrance that new populations are entering the system on the flooding tides. It’s the same with the whiting, they too have been good with captures throughout the system.

Further upstream the bass have really fired up after the flood with switched on anglers getting plenty on surface walkers and spinnerbaits.

Small running deep diving hardbodies have also been deadly with bait soakers doing well on scrub worms.

At Wagonga, it’s surprisingly tough – I’m not sure why! The baitfish and tailor are there but the

bigger fish like mulloway and flathead are on holidays it seems. This will hopefully change in coming weeks as the 6th Flathead Classic starts soon, so we want to see all anglers getting amongst the fish and have a great time.

Though the big fish are hard, the channels have plenty of whiting, bream and trevally to keep you interested. Casting smaller plastics will work, though anglers fishing bait like worms and nippers will do well too.

BEACHES The beaches have been excellent for bream and whiting with Coila, Blackfellows and Tilba Main beaches the ones to fish.

Casting lightly weighted baits like worms and pipi just past the shore dump will see plenty of fish caught. Look for those deeper gutters close to shore with the rockier corner at the southern end of Coila a good place to start.

There’s been a few salmon and tailor caught with the odd mulloway and gummy shark but they have been a little tougher of late. I’d be concentrating at Tilba if targeting the bigger fish, there’s a cracking deep gutter around 8ft deep there currently.

This is the quality of whiting that can be found in Tuross at this time of year. wide of the seamounts is 26°C, that’s hot and ideal for blues.

With the beakies there’s been plenty of big mahimahi upwards of 20kg, which are

here for a long time. This has made the fishing a little more difficult in the lower sections, especially around the peak moon periods with

surface presentations like walk-baits and poppers are getting fantastic results.

There’s plenty of bream and whiting throughout the MARCH 2015

57

Offshore and inshore, it’s fishing heaven right now MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

Anglers fishing offshore from Merimbula are having an awesome time of it lately, especially those after marlin and other game species. The action has been fast and furious on the billfish front, with almost all crews getting multiple shots per day.

Striped marlin are the predominant species being caught, with most fish around the 80-100kg mark.

There’s been the odd better fish to 130kg as well, with reports of black marlin being caught no more than a few kilometres offshore. That’s pretty exciting stuff for the smaller boats, because they can get amongst the big stuff as well.

The 70-fathom line has been the most productive and consistent recently, so the extra journey to the shelf hasn’t been needed on a lot of occasions. This could change though, depending on bait, current and water temperature, as every day is different. Over the next few weeks, more black and blue marlin should turn up, as

both these species are being caught north of Merimbula and in good numbers.

Trolling skirted pushers has been the most productive method for the marlin,

between marlin bites, so the action is widespread.

Closer to shore, the kings have been pretty good off Long Point, but they can be hard to entice at times.

Stuie Hindson with a nice mulloway. This day involved a solid bite that saw 4 mulloway tagged and released. though switch-baiting live baits will also work. I know of a few locals who are having great success trolling skip baits, especially when a bait ball is located. Skipping striped tuna or bonito would be the go here. There’s also been yellowfin tuna to 20kg, mahimahi to 24kg, plus a few shortbill spearfish in

Having the freshest of live baits is the secret, with a few models around 6kg falling victim to deeper trolled minnows closer to shore.

Those after bread and butter species are doing extremely well, with sand flathead in big numbers.

These tasty table fish can be found from 30-40m,

with The Sticks down near Pambula a great place to start. You can expect a few gummy sharks when targeting flatties, with the odd snapper as well.

The beaches continue to fish well for all the usual species, with salmon in solid numbers. Any beach with a deep gutter is holding fish, with Haycock, Tura and North Tura the pick of them.

Some sambos are pushing 3kg, with metal slices, surf poppers and pilchards on paternoster rigs all working well. There’s good bream chewing too, with the rockier corners of the beaches the place to fish on a flooding tide. The northern end of North Tura near Bournda Island is a hotspot that’s been fishing particularly well of late. Using pipis or beach worms in conjunction with berley has proven a dynamite way to catch them. Expect a few whiting while targeting the bream, with fish to 40cm plus on the cards.

Those anglers fishing the stones for the pelagics

have also had some fun.

Using whole ganged pilchards cast out and slowly retrieved has seen kingfish, bonito, and some huge salmon to 4kg landed. Throwing chromed sliced metals up to 50g has also worked, with most headlands producing the goods. The better ones have been Tura Head, Merimbula Wharf, and both Short and Long Point. Tura Head is the pick of them all, but it’s a decent walk in from Headland Drive to the rock platform below. You can expect this action to last for a few months yet. For anglers targeting bread and butter species like blackfish and drummer, Short Point is certainly the place to fish.

In the estuaries, Merimbula Lake has been a standout. For a small bit of water, it holds some cracking fish. I guided there recently and it fished well.

All the usual species were caught, with flathead, legal snapper, bream, flounder and heaps of big tailor coming aboard. Considering it’s on

our doorstep, it’s seriously under-rated, but if no one wants to fish there, well no complaints from us! A few locals are getting some solid bream and whiting in the channel towards the entrance. It’s quite shallow there, so late afternoons are better when boat traffic is at a minimum. Better baits include live bass yabbies, and squirtworms if you can get them.

At Pambula there’s some nice flatties in the main basin, with water depths of 3-5m the go. Casting smaller soft plastics and blades has worked well, with the flats producing a few bream and whiting on surface lures. The channel towards the entrance is hard to fish at the moment, with red algae in full bloom.

It makes fishing almost impossible with foul-ups, but once the water cools again it will go away. If you persist, the rewards are flathead, trevally, whiting and bream.

You would be better off using bait here, with nippers, striped tuna cubes and worms all working.

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The Bega River at its best TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Warm water and warm weather with plenty of fish, have the estuaries surrounding Tathra all fired up and ripe for the picking.

It has been a great season for estuary fishing, with one of the best ever for both flathead and whiting. There has been some exceptional duskies in the Bega River system, and for anglers looking for a trophy fish, they’ve been a standout. There are some very nice sandflats just upstream from the boat ramp, and the one on the southern side always seems to hold large duskies.

These areas are best fished early morning before too much boat activity occurs, and when there are still some prawns in the system kicking around, you can target these fish with lures or bait. Just keep in mind that if the prawns are about, using them fresh or as live bait will produce exciting results.

This is all a result of the river being open to the

ocean for many months now. Fresh fish stocks move in and out of the system on a regular basis, replenishing the waters, which creates good fishing — especially over the flats on a rising tide.

Not only has the whiting fishing been good in the estuaries, it has been one of the very best on the beaches. The north end of Tathra Beach has been a prime area. Beach worms are definitely the prime bait here, although for those who find it hard to

acquire them, a bucketful of nippers is not a bad substitute. Other species like bream and mullet are also quite partial to these crustaceans, and you only need light outfits to have some fun.

There are also plenty of salmon and tailor to be found on the beaches along this part of the coast at present, and for those willing to put the hours in of a night, they may be pleasantly surprised with the odd mulloway or gummy shark.

Some solid bream are lurking in Tathra waters at the moment.

Around on the wharf there is action aplenty, with large schools of slimy mackerel keeping not only the kids entertained, but also the adults. There are always plenty of silver trevally present to wrap anglers’ lines around the pylons, as well as the ever-present schools of yellowtail.

The pelagic action isn’t bad either, with salmon passing by, the odd bonito or kingfish, and there is always a chance of snaring a marlin from this bay.

Offshore there is plenty of activity to offer anglers in the form of bottom fish or pelagics. Firstly, on the reef scene, flathead are prolific — both sandies and tigers. The deeper you fish, the more tigers you will catch and the larger they are likely to be. Closer to shore, the sandies will definitely fill the bag. The best areas are north east of Wapengo, or south out from Bournda.

Moreso on the reefs, snapper have showed up early to provide many a tasty meal, with the best areas being north around Bunga Point, Nelsons Headland or south out from White Rock.

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The flatties have been great all season. the snapper are plenty of morwong and ocean perch, but unfortunately the leatherjackets are still causing problems.

Even though Tathra is not noted for its game fish, there are still enough marlin out from here to keep anglers interested.

The best way to find them is to troll lures, and those who spend a few days here will find where the fish are concentrated. Also be aware that there are some big blues around at present, and it wouldn’t be the first time a fish like that has come into Tathra.

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59

A bumper season for billfish Finally, after many years of ordinary billfishing, the marlin have been back with vengeance and still they continue, hopefully for many more weeks to come.

Marlin are in their best numbers in March, concentrating around the Twelve Mile Reef area. All species can be encountered at this time of the year, feeding on the vast baitfish schools that congregate over the reefs. Also feeding on the baitfish, anglers may encounter shortbill spearfish, mako and other sharks, mahimahi and usually plenty of schools of small to mid-range yellowfin tuna.

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don’t be frightened to troll bibbed and bibless lures over the western reefs, as this will also produce fish.

The start of autumn usually sees good numbers of larger snapper frequenting the coastline. The reefs south of Bermagui such as The Brothers, Lobster Patch and Goalen Head area attracting good numbers of reds. Most anglers prefer to drift with conventional paternoster rigs using squid and cut fish bait, however, more and more are anchoring and berleying using large drift baits such as whole and half slimy mackerel, which produces fish in the 7-8kg bracket.

Other reef fish are also very plentiful, with morwong (both blue and jackass), tiger flathead, ocean perch, pigfish and leatherjackets also featuring in regular bags.

Fishing the deep water off the Twelve Mile Reef will produce most reef fish in good numbers, and if you feed a live bait out under a balloon, you may be pleasantly surprised with a billfish hookup.

Large schools of southern yellowfin bream are frequenting most estuaries around Bermagui at present. Fish up to 46cm are not uncommon, with most averaging around the 40cm mark. Berleying with striped tuna at the start of an incoming tide will account for a lot of these beautiful chrome-plated fish. Using baits like nippers, prawns or worms is producing their fair share of fish as the tide creeps over the flats. Lures, both hard and soft, will also take fish, however, not as effectively as fresh bait.

Large flathead are also being encountered,

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especially in the Bermagui River, on lures, live bait, and in berley trails while fishing for bream. Good size trevally are getting into the act, along with some very large mullet.

Luderick are plentiful around the bridge boat ramp and rock walls towards the harbour. Cabbage and green weed are producing most fish on the last of the run-out tide and the first of the run-in. Also, reasonable numbers of luderick are still being taken on nippers further up the estuary around the weed beds. Some very nice whiting are making their presence felt in the shallow water over the nipper flats.

Calmer conditions are allowing anglers to fish the rocks more often, which is producing some excellent catches. Fishing of an evening as the shadows of the cliffs move over the water, berleying with bread, and then using cunjevoi as bait

has produced some excellent catches of black drummer.

Fish around the 2kg mark have been the average, with some top bream and trevally featuring as well.

Spinning off the rocks with large metal lures has produced salmon and tailor, with an odd kingfish making a pleasant surprise.

Small frigate mackerel have also been a regular catch using lighter line and small metal lures retrieved at a fast rate.

Bream that have not yet moved into the estuaries have been encountered regularly on most beaches adjacent to the rocks. Again, berleying these areas with striped tuna will produce

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60

MARCH 2015

PH: 02 6493 5444 www.fishbermi.com

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Not everything you catch on a line has fins! more fish, however, using more traditional baits like beachworms and pipis will

The marlin have been flying high all season and the bite is continuing.

. BASS . JEWFISH . F LA

djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Preferred method at this time of year is to troll live slimy mackerel, or my favourite, a live or skipped frigate mackerel. Frigates can often be acquired by trolling a small fly a long way out the back while trolling live slimies for the big predators.

Another popular method is switch baiting with lures and teasers without hooks, attracting the marlin to the boat where the lure is replaced with a live bait. This is a very spectacular way in which to catch a marlin.

Kingfish around Montague Island are in good numbers at present, averaging 6-7kg, with some fish up to 15kg being encountered.

Most have been taken the traditional way using jigs, squid and live bait, however,

EAM . BR

Darren Redman

CH

BERMAGUI

most beaches, with some very nice gummy sharks being captured on the full moon.

Black cricket numbers have exploded in the Brogo area, allowing the bass a regular food source.

Anglers using them on light line are experiencing some fantastic fishing in Brogo Dam at present. Cricket imitations in both flies and lures are therefore having their fair share of success.

Surface lures, especially of an evening, are producing exciting topwater fishing.

During daylight hours, anglers are having limited success using deeper lures such as spinnerbaits around the weed beds. The Brogo

Prawns may still be active early morning, so match the hatch. turn up both bream and nice size whiting. Salmon and tailor fishing is also excellent at present along

River is still producing good fish below the dam wall, with most popular techniques being effective.

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Inshore or offshore in March, take your pick MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Mallacoota remains busy, with plenty of visitors to the area enjoying the summer weather, swimming and fishing.

The water temperature is 20 degrees on the beach, and the fishing has been excellent both offshore and in the lake.

As is usual at this time of year, you have to pick your days, as the wind can make fishing near impossible. Up early and back before the breeze hits is the go.

Those heading offshore have really enjoyed launching their boats at the new boat ramp at Bastion Point. With no ocean swell over the holiday period, the ramp has been basically incident free. The fishing for kingies has been great, with plenty caught over the past month.

Fish around the 75cm mark have been common, with the bigger ones around a metre in length. The fish have initially been caught trolling, and once located jigged metal lures have produced most of the action. Best spot has been out around the Aerials. Plenty

of baitfish schools are about, and if they hang around, then so will the kingies.

There’s been good fishing for flatties, with sandies and tigers being caught, along with some nice gummy sharks.

Unfortunately, in the last week the leatherjackets have arrived in plague proportions, making it near impossible to

drop anything in the water and expect to get it back.

Those wetting a line on the local beaches have been getting a few salmon, along with yellowfin bream.

Fishing from the breakwall has been good, with plenty of sizeable blackfish moving along the rocks. The lake was great over the Christmas

period with quality yellowfin bream around the front and at Goodwin Sands.

The black bream are spread throughout the system.

Fish are being caught, but it’s

have enjoyed catching plenty of fish, with numbers over 50cm regularly released. With all the rivers and creeks still flowing, it’s looking good for the months ahead.

The fishing improves EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Bastion Point ramp has opened up the kingy grounds like never before.

not easy. The flathead fishing has been better though. I have been guiding in the Mallacoota system for 20 years, and I’ve seen the fishing come and go, but this season my clients

With the town a lot quieter after the busy Christmas holiday period, the coming months really sees all forms of fishing fire up.

The game fishing, the beach, and the estuaries are at their best.

The past month has seen some good catches coming in from the inshore reefs and flathead grounds.

Once again, an early start has been necessary to avoid the wind. Some good-sized sand flathead have been caught (58cm), and that’s a big sandie. Out wider, good numbers of tiger flathead are available too. Snapper, morwong and leatherjackets are being landed from the inshore reefs, and wherever you find baitfish is the

spot to drop.

The fishing for kingies has been pretty ordinary this year, with rats to just legal size making up the bulk of the catch. The bigger fish seem to have travelled by, but hopefully will turn up again in a couple of months.

Fishing the local beaches has been good. The water temperature is around 20 degrees, with sand whiting and yellowfin bream being caught.

Fresh worms and prawns are the best choice of bait. The odd salmon has been beached, with bigger numbers of fish expected when the water cools in the winter months.

Keen anglers chasing mulloway from now through until Easter know it is well worth putting in the time, particularly around the new and full moon. The beaches inside Twofold Bay are a known spot for fish.

The next few months are when you can expect the prawns to start running, and everyone loves a feed of prawns — especially if they are fresh. The local estuaries have been fishing well, with plenty of dusky flathead caught. Anglers fishing soft plastics have had a ball, but the fish are taking a variety of lures.

Whiting have been on the go for anglers in the know. They’re getting amongst the fish with surface lures, but those using bait have had best success on live nippers or worms. Some good blackfish are also in the local estuaries, with anglers fishing with weed under a float getting amongst them.

The recent rain has kept everything flowing, which has been great for those heading upstream chasing bass.

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MARCH 2015

61

What’s New FISHING

1

DAMIKI SUPLEX 100G AND BACK DROP 80G

Since its release last year, the Damiki Suplex and Back Drop jigs have been making a big impact on the jigging scene.

These deep water jigs have a shaped head that allows for an erratic action when jigged through the water column, and when rigged with Damiki Trust Jigger hooks, they are an unbeatable combination.

Following calls from clients for smaller models to be made available, Searing Tackle, the exclusive agents for Damiki have released an 80g Back Drop jig and a 100g Suplex jig.

The Backdrop range is now made up of 80g, 100g, 130g, 160g and 200g models whilst the Suplex range now covers 100g, 130g, 160g, 200g and 250g sizes, meaning there is now jigs in both the Suplex and Back Drop range to cover any jigging situation.

Both the Suplex and Back Drop jigs come in 5 attractive colours.

Price: Too New www.searingtackle.com.au

2

DAIWA SALTIGA 2015

Daiwa has continued their long tradition of innovation with the introduction of “Magsealed bearings” into the new Saltiga range.

Given the popularity of saltwater fishing, sealing a reel is a major goal. No leakage means no corrosion, longer life and better performance. If saltwater penetrates a reel and dries, it crystallizes, and then erodes gears and bearings.

Daiwa found the solution – a membrane of magnetic oil, which shuts out saltwater.

By using magnetized oil in conjunction with magnets, the oil attaches itself to the metal surfaces to form a seal.

Magseal technology was originally used in the rotor/anti-reverse system, to make water and dust intrusion a thing of the past.

However, not content with just Magsealing the rotor/anti-reverse system, the new 2015 series introduces an all-new revolution in ultra smooth rotation and water sealing.

The Saltiga has a near bulletproof gearbox and line roller system to complement the other design innovations making the best heavy-duty reel even better!

Price: Too new! www.daiwafishing.com.au

3

THE ROD RULER

Never be caught out again when needing to measure your catch. Whether you’re fishing off the beach, rocks, tinny or kayak, The Rod Ruler will always be there!

This product is simple and easy to use – It’s perfect for a quick catch and release, bragging rights, or just to measure some catches for the dinner table. The Rod Ruler is 8mm wide and 1m long (you cut the sticker to suit your rod). Plus, it’s UV and water resistant, so it’s guaranteed to last.

Designed to fit on a variety of fishing rods from your small trout rods through to the longer and larger surf rig. It can also be fitted to your boat or kayak when space is tight.

The Rod Ruler was produced with tournament anglers and recreational anglers in mind. No more wasting time looking for a brag mat or ruler!

Price: RRP $6.95 www.therodruler.com.au

4

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

EUMER SPINTUBE NATURAL

1

Winner of Best New Terminal Tackle in Efttex 2013, SpinTube NATURAL is a newly launched product for trout, perch and bass.

The SpinTube NATURAL is named after the natural colours used in its construction.

This lure is particularly suitable for still and fast water fishing. In fast waters, you can fish it near the bottom matching the motion of a sunk fly. In still waters, it can be fished wish a jig fishing technique.

When using the NATURAL, the hook is turned pointing upwards and thus snagging the bottom can be avoided. The NATURAL is sinking, lead free design, the weight is achieved by using a brass body. The handmade NATURAL is finished with 3D eyes giving the product even a more lifelike and natural look.

Despite being made to mimic a fly, the NATURAL is easy to cast, is very lifelike and is fast sinking. It is currently available in 10cm/10g size.

Price: RRP $14.99 www.jml.net.au

5

MUSTAD WISH BRAID

You couldn’t wish for more. Mustad’s new Wish Braid leaps into the top end of the braid market.

Its diameter for breaking strain is excellent giving users a number of benefits. Being a true 8-strand braid, Mustad Wish Braid is built with 100% Honeywell Spectra Fibre.

This makes Wish exceptionally durable under load and this is where thin braids can come undone.

The braiding process used by Mustad produces a rounder and smoother braid that handles exceptionally well and ties knots superbly completing the picture.

Mustad’s Wish 18lb 8-strand braid is as thin as most 6lb 4-strand braids giving users the benefit of fewer wind knots and an improved user experience. Abrasion resistance, thin and of the highest quality – that’s what Wish brings to the table. Available in 110 yard (18lb-36lb) and 250 yard (18lb70lb) spools, Mustad Wish Braid makes your dreams come true.

Price: RRP from $50 (110 yard), $100 (250 yard) www.wilsonfishing.com.au

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2

3

4

FISH ARROW FLASH J 2 INCH

Following on from our successful introduction of the 3 inch Flash J Shad, Searing Tackle, the exclusive importers of Fish Arrow have now released a smaller 2 inch version to expand the range of realistic soft plastics lures.

Its major characteristic is the swimming shad tail, which when combined with the realistic looks and action of the J Shad, makes it irresistible to bass, bream, trout, redfin and other light-tackle predatory sportfish.

The aluminium foil insert acts as a backbone in the plastic and helps to produce baitfish-imitating flashes and attracts aggressive strikes.

It can be rigged either on a weedless hook or with a jighead, to ensure you’re ready for whatever conditions are thrown at you.

The Flash J Shad 2 inch model is available in 7 great colours, is 2 inches long and you get 8 in a pack.

Price: RRP $16 www.searingtackle.com.au

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

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What’s New FISHING

POWERED BY

7

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

7

MIMIX SHOCKWAVE

8

DAIWA FREAMS 2015

The Mimix Shockwave buzzbait is the first product designed and produced under the ‘Pro Series’, designed and tested to suit the need for a big bait!

The Mimix Shockwave’s shape is uniquely designed to create maximum water splash and a loud buzzing sound. When it’s retrieved, the front part of the Shockwave will be slightly tilted up and the lower end of the body will be slightly lower, this design aims to maximize the water splash created from the front of the mouth and with the lower end of the body being lower, the idea is that this will increase the hooks up rate!

The Shockwave can be used with both lower and higher retrieve speeds. It’s the answer for big predatory native fish like the aggressive Murray cod.

The Mimix Shockwave comes in one size, 80mm in length and a weight of 32.5g with a size 2/0 hook.

Price: RRP $24.95 www.jml.net.au

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Steeped in a culture of technical innovation, 2015 sees Daiwa release one of its most value-packed light spin reels with Magseal Technology and the new, intelligent Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD).

Freams utilizes many Daiwa’s performancedelivering technology like Digigear II, Air Rotor, Air Bail and Twist Buster II. With all this technology packed in, Freams is as light as air, as strong as steel, delivering balance, weightlessness and strength like never seen before for ultimate reel performance.

New to Freams is ATD or Automatic Tournament Drag. This is a new introduction into Daiwa spinning reels. A major drawback with many drag systems is that they are not smooth at the beginning of the drag and do not adjust to suit line distance or a fish slowing down. ATD rectifies this issue.

Cutting edge design and performance is all part of the package with the all-new Daiwa Freams. We’ve delivered a great valued reel with enhanced looks, design and performance.

Price: Too new! www.daiwafish.com.au

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9

4 FLAVOURS OF TONIC YOURANIUM

11

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

Tonic Polarised Eyewear, the new leader in high quality fishing sunglasses, is proud to announce the new YouRanium style is now available in all 4 of Tonic Eyewear’s glass lens varieties: PhotoChromic Copper, Super Clear Grey, Low Light Neon and High Def Blue Mirror.

Developed with Brendan Wing of YouFishTV and named by the YouFishTV fan base, the YouRanium features Tonic Eyewear’s custom designed adjustable nose bridge that is fully integrated into the frame. While the frame is a standard fit, the adjustable nose bridge can be used to suit people with broken, low or wide nose bridges. No more slipping.

Tonic’s scratch resistant glass lenses are just 1.8 mm thick, making them 30% lighter than regular glass and feature boutique polarising filter systems and anti-reflective coatings.

Tonic Polarised Eyewear comes in eight wraparound styles and a variety of lens types to suit different situations.

Price: From $279.99 www.toniceyewear.com.au.

10

ATOMIC HARDZ NEW COLOURS

Atomic have introduced a range of new colours across the estuary lure range including surface lures.

After extensive testing by the Atomic team, these new lures have been proven in the field and include Silver Wolf and Gold Wolf patterns, which are extremely lifelike.

The Silver Wolf gives off an impossibly true blue silver colour in the water while the Gold Wolf will be perfect for estuary anglers as well as bass fishers targeting dams where fish feed on goldfish.

Tournament angler and AFC competitor Tristan Taylor has designed the other two new colours, Tristos Ramjet and Tristos Eagles.

Field-testing has also been positive on these new colours and there are 4 new colours in total.

In the Shiner range, covering 45-100mm lures a new colour, Blood Red has also been developed featuring a greenish head and bright silver sides with a tantalising red running over the back of the lure, down its flanks.

Price: From $14.95 www.frogleysoffshore.com.au

11

SPIDERWIRE ULTRACAST

The most extreme SpiderWire performance will be found in Ultracast because it is the highest quality, best performing series in the SpiderWire brand.

Only the best technology and most advanced nylons, fluoropolymers and High Molecular Weight PE fibres qualify for an Ultracast fishing line. Ultimate fishing line, for ultimate performance!

An ultra smooth 8-carrier construction that outcasts and outlasts any other braid! Ultracast’s extreme strength per diameter ratio delivers an amazingly thin and sensitive line with a high pick count for roundness and extreme durability. But what does this mean for anglers? It means each line, from the smallest 10-pound test to the largest 80-pound test, is smoother, quieter and rounder, and this enables Ultracast to pack very well on reels without digging into itself while also slicing through wind, avoiding wind knots and tip wrapping. Ultracast maintains colour and the coating resists fraying even when fished over heavy structure. Available in 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 and 80lb tests and 150-300m lengths.

Price: From $39.95 www.spiderwire.com.au

12

ZEREK CAVALLA

Casts like a metal, works like a minnow, the Zerek Cavalla is a truly innovative lure that allows anglers to cover every layer of the water column, whether they’re fishing from a boat or from the shore.

Super fast-sinking at 45g and designed to target predatory fish with an easy-chomping 115mm, the Cavalla is perfect for long distance casting and allowing you to reach fish other lures simply cannot get to.

With an unparalleled ability to hang in the water in rough conditions when targeting surface feeding fish, as well as the unheard of option to target those inaccessible deep fish, the Cavalla is truly a unique lure. Add to these features the 7 life-like colours that allow you to imitate the baitfish in your area and the Cavalla simply is the full package.

Indestructible, innovative and unique in a world of impersonators, Zerek Innovations’ Cavalla delivers where others fail.

Price: RRP $22 www.wilsonfishing.com.au

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

What’s New FISHING

13

NEW ZMAN 4” SWIMMERZ

16

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

2015 PFLUEGER SALT SPIN

The ZMan 4” SwimmerZ developed a passionate following among anglers chasing mangrove jack, barramundi, mulloway, flathead and more, thanks to its realistic mullet profile, 10X Tough ElaZtech construction and super-soft and flexible, realistic feel that creates an incredible life-like swimming action, even at dead slow retrieve speeds.

When ZMan US decided to discontinue their painted plastics the outcry from Australian anglers ensured that the 4” and 6” SwimmerZ would be reborn. New moulds were developed allowing the production of more realistic laminate colours, including ZMan favourites Opening Night, Houdini, Bad Shad and Sexy Mullet.

With the same great profile and action, and 13 new colours in the range, the ZMan 4” SwimmerZ look like continuing their reputation as the go-to plastic when nothing else is catching. Fish on!

The new ZMan SwimmerZ are available in 13 colours, with 4 per pack.

Price: RRP $15.95. www.ttlures.com.au

The Pflueger Salt is saltwater ready and is built from the ground up to handle Australian conditions.

The A360 full metal body, rotor and sideplate finished with corrosion resistant matt body paint eliminates body flex under load and provides a corrosion resistant housing for the Precision Cut Digital Gearing (PCDG) and stainless mainshaft, making this an incredibly tough piece of gear.

At the front end housed within the new-ported spool is the tried and tested Dynamic Carbon Drag (DCD), HD carbon washers are used for a powerful, smooth and reliable drag system. A 5 stainless steel ball bearing system with XCR sealed bearings in key locations and ‘always on’ anti reverse bearing make the Salt ready for sand, salt and big, hard-fighting fish.

Other performance features include a balanced rotor system, heavy duty bail and machined and anodized aluminium handle with soft touch knob.

Price: RRP from$159.95 www.pflueger.com.au

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17

COOL WATER CRUISE SUP

Australians love being on the water, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding is the most exciting way to do exactly that. Cool Water’s Cruise SUP is an inflatable vessel that gives you the ability to enjoy life on top, without dragging you down getting there.

This multi-purpose board offers enough stability and manoeuvrability for beginners to negotiate their way around lakes, rivers and the ocean. An elevated nose enables smooth travels across choppy water, and world-beating reinforced drop stitch technology helps stabilise and strengthen the body of the SUP. A high density reinforced PVC outer layer ensures your SUP is tough enough to handle a beating just in case you do get churned by a set, and a 10cm thick reinforced drop stitch inner chamber which makes it almost impossible for your SUP to crease.

An inflatable SUP is a fun way to experience the water. Pull it out of your backpack, unroll and inflate – you’ll be cruising in no time.

Price: RRP $1099, currently $799 from Kangaroo Tent City www.kangarootentcity.com.au

15

WESTIN SWIM

The Swim is a very popular lure of many Scandinavian pro guides due to its castability and its easy use. It cuts through the strongest wind and as soon as the reel starts turning, the unique s-shaped swimming pattern of Westin Swim will trigger fish to strike.

When you twitch or jerk it gently, it will dart side to side just below the surface, which will drive fish crazy too! Anglers can use this lure in various depths depending on retrieve techniques.

With the 120mm and 100mm model, Australian freshwater trophy fish such as barra and Murray cod will go mad on this lure.

Also, because of the weight of the lure, you can make a very long cast to target saltwater species such as coral trout, GT, and tuna.

The smaller 65mm model is a perfect size to target fish such as mangrove jack, bass, tarpon, saratoga, sooty grunter, redfin and trout.

Price: NA www.jml.net.au

14

ZEREK CHILLI PADI

Micro jigging has been reinvigorated with the arrival of the Chilli Padi, a tungsten micro jig that gets down deep quick.

Ideal for those times when the bite slows or is shut down and a smaller profile baitfish pattern is required, the Chilli Padi from Zerek Innovations has a subtle and enticing action that fish cannot resist.

During testing fish have eaten this lure on the drop, on the jig and also when used as a cast and retrieve lure for tuna, tailor and salmon.

Tungsten is the ideal material to build a micro jigfrom as it is much heavier than lead for the same size. This means the Chilli Padi is a much smaller profile than other micro jigs made from lead, simply because tungsten is such a heavy material.

Coming unrigged to give the end user all the rigging options. Available in 3 weights, 18, 28 and 36g, and 8 colours.

Price: RRP approx. $20-25 www.wilsonfishing.com

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15

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REALIS G87 20A

DUO – The brand known for setting the standard amongst the Japanese lure companies is again raising the bar.

Realis G87 20A’s crank development was carefully put in motion by DUO’s R&D team.

The need for a crankbait that could truly dive beyond the 20ft mark and accurately reach its target has been deeply desired by professional and recreational anglers around the world.

This lure’s superior diving ability can be attributed to the most advanced weight transfer system in deep diving cranking soon to be used on the professional bass circuits.

G87’s enlarged magnetic ballast carriage hides the casting bearing outside the body cavity, where it’s held in place by a magnet made of Neodymium, a material considerably stronger than the usual Magnesium, necessary due to the size of the bearing.

The 20A’s body is 87mm in length, weighs 35 grams and has reached depths of almost 30ft on the cast and retrieve.

Price: Too new! www.swldistributions.com.au

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

17

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What’s New FISHING

POWERED BY

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

TESTED: MAKO G2H5 LENSES – GT FRAME face and also hold them firmly on the top of your head when you inevitably put them there.

A pet hate of mine is when the arms of the glasses hurt the top of your ears when you are wearing a cap and these didn’t do this, so that was a big tick.

On the water Fishing a small creek for bass in the Hunter Valley was my first opportunity to test the glasses in a fishing situation. It was here that I recognised what the team from Mako meant when they were talking about the clarity and contrast of vision the G2H5 lens provides. It was only a very shallow creek I was fishing and to be able to see the subtle depth changes and into the shadows under the trees made targeting the areas the bass

You can teach an old Fox new tricks As anglers we become very set in our ways and as we get older we are less open to change. I definitely sit in this category and sunglasses for me have sat in the “I like what I have” category. That was until recently when I tried the latest G2H5 lens in a GT frame from Mako eyewear.

Being set in your ways is one thing, but generally there are good reasons for it and with my sunglasses it has been the need for a quality lens, comfort/fit, style and durability.

After speaking to the team at Mako Eyewear they suggested the new G2H5 lens in their GT frame was the way to go. I got them just before our Christmas break and was looking forward to giving them a good test.

First Impressions Comfort and fit was the first thing I noticed.

They are lightweight lens and complimented with the GT frame, they are very comfortable to wear. The small rubber pads at the end of the arms ensure the glasses sit snugly on your

might be much easier.

In total contrast to the tiny creek in the Hunter was the blue water off Wooli in Northern NSW. I was impressed with how the lenses dramatically reduced the suns glare off the water. It really helped with spotting bait schools busting up in the distance and once you snuck up on them it made it very easy to see the direction the fish were going and place a cast in the right spot to entice a bite. The

kingies never had a chance.

My favourite form of fishing is targeting flathead in the estuaries around the Gold Coast. This can be either in the deeper water around the Jumpin Pin bar, Gold Coast Seaway or in the shallow water whether it’s the sand flats, mangroves and drains throughout the system. They all rely on you being able to see changes in depth and structure as the flathead love ambushing their pray in these areas. The glasses have proven to be fantastic for doing this.

The Technology Mako Eyewear has been around for decades now and their desire to stay at the forefront of lens technology has not diminished.

They are constantly striving to enhance the end users experience when it comes to everything outdoors. I am the first to admit that my knowledge about the ins and outs of the technology is limited, however after a bit of research I found out the following. The basis of the lenses high contrast capabilities is the introduction of a new Rose lens in combination with a Green Mirror and Mako’s high definition filter. The Rose colour was chosen due to its high contrast capabilities (meaning it enhances the differences in brightness and colour, making objects clearer to the human eye). Add the HD filter for improved clarity and the glare reduction of the Green Mirror and you have a superior lens for any fishing applications.

To find you nearest stockist or to get more information on the range of Mako Eyewear go to www.makoeyewear.com.au. A set of G2H5 lenses in a GT Frame will set you back $289.95 and from my experience they are worth every cent.

– Michael Fox

TESTED: ATC VALIANT SW SPINNING REELS The fishing reel market is a highly competitive one. I still remember what my first boss said to me about selling fishing reels.

“Explain to your customer it is better to spend a little more, as the benefits in longevity and function will always outweigh any dollars saved”, he explained. Those words or words to that effect have rung in my ears for more than 30 years and has proven to be correct time and time again.

So keeping this mind, I was given a 2000 size ATC Valiant SW spin reel to try out by the team at Wilson Fishing. Retailing from $160, the ATC Valiant SW reels fit in the medium price point bracket and offer features that someone purchasing a more expensive reel may be looking for. After the customary spin of the handle and the “that feels good”, I was looking forward to seeing what they had to offer.

My first task was to spool it with braid. I normally spool all of my reels with a spooling machine, but I decided for the sake of testing that I would use the hand spooler to see how it lay the line on the spool (I have had reels lay the line in big ridges in the past which is less than ideal). The end result was a spool that looked like it had been spooled on a machine.

Time to get out on the water To me, there is no better test of a spin reel than hopping plastics for flathead. I can hear a few sniggers out there, but a day on the water whipping a 1/2oz or 3/8oz jighead and plastic will soon sort out if a reel is going to last or not.

My local haunt is the Pine River in Brisbane. The main structure in the system

8+1 S/S corrosion resistant ball bearings (hence the smooth feel and excellent line return/layering to the spool).

If it is drag you want, then there is plenty to like about the ATC Valiant SW reels. The 2000 and 3000 size reels have 8kg maximum drag and the 4000 and 5000 have a massive 11kg maximum drag. To deal with this type of drag pressure the spool, body and rotor of the reels are made of aluminium. Add to this an ergonomic handle and you have a reel that is the real deal.

Conclusion I can see a lot of people enjoying the value for money and quality the ATC Valiant SW reels offer. I can also see my old boss looking down at me and thinking ‘maybe he did listen’…

For more information or to find your nearest stockist go to www.wilsonfishing. com.au - Peter Jung Whipping a 1/2oz jighead and plastic for flathead is a good test setting for any light reel, and the ATC Valiant SW stood up to it – no wind knots! is its two bridges followed by all the flats and run offs in between.

I matched the reel up to a 2-4kg spin rod, attached a 15lb leader to the 6lb Mustad Thor braid and headed to the largest of the two bridges, to hop plastics in and around the pylons. The fish have been kind over the three trips so far, with well over 30 fish hitting the net.

A few things that have immediately impressed me are that I have not had a wind knot (a big surprise to me as this is one of the biggest pains for any angler hopping

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

plastics), the drag is very smooth (although I haven’t really given it a solid workout) and the out of the box smooth feel remains, even after minimal maintenance post fishing with the reel.

Like most anglers I tend to have a favourite outfit and it’s usually the one you start any fishing session using. My outfit with the ATC Valiant SW reel is fast becoming that outfit.

Features The ATC Valiant SW series comes in four sizes , from SW2000-SW5000) They have

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

Good rain a godsend MAITLAND

Dave McLean djfmclean@bigpond.com

We usually experience very pleasant weather in autumn, and the fish seem to bite for longer periods right through the day.

At the end of January

we received solid rainfall right across the Hunter. This has been good for the dams, all bar Lostock, which had about a metre of water going over the wall, but the rivers got a real good flush out.

This has put them back a couple of weeks, but they should be just about ready to fire again this month. Up

until the rain hit, there were some decent bass coming from the upper ends of all the systems, and they were in excellent condition.

This month will be about the end of the surface bite in the rivers, as the insect activity drops off and the bass begin to move downstream to congregate

A Lake St Clair bass that ate a Skitter Pop at dusk.

A nice bass from the Hunter that fell to a 3/8oz spinnerbait.

in the deeper sections in readiness for spawning.

During March, the rivers always appear a little discoloured and I find small 1/4oz spinnerbaits and 50mm lipless crankbaits a very good option.

Lostock Dam had been fishing really well before the big wet, but hopefully if should come good this month. Trolling along the timbered sections and the steeper banks using small hardbodies is a worthwhile approach.

Lake St Clair was fishing

only fair before the rain and it has since risen a bit, but the good news is the increase in oxygen levels and the falling water temperature has helped get the fish on the bite.

The surface bite towards the end of summer was not as good as usual, possibly because of those really hot days, but after the rain last month, it has picked up somewhat. Hardbody jerkbaits, Jackall Squirrels, and any neutrally buoyant lures are working along the banks early and late.

With the dam at its

current level, the bass and goldens have moved down from the upper parts of the arms to the deeper areas around Redhead Corner to Fenwick Point in the Fallbrook, and Adam Point to Perkins Point in the Carrowbrook.

In the Broadwater, there is some deep schooling bass in the 10m depths off some of points along the eastern shore, and up around the island. Targeting these fish is best accomplished by trolling very deep lures and jigging plastics, ice jigs

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MARCH 2015

and blades.

Bait fishing from the banks is the better option for the bait fans, especially around Gindigah Bay and Kelehear Point using worms and yabbies.

This is also the prime month to target the giant Glenbawn golden perch and big schools of silver perch. The best locations are around timber in 10m for the goldens with yabbies for bait, and for the silvers, worms. Some prime areas to try are around New House Bay, Yellow Buoy Bay, and up along North Run. The trollers can also target big goldens by using deep lures like Ferralcatts in purple, and run amongst the timber, especially up around the back of the dam in the old river channel.

Those targeting the bass can do it a little hard. The schools can be anywhere and everywhere, depending on the amount of incoming and outgoing water, its clarity and temperature. They’ll start to move around this month because this is when they feed up in preparation for their so-called spawning run. There is a huge area of water to search, but local knowledge and a lot of sounder work will help with results. The fish can be in plenty of different areas, but they are mainly at the same

depth, so if you are catching them down around the main basin at 10m, then they will usually be at the same depth up the back.

at a depth where the water temperature is down around the 18-20 degrees, which is right in their comfort zone.

Although the fish hold up in

Sometimes you might not actually see the bass, but if you can see dark clouds of bait on the screen, then they won’t be too far away. They

That’s a hell of a lot of bass! The scene on a windblown bank at Lake St Clair.

With the dam at this level, some good areas to try are up along the Panhandle and Dog Leg in 10-15m, down around the bottom of the main basin along the western bank, and up near the middle of North Run. The bass like to hold up

these depths, they are usually suspended mid-way in the water column.

Using vertical lures such as plastics, blades and ice jigs are the best option, and you can see them marking on the sounder to get them down to the correct depth.

cannot see too far at this depth, so dark patterns are the best, along with anything that has some UV paint on it.

This is one of my favourite months for fishing, especially bass, as the days are very pleasant and the fish are very aggressive.

Tyler and Madison Buckingham worked together to land this nice little yellowbelly.

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67

Stable weather brings predictable fishing LITHGOW/OBERON

Glen Stewart stewie72@bigpond.com

I reckon the month of March brings our most consistent weather patterns; cooler nights and warm, predictable days for the most part. I guess that’s why it’s such

off, thoughts turn to rolling green hills, those clear mountain streams, and that fresh mountain air — so different to the concrete, tar, traffic and people that consume most of us every day.

If you fish, well no doubt your mind will have drifted off quite a few times over the last few weeks as

What is it with weed? Some people hate it, but I love it — choose the right option and it’s game on. a popular time of year for campers and travellers — all the gear gets dusted

you prepare mentally for that battle with fins and scales that lies ahead, up

and over the mountains and far away…

With stable weather comes predictability in the fishy sense, which allows us to plan our attack and maximise results. Around Oberon, trout in the streams will feed (rise) early to mid-morning. The warm morning sun will generate insect hatches of caddis, black spinners and the like, so look to sit off the main pools and runs, and watch and learn. It’s amazing what you see when you are patient; the big brown trout that has eluded you for the last few seasons might just give himself up as he goes about his morning routine.

WEED IS WHERE IT’S AT Over the years I have been amazed at the comments about weed.

“Bloody stuff sh-ts me, fouling up my lures all the time. Clogs my electric up too!” to name but a few. I actually love the stuff, as I am sure it’s the kitchen table, the pantry and the fridge for most fish. If that’s where they eat, then that’s where I’m at. Stable weather and stable water equals weed growth, and fresh green growth means

oxygen supply, cover and food for all creatures’ great and small…

There are a few tricks and tactics that can help with getting the most out

more weedless than others.

Switching treble hooks over to swinging singles can also make a difference without impeding hookup ratios too much. Lipless crankbaits

up-riding hook has few equals when it comes to fishing the weed. The ability to drop the spinnerbait into holes as you retrieve, then rip it back out just adds to

A weedbed favourite is the spinnerbait. Observant anglers will also note the bass was caught on the shady side — when it comes to bass in summer, chase the shade my friends. of weed beds. Firstly, your lure selection. For the most part, treble hooks are a no-no, although having said that some lures with trebles can be

rigged this way are specials in the weed.

Spinnerbaits are a classic weedbed lure.

The coat hanger design and blades protecting an

the appeal, and native fish find it very hard to resist.

Soft plastics are yet another option to try in the weed. Rigging weedless

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To page 69

Autumn is awesome TAMWORTH

Adam Mears adam.mears@hotmail.com

March can be a difficult month to fish in our waters around Tamworth, not because of the lack of activity, but the abundance of species on the move feeding up heavily before the winter chills slows the natives down for winter. Last month saw a good amount of rain bring some much needed flow back into the rivers, and a steady top-up to our picturesque dams that are still desperate for a well-deserved deluge.

If you’re fishing in the Tamworth region this month, pay close attention to water clarity, as in many places fishing natural baits of shrimp, worms or grubs might see you in with a better chance of landing a few golden perch or a Murray cod. Lure fishing may require a different approach; if the water

is heavily stained, for golden perch a small dark coloured hardbody, vibe or spinnerbait will be hard to beat. Opt for the rattling versions with the best vibration, as the murky water will make it harder for a fish to find your offering. Murray cod are still regular catches, so focus your efforts in the low light periods for best results.

In the shallow, clearer sections of our rivers, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

My current favourites are soft plastics and lures that are a little outside the square, so try something different and you may well end up with a new favourite and another tackle box full of goodies!

PEEL RIVER The Peel should continue to be the better of the 2 rivers this month. The rains mean the Naomi River running fast in many areas, and a little difficult to fish in the upper reaches. The

Peel has more typical slow moving pools, which has seen many anglers landing some solid specimens, with cod in the 80-90cm bracket making themselves known.

A kayak is a great way of finding new spots, and with dozens of access points around the region, you would be hard pressed not to find your own piece of solitude on the water.

One thing worth noting though, is if on your travels you pass fellow anglers along the bank, be courteous and give them a wide berth — not only will they appreciate it, but it’s just good manners.

CHAFFEY DAM Chaffey Dam has really started to turn it on in recent weeks and I hope this continues through March. Anglers from both the bank and boat have caught good numbers of golden perch; targeting points and shallow weedlined banks are the gun techniques. Silver perch are still being taken on baits

Sundown is prime time for golden perch.

From page 68

with the single hook tucked back into the plastic is about as weedless as it comes, although be mindful that certain plastics are better suited than others.

Some manufactures have even gone to the trouble of creating little hollowed out sections for the hook to sit in without being buried and surrounded by plastic. This helps with hookups no end, and the inherent shape of most plastics also assists with weedbed fishing; most are of a slender profile and slip through the weed very easily.

The ability to be able to change, cut, modify, or add is another big plus for soft plastics in the weed. A small spinnerbait blade can be added to a single hook so it flutters on the fall; little nicks

can be cut in the tail so it shakes and shimmers a little more; they can be cut to shorten to match the size of the baitfish you are seeing; they can be dipped in colour changing additives — really, the list is endless.

Surface lures are another good option, especially when it comes to bass and cod during low light periods — there can be no better option at times.

COD TIME During the season, any time really is cod time. I am hearing you; there are times of the year when the big boys do come out to play though. Early in the season when the breeding activity lingers on is one, while the other is later in the year when those first cold frosts start to bring the water temperature down. It’s a little early yet,

but it’s hard not to think about it. I am sure they feel the temperature drop and know that the season is about to turn. The cold season ahead will bring about less food and all those little tidbits that are easy to catch will become scarce, so it’s time to put the feed bag on.

Stable autumn weather patterns are usually associated with big high pressure systems, rising barometers and the like, which all points to great cod action on waters such as Wyangala, Burrendong and Windamere. Don’t discount the rivers either, as they offer great camping options on some of the travelling stock routes out west. Water quality and clarity can influence lure options, but if you take bait as well, then you have both options covered.

The author displaying one of many golden perch frequenting the Peel River of late. of worm, but getting past those unwelcome guests, the European carp, can be a real battle of wills and persistence.

LAKE KEEPIT Everything else around our region’s waterways has fired; shrimp plentiful, golden perch plentiful, and our cod hungry, but things are a little too quiet at Lake Keepit. Have the fish shut down or are they firing?

If I know anglers I’d say that the fish are willing and aggressive, so get in while the activity’s there. A friend of mine picked up half a dozen trolling the main basin and first and second inlets, so sticking to the front half of the dam may pay dividends.

Divers like the Balista Dyno 75 is a hot favourite, with dark colours like purple, blacks and blues a great option. Don’t discount fluoros though, as each day can be different. Remember that even though autumn is upon us, be sure to pack plenty of liquids as the sun can cause you to dehydrate you very quickly and is a serious threat for unprepared anglers.

Top: John Feebrey, proud as punch with a Murray cod caught on a Kokoda lure. Bottom: Keeping a Brag Mat on board will ensure you measure your catch correctly.

Lucky for this guy he got to swim away free of harm.

DAM LEVELS

Dam

% Full

Dam

% Full

Blowering............................. 31

Glennies Creek....................... 81

Brogo................................ 100

Grahamstown......................... 81

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

Hume.................................. 44

Burrinjuck............................. 49

Jindabyne............................. 72

Carcoar................................ 19

Keepit................................... 6

Chaffey................................ 35

Lostock.............................. 100

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

Pindari................................. 13

Copeton............................... 18

Split Rock.............................. 6

Dartmouth............................. 80

Tantangara............................ 23

Eucumbene........................... 52

Toonumbar............................ 97

Glenbawn............................. 85

Windamere........................... 45

Glenlyon............................... 27

Wyangala............................. 41

(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.)

MARCH 2015

69

Good fishing, shame about the dodgy weather CANBERRA

Bryan Pratt

Canberra and Monaro region anglers have enjoyed some top class fishing in the past month or so, despite the erratic and unpredictable weather.

TROUT STREAMS REFRESHED All the local trout streams — normally showing stress from lack of water at this time of year — have been repeatedly refreshed by runoff from thunderstorms moving through the area. Most have been running well and are carrying enough fish to make a visit worthwhile. The larger and more easily accessible streams, including the Moonbah, Murrumbidgee, Yarrangobilly, Eucumbene, Thredbo, Maclaughlin, Badja and Tumut have all been heavily fished, so to avoid

the crowds, anglers with good local knowledge have been concentrating on the smaller creeks and rivers. The prizes mostly have been smallish browns and rainbows, but it has been testing and exhilarating fun casting in tight water with small dries and wets on a #3 or #4 weight fly rod.

LAKES STILL PATCHY The big mountain lakes have been patchy and unpredictable, varying from bafflingly devoid of fish 1 day, to bountiful the next.

Trollers and fly fishers have fared best.

Trollers using lead core line and downriggers with Tasmanian Devils and small RMG, Halco, Rapala and Strike Pro minnows have caught some good fish in both Eucumbene and Jindabyne.

Browns have mostly been around the 2kg mark, and the rainbows just legal, but

Canberra Marine Centre

Small trout in the tiny creeks in the Canberra-Monaro region provided a lot of fun for fly anglers using lightweight gear in tight casting situations. These were a good alternative to the crowded larger streams.

doing it surprisingly hard, probably because of the intense algal growth in the shallows this season.

PowerBait and scrub worms, normally eagerly sought after by the fish, tend to get lost in the algal mat and are hard for the fish to access.

ABUNDANT NATIVES AND REDFIN The big success story this summer has been the enormous numbers of redfin, golden perch and Murray cod that have shown in Canberra’s urban lakes and some regional reservoirs.

Wyangala fished well, especially for the Grouch Cup in late January, with lots of golden perch, a silver perch, and Murray cod to 98cm taken on lures and bait.

Burrinjuck also fished well, with lots of Murray cod, golden perch, and redfin on baits and lures. Best lures were large Noxious Spinnerbaits and deep divers for cod, Burrinjuck Specials and bibless minnows for goldens, and soft plastics

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Young anglers have had a great time catching redfin on bait and lures in Canberra’s urban lakes, especially Lake Tuggeranong. all have been in delightful condition, so perfect for the table or the smoker. Flat lining has not been as productive, as shown by a recent episode in Jindabyne where an angler used 1 lead core line rod and 1 flat line, trolling green and black and gold Tasmanian Devils. He landed 18 trout for the day — 15 on the lead core outfit and just 3 on the flat line.

Fly anglers have fared best using small brown or black nymphs, or midge balls fished into midge hatches late in the afternoon, and then larger wets and mudeye patterns after dark. Black beetles have also accounted for a few fish and there have been several falls of red flying ants.

Bait fishers have been

for the redfin. Better baits were scrubworms, yabbies and local shrimps. The good fishing slowed when excess water was released for downstream irrigation, but the area is still well worth fishing.

BONANZA IN URBAN LAKES Some of the best fishing has been in Canberra’s suburban lakes. Despite the continuing thunderstorms, the 5 lakes have remained clear enough for lure as well as bait fishing, and there have been some excellent catches of Murray cod, golden perch and redfin.

In Lake Ginninderra, there have been lots of small cod taking spinnerbaits late in the afternoon and early evening, but the larger fish have attracted everybody’s attention. Veteran trier Matthew McCauley caught what is thought to be a new record for the lake, when he landed a 107cm fish on a worm bait. The fish was caught on 3.6kg line and took 45 minutes to land. Several times it took so much line that there were only 3 turns left on the spool, but Matt persevered and finally got the fish into shore for mandatory pictures of the release.

Other anglers also did well. One bait fisher landed 8 golden perch on 8 yabbies, while others reported cricket scores of redfin on Hogbacks, jig spinners and soft plastics.

Lake Burley Griffin fished well for redfin and a few golden perch and cod, but the best fish came from the Molonglo River just upstream at Dairy Flat Bridge. Two anglers using worms caught and released 13 golden perch in an afternoon session.

At Lake Tuggeranong, most of the attention was on the redfin schooling along the shoreline. They were easy to catch and regular visitor Greg racked up scores of 30-50 fish to 35cm each session, mostly using Atomic soft plastics.

One of the outsized golden perch caught in Lake Ginninderra, reflecting the massive food supply available to the resident fish.

The trout and cod are on BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

With summer now officially over, the weather will slowly start to cool, and although some species may also slow down as it gets chillier, others will really start to fire.

Trout in general love the cooler weather, and although the fishing has been very good in the Tumut River and some of the smaller creeks and tributaries, I expect it to improve further. Good numbers of both rainbows and browns have been encountered, and due to the Tumut running a banker most of the season, the fish have not seen that much pressure so are relatively easy to catch.

There is not quite the numbers we had a few seasons back, but there are still plenty about. The average size is also the best we have seen in a long time.

Most encountered are in the 500g-1kg range, which is way up on previous years, but there has also been a smattering of fish over 2.8kg. Catching 10 or more of this size a day sure is great fun in the fast moving crystal clear waters of the Tumut.

Due to the lack of fishing pressure these fish have received, we have found the best technique to be lure casting, in particular with the ever-reliable Rooster Tails. Walking either just in or just out of the river and casting these flashy lures up and across in the low flows and across and down in the higher flows has accounted for many fish so far.

Bait anglers have also been doing well and the ever-reliable garden worm has been the most productive bait, but wood

grubs have also held their own. Another great option that is highly under-utilised in this area is the good old maggot, or gent. These tiny wiggly things are loved by trout and are gun bait in other areas and other countries.

If you’ve never used them before, simply rig 1-2 of them through the bum end to keep them alive and wiggling as long as possible on a tiny hook, I have found the Gamakatsu size 10 Single Egg pattern to be perfect for this type of fishing. It is also beneficial to throw out a handful of maggots into the intended fishing area as berley, as this will attract and hold the fish in your area. As I said, this technique is highly under-utilised, but it

at Blowering Dam, with anglers coming from far and wide to test their luck against giant clearwater cod. One very pleasing thing to report is that a lot of these big fish have been taken during the day, which hardly ever used to happen in this impoundment. I’m not sure if it is because more anglers targeting them now, or that the dam has been reasonably full for a few years and there has been a lot of structure around the margins to make the cod feel a bit more at ease when the sun is up.

In the past, the lake was almost always low, with very little structure for the cod to ambush from, so they would sit in the deep water, almost in hibernation, and only coming out at night

Trout of this size have been very common in the Tumut River this season, with much larger fish about as well.

Due to the lack of angling pressure on the Tumut River, bright spinners have been the standout lure this year. The scarring on the side is from a much bigger fish, showing how big trout can get in the Tumut. works unbelievably well in creeks, rivers and lakes.

BIG BLOWERING COD Once again, the Murray cod fishing, especially for big ones, has been insane

A typical football-shaped golden perch from the old Mannus Lake. Now that the lake’s wall has finally been rebuilt, we may be catching fish like this again in the very near future.

to gorge while they felt safe and comfortable.

I’m hoping it is the latter reason, as it would be great to have a good chance of landing these fish during daylight hours.

The biggest cod I’ve seen landed during the day this season was 136cm long, but there has been great numbers of 120cmplus fish caught too. Most techniques have been working as well, so it seems to be a case of being in the right place at the right time.

MANNUS LAKE FILLING One last piece of good news is that an old favourite haunt may soon be back to its former glory. The repair of Mannus Lake’s wall is now complete, and it is finally filling after a long, arduous rebuild.

Depending on the amount of rain we receive between writing this article and you reading it, the lake may even be full, so it shouldn’t

be long until we can all head back out there for a fishing fix. If it ends up being half as good a fishery as it used to be, I’m sure I will be reporting good things from there!

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71

Water and fish abound, even rainbow trout JINDABYNE

Steve Williamson swtrout@airlan.com.au

Well what a summer it was! A lot wetter and cooler than we have seen for many years, and it’s not often we complain that we cannot fish the rivers because there is too much water!

On Jindabyne, the water level remained high. Snowy Hydro released water down the lower Snowy River, only to have more rain and storms push the level up once again.

We have as much water now as we did after the snow melt last spring.

The lake water temperatures remained lower than normal, making it perfect for trout fishing. Every time we had a few hot days, the surface water temperature would rise. Then the storms and wind would arrive and mix up the water layers, so the surface temperature would drop again.

Of course, from now on the nights are going to get cooler, so the water temperature is sure to drop and the trout will be seen feeding closer around the edges of the lake. This makes the shore-based anglers very happy.

Once again, it was good to see so many rainbow trout caught over the last season

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— really big ones as well. I would hope that the so-called experts that caused the Snowy Mountains so much trouble with their negativity and reports about ‘disappearing rainbows’ are now hanging their heads in shame after destroying their credibility by hastily putting crap on the fishery without taking time to research the problem before opening their mouths or putting pen to paper.

Anyhow, the great news is that due to the cooler and wetter summer this year, the rainbows were more active and plenty were caught. All is looking good for autumn in the Snowy Mountains.

The rivers will be a little more fishable over the coming month, with lure anglers getting a chance to fish the alpine streams where the fishing has been good.

Plenty of small fish are being caught. Remember, there is no stocking of trout high up, so these fish are natural recruits in the system, which looks fantastic.

Some of the lures to try will be small 3-5cm Rapalas in natural colours, as well as Celtas, other small spinners like Gillies Bendbacks and Feathertails, the Vibrax Blue Fox, Blue Fox Super Minnows, and you can even try some smaller soft plastics for the smaller runs.

On the lake, working the same sort of lures around the edges of the shallow bays in about 4m of water will be the best way to pick up a bigger fish, but it must be early morning or else wait until dark.

If it is windy, and windy days are quite often good days in summer, try some of the heavier Tasmanian Devils in green and gold, or even yellow.

Throw them out into the wind in deeper water and retrieve slowly. The best colours for the lake have been brown and rainbow trout patterns, and gold.

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MARCH 2015

Bays like Creel, Hatchery and the Snowy Arm all fish well. As the sun rises, change to a Tassie and cast further out over dropoffs, letting the lure sink before retrieving with a slow wind.

For boat fishos, the best way to start off a day’s trolling

as black Woolly Buggers and Williamson’s Gold Fish. Olive green nymphs and shrimp patterns are also worth a try.

The South Arm, Creel Bay, and especially Sid’s Bay are all great.

On the rivers, the best fly fishing is in the evenings, and

MARCH ROUNDUP — THE BEST OF THE BEST! Best method: Lake trolling leadlines early, then downriggers at 35’.

Best depth: 6’ early, to 35’.

Best lake lure: Tasmanian Devil Yellow Wing, Freddo or Steve Williamson’s Lime

This freshly minted rainbow was caught on a Willy’s Special number 111 Tasmanian Devil. this month will be by trying surface lines with lures to about 2m at first light, maybe with a lead core line at 3 colours to take the lures to 4-5m down as a backup.

If you have been out a while and there are no bites, don’t persist; get out the downriggers and, starting at 35’ with a lure dropback of 4m, you should start to see some fish. As the day brightens further, then maybe go to 45’ by mid morning for the best fishing.

On cloudy or rainy days you can surface fish until about 9.00am before going deeper.

The Tasmanian Devil number 111 Willy’s Special, or Steve Williamson’s Lime Green Yellow Wing are the best deep lures at the moment, with Tasmanian Devil number 36 Yellow Wing doing okay on the surface and off lead core lines early.

Some of the better trolling areas this month will be deep water off Lion and Cub islands, or the deeper water at Hatchery and Hayshed Bay. Sid’s Bay through to Rushes Bay will fish well early in the day for big brown trout, but the first hour of light is the time to be there.

For lake fly anglers, at the moment the best fishing has been early morning, and there have been a few wind lanes about. If you see the ducks and seagulls on the water, this is a telltale sign that they are eating insects on the surface.

Some of the best lake fly fishing occurs during the coming months. As the water cools, and this year with so much weed around the edges of the lake, we should see some big fish caught. Try any of the streamer patterns, such

there should still be plenty of evening rises and fantastic dry fly fishing for a few weeks yet.

The alpine streams are still looking good and plenty of small fish are being caught on dry fly. Fly selection is not too critical, but placement certainly is, otherwise you just scare off all the fish. Try a small ’hopper pattern, Royal Wulff or a Royal Humpy. A caddis moth fly is not a bad option either.

Well worth a look is the lower Mowamba near the

Green Yellow Wing.

Best lake area: Deep water off Lion and Cub islands.

Best fly method: Dry fly, ’hopper patterns and Yellow Humpies.

Best river: Thredbo.

LATEST NEWS If you want to know more about the latest fishing conditions, check out our reports on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ LJTFA, or visit my web site at www.swtroutfishing.com.au

Matthew Smith with a tidy rainbow caught on a beautiful alpine summer’s day. weir on the Dalgety Road.

Over this month, the best lake bait fishing will be early and late in the day.

Mudeyes under a bubble float are the best bait, before changing to scrubworms off the bottom teamed up with some artificial bait as the sun gets higher. Worms under a float is an alternative if you can’t get any mudeyes, which are becoming harder to collect due to the dry weather.

Best bait fishing areas are Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay, and Curiosity Rocks in the deeper water.

• If you would like some personal guiding, I will be available over the coming months for fly-fishing tuition and lake trolling trips.

Lessons can be booked from 2 hours’ duration, and trolling trips from 3 hours to a full day. If you want to know more about the latest in fishing conditions, just give me a call on (0264) 561 551 or check out my website at www.swtroutfishing.com. au. You can also see our daily Facebook updates at https://www.facebook. com/LJTFA.

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Topwater trouble in Moama MOAMA

Ian Page

With some great weather still upon us, now is the perfect time to try some surface lures either early morning or just on dusk as his is a really exciting method of enticing some large cod to attack lures.

There are many different surface lures on the market and the best thing is to buy some quality lures and try not to lose them. When fishing them, try a couple of different types and colours and be prepared to have multiple casts in a given area, as often the fish will strike 3 or 4 casts in a row in a similar spot. They can be harder to hook up using this method of fishing.

If you don’t have a boat, this gives you the perfect chance to walk the banks casting. Just be ready, because when they hit it is like a shotgun going off – great fun!

March is always when we seem to get our bigger cod, so if you’re trolling, be prepared to use big lures as what they say is right, the bigger

THE

the lure – the bigger the fish! Troll an area a few times, changing lures on occasion and with time put in, the results will come.

If bait fishing is your preferred method, then I like a running sinker rig with a 4/0-5/0 circle hook loaded with a bardy grub, large yabby or scrubworm and this should entice some action.

There’s been some great reports from all parts of the Murray lately from Mathoura to Torumbarry where there’s been many cod and yellowbelly caught.

The Gunbower Creek, whilst not as prolific as last year, still produces some good angling days and Kow Swamp has its days and in favourable circumstances sees some excellent yellows.

The Goulburn has had some environmental flows of late, which seems to turn the fish on and if you’re lucky enough to strike one of these, you will enjoy your angling.

The Campaspe is always one of my favourites with its deeps holes, some fast running water, some wide areas

COD

and some narrow parts.

There is a variety of methods that can be used by all levels of anglers, so get out and enjoy it while the weather holds up and get yourself some action.

SPECIALISTS!

Gordon Wellington has been getting in on the surface action and took this 64cm cod before releasing it to fight another day.

Spinnerbaits and Hard Bodies

GIGANTOR Spinnerbaits

A commercial fisher is counting the cost of his illegal fishing expedition, ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines while his vehicle and boat were seized as well.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director of Compliance, Tony Andrews, said the 50 year old man, and his 47 year old wife were observed during a targeted covert operation by the Statewide Operations and Investigations Group, illegally fishing for eels in the Hunter Valley in 2013.

“Specialist Fisheries officers onboard a light aircraft observed the pair illegally fishing in non-tidal waters on private properties in the Maitland and Singleton areas in July 2013,” Mr Andrews said.

“The officers observed the fishers using and setting six eel traps, which are prohibited for use because of the impact they have on our fragile freshwater ecosystem.

“The pair, from Smith’s Lake on the NSW Mid North Coast, was apprehended and 42 longfin eels were seized and returned to the water alive.”

Their vehicle, a canoe, six eel traps and a live storage tank were also seized.

The man, a repeat offender, appeared in Maitland Court in

December charged with 11 offences, including threatening a Fisheries Officer, take fish (eels) from declared waters, unlawfully use (eel) trap for taking fish (eels), contravene condition of endorsement on licence, failure to remove fishing gear from water on request of officer and possess storage tank adjacent to inland waters .

He was fined $2,000 and also ordered to pay the Department’s professional costs in the amount of $7,802.50.

He was also entered into a two year good behaviour bond and sentenced to 200 hours of community service and forfeited his vehicle and canoe.

The woman also appeared in court in Kurri Kurri, and was found guilty and entered into a 12 month good behaviour bond for obstructing a Fisheries officer.

“This man is a recidivist offender, and his case should serve as a warning to other illegal fishers – if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Mr Andrews said.

I n f o r m a t i o n concerning illegal fishing can be reported to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the web at www.fisheries.nsw. gov.au – NSWDPI

Summer fish stocking to benefit NSW anglers

Ask at your tackle store, or call Mick on:

PH: 0412 537 918

Recreational fishers throughout NSW have even more reason to enjoy their sport in the years to come, with the stocking of various fish species in lakes, dams and rivers across the state, announced in January by the Minister for Primary Industries

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Costly slip up

FISHING FILL-ITS

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

MARCH 2015

• For the latest fishing and boating information in the Echuca/Moama region, drop into Boats and More’s Echuca store at 76 Northern Hwy or give them a call on (03) 5482 1992.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Katrina Hodgkinson at a visit to the Narrandera Fisheries Centre.

The Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) four hatcheries plan to produce and release a total of more than 4 million fingerlings and fry by the time this magazine hits the shelves.

Over one hundred popular fishing spots across NSW will benefit from the DPI’s fish stocking program this season.

Throughout the 2014-15 fishing season, DPI plan to stock NSW public waters with around 60,000 Australian bass, 240,000 Murray cod, 650,000 golden perch, 225,000 silver perch, 150,000 Atlantic salmon, 560,000 brown trout, 100,000 brook trout, 24,000 trout cod and 1.9 million rainbow trout.

At the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, around 1.2 million Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch and trout cod will be produced for dams and rivers from Albury all the way to Inverell.

The DPI hatcheries in Gaden and Dutton produce all

trout that are stocked into our waters, while the Narrandera and Port Stephens hatcheries produce native fish for stocking primarily into dams and lakes.

“The DPI’s fish stocking program is recognised for the benefits it provides to local communities by improving recreational fishing, ensuring conservation of certain species,

and providing employment and tourism to regional areas,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The fish stocking program is another great example of how the funds raised through the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust is invested back into projects and initiatives that directly benefit recreational anglers.” - NSWDPI

NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson, and DPI Hatchery Manager Matthew McLellan, inspect a silver perch at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre.

Cod fishing heats up ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

An unexpected wet spell coupled with cooler conditions set the scene for some excellent cod fishing action in our local waters this past month.

Normally I would not hit the water during the heat of summer, but the cooler conditions tempted us to target some cod and we were not disappointed with the results.

Glen Casey, the owner/ operator of Bassman Spinnerbaits, made the trip down to Mildura to join us for a few days on the water, fishing several out-of-the-way locations.

Unfortunately, after day 1 we were rained in and unable to get on the water, as the banks were far too boggy to launch the boat. While many bush destinations can produce extraordinary angling opportunities, they also lack the modern conveniences like concrete boat ramps and so on. We did manage a few good fish before the rain put a stop to the action, including a couple of rippers off the top.

With the river tracks back to normal, the fishing has continued to be very good in most areas. Swan Hill on the Murray has seen anglers getting amongst good numbers of cod on both lures and bait. Upstream of

Pental Island, cod to 73cm have been landed on bait, with bardi grubs and cheese the pick. Some good golden perch have also been caught in this area on baits of river shrimp and scrubworms.

Over to the Wakool River at Kyalite, anglers have been landing good numbers of cod on bait amongst the

at first and last light doing the damage.

The Murray River at Robinvale has cod to 82cm on bait and lures, also amongst a flotilla of wake and ski boats. Better to fish the shallow rocky sections of the Murray until the ‘look at me’ brigade packs the rooster show away.

Rod Mackenzie with a ripper cod landed on the cast using one of the new coloured StumpJumper lures.

Dean Norbiato with a nice cod that smashed a Needle Nose lure in the Guns and Roses pattern. ski boats. Some respectable perch to 55cm have also fallen to bait, with shrimp bobbed around the snags

Below the lock at Euston has continued to fish well, with several good cod landed on lures. The pick of

these was a 117cm model caught on the cast using a 2m Koolabung Codzilla. Macey Evans from Underbool also trolled a couple of good fish on these lures a little further downstream of Wemen.

Bait anglers have fared well, with some good fish coming in on grubs, yabbies and cheese.

Several of the smaller rivers are also fishing well; these include both the Edwards and the Darling.

Good numbers of cod have been landed at both locations on bait and lures.

The new Bassman 4x4 spinnerbaits have been the pick of lures, with grubs and cheese topping off the bait list.

It seems that cheese has once again found favour as a great cod bait and is readily being used by anglers. I remember the great Internet debate on the damage that cheese does to cod. The science behind this was backed up by several keyboard experts that claimed to have seen a cod once. Put simply, Murray cod have the ability to regurgitate anything they no longer require in their stomachs, including cheese. They regularly spit out freshwater mussel shells, golf balls and even tortoise shells that are too large to pop out the back end. I have seen cod regurgitate all manner of food items, both fresh and

quite offensive to the nose.

It’s not cheese that kills these fish; it’s the tight arsed anglers that feel the need to retrieve their five-cent hook from the fish’s gut with either a stick or some medieval hook remover. A simple snip of the line and, given time, most of these hooks will be passed by the fish.

It’s been a ripper season so far and looks like continuing so long as water levels remain fairly constant with good clarity. It’s also refreshing to see most anglers in tune with the new slot limits, with only a few poachers pleading the “I didn’t know!” line.

All up, the fishing has been excellent.

Lake Mulwala is a Cod-a-holic’s paradise YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

With the absence of the bang and roar of the doofdoof boats marking the end of school holidays, the sound of electric motors quietly whirring, lures being cast with expectation, and excited cheers of a fish landed are far more pleasant. Don’t get me wrong, we love the tourists in town, but like a scared turtle, fishos are just starting to poke their heads out again.

Without doubt, autumn is the prime time to be targeting the mighty Murray Cod, and Mulwala continues to prove it is the number one hunting ground.

With the cod moving back into the shallower water at this time of year, casting or trolling any style of lure, be it a hardbody, crankbait or spinnerbait, will put you in with a better than average chance of encountering

some rod bending action.

The prime water depths to look for range from 2-5m.

With the bardi grub hatch looming and the promise of goat moths hitting the water kamikaze fashion, any night with minimal breeze is well worth a look for those keen to get in on some surface action.

Looking back, there were plenty of cod reports throughout January, but the most common theme was that they were undersize and coming from the river, especially early in the month. Visiting anglers Ryan Krivsky, Luke Kingsmore and Danny Materio had a great day out, with the highlight being Ryan’s 82cm that was caught whilst casting an Old Mate lure from the bank.

The biggest mistake I made for the month was to organise a trip for 15 mates to head over to Deniliquin for a weekend’s fishing. I’m guessing it was a phone call out of spite, but to hear that 2 over 1m and another dozen or so ranging from 70-90cm were caught between the

same numbers of fishos left me wondering why we had left town? From this bunch, Peter Pejkovic was rewarded with the best, a mighty fine 113cm cod. The lure that did the damage was a dark coloured Jackall Doozer. The other ‘metrey’, measuring in at a healthy 106cm, was also caught on a Doozer.

As mentioned, there was plenty of action downstream amongst the plethora of smaller cod. Trout cod, carp, silver perch and the odd golden were reported.

The secret to the bigger fish was big baits, especially a double-up of good-sized yabbies rigged back-to-back.

Getting back to basics for a bit of fun saw me have 2 great trips with a couple of friends who had seen limited cod action.

Darren Scott OAM was the first. Finding time out of his busy schedule, Darren managed to rustle up 7 cod to make for an enjoyable few hours’ fishing. Nick Taylor was next to share a seat in the boat, and managed to break his cod virgin status on his first-ever outing,

much to the dismay of his wife Sophie. Sophie loves her lure fishing, but is yet to trouble the scorers. Your turn will come soon, Soph’!

With the competition season upon us, there are a couple more coming up in the near future. The next is the His & Hers Partners Classic on Feb 28, and it’s a great day for understanding couples to share time together in a boat. To round out the comp season, there’s the Cod Nationals from April 19-24 — 5 days of serious tournament fishing for the dedicated green fish angler.

It’s guaranteed that once you have fished a Cod Nationals, you will never miss it again.

If you are visiting town, I urge you to call into Lake Mulwala Fish, Camp & Ski (opposite the post office) in Mulwala and say G’day. We are your largest Murray cod-specific shop in Yarrawonga/Mulwala and specialise in all things ‘green’! For any information on the upcoming events or fishing reports, give us a hoy on (0357) 443 133.

• If you are visiting town,

I urge you to call into Lake Mulwala Fish, Camp & Ski (opposite the post office) in Mulwala and say G’day. We are your largest Murray cod-specific shop

in Yarrawonga/Mulwala and specialise in all things ‘green’! For any information on the upcoming events or fishing reports, give us a hoy on (03) 5744 3133.

Ryan Krivsky (at left) with his mates and an 82cm cod caught on an Old Mate lure.

MARCH 2015

75

Lights, camera, action!

BRISBANE

Justin Wilmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

Kayak anglers are renowned for personalising and customising their craft to suit their individual needs and fishing style. The purpose of this modification or fit-out is often to address a problem or need that the kayak angler has, be it making their vessel safer, faster, more stable, visible or comfortable, or creating more effective storage solutions.

NEED/PROBLEM It was a need that recently switched my brain into fit-out mode and that need was rear rod storage. There are many advantages to pedal kayaks, including hands free fishing and the ability to use larger muscle groups for propulsion and thus travel longer distances, however the downside is that you sacrifice cockpit space due to the pedal

drive system. I often carry 3 rods, rigged with different lures, and find it easy to lay a single rod down in front of me, but as soon as I add a couple more to the equation, graphite rods and pedal drives can catastrophically collide.

Without the inbuilt side rod storage found in the Hobie PAs, I needed to develop a storage solution behind my seat for a couple of rods, ensuring that they were secure and the reels were up away from the water.

SOLUTION Before mounting anything on your kayak it’s important to ensure that you can access and operate it from your usual seated or standing position, as you would while travelling and fishing. If my neighbour had looked over the fence and seen me sitting in my kayak on the grass, reaching behind me to grab an imaginary rod or open an invisible icebox to access a drink, he would probably have shaken his head.

Better that than me out on the

water shaking my head… and probably fists, when I can’t access what I need I have only myself to blame.

In the past I have used Railblaza mounts and accessories for varied fit out solutions. Their StarPort mounts are quick and easy to attach to the kayak; two holes drilled, two nuts and bolts tightened and you’re ready to attach any of their practical, quality accessories. With this in mind I used a few Railblaza components that I already had and sought out a few others.

My rear rod holder set up had evolved, as many projects do and it would now hold two rods, a Railblaza CameraBoom 600 for mounting my still camera or sports camera and a Railblaza TelePole 1000 to attach an LED Navilight for night fishing or hi-vis flag for daylight hours.

The basis of my rod holder would be a Railblaza TracPort Dash 500, mounted to two StarPort mounts. The TracPort Dash comes fitted

The basis of the system, two StarPort mounts in place.

Note the marker pen for positioning.

It’s a good feeling when a fit-out comes together. with four StarPorts, allowing the attachment of four accessories, and the whole assembly can be removed quickly and easily by simply unlocking the two StarPort mounts that are fitted to the kayak. This leaves a minimum of exposed mounts and fittings when storing or transporting the kayak, or when using it for other applications such as camping or touring.

Attach the StarPort mounts to the TracPort Dash and position it where it is to be fitted, marking the position of the StarPort mounts with a marker pen. Remove the StarPort mounts from the TracPort Dash, position them, mark the bolt holes, remove the mounts, drill and then you can go ahead and bolt the mounts into place. StarPort mounts really are a breeze to fit and in minutes I had the

two mounts in place and the TracPort Dash inserted and locked into the two StarPort mounts. It’s important to remember that old catch phrase, ‘measure twice, cut or drill once’.

With the TracPort Dash mounted you now have 4 StarPort mounts to use as you wish. I opted for a Railblaza Rod Holder II in each of the outside mounts, as the rods would be accessed more frequently than either the light or camera. The Rod Holder II features a rotating collar that ensures that once the rod is locked in place, it cannot be removed without

catching on something and being pulled from the holder.

These are stories that are surprisingly common.

The two middle mounts are then free to add the CameraBoom and TelePole.

The CameraBoom 600 features a universal thread to attach a standard camera or sports camera and it has a wide degree of adjustments, allowing you to set it up to capture the angle you’re after.

By utilising this camera for a view from behind the angler and a camera toward the front of the kayak looking back at the angler, you can capture all of the action and create

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The Rod Holder II allows you to lock additional rods securely in place. sliding the collar open. This avoids the problem of lost rods due to reels being lifted up while paddling or the rod

more exciting and interesting videos than those created from a single viewpoint.

A hi-vis flag is a great way

The LED Navisafe Light ensures you are visible when travelling or fishing at night.

The TracPort Dash 500 allows you to attach and adjust the position of four accessories. is available in a 360° white light or a Port/Starboard/Stern light option.

It was then time to hit the water and put the new additions to the test. The whole

setup was sturdy, the rods easy to access, lock and unlock, and by turning side on in the seat I could raise, lower and switch on the light and adjust the CameraBoom or camera

as required. I even managed to catch a few bream and through this fit-out had successfully added lights, camera and the rods were ready for action. See you on the water!

Back home and it’s just a matter of unlocking two StarPort mounts and the whole assembly is removed. of adding to the visibility of the kayak, especially when fishing offshore, where the kayak rises and falls with the swell, its low profile disappearing regularly from view. For night fishing, a light is an essential means of alerting boats and other vessels to your presence.

The TelePole 100 is ideal for attaching a light or flag and

it extends from 0.6-1m as required, locking into place with a simple twist of the pole. It is designed to lock into a StarPort at the base and accepts Railblaza accessories in the top, including the Navilight.

The Navisafe Navilight is a brilliant light for kayak anglers for a number of

reasons. The light is durable, bright – 2NM US Coast Guard approved (visible up to 5NM in the dark), floats the right way up, is waterproof up to 20m and it runs on 3 AAA batteries, making it easy to have spares in your kit. Run time is approximately 85 hours in flashing mode, with other modes available and it

Madison Buckingham not only coordinated her hat and PFD, but also landed this great yellowbelly.

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Pirtek Challenge 2015 The Pirtek Challenge is on again and the team at Fishing Monthly thought we’d give you all a bit of a heads up on how to go about catching one of the species involved in the competition.

This competition donates a lot of money to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and that is worth getting behind.

You can win part of the $169,000 in prizes and even have the opportunity to fish with Guesty and ET. But apart from all of that, this competition gives you the opportunity to hit the water with friends and family and have a great day in the outdoors doing what we all love the best - fishing!

So let’s check out some tactics to help you win and get you organised to make the most of the 2015 Pirtek Challenge, Australia’s biggest fishing competition..

COMP TACTICS • Get to know your target species and make sure you have them worked out before the competition starts • Your angler number will be emailed to you after 6pm the night before the competition starts • Fish as early as you can to make the most of the limited fishing time (6am till 6pm) • Always look after yourself by wearing the right clothes, drinking and eating the right foods and being careful of the sun while fishing • You are only allowed to

measure in one fish per angler so choose carefully.

Most measure in the largest of a given species • Remember there are mystery length prizes so even a relatively small fish can win you a great prize • Photograph your fish correctly after you have numbered your competition brag mat with your angler number. Make sure that your camera is charged!

GET OUT THERE So sign up, join in and have a great day on the water knowing you’re helping a great cause, all with the chance to win some great prizes.

Historical Winning Lengths Year

Species

2014

Bass

57

2014

Flathead

94

2013

Bream

43

2014

Whiting

45.5

2014

Carp

82.3

2014

Yellowbelly

63.6

2014

Redfin

47.2

NSW

To enter, log onto To enter, log onto To enter, log onto

Bass

pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au Proudly Supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au of Australia and Peter Duncan Neuroscience Proudly Supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation Research UnitPeter of St Duncan Vincent’s Hospital. of Australia and Neuroscience Proudly Supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation Research Unit of St Vincent’s Hospital. of Australia and Peter Duncan Neuroscience Research Unit of St Vincent’s Hospital.

Length cm

Flathead Bream Whiting

Murray Darling Basin

This map gives you a rough guide on where you can find the target species. They are all abundant and found in many areas throughout the state.

For full terms, conditions and licensing log on to pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au. Permit Nos: ACT Permit Nos TP 14/04455; NSW Permit No LTPS/14/10073; SA Permit No T14/2381; VIC Permit No 14/6070.

For full terms, conditions and licensing log on to pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au. Permit Nos: ACT Permit Nos TP 14/04455; NSW Permit No LTPS/14/10073; SA Permit No T14/2381; VIC Permit No 14/6070.

For full terms, conditions and licensing log on to pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au. Permit Nos: ACT Permit Nos TP 14/04455; NSW Permit No LTPS/14/10073; SA Permit No T14/2381; VIC Permit No 14/6070.

78

MARCH 2015

To enter the Pirtek Challenge on 22 March 2015 visit pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au.

Cost is $20 and pre-entry is mandatory.

BASS

COASTAL

Size range: up to 60cm, commonly 30-50cm Tactics: Bass can be caught in rivers througout their natural range or in stocked impoundments. Bass behave quite differently in both environments. In rivers, bass use current to their advantage and locate themselves in snags to ambush bait that swims or floats past. In lakes, bass commonly school - either in structure or in open water - and don’t have the advantage of current to bring the food to them.

Rigs: Bait: Live shrimps under a float (rivers) or lightly weighted (lakes) are irrestable to bass. Make sure you use a circle-hook to minimise deep-hooking of fish that will be released.

Lures: In rivers, small hard bodies lures - both diving and topwater - are very effective, as are spinnerbaits through the snaggy structure.

BREAM

FLATHEAD

Size range: up to 1.1m, commonly 30-65cm Tactics: Flathead are classic ambush predators that us camouflage to their advantage. Drop offs, weed edges, hard rock and mud edges are all favourites haunts of flathead. Lures, flies and baits all work equally well on flathead.

Lures such as soft plastics, vibes, lipless crankabits and hard bodies all take flathead and the variety of baits that work on the species is endless – they really will take most things.

Cast towards structure with baits and lures, drift over the same areas with bait or troll over these areas with lures to take advantage of these ambush predators.

Rigs Bait: Running sinker rig, 6lb braided main line with 15lb leader Lures: 6lb braided main line with 15lb leader, attach lures with a loop knot where possible.

Size range: up to 50cm, commonly 25 to 35cm.

Tactics: Bream can be found in every saltwater river, creek and lake in the state. Bream love structure - especially rock - and if you find crud-encrusted rocks in the intertidal zone, you can be sure that bream hang around it at some time of the day. Keep the gear light when bream fishing as they can be spooked by heavy weights and lines. If you want to catch a bream on a lure, make sure that it’s small - smaller than your middle finger. They’ll eat nearly every bait you can find or buy - including white bread, which is an under-utilised favourite.

Rigs: Bait: Running sinker onto a #1 or 1/0 hook. Keep the weight as light as possible and let the bream eat the bait before setting the hook.

Lures: Small hardbodied divers cast around rocky shores with a slow, steady retrieve are hard to beat.

WHITING

Size range: up to 50cm, commonly 15-40cm Tactics: Whiting love clear and shallow water where they grub around for worms and other tasty tidbits.

While lure fishing with surface offerings does catch plenty of whiting, your best bet is to get some live marine worms (squirt/pod/beach/mud) and fish them on light line over a sand flat as the tide rises, changing to the channel edges as the tide drops.

Rigs Bait: Running sinker rig with long light leader 4lb mono main line, 2-4lb leader

CARP

MURRAY DARLING BASIN Size range: up to 1m, commonly 30-60cm.

Tactics: Carp feed by smell and taste and are therefore attracted to smelly baits. This makes all sorts of baits and surprisingly, occasionally lures, very effective on carp.

Baits as varied as scrubworms, corn, bread, dough, shrimp and grubs are all attractive to carp and the use of berley will increase your success rate dramatically.

Look for slow flowing areas in rivers, such as back eddies and deeper bends and in lakes look to weedy shallows for the best results.

Rigs Running sinker rig, Paternoster rig, Float rig 6-20lb main line, 10-20lb leader, lighter in clear water free of snags.

REDFIN

GOLDEN PERCH

Size range: up to 75cm, commonly 25-50cm.

Tactics: Golden perch are predators that like a moving target. This makes lures and live baits popular, however they also love to hunt down worms and grubs set on the bottom. Lures like Australian-made hardbodies, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits cast around fallen timber in rivers and standing timber in lakes are all successful, especially around first and last light.

Bait fished on a running sinker rig or paternoster-style rig are favourites. If you can impart some movement to the bait, your success rate will increase. Cast baits towards and into structure for the best results.

Rigs Bait: Running sinker rig, Paternoster rig 20lb braided main line to 20lb leader Lures: 20lb braided main line to 20lb leader, attach lures with loop know where possible.

Size range: up to 60cm, commonly 10-40cm.

Tactics: Redfin are an aggressive predator that will attack anything alive that the fish thinks it will fit inside its mouth. They love to hang around structure such as timber and rocks, however schools of fish can also be found in relatively clear water, suspended mid-water with no structure nearby. Lures such as diving minnows, winged lures, soft plastics, ice jigs, lipless crankbaits and flies work very well on redfin. Cast towards located schools of fish, redfin will happily accept just about any lure offering you can think of.

Baits fished around structure like steep rock walls and standing timber are best. If you can move the bait, all the better as the inquisitive and aggressive redfin loves movement.

Rigs Bait: Running sinker rig, Paternoster rig, 10lb braided main line to 15lb leader Lures: 10lb braided main line to 15lb leader, attach lures with a loop knot where possible.

$169,000

in cash and prizes MARCH 2015

79

Gamakatsu Team Series The Gamakatsu Team Series Round 1 North sponsored by Unitika was run at the Gold Coast last month.

of breeze coming towards the afternoon.

Team Gamakatsu Atomic took out the event with a great bag of fish and

the naming sponsor they sent down a box of braid to make sure that every angler got a spool of Unitika Aorika, which is

Zac and Nigel Skyring took out first place with their impressive bag of 2.72kg!

Sadly, there was no prize for the best beard, however many other prizes were won, including one for the biggest bream.

The conditions were very hot, quite and still for most of the day with a bit

also only just missed out on the big bream prize as well. With Unitika being

for sale on

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the top of the line braid from the company.

Zac and Nigel Skyring from Team Gamakatsu/ Atomic came in with an awesome bag weight of 2.72kg to take first place.

Fishing the outside of Soverign Island in the early hours of the day with Atomic Cranks and SemiHardz produced the duo with a small bag not yet big enough to take out the day. They headed to the Coomera River as the tide slowed down to look for upgrading fish.

“Using the lack of run from the tide to drift SemiHardz Minnows under pontoons and boats, giving them a twitch-twitch pause action seemed to entice these bigger fish,” the boys

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80

MARCH 2015

said. This technique paid off for the rest of the day, landing two big kicker fish around the 36cm mark.

“We used the Samurai Reaction 302, most people use lighter rods around the Gold Coast but we have found that using heavier rods we are able to pull these solid fish away from their structure reducing the amount of bust offs we used to have. One of the keys to our success was using the right gear, Samurai rods, Unitka braid, leaders and fluorocarbon straight through allowed us to cast further and feel more.

Coupled with Atomic lures, we had every box ticked to win the tournament”.

The Mako big bream prize was one by Ashley Bryant Kitchens, it was caught in the southern reaches of Moreton Bay. Using a slow roll technique with hardbodies was the key to catching this fish.

The Mako big bream was an impressive 890g and scored the team a pair of market leading Mako sunglasses.

Finishing in second place was Team Ashley Bryant Kitchens consisting of anglers Ashley Bryant and Rob Booker. They weighed a good bag of 2.54kg for only 4 fish!

Ashley and Rob made

the trip to the southern end of Moreton and fished any shallow reef, rocky points and flats they could find.

In the first hour they had a lot of trouble getting away from species like snapper, estuary cod and golden snapper. After the first hour they decided to keep plugging and stick to the game plan hitting the key areas as the tide dropped.

The stage of the tide on each particular location was the key to success, producing the fish in a small amount of time in each location before it shut down.

“With two hours to go we had our fifth fish in the net.

It unhooked itself bounced twice on the deck before landing over the side of the boat,” Bryant explained. At this stage they knew the accident might be costly.

Only under size bream where landed from then on until the 25-minute run back to the weigh in.

At the weigh in they unfortunately found out that the fifth fish would have placed them easily in first place.

Ashley and Rob mainly used Diawa tournament specialist bream 762ML coupled with Shimano stradic ci14 2500 and Sunline super braid 5. On these outfits they used

what has fast become the number one estuary lure in Australia, the Atomic Hardz Crank 38 deep, in colour Ghost Green Shad.

Rounding out the top three was Luke Rogan and Peter Bostock from team Sniper. They weighed in their 5 fish for 2.48kgs.

They too made the run up to the southern end of Moreton Bay and fished flats, rocky points and shallow reef. By 8:30am they only had a couple of fish and everything was quite. They made the decision to move spots, which ended up being one of the keys to their success.

The move saw them start to catch fish again and fill their bag, plus add a couple of upgrades.

Like first and second place, they chose to use Atomic Hardz Crank 38s and also some Pontoon 21s.

They threw these lures on Yoshi rods coupled with Daiwa Steez reels.

A huge thanks goes out to the series sponsor Gamakatsu and the naming round sponsor Unitika. For a full list of sponsors and any up and coming tournaments go to www.fishingcomps. com.au/gts and remember to “Support the sponsors that support your passion!”

– Frogleys Offshore

FISHING FILL-ITS

Port rocks first event Perfect weather conditions over the weekend saw nearly 150 entries in the 2015 Inaugural Port Stephens Family Fishing Competition, sponsored by Soldiers Point Marina, Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance and Ibis Styles Salamander Shores.

From Seal Rocks to Stockton Beach anglers were out in force vying for great prizes and the lucky door prizes, which included cash prizes

totalling $10,000!

With the senior and junior winners grabbing Shimano rods, reels and hats for catching the heaviest of each of the 10 species (3 of which had to be live fish), $10,000 in cash prizes was also given away with the lucky person hooking the major $5000 cash prize without even catching a fish.

Lucky door prizes of three nights’ accommodation at the Flagship Golf Villa at Horizons Golf Resort

sponsored by the marina and a large esky donated

by Tooheys were also taken away.

Local young fisher Harry Bailey scooped the pool by catching the heaviest fish in 5 Junior categories Big thanks also to BCF at Taylors Beach, and Duffy’s Bait and Tackle for donating lots of prizes for the junior fishers.

The competition will be happening again in the same place next year!

– Lue Fagon

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

Mar 6-8

Bidgee Classic www.facebook.com/LeetonBidgeeClassicFishingCompetition Gogeldrie Weir Park

Mar 7

Albury Wodonga River Classic Albury Wodonga

South West Angling Association Terry Maloney - 02 6029 3217

Mar 8-14

EAFC Annual Fishing Comp Eden

Eden Fishing Club (02) 6496 3410 edenfishingclub.org

Mar 14-15

Toray BASS Pro Series Round #1 Lake St Clair

ABT (07) 3387 0888 www.abt.org.au

Mar 15

BETS BREAM Teams #1 Hawkesbury River

www.betsbream.com.au

Mar 22

Pirtek Fishing Challenge Australia Wide

www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au

Mar 22

GTS Bream Mid Round 3 Forster

AFT www.fishingcomps.com.au

Mar 22

SBS Bream Clyde River

Basin Lure and Fly www.basinlureandfly.org.au

Mar 22

Hobie BREAM Kayak Series NSW State Titles Clyde River

www.hobiefishing.com.au

Mar 27-29

Trailer Boat Fishing Tournament Port Stephens

Tony Poole (02) 9029 6554 www.tbft.com.au

Mar 27-29

Sea Sea Marine Sydney Sportfishing Tournament Sydney

Tony Steiner (02) 4412 611 778

Mar 29

Hobie BASS Kayak Series Tallowa Dam

www.hobiefishing.com.au

Apr 12

BETS BREAM Teams #2 Lake Macquarie

BETS www.betsbream.com.au

Apr 19

SBS Bream Shoalhaven River

Basin Lure and Fly www.basinlureandfly.org.au

Apr 24-26

Atomic B.A.S.S. Australia Nation Series Hawkesbury River Gurgle

BASS Nation www.bassaustralia.com.au

Apr 25-26

Berkley BREAM Series Qualifier #2 Clarence River

ABT (07) 3387 0888 www.abt.org.au

May 2-3

GST Bream Elite Round 3 Gold Coast

AFT www.fishingcomps.com.au

May 9-10

Toray BASS Pro Series Round #2 Lake Somerset

ABT (07) 3387 0888 www.abt.org.au

May 16-17

Bluefin Boats BASS Electric Series Toonumbar Dam

ABT (07) 3387 0888 www.abt.org.au

May 16-17

Hobie Worlds Qualifier #2 Forster

www.hobiefishing.com.au

May 17

GTS Bream Mid Round 4 Clarence River (Iluka)

AFT www.fishingcomps.com.au

May 23-24

SBS Bream Mallacoota

Basin Lure and Fly www.basinlureandfly.org.au

May 24

Bluefin Boats BASS Electric Series Lostock Dam

ABT (07) 3387 0888 www.abt.org.au

May 24

BETS BREAM Teams #3 Forster

BETS www.betsbream.com.au

Jun 6-7

Berkley BREAM Series Qualifier #3 Gippsland Lakes

ABT (07) 3387 0888 www.abt.org.au

Jun 9-10

Berkley BREAM Series Qualifier #4 Mallacoota

ABT (07) 3387 0888 www.abt.org.au

Jun 28

Hobie BREAM Kayak Series Round 9 Sydney Harbour

www.hobiefishing.com.au

Jun 28

BETS BREAM Teams #4 Sydney Harbour

BETS www.betsbream.com.au

Jun 28

SBS Bream Sydney Harbour

Basin Lure and Fly www.basinlureandfly.org.au

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing nsweditor@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours.

Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

MARCH 2015

81

The black bream goal SWANSEA

Jason Scerri jayro@hotmail.com.au

Is there anything better than setting yourself a challenge, working hard on planning and preparation, and then watching it come together? All anglers who are serious about their sportfishing will know what I mean. Over the years, I have set myself many fishing challenges and continue to do so, and happily tick them off the list along the way.

For me, the challenges have changed over the years, but are equally as important and take just as much effort and time to achieve and are every bit as rewarding when accomplished. On paper or when talking to mates

that to be the case. There is just as much planning and preparation in chasing a small fish as there is in a large fish such as marlin or tuna.

For my wife and I, we travelled up and down the NSW coast to achieve our game fishing goals. We have dragged our trailer boats to South West Rocks to land marlin, to Bermagui to chase yellowfin tuna, and more recently towed our kayaks to the Victorian town of Mallacoota in an effort to achieve a goal that was very important to me and every bit as important as the trips up and down the coast chasing game fish.

I wanted my firstever black bream and the plan was to catch them on lures from our Hobie kayaks. Sure, you can talk up the game fish trips, the big boats, the big dollars

very little difference in the effort required to achieve these goals. They are obtainable, they are fun to plan, they are great fun to carry out, and they are extremely rewarding.

Hopefully in this article I can provide a little info into what’s involved in preparing for such a trip, and after reading about our recent challenges it might just inspire you to plan your next trip and make it happen.

THINGS TO CONSIDER Now regardless the type of species you’re chasing, there are a few requirements that are pretty well standard. You need to consider the locations where have a greater chance of finding them, the gear required to catch them, and the vessel needed. You need to look at the types of accommodation available

The highlight of the author’s trip was sight casting to a lovely 43cm black bream on this semi-submerged tree. food and water must be considered. You need to know the best time of year

Victoria — Mallacoota. It was within reach for us, had what we needed for an

made to head down for a week during the summer holidays. We researched

A magnificent view of the Bottom Lake, home to some very big bream.

Caroline with her first fish from her new Hobie Sports; a nice 31cm black bream that fell for a Strike Pro Cyber Vibe.

Not huge, but it was the target species for the trip. The author’s first-ever black bream was only 29cm, but was a very satisfying capture nonetheless. It took a liking to an IMA Tetra lure. about them, some may sound more challenging than others, or more important, but I don’t find 82

MARCH 2015

involved, and the big fish at the end of it all (if it goes to plan), but at the end of the day there is

to ensure they are suitable for those going on the trip.

Is there fuel nearby, and other essentials such as

for the weather and for your best chance of catching that particular fish. As you can see, regardless if it is marlin off SWR or bream at Mallacoota, the preparation is the same.

For the past 5 years now, I have been right into lure fishing for estuary species such as bream, flathead, mulloway and the like. I am certainly happy with the fish I have landed so far, but I was after something else. I had read plenty about those big black bream of the south, and they are 1 fish that I wanted to tick off my list.

Ideally, it would involve a trip to Tassie, but on this occasion it wasn’t possible, so I looked at our other options.

It came down to a pretty little coastal town in eastern

enjoyable holiday, and also had our target species.

Before heading down, we researched suitable launching spots, fishing spots and all the tackle required. Being owners of a tackle shop, we had all the gear we needed for the trip; now we just needed to fit it all in!

There are plenty of fishing forums and social media sites to ask the questions before such a trip. I also like to not only take the word of others, but confirm a few things for myself as well. On this side of it, I get issues of NSW Fishing Monthly for the previous year or 2 and read how the fishing was at the time I am planning to head there.

All looked good for us, and the plan was

real estate sites and secured a property that met our needs. It was within a good distance to launch sites and also to other considerations such as food, fuel, and entertainment for the family on those days that didn’t allow for fishing.

With a 6-year-old daughter, it’s important for us to mix up the fishing with some other activities to make it fun for all. For others it may be important to be near a pub or bottle shop, or doctors, hospitals and the like. This comes back to doing the research first to ensure it all goes as smoothly as possible on your trip.

We had decided our best shot at a black bream was going to be working a variety of lures around the snag-filled shorelines,

and also over the many mudflats throughout this particular system. It is always hard fishing a new spot for the first time and even harder to achieve your goals on the inaugural trip.

Sure, we were just after our first black bream, but for this to be a success we wanted to ensure we encountered large black bream over the 40cm mark.

We carefully selected as many suitable lures as we could carry in our tackle trays, as we don’t like to overload the kayaks and make unnecessary extra work for ourselves with excessive weight aboard.

We had a good selection of soft plastics, deep and shallow diving hardbody lures, and also a range of blades. We had 3 rods per ’yak and they were spooled with a variety of line from 3lb straight-through fluorocarbon, to 6lb braid with 8lb leader. Rods for this trip were 1-3kg and 2-5kg, around 6’8”-7’ in length. Our ’yaks are also fitted with quality sounder/ GPS units, so we had all bases covered for this trip.

Keeping an eye on the weather, we knew we had 3 good days out of the 5 available in which to achieve our goal. The first day there is always lost in unpacking, and the same goes for the last. Two of the 3 days were looking great, and the 3rd was looking ordinary, but suitable for a solo trip, as I don’t mind fishing in uncomfortable weather if the fish are on the chew.

DAY 1 Our first day had us fishing the shoreline around Gypsy Point. It’s such a pretty location and we chose to work a range of diving hardbody lures and blades to begin with.

It was a slow start, but

it wasn’t long before my wife Caroline could cross black bream off her list.

Working a Strike Pro Cyber Vibe in close to structure, she was soon onto a nice 32cm bream.

It was a very satisfying capture for her, as she selected the lure she wanted to use, paddled off to pick her own location, and she landed it solo. For the wife — mission accomplished.

For me — still struggling.

We managed a few more fish, including a mix of tailor and flathead, but unfortunately no more black bream were added to the day’s tally.

DAY 2 The weather had turned for the worse, but it was still safe enough for me to undertake a solo session in my efforts to get this particular monkey off my back. I worked some very fishy looking water, but after an hour flicking lures I still hadn’t had a touch.

I decided to head over and fish the location that produced Caroline’s bream on the first day. It was not too long a wait, and I soon had my own black bream.

It was not a huge fish, but such a rewarding one. We had travelled a long way to fish this location and towed our ’yaks 9 hours to be here, so to finally have my target species was a great feeling.

This fish was only just legal at around 29cm, and although very happy to have landed it, I certainly came for much bigger specimens.

I continued working the area for another hour, but was unable to upgrade.

I decided to explore some new water, and following the GPS I found a couple of small arms and shallowish bays that looked like they might be worth a flick. I found a semi-

This black bream took a liking to an Asakura lure. It went 36cm and was pulled out of some very snaggy country.

The author’s PB bream from the trip, a nice 43cm specimen from a semi-submerged log on a Pro Lure D36 hardbody.

The author’s new Hobie PA14, thanks to James from Hunter Water Sports, loaded and ready for a day chasing some Mallacoota bream.

submerged tree sitting in the middle of a bay in around 2m of water. As I quietly approached it, I could see through my Tonic sunglasses that a large bream was hanging off one of the submerged branches.

My first cast was off the mark, but to my surprise the bream was still there.

My second cast was on the money and I was soon tight to a solid southern black bream that was peeling 3lb fluoro off at speed. Initially relieved as the bream swam into clear water, I was soon very worried as it was now heading for the tree once again. With 3lb fluoro obviously not a strong line, it does still allow you to apply pressure with the right rod for the job. I squeezed as much as I could and it was enough to hold the fish back from the timber.

A few long runs and some tense moments, and

it was soon in the net. Not only had I achieved what I came here to do, but I had set myself a new bream PB in the process. The great thing about black bream is that they are very calm when out of the water, so it took no time to grab a few pics and a quick measure before the fish was released. I was very happy to see it measure 43cm in length and a weight of around 1.4kg.

I finished off the session working some sandy dropoffs, and managed some nice flathead that came home with me. I kicked back that night, cooking fresh fillets, enjoying a cold beer with my family, overlooking the water from our holiday home, and thought to myself, “Yep, that’s what we came here for.”

I had such satisfaction at landing a quality fish and on light line. When it

is actually planned and not a just bycatch, it makes it so much sweeter.

DAY 3 The weather gods were not smiling on us, so we resorted to the backup plan.

A trip to the beach and a round of putt putt golf, followed by a great lunch, and we were then back at home making plans for the following day’s assault on the bream. Judging by the weather reports, it was possibly our last shot at them.

REMAINING DAYS With the weather looking patchy at best for our remaining time, we had to make the most of it and my wife and daughter again joined me on the water for 1 last effort before I ventured out for another solo mission. We worked a variety of locations including the lower lake and The Narrows, but aside from a few small flathead, tailor and undersized bream, we had nothing to brag about, that’s for sure.

We opted to again venture to the waters above the Top Lake and immediately came into contact with a few more bream, but unfortunately there was no real size to them. With the weather now leaning towards uncomfortable and tricky to fish, my wife and daughter opted for the comfort of the house and a hot coffee and hot chocolate, while I persisted in my pursuit of southern black bream.

I found some solid fish about, but not in the numbers I had hoped for.

I managed a few to 36cm and eventually pulled the pin on my efforts, giving in to the calling of hot coffee.

THE WRAP UP Even as I write this article, I am still not sure whether this trip should be classed as a success or not.

I guess it was successful in that I achieved what I set out to do, with my wife and I both landing our first black bream, and I was rapt to have landed such a chunky one as the PB 43, but I guess the numbers were the letdown for us. I will certainly be back for round 2 when the time is right, and I’ll be carefully researching when the place is best for good numbers and will plan accordingly.

In summary, the standout lures for us were Strike Pro Cyber Vibes, Pro Lure D36 and Asakura hardbodies. A variety of colours worked, with more natural browns, blacks and dark colours in general producing the goods. Well there it is, another goal set, planned for, and achieved, and every bit as pleasing as any other in my fishing career. The question now is, what’s next?

MARCH 2015

83

Fishing Fill-its

ABT Member of the Month ABT members prepared to be tackled in 2015 with ABT’s Member of the Month program. Each month one lucky winners name will be drawn from the ABT’s database of active members and receive a prize pack of sponsor’s product.

Damiki, Rapala, Austackle, 13 Fishing, and Ventafish, ABT members are in for some great rewards in 2015!

“We’ll have different sponsor prizes each month. It all kicks off in February with the Sunline/Maria Member of the Month. With lures, line, reels, and sunglasses

ABT’s Simon Goldsmith.

To join the ABT simply fill out a membership form (downloadable from www. abt.org.au) and post or fax it back to ABT – it’s that simple! Once the form has been processed you are in the running for these great prizes. With eleven

The benefits don’t stop there with your ABT membership opening up a host of tournament fishing opportunities. ABT Member of the Month will be drawn on the 20th of each month.

Interested in following the tournament circuit?

Watch the webstream of ABT tournament weigh-ins live online with a rolling scoreboard. Want to hear about all the latest tackle releases from sponsors?

Check out press releases on the ABT homepage.

Want to know how the best anglers in Australia find and To page 85

With a stable of sponsors including Berkley, Toray, Ecogear, Spotters, Sunline, Lucky Craft, OSP, Jackall,

on offer throughout the year, simply being a current ABT member is all you need to be in the running to win,” said

prize packs to be won in 2015 there are multiple opportunities to get your hands on these great prizes.

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84

MARCH 2015

Albury/Wodonga River Classic The South West Anglers Association, after many years of conducting successful closed competitions for club members, have now decided to attempt a public fishing competition.

With little happening on the mighty Murray River at Albury/Wodonga, the river from Lake Hume, downstream to the junction of the Murray R and the Wodonga Creek will host the South West Anglers Albury/Wodonga River Classic on Saturday 7 March 2015.

THE FAMILY FRIENDLY FISHING COMPETITION The focus of the

competition will be very much on the family involvement and the kids will be well looked after. The cost of entry is very affordable and the family concession will mean the family group can participate without the usual high entry fees that many competitions require. The competition is both boat and bank-based.

A wide range of prizes will be on offer and sponsors have been generous in their support. Financial support from Carlton Mid, Garmin sounders made available by TBS Marine and the major lucky entrant will win an indoor wood heater valued

at $1,000 from Wise Living Products.

All juniors will receive a show bag packed with a range of goodies. A large range of other prizes will include life jacket packages, cameras, iceboxes, worm farms and also a family holiday package.

All fish awards will be by secret length as well as a huge number of lucky draws, raffles and spot prizes at the presentation on the Saturday evening. Any fish can win a prize and any entrant is in with an excellent chance of going home with some goodies.

A registration point will be set up for the early birds

on the Friday afternoon and will again be manned from 5am on the Saturday. All of that will be at St Ives on the Causeway and evening meals will available at St Ives at an affordable cost.

In conjunction with the competition there will be a raffle of 2 nights’ accommodation and a seat on a 2-day Barramundi Safari sponsored by Darwin’s Barra Base valued at $1,665.

This raffle is limited to 100 tickets only and at only $25.00 per ticket provides great odds. (Tickets are limited, phone 0427 123 078) – Terry Maloney

FISHING FILL-ITS

From page 84

catch their tournament quarry? Look no further than the Tournament Angler Guide (TAG) to fast track your angling development.

Whether your passion is bream, bass or barramundi the Member of the Month prize pack is another benefit of being part of Australia’s largest tournament fishing organisation. So sign up today to the ABT and prepare to be tackled in 2015. – ABT

2015 Australian Recreational Fishing Conference Recreational fishers across Australia should mark their calendar and make plans to attend the third Australian Recreational Fishing Conference being held on Saturday the 25th of July at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The theme for the 2015 Conference is ‘Managing our Fishing Future’.

The conference aims

to increase the level of meaningful engagement with Australia’s 5 million strong recreational fishing community on national issues of importance.

The 2015 conference also aims to identify key priority actions, which will progress after the conference. It also seeks to acknowledge the achievements of individuals and groups within the recreational

fishing community.

The conference will feature presentations by experts on various issues relating to recreational fishing from around the world.

There will be discussion forums to engage participants on key issues, an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in a number of categories and a fishing tournament that will take place adjacent

to the biggest tackle trade show in Australia.

The Recreational Fishing

Conference registrations will open on Monday the 4 May. – Nicholle Smith, AFTA.

INFORMATION WHAT 2015 Australian Recreational Fishing Conference WHEN Saturday 25th July 2015 WHERE Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (www.gccec.com.au) WEB www.recreationalfishingconference.com.au

n o e b o t t Wan f o r e v o C the ? y l h t n o M Fishing

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Do you think it’s about time you were on the cover of it?

Well, we think that too and are offering readers the chance to do just that. The March, April and May issues of Queensland, NSW and Victoria/Tasmania FMs will all feature readers’ pics on the front covers.

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Entry is simple. Email us your cover-worthy pic. Remember, though, that it needs to be the right composition and resolution to work. After that, it just needs to get through the Grumpy Old Man committee (Steve Morgan) and then BOOM, you’re the latest cover model.

Be creative - we like images that aren’t just ‘person holding fish’.

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Other parameters of which you need to take note: Portrait format (turn camera on its side).

Leave enough room for a magazine masthead at the top of the image.

Shoot in the highest resolution your camera can take.

Use fill-in flash to help remove any shadows under caps or biminis.

Live fish look way better than dead ones.

Any fish must be legally captured (within season/size limits). iPhone pics aren’t going to cut it!

Head not too high in the shot to allow for Masthead Portrait format showing focus area

And then email your image to: frontcovercomp@fishingmonthly.com.au with a description of the what/when/where/how of the capture.

Be sure to include your details, too, because we’ll post out a mounted copy of the winning covers to the entrant.

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For full terms and conditions, please refer to www.fishingmonthly.com.au/frontcovercomp MARCH 2015

85

What trailer setup is best for my boat?

SYDNEY

Christian Bold

One of the most common requests we get at our workshop is, “Can you make my boat easier to

launch and retrieve from the trailer?” The short answer and the one everyone loves to hear is yes. There are a number of options to make launch and retrieval a piece of cake, compared to earlier

days where no matter what type of boat you had, there was only 1 option. In this article we are going to explore the different types of trailer systems available to make life easier for you.

channels on an aluminium hull, and if the boat isn’t centred perfectly when winching it onto the trailer, wobble rollers can push the hull to one side, causing the boat to sit lop-sided. This is frustrating for the owner.

- Wobble rollers wear faster under an aluminium hull, due to the aluminium pulling on the edges of the roller.

ROLLER BUNKS Roller bunks are used on a lot of sit-on jet skis, but are also becoming more popular as a replacement for carpeted bunks on boat trailers. Roller bunks are great for sit-on jet skis, as they allow you to push the ski straight off for launch and drive straight on when retrieving.

A lot of American trailers are fitted with carpeted bunks; this means when launching the trailer you need to sink the trailer into the water to the point that the rear of the boat is floating in order to launch.

Using a roller bank as an

alternative allows you to push or drive the boat off the trailer in shallower water without damaging either. Keep in mind that this type of system does not suit all fibreglass boats, so seek expert advice before changing to this system.

KEEL ROLLERS Keel rollers are fitted in the centre of each cross member on a trailer, and can be used on both fibreglass and aluminium boats. They can be installed on single, double or triple brackets, or can be on a rail going all the way up the centre of the trailer. Most trailers with skids have keel rollers; they are added as support to the keel for both launching and retrieving. They also help with centring the boat when driving up onto the trailer.

The different types of keel rollers include: - Soft poly — used on fibreglass boats - Hard poly — used on aluminium boats - Rubber — used on fibreglass boats

ROLLERS Rollers are a great system for all boats, and as the name suggests they allow you to roll the boat off and on the trailer. There are 3 different types of roller setup you will find on a trailer, depending on the make, shape and weight of the boat.

WOBBLE ROLLERS Most commonly used on fibreglass boats, wobble rollers move (or wobble) to the shape of the boat hull, allowing the boat to easily roll off the trailer when launching, and roll up when winching it back on. By having wobble rollers, you don’t need to sink the trailer into the water as much as other systems. When set up correctly, you can also drive the boat up onto the trailer with ease.

The main reasons we don’t recommend wobble rollers for an aluminium hull are: - Wobble Rollers can put pressure on the aluminium hull, leaving dents behind.

- There are a number of

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MARCH 2015

SKIDS Skids are made up of 2 primary materials — Teflon or carpet. What your boat is constructed from will determine what material your skids will be made of. One great advantage of having skids is the amount of support it gives to the boat when travelling.

TEFLON SKIDS Aluminium boats are renowned for having trailers with Teflon skids under them. The skid is made up of 50mm x 50mm galvanised tube with a Teflon strip fastened on top. The Teflon has a groove up the centre to

allow rivet heads to sit lower than the contact point of the Teflon. When set up correctly with the hull of the boat, you are able to drive the boat onto the trailer and the skids will keep the boat centred. I would not recommend using this system on a fibreglass glass boat, as the Teflon can scratch on the hull.

CARPET SKIDS/BUNKS Carpet skids or bunks are used on fibreglass boats and are usually found on American-made trailers.

They add support to the boat’s hull when travelling.

A lot of custom-made trailers

will also use them, as they allow the trailer to ‘hug’ the boat when under it. Although they can make a trailer look great with the boat on top, there are a few disadvantages to having this system.

- The wood rots over time - The carpet can tear, exposing the boat hull to wood splinters, causing damage - The boat needs to float off the trailer, which means you need to sink the trailer deeper into the water. This in turn exposes more of the trailer’s mechanical parts to salt water

OTHER SYSTEMS THAT ASSIST LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING Two other systems that can assist in centring your boat onto the trailer are: - Centre Line: these are positioned both sides of keel rollers and help aluminium boat hulls to slide into the centre of the trailer if you were to drive or pull the boat in off-centre.

- Gliders: Used the same way as Centre Lines, Gliders are used on larger fibreglass boats, protecting the hull from the trailer frame and cross members, which could cause damage if the boat is retrieved un-centred.

The best thing to do if you are getting frustrated because your boat is not coming up straight on the trailer is to take it to a trailer specialist like Bold Trailers, as they can assess the boat’s hull and the system you have on the trailer. It could be a simple case of the trailer not being set up correctly for the shape of your boat. Boating should be relaxing and stress free, and

the last thing you want after a day out on the water is to be arguing with the person trying to centre your boat on the trailer as you’re driving it on.

• Christian Bold, also known as ‘The Trailer Guy’, is one of Australia’s leading trailer and caravan repair specialists. As the director of Bold Trailers

he is a licensed motor mechanic, auto electrician and automotive body builder.

Christian is also an AUVIS and e-safety examiner for the RMS. You can contact Christian at Bold Trailers on

CHRISTIAN BOLD Christian Bold, also known as ‘The Trailer Guy’, is one of Australia’s leading trailer and caravan repair specialists.

As the Director of Bold Trailers, he is a licensed motor mechanic, auto electrician and automotive body builder.

Christian is also an AUVIS and e-safety examiner for the RMS. You can contact Christian and the team at Bold Trailers for any information regarding trailer and caravan repairs, maintenance, modifications, legal requirements, imported trailers, parts and accessories, and new

02 8544 8114, or for more information visit www. boldtrailers.com.au.

and used trailers for sale.

Their friendly technicians are always willing to help you to make the towing experience safe and enjoyable. For more great tips go to www. boldtrailers.com.au or phone: (02) 8544 8114.

Sounder basics: what’s all that Chirp about?

SOUTHERN BAY

Nabeel Issa

So if you have been looking at or reading about sounders in the past year or so, there is no doubt you may have come across the word Chirp.

It’s been a bit of a buzzword lately and is becoming a mainstay feature in the marine electronics world. Initially only available expensive top end sounders and often needing a big add on box, Chirp is now readily available and built into affordable, entrylevel units.

WHAT IS IT? It’s really quite simple.

A normal transducer (the part that connects to your sounder and goes into the water) will send out waves in the water at a certain frequency, commonly

these are 83kHz, 50kHz and 200kHz, depending on your sounder and the transducer you have. These waves are sent into the water and then bounce back to the transducer, which is then translated as the image on our sounder screen.

Chirp works slightly different, it too sends out waves into the water, but instead of it being at just one set frequency it sends the waves out in various frequencies at the one time. Again, depending on the transducer you have, you will have different options, but generally chirp will give you the option of ‘High’, ‘Medium’ and ‘Low’.

In Lowrance sounders, High Chirp will send out frequency waves between 160-240kHz, Medium will send waves out at 60-100kHz and Low

will send out waves at 40-60kHz. As a general rule of thumb, High Chirp is suited to shallower water that you would find in most estuaries, rivers, lakes and dams. It’s range is useful to about to about 70-80m.

In water around 100m, Medium Chirp is a better option and then in deeper water (150m+), Low Chirp is the best to use. Of course this a very general rule and it will vary with which transducer and settings you are using.

WHAT GOOD IS IT TO ME? Now you know how it works, what are the benefits of this technology? Thanks to the multiple frequencies being sent out, we are able to receive more information and in turn produce a better sonar image.

With Chirp you will instantly find that there is a

This diagram is an example of how Chirp sound waves work compared to traditional sonar.

Sonar Hub serves as a Chirp add on for Lowrance HDS Gen2 models. Most recently, Lowrance HDS Gen3 have been released and come built in with Chirp.

reduction of clutter through the screen. The screen will appear much clearer. This is a big help when moving at high speeds.

Another benefit with Chirp and in my opinion the most important is its target separation. This is, its ability to distinguish objects that are close together and not just show them as one big cloud of colour. With standard sonar set on a single frequency, if we go over a piece of structure that has fish holding tight in close to it, it can be hard to tell if the fish are actually there. Chirp will help in this situation by giving us better definition, which will help show us pick out what’s really down there.

Another cool feature with Chirp is its crisp fish arches. Arches come

Lee Parkhouse saved this image. This was taken with a dedicated Chirp Transducer and Sonar Hub. out clean and clear and extremely easy to see. The multiple frequencies of Chirp really make things easy for anglers.

HOW DO I GET IT? As mentioned earlier, Chirp is becoming more and more available in entry level units. There was a time when Chirp was considered a top end feature and was very expensive. But as technology advances we are starting to see it move through the sounder ranges.

The Lowrance Elite range offers Chirp in its sounders in 4, 5, 7 and 9” models.

Chirp is also available as an add on ‘plug and play’ feature for Lowrance HDS Gen 2 through the Sonar Hub module. I have been using this for the past couple of months with my HDS Touch units.

can get you with a Chirp capable sounder.

TRANSDUCERS Transducers are an important part of getting great results from Chirp. In the Lowrance range, Chirp will work with the generic transducers that are supplied, (83/200kHz, 50/200kHz and HDI Transducer) and this is what I have been using on my setup. This will give a good quality Chirp image without breaking the bank.

If you want to step it up and move onto something that will make the most of your Chirp sounder, there are aftermarket specific Chirp transducers available. Some of these will allow you to select the exact frequency range you would like to cover, this lets you finetune things exactly how

Chirp dedicated and from all reports produces some great readings.

Some Chirp transducers can also offer a higher power output (600w and 1kw), which can help penetrate the depths in deep water.

Chirp sounders are here to stay and with good reason. Over the past couple of years I have mainly stuck with my favoured structure scan for my fish finding. But since using the Sonar Hub module and adding Chirp to my sounder I have found myself using it more and more to pick up on the finer details. It’s a valuable tool to have at your disposal as anglers!

For more information on Chirp check out the Lowrance website, there

This screen shot shows Chirp (Top Left) used alongside Structure Scan. Chirp shows some clear fish arches on the drop off.

Depending on your budget and what sort of set up you require there are plenty of options that

you want and can give you outstanding results.

Have a look at the Airmar TM-150 Transducer, this is

are a few videos that provide some more insight into how the sounders work, well worth a look.

MARCH 2015

87

Whittley’s Sea Legend 22 SD delivers quality Penta wheel, plus the fact that switches and other small controls had images on them to indicate their function.

STORAGE UNDER HELM SEATING Forward seating for skipper and mate consisted of back-to-back wrap around buckets, mounted on large storage boxes in the usual Sea Legend manner with storage below aft-facing seats easily accessed by tilting the chosen seat forward to access the space below. This seating was an excellent arrangement as it meant that all passengers up front could easily converse and while fishing or trolling someone could keep and

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Few Australian fibreglass boats are as easily identified as those with the Whittley name.

The styling, appointments, smiles on owner’s faces – all are part of Whittley ownership.

Sea Legends, in particular, have earned a name for great sea keeping ability, one of the best rides in the business and terrific standards of finish. And as owners have experienced, great resale value.

The reviewed SL 22 SD was driven in Victoria’s Port Philip Bay, not by any means my usual stamping ground, but it was an excellent opportunity to meet the Whittley team and be impressed with the potential of the Sea Legend 22 Stern Drive with it’s powerful diesel engine.

For the record, the Sea Legend (SL) has been around for a while but in their quiet and innovative way, Whittley continue to improve on a good product, difficult as it must be. Originally powered by outboards, the SL models were, over the last few years, set up with inboards as a viable alternative. First came

The well-designed Sea Legend shows off her lines. the petrol Volvo Penta V6 4.3L 200hp inboard and now there’s a diesel; the dual prop equipped D3-170 2.4L 170hp as fitted to the reviewed craft.

GENERAL LAYOUT The Whittley Sea Legend 22 is a cuddy cab craft with stylish elliptical windows highlighting the sleek cuddy cabin. The reviewed rig came with a well made heavy-duty targa top complete with rod racks on the rear lip. Note that the targa with its front and side clears atop the Whittley’s wiper equipped windscreen came with an extendable rear peak

gunwale were also standard.

In all an excellent fishing set up not at all compromised by the engine box, which also served as a handy seat. A bait board was standard although removed for test runs. Both a hot water system (courtesy of the inboard engine) plus a raw water deck wash were fitted as well. Aft of the transom a boarding ladder and platform to starboard would assist a diver or swimmer to re-board the craft.

INBOARD ENGINE IMPRESSIVE PERFORMER With a certified engine rating of up to 225hp, it’s fairly obvious that the 170hp Volvo

for just that bit more weather protection. Whittley don’t do things by halves so a full storm cover was also part of the package. Naturally, a drum winch was also incorporated to make anchoring as easy as possible.

Within the cabin I noted a deep floor well, very well padded bunks with storage under them, wide back rest style side shelving, soft head liner plus a Porta Potti and an infill to convert bunks into a full bed. A clip-on vinyl privacy door was fitted to the cabin’s entrance as well.

Looks good and goes good. The SL22 launching with ease.

M AU ADE STR IN AL IA

Aft of the SL 22’s grab rail equipped windscreen, a lip equipped flat panel extended across from the first mate’s seating area with its storage shelf and foot rest across to the skipper’s helm seat. At the helm area, a well laid out dash panel saw a handy array of instruments and gauges from a compass through to winch and trim tab controls, rocker switches and other items highlighted by the Volvo Garmin 8” Sounder GPS plotter with its integrated engine management system controlling every thing from fuel use to fault finding.

I liked the stylish Volvo

eye on tackle while seated in the shade.

COCKPIT WELL EQUIPPED Cockpit features included plenty of internal freeboard, a carpeted floor, soft coaming on sides, rod racks incorporated into each of the large side pockets with holes at the pocket’s extremities to protect rod tips.

There were 4 upright rod holder stands were situated in each aft quarter, a plumbed live bait well was set atop the engine box while a large under floor fish box for the catch was central.

Paired rod holders on each

Penta diesel is a fair way off maximum power. That aside, I found the 2.4L common rail diesel turning a counter rotating duo prop to be lacking absolutely nothing in the way of hole shot power or for that matter, overall performance.

While a little chattery, at idle the 5-cylinder diesel settled into a much reduced resonance and impressively smooth delivery of power once throttle was increased. The craft planed smoothly (3 aboard and with trim tabs assisting) at a speed of 24.2km/h at 2420rpm while 3000rpm saw a speed of 43.4km/h recorded on the Garmin unit. At 4000rpm the

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88

MARCH 2015

solid Whittley was running at 64.3km/h and a final push to 4080rpm saw 66.8km/h on the GPS. Speeds are one thing, fuel use another, and this is where the D3 Volvo Penta really shone. At 3000rpm – a cruising speed well suited to the diesel engine – and at 43.4km/h the frugal oil burner was sipping 18L per hour which saw a total range of some 25nm from the 210L tank.

The Volvo Penta was freshwater cooled for longevity and all important engine components such as filters and dip stick were instantly recognisable once

the cover was elevated. In all, a unit designed for ease of ownership.

FUN TO DRIVE Sweet handling was also a strong point of the 6.59m SL 22’s hull with its 23° deep vee. In fact, it was a lot of fun to throw the craft about just to note how readily it turned and how rapidly it recovered to a level attitude after a sharp turn.

While Port Phillip Bay was fairly subdued, there was ample opportunity to run up over some solid wash from other larger rigs and the Whittley’s ride certainly impressed me, as did the way in the craft responded to throttle

TECHNICAL INFORMATION. Length..............................................................6.59m Beam................................................................2.26m Length on trailer............................................... 7.9m Height on trailer..............................................3.06m Deadrise.............................................................. 23° Weight of hull................................................1200kg Engine ratings......................................... 150-225hp Engine fitted....................Volvco Penta 170hp diesel Persons...................................................................7 Towing... Medium 4x4, family 6 wagon or large SUV and general driver input.

There is no doubt that the inboard powered Sea Legend with its powerful yet frugal diesel inboard is going to be an excellent offshore craft,

especially when the rig’s immense stability, courtesy of the 1200kg hull’s weight, plus the 363kg mass of the inboard engine mounted low within the craft.

FISHING ATTRIBUTES AND SUMMING UP While a lot of Whittley SL22’s find favour with family boaters due to their reputation as well performing turned out craft, keen anglers will find just as much to like as well.

With an internal cockpit depth of some 790mm, external depth of 890mm offshore anglers will feel very comfortable while fishing, and the soft ride will make long travel to a favourite fishing area a breeze. The fishing orientated features are there throughout the cockpit’s

Left: Upright rod holders in each stern quarter of the SL22, plus horizontal racks within side pockets, are useful features for the angler. Right: The performance enhancing DuoProp mated to the 170hp Volvo Penta inboard booted the Whittley onto the plane in a little over its own length.

work area where 3, maybe 4, could fish in comfort.

The finish is impeccable with everything of the highest standard throughout and the list of appointments (to name just some) includes the hot water supply via the engine’s heat exchanger, Nutra salt engine flush system, Fusion RA205 sound system with USB interface and speakers, rear freshwater shower, cockpit and cabin lighting.

In all, Whittley appear to have done their homework in offering a diesel alternative to a petrol inboard or outboard set up. The diesel was punchy, smooth and will always be frugal. Hunts Marine are the sole dealer for Whittley boats in NSW with a range of Sea Legend models to view at 629 Princes Hwy, Blakehurst.

Hunts Marine can be contacted on (02) 9546 1324 or you can also view their range of Whittley boats on the net at: www.huntsmarine. com.au/whittley.

• 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.

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02·9546 1324 MARCH 2015

89

What’s New BOATING

1

VORTEX RELEASES NEW 18HP 2-STROKE

Vortex has released its brand new 2-stroke engine the 18hp, offering customers more variety in their budget friendly outboard range which now includes over 15 models.

Available as a long and short shaft, the new 18hp offers customers an upgrade from the 15hp when they need a little extra power but can’t add too much weight to their boating package.

The 18hp weighs in at only 40kg for the long shaft option making it only 4kg heavier than the 15hp model.

The 18hp offers a complete new engine design with a strong mounting system and a larger tiller handle making those tight turns easier.

The 18hp uses a standard CDI ignition system complete with charging circuit; a larger shift lever offers a maximum output of 13.2Kw at 5000Rpm. Featuring a larger sacrificial anode to help prevent corrosion on the engine and a sturdy structure through the mid-section of the engine Vortex’s 18hp is built to last. – Telwater Marine

2

LOWRANCE ELITE-9 CHIRP

Lowrance, a world-leading brand in fishing electronics since 1957 — has announced the release of the latest and largest in a series of awardwinning Elite fishfinder/chartplotter displays, the Elite-9 CHIRP. The Elite-9 CHIRP series features a 9-inch widescreen display for enhanced viewing ability especially in sunlight. The Elite CHIRP line-up now includes 4-, 5-, 7- and 9-inch fishfinder/chartplotter models, as well as standalone fishfinder displays, with all Elite CHIRP models producing and displaying multiple CHIRP sonar frequency settings from a single Lowrance Skimmer® transducer.

The Elite-9 CHIRP sonar provides improved target resolution and superior noise rejection for clearer, easy-to-see baitfish and game fish targets.

When combined with the Lowrance HDI Skimmer transducer, the Elite-9 CHIRP can also display a DownScan Imaging™ view of the area beneath the boat, for picture-like views of fish-holding structure.

With TrackBackTM, anglers are able to scroll back in recorded sonar history to review structure, transitions and fish targets and mark locations with a waypoint.

– Navico

3

MARINE MAN WEBSITE NOW LIVE

The newly launched Marine Man website is not just another website, and is now live and off and running.

Marine Man is not just another site in china flogging all sorts of stuff, but rather is based in South East Queensland and with staff on hand with a combined 40 years boating industry experience.

You can actually get answers, advise and product support with just a click of the mouse.

Marine man has great brands on board and specials aplenty too! If you email marine man they will send you a 10% off code, just for saying Hi! From Suzuki genuine parts to sounders it is all there and if you don’t see it let them know, bet they will be sure to find it.

The staff haven’t stopped since going live so they must have something right. Check it out for yourself at www.marineman.com.au - Marine Man

4

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

NEW SEAPRO OUTBOARD RANGE

Mercury’s new 75-150hp SeaPro FourStroke engines – designed specifically for commercial applications – will soon be available in Australia.

SeaPro engines with robust high displacement and low-weight design deliver the performance required by commercial users and provide increased durability. All SeaPro engines feature higher-durometer upper mounts that help decrease lifecycle costs. “With SeaPro we have taken our newest mid-range FourStroke outboards to the next level of engine durability and fuel efficiency, without sacrificing power, as well as included specific features for commercial users,” said Nicholas Webb, Mercury’s Director of Engine Products and Marketing. “For example, the new gearcases which let you drain the oil without having to remove the boat from the water so servicing costs are lower, and the upper mounts which are twice as stiff as those on recreational models and deliver greater durability.” All SeaPro models feature Mercury’s 2 year/1000 hours Commercial Warranty and are backed by the largest service network in the industry. – Mercury Marine

5

2

3

GARMIN CLEARLY ON THE MAP

Aimed squarely at freshwater, estuary and inshore anglers, Garmin’s next-generation echoMAP™ dv/sv series combines ClearVü™ sonar technology, detailed cartography and the most accurate GPS in its class.

Comprising four models – echoMAP 45dv, echoMAP 55dv, echoMAP 75sv and echoMAP 95sv – the new sonar/chartplotter units feature bright, full-colour displays and an intuitive, keyed interface which makes them very simple to use. All 4 models feature advanced HDID™ sonar and DownVü™ scanning sonar to provide incredible underwater definition in shallow and deep water. Scanning the water column for bottom structure such as reef and drop-offs, as well as identifying thermoclines, baitfish and target fish, DownVü delivers a near photographic view of what’s below the boat.

The two larger models also have builtin SideVü™ scanning sonar, which scans the water up to 150m (500ft) either side of the boat. It’s ideal for anglers casting lures in creeks and rivers, as well as those trolling the headlands or searching for baitballs offshore.

– Garmin

6

4 5

QUINTREX NEW TRIDENT HARD TOP

Quintrex’s new release, theTrident HardTop, is one seriously tough offshore weapon, constructed with a sturdy underfloor rib structure and 5mm bottomsides of marine grade aluminium.

Featuring the renowned Quintex Blade Hull and Flared Bow design, the sub-frame rib structure of the Trident is constructed with latitudinal ribs to reinforce strength and create a precise hull shape. Stability is un-matched as the Blade Hull cuts through swell and deflects spray for optimal performance. Available in 650 and 690 models, the design means you can enjoy your boat in all weather conditions, with a laminated hardened glass windscreen, sliding side windows and a standard windscreen wiper kit, your view is never interrupted. With the serious angler in mind, extra attention has been applied to find the ultimate offshore layout; the end result has created every angler’s dream boat. The Quintrex Trident is available as an Instant Boating Package complete with motor, Quintrex Trailer and a 3-year limited, factory warranty. – Telwater Marine

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

6

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Mon-Fri 9am-5pm | Sat 9am-4pm | Sunday by appointment 2 Toorak Avenue, Taren Point - NSW 2299 EMAIL: info@goodtimesmarine.com.au PHONE: (02) 9524 6999 | 0414 440 412 Boats shown are for illustrative purposes only - actual boats for sale may differ.

Signature 650F

Mercury 150hp 4-stroke

$84,990

Find more online: www.goodtimesmarine.com.au signatureboats.com.au

Haines Signature 650F Hard Top BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

As the largest of the Haines Signature F series craft, the 650F Hard Top is regarded by many fishing and boating enthusiasts as arguably the ultimate trailerable fishing boat.

The point is that this craft just has so much going for it, from the beautifully proportioned lines of the sleek fibreglass hull, neat cuddy cab and high cockpit sides, all linked to enough standard fishing features to satisfy any angler wanting to have the lot at the finger tips. And there are a lot of options! In the reviewed craft alone they stretched from outrigger poles to an auto pilot, massive Garmin unit and other goodies. And let’s not overlook the ride from the variable deadrise hull. In all, the ride was very enjoyable whether just cruising or really punching along.

The 650F offers several transom options for the buyer; the reviewed craft being equipped with a full

size engine well, clear sided recirculating live well plus a locking transom door.

POWER ANCHOR WINCH THE WAY TO GO The reviewed 650F was anchor winch equipped. I feel that most owners would opt for a power winch in lieu of accessing the anchor hatch via the cabin’s front hatch. It’s possible to go forward to the front of the 650’s cabin making use of various hard top hand holds

(which I did on the beach) but I could not see this being viable at sea. When leaving the craft from the front, the large bow rail offered excellent security.

Within the 650 F’s cabin, I noted ample headroom, soft lining, overhead pockets plus plenty of light from windows. Excellent cushions would allow a couple to sleep in comfort and there were generously large storage lockers under the 2m+ bunks. Entry was

via a locking sliding door.

Note that an under floor compartment was located just outside the cabin door and would be handy for the skipper and first mate’s tucker or cold drinks.

With a fully enclosed hardtop on a stainless steel frame the 650F’s helm area and forward seating were thoroughly weather protected thanks to the shelter provided by the hard top and wiper equipped curved windscreen up The 650F’s hull requires plenty of power with the 250 Suzuki filling the bill admirably. front, paired sliding side windows. Note that cockpit lights were set into the rear of the targa framework with some 7 rod holders up top.

DUAL INSTRUMENT AREA The craft’s full width moulded dash area incorporated a locking glove box with a grab handle under it for the first mate; a side pocket with drink holder at the elbow. The 650F’s main dash area was a split system in that Garmin GMI 20 gauges monitoring the Suzuki 250 were set up above the windscreen, within the hard top’s return,

the Suzuki 250’s forward controls, featuring Suzuki’s ultra smooth Precision Control System, were side mounted along with an ignition key plus other controls, among them being trim tab activators.

In all it was a very neat dash layout, definitely highlighted by the fact that the moulded binnacle could be unlocked from the adjacent moulding and tilted back to allow access to the extremely neat wiring tucked behind it. Without doubt this was one of the best set ups I’ve seen; a marine mechanic’s dream

TECHNICAL INFORMATION. Length..............................................................6.50m Beam................................................................2.50m Length on trailer................................ approx. 7.60m Height on trailer................................ approx. 2.45m Hull weight.................................................... 1250kg Deadrise........................................................... 21.3° Fuel....................................................................270L Engine ratings......................................... 150-250hp Engine fitted..............................250 Suzuki 4-stroke Persons...................................................................7 Towing......................................................Larger 4x4

Top: With almost half of the craft devoted to fishing room the Haines Signature 650F offers a lot for the dedicated off shore angler. Above Left: Here’s a feature that really sets this craft into a class of it’s own: fully accessible and extremely neat helm wiring. Middle Right: Deep storage compartments under bunks were just one aspect of the 650F’s features that owners could enjoy.

Above Right: Big ice boxes with seat squabs on them will keep a couple of passengers in touch with skipper and mate, plus provide plenty of cold storage capability.

M

92

MARCH 2015

along with a VHF marine radio and compass. In this location it would only take a glance upwards for the skipper to keep in touch.

Directly ahead of the helm seating was a very neat moulded binnacle with a padded lip providing shade over the craft’s (optional) Garmin GPS Map 8015 unit. The craft’s 3-spoke wheel was directly below with banks of rocker switches set each side, as well as under, the wheel.

Controls for the craft’s GHP auto pilot (another option) were prominent while

come true.

Forward seating was of deluxe standard with slide adjustable bolster fronted buckets (featuring double stitched upholstery) mounted on rigid stainless frames and affording both skipper and first mate highest levels of visibility and comfort. Interestingly, padded Waeco ice boxes were strapped into place under each seat allowing a further two anglers to stay up front enjoying both shelter from the elements and ease of conversation.

On longer trips, both issues

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are quite important!

MASSIVE SIDE POCKETS IN COCKPIT What I noticed next was the 700mm deep cockpit with it’s teak flooring, plus a welcome plethora of features for the angling team, 4 of whom could fish with complete ease in that big half-of-craft cockpit. Without doubt, the prominent cockpit feature was the sheer volume of the 650S’s off floor side pockets, which extended from the transom forward to the rear of the cuddy cab.

These were huge, providing plenty of room for tackle boxes, gaffs, tag poles and other large items as well as brace points for the feet under them. Each pocket also incorporated horizontal rod racks to keep rods readily accessible while under way.

At the rear of the starboard pocket, a battery isolator and other switches were within easy reach while a deck wash was snugged into the aft section of the port pocket.

Additional features included paired rod holders plus large grab rails atop gunwales as well as 1m long under floor storage compartments each side of the cockpit work area.

At the full height transom,

a fully plumbed clear fronted live bait tank sat to starboard, battery compartment central, with a locking boarding gate to port, boarding ladder directly aft. A moulded bait station featured a cutting board and tackle tray plus drink holders. Completing stern features were teak inlaid boarding platforms each side of the Suzuki 250.

PERFORMANCE AND FISHABILITY The 650 F’s Standard Variable Deadrise Hull – featuring a fine entry running back to a 21° ‘V’ section astern (and with some impressive under hull strakes in between) weighs in around 1250kg. The excellent design plus weight then combine to offer one of the best rides to be found in a modern fibreglass craft.

There’s no denying the fact that this 7-person rated rig needs to be well powered.

Accordingly, engine ratings are from 150-250hp, which saw the V6 250 Suzuki as top power.

Whisper quiet at idle, I noted that even at near full throttle the 3.6L V6 hardly intruded upon cockpit conversation. The rig planed at 14.2km/h at a mere 2500rpm, 3000rpm saw 25.6km/h, 4000rpm saw 48.6km/h, 5000rpm to

62.8km/h and 6000rpm got us flying along at 75.5km/h.

Fuel consumption figures were interesting.

At planing speed the big Signature was using 13.5L/h. At a fast plane of 25.6km/h, (3000rpm) fuel consumption was modest 24.3L/h but what really impressed me was fuel consumption data at what I believe would be an ideal cruising speed in an offshore situation of around 40km/h: 28L/h at 3,500 rpm.

I found the big 21 footer was a pleasure to drive. It was so well balanced, so easily powered by the 250 Suzuki, in many respects I felt as though I was at the helm of a much smaller boat. My review was carried out in Moreton Bay on a fairly unfriendly sort of morning with plenty of northerly pushing through yet the big hull handled things with such ease, so gentle through the chop and with a complete lack of fuss, that it was fun to execute sharp turns just to see how rapidly the hull recovered to a level attitude.

Throughout it all the hull’s interior remained dry, all that nasty salt water kept well away from us.

Fishing boats need to be stable and thanks to the considerable mass of the

craft plus the time proven hull design, stability was so good that even 3 persons on one side could not upset the hull’s levelness at rest.

This factor is important in the sorts of offshore fishing situations the 650 was designed for, as attested by the 370L fuel capacity.

SUMMING UP Given the deluxe standard of finish, that brilliant ride linked to an impressive sea keeping ability plus angling features galore, I believe the Haines Signature 650F Hard Top is

an exceptional fishing craft for the dedicated angler who is keen on all manner of bay or serious offshore work.

Common sense dictates that quality of this high standard does not come cheaply yet a basic package equipped with a 175hp Suzuki carried on a dual axle Dunbier trailer would come home for a quite reasonable $78,491, including registration and safety equipment. Note that Haines Signature hulls come with a 10-year structural warranty.

To ascertain details of a local Haines Signature dealer, the Haines Group can be contacted on wwwsignatureboats. com.au or phone (07) 3271 4400.

• 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.

Under floor compartments within the cockpit are large enough to accommodate some impressive fish.

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NOW AVAILABLE AT BCF Top: Smart design sees engine gauges and other items tucked up safely under the 650F’s hard top’s return. Above: The transom module shown here is but one of three offered to buyers of the Haines Signature 650F Hard Top.

02 9532 0002 • 5-800 Old Illawarra Rd, Menai info@islandinflatables.com.au • www.islandinflatables.com.au MARCH 2015

93

SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES JANUARY Time

Time

m

0607 1.65 1245 0.49 TH 1837 1.30

0523 1200 FR 1746 2339

2015

LAT 33° 52’ LONG 151° 13’ Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY m

Time

Time

m

1.51 0.60 1.24 0.53

0100 0731 SU 1414 2008

1.62 0.49 SA 1846 1.29

2 0145 0815

17 0106 0736

3 0226 0853

18 0200 0828

4 0304 0929

19 0253 0918

5 0341 1002

20 0346 1008

6 0416 1036

21 0440 1059

7 0454 1110

22 0534 1148

8 0533 1145

23 0018 0631

9 0016 0615

24 0111 0731

1

16

2 0025 0700

17 0617 1258

3 0115 0748

18 0032 0708

4 0200 0832

19 0124 0758

5 0242 0912

20 0215 0846

6 0321 0950

21 0305 0935

7 0400 1026

22 0358 1025

8 0437 1100

23 0451 1114

9 0515 1136

24 0545 1204

10 0015 0557

25 0045 0644

10 0058 0701

11 0057 0642

26 0139 0745

12 0143 0733

0.54 1.67 0.43 1.30

0009 0643 MO 1325 1922

Time

Time

m

0619 1.55 1304 0.53 SU 1904 1.27

0516 1200 MO 1804 2351

m

Time

Time

m

1.61 0.44 1.35 0.53

0108 0717 WE 1342 1953

1.72 0.33 TU 1901 1.47

2 0149 0757

17 0035 0646

3 0228 0833

18 0130 0740

4 0304 0909

19 0224 0831

5 0240 0845

20 0316 0923

6 0317 0920

21 0409 1015

7 0357 0959

22 0502 1106

8 0438 1039

23 0556 1159

9 0524 1124

24 0002 0651

0.61 1.55 0.49 1.47

16

2 0044 0709

17 0618 1256

3 0130 0751

18 0051 0715

4 0210 0829

19 0147 0808

5 0247 0903

20 0242 0900

6 0323 0937

21 0335 0950

7 0359 1011

22 0429 1041

8 0435 1045

23 0522 1132

9 0514 1120

24 0617 1224

25 0206 0837

10 0554 1158

25 0043 0715

10 0615 1215

25 0054 0748

11 0144 0754

26 0307 0949

11 0020 0639

26 0134 0817

11 0028 0715

26 0150 0845

27 0237 0853

12 0236 0858

27 0415 1104

12 0103 0730

27 0232 0924

12 0129 0821

27 0253 0940

13 0233 0831

28 0339 1008

13 0336 1012

28 0521 1211

13 0155 0830

28 0336 1030

13 0239 0929

28 0354 1030

14 0329 0940

29 0445 1125

14 0442 1126

14 0256 0942

29 0443 1131

14 0349 1030

29 0449 1115

15 0427 1053

30 0547 1234

15 0545 1230

15 0406 1055

30 0544 1223

15 0454 1125

30 0537 1154

0.47 1.71 FR 1342 0.43 1933 1.31 0.47 1.75 SA 1430 0.38 2022 1.33 0.47 1.78 SU 1512 0.35 2105 1.34 0.47 1.79 MO 1549 0.33 2145 1.35 0.48 1.78 TU 1625 0.34 2224 1.36 0.49 1.75 WE 1700 0.35 2300 1.35 0.52 1.71 TH 1733 0.38 2337 1.35 0.55 1.65 FR 1807 0.41 1.35 0.59 SA 1212 1.58 1843 0.45

1.34 0.63 SU 1251 1.49 1921 0.48

1.34 0.68 MO 1335 1.40 2003 0.52 1.35 0.71 TU 1428 1.32 2052 0.55

1.38 0.72 WE 1530 1.25 2145 0.57 1.43 0.68 TH 1639 1.22 2243 0.56

0.47 1.73 SU 1349 0.37 1941 1.36

0.41 1.85 MO 1437 0.25 2031 1.43 0.35 1.94 TU 1524 0.16 2121 1.49

0.30 2.00 WE 1611 0.11 2211 1.55 0.27 2.00 TH 1658 0.10 2300 1.58 0.28 1.95 FR 1745 0.13 2352 1.59

0.32 1.84 SA 1832 0.20

1.59 0.39 SU 1257 1.69 1921 0.29

1.57 0.46 MO 1352 1.53 2012 0.39 1.56 0.54 TU 1454 1.37 2107 0.48

1.55 0.58 WE 1604 1.26 2207 0.54 1.56 0.57 TH 1719 1.22 2309 0.56 1.59 0.53 FR 1827 1.22

31 0007 0643

0.56 1.63 SA 1330 0.48 1922 1.26

0.51 1.70 MO 1452 0.39 2047 1.35 0.48 1.72 TU 1526 0.37 2124 1.38 0.47 1.72 WE 1558 0.35 2158 1.41 0.46 1.71 TH 1629 0.36 2231 1.42 0.47 1.68 FR 1700 0.37 2304 1.43 0.49 1.63 SA 1730 0.39 2340 1.44 0.52 1.56 SU 1802 0.43 1.44 0.56 MO 1221 1.48 1836 0.47 1.43 0.60 TU 1302 1.39 1915 0.52

1.42 0.65 WE 1350 1.31 1959 0.57 1.42 0.67 TH 1449 1.23 2053 0.60

1.44 0.65 FR 1601 1.20 2159 0.61

1.50 0.58 SA 1718 1.22 2307 0.57

1.60 0.47 SU 1825 1.29

0.41 1.84 TU 1415 0.23 2014 1.49

0.32 1.94 WE 1501 0.14 2102 1.59 0.24 1.98 TH 1547 0.09 2151 1.66

0.21 1.97 FR 1633 0.10 2240 1.71

0.21 1.89 SA 1718 0.15 2329 1.73

0.25 1.77 SU 1803 0.23

1.71 0.33 MO 1241 1.61 1850 0.35 1.66 0.42 TU 1335 1.44 1939 0.46

1.61 0.51 WE 1435 1.30 2034 0.56 1.55 0.57 TH 1545 1.21 2137 0.63

1.52 0.59 FR 1703 1.18 2245 0.66

1.52 0.57 SA 1812 1.21 2348 0.64

0.60 1.58 MO 1346 0.48 1947 1.34 0.55 1.62 TU 1422 0.44 2024 1.40 0.51 1.64 WE 1455 0.41 2058 1.45 0.47 1.66 TH 1525 0.39 2130 1.49 0.45 1.65 FR 1554 0.38 2200 1.52 0.44 1.63 SA 1624 0.39 2233 1.55 0.45 1.58 SU 1654 0.41 2306 1.56 0.47 1.52 MO 1725 0.45 2342 1.56 0.50 1.45 TU 1759 0.49

1.54 0.54 WE 1239 1.37 1835 0.55 1.52 0.59 TH 1327 1.30 1920 0.60 1.50 0.61 FR 1426 1.24 2015 0.65

1.50 0.60 SA 1538 1.22 2126 0.66

1.53 0.54 SU 1656 1.25 2242 0.62

0.42 1.82 WE 1346 0.23 1952 1.59 0.32 1.88 TH 1434 0.17 2041 1.71 0.24 1.90 FR 1519 0.14 2129 1.79

0.19 1.86 SA 1604 0.17 2216 1.84

0.19 1.78 SU 1649 0.23 2304 1.85

0.24 1.66 MO 1734 0.33 2353 1.82 0.32 1.52 TU 1819 0.44

1.75 0.41 WE 1318 1.38 1907 0.56 1.66 0.51 TH 1416 1.27 2000 0.66 1.57 0.58 FR 1524 1.21 2103 0.73

1.51 0.61 SA 1637 1.21 2214 0.75

1.48 0.60 SU 1743 1.25 2322 0.73

1.49 0.57 MO 1834 1.32

1

0.55 1.57 TH 1415 0.46 2027 1.53 0.50 1.58 FR 1446 0.44 2059 1.59 0.47 1.58 SA 1516 0.43 2130 1.64 0.44 1.56 SU 1446 0.44 2102 1.67 0.43 1.53 MO 1517 0.46 2136 1.69 0.44 1.48 TU 1551 0.50 2213 1.69 0.47 1.43 WE 1627 0.54 2252 1.67 0.50 1.37 TH 1707 0.59 2336 1.64 0.53 1.31 FR 1755 0.64

1.61 0.55 SA 1315 1.28 1854 0.69

1.58 0.54 SU 1425 1.28 2006 0.70

1.59 0.50 MO 1538 1.34 2123 0.66 1.63 0.42 TU 1643 1.45 2234 0.57

1.70 0.35 WE 1739 1.58 2337 0.46

m

0552 1.76 1215 0.28 TH 1830 1.71

1

1

16

m 0.50 1.72 0.35 1.39

Local Time APRIL

16

0.35 1.78 FR 1303 0.25 1918 1.82

0.28 1.77 SA 1349 0.25 2006 1.90

0.23 1.73 SU 1434 0.29 2053 1.94

0.23 1.65 MO 1519 0.35 2140 1.94 0.27 1.55 TU 1604 0.44 2227 1.89

0.34 1.45 WE 1649 0.54 2314 1.80 0.43 1.36 TH 1736 0.64 1.70 0.51 FR 1253 1.29 1827 0.73

1.60 0.58 SA 1353 1.25 1926 0.79

1.52 0.62 SU 1457 1.26 2033 0.81

1.47 0.62 MO 1559 1.30 2143 0.80 1.45 0.61 TU 1652 1.37 2245 0.75

1.46 0.57 WE 1736 1.45 2338 0.68 1.48 0.54 TH 1815 1.53

31 0020 0634

0.67 1.51 TU 1305 0.53 1916 1.39

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astonomical Tide Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols

Last Quarter

Tide predictions for Sydney (Fort Denison) have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct. It is supplied on the condition that no warranty is given in relation thereto, that no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions should not be used for navigational purposes. Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to include acceptance of the above conditions.

$

14,990

STACER 399 PROLINE ANGLER SC

• 30HP Evinrude E-TEC • White Painted Hull • Telwater Galvanised Trailer • Side Console • Garmin Fishfinder • Bow Mount Bracket • Inshore Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

$

21,990

STACER 449 SEAWAY

• 50HP Evinrude E-TEC • White Painted Hull • Telwater Galvanised Trailer • Bimini & Sock • Garmin Fishfinder • Inshore Safety Gear • Stainless Ladder • Navigation Lights • Bilge Pump

ONE ONLY

$

45,990

BAYSPORT 545 WEEKENDER

• 90HP Evinrude E-TEC • Sea Link Trailer • Bimini & Clears • Rear Camp Covers • Lowrance Elite 5 Combo • Removable Table • Stereo • Toilet • Inshore Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

$

59,990

CHAPARRAL 19 SKI & FISH

• 220HP Mercruiser • Boeing Trailer • Wakeboard Tower Bow & Cockpit Covers • Garmin Fishfinder • Trolling Motor Stereo • Plumbed LBT • Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

$

13,490

STACER 429 OUTLAW TS

• 40HP Suzuki with Electric Start • White Painted Hull • Telwater Galvanised Trailer • Plumbed LBT • Bow Mount Bracket • Inshore Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

$

34,850

STACER 509 BAY MASTER

• 90HP Evinrude E-TEC • Black Painted Hull • Telwater Aluminium Trailer • Bimini & Sock • Lowrance Elite 5 Combo • VHF • Inshore Safety Gear • Stainless Ladder • Navigation Lights • Bilge Pump

ONE ONLY

$

52,330

BAYSPORT 585 SPORTS

• 130HP Evinrude E-TEC • Tandem Axle Trailer • Bimini & Clears • Rear Extension • Cutting Board • Lowrance Elite 5 Combo • Stereo • VHF • Inshore Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

$

65,750

BAR CRUSHER 615C

• 140HP Suzuki • Single Axle Trailer • Bar Catch • Plumbed LBT • Cutting Board • Raymarine Combo • VHF • Hydraulic Steering • Dual Batteries • Offshore Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

$

31,600

STACER 489 OUTLAW SC

• 90HP Suzuki • White Painted Hull • Telwater Aluminium Trailer • Plumbed LBT • Garmin Fishfinder • Bow Mount Bracket • Rod Locker • Inshore Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

$

54,480

STACER 589 OCEAN RANGER

• 140HP Suzuki • Black Painted Hull • Telwater Aluminium Trailer • Bimini & Clears • Plumbed LBT • Cutting Board • Dual Batteries • Hydraulic Steering • Lowrance Elite 5 Combo • VHF

ONE ONLY

$

89,990

EVOLUTION 600 EXTREME

• 200HP Suzuki • Easytow Trailer • Plumbed LBT Deckwash • Cutting Board • Hydraulic Steering • Dual Batteries • Simrad NSS7 • VHF • Rocket Launcher • Side Access Door • Lockable Cabin Door

ONE ONLY

$

76,730

BAR CRUSHER 670C

• 175HP Suzuki • Tandem Axle Trailer • Bar Catch • Plumbed LBT • Cutting Board • Raymarine Combo • VHF • Hydraulic Steering • Dual Batteries • Offshore Safety Gear

ONE ONLY

1 Railway Road North, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph 02 4577 6699 · www.blakesmarine.com.au

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.

SYDNEY

MACQUARIE COAST

The Boat Pimpers (Sydney) (02) 9792 7799

Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333

FRESHWATER

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Dubbo Marine and Watersports (02) 6882 2853

3Gelcoat repairs 3 Insurance repairs

3 Transom & floor repairs 312v Electrical installations

Online Tackle Products www.fishin.com.au 0425 230 964

www.fishin.com.au ONLINE BREAM TACKLE STORE

4 Aspinall Place, MULGRAVE 02 4577 3482 www.westernboatrepairs.com.au

Bait & Tackle BYRON COAST Yamba Bait & Tackle (02) 6646 1514

COFFS COAST

Fish Taxidermy

Compleat Angler Kempsey (02) 6562 5307 Rocks Marine Bait & Tackle South West Rocks (02) 6566 6726

Specialising in “Tournament Quality Lures” 0425 230 964

Neptune’s Treasures - Your Catch Reproduced 0405 226 282 www.neptunestreasures.com.au

MACQUARIE COAST Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333 Port Macquarie Tackle World (02) 6584 9972

SHOP 18, 29 KIORA RD MIRANDA NSW 2228

Fish Taxidermist 0428 544 841

Blue Bottle Fishing www.bluebottlefishing.com info@bluebottlefishing.com Ph: 0409 333 380

Breakdown Response

HUNTER COAST

Boat Assist 24 (02) 9746 6224 or www.boatassist24.com.au

Port Stephens Tackle World (02) 4984 2144

Out of the Blue Tackle 0417 608 344 or www.outofthebluetackle.com.au Mo Tackle (02) 6652 4611 or www.motackle.com.au

SYDNEY

Chandlery & Accessories

Gabes Boating & Fishing Centre Narellan (02) 4647 8755 Gabes Boating & Fishing Centre Sylvania (02) 9522 5100 Windybanks Bait and Tackle (02) 9477 1520

Specialty Fishing Products www.specialtyfishing.com.au U-Make-Em Soft Plastics www.u-make-emsoftplastics.com.au

EDENS COAST

Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014

Adrenalin Flies www.adrenalinflies.com.au

Korr Lighting www.korlighting.com.au

Techni Ice www.techniice.com Jayro Tackle www.jayrotackle.com.au

Bermagui Bait and Tackle (02) 6493 5444

Marine Mechanics

FRESHWATER Loomzys Fish and Fix (Forbes) (02) 6851 1425

Fishing and Travel Opportunity

SYDNEY

Create more time to fish, less time for work!

Penrith Marine (02) 4731 6250

Boat Imports

Moby Marine (02) 9153 6506 or www.mobymarine.com.au Import USA Boat 0435 476 177

Aqua Marine 0415 600 301 or www.aquacash.com.au

Kayak Dealers

Blakes Marine (02) 4577 6699

Hunter Water Sports (02) 4947 7899

Neken Marine (02) 9979 9649 Family Boats (02) 9622 0222

FLUSH YOUR ENGINE WITH

WARNING!

9 out 10 engines fail from salt corrosion

SALT-AWAY IS A MUST FOR:

For more info

WASHING BOATS FISHING & DIVE GEAR

1800 091 172

VISIT www.salt-away.com.au

P T Y

Holiday Rental

L T D

SYDNEY’S

CORROSION CONTROL SALT REMOVING TREATMENT

www.familyfreedomnow.com I info@familyfreedomnow.com I 0421 367 338

MOBY MARINE

S E R V I C E S

ACT NOW AND PROTECT YOUR VALUABLE BOAT, ENGINE, TRAILER, FISHING AND DIVE GEAR.

1

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Boat Assist 24 - On Water Mechanic (02) 9746 6224

Bold Trailers (02) 8544 8114 www.boldtrailers.com.au Salt Away 1800 091 172 www.salt-away.com.au

FREECALL

Imagine being able to fish any day of the week, travel to great fishing locations and work part-time to support your fishing activities!

Watersports Marine (02) 9676 1400

Boat / Trailer Modifications & Repairs

ENGINE FLUSHING JETSKIS TRAILERS

Looking for motivated individuals who are serious about spending more time fishing and less time working.

Cohoe Marine Products (Sydney) (02) 9519 3575

#

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

NORTH COAST Brooms Head Caravan Park (02) 6646 7144 Calypso Yamba Holiday Park (02) 6646 8847 Iluka Riverside Tourist Park (02) 6646 6060 Wooli Camping & Caravan Park (02) 6649 7671

HUNTER COAST Wangi Point Lakeside holiday Park (02) 4975 1889 Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks 1300 COASTAL Blacksmiths Holiday Park (02) 4971 2858

CENTRAL COAST

FOR OUTBOARD & STERNDRIVE SERVICE OPTIONS Outboard and Sterndrive Specialists All Services & Repairs by Qualified Technicians

Central Coast Holiday Parks 1800 241 342

We are one of the Largest Distributors of After Market Marine Engine Parts in Australia

Sussex Inlet (LJ Hooker) (02) 4441 2135

(02) 9153 6506

44 Barry Ave, Mortdale, NSW Marine Mechanics Cont...

www.mobymarine.com.au COFFS COAST Jetty Boating (02) 6651 4002

ILLAWARRA COAST Currarong Beachside Tourist Park 1300 555 515 Riviera Caravan Park, St George’s Basin (02) 4441 2112 Killalea State Park, Shell Cove (02) 4237 8589 Holiday With Us, Sussex Inlet (02) 4441 2135 Surf Beach Holiday Park (02) 4232 1791 Kendalls on the Beach (02) 4232 1790 Werri Beach Holiday Park (02) 4234 1285

WANT IN? EMAIL : ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park (02) 4234 1340

BATEMANS COAST

South West Rocks Fishing Adventures 0411 096 717

Top Cat Charters (02) 4472 7340 or 0427 727 340

Kiama Harbour Cabins (02) 4232 2707

EDEN COAST

EDEN COAST

Fishermans Rest (Eden) (02) 6496 1999

Esprit Fishing Charters 1300 556 658

www.southwestrocksfishingadventures.com.au

FRESHWATER

Freedom Charters Eden (02) 6496 1209 or www.freedomcharters.com.au

Burrinjuck Waters State Park (02) 6227 8114

PORT & REEF SFISHING GAME ERS

Providence Lodge (Eucumbene) (02) 6454 2200 Winter Keep (Snowy Mountains) www.winterkeep.com.au

CHART

Grabine Lakeside State Park (02) 4835 2345 Lake Glenbawn State Park (02) 6543 7193

FREEDOM CHARTERS

u Mid week packages from $420 p/p* u Weekend packages from $320 p/p*

*Minimum 6 people

EDEN

On board our fully equiped 38ft Randell TRIFECTA

Wyangala Waters State Park (02) 6345 0877

Contact: David Hayman (Stumpee) Mobile: 0411 096 717 info@swrcharters.com.au

Bass Lodge Macleay River NSW 0433 482 325 Chifley Dam Cabins 1800 68 1000

MACQUARIE COAST

CHIFLEYCabDAM ins Just 20 minutes drive south of Bathurst Affordable self-catering accommodation Quiet peaceful setting

or

f ot

Book now on 1800 68 1000 Book online at visitbathurst.com.au

p ts

ea Gr

Castaway Estuary Charters 0427 239 650

HUNTER COAST

BOOK NOW FOR MARLIN, MAHI-MAHI AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

TRIP NOW

Swains Reef • Bunker Group • Coral Sea • Shoal Waters and Beyond

DEPARTS STOCKTON BOAT DOCK...

SYDNEY

Captain Kev’s Wilderness Fishing Tours (02) 4474 3345 or 0424 625 160

Boab Boat Hire (NSW) 1300 002 6221

2015

40ft RANDELL. Fishing capacity 12 persons.

PHONE: 0411 096 717 www.tailermadefishn.com.au

EDEN COAST

Boat Hire

MV CAPRICORN STAR BOOK YOUR

TRIPS INCLUDE

BATEMANS COAST

Line listing from $15 + gst per mth* 2cm x 2 from $35 + gst per mth* 5cm x 2 from $50 + gst per mth* 7cm x 2 from $74 + gst per mth* 9cm x 2 from $89 + gst per mth* 10cm x 2 from $99 + gst per mth* 11cm x 2 from $105 + gst per mth* 12cm x 2 from $110 + gst per mth* * Conditions apply Call (07) 3387 0800 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Harbour and Estuary Fishing Charters (02) 9999 2574 or 0410 633 351

MV Capricorn Star 0408 755 201 or www.amytiadventure.com.au

Sydney Sportfishing Adventures 0405 196 253

Mikat Cruises Fishing Charters Swains & Coral Sea 0427 125 727

MIKAT CRUISES

ILLAWARRA COAST Sea Lady Charters 0411 024 402 Silver Star Fishing Charters (02) 4421 7462 or 0412 977 000 Shell Harbour Fishing Charters 0425 216 370

SILVER STAR FISHING CHARTERS

Swains & Coral Sea

Greenwell Point only 10 mins from

Fishing Charters

NOWRA NSW

Game and Deep Sea, Charters ing Reef Fish

Choice of

Snapper

3 BOATS

• Reef, Deep Sea and Sport Fishing • 20m Cat – Large comfortable & stable • Air-Conditioned & fast (cruise up to 18 knots) • Professional crew (over 22 years experience) • Cater for groups up to 14 for up to 10 days • Fully licensed bar • Dories available • Three large bathrooms • Blue Ray DVD + Plasma Tv’s • Desalinate unit • Trips designed to suit your requirements

Mowong

Michael Ph: 0427 125 727

Fax: (07) 4972 1759

Flathead Kingfish

Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters, 0428 828 835 Sea Master Fishing Charters, (07) 5524 8849 or 0415 593 901 Reel Time Fishing Charters 0428 231 962

COFFS COAST Coffs Coast Sport Fishing 0434 517 683

Tuna Plus more!

Oceanic Sea Urchin II Charters (02) 6566 6623 or 0428 650 321 South West Rocks Fishing Charters (02) 6566 5298 or 0429 995 390 The Rocks Fishing Charters 0412 074 147 Wooli Deep Sea Tours (02) 6649 7100 Trial Bay Fishing Charters, 0427 256 556

SILVER STAR FISHING CHARTERS

www.mikat.com.au

SWAINS

Charter Boats BYRON COAST

fishing@freedomcharters.com.au W: www.freedomcharters.com.au

MONTIQUE

All Bait, Fishing Rods and Reels Sunscreen and Morning Tea

Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures (02) 6495 9902 or 0400 062 504

TRADES AND SERVICES ADVERTISING

6496 1209 or 0415 602 446

EXTENDED FISHING CHARTERS

G

ILLAWARRA COAST

Ph: (02)

QUEENSLAND

DEEP SEA & GAMEFISHING

Fishing Guides

Moorings

E:

Tailermade Fishing Adventures 0411 096 717

Bay & Basin Sportsfishing 0413 610 832

• Reef, Game and Kingfish • Shared and private charters • Bait and tackle supplied • Homemade morning tea • Packages available • Owner operated

WE CATCH FISH!

Ocean Star Fishing Charters 0416 240 877

N HI

FIS

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY ON THE NSW STH COAST!

EXTENDED REEF TRIPS

NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

NSW Maritime Surveyed.

Jervis Bay Marine Park permit.

Phone John 0412

FOR UP TO 10 PEOPLE •Swains Reef •Port Clinton •Stanage Bay •Island Head Creek •Shoalwater Bay •Pearl Bay

977 000

www.silverstarfishingcharters.com.au

EDEN COAST

CP:

WANT IN? EMAIL : ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

0419 789 921 www.inyadreamscharters.com

Central Coast Central Coast Boat World 19 Lake St Budgewoi Phone: (02) 4399 3568 E:ccbw3@bigpond.com Website: www.centralcoastboatworld.com.au Cowra Cowra Marine Centre 29 Grenfell St Cowra Phone: (02) 6342 2904 | E:info@cowramarine.com.au Website: www.cowramarine.com.au Port Macquarie Hastings Marine 185 Hastings River Dr Port Macquarie Phone: (02) 6583 5511 | E:sales@hastingsmarine.com.au Website: www.hastingsmarine.com.au

Mercury Portables.

Lightweight and built to last.

Mercury’s Portables range provide the power that you can carry, run and depend on. With eleven horsepower options ranging from 2.5hp to 30hp, these compact units punch well above their weight.

Coffs Harbour Jetty Boating 40 Hi Tech Drive, Toormina Phone: (02) 6651 4002 | E:info@jettyboating.com.au Website: www.jettyboating.com.au Hunter Valley Maitland Power and Marine 23 Melbourne St, East Maitland Phone: (02) 4933 3284 | E:sales@mpm.net.au Website: www.mpm.net.au Far South Coast Merimbula Outboards 382 Sapphire Coast Dr Tura Merimbula Phone: (02) 6495 9634 | E:info@merimbulaoutboard.com.au Website: www.merimbulaoutboard.com.au Sydney West Penrith Marine 4/133 Coreen Ave Penrith Phone: (02) 4731 6250 | E:sales@penrithmarine.com.au Website: www.penrithmarine.com.au Sydney North Shore Shannon Outboards 3/41 Leighton Pl Hornsby Phone: (02) 9482 2638 | E:sales@shannonoutboards.com.au Website: www.shannonoutboards.com.au Sydney North West TR Marine World 44 Curtis Rd McGraths Hill Phone: (02) 4577 3522 | E:sales@trmarine.com.au Website: www.trmarine.com.au Sydney North West Watersports Marine 11 Binney Rd Kingspark Phone: (02) 9676 1400 | E:info@watersportmarine.com.au Website: www.watersportsmarine.com.au Sydney South Hi Tech Marine 40 Princes Hwy Albion Park Phone: (02) 4256 6135 | E:pauline@hitechmarine.com.au Website: www.hitechmarine.com.au Central Coast Insinc Marine 278 Manns Road, Gosford West Ph: (02) 4324 4300 | E:troy@insincmarine.com.au Website: www.insincmarine.com.au Northern NSW / Gold Coast Tweed Coast Marine 147 Pacific Hwy Tweed Heads South Ph: (07) 5524 8877 | E:admin@tweedcoastmarine.com.au Website: www.tweedcoastmarine.com.au Dubbo Dubbo Marine & Watersports 36 Bourke St, Dubbo Ph: 02·6882 2853 | E:bbeandel@bigpond.net.au Website: www.dubbomarine.com.au Mid North Coast Disco Marine 160 North St Grafton Ph: (02) 6643 1199 | E:sales@discomarine.com.au Website: www.discomarine.com.au Sydney South Go Boating Liverpool 142 Terminus Street, Liverpool Ph: (02) 9601 3022 | E:info@goboating.net.au Website: www.goboating.net.au Batemans Bay Batemans Bay Marine 6/37 Gregory St Batemans Bay Ph: (02) 4472 7133 E: batemansbaymarine@hotmail.com Sydney Avante Marine 212 Silverwater Rd Silverwater Ph: (02) 9737 0727 | E: info@avantemarine.com.au Website: www.avantemarine.com.au

Black Pete Marine Pty Ltd PO Box 3094, Allambie, NSW 2100 blkpete@bigpond.net.au www.blackpete.com.au | 02 9905 7888

SAVE UP TO

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OUTBOARDS OFFER ENDS 20th MARCH, 2015. *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY.

VISIT WWW.MERCURYMARINE.COM.AU

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