NSW Fishing Monthly March 2018

EASTER HOLIDAY FEATURE • AWESOME AUTUMN JACKS

Features • • • •

Late season jackin’ The Bass Lodge Topwater cod guide Easter scones in the camp oven

NEW FIND THE

LOGO COMPETITION

SEE INSIDE!

Boating and Kayaking Kayaking the Moruya River • Aquayak AQUA II tandem kayak • An introduction to SUP fishing • Guide to centre console boats • Sea Jay Ranger 4.6 with Yamaha 70hp Horizon SeaRunner 485 with Yamaha F90hp •

March, 2018

• Fishing Monthly G R O U P

Registered by Australian Post Publication No: 100003848

$6.95 (GST inc.)

issuu.com/fishingmonthly

fishingmonthly

Fishing Monthly Magazines

www fishingmonthly FishingMonthly

The Clearest Lenses on the Planet.

We want you to see what’s out there. That’s what inspires us to keep pushing the sunglass industry forward with technology that provides 100% UV protection and goes beyond polarization to provide the ultimate in light management.

For more information, contact us at costaint@costadelmar.com

Style Shown: Reefton costadelmar.com

daiwafishing.com.au

SPECIFICATIONS Model No.

Running Depth

Body Length

Weight

Hooks

XRMAGXP170

Surface

17cm

145g

2 x 5/0

rapala_australia

www.rapala.com.au

@Rapala.Australia

Check out the Xplode in action!

CLEARER, SHARPER, GLARE FREE VISION

hobie.com.au

hobiepolarized.com.au HobiePolarizedAsiaPacific HobieCatAsiaPacific HobieSUPAsiaPacific HobieFishingAsiaPacific

$6.95

RRP (GST inc.)

MARCH 2018, Vol. 23 No. 8

Contents BYRON COAST The Tweed 28 Ballina 29 Yamba 30 COFFS COAST Coffs Harbour 32 Coffs Game 33 Nambucca 34 South West Rocks 35 MACQUARIE COAST The Hastings 36 Forster 38 Harrington-Taree 40 HUNTER COAST Port Stephens 42 Hunter Coast 43 Erina 44 Swansea 45 SYDNEY The Hawkesbury 14 Sydney North 16 Pittwater 18 Sydney Harbour 20 Botany Bay 22 Sydney Rock and Beach 24 Sydney South 26 Sydney West 27 ILLAWARRA COAST Illawarra 48 Nowra 49 BATEMANS COAST Batemans Bay 50 Narooma 52 Merimbula 52

14

24

27

29

From the Editor’s Desk...

JAPAN - DOING TACKLE SHOWS RIGHT I hadn’t been to a Japanese tackle show in years. The last time was in the ‘90s with Quintrex Boats International’s Marketing Manager, Andrew Hill, as he opened a few doors for me to get an insight into a market that Australia was exporting around 2000 boats a year into.

At that time, there were tens of thousands of uberkeen anglers, sampling all of the delights of the latest rods, reels, lures and baits.

Fans lined up for hours to get autographs from their favourite fishing stars like Jim Murata (Japan’s Mister Shimano) and Norio Tanabe (the first Japanese angler to win a US BASS event, and the creator of the Nories brand).

Show-goers paid money for the latest catalogues to get signed, and each stand had hands-on engagement with the fishing public.

And you know what?

Nothing has changed.

After a few days at the Yokohama Fishing Show in January, the numbers may be down a little from the ‘90s, but the enthusiasm remains the same, both from manufacturers and the attendees.

So what’s it look like?

The best way is to watch the video on the Fishing Monthly YouTube channel or the www. tacklejunkie.fish Facebook page. In a nutshell, if you take the Brisbane, Rose Hill or Melbourne Boat Show and swap out the boats for tackle stands, that’s what the show is like. It’s a tackle junkie’s dream fix, and it would have been even more exciting if I could understand more than a little Japanese.

The most amazing part of it, however, was that it was a no-purchase show. Apart from some merchandise and clothing under a certain price limit, all of the major companies were simply showing their new

products, letting the customers interact with it and making their famous pro-staff available to the fans.

And it wasn’t just die-hard anglers that had fun; there were also activities for families. There were thousands of rainbow trout in a pool that were eminently catchable, and available for the kids, and they loved it.

Why haven’t we got a tackle show like this in Australia? Plenty of people ask this question every year. Boat Shows ‘don’t have enough tackle’ and fishing shows don’t have the manufacturer support to get off the ground. Plenty

of show organisers have tried and failed.

I’m a pretty vocal supporter of the industry getting behind a show that will excite the angling public. Is it happening yet? Not from the top down. At the moment, the vibrant Lure Show in Ipswich, Queensland each winter, is the closest we have – even if it’s a distant second to tens of thousands of tsuri-baka (fishing crazy) Japanese.

But we do have ideas and a passion for the sport, and you’ll be the first to know when we make some inroads into making it happen.

EDEN COAST Bermagui 54 Tathra 54 Eden 55 Mallacoota 55

Sub-Editors: Bob Thornton Nicole Penfold Cordelia Adams Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall

Office Manager: Marie Dykstra

Qld Fishing Monthly Pty Ltd ABN 72-010-542-195 IN

G

FISH

IN

G

’

RE

All material is © copyright, and cannot be reproduced in part or in full, by any means, without written permission of the Managing Editor. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

TU

SUBSCRIPTION HOTLINE FREECALL 1800 228 244

Published by:

FU

Annual Subscriptions: $65 for twelve issues (GST inc.)

Make cheques payable to Queensland Fishing Monthly PO Box 3172 LOGANHOLME QLD 4129

New South Wales Fishing Monthly magazine goes on sale the last week of each preceding month (latest sale date 31st of the month).

A

LI

Advertising Enquiries: Peter Jung ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Subscriptions: Kym Rowbotham

TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 40 FIND THE GAMAKATSU LOGO COMPETITION PAGE 51

S

Advertising: Ph: (07) 3387 0800 Fax: (07) 3387 0801 Copy and materials should be sent direct to: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Pty Ltd

A Simon Johnson image.

ION

Editorial Manager: Jacqui Thomas

Simon Johnson took this beautiful mangrove jack in the Coffs Harbour area.

AT

Managing Editor: Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

Production: Keith Hawley Karen Millward Jenna Milburn

OUR OUR COVER COVER

CI

Website: www.fishingmonthly.com.au

Printing: APN – Print

RA

6

MARCH 2018

8 62 64 66

Phone: (07) 3387 0800 Fax: (07) 3387 0801

Advertising Sales: Ph: (07) 3387 0800 Rob Gaden rgaden@fishingmonthly.com.au

Come and visit Fishing Monthly Group’s official Facebook page for all your monthly fishing information. Download QR Reader to access.

AUST

SPECIAL FEATURES Late season jackin’ The Bass Lodge Topwater cod guide Easter scones in the camp oven

Business Office: Unit 1, 11 Knobel Court, Shailer Park, Qld, 4128

SINCE 1994

102

N

O

REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics 12 Fun Page 57 What’s New Fishing 58 Dam Levels 77 Tournament News 80 Tech tricks 84 Track My Fish 86 Trade Directory 88 Tides 90 What’s New Boating 92

NEW SOUTH WALES FISHING MONTHLY

75

CT

91

57

TE

BOATING AND KAYAK

44

PRO

FRESHWATER Canberra 67 Canberra 68 Tamworth 70 Orange 70 Wagga Wagga 71 New England 72 Copeton Dam 73 Hunter Valley 74 Jindabyne 75 Robinvale 76 Yarrawonga 76 Batlow 77 Lithgow-Oberon 78

FI

SH

ING TRADE

AS

S

Fishing Diary Angler: Dax Gallagher Location: Urangan Pier, Hervey Bay Date: September 13th, 2017 Conditions: clear, N 5 kts, outgoing tide, waning moon Black Magic Tackle: 60lb Tough Trace Note: When targeting strong fish with sharp teeth you MUST choose a leader with excellent abrasion resistance.

QUALITY LEADER FOR EVERY OCCASION...

NEW

NEW

NEW

Tough Trace • • • • •

Developed, tested and refined over the last 25 years, our copolymer and fluorocarbon leader is recognised for high performance around the world.

Whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater, when that quality fish strikes, don’t be disappointed…choose quality Black Magic leader.

Follow @blackmagictackle on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest catches and enter in our competitions.

excellent abrasion resistance excellent knot strength high sensitivity manufactured from Japanese copolymers extruded to the specifications of Black Magic value for money - more metres per spool

Available in 20lb, 30lb, 40lb, 50lb, 60lb, 80lb, 100lb, 130lb, 200lb, 300lb and 400lb.

the best by test... www.blackmagictackle.com

Mangrove Jack

Late season jackin’ BRISBANE

Simon Goldsmith

All too often overlooked by those favouring the Gold Coast, the Tweed River is a mangrove jack fishery that offers much and can deliver plenty for anglers looking for a jack hit.

This easy-to-access open waterway isn’t cluttered with 4 knot speed zones, and it has maze-like canal systems like the Gold Coast, which are easy to get lost in. The Tweed is a system that you can easily ‘run and gun’ on when it comes to locating active fish.

One of the Tweed’s other great assets is its habitat diversity, with rock bars, rock walls, bridges, timbered banks, and to a lesser degree canals, pontoons and oyster racks offering a host of holding locations for mangrove jack.

The Tweed is a river that offers the best of both worlds when it comes to jack fishing, and whether it’s natural or man-made structure that you like to target for your fish, the Tweed has it.

THE ARENA A river that begins with its headwaters deep in the Tweed Valley and within sight of Mount Warning, it’s not unil you hit the upper saltwater limit at the weir at Bray Park near Murwillumbah that reliable jack water begins.

From here, the river winds its way towards the ocean, passing through and past cane fields, residential areas, townships, rainforest, and mangrove stands.

The Tweed River meets the ocean at Point Danger and in its saltwater reaches is armed by a series of tributaries including the Rous River, Dunbibble Creek, Stotts

Channel, Boyds Channel, Bilambil Creek, Cobaki Creek, Terranora Creek, and the Terranora and Cobaki broadwaters.

All of these locations have the potential of holding mangrove jack, with diversity in habitat type, water flow, temperature, and salinity delivering a host of variables that influence where and when you’ll find mangrove jack in residence at the location you’re fishing. Research, experience, time on the water, and hopefully some information in this article may help you pinpoint the most productive spots to target.

AUTUMN ACTION Once we get to the tail end of summer and the early days of autumn, mangrove jack should be in full attack mode, with water temperatures at their highest, bait in abundance, and the metabolism of the fish

Weedless soft plastics are an awesome choice for fishing deep in heavy cover. at its highest during their peak season of activity.

These factors definitely play into the hands of the angler, but this time of the year also potentially offers some challenges, obstacles that you may need to overcome to catch a jack. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of late jack hunting on the Tweed River.

IT’S COMING DOWN The most northern river in the Northern Rivers region, the Tweed River has a rich history of receiving plenty of rain and its fare share of floods, most of which fall during the late summer and early autumn period. For the jack angler this impact can range from a slight hiccup that’s an inconvenience, to writing off the season until next spring rolls around.

The Tweed has two main arms, the main arm that starts up in the Tweed Valley, and the shorter Terranora arm that joins the main river at Tweed Heads. The shorter arm, being the Terranora arm, provides a level of protection when the river experiences inflows and a flood, with most of the flow coming down the main river and out to sea, bypassing the Terranora as it goes.

The outcome often is higher water temperature and salinity levels in the Terranora than the main arm of the river, two factors that mangrove jacks generally like. Of course, not all rain and inflows are a bad thing, as with a touch of freshwater delivering an increased level of discoloration

to the water, this can incite predatory fish to feed more aggressively and actively.

Freshwater inflows can also relocate and increase the movement of bait, and are two changes that can see mangrove jack focus their attention on specific areas and bait types.

Prawns are a prime example of a species that can be flushed out and congregate in a specific area.

I remember a specific incident when I was fishing a shaded, timber-lined mangrove bank one afternoon and in front of me tight against

The Tumbulgum Bridge holds fish, but the strong current adds a challenge when it comes to lure presentation and pulling fish from cover. the bank was a mangrove jack feeding with its dorsal fin out the water. It was locked in on the prawns that were abundant along the shoreline, and despite casting a host of different lures at it, none of which spooked the fish or incited a strike, the fish just kept feeding and only had eyes for the prawns in front of it.

A prawn imitation lure or fly may have been the ticket to

RINCON

Like the California point break it was named for, the Rincon has a classic West Coast straight bridge, wrapping style lines and edgy curved temples.

GREEN MIRROR: Enhanced vision and contrast for fishing inshore and on flats.

• Copper Base • 10% light transmission

8

MARCH 2018

success on the day if I’d had one with me.

Watching, learning, and trial and error during times of fresh are the best ways to identify when and how these bait changes occur and the potential angling opportunities they can present.

Remembering that freshwater will sit on top of saltwater is also important, and fishing locations such as holes, rock bars and drop-offs are three locations where you will find that deeper, saltier water. In a river under the influence of freshwater, it’s

OPTIMAL USE: • Sight fishing in full sun • High contrast

Paddle-tailed soft plastics are a gun bait for a late season Tweed jack.

these deepwater locations that mangrove jack will hold up in and that you should focus your efforts on. Although the fish will be there they may be less active in their feeding compared to how they were pre-fresh, so be patient and persistent when fishing them.

BULKING UP Of course it’s not all doom and gloom at this time of the year, and there’s more to be excited about than apprehensive about. As we head towards the cooler months, mangrove jack have a tendency to spike in their activity, an occurrence that many, myself including, put down to them bulking up before the onset of winter or even before the larger specimens make the move from the estuaries to offshore.

Regardless of the reason why they do what they do, the outcome is great fishing opportunities for the mangrove jack angler. Not only do the

Mangrove Jack jack become more active, but I also find they’re more inclined to feed on larger-sized prey.

Big lures and XOS livebaits come into their own at this time of the year.

BE THE BAIT Much of the media given to mangrove jack fishing in South East Queensland and Northern NSW is focused on catching them on lures. The downside to this is that the effectiveness of bait fishing, and in particular, livebait fishing is often overlooked.

About 90% of my jack fishing

sized livebaits are best presented with a single hook rig on traditional trace and ball sinker setup. I’ve always been fond of the Gamakatsu Shiner or one of the many circle hook varieties, just make sure you don’t use too heavy of a gauge hook to overpower the action and natural presentation of the bait.

When it comes to larger livebaits, I opt for a two hook snell set-up, with the main hook pinned behind the head of the bait and the smaller pinned towards the tail. Once

Fishing mangrove edges is a go-to technique, especially when there is bait on the edges. in the early days was spent livebaiting, and the Tweed River is tailor-made for this style of fishing, especially late in the season when the fish are keen to take a big bait.

Herring, silverbiddies, mullet, and whiting (make sure they’re legal size) are all perfect baits to use. Smaller-

again, the Gamakatsu circle hooks are tailor made for this set-up.

While livebaiting can be seen as a simplistic set-itand-forget approach, that’s far from the truth. Rock bars and bridges are perhaps the best places for livebaiting and in both these locations, boat

SIMON’S TOP 8 LURES Lucky Craft Bevy Shad Lucky Craft Sammy 85 Jackall Squirrel 79 Manns Stretch 20 RMG Scorpion 125 (STD, DD, and XDD) Ecogear Powershad (3 and 5”) Berkley Powerbait Bass Minnow (4”) Nories Spoontail (4 and 5”) position is the key to success when it comes to positioning the bait in front of the fish.

Positioning yourself upcurrent from the structure then sinking the livebait down to exactly where the fish are holding is something that can take time and patience to get just right.

Anchoring upriver then letting rope out to allow the boat to drift back and into just the right position is a good approach to take. It also means you’re less inclined to spook the fish with the anchor and chain.

Rock bars are a perfect example, with fish often holding on the front side, top or backside of the rock bar.

Time and tide both play a part on where you’ll find the fish positioned, so be prepared to alter where you’re positioned and where you’re presenting your baits.

One small trick is to listen to the livebait. If you use the correct size sinker in your

setup you’ll be able to feel your livebait doing its thing down in the current. You’ll feel it swimming around and sometimes feel it trying to swim away.

This feedback from your bait can also acts as a strike indicator and will let you know that there’s a jack down their checking out your bait. A panicky livebait all too often is a precursor to a bite, so when you feel it through the line and rod, get ready for what might follow next. If the bite does come, my preference is to not strike straight away, particularly when using big livebaits. I like to wait for about five seconds so I’m confident the fish has taken the bait completely and that I’ll get a solid hook-up when I go to set the hook. What happens after the hook-up is all up to you.

THE LURE OF THE LURE Lure fishing of course

As always, releasing fish is encouraged. is as reliable towards the end of the season as it is at any other time. Casting and retrieve presentations with jerkbaits, topwaters, and soft plastics will all catch fish, with matching the right lure to the location being fished and the bait in the areas two keys to success.

Trolling hardbodies is one technique that doesn’t get written or talked about

The flooded bommies and rocky terrain at Barneys Point make it a perfect place to fish topwaters.

much anymore, but it’s a technique that’s always worked exceptionally well on the Tweed, and there’s no better time to do it then late in the season. The Tweed is home to plenty of rock bars, rock walls and bridges, and in many ways these structure types are best lure fished by trolling.

Robust tackle, deep diving crank and jerkbaits, quick reflexes, and plenty of patience are the keys to success, and also be prepared to lose lures because the lure attrition rate can be quite high.

THE PLAN OF ATTACK So with your livebaits swimming around in your bait tank and your tackle hatch loaded with soft and hard baits, where do you go if you’re after a late season jack fish? Well, To page 10

MARCH 2018

9

Mangrove Jack From page 9

let’s take a look at some of my go-to spots.

1. Murwillumbah to Tumbulgum – while it doesn’t get much pressure, the upper reaches stretch holds plenty of fish. Mangroves, rock, cane drains and timber-lined banks are the main structure types with a couple of small bridges for added man-made structure.

Cast and retrieve hardbodies, weedless and Texas rigged soft plastics are my preferred lure choices. This stretch of the river is popular with water skiers, so fish it early on weekends, mid-week, or just on dark. This stretch of river is also worth a visit on those still, warmer winter days.

2. Condong Sugar Mill – mangrove jack love warmth, and the hot water that gets pumped out of the mill can be a hot spot for jack. If there’s bait in residence here definitely give this spot plenty of attention. Cast and retrieve plastics, blades and finesse lipless crankbaits are gun baits at the mill.

3. Tumbulgum – a spot that offers good variety. The mangrove and timber bank that runs from the mouth of Rous River down to the bridge holds plenty of current and regular mangrove jack, while the bridge itself is home to plenty of big jacks and trevally. The bridge can be trolled or cast at with deep diving hardbodies or

10

MARCH 2018

fished back to with livebaits.

The current can push through very hard, particularly on the spring tides, so it’s not always the easiest place to fish.

Downriver from the bridge is a substantial pinnacle and drop-off that has held quality fish for many years. A sounder is the key to finding this hotspot, and if you don’t catch them on one trip, don’t write

when you hook a fish. This is not a spot you spend a lot of time on but can be well worth the quick stop.

5. Jouberts – the place where I caught my first ever mangrove jack. Jouberts sits at the end of a long straight section before the river kinks hard and changes direction.

With plenty of current due to the changing river direction

Where there’s one there’s usually another. Multiple fish in a session are on the cards late in the season. it off for every trip after that, because this is a spot that can be quite seasonal.

4. Black Watch – a spot named after the Black Watch factory that used to be there, this small spot that has a lot of current flow, and has produced many big fish. It features a small rocky shoreline, eddies, timber structures and plenty of water movement. This is not an easy spot to fish, and you’ll want to be able to cast well, and be prepared to go hard

and a draining Broadwater nearby, this is a location that is subject to plenty of current flow, yet is still relatively easy to fish. Best fished on the run-out and the start of the run-in, Jouberts rock bar is tailor-made for livebaiting and trolling, or cast and retrieve when the current is less strong.

6. Chinderah rock wall – one giant jack-holding location, the Chinderah wall is best fished trolling deep divers, or cast and retrieve at

the change of the tide when the current has eased and the fish are more inclined to roam around. Be prepared to lose plenty of lures here, because this place is very unforgiving, and it’s a hard place to fish even for the experienced.

7. Barneys Point – there’s plenty of structure here to fish, with a big rock bar, rocky shoreline and a bridge offering a ton of places for fish to hide.

My preference is to fish the rock bar and shoreline at night with topwaters and livebaits, while the bridge is a go-to any time of the day or night.

Casting, trolling or livebaiting are all go-tos when fishing the bridge. This place can be a challenging place to fish when the current is running hard.

8. Barneys Point to river mouth – a long stretch of rock wall that stretches for kilometers. The water along here can be very clear and it can often be a case of trying to find a needle in a haystack when trying to locate jack. The dive boat centre near the Fingal boat ramp can produce fish on occasions, while there are also couple of small rock bars, pontoons and moored boats on the opposite side of the river that can have fish in residence at times.

9. Boyds Bay Bridge – heading into the Terranora arm of the system, the Boyds Bay Bridge area holds fish but can be very hit and miss. Best

fished at night due to the clear water in the area, on neap tides and at the change of tide, this is an area that I’ve run and gun in the past throwing topwaters and jerkbaits.

10. Tweed Bypass Bridge – a big bridge with plenty of cover and current. Livebaits and trolling deep driving hardbodies are my preferred approaches here.

11. Canals (Anchorage, Oxley Cove, Terranora Canals) – the Tweed River doesn’t have as many canals as the Gold Coast to the north, and in my experience they certainly don’t hold as many jacks as the Gold Coast either.

If I was to target them I’d do it when the river has had a flush of freshwater and I’d focus my efforts on the canals in the Terranora arm using that go-to Gold Coast technique: burning and slow rolling paddle-tail soft plastics around pontoons

and jetties.

12. Cobaki Bridge and Wall – this is only a small location, but a place that has produced plenty of fish.

Flushed with current from the draining Cobaki Broadwater, the rockwall and bridge in my experience is best early and late in the day, or when the water isn’t super clear.

Trolled, cast or livebaited, this is a spot that is suited to most techniques.

So there you have it, a rundown on the Tweed!

Whether you’re a first time jack hunter, seasoned stalwart or an angler who likes to catch them on natural or artificial baits, the Tweed has a lot to offer. It’s a river that I fell in love with when I first got bitten by the jack bug, and it’s a river that will always remain special to me. Fish it, get to know it, and I’m sure you’ll grow to love it too.

The Tweed River doesn’t have as many pontoons and jetties as the Gold Coast to the north, but the few it has are worth a cast or two.

AU SERIES

Made in Japan All fitted with Decoy Y-W77 Trebles G-SPLASH 80

80mm 12g Floating

GUNFISH 115

115mm 19g Floating

FLAT CB D-20

75mm 23.5g Floating Dives 20ft

FLASH MINNOW 110

110mm 16.5g Suspending Dives 2ft

POINTER 100 DD

100mm 16.5g Suspending Dives 7ft

SAMMY BUG 100

100mm 32g Floating, Jointed

POINTER 78 XD POINTER 100 XD

78mm 9.5g Suspending Dives 10ft

100mm 18.5g Suspending Dives 13ft

SAMMY BUG 75 75mm 23g Floating

Sunline’s newest braid SIGLON PE offers incredible performance at an amazing price!

Made from EX-PE fibres, SIGLON PE offers a tightly woven braid that provides superior abrasion resistance, a very thin diameter for its breaking strain and minimal stretch. It is very easy to manage with a stiff yet ultra-smooth and round profile and is available in striking colour options. Available in 8 carrier PE (PEx8) and 4 carrier PE (PEx4).

PEx8 150m: Light Green, Orange, Multi Colour PE0.3 (5lb) to PE3 (50lb) 300m: Light Green, Orange, Multi Colour PE0.6 (10lb) to PE10 (130lb)

For the full Sunline and Lucky Craft ranges please visit www.ejtodd.com.au

PEx4 150m: Light Green PE0.2 (3lb) to PE3 (50lb) 300m: Light Green PE1 (16lb) to PE3 (50lb)

Stickbaits and how to use ‘twitchin’ sticks’ NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Twitching, jerking and ripping shallow-running hard-bodied stickbaits have fish-catching relevance that extends far beyond our northern barra waters.

Lure terminology can sure be a confusing

world where that term is greatly overused.

Other Bomber colours certainly catch fish – often exceptionally well – but chromed gold or the more translucent tiger lily version (with dark bars over a prismatic gold and orange insert), have established themselves as the go-to Bomber finishes, especially amongst keen barra fishers in the north

excellent Japanese-made contenders from the likes of Jackall, Smith, Ecogear and Nories, along with a host of others far too numerous to list. There are also various cheap copies, a few of which work well, and some of which don’t.

Buyer beware!

Some of the important characteristics shared by the more successful twitching minnows are a

The classic Gold Bomber 15A in its Aussie-inspired barra bomber colour on top of a pile of similar shallow-diving twitch or jerk minnows – they’re all deadly under the right conditions.

Small bibs, a long, thin body and positive buoyancy characterise lures in this class. subject! Lures in the family of hardbodies I’m looking at here are often referred to by Aussie anglers as shallow-running minnows.

However, there are plenty of shallow diving minnows out there that don’t necessarily tick all the boxes when it comes to the specific style of presentation I’m discussing, which can best be described as twitching, ripping or jerking… Yep – they’re Americanisms, for sure, but also rather apt descriptions of the presentations involved.

One make and model of lure represents this niche so well that its name is frequently used to describe the entire family. That lure is the Bomber Long A, especially in its 15A (12cm) size, but also the smaller 14A (9cm) version.

One colour in this lure (metallic gold) also sells as many as the rest put together. The Gold Bomber is a genuine classic in a

of the country. However, twitching a shallow-diving stickbait is a great way to catch all manner of fish and not just barra.

By varying the lure model and size, this technique can easily be applied to bream, flathead, mangrove jacks, trevally, bass, estuary perch, redfin and even trout, to name just a handful of prime targets.

Nor is their use confined the freshwater and estuary or inshore scenarios.

Ripping and twitching shallow minnows can also be a great way to fire up tailor, salmon, kingfish, bonito, mackerel and tuna out on the blue water.

Obviously, there are also many of other contenders capable of performing the same duties as a Bomber in this role. These include Rapala’s X-Rap and Shadow Rap ranges, Reidy’s B52, Gillies’ Just Under, Cranka’s Shallow Minnow and several

long and thin profile, small bib, shallow operating depth, pronounced rolling action and positive buoyancy. In other words, they float at rest. Neutral buoyancy or suspending models certainly have their place, but sinking options are not so useful in the role described. This is worth bearing in mind if you’re upgrading hardware, as it’s easy to turn a floater into a sinker by fitting excessively heavy hooks and rings.

All of these bomberstyle minnows are at their best when employed in their deadly twitching mode, especially when the target species is found in relatively shallow water (usually less than 2m), or suspended near the surface.

The simple instructions printed on the back of the Aussie-inspired (and beefed-up) “Barra Bomber” 15A’s packaging offer a basic but useful description of one popular presentation

The old balsa Rapala Flat Rap is one of the author’s favourite twitch baits. strategy for working these and many similar floating/ diving twitch minnows: • Cast near a snag or cover and wait until the lure comes to rest as it floats

• Give the lure a sharp jerk with the rod and immediately take up the slack • Wait until the lure floats back to the surface • Count to five and repeat

While lures in this category are best known amongst barra fishers, they are capable of catching many other species.

FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING *For orders over $125.00 (conditions apply)

ALL THE BEST BRANDS & PRICES AUSTRALIA WIDE!!

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Check out our range @ www.anglerswarehouse.com.au 12

MARCH 2018

from Step 2.

As the pack instructions go on to explain, “The strike nearly always occurs when the lure is floating up, or when it is on the surface.”

In reality, the nuances involved in twitching a shallow running minnow of this type are limited only by the inventiveness of the angler. By varying the size of the lure to suit the target species and adjusting your rod work accordingly, twitching stickbaits is an applicable (and often deadly) method across an incredibly wide range of angling scenarios. In my opinion, it’s also an approach far too often overlooked by Aussie anglers. Why not make yourself a promise to give it a try this year?

GIFT

CARDS vailable A

Phone orders welcome: (07) 5536 3822

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST FISHING CHALLENGE

SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018 RIGHT ACROSS AUSTRALIA

210,000

$

IN CASH & PRIZES REGISTER NOW FOR ONLY $25* & Receive a Limited Edition Cap, Brag Mat & Sticker!

Stacer 469 Outlaw Tiller Steer Powered by Evinrude E-tec 75hp plus trailer valued at $25,000

$2,000 Berkley Fishing Pack

$1,500 BCF Spending Spree

Lowrance Hook 2 12inch Including tripleshot transducer (sidescan, downscan and chirp) and Nav chart.

To REGISTER, log onto

www.pirtek.com.au

Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit

For full terms, conditions and licensing log on to pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au. Permit Nos: ACT Permit No TP TP17/02565; NSW Permit No LTPS/17/20578; SA Permit No T17/2399.

Bruiser bream are set to make a comeback THE HAWKESBURY

Dan Selby dan@sydneysportfishing.com.au

This time of year has to be my favourite on the Hawkesbury. Big blue nose bream usually make an appearance in the lower reaches as the days get shorter, and the water temperatures start to cool off.

Bream have been biting well throughout the summer months for those anglers who know where to look. A large portion of these fish have been looking up for their next meal, be it a prawn, baitfish or cicada. The continued dry conditions have kept the majority of fish in the upper tidal reaches, and this will continue until it either rains or the water temperatures drop down into the teens.

Hawkesbury River or Sydney Harbour Specialised Charters!

A lot of the big 40cm plus bream we encounter are caught as by-catch when targeting flathead and mulloway on lures and baits from Wisemans Ferry down to Broken Bay at this time of year. The best places to try for these stud bream are on the abundant natural rock walls like the Vines, as well as areas of broken ground like Bar Point, Pumpkin Point and the mouth of Marramarra Creek in Berowra.

Soft plastics are my favourite option for searching an area quickly, and 2-4” minnows and grubs in natural colours fished on 2-7g jigheads have really proven their worth over the years. Tight casts to the back edge of isolated boulders, or anything that breaks the current and forms eddies (such as bridge pylons or marker poles) is a good way

to find these bream.

If you have your sights set on that trophy fish, I would suggest keeping your leader strength to around 6-8lb, and be sure to check for any nicks and abrasion regularly from the rocks and barnacles. It’s these little bits of attention to detail that will help you to land that big bluenose when it finally bites.

Flathead have been consistent over the summer months, with lure fishing being the most productive approach. Whether it be casting or trolling, you are covering water and presenting your offering to new fish constantly.

Sitting at anchor can bring some reasonable catches with fresh bait and a steady berley trail, but a slow drift with lightly-weighted baits can be dynamite, especially on those days where the wind is against the tide and anchoring is near impossible.

and Broken Bay of late.

Small metal slices and clear soft plastic minnows wound as fast as humanly possible will get you a bite when the frigates and mac tuna are being fussy.

I like to troll live baits for the bigger kingfish and bonito, although plenty of anglers are doing well trolling a spread of small skirts and bibbed minnows around the headlands. Live yellowtail would have to be my pick of the baits, as you can secure a tank full in around an hour when they are being cooperative. Nose hooked or bridled with a strong, small non-offset hook and rubber band will have the yellowtail moving seductively on the downrigger or flatline, and the big kingies will zero in on it.

Mulloway are back on many anglers’ hit list, and some respectable fish have fallen to live baits and lures recently. The fish are back

Cicada lures cast tight to structure are producing some great bream on light tackle. This style of fishing is all about the cast 99% of the time – if you land your lure short, you will come up short of fish!

Big Fish Light Line!

• Mulloway • Kingfish • Bream • Bass • EP’s • Flathead

pp $ Sunday’s Fishing Tuition - 100 Call Dan on 0405

196 253 danselby01@gmail.com

www.sydneysportfishing.com.au

SPECIALISED SERVICES GROUP THE ULTIMATE IN SERVICE! 14

MARCH 2018

There has been some great inshore kingfish action lately, and this should continue this month. Live baits of squid, yakkas and slimies are the key to getting the bigger fish to bite.

As it gets later in the season, I have found it pays to think outside the square a little. Here’s an example: on a recent flathead foray the fish were not where I expected them to be. We had cast soft plastics on a drift across a substantial drop-off for only the one keeper, so we had to try something different. We continued along a nearby rock wall where a further ten keeper flathead were boated in just a few hundred meters, as the lures were hopped off the harder substrate and onto the sand at the base of the wall.

Snags were commonplace but necessary, as we had to get those lures onto the bottom where the flathead were lying in wait, ready to to ambush their prey.

Kingfish, bonito, frigate mackerel and mac tuna have been terrorising baitfish around Cowan, Pittwater

in the estuary and looking to put on some condition before the chill of winter sets in.

Live baits are still easy to obtain, and are a great proposition when the tide is running, as you can still keep an offering in the fish’s face.

You may find it more productive to drift and cast soft plastics when the tide slows down. Paddletail shads and stickbaits from 3-7” rigged on 3-14g jigheads will cover the many scenarios the Hawkesbury has to offer. The key is to select the right plastic and jig combination for the area that you are fishing.

As a general rule, 1g of jig weight per metre of water being fished should give you a steady sink rate without the plastic plummeting to the bottom.

Mulloway come back into focus for the author this month.

Live baiting will be the best method, but will give way to lures as the weather gets colder.

WHY IS IT SO EASY FOR ME TO CATCH FISH? I HAVE CONNECTIONS.

ECHOMAP™ Plus 95sv

9”

ACTIVECAPTAIN™ APP READY

WITH BUILT-IN WIFI®

KEYED-ASSIST

BUILT-IN SONAR

TOUCHSCREEN CHIRP + CLEARVÜ + SIDEVÜ

PRELOADED WITH BLUECHART® G2 VISION HD

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

GARMIN.COM/NEWMARINE © 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

BUILT-IN

QUICKDRAW CONTOURS

Pelagics putting on a good show SYDNEY NORTH

Paul O’Hagan

Fishing around Sydney has seen some excellent days and some poor ones, with the weather changing and the sea temperatures and currents fluctuating daily.

For those who have had the conditions in their favour, the results have been excellent offshore, with a heap of mahimahi and marlin being taken with slimy mackerel being trolled on a downrigger. While this has been a good way to pick up a fish or two around some bait schools, you can cover more ground using a spread of small and large skirted lures

and troll them a lot faster, increasing your chances.

Some of the offshore reefs have been holding some very large kingfish, which are eagerly taking live baits, and for some anglers jigging has been quite successful if you can get the jigs past the leatherjackets.

For the majority of anglers fishing inside Sydney Harbour there has been an abundance of pelagic species, whether you are fishing from the shore or from a boat. Trolling small hardbodied lures has been very successful in taking anything from bonito to small kingfish, and fishing from the land casting stickbaits and metals should account

for some of these surface feeders as well.

Catching squid inside the harbour has been difficult lately, but with time and effort a few of these excellent baits can be found.

Around the spit bridge in the very early morning and in the evening using small 1.8 to 2.5 size jigs seems to be the choice for most anglers.

While catching squid can be a bit slow at times, you can always fish with a second rod, as the bridge is a haven for fish like mulloway, kingfish, tailor and salmon travelling back and forth.

Fishing on our beaches has been pretty consistent

for some anglers targeting whiting in the early mornings using freshly-caught beach worms (or frozen for those who have not perfected the art of catching them).

Never use baits that are too large, as whiting will take the smallest of offerings on light gear. Bear in mind that there are a lot of dart on our beaches at the moment as well, and they can be a pest at times, taking anything that is available to them.

As darkness approaches, the beaches are being dominated by some of our bigger predators that will destroy any well-presented fish fillets or strips of squid.

Matt Martin swims a black marlin before it’s sent on its way.

BOOK NOW FOR WARM WATER PELAGIC ACTION!

Specialising in small group offshore charters THE BEST BOAT & THE BEST GUIDES = AWESOME FISHING!

Book Today : 0414 906 569 www.oceansportsfishing.com.au

Demetri Vardis has been getting into the local whiting lately!

Whaler sharks go on patrol as the sun goes down, and can send some anglers into a spin as they scream off at high speed trying to win their freedom. Using a good heavy outfit fitted with braid or mono can subdue these speedsters, but the main thing is the size or type of trace to use. Wire is a good

way to hold on to them, but you can put other species off like mulloway, as the wire is usually stiff and does not present very well. Usually a stronger mono leader is quite sufficient, as long as you hit the fish before it engulfs the bait, resulting in a lip hook and giving yourself a better chance of a capture.

Other species like banjo sharks, shovel-nosed sharks and stingrays can be a lot of fun while waiting to catch a mulloway, but until you hook up, the expectation is always that it will be one of the elusive mulloway. Not many reports have come in of late for mulloway, and those who are catching them are keeping their methods fairly quiet.

Narrabeen Lake with its abundance of prawns has seen an increase in fish being taken from the entrance and right up the back of the lake, and a few decent whiting are being taken on worms and small surface lures. Catching prawns and using them for bait can account for a lot of fish, as there is no fish that can refuse a fresh prawn fished on light gear without weight.

Large flathead are biting well in the lake and are being taken on hardbodied lures,

with some on soft and hard vibes fished in the channels and around the weed beds.

With all forms of fishing, covering the area is very important, as sitting in one spot can sometimes have very negative results. If the fish are not biting where you are, move along to another spot, as they could be biting or feeding a short distance away.

Manly Dam is still keeping fishos active, as the cicadas are still falling from the trees and the bass are eager to take all forms of lures fished on the surface in the very early morning and late evening. There are a lot of cicada lures out there at the moment and some seem to work better than others, but bass love surface action and fishing any of the topwater lures could get you a strike.

For those who want a lazy day at the dam with the family, you can fish for the abundant redfin and carp that are available using a float and some bread or sweet corn on light tackle. Using bread as berley, it shouldn’t be long before the float gets pulled under and you’re hooked up!

As always, stay safe and enjoy the fishing.

Ivan Klisarov with a fun-sized kingfish, which are available in the harbour this month.

16

MARCH 2018

I SHOULD’VE SWITCHED SOONER Karl Stubbs the Commuter

NEXT LEVEL! BETTER ACCELERATION, BETTER FUEL EFFICIENCY SUZUKIMARINE.COM.AU

Mayhem in March PITTWATER

Peter Le Blang plfishfingers@bigpond.com

Once again Pittwater has seen some great fishing over the last month and hopefully it’s going to continue again this month.

Lots of lucky anglers have been starting at the crack of dawn catching squid and hunting down kingfish, and on most occasions their targeted species have been found. There seems to be a lot of kingfish along Pittwater, but as usual there are lots of small fish caught before larger ones are found.

The smaller fish can be quite readily caught on smaller soft plastics, poppers and small metal lures. Finding baitfish on the surface will usually mean the kingies aren’t far away. The smaller kingfish are responding well to the above-mentioned lures, but if you are using baits, squid will work best. The humble pilly will also catch quite a few if drifted unweighted into the melee.

Larger kingfish can still be found, but they seem to be single fish or in pairs, and they seem to be haunting the

bays along Pittwater. Quite often this season we have seen larger kingfish cruising through very shallow water as we are hunting down squid. It doesn’t take Einstein to work out what they’re after, so my suggestion is the first squid you catch should be rigged up pretty quickly and left in the live bait tank ready to go.

We have encountered some larger fish on the ocean side of Barrenjoey Head, Scotland Island, Careel Bay and Sinclair Point.

This mulloway scoffed a pilchard at Mona Vale Reef.

The kingfish are fat and hungry this year.

Squid seem to be pretty easy at the moment, with a lot of squid being caught around Barrenjoey Head area, Palm Beach, Careel

GENERAL BOATING AND JET SKI LICENCE

BOAT LICENCE

$70 JET SKI UPGRADE

LOG BOOK PRACTICAL *Price may vary slightly in some areas

NSW & r Areas ArrangemVictoria By e and C nt. Group Bookingsorporate Available .

CENTRAL COAST HEAD OFFICE 1300 302 123

LOWER HAWKESBURY 0428 196 699

NEWCASTLE 0427 652 255

PORT STEPHENS & SWANSEA 0419 591 734

TORONTO 0428 264 237

GREAT LAKES 0417 654 584

COOMA 1300 302 123

NORTHERN BEACHES CENTRAL & NORTH SYDNEY

WESTERN SYDNEY 0425 284 949 SOUTHERN SYDNEY & CAMPBELLTOWN

0417 964 060

$140

caught on the drop-off that goes from Palm Beach to Mackerel Beach. In this area you can either drag baits or use lures depending on

BOOK IN THESE G AT R LOCATIO EAT NS All Othe

M.A.S.T.NSW

$105*

Bay and Portuguese Beach area. Once again, the smaller jigs seem to be working the best with 2.5g squid jigs in fluoro pink or orange doing most of the damage. Don’t forget to have a couple of natural coloured jigs in your browns or blues just in case you find a few tentative ones.

If you do find a few wary ones, try smaller jigs, as this can sometimes trigger the attack that you are after.

Flathead are being caught towards the mouth of Pittwater, with a lot being

ILLAWARRA 0417 209 199

PAMBULA 0416 483 683

1800 00 BOAT JERVIS BAY REGION 0427 482 426

ALBURY, WODONGA, RIVERINA & VICTORIA

0409 594 939

Email: jim@maritimesafetytraining.com.au NSW & VIC Maritime Accredited Training Provider

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL | FREECALL 1300 302 123

www.maritimesafetytraining.com.au NSW FISHING INDUSTRY TRAINING COMMITTEE LTD TRADING AS MARITIME SAFETY TRAINING (ACN 002 693 291)

18

MARCH 2018

which way you would like to fish for them. If you like your soft plastics fishing for flathead, the large shallow weed bed area around Palm Beach is seeing quite a few fish being caught on the high tide. Other areas are Mackerel Beach, The Basin, Careel Bay and in front of Portuguese Beach.

Mulloway are still being caught in Pittwater, Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. Tide changes have been important, and using fresh caught bait will see you in with a great chance at snaring one of these silver ghosts. We have been encountering quite a few fish while drifting Broken Bay after finding schools of baitfish. The areas that we have been targeting have been from Flint and Steel reef through to Walker Point and south to Eleonoras Bluff.

Finding schools of baitfish has been a must to increase the chances of finding some hungry fish.

Using micro jigs of 90-220g will see you having a great chance at catching mulloway on lures as well.

Not only will you catch mulloway with these lures, but also a vast array of other species. On a recent charter, one of my customers caught seven species of fish on the same micro jig in one day.

So as you can see, they are a very versatile lure and well worth using in the right situation.

Along our coasts there have been quite a few fish to tangle with as well, whether you’re fishing hard along the coasts or offshore into the deeper water. Along our coastline we have lots of small kingfish eager to jump on lures, squid strips and live baits such as yellowtail and slimy mackerel. These fish can be great fun, but unfortunately most of them are undersized, so please measure your fish before taking. There are some larger fish cruising some of the headlands, with Newport Reef being one of the better ones.

On the reefs we have been finding snapper first

thing in the morning, but as the sun rises higher in the sky the better quality fish are harder to find. Other species that we’ve been catching have been mulloway, trevally, bar cod, nannygai, flathead and the odd trag and morwong.

As usual, it is important to find the bait schools to find the larger predators. Blindly drifting reefs will see the odd decent fish being caught, but your odds improve greatly if you can find some baitfish around or over the reef.

The better baits to use at the moment are your fish

of both with you before heading offshore.

The reefs to try are The Container, East Reef, Mona Vale, Newport and the drifting grounds at Long Reef. The Wrecks at Narrabeen and Mona Vale are also worth drifting past.

So as you can see, there is still quite a bit of activity, all you need to do is find the time to enjoy it.

I hope this report sees you grabbing your mates, a whole heap of fishing gear and heading off to Pittwater or offshore to enjoy some great fishing. Don’t forget

Decent flathead like this can be caught around Broken Bay using soft plastics or bait. baits of pilchards, fillets of yellowtail or slimy mackerel. The latter two can be caught once found on the reefs if needed, but most headlands have a population of yellowtail at this time of year, so they can be gathered before heading out. Squid strips are also working okay, but not as well as the pilchards at the moment. This can change overnight, so my advice is to take some

that you can greatly increase your knowledge of an area by using a local fishing guide. Not only will you have information that you can use for the rest of your life, but you will pick up new areas and the techniques that are required to best fish those areas.

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

CLEARER, SHARPER, GLARE FREE VISION

hobie.com.au

hobiepolarized.com.au HobiePolarizedAsiaPacific HobieCatAsiaPacific HobieSUPAsiaPacific HobieFishingAsiaPacific

Master the mulloway madness in March SYDNEY HARBOUR

Craig McGill craig@fishabouttours.com.au

Mulloway love murky dark water. This can be a sudsy rock platform or beach hole where wave action has suspended sand, muddy water after rain, the cover of night darkness or deep water with low light penetration. The fish use the low visibility to ambush prey.

It’s always been a bit of a mystery why some of the spots that do well for mulloway don’t appear to have any of these attributes.

The mud bottom sections of the harbour generally fish better than the sand bottom and nearly always on the turn of the tide, but we do well here on mulloway in daylight hours and in seemingly clear water.

This doesn’t fit the above criteria at all – but the mystery may have been solved. My mate Phil worked in the harbour for several years as a navy clearance diver; underwater for most of his working hours, he has a better idea of what goes on down there than anyone I know. He observed the

various tidal movements over the above-mentioned mud bottoms.

“While the tide is running the mud bottom is well defined; you can swim down and it can be quite clear when you are nearing it,” he said. “It’s soft to touch, your hand sinks in easily as would an anchor or lead sinker, but it is visually clearly defined.

You can see all the marine life swimming around.

“On the turn of the tide, when the water flow stops, it’s the exact opposite. The silt lifts up, sometimes as high as 2m, and as you swim down you find that the bottom definition has disappeared. It’s hard to tell from a diver’s perspective where the water finishes and the bottom starts. Also, you can’t see any marine life. No doubt it’s still there but it’s hiding in the smoke screen.”

For a predator like a mulloway that has evolved for hunting in dirty water, this presents an ideal opportunity.

Conversely, for predators like kings that hunt visually, this is not a good situation.

Hence, fishing for kings over the mud bottoms has always been a waste of time on the turn of the tide. This has certainly unravelled the

To catch kings like this consistently you first have to learn to catch squid. mystery of why mulloway like the turn of the tide and has given me a lot to think about in regard to tactics, particularly bait placement.

It’s a major piece of the puzzle – I just wish Phil had mentioned this years ago.

This has been a great season for big kingfish. It looks like we have entered an El Niño cycle, meaning less coastal rain. This will mean more kings close to the coast and in the bays and harbours. I’ve jumped up from 50 to 80lb tackle

and am still having trouble stopping some of them. Here is a bit of a run-down on targeting them.

Big kingies like whole live squid, and small kings don’t. Big kingies will just as happily take a squid head.

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

A whole squid gut is an exceptionally good bait and also the best berley that

you can use for kings. It’s all about the guts. Use the guts and especially the ink to entice the fish. You can burst the ink sac before you send the bait down or you can let the first king burst it for you.

The gut is always the first bait to go which must mean it’s the best bait. Strips of squid cut from the tube are good baits particularly after the guts and heads have got the school in a frenzy. Rub it all in ink.

Kingies mostly hold from mid-water down, so

obviously this is a good place to present your bait.

The first two hours of the run-out, early morning and late afternoon are when you will find them really feeding.

Those are also good times to catch squid. You won’t have to worry too much about tides or time of day if you pay close attention to what I said earlier about the bait, the guts and the ink.

Kings are easily turned on and off again if you know what buttons to push. The worst thing you can do is to keep presenting something in the same manner, after is has been rejected.

A school of following kings can be turned into a school of taking kings by something as simple as changing the presentation angle. This applies to both lures and bait. If they follow a lure or show interest in a bait more than three times without taking it, don’t present it again.

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

They are stubborn bastards and the more you shove it in their face, the more they’ll reject it. Change

SYDNEY’S NO.1

Dealer!

AVAILABLE AT

» 2 STROKE OR 4 STROKE OPTIONS » 2HP TO 90HP » SHORT OR LONG SHAFT

info@islandinflatables.com.au

Phone: 02 9532 0002 20

MARCH 2018

5-800 Old Illawarra Rd, Menai

www.islandinflatables.com.au

lure size, let it sink, change the presentation angle or – best of all – go away, try another spot and come back in half an hour.

To turn them on, surprise them. Rock up to a spot noisily. Throw your anchor with a big splash and then get all your baits out there quickly. Let the baits sink to the required depth and then rip them back in.

Just as an excited dumb dog does stupid things, so do kingies. As soon as the anchor hits the water they come straight over to see what is happening. The key is to not give them too

much time to think about it.

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

In addition to this you are better to have five or six baits in the water rather than just a few. Once again this is more likely to excite them. If you can’t handle six rods just take a few out of action once you have the fish on the bite.

One final but equally important tip is to fish with your reel in gear and with your normal fighting drag.

Don’t feed kingies any line when they take your bait.

Once a take is felt lower

the rod down and move with the fish. Once the rod reaches the water it’s time to strike.

• Check out Fishabout Sydney Harbour on Facebook for regular updates on what is biting on the harbour, the website www.fishaboutsydney.com. au for detailed how-to articles and of course check out Instagram (craig_mcgill) for heaps of fishy pics.

• 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.

Olly Shek with a massive harbour king.

FISHING NEWS

The Fly Program A fishing program which aims to give renewed hope to men suffering from mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, will receive a $41,000 boost from the NSW Government.

Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair and Minister for Mental Health, Tanya Davies announced the funding for The Fly Program today, founded by Matt Tripet who tragically lost his brother-in-law to suicide in 2013.

Mr Blair said the program is already delivering lifechanging results.

“Matt isn’t just casting a line with men in mountain streams, he is ‘casting’ awareness and helping men find their voice to speak up when times get tough,” Mr Blair said.

“Fly fishing requires patience, a calm and focused mind and a willingness to learn, but through that process you are guaranteed to feel more grounded and more connected with the world around you.”

Mr Tripet said the program is designed to help

men, who may be directly, or indirectly struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and/or suicide.

“We’re committed to providing men with an environment where they not only explore amazing locations on the mountain bike, or with the fishing rod at hand but also use these experiences as the platform to explore new frontiers within themselves,” Mr Tripet said.

“We began the program in the Snowy Mountains but I am now working towards launching in several locations right across the State – I want it to be accessible to men everywhere.”

Mrs Davies said suicide

affects men at a rate three times greater than women and men are less likely to access mental health services.

“This program means men can seek advice or help in a less daunting way. The outdoors creates a relaxed opportunity to share their stories with other men who may be experiencing similar challenges,” Mrs Davies said. For more information on The Fly Program visit here.

If you or someone you know needs help call MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 or for crisis support phone Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

MensLine Australia

THE ALL NEW TOUGHER MAHINDRA PIK- UP • • • •

4X4 WITH LOW RANGE TRANSFER CASE & EATON MECHANICAL DIFF-LOCK ALL NEW STYLISH INTERIOR • ISOFIX CHILD RESTRAINTS INTERCOOLED TURBO DIESEL • HILL DESCENT CONTROL & HILL HOLD 2.5 TONNE BRAKED TOWING • SATELLITE NAVIGATION & REVERSE CAMERA*

PARTICIPATING MAHINDRA AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS - NSW SYDNEY EAST - BALLINA - BOMBALA - DUBBO - GOULBURN - GRIFFITH LEETON - LISMORE - MAITLAND - NARRABRI - NARROMINE ORANGE - TAMWORTH - TUGGERAH - TWEED HEADS *Satellite Navigation and Reverse Camera on S10 Model Only.

MARCH 2018

21

Weather and fishing still red-hot BOTANY BAY

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

The reports keep on coming in from anglers who regularly fish Botany Bay and its tributaries that the fishing is going great guns and will continue on through March and beyond.

Como Bridge and caught five dusky flathead, four bream and a small mulloway on a run-out tide. All were caught on pilchard tails.

Colin Smart and his daughter anchored up on the upstream side of the sand flats on the eastern side of the Como Bridge and caught nine whiting on tube worms.

John Black reports that dusky flathead, bream and

Luderick are still being caught at Soily Point. You will need to get yourself some fresh green weed, but cabbage is also a good option at times. Make sure that you have a steady stream of berley when chasing luderick.

Mulloway can be targeted just before and after the full moon at the bridge at Milperra, the M5, Como,

are standing. Remember to pause for about five or so seconds in between hops.

Blue swimmer crabs are still showing up in the Georges River for those anglers who have been drifting for flathead.

The Woronora River has a large concentration of mullet moving up and down the river. These are great fun on light line while float fishing, and they also make great fresh and salted baits for bream, flathead and mulloway.

March may see the weather cool off a bit, but the fishing will be still very hot.

One of my favourite places to anchor up on a run-out tide is the western side of the oil wharf. This is a great place for bream, trevally, flathead, whiting, kingfish and the odd squid or two.

Remember that you have to be at least 100m away and you should always have a small and steady berley trail going. If there is a tanker moored up to the wharf, you could try The Sticks, The Drums and Trevally Alley, as the boat traffic will have quietened down a bit.

I ventured out for a bait fish and managed to get amongst a few bream and trevally. The best bait by far was the Hawkesbury peeled prawn, and the best rig was a long leader, swivel and

Rob Cooper caught a very nice dusky flathead fishing for whiting with blood worms in the Georges River. the trick, and strips of squid for the kingfish.

The NSW Fisheries artificial reefs in Yarra Bay will hold bream, trevally and leatherjackets. You can either anchor up nearby and berley, or work soft

Sand flathead can be caught while drifting in 50m off Maroubra and Long Bay. Pilchards, squid, slimy mackerel and mullet have been the best baits.

Drummer and luderick are on the chew for those

Dennis joined the author for a bait fish with peeled prawns at the end of the third runway and the middle of the bay.

Rob Cooper caught a very nice dusky flathead while fishing in the Georges River while whiting fishing with blood worms.

Peter Wright from Picnic Point ventured out to the entrance of the Woronora River and drifted from Jewfish Point to the

the odd mulloway have been caught at Bald Face Point on the run-up tide. The best baits have been strips of fresh mullet and pilchard tails.

Further upstream at the Moons, bream, whiting and flathead have been caught on tube worms, fresh strips of mullet and squid.

MICRO CAT

Tom Uglys and the Captain Cook. Live yellowtail, squid or mullet would be the best bait options. You could also try using large paddletail soft plastics. With the plastics, cast out as far as you can, allow it to sink to the bottom and them slow hop it back to where you

TECHNOLOGY Australian designed and manufactured

Nothing looks like a Micro Cat Nothing goes like a Micro Cat

PATENTS PENDING

The boat ramp at Port Botany is very popular during the warmer months of the year.

• • • •

This boat can go into 350mm of water at full speed Makes a mockery of ocean bars The most stable fishing platform of its size range on Earth Sidewinder Models come in 4.4m & 4.95m

Call Craig (02) 4392 8866

Micro Cat Boats

www.bluewaterfabrication.com.au 22

MARCH 2018

running sinker. We did have a couple of bust-offs from kingfish taking off with the bait and going around another boat’s anchor rope.

Scotty Lyons in the green machine was near us and they also managed a few bream, trevally and a couple of legal kingfish. Once again, the peeled prawns did

plastics or blades around and through the reef.

If you are able to venture offshore and like trolling, I would suggest you start trolling from Cape Banks and up to Wedding Cake Island at Coogee. Kingfish, salmon and bonito can be caught on skirts and deep diving hardbodies.

fishing off the rocks on the Kurnell Peninsula. Inside the bay, Silver Beach is worth a shot for whiting and bream when there is a southerly blowing.

If you have anything to report or have a picture of your latest catch just email it to me at gbrown1@ iprimus.com.au

THE outboard of the FUTURE

Evinrude E-TEC G2 The outboard of the future. AVAILABLE TODAY Introducing a revolutionary concept in outboards – a choice.

Now, choose cutting-edge over commonplace. Choose more torque over more talk. Choose more time on the water over more time in the shop. Choose the outboard that performs, and looks like no other outboard in the world.

Contact your local dealer today SYDNEY SOUTH

Hunts Marine

PORT STEPHENS

629 Princes Hwy, Blakehurst, 2221 02 9546 1324 www.huntsmarine.com.au • info@huntsmarine.com.au

SYDNEY WEST

Blakes Marine

WOLLONGONG

1 Railway Road North, Mulgrave, 2756 02 4577 6699 www.blakesmarine.com.au • sales@blakesmarine.com.au

NOWRA

Dave Hill Marine

1 Berry St, Nowra, 2540 02 4423 6137 info@davehillmarine.com.au

Bay Boat Sales

332 Soldiers Pt Rd, Salamander Bay, 2317 02 4982 7899 www.bayboatsales.com.au • bayboatsales@hotmail.com

Hunts Marine

74 Princes Highway, Yallah, 2530 02 4284 0444 www.huntsmarine.com.au • info@huntsmarine.com.au

COWRA

All Service Motors

1 Redfern St, Cowra, 2794 02 6342 2590 www.allservicemotors.com.au • allservicemotors@bigpond.com

Our seasons aren’t always what they seem SYD ROCK & BEACH

Alex Bellissimo alex@bellissimocharters.com.au

To start off I would like to remind readers about how the seasons for different species aren’t set in stone.

I had a discussion with a group of anglers recently, and some of them believed that when the traditional season for a certain species rolls around, the fish will automatically come on the bite and continue to do so for the whole six to eight month period.

Here’s an example.

Kings in Sydney are normally targeted from mid October to late May at least, but some years they do not start until late November and go through until July.

This is obviously a different situation with the boat fishos, who can get into the kings when the land-based anglers are getting few or none.

Also there are sections of the ‘season’ where the fishing for that species is just as dead as when it’s completely out of season.

Then bam – they’re back!

Then there’s the other side of the coin. Generally when anglers think a species is not in season, they’ll assume there’s no chance of catching one. A typical example is the rock blackfish. The photo of this impressive pig on this page is a so-called out of season fish.

Rock blackfish are generally sought after from late April, when the water temperatures

John Halford with an out of season warm water pig.

This fish went an impressive 59cm and was released seconds after this photo. Because they are a resident species, they can be caught all year round in Sydney. are dropping, through to late September or early October.

However, pigs are actually caught in good numbers in the warmer months as well.

In summer most anglers have king and mulloway fever, and 95% of rock fishers stop pursuing pigs. It’s gotten to the point that some anglers are adamant that you will not catch them from late October until April at least, which simply isn’t true.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed in fishing.

The best you can do is to

maximise your chances by targeting a specific species, using the right gear for the job, the right lures or baits, fish at the correct locations and tides, and with the correct techniques at those times. And of course, you shouldn’t assume the fish are definitely biting (or shut-down) solely based on traditional fishing seasons.

If you go in it for the long haul, you’ll accumulate the knowledge to catch fish more consistently.

WHAT’S BITING When it comes to estuary fishing, there are populations of kings around Middle Harbour at the Spit bridge, Georges Head and even the old gas works at Manly. Salted or unsalted ganged gars as a spinning bait, freshly-caught whole squid cut into strips, and small live yellowtail either fished on the bottom or suspended under a float all get results on their day. Fish to 75cm are caught, and locals said a 1.1m fish was landed from the gas works recently. You can also catch luderick and bream from these locations, as well as tailor in the evenings.

At Narrabeen lagoon, the sand flat drop-off approximately 250m west of the beach bridge has luderick to 33cm, whiting to 35cm and bream to 32cm. Use hair weed for the luderick, with a berley of sand/hair weed.

Squirt worms can be pumped, along with some blood worms, but a fine floating sieve is required as you will be pumping them often in water above shindeep in the lake. Fish the run-in tide on the medium tides up to about 1.5m highs. Remember that how open the lake entrance is will determine how flooded the sand flat to edge of drop-off will be.

On the ocean rocks some of the deep ledges in my area have some kings, bonito and frigate mackerel.

You can also get some tailor

sa ne need Everyo

Carry THING EVERY ed in you ne ! one trip

today! yours Order

only

ck/Navy ble in Bla also a il a v a • Now heels Beach W • Balloon available now

Ph: 0402 859 308 E: info@ezybeach.com.au

www.ezybeach.com.au

24

MARCH 2018

Indigo Plummer with one of the many fish caught on this beach trip with her dad and brother. Whiting and bream were part of the bag, and they used live beach worms for bait.

during low light periods, and you might be lucky enough to pick up a few during the day as well.

If you’re chasing kings, I recommend ganged sea gars, 9” Silstar Slapstix or 45g SureCatch Knights with the green or gold strip.

If you’re after frigate mackerel, a smaller metal is generally better as the frigates usually feed on very small baitfish. The only problem is that when you go down to a metal that weighs around 10g, it’s hard to cast it more than 10-15m with the heavier line classes of 8-10kg. For this reason I downsize to 4kg J-Braid with an 8lb SureCatch fluorocarbon leader, fished on a Daiwa 3000 size reel on

bread trickle. Little Bluey ledges in Manly south of Shelly headland, North Curl Curl boulders 100m north of the swimming pool, and Warriewood’s NE face rocks.

A larger run of tailor is expected this month, most likely towards the end of the month. If not, it will be in April. That fast and furious tailor fishing off the beach can be loads of fun, and when they’re on it’s not too difficult to get a feed. Often species like salmon, flathead and the occasional bream can be caught as well. A good approach is to fish a ganged pilly and a popper on the one rig. On the bottom swivel, tie on a length of 50-60cm, 15-20kg leader attached to a

Sam Spyridakos with a nice Spit bridge king which he released. Even on a busy Sunday with lots of boat traffic you can catch a fish. a 10ft Wilson Blue Steel rod, and have found this gives much better results.

Before you start targeting frigates in this way, remember that landing fish that you cannot lift requires some planning.

Firstly, determine where you’re going to wash up the fish safely. Second, never take your eyes off the waves when you are attempting to wash up a fish. And thirdly, when picking up your fish, face the ocean and look at the waves.

And of course, you should always wear a lifejacket and have steel spike shoes or stretch-on spikes.

In those washes that have sunken ledges, boulders with some white water around them, in about 2-4m of water there are some good pigs to 54cm being caught.

There are also groper, bream and luderick in amongst the bags. I recommend fishing the second half of the run-in through to the first or second hour of the run-out tide for these species using peeled endeavour or banana prawns, white bread or crab segments. For best results, deploy a consistent

three-hook gang. On the top swivel, attach a 30cm length of the same leader tied to a surf popper (put a sinker in between the swivels).

Sometimes more fish are caught on the surf popper.

Whiting and bream are in good numbers, with most being caught on live beach worms. Pipis will take their share as well, and some of the beaches have pipis on tap. Just remember to take only a few and use them on the beach.

It’s a great month for a mulloway trip, so get the heavier 10-15kg outfits out there with your squid, tailor or mullet live baits, and put in the effort. At Palm Beach, fish the gutters (often towards the southern end it can be a little featureless). Newport Beach, Bungan, North Narrabeen, and Long Reef/ Dee Why beach are also good places to try.

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

UNBEATABLE 75-115HP FOURSTROKE

BETTER FUEL EFFICIENCY AND MORE RANGE THAN EVER BEFORE 115HP CRUISE SPEED FUEL EFFICIENCY VS. CURRENT FOURSTROKE AND OPTIMAX

115HP FOURSTROKE FUEL EFFICIENCY VS. 115HP OPTIMAX 5.10

340 330

4.25

310

km/l

300 290

1.70

280

MERCURY’S NEW 115HP FOURSTROKE DELIVERS UP TO 14% BETTER CRUISE SPEED ECONOMY BSFC dyno testing; data is an average of 60%-80% rated engine speed based on standard ICOMIA emissions test.

80.47

72.42

115HP OPTIMAX

64.37

56.33

48.28

NEW MERCURY 115HP FOURSTROKE

40.23

0.0

32.19

NEW MERCURY 2.1L 115hp

24.14

MERCURY OPTIMAX 115hp

16.09

PREVIOUS MERCURY FOURSTROKE 1.7L

8.05

0.85

270 260

3.40 2.55

0.0

g/kWh

320

km/h

MERCURY’S NEW 115HP FOURSTROKE DELIVERS UP TO 63% BETTER FUEL EFFICIENCY AT CRUISE VS. THE 115HP OPTIMAX WITH A SLIGHT TOP SPEED ADVANTAGE. Test conducted on a 1775 Lund aluminium boat.

See your authorised Mercury Marine Dealer today.

See your authorised Mercury Marine Dealer today.

CENTRAL COAST INSINC MARINE

MID NORTH COAST DISCO MARINE

20 Dell Road West Gosford

160 North Street Grafton

SYDNEY NORTH WEST WATERSPORTS MARINE

Phone: (02) 4324 4300

Phone: (02) 6643 1199

11 Binney Road Kingspark

Email: troy@insincmarine.com.au

Email: sales@discomarine.com.au

Phone: (02) 9676 1400

Website: www.insincmarine.com.au

Website: www.discomarine.com.au

Email: info@watersportmarine.com.au Website: www.watersportsmarine.com.au

DUBBO DUBBO MARINE & WATERSPORTS

PORT MACQUARIE HASTINGS MARINE

36 Bourke Street Dubbo

185 Hastings River Drive Port Macquarie

SYDNEY WEST PENRITH MARINE

Phone: (02) 6882 2853

Phone: (02) 6583 5511

4/133 Coreen Avenue Penrith

Email: bbeandel@bigpond.net.au

Email: sales@hastingsmarine.com.au

Phone: (02) 4731 6250

Website: www.dubbomarine.com.au

Website: www.hastingsmarine.com.au

Email: sales@penrithmarine.com.au Website: www.penrithmarine.com.au

FAR SOUTH COAST MERIMBULA OUTBOARDS 382 Sapphire Coast Drive Tura Merimbula

SYDNEY NORTH SHORE SHANNON OUTBOARDS

TAREE MANNING RIVER MARINE

Phone: (02) 6495 9634

3/41 Leighton Place Hornsby

13 Victoria Street Taree

Email: info@merimbulaoutboard.com.au

Phone: (02) 9482 2638

Phone: (02) 6552 2333

Website: www.merimbulaoutboard.com.au

Email: sales@shannonoutboards.com.au

Email: jim@manningrivermarine.com.au

Website: www.shannonoutboards.com.au

Website: www.mercurydealertaree.com

HUNTER FISHERMAN’S WAREHOUSE TACKLE WORLD

SYDNEY NORTH WEST TR MARINE WORLD

TWEED/GOLD COAST TWEED COAST MARINE

804 Pacific Highway Marks Point

44 Curtis Road McGraths Hill

32 Machinery Drive Tweed Heads South

Phone: (02) 4945 2152

Phone: (02) 4577 3522

Phone: (07) 5524 8877

Email: enquiries@fishermanswarehouse.com.au

Email: sales@trmarine.com.au

Email: admin@tweedcoastmarine.com.au

Website: www.fishermanswarehouse.com.au

Website: www.trmarine.com.au

Website: www.tweedcoastmarine.com.au

Beach fishing bonanza SYDNEY SOUTH

Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au

On the southern side of Sydney there are a number of beaches that will produce fish throughout the year. The only thing is that it will vary from month to month on what fish species are caught.

In Bate Bay you have Boat Harbour, Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, Cronulla and South Cronulla. Then comes the small and secluded Blackwoods Beach. On

the other side of the Port Hacking River you will find the NE facing beach of Jibbon.

From here you find Marley, Little Marley, Wattamolla, Garie, North and South Era, Burning Palms and Werrong beaches, all of which are in the Royal National Park, and you will have to pay either a daily parking fee or get yourself a yearly pass.

As with all beaches it’s not just a matter of grabbing your gear and bait and just rocking up and expecting to catch fish. You will need to put in a bit of research

COHOE MARINE PRODUCTS TOHATSU Outboards

first. As an example, Boat Harbour and Greenhills beaches don’t fish well in a southerly blow, but will tend to fish much better when the wind turns to the north to northeast. This month you could chase bream, dart, whiting, trevally and even the odd drummer and luderick in the corner of Boat Harbour.

On the other hand, South Cronulla will fish ok when the wind is coming from the south, as it is protected. Bream and squid off the rocks in the corner of the beach are a real possibility.

Blackwoods Beach is worth a shot when using a running ball sinker down onto the bait, particularly after there has been a southerly blow.

Half pilchards, mullet and squid

This angler is fishing on the right-hand side of a rip, causing his line to be dragged to the left. He just needs to move about 20m to the left and the rip would help take the bait out further. and flathead. Take a couple of 30g metal lures with you in case the tailor and salmon show up.

patrolling any of the sand flats looking for a feed.

Tube and beach worms, nippers, strips of fresh

Sales-Service-Repairs Dinghy/Tenders Boating Accessories 209 Australia Street Newtown PH:

9519 3575

Fax:

9550 3617

cohoemarine@bigpond.com

www.fishin.com.au ONLINE TOURNAMENT TACKLE STORE

ZX BLADES ZMAN GRUBZ CRANKA CRABS

BENT MINNOWS

This shot shows a beach at low tide. 1 is a hole better fished at high tide, 2 is a strong rip, and 3 is a stretch of beach best fished when the tide is higher.

JACKALL CHUBBY

FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING

0425 230 964 – info@fishin.com.au SHOP 18, 29 KIORA RD MIRANDA NSW 2228

strips or beach worms are the go.

Jibbon Beach faces towards the north and is a place to go when the southerlies have been blowing for some time.

Beach worms and nippers are the best baits for bream, whiting, trevally

NEW SOLAR MATS WITH GENUINE SUNPOWER SOLAR CELLS

When Tough Got Tougher

RD KORR HA

5

YEARS

W

ARRA NTY

$899.00 26

MARCH 2018

www.hardkorrlighting.com

Further south in the Royal National Park, I would try Garie Beach on a run-up tide for whiting and bream using beach or tube worms, and whole pilchards for tailor and salmon on the run-out tide.

If beach fishing is not your thing, you could always try fishing off the rocks at North Garie for bream, trevally, drummer, luderick, tailor and salmon.

The boulders on the southern end will also hold bream during the higher tides.

The best baits by far when fishing off the beach for whiting, bream and dart are beach worms. When beach worming I have found that you get what I call ‘red head worms’ near the top of the tide and ‘slimies’ towards the bottom of the tide. I only use pilchards in my attracting bag and as my hand bait. The small piece of pilchard that I use as my hand bait is inside a double layer of stocking.

Inside the Port Hacking the whiting have been

squid and peeled prawns have been the go. Try Bonnie Vale, Maianbar

Yowie Bay and South West Arm during the falling tide.

Dusky flathead are lying in wait on the edge of the drop-off in the main channel from Lilly Pilly Point to Maianbar.

Try working a 4� paddletail soft plastic along the drop-off and if you are bait fishing, you can’t go past live poddy mullet.

Leatherjackets and luderick can be found off Kitcheners Reef and the old Fisheries Point on the run-out tide. Kingfish, tailor and salmon have been feeding around the moored boats in Yowie, Gymea, Burraneer and Gunnamatta Bays. Surface poppers and stickbaits are the best choice of lures. You could also try using whole garfish or pilchards on a set of ganged hooks skipped across the surface.

Remember, if you have a photo of your latest catch and you would like me to put it in the magazine, send it to me and a short story of what you caught it on and where to gbrown1@ iprimus.com.au.

Bass have been caught from the shore and out of a boat just downstream of the Audley Weir on spinnerbaits and surface poppers. Early morning and late afternoon are the best.

Western natives firing SYDNEY WEST

Peter Jacovides

With summer drawing to a close, make sure you take advantage of the tail end of daylight savings and get some quality time in on the water.

Bass are contemplating moving into deeper water, but are still sitting in the snags – particularly at dawn and dusk.

Accurate casting is the key to catching the quality fish, so get the lure way back in the snags and try to maximise the time you can keep it there.

Quality fish can still be caught on surface lures, but the cicada bite is slowing down a little, so spinnerbaits and crankbaits become the new lure of choice.

Deliberately bumping the lure into the snag will often incite a strike when the fish are shut down; this is when big bibbed Aussie lures and spinnerbaits come into their own, as most imported lures swim level but the Aussie lures tend to swim nose down, keeping the hooks clear of the sticks while the bib crashes into them. Most Aussie lures are wood, so having a tiny bit of slack in the system when you expect it to touch the snag will help the lure ‘back up’ and reduce your chances of hooking the snag. While not perfect, spinnerbaits are close to snag proof, meaning you can be quite daring with your casting.

The golden perch and cod are still taking lures and baits in the dams like Windemere and Wyangla. Bait fishos will do well dropping worms next to dead trees, and heavier line is required to help you get any fish out of the danger zone. While most lure anglers will be throwing dark or black metal blades for the yellas, small soft plastic grubs in the 2-2.5” range also work well, and try a motor oil colour if you haven’t already!

If targeting cod, large spinnerbaits of 3/4oz or bigger would be a good starting point, then be prepared to cycle through the various lure

styles until you find what they want on the day. Mediumsized surface lures such as a Jackall Pompadour or a Lucky Craft Sammy Bug 100 are good choices too, particularly in the pre-dawn low light. If you’re feeling confident, or you only want to target big fish, go big! Big swimbaits or large surface walkers such as a Zerek Stalker or Koolabung CodStalker will be great choices for big fish.

In the cool of the morning and to some extent dusk, you should find a few fish around the edges and shallow weed beds. During the day, look for them in deeper water, but like our western natives, they could be anywhere and nowhere, so make sure you cover water. Persistence will separate successful anglers from those who go home with the dreaded doughnut.

Redfin are on the chew

520

BLUEWATER

WITH

SPECIFICATIONS BEAM – 2.40m DEPTH – 1.60m WEIGHT – 570KG BOTTOM – 4.0mm SIDES – 4.0mm PEOPLE – 5 MAX HP – 115 SHAFT – XL

Angus Feely took this beautifullymarked cod with a swimbait.

While cod occasionally ‘give up’ during the fight, the first hit or take of the lure is never disappointing, and will test all your gear and knots. If high end Japanese lures are your choice of cod candy, pay careful attention to the quality of the hooks and split rings. If you are in any doubt, upgrade them.

Big cod are not caught in cricket score numbers, so you want to give yourself every chance to land the next big green metre behemoth that inhales that expensive piece of plastic or wood.

The Nepean has been fishing well, and while there aren’t as many quality fish as other systems, there are still some good fish in there. Several customers have reported decent fish at Yarramundi, with the old faithful beetle spins with a 1/8oz jighead mated to a 3” paddle-tail being a reliable and cheap way to entice a few bass.

and when they’re on you can almost get cricket scores, but when they’re off you can get some great casting practice.

Most of your standard bream or bass lures will suffice, with my personal preference being thinner profile crankbaits in natural colours. Redfin will often school up, even in rivers, so if you’re fishing with a mate and one of you hook up, quickly fire off another lure to see if you can hook into one of its friends.

So make sure you get out there while the weather is still playing nice!

• Peter Jacovides has been the owner/operator of the Australian Bass Angler tackle store in Penrith for more than 20 years and is available to offer advice or have a chat most days. If you want to know about the latest tackle or technique, kayak fishing, or tournament bass boats, drop into the store at 105 Batt Street, Penrith or phone (02) 4721 0455.

CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY Inverell Boating Centre

4 Luckly Lane Billinudgel, NSW, 2483 Phone: (02) 6680 3322 marine@northcoastyamaha.com.au

A & J Outboard & Boating Services

Merimbula Outboard Service

734-738 Woodville Road Fairfield East, NSW, 2165 Phone: (02) 9728 9311 Fax: 02 9728 9322 sales@ajoutboards.com.au

382 Sapphire Coast Drive, Tura Merimbula, New South Wales, 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 9634 Fax: 02 6495 9345 info@merimbulaoutboard.com.au

Coffs Harbour Marine

Deniliquin Yamaha

J & M Marine

Shoalhaven Marine

3/11B Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450 Phone: (02) 6652 4722 info@coffsharbourmarine.com.au

1/4 Fernvalley Parade Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444 Phone: (02) 6581 0272 admin@jmmarine.com.au

Michael Feely holds up a healthy specimen that ate his spinnerbait.

North Coast Yamaha

10 Swanbrook Road Inverell, New South Wales, 2360 Phone: 0427 078 739 botts28@hotmail.com

167-169 Napier Street, Deniliquin, NSW, 2710 Phone: (03) 5881 1461 paul@riverinamotorcyclesandmarine.com.au 29 Browns Rd South Nowra, NSW 2541 Phone: (02) 4422 3947 info@shoalhavenmarine.com.au

For more information visit www.stessl.com.au MARCH 2018

27

Most target species are fired up right now THE TWEED

Anthony Coughran

Summer storms, humid nights and high water temperatures have fired up most species, and anglers are taking advantage of this.

We’re having an unbelievable pelagic season this year. Great numbers of wahoo, dollies and marlin are still gracing us with their presence on most close reefs off Tweed. This allows the smaller boats to catch good pelagic species in close.

The estuaries are still on fire with the high water temperatures. Jacks, GTs, whiting, flathead and bull sharks are all hitting hard.

The upper rivers and back creeks of the Tweed are all fishing well at dusk and dawn for big surface-sucking bass. I know I keep saying it, but Tweed anglers are truly blessed with endless options and are getting the best out of all areas of fishing.

Finn Booth with a wahoo and his brother Max with a mahimahi. mahimahi this month. Throw metals and plastics at these speedsters as they sit under the floats. Finding floating structure is the key to finding some pure gold. Look for fish traps, floating debris, dirty current lines and isolated bait schools to find these fish.

The Spaniards and spotties have started to show up finally. Trolled baits, floating pilchards, live baits, metals and stickbaits are all

The author with a pair of 13kg cobia taken from a close reef off Tweed.

OFFSHORE The pelagic species are still running amok on close reefs off Tweed and right down to Cape Byron. Trolling skirted lures around the close reefs will put you onto some good marlin and wahoo.

The 24s, 36s and 50-fathom reefs have been producing some really quality wahoo, mahimahi, blacks and blue marlin. Odd smaller black marlin are taking live baits on close reefs, so close reefs are well worth a troll too.

The FAD traditionally produces some great

producing fish on various reefs off the Tweed. Try Nine-Mile, Five-Mile, Fidos, Kingy Bommy, the Hastings bommy, and Black Rock Reef for best results.

There are still good mixed reefies on close reefs; float lining pilchards, micro-jigs and plastics will still catch a good feed.

The odd cobia has been caught this month. Troll live baits at idle until you sound up good bait schools with arches off the back side of them, then go to neutral with the boat. Allow your baits

to sink. This will put you on the money and onto a nice cobia. Try Nine-Mile, FiveMile, the mud hole, Fidos and South Reef.

Good-size kingfish have been caught out wide on jigs. Try Deep Southern, the Tweed Canyons, isolated wrecks and the Windarra banks for one of these brutes.

This time of year is when the odd larger king shows up on those deeper reefs, and anglers struggle to stop some of the larger models.

Yellowfin tuna are sitting out wide. Look for bait schools in 25-27°C water to find these torpedoes. Trolling skirted lures over these schools, throwing metals and unweighted pilchards or live yakkas proves irresistible to most good-size feeding fish in the school.

The odd spanner crab has been around outside the 24s and inside the 36s, and they’re a great way to get a feed if you spend the day trolling skirts out wide. Drop the pots off on the way out and pull them in on the way back; this could see you with a seafood feast. Yakkas, pike and bonnies can be found at Kirra Reef, Point Reef, Ten-Minute Reef, the eastern yellow marker and the south side of Kingy Bommy if you need live bait.

ESTUARY Great numbers of jacks have been caught so far, and with a month or two to go in the season they will only bite harder and more often. High water temperatures around 30°C and good amounts of bait in the system have meant the jack numbers just keep growing every year.

Another great indication of this is the amount of

estuary cod now in the Tweed.

Numbers are looking like they are finally recovering from the spearfishers in the 1960-80s. Jacks and cod love sitting with each other and quite often feed off each other. The cod love cleaning up and stealing the jacks’ baits after the jacks stun their prey.

Alternatively, the jacks will feed off the cod ambushing the bait; when the cod strike at the bait school the jacks will come in from the other side and pick off any loose stragglers, so where you find the jacks, you will find the cod and vice versa.

Most bridges and rock walls in the Tweed region will hold a few good jacks and cod at this time of year.

Live baits work at night on the run-in tide, and artificials fish better on the run-out during the day.

Cast artificials at pontoons, pylons, rock bars, walls, drains and underwater trees and structure. I normally run three setups when fishing artificials for jacks: one has 30-40lb line with a

heavy plastic or deep diver hardbody, one has 20-30lb with a lighter plastic, vibe or surface lure, and one has 15-20lb and a smaller artificial.

By using three different setups or more with three different styles of lures, you cover most hatch sizes and can fish the entire water column. You will also use less leader, which will save you a little money in the long run and means less time tying knots and more time casting at structure.

When fishing live baits around bridges at night, you will need a couple of setups.

Guy Hutchins with a big old cod at Boyds.

I like running three setups again. I run a 30-40lb as a light setup for small singlehook baits, a 40-60lb setup for medium size double-hook baits around 15cm, and a 50-80lb setup on a doublehook rig for baits over 20cm.

I still get smoked at least a few times a night on the 50-80lb – some fish you just

Nick Dillon and Andrew Strong with a tasty pair of mahimahi.

FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING *For orders over $125.00 (conditions apply)

ALL THE BEST BRANDS & PRICES AUSTRALIA WIDE!!

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Check out our range @ www.anglerswarehouse.com.au 28

MARCH 2018

can’t stop.

Good numbers of GTs and bigeye have been around the bridges and rock walls.

Blades, vibes, plastics, surface lures and small metals are working best. Using live herring around these bridges at night should score you a nice GT, too.

Lots of whiting have been hitting surface lures on most sand banks in the Tweed region, with some true elbow-slappers fighting over each other to smack highspeed retrieved surface lures.

Sugarpens, small and clear poppers, walk-the-dog lures and resin-headed small grub

plastics are all catching good fish. Yabbies and worms are a fun way to keep the kids entertained and get a good feed. Some good school-size flathead have been sitting up in the skinny water, with 2.5-5” plastics in natural colours fishing best on the flats.

Lots of bull sharks have been in the upper river systems. Try soaking a freshwater eel, stingray flaps, whole live mullet, large tuna heads, whole tuna or whole bonito around Stots Island and the sugar mill for a bit of toothy fun.

There are still good crabs moving around. Try the deeper hole in dry conditions and up in the drains after storms.

Crabs will go to these drains to the fresh to wash off parasites.

A well-placed pot will score you some nice muddies.

BEACHES The bigger dart have moved into most Tweed Coast beach gutters and To page 29

GIFT

CARDS vailable A

Phone orders welcome: (07) 5536 3822

Surface fishing is going off BALLINA

Joe Allan

The Richmond River has been fishing well over last month. The fresh water has stirred up most of the species in the lower

or the weed beds around North Creek. Make sure you have something rigged for a good-size flathead, as you will come across some good fish and be able to sight cast to them in the shallows.

The mud crabs have been firing with good

on light crankbaits. You will come across a few of our red friends – the mighty mangrove jack – so be prepared to either beef up your gear or go back to the tackle shop with your wallet. But they say if you’re not losing lures, you’re not catching fish and having fun.

There are some good

numbers of bream getting caught off the beaches. The dart and tailor have been a little quiet. Try the gutters around Boundary Creek along South Ballina for some good-size flathead. Blades, slugs and heavy soft plastic will do the trick if you can’t come across some fresh bait.

Offshore there have been some quality snapper on the

Paul Starkey with a cracking snapper caught off Ballina.

A feisty mangrove jack caught on an Atomic Shiner 75 Double Deep. reaches. The very long, hot days and humid evenings have really got the surface fishing going gangbusters.

If you want to chase bream, try the Pimlico Island flats. If you’re after a feed of whiting, try the flats across from the town centre around the RSL club From page 28

are in good numbers. Try small metals, small plastics, pilchards, white bait and worms for a good feed of dart. Remember to take an esky with you, because dart go off quick and should be put straight on ice for the best quality fillets.

The odd tailor is still around. Metals and pilchards have caught a few around dusk and dawn in the deeper gutters and around most headlands. Some nice whiting are in the shallower gutters on the Tweed Coast.

Worms will catch a good feed of beach whiting.

Beach worms can be found on Fingal, Caba, and Ocean Shores beaches. Pipis can be found on Kirra Beach.

FRESHWATER The surface suckers are in full swing now.

Most surface lures are fishing really well in the back creeks, upper river systems and dams. Jigspins, plastics, vibes and blades are fishing well once the sun is established. Casting into shaded areas or deeper holes is a must once the sun is up and can often lead to a bigger model.

The dams are fishing well around the lilies of a morning and up around the timber once the sun is up.

Uki has been fishing well in the morning with cicadas.

The Upper Clarence has been fishing really well with lots of big cod and fat bass over 50cm taken recently.

catches reported along the mid sections of the river. Try baits such as mullet frames and luderick frames. The bigger tides seem to have bought the best numbers on.

The rock walls along the town stretch and up Emigrant Creek are producing good numbers of quality bream NEXT MONTH As the storms roll through it pushes the bait down the system and brings the evergrowing and ever-hungry jacks and cod out of hiding.

They are eating everything now as they try and bulk up for the spawning season.

The pelagics will start thinning out over the next month as they keep on

Jake Stewart with a thumping flathead caught from the town stretch of river in Ballina.

32s as well as some good size trag. The mahimahi have still been very consistent off the FADS. Since mid-December numbers of mackerel have not been what everyone would have liked. The mackerel have been all over place. One day they’re at Black Head and the next at Riodens Reef.

The upper reaches of

the river have been hit and miss for Aussie bass. The big influx of fresh from the Tatham Arm has dirtied up the junction at Coraki.

Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and dark-coloured loud crankbaits around the drains and creek mouths are your best bet at finding some good fish. The fish will start to get active again once the water starts to clear up.

reefs over the next two months. Sounding up schools will put you onto fish. GTs and bigeye will sit around the river mouth and rock wall and can be really fun on light gear. Whiting and flathead will still sit up in the skinny water and continue to feed up.

Next month is the last real month of the

Troy Pinkstone with a healthy 42cm Clarrie Hall Dam bass. their migratory paths. The mackerel will start moving onto closer reefs to feed up on their migratory paths.

They will hold on the close reefs for a few days while the bait and weather can sustain them, moving on once they run out of food or when the northerlies pick up.

Snapper will start slowly moving back onto the closer

crabbing season, so they will be moving around as they fatten up for their hibernation period. The bass will start to push downstream to the salt this month. Any major back creeks and upper river systems that feed into salt will fish well. As will any weir wall, drains and dam walls.

MARCH 2018

29

We’re having an absolute pearler this month!

YAMBA

Dave Gaden

Welcome to autumn!

Early summer was pretty ordinary for those fishing offshore on the close reefs.

Sure, there were some days when the fish lit up the way they should, but there were a lot more days when they just sat under the boat in the cold dark water and wouldn’t eat.

We fished a lot out in the 50 fathoms chasing fish and it was great, with heaps

the wide grounds, mainly pearl perch, blue morwong and pigfish, but a lot of the snapper will come in and be more accessible to those with smaller boats.

Fishing south from the North East Corner to Red Cliff in 30-50m of water will find good fish this month. A standard paternoster rig on the bottom with pillies or mullet for bait will be fine, but don’t forget to have a couple of floaters working.

A floater for the mackerel should have 300mm of very fine wire

around the many bommies you’ll have a good chance of picking up a big Spanish mackerel. Get a few livies in the tank and just troll one behind the boat at dead idle, around 4 knots, around the bommies. You’ll be surprised at how productive that can be. The close reef up north can be trag city at times, and when these fish are on it’s not hard to bag out in an hour, and they can be quality fish to 70cm.

Along with these will be some good bluespotted flathead on the reef

feeding on their own kind.

You will be landing these fish and having them spit small flathead onto the deck almost every time.

The FAD to the south has been a great success this year, with almost everyone I’ve spoken to who has fished it coming home with mahimahi for dinner. If you haven’t been out there, give it a go this month, it’s a bit of a drive but heaps of fun.

Last month we had a pretty poor month on the crabs in the estuary unfortunately. We write these

A quality pearly for Rebecca Ciantar from Sydney.

Young Max from Sydney with a decent pearl perch. of snapper and pearl perch coming out of the deeper warmer water. These fish should have started to move into the close reef this month in good numbers like in previous years. There will still be quality fish on

to either a set of gangs or single hook with treble stinger with a pilly. This will catch all the spotties you can handle.

You should also set a floater for the bigger snapper.

Here I use a small lumo (glow

in the dark) sinker down to two snooded 6/0 circle hooks with a long strip of mullet or mac tuna. A small overhead reel is handy here, as you just flick the bait up current and let it sink down to the strike zone. When fishing like this on anchor and using coloured braid, you can see the fish are actually sitting in the same zone, and you will watch the line slowly peeling off until it hits the same depth and you’ll be on! This really is great fun.

Be sure to berley hard if you are anchored.

Small to medium mulloway should be a reasonably easy target on the wrecks offshore. The old ferry just at the back of the bar, The Zodiac (approximately 12nm east of the bar) and the waverider approximately 7nm southeast (most would know this spot, as the FAD was anchored to it for the past four years).

Fishing north around Black Rocks and South Evans this month with be well worth the 10-12nm drive from the bar. In close

Cameron Wall from Yamba with a beautifully-marked flying gurnard.

All the best Yamba has to offer in the one place...

Dave Gaden’s Yamba Deep Sea

REEL TIME

EASY PARKING

FISHING CHARTERS

• 6am to 2pm $150pp • 3 boats – holds up to 30+ people • All fishing gear and bait is supplied • No fishing licence req.

• Pickup from Yamba Marina or Iluka ferry wharf

OPEN 7 DAYS

MARINA BOAT & TACKLE, YAMBA MARINA • Chandlery • Bait & Tackle • Boat Sales • Trailers Sales & Parts • Ice & Gas • Charter Bookings

Ph: (02) 6646 1994

Now Agents For

Phone: 0428 231 962 – Email: dave@gaden.com.au – www.fishingyamba.com.au 30

MARCH 2018

reports a bit in advance, and I am still hopeful we will get a show of blue swimmers in reasonable numbers before the season ends. Dad’s rule of thumb was you catch

crabs in months with an ‘R’ in them. Obviously here we just about get muddies all year round, but the swimmers will like it warmer.

Whiting in the river should still be good this month throughout the whole lower system from Palmers Island to the mouth

of the river. The shallows at the entrance to Lake Woolawayah, the southern side of Sleepers Island and the north side of Pelican

Island will all be worth a try. Once again, live yabbies will bring a lot of better fish unstuck, so put the time in to get the best bait and it will make a difference.

Flathead are going to start to gather around the usual haunts like the back channel on the Iluka side around the entrance to Nihill and Esk islands as well as around Joss Island at the entrance to Lake Woolawayah. A little further upstream, up from Browns Rocks is the entrance to Serpentine Channel on the side of Turkey Island. The wn Bhas bank of a PofraTurkey b la aelot sout, “Yam old steel cane bargesdlaid ” slowly rotting away. Have a flick around these with

some larger dark plastics or blades, and it can be some of the best flathead fishing you will do this month.

Off the stones there has been reasonable tailor all year, and the bait shoals are endless, so give them a crack from the end of the break walls. There is still a chance of hooking a longtail or big mulloway while doing this, so be prepared for anything, and as always be safe, the rocks are dangerous.

Call into the shop at the marina and we will be more than happy to send you where they are biting on that day, or jump aboard one of my charters and we will do our best to send you home with a feed!

YAMBA BAIT & TACKLE “Yamba’s Leading Tackle Shop” “IN THE MAIN STREET” Shop 3, 8 Yamba St, Yamba

02 6646 1514 • OPEN 7 DAYS “The Home of Leavey Lures”

Ryan Attard from Shelly Beach with a really solid pearl perch.

• Stocking all Major Brands • Experienced Local Knowledge • Tournament Bream Gear in Stock • Snorkelling gear in stock Jane with a nice mahimahi that came from the FAD.

Drop in to see Mick & Kelly

DROP IN TO YOUR LOCAL QUINTREX DEALER! COWRA

ALL SERVICE MOTORS

1 Redfern St Cowra 2794

02·6342 2590

BALLINA

BALLINA MARINELAND

67 Endeavour Close Ballina NSW 2478

FORSTER

02·6686 2669

GRAHAM BARCLAY MARINE

129 The Lakes Way Forster 2428

02·6554 5866

COFFS HARBOUR

JETTY BOATING

22 Hi-Tech Drive Toormina 2452

02·6651 4002

BATEMANS BAY

HUNTS MARINE

2 Sharons Rd Batemans Bay 2536

02·4472 2612

SYDNEY (SOUTH)

More room, more features, more stability.

platforms, upholstery, transoms and storage More of everything for a great day on the water… (depending on the model). We’ve also added platforms, upholstery, and More room, more features, more stability. thicker and higher topsidestransoms and raised thestorage side all thanks to our revolutionary Apex Hull. (depending on the model). We’ve also added of everything a great day on the water…

The More radical, variable for flared bottom sheet deck, for more freeboard. thicker higher topsides and raised the side all to thanks our gunnel revolutionary Apex Hull. extends the to bow as does the wide Get moreand of everything The radical, variable flared bottom sheet deck, for more chine. That means more internal space and with our new Apexfreeboard.

Hull extends to the bow gunnel as does the wide more of everything storage, which lets us build new consoles, casting at yourGet Quintrex dealer. chine. That means more internal space and with our new Apex Hull storage, which lets us build new consoles, casting at your Quintrex dealer.

02·9546 1324

WOLLONGONG

HUNTS MARINE

74 Princes Hwy Yallah NSW 2530

02·4284 0444

CENTRAL COAST

INSINC MARINE

QXAPEXCM001

20 Dell Rd West Gosford 2250

WAGGA WAGGA QXAPEXCM001

Our new Apex Hull.

Our new Apex Hull.

Forget everything everything youForget know about boats. you know about boats.

HUNTS MARINE

629 Princes Hwy Blakehurst 2221

02·4324 4300

RIVERINA MARINE CENTRE

3871 Sturt Hway Wagga Wagga 2650

02·6922 8444

HUNTER

TERRACE BOATING

2382 Pacific Hway Heatherbrae 2324

02·4983 5600

MCGRATHS HILL

TR MARINEWORLD

4 Curtis Rd, McGraths Hill 2756

TWEED HEADS

02·4577 3522

TWEED COAST MARINE

32 Machinery Dr Tweed Heads South 2486

07·5524 8877 MARCH 2018

31

Finding less pressured waters COFFS HARBOUR

Stephen Worley info@tdsimages.com.au

If you’re a multi-faceted angler, then it’s possible that this summer has been full of an anxiety-inducing abundance of choice over what to target and where.

If not, you must have been burning the candle at both ends, as well as several places along its length.

When it comes to firing fisheries, we have been spoiled for choice over the last couple of months.

Starting at the higher altitudes, after an incredibly dry and hot start to spring, the summer has been kinder on the trout creeks. We have seen relatively regular rain and only occasional extreme heat. There has been enough reprieve between hot periods that the trout appear to be

active and keeping in good condition. As always, this time of year is still harsh on the shallow exposed creeks, so the best fishing has been

on the tree-lined catchments and larger creeks.

Over the summer there has been a lot of pressure on the main access points to

Jordon Voglsinger captured this toothy beast on a 95mm Bassday Sugapen.

Specialising in Bluewater Game & Sport Fishing • Heavy Tackle Game Fishing • Deep Water Jigging • Light Tackle Sport Fishing • Estuary Charters • Eco Tours

Phone Rob today on

0434 517 683 www.coffscoastsportfishing.com.au

the creeks. With more and more anglers enjoying a trip up the plateau for sneaky trout, the easily-accessed waters have begun to feel the impact of regular fishing pressure. This is especially the case for the creeks along Waterfall Way up to Ebor. In order to spread out some of the pressure, as well as find yourself some less fished waters, it’s time to jump on Google Earth and find your own special section of plateau waterway. It’s easy to find places where creeks meet road access. As always, get permission before entering any private land.

Easy access always brings the same issues when it comes to wild bass fishing in our area as well. We have some of the best wild bass fisheries in Australia here on the Coffs Coast, however, 90% of the bass fishing

(02) 6655 7700

Servicing all makes and models of outboard and inboard engines.

FINANCE AVAILABLE

2 Marina Crescent Urunga, NSW – Ph: (02) 6655 7700 or 0422 395 111 www.northcoastboatingcentre.com 32

MARCH 2018

occurs in the easiest 10% of water to access. This means two things; Firstly that 10% of water is highly-pressured and fishing will be tougher there, secondly, work a bit harder to get into those more difficult to reach sections and you will be rewarded with much better fishing.

The bass fishing has been very consistent. The cicadas have been the most influential factor. The bass have been stuffing themselves full of these little protein bites all summer.

Surface lures have been on all night, all day, in the rain, hail or shine. At the moment, this is still the case and it feels like it won’t stop even once the cicadas’ short lives have ended. After such a glut this summer, don’t be surprised if the spawning run is very big and starts

The beach gutters produced the goods for Glen Walker in the form of this quality 40cm bream. fishing for mulloway, bream and whiting. Live beach worms and whitebait have been the highest performers.

A 3” Powerbait convinced this GT to jump on board with Sam Whiting. early this year. They have had all summer fattening up and should have plenty of reserves to make the run to the brackish water. It’s not likely to be this month, but I’d say we’ll see some early bass in the upper estuaries not long after Easter.

The bass might not be there yet, but the jacks and trevally certainly are. Last year we saw very small jacks in almost plague proportions.

This year the numbers have been similar but they’re all a year older. There are a lot of smallish jacks being caught, but they’re not the micro rats we were seeing last year. Amongst the smaller fish there have been good trevally and jacks being caught, mostly on surface lures and diving minnows.

All the coastal creeks have been producing, with the upper estuaries being the most reliable.

The beaches and headlands have been offering very consistent

Those anglers casting lures around the headlands can expect anything to jump on the line. Mulloway, kingfish, mackerel... there have even

been reports of wahoo hook ups from the rocks recently. I have not seen any evidence of landed wahoo as yet however.

Offshore the mixed bags continue, with spotty and Spanish mackerel getting around, but they have remained sporadic throughout this summer so far. The wahoo, yellowfin tuna and mahimahi have been showing up inshore during pulses of warm water, but are more consistent to the north and further offshore. Live baits have taken many of the inshore captures, while trolling skirts has accounted for the majority of these species further out wide.

We haven’t seen a strong run of black marlin inshore, but there have been a few making their way through closer to the coast. Trolling big live baits around the bait reefs and peaks will likely attract the attention of the mackerel gang, but we have seen it produce a few black marlin for some of the inshore anglers.

Whether you stick to one fishery this month, or you try and fish them all, I hope you find them firing!

The author getting away from the pressured water to find this cicada-stuffed bass.

The game fishing is really goin’ off at Coffs COFFS GAME

Glen Booth

Over the last month and a bit it has been raining game fish along the Coffs Coast, which makes up for the lack of the other sort of rain, which we are desperately in need of. I just jinxed us, I know, but we really could use a drop or two. And when the drought breaks, the good times always follow.

Black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin and striped tuna, mahimahi, wahoo and some Spanish mackerel have all figured in catches recently.

The black marlin have been a revelation, with good numbers available from the inshore reefs to well over the shelf. The size range remains mixed, with little tackers trying to eat blue marlin lures out wide, and some solid fish eating lures intended for the

The wahoo are back. Rachel Terrasson snared this beauty inshore.

Don Cummings was all smiles while fighting a black marlin. little tackers in close!

The blues have been a little scarce, but they aren’t being pursued as doggedly, as the inshore action has kept most boats west of the 100 fathom line.

The odd striped marlin just along the shelf edge has paved the way for a grand slam, with a number of boats getting two legs of the trifecta in, but missing out on the third.

There has been one confirmed slam though.

Mahimahi have been common enough to be a reliable target species this summer. Of course, the FAD and the wave recorder buoy are productive, although somewhat crowded bits of turf, and most of the residents have been on the small side.

A sundown shot with livies

might be worth considering for bigger fish, as most boats are back on their trailers by then.

Trap floats are also worthy of investigation.

The open water fish are slamming marlin lures. These fish have been of a much better size, ranging from 8-15kg, which means everyone on board goes home with a nice feed.

Interestingly, the East Australian Current has been particularly benign this summer, which has undoubtedly helped the game fishing. Meandering along south at just a knot or so, as opposed to the 3-4knot pelagic superhighway we usually encounter at this time of year, it’s meant that the bait and attending predators are hanging around rather than

hitching a ride down the coast.

There have been some nice patches of striped tuna breezing along the shelf line, which is a great way to stock up on winter bottom fishing bait, plus they’re worth shadowing for any number of large predators who feed on them.

Some boats have even gone old school with bridled striped tuna, and while the sharks have loved the free feed, it’s a good Plan B to have when chasing billfish, especially if you’re fishing over a bit of structure like a canyon setup.

A tasty bonus has been the jellybean yellowfin mixed in with the stripies. Given that we see very few of these

tasty tuna along the coast these days, each and every one is treated with the utmost respect.

They may not be of a size that gets the raw fish connoisseurs drooling, but for the rest of us with uneducated palates they still taste pretty damn good.

Additionally, the inshore grounds have been carrying good numbers of wahoo, which have made a welcome return after an absence of three or four years. They’re not monsters but, like the mahis and yellowfin, every one makes anglers smile. The Gold Coast enjoyed some good ’hoo fishing in early summer and it was great to see similar numbers make their way down here for a change.

Liam Williams with some oh-so-welcome by-catch. Mahimahi burgers anyone?

Recreational fishers - we need your help!

What you put on your hook might not seem like a big deal, but to our native species and everyone who likes to have access to quality local crustaceans such as prawns and yabbies it could be just the difference they need.

Whether wetting a line along the coast or in inland waterways: Do not use prawns meant for human consumption as bait.

Do not dispose of waste from purchased seafood in our waterways.

It is illegal to bring into NSW uncooked crustaceans (such as prawns, yabbies or saltwater nippers) or marine worms from the area in South East Queensland affected by White Spot. HEAVY PENALTIES APPLY

14711 FEB18

For further information see www.outbreak.gov.au and www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity Photos - Eastern King Prawn (left) and Yabby (right): Pat Tully MARCH 2018

33

The crazy weather is finally all behind us Probably one of the wildest summers I have seen in my 29 years in the Nambucca Valley is

NAMBUCCA

Riley Wilson

at an end. Crazy storms with winds ripping trees apart, hailstones like cricket balls and almost

Salmon will be available for those who fish around the headlands.

SOUTH WEST ROCKS ABOARD SEA SCOUT II WEEKEND PACKAGES FROM $250pp MID WEEK PACKAGES FROM $300pp

Catch the fish of a lifetime

THE FISHING CHARTER EXPERTS

ANDREW 0412 074 147

PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER

www.swrfishing.com.au Fastest boat in the fleet

come fishing at

SOUTH WEST ROCKS on board

!

WC ACTION O NLAGI K O E BOWARM P

FOR

Lauren Maree

unbearable humidity all featured, but the craziest of all was the series of earthquakes and tremors that hit the valley in late January.

With all that behind us, we are into the first of the autumn species. However, there are many anglers who didn’t tick off their target species for summer.

The most common two complaints are mangrove jacks and 50cm bass.

Never fear! These two species are still available in March. If you either didn’t put enough effort in and tried to just hopefully wish your goals to completion, or you just straight up ran out of luck, you can make amends this month!

Mangrove jack will still bite through the colder months, albeit at a much slower rate. March isn’t usually all that cold, so jacks can still be targeted with some form of consistency.

While we all want to catch a jack on a lure, it can be a task of discipline and patience to achieve. Now to some of you, what I am about to say is unheard of, but here it is: try a bait!

There, I’ve said it. I can hardly believe it myself, but some of the anglers doing the hard yards on big jacks are catching big baits like whiting and mullet and using those in the dark at known areas that hold jacks. Think rocky bottom and you are in the game.

I think jacks are doing a lot of moving around and hunting during the night using the deep channels as highways, and then getting into some really skinny water after dark looking for an easy feed, rather than sitting in their snag waiting for a meal or waiting for the tide to change. Putting in the time and being uncomfortable is

a prerequisite – these beasts don’t come easy!

The same can be said for big bass. Time plus pain definitely equals big bass. The more time you put in, the more you learn. Time on the water, time looking at new water, testing gear and talking to the knowledgeable are all important.

And then comes the pain.

Trekking miles

Tailor are another treat when fishing off the rocks. through canyons further than you know anyone else will go, through walls of wait-a-while vines, over fields of stinging nettle is pretty painful, but going that extra distance is the kind of thing that will put the odds in your favour. Then there’s the pain as your head throbs because you didn’t

O U T D O O R P H

0 2

6 5 6 6

5 5 5 5

TRIAL BAY FISHING CHARTERS 34

A D V E N T U R E S O U T H

W E S T

R O C K S

= LOTS OF FISH!

$

STARTING FROM

330

PP

Conditions apply*

Call Brian Today

0427 256 556

www.trialbayfishingcharters.com.au

E:trialbayfishingcharters@gmail.com

MARCH 2018

fish like jacks. My point is, while the fishing is occasionally easy with beginner’s luck, more often it’s the struggle that rewards you. So with a slowing down metabolism on the red fish and a looming closed season on bass, will you go the extra mile and make it happen?

THE BIGGEST BOAT WITH THE MOST EXPERIENCED SKIPPER

MID WEEK & WEEKEND PACKAGES AVAILABLE

TBFC

anticipate the ‘last cast’ syndrome or ‘let’s just try around one more bend’, and you ran out of water three hours ago and it’s still an hour to the car. On a serious note, if you want to avoid this fate, make sure you pack enough food and water if you plan to hike back into this country.

This is all part of the hunt for those bigger fish, or those low percentage

DROP IN AND SEE US FOR THE

f g e or ! n a e R Gea H u gs h i n g t Fi bai e ic

BEST LOC AL ADVICE & TOP QUALIT Y GEAR Lo c ated on the main street you c an’t miss us!

(02)6566 5555 - info@outdo orad ventures.com.au 100 Gregor y Stre et, S outh West Ro cks, NSW 2431

The best is still yet to come SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Brent Kirk kempsey@compleatangler.com.au

It has been an interesting summer this year to say the least, with the fishing and weather being fairly good, but it just doesn’t seem to

regularly, which is rare for this time of year, and the deep water fishery has been quite manageable right throughout summer.

This is great if the blue water bite is not on, as there is a good chance of coming home with bar cod and Bass groper, as well

You never know what will show up in the river. This needle skin queenfish was caught on the surface in the lower Macleay. have absolutely fired as yet. All signs are pointing towards the fact that it will still happen, it may just be a little later this season.

Mackerel numbers are probably not quite up there with where they have been the last few years, however this could change soon, as they have been getting caught to the north. On the bright side, cobia have been quite consistent and in good numbers for a few months now on most of the inshore reefs and bait grounds in the area, and a few have even come off the deeper grounds.

The run of small black marlin has also been above average this year, with most anglers that are actually targeting them coming up with the goods. Wahoo and mahimahi are also on the cards when trolling out a little wider, with plenty of small school-sized mahimahi surrounding the FAD and trap floats the majority of the time.

Amazingly, the current has been laying off quite

as a vast array of deep water ooglies.

The headlands have been fishing well for mulloway,

with fish ranging from goodsized schoolies right through to fish pushing the 30kg mark. Kingfish, cobia, bream and even a fair few drummer have been frequenting the headland washes as well.

Bluefin or longtail tuna were around, but seem to have dissipated. Once again these fish have a tendency to arrive at the drop of a hat, so I am sure we will see more of these as the months progress.

The beaches have been fishing really well at the moment, with blue-spotted flathead being the standout species. Whiting, bream, tailor and school mulloway are around in reasonable numbers as well, with some reasonable formations being found along most beaches.

Sand flat fishing has been a stand out for the river, with the ever-reliable flathead showing their presence around the drop-offs, as well as scores of whiting and bream in the

skinny water. With a massive number of cicadas in the area, a lot of anglers have been targeting bream in the mangrove areas of the river and creeks on cicada imitation lures. This method is by no means new, but has been highly effective this summer.

Crabbing has been fair to good this season, and there will definitely be a few months left to target both mud and blue swimmer crabs in the river and local creeks.

Upstream the river is in good nick, and the bass have been absolutely firing through the hot months on the surface. Any lure that makes its presence known on the surface will be absolutely destroyed by these quality Macleay River monsters.

The upriver fishery will fire now right through to Easter, so it is well worth a visit whether you are a seasoned veteran or just keen to give it your first crack.

Sam Redman has been having a ball with the Macleay bass on fly.

ROCKS Marine

W E H AV E M O V E D st Rocks NSW 2431 25 Memorial Ave, South We

BAIT & TACKLE

BIG BRANDS & BEST ADVICE

• Fishing Tackle • Bait • Camping gear • Trailer Parts • Rod & Reel repairs • Beach driving & fishing permits

BUY BETTER T H A N C IT Y PRICES

ROCKS MARINE BAIT & TACKLE email - rocksmarine@tsn.cc

Nathan was able to catch this bar cod on one of the many days when the current laid off out wide.

Mark & Denise Bird and Paul & Michelle Martin Ph

02 6566 6726 Fax 02 6566 6395

KEMPSEY

LARGEST DISPLAY

www.southwestrocksfishingadventures.com.au

RT & O P S F E RE ING H S I F E GAM

S R E T R A CH

Only Fibreglass boat with cover

Minimum only 6 people!

• Mid week packages from $420 p/p*+gst • Weekend packages from $320 p/p*+gst

On board our fully equiped 38ft Randell TRIFECTA

* Prices based on minimum of 6 people

FASTEST IN FLEET - BEST AND MOST EXPERIENCED SKIPPER Contact: David Hayman (Stumpee) Mobile: 0411 096 717 info@swrcharters.com.au

OF KAYAKS, CANOES, FISHING & WATERSPORTS ON THE MACLEAY

Come in for friendly advice & service.

Northern NSW stockist of Nitro tournament rods.

28 BELGRAVE ST KEMPSEY 2440

P 02 6562 5307 F 02 6562 8426 E kempsey@compleatangler.com.au W www.compleatanglerkempsey.com.au

MARCH 2018

35

River fishing going off THE HASTINGS

Mark Saxon castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com

Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club hosted another memorable Golden Lure event in 2018 with 59 boats and 268 anglers competing for some great prizes.

There were plenty of tense moments, with young local Zac Danby from the game boat Pheel the bite going into the last day leading the Heaviest Marlin category with a 163kg model only to be pipped on the last day by the Elmad, which captured a marlin of 164.2kg. You don’t get much closer than that!

RIVERS The Hastings has been fishing very well with one of the best cicada seasons for a long time, and bream fishing has been exceptional due to this. We should still see good surface fishing for this month, but also be on the lookout for whiting on the flats, as the last couple of seasons the whiting really responded well to surface offerings in the Hastings and Maria rivers, as well as Lime Burners Creek in March. Only time will tell if they show up in good numbers.

Bass fishing continues to be solid up past Wauchope and in the upper Maria and Wilson rivers, and it is so hard to go past a cicada imitation, which has accounted for a heap of

Gavin Saxon scored this great metre long mulloway fishing land-based. a few fish. For those wanting to chase some of the bigger flatties, the 100mm vibes have been excellent and working them around that 3-4m depth range has been deadly. In saying that, this

Duncan, Mackenzie and Flynn had a ball chasing bream with surface lures.

PORT MACQUARIE • CALM WATER LURE FISHING EXPERIENCE • QUALITY FISHING GEAR • LIGHT REFRESHMENTS • MAX 3 PEOPLE CALL MARK

0427 239 650

EMAIL castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com OR VISIT THE WEB

www.castawayfishing.com.au

NEDBAITKELLY’S N TACKLE PORT MACQUARIE’S PREMIER INDEPENDENT TACKLE STORE • Custom Rod Building Specialists • Great range from all major brands • Owned and staffed by passionate local anglers

Ned Kellys Bait n Tackle

OPEN 7 DAYS – 7AM - 6PM

42 Gordon St, Port Macquarie Ph: [02] 6583 8318

MULLOWAY RECAPTURED Recently I received an email from Newtag about a mulloway that I had tagged and released as part of the tagging program. I tagged the fish in June 2016 when it was a little fish of 59cm, and on the last day of 2017 John Meehan recaptured the fish on Shelly beach, Port Macquarie. The mulloway measured 80cm, which is a very healthy growth rate of 21cm in 18 months.

Anglers capturing mulloway with the yellow Fisheries tags can keep the fish, provided they are legal of course. As for the information, make sure

Liam and Hayden with a couple of nice flathead between 50 and 60cm. bass and bream on charters this season.

Flathead have been caught in all our local systems, with upriver producing some solid fish. Soft plastics have been excellent as always, and the new Squidgy Bio Range, especially the 100mm Wrigglers, have been getting

month we can move into some of the deeper water as well and give ourselves a shot at a mulloway. The vibes would now be my favourite in The Hastings and Maria rivers without doubt, and if you’re chasing mulloway, you really should have these in your arsenal.

GOLDEN LURE 2018 RESULTS Champion Boat tag and release: The Omen from club NPSGFC Runner Up: From Mum from club CHGFC Champion Adult Male tag and release: Dennis Minuti from Game Changer Champion Adult Female tag and release: Kate Shelton from Blackout Champion Junior tag and release: Rhys Jolly from Seababy Total fish tagged and released: 212 including 136 black marlin, 26 blue marlin and 3 striped marlin

Champion Blue Marlin Tag and Release crew from the boat Seaka.

Champion Golden Lure Tag and Release crew from the boat Omen.

FLUSH YOUR ENGINE WITH

From

31

$

95

Each 4 colours available

Centre 12 Squid The Squid is available as a Centre 12 - 150mm, 35g and Centre 13 - 170mm, 55g.

The Fish Inc Centre has a realistic squid profile designed to be trolled or cast. Features include dazzling finishes, a fixed weight for balanced swimming action at speed and a lively skirt and tentacles for added attraction and strike triggers.

The Centre is rigged with genuine Owner heavy duty singles and features reinforced ABS construction and solid wire through body.

www.fishlures.com.au 36

MARCH 2018

you get the measurement and the tag numbers on the yellow tag and ring the phone number, which is also on the tag. If you’ve kept the fish, you can just hand it in to Fisheries.

It would be very interesting to see the movements and growth of a fish which has been caught and released from a few occasions.

It has been great being a part of this program and Castaway have tagged quite a few mulloway over the last few years in the Hastings, Maria and Macleay rivers, so it would be great to find out more if you’re the lucky angler to hook one.

KILLS SALT CORROSION SALT REMOVING TREATMENT

Most value for money • Most concentrated (512-1) Compatible with most hose fittings WARNING 9 out of 10 engines fail due to salt corrosion. ACT NOW and flush your engine!

FREEPHONE

1800 091 172

www.salt-away.com.au

MULTI-FUNCTION ENGINE FLUSH AND SPRAY GUN

Built to perform.

Built to last.

More Power, Performance and Reliability – Insist on Mercury MerCruiser.

See your authorised Mercury MerCruiser Dealer today.

ALBION PARK HI TECH MARINE

MID NORTH COAST DISCO MARINE

SYDNEY WEST PENRITH MARINE

40 Princes Highway ALBION PARK Phone: (02) 4256 6135 Email: pauline@hitechmarine.com.au Website: www.hitechmarine.com.au

160 North Street GRAFTON Phone: (02) 6643 1199 Email: sales@discomarine.com.au Website: www.discomarine.com.au

4/133 Coreen Avenue PENRITH Phone: (02) 4731 6250 Email: sales@penrithmarine.com.au Website: www.penrithmarine.com.au

CENTRAL COAST INSINC MARINE

NEWCASTLE ENDEAVOUR MARINE

20 Dell Road WEST GOSFORD Phone: (02) 4324 4300 Email: troy@insincmarine.com.au Website: www.insincmarine.com.au

1 Nanda Street MARMONG POINT Phone: (02) 4958 4588 Email: sales@endeavourmarine.com.au Website: www.endeavourmarine.com.au

TAREE MANNING RIVER MARINE

DUBBO DUBBO MARINE & WATERSPORTS

SYDNEY NORTH WEST TR MARINE WORLD

36 Bourke Street DUBBO Phone: (02) 6882 2853 Email: bbeandel@bigpond.net.au Website: www.dubbomarine.com.au

44 Curtis Road McGRATHS HILL Phone: (02) 4577 3522 Email: sales@trmarine.com.au Website: www.trmarine.com.au

HORNSBY SHANNON OUTBOARD SERVICE

SYDNEY NORTH WEST WATERSPORTS MARINE

3/41 Leighton Place HORNSBY Phone: (02) 9482 2638 Email: sales@shannonoutboards.com.au Website: www.shannonoutboards.com.au

11 Binney Road KINGSPARK Phone: (02) 9676 1400 Email: info@watersportmarine.com.au Website: www.watersportsmarine.com.au

13 Victoria Street TAREE Phone: (02) 6552 2333 Email: jim@manningrivermarine.com.au Website: www.mercurydealertaree.com

It’s all happening at once FORSTER

David Seaman dseamo@bigpond.com

I don’t think I would be alone in suggesting that the next three months are the most comfortable and bountiful period on the

The live baiting scene from the rocks is ramping up, and the close inshore marlin express fills in time while waiting for the spotties and Spanish to flood through.

In the lake the flathead are still doing their thing in the lower reaches while the mullet and bream begin their

temperature change is the key. If this year is anything like the last, there should be a few spotted mackerel showing up by the middle of the month, and the bulk of the spotties and Spanish during April and May. Mahimahi have been around and the FAD has

Hardbodies or surface lures? It’s your choice this month. seasonal calendar. The sun has tempered, you don’t feel like a burning bug under a magnifying glass, the warm currents are swirling close to the coast and with it shoals of bait and bigger fish.

autumn aggregation for the coastal run. It certainly is a wonderful time to be fishing the Mid North Coast region.

Offshore the small black marlin are around, and finding the bait and

CRESCENT HEAD HOLIDAY RENTALS

For all your accommodation needs, house, units & townhouses for every budget. Contact the friendly team at Crescent Head Real Estate for your free holiday brochure.

www.crescentheadholidayrentals.com.au

Email: holiday@crescentheadrealestate.com.au 6 MAIN ST, CRESCENT HEAD NSW 2440

Phone: 02 6566 0500

produced some good fish, except where selfish anglers decide to troll hard against it and do laps, excluding any other boats from casting baits or lures to it. This happened on at least two occasions (that were relayed to me) during the holidays and I would hope that common sense and consideration has now returned to the offshore arena.

Mixed reef fish including snapper continue to find the fish box, with a respectable number of trag also on the hit list. Fresh flesh baits, squid or micro jigs are all worth a fish over the reef areas. Sand flathead over the sand and gravel

areas, I’m told, are not what they have been, but I suspect they will come good later in the month, with a bit of luck.

You certainly will have more luck catching flathead in the lake at the moment. A stroll across the bridge, while looking into the crystal-clear water, will reveal just how many big flathead are hanging around the depressions made by the pylons or in the Tuncurry channel. Even if you aren’t after trophy fish, there will be legal fish not too far away.

Breckenridge channel has produced a lot of pan-sized flathead throughout February and not much will change this month.

Blackfish are pretty thick around the leases and weed beds and it won’t be long before they move on the break walls either. The first of the run-out tide will have the long rods and landing nets along both walls, and there should be some big fish landed.

Locating good weed isn’t going to be easy, but The Palms area could be a source of the green stuff.

Good bags of bream are available throughout the system as the fish build condition for their autumn run.

The prawns and crabs this summer have been well below par when you consider how good the last

MANNING RIVER MARINE N TACKLE COME & SEE US FOR ALL YOUR BOATING & FISHING NEEDS!

NSW’S NEWEST DEALER COME IN AND SEE KRIS & THE TEAM FOR EXPERT ADVICE!

02 6552 2333

13 VICTORIA ST TAREE NSW

admin@manningrivermarine.com.au

www.manningrivermarine.com.au

38

MARCH 2018

Fishing slowly and on the bottom is the key to the bass fishing until we get a flush of cooler water to get some more flow in the rivers.

March is one of the best months for chasing bream on lures in the rivers, lake and around the leases. They are still focused on eating from the surface and are harbouring up the rivers, but they are all looking to put on condition for the autumn run. Bream up to 900g are up the Wallamba River as far as Nabiac, and I suspect the same in the Wallingat and Coolongolook rivers too. Don’t forget the whiting around the bridge and lower sand flats; they are still keen on surface lures or a well presented worm and yabby bait.

couple of years have been.

I blame the lack of fresh that we should have had around December. The mud

crabs have been ordinary and to find a feed of blue swimmers you need to visit the more open bays and the expanse of the lake. A good sign is that most of the crabs in my pots have been fully roed females in various stages of berry. I do hope the prawns and crabbing improve this month, but only time will tell.

I’m hoping that, by the time NSWFM goes to print, we have had a good downpour of rain up in the hills on the coastal side of the Great Dividing Range.

The freshwater scene is a little overwhelmed with warm water that is causing the fish to be a bit subdued.

High water temperatures mean lower soluble oxygen and a reluctance from the bass to be at their hunting best. If you do intend to go bass fishing, find a section of river that has some depth or good bank cover and fish your lures very slowly – along the bottom if necessary. Evening surface bites may also be a little quiet, while the river suffers from the slow flowing and warm water. The fish can be caught, they just don’t all have the same amount of energy in these conditions.

For the blackfish lovers there are heaps of fish around the leases and weed beds at the moment.

How to digitally subscribe to Fishing Monthly with

3 MAGAZINES

QLD FISHING MONTHLY

NSW FISHING MONTHLY

Go to www.issuu.com

Search Fishing Monthly

First Purchase appears

VIC/TAS FISHING MONTHLY

1

4

7

• 36 ISSUES FOR THE PRICE OF 12* • ACCESS TITLES TWO WEEKS EARLIER Sign up and create an account

Select magazine and hit buy

Each month new titles appear

2

5

Set your profile name

Buy 1 issue $5.95 or tick here for 36 issues for $65* 6

8

www.issuu.com/fishingmonthly * 36 ISSUES IS 12 MONTHS WORTH OF QFM + NSWFM + VFM CONCURRENTLY.

3

Enjoy!

9

SUBSCRIBE & WIN WIN!

3

LUCKY SUBSCRIBERS HAVE A CHANCE TO

Tonic Watch

A PAIR OF TONIC SUNGLASSES AND TONIC WATCH

“Jo Glass Red Mirror”

+ LENSES AVAILABLE FOR THE ‘JO’ FRAME ARE PHOTOCHROMIC COPPER, RED MIRROR, BLUE MIRROR, GREEN MIRROR, SILVER MIRROR YOUR SUBSCRIPTION WILL START WITH THE NEXT PUBLISHED ISSUE

QLD FISHING MONTHLY

12

issues

$65

inc. gst

24

or

Name: Address: Suburb:

PCode:

Daytime Contact No: Email:

PAYMENT DETAILS Cheque

VIC/TAS FISHING MONTHLY

$115

issues

BUYERS DETAILS

SUBSCRIPTION FOR

for

NSW FISHING MONTHLY

inc. gst

If you wish to purchase any other combination of magazines please phone FREE CALL 1800 228 244 for a special price.

Name: Address: Suburb:

P/Code:

Daytime Contact No: Email:

As the buyer, do you wish to receive annual subscription renewal notifications?

Money order

Mastercard/Visa

Yes

No

Signature:

Credit Card No:

Credit Card Expiry Date:

Card Holder’s Name:

Daytime Contact No:

CCV:

IF THIS IS A GIFT - PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING AND A GIFT CARD WILL BE MAILED TO THE LUCKY ANGLER OR THE GIFT BUYER! Mail voucher to:

Subscriber

Buyer or Email blank voucher to:

To: Happy Birthday!

From or Happy ____ Birthday!

SUBSCRIBER

ADVANTAGES Free delivery Entry into the monthly draws Save $$$

Other

(20 characters max)

Love From:

Happy Fishing!

Merry Christmas!

OUR GUARANTEE Every now and again, a copy may not arrive through the Australia Post System.

If this happens to you, give us a quick call and we will post out another FREE OF CHARGE

Happy Fathers Day!

1800 228 244 or

07 3387 0800

Fax coupon to:

07 3387 0801

Email details to: subscribe@fishingmonthly.com.au

OR visit www.fishingmonthly.com.au and follow the links to isubscribe

Mail Coupon to:

FM Subscriptions PO Box 3172 Loganholme Q 4129

Online - ANYTIME

If you can’t get offshore, the river will deliver HARRINGTON-TAREE

Ian Pereira ianpereira@aapt.net.au

The Mid North Coast has recently copped a lot of southerly winds and plenty of big seas and swell. The seas were big enough to set our local Fisheries FAD adrift, so hopefully it has been replaced by the time this goes to print.

Despite all this, fishing in the area has remained very good, with the river being the best out of the available fishing options. When the ocean won’t play ball, the good old river has saved many a holiday angler.

ESTUARY At present, the flathead in the Manning have not fully moved down to the river mouth, but any significant rainfall should give them a good push this way. Until this happens, expect the fishing up river to be better.

They are biting well on whitebait and prawns, as well as plastics and vibes in the areas around Coopernook, on the Lansdowne River, and up stream from Croki to Cundletown. The fish being taken are all of a good size, about 38-50cm, and in good

condition. There have been a couple of huge fish caught and released down on the Harrington sand flats. They are rare, majestic creatures and have been caught alongside masses of little undersized male fish.

Bream have remained on the chew along the river wall, with some good catches made in the daylight and dark. Mullet or bonito strips are the best bait. Some of the bream caught in the last couple of weeks have cracked the 45cm mark.

Mulloway have been caught fairly regularly by those throwing soft plastics around the bottom of the tide, and most fish have been in the 70-90cm range. A few bigger fish have fallen to live baits fished from the wall on the night time high tide, and there have been plenty of tales of woe as well with many big fish using the oyster-encrusted rocks to their advantage and winning their freedom.

BEACH AND ROCK The tailor arrived on all local beaches prior to a big southerly change that saw the seas quite rough for a few days. This weather event changed the landscape a fair bit, and made the fish disappear. They have

since returned in really good numbers though, with Crowdy Beach being the most fruitful area for those anglers who are keen on early morning spin sessions.

Whiting and bream should be found on the

southern end of Crowdy Beach using pipis or worms for bait.

OFFSHORE Bluewater fishers have had to contend with some very ordinary conditions of late, and not just the few

days of big southerlies.

What feels like an almost constant northeaster has made for lumpy seas and water temperatures far below what we are used to at this time of year.

Snapper fishing on the

Aaron Billingsley with a healthy Manning River bass caught on a cicada imitation.

close in reef systems is still good, with most boats able to find a few nice fish. If the weather permits, early morning or late afternoon sessions throwing plastics for snapper around Mermaid Reef or Curphys Shoal should see you tangle with some beautiful fish.

With a bit of luck, spotted and Spanish mackerel will have taken up residence in the local waters by now and will be here until May. The baitfish are already here, so it should only be a matter of time until the toothy critters arrive. Mahimahi and small black marlin should also be on your target list at this time of year.

FRESHWATER Not all the action has been at the eastern end of the river either! Surface fishing for bass has been magnificent over the summer months. The humming sound of cicadas is all throughout the upper reaches of the Manning. The river is a bit low due to the lack of rain, and there is still a fair bit of weed to contend with, however if you can navigate to the deeper clear pockets of water you should be justly rewarded with plenty of big fish.

MARCH 2018

41

Power up for pelagics!

PORT STEPHENS

Paul Lennon

March to me signals the start of the best three months of the year to be fishing in Port Stephens.

It’s prime time all at once for so many different species, with the hardest part often deciding what you’re going to target.

It could be longtail tuna from the headlands, mulloway on the beaches, marlin, both in close or on the shelf, and then you have great estuary options too like bream and whiting on surface lures or big flathead and mulloway.

ESTUARY Flathead fishing inside the bay with soft plastic and hardbodied lures this month should be extremely productive. Try fishing on the high tide around the shallow bays and mouths of feeder creeks, especially around Soldiers Point and through to Karuah and Tilligery areas.

There has been plenty of surface action in the bay, especially on those real glassy mornings. Look for the birds working the edges of tide lines and the bonito and tailor won’t be too far away.

Don t be surprised either

if instead of finding bonitio and tailor you find a school of 20kg longtail busting up.

For this reason, I always have an extra rod rigged up ready with a metal or larger stickbait style lure regardless of my target species, as these torpedoes can suddenly bust up anytime within casting range.

Bream have been hot, hitting surface lures around the Soldiers Point area through to Tahlee, with quality fish well over 1kg being taken.

Mulloway from the rockwalls and in the deeper water towards the back of the bay will be well worth a look this month. Live

The author with a solid land-based lizard.

Port Stephens Estuary Charters

the beautiful Port Stephens estuary system with a calm water to fishing charter that can be designed ing suit your needs from family bait fish . lers to hardcore lure and fly fishing ang arters.com

www.fishportstephensestuarych

70687 Contact Paul Lennon :04343 ail.com gm g@ shin n.fi email: paul.lenno

rs.

fishportstephensestuarycharte

Jade McFawn with a cracking bream caught from the Port Stephens estuary.

baiting on the tide changes is your best chance to get connected, however a few anglers have been catching some nice fish on 6-7” paddle-tail plastics.

Off the rocks, it’s the time that LBG anglers wait for all year, with numbers of longtail tuna and the chance of a trophy cobia from the headlands. There are also plenty of smaller pelagics to keep you entertained, with the likes of mac tuna, bonito and tailor all prevalent.

OCEAN BEACHES Any beach from Stockton all the way through to Hawks Nest will fish really well at this time of year. There are stacks of quality whiting on offer for those using live tube worms. It’s just a matter of fishing the gutters on high tides that fall late in the afternoon or early morning.

Bream will also start to increase in numbers from now on, so you can also expect a few bream when whiting fishing too.

Mullet and luderick will start to travel along the ocean beaches, and larger predators will be right on

their tails like sharks and big mulloway. If you want to target a mulloway, whiting make great live baits, so it can pay off extending a whiting session until after dark and tossing a couple out alive. If you can’t catch any live bait, fresh squid will be your next best option.

OFFSHORE Again, the options are vast offshore this month.

Black marlin will be a chance anywhere from the front of Fingal through to north of Seal Rocks. Locating concentrated bait schools in water between 21-24°C will put you in the right area, and after that you can work the zone slow trolling a live baits.

Live baits under a float around the inshore reefs, islands and headlands can be a real lucky dip at this time of year, with the chance of longtail tuna, kingfish, cobia, and even a black marlin. On top of that, you have plenty of action from false alarms like mac tuna, bonito, tailor and the odd welcome by-catch of a quality snapper.

all Come and see us for your fishing needs! ue Water Game | Estuary | Bl Experts in... Beach & Rock Fishing 100 MAGNUS STREET NELSON BAY

02 4984 2144

CUSTOMER PARKING AT REAR

info@tackleworldps.com.au www.tackleworldps.com.au

42

MARCH 2018

Longtail tuna time is here, so anglers will be getting excited.

All the bread-and-butter species are biting HUNTER COAST

Gary Earl earlybird13@optusnet.com.au

It’s been a funny old month, and to say the fishing has been firing is an understatement. The action has been red hot, especially on the close reefs, offshore and estuaries.

Starting offshore, there’s been a number of marlin seen free swimming around, mainly small black marlin in the 50-100kg range. The boats heading out wide to the Farm reefs and to fish the shelf have spotted a lot of fish, but they have been very hard to get a hook into. Even throwing livebaits to them hasn’t worked.

However, trolling has been great for the travelling schools of kingfish. Some specimens around 12kg have grabbed black and blue skirts, so if you’re heading out try a fast running diver such as a Rapala CD Magnum 18 or a small skirt around the 10” size. Both should see some action. A few anglers have been running their lures each side of a teaser and doing quite well.

Mahimahi have been around also, with a 12kg model taken straight out from the mouth of the harbour. It was in a school of smaller fish, and took the lure first.

The anglers said it bullied its way through the pack on the surface to grab it.

The close reefs are fishing pretty well, with great amounts of red nannygai, blue morwong, teraglin and school mulloway as well as just-legal kingfish all around the reefs. Snapper are there, and have been taking baits readily, most often on the tide change in the afternoons.

Some anglers have been just about to give up and pull the pin when the tide has changed and the snapper have shown up. Try the dumping grounds and the Pines Reef systems, or the Merewether reefs, as all are holding good amounts of fish. Anglers who know how to maintain a good berley trail have been bagging out on squire-size snapper around the 2kg mark. If you don’t

Swampy and Roscoe from the Charlestown Bowling Club got into some nice yellowfin bream and a lot of whiting on an afternoon trip. have a very good working berley trail it’s likely you’ll miss out.

The estuaries have been firing for bream and trumpeter whiting, and the flathead have been around snatching cast lures all the way up to Raymond Terrace.

Anglers using light line have been catching bream, and a fresh nipper or peeled prawn should get you amongst them. Swampy and Roscoe from Charlestown got some

The flathead haven’t been huge but they’re great 1 5/10/2017 6:15 pm on light line when the fishing is slow.

Bonanza Advert Oct 2017 - Final.pdf

great bream and whiting on a trip casting lures in a channel, and then they ran into some tailor as a bonus.

Squid have been around in good numbers on the northern side of the Stockton wall over the end of the Adolf Wreck.

Smaller jigs in pink and red have been worth their weight in gold; those are definitely the best colours to entice the squid at the moment.

Even though the southern end of Stockton

Beach was washed away a while ago, it has been giving up some nice bream and whiting. The mulloway have been in good enough numbers. Fresh worms, pipis and pilchards have been the best baits, and nighttime and sunrise have both fished really well. Try to avoid the heat in the middle of the day when the fishing goes off a bit.

That’s it for this month.

Happy fishing!

The Galvanised Trailer Specialists C

M

BEST PRICES Call for a IN NSW QUOTE TODAY!

QUALITY UTE CANOPIES

• Single and dual cab utes • 2.5mm checker plate • Dust and waterproof!

• Available with Jack Up System • Heavy duty frame • Gas struts on doors

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

BOAT TRAILERS from 4-9 metres

K

BOAT TRAILERS • JET SKI TRAILERS (SINGLE & TANDEM) BOX TRAILERS • PLANT TRAILERS • CAR TRAILERS • HYDRAULIC TIPPERS FLAT TOP TRAILERS • CATTLE CRATE TRAILERS • UTE CANOPIES

0408 299 129

From

$2,450

350 Soldiers Point Road Salamander Bay NSW 2317

www.bonanzatrailers.com.au

MARCH 2018

43

Anglers are spoilt for choice on the Central Coast ERINA

Aaron Donaldson

It’s been another great few weeks of fishing on the coast, and now it’s the time of year where the hardest part is trying to decide which species to target.

Rock fishing has really started to fire in a big way, and the bonito showed up early and really started with a bang. Many anglers had a blast catching these little speedsters and there were even a few mac tuna in amongst them. I was lucky

enough to hook one on my fly tackle and had some serious fun as I watched half my backing line disappear!

We should see a few frigate mackerel show up in the next few weeks and hopefully a few larger longtail. Most anglers seem to spin metal lures in the 10-85g sizes, although a lot are now realising that soft plastics can be super effective when the fish become wary.

Another thing worth a mention is that it’s also a great time to target bream on hardbody lures around the

angler Luke Bell and crew Ryan Morgan and Sharleen Agudelo aboard Asalt Weapon found this out when they tagged a ‘grand slam’ off our local waters recently.

The blue they got was an absolute horse and measured 2.96m short length and was over 200kg in weight. The crew then moved in closer and managed to make it happen on a black and a striped marlin. These fish will hang about for a few months and we can all get a shot at them.

Estuary fishing has still been great, but crowds have been a major problem. Early starts are the best way at this time of year, as it’s the best

have been some larger models starting to appear, and this should increase as we head into autumn.

Mulloway have been relatively quiet in our neck of the woods, and I’m sure it’s mostly due to the fact there is so much boat traffic.

These fish are super sensitive to noise, and I’m sure we will see some better action in the next few months.

Blue swimmer crabs have still been around in decent numbers for those looking for a great feed. Just be sure to get some fresh mullet and try to be on the water at daybreak.

I also want to mention a recent trip I had up to the

• Installation, Radios, Sounders & all Electrical • Outboard Service, Repairs & Sales • Trailer Repairs, Service & Sales • New Aluminium Boats & Trailers

Ph: (02) 4325 1011 7 Yandina Road, West Gosford www.advancedmarine.com.au

Luke Bell displays a monster blue marlin taken out along the shelf. rock platforms. Fishing on the rising tides is the go, and it’s surprising how good the fishing can get. Local tournament angler Glenn Allen has this technique down and has had some blinder sessions landing fish up to 47cm. Glenn mainly uses the Saku Divers and he has also had some great

catches using soft plastics.

The main thing is to fish the more turbulent and washy zones, and most anglers are shocked at how shallow the water that holds fish can be.

Game fishing has also come to life with the arrival of black and striped marlin and even some big blues out over the shelf. Local gun

Bonito have been going crazy recently, and providing lots of thrills for local anglers.

A nice local bass that took a fancy to a cicada imitation fly.

Find your new favourite place to fish and camp...

www.youcamp.com 44

MARCH 2018

Australia’s largest land sharing website

way to avoid the crowds.

Bream surface fishing will hit its peak in Brisbane Waters this month, and the fishing action can be mind blowing to say the least, especially when high tide coincides with day break.

Flathead are a dime a dozen at present, with most guys having some luck drifting the channels. There

mighty Macleay River Bass Lodge. Although the river levels were slightly down on previous trips, the bass fishing was still outstanding and as we all know a fish is a bonus on these types of trips. Just being in that sort of environment makes the trip worth it.

Until next time, happy and safe fishing to all!

Quality March fishing SWANSEA

Jason Scerri coloratolures@hotmail.com

What a great period of warm weather fishing we’ve had so far, and I think the best is yet to come. I always love March and April for fishing in this part of the world.

lake that slow rolling small soft plastic lures has been very effective. There’s not many really large bream for me with this method, but certainly good numbers.

Mulloway continue to do their thing and it’s so good for them to be the norm rather than the exception these days on Lake Macquarie. Bait

Rodd with one of many hefty mahimahi he has claimed this summer.

I have lived here for about 14 years now and my family and I really made the most of the summer this year. We always tell ourselves we are going to get outdoors more and do things such as tubing and pulling up for BBQs on the sand islands and so on, but never really do it. That was until this year. The weather has been sensational and we have really made the most of it with our new boat, with plenty of tubing and swimming in this magic lake.

Fortunately, there has also been a good dose of fishing thrown in the mix. I love the period after Australia Day. That’s generally the last of the busy tourist weekends for the summer break. The water temperatures in the lake have been super warm and the fishing action equally as hot.

In the lake itself the bream have really turned it on some days, with double digit numbers of 40cm bream, which is a great days’ fishing in most anglers’ books.

Hardbody lures have been the go, with shallow-running smaller offerings being very productive. There has not been one specific colour lure doing the trick. It really has just been a matter of throwing them all, and then sticking to the ones doing the damage on the day. Soft plastics have also been producing a few, and I have found that during the busy traffic periods on the

fishos are finding success during long nights out on the lake, with live baits being the pick by a long shot. Belmont Bay and around Toronto have been productive, with good numbers of fish around 80-90cm quite common.

Lure anglers are also finding good mulloway in the lake. I really suggest giving soft plastics in the 4-5” range a try for these size fish. I prefer fish pattern plastics and natural colours for the mulloway. For anglers just looking for the better quality fish, make sure you up the tackle a little and stick with plastics more around the 6” paddle-tail variety.

As with most summers, the pelagic fish turned up in numbers right on cue. We have seen great numbers of these sportfish with bonito, mac tuna and kingfish all on offer and out there in both quantity and quality. Fly fishing anglers are having hours of fun chasing these pelagic fish, and lure fishos throwing soft plastic stickbait type lures in the 3” range have been getting their share.

Our inshore islands such as Bird and Moon islands have both been very productive, but be prepared to put the effort in, as some days do require plenty of patience and searching to find these schools.

Game fishing out from Swansea has been great this summer. The run of mahimahi has been really good, with

much better fishing around the FADs than we have seen in more recent years. Some days have really produced the goods with solid numbers of mahimahi falling to both baits and lures. Fish around 80cm have not been uncommon this season at the Fisheries FAD, which is a great improvement on the past couple of years out there.

Getting out there nice and early before the traffic is often the key to success at the FAD. Mix it up a little with baits at varying depths so you have all bases covered. It also pays to float a livey out there on a larger outfit, as there are more than a few marlin about, and I can’t tell you the number of times we have encountered marlin at the FADs. Something else I also like to do is troll for a few kilometres as I approach the FAD. Small skirts around the 4-5” range are fine. Again, this will often result in either a marlin or some very nice mahimahi.

Speaking of marlin, they have been about in good numbers. As is the case each year, both lures and baits are scoring their share of the action. As a rule the inshore fish are generally the smaller blacks around 40-60kg, but always be ready for a bigger fish, as there are certainly some very hefty striped marlin in the mix. Mix it up with the lure colours. Always include a green colour, a pink colour and a blue colour offering. Purples are another effective colour combo and on their days orange combos can also fire.

With the size fish out there this season I’d be inclined to run a spread of lures from 10” down to a small 5-6” lure out the back in the shotgun position. With a nice balanced mix of size and colours, I’d be very confident that Mr Stickface will come along for you.

There is also no shortage of toothy critters out there, and the usual crews are doing what they do best, with local game fishing boat Redemption captained

by Steve Dial nailing some absolute cracking tiger sharks recently. Steve and his regular crew rarely miss and the size fish that these boys encounter is not for the faint-hearted. Along with the tigers have been a few makos, so there is certainly plenty on offer to keep the local shark fleet entertained.

Now the crowds have left us and the weather is sensational more often than not, I’d be making the most of it from now through to the Easter period. It is a great time of the year to fish our waters and I find looking back through my fishing diaries that many of my better days come during this time of the year, so get off your backsides and get out there.

CREATE YOUR ADVENTURES

485 SUNRUNNER For more information visit

www.horizonboats.com.au or call your nearest dealer

Independent Outboards 59 Holbeche Road Arndell Park NSW 2148 Phone 02 9672 1922

Aussie Boat Sales ACT Unit 9 Vicars Court Mitchell 2911 ACT Phone 0433 531 226

Michael Parker Marine 4 Erica Court Albury NSW 2640 Phone 0418 578 805

North Coast Boating Centre 2 Marina Crescent Urunga NSW 2544 Phone 02 66557700 sam@northcoastboatingcentre.com.au

Waves Overseas 128-134 Parramatta Road Croydon NSW 2132 Phone 02 9745 5555

Deniliquin Yamaha 167-169 Napier Street Deniliquin NSW 2710 Phone 03 5881 1461 paul@riverinamotorcyclesandmarine.com.au

indout@bigpond.com

mick.parker.marine@bigpond.com

theteam@waves.com.au

aussieboatsales@gmail.com

Aussie Boat Sales NSW 27 Beach Road Batemans Bay NSW 2536 Phone 0433 531 226 aussieboatsales@gmail.com

MARCH 2018

45

BUY NOW & SAVE UP TO

$1,400 $20 OFF PER HORSEPOWER

F2.5 - F70 FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARDS

Yamaha Resolution

Promotion available between 24/01/18 to 31/03/18 on new and eligible Yamaha F2.5 to F70 four-stroke models, purchased at participating Yamaha Dealerships.

Advertised savings amount equivalent to $20 per horsepower (GST inclusive), within the F2.5 to F70 horsepower range. Savings are based on RRP and subject to change without notice. Offer available for private buyers only on specified models installed and warranty registered on or before the 31/03/18. Promotion is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply. While stocks last. See your authorized participating Dealership for details.

Fishing Fill-its

DROP INTO YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY BALLINA

BALLINA MARINELAND 67 Endeavour Close, BALLINA P: 02 6686 2669 www.ballinamarineland.com.au

BATEMANS BAY

Shoring up fishing Over the years, plenty of anglers have hauled in prized Murray cod on the stretch of the Murray River between Corowa and the Ovens River junction.

This hard working 52km of the 2520km river is treasured by the people who live, work or travel to the river to play.

remedial work to resnag and stabilise the banks to protect them.

Erosion affects fish because the sediment deposited in the river harms the vegetation that fish need for movement and habitat.

Monitoring over the past few years has found that activities creating a

conditions and safety for everyone in the area who wants to throw in a line or enjoy a swim, kayak or other activity. Fishing boats, water skiing and other powered vessels would be allowed to continue to use the river where the current rules permit.

The fishing community and other members of the

HUNTS MARINE

2 Sharon Road, BATEMANS BAY P: 02 4472 2612 www.huntsmarine.com.au

COFFS HARBOUR

JETTY BOATING

22 Hi Tech Drive, TOORMINA 2452 P: 02 6651 4002 www.jettyboating.com.au

DUBBO

DUBBO MARINE & WATERSPORT 36 Burke Street, DUBBO P: 02 6882 2853 www.dubbomarine.com.au

FORSTER

GRAHAM BARCLAY MARINE 129 The Lakesway, FORSTER P: 02 6554 5866 www. barclaymarine.com.au

HUNTER

TERRACE BOATING

2382 Pacific Highway, HEATHERBRAE P: 02 4983 5600 www.terraceboating.com.au

SYDNEY

MARINA BAYSIDE

1-13 Mangrove Lane, TAREN POINT P: 02 9524 0044 www.marinabayside.com.au

SYDNEY NORTH

PITTWATER MARINE

2A McCarrs Creek Road, CHURCH POINT P: 02 9997 2411 www.pittwatermarine.com.au

The river gets busy with speed boats at Bundalong. The wash from activities like waterskiing does not create the same degree of damage as those reliant on a high wake. Image courtesy of MDBA. In these parts, the river twists and turns though woodland, pasture and forest, carrying flows from the Kiewa River and Hume Dam which bring opportunities for those on the hunt for cod, bream, perch, yellow belly and redfin.

The flows are managed by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to ensure water is delivered to farmers, communities and the river environment along the length of the system.

There’s a history of engineering, science and local know-how behind that management.

Nurturing the health of the river as much as possible is one of the driving considerations, which includes managing flows in ways that support fish breeding, feeding and migration up and down the river and into the tributaries.

In recent times the MDBA has been concerned about the significant increase in riverbank erosion in this stretch, after years of

large wash, such as wake boarding, have been a major contributor to erosion since the millennium drought. The wave action also damages fringing vegetation that

public are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft River Murray (Corowa to Ovens River) Erosion Management Plan, which is open to comment until 28

Murray cod thrive in healthy rivers that have snags and bankside vegetation. Credit DELWP. provides all-important food and habitat.

As a result, the NSW Roads and Maritime Services has proposed a three-year trial that would ban wakeenhancing activities between Corowa and the Ovens River junction, and improve the

February 2018, and to keep your eyes peeled for the final recommendations.

For more details go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au/ projects/south-coast and select ‘River Murray erosion management plan’ or phone 1800 316 622. – MDBA

SYDNEY WEST

INDEPENDENT OUTBOARDS 59 Holbeche Road, ARNDELL PARK P: 02 9672 1922 www.independentoutboards.com.au

WAGGA WAGGA

RIVERINA MARINE CENTRE 3871 Sturt Highway, WAGGA WAGGA P: 02 6922 8444 www.riverinamarinecentre.com.au

Repeated exaggerated waves increase the severity of bank erosion. Image courtesy of MDBA. MARCH 2018

47

Locals are having a real bumper on billfish ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

It’s all happening with plenty of fish from the estuaries to offshore all on the boil, making for easy pickings for anyone who wants to wet a line.

Offshore is a bit of a lucky dip, as there are fish everywhere and even if you target a species, you still may not get what you are looking for. All the usual species are about in numbers as well as plenty of northern visitors, all hungry and lining up for your offerings.

The bottom bouncers seem to have flathead on tap, as all the regular sand patches are throwing up good numbers of quality fish. The reefs are fishing exceptionally well, with the season so far producing more teraglin than the last 10 put together, you just need to find them as they are moving from bump to bump. Lots are being taken on jigs.

They are not the only highlights, as a few emperor

have come down with the warmer water and even a few pearl perch have graced the tables of late. Throw in good numbers of average snapper with the odd big fish among them, mowies, pigfish, Samsonfish and trevally, and even a few small mulloway have been coming off the reefs as well over the past few weeks.

The sportfishers are scoring some nice snapper too, with bait and jigs both scoring good fish. Bait isn’t a problem, as there are bonito, frigate mackerel and mackerel tuna chasing baitfish all along the coast, so a bit of fun casting into the schools with small lures as a prelude to a snapper fish always makes a good day.

A lot of rat kings are about, but there are also a lot of good fish up to 10kg plus in the mix as well, and they will get better over the coming weeks with the islands, Bellambi, Bass Point and Rangoon all producing fish on any given day, and the harder the current runs the better they bite.

Live slimies and yellowtail are the baits of choice, with

one on top and one down rigged. This allows you to make quick turns and stay on the fish if they miss the baits on the first pass, although this rarely happens when you find them and they are on the chew.

Big bonito and salmon can be a problem, so the bigger the slimy and yakka, the better.

Seals can be a problem too, stealing both baits and fish, and they are very well educated in the art. The only way to get around them is to move, as they are relentless. You can come back later, but they are quick to find you again and drive you nuts.

As well as our regular

the Illawarra, so it is always difficult to pin fish down to one particular spot, as there are just so many options for them to hunt. However, if you can find sharp little rises and drops with a bit of bait within a kilometre of the coast, that’s a good start.

Further offshore there are even more options, with mahimahi hanging around the FADs and any floating objects.

There are plenty of little ones, with some good ones thrown in. The season started with a bang, and lots of very solid fish to 15kg and better have been coming in over the past months. Big live slimy

your skirts are slashed by a wahoo or two, as they generally travel in packs. Throw in a few small yellowfin tuna to 20kg and plenty of striped tuna, and there is plenty of offshore action to keep you busy.

Back on the rocks, there is plenty of gamefish action as well, with the deeper ledges still a chance of a marlin.

However, big kings will more likely be the target early in the mornings with live squid or mackerel the best baits. This is also when the bigger mackerel tuna and longtails start to come through, and they will be about for the next few months.

Not many fish taken from

There are still a few blacks around the inshore reefs this month.

• Family friendly park • Private Boat Ramp & Jetty • Close to Clubs and Pubs • Accommodation to suit any budget • Kiosk for the fisherman & family

Phone: (02) 4441 2112 enquiries@rivieracaravanpark.com.au 158 River Rd, Sussex Inlet www.rivieracaravanpark.com.au

Great Lifestyle is FOR SALE! Opportunity! This park Enquire within.

species, March always provides a bit of fun from the northern visitors, with Spanish mackerel, rainbow runners and cobia all popping up at times over the inshore reefs and bommies, like the 18kg cobia Dave Wiley caught on 4kg bream tackle last year just off Bellambi. It took him over an hour and at first he thought it was a stingray.

During March, I use light wire of about 20kg when fishing livies in close, and I usually use a stinger hook these days just in case I run into a mackerel, as you usually only get one shot.

You have to sometimes fight a hammerhead or two, which can’t bite you off with the wire, and small hammers are great on the barbie too.

We have a lot of reef in

mackerel will get even the cautious ones having a look, while pilchards will get plenty of average fish. Some of the better ones have grabbed lures meant for marlin.

On the marlin front, this is the best time of the year to score a grand slam, with blacks and blues still about and stripes coming back, as the water can drop a few degrees at times and they all seem to mingle if there is a good concentration of bait in an area.

Most anglers drag plastic about and it is the best way to target blues, as there doesn’t seem to be as many about.

However, the good old slow trolled slimy, trolled live in an area with plenty of bait and bird action will out score lures every time. Don’t be surprised if a stray sailfish turns up, or

the rocks go as fast as the first run of a longtail, and there seems to be more around each season but not a lot of anglers chase them. They’re certainly there.

To keep you occupied between big fish, there are plenty of bonito, salmon, tailor, small mackerel tuna, silver and giant trevally, and frigate mackerel for those fishing with both live and strip baits.

Snapper are around taking strip baits along the deeper ledges, with bream in the washes grabbing cubes of tuna and bonito fished with little or no lead.

The surface activity for the spin anglers will also be on this month, with anglers shoulder to shoulder on the northern side of Bass Point, Honeycomb and the breakwalls and Kiama

FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING *For orders over $125.00 (conditions apply)

ALL THE BEST BRANDS & PRICES AUSTRALIA WIDE!!

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Check out our range @ www.anglerswarehouse.com.au 48

MARCH 2018

as bonnies, mac tuna, trevally, salmon and frigates gather in large schools and smash all the bait after they herd them into the shallows. It happens every year.

Blackfish are starting to get going in the washes and the harbours, with big bronzies taking cabbage and green weed and like all fishing, the best results will come with a bit of berley.

On the beaches there are plenty of options too, with flathead all along the coast grabbing lures and bait.

Whiting are on every beach, just add beach worms for a successful trip or get yourself some fresh tuna or mackerel and get up early or fish late in the evening for bream, tailor, salmon and small mulloway.

Just find a good gutter on almost any beach and you are better than even to come away with a good feed.

Then later in the evenings on the bigger tides, get the bigger baits out, as there are some good mulloway on the usual beaches. As always you will be rewarded if you are patient and put in the effort.

In the lake, there are still plenty of flathead about taking live poddies and plastics, and they are pretty much everywhere. Remember to put out the crab traps while you are fishing, as the blue swimmers are in good numbers as well.

Whiting are over the flats eating poppers, and out in the deeper water they are responding to worms. There are also bream in the deeper spots and around the bridges along with a few mulloway on occasion, you just have to be on the spot when they are there, as they don’t hang round long.

The creeks have some nice bream and plenty of mullet and garfish taking bread baits.

Minnamurra is the same with flathead along its length, and whiting over the flats. Bream are around the bridges and there is even a chance of a mangrove jack around the pylons, and live poddies are the trick here.

Mullet, garfish and blackfish are all along the weed bed edges and some big trevally can show up at the entrance on the top of the tide during the evenings.

And that’s it for March, have fun!

GIFT

CARDS vailable A

Phone orders welcome: (07) 5536 3822

Local waters kicking it up another notch NOWRA

Johnny Nolan straydog1974@gmail.com

Over the past couple of months, the estuary fishing in our local waters has really stepped it up another notch, especially for our bread and butter species such as bream, flathead and whiting!

where the salt meets the fresh. Predominately a bass area, this upper section of the river is also producing some good specimens of the above mentioned bread and butter species. This, plus the bass and estuary perch fishing is giving anglers a lot of fun in some truly picturesque settings, especially early or late in the day around the light transition times.

Offshore it really has been another dud season for the game anglers. It’s really starting to take its toll on the game fishos spending a lot of money on fuel, bait and tackle for not much result. Earlier on around Christmas and for a week or so after, there were a few nice mahimahi and the odd marlin around the Jervis Bay FAD and on the shelf

line, but a couple of weeks of bad weather quickly put the breaks on, and when the seas settled they were gone.

So there we go, it’s not all doom and gloom… you just have to take what’s on offer at the time, and at the moment it’s the estuary and inshore fishing that’s firing!

So grab the light gear and go have some fun!

Damon Stevens with a 40cm+ locally-caught black bream that ate a cicada imitation.

It’s been a bumper season for flatties in the river, and I’ve seen some of the biggest fish I’ve seen in a long time come from the river this season. If you would like to catch one of these monster crocs, big lures are the order of the day and I don’t really think you can ever go too big – as long as you can cast it, a big flatty will most likely eat it.

In Jervis Bay over the end of summer, the squid fishing in the bay was very poor to say the least, with very few anglers catching a good feed of these tasty morsels. I can say, however, it has now improved

dramatically and the squid are back in numbers in most of the popular locations. I was asked many times over the holidays in the shop where have all the squid gone? My answer was plain and simple… I don’t know!

These are one critter I will never work out! Maybe they were hiding from all the sharks that were around – I know I would have been!

In the snapper department there have been a couple of nice fish on Middle Ground and around Longnose, but other than that there’s been a lot of small fish just around legal size.

Ricky Hadju with a chunky 84cm Shoalhaven River flatty.

Espritrters

Bec Abela with her first mahimahi and she’s looking pretty happy about it!

These three species alone have accounted for some pretty hot fishing sessions on both the Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin in recent weeks. Along with the occasional mulloway, big tailor and even snapper thrown into the mix, it really has been an South Coast estuary fisho’s blessing to have such great fishing right on our doorstep and in such awesome surrounds.

The Shoalhaven River has surprised many this year so far, with it fishing as wellas and sometimes better than its neighbour the St Georges Basin. All through summer and now into autumn, the river has remained very salty due to the lack of any real rain periods in this time. Fish have pushed well upstream, basically as far as they can

Further downstream around the Nowra Bridge and to its east around the reef there have been some good bream and some very hefty whiting smashing either live nippers for the bait fishers and surface stickbaits and poppers for the lure fishers.

Broughten Creek is producing some of those big bruiser black bream on surface and diving lures, and closer to the river entrance around Greenwell Point there have been some big bream as well in the 1kg plus class, mainly being caught on the live nippers pumped from the nearby sand flats. The Bream Hole (named accordingly) Pelican Rocks and Muscle Island are all worth a look on the top of the tide for the bream.

BERMAGUI SOUTH COAST NSW

Cha

Marlin, Tuna, h, Kingfis h s Reef Fi

GAME AND REEF FISHING SMALL GROUPS OF MAXIMUM 5

PACKAGE OFFER

3 NIGHTS

2 Full Days Fishing All Quality Tackle Supplied

HARBOUR FRONT ACCOM $600

PER PERSON (BASED ON 5)

www.bermaguifishing.com

Daniel Abella was very happy with this nice mahimahi caught earlier in the season.

Email: esprit@bermaguifishing.com

0418 634 524

MARCH 2018

49

Game fishing in overdrive BATEMANS BAY

Anthony Stokman

Here we are, the start of autumn, and what I class as the best time of the year on the South Coast. No crowds, empty beaches, great weather and great fishing are all reasons to enjoy the start of autumn.

From offshore to inshore to upstream, autumn has it all.

TOURNAMENTS The gamefish tournaments were a major success this season, with good weather and fishing good. We kicked off the year with the Batemans Bay Tollgate Classic, and what a classic it was, with a recordbreaking first day, tagging 67 marlin. This year the event had it all, with resort style boutique accommodation at a discounted rate for entrants with breakfast included.

Andrew Johns and the staff at Corrigans Cove did a great job on the three nights they catered, especially the main presentation night where the three course meal and service was a special treat, and the establishment was highly praised. By the end of the tournament there were 78 marlin tagged and a few

mahimahi and even a 38.6kg yellowfin tuna caught by Mitch Gray on Rare Breed.

Thank you to the major sponsors Compleat Angler Batemans Bay, Shimano and Furuno.

The following weekend was the Bermagui Bluewater Classic, which saw 25 marlin tagged, but the main

Tournament hosted by the Ulladulla Game Fishing Club was another great event, with 88 fish being tagged and released. Chole and Tom Lawrence on Tomahawk put in an outstanding effort tagging seven marlin, with George Lirantzis and crew on Side Effect tagging six marlin.

Jem Abbott has been finding great quality snapper lately. attraction was Panlicker’s big blue marlin weighing 193kg.

A congratulations must go to the Capp family who took home $17,000 for that fish and also $5,000 from the Tollgate Classic – not a bad week’s work.

The Jess Sams

OFFSHORE The offshore fishing should continue to be good throughout March. The marlin bite can be at its best during this time of the year, and the FAD off Batemans in past years has seemed to come good at this time of the

year. There have been some good schools of mahimahi and kingies out there of late, so let’s hope these schools get bigger in size as well as in numbers.

Coming into our inshore reefs we usually see the snapper fishing improve coming into autumn, but we can’t complain about the summer run of snapper, which was really good.

Along with average to good snapper, morwong catches have also been impressive.

There’s also been quite a bit of mako and gummy shark action for those wanting to chase a bit of flake.

The flathead have been thick in the usual flathead haunts up and down the coast.

Kingies, as usual, are here, there and everywhere except on my hook.

Montague has had some on days and so has Jervis, but you have to be lucky and Johnny on the spot to catch them off Batemans. You can spend the day down rigging and slow trolling livies around all the haunts to end up with two rats, or you can just get a good day and be right on top of them! You can expect to find bonito getting around in good numbers in most areas.

The great thing about autumn offshore is just about every marine species is out to party, so you just never know what you are going to run into. In March while fishing for snapper and can hook on to a Spanish mackerel, or

Some decent fish were weighed in at local gamefishing competitions recently. speedsters. A lot of lures have been lost and a lot of rods have been broken. I usually take a beach towel down to lie my rod on and I try not to let it touch the rocks.

When it comes to lures I take a swag of metals I don’t mind losing, and a handful of expensive favourites. The Nomad Madscad and the Rapala long cast range are great lures to cast and work.

And if you want an absolute weapon of a rod for this caper, you can’t go past the Samaki

the beaches, from boats out of the bay and upstream in our estuaries and lakes that are open. It’s been an impressive run and I don’t expect to see it stopping, and if anything I think it will get better.

RIVERS Bream have been great in the Clyde and Durras throughout summer and coming into autumn. The perch are still knocking around, and you can always rely on the flatties.

Further upstream, bass

Gamefishing will still be very popular in autumn. you can be trolling the shelf for marlin and then land a wahoo. You just never know!

ROCK FISHING Off the stones, the snapper were good this time last year, and Jem Abbott’s proving it’s going great this year! He’s landed a few nice ones so far.

It’s also still a great time of the year for kingies, bonnies, salmon and tailor off the rocks. Everyone is getting pretty comfortable spinning all kinds of lures that are available on the market these days and using graphite rods for these 50

MARCH 2018

9’ and 10’ Silver Bullets for price and quality. These rods are light and powerful, and taper into a unique opal shape for extra strength.

BEACHES Beach fishing in autumn is great as the water is still warm and whiting are found on most of our big sandy surf beaches.

There have been some nice bream on the beaches lately, and the Durras area had a good run of mulloway, which will continue into winter.

The mulloway have been very consistent from spring right up until now. Anglers have been catching them on

fishing will still be good and there should be some footballs getting around. The surface action hasn’t been red-hot, so opting for deep divers and getting right down may be the trick, but can be an expensive move around snags.

It’s the best time of the year, so get out there!

• 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).

MAJOR PRIZES

FIND THE

LOGO COMPETITION

1st PLACE

1000

There are 15 logos hidden throughout the pages of Fishing Monthly.

$

Find the logo and page number, fill in the entry form and go in the draw to win!

RRP worth of Frogley’s Offshore products

2nd PLACE

The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of each month will win a packet of the world’s finest hooks from

500

$

All entries will go into the major prize draw (MAY 31 , 2018).

RRP worth of Frogley’s Offshore products

www.frogleysoffshore.com.au

3rd PLACE

200

$

RRP worth of Frogley’s Offshore products

PAGE NO: 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

NAME ............................................................................................................

MAIL ENTRIES TO: NSWFM Find the Gamakatsu Logo Competition, PO BOX 3172, Loganholme QLD 4129 Entries must be received by 31ST MARCH 2018 Original entries only. No photocopies.

SUBURB .................................................................P/CODE ...........................

PHONE ..........................................................................................................

EMAIL ............................................................................................................

NSWFM MARCH 2018

ADDRESS .......................................................................................................

Exceptional offshore fishing expected this month NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

It’s been a pretty windy last month along this part of the coast, but when the weather has allowed, some exceptional fishing offshore has been encountered.

Montague Island’s kingfish population has woken up with most days producing solid models. Kings to 6-7kg have played the game, with most crews getting amongst

them. While anglers using live bait have fared best, some days using jigs has out-fished the bait guys three to one.

When this has happened you tend to get a lot more smaller fish, but you will also get the bigger fish at times.

Jigging isn’t for everyone, as different tackle is required, but it’s a stack of fun and has been a proven method for donkey’s years. Most of the action is on the western side of the island, with the Fowl House Reef a great place to start. You will quite often see

the fish on the surface too, so have a popper or big stickbait presentation ready to cast.

If you’re after a feed of bottom fish then you’re in luck. The flatties have been thick for weeks now and I can’t see this changing anytime soon. The 35-40m line straight off Dalmeny has been excellent with the odd gummy shark coming from the same areas. Those targeting the larger pelagic prey like marlin have done okay – not quite as well as last month, but that will

change with better conditions.

In saying that most crews are getting a shot or two per day, so it’s still definitely worth a look. Striped marlin has been the predominant species but there is still

Anglers casting chromed lures through the suds are having a load of fun, especially on the lighter tackle. If you’re using bait, a paternoster rig will work. Bluebait and pilchards are the preferred baits.

bream and whiting have been excellent after dark towards the entrance on yabbies and squirt worms. Some of the whiting are elbow-slappers to 45cm and seem more like a salmon than a whiting.

A big bream prior to release.

Mulloway always bring the smiles to the anglers.

CHALLENGER 410 OPEN Hull only RRP

4670*

$

What’s included: • Anchor well • Stainless steel Bow and grab rails • Carpeted floor, front and rear casting platforms • Rod holders • 2 large front storage bins • 2 large rear compartments • Bow cleat and winch point • Available in 8 colours

• Unmatched soft ride and stability in its class • Virtually maintenance free boating • 4 year manufactures warranty • Ear pinning 50 HP max engine rating • Seamless dual skin construction

1800 336 603

*Conditions Apply

polycraft.com.au YAMBA NEWCASTLE FYSHWICK MONA VALE MAITLAND CAMPBELLTOWN MERIMBULA NOWRA 52

MARCH 2018

Bens Marine Fishermans Warehouse Hardy’s Car And Boat Sales Enterprise Marine Maitland Power and Marine Marine Scene Merimbula Outboard Service Nowra Boats

02 6646 3101 02 4945 2152 0408 628 150 02 9913 7767 02 4933 3284 02 4628 5000 02 6495 9634 02 4422 1999

FMG

the odd solid blue marlin patrolling the shelf line with a 193kg fish caught last month – a nice fish in anyone’s books. Interestingly a few other more northern species are being hooked. They’re not always caught, but they have been seen, which just proves how good the water is.

There have been wahoo, short-billed spearfish and a lone report of a sailfish hooked and lost. If that’s true, it’s a rare thing to occur this far south. I do believe it though, as the water is good enough in temperature and colour for this to happen.

Further south off Mallacoota in Victoria they are having nearly the best run of marlin ever seen. That’s due to the warmer currents pushing further south, so it’s like a big cycle coming from the north. It will be interesting to see what the next month will produce from our northern pelagic cousins.

The rocks continue to fish well for salmon, bonito and smaller kingfish with chromed slice lures and ganged pilchards catching plenty. This month may see some mackerel tuna turn up; the golf course rocks in town and Mystery Bay to the south are the pick of spots to fish.

I’d be using live baits like yellowtail or slimy mackerel.

Both spots hold a stack of bait. With a little berley too you’ll have all the bait you require.

If the pelagics aren’t your scene, you should be able to get a feed of luderick. The southern breakwall at the entrance has been a hotspot.

Cabbage is the gun bait. A few locals have done well there with some solid bream being caught on tuna strips, too. Again, berley is the key for more consistent results.

On the beaches it’s business as usual with salmon in good numbers. Most beaches are holding fish.

There have been good reports of bream and whiting coming from both Brou and Blackfellows Beach to the north of Narooma with live beachworms and pipis being ideal baits. Don’t be surprised to see some solid mulloway come from Blackfellows Beach too, as there’s a cracking good gutter on the southern side that’s deep.

With this month’s full moon it just might be worth a look.

There have been some solid mulloway in Tuross Lake, so I’d say they are entering the system from these gutters

It’s great to see these bigger fish here. They are great sport and awesome on the plate. Anglers targeting them on surface lures are doing okay with the river section certainly fishing better.

There are some solid bream on the flats too with the odd decent flathead. Upstream bass and EPs have been good, especially in the afternoons on surface plugs. Some of the bass are nudging 45-46cm.

These are solid models and definitely a release option only.

Surface cicada walkers have worked well on late afternoons

There have been ample mahimahi caught with the warm summer water. using it as a base to feed.

I’d be using big bunches of live beach worms for bait – mulloway can’t resist them.

Up at Tuross, apart from the flatties, there have been plenty of small mulloway throughout the system. I know a few switched on anglers getting four and five in a session, which is great to see.

Luckily the majority of fish are being released with the average size around 55-65cm – small soapies, but still good fun. There has been the odd better mulloway to 1m caught too, so there are some big fish in there. These have mainly been caught at night using fresh squid as bait.

If you’re after a feed,

with a few fish caught on spinnerbaits too.

In Wagonga Inlet things have picked up considerably after being a little slow with the holiday traffic. The main basin has loads of bait with the predators nearby. You can expect tailor, mulloway and some donkey-sized flathead under the bait schools. Early mornings are certainly the gun time to fish. The channels below the bridge are also fishing well for trevally, bream, flounder and flathead with bait anglers getting plenty. Live nippers and worms have been the better baits to use.

Hot autumn action The weather has been less than ideal with the continual northeasterlies that this time of year brings, but when they have abated the fishing has been exceptional, especially off the rocks.

It wasn’t long before this 100kg striped marlin was tagged and released.

TRALI

•

D

US

AN

With the bream there are a few solid whiting to add to the bag, and the odd tailor.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few mulloway and gummies coming from this same beach – the gutters look that good. Look at fishing 2-3 days before the full moon on the flooding tide. Beach worms and

PREMIUM BOATING AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

MA

Tura Head just north of Merimbula is this area’s LBG hotspot with kingfish, tuna, salmon and bonito all firing at times. Over recent years there have been some very big kingfish coming from this headland and over recent weeks they have made a welcome return. I know of several fish in the

whiting; Merimbula is a standout area. I know of a few bream upwards of 43cm being caught lately around the racks, with whiting to 42cm too. At these sizes on light gelspun in hard country, they are great fish to land with hours of endless fun to be had.

If artificials aren’t for you, I’d be concentrating in the channels below the bridge with fresh tuna cubes or Bass yabbies the preferred baits. You will catch some nice bream, whiting and trevally around the boat moorings. The flooding tide is best.

Offshore when the weather has allowed, those after a feed of sand flathead have been having no problems getting it. The sandies are thick in some areas with double headers the norm. I talked to an older local yesterday about the flatties and he said it was like the old times. By that I guess it’s pretty damn good fishing! The fish have been better in the deeper water over the past few weeks with 37-42m being the better depth to try.

There have been some quality gummy sharks to 9kg showing up for anglers targeting the flats, which is great to see. Further offshore the game crews are

ED

stuart@ausfishing.com.au

in anything over 15 knots.

On the beaches the bream fishing has really picked up over the last few weeks. I know of several anglers using beach worms and getting their bags inside a few hours, which is pretty good fishing. I won’t disclose the actual gutter they were fishing but the beaches just north of Tura have been exceptional.

E

N

Stuart Hindson

•A

MERIMBULA

AND OW

Fish Hunter 459 The Stessco Fish Hunter Series offers a universal boat that is great for a serious days fishing or a casual day on the water with the family.

A great double header of Merimbula channel bream caught on plastics.

10-12kg bracket caught and quite a few more lost – some a lot bigger. The fish have responded well to live bait though larger chrome lures in the 60-80g mark have also worked.

What’s great though is between king bites there is ample fun to be had with bonito and big salmon to 3-4kg. On the right tackle they are great fun and in awesome numbers lately. I can’t see that changing any time soon, as long as the warm water currents hang close to shore. I’d be fishing early mornings before the wind gets up because the ledge faces northeast and can become quite tricky to fish

fresh tailor fillets are the gun baits.

In the estuaries both Pambula and Merimbula continue to shine. Both systems are fishing well for flathead, bream, whiting and luderick. The flatties have really fired up with the warmer water with a good feed available on most outings. The fish are solid models around the 50cm mark with the odd bigger female making her presence felt. Most flatties are falling to soft plastics, with live poddy mullet and blades catching their fair share too.

With the warm water the surface fishing has been excellent for bream and

still getting striped marlin, but it doesn’t seem as good as over the last few weeks.

The really good water has pushed further south. When it eddies back up it should fire again.

Trolling has certainly been better recently with bait being a little harder to find, but as we know it doesn’t take much to fire up the beaks again. With a little more current and bait it’s all systems go again. What has picked up is the smaller yellowfin tuna getting caught. I know of several fish in the 25-30kg bracket caught while trolling smaller 8-10” pushers for marlin – not a bad backup, I reckon.

For more information or to find your nearest Stessco dealer visit

www.stessco.com.au MARCH 2018

53

So much fishing on offer TATHRA

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

At this time of year there is so much on offer for anglers, and if you are

For those who like to go offshore, there is plenty to be caught. Out wide, game fish are on the go in the form of marlin. Blues, blacks and especially striped marlin are abundant, feeding on the many baitfish within the area.

of lures may entice a big blue to investigate them around the Tathra Canyons. These fish are likely to be feeding on the many small tuna in the area in the form of small yellowfin, stripies and frigate mackerel.

Also following these tuna are

Not everything has to be big and tasty to be fun, and garfish can provide plenty of entertainment. anything like me you cannot be satisfied with one particular form of fishing, so go and spice it up!

The edge of the Continental Shelf is where you are more likely to encounter stripes or blacks, while a good spread

sharks like hammerheads, whalers or makos.

Closer to shore there are bottom fish aplenty

4 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick

P: (02) 6280 0555

E: h2omarinecanberra@gmail.com

with flathead leading the way. Schools of sand and tiger flatties are the most prolific, and along with a few gurnard, gummy sharks or the occasional leatherjacket for variety.

If it is variety you like, the reefs have it all. Wider out in around 70 fathoms, there are some exceptional snapper, perch, Tassie trumpeter along with some very big tiger flathead, while in closer to shore expect more of the same with the added bonus of kingfish, morwong, jackets and nannygai.

Small tuna may also be lurking here like bonito, stripies and frigates, along with plenty of slimy mackerel schools, which in turn may attract a small black marlin.

These small blacks may even come in range of shorebased anglers live baiting from one of the many rocky headlands within the area or Tathra Wharf. The wharf attracts so many baitfish, kingfish, salmon and even bonito, which may take a liking to a live bait and provide ongoing entertainment for anglers.

Plenty of small fish are also on offer from the wharf like silver trevally, mackerel, tailor, luderick and of course those sweet tasting garfish, while a good long cast with a bait fished on the bottom may account for some nice flathead.

Expect plenty of action along the beaches whether during the day or of a night.

Day time angling will account for many of the passing schools of salmon along with some very nice bream, whiting and mullet, which are partial to a well presented beach worm.

Not to be outdone, the estuaries are on fire with the Bega River producing monster flathead on a regular basis.

When the tide floods the flats,

The flatties just keep coming in the Tathra region. this is when anglers should have bait fishing in mind, as schools of bream, whiting, mullet, luderick and trevally will graze over them in search of the many crustaceans, molluscs or small baitfish.

Randomly scatter baits like prawns, nippers and worms to acquire a reasonable feed of these succulent table fish.

At present the last of the prawns for the season are exiting the system, providing some good prawning for us along with a rich food source for the fish. Working prawn style lures in the deeper sections of the river or along the rocky walls, especially early morning, may result in some of those species already mentioned,

along with others like estuary perch or mulloway, which are quite partial to prawns. For some special action try live ones as bait.

Further west, Brogo Dam is thriving, with the bass well and truly on the chew. These fish will be mixed in size as a result of the ongoing yearly stocking provided by the Far South Bass Stocking Association, however for the larger fish try well into the night. There is lots of insect life at present, with black crickets making up the bulk, so when you get one of those steamy evenings where the insects are buzzing around, try some dark coloured surface lures or flies and expect something special.

Good action expected EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

CANBERRA’S NEWEST & BEST MARINE DEALERSHIP FOR

RED HOT

SUMMER DEALS

NOBODY KNOWS YOUR ENGINE LIKE WE DO PROTECT YOUR BOATING LIFESTYLE WITH MERCURY AUTHORISED SERVICE Simply put, no-one else has the knowledge and diagnostic equipment to ensure the best possible service. So why would you trust anyone else...

h20marine.com.au 54

MARCH 2018

After a busy period the town has quietened right down. Easter will see more visitors to the area, then we head into the quiet time of the year.

When the weather has allowed boats to get out wide along the shelf, striped tuna have been caught with good action on striped marlin. The fish have been found hanging around bait balls. Working these areas has resulted in some good fishing. Recent big seas have seen fewer chances for boats to head out but the action should still be there over the coming months.

Sand and tiger flathead have been biting well. Over

the past month anglers were catching limits of these great eating fish in no time at all. Around the local reefs very little action has been had on the kingfish in recent weeks, despite there being plenty of baitfish around. Snapper and morwong are being caught along the gravelly edges of the inshore reefs.

The local beaches have had good numbers of salmon, with fish caught on both lures and bait. The recent big seas have stirred things up creating plenty of good gutters. Good numbers of sand whiting and yellowfin bream are also being caught and with the water temperature around 21°C the fishing for these species should remain good for some time yet.

Those fishing from the local headlands have been catching some great fish. The Eden area has some great rock fishing locations with good gutters and washes.

Luderick, drummer, bream and groper are all available.

The local estuaries have all been fishing well, with dusky flathead still taking a variety of lures. Sand whiting and yellowfin bream have been caught towards the entrance areas of the rivers and lakes.

With the warm weather bass are being caught from the freshwater pools.

Surface lures work well.

If you are having trouble catching your first bass, try fishing around dawn and dusk with a surface lure. If there is a fish there, you will soon find out.

Fun times ahead at Bermagui BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

All along the coast of NSW it is marlin time, with these fish patrolling the many bait schools that come close to shore at this time of year allowing anglers easy access to them.

Whether you are on a small trailer boat or a luxurious fly bridge cruiser, the excitement in having raised a fish and having read all the signs to find it is the passion in hunting marlin.

You need to look for some obvious points like water temperatures, which are perfect lately around 22-24°C, water that rich cobalt blue colour, places where baitfish are congregating, the obvious signs of predators like marlin themselves chasing bait, dolphins or seals and, of course, bird life.

Gannets are especially obvious when diving on bait, however look for them high in the sky where they may be figure-eighting over one particular area. This often means they are watching bait schools down deep out

of their range to dive and they will wait until they come within range of the surface.

For the marlin hunter, this is a sign to work the area over with your electronic devices like sounders to locate the bait schools and the predators that follow.

Stripes are the most dominant recently, with the odd good blue or black thrown in. The areas that are producing marlin are the Twelve-Mile Reef some 8.5 miles southeast

of Bermagui, along the edge of the Continental Shelf through to the Kink area southeast of Montague Island, north of Montague around Tuross Canyons or – with a good spread of skirted lures – try wider out towards the Sea Mount east of Montague where that elusive big blue may be hanging out. If you only have a small boat, don’t despair, as there have been some small blacks hanging around the inshore reefs

Bream have been caught over the flats recently. Check out how shallow the water is in the background.

Prawns and imitations MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

There have been some good catches of big tiger flathead coming in from out wide. These fish are in top condition and are great eating. Closer to shore sand flathead are being caught but they are not as reliable as the tiger flathead. Some good gummy sharks are also being caught. Out around Gabo Island is a good spot to try.

Out wide there has been little to report with striped tuna about and a striped marlin also landed by one lucky angler.

Anglers dropping baits down to depths of 450m have been landing some blue-eye trevalla. This is done with the aid of electric reels. The past month has seen only a few kingfish landed, with anglers hoping things will improve over the coming months.

Along the beaches, sand whiting and yellowfin bream are being caught along with a few decent sized sand flathead. The salmon are not about in the numbers they were and they will most probably turn up once the water starts to cool. Quarry Beach has seen a few sevengill sharks caught; anglers fishing into the night around the high

tides have had some success.

The Betka River and the main inlet at Mallacoota are both shut to the sea and for the first time in years they are both full of prawns. Using a dip net, it takes no time at all to get yourself a kilo of sweet tasting prawns. The flathead fishing in the main lake has been excellent, with plenty of good-sized eating fish about and the odd bigger fish turning up quite regularly.

Fresh local prawn and prawn imitation soft plastic lures have been catching plenty of fish. Good numbers of quality flounder are also about along

with silver trevally. Once again soft plastic lures are catching their share of fish.

Yellowfin bream are about in the bottom lake in fewer numbers than in years past; with the lake closed they can’t come and go as they have done before. Good numbers of black bream are around the margins of both the top and bottom lakes with a variety of lures catching fish. Anglers fishing with bait have done well using prawns. The key to success has been to keep moving until fish are found.

and providing some light tackle action.

The beauty of March besides the marlin being on the chew is just about everything else is too, especially the kingfish at Montague Island. There has been fantastic fishing there all summer and it doesn’t look like it’s about to change.

Mixed in with the kingfish are bonito. While on the surrounding reefs there are some nice snapper, plenty of morwong and if you anchor to berley on the reefs to the south, you will have plenty of fun with silver trevally up to 2kg on light tackle.

That reef activity filters down south of Bermagui with most of them holding similar species already mentioned.

On the way, try trolling a few lures close to shore as those kingfish, bonito and salmon have been found all the way from Bermagui entrance through to Goalen Head. Out wide more anglers are now fishing the deep for species like blue-eye trevalla, hapuka, ling, dory, gemfish and many more with great success. This is usually done in 500-800m of water with electronic reels.

The beach and rocks

There have been some cracking whiting this season. are holding their own where some of those kingfish, bonnies and salmon pass within reach for those tossing a lure, while those using bait targeting small fish like drummer, bream, groper or trevally are also fairing well.

The beaches have suffered a little with few reasonable gutters at present; they’re mostly small, but that’s good news for those wishing to chase whiting, bream or mullet – there are plenty of them and beach worms are producing best.

The highlight at this time of year is definitely the estuaries and lake systems.

They have been full of prawns this season where fish stocks have gorged themselves

and are still eating; this has produced some excellent lure fishing in Wallaga Lake where flathead have been plentiful. Not to be outdone, those fishing bait have also faired well east of the bridge using nippers or berleying with tuna for bream.

In the Bermagui River, all has been well on both accounts with plenty of action. All species are on the chew throughout the river.

Time is running short as we go into autumn and I suspect there are only a couple of months left to take advantage of the great bass fishing Brogo Dam has to offer at present. There are plenty of fish on the chew and some big ones at that.

Chris Roorda with a flathead caught on a Gene Larew Baby HooDaddy Lure – it’s a great lure when the fish are chasing prawns.

LURE FISHING 25 YEARS

FIRST 20 Customers

SPECIAL PRICE

February, March, April and May only

UNBEATABLE MALLACOOTA FISH AND STAY PACKAGES Half and full day charters available

The Baby HooDaddy strikes again with a good-size flounder.

Contact:

0424 625 160

captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com MARCH 2018

55

Cranka Crab

The Cranka Crab is growing Lure-makers, designers and manufacturers have never been more prolific. Lure fishing is huge and it’s hard to

that we are familiar with.

The idea behind the single hook is that it can be used on larger fish without the issue of small trebles giving way.

It’s fair to say it was a long wait before I could get one of these in my hands and onto the end of my line.

The lure itself comes in

interchangeable parts (like a LEGO kit for fishers).

I believe there are also plans to introduce heavier base plates for these to allow anglers to fish them in deeper and faster running water. They are available in a number of colours, allowing you to easily match the hatch.

When I got my first of these new lures a few months ago, I was excited as a kid on Christmas, but a part of me was a little worried. They looked amazing, but had I hyped myself up too much for it? There are a lot of other lures out there that look quite good too, but they don’t seem to work as well as expected. I felt like I had put a bit of pressure on myself.

Luckily enough we had a good weather forecast and planned a big day off the Gold Coast chasing snapper.

Another successful Crab attached a whopper snapper.

A Cranka Crab up close. This lure had the potential to be the perfect choice for a well-loved target species – snapper. fathom that there is still space for innovation.

It’s easy to think that it’s all been done before.

Of course, that is until we see something out of the ordinary and even something that appears so simple that it makes us ask, ‘why hasn’t this been done before?’

The Cranka Crab, a lure that has been made famous over the past few years, is one of those lures.

It’s an Australian-designed crab imitation that looks and swims like a crab.

Simple on the outside, the Cranka Crab is a very complex lure when you take a closer look. If you have used one, you can understand why they have been made famous, – they just catch a lot of fish!

The most recent addition to the Cranka range is the new 85mm Crab that now features a single hook, totally re-designed from the original treble hook models

Initially announced at the Australian Fishing Trade Show a little over two years ago, it was a lure that had caught my attention, as it had the potential to be the perfect choice for a well-loved target species of mine – snapper!

at 85mm wide and weighs 21g (3/4oz). Given the shape of the lure, the sink rate is a lot slower than your standard lure in that weight range. The Crab is comprised of a number of different components with

The new 85mm Crab now features a single hook that can be used on larger fish without the issue of small trebles giving way.

Cranka spotted crab.

The world is your oyster when it comes to target species on Cranka Crabs. Dan Powell loves a new challenge.

56

MARCH 2018

It took all of an hour and I had convinced myself, and my two mates that were out with me, that these crabs rock! So what convinced us? Well we had just boated two monster snapper going 93cm and 94cm!

We were fishing in water 30-40m deep with minimal current and had no trouble sinking the Crabs down. We also found that they were fairly snag resistant with only one lure snagging up, which then came off after I changed the angle and jiggled it off.

The day concluded with one other big hook-up that didn’t go our way; the guess was that it was a big cobia.

Cobia are another fish I can see taking a liking to this lure.

I’m excited to throw these crabs into other areas I usually fish just to see what else will jump on. A big mulloway is on the cards next!

Speaking to Steve Steer, the man behind the Cranka brand, reports are coming in left, right and centre of

different fish being caught on these new crabs. Golden trevally, tuskfish and cobia are just a few. The great thing about these lures is that they just look so real that I can’t see fish getting used to them, unless they stop eating crabs altogether!

They are a lure that you can tie on and know that it looks like the real deal. If

a fish is there, he’s going to nail it!

These lures are available online from www. crankalures.com.au and from any good tackle store.

At $23.95 RRP, they are very well-priced considering what goes into making one of these. I highly recommend giving a Cranka Crab a crack.

- Nabeel Issa, Cranka Lures

Bottom feeding golden trevally are suckers for the big crustacean.

FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS WORDS CONTAINING FISH

SELFISH STANDOFFISH OAFISH FISHMONGER FISHTAILING FISHERFOLK FISHERIES FISHPONDS OUTFISHED FISHBOWL

FISHY FISHNETS FISHEYE WAIFISH ELFISH OFFICIAL WOLFISH EFFICIENT AFFICIONADO FISSURE

Valley Hill Rocketeer Slicer

Name: Address:

P/Code:

The first correct entry at the end of each month will win the prize pack.

SEND ENTRIES TO: NSW Find-a-word Competition, PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129

NSW MAR 2018

Phone (day):

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

The Rocketeer Slicer from Japanese tackle giant Valley Hill is a real feat of Japanese design and engineering.

The Rocketeer Slicer has a unique metal plate at the nose of the jig, which lets you secure line in two places, and ensures a superior swimming action even through debris. In addition, its tail system lets you cast more effectively into the wind.

The Rocketeer Slicer is available in two sizes (3.0 and 3.5) and 13 different colour combinations. It has proven to be highly effective on Australian squid. www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

SPOT THE

10 DIFFERENCES

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to Matthew Hill from Annandale, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive a sponsor prize.

Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – NSWFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winner for January is A Murray of Wangi Wangi, who won 28 packs of Madeyes valued at $300.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – NSWFM

North Narrabeen, D Spinks of Scone, P Stever of Austinmer, S Layton of Mount Warrigal, S Ramage of Davistown, G Minett of Taree, W Cumming of Bass Hill, W Newall of Cumnock, P Maynard of Blaxland, K Hester of Beverly Hills, B Becroft of Concord, D Appleby of Macquarie Hills, J Mason of Griegs Flat, G Wade of Empire Bay, C Cooper of Boorowa, I Donaldson of Cessnock, F

Seal of Junee, R Chown of Glendenning, S Cook of Seven Hills, C West of Dapto, R Durie of Holt, C Carter of Richmond, B Schnitzer of Cooma, B Robley of Noraville, J Cross of Mondrook, W Short of Hamlyn Terrace, B Hall of Balgownie, D Thompson of Hillvue, D Conroy of Pace.

Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks.

– NSWFM

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE GAMAKATSU LOGO

The answers to Find the Gamakatsu Logo for January were: 12, 18, 21, 24, 31, 41, 45, 54, 67, 72, 79, 91, 92, 100, 103. – NSWFM

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Mahimahi

The Find the Gamakatsu prize winners for January were: J Paul of Inverell, N Walters of Palm Beach, M Baker of Gorokan, D Smith of Rose Bay, J Wicks of Cootamundra, B Gorham of Toronto, L Comerford of Penrith South, S Harris of Buff Point, A Munro of Old Bar, G Hall of Grenfell, J Vagg of Tuross Head, D Nacinovic of

GUESS THE FISH?

Answer: MARCH 2018

57

WHAT’S NEW FISHING NEW ASTRO VIBE COLOURS

1

Strike Pro’s very successful Astro Vibe 45 has been a standout in the Hobie Bream series and Vic Bream Classic series, and has helped anglers win a number of events.

Now two new fish-catching colours have been added to the range: 612E and 793E. Like the other colours in the Astro Vibe range, the new colours incorporate a polycarbonate belly with small inbuilt rattles for added sound, which can be handy when the water is slightly discoloured.

The Astro Vibe’s construction also allows for a transparent finish to be achieved in a metal blade, and the belly section is enhanced with UV for added attraction and effectiveness.

The Astro Vibe 45 is 4.5cm long, weighs 9.6g and comes fitted with quality hooks.

It’s deadly on bream, bass, estuary perch, yellowbelly, mulloway, flathead and redfin, just to mention a few. www.jurofishing.com

ZMAN 2.75” FINESSE 2 FROGZ

green and blaze orange colourations. It comes in 6, 8, 10, 14, 17, 20, 25 and 30lb breaking strains in 150m and 300m spools.

Price: SRP 150m $34.99, 300m $67.99 berkley-fishing.com.au

BONE DASH 90S

1 4

The Bone Dash 90S is a dual function sinking pencil and vibe, and is the first lure produced by legendary rod maker Bone Lim. This dual-function, sinking pencil bait flutters on the fall and slides on the retrieve, giving anglers options like never before. By attaching the line to the front eyelet, the Dash 90S will work like a sinking pencil bait, fluttering on the fall with a side-to-side glide on a straight retrieve. Attaching your lure on the top eyelet will enable the vibe mode, giving the Dash 90S a tight wobble on a straight retrieve. This tie-off position also creates less resistance through the water while still maintaining the fluttering sink.

The Bone Dash 90S measures 90mm long, weighs 33g and comes in 10 colours. Bone recommends anglers fish these lures with the Bone Voyage series rods such as the BVC774H, BVC684XH, BVC704XH or the BVS704XH. www.wilsonfishing.com

ZMan’s bite-size 2.75” Finesse FrogZ features a realistic frog profile and twin paddle feet that create noise, water movement and a bubble trail that predators can’t resist.

Rig it for surface fishing on a TT 2/0 ChinlockZ or ChinlockZ Finesse hook, hold the rod tip up and wind the Finesse FrogZ until you hit the magic speed where the feet are bubbling and it’s calling predators to attack.

Alternatively you can rig the Finesse FrogZ on a TT 2/0 SnakelockZ or ChinlockZ SWS to fish weedless through cover, or even on a standard HeadlockZ or DemonZ jighead for subsurface fishing.

A bottom hook slot and deep top hook pocket protect the hook from fouling or snagging when weedless rigging, and the softness and flexibility of the ZMan 10X Tough ElaZtech ensures the plastic clears on the strike, exposing the hook and pinning the fish.

Deadly on bass, saratoga, mangrove jack, barra and more, this little frog is also sure to get eaten by a few surprises in both the fresh and salt water. It’s available in six colours, with four per pack.

Price: SRP $10.95 www.zman.com.au

Pumping worms and yabbies is a great way to get the freshest of fresh bait for your day’s fishing. Having the right tool to get the job done is an important step to success and one that needs careful consideration.

The Wilson Big Willy Bait Pump gives users an extra long 39” shaft meaning you do not have to bend so far down when pumping. This is a great asset for those who want to collect bait comfortably and easily.

Stainless steel and brass construction mean that this pump will go the distance, giving you years of faithful service and opening up your fishing options.

Available at all leading tackle stores, the Big Willy will become a vital part of any bait collection trip. For more information on this and other bait collecting products from Wilson’s, visit the Wilson Fishing website. You can also catch up with the latest news, catch photos and videos at www.facebook.com/LWilsonAndCo. www.wilsonfishing.com.au

BERKLEY FIRELINE ULTRA 8

PELICAN IPHONE CASE

3

Berkley Fireline Ultra 8 delivers a line that is incredibly strong and abrasion-resistant yet long casting and user friendly, resisting wind knots like never before. Optimised for spin reels, Fireline Ultra 8 is ideal for all light to medium lure fishing applications.

The unique fusing process using heat to molecularly bind thousands of Dyneema fibres gives Fireline Ultra 8 more body than regular braids. The body and heft of Fireline Ultra 8 delivers unique handling properties and superb manageability. More tolerant of line twist than traditional soft braids, Fireline Ultra 8 performs exceptionally well on spinning reels meaning less loose loops and less wind knots on the water.

The 8 strand fusing process also gives Fireline Ultra 8 several significant advantages.

It is four times more abrasion resistant than original Fireline, and is rounder and smoother, casting 10% further than traditional Fireline.

Fireline Ultra 8 retains superb knot strength and near zero stretch, delivering a telegraphic feel for structure and strikes. The unique fusing process produces a round profile that resists digging into the spool under heavy loads, and never separates like many standard braids.

Fireline Ultra 8 is available in crystal, flame

58

MARCH 2018

PRODUCT GUIDE

BIG WILLY BAIT PUMP

2

5

3

4

6

With an IP68 waterproof rating, the Pelican Marine case shields your smartphone from the harshest elements that mother nature can throw at you.

Providing reliable protection from the snow, dirt, sand, dust and water, the Pelican Marine’s slimline five-layer shell design protects your smartphone and its screen from scratches, impacts and drops from all angles.

The case has been uniquely constructed of impact absorbing materials, like the ultra-tough elastomer internals and a rigid polycarbonate outer shell, with a soft-touch over-mould incorporated into the design for an easy hold that also reduces the risk of the device sliding off surfaces.

Like all Pelican protective equipment, the ruggedised Marine case has been tested to military specifications and is guaranteed to survive multiple drops. The IP68 waterproof protection rating enables your smartphone to stay submerged under water at a depth of up to 1.5m for up to 30 minutes.

The Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Case is compatible with iPhone 6, 7, 8, X and plus models.

Price: SRP: $99.95 www.pelicanstore.com.au

5

6

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

6

SCAN THE QR CODE!

PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING X-RAP MAGNUM XPLODE

7

9

8

The over-engineered X-Rap Magnum Xplode combines a heavy through-wire construction with a thick-walled ABS body, giving it Rapala’s Magnum level of strength to absorb the most vicious strikes.

Featuring 3D holographic eyes and internal foil, it is explosive and loud. Low positioned tow points pull the popper downwards, keeping the X-Rap Magnum Xplode stable in all weather conditions, while its deep cupped face generates a thunderous service explosion with each sweep of your rod. The long-casting, rear-weighted X-Rap Magnum Xplode rests tail down, perfectly positioning the 5/0 VMC 75 series 6X Tropic Spark Point trebles, which are connected to 250lb split rings.

Available in eight fish-catching colours, the lure weighs 140g and is 17cm in length.

Suitable for many large saltwater gamefish, such as GTs, tuna and kingfish, the X-Rap Magnum Xplode is a must for all serious sport and game fishers. It’s due to arrive in Australia around March.

Price: SRP $49.95 www.rapala.com.au

VANFOOK JWS-50 ASSIST HOOK

10

7

8

The JWS-50 wire assist hook from Vanfook is a single assist hook designed to battle fish with sharp teeth, such as mackerel. You can use these assist hooks when jigging or on stickbaits and poppers.

Fitted with standard wire JH-10 and JH-30 hooks, Vanfook JWS-50 assist hooks have excellent fish-holding strength and superb hooking penetration. The assist line is a strong, flexible and difficult to kink hybrid wire (200lb) which is further protected with a transparent shrink tube.

Made in Japan, Vanfook JWS-50 assist hooks are available in sizes 1/0 to 6/0 with three assists per pack. For more information on this and other hooks in the Vanfook range, check out the EJ Todd website. You can also find more info, news and catch photos on the EJ Todd Facebook page. www.ejtodd.com.au

11

SHIMANO OCEA JIGGER RODS

12

9

Jig-eating fish are usually at the nasty end of the spectrum, and the Japanese domestic market Ocea Jiggers have the power and design features to keep the biggest of them away from trouble, and heading towards the boat.

Built on Shimano’s exclusive Spiral X and High Power blanks, Ocea Jiggers range in length from 1.88m to 1.91m, so they’re all one piece, which makes them a delight to fish with.

Depending on the target species and the jigging technique required to entice them, the Ocea Jigger line-up has spin rods for slow jigging for demersals, right through to overheads that are ideal when targeting deepwater species like kingfish, samsonfish and tropical muscle like dogtooth tuna.

Custom Shimano Ci4+ reel seats and comfortable EVA grips mean the high intensity fights these rods will be a part of ensures the angler’s comfort for the duration of the fight. The guides are Fuji Titanium frames with SiC inserts. For the full list of specs visit the Shimano Australia website. www.shimanofish.com.au

EUREKA TORPEDO AND TROLL DOLL

10

DAIWA LEGALIS LT

11

JIGPARA AND ZOC HOOKS

12

Eureka Lures Australia has released an impressive range of pre-rigged small game lures that will be effective on small pelagic species.

The Eureka Torpedo lures are a classic bullet shaped lure that will work in most sea conditions. They feature double feathers with an outer skirt and all come pre-rigged with quality nylon leaders, crimps and a Stainless Steel single hook and are available in four colours suitable for tuna, mahimahi, mackerel and albacore.

The Eureka Troll Dolls are professionally prerigged with a quality double hook, monofilament trace and are available in five proven colours.

Troll Dolls are a great high speed lure suited for tuna, albacore, mackerel, kingfish, salmon and tailor.

To browse the full range of Eureka game lures, visit the Juro website. You can also see all the latest news and photos from Eureka distributor Juro OzPro at www.facebook.com/ JuroOzProTackle. www.jurofishing.com

The Legalis LT is one of the latest generation of reels based on Daiwa’s LT or Light Tough concept – lighter, stronger and more compact than ever before. It also incorporates Daiwa’s innovative technologies such as Tough Digigear, ATD, Air Rotor and Airbail, making it one of Daiwa’s most technically advanced budget reels that delivers on both price and performance.

Key features include: LT Concept (suits the new generation of PE lines for higher line and drag capacity, stronger gearing, improved handling and increased performance); Tough Digigear (50% stronger than previous Digigear II); Airspool ABS (up to 30% lighter than previous generations, and has a redesigned spool lip improving overall castability); ATD drag system (reduced start-up inertia protects delicate and thin lines from aggressive strikes); Air Bail (maximum rigidity and strength with minimum weight, with a protrusion-free design mitigating line tangles during the retrieve); Air Rotor (reduces weight, stress and flexing, while enhancing transmission of vibration and allowing the rotor to spin with perfect balance); Twistbuster (tapered line roller offsets line twist and greatly improves line management). www.daiwafishing.com.au

Majorcraft has introduced a new range of lead and tungsten jigging lures — 185 versions of Japan’s number 1 saltwater lures.

First up are the Vertical Short and Vertical Long Jigparas. Designed with a centre balance and asymmetric body, these have a classic broad slide action, perfect for mechanical jigging for high speed species and big predators.

The Tungsten lure is denser and smaller than lead to create less water resistance and sink faster, for a quick cast and catch.

The Micro is 3-10g and designed for the smaller estuary and freshwater species.

The Vertical Slow Pitch and Slow Pitch fluttering jigs are designed for slow pitch angling. Their slow dancing action means they stay in the strike zone for longer, bringing in shut down or slower fish.

Majorcraft has also released 45 variations of the custom coated assist hooks that come in a vast range of sizes and drop lengths. They all have a premium epoxy Z-Hard coating, which keeps the fish on the hook. www.majorcraft.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2018

59

WHAT’S NEW FISHING DUO D-SQUID 95

13

One of the most advanced squid jigs in the world is now available here in Australia. The DUO D-Squid eliminates the traditional ‘feather wing’, which causes drag. Removing these wings, along with internalizing the weight in the body, means the D-Squid reaches the bottom at a speedy rate and allows a light yet sharp darting action in the deep zone.

In additiona to this, the D-Squid has a body shape which allows the lure to maintain an ideal body position after the darting action.

This results in the increase of bites and eliminates the annoying problem of the hook catching the line.

There are two body sizes, 95mm (21g) and 105mm (27g). The 95mm and the 105mm will show its true potential at 15m+ and 20m+ respectively.

Another great thing about the D-Squid is the colour line-up; you can select from a wide range of proven colours depending on the field conditions and activeness of the squid.

With the D-squid, you will easily be able to reach those deep zones and in fast flowing currents never fished before.

Price: SRP $19.99 www.duo-australia.com.au

MAZZY SLIDE BOMBER

14

The all-new Mazzy Slide Bomber from Big Yella Time is here. It took many hours of design to get this lure doing exactly what was intended, along with extensive field testing of different prototypes, and now anglers can finally get their hands on some.

The Slide Bomber measures 100mm and 40g, and this tall-bodied lure is designed to swim in wide S-curves. By changing your retrieve speeds with a start-stop action, the lure’s swimming action can be increased dramatically. The Slide bomber can be retrieved at super slow speeds but also does not mind pace either. It has a very slow sink, and this action is dynamite on large fish. It gives these wary and cunning fish the urge to attack.

So whether you want to target Murray cod in the fresh or mulloway, jacks and flathead in the salt, the Mazzy Slide Bomber has you covered.

Price: SRP: $27.95 www.bigyellatime.com

PRODUCT GUIDE

visit the Samaki website. You can also like them on Facebook and Instagram, where you’ll see the latest catch photos and new releases. www.samaki.com.au

SAMAKI RED SNAPPER SHIRT

16

13

Samaki’s new Red Snapper shirt is striking and full of colour. It features hungry snapper in a baitfish-filled rockery, chasing down a Samaki Boombait.

This shirt is made from lightweight fabric that features UPF50+ technology, providing the highest level of protection against the harsh sun. The soft touch, 100% polyester material is comfortable on the body and has the added feature of being breathable, keeping you cool and dry.

Samaki designs are brought to you

by Australian anglers who love to design Australian species. Red Snapper shirts are available in adult, youth and kids sizes, ranging from a size 2 through to a 3XL, allowing the whole family to get in on the action and out onto the water.

For more information, including the location of your nearest stockist, visit the Samaki website or like them on Facebook and Instagram.

Price: SRP$59.95 (adults), $49.95 (kids) www.samaki.com.au

SWIM BAITS AUSTRALIA

14

15

17

From the fish mad brains that bought you the Shads Lures range, Swim Baits Australia are brand new swag of lures that started hitting shelves and catching big fish in 2017.

These high quality timber swimbaits and glidebaits can be found in sizes from 100mm right through to a mammoth 230mm, and they are bound to get the strike in both rivers and dams. All models are fitted with strong hardware and are available in a great range of colours. Not only will they get the bite, they’re also strong enough to hold on to some of the giants who are eating them.

For more information, up-to-date news and recent catch photos, look up Swim Baits Australia on Facebook to see what all the fuss is about. w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / S w i m - B a i t s Australia

16

NEW 9CM SAMAKI MAGNETIC 18 SQUIDLY RIGS 15 RELEASE CLIP Black Magic’s range of Squidly rigs have Samaki is expanding further into the practical tooling and accessory market with the launch of the Magnetic Release Clip.

The Samaki Magnetic Release clip allows you to access any item you want with ease.

The quick release system is made of an aviation-grade aluminium magnet, which is strong and durable. With a maximum weight capacity of 3.5kg, it also features a high strength carabiner. these are so handy you’ll want more than one by your side. Ranging in three awesome colours black, red and cobalt, they are in stores now.

The Samaki accessory range also includes fish grips, pliers (long-nose, split ring and multitool) and line spoolers. For more information, including the location of your nearest stockist, 60

MARCH 2018

proven to be very effective on deepwater denizens off the shelf, and on big snapper as well. Now a smaller size squid (9cm) has been added to offer anglers a wider range of species to target with this popular rig.

Great for both casting and jigging, the 9cm Squidly has three plastic squids rigged in a paternoster style. The components, as always with Black Magic tackle, are high in strength and performance. Squidly rigs use 60lb trace and a long shank hook. Keep an eye out for the new Squidlys at a store near you, and watch out for the new candy colour as well.

Before you use these rigs, check the local fishing regulations regarding the number of hooks allowed per rig. If need be, you can just remove one of the hooks and use it separately. www.blackmagictackle.com

18

17

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

SCAN THE QR CODE!

PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

Field testing the new Zerek Flat Shad Pro and Live Mullet There’s a huge range of soft plastics on the market, and all of their different designs have not come about by accident; rather they are the result of extensive research and development. The one thing I really like about plastics is that they are continually evolving, and a look at the new range of Zerek soft plastics confirms this fact. Zerek is all about making good lures even better.

The original Zerek Flat Shad sported a baitfish-shaped body and active tail that virtually begged a fish to have a bite. I have found them to be extremely effective, especially on ambush predators such as barra, jacks, flathead and cod.

Now Zerek has revamped the Flat Shad with a softer and more flexible body material throughout. It’s called the Flat Shad Pro, and it’s part of Zerek’s Professional Craft series of plastics.

The newbies are lighter, yet just as dangerous to fish due to the supple body collapsing upon a bite to enable the hook to do its job. These new lures have been designed to be cast on a more lightly-

The Flat Shad has a high degree of snag proofing as the hook will lay right along the lure’s back during the retrieve. lure, with a deliberately slow retrieve, was deadly on these marble-eyed freshwater marauders.

Casting just behind a large rock in a high country stream, I eased the snag-

TESTED

the action of a swimming fish.

Remember how effective the Zerek Live Shrimp is, due to its very lifelike action and appearance? The same flexibility and realistic appearance is the key with the Zerek Live Mullets, as their segmented construction provides ultra flexibility in the water. Moreover, these segments are held together with Kevlar matting material throughout to ensure that toothy critters don’t give them the chop. They also feature 3D eyes for maximum attraction.

Available in a wide range of colours, sizes and weights, the Live Mullet has certainly earned its place in the tackle box. Just like the Pro Series Flat Shad, the Mullet’s action stands out from the crowd. It can be retrieved as fast or as slow as you like without sacrificing that fish-attracting wiggle.

I’ve seen these Mullet take quite a few species of fish so far, and without a doubt durability is one of the best things about them. In the freshwater they were good on Murray cod, and my son Scott was generous enough to take me out from Mission Beach and show me how effective the Mullet was on a decentsized queenfish. Despite the attention the queenie gave the lure with its teeth, the Live Mullet came out unmarked. That’s pretty tough! - Wayne Kampe

This Zerek Live Mullet came through totally unscathed from an encounter with a queenfish taken by Scott Kampe. weighted hook, and this reduction in weight gives the tail a slower, more active and enticing action. The Flat Shad Pro can flutter down or be retrieved on the slowest of rolls, with the tail working very enticingly.

For those among us that like to pimp their lures, there’s an attachment loop

for an additional stinger hook set into the lead belly weight of Zerek’s weedless worm hook.

These lures come in a range of sizes Murray cod find the Zerek Flat Shad Pro hard to resist. This fish nailed the lure the from 3.5-7”, and there are five colours second the author started a slow roll retrieve. to choose from. I opted for a bright orange/yellow 4.5” model to try out on Granite Belt cod, and I found that the proof Zerek over the rock and watched in amazement as three smaller cod fought over the offering. One naturally hooked up, and I released it after a quick photo.

In the saltwater I gave a couple of Flat Shad Pros a swim in the Murray River near Tully, and saw everything from barra through to jacks attacking them.

Zerek Live Mullet series The concept of a lure closely resembling a fish is an old one. Early offerings made by various companies were moulded to look like fish, but sadly did not swim like one, as they lacked flexibility due to a one-piece rigid construction. They were innovative, but not reliable fish catchers.

These days the new Zerek Live Mullet range from their Professional Craft series are as far removed from those early offerings as I am from competing in an The Zerek Flat Shad pro series is virtually Iron Man event. Constructed from a highly The Zerek Flat Shad pro series is virtually snag proof. This barra scoffed the snag proof. This barra scoffed the durable, high-end TPE material, the Live Flat Shad right in the sticks.

Flat Shad right in the sticks.

Mullet is specifically designed to imitate

MARCH 2018

61

easter holiday feature

The Bass Lodge – not just an anglers’ retreat wet conditions, as the sharp turns and mud can become particularly hazardous.

FORSTER

David Seaman dseamo@bigpond.com

When I think of bass fishing I recall the fatigue of camping, burned and smoky meals and nights on the river that lead to total exhaustion by the end of a trip, so when there’s an opportunity to experience the same wild river fishing with luxury nights in a comfortable bed, the one place I think of is the Bass Lodge, nestled on the banks of the upper Macleay River in NSW. Almost halfway between Kempsey and Armidale, along the Kempsey Road (or Armidale Road – depending on your direction of travel) the lodge is set on a cut foundation looking over the junction of Georges Creek and the mighty Macleay River. The lodge was conceived by Ron Sattler and Robin Ireland from Armidale; Ron, a real estate agent, had a dream to create the lodge. After years of planning, the spectacular cypress pine cabin was built in 1986.

From the lower footings and framework of bedded river rocks to the faultlessly milled cypress pine logs, the Bass Lodge is a rustic retreat where you can relax, cast aside your problems and settle on the front deck.

Overlooking the green paddock with roaming cattle

FISHING There is no doubt the upper Macleay can produce some fantastic bass fishing, great river scenes and quality fish. Those familiar with Wild River Bass 2 will recognise much of the water and the lodge itself; it was the perfect starting point for the film and produced some of the best fishing we had experienced to that point in our trip. The river can be a wild beast when the water levels are up above normal, so take care when

The rustic charm of the lodge is captivating. main bedroom with a double bed, closet and two-way lighting, while the rest of the area has three more bedrooms and a shower, en suite and toilet. In total, there are 12 beds that are made up of double and single bunks and all of them are far more comfortable than a riverside camp.

The lounge area has a small dining room table, though much of the dining is alfresco, on the deck.

A comfy lounge chair arrangement semi circles the

there’s something of interest for everyone. By arrangement and pre-booking, the heated spa is also available.

The kitchen is small and basic, and adequate to prepare a well-cooked meal. Ample fridge space is available to keep the important beverages cool and on hand for the return to the lodge after a day trip, and there’s a BBQ on the front deck, so you can have some banter while dinner is cooking, which promotes a great social atmosphere.

A closed carport area at the rear of the lodge and parking in the front will ensure the wandering bovines won’t rub against the duco.

The lodge has limited WiFi for those wanting to email, Facebook and stay in touch with the world of technology, and of course the TV is available for local and national programming.

If you are the slightest bit concerned about water

quality from the tanks, I would suggest you bring bottled water to the lodge.

It’s very safe to drink but being country there isn’t the same level of treatment (chlorine/fluoride) as town water systems and the taste can be a little different.

GETTING THERE From Armidale you head along Waterfall Way, turn onto the Kempsey Road at Chandler and cross the Oaky and Stix rivers. Coming from Kempsey you head west along the Armidale Road, which becomes the Kempsey Road around Blackbird Flat.

Much of the road is narrow, unsealed and subject to rockslides, so getting there is part of the adventure and creates the sense of isolation.

Caravans are discouraged from using the road as there are limited areas to pass and the road often narrows to a single car width. The utmost caution is needed while travelling, especially during

In some spots it’s possible to cross the river on the stock route. fishing the rise.

Even though much of the river has easy gravel runs that you can glide over in a kayak or canoe, there are some rocky rapids that require

Garrick Maguire prospecting a pool at Middle Creek – when tough daylight fishing occurs, try returning after dark, because it’s often a completely different story. and horses, the lodge offers a perfect location to relax.

THE LODGE From the moment you walk into the lodge you are presented by the craftsmanship of the structure. The upstairs area hosts the air-conditioned 62

MARCH 2018

caution when approaching.

The river is easily travelled and when the river height is below 0.6m you may need a few more stops to drag your boat into the next pool.

Even in low flow periods the string of deeper, shaded pools will produce the hardfighting bass the Macleay is known for.

From the lodge there are a few areas that can be fished with long trips down to Five Day Creek or Blackbird Flat that will test your strength and endurance, and give you a greater scope of the river.

Whether it’s a day trip or an overnighter, the lodge is

slow combustion fire and TV where tired bones and heavy eyes can rest, and often sleep after a long day of activities.

There is a wellappointed holiday library with a collection of fishing magazines, novels and an assortment of DVDs, so

A rubber landing net and support for the fish is just good handling technique.

the ideal central location to base your fishing activities as it has a host of choices.

If your group has six or more anglers, you could split up and drop half the group up to West Kunderang to paddle and fish back to the lodge. Then on their return the second group can fish from the lodge down to Blackbird Flat and be picked up at a predetermined day and time. That way each group gets to spend time on the river and have a few relaxing nights at the lodge.

Even day trips or short sessions above and below the junction of Georges Creek provide enough bass fishing to satisfy most anglers. If the fishing is tough through the day, a night fish around the rocky pools can reveal the quality of the fishing and fish that are available on the doorstep of your accommodation.

The river is blessed with travelling stock roots that allow public access.

easter holiday feature Although many have been closed off due to unruly visitors and localised damage, there are a few spots that are available. Like any river access, consideration needs to be given to signs

you can hear them, you know they are working.

If the pool is relatively free of floating weed, I’ll use an LC Sammy or Berkley Scumdog as a drift bait with short movements

include black and purple dual Colorado blades, as well as the small chatter style Jackall Derabreak in golden shad and sexy wakasagi colours. Spinnerbaits are great for prospecting areas

The slow combustion fire, TV, internet – what more do you need?

Even with low water the river reveals some hidden obstacles and more likely fish-holding structure. Unless in flood, the river water runs clear and cool and is refreshing on a long summer’s day. and fences. Blackbird Flat is one such public reserve that provides an ideal pull out or starting point.

MUST-HAVES A range of surface lures

between pauses. Soft plastics like the Gulp Shrimp and Jigging shrimp, as well as grub-tail and minnow styles, are ideal for prospecting the shade and depth of a pool

Remember too that crushing barbs on your trebles will not affect the hook set and allows the lures

River Forest Way and follow the signage to the camping area and trails.

The lodge address is

Bass Lodge 9829 Kempsey Road, Lower Creek NSW 2440. Visit their website at basslodge.com.au.

when you travel through a pool and don’t have time to fish plastics methodically along the bottom.

Pony head spinners of 1/8oz are a good backup with

Proper, quality fish like this are scattered throughout the Macleay system and the only way to find them is to get on the water.

Big or little, the Aussie bass is a spectacular looking fish. including a 3/8oz black jointed jitterbug are a must for a night session. In fact, it’s a lure that every bass angler should have in their kit, wherever you fish. I’m a huge fan of surface walkers that make noise, because if

during the daylight hours, especially around midday.

The bass can be as fickle as anywhere and it’s a matter of cycling through an assortment of lures until you crack a pattern.

Essential spinnerbaits

a motor oil or pumpkin seed colour grub-tail plastic. Betts Blades and your favourite plastics are also worth throwing in the tackle bag when you want the flash of a spinnerbait and the subtlety of a plastic.

The water is so clear that the fish look like they are suspended in air. The clear water makes night feeding easy for the bass.

to be removed from the bass and your skin with minimal damage. Provided you maintain tension on the fish, it won’t adversely affect your catch rate either and if you get towelled up, the fish is more likely to throw the lure and not suffer with hardware hanging from its mouth.

OVERALL The lodge isn’t just for anglers. Hikers, bird watchers, adventurers and family groups have all experienced the value of being surrounded by national parklands and available day trips to some incredibly beautiful gorges and rivers.

There is a visitor’s book to record your time spent at the lodge and reading through the pages gives you some idea of the adventures groups have had.

If you need to explore areas that are a bit more out of the way or with the benefit of a guide, arrangements can be made through the Bass Lodge website to accommodate your needs.

You can explore the state forest and do walking trails at the Styx River where you turn off the Kempsey/ Armidale Road onto the Styx

BASS LODGE M A C L E AY R I V E R , N S W

Bass Lodge is spread across 3 levels & comfortable for up to twelve people.

Perfect for fishing, 4WDing, hiking or social events.

Situated at “The Junction”, Bass Lodge is positioned on the Macleay River at the entrance of Georges Creek offering some of the best bass fishing in Australia.

• Large 8-person Spa (must be booked ahead of stay at extra charge) • Large undercover outdoor balcony with tables & Chairs • All-in-one gymnasium •Satellite TV •Broadband Satellite and Wireless LAN

Guided Lure & Fly Tours Now Available

P: 0433 482 325 E: dave@basslodge.com.au

W: basslodge.com.au

MARCH 2018

63

easter holiday feature

Catch a topwater cod BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Murray cod inhabit a good proportion of water at the top and west of the Great Divide these days. Transported via stocking groups from their

and runs west, it’s a fair bet cod will be in it. So an expedition to cod country these days will see an angler with a realistic expectation of decent captures. Remember that Queensland has size limit slots of 60-110cm, with a possession limit of two, while New South Wales are somewhat more protective,

the angler that sets out to nail a cod after a leisurely breakfast or lunch might well assume there are no cod in the system.

When in the mood and at the right time of day, cod can be outright aggressive and produce some spectacular surface activity on both topwater lure and fly.

Not all surface feeding cod are large fish, this little fish took a liking to the Halco.

With the fly, it’s important to keep the rod tip on the water to eliminate all slack. stronghold of the somewhat turbid waters of the Murray Darling system, there’s been steady up river recruitment in the last three decades, which now sees cod well established in some very pristine streams, rivers and impoundments.

From Queensland’s Granite Belt through the New England ranges as far south of Tamworth and beyond, if the water has permanency

with a slot limit of 55-75cm, and with a possession limit of four. Given these figures, it’s pretty obvious that there are some seriously large fish among them.

Large they might be, push overs they are not! Cod have survival instincts that involve staying very close to cover most times, with forays into more open areas of their habitat at times of low light or after dark, so

IF IT MOVES… As opportunistic feeders, anything that enters their domain will be regarded as tucker. Undoubtedly small fish, shrimps and other aquatic life are bread and butter items but terrestrials play a big part in their day-to-day dining as well.

When cicadas and Christmas beetles hit the water, cod eat them like jelly beans.

Moving up the scale, water

This fish just could not resist a topwater offering!

64

MARCH 2018

On the right day these surface lures are prime cod catchers, and if a fish looks at but does not connect to them, the clue is to persist for a while, before trying another. dragons and birds having a splashy bath, ducklings, mice and even snakes are also seen as potential prey.

Anglers in the know can exploit this trait to great advantage, and it’s a real treat to see a cod – totally unseen prior to the big scoff – nail a surface offering in a manner similar to a barra. The boof is not as spectacular as a barra, and for whatever reason they don’t seem to be as accurate as a barra either – the rounded head shape pushes the surface offering away perhaps – but the adrenaline rush of the attack is what keeps us coming back for more topwater work with these brawlers.

The one big advantage of surface offerings is the fact that they make their presence felt; there’s noise and surface disturbance to attract a cod and if the action imparted by the angler is correct, it’s pretty easy to provoke a strike.

BARRA MINDSET? FORGET IT There’s a degree of finesse involved in surface work for cod, especially

if you’re targeting the big specimens. Forget any barra mindset when lure fishing; there’s no requirement for heavy braid or a heavy

Missed it! These fish aren’t the most accurate surface eaters, but it sure is fun watching them try.

easter holiday feature leader. I think it’s far better to keep things on the light side for easy and accurate casting. Solid 20lb braid will tame a lot of river and stream cod, while a 10kg leader is all that’s necessary to bring a fish to the bank. Cod do have teeth, rows of small but sharp little grinders, but lures and flies are seldom bitten off. There’s more risk

plastics were great, but my surface crawlers and fur and feather offerings were ignored. These presentations are far more effective in clearer water.

Impoundments There are plenty of impoundments with Murray cod in them, and they are renowned for clean water, but the fish tend to be scattered. A

Belt and tableland’s streams further south, as most of the higher altitude small waters and broader rivers towards the western side of the plateau hold cod. Dams such as Glen Lyon, Leslie, Pindari, Copeton, are all fed by these streams. Clean platypus-inhabited water flowing through boulders or rocks into smooth tree-lined

There’s plenty of cod habitat here. Focus on areas like the overhanging willow, the reeds along the steep bank and the narrow reed covered neck at the top.

A trio of the author’s big topwater cod flies. They have evolved from the Gartside Gurgler and are on 6/0 hooks. of a fish racing back to cover and snagging up than biting terminal tackle off.

FINDING TOP WATER COD FISHING As an aside, let’s look at the sorts of places where we might tangle with a topwater cod. From my experience, the cleaner the water, the better the chance of success.

I’ve tried surface offerings, both lure and fly, in western rivers on the Downs and beyond, and results have been disappointing.

Subsurface lures and big

fair effort is usually required to score. Anglers with years of impoundment experience will do it reasonably easy at times, while novices may struggle. It comes down to reading terrain and environment, working out the right combination of cover and depth to attract these predators, then working the surface offering (and there are some whoppers in use these days) on or after dark for success.

Rivers A better way to target cod is to fish the Granite

pools with rock bottoms, ample snags and bits of timber from long gone floods are the domain of cod that will react positively to a surface lure or fly.

FINESSE TACTICS I mentioned finesse as the key to success with both lure and fly. Minimising all bumping or thumping on the bank and maintaining as low a profile as possible is important in the sweetwater.

The first step is to assess likely cod habitat. The next

is to work the lure or fly in a manner that Murray cod find hard to resist.

A lure or fly dropped right by a bit of jutting timber, pool’s head, or against a bank with an overhang of trees or reeds should come under immediate scrutiny if a cod is sitting there just waiting for food to come past. Most cod won’t attack it first off, but will be watching it.

If a lure is on the leader, the idea is to give it some gentle forward motion for a metre or two to kick up some ruckus and wake, then stop and let it sit right there for around 10 seconds. As soon as it moves again on the retrieve, the water will likely erupt as a cod kicks into gear. Halco’s Night Walker in OZ Frog is one of my favourite’s for this sort of work.

When fly fishing, the presentation needs to be even more subtle, which is not always so easy with the

You could use a lighter leader, but it probably isn’t worth the risk of losing the fish – been there and done it.

Your fly should land

a loud scoff as a fish grabs it. A sharp strip strike sets the hook and the long rod is in action.

No matter whether a

Cod are suckers for a well-presented Jackall Pompadour. near the snag or other likely habitat with a plop. After the plop, leave it to sit until all ripples are gone, then three or four short sharp ‘bloops’ for around half a metre will create some attention. It’s common to see an oily swirl

lure or fly is in use, if the cod is a larger specimen and gets into cover again, it’s unlikely it will be coming out, so keeping things good and tight from the outset should keep the fish under control.

The bit of grass jutting out on the right is prime cod territory.

In this photo you can see the wake from Trevor’s surface lure.

When the lure stops, it’s a prime time for a strike.

8 or 9wt outfit required for casting big bulky flies, plus subduing big bulky cod that want to get back into cover.

The fly, tied on a 4/0 or 6/0 hook and looking like a giant Gartside Gurgler, needs to be on a section of 10kg leader at the end of a floating fly line.

near the fly at this time, just after it stops… you’ve got a looker! The clue then is to give the fly the tiniest of forward movements, just sufficient to cause the front of it to dip a tad and cause a tiny ripple, then stop. As the fly sits gently rocking, it’s usually then that there’s

LAST THOUGHTS March, just as the season is changing, is a great month for taking cod on surface lures and flies.

It’s also a great month to be camping on a stream with a big fire at night and enjoying some cool air when sleeping.

MARCH 2018

65

easter holiday feature

Easter delights? Scones in the camp oven BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

The main ingredients for this culinary masterpiece can conveniently be found on the supermarket shelves neatly packed and ready to go. You will also need a fair-sized camp oven, a trivet for the interior base to keep the scones from burning and a long handled shovel to maintain control of the coals. A camp oven with a recessed lid is a real asset as well, because coals can

be placed on it if necessary to finish the cooking.

Your first job is to get a fire going with plenty of wood that will provide decent coals.

We are always forced to use whatever timber is present, so if it’s she oak or gum timber, plan on using bigger chunks to provide decent coals. It’s best to get the fire going at least 30-45 minutes prior to baking so that the timber has been reduced to coals – nice solid ones without any flame present.

Once the timber has been reduced to coals the idea is to combine the scone mix and milk – forget water, milk is

better – into a dough that is almost sticky but still able to be shaped into a long roll on a floured board, or some newspaper. It’s next cut into scone-sized portions. While making up the scones it’s smart to have the camp oven close by the fire to heat it up; turn it around so the heat is spread uniformly. We would not put scones at home into a cold oven, right? So the camp oven needs to be heated up as well.

Regulate the coals. With the fire reduced to coals the shovel is used to scatter them to one side of the fire, making an even bed upon which to

sit the camp oven. Too much heat will ruin things, so an even bed of coals makes things easier. My idea of a good bed of coals is one I can easily approach and place the oven on; if I can’t approach it then it’s much too hot. Scatter the coals more in this case.

With the scones in the oven, on the trivet, the camp oven is placed fair on the coals and a few coals heaped evenly around the sides.

After ten minutes it’s wise to see how things are going. At this point the scones should be rising nicely into shape and perhaps browning a little on the sides. If they’re

not browned but taking shape, give them another five minutes and check again.

Once they are browned on the sides, take the camp oven off the coals altogether and then heap a good lot of coals on the lid to finish the top of the scones. Around four or five minutes with coals up top should see the scones done to perfection, yourself as a camp oven hero cook of some stature and a real tasty feed on hand.

For the record I had a lot of failures in the beginning by putting the camp oven in the fire proper. This invariably burns the scones, hence the

need for a shovel to scatter the coals to the one side for cooking. Remember, if the selected coals are still so hot that it’s hard to put the camp oven onto them, it’s wise to scatter them or move them even further to one side to avoid disappointment with burnt offerings. Enjoy.

MATERIALS • Scone mix • UHT milk • A fair-sized camp oven with a recessed lid •Trivet • Long-handled shovel

The scone mix looking about ready to be placed on a floured surface for shaping.

Roll the scone dough out, ready to cut it into size for baking.

The scones just about ready for the camp oven.

In they go; the scones should be placed touching each other so they will rise nicely. Evening out the coals with the shovel makes things easy.

The oven was on quite a small bed of coals, but the scones still cooked in less than 15 minutes.

The scones done to perfection and ready for jam and cream. The author placed a substantial bed of coals on the lid to finish the cooking.

66

MARCH 2018

Surface action has improved CANBERRA

Bryan Pratt

It’s not often that we can write about fishing today being as good as in ‘the old days’ but for classic dry fly anglers in some parts of the Monaro that’s exactly the situation at the moment. The streams have abundant water and it is just nicely coloured and flowing gently. Food is abundant and on the move sufficiently to keep the fish rising throughout the day.

What’s more, the browns and rainbows are of good size, up to about 1.8kg, and in splendid condition.

The weather has been excellent, very hot during the day but cooling down at night. Intermittent electrical and rain storms – a feature of most days recently – have worked wonders in triggering rises at different times of the day. Anglers have responded by bringing out old-time classic fly patterns of yesteryear to make some memorably satisfying catches such as Coch-yBondhu, Royal Coachman, Coachman, White Moth, Red Tag, Greenwells Glory, Iron Blue Dun and Black Spinner.

This delightful parochial scene and good fishing should continue until there is some significant change in the weather.

LAKES FISHING WELL Lakes have benefited from the classic conditions.

There has been some excellent fishing early in the morning and again in the late

been of good size, with fish up to 2kg.

The water is too warm during the day for the fish to remain active on the surface, but it’s better deeper down. Fish respond well in the early mornings to small minnows and soft plastics and later in the day to trolled Tasmanian Devils.

To avoid unnecessary damage, big cod should be brought into the shallows to remove the lure and be gently released. afternoon and early evening.

Fish have been caught once again on old favourites such as Mrs Simpson, Hamills Killer, Craig’s Night Time, black and red matuka and Muddler Minnow. Both browns and rainbows have

A dominant feature of the weather each day has been the intermittent electrical and rainstorms sweeping through the area.

They often trigger significant rises, which are exciting and productive to fish.

BURRINJUCK VARIABLE Native fish have responded well to the warm conditions and routine hotspots, such as Burrinjuck, have fished well. There have been some good Murray cod, with several over 1m, and numerous smaller fish taken on surface lures in the early morning and at night and on wakebaits, spinnerbaits and deep divers during the day.

Occasionally baits have outfished lures and some nice fish were landed on yabbies or live shrimps fished among the flooded trees. Curiously however, there are some days at the reservoir when the fish go off the bite and catches are minimal or zero.

Veteran anglers say they’ve seen it all before and it’s because of the abundance of food, especially shrimps, which are in particularly big numbers this year.

Golden perch have been around in big numbers lately, taking baits such as scrubworms, yabbies and shrimps and lures such as Burrinjuck Specials. Fish are feeding at all depths, although with a bit more preference for shallow water than previously.

Redfin are around in

Hooking a big Murray cod on a surface lure on a dark, warm night can be exciting and exhilarating fishing. large numbers, with larger individuals in deeper water and schools of smaller fish in the shallows.

GOOGONG PRODUCTIVE Googong was again the most productive fishery in the region. Some good Murray cod were taken, mostly on lures. Two fish over the 1m mark were taken recently.

Golden perch have been taken on shiny, flashy lures or on scrub worms and yabbies, and especially on mid-size deep divers during the middle of the day.

Redfin have been the most prolific fish caught.

Smaller fish schooling in the shallows are easy to take on lures or scrubworms. Plenty of large fish to about 40cm are bunched up in deeper water and are easily taken on a range of lures, but especially bibless minnows.

ACT Parks and Conservation Service recently removed an illegal opera house yabby trap from Lake Burley Griffin and reminded anglers that a fine of $5000 applies to their use in waters other than farm dams. Opera house traps result in the drowning of protected native wildlife such as platypuses and water rats.

The service also recently completed the next stage of a program to replace European carp with native fish in a pond on the upper reaches of Lake Tuggeranong. Some months ago the pond was drained and netted to remove as many of the carp as possible and now has been stocked with juvenile Murray cod and golden perch. The progress of the stocked fish will now be monitored on a regular basis.

709 SEA RANGER • INCREASED STABILITY • SOFTER RIDE • DRIER RIDE • MORE SPACE

The 709 is packed with power rated to 225Hp with a whopping 215L standard fuel tank and optional 80L secondary fuel tank. The fully sealed checker plate front casting platform contains ample sealed storage for all your fishing gear, and provides a large stable platform to fish from. The optional 100L console esky is big enough to hold all of your catches or be used as mini fridge with plenty of food and drinks.

Contact your local dealer for more information.

CENTRAL COAST

DUBBO

GRAFTON

MID NORTH COAST

425 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty Ph (02) 4333 3444 stacerboats1@aol.com

36 Bourke Street, Dubbo Ph (02) 6882 2853 bbeandel@bigpond.net.au

160 North St, Grafton Ph (02) 6643 1199 sales@discomarine.com.au

537 Ocean Dr, North Haven Ph (02) 6559 9344 enquiries@camdenhavenmarine.com.au

IN TUNE MARINE

www.intunemarine.com.au

DUBBO MARINE

www.dubbomarine.com.au

SYDNEY

LAVINGTON

1 Railway Rd North, Mulgrave Ph (02) 4577 6699 sales@blakesmarine.com.au

474 Wagga Road, Lavington Ph (02) 6040 9999 bordermarine@westnet.com.au

BLAKES MARINE

www.blakesmarine.com.au

DISCO MARINE

www.discomarine.com.au

CAMDEN HAVEN MARINE

www.camdenhavenmarine.com.au

BORDER MARINE

www.bordermarinecentre.com.au MARCH 2018

67

Transitional period takes hold in Canberra CANBERRA

Toby Grundy

March is always a transitional period, and therefore it is a challenge for anglers in and around the region.

For a start, the last of the hot weather usually wraps up in mid-March, the lakes cool down and the ‘Bidgee often gets a decent flush from late summer rain.

A lot of anglers struggle around this time because the fish tend to move from their summer holding areas, but haven’t yet made the journey to their winter

snags. This means the fish are harder to find.

That said, I have always really enjoyed fishing through March and into early May, because during this time I pick up a lot of fish along ‘the flats’ in our local dams. The fish tend to push up hard against the shallow bays (especially during low light periods) searching for a big feed before the cold hits.

This means big captures of golden perch and redfin are a distinct possibility, with bags of over 10 natives not uncommon.

If you can’t find the fish in your usual spot this

CHIFLEY DAM

Cabins

month, go looking for some shallow water and find the mosquito fish holding close to the shore. You can be guaranteed that if you do see some baitfish sitting in the shallows of a flatter bay, there will be some big native predators lurking close by.

LOCAL NEWS Lake Burley Griffin is fishing well for both natives and redfin. There are plenty of golden perch holding around the major points throughout the dam, as well as some large specimens tailing schools of redfin.

These fish can be targeted using traditional methods like slow rolling divers or slow lifting vibes off the bottom. However, I have had a lot of success recently by using mediumsized swimbaits. I really like using swimbaits

Medium-sized swimbaits have produced some great fish for the author while fishing Burley Griffin.

Ideal Midweek Getaway Comfortable affordable accommodation Close to Bathurst and all its facilities Talk to Bathurst Visitor Information Centre for details

or

tf

INatGing H IS Bo

po ts

Freecall 1800 68 1000 Book online at visitbathurst.com.au

ea Gr

F

&

BOATING FISHING CAMPING HUNTING

YOUR ONE STOP INLAND SHOP!

BIG BRANDS BEST PRICES GREAT SERVICE

60 Johnson Street, Forbes NSW

PHONE ORDERS WELCOME

(02) 6851 1425

or shop online @

www.loomzys.com.au 68

MARCH 2018

MAIL ORDER

Troy Erland bagged some good goldens at Googong using spoons slow lifted off the bottom. because they also appeal to the cod in the dam. That means you are always in with a shot at a big greenfish when you’re casting your lure among the trees along Lady Denman Drive.

Lake Tuggeranong has been producing some good catches lately. A lot of locals had been wondering when the cod would fire, and they came on the bite in late January and have been feeding up over the last few weeks.

Peter Bickerton caught a solid 80cm fish along with some smaller models while casting spinnerbaits near the dam wall.

There have also been several other greenfish caught around the points leading to Greenway. All

cod have been caught on spinnerbaits, while those anglers using vibes and blades have picked up redfin and golden perch under the bridge and up at the spillway.

Lake Ginninderra continues to fish well for redfin, and has consistently produced big reds since the start of spring. There are huge numbers of baitfish in the dam and the reddies are feeding up on these minnows, so match the hatch with a plastic in the 65-80mm range with a 1/8oz jighead. Twitch your offering a few metres off the bait and the reddies will zero in on it.

The Murrumbidgee River is, as always, hit and miss. Some anglers have landed big fish using surface lures and large swimbaits, while others have been left disappointed without even a touch.

That said, the river is clear and relatively warm for this time of year, and

Max Mallet caught this 105cm ‘Bidgee beast while kayaking.

the fish are feeding up in preparation for the hard winter ahead. It is about timing more than anything else, so target the new moon and concentrate your efforts on the low light periods.

SURROUNDS Googong is still

producing good numbers of golden perch, redfin and Murray cod, despite the heavy angling pressure that was put on the dam throughout summer. Word got out very quickly that some serious fish had been caught in the dam, and I heard of hopeful anglers

travelling from as far away as Queensland in search of one of the giant cod that inhabit the dam.

Disappointingly, this meant that some anglers did abuse the waterway, including one fisho who left 10 or so enormous yellowbelly carcasses around the boat ramp.

On the plus side, the goldens have been hitting vibes and plastics in amongst the sunken timber.

There are also big schools of yellowbelly sitting deep, and they can be targeted using spoons slow lifted off the bottom.

That’s all for this month, good luck.

Large redfin are hitting lures in all three of Canberra’s major dams.

4 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick

P: (02) 6280 0555

E: h2omarinecanberra@gmail.com

WE TRADE BOATS & ALSO SELL ON CONSIGNMENT

Ryan Osman put the time in to land this solid ‘Bidgee cod.

Canberra’s Newest & Only

Dealer

Proud Major Sponsors of the

ONE POWERFUL FOURSTROKE RANGE 2.5HP - 400HP

With the widest range available, you get:

Clint Pocock caught his PB Murray cod in a kayak recently on the Condamine River on the outskirts of Toowoomba on a spinnerbait. The big champion was a great challenge from the ‘yak.

> Ultimate durabililty > Quiet and smooth operation > Maximum fuel economy

h20marine.com.au MARCH 2018

69

Scouting out productive ground TAMWORTH

Adam Mears adam.mears@hotmail.com

The rivers around town are really feeling the pinch at the moment; water levels are low and the weed is starting to choke up the smaller sections of the river.

Surface fishing has continued to do well, fuelling the booming economy that is swimbait fishing. The Namoi has been a big fish heaven this season, but the Peel also has some hidden gems if you’re willing to explore. One sure-fire way of finding productive ground is to launch a kayak or canoe at one point and have a vehicle to meet you at the other end.

This helps you do many things, eliminating ‘dead’ water and finding productive spots that many people would not normally reach.

CHAFFEY DAM Chaffey Dam is still sitting nice and high with plenty of fish hiding deep along the weedy fringes of the dam. Jackalls and soft plastics are the main lures I use for them.

Carp are swallowing worms, grubs and just about anything else that lands in front of them, and they are more than willing to take

flies cast from the banks.

Also, if you have a sense of adventure grab your kayak and paddle up the river arm of the dam through the submerged trees to hook up to some good fish. There are some great goldens and silver perch loving all the new vegetation, and the view is spectacular so you won’t be disappointed.

LAKE KEEPIT The dam is very low at the moment but the fishing

is starting to pick up. I was lucky enough to take a client of mine with me last week for a bait fishing session and managed 10 carp in about three hours.

We had a blast and you could not wipe the smile from his face.

I have also heard that a few cod eclipsing the metre mark have been caught trolling the bays in recent weeks. Fingers-crossed I can find a few of these models.

PEEL RIVER Chaffey Dam is still holding plenty of water, so the Peel remains quite healthy.

The willows and the shady side of a snag are great areas to target if you’re chasing Murray cod or golden perch in and around the Tamworth township. Spinnerbaits are working a treat. Colours are a personal choice, but dark colours seem to be more reliable when it comes to putting a bend in anglers’

Tony Hawkins of Tamworth got stuck into a few hard-fighting pests on his latest outing.

The author with a small cod that couldn’t resist a Bassman chatterbait.

rods. Those anglers who prefer bait fishing can’t go past bardi grubs for cod, with large yabbies a close second.

Tinned corn and bread have been satisfying the tastebuds of carp in our waterways. Chasing carp is a great way to spend a few hours, and by removing these noxious pest fish from our waterways you’re doing a good deed for the environment.

Topwater fishing is still as popular as ever, with head

torches armed and ready as anglers go on the hunt for the metre cod. It may pay to upsize your lures in March to maximise your chances, and I’m talking big – 100mm+.

My favourites at the moment are the Jackall Gantarel and the new Jackall Mega Pompadour. Nothing gets the heart racing and the blood pumping first thing in the morning like a buckled rod for a big goodoo playing up like a 2-bob watch.

Golden perch and cod turn it on in the lakes ORANGE

Darcy Sherger

The fishing around the Orange region has been very productive lately with many reports coming in of solid golden perch and Murray cod. This month should continue to produce good numbers of golden perch before it cools off too much. The soon-to-be falling water

temperature isn’t all bad though, as it will bring the 1m+ cod out to feed.

The large lakes including Burrendong and Windermere north of Orange have been the go-to locations recently for Orange anglers chasing a tight line. These lakes have been producing large numbers of solid golden perch up to a whopping 64cm recently.

Leading into the cooler months anglers chasing a

1m+ Murray cod should be making their way to Wyangala Dam. Anglers chasing the large Murray cod over the metre mark should be casting large swimbaits and paddle-tail soft plastics around 120mm, or trolling large hardbodies.

The large Murray cod don’t always want a large feed, so don’t be scared to persist with smaller lures as well. Changing things up on the day, depending

on the conditions, is one of the most important parts of targeting these large fish.

Don’t get stuck in a rut or lose confidence; change

Anglers chasing trophy golden perch should definitely be targeting the large lakes and dams. Lake Windermere is located

Before you race up to Windermere Dam to target these fish, consider Lake Burrendong too.

Lake Burrendong’s

Your Trusted Local Supplier for:

Also supplying: • waterski equipment • wakeboards • kneeboards • tubes • life jackets • clothing • fishing gear

70

MARCH 2018

For servicing we offer full engine services & rebuilds; safety checks; upholstery repairs & replacement; valuations

Gareth Collinson with a solid golden perch taken casting a Jackall TN60. things up, move spots and keep putting in the time – it’ll pay off.

The trout, redfin and golden perch fishing has been exceptional and there are definitely no signs of slowing down this March.

30km from Mudgee and is considered to be the best golden perch fishery in Australia. Windermere has a reputation justified by anglers who regularly catch golden perch over the 60cm mark.

golden perch fishing is first class, although anglers don’t hear about it as much as Windermere.

At the moment the fishing has been consistent and many sizeable golden perch have been caught.

Looking forward to some comfortable weather WAGGA WAGGA

Rhys Creed

Throughout the year we see four seasons that all bring different weather conditions, which determine our fishing styles. It’s time to leave summer, which can be a difficult time to fish, behind, as we roll into my favourite season – autumn!

As the weather begins to cool, we are welcomed with the best time of year. Cool nights and perfect days in the mid to low 20s correspond to excellent fishing conditions, especially along our rivers and creeks.

MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER This is at the top of my list of places to visit this month, as we should start to see the reduction in water flows from Blowering and Burrinjuck dams. With cooler daytime temperatures and lower water levels, the fish will start to pick up throughout the day (whereas in summer we were restricted

A beast cod that detonated a wakebait early in the morning. to early and late in the day).

The river between Burrinjuck Dam and all the way out to Balranald will fish well. If you are in our large township of Wagga Wagga, make sure you spend 20 minutes driving out of town to find less fished water. This is always key to finding more fish for your efforts. The more remote the

area and the more effort you put in to beat the crowd, the more you will be rewarded.

Casting lures tight to the banks will be the best technique. Always try to find structure that is tight in against the shade, as this month will still be warm and the fish always seek shaded areas. Both spinnerbaits and hardbody lures will

It’s always great to see healthy golden perch throughout the river systems.

ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEM This Electric motor drive can be used on any SUP, Kayak or Canoe. It’s attached easily by any of the 3 universal mounts.

The LAGOON has 300Watts of power control by a convenient wireless Bluetooth.

Controller with built in safety features.

1.5hr MAX running time. Less than 4kg

work well. My pick in the brands are Mud Guts 5/8oz spinnerbaits, 70mm AC Invaders and 80mm Strike Force Cod Stalkers. These are all good quality lures to use at any time of the year in the Murrumbidgee River.

If you’re fishing an area that has logs and timber pushed up tight to the bank you’ll want to cast a spinnerbait, as it has the ability to free fall into the strike zone. Whereas when a hardbody comes into play and you have a large fallen log that is laying out into the river, you can then run your hardbody along the entire length of the log. Each lure has its application.

Don’t be afraid to throw some surface lures around early in the morning. Seek out the slow flowing areas and paddlers in the 80-100mm range will work best.

BLOWERING DAM The lake is currently much lower than it was this time last year, but this isn’t a bad thing for the fishing.

On first look it might not be very appealing, with exposed muddy banks, but when the lake is below 40% it can produce some great fishing.

Some great areas to try

THIS SPIRIT 1 electric outboard is powered by a built in 1KWH Lithium-ion Battery. Giving 1.5hrs of MAX power running or if your leisurely using this motor the battery can last up to 5 hrs of use.

Equivalent to a 3hp petrol outboard. Just without the noise and pollution. It weighs 16kg including the battery. The inbuilt battery can be changed with the simple lift of a release handle.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

For more information call (02) 9532 0002

your luck for large fish at this height is up the top end of the dam where the water flows in from Jounama Pondage. The water is cooler, clearer and also the lake is basically just like a river bed up there. Fish push up into these areas to feed, especially in low light periods and it can be a great surface fishing opportunity.

If you come just back out a little bit there are a row of power lines that run over the lake and there is an exceptional rocky point that will be showing. This area is home to some monster fish, but let me warn you, they are intelligent, however it is always worth a crack.

Over towards the Batlow side of the dam, opposite

your down near the bottom and troll in about 5-8m of water.

March can be a bit hit and miss up at Blowering, but with the cooler days it is much more enjoyable than the last couple of months have been.

OTHER AREAS TO VISIT Old Man Creek As it starts to cool off, this will be a great surface fishing area. Between mid March and the end of April this will be the place to go.

The water height will come down and the fishing will be exciting. This place is definitely well worth a visit and it’s not too far to drive from Wagga Wagga.

Spinnerbaits cast tight to structure are deadly for river cod.

Yachting Point, there is a large rocky island that will start to show and it is covered in stumps and holds plenty of big fish at this height. You can also head up to the wall end of the dam as there is plenty of rocky banks exposed up around the islands that hold heaps of smaller and larger fish.

If you’re after some of the smaller fish, trolling 80-100mm hardbody lures will work best. Make sure

Tumut River This river will really start to fire as soon as the water level drops down from height irrigation flows. Keep an eye on the water level and as soon as it drops, which could be any time during March (fingers-crossed), it will fire!

Good luck with all your fishing adventures over the month and wherever you decide to go I’m sure the fish will be biting and the weather will be enjoyable!

10HP OF POWER This is the most powerful electric motor in the ePropulsion range. Pumping out a massive 6KW of power which is equivalent to a 10hp petrol outboard. This motor is available in either tiller control or forward control. Forward control uses a wireless throttle and gear shifting control box. Silent, zero emissions and maintenance free makes this motor a pleasure to own.

Email: info@islandinflatables.com.au

www.epropulsion.com.au MARCH 2018

71

BOATS FOR SALE on

Time to catch monster cod COPETON DAM

David Allen manager@copeton.com.au

STRATOS DC 287 Location: VIC

$22,995 SKEETER ZX190 Location: NSW

$45,000 CHAMPION 188 Location: QLD

I am often asked by the many fishers that visit Copeton, ‘How do I catch one of the monster cod that call Copeton home?’ The answer is very simple – put the right lure or bait in front of the right fish at the right time and you’ll have a chance.

In a little more detail, fishing Copeton with the intent of catching a big cod takes a fair amount of effort.

Firstly, big fish feed actively during the change of light periods; this means very early starts and fishing into the night. Prepare your tackle.

Remember you’re targeting big fish, so use rod and reel combos capable of fishing big baits. Most anglers are now using at least 30lb braid main line and leaders of 40lb as a minimum with plenty stepping up to 50-60lb main line. You are also going to need the biggest landing net you can find and a solid glove to control these fish during the release process.

Launch the boat or get to your chosen bank well before first light – that’s

Josh with a beautiful river fish.

Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits can also be worked through the entire water column by varying weight and sink times.

You would typically only fish until just after sunrise then go back to your cabin or camp for breakfast and coffee. The day can be spent

$34,000

Local gun angler Josh Usher and I were involved in the angling and the running of a fishing boat and a film boat for this film shoot.

I think they learnt a lot over the four days they were here and we did too.

The director Tomohide Maeda, cameraman Yoshuya Shimasaki and translator Mark Joukoff stayed at the park and we fished both Copeton Dam and the Gwydir River upstream of the dam. The results for the cameras were great with three 1m+ Murray cod at 100cm, 101cm and 110cm.

We caught a number of other cod from 74-97cm.

There was also some by-catch of

nice yellowbelly, which Copeton will always produce. Tomohide was over the moon to hook, fight and land a fish of over a metre in front of the camera. Tomo travels the world fishing and filming new or iconic species. The episode before was about sailfish at Exmouth in WA. The program was due to air in Japan in early February.

• Copeton Dam is one of the best lakes in NSW to catch a trophy Murray cod. Dave runs the Copeton Waters Holiday Park and is a great source of up to date, local information on what’s biting.

Contact the park on (02) 6723 6269 for information and accommodation bookings.

SKEETER SX 180 Location: NSW

The fish of the trip measured 110cm+.

$34,000 STRATOS 294 XL Location: NSW

$50,000 Like us on facebook for automatic updates 72

MARCH 2018

4am lately. Fish the last of the darkness until first light using large surface lures up to 300mm, because big baits catch big fish. Examples of the most successful surface lures at Copeton are Mudeye Snakes, Rattle Snakes and Paddlers, Kingfisher wakebaits and Mantis lures and Water Stalker Spook Dragons and Sneak Rats, and the new Mega-Pompadour from Japan.

Once the light has strengthened, move to subsurface lures. These would typically be swimbaits, spinnerbaits or chatterbaits. Swimbaits that can be weighted to work deeper water are standouts.

exploring the park and all it has to offer.

In the late afternoon, get the gear together and work a reverse assault of the morning; go subsurface until after sundown then surface for the last hour of twilight into the darkness.

The sound and power of a big cod smashing a surface lure in the semi darkness is about as good as fishing gets.

This is why fishers from all over Australia are coming to Copeton.

I had a very interesting time in late January hosting visitors from Japan who were on site to film an episode for a fishing program on Japanese TV.

Tomo with his 101cm of Murray cod.

The rivers are flowing and fishing well now NEW ENGLAND RIVERS

Adam Townsend

It’s hard to believe we are already three months into the New Year but as they say, time flies when you’re having fun.

February proved to be another awesome month for fishing all across the

Tablelands area with lots of big catches in the rivers and impoundments. Although Copeton has been dropping fairly consistently, it has continued to produce big fish with many fish over a metre being caught. Surface lures and chatterbaits/spinnerbaits have been the go-to lures in recent weeks while water levels fall. Copeton was

recently sitting at the 31% mark and still dropping for irrigation purposes.

Pindari Dam was also dropping for irrigation and sitting around 65% in February. There have been multiple reports of fishers having a bit of fun on the golden perch and Murray cod around the dam like Tim Mutimer, an Inverell

A Severn River monster that came to 110cm.

A classic Copeton Gorge cod.

local, who had an awesome day out there recently with a couple of young kids.

They had a ball amongst the trees on a mixture of lures, the standouts being the Slide Bomber 100mm and Mazzy Vib, which has always been a Pindari favourite.

The Severn has also been fishing well lately.

Rainwaters gave it a wellneeded flush, although there is still a lot of weed above and

below the surface. In these types of areas weedless lures are the perfect option as most other lures continue to foul up in weed.

Surface lures are a good way to fish the areas where it’s not so thick, as it’s not always right on top. Murray cod like to hide amongst the weeds as they can take cover there during the day and a well-presented lure can usually bring them unstuck. Fishing low light

hours is more productive but it’s not as easy knowing where the weed lies, so knowing the waterway definitely helps.

There have been no recent reports from the Beardies.

Hopefully there will be more rain this month to give the rivers a bigger flush and to stabilise local dams. The cooler weather should make fishing more comfortable with summer over, so get out there and hook into them.

MO TACKLE & OUTDOORS

COD CASH

FISHING

C OPETON

CATCH A TAGGED FISH TO

WIN CASH! More than

$25,000

to be won!

APRIL

TOURNAMENT DAM,

INVERELL

14-22

Registration available in Inverell from March 24th – April 22nd at: • Compleat Angler and Camping World Inverell • Regional Australia Bank • Simply Print Anything • Inverell Fishing & Hunting • Northern Tablelands Local Land Services • Australian Hotel • Inverell H Hardware

2018

$20

,000

$1,000

FREE ENTRY Enquire at tourism@inverell.nsw.gov.au or www.facebook.com/ CopetonCodCash/

or call (02) 6728 8161 MARCH 2018

73

Still hot and dry in the Hunter HUNTER VALLEY

Peter Phelps

What a summer it has been this year! Hot dry conditions have not made the best fishing, so hopefully with the arrival of autumn, we can receive some much-needed rain.

The local lakes have not had a decent rise since April last year. This weather has been better suited for the saltwater offshore anglers than your typical summer freshwater anglers.

Regardless, there is still plenty of fish to be caught, you just have to adjust how you target them.

ST CLAIR Lake St Clair’s weed beds are not having much chance of keeping up with the dropping levels. The lake has gone down so much over summer, the prominent weed

only has a limited chance to grow before it’s high and dry.

This doesn’t provide much cover for the fish to live in. Those big bass that call the weed home will have to relate towards hard structure as the weed diminishes.

Lake St Clair may not look like it, but there is a lot of timber lay downs, stumps and rocks scattered along its edges. Fish will congregate around these and should be fairly easy to catch during low light. Topwater should still work given the recent summer conditions.

Experiment with styles and retrieves to find out what they want. Early or late in the day is going to be your best times for surface. If you are lucky enough to have some foggy conditions, this may extend it well into the morning.

A jerkbait, sinking stickbait or small plastic

would be the other choice if topwater is not getting any attention. These finesse style of presentation will imitate the small baitfish in the lake. During low light, the edge fish should be up and moving around any shallow water cover.

As the sun get ups the fish will start pulling tighter to the available cover. Using a lure you can bounce off the cover creating a reaction bite will be key.

A square bill crankbait is great for covering water and deflecting off cover. The high buoyancy of them allows you hit cover and bounce over structure quickly and continue your retrieve. Once

straight blade hopped along the bottom, slow rolled plastic curl-tail grub, hopped tail spinner or even hair jigs work well.

GLENBAWN Lake Glenbawn will see its fish sitting a touch deeper than St Clair this month. The clearer water lets the light penetrate deeper, heating the water further down. This will have most of the fish still sitting deep from the summer heat. Unless the lake starts to rise from heavy rain, I can only see the fish sitting deep.

The dropping levels kill off any aquatic vegetation that would provide cover for bait that in turn predatory fish would be chasing.

LEAVEY LURES BIG COD CAN’T RESIST THEM!

The Jew Lure

MAX-D The Murray Moth

Available exclusively through:

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

Aberdeen Fishing & Outdoors LOOK FOR THE BOAT ABOVE THE VET CENTRE

“Drop in and ask our friendly staff what they’re biting on!”

LAKE GLENBAWN

LAKE ST CLAIR

ABERDEEN Phone 69 New England Hwy, [02] 6543 7111 Aberdeen NSW 2336

www.aberdeenfishingandoutdoors.com.au 74

MARCH 2018

Jorg Van Husen with a 50cm silver perch caught at Glenbawn on a spinnerbait. you see or feel some timber and rock, it can take multiple casts using different angles to draw a strike.

A skirted jig and craw trailer is another option. These are great for penetrating any weed cover and dragging over timber and rock. Slow and steady would be an ideal retrieve.

Dragging your jig ever so slowly along the bottom feeling for that tell-tale tick of a fish picking it up.

There will also be a lot of smaller fish out wider sitting in 15-35ft. These fish are typically smaller than the shallower edge fish, but are generally a little easier to catch. A jig spinner rigged blade will catch huge numbers of fish over the next few months. A 1/4 or 3/8oz jighead with a small Colorado blade is a good starting point.

Slowly swim it next to the boat to test which hole in the blade gives you the smoothest slowest retrieve without fouling. These can be frustrating to fish at times because of this. A little rip as soon as it hits the water on the cast ensures it’s not tangled before you let it sink all the way to the bottom. A slow steady wind along the bottom should be the ticket.

These deeper fish will react to a lot of different techniques this month. A

If you are out early or late in the day, it’s still worth a surface fish to try for any resident shallow water fish.

There may be some resilient fish hanging around. It can be one extreme or the other at this time of year on topwater. A lure burned across the top may get the bites one day, and one shaken on the spot with long pauses might be what they want the next. Experiment to see what is working.

For fishing out deeper, a curl-tail soft plastic rigged on a 1/4oz jighead and fished vertical around cover always catches fish at this time of

Glenn Ellis with a double hook up of bass taken fishing deep vertical plastics. year. Target heavy timber and rock walls in anywhere from 35-80ft of water. Drop your plastic to the bottom around these hard structures.

Then a nice slow roll up just enough to get the tail beating is key. The bass and golden perch cannot seem to resist this. The plastic imitates a small baitfish or smelt that make up a the majotiry of the food source for the fish in the lake. Multiple drops around trees may be what it takes to catch a fish.

With so many fish out deeper now, they may not all be holding tight to cover. Fish will suspend mid water in the middle of the lake. Their comfort depth should be easy to find with a good sounder. There will be a thermocline and you will see fish relating to this depth. Trolling deep divers as close to this depth as possible will catch some fish this month.

Alternatively, counting down lures on the cast and slow rolling them back works well too. When you have found a concentration of fish, a 1/2oz paddle-tail, blade, tail spinner or heavy spinnerbait will work great.

A nice slow roll for all these baits should be all that’s needed, making sure your lure is constantly down in their face in the strike zone.

The bait fishing generally starts to pick up

this month. Small crayfish or yabbies fished live on a light ball sinker can catch some fish. If you can get hold of live freshwater shrimp, they can really knock them out this month. Fish them unweighted or with a small swivel as weight. Just hooked through the tail on a no. 4-6 circle hook, they are deadly. Slowly sinking them down around trees is almost a sure bet. A drag set light to allow the fish to take the bait and as you tighten it up, the circle hook pops out of their mouth and lodges in the corner of their jaw.

This stops unnecessary deep hooking of fish in the gills or throat. When these fish are on the bite, you can catch a huge number of fish.

LOCAL STREAMS The upper reaches and small streams would be running fairly dry this month without rain. This can kill the fish off or have them move out of these areas. Fishing the main rivers downstream from Glenbawn, St Clair and Lostock would have the greater number of fish, as they constantly are releasing water to maintain river flow.

As summer finishes up in the rivers the bass will start their migrations downstream. This month will start to spread the fish out again throughout the whole river systems all the way down to Raymond Terrace.

Adam Day with a yellowbelly caught rolling a deep paddle-tail.

The late flyfishing season continues this month Steve Williamson steve@swtroutfishing.com.au

Another summer is over and when we look back a few months it was a strange summer with a late start, but when the heat arrived it arrived with a vengeance.

I can’t remember so many weeks of continual heat without a cooler change.

The positive thing about the heat was it triggered the insect hatches and, while late, the flyfishing season finally kicked in.

There is plenty of good flyfishing yet to come in March as well.

On Lake Jindabyne water temperatures remained lower than normal early

and then when the surface water warmed up the trout went deep. This only made conditions perfect for downrigging and we are still experiencing some of the best deep water trolling for years.

From now on the nights are going to get cooler; the water temperature is sure to drop and the trout will be seen feeding closer around the edges of the lake once again, making the shorebased anglers happier. Once again it was good to see so many rainbow trout caught over the last season.

For boat trollers, the best way to start off the day’s trolling in March will be by trying surface lines with lures to about 2m at first light, maybe with a lead core

The author’s casting and trolling flies.

line at three colours to take the lures to 4-5m as a backup.

If you have been out a while and there are no bites, don’t persist, get out your downriggers and start at 35ft with a lure drop back of 4m, and you should start to see some fish. As the day brightens further, go to 45ft by mid-morning for the best fishing. On cloudy or rainy days you can surface fish until about 9am before going deeper.

Some of the better trolling areas this month will be deep water off the Lion and Cub islands or the deeper water off Hatchery Bay and Hayshed Bay. Sids Bay through to Rushes Bay will fish well early in the day for big brown trout, but the first hour of light will be the time to be there.

Lure spinning in the lake will improve as the month progresses and working the same sort of lures as the boat trollers 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 you might have to 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. Bays like Creel, Hatchery and the Snowy Arm all fish well. As the sun rises, change to a winged lure and cast further out over drop-offs, letting the lure sink before you retrieve with a slow wind.

Over this month the best lake bait fishing will be early and late in the day with scrub worms off the

MARCH ROUNDUP - THE BEST OF THE BEST! Best method:....................... Lake trolling lead lines early then downriggers at 35ft Best depth:................................................................................... 6ft early then 35ft Best lake lure:............. Tasmanian Devil yellow wing or Willy’s Special number 111 Best lake area:...............................................Deep water off Lion and Cub islands Best fly method:.............................. Dry fly – Hopper patterns and Yellow Humpies Best river:..........................Thredbo River, and the alpine streams are worth a look

FISHING & BOATING LIFESTYLE PROGRAM KIERAN REEKIE & ALAN BLAKE + many others talk fishing and boating

SAT / SUN 4am - 7am

RADIO 2SM

The Super Radio Network

hitide@2sm.com.au

13 12 69

Tom Short with a great brown trout caught downrigging on a Willy’s Special Tasmanian Devil lure. bottom teamed up with some artificial bait as the sun gets higher. Worms under a float are another alternative if you can’t get any mudeyes, which are slowly getting harder to collect due to the dry weather. The best bait fishing areas are Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay and Curiosity Rocks in the deeper water.

The rivers will on average be a little more fishable over the coming month. Lure anglers are getting a chance to fish the alpine streams where the fishing has been good and plenty of small fish are being caught. Some of the lures to try will be small 3cm and 5cm minnows in natural colours as well as bladed spinners. You can even try some smaller soft plastics, which are becoming very popular in Snowy Mountains trout waters.

Come into my shop and check out the Strike Tiger soft plastics.

For lake fly anglers at the moment, the best fishing has been early in the morning and there have been a few wind lanes about. If you see the ducks and sea gulls on the water this is a tell-tale sign that they are eating insects on the surface.

Some of the best lake flyfishing is over the coming months as the water cools.

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 as black Woolley Buggers and Williamson’s Goldfish.

Olive green nymphs and shrimp patterns are also worth a try. The South Arm, Creel Bay and Sids Bay are all great.

On the rivers the best flyfishing is in the evenings and there should still be plenty of evening rises and fantastic dry flyfishing for a few weeks yet. The alpine streams are still looking good too and plenty of small fish are being caught on dry fly.

Fly selection isn’t too critical in these streams but placement is, or else you’ll just scare all the fish. Try a small Hopper pattern, Royal Wulff or Royal Humpy and a caddis moth fly is a good option. Try the lower Mowamba near the weir on the Dalgety Road. Until next month, I hope you catch the big one.

• If you want to know more about the latest in fishing conditions, check out our latest reports on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LJTFA or check out my website at www.swtroutfishing.com.au.

n Trout Hatchery e d a G

Gaden Trout Hatchery

Gaden Trout Hatchery See how premier sport fish are bred and raised!

Open 10 am–4 pm daily.

Closed Anzac, Christmas, Boxing day.

Guided tours 10 am and 2 pm.

Self-guided tours on selected days.

Small admission fee.

leaping fish * 4 species * aquaria, ponds, AV show * beautifulbreeding picnic–BBQ area * smoked trout sale * find out about for kids fishing workshops. *

12934

JINDABYNE

Gaden Rd (off Kosciuszko Rd) Jindabyne. 02 6451 3400 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au MARCH 2018

75

Cod on comeback trail ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

With the full wrath of summer frying everything in its path angling has been a dusk or dawn affair over the past month. Slip, slop and slap are mandatory at this time of year and while the buff is no fashion statement, it does a great job of protecting the neck and face from the scorching sun.

Cod catches remain the same in the Robinvale area with only the odd small fish caught on bait. As big cod go, this once bountiful section of river is all but cooked for at least another five or six years, so long as it doesn’t take another black water hit. Golden perch are the mainstay of the catch with good numbers on bait both above and below the weir at Euston.

Wemen too is fishing well for golden perch on bait with the odd fish taken on lures.

Carp are ever-present and their size is very impressive

with plenty pushing the 10kg bracket. Wemen has had few cod reports with most anglers looking further afield to scratch their green fish itch.

It seems the road to green fish glory has wound its way back into Swan Hill. Over the past two seasons anglers have noticed Murray cod numbers starting to improve and perhaps we are set to see a return to the once vibrant fishery that predated the 2010-11 black water fish kill that devastated the local Murray cod population.

It’s taken no less than eight years but anglers are finally starting to catch some good-sized Murray cod locally from the Murray River with some fish measuring over the metre mark. This is great news for both local and traveling anglers, as it opens up new water and opportunities to catch one of these iconic fish. Make no mistake – as a tourism drawcard there are few fish on the planet that are the equal to these freshwater giants. It’s estimated that in Victoria alone anglers

specifically targeting Murray cod contribute approximately $59 million a year to the economy.

Cod anglers will travel great distances to put a bend in the line and as the word quickly spreads the Murray River at Swan Hill is already starting to become a hive of angling activity. In mid-January a trio of keen cod anglers from Warracknabeal made the journey following the word of cod on the chew.

Ben Spicer and his wife Sarah were joined by sister-in-law Emma Koschitzke for a few days on the Murray in the hopes they might tempt a cod.

It was an early start and by lunch time Saturday they were off the water having boated no less than six Murray cod ranging from 47cm through to a thumping 108cm. Emma caught the biggest cod saying she was very excited when it first popped to the surface and couldn’t believe how big it was. This is Emma’s first 1m+ Murray cod. The group also had several hard strikes that failed to hook up, so

Ben Spicer and Emma Koschitzke with her impressive 108cm Murray cod, which she caught from the Murray River at Swan Hill trolling a green StumpJumper. there was plenty of cod action on the lures.

Other good catches over the weekend included another fish over the metre mark caught by Grant Wells upstream of the Pental Island Caravan Park on a lure.

Several other cod over 80cm were also caught locally on bait, which included both yabbies and grubs.

With the water stable and the clarity improving we will no doubt be hearing of more great catches from

the Murray River at Swan Hill. Let’s hope these great catches are just the beginning of a fishery that’s on the mend and well on its way to once more becoming a favourite destination for keen Murray cod anglers.

Mulwala Murray cod are going off for March YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

Without doubt, autumn is the prime time to be sharpening your hooks and looking to Lake Mulwala in search of a mighty Murray cod or two.

Mulwala continues to produce cod day after day, regardless of weather conditions, fishing pressure or other variables; it’s the number one cod hunting ground in Australia.

Advising on ‘best methods’ for fishing Mulwala sounds like a broken record – they don’t change much. Casting or trolling – be it a hardbody, surface lure, crankbait, swimbait or spinnerbait – you will be in with a better-than-average chance of encountering some action.

An important factor at

the moment seems to be the area and water quality. The lake tends to have different current lanes running through it, and with this comes a build-up of slimy suspended green weed in

places. As pointed out by gun angler Jamie Stewart, fish won’t be holding in these areas, just like we humans would be looking for a different option if our air quality was impacted.

Cain Peatling’s 101cm swimbait-eating beauty.

SEASON

5

IS HERE!

Every Saturday 4.30pm on 76

MARCH 2018

The lake is seeing a mass build-up of weed beds at the moment. If you can find the edges of these or areas with large open pockets, you will see yourself in the prime fishing areas. The best times of day have been morning and into the evening with the surface and sub-surface fishing being standouts.

Looking back, there were plenty of reports of cod being caught throughout early January with catch rates slowing towards the end of month.

Be it barometer or water temperature, something had them shutting their mouths tightly for a week or so.

A special mention must go to the Peatling brothers Cain and Brent.

Traditionally known as the ‘Banana Boat,’ especially with the luck (or lack of it) that Brent brings to the team, this title was well and truly shaken

off when Brent landed a true monster measuring 122cm. Shortly after Cain got into the action himself with one of his own measuring in at 101cm.

I had a great day fishing with the three Miller boys from Moulamein: Ely, Ethan and Archie. After some casting tuition the boys were hot to trot.

Ethan quickly picked up two fish (51 and 49cm) casting spinnerbaits. Then it was Ely’s turn when it got dark. Some 69 and 92cm fish were his rewards off the surface and there was no happier kid in the country.

As always, there was plenty of action downstream in the river.

Amongst the plethora of smaller cod, trout cod, carp, silver perch and the odd golden, some respectable fish were reported. The secret to the bigger fish were big baits, especially goodsized yabbies.

The competition season is upon us, so there are a couple more coming up in the near future. The next is the His & Hers Partners Classic on 3 March – it’s a great day for understanding couples to share time together in the boat. To round out the competition season is the Cod Nationals, on 15-18 March. This one is four 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 (03) 5744 3133.

OUTDOOR & FISHING SHOW

Listen on 5am-6am Every Saturday

Big scores at Blowering BATLOW

Wayne Dubois waynedubois@westnet.com.au

More often than not at this time of the year the redfin at Blowering Dam are well and truly on the chew. There has been literally millions of these tasty critters about already this year, and

the desired depth and back in the strike zone like you would if you used a floating lure.

Another great little trick for increasing your redfin catch rate is to add a small 1-2” soft plastic or a flashy saltwater fly to your main line about a metre or so above your chosen trolling lure.

This technique also gives you a great chance of getting a

Due to the constantly dropping water levels at Blowering Dam, the Murray cod have had to continually move, making them much easier to catch, especially off the bank. although the majority of these fish are fairly small, there are still plenty of big ones out there and the odd trophy-sized one to keep spirits and expectation levels high.

REDFIN RIOT A lot of redfin are getting caught by anglers casting from the bank with small soft plastics and rubber vibes or by trolling with small hardbodies and lipless crankbaits. If you want to do better than the average Joe, here’s a few tips.

Trolling suspending hardbodies with a constant stop-start technique is arguably the best way to target the bigger and wiser redfin at Blowering Dam. Constantly stopping the lure for up to 10 seconds at a time can be a lot of big redfin’s undoing. To put it simply, they just can’t let an easy meal sit there for too long, or those pesky schools of little redfin will get in and eat it first.

The other added bonus of using this technique is that when you do hook a fish, you can simply leave the other rods in their positions, which gives you a good chance of multiple hook ups. More often than not, one hooked fish can spur the rest of the school into a feeding frenzy, and the lures that are still sitting in the strike zone often get hit, even though the boat and lures haven’t moved.

If they don’t happen to hit them while they’re just sitting there, they will quite often hit the other lures as soon as you start trolling again, as the lures are still there in the strike zone.

There’s no need to troll 50m or more to get your lures down to

few multiple hook ups, and when you do get two on the one rod it can make for some interesting battles, especially when both fish are over the 40cm mark.

Pulling up after locating a good school and casting to them with lipless crankbaits, soft plastics, blades, rubber vibes, ice jigs or metal spinners is another great way of getting some good numbers of fish under your belt.

GOLDEN PERCH Targeting golden perch at Blowering Dam at this time of the year can be quite difficult,

particularly during the day.

High daytime temperatures push the golden perch into deep water or deep into snags until it cools down late in the day. When the sun goes down, however it is a totally different game.

Most fish are rested from their day of sulking in the deep and at night are out free swimming just about everywhere, but particularly in the shallow margins of the dam in search of a good feed. More anglers have clued onto this and have started focusing their fishing efforts at night. These night time feeders can be caught in a number of ways, but the best techniques are trolling small to medium-sized hardbodies and lipless crankbaits or by casting with lipless crankbaits, small spinnerbaits, blades or soft plastics.

If you can’t fish at night and have to fish during the day, then seek out cool, deep water that has structure of some description or find a windswept bank that has a mudline on it, as this will often get them feeding during the day.

MURRAY COD There has been good numbers of big Murray cod caught in recent months and plenty of small ones as well.

Due to the lake dropping so much, the cod have had to continually move to keep up with the dropping lake, which means they are out and about more often making them much easier to catch than if the lake was at a consistent level. Keep this in mind when targeting Murray cod in any lake.

The best techniques have been casting and trolling with spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and swimbaits, and the larger the better it seems. There has also

The redfin fishing at Blowering Dam has been sensational.

Hopping rubber vibes like this Insanity Tackle Mini vibe has been the standout technique when fishing from the bank. been a crazy amount caught while bait fishing from the bank, with the pick of the baits being grubs and large yabbies, but there has also been quite

a few caught on worms and even cheese.

So as you can see, even though Blowering Dam is low and dropping, the fishing has

been exceptional and is well worth a visit.

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

CODGER TOPWATER

CODGER LURES Codger lures are designed by Graham Saunders.

He has recently expanded his range into the topwater market with the Codger Topwater.

These super strong, clacking surface lures come fitted with Double Rear Split rings and use VMC 3X Tough Trebles. A must have for any serious cod topwater angler.

CONTACT GRAHAM SAUNDERS – 0407 544 965 Email: goulburn.lures@bigpond.com

DAM LEVELS brought to you by w w w. b a r g a i n b o a t b i t s. c o m . a u

The new 45mm Slap Walkers have been cleaning up on the golden perch since their release a few months ago. Work these lures around the shallow margins at night this month for your best chance of hooking some XOS golden perch.

Dam............................... % Full

Dam............................... % Full

Dam Dec Jan Feb Blowering 57 45 39 Brogo 102 102 96 Burrendong 66 55 46 Burrinjuck 66 65 56 Carcoar 87 80 74 Chaffey 89 84 78 Clarrie Hall n/a n/a n/a Copeton 49 39 31 Dartmouth 87 88 89 Eucumbene 40 41 39 Glenbawn 84 81 79 Glenlyon 72 69 60

Dam Dec Jan Feb Glennies Creek 77 74 71 Hume 76 68 60 Jindabyne 75 74 70 Keepit 53 32 19 Lostock 82 71 61 Oberon 78 76 72 Pindari 100 86 65 Split Rock 29 29 19 Tantangara 28 40 30 Toonumbar 101 100 100 Windamere 47 46 44 Wyangala 81 80 75

(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 2018

77

The summer heat has finally began to subside LITHGOW/OBERON

Glen Stewart stewie72@bigpond.com

The early part of March can still bring about some warm weather but as we slide into the latter part of the month, especially in higher catchments, things really start to cool off.

Water is slow to react to temperature changes, especially bigger bodies of water – keep this in mind.

Trout in small creeks and rivers are the first to see the benefits of cooler water temperatures. Feeding trout will be out and about; low light conditions will still be prime, but you should be seeing a few more fish.

The Oberon district has some great little stocked waters that have benefitted from regular stockings and a few good seasons. It is tight water, small and overgrown for the most part, and there are some good pools mixed in as well.

Flyfishing the tight confines is tricky with lots of bow and arrow casts.

Brushing up on casting in the yard at home before you go is highly recommended.

Ditto for spin anglers – it’s

Small stream rainbow trout really are a sight to behold. Check out those spots. amazing what some practice can do for the bank balance.

NATIVE HEAVEN March really is a great time of year to target any of our native species, golden and silver perch, cod and catfish. They too feel the heat of summer, spending most of their time in the impoundments a little deeper during daylight hours.

They’re still quite catchable especially if trolling is a big part of your game plan.

In fact early in the month it’s still possibly your best

option for daylight hours, especially if you’re targeting Murray cod.

As March gets closer to April you will see a shift in water temperature, baitfish activity and the depth where they are holding.

Generally speaking the bigger concentrations will be shallower and – you guessed it – the fish follow. Shallow may still be 5-6m depending on the impoundment. In impoundments higher up in the catchment and a little further east, like Ben Chifley

and Windamere, that depth may be 3-4m.

Having access to a boat with a quality depth sounder on board really opens your eyes to the changes that take

road and enjoy what our wonderful area has to offer.

BOOK EARLY Did I mention Easter?

Get in early, especially in the smaller waterways. Leave early or take an extra day off to get a good spot, because it’s a popular time of year to be on or near the water.

Redfin (English perch) are a great species to target if you have visiting friends or relatives staying with you over the Easter break; they inhabit most of our local waterways these days, which is unfortunate as they are an introduced pest species, but they do provide a very catchable option for most anglers.

Bobbing lures or baits around schools of redfin can quickly have everyone in the boat amongst the action.

Points of land that jut out into the main basins of dams are a great place to start.

on, especially if they are catching them hand over fist.

Give them plenty of room; other areas around the dam will be producing fish. It’s so much better to find your own little piece of fish paradise.

Redfin are very pelagic in nature. By that I mean they move around a lot, sometimes in quite open water well away from the bottom, following thermocline layers (areas of rapid change in temperature) and feeding on the small baitfish that can be holding there. Keep this in mind as you search.

I love to target bigger redfin over 40cm. They’re a little harder to catch on a consistent basis. Generally speaking they have some different habits compared to the masses; they tend to be a little more structureorientated and hang out in loose groups or ‘wolf packs’ as I call them. They will

Bigger redfin are surprisingly aggressive and will take much larger offerings when they’re in the mood.

Ultralight Outboard Motors

place on our local waterways.

Apart from Easter at the end of the month, the hectic pace that has been part and parcel of warmer temperatures will start to dissipate on our local impoundments freeing up amenities and space. This is so much nicer, so it’s a great time of year to hit the

An electric motor up front is handy to hold position over the school, otherwise an anchor dropped with wind or breeze direction taken into account can be just as good.

Setting up a drift is also an option, especially if they seem to be scattered a bit.

Watch other boats to get a heads up on what is going

turn up wide of the schools, especially if you are catching a few. Often they will follow a hooked smaller fish up to the boat, and this is the time to drop something a little bigger in the water and work it erratically.

I look forward to seeing you on the water soon. Until then, tight lines.

For kayaks, canoes and very light boats With a total weight of 8.9kg including battery, the Torqeedo Ultralight won’t limit your paddling performance, but when called on it can give you the right push against the current, against the wind, or be called on to save your tired arms.

Technology that is clean and state-of-the-art Find your closest dealer: email: web: phone:

78

MARCH 2018

torqeedo@powerequipment.com.au www.powerequipment.com.au 1800 069 469

The Easter break can offer new opportunities and exploring is a great part of the fishing adventure.

Protect your favourite fishing spot Look out for WATER WEEDS Water weeds are invasive plants that threaten our waterways. The Murray/Darling river system is at high risk of invasion by water weeds.

WATER WEEDS RUIN WATERWAYS BY: • forming large floating mats, dense submerged thickets or extensive stands along banks; • creating drowning hazards; • reducing water quality; • reducing the abundance of fish and other aquatic life;

• Learn to recognise water weeds. Be on the lookout for new or unusual water plants. Weed profiles are available in NSW WeedWise, via the free smartphone app and online at: weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au.

A list of serious water weeds in NSW can be found by using the advanced search in NSW WeedWise (select weed category)

SALVINIA (Salvinia molesta): a floating water weed.

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

• Avoid weed-infested waterbodies and stop the engine in infested areas.

• restricting access to fishing spots;

• Report suspicious plants to your local council Biosecurity Officer.

• fouling fishing gear and making it difficult to land fish.

WATER WEEDS AND YOUR GENERAL BIOSECURITY DUTY

HOW DO THEY SPREAD?

By law biosecurity is everybody’s business. Water weeds threaten our biosecurity and come under the new Biosecurity Act 2015 in NSW.

• Plants move from one waterbody to another attached to boats, watercraft, trailers and fishing gear.

• Propellers and anchors cut plants into pieces that can still survive, spreading them around waterbodies. A single fragment can start a new infestation.

• Some weeds can survive considerable time out of water attached to boats, trailers and gear.

WHICH WEEDS ARE A PROBLEM? Alligator weed, salvinia, water hyacinth, water lettuce and cabomba are the main plants to look out for and report.

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

CABOMBA (Cabomba caroliniana): a submerged water weed.

Every person and organisation needs to do their bit to protect the economy, environment and community from the risks posed by water weeds. This is now part of your “general biosecurity duty”.

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

WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Use NSW WeedWise to find out about the biosecurity duties for water weeds in your area (go to weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au or get the app)

HOW CAN I HELP?

• Talk to your local council Biosecurity Officer about water weeds on your property

• Inspect and remove any plants from watercraft, trailers and equipment before leaving a location or launching at a new location.

For more information about the Biosecurity Act 2015 visit www.dpi.nsw. gov.au/biosecuritylegislation or email biosecuritylegislation@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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

Report to your local council Biosecurity Officer or the NSW Invasive Plants and Animals Enquiry Line on 1800 680 244 or email weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au Further information on water weeds can be found at ww.dpi.nsw.gov.au/weeds

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2018 MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

3 Mar

His and Hers Partners Classic Lake Mulwala

Tony Bennett (03) 5744 1667

6-8 Mar

ABT BREAM Series Australian Open Sydney Harbour/Hawkesbury River

abt.org.au

10-11 Mar

SCFCA Deep Sea Competition Kiama Bowls Club

southcoastfca@yahoo.com.au

10-11 Mar

Tuross Head Flathead and Bream Tournaments Tuross Head

www.facebook.com/flatheadandbream

10-11 Mar

Round 2 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Foster / Wallis Lake

www.hobiefishing.com.au

10-11 Mar

ABT BASS Pro Round 1 Hawkesbury River

abt.org.au

15-18 Mar

Cod Nationals Lake Mulwala

Tony Bennett (03) 5744 1667

20-21 Mar

ABT BREAM Series Round 3 St Helens, Tasmania

abt.org.au

24-25 Mar

ABT BREAM Series Round 4 Derwent River, Tasmania

abt.org.au

7-8 Apr

Round 3 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Sydney

www.hobiefishing.com.au

14-22 Apr

MOTackle & Outdoors Cod Cash Tournament Copeton Dam, Inverell

(02) 6728 8161

21-22 Apr

ABT BREAM Series Round 5 Gold Coast

abt.org.au

22 Apr

ABT BASS Electric Series Round 2 Clarrie Hall Dam

abt.org.au

5-6 May

ABT BREAM Series Round 6 Swan River, WA

abt.org.au

19-20 May

ABT BASS Pro Round 2 Glenbawn Dam

abt.org.au

22-23 May

ABT BASS Pro Round 3 Lake St Clair

abt.org.au

26-27 May

SCFCA Rock Competition Berry Bowling Club

southcoastfca@yahoo.com.au

2-3 Jun

Round 5 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Gold Coast

www.hobiefishing.com.au

2-3 Jun

ABT BREAM Series Round 7 Hawkesbury River

abt.org.au

9-10 Jun

Greenback Fishing Competition Tweed Coast

Stephen 0421 052 135

10 Jun

ABT BASS Electric Series Round 3 Wyralong Dam

abt.org.au

9-10 June

Tweed Coast Marine Greenback Fishing Comp.

Tweed Coast

Stephen Duffield 0421 052 135

7-8 Jul

ABT BASS Pro Round 4 Lake Boondooma

abt.org.au

11-12 Jul

ABT BASS Pro Round 5 Cania Dam

abt.org.au

29 Jul

ABT BASS Electric Series Round 4 Lake Macdonald

abt.org.au

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours.

Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

80

MARCH 2018

The Greenback Fishing Competition is back on The Lions Greenback Fishing Competition is back and being held on June 9-10 this year.

Since 1981 the Greenback Tailor Fishing Competition has been a community focus event

helping to raise funds for local beneficiaries.

There has been some difficulty in the past with holding the event in 2015 and 2017. With the backing from the Cabarita Beach Pottsville Beach Lions Club, two Lions members (Stephen Duffield and Stan Dawson) formed the Lions Greenback Management Team. With the support of major sponsor Tweed Coast Marine, the Greenback

Fishing Competition is alive and well and back on track for 9 and 10 June 2018.

The fishing event has been held on the NSW Queen’s Birthday weekend for many years, and this year the organisers are planning

running for a tailor prize.

The men’s division will also have a 4th place prize.

The boundaries are changing and now cover the area from the QLD/NSW border to South Ballina.

The event now includes the Tweed region, so if you fish in the Tweed River and the local beaches, you can catch the fish species without leaving the area.

The Sunday activities will be completed by 1:30pm, so the Queensland entrants have some time to travel home.

With the boundary changes, we hope to see more local river anglers sign up for the competition. The prize goods will be from fishing, camping and sporting product lines.

There has also been some

tightening up in the honesty and fraud control areas in the background running of the event. The family-orientated markets will also be back with the help of Curl Creative.

All entrants will have a complimentary ticket in

for 800+ anglers from NSW and QLD to attend. The event in its 31st year is expected to give the region a welcome economic boost.

Following consultation with past participants, some changes have been made to the competition. Prize money, in general, has increased across all categories. For the greenback tailor, a 3rd place prize has been allocated providing an opportunity to all anglers to be in the

the Lions Charity Raffle, a breakfast voucher and the chance to win lucky prize draws on Sunday morning.

We are also introducing a New South Wales vs Queensland entrants shield to go the state with the most competition points (a pro-rata point system will be in place). In March there will be blues and maroons Greenback merchandise available for purchasing online. With the first State of Origin game on the Wednesday before the Greenback Competition, this will add to the entertainment during the weigh-in on Sunday morning.

An early bird rate (until 9 April) is offered to encourage participants to register and pay a reduced

entry fee that will help with planning the event.

The early bird entry rates have been set at $35 and $30 for seniors (55+) – savings that take us back to 2013 and 2014 entry fees.

Entrants will be able to pay online using PayPal, VISA, MasterCard or AMEX. In addition to the early bird savings, entrants who register as an early bird may pick up a Greenback cap (first 40), Greenback stubby cooler (first 80) and go into two prize draws for three Fishing Monthly Magazine twelve-month subscriptions.

For more information visit lionsgreenback.com, email greenback2018@ optusnet.com.au or phone Stephen on 0421 052 135.

release competition, it is a requirement that participants have the ability to photograph a potential prize-winning fish as photographs will be used in the verification process.

To find out more simply

head to www.facebook. com/CopetonCodCash.

Enquiries can be made by e-mailing tourism@ inverell.nsw.gov.au or by calling (02) 6728 8161. – Inverell Shire Council

Big Cash on Offer for Copeton Cod The chance to share in over $25,000 cash is up for grabs as a new Murray cod fishing tournament is due to start on 14 April near Inverell in northern NSW. Copeton Dam has established itself as the premier Murray cod fishing capital of Australia. Anglers often dream of adding the mighty metre cod to their bragging vocabulary, however now something more than this lifelong thrill is on offer. The MO Tackle & Outdoors Cod Cash is offering a huge $25,000 in cash prizes for avid anglers who can successfully land a

tagged Murray cod. But that’s not even the best part – the event is absolutely free to enter!

The nine-day event is a new initiative of Inverell Shire Council and has already captured interest from interstate visitors, with MO Tackle and Outdoors the event’s major sponsor.

The MO Tackle & Outdoors Cod Cash will see the release of at least six Murray cod into the Copeton Dam impoundment and offer cash prizes to participants who are able to successfully re-capture any one or all of the fish.

One Murray cod will carry a tag worth a whopping

$20,000, while other minor prizes will include at least five Murray cod valued at $1000 each.

The 9-day event, to run from 14 April 2018 – 22 April 2018, is the icing on the cake for many anglers thinking of visiting Copeton Dam to chase the almighty metrey. April has proven to be a red-hot time for catching cod in Copeton, with monster fish angled on a regular basis.

The opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime paired with a chance to secure $25,000 worth of cash with no registration fee is an offer far too good to refuse.

To coincide with the event, a photo competition will be run where participants are challenged to take a unique snap of anything Copeton and/ or Cod Cash related, and upload it to social media using a series of hashtags (#). In the generous spirit of the event, the photo judged to be the best/ most unique will earn its photographer a cool $500 cash. Participants are encouraged to photograph all Murray cod and golden perch landed and submit them to a designated e-mail address for their chance to win some fantastic mystery length fish prizes!

Registration for the MO Tackle & Outdoors Cod Cash will be made available in the township of Inverell from 24 March 2018 until the end of the competition on 22 April 2018. It is imperative that keen participants sign up to receive their unique participation card that must feature in the photos used to verify a tagged fish. Registration will be available at the following seven businesses in Inverell: • Australian Hotel Inverell • Compleat Angler and Camping World Inverell • Inverell Fishing and Hunting • Inverell H Hardware • Northern Tablelands Local Land Services • Regional Australia Bank Inverell • Simply Print Anything Inverell Registration will not be made available at Copeton Dam or online.

Anglers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate for as little or as long as you like, with no requirement to fish the entire event. Participants under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian to whom prize money will be paid.

As a strictly catch-and-

MARCH 2018

81

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

Celebrating the 10th Pirtek Fishing Challenge Cancer Foundation and the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit. Prostate cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and is the third most common cause of cancer death, and in 2017, there were an estimated 3,453 deaths caused by prostate cance in Australia.

These are sobering statistics, but we can work to lessen the damage by opening up the conversation about prostate cancer with loved ones and mates, which can lead to earlier detection of cancer and fewer fatalities.

The importance of supporting the research and work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation cannot be overstated. In time, we’d love to see these statistics change, and this is possible with research.

What better way to support such an important cause then a fantastic day out on the water?

Registration is affordable at $25 per angler

so you can get the whole family involved for an outdoors fishing bonanza.

PRIZES GALORE There are prizes available for each of the 19 target species across NSW/ ACT, Queensland, Victoria, the Murray/Darling Basin, the Great Dividing Range, East Coast Freshwater, Top End and Open categories.

This includes a ‘Mystery Length’ prize of $4,000 for seniors in each species division, and a cash/prize pack for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for the longest of each species for both seniors and juniors.

For more information, head to www. pirtekfishingchallenge. com.au – FMG YOUR CHALLENGE •E nter the challenge via the website and be sure to read the terms and conditions.

• After you have registered, a limited edition Fishing Challenge cap and Fishing Challenge brag mat will be posted to you.

• The list of target species will be available via the website www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au at 1200 hours AEDST on Sunday, 25 February 2018.

• On Saturday, 17 March 2018 (after 6pm) you will be sent via email a repeat list of the target species plus your angler number. You can also log on to the website to download this information.

• Fishing will commence at 6am and finish at 6pm on Sunday, 18 March 2018.

• All lines must be out of the water at 6pm on Sunday, 18 March 2018.

• When you catch your target species simply lay the live fish with the nose in line with the ‘0’ (zero) measurement on the Pirtek bragmat.

• Photograph the fish so the entire length can be seen in the photograph along with your angler number.

• Check out the Photographing Your Fish page for information on how to correctly photograph your catch.

• Remember to write your angler number clearly in the white box provided on the brag mat.

• Check your photograph to ensure the whole fish is in the photograph and the nose end of the fish is in line with the ‘0’ (zero) measurement and the overall length along with the angler number is clearly visible.

TROUT (BROWN/RAINBOW) Size Range: Up to 1m, common from 30-50cm.

Tactics: In dams and lakes trout can form huge school in deep water, and this is when they can be caught trolling lures. During the cooler months they will hunt around the edges of these lakes and provide anglers with some excellent sight fishing opportunities. Trout are an opportunistic predator in streams, meaning they will investigate anything that comes into their domain. At other times, trout can sometimes be very fussy, particularly when there is a specific hatch of insects or baitfish in the area. Drifting baits, or casting small lures and flies is a good tactic in rivers.

Rigs: Running sinker rig, float rig or drift rig with 4-6lb mainline and leader, the same line weights can be used by lure anglers.

Bait: Baits of worms, crickets, grasshoppers, mudeyes and shrimps can all be successful at different times. Any small prey items that can be collected from the area you’re fishing will usually make good bait.

Lures: Winged lures trolled off a downrigger are fantastic for when trout are schooling deep. Hardbodies, small bladed spinners and soft plastics are great for trout in shallow water.

82

MARCH 2018

GREAT DIVIDING RANGE

The Pirtek Challenge is coming round again, and this year, they’ll be celebrating the Challenge’s 10th year!

The Pirtek Challenge is open to anglers across the whole of Australia.

Last year saw 8,762 competitors, and their aim this year is to beat that number! It’s an opportunity to get out on the water with some mates, have an awesome day of fishing, and be in with a chance to win a share of $210,000 worth of cash and prizes!

We want to give our readers the best possible start to this year, and we’ve got all the information you need to get started and have a cracker day on the water. This year, with more species than ever, we’re hoping to get even more anglers onboard for the challenge, so there should be a species on there for you, regardless of how and where you like to fish.

THE CAUSE Each year the Pirtek Challenge is held to raise money for the Prostate

• I f you do not receive your brag mat before Sunday 18 March, you may measure and photograph your fish using last year’s brag mat, a Fisheries measuring sticker, another competitor’s mat (with your Angler Number), or a generic brag mat.

• If you are not happy with the photograph, simply take another one.

• Quickly release the fish and try to catch a bigger one.

• Only a fish caught by the registered angler can be entered.

• Any photograph that shows a fish not alive or damaged will not be accepted.

• Any photograph which has undergone digital manipulation, i.e., photoshop, will be disqualified.

• You can only upload one photograph per angler to the website. This needs to be your biggest fish.

• Follow the directions on the website to upload your photograph.

• The upload needs to be complete by 7am AEDT, Monday, 19 March 2018.

• Any photographs uploaded after this time will not be accepted.

• If your photograph is damaged, blurry or the overall measurement of your fish is not clearly seen with your angler number the photograph will be disallowed.

• Check the website on Saturday, 24 March, 2018 to see if you’re a winner. The National Fishing Challenge committee’s decision will be final and no correspondence entered into.

Bait: Both live and dead baits will work, with squid and bonito strips good for dead baits, and slimies, yellowtail and squid dynamite as live baits.

Lures: Soft plastics, hardbodies and a range of topwater baits will work.

SNAPPER

Tactics: Snapper can be found in both sheltered waters and offshore, in depths ranging from 1m, to offshore bluewater. Snapper are opportunistic and will eat many different prey items, live or dead. The trick can be finding what they want on that particular day.

Rigs: A fairly heavy running sinker, paternoster, or floatline rig will do fine, depending on where you’re fishing, and the use of circle hooks has taken off in recent years, as it allows the fish to hook itself and prevents fish from swallowing the hook, making catch and release possible.

OPEN WATER

Size Range: Up to 130cm, common around 20-40cm.

Bait: Dead baits of squid, pilchards, bonito fillet have worked for many, while live slimies, yellowtail and squid are fantastic if they can be gathered.

Tactics: Smelly baits are very effective for carp. Carp will also get up into shallow water and mooch along the bottom looking for aquatic insects, and this is where fly anglers can have some fun, sometimes landing huge specimens.

Rigs: A medium running sinker rig, paternoster rig or float rig with 6-20lb braided line onto a 10-20lb leader. Anglers can obviously go lighter in clear water free of snags.

Bait: 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.

Lures: Carp will take lures, usually as by-catch. Fly anglers can target carp in shallow water by sight fishing with small nymphs.

GOLDEN PERCH Size Range: Up to 75cm, commonly caught at 25-50cm.

Tactics: Lures and live baits are popular, and they also love to hunt down worms and grubs set on the bottom. Lures cast around fallen timber in rivers and standing timber in lakes are all successful, especially around first and last light, and the warmer periods of the year are generally preferred.

Rigs: Running sinker rig and a paternoster rig are both good options with 20lb braided main line to 20lb leader. The same line weights can be used for lure fishing.

Bait: Baits of yabby, live shrimp, worms and even smelly dead baits are successful.

Lures: Lures like Australian-made hardbodied lures, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits all do damage on yellowbelly.

MURRAY COD Size Range: Up to 1.8m, common from 40-80cm.

Tactics: Murray cod are a structure-loving and territorial species. Therefore, lures or baits fished or cast around big snag complexes repetitively usually get a response eventually. During periods of low light, they will often leave their lairs in search of food.

Rigs: 20-30lb should be your minimum line weights for both your mainline and leader.

Bait: Baits of yabby, live shrimp, worms and even smelly dead baits are successful.

Lures: Murray cod will eat a variety of surface lures, hardbodies, lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits. As with bait, lures should be big and annoying to achieve the best results.

MURRAY/DARLING

Size Range: Up to 1m, but more commonly encountered at 30-60cm.

MURRAY/DARLING

CARP

MURRAY/DARLING

Lures: Heavy soft plastics, jigs and vibes are favoured by those who fish in deep water, however bibbed lures can also be effective in shallower areas.

COASTAL

FLATHEAD

Size Range: Up to 1.1m, commonly caught 30-65cm.

Tactics: Flathead are classic ambush predators that use camouflage to their advantage, often burying themselves in sand or mud when awaiting their prey. Drop offs, weed edges, hard rock and mud edges are all great spots for flathead. Flathead have a preference for tidal movement, either running in or running out, and don’t feed as much when the water is slack.

Rigs: A running sinker rig with 6lb braid with a 15lb leader is sufficient for bait fishing. The same goes for lure fishing, but try to attach your lures with a loop knot where possible to maximize the action of the lure.

Bait: Flathead will eat anything they can fit in their mouth, whether it’s live, dead, big or small. Larger flathead have a preference for live baits, however large flathead are occassionally taken on dead baits.

Lures: Most lures work well on flathead, the trick is to have it in their face. Lures such as soft plastics, vibes, lipless crankbaits and hardbodied lures all catch flathead, and they’ve been known to chase down swimbaits and surface lures as well.

COASTAL

Rigs: Floatline or balloon rigs are favoured by those who like targeting big kingfish.

Size Range: Up to 110cm, common to 40cm.

Tactics: Tailor can be found in rivers and estuaries, coastal lakes and bays, but are at their biggest best in the surf and off oceanic rocks. Beach anglers often target tailor in and around the surf gutters, and those fishing rocky headlands can often expect a few tailor too. Tailor are migratory, and seldom spend long in any one area. Tailor will take live and dead baits, even quite large ones, and will readily chase down lures moved quickly through the water column.

Rigs: Light braided line around 6-10lb with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader from 12-20lb will suffice is fine for lure anglrs. Sometimes, tailor can bite through non-wire leaders. Running sinker rigs, paternoster rigs and ganged bait rigs all work for tailor, and some old school angler prefer the use of wire on their trace.

Baits: Live baits of herring, mullet work well for larger tailor, but dead baits of pilchard, garfish also work well, particularly on the beaches an headlands.

Lures: Tailor are predatory and will chase down most offerings at speed. Topwaters, metals, hardbodies, and soft plastics will work well, however tailor will make short work of plastics with their razor sharp teeth.

BREAM

Size Range: Up to 50cm, common from 25-35cm.

Tactics: Bream are incredibly widespread and can be found in just about every saltwater river, creek and coastal lake in the state. Bream love structure – especially rock – and if you find rocks or other hard structure in the intertidal zone, you can be sure that bream hang around it at some time of the day. Bream will also aggregate around weed and flooded grass at times. Keep the gear light when bream fishing, as this will get you more bites. If you want to catch a bream on a lure, make sure that it’s small. They’ll eat nearly every bait you can find or buy, it just needs to be presented in a natural way.

Rigs: Running sinker onto a #1 or 1/0 hook will work for the bait anglers. For the lure brigade, 2-6lb braided line connected to 6-10lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader is ample.

Bait: Because they are omnivorous almost anything found or bought should catch bream, including white bread, which is an under-used favourite.

Lures: Small hardbodied divers, smaller than your little finger, cast around rocky shores and worked with a slow, steady retrieve are hard to beat. When fish go deeper, tiny soft plastics and blades with according jighead size is a sure-fire way to pin a bream. At times, they will also rise to small surface lures.

COASTAL

Tactics: Kingfish are ravenous pelagic hunters, and will respond to a variety of tactics, ranging from dead and live baits, to lures and even fly! They can be tricky when they are keyed into a particular forage, and matching the hatch is usually the best tactic.

TAILOR

WHITING

Size Range: Up to 50cm, more common from 20-40cm.

Tactics: Whiting love clear and shallow water where they grub around for yabbies, worms and other tasty tidbits. By targeting these areas with your baits or lures, you’ll encounter plenty of whiting, as well as other interesting by-catch.

Rigs: A running sinker rig with a long leader, tiny long shank hook is enough to fool a whiting, even in shallow water. Light braided line around 4lb with a 2-4lb leader is an excellent balance for the anglers throwing lures at wily whiting.

Bait: Worms and yabbies (nippers) are two baits that are rarely met with failure.

Lures: Small hardbodies, plastics, and more recently, surface lures have all taken plenty of whiting in the last decade. Often, the bigger whiting will be the ones that take lures.

COASTAL

Size Range: Up to 70kg and 2m, common under 1m and 10kg.

LEATHERJACKET

Size Range: Up to 3kg, common under 1kg.

Tactics: Often considered to be an unwanted by-catch when bait fishing in estuaries and offshore, leatherjackets respond well to a variety of baits and lures. Keeping your hooks and lures fairly small would be advantageous if targeting jackets, however they can damage hooks with their teeth.

Rigs: A small running sinker or paternoster rig will suffice.

Bait: Small flesh baits will be sufficient offshore, while standard run-of-the-mill baits of yabbies and worms will work in the estuaries.

Lures: If using lures, small plastics with enough weight to get to the bottom should do.

COASTAL

KINGFISH

OPEN WATER

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

MARCH 2018

83

Tech Tricks

How to cook and clean blue swimmer crabs BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

For anglers fishing Moreton Bay and other waters, setting a few crab pots can offer a great addition to your seafood feast at the end of the day. Both sand and blue

swimmer crabs are fairly abundant and relatively easy to catch in a baited safety pot. Sometimes legal sized male crabs can be scooped from the water’s surface or the shallows with a scoop net.

However you source them, cooking and cleaning them properly will help you get the best from

these exceptionally sweet seafood delights. The whole process of cooking and cleaning crabs is fairly simple and numerous crabs can be processed in a fairly short time. It is advisable to keep your crabs alive until you are ready to cook them. Once they have been removed from your crab pot, this can be achieved

1

To kill your crabs, place them on ice or in the freezer for half an hour. If you don’t kill them before cooking, many of the appendages will fall off the crab as soon as they hit the boiling water. Additionally, this is the most humane way to kill them.

by storing them in a cool, damp area. An old esky with a little bit of seawater in the bottom is ideal.

There is no need to tie up sand and blue swimmer crabs as you do with mud crabs, as their claws are much less powerful and they move a lot slower in a gangly fashion. If they did happen to latch onto you,

they won’t do anywhere near the damage that a muddy could and you will be strong enough to pry their claw off anyway. A bit of ice in the water will slow any crabs down considerably.

If kept cool and in a bit of seawater (just enough to just keep them damp) sand and blue swimmer crabs can last for several days. Water

should be changed at least once or twice a day. If any die, remove them from the others quickly and discard them. Techniques and cook times for mud crabs are different to sand and blue swimmer crabs but for now let’s just concentrate on a basic way to cook and clean your sand and blue swimmer crabs.

2

Use a pot large enough to cook several crabs at once. Fill it over halfway with water then add salt until you get salinity similar to seawater. You can transport some clean seawater home from your trip to cook your crabs in if you wish. Put the pot on heat and bring the water to the boil. Only put your crabs in once it’s boiling.

4

3

For two crabs, boil for roughly eight minutes. Seven minutes should do for one crab and a maximum of ten minutes for four or more crabs.

Remove them quickly from the water with some tongs once the time is up.

5

To begin cleaning, turn the crab upside down and lift the tip of the v-shaped flap away from the body. Pry off the entire upper shell (carapace) in one piece to expose the guts and gills.

84

MARCH 2018

Put the crabs in a bowl, bucket or esky and immediately cover them with ice. For a larger number of crabs, pre-mix an ice slurry of ice and salt water. This will stop the cooking process quickly by cooling them down rapidly. Once cooled, the crab can be cleaned. If you want to store a crab for a few days before cleaning, put it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent it drying out.

6

Pry out the guts in the cavity at the front of the crab with your finger. Wash the remaining gunk out using a high-pressure tap. The gills (pictured, under the thumb) are the next part to be removed from both sides of the crab. These can easily be torn away. With the gills, guts and carapace removed, the bulk of the dirty work is done.

Tech Tricks

7

Next, you have to break up the crab and extract the flesh. Use downwards pressure on both sides of the crab and upwards pressure in the middle to crack it in half. The small flap at the front of the crab with the brown gunk on it can be cracked off and discarded now too.

9

To remove this meat you can use your fingers to crack the shell and push the soft white flesh out of the shell pockets. If cooked properly the meat will be moist and white yet firm.

8

If you’re serving the crab in pieces for a seafood feast, break it into 4-6 portions to provide single serves that can be thrown on a plate for the individual to finish prying the meat out.

The meatiest part of a sand or blue swimmer crab is the body. The meat is in little pockets that are divided by a crisp, yet easily breakable shell.

10

Use a small mallet or the handle of a knife to crack the hard shell of the claw and section above it. Break the shell in half carefully to expose the meat intact. These ‘crab lollypops’ can be served like this or you can remove the meat all together.

12

11

The thin leg sections can be cracked through at one end and then squeezed firmly between thumb and forefinger to prise out the meat.

With a nice plate of crab meat and some crab lollypops you now have the tough decision whether you are going to eat it immediately or get back to work and clean the rest of the crabs first. On fresh bread with some salt, pepper, lemon juice and a little seafood sauce, the crab will be delicious. A beer may also be required to wash it down sufficiently.

MARCH 2018

85

How motivation makes the fisher SUNTAG

Stefan Sawynok

I have been on the road for three months solid doing presentations, talking to fishers, watching fishers in action, filming, analysing performances and results, running scoreboards and – on at least three occasions – fishing. I even managed to up my PB barra, which came achingly close to the metre; for that I have to thank Jimmy Reid who is one of the wisest and most knowledgeable men I have met.

On the one hand, we are now using the kinds of methods that can crunch big datasets and find meaning in them. On the other hand – as highlighted by a recent conversation with Johnny Mitchell and Dan Powell – there are so many observations at the moment on the water that can’t be easily described by data.

In part that is why I have had to spend so much time in other fields of science.

One of the fields of science I have looked at the most is the area of human performance.

It doesn’t take much imagination to understand that some anglers are better than others, but breaking down why is a much more tricky task.

In this article, I will look at three big factors that shape fishers and in turn the fishery.

FISHING HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME Here is a fascinating question: why has fishing endured throughout the ages?

By that I don’t mean decades or centuries; I mean tens of thousands of years.

The evidence, from an anthropological standpoint, indicates that fishing is 30-40 thousand years old. Hunting goes back as far as two million years. Why did it take so long for fishing to appear?

I think the ongoing obsession with technology in fishing is a good clue.

While fish are a healthy source of protein, they aren’t as energy-rich as many of their terrestrial counterparts.

As such they represented a lower return on investment in times when calorie expenditure was much higher.

Even using tools such as spears, fishing can be a lot of work for a limited reward.

It wasn’t until the invention of hooks and baits around 25,000 years ago and nets at least 11,000 years ago that fishing became a big part of food gathering. In other words, it took the invention of new technologies to make fishing viable.

Fishing was the last of the 86

MARCH 2018

big hunting techniques to be perfected, yet it has endured as the only large-scale hunting method practiced both for food and recreationally.

Robert Arlinghaus estimated that there are 100 million recreational anglers in the western world; no other form of hunting comes close to those numbers.

Fishing as a practice occurs in one form or another across the globe. Even in the most technologically advanced regions such as Silicon Valley, fishing happens every day. That fishing is still prevalent in the face of decades of pressure, increased alternatives and conservation messages, especially in schools, is something to pay attention to.

I believe the success of fishing is due to it being the expression one of our oldest biological instincts – the agricultural revolution removed the need to fish purely for food, but did not erase fishing from our DNA. Another part of that enduring success has to do with the fact that fish are not small, fluffy mammals. Even PETA acknowledges this with their posters that show dogs with fishhooks to get across the fish and pain argument.

Fishing’s strength lies in the fact that it’s widely practiced, is much older than any other sport and fish are perceived by most of the community as food, not friends. Fishing’s weakness lies in its strength – successful anglers, like it or not, degrade fish stocks.

BREAKING DOWN FISHING TO ITS BASICS I can think of no better demonstration of the evolutionary challenges in fishing than ‘noodling.’

Noodling is the art of catching big catfish by hand.

The technique is simple; wade into the muddy water, find a catfish in a hole and aggravate it to the point where it bites your hand.

After that, hang on. Noodling is somewhat controversial because catfish are targeted in spawning season, taking advantage of their nesting habits. That aside, people die in the sport; there are rivers considered too dangerous to noodle in and injuries and infections are common.

Spearfishing is a step up from noodling but nonetheless showcases the difficulties for humans in the watery domain of fish. Technology makes the sport more viable, but anywhere you are dealing with injured fish there is the opportunity for larger predators to show humans how it’s done, sometimes with fatal consequences.

These challenges demonstrate why technology is so essential to fishing. We need technology to overcome our evolutionary deficiencies

in the water.

From a data perspective, capturing the skills of fish is also challenging. However, we have observed expert fishers at length to distil the activities that matter. They fall into five categories: • Locating fishing spots • Developing technique • Understanding the environment • Understanding the behaviour of fish • Making the connection between location, technique, environment, behaviour and success catching fish.

There’s nothing surprising there. Paradoxically, longterm success as a fisher is not dependent on ability in these five areas.

THE BIG TWO FISHING MOTIVATORS While there have been no formal studies on the links between motivation and fishing success, there have been a lot of studies done on the relationship between motivation and achievement.

That successful people are highly motivated is probably not a surprise, but there is a bit more to it. Highly motivated people tend to be goaloriented, focus on practice, continually improve technique and are more reflective.

In a way, the strength of motivation is a predictor of a fisher possessing these traits, rather than motivation being the reason for success in of itself.

Two motivators consistently predict good habits for success: a high motivation to catch fish and a high motivation to build skill in fishing.

These are what I call the big two motivators, and the development of fishing ability requires one of the two, but not both.

Most fishers don’t score highly in the big two, and this is where I struggle with the term ‘recreational fishing,’ because while most fishers are in fact ‘recreational’ anglers, fishers motivated by the big two aren’t. They are ‘recreational fishers’ in the same way Beyoncé is a musician. Your average Joe who sings in the shower is also a musician but that doesn’t make them comparable.

Treating them as the same beast is doing both a disservice.

That is why I tend to refer to the big two motivated fishers as T20 (Top 20%) fishers, not recreational fishers.

T20 fishers are in the fullest expression of their fishing biology. Biology influences recreational anglers, but other factors such as cultural traditions or personal interests motivate them more.

The type of fisher you become is an expression of what motivates you. Which comes first – the chicken or the egg? Are you shaped by

what motivates you, or are the things that motivate you an expression of the person you are? I sit firmly in the camp of the latter. I have also done extensive study and practical work on the former, so both are possible.

As stated above, most people enjoy fishing for a reason other than the big two motivators. That is borne out by looking at the performance data, which I have talked about before, and things like the ANCORS report Improving our understanding of the motivations and attitudes of recreational fishers in NSW. That report identified that 79% of fishers were motivated primarily by non-catch drivers (social opportunities, love of outdoors, other).

Interestingly, only 13.4% of fishers identified as social fishers, which sits comfortably with my view that fishing is a sport more attractive to introverts. Note, introverts are not always ‘socially shy’ – they just find activities that include prolonged periods of isolation or low human contact time lift their energy levels. Extraverts experience the opposite; connecting with people energizes them.

Here I introduce an interesting side note for those that may remain unconvinced by the importance of motivation. The world’s most potent Artificial Intelligence (AIs) that play and win games – notably Deep Mind – are all very highly motivated. That is, they have a (mathematical) reward for success and a penalty for failure. It’s this motivation factor combined with processing power that has made them better than any human.

FISHING – THE WORLD’S FIRST ‘TECH INDUSTRY’ I have made the joke many times that if the first hook was invented 25,000 years ago, then about a week later the first tackle store was opened.

That is only half joking, as deep down we all know it’s true. Even if the fundamentals haven’t changed much – the rods, reels, lures, and baits of today are weapons of mass destruction in comparison to the past.

I have had many chats with Fisheries scientists and managers that fear the constant development of technology, especially fish finders. While I do empathize with their concerns and even agree it’s a risk, I just want to highlight that recreational fishing is one of the most highly innovative industries in the world.

I don’t for a second believe that investment in technology in the sector is intended to wipe out fish species. Recreational fishers have a vested interest in improving fish stocks. That doesn’t mean there aren’t bad actors within the ranks of recs,

or that fishers always act in their own best interests.

GRIT, THE UGLY SIBLING OF MOTIVATION There are lots of motivational speakers and coaches out there. I haven’t heard of any grit coaches but there should be. Grit is the companion to motivation, which weaponises it. Grit, for want of a better word, is staying power, especially during the bad times. To understand the difference, motivation is what gets you out on the water fishing and grit is what keeps you out there – even when you haven’t caught a thing in the last month, it’s raining, you just broke a rod, and the fishing gods have it in for you.

Motivation defines the difference between recreational and T20 fishers.

Grit has the biggest say on whether you are a T20 or T1 (top 1%) fisher. All of the T1 fishers I have looked at in any field (recreational, commercial, artisanal) have displayed high levels of grit. That does not surprise me; grit is a critical factor in extreme success in all fields of endeavour. Grit is a genuine superpower, and it’s something you should value.

At this point, I know many people are going to highlight skill as the thing that defines the difference between T20 and T1. I beg to differ. The long-term studies have been conducted looking at skill versus grit and the evidence is overwhelming that grit is a much better predictor of success. While the reason for this is unclear, I would hazard a guess that staying power is essential in problem-solving.

HOW DO YOU BECOME GRITTY? The subject of developing staying power is an interesting one, because grit is an attribute that has only been the focus of research in recent years. In exercise terms, developing grit is similar to growing muscle, slowing increasing repetitions and duration. In the case of fishing, this is the ‘one more cast’ principle. If you cast to the point where you are done, then cast one more time, then again and again, over time staying power will increase.

Combine grit and the big two motivators, and you are on your way to becoming a fishing weapon.

BARRIERS SHAPE THE FISHERY The interaction between motivation, grit, and barriers to fishing profoundly influence the fishery. Barriers include: • Difficulty of technique required to catch fish • Equipment required • Time available • Access limitations or time limitations • Regulations such as bag limits or slot limits.

As an example, the saratoga fishery where technique is a huge barrier is almost all T20 fishers, while bream, caught on a wide variety of baits, has a mix of fishers much closer to that described in the ANCORS report.

The observation I will make is this – barriers reduce participation by recreational (non-T20) anglers, which has a significant effect on the nature of the fishery and the kinds of measures that will help fishers.

BARRIERS GIVE T20 FISHERS PREFERENTIAL ACCESS Okay, time to head into controversial territory. T20 fishers with their higher levels of the big two motivations are more likely to find fish.

It doesn’t matter if you are talking whiting or marlin – T20 fishers are much more efficient. Further, technology has helped to widen the gap between T20 fishers and recreational fishers, mostly because recreational anglers won’t invest the time or money to get the benefit of technology.

Barriers such as bag limits are also preferential to T20 fishers, particularly gritty T20 fishers, as they can move onto other species, find larger fish or fish more often.

Access barriers such as poor infrastructure also advantage T20 fishers. Motivated T20 anglers will work around such impediments.

In short, T20 fishers will find a way around the things that inhibit their activity much more than general recreational anglers.

T20 FISHERS AND ADVOCACY I know that science often gets left behind in political discussions, so it’s only right that I turn science back on the politics.

Almost all fishing advocates are T20 fishers.

Occasionally you get someone who is motivated by advocacy more than fishing, but such beasts are in the minority. As such, when advocates espouse that they represent recreational anglers, that’s a claim that should be tested. I’m not saying that T20 fishers can’t advocate for recreational anglers, but the needs of recreational anglers are very different from T20 fishers and this is not always well understood.

Recreational anglers (non-T20) benefit from two things: improving access and improving stocks of easy to target species. Measures outside of these areas are far less likely to help the broader population of fishers. I am not suggesting that is a bad thing, but advocates should be mindful of this nonetheless.

To quote one of the most famous lines in Spiderman, “with great power comes great responsibility.”

promotion

Lure makers competition for a worthy cause While I’ve enjoyed my visits to the Tackle Show at the Gold Coast, it’s the Lure Expo (held at Ipswich last year) that is the true heart of the Australian tackle industry. The people there range from cottage makers just starting out to much bigger makers like AC Lures and Kuttafurra lures.

The Lure Expo provides a platform for lure sellers and those who can make a work of art with treble hooks hanging from it. I want to encourage those who are looking to move into potential markets,

have chosen Beyond Blue as beneficiary for their work in this area.

There will be two categories: the Lure Leaders – lure-makers who have sold more than 100 lures in any form or who have had a display stand at the Lure Expo (if you already make a lure that fits the bill, current production models can be supplied); and Cottage Makers – you must have sold fewer than 100 lures to qualify for this category.

The main body of the lure must be made from timber, using a blank of no larger than 35x35x125mm for each lure. You can

point to be fitted into the base of the bib, but the tow point must be affixed to the nose/body of the lure, even with surface lures. The inspiration is the traditional barramundi lure.

One of the first things that becomes important when you move into larger production as a quality control is that the lures have to be pretty close to identical. If someone catches a big fish on your lure, they are going to want one that performs the same for their next trip, so you must submit two lures. They can be painted differently, but one of the tests is to see how well

If you are looking for inspiration, Rapala and Halco produce some of the best nose tow lures in the world. The judges will be looking for innovation. of the lure. Each entrant will be swum to test its performance, which will form part of the final judging.

The same criteria used in all of the Lure Encyclopaedia

the silent auction. Please separately include an email address so I can inform you that the lures have arrived safely and seek clarification if required.

innovation is encouraged.

The winners will be acknowledged at the dinner as part of the Lure Expo.

Barring mishap, they will also feature in an episode of the Australian Fishing Network’s Fishing Show hosted by Nigel Webster and will be featured in Freshwater Fishing Australia and Fishing Monthly magazines. There will be a People’s Choice Award voted on by Lure Expo attendees with no prize.

Lures need to arrive by 30 April to be considered – although donations for the charity auction can be accepted after that time.

I hope that the luremakers will get behind this initiative. Please don’t avoid participating because you think another maker will knock it out of the ballpark and make you look bad. Be part of the innovation and exciting things that various makers are pursuing, and you will be helping a good cause that will benefit many in our community.

If you or someone you care about is suffering, please get them to contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Check out the Beyond Blue

These are some of the most iconic barramundi lures ever produced – two genuine Moller minnows and a Norm Edwards minnow. so with the support of several leaders in the industry, including Steve Morgan and Bill Classon, I have decided to run a lure-making competition centred around the Lure Expo to raise some funds for a noteworthy charity.

Many fishers suffer from mental pressures of some sort. It’s something that needs to be recognised and managed. Fishing can be a great therapy and I

add extra fittings as an attachment, but if you make a jointed version, the wood components can be no longer than 125mm. Smaller lures may be submitted; it is up to each maker to work within the maximum dimensions.

The lure must be nose tow. Bib tow lures and bibless minnows where the tow point is along the back will not be accepted.

It is possible for the tow

makers can replicate a lure.

Each lure should be able to be identified by signature or maker’s mark.

One lure will be auctioned off under a silent auction to raise funds for Beyond Blue during the Lure Expo in Ipswich Queensland on 16-17 June. This lure will not be swum and should preferably be provided in packaging.

The second lure will be used to test the performance

The top two lures would count as nose tow lures – the bottom one has the lure connection too far back to be considered nose tow. This demonstrates that there is a wide range of styles possible.

Beautiful nose tow barramundi lures from C Lures. These were colour samples to provide guidance when painting large batches of lures and are collectible in their own right.

books will be used. This lure must be fitted with all hardware for fishing. These lures may form part of a larger display in the future.

Each pair of lures should come with a card, which, in less than 200 words, details the wood used, the maker, the name of the lure (if using one) and what you were trying to create with the lure.

This card will be displayed next to the lure as part of

Judging will be based on originality, similarity between the two lures, finish, action in the water and overall appearance.

Packaging will be used as a tiebreaker if required.

Lures won’t be returned, although makers can produce additional lures for sale if they have a stand. The judges will not be making any determination on the integrity of the design, but

website, and talk to your loved ones and your GP. I wish everyone the best of luck. – Frank Prokop ENTRIES Post entries to: Frank Prokop 12 Lorica Cove Hillarys WA 6025 More information: fprokop60@gmail.com.

MARCH 2018

87

Trades, Services, Charter Discover the land of many waters on the unspoilt South Coast of NSW

HOLIDAY RENTAL

CHARTER BOATS

MACLEAY VALLEY COAST

CLARENCE COAST

CRESCENT HEAD HOLIDAY RENTALS

Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters, 0428 828 835 Reel Time Fishing Charters Yamba 0428 231 962 Wooli Deep Sea Tours (02) 6649 7100

COFFS COAST

For all your accommodation needs, house, units & townhouses for every budget. Contact the friendly team at Crescent Head Real Estate for your free holiday brochure.

www.crescentheadholidayrentals.com.au

Email: holiday@crescentheadrealestate.com.au

Freshest Fishing Tours 0421 405 221 Coffs Coast Sport Fishing 0434 517 683 The Rocks Fishing Charters 0412 074 147 Trial Bay Fishing Charters, 0427 256 556 South West Rocks Fishing Adventures 0411 096 717

6 MAIN ST, CRESCENT HEAD NSW 2440

Phone: 02 6566 0500

Crescent Head Holiday Rentals (02) 6566 0500 Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks 1300 262 782

www.southwestrocksfishingadventures.com.au

HUNTER COAST

PORT & REEF SFISHING GAME ERS

Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park (02) 4975 1889 Blacksmiths Holiday Park (02) 4971 2858

CHART

CENTRAL COAST Central Coast Holiday Parks 1800 241 342

u Mid week packages from $420 p/p* u Weekend packages from $320 p/p*

*Minimum 6 people

On board our fully equiped 38ft Randell TRIFECTA

ILLAWARRA COAST

Contact: David Hayman (Stumpee) Mobile: 0411 096 717 info@swrcharters.com.au

Riviera Caravan Park, St George’s Basin (02) 4441 2112

MACQUARIE COAST

FRESHWATER Burrinjuck Waters State Park (02) 6227 8114 Winter Keep (Snowy Mountains) www.winterkeep.com.au Grabine Lakeside State Park (02) 4835 2345 Alpine Tourist Park (02) 6454 2438 www.alpinetouristpark.com.au Milani Trout Cottages (02) 6775 5735 www.milanitroutcottages.com Wyangala Waters State Park (02) 6345 0877 Chifley Dam Cabins 1800 68 1000 Copeton Waters (02) 6723 6269

Castaway Estuary Charters 0427 239 650 Ocean Star Fishing Charters 0416 240 877

SYDNEY Harbour and Estuary Fishing Charters (02) 9999 2574 or 0410 633 351 Sydney Sportfishing Adventures 0405 196 253 Ocean Hunter Sports Fishing 0414 906 569

EDEN COAST Esprit Fishing Charters 0418 634 524

ILLAWARRA COAST

FISH TAXIDERMY

Sea Lady Charters 0411 024 402

Fish Taxidermist 0428 544 841

Shell Harbour Fishing Charters 0425 216 370

QUEENSLAND

CHARTER BOATS

Mikat Cruises Fishing Charters Swains & Coral Sea 0427 125 727

Dave Gaden’s Yamba • Deep Sea

REEL TIME FISHING CHARTERS

FISHING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! • 6am to 2pm $150pp • 3 boats – holds up to 30+ people • All fishing gear and bait is supplied • No fishing licence req.

• Pickup from Yamba Marina or Iluka ferry wharf

Phone Dave today: www.fishingyamba.com.au 0428 231 962 EASY PARKING

• Reef, Deep Sea and Sport Fishing • Swains, Samurez, Cap Bunker Group • Dories available • LUXURY 20m Cat. New V8 Scanias. Large comfortable and stable.

• Air conditioned and fast (cruise up to 16 knots) • Professional crew (over 22 years experience) • Cater for groups up to 12 people from 3 to 10 days • BYO or fully licenced bar • Desalinate unit • Trips designed to suit your requirements

SATELLITE TV INSTALLED

OPEN 7 DAYS

Phone: 0427 125 727 I Fax: (07) 4972 1759 michael@mikat.com.au

www.mikat.com.au MARINA BOAT & TACKLE, YAMBA MARINA

YAMBA’S LARGEST TACKLE STORE • Chandlery • Boat Sales • Ice & Gas • Bait & Tackle • Trailers Sales & Parts • Charter Bookings Ph: 6646 1994 or 0428 231 962 Email: dave@gaden.com.au Now Agents For

FISHING GUIDES PORT STEPHENS Fish Port Stephens Estuary Charters 0434 370 687

ILLAWARRA COAST Bay & Basin Sportsfishing 0413 610 832

EDEN COAST Captain Kev’s Wilderness Fishing Tours (02) 4474 3345 or 0424 625 160

This section in NSW Fishing Monthly consolidates the trades and services in your area that are relevant to your fishing and boating. Whether you’re a local looking for more options or a travelling angler fishing around the state, this guide will direct you to reputable businesses in the area you’re searching.

88

MARCH 2018

Boats & Guided Fishing Tours Directory KAYAK DEALERS

ba Prawn Blade s” “Yam

The Life Aquatic - Mona Vale – (02) 9979 1590 Australian Bass Angler - Penrith – (02) 4721 0455

BAIT & TACKLE

CLARENCE

Maclean Outdoors - MacLean – (02) 6645 1120

YAMBA BAIT & TACKLE “Yamba’s Leading Tackle Shop”

Wetspot Watersports -Fyshwick – (02) 6239 1323

“IN THE MAIN STREET” Shop 3, 8 Yamba St, Yamba

Hunts Marine - Yallah – (02) 4284 0444 Bunyips Great Outdoors - Lismore – (02) 6622 1137

Graham Barclay Marine – Forster – (02) 6554 5866 Hunter Water Sports - Belmont – (02) 4947 7899

N O W AVA IL A B L E ALL YOUR FISHING MONTHLY GEAR From

T-Shirts

$

02 6646 1514 • OPEN 7 DAYS

22 85

Totally Immersed Watersports - Nowra (02) 4421 5936 Hunts Marine - Batemans Bay – (02) 4472 2612 Compleat Angler – Merimbula – (02) 6495 3985

MARINE MECHANICS

“The Home of Leavey Lures” • Stocking all Major Brands • Experienced Local Knowledge • Tournament Bream Gear in Stock • Snorkelling gear in stock

SYDNEY Penrith Marine (02) 4731 6250 Moby Marine (02) 9153 6506 or www.mobymarine.com.au Cohoe Marine Products (Sydney) (02) 9519 3575 Blakes Marine (02) 4577 6699 Watersports Marine (02) 9676 1400 Marina Bayside (02) 9524 0044 Shannons Outboards (02) 9482 2638 Hi Tech Marine (02) 4256 6135 TR Marine World (02) 4577 3522

CANBERRA/ACT H2O Marine (02) 6280 0555 Aussie Boat Sales ACT & NSW 0433 531 226

TWEED/BYRON COAST Tweed Coast Marine (07) 5524 8877 Ballina Marineland (02) 6686 2669

COFFS COAST North Coast Boating Centre (02) 6655 7700 Jetty Boating (02) 6651 4002 www.jettyboating.com.au

MACQUARIE COAST Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333

MODIFICATIONS & REPAIRS // BOAT & TRAILER Bonanza Trailers 0408 299 129 www.bonanzatrailers.com.au Salt Away 1800 091 172 www.salt-away.com.au

SYDNEY The Boat Pimpers (Sydney) (02) 9792 7799

Drop in to see Mick & Kelly Phone Cases

Marina Boat and Tackle (02) 6646 1994 Yamba Bait & Tackle (02) 6646 1514 Wooli Bait & Tackle (02) 6649 7100

From

$

COFFS COAST

29 45

Mugs

Compleat Angler Kempsey (02) 6562 5307 MOTackle (02) 6652 4611 or www.motackle.com.au Rocks Marine Bait & Tackle South West Rocks (02) 6566 6726 Outdoor Adventure South West Rocks (02) 6566 5555

From

$

1 7 27

MACQUARIE COAST Ned Kelly Bait n Tackle Port Macquarie (02) 6583 8318 Graham Barclay Marine (02) 6554 5866 Manning River Marine Taree (02) 6552 2333

HUNTER COAST Port Stephens Tackle World (02) 4984 2144

SYDNEY Gabes Boating & Fishing Centre Narellan (02) 4647 8755 Australian Bass Angler www.abafishing.com.au

FRESHWATER Aberdeen Fishing & Outdoors (02) 6543 7111 Dubbo Marine and Watersports (02) 6882 2853 Loomzys Fish and Fix (Forbes) (02) 6851 1425

Carry Bags $

www.fishin.com.au ONLINE TOURNAMENT TACKLE STORE

20 3 3 Throw Pillows

From

$

25 4 2

and lots more...

ZX BLADES ZMAN GRUBZ CRANKA CRABS

This is where your copy will appear.

You will have approximately 40 words within a 10x2 ad size.

BENT MINNOWS

42 7 0

From

ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS

SAMPLE AD BUSINESS NAME

Clocks $

MANY DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS ALL MADE TO ORDER

JACKALL CHUBBY

FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING

0425 230 964 – info@fishin.com.au SHOP 18, 29 KIORA RD MIRANDA NSW 2228

ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

www.fishin.com.au 0425 230 964 Blue Bottle Fishing 0409 333 380 or www.bluebottlefishing.com MOTackle (02) 6652 4611 or www.motackle.com.au Adrenalin Flies www.adrenalinflies.com.au Anglers Warehouse www.anglerswarehouse.com.au

fishingmonthly.redbubble.com

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2018

89

2018 2018 2018 Local Time

SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY – NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY(FORT (FORTDENISON) DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES LAT 33° 52’ LONG 151° 13’

LAT LONG 151° 13’ LAT33° 33°52’ 52’ LONG 13’ Waters Times and Heights of High 151° and Low Times and Heights of High and Low Times and Heights of High and LowWaters Waters MARCH FEBRUARY JANUARY MARCH JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH JANUARY FEBRUARY Time m Time Time m Time m Time m Time m

Local Time Local Time APRIL APRIL Time TimeAPRIL m

m m Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time mm Time Time Time Time Time Time Time Time 0213 0.53 0214 0.51 0311 0.46 0212 0.40 0241 0.34 0141 0.34 0315 0.30 0213 0.34 0.53 0.51 0.46 0.40 0241 0.34 0141 0.34 0315 0.30 0213 0.34 0812 1.96 0213 0943 2.04 0311 0837 1.94 0214 0846 1.72 0832 1.69 0936 1.75 0819 1.68 0851 1.74 0212 0213 0.53 0214 0.51 0311 0.46 0212 0.40 0241 0.34 0141 0.34 0315 0.30 0213 0.34 0812 1.96 0943 2.04 0837 1.94 0846 1.72 0832 1.69 0936 1.75 0819 0851 1.74 1451 0.19 1618 0.11 1511 0.17 1525 0.39 1459 0.37 1605 0.34 1428 0.36 1502 0.33 0812 1.96 0943 2.04 0837 1.94 0846 1.72 0832 1.69 0936 1.75 0819 1.68 0851 1.74 TH TU FR MO TH FR SU MO 1.68 14512049 0.19 16182220 0.11 15112114 0.17 15252116 0.39 14592100 0.37 16052203 0.34 14282043 0.36 15022115 0.33 TU FR MO FR MO 1.33TH 1.50SU 1.44TH 1.79 1.73 1.48 1.54 1.58 0.19 0.11 0.17 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.36 0.33 TU 1525 TH 1511 FR 1459 MO 1451 TH 1618 FR 1605 SU 1502 MO 1428 2116 2100 2203 2043 2115 2049 2220 2114 2116 1.33 1.33 2100 1.50 1.50 2203 1.44 1.44 2043 1.79 1.79 2115 1.73 1.73 2049 1.48 1.48 2220 1.54 1.54 2114 1.58 1.58 0327 0.36 0348 0.44 0256 0.36 0233 0.32 0250 0.51 0304 0.30 0251 0.45 0407 0.30 0327 0.36 0.44 0.36 0233 0.32 0.51 0407 0.30 0304 0.30 0.45 0904 2.04 0250 0922 1.75 0926 1.94 0251 0909 1.72 1032 2.00 0348 0934 1.65 0256 1012 1.75 0903 1.65 0327 0.36 0348 0.44 0256 0.36 0233 0.32 0250 0.51 0304 0.30 0251 0.45 0407 0.30 0904 2.04 0922 1.75 1032 2.00 0926 1.94 0909 1.72 0934 1.65 1012 1.75 0903 1544 0.12 1559 0.37 1555 0.17 1531 0.34 1705 0.14 1538 0.40 1638 0.33 1505 0.38 0904 2.04 0922 1.75 0926 1.94 0909 1.72 1032 2.00 0934 1.65 1012 1.75 0903 1.65 MO SA TU 1.65 TU WE FR SA FR 15442144 0.12 15592152 0.37 17052310 0.14 15552200 0.17 15312135 0.34 15382155 0.40 16382239 0.33 15052124 0.38 SA TU TU WE SA 1.55 1.50 1.35FR 1.62 1.57MO 1.73 1.47FR 1.84 0.12 0.37 0.17 0.34 0.14 0.40 0.33 0.38 MO 1538 SA 1638 TU 1505 TU 1544 WE 1559 FR 1555 SA 1531 FR 1705 2310 2144 2152 2200 2135 2155 2239 2124 2310 1.55 1.55 2144 1.50 1.50 2152 1.35 1.35 2200 1.62 1.62 2135 1.57 1.57 2155 1.73 1.73 2239 1.47 1.47 2124 1.84 1.84 0427 0.44 0412 0.41 0344 0.34 0326 0.32 0327 0.50 0459 0.33 0354 0.29 0330 0.41 0412 0.41 0326 0.32 0.50 0.44 0354 0.29 0.41 0.34 0459 0.33 1047 1.72 1016 1.54 0344 0950 1.60 0956 2.07 0327 0958 1.76 1120 1.91 0427 1014 1.89 0330 0946 1.72 0412 0.41 0427 0.44 0344 0.34 0326 0.32 0327 0.50 0459 0.33 0354 0.29 0330 0.41 1016 1.54 0956 2.07 0958 1.76 1047 1.72 1014 1.89 0946 1.72 0950 1120 1.91 1712 0.34 1613 0.48 1545 0.42 1636 0.09 1633 0.35 1750 0.21 1636 0.21 1604 0.33 1016 1.54 1047 1.72 0950 1.60 0956 2.07 0958 1.76 1120 1.91 1014 1.89 0946 1.72 SU TU WE 1.60 WE TH SA SA SU 16132233 0.48 16362238 0.09 16332229 0.35 17122316 0.34 16362244 0.21 16042211 0.33 15452208 0.42 17502358 0.21 WE TH SU SU WE 1.50SA 1.70 1.86 1.50 1.36SA 1.54 1.64 1.62TU 0.48 0.34 0.42 0.09 0.35 0.21 0.21 0.33 TU 1613 SU 1712 WE 1545 WE 1636 TH 1633 SA 1750 SA 1636 SU 1604 2233 2238 2229 2316 2244 2211 2208 2358 2233 1.70 1.70 2316 1.50 1.50 2208 1.86 1.86 2238 1.50 1.50 2229 1.36 1.36 2358 1.54 1.54 2244 1.64 1.64 2211 1.62 1.62 0456 0.47 0419 0.34 0404 0.50 0508 0.45 0443 0.32 0411 0.39 0434 0.35 0550 0.39 0.45 0456 0.47 0.35 0419 0.34 0.50 0443 0.32 0.39 0550 0.39 1058 1.44 0434 1047 2.05 0404 1033 1.75 1126 1.67 1059 1.79 0411 1026 1.70 1041 1.53 1207 1.77 0508 0508 0.45 0456 0.47 0434 0.35 0419 0.34 0404 0.50 0443 0.32 0411 0.39 0550 0.39 1126 1.67 1058 1.44 1041 1047 2.05 1033 1.75 1059 1.79 1026 1.70 1207 1.77 1645 0.56 1728 0.12 1708 0.36 1746 0.36 1716 0.29 1638 0.34 1630 0.48 1833 0.30 1126 1.67 1058 1.44 1041 1.53 1047 2.05 1033 1.75 1059 1.79 1026 1.70 1207 1.77 WE TH FR MO SU MO TH 1.53 SU 17462357 0.36 16452311 0.56 16302255 0.48 17282331 0.12 17082305 0.36 17162327 0.29 16382249 0.34 1833 0.30 TH TH FR MO 1.65 1.48 1.36SU 1.51SU 1.63 1.66WE 1.85 0.36 0.56 0.48 0.12 0.36 0.29 0.34 MO 1746 WE 1645 TH 1630 TH 1728 FR 1708 SU 1716 MO 1638 SU 1833 0.30 MO 2311 2357 2255 2331 2305 2327 2249 2311 1.65 1.65 2357 1.51 1.51 2255 1.85 1.85 2331 1.48 1.48 2305 1.36 1.36 2327 1.63 1.63 2249 1.66 1.66 0542 0.54 0514 0.38 0444 0.51 0553 0.48 0531 0.38 0455 0.39 0530 0.39 0045 1.51 0542 0.54 0.48 0.39 0514 0.38 0.51 0531 0.38 0.39 0045 1.51 1139 1.97 0444 1109 1.72 1206 1.60 1143 1.66 0455 1107 1.64 1135 1.44 1140 1.34 0530 0643 0.48 0553 0542 0.54 0514 0.38 0444 0.51 0553 0.48 0531 0.38 0455 0.39 0530 0.39 0045 1.51 1206 1.60 1135 1139 1.97 1109 1.72 1143 1.66 1107 1.64 1140 1.34 0643 0.48 1818 0.18 1743 0.37 1824 0.40 1754 0.38 1715 0.37 1718 0.56 1720 0.65 1254 1.61 1139 1.97 1109 1.72 1206 1.60 1143 1.66 1107 1.64 1135 1.44 1.44 1140 1.34 0643 0.48 TH FR SA TU MO TU FR MO 1824 0.40 17182346 0.56 1818 0.18 17432345 0.37 1754 0.38 17152330 0.37 17202350 0.65 12541916 1.61 TU FR FR 1.37MO 1.69TH 1.80 0.41 1.59 0.37 0.37 0.56 0.65 1.61 TH 1720 FR 1818 0.18 SA SA 1743 TU 1824 0.40 MO MO 1754 0.38 TU TU 1715 FR 1718 MO 1254 2345 2330 2346 1916 2350 2345 1.37 1.37 2330 1.69 1.69 2346 1.80 1.80 1916 0.41 0.41 2350 1.59 1.59 0040 1.52 0631 0.60 0630 0.43 0025 1.46 0524 0.53 0009 1.60 0542 0.41 0134 1.48 0631 0.60 1.52 0.43 0025 1.46 0.53 0134 1.48 0009 1.60 0.41 0642 0.51 1226 1.26 0630 1235 1.37 0609 0.45 0524 1146 1.68 0619 0.46 0542 1151 1.57 0738 0.57 0040 0631 0.60 0040 1.52 0630 0.43 0025 1.46 0524 0.53 0134 1.48 0009 1.60 0542 0.41 1226 1.26 0642 0.51 1235 0609 0.45 1146 1.68 0738 0.57 0619 0.46 1151 1.57 1250 1.51 1800 0.72 1815 0.64 1230 1.84 1819 0.39 1225 1.52 1754 0.43 1341 1.45 1226 1.26 0642 0.51 1235 1.37 1.37 0609 0.45 1146 1.68 0738 0.57 0619 0.46 1151 1.57 WE FR SA SA SU TU WE TU 1800 0.72 12501905 1.51 1815 0.64 12301909 1.84 1819 0.39 13411959 1.45 12251830 1.52 1754 0.43 WE SA SU WE 0.45TU 0.27 0.48 0.50 1.51 1.84 1.45 1.52 FR 1800 0.72 SA WE 1250 SA 1815 0.64 SA 1230 SU 1819 0.39 TU TU 1341 TU 1225 WE 1754 0.43 FR 1905 1909 1830 1959 1905 0.45 0.45 1909 0.27 0.27 1830 0.48 0.48 1959 0.50 0.50 0120 1.44 0128 1.53 0052 1.56 0035 1.53 0045 1.75 0026 1.38 0015 1.69 0226 1.45 0128 1.53 0035 1.53 0120 1.44 0052 1.56 1.75 0026 1.38 0226 1.45 1.69 0838 0.64 0706 0.52 0738 0.55 0709 0.55 0015 0726 0.65 0045 0739 0.47 0608 0.56 0634 0.44 0120 1.44 0128 1.53 0052 1.56 0035 1.53 0045 1.75 0026 1.38 0226 1.45 0015 1.69 0838 0.64 0738 0.55 0726 0.65 0706 0.52 0709 0.55 0739 0608 0.56 0634 0.44 1431 1.31 1321 1.69 1342 1.41 1308 1.38 1320 1.21 1345 1.32 1226 1.61 1240 1.47 0838 0.64 0706 0.52 0738 0.55 0709 0.55 0726 0.65 0739 0.47 0.47 0608 0.56 0634 0.44 SU TH WE SA SU MO TH WE 14312045 1.31 13421952 1.41 13201851 1.21 13212000 1.69 13081907 1.38 13451921 1.32 12261858 1.61 12401837 1.47 TH SU SU MO TH 0.78 0.70 0.42WE 0.50SA 0.58 0.36 0.51WE 0.57 1.31 1.69 1.41 1.38 1.21 1.32 1.61 1.47 SU 1321 TH 1342 WE 1308 SA 1320 SU 1345 MO 1226 WE 1431 TH 1240 1851 1921 1858 2045 1837 1952 2000 1907 1851 0.78 0.78 1921 0.70 0.70 1858 0.42 0.42 2045 0.58 0.58 1837 0.50 0.50 2000 0.36 0.36 1952 0.51 0.51 1907 0.57 0.57 0215 1.42 0111 1.39 0136 1.51 0103 1.67 0320 1.43 0223 1.53 0130 1.48 0152 1.70 0215 1.42 1.39 0136 1.51 1.67 0320 1.43 1.53 0130 1.48 1.70 0806 0.60 0111 0658 0.60 0803 0.62 0103 0732 0.49 0945 0.69 0223 0845 0.58 0829 0.67 0152 0850 0.48 0215 1.42 0111 1.39 0136 1.51 0103 1.67 0320 1.43 0223 1.53 0130 1.48 0152 1.70 0806 0.60 0658 0.60 0803 0.62 0732 0.49 0945 0.69 0845 0.58 0829 0.67 0850 1415 1.53 1310 1.53 1356 1.27 1335 1.37 1531 1.21 1445 1.32 1428 1.18 1501 1.33 0806 0.60 0658 0.60 0803 0.62 0732 0.49 0945 0.69 0845 0.58 0829 0.67 0850 0.48 0.48 MO TU TH FR TH FR SU MO 14152049 1.53 13101941 1.53 13561948 1.27 13351928 1.37 15312136 1.21 14452050 1.32 14281958 1.18 15012038 1.33 MO TU FR FR MO 0.45 0.66 0.45TH 0.58SU 0.64 0.56TH 0.82 0.71 1.53 1.53 1.27 1.37 1.21 1.32 1.18 1.33 MO 1415 TU 1310 TH 1356 FR 1335 TH 1531 FR 1445 SU 1428 MO 1501 2049 1948 1941 1928 2136 2050 1958 2038 2049 0.45 0.45 1948 0.66 0.66 1941 0.45 0.45 1928 0.58 0.58 2136 0.64 0.64 2050 0.56 0.56 1958 0.82 0.82 2038 0.71 0.71 0201 1.41 0200 1.64 0313 1.42 0419 1.44 0327 1.55 0226 1.46 0235 1.45 0305 1.67 1.41 1.64 0419 1.44 1.55 0235 1.45 1.67 0313 1.42 0226 1.46 0754 0.63 0841 0.52 0913 0.66 0201 1057 0.69 0327 1002 0.57 0904 0.67 0200 0934 0.66 0305 0956 0.46 0201 1.41 0200 1.64 0313 1.42 0419 1.44 0327 1.55 0226 1.46 0235 1.45 0305 1.67 0754 0.63 0841 0.52 1057 0.69 1002 0.57 0934 0.66 0956 0913 0.66 0904 0.67 1400 1.45 1443 1.29 1513 1.39 1643 1.16 1602 1.26 1453 1.18 1542 1.21 1612 1.39 0754 0.63 0841 0.52 0913 0.66 1057 0.69 1002 0.57 0904 0.67 0934 0.66 0956 0.46 0.46 WE SA TU FR SA FR MO TU 14002029 1.45 14432030 1.29 16432235 1.16 16022200 1.26 15422114 1.21 16122154 1.39 15132140 1.39 14532040 1.18 WE SA SA TU TU 0.48FR 0.64MO 0.52 0.67 0.58FR 0.72 0.82 0.68 1.45 1.29 1.39 1.16 1.26 1.18 1.21 1.39 WE 1400 SA 1443 TU 1513 FR 1643 SA 1602 FR 1453 MO 1542 TU 1612 2029 2030 2235 2200 2114 2154 2140 2040 2029 0.48 0.48 2030 0.64 0.64 2140 0.52 0.52 2235 0.67 0.67 2200 0.58 0.58 2040 0.72 0.72 2114 0.82 0.82 2154 0.68 0.68 0519 1.46 0437 1.61 0345 1.46 0415 1.68 0411 1.43 0257 1.44 0324 1.43 0306 1.62 0411 1.43 0519 1.46 1.61 0324 1.43 0345 1.46 1.68 1.44 1.62 1205 0.65 0437 1122 0.51 1034 0.62 0415 1055 0.43 1023 0.68 0257 0900 0.64 1014 0.69 0306 0958 0.52 0519 1.46 0437 1.61 0345 1.46 0415 1.68 0411 1.43 0257 1.44 0324 1.43 0306 1.62 1023 0.68 1205 0.65 1122 0.51 1014 0.69 1034 0.62 1055 0900 0.64 0958 0.52 1752 1.17 1724 1.28 1645 1.27 1711 1.48 1615 1.29 1501 1.37 1604 1.15 1602 1.27 1205 0.65 1122 0.51 1034 0.62 1055 0.43 0.43 1023 0.68 0900 0.64 1014 0.69 0958 0.52 SA SU TU WE WE TH SA SU 16152230 1.29 17522334 1.17 17242312 1.28 16042146 1.15 16452222 1.27 17112301 1.48 15012124 1.37 16022146 1.27 WE SU WE TH SU 0.50SA 0.67TU 0.66 0.56SA 0.78 0.61 0.56 0.75 1.17 1.28 1.27 1.48 1.29 1.37 1.15 1.27 SA 1752 SU 1724 TU 1645 WE 1711 WE 1615 TH 1501 SA 1604 SU 1602 2124 2146 2230 2334 2312 2146 2222 2301 2124 0.50 0.50 2146 0.67 0.67 2334 0.66 0.66 2312 0.56 0.56 2222 0.78 0.78 2301 0.61 0.61 2230 0.56 0.56 2146 0.75 0.75 0615 1.51 0546 1.70 0445 1.50 0515 1.70 0508 1.47 0358 1.51 0430 1.43 0420 1.64 0508 1.47 0615 1.51 1.70 0430 1.43 0445 1.50 1.70 1.51 1.64 1300 0.59 0546 1232 0.41 1124 0.57 0515 1145 0.40 1133 0.67 0358 1016 0.61 1123 0.66 0420 1112 0.48 0508 1.47 0615 1.51 0546 1.70 0430 1.43 0445 1.50 0515 1.70 0358 1.51 0420 1.64 1133 0.67 1300 0.59 1232 0.41 1123 0.66 1124 0.57 1145 1016 0.61 1112 0.48 1851 1.21 1835 1.34 1735 1.35 1801 1.58 1720 1.23 1615 1.32 1721 1.17 1722 1.31 1133 0.67 1300 0.59 1232 0.41 1123 0.66 1124 0.57 1145 0.40 0.40 1016 0.61 1112 0.48 SU MO WE TH TH FR SU MO 17202320 1.23 1851 1.21 1835 1.34 17212257 1.17 17352319 1.35 1801 1.58 16152225 1.32 17222303 1.31 TH TH FR MO 0.70 0.58 0.50SU 0.75 0.63WE 1.23 1.17 1.35 1.32 1.31 TH 1720 SU 1851 1.21 MO MO 1835 1.34 SU SU 1721 WE 1735 TH 1801 1.58 FR 1615 MO 1722 2320 2257 2319 2225 2303 2320 0.58 0.58 2257 0.75 0.75 2319 0.70 0.70 2225 0.50 0.50 2303 0.63 0.63 0028 0.63 0018 0.49 0534 1.56 0001 0.53 0600 1.52 0501 1.60 0533 1.47 0531 1.69 0600 1.52 0501 1.60 0028 0.63 0018 0.49 0533 1.47 0531 1.69 0534 1.56 0.53 0702 1.57 0648 1.80 1205 0.51 0001 0609 1.70 1237 0.62 1133 0.53 1222 0.61 1217 0.41 0600 1.52 0028 0.63 0018 0.49 0533 1.47 0534 1.56 0001 0.53 0501 1.60 0531 1.69 1237 0.62 1133 0.53 0702 1.57 0648 1.80 1222 0.61 1217 0.41 1205 0.51 0609 1346 0.52 1331 0.30 1815 1.44 1230 0.38 1820 1.22 1731 1.32 1824 1.22 1827 1.40 1237 0.62 0702 1.57 0648 1.80 1222 0.61 1205 0.51 0609 1.70 1.70 1133 0.53 1217 0.41 MO TU TH FR FR SA MO TU 1820 1.22 17312329 1.32 13461938 0.52 13311933 0.30 1824 1.22 1827 1.40 1815 1.44 12301847 0.38 FR TU 1.26 1.43MO 1.67 0.47MO 0.52 0.30 0.38 1.32 FR 1820 1.22 SA MO 1346 TU 1331 MO 1824 1.22 TU TH 1815 1.44 FR FR 1230 SA 1731 TU 1827 1.40 TH 2329 1938 1933 1847 1938 1.26 1.26 1933 1.43 1.43 1847 1.67 1.67 2329 0.47 0.47 0114 0.59 0118 0.42 0006 0.62 0054 0.47 0009 0.58 0603 1.71 0000 0.70 0011 0.55 0009 0.58 0114 0.59 0.42 0000 0.70 0006 0.62 0.47 1.71 0.55 0745 1.63 0118 0745 1.89 0617 1.61 0054 0658 1.68 0647 1.57 0603 1244 0.42 0628 1.52 0011 0634 1.76 0009 0.58 0114 0.59 0118 0.42 0000 0.70 0006 0.62 0054 0.47 0603 1.71 0011 0.55 0647 1.57 0745 1.63 0745 1.89 0628 1.52 0617 1.61 0658 1244 0.42 0634 1.76 1425 0.45 1424 0.22 1243 0.45 1312 0.39 1329 0.56 1841 1.35 1311 0.54 1313 0.34 0647 1.57 0745 1.63 0745 1.89 0628 1.52 0617 1.61 0658 1.68 1.68 1244 0.42 0634 1.76 TU WE FR SA SA SU TU WE 13291913 0.56 14252018 0.45 14242026 0.22 13111912 0.54 12431852 0.45 13121930 0.39 1841 1.35 13131921 0.34 SA WE SA SU WE 1.32 1.51TU 1.53 1.74 1.24 1.29 1.50FR 0.56 0.45 0.22 0.54 0.45 0.39 0.34 SA 1329 TU 1425 WE 1424 TU 1311 FR 1243 SA 1312 SU 1841 1.35 TU WE 1313 1913 2018 2026 1912 1852 1930 1921 1913 1.24 1.24 2018 1.32 1.32 2026 1.51 1.51 1912 1.29 1.29 1852 1.53 1.53 1930 1.74 1.74 1921 1.50 1.50 0048 0.54 0053 0.56 0029 0.43 0155 0.54 0051 0.64 0111 0.47 0142 0.43 0155 0.54 0048 0.54 0.43 0053 0.56 0.43 0051 0.64 0.47 0658 1.65 0142 0730 1.63 0029 0702 1.83 0824 1.68 0715 1.59 0111 0729 1.81 0744 1.64 0155 0.54 0048 0.54 0142 0.43 0053 0.56 0029 0.43 0051 0.64 0111 0.47 0824 1.68 0658 1.65 0744 0730 1.63 0702 1.83 0715 1.59 0729 1.81 1317 0.40 1411 0.49 1345 0.29 1500 0.40 1351 0.48 1400 0.29 1349 0.41 0824 1.68 0658 1.65 0744 1.64 1.64 0730 1.63 0702 1.83 0715 1.59 0729 1.81 SA SU MO WE WE TH SU 15002054 0.40 13171928 0.40 13492009 0.41 14111958 0.49 13451943 0.29 13511951 0.48 14002009 0.29 SU SU MO WE TH 1.62 1.27 1.41WE 1.36 1.37 1.59SA 1.78 0.40 0.40 0.41 0.49 0.29 0.48 0.29 WE 1500 SA 1317 SU 1349 SU 1411 MO 1345 WE 1351 TH 1400 2054 1928 2009 1958 1943 1951 2009 2054 1.36 1.36 1928 1.62 1.62 2009 1.78 1.78 1958 1.27 1.27 1943 1.41 1.41 1951 1.37 1.37 2009 1.59 1.59 0134 0.55 0233 0.50 0134 0.57 0130 0.46 0127 0.38 0204 0.39 0227 0.41 0130 0.46 0134 0.55 0.38 0233 0.50 0134 0.57 0.39 0.41 0810 1.68 0127 0900 1.72 0755 1.65 0204 0738 1.68 0227 0758 1.94 0819 1.83 0827 1.58 0134 0.55 0127 0.38 0233 0.50 0134 0.57 0130 0.46 0204 0.39 0227 0.41 0738 1.68 0810 1.68 0758 1.94 0900 1.72 0755 1.65 0819 1.83 0827 1449 0.44 1533 0.36 1426 0.42 1351 0.37 1440 0.19 1445 0.27 1425 0.46 0810 1.68 0758 1.94 0900 1.72 0755 1.65 0738 1.68 0819 1.83 0827 1.58 1.58 MO TH TH SU TU FR MO 13512004 0.37 14492038 0.44 14402038 0.19 15332129 0.36 14262027 0.42 14452053 0.27 14252047 0.46 MO TU TH FR MO 1.30 1.40 1.44 1.71 1.47TH 1.66SU 1.80 0.44 0.19 0.36 0.42 0.37 0.27 0.46 MO 1449 TU 1440 TH 1533 TH 1426 SU 1351 FR 1445 MO 1425 2004 2038 2038 2129 2027 2053 2047 2038 1.30 1.30 2038 1.47 1.47 2129 1.40 1.40 2027 1.44 1.44 2004 1.71 1.71 2053 1.66 1.66 2047 1.80 1.80 0221 0.33 0254 0.35 0221 0.33 0254 0.35 0851 2.01 0906 1.80 0221 0.33 0254 0.35 0851 2.01 0906 1530 0.12 1525 0.28 0851 2.01 0906 1.80 1.80 WE SA 15302130 0.12 15252135 0.28 WE SA 1.52 1.71 0.12 0.28 WE 1530 SA 1525 2130 2135 2130 1.52 1.52 2135 1.71 1.71

11 1

16 16 16

11 1

16 16 16

11 1

16 16 16

11 1

16 16 16

22 2

17 17 17

22 2

17 17 17

22 2

17 17 17

22 2

17 17 17

33 3

18 18 18

33 3

18 18 18

33 3

18 18 18

33 3

18 18 18

44 4

19 19 19

44 4

19 19 19

44 4

19 19 19

44 4

19 19 19

55 5

20 20 20

55 5

20 20 20

55 5

20 20 20

55 5

20 20 20

66 6

21 21 21

66 6

21 21 21

66 6

21 21 21

66 6

21 21 21

77 7

22 22 22

77 7

22 22 22

77 7

22 22 22

77 7

22 22 22

88 8

23 23 23

88 8

23 23 23

88 8

23 23 23

88 8

23 23 23

99 9

24 24 24

99 9

24 24 24

99 9

24 24 24

99 9

24 24 24

10 10 10

25 25 25

10 10 10

25 25 25

10 10 10

25 25 25

10 10 10

25 25 25

11 11 11

26 26 26

11 11 11

26 26 26

11 11 11

26 26 26

11 11 11

26 26 26

12 12 12

27 27 27

12 12 12

27 27 27

12 12 12

27 27 27

12 12 12

27 27 27

13 13 13

28 28 28

13 13 13

28 28 28

13 13 13

28 28 28

13 13 13

28 28 28

14 14 14

29 29 29

14 14 14

14 14 14

29 29 29

14 14 14

29 29 29

15 15 15

30 30 30

15 15 15

15 15 15

30 30 30

15 15 15

30 30 30

31 31 31

31 31 31

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2016, Bureau of Meteorology Copyright Commonwealth ofofAustralia 2016, of Meteorology Copyright Commonwealth Australia 2016,Bureau Bureau Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide of Meteorology Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of are Predictions is Lowesttime Astronomical Tideor daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect Times in local standard (UTC +10:00) Times are ininlocal standard time (UTC +10:00) orordaylight savings time when Times are local standard time (UTC +10:00) daylightFirst savings time(UTC (UTC+11:00) +11:00) wheninineffect effect New Moon Quarter Last Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New First Last Moon Full NewMoon Moon FirstQuarter Quarter LastQuarter Quarter MoonPhase PhaseSymbols Symbols FullMoon Moon Tide predictions for Sydney (Fort Denison) have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct. It is supplied on the condition that no warranty is given in relation thereto, that no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions should not be used for navigational purposes. Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to include acceptance of the above conditions.

90

MARCH 2018

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat 93 Mighty Moruya Inside story...

Sea Jay Aluminium Boats has been family owned and operated for over 25 years, and the name has become renowned for strength, quality workmanship and customisation with the angler in mind.

Whether you’re fishing in fresh or salt, inshore or offshore, Sea Jay will provide you with a model to suit your boating and fishing needs.

Made for...

Sea Jay specialises in boats for sports anglers, offering a stable fishing platform and plenty of storage.

This month...

Editor Steve Morgan takes the Sea Jay Ranger 4.6, powered by a Yamaha 70hp 4-stroke, for a spin. Check it out on page 100!

Toby Grundy finds another wellkept secret with the Moruya River, where he discovers some great fishing.

94 Intro to SUP fishing Justin Willmer goes through his formative experiences fishing on a stand up paddleboard.

96 Aquayak AQUA II

Bob Thornton reviews this great two-person kayak, rigged up with some of Aquayak’s accessories.

98 CC or no CC?

Wayne Kampe looks at the pros and cons of owning a centre console boat.

102 SunRunner 485

Editor Steve Morgan climbs into this offshore-ready beast, which is powered by a Yamaha F90hp.

WHAT’S NEW BOATING SUZUKI DF325A

1

The innovative new DF325A 4-stroke outboard from Suzuki has been designed to be robust, easy to use and versatile, making it the ideal outboard for large boats.

Sharing the same revolutionary technologies as the recently-launched flagship DF350A, including contra-rotating propellers, dual louver system and dual injectors, Suzuki has stepped it up with the new model by engineering it to run on 91 RON fuel – a world first and game changer for high performance outboards over 300hp.

Suzuki’s latest outboard features its proven 4.4L displacement block which gives tremendous torque and makes it the largest displacement V6 on the market today.

Combined with a compression ratio of 10.5:1, the DF325A also delivers impressive fuel economy and reliability.

The first deliveries are expected in March. www.suzukimarine.com.au

RAYMARINE VIDEO LIBRARY

2

Raymarine has launched a full library of Lighthouse 3 ‘Tips and Tricks’ videos that demonstrate many of the operating system’s unique features.

In these educational videos, Raymarine Global Product Manager, Mark Garland, and Marketing Manager, Jim McGowan, walk boaters and anglers through numerous topics, including: C-Map and Navionics advanced features; Raymarine Autopilot integration parts one and two; auto route to here functionality; one-touch vessel details; and wireless display options.

Taken as a whole, this new video library demonstrates how Lighthouse 3 system software allows boaters and anglers to take command of their entire navigational and fishfinding experience. Combined with the quadcore processor found in both Axiom and Axiom Pro units, Lighthouse 3 allows anglers to adjust technologies, data displays, and other critical information in an easy, fast, and fluid way.

Raymarine plans to keep building the ‘Tips and Tricks’ video library (www.youtube.com/ user/RaymarineInc) in 2018.

Price: from SRP $1199 www.raymarine.com.au

MERCURY FOURSTROKE SALE

3

Mercury is offering great deals on their popular 40-90hp FourStrokes. Until 26 March 2018, you can package your boat with one of these engines and save $1130*, and Mercury will provide a free SmartCraft SC1000 tacho rigging kit with every 4090hp FourStroke purchased.

Even better, Mercury Finance is available which means you can be enjoying a brand new Mercury FourStroke from just $34 a week.

Mercury FourStroke outboards are renowned for being lighter, stronger, and more reliable yet still able to produce superior power and performance. Features include reliable starting, fantastic fuel efficiency, smooth operation, electronic fuel injection (on all 4090hp models), tougher components, a total commitment to corrosion protection and the availability of SmartCraft digital monitoring. *This offer is subject to engine availability, and is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or rebates. www.mercurymarine.com.au 92

MARCH 2018

PRODUCT GUIDE

SCOTTY BALL MOUNTING SYSTEM 4 The Scotty Ball Mounting System provides a mounting platform for a variety of accessories. The ball joint enables a smooth, full range of motion, and the corrosion-proof construction provides a long service life in both fresh and salt water.

The 150 model’s universal mounting plate provides a platform for a variety of accessories. The 150 stands 6 3/4” tall, and the base mount measures 2 1/4” x 2 1/4”.

The 151 model with Gear-Head and lowprofile track provides a mounting receptacle for a variety of Scotty post-mount accessories.

The Gear-Head drop-and-lock system lets you secure and re-position post-mount accessories with just a twist, and the no. 440 low-profile track allows for quick and easy setup. The track measures 1 3/4” wide x 3/8” tall (1” usable track), and the mount stands 9” tall.

The 152 with Gear-Head adapter, post and combination side/deck mount also features the Gear-Head drop and lock system. The 152 comes with a no. 241 combination side/deck mount, and the 152 base mount measures 4” x 2” x 2”, and the mount stands 10 3/4” tall. www.jmgillies.com.au

WILSON LIQUID LANOLIN

1

2

5

Wilson Marine and Leisure Liquid Lanolin cleans, lubricates, rejuvenates and extends the life of metals, vinyls, plastic, leather, fibreglass and powder coated surfaces. It is the ideal choice for protecting marine hardware, cabling, outboard engines and fishing gear from the harmful effects of corrosion.

Lanolin is an environmentally friendly, nonconductive, salt and acid resistant product that protects, rejuvenates and lubricates many different materials. The lanolin lubricates and protects moving parts on tools, reels, zippers and chains, while being robust enough to resist high pressure cleaning.

Lanolin can also be used to penetrate and free up rusted equipment, effectively working as an anti-seize agent in the field. Application is via a directional nozzle that allows the lanolin to be placed exactly where it is needed, including tight and hard-to-reach places that ordinary spray nozzles cannot reach. www.wilsonfishing.com

3

4

NEW OCEAN CRAFT 6 CRUISERS The Ocean Craft Cruiser range has been expanded with a model that features an aircraft carrier square-nosed bow for maximum deck space. Other Cruiser models are the Cruiser Extreme Party BBQ Boat, and the Dune Buggy Transporter.

All Ocean Craft Cruisers feature an above waterline self-draining deck; full-length heavyduty, fold-down bimini top; hatch to below deck; airtight buoyancy section under deck; and ocean going, wave-punching hull.

Below deck options include a storm refuge ‘V’ berth option; underfloor livebait tank, kill tank and underfloor fuel tank fit-out; and a second weatherproof hatch to below deck.

Ocean Crafts can be optionally fitted with an onboard porta-potty toilet, fitted kitchen, worktop, fridge, dual burner cooker and basin stereo with hi-fi 12V power points.

The Ocean Craft 5.2m Cruiser is priced from $38,283, and the 6m model is priced from $44,995. www.oceancraft.com.au

5

6

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

SCAN THE QR CODE!

Making fishy memories on the Moruya River CANBERRA

Toby Grundy

I first fished the Moruya River many years ago just before bass closure. It was my first time in a kayak, I didn’t catch a thing and I snapped what was then my favourite rod. Although my first experience was pretty negative, I decided to give it another go during the summer break and it was well worth the second

river, but I would recommend a beacon just in case. I had a big brown snake try to get in my yak along one section of the river where there wasn’t reception and there are plenty of other dangers throughout the system.

SPECIES The Moruya River contains healthy populations of bream, flathead, mullet, mulloway, estuary perch and Australian bass. We focused our efforts around the flathead, bream and bass

you can make to improve your captures.

One of my favourite techniques is to cast a cicada imitation towards a likely snag and simply twitch the lure on the spot. This best imitates the first drop of a cicada into the water; they don’t start swimming straight away, and often spin on the spot. The fish find this technique irresistible.

If fishing plastics, a slow roll followed by a long pause works well, especially if

The author’s biggest Moruya bass.

Soft plastics work well on the resident flathead. effort. What I found was a diverse fishery filled with different angling experiences, all of which made for a very memorable day on the water.

You can start right in the middle of town where there are plenty of great snags and jetties to try out for flathead and bream. There are also EPs in this area and the occasional mulloway.

FACILITIES The Moruya River runs through the township of Moruya on the South Coast of NSW. Within the town itself, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, petrol stations and a supermarket where you can stock up on supplies. There is also a really well-stocked Tackleworld where you can get honest advice, which I greatly appreciated.

There is mobile reception through large parts of the

s d n e m m o c e r k a y a u q A the Ranger whreunya fishing the Mo River.

and also caught a few mullet along the way.

TECHNIQUES By far the best way to fish this amazing system is with surface lures. There is nothing better than watching a big bass smash a Megabass ‘Siglet’ in full sun or seeing a big bream slap a Soft Shell Cicada rolled across a big snag.

Slow rolling either of these two lures will get interest, but there are a few tweaks

you’re targeting the flathead.

Giving the lure a couple of quick twitches followed by a short pause also brings in the bigger bream.

A bent minnow-style lure is also a good choice if you can’t decide between surface lures or sub-surface, as it really offers the best of both worlds. If the fish are hitting along the top, hold the rod tip high and twitch the lure while winding back to your position. Alternatively, you

The topwater bream action is amazing.

can point the rod tip low and retrieve the lure using the same technique just below the surface if the fish are more shut down.

THE KAYAK The Moruya River can be quite treacherous, especially if you are fishing near the mouth of the river, so I would recommend using a larger yak. If you’re using a pedal kayak, be prepared to constantly remove the pedals from underneath if you intend to go up a fair way, as it can get quite shallow and some rapid bashing is required.

I used my Native Slayer Propel and it performed well up until we hit the shallow stuff. As any Native owner will tell you, the propel drive is heavy and the kayak itself is also heavy, which made some shallow sections a little tricky. That said, there is no better kayak for hitting the wider sections near the mouth of the river and being able to stand and cast is a bonus.

THE SOUNDER I used my Lowrance Series 7ti to find the baitfish schools. I think a good sounder is an important accessory if you are planning on hitting Moruya. The fish tend to follow the bait and in the larger stretches of river, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack without

a sounder. Having side scan also helps in identifying which species are following the baitfish.

TACKLE I used my Daiwa Harrier 6’4 light spin stick coupled with my Daiwa Certate 2004 spooled with 6lb braid and 8lb leader. This combo handled the bream and flatties with ease, but the bass

target big flatties is closer to autumn and there are always plenty of big bream around if the flathead aren’t on the chew. The other species in the river are seasonal and can take a few trips at different times of year to work out.

CONCLUSION The Moruya River is a great fishery located only a few hours drive from

Tom Gaukroger with a small Moruya bass. were pushing it. If targeting the bass, I would recommend a slightly heavier outfit and 12lb leader; these bronze missiles hang around some crazy snags.

TIMING I would recommend hitting Moruya from early spring through to late autumn. The best time to

Canberra. It has everything from bream through to bass and big flathead. All these fish can be caught using topwater and the sheer variety makes it well worth a visit. I would recommend it to both novice fishos looking for a confidence boost and experienced anglers after that trophy fish.

RANGER Manufactured in Melbourne, Victoria

The Outrigger Kit renders the kayak virtually untippable, making kayaking safe and fun for users of all skill levels.

899

$ Specs: • Length 3.7 metres • Weight 25kg • Capacity 170kg

Outrigger Kit

245

$

21B Randor St, Cambellfield, Victoria 3061

“See our website or call to find a dealer near you.”

Ph: (03) 9357 9992 – www.aquayak.com MARCH 2018

93

An introduction to SUP fishing BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

The first time I saw someone gliding along on a SUP (stand up paddleboard) I thought that would be a cool vessel to fish from. After fishing from kayaks for almost 30 years, I have been keen to try my luck fishing from any craft that I could get my hands on, from blow up boats and kayaks, to drift boats and float tubes, some with more success than others.

After threatening to buy a SUP to fish from for years, with varied reactions from family and friends, I managed to get my hands on a loaner from Kayak & SUP on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. So here it is, my first SUP fishing adventure, a few things I learnt along the way and also some pointers I was given from more experienced SUP users.

Firstly, there are a wide range of SUPs available, from smaller boards designed for SUP surfing, through to more universal boards that suit a variety of applications and right up to larger purpose-built SUP fishing boards. It’s worth doing some research, checking out what’s out there and visiting a store like Kayak & SUP, that specialises in the sport and have staff on hand who have firsthand knowledge and experience to share with you. The board I

I’m lucky enough to have Ben, an experienced SUP surfer and racer, who has even built his own timber SUP, living just up the road and I had picked his brain on a couple of occasions before my maiden voyage. I extended the paddle to a couple of inches above my head height as suggested, and I committed to getting onto the board.

Ben believed people often had trouble getting onto the board and standing up because they approached it too timidly, rather than moving into knee deep water, holding the rails (sides) in each hand firmly and committing to getting onto the board and into position in one motion. He

fitted out, featuring tie down points where I strapped an icebox down as a seat and for storage, along with a tie down point for attaching a paddle leash, tie down point for a rod leash, bungee cord on the back for storing the trolley, bungee on the front where the paddle and a fishing ruler could be stowed, and finally a stash pod where you can store your keys, that I opted to leave the lid off to keep a 600ml water bottle handy. One thing I learnt when on the water is that everything needs to be within easy reach, and I kept my landing net tucked into one tie down strap on the icebox and my Boomerand Tool retractable line snips

Fleeing prawns was a giveaway that the bream were in the area.

while keeping your body on the centre line of the SUP, you minimise any chance of becoming unstable.

Unfortunately the day that I had available was wet and windy, so I opted to travel about 500m to a flat that I often fish, so that if I fell off I would only be in 1-1.5m of water. I moved into knee deep water, boarded the SUP and sat on the icebox for my paddle across wind to the flat, gaining a feel for the board in choppier conditions.

Upon reaching the flat I stood up to fish, was hit by

This grunter that ate a ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ along with a few others made the day all the more enjoyable.

SUPs are a stable and simple option, especially for smooth water fishing. a scud of wind and began to drift across the flat at a hundred miles an hour with the wind and big tide, while waves grabbed at the tail and side rails in an attempt to destabilise the board and dislodge me. It was at this point I realised that I was stupid and had made a bad decision, taking

on conditions that were beyond my skill level… know the limits of your craft and more importantly your own limits!

I decided to abandon the exposed flat and head for calmer waters in the mouth of a creek, where mangroves offered sheltered waters and the chance of a

fish. Pointing the SUP at a 45° angle to the wind and toward the mangrove edges that I wanted to fish, I soon realised I was out of my depth and decided SUP fishing was not for me. I then took a deep breath and remembered what Ben had told me about paddling.

Don’t just frantically drag

The author en route to the water, SUP in tow. was paddling for my first mission was designed with fishing in mind and at 12’ long and 32” wide, offered excellent stability for my 90kg frame. I strapped the board onto the C-Tug Trolley and headed for the water!

94

MARCH 2018

suggested taking the board to the water without any rods, icebox and other kit, so that I could get on and fall off a few times, get a feel for the board and learn to fall clear of the board should I come unstuck.

The board was well

attached to the tie down strap on the other side. I had additional water in the icebox, along with a dry bag containing basic tackle and my scent was stowed in the recessed centre carry handle between my feet. If you can reach everything

The trolley was easily secured with the rear bungee cord.

the paddle past the SUP, stand firm but relaxed, you will burn a lot of energy if you feel like you are hanging on by your toe nails. Reach forward, sink the full blade of the paddle into the water and then push forward with the top hand and pull back with the bottom hand, pulling yourself toward the paddle.

It took me a long time to reach the mangroves, maybe even an hour, but by the time I reached the mangroves I was confident in my paddle stroke and was actually really enjoying the experience.

It hadn’t taken long to realise that SUPs are perfectly suited to calm waters and low winds. In

A U S T R A L I A

Margay 2017

$49,990

SUPs are lightweight and simple to transport and launch.

Top: Keeping the deck area clear and simple is advisable. Bottom: The fish started coming aboard once the author hit calmer waters. these conditions the SUP is stable and fun, with the advantages of an elevated viewing position while fishing, a very low profile with minimal shadow and excellent stealth, along with the ability to navigate extremely shallow water. I will add a rod holder to my icebox as on this occasion, I had my rod laying on the deck in front of me and although it stayed dry, it wasn’t ideal.

Mixing it up between stand up and sit down fishing, I worked soft plastics along the mangrove edges, pick pocketed the breaks in the mangroves and was soon rewarded with a solid take and a bent rod. As with kayak fishing, once a fish is hooked, ensure that you point the tip of your rod to the tip of the SUP. This will ensure

you maintain your stability, rather than being leveraged sideways on the board.

With plenty of recent rain and big tides, I wasn’t sure that I would even find a fish, so I enjoyed the fight of a reasonable size grunter and took in the whole experience of catching fish from the SUP. A few dodgy selfies, having not had the opportunity to attach any cameras at this point, and the fish was released. Another two grunter quickly followed and I was all smiles, loving the freedom and simplicity of the SUP. As the tide began dropping out of the mangroves, I kept an eye out for signs of bream feeding and soon saw prawns flicking and fleeing across the surface. Casting to the disturbance I was again rewarded with a solid take and I soon had a bream on the deck. This was followed by another shower of prawns and another bream, before my stomach was telling me it was time to head in for a late lunch. I hugged the sheltered shoreline on my return to the boat ramp

and just tried to absorb the whole experience. My paddle stroke had become much more confident and efficient, my toe nails were no longer clinging to the board and I felt sure and stable, even with the occasional wind gust or waves.

This adventure had reinforced something that I often tell others, which is know the limits of your vessel and more importantly, know your own limits. The two halves of my session were polar opposites, from the stress and uneasy feeling of the exposed flat and the long paddle to sheltered water, to the sense of freedom and simplicity of fishing the calmer waters and landing some fish. In the right conditions the SUP is an excellent fishing vessel and a vessel that can also be used for recreation and fitness. I look forward to putting it through its paces over a few more sessions and sharing the results in a future issue of the mag.

In the meantime I need to start saving for my own fishing SUP! See you on the water.

• 17’7” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Pantera II 2017

$74,990

• 19’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 200 hp Mercury Optimax • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

Yar-Craft 1785BT 2017

$59,990

• 17’5” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 75 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Sabre FTD 2017

$59,990

• 18’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

MANNING RIVER MARINE 13 Victoria Street, TAREE (02) 6552 2333 jim@manningrivermarine.com.au www.mercurydealertaree.com ABERDEEN FISHING & OUTDOORS 69 New England Hwy, ABERDEEN (02) 6543 7111 aberdeentackle@gmail.com www.aberdeenfishingandoutdoors.com.au

We Build Dreams...

It’s a Family Tradition The freedom and simplicity of a SUP makes it an attractive option.

A U S T R A L I A

Phone: 0410 173 060 basscataustralia@gmail.com MARCH 2018

95

Aquayak AQUA II – twice the fun, half the hassle - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

T

Wayne and the author had no trouble getting right up the back of some of the arms in search of saratoga. we could really test out its fishing ability!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Unloading the yak from the 4WD and walking 100 or so metres to the water, I was surprised at just how light this two-person craft was. At 32kg, it’s not too heavy to 96

MARCH 2018

As for storage, there are two small hatches, one for each seat. There’s space enough for keys, a phone, spare trace, clippers and other small bits of kit that you’d want to keep dry. Admittedly, there wasn’t a lot of storage space available, however

at all as we did some passes for the camera. When the paddles came out of the water, the AQUA II was able to glide gracefully forward without veering to one side, eliminating the need for any complicated rudder systems.

The deep moulded seats made

for a very stable ride, and the standard comfort seats that the AQUA II comes with didn’t bring about any dramas for my weathered back, and I didn’t hear any complaint from up front either!

Slinking through Hinze’s drowned timber with the 3.8m AQUA II was all too easy, and the advantage of a two-person kayak is that one person can hold the kayak in position while the other really works an area over. This is exactly what we ended up doing, as there was a stiff breeze blowing across the dam, which would have made fishing out of a single-person craft difficult.

Our short day on the water at Hinze proved fruitless on the fishing front, however our photographer for the day Peter Jung, who was also in an Aquayak kayak, managed to sneak off and nail a decent saratoga!

One slight flaw I did find was that if you’re fishing out of the rear seat, it’s difficult to put your rod in your lap while you paddle along to the next likely spot, which anglers tend to do in a single-person kayak. When sitting up front, this isn’t an issue, however the front seat prevents the rear angler from being able to put his or her rod down, as sticking it out to the side would inhibit your own paddling. I eventually worked out that the easiest thing to do was point the rod backwards and put the rod butt in my lap under the paddle – a small price to pay

DE FOR EX

both of us had no trouble with a tackle box each and a few hand tools, and that’s about all I would tend to take kayaking anyway. You can opt to have large front and rear storage hatches fitted on the AQUA II. ON THE WATER Getting in ended up being very easy – it certainly is nice to have someone there to hold the kayak steady when you get in, as Kampey found out!

What struck me immediately was how easily this kayak manoeuvred, and tight corners were no trouble

CO

It’s been a while since I’ve fished out of a kayak, despite owning one! So I guess there was a reason myself and Wayne ‘Kampey’ Kampe, who has never fished out of a kayak, were chosen to test out the AQUA II from Aquayak.

We decided to drop the AQUA II into the heavilytimbered Hinze Dam in South East Queensland, opting for an early start so

lift on and off by yourself, however being a tandem craft, its assumed you’ll have someone else there with you to help.

When loading my gear into the AQUA, I noticed that the vertical rod holders at the rear actually angled inward, as opposed to sticking outwards like with other kayaks. I actually came to really appreciate this small but clever little design, as it serves to protect any rod tips at the rear, and this is a big plus in a timbered graveyard like Hinze!

R

Bob Thornton

Q

RA

CON

AN THE

BRISBANE

SPECIFICATIONS Length................................................................3.8m Width..................................................................0.9m Weight................................................................32kg Capacity..............................................................240 Persons...................................................................2 for extremely comfortable kayak fishing.

OUTRIGGER KIT Aquayak’s range features a device that is fantastic for anyone who wants to make this incredibly stable craft virtually untippable.

This would be very handy if lugging lots of equipment while camping and fishing, kayaking in rough water and also if you’re not the most experienced kayaker.

Once the Outrigger Kit was fitted to the AQUA II, I decided to try standing and fishing, and this was all too easy, even with my fairly ordinary equilibrium. I found that standing and fishing while a seated user paddles you around is as good as fishing from any boat with an electric motor! You just need to find someone who will do that for you…

Attaching the kit takes about five minutes, and I’m told you can fit it to any kayak, not just those in the Aquayak range!

Despite the fact that they protrude outward, they didn’t seem to affect the kayak’s performance. I did bump them a few times with my paddle on the stroke while sitting in the back, but this is probably more a reflection of my paddling ability, and a bit

of practise would probably fix this problem.

FANTASTIC PACKAGE All up, I see this as a fantastic package for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s cheaper than buying two good quality fishing kayaks, and is perfect for regular fishing partners. It would also be easy enough to fish out of alone should your partner be unavailable that day.

Secondly, with the Outrigger Kit, it becomes user-friendly to even the most novice kayakers, and provides comfort to more skilled users if traveling in rough water or with a heavy load.

Thirdly, it can be kitted how you please, with Aquayak’s huge range of optional accessories, which include seats, rod holders, extra hatches and more.

All up, the standard AQUA II package, which includes two seats, two paddles, two 12L dry bags, and a handful of extras, is $1050. The Outrigger Kit, which is sold separately, is a modest $245, and believe me, these things will last a very long time.

For more information on this kayak, and the other kayaks and accessories in the range, visit www. aquayak.com.

Jumping aboard to AQUA II, the author was impressed by the inward facing rod holders at the rear.

The AQUA II with the Outrigger Kit fitted and someone to paddle you around is as good as fishing out of any electric bass boat.

The Railblaza rodholders that come with the package can be mounted and unmounted in a matter of seconds.

The comfort seats that come standard with the package didn’t cause any dramas for the rickety backs of Kampey or the author on the day.

With everything fitted, including the Outrigger Kit, the AQUA II looked like a serious fishing machine.

The deep moulded seats made the kayak extremely stable for two users.

The small storage hatches that come with the package provide enough room for phones, keys, small tools and the like.

With two people paddling the relatively light 32kg hydrodynamic frame, it’s possible to get this kayak up to a fair clip.

MARCH 2018

97

Is a centre console the right one for you?

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

While it has been around for many years, the centre console (CC) seems to be gaining popularity in a manner that suggests these rigs have been discovered for what they are – great fishing boats for serious anglers.

Their rise in popularity has seen most established manufacturers both here and abroad jumping on the bandwagon and offering a range of well-equipped and slickly performing rigs to tempt the buyer. The 64,000 dollar question is, of course, why the surge in popularity? My view is that it comes down to a happy mix of practicality, user-friendliness, ease of angler mobility within the craft and dollar savings in many cases. A quick glance at some alternative styles of fishing rigs might lead to a better understanding of the situation.

THE OPTIONS Let’s take the standard open craft as a starting point. Every boat buyer wants at least a couple of things ticked in the must-

The US-made Sea Fox CC is an imported rig with a host of really handy features for the keen angler. is popular – particularly with family fishing teams – although fishing room is curtailed to an area aft of the forward seating at the helm/ dash area.

The hull does need to be specifically designed to carry weight in close proximity to the point of water entry, and not all hulls react kindly to this setup and some can throw up a fair amount of spray as a punishment.

Taking the forward helm concept further will see both the half cabin and cuddy cab rig in contention for fishing rig honours. There’s no

Tru-Line craft are locally made; the 6.2 centre console offers great storage options along with a top shelf ride. have box from the outset.

The first must-have is work room; there needs to be as much work room as possible.

Clutter and impairment to easy movement within the boat are definitely out.

That’s a given!

The next must-have is ease of helming; while tiller steer rigs undeniably offer the maximum work area there are limits to endurance levels when it comes to steering a tiller rig setup with more than, say, a 60hp outboard, and that’s with hydraulic steering to tame the torque! Once the horse power goes up the ease of steering for longer journeys goes right out the window, so it’s onto another method of keeping her on course.

Seating up front with both the wheel and forward controls behind a windscreen describes the typical runabout configuration.

Further seating aft usually means this style of craft 98

MARCH 2018

question that these sorts of craft offer the ultimate ease of helming; moreover there’s usually ample shelter thanks to the cabin, whether it’s a cuddy or a larger offering.

Cabin craft offer tremendous storage of course and fishing gear, personal items, tucker or a passenger wanting a rest can all be stashed in the haven up front.

In short, it’s a great place to get away from nasty conditions but, as with all boats and boating situations, there are compromises to accept and in this case it takes the form of a limited fishing room.

It’s common to see a cuddy cab taking up one third or more of a craft’s interior, leaving the area astern as the main work area.

True, some larger cabin craft offer walkaround facilities, so an angler or two can fish up front, but in practice most will fish from the cockpit where the bait board, catch

storage facilities and other handy features are located and only go up front to tend the ground tackle. The dollar aspect is certainly applicable here as well; a cabin, bunks and associated fit-out equipment all involve more expenditure.

MUST-HAVES Unsurprisingly, the modern Centre Console rig combines both must-haves and one I have not touched on. Along with plenty of work room and excellent ease of helming, there’s a bonus in the eye candy and pride of ownership department.

The truth is that along with versatility and practicality, centre console rigs invariably look good and even sitting on a trailer they seem to have a certain something that catches the eye.

It comes down to the layout, of course. It’s rare to find a centre console without sweeping lines.

Centre console rigs are usually derived from a manufacturer’s best riding hulls, because in these entirely open boats a good ride is the start and finish of everything. Consequently it’s the norm to expect the hull to ride as good as it looks.

This means that the dedicated angler that wants a sweet combination of work room and efficiency will find a centre console very hard to beat. As entirely open craft with their forward controls, wheel and instruments

set up amidships, they’re virtually all work room for those enjoying time aboard.

When a big bite is on, or a hard-pulling fish is really making an angler work, the advantage of being able to walk entirely around the

445 Pacific Sea up to Sea Jay’s massive all plate 6.8m Preda King with its list of on-board features as long as your left arm.

As a top seller we see the all plate Preda King listed from 5.1-6.8m in length with each model offering inclusions such as bait tank plumbing, a 150L ice box with seat cushion, self draining deck, dual batteries, and windscreens on consoles with storage compartments.

Yet we see many of these same features in models from makers such as Aqua Master, Formosa, Kapten, Sea Craft, Offshore Marine Master, Quintrex, Stessco, Stacer, Clark and Stabicraft.

We are not talking about one or two models from each maker, either; choice is a big factor for buyers.

While alloy centre consoles have been around for many years it’s only in the last decade that the

Options include an electric anchor winch!

Moving right up to the pointy end of the pile is the imported Pursuit C310 – a 9.5m job. As the big kahuna of centre consoles, she has the works. If a feature is desirable within a boat then this one features it. Climate control? Sure! A fine mist that can be activated via overhead cockpit plumbing to keep things cool on a hot day? Of course.

The livewell alone is almost 200L capacity – you will need a small hand net to locate a livey, while fuel capacity is almost one thousand litres. The engines can be up to 600hp – twin rigs preferred. These are awesome stats but then this is a 31footer able to seriously access blue water areas – a run to the shelf perhaps – thanks to a brilliant deep Vee design and that generous fuel capacity.

Formosa’s alloy Sea Rod offers the convenience of a folding console for ease of storage at home. entire gunwale, bow and transom area of the craft can’t be underestimated.

ALLOY AND GLASS RIGS AVAILABLE Looking around the boat yards it seems that every alloy and glass manufacturer of note has centre consoles in their brochures. Looking at a broad spectrum of alloy makers it’s obvious that these rigs come in many sizes, starting from Horizon’s tidy

Check out the classy dash, speakers overhead in the T top framework, forward rod holders, gunwale padding, front seat with hand rail, and those classy seats for skipper and mate!

on-board features have really given these craft the kudos they deserve.

Consider the Mach 5 from Offshore Master Marine; these plate rigs are designed as no frills entry craft, yet there’s a clear sided live well, good-sized side pockets, a shelf in the screen equipped console, an ice chest under the helm seat, a forward seat on the raised cast deck and it’s all topped with a very good ride as well.

This in an entry-level rig!

GLASS CRAFT Fibreglass centre console craft are equally well represented. Haines Hunter have opened the innings and scored very well at the bottom end of the size scale with their diminutive 4.0 Prowler; this tidy little centre console craft punches well above it’s weight in many respects, as there’s a decent amount of Vee in the hull while plenty of beam and considerable freeboard make this small centre console suited to a vast array of fishing situations.

On the home front fibreglass manufacturers turning out centre consoles are quite wide spread. Up north a couple of very renowned companies are based at Cairns: Hooker – their 6.7 Pro Fisherman is a favourite – and Cyclone have a very strong following.

I recall reviewing the latter company’s 680 CC a few years ago and reckoned it was one cyclone I’d sure love to have in my backyard!

Moving south there’s specialist centre console maker Gale Force at Hervey Bay, while continuing down the seaboard we see the likes of Bonito, Evolution, Haines Signature, Jackaroo, Pioneer, Seacraft, Evolution Truline and Tournament in a line up, which is by no means complete. As there are quite a few models within virtually every fibreglass manufacturer’s catalogues, features that were once confined to high-end, bigger glass rigs will now surprise potential buyers of middleof-the-range glass craft.

DON’T OVERLOOK THE RIGHT SIZED IMPORTS With our Aussie dollar riding reasonably high, easily towed imports must come into the equation as

fishability and easy style of centre console rigs. Anglers love them, divers love them and family groups also have a lot of boating and fishing fun with their CCs. In the

The Kaptan 610CC combines plenty of fishing room with a very high standard of ride. well. I’ve touched on the magnificent Pursuit 310, so let’s look at Grady White, which is a popular US manufacturer enjoying an enviable reputation for quality workmanship and very well turned-out fishing boats. A rig that has proven very popular with offshore anglers in my backyard, the Gold Coast, is their 180CC – a well appointed 5.44m rig with enough features, sea keeping ability and positive handling traits to give it a definite offshore attitude.

IS A CENTRE CONSOLE FOR YOU? There’s little argument about the sheer practicality,

last decade a lot of advances have been made in making them more practical for storage of valuable rods and other tackle bits and pieces.

A lot of these craft now come with elevated front cast decks to make the most of the available work room and under those decks there’s usually handy dry storage area. Storage shelves within the console are always put to good use and so far as seating is concerned the selection of a padded ice box seat for skipper and mate – offered by quite a few manufacturers – certainly makes sense.

Self-draining decks seem to be prominently featured as

well and are a certain draw card. Fishing’s fun but when it’s over it’s so good to be able to hose the rig out at home and put it away.

As mentioned, manufacturers go to great trouble to only set up their best performing hulls as CCs; nobody wants to spend time in a wet or badly riding boat, so a lot of careful thought usually goes into the design and layout of any centre console rig. In truth I have not driven a centre console rig that disappointed me with ride or handling.

IS THERE A DOWNSIDE? In common with other trailer boats there are downsides to a centre

The lads are obviously having some fun around the Jumpinpin Bar in their Bonito centre console rig. console’s use and ultimate capability. Truth be told the centre console will always be an open boat, which means that the weather forecast and sea conditions are going to play a huge part in a decision to launch, as well as the

area to be fished. With the elements dominating a day on the water in any boat there’s no way a centre console rig can be exempt from hard times away from home.

In big sea conditions or rain it’s very hard to beat the

The Grady White CC comes with excellent offshore capability and is the right size for easy towing.

bulwark of a big fat cuddy cab extending back from the bow for shelter and comfort, which is why so many dedicated offshore anglers stick with their cabin craft.

That said, there are a lot of anglers in our midst who don’t wish to commit to these sorts of rigs for their fishing and are more than content to pick their day and the area they intend to fish and enjoy the huge advantages that a centre console rig offers, especially if there is a windscreen to sneak in behind when things are gnarly.

On a personal note I have owned four centre consoles (from 4.5-5.5m) over the last decade and a half and have caught everything from marlin to whiting in the salt water with bass and barra in the fresh. Versatile is how I’d describe the centre console.

for • Sign up updates!

• New products • Reviews • Videos

ch u m o o t Is t tackle no ? h g u o n e y nearl s on the aily update

r for d oating gea junkie.fish le k c ta it g tackle, b is V in h s fi t s greate latest and sories. s and acce

Fishing Monthly Magazines

www.tacklejunkie.fish MARCH 2018

99

Sea Jay Ranger 4.6m with Yamaha 70hp 4 stroke

- SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

T

3.25m beam the similarly bulletproof Yamaha F70 (tiller) strapped to the back.

Incidentally, Mackerel Pete’s boat was powered by the same engine and recently closed over 2500 hours!

When we released the video for this test, it really hit the mark with anglers

SPECIFICATIONS Length........................................................4.6m Beam........................................................2.35m Depth .......................................................1.26m Hull .............................................................4mm Sides ..........................................................3mm Floor ribs ....................................................... 10 Capacity .................................................. 5 max Hull weight .............................................. 505kg Max motor weight................................... 155kg Fuel ..............................................................90L Total length.............................................. 6.15m

Main: The Sea Jay 460 Ranger is about as bulletproof as you’ll find in a commercially available boat in today’s marketplace. A full self-draining floor and massive beam will make this rig an instant favourite of the tough-as-nails fishing crew.

Above: Apparently when you Google ‘What boat does Chuck Norris have?’ the Ranger 460 comes up.

100

MARCH 2018

DE FOR EX

The last time I launched at the Elliott River in Bundaberg, I was headed offshore for the day with Spanish mackerel pro-line fisher, Peter Stevens. And on that day we made Fishing Monthly’s most popular YouTube video yet (about how to troll dead baits for Spaniards).

Pete’s boat is a no-nonsense plate aluminium workhorse that delivers day-in and day-out. Sea Jay’s new 4.6m Ranger is built with the same user in mind – maybe not commercial anglers, but anglers that use their boat hard every

CO

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

weekend and never expect any reliability issues, ever.

The new Ranger replaces the 4.4 and 4.7m models in the range and is built on Sea Jay’s Samurai hull. Featuring 4mm bottom sheets and 3mm sides, the test model had a fully self-draining checker plate deck, a massive

R

Steve Morgan

Q

RA

CON

AN THE

FMG

There are plenty of boating anglers out there who want to do all of their maintenance with a garden hose (or a Gerni if they are upmarket). The Ranger allows this.

Australia-wide and the softlaunch of the model created a demand for the hull that Sea Jay worked hard to fill.

What I learned from the experience is that sometimes it isn’t the creature comforts of a hull that gets anglers excited; it’s about having a boat that does its job well.

And that’s exactly what the Ranger does.

If you use your boat hard in estuary and inshore environments, you want the clean-up from a crabbing or prawning trip to be easy and to be achievable with a garden hose. The Ranger ticks all of the boxes here, with no carpet to clean or paint to damage.

Similarly, the built-in livewell drains straight to the outside through holes in the transom, reducing the need

for electronic intervention to keep your baits alive.

The high front casting deck conceals massive underfloor storage. The Ranger holds a fibreglass EvaKool under the deck.

Up for’ard, the ability to mount a trolling motor next to the anchor well is great for those who like bait fishing as well as lure casting.

The small side console is one of the pro concessions to luxury in this rig and will probably be frowned upon by the tough TNQ anglers as being a bit ‘soft’, but it’s a great place to mount a sounder and keep your valuables out of the way of spray.

The other concession is some comfortable seats which slide into a baseless floor mount.

Twist the throttle on the Yamaha and the Ranger jumps onto the plane and it sounds just like an F-series Yamaha at full throttle.

Without fuel flow metering available, the Ranger delivered 51km/h against the tide and 56km/h with it. With standard F70 fuel consumption, that gives a range of well over 200km with the on-board 90L fuel tank.

Overall, this rig is as Queensland as XXXX Gold and winning State of Origin footy games. Check out www. seajayboats.com.au for more details and make sure you like Sea Jay on Facebook.

As tested, the Ranger came in at $31,530. Make sure you scan the QR code hereby to see the Ranger in action!

Ain’t got time for dance seat bases?

Sea Jay has you covered.

Sea Jay’s livewells are simple and self-drain through an array of holes on the transom.

Above: The front casting deck is actually pretty high, which makes the storage underneath cavernous. A little paint on the inside could take the edge off the sun, in case you live in North Queensland. Inset: There aren’t too many boats where you can fit an EvaKool this size under the floor!

2.35m of beam makes the Sea Jay Ranger a real workhorse. We challenge you to fill it with camping gear for a long weekend away, because it’ll hold it all – easily.

The Ranger holds its beam a long way forward and the Sea Jay steps bow is distinctive from the outside, but barely noticeable inside.

This is clever – capability for a proper anchor well and an electric motor. It’s good to see a boat manufacturer that understands how most of us like both lure and bait fishing.

Small side pockets hold a bit of gear, but don’t run full length to the front casting deck.

The small side console is super practical without chewing up cockpit space. You can see some of FM’s tools of the trade in this shot – the Nikon KeyMission 170 is on all of our boat tests.

There’s plenty of room under the transom for water to escape through the scuppers.

Yamaha’s F70 is a perfect complement to this hull. The tiller is eminently userfriendly and economy is off the charts.

MARCH 2018

101

Horizon SunRunner 485 with Yamaha F90hp - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

T

Length.....................................................4.985m Beam.........................................................2.02m Hull weight............................................... 450kg Max hp............................................................90 Fuel...............................................................80L Test weight............................................... 889kg Main: The SunRunner is eminently capable in both inshore and offshore situations, and the 90hp Yamaha gives the rig a range of over 200km with an 80L fuel tank underfloor.

Above: There wasn’t enough swell or wind chop to give the Hydro Lift hull a proper workout.

Unique to the boat is the internal layout. A full, flat, internal floor runs from bow to transom. Instead of a front cabin, there’s a simple rail system that helps your gear stay in place up the front while opening up the maximum amount of fishing space down the back. Indeed, there’s a lot of cockpit room for a sub-5m boat, and that’s

RPM......................Speed....................... km/L 1000........................... 6.5........................... 3.3 2000..........................10.9........................... 2.7 3000............................ 24........................... 2.7 4000............................ 40........................... 2.9 5000............................ 53........................... 2.3 6000............................ 63........................... 1.6 * With a 16” alloy Yamaha SDS propeller.

MARCH 2018

with ease.

Often, buyers will overlook the practicalities of trailering. Supplied on a single-axle trailer, this rig is just as manoeuvrable off the water as it is on the water and you can jackknife it into a tight parking or storage space if needed.

This may include a garage.

SPECIFICATIONS

PERFORMANCE

102

DE FOR EX

I found it hard to believe that while testing Horizon’s 2018 SunRunner, it was the first time I’d ever been over the Tweed River bar. Of course, I’d been through the Southport Seaway (to the north) and the dicey Brunswick River bar (to the south) countless times. Apart from the great scenery to take some images for this test, it was obvious the fishing opportunities the entrance offered. These were noted for a future fishing trip.

Travelling on the SunRunner 485 with Scott James from Horizon Boats, it was good to be in the boat with a local. The factory for both Horizon and Stessl Boats is just up the road and the boat has been designed with offshore anglers on the southern Gold Coast particularly in mind.

Horizon’s Hyrdo Lift hull has the runs on the board, so it’s the internal fit-out improvements that herald the 2018 version of this craft.

CO

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

R

Steve Morgan

Q

RA

CON

AN THE

range of around 24km.

Plenty enough to run around on a glassed-out weekend offshore.

The other thing that turns heads about Horizon boats is the price. With packages starting from under $40,000 (the rig as tested was under $45,000), it’s a great stepping stone

FMG

exactly what the Horizon team wanted to deliver.

What the hull has also delivered is a rig that’s east to anchor, with a split-access to the anchor well. With the added Bimini top and bait board, it was obvious that this boat had been set up with the keen snapper angler in mind.

Loading and unloading is easy with the transom door to the starboard side of the outboard.

Powered by the new Yamaha F90 4-stroke outboard, the rig was economical, delivering 3km/L burned at a comfortable cruising speed of 3500rpm and 34km/h.

With an 80L fuel tank, this gives a theoretical

for anglers upgrading from their first tinnie. You get shade, offshore capability and the ability to spend a family day on the water

For more information, you can visit www. horizonboats.com.au and make sure you like Horizon Boats on Facebook.

With the transom bait station, the SunRunner is set up for bait or lure fishing. That’s the Gold Coast in the background.

The 90hp Yamaha delivered excellent economy, with 3km/L at 3500rpm.

The dash of the 2018 model is improved.

There are plenty of places to hang on and access to the anchor well is easy. You can also flush mount large electronics.

Designed with the serious angler in mind, there’s plenty of rod storage in the rocket launcher and shade for when you’re traveling.

The SunRunner will turn heads at the boat ramp and on the water.

The fully flat floor and rail system makes storage simple.

Check out the large kill-box under the cockpit floor. It keeps things neat when the mackerel are running.

Cradled on a single-axle trailer, the rig is manoeuvrable off the water as well as on. It helps with tight storage spots.

Boarding is easy with the fold down ladder and the slip-in transom door.

The rear lounge can fold away after you’ve finished travelling to your fishing spot.

The anchor well is simple and easily accessible through the split section for’ard.

The rear bait station is practical and has enough room to work around.

The transom deadrise isn’t massive, which provides a balance between rough water ride and shallow water loading ability.

MARCH 2018

103

SAVE $1,130 ON 40-90HP FREE SMARTCRAFT RIGGING KIT

BE PART OF THE REVOLUTION Be part of the Mercury FourStroke Revolution sooner than you thought. With a free SmartCraft SC1000 tacho rigging kit saving you $1,130 on the 40-90hp FourStroke range.

Easy weekly payments from Mercury Finance can have you on the water enjoying the power, efficiency and reliability of Mercury’s advanced FourStroke technology.

So why wait, join the Mercury Fourstroke Revolution.

HURRY OFFER ENDS MARCH 26TH, 2018. *Terms and conditions apply.

See your nearest participating Mercury Dealer for more details. mercurymarine.com.au

FREE SMARTCRAFT SC1000 TACHO RIGGING KIT