Queensland Fishing Monthly - April 2014 by Fishing Monthly

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Black Magic 40lb Tough Fluorocarbon leader was used to catch this 23kg barramundi. Jamin Harley was fishing on the Barron River, Cairns.

Mathew Cockington landed this impressive 13kg snapper while fishing at Adelaide Metropolitan Waters. Mathewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fish took a Black Magic KS 8/0 hook.

Six year old Benjamin Andrejic used Black Magic 20lb Tough Trace to take this 60cm flathead. Benjamin was fishing at Moreton Island.

George Dean landed this bream while fishing on Gorges River, NSW. George used a Black Magic C Point 2/0 hook and Black Magic 8lb Fluorocarbon tippet.

Ramon Dellaca was fishing using Black Magic KL 3/0 hook and Black Magic 60lb Tough Trace when a salmon took the bait. As Ramon pulled the salmon in this 25kg mulloway ate the salmon.

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April 2014, Vol. 28 No. 6

Contents SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Tweed Heads 12 Southern Gold Coast 14 Gold Coast Canals 16 Gold Coast 18 Jumpinpin 20 Southern Bay 22 Brisbane 24 Brisbane Offshore 26 Northern Bay 28 Caloundra 32 Noosa 34 CENTRAL QUEENSLAND Fraser Coast 36 Hervey Bay 38 Rainbow Beach 38 Lake Monduran 40 Bundaberg 42 Gladstone 44 Rockhampton 46 Yeppoon 48 Mackay 50 Stanage Bay 51 TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND Bowen 66 Ayr 67 Townsville 68 Hinchinbrook 68 Lucinda 69 Cairns 70 Port Douglas 72 Cooktown 74 Weipa 74 Karumba 75 The Cape 75

From the Editor’s Desk... It’s been a strange month for me this month with little to no fishing due to a couple of stays in hospital. Yep, the old boy has gone a bit soft and I missed most of this magazine’s production lying in a hospital bed hearing about all the mackerel, prawns, barra and marlin being caught. It was almost enough to keep me in bed a little longer. While I was away there was an announcement about a review in Queensland Fisheries by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh. The basic idea is to investigate ways to minimise the overwhelming red tape, review professional and recreational fishing and make recommendations about the future management of our fisheries. Generally speaking, there is widespread joy about this announcement as it is well

overdue and the fixing of all the things wrong with fisheries management in Queensland has always been placed in the too hard basket. Of course we wait and see what comes of all this as successive governments have not really made many meaningful restructures of Fisheries Queensland (well apart form rationalising the entire department!). Right now I can’t direct you anywhere for more information as the Minister has stated that this will be long process, but as information is made available and the varying opinions are voiced, I’ll try to keep you all up to speed on them. As to how we, the average angler, can get involved, well that too will have to wait. History would suggest most reviews are carried out using the same people, sipping the same cups of teas and eating the same biscuits in a boys club of bureaucracy. I am hoping this will be different. Stay tuned.

And then there is fishing. What can I say about the fishing locally lately? It has been spectacular. I just had a reader in at the office and he was super excited to show me a pic of a 140cm mulloway taken in the Logan a couple of days before, oh yeah and that was after he’d filled his limit out on prawns! My boss Steve Morgan has been haunting the Brissie River and catching threadies and mulloway on surface lures, while down at the mouth the threadfin are going off! In the bay, squid and tuna have been consistent and some awesome snapper have been taken and offshore continues to produce. A bit further north and even I could catch a barra. I visited the Kolan with a couple of mates and with the help of Jason Medcalf and Jason Ehrlich we all got some barra on lures. It was great fun casting Halco Big Barra lures and some old Richo Lures

in the snags and getting stitched or landing barra up to 90cm. Every time I chase barra I find myself not quite being prepared for how hard they go – and I just love that. It’s always surprising and always fun. The best memory though was of one barra hooked by Pete Jung that went aerial right next to the boat and was horizontal at chest height to everyone in the boat and we all saw it. It didn’t matter how big or small that fish was, that jump was just awesome! It seems the fishing in my absence has been first class and I can’t wait to re-learn how to chuck a cast net (and yep I chuck it, I certainly don’t cast it). The Fisheries review will be an ongoing issue and something all of us should keep an eye on as the future of what we do (rec and pro) will likely be determined in the next 18 months. Interesting times always.

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Dave McKenzie with a cracking Jumpinpin mulloway. The season on mulloway has been exceptional.

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Join the grunter hunters TOWNSVILLE

Jeremy De Haan

In North Queensland we are blessed to have both freshwater and saltwater fishing right at our doorstep. One species in particular that I’ve been targeting lately has been

the humble sooty grunter. These fish have a limited distribution, being found only in coastal and inland freshwater streams and rivers of NQ, NT and some parts of WA. These tough Aussie natives can adapt to fastchanging conditions such as flash flooding and severe

drought. They prefer streams and rivers that have good oxygen content and fast flowing water for most of the year. They can be caught throughout the year but their feeding patterns often change. This is great for anglers, particularly during the summer months when the

Sooty grunter love poppers and hit them hard! This fish ate a Halco Roosta popper as it landed.

A beautifully conditioned sooty grunter. Fish of this size and larger can really pull some drag! SOOTY STATS Also called ‘black bream’, this aggressive, territorial fish has a stocky body and ranges in colour from solid black to brownish grey/tan. Sooty grunter are found in large streams, either clear or turbid, which have a reasonable flow. The preferred areas are the upper stretches in areas with a sandy or rocky bottom and a small amount of aquatic plant growth. These fish can tolerate a wide range of temperatures (between 12-34ºC) and their main diet consists of insects, frogs, worms, crustaceans and berries. Spawning is triggered in summer in response to higher water levels from the wet season rains. Sooty grunter can grow up to 45cm (4kg) but the most common size encountered is around 25cm. The minimum legal size in Queensland is 28cm and the bag limit is 10 (combined sooty grunter and khaki grunter). Sooty grunter are an acceptable tablefish, although most anglers view their fighting qualities as better than their eating qualities.

sooties begin to congregate in large schools to breed. Spawning is triggered by rising water levels combined with water temperatures exceeding around 25°C. Sooty grunter are an opportunistic feeding fish which makes them a very exciting species for anglers to target. Due to their aggressive nature sooty grunter will take a large selection of lures, flies and bait fished in amongst large snags or deep holes.

FIND THE FISH Not all rivers and creeks in north Queensland have populations of sooty grunter. The best tool in finding likely looking areas is to use the internet and do a bit of research! There are well known sooty locations in big river systems, but these areas are often heavily fished. Instead of fishing these areas yourself, just look them up on Google Earth and have a look for smaller

Sooty heaven! A snag like this is almost guaranteed to hold plenty of fish. Nearly a dozen fish were caught from this one log jam.

creeks and streams running into that main system. This is often where the best fishing can be found. You may just find your very own secret spot where no one else fishes that has a very large population of sooty grunter! LURING Sooty grunter are very opportunistic and will take almost anything small that is thrown at them. My favourite lures vary according to the time of day and the amount of shade covering the water. I find the most exciting and heart-racing technique is to use small poppers or fizzers. Lately I’ve had a lot of success on the 45mm Halco Roosta popper, which is a perfect little surface lure for early morning and low light conditions. Sooty grunter rarely venture far past protected cover, so surface fishing is difficult without good cloud cover creating shadow over the snag or ambush point. When the surface action slows down I opt for a sinking soft plastic. My favourite is the Berkley Ripple Shad fished slowly amongst the snags on a light jighead.

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Getting your technique right can mean the difference between catching 40 fish a session or just a handful. Sooty grunter are an ambush feeder which means they sit close under cover waiting for food to come to them. For that reason you need to fish as close to the snags as possible and be ready to get stuck into the fish as soon as your lure hits the water. A small deepwater snag can hold 20 or more

fish, and the moment your lure hits the water they can be all over it. Don’t underestimate how hard a 40cm sooty can pull! It will drill you into the snags the instant it hits the lure if you let it. I fish a fairly tight drag and use my hand on the spool to steer their head if needed. For luring the streams for sooty grunter I opt for lightweight gear. A 2-4kg rod is ideal. Match it with a 2500 size reel with 8lb

braid and a 12-15lb leader and you’re ready for an epic session on the water. DODGING DANGER One final thing I have to mention is the danger involved with fishing the creeks and rivers of North Queensland. The biggest killer or session ender for an angler is dehydration and heatstroke. Walking long distances in the heat is often required to catch these hard-to-find fish and you must be prepared for

Not all fish are taken from structure. This fish was spotted cruising open sand flats and took a well presented soft plastic cast towards it.

such conditions. Always bring plenty of water (a bottle of Powerade helps as well) to keep your body’s salt levels up, reducing chance of cramps. When it comes to clothing, wear the lightest and coolest sun protective clothing you have. If possible, bring along a GPS as well. Another hazard comes from the dangerous animals that also share these pristine waterways. Saltwater crocodiles love big, open freshwater systems, especially where there is cattle access from surrounding farms. Big crocs are found throughout most large freshwater systems and it is a real risk if you don’t take general precautions. Limit your time wading the water as much as you can and don’t wade more than knee height at all times. If the water isn’t clear, stay out altogether. You also need to keep an eye out for croc slides surrounding your standing location. Snakes can also be found in these areas, and in the warmer months the risk of bites increases dramatically. Stick to flat terrain and avoid long grass and you should be right. The most important safety tip I can give you,

This fish took a Powerbait T-tail minnow the second it hit the water. Note the fallen log he was caught from in the background. however, is to bring someone along and have a first-aid kit in your backpack. In the unlikely event that something bad happens, they might just save your life. All of this preparation is easily worth the trouble because the rewards are so

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Now it’s time for the fun stuff BYRON COAST

David Solano

Last month I talked about luring for bream on the Tweed and I mentioned how good the by-catch it can be. But what happens if

you specifically target these other species with plastics or hardbodied lures, such as flathead, whiting or tailor? April is a good time to target these fish so I’m going to share with you some hot spots, what lures to use and when to use them.

Ben (the Phantom) with a massive mulloway caught off Fingal Beach that made my flathead look small.

Let’s start with the Tweed lizard. Big flathead will take little lures but not on all occasions. Recently I spotted a monster flathead under my yak, then I quickly backed off and cast a 2” Gulp Shrimp at it, bouncing a TT 1/12oz jighead along the bottom. The first cast it went by its mouth by a couple of centimetres and it didn’t bat an eyelid. Hmm! Guess I need to get closer. This time the lure hit its head (I was hoping I’d foul hook it) and it still didn’t move. Was I seeing things? One way to tell – I paddled over and sat right on top of it and banged the side of my yak with the paddle and yep, a big flatty alright! It took off like a rocket but interestingly stopped 10m or so away (I was glad I had my Spotters sunnies on so I could see all this). So I had another go at it with the same result. I think this fish was toying with me. A week later I was trolling through the same arm (yeah I know, trolling!) with my jack rod. I had on a ZMan Paddle Tail SwimmerZ with a 3/4oz TT jighead. When I got to the area where I’d seen and cast at the big girl I got smashed by a 90cm+ lizard and it got me thinking it was the same fish and the bigger lure did

the trick. Those big girls are pretty territorial after all. Oh, and I swear she winked at me when I let her go. I like to name the big fish I let go, particularly the big flatties. Well, Norma was caught in the stretch of river behind PKG’s Seafood and if you do happen to catch her, treat her kindly, take the photo and then enjoy the pleasure of watching her swim away. OK, now for the fun stuff. How do you go about catching a whiting on a hardbodied lure? These fish love fast moving surface lures, whether it be a popper or something like a Megabass Dog X Junior. The technique is very important. When I first discovered you could catch whiting on surface lures I couldn’t have been in a better spot to have a crack. I’d hired a houseboat for a week and we were anchored off Ukerebagh Island right next to a massive sand bank which, on the high tide, made the perfect whiting hunting ground. When my girlfriend had her beauty sleep I paddled on over to try this new idea out. It worked! I caught a whiting on my second try, not legal but at least I knew the approach was working.

Crabbing is good along the Tweed as well. Initially I found myself getting a bit too excited and kept pulling the lure away from the following fish, but by the end of the week I found the best way was to just keep working the lure regardless of how many fish were chasing it. Keep going even if it’s getting bitten, and only strike when your rod loads up. Sometimes it can be hard to do as it’s all so damned exciting! Give it a try and it won’t be long before you’re addicted. Some awesome flats to check out are the Cobaki Broadwater and the Terranora Broadwater, really anywhere it’s shallow. If there’s weed and rocks on the bottom, so much the better. Tailor are my favourite fun fish. This time of year

the big greenbacks can be caught on a cheap slug lures skull dragged over the top of the water. Both the rock walls at the Tweed work well but I prefer the Fingal side, casting into the surf. Any surface lure angler will tell you that the hits are pretty cool, particularly when a tailor hits the lure so hard that it flies out of the water. My favourite spot for tailor is near Fingal Light House. It’s the causeway, really a little island all on its own, kind of like a ‘rock boat’, i.e. you can fish from it just like on a deck. A word of warning: you have to cross the causeway to get to it and this can be dangerous, so watch what the waves are doing, wear shoes and get into ‘em!

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Rewards after the deluge Ben Job

I’m predicting big things this April, we have had a tonne of rain in the previous month to give the rivers a flush and stir up the offshore species. So get ready this month as it should hold some hot action! There will be a wide range of offshore species on offer in April starting with snapper. As the current is slowing, more and more boats will be out chasing these little red devils and the bit of fresh will bring them on the chew. As always, the 18 and 24 fathom reefs will produce the goods as well as Fidos and the Mud Hole. For those of you with a slightly sturdier vessel the 36 and the 42 will also be holding good numbers. For big snapper I’m still a fan of float lining baits back through a berley trail. I find an overhead outfit best for this, spooled with 20-30lb monofilament line. I like the mono line because it allows a more natural bait presentation, and much less fish are lost due to hooks pulling.

Any bait will work on its given day when snapper fishing but I think the humble pillie is pretty hard to beat most of the time, although I’ve caught quality fish on flesh baits, such as mullet and tuna. Try to use the lightest sinker you can get away with; anything 1/2oz to 1 1/2oz usually does the trick. Run the sinker right onto the hooks and most of the time I’ll use gang hooks. Mustad 7766 hooks are really good for ganging: they are strong and, with the aid of a file, sharpen up just fine. Gangs are an advantage particularly when there are a few stray mackerel or tailor present. When you float a bait back, try to let it down as freely as possible as when a big snapper climbs onto your bait the fish should feel no pressure, after a few feet of free spool, set your hook. A few nice blue marlin will be poking around in the next month or so and if you’re keen for some heart racing action I suggest getting out there. Anywhere from about 70 fathoms and beyond will hold blues. But it’s not all about just putting your lures in and heading east, keep a close eye out for birds working, schooled bait

fish and current lines. A 50lb line is a minimum in blue marlin territory but 80-130lb tackle is far more suitable. Lures ranging from 9-16” work best in our area and it’s always safe to run a range of colours, shapes and sizes. Spanish mackerel will still be cruising the closer reefs and by trolling a few bibbed minnow style lures, such as locally made Jonesy and Lively Lure Blue Pillies, can be a very effectively caught. When it comes to speed, try to troll as fast as possible but still allow the lure to track straight and not come out of the water. I use 80lb single strand wire, it’s nice and thin so your lures can dive a bit deeper. Once again when trolling look for birds circling or diving, this very simple sign can mean the difference in catching your bag limit or going home heartbroken. INSHORE In April you will start to see a few more school mulloway showing up in our local estuaries. To catch schoolies successfully you must study the tides very closely, as they are a fish that will usually be found in reasonably deep water that is

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very tide affected. For best results try to fish on the turn of the tide when there is less flow (change of tide). School mulloway will take a wide range of lures. I like soft plastics when targeting mulloway but in recent times have had success on metal vibes. My best catches have been on plastic in a jerk minnow style, such as 5-7” Gulp jerk shads and 6” Atomic jerk minnows. However, when the tide has completely stopped it’s worth trying a shad style tail. Jigheads will range from 1/2 to 1 1/2oz. In the past months I have been using more and more heavily weighted lipless crankbaits when fishing for schoolies and by far the best I’ve found is one out of the Ecogear stable, a VT20g, and the locally made Thready Busters. This lure sinks quickly and can be found with or without a rattle. A rattle is a big help when fish are seeing plenty of lures or if the water is dirty. When trying to locate this sometimes elusive species, concentrate your efforts on deep holes, deep dropoffs and break walls near the mouth of your creek or

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river. The Southport seaway holds mulloway almost year round but if you aren’t there at the right stage of the tide you will most likely catch minimal fish and lose maximum gear. Around the mouth and middle reaches of the Tweed River up to about the Chinderah rock wall will hold schoolies this time of year, but again it’s all about putting the time in.

You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding bream around the place but due to all the rain, stick to the mouths and deeper water. Yabbies, worms and soldier crabs are always good bait for bream but if you are chasing more sizable fish try white pilchards, hardiheads or even stripped flesh baits such as mullet or gar. I use about a size 1 hook with a

medium length shank such as a Mustad Aberdeen or something similar, with a trace of around 1m long, and try to use a fairly light sinker around a 4 ball. At the top of the tide most sand banks will hold some nice summer whiting along with the start of the winter whiting. These tasty little devils are very popular sport and great fun

When it comes to chasing speedsters, try to troll as fast as possible but still allow the lure to track straight and not come out of the water.

Trevor Ward on board M.V. Australiana fishing off Swains Reef picked up a rare catch, the Moari sea bream. The skipper told him they only catch about 4-6 of these fish a year. Trevor used a flesh bait and a 7/0 hook and caught it in about 80m of water – it weighed 4kg and fought hard.

to catch and fresh bait is the key to success. With the aid of a yabby pump and a sieve you can most times have all the bait you will ever need, and it’s not bad fun either. I use the same rig as for bream, only stick with a smaller hook like a size 6 or 4. After the massive amounts of rain we have had in the first few months of this year, the mud crabs will be in plague proportions. I prefer the rectangular shaped collapsible style pots for chasing muddies,

because they catch them quickly! I find that when I am running my pots I can basically start at my first pot and by the time I have checked them all, you can start checking them again, especially if you are running 12 pots with a few mates (the legal requirement in Queensland is 4 pots per person). I don’t really have a preferred bait but I will usually use chicken frames mixed with whatever fish scraps I have available. What is more important is that your bait is fresh. Try

setting your pots on dropoffs and in creek mouths and if this rain continues try the main channels in the deepest sections. I’m sure with all this rain there will be plenty of bass getting about in the upper reaches of the Tweed and the very top of the Nerang. The fish can be caught from a canoe or kayak or on foot. Surface lures first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon is always a good way to catch them and also very exciting.

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Surface working a treat GOLD COAST CANALS

Josh Dunn

As some of the anglers are heading offshore in search of one of those Spaniards or yellowfin, some are almost forgetting about how good the canals are this time of year. There are bream, GT and jacks on topwater with the odd flathead on the bottom which can’t resist a plastic or a bit of bait. GT have slowly made their way into pretty much all canal systems, taking just about anything from small white plastics to most surface lures and bait. Good places to fish include Pimpama River, Coomera River, Runaway Bay canals, Jacobs Well canals and up to Logan River, from the mouth of the river to deep into the canal. I find the morning high tide and afternoon is best. The mud crabs are also in good numbers so why not throw a pot in while you catch a few fish? Whole mullet is my favourite crab bait. Great places include Logan River, Ormeau, Pimpama, Coomera and Nerang River with lots of other great spots on the list. If you throw a pot in that afternoon and check it the next morning, you should see some quality muddies.

My mate has been telling me the prawns are out and about, he prawns Jacobs Well a lot with great success. I reckon it’ll be a great prawn season to come (remember, 20L per person). Over the coming month we will see a lot more tailor

around smashing bait and taking lures. I’ve caught tailor deep into canals so don’t be scared to fish there. Having said that, there are a lot more quality fish at the mouths of the rivers from Nerang up to Jacobs Well. Pilchards are a hard bait to go past, and one

It was a hard morning’s fishing but the Strada Dancer produced the goods including this Biggera Waters bream. Photo courtesy of Sam Keller.

A 54cm flathead extracted deep from our local canal system when fishing the bottom with soft plastics.

of my favourite lures is the ZMan 3” MinnowZ in opening night colour. One of my favourite things is seeing some surface action, especially topwater bream fishing. It’s simple but it does take some practice and study. One technique I find that works great is fishing from the boat with the electric motor, getting 30m from the bank and throwing surface lures to the sand banks and rock walls. You then retrieve them either with a slow-medium pace wind and pause a few times. Surface hardbodies that work an absolute treat

include Strada 55mm and 70mm Dancers in natural colours, most bent minnows at around 70mm, ‘walk the dog’ style lures and poppers. Places that fire up in April include Biggera Waters, Runaway Bay and Nerang River. In the next month we will see a heap more surface action! Great fun! Moses perch are around in good numbers and coming in one after another. An angler was telling he’s been getting quite a few fish averaging 30cm. He also tells me they are an exceptionally great table fish! Moses perch take almost everything that a bream would

take – prawns, pillies… I even got a heap on ZMan 2.5” GrubZ. These fish go hard, just like their close relative the mangrove jack. I have found Moses perch just about everywhere in the Gold Coast canals, mostly around bridges and large jetties. Remember there’s a bag limit of 5 and a minimum size of 25cm. This month as the temperatures start to drop it’s a good idea to head out for whatever you want to target in your local Gold Coast canal, because you won’t regret it! Tight lines and I’ll see you out there!

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Wahoo in the blue GOLD COAST

David Green

April should be a good month to chase bigger Spanish mackerel and wahoo. So far the mackerel season has been excellent with a lot of smaller Spaniards and a lot of spotted mackerel caught on all the close reefs inside of 24 fathoms on a fairly reliable basis. There has been plenty of bait and a lot of boats have been out chasing a feed of mackerel. This month sees the water cool slightly and in general the Spanish mackerel increase in size as a lot more large female fish migrate into the area. Targeting the bigger mackerel is best done using large trolled baits such as small tuna, or by fishing big lures and stickbaits. There should be quite a few fish in the 15-20kg range this month. In close to shore there is also a good ‘return run’ of spotted mackerel. Every year these fish migrate south into NSW, and as the more southern waters cool they turn back north and enter Queensland between April and June, depending on the season. These spotties have generally bulked up during their southern migration and fish of 6kg and more are relatively common. Areas such as Palm Beach and Mermaid Reef can produce excellent spotted mackerel fishing in autumn. April is probably the best month of the year to chase wahoo off the Gold Coast. The Tweed Nine Mile Reef is one of the most popular spots, and big wahoo over 20kg can be common when the current is running. I like to mix up my methods when chasing these great fish. I generally start the morning with an hour of high-speed trolling using the locally made Hex Heads on wire traces. These lures troll easily at 10-15 knots

and 12 knots seems to be the optimal speed. At this pace the bites are outstanding. The ratchets on the reels absolutely scream. I tend to use the bigger model Hex Heads on 24kg tackle for this. It works well early in the morning when the sea surface is smooth. My ‘wahoo Plan B’ is generally to troll small live tuna. These can be caught spinning and are then trolled on a 2-hook rig on wire at about 2 knots with the reel in gear. This is a great way to catch big mackerel and wahoo but sharks can be a problem at times. If you see

trolled tuna on a close reef and I lost it 4 hours later and over 20km from where it was hooked. Out wider there should be good blue marlin action out wide of the shelf and a few black marlin around the 80m line, depending on the amount of bait present. April is generally a very good month to chase blue marlin on the wider grounds beyond the 100m line. The bottom fishing this month will be controlled by current, but should improve a bit for juvenile snapper and pearl perch as the water cools. Overall, for the offshore

April is a great month to chase wahoo off the Gold Coast. schools of small tuna about they can usually be caught on small cast slugs or by trolling small Christmas trees or squids. This is a deadly method and also catches marlin. The biggest black marlin I’ve ever hooked off the Gold Coast ate a small

angler April is a great month to chase long, toothy, fast fish. RIVERS AND ESTUARIES As the water cools down and the prevailing winds start to swing a bit more westerly, it is time to chase

This whiting couldn’t resist a Bassday Sugar Pen. banana prawns. This season has already seen reasonable catches at the northern end of the Gold Coast around Russell Island and Jacobs Well. A 10L bucket per person is the bag limit. Cast net on the run-out tides and watch out for clusters of boats. A sounder is a big help as it lets you locate prawns easily. Remember to take a few rope extensions as the prawns can often be in over 10m of water and often school up in the deeper holes. This month is the last good opportunity to have a crack at a decent mangrove jack before they go quiet in the cooler months. At this time of year a lot of big jacks move into the Seaway area and take up residence around the rock walls. Deeply worked plastics and jigs can be effective but small live baits fished close to the rocks catch some great jacks over 50cm most years at this time. You can also expect mulloway, a few GT and flathead on deep live baits. There have been some big schools of mulloway in the Seaway and at Jumpinpin but bull sharks have been quite ferocious and a lot of fish have been eaten by sharks during the fight. Flathead start to increase in numbers this month and the best catches are usually around Tipplers, Gold Bank and in the Kalinga Bank area. Most of the fish are between 40 and 50cm at this time of year and respond well to plastics, blades and small trolled lures. There

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the trailing hook it improves results by putting the hook a bit further back. Tiny assist hooks on Kevlar leader are another option. Wind fast and keep the lure spitting a bit of water ahead of it. Overall, April is a good month for fishing the Gold Coast. When the weather is good it is time to load up on mackerel and wahoo fillets for the freezer, and in the estuaries a good feed of banana prawns and whiting make it a great month to catch a feed.

Dave Lawless with a Spanish mackerel caught on a Halco Laser Pro.

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should also be quite a few tailor, pike, bream and small trevally as by-catch. Catching whiting on poppers is another fun way to fish this month. As the small prawns increase in numbers on the flats the whiting will improve in numbers. My favourite whiting surface lures are the Lucky Craft Sammy, the Bassday Sugar Pen and the Rebel Pop’R. I find small chemically sharpened trebles improve the hook-up rate and if you use double or triple split rings to

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Awesome fishing in April JUMPINPIN

Mick Morris gembait@tpg.com

Fishing Jumpinpin in April should produce the usual mixed bag of fish that the Pin is famous for. The weather should start to calm down and

bring us a few less windy days (fingers-crossed) and allow us to sneak outside the bar and chase a few pelagics that are still hanging about or a few reefies on the close reefs like Alf and Sullys. Some tailor should start to show up along the beaches and just inside the

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bar as they chase schools of baitfish up the coast. Metal slugs and plastics mimicking these baitfish are the go, but remember those tailor will make a mess of your plastics with their razor sharp teeth. Flathead should be around in good numbers along the weed banks near Pandanus Island and at the bottom of Kangaroo Island, Cobby Passage, Kalinga Bank and near the Powerlines. Small pillies, whitebait and 3-5” soft plastics are working well

There are plenty of small to medium bream about, which is nothing new, so be sure to release the little ones safely so that they can grow into the larger kind that are a heap of fun to catch. Small soft plastics, poppers, blades and sinking hardbodies are all working well up against mangroves, pylons and rock walls where the bream congregate. A few small juvenile snapper are also beginning to show up. The pick spots have been near Kalinga

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The Nofke family with a good feed of Logan River whiting. with white, green and pink the pick of the colours. Natural baitfish looking lures are also catching a few. Being an ambush predator, flathead can be caught in as little as 1ft of water so don’t be afraid to get the lure right up onto the bank. Trolling hardbodied lures across the shallows and weed patches is also proving successful. There are good quality whiting in the sand banks near Crusoe Island’s Gold bank, Slipping Sands, Fishermans Channel and the Broadwater towards the Gold Coast. Stick with live worms if you can get them, if not peeled prawns, squid or cured worms are worth a try.

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The banana prawns showed up early last month and since then have been hit and miss. However, they should start to school up and be easier to find and catch during April. The deep water off Karragarra is a popular spot or you can usually find them out the front of Browns Bay, Rudy Maas or down towards Jacobs Well. Muddies have had a bumper season and the freshwater being added

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Bank, Tabby Tabby, the Powerlines, Five Ways, Steiglitz and Cobby Passage rocks. The Logan River has produced a few mangrove jacks and king threadfin salmon on live banana prawns and herring around Marks Rocks. There have also been a few good lizards, whiting, morwong, sharks and plenty of catfish in the river. Small school mulloway

Trish was rapt with this thumping jack.

are about, but now that the minimum size 75cm most have to go back. Using live mullet, herring, gar or pike and larger 6-9” soft plastics is the way to go. Bigger mulloway should start to come on during April out towards the Pin Bar, the deep water off Swan Bay and Short Island. I’ve had reports that there have been a couple of real monster mulloway over 20kg coming from the Logan at night so if you can put the time in you might just catch a fish of a lifetime.

to the system should keep them firing all through the month. Sandies have been quiet considering they were everywhere at the start of crabbing season. Try along the deeper drop-offs near the Powerlines, Canaipa Passage and Tiger Mullet Channel. Once again keep a keen eye on your pots. • Thanks for all your reports and keep those fish coming in. If you’d like any advice or up to date fishing information drop us a line at Gem Bait & Tackle on (07) 3287 3868 or email gembait@tpg.com.au.

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A season to remember SOUTHERN BAY

Troy Wegner twegner@tpg.com.au

April is a great time to be getting out on the water as you have the weather cooling and the summer northerlies easing, which is the very beginning of glassed out afternoons. Last issue I wrote about chasing longtails, and I can safely say that in the last month we have had one of the best longtail seasons that we have had in a long time. I am putting this down to the lack of rain as well as the amount of bait that is in the

bay at the moment. The bait that is around is not just the standard 5-7cm size, which you normally get around April; there’s a lot of larger sized bait like garfish and small flying fish. I have never seen them in the southern bay before. With there being so much bait as well as school after school of tuna, this can only mean that sharks will sooner rather than later find their way to the area. They have been a big problem in certain areas of the bay so it is best to test the waters by throwing a plastic around for a little while and see if you can land a fish without getting it taken.

If there are no sharks around I would really recommend throwing stick baits for tuna. The visual aspect of fishing with them is definitely worth it. April is also a great month for targeting bread and butter species in the bay. It will be about the time that the smaller snapper begin to school up, so it will be worth looking over the Peel artificials. If the juvenile snapper are schooled up over these areas, targeting them with light jigheads is the way to go – anything from a 1/6oz to a 1/4oz jighead depending on the tidal flow and wind around on the day. The reason I suggest using

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It’s wise to test an area for sharks before throwing stickbaits around. You can throw bigger plastics when the tuna are feeding on bigger bait. ZMan 8” StreakZ in bubble gum are great for tuna. such light jigheads is because when juvenile snapper are schooled up it is very rare that they are schooled right down on the bottom. For that reason you want your plastic to drift down slowly through the school. The size of the plastic can also make the difference between taking one fish home for a feed and taking your bag limit home. Sometimes it pays to have two rods rigged, one with a 3” plastic and another with a 5” plastic rigged. This allows you to have a drift or two over the school with a smaller plastic, and if nothing takes a liking to it you don’t have to assume the fish are shut down. A couple of drifts with a bigger plastic may well do the trick. It all depends on the size of the bait that the fish are feeding on. Over these same areas during April you will begin to find a few mulloway. I know that no one will be complaining if they’re hooked up to a mulloway as by-catch! Mulloway will still hit the 3” size plastics; you don’t need to necessarily use big plastics for these guys. Like the squire, it just depends on what size bait they are feeding on. I hope you all have a great break over Easter and spend some quality time with the family, and if the weather allows I hope you can get out on the water to get onto a few fish. Until next month.

Top: Even snapper like this 70cm model will take small plastics. This one fell to ZMan 3.75” StreakZ in pearl rigged on a 1/6oz TT jighead. Bottom: Visually throwing stickbaits is one of my favourite techniques for targeting tuna. Every strike is different. This fish ate a Maria Loaded 140s.

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n o e b o t t n Wa f o r e v o C the ? y l h t n o M Fishing

INSER T YOUR FACE HERE!

Do you love your monthly issue of Fishing Monthly? Do you think it’s about time you were on the cover of it? Well, we think that too and are offering readers the chance to do just that. The June, July and August issues of Queensland, NSW and Victoria/Tasmania FMs will all feature readers’ pics on the front covers. And there’s no reason why it can’t be you... Entry is simple. Email us your cover-worthy pic. Remember, though, that it needs to be the right composition and resolution to work. After that, it just needs to get through the Grumpy Old Men committee (of Steve Booth and Steve Morgan) and then BOOM, you’re the latest cover model.

Be creative - we like images that aren’t just ‘person holding fish’. • • • • • •

Other parameters of which you need to take note: Portrait format (turn camera on its side). Leave enough room for a magazine masthead at the top of the image. Shoot in the highest resolution your camera can take. Use fill-in flash to help remove any shadows under caps or biminis. Live fish look way better than dead ones. Any fish must be legally captured (within season/size limits).

Head not too high in the shot to allow for Masthead Portrait format showing focus area

And then email your image to: frontcovercomp@fishingmonthly.com.au with a description of the what/when/where/how of the capture. Be sure to include your details, too, because we’ll post out a framed copy of the winning covers to the entrant.

THAT will be going straight to the Pool Room, we bet.

For full terms and conditions, please refer to www.fishingmonthly.com.au/frontcovercomp APRIL 2014

April action aplenty BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

Fishing during April is generally good with a broad mix of demersal, pelagic and crustaceans on offer. However, with seasons not being regular over recent years, it is often hard to predict what the angling action will be like. Still, for anglers this just keeps things interesting, with out of season species often showing up en masse when they would usually be hard to find. In April we often see the weather start to cool down somewhat. It creates a pleasant environment for those heading out on sunny days, although early morning starts may already require a good coffee and some warm clothes to get you motivated. All in all, with lots of options in Southern Queensland waters during April, anglers will be spoilt for choice. Over the past few years there have been numerous factors that have affected the fishing throughout Southern Queensland. The two major floods over the last four years have definitely been a positive for our waters long term. Firstly, the greatly increased nutrient levels in most systems have resulted in an increase in baitfish and crustacean activity. As a result, many predators have flourished, often

turning up in numbers not seen for over 20 years. For example, the summer run of Spanish mackerel has been awesome with huge numbers available right along the coastline. You could often get your bag limit of three fish within half an hour, and although the size wasn’t spectacular (many Spanish were less than a metre long), what they lacked in size they made up for in numbers. Mahi mahi were also more plentiful than usual, and there were also good numbers of yellowfin tuna, billfish, king threadfin salmon and numerous others. The school mackerel were fairly consistent throughout Moreton Bay although spotted mackerel were a bit light on. The spotties seemed to have bypassed the bay and good schools were located along the front of Moreton Island and Stradbroke Islands and off the Gold Coast at the Seaway One Mile, Mermaid Reef, Palm Beach Reef and numerous other locations. The bay has had good numbers of quality snapper on offer right throughout summer as well as mulloway, yellowtail kingfish and longtail tuna. However, species such as sweetlip, mac tuna, bonito and tuskfish have been a little harder to find. The prevalence of some fish species has been all over the place but thinking anglers have generally had little difficulty getting into

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some action if they are not piscatorial racists. PRAWNS These tasty crustaceans have been available in good numbers in recent months with the Caboolture River, Pine River, Brisbane River, Logan River and many other systems producing the goods. Many prawners have had no trouble acquiring a 10L bucket limit within a few hours. With quality Australian caught prawns regularly in excess of $20 per kilo, a few hours of effort is a reward for both the palate and the pocket. Most spots will prawn best around the change of the tide when they settle down to the bottom to feed on the silt and debris. Deep holes and the lower side of ledges are good places to concentrate your efforts during these times. Make sure to allow your cast net to sink all the way to the bottom and then shake it as you slowly retrieve it to get the net leads shuffling across the bottom and scaring the prawns out of the silt and up into the net. Larger nets, such as a maximum 12ft spread, will cover a greater area and will stay open longer as they sink, which is especially important when working deeper waters. During the faster stages of the tide, either falling or rising, prawns can still be found in the same areas as well as more open sections of water as they transit up or down with the current. A quality side imaging sounder can be a great tool for locating these prawn schools. Most creek and river systems will produce and you don’t need a boat to get amongst the action. Some noted landbased prawning locations include the Colmslie Jetty and Newstead Jetty on the Brisbane River, Boat Passage Pontoon, Deepwater Bend on the Pine River, Woody Point Jetty, Wellington Point Jetty and various bridges and pontoons. For those fishing and prawning from these man-made structures, take the time to throw a few buckets of water over them to clean off the mud and debris after you finish. If they are constantly left in a bad state then it gives councils good reason to close them to fishers. It only takes a few minutes and is also a courtesy to others who use these facilities. BRISBANE RIVER With the influx of prawns into the estuarine and river systems, the fishing action in these zones has been excellent. The Brisbane River

There have been plenty of quality snapper throughout Moreton Bay in recent months, including this decent specimen tempted with a River2Sea Fish Candy paddle-tail vibe. has fished well for king threadfin salmon and a few mulloway over the last few months and this should continue throughout April. The threadfin have been caught in good numbers and to some fairly impressive sizes at various locations from the Gateway Bridge to the river mouth, and have also been fairly prevalent further up the river at times. Remember to handle these fish with care and don’t remove them from the water if you want to heighten their chances of survival. Threadfin salmon numbers have been good in recent years and they’re showing up with more regularity in other systems such as the Pumicestone Passage, Logan River, Caboolture River and occasionally on the flats out the front of Wynnum. There have also been plenty of other options throughout the river with estuary cod, snapper, flathead, mulloway, bream and numerous other targets available. These have been taken mainly in the lower reaches on soft plastics, vibes and a selection of baits, both dead and live. Popular areas include the Sunken Wall, Claras Rocks, the retaining walls at the mouth and adjacent to any jetties or other prominent structures. BAY OPTIONS The snapper fishing within Moreton Bay over the last few months has been excellent. Although the numbers of fish is nothing to get excited about, the quality has more than made up for it. Snapper exceeding 50cm fork length have been fairly common captures on most trips and plenty of times we have caught fish well exceeding 70cm and occasionally over 80cm. Most areas have been fishing well with good results coming from around the bay islands and the artificial reefs. Peel Island has been a little hit and

miss for some anglers, but exceptional specimens to over 90cm have been caught there. The Peel Artificial has been getting hit fairly hard and in addition to snapper, anglers have accounted for yellowtail kingfish, grass sweetlip, morwong, school mackerel and several other species. A few longtails have also been cruising around this area at times, especially early in the morning. The kayakers have been getting a few snapper around the ledges and rubble out the front of Wellington Point on the early morning rising tides. Bream, flathead, sweetlip and a few school mackerel have also been taken, mainly on soft plastics. Those fishing baits have encountered plenty of small whaler sharks. Mud Island has been steady for snapper and a few sweetlip and tuskfish. The northern and eastern sides have been the most heavily fished but I get decent results on the western side also. Soft plastics fished whilst drifting through these areas has been successful for many anglers. A broad array will work when fished correctly, with many anglers opting for Gulp 5” jerkshads and Zman MinnowZ. Quality baits fished with a minimum of lead also produce decent captures of snapper and other species. Drifting out a pilchard with no weight, or suspended under a balloon, will often entice a better class of snapper or perhaps a school of spotted mackerel. One thing to keep in mind when fishing shallower areas such as the Mud Island margins is stealth. Anglers who choose spots away from the crowd and who expect to wait a good 30 minutes or so after anchoring before they expect results will be the anglers most likely to be the envy of others at

the boat ramp. Anchor well upcurrent from your chosen spot and then let out your anchor rope until you are within casting distance of your fishing zone and you will be rewarded for your efforts and patience. Green Island can also fish well for snapper during April. I find Green a little hot and cold, but I have never put in any serious time there to get an intimate knowledge of its workings. April is considered to be a good month for sweetlip around Green. Grassies make up the bulk of the catch and knowledgeable anglers who go to the effort of getting up early and fishing quality baits will achieve the best success. You need to be on the water and anchored up at least an hour before sunrise. Good baits include large, fresh green prawns, fresh fillet baits (garfish, pike, mullet, slimy mackerel and the like), whole diver whiting, fresh squid and cuttlefish. Fish these as lightly weighted as possible along the ledges on the eastern and south-eastern sides and you should meet with success. Generally the action is all over within an hour after dawn but hopefully you will return home with some tasty sweetlip or snapper fillets. The Harry Atkinson has been a fairly consistent producer for many anglers with some quality snapper to be taken as well as mulloway, school mackerel, spotted mackerel, cod and numerous others. This is one area that can shut down quickly when the boat traffic increases. I generally find that if I can get out early mid-week then we usually do well. While there are a few key areas that are a little more reliable than others, the snapper in particular can be caught over a wide area as they commonly roam. When fishing plastics you can heighten results

by finding baitfish activity and then fishing around it. Snapper, mulloway and other species can be caught on a wide array of plastics, vibes, blades and baits. I have been doing fairly well on the River2Sea Fish Candy paddle-tail vibes. Like soft plastics these are cast well away from the boat, generally upcurrent, and then worked back with a series of hops and slow rolls. Often they are eaten on the drop, with quality snapper striking within a second or two of the offering hitting the water. This just goes to show that these fish are often hunting high in the water column. Fishing your baits lightly weighted will allow them to waft down slower and more naturally as you cover all of the water column. Finally, remember to keep an eye out for baitfish and bird activity within the general area, as schools of pelagics can erupt at any time. CRABS The last few months have been good for crabbing and it will still be worth the effort during April, although the action often slows as the water temperature falls. Both sand and mud crabs have been fairly prevalent for those setting safety pots.

Reports of quality muddies have come from well up the Brisbane River, way past the city reaches, as well as all the usual creek and river systems which filter into Moreton Bay. Often those working from kayaks and small tinnies will be able to access the tighter and least accessible areas which often produce the larger muddies. Crabbing around the mouths of major creek and river systems and out into Moreton Bay will generally see you with a feed of sandies (blue swimmer crabs). These will be attracted by the same baits as the muddies, with fish frames, whole mullet and chicken carcasses being some of the more popular enticements. While the crabbing apparatus and regulations relating to these are the same when chasing sand and mud crabs, they each possess different size and bag limits so make yourself aware of these before heading out. SQUID Squid catches have been fairly good throughout the warmer months with numerous positive reports of good captures coming from Moreton Bay waters. This will only get better as numbers rise during April. The weed beds along

the western side of Moreton Island and south of Dunwich, Goat Island, Bird Island, The Bluehole, Browns Gutter and bay island shallows are a few areas that have been worth working over with egi. These prawn-profiled squid lures are best worked with a slow wind or a series of hops (very aggressive hops with whips of the rod tip when fishing deeper areas) to entice tiger, arrow and bottle squid. Egi come in a broad array of sizes, colours and bases and most of the time squid will accept most jigs put in front of them. However, when the squid are being picky you may need to try numerous ones before you can get a take, therefore it pays to have a few different ones at your disposal. Baiting a squid skewer with a pilchard and then drifting it under a float when fishing around the bay islands will often reward you with a few tasty squid. When the float is dragged down, wind slowly to maintain constant pressure to keep the jag hooks set. A light drag setting will also help stop the hooks tearing out of the squid as it lunges. PELAGICS A broad array of pelagic

species can be located throughout Moreton Bay during April, with longtail tuna being one of the real prizes. Numbers of these have been good in recent months and hopefully this action will increase during April as the larger schools migrate south along the coast. In addition,

mac tuna, bonito, school mackerel and perhaps the occasional Spanish mackerel, yellowtail kingfish and cobia will also be caught within the bay. These are commonly located around structure that holds bait such as the beacons, artificial reefs, wrecks and ledges.

April may be your last chance to tangle with a few school mackerel as their numbers will soon begin to taper off throughout the bay, generally until the end of winter.

At times, tuna, bonito and mackerel can be located feeding on baitfish in open waters so it pays to have a high-speed spin rod rigged with a chrome slug, jerkshad plastic or small stickbait when you are transiting or fishing within the bay. CONCLUSION These are just a few of the possibilities during April. In addition to the Moreton Bay action there will be a host of species to be taken throughout the creeks, rivers and estuaries including bream, flathead, estuary cod, threadfin salmon, mangrove jack, mulloway, trevally, tarpon and numerous others. Heading to the upper freshwater reaches of major creek and river systems or one of Southern Queensland’s awesome impoundments will allow you to target species such as bass, golden perch and saratoga. All in all, there’s a lot on offer for keen anglers and we are spoilt for choice in Southern Queensland at present with numerous opportunities for those fishing within the bay, bluewater, estuaries and freshwater. Get out and enjoy the outdoors and fishing action before the winter chill sets in!

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Spanish play time OFFSHORE

John Gooding

Over the past couple of months the weather has limited the number of days for offshore fishing but the mackerel, as well

as the reefies, have kept us all busy. With a bit of luck, this will continue into April and we usually see the bigger Spainiards and wahoo turn up to play. A lot of the Spaniards caught this season haven’t broken any records size

Young Aaron with his best snapper to date caught in 90m of water.

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wise, but through March and April fish better than 10kg start to be caught regularly, and even the odd one up to 20kg. This is also the time the XOS wahoo are around and my records show this is the time of year we’ve boated some 30kg+ brutes on charter. These bigger fish will definitely test out your gear, so make sure your drags are smooth and terminal tackle in good order. I use Mason single strand wire for all my trolling rigs and if the wire has been kinked I’ll change it immediately or else it’s sure to break on the next hooked fish. Remember to make plenty of rigs at home as more fish are caught at home with good prep work. Don’t try to knock up rigs in the boat when you should have lines in the water and the fish are on the chew. On charter this time of the year I like to have a crack at the mackerel first up. If they’re playing the game I’ll hang in, but if they go quiet I’ll go wide and chase bottom fish to get my clients back on the action.

constantly, so again have a good look before crossing. Over the Easter break there will be plenty of traffic around boat ramps and on the water, so be patient and take that extra bit of care with more boats moving around. • Enjoy your fishing, take care on the coastal bars and if you’d like to join me on charter (max 8 people) give me a call at outlaw charters on 07 3822 9527 or 0418 738 750.

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the best of both worlds east of the South Passage bar with both pelagic and the reefies in good numbers. As I’ve mentioned in a few recent reports the South Passage bar has changed a fair bit of late, especially the northern gutter so have a good look before you go charging through. I’ve been using the Amity and Rufus King channels a fair bit lately and they’ve been pretty good most days but conditions change

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On a few of my recent charters we have gone out wide to 80-90m of water and the juvenile snapper, with the odd good snapper mixed in, have continued to be in good numbers and it’s not taking too much effort to get our bag limit. When the mackerel slow down and the water temp starts dropping during the next couple of months we might be in for another solid snapper season. But at present anglers have got

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Recipe for good fishing NOTHERN BAY

Grayson Fong graysonfong@optusnet.com.au

So have you been enjoying our summer of fishing? Whether it’s estuaries, rivers, inshore and offshore waters

Tegan Wolhuter taming the king threadfin in the Brisbane River.

there has been a little bit of everything for everyone in all corners of the northern bay. Last month’s run of southeast winds pumped our northern waterways with good schools of hardiheads, giving predators the excuse to stay close in our waters. Partner this up with the annual prawn run we have had through this month and the last, and you have a recipe for good fishing. Prawn chasers have been hitting areas like the highway bridge of the Pine River, the mouth of the Caboolture River, outside of Shorncliffe cliffs and the mouth of the Brisbane River with great success of late. With scenes resembling the crowds at Myer Boxing Day sales, persistence

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Tass with his first snapper on a soft plastic. has been the key around dusk and good hauls are being steadily reported. Predators have also been cruising in these areas, with anglers finding it not a bad idea to have a break from the cast net in favour of flicking a live bait or soft plastic down. Juvenile mulloway and king threadfin salmon are being encountered, with bream schooling to pounce on any stray baits. BREAM Bream fishing has been good over the last month, with water temperatures remaining high. However, this is set to drop as cooler nights start to push through. In the Pumicestone Passage the rising tide seems to be the optimum time to catch bream, with areas like Ningi and Donnybrook Flats producing good fish on mid diving cranks and surface lures. Glasshouse Creek, from the middle reaches to the mouth, has also produced good bream numbers with anglers there opting for lightly weighted fresh baits like raw chicken, yabbies and mullet strips to get some numbers. Redcliffe’s bream scene has been great recently as southeast winds have kept the bait around the reef bommies with bream lurking not too far behind. Reefy outcrops and bommies from Osbourne Point south to Suttons Beach have all been fishing well, with one hour at either side of the high tide being the prime striking times. On the run-out tide places of interest would be The Wells and North Reef, as bream have been hanging around these rocky areas chasing bait draining off the reefs. WHITING Being a dry summer this year, whiting numbers have been solid over the past weeks and should continue until the weather turns to cool. Lack of rain has kept waters clean with high winds only stirring up the top column of water with the bottom remaining clean most of the time. This has allowed scavengers like whiting the opportunity to cruise sandy flats in search of food.

Bribie Island’s eastern beaches have again been popular with the diehard whiting fishos, but good whiting have also been coming from throughout the Pumicestone Passage, from Bongaree to Sylvan Beach. Live yabbies, bloodworms and fresh pipis have been the choice baits amongst anglers, with some lure buffs getting some on surface lures at the mouth of Ningi Creek. For the non-Bribie residents, the mouth of the Pine River on the Bald Hills side has produced some quality whiting in the past weeks for those brave enough to tackle the southeasterlies. However, numbers have been down for one of nature’s reasons. CRABS Speaking of the Pine River, sandies and muddies have still been filtering through but size has been a bit of an issue as the cool weather approaches. Bramble and Deception Bay have still been producing sand crabs with little rain keeping the muddies upstream. Sifting through the many undersize crabs has left many crabbers with only a handful of legals for their troubles, but still worth the work!

SNAPPER Juvenile snapper have still been showing their faces around the Redcliffe Peninsula, with dusk and dawn keeping anglers on their toes. North Reef has been the pick of the locations, with the northern and southern ends outside the Scotts Point green zone also showing a few good fish. Targeting waters from 10-15ft has been prime with soft plastics like Atomic Prongs, ZMan SwimmerZ and Shads Lures Flicktails being the popular ones. MULLOWAY AND THREADFIN Mulloway and king threadfin salmon are still being bagged at the mouth of the Brisbane River, with the dark hours yielding the best results. For the daylight angler, prepare to fish deep with vibes and heavier weighted plastics as it’s in the later hours where mulloway and threadies feed in shallower waters. Be sure to use your sounder to find moving bait schools as many of these larger predators stay below these schools prowling for a feed – and they often find a vibe or large shad-style plastic irresistible!

Justin Thompson working out the bream bite at Redcliffe.

Tech Tricks

Which wire to use and when BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

For anglers specifically targeting species with razor sharp dentures, wire is necessary to avoid high tackle losses. There are several types of wire that can be used for various fishing applications and each can require differing ways to affix or secure them to your tackle. Additionally, there is a lot of confusion as to which type of wire is best suited for what application. To address

this, let’s have a look at some of the different wires and the best way to use them in our rigging applications. WHY WIRE? Many anglers overuse wire in their rigging, even in situations where they don’t actually need wire. If you are simply bait fishing in the estuaries targeting the usual suspects such as bream, flathead, whiting, mulloway and the like, you do not need wire leaders. Sure, you may get bitten off on occasion by a small whaler shark or big toadfish, but you don’t really want to land them anyway.

Lighter nylon coated wire can be snelled onto a hook if necessary. SINGLE STRAND SOFT WIRE This is probably the least used wire in the fishing arena but it does have its applications, mainly for bait rigging. This shiny stainless steel wire is very pliable and is pretty much like a thinner version of fencing or tie wire. It is often used when you are rigging baits for securing hook rigs or head weights to the baitfish. Additionally, for

the home lure maker it can be used for forming towing eyelets in minnow lures or for the wire that runs through chromed slugs cast from molten lead. It can easily be twisted but has a relatively low breaking strain for its diameter so it’s generally not used for leaders. This single-strand wire is available in quite high breaking strains and diameters yet most fishers wouldn’t have use for anything over 80lb.

By using wire you’ll greatly decrease your chances of enticing and hooking the desirable species you came to target in the first place. The same can be said when fishing in more open bay waters and further offshore, especially when fishing for demersal species such as snapper, sweetlip, pearl perch, red emperor, teraglin and the like. You do not need wire leaders; monofilament or fluorocarbon is a much better option. All up, it is doubtful that you need wire in your rigs unless you are targeting toothy HI-TENSILE SINGLE STRAND Often called piano wire, this single-strand, hi-tensile wire is generally a dark brown colour, which reduces its visibility in the water. It is commonly used as a leader for rigged trolling baits and some lures. Due to its hi-tensile nature it is generally not used in long lengths as it can kink easily and will snap if kinked and straightened a couple of times. Those anglers who do persist in using piano wire in longer lengths, such as for leaders on rigged trolling baits for targeting Spanish mackerel and the like, will generally use it only once or twice and then replace it, to avoid the risk of it snapping. Piano wire is relatively cheap and has a fairly thin diameter for its breaking strain. Due to its hi-tensile nature it is a little harder to work with than soft wire. The best way to secure it to a swivel or hook is to use a haywire twist. This

critters such as mackerel, sharks, wahoo, large tailor, dogtooth tuna and the like. In some circumstances, such as when you are aiming to catch tailor, school mackerel and spotted mackerel, wire is desirable however it is likely to decrease your strike rate. Therefore many anglers will not use wire and will sacrifice the occasional lost fish in lieu of an increased initial strike rate. For situations where you do need serious bite protection, there are numerous varieties of wire to choose from. Let’s look at each wire and how it is best used in your rig.

There is a broad array of wires used for fishing applications and each has its own attributes, uses and method of affixing.

There are haywire twist tools available to make the task of securing hitensile wire a lot easier can be achieved by hand, with many brands of wire displaying instructions on the back of the packaging on how to complete the haywire twist. Additionally, there are tools to help complete this task. Du Bro and American Fishing Wire companies both make tools to easily do the haywire twist. To complete a haywire twist you fold the wire back around itself and then make 3 or 4 loosely spaced wraps before doing 8 to 10 tight wraps with each wrap hard against the last. Ensure to

The haywire twist is the best way to secure hi-tensile piano wire. NYLON-COATED WIRE Generally used for short term situations, such as shark fishing leaders, nylon-coated wire lacks the durability of many of the other wires. It is basically a multi-strand wire with a nylon coating. Once the nylon coating is torn or broken, saltwater can penetrate onto the low grade stainless wire underneath, which will rust fairly quickly. The nylon coating makes it nearly impossible to wash the wire effectively. As a result, it is best to only use this wire once or twice. It is not recommended for lure leaders or applications where the rig is used repeatedly. This wire is ideal for making bait fishing leaders and snelled-hook rigs for shark fishing because the nylon coating decreases the amount of electrolysis

that is created in the water when saltwater meets metal. Sharks have sensitive gel-filled glands around their snout area called ampullae of Lorenzini, which are exceptionally sensitive to electrolysis. Therefore, nylon-coated wires are better than any other wire for shark fishing applications. Nylon-coated wire can be crimped to secure with brass, copper or aluminium crimps. It is fairly pliable in lighter breaking strains (up to 135lb) and can be snelled onto hooks with a basic snell. For heavy tackle shark fishing it is often used in breaking strains up to 600lb. When crimping this heavier wire (which has a thick coating), you are best to remove the coating so the crimp is hard against the wire, otherwise the connection may slip.

Crimps are metal tubes, which are constricted around the wire using a swaging tool 49-STRAND WIRE As its name suggests, 49-nine strand wire is made up of 49-nine individual strands of wire. The individual strands are much smaller in diameter than those found in 7-strand wire. It is made up of 7 lots of 7 strands twisted together to make up a single length of wire, which is why it is often referred to as 7x7. The stainless content is generally higher than 1x7 wire and it is a lot more

flexible and pliable. As such, it is used for a variety of applications including leaders on larger trolling lures (especially metal headed skirted lures) and for attaching a second hook in a shackle rig used in resinhead skirts. Crimps are used to secure 7x7 wire, which is used in breaking strains up to 875lb for various fishing applications, especially when rigging heavy tackle marlin lures.

initially leave a long enough tag end to make it easier to complete this task. When all your wraps are done, you remove the remaining tag end of wire. If you cut it off with a pair of side-cutters you’ll find there is a sharp end remaining, which can be dangerous. A better way to remove it is by rocking it backwards and forwards a few times. It will snap off clean without leaving a rough or sharp finish. Some good uses for

piano wire are for short traces on chromed slugs and trolling lures or rigged trolling baits. It is also ideal for adding a stinger hook to a bait, especially for live bait rigs for tailor or mackerel. Singlestrand wire is the stiffest and hardest wire and is much less likely to be bitten through than multistrand wires, yet it lacks flexibility. Breaking strains up to 120lb are commonly available.

7-STRAND WIRE This multi-strand wire is often referred to as 1x7 as it is made from 7 individual strands of wire which are twisted together to form a single, reasonably pliable wire. Some brands of these wires are heated to darken them and make them a copper brown colour, which is believed to be less visible in the water than silver wire. They are a lower grade of stainless than some other wires on the market but will still last a decent time if washed in fresh water after use. The main uses for 7-strand wires are leaders for lures and large trolling baits and some hook rigs. To secure multistrand wire properly you should use a crimp. This is basically a tubular metal sleeve (generally copper or brass) that is reduced in diameter with a swaging tool. The benefit of multi-strand wire is that it is

fairly flexible, therefore it will not snap as easily as singlestrand wire when repeatedly flexed. Commonly available breaking strains for 7-strand wire go up to 135lb.

CONCLUSION As you now aware, there are many types of wire that can be used in various fishing situations. However, if you don’t specifically need wire in your rig then don’t use it, because it can deter some fish from biting your bait or striking your lure. A monofilament or fluorocarbon leader is a better option in most

situations than wire. However, if you definitely do need wire, choosing the correct one should now be fairly easy if you can actually remember the contents of this article! You can save this article for future reference or, if it becomes fish and chip wrapper, head down to your specialist tackle store for advice on which wire when.

Multi-strand wires are crimped to secure them. It is best to remove the coating from heavy nylon-coated wire when crimping to ensure the strongest connection.

APRIL 2014

Fishing Fill-its

GD Marine’s mobile servicing FMG

Stephen Booth sbooth@fishingmonthly.com.au

Owning an outboard comes with its own set of rules regarding maintenance and servicing. I’ll put my hand up straight away and say I am not amazing at maintenance, however I do look after everything in a service sense. I don’t know enough about modern day outboards to fix an on water problem, so I make sure the servicing is kept up to date.

With this in mind, the Honda BF60 was due for a service and I was flat out like a lizard drinking at work and home so I couldn’t get the boat and motor to a dealership. I had a chat to the boys at work and was directed to GD Marine, a Honda agent who just happened to have in his extensive list of plusses, the magic word mobile! A mobile service agent solves a lot of problems for people who are busy. If you have the space at work you can drag your boat in with you, get it serviced and take it home that night ready to go. It also

means you’re not dragging the boat all over town and none of your valuable ‘work’ time is wasted while you’re doing the right thing and looking after your outboard. Now all this is not to say that dealerships aren’t the place to go if time is on your side as I firmly believe that the dealer you bought the rig from knows your rig the best and should service it best. But I am saying that if you are rushed for time, then a mobile service agent may well be the best thing for you, as it was for me. The good part about the GD Marine experience for

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me was that I got to chat with Garry and talk all about a host of other things while the service was carried out. I could check out what he was doing, ask stupid questions and basically get to know my outboard a bit more. It was enlightening to see how the service was carried out and what was checked and re-checked. In a nut shell I really enjoyed the experience. We talked about the mackerel run offshore from the Gold Coast, we talked about props, we talked about fuel use, we talked about fuel gauges and NMEA connections to the sounder, we talked about trim, weight distribution and more. We almost solved global hunger and climate change! The service on my BF60 was made doubly urgent because I wanted to use the boat two days later and having faith that I wasn’t doing the motor any damage by letting it go over its service period was good peace of mind. So with new oil, plugs and timing checked and everything given the OK by a Honda specialist service agent, I waved goodbye to Garry and got ready for the next adventure in the Galey, this time chasing barra around Bundaberg.

Some interesting facts that came out with the diagnostic included that the outboard had been started 122 times over its 50 hours of use. Of these 50 hours, 27 of them had been under trolling conditions (that’d be flathead fishing), and 2.5 of those hours were in idle. The remaining 20 hours were made up of wide open throttle and cruising. You could have knocked me over with a stick that I had spent almost 60% of the engine

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The winds of change CALOUNDRA

Brad McKendrick fishingcaloundra@yahoo.com.au

If there is one word that we could use to describe the summer weather it would be ‘windy’. It’s funny how it can put a bit of a dampener on the fishing, however the positive side is that the fish are just waiting for a good feed, so it has its advantages. Windy or not, the pelagics have been around in strong numbers this season and as summer slowly slips away from us we are already planning the winter attack. Spotty mackerel have really turned it on recently with strong schools smashing the bait schools across the Sunshine Coast. Whether it was small frogmouth pilchards, slimy mackerel or schools of yakkas, the spotty mackerel

around the top end of the Barwon Banks, is the place to target larger pelagics, like yellowtail kingfish and amberjack. Depths in these areas vary from 80-130m of water so take strong equipment. Mixed in with them has been good numbers of big snapper and pearl perch. The Pinnacles situated in 85m of water in the middle of the banks has held schools of mahi mahi and when they are not smashing a livie they are chasing trolled hardbodied lures. Wide Caloundra has enjoyed plenty of wahoo this season and although they have slowed right down, the winter change will bring on the snapper in the next few months. There will still be the opportunity to chase a few late tuna schools this month feeding on the remaining bait schools provided the weather

Peter with a quality canal mangrove jack. were never far behind. Even the Spanish mackerel were on and averaged around 8kg this season with some real crackers around 25kg being caught. The wider reef areas

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has remained warm. Sweetlip are still being caught around the outer Gneerings and on the small patches around the Mooloolaba beacon. Murphys is the spot to be running out

to this month for an early morning fish or late evening on the change of the tide. Emperor, pearl perch, tuskfish and juvenile snapper will all be out there when the conditions are right. The beaches are starting to enjoy a run of bream and early mulloway signs have been good to this point. Dart, whiting and flathead are all on the cards for those prepared to target the tidal changes and use the local area bait, either worms or pipis. Soldier crabs are also a good bait for whiting and bream but a 5/0 circle hook full of fresh wriggling beach worms will attract any tailor or mulloway with an appetite. Fishing the northern tip of Bribie Island will reward you with plenty of whiting at the moment but you will need a boat or kayak to across there. The Wurtulla Strip of beach accesses is a good place to start looking for a hole to fish so a visit through the day makes things easier later on. If you want to head further north then check out the accesses between Marcoola and Coolum as there are plenty of spots to choose from. The estuaries are still slow but the locals are on the ball catching some quality whiting to 650g and bream within the Pumicestone Passage. The pontoon opposite Gemini Towers still has bream on the top of the tide but the majority are only 500g at best, still, great fun for the kids and to hone in your plastic skills. Popping for whiting throughout the day in the Passage has proven to be fruitful with a two hour session normally yielding around half a dozen fish. Smaller flathead just love a shot at something skipping along the surface, as do bream so you just never know. I guess that is what makes fishing so much fun. Military Jetty and the bridge at the entrance of the Pelican Waters canal system are two crack spots to fish because almost anything can take a bait at any time.

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Mangrove jack will slow up this month. We have seen some monster mackerel, mulloway and other species feeding around the bridge while we gather our bait; the reason not so many are caught is because they are so well feed. However, only recently a huge barramundi was caught in this spot, so you just never know. The mouth of the Caloundra Bar has some deep water but the tide just pours through on the change, making it difficult to fish. The idea is not to weigh down your bait so that you can’t feel the bite but to look for the eddies and back wash areas where bigger

fish will lie in wait. Most of the eddies run around to the area within Happy Valley but be warned there are a lot of hidden rocky reefs that are around the area and you will lose a fair bit of gear if you are not sure where they are. The Parrearra Channel area is the spot to try your small hardbodied lures or blades. It is an area that holds hundreds of bream that are fed everyday by locals, which keeps them in the area. McKenzie’s Bridge boat ramp is normally busy but a good option in heavy winds because you can run up the Mooloolah River set a few

pots and catch some jack while you wait. Currimundi Lake is another option this month for whiting and smaller bream but fish around the mouth in the deeper water areas for best results. April is a good month for offshore, beach and estuary anglers with a large variety of fish on offer across the Sunshine Coast. Dust the cobwebs off the beach rods because we are overdue for a good run of tailor and mulloway and although it’s a little early to get excited, nevertheless it’s good to be ready for whatever might happen.

Janette Jensen from Alstonville with a 104cm cod caught at Glenlyon Dam, casting a 3/8oz Bassman Spinnerbait into 10’ of water. After 55 minutes it was landed using a 2-4kg spinning reel outfit with 8lb braid and 20lb fluorocarbon leader.

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Cooler climate brings on tailor beach fishing NOOSA

Peter Wells

Noosa’s North Shore will be a hive of activity at this time of the year as the tailor starts to run. With Easter upon us this is a great time to pack up the family, dust off the camping gear and head up the beach for a couple of days tailor fishing. As you are cruising up the beach to your favourite camping area make sure your passengers are keeping a close eye on the surf for the all-important gutters. What you are looking for is a gutter with a good entry and exit point that the water will run through, with the most prosperous area being near those entry and exit points. The fish tend to hang around these areas just out of the current line and wait for a passing baitfish to devour. A standard pilchard rigged on a gang hook is the most popular way to target the ferocious feeders, but there has been a recent change to the use of the Black Magic Snapper Snatches. These New Zealand

hand-made rigs consist of two hooks rigged with attractor skirts really add attraction to your baits and help bring the fish to you! By then putting half a pilchard on this rig and allowing it to ‘dance’ around in the surf, you put yourself in the best possible chance of catching a tailor or 10. Not to be outdone, the Noosa River is also a great place to snag a nice tailor or trevally. The tailor tend to school up around the back of Noosa Sound, feeding on baitfish and prawns. Early in the morning, these fish are often seen busting up on the surface in a feeding frenzy! At this time of the year, it’s not uncommon to come across schools of trevally and tailor right throughout the system, so it pays to always have a rod rigged up with a surface lure ready just in case! Flathead are another great fish to target at this time of the year. A great way to target these fish is to head to the shallower area along the river just at the end of the run-out tide or dead low tide, they tend to lay in the narrow channels ready to

ambush a passing prawn or small baitfish. The trick is to get alongside the sand flats and mud banks and cast all the way around the boat, it is my

stick baits with the red and pink flashes. If you can set up a good drift pattern, you can cover a lot more ground. Fishing this way rather than

favourite jack lure as close as you can to the snags, if the jacks are there they will take it. Jacks will also school up at the entrance to the lakes.

Brenton Kay won this week’s $50 Davo’s Fish of the Week prize with this 16kg wahoo that he trolled up on Sunshine Wide. experience that the big girls just lay and wait and it is not unusual to see fish over the 70cm mark at this time of the year. This is a perfect time to get your soft plastics out. The Gladiator Prawn rigged with a stinger hook or the Squidgy Bloodworm Wriggler in the 100mm are my favourites but a lot of the locals like the

Sam, Ben, Luke, Dave, Rob and Shane caught these spotties on cast metal slugs while fishing North Reef on Cougar One charter.

just throwing out a dead bait while you are at anchor in the hope that something cruises by and picks it up is much more enjoyable. So why not get yourself into Davo’s have a chat to the team, they will be more than happy to show you the latest in soft plastics to do the job and give you all the info on where to go. Whiting are also in good numbers at this time of the year with the river mouth being the pick of the locations to catch your-self a feed of these bread and butter species. Fishing the Frying Pan opposite the river mouth has seen some great catches of whiting, just remember your size and bag limits. One little tip to help you catch more fish while fishing the river mouth is to add a little berley to the water every five minutes or so, as this helps to keep the fish in the area for as long as possible! Mangrove jack will start to quiet down as the water cools, but they are still around. The snags up between the ski runs is still worth a try. Get the baitcaster out and flick your

As the warmer water runs out with the tide, this creates a warmer current area which the jack love and in turn will feed more aggressively. These areas are much more productive at

reefs holding fish. Squid and pillies are the preferred bait for bottom bouncing and you will see other species, such as sweetlip, coral trout and pearl perch, enjoying the offering that you throw their way. A soft plastic is also very popular with the reefies and is a simple way to fish. Make sure you get your soft plastic to the bottom and let the motion of the boat work the lure. The scented jerk shad 7” and 9” in the ZMan or just about any of the Gulp soft plastics work a treat. There will still be the odd mackerel around, so as you are making your way to the reef why not have a troll. Sunshine Reef has been an excellent location for the Spanish mackerel. Trolling the reef edges has been accounting for some good fish, in fact the larger fish seem to be caught later in the year. • For all the best advice, the gear you need and where

Shaun Bradford tempted this 4.5kg golden trevally with a pilchard bait just south of Teewah on the Noosa North Shore. night as the jacks will leave their cover to feed, if you manage to find one of the warm water areas it is not uncommon to catch multiple fish in one session. This is a great time to head offshore with the lighter winds, snapper are on everyone’s mind with most of our local

the fish are biting, call into Davo’s Tackle World Noosa or our store down at Marcoola, Davo’s Bait and Tackle Northshore. Also check out the latest catches, fishing reports and bar crossing info at www.fishingnoosa.com.au and remember tight lines and bent spines!

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Cool brings rewards FRASER COAST

Phil James p_j_james@bigpond.com

Spaniards, permit, bonefish, GT and mulloway – all have been recorded from Fraser’s ocean beach and headlands during the last 12 months. You can add in tailing goldies and queenfish from the western beach to make the list even more impressive. Of course, a number of these species are targeted successfully by specialist sportfishers but most angling activity on the island centres around the annual tailor run in late winter and spring, and the bread and butter species of dart, bream, tarwhine, whiting and flathead. With cooler weather on the way, tarwhine should become more regular catches along the ocean beach. Most will be taken around the coffee rocks at Poyungan, Yidney, Chard Rocks and Ngkala but the larger gutters will also hold them. The northern faces of both Indian Head and Waddy Point can also be productive. Tarwhine are often associated with bream to which they have some resemblance. For legalities they are grouped with bream, even though they are not closely related, in having a common legal length of 25cm and a combined bag limit of 30. That means it’s fine to keep, say, 16 tarwhine and 14 bream, but not 30 of each. Bream also favour rocky country and deep gutters and to some extent they also compete with tarwhine for food. Although both will take the usual beach baits of pipis and worms, bream often show a preference for flesh baits like half WA pilchards or whole small blue or white pilchards. Tarwhine rarely take pilchards readily. The latest reports

from the ocean beach are encouraging with plenty of dart and whiting being taken. Water clarity has been excellent despite a succession of strong winds that might suggest otherwise. Inshore water clarity seems to have a significant influence on Fraser Island’s beach fishing. It seems to me that most species are reluctant to move right in when there is a great degree of turbidity. I must confess I don’t fully understand what causes this turbidity or why. Hopefully the clear conditions will persist and we can look forward to some great beach fishing throughout the coming months leading up to the start of the tailor season in July. Following up on last month’s report on the apparent use of the North Wathumba track, I have nothing more to add except that officially the road is closed. Other cross-island

Wade Lineburg with a Fraser Island tarwhine.

www.cmcsales.com.au • 0409 910 808 APRIL 2014

the ramps and parking areas and, to some extent, a little further upstream from the inside ramp. All of these areas are rocky and often very slippery so you need to be suitably prepared. Bream are plentiful during the winter spawning season. The ledges between the barge ramp and the green beacon fish well particularly well at night. Catches of chopper tailor and school mackerel are also made during winter days. Upstream from the inner ramp, rock ledges produce some opportunities for flathead fishing. One more little thing to remember: River Heads is sometimes known as Sandfly City, so be prepared. That’s about it for our land-

based tour. I hope it brings some results for you. Hervey Bay’s shallow reefs fished well this summer, on the quite rare days when it hasn’t been blowing at least 20 knots from the north. Frequent southerlies of a similar strength don’t make things much easier but at least it is possible to find a fairly sheltered reef. Coral bream (grass sweetlip) have been of a much better quality than we have seen for years while big blackall have been down in numbers. Anglers using rock crab bait have been having some excitement with blueys (black-spot tuskfish). Small snapper can be a pest in the shallows

with few making the 35cm limit, but this season it has been common to keep the bag limit of 4 legal fish. Moses perch have always been expected in a mixed catch on the reef, but this year they have been not only abundant but of a respectable quality as well. They have been prolific, particularly just before and just after dusk. So prolific, in fact, that coral bream rarely have a chance of finding a bait. Like their close relative the mangrove jack, Moses perch will attack just about any artificial that is presented. They are exceptional as table fare, and the minimum legal length is 25cm with a bag limit of 5.

Fisheries management review

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A Moses perch taken at a Hervey Bay reef.

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roads remain open but the pronged dry weather will not improve their condition. In the last few months we have been looking at landbased fishing opportunities around Hervey Bay’s city foreshores. To complete the journey, we head south to River Heads, at the mouth of the Susan and Mary rivers. Most of these foreshores are lined with mangroves and shallow mud and sand banks with some low rocky areas. They are not the most hospitable foreshores for an easy fishing outing, but there are still some potentially worthwhile opportunities to be had. The road from Urangan to River Heads follows Elizabeth Street, Booral Road and River Heads Road. Just before reaching the airport, Beck Road and Island View Road, branch off Booral Road to the left and lead directly to points where the foreshore can be accessed. From here there are two

options. If the tide is low walk out to the rocky gutters and follow them as the tide moves. I should emphasise that good footwear is essential. Whiting, bream and flathead are all likely captures. The other option is to fish over the top of the tide, in particular working around the mangroves as fish move in to feed. Between here and River Heads, there are few other worthwhile spots to try. In my column in the September edition I had something to say about fishing at River Heads, mostly from the boater’s perspective. Landbased fishing here is really restricted to the rocky foreshores in the vicinity of

The Queensland Government is undertaking a wideranging review of fisheries management in Queensland. This is aimed to deliver a better system for the state’s commercial and recreational fishers. The purpose of the review is to fix a system that is complex, costly to administer, and inconsistent. The review will seek to address red tape to maintain a viable and sustainable fisheries resource for industry and the community. WHY ARE WE DOING THE REVIEW? Overall, we need to reduce regulatory burden on fishers and improve the resilience of our fishing sectors. WHAT WILL THE REVIEW LOOK AT? The review will examine our entire approach to managing our fisheries. It is too soon to say particular issues that will be addressed, as this will need to be identified and discussed with

stakeholders during the consultation process. WILL THE REVIEW INCLUDE RECREATIONAL FISHING? Yes, recreational fishers are an important voice in the review and in the development of the process and the principles upon which future management will be based. All fishing sectors, as well as other community groups with an interest in fishing (e.g. conservation and tourism), will be asked for input. HOW LONG WILL THE REVIEW TAKE? It is anticipated that the initial stage of the review, including consultation and policy development, will take about nine months, though this will be dependent on consensus amongst stakeholders. Development and legislation of new legislation will then roll out over a number of years. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO EXISTING FISHERY REVIEWS? The current review of the crab fishery will not proceed given the scope of

the new review. Elements of the trawl fishery review will still be considered (e.g. changes to effort levels and controls on interactions with protected species) to maintain Commonwealth export accreditation. The East Coast Net Buyback will continue. The recreational freshwater fishing and line fishery review will still be considered. HOW WILL THE REVIEW BE MANAGED? Ministerial Advisory Committees will be formed to guide the review. Recreational, commercial, conservation and indigenous groups will be consulted. WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REVIEW? The Agriculture Committee of Cabinet will oversee the review process, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Updates on the review will be published on this website (www.daff.qld.gov. au/fisheries), so be sure to check in on the consultation process. – DAFF

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Getting into the mix for autumn HERVEY BAY

Scott Bradley marlin81@aapt.net.au

Currently we are mid way through a howling southeaster which has shut down another weekend to all but the most sheltered spots. The wind has affected the whole marine industry in the bay so far this year, with tackle shops and marine mechanics feeling the pinch. That’s not even taking in to account all the frustrated anglers driving their family crazy because they are champing at the bit to get

out and wet a line! Because of the adverse weather, the rivers/creeks and land-based locations out of the wind have been the best option for anglers to get their fix. The Mary and Susan rivers have had a good variety of species to chase, with prawns keeping most boats busy and a well oiled throwing shoulder and cast net can get you on to some of the best eating seafood around. When you find the prawns it doesn’t take long to fill your 10L limit, giving you plenty of time to wet a line afterwards. There isn’t much that swims that won’t take a live

prawn and at the top of the list is king threadfin salmon. Threadies up to 1.2m have been caught in recent weeks and some guys have been pulling 6-10 fish of varying size in a session. Trumpeter have also been a regular catch with a lot of juveniles around, but if you sift through the small stuff you’ll find that better fish in the 45-60cm range are about. Flathead, whiting, bream and the dreaded catfish have made up the bulk of other species being caught. Muddies have been a common catch so it’s also worthwhile setting a pot or two.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Giving fish the shivers The impacts of cold water pollution on the fish communities of the Murray–Darling Basin and has been documented in a review by Lugg and Copeland. Cold water pollution can extend for several hundred kilometres downstream of large dams with adverse implications for fish survival, growth, spawning and recruitment. ‘Hands-on’ experience with hatchery production of native fish species for restocking waterways for recreational angling and aquaculture has highlighted the importance of temperature as a cue for spawning and larval development But temperature has a substantial effect on a wider range of physiological and biological processes of aquatic organisms and it is likely that fish and other aquatic organisms in CWP-affected rivers are affected in a wide variety of ways. Pronounced decreases in heart rate, ventilation rate and metabolic rate occurred in spangled perch (native to the Murray Darling Basin) as the temperature was reduced over a 5°C range (from 20°C to 15°C). This species ceased to feed at temperatures below 16°C, and between 13°C and 14°C, the amount of energy required for metabolism exceeded dietary energy intake, and the fish relied heavily on fat reserves to survive. There is comprehensive data regarding he relationship between egg hatching times and temperature for a wide range of MDB species. Murray cod eggs suffer close to 100% mortality at temperatures below 13°C and close to 100% survival at temperatures just 3°C higher. In relation to growth, freshwater catfish held at 28°C grew at three times the rate as those held at 12°C while juvenile Murray cod held at 15.5°C and lower temperatures had 38

APRIL 2014

significantly restricted growth and failed to grow following the reintroduction of warmer water. Growth rates for both Murray cod and freshwater catfish were significantly greater at temperatures above 18.5°C and 22.5°C, respectively. Fish held at temperatures less than 15.5°C demonstrated minimal growth over a 3-month trial and fish held at 12.5°C lost body weight. Temperature preference trials have been conducted on golden perch and Murray cod. When presented with a thermal gradient, both species selected the warmer water with a median range of 24-31°C and 24-33°C, respectively. While much of the experimental work on water temperature has demonstrated chronic impacts upon fish, the work conducted by Astles et al. (2003) at Burrendong Dam (Macquarie River) demonstrated that CWP can have an acute impact upon juvenile fish in a relatively short period of time. They introduced fish to warm (23-28°C) and cool (13-16°C) channels representative of the natural and the suppressed summer temperatures in the river. Juvenile silver perch started dying within 2 days of being exposed to cold water and more than 30% died within 10 days. Over the full 30-day experiment, silver perch in the cool channels suffered significantly greater mortality in contrast to those in the warm channels. Given the potential for direct mortality and the demonstrated impacts upon a wide range of biological processes, it is not surprising that species of native warm water fish have become extinct in CWP-affected rivers. There has been a loss of three species of native fish (trout cod, Murray cod and Macquarie perch) and their replacement by the introduced fish, Brown trout from

the Mitta Mitta River downstream of Dartmouth Dam after it had been operating for 12 years. After this was discovered, scientists modelled the response of the Murray Cod population in the Mitta Mitta River and concluded that the impact of CWP on postspawning survival was the main factor explaining the loss of the population, due to the loss of successive recruitment events having a compounding effect over time. An increase of 8°C was required to reduce the risk posed by CWP to be indistinguishable from the natural unaffected condition. Research into the nature of the impacts of temperature upon fish has continued to provide new insights. The ‘fast start’ swimming performance of golden perch has been shown to be considerably reduced at temperatures less than 15.5°C, which is likely to affect both prey capture and predator avoidance capabilities. MANAGEMENT OF CWP IN THE MDB Management of CWP in the MDB remains the responsibility of the states although the new MDB Plan recognises ‘water temperature outside the natural range’ as a type of water quality degradation and further recognises that ‘release of stored water from below the thermocline of dams’ is a ‘key cause of water quality degradation’ (Australian Government 2013). The Plan sets target values for water temperature being the monthly median between 20th percentile and 80th percentile of natural monthly water temperature for all catchments. There are no current plans for remediation action to address CWP in the Victorian (J Koehn, pers. comm.) or Queensland (Charles Elway, pers. comm.) sections of the Basin.

OUT THE FRONT Casting plastics and poppers off Scarness, Point Vernon and Gatakers Bay is worth a look when the wind is up from the south. A mixture of reef, estuary and pelagic species are all a possibility. Flathead, cod, bream, barra, trevally, mackerel and queenfish are regular catches and with so much rock and reef right at your feet it’s not hard to see why it holds fish. It can be tricky extracting fish around the rocks and a 7-9 ft rod and a cool head helps. In the end though, it’s all part of the challenge of landbased angling.

Deano with a solid queenfish caught on a Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper.

Head to the bottom RAINBOW BEACH

Ed Falconer

The change of season weather is upon us, with windy days outweighing the calm ones. Let’s look at how the fishing has been. OFFSHORE We have not ventured offshore too many times, but when we have managed an offshore trip the fishing has been outstanding. On the surface, spotted and Spanish mackerel, mahi mahi and cobia are all very active. There have been lots of Spanish mackerel that must have been really hungry as they have been smashing just about anything that moves. The bottom fishing has been brilliant too. Pretty much all species are biting well, including lots of red emperor and nannygai (saddletail snapper and scarlet sea perch). If this quality of fishing keeps up what a great year it will be! ON THE BEACH We have seen many nice gutters forming on the beach around the Oaks at Inskip Point, with some of them producing good

Shaddy with a thumpin’ red emperor caught on the Keely Rose. whiting. I have been taking the kids down to the beach after school and getting a good feed of summer whiting with live yabbies. GREAT SANDY STRAITS The Straits have been fishing well with good catches of whiting at Big Mick beacon and around Kauri Creek. These 2 locations have also been producing flathead and spotted mackerel. Mangrove jack are in good numbers and baiting them with live poddy mullet has been rewarding for

local anglers. It seems likely that the good fishing should continue through April – let’s just hope the autumn weather is kind to us. We have set up a Facebook page: facebook. com/keelyrosefishing. Check out our latest fishing updates and give us a ‘like’. • To enjoy a day on the water with Keely Rose Fishing Charters phone Ed Falconer on (07) 5486 3150 or 0407 146 151 or visit www.keelyrosefishing charters.com.au.

One of the highlights for the month was this triple hookup of reds caught on the Keely Rose.

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Shut down barra clues LAKE MONDURAN

Rob Howell

With a warmer than usual summer behind us we are looking forward to the cooler nights and milder days that April and May have to offer. The previous month’s fishing has been a little slow due to some monsoonal weather patterns that have threatened our region, but when the weather stabilizes the fishing is back to usual. I’m an advocate for fishing large, shallow flats with a depth of 3m and less but never rule out fishing deep water rising up to shallow ridges and points. However, barra love schooling on these flat areas as it is easier for them to hunt down baitfish as opposed to chasing them in deep water where bait balls have a lot more room to escape. When fishing these shallow areas it is not uncommon to have large numbers of barra moving through for hours on either

side of the boat in shut down mode. What do you do when this happens? Rule 1 - cast until your arm falls off then cast with the other arm, more times than not they will bite. Rule 2 - constantly change your lures from soft plastics to hard bodies and back again. Rule 3- mix up your retrieve styles. Rule 4 - if rule 1, 2 and 3 haven’t worked, there can only be one conclusion the barra are in dam daydream mode. It’s easy to drift away and go into daydream mode yourself. You may be thinking about that piece of prime rib fillet or rump grazing along the shoreline and that ice cold beer waiting for you in the cool box back at the camp ground or you could be just checking out the beautiful wildlife around the lake. But be aware, barra have this uncanny ability to sense when you’re off guard and will hit your lure when you least expect it, often resulting in a missed hookup. In conclusion keep your mind on the job and persist.

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110 and 130 Pro Range Slick Rig soft plastics have made an impressive comeback resulting in many barra boated lately, but they need a little tweaking before taking the plunge. One tweaking method is to place the back half of the plastic in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds. This softens the tail. But the preferred method is to cut the underside of the plastic using a nice sharp pair of braid scissors between the belly and the paddle tail, effectively halving the depth of the tail region. Both of these methods will allow you to retrieve the lure a lot slower while maintaining

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maximum tail movement. A slow retrieval has definitely been more effective than any other type of retrieve and as the water cools off, this trend will continue.

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READER’S STORY

Mulloway monster in Logan River!

Now that the prawns are running, the Logan River is going from strength to strength. With the bait showing in good numbers, live baiting is your best option. Due to the increased activity in the river all manner of species are an option. This month has been nothing short of exceptional as the variety of captures can testifies. Prawns, crabs of both species, mulloway, mangrove jack, flathead and cod have all been regularly taken. Mulloway are in great numbers and the size of some have been extraordinary. My latest capture came from the Marks Rocks area on a high tide change at 9.17pm. This capture began with the usual gathering of live bait. Gathering bait is best done at low tide when the bait is the most concentrated. It is well worth spending some time locating prawns and mullet as fresh live bait is one

If you’ve ever wondered what a true Logan River monster mulloway looks like, here it is – 140cm of chrome muscle. of the essential ingredients to success. After gathering bait it is just a matter of finding the right place to anchor, which is often on a ledge. The tide was approaching a high of about 1.9m and my anticipation grows as the bait starts to shiver through the rod tip. I had already caught a few schoolies of about 3-4kg,

which I released as I wanted something bigger. My patience and work was rewarded when, at slack water, the poddy mullet was monstered. This was no schoolie – it was the one I had been waiting for. After the fish picked up my bait, the Baitrunner 6500 screamed and after a couple of

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com.au for coming low season specials. But most of all, don’t miss out on the chance to get amongst some of the barra in Lake Monduran.

Cameron Wendt visited Weipa recently and nailed this mackerel on a floated bait.

seconds I cranked the handle to engage the drag and set the hook, only to be taken on a run of about 40m. I was able to turn the fish’s head only to be taken on several other long runs. After a few minutes I had the fish up and down under the boat and it was at this time that I realised how heavy this fish was. With my heart in my mouth I broke the fish’s strength and it rolled onto its side. It was the biggest mulloway I had ever captured. My mate got its head in the net and that’s all that fitted, so I put the reel back into baitrunner mode and grabbed the tail. We lifted the beast into the boat and once safely landed I looked at the fish in silence. After a while I realise my dream 140cm (26kg) of mulloway was in the boat. The photos do not do the fish justice as in real life, this fish was a true monster. Thanks to Peter for allowing me to fish in his boat. It is such a great thing to capture your PB, but it’s a completely other thing to do it with a great mate to share the experience. Cheers and tight lines and good luck to you all. – Warwick Roberts

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April sun in Bundaberg BUNDABERG

Jason Medcalf topwater@bigpond.com

It’s been a dry, windy March and the forecast is for a dry April but hopefully without the wind. With school holidays and Easter in April there should be plenty of time to get on the water. The Bundaberg region really shines over the autumn period with sunny skies, calm winds, warm days and cooling nights. For the holiday fishing family areas like Woodgate Beach, Coonar Beach, Elliott Heads, Moore

to my Easter break and it will be spent camping by a river with friends and family and of course there will be my fishing gear. April on the fishing front should produce a few less windy days giving us all a chance to get on the water without having to hang onto our hats. Inshore should see an increase of pelagic action with large schools of tuna and mackerel already being encountered by those who have been lucky enough to get out. My favourite way to get into the pelagics is by casting metal lures at them and let

Just what the doctor ordered – a surface munching mangrove jack. Park Beach and the Baffle area will all be great destinations. I am really looking forward

them sink into the schooling fish, then wind like crazy until you hook up. My pick of lures

for the job is either the 20g or 30g Halco Twisty. They have bent up ends that make the lure flutter down rather than sink like a stone and often the fish will eat them as they sink. Even if you’re having a baitfish out the front and it’s a bit slow I often cast a Twisty out, let it sink near the bottom then rip it up at a great rate of knots. Often mackerel cruise around close to the bottom and a metal slice flying through the water column can spark them up and they will chase and eat it, which is great fun. Other options are to troll for mackerel. Mackerel are very fast fish so trolling slow is not an option. Keep your boat speed around 8-10 knots and don’t worry as you can’t troll too fast for them. Keep an eye on your sounder as sometimes the fish will be sitting pretty deep, so deeper diving lures are the go. If you can’t get a bite but you’re sure they are there, then a live bait trolled slowly is pretty deadly on them as well. In the rivers and creeks there will be a few boats on the water so get out there early if you want to avoid the crowds. Most rivers should fish well through April as water temperatures will drop slightly but not too much to shut the

The Three Stooges got some Kolan River barra recently proving that there are plenty of fish for anglers of all skill levels in the local waterways. fish down. There have been some nice size grunter being caught in the deeper holes in most systems and fresh prawns or live yabbies have been the best bait. There have been some good fish being caught on soft plastics as well and they are being caught in the same places the bait fishers are getting theirs, which of course is in the deeper holes. My favourite plastic for targeting fish like grunter is the Berkley Gulp Single Tail Grub in the 4” in either the brown or white colour. For those anglers keen for

a jack or barra you should still be in with a very good chance this month. For jacks the rivers have stayed pretty salty so as long as the water isn’t too clear, head upstream. For barra they have been found in most sections of rivers and creeks but they will start to move around a bit as the water cools so they may take some finding. It’s no secret my favourite are the jacks and they will be on my hit list over Easter. I plan to fish in the upper reaches of a few local creeks in my Polycraft and in my kayak and, as it’s a time to spend

with family, I will be time managing the best I can. For those of you in the same boat, so to speak, the best way not to get into too much trouble is to try to fish only at peak times. So try and time your hours spent fishing around the turns of the tide say 2 hours before the low until 2 hours after as this will have you on the water in peak jack feeding time. Traditionally I have some cracking jack fishing in April. As long as the weather behaves I believe we will be in for a great holiday period so bring it on I say.

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Try something new GLADSTONE

Craige Floyd

Most of us have had fishing trips that didn’t go as planned due to unforseen circumstances. It could be that you ran out of time, the tide doesn’t suit the area or maybe a mate couldn’t come. It’s at times like these that you have to think on your feet. Such a situation happened to me. I had planned to go fishing early one morning at a new spot I’d stumbled across a couple weeks earlier. However, due to the start of a rising tide and a steep bank I was unable to beach my boat and, as I needed to fish this new spot by foot, it rendered it inaccessible. This early morning session was my only opportunity to get out for a fish on this day, so I was left with a decision: where to go? I thought about returning to one of my regular haunts that I’d been hitting the last couple of weekends but I was keen to try somewhere new and closer to home. I decided on South

Trees Inlet at Boyne Island. I launched the boat at the South Trees bridge and headed downstream cautiously, as it was low tide and there were plenty of gravel/rock bars hiding just below the surface. Although hazardous, it was these very same rock bars (which formed narrow corridors) that had enticed me to the area after spotting them on Google Earth. They make great structure for baitfish and estuarine species. I found one of these corridors creating a funnel effect for the water and bait passing through. The target species in areas such as these are mangrove jack and barra, however you can also expect a possible bycatch of flathead, bream, fingermark, trevally or cod. I had noticed that there were plenty of juvenile prawns in the mangrove drains on the journey to my destination, so I chose to use a Zerek Live Shrimp. These lures are pretty much snag proof and the terrain I was fishing was extremely rocky. While I didn’t get any barra this time around I did manage

a few mangrove jack, flathead and trevally – so my exploratory trip turned out well after all. As for the Boyne River, barra are still on the chew from the mouth right through to Pikes Crossing and are being taken on hardbodies, soft plastics and live mullet. Just be wary of keeping fish from up past the Benaraby bridge as there have been reports of mass barra and catfish dying there, and the cause is still unclear. Another thing to note when launching your boat at the Benaraby bridge is to park your vehicle well up from the regular high tide mark. As a couple of unwary anglers found out, when it’s a king tide your vehicle will get swamped up to the door handles. Other reports have come in with salmon being caught up at the Narrows on livies and soft vibes. From the reef when the wind has stopped blowing for a day or two, grassy sweetlip, coral trout, cod, and red emperor have been taken on squid, pillies and trolled hardbodies. So let’s hope this wind dies down and we have a good month of fishing.

FISHING FILL-ITS

No fishing at Fitzroy River Barrage Fishers are spoiled for choice when it comes to great fishing spots around Rockhampton, but the Fitzroy River Barrage should not be one of them. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Gary Muhling said fishers need to avoid fishing in closed waters. “We have received an increased number of complaints about people fishing inside the closed waters at the Barrage recently,” Mr Muhling said. “The Barrage is closed to all forms of fishing 400m downstream of the dam wall, and 400m upstream. “There are also closed waters 200m upstream to 400m downstream of Eden Bann Weir, and 200m upstream to 200m downstream of Wattlebank Control Weir. “There are signs in place advising fishers of the closed waters, and it is the responsibility of all fishers to know the rules before heading out. “Fishing in closed waters is a serious offence which carries a $440 on-the-spot fine or a maximum penalty of $110,000, and your equipment could be seized.”

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Mr Muhling said QBFP works together with the local council to monitor the area. “Rockhampton Regional Council has installed signage, CCTV surveillance, controls remotely operated spotlights and a verbal warning system, and conducts regular patrols of the closed water areas.” Mr Muhling said closed waters are in place to help preserve fish stocks in areas where they may be vulnerable to overfishing. “The Barrage and weirs form a barrier, and fish tend to congregate there whilst waiting to use fish ladders to travel up or down stream,” he said. Mr Muhling also expressed concern of fishers risking their safety to throw a line in at the Barrage.

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“The area is slippery and the Barrage gates open automatically, making it a dangerous place to fish. There has also been a large crocodile sighted in the area. It’s just not worth the risk.” If you suspect illegal fishing, whether seen in person or online, report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. Any trespassing or damage to the Fitzroy River Barrage should be reported to the Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 22 55 77, or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. Don’t engage the person, as this can compromise an investigation. For more information on closed waters, visit www. fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. – DAFF

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This April is booming ROCKHAMPTON

Clayton Nicholls clay94_fishing@live.com.au

From all the rain and run-off events in the summer, the barra and king threadfin salmon numbers in the Fitzroy River and surrounding creeks and lagoons are through the

roof. There have been some absolute cracker barra and threadies pulled this last month, with more threadfin salmon in the river than ever before. The recent rains have been fantastic for the freshwater lagoons like the Wool Wash and Frogmore area. However, the most common areas such as the bridges have been

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heavily fished and are not holding as many fish as you’d normally expect after rains. Taking a walk along the sides and having a crack at the lilies and fallen trees is doing the trick, especially with small plastics and hardbodies. Unlike previous years when many fish were caught on poppers, the barra have been a little reluctant to take surface lures in recent weeks. However, you can still pick the odd one up with a slow continuous pop. Little 40 and 50mm hardbody lures in shallow diving format have worked well this month, and this trend is predicted to continue throughout the April and May period. The river has been going well, with barra in the 70cm class being pulled consistently, and there are quite a few crackers amongst the bunch. A lot of the fish have been pulled in the city reaches all the way down to the Devil’s Elbow. As usual for this time of year, a lot of the barra are being captured moving up into the areas they can’t normally get to on low. Many of the land-based anglers have been choosing to run live perch for their barra, and this tactic works very

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This fish was taken on a Lethal Lures Barra Slayer 110 in dynamite colour. well while there is freshwater flowing from the barrage. The barra and threadfin population is certainly on a high at the moment and this will not drop, however once the months get colder you’ll notice that the areas you catch them in will start to change. The fish will move a little deeper and get a little doughy. On the lure side of things, there have been many barra taken on lures while trolling in the 6-8ft range of water and using vibrant colours such as yellow and chartreuse. The diving sizes that have been working are anything between 2-5ft. Generally the lures are placed 20-30m behind the boat and trolled at around 2 knots. If

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT To avoid a fine it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with current crabbing regulations: • Mud crabs are a 15cm minimum across the carapace and have a bag limit of 10 per person with a no take on female mud crabs. • Crab pots must be labelled with a surname and address of the owner on both the pot and the float. • Crab pots must have floats and they can be no less than 15cm in any dimension. • No more than four crab pots can be used per person. For more information check out the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at www.daff.qld.gov.au. there are two people in a boat then while trolling the other person can be up on the casting deck if they desire casting

Yann is happy as ever with one of his most recent captures on his Adrenalinfish lure.

lures into the structure on the banks. Some very good fish have been pulled using this technique with hardbody vibes. Crabbing is exceptional at the moment down on at the port, with many reports on people getting at least eight crabs a trip per person on the boat and sometimes getting so many they’ve had to throw some back. A good old pack of Tweed mullet heads will do the trick, and lately that’s what many people have been coming and buying to use. The crabs are predicted to be this way at least for the next month, and if the little patches of rain continue and the trickles of fresh keep coming into the river, this trend for crabs will continue. As always, fish light and get the bite!

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Another Lethal Lure capture. This 1.3m fish was taken on a Detonator 100 in dynamite colour.

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Reefies in abundance YEPPOON

Scott Lynch ifishcq2@bigpond.com

As we move into April and the early mornings get a slight chill, it’s time to start thinking about which species to target. The land-based guys are gearing up for whiting and blue salmon up the beaches, and any of the lesser mackerels at Rosslyn Bay and a few of the local headlands. Blue salmon school up at this time of year and usually run the beaches between the mouth of the Fitzroy River and Corio Bay. They stop at plenty of spots depending on where the bait schools are and how much fresh the river is pushing. In the river they can be anywhere from

the cut though downstream to the Narrows, Long beach and Rundles. Coorooman Creek is prime for blues, especially around the timbers and sand banks at the creek mouth. Rita Mada, Kinka Beach, The Causeway and Ross Creek are all handy places to catch a feed of salmon, though not in the numbers at the better spots. At times Rosslyn Bay Harbour is the best location on the coast because the salmon follow in the large schools of greenback and yorkie herrings. They hit them hard in the harbour entrance or just inside before the wharves. When the blues are on at the harbour you’ll see guys in tinnies drifting and casting small Flashas or Pegrons. The Bluff Rocks on the bottom end of Farnborough

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Beach are a good spot. In the late afternoon and evening blue salmon cruise around the rocks on the rising tides, smashing the herring pinned against the rocks. The mouth of Barwells Creek is another spot where salmon gather in numbers. A few years ago Nev Brooks nailed a blue over 8kg fishing the beach when the tide was running out of the creek. Salmon can also be thick at Farnborough Beach and Corio Bay. Blues work the gutters and channel edges like tailor and will even take pillies on ganged hooks. The trick is to fish the gutters when there is a bit of chop making a lot of white water. You flick the pilly into the area where the white water starts to clear and keep it moving slowly. Once you have worked it into the clearer water it’s time to put it back out for another go. If you don’t get a salmon in the first few casts, try the other gutters right up in the entrance to Corio and Fishing Creek. When you are looking for blues you’ll find they’re often at whiting spots either chasing whiting or the soldier crabs and yabbies that draw in the whiting. I do the Rexy trick and thread three or four large yabbies by the tail onto a 3/0, a long trace and a small pea sinker. Salmon like a bait that is moving around, either in the current or alive. Whiting fillets on a couple of small gangs or about a 3/0 long shank can be another option when they aren’t really on the chew. Up the bay last weekend there were several quality fish scored along the edge of the dirty water current line heading into Water Park Creek. WHITING Whiting are starting to come on in some of the local estuaries. Since then reports have come in from Long Beach, Coorooman Creek, Kinka Beach, The Narrows, The Causeway (on the seaward side), Lammamoor Beach, Ross Creek, Barwells Creek, Farnborough Beach

Thommo with a tasty Keppel blue tooth. and Corio Bay of one or two of the better whiting reaching 450 and 460mm. Beachworms and yabbies are doing well, with prawns rounding off the more popular baits. Work the tides at the edges of channels and sandbanks in the creeks and the gutters on the beach where there is a little bit of white water coming over the banks. I used to think that the run-in was the best, but some places like the mouths of Barwells, Ross and Coorooman can switch on with the run-out tide. Five Rocks, Three Rivers and Nine Mile also produce quality fish very regularly and like Farnborough Beach you can get your bait at your feet. If you can’t catch beachworms, take someone who can so they can teach you. Failing that, all the bait and tackle shops have frozen worms that do the trick just fine. When we were kids we would go down the beach right at the bottom of the tide and bury a few fish scraps and bits of cut up pipis so that the passing schools of whiting would stop right where we wanted them. Be prepared because rays, shovelnose, flathead, bream and salmon all feed in the spots that whiting do and re often the bycatch. REEF AND OFFSHORE Fishing in the bay could

be a lucky dip this year. With the fresh flow from The Fitzroy virtually non-existent, the bay is in great shape. The continual flow and heavy rains of previous years hasn’t eventuated and the dredging of the harbour is complete, meaning that the water will be clear and clean within a day or so of any big blow. The good news is that schools of bait, all the mackerels, trevally and tuna should be passing through instead of bypassing Keppel Bay. We all love the wet years and they are needed for the breeding cycles of all our local species, but the dirty water keeps the big schools of pelagics out wide and out of reach for the area’s many tinnies. This is the period we expect all the lesser mackerels to arrive. There has been the odd doggy (school) and spotted mackerel showing at the islands, among the smaller Spanish that have turned up. The spots to check are places such as Barron, Humpy, Outer, Man and Wife, Ritamada, Pelican, Conical, Liza Jane Shoals, Pinnacles and The Keppels. None of the Spanish are very big fish, although at 6-10kg they are a great eating size. Providing conditions stay the same, doggy

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The author with a red emperor caught at the Keppels.

mackerel will be about and they’ll continue to move into the bay during this month. Make sure you have the sizes and measure any close fish because the fines are worth more than the fish. Spotted mackerel are likely to come in as well as there have been a few showing at other spots along the coast. As a rule with the others, grey mackerel in the 2-3kg range should appear in some quantity and they are going to increase in numbers with good weather. Being mainly a coastal mackerel they usually hang in to the closer spots such as Double Heads, Farnborough or Corio Heads. Anglers have been picking up a few snapper of late, which is unusual in the warmer months. I still call them squire but they were legal none the less. They were all caught on plastics, mainly Transams, Thready Busters and various imitations. The guys who caught them were working reefy rubble dropoffs around Man and Wife and Barren. I haven’t seen any caught on baits in the usual spots and these were all caught during the day. If this is anything to go by it could be a good year for snapper. Reef fish are in abundance in April around the islands and out wide. Red-throat emperor, grassy sweetlip, red jew, cod, huge parrot and blue tooth are lifting the spirits for plenty of the fishers frustrated with the weather in recent weeks. There is a run of just legal reds around 600mm in very close to the islands, and a tip is to find the yakkas. Any of the rubble patches behind the islands have fish, as do most of the usual reef patches in close. Coral trout are in good supply around the islands and shoal areas. Cobia, yellowtail kingfish, samsonfish, rosy jobfish, cod and a heap of other species are all on the menu during April and into May. Starting to come into play are black jew, which have already been taken in small quantities at Double Heads and Corio Heads.

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Stirring up the mix MACKAY

Keith Day habdays@bigpond.net.au

What a mixed up wet season we have had this year! Plenty of rain, strong wind warnings and potential cyclone threats. Still the wet has rejuvenated the creeks and river systems, stirring up activity and while the dirty water has not been easy to fish, the systems have all benefitted and April will see the last of the wet and the weather settle down into autumn proper. Early April will likely see plenty of wet weather around, and this will get prawns and crabs moving and that is good news for the small boat angler. Crabs have been in good numbers but many have been empty, so check them out well before keeping them. Watch the size limits too as the Patrol boys are out there checking catches, so do the right thing, leave the jennies and undersize or empty crabs for another day. When there is a fair amount of freshwater around in the creeks, lay your pots out near the mouth or even

on the flats in the estuaries proper, but keep an eye on them as they will get stranded at low tide. Crab pot ‘share farmers’ are still rife around Mackay, so I suggest you stay close by your pots while fishing. Many pro crabbers as well as rec anglers are setting up movement activated cameras in mangroves close to their pots and this evidence has been used in court proceedings, so lift only your own pots. During March there have been heaps of jelly prawns in the creeks and the fish have had plenty to feed on. When the jellies are around, fish can sometimes feed on nothing else and live baits, strip baits and lures can go untouched. These juvenile prawns can be easily seen along the edges of the creeks and under overhanging mangroves and will spray out as a lure lands among them. For the lure angler this is the time to use those small 50mm plastic prawns or similar small softies to try to match the hatch. Fly anglers are perhaps best equipped to imitate these jellies. Small patterns in almost translucent materials weighted with bead chains

and fished on a floating line are probably the best bet. Barra will continue to be a main target for the creek and estuary anglers during April as the weather and water temps are still up there and the barra active. Generally the humidity is dropping off during April and fishing can be very pleasant. As the jelly prawn grow, live prawns will continue to be a reliable bait and a cast net will see enough for a good session. When cast netting, an electric outboard is a real bonus as the boat can be worked quietly right up to the prawns. Barra will be in the usual haunts and popular spots like Reliance, Constant and Murray creeks will produce plenty of fish. The Pioneer River and to the south Bakers, Sandy, Alligator and Rocky Dam creeks will also see plenty of barra action in April. The latest improvement at Constant Creek with the new style ramp means it is much more popular but it still fishes well despite the extra attention it now gets. The ramp is a big improvement over the old one and a far cry from the rock littered mud bank that was the ‘ramp’

One of the best eating fish from the creeks is a beautiful grunter or javelin fish. They are suckers for soft plastics worked over shale or gravel beds, but sometimes they will also belt a hardbody like this one did! when I started to fish it in the mid 70s. Mullet and whiting would be the other two most reliable barra baits, but watch the legal length. Strip baits of these or gar will also pick up plenty of fish in the creeks, particularly king salmon and grunter. As I write this article there have been some good grunter around 60cm long coming from Constant and Murray

creek systems and they will be on the job through April. Try for grunter on any gravel bed and on big tides they will get right up onto the mudflats and sandbanks if there are yabby beds there. Grunter also relish small crabs so on top of rock bars is also a good spot to pick them up, but you will get plenty of snags between fish. King salmon remain an enigma, and they can

be found anywhere in a creek system from almost freshwater to the flats out the front. They also roam along the beaches, but that is more blue salmon territory. Kings respond to live and cut baits and plenty get picked up on lures, often while anglers are luring for flathead. Bait anglers can also find them to be very frustrating as at times they will mouth a bait, or move slowly off and then

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drop the bait. Bait-feeder style reels are great for this work, letting the angler release line without tension, but having instant drag when the fish finally takes off. Getting towards the end of the month will see the weather start to cool off although Easter in Mackay is usually either wonderful with calm seas or it will be wet, wild and windy. If calm, the ramps at the harbour, River Street etc. will be crowded and if wet and wild there will be plenty up the creeks. The changes will see a shift in species, particularly the close offshore spots. Queenfish will be more prevalent in catches, along with golden trevally and oyster crackers and these all come right into the creek mouths to feed. Close offshore they can be found around Flat and Round Top islands off the river and Slade Island just off the harbour. The islands around Seaforth will also fish well in April and there is always the chance of some reefies in close. If you happen to see small garfish around, then fish the area as they are one of the queenies’ favourite prey and can be easily imitated with a long slim minnow or pencil style popper. They are great fun on relatively light gear and queenies have saved the day

for me plenty of times. Late April may also see some Spanish activity inshore although this will depend on how clean the water is and if we have calm weather. The word soon gets out if the Spanos are around; ribbonfish and large gar quickly selling out at the tackle shops is a dead giveaway. The staff at the local tackle outlets will always have their finger on the pulse and know what is around, so make a few purchases and you will get the good oil. The dams continue to fish well and barra and sooties are stretching gear in all three dams. MAFSA’s sooty breeding has had a number of setbacks with the new gear and systems, but they are gradually getting things ironed out, with a couple of small batches being successfully raised through to release. Not the big numbers we had hoped for but enough for the hatchery crew to taste some success and look forward to next summer and better results. Hopefully by then new monitoring equipment will be purchased and installed giving better control and building up the knowledge bank. Don’t forget that the World Sooty Championship event is on at Eungella Dam

Mothers’ Day long weekend and it promises to be a great success in the tradition of past events. Eungella Dam is home to some absolute monster sooties and if I am ever to crack my 50cm barrier I will lay odds it will be at Eungella. It is a great spot and a great two day comp with plenty of camaraderie, great prizes and good times so pack up your camp gear, get the tinnie ready and come join the MAFSA crew for the comp. It is MAFSA’s main fund raising event for the year and all the profits generated go straight back to keeping the dams well stocked with sooties and barra. So not only will you have a ball tangling with some mega sooties, you will also be assisting to keep the dams happening. For entry forms, contact the local tackle shops in Mackay and don’t leave it until the last minute as nominations are going fast. For more info contact either Tim Galletly on 0409 272 447 or Jeff Eales on 0409 552 103. So as usual there will be plenty of action around Mackay during April from the freshwater to the reef, so why not come and join us here in paradise? See you at the ramp.

Estuary turns it on STANAGE BAY

Von Ireland

February and the start of March has shown the true value of the past year’s rainfall, with abundant muddies in Thirsty Sound along with barra, mangrove jack, fingermark, grunter and king threadfin salmon. Well done to the adventurous anglers who braved the heat and road to try catching our prize fish and muddies. While we’ve had only a few good flat days of outside weather, with no big boats visiting the area, the estuary turned it on for the smaller vessels. Lures of all shapes and sizes were used but the proven lures time and time again were the Richo’s Lures. There are photos on the website (www. stanagebay.com) so hop online and have a gander. The road to Stanage is a little rough here and there, but all in all it’s good for an unsealed road so nobody’s complaining. There are plenty of sealed roads elsewhere in the region. There is a mixed group of holiday rentals catering

A nice Cut Through barra. The best lures of late have been Richo’s and Murphys. for every need here, and the local businesses have everything you could wish for in a fishing getaway, so please make sure you use them if you want us here in the future. We supply bait, ice, tackle and fuel locally, with competitive prices, and if you want storage for boats or caravans we can help you with that as well. If you also want to help our Coastguard, allow an extra $66 and join for free assist or tow. If you need more info feel free to call me at

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Warm water, rain and mackerel BALLINA

Tristan Sloan

For the offshore fisherman this last month has been the month of the Spanish mackerel. Whenever conditions look right there have been upwards of 20 boats on the reefs at Black Head and Lennox Point. While there has been an abundance of anglers the same can’t be said of the mackerel. That isn’t to say the fish aren’t there, they certainly are – it’s just that the anglers who catch them are the ones who think about their technique and use a bit of finesse. Clunky wire rigs are certainly not the go here. While you may get the odd fish that commits suicide, most sharp-eyed mackerel will avoid these like the plague. Most fish have been caught by anglers slow trolling live baits around structure and bait schools using live yellowtail as the slimy mackerel are quite small at the moment and are hard to catch. The slow trolling rig involves a 5/0 keeper hook pinned or bridle rigged through the bait’s nose

This average Richmond River bass scoffed a weighted black woolly bugger. and a stinger treble, usually a size 2/0, pinned in the tail. Wire is only used between the nose hook and the stinger treble and is normally about 10cm in length. Sure, you will occasionally get bitten off but 90% of the fish will be pinned on the stinger. If you’re having a quiet day and aren’t sure whether there are any mackerel around, try putting out a live bait on just mono. If you are quickly bitten off you have to find some way to modify your rig and get a bite. Mackerel can be such fussy buggers sometimes! We have done

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this several times in the past month and often have only been able to catch a fish trolling minnows, notably the smallest Halco Laser Pros in the 120 size in either pink or gold. These lures are trolled with no wire and a long way behind the boat. The size of the lure perfectly imitates the

small slimy mackerel on the reefs, and by using finesse in trolling the lures a long way (50-80m) behind the boat we have been able to catch some quality fish. For those who have trouble catching mackerel, there are still plenty of mahi mahi on the FAD which are suckers for a live bait tossed in close to the buoy. There are also plenty of squire, pearl perch and the ever-present sand flathead on the 32 fathom reef. ROCK AND BEACH For the rock and beach anglers there have been plenty of quality tailor off the headlands and beaches. I’ve had several exciting sessions spinning up choppers off Flatrock lately. One afternoon was especially exciting; I was catching tailor cast after cast and suddenly I noticed the whole school of tailor jumping out of the water,

Keith Sloan with an average mackerel caught trolling Halco Laser Pros. closely followed by a pack of big rampaging Spanish mackerel. Unfortunately the mackerel remained just out of casting range but hopefully I’ll jag one of those big beachcombers one day! As well as tailor there have been plenty of whiting in the surf gutter, with South Ballina Beach and 7 Mile Beach being the pick of the bunch to catch a feed. Pink nippers are my bait of choice

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Daniel Sloan slowly strips a fly past a likely looking snag. as they are almost as effective as worms and considerably cheaper when you pump them yourself. The inshore sport fishing should really heat up this month as the garfish should turn up in droves off the shallow reefs and rocky headlands. This is one of my favourite times of the year as closely following the garfish are the northern bluefin tuna and big greenback tailor. This really is the time of year for the local rock fisherman who is looking to catch a pelagic from the stones. Garfish are very easy to berley up on the surface with a few handfuls of mushy bread and, unlike yellowtail and slimy mackerel, you can catch them at practically any time of day with the top of the tide preferable. I like to use small squid pieces on size 10 long shank hook under a float. These garfish are then kept alive in a bait pool and drifted out under a torpedo float with a 5/0 in the tail in search for a tuna. Don’t be surprised if you lose a few garfish to bite-

APRIL 2014

offs, the culprits will be either big greenback tailor or more likely those big beachcomber Spanish mackerel. Those mackerel can’t resist a live chopper tailor drifted out under a balloon, but unfortunately neither can the local shark population. The best spots tend to be the Chair at Byron Bay at the end of Wategoes Beach, any of the headlands at Broken Head and the Peg at Boulders Beach near Skennars Head. Please be careful fishing the Peg as this spot is very dangerous to fish in any kind of swell. ESTUARY I wish I had something positive to say about the estuary fishing this last month but it has been very quiet and patchy to say the least. I’ve managed to regularly scrape up a feed of flathead in North Creek spinning the sand flats on the run-out tide but the main river has fished very poorly. I struggled on several occasions to get a few fish even when I drifted live poddy mullet through all the likely haunts around Pimlico Island. The only fish I have been able to catch (and lose) with some regularity are mangrove jacks. I have endured some painful brickings throwing lures around the boat harbour at night. There certainly are some serious sized jacks in there. BASS I’m happy to say the little bit of rain we have had in recent weeks has finally stirred some life back into the local bass streams. I’ve had some great sessions in the upper Wilsons River throwing surface lures and I’ve also managed to nail a few fat fish on the fly rod. Initially I pulled out the 5wt to get some casting practice for an upcoming NZ trout trip but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how effective the fly is. I assume it’s because the fly line lands very softly on the water and doesn’t spook the bass in the shallow water. The setup I use is very basic and consists of a 5wt Redington rod, WF floating line and a 9’ leader. I’ve been using standard trout wet flies such as zonkers, Mrs Simpsons and woolly buggers with the standout fly being a black sparkle bugger with a gold bead head.

LBG season really kicks off quality pelagics are getting around. To get among these better sized fish your best option is to tow around a live or a well rigged dead bait. Because these quality fish are around at this time in the season I like to upgrade everything in my rigs. Use

ILUKA

Ben Pilch bjpcdh@gmail.com

April is the month when I start to get excited about my rock fishing again! Lots of options start opening up as we get closer to the colder months. The main reason I get excited about fishing in April is because it marks the start of the land-based game (LBG) season in Iluka. Without the rain and flooding that plagued us over the last 4 or 5 seasons, hopefully this season will be a good one – although as soon as there is a whisper of a longtail getting caught off Iluka wall it is packed the next day. The deep water fronted headlands to the north and south of the mighty Clarence River also produce fish, so a little exploring and adventurous spirit could see you catching fish all by yourself without the crowd – that’s if you are willing to put in the work. Long, fishless days have been the norm for last couple of LBG seasons but hopefully the change in weather patterns will see us return to the actionpacked days of seasons past. The best baits for our region are by far live gar,

Local lure maker Steve Patti of Croaker lures has been testing his jointed surface lure of late and catching some horses like this 110cm model!

Damian Book sporting some of the quality Clarence River mulloway that can be spun up in mullet season. which you can catch by berleying up using bread and tuna oil, then using a sabiki rig. The hooks I like to use for chasing longtail tuna are 5/0 Mustads along with a couple of meters of quality 50lb leader and 30lb main line.

This set-up and a lot of hours on the rocks should hopefully see you hook up to a LBG tuna this season. All these fish will also be available to the boat going anglers as well; often April and May are when those better

An early season 20kg long tail tuna made the trip down from the Gold Coast worthwhile for Tom Melville.

the best quality you can buy, double check all knots, and take the time to check rigs again after a hook-up – don’t just bait up and put them back in the water straight away. It is all these little things that will help you to land a quality fish and get those brag photos that will make all your mates jealous. This time of year is getting close to the mullet run as well, so it’s time to dust off the live bait and mulloway lure sticks and start rigging up for another season of chasing these majestic silver fish on the mighty Clarence River. If you have never landed a good sized mulloway and would like to tick it off your bucket list, the next 2 months is when you should be putting in a lot of effort. If you’re lucky

enough to be there when a school of mullet swims by, you never know – your mulloway fishing dreams might all come true at once! On the tailor fishing front the last couple of seasons have not been anything special. Hopefully this season with the different weather pattern we might get the quantity and quality of fish that we’ve seen in seasons past. This weather has also had an effect upstream where the Clarence starts in the valley, leaving many of our local cod haunts with not much of a trickle in them at the time of writing this, but this has not had an effect on local lure maker Steve Patti’s strike rate. Lately he has been picking up some horse size cod on his surface lure Black Betty.

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Time to spare the rod NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.me

Last month in this column we looked at the maintenance and care needed to keep your fishing reels in tip-top condition. This time around, the focus shifts to rods. The old saying, “Spare the rod and spoil the child” has become rather politically incorrect in this modern age, when dishing out physical punishment to kids is widely frowned upon. Perhaps we could alter it these days to apply to our fishing tackle instead… Something along the lines of, “Spare the care and spoil the rod!” Thankfully, most modern fishing rods don’t demand an enormous amount of maintenance. However, a little bit of TLC (tender loving care) can certainly extend the life of your favourite rods. One good habit to get into involves simply removing reels from rods when the outfit is not in use and storing all your rods in soft bags or socks, on racks or pegs, or in speciallymade rod tubes. Taking

multi-piece rods apart for storage is also an excellent idea and can help prevent the various bits from gumming up and sticking together, effectively

W L E N DE O M

creating one-piece rods! A quick hose down after each outing (especially when fishing in saltwater) and an occasional wipe over with a wet, soapy cloth is

Hmmm. Cobwebs in the guides and broken varnish coats could be an indication of a lack of maintenance!

Roller-runnered game rods demand extra attention. It’s important to keep those rollers clean and lightly lubricated to ensure that they work as they were intended to.

also worthwhile. I’ve been known to take my rods into the shower with me after a hard day’s fishing, but I’ve also been told this is a tad extreme! Whichever method you choose, make sure the rod and all its fittings are completely dry before packing them away again, especially if they’re going into rod bags or tubes. Once or twice each year (at least) I like to spray some aerosol lubricant onto a soft, clean rag and wipe the whole rod down, paying particular attention to the reel seat or winch mount, guide frames and ferrules or joins. Between trips, rods are best stored horizontally or vertically on pegs or in racks, but you can also stand your rods in a corner, so long as

they’re completely straight. Storing rods bent or under load can cause them to take on a ‘set’ and stay that way…forever. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight degrades rod finishes and can ultimately weaken the blank material itself, so avoid leaving your rods on the roof of the car or out in the backyard for lengthy periods. Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t do what a mate of mine did and leave your gear lying on the front lawn. He thought he’d lost his favourite surf-casting rod, until he mowed the long grass. Crunch, bang, sproing… Ouch! That’s certainly one way of turning a one-piece rod into a multi-piece.

Cracked, grooved or chipped guides (runners) or guide inserts can be a major issue with some rods, and will play havoc with your line, often causing mysterious break-offs whenever you hook a good fish. If you suspect a guide insert may be damaged, draw a section of lady’s stocking or pantyhose leg through it. Damaged guides will snag and pull at the fine material. If this happens, replace the guide immediately. If you’re not up to completing this job yourself, have it done by a reputable tackle shop or custom rod builder. Rod care is mostly basic common sense, but you might be surprised at just how uncommon that valuable commodity is!

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Hitting for six this season CALOUNDRA

Rob Smith

Weather is dominating most offshore anglers’ conversations at the moment. Good weather is not lining up with weekends at all and it is only the guys getting out mid-week who can get to the fish. The fish are there though when you can get out. Mooloolaba Gamefishing club held their Babes and Billfish Tournament in mid February, a one day event which lined up with some good weather and good fishing. Dave Morton and his lady crew on his Riviera Express Filthy lead the way, tagging six billfish to win. Steve and Kelly Jensen won the best dressed crew category from their 35’ Henriques Monster. The Little Ship Gamefishing Club held their Haines Group Gamefishing Tournament, and Garmin and EMS Interclub Shield late in February from their clubhouse at The One Mile at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. It was reduced to a one day shootout, the same as a few other tournaments this tournament season.

Gold Coast 2400 Kevlacat Viking won with Mooloolaba Gamefishing Club boats Luna and Dragon Lady snapping at their heels. Mick Wrack off the 35’ Caribbean Luna took out Champion Angler and Max Proctor on his dad’s 685 Cruise Craft Dragon Lady took out Champion Junior Angler. Viking was Champion Boat Under 8m and Luna was Champion Boat Over 8m. In early March the Surfers Paradise Game and Sportfish Club conducted their Simrad All Tackle All Species Tournament. 49’ custom charter boat Mistress won with a few tagged black marlin on light tackle for the Alty family. The Caelli family on their Riviera Jugs won the heavy tackle section. The weather once again was very average, resulting in a small field. The weather makes or breaks attendances at game tournaments, and with a small entry fee of only $85 SPGSFC deserved a massive rollup. The Gold Coast had the better of the fishing up to late February. The 36-50 fathom line held heaps of bait and all of the regular boats got stuck into them. Mistress were top dogs tagging 10

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a day, two days in a row during this period. Mat and John Stehman’s Hydrofield Murphy’s Law was also into them, taking on some rough weather in the process while the fish were biting. Mick Stewart and his little 30’ Black Watch Hot Deel tagged quite a few as well when he was not doing the deck for Ross McCubbin on the charter boat Lucky Strike. Gav Woodbury from Seaprobe Charters was always amongst the action with his 36’ Black Watch Watch Tower. SCGFC boats into them included Reel Capture with a nine from 11 day one rough Saturday. They were the only boat out which skipper Craig McCulloch likes, but the crew suffered numerous chopoffs eating into their rig and live bait supply. They ticked away at them all month but couldn’t match Misty during February. The Lee boys and their 5.0m half cab racked up something like 21 tagged fish for the month, all on 6kg line. Son Darren did many days solo, pulling quite a few five-fish days by himself and with dad Greg. Going hard but looking at the bridesmaid category in a few SCGFC end of year trophies yet again are the crew from 31’ Noosacat,

of Boats SINCE 1998

Cat-a-pult. Paddy Diamond and crew were ticking away at the fish two and three per day but they did have a blinder on the close grounds with six tagged black marlin and a sailfish for the day. Their best day ever. As I write this the SCGFC team competing in the IGFA Offshore World Championships are making their final preparations for fishing in Costa Rica. Heath Irvine, Jay Graham, Brent Higgins and Brett Barton are back again fishing out of the port of Quepos. Next year if they can go, Brent would be looking at his third year in a row, it would be Craig McCulloch’s second time after previously fishing the OWC in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Grant Cooper’s first time – though he has fished overseas before in Vanuatu in their Gamefish Classic. Other SCGFC members heading overseas shortly are Albert and Pauline Threadingham to officiate the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament out of Kona, and angling will be Steven Chow. Steve always attends and about every second year another SCGFC team compete. Across the river at the MGFC, Ymer the 34’ Black Watch skippered by Steven Brooks has been ticking away at the fish with a few four fish days. Tim Starling and his Barcrusher Big Wave Dave is still fishing hard and getting results. CHARTER CAPTURES On charter the mackerel have slowed up a bit for me though the return run should be good. One of the days we only got one mackerel and the fish got me across the knuckles with its teeth. It was not good and the blood wouldn’t congeal so I had to tape some Band-aids up with

A happy snap from our recent 6 marlin day. insulation tape. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. With the mackerel just be aware there are cases of ciguatera getting around this year as well. Smaller fish are going to be safer to eat than big fish. On the longer days if the mackerel haven’t bitten we have experienced some pretty reasonable early season reef fishing. I did have one cracking game charter through this period though. I hadn’t had a whole lot of luck up until then, with a 13-7-1 day with Tim Whittle and crew aboard. They were not all marlin but a good half dozen were. Regular client Ed Martin from Huntington Beach California who is 89 years young, along with his Australian neighbour Danny Davis, headed out with me one Thursday and by day’s end we had hooked 12 marlin and sailfish, released six and kept a mackerel and probably had 20 odd bites for the day

on live bait and lures. That kept me super busy and we also clipped some fins for DNA samples for research scientist Sam Williams. When we first found the school of bait we fished most of the day it was only 10m from the surface and virtually top to bottom. I knew we would be in for some action and the first bait out only took about 30 seconds before we had a run. We must have marked 20-30 fish on the Furuno sounder that day. They were everywhere. It was one of those days you dream about having and the guys got three each making everyone happy! Give me a call at Smithys Fishing Charters on 0407 574 868 or check out my website, (www.smithysfishingcharters. com.au) to get out there and get into some of this pelagic action! The jacks are also feeding up before winter in the rivers and I am starting to get a handle on them now.

For the full range visit www.formosamarineboats.com.au BRISBANE Australian Marine Centre 3491 Pacific Motorway, Springwood, QLD Ph: (07) 3808 7333 HERVEY BAY Barney’s Marine Shed 3A Nissan St, Pialba QLD

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Matthew Kraeh had a great time wading the streams of North Queensland catching jungle perch and sooties. This chunky sooty fell to a River2Sea Bubblepop 45 that Matthew cast upstream into the current before popping it back.

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P R E V I E W T H E N E W H D S G E N 2 T O U C H AT LO W R A N C E . C O M . A U

APRIL 2014

Gold Coast Fishing Tackle turns 3 years old Gold Coast Fishing the shop and had a chat Tackle, established to Kevin about what he by Kevin Ballantyne thought set the shop apart and Raff Manjikian, is from all the other tackle turning 3. Yep that’s shops, and he was keen right, the nappy is off to emphasise the ability of and the business has the team to solve fishing grown up from being problems for customers. This had me intrigued so a toddler. Located at 2/57-59 we explored what he meant. Kev said, “We love Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Gold Coast customers who come in Fishing Tackle, from with an issue or a target or the outset, has set about a dream as it allows us to making a difference to really tailor our advice and your fishing. And that’s tackle selections to their an important distinction. needs”. As an example The team wants you to while we were there a catch more, better or your customer who fished only first fish with the right a little locally came in for tackle in the right place. a new outfit and the team Kev and Raeff are local to went to work finding out the area and have fished what the experience level extensively throughout of the customer was, asking Australia and in a number questions about what he you fishing better. of other countries. It is wanted to achieve and how But it’s not just the this local, national and he fished and then they personal service that sets international fishing set about getting the right Gold Coast Fishing Tackle experience that give the set up into the customer’s apart, as in their first three team at Gold Coast Fishing hands. For over 20 years of operation they Tackle the edge when it minutes the team showed have developed a huge comes to giving you the the customer maps, went following of anglers who right advice. And after through the rigs needed, rely on the team to do all all who doesn’t want the spooled up the reel with the their reel servicing, all of right advice whether that’s right line and made sure the their game and sport fishing chasing the local bream, customer had the right bait. rigging and the rebuilding heading offshore to catch It was a first hand display and repairing of their rods. a marlin or going north to of what Gold Coast Fishing As it was small marlin and Tackle offers customers – mackerel season I saw how tangle with a barra? AM made Page rigs 1 to suit that gets 10:37 STA13434Dealer1-2_STA11838NewCamp I dropped down to one on one service 18/07/12 the guys

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR MORE INFORMATION.

GOLD COAST

WHITE WATER MARINE 10 Hinde St, ASHMORE Ph 07·5532 4402

www.whitewatermarine.com.au

BRISBANE

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BRISBANE

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8 Ritchie St, BUNDABERG 4670 Ph 07 4153 1819 Fax 07·4153 1819 adriansmarinecentre@bigpond.com

APRIL 2014

skirted lures and how they rigged up trolling lures so that customers simply had to clip the lure onto their outfit. I also got to see Raeff pull apart a game reel and service the drag, all while offering me advice on how to catch mulloway at the Pin. I’ve done a little bit of game fishing with some really good crews and you can see the experience these guys have when it comes to rigging up game

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lures. They had all the options and answers at hand whether it was trolling skirts in rough weather, or simply getting amongst the vast number of mackerel that are offshore on the Gold Coast at the minute. Moreover the shop itself is refreshingly old school. There are heaps of different brands and lures, all the terminal tackle you’ll need and the walls are not overcrowded with one brand. I really liked that

in the barra lure department there were 6 different shallow diving minnow brands, in the surface lure department there were heaps of different brands and sizes to choose from and they even had some inland native lures and trout lures. As for plastics, well there were heaps, as you’d expect in any tackle shop these days, even some brands that I hadn’t seen before. The shop gave a tackle tragic plenty of opportunities to rat through the displays for interesting things and it was a pleasure to simply dawdle around and check out the lures. Most refreshingly for me was that all the major brands were there, right alongside a heap of brands and models you rarely see anywhere. So while Gold Coast Fishing Tackle is a young store, the experience of the team and the way the shop is set up is first class and invites you in more than once. Drop in and say happy birthday or give them a call on 07 5679 840 and get some great advice, whether you want to catch fish locally or further abroad. – Stephen Booth

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR MORE INFORMATION.

HERVEY BAY BUCCANEERS

19 Islander Rd PIALBA Ph 07 4124 6988 enquiries@buccaneers.com.au

MACKAY

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Trailer Feature

Pimp your trailer with accessories you can’t We all know that there is nothing unhealthy at all about polishing your pride and joy for hours on end. In fact, we’re sure that there’s something written, somewhere, about the time

spent in your boat not being deducted from the number of days one is allocated on this planet. And if there isn’t, there certainly should be. Sitting in and around

boats talking fishing, or engines, or the weather, is one of Man’s joys and the boat certainly steals the show when it comes to being the centre of attention. We think, however, that

it’s time your trailer got the attention that it deserved. After all, it’s the cradle that gets your boat to the water and back. And it’s the bit that invariably leaves you stuck on the side of the road

when it’s not given enough attention. Just as a properly set up trailer can be a pleasure to use, a poorly set up trailer or one the wrong type, can actually damage your boat

quite significantlty. There’s a pile of pimping that can be done to your trailer and plenty of products that’ll turn heads at the ramp when your boat’s not even on it.

Tow Hitch

Winches

Clip Systems

There’s more to like than a standard, 50mm tow ball and cast hitch. Even though that’ll do the job in a majority of cases, you can get specialised hitches that allow a greater range of movement. Just what you need when you decide to take your tinnie to places where only serious 4WD owners dare to drive. After all, there are always more fish in places that threaten to destroy all that you own just by attempting to get there.

No matter how good a captain you are, there’ll be the time when you’re the poor bloke busting your chops winching up the boat. Immediately, you’ll think, ’there’s gotta be a better way’. There is. Upgrading to a winch with the correct gear ratio can make the chore a lot easier. Or you can go the whole hog and set yourself up with an electric winch system that gets your boat loaded with a push of a button.

Tired of looking up the pants of the poor mug hanging over the front of your boat trying to clip on the winch cable? There are systems that do this automatically (the clip the boat on part - not the anchor-padded bend).

Jockey Wheels Yes. You can upgrade your jockey wheels. Considering that this is one of the most sworn at parts of a trailer, you might get a lot of pleasure out of a small investment.

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Winch Cable Tired of getting wire splinters in your hand and nearbleeding to death every weekend? There’s webbing and GSP options that are splinter free. That’s right 3000lb braid does the job just fine and you can get it in boat-length sections for your winch. Handy!

Wheel Holders Are you lugging your spare in the back of the wagon? That’s rubbish. Hang it off the trailer and it’s one less thing that you need to load into the rig before you go fishing. May as well whack the spare on a mag, too.

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Tyres Don’t just pull the tyres off the old Datsun 120Y. When they blow out on the way to the hottest mackerel bite in history, you’ll be pissed off.

do without

Let’s face it, there’s nothing like a little trailer envy to get the strut going after a day on the water. In this feature, we will have a look at some of the improvements that can be made to turn your tub-toter into the sweetest ride your boat will ever have.

Of course, none of these enhancements are a substitute for a good maintenance regime. A little bit of TLC goes a long way with a piece of machinery that’s repeatedly immersed in salt water and then left to bake in the sun. - FMG.

Trailer Wraps What the heck is a trailer wrap? Printed vinyl that’s so popular with tournament and sponsored anglers can be applied to the trailer - usually on the main frame on the outside - both forward and behind the guards.

Trailer Feature Springs

Galv Spray

Brakes

Are you a galvanised spring user or is raw steel more your thing? Ever seen the torsion blocks without springs? They work a treat and they don’t sound like a flock of budgies following you along the highway.

Need to touch up a few places where the galvanising is wearing a bit thin? Never mind that it’s because you cut the corner next to that concrete post. There’s products that’ll restore your trailer’s original level of awesome-ness.

Stopping in a hurry is awesome when you find out traffic is stopped in front of you and you’re pushing the limits. Trailer brakes make this dream a reality! Adding brake kits to a trailer isn’t as hard as it sounds. You need a little technical nous, but my no means need to be McGyver. Remember that the legal limit for unbraked boat trailers is 750kg. If your loaded and fuelled rig weighs more then this, you need ‘em.

Rollers Bearing Systems The old standard of greased wheel bearings in your hubs is under threat. There are several varieties of oil filled hubs that let you see the status of lubrication at a glance.

Does your boat have enough rollers? If they’re not set up properly or there are too few, you risk damaging your precious boat. Too many rollers is just enough. Just.

source: http://www.fishreports.net

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If you have a skid-style trailer, is the material used the best for your hull? Commonly, aluminium hulls are cradled on nylon skids,

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Got the right boat…

Mags Nothing says “my trailer is awesome” like a shiny new set of trailer mags. Not just any old rims will do, though. They need the correct offset and stud pattern for your hubs and if you use them in salt water, they need to be at least a little resistent to corrosion. Even though you’ll be polishing them to within an inch of their life.

backed with wood or galvanised pipe. Glass boats love a flexible slab of wood covered with carpet and others get the best result from a trailer rollered to within an inch of its life. Make sure your system is the best for your hull.

Get the right trailer

Our flexible, creative and innovative designed custom trailers will suit all your trailer towing requirements. • Galvanized, hammertone, and painted finishes • Tyre size and alloy rim options • Stone mesh and fill-in plate floors • Specific custom design to suit your requirements • ATM upgrades and heavy duty options

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Trailer Feature 

R&M Marine Seatrail trailers



If you’re after value for money in a trailer you should definitely check out the Seatrail range. R&M Marine distributes and sells the full range of Seatrail trailers in both galvanised steel and aluminium frame models. Seatrail trailers range from small, lightweight folding models for small tinnies up to heavy roller trailers for 6.5m hulls with 2000kg ATM. R&M Marine can also have galvanised steel and aluminium trailers powder coated in different colours, a new option available should boat owners want to match their trailer to their boat or car paint. New to the range is the Seatrail 4.6m trailer that is designed to take boats to 4.7m with ATM of under 750kg (not requiring brakes), and is available with either skid or rollers. This model is available in both aluminium and galvanized steel frame. As well as producing a great range of boat trailers, R&M Marine also have a range of popular box trailers, car trailers and camper trailers. Accessories required for trailer upgrades and maintenance are also available. The range includes wheel bearings, spare wheel brackets, jockey wheels, LED lights, and spare wheels, all at very competitive prices. For the full range of Seatrail trailers and accessories go to www.randmmarine.com. au or for more information call (07) 3393 9463. To find your nearest dealer follow the prompts on their website. While you’re on their website also check out their range of Seacraft aluminium boats from 2.1m – 4.5m and their range of 2-stroke and 4-stroke SeaKing outboards. - FMG

Oceanic Trailers

R&M Marine Seatrail trailers 1

Oceanic Trailers is a company whose motto is to strive for excellence in both design and durability. This Australian company is based on the Gold Coast and employs Aussie workers with the same goals as their customers: to live the Australian way and use Australian product. In keeping with this philosophy, the Oceanic team only use Australian tube to manufacture their trailer frames, and they’re so confident in the build quality that they offer a 3-year structural warranty on all Oceanic branded trailer frames. Options abound – these guys are happy to accommodate customer requests, no matter how small. Paint or powder-coated finishes over hot dip galvanising gives the finished product a look that is as individual as the colour you choose. Oceanic also offers (at a fraction of the cost of the other coatings) vinyl wraps. Mud guards are available in either plastic moulded, steel round, checker plate or plain 4-bend design. The injection moulded plastic guards are made in Sydney by a company battling the imported competition. To fight back against cheap imports they have been innovative and have tooled up to be very competitive, and Oceanic has passed on the savings to its customers. Choosing wheels is another way of personalising your trailer. Dress alloy or galvanised – there is a choice of wheel for everyone’s requirements. So when you’re deciding to purchase your next rig, think about wide variety of options available to you offered by Oceanic Trailers and ask your dealer for a price. For more information visit www.oceanictrailers. com.au. - OT

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Trailer Feature 1

Tinka Redco – 50 Years Strong!

Australian made for Australian conditions, Australian owned, using Australian steel. If there are iconic names in boat trailer manufacturers, it would have to be Redco and Tinka. This year, these highly regarded brands celebrate 50 years of operation. This is a major milestone and reflects the respect for which Redco and Tinka trailers are held among the boating fraternity. For the last 15 years, Tinka Classic and Redco Sportsman trailers have been manufactured by Brisbane’s Mayfair Marine 2000. Designed for fibreglass and plate alloy boats, Tinka trailers are immensely strong, durable, and loaded with features that other brands count as options – including a spare wheel and mounting bracket, checker plate alloy guards, bearing buddies, swing-up jockey wheel, cradle protectors, poly keel rollers, conical wobble rollers and LED lights. Mayfair Marine’s Redco Sportsman and the new Redco Slider trailer range is as equally comprehensive with trailers for the smallest tinnie through to the biggest trailerable cruiser. Redco trailers are available with a variety of roller set-ups and with fixed and tilting rear cradle models for easy shallow water launching. The new Redco Slider range features a ‘V’ loading cradle, rear roller rack, long skids, suits 5-6m aluminium boats, can be fitted with rollers, and has a ‘C’ channel upgrade option. And coming soon is a very exciting range of aluminium trailers, so watch out for them! Visit www.redcotinka.com.au for the full range of Redco Sportsman, Redco Slider & Tinka trailers and your closest dealer. – Mayfair Marine



Bargain White Vision LED’s

When LED trailer lights first came out, you needed a second mortgage to get a set. As time passed though, the cost of these low maintenance necessities dropped – dramatically. These ‘White Vision’ branded boat trailer lights are fully waterproof and come in 12 and 24 volt versions. With a 12 month warranty and slimline design, you’d be expecting these to cost $100 a set. Try $45 a pair – and if you mention Fishing Monthly, you’ll pick up a set for $25 (for April 2014 only). Why wouldn’t you bone the old set of wonky, globe-models of your sled and upgrade to these? They even come with the stainless steel bolts to mount it and the mandatory number-plate lighting. Did we mention that they are only $25 a set this month? Yes, we did, but we thought it was worth repeating. Call Active Fabrications on (07) 3807 6666 to order. - FMG

White Vision LEDs

Mount me

Active Fabrications sells spare wheel holders that bolt to your trailer frame and keep your spare where you need it – on your trailer and not sitting in the garage at home in the moment of need. The Spare Tyre Bracket kit comes with studs and U-bolts to mount it to your frame and $24 is a small price to pay for the convenience. TYRE AND RIM OPTIONS Are your trailer tyres and rims looking a little sad? There’s a broad variety of sizes and stud patterns for your boat trailer tyres. Active Fabrications have 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14” models available at fantastic pricing. For example, a 10” wheel and tyre will set you back $95.60 and a 13” model $119.45. Call Active Fabrications to order on (07) 3807 6666 or visit www.activefabrications. com.au for more information or to order. FMG

Treat your trailer right Keeping your trailer in good shape isn’t that hard, and it’s a very worthwhile exercise. You don’t want to find yourself in that nightmare scenario of being stuck on the side of the road, smoke coming from your trailer wheel, and telling yourself life just isn’t fair. Take it from me – life is a whole lot more fair if you do take a few easy steps to avoid nasty surprises! BEARINGS Bearings are one of the more vital items on your boat trailer, but they’re something we often forget about – until they fail. Wheel bearing failure is the most common problem people have with their trailers. If you keep your bearings well greased they will last longer, but eventually they will need to be replaced. To check your bearings, jack the wheel off the ground and spin the wheel. If there’s a grinding sound, that’s bad; your bearings should be smooth and silent. If you grab the wheel at the top and bottom, there shouldn’t be much play in it. If there is excessive movement you’re

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Large pneumatic jockey wheels make for easy maneuverability. Keep it well lubricated and ensure the lugs are locked before moving your trailer. on borrowed time. Lots of boaters replace their bearings at home. If you haven’t done it before there are plenty of YouTube videos showing how it’s done. Or,

if you want to avoid the mess and hassle, just take it to your local tyre shop or mechanic. There are several bearing Continued page 50

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Trailer Feature From page 49

lube systems available that will allow you to keep your bearings well greased and oiled. These include brands like Dura Hub and Bearing Buddies, and you’ll find they are easy to fit and come with helpful instructions. And finally, if you have an extended road trip planned I would suggest taking 2 pairs of bearings plus a tub

a much bigger problem. If you have significant rusting of the trailer frame or parts you should get them replaced immediately or get a licensed trailer repairer to fix the damage. Because springs aren’t galvanized they’re one of the areas that are particularly susceptible to rust, and so they need some attention to minimize this problem. I

spring when you’re off the beaten track. WIRING AND LIGHTS The trailer’s electrical wiring system is prone to failure after repeated dunkings in saltwater, as well as wear and tear on the road. For this reason it’s wise to make a visual inspection of the wiring to check for corroded or damaged wires or loose connections. Before each trip you also need to check your indicator and brake lights. If you have a large trailer, check that your clearance lights are working. Every so often, take a look at the electrical tow plug connectors on your tow vehicle and trailer. You want to avoid surface rust on the plug, and you can help to prevent this with a good quality silicon spray. If there’s a small amount of corrosion you can clean the contacts with a small

Replace rusty U bolts as these are what keeps your axle attached to your trailer; a very simple and easy job.

There are several bearing lube systems on the market to ensure you keep bearings greased or oiled at optimum levels. of waterproof grease and a general tool kit… just in case. SPARE TYRE In an ideal world, your spare tyre would happily spend its life perched on your trailer and never have to touch the road. But just in case your luck runs out, you

recommend spraying your springs several times a year with a rust-inhibiting silicone spray. It’s also a good idea to clean them thoroughly after each trip. If you’re planning an extended trip you should bring a spare set; it’s difficult to find exactly the right

The seatbelt type winch straps have very high load ratings and are easy on the hands. Notice the safety chain attached securely.

Surface rust must be treated once it becomes visible. Hit this area with a wire brush and treat with a Cold Gal spray, available from most chandlery outlets. need to make sure your tyre is ready to roll. The next time you’re at the servo, top up your tyres to the recommended PSI rating (this is displayed on the wall of the tyre). You also need to carry a tyre wrench that fits the nuts on the wheels. Another option is to get a quality X-bar wrench. With 4 wheel nut sizes they’re compatible with nearly all trailers. Lastly, remember that wheel nuts have a habit of coming loose, so give every nut a tighten on a regular basis. RUST Got some light rust on your trailer? Attack it with a wire brush to remove any surface corrosion, and then give it a good coating of antirust agent such as Cold Gal. Major rust is obviously 64

APRIL 2014

wire brush and a light spray of CRC. If there’s heavy corrosion you’ll need to replace the plug. When it comes to the lights themselves, many boaters have made the switch to sealed LEDs because they last longer and usually have fewer

retracted. If this is an issue it may be possible to secure the handle to the drawbar of your trailer. BRAKES Boat-trailer packages with a specified gross capacity of 750kg or higher are required by law to have trailer brakes. If this is you, you should test your brakes and brake lights before each trip to make sure they’re operating properly. Also remember that if you’re going on an extended trip it’s all too easy to overload your rig with ice, tackle, camping gear plus a big load of fuel. Have a look at your VIN plate to see the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the net maximum capacity. TRAILER ROLLERS If you own an aluminium

problems. They also have a low power draw and are very bright. If you’re not familiar with the wire colour codes, here they are: the yellow wire is for the left indicator; green is the right indicator; brown is for the tail, side and clearance lights; red is for the stop

This bearing cap is well overdue for a service.

It is important to grease and spray your coupling frequently, otherwise it will end up looking like this neglected item.

lights and the white wire is the ground/earth wire. If you have power brakes they’ll most likely have a blue wire. JOCKEY WHEEL To keep your jockey wheel in good nick it’s a good idea to keep grease inside the winding mechanism and on the internal shaft. If you have a swing-away jockey wheel, check that the handle (or other parts of the assembly) doesn’t scrape on sloped surfaces when

boat and the trailer is over three years old, your rollers probably aren’t doing their job as well as they used to. It doesn’t help if your keel gets knocked about, because the uneven surface damages trailer rollers. You can see the bits of blue or red poly stuck to the keel when you’re tying the boat down. When your rollers don’t roll it’s time to buy new ones. Measure the length of the

Trailer Feature roller itself and the pin it sits on so you know exactly which ones to get. If your trailer is designed for driving on, it’s good to replace the first keel roller with a selfcentering roller. It’s a bit more expensive than a plain roller, but it’s easier and quicker to drive on. So that your new rollers don’t quickly end up shredded like the old ones, you’ll need to smooth the keel. You can do this with a file or grinder, and it only requires a light touch. All you want to do is take out the nicks and dents to leave a smooth surface. Once the keel is smooth, it’s time to get the old rollers off and put the new ones on. To do this you’ll need long-nose pliers, side cutters and a hammer. It’s also good to bring marine grease to increase the pins’ lifespan, plus a decent sized rag to clean up with.

Pick a quiet time or a blustery day when nobody wants to be on the water, and head down to your local ramp. Once the boat is off the trailer and you’ve parked out of the way of other users, you can get cracking. Get your hammer and whack the split pins to get them through the holder so the roller can come off (just remember to hit only one end or the dented metal may prevent the pin from coming off). The next step is to put grease on the new pin. Be generous with the grease, because the saltwater environment is pretty unforgiving. Then position the new roller between the posts, push the pin through and then secure everything with the split pins (if the split pins are too long you can trim them with side cutters). When the pin and split pin are in place, put grease all over them to ward off rust.

axle and any moving parts a spray with good quality silicone spray or Inox. It’s also advisable to have two safety chains from your trailer to your tow hitch, crossed and secured with a quality D shackle. A shackle is something you don’t want to skimp on unless you want your boat to overtake you on

the highway. Every once in a while use a shifter to make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight on your trailer, as they tend to gradually loosen. Remember, you can’t get to and from the water without your trailer, so look after it and you’ll get many years of faithful service. - FMG

LED trailer lights are a great addition to your trailer; they’re bright yet draw very little power.

Keep all moving parts greased or oiled regularly.

Going through this procedure with all the rollers should take you around 20 minutes in total. Getting the boat on and off the trailer should now be a lot easier. WINCH Check your winch cable regularly for signs of wear. It can be good to change your winch straps to the seatbelt or Spectra rope type as they have very high load ratings and are easy on the hands. It’s also good to periodically spray the working parts with a good quality silicone spray. Finally, make sure that the safety chain from your winch post is in good order and hooked up to your boat before you hit the road. CLEANING It’s important to give your trailer a thorough hosing down after each trip to prevent the saltwater from attacking the metal. When

you’re washing the boat, wash down the trailer as well with warm, soapy water. The biggest problem areas are the springs, axle, wheels and rollers, so give them some extra attention. When you’re finished, give your springs,

Be sure to keep the winch cogs greased and check for rust and wear.

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All kinds of action in April BOWEN

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

April is one of the crazy months where you never know what might turn up in Bowen waters. The reason for this uncertainty boils down to how quickly water temps drop and whether we see an earlier than cool change.

which is great news for lure fishers. Clearer water means fish are more likely to see lures, especially when they are deep in snags and this extra visibility will give the angler an extra advantage. With the water stabilising so will water temps. This will mean fish like barra and jacks will feed more consistently throughout the day, unlike the warmer summer months

still best suited for targeting these fish in creeks but tides often force anglers to fish outside these peak bite times and the cooler more consistent months of April will definitely be more forgiving. Jacks and barra will be high on the list in April, and I have taken a PB fish during this month. This is because the run-off usually produces the most bait so fish coming

be Lucky Craft 100mm SP Pointers for jacks while the larger 200mm version will be well equipped to handle that metre barra. The cooler water temps will mean fish will be a little less aggressive and this is where the suspending properties of hardbody lures, especially the Pointer will be invaluable. Being able to crank those lures down into the strike zone and then let them sit in front of the fish is the perfect strategy for getting your line tight. If you’re a soft plastic fan it will be hard to go past the Berkley Split Belly Shad for barra while the Zman PogyZ and Diezel MinnowZ will be better suited for jacks. The one

Mangrove jack will feed more consistently as the water temps become more stable and will feed right through the day. softies to suit. Moving from a 4-5” plastic to a 3” can sometimes be all that it takes to get the fish to bite. Don’t forget clearer water means lighter lines

usually get away with a heavy braid but leader is a different story altogether. This is where having a quality fluorocarbon is so important as you can

Bowen is littered with coral fringed bays and rocky headlands. These are a haven for land-based fishers and can produce some awesome fish. One fact I do really love about April is that the weather tends to stabilise and the creeks and rivers begin to run a lot clearer,

where they tend to get very lethargic during the extreme heat of the middle of the day. Don’t get me wrong, early and late afternoons are

off this time of the year are often well fed and large across the shoulders. The pick of the hardbody lures for both jacks and barra will

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Barra will still be biting but you may have to go smaller and lighter to get the bite.

April anglers aren’t fools AYR

Steve Farmer

Just days after I wrote last month’s report detailing dry conditions and the resultant poor fishing, the heavens opened up and much of North Queensland enjoyed some welcome rain. It was, however, not as much as most folk would have liked and only produced a modest run in the Burdekin River. It was enough to produce muddy but not entirely fresh conditions in most of the delta’s estuaries, and the majority had begun to improve within a few weeks of the initial fresh. The good news is that local fishing wasn’t affected too much, but it is a shame that the barramundi didn’t get a better chance to do their thing under the cover of a decent flood. Barra fishing has been pretty ordinary across the district, with most fish caught ranging from around 50 to 75cm. Causeways and other freshwater hotspots (such as the upper Barratta creeks) have proven to be the easiest places to land a barra, although many are black freshwater fish escaping the lagoons on the first run of the season. Other species featuring in estuary catches lately have included mangrove jack (no surprises there) and both school grunter from the estuaries and larger fish in Bowling Green Bay. Bluewater anglers have From page 68

use Sunline FC100 when dropping below 20lb and Sunline Sniper when going from 10 down. For those thinking offshore I’m sorry to say that April is typically dominated by strong southeast trade winds, which means finding a window of opportunity can be hard. However if the wind does drop, the good news is the fishing can be awesome. The wider grounds east of Holbourne Island tend to produce good numbers of reds this time of the year and coral trout also tend to be in good numbers, especially in the shallow water. As water temps cool, especially offshore, the fish tend to be more active during the day and move closer towards islands and shallower reefs. This gets them off those hard to find and equally hard to fish small lumps in the middle of nowhere, which is where they sit during the warmer months.

had a few fairly ordinary opportunities to hit the water over the past month, with conditions often being iffy at best. Father and son team Greg and Hayden Sparks managed to fish the shoals on a recent Saturday, but storms and rain forced them to turn back on the Sunday when they tried for a repeat performance. Greg said the shoals had fished well, with some quality red emperor being the prized catch off the bottom while Spanish mackerel took a liking to the floated pillie baits. The Spaniards have made an early appearance this year and hopefully indicate a good run of fish to come over the winter months. As well as the emperor and Spaniards, Greg said they also landed (and released) a heap of batfish on their flesh baits. These deep-bodied fish pull like freight trains and Hayden almost came off second best when line from a hooked fish wrapped around a couple of his toes. Quick action avoided what could have been a very nasty accident. Out on the reef, many boats reported good catches of red-throat and coral trout, with a few bagging out on both these species. THE MONTH AHEAD Don’t you just love April? It’s the start of a great time of the year when conditions are more comfortable and the fishing more varied and interesting. It’s during this month that temperatures begin to drop,

the weather becomes more consistent and the winter species begin to move into our northern waters, intermingling for a while with the likes of mangrove jack and barramundi. What more could you ask for? In the estuaries you can probably expect whiting to make an appearance and flathead numbers to increase. In fact, the word is that as early as late February some small catches of quality whiting were turning up in our estuaries. Hopefully that’s a sign of a great winter ahead for lovers of this bread and butter species. Salmon should also appear as the temperature drops, but there’s no need to put away your jack, barra and grunter tackle just yet. The next couple of months should produce a smorgasbord of summer and winter species for estuary anglers. Out on the bluewater many anglers will be sweating on the arrival of the Spanish mackerel and now’s the time to tune up your tackle and get ready for some exciting sportfishing. I also recall queenfish and trevally action being at its hottest towards the end of April, meaning there’s heaps to look forward to this month. If you’re a freshwater fanatic then (depending on what rainfall we get) the river should be clearing up nicely and you should still have a chance of bagging a barra before plummeting

Coral trout in particular become much more common around the islands, in particular Glouster and Middle Island and fishing the fringing ledges with plenty of berley will bring them to your hooks. Don’t discount flicking a few soft plastics. Working along a reef ledge using large shads and grubs will bring out the larger fish. Land-based anglers will not be forgotten in April, especially those targeting Bowen’s many coral-filled bays and rocky headlands. Smaller day tides and the absence of rainfall means the water in the bays cleans up considerably, which brings in lots of bait that eventually drags in the predators. Fish like black spot tuskfish, coral trout and grass sweetlip are all on offer and, if you’re floating out a live bait, golden trevally, queenfish, mackerel and even cobia are on available, especially off Rose Bay and Horseshoe Bay. My favourite landbased target in April is

squid. There’s nothing as simple as rigging up a squid jig and heading down to the beach with a cold beverage in hand and smacking a big school of hungry squid. While they won’t pull your arms off (you need those to drink the beverage anyway) the visual aspect of watching a squid hunt down your jig at your feet is awesome. Not to mention they taste great as well! Calm clear water with a rising tide is all you need to find them. Next month sees the start of the real transition to winter, which sees everyone getting a little toey for the mackerel to arrive. Typically we see a big run of large greys and smaller school-sized Spanish mackerel in May around the outer islands and outer mackerel patches. If you are thinking about coming up for a fish feel free to drop me an email or see the people down at Bowen Outdoors for some ideas as to where to get started on your Bowen fishing adventure.

Many of the barra caught in the Burdekin have been a bit small lately, such as this 56cm specimen which was lured up at Phillips Camp. temperatures put them off the bite. EASTER PREP The other highlight for April is one of the most popular long weekends of the year for many anglers. Easter is traditionally the time that sees anglers hitch up the boat and explore and

fish waters a little further afield than usual. A hassle-free weekend away requires a little preparation, and now’s the time to service outboards and vehicles, check trailers, tune and replenish fishing tackle and dust off the camping gear. Make sure

your safety gear is in good condition and in date and that you have charts (including those detailing green zones) and tide tables for the waters you plan to fish. Have a great Easter break and enjoy the whole month of April.

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APRIL 2014

Say goodbye to summer days TOWNSVILLE

Karim De Ridder

As is typical for this time of the year, locals start dreaming of calm winter days as they are by now sick of the unsettled weather patterns, and are seemingly caught up in a hot and muggy summer trance. The brief but relatively heavy rain periods experienced during our sombre wet this year gave the cattle something to chew on, however run-off options were limited. Run was short and furious, and as long as you were Johnny on the spot, some A-Class fishing was on the cards. As with most run-off locations in our region, there is always a spot x where flushed out freshwater coincides with optimal tides, concentrating bait, and as expected, hungry barramundi not far behind. Reports were steady, with consistent captures coming from the vicinity of Blacks Weir, although

further afield some impressive reports came to light where multiple metreplus fish were plucked from swollen drains and creeks in single sessions. Along with the rain came those rusty bucks. Some lucky anglers pulling their legal limits in just hours of placing their pots, with the Bohle and Haughton rivers mentioned in passing yarns. The chatter from gloating mates was hard to miss, with

the glint of envy in the eyes of those who did. Winds have again limited anglers’ choices fishing local waterways, with the Hinchinbrook Channel offering the best protected areas from the buffeting breeze. With the water quality far from consistent, due to interactions of creeks both island and landside, some hot spots have emerged with jacks, barramundi and golden snapper pulling drag

An example of threadfin salmon showing up on the Humminbird side scan. Thin and long streaks stacked one on top of the other is usually a dead give away.

and placing smiles on dials. Another crustacean that excites Townsvillians this time of the year is the run of banana prawns. As the last of the freshwater dissipates from most areas, the big tides bring a run of those tasty morsels for those willing to hunt local hot spots such as Ross River and Ross Creek. The trick is to keep a watchful eye on the tides and have a ‘specy’ cast at prime times, you may be lucky enough to catch yourself a tasty feed. As with all bountiful offerings, there are those willing to push their luck and taking more than their fair share, please limit your catch to the regulated 10L bucket and share the love. If a favourable weather window permits a blue water excursion, make sure that current lines and colour changes are targeted for pelagics, such as Spanish mackerel and tuna. Red emperor and large mouth nannygai will still be found in good numbers on deepwater areas. Towards

Jake Mitchell with a local caught king threadfin salmon. Threadies have very light takes on most occasions. the end of the month, any cooler water will see some of the red fish move to shallower reaches, such as shoals and patches, also be prepared for that early run of the juvenile black marlin. April will be a great month to be targeting king threadfin salmon. Those keen to tangle with these fish should use their sounders to identify deep ledges in the main areas of the channel and creeks. Thin and long streaks stacked one on top

of the other is usually a dead give away of schooled up threadies. A common and successful technique is to throw one of the many soft vibes available on the market today, sink to the bottom and work with light flicks of the rod tip. Threadies have very light takes on most occasions, so at any time in your retrieve, if it feels unusual, wind in quick and take the weight, as more times than not a threadie will be on.

Barramundi settling in HINCHINBROOK

Ryan Moody www.hookedonhinchinbrook.com

It has certainly been a mixed bag with the weather recently. One minute it’s been sunny and fine, and the next windy and wet – but I suppose that can still be expected this time of year. At least we’ve had better wet season than last year, and it’s interesting to note that most of our rain came from small cyclones or lows and not really anything associated with the usual NW monsoonal flow. Hopefully we have had enough rain to see a good stimulus in the fishery. As for the fishing in the past month, it has been a fairly good start to the barra season. Now that the waters have settled a bit since the rains we are certainly seeing some much better results. Some nice fish over the 1m mark have kept clients

happy, and we’ve seen a big improvement on the month before. This action should continue for another couple of months yet. While most fish were in the shallows during the rains we are now finding them a bit deeper as they start to become settled in their habits again. One of the most outstanding changes in our fishery of late is the resurgence of the mangrove jack. Many anglers, both lure and bait fishers, have spoken of good numbers of jacks this year. I have caught quite a few as bycatch while fishing for barra, too. It’s good to see many people releasing them or only taking one home instead of plundering like the old days (although a bit of that still goes on). If you’re going to target a jack you can’t go past mullet fillet or pilchard for bait. If you’re tossing lures try using smaller deep divers in tight to the mangroves and around drains. Recent weeks have also

given up a bunch of really big grunter. Some anglers have been saying they have caught numbers of fish over 70cm. I don’t think I have ever seen the grunter back so early after the rains and it just goes to show how things sometimes happen that are a bit out of the ordinary. Most of the best fish have come from the channel itself while Missionary Bay has been slower. Threadfin salmon are yet to make their presence felt, with only a few isolated captures, but they can’t be too far away from showing in numbers. The normally voracious blue salmon are yet to fire in numbers also. Only a few smaller models have been caught of late while jigging vibes and plastics in deep holes. THE MONTH AHEAD April is traditionally a great month for barra, and it’s also one of the best months for all species of inshore fish. We can expect to get larger

Justin Mitchell with his biggest barra at 106cm. fingermark in the estuaries as well, and if they are on cue we will see some entertaining jigging around the tide changes soon. Fingermark would also have to be one of the best lure takers I have seen as they love all sorts of plastics and vibes. April should see a small trickle of Spanish mackerel showing up around the inshore

areas. Most will be smaller fish around 5-7kg to start with, and by August they will all be around the 10-12kg mark. The reef usually starts to improve as well during April as we get away from those scorching hot days and northerly air flow. I have been hearing about some good saltwater barra fishing not that far north of

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Young Riley with a stonking great grunter while jigging plastics.

Brisbane. I am keen to come down for a look next visit to the in-laws, but South East fishers could take advantage of our new e-course ‘Barra Basics’ and put some of our proven methods in place down there. You just never know what you might have available to you without having to drive a thousand km north. The course will be available in a few months but if you register your interest at www. ryanmoodyfishing.com and join our fishing community you’ll be in the draw to win a charter for 2 and many other giveaways on our competitions page. If you would like to come up for a fish call us on 0418 538 170 or at www. hookedonhinchinbrook. com. Charters are booking out so get in early to get the best tides. You can also check out our new website: www ryanmoodyfishing.com.

Brave the rough stuff LUCINDA

Jeff Wilton jeffwilton83@hotmail.com

The fishing has been tough in the last few months due to unstable weather bringing rain and wind matched with some large summer tides. This is normal in the tropics and you need to roll with what mother nature throws at you. Fishing has been pretty much confined to the channel and there haven’t been many chances to go wider. Even shooting across to the islands has been rare. But with the summer months behind us hopefully the weather will settle down a little, providing plenty of opportunities to get out and into some awesome fishing. HINCHINBROOK CHANNEL The two stand out species for the last month have been mangrove jack and fingermark bream (golden snapper, chopper). With barra being on everyone’s wish list but not really coming to the party, it has been great that the jacks and fingermark have been hungry and about in good numbers. Both give a good account of themselves in the

fighting department and they both taste amazing (better then barra in my opinion). Mangrove jacks are a territorial fish but can be found schooled up when there is plenty of bait about in the one area. For some reason during summer it is common to catch several jacks from the one spot if you are lucky and find bait and structure, especially on the outgoing tide. Early in March I was lucky enough to find a single rock on the side scan that had baitfish hanging all over it, and this find resulted in several jacks around 43cm. Solitary structures such as rocks or logs should not be overlooked and can produce great fishing. Jacks have been smashing big live mullet set for barra which can be a pain if bait is scarce, which it has been for the last few months. Sometimes it takes a few hours to get good live baits, and by the end you’re covered in a mixture of sweat and muck and the boat looks like it has been in the middle of a mud fight. It is much better to use smaller live baits such as herring or mullet or the humble old half pillie or slab of mullet if you’re specifically chasing jacks. Any hard creek corners that have good, solid structure in the

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water at low tide are good places to start looking. Fingermark can be found in the deeper holes in creeks but the Channel itself will hold better numbers and size fish. There is no shortage of rock bars and holes in the Channel and slowly sounding around in the middle of nowhere will have you finding a suitable spot. It is important to make sure there is some kind of bait hanging down there as well. Anchoring over these areas for the incoming tide especially around sunset or sunrise (darker hours seem to provide better bites) and fishing live herring (two or three on a hook) or if possible live squid should see you hooked up to these tropical trains. They fight really well, and fingermark over 60cm really light up the afterburners on their first few runs. I must remind you that fingermark are extremely slow growing fish, and the current size and bag limits are a joke. I have an self-imposed limit of 2 fish and not over 60cm (unless it won’t survive). Fingers are a special fish and when you see them glowing in the early light you will understand they are too good to catch only once. For the plastic fanatics like myself they will smash

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the heck out of plastics. The standouts lately have been Gulps (7” Jerkshad, Nemesis and Squid Vicious) and ZMan 5” JerkshadZ and GrubZ. Match the plastic to a jighead that will get it to the bottom, and simply lift the rod tip and put some action into the plastic. There is no perfect way to work a plastic or jig so experiment with different retrieves and see what works on the day. JETTY, ISLANDS, REEF Not much to report at the moment as the weather really has not let up for long enough to get out wider. We bashed out to Britomart reef last month with a few other boats and it payed off with some amazing trout into the

boat. The only problem was getting our baits through the ravenous red-throat emperor. The trout were biting their heads off in the 25-30m depth range, but from all reports as long as you were over reef you were smashing trout. There are still plenty of cobia around, and these fish will stick about in good numbers for a few months to come. Sending a live hussar or fusilier out under a float will attract attention very quickly, and if there is one cobia there will probably be plenty more. Using a berley trail also will bring the cobia right to the back of the boat, along with a host of other species such mackerel and GTs.

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Given the constant rough weather we’ve had over the last few months, if conditions improve in April the fishing out wider will go off, mark my words. If I have learned one thing about fishing the reef it is that the fishing is better when it’s rough – or if you can get out ASAP after it settles down. It is also no secret that the sugar loader jetty is a fingermark hot spot. Over the next few months, especially around the neap tides and in the dark hours, the fingermark will be ripping boats through the pylons. They grow huge and they’re nearly impossible to stop when they are amongst the pylons. My tip is to pre-bandage your thumbs as they will get burnt!

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Best of both worlds CAIRNS

Garry Smith garrysmith@fishingmonthly.com.au

April signals the start of the changeover period, and every year is a different bag of marbles. Some years the hot weather hangs on and the tropical summer species bite well into May, and in others the winter species start arriving early April. The positive is that April can bring the best of both worlds. The fishing of late has matched the weather, with good conditions bringing the fish on the bite. Most of the time through it’s been rough going. Here’s hoping April will bring a run of good weather, especially early in the month, to coincide with the school holidays. ESTUARIES In the coming weeks the estuaries should see a continuation of barra, golden snapper (fingermark) and mangrove

Escape

jack catches, along with an increase in the presence of trevally, queenfish, flathead and bream, as the water clears and cools. Covering your options will be the best approach this month. To give yourself the best chance head out with the plan to try different locations and techniques until you work out what’s on the bite. Go prepared to try dead bait, live bait and lures and you should not be disappointed. A good approach is to have two presentations on the go at once. When bait fishing, have a live bait and a dead bait out at the same time (provided you’re not fishing in a yellow zone). If anchored, it’s quite productive to have a live or dead bait in the water while flicking or jigging a lure. It’s just a matter of setting yourself up so you can quickly and safely put the luring rod down to respond to a strike on your bait rod. A conveniently placed rod holder is the best option, as dropping

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the lure rod on the floor is fraught with dangers and can be expensive if a freight train grabs the lure or you stand on the lure rod while battling a fish on the bait rod. And yes, unfortunately I speak from experience! Variety with techniques should coincide with variety in your locations. If you spend half an hour at a location trying different techniques with no result, it’s time to move. If you started off fishing the flats, for example, try some deep water. Alternatively, if you started out focusing on snags, look for some rock or rubble areas. If it’s quiet around the mouth, head upstream – provided there isn’t too much fresh in the system. Dropping the crab pots in before wetting a line also adds another string to your bow. Many a trip has turned from tribulation to triumph by pulling a feed of crabs from the pots on the way home. Have the cast net handy and keep a close eye out for flicking prawns around drain mouths and flats. A single skipping prawn can indicate a large school. Egrets and herons are another good indicator of prawns and baitfish. These birds know where the bait is far better than we do, so use them to put you onto the action. That applies equally to chasing predators as it does to chasing bait and prawns. An egret will invariably be watching a school of bait or prawns and often gets assistance from predators pushing the bait to the surface or into the shallows. If you flick a lure or live bait close to a hunting heron you’ll find it’s often worth the effort – especially if your presentation matches the bait that the bird is stalking. REEF AND OFFSHORE Calm conditions will allow small boats to

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Drifting a ganged pilchard down through the water column can produce the odd good Spaniard, like this one taken aboard Blackout Sportsfishing Charters. venture to close inshore reefs and islands, and April can turn it on in these areas if the weather cooperates. Golden snapper will be on the chew on the rubble and reef areas, and queenfish, trevally and the odd early mackerel will be active on the pressure points, current lines, pinnacles and wrecks. Once again, try a variety of techniques and locations in your quest to find the action. The wrecks, wonky holes and deep water rubble areas should turn up a few largemouth nannygai (saddletail snapper), gold-spot cod and golden snapper, especially at night. If weather permits,

the reef can really turn it on this month, with large mouth nannygai and red emperor the main players in the deep water and coral trout up shallow. Add to that a sprinkling of smallmouth nannygai (crimson snapper), reef red bream (large mangrove jack), spangled emperor, stripies and trevally, and there will be plenty to keep you amused. The odd Spanish mackerel will be around, so always have a floating bait of some kind out the back. Early in the season, the garden variety pilchard on a set of ganged hooks can often out-fish all other presentations. It is a good

idea to cast the pilchard out and let it slowly sink, to try to locate feeding fish. Often they are quite deep early in the season. Some anglers even target mackerel using a whole pilchard on a dropper rig, when they are sitting tight to the bottom. A few bite-offs on your reef rig can often indicate Spaniards feeding on the bottom. The more serious pelagic anglers will find a few northern bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, mack tuna and cobia about if they put in the time. April can be a magic time on the water when the weather gods cooperate. Not too hot, not too cold and the fishing just right.

FISHING FILL-ITS

A pearl out of place is a pest A pearl cichlid was not what scientists doing routine monitoring in the Condamine River, in the northern Murray-Darling Basin in Queensland, wanted to find. These are aggressive fish and this one, 15cm long, was caught upstream of Warwick. Pearl cichlid are a popular aquarium species native to South America. Being both hardy and aggressive, these fish have the potential to be a serious pest if dumped alive into waterways. It is illegal to release a non-indigenous fish in Queensland waters and penalties up to $220,000 apply. DAFF QLD is currently conducting monitoring throughout the Condamine catchment on behalf of Condamine Alliance. “Monitoring is a vital part of the work we do in rehabilitating our waterways,” said Mr Kevin Graham, Condamine Alliance. “Without monitoring

we would have no understanding of what is in our waterways and pest fish numbers could potentially get out

Darling Basin.” Pearl cichlid have been found in coastal catchments, but to date this is the first official

The pearl cichlid is a species to watch out for. If spotted or caught, contact Queensland Department of Fisheries. Photo courtesy of NSW DPI. of control.” “The monitoring program is primarily focused on tilapia as part of a broader Tilapia Exclusion Strategy project to help keep tilapia out of the Murray-

sighting in the Murray Darling Basin. For more information contact Kevin Graham, Condamine Alliance on 1800 181 101 or email office@ condaminealliance.com.au. – NSW DPI

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APRIL 2014

Ripe for the picking PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton Heffer

The wet season thus far in tropical North Qld has been what locals would call a ‘normal’ one, or what the Bureau of Meteorology calls a ‘neutral season’. It hasn’t been dry, but we haven’t been inundated with excessive rains or floods either. We’ve had a season that has seen a healthy supply of rain which in turn will have benefits for our fisheries for the coming year. The month of April is a cornerstone period on the calendar which sees a first rate blend of fish on the move. The rivers are still active with prime species such as barra, fingermark and mangrove jack, but you should start to see an improvement on trevally, queenfish and grunter as well. Much the same can be said for the beaches, flats and headlands, which will be holding a good supply of fresh bait. This will see trevally, queenfish as well as blue salmon and barra take advantage of the food on offer. Offshore the water temperatures will have dropped considerably, which

APRIL 2014

is more conducive to reef and pelagic species. At some point, whether it be this month or the next, the current will turn and run from the south, delivering nice cool water which can ignite the coastal and offshore fishing into third or fourth gear. April is a crossroad period which gets the juices flowing from an angler’s point of view, and when the weather is ripe there are numerous options available. Up until this point we’ve had some turbulent times but also some moments of triumph, and that’s typical of fishing the tropics during the wet. When it comes to reef fishing the numbers haven’t been huge but there’s been some pure quality there for the taking. The red emperor that have been around have been super impressive in size, and the large-mouth nannygai (saddletail snapper) have also been very respectable although not in vast numbers. The coral trout have had their moments as well, coming on the bite nicely at certain times. There’s been a smattering of other species as well including spangled emperor (yellow sweetlip), tea-leaf trevally and moses perch. The Spanish mackerel have been

very thin but we’ll start to see them in better numbers in the coming month. BEACHES The beaches in our region have often held the spotlight during the calm spells, with jelly prawn hatches in the shallows offering a platter of coastal caviar which every predatory fish loves. Tarpon, queenfish, trevally, dart, blue salmon, flathead, barra and permit have all been caught during the hatches, and those anglers achieving the most success have been the flyfishers. They have been able to replicate the ‘rice like’ creatures about 5-15mm long out of fur and feather and presented these amongst the boiling pot of activity. When the jelly prawns are on the go the predators are purely focused on these and will ignore all other presentations. Just to give you a snapshot of how explosive this fishing can be, our local Four Mile Beach (6km in length) was half engulfed at the southern end by thousands of fish smashing into the jelly prawns along the shallows on several days. The days that seem to trigger this food chain are those that follow a good dose of rain followed up by some super calm weather. The

Dragon Lady Charters produced some stonking red emperor during the wet season. rising tide also sees the best action occur as the ‘jellies’ are pushed up the foreshore into pockets of water and have nowhere to hide. I’m picking we’ll see some more of this incredible action occur in the coming month with rain still expected to be around. RIVERS AND CREEKS The rivers and creeks have had their tough times and their bright times. Outside of the heavier rains there’s been quite a few barra caught on lure in the upper reaches of systems, and the rains have cleared a lot of excess debris and the fishing

is a bit more condensed around the long term landmarks and features. The mangrove jacks have remained consistently busy amongst the snags, snaffling the old pilchard. They do like a bit of run in the water, whether it be an incoming our outgoing tide. There have been a few times when the waters have cleared when the queenfish and trevally have pushed through the main channels on a rising tide. They have been partial to live baits, but getting livies has been a challenge at times.

Across the shallower flats and sand bars there have been quite a few grunter caught using fresh dead baits but there have been shovel-nose rays and stingrays to contend with. The catfish have been rather dominant throughout some of our river systems and there have been numbers of sharks coming and going as well. Looking ahead though, the fishing will settle a bit more in the coming month and those calm windows of opportunity will deliver a plethora of action inshore, coastally and offshore.

Qld home to peak number of boats Earlier this year Queensland cemented itself as the nation’s boating capital, with over a quarter of a million vessels now registered across the state. 2%

February registration figures released by Queensland Transport reveal that there are now 250, 479 registered vessels in Queensland – an all-time

10%

Under 6m 6-12m 12-20m Over 20m 88%

Vessels under 6m continue to make up the majority of Queensland’s recreational boating fleet.

high. This means there is now one boat for every 19 Queensland residents. Queensland’s top 10 boat ownership destinations (by council) are: 1. Gold Coast – 28,260 2. Moreton Bay – 20, 779 3. Sunshine Coast – 19, 207 4. Brisbane City South – 14, 193 5. Mackay – 13, 937 6. Townsville – 12, 921 7. Cairns – 11, 261 8. Brisbane City North – 11,548 9. Logan – 11, 261 10. Redlands – 11, 241 The postcode with the most boats registered is Bowen (4805) with 1819 registered vessels. This is followed closely by Ayr (1799 registrations) and Runaway Bay (1502 registrations). However, if big boat luxury is your thing you will be in good company in

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are undertaken in a safe manner, the department in conjunction with the Marine Queensland has developed a policy to assist in the movement of these vehicles. Boats over 2.5m up to 2.9m wide can be moved when operating under the conditions of the Guideline for special use trailers, Form 26, Version 2, which was released on 23 August 2013. Prior to the release of version 2 of the guideline, overwidth boats (2.52.9m) operated under the conditions of a Class Permit which originated in 2011. The Class Permit has now been withdrawn and all of

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Aluminium vessels continue to dominate the marketplace of new registrations into the state (based on 2013 data). postcode 4212. Hope Island on the Gold Coast boasts the highest number of 12m+ boat registrations in the state,

with 150 registrations. The Gold Coast’s Paradise Point comes in a close second (147 registrations) followed

by Brisbane’s Cleveland (113 registrations). New vessel and personal watercraft (PWC) registrations in the state have also been on the rise, with an 8% increase in new vessel registrations for the 2013 calendar year against 2012 results. These figures are a positive sign for Queensland’s boat manufacturers and retailers, indicating that the local market is buying and that they are choosing to buy new. General Recreational Marine Licences (boat only) increased 3.5% in 2013, taking the total number of boat licence holders in Queensland to 776,693.

The PWC licence (PWCL) is separate from the recreational marine driver licence (RMDL).

Towing oversize boats The legal width limit for any vehicle using Queensland roads is 2.5m. In Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads provides limited access for vehicles that exceed regulation dimensions when carrying indivisible items. An indivisible item is one that cannot be divided without extreme effort, expense or risk of damage to it. The department has become aware of the increase for light vehicles towing trailers with boats that exceed regulations. To ensure these movements

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the conditions incorporated into Version 2 of the guideline. Version 1 of the guideline dealt with the movement of dragon boats, gliders, rowing sculls and yachts. Prior to the release of the Class Permit, Queensland Police did issue some permits for overwidth boats. This has since ceased and now the guideline is to be used. The Guideline for special use trailers, Form 26, Version 2 can be found on the Marine Queensland website: www.marineqld. com.au/towing-oversizerecreational-vessels.

PWC licences are mandatory Whether you own or just borrow a PWC, it is vital to understand the safety rules and regulations in Queensland. It is compulsory for all PWC operators to hold a personal watercraft licence (PWCL). This is a separate licence from

the recreational marine driver licence (RMDL). All licence applicants must complete an approved BoatSafe course for personal watercraft operations before being eligible for a licence. A valid recreational marine driver licence is a prerequisite for the PWC licence. All PWCs must be registered.

A Ride Smart sticker must be affixed to the PWC and visible to the operator at all times. Ride Smart stickers are available from marine dealers and chandleries. For your nearest stockist contact Marine Queensland on 07 3240 0170.

Office: National Retailers Association Building, 6 Overend St, East Brisbane QLD 4169 Post: PO Box 7061, East Brisbane, QLD, 4163 I Tel: 07 3240 0170 I Fax: 07 3891 5293 I Email: info@marineqld.com.au | www.marineqld.com.au APRIL 2014

Good flush for the rivers COOKTOWN

Nick Stock

With a good lashing of rain from the few category 1 cyclones that were hovering around Cape York during early March, most of the Cape and Gulf received some much needed rainfalls. The good news for Cooktown is that with the March rains giving the system another flushing, both the Endeavour and Annan rivers are experiencing a great run of prawns. The owner of Cooktown Barra Charters, Tom Nevins, has been putting clients onto some great grunter in the Endeavour on live prawns. He said that lightly weighted fresh dead baits of sardines are also claiming their fair share of better quality grunter. As usual in FNQ’s estuaries the variety of species being reported feeding in amongst the grunter include

fingermark (golden snapper), pikey bream, flathead and even the odd king threadfin salmon. With the discoloured water, try fishing around the wreck at the river mouth for best results. Just be prepared to tangle with plenty of rat sized GTs that are more than willing to steal your hard earned live prawns. The mouth of the Annan has seen some decent barra and thumper queenies being caught on live mullet and hardiheads as they get washed out to Walker Bay with the fresh. These fish (especially the 1m+ queenies) take some serious line when hooked in the fast flowing waters near the mouth, so take it steady so you don’t pull the hooks. There have been some great reports of mud crabs for the punters who are keen enough to put their pots out. A lot of pots have been getting crunched by crocs and best results are had by blokes who run their pots late in the arvo and stay within

sight of them for a few hours flicking lures. Not only will you usually save your pot from getting torn open, you usually end up with a nice jack or barra for the table too. While the trade winds have started (and helped by three tropical lows in four weeks) the offshore fishing has been hard going for the recreational fellas. The blokes with bigger boats and the commercial anglers have been getting some great catches of trout in the shallows, with all of the stirred up water on the weather face. The spearfishers that have been hitting the coastal headlands have been seeing some massive fingermark and barra around Archers Point. This time of year will see all of the usual pelagics hanging around the old loading dock at Archers and can offer some great landbased high-speed spinning for keen anglers. This place can be a bit hit and miss for

A headland barra caught on a Twin River lure. action, but when it’s firing it can be heart pumping. I have caught everything there from trout and fingermark through to 10kg Spaniards. I’ve had great results on multiple occasions using

X-Raps however the local 4ft shark population can make it a costly exercise. After losing three or so X-Raps, I usually switch to metal Raiders with good results. Until next month stay

safe on the water and be sure to check out the range of handmade timber barra lures I make. Check us out and hit the ‘Like’ button on Facebook by searching Twin River Lures.

Wet season flow-on effects WEIPA

Josh Lyons thesportfisher@gmail.com

Last month cyclone Gillian loitered for over a week and brought good rain and wind. Gale force northwesterlies buffeted most parts of the coast at some stage during her stay, really stirring things up and keeping most fishing to a minimum. The erratic movement of both Gillian and Hadi showed just how unpredictable tropical storms can be. Direction, speed and predicted movements changed a lot – almost hourly – and the Bureau of Meteorology really had their work cut out with updating track maps to notify those in the possible paths.

It really does pay to have a emergency and survival kit ready to go at all times, as well as a plan of attack in and around your house if a cyclone is barrelling down on you. Get started before cyclone season hits, and do a yard clean up during the build up to the wet. The next step is to decide what you’ll do with your vehicle, boat and other prized possessions to keep them as safe and undamaged as possible if a cyclone should hit. On the fishing front it hasn’t all been doom and gloom, with all the wet season usual suspects making an appearance. Steady catches of grunter were made throughout March, with the best spots being Gongbung Point, both ends of the Mission Bridge and off Cullen Point at Mapoon. These fish move

into the estuaries to escape the northwest swell in the Gulf and to feed on the annual wet season run of prawns. The juveniles make the lower parts of the estuaries home until they are big enough to move offshore and continue their life journey. It goes without saying that prawns are the pick of the baits to use to catch a grunter while small plastics and soft vibes can work really well when some ground needs to be covered to find the fish. Match either of those with an early morning or late arvo run-out tide and you won’t be far from a succulent meal of these inshore grazers. Barra have started to become more predictable, and some really nice fish have been taken. The numbers aren’t high but several reports have included stories of fish over

1m being both caught and lost. The late afternoon run-offs have been the best times to target a barra, with those anglers committed to fishing into the evening reaping the rewards. Creeks and gutters near big mud flats have seen the most action, while the Mission Bridge continues to produce some nice fish. The barra fishing should really begin to pick up through April as wet season water levels recede and daytime low tides become the norm. While good fish can be taken on high water there is no doubt that a lower tide is one of the best times to target barra. New snags can be found and fished while creek mouths, colour changes and gutters all come into their own at the bottom end of the tide.

Keep an eye out for big storms in April. You can see one approaching in the background of this shot. Because the water usually still has plenty of colour in it during April I like to use lures, both hardbodies and plastics, with some colour in them. Fluoros, golds and dark stripes coupled with slightly larger lures will give your offering plenty of presence in the discoloured water.

If the weather settles right down in April nearly all types of fishing should go off. Light to moderate southeasterlies will clear the inshore waters along the coast and really open up the options available – although one last burst of the monsoon may have something to say about that!

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After the storm in the previous photo passed through, the estuary came alive. We caught a dozen jacks in one session.

Supercharged food chain CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly aggott88@gmail.com

April is a magic time to be exploring the wilds of Cape York and the only thing preventing this from being amongst the fishiest times to fish will be access. Rivers, particularly in the central and western Cape, have had some large rain events. It might not be good for access, but consistent rain and flowing or flooding rivers translates loosely into prime fishing. Food webs become supercharged and the multitude of organisms breeding and feeding in the floodplains and backwaters will then support everything from upstream sooty grunter to speedy sailfish throughout the course of a year. April is one of the best run-off months and accounts for lots of large barramundi along the west coast of Cape York, rivalled only by the large, barra-rich systems in the Northern Territory. All the way from the Jardine River in the north down the west coast to the Mitchell River in the south, huge tracts of swamp and floodplain pour nutrient-rich sediment back into the major river systems. Tiny baitfish, prawns and other critters make their way out with receding floodwaters while the saltwater begins pushing baitfish schools further up the estuarine lakes and channels. Where salt and fresh water meet

These threadfin salmon were caught on an incoming tide in Princess Charlotte Bay.

Some great crabbing will be experienced in April. at this time of year, those fish which make a home in both can be found actively feeding. Tarpon, saratoga, queenfish, mangrove jack and barramundi feed equally well in fresh and salt water and will be working current lines and colour changes to ambush prey. Of particular interest in April will be the various drains and run-offs which intersect with the major creeks and rivers of the west

coast. I particularly enjoy the time of year when depth sounders and other types of electronic gadgetry do not prove the difference between one angler’s success and another’s. If you like the visual aspects of fishing – watching a tannin-stained colour change pushing into a tiny creek far upstream with bucket-mouthed barra boofing all around – April is the month for you. Large barramundi can be

targeted at junctions of the major systems, and patrolling the intersections of larger creek mouths. Try casting large lures out into open water where you see water back eddying or current lines converging. Trolling these same areas can be effective, and once you’ve located one fish try anchoring up and really concentrating your efforts in that area. These days anglers are using vibes, jigs and soft plastics to venture deeper into these spots and pull good fish that traditional bibbed lures either miss or spook. The same goes for areas where structure such as sunken snags and rock bars occur adjacent to creeks and drains coming into the main system. Sometimes it may take 10 minutes of casting into this same structure before that first tell-tale strike comes. But once you start them off, barramundi can

begin to congregate in the same spot where they hear and feel their mates boofing, jumping and carrying on. April in Cape York will be the first month you can begin accessing some of those out-of-the-way places, fishing for large barramundi in clean, green water in lush,

flourishing countryside. Almost all estuarine species will be on the bite at some stage and pelagic fish will be moving their way slowly back closer to shore. If the wet season has been quite mild, this is the month you need to concentrate your efforts.

A nice barra caught luring in one the big Gulf rivers.

Not like last year! KARUMBA

Alan Gurney awes0me@bigpond.net.au

The weather god has given us a decent flood and the fishing has been

red hot in places this year, in stark contrast to last year when it was hard work to catch fish. The beach has seen plenty of action with some memorable BBQs and awesome fish caught. The

Peter Bennett caught the 1.37m barra and released it.

locals know how to enjoy life up here and everyone needs to be sociable for it to happen. Some lovely black jew and king salmon were among the catches with 9 fish caught in one session. The continual rain has held up the movement of barramundi through the systems and this will help everyone that now turns up. Targeting barramundi in the river will now be very productive and some practice at trolling will go a long way towards bringing home the fish. Do not stick the rod in the rod holder as you will not feel the fish bite. By holding the rod you will feel the different touches as your lure bangs along the bottom and it will help you define snags from rocks and mud. If you are not touching the bottom then you are not in the game. When you bump a snag you should drop the tip back and up to allow the lure to get over the snag and allow

This happy tourist caught this tasty black jew off the beach. the barramundi to grab your lure. This method has caught thousands of fish so give it a go! You will need a good lure retriever, and I use a pole that extends to 4m and a heavy lure retriever with chain links for when it is deeper. The grunter will appear in good numbers this month so be ready for them as well. You will find them out the front around the

sand island and along the sides of the channel. A simple running sinker rig with 12” of 40lb mono leader is the go. Be sure to expect a blue salmon as well as there have been some big ones around. SWEERS ISLAND This awesome fishing paradise opens its doors for the 2014 season in April, and this year will be like all the rest with

plenty of reef fish being caught when the winds drop off. This month will see some nice black jew caught at the Jew Hole which is 700m from the boat mooring area. Golden snapper will still be around until the water cools and these are an awesome eating fish to go with the usual suspects of sweetlip, nannygai and coral trout. APRIL 2014

Outrigger trolling basics Kim Bain

Recently in QFM we took a photographic tour of many of the accessories fitted to watercraft in order to turn them into game fishing boats. Amongst these accoutrements were photos of outriggers, and after the article was published a reader requested that we explain the basics of outriggers in more detail. In response I wrote this article to introduce the basics for both first-time downrigger users and those anglers who haven’t set one up on their own boat before. If you don’t already know, outriggers can generate a complex debate which doesn’t serve much other than creating confusion and allowing a select few a soap-box (there are many opinions on the best way to use outriggers). In order to keep it simple let’s establish some caveats. Firstly, let’s assume our outfits are typical Penn

International style troll rods and reels loaded with 10kg line. Secondly, we’ll focus on trolling soft skirted lures and baits (rather than other concepts such as deploying outriggers when drifting or at anchor, or towing hard-headed lures in conjunction with tag lines). Finally, our target species can be any surface pelagic up to around 100kg in weight. DON’T USE THEM IF… Interestingly, outriggers are not an absolute must for trolling. One of the best ways to use outriggers is to know when not to use them at all. I have a boat that we use for prize-money game fishing where it’s all about the biggest of a species, and we hardly ever use the outriggers. Instead, we catch most of our fish by targeting specific hotspots, and big fish such as tuna over 50kg with livebait. When you know where the fish are most likely to be, it is less troublesome to just put one or two baited lines into the water. Using this approach – focusing on spots where only one boat can fit,

trig

Bead or ball to stop jamming or tangles

Outrigger lanyard A crimp onto the outrigger lanyard holds the release clip in place. Blacks® Clip

Wire

Main fishing line to rod tip

Main line (the fishing line) is twisted about 8 times and then the loop is placed in the ‘trip-wire’ of the Blacks® release clip.

ard

of reinforcement under the base plate on both sides of the mounting location) I recommend setting up the angles to achieve maximum width with the outrigger tips about level with the transom. Having the outrigger tips about level with the transom enables

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APRIL 2014

Main line to lure/bait

Crimp

T-TOP MOUNTED OUTRIGGER

See inset of release clip ne Main li bait / To lure

such as around an obscure pinnacle or suspended bait ball – we’ve won a lot of tournament categories. However, you don’t always get such defined scenarios out on the ocean so, like everybody, we have to go looking for the fish too. GETTING STARTED On another boat set up for a different purpose, which includes trolling while looking for big fish, we use outriggers to give us a wider trolling spread when we are out covering water. Such scenarios include trolling lures at high(er) speed along current lines or along reef edges. The basic outrigger set-up is a long pole, which can be as simple as a surf rod blank, which is mounted to the boat by an adjustable bracket. Some of these brackets have only two positions, up or down, while others have many adjustments. In most cases up and down are the only two settings that you’ll ever need. When bolting the outrigger to the boat (making sure that you have plenty

10cm

BRISBANE

RELEASE CLIP

the boat driver to make turns with the least risk of the trolled fishing lines ending up at bad angles. An outrigger or a pair of outriggers typically increases the spread of your trolling pattern. It also means that, in the simplest of set-ups, two troll lines (one per outrigger) can be towed from a greater height – one on each side of the pattern. This higher towing point can put more action into a lure and/or get your bait away from the white water behind your boat. Obviously it also creates separation between the lines when turning the boat, and reduces the risk of tangles. Each outrigger pole will have a continuous lanyard attached to it. The lanyard runs through pulleys or eyelets at both the top and bottom of the outrigger pole, much like a flag pole. Attached into the lanyard is a release clip; typically this is a pin type release clip of the Blacks brand or one of the copies. The lanyard is pulled in (down) to bring the release clip down to the rod tip, then the main fishing line is attached to the clip, and the lanyard is then run back up the pole while line is let out off the fishing reel. Once the release clip nears the end of the pole it achieves the desirable increase in trolling width and height. The line is now towed from the clip until a fish eats your lure or bait. At that moment the clip releases the

line and you are then free to hook and fight the game fish. In some cases, particularly with soft lures and baits, you allow a small amount of slack line between the rod tip and the outrigger release. This cushion, plus the extra line caused by the ‘sides of the triangle’, is called ‘drop back’. The theory is that it is there to allow the fish to take the bait, knock the line out of the clip and then turn to face away from the boat before the line comes tight onto the rod. The ideal scenario, particularly when using a J hook, is that the hook is then pulled back into the corner of the fish’s jaw while the fish is swimming away from the boat, and you get the highest chance at a solid hook-up. SETTING UP THE RELEASE CLIP I like to see a sphere type bead, ball or similar on the lanyard above the release clip to reduce the risk of the clip catching on one of the fittings at the top of the outrigger pole and getting stuck up there. In the same vein, the rigging eyelet on the top is generally set up 30cm or so lower than the outrigger’s tip to minimise the chances of the line tangling around the tip. This issue of tangling is less of a concern at the lower end of the set-up near the mounting point because you can get usually get your hands to this location to untangle anything.

Tangles are the big issue with outriggers. When outriggers tangle, the follow-on effects can see things broken – including outriggers, mounting plates and rods, resulting in lost fish. To reduce tangles I like to mount the bottom eyelet of the lanyard’s travel at a position above or away from the tip of the rod. Locations that achieve this include the targa bar, the T-top or the flybridge. If the release clip can run below the height of the rod tip then, when you are working the lanyard, there is likely

to be a point where there is slack line between the clip and the rod tip. Slack line affords the opportunity for a tangle to occur. By their very nature troll lines tend to twist so they tangle more often and more severely than most other lines. To reduce this it is a good idea to have two people working with each other to pull in (or out) the lanyard while the other person controls either the reel or the rod and reel. It is not uncommon to get a strike while you are setting the line in the clip and running

it up the ‘rigger. This is the time when you least want to have a tangle, so eliminating slack line as well as having two people setting the bait will reduce the risk. Release clips are typically set up to release the line when the slightest increase in pressure occurs from a fish. For sure you don’t want to set the clip tension so high that the line is at risk of breaking. And that’s as simple as it can be! Try to not let it get too complicated; there’s no need.

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COLOURS:

Nick from Teneriffe caught his first longtail tuna on a Z-Man 5” jerk shad in the Electric Chicken colour. He was grinning after this capture and with a fish like that, who can blame him? APRIL 2014

Get in before the cold TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

We’re already well into autumn and the shorter days will soon mean cooler air temperatures as well. If you’re into freshwater fishing, now is the time to make the most of it. Soon the cooler weather will have an influence on the core temperature of the freshwater lakes and rivers. As the water cools off, it will become harder to lure quite a few species. Golden perch and barramundi are prime examples of fish which have a slower metabolism over the colder months. If these fish are on

your hit list, get stuck into them now before they get tougher to catch on lures. Apart from some rain delivering low pressure systems which arrived last month further north, it seems like we may be in for some dryer times ahead. This can influence the fishing, especially in the dams. The lack of inflows will mean stable or falling levels over the months to follow. When the water remains stable, the fishing can be exceptional. Stability in the water level gives weed beds a chance to develop and fish the opportunity to enjoy the one environment. Lakes hold water for town use as well as irrigation purposes. Sudden drops

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND CRESSBROOK CLOSEST TOWNS: TOOWOOMBA, CROWS NEST Reasonable numbers of quality bass continue to be caught from the deep water. This has been a continuing pattern over the last few months. The water straight out from the picnic area has seen bass to 45cm being caught regularly. These fish should continue to bite in a similar fashion over the coming month. Trolling deep diving lures has been the most effective way to locate and catch these fish.

Working along the red buoys and circling back a couple of hundred metres into the middle and staying in over 8m of water has been the key. Drop-offs in the bottom contour seem to hold better numbers, and there are two distinct dropoffs in the area. One occurs in around 10m of water and the other is in about 23m. The bass can be spread out, but at times they clump together in a nice school. If you chance upon a school, the fish will be reasonably easy to catch on a cast lure. The tricky part is counting it down and keeping it at the right depth

Soft plastics can be rigged weedless on a normal jighead. Plastics rigged in this fashion can then be fished in heavy cover. This lure presentation might be worth a try through Moogerah’s submerged treetops for quality bass.

in level can change the comfortable environment, making the fishing tougher. Receding water levels do have their advantages as well. As lake levels fall, there is far less area covered by water and therefore the fish drop back closer to the lake’s main basin and become more concentrated and easier to find. It looks as though it may be a year of constant change for our freshwater fisheries. Anglers who are able to stay on the ball and follow fish movements will be rewarded. Hopefully the following reports will help you on your way to boating more fish. Until next month, buckled rods from the Colonel! to stay in the suspended fish. Spinnerbaits and blade baits should produce the goods, provided you place them in front of the fish. The point opposite the Eagles Nest rock wall up Cressbrook Creek is holding a few bass and golden perch. Live shrimp will account for both species. Again, you need to find fish to catch them; it isn’t just a case of trying your luck at random spots. A quality sounder is the only way to guarantee you’ll catch enough to keep it interesting. The entry fee at the boom gate has been removed but the 8 knot speed limit is still in place. Hours for boating and day use of the recreation area are 6am to 8pm until they shorten in May. For all your supplies, expert advice and to check on the boating restriction, call in at Fish’n’Bits in Alderley Street, Toowoomba, or give them a ring on (07) 4636 6850. The boys at the store all compete in bass tournaments and really know their stuff. SOMERSET CLOSEST TOWNS: ESK, KILCOY Bass and golden perch

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APRIL 2014

14 31

Weipa

Toowoomba

BRISBANE 27

23 Impoundment Dams 1 Tinaroo Falls Dam 2 Peter Faust Dam 3 Burdekin Falls Dam 4 Eungella Dam 5 Teemburra Dam 6 Kinchant Dam 7 Cania Dam 8 Lake Monduran 9 Isis Balancing Storage 10 Wuruma Dam 11 Lenthalls Dam 12 Boondooma Dam 13 Bjelke-Petersen Dam 14 Lake MacDonald 15 Gordonbrook Dam 16 Borumba Dam 17 Somerset Dam 18 Wivenhoe Dam 19 Pindari Dam 20 Copeton Dam 21 Moogerah Dam 22 Maroon Dam 23 Leslie Dam 24 Connolly Dam 25 Coolmunda Dam 26 Clarrie Hall Dam (NSW) 27 Hinze Dam 28 Lake Cressbrook 29 Callide Dam 30 Lake Awoonga 31 Lake Samsonvale 32 Fairbairn Dam 33 Koombooloomba Dam 34 Cooby Dam

are still being caught at Somerset although the action has slowed down quite a bit. Lure casters have had success on spinnerbaits and blades fished to the schooling fish which hold in the deeper drop-offs and flats around Pelican Point, Bay 13 and Queen Street. At times these fish have been hard to find but once located, they are usually in good numbers. Both bass and golden perch have been holding together and tend to school up under the boat once you enter their area. Over the next month or two, the lack of rain should see the fish flock together once again and start schooling in better numbers. The usual spots will be worth a look. If

Gold Coast

24 25 Cairns 1

19 20

Townsville 2

3 4

Proserpine 6 Mackay

Rockhampton

Emerald

Gladstone

29 7

Bundaberg 9 11

Highlighted dams are covered in this issue

Maryborough

Roma

BRISBANE

I’m searching for fish, I always have a look around The Spit, Poly Pipe Point, Pelican Point, Red Rock, Bay 13, Eagles Nest, One Tree Point, Queen Street and the flats south of Kirkleigh. Some days it can take up to two hours to find numbers of fish but the work spent searching can pay off within the first half hour of fishing on a sizeable school. While a lot of anglers are targeting bass in the open water, golden perch have at times outnumbered the bass being caught. Even bigger numbers of goldens can be caught on blades and ice jigs in the timbered areas. The mouth of Wyangi Creek, below the houses at Queen Street

DAM LEVEL Report DAMS NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR Atkinson 84 84 75 70 64 Awoonga 95 94 92 91 87 Bjelke-Petersen 91 89 81 78 72 Boondooma 90 88 85 84 80 Borumba 96 95 90 84 77 Burdekin Falls 77 75 64 63 100 Callide 73 73 69 68 64 Cania 97 98 95 94 90 Clarendon 86 88 82 80 74 Clarrie Hall 96 61 97 61 94 Cooby 95 95 94 93 92 Coolmunda 81 67 59 55 47 Copeton 70 65 50 37 33 Cressbrook 95 95 94 94 93 Dyer/Bill Gunn 90 78 87 80 73 Eungella 96 95 94 100 100 Fairbairn 66 61 55 54 54 Glenlyon 91 n/a n/a 43 39 Hinze 94 93 92 90 88

Gympie

and around the Junction north of Kirkleigh have dead standing timber where goldens can be caught in bulk numbers. Sounding up a school has been just like finding a school of bass. The fish are in numbers and once found they tend to chew hard. Trolling deep diving lures like the Blitz Baga, Golden Child and Smak 18 will also see quite a few golden perch taken in these areas. A few snags may be encountered so a lure retriever is a handy item to carry as chances are the lure will be stuck down deep. Bait fishers will be able to catch their share of bass and goldens from either the schooling fish

For fortnightly updates Julius 80 80 62 62 85  Kinchant 71 72 62 69 93 Koombooloomba 26 17 15 28 60  Leslie 72 69 52 48 40  Macdonald 87 83 68 60 54  Maroon 96 95 93 90 88  Monduran/Fred Haigh 93 91 87 86 81  Moogerah 93 92 88 85 82  North Pine/Samsonvale 82 81 78 76 74  Peter Faust/Proserpine 90 90 86 88 89 Pindari 63 60 33 20 16  Somerset 98 99 97 96 95  Storm King n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a  Teemburra 93 92 93 93 98  Tinaroo 63 62 56 58 67 Toonumbar 96 96 95 92 89  Wivenhoe 95 94 91 90 87  Wuruma 94 95 92 89 84

on Sunwater dams visit www.sunwater.com.au



This symbol

indicates that a

Stocked Impoundment Permit is required to fish these dams. All figures are % readings Current as of 22/3/14

in the basin of the lake or from the timbered areas. When fishing around the timber, golden perch will be a lot more common, but the odd bass may turn up. Try live shrimp fished in 8-10m of water. MOOGERAH CLOSEST TOWN: BOONAH Lure casters and trollers have been nailing quite a few bass. Fish have been caught around the edges on reaction baits like lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits early in the morning. The numbers of edge-dwelling fish may increase with the shorter days and cooler weather, and this can also

extend the bite time. When choosing an edge to fish, try one that has some deeper water nearby. Even though fish may be up in less than 1-2m of water when you are catching them, they like a deeper water retreat during the heat of the day. If you have water over 4m deep nearby, chances are you are in a good spot. Schooling fish can be found in the basin of the lake and up in the timber. These fish were suspending at about 4m deep last month but as the water cools they may spread out more through the water column and venture deeper. Keep a close eye on the sounder for any clutter lines indicating

Some of the dams are fishing quite well for bass. Don’t forget the waters below them as they still hold plenty of nice fish like this bass. Small boats like this 3m Polycraft or kayaks are ideal in this water.

DARLING DOWNS GRANITE BELT REGION COOBY CLOSET TOWNS: HIGHFIELDS, TOOWOOMBA Cooby Dam has been fairly quiet over the past month. Prior to that, there were big numbers of goldens being caught in the northern arm. These fish were holding in deep water on the humps between the deeper water of the old creek beds. Elsewhere, there has been the occasional fish landed from different spots all over the dam. Trolling hardbodies has taken a few fish and it’s always a good way to have a look around. Since only electric motors can be used, it always pays to have a lure in the water and an eye on the sounder when moving about. If numbers are found, try hopping a blade or ice jig through them. The most effective method is still bait fishing though. Live shrimp and saltwater yabbies both do the trick and if you are serious have both in the water to see if the fish prefer one over the other. As the weather starts to cool off, the golden numbers

are likely to taper off even more. They may have one last serious bite before winter so if you want to catch some, now is the time to do it. Cooby is an electric motor only dam and is well suited to kayaks and canoes. The concrete boat ramp is on a shallow angle when the dam is full and can be slippery in places, but a big electric powered boat can still be launched with care. Outboard motors can be left on the boat but must not be used. Live shrimp and saltwater yabbies can be purchased from Highfields Bait and Tackle on the New England Highway in Highfields. Call in and see Doug and check out the great range of kayaks and accessories he has on display. COOLMUNDA CLOSEST TOWN: INGLEWOOD There are still a few golden perch being caught at Coolmunda. These fish have fallen to lures and baits over the last month but expect bait fishing to start producing the better results over the next month or two. Goldens tend to become more lethargic as

a thermocline or algae growth and bait. The fish will usually sit somewhere around this depth, and pinpointing their holding position will make catching them a whole lot easier. Trolling diving lures like the Smak 12 or 3m RMG Poltergeist 50mm will see you in the right depth to hook some of these fish. Another good option is to troll a blade bait or a vibe like a Jackall Mask 60. At a pace of around 3-4km/h these lures will track at the right depth when towed on 20-30m of line. Experimentation is the key to getting your depth right, and once you have the knack for it you can pull plastics, spinnerbaits, beetle spins and all sorts of sinking offerings at the depth you desire. Lure casters will need to locate these schooling fish on the sounder for the best results. Even though bass suspend, they will often do so over ridges and drop-offs to creek channels. If you notice a few fish in an area, pull up and have a few flicks as often a few scattered fish will turn into a horde which schools right below the boat. When scattered, deep diving crankbaits fished around the tops of submerged trees have fared well. Another top way to extract bass from tree tops is to use a plastic rigged weedless on a standard jighead. I recommend a 1/4oz-3/8oz head with a 3” paddle-tail plastic. Rather

than the normal rigging method, feed the hook in the nose of the plastic and exit 15mm down under the belly. At this point roll the hook 180 degrees and measure where it needs to re-enter. The hook then goes through the tail section on the correct angle to keep the hook point resting right on the back of the plastic. Rigged in this fashion, you can bump right through the tops of trees and the solid strikes will still hook up. You’ll still snag a few lures if you spend a bit of time bouncing over trees, but plastics are a lot more inexpensive than other lure types and you can guarantee you are right in around the gnarly stuff

other lures would just hook up on. This technique works well when casting out over fish or dropping down and winding vertically. Be sure to give it a go. As the bass school up, try using blade baits and soft plastics fished through the concentration. With the blades, mix it up and use retrieves and hops. The plastics perform well on a slow, steady retrieve with drop backs every 10 or so winds of the reel. MAROON CLOSEST TOWNS: BOONAH, BEAUDESERT There have been some smaller bass caught at Maroon. Reaction style lures have worked well

around the edges with the TN60 Jackall performing well. With the shorter days approaching, I’d start to make my presentations a little more subtle. Fish the weed edge with silent lipless baits and beetle spins. Working around the Nursery, and inside the bay just before it, should see you hooking into some bigger bass. Fish as tight to the weed as you can and you should be rewarded with some of the better bass around 40cm. Schooling fish should be found on the points in the main basin. Areas like in front of Pointro and the points to the right of the main boat ramp should hold these schooled bass. Last month they were smaller fish and I don’t think much will change in the coming month. If you are after quality, head to the edges. Surface lures early in the morning will draw some strikes. Lures like the C’ultiva Zip’n Ziggy, Halco Roosta popper 60 and O.S.P. Bent Minnow are all worth throwing. Look for surface activity as it can indicate bass keen to take topwater offerings. However, just because there aren’t any surface takes going on around you doesn’t mean fish won’t feed on top, so persist with it until the sun breaks over the horizon. If the action continues, stick with it until the bites taper off.

the cooler water temperatures kick in so if you are into lure fishing, make the most of this month as it may be too hard by May. Casting lures in the creek bed up in the timber is an effective way to catch fish. Working sinking lures like lipless crankbaits right on the drop-off should get their attention. There are many lipless baits out there but I like using the gold/black TN60 Jackall in the stained water of Coolmunda. Sinking these lures to the bottom and using a very slow retrieve should see you getting more bites. Wind the lure just fast enough to have it swimming then after 6-12 winds, drop it back to the bottom and repeat. You can give the odd quicker wind or rod twitch to make the lure rattle but it will draw most strikes on the slow wind or even during the pause. Trolling medium diving lures on the flats out from the rock wall between the boat ramp and dam wall should still see a few goldens boated. Lures which dive to 5m will put you at the right depth for a bit of action. Stay close to the drop-off and you are likely to encounter better numbers.

A big Murray cod is always a possibility. These fish are more likely to come on cast or trolled lures than on bait. Bait fishing in the timber or along the drop-off to the old creek bed will see better numbers of golden perch caught. Try to accurately anchor the boat right on the ledge and if you aren’t having any luck after half an hour move on to greener pastures. When you find the fish, the bites will come. The Coolmunda Caravan Park is only around 1km from the lake. The park is just off the Cunningham Highway but far enough away from the noise of trucks to get a good night’s sleep. It offers camping sites, cabins, caravan facilities, tennis courts, a swimming pool, BBQ shelter and a camp kitchen. To take advantage of this and the great fishing opportunities in the lake and the river below, give the park a call on (07) 4652 4171. LESLIE CLOSEST TOWN: WARWICK Quality golden perch are being taken up the back of the lake. Trolling lures around the boulders opposite the Black Boys has been fooling some

of the larger fish. Bait fishers have found this action as well and scored with numbers of big goldens and silver perch. This would be my first port of call this month. Casting lipless crankbaits to the banks in this area may also be worth a shot first thing in the morning. If you don’t get any bites, head for the deeper water and work around the granite boulders. Other spots around the dam should produce but in

the main basin smaller golden perch seem to outnumber the quality ones. Live shrimp and saltwater yabbies will be the pick of the baits. For any tips and gear for fishing Leslie Dam or the Warwick area, call in and see the guys at Warwick Outdoor and Sports in Palmerin Street Warwick. The store stocks a great range of freshwater gear which is well suited to catching our Australian natives.

Quality bass can be caught trolling deep diving lures through the deep water near the buoy line at Lake Cressbrook.

While we try to target our Aussie natives, you never know when a noxious species will turn up. This tilapia ate a lure intended for bass. Fish like this need to be kept, killed and then disposed of appropriately. APRIL 2014

WIDE BAY AND BURNETT REGION BOONDOOMA CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSTON, KINGAROY Last month, the fishing turned a bit patchy at Boondooma. There were still quite a few fish being caught but the result of all the fishing pressure slowed the action to a steadier pace. Now it has had a rest from competitions and the intense pressure, the place should start to fire up again. Trolling hardbodied lures around the points in the main basin is a great way to hook into some bass and golden perch. Deeper diving lures like the Smak 19, Blitz Baga and Golden Child are perfect for this approach and if you could choose only one colour, it would be purple. Lure casters will start to see more action casting to the edges. The shallow banks should fish well with plenty of fish from The

Junction up to the start of the Stuart timber and also towards Pelican Point. Lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits and blades will fool these fish. Both goldens and bass will be caught and there is a good chance of big fish. Deeper fish may school up in a few areas throughout the main basin. Bouncing ice jigs off the bottom in 8m of water can see bass and golden perch being caught. Quite a few bait fishers have woken up to this technique and happily jig away with these small lures while soaking their baits. BJELKE-PETERSEN CLOSEST TOWNS: MURGON, GOOMERI There have been lots of fish caught at BP over the last couple of months. The dam continues to fire and with signs of the fish moving back to the edges, it looks like we are set to have some more great action this month.

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Casting blade baits and spinnerbaits into the edges will account for plenty of small bass and monster golden perch. Most of the bass are around legal size with the occasional bigger fish around 40cm. The goldens on the other hand can be monsters. There are some cracking fish over 3.5kg and well over 50cm in length being caught. If fishing blades, try casting into the edge and rolling them out into 2-3m of water. Sink the lure to the bottom and start hopping it back along the bottom to the boat. Smaller blades around 1/4oz are ideal for this type of fishing. Spinnerbaits have been successfully worked along the edge as well. Due to the smaller size of the bass, tiny spinnerbaits work well. The 1/2oz Smak Mini-Coop S is ideal for this style of fishing, and the smaller profile will turn a lot more strikes into hook-ups. The horse rig is another option. This is simply a beetle spin frame fitted to a blade bait. Blades around 3/8oz track well through the water when rigged in this fashion. The beauty of this set-up is it looks a bit like a spinnerbait but is loaded with hooks to ensure a much better hook-up rate on the smaller fish. There should also be a fair few fish in areas like Lightning Ridge and The Island for the lure trollers. These fish will be sitting a bit shallower this month so try lures like the Smak 12. Dark colours should work best as they have over the past month. Purples, dark green and black should all get a run over the underwater flats and around the edges of the dam. For help catching Bjelke and Boondooma fish, call into your local Bass 2 Barra store. You can see Matthew at Kingaroy or Dylan in Dalby and the boys will have you all geared up and ready for action in no time. ISIS BALANCING STORAGE CLOSEST TOWN: BUNDABERG Lake Gregory (The Isis) has lost a lot of its lush weed beds. The dam is still full and the water very healthy and clear indicating the surviving weed is in good condition and not dying off. With the weed dying back to its normal condition, the lake is fishing a little differently. Bass can be caught using several different methods. Schooling fish can be found in the middle of the lake. These fish move around the flats and will often bunch up close to the drop-offs. Once found on the sounder, they can be caught on ice jigs and blade baits. The majority of these bass are smaller with the better quality ones around 40cm.

Bigger bass can be caught around the hidden weed edge in Isis Balancing Storage. Try hopping blades or rolling soft plastics to get the bites. With the weed dying off, boats can venture up into the timbered arm where the water is around 3m deep. Normally this area would be choked with weed but now the bottom is clear in most areas. Bass can be found around the trees in this open water, and if you can find the deeper hole of the creek the numbers are often better. Casting spinnerbaits around the trees and rolling them back close to the bottom should produce some solid whacks. Try using 1/2oz and 5/8oz tandem bladed spinnerbaits. Downsized models to suit our Australian bass are ideal, and make sure you fish a stinger hook behind the main hook to turn short strikes into

a clean bottom. If I lose the weed edge, it is simply a matter of picking it up on the side image and heading back in that direction. It takes a bit of practice and boat manoeuvring on the electric motor to keep the boat running along a hidden edge of weed, especially when it is well away from the nearest bank and doesn’t run parallel to the shore. When the edge of the weed is found, try casting blade baits and soft plastics to it. Plastics can be fished tight to the weed with a slow retrieve. When the weed is felt, rip them out and keep rolling slowly. Blades can be fished over the top of the weed or right on the edge. If

which attach via braid to a split ring) fitted to the tail of the blade. Stingers trail in behind the lure and therefore pull through the weed a little better. Using blades can be frustrating but once you explore the weed with casts, you will get better at locating the edge, getting the lure deeper and keeping it free from fouling in the vegetation. Bigger bass can be expected when fishing around the weed. There are a lot of 40cm sized bass but it isn’t uncommon to nail a 50cm model or even those cracker 53cm fork length trophy fish. Topwater action will be at its best early in the morning before the sun rises and the wind picks up. With the lack of weed around the edges, you can get right up on top of the existing weed and even in behind to the lilies along the edges. Ideally you want to be fishing either in the lilies or on top of weed, which is less than a metre below the surface. Walk-the-dog stickbaits like the C’ultiva Zip’n Ziggy smash the bass in The Isis. Twitch the lure along the top for a metre or two before pausing. Give a twitch or two during the pause and then walk it again before repeating. Some of the biggest bass can be caught on surface. They are dark coloured fish which live shallow and

If the river doesn’t receive a fresh, anglers will be able to experience great topwater barra action in the Kolan River. This smaller fish exploded on a Cultiva Tango Dancer walked through a snag. hook-ups. Again, most of the fish in the timbered area are on the smaller side but there could be the occasional big fish to 50cm mixed in. There are still some areas where the weed is thicker. Most of these are hidden with the weed well below the surface. Locating these requires you to fish along the edge of the weed using the sounder. This is where a side scan unit really pays off as the weed can be picked up out to the side of the boat. I like to run my sounder on a split screen (half side scan, half normal sonar). I try to keep the boat right on the edge of the weed where it drops off from clumping to

you can locate the edge, sink the blade to the bottom and hop it back. As for plastics, I recommend a 1/4oz rigged 7cm Ripple Shad smeared with some scent like the Halco Freshwater or Pro Cure Gel. My pick for the Pro Cure gels is the mullet flavour as I like strong natural smells rather than garlic or aniseed. For the same reason, I like Halco’s scent, which sticks well and has a strong fishy smell. With blades, opt for smaller, lighter ones to prevent them fouling in the weed as much. You can also refit the trebles with one set of assist hooks (two singles

deep in the weed. Before the sun is up, they will be out hunting and surface is a top way to excite them. Once hooked, go hard, keep the rod high and try to keep them out of the weed for as long as possible. The last thing you want is a fish with all its energy driving you into thick weed and pulling the hooks. The guys at Salty’s Tackleworld Bundaberg have all the gear you’ll need to fish Isis and of course all the other great spots in the area. There are several guys working in the store who regularly fish the dam and love to catch bass. Call in and see them to

find out what is working best and ask them for their secret spots. MONDURAN CLOSEST TOWN: GIN GIN The Kolan River to the north of Bundaberg continues to fish exceptionally well for barra. With over 40km of water between Monduran Dam and the saltwater, there are stacks of spots to catch a barra. As the river winds its way to the salt, the fish habitat changes as

do the techniques used to catch them. In the weedless snaggy areas, the barra seem to hold close to the fallen snags. Big trees in deeper water are usually prime barra haunts. The smaller creeks and gullies which feed into the Kolan are a good place to have a cast as well. Here the fish tend to move around more in the open and can be caught on soft plastics as well as hardbodies. The weed and lilies have started to take hold in some areas and here

the barra mooch around the weed edge and are sometimes found in better numbers. I had a session about a month ago where the fish were cruising around out in the open about 10m outside the weed edge at the mouth of a small creek. Here the fish were suckers for hopped Transams and soft plastics rolled off the weed edge. This just goes to show you can’t have too many lures when it comes to barra fishing. The weedy areas and

snags can be fished with surface lures early and late in the day. The C’ultiva Tango Dancer is one of my favourites. In more open areas you can walk the dog with this lure for a few metres before pausing and twitching. If you are working a hole in a snag or specific area, just shorten the walk and give a lot more pauses. The Rapala Skitter Pop also works great in these smaller fish-holding areas. You can’t beat seeing a barra boof a topwater lure down.

like the Jackall Hank Tune are perfect for this spot, although if the fish are on, be prepared to get stitched up in the trees. I have found the RMG Scorpion 90mm to be an awesome barra lure when you add some stick-on lead tape. The lure dives fast and can be made to suspend, sink or slow rise depending on the hook upgrade and amount of lead tape you add. There have already been a couple of releases of barra fingerlings into Lake Awoonga this year.

Gladstone Area Water Board conducts these releases with stock left over from their breeding program after orders to other lakes have been filled. Hopefully they’ll pump heaps back in throughout the year. DPI has the maximum number for release per year set at 450,000. If they keep getting close to this number the dam will soon make a comeback as the fish mature. Barra continue to be caught in the river above Pikes Crossing. These fish receive a lot of pressure but continue to chew. Soft plastics and hardbodied

lures are both effective on these fish. This section of water is ideal for kayaks or smaller boats to 4.5m in length. Bigger boats can be used but are harder to launch from the bank and take a bit more work when negotiating the shallow sections of river. If you are keen to try to tackle some fish in the dam, give Lyn and Mark from Awoonga Gateway a call on (07) 4975 0033. At Awoonga Gateway you’ll find clean, modern cabins and your hosts will be full of useful advice to help you try to land that barra of a lifetime.

for the area. If these deep, basin dwelling barra stay in the area, they can be caught by trolling diving lures like the RMG Scorpion, Storm Deep Thunder and Classic Barra. It pays to run lures at a range of depths to see where the fish are feeding. I use an 8m and a 5m 125mm or 150mm Scorpion and keep an eye on the sounder to see if the fish move in the water column. At times even shallower lures can be effective so keep this in mind. In the timber, barra can be caught off the points or in the trees marking the edges of the creeks. Bigger lures are good on the points in the northern part of the

dam. Sitting out wide and tossing 140mm Rapala X-Raps, 140mm Halco Laser Pros and Reidy’s Big B52s into the edge and rolling them out has been the way to get strikes from the fish patrolling the area. Side imaging the point you are fishing with the sounder will soon tell you just how many barra are moving through the area. In the deep trees marking the edges of the creeks which run through the timber, hardbodied lures are again the best option. Proserpine Bait and Tackle recommends lures like the 3m Scorpion or 12ft Barra Bait. Big fish over a metre are common and require some heavyhanded tactics to extract them at times. Fishing

with hooks upgraded to the Owner ST66 and a quality 50lb braided line will boost your chances. My heavy barra tackle consists of a Revo baitcast reel spooled with 50lb Spiderwire braid and topped off with a 60lb or 80lb Vanish fluorocarbon leader. The leader is attached via an FG knot (Youtube – Fast and Easy FG Knot) which sails through the guides and allows you to fish the braid and leader to the max. If you are in the area call in and see the boys in town at Proserpine Bait and Tackle. Lindsay Dobe has spent years running charters on the lake and has a good idea where the barra will be and how best to catch them. If you are interested in a charter make

CAPRICORNIA REGION AWOONGA CLOSEST TOWN/S: BENARABY, GLADSTONE The dam has been fishing a bit tougher over the last couple of months. The good reports I had earlier in the year came from some switched-on anglers and they haven’t been there for a while. Their hot spot is the timber around the Gold Mine point area. The barra seem to congregate here and cruise through the trees. Medium diving hardbodied lures are the go. Suspenders WHITSUNDAY REGION PROSERPINE CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSERPINE, AIRLIE BEACH The barra have been doing some weird things in Proserpine. Usually the fish which venture out into the basin of the lake around Christmas would have retreated to the timber by now. The timber is holding some fish but there were bulk numbers sitting in the deep water within a few hundred metres of the buoyed area near the dam wall last month. These fish had just returned so it will be interesting to see what they do in the coming weeks, given there is more rain forecast

The tackle store in Gin Gin, Foxies, stocks a range of effective barra lures. The store will mail order and you can check it out online at www.barratackle.com. au. Be sure to call in and get directions to some of the best barra fishing in the area or pick up one of the detailed maps. Accommodation can be booked through Lake Monduran Kiosk and Tackle Shop. They look after all the cabins, houses, powered and unpowered camp sites, as

well as house boats and boat hire. You can also make bookings for Guide Lines fishing charters through the kiosk, on (07) 4157 3881. Jamie Bein runs Lake Monduran Barra Charters and fishes that dam more than anyone I know. His regular visits ensure he has a good understanding of what’s going on. Contact Jamie on his mobile, 0407 434 446, or through his website www.lakemonduranbarra charters.com.

Using the side image feature on a sounder can reveal what is passing your spot as you fish. Here you can see three barra swimming past. sure you get in early with your booking. Lindsay can be reached through the store on (07) 4945 4641. KINCHANT CLOSEST TOWN: MACKAY The rising water level in the dam has flooded new grounds over the last couple of months. This has left a lot of weed beds submerged. The barra action has been taking place around the flooded banks where any new weed growth has started. Already lilies are starting to come back and there are a few places where the weed is to the surface in the shallows. Locating this fresh weed is the key to success. Local angler and barra gun Daniel Grech has been finding a lot of his fish around the

weed growing in the bays closest to the boat ramp. The new XXX-Rap, which is a 10cm hardbody, has been his stand-out lure. The smaller profile seems to be the key to getting the bites, with the fish not responding as well to larger lures. Daniel said every time he’s come across some weed almost to the surface, they’ve pulled a barra out of it. With more rain forecast at the time of writing, the dam may have even more water in it this month. The weed will be quick to grow so keep this in mind and try to locate it and fish it. For accommodation at the lake give Kinchant Waters a call on (07) 4954 1453.

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The truth about tarpon BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

While our local tarpon won’t ever grow to the proportions of their north American cousins (our biggest are around 80cm, while theirs are twice that size) they still have a great following here in Australia. They are a definite flyfishing species and pack a punch well above their weight. They also have a mystique about them that makes them very special to fly angler – much as our

native bass were a couple of decades back. Those anglers who caught them kept the information very closely guarded. TARPON HABITAT Tarpon are not found in every waterway on the east coast but they can turn up in some surprising places. I’ve seen them in small schools on tropical beaches but while they inhabit creeks of all sizes they will also happily thrive in brackish or even freshwater. Lagoons, housing and canal estates, the upper reaches of most waterways, even within certain sections of

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estuaries where there’s some nearby brackish or even freshwater – these are all likely tarpon habitats. There must be tidal influence or access to saltwater even if only on the highest tides, as tarpon are estuarine fish just like bream, jacks and trevally. A good indicator is the humble mullet: if the water holds a healthy population of mullet it may well also be inhabited by tarpon. Suspecting the fish are there is one thing, confirming that suspicion is another matter. In the angler’s favour are a couple of things. Firstly, tarpon have a habit of surfacing to gulp a bit of air and then moving off to leave a bubble trail.. As they surface you’ll get a glimpse of a long dorsal fin, sometimes followed by the tip of the tail as well. The only drawback to these signature clues is timing; tarpon love to surface before the sun is on the water or just as it’s heading behind the hills of an evening. Still, this

Tidal creeks are likely tarpon habitat. The cleaner the water the better the chance they’ll be there. is no biggie as we anglers love to rise early or stay out late, don’t we? The best time to spot tarpon rolling is very early in morning when the wind is down to zero. Once fish are found (and we might expect things to taper off a bit as the water cools in late May), the idea is to use the right tackle to

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These flies aren’t fancy but tarpon take them readily. Note the Gartside Gurgler uppermost, these are a great surface fly for a lot of fish.

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you might think that light fly tackle would be ideal. However, the reality is that these are hard hitting and strong fighting fish that will pop overly light tackle with ease. A 6wt outfit is a minimum where larger tarpon are likely to be encountered. In tropical creeks I use an 8wt outfit and still expect some breakoffs from time to time. Choice of fly line comes down to sink tip or floating. Feeding or rolling tarpon that are leaving bubble trails are usually close to the surface, so a full sinking fly line won’t keep the fly in the strike zone for long. Also, tarpon don’t seem to like flies that are deliberately retrieved too rapidly, so a floating or sink tip line allows plenty of latitude with a slower retrieve style. Tippet size needs to cater for a sudden strike that will occur as a fish takes the fly on turning away. There will usually be no warning, just a sudden jolt that sees the fly and leader part company if the tippet is too light. I recommend nothing less than 4kg tippet for tarpon if you want to keep your fly for another fish.

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Denise Kampe displays an excellent tarpon taken from a beach on Dunk Island.

FLIES AND TACTICS Flies should resemble the baitfish predominant in the area. Size 1 or 2 flies are great, with small Lefty’s Deceivers or similar style flies being ideal for subsurface work and for surface action, which is one of the really great attractions with our tarpon. Poppers such as Dahlberg Divers, Gartside or Grabham’s Gurglers (hop on Google for tying details) also on size 1 or size 2 hooks are also very good. Tarpon are more active of a late afternoon or early morning so the idea is to start the day with a dry fly on the tippet and a floating line in use. If not surface rolling these fish are sure to be around any sort of cover, so the clue is to cast the fly near some and retrieve it very gently with frequent stops. The stops will trip their wire and they will slurp down a Gurgler with great deliberation. The key is the slow strip; make it too fast and all they will do is look. Once the sun is up and on the water, any surface rolling will usually slow down. This is the time to exchange floating flies for sinking ones and maintain the slow strip, stop, start, retrieve. Do expect a jolt as a fish takes the fly, and keep the rod tip to the side to prevent a break-off on the strip/strike. Once hooked a tarpon will usually jump and often throw the hook. These fellows have the hardest mouths in the business and hooks need to be extra sharp to stay connected. Are tarpon a table proposition? Not at any table I’ve dined at. They pong and are very bony! Their speciality is sport, and that’s something fly anglers are always on the lookout for.

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Quintrex 530 Assault BOWEN

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

If you’re one of those people who wants to stand out from the rest on the water, then the Quintrex 530 Assault is your boat.

offer across a range of fishing environments. With an overall length of 5.39m, a 2.22m beam and a depth of 0.84m the Quintrex Assault has a tournament bass boat feel. With its sleek lines, low sides and tapered tip this boat looks fast and goes even faster.

even at the incredible speed as the blade hull really knows how to slice through the water and provide a soft smooth landing. The power plant behind the Assault is a 150hp High Output Evinrude E-Tec. The 150 delivers a huge amount of power and the Assault really knows how to power out of the hole. During testing the Assault sat at 3000 revs, which saw us humming along without any effort at all just less than 30mph. At 4,000, 42mph, and at 5,000 the Assault was skating along at a blistering 51mph. The 150 E-Tec revs out at 5,700 so WOT is around the 59mph

The Assault is a one of a kind build and is a special boat. The layout is specifically designed for open casting and getting somewhere fast!

The drivers console is designed so everything is at your fingertips and all information from sounders to speed to fuel flow is all in front of you so you don’t have to look away or move when travelling at high speed. Built by Quintrex as a one-off prototype and eventually purchased by Cannonvale Marine in Airlie Beach the 530 Assault was built with the tournament fisher in mind with its low bass boat profile. However after taking this boat through its paces it certainly showed that it is has far more to

Constructed with 5251 H34 tempered 3mm top sides and 4mm bottoms, the Assault is not just all show and go, it is also built to handle rough conditions, especially at high speeds. Using Quintrex’s patented Millennium Blade Hull it not only goes like a rocket and is built like a tank, but also rides incredibly smoothly

The Assault is designed for 3 people max with two main seats and small seat in the middle. even at top speeds the Assault handled beautifully and the hydraulic steering and hull responded quickly in turns. Most importantly when bouncing down through the waves the hull never broached or swayed even when it fell into a few holes. While the Assault goes like a rocket, fuel consumption was quite remarkable with the ICON gauges showing that at 30mph the E-Tec was burning 22L an hour. At 40mph it was burning 32L an hour which is very economical and when you

consider the Assault comes with a 130L fuel tank range will never be a problem. The layout of the Assault really suits the open style casting tournament angler with a huge amount of front and rear casting deck space. The front deck could easily cater for up to three anglers casting comfortably with still plenty of room down the back. The rear decks incorporate live bait tanks and the dry storage and rod locker room is so big I could almost climb into it. The driver’s console includes dash mounted ICON gauges as well as a dash mounted Lowrance GPS and sounder. All these instruments are positioned so the driver has little movement to make to gather information so as not to take their attention away from the driving. The 530 Assault truly is a special unique boat. While it may look like a tournament boat it has the handling and ride capability of heading out into the bay or even wide when conditions suit. Cannonvale Marine has this demo boat valued at $46,250 and this includes Qunitrex Alloy braked trailer, 150hp E-Tec, painted hull as well as dealer delivery, registration and partially smooth water gear package and 3 year warranty.

The underfloor storage was huge – just look at the length and depth of this rod locker; I could have fit in there!

Jase Nielsen with a decent 47cm bass from Borumba. It was caught on a Jackpot Spinnerbait while chasing saratoga.

APRIL 2014

mark, which is blistering especially when sitting in the driver’s seat. While all this power is awesome, driving the Assault is relatively simple thanks to the Hot Foot Accelerator pedal system which allows

you to control the throttle with ease. The Trim and tilt controls are also at your finger tips so there is no need to take your hands off the wheel at all which is a big deal when cruising at high speeds. In term s of control

Take note of the Hot Foot Accelerator on the floor and the trim and tilt on the steering wheel; essential items for travelling very fast.

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APRIL 2014

Nissan Altima V6 the one to beat BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Nissan’s luxury Maxima sedan was always going to be a hard act to follow but the Altima looks as though it’s going to do the job with ease. As a mid-sized sedan (think of the Toyota Camry or Mazda 6 rather than Holden or Falcon) the Altima comes in 3 levels of luxury trim: ST, STL, Ti and Ti-S. Moreover, there are two petrol engines. First is a 2.5L DOHC 4 (127kW of power and 230Nm of torque) for the ST, STL and Ti; and Nissan’s punchy 3.5LV6 (183kW, 312Nm) for the Ti-S. Incidentally, although Nissan are racing a couple of V8 Altimas the street version doesn’t offer more than the V6 under the sweeping bonnet. The 2014 Altima is a very refined, very attractively designed, 5-seater sedan which, being in its fifth generation in the US, has had any bugs well and truly sorted from the system. Throughout the generations size has been increased, and the weight trimmed courtesy of aluminium panels for the roof, bonnet and boot lid.

The new Altima features sweeping modern lines. In its class the Altima is a big seller in the States, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it gained a big following here as well. While Nissan have hedged their bets with their 2 engine strategy it’s refreshing to note that both models are rated to tow 1200kg of braked trailer. LUXURY ALL ROUND The Altima looks great, thanks to a very powerful looking front end and sweeping lines stretching to the very large boot at the rear. Both the 4-cylinder

and 6-cylinder models come with very high levels of specifications, virtually to a full luxury standard. All models are equipped with stepless CVT units for maximum efficiency in power transmission between engine and wheels, have very precise speed sensitive electronic steering and, courtesy of independent strut/ coil springs at the front mated to independent multilink systems at the rear, a top quality ride that is as smooth and vibrationless as

That impressive frontal treatment gives the Altima a certain road presence.

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APRIL 2014

between them, with the Ti and Ti-S equipped with the Advanced Driver Display system. This system offers turn-by-turn directions, average fuel consumption and distance to empty calculations, caller ID, Lane Departure Warning (loud beep) and Moving Object Detection (a light flashes on the relevant side when another vehicle approaches from behind) these last ADD systems being within an intuitive 3D display right ahead of the driver, between

Top: A look at the Altima’s dash layout: there’s a neat blend of tonings with all controls easily identified. Above: The Altima’s luggage capacity can be enhancing by folding rear seats down as well if necessary. levelling Xenon headlights. The car sits on 18” wheels, guaranteeing considerable road presence. At the press of the starter button tacho and other dials move, and this is the only real clue that the engine is running – it’s that quiet.

The Altima’s upswept rear end and twin exhausts hint of performance. it’s soundless. There are no vibes, no buzz, no bumps, no wheel or road noise. Even the base ST gains such fruit as 60/40 folding for the rear seat, folding side mirrors, dual zone climate control air, tilt and telescopic steering column, steering wheel audio and cruise control, 5” colour display audio screen, stereo system with 6 speakers, Bluetooth phone connectivity, dusksensing headlights, front seating with spinal support, dual front side and curtain air bags, and a host of safety systems including ABS, EBD, vehicle dynamic and traction control systems. The ST-L and Ti have a host of extra features

the main dash instruments. There’s also Sat Nav, a 7” touch colour screen, leather trimmed electronically adjusted seats, 9 Bose speakers, rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors. Infotainment is not forgotten. Nissan Connect uses hands-free technology together with a smart phone and comes with apps to connect to Pandora and searches via Google and Facebook. TI-S REVIEWED The fruit bowl really fills with the V6 equipped Ti-S. Along with the features previously mentioned there’s a power rear sunshade, rear privacy glass and auto-

A dab of the right foot and the car glides away smoothly, the stepless CVT doing its job. Behind the wheel of the Ti-S (seat adjusted perfectly, some lumbar support engaged for my back) I was intrigued with the 4 driving modes offered. Standard D is just that, standard – the tacho moves, the speedo moves, the car moves. Eco Mode centres on fuel economy with the display showing how good (or bad) you are at conserving fuel. Then there’s S for Sport Mode where the gearing is lower, the V6 really making its presence felt. Ask the question with the right foot and there’s a very quick response.

M for Manual mode is for driving enthusiasts. The paddles are used for up or down changes with 7 speeds on hand. Towing the boat or camper van up a range? M for manual would be handy. COMFORT AND ECONOMY The interior of the Altima is spot on for that elusive mix of bling and practicality. There’s ample room all round for both front and rear seat passengers. Dark colours, soft touch material and brighter highlights are all neatly blended in a luxurious mix. Seating will be a selling point. Rear seating is roomy and supportive, but it’s the front seats where Nissan have really excelled with their so called ‘zero gravity’ seating making long drives very comfortable. A run from Brisbane to Warwick and back was a real pleasure in the Altima. A small detour to Lake Moogerah for photos offered the chance for some more spirited driving, with the Altima sticking like glue to any chosen line. The vehicle felt just as at home on the sharp bends as it did on the highway, with no bumps intruding and no road or tyre noise either. That 400km run saw fuel economy from the V6 at around 9.4L per 100km; Nissan claims 9.3L per 100km so I was pretty chuffed. SUMMING UP The Maxima may have been good but the Altima is better. There are levels of luxury and definite refinement here that should ensure this 5-seater is a popular vehicle in Australia. The price of the V6 Ti-S as reviewed was $45,390, and the list price of the ST is $29,990.

Top Mooloolaba camping areas BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Nestled right on the foreshores at Mooloolaba are 2 popular Sunshine Coast Council operated holiday parks. Although they are 5 minutes’ drive apart they are both named Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park, so to avoid any confusion I’ll review them separately according to their street address. PARKYN PARADE This holiday park is the larger of the two, and its office caters for bookings and the general running of both holiday parks. It’s located on Parkyn Parade which is the main thoroughfare leading out to the parks and walkways en route to the nearby wall at the Mooloolah River mouth. The parks and walkways en route to the wall are very popular, as is the wide expanse of golden beach. You can’t help but love that seaside ambience that comes from watching and hearing those waves break. If you find yourself peckish there’s a variety of popular seafood outlets and restaurants in this vicinity as

Offshore waters here are very fish rich. well, all within easy walking distance of the holiday park. The Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park on Parkyn Parade caters for 75 powered slab sites for caravans plus just over two dozen tent sites. While by some standards this is not a huge camping ground, the ambience of that lovely beach just through the back gates of the grounds gives this Holiday Park a rare attraction. Plus of course you’re close to

Mooloolaba’s seemingly endless number of retail outlets, boutiques, hotels, night spots and numerous eateries. Take it from me, you have to book early to enjoy a holiday here. The entrance to the Holiday Park is located pretty much opposite one of the Sunshine Coast’s main attractions, Underwater World. Once you’re in the Park you’ll find there’s a fair amount of shade around sites, the roads are wide enough to make travel easy, there are clean and tidy amenities, a well equipped laundry, and also a camp kitchen plus barbecue. The entry/exit to the beach at the rear is via keypad-operated gates, ensuring residents of their privacy. That’s important, because that wide golden stretch of sand at the rear means things can be pretty busy at the gates during peak holiday times.

Above: The Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park entrance in Parkyn Parade Mooloolaba is almost directly opposite Underwater World. Right: Camping right by the water is a great aspect of a stay at the Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park on the Esplanade. Below: There are some good shade trees around sites. MOOLOOLABA ESPLANADE The second, and smaller, of the Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Parks is located practically right above high tide level off Mooloolaba Esplanade, where a service road leads down to the 34 powered waterfront sites with further concrete slab caravan sites located behind them. There are also very clean amenities, a camp kitchen plus barbecues for

holidaymakers to enjoy. Although it’s located just off the very busy Mooloolaba Esplanade, the combination of a row of large trees to the west plus the ambience of being right by the water makes this campground very popular. When you think about it, how many holiday parks or camping grounds offer camping just above the beach, on neatly mown grass? Very few, in my experience. Again, you’re well placed to enjoy the attractions of the massive shopping centre and retail outlets, not to mention the wonderful restaurants and takeaway outlets. As you can imagine, you need to book well ahead for a stay here! THE FISHING This section of the Sunshine Coast’s waterways is a virtual boater’s paradise. Whether you own a small boat or a big boat, there’s plenty on offer. There are immensely popular fishing grounds right out from Mooloolaba north up towards Noosa and south towards Caloundra.

This is a popular park so an early booking is essential. with swimmers through the warmth of the day, but when things quiet down they’re also fabulous places to catch a feed of dart, bream whiting, trevally or tailor. Wetting a line at dawn or dusk around Mooloolaba is one of life’s pleasures. GETTING THERE If you’re travelling north on the Bruce Highway, take the Mooloolaba exit just north of Aussie World. Then follow Brisbane Road into Mooloolaba proper and make a left turn into Hancock Street, then a right turn into River Road and you’ll be at Parkyn Drive.

To get to the Mooloolaba Esplanade Holiday Park, following Brisbane Road to its junction with the Mooloolaba Esplanade will involve a left turn at the T junction. You’ll see the holiday park on the right as you descend the hill, going north. If you’ll be travelling to Mooloolaba from the north, turn left into Brisbane Road at the Tanawha area and then follow Brisbane Road to the east. For more information on both parks phone (07) 5444 1201, email mooloolaba@ sunshinecoastholidayparks. com.au or visit www.sunshine coastholidayparks.com.au.

That beautiful beach at Mooloolaba, so popular during the warmth of the day, is a great place to fish at dawn and dusk. The sheltered ocean outfall of the Mooloolah River is a gift to the boater, with only a northwester likely to cause any wave-driven mischief around the river’s exit (and who would want to fish in one of these anyway?) If you have a suitable offshore craft there’s great fishing for reef species, as well as pelagics such as tuna and mackerel in close, and sails and marlin out wider. Be advised that transport authorities are strict on compliance with appropriate safety equipment for boats venturing offshore. Expect to be inspected. For the small boat owner the Mooloolah River proper and Maroochy River just to the north of Mooloolaba are also great venues for a feed of fish such as whiting, bream trevally, jacks and others. These are quite sheltered waterways, very suited to small craft, and with their adjacent ocean outfalls they always seem to be marvellously stacked with fish. Yabbies can be pumped in the Maroochy River; they’re great bait and lots of fun for the youngsters. The beaches in this entire area are usually packed

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What’s new fishing Powered by

BREAK BRAID TOOL

Snagging up is part of fishing. Breaking the braid when you have a snag is the difficult part. Breaking the braid puts unnecessary pressure on your reel but it is also difficult on you, and can be very frustrating. The Break Braid tool is designed as a safe and easy way to save your braided line when snagged. This tool makes breaking braid a breeze and allows you to get back into the fishing sooner. Simply wrap the tool around the line several times, and with one sharp pull the braid is broken and you’re free to rig up again and start fishing. And often when you go to break the braid with this special tool you’ll pull the lure off the snag, or just plain snap the snag off and bring it in with your lure. The Break Braid tool is mighty cheap and a must-have item for all anglers who use braided line. Price: RRP $7.95 www.breakbraidtool.com.au

BEE’S KNEES SPOOLER

The Aussie invented Bee’s Knees Reel Spooler is of the highest quality, and is CNC machined from solid aluminium and stainless steel. Incorporated are 2 ball bearings and a 40mm Carbontex drag washer which is coated with Cal’s drag grease, producing upwards of 15kg of drag on a 100mm spool. The unit can either be fixed permanently or used as a portable spooler. Simply drive the car or boat trailer tyre onto the plate, bolt it on your work bench or clamp it. The Bee’s Knees accommodates small spools of line right up to the large bulk spools of game fishing line. It’s great for spooling any reels with tension, and best of all you can do it on your own. Price: RRP $129 + postage www.bluebottlefishing.com

BIGFISH SKELEFISH

Skelefish is the latest edition to the popular Bigfish Graphics range. It features stunning 3D detail of chrome skeleton fish assembled together chasing skeleton baitfish. The depth of detail is incredible and depicts mahi mahi, sailfish, mangrove jack, barra and cod – all the favourite species in the one shirt. Every shirt in the entire Bigfish range is printed, cut and sewn in Australia. They are incredibly soft, cool, lightweight, UPF 50 and made from the highest quality Australian knitted polyester. Bigfish shirts are not only stunning to look at but you’ll want to wear them for their comfort style and sun protection. To view this and other shirts in the range visit the Bigfish website or check them out at your nearest stockist. Price: RRP $89.95 www.bigfishgraphics.com.au

SAMAKI SKITCH NANO

Samaki Skitch Nano takes Nano technology to the next level. These rods sport a flashy chameleon finish, super

APRIL 2014

hard EVA grips and split butt designs on multiple models. The Samaki Skitch Nano has been created for every angler across the nation, from the barra fishing enthusiast with a 6’0” cast and spin model, to the estuary fisherman taking advantage of the light and medium spin 7’0” models – not to mention the ever popular heavy slug spinning 9’0” model. Look for them at your favourite tackle store or check out the Samaki website to find out more. Price: from RRP$89.95 www.samaki.com.au

2P THERMO SHIELD TOPS

One of the best thermal garments is now even better, thanks to the release of the new 2P Thermo Shield Tops. Perfect for fishing, these long-sleeved and short-sleeved tops are now available in high visibility colours for safety. As outer wear or as a thermal underlayer of insulation, the innovative, Super Stretch 2P Thermal Shield Rash range is perfect for any activity, wet or dry, wherever you need protection without restriction. These tops act like a second skin, giving you complete freedom of movement. Features include: rapid drying, fleece for comfort, protection against wind chill, UV50+ sun protection and no-rash flatlock stitching. The Thermo Shield Short Sleeve top (#662911122-8) is priced at RRP $45.95; the Long Sleeve version (#662911220–8) is $49.95; and the Zip Long Sleeve top is $59.95. All come in a wide range of sizes. Check out the Home Grown Brands Australia website to view the complete catalogue of watersports apparel. Price: from $45.95 www.landandsea.com.au

FUJI ‘O’ CONCEPT GUIDES

Traditionally only available on more expensive components, Fuji has now introduced ‘O’ Concept Guides by combining deep pressed guides with their largest selling ring, the ‘O’ ring, making this high end technology available to everyone at any price point. Conventional frame construction supports the ring at one point on the frame, so the ring is dependent on the frame thickness for strength. The new Concept deep-pressed frame secures a ring on a thinner frame by use of a redesigned construction resulting in more than one contact point around the frame. This design reduces draw, twist and bend and saves weight through its lightness, resulting in a more responsive rod. Fuji developed this process as part of the new Guide Concept as an improvement over the traditional technique for securing rings to frames as they researched ways to protect the ring and provide a more secure hold. Deep-pressing answered their needs. It protects the entire outside edge of the ring, but also enables a full epoxy seal around the ring resulting in more surface area contact and a more secure hold. Many companies may offer ‘locked’ rings, but Fuji invented, refined and perfected this technique to become the strongest possible. Price: Varies www.fujitackle.com.au

Please send contributions to: The Editor, Fishing Monthly Group PO BOX 3172 LOGANHOLME, QLD. 4129

What’s new fishing Powered by

OKUMA TRIO REX SALT

The Okuma Trio Rex Salt is a specialist surfcasting reel that features the revolutionary Crossover Construction platform, leveraging the superior strength offered by aluminium and the featherweight characteristics of graphite. Internally, 6 + 1 stainless steel ball bearings, a worm shaft transmission system and machine cut brass pinion gears feature in the reel. Such quality components operate in perfect mechanical unison to deliver an effortless wind at a gear ratio of 4.5:1. The multi disc, Japanese oiled felt drag system generates approximately 9kg of drag pressure which is reinforced by Okuma’s Hydro Block drag seal to provide protection against sand and saltwater intrusion. As with all Okuma reels, the Trio Rex Salt comes complete with a Lifetime Guarantee. Price: RRP $329.95 www.okuma.com.au

8 9 10

ABU SALTY STAGE JIGGING ROD

Featuring a super lightweight design and quality components, Abu Garcia Salty Stage Shore Jigger rods have been designed in Japan for the ultimate in shore jigging. The series includes regular and extra fast actions for maximum casting distance and fish fighting performance. Powerful composite blanks incorporate a carbon X wrap to reduce rod twist and increase power. Premium Fuji K guides are used for casting performance, and the sophisticated grip design delivers a lightweight and ergonomic grip system for superior comfort and control. There are 4 models in the range, all 2-piece spin, packaged with a zip-up rod case for storage and travel. The line-up is as follows: 9’8’’ PE 1-2.5, lure weight 10-45g; 9’6’’ PE 1-3, 20-60g; 10’6’’ PE 1-3, 28-70g and the heaviest model, a 10’3’’ PE 2-4 with a lure weight of 35-100g. Perfectly matched to Penn Conflict and Abu Garcia Revo SX reels, Pure Fishing recommends using the Shore Jiggers with C’ultiva Gekito jigs. Price: approx. $350-$400 abugarcia-fishing.com.au

ULTRA STRONG KVD PLIERS

KVD Aluminium Pliers are your answer to affordable, lightweight and reliable fishing pliers. Made from aircraft grade ultra-light aluminium that has been heavily anodized for greater corrosion resistance, they are light and comfortable enough to use all day and tough and durable enough to last a lifetime. The KVD pliers feature titanium coated stainless steel jaws and replaceable tungstencarbide cutters, and have custom rubberized grip and coiled tether with a clasp to keep the tool handy. Everything packs neatly in the supplied protective nylon holster. Look for KVD 6.5” Ultra Strong Aluminium Pliers (#KVDAP65) at your favourite tackle store or visit the Wilson Fishing website for more information on the KVD range. RRP: from $59 www.wilsonfishing.com

MAKE YOUR OWN SOFT VIBES

With the popularity of soft vibes over the past few years it was only a matter of time before U-Make-Em-Soft Plastics brought out a mould so anglers could start making their own lures. They have produced 2 shapes: a 110mm model designed for larger species, as well as a neat little 85mm model for the small guys. The larger model comes in 25g and 27g versions and the smaller model comes in 19g and 22g versions. The kit includes a lead mould for the internals as well as the external soft plastic mould for the body. Price: Too new www.u-make-emsoftplastics.com.au

C’ULTIVA GEKITO JIGS

NEW SIGLETT COLOURS

Two of the latest jigs from C’ultiva are the Gekito Level and Gekito Jig Aero. The Gekito Level is a mid weighted jig designed for slow falling on the drop. The slow flutter action has proven effective in shallow to mid water reef jigging. These premium quality jigs have a tough ‘centre bone’ chassis making them nearly unbreakable and unbendable, delivering the perfect swimming action fish after fish. The 6 colour range features a highly reflective holographic finish to trigger strikes from predatory fish. It’s available in 30, 40, 60 and 80g sizes. The Gekito Jig Aero is rear weighted for increased casting distance and rapid descent in deep water/high current conditions. It’s a versatile jig ideal for bluewater pelagic and shore casting applications. They feature the super-tough ‘centre bone’ chassis. The 6 colour range features a highly reflective holographic finish, and available sizes are 30, 40 and 60g. Price: from RRP $17.95 owner-fishing.com.au

The Megabass Siglett is the ultimate surface lure for bass and EPs. These iconic cicada imitations have landed countless fish, and they’re now available in some new colours. Bass and bream, which will readily take a Siglett, can be most active at dusk and at night. Fishing with lures very close to snags can be difficult if you can’t see your presentation, but the Glow Night Walker fixes this problem. It has a lumo body and plastic wings, making it perfect for anglers fishing well after dusk. Also available is the Siglett in FF (Fur Finish) Smoke. This lure looks extremely realistic in the water due to the fur on its belly. The FF Smoke colour has a brown/green finish. Both lures feature a tungsten rattle. The Siglett is 36.5mm and weighs 3/16oz, and the Grand Siglet is 45.5mm and weighs 1/4oz. The Siglett’s tow point is located at the rear of the lure, so when you begin a retrieve the wings will fold out creating a realistic appearance of a struggling cicada. With subtle slow movements, the rattle chamber and wings combine to create sound and little ripples to alert nearby fish. Price: SRP $35.95 www.megabass.com.au

Please send contributions to: The Editor, Fishing Monthly Group PO BOX 3172 LOGANHOLME, QLD. 4129

APRIL 2014

What’s new fishing Powered by

MARUKYU CRAB

Marukyu, the company behind Ecogear, has developed an impressive new soft lure: the award-winning Marukyu Crab. This soft bait has a potent scent and a very lifelike action, with legs that pulse enticingly. The Crab uses Marukyu’s Isome fish attractant material, which emits a stronger scent than regular bait. It comes in 3 natural crab colours (olive, dark brown and purple) and is available in large and medium sizes (20mm shell width and 15mm shell width respectively). The large size comes in a pack of 8, and the medium size comes in a pack of 10). To see a video, go to youtube.com and type in ‘Marukyu Crab’, or use your smart phone to scan the QR code hereabouts. Price: Too new www.jml.net.au

ZMAN GRUBZ NOW IN WATERMELON

Following requests from their Pro Anglers, Tackle Tactics has now added watermelon to their range of colours in both the 2” and 2.5” GrubZ. Watermelon has long been a popular colour when targeting bream, bass and a range of other species, and ZMan have stuck with the traditional watermelon colour, with a subtle black fleck. The GrubZ also provide anglers with all of the benefits associated with ZMan’s buoyant, super-soft and realistic, 10X Tough ElaZtech soft plastics. Through the testing stages the 2” and 2.5” watermelon GrubZ have already contributed to podium finishes in both bream and bass tournaments. The 2” GrubZ comes in 14 colours and the 2.5” version is available in 17 colours. Both come in packs of 10. Price: SRP $8.95. www.z-man.com.au

TUFF TIP RODS

The latest Jarvis Walker Tuff Tip range sees all 19 classic rod designs take on an attractive grey-black-red cosmetic design, plus a modern feel. Each Tuff Tip rod starts with the construction of a quality blank that features an extra-tough solid integrated tip design, with graphite and fibreglass used in all baitcast, spin and estuary models, for extra sensitivity and casting performance. These rods are designed to provide that perfect mix of long-lasting strength, fishfighting power, plus the sensitivity and casting distance you need for your favourite bait fishing tactics. The comprehensive range includes most popular styles of fishing rods, from the 7’0” 3-5kg light estuary, to the robust 6’6” 10-15kg overhead, to the big 15’0”, 6-12kg 3-piece surf rod, with all sorts and styles in between. There’s a good mix of 1- and 2-piece models to suit all needs. Price: from approx. $40-$90 www.jarviswalker.com.au 90

APRIL 2014

ARCHBACK DEEP

The Strike Pro Archback Deep is a fantastic deep diving baitfish with an irresistible action. The Archback Deep features an internal weight balanced system which helps with casting distance and eliminates tumbling. It has a superb rolling action that fish find irresistible and a loud rattle that helps to attract fish, in particular in dirty water or low light conditions. This suspending lure is 12cm in length, weighs 37.6g and dives to approx. 12ft. It comes fitted with heavy-duty hardware including VMC Permasteel trebles. It is available in 8 fish-catching colours and is deadly on the likes of mackerel, tuna and queenfish, and has also proven to be effective on barramundi and mulloway. Anglers trolling for snapper, particularly kayak anglers, are also getting good results on the Archback. Price: RRP $14.99 www.jurofishing.com

OCEA FLUORO LEADER

Fluorocarbon leader material like Shimano’s new EX Fluoro Ocea Leader provides a number of advantages to discerning anglers dealing with wary fish under difficult fishing conditions. It’s thinner than equivalent breaking strain nylon, highly abrasion resistant, doesn’t absorb water so it sinks faster, is clear in colour and, with its refractive index being pretty close to that of water, is therefore less visible to fish. The structure of Ocea leader is quite different too, in that it has a soft fluoro core for knot strength, a hard outer shell for abrasion resistance, and then a fluorine coating over this to provide a smooth surface finish. It comes in 50m dispenser spools with a line retainer in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100lb breaking strains — perfect for everything from estuary bream up to live baiting for small black marlin and cubing for yellowfin tuna. Price: from RRP $12.99 www.shimanofish.com.au

MICRO BREAM RODS

N.S. ONE’S Micro rods feature superb, crisp blanks and the latest rod builds. This series of rods offers anglers affordable high performance with the portability of a 2 piece blank. The latest, top-of-the-line Fuji components are used, such as the KDPS + VSS (spinning) and ACS (casting) reel seats, Fuji KR guides. They have an excellent feel, offering top casting ability and control. A premium, hard rod tube is included which can hold up to four of these 2-piece rods. The range has recently been expanded with the addition of 2 Australian-designed Beam Special rods. There’s a 2-piece, 7’, 2-6lb model, and a 2-piece, 7’, 4-8lb model, and both tick all the boxes for the discerning bream angler. Price: RRP $240 www.ejtodd.com.au

Please send contributions to: The Editor, Fishing Monthly Group PO BOX 3172 LOGANHOLME, QLD. 4129

What’s new fishing Powered by

FEATURE PRODUCT Beardy’s Bandit

Beardy’s Lures are the brainchild of Daniel Beard. Daniel has only been making lures for a few years, but he has fallen in love with the process of producing timber lures. He makes the lures from his home in Beaconsfield, Melbourne Victoria. He makes a number of different models, however the Bandit is the one that sits closest to his heart. The Bandit is 65mm long, dives to 3m+ and is available in 6 colours. The colours are based around feedback from the anglers who use his lures. I know when I last spoke to him he had just received a call from a customer who was fishing Lake Eildon. This guy had been trolling the pink coloured Bandit and caught a number of yellowbelly, with the biggest being 3kg. The joy was obvious in Daniel’s voice as he went through it with me.

He went on to explain that although people do have a lot of success trolling the lures, it is when they are cast and retrieved that the Bandits come into their own. Being made of solid timber they cast very well and can be worked back or slow rolled, working any structure or weed edges to great effect. They have a great action and have proven themselves again and again on our Australian native species such as cod, yellowbelly and bass as well as being deadly on redfin. Daniel has number of other styles available, from smaller trout offerings to a very lifelike shrimp. It was a pleasure to have a chat with Daniel and I look forward to getting out and using his lures myself. The Bandit is available now and retails for $15. For more information on Daniel’s lures or to place an order, you can contact him on 0448 907 091 or look up Beardy’s Lures on Facebook. – Peter Jung

FEATURE PRODUCT Daiwa TD Sol II The TD Sol II, based on the game changing Tatula, rivals the performance of many current high-end reels. The superior casting performance and ultimate casting ease of the Sol II all stem from Daiwa’s revolutionary T-Wing System (TWS). A leap forward over traditional line guide systems, TWS delivers unparalleled casting performance and line control, a reduction in line noise and friction, and improved reel stability and balance. It allows for efficient, easy casting every time. The Digigear II gear design and the new Air Rotation system create a reel that is silky smooth on the crank and flawless when under load. There are 5 CRBB and a series of corrosion resistant treated internal components, and the ultimate casting control system is now at your fingertips with Daiwa’s legendary Magforce Z magnetic cast control system. It offers anglers of any skill-level a cast control system to maximize casting ease, distance and performance. The new Duraluminium spool is lighter, faster and stronger than traditional baitcaster spools. It’s also wider, a feature that delivers improved castability due to line being able to more freely unwind from the spool. This

attribute is further enhanced by the T-Wing System. The Zaion star drag is made from light, strong corrosion resistant material, and the micro click adjustment delivers precise control. Daiwa’s Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) can stop the hardest pulling fish. With 6kg of drag on offer you’ll have the ability to stop just about any fish, and do so with silky smooth stopping power. The 90mm handle delivers maximum cranking power, while the swept handle results in increased balance, power and comfort. Large EVA ball-shaped handle knobs offer added comfort and ultimate handle control. The TD Sol II has a 6.3:1 retrieve ratio, 9 ball bearings, left and right hand models and weighs 225g. Price: Too new www.daiwafishing.com.au

TESTED:

Mr Funnel Fuel Filters Mr Funnel Australia brings in a range of fuel filters that have to be seen to be believed – and in fact you can do just that by viewing a short video we made in the office of a 19L/minute funnel filtering out 500mL of water from a 1L fuel and water mix. But the Mr Funnel Australia fuel filters are much more than just a goof fuel filter. They incorporate a range of features that make them technologically advanced, easy to use and efficient. Let’s start at the top and work our way down. The filter/s in these units are constructed with the end result in mind. The fuel filter funnel by Mr Funnel is heavy duty, portable, light-weight, and self cleaning with fast flowing built-in filter technology that requires no replacement parts. When fuel is poured through the fuel filter funnel, water and debris will not pass through

the filter’s fluoropolymer-coated stainless steel mesh that is Teflon coated. Only filtered fuel flows through to your engine, improving its efficiency and durability and ensuring its proper operation. The funnel itself is carbon injected when it’s made so it does not require an earth mechanism when in use. That basically means there will be no sparking when in use and static electricity will not be created and an explosion risked. The sump area in the bottom of each funnel product collects the deflected water and debris to positively reassure you that you are not receiving contaminated fuels causing damage. The fuel filter funnel will filter all kinds of hydrocarbons such as petrol, diesel, heating oil, kerosene and 2-stroke mixed fuels. The Mr Funnel Fuel Filter comes in 4 different fast-flow models. Models differ mainly on flow rate. If your need is to transfer

20L or less of fuel then the F1 and F3 are for you. If you are transferring more then 20L, the F8 and F15 are right for you. The F15 is the fastest flow model at up to 45L per minute! This model can also be used at a fuel pump as it has 2 filters and a large funnel. Of course there are a range of considerations outside of simply flow rate that need thought. Keep in mind if you are using a petrol pump direct that the units work most efficiently when only half filled (there is a marked line to indicate the optimum fill), so keep this in mind. You can also add on a flexible hose or construct a petrol fill nozzle from PVC to make use easier for your car or boat, but this will reduce the effectiveness of the carbon

injection in the plastic and an earthing device of some sort should be considered. Apart from that though, if you’re going on a long drive through outback Australia, if you’re filling up your boat or you just want to make sure your old fuel is still good and not contaminated with water, then these units are for you. I can’t really do justice to how good this product is in words. Check out the video at this link, http://goo.gl/QlhRgF or use your smart phone or tablet to link through the attached QR Code. Get your Mr Funnel Fuel Filter today, and keep your engine running smooth by logging onto www.mrfunnelaustralia.com. au. Prices start at $30 and move up to $110 for the 45L/minute unit. – Stephen Booth

Please send contributions to: The Editor, Fishing Monthly Group PO BOX 3172 LOGANHOLME, QLD. 4129

APRIL 2014

VMR Hervey Bay Family Fishing Comp 2014 There were 566 entries in the 22nd Annual VMR Hervey Bay Family Fishing Competition organised by The Hervey Bay Boat Club Fishing and Social Club. The Event was a huge success, with only minor showers experienced during the presentations, however windy conditions prevailed for the whole weekend. Entrants enjoyed a great weekend of socialising and winning hundreds of prizes at Dayman Park, which is protected from the wind and there was plenty of hot food supplied by members of The Rotary Club of Hervey Bay Sunrise and lots of cold drinks thanks to XXXX and the hard working committee and members of the Fishing Club. The live weigh-in was sponsored by Fishermans Corner Hervey Bay and 70 bream, 36 flathead and 28 whiting (a total of 134 fish) were returned to the water alive. There were hundreds of prizes to win for catching fish and in the lucky draws thanks to the

Weigh master Terry Walters with a 15.75kg barra caught on a live bait at Point Vernon by Damian Paranitti of Hervey Bay. The fish took out the runner up heaviest fish prize and best fish prize on the Friday of the comp and the $1,000 prize for best fish overall. tremendous support of the many great sponsors of the competition. The $5,000 senior super draw prize was won by Ben

Alexander of Kawungan. The junior super draw prize a lap top computer from Wide Bay Motor Group was won by Dakota

Sorrensen of Torquay. Each day there were lucky draws for $1000 cash from the Boat Club and the winners were: Susan Lloyd of

Toogoom, Grant Whiteside of Pialba, Barry Sorrensen of Urangan and Glenn Haworth from Bundaberg. Early entry draw winners were: seniors $250 of tackle, Brian Eadie of Urangan, juniors $100 of tackle Joshua Clinton of Hervey Bay. Five species of fish and the any other species category were eligible for the dead weigh-in and three species for the live weigh in. Seniors weighing in the overall heaviest fish of each section in the live and dead weigh-ins received a Fraser Island ice box. Dead weigh in winners were: any other species – giant trevally 24.225kg Malcolm Lacey; coral bream 1.764kg Brian Jacobsen; whiting 420g Steve Binney; blackall 5.732kg Ian Garrett; golden trevally 7.825kg Grant Whiteside; bream 896g Ken Higgins. The any other species prizes went to: $1000 for Best Fish, barramundi 15.75kg Damien Paranitti daily prizes an EPIRB from BTB Marine, Damien Paranitti; VHF radios from Bay Auto Marine Electrical,

Tusk fish 4.692kg Ben Jacobsen: tusk fish 5.484kg Brian Jacobsen. The live weigh-in was solely sponsored by Fishermans Corner Hervey Bay and winners were: whiting 358g Richard Binney; bream 914g Stevie Mills; flathead 2.890kg Damian Paranitti; Water Snake electric outboard Madison Wi l l i a m s of Toogoom. Memorial Trophy winners were: John Hogan Trophy – Grant Herschel; Lawrie Brown Trophy – Brian Eadie; Neil Davey Trophy – Craig Wilson; Ian Bates Trophy – Darren Bradley; Rex Ford Trophy – Katrina McMullin. Lots of fish were donated to the fishing club each day, filleted by Urangan Fisheries and delivered to Masters Lodge. Organisers of the event, The Boat Club Fishing and Social Club, are very happy with the way the competition went and most thankful to all the sponsors and the 566 entrants for their support and hope to see them all again at next year’s competition to be held March 5-8 2015. – George Duck

FISHING FILL-ITS

Using Salvinia to kill itself

King pin of the

30th May to the 1st June 2014

This year there will be not one but TWO major random draw prizes at the conclusion of the competition. A boat package worth over $6000 by Stefan Boating World and a week’s holiday on the Shangri-Lah from Coomera Houseboats.

OVER $45,000 PRIZES!

• Tagged fish again this year • Sundowners beneficiary is the Beenleigh Special School • Over $45,000 worth of prizes and giveaways throughout the day • Weigh in at the Gem Hotel Alberton commencing at 11.00am and finishing at 1pm on Sunday 1 June • VMR will be there doing a sausage sizzle. Beverages are available all day by the hotel

Salvinia is a weed of national significance in Australia. It can form habitat destructive mats and be densely packed. However, now researchers in the USA have developed a new approach to controlling giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta). The team wondered why their salvinia plants weren’t thriving in the greenhouse. They investigated and found substances, known as ‘endocides’, produced by plants themselves that will eliminate the parent

plant or other individuals of the same species when externally applied. In three years of extensive investigations in the greenhouse and lab at SFA, and in recent field trials at the Research Center of the Red River Waterway Commission in Natchitoches, La., salvinia endocides have successfully controlled giant salvinia plants in various growth stages. Endocides are highly selective in acting against salvinia species and to

date haven’t been found to damage other species. Giant salvinia is native to Brazil and has become one of the most widespread and environmentally, economically and socially destructive invasive plant species in the world. The plant can double its biomass in two or three days under favourable conditions and may still be alive after drying for days. It forms dense mats that reduce oxygen levels and block all sunlight, seriously threatening habitat.

• 10 meat tray raffles and a couple of major raffle prizes being donated by Bethania Bunnings • Cost $30 Adults, $10 children (15 & under) • Tickets in shops early April and can be bought at, Gem Bait & Tackle, Gem Hotel, Tackle World Corpooroo, Water Tower Bait & Tackle, Rudi Maas Marina, Jacobs Well Bait and Tackle, Cabbage Tree General Store, Charltons Bait and Tackle, Southport Fishing and Dive Centre, Beenleigh Bowls Club.

Species: bream, flathead, whiting, tailor, mulloway. All fish to be weighed gilled and gutted.

Contact Don 0411 958 076 92

APRIL 2014

Salvinia completely choking a waterway. Photo courtesy of NSW DPI.

2014 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

DATE

DETAILS

CONTACT

APRIL

Apr 12-13

ABBT Basstasstic Bass Qualifying Rd 2 Cania Dam

Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

Apr 18-20

Burrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic Burrum Heads

Ron 07 4129 5470 www.burrumheadsfishing.com.au

MAY

May 3-4

ABBT Basstasstic Bass Qualifying Rd 3 BP Dam

Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

May 11

Bluefin Boats BASS Electric Series (Major) Hinze Dam

ABT 07 3387 0888

May 30-1 Jun

King of the Pin Gem Hotel, Alberton

Don Vogel 0411 958 076

JUNE

Jun 6-9

Wilson Moreton Bay Offshore Family Fishing Challenge Moreton Bay

Matt Savas 0415 149 350

Jun 7-8

Cabarita Greenback Tailor Competition Cabarita

John O’Donnel 0400 042 192

Jun 8

Bluefin Boats BASS Electric Series Maroon Dam

ABT 07 3387 0888

Jun 21-22

2014 Daiwa-Hobie Kayak Bream R10 Redcliffe

Hobie Fishing www.hobiefishing.com.au

Jun 21-22

ABBT Basstasstic Bass Qualifying Rd 4 Boondooma Dam

Russell Nowland 07 4167 8183

JULY

Jul 5-6

Toray BASS Pro Series Lake Boondooma

ABT 07 3387 0888

For listings please email sbooth@fishingmonthly.com.au

BURRUM HEADS

40,00fle0 af s

C L A S S I C

in Prizes & R af

A massive thank you to all our friends & sponsors. Visit our website:burrumheadsfishing.com.au

$350 Early Bird Prize:

- Garmin GPS 152 up for grabs - Closes 5pm Tuesday 15th April 2014 - 2 Monster Kids Clinics - Esky Wheel Saturday & Sunday

12,000

Kids Clinic 20th April

Superdraw

Adult (Senior) Entry $25 Junior Entry $5

Proudly supported by...

(Junior entrants must be 15 years or under on Friday 18th April 2014)

4 Ways to enter !!

Where to stay...

In Burrum Heads

Burrum Heads accommodation is serviced by 2 caravan parks, holiday apartments, holiday houses & units. As accommodation fills up very quickly for the Easter long weekend, please book early. Initial contact can be made to Burrum Heads Accommodation Centre at Elders Real Estate. 1/47 Burrum Street, Burrum Heads. P: 07 4129 5166. www.accommodationburrumheads.com.au Other accommodation Google “accommodation at Burrum Heads”

1. Download entry form from the website and post with payment by cheque or money order to: Burrum Heads Amateur Fishing Club Inc., PO Box 150, Burrum Heads, Qld 4659. Postal entries must be postmarked on or before Friday 11th April 2014 or... 2. Hand in entry form and pay fees at Burrum Traders, Burrum Heads or... 3. Enter at the event - Good Friday 7am-4:30pm or Easter Saturday 7am-12pm or... 4. Enter online and pay securely by credit card via PayPal. Online registrations close Monday 14th April 2014. To be eligible for entry into the Early Bird draw, entries must be received by 5pm Tuesday 15th April 2014.

www.burrumheadsfishing.com.au

APRIL 2014

Rosco’s one-person Scamper FMG

Stephen Booth sbooth@fishingmonthly.com.au

Canoes have faded into the background somewhat in fishing circles as the rise and rise of sit-on-top fishing kayaks continues. However there is still plenty of room in the market for quality and Rosco has been producing quality for years, especially in their canoe range for anglers. The latest additions to the Rosco range of fishing canoes includes the Scamper series. This series has two

versions, a one-person Solo Scamper and a two-person Duo Scamper. In this review we’ll be looking at the Solo Scamper and all that it offers anglers. COMPANY THOUGHTS Rosco says of their Scamper that being, “Lightweight, stable, and versatile is the key to the success of the Rosco Scamper canoe. This canoe can be enjoyed by entry level or experienced paddlers alike and is ideal for day tripping on flat water. This craft is perfect for one and plenty of gear can be carried.” So just how realistic

The portability of the lightweight Solo Scamper makes it an amazing asset to access water, even through overgrown goat tracks.

Traditional skin mounts Al lt y fis pes h of

www.taxidermy.net.au

TOURS - Half Day and full day tours Southern bay Gold Coast.

5 Hobie Mirage Drive Pro Anglers and 1 Hobie Double Oasis in the fleet all fishing gear provided.

Phone for bookings 0439 714 345 website www.kayakfishingtours.com.au

APRIL 2014

are these thoughts on the Scamper when you actually get one on the water? Well we had that chance recently and here is what we thought of the Rosco Scamper. LIGHTWEIGHT First impressions are always a good indication and when you first see the Scamper you know it’s built with great sense. There are no frills, whistles or fireworks here, the Scamper has been designed to be simple, lightweight and able to be customised for your needs. With a single seat placed amidships, the Scamper is super light at 20kg and one person can manage this craft easily. Its light weight also allows the Scamper to be transported almost anywhere. On our test day we easily manoeuvred the Scamper on and off the 4WD’s roof racks with one or two people and carrying the craft to and from the water up and down a steep access track that was overgrown was a delight. By simply placing the Scamper on your shoulder and wrapping your arm around the seat you could carry the Scamper plus the electric to the water easily. If you didn’t want the electric motor option, then carrying your rod and having a tackle vest or backpack would mean you could go almost anywhere with this craft in one trip. STABILITY AND RIDE Canoes are not made to skate through the water at speed, rather they are there for the user to enjoy their surroundings in a safe and stable way. So how do you test a single canoe with a 180kg payload? Simple, you load a 145kg bloke into one and set him free. When our intrepid tester first got into the Scamper there was a little wiggle and wobble, but this quickly settled down and he got on with the job of paddling and powering around with the electric. I have to say we were more than disappointed that he stayed upright, but not everything works out as planned and it goes to show that one of the Scamper’s neat design features works. This feature is the large tumblehome design. What’s a tumblehome design you ask? I know you did, because I did. Tumblehome design is a clever bellying out of the sidewall of the canoe to provide a little extra stability. Basically the more you roll over to one side, the more the tumblehome design kicks in to provide extra buoyancy. Until it’s pointed out to you, you really don’t notice the

design feature, but on the water it works really well. No it won’t stop you going over if you push a boundary or two, but it does give just that bit of extra security to users. And if you do happen to go over the side and the craft becomes swamped, the bulkheads are designed to encourage the craft to be self-righting. This is a good safety design because you will go in at some stage, or is that just me? The bulkheads are sealed as well, meaning that the floatation material will not be affected by outside factors such as petrol, weather or damage from being knocked around. We paddled and electric

The Solo Scamper is so simple in design that it’s brilliant. You can add accessories like an electric motor and bracket, sail kit, anchor kit and rod holders, but really this is as difficult as it needs to be.

Like most things associated with the Scamper range, the rod holders are so simple you’ll kick yourself for not thinking about it for yourself! powered the craft around and both propulsion options worked really well. If I was to set the Scamper up for electric power only I

would place the electric as far towards the stern as possible to ensure I had the best steering. A handle extension for the electric

After the trip we thought it only fair that Livo would solo carry the Solo Scamper back up the hill. He did it easy.

would be great. We used an 18lb thrust model and with the Solo Scamper fully loaded, this little electric pushed the craft around quite well. Paddling was great. You can use a single, traditional canoe paddle or a kayakstyle paddle, but for ease of use the canoe paddle wins hands down. With the canoe paddle there is very little water that enters the cockpit and the control you have is first rate. The bigger face of the paddle pushes a lot of water and directional changes, picking up speed and simply cruising were easy. The seating is simple and effective. A simple bench made from metal tubing covered with double ripstop fabric is all there is. You can add a kayak seat if you’d like, but that’s not necessary at all in my opinion. BUILD The Scamper’s build is a straight composite lay up, which is all fibreglass. Other options include Kevlar or carbon at an increased cost. Using this material provides the ability to form very fine lines, literally down to a knife-sharp entry if desired and the Scamper makes

good use of this material. Some of the advantages of fibreglass include that it is extremely light weight. With the Solo Scamper coming in at 20kg, it has a high strength-to-weight ratio, it can be formed to very fine design lines and it has a moderate cost. All these factors are displayed very well in the Scamper. And being that the

Scamper is fibreglass, what about damage and repair? Damage, of course, is a problem and these craft are not designed for going down classed rapids. If you want to do that, grab a proper whitewater kayak or a Rosco Chief, a 15’ canoe manufactured of Royalex, a material designed for whitewater use. Damage will occur from sharp rocks

With Shayne in the Solo Scamper, the stability and fishability of the craft was well tested. The Scamper came through in spades whether Shayne was paddling or under electric power.

On the water the Solo Scamper is a fish catcher. Shayne McKee with a Brissie River golden perch.

hit with force so avoid these situations. But the good news is that they can be repaired fairly easily and cheaply. Just remember that this is a canoe, not a rock hopper. BASIC BRILLIANCE The Scamper is deliberately designed to be easy to use, easy to transport and to be simple overall. It’s a no frills unit that allows the end purchaser to add-on where and how they want. You can have an electric set up if you want and there is also a great sail option if you want to minimise your

paddle workload. You can add on some neat little rod holders that are so simple you’ll kick yourself for not thinking about it and you can add on drop anchors, paddle holders and more.

Transporting the 20kg Solo Scamper is simple for one person, even filled up with tackle, electric and battery. The carry handles make it very simple to manoeuvre this craft around to the water. The open plan allows for unrivalled customisation and I really like that. But most of all I like that it is simple. Grab a rod, grab some lures, grab a paddle and go catch a fish.

DIMENSIONS Length:............................................................4.02m Width:...............................................................88cm Weight:.............................................................. 20kg Payload:........................................................... 180kg Passengers:....................................................1 adult Accessories:....................................... Motor bracket ....................................................................... Sail kit .............................................................. Rod holders Warranty:....................................................... 5 years Price:............................................................... $1029

How easy is that? Single person everything and a whole lot of fun waiting for you in the Solo Scamper. Lightweight and stable, this canoe will have you rethinking a lot of your ideas for a small watercraft. I was more than impressed by these little wonders. To find out more about the Solo Scamper log onto www. roscocanoes.com.au or drop into the Rosco Canoes and Kayaks display rooms at 295 Gympie Rd in Kedron. You could also give them a call on (07) 3359 9330 for more information.

CONTACT A DEALER NEAR YOU

SW4200

BRISBANE

2 models - Open/Centre Console Design - Ride - Safety - Stability

Pacific Marine Centre Ph 07 3801 1722

CALOUNDRA

North Coast Boating Ph 07 5493 9376

HERVEY BAY

Buccaneers Boats Ph 07 4124 6988

GLADSTONE

Curtis Coast Marine Ph 07 4972 0135

Colour Chart

Centre Console

MACKAY

Ocean Marine Ph 07 4952 2436

AT LAST! What the boaties have wanted and needed is all available in this ‘Perfect for Fishing’ Smartwave SW2400. Wow! You won’t beat this boat for stability, safety, dry and smooth riding even in the rough waters and best of all it is seriously user friendly.

With its flat internal floor and hidden conduits, all cabling for steering etc. is right out of the way allowing for an excellent safe and clean layout. This means the boat is ideal for the serious fishing guru or the whole family - kids and all.

www.smartwaveboats.co.nz

TOWNSVILLE

Angus Smith Marine Ph 07 4771 4046

CAIRNS

Bills Marine Ph 07 4051 6733 APRIL 2014

Carrying on with the hand-carved tradition BUNDABERG

Dave Magner

Lure making is an unusual hobby which tends to attract unusual people. Now, before I start getting abusive phone calls from lure makers all over the country, I’m certainly not implying that being unusual is such a bad thing. For a start, people who take something they are passionate about and try to turn it into a business usually dream of immediate success and huge financial rewards. Unfortunately, if your preferred pastime is lure making that’s statistically unlikely to happen. I know quite a few lure makers and can’t think of a single one of them who’s made a fortune out of it, at least not from hand-made wooden lures. Some (I repeat, some) make a decent living out of it, but rich? I don’t think so. It’s not the sort of profession which attracts lazy folk either. If you think lure makers just sit around all day playing with lures and go fishing any time they feel like it, you’re sadly mistaken. Most lure makers I know have less spare time to go fishing than I do, and I can tell you that isn’t nearly often enough.

Aaron Young’s hand carved Kuttafurra Mouse fooled this 50cm+ bass. Hendry (of Seeker fame) and Les Barlow from down Stanthorpe way are perfect examples of what I fondly refer to as the ‘Old Guard’ of lure makers who took a more pragmatic approach to their craft. Both of these gentlemen built lures which put function and performance well ahead of pretty paint jobs. I guess that’s one of the reasons why Seekers are such collectable items these days, as they really encapsulate the no-nonsense persona of their creator.

Ken and Les aside, most other members of the lure making profession are nit picking perfectionists. Heck! You can even buy lures from a maker who goes by the name of OCD (Obsessive, Compulsive Disorder) Lures, and if that doesn’t give you an insight into how fanatical most lure makers are, I don’t know what will. LOOKING FORWARD While last century (doesn’t that sound so long ago?) produced some of

Check out the depth of colour and finish on these Kuttafurra lures. Then, even when they do get to go fishing, it’s usually more about testing a new prototype or refining a certain aspect of their lures rather than just relaxing and enjoying time on the water. Finally and I guess not surprisingly, lure making is not the profession for people who think near enough is good enough. No sir, most lure makers I know are pretty fanatical about quality control and the finish of their lures. With these guys, everything has to be ‘just so’ and even a tiny run in the clear coat can be enough to relegate a perfectly good lure to the ‘not for sale’ ranks. Of course, for every rule there’s an exception and guys like the late Ken 96

APRIL 2014

our most iconic lures with the likes of StumpJumpers, Scorpions, Kaditachas, Bennett McGraths and so on, it’s a mistake to think that hand crafted wooden lures are a thing of the past. Sure, a lot of the pioneers of lure crafting have called it a day but thanks to a recent surge of interest, I see lure making as very much a contemporary hobby. In fact, there are probably more people out there now hand making lures than there have ever been. If

you think I’m mistaken, get on the ‘net and check out the Lure Lovers, or Lure and More websites for yourself. If you’re still not convinced, there’s a little event called the Australian Lure & Fly Expo held on the outskirts of Brisbane each year. The expo has become an annual event and it brings together a whole gamut of lure makers and fly tiers from right across the country so they can share ideas and show off their wares to the general public. The expo will no doubt attract thousands of visitors through the doors again this year and it’s quickly become a very obvious example of how the lure making tradition in this country continues to go from strength to strength. MEET YOUR MAKER One of the great things about going to an event like the Lure Expo is that it allows you to meet the people who make the lures you use, so if you’re free on August 9-10 [see www. lureshow.com.au for more info] I’d really encourage you to get along and find out what makes them tick. Personally, what I find most interesting about lure makers is the different skills and attributes they bring to the table when they start plying

Hand carving a set of mouse ears is a neat bit of work.

While the shape might be well known, the paintwork on Aaron’s lures is all his own.

their trade. By necessity, most have good hand-eye coordination and an eye for detail, while some have an impressive artistic bent which they put on show from the moment they pick up a carving knife or airbursh. To demonstrate what I mean, I will look at a couple of new lure makers who have come onto the scene recently. Neither of these manufacturers is particularly well known (yet), but it’s people like these two who represent the future direction of handmade lures in this country. The first is Kuttafurra lures from Melbourne and the other is HJ Lures from Townsville. KUTTAFURRA LURES Aaron Young is the

man behind Kuttafurra lures and while his name and the unusual title he has given his lures might not be that familiar yet, I don’t think it will be that way for long. Aaron is a mate of a mate, which is how I got to check out his product, and he is clearly one of the most skilled lure carvers and painters going around. To back that claim up, just check out the photos of his mouse surface lure accompanying this article. The body of this lure has been carved from a piece of timber, even right down to the delicately cupped ears. It’s an amazing bit of craftsmanship and as you can see, it certainly gets the thumbs up from the local bass population. Aaron’s other diving lures are more standard in shape, following traditional barra profiles which have stood the test of time. However, one thing all his lures have in common is amazing paint jobs with an incredible depth of colour. I’ve got a Scorpion shaped diver here in his tequila sunrise pattern and it’s one of the sexiest looking lures you will see in a long time. In fact, I’d say his airbrush work is right up there with the stuff John Bennett has done, and that’s a compliment I don’t give out lightly. I also love the way Aaron has gone for a traditional look with the metal bibs in his lures, as it gives them a very retro feel. Aaron will be the first to admit that he’s still finding his feet in the business, and living in Melbourne doesn’t make it easy to field test barra lures. He’s been smart enough to source feedback from reliable sources further north and I think he is getting closer to the mark in terms of action and buoyancy, which will take his lures from great looking to highly effective as well. To my mind, however, the most amazing thing about Kuttafurra Lures is that Aaron only started to get serious about lure making a couple of years ago. I figure he’s still got a lot of potential and the sky is the limit once he really gets established. At the moment, Aaron only sells some of his lures through online auctions and social media sites (search for the name Kuttafurra Lures), so you will need to hit the keyboard if you want to source them. HJ LURES Coming from almost the other end of the country is another relatively new lure maker going by the name of HJ Lures. HJ’s are made in Townsville by the husband and wife lure making team of Helen and Jono Wicks. HJ do a nice range of smaller minnow lures in typical barra

shapes which are ideal for snag bashing and general tropical estuary work. It’s Helen who does most of the actual lure making, while Jono gets to do the fun bits like tuning and testing. Again, when you consider that Helen is a relative newcomer to the lure making business she’s made very rapid progress. One thing is for certain, once you’ve seen HJ lures in action, you’ll know that as a team they have a strong understanding of what a good barra minnow should swim like. That’s hardly surprising though as Jono does the majority of their product testing in the Hinchinbrook Channel which has a plentiful supply of ideal test subjects. The lure that really caught my eye from the HJ range is a deep sided model called Hel’s Herring. This little lure stands out because it is quite different to the skinny profile you find on most barra lures. It also has a frantic pulsing action which puts out lots of vibration. It’s the closest thing I seen to the old Hypa Actives from Lively Lures and that was one very under-rated lure for tropical fishing. Another thing I liked about the HJ lure range is that you can swap around between models to find the right level of buoyancy to suit the way you want

to work your lures. The Rats Arze for example is a nice slow floater which is perfect for when the barra are being a bit coy and you need to hang the lure in their face to get them to bite. Simply changing to a broader bodied Flat Arze will give you a lure with the same side on profile but a much more rapid rise, which allows you to walk your lure through the snags with minimal hang-ups. Again, online social media outlets are the place to look for HJ lures and I purchased mine directly from their Facebook page. CARRYING ON THE TRADITION As you can see, even by just looking at what’s being

HJ lures have a neat range of very versatile tropical estuary lures.

Hel’s Herring is a change up from the usual skinny barra minnow shape. It’s actually a good match for deeper profiled baitfish.

offered by two of the many new lure makers out there, clearly the tradition is in good hands going forward. For my money, there’s nothing more Australian than chasing our native fish species on a hand crafted Aussie fishing lure. Every time I manage to catch a fish on one, I feel a connection to the person who created it – and knowing something about them brings a whole new level of satisfaction to the experience. I guess that’s part of the reason why I still get such enjoyment out of fishing with hand made wooden minnows and why I continue to use them even when there are so many new high tech imported lures available.

Same profile but different widths enables HJ lures to provide different levels of buoyancy in virtually the same lure. In this case a Flat Arze and a Rats Arze.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Korr Zoom LED headlamp Anglers love these headlamps and for good reason: fishing at night is just so much better when there’s a powerful light focused exactly where you want it. How good is it to have your hands totally free and plenty of light when baiting up or tying a knot? It’s a long march forward from the old days when we’d prop up a torch somewhere,

maybe even tuck it under an arm, and try to work within its narrow beam. Far, far from that scenario is the newly released Korr 10 Watt Zoom LED headlamp. It’s going to make a lot of friends with anglers and campers as it ticks every box so far as portability, convenience and power are concerned. Aluminium alloy construction ensures the

new Korr headlamps – with their 10W Cree XML2-U2 LEDs – are of a very robust construction and should give years of useful service. There are 3 light output modes: high, low and strobe. On the high setting there’s a range of 150m and the output is 240 Lumens. With four AA size batteries in the battery compartment (which is out of the way at the back of the head when

The Korr headlamp in action. That’s one powerful light!

Compact, easily used and powerful: that’s the Korr 10W Zoom LED Headlamp.

the unit is in use) there’s up to 10 hours endurance depending upon the setting chosen and battery quality. Most people will find the low setting adequate for most night fishing close up work, with the option to flick it up to high output to locate features in a given area. The highest setting would be great for moving about an isolated campsite to avoid walking on nasty reptiles at night. Korr’s brilliant white beam can be zoomed from a spotlight setting to a

quite wide flood simply by moving the shatter-proof lens backwards or forwards within its housing. This function, as well as turning the unit on via the switch to the right of the lens holder, can be performed with one hand. Another feature anglers will enjoy is the click adjustment for the beam angle, allowing the beam to be turned down to an angle of 90º and to stay right there until a job has been completed. In use I found the unit

very user friendly. The head strap separating the battery pack from the light unit was easily adjustable and quite comfortable at all times. In all, at a price of $29.99 at this month’s Tackle and Tinny show these Korr 10W ZOOM LED headlamps are top value for money. Post show price will be $79.99. Korr Lighting can be contacted on www.korrlighting.com. au for further information and general enquiries. – Wayne Kampe APRIL 2014

Cooking with Lynn

Preparing squid

3 1

7 98

Start with an entrée sized quantity of baby squid and a Boker ceramic knife.

APRIL 2014

The ink sac is the black ‘blob’ in the middle of the photo, and we’ll focus more on this in a later article.

9 All the hoods skinned. You now have flat calamari hoods plus the heads and tentacles. We will deal with the tentacles in a later edition. filling with the wrapper.

The first step on the assembly line is completed, now set aside the head and tentacles.

Pull the insides out of the baby squid by grabbing the head above the eyes and gently pulling the head and the hood apart.

Stick your finger up inside the hood and remove the flexible, translucent piece of cartilage from the squid’s centre. Also take any mucky substances out of the hood.

Now for the cross hatching. Lay the hood flat and score light cuts into the flesh, only a millimetre deep, with a sharp knife. Try not to cut all the way through (it doesn’t matter if you do cut through a little bit) and keep a spacing between the cuts of about 12mm (half an inch).

6 8

Peel the outer skin from the hoods.

Using the Boker ceramic knives, open up each hood by slicing one side lengthwise. You can see that the open hood (butterflied) has a much greater surface area for cooking.

Now go back the other way, at 90 degrees, to get the criss-cross effect. This releases the surface tension on the squid hood’s skin. Rinse your squid, just in case you’ve made a bit of a mess.

Cook the squid hoods one way, and the tentacles using another technique and you have squid two ways. Firstly we will cook the hoods, using the following easy peasy recipe.



Cooking with Lynn

Salt and pepper squid

BRISBANE

Lynn Bain

INGREDIENTS 4x baby squid hoods per person, prepared with crosshatching 1 lemon, juiced 1 cup cornflour 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper vegetable or peanut oil, for frying

In a glass bowl, place the squid bodies and lemon juice. Stir well to combine and then place the bowl into the fridge for 10 minutes to marinate. While you wait, put the cornflour, salt and pepper in another glass bowl and mix well to combine. Then heat a few tablespoons of oil into a heavy based frypan or wok. Remove the marinated squid from fridge and drain off and discard the lemon juice. Pop the squid into the cornflour mixture and use your fingers to tumble and thoroughly coat the squid in the seasoned flour.

The squid bodies will curl up when they hit the oil. Fry for a couple of minutes only before removing the squid from the pan or wok.

Drain the squid well on paper towel.

Shake each piece slightly to remove excess flour. Then place the coated squid into the hot oil, a piece at a time.

Serve with a sprinkling of chilli flakes if that suits your taste buds.

THE SHEIK

Preparation is the key BRISBANE

The Sheik

So here we go again, off on our Dudds annual trip. Planning of trip optional, or if it is done then it must be 48 hours or less before departure time. This is easy for me Doughers, Stuffer and Pommers (sort it out later) but causes a few problems for Manboobs (who has a job) and Skipper. Skipper needs at least two weeks to go through rod selection, a further two weeks to identify possible reels, and then another month to sort out what reel is married to what rod. That’s even before we start on hooks, sinkers and braid. What it comes down to is that Skipper begins planning for next year’s trip about three weeks before this year’s trip. And when we turn up at his place there is more tackle lying about than at Sexpo. If we’re lucky, the boat and the motor will be attached to each other, and the trailer attached to the car. Lucky he doesn’t work, or we’d never get going. I mean, he’s employed (he’s a high school teacher), but he doesn’t work. For me, it generally goes like this. One day before departure: Rods. Check. Reels. Check.

Tackle. check. Life insurance. Check. Argument with significant other. Check. For Boobs and Stuffer it’s more like this. Rods. Check. Reels. Check. Tackle. Check. Life insurance. Check. Argument with significant other. Optional. Food. Check. Beer. Check. For Doughers and Pommers I’d estimate it’s closer to this: Beer. Check. For Skipper… well, let’s not go there. Apparently I’m limited to five thousand words per article. A summary of his planning would make a Harry Potter book look like a windscreen leaflet. Then there’s the subsets of things that need to be checked. Like for me: which reels am I able to get repaired given they’re mostly from last century? Hang on, I mean the century before. For Stuffer, which combos has Jacky not used to lasso a chook? For Boobies, which butcher will we get the steak from? For Skipper, which avenue in the shed has he left the gear in, and does he have a GPS to find his way back out again? For Pommers and Doughers, what cans, what bottles, and what proportion of one to the other, how to get them cold, how to keep them cold and how to make sure they are ready to go within 60 seconds of arrival?

And of course, preparation time has no relevance to what happens when you arrive at your isolated fishing spot. Sometimes you’re irritated the whole road trip because you’ve remembered you’ve forgotten something and it’s too much hassle to go back to pick it up. Whether you go back to get it then depends on who the person is, what has been forgotten and how far back it is to pick up the forgotten thing. For example, anything over about 200miles and I won’t go back, unless I’ve forgotten Stuffer, but Doughers would travel back from Oman if he’s forgotten his Jack D. Then, there’s the situation where you remember you’ve forgotten something only as you get out of the truck at Turkey/ Baffle/Awoonga/Lang Park. You then slap yourself hard on the forehead because you know that the only thing you really needed on the trip was the ‘pissoff/gaff/local anaesthetic’ that’s sitting in the bucket back home. And forgetting things is a Dudd specialty. We’re well practised at it. We have been known to leave entire rod collections. One time we forgot the boat. The next year we forgot the car! Well alright, that hasn’t happened yet but with our track record I swear it’s just a matter of time.

“Beer.” “Check!” “You got the ICE Sheik?” APRIL 2014

Chasing canal dwelling bream SUNSHINE COAST

Lane Hoffman lane_h_96@hotmail.com

Bream are one of the most common species in the saltwater estuaries throughout the Sunshine Coast. The estuarine canals that edge large waterfront homes provide a great place for these fish to dwell. A great thing about this species is that they can be easily caught all year round and in most conditions. The challenge of tempting these sometimes finicky fish takes persistence, but once you’ve got it, it turns into great fun! Chasing bream on lures is one of my favourite styles of fishing as there’s so much to it. It’s the huge amount of thought that has to be applied to bream fishing to produce good results! I think this is the reason why bream are one of the leading sporting fish when it comes to tournament fishing. However, I’m going to keep the whole thought process a bit more simple to make it easier to understand. WHERE The canals within the Noosa and Mooloolah rivers provide great canal fishing. Most canals are relatively protected from the wind and stronger current. Bream

most likely be bream on offer. This is what makes the challenge even better, as there will come a time when you hook fish close to this dense structure and in a split second the fish has busted you off on an oysterencrusted jetty! GEAR Chasing bream with the ‘ultimate finesse approach’ is the way to go. A very light graphite rod with a weight range from anywhere between 2-6lb, and a good quality 2000 size or below reel. You’ll notice when looking for a rod, generally, the more expensive, the more sensitive and the lighter it will be. This applies for when reel buying as well, the more expensive, the lighter, the smoother and the better its components are. But in the end it all depends on your budget. Having light gear is very important when fishing for bream. This style of fishing requires your gear to have good sensitivity so you can feel the slightest of bumps from a fish. Using braids of around 4-6lb is ideal for most situations when chasing bream. I generally use 4lb braid as it casts smaller lures much further, and is very sensitive. This is the same with my leader as well.

LURES As we all know, there are many lures out there and it can become difficult about what to choose. My lure boxes and bags are separated into 3 general lure types: soft plastics, diving hardbodies and surface lures. I’m more of a soft plastics bream fisherman but when I’m feeling a bit more experimental I like to try out a few different lures. This is how many anglers find their new ‘gun lure’. A good tip when going out for the day is to have a smaller lure box, put a few favourite soft plastics, divers and surface lures in it that you will most likely use throughout the session. If you have 2- 3 set ups available, rig your favourite soft plastic on one and a hardbody on the other. It just makes it easier when you’re on the water. A few of my favourite lures to use for bream include Ecogear Grass Minnows Medium in Okiami (pink) colour, Jackall Chubbies, and Ecogear PX45s and Berkley Scum Dogs on surface. These are all smaller sized lures that can be fished quite finesse, to trigger bream bites! There are many other lures out there that can work dynamite on bream; it’s all

The author and his brother with some decent Mooloolaba bream after a good session of fishing the canals. predominantly hang in these areas for that reason. Nearly every waterfront home has a large jetty with moored boats at the front; great places for large bream to call home. It’s awesome seeing bream cruising around the structure feeding on all the little pieces of food they can find. Not only do canals provide this type of structure, they often also consist of shrubbery that overhangs into the water, rock walls, and small bridges. Wherever there is structure, there will 100

APRIL 2014

You don’t need to fish heavy at all for bream. Yes, sometimes the bream will get the upper hand once you hook them in dense structure, but that’s fishing! If you fish around a double rod length of 4lb fluorocarbon leader, this will suit most bream fishing situations. With bream being a very cautious and finicky fish, using fluorocarbon leader is a must! The main reason for this is because it has a refractive index similar to water. This absorbs the sunlight making it more invisible to the fish’s eye.

about finding the lures that you feel most confident to use. If fishing with small soft plastics, including Ecogear Grass Minnows, Squidgy Wrigglers or Berkley Gulp Shrimp, small jigheads are a must, especially when fishing in canals as any larger weighted jighead is just going to spook all the bream around it. Remember in all fishing applications, you want to make the lure sink and swim as naturally as possible. Using small jigheads of 1/24-1/40oz will allow the

plastic to sink very slowly, making it look a lot more natural. I prefer to use hidden weight jigheads, which, as the name states, hides the weight within the plastic so the bream don’t notice it. HOW Applying your lures to techniques to target these fish is extremely important. First of all, a good positioning of the boat will help you get the best cast possible around the structure. This is where having an electric motor makes it so much easier. It allows you to cruise up to a jetty without spooking any fish due to sound, and you can usually sneak in behind structure so you can get those ‘sneaky’ casts in which generally produce the goods! Bream fishing is very visual. In clearer water you will see bream cruising around the structure. This is when you can sight cast the fish. Without landing the lure on top of their heads (which will spook them), cast up against the structure, and let the lure sink down, or work the lure near them. These are the two different styles of fishing for them: You can let the lure, which is usually a small plastic, sink down beside the jetty or whatever you’re fishing around and let it impart its own action on the drop. It’s at this time when you use your line as a bite indicator; watch very closely for any twitches in the line. The other technique is to cast against the structure, wait a few seconds, and then start working the lure back out. As they are very inquisitive, they will come and check out your lure. It gets my heart pumping seeing a bunch of huge bream following behind my lure! Another tip when fishing soft plastics such as the Ecogear Grass Minnows or small Z-Man Grubz, is to cast up close to the structure like previously explained, let it sink down for a few seconds and begin a constant ‘twitching’ retrieve. This will trigger a reaction bite. It’s great fun watching the bream cruise up behind the lure to have a few goes at it before engulfing it and going for a home run. You will notice when the sun is high in the sky that the bream will not come out of the shade cast by the above structure. It’s very important to cast your lures in all the ‘shady spots’ of the jetties. This will most definitely increase your chances of landing some decent bream. When fishing surface in the early morning, cast up and along each jetty and work the surface lure slowly, giving it a few bloops and a pause. It’s usually on the pause that the

Canals can produce some quality bream, like this fish 34cm to the fork! bream will come out and hit your lure. Bream fishing is a great challenge. It can sometimes take persistence, but once you’ve picked up the techniques, it’s awesome

fun. If you’re in the Noosa area, drop into Hooked On Angling and Outdoors in Tewantin, as the friendly team will give you great advice on how to target this great species!

Peter caught and released this 79cm flathead while on a kayak fishing tour.

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HAWK FISHING • FIND-A-WORD COMPETITION

Anglers who break Fisheries rules

BASKETCASE CLOWN CRACKPOT CRAZY PANTS CUCKOO DOPE DORK DRONGO DWEEB

FRUITCAKE GOOSE HEAD CASE KOOK LOON MAD HATTER NUMBSKULL NUMPTY

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The first correct entry at the end of each month will win a Hawk Fishing cap, Hawk Fishing line, Hawk HB Lure, assorted Panther Martin lures and 3 packets of Youvella chemically sharpened hooks. SEND ENTRIES TO: QLD Hawk Tournament Competition

PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129 QLD APRIL 2014

FINS SCALES & TAILS by A. Both

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE The subscriber prize winner for February was B Devney of Manly, who won a Flowrite Live Bait Tank Kit. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

FIND THE BLACK MAGIC C-POINT WINNERS BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

BITE ME by Trisha Mason

The Find the Black Magic C-Point Hook prize winners for February were J Buddle of Torquay, J Bianchi of Springsure, G McGrath of Avoca, L McNellie of Greenbank, O Noffke of Kulangoor, S Aniol of Cardiff South, T Wilson of Jambin, G Yarrow of Miriam Vale, B Mason of Koongal, T Grossi of Ingham, G Phillips of Cotswold Hills, B Botting of Nanango, S Hill of Ripley, C Poole of Tweed Heads South, R Kunde of Beerwah, R Elworthy of Point Vernon, R Thomson of Russell Island, D Park of Highfields, J Willmann of Windaroo, D Clarke of Taroomball, M Baker of Gorokan, L Betts of Kendall, B Elliott of Aspley, G Illman of Mt Gambier, J Coop of Bundaberg West, A Paech of Westbrook, R Maynard of Nundah, B Wyatt of Kawungan, D Davidson of Guyra, M Kempthorne of Cooloola Cove, A James of Burpengary, C Covell of Miara, H Croucher of Tugun, T Fullerton of Manunda, C Galbraith of Redland Bay, B Mackey of Parkwood, G Poor of Taromeo, M Gillett of Boonah, B Newton of Trinity Beach, L Stevenson of Runaway Bay, M Bateman of Innes Park, A Coles of Malanda, G Schloss of Bundaberg, M Fergus of Yeppoon, J Boneham of Maryborough, C Hendry of Imbil, K Frankel of Pottsville, R Dowden of Goondiwindi, R Hilton of Goondiwindi, H Wade of Kobble Creek, who each won a packet of Black Magic C-Point Hooks valued at $5.95! Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

FIND THE C-POINT FEBRUARY LOCATIONS G & N by Michael Hardy

The answers to Find the Black Magic C-Point Hook for February were: 11, 15, 18, 25, 28,34, 48, 54, 59, 65, 70, 82, 86, 94, 106. – QFM

FIND-A-WORD WINNER Congratulations to Richard Kennedy of Caboolture, who was last month’s winner of the Hawk Tournament Find-a-Word Competition! Monthly winners receive Hawk Tournament Tested Bayer Perlon IGFA line, assorted Panther Martin lures, Youvella hooks and a keyring. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – QFM 3 102

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The language of line BOWEN

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

When anglers choose a particular type of braid and leader, the criteria usually revolves around breaking strain, how well it casts, and to a lesser degree colour and knot strength. Surprisingly few anglers fully understand the inner workings of braid and leader material and exactly what makes each type look feel and fish differently.

important part of your fishing gear, having an in-depth knowledge of what your spooling onto your favourite rod and reel can certainly help contribute to your fishing success. BRAID: THE FACTS Braid is made from a material called polyethylene, or as you may have heard it in its shorter form PE. When choosing a braid, anglers are often confused with the two main choices on offer – dyneema and spectra. In reality, both are made from the exact same raw

Big reds will test you out big time and this one fell using 80lb Varivas Braid using a PE Tackle Fly. When you’re hooked up to a fish like this it’s reassuring to have confidence in your line selection. When you consider that you’re main line and leader is probably the most

poly-ethylene material and are one in the same. The main difference separating

dyneema and spectra lines comes down to how the line has been manufactured and what coatings have been added to the end result. It is these two factors that ultimately set braids apart. The main two forms of manufacturing difference are whether the PE is fused or braided. Fused or gel spun lines are essentially lengths of braid fused together while a true braided line consists of multiple lengths of line braided together. The majority of Aussie anglers prefer to use braided lines over fused lines, so I will focus on these. IT’S ALL IN THE WEAVE As mentioned before, the way a braided line is manufactured plays a massive role in how it performs. Probably the biggest factors to consider when looking at the differences between lines are how tightly the braid is weaved together, and how many strands are used within the weave. The tighter the strands of braid are weaved together the stiffer and more rigid the line gets. The big difference between a loose and tight weave line is not just its stiffness, but also its profile. Loosely braided line tends to be flatter while a tight weave will bring a much rounder profile. Flat braids are less effective than rounded profile braids as they are less prone to wind knots, easier to tie, and generally cast a lot further as they roll off the spool better. It’s important to remember that there is such a thing as being too tightly woven or too stiff, which can see some braids almost as rigid as a piece of mono. The tightness of the weave can be hard to judge ‘off the shelf’ as some

Big jacks require some heavy persuading and this is where your higher quality 8 strand braid has your back, especially when using lighter gear. braids are tight when new but when worn in loose a lot of their original feel and stiffness. This is where your better quality braids stand above the rest as they spool on as if they are worn in already and don’t lose their feel or rigidity after

Having a line that is consistent off the shelf is really important as I hate buying a line that feels a certain way then changes shape and feel after two weeks fishing. STRANDS Most entry level

are a great option when targeting hard fighting fish, especially near structure. For heavier lines, such as PE4 and up to 8 stranded braids such as Varivas and Monster Battle, are a bare minimum especially when popping and jigging

Impoundment barra have created dramas for anglers who are being forced to upsize lines and leaders to cater for their size. Thankfully with the introduction of high quality PE braids and super strong fluorocarbons the fishing is becoming more evenly matched.

I love my GT popping and jigging and it’s a take-no-prisoners approach with super PE 8 stranded line at all times. 104

APRIL 2014

a few trips. For me this is vital as I prefer to run tight weaved lines, like Sunline Castaway, on my spin outfits but prefer a little less stiffness for my bait cast outfits, which run Sunline Momentum and Super PE.

braided lines run a four strand weave. Moving beyond entry level you begin moving into braid constructions with larger numbers of strands. The more strands equals more strength in the line and eight strand braids

with heavy gear. The more strands also means more stretch and shock absorption as well, which is often needed with larger hard pulling fish. Eight strand braids are not just for heavy gear, good quality braids will

before they transfer down the fishing rod. This is particularly helpful when you are vibing or working plastics along the bottom in deep water in windy conditions that create a belly in the line. Strong yellows and reds stick out and make it easy to spot a bite straight away. Brightly coloured braids are also helpful when trolling as they allow the driver to see where trolled lures and lines are moving or positioned. Deep water jigging braids such as Sunline PE Jigger 8 and Power Pro Depth Hunter

fish are off the bottom. LEADER Leader material can be just as important as your choice of braid. There is no point getting your braid right without matching it to a good leader. Fluorocarbon and monofilament are the main two choices along with a few hybrids that fall in between. Fluorocarbon is renowned for its invisibility and abrasiveness compared to monofilament and it is a superior leader. However, when moving up into the heavy poundages fluorocarbon

Better quality fluorocarbon leaders can be quite supple at times however what is gained in flexibility often means a loss in abrasiveness. Thankfully there are lots of options these days and it’s just a matter of matching the right type of fluorocarbon to the desired species. There are lots of options out there so make sure you take your time to find the right braid and leader, which will suit your fishing requirements. Don’t just settle for what’s on the spool because when you find what works best

When you’re doing battle using heavy PE against big hard running fish you really want to be using an 8 strand braid minimum. For real heavy duty lifting hollow core 12 strand is even better. Photo courtesy of Grant Zietsmen. have strand line right down to 10lb. Eight stranded braid is not the tip of the iceberg and you can move to a 12+ strand braided line, however they have a hollow core compared to the more common braid brands that have a solid core. The advantage of a hollow core is obviously more strength with a lot more shock absorption, which can be very useful when using big poundages

performance of a braided line in many ways. Wear and tear can be minimised, as many coatings contain a siliconlike gel material that prevents dirt breaking down the integrity of the braid. This type of gel coating also brings abrasiveness to the line. This innovation in abrasiveness has been a wonder for braid and if you ever fished with braid

braid made tying leader to braid difficult. Many of the coatings used today are solely designed to create friction between leader and braid and therefore slip less and knot very well. The main disadvantages with coatings are they add to the diameter of the braid and, more importantly, sometimes inferior braid can be enhanced with the use of a coating. This leaves the angler with a

The author with a solid red throat emperor taken on a monofilament paternoster. When you’re using a rig such as the paternoster the flexibility of mono is much better suited than the rigidness of fluorocarbon, especially when you’re fishing leader above 80lb. are often multi coloured to show the angler depths of water and this can be a massive advantage when jigging deep water and the

can become quite rigid, which makes it harder to tie rigs like paternosters, which are better suited to monofilament.

for you it will not only raise your confidence in your gear but also your expectations and fishing success.

Fluorescent coloured braid brings full visibility to the bite, especially when the wind blows a belly in your line. Being able to watch your line above the water means seeing the bite before registering it on the rod. for big fish. Hollow core braid, such as Jerry Brown Hollow also allows the line to be spliced, which can eliminate the need for knots, however most leaders to braid knots such as the PR or FG knot will work perfectly on hollow braid. COATINGS While the weave and strand construction plays an important role in braid performance, so too can the coatings that are applied to the line. Different types of coatings can transform the

before it was coated you will understand why many thought it was just too delicate for our Australian conditions. Some coatings also provide a smooth finish, which can contribute to the tightness of the braid and make it very round and easy to cast. Finally you have the all-important knot strength. The knot strength ability of a braid is solely determined by the coating used. Before coatings were used, the slick surface of

false sense of security, especially if the coatings wear off quickly. COLOUR There are a lot of different colours of braided lines. The more common are greens, yellows, and blacks, however brighter colourations are beginning to become popular amongst anglers for various reasons. Bright colourations can be a big advantage, especially when fishing soft plastics as the extra visibility allows the angler to see those bites

Jayden Allum caught this early morning bass on a Jitterbug at Maroon Dam. His was pretty stoked as it was his first fish off the surface. APRIL 2014

105

This section in QLD 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.

Boat Licencing

Boat Hire – Trailer GOLD COAST

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0830 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

GOLD COAST

Walk on/off, or tow away Fish finder/gps, marine radio, all safety gear Half day, full day, and overnight rates True locals with great advice

Bait & Tackle GOLD COAST

CLA SSE AVAIL S OVEABLE WEE R KEN DS

www.goldcoastboathire.com.au 71 Stradbroke Street, Runaway Bay 07 5577 1516

BEST LURE RANGE THE Fishing GOLDON COAST

www.bundallmarinecentre.com.au

5504 7446

Bundall Marine Centre

No.1 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

0422 198 651

GOLD COAST NORTH / LOGAN

BRISBANE

TOP BRANDS • TOP SERVICE • GREAT PRICES

INSIDE SPORTY’S WAREHOUSE

07 5526 2786

MAIL ORDERS

WELCOME

32 Straithaid Rd BUNDALL 4217 QLD

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Tackle Warehouse Brisbane (07) 3398 6500

Victoria Point Bait and Tackle (07) 3820 9581 Spinnaker Sound Chandlery Ningi (07) 5497 6007

To book call Alan on 0428 729 355 BRISBANE

SUNSHINE COAST

FTO Tackle Outlet Brisbane 0416 017 094

Promote your Sunny Coast boat hire business here! For as little as $15 per month. Phone Shayne (07) 3387 0831 Email shayne@fishingmonthly.com.au

Boat Hire – House GOLD COAST

Great family and fishing boats!

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Boab Boat Hire - 1300 002 622

+ 50km of sheltered waterways on the Gold Coast’s Broadwater + No Licence required + Boats from $795 + 2-12 berth

HINCHINBROOK

inghamboathire.com.au

Unit 1/41 Steel Place Morningside 4170

WWW.ARCHIESBOATLICENCE.COM

Fish and Explore the famous Hinchinbrook Channel and Island.

+ 07 5502 6200 + houseboat.net.au Boat Hire – House GOLD COAST

SAMPLE AD - BUSINESS NAME This is where your copy will appear. You will have approximately 30 words within a 2x2 ad size. Email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Visit us online for packages, rates and equipment.

0468 32 4473

DRIVERS LICENCE ONLY REQUIRED!

6 Berth vessels

Get both on the same day!

NEW LOCATION! Southpark Complex A4/10 Compton Rd, Underwood, QLD 4119 www.brisbaneboathire.com.au  0438 508 000

BCF www.bcf.com.au

FROM $

BOAT AND JETSKI LICENCE

Tow away boats from only $190 Hire for 24hrs, the weekend, long weekend or full week Get in quick for school holidays!

P/NIGHT

PER HEAD FOR 6 PP

(3 night minimum stay)

12 Berth vessels

FROM $

P/NIGHT

PER HEAD FOR 12 PP (3 night minimum stay)

Call Rick or Deb today 07·5510 9006

www.sundownerhouseboats.com.au

Marine Mechanics GOLD COAST

CAPE YORK

Mention

QFM

on booking to receive

15% OFF

• Sales • Service • Spare Parts • Warranty and Insurance work * REPOWER SPECIALISTS *

www.runawaybaymarineservice.com.au

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND Lake Monduran House Boat www.lakemonduranhouseboathire.com.au

2/247 Bayveiw St Runaway Bay GEOFF NEWMAN PH 55774411

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PHONE: 07 4069 3695 www.capeyorkboats.com.au

Bundall Marine Centre – Servicing all makes and models. MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE (07) 5504 7446

CAPE YORK, QLD

Boab Boat Hire - 1300 002 622

Whitewater Marine (07) 5532 4402

WANT IN? EMAIL : ads@fishingmonthly.com.au 106

APRIL 2014

QLD HONDA DEALER OF THE YEAR 2011/2012

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

MACKAY / WHITSUNDAYS

W h ui ttsbuOnadrady O entre C

Brisbane Yamaha (07) 3888 1727 Northside Marine (07) 3265 8029 Coastal Powerboats (07) 5568 0904 Coorparoo Marine (07) 3397 4141

We Service all Motor Brands!

Capalaba Boat Centre 04011 728 379 Cunninghams Marine (07) 3284 8805

Boat Painting

Authorised Mercury Outboard and Mercruiser Motor Sale and Service Centre

1 William Murray Drive Cannonvale Qld

Holt Marine (07) 3353 1928

Bluewater Windscreens Brisbane (07) 3382 7883 ASM Mobile Welding Brisbane 0409 624 402 Marine Windows and Doors Brisbane (07) 3284 5088 Small Craft Electrics (mobile) 0408 063 064 Boat Collar (07) 5441 3636 CMC Marine Sales 0409 910 808

07·4946 7286

Caloundra Marine (07) 5491 1944 Bribie Boat Sales (07) 3408 0055

BRISBANE • •

www.whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au

NORTH BRISBANE

• • •

Marine Detailing

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• •

P recision DETAILING

• •

PROFESSIONAL

Since 2003

DAVID NICHOL

www.precisiondetailing.com.au

all!

No job too big or too sm

Shed 3 Redland City Marina 100 Beveridge Road Thornlands 4146 Qld

WWW.BRISBANEBOATPAINTING.COM.AU

DIRECTOR

 Specialist marine detailer  Acid washing, de-yellowing and restoration of gel coat  Machine cutting, polishing and waxing of gel coat, two-pack and automotive surfaces  Polishing of marine metals and stainless steel  Shampooing, revitalising and protecting of a variety of upholstery types and styles  Cleaning and polishing of cars  Dressing of rubber trim  Pre-sales a specialty

AGENT FOR

Professional paint jobs made to last.

0433 356 620

AUTOMOTIVE & MARINE

MOBILE SERVICE

Spray painting Re-sprays Fairing Paint protection Touch ups Repairs New or old Anti-fouling Fiberglass repairs

Fiberglass Repair

0421 802 691

REGLASS REP FIBOAT REFIT AND PAINT WORAKSIR B

Marine Electronics Before

ads@fishingmonthly.com.au Reef Marine Mackay (07) 4957 3521

Boat Mechanics – Mobile GOLD COAST

MARINE ELECTRONICS

SALES • REPAIRS • INSTALLATIONS

ONSITE AND MOBILE INSTALLATIONS

PH: 5519 4674 4/71 SHIPPER DRIVE, COOMERA

• Sounders • GPS • Electric Motors • Marine Radios and accessories • Stereos • Televisions • Radar Units • Autopilots

Marine Outboard Wreckers

Unit 4/1440 New Cleveland Road Capalaba

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

www.trymax.com.au PHONE: 07 3245 3633

For all your Honda sales and service needs

After

Boat Modifications and Repairs GOLD COAST

4/26 Taree Burleigh Heads Qld

Phone 07 5522 1933 MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE

07 5529 2292 20 Wrights Place Labrador Qld 4215 website www.brumbsmarine.com.au email brumbsmarine@bigpond.com

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND North Queensland Outboard Wreckers Townsville 1800 812 748

Online Tackle Products

Aluminium fabrication • Steel fabrication • Boat repairs Boat modifications • Aluminium sales

BRISBANE

What Fish is This

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

CUSTOM MARINE WELDING & ELECTRICAL

THE ONLY 5 STAR-RATED FISHING APP IN AUSTRALIA

 “ Awesome app!! Easy to use and has everything you need.”  “... Easiest 5 stars I’ve given anything.”

Marine and Auto Electricial All types of Welding Stainless Steel Aluminium Mild Steel Boats Repaired Fuel & Water Tanks Bow and Stern Rails Canopies Custom VehicleTool Boxes

 Contains over 130 fish size and bag limits for all states  Solunar calendar to take the guess work out of peak fishing times  Electronic log book with GPS map marker  “How To Tie” knots section with photos

Shed 1 281 Jacobs Well Road

www.whatfishisthis.com Catch us on @ ’What Fish Is This’

Behind GEM Service Station, Alberton 4207

BRISBANE WIDE

Phone 38077846 Mob 0427142201 Fax 3807 2468

www.custommarinewelding.com.au

Scan the code & get the What Fish is This App today!

She Left Camera Sunglasses www.hdvcs.com.au U-Make-Em Sort Plastics www.u-make-emsoftplastics.com.au

WANT IN? EMAIL : ads@fishingmonthly.com.au APRIL 2014

107

Specialty Products

Propellers

FLUSH YOUR ENGINE WITH

Luke’s

• Bimini tops • Full boat covers • Storm covers • Front and side clears • Full re-upholstery – seats, cushions and more!

MOBILE PROP SPEED

GAIN SPEED AND SAVE FUEL WITH PROP SPEED

CORROSION CONTROL SALT REMOVING TREATMENT

Specializing in Anti foul and Oceanmax Propspeed

Call Ray on 07 5499 4911 or 0410 634 719

LUKE STEELE PH: 0408 692124 lukesmobilepropspeed@live.com.au

WARNING!

Unit 2/42 Piper Street Caboolture Q 4510 Fax 5499 4913 Email rayscanvasandmarine@bigpond.com

9 out 10 engines fail from salt corrosion

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Rowland Street Boat Trimmers Springwood (07) 3208 9511

Marine Transport

ACT NOW AND PROTECT YOUR VALUABLE BOAT, ENGINE, TRAILER, FISHING AND DIVE GEAR.

Brisbane Yamaha (07) 3888 1727 Rays Canvas & Marine Caboolture (07) 5499 4911

SALT-AWAY IS A MUST FOR:

Affordable Boat Covers Gold Coast 0419 424 587

ENGINE FLUSHING JETSKIS TRAILERS

Advertise here - $90 + GST for 6 months Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

FREECALL For more info

BOAT TRANSPORT AUSTRALIA WIDE FROM A TINNY TO 50 FEET WEEKLY SERVICE BRISBANE TO CAIRNS

Holiday Accommodation SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Hemingways on Tin Can Bay (07) 3219 9376 Bribie Island Real Estate (07) 3408 1006

FRASER ISLAND

Marine Trailers

Fraser Island Fishing Units

Oceanic Boat Trailers (07) 5597 0577 Seatrail Trailers www.seatrailqld.com.au Tinnie Tosser (07) 5498 7339

INDIAN HEAD

Sea-Link Special Trailers (07) 3881 3568

Gold Coast

GOLD COAST

we Onsite or ou come to Y !

SERVICING

MARINE COVERS

BRISBANE, GOLD COAST AND NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES

INCORPORATING MARINE STAINLESS SOLUTIONS

VISIT

 Camper covers  Bimini tops  Canopy tops

 Front clears  Side clears  Storm covers

 Custom work  FREE quotes  Stainless work

www.rbmarinecovers.com.au OR CALL PAUL ON 0417 173 257

A FISHO’S DREAM

RVICE A USTRALI A EEL SE OVER 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

ABU ALVEY DIAWA OKUMA PENN SHIMANO TICA

bearfish@bigpond.com Waddy Lodge on Fraser 0414 516 364

Reel repair and service specialists 48 hour return GUARANTEE GIVEN

ce Reel Performan

OVER 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE

e parts needs repairs and spar For all your reel Servicin Phone/Fax: 07 3372 2740 or major b g all call Duncan on 0439 717 839 rands Email: dhreelrepairs@bigpond.com Drag upgrades available • Rod repairs • Mail orders welcome

Martin Costello 0434 615 936 www.mobilemarinecanopies.com

Advertise here - $90 + GST for 6 months Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

www.reelrepairs.com.au 110 Sherbrooke Rd, Willawong Qld 4110

North Queensland JT Reel Repairs, Mackay 0427 552 485 or (07) 4955 2485

WANT IN? EMAIL : ads@fishingmonthly.com.au 108

Baffle Creek Retreat

WATERFRONT HOLIDAY RENTAL

sleeps up to 8

Pete Charles • Gold Coast • 07 5564 2052

D&H REEL REPAIRS

MOBILE MARINE CANOPIES

APRIL 2014

BAFFLE CREEK / 1770

Brisbane

BRISBANE

Canopies Bimini tops Cockpit covers Front and side clears Full boat covers Upholstery Pontoon carpet ... and more!

For bookings or enquiries contact: Cliff Andreassen 07 5449 9346 or 0428 712 283

Rod and Reel Repair

Marine Trimmers

 Boat covers  Upholstery  Carpet

1800 091 172

VISIT www.salt-away.com.au

Marine Wraps

DJ Freight Marine Transport 0418 793 357 0427 341 076 contact@djfreight.com.au

NAWAY BAY RU

WASHING BOATS FISHING & DIVE GEAR

Four bedroom lowset ranch style house set back 50 metres from water’s edge high above the river with uninterrupted water views.

•

Private jetty, boat ramp, deep water access to the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef

•

Natural and man-made wetlands, with walking tracks and bird watching

• •

Bitumen road to front gate, motorhomes welcome

•

6km from Rules Beach with 4-wheel-drive access to the beach

Pet and horse friendly with fenced house yard — No pets allowed in house

07 4156 6606 • 0412 312 085 • Kenton@bafflecreekretreat.com.au

www.bafflecreekretreat.com.au

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Looking

Cairns Reef Charter Services 1800 119 044

SUNSHINE COAST

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Cairns Charter Boat 0427 533 081

Keely Rose Deep Sea Fishing Charters 0407 146 151

e Bay? g a n ta S t a y ta s to

Cairns Fishing Charters 0427 400 027

Odyssey Charters Deep Sea Fishing (07) 5478 1109 Smithy’s Fishing Charters Sunshine Coast 0407 574 868

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Top Catch Charters Sunshine Coast 0429 013 012

Fully setup fishing accommodation

Fish n Crab Charters Mooloolaba 0412 155 814

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Offshore Reef and Game Fishing 0413 485 402

Call Von 07 4937 3145

Sunshine Coast Fishing Charters (07) 5500 0671 Fishing Offshore Noosa 0418 889 956 Noosa Fishing Charters (07) 5665 8170

Stanage Bay Marine and Accommodation w w w.stan a g eb ay. co m

Hervey Bay Fishing Charters (07) 4125 3958 Incredible Charters 1300 655 818

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Advertise here - $90 + GST for 6 months Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Fishing Guides SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

HINCHINBROOK

Suncoast Barra Fishing Park www.suncoastbarrafishing.com

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Cardwell Beach Motel - www.cardwellbeachmotel.net (07) 4066 8776 or info.cbmotel@bigpond.com

Lake Monduran Barra Charters 0407 434 446

BACKING ONTO

LAKE SOMERSET

900 acres with dam frontage

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

7 DAYS Snacks and drinks supplied!

Hooked On Hinchinbrook www.hookedonhinchinbrook.com

O N

LAKE SOMERSET

O PP YE

Not just a day... but an experience! • Group and share charters (maximum 6 people) • Rods, reels, bait and tackle supplied • BYO! (cans only) • Experienced skipper and crew

Twin share SAFARI TENTS & Van Sites

4 BEDROOM LODGE with Lake Views

LEOPARD TREE LODGE www.leopardtreelodge.com

Ultimate Sportfishing Charters 0450 753 726 MV Capricorn Star 0408 755 201 Mikat Cruises Fishing Charters 0427 125 727

Lake Boondooma Caravan Park (07) 4168 9694

Coral Coast Game Fishing 0447 347 437

Lake Cressbrook Regional Council 131 872

MV James Cook (1770) (07) 4974 9422

Yallakool Park and Kiosk on Bjelke-Petersen Dam (07) 4168 4746

Norval Reef Charters 1800 771 234 Iluka Fishing Charters Gladstone 0414 940 911 Kanimbla Charters Gladstone1800 677 202

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters 0428 828 835 Reel Time Fishing Charters 0428 231 962

GOLD COAST True Blue Fishing Gold Coast (07) 5510 9622 BK’s Gold Coast Fishing Charters 0414 293 034 My Charter Boat Tweed Heads 0407 347 446

CAMPINGGROUND AND FISHING LODGE Grassed Beachfront Camping • Air-conditioned Lodge Rooms Self-contained beach house • Licenced dinning facilities 4WD Cape York tours • Fishing charters • Boat Hire Booking agents for Peddells T.I Tours, gateway Horn Is tours, Brazakkas Helicoters & More.

RU4 Reel Tweed Heads 0449 903 366 Discovery Fishing Charters G old Coast 0427 026 519 Fish The Deep Charters 0416 224 412 Paradise Fishing Charters 0403 531 428 Gold Coast Fishing Charters 0411 605 090 Hooker 1 Charters Gold Coast (07) 5528 6469 Sea Probe Fishing Charters 0400 312 330 Coastal Sports Fishing Charters Gold Coast 0412 691 929 Gone Fishing Charters Gold Coast (07) 5529 7833

BRISBANE Frenzy Charters Brisbane (07) 3209 4576 Tom Cat Charters (07) 3820 8794 Moreton Island Fishing Charters 0413 128 056 Brisbane Fishing Charters 0427 026 510 Bucket List Fishing Charters 0428 368 316 John Gooding Outlaw Charters 0418 738 750

Ideal Xmas gift!

Bundaberg Fishing Charters 0429 017 217 Sport Fish 1770 (07) 4974 9686

NORTHERN NSW

Fishing on TV

Bite Me Fishing Charters Yeppoon 0419 029 397

Yallakool Caravan Park on Bjelke-Petersen Dam (07) 4168 4746

Charter Boats

Fish Taxiderist www.fishtaxidery.net.au or 0428 544 841

Rosslyn Bar Harbour, Yeppoon, Queensland www.bitememarlincharters.com.au • bitemefishingcharters@hotmail.com

07·5422 0700

FRESHWATER

Neptune’s Treasures - Your Catch Reproduced 0405 226 282 www.neptunestreasures.com.au

0419 029 397

Secluded Camp for up to 12 people Hot Showers/Camp Kitchen/Fire Pit

Email desleylaycock@bigpond.com

Fish Taxidermy

Ph: 4069 3372 Fax: 4069 3770 Patsy: (07) 4069 3808 fishcapeyork@bigpond.com www.loyaltybeach.com P.O Box 49, Bamaga QLD 4876

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND Eclipse FNQ Weipa Charters 0488 058 668 Action Charters Mackay 0417 452 346 Fishing Charters Townsville 0403 386 722

BURDEKIN JC’S FISHING CHARTERS Sportfishing the Burdekin and Bowen district for barramundi in the rivers to juvenile black marlin offshore, or sightfishing for permit with fly on the flats. Contact John 0438 753 382

www.jcsfishing.com.au

DVD’S Series 2 through 8

$19.95 each GST INC. - with FREE P&H

1800 228 244

TRADES AND SERVICES ADVERTISING Line listing from $90 + gst 6 months* 2cm x 2 from $195 + gst 6 months* 4cm x 2 from $320 + gst 6 months* 8cm x 2 from $590 + gst 6 months* Rates exclusive to Trades and Services Directory * Conditions apply Call (07) 3387 0830 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

If you have any other trades or services that you would like to see in this section please don’t hesitate to give us a call Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Fairdinkum Fishing Charters Townsville (07) 4751 5324

WANT IN? EMAIL : ads@fishingmonthly.com.au APRIL 2014

109

Mojo 4m Twin Console BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Mojo Boats are newcomers to the southern Queensland boating scene, and manufacturer Brian Routledge describes them as bespoke craft. ‘Bespoke’ is an old English word that means ‘made to order’, so basically it’s a classy way of saying these are custom plate boats made to your specifications. Reviewed here is the baby of the Four Metre Series, a twin console, handy sized craft that’s totally constructed from 4mm plate alloy. The Mojo is solidly built and beamy (2.1m) for its 4m length, and naturally roomy given those specs. And, as I was to find, it’s surprisingly comfortable underway. The test craft was, in some respects, a semi prototype in that it did not come fully kitted with fishing orientated features, being Brian Routledge’s personal craft. There was seating for skipper and mate, reasonable storage capacity for a four metre craft and plenty of room within to move around. Thankfully, as our test runs were on a very February day, there was also a decent bimini providing shade. Note that while rod holders and further fishing orientated features might have been absent they could certainly be ordered. VERY FINE BOW The Mojo’s construction features an unusual set of quite

large, stepped chines in the bow area which gradually taper off to form into an 18-degree deadrise at the stern. The stepped chines are tucked around a very high and quite fine bow section which allows the craft to punch well above its 320kg weight when tackling Moreton Bay’s notoriously nasty chop. The elevated bow, underway, is a strong feature regarding overall performance and handling of the rig, and actually gives the little 4m rig a good deal of on-water presence. ROOMY LAYOUT Basically, the Mojo 4m is a well set out rig with quite a large amount of interior space due to the sensible size of the twin windscreen equipped consoles. A solid foredeck sported a strong cleat and large bow roller although an anchor well was not part of

the test craft’s layout. A quite large storage area under the foredeck catered for softer items such as PFDs, extra clothing and the like. Side rails ran the length of the craft, the near full length bimini being attached to these rails. In the reviewed craft all areas of the fully sealed and self-draining floor were carpeted. The interior side height was 560mm and the exterior side height was 600mm, so both internal as well as external freeboard was in abundance given the craft’s modest 4m length. Seating consisted of strong and quite supportive bucketstyle seats mounted on rigid boxes for skipper and mate. Brian pointed out that these seat boxes were designed to store either tackle boxes or a 25L fuel tank. Food for thought there:

This interesting view of the Mojo underway gives an insight into its layout.

SPECIFICATIONS Length:.............................................................. 4m Beam:............................................................. 2.1m Length on trailer:............................................ 5.4m Hull construction:.......................... 4mm 5083 plate Hull weight:................................................... 320 kg Hull deadrise:.........................................18 degrees Fuel:................................................................... 70L Engine rating:.................................................. 50hp Engine fitted:........................50hp Tohatsu 2-stroke Max. persons......................................................... 4 Towing:........... family six or big four sedan, wagon

120L of fuel aboard a 4m craft! That would certainly allow a fabulous cruising range for boaters wanting to cruise Moreton Bay’s islands and drop a line here or there. Anglers based up in the Gulf country where long runs are the norm would also appreciate the Mojo’s handy coastal and upriver cruising range (and of course its bulletproof plate alloy construction).

A water ballast tunnel is a surprise feature of the Mojo’s hull. 110

APRIL 2014

The Mojo’s distinctive bow gives the craft a quite impressive on-water presence.

A raised, carpeted, casting deck up front was a surprise package in that it was actually the craft’s 70L fuel tank, but being off the floor it also offered a deal of storage space below it as well. The Mojo’s twin consoles took up very little room and, because each was equipped with a windscreen, there was some shelter from slipstream as a bonus. The skipper’s side

Underway at speed the Mojo throws a very flat wash. console was set up with the craft’s steering wheel, a bank of switches, a tacho and a trim gauge which left a large amount of room up top of the console for sounder screens or other items as required. Engine controls were side mounted in the usual manner. Aft of the seating, the rear of the craft wasn’t fitted with any angling features. However, as Brian Routledge explained,

An interestingly designed bow sets the Mojo apart from many other 4m craft.

bespoke is the word – it’s up to the buyer to decide what features they want in their boat. I saw room for a livewell and for rod holders to be set up in each of the quite large braces at the transom corners, so that’s what I’d be asking for. ON THE WATER Reviewed off Victoria Point on Brisbane’s southern bay, the Mojo slipped easily off its roller-equipped Oceanic trailer. Although quite new, the 50 Tohatsu kicked into life at the first pull of the starter cord. Once aboard I noted that the boat appeared to be sitting quite rigidly in the water at rest. This additional stability at rest was due to a 300L ballast tank within the under hull area. This is indeed a handy set-up and in no way restricted the craft’s ability to get up and go. Under hard acceleration the Mojo 4m was up on the plane in around two boat lengths without any great fuss. Planing took place at 2800rpm at 14.2km/h, while 3000rpm saw 16.6km/h. 4000rpm recorded 31.3km/h, 5000rpm a neat 38.5km/h and a burst of WOT a sizzling

48.6km/h. All speeds were recorded with a full main fuel tank and myself and Brian aboard. Ride and handling were of an excellent standard for a 4m craft. The tall bow and smartly designed outer chines kept any spray well away from us while heading into northerly chop, and I found the craft could, when pushed hard, turn in little over its own length. The maximum powered 50hp Tohatsu was an excellent engine choice. Even though it was a conventional 2-stroke, it wasn’t excessively noisy or, for that matter, smoky either. The rig held itself very steady when cruising at speed, and overall it was a fun boat to drive. The mechanical steering was light and precise, and the skipper’s seat was well placed for easy driving. SUMMING UP The Mojo 4m is one very big little boat. You might think of a 4m tinny as a small or sheltered watercraft, but the Mojo’s design quickly shifts those parameters. This boat would be handy for a lot of bay work, fishing within an estuary system and naturally a lot of impoundment or river use as well. Rating is for up to four people, so Mum and Dad plus a couple of youngsters would have a great day on the water in the Mojo. The price is very sharp at $24,500 for the boat, motor,

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trailer rig as tested. The 4m Mojo’s big brother, the 4.74m model, comes home with a 50 Tohatsu on the transom at $24,000. This demo boat is on sale for QFM readers for $15,000. Mojo Boats can be contacted on the net at www. mojoboats.com, or you can contact Brian Routledge direct on 0411 788 379. • Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

The big shelf up front is actually the top of a 70L fuel tank.

The Mojo’s forward features are easily identified with storage areas, side rails and starboard console easily noted, as is the ample leg room under the console.

There’s ample room up top of the skipper’s console for large sounder screens.

Storage area under seats can be used for 25L tanks of fuel.

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Extreme 700 Game King: A royal fishing boat WARRAGUL

Martin Auldist martinauldist@gmail.com

If there’s one thing I know about the Kiwis it’s that they take their outdoor recreation very seriously. They are a nation of devoted fishers and hunters and they demand only the very highest quality and performance from their outdoor equipment – and that includes their boats. And if they can’t find what they need amongst the many offshore imports, they’ll damn well build it themselves! The range of Extreme aluminium boats are a shining example of good old Kiwi ingenuity. Recently, thanks to the boys from Inverloch Marine, I got the chance to take a squizz at three of the Extreme boats, including the very impressive 700 Game King. These madeto-last aluminium alloy fishing machines are manufactured to survey standards in Whakatane, on the east coast of the North Island – only a good cast from the fishrich waters of the Bay of Plenty. They currently have

the largest market share of any aluminium boat in New Zealand and are the most awarded alloy boat in the last 7 years. In Australia, Inverloch Marine are the sole distributor of these boats throughout Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, while in the northern states there are three other dealers nation-wide. For a pleasant change we had a fine and sunny test day and Shane Hemming and Tim Edney launched the 700 Game King at the main boat ramp in Inverloch (which is only a few hundred metres from the Inverloch Marine yard, making test drives a breeze). She looked a picture, with her deep blue hull and gleaming hard top cabin – but other colours are also available. She slipped easily from the custommade galvanised tandem trailer (alloy trailers are available as an option), and with little fuss we were off to put her through her paces in the deeper water near the entrance to Anderson Inlet. The first thing I noticed when I climbed aboard the 700 was a level of luxury

SPECIFICATIONS Length:............................................................. 7.2m Beam:.............................................................. 2.4m Transom:.......................................................... 5mm Hull bottom:..................................................... 5mm Side and deck: ................................................ 4mm Recommended hp: . ............................... 130-250hp Deadrise:............................................................. 20º Towing weight:...............................................2370kg Marine grade aluminium alloy

The 700 Game King handled like a dream thanks to a 20º deadrise, aggressively downturned reverse chines, a wide, proud nose and a broad waterline beam. and utility not common in boats of this kind. The entire layout has been designed with great vision and has a definite air of refinement about it. The

hard top cabin – which is self-standing with its own internal framing – is like a veritable Tardis. Behind the driver’s seat you will find a fridge, with a sink and a tap on top (the tap

sources water from a freshwater storage tank). The padded driver’s seat is within easy reach of the steering wheel, dashboard and controls, while there is an equally comfortable seat

On the back deck behind the wheelhouse wall is a padded seat that doubles as a stove – perfect for cooking your freshly caught fish dinner.

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Top: Underneath the mattresses downstairs there is a flushable, direct discharge toilet. Middle: Above the hardtop roof there is room for aerials and rod holders. Above: Inside the cabin there is a sink and refrigerator.

for a passenger alongside. The control panel had been fitted out with all the gear you would need to fish safely from the vessel offshore, including all the motor fly-by-wire controls, VHF radio, AM/ FM radio (iPod compatible through Bluetooth) and Garmin touch-screen depth sounder/GPS combo. The cabin also has sliding windows if you’re looking for a little fresh air. Meanwhile, downstairs, there is a substantial sleeping area, complete with mattresses that lift up to reveal a flushable, direct discharge underbunk toilet. In the wheelhouse wall that separates inside from out there is a bi-fold door and drop down window that opens the whole area right up when the weather is good. Right at the back there is a removable lounge that flips up to allow access to a series of rod holders for when it’s time to stop lounging and get serious. Similarly there is a cushioned seat up against the bulkhead that opens up to reveal a concealed stove – perfect for cooking your freshly caught dinner. There are plenty of side pockets for stowing gear and the walk-through transom also cleverly incorporates a live bait tank. At the other end of the boat, of course, is where you’ll find the anchor, which is lifted into a selfdraining well in the bow by a fully concealed drum winch (also available as a capstan). For the record, a feature of Extreme boats is that 90% of the accessories – including the rod holders – are welded in place (as opposed to bolted or screwed), to reduce corrosion. The features don’t stop above decks either. Beneath the tread plate floor there

are three large buoyancy tanks, a 250L fuel tank, kill tanks plumbed into the flooding keel, and 450L of storage space. Amazing! Then, on the roof right up out of the way, are the aerials and yet more ‘rocket launcher’ style rod holders. Finally, all Extreme boats have external, transommounted fuel filling ports, which saves getting fuel spilt in the interior. Yes, yes, that’s all very well, I hear you say, but how did it perform? Well, when the throttle went forward the 225hp 4-stroke outboard popped the 700 out of the hole at less than 21 knots (40km/h); this was undoubtedly aided by a waterline keel that was well forward with a nice slope to help the transition from standing to planing. Then, at the top end, the 17-pitch propeller helped push the big boat along at around 43 knots (80km/h). At that speed, it’s not going to take you long to reach the fish! And the ride? The ride was as exceptional as you’d expect from a hull design that has had so much thought put into it. Like all Extreme boats the 700 Game King hull has a 20º deadrise, a proud nose,

Left: A bi-fold door allows easy access from inside to outside. Right: All the controls are within easy reach of the driver’s seat. broad waterline beam and aggressively down-turned reverse chines. Conclusion? These boats are perfectly balanced. On the test day the 700 felt very stable and cut through the short chop in the inlet with minimal pounding. Shane assures me they are equally surefooted in the much rougher

seas offshore and don’t suffer from broaching in a side-on sea. The 700 has a lot of boat in the water and so is very stable at rest as well – a quality that is further enhanced by the flooding keel. In summary, the 700 Game King would be an eminently suitable trailer

Sleek, stylish and functional: the 700 Game King from Extreme.

boat for chasing game fish all around Australia, including the mako sharks and blue fin tuna of the deep south. With its well thought out hull design and facilities it is capable of long range and overnight trips, plus it would be a great party boat for entertaining your family and friends. Of course, you could also use it for targeting bread and butter species like snapper and whiting in either of our two magnificent bays. If you’d like to know more about pricing, or organise a test drive, you’d better get hold of the guys at Karee Marine, 1776 Ipswich Motoway, Rocklea, www.kareemarine.com. au or phone 3875 1600. You’ll be extremely pleased you did. • Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/ trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

Top: There are side pockets out the back for storing all the bits and pieces you will need for a day on the water. Above: There is room for a radio to be mounted in the roof above the dashboard.

A bait board and rod holder complex is available as an option, complete with steel ski tow point.

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Top class stately Stejcraft Monaco 640 Cruiser BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

The Monaco 640 Cruiser is right at the top of the Stejcraft range. This a very well put together fibreglass craft, and needs to be, as she’s competing for sales in a market niche where our high dollar is seeing a lot of overseas manufactured craft in boat yards around the country.

I noted a bow roller and bow sprit nestled within strong bow rails that extended virtually back to the rear of the cuddy cab. The Monaco’s locking anchor well was accessed via a wide fore cabin hatch and it’s an easy matter to lift the pick while firmly braced against the side of the hatch. The cabin was fullylined and thanks to large side windows, was very well light and airy. Moulded bunk framework was graced

providing both shelter from a tastefully tailored extendable bimini on stainless framework stretching overhead, with clears able to link with the craft’s five piece wind screen. INNOVATIVE SEATING The Monaco Cruiser’s helm area was an interesting and carefully thought out set up. Very strong and comfortable fully swivelling seats for skipper and mate were set on storage box style bases which, being hinged, could be flipped backwards to allow access to a two-section galley below the seat bases. Under the port seat was a sink, under the skipper’s seat was a spirit stove. With seats unlocked and flipped back it would be easy to access the galley items for preparation of a meal or snack and then enjoy it at the craft’s dining table aft. At the helm area front passenger comfort was enhanced by a grab handle, foot rest, tiered side pockets and strong bed end style foot rest while the skipper was treated to a drink

The Monaco’s well-formed hull proved easily powered by the 150hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard. were equipped with very high backrests for ultimate support under way. I noted that visibility was fine from either seat. WALNUT TRIM ON DASH The Monaco’s dash area also caught the eye thanks to a selection of tasteful imitation walnut trim. The

the next level featured a Lowrance Mark X Sounder unit with a bank of switches and GME marine radio immediately below. To starboard of the craft’s deluxe three-spoke wheel another walnut insert highlighted twin Yamaha gauges linked to the 150 4-stroke astern. A padded

A touch of stylish walnut trim highlights the Monaco’s dash. While it’s readily acknowledged that overseasmade craft, more particularly those from the USA, are very well made, they are also pretty hard on the pocket and this is exactly where the Victorian-made Stejcraft Monaco 640 Cruiser has some advantage. The finish is right up with the best and

with deep and attractively patterned cushioning, wellpadded back rests, and I noted plenty of useful storage space under each bunk. A marine toilet was standard; user’s privacy assured thanks to a folding cabin door. Stejcraft had obviously put some thought into their Monaco’s helm area

SPECIFICATIONS Length:.............................................................6.40m Beam:...............................................................2.50m Deadrise:.............................................................. 22° Weight of hull:...................................................970kg Fuel:....................................................................150L Water:...................................................................48L Engine ratings:...........................................115-225hp Power fitted:.........................Yamaha 150hp 4-stroke Persons:....................................................................8 Towing:................................................... 4 x 4 wagon so is the value. A very handsome lady with a flair for the sumptuous, the Monaco is an eight person craft with strong family boating credentials. With galley, toilet, dining table, and a fresh water shower, there’s comfort to spare with room for up to four to sleep within the very large cuddy cab (with bunk infill). This is all complemented by a high standard of fit out and finish that oozes class from stem to stern. Yet those same credentials would make the Monaco a terrific offshore fishing rig once the aft table is stored, rods and tackle set up for serious use. GENERAL LAYOUT Overviewing the Stejcraft 640 Monaco Cruiser 114

APRIL 2014

The Monaco’s luxurious interior set can be noted. holder, similar side storage shelving and foot rest. Both skipper and mate’s seats

dash was a multi level affair with a drink holder and compass uppermost while

The Stejcraft’s cuddy cabin featured deeply padded V berths offering large storage boxes beneath them.

section on the side of the craft adjacent the skipper was set up with the engine’s forward

controls which fell easily to hand, as they should. ENJOY A MEAL IN THE COCKPIT The Monaco Cruiser’s cockpit was fully carpeted and featured ample padding aft, a gunwale grab rail plus deep side pockets able to store tackle boxes and other equipment. A highlight was the removable, drink holder equipped, aft table which offered room from Mum, Dad and a couple of youngsters to enjoy breakfast or dinner while seated at the aft modular lounge which also, being on paired storage bins, offered considerable storage room under it. Note that the lounge, and storage boxes below could be removed if necessary. The Monaco Cruiser’s cockpit was quite deep at 780mm depth and offered fishing room for three or four anglers. Rod racks within the side pockets plus a bait tank aft were useful items for anglers: completing aft features were twin non-skid boarding platforms with a ladder and grab handle set to starboard. 150HP YAMAHA AMPLE POWER. Engine ratings for the Stejcraft were from

A removable lounge is an asset in a boat that can double either as a fishing boat or family cruiser.

Top: How smart is that? A sink under the mate’s seat. Bottom: The skipper and mate’s swivel seats are set up with storage boxes equipped with galley items underneath.

115-225hp. Fitted with a four cylinder 2.6L 150hp Yamaha four-stroke the craft never seemed short of power. How it would perform with a 225hp on the transom was fairly mind blowing considering that the 150hp easily planed the craft at 9 knots (18km/h) at 2,800rpm and cruised very easily at 3000rpm at 18 knots (34.6km/h). The 4,000rpm registered a speed of 25 knots (47.3km/h), and 5,000rpm seeing us slipping along at 33 knots (62.4km/h), 6,000rpm a lusty 42 knots (78.8km/h). Obviously, the Stejcraft’s 22º deadrise hull was a very slippery one given the ease in which the 150hp Yamaha four-stroke shifted us along with two aboard. With the throttle depressed rapidly, the rig crested onto the plane in around 20m – impressive stuff. Ride and handling of the big Stejcraft reflected the 43 years this company has been manufacturing pleasure craft. With its deep Vee double chine hull, the well-formed and quite prominent under hull strakes, and a solid hull weight of some 970kg the Monaco rode brilliantly. A run-out through the Gold Coast Seaway reinforced my initial thoughts on ride quality as the craft gently crested incoming swells and, when pushed harder, jumped gently over the larger ones to

abt E FRE

ital

Dig

land with a graduated sort of impact rather than a hard or noisy one. Riding back over incoming swells presented no problems whatsoever as the rig stayed right on track and when power was needed the Yamaha 150 was happy to supply it. In all, ride quality is obviously going to

Monaco would come home from Broadwater Boating Centre of the Gold Coast, as reviewed, for around $66,990. For more information contact Broadwater Boating on (07) 5529 1777 or log onto www. broadwaterboating.com.au. • Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good

Sitting quietly at rest the Stejcraft Monaco displays her eye pleasing lines. be a selling point with this craft, along with excellent performance. SUMMING UP Overall, I saw the Stejcraft Monaco 640 Cruiser as a great value for money family or fishing craft with

of this particular size that provide the overall comfort levels and special features of this well appointed rig, which help make it so special. On a tandem Dunbier trailer, with safety gear and registrations, the Stejcraft

faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/ trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

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potential to fish anywhere from bays, estuaries or well offshore. Fuel capacity was 150L, freshwater was 48L (if this option was taken up) so a weekend on the water cruising and fishing would be just as enjoyable as running offshore for some blue water work. There are not many craft

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What’s new boating

Honda’s new BF80 and BF100

Honda has unveiled its much-anticipated BF80 and BF100 4-stroke outboard engines. Lightweight and compact, they provide optimum levels of performance and excellent fuel economy. The BF80/BF100’s 1.5L, SOHC, 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder engine is inspired by the hugely popular Honda Jazz. Both models have an advanced ignition timing control system to improve hole-shot performance; ECOmo, which contributes to fuel economy; and VTEC (BF100), which provides more top end power while maintaining optimum fuel economy. An optional Trolling Control function allows precise control of engine speed, with adjustments in 50rpm increments from 650rpm to 1000rpm. These engines are NMEA2000 compliant, allowing engine-to-electronics data communication to deliver management and performance data to compatible displays. The engines can also be networked with Honda’s VeeThree multi-function digital gauges. The gauges include Honda’s Eco light, which indicates when ECOmo mode is on. To locate your nearest dealer, visit http:// dl.hondampe.com.au or call (03) 9270 1111. For more info visit marine.honda.com.au. Honda

New from Humminbird

Humminbird has released the all new 600 series, and the next generation 800, 900 and 1100 series will also arrive soon. With upgraded processors they are faster to use and boast increased functionality, leading to better returns. The 600 series (RRP $619 to $1549) packs a stack of features in a conveniently sized unit. Replacing the current 500 and 700 line-up, the new Humminbird 600 series condenses the range from 15 to just 5 units. Simply choose the style of unit you’d like plus your preferred sonar technology. The 698cxi HD SI is the stand out, combining SideImaging, DownImaging and SwitchFire Sonar with precision internal GPS. Humminbird’s 7, 8 and 10.4” GPS/Sonar units have also been upgraded, delivering faster navigation through the system and better returns. A full complement of accessories to be added to the units and perform at lightning speed. Prices range from $1199 to $4099. See bla.com.au for more info. - BLA

Mercury wins Good Design award

Mercury Marine’s new Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) control boxes have cemented themselves as one of the industry’s most innovative new products, taking out a 2013 Good Design award. Good Design is the oldest and most prestigious design award program to recognise new consumer products. Mercury Marine’s new DTS control boxes, which were released in Australia late last year, were selected from thousands of entries from 38 countries. Made to suit FourStroke Verado outboards and selected MerCruiser and Mercury Diesel engines, the control boxes are available in single and dual handle versions. The DTS control boxes eliminate the need for mechanical cables used for throttle and shifting, and deliver smooth changing, immediate throttle response and driver control. The control boxes are the final addition to Mercury’s new look Helm Suite, joining the redesigned SmartCraft dash gauges and the new touch screen VesselView information display units. - Mercury 116

APRIL 2014

New Quintrex 530 Cruisabout

Quintrex’s new bowrider release, the 530 Cruiseabout, is a boat to be enjoyed by the whole family. Featuring fresh and modern plate look sides, it’s built with tough 4mm bottom sheets and the new Quintrex Blade Hull for a stable and soft ride. It has room for up to 7 people and is rated up to 115hp. Features include a large front lounge and a new rear folding lounge, which can be folded flush against the transom. It also features a new look dash and raised top deck constructed from a UV stable material. The new dash provides room for larger electronics and provides better visibility of the gauges, and the raised top deck is complemented with a new low profile windscreen. The 530 Cruiseabout is available as an Instant Boating Package including boat, BRP motor and Quintrex trailer with a 3-year limited factory warranty. For more info visit www.quintrex.com.au. - Telwater

Raymarine’s Hydro-Balance

Raymarine has announced the addition of new Hydro-Balance technology to its Evolution autopilot line. Designed for hydraulic steering systems which have no rudder reference fitted, it’s particularly effective on boats with outboard engines. It compensates for hydraulic system elasticity caused by air bubbles trapped in the steering system, flex in hose and piping, and variable valve performance. Until now, conventional marine autopilots without rudder angle sensors were unable to detect this condition. Another common issue with highpowered outboard vessels is asymmetrical torque steer (prop walk). At low autopilot speeds, asymmetry can impact the natural motion of baits and lures while trolling. During rapid acceleration, it can cause the boat to pull to one side even though the helm is straight. Hydro-Balance detects asymmetry and teaches the autopilot to eliminate it. From spring this year you can easily add the technology to any existing Evolution autopilot via a software upgrade. Check out www.raymarine.com.au/evolution for more info. - Raymarine

Sea Jay hits 25 year milestone

National boat manufacturer Sea Jay Aluminium Boats is set to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Sea Jay is the archetypal family business. Husband and wife, Col and Janelle Glass, continue to work in their business on a daily basis. Their son Troy joined them as an employee in 1999. He has since completed his apprenticeship and taken on the R&D role in 2010, while also becoming a part owner. Sea Jay boats are manufactured in Bundaberg in Central Qld on an expanded site that now occupies 7000m². Here they manufacture a complete line of pressed aluminium boats plus a big range of Xtreme plate alloy boats. To celebrate 25 years of manufacturing, the company has released several new models (Sea Jay 4.25m, 4.85m Avenger and the 6.8 Glass Screen Hardtop Model) and applying a special Sea Jay 25 Year decal to each boat. To view the range visit www.seajayboats. com.au. – Sea Jay

Northern NSW / Gold Coast Tweed Coast Marine 147 Pacific Hwy Tweed Heads South Ph: (07) 5524 8877 Fax: (07) 5524 3324 Email: dan@tweedcoastmarine.com.au Website: www.tweedcoastmarine.com.au Meridian Marina Horizon Shores Onshore Marine Cabbage Tree Point Rd,Woongoolba Phone: (07) 5546 2480 | Fax: (07) 5546 1362 Email: onshoremarine@ozemail.com.au Website: www.onshoremarine.com.au Brisbane South Springwood Marine 3366 Pacific Hwy Springwood Phone: (07) 3297 8200 | Fax: (07) 3297 8290 Email: michaelb@springwoodmarine.com.au Website: www.springwoodmarine.com.au

Mercury Portables. Lightweight and built to last. Mercuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Portables range provide the power that you can carry, run and depend on. With eleven horsepower options ranging from 2.5hp to 30hp, these compact units punch well above their weight.

Brisbane South Coorparoo Marine 57 Cavendish Rd Coorparoo Phone: (07) 3397 4141 | Fax: (07) 3397 6339 Email: info@coorparoomarine.com.au Website: www.coorparoomarine.com.au Brisbane West Karee Marine 1851 Ipswich Rd Rocklea Phone: (07) 3875 1600 | Fax: (07) 3875 1622 Email: sales@kareemarine.com.au Website: www.kareemarine.com.au Brisbane Holt Marine 25 Queens Rd Everton Park Phone: (07) 3353 1928 | Fax: (07) 3353 4548 Email: info@holtmarine.com.au Website: www.holtmarine.com.au Brisbane North Cunninghams Marine 23-25 Snook St Clontarf Phone: (07) 3284 8805 | Fax: (07) 3284 8813 Email: ian@cunninghammarinecentre.com.au Website: www.cunninghammarinecentre.com.au Brisbane North Brisbane Marine 306 Duffield Road Clontarf, Q. 4019 Phone: (07) 3889 3033 | Fax: (07) 3889 5390 Email:info@brismarine.com.au Website: www.brismarine.com.au Toowoomba Waterskiers Warehouse 91-93 Neil St Toowoomba Phone: (07) 4637 9511 | Fax: (07) 4637 9513 Email: rod@waterskierswarehouse.com.au Website: www.waterskierswarehouse.com.au Bribie Island Bribie Boat Sales 217 First Ave Bribie Island Phone: (07) 3408 0055 | Fax: (07) 3408 0805 Email: danny@bribieboatsales.com.au Website: www.bribieboatsales.com.au Sunshine Coast Northcoast Boating Centre 264 Nicklin Way Warana Phone: (07) 5493 9376 | Fax: (07) 5437 6144 Email: mail@northcoastboatingcentre.com.au Website: www.northcoastboating.com.au Bundaberg Adrians Marine Centre 28 Ritchie St Bundaberg Phone: (07) 4153 1819 | Fax: (07) 4153 1819 Email: adriansmarinecentre@bigpond.com Website: www.adriansmarinecentre.com.au Rockhampton Rifen Boats Unit 11-12, 10 Dooley St, North Rockhampton Phone: (07) 4927 9150 | Fax: (07) 4921 3502 Email:rifen.boats@bigpond.com www.rifenboats.com.au Yeppoon Seabreeze Marine 150 Scenic Hwy Yeppoon Phone: (07) 4933 6366 | Fax: (07) 4933 7590 Email: info@seabreezemarine.com.au Website: www.seabreezemarine.com.au Whitsunday Cannonvale Whitsunday Outboard Centre 1 William Murray Dr Cannonvale Phone: (07) 4946 7286 | Fax: (07) 4946 7848 Email: woc@whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au Bowen Reibel Marine 34 Don St Bowen Phone: (07) 4786 2944 | Fax: (07) 4786 6606 Email: remarine@bigpond.net.au Ingham J&B Marine 79 Herbert St, Ingham Phone: (07) 4776 1188 | Fax: (07) 4776 1288 Email: jbmarine@bigpond.com Website: www.jandbmarine.com Cairns Aussie Marine 5 Wellington St, Cairns Phone: (07) 4033 8800 | Fax: (07) 4033 8810 Email: sales@aussiemarine.com.au www.aussiemarine.com.au

NEXT GENERATION ENGEL Announcing the latest in the Engel fridge freezer range

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The new MT45FCP is a fridge and freezer in one and has different options for use!

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Freezer 16 litres and Fridge 23 litres (total 39 litres)

Option 2

Freezer 23 litres and Fridge 16 litres (total 39 litres)

The new MT45FCP Combi is part of the Next Generation digital range, which have all new features plus the same Engel reliability.

Option 3

Refrigerator Only (divider removed total 39 litres)

· · · · · · · · ·

User friendly LED Digital control, with built in battery protection The famous Sawafuji swing motor with only one moving part Lowest maximum power draw Rugged steel cabinet LED interior light Tri-voltage Removable wire baskets and divider Easy clean interior 3 year warranty and Australia wide service network

For stockists call 1300 302 653 www.engelaustralia.com.au

Celebrating

75 YEARS

OF MARINE INNOVATION

OFFER ENDS 31 MAY 2014 visit mercurymarine.com.au for details

*Terms & conditions apply.**To approved purchasers. Terms & conditions apply. Participating dealers only.