Queensland Fishing Monthly - August 2014 by Fishing Monthly

BRISBANE BOAT SHOW SPECIAL FEATURE

Features

NEW COMP!

AFTA Best of Show products • Fathers’ Day gift ideas • Drag net debate • Brisbane Boat Show preview • Moreton Bay – the impact on tagging • Fishing Malaysia

FIND THE SPECIALTYFISHING.COM.AU LOGO COMPETITION

•

Tried and Tested

Sea Jay’s Avengers • Native Watercraft Slayer 13 Propel • OMM 610 Hard Top All Rounder •

See us at the

54th

Techniques

12-15th September

Overnight reef fishing • Attacking the flats •

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AUGUST 2014

Beauty infused with precision, the new performance inspired lure range from Daiwa.

www.daiwafishing.com.au AUGUST 2014

This month's Yamaha Specials: ST LOWE E V E R! E PRIC

15FMHS/L: $2,200/$2,250

30HMHL: $2,850

(4 Stroke)

40VMHDL/VWHTOL: $4,900/$5,950

F60FETL/F60TILLER: $8,900/$7,850

ST LOWE E V E R! E PRIC (4 Stroke)

F70AETL/X: $10,000/$10,500

BAYSPORT 545 FISHERMAN

BMT DEAL

$37,990!

90AETOX: $9,200

115CETOX: $9,400

BAYSPORT 585 WEEKENDER

BMT DEAL

$44,990!

130BETOX: $10,000

BAYSPORT 620 OFFSHORE

BMT DEAL

$54,990!

Price includes: Controls, Gauges, Fuel Filter, Prop, Fitting & Water Test where applicable!

BAYSPORT 640 FISHERMAN

BMT DEAL

$49,990!

NEED CA$H? WE BUY BOATS!

CASH OR CONSIGN

Kevin Elferink landed this 10kg giant trevally while fishing at Hervey Bay, QLD. Kevin used Black Magic 30lb Tough Fluorocarbon leader.

Black Magic 60lb Tough Trace was used to catch this 70lb spanish mackeral. Corey Bradley was fishing at Batt Reef, QLD.

The Best By Test Catching The Dream

A Black Magic KL 7/0 hook was used by Adrian Lieutier to catch this 48kg wobbegong shark. Adrian was fishing at Walkerville South, VIC.

Luke Cooper caught this impressive 11.5kg snapper using a Black Magic 5/0 Snapper Snatcher ‘original’. Luke was fishing in the Spencer Gulf, SA.

Black Magic 40lb Tough Fluorocarbon leader was used by Grace Lewis to catch her biggest fish to date, a painted sweetlip. Grace was fishing out from Yeppoon, QLD.

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

www.blackmagictackle.com

YOUR PHOTO COULD APPEAR IN OUR ADS! If we use your photo in our advertising you will receive a FREE BLACK MAGIC CAP AND PRIZE! Include your name, address, fish weight, where you caught it and which Black Magic or Wasabi products were used. Send a high resolution image to: photos@blackmagic.co.nz 6

AUGUST 2014

STOCK CLEARANCE SALE 439 BARRA ELITE

429 OUTLAW Yamaha F40 4-stroke tiler steer, accessory kit, safety equipment and Qld regos.

DRIVE AWAY

Yamaha 50hp 4-stroke Stacer trailer, battery tray in cast platform, bow mount plate, accessory kit, safety gear and Qld regos.

$16,995

DRIVE AWAY

449 BAYMASTER

$22,995

449 OUTLAW SC Yamaha F60 4-stroke heavy-duty galvanised trailer, rear step and rail, painted outside hull, safety gear and Qld regos

Yamaha 50hp 2-stroke Stacer galvanised trailer, Qld regos, safety gear and on-water costs.

DRIVE AWAY

$23,995

489 OUTLAW

NOW

30,795 DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

489 BAYMASTER

Yamaha F60hp • Including twotone paint and Lowrance Elite-7 combo, all on a Stacer alloy trailer with a spare wheel.

509 SEA RUNNER

30,995

NOW

DRIVE AWAY

489 NOMAD

Yamaha F60hp • Including twotone paint and Lowrance Elite-7 combo, all on a Stacer alloy trailer with a spare wheel.

NOW

33,950 DRIVE AWAY

NOW

31,595 DRIVE AWAY

539 OCEAN RUNNER

NEW 2014 MODEL

$25,995

Yamaha F60hp • Stacer alloy trailer, Qld regos, safety gear and on-water costs.

649 OCEAN RANGER 1 ONLY

Yamaha 90hp 2-stroke • Including cabin cushions, cutting board, live bait tank, front clear and bimini.

www.nsmarine.com.au

NOW

48,895 DRIVE AWAY

Yamaha 115hp 4-stroke • Stacer alloy trailer, Qld regos, safety gear and many options.

59,895

NOW

DRIVE AWAY

Yamaha F150 4-stroke

• Many options including deck wash, dual batteries, two-tone paint, bunk cushions, infill and more.

2294 Sandgate Rd, BOONDALL Qld 4034

3265 8044

AUGUST 2014

SALE FROM 31.07.14 TO 27.08.14

259

l e e R t s a c it a B I I l o S TD

he 2014 TD Sol II from Daiwa is packed full of features and takes baitcaster reels into the future. Built on a lightweight but super strong aluminium frame, these reels sport 7+1 stainless bearings which combine with the Digigear drive & air rotation system to create unrivalled smoothness. The Magforce Z magnetic brake works with the T-Wing system to give anglers more control than ever before, maximizing casting ease, distance & accuracy. Equally at home in the salt as they are in the fresh, the TD Sol II is ideal for chasing everything from Barra in the tropics to Natives in the south.

279

216099

PRICE

save $30

361405

TD Baitcast Sol II Reel

299610

109

299ea

VRS

save $36

regular price 329

Saltist 6500H Spin Reel • 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings with aluminium body • Waterproof drag rated to 15kg max

Trion HM45 Rods

Also available • Saltist 4500H Spin Reel

$269 save $30

• High modulus graphite blanks • Fuji guides • Cork grips for improved sensitivity

Sustain 2500 Spin Reels

VRS

for or $12.99ea

• 7+1 anti-rust bearings • Propulsion Line Management System • Extra smooth high power gearing

VRS

for or $13.95ea

225432

for or $49.99ea

Heavy Duty Crab Pot • Heavy duty construction • 10mm hot dipped galvanised rings • Built in bait holder

Zerek Cherabin Switchblade Lures 1/8oz - 1/2oz

Also available • Zerek Live Shrimp

Also available • 1oz -2oz 2 for $25 or $16.95ea

3 for $25 or $10.99ea

VRS

off

199

save $46

regular price

Not available in NT stores. Check local regulations before use

284816

219804

ea save $20

787 Tackle Box

OVER 100 STORES AUSTRALIA WIDE

www.bcf.com.au

Cooler Top Soft Side Tackle Bag • Includes four large tackle boxes • Cooler top

For more information on the full range drop into your closest BCF store or jump online www.bcf.com.au

*Items on this page are store stock only. Range may vary store to store.

Illustrations, photos and packaging are only a representation of the products advertised, variations may occur from store to store. All products were available at time of printing, BCF will not be responsible for the lack of stock due to supplier problems. BCF reserves the right to limit purchases to normal retail quantities. Club pricing is only available to Club BCF members upon presentation of Club BCF card. Rainchecks not available. All savings stated are off full retail price. Sale ends 27/08/14 or until sold out.

AUGUST 2014

BCF3412_QFM

• 15 degree angle for easy access • 4 large tackle trays included • 5 small tackle trays included • Integrated, expandable rear pocket

All Berkley Knives

$5.95

RRP (GST inc.)

August 2014, Vol. 28 No. 10

Contents 22

From the Editor’s Desk...

Managing Editor: Stephen Booth sbooth@fishingmonthly.com.au

Printing: APN - Print

Sub-Editors: Jacqui Thomas, Nicole Penfold

Production: Melissa Carroll, Karen Millward, Jenna Moir

Field Editors: Garry Smith, Jason Ehrlich, Wayne Kampe

Website: www.fishingmonthly.com.au

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

Subscriptions: Kym Rowbotham Office Manager: Marie Dykstra

TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 61 FIND THE SPECIALTY FISHING LOGO COMPETITION PAGE 100 Published by:

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

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

SUBSCRIPTION HOTLINE FREECALL 1800 228 244

The third winner of our Front Cover Competition is Nathan Newton with a 50cm snapper from Redcliffe Peninsula that ate a 60mm Thready Buster lure. Great pic Nathan!

Annual Subscriptions: $65 for twelve issues (GST inc.) Make cheques payable to Queensland Fishing Monthly PO Box 3172 LOGANHOLME QLD 4129

OUR COVER

AUST

Advertising Enquiries: Steve Morgan ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Pty Ltd

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Advertising Sales: Ph: (07) 3387 0800 Greg Livingstone greg@fishingmonthly.com.au Shayne McKee smckee@fishingmonthly.com.au

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104

QUEENSLAND FISHING MONTHLY

the AFTA Trade Only Show on the Gold Coast and there is a heap of new and exciting tackle about to hit the shelves in your local tackle shop. We have the award winners from the show right at the front of the magazine so you can’t miss it and this is followed by some new products we thought were pretty cool. The show is a great visit and it looks more than likely that next year there will be a public day. That’s right, the public will have a chance to check out all the new bits and pieces before they get into the shops. I doubt there will be a chance to buy anything at the public day, but let’s hope this day goes ahead so the ultimate purchasers of all the new gear can check it out first hand. I can tell you, it will make your head spin!

forward to seeing how it all pans out. Changes are ahead, but we’ll have to wait to see if rec fishing actually gets some credit (economically and socially) over the traditional bias toward professional fishing – well at least a bias in my opinion. It seems fisheries managers are happy to see us as important when it suits their needs (tighter bag limits, closed seasons, closed areas, size limits) but when we want something that may detract from professional gains, such as no netting in yellow zones in the Great Sandy Marine Park, rec anglers are seen as an annoyance of little significance. I pray these new decision makers consider all sides fairly and without intent to get the best decisions for all. We just got back from

an amazing show for anyone who collects, uses or wants to use lures and flies with designers, experts and more all there to help scratch your lure or fly itch. This event always costs me money – always! It’s a little daunting going home after the show I can tell you. Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do… The review of Fisheries is getting a wriggle on and panels have been chosen and most of the people in the know reckon those representing our interests are pretty well chosen. You have to be a special kind of person to do these things. Knowledge is essential, the ability to listen is essential and the ability to be strong is too. Not many of us can claim all those skills and I wish the members of the panels good luck and look

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What a cold snap! I never thought we’d outcompete Melbourne for low temperatures, but we did and it sent reverse-cycle air conditioners into a spin. Imagine out west rivers and creeks freezing over. Not just frosts and frozen buckets, but actual waterways. That’s cold. But it’s warming up and, in all seriousness, we needed a bit of winter to drop by to help the fish remember what they are supposed to be doing at this time of year. August sees the Australian Lure and Fly Expo come to Ipswich and I am always looking forward to this event. There is nowhere else I can catch up with some amazing lure makers (past and present) and see what is coming out of our backyard operations. This is

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SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Tweed Heads 18 Southern Gold Coast 20 Gold Coast Canals 22 Logan River 22 Gold Coast 24 Jumpinpin 26 Southern Bay 28 Brisbane Offshore 30 Brisbane 32 Northern Bay 34 Southern Pumicestone 36 Caloundra 38 Noosa 40 CENTRAL QUEENSLAND Rainbow Beach 42 Hervey Bay 42 Bundaberg 44 Stanage Bay 44 Lake Monduran 45 Fraser Coast 46 Rockhampton 48 Gladstone 49 Yeppoon 50 Mackay 52 TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND Bowen 54 Townsville 55 Ayr 56 Lucinda 58 Hinchinbrook 59 Cairns 60 Port Douglas 63 Cooktown 64 Weipa 64 Karumba 65 The Cape 65 NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES The Clarence 72 Ballina 73 REGULAR FEATURES Boating 100 Back to Basics 122 Camping and 4WD 72 Cooking 92 Dam Levels 78 Flyfishing 71 Freshwater 78 Fun Page 49 Gamefishing 83 Junior 41 Kayak 90 Sheik 51 Sunfish 105 Tournament News 65 Tech Tricks 70 Trades and Services 102 What’s New in Boating 108 What’s New in Fishing 86 SPECIAL FEATURES AFTA Best of Show awards 10 Father’s Day gift ideas 66 Overnight reef fishing 70 Drag net debate 90 Brisbane Boat Show preview 92 Moreton Bay – the impact on tagging 101 Attacking the flats 102 Fishing Malaysia 106 AUGUST 2014

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AFTA FISHING TACKLE, MARINE AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW 2014

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Titanium alloy guides with SiC inserts, High density EVA grips and a Texas rig style hook keeper. Price: approx. $195 abugarcia-fishing.com.au

To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl4Q9bFd

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To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://d4KeZx

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• Wilson Venom X •

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To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http:// goo.gl/0LyqBc

BEST SOFT LURE

Wilson’s Venom X 10-20lb 2-piece PCE Spin Rod is one of the flagship rods in the new Venom range. The top-of-the-line series includes eight jigging style rods from 150gto 450g (PE1 to PE10) and five two-piece saltwater spinning rods (popper rods) that range from PE3 through to PE12. The materials used in the blank, along with Wilson’s new resin system and cloth, allows the builders to produce a blank that can dead lift 40kg+ of weight with weights of less than 110g! But there’s no use having all the weight lifting ability without an action that allows the Angler to fully use this raw lifting power. You can literally put as much as twice the hurt on a fish for the same amount of pressure applied to the foregrip of the rod when compared to a lot of the other similar models of rods in the country today. Venom rods come with Echrome Fuji guides, blingy butts and stunning looks. Price: varies www.wilsonfishing.com

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Samaki has built its reputation on offering innovative high quality rods designed specifically for Australia. Now they have developed a braid that meets the same high quality standards at a reasonable price. Xtreme PE offers up to 8X more abrasion resistance than standard PE fibres. It’s constructed using the highest quality Japanese Dyneema fibres, and it’s braided in Japan as well, ensuring the perfect product. This tighter, more compact braid has an ultra round profile for improved casting distance, higher sensitivity and extreme knot strength. The fibre layers are individually treated with a superior UV formula to create a soft feel as well as the aided benefit of long-term performance. Xtreme PE comes in lime green and dark green, and comes in weights of 6lb, 8lb, 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb and 50lb in nd 150 yard and 300 yard spools. Price: RRP $39.95 for 150 yards www.samaki.com.au

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To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/tDJQN1

The Shimano Stella FI series reels are perfect for light line applications in both fresh and salt water. Micromodule Gear Technology delivers a new level of smoothness and reduced vibration for easier winding and better contact with the lure. S-Direct Gear means more precise gear component alignment, and Coreprotect involves a sealed bail arm line roller, rotor and roller clutch, so the Stella FIs can be fished in a variety of environments without being affected by sand, dirt or water. G Free Body means the reel’s centre of gravity has been moved closer to the rod for less winding fatigue. Each Stella has 13 SA-RB bearings and an all-new design IAR bearing, which generates less friction and lighter handle rotation. There’s also a titanium bail arm, a larger, ergonomically shaped drag knob for adjusting the new Coil Wave Spring Drag, a longer spool shape for greater casting distance, and a re-designed line clip. Price: from approx. $970 www.shimanofish.com.au

BEST ROD

• Shimano Stella FI •

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The AFTA Tackle, Marine & Outdoors Show, Australia’s only tackle trade show, was a great success this year. The 2014 AFTA Best Of Show Awards were drawn on the second day of the Show, and represent some of the best new products to hit Australian shores. Each year the AFTA Best Of Show Awards are judged according to their level of innovation, effectiveness and value for money. The judges are tackle retailers and members of the fishing media, and you can rest assured that these seasoned critics know what sets a good product apart from its peers. This year’s competition was hard-fought in numerous categories, and with the addition of several new categories, the awards showcase the best of what is to come this season. In 2014, 17 products were awarded the coveted title of Best of Show, including a three-way tie in the Bert Terminal Tackle category, each deserving winners in a field of exceptional development in the Australian tackle trade. Now, without further ado, here are the Best Of Show winners for 2014!

AUGUST 2014

AFTA Best of Show Awards

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AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS

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• Abu Veritas/Orra S40 • This new combo from Abu Garcia features an Orra S40 reel and Veritas 7’ 2-piece 6-10kg rod. The Orra S incorporates a smooth performing sealed Hybrid Carbon Matrix drag system and includes a durable braid ready aluminium spool that eliminates the need for mono backing. Other features include 6 x SSBB and corrosion resistant IAR bearing; carbon-infused body; 1-piece gearbox design; slow oscillation for even line lay with all types of line; Duragear Gears; SuperLine Spool and Sealed Carbon Matrix Drag System. It has a gear ratio of 5.8:1 and has a line capacity of 190/7 braid. Abu’s nanotechnology introduces nano particles to the rod’s resin, and the result is an extremely strong yet lightweight and balanced rod. The Veritas series also features 30 ton graphite construction, Abu’s new Extreme Exposure reel seat for extra sensitivity, lightweight

• Fish Candy Wild Prawn • River2Sea’s Fish Candy Wild Prawn has been designed to mimic Australian prawn species. There are seven colours in the range, including tiger prawn, banana prawn, jelly prawn and native prawn. All legs of the Prawn move in the water to give a realistic action. Other fish-fooling features include a fully segmented tail, ultra lifelike feelers and 3D eyes, and the lure is weighted specifically to give that lifelike gliding prawn action. No aggressive jerks are needed – just slow rolling interspersed with a few gentle twitches. The Wild Prawn is rigged with a stinger hook connected with 20kg Dyneema cord. On the belly it has another metal ring which can also be used to rig a another trailer or attach a treble.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPONS!!!! DAIWA MORETHAN BRANZINO Combines the Best Spin Reel Technology Daiwa has to offer. Mag Sealed Line Roller, Zaion Air Rotor and Super Metal Body. 2 Sizes

$799.00

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MARIA SPIN SHINER

Flashing Body makes good Stability during Fast Retrieves. Owner St-46 and Hook Bumper

FOR GREAT ADVICE AND THE LARGEST RANGE OF FISHING TACKLE IN QUEENSLAND

TEAM DAIWA COMMANDER RODS

Air Guide System, HVF Blank Technology with Air Foam Grips. Baitcast and Spin Models

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NEW

ROD AND REEL REPAIRS ALL STAFF ARE EXPERIENCED ANGLERS OPEN 7 DAYS [EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY]

GOSEN BRAID 300M

DAIWA TOURNAMENT SHIRTS

Has Extreme Castability, Durability and Strength. Special Colour Bonding that outlasts other Braids.

YAMASHITA SQUID JIGS Brisbane Largest Range of Yamashita Squid Jigs – Get skidded with Lumo!!!

GIFT VOUCHERS

Made from Micromesh to Wick perspiration from the body and Protect you from the Sun’s Harmful Rays.

from

$99.95

MAIL ORDERS AVAILABLE

NEW

$64.95

LAYBYS WELCOME

NEW

SHIMANO CURADO 2001 SERIES

Taking Design and Performance to a new Level. X-Ship, 5 SA-RB Bearings, 5.5kg Drag – 3 Gear Ratios.

$229.00

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P 07 3398 6500 436 OLD CLEVELAND ROAD CAMP HILL QLD 4152 WWW.TACKLEWAREHOUSE.COM.AU

Some items may differ in appearance from pictures and every effort has been made to ensure the advertised stock is available. No rain checks. Prices are valid until 31 August 2014. AUGUST 2014

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AFTA FISHING TACKLE, MARINE AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW 2014

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To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/8g8RS4

organizers, along with two top access compartments and a bulk storage area in the base. Accessing your gear is easy, with a drop-down, quick-access door at the front. Customizable StowAway trays are easily interchangeable so you can swap out your lures when you’re targeting different species. Even with the top closed, you can easily access your tackle accessories in the base – all you have to do is remove the bottom StowAway. As an added useful benefit, top access Dura-View lids let you see at a glance what’s inside. The 7237 comes in a graphite/sandstone colour and measures 50 x 31 x 30cm. Price: too new www.jmgillies.com.au

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a version with floats and another without floats. The floats are designed for use in areas with bait-stealing crabs; the idea is to keep your bait up off the bottom where the crabs can’t reach it. Price: too new www.blackmagic.co.nz

To visit the website, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/gu1ymu

BEST HARD LURE

There are two models, a 90mm version due out in September, and a 120mm model to be released a few months later. Price: RRP $14.95 www.river2sea.com.au

AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS

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To visit the website, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://w6vDz1

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To visit the website, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/AVLpxY

The winner of this year’s Best Clothing Accessory was AFN (Australian Fishing Network) with their cool new Solar Tube. The quick drying, UV protection of Coolmax fabric makes these tubes great for any outdoor enthusiast. One size fits all in a seamless, streatchable fabric for ultimate comfort. The fabric absorbs and wicks moisture for those hot summer days, plus it’s breathable, windproof and of course there are no seams to cause irritation. The Solar Tubes are available in your choice of camo or the following fish designs: snapper, Murray cod, barramundi, brown trout, rainbow trout and bait ball. Whether you’re fishing, biking, gardening, hunting or hiking, the possibilities and variations are endless! Keep an eye out for these great sun protection accessories at your favourite tackle store in the coming months. Price: RRP $19.99 www.afn.com.au

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Plano’s 7237 tackle box is a durable and roomy solution for storing your fishing gear. This new tackle box includes three 3700 series

• Plano 7237 •

BEST FISHING / BOATING ACCESSORY

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The ChinlockZ SWS (Snagless Weight System) has a chin lock to secure the plastic in place, and it also features a moulded weight on the belly of the hook. This aids in casting distance and creates a slow, natural, horizontal sink. Weedless rigging with the ChinlockZ SWS allows you to effectively fish over and through super snaggy structure. It comes in 1/12oz, 1/8oz, 1/6oz and 1/4oz sizes. Price: $9.95 for HeadlockZ Finesse www.ttlures.com.au

•Longreach Surf Rig •

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• AFN Solar Tube •

BEST TACKLE MANAGEMENT

Voters couldn’t choose between the TTs ChinlockZ SWS jigheads and HeadlockZ HD River & Estuary Value Pack at the AFTA Awards, with both products taking out ‘Best Terminal Tackle’. The HeadlockZ HD River & Estuary Value Pack contains five each of 1/16oz 2H, 1/12oz 1H, 1/8oz 1/0H, 1/6oz 2/0XH and 1/4oz 3/0XH HeadlockZ HD jigheads in a quality tackle tray. It offers great value for those who fish the rivers and estuaries, is ideal for those wanting to get into soft plastics fishing and is a great gift idea.

To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/ruwFyp

The Black Magic Longreach Surf Casting Rig has been cleverly designed to extend your casting distance in the surf. The secret is the aerodynamic design. Traditionally, a basic surf rig consists of a ball sinker with a pilchard a foot away from it, and this tumbles through the air as you cast it. The Longreach rig, by contrast, has a cone-shaped impact shield which slices through the air with the bait behind it. All the weight is concentrated in one area of the rig, concentrating the force of the cast into a single point for maximum distance. The Impact Shield also protects your bait, and as soon as the Shield hits the water the hook will automatically release. The Sand Grip Sinker digs into the sand upon touchdown. The rig uses Black Magic 50lb Tough Trace and the popular Black Magic KL hooks. It comes in two versions –

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• HeadlockZ and ChinlockZ •

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BEST TERMINAL TACKLE

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To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/JsOe9s

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The Halco C-Gar is a weighted stickbait designed for use on the surface for species such as Australian salmon, tailor and queenfish. Alternatively, it can be fished sub-surface for all tuna species, mackerel and other predatory fish. The lure action is less splashy than a popper however the unique nose and weighting ensures long casting ability with enough surface action to entice a strike from the wary fish looking for an easy meal. This new lure measures 120mm and weighs 40g, and comes in a range of fish-catching colours. Featuring heavy duty Mustad trebles and Halco’s famously strong fish rings for the ultimate lure-to-hook connection, the C-Gar is built like all other Halco products: to catch fish day in, day out without fuss and bother. Price: RRP: too new www.halcotackle.com

• Halco C-Gar •

BEST CLOTHING ACCESSORY

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• Aluma-Pro Gripper • Fish grippers help to handle toothy predators safely, and are a must for all serious anglers. Voted as AFTA’s 2014 Best in Show Fishing & Boating Accessory, the Rapala Aluma-Pro Gripper does it better than any other.

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SPECIAL FOCUS AWARD BEST FLY FISHING ROD

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SPECIAL FOCUS AWARD BEST FLY FISHING LINE

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Other features include: low start up inertia; largest sizes generate up to 32lb of top end drag; large backing capacities; Multi Carbon disc brake system; top grade 6061 anodized bar stock aluminium; simple left to right hand wind change with tool supplied; secure, quick release, interchangeable spools. Hardy Fortuna X reels are saltwater safe and come supplied with a protective neoprene pouch. Price: too new www.purefishing.com.au FU

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To visit the website, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/Xo6rGN

BEST OUTDOOR / CAMPING PRODUCT

around 100 lumens). The battery life for continuous use ranges from 45 minutes to 4.5 hours, depending on the brightness setting. The light comes with a dual mounting bracket which mounts it next to the GoPro. It’s also compatible with all GoPro mounts, either alongside the GoPro or by itself. It’s due to be released later this year. The Hero3+ Black Edition ($529) is 20% smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and delivers improved image quality. New features include a super-wide angle mode, auto low light feature, 30% better battery life, faster Wi-Fi and a sharper lens. Price: too new www.vsport.com.au

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To visit the website, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/2JvW5J

This lip grip is built for easy one-handed operation; index finger trigger on the 9” model, thumb operated trigger on the 6” model. Its skeleton style anodized aluminium body is lightweight yet durable with a contoured design for comfortable use. A set of stainless steel jaws enable this product to be used in the harshest environments against the biggest fish in the ocean, and it come with a wrist lanyard. Price: RRP from $69.95 for 6” model www.rapala.com.au

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Saltwater is where your abilities as a flyfisher are constantly measured and honed, and now Sage has introduced the Salt series, developed through decades of saltwater experience. The SALT series replaces the Xi3 series, and these new rods are Sage’s first saltwater fly rods built on its newer Konnetic technology. That’s the same technology which Sage’s popular and award-winning One and Method series of rods are built upon. Like all the Konnetic-built rods, the focus is on quick loading, high line speeds and pinpoint accuracy. According to chief rod designer Jerry Siem, “The ability to adapt to quickly changing conditions is imperative when saltwater fishing, and Konnetic Technology allows deft sensitivity and the ability to track extremely straight.” Salt rods feature a dark sapphire blank with distinctive black wraps, oversized Fuji ceramic stripper guides, hard chromed snake guides and an anodized aluminium up-locking reel seat which includes a hidden hook keeper. The series has offerings from 5wt through to 16wt. Price: too new www.jmgillies.com.au S

To visit the website, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/PAlivA

• Sage Salt Fly Rod •

PRO

Founded in 1956, the Barnett name is synonymous with quality archery products. Australian fishing and outdoor distributor J.M. Gillies has now incorporated this great brand into its range. The rise in profile of archery through movies such as The Hunger Games has created a renewed interest in bow hunting, and one way to get a young person into this rewarding traditional sport is with a quality archery set like the Barnett Junior Camo Cat (#B1152). This 17-22lb compound bow has a 20-22” draw length, is right handed and comes complete with two arrows to get your budding hunter started. Other models in the line-up include the Banshee, Lil Banshee, Smackdown, Freak Nasty, Black Cat and Vortex Hunter, ranging from 15-20lb right through to 45-60b. There are also ethofoam target archery sets available. Price: too new www.jmgillies.com.au

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• Hardy Fortuna • • GoPro Knog Light • GoPro distributor V-Sport has released the perfect match for the GoPro Hero3+: a powerful waterproof Knog LED light. It sits alongside your GoPro without getting in the way of using buttons or opening mounts, and it’s waterproof down to 40m, just like your GoPro. Settings range from 70 lumens up to 400 lumens (to give you some perspective, your stock standard waterproof torch emits 14

AUGUST 2014

The Fortuna X from Hardy is the result of a collaboration between some of the finest reel designers in the industry and the ultimate saltwater predator, Andy Mill. Together they created a lightweight, waterproof sealed, beast of a fly reel producing up to 32lb of pure smooth stopping power. This strong and surprisingly light reel has been designed to perfectly balance the Proaxis rods. Stunning in design, the Fortuna X features multiple carbon brake pads, seven point waterproof sealing, and secure yet rapid toolless spool change.

To fool, hook and land a fish, everything must go right. Particularly if that fish is big. The team at Cortland know that extends to more than just fly lines. That’s why their leaders, tippet material, backing and PolyTaper tips are engineered to perform flawlessly — turning over big flies into the wind, making subtle presentations on spring creeks and outlasting zig-zagging runs on the flats. Fish have many ways to break your heart but gear failure shouldn’t be one of them. The Precision Tropic Plus Saltwater Taper is Cortland’s latest premium all-around hot weather floating line for multi-species saltwater flyfishing. Featuring a long-body and weight-forward taper designed to cast larger flies in windy conditions, the hard-finished Tropic Plus coating is fused to a solid monofilament core so it shoots smoothly and stays tangle-free in the extreme tropical heat. Precision Tropic Plus Saltwater Taper fly lines are available in Australia in weight-forward floating lines in 6wt, 8wt, 9wt and 10wt, all in a Sand colour. Price: varies www.jarviswalker.com.au

Public Day Next Year? There has been a lot of talk about a public day for the AFTA Trade Only Show and it looks likely that this may occur next year. Steve Morgan interviewed Allan Hansard, CEO of AFTA, at this year’s show and Allan revealed that plans were underway for a public day. Just think about that for a moment. You will get the opportunity to see first hand all of the amazing new products before they hit the tackle stores. You’ll be able to speak with the people who really know the product inside and out and focus your attentions on the products you want to see. I can even imagine the shrewd visitor making sure his local tackle store stocks the products he or she has seen at the show by taking notes and making sure they are aware of the new gear. While it is still a little way off being 100% guaranteed, the signs are positive that AFTA will be having a public day in 2015. And who wouldn’t want to go and see that? In the mean time, AFTA is working closely with a number of exhibition and show organisers to create new ‘Tackle Zones’ at boat shows and the like. Here the general public will be immersed in a fishing world that takes you back to the old days when shows had a heap of good, new and discounted tackle. AFTA is working hard at engaging the public and we are all looking forward to the developments to next year’s AFTA Show. – FMG To watch the video, scan this QR Code with your smartphone or log onto http://goo.gl/hlWiPd

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AUGUST 2014

What’s new fishing Powered by

N.S. BLACK HOLE AVENGERS

The latest addition to the N.S. Black Hole range of spin and cast rods, the Avenger series features stylish rod builds and genuine Fuji componentry. All rod blanks feature WXW (Wide X-Wrapping) carbon paper and deep D joint rod joins for the best connection between tip and butt sections without any flat spots. Fuji tangle-free K guides and Fuji VSS and ACS reel seats are a feature on all models, along with high grade cork around the handle with EVA butts. There are three spin models and seven baitcast models in the series, all two-piece. Models range from the S-602UL spin (6’0”, 5lb line class, 3/16oz lure weight, ultra light action) right through to the C-692H cast (6’9”, 20lb line class, 1.5oz lure weight, heavy action). To watch an interview outlining the features and applications of different models, scan the QR code on this page or search for ‘Black Hole Avenger Rods’ on YouTube. Price: approx. $310 www.ejtodd.com.au

SUNLINE PE-EGI ULT

SAMURAI ELEVATE BLUEWATER

Samurai, makers of the Kestrel and Inflict rod ranges, have now released the Elevates series. These rods are designed for bluewater fishing applications and like all Samurai rods, have been constructed using advanced techniques and components all combined into an affordable, lightweight and strong package. A completely new Samurai blank recipe, it has been tested it thoroughly and then tweaked just the right amount for each rod in the series from the ELE-16-F70, 8-16lb light offshore spin rod all the way to the ELE-50-F70, 30-50lb heavy duty spin rod. The blank itself is perfect as a lure casting blank or bait fishing all rounder, and is capable as a trolled outfit for mackerel in the heavier sizes. Try the 50lb for a light popping rod – it’s great for all reef fishing. Fuji Alconite K Series anti-tangle guides and a Fuji DPS reel seat finish off the build of these great rods. Price: approx. $300 www.samurairods.com.au

FREEZE DRIED BAIT

Sunline Saltwater Special PE-Egi ULT braid provides feedback like no other. This super-fine braid is the ultimate in high performance, giving you the sharpness and toughness you need for dynamic casting and aggressive pumping. PE-Egi ULT is made with ULT-PE for superior strength, stiffness, sensitivity, and abrasion resistance. Super-sensitive line design gives you precise, instant feedback of the tiniest action. The line has moderate stiffness and a special coating for excellent manageability, and unbelievably high durability. Now you can go into those heavy cover areas and rocky sections you’ve never dared to try before. The line changes colour every 15m, and there’s also a black mark every 2.5m for easy checking of casting, drift, and hit point distances. Sizes range from PE 0.3 to PE 1, and the spool size is 180m. As well as being ideal for squidding, it’s excellent for light line luring for the likes of bream and bass. Price: approx. $70 per 180m www.ejtodd.com.au

The Freeze Dried Bait Company uses the finest fresh bait, sourced from premium sustainability focused suppliers. Using state-of-the-art freeze driers, 98% of moisture is removed while all natural oils and solids remain virtually intact. Packed in heavy duty UV proof bags with nitrogen flushing enables the bait to remain preserved for over 3 years. When it’s time to wet a line the bait is simply rehydrated in fresh or salt water. Rehydration occurs in around six minutes and the result is a slightly rubbery texture. The firmness of rehydrated bait ensures it grips the hook better than most fresh alternatives. Benefits include: no need to keep bait refrigerated or frozen; compact size for storing in glovebox or backpack; 70% lighter than frozen block of bait; and reduced mess and smell. Freeze Dried Bait is available now from selected tackle stores, Big W and online. Price: from RRP $8.95 www.freezedriedbait.com

RAPALA XXX-RAP CAST

Built with extreme casting distances in mind, the super durable and heavily weighted XXX-Rap Cast will not let you down when the fish are busting bait further than most lures can get to. In addition to its ultimate castability, the XXX-Rap Cast features a heavy-duty construction and in-line VMC 7266 single hooks for added strength against big predators. With its extreme rolling and wobbling action, the XXX-Rap Cast is designed for high speed presentations and responds well to twitching with a sinking, fluttering action on the pause. This new lure is available in 12cm and 14cm lengths, weighing 36g and 54g respectively. For more information on this and other new Rapala models, including the collectable official NRL X-Raps and new Magnum colours, scan the QR code hereabouts. Price: from RRP $27.95 www.rapala.com.au

DTREBLE SAQ SAS

The best lures need the best accessories and there are none finer than new performance-inspired lure accessories from Daiwa. Advanced in technology, performance and features, these Japanese designed accessories will take your lure fishing to the next level, and keep your lures performing at their best. One of the latest releases is the DTreble Saq Sas, which raises the bar on hook performance and sets a new standard for others to follow. Featuring Daiwa’s Saq Sas hook plating technology that increases hook penetration by up to 40%, these trebles will enable you to hook fish with needle-like precision. More refined, sharper and less prone to corrosion, these are a tournament and finesse angler’s dream treble. Available models are: the SS3R #1 (size 1 hook, 6 per pack), SS3R #2 (size 2, 6-pack), SS3R #4 (size 4, 7-pack), SS3R #6 (size 6, 7-pack), SS3R #8 (size 8, 7-pack) and SS3R #10 (size 10, 7-pack). Price: too new www.daiwafishing.com.au

Please send contributions to: The Editor, Fishing Monthly Group PO BOX 3172 LOGANHOLME, QLD. 4129 nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au

AUGUST 2014

What’s new fishing Powered by

PRESSO ROLLING CRANK

Good things come in small packages with the Daiwa Presso Rolling Crank, designed for Australia and made in Japan. With input from bream pros such as Chris Hickson, Micah Adams and Chris Seeto, this highly refined lure combines eye-catching colour schemes and baitfish patterns with heightened castability and varying depths. An enticing tight-wobble action stands the Rolling Crank out from the pack, while a mid (MR) and deep running (DR-SF) model ensures anglers have the right lure to get to the right depth. Measuring 32mm in length, 2.8g (MR) and 3.6g (DR) in weight, and diving to 1.3m (MR) and 2m (DR) this is a small crank that is designed and tuned for maximum casting performance, and swims deeper and easier than most lures of the same size. Featuring Daiwa’s super sharp, super strong, high penetration SaqSas trebles, this crank is dynamite on the likes of bream and trout and will be available from October. Price: too new www.daiwafishing.com.au

GLORYFY SUNGLASSES

NORIES 7G TAILSPINNERS

What do you get when you put innovative engineers, designers and extreme sport people in the one room? You get Gloryfy unbreakable sunglasses. Gloryfy sunglasses are based on maximum protection of the eyes, highest functionality and minimized risk of injuries. This is all possible because of the intelligent materials and innovative technologies from this Austrian eyewear company. The patented technology used to make the frames and lenses (G-flex and I-Flex) make the lenses and frames extremely flexible and always return to their original shape. Check out the YouTube clip showing how stong and unbreakable this product is). Gloryfy lenses have the highest quality ratings and come in polarised or nonpolarised versions. Prescription lenses are also available. If you have problems with breaking your sunnies then this range of sunglasses are for you. Price: RRP $250-279 (polarised) www.gloryfy.com

ZEREK FLASH MINNOWS

The Zerek Flash Minnow has a highly reflective panel slotted into a hollow section in the plastic so it crinkles and flashes, sending out beams of reflected light to draw in predators. The lure also has a flexible action to mimic a baitfish swimming. The plastic itself is tough enough to stand up to those toothy pelagic species yet supple enough to fool the wiliest of brown trout. The Flash Minnow can be stretched to over double its length with no ill effects. The straight tail imparts a very tight shimmer-style action, perfect for fast retrieves, and it softly wafts when the lure is allowed to sink. Flash Minnows can be rigged weedless with the supplied specially-weighted offset worm hook or with a jighead. They come in seven colours and four sizes: 70mm (8pack), 90mm (8-pack), 110mm (6-pack) and 130mm (5-pack). Price: RRP $15.99 www.wilsonfising.com

Norio Tanabe is a leader amongst Japanese professional anglers, and has used his know-how and extensive experience to make quality tackle under his own brand, Nories. As well as bass fishing, Tanabe has developed a reputation for saltwater lure fishing. In many saltwater based tournaments he has been able to overpower even seasoned locals to win many titles. His talent and adaptability is legendary. His In The Bait tailspinners have a design and profile that works very well on Australian bass. There are three models on the Australian market – a 12g model, an 18g version and now a 7g model. Between them they allow you to: target deep water schooling fish; target fish biting just below the surface; when bait fish are schooling in mid-water; when jigging spoons lack enough appeal to pull a bite. They’re pretty much an all season lure for natural reaction bites. Price: approx. $25 www.jml.com.au

MARUKYU LARGE CRAB

Marukyu has already enjoyed success with its 15mm and 20mm Isome Crabs, and now it has announced a 25mm version to attract a bigger class of fish. Like its predecessors it’s simple to use and is impregnated with a potent 6x attractant. You can fish the Crab really lightly weighted, drifting it down around pylons, or you can jighead rig it from the back so it walks backwards like a real crab. Depending on where and how you fish the 25mm Crab you can expect to encounter groper, drummer, bream, snapper, mulloway and more. Colours available are brown, green and purple. The 15mm model comes in packs of 10 and is suited to a size 6 hook/jighead, while the 20mm model comes in a pack of eight and suits a size 3 or 4 hook/jighead. Both of those models are available now, and the 25mm version will hit shelves early next year. Price: RRP $10.95 www.jml.com.au

TEN20 AUSSIE RODS

A group of talented Australian rod builders around the country have assembled to make a tournament-quality range of rods predominantly for the bream and bass market. This new brand is called TEN20, and it’s distributed via Rod Components Australia. Designed by rod builder Mark Newcombe, there are spin, baitcast and fly rods in the range, all hand-built in Australia using quality components. The spin rods feature the multi award-winning Microwave Tidal Wave guides from the American Tackle Company (American Tackle Company components are also available separately from Rod Components Australia). These guides capture hoops of line and straighten them out for maximum distance and accuracy. As well as the 10 spin rods there are also six baitcast models and eight fly rods, and you can view all the features, specs and pics at the Rod Components Australia website. Price: from RRP $330-$449 www.rodcomponentsaustralia.com.au

Please send contributions to: The Editor, Fishing Monthly Group PO BOX 3172 LOGANHOLME, QLD. 4129 nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au

AUGUST 2014

Get breaming with the pros THE TWEED

David Solano

I first met Guy and Warren Struthers about six years ago, I think it was at the first ever KFT (Kayak Fishing Tournament). Back then Guy was a pimply young kid watched over by dad Warren, who had purchased Guy one of those tiny $150 yaks, but hey – it got him on the water. Guy went on to get a Viking Pro Angler then a Hobie Outback, but once he turned 18 everything changed. There was a bream comp on not that long ago on the Tweed, and the father and son combo invited me out for a pre-fish with them. I hadn’t seen Guy’s new boat before so I got a pleasant surprise to see a Skeeter with a souped up 90 being towed up my driveway. I thought to myself, this kid has come a long way! It’s always an interesting night when the three of us get together – so many rods and other gear everywhere! It’s always a lot of fun, although I was wondering how 17 rods would fit on the Skeeter. It turns out I had seen the boat before. I had actually been in it as it used to belong to Jay Perham and then Grayson

Fong, both of whom had stayed at my place for an ABT comp. That’s how I got a drive in it – Jay took me to the start of the comp at Jack Evans Boat Harbour and I lost my sunnies when he took off like a rocket. They just disappeared. Damn that boat takes off quick! Dave McKenzie and Tristan Taylor also stayed that weekend, so we had a full house. The fight on the water for fish may have been tough but you should have seen the battle for the bathroom in the morning. Back to the 17 rods. We were up before daybreak and fortunately the rods went in no probs – some on top, the rest in rod holders below deck. It’s a bit different burning around the river on one of these fast movers, and because I was the local I thought Guy might ask me for some spots. Nope, he had other ideas. He actually showed me all his spots and how to fish them. I felt like a goose because I used to go straight by the spots he showed me. I don’t pass them by anymore. I learnt a lot that day, as Guy is like a sponge and is always talking to and taking tips from the pros. He used to work with Darren ‘Dizzy’ Borg and now works with the legendary yak fisherman Justin

(The Colonel) Wilmer. Part of his job is painting lures. That would have to be the best job in the world, or close to it! (Hey boss, I think I need to test this colour. Oh, and these ones as well...”) Anyway, the first place we hit was the trawlers, then all the boats around the anchorage. This is where Guy caught the biggest bream of the day and how he did it was pretty cool to watch. He had spotted bream under a yacht in the shadows, so he lined the boat up in such a way that he could cast his hardbody just past the yacht and bring the lure back running parallel to the boat. On his first cast this horse of a fish came screaming out and smashed the lure – no timid bite there. The next boat had no fish under it but the one after that did. This time Warren (Wozza) caught the fish under instructions from Guy. The boys called me up the front of the boat to have a go. I was suddenly nervous. I cast my lure onto the boat, snagging some rope. We retrieved it and headed to the next boat. I soon got the hang of casting past the structure and lining myself up properly to achieve this. Next we hit the sea

walls. No fish, so down to the wall opposite Chinderah flats. At this stage we were using Z-Man 2” curly tails and shallow diving Atomics. Another good fish came aboard, making it four legals in the live well. Then we went down to Condong and what’s known in ABT circles as Will’s Wall, named after Will Lee, a prominent tournament fisher. It’s near the boat building yard and guess what? I finally got a legal, so thanks Will! There you go – a bag in the Tweed and it was only 10:30am with 3.5 hours to go. Come tournament day, I fished with my mate Richard Creighton in a field of only 17 or so boats. My mate had done really well in an ABT comp not that long ago so we fished his spots. We got a lot of fish but no legal bream. I was yelling at one stage as I could see silver and it was big. Yes!” I shouted as Dic netted it. “No!” I yelled when I saw it was a luderick. Rare for a luderick to eat a plastic. Guy and Warren fished the same places they had taken me and got smashed. They kept upgrading all day long and went on to win the comp easily. WHAT’S BITING I’ve mentioned in the last couple of months how there’s

Fishing

Warren and Guy Struthers with their pre-fish catches. so much bait around in the river, and out at sea I’ve never seen it look this healthy. At one stage last week it was like I could step out onto the water and walk on mullet, they were that thick. So where can you catch some fish? The Seaway is a good place to start. It can be hard this time of year but try to find some dirty water as the locals tell me they’ve landed nice mulloway, tailor, bream and the odd yellowtail kingfish. Interestingly I saw a bloke catch a squire next to the pumping jetty off the Fingal side. The flatties seem to have gone missing from the normal spots but I noticed a lot being caught off the rock walls near Fingal. Up around the golf course is always worth a try as well.

I haven’t come across many whiting though I did pick one up on my new H20 Murray yak. It was a surprise as it took a bream lure. Luderick fishos are out in numbers and so are the fish. I reckon if I can catch them on plastics they’re gonna love the weed. Do yourself a favour and try out the front of the Naval Cadet School on Dry Dock Road as I’m always seeing fish being caught there. I’ll finish with something weird. While coming home under Boyds Bay Bridge early the other morning I noticed four fish frames hanging from four ropes. I don’t know if it was someone being artistic or just the random act of a weirdo. Whatever – someone must have had a nice feed. Cheers.

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Seeing red for snapper season STH GOLD COAST

Ben Job

I think many of us will be seeing plenty of red this august due to it being probably the preferred

month to target big snapper off of our local waters. Though I’ve had great success on soft plastics for snapper I really enjoy fishing a bait down a berley trail and waiting for that anticipated bite. Snapper will bite on a wide

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variety of baits but I think it’s pretty hard to go past a good quality pilchard. I’ve caught plenty on strip and butterfly baits but I think pillies will catch any class of fish. When I’m bait fishing, I choose to floatline. This consists of a small ball (as small as possible) sinker running right on to my hooks. And for sinkers, McCubbin Glow Sinker are by far the best! This rig is fished best by free spooling the bait very slowly towards the bottom. Once the snapper grabs the bait, which is generally on the decent, it will feel no resistance. Once I feel the ‘run’ I give it a second or so before firmly setting the hook. For big snapper this method is best. The snapper can be found at just about any reef

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AUGUST 2014

offshore of the Gold Coast but I particularly like the 24 fathom reefs off Surfers Paradise, Fidos, the Mud Hole and at times Deep Southern will also hold good numbers. Soft plastic fishing for snapper is a very effective method, and at times they will take a plastic over bait 10 to 1. Plastics can be extremely easy to fish, often by just making a long cast up current and stripping a bit of line out and forgetting about it in the rod holder can be just as effective as anything. I like to let my plastic to the bottom slowly, trying to attract a bite as the lure drops and once the plastic has reached the bottom a few sharp jerks and allow to sink again. Snapper will bite on a wide range of plastics but Gulp, Guzzler or Bass Assassin are proven winners for me. I constantly vary my jighead, I find by having a selection from 1/4-1oz with varying hook sizes will do the deed most of the time. Cobia will start to become more prevalent in August. These hard fighting fish are not only great sport but make fantastic table fair. Cobia are also quite partial to a soft plastic but if you want to target cobia effectively, live bait is the way to go. I like to use fairly hefty live bait; tailor, squire or slimey mackerel would be more than suitable. A running sinker to a heavy swivel and about 1 metre of 36kg leader, to either a single or double hook rig depending on the size of your bait is my preferred rig. Lately I have had success fishing my livies on a circle hook but I think, particularly if the bait is quite large 2 x 8/0 ‘J’ style hooks are probably more suitable. You

A good feed of bottom fish. There should be no trouble getting a feed like this in the next month as August is a real highlight month for offshore anglers. will find cobia on any reef in our area, but they don’t seem to venture too wide so anything around the 18 to 24 fathom line as well as Palm Beach Reef and Fidos are all good places to kick off your cobia season. If the weather is nice you may be keen to head a little bit wider from the coast. The 42 and 50 fathom line are the perfect places to target reef species like pearl perch, pig fish and morwong, as well as numerous other ooglies that like it out there. When fishing these deep reefs I prefer to use a paternoster or dropper rig. Because these fish mainly live close down to the bottom your bait spends more time in the bite zone. Jigging metal knife style jigs is a good way to get your arms stretched by some hard fighting fish. Kingfish, Samson, amberjack and bonito are all target species whilst jigging. These fish will live anywhere that there is reef so it’s worth giving a go next time you’re out. Jigs from 200–400g will cover most bases. By jigging and winding at a fairly vigorous pace, this can spark the attention of a passing predator. INSHORE August is a good month to really kick off your annual flathead onslaught. The big breeders will be showing their faces regularly and following them will be plenty of numbers of smaller school fish. Along the breakwall of both the Southport Seaway and the Tweed Bar are prime location for big flathead. Most big plastics will fit the bill for deep water flathead but my new favourite is the Power RT brought out by Ecogear. This robust shad still has a great action even with a very heavy jighead which is a big plus. I don’t think colour makes a huge difference, but will vary my colours to the water clarity. If it’s dirty use something bright, if it’s clean use something light coloured. I’ve also had good results on Gulp Jerkshads and Curl Tail Grubs. A 1oz jighead will do most of your deep water flathead work around the tide changes but anywhere around mid-tide you may need to go heavier to ensure you are making regular contact with the bottom. When you are chasing smaller flathead a smaller

profile lure is required. I find something between 3” and 5” long matches the hatch and as for types of lures, there’s plenty! I will generally swap and change all day bit I’m a big fan of a few in particular. The DOA 4” Jerkshad is definately one of my best lures and their colour range is fantastic, between this lure and an Ecogear BTS Shad these two are the pick of the litter in my opinion. I will generally only use two head weights when fishing shallower water. I find 1/4oz and 3/8oz best and I alter between the two depending on water depth and how strong the wind is. I use coloured McCubbin jigheads exclusively when fishing for flathead. I think a jighead that’s fluoro colour can be what’s needed to get the bites! In August spots to try are Crab Island, the pylons around the Sundale Bridge and the Kennedy Drive boat harbour in the Tweed River. School mulloway will be showing themselves in August and they, along with flathead, love soft plastics. I find plastics from 4-6” best for mulloway as it generally matches the size bait that they will feed on. These fish are mainly found around deep holes, drop off and breakwalls, and these sorts of places are generally targeted most effectively around an hour or so either side of the change of tide. For mulloway I try to fish about a 20lb line and a leader of around 30lb, this will allow a smaller mulloway to still put up a fight but you have the stopping power in case you hook a big fish. August is also a good month to target some stonker bream. These fish will take bait or lure and provide great sport throughout our estuaries. By casting hard bodies and soft plastics around the canals or shallow running crank baits and poppers over the flats you will be sure to nail a few. Bream can be quite finicky on lure so be sure to use a light leader, 6 or 8lb would be maximum. Tailor, trevally and a few Australian salmon will be readily available around the Southport Seaway, and if you can time a run in tide around dawn or dusk it won’t take you long to come across some action. Casting surface lures and metal slugs around 20-40g is generally best, though a live herring or poddy mullet will do the trick as well.

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Good month for canal fishers GOLD COAST CANALS

Josh Dunn www.joshdunnfishing.com.au

This month is sure to be a good one with quite a few fish getting on the bite. Water temperature is a big factor when it comes to the fish’s feeding moods. I’ve found a lot more anglers have been coming into the canals fishing for bream, mulloway and flathead, three of the main species on most estuarine anglers list this month! Already I have seen a lot of flathead caught, nearly every time I go for a flick I get at around 3-5 with one large specimen. I’m telling you, blades are the go right now and also in the upcoming months, slowly retrieved with hops, lifts and always keeping in contact with the bottom. Good flathead areas include most mouths of canals; Nerang River, Jacobs Well, Runaway Bay with lots more on the list. Whiting have been in good numbers, taking a variety of surface lures. My favourite lure is the Strada Chaos 45mm and most ‘walk the dog’ lures fishing over the sand flats. You will get quality whiting nearly everywhere on a sand flat. Some favourite areas include in Coombabah

River (throughout the main channel you will find sand flats), Council Cambers in the Nerang River, and throughout the Jacobs Well area. All you need to remember is always keep that popper moving no matter what. Do not stop it even if a whiting is behind it. If you stop it, most of the time they will swim away. If you’re a bait fisho, you can’t beat bloodworms! In Jacobs Well there are plenty of mullet full of roe. Mullet are very good crab bait and the ones at 10-20cm make exceptional mulloway bait, both live and their fillets. There are also a few luderick around throughout the Passages around Tipplers. Squid! There are a lot of squid getting around, mostly around weed beds and under lights at night. A few areas I’ve got in mind include the marina near the Bayview Towers in Biggera Waters and Runaway Bay. Best lure on the market is definitely the IKA Squid Jigs in pink! This is the last month of winter. It has sure been a cold one with temps getting as low as 4°C at times! The water temperatures will very slowly start to increase in the next couple of months. The surface bite has been average, but I

do put my surface lures away unless there is some surface action, but now I will start getting them back out. The odd bream will take a small surface popper. Lures with a nice mouth on it that will push water forward are the best, like the BOLT poppers and Lucky Craft G-Splash. Hope Island, Coomera River, Sovereign Island, Nerang River and Coombabah are some giant trevally hot spots around this time of year. These fish will smash the

LOGAN RIVER

Warwick Roberts

Yep, it’s getting cold but the fishing is hot. With winter upon us cool days and cold nights dictate our fishing styles. The cooler months and usual westerly winds generally keep the river water clarity at its best, with high tides pushing clear, salty water right throughout the river system. With no rain on the cards, this should continue for a while yet. Dolphins in the river are winter’s sure sign that the

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mullet run is well and truly on and in turn sets the scene for a good winter’s fishing right up and down the river. We often see pods of dolphins in the Logan at this time of year and they are nature’s fish finder. With dolphins, comes bait schools of varying types. Their main prey of mullet are accompanied by schools of herring and a host of other species, which tends to turn up the heat on the fishing front. Keeping a visual contact to the environment by following the signs that dolphins, sea eagles, sea gulls and pelicans display will quite often point you in the right direction. The Logan River consists of a mouth that has numerous areas (channels) that flow in and out of it during the tides, right up to the junction of the Albert and Logan rivers and is an excellent area to chase numerous species of our piscatorial adversaries. To name a few that will be in good numbers, mulloway, king threadfin salmon, bream, whiting, tailor and flathead along with the ever-reliable mud crab. Mulloway will be in large schools easily displayed by a good sounder in the lower part of the water column. They tend to school up and hold in areas that the bait frequents. Areas to try will be deep water near the mouth just before leaving the river, Marks Rocks, the beacons opposite Aggeston Sands, Pitts Rocks, Devils Elbow and the junction. Livies along with large softplastics worked slowly will be their undoing.

Threadfin take a bit more work but adhering to last month’s tips will help the angler in the spots previously mentioned. Results will come to those who put in the hard work and search for the areas that threadies prey in. Once again, livies and large paddle-tail plastics will work a treat once you’ve nutted out their haunts. Bream will be in plague proportions, so anyone taking the kids fishing, this should be your target species as kid’s attentions soon wanes if there are no fish coming aboard. A light 6-7’ rod and spinning reel loaded with 8lb monofilament line and a no. 2 sinker directly on top of a 1/0 suicide hook will keep the smiles going and the fish coming in fast. Baiting with prawns, mullet, herring or yabbies, which can be pumped at low tide on Aggeston Sands. Areas to looks for would everywhere in the Logan, but for kids I would look for somewhere where thee aren’t too many snags, as kids and especially captains can’t re-rig the lines every cast. Deeper banks offer the best bet and there’s plenty to try. Whiting would be the next best, as the yabbies and peeled prawns can have you connected to some of these tasty fish as well. Main areas for whiting in the Logan would be the shallow banks in and around the islands out fro Rocky Point prawn farm, just up from Marks Rocks followed by Aggeston Sands and the Horseshoe Bank just before the junction of the two rivers.

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surface chasing tiny baitfish, whether from deep into the canals right down to the mouth of the canal. Casting a small plastic at around 2.5” with a small TT Lures Hidden Weight System jighead is the perfect set up for this situation as you will have a ball! A few more GT spots include Jacobs Well and Tipplers Channel, but keep in mind that these pelagics are always on the chase for bait, so keep your lures in the strike zone! For the bait fishos, try white pilchards and prawns on

Kai Roberts with 80cm of mulloway from Pitts Rocks.

Flathead are in consistent numbers and you can’t go past having a troll as just about every bank in the Logan holds a flatty or two. I suggest trolling in 3-7’ of water close to the bank on the last of the run out tide. They will be congregating around the mouth of the small drains and on the edge of the sandbanks awaiting the bait to be forced off the shallows in search of deeper water. They will prefer the shallower water at this time of year, as it is usually a bit warmer. Aggeston Sands is a great place to troll as there are no snags and it’s a large area to try for the angler. Redland Bay Channel is a good place to try as well. Tailor will be throughout the river on the last of the run in tide up to the half hour of the run out if this coincides with dawn or dusk. The seagulls will indicate their arrival at this time, so when you see seagulls getting active, it’s time to throw a few small hardbodied lures around. Anything in the 50-75mm size range diving between 1-4 feet would be my suggestion. White and pink seem to be my most successful colours. Pressure points along rock bars are their usual haunts, so having a troll will cover a bit of ground until you can get connected, then a cast and retrieve with a stop-start style can be employed. Also, never forget the crab pots as the muddies are always in the river. Remember, 4 pots per person, so my advice would be to try 4 different areas. The success can be heightened if this approach is taken. Best baits will always be your old fish frames or left over bait, as what you take from the river should be returned to it n one form of another. I hope these tips will put some fillets on the table or just make for a memorable day out. Don’t forget to take a kid fishing, because their smile is as good as a screaming drag. Until next months, hope your eskies fill.

Offshore temps hold on for dear life GOLD COAST

David Green

This year has seen the water temperatures hold at near summer levels right into July. We have been catching blue marlin all through winter so far and on the inshore grounds there are still a few Spanish mackerel. The snapper have been slow to start and the water has often been 23°C, which is way too warm for snapper to spawn. This month the water should cool down at last and we should see a return to normal winter fishing patterns. August usually sees a pattern of moderate to strong north westerly winds alternating with

quite calm conditions. Current is general minimal on the wider grounds and deep water bottom fishing is generally good. Target species this month include snapper, pearl perch, kingfish, mulloway and teraglin. For the game fisher there should be a few striped marlin and yellowfin tuna on the continental shelf with the chance of a big blue marlin if the water stays above 22°C. It is hard to predict what will happen as the tongues of warm current moving south never seem to end! Snapper should be in good numbers this month on the 36 fathom line. The northern end of the reef east of Jumpinpin is often the most productive area in latitudes between

27° 40’ and 27° 45’. Soft plastics and slowly drifted, lightly weighted pilchards are generally very effective. I try to get to my good snapper marks just on dawn and fish until about 8am before heading out to the 50 fathom line to chase pearl perch and samsonfish. This month is a good month to stock up on prime eating fish and some of the biggest snapper are caught in August. Closer to shore there should be snapper, mulloway, tailor and teraglin. The 18, 20 and 24 fathom reefs are all worth a fish this month. In early June the mackerel were still biting off snapper fisher’s floating pilchards and there may still be a few around in August. Fishing the close

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reefs can be very productive at night with berley, live baits and pilchards. I find I catch nearly all my mulloway on the close reefs after sunset as they seem to leave their caves and move around in the open to feed. Most of these fish are between 9kg and 15kg. Remember the bag limit is 2 fish per person and the minimum size limit is 75cm. Cobia are another species worth targeting this month. The 20 fathom line east of Surfers Paradise often holds plenty of big yakkas and slimies as well as big schools of tailor and the cobia feed hard on these reefs. Big livebaits produce plenty of good cobia at this time of year and these adult fish average around 20kg. Most of the action takes place around the change of tide. Big mackerel tuna are a common by-catch but have become scarcer in recent years. When cobia fishing it helps if you berley heavily with large chunks of fish or chopped pilchards. They are a greedy species with a mouth like a bucket. RIVERS AND ESTUARIES August is a great month in the estuaries with a lot of fish movement with the prevailing westerly winds.

Mark Frendin with a classic Gold Coast combination: A flathead taken on a Lively Lures’ Micro Mullet.

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Mullet, bream and luderick are all in their spawning runs and there are a lot of big schools of fish around the entrances as many

fish start to move along the beaches. Flathead also increase in size and numbers throughout the Broadwater and feed aggressively prior

to the spring spawning season. It is also a good month to target mulloway in the Seaway and around Jumpinpin.

When the water is clear and clean the central Broadwater from Crab Island in the south, then north to Tipplers Passage is a great area to fish this month with soft plastics, prawn copies, blades and vibration baits for small to medium flathead. While a few big fish over 70cm start to show up in catches, the majority are 40-60cm long. These fish are great eating and fun to catch on light braid. As a general rule the bottom half of the tide cycle is the most productive, but with practice you will catch

fish over all parts of the tide cycle once you work out the channels and sand holes. Work the edges of the mangroves on high tide and the draining channels on the fall and first of the run in tide. Sometimes this month sees strong warm north westerlies blow. This brings on an algal bloom and creates a lot of mid water weed that fouls lures regularly and makes fishing hard. In these conditions look for the patches of clean water and the small lagoons where the current is minimal. Flathead

fishing can be tough in north westerly winds. Mulloway will be active on the top of the tide at night although the season has been slow to start, probably due to the late onset of cold weather. Live mullet, pike or tailer make the best baits. Fish these in the eddies. When the current is running hard use a sinker, but take the lead off as the water push slows down. Most of the mulloway caught at night are good fish over a metre long and are well worth the effort. Fish light leader around 15

kilo breaking strain if the water is clear and be quiet and patient. The run in tide often sees good schools of tailor move into the estuary and spinning with metal lures is often very productive. There may also be Australian

Salmon around as well. These usually more southern species have arrived on the Gold Coast intermittently over the last 5 years and they generally show themselves in late winter. Overall, August is quite a good month to fish the

Gold Coast with plenty of variety on offer. There are already plenty of boats out there practicing for the 2014 Flathead Classic and it looks like being a pretty good flathead season if early reports are anything to go by.

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Winter wonderland JUMPINPIN

Mick Morris gembait@tpg.com

Chilly but clear conditions should be the order of the day throughout August as the westerlies kick in and make for great fishing. It’s one of the best times of the year to fish the Pin with flathead season kicking off with plenty of bream and whiting available as well. Flathead are starting to feed up for their spawning

season next month, so they should be on the bite right throughout August. There have been plenty of great catches with many fishos catching over 10 in a session, but once again please only take what you need (size limit of 40-75cm and a bag of limit 5) and that will help the flathead stocks to keep flourishing. Try around Kalinga Bank along the drop off, the sand flats north of Cabbage Tree Point to the mouth of the Logan, the Stockyards, Tabby Tabby

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and Tipplers Island along the edges and weed patches. The water quality this time of year is very good so lure fishing is a great way to chase flatties and I have seen them follow a soft plastic all the way to the boat and swim 4-5m to smash a lure that has just hit the water. Trolling hard bodies is working well too in 4-6ft of water over weed patches. You will pick up weed on your lure which can be frustrating but that is where the fish are hiding, so keep persisting. Best baits have been the old faithful pilchard and prawn, or try white bait, herring and mullet. Bream will be on the chew around any structure you can find. Boat moorings, sunken snags, fallen trees, rocks, deep holes and gutters off the beaches will all hold bream. The best spots to try for a feed of bream are from Kalinga Bank to the dead trees, the Five Ways, the Powerlines, the eastern point of Short Island and around Steglietz and Cobby Passage. As you know at this time of year you can pick them up almost anywhere, as they are in plague proportions right throughout the Pin and always hungry.

AUSTRALIA

With lots of school mulloway around, ones like this aren’t easy to catch. Remember to release any mulloway under 75cm. Finally some decent sized tailor to 2kg have shown up and should be running all month. They should be there in the gutters off North and South Straddie at night if you don’t mind braving the cold weather. Pillies, gar and mullet and bonito fillets are the pick of the baits. Inside the bar, you can find them near the yellow beacon off the top of Crusoe Island, the deep water off Swan Bay, along the Stockyards and you can always seem to pick one up in the main channel from Cabbage Tree Point to Rocky Point. Floating pillies with a tiny weight should hold the bait in the perfect strike zone for tailor. A few summer whiting on offer for those willing to brave the chilling conditions at night using live bloodworms and beachworms at the junction in the Logan, Diner Island, Pelican Banks and just south of Slipping Sands. Winter whiting are about in good numbers cruising along the sand flats of Tiger Mullet Channel, the Gold Bank, Tipplers Island and from Cabbage Tree Point to the Powerlines. They’re fun on light gear and easy to catch for the kiddies. Just

This sensational mackerel was caught by a Gem Bait and Tackle customer at Rainbow Beach. remember to use a bait that holds on the hook like worms or squid to give yourself a few goes at hooking the fish. Baits like prawns and yabbies are easily picked off and you’ll be constantly re-baiting. Small school mulloway have been about in good numbers but since the size limit has increased to 75cm, not many keepers have been boated. Remember to put back any mulloway under

75cm and handle them with care so they live to fight another day. Try around Marks Rocks with livies, out from Swan Bay, Kalinga Bank and Crusoe Island. I’ll catch you next month • 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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Matty and his mates with just some of their Spanish mackerel caught while on Bite Me Marlin Charters, Yeppoon.

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Troy’s guide to tasty tentacles SOUTHERN BAY

Troy Wegner twegner@tpg.com.au

After a month off from writing for my wedding and honeymoon, I am now well-rested and getting back into the swing of things slowly. In the June issue of QFM I wrote about local land-based fishing options and techniques. I will be focusing on this topic a little more. Last article I wrote on targeting bream land-based. This month will all be about land-based squid options. I would say that calamari would be one of the highest selling seafood at any fish and chip shop.

But being able to put a rod, a bucket and a couple of squid jigs in the car and going down to your local jetty and catching a couple for dinner is a lot more fun and something that you can do with your kids as well. When you are looking for a good night time squid location the main thing that you want to be looking for is areas where there are lights shining on the water. Places where there are always plenty of light are jetties, marinas and boat ramps. The reason that you want to be looking for places with plenty of light on the water is because baitfish are attracted to light and therefore the squid are going to be stalking around in the light where the light

fades to darkness. Like any predator, squid move in with the tide looking for food, so the last

2 hours of the incoming tide is the best time to target them when fishing the areas mentioned above.

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AUGUST 2014

Jetties are a popular choice when it comes to nighttime squiding and fishing them pays off. Elise Court got this squid on the Yamashita Naory in size 2.2 and colour #RO2.

jigs that it makes it hard to choose which ones to get. The old saying that you get what you pay for applies even for squid jigs. When the squid are aggressive and hungry, I will agree that it doesn’t matter what you throw at them, but when they are a little shy and shutdown a good squid jig definitely helps. I am a big fan of the Yamashita range of jigs, they have quite a variety in their ranges and they are the leader of the pack when it comes to new technology like the Yamashita Egi Oh Q Live jigs. These jigs have a thermo storage cloth, which transfers any light into heat, which then gives the jig a warmer baitfish like temperature! The action that you impart on your squid jig is also very important. It is not just a simple case of casting the jig out and winding it in. You want that jig to imitate an injured baitfish or a darting prawn, so you want quite an erratic action. After putting in a nice cast into the shadows just past the light, you want to let you jig sink for a couple of seconds, then do 1 or 2 fast rips with the rod into the air. This will lift the jig at quite a steep angle and then let it sink down again and then repeat the process all the way in. You will find that the squid will always hit the jig as it is sinking. I hope that some of these tips have helped you in your search for some fresh calamari; there is honestly nothing better. Get out and give it a go for yourself as this is the ideal time to be targeting Moreton Bay squid. Lets hope that the winter weather sticks around for a little longer yet.

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Snapper time arrives as temperatures drop The good news is we’ve had a cold snap and with it the water temperature has dropped a couple of

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A Shallow Tempest mulloway. Most of our mulloway have been caught on pilchards fished on floatlines.

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degrees which means it’s snapper time here in the south east. Last year the snapper started to fire for me around the end of May, but with water temps sitting up around 23-24°C a bit later, this year it was more like the end of June. The other good news is that the snapper are widespread and so far this season we’ve had some good sessions on the 33 fathom line, the 35s, Deep

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Tempest and the 90m line south-east of Tempest. I’ve also had some very nice fish getting caught on the 29 fathom line off Moreton Island and from the Cathedrals south of Point Lookout. The quality of fish being caught has also been very good and the shallower reefs out to around 70m have seen some top quality fish being boated. The wider grounds are producing good numbers but the most of the fish are in that 35-50cm range, which are top shelf for the table. As I’ve stated in many reports, unless you’re fishing at night on the anchor, don’t bother with paternoster rigs for snapper. Stick to floatlines and you will have much better results. Along with the snapper of late have been plenty of school sized amberjack keen to eat livies out around the 42 fathom line. Some days we’ve been having more trouble catching the livies than the amberjack! When

chasing the ambo’s I use a single hook paternoster rig of either 80 or 100lb leader connected to 50lb braid and that seems to do the trick most times.

There have also been some great mulloway caught recently and we’ve managed to boat a few on charter from the Shallow Tempest area. The ones we have boated have fallen to floatlined pilchards but I know some anglers who have been getting plenty on plastics. The next couple of months are definitely snapper time east of the South Passage Bar and now that the water temperature has dropped, catches should continue to improve, so get out there and nail a few. With morning south westerlies dominant at this time of year, don’t be afraid to do a later start and fish the calmer afternoons once that westerly has dropped out. • Until next month enjoy your fishing, take care on the coastal bars and if you’d like to join me on charter (Max 8 persons), give me a call on (07) 3822 9527 or 0418 738 750. You can now also visit my new website at www. outlawcharters.com.au.

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August action aplenty BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

Although winter is tapering off, anglers will still enjoy a host of cool weather species during their fishing sojourns to the estuaries, bay and offshore during August. The cold westerly winds, that are common for this time of the year, will have heightened water clarity, which can make the fishing a little harder in the shallows. Squid, snapper, bream, mulloway, flathead and numerous other species should be prominent in catches and we may even see the arrival of a few school mackerel and cobia throughout the bay later in the month. Grab that beanie, thermos and jacket and get amongst the action on offer throughout August. MULLOWAY The numbers and average size of mulloway on offer throughout the winter months has been exceptional with loads of metre plus fish

falling for a selection of baits and lures. Many anglers have caught double figures of quality fish while fishing areas such as the Brisbane River, Logan River, Harry Atkinson Artificial and Peel Artificial just to name a few. Other spots of note include the Caboolture River, Jumpinpin Bar area (including Kalinga Bank and Short Island), around the Bribie Island Bridge in the Pumicestone Passage, the houseboat wreck at Peel and various spots around Russel, Macleay and Coochiemudlo islands. Lures that have been both popular and productive include soft plastics (especially paddle-tail shads and curl-tails), vibration baits (Jackall Transam, Samaki Vibelicious, R2S Fish Candy, Thready-Buster etc.) blades, micro jigs and even minnow lures. Different spots often dictate the use of certain styles of lures, however some anglers just seem to produce results on a particular favourite lure no matter the

situation they are fishing in. Generally, if you put it in front of their face and work the lure confidently then there is a great chance that you will meet with success. Anglers with a good knowledge of using their side image electronics are finding it a lot easier to find their target species and are generally not having a cast unless they find something to cast at. This has decreased the hours spent prospect casting and has increased their likelihood of success. The best baits for mulloway are generally larger live baits such as mullet, pike, banana prawns, squid, herring and the like, however dead offerings of the same will also produce. Even previously frozen baits such as large squid, pilchards, mullet fillets, bonito fillets and gar will produce. If you are after that trophy mulloway, then try live-baiting with a large tiger mullet, big pike or just-legal tailor pinned on a snelled hook rig with just enough lead to keep the bait in the strike zone. The

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Westerly winds promote clear water around the bayside foreshore, which is ideal for squid fishing via Shank’s pony. various holes out from the retaining wall at the mouth of the Brisbane River and also along the edge of the drop-off into the main riverbed at the mouth are some good places to try. Most of the deeper holes in the southern bay and estuaries are also key areas where specimens to over 20kg can be caught. Lighted areas throughout the Brisbane River and other systems can attract prominent baitfish activity which in turn can attract predators such as mulloway and threadfin, so these areas are also worth a try from the bank or watercraft. Be aware that many areas have restrictions as to how close you can get to them or if you can even fish there at all, so be careful. Remember to treat the smaller mulloway you catch with care and release them carefully to ensure their survival and possibility of growing to a trophy class fish. TAILOR By now there should be some decent tailor being taken from the beaches and also within the estuarine system. While these can be caught around the lighted areas of the Brisbane River and other systems at night, tailor can be located in most corners of the estuary, bay island shallows, the eastern facing beaches and even well up the creeks at times. During the cooler months you can find them almost anywhere there is baitfish activity. Targeting them is fairly easy when you find them harassing baitfish on the surface. They will take a broad array offerings from highspeed metal slices to walkthe-dog topwater offerings. However, anglers using all manner of artificials are often rewarded with a quality tailor, no matter whether they are casting flies, bouncing microjigs, vertically hopping vibes or slow rolling a plastic. Bait fishers will also be rewarded on live herring, prawns, garfish and small pike as well as the humble pilchard, pencil gar or bonito strip.

Anglers fishing the eastern facing beaches are best to look for the deeper gutters to fish these offerings into. Early morning or late afternoon high tides offer some of the best conditions, especially when there is a westerly wind over your shoulder. Dart, bream, flathead, mulloway and numerous other species are also caught in these gutters at this time. The shallows around the bay islands (including Mud, Peel, Green and Goat) often hold a few quality tailor, however most are found by anglers working lures for bream, but they subsequently get bitten off on their light leaders. The edge of the reef on the northern side of Peel, the Rous Channel and area to the southwest of Mud often holds some sizeable schools of tailor during the latter dates of August. The Mouth of the Brisbane River and Koopa Channel are also worth investigation SQUID August is one of the best months to target squid around the bay shallows due to the clean conditions produced by westerly winds. Squid just love clean, clear water that flows over reef, rubble or weed beds. Often in these zones they are easily visible, even before you cast at them. At night, some use spotlights to locate the squid in areas such as Manly, Wynnum, Wellington Point, Victoria Point and Scarborough. Within Moreton Bay there is a host of great locations. Try the Rous Channel, Browns Gutter, Goat Island, weed beds on the western side of Moreton Island and south of Dunwich, Scarborough Reef and The Blue Hole. The usual egi (prawnprofiled squid jig) will work in all these areas, however some days you may find the squid will prefer a particular colour or size of jig, so it pays to have a few different ones at your disposal. These jigs are

usually worked with a series of hops and pauses or a slow, constant retrieve. Drifting a pilchard or other whole fish bait rigged on a squid skewer is also a successful method, especially around the bay islands or in prominent channels where larger numbers of squid are often found. Often you may need to suspend this below a near neutral buoyancy float to stop it fouling on the bottom. This can often provide a tasty entrée when fishing for snapper and the like around the bay islands. Drifting will generally increase your chances. No matter whether you get arrow, tiger or the smaller bottle squid, they are all tasty when lightly cooked and eaten fresh. BAY PELAGICS As usual there should be quite a few pelagics to be taken within Moreton Bay waters during August. Schools of small frigate and mac tuna as well as Australian and Watson’s leaping bonito will be randomly found throughout the bay, especially along the edges of the shipping channel, Rous Channel, Rainbow Channel and also around the banks south of Tangalooma and Middle Bank. These can be targeted with small plastics and chromed slugs and slices. Towards the latter portion of the month we may see some school mackerel begin to show in the upper Rous Channel and Western Rocks areas. In the upper Rous, generally between the last 2 red beacons and first green beacon of the eastern end, commercial line fishers from Straddie can often be seen trolling spoons, which is a good indicator that the schoolies are around. These same techniques of trolling small spoons behind a paravane or trolling board with also work for us recreational fishers, however there are also numerous other techniques that produce. Drifting the area with unweighted, or lightly weighted pilchards allows

you to fish lighter line, which is much more fun than trolling spoons. These same baits can be fished from an anchored position and a little berley, such as cut pilchard pieces, which can increase results, however you will also get some large rays eating your baits as the tide slows. Trolling small, deep diving minnow lures or spoons while employing a downrigger also allows you to fish lighter line than when using a paravane. Smaller minnow lures that dive between 4-6m can be trolled on lighter braid (without a paravane or downrigger) and will get into the strike zone to entice mackerel and bonito to bite. Wire traces will prevent any bite offs but will also decrease your bite rate considerably, so I recommend not using them. Cobia may also start to show up towards the latter part of the month, however with the last couple of seasons being slow for cobia within Moreton Bay, I am not that confident that this season will be any different. However, it is always worth a go as large cobia are great to catch and awesome to eat. They respond well to large live baits such as fusiliers, demersal species, crabs, school mackerel, bonito and other live offerings. These can be fished around the shipping

channel markers, Western Rocks, Yellowpatch and any coffee rock areas or wrecks. I find that a snelled circle hook rig is ideal for presentation and hook-up potential. One decent cobia can produce many great meals and they are an extremely tough adversary to land, especially on line classes under 15kg. A few longtails will also be found throughout Moreton Bay during August and can be caught live baiting as well as with cast and retrieved offerings such as chromed slugs and slices, stick baits, flies and numerous plastics, especially jerk shads. They are generally larger fish with many eclipsing 15kg and are often found feeding solo or in pods of less than 5 fish. SNAPPER High on the wish list of many bay anglers during August will be a quality snapper. These can be found throughout the reefs, bay islands and wrecks in Moreton Bay as well as in the Brisbane River. Generally the better specimens are found within the bay, however snapper exceeding 70cm can be caught along the rocks walls, ledges and other structures in the river. These are often taken as by-catch by anglers chasing bream, flathead, mulloway and threadfin,

however some anglers will actively target them. They respond well to a variety of soft plastics as well as vibration baits, blades and even micro-jigs. Baits such as fresh or live prawns, live mullet, mullet strips, herring and numerous others can work. Within Moreton Bay, the same artificial offerings and baits will also produce although snapper commonly reach better sizes with trophy specimens exceeding 80cm on offer. There are also increased numbers to be caught and at times you will have to wade through a heap of sub-legal specimens to get to the larger fish, especially when bait fishing. I like to fish larger plastics to avoid these smaller specimens, however they are aggressive at times and will still have a crack. Many of the larger specimens are found higher in the water column or further away from structure than the smaller specimens. When fishing wide of the bay islands, a plastic or vibe is often engulfed within a few feet of the surface as the larger snapper are often patrolling this zone looking for gar or hardiheads. Even the slightest flick of bait on the surface is worth casting to as a large snapper or pelagic can often be close by, making the baitfish nervous.

Early mornings and late afternoon and into the evening are prime times, generally regardless of tide so it pays to plan you trips around these periods if you can. However, some of the best snapper I have caught have been hooked during the middle of the day when the majority of boats have departed for home. Sweetlip, tuskfish, bream, flathead, estuary cod and numerous other species can be caught around the bay islands and artificial reefs

while targeting snapper so you should return home with a mixed bag. I sometimes even float out an unweighted pilchard when drift fishing the bay islands or artificial reefs as the occasional larger tailor and school mackerel can surprise you. CONCLUSION There are a lot of awesome species on offer throughout August. Westerly winds can sometimes hamper your opportunities to get offshore and will increase the water

clarity, therefore the anglers who fish light will often reap the rewards. However, there will be some excellent fishing to be had both inshore and further afield for a range of prime species. Westerly winds are ideal for those who like fishing the beaches and the increased water clarity makes ideal conditions for Shankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pony squid fishing. All up, August is a great time to get out and target some cold weather species before we welcome back the warmer months.

Releasing a just legal mulloway that was taken from around the base of theÂ pylons of a Brisbane River jetty on a plastic shad.

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Persistence paying off with wild westerlies NORTHERN BAY

Grayson Fong graysonfong@bigpond.com

What a blast this winter has been with the fishing and the westerlies that have greeted us in the Northern Bay. This winter started early for us in south east Queensland and has held pretty consistent over the last month, even producing some mornings that have been the

lowest we have recorded in the last 3 years. But enough of this weather chit-chat, this is a fishing magazine not ‘Weather Forecaster’s Digest’, so lets see what’s been going on in the Northern Bay. Usually I start my article with what’s been hot and the flavor of the month, but this time I’m starting with ‘What’s been a little quiet’…. and that would be bream. Having a soft spot for these roving predators, this

winter has been a little quieter on the bream front as it’s their usual time of year to hit the spawn in deeper waters. I’m not going to lie, I’m stumped to find them this winter in good numbers, with catches being reported as good in size but in small numbers. If anyone is generous enough to share any knowledge of the schooling bream in the northern bay, please send me an email! But there has been a shining light through the bream gloom and that would be Caloundra, a noted bream hotspot in the cooler months. Run in tide, leading up to the full moon and fresh baits… boom-time on the bream front (don’t forget rigged lightly) Which brings me back to what’s been good this last month and that has been snapper. Bribie Bridge, ‘the Ripples’ at Pacific Harbour, North Reef at Scarborough, Shields St Reef, southern end of the green zone at Woody Point, mouth of the Brisbane River (reclaimed side) and Claras Rocks are a few noted

Ryan Dixon with his first king threadfin salmon out of the Pine River. hotspots lately as anglers have been getting good snapper on both fresh bait and shad/ minnow style soft plastics. Daylight hours have been quieter than dawn and dusk, so the early bird does catch the snapper!

Some late season squid for Joseph Fong, this one was taken over a shallow flat.

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Diver whiting have shown a bit of a presence lately with dedicated fishos loving the cooler months to get a good haul of these delectable fish. Diver whiting have been present at the mouth of Bells Creek up the passage, Toorbul foreshore outside the boat ramp, the Cockle Banks, lower reaches of the Pine River, Bramble Bay and the Sand Hills off Moreton with bloodworms and squid being the pick of the baits. Flathead numbers have certainly taken a turn for the better as our winter has progressed. Good size female breeders and smaller males have been populating out estuaries making for fun times for both kayak and boat anglers. Drop offs in the Pumicestone Passage around Toorbul, Glasshouse Creek and Buckleys Hole have been consistently good in the Bribie area with areas like Deception Bay, Ted Smout Fishing platform, the mouth of the Pine River and Cabbage Tree Creek also chiming in with good reports. Run out tides are the popular times for the fishos with pilchard halves, mullet strips

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Good-sized snapper have been common at the Peninsula.

and whitebait being popular choices for baitos. For the soft plastic bandits, ZMan 4” DieZel MinnowZ, 3” Atomic Prongs, 3” Zman MinnowZ and Gulp 4” minnows are all producing good results. Another one of those ‘must chase’ fish in the winter are mulloway, and anglers in many corners of the northern bay are cashing in on these awesome fighters making the cooler nights in the cold worth it. Deeper waters around the mouth of Brisbane River, Bribie Bridge, the upper reaches of the Pine and Caboolture rivers and even North Reef have been producing good specimens with night anglers reaping benefits of braving the cold and the westerlies to get amongst some decent catches. Most anglers have reported using soft plastics and soft vibe baits hopping them in the deeper waters finding the constant movement beneficial. The odd threadfin salmon is still being caught in the mix along with other by-catch like big bream and flathead coming to the surface much to anglers’ surprise. Last but not least, over the cooler months anglers have been catching good tiger squid in the northern bay. Weed and/or rubble flats have been producing good numbers with anglers getting some good sizable specimens in their bags when chasing them in the shallows. At nights the Redcliffe and Woody Point jetties have been working well with patient anglers working the deeper ends to good effect. The addition of a glow stick near the nose of your jig helps your nightly catch rate, where a high rod tip on your retrieve helps reduce the risk of snagging in shallower waters and reefy points. Happy fishing

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3265 8000 AUGUST 2014

The month of WOW! STH PUMICESTONE

Jason Wallis

August is the month where most anglers will say “wow” at some point on the water. “Wow, what a glorious

day” or “Wow, that’s a big snapper, mulloway, flathead or whiting”. Flathead will be reaching their peak and by peak I mean the peak of their breeding cycle, which in return leads to big fish and

MUSTAD .NO

Chris (Big Red) with a great sized flathead taken from the creek mouths adjoining the passage.

plenty of them. These fish will commonly go over size in August through to October because of their ferocious feeding habits when in this cycle. They are eating anything big or small trying to get past them. If you ever get the chance to see a flathead feed, do it because they are awesome. The way they lay and wait for food to pass by their sniffer in complete camouflage and punch themselves out of the sand or mud (they can alter their skin colour accordingly to suit the ground they lay in making them nearly invisible) to climb all over your offering. In that initial attack over approximately 1m they are one of the easiest fish when in attack mode. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying they are the biggest and best fighters in salt, not by a long shot, but the tactics they use to feed and catch prey is awesome. These fish are throughout the system from top to bottom and this will continue for a while yet. They are not on a migration run, they live, feed and breed right here at our back door in this pristine system. A handful of mates and I, including my wife and kids have been doing a lot of

Sam, a young local legend around the passage with a snapper in the very serious category at just under 9kg. damage with the Lively Lure Micro Mullet on the troll. With a troll depth of approx 2 – 2.5m they suit a lot of our gutters in the passage. If you get the chance to pick the brain of a well known lizard angler, they will tell you straight up you need a handful of the Lively Lure range. They should be named TNT because they blow fish out of the water. Go to www.livelyluresonline. com.au or contact the boss directly on 5491 8009. He is an Aussie legend, tell him Jason sent ya.

feeding needs when in skinny water working a surface lure gently with a walk the dog or just gentle bloops, keeping in mind you will need to be in stealth mode at all times when in skinny water as they can spook easily. Make sure you take a camera to capture a memory of the big girl. Anything over 75cm needs to be released quickly so an image is your only proof. Their possession size slot is 40cm through to 75cm and a bag limit of 5 per person. Snapper are at their best this month with some

SHARPEST AND STRONGEST The Mustad 92553NPBN Octopus Hook is one of the key models of Mustad’s Australian Ultra Point range of Chemically sharpened hooks. The 92553NPBN Octopus hook is a medium guage hook situated between the Big Red and Penetrator in strength rating, making it the perfect baithook for serious saltwater bait anglers. Especially when it comes to snapper. The hook has a black nickel finish and gives excellent point durability while still retaining super sharpness. It is availble in sizes 1 to 8/0.

Elise with an elbow banger whiting. The summer whiting are not only around in summer, so get amongst a few.

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AUGUST 2014

You will find anglers hitting all creek mouths hard throughout the system with good results but don’t rule out the skinny water flats as the tide rises and any drain or weed bed around the mouths as they go on the hunt for food to fatten up. Your surface presentation is a great way to tap into their

cracking captures from the south end of the passage from the bridge out into the bay. The odd one has been angled throughout the passage in deeper zones that have a rubble bottom and hold bait. These fish love plastics but you need to be dedicated with early starts, late finishes and

pure persistence. In saying that, they love bait even more than plastics. The bait must be super fresh squid, pilchards, prawns, mullet or live bait if you can get them. You can go through a lot of bait with a lot of juveniles around pinching your bait. You will need to hold on when that big one comes along, it will have your reel singing and you grunting hard. Just watch your bag limits of 5 per person and only one of these fish can be over 70cm with a minimum size of 35cm. The tailor have been patchy throughout the passage. The Bribie surf side has been the ‘go to’ location for a decent amount of action, with the southern end of the passage yielding patchy hit and miss showings of just legal fish. With only a few lucky anglers bagging out, you will find the anglers bagging out are the ones spending a lot of hours chasing tailor. Time on the water is the secret and plenty of it, that’s my hot tip. Summer whiting, aka sand whiting are still coming from most parts of the passage. The name summer whiting can sometimes fool people into thinking they can only be angled in summer months; this is a long way from the truth. Some of the biggest and best elbow bangers will come from the middle of winter. There are bucket loads of trumpeter (winter) whiting taking over the passage, you won’t need to travel far to get a feed. Drifting up and down the main passage channels will yield fish every time at any time of the day. Take the kids with you as they love this type of fishing. It is simply, effective and doesn’t cost the world. Another plus side is you will be eating fish for weeks. Use fresh squid, yabbies or worms. Get out there, have a crack. I guarantee you will have a great time.

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AUGUST 2014

Cool and calm Caloundra gives anglers a chance CALOUNDRA

Brad McKendrick fishingcaloundra@yahoo.com.au

Cooler weather mixed with calm seas is the traditional equation that brings on the winter species across the Sunshine Coast. Outside of our normal holiday period influx of keen fishermen the great days and still nights has seen many car parks around the boat ramps absolutely packed out. It’s always a good sign that the fish are on the bite. This time of the winter brings on snapper and pearl perch and they are both

excellent table species. The snapper have been in good numbers around all the known reef areas including those that are close to the shoreline around Caloundra. Brays Rock and the channel markers close in to Moffat Headland offer quality water to 20m and hold some fantastic rocky outcrops that hold plenty of fish. The area can be reached in just a few minutes from the Caloundra Bar or you can still get down there from Mooloolaba, which is a much safer option but adds a further 30 minutes to the run. The Caloundra 5 and

7 Mile reefs have also produced well and make the perfect destination for an evening trip. The evening is one of the better times to target reef species and around dusk they hit hard and fast. I have always preferred an evening run to the reefs particularly when the tide is just turning on the top of the high. There is normally a good solid two-hour window where the fish come on like crazy and it is nearly impossible to work more than one rod each. Baits at this stage range from fresh squid to pilchards and mullet fillets. Larger soft plastics in 5”

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around the pylons at night but there is too much noise during the day and they stay well away from everything. It is better to work the areas around the pontoons as large numbers of bream and trevally hold under them throughout the day. Military Jetty is the spot to be for bream, chopper tailor, an occasional mulloway and happy moments. Best bait for the mulloway is live poddy mullet or fish strips and night fishing is more rewarding than the daytime. The deeper waters near the Boardwalk have a few luderick around but most anglers are chasing the large bream or are on the hunt for mulloway. There are pike and herring available to use as live bait so look around the Coastguard and Gemini pontoons for them. There has not been too much swell around the beaches but plenty of reports of tailor around the 3kg mark being caught along with dart, larger permit and whiting. The Wurtulla Strip, which is the strip of beach from Dickies Beach through to

Point Cartwright, has a number of holes that are reachable during the low tide. Take a look earlier and plan the spot to go to in the evenings to fish because the tailor are around in the evenings and there is always a chance for a mulloway if you have the patience. During this month, look to fish the shallow reefs or the closer in areas around dusk or early mornings close to the tide changes for best results with the reef species. Snapper and pearl perch are available to be taken on the outer reefs and pilchards or fresh squid are the gun baits for those species at the moment. Find the bait and stay with it when things are quiet out there. Use jigs, soft plastics or baits to get down amongst the bait schools and hang on. Target the beach areas and estuaries in the early evenings once things settle down a bit with the crowds. Look for holes or gutters through the day and plan your next trip and pick your spot for later that day. Should be a terrific month to get a few fish for the dinner table! Have Fun!

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and 7” make the better offerings to the fish and usually all you need to do is to find the bait schools on your sounder and work your bait, plastics or jigs through them until you get smashed. Stay with the bait school by drifting down the current line or if you have an electric motor use that to stay with them. There have been a lot of whales out wider close to Wide Caloundra and the southern end of the Barwon Banks. So many of them come in close around the boats and after 40 years I still can’t help but wonder what would happen if one of them decided to come up under the boat. My mate keeps telling me you would go for a swim; smart man my mate… a regular professor. The big bream are still on the chew and by using herring, hardiheads or mullet strips you will catch the better quality ones. The Pumicestone Passage has been a little quiet overall but that is due to the high volume of craft on it throughout the day. Happy Valley is doing well with a variety of options available for all styles of angling. Surf runs out towards the Caloundra Bar and then still water eddies bring fish in like dart, whiting and bream. They can be caught on soft plastics and small 15g metal slugs. Another option is to fish the main channel or in around the rocks close into the beach but you must be careful as there are heaps of snags and they have claimed plenty of lures and hooks over the years. There are whiting around the Power Boat Club area within the weeds and plenty of smaller flathead are there to be caught on the ebb tide throughout the day. Pelican Waters bridge area has good bream

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Winter is the perfect time to hit the reefs NOOSA

Peter Wells

Water temperatures are perfect at the moment for reef fishing and this means we can expect to see some quality snapper catches! All our reefs are producing at the moment with Sunshine Reef being a favourite for the anglers with smaller craft; there have been some great sweetlip and snapper taken from this

reef with the soft plastics being a favourite amongst anglers. For the anglers with a larger vessels, North Reef is also producing some great catches. Venturing out at night has been especially productive with all-nighters the best way to catch some big snapper. Sweetlip and pearlies are also on the chew and these hard fighting fish always take a liking to soft plastics hopped around the coral structure. One of the most important things

when using soft plastics is selecting the correct jighead. For this type of fishing, you want the soft plastic to look as natural as possible, so chose the lightest jighead you can get away with. For more information about the best colors and styles of soft plastics to use, pop into Davo’s for a chat. Micro jigging is also a great way to target these fish. This is a fairly new concept for anglers with good snapper, sweetlip and

Jack Pockran won the $50 Davo’s Fish of the Week prize with this 10kg large-mouth nannygai from Double Island Point.

bigfishgraphics.com.au

a stack of other reef dwellers all falling victim to the technique. There are some great rods on the market that have been specially designed for this type of fishing. The Gomoku rods from Storm hit the market last year and were an instant hit with anglers, there is also the Salty Stage Light Jigging from Abu Garcia that is perfect for the job. You will need to team this with a light weight reel with good drag pressure. The Shimano Rarenium CI4 in

the 4000 and 5000 are perfect for the job. These reels are very light and balance well with these light weight rods. Good quality, high strength braid is also an essential part of the set up, and of course there are the jigs themselves. Our local anglers have had some great success with the Maria Shore Tricker and the Braid Sailfin jigs of which both have been claiming their fair share of fish. The best action is to fish them tight to the reef with small

lifts of the rod tip to allow the lure to flutter back down horizontally and you will find that the fish tend to hit them as they drop, so make sure you’ve got your drag set fairly tight as they hit hard and run for cover! To take a look at these setups before your next trip to the reef, call into Davo’s and the team will give you a run down on all things micro jigging. In the Noosa and Maroochy rivers there have been some great elbow

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slapper whiting caught on yabbies and surface lures. If you’ve never chased whiting on surface lures before, now is the perfect time to head out to the sand flats and catch a few! A couple of great surface lures are Strada Pencils, River 2 Sea Bubble Pops in the 45mm size as well as the Crystal Pop sinking popper. All three of these lures work along the surface, and when twitched in a certain way, they produce a great action that whiting can’t resist! A couple of key things to remember when targeting whiting is to fish the last of the run out tide until the start of the run in tide, this is when the water is at its dirtiest. Whiting are generally pretty shy, but with a bit of dirty water they will definitely rise for a surface lure! Another factor worth keeping in mind is the wind. A bit of wind chop on the water is a good thing as the fish won’t feel as exposed being up on the sand flats. Elsewhere in the Noosa River, Woods Bays has been providing some spectacular surface sessions lately, with tailor and trevally schooling up and hunting baitfish and prawns! These bullies of the river tend to force the bait to the surface by hitting the bait from underneath; the early morning is the best

time to be in the bays with surface poppers cast around the moored boats as the fish hide under the boats and use a hit and run tactic. Once the sun’s come up a bit, it’s time to tie on a soft plastic, and a prawn profile plastic

such as the Zerek Live Shrimp or the ever popular Gladiator Prawn, are great options when the surface bite gets slow. Another plus of throwing soft plastics as it also brings some other species into the equation

such as large flathead and the big winter bream which tend to spawn at this time of the year. On the beach it is all about the mulloway with large fish over the metre mark a fairly common thing. With mulloway it’s all about patience, large baits like whole squid, large pilchards and one of their favourite’s whole garfish are all on the menu for a large mulloway.

Dark nights with little or no moon are the best. Cast heavily weighted baits to the back of the gutter and let them soak. A mulloway bite is somewhat different as they tend to roll the baits in their mouths. They can even pick it up, drop it and then come back to it. Try not to get over excited and let the mulloway take the bait, wait for the run and then set the hooks. A lot of

mulloway are lost simply from the angler being over exuberant. • For all the latest information log onto www.fishingnoosa. com.au for up to date bar and fishing reports and don’t forget to drop in to Davo’s Tackleworld Noosa or Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola to find out where the fish are biting, and remember tight lines and bent spines!

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Top: Chris Walter from the Noosa Boat Fishing Club hooked this Spaniard on a pilchard floater at Chardons Reef. Bottom: Dan Lever was fishing some good water just south of Teewah when his mullet fillet bait was monstered by this 9kg mulloway.

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Great weather run brings huge rewards RAINBOW BEACH

Ed Falconer

What another fantastic run of weather we’ve had, with some fantastic fishing too. OFFSHORE Fishing in general has been brilliant. We had another late run of Spanish mackerel, which we bagged out on every day we went and fished for them. Reef fishing has been

terrific too. Pearl perch are the predominant species we are getting in good numbers on both the close grounds and out wider on the offshore bommies. Soft plastics are definitely the go for catching the larger fish and pilchards are the pick of the baits. We’ve also enjoyed a really good run of coral trout, picking most of them up on live yakkas. Snapper have made their winter appearance

too. They are only small fish at the moment but we expect that to change with the approaching full moon. There have been some huge amberjack and cobia caught and on one particular day we boated some specimens over 40kg. They really are freight trains when they reach that size and you need some tough fishing gear to hang onto them, but wow, they are impressive fish. Other species biting

Local Brad with a big Rainbow Beach trout, the fish of dreams for many anglers.

Another bag out catch of pearl perch on the Keely Rose. These tasty reefies are a prime target in the cooler months.

well are sweetlip and Moses perch and we have had some great catches of large parrot fish. GREAT SANDY STRAITS The Straits have been fishing well for whiting with both summer and winter varieties. Winter whiting have been pretty thick from Big Mick beacon north to Tinnanbar. The Sink Hole at Inskip

Point and the bottom end of Fraser Island have been fishing well for the summer species. Squid have been on fire around Tin Can Bay and Carlo Point area. August is one of the top fishing months. It was definitely the best month for offshore fishing last year with big runs of pearl perch and snapper and some great red emperor.

Reef fish are abundant everywhere. August looks set to be another ripper, so make sure you get to Rainbow Beach and have a crack at some sensational winter fishing. • 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.

Hervey Bay antics HERVEY BAY

Scott Bradley marlin81@bigpond.com

The water temperature finally started to drop last month enough to kick-start the bigger spawning fish. Bream around the 30-35cm have been the average, but in the past few weeks better fish topping 40cm and 1.5kg have arrived. It’s no secret they love crustaceans and that’s why anywhere there are rocks you find bream. Places like Point Vernon, the Urangan Harbour and River Heads are prime locations and accessible by land. By flicking plastics and hardbodies or bait fishing it’s not hard to catch a feed. I prefer fishing hardbodies for bream but a mate of mine berleys them up with bread and fishes bread baits under a float. He has caught a lot of good fish this way. Snapper have also responded to the cold snap with reports of fish being caught at the Burrum 8 Mile, Fairway Buoy, 25 fathom, the Arty, Rooneys and The Gutters. My last trip to The Gutters produced a mixed bag of red emperor, sweetlip, blackall, hussar, stripey, Moses perch and snapper, which gave good variety to a snapper trip. My 42

AUGUST 2014

biggest snapper were caught on whiting frames rigged on gang hooks and over the years they have become one of my favourite baits for bigger snapper. I believe they can handle pickers better and still have enough substance to attract the bigger fish. Tailor frames are another favourite, but any frames like mullet work fine, you just want a slender profile so they sit well in the current. Cobia are a good option this month and are regularly caught when targeting snapper at places like the Coral Patch

prime spot for doing this and has had some big Spanish lately so floating a pilly on a gang is worthwhile if you’re there. Plenty of boats have been chasing winter whiting with clumps of boats visible from the beach at Point Vernon, Scarness and River Heads. Most anglers use squid, worms, yabbies and a few have switched to bloodworm style plastics either solely or in conjunction with bait. These anglers are catching plenty of fish. Drifting allows you

Small hardbodies fished on ultra-light gear are perfect for big bream. and The Gutters on live baits such as squid and crabs. They can also be found around the beacons by bouncing plastics and ripping metals back to the surface. The Fairway is a

to cover plenty of ground and find the better schools so that’s what most people are opting for. It’s also not a bad way to get hold of the frames for snapper bait!

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LAKE MONDUR

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Well, we certainly have had a taste of winter this year and I am well and truly over it. Unfortunately, August also is renowned for a few cold westerlies, so I guess we all better just harden up. The water temps around Bundaberg have dropped dramatically and the Kolan River on my last trip was a scarily low 15.4°C. Despite this we still managed to catch a few fish and I even caught a very confused mangrove jack on a small blade meant for a bream or flathead. So just because we’re not used to the cold, the fish will still eat, you just have to find them. BURNETT RIVER The river has been a bit hit and miss of late, with some great reports of bream mixed with quite a few reports of nothing. It seems the big bream are still around and are biting well on the incoming tide in the deeper holes with fresh baits like live yabbies and prawns being the better producers. The tailor have been around as well and those in the know have already had a few good sessions on some cracker tailor. Spinning with metal slices has worked very well once a school has been located. Keep your eyes out for bait schools in the river and fish around them, as the schools of hungry tailor won’t be too far away.

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traveling anglers this year and they have been really cleaning up by just trolling small lures around behind their yaks. They have been catching big bream, flathead, tailor and a few queenfish closer to the mouth. It seems with the clean clear water a stealthy approach has been really paying off. OFFSHORE I have been lucky enough to get in a few trips offshore of late and have managed to put a feed in the icebox. Tusk fish, hussar, cod, mosses perch, snapper and parrot all made it home to my freezer and has made for a few sensation feeds of fish. We fished a few locations within 20 miles of the heads, all of which produced fish of various quality and size. One thing that really surprised me on one trip was the amount of

Top: Tim McRea on his 41st birthday enjoying a spot of flathead fishing in the Kolan. Bottom: The author’s daughter with a fantastic mulloway taken from the river.

complaint has come into my shop over the last 4 weeks. In the estuary, the muddies have

slowed down to near on 10 to 1... the 1 being the legal muddy. For the smaller boats in

Stanage has for the past month been both hot and cold with the weather and the fishing. For the travellers on the road, the council have been working on it and not one

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undersized red emperor. We would have caught 30 odd small reds including a few that just snuck under the size limit. I am sure this is a good thing for the future but it would have been nice to just put one legal one in the boat. The best baits we found were fresh flesh baits from whiptails to scad, with the better quality fish falling for big flesh baits. We fished two different types of rigs with a standard paternoster rig and a running rig with a ball sinker. Both were effective, but when we fished around the rubble, the paternoster didn’t get hooked up as much as the running rig. This month should see more of the same weather and fishing as last month, so be brave and get out there and go fishing.

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The flathead are around in the river but have been harder to tempt. My tip is to cover plenty of water, whether you’re drifting with baits or trolling a lure. This time of year the flathead aren’t quit ready to spawn but will still start to school so once you have located a fish, stick around that immediate area and work it hard. THE BAFFLE I caught up with Roger and Sally from Baffle Creek Caravan Park recently and their guests are still getting plenty of big bream. This time of the year is the grey nomads time to travel north away from their cold homes down south, I guess they must have bought it with them this year. Roger reports their are quit a few kayak fisherman among the

Brian Wells took this ripper of a red emperor offshore.

the estuary who did the hard yards and sat for the tide turn, most were rewarded with blue nose salmon; a formidable table fare. The huge winter bream are firing as well and big whiting should be turning up any day this month. We locals are looking forward to the calmer winter reef fishing weather. Hopefully, this big blow will bring the reefies this way for another abundant season of coral trout, red emperor, nannygai and sweeties. The grey, sharkie, schoolie and Spanish mackerel have been here for about a month now, along with the snapper. Once again though, mother nature has been protecting them all with the excessive wind at times, not allowing us humans to battle the challenge of catching them. • Remember the fishing reports are on www. fishingmonthly.com. For any queries on Stanage Bay’s fishing, visit www. stanagebay.com or phone me on (07) 4937 3145..

Monduran’s winter promises summer highs! LAKE MONDURAN

Rob Howell

It has been many years since we have seen a winter as mild as the one at present. The cooler months have produced barra throughout a good percentage of this period. However on the colder days it has been nearly impossible to get fish to bite. We’re often finding the barra following lures back to the boat and taking half-hearted swipes. But when the days are warm and light winds allow the lake to warm up to 22-23°C, the barra get active. Shallow points, islands and bays that are close to the main river have accounted for most of the fish being boated over the past few months. The stand out lure has been the Hank Tune Suspending Jackall Squirell 79 in the pink eye suji, boney and pg shrimp colours. The Squirell has been a real performer because you can slow retrieve and pause while maintaining maximum lure action. In soft plastics, the Pro Range Slick Rig 110s in the lorikeet and evil minnow colours have been working well.

Shane Ferrier from Port Macquarie with an 82cm winter barra. On the surface, the Killalure 2 Deadly has been receiving plenty of interest. GEARING UP You might ask “what’s coming?” Well if last season is anything to go by, this season should be a cracker! We have seen barra being consistently caught from 70-90cm over the previous year and in good numbers. The biggest barra boated on charters last season was 96cm. The biggest I have seen recently has been 1m, caught by Rob Paxevanos from the Fishing Australia Show while filming with Rob Wood. It has been proven that these Barra can put on exceptional amounts

of weight over a 12-month period. For example, a barra caught and tagged at 68cm on 12/6/13 was caught again on the 23/4/14 at 86cm, it had grown by 18cm in less than year and if these figures are anything to go by, we should be consistently catching fish around 90-100cm. Anyone who has experienced Lake Monduran pre-floods would agree that barra from 90-100cm are some of the hardest fighting you will experience across the board. These sized fish are conditioned with plenty of power and weight and have speed and stamina to match, which demands you to gear up correctly.

Make sure your rods and reels are in good working order and get them serviced if needed. Check that your mainline is in good condition and if there is any doubt, re-spool with some new braid, around 30-50lb is ideal. Anglers have different views on what leader size and types to use. Some prefer fluorocarbon leaders, which are tough and very resistant to abrasion and allow the angler to fish lighter using line from 40 to 60lb. However, because of the stiffness in the line, knot failure can be a problem and breakages can occur on tight bends in the line. I like to use Black Magic Supple Leader in 60-80lb. It’s still a tough leader but has more flexibility and better knot tying capabilities. • When looking for information on Lake Monduran and its surrounding areas, or if you’re wanting to book a charter, you can contact me at Guidelines Fishing Charters, 0410 599 147. You can also call Rob Wood at Lake Monduran Barramundi Charters Australia on 0427 590 995, or the boys at Tackleworld Bundaberg, who all have great fishing knowledge on (07) 4152 4747.

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AUGUST 2014

Tailor time on the beaches FRASER COAST

Phil James p_j_james@bigpond.com

Tailor time again at Fraser Island! As I reported last month catches have been improving steadily and with the expected increase in offshore winds, even more will be moving into the inshore gutters. As expected, early fish have been little better than chopper quality but the prized greenbacks

should not be far away. At midday, August 1, the annual closure of headlands and adjoining beaches comes into effect. Specifically this means that from 400m south of Indian Head to 400m north (effectively west) of Waddy Point, and up to 400m seaward from the low water mark, is closed to all fishing. The closure extends to midday on September 30. I need to say that I do have a problem with the extent of the closure in that

it covers all species. When a barramundi closure is in place, there is no restriction on the capture of other species. The expectation, however, is that anglers would not use equipment designed for targeting barra. Of course the barramundi closure is state wide, and such a closure applying to all species would be unthinkable. Admittedly, the Fraser Island closure covers a smaller area but the total species restriction is unjustified.

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As for barramundi fishing, one would not expect to see anglers using ganged tailor rigs and WA pilchards, or high speed metals working into the tailor schools. However there are other challenges that visiting anglers like to pursue. For example, bream and reef species can be taken around the rock faces and dart are available to anglers using worms or pippies from the headlands or adjacent beaches. A further consideration is that the closure covers almost the entire school holiday period. This is a time when, in heavy south easterly conditions, protection is available on the northern sides of Indian Head and Waddy Point – a good opportunity for families to fish the beaches and gutters here in some comfort. Strong south easterly winds can make fishing close to impossible on the ocean beach, and they are likely to come in at any time throughout the year. One way to escape is by heading for the lea side of the headlands. The other is to take one of the two tracks across the island to the western beach where there are likely to be lily pond conditions. Conditions of both tracks can be extremely variable. In dry conditions the western sections, away the canopy of forest vegetation, can become dry and powdery and this applies particularly to sections where vehicles have already been bogged. These sections of track would be in desperate need of substantial rain. A small amount of rain simply wets the very top layer leaving the dry sand alone. Of the two routes, my preference is for the Woralie Track that leaves the ocean beach north of the Maheno and meets the western beach just north of Woralie Creek. The Moon Point Track is open to vehicles but it offers some very demanding conditions. These are now the only options as vehicle access from the Orchid Beach to Wathumba Creek road is no longer possible thanks to the wise decision of closing the section of beach between Towoi Creek and the Wathumba estuary. It is possible to walk from the Wathumba camping ground to the western beach at low tide by wading through the mouth of a small creek. This is the only true estuary of Fraser Island and is zoned yellow, in recognition of its significance as a breeding and nursery area. In Hervey Bay, the seasonal change from summer to winter has been quite slow, thanks to the persistence of quite high water temperatures. However we are now starting to see what we might expect for this time of the year. The incredible run of pelagics has just about come to an end

The young guns like Matty Weston are getting into some good tailor. except that longtails and grey mackerel that are still chasing baitfish well south into the system. The deeper reefs such as Moon Ledge, the Artificial, the Channel Hole, Boges Hole and Bogimbah Ledge are still turning on mixed bags of blackall, coral bream, squire and cod. The most noticeable effect of lower water temperatures in the shallows, is the possible departure of coral bream and blueys. I am more likely to believe they continue to be in residence, but have become less active in cooler water. Blackall appear to be more active at this time and so are still caught in good numbers. This is the time of the year when reefs around Rooney Point and Platypus Bay, also Moon Ledge and the Artificial, play host to good numbers of breeding snapper. So far it has been a slow start to this much anticipated season but there is still plenty of time during the next two months. The first ‘normal’ season in years has seen bream working their usual feeding and spawning areas in the river systems and in the bay. In the Mary River, Beaver Rock has been producing the best quality fish with South Head and the Frying Pan at North Head also fishing well. Rock ledges at the northern end of Woody and Little Woody islands form ideal habitat for winter bream, as do the Picnic islands. Bream fishers have been taking bonus fish like small snapper and javelin (trumpeter). For shore-based anglers the rock ledges at Point Vernon and Gatakers Bay will be worth checking out this month. Plenty of good bream are being taken around the pylons of the Urangan Pier, in both the inner and outer gutters.

Winter (diver) whiting are responsible for attracting the greatest amount of activity amongst local and visiting anglers. Like other winter species they made a slow start this year, but should now be firmly established in their favourite haunts. By far the most popular, and productive areas, are offshore between Point Vernon and Toogoom. Between the boat harbour and the southern end of Woody Island, fishing has been unusually slow, but there is at least another month for them to show up in their usual numbers. Until fairly recently there were no regulations controlling this fishery. Some said that the regulation should be by size limit, others by bag limit, and others by both. No doubt after much consideration, the bag limit of 50 became the only legal requirement. The big problem with this is that it is so easy to upgrade. This is fine if the smaller fish are kept alive, as they are in major bream and bass competitions, before being released. It is common knowledge that some, likely a minority, catch 50 fish, keeping the smaller ones separate, then catch, say, another 10, then drop the smaller 10 (dead) fish over the side. Perhaps a realistic size limit of 20cm could have been more appropriate, with fish under the limit returned live to the water. All debateable points, but my own view is that they should have both bag and size limit, just like most of our other species. It is obvious that many anglers do not understand the concept of bag limit. The fact that bag limits are an in possession limit has landed many local and visiting anglers in trouble over recent years.

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All round August options ROCKHAMPTON

Clayton Nicholls clay94_fishing@live.com.au

The Keppel Island Group has been running well this past month with many species being taken by boat anglers and people who are over enjoying the beaches for the day. Species such as mackerel and trevally have been everpresent and are very common this time of year, especially since the cold snaps have really started hitting. Winter estuary species such as bream, flathead and salmon have been in high volumes over the past month with many anglers trying to

target them. Many people have been trying to use soft plastics and with all the flathead about there is no better time to try. Whiting are among the easier of the surf species to catch around the beach but schools of salmon and dart are not uncommon. ESTUARIES Bream are a common capture of all the weekend warriors and are now highly regarded sportfish on light outfits. Bream can be caught on many freshly gathered baits including prawns, white baits and even smaller mullet, but a pack of frozen prawns will do the trick if you don’t want to fuss around too much. If you have a bit more

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patience and time on your hands, lures are a very effective way to catch these species once you get the hang of it and match the hatch and with the bream are bulking up on over the flats and stocking up for spawning. There has never been a better time to give the lures a go. Whiting have been a very common and successful target lately, as with every winter. Freshly pumped yabbies on size 2 long shanks will see the whiting come one after the other. Alternatively, little narrow hardbody lures with prawn patterns will see you bag a few over the flats. Some 6lb braid and 6lb leader will see the job get done and still land any bigger species that there’s every chance of hooking up on. The top places for whiting at the moment include Keppel sands, the Causeway Lake and of course Corio bay. Look for the gutters and channels and anticipate the run as to where you need to cast. All the queenfish, blue salmon, steel backs and trevally in the estuaries can be easily targeted by using poppers and metals. Small metals cast into bust ups and

retrieved at a moderate speed will see these species hook up left right and centre. On the other hand, using small 50-70mm poppers steadily popped over the surface with some pace about it can get great results when the fish are a little quiet. The poppers are more so to imitate the fleeing prawns and whitebait in the estuaries. Flathead are everywhere in the systems at the moment with Corio Bay producing good numbers. 2-3” flick baits lightly weighted, depending on the current and wind, produce flathead very quickly when sharply jerked off the bottom and left to rest for a few seconds before repeating. Alternatively, trolling for these fish is not a hard task. Baitfish profiled shallow diving lures trolled over sand flats and gutters can pick these fish up just as quick. INSHORE REGIONS The Keppel Group has been fishing well along with coastal headlands around the Keppel Bay Marina. A great variety of species have been caught, from large tuna through to mackerel and coral trout. Many people casting for

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

There’s a new boat at my place. The old TABS 4200 Bullshark was great but it has now been upgraded to the new 4300 model Bullshark with a 40 E-Tec on the transom. This rig is an all-rounder in many respects, and with our plans to spend just as much time in saltwater as in fresh I was determined to find the right sounder/GPS combo for our needs. As a long standing and satisfied user of Lowrance products, I opted to purchase a Lowrance HDS Gen 2 Touch 7” unit and mounted it on a RAM bracket for total flexibility of use.

going over various features and procedures with the in-built simulator to get the hang of things. Feeling supremely confident we then headed to various fishing areas to put theory into practice. Sadly, I soon realised that much of my ‘knowledge’ remained as theory. While the HDS Gen 2 Touch hand book is very good, with instructions that explain every feature of the unit, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, like having someone familiar with the unit give you a hands-on explanation of its capabilities and numerous features. And, best of all, the ability to explain fully and then link those features to the exact sort of fishing situations that you have in mind.

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these large longtail tuna are using barra type spin gear with small metal lures the same size as the baitfish in the water. Many of the trout and other reef species have been pulled on shrimp imitation lures such as Zereks and the ever-working Gulp! Jerk Shads are still taking the fish by storm. Big rigged baits trolled at a slow speed around Barren have produced good fish, the best way to go is a Citer Chin Guard with the 4 x 9/0 hooks on the back rigged up onto a

bonito which can be caught in many locations at the moment or purchased for around $10. CRABBING Crabs have been going well, with many captures of big bucks around the Narrows and Curtis Island. Left over reef frames make great crab pot bait. GPS tagging your pots make for some easy work when coming back to find them, the save them as waypoints in the GPS and delete them when you have collected the pot. Fish light get the bite.

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Trent Deen is still getting the barra over winter with Lucky Craft lures.

Nick making some adjustments to our HDS7 unit. I couldn’t wait to use this mighty unit. With the instruction book in hand I spent a lot of time in the shed

I’d seen Nick Whyte of Tech Fishing fame explaining the new Lowrance unit’s major features, and the best means

of using them to angling advantage, at several BCF Club Nights. For that reason, it made a lot of sense to get Nick aboard my boat so he could run through the HDS7’s major attributes in a way that would assist us with our own fishing. TRACK RECORD With 2 decades’ experience with Lowrance products, Nick certainly knows what he is talking about. The impressive number of really large fish taken from heavily-pressured waters that are displayed on his website are proof of his vast level of expertise. Once on the water I explained to Nick that with a 4.3m punt style craft our main fishing activities around Brisbane would be Moreton Bay, the Brisbane River, and Jumpinpin. Impoundment barra and bass are among our major flyfishing targets these days, which meant the StructureScan and DownScan modes would be playing an important part in our search for these fish as well. First up, Nick had a good look at the installation of the Structure Scan and DownScan transducers. Both were set up in a ‘clean’ area (away from strakes) at the stern of the Bullshark and within the specified 0.3m distance of each other for optimum results. So far so good! On the water, and under Nick’s guidance, it quickly became obvious that my choice of the HDS 7 had been

the right one. It was also pretty obvious that despite all my research and study I was a long way behind the 8 ball in getting anything like the best possible use from my pride and joy. One thing that really helped was Nick’s knowledge of shortcuts to various settings, and how to best use them. Overall I was very impressed with his ability to explain in easily understood terms just what is required to achieve a specific goal. His business motto is ‘Your Boat - My Knowledge - More Fish’, which sums it up perfectly. LEARNING EXPERIENCE Nick’s working knowledge of Lowrance units extends well back from the current generation of hi-tech large screen sounders; he’s just at home with more modest units as well. If you suspect Nick can help you get the best out of your Lowrance unit, and most importantly in your own boat, you are 100% correct. Interested parties can contact Nick on 0422 213 669 or via email at techfishing@ hotmail.com. He is also on Facebook at www.facebook. com/TechFishing. A handy hint: take a good notebook or a recording device when he’s showing you the ropes or you’ll get some serious information overload!

Seasons change but the fishing remains good GLADSTONE

Craige Floyd

Winter has arrived, bringing seasonal change to the weather, the different species on offer, tactics required to catch them and areas where they are located. Within the Gladstone area, there has been season transition in the dominant species being caught from barra to salmon. Blue and threadfin salmon have been the most notable species being caught

since the temperatures have been dropping. For anyone who hasn’t yet encountered a blue or threadfin salmon, you will find that they are a strong fighting fish and like barra, they will take to the air trying to shake the hooks. Once you hook one, there’s a good chance you will find more in the area as these fish school up and it’s not an uncommon sight to see a few salmon chasing the hooked fish to the boat. The Calliope River and Grahams Creek seem to be

Jason Cavanough with a 64cm flathead caught on a Storm Thunder Stick Jnr down at the Calliope.

the hotspots for salmon, and they can be caught using live baits such as poddy mullet or herring. As for lures, on a recent trip down at the colosseum we were using hard bodied deep divers, to about 2.5m, white in colour and scored a few blue salmon. Speaking about hotspots, the hot water outlet in the Calliope River has become very popular for land-based anglers since the cooler weather has set in, with barra, salmon and queenfish pushing up towards the metre mark being landed. If you haven’t been to the hot water outlet before, it doesn’t take long to figure out why so many fish are attracted to this area, with the water temperature being roughly 5°C warmer than the main body of water in the river. Good sized flathead have been caught around the mouth of the Boyne River and Wild Cattle Creek on soft plastics. As for baits, you can’t go past live nippers or fresh prawns. There have still been some crabs being caught in the deeper reaches of Wild Cattle Creek and in South Trees toward the Boyne end; however there have been a lot of jennys between bucks.

Fishing up at Pike Crossing has slowed down somewhat, with the barra becoming more lethargic in the winter, so if you’re using lures, try in the afternoon when it’s a bit warmer and focus on the edges and shallow water. If you’re not in the mood for casting lures, you can try soaking some bait such as prawns, nippers or pilchards but be prepared to catch a lot of catfish between barra or the odd mangrove jack.

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AUGUST 2014

Seeing blue while the Fitzroy waits for rain YEPPOON

Scott Lynch ifishcq2@bigpond.com

The cooler July temps have fired up the blue salmon into schooling right along the Capricorn Coast. This much-targeted species hangs mainly along the beaches and the bigger creek mouths. They also follow any of the coastal bait schools giving them a hammering at spots like Ross Creek and Rosslyn Bay Harbour. There are quite a few schools of greenback and yorky herring doing the rounds at present and this is where the salmon will be. Apart from herring, yabbies and pilchards are great baits for blue salmon.

Coorooman Creek is going great this month for salmon. The sandbanks and along the timbers as usual is the place to be. The Causeway, Ross Creek and Barwells Creek can all hold quantities of blues. A top spot is Rosslyn Bay Harbour where they congregate in the harbour entrance and along the inside walls. Right up the beach past Big Dune to the deeper gutters near the mouth of Corio Bay are other known hotspots. Blues prefer a bit of run in the water and will hang just below breaking waves in the white water. Yabbies, yorkies, prawns and pillies are the baits of choice. Flashers and wobblers are probably next in line and can bring on a bite on a slow day.

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I always mention rainfall and fresh flow in regard to the local fishing on the Capricorn Coast and the Fitzroy River. Because of the unique layout of the river, bay and islands, the amount of fresh pushing down the river can have a significant influence over what fish will come into Keppel Bay or bypass it altogether. The most affected are the pelagics and reefies, which require the higher salinity waters. The wet years are a bonus for the estuary fishers as barra and mud crabs don’t ever slow down but the mackerel guys have to travel large distances to get any sort of catch. The dry years are completely opposite, with pelagics and reefies coming right up into the bay in big numbers. This year is the driest we have had for a while and the results are showing. Almost every time the wind drops and the conditions are good the mackerel flood into all the close spots like years gone by. Doggies, spotties and Spanish remain in quantity pretty well all around the local waters. In the past week or two several locals have bagged out on Spaniards

at Findlays or Forty Acre Paddock, something that hasn’t happened for a long time. The mackerel spots out from Keppel Sands and out wider continue to work well. Spotties will grow in numbers over the month towards the bottom end of the bay and by mid next month, we should have scored some quality and quantity. Spots are one of the favourite fish for many anglers around here because they come in very close where the guys with small boats can get to them from the beaches and 5 fish each is the limit, don’t risk keeping any more. Mack tuna and the bait schools of bonito and ribbonfish keep turning up so mackerel baits won’t be a problem for the near future. The normal slowing of the southeasters gives the local waters a chance to clear up making it much more inviting to the travelling fish from bait size to the larger pelagics. The westerlies may stop the bite for a while except for the closer in areas under the wind curtain, which hits the water roughly 2/3 of the way to the islands. The better locations over the westerly are Ironpot, Rita Mada, Farnborough, Corio

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Heads, Stockyard Point, Quartz Rock and Cape Manifold. Some very large black king (cobia) have followed the bait schools into a few of the shallow lesser mackerel

grounds. It blows you out when you peg out a floating pilly meant for a doggy on 6-8kg line and a big sharkylooking bugger smashes it and heads for deeper parts. We usually get the summer

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runs through the area but when the bait is plentiful they will turn up any time. I like live-baiting cobes, particularly when they are sniffing up your berley trail like a pack of dogs. They will spot a small livey and all change direction towards it at the same time almost shouldering each other out

get and for that reason we move to another spot after 1 or 2 fish make the kill bin. They will also take squid or big strip baits sometimes and then surprise you by nailing a small Fasher or Taipan. The best part of a cold winter here is snapper. We don’t get the same opportunities that the

Forty Acre, Ross’s Reef, Sunken Reef (Conical), Outer, Man and Wife, Greasy Alley and the rubble patches wide of the islands have all reported snapper in the last couple of weeks and providing the water temps continue to be on the cool side, they should stick around.

quiet, sneaking into the spot and letting out a fine chopped pilly berley slowly will bring the fish closer to the boat. Reds, nannies, trout, jobbies, trevally and grunter are other offshore species going strong this month giving us plenty of options. The Fitzroy is all over the place as the salt levels have

Debbie Reed with yet another fine Musa Point grunter. Lightly weighted pillies or fresh flesh strips are very good baits, although big prawns have been the secret bait for one of the local snapper chasers (he doesn’t even share them with the deckies). The Warren Ferington from KBSFC landed this lighter you can go and still top mangrove jack in a local esturary. reach the bottom the better. Try anchoring 20-30m further of the way to get there first. southern anglers get so we back just so you can keep Cobia are usually hard work have to time it right and hope the noise away from the fish. 18/07/12 10:37 Page forSTA13434Dealer1-2_STA11838NewCamp the amount of return you that the weather cooperates. They AM all say that1being ultra

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risen so much in the town reaches that many species normally only found towards the mouth have made their way up into the middle of Rockhampton. Grunter, flathead, black jew and even golden snapper have made it almost to the 400m mark. Barramundi, however, have slowed quite a bit except on the warmer days where they get a bit active.

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All the estuaries have been flathead city, particularly around the mouths of the creeks and the channels heading to the mouth. The smaller baits in the creeks have meant that to score fish regularly on lures we have had to drop down in size or two. The little tiny bream lures are getting a run in different country. The other notable change for us has been the colours. I usually use natural to pearly white with a lot of success in the clearer water and bright fluoro on the dirty channel run offs. Lately, gold has

been working great when the fish are quiet. As usual, flatties will go on livies and fresh flesh strips or pillies. I just find that we can cover so much more country with lures when the fish aren’t where they should be. Bream, whiting, cod, steelback, king salmon and queenfish are on the chew at present and the odd barra if you’re lucky. Muddies have finally slowed down as expected although it is worth dropping a pot on the way to your spot and collecting it on the way home.

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Big snapper make big news MACKAY

Keith Day habdays@bigpond.net.au

Another month gone and hopefully we have seen the last of the cold weather here in paradise—I mean to say things are getting a bit rich when we have overnight temps down to 5-6°C, but at least our days stay warm with high teens or early twenties temps. Thankfully we have also had some patches of balmy winds that have meant the snapper have featured in many catches as well as typically winter run pelagic like Spanish mackerel. The nobbies (snapper) have been the big news though with really top quality fish being caught on most of the local haunts and even a few stragglers being reported from north of Mackay around the Goldsmith Islands area. Most of the catches though come from Mackay or just south of here. There has been the odd snapper caught around the patches between Mackay and St Bees/Keswick Islands but the best catches so far, and I expect this to continue, being slightly south, with the Hay Point area and the Islands

off Sarina being very popular. August will see the snapper still around, and they usually last here until September with the odd fish still being caught into early October. Wouldn’t they make a great tagging project to find out where they migrate from to our waters and where they return to after spawning here? Being such a valuable recreational species you would think some really forward and positive thinking State or Federal Department would be interested—sadly it seems not.

Flat and Round Top islands are good starting points and these are easily accessed in a 4m tinnie. The Hay Point spoil grounds are shown on marine charts and are worth checking out as is any low and hard rock or reef in deep water down around Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay. These are coal loading facilities and restrictions apply as to where you can and cannot fish, so unless you are sure, check into the local tackle shops for some good advice. They will also know if the snapper are

Chantelle Thorn is all smiles after landing this great snapper on a strip bait near the Hay Point coal terminal. If chasing snapper in our waters, look for them around the close islands out from the Pioneer River. Places like

on the go at Cullen Island, Elamang, Knight Island or wherever. The Spanish mackerel

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are moving inshore and there have been some good catches around Round Top Island with anglers using large wolf herring or ribbon fish for bait. These are usually rigged with 7/0 or 8/0 hooks from head to tail and with a weight under the chin, and yet Spanish mackerel can still chop up a bait and miss the hooks! Unbelievable, but they manage. Gar on gang rigs with a squid or ‘wog head’ are also popular here as a troll bait. Floating a pilchard out the back while at anchor has also accounted for plenty of Spanish. The harbour walls are good spots for the Spanish mackerel and plenty of 20kg plus fish are landed every year from the breakwalls. Unfortunately the southern wall is shortly to close off for more repairs so that restricts landbased anglers to the north wall. Tackle World’s Rob Sabbage recently landed a beaut 11kg Spaniard from the very end of the southern wall on one of the new Rapala 54g XXXRC14 hardbodies in the chrome mackerel colour. The substantial single hooks and quality split rings handled the fish without a problem. I reckon these lures are going to account for heaps of mackerel of all types as well as plenty of other pelagics. Rob tells me that there is a smaller version due to be released shortly and they should also be deadly on pelagics. The 54g model casts like a bullet and sinks reasonably quickly but in a horizontal pose and the highly reflective chrome attracts plenty of attention. Flash is the name of the game here! The early run of smaller mackerel and tuna is still a happening thing but as August moves into spring

The public response to assist in releasing 1,000, 30cm barra into the Gooseponds attracted all age groups keen to assist. the weather should really start to settle down in late August. Stay in touch with the local tackle outlets and they will give you the good oil on what’s around and where the most likely spots will be. Unfortunately, with the closing of the south wall of the harbour, that usual trick, of a drive out to the end to check for birds and fish activity is off the cards. But August is not all about pelagics and snapper, as there are plenty of flathead and bream around in the creeks. Pikies or black bream, as some call them, have been in all the creeks in pretty good numbers through July as they are in winter spawning season. Pikies are great fish, and can be caught on lures, baits and flies. Sight casting to these fish among the mangrove roots is great fun and here an electric outboard is invaluable, as it lets you sneak along quietly at a comfortable casting distance out form the mangroves. Plenty of barra and salmon are caught while casting for pikies as well as the oddballs like archer fish, tarpon and cod.

near the mouth, with the tide and keep in touch with the schools. There are some really nice grunter mixed in with the whiting, and the gravel areas near Cullen Island are ‘specials’. Plenty of flathead are also in the river at the moment, so a feed of quality fish is not that hard to come by. GOOSEPONDS STOCKING On the freshwater scene the big news at the moment is the discovery of the dreaded tilapia menace in the Gooseponds in North Mackay, but fortunately it looks like at this stage they have only recently been put in there, obviously by someone who couldn’t bear to kill their precious aquarium fish. The discovery was made by Tim Marsden a biologist with Reef Catchments and community uproar and care for the environment, resulted in $8,000 being raised within weeks with substantial donations by Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance, Tackleworld Mackay, MAFSA, Mackay’s Light Gear Clubs Association, Mackay Reef Fish Supplies

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Rob Sabbage proudly displays his 11kg Spanish mackerel caught from the end of the Mackay harbour breakwall on one of the new Rapala lures that is now becoming one of his favourites. weather, expect plenty more of these species to feature in the catches locally. A small tinnie means you can get onto these great sporting and eating fish anywhere from Midge Point south and best of all

Genuine elbow slapper whiting are around too and the Pioneer River is one of the top spots for them. Just up from Cullen Island is a good spot for whiting, but the best trick is to drift up river from

and numerous individual donations including Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin. That money paid for 1,000 barra at 300mm long which were released into the To page 54

THE RECREATIONAL ANGLER’S LINK BUSY MONTH ••••••••••••••••••••

June was a big month for me and a lot of keen rec fishing advisory groups. Early in the month AFMA (Australian Fisheries Management Authority) held a series of workshops to assist those wanting to be a part of the MAC (Management Advisory Committee) or RAG (Resource Advisory Group) processes. In recent times AFMA has reviewed their processes and recreational input into Commonwealth Fisheries is now being actively sought. While the greatest amount of take in the Commonwealth Fisheries is by the commercial sector, the recreational sector does take a notable amount in the small pelagic and tuna fisheries and also have a considerable amount of comment to input into the discussions of by catch in the offshore and demersal trawl fisheries. In addition, the raising of the profile of the recreational sector within the Commonwealth Fisheries and the prominence of the recreational sector national peak body ARFF (Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation) has seen the appointment of a fulltime AFMA secondment into the ARFF office. This person will be a two way conduit to government agencies and will assist in the preparation of policy and procedural draft legislation for comment.

INQUIRY INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Terms of Reference for this committee are: To consider policies for developing the parts of Australia which lie north of the Tropic of Capricorn, spanning Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland, and in doing so: • examine the potential for development of the region’s mineral, energy, agricultural, tourism, defence and other industries; • provide recommendations to: - enhance trade and other investment links with the Asia-Pacific; - establish a conducive regulatory, taxation and economic environment; - address impediments to growth; and - set conditions for private investment and innovation; • identify the critical economic and social infrastructure needed to support the long term growth of the region, and ways to support planning and investment in that infrastructure. Hearings have been held across the northern half of the country for the last few months. Until, the meeting in Georgetown though there had not been a single recreational fishing presentation. I

was given a fair hearing but after listening to the presentations on the day, there is a lot of heavy pressure for these developments to go ahead regardless. While development is a good thing, it must not be to the detriment of the fisheries. It is important that the CSIRO gets to complete its suite of investigations into the impact on fisheries of changes to environmental flow and whether engineering changes may have flow on effects with respect to fisheries. Recreational fishing tourism is of major social and economic significance to Queensland regional communities and Queensland as a whole. As the investigations continue I will keep you up to date.

QUEENSLAND FISHERIES REVIEW ••••••••••••••••••

AFTA (AUSTRALIAN FISHING AND TRADE ASSOCIATION) •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The AFTA Trade Show was held on the sunny Gold Coast while the southern states were experiencing a cold, white chill. This was an opportunity for manufacturers and distributors to showcase their new products to

retailers and the fishing media. There were certainly some innovative items on show from tide watches to bait vending machines and lures of every colour, shape, size and material imaginable. A seriously exciting

announcement out of the trade show is that AFTA are considering holding a public open day next year so that the general public can get a look at the new

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release products. There may also be opportunities to access some great products at show special prices so keep your eyes out for news. Next year’s

Minister McVeigh has announced the members of the advisory panel to assist the MRAG Asia Pacific consultants in the review process. Recreational fishing representatives are David Bateman AM from Sunfish Queensland and Les Kowitz from the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association. Regional visits are due to occur around August and September and I urge everyone to provide their comments to the consultants prior to 5pm October 30th. Comments can be made at port meetings or via email to qldfisheriesreview@ mragap.com.au . The review is intended to look, at a strategic level at ways to move fisheries management into the future. This can best be achieved by providing the committee with as much informed comment as possible.

trade show will again be at the Gold Coast Convention Centre about July. Please remember to support your AFTA retail outlets.

Email: judylynne@sunfishqld.com.au

Trophy Spanish time on the bottom as it reduces your chances of tangling with sharks (which tend to hang around mid-water). If there are plenty of boats around especially trolling the larger fish will sulk on the bottom so getting baits down deep is a good idea. Whatever method you are using, make sure you use your sounder and work the areas where the bait is present. Once you can locate the big shoals of bait you are likely to find the fish as well. This can sometimes mean driving away from the main Patch areas as sometimes the bait will hold

BOWEN

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

If you’re keen to snare yourself a trophy Spanish mackerel in Bowen waters, then August is the month to do so. August is prime big Spanish time as the inshore waters clear to a deep blue and the bait from out wide moves in over the inshore shoals, headlands and artificial structures. Traditionally the offshore weather is very calm and consistent over August and this also helps to create ideal conditions for the larger fish to move into the bay. So far we have experienced a very uncharacteristic wet and windy winter for the north. However this will only prove to keep the fish out wider for now. Once the true winter pattern moves in, these fish will be prime for the picking. Spots worth targeting for these toothy trophies will be the Bowen Mackerel Patches. The first Patch, a football sized section of rubble and shoal only 5km from the Greys Bay ramp typically holds good numbers of both Spanish and Spotty mackerel in August and trolling large baits like wolf herring and even small mackerel (over the legal limit) will be the best technique to hook up to a big one. The best times to target these fish are around the change in low tide or during sun up and sun set. If the wind is blowing from the south west, which is typical in the mornings in August, wait til it swings around to the east and this usually brings on a decent bite. If you’re not a keen troller then fishing live baits is the next best thing. Smaller fish like fusiliers and silver trevally which reside on the Patches. They are a dynamite bait when fished under a balloon or on the bottom. It pays to use a stinger style rig with a floating hook as this helps with hook ups. I prefer to fish live baits

spotted and grey mackerel as well. This time of year we see all the inshore wrecks and reefs full with these fish and floated pilchards are the best way to get amongst them. They tend to turn up everywhere so be aware if you are fishing without wire. Even baits meant for trout and other reef fish are snapped up by these fish. This is a great for land based anglers who can easily target these pelagic fish off many of Bowen’s rocky headlands and foreshores. Long spin rods are ideal and baits particularly live ones cast into sweeping pressure

Flathead will dominate the catches in the creeks and soft plastics are ideal to get the best fish.

in places where there is little structure. Jigging is also a top way to tangle with a big Spanish mackerel. Spots that are conducive to jigging include the Jetty at Abbott Point and the deeper shoals and patches out around the second mackerel patch about 8km out from the Greys Bay boat ramp. Once again finding the bait is a must. Large metal lures like Bumpa Bars are best worked as fast as possible through these schools of bait as this will attract the attention of cruising fish and hopefully create an instinct bite. There will be plenty of other mackerel species on offer including good runs of

429 RAMPAGE

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AUGUST 2014

and hopefully control or eradication of these pests. The next step in the program is removal of weeds from the Gooseponds system to reduce the hiding places for the tilapia and give the barra a real good go at them. Further releases of smaller barra will take place before the wet season in the upper reaches of Jane Creek, which flows into the Gooseponds. The acknowledged impact of these pests on our native

fishes has galvanised the local community into action and they are very supporting of the attempts to eradicate this cane toad of the waterways. The commitment of the local anglers and community in general has been fantastic. Anyway apart from the pest tilapia, Mackay during August and into spring has plenty to offer anglers in both fresh and saltwater, so see you at the ramp.

Spanish this size are thick in August. Big troll baits bring the best fish. points on floats will attract the most attention. Other species such as golden trevally, cobia and queenfish will also be available fishing this way as well. It is recommended that you use wire at all times. Spanish mackerel will not be the only species on offer and with the cold water comes the crayfish. Painted and ornate crayfish are at their thickest this time of year. The cold water sees them move out into the open more which makes them much easier to spot. All the islands around Bowen hold excellent numbers of crays and in very shallow water as well. The best tip is to look for rocky ledges and to keep your eyes

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check before taking them. Usually the very large painted crays are egg bearing females so be vigilant when you spot one of these. Crays can also be taken by hand and the best method is to grab them

at the base of their antennas and to squeeze them together. This tends to flare out their legs which makes them much easier to pull free from the rocks and caves. Make sure you have a good set of gloves and protected arms as coral scratches can turn very infectious. In the creeks, the cold weather will make chasing jacks and barra difficult. They can still be found but they will require a lot of convincing. Putting in the effort and persisting is the most important part and flogging a snag with different lures and multiple casts is a must. Concentrate on shallow water areas as this will be where the water is the warmest. I love this time of year for chasing barra on the flats as they love to sunbake. The trick is to get them to bite. Often going small is the key and light line is an absolute necessity. One species which will be thick in August up the creeks will be the flathead. They typically feed hard around this time and prawn soft plastics fished on the outgoing tides is a good strategy. Next month we will see a transition back to the warmer months, however many of the pelagic fish like mackerel will still be kicking around as the water usually takes a while to warm up. September is one of the best months of the year for offshore weather so trips out wide will be frequent so make sure you are ready.

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Large painted crays will be on the march in August around all of Bowen’s islands. peeled for their black antennas which protrude outwards. Small spear guns around the 50-70cm length are ideal to capture crays. Remember though any crays with eggs must be returned so try and From page 52

Gooseponds under the permit issued to Reef Catchments. MAFSA members were heavily involved in sourcing, collecting, transporting and overseeing the release of the fish. Plenty of publicity meant that there was a heap of help from the general concerned public who assisted with the release of the fish. Helpers from grand parents to 10 year old kids turned up to do their bit for the environment

Wicked winter wins TOWNSVILLE

Karim DeRidder

The winter chill has finally hit us with some crazy cool mornings heading well south under the 10째C mark. This has had locals digging for long lost winter woolies. Being the last winter month, most keen anglers are now tuned on the winter species both inshore and offshore; this will most likely remain in play until the end of the month when the warmth of September and spring creep back. Reports indicate that mackerel are thick and fast, school sized fish holding on bait schools around shoals, wrecks and current lines off our local reefs. Cape Cleveland is producing some better numbers of the giant Spanish mackerel of over 20kg, most being taken on fresh five spot gar of late, however a nicely

Brittany Sossai with a solid grunter she caught recently.

An 80cm flathead that took a liking to a prawn imitation lure fished on the bottom.

The new Live Target Prawn was a winner with this small barramundi. rigged wolf herring is always handy if these are able to be sourced. I have

herd of some using whole legal doggy and spotted macks rigged to swim,

a bait that is definitely targeting the super sized end of the scale!

The billfish have been in promising numbers, both small blacks and good sized sailfish appearing amongst the spread regularly for those game fishermen. Lures like those made by Peter Pakula are a great option and have been accounting for plenty especially for those newcomers to the game. However it pays to be versatile in the approaches as changes in behaviour may require other techniques such as teasing and switching or use of downriggers and more advanced techniques. A few dolphin fish have also been caught on the back of some clean water coinciding with smart placement of live baits down the spread. The reefs have been producing some cracking trout and red throat emperor, with the pick being Loadstone and Broadhurst reefs. Those venturing towards the shelf are still tangling with solid red emperor as well as some green and rosy jobfish being a tasty bi-catch. Local creeks and rivers have cleared up and chilled down. Around the high tide when the water is clear and green, balls of herring and gar have been mobbed by doggie mackerel at the mouths of these larger systems. Bag limits are quite achievable in mere minutes. These fish are quite annoying if presenting expensive soft vibes or hard bodes to fish sounding below the dense bait congregations. The barramundi have been relatively quite this month, with the odd big fish being reported; more

likely fish of between 50-65cm have been tangled with in recent times. Flathead have been ridiculously thick, sometimes seeming to replace the barramundi in snags that were once a given. Good sized fish towards the 70-80cm mark have been recorded throwing prawn imitations and well weighted soft plastics in pressure points of the tide. Solid grunter has also been reported in our local systems such as the Haughton and Morrissey, Brittany Sossai showing the quality available with a cracking specimen of 65cm recently. The urban areas of are

a great places to duck out for a few hours at night on a making tide. The areas of the lakes, harbour breakwalls and Ross Creek are great locations to tangle with the winter run of large yellow fin bream. The trick with these fish is to throw lightly weighted plastics such as gulp curl tails paired with ultra light leaders allowing subtle presentations. A nice light tipped graphite rod is also a must. Most North Queenslanders have a chuckle at bream fishers of the southern boundaries and beyond, but they are a fun sports fish when using light gear, with some of these fish making greater than 40cm long.

Fat bream like this model are a common catch in our urban waterways. If you scale everything down they can be great fun to fill in time.

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AUGUST 2014

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August action in Ayr AYR

Steve Farmer

Fishing and boating in North Queensland during winter can be pretty special. Stable and occasionally light weather conditions mean that inshore bluewater fishing becomes a comfortable, safe possibility for many boaties. The shoals off Alva Beach are probably the Burdekin’s most popular and productive fishing grounds at this time of the year, with anglers often scoring a mixed bag of pelagics such as Spanish mackerel, cobia, trevally and tuna, as well as bottom fish such as coral trout, emperor, red jew and nannygai. When the tides suit, anglers can fish ‘gentlemen’s hours’ and still end up with an icebox full of tasty fillets for relatively little effort. That’s exactly what Josh Krug, Matthew Kennedy and Clint Moore did recently. The trio cleared the mouth of Ocean Creek aboard Josh’s 4.5 metre Bluefin around 8.00am and were back at the ramp by 1.30 that afternoon with a couple of feeds of pelagic and bottom species to take home to their families. Josh said a school of surface-feeding fish interrupted their run out to the shoals and with the hope of a few Spanish mackerel, they set a couple of lures and

A slab of fresh mackerel tuna produced this red emperor for Josh Krug. their catch. Josh said they also lost another 2 Spaniards of a similar size. They could have fished on into the late afternoon, but with a modest feed on board they decided to head for home soon after lunch rather than wait for the next high tide at some dreadful hour of the night – a wise and responsible decision. Josh confirmed a number of other reports I’ve heard lately that sharks were not a problem. Perhaps they move elsewhere during the cooler months.

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Josh Krug and Matthew Kennedy with part of a morning’s catch from the shoals off Alva Beach. trolled the edges of the school. Unfortunately their hoped-for Spaniards were, in fact, mackerel tuna and it wasn’t long before one wacked a Halco with the much-favoured colour scheme of a white body and red head. While they were disappointed their catch wasn’t a Spaniard, they were savvy enough to toss the tuna on ice for use as fresh bait for later. The tuna certainly produced the goods for them. The bloody, red fillets were eventually the downfall of a 7kg cod, a 72cm red emperor and a handful of spangled emperor to 55cm. Floating pilchards added a 115cm Spanish mackerel to

In the estuaries, the glorious winter weather has made it a pleasure to be out on the water chasing a fish or three. As you would expect, the main quarry has been whiting, bream and flathead with the occasional queenfish, trevally or salmon livening up the show from time to time. More and more anglers seem to be luring for flathead these days and a trip to Phillips Camp last weekend saw 5 boats converge on the flats at the mouth. However the fishing was quiet and of the dozen or so anglers luring the shallows and drop-offs the only one to find the lizards was my daughter, Aimee. Aimee stood in one spot and

pulled 3 modest-sized flathead from the water while all those around her couldn’t raise a fish. The lure she was using was a metallic blue Rattlin’ Spot, which is now a firm favourite with her. Crabbing has been particularly good lately with plenty of large bucks coming up in the pots. In fact, they’ve been so thick that many anglers are catching good numbers on lines. Unfortunately, most are still empty and definitely not worth taking. One crabbing guru reckons it’ll be another couple of weeks before they’ve grown into their new shells. AUGUST ACTION Bluewater fishers are still in with a good chance during August with light winds likely and warmer temperatures making it a bit easier to get out of bed and onto the water. The Spanish mackerel run seems to have been a little quieter this year and August is probably the last chance for northern anglers to enjoy a little Spanish action. In the creeks, bream numbers will probably be peaking, while whiting and flathead will still be about in good numbers. For bream, try the usual recipe of a lightly weighted bait of peeled prawn or a small slab of mullet fished close to timber, mud ledges or rocks. Most of the local creeks should fish well for bream but don’t neglect the beaches and sandy, rocky shoreline on the inside of Cape Upstart. With the temperatures bound to warm up in the next month or so, it wouldn’t hurt to check over the jack gear. Overhaul the reel, check the rod seat and runners and replace any rusty or blunt hooks on the lures. Later in the month it could be worth a few prospecting trips to local creeks just to see if the red devils are in residence and hungry. AUGUST 2014

Stretched out in August LUCINDA

Jeff Wilton jeffwilton83@hotmail.com

If you talk with a lot of long time locals they will say that August can be one of the most consistent months for giving good weather so fingers are crossed. Last month plenty of mackerel graced the iceboxes of most who tried targeting them. The pelagic fish have certainly started frothing the waters here and let me tell you I would not want to be a baitfish right now. Here is a game plan for August. HINCHINBROOK CHANNEL Fishing the channel will be frustrating and tough on most occasions if chasing fish such as barra and jacks, but on the other hand plenty of other species will be ready to swipe at your offerings. Flathead are about in good numbers and they remind you it’s winter when they smack your lure in that barra drain. We get some solid flathead here in the tropics and they go hard on lighter gear and eat lures, plastics and baits eagerly. Get your lure or plastic bumping the bottom in areas that offer an ambush zone and look for bait as the big lizards will be there. For some reason bright pinks and greens seem to get their attention always. The black bream will eat you out of the boat, they are savage and will attack large mullet baits too. They will smash your large lure on the troll and chew your plastic up and spit it at you. For those into light tackle sportfishing they offer great fun sessions on small lures or small plastics, but that’s not for everyone, which I don’t mind! Golden snapper are hanging in the creek mouth snags and keeping an eye on the sounder as you travel up the channel should pay off when you find a rocky

area covered with bait. You may find some solid shows of fish near the bottom but really you are trying to locate baitfish. If you can get a good anchor in and hang over the bottom structure and bait you will get smashed. Live herring are a great live bait for golden snapper, black jew, grunter and threadfin. Local guide Carlo from Fishing Charters Townsville got his clients some ripper threadfin up

I am still getting the odd barra by working deep diving lures into heavy structure on the rising tides. Especially in the afternoons when the water is at its warmest and the bait is around. Once again really knowing how to use your electronics to their potential will give you a better chance. I’m going to be giving some of those Twin River Lures a run as they look great and I’m hearing barra can’t resist them.

Robbie from Sun 2 Sea loving the jetty sessions on the queenies. if we hit the Sugar Loader Jetty? The problem is if you give the jetty a flick you may end up staying there for hours, which is worth it as you save fuel and the fishing can be red hot. The big winter queenies are stacked up and the odd XL GT is lurking, mackerel are also about especially when the herring schools are abundant. If the queenies are not playing the game change you’re tactics and do the opposite of what you had been doing; if you were slowly twitching give it a fast burn for a change. If you do get past the jetty then the Palm Islands will be worth a shot for mackerel and the odd reef fish on lures. Anchoring

Sean with a well-earned crayfish – these tasty treats will be on target in August. to 118cm a few weeks into July so hopefully this will be the start of their arrival in good numbers.

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sad to see dead floating mackerel drift by you. A mate of mine has been getting some great crayfish at the reef, so grabbing the wetsuit and a mask and exploring may just put the perfect mix into the icebox. August also should see some improved catch rates of the juvenile black marlin making their way through feeding. Keep looking for those baitfish balled up out in the depths. Chasing billfish is new to me but I can say I’m hooked as they are such special fish. I will certainly be spending loads of boring hours hoping for that screaming run. As you can see Lucinda is all systems go at the moment so get out and get into them.

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up and drifting out a pillie or two is also a very good option. The red throat emperor also move in to the islands and can rip your rod out of your hand, especially on a cold night as your mind wanders. The reef will also be fishing well in the shallows for trout and the red fish don’t mind engulfing a big bottom bait. Spending a cold night drifting the ocean sorts the men from the boys but fighting a big red from the deep will have you sweating. Once again drifting a pillie or live bait near any reef point during the day should see mackerel in the boat. Once you have enough stop fishing for them as they don’t release well and it’s

The Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) applauds the statement from Environment Minister Greg Hunt of 29 April 2014 on Ministers’ agreement to review environmental regulation, and in particular the call from both Federal and State Environment Ministers for the Department of Environment to complete its impact statement and recommendations on potential emission control options for marine engines by September this year. Regulations could follow that, perhaps as early as the first half of 2015. Such regulations will mean no further imports of high emission outboards, that means no more carburetted and EFI 2-stroke outboards with emissions 10-20 times the levels of 4-stroke outboards and modern direct injection 2-strokes like E-TEC technology. “AMEC has been

committed to cooperate with the Government on practical actions that will achieve tangible results for a healthy environment and clean air. But boaters have nothing to fear. These standards will only apply to new outboards imported after the laws are passed. Nothing they own now will be affected or banned”, David Heyes, Chairman of AMEC, said. Industry can now move forward with confidence. As Heyes explains “we have been living with uncertainly since the authorities updated the Australian Boat Building standards for heavier 4-strokes in 2009. I’m glad now we can move forward with certainty”. The Government and Industry began work on emissions standards in 2006. Public Consultation was held in 2010, but since then, the final report has stalled. The fact that this report has been called by the Ministers, led by Greg Hunt, for by

September 2014 is an important progress. “The shape of the regulations we foresee is pretty clear,” according to AMEC Industry Analyst, Gary Fooks. “Since 2006 AMEC has worked to ensure that a balanced approach to reflect the USA EPA standard is applied. This is not only the world’s best standard, but governs the biggest market for outboards, which means more and better choices for Australian consumers”. Small engine emissions standards are not just focused on the marine industry. Off-road engines from lawn mowers to petrol generators will also have to meet the new standards. AMEC is an Australian industry-based membership council that shares a common interest of sustainable practices to provide efficient, environmentallyfriendly products to consumers. – AMEC

Cold fronts slow down anglers HINCHINBROOK

Ryan Moody www.hookedonhinchinbrook.com

Just as they forecast a warmer than average winter, what happens? Yes that’s right, the three coldest fronts I have ever experienced on the water up here. We have had periods in the past month where it was just hypothermic and moving around the waterways becomes a slow, painful crawl. Some days even went into the too hard basket as conditions comprising of freezing winds and cold rain mixed together just made it unbearable. Fishing in these kind of weather changes generally puts the fish off as well, and would explain why we had a few patchy periods. But in between the cold bursts of southern air we did have some good fishing as well. The reef reports have been exceptional with most boats doing well on all species. There has also been more reports this year of good red emperor than I have heard for some years. Must be all that rough

weather early this year, keeping everyone off the water for months. I will have to admit though we have had a few stunning weather periods too, even if it was freezing. We have found some great threadfin salmon schools in the main channel again this year and it was great to see them back from a short absence. Hopefully our better than average wet season will ensure salinity levels remain stable enough for the threadies to hang around all year. On a sour

note the bullsharks seem to be hovering with them and we have had casualties already. Don’t think I have ever seen bullsharks this time of year either. It’s been a bit strange. Barra have been a bit mixed up. Sometimes they are biting well and other times it is hard to raise a bite but I guess that is just the way they have always been when it comes to weather changes. We have still caught some cracker fish with several over the metre to boot. For the rest of winter I’m really not

Matt Coleman with his first metre long threadfin salmon. At this size they are real bruisers that take some getting to the boat.

sure how the barra will bite. It will depend on whether or not these cold weather fronts continue or we slip into that warmer winter that was predicted! One other species that’s fishing well is golden snapper also known as fingermark. Some of the locals have done real well and those willing to put the time in during the evening hours have fared best. We have also noticed an increase in numbers on the deep ledges in the channel. Jigging soft vibes has been working a treat and my 2 favourites have not let us down. The Gimp and the Species 95 are the best vibes I have used for this species. Drop them to the bottom and jig them slow and short and in no time we usually get smashed especially when they are really on the chew. Both Spaniards and big northern bluefin have been prevalent with some good reports coming in including a northern blue that we had on for over 2 hours on 10kg braid. This fish was a horse and ended up gaining its freedom after it dragged us for 4.8 miles from where we hooked it.

Ian Cuneo with his first metre barra caught during a cold snap. The up and down nature of the weather has made barra fishing tougher than normal, but they’re still there. Now that we are in full winter mode I would expect similar fishing scenarios as the past month with the only species that may show up in more numbers being the small black marlin. August is usually the prime month for these little billies. Reports are scratchy at the moment but I’m sure that will improve this month. If you are looking to target them at Hinchinbrook then you first have to find the bait grounds. These areas are generally halfway between the islands and the inner reefs. Keep an eye out in that 28-33m

country and look for the birds diving on the yakka and pilly schools. If you see ganets (booby birds) then you know you are on the right bait schools, but if you see the terns diving on bait then it is most likely tuna feeding on a much smaller bait source than the marlin prefer. • If you would like to book a charter or join our fishing community for some great competitions etc, head on over to www. ryanmoodyfishing.com. And you could also win a free charter drawn twice a year.

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Awesome August weather CAIRNS

Garry Smith garrysmith@fishingmonthly.com.au

The offshore fishing has been first class when the winds have allowed, with plenty of mackerel on the chew, along with reds and trout on the bottom. Estuary fishing has been less prolific, with the odd good bite interspersed with lean times. The opportunities to get offshore have been limited so far this winter; so grab your chances when they come. August has dished up awesome weather in recent

have all produced at various times, with no particular method dominating. The best approach is to try a few methods until you work out what’s doing the trick on any particular day. Also keep an eye on other boats to see what’s working for other anglers. There are so many variables when chasing mackerel and it can be a real challenge when they are finicky. When they decide to turn it on however, any and all methods will produce the goods. There will be plenty of other pelagic action offshore this month, with cobia, trevally of all shapes and

Reef fishing should be red-hot this month, when the winds allow. Red will also be the colour foremost in reef angler’s visions, with large mouth nannygai and red emperor the main target in the deep water. The reds have been biting well throughout winter, especially at night. August usually sees excellent red fishing in both size and quality, with plenty of fish over 6kg with the odd 10kg+ trophy red. Coral trout will also be well and truly on the chew up shallow, as they feed up in preparation for spawning during the first serious increase in water temperature that coincides with a new moon.

The odd baby black was caught in early July, which is a good sign for the upcoming season. years, with fishing to match, so here’s hoping for a repeat set. We are certainly overdue for an extended run of good weather and fishing this year! Mackerel will be the main target for fishos this month, as they should be around from inshore, to the outer reef. There have been plenty biting at times, yet on other occasions they have been hard to find. Doggies and Spaniards have been the main players off Cairns, with more spotty mackerel to the south and greys to the north. Trolling, floating live and dead baits and even jigging

sizes, northern bluefin tuna and small black marlin all being regular catches. Bill chasers will be hoping for a repeat of 2012, when the baby blacks really turned it on off Cairns, with 130 tagged in three days during the Fitzroy Island competition. The odd baby black was caught in early July, which is a good sign for the upcoming season. Trolling a spread of hard body lures, skipping garfish, skirted lures and swimming baits will cover your options for baby blacks, along with a wide range of other light tackle speedsters.

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Sharks have been a constant and widespread problem for anglers in recent months. Other than moving considerable distance at speed, every time they come in, about the only other tactic that has some success is to beef up your tackle and reef (excuse the pun) the fish to the surface. Going back to the old faithful hand line will help increase your chance of getting them to the boat; though probably reduce your hook-up rate. Picker fish have also been a pest at times, stealing the softer squid and pilchard baits. A way to combat this and keep a bait on long enough for a decent fish to swallow it, is to use a strip of flesh bait with a tip of pilchard or squid. When the picker fish are really bad, I resort to using a bit of backbone or fin, to slow the little devils down. Use any of the small picker fish that come aboard, such as sweetlip, hussar, fusilier, trevally and stripeys. Keep in mind that parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perches still have to meet the minimum size requirement of 25cm to be used as bait. The exceptions are fusilier and trevally, which have no size limits. Anglers have spent plenty of time this winter restricted to the estuaries,

Grant Cunningham from Brisbane got a taste of mackerel fishing off Cairns last month. where the fishing has been pretty quiet most of the time. There has been the odd report of good catches, but generally the fishing has matched the weather that has constrained anglers to sheltered waters. The odd barra, golden snapper and mangrove jack are still being caught by the patient or expert angler but the average fisho has struggled to find a feed. Bream have been around at times, along with trevally, queenfish, salmon and grunter. As the water warms the tropical trophy trio of jacks, golden snapper and barra will become more active and a bit easier to catch, so take advantage of any warm, still, periods to target these species. Incoming tides will generally work better for trevally, queenfish and grunter, with the outgoing tides more suited to chasing golden snapper, barra and jacks. August is a great month for anglers that have the boat and weather to access the reef and close offshore waters, so let’s hope Huey dishes up another run of superb late winter weather.

Jeff Hunt caught an early season baby black off Fitzroy Island early last month.

Korynne Karalu had an awesome day on the water at 1770. She caught this great looking red emperor as well as an impressive coral trout using yellow tail scad.

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Macks are on the attack PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton Heffer

It’s been happy days in the Port Douglas region as we’ve been experiencing a dream run on the fish over the last couple of months, especially along our local inshore and offshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. As to be expected the majority of the news is coming off the blue highway with reef and pelagic species all performing admirably. Winter, or the dry season, is prime time to target fish around the reefs and there has been a plethora of fish to tangle with. Calm, picture postcard

been very consistent and once on the bite the action is thick and fast with plenty of grunt to go with it. Also working in tandem on quite a few occasions have been the trevally species which cover similar grounds. Which trevally species will turn up in mass is a bit of a guessing game as there’s been bludger, tea-leaf, brassy, golden, gold spot and big eye all turn up at various stages. Some days the fishing off the bottom has been absolute mayhem and left anglers with sore backs, extended arms and big smiles from ear to ear. The coral trout have been a bit patchy in the shallower waters over these

this year and where there’s bait there’s normally the predators in tow. As a bonus there have been a few small black marlin start to show up early this year and if there are plenty of mackerel around one would expect these stallions to be around in numbers as well. I know of quite a few skippers keeping a close eye on the wide grounds south of Port Douglas and they are hoping they turn up in big numbers just like they did a couple of years ago. The gut feeling is that it will be a good light tackle season on these fish over the next month or so. Closer to home the river and creek action is

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The macks are on the attack and August is a prime month to cross swords with these toothy speedsters. days are absolute key to the best fishing as long as there has been some decent run in the tide. To begin with the reef fishing at times has truly peaked with some very impressive reports filtering through, especially when we’ve received those beautiful calm days. Calm days allow anglers to anchor properly and fish the open deeper waters. Whereas in previous months the weather was mostly ordinary and accessing these deep hangs was quite rare and catches were patchy. However in recent times the tables have turned and catch rates have gone through the roof. The most notable species has been the large mouth nannygai species, which has been fishing extremely well in these deeper sections across rubble patches and isolated patches out in the open grounds. Big model fish between 8-10kg have

cooler months so far but there have been plenty of spangled emperor, sweetlip and stripeys to fill the creel. The coral trout will not stay idle forever and there will come a time soon when they become the staple catch on the reef. On the pelagic scene the offshore and coastal reefs have seen an abundance of mackerel species predominantly being Spanish and spotted mackerel. In certain pockets of water, particularly closer to the shoreline, there has also been good numbers of grey and school mackerel. Most would agree that this has been the best mackerel season we’ve seen in many a year and the mackerel have been accounted for by floating pilchards on mackerel rigs and also trolling them up with ease with a spread of lures. There’s been an abundance of bait around

probably at its toughest but as the days gradually warm up there will be a bit more activity. Currently there are a few golden snapper and mangrove jack to be caught but the winter species are really dominating catches at the moment. Big plump bream, grunter, small trevally and queenfish, estuary cod and flathead have been at the forefront with the odd barra being caught on small soft plastics. Downsizing your presentation for barra is a key factor as they are not big feeders during the cooler months. With the region now jam packed with tourist numbers there are plenty of keen anglers amongst them. Calm days with a bit of run in the current is the ingredient required to enjoy a special day on the water and the reef will continue to offer the best fishing at this time of the year. AUGUST 2014

Windy Cooktown offers hope COOKTOWN

Nick Stock

While August can usually be Cooktown’s windiest month, there may be some hope for the offshore fishers if the last month’s weather is anything to go by.

a few years ago getting filleted by locals at the Bloomfield River ramp that went 42kg! This fish is the biggest Spaniard I have seen in the flesh and what was even more incredible than the sheer bulk of the fish was that it was caught on a 150lb handline and a $9

line, covering him with water before proceeding to give its best shot at spooling him on his lightish gear. Being on the wrong side of 70, Kempy eventually lost the fish after a 15 minute fight and still to this day calls it as a 100lb+ Spaniard. The local rivers are fishing well for grunter, jack, fingermark and also plague proportions of decent sized golden trevally. Tom Nevins from Cooktown Barra Charters has been ensuring southern clients are going home with stretched arms after numerous charters chasing these goldens on

10lb braid. They go like stink when hooked on the flats in the Endeavour and Annan and are great fun in 4’ of water. Lakefield has been fishing ok however the late opening date of the National Park and the cool, wet winter has seen it fish slower than previous years. As usual, live cherrabin and slowly fished timber lures have been accounting for most fish. Cooktown fisho Ben Stack nailed 3 good 800mm-plus barra from three casts, all falling for a deeply twitched black and gold coloured 110mm Prawn made by Twin

The goldens keep southern anglers visiting the tropics more than happy and leave them tired after a day fighting them on light lines. River Lures. Now that’s good fishing! • Once again, until next month stay safe on the water

and be sure to jump onto Facebook and check out the timber barra lures I make called Twin River Lures.

Weipa’s wonderful weather Grunter are a great winter target when the winds are blowing hard and ruling out offshore fishing. Some keen anglers managed half a dozen offshore trips last month, which for Cooktown in the middle of winter is a rarity! Trout, nannygai and Spaniards dominated the reports with some cracker Spaniards nearing the 30kg mark coming in. Further down the coast towards Cairns and Innisfail the cooler weather from June till September usually means it’s time to chase the big Spaniards around the islands. Cooktown is lucky in the fact that they are here in big numbers for 12 months of the year. Although you can see Spaniards on an offshore trip anywhere in FNQ during any month of the year, the further south you go from Cooktown there seems to be an influx of punters targeting XOS Spaniards. While they may be a worthy target on any trip, the winter period is when the genuine horse fish get caught. I saw a fish

Halco Spoon! We have all heard the saying about all the gear but no idea, well after seeing a few of the fish that the locals from Wujal Wujal catch on handlines, I reckon that saying should be reversed no gear, all the idea! There is an endless variety of lures and baits to target these horse sized Spaniards however as a general rule of thumb, I find it hard to get away from using 500mm long wolf herring slow trolled with a set of 9/0 ganged Tru-turns. Big baits can often mean big fish when it comes to the genuine trophy fish. A long time local Cooktown fisho, Peter Kemp knows this more than anyone. He was fishing at Cape Bedford at sunrise on a July morning and was well on his way to getting his bag of spotted mackerel. He had a good sized spotty of around 100cm boat side and was about to sink the gaff when a Spaniard smashed it off his

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Josh Lyons thesportfisher@gmail.com

Winter so far has been an absolute cracker. Cool nights have flowed into beautiful warm days and while there has been a few patches of strong wind, for the most part, sea conditions have been quite favorable. Water colour throughout winter is one of the major factors dictating the quality of the fishing offshore and while there has been some top pelagic fishing available, that slight tinge of milky green just won’t go away. Out wide this water has kept the billfish pretty quiet so far and the large schools of Spanish mackerel haven’t turned up yet, but it is only early days and I would expect both of these fisheries to start firing as we move through August. Closer inshore, the fishing has been diverse and at times exceptional. Putting time in on the closer shallow reefs and bait schools of Albatross Bay has really been the way to go this year with the quality and size of the fish as good as I can remember. Big queenfish and trevally have been firing up on the hapless baitfish schools often pushing them

Sunsets like these soothe the soul, especially when the weather is this good. into water only a few feet deep, in fact it’s been in that 10-20ft of water that has seen the best fishing. These bait schools also help to fire up other species in the area. Golden snapper will often follow the bait schools from reef to reef, so keep an eye on the sounder for even the smallest piece of rubble

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A brace of hefty freshwater barra taken on a recent camping trip up the cape.

as these can often hold some lovely fish. I like to have a spare rod rigged with a lead head jig or plastic in this situation, with the best technique to troll the area with a couple of different lure depths and keeping an eye on the sounder. When a nice bait school or show of fish are found, if a lap or two on the troll can’t get a bite, a quick drift or two jigging can often stir one up. Along the beaches and around the river mouths have seen some lovely clear water, particularly on the neap tides. Couple this with a cloudless day and you have some of the best flyfishing conditions around. On these beautiful clear days, stealth is the way to go so be patient by anchoring, letting the fish come to you or by doing slow drifts over the flats with an electric motor. For those die-hard fly fishos these are the

conditions and time of year you want to chase yourself down one of those elusive permit. The boys from Fish’s Fly and Sportfishing have been putting their clients (and themselves on days off) onto some lovely fish on these flats with nice permit to 20lb and blue bastards (painted sweetlip) taken with real consistency. August would have to be just about the best month on the calendar for camping trips on Cape York. Whether it is one of the Gulf’s many beautiful beaches or the awesome freshwater creeks and rivers in the area, it is a great way to get out and about with friends and family. The nights are nice and cool for sitting around the fire, while the days get warm enough to have a refreshing cool off in shallow areas that are safe to do so. Fishing wise these freshwater sections and billabongs are the way to go. Sooty grunter love the fast flowing sections while the barra and saratoga are more consistent in the deeper backwater areas along with the lagoons. Usually it’s the afternoon that produces best in these landlocked lagoons as the water has had the heat of the day to warm and entice particularly the barra to feed. Often if its been dead quiet all day, which can happen, it’s worth a go with a surface lure for an hour or so after dark, this surface action can often be heard from camp and if you have scoped out a croc safe area to have a cast from, a great session can be had. Saratoga and sooty grunter are less susceptible to shutting down in the cold or windy weather like barra, so downsizing your lure and putting some time into the main river will keep the action happening

Lick your lips in August CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly aggott88@gmail.com

Some of the bluewater addicts amongst us will be licking their lips in August, readying gear and replacing leaders on some heavy spin and overhead tackle. The species one might encounter if they drew an imaginary line west past Weipa and then east of Lockhart River to the outer reef are truly immense. Let’s go from west to east along that line with August in mind. Beginning with some of the rubble grounds and reef country in the shallow Gulf of Carpentaria. These are hugely productive reef systems attracting bait en mass. A staggering number of birds make this section of coast home, with frigates, terns, gulls and booby birds out on the fishing grounds every morning. Bombarding bait schools, which are in turn being attacked from below, gatherings of birds can give signals as to which speedy predators are below. But in August, you might expect Spanish and grey mackerel, longtail and mack tuna, giant, golden and bludger trevally, cobia, queenfish, sailfish and the odd little black marlin. Down a little deeper, anglers can expect fingermark, nannygai, various cod, black jew, bluebone and a host

of other reef species. Reefs in the Gulf are rarely more than 30m deep and most of the contour lines and rubble patches that hold fish are much shallower again. The west coast rivers are a pleasure to fish this time of year and anglers chasing smaller trevally and queenfish will have a great time at the river mouths. Blue salmon will be patrolling the gutters, as will dart, golden trevally, whiting, flathead, grunter, small barramundi and masses of mullet.

Clear conditions on an August morning will have the fly fisher eager to sight cast an array of tropical species on both the east and west coast of the Cape. On the east coast creeks and sand flats, opportunities will be brief in between gusts of breeze from the south. Getting onto a remote creek mouth where a healthy sized sand spit makes crocodiles less of a risk, can make for fly fishing heaven. Long casts are possible and the currents can assist getting a

A sensational creek mouth barra caught on a fizzer at dusk, a great time to be tossing around surface offerings.

Look out for crocs when you are wading the flats! fly into location. Often the first pocket of deeper water just inside the shallow mouth can be the most productive. Having some of the first tidal current flowing back into the creek following a low tide will see the most aggressive behaviour. For that initial hour, many of the creeks inhabitants push towards the mouth to take advantage of the express train of food flowing back in with the tide. It is incredible to see some of the life that floods in with the tide just on sunset and into the evening. It makes it even more miraculous the mass exodus that occurs on the opposing low tide. Being stuck in a tiny east coast creek over a low tide can get pretty dull for those last few hours. Best just to keep an eye out for passing mud crabs or throw a strip bait out for mangrove jack. Moving out from the creeks and to the shallow inshore reefs and headlands, plentiful fingermark, cod, mangrove jack, stripies, trevally and others will hang around the rocky shorelines. Tuna schools will be munching

Grunter and salmon on fire KARUMBA

Alan Gurney awes0me@bigpond.net.au

This cold weather up here in the Gulf has got the grunter firing and there were some awesome numbers of big grunter caught up the river when they turned up to breed. The place near the power lines was packed with around 80 boats and most caught at least 6 fish for the day. These grunter were up to 70cm in size, so

an awesome day was had by those there. It was also good to see the Fishery Officers in attendance to make sure everyone was doing the right thing. Blue salmon will now be on the chew as they mass up near the mouth to breed. They will be found on the colour change that happens heading north from the Sunset Tavern. I like to use a running sinker rig with a mono trace, but you can use wire, as there is always a Spanish mackerel around that can make life

David Lord and Alan Gurney doing some fish stock research at Sweers Island.

interesting if you’re not prepared. Please only take enough for a feed to allow everyone to catch some as they are fun to catch and eat and do not take much to land. Karumba is mostly full with visitors at this time of year, but there are vacancies now as another caravan park has opened up. Karumba Point Service Station at the point on the left hand side just before you get to the Tavern has 36 powered sites and 2 self-contained dongas. The owner Ron has been in Karumba for a long time and knows a lot about fishing, so don’t be afraid to ask some questions. His garage also stocks fishing gear and bait. The phone number is (07) 4745 9318. Sweers Island is a great place to be at this time of year as the fishing is red-hot. The cold weather has got the reef fish biting and the calm weather windows have been awesome. I took a mate of mine over there to do some fish stock research and the photo will say it all. We were going to catch

some reef fish and then we would go after Spanish mackerel. On the first day the wind had dropped so we headed out and by 2.00pm we had caught some big red emperor, nannies and golden snapper. The call was made to stop fishing on the first day as we had plenty and the next 2 days we let everything go and had a ball.

through hordes of bait out in the bays with yellowfin further out at the major reef entrances. Many of the pelagic species are swinging into full gear now with mackerel being the offshore trolling mainstay. Smaller black marlin will be

seen around bait out in the paddock areas to be joined by sailfish from Cairns all the way up into the Torres Strait. That is an area so vast and fish filled, it would take ten anglers ten lifetimes to fish it all properly.

A typical piece of Cape York map... creeks everywhere you look.

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AUGUST 2014

Basics of overnight reef fishing BRISBANE

Kim Bain

So your mates have invited you out on a reef fishing overnighter; but you’ve never been offshore before. No problems, here’s a down and dirty on the basics so that you can at least understand what they are talking about. First time anglers might get confused with all the equipment and the many options that seasoned crews will talk about using on a fishing trip; in this article with the southeast Queensland reef fishing season upon us, let’s look at the equipment basics for anglers to consider.

There are a number of scenarios where I like to reef fish at anchor on an overnighter. Out in Moreton Bay or Hervey Bay there are plenty of islands to fish around, most of these would fall into the category of a shallow water fishery (if not very shallow). As well there are the main islands of Moreton Island and Fraser Island respectively. Along the inside of these islands there are quite a few likely spots for reef fishing that also make great overnight anchorages, the inside ledge of Moreton Island from Cowan Point up to Comboyuro Point including the area out the front of Bulwer is an example of

such. Other spots are the close in offshore reefs; Shallow Tempest on the eastern side of Moreton Island is one that springs to mind. These spots can either be the focus of a specific trip, or they are great as an overnighter on a Saturday night when you are out for the entire weekend. For more serious trips where the excursion is specifically a night fishing trip, in good weather crews may head out to the deeper water reefs in the afternoon and fish all night to return after the dawn session the next morning. If you ever get the chance, being anchored up for the night inside the Great Barrier

Reef is one of life’s bucket list reef fishing experiences. Be it on a primarily marlin fishing trip out of Cairns, or a week long charter boat reef fishing trip out around the Swains, the fishing is often amazing and not to be missed when you anchor up behind the reef overnight. BEST TIMES The best fishing times during an overnighter are close to the turn of the tide when the run (current) slows enough to let you get your baits down with the least weight (sinkers) as possible. The other best times are dusk and dawn. However it can be important to differentiate your fishing strategies from the dark to the light. For example, out on a northern Queensland reef, just before dawn, I may drop a live bait down in the hope of a red emperor while it is still dark. Soon after though, in the grey light I’ll slip the surface floater out with a live bait. The plan is to tempt a big Spanish mackerel. Once the mackerel line is set I’ll switch to a bottom basher with flesh

Spaniards are best targeted in the grey light of dusk and dawn. out (sometimes a second) as a floater specifically to target mackerel. This outfit is rigged on wire and is most productive around the grey light of dusk and dawn. It is common to put the live bait out under a balloon at dusk but to then bring it in once it gets dark as such baits tend to end up getting sharked once the sun has completely gone. Incidentally, at night most anglers try to get their live baits down deep closer to the bottom in order to hopefully avoid prowling sharks; I’ve caught quite a few mackerel by employing this strategy (and quite a few sharks too).

A headlamp is one of the handiest pieces of nighttime fishing kit that the world has come up with. baits to seduce a coral trout. Switched on anglers will be up an hour or so before dawn to ensure that their gear is ready and 100% rigged before the fishing opportunities present. It’s the guy who is stumbling around and still tying his knots who misses the often narrow bite window. It is handy to know these times when the action is likely to start, that way you to get ensure that both yourself and your equipment are ready to go. SURFACE FLOATER Many crews put one line

If you are into tuna (think sashimi) then put out a surface live bait on a mono nylon type trace. Tuna are more likely to bite throughout the day (although dusk and dawn are often still the best times). Accordingly one strategy can be to fish your live bait(s) on mono traces during the day and then switch to wire trace for your live baiting for mackerel at dusk and dawn. Of course there is another type of ‘floater’ technique which is the slow sinking outfit, using ball sinkers, which we

use to target snapper that are suspended around the edges of the reefs. How this very successful technique (and one or two others by the way) gets called floaters is something that I have never worked out. I’m just mentioning it here so that you are forewarned about the potentially confusing crossover of terms. Typically the surface live bait outfit uses a metre or so of wire at the hook end, and not only is the bait deployed unweighted, it is also often set out under a balloon. It is quite a thrill to watch a balloon zipping across the surface before you set the hooks on the mackerel that is towing it along. Because the surface live bait outfit is set up to let the target fish run with the bait before the hook-up, it is most common to use a lever drag overhead reel on your mackerel outfit. If you are intending to fish a floater then deploy it first. Once it is set in position and set in a rod holder you can then switch over to using your bottom basher rig. HOOKS AND TERMINALS (MACKEREL) There are two types of bait that you will put out for mackerel on unweighted lines. Generally either a pilchard dead bait on a rig of 3x ganged 5/0 hooks; or a live bait on a 7/0 to 8/0 hook. The live bait ideally will have a stinger hook in the tail that is rigged on a short piece of wire that connects the stinger hook to the front hook. Oh and of course, BYO party balloons and rubber bands to connect them to the line. SURFACE LIVE BAITING KNOTS The basics knots that you should practice before you go

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out mackerel fishing include the following (of course you can also make up a few wire rigs, and a mono trace or two, before you go and store them individually in clip seal bags): locked half-blood (for your mono type fishing lines), haywire twist and barrel roll for your single strand mackerel wire. If you are going to use multistrand wire instead of

single strand for your wire traces, then you’ll need crimps to match the wire as well as a crimping tool. It is a good idea to use the Flemish Eye when crimping, so practice this connection loop as well. Some multistrand wire is tieable (aka knotable) and one beauty of it is that they show you the knots to use on the side of the wire’s spool.

The red emperor is the Holy Grail capture for night reef fishing trips from waters of Hervey Bay and further north. Red emperor are best targeted on live baits down deep at night when at anchor.

BOTTOM BASHER The bottom basher rig, often rigged with a paternoster rig at the fish tempting end, with two hooks rigged on droppers and a snapper lead on the bottom, needs to be hand held in order to control the rate of descent of the baits to the sea floor and to feel the bites once you get there. An overhead reel with a good free spool is the most commonly used option. If you choose an M10 style rod for this outfit it can double as an outfit on which to run a slow sinking ball sinker rig (although most ball sinker rods for suspended snapper are about half a metre longer than a M10 bottom basher). HOOKS AND TERMINALS (BOTTOM BASHER) Keep it simple is the catch phrase for hooks, a selection of hooks from sizes 5/0 to 7/0 in both ‘J’ hook and circle hook patterns will cover the options. Take about a dozen of each if you are going on an overnighter, take 50 to 100 of each if you are going out for a week. You should also carry a selection of trace material, small spools of 50m up to 100m each, of breaking strains between approx. 20, 30 and 40 kg are the go. As far as sinkers go, my advice is that you pitch in some dollars and let your more experienced mates provide your sinkers. Otherwise a

Red emperor come in all shapes and sizes and are a pleasure to catch at any time on an overnighter. trailer boat can get seriously weighed down if three blokes rock up each with their own supply of sinkers to cover every ‘what if’ situation. On the trailer boats that I fish on, we consider that sinkers are supplied by the boat owner and that they are a boat expense just like fuel for everybody to pitch in for and share the costs. To reduce the costs, often our sinkers are manufactured before the start of a season at a backyard BBQ event that we call a sinker pour; everybody contributes a bucket of lead and some man hours, and the boat then has enough sinkers for the upcoming season.

KNOTS The basics knots that you should practice for reef fishing before you go out include the following: locked half-blood, dropper loop, and overhand loop. OUTFITS I recommend that you take two multipurpose outfits that can cover both surface livebaiting and bottom bashing. Rods like the classic ‘M10’ (check out the versions made by Wilsons) with overhead reels to match are ideal. Boats are getting bigger with every generation and you might be fortunate enough to get on a boat that allows you to take three or more outfits, however

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that’s a lot of outlay and too many purchase decisions for a novice to be thinking about – best get the basics sorted first. ACCESSORIES One item that I recommend that everybody packs for a night trip is one of those low cost headlamps (and wears it). Having a light that you can turn on in an instant all the while having both hands free to tie a knot or fix a tangle makes them better than sliced bread. A non-rusting multitool with pliers and also a short bait knife will get you through 90% of situations independently without you having to pester your fellow crew members too much. Of course all of the above techniques can be refined in much greater detail; each of them can be expanded into an article or two in themselves. However when first starting out the best place to start is with a good general knowledge, ‘speak the lingo’ so to speak. Then hopefully you’ll know what your experienced mates and crew are on about so that you can participate and learn more as you go along. Here’s a tip; many of my past articles, and also the articles of all the other QFM writers, that expand on these above mentioned techniques are available on the Fishing Monthly websit www. fishingmonthly.com.au. Surf there and check them out.

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AUGUST 2014

Cold times give up big rewards ILUKA

Ben Pilch bjpcdh@gmail.com

If you can stand the cold winds and water, the walls and headlands have been producing good mulloway up to 28kg with large hardbody lures like the local offerings from Get Bent lures and Croaker lures, which have been

working a treat on the local mulloway population. Just slow roll them through the washes of the headlands or on the insides of the walls if you want to get in on the action. The cold weather has been good for the tailor as well. We’ve had the best season we have seen in years and there are still plenty of them around off the headlands and beaches in the

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2-4kg bracket. With plenty of bait around, hopefully the will stick around for a while. The blackfish have been really slow of late; you’re probably better off chasing bream around the lower walls of a night. Gut baits like a chook and mullet gut have been working a treat. Don’t just sit in one spot and hope you run across some bream – work up and down the walls searching for them, fishing as light as you can get away with depending on the tidal run. By being proactive you will have a much higher success rate chasing this bread-andbutter species. In the same areas you will still pick up bream on lures, and blades and soft plastics in particular have been very productive when worked deep. The cold weather has also been good for snapper,

with plenty of good eating quality squire around to be had on both bait and soft plastics. The pick of the baits seems to be little bottle squid, but having a variety of bait on hand is always handy. If you’re bait fishing, berleying can improve your catch rate but you have to remember there is a very fine line between not enough and to much. You want to use your berley to get them interested, not to feed them. If you’re fishing a paternoster rig, using a weighted berley pot is the best method to get the berley in the vicinity of where your baits are and draw the fish to them. My favourite method, however, is to use a lightly weighted bait drifted down a berley trail from the back of the boat.

If you can brave the cold, big mulloway are on offer! If you want to target some bigger knobby snapper you may have to get up a bit earlier and endure the freezing cold. And when I say early, I mean getting to your favourite snapper marks in the dark, setting up your berley trail and fishing into the light using bigger baits. As well as using bigger baits

you would do well to upsize everything else like hook size, main line and leader. You don’t want to feel that haunting sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach knowing you lost the best one of the morning because you skimped on upgrading your hooks or leader on your big bait rig!

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Backbone Tide At the Tinnie and Tackle Show in Brisbane we met Backbone, the crew who sell the Tide, a digital watch that has the ability to be programmed to tell you the tide in your nearest port. There are plenty of watches out there these days that can do this, but the real beauty of the Tide is that you can buy them so cheaply at under $50. Don’t think though that this price is a reflection on quality. The Tide is manufactured to the same standards as Backbone’s other watches, watches they sell to tradies as tough workwear watches that will not fail you. Setting the tide for your local port is easy, in fact so easy that only a few simple instructions are needed to get the watch performing for you. I set mine for my local ramp and this watch is accurate to within about half an hour. That’s perfect for me as by the time the tide gets up to my ramp, or drains away from it,

I bet anyone to get it right to the minute. In fact the Bureau of Metoerology and whoever else does the tide charts has this sort of accuracy! The large face on the watch allows the buyer to easily know what they tide is doing and about how high or low it is. It’s a simple set up that is made to make things easy. Of course there are other function, it even tells you the time! These features include dual time, stop watch and alarm and the highest tide, making this watch perfect for the casual angler, boater or beach goer. Plus this watch is water resistant to 100m, and that doesn’t just mean splash proof like some water resistant watches, it actually means you can stick your arm underwater with it and not wreck it. The Tide is available in a variety of bold colours To page 73

Westerly winds have arrived BALLINA

Tristan Sloan tris.sloan@gmail.com

Winter has well and truly set in and with that some reliable and fun fishing. As a starter I’d like to give you a rundown on two of my favourite local rock fishing species to plan a trip around. They are great eating and are fairly easy to catch this time of year. DRUMMER First up is the black drummer. They’re affectionately known as ‘pigs’ for their omnivorous diet, willingness to take a wide range of baits and their greedy response to berley. Drummer can be easily caught off the rocks, and apart from losing a few hooks and sinkers it’s a relatively inexpensive process. We often target the headlands between Flatrock and Lennox Point, and this involves cutting some cunjevoi for bait on the low tide and then fishing an appropriate wash on the rising tide. Drummer readily respond to berley and no trip is complete without a bucket filled with a mixture of stale bread and water. We throw a handful into the water every 10 minutes or so until the fish arrive and start to bite aggressively. Yesterday’s stale bread loaves for berley can often be bought very cheaply from a bakery or even given to you for free. Drummer can be caught on a wide variety of tackle, and a 12ft beach rod coupled with an Alvey reel and 6kg monofilament line is a popular combination. With this setup you can cast a very light rig, normally involving a pea size sinker and 1/0 baitholder hook. This rig allows the bait to drift around naturally in the wash and prevents snagging up on the bottom, allowing more fish to take the natural looking From page 72

and black and of course I went straight for the loud yellow colour. The colours include pink, red, yellow/ black, yellow/blue, orange and grey, giving you a great choice. The strap is solid and the buckles are made from stainless steel (as is the rear cover) and there are two tabs to run the tongue of the strap under, completely stopping the tongue from slipping out and catching on everything. Selling for under $50, the Tide is excellent value and I reckon accurate enough that if the tides matter to your trip planning, then this will become an important on-water tool. Add in a 12 month warranty Check out the Tide

bait and saving your valuable supply of hooks! If you can’t manage to gather some cunjevoi for bait, don’t despair – drummer respond readily to many other baits such as prawns, crabs and squid. In fact, the imported Vietnamese aquaculture prawns that can be purchased from Coles and Woolworths when peeled make an excellent and cheap bait for drummer. And don’t expect to catch just drummer using this technique off the rocks. Big snowy bream, groper and even small

a threadline reel filled with light braid as the floating nature of the braid makes for easy hook setting over long drifts. BREAM AND MULLOWAY In regards to what’s been biting apart from drummer and luderick on the rocks, the mainstay of fishing lately in the Richmond River has been the humble bream. Good captures have been taken by anglers fishing the lower reaches around town on baits and lures, with the bigger fish falling to baits of crab and mullet flesh at night.

Estuary perch also become a fairly common bycatch at this time of year for anglers throwing hardbodies for bream around the rock walls. Please return all these great sportfish to the water as the season is officially closed. If you’re fishing with live mullet for mulloway, and you find that bream keep eating the eyes out of your precious live baits, don’t despair. Just turn the tables around and use that same dead mullet to snare some quality bream. Speaking of mulloway, the lack of rain in the river has made these wary fish even

The south wall can get crowded when the mulloway are biting. mulloway regularly make an appearance. The key factors are lots of berley, a rising tide and the fresh bait. LUDERICK The second species I love catching off the rocks is the humble luderick. This is one fish species which, unlike many others, doesn’t seem to be declining in numbers. In fact, under the right circumstances it’s very easy to catch a dozen or more in a session. The probable reason for this is that the luderick’s main diet is weed, which isn’t always an easy bait to obtain. Unless weed is cleaned and processed quickly it doesn’t sell well commercially, so the professional fishermen don’t bother with it. This is good news for you and me as these little scrappers Watch at www.backbonetime. com.au or look out for them at various shows and exhibitions.

make excellent eating when prepared properly (scrub out the black gut with a stiff bristled brush). Very similar to catching drummer, when fishing for luderick I like to arrive at my chosen rock platform on the low tide to allow sufficient time to gather enough green weed for bait and then fish the rising tide. For a session you don’t need much more than a handful for bait, plus another handful chopped very finely (as small as possible) and mixed with wet sand in a bucket. Like drummer fishing, berley is essential when rock fishing for luderick as it attracts and holds the fish in your chosen fishing location. While some finesse is need when rock fishing for luderick, they tend to feed a lot A great little tool that will help you out on the water. – Stephen Booth

less cautiously than they do in an estuary environment. The general rig consists of stopper knot (able to be adjusted for depth) through to a small fluoro egg-shaped bobby cork or stemmed float running down to small ball sinker, small swivel and then 30cm of 6lb fluorocarbon trace to a size 6-8 hook such as the Mustard needle Sneck pattern. Split shot are added to weight the float correctly so it sits just above the water’s surface, where it can easily be pulled under by an unsuspecting luderick. A handy trick to make sure your float is weighed correctly is to use a bucket at home before you go fishing. This will save you some valuable fishing time. Once again, I prefer an Alvey reel on a light 12ft rod for this type of fishing though many anglers prefer

Matt Bowie with some tasty drummer fishing by-catch. harder to catch in the super clear water. To overcome this problem, try downsizing your hooks and leader. Lately we have been rigging our live mullet on a rig of twin 5/0s instead of the standard 8/0s, with a long trace of 30lb fluorocarbon. This definitely makes a difference to hook-up rates. Just remember to check your leader for any nicks and abrasions after landing a fish. OFFSHORE It seems like the mackerel have finally disappeared off the local shallow reefs. They have been replaced by some high quality snapper gathering for their annual spawn over winter. The snapper are certainly flighty at times, and to ensure you get consistent results you need to be on the water at first light (preferably on a tide change) and fish with maximum stealth. This means using the freshest possible baits presented as naturally as possible. I prefer lightly weighted squid or fresh slimy mackerel in a pilchard berley trail presented on a

3/0 suicide with a long trace of 12lb fluorocarbon. This technique also allows me to have a live bait sitting in the berley trail in case a big cobia or jew shows up. For the soft plastic snapper brigade it is also important to use stealth when approaching all fishing sites or positioning for a drift. This means driving wide of your intended drift line, using a low motor speed or even using an electric motor to position the boat. Many anglers underrate stealth when fishing but it is very important when fishing in shallow water for reef species. If you like sleeping in late, driving as fast as possible to your fishing spots and pulling big lumps of lead up from 80m+, there is hope for you yet. The wide grounds of the 42 and 48 fathom reef have been producing some good catches of pearl perch and squire plus the occasional kingfish or amberjack for the jiggers. Until next time, I hope to see you on the water.

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AUGUST 2014

HAWK FISHING • FIND-A-WORD COMPETITION

Things you do for newbies

CAJOLE COAX CONGRATULATE CONSOLE DEHOOK DEMONSTRATE DESNAG ENCOURAGE EXPLAIN FILLET FIX

BACKLASH GAFF FISH GIVE KWELLS HELP HOLD FISH NET FISH PRAISE

RERIG RETIE SHOW SNIP SWEAR TAKE PICS TEACH TEASE TIE UNTANGLE WATCH

Name Address

P/Code Phone (day):

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:

QFM Hawk Tournament Competition PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129 QLD AUGUST 2014

FINS SCALES & TALES by A. Both

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE The subscriber prize winners for June were G. Slivar of Grasstree Beach, Qld; J. Laub of Cannon Hill, Qld; S. Wales of Marian, Qld; K. Edwards of Nikenbah, Qld. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

BITE ME by Trisha Mason

FIND THE SPECIALTY FISHING FISH WINNERS The Find the specialtyfishing.com.au logo prize winners for June were J. Willmann Windaroo, G. LeNoel Birkdale, E. Lezuchowski Darra, J. Taylor Upper Coomera, R. Hilton Goondiwindi, G. Innes Goonellabah, B. Adams Bongaree, R. Benson Boondall, W. Adamson Tallegalla, B. Bull Collinsville, G. Watter Ripley, B. Stephan Helidon Spa, K. Barnard Petrie, C. Barnes Gowrie Junction, P. Martin Turkey Beach, K. Cifuentes Tully, C. Rowe Loganholme, P. Swanson Chermside, N. Kempthorne Ripley, K. Sarnadsky Avondale, J. Renton Browns Plains, D. Murray Urraween, D. McLean Shailer Park, C. Couper Chinchilla, R. Kunde Beerwah, R. Morris Beerwah, K. Floyd Kurnell, C. Renz Crestmead, A. Harm Golden Beach, L. Pirlo Modanville, P. Etter Richlands, K. O’Brien Burrum Heads, B. Pratt Bundaberg, K. Ripley Mudgeeraba, S. Grainger Barcaldine, T. Hodges Ballina, C. Westcombe Sandstone Point, G. Tredinnick Tinana, E. Griffiths Charters Towers, J. Thompson Highland Park. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

FIND THE SPECIALTY FISHING JUNE LOCATIONS

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

The answers to Find the speacialtyfishing.com.au logo for June were: 12, 20, 24, 30, 36, 46, 48, 57, 69, 70, 75, 80, 90, 101, 107 – QFM

FIND-A-WORD WINNER Congratulations to Kaitlin Morris of Beerwah, 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 74

• DECEMBER AUGUST 2014 2010

Cooking

Freshwater yabby PART 2 BRISBANE

Lynn Bain

This month we look at the yabby ‘left overs’ from last month’s freshwater yabby cocktail recipe. Well, actually not quite leftovers; some say that the claws are the best bit, especially when presented in the cutsie half-claw, semi-in-the-shell finger food presentation like we have here. These claws are twice cooked. The ‘arm’ meat is once cooked.

2 5

COATED CRAY CLAWS As we did last month, first cook the freshwater yabbies, I put my yabbies in the freezer to quieten them down. Then put about four litres of water into an 8 litre stock pot. To this water I add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar for each litre. Next put the pot of seasoned water onto the stove and bring it to the boil. When the water has reached a rolling boil, you can then add the yabbies to the boiling water.

SEAFOOD DRESSING DIPPING SAUCE You can use the same Thai cocktail dressing from last month as a tasty dip, and\or you can offer the alternate seafood sauce as follows: 1/2 cup sour cream or mayo 2 tbs tomato sauce A good pinch curry powder A couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and serve in a separate bowl or dish.

Pull the head away from the body (and vice versa) claw. Serve with a seafood dipping sauce and enjoy!

The accompanying piece of cray meat (cooked once) comes from the next largest piece of the full claw. Use the scissors to split the segment and lift out the piece of delicious cooked cray meat.

Taking the yabbies out of the cooking water.

Working on a cooked yabby. Break the claws away from the head of the yabby. Do this by gripping the ‘arm’ at the joint closest to the body and then lever the arm ‘backwards’. Then use kitchen shears (or kitchen scissors) to crack the claw in the area shown. Using either of these cutting tools allows you to reliably get the claws looking about the same length.

Flip the claw over and cut the other side so that you can separate and discard the unwanted piece of shell.

Both pieces of crab meat from each claw.

Beat an egg. Dip the claws in the beaten egg and then coat the exposed yabby or cray claw meat in Panko bread crumbs. Then deep fry the claws until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.

The finished recipe….the twice cooked half-shell crumb coated cray claws – the accompanying piece of cray meat (cooked once) comes from the next largest piece of the full claw. Serve with a seafood dipping sauce and enjoy! AUGUST 2014

Now’s the time to take a flathead on the fly BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Spies tell me that the lizards are already on the move so it’s time to get cracking with the fly tackle and enjoy the experience. As predators, flathead are very viable candidates for the fly angler. Their specialty is to lay in wait for tucker and when a food item comes within range there’s a puff of silt and they have it. This means that small fish, prawns or flies are consumed with equal enthusiasm. One of the best aspects of fishing for flatties with the long rod is that these fish can be targeted from the shore or boat with ease. Casting off the bank, in fact, can see more area covered than when fishing from a boat where current and other factors can make it difficult. From experience, I’ve found there are usually plenty of feeding flatties in the shallows and when fly fishing for them in estuaries (such as Jumpinpin) I often anchor my boat on a selected bank and then purposely walk away from it to ply the fly. There’s a bonus in the stealth factor

Birds gathering in this manner are a sure-sign of plentiful baitfish. A LOOK AT TACKLE. Flathead come in all sizes and one of the larger fish is going to be a great experience on a fly rod, given their habit of hitting hard and then making a quick exit as soon as they feel the hook. These fish also like larger flies, 3/0 or 4/0 being ideal, so a rod with a bit of power will be required to

line won’t get the fly down sufficiently to interest a fish. An intermediate or perhaps a sink tip line will keep the fly close to the bottom and within the strike zone.

Pigs and other similar barra flies are all well worth tying onto the leader. Colours that have worked for me are gold/ black, chartreuse/white

and purple/black. Red and white is also good, hence my liking for the Pink Thing. So long as the overall profile is similar to a small baitfish or prawn, it should be readily taken by a lizard. I mentioned the Pink Thing. They are so easily tied and a lot of fish seem to find them hard to resist. I’ve tied a couple with 80lb wire prongs up front as weed guards and this makes them pretty snag proof. The baitfish profile is there and the fly certainly looks good in the water. Best of all is that friend flathead also seems to like them. BEST TIME TO FISH. An ideal time for tackling a lizard on the long rod will be as the tide is dropping away from the flats or channels. For the angler, it’s often a case of the less water the better. These great predators like to sit close to cover such as weed beds, rocks, or timber around edges of banks; the shallow water makes it easier to use the fly gear

Don’t overlook the ubiquitous Pink Thing; it’s an oldie but goodie!

The author with a fly caught flathead from Jumpinpin. and as the fly is coming back towards the shore and in this situation a flathead waiting quietly for tucker will nail it quick smart. Besides, fishing in deeper water from the boat is always made harder by the influence of current, wind drift and other issues that make it hard to keep in touch with the fly. 76

AUGUST 2014

cast the somewhat bulkier flies used, which makes an 8wt outfit ideal. It can be cast for extended periods without becoming tiring and if a real spade of a fish is hooked, the rod should be able to handle the fish comfortably. Fly line choice is related to the tactics used. Even in shallow water, a floating

The trick is to retrieve the fly once it’s down near the bottom with quite jerky and even swift motions for a metre or so at a time with a second or more pause between each movement. This keeps the fly moving quite erratically and once a fish sees it there won’t be long to wait before it’s taken with a solid tug as the fish gives chase. Which now raises a point. Flathead have very raspy teeth that can cut a leader through quick smart so a 30cm section of 10kg hard leader (I use FC100) will prevent bite offs. The leader, incidentally, should be around a rod length and I make mine from 1.5m of 20kg Penn 10X, 0.75m of 12kg, 0.5m of 8kg and the small bite off trace. This style of leader casts easily and allows plenty of ‘feel’ in the retrieve to keep the fly touching the bottom occasionally. FLIES All manner of 3/0 or 4/0 baitfish style flies such as Lefty’s Deceivers, big Clousers Minnows, Bush

to effect. The fly needs to be noticed; it has no rattle or other attraction and is strictly a visual item. Congregations of baitfish draw flathead like iron filings to a magnet and there are often clues to the presence of bait schools. A sure sign will be a gathering of birds such as egrets, quietly sitting along a bank or perched in trees close to the water’s edge, or gulls dipping repeatedly in an area. These birds know the small fish are there and are waiting for a crack at them. A situation like this is a very positive one for the angler and working the area thoroughly with the fly should bring the desired results. LAST THOUGHTS. Flathead on fly are an exciting proposition all round. The fact that it’s mainly shallow water fishing makes it quite easy with wading the bank or drifting along it if in the boat. If a fish is hooked when wading, keeping the rod tip in the water and drawing the fish slowly into the bank as the angler moves backwards should see the fish come in easily. Beware of lifting the rod tip; this will cause some head shaking and can lead to a bite-off. If in the boat, ensure the fish is worn out before using the net or there will be head shaking there as well. A last tip: if fishing from the boat, take definite steps to avoid all slack in the fly line. The fly cannot be worked properly if there’s a belly in the line.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Provide your feedback for review Queenslanders interested in ensuring that the state’s fisheries remain sustainable are encouraged to have their say in a review which will involve strategic advice from leading experts. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said written submissions could be made to MRAG Asia Pacific independent consultants who were working closely with his department on the Fisheries Management Review. Mr McVeigh said it was important all fishing sectors, as well as other community groups with an interest in fishing, provided input into the review. “MRAG Asia Pacific is leading the review on our behalf and I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to email their feedback to

qldfisheriesreview@mragap. com.au,” Mr McVeigh said. “Submissions close on Thursday, 30 October at 5pm. MRAG will examine the submissions and together with their findings will develop a series of recommendations to guide fisheries management in Queensland. “Fisheries management suffered neglect under near-20 years of Labor governments. “The Queensland Government has a strong plan for a brighter future and our focus is to resolve some of the long-standing issues with fisheries management in Queensland. “Labor didn’t have the guts or commitment to redress the problems and used band-aid approaches that resulted in little agreement within our fishing industries.”

Mr McVeigh today also announced the members of the Fisheries Ministerial Advisory Committee who will provide strategic advice to the consultants for their consideration. “We undertook an extensive selection process and are pleased to advise that the Committee includes 12 representatives with expertise in recreational, commercial and indigenous fishing as well as fisheries and conservation science,” he said. “The Committee will also directly advise me on important fisheries matters and on the final recommendations that will be presented by the independent review team at the end of the year.” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, The Honourable John McVeigh

Tech Tricks

The Skullbait BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

During the cooler months, huge conglomerations of baitfish swarm along out beaches and into the estuarine systems. The abundance of species such as whitebait, herring, hardiheads, frogmouths, garfish and numerous other pilchards and sprats are one of the main reasons why many larger fish species choose this period of the year to breed within the inshore waters. Tailor in particular, are ravenous predators which will attack a broad array of baitfish species, a fact that isn’t missed by keen anglers, including fly fishers. This month’s pattern is a handy one to have at your disposal for targeting tailor and other species during all months of the year. The Skull Bait is a fairly durable pattern which has accounted for longtail tuna, mack tuna, trevally, tailor, school mackerel, bonito, spotted mackerel and many other prime sportfish. In my opinion, one of the main attributes that a baitfish pattern should exhibit is flash and a prominent eye, as these are both key catalysts in a predatory strike. The Skullbait has both of these and is a very realistic pattern in the water. The head is slightly weighted and this allows the pattern to sink head first between strips. This erratic and almost darting action is common for a distressed or startled baitfish. Additionally, this pattern can be sunk down below a baitfish school where larger predators are often lurking, as they clean up the scraps left by the mayhem above. Within Moreton Bay, large snapper will also commonly follow and feed below schools of tuna and mackerel. Even as it sinks, the Skullbait looks realistic and therefore strikes are often forthcoming during this stage of your retrieve, so be ready to strip strike at any time. MATERIALS The materials list for the Skullbait is not that extensive and should be easy to source at any good fly materials outlet. There are also substitutes that could be used in place of many of the materials. For the head we have used Fish Skulls which are available in around half a dozen finishes with four sizes in each. Each packet comes with adhesive 3D eyes to suit the relative head size. There

is a guide on the Fish Skull’s packet to tell you which size is best suited to a particular range of hook sizes. I have used the silver version for this pattern as the reflective chrome head really gives off some flash in the water and is not too contrasting with the remaining materials. The main body and tail of the Skullbait is DNA Holo Fusion, which is a blend of Mylar Flash and synthetic fibres. Over this we have put Mylar tubing. This adds extra flash and an almost scale-like appearance, however its main job is to hold and control the Holo Fusion to stop it matting with the hook point during casting. To increase durability we have coated it with Soft Dip. A little red Krystal Flash is added under the chin to mimic flared gills. You can also leave a few longer fibres to make it appear as if the Skullbait is bleeding from the gills, an ideal effect when dredging this fly around bait schools. Other materials that could replace the DNA Holo Fusion include Slinky Fibre, Ghost Fibre, Streamer Hair and Sparkleflash. For the flared gill represented by the Krystal Flash, we could substitute Hivis, Fluorofibre, Shimmerflash or Sparkleflash. This pattern can be tied in numerous colours and sizes with contrasting belly and back if desirable, depending on the baitfish in your particular neck of the woods. I mainly use grey, Seafoam green, white or tan combinations. RETRIEVE TO DECEIVE Like most baitfish patterns, there are several retrieves that can be used to get the best effect and most strikes whilst using the Skullbait. The most suitable retrieve can be dictated by the movements of the baitfish in the area. When a bait school is being set upon by pelagics smashing and slashing their way to gluttony, you are best to tuck your rod under your arm and strip like crazy using both arms. Once the mayhem subsides, I will generally cast the Skullbait out (on an intermediate line), allow it to sink and then begin a slow hand-overhand retrieve which has this pattern imitating a wounded baitfish. For generally prospect casting, a series of short sharp strips and intermittent pauses will generally work on most species. Be willing to mix it up a bit on any given day until you find the retrieve that gets the most attention for the Skullbait.

MATERIALS Hook:..........................................Mustad S74SZ 1/0 Thread:.................................................... Fine Mono Underbody:...................................Grey Holo Fusion Back:...................................... Iron blue Holo Fusion Overbody:........................ Medium pearl Mylar tube Overcoat:.................................................... Soft Dip Gill:............................................... Red Krystal Flash Head:..................................Medium silver Fish Skull Finish:......................................................... Soft Dip

Place your hook securely in your vice and attach your thread with a jamb knot, just behind the hook eye. Cut a small portion of the grey Holo Fusion, which is at least twice as long as the entire hook. Tie this in under the hook shank just behind the hook eye.

Cut a portion of iron blue Holo Fusion which is around two thirds the volume of the last grey tie. Secure with a series of thread wraps at the same point as the last tie so that it is sitting on top of it. Do a whip finish but do not cut away the remaining thread.

Cut another portion of the grey Holo Fusion which is the same length as the first yet around three times the volume. Tie this in at the same point yet on top of the hook shank.

Invert, or roll the Mylar tubing inside out and back over itself. You may need to fray the end a little so that it passes around the hook. Attach your thread just behind the hook again. Cut a short portion of Krystal Flash and tie this in just under the shank, adjacent to the hook eye. Whip finish and remove the remaining thread. Coat the Mylar tubing with soft dip, right down to where it begins to fray.

Cut a piece of Mylar tube which is approximately as long as the hook. Remove the cotton inner core and then pass the end over the eye of the hook. Use several light thread wraps to position and start tying down the Mylar tube and then firmer wraps to secure it. Whip finish and cut away the remaining thread.

Once the soft dip has dried, cut away the rear portion of the Mylar tubing, just behind the hook point. Use the tips of your scissors for this and be careful not to accidentally cut any of the Holo Fusion fibres.

Trim the red Krystal Flash if necessary and then shape the Holo Fusion into a tapered tail. Apply another coat of soft dip over the Mylar tubing and back a few millimetres behind it. Once dried, your Skullbait is now ready to tempt a broad array of saltwater assailants.

Mix up a small amount of 5-minute Devcon epoxy and put a little around the Mylar tubing adjacent the hook eye. Put your Fish Skull on so that the slightly flatter side of the head us facing upwards. Hold in place until it dries and then attach the adhesive eyes that are supplied with the Fish Skulls to the eye recesses. A little more epoxy added over these eyes will make them more durable.

AUGUST 2014

Tips for Cape York camping PART 1 BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

There is no question that Cape York is an iconic fishing destination. The fishing is right off the scale in many places simply because the 24/7 pressure that fish endure in southern Queensland is non existent. The local population is small enough to hardly make a dent in fish stocks and visitor numbers are never excessive due to the extensive gravel roads on the Cape. No 4x4 means no go. Camping is enjoyable at this time of year when we can enjoy upgraded minimum temperatures and although a bit rugged in many areas it all adds to the charm, and the challenge. We had a great trip to Weipa last June so this year we saddled up again for a 5,500km round trip towing the 4.3 m TABS Bullshark

reef areas within 1-2km of the shore and during our two and a half week sojourn I saw an 18kg cobia, a 14kg Spaniard, 12kg trevally, several big cod, ample coral trout all coming across the gunwales of the Bullshark with countless tuna and queenies up to a metre also netted. Each day we launched we had a nice fat mangrove

and load it to the gunwales with heavy gear. The trailer is going to be doing it hard enough without overloading it. Keep the contents to lighter and bulkier items. I stored our shade cloth ground covers, the 12 x 12 fly for our camp, our dome tents, plus other lighter gear including rod tubes. All boat batteries were removed

Trevally like this one taken by Denise Kampe make taking the boat to the Gulf worth while. Note the big fish on the HDS 7 as well.

Red mud aplenty! The boat cover and car have been washed here, at Coen, so we could at least approach them without getting mud on our clothing. with 40hp E-Tec on it’s maiden voyage north. Our trip was quite different: and has prompted this article. TAKE THE BOAT? First question is always, is a boat worth the effort? Sure, there are plenty of fish to be taken from the shore in many spots around Weipa, Seisia and other locations on the eastern side of the Gulf but a boat – if you can get it there- will make a huge difference. There are so many

jack, coral trout, threadie or golden snapper stashed in the live well for dinner. Barra? We caught stacks of them, but not many legal sized fish. LOAD FOR THE ROAD But getting a boat to Weipa takes thoughtful planning. The bitumen road ends at Laura and from that town onwards things can go rapidly pear shaped if car and boat trailer are not prepared for 500km of gravel road travel. A tip is don’t use the boat as a box trailer

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AUGUST 2014

and stored within the vehicle. The Minn Kota electric had to go in the boat because of its size and was carefully wrapped in the ground sheets and stored flat. The 500 odd kilometres of gravel on the Peninsula Development Road (PDR) between Laura and Weipa airport is a lottery. I found it could vary from good to reasonable to very bad within any 20km stretch, and do so repeatedly as topography changed from wash outs and steep gullies to hills where large rocks are embedded in the road surface and cannot be smoothed down. Overall, the gravel section is also well endowed with big fat clouds of red dust which seems to work its way into every possible area due to the sheer hours involved in travel. Dust, however, was not the concern on the last trip northwards, it rained. Unseasonal, sure, but the 246km from Laura to Coen (where we had pre-booked accommodation at the Coen Guesthouse) turned to a quagmire of mud with potholes filled with muddy water ready to splash onto the windscreen. Fortunately, the boat had a full cover

from Rowland Street Boat Trimmers, so only the trailer and cover grew in size as the red mud gathered. 40kph for over six hours saw us limp into Coen well after dark. Our vehicle was equipped with a Korr 90 Watt, 8100 lumens light bar on the roof rack and when the Toyota’s headlights covered in mud and slush the light bar atop the roof rack kept us moving. We’d have been in dire straights without that light bar. TRAILER TALK My trailer, like most used on many punt style craft, originally came equipped with side skids and a series of central rollers on upright T-pieces to support the keel. Suspension comprised of slipper-style leaf springs. I saw the set up as ideal for bitumen work, somewhat risky for the gravel section with its pot holes and corrugations. Repeated jolting might well force the rollers down and out of alignment, or a spring set to slip out of a hanger with the alloy hull then at risk of damage. And, of course, all this without the slightest hint of what is going on as the car progresses purposefully on its way, the driver alert for another washout or badly corrugated section. A trailer upgrade prior to last year’s journey saw the side support skids doubled in length, slipper springs replaced by shackle springs, the central rollers and supports upgraded several sizes and fixed onto a rectangular bed for total security plus the winch post with extra bracing for utmost rigidity. To avoid the cleaning chores involved last year when the trailer was oxidised red, this year I sprayed the whole trailer with silicon spray (the lubricant stuff) and most of the red colour came off at first wash, the rest largely removed with hot water, Handy Andy detergent, and a normal scrubbing brush.

Top: The Korr 90 Watt light bar in action; it proved a vital item during muddy and wet conditions at night. Middle: The Korr light bar, with it’s 8100 lumens output, is a virtual necessity for extended night travel. Above: Dust intrusion into an outboard engine’s intake area and other sensitive parts can be avoided with a few applications of good old Glad Wrap. GLADLY WRAP THE OUTBOARD To guard against dust intrusion into the outboard on both forward and return journeys we took steps to eliminate it, again on good advice. Although the boat cover also comprised a zippered cover for the 40 E-Tec we took the precaution of removing the cowling from the engine and thoroughly

The Gulf has plenty of reef areas to offer fish like this 18kg cobia taken and released by Steve Shephard.

covering the upper section with several layers of Glad Wrap. With the cowling in situ we wrapped it all again, along with the lower leg. In all this was a wise tactic as there was some dust within the cover, good as it was, when we removed it but none had made its way into the engine. IF YOU GO The PDR is wide and visibility is very good. If an approaching vehicle is creating a lot of dust there will always be ample time to slow down until it passes. There’s always the temptation to speed up given the 100kph limit but one needs to be on the alert as cattle and feral pigs wander across without warning. In all, though, once the Wet is over, the PDR is like any other gravel road in our country, at times it’s good, others it’s bad depending upon the road works being carried out at the time. I saw it as no bar to a trip north, just something to factor in along with fuel stops, accommodation or camping areas en route. In next month’s issue I will carry on with some tips to make the camp site as comfortable as possible, especially if one is away from recognized camping grounds, and some useful fishing tips as well.

Mitsubishi’s dynamic diesel Outlander wagon BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Following on the heels of a test drive of an Outlander PHEV, which really impressed me, I took the opportunity to test a diesel Outlander when one became available. Comparisons are odious things but obviously two similar vehicles from the same maker with entirely different power plants are going to provide an interesting review. Especially when the second one is powered by a frugal, but quite powerful diesel engine that pulls like a tractor. The Outlander changed shape in 2012. A softer, more rounded model took the place of the previous Evo inspired wagon with its impressive grille and dropdown rear loading gate but things seldom stay the same in the automotive world, so Mitsubishi have followed suit with their Outlander, which is still maintaining strong sales. The reality is that when it comes to small SUV-style wagons, the Outlander fills a lot of desired categories. Excellent on the road, not too bad off the road either so long as there’s ample ground clearance and owners understand their vehicle’s limitations. An Outlander is not a Pajero afterall.

It’s hard to say which looks better: Somerset Dam or the diesel Outlander.. I’ll take the car. These days Outlander buyers are spoilt for choice. There’s a seven seater variant, a five seater, choice of petrol, diesel or the new PHEV hybrid electric set up and there’s no question that all models do a very good job of transporting a family to and from school, work, or some fun on the weekend. EXTRA EQUIPMENT FOR 2014 For 2014 Mitsubishi has offered additional fruit: there are now 18” wheels on all models and safety features now include automatic lights and wipers on the LS model, as reviewed. Active Stability Control, braking wheels where

Top: Mitsubishi has done away with the drop-down rear loading section on the tail gate but the elevated height of the rear door still makes it very easy to load or unload the cargo space. Above: Mitsubishi has neatly combined Sat Nav with a reversing camera and audio unit in one handy unit in the LS Outlander.

necessary to prevent slides in corners once over steer or under steer is detected, is also standard. Seven air bags, Hill Start Control, Active Traction Control, and ABS all ensure the 2014 Outlander has earned a five star ANCAP rating. By no means a poverty pack, the LS equipped with its four cylinder 2.2L diesel engine came with a six speed auto, blue tooth with voice control, paddle shifters on the steering column, touch screen audio system with rear view camera, cruise control, climate air, electric functions throughout and plenty of interior room for a family of five. Interior finish was excellent thanks to a smooth blend of fabrics and colour toning, head and front seat room was never in short supply and even rear passengers were well catered for so far as leg and head room was concerned. As an aside, when the 2012 model revamp was being arranged Mitsubishi went to some trouble to tune the new car’s suspension for our Australian roads with the result that the harshness of previous model’s ride and handling has gone and passenger pampering seems to come first. And while the rear cargo area might be a tad reduced these days, the second row of seats fold flat in a single motion for extra convenience to accommodate longer cargo items. DIESEL AND AUTO UNIT WELL MATCHED The LS diesel was an interesting vehicle. As an all wheel drive model, the options so far as driving was concerned were Eco, which sees the engine doing it hard in the higher gears; just too frugal on the revs, Auto 4x4, which will see front wheel drive most times with just a bit of extra traction from the rear when some wheel slip is detected by the traction control system, and 4x4 Lock, which is exactly that - all four wheels driving when slippery roads or forest trails, even a bit of beach are on the list of must

do things for the day. Driving mode selection is via a dial on the console.

With its turbo charged engine turning out 110kw of power, an outstanding 360Nm of torque, the diesel Outlander was never short of power and from 1,500rpm onwards it felt very strong and unbreakable. All that torque ensures rapid take off at the traffic lights, easy overtaking of slower vehicles on the highway and the ability to tow 2 tonnes of braked trailer, which will see quite a few pleasure boats with a trailer on the Outlander’s tow bar. SIX SPEED AUTO A WINNER On a run to Somerset Dam the diesel Outlander impressed me with its flexibility and easy handling (although there was some road noise from the tyres) and overall comfort. I liked the decisive gear changes from the six speed auto which to my mind is a lot more user

friendly than the current crop of CVT units a lot of smaller cars are using these days. A bit of paddle play on the windy bits between The Spit and Kirkleigh brought a smile to the face and some movement on the rev counter but despite my enthusiastic driving style overall fuel consumption from the turbo diesel still came in at 6L per 100km, which is quite acceptable for a smaller SUV wagon. Tank capacity is 60 litres. I saw the diesel Outlander as neatly combining power and economy in a family orientated SUV that can work through the week, and play on weekends. Mitsubishi offer a 5 year/130,000 kilometre warranty on the Outlander diesel and best of all it comes with a full size spare tyre. Price is from $40,990 from Nundah Mitsubishi.

Top Left: There’s not much too see but with its mild chatter and easy power output the 2.2 litre diesel is going to be choice of power plant for many Outlander owners. Top Right: Rear seating is generous in the Outlander diesel and there’s no shortage of head room either. Above Left: A dial on the Outlander’s console allows the driver to select 4 x 4 auto for best power and economy. Above Right: Comfortable driver’s and front passenger seats make country runs a pleasure in the Outlander wagon.

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AUGUST 2014

Bait V lures in the fresh TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

Cold weather can make catching some of our freshwater species more difficult. The beginning of winter was quite warm and as a result the fish continued to bite well on lures. Now water temperatures have dropped, it may be necessary to use bait to turn the heads of some of the more stubborn fish. Golden perch will quickly hunt down a lure in the warmer months, but once things cool down, it’s time for a bait dropped right on their nose. Live shrimp or frozen saltwater yabbies are the best baits on offer and if you choose your spot

carefully, you will soon be feeling your rod load up. One method that has worked well for lure anglers when the fish are more lethargic is to jig lures. Jigging keeps the lure close to the bottom and in the same spot. With clever use of the sounder that spot can be right in a patch of fish. The constant jigging motion of the lure will receive one of two responses. The fish could shy away from the lure’s constant presence and retreat or it could be tempted to have a taste. When targeting species like golden perch or bass, ice jigs and small blades are great jigging lures. They are fitted with very sharp hooks and the fish only has to bump the lure to get hooked. There will be plenty of occasions where the

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND CRESSBROOK CLOSEST TOWNS: TOOWOOMBA, CROWS NEST I have very little to report from Cressbrook this month. In a way, this is a good thing as the dam hasn’t been getting fished very hard of late. Cressbrook bass are hard to catch when pressured and it seems they have had a good spell for almost two months now. On my last visit, the fish were very spread out. By the end of the month, some good schools should be starting to show up. As we move into spring, the bass will congregate in bigger schools as this is the time they would carry on with all their fish hanky panky in the wild. Unfortunately for them, in the dams, it is all in vain as they need brackish water to carry out their breeding. Finding big schools of bass will be very rewarding. Casting soft plastics and 1/4oz blades into them should produce quality fish. Cressbrook bass have really fattened up and I’m tipping there will be a lot of 2kg plus fish caught at the end

of August and beginning of September. My favourite lure is a 70mm Powerbait Ripple Shad rigged in a 1/2oz Nitro Dam Deep jighead. These lures can be cast over 50m on light spin tackle. Maintaining this big distance from schooling fish can prolong the bite and see you catch more fish. 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 7am to 6pm over the winter months. For all your supplies, expert advice and to check on the boating restrictions, 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 The fishing has been tough at Somersret. Lure casters are struggling to put numbers of fish in the boat even though they are easy enough to find. Schools are holding around the flats south of Kirkleigh and across Pelican Point. These fish are tight lipped and

hooks are located around the outside of the fish’s mouth. Jigging could certainly be used on other species of fish in the right situations. If barramundi or cod were located on the sounder holding deep, a bigger blade or soft vibe could be used. With spring and warmer weather just around the corner, we can expect the fishing to start picking up across all of the lakes next month. This will be a prime time to chase big bass which still carry their winter spawning condition. Spring usually has these fish schooled up in big numbers. All you need to do is find them and work out what they want to eat to have a lot of fun. Until next month, buckled rods from the Colonel don’t want to play the game. Sometime in September, they will fire up and better numbers will be caught. Trolling the old river bed up in the timbered reaches near the power lines should account for a mixed bag of bass and golden perch. The goldens turn it on some days but usually they will be outnumbered by the bass in

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AUGUST 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

and stay close to the old river bed drop off. WIVENHOE CLOSEST TOWNS: ESK, FERNVALE There are still reasonable

Gold Coast

24 25 Cairns 1

19 20

Townsville 2

3 4

Proserpine 6 Mackay

Rockhampton

Emerald 29

Gladstone

Bundaberg 9 11

Highlighted dams are covered in this issue

Maryborough

Roma

BRISBANE

numbers of bass and the odd big golden perch to be caught around the edges of the lake. The steep banks opposite Logans Inlet and down to Billies Bay have been worth a cast. You’ll need to electric motor along fairly quickly to fish the shoreline until you stumble across a patch of fish. Most of the action has been taking place on steep banks, but the area the fish are holding is only 3-7m deep. Some of my reliable spots have quite a bit of structure under the water’s surface. Looking at the banks, you’ll notice the odd tree top sticking out of the water or there will be sections where there is less rock and trees were able to grow when the dam was lower. Reaction style lures are perfect for quickly searching the banks. TN Jackalls are

DAM LEVEL Report DAMS MAR APR MAY JUN JUL Atkinson 64 70 68 65 60 Awoonga 87 99 98 96 94 Bjelke-Petersen 72 68 68 67 65 Boondooma 80 78 77 76 74 Borumba 77 100 100 100 99 Burdekin Falls 100 101 100 99 97 Callide 64 66 64 63 61 Cania 90 92 92 91 90 Clarendon 74 78 75 73 69 Clarrie Hall 94 91 n/a 99 n/a Cooby 92 85 83 81 79 Coolmunda 47 51 51 50 49 Copeton 33 33 33 33 33 Cressbrook 93 98 98 97 97 Dyer/Bill Gunn 73 78 77 74 71 Eungella 100 100 100 99 99 Fairbairn 54 53 51 50 49 Glenlyon 39 38 37 37 37 Hinze 88 95 93 92 90

Bass can move up and down in the water column when fishing vertically to them. Be sure to adjust the depth of your lure to keep it in the zone. the winter months. Try trolling 5-8m divers. Lure choice will depend on the depth of the water you are fishing. A sounder is definitely an advantage to locate schools

Gympie

one of my favourites with the silent models being my preferred option on the tougher days. I have also had success by downsizing when missing strikes on 60mm lures. A TN50 tossed on spin gear can still be fished at the same depth and the smaller profile seems to keep you connected after a half hearted tap. Spinnerbaits are also a good option to entice the bass and goldens at Wivenhoe. A 1/2oz or 5/8oz model is ideal as you’ll need to get down to 3-5m for most of the bites. I’ve been playing with other lures but just haven’t had as much success. One technique I am yet to try on spots where I know there are fish holding is fishing deep diving To page 81

For fortnightly updates Julius 85 80 76 73 69  Kinchant 93 99 98 97 99 Koombooloomba 60 70 92 97 97  Leslie 40 38 38 37 36  Macdonald 54 104 103 100 97  Maroon 88 96 95 94 92  Monduran/Fred Haigh 81 87 87 86 85  Moogerah 82 92 91 90 89  North Pine/Samsonvale 74 78 76 74 72  Peter Faust/Proserpine 89 89 96 95 94 Pindari 16 17 17 17 17  Somerset 95 100 99 99 98  Storm King n/a n/a n/a n/a 62  Teemburra 98 101 101 101 101  Tinaroo 67 77 91 91 89 Toonumbar 89 100 100 100 98  Wivenhoe 87 91 91 89 88  Wuruma 84 83 81 80 78

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 22/7/14

From page 80

suspending jerkbaits. At times the fish will move out from the bank and school up under the boat. In these situations, an ice jig worked at the depth they are suspending can produce a few fish. It is important to keep the lure at the same depth as the fish because once you start jigging in the school, they start moving up and down in the water column. Remember, Wivenhoe has been opened to power boats. Only 4-stroke outboards or low emission 2-strokes are allowed to be used on the lake and boats must not exceed the 6 knot speed limit. Even with these restrictions in place it is much faster to get around the lake than using just your electric and you don’t have the fear of running out of battery power anymore. MOOGERAH CLOSEST TOWNS: BOONAH, ARATULA Moogerah has received quite a bit of fishing pressure over the past couple of months. Bass fishers took advantage of the good fishing and the fish have started to steady up as a result. Blades, Mask Vibes and soft plastic have all been effective. Due to so many fish being pinned, they can get tough as soon

but these fish are usually smaller. The bigger models will be scattered in the weed beds and you will need to fish lures closely to the weed to entice them. Paddle tailed plastics like Powerbait T-tails, Slider Grubs, Atomic Guzzlers and Keithech Swim Impact are all suitable when rigged on an 1/8-1/4oz jighead. Ideally, casts should be placed on top of where the weed drops away into deeper water. The lure can be allowed to sink until it is almost touching the vegetation before being wound out. After several winds the lure can be dropped deeper and wound again to ensure it follows the

This haul of bass came from the edges of Lake Wivenhoe. TN50 Jackalls were the standout lure as bigger lipless baits were only getting taps or having the hooks pull during the fight. as a few boats sit on them. Fishing deeply presented flies is an option worth considering. Some of the best action has been coming from the start of the timber and across the timbered flats towards the back of the dam. Look for schooling fish in 6-10m of water. Often the fish will be shallow at first and move out to deeper water once they are pressured.

DARLING DOWNS GRANITE BELT REGION COOBY CLOSET TOWNS: HIGHFIELDS, TOOWOOMBA Colder conditions has caused the fishing to slow down at Cooby. Golden perch numbers have dropped off especially on lures. One section of the lake that continues to produce

fish is out in front of the private ramp on the eastern side of the northern arm. It’s not uncommon to see boats gathered in this area where the goldens have been congregated in good numbers. Deeper water seems to be the key to catching numbers of fish with most of the bites coming in over 10m of water.

contour of the weed bed. It can take some time to get a feel for the shape of the weed but after a bit of time you’ll be able to keep the lure close without fouling in weed every cast. I also love to use lighter jigheads and a slow constant retrieve with constant small but sharp downward rod twitches. These small twitches make the lure ride a little higher in the water but if the lure is to touch weed, I’ll feel the extra weight. Because it is only in the top of the weed, it twitches out easily with a sharper twitch and stays right in the strike zone.

GREAT FO R A DAY EVEN BETTER WHEN YOU STAY

Bait fishers can get into the action if they have a stash of live shrimp in the boat. Bass and golden perch will be fairly common across the timbered flats to the left of the ramp closest to the standing trees. Head around two hundred metres into the trees and look for an area around 6-8m deep and fish the shrimp lightly weighted straight underneath the boat.

MAROON CLOSEST TOWNS: BOONAH, BEAUDESERT Maroon Dam has fished well for bass over the last month. Some of the better action has been on live shrimp but you can also nail a few on soft plastics. The weed edge along the southern side of the dam has been holding good numbers of fish. The points are likely to hold better numbers of bass

Small blades and ice jigs hopped up and down under the boat will score a few fish, but saltwater yabbies fished close to the bottom are more likely to draw attention. 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 fishing gear, kayaks and accessories he has on display. To page 82

• Great fishing, bass, yellowbelly, cod, saratoga, garfish… • Windsurfing, boating, beach volleyball, playground, BBQ’s. • Level tent sites, showers, toilets, hot and cold water. Only 50 kms from Toowoomba For more information on camping or fees: Call Toowoomba Regional Council on 131 872 during office hours or visit www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au

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COOLMUNDA CLOSEST TOWN: INGLEWOOD The fishing has slowed right down at Coolmunda. Golden perch numbers have dropped right off even for those using bait. Live shrimp and saltwater yabbies will be the best option if you are chasing the goldens. There is still the occasional golden being taken on a lure but it is hard work. Murray cod are still a chance for the lure fisher. These fish seem to handle the cold weather a little better and have the energy to chase

after a lure pulled past their face. The MacIntyre Brook below the dam is the home to plenty of big Murray cod. These fish are a good winter target and although the action will be slow, the chance of hooking a cod over a metre long makes the extra effort worthwhile. The Coolmunda Caravan Park is only around one kilometre away 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

Patrick Jones nailed several nice bass at Moogerah using blades and Mask vibe Jackalls.

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AUGUST 2014

pool, BBQ shelter and a camp kitchen. The park now has an extra two new wheelchair friendly cabins to add to their older ones. Camping is also available near the boat

ramp with toilets and hot showers to make your stay more comfortable. 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 Surprisingly there are still quite a few goldens being taken on lures. It looks as though these fish may continue to bite right through winter provided anglers use the right approach. While it is still possible to entice the occasional fish on a trolled lure, hopping soft vibes and lipless crankbaits along the bottom will produce better results. This slower style of presentation suits the mood of the goldens in the colder winter water. Murray cod

WIDE BAY AND BURNETT REGION BOONDOOMA CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSTON, KINGAROY The winter action is likely to pick this month. There has been a lot of angling attention focused around Boondooma over the past couple of months with a few tournaments being held there. While the dam started off fishing really well, the action died down quickly after all the fishing pressure. There should be some relief now and with fewer boats on the water, the fishing will improve. Just being able to move between a few schools of fish without other boats working them increases catches dramatically. After the action dies at one spot, give it a rest and try another. Soft plastics, blades and ice jigs will all pull fish but play around until you find what they prefer. The secret to catching fish in Boondooma is sounding them up on the fish finder rather than just fishing blind. Some spots are fairly reliable, but the fish in Boondooma always seem to be mobile. Concentrate on searching the major points around The Junction area and work your way up to Pelican Point. Spend most of your search time in 6-10m of water and sooner or later you’ll come across good numbers of fish. Golden perch are worth chasing with live shrimp or saltwater yabbies. Try fishing in the Boyne or Stuart timber. Park your boat beside a tree in around 7m of water and fish the bottom. You could also try some of the big trees in deeper water but suspend baits 5-7m deep right in the thickest part of the tree. Boondooma is a great place to camp right near the water and sit by the fire when it’s cold. You could also do it in more style and book into one of the cabins overlooking the dam. The kiosk at the main office does hot food and other basic items. For campsites, cabins and bunkhouse rooms

call Corey and Niki on (07) 4168 9694. BJELKE-PETERSEN CLOSEST TOWNS: MURGON, GOOMERI There have only been a few fish caught trolling at Bjelke. The best action has been on ice jigs, soft plastics and Mask Vibes fished close to the bottom. Small sized bass numbers are still high and the odd big golden perch is falling for a lure as well. The middle reaches of the dam and the start of the timber is holding the majority of the bass schools. Bait fishers will be able to nail plenty of big golden perch. The action should only improve once things start to warm up again. Fishing live shrimp and salt water yabbies has scored some big beasts to well over 3kg in the past month. The big goldens are common at the start of the timber, off the major points and close to the old creek bed in 5-8m of water. 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 The Isis Balancing Storage (AKA Lake Gregory) has fished well right through winter. Being one of the northern most bass lakes and pretty close to the coast I guess the fish don’t have to deal with the extreme cold as they do in other areas. While most of the locals have been chasing the bigger bass out in the middle of the lake across the flats, I have heard of some action around the weed beds as well. The fish on the deeper flats can be found in the area where the three arms of the lake meet; not far from the boat ramp. These fish will show

numbers have still been good with stories of fish landed most weeks. You will come across the occasional cod when targeting golden perch. One of the best places to hop vibes has been around the submerged rocks up the back of the dam. Bait fishers can expect to catch golden perch when using saltwater yabbies or live shrimp. Fish can be caught from near the concrete boat ramps, opposite the dam wall and up the back around The Black Boys. 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. up well on the sounder and can be caught on ¼ ounce blades, soft vibes and soft plastics. In these schools the fish range from small right up to 50cm with most being somewhere in the middle of this size bracket. The weed beds have died back but some fish seem to be holding up on top of the weed. Smaller fish have been taking cut down 3” plastics with the better models responding well to deeper diving jerkbaits. These suspending lures can be ripped down to the weed and fished just over the top of it. Earlier in the day the fish can be caught right up on top of shallower weeded areas. As the day wears on, you may need to position the boat in deeper water outside the weed and cast back on top of it pulling the lure down the weed bed drop off. There are plenty of suspending jerkbaits or deep diving crankbaits out there to choose from that are effective on the Isis bass. Keep an eye out for the C’ultiva Rippin’ Minow 75SP, the Jackall Squirrel range, O.S.P. Dunk 48 or 57 and Luckycraft Pointer 65 as all are great lures for ripping or twitching around the weed beds. The boys at Bundaberg’s Salty’s Tackleworld fish the dam on a regular basis. Being so passionate about their bass fishing, they are the ones to talk to if you are heading to the lake for a fish. Salty’s stock a great range of lures for both fresh and saltwater fishing and the Bundaberg area has plenty to offer. MONDURAN CLOSEST TOWN: GIN GIN Catching barra in Mondy will be hard work but there are still fish being caught by those putting in the time. At this time of year, you just need to keep a lure in the water and wait until the fish decide to bite. It’s almost like flicking a switch. You can To page 83

From page 82

fish all day for nothing and then have three or four bites in the space of five minutes. Slow presentations are the key. Suspending hard body lures are perfect for chasing Monduran barra. The Jackall Squirrel, Halco Hamma 85 and Yo Zuri Crystal Minnow are just a few that work well. These lures can be fished tight to the base of the flooded black wattle trees where the barra love to reside. There are plenty of areas from White Rock upstream that hold good numbers of barra. Still, there is a lot of water between the fish and you will need to rule out dead water by using the sounder. The

Side imaging sounder is useful at Monduran. Here it shows a tree throwing a long shadow and a lone barra sitting at the base of it. Just prior to this picture, the sounder showed a different tree with three perfect barra shadows behind the fish returns. This is a spot worth trying!

WHITSUNDAY REGION PROSERPINE CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSERPINE, AIRLIE BEACH Barra action at Lake Proserpine has been pretty slow. Last month there were still fish being taken from the deeper water where the trees mark the old creek channels. Casting hard bodies into these trees is the most effective way of hooking into one of Proserpine’s monsters. Usually 5-8m diving lures would get the job done as the fish hold deeper but of late, they have been sitting higher in the water column and more responsive to 3m offerings. While suspending

lures are very popular with barra anglers, a floating model can be beneficial around the tree tops. A slow floating lure can be cranked down to its full running depth just as it hits the thicker timber. Pausing the lure keeps it in the area longer and calls the fish out of the snag. If you bang into some drowned timber, a floater also lets you work the lure up and over the obstruction without hanging up every cast. Lures like the RMG Scorpion and Barra Bait are proven fish takers and tough enough to withstand the abuse the barra dish out. There haven’t been many reports of fish in the shallows but the water will cool to its

side image feature on more upmarket sounders is perfect for spotting barra nestled in close to the submerged trees or cruising trough open water. I was blown away by some of the definite barra shapes sitting close to the shadow of the trees on my Humminbird 1198 the last time I visited the dam. Once you’ve located fish, quietly position the boat a cast away and stick with them in the hope they decide to bite. Looking for patches of warmer water may be worthwhile this month. Until now, the dam has had a pretty even temperature throughout. Some of the tucked away bays that receive more sun through the day may now be a

minimum this month and may force fish into some shallow areas where they sun themselves and enjoy the warmer water. Sounding around should reveal these warm water areas. They will usually be at the backs of bays, across shallow flats or around shallow weed beds up the back of the dam. These type of hot spots can be easy to find but it doesn’t mean the barra will be there. It will be a process of elimination fishing each one until you find a place where they are holding. It will only be another month until the barra start to fire up. September is usually a good time to chase monster barra which congregate in the deep water near the dam wall. Planning a trip around

the full moon at this time of year should see you connected to quite a few fish over a metre long. If your heading to the dam, call in and see Lindsay or the boys at Proserpine Bait and Tackle. The store is located right on the highway as you pass through Proserpine. The guys here are only a stones throw from the dam and have all the latest information and a range of suitable lures and gear. Store owner, Lindsay Dobe runs barra charters on the lake and will help you on your quest to tangle with a metre long fish. With the average barra around a metre long, chances of hooking a monster are pretty good. You can get in touch with Lindsay through his store on (07) 4945 4641.

snaps when smashed) that used to be on his reel has now found its way onto my reel. And worst of all, the leader that used to pull through his Albright knots is now pulling through my Albright knots. Sometimes even through my improved Albright knots. And my slightly better than average improved Albright knots too.

Which is disconcerting. So that little comfort zone that used to beckon me up to Skipper’s for a fishing trip has disappeared not only out the window, but also through the flyscreen, across the backyard, around the dog run, and into the paddock. I just can’t find that little comfort zone. My wife would not be surprised.

degree or two warmer than the majority of water. If these bays happen to be close to a fish holding area, the fish should be more likely to have a chew. 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. I usually stay at the Gin Gin Hotel which is about 20 minutes from the boat ramp. The rooms are very affordable and pretty basic but you can get a great feed and cold beer. To make a booking call (07) 4157 2106. 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 .

They may be hard work for the next month but big barra are the drawcard at Lake Proserpine. This fish measured 113cm and fell for an RMG Scorpion.

SHEIK OF THE CREEK

Find the Zone BRISBANE

The Sheik of the Creek

It’s sometimes hard to find the right people to go fishing with. For a long time I’ve been spoiled for choice, with the Dudds to call on whenever I feel the itch. That’s the itch to go fishing, not any other unsightly skin rash… not that I have any of those. But anyway Boobies on the Sunny Coast, Skipper in Central Queensland, Stuffer and Pommers out west and Doughers at the TAB have been there and more than likely ready to head off at a moment’s notice. However things change, as they do in life. Probably the biggest of these changes is for the most unlikely reasons. No, Doughers hasn’t left the TAB. He’s still there unless he’s sleeping, or St George are going around, and come to think of it, even then. No I’m talking about Skipper. For years I’ve been comforted by the thought that if I need to get out in a boat and throw a line in,

I can head up to CQ with an assortment of rods and reels, a cast net and some pots, and Skip will be there, ready to head out with me. And I know that however much gear I bring with me, Skip will have at least as much. And that will just be the stuff that he has out ready to use because he found it in the shed underneath the newer equipment he bought last year that he also forgot that he had. He’s the only bloke I know that Mike and Sue close the shop for when he pulls up outside. For the month. I’ve also been comforted by the fact that despite the plethora (what is a plethora El Guapo) of fancy gear that he finds in the shed I’ve always been able to outfish the bugger. Not so much anymore. That stick that used to catch his hook, sinker, cast net or his landing net on the very occasional times it was needed, is now catching my gear. And he’s also catching more fish than me too. At this point I’d like to point out that I haven’t said that he’s outfishing me. Oh no. It’s just that the fish that used to spit his hooks out are now spitting out my hooks. The dodgy braid (obviously from a bad batch because it

The worst thing is that I’m now in a position where if I can’t go to Skipper’s for the fear of being outfished, I can’t go to any of the others either, as they can still outfish Skipper. Even Doughers. In the TAB. Asleep. So that leaves me with only one avenue. I have to fish on my own until I improve.

Which is fine, except the only company I have is very boring, and slightly odd. But hey, that’s what going out and catching fish is all about. Or at least what going out fishing is all about. There’s a subtle difference. And going fishing on my own might help find that zone again. My wife certainly hopes so. AUGUST 2014

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Isa’s Fishing Classic a go All systems are ‘go’ for the much loved and hotly contested Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic; with organisers this week receiving the green light for major entertainment aspects. Hosted primarily from Black Rock Picnic Area at picturesque Lake Moondarra permission is annually sought to conduct all activities of the Fishing Classic from site trustees Mount Isa Water Board. With a new format in 2014 the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic will boast a schedule that will see all the favourite entertainment items and many more jam packed into 2 full days. With a reputation as one of Outback Queensland’s most iconic and unique annual events organisers the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group are excited to once again live up to their catch cry of ‘fishing being just the beginning’ by delivering something for all tastes. Event Manager Steve Farnsworth outlined their busy coordination and planning schedule. “Calls have gone out for aspects including everything from bands, staging, and lighting to volunteers; with conversations also having commenced with sponsors

through to caterers”. “It may be a new condensed format in 2014 but our desire to live up to the events reputation means delivering the task at hand is still somewhat a mammoth”. On communicating approval for the entertainment aspects of the 2014 Fishing Classic Mount Isa Water Board Chief Executive Greg Stevens highlighted the importance of the event and the achievements of the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group. “The Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group should be very happy with their achievements in growing the event; which is now a real tourism drawcard and an event that positively promotes the city of Mount Isa” Mr Stevens said. The Fishing Classic forms an integral element of the annual social and recreational calendar in Mount Isa and the

North West. Raising funds for re-stocking native fish species, gathering information to gauge the health and size of the lakes fish population and additionally gaining national recognition and exposure. Visitors, competitors and fans can expect to see the DIY Dragon Boat Regatta and Beach Volleyball Competition on the schedule in 2014, along with the hugely popular fireworks spectacular. Not to be forgotten the fishing component of the Classic will also deliver thousands of dollars’ worth of trophies, cash and prizes in 22 categories, including chances to win by simply nominating. Full details on the 2014 Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic taking place in Mount Isa October 24 and 25 are available from the events website www. lakemoondarrafishingclassic. com.au. – LMFC

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Sign-On, Briefing and Dinner: WEDNESDAY 1st OCTOBER 2014 from 4.30pm Fishing and Dinner: THURSDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2014, FRIDAY 3rd OCTOBER and Saturday 4th Fishing, Dinner and Presentations: SATURDAY 4th OCTOBER 2014 finish late afternoon

TOURNAMENT VENUE : GR Thompson Park, Broadwater Parklands, Southport This year for the first time we trial a later fishing finish on the Saturday with a Saturday Night Dinner, presentation and party. 84

AUGUST 2014

Entry Fees

Seniors (16yrs and over) $250 Juniors (under 16yrs) $120

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Lake Maroon is approximately 90 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The competition will be based at Camp Lake Fire, which has direct boat launching access. Early Entry – Senior: $30; Junior: $15 (Junior must be under 14 years on November 15, 2014).

Registrations through www.sportstuition.com.au ® ®

Don’t miss the Bowen Family Fishing Classic Don’t miss Australia’s Biggest Family Fishing Classic at the Top of the Whitsunday’s along Bowen’s Front Beach. Join in the Fishing and the Fun at the Famous Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend - to be held this year on Spetember 20 and 21. The Classic is more than fishing, the FREE entertainment of the year will be enjoyed by the whole family throughout the weekend as the XXXX Beach Party on Saturday afternoon from 1.30pm following the Blessing of The Fishermen the Show kicks off with local duo Dan and Pete and then some very special kids entertainment Marsupial Madness and as the sun sets over Edgecombe Bay the crowd will be entertained by Rockhampton based band Sun Salute – who are a wholesome brew of Reggae, R & B, Neo Soul and Funk then on to the Soulful sounds of Rhys Tollhurst with renditions of Michael Buble. Kicking off the evening show is Lance Friend for all those country rock fans. Lance’s current single Getting Outta Here is still receiving success. On

the main stage at 8.30pm Saturday will be the recently inducted into the Hall of Fame – Aussie Rock band, Dragon - who are back as good as ever, fronted by the legendry kiwi singer Mark Williams. Dragon will rock its way through a long list of iconic songs. Razor will take the dancing crowd through to close at midnight. Sunday will see everyone entertained by contemporary vocalist Sophie Phillis from Central Qld who has been touring the world with an ABBA tribute show and competing in Team Delta on last years The Voice and Whitsunday entertainer Kieran McCarthy for 20 years who has recorded 5 successful albums. This is all interspersed with a huge range of activities from Beach Cricket, to Muffin/Cake Eating Contest, Sand Sculpting, Lolly Drop, Crawchie Races, Bush and Beach Craft for the kids, Yabby Pumping Competition, Casting Competition, Dash for Cash and Zumba display. There will be heaps of rides for the young at heart, as well as games, displays, food and two bars. Entry forms and

nominations are available from your local tackle store or check out our website for the full list of outlets or you can enter on line: www. bowenfamilyfishingclassic. com Senior entry is $25, Junior entry is $15. The Senior Lucky Nomination Prize Boat is the striking 4.8 Blue Fin Ranger Centre Console with a stunning wrap and a great list of features and powered by the economical and quiet 80hp Honda 4-stroke with 5 year warranty. This ultimate fishing package also boasts a Humminbird 597ci HD DI colour combo fishfinder/ GPS and the whole rig is set up on a TSL 4.8 -13BDLX



Oceanic Trailer and is worth $35,600. The Junior Lucky Nomination Prize Boat is a 3.45m Blue Fin Trekker. This ever-popular V-Bow punt is powered by the extremely reliable and lightweight 2.3hp Honda 4-stroke outboard and is set up on a TSL 3.4-13SS Oceanic Trailer and is worth $6,400. Both these packages are fitted up by Tropical Trailerboats. You will enjoy two weigh-ins over the weekend with fish donated to the Weigh-In Team, filleted, packaged, and delivered to Meals on Wheels, with anglers knowing this

charitable organisation benefits each year. Proceeds from the Classic assists local and national charities, with a significant donation each year allocated for fish stocking. There are 16 categories for fishing, including crabs, with a Highest Weight Prize as well as Secret Weight for all senior and junior anglers. The ladies are catered for with a top prize for the Heaviest Fish Weighed in by a Female Angler from Centrepoint Traders. Senior Weigh-in prize is 7 nights accommodation at Montes Reef Resort. Presentations are at 4pm Sunday culminating in the Senior and Junior Lucky Nomination Boat draws. We

have trophies and prizes for Champion Junior and Senior Anglers and tagged fish prizes for the juniors and tens of thousands of dollars in prizes and give-aways. The Classic attracts thousands of visitors to our region each year, so make sure you mark your calendar, book your accommodation early, tell your friends, bring the family. Come to the 23rd Classic at Bowen’s Beachfront, the perfect setting at the Top of the Whitsundays. Make your way to beautiful Bowen from 20-21 September, 2014 and take part in Australia’s biggest Family Fishing Classic, twice winner of Bowen’s Event of the Year. – BFFC

Country Fishing Classics

OVER

$100,000

Target Species:

• Bass • Golden Perch • Barramundi • Saratoga • Catfish

Catch and release plus deadweight sections - “No live well required”

 Entry Fees:

*Early bird rate applies to entries received 4 weeks prior to event date

Family affordable! Single Round: Seniors $30 (Early Bird $25) Grand Final: Seniors $40 (Early Bird $35)

Juniors: (16 & under) $10 Juniors: (16 & under) $15

In prizes to be won by random draw!

Includes:

Senior and Junior Boat Packages!

Supports and Promotes Sustainable Fishing

 Dates and Locations:

Part of proceeds go to local fish stocking associations

Round 1: Round 2: Round 3: Round 4: Grand Final:

Boondooma Dam (Proston) Mary River (Maryborough) BP Dam (Murgon) Paradise Dam (Biggenden) BP Dam (Murgon)

6th – 7th Sep 2014 1st – 2nd Nov 2014 17th – 18th Jan 2015 28th Feb – 1st Mar 2015 18th – 19th April 2015 Mailing Address: PO Box 3473 LOGANHOLME QLD 4129 Fax: (07) 3806 3031 Email: info@countryfc.com.au www.countryfc.com.au AUGUST 2014

S M SERIE A E R B K a KAYA d by Daiw Presente

Lee stakes out and wins up current of the structure and allow the bait to drift deep under the structure. Filling his limit by 9.30am he then changed tack and targeted the larger Gold Coast bream holding on the bridges during the slack tide. This proved fruitful for Lee, upgrading twice and keeping him in the hunt on day two. With his limit in the well, Lee worked his way back to the weigh in with the tide, during his travels he was able to sight better quality

Will Lee claimed backto-back Queensland State Title wins with victory in the 11th round of the Daiwa-Hobie Kayak BREAM Series on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Compiling an 8/8 fish, 4.11kg limit to secure the win came from behind on the last day (11th) to once again show he’s the man to catch anytime the kayak bream tour comes to Queensland. With light winds on day one, Lee’s plan of attack was to head to the main body of the Nerang River in search of stronger currents and active fish. Once in the Nerang, Lee targeted fish holding tight to the pontoons with a Z-Man 2” Brubz in pumpkinseed rigged on a TT HWS 1/20oz Z-Man 2” Grubz in jighead and smeared in pumpkinseed rigged on a TT Pro-Cure mullet tag scent. AUTHOR: Lee would cast his lure hidden weight 1/120oz jighead. AREA: TITLE: Howarth wins at Redcliffe SECTION: Tournaments HEADER: Tournaments PICS: 4 FACTBOX: 1 NOTES: CAPTIONS

CE 1ST PLA

fish holding on the pontoons near the weigh-in site. “Using my Costa polarized sunglasses, I could see better quality fish holding under the pontoons, but in the calm conditions I could not get my lure in the strike zone without spooking them,” said Lee. With stronger winds predicted for day two, Lee made the decision to spend less time travelling and more time with his lure in the water. Lee targeted

the pontoons close to home focusing most of his attention on pontoons with wind blowing onto them. Lee used his PowerPole Micro Anchor to hold him off the pontoon, this allowed him to line up his cast before skip casting his lure tight to the structure. Lee would cast his lure tight to the structure before allowing it to flutter down the face of the structure. For this work, Lee stayed with his confidence bait from day one a Z-Man 2” Grubz in pumpkinseed rigged on a TT HWS 1/20oz jighead.

Will Lee claimed back-to-back Queensland State Title wins at the Daiwa-Hobie Kayak BREAM Series on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Beechey hits the beach CE 2ND PLA

Bryce Beechey showed his consistency across changing conditions to take second place with an 8/8 fish,

rigged on a TT HWS 1/60oz jighead. “With the light conditions I kept my presentation as natural as possible, I would cast the lure tight to the structure and rattle the lure keeping it in the strike zone as long as possible,” said Beechey. With the change in conditions Beechey changed his1 approach, targeting fish

in the wind swept flats in between the pontoons. For this work, Beechey used an Anre’s Alexandra 50s lure in a natural bait fish profile. He would cast his lure tight to the edge before twitching his bait out and allowing its natural sinking flutter to entice the strike. Beechey’s tackle of choice for the

weekend was a Palm’s Pin Wheel rod matched with a Daiwa Fuego reel spooled with 3lb Toray fluorocarbon. “Using straight through fluorocarbon allowed my lures to have a more natural presentation which made all the difference,” said Beechey.

WINNING NOTES

Winning Tackle

Rod: Gary Howard North Fork FW701 Reel: Shimano Stradic FH1000 3 Line: 2lb Berkley fire line Leader: 3lb Sunline FC Rock leader. Lure: a Z-Man 2” Grubz in pumpkinseed Lure Rogan’s 910g Nerang River kicker fish 4 rigged on a TT hidden weight 1/20oz jighead. took out the event’s Hogs Breath Boss Hog. Jason Garner took out the Boss Hog Big Bream prize with this solid .96kg fish.

Winning Edge

“Having my Power Pole Micro anchor allowed me to hold off the structure and line up the perfect cast, giving me the best chance not to spook the bigger fish” said Lee. TOP 10 NON-BOATERS

HOG’S BREATH BOSS HOG BASS ELECTRIC SERIES

Lure Rogan’s 910g Nerang River kicker fish took out the event’s Hogs Breath Boss Hog. Rogan caught his fish cranking boat hulls with a Zip Baits Khamsin Tiny DR in ghost ebi. HOGS BREATH BOSS HOG PAY TO:

Hogs Breath Boss Hog

FOR THE SUM OF:

Bryce Beechey showed his consistency across changing conditions to take second place with an 8/8 fish, 4.08kg bag.

ABT, PO Box 7196, LOGANHOLME, QLD 4129 Alternatively you can download an entry form from www.abt.org.au At any time you can call ABT on (07) 3387 0888 for help with your entry during business hours. 86

AUGUST 2014

4.08kg bag. On day one Beechey stayed close to home fishing any structure in the Mermaid Waters canal system he felt had fish holding on it. Most of his fish came from fishing tight to the pontoon. “I was getting fish in a number of places but the fish were holding tight to structure,” said Beechey. Beechey’s lure of choice for this was a 2” Z-Man Grubz in motor oil colour

One Hundred Dollars

DATE:

$ 100

Fishing Tournaments bass • bream • barra

TOP 10 KAYAKERS Place Angler

Fish

Weight (kg)

Payout

1 William LEE 2 Bryce BEECHEY 3 Tyson HAYES 4 James HOWARTH 5 Kendall SOO 6 Michael HALLIDAY 7 Jason GARNER 8 Richard ORCHARD 10 Timothy MAAS

8/8 8/8 8/8 8/8 8/8 8/8 8/8 8/8 8/8

4.11 4.08 4.00 3.96 3.95 3.83 3.44 3.42 3.38

$800 + Prize Pack $400 + Prize Pack $280 + Prize Pack $240 + Prize Pack $190 + Prize Pack $140 + Prize Pack

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

S M SERIE A E R B K a KAYA d by Daiw Presente The weekend of the 21–22 June, 2014 saw the Hobie Kayak Bream Series presented by Daiwa head to Redcliffe, one of Queensland’s most iconic and notorious Bream tournament venues. Some 33 anglers descended on the venue, all determined to put themselves at the top of the leader board and to book their spots at the Grand Final later this year. Redcliffe, located 40km north of Brisbane, has seen some incredible tournament bream action over the years and has once again delivered the goods. The venue offered up fantastic Queensland conditions, great fishing from the reef as well as the man made structure of the jetties and boat hulls in the marina

Howarth wins at Redcliffe and canals. This ensured plenty of options for the competitors and a great weekend’s fishing for all. Ultimately it was Brisbane year 12 student James Howarth who claimed the major prize on Sunday, bringing in eight bream for a total bag weight of 4.91kg which gave him a convincing 1.27kg lead. Seasoned competitor Josh Carpenter, whose two-day bag totalled 3.64kg, took second after jumping from tenth place on day one. TOP OF THE CLASS James Howarth, in only his third kayak tournament, fished smart on day one, pre-fishing for day two and leaving some key areas to target on the second day of the competition. He spent both days hitting fish under and alongside the boats and jetties of both the marina and the canals, casting

along the edge of shady patches using lots of Pro Cure Scent.

more boats heading into the canals and the marina so I thought it was going to get hit a lot harder than on day one,” James said. Early on both mornings he cranked these areas using Ecogear SX40s, and as the light improved he threw Z-Man 2.5” Bloodworm Grubs, using a Nordic Stage Sharpshooter with 4lb line straight through. “I used some pretty aggressive flicks of the rod after getting the lure down under the boat hulls and then a pause at the ends of the boats, suspending it there and they would just smash it,” he explained.

The top three: James Howarth, Josh Carpenter and Stephen Mass.

CE 1ST PLA

Watch the interview with event winner James Howarth here. James was excited about his first major tournament and qualifying for his first Hobie Bream Series Grand Final. Fortunately for him, it will be staged after he has completed his final year 12 exams.

Josh Carpenter takes second CE 2ND PLA

James Howarth was excited about his first major tournament win and qualifying for the Grand Final. Fortunately, it will be held after his final year 12 exams.

“I was pretty nervous coming into the second day as there were a lot

Southern NSW angler and the eventual second place getter Josh Carpenter’s plan was always to fish the canals once the weather forecast predicted light winds. With the canal system being protected from wind most of the year, Josh instinctively knew that the fish there were used to still conditions and didn’t spook as easily as the fish out on the reefs. For this reason he opted to do the 35-minute pedal to

of catching his final bream and then hoping for some good sized upgrades. He got that fourth fish at about 12:30 but didn’t manage to upgrade and headed to the reef for a short time to see if he could get some better luck there. Time worked against him, however, and he headed back to the weigh-in with four good fish. Josh was extremely happy with his second place finish and won the good-sized local crowd over watching the weigh-in by breaking his prize pack open and handing out the contents to enthusiastic local children in the audience as their appreciative parents watched on. Josh’s arsenal consisted of a Daiwa Battler Mighty

Atomic Crank Deep in Tim’s prawn colour. SUPPORTERS It’s not just the weather and the fish that make an event great. Thank you to Mal and Trish Gray and from Sunstate Hobie for providing dealer support to the competitors throughout the tournament and for supplying them with snack packs, drinks and a BBQ on both days.

Like all of the events in the series the Redcliffe round could not have gone ahead without the great support of our fantastic sponsors: Daiwa, Berkley, Atomic. Lowrance, RhinoRack, Strike Pro, Austackle, TT Lures, Yamatoyo, Ecogear, Power-Pole, Hog’s Breath Cafe and ABT for making these events possible. – HKBS

WINNING NOTES

Winning Tackle

Rods: Nordic Stage Sharpshooter (cranking) and Aerial Pro 6’6″ (plastics) Reel: Daiwa 2000 Freams Line: 4lb mono Lures: Ecogear SX40s in ghost gill and Z-Man 2.5” Bloodworm GrubZ on 1/28th TT jigheads.

Winning Edge James used plenty of Pro-Cure scent with an aggressive retrieve in the shady patches around and under boat hulls in the marina and canals. TOP 10 NON-BOATERS

HOG’S BREATH BOSS HOG BASS ELECTRIC SERIES

Jason Garner 0.96kg Using a Gulp! Crabby using SAS 12lb line with 4lb Sunline V-Hard fluorocarbon leader on his Nordic Stage Jaeger rod. HOGS BREATH BOSS HOG

The ever-reliable Josh Carpenter took home second place in the tournament, and generously gave his prizes to children in the crowd.

ABT, PO Box 7196, LOGANHOLME, QLD 4129 Alternatively you can download an entry form from www.abt.org.au At any time you can call ABT on (07) 3387 0888 for help with your entry during business hours.

the canal system straight off the Power-Pole starting line each morning. Sitting in tenth position at the end of day one with a full bag weighing in at 1.74kg, Carpenter was always confident that he would get his four fish on day two. His only concern was just how big those fish would be, as he was giving away a big start to day one leader Howarth. He worked the edges of the man made structure and boats and had three good bream in his Hobie livewell before 11am. With three hours to go in the competition he was confident

PAY TO:

Midget matched to a Daiwa Ignis 2004, with 3lb Daiwa BRAVE fluoro fished straight through. His top lure was an

$ 100

bass • bream • barra

TOP 5 KAYAKERS Fish

James HOWARTH Josh CARPENTER Stephen MAAS Michael MAAS Jason GARNER

One Hundred Dollars

Fishing Tournaments

Place Angler 1 2 3 4 5

Hogs Breath Boss Hog

FOR THE SUM OF:

DATE:

8 8 8 8 6

4.91 3.64 3.57 3.51 2.87

Weight (kg)

Payout

$950 + Lowrance Elite-5X Fishfinder, Daiwa, Atomic $500 + Unitika, Berkley, Austackle, TTs $350 + Strike Pro, Austackle, Eco Gear $150 + Eco Gear, TT lures, Atomic, Yamatoyo. $130 + Berkley, Austackle, Atomic, TTs + Boss Hog ($100).

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au AUGUST 2014

O SERIES BASS PR aha d by Yam Presente Steve ‘Killer’ Kanowski returned to the winner’s podium at round two of the 2014 Toray BASS

Killer in a Spin for BASS Pro Win Pro Series with the 50 year old tournament veteran claiming victory in the Yamaha presented Boondooma event. Grabbing the lead in session two Kanowski held

the lead as he stormed to his 3rd BASS Pro win to book a berth in the Lake Wivenhoe Grand Final in September. Victory for Kanowski was a tail spinner affair with the former AFC angler cracking the pattern during the Friday prefish courtesy of a Nories In The Bait tail spinner. Fishing the start of the Stuart Arm Kanowski fished a small flat (50m x50m) 15-20’ deep that had the breakline into the creek bed not far away. An inconspicuous location, it was an area that fired when Killer stumbled across it in the prefish. “There were plenty of fish on the sounder, and they bit quite actively, so I just kept changing lures to see which lure worked the best on them,” said Kanowski. With the tail spinner identified as the go-to lure,

Session two was when things really turned on with the Kanowski catching a dozen fish for the session, including multiple upgrades, and weighing in the heaviest limit for the tournament. “They bit their heads off in the afternoon including a good number of big fish,” said Kanowksi. The Nories tail spinner once again reined supreme, with Killer fishing the hot bait with a long and slow lift and drop technique. The majority of bites would come at the very top of the lift, while the occasional fish would come as he lifted the lure after a drop, or when he went to burn the lure back in at the end of the retrieve. “It was important to not over work the lure during the retrieve. Slow and steady was definitely the name of the game when it came to the tail spinner,” said Kanowski.

Steve Kanowski’s 3.47kg session two limit was the bag that anchored his win, and included the Austackle Big Bass for the event.

Kanowlski caught his fish on a 12 gram, ayu coloured Nories In the Bait tail spinner Killer tied one on first up in session one, an approach that delivered him his first fish by 9am, and a second hook up, albeit a fish that he lost, not long after.

Session three would prove the hardest for the tournament with Kanowski only managing to eke out three small undersize fish. “I worked my butt off

on Sunday morning, varying retrieves, adjusting my boat position, and trying to finesse them into biting but

to no avail,” said Killer. In the end Kanowski’s failure to weigh a fish in the final session didn’t affect the outcome, with Killer holding on to the lead he had leading into the final session to claim the event win. A veteran of the BASS Pro tour Kanowski’s win is his first since his Lake Monduran victory in 2007, and an injection of form heading into the 3rd and final event of the year, the Toray BASS Pro Grand Final at Lake Wivenhoe in September.

Young Rips for Second CE 2ND PLA

AUGUST 2014

For event runner-up David Young it was his best result to date on the BASS Pro tour at Lake Boondooma with the 30 year old IT Consultant fishing the start of the timber in the Stuart River arm of the lake to catch his fish. Fishing a small area that he inadvertently found during the Friday prefish Young’s hot spot featured a tree, adjacent flat, and slope into the creek bed. “While there were trees right along the edge of the creek bed there was one tree that the fish would gravitate towards and hang on in numbers,” said Young. While Young could always find the fish on and around the tree with his sounder getting them to bite proved difficult. “They didn’t bite until 2pm during the prefish and the tournament very much played out the same way,” said Young. This trend saw Young

Dave Young claimed his best BASS Pro result at Boondooma, finishing second thanks to a deepwater blade bite.

catch no fish in the first session, but in session two (Saturday afternoon) things really started to heat up, with close to 20 fish hitting the deck of his boat. While he initially caught fish out from the tree he soon found the best approach to use involved nudging the boat up tight against the tree and working his lure directly below the boat to the fish that were sitting on the bottom. Young’s lure and technique involved an Ecogear ZX40 blade worked with a short and sharp rip and drop retrieve. “Keeping the movement of the lure sharp, hard and erratic was the key to get them to bite. If you used a traditional methodical lift and drop they didn’t it eat it with any great gusto,” said Young. Heading into the final session with close to a 1kg deficit to make up on leader Steve Kanowski, Young knew that he had plenty of work to do, but if he could just scrape together a couple of fish to get level Continued OVER

Continued

with Killer that he might be in with a shot. Young’s thinking was spot on, and he started the session out well picking up a small fish early. Finding and catching his second proved a lot harder, with Young changing locations and lures in a valiant attempt to pull together just one more small fish. It was to avail though with Young weighing in only one fish for the session to finish

Killer’s Lift n’ Drop Tail Spinner Technique

BASS PR O SERIE S Present ed by Ya maha second in the tournament. His best result to date on the tour Young is buoyed by his podium finish, the spot in the Grand Final, and the welcome cheque heading into the BASS Megabucks and GF at the end of the year.

WINNING NOTES

Winning Tackle Rod: Pflueger 6’10”, 1-3kg rod Reel: Pflueger Supreme Line: 4lb Fireline Leader: 8lb flurocarbon Lure: Nories In the Bait (12gram, ayu colour)

Winning Edge While Kanowski identified the Nories In the Bait tail spinne r as the go-to fish catcher he modified the lure by downsizeing the rear willow blade to make it more finesse and ultimately more appealing to the bass.

Holmes Hops to Win times during the second session and head into the final day with an almost insurmountable lead. Not content to coast to the finish line Holmes fishing hard with his boater Steve Babbage on day two, with the pair rotating through different locations and lures in an attempt to catch fish. Catching only yellowbelly for the session Holmes returned to the scales empty handed, but walked away from the presentation as the Boondooma non-boater champion. Attention for anglers now turns to the Toray BASS Pro Grand Final (September 20/21st) at Lake

-BOATER 1ST NON

Ray Holmes claimed top honours in the non-boater division with the 26 year old Toowoomba basser compiling a 3/6, 4.38kg limit to comfortably secure the win by half a kilo over his nearest rival Terry Allwood. Fishing with Dave Young on day one, Holmes fished a deep water blade approach, throwing a 3/8oz, matt pink coloured Evergreen Little Max and an Ecogear ZX40 in colour 414 to catch his fish. Catching one fish in session one and a full limit in session two, Holmes used a slow wind and hop retrieve to catch his fish, with the key to the presentation being to keep the lure vertical below the boat rather than fished away from the boat and worked with a more horizontal approach to the retrieve. The approach saw Holmes upgrade 2-3

Austackle Big Bass

Ray Holmes dominated the non-boater division to add another win to his tournament CV.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fish

Stephen KANOWSKI David YOUNG Simon BARKHUIZEN Trevor STEAD Kristoffer HICKSON Matt JOHNSON Barry REYNOLDS Gary MCCABE Steven OTTO Mark LENNOX

3/6 3/6 4/6 5/6 4/6 3/6 3/6 2/6 3/6 2/6

Weight (kg) 4.08 3.89 3.69 3.34 3.13 2.92 2.47 2.09 2.07 2.01

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

Duffrods Big Bag Steve Kanowski claimed the Duffrods Big Bag at the event with the Boondooma champion catching the prize winning limit (3.47kg) in session two on the Saturday afternoon.

Wivenhoe, an event that will determine the GF champions for 2014 and also the BASS Pro Anglers of the Year

for the year. To see the full list of Grand Final qualifiers visit www.abt. org.au. – ABT

Steve Kanowski headed off first in the final session and held on to claim the win.

TOP 10 BOATERS Place Angler

Steve Kanowski secured the Austackle Big Bass at Boondooma with the event winner claiming the $500 cheque courtesy of the 2.01kg bass that he caught in the second session on an ayu coloured 12gram Nories In the Bait tail spinner.

TOP 10 NON-BOATERS Payout

Place Angler

Fish Weight (kg)

$2500 + $500 $1,500 $1,100 $900 $700 $600 $500 $450

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3/6 4/6 4/6 3/6 3/6 2/6 2/6 3/6 2/6 2/6

Ray HOLMES Terry ALLWOOD Ben SCOTMAN Cody HAYES Ben BIGGS Liam FITZPATRICK Stephen MCLEAN Alan MCNAMARA Peter MORGAN Brett HYDE

4.38 3.8 2.58 2.48 2.41 2.12 1.94 1.54 1.41 1.1

Payout

13 Fishing reel, 13 Fishing rod, OSP pack 13 Fishing rod, Shimano reel, Toray pack Spotters pack, Imakatsu pack Tonic pack, OSP pack Damiki pack, OSP pack Toray Prize Pack OSP pack OSP pack OSP pack OSP pack

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au AUGUST 2014

The implications of catching ‘a feed of prawns’ It is an unfortunate fact that the best places to catch a feed of prawns in NQ are usually also the nursery grounds of some of our important inshore fish species. Prawns and juvenile fish congregate together in our estuaries and along adjacent beaches where waters are turbid from run-off and often carry a substantial load of flood debris during the wet season. Locals know that the best time for prawning is during and just after the wet, preferably following a big flood. It is no coincidence that this is when juveniles of king threadfin salmon, giant queenfish, mulloway and several other types of commercial and sports fish are sharing exactly the same grounds as the prawns. It is simple, the fish follow the prawns; juvenile fish follow juvenile prawns as well as the tiny Acetes prawns that can be found in huge numbers along many shorelines adjacent to estuaries. Evolution has timed the reproduction of much estuary life to coincide with the abundance of nutrients flushed out of

AUGUST 2014

our rainforests during wet season floods. This surge of nutrients supplies a complex food chain, including a seasonal profusion of crab, prawn and shellfish larvae. These in turn are preyed upon by juveniles of larger inshore fish. Unfortunately the most productive time for prawn netting happens to be when those juvenile fish are of sizes that become caught in the mesh of prawn nets. Once meshed, most small fish die before or during their extraction. Regulations state that the stretched mesh size for drag nets must be no more than 28mm. The one I bought back in 2001 had a stretched mesh size of 14mm. It has proved so lethal for meshing fingerling threadies and queenies at Wonga Beach that I no longer dare use it during the wet season anywhere near our local estuaries. The risk of killing hundreds of these little beauties is just too great. Been there, done that: never again. A friend and I went bait netting for garfish one night much later in the season,

David with by-catch from just one prawn drag net haul left on Wonga Beach: 203 juveniles of four species, 87 silver mulloway, 84 jewel fish, 17 silver teraglin and 15 catfish. Most were between 4-7 cm in length. using his 28mm bait net. We ended up meshing and unavoidably killing about 30 juvenile giant queenfish for just a few gars in our one and only haul. This time the queenfish we meshed were about twice

the size of those I had caught in the smaller mesh of my net earlier that year. This is the problem with any small mesh net. By this, I mean any mesh size below a barra net will inevitably kill undersize fish. Used correctly by experienced operators, mullet surround netting is normally one general exception; but used without due care or as gill nets they will still kill significant numbers of undersized fish. Dragging for prawns kills juvenile fish and even tiny prawns, which are too small to be caught in the mesh. This happens when flood debris, mostly broken up leaf litter and small twigs, accumulates in the base of the net, just above the lead line. Hundreds of juvenile fish and thousands of tiny prawns can and do become trapped in this debris which is compressed against the net. They quickly suffocate and die. Depending on tides, the evidence is left on our beaches for all to see until dispersed by the waves. This may be just minutes on an incoming tide or a few hours on an outgoing tide. There is no getting away from it, recreational prawning in North Queensland inevitably takes its toll on the juveniles of inshore species, such as the king threadfin, giant queenfish, silver and scaly jewfish shown here. The exception of course may be in areas that have already been heavily overfished. DOES ALL THIS MATTER? There may have been a time when this was of very little consequence. In those days there were far more

fish and far fewer people on our beaches, and very few of those people were chasing prawns. Now we have far fewer fish and far more people. Human ‘progress’ has ensured there are also many other factors reducing both the numbers of mature female fish left to spawn and the survival rates from each spawning. It is now time to evaluate what is going on and decide whether our fish stocks can afford the continuing waste of fingerlings from recreational prawning. Some claim the casualties caused by recreational prawn netting

are miniscule in comparison to those inflicted by prawn trawlers. They note trawlers take huge numbers of small fish as by-catch, including threadfin, most of which end up dead. A closer look reveals there may be less cause for concern from an inshore point of view than appears at first glance. So far I have not located records of significant numbers of juveniles of many of our large inshore species occurring as by-catch from commercial trawlers working offshore (in marked contrast to beam trawling in estuaries). Do let me know if I am missing something. Threadfin have formed up to 1% of the offshore trawl by-catch in some published studies. However the threadfin involved is the small fast-maturing puttynose threadfin (Polydactylus multiradiatus) not the mighty, slow growing, late maturing and inshoreliving, king threadfin (P. macrochir). Another common misconception arises from the fact that each adult female fish lays many millions of eggs. People assume there are bound to be so many millions of fingerlings that a few thousand being caught in small mesh nets in any one area is unlikely to have any effect. This overlooks the huge mortality of eggs and larval fish, which occurs in the wild, well before any individuals ever reach fingerling size. While it would be difficult to make even reasonably accurate

Small section of a drag net with 10 fatally meshed juvenile king threadfin indicated by yellow arrows. At least 20 died in this trial four-minute drag by David and family. Hundreds of similar sizes were killed by prawn drag netters that weekend.

spirited discussion about this on Facebook at SustainableFishing (one word). Fishers for Conservation also have more information at www. ffc.org.au including a poster or flier discouraging the use of drag nets. You can download it for free from FFC at http:// bit.ly/1gBxMAN. Professionally printed hard copies are available in bulk from me. Since this poster was

published I have learnt that cast nets are used intensively to target prawns elsewhere. I am told they can also be responsible for significant kills of juvenile fish, especially threadfin, which die very quickly when in contact with any net. Generally speaking though, most people would expect that cast nets used carefully by skilled, responsible anglers just to catch bait for a day’s fishing

will have negligible impact in comparison to targeted cast netting for prawns. Just because it is legal to drag nets up and down the beach through prime fish nursery grounds for hours on end, killing thousands of juvenile fish, does not mean it is the right thing to do. This topic is just one of many cans of worms requiring scrutiny by the long-awaited review of Fisheries Management in Queensland. – David Cook

A giant queenfish fingerling fatally meshed in a bait net; they become jammed in too tight to remove alive. estimates of the proportion of the eggs surviving in the wild to fingerling stage, this may be approaching 0% of some spawning events under adverse conditions and even below 1% under favourable conditions. In summary, once juvenile fish have reached fingerling size they have already survived the most hazardous stages of their lives. Their chances of reaching maturity should now be far higher than they were of reaching fingerling size in the first place, other things being equal (including the absence of recreational prawning).

IS IT WORTH THE SLAUGHTER? Here is a question for anyone considering trying for a feed of prawns: Is the inevitable slaughter of juvenile fish worth the possibility of catching your bucket of prawns? Put that question to any responsible fisher in the modern era and surely the answer must be a resounding ‘no’? Small estuary systems like the Daintree have very limited nursery areas for the inshore species shown in the photographs presented here. Fish stocks of such small estuaries,

if regularly netted by the public for prawns, will be impacted more heavily and much sooner than some of the larger systems further south, depending of course on the amount of recreational prawning done in these systems. It is all relative. There are many factors adversely impacting our ever-declining inshore fish stocks these days. We need to do what we can to halt this decline. Recreational prawning by the public could readily be discontinued with zero hardship to the perpetrators. We have had some

Sample of hundreds of king threadfin that died in prawn drag nets at Wonga Beach 1-2 February, average length less than 10cm.

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Brisbane Boat Show set to add new features Organisers of the Brisbane Boat Show are exploring new options to widen the appeal of the boat show even further when it makes its return to the RNA’s Brisbane Showgrounds in mid-September. The event, which this year is set to spill across both sides of Gregory Terrace that bisects the showgrounds precinct, will seek to offer innovations including providing a help and valuation service for people looking to sell their current boat; a boat ramp reversing and etiquette education program; a plan to provide expert advice for first time boaties; and a more sophisticated display and information zone for recreational fishing equipment. Marine Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Mr Don Jones said: “Showcasing the latest boats and design innovations; powerplants, kayaks, personal water craft and small sailing vessels, will remain the core framework of the Brisbane Boat Show which will be held from Friday September 12 until the following Monday.” “And while there has always been a strong supporting element of marine-related culinary demonstrations, expert advice on catching particular species and displays educating people about rules, regulations and best safety and environmental practices, we see potential to

develop the ‘infotainment’ element to a further degree. “That’s why we currently have staff investigating some of the possibilities and we will be making further announcements about dovetailing them into this and future Brisbane Boat shows. “The great success of the recent Mackay Boat Show confirmed that people look to boat shows for information, education and entertainment as well as outstanding purchasing deals. “We have taken on board comments from the public relating to fishing gear and have invited Australia’s foremost tackle manufacturers, importers and distributors to participate through their industry body.

“Recreational fishing and its ‘whole of family’ involvement across all forms, remains one of the driving forces behind vessel purchases. “The Brisbane Boat Show will lift the bar to higher standards for tackle this year. “We also recognise that in tighter trading positions, people may want to consider upgrading equipment – be it engines, electronics, marinerelated sporting equipment like skis and towing toys – rather than outlaying for a new boat. “This year’s Brisbane Boat Show will provide for that with extensive displays, offers and information. “One of the key themes this year will be that boating is a very affordable past-

time that provides the best return on investment that a family can make in terms of lifestyle,” said Mr Jones. The Brisbane Boat Show returned to the showgrounds

SEA JAY BOATS Sea Jay will be represented at the Brisbane Boat Show 2014, with two models displayed on the Sea Jay Plate Xtreme stand and adjacent to this you will find the Stones Corner Marine stand with the Sea Jay models proudly displayed. Sea Jay Plate Xtreme will display the newly released 6.8 Pursuit GS, the all new hardtop built to true plate construction guidelines and worthy of being the new flagship of the Plate Xtreme range. The popular Striker Plate Xtreme will also be on display. These models are proving popular with the sports fisher. The console is positioned toward the stern to maximise deck space and this model has ample underfloor storage to keep the top deck clutter free. Available in three models sizes 5.1, 5.6 and 6.0. On the Stones Corner

appeal to the bay fisher. For further information on the Sea Jay products, please view our web site w w w. s e a j a y b o a t s . c o m . au and phone contact (07) 4152 2111. YAMAHA Yamaha is particularly excited to get to this year’s Boat Show with a range of great new products as well as great finance options from Yamaha Motor Finance and insurance offers from Yamaha Marine Insurance to make buying at the show easy. Yamaha will be displaying the new F175A and F115B 4-stoke engines. The F175A fills the gap between Yamaha’s powerful F150 and the award winning F200, while the F115B sets a new standard in the mid-range category with its amazing light weight design. For the first time Yamaha will also be displaying the

venue last year after an absence of 15 years during which it was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition centre. “Last year we used the northern side of Gregory Terrace and used indoor and outdoor display areas,” Mr Jones said. “This year, the high level of early interest in the show has prompted our show management team to add in covered exhibition areas on the southern side on the corner of Costin Street, which has been one of the main entrance gateways for the Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show, held in conjunction with the national 4x4 and Outdoors Show.” So with all that to see and do, let’s take a look at what you can see at the show from some of the exhibitors.

Marine stand you will find our Sea Jay range, with a couple of new additions on show this year. The Creek Masta configured from our v-nose Nomad hull, takes this standard Nomad to the next level. This model boosts a floor between the seating, and a part front cast platform off the front seat, just a few of the little extras to enhance this model. The Creek Masta is available as 3.5, 3.7 and 3.85m models. The Velocity and Velocity Sports are very new to the Sea Jay range. This new look hull with its swept bow and fine lines, features 4mm plate bottoms and 3mm plate sides. The Velocity Console version and Velocity Sports Side or Rear Console are available in three hull lengths 4.9, 5.2 and 5.5. This new model will certainly

new 150 VMAX SHO high performance 4-stroke. This engine is currently only available in North America but is sure to turn a few heads at the show. Yamaha will also display the new range of ultrahigh performance SVHO WaveRunners - the most powerful Yamaha models ever produced. Delivering exceptional acceleration from the biggest engine in the industry, these new craft are attracting plenty of attention from muscle craft enthusiasts all over the country and are already carving up on the national racing circuit. OCEANIC TRAILERS Oceanic trailer is excited to be bringing their offer of an aluminium boat and galvanised trailer package to the show, this offer consists of 12 model, offering

INFORMATION Adult entry:..........................................................................................................$18 Concession:.........................................................................................................$12 Kids under 15:....................................................................................................Free Adult two-day pass:........................................................................................... $25 Tickets on sale at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au

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2014 EVENT GUIDE standard choices of 60 different types from 2.6m to 5.5m – from tinnies to larger plate boats. Each packages offers you a choice of two different trailers, either a premium model and a xSport model. The xSport model is the same as the premium, but comes with alloy dress wheel, alloy spare wheel, spare wheel bracket and a motor support bracket. All trailers come with rear entry guide (to applicable trailers) and skid guides as standard. All the boat and trailers are Australian made. Boats are made for Oceanic by a proven Australian manufacturer with over forty years of experience and there are options available for these boats to give the consumer more choices and ultimately the package they really want. These package deals are offering the best deals for a boat and trailer you will find anywhere. You can’t get this quality nor these prices by purchasing separately so drop by at the show to check the packages out. The packages are also being offered to Oceanic authorised dealers across Queensland.

BLUEFIN BOATS Gold Coast manufacturer Bluefin Boats announce their attendance at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show to be held at the RNA in September. Bluefin will be represented at the show by Coorparoo Marine, Cunningham Marine Centre and Australian Marine Centre. Each dealer will be showcasing a large range of product between them highlighting the diversity of the Bluefin range, including some recent releases. The Brisbane Boat Show will see the release of the Wrangler offshore range, which include a 6.3 and 5.9 Centre Console versions. Also on show will be a full range of open dinghies, bowriders, runabouts and our ever popular sports fishing models including the Drifter Tournament Pro. A Bluefin is the only boat that comes with a full replacement guarantee. Be sure to check out the boats on display at each of the dealers and take advantage of the exclusive Boat Show specials so that you too can start creating your own lifestyle on water. For more information

visit www.bluefinboats.com. au or talk to your nearest Bluefin dealer today. When it’s a Bluefin, you know it’s been Built With Pride. JSW POWERSPORTS JSW Powersports will bring several boats from Sea Fox range of fishing boats, which includes centre consoles, walk arounds and bay boats to the show. Sea Fox Boats is one of the largest saltwater boat manufacturer in the USA and they are well-known to be durable, dependable and affordable. These boats are designed by fishermen and they have all the features essential for a successful day out fishing as well as several creature comforts to keep the family happy on board. This year you’ll be able to view the brand new Sea Fox 249 Avenger. This is the latest addition to Sea Fox’s line up and this side console boat is sure to surprise a few with its innovative and practical features. “The 249 Avenger is a great crossover boat between fishing and leisure”, says Jeff McNiven, director of JSW Powersports. There will also be a few of the

ever popular centre console range to view. “We will also be bringing a popular 256 Commander which is a fisherman’s dreamboat”, says Jeff McNiven. “This 25’ centre console has been a best seller in the USA for years and the value you get for this size boat is second to none”. For the shallow water anglers Sea Fox offers their Viper range and the popular 20’ Viper will also be on display at the show to cater for the growing market of flat water fishing boats. As Australia’s largest personal watercraft dealer, JSW Powersports will bring an extensive collection of Sea-Doo personal watercrafts to check out at the show. The Sea-Doo range also includes the Sea-Doo Spark which offers a completely different take on personal watercraft. JSW Powersports will definitely have a Sea-Doo that suits everyone’s taste and budget! Contact JSW Powersports on (07) 5529 2616 and have a look at their websites www. seafoxboats.net.au or www. jswpowersports.com.au.

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BROADWATER BOATING CENTRE Broadwater Boating Centre (BBC) is counting down the days before we again showcase our new release models for the 2014 Brisbane Boat Show at the RNA! Paul’s team has been planning how to make the event one of the best shows on the Australian calendar! BBC will captivate boating enthusiasts, proudly showcasing the latest Quintrex aluminium range as well as Stejcraft fibreglass boats, both designed and manufactured within the Gold Coast Marine Precinct right here in Queensland! Visit the friendly team upstairs at stand 210, and see just what is on offer at this year’s show. We will be displaying a huge range of stock boats available to purchase, with Paul keen to move some exceptional package deals from Quintrex and Stejcraft! BBC continues to grow, now one of Queensland’s largest boat dealerships within our market! Accredited as a Yamaha Platinum Dealer, our Service department is renowned for its quality workmanship Drop by and check out our new look refurbished Broadwater Boating Centre, 46-48 Brisbane Road Labrador, (07) 5529 1777 and view all our New and used Boats on www. broadwaterboating.com.au, SURF COAST MARINE Surf Coast Marine is southern Queensland’s latest Quintrex E-tec package dealer, based on the Gold Coast. A full range of Australia’s most popular aluminium boats will be on display at the show, downstairs on Stands 350 and 355 Surf Coast has the locally made Stejcraft Cuddie Cab boats ranging from the 580 Islander to the 640 Monaco and will exhibit a range of USA manufactured fibreglass bow riders from Caravelle and the Razor pontoon boats also made by Caravelle. These fine craft contain loads of innovative practical features that compliment a great day out on the water with a large crew Surf Coast Marine is the latest edition of the always expanding Hinterland Group of companies, one of the largest motor vehicle industry organisations on the Gold Coast. Check

out some of our great packages available on www. surfcoastmarine.com.au BARZ OPTICS The entire Barz Optics range will be on display at the Brisbane Boat Show this year, including new floating models, bi focal readers and photochromic sunglasses. New Barz sunglasses featured at the show include: • The Cabo, which is a modern wrap style new floating model that is frameless on the bottom. Available in two lens sizes and three frame colours as well as several lens options such as pc polarised bifocal and our new pc polarised photochromic bifocal. • Kids new floating model Grom suits boys or girls with an age range from 4-13. This model is also available with amber photochromic lenses and three frame colours. • The Tofino is a lightweight wrap style frame with side windows offering maximum protection from the sides thus eliminating glare, wind and ocean spray. Suitable for both men and women and available in a Matt Black or Gloss Tortoise frame in a range of lenses including polarised with non polarised bifocal readers – great for reading digital equipment. Barz sunglasses are ideal for people who work in the marine industry. All sunglasses have a comfortable wrap and quality polarised lenses in a wide range of lens options including polarised, polarised bi focal, polarised photochromic and our new polarised polycarbonate photochromic bi-focal. To view the complete Barz range pre-show visit www.barzoptics.com. CALOUNDRA MARINE Caloundra Marine is excited to be displaying the new models from Quintrex

including the Quintrex 690 Trident Hardtop matched to the Evinrude 250hp G2 –the ONLY one in Australia. Caloundra Marine will be taking pre-orders for this amazing package at the show and you really do need to get to the stand and check them out. Apart form the amazing Trident package, Caloundra Marine will also be displaying a large range of Quintrex’s from Australia’s largest Quintrex dealer.

Queensland, the brand new Hobie fishing platform... the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17 Tandem. This new craft will revolutionise two-up fishing. Sharing many features of the very popular Hobie Pro Angler series such as the ultra stability, Turbo Mirage Drive, Vantage seat, tackle management system and incorporating new features such as adjustable H-Rail and custom accessories, in-hull storage for twelve

see the new Quintrex Trident 690 Hardtop. Built to handle offshore conditions the 610, 650 and 690 models are jam packed with features and offer a stable and safe ride for serious anglers looking for a turnkey bluewater package. We will also have the Baysports range of fishing and family camping models from 5.45m to 6.4m at the show including the all new Getaway fitted with the 70hp Yamaha 4-stroke for a special show price of $29,990. This new 5m runabout is an economical family dayboat, ideal for family fun on an impoundment or a day out offshore fishing. Baysports Boats are built in Noosa, and are the largestselling range of fibreglass boats in Queensland. Baysports’ is renowned for their smooth riding hull, which is why it is such a recognised name in the industry for over 25 years. Baysports are packed with features included in the standard packages such as full length bunks that adults can actually sleep in. Brisbane Yamaha has also introduced a new 6-year or 600 hour extended warranty

These come pre-packaged with the awesome Evinrude E-tecs or you can choose to couple them up with the world’s best 4-strokes from Suzuki. Unbeatable deals on all the range will be the main feature of the stand with Australia’s best prices on Quintrex packages right there for you at the show. SUNSTATE HOBIE Sunstate Hobie and Hobie Cat Australia will display for the first time in

rods, electric trolling motor mount, the Tandem Pro Angler is sure to appeal to the keen fisho who loves to share the experience with a friend. This really is a sensational release from the team at Hobie. Check out the new Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17 along with the rest of the kayak range, the SUPs and the new T2 sailing catamaran at the Hobie Cat display, upstairs at stand 240 in the Convention Centre. BRISBANE YAMAHA Brisbane Yamaha is heading to the 2014 Brisbane Boat Show with the largest range of Quintrex models ever. Be among the first to

on all four-stroke outboards sold by the dealership. This new initiative is in addition to factory-backed warranty provided by Yamaha Australia on all four-stroke outboards. In other news Brisbane Yamaha has recently doubled the size of its sales yard on the Bruce Highway in Burpengary. It has a large state of the art service centre which services all brands of outboards, not just Yamaha. Brisbane Yamaha has a boat buying service, so if you’re thinking about buying or selling a boat, call Brisbane Yamaha. Located on the Bruce Hwy in Burpengary you can visit the website www.

HOURS Friday 12 Sept.................................................................................... 10am to 8pm Saturday 13 Sept................................................................................ 10am to 8pm Sunday 14 Sept.................................................................................. 10am to 5pm Monday 15 Sept................................................................................. 10am to 5pm 94

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brisbaneyamaha.com.au or call (07) 3888 1727. NORTHSIDE MARINE This year’s Brisbane Boat Show is going to be massive for Northside Marine. We will have on display all your favourite brands, which includes Stabicraft, Stacer, Surtees as well as Axis, Bayliner, Malibu and Whittley. These boats are all famous for high quality, revolutionary designs that put you at the helm of a boat you and your family will surely love. So be sure to see all the latest models at the Northside Marine stand at the show. The latest Stabicraft innovations will be on display at the Northside Marine stand. Stabicraft has recently unveiled the 2050 Supercab and 2400 Supercab models, as well as a facelift to older models. New slick cabin design, arrow pontoons and the Game Chaser transom combine with the exceptional stability and safety standards for which Stabicraft are famous the world over. Stacer has kicked some serious goals over the past few years, and with their new releases earlier this year of their slick new Assaults, BayMaster Runabouts, EasyRider Bowriders, Outlaws and Ocean Ranger Plate boats, which appeal to serious anglers and families alike. Surtees is a multiaward winning product out of New Zealand, which Northside Marine has now been stocking for over 12-months. The Surtees range is a must see at the show and we guarantee you will be impressed by the latest models. Sales have been particularly strong over the last year, and this trend is forecast to continue through 2014. From the magnificent world of Whittley Boats, we will have on display a superb range of Whittley Cruisers for the cruising aficionados, who enjoy a dash of luxury on the water; as well as the award winning Whittley Sea Legends for those hard-core fisherman, these boats tick all the boxes, but still have the creature comforts of home. Throughout the 50+ years of manufacturing boats, Bayliner has been busy building a loyal, worldwide following among boaters. With boats designed for your needs Bayliners are built versatile to accommodate a variety of boating styles. Northside Marine will have a range of their ever popular bowriders on display, including the 175 Bowrider, which for the past 10 years, has outsold every other recreational boat on the market today.

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The Northside Marine Boating Parts and Accessories will be showcasing a large range of boating bits at great prices, from new marine electronics to water sports gear, LED lighting, boat accessories and everything in between, there’s sure to be something for everyone. We will have all your favourite brands, including: Lowrance, Furuno, Fusion, Garmin, GME, Icom, Simrad, Raymarine,

Minn Kota, Jarvis Walker, CWB, Essential, O’Brien, Oceansouth, KTi Epirbs, and lots more. So for quality advice, and great prices, checkout the Northside Marine Boating Parts Team, they are happy to help. NEW TOYS AT STONES CORNER MARINE It is an exciting time for Stones Corner Marine this year with the launch of new products from both Sea Jay and Bar Crusher boats. The

6.8 FREEDOM

launch includes both small and larger models to suit the keen fisherman or family. New models from Sea Jay include 520 Velocity Sports side console built ready to fish with deep v, reverse chine hull, deep sides and wide beam. This model features a transom door, large floor area, raised front cast platform with room enough to fit a 120L esky. The boat has provision to fit an electric motor on the

bow and room for a large screen sounder GPS unit on the dash. Fitted standard with hydraulic steering and a factory LED electrics pack this boat is ready to use. The choice of power for this model is the latest light weight Yamaha 115hp 4-stroke outboard. For the estuary fisher Sea Jay has released the Creek Masta range utilising the popular Nomad hull. This model is designed to provide the tight water fisherman a stable fishing platform making the most of a middle carpeted floor and front cast platform and standard with provision to install an electric motor. This model will be available in a number of sizes starting at 3.5m right through to 4.1m. Bar Crusher’s new release 575XS will be on show boasting a full plate construction ready to sports fish with deep sides and tread plate floor. The XS is fitted with a stylish and very practical, sturdy sports console with provision for large screen electronics, drink holders, lure shelf and fitted with hydraulic steering. The XS out

performs boats of similar size with the Waveslicer hull and Quickflow Water Ballast. This boat has provision on the bow for an electric motor and offers a stable fishing platform. Sure to impress this package is completed by the Yamaha four stroke outboard and Easytow self-launch and retrieve drive on trailer. Yamaha Motor Finance will be offered to customers at competitive rates and you can protect your investment with Yamaha Marine Insurance packages available. Drop by and check out the new toys but also visit our face book and web pages: www.stonescornermarine. com.au. JOHN CRAWFORD MARINE From humble beginnings, John Crawford Marine was born in 1964. Since then, the bayside boatyard has developed into Queensland’s most trusted name in buying, consigning and selling quality used trailer boats. As Queensland’s most respected used boat dealer, the crew from John

Crawford Marine will be on hand to assist owners looking to sell, buy or trade their trailer boat. Another celebration for John Crawford Marine is their Golden Anniversary 50 years as leaders in the boating industry. In line with the foundations laid by John Crawford fifty years ago, the team that steer the modern day company has one thing in common – a genuine love for boating and for supporting those who have a passion for getting out on the water. Matthew Hodson the current managing director states “There is no hard bias towards brands”. However, Mr Hodson strenuously points out that “we only offer quality brands and our selection process ensures packages must meet our standards, they go through rigorous testing for compliance, seaworthiness and roadworthiness.” “This is the reason our customers keep coming back and often refer us to others is that they understand our company’s major point of differences that our packages

5.1 STRIKER

Plate Xtreme models are aFULL PLATE construction with structural strength second to none! Plate Xtreme Models: Pursuit Full Cab // Freedom Centre Cab // Striker Sports Console // Preda King Centre Console Available in hull lengths 5.1 to 7.6 in their various models

Available Factory Direct: 2 Maddison Court Bundaberg Ph: (07) 4152 2111 | www.seajayboats.com.au | /SeaJayBoats AUGUST 2014

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have guaranteed title, they are backed by a Marine Queensland warranty and rigorously tested. Why would anyone take the risk in buying a used trailer boat package if they have to do all this leg work themselves or buy in a bidding war with no statuary warranty?” The staff at JCM welcome you come up to the stand as they are there to say hello and offer free advice, valuations, insurance and options on ways to sell your trailer boat hassle free. If you can’t make it to the show drop in to John Crawford Marine at 1029 Manly Road, Tingalpa, or visit www. johncrawfordmarine.com.au or call (07) 3890 2322. KAREE MARINE This year’s show will be full of great deals and new releases on the Karee Marine stand. If you want to check out the new mid-range Mercury 4-strokes, then Karee Marine will be displaying these at this year’s show. Their lighter, environmentally friendly and look sensational! Karee is also very excited to be showcasing for the first time in Queensland, the brand new Dunbier alloy trailers. They’ll be sitting underneath the sensational Xtreme Boats from New Zealand, of which Karee will be showing off the 570, 610 and 650 hard top Game Kings with their 5mm bottoms and 4mm sides. Karee will also have a full range of Clark aluminium’s on display with Challengers, Dominators and Fishmasters (side and centre console) all at the show for you to check out. Priced ideally to get you on the water, the range of Clark boats is built tough and made to last in an age when this is not always the case. Excitement is the name of the game at Karee Marine this year, so don’t miss 96

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your chance to check out the awesome new products along with the opportunity to get yourself into a great boating package at the right price. BLACK RHINO BOATS Following the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show where we were awarded Fishing Boat of the Show and approached by the new TV series Water Police, Black Rhino Aluminium Plate Trailer Boats is excited to announce we will be at the Brisbane Boat show this year. You will find our team along the path between the ‘Wine Bar’ and the ‘Display

7.6m Hard Top out there for you all to see. We have put a lot of time and attention to the finer details of this Hard Top trailer boat design. Incorporating practicality for the fishermen with comfort for the ladies, not to mention the superior performance and sleek style. Finished with all the accessories needed for pulling in the big fish, a fresh water system for the long days out on the water and a toilet. We have also taken into account those who prefer one brand over another when it comes to what powers the boat, so we have left the option open to you allowing anything from 200-300HP to be fitted, come and discuss your preference with us as we would love to know your thoughts. On the stand with us will be our extremely friendly new dealers Carla and Dean from ‘The Tinnie Shack’. We encourage you to come and say hi and admire our quality vessel, we look forward to seeing you all there. Any questions in the meantime feel free to contact us anytime on 1800 559 608 or info@ blackrhinoboats.com.au. COORPAROO MARINE Coorparoo Marine can’t wait to showcase our new and exciting range of tinnies at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show.

fish models the Drifter Tournament Pro and the Fire Cat. You will see for the first time an exciting range of McLay Boats including the new and exclusive models, the CrossXover. Finally, to compliment our selection of boats, we can’t wait to showcase a range of Savage boats. For more information on the range of boat that we will be displaying at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show, contact us at Coorparoo Marine, located at 57 Cavendish Road (right next to the train station) at Coorparoo, or phone on (07) 3397 4141 or visit our website on www. coorparoomarine.com.au. KEEP AUSTRALIA FISHING TACKLE PRECINCT PRESENTED BY BCF The Keep Australia Fishing Tackle Precinct presented by BCF will be the number one destination for anglers at this year’s Brisbane Boat Show. See a display of award winning products from the recent Australian Fishing Trade Association Show including Australia’s best fishing rod, reel, hard and soft bodied lures plus heaps more. There will be displays of the latest fishing gear and equipment from leading tackle brands plus the experts will be on hand to give you all the information you need for success on your next

Prize Vehicle’ right next to Brisbane Yamaha and the walk through tunnel under the train tracks. We will be showcasing two of our brand new designs, you won’t miss us. Anticipation is high among all involved to live up to the high standard of feedback we have received from the thousands attending our previous three shows, where our brand new Walk Around design has been closely admired, some even tapping the sides to ensure it is made from aluminium. The highlight of the show for us will be getting our new

We aim to cater to the needs of everyone – from fishing and crabbing tinnies, family runabouts, fully loaded tournament boats, through to heavy duty plate boats. All our boat packages are powered by Mercury outboards. Come and talk to us about your outboard needs, whether it be a 2-stroke for your tinnie or if you are thinking of upgrading to a 4-stroke, we have got you covered. We will have a range of BlueFin aluminium boats, including the Bow Rider Sports, the Discovery Runabout, and in the sports

fishing trip. The BCF Fishing Stage will have continuous presentations across the show’s four days with talks and demonstrations from some of the best anglers in Australia. Make sure you stop by the Keep Australia Fishing Stand for information on the work going on behind the scenes to protect fishing access and rights around the country. Sign up to Keep Australia Fishing for your chance to win a share in some great prizes including a top end fishing trip and heaps of fishing gear.

BOAB BOAT HIRE Boab Boat Hire is a national company associated with everything boating! We offer boat hire, boat license courses and boat share options at over 26 locations Australia wide. We will be heading to the Brisbane Boat Show this September so come and find out what we are about. Our boat hire is unique as they are all self-hire and drive vessels that are available on trailers ready to tow away or already launched waiting on the water where you just need to jump on! They can be used inshore and offshore for either recreational or commercial use. Our license courses are available at participating locations and offer both experienced and non-experienced boaties the necessary skills and knowledge to feel comfortable out on the water. What a better way to learn then to head out for the day on the water! Our boat share model is for those who want to buy a boat but don’t want to spend thousands to use it only once a month. You’ll never need to worry about maintenance, insurance and storage costs ever again. Go camping by the river, pull up to a secluded beach to relax or head offshore for some action, you name it! Boab will have the right boat for you which means you don’t have all that money tied up in a boat of your own that just sits in the drive way. It’s boat ownership with benefits! Check out www. boabboathire.com.au for boat hire, www. boabboathire.com.au/licence for license courses, or www. boabboathire.com.au/crew for boat share. WHITEWATER MARINE Whitewater Marine has been servicing the Gold Coast for over 25 years

and now brings all of its experience in boating to Brisbane. Whitewater Marine stocks the very best 2- and 4-stroke engines in Evinrude E-Tec and Suzuki and we can supply them on the back of Savage fibreglass and Stacer alloy boats. We offer the very best in pricing and service and pride ourselves in after sales service for your boating peace of mind. We are very proud to offer Savage and Stacer BMT’s at the best prices. Come and see the team at the Brisbane Boat Show, we will have a huge range of Savage fibreglass and Stacer alloy boats on display, we look forward to helping you get on the water! COASTAL POWERBOATS Boat buyers will again have an impressive selection to view on the Coastal Powerboats stand at this year’s Show. The impressive Procraft range of aluminium and fibreglass boats will be displayed with the 6.2m Procraft Walkaround Hardtop being centre stage. This is the boat that has the experts describing it as “the best priced fibreglass hardtop on the market” with “stylish lines and beautiful ride”. The new Procraft Bluewater Series aluminium boats will also be available for viewing. These models come standard with high tensile aluminium bottom sheets and a unique construction system to ensure absolute constructional integrity. Come and see the massively popular Procraft aluminium centre and side consoles plus runabouts. Coastal Powerboats are also dealers for Formosa Sea Rod boats, built with a multitube water ballast design providing demonstratively increased stability at rest. The ever

popular Stessl brand will be displayed with a team on hand to advise on a model to suit you. Every boat on display will be backed by the Suzuki range of 2- and 4-stroke outboard engines, and yes, they are the world’s best 4-strokes! RAYMARINE SIDEVISION Raymarine will be showcasing the new CP200 SideVision sonar at Brisbane Boat Show 2014. The CP200 SideVision sonar module expands anglers’ underwater horizons with crystal-clear CHIRP side-scanning sonar Fishermen looking to enhance their underwater view will appreciate the CP200’s ability to see further and detect more fish than traditional side-scanning sonar systems. Thanks to Raymarine’s advanced CHIRP signal processing, the CP200 takes the

Raymarine LightHouse II multifunction displays Raymarine’s team will be available to offer advice and demonstrate the CP200 CHIRP SideVision sonar system and existing products on stand 298. MERCURY CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY To help mark Mercury’s 75th Anniversary, visitors to the Brisbane Boat Show can enjoy a special display showing the many innovations Mercury has delivered over the years. Boat lovers can see how engines have developed across the past seven decades, and check out the range of other technology which has made boating more enjoyable, affordable and safer. Mercury Marine’s all-new FourStroke outboard models will also be starring. Available in 75, 80, 90, 100

smooth and totally reliable, the new Xi5 has a list of features that will ensure true durability including a composite shaft that will bend but not break and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Because Mercury Marine is simply the world’s best when it comes to recreational marine propulsion, there’ll be a category-leading engine for virtually every application – electric trolling motors, outboards from small 2.5 hp TwoStroke to 350 hp Verado supercharged six cylinder FourStroke, petrol and diesel inboard and sterndrive engines up to 430 hp, as well as jet drives and specialist racing engines producing up to 1,650 hp. There might even be a surprise.... Add to that the largest range of propellers in the world, brilliant inflatable boats, a massive range

Brisbane Showgrounds Friday 12 - Monday 15 September 2014 TICKET PRICES Adult - $18 .00 guesswork out of identifying underwater contacts and delivers highly detailed imagery using 2 independent sonar channels. The CP200 also employs a unique transducer design that allows anglers to choose from three pre-set transducer angles. By adjusting the angle of the CPT-200 transducer arrays, anglers can optimize their system for either shallow or deep water scanning. Key CP200 features include: • Photo-like imagery of underwater terrain and man-made objects using Raymarine CHIRP sonar technology • Superior range performance. The CP200 can image fish, bait, and bottom structure at distances up to 600 feet on either side of the boat • Enjoy a full 180 degrees of high resolution underwater viewing when the CP200 is combined with Raymarine CHIRP DownVision sonar • Simple integration with

and 115hp, these compact and low weight engines provide outstanding torque and horsepower via a brilliant design featuring a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder, eight-valve, low friction valve train with singleoverhead-cam. For those interested in inboards and sterndrives, Mercury Diesel’s new 150hp and 170hp 2 litre Inline-4 engines will be there to inspect. Mercury’s historymaking white Verados will also be on centre stage. For the first time ever boat lovers can buy a Verado that isn’t painted the traditional Phantom Black, with 300hp models now available in two shades of white – Cold Fusion and Warm Fusion –which have both been fully tested and enjoy Mercury’s outstanding 3+2=5 year warranty for recreational use. The newest and best MotorGuide trolling motors will be there too. Stealthy quiet, silky

of parts and accessories, plus Mercury’s very own boater-friendly finance and insurance products. That’s why Mercury Marine is Number 1 on the water. QFM SUBSCRIPTION OFFER At this year’s Brissie Boat Show we have an exciting subscriber deal that will see you walk away with a great range of goodies that includes a Wilson’s Blue Steel rod. Subscribe for 2 years and receive a Wilson’s Blue Steel rod valued at $130. This is the same cost as it is to subscribe, making this one of the best offers we’ve ever had. Of course there are options to subscribe for 1 year at $65, but the big deal will be for the 2 year subscriptions. Drop in and talk to the crew, grab a subscription and enjoy 24 issues of Queensland’s biggest and best fishing magazine. See you at the show!

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Trevally on the chew SUNSHINE COAST

Mitchell Fredericks

Over the years fishing for smaller estuary trevally has become more and more popular, but so has fishing for those monster trevally that prowl the waters of our open oceans and around cliff faces. This popularity is due to their power, speed and strength once hooked, and it’s why people like us go back for more and never give up. As the afternoons start to get cooler, it means one thing: the trevally aren’t too far away. Trevally enjoy the cooler water temperatures because crustaceans like prawns start to run and spawn. When the prawns are pushed down to the lower parts of an estuary by rain and tides, the trevally take advantage and feed heavily on them. It doesn’t take long for a school of trevally to locate and destroy a school of prawns. Over the last couple of years I have found trevally to be an awesome sportfish to target in the rivers because, for their size, they are such a powerful and strong fish and will not give up. Trevally often swim in schools so you are able to hook more than one from a school, which makes it even more fun. At times, if you drop one, you can hook another in the same school as they are an aggressive predatory fish when feeding. TIMING Fishing for trevally isn’t always easy because trevally are a pelagic species and they move around a lot when searching for food. That’s why fishing the right tides is so important for targeting these speedsters in the rivers. I find the best tide to fish for trevally is either the start of the run-out or the start of the run-in tide.

With the first of the run-in tide, bigger baitfish like gar mullet swim through the mouths of our rivers. The trevally follow and chase those bigger sized baits towards the surface. I try not to fish for trevally during the middle of the tides because trevally will normally feed themselves up at the start and

reach the 60kg mark, which is a monster fish to hook and try to land. However, when you’re fishing the river systems the trevally are much smaller. Most of the ones you’ll catch will be around 40-60cm. At that size they’re still great sport on light gear (but not on heavy gear).

Trevally enjoy cooler water temperatures.

Flathead are a common bycatch when targeting trevally in the estuaries and rivers. even the end of the low or high tide. Trevally are a fish that will feed right throughout the day, but are more active during the low light hours of the morning and afternoon or even during those cold winter nights. Trevally feed in this pattern because baitfish struggle to adjust to the changing light conditions, leaving them vulnerable to attack. To get the best out of a morning or an afternoon session try coupling a low light period of the day with a tidal change, such as a high to a low tide (run-out tide). GEARING UP When talking about the gear to use for trevally, some people think heavy gear because trevally can grow to excessive sizes. Some can

When talking light gear I mean using a graphite rod in the 7’ range and 1-3kg or 2-4kg. The reel size is important as well as you don’t want a big reel like a 4000 on a 1-3kg graphite rod. Using a reel around the 1000-2500 size will be perfect for targeting those estuary trevally.

A trevor destined for release.

One of several good fish caught during a session on the canals.

Talking line is also important. Braid is a must because it has no stretch, allowing you to feel every little hit and bump. Running braided line around the 4-6lb rating is perfect for this type of fishing. I also highly recommend using a fluorocarbon leader ranging from 4-8lb because fluorocarbon is a lot harder of the fish to see than monofilament is. Following these simple techniques will increase your catch rate, as the lighter the line the more fish you will successfully land. HARDBODIES AND PLASTICS Using lures and plastics for trevally is all about matching the hatch on the day. If you’re throwing a 3.5’’ plastic or trolling a 100mm hardbody and the trevally are feeding on 2” bait, you won’t have much success.

Minnow style and paddle tail soft plastics work well on estuary trevally. The minnow’s flicking action imitates a prawn, and the paddle tail works well when the fish are down deep and that little bit of vibration will at times get them to feed. Some of the most common soft plastics I use are the 3” Berkley PowerBaits in

simple slow roll, two hops off the bottom, darting your rod constantly until your lure is back to the boat (minnow-styled plastics) and a simple vibration to the rod tip. These techniques all work, but how long you rest it on the bottom may vary depending on their feeding patterns.

These fish have a powerful forked tail and give a good account of themselves. watermelon pearl and cast clear colour, 2” Berkley Gulp Shrimp in banana prawn and pepper prawn colour, Gladiator Prawns in gold fleck colour and Izumi Gastronomic paddle tail 3.5” in 02 and 07 colour. Jighead selection is also important when fishing for trevally because the lighter the weight the more natural the plastic will look on the sink. Some of my favourites in the TT jighead range are 1/12H 1/0, 1/8H 3/0, 1/6H 2/0 and 1/4H 3/0. Looking at the profile of your soft plastic is also important when it comes to selecting a jighead. If you’re using a little 2” plastic in 4m of water you would run something like a 1/12H 1/0. A bigger jighead like (say) a 1/4H 3/0 would definitely not look natural. The techniques I find that work for trevally are a

When it comes to hardbodies, lures that get down to the bottom and also those which will swim in the middle of the water column work best. I sound a lot of my bait on my sounder either on the bottom or mid water. Hardbodies I like to use when trolling for trevally are Ecogear SX60 in 333 and 394, Strada Tracka 100mm in col marilynne colour and Zipbait Trickshads 70mm in 298 and 309. I usually troll lures around 3 to 6 knots depending on how the fish are feeding on the day. I hope this article has helped you guys to catch some trevally, and all the gear I’ve mentioned is available at most tackle stores, including here at Davo’s Tackleworld Noosaville. Tight lines and singing drags from Mitchel Fredericks. AUGUST 2014

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Moreton Bay Marine Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the impact on tagging Depending on who you talk to, when the Moreton Bay Marine Park was established in March 2009 it had anything from little to a catastrophic effect on recreational fishing. For individual fishers their

By superimposing those tag grids on the marine park zones it is possible to provide an independent assessment of the affect of green zones on tagging and taggers. It is worth noting that

needs to be based on the level of tagging activity in those grids, not just the affect of the zoning. From Jan 1985-Mar 2009 (when the zoning came into effect) there were 68,545 fish tagged with 80.6% of those

Longtail tuna are noted wanderers and pass in and out of Marine Park Zones all the time. views were very much formed by the impact on them personally. But what was the overall impact? That is a tough question to answer as there are very little independent data that can be used to assess the affect. One of the very few datasets that can provide an objective assessment is the Suntag tagging data of the Australian National Sportfishing Association

in 2007 aggregated tagging data, from taggers prepared to allow their data to be included, was provided to the then Environmental Protection Agency that was responsible for preparation of the zoning plan. So what was the affect on tagging and taggers? There were a total of 883 grids where fish were tagged from Jan 1985-Feb 2014 within the marine park. Of these 793 (89.8%)

fish tagged in grids open to fishing, 5.6% in grids completely in green zones and 13.8% in grids partly in green zones. Following the zoning plan coming into effect from Mar 2009Feb 2014 (5 years) there were a further 10,087 fish tagged within the marine park, 82.8% were tagged in open grids, no fish tagged in grids completely in green zones and 17.2% in grids partly in green zones. Of the 22 grids completely in green zones before the park came into effect there were 6 grids where over 100 fish were tagged and over 1,000 fish in 2 of those grids. These grids were at Scotts Point at Redcliffe and at Long Island

Snapper, from undersized snapper through to great fish like this, have been heavily tagged throughout the bay.

Bream, especially in the shallower and protected water zones, feature highly in the tagging lists. in Pumicestone Passage. Of the remaining 16 grids less that 50 fish were tagged in each grid prior to the park coming into effect. Of the 66 grids that were partly within green zones there was 1 grid at Peel Island where over 1,000

Flathead were a very popular tagging target before the Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning came in to effect and continue to be so, even after the Marine Park zoning was introduced. Qld. Suntag is managed by Infofish Australia. Tagging by ANSAQ members has been ongoing in southeast Queensland since the mid 1980s with tagging before and after the Marine Park was established. Taggers have been recording tag locations using Suntag grid maps all that time which identifies where fish were tagged to around 1.5 square kilometres.

were not affected by green zones. A total of 22 (2.5%) were totally included within the no fishing green zones and tagging ceased in those grids. There were a further 68 (7.7%) where part of the area within the grid was included in a green zone. Tagging has continued in a number of those grids in the area outside the green zone. A more accurate assessment of the impact

Quality snapper are not often tagged, however the species as a whole has been heavily tagged in the Moreton Bay Marine Park area.

Scan this QR Code to watch the video of the Suntag tagging awards night.

fish were tagged before the zoning and tagging has continued in this grid in the area still open to fishing. There were a further 11 grids where over 100 fish were tagged prior to the zoning and tagging has continued in 5 of those grids after the zoning in the areas still open to fishing. Of the remaining 54 grids there were mostly less than 20 fish tagged in each grid prior to the zoning and fish have been tagged in 18 of those grids since the zoning came into effect. So there it is. As far as we know this is the first independent assessment of the impact of the marine park on recreational fishing even if limited to Suntag taggers. We have not provided commentary on how this should be interpreted as that is up to the readers. Each reader will make his or her own assessment of what the impact has been and that is how it should be. What Infofish Australia has done is provided some factually based independent data that provides readers with some real information on which to make their assessment. And that is how it should be. It should also be noted that Infofish Australia has not received any funding from government to prepare the report although it does receive some limited funding for Suntag. A copy of the complete report and Google Earth maps are available from www.info-fish.net/ suntag. - Bill Sawynok, Infofish Australia AUGUST 2014

101

Attacking the flats HERVEY BAY

Mark Bargenquast

Firstly I’d like to introduce myself, Mark Bargenquast also known as ‘Bargy’. I grew up fishing Hervey Bay for whiting, bream and flathead then as a jetty rat,

did the usual progression thing with live baits, lures, bass and barra, offshore pelagics, bottom fishing offshore from Fraser Island then took up saltwater flyfishing before starting a guiding business in Hervey Bay 10 years ago. I finished up guiding in Hervey Bay

2 years ago and now guide part time with Fish’s Fly and Sportfishing in Weipa and Cape York. I will be writing several feature articles with the QFM crew in the near future, this being the first and I will cover my favourite, inshore flats and fly fishing. Here in south east

John with a big painted sweetlip (blue bastard) sight cast on fly on the flats and rocky areas around Weipa.

A big queenfish comes to the boat. Caught on the flats, queenies are always great fun in shallow water.

Queensland we have some pretty reasonable flats fishing during summer and early autumn but winter is pretty quiet. Cold water is the reason but way up north where I spend most of my winter it’s warm all year round, ranging from 24°C in winter to 32°C in midsummer, so naturally the inshore flats fish well all year. Many people I have fished with during the past years ask what’s my favourite fishing technique? Well everyone has a favourite and mine is definitely sight fishing on the flats. Size doesn’t matter here too with some great memories of sighting diamond trevally, golden trevally, tarpon, blue

bastards (painted sweetlip), black spot tuskfish, snub nosed dart and the incredibly hard milkfish are what it’s all about on the flats. Of course these are a more tropical species but they can all be found right down to the Queensland border in small pockets. Here in Hervey Bay we are blessed with an annual run of longtail tuna that can be sight fished in a meter of water on the Fraser Island flats when tides and conditions are right. Even juvenile black marlin are a regular here in ridiculously shallow water, just google Strip Strike Productions black torpedos and have a look (we even caught one in 2011 in less than 1m of water on a

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Obviously a flat is an expanse of shallow water, usually within the high and low water mark and preferably clean water to sight your quarry. Some of the best flats I have fished are on the central Queensland coast but are impossible to fish on the spring tides, due to faster water movement stirring up silt and mud, but on the neap tides they are clean enough to see the fish moving around. These type of flats are usually around major river or creek mouths where floodwaters have deposited the silts after floods. These flats are usually packed with food due to the higher nutrient levels. Yabbies,

Donk with a little GT caught off the back of a stingray. Accurate casting did the job and is an important skill to have if flats fishing is your game.

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salmon and queenfish then placing a nice cast in front of the fish and watching them charge over and eat the fly. Of course these can be easy to catch (on fly or light spin) with the right presentation and for the weekend angler it’s as exciting as it gets. For the more experienced angler harder species like blue

stickbait!). Cobia, yellowtail kingfish, Spanish and spotted mackerel, giant trevally, giant herring, threadfin salmon and more are regular visitors to shallow waters and can lead to exciting fishing. And of course don’t forget bream, flathead and whiting as viable flats, sight casting options - they can be great!

prawns, bloodworms, crabs, pipis and cockles can all be thick on these flats. All of this food attracts the predators. Also areas of low or no inshore net fishing is a bonus. Once you have found what looks like a good flat, consider where the fish will move on and off the flat with

the tide. This is probably the most important factor when looking for fish. Shallow gutters, depressions and sandbanks might look like nothing but are all obstacles and highways when the tide is moving, I often select a spot like the end of a gutter, the point of a spit or a mangrove edge and drop the Power Pole or anchor and just sit quiet and wait. It’s amazing how close fish will come when you sit quiet with no electric motor noise (more on that soon), sounder turned off and a little patience. The other viable option is to slowly electric across the flat, and I mean slowly as fish will suddenly materialize under the boat only to spook before you can place a cast or as we fly fishers say ‘have a shot’ at them. A spooked fish will very rarely eat a lure or fly as it heads for safety, which is usually deeper water! One thing to remember is electric motors are not fool proof. They do make an annoying hum underwater that can keep fish at a distance, and the harder you drive them the louder it is. Just put on a mask and go under you will be surprised! I’m not knocking them, I wouldn’t have a boat without one on

Adam McGlachlan with his first permit on fly, sight cast on the flats and a lifetime goal achieved. paddock waiting for the grasshopper) and birds can be a dead giveaway, either working a nearby bank of working overhead. ACCURACY CAN KILL OK, once you have found a flat and are sighting a few fish, it’s all about the cast. This is where it will all fall down, seriously it’s all about the presentation. Land a lure or fly too close or hard and it can spook fish;

Billy from JM Gillies with a tripletail sight cast off a snag in the middle of a flat. Isolated snags on flats are always hot spots worthy of a look.

normally used so fish it like the real thing, slow with many pauses! OUTFIT For general flats fishing in Queensland a good 8wt or 9wt rod will suffice, sink tip lines like the Rio tropical F/I work well. These outfits will catch almost anything. Fish Philliskirk caught a 50lb GT in Exmouth on an 8wt, cracked the varnish but got the fish in the end. Big

Permit sight cast on the flats of Cape York – a hot spot for those wanting a shot at these fish.

Fish Philiskirk hooked up to a flats permit on fly. This is as good as it gets for most saltwater fly fishers. the bow and a power pole on the rear, as I told the wife they are essential items! Other things to look for on a flat are muddy patches of water. They can be fish feeding on the bottom. Golden trevally, permit and blue salmon can really mud up the bottom while feeding. Also look for nervous water. A big lone queenfish, GT or a school of golden trevally can push a very distinctive bow wave as they move across the shallows. Take a good look around any sharks or rays as they will often have a fish in tow, ready to pounce on any startled bait (just like cattle egrets following a cow around the

too far away they possibly won’t see or acknowledge it. You can learn a lot from watching fish when they see a lure or fly. Does the fish spook, ignore or eat the offering? Remember different species generally react to different retrieves. Queenfish, blue salmon and tunas want a fast retrieve. Permit, barra and the bream/ sweetlip clan like a slower, more deliberate retrieve. Much like feeding them the offering, sometimes the fish will be tracking the fly right to the rod tip. When fishing for these slow presentation species, especially permit, tuskies and sweeties, a crab or shrimp pattern is

longtails and GTs however generally use a 10-12wt. For bream, flathead and smaller stuff a 6–7wt is fine. For spin gear 2–6kg outfits are perfect. My 12 year old son uses a Daiwa Generation Black Wild Weasel with a 2500 Certate, nice and light and can be cast all day. 20lb leader on both fly and spin is commonly used, possibly a 20cm section of 30-40lb bite tippet on the fly end for barras and salmon. So there it is, a general overview of shallow water flats fishing, my favourite go out and give it a go but only one thing to remember and you will soon work this one out… clouds suck!

Jordan Stoddart recently had a session at Kinchant Dam and got stuck into some cracker sooties. They were all caught on Jackall TN70s and Ace spinnerbaits and Ace tail spinners, including this one.

AUGUST 2014

103

Native Watercraft Slayer 13 Propel - Slayin’ It NSW STH COAST

Jo Starling

As the savage lows and cold fronts formed way out west of the country, Jo Starling decided it was time to “man up” and take up the offer to test run the new-to-the-country Native Watercraft Slayer 13 Propel… before the water got too chilly and choppy. I felt somewhat like a telly tubby (you know, those oddly shaped alien-critters that drive parents crazy on daytime television?) when I slid the new Slayer 13 Propel into the chilly waters of Tuross Lake last week. The mercury was struggling

bothered transferring my Lowrance sounder across from my Mariner… too much fiddling around, I reasoned… I was just taking her out for a couple hours run. As I slid the Slayer off the beach and into deeper water, I weighed up my pedalling options: I could follow the channel markers for about a kilometre; or I could try to cut across the flat for 200 metres. I decided to bow to my lack-of-fitness and traverse the flats. It was a good exercise (in more ways than one). I didn’t get far before my propeller touched sand, demanding to be lifted through the hull until I found deeper water.

Reaching over 5 knots at Jo’s full noise, trolling in the Slayer requires only a relaxed pedal speed. last flattie before they tucked themselves in for the winter. WIN SOME. LOSE SOME. With a few cycles of my pedals, the propeller whirred me over to the western flat where I knew there was a good drop-off. I sent my Squidgy Fish probing into the shallows, hopping it naively down into the drop-off, hoping to convince a waiting dusky that I was a bait fish making a last dash at the bottom of the tide. They weren’t fooled… or they weren’t there.

to reach 8˚C, but the tide was about to turn and I wanted to get out there to greet any fish that were riding that first wave of warmer water. So I donned my new Lavacore exposure protection gear (purchased through Capacity Sports in Melbourne) and braved the conditions… luckily, this is Fishing Monthly and not Fashion Monthly! For the record… I was sweating. The Slayer 13 Propel had been touted as Native Watercraft’s answer to the Hobie Pro Angler, a wellestablished and highly regarded fishing ‘yak. I’d taken delivery of one of the first Slayers to hit our shores, but had been sidelined by health issues… and so it was months before her covers came off. I could tell she was a beast to be reckoned with as soon as I pulled her out of her shipping wrap! Her sleek lines and low profile had me visualising slipping through the water like a hot knife on butter. To say I was enthusiastic would be an understatement… I was positively pumped! OUT OF MY DEPTH I was champing so hard, in fact, that I couldn’t be 104

AUGUST 2014

Top Left: Concerned that she was on a big tailor, Jo allowed this fish to tow the Slayer to reduce pressure on the line. Top Right: Fishing from a standing position is easy in the Slayer 13 and provides excellent visibility. Above Right: Keeping your tools within easy reach is important. The Slayer has a handy bungy strap behind the seat that fits a landing net perfectly. Above: Not a bad salmon for the estuary! Jo’s rightly chuffed after ‘Slayin’ her second fish for the day.

This proved simple and quick. I pulled out my paddle and started my upper body work-out. I was confused for a while as the bow kept skewing right, despite that being my stronger arm! At first I thought it was the last of the run-out tide giving me a touch-up… but then I realised I’d neglected to straighten my rudder. Such a newbie! Rudder straightened, I was paddling effortlessly and listening to my internal dialogue about just how “skinny” the “skinny water” would be that this craft could access. I found out pretty

soon, running aground and finding another use for my paddle, pushing myself back in the direction I’d come. Without my sounder I couldn’t be sure of the depth, but my Makos told me that my knees would remain dry if I stepped off. As I reached the channel marker I’d decided to start fishing from, I took some time to survey the area. Without my sounder, I was going to have to read the water. My hope was that the fish would fire up as the flush of warm ocean water brushed their backs… I was really hoping to catch one

Perhaps I was just a tad late for that strategy to work. The flow had stopped and the water glassed off. Without the sound of any form of motor, no breeze, no-one else on board, I had a few moments of complete serenity. The fish had to be somewhere, right? So I headed out into the deeper channel and pitched my lure at the channel marker. I figured it was as good a spot to start my drift as any. As soon as I lifted my little puppet for it’s second bounce back towards me, I had weight! And it was heavy!

I knew by the way the fish was doggedly holding the bottom and shaking its head that I’d found the dusky I wanted. I was so excited! This would be my first fish in a ‘yak and probably one of the biggest flatties I’d caught! Ahhh... the age-old art of counting chickens. As the fish towed me away from the marker, I was careful to keep only enough pressure on to stay connected. I was fishing light tackle and I knew my only hope was to wear the fish down. Alas, with a determined head shake, my rod straightened and my line went slack. The lure had pulled through my loop and left me bereft… that was my last Revhead jighead! By the time I’d selected, threaded and retied my next Squidgy, the tide was pushing in nicely… and the bait schools were starting to tremble on the waters surface. Whilst I didn’t have my sounders, I had the best possible polarised sunnies around… my Makos cut through that wintery glare like it wasn’t there. Thankfully, the conditions had the fish in the top layer and so the sounders proved unnecessary. The first slashes and swirls that heralded the arrival of predators erupted on the opposite drop-off. It took no time at all to pedal the Slayer to within casting distance. I waited, ready to pounce… and when the next boil erupted, my lure flew. It landed right beside the disturbance and was taken on the drop!

First blood! Landing your first fish from a kayak is a very memorable experience.

the relationship will last. It manoeuvres effortlessly and I actually found that I was more able to move from one patch of surface feeding fish to another more efficiently than the boats that I was sharing the water with. I can see that the lightness of the vessel would be a great help when fighting fish that outclass my tackle. The mobility decreases the strain on your line and allows you to tire the fish, while the Propel system allows you to pedal backwards if you’re getting into dangerous territory. Whilst I haven’t set the Slayer’s top deck up yet, it shipped to me with handy bungy strapping that allows for convenient net

stowage behind the elevated seat, as well as bungy strapping across both fore and aft wells. The groove track system allows for easy attachment of desired accessories, including sounder mounts in front of the angler, as opposed to being off to the side. The floor space is generous, making casting from a standing position easy. I’ve since taken the fly rod out and waved that around to test the stability without any problems at all! No fish either, but that’s my next challenge… More information can be obtained from www. inmotionaus.com or call Natalie from Capacity Sports on 0412 046 451.

NATIVE WATERCRAFT SLAYER 13 PROPEL Length:............................................................401cm Width:................................................................84cm Weight:............................................................38.5kg Depth at Beam:................................................33cm Capacity:.........................................................227kg RRP:............... $2,960 (plus the options you choose) Fortunately, it was a solid take and I reacted quickly, hooking a solid tailor in the corner of the mouth and avoiding another disappointment. The fish and I battled for a few minutes—I fished gingerly so I didn’t help the fish saw through my leader. I didn’t count this one until it was in the kayak, but when it was… I whooped and hoorayed like the girl I am! Landing my first fish out of a new kayak was momentous for me… I’m sure it is for anyone. The fact that it was a challenging and chunky tailor was even

sweeter. I didn’t take too long to savour the moment, however, because the Lake had come alive! I spent the next hour pedalling from one boil to another, trying to predict movements and lead the fish. It was an amazing session that saw me land two cracking salmon (for our estuary, anyway) and discover a whole lot about the Slayer. FIRST IMPRESSIONS It’s still very early days in my relationship with the Native Watercraft Slayer13 Propel, but I must say that I’m feeling confident that

This 44cm silver trevally came to play on a more recent Slayer session.

FISHING FILL-ITS

The Lure by Feel Free Active Water Sports are proud to introduce the FeelFree Lure 10 and 11.5 fishing kayak to the Australian market. As exclusive distributors of all FeelFree products Active Water Sports can now give you purpose built kayaks designed for superior stability and comfort for all fishing enthusiasts. The purpose built FeelFree 10 and 11.5 Lure fishing kayak have been designed to meet the huge demand of users seeking effortless outfitting and the ability to stand upright with the stability

and comfort provided by modern kayaks. The FeelFree kayak range really has it all. The kayak angler will enjoy what the Lure as to offer especially the ability to stand with ease to cast a line or simply stretch for a short break. The Lure 10 and 11.5 have been engineered to be more stable and comfortable in the roughest of conditions. The super stable 91cm hull has made this possible, along with a newly developed, patent-pending multi level seat known as the “Gravity Seat”.

The Gravity Seat is the most distinctive and newest feature to the FeelFree range. The Gravity Seat offers the widest range of seat heights available (up to 24cm in 2.5cm increments) for a better viewing perspective and a more comfortable and secure sitting position.

The Gravity Seat has an adjustable full back and extra wide bottom support seat which offers new multi level kayak seat configurations for the ultimate in comfort when paddling. It can be easily lifted and lowered simply with releasing the red release strap. Further the Lure’s super

stable 91cm hull makes it possible to stand up for fishing casting, stretching or paddling, making these kayaks versatile and adjustable to any situation or scenario. The deck consists of a standing platform that is padded for safety and comfort along with a stand up leash to assist with moving from a sitting to a standing position. The Lure also features a Uni Track rail system which allows for a quick and easy mounting and adjustments of kayak fishing and other accessories without drilling holes. This is a breakthrough in kayak

fishing customization and makes the kayak more acceptable and versatile. The Lure 10 and 11.5 manufactured by FeelFree Kayaks have been designed for the recreational and sport angler and have redesigned the kayaking industry with the new and innovative features such as the hull and the Gravity Seat. For further information on the Lure or to find your nearest retail outlet please call Active Water Sports on 07 5564 8077 or log onto www.feelfreekayaks. com.au or email ross@ activewatersports.com.au. – Active Watersports AUGUST 2014

105

Into the depths of Malaysia BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

Fishing can lead you to some amazing places to target a variety of extraordinary fish species. A recent invitation to visit Malaysia had my head spinning with thoughts of fishing in a new and exciting location. Few anglers are aware of the terrific fishing potential which Malaysia offers. Experiencing the culture, amazing food and locations were just a bonus, as I was about to find out. After boarding a Malaysian Airlines flight and heading northwest, I was finally on my way to Kuala Lumpur where I boarded a connection flight to Miri. This city in northern Sarawak on the island of Borneo has a population of over 360,000. The major industry of the area is petroleum (first discovered in the 1960s), followed by palm oil, rubber plantations, timber, coffee and pepper. H o w e v e r, more importantly for me and the other journalists on this trip, Miri is the gateway to Luconia Shoals, an exotic coral reef system extending hundreds of kilometres. This system lies around 100km (61 miles) off the coast of Miri with depths on top of the reef averaging 5-40m yet plummeting quickly into several hundreds of metres next to it. A bonus for anglers in the waters between Miri and Luconia are the

huge number of oil rigs. These massive structures protrude eerily from the seabed and act as oversized

FADs, attracting an array of pelagic and demersal species. This provides some amazing opportunities for

VISITING MALAYSIA Malaysia offers lots of hidden gems for the angler or seasoned traveller. Tourism Malaysia can help with every detail in planning your next trip to their country, no matter whether you want to experience the fishing opportunities or just want to check out the sights, food, culture and rich history that this area offers. The Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament is a great time to visit for keen anglers however Tourism Malaysia can point you in the right direction no matter where you want to go or what you wish to target. This is a big year for Malaysia with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest celebration of all things Malaysian. For more details on this event and other facets of Malaysia,

or more information to plan your trip, check out www.tourismmalaysia. com.au. I can confidently say that no-one knows Malaysia better than Tourism Malaysia. The award-winning Malaysian Airlines operate 81 services weekly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Auckland direct to Malaysia with convenient connections to over 60 destinations around the world. Recently the airline celebrated their one-year anniversary as a full member of the award-winning Oneworld Alliance which offers special privileges and rewards for frequent flyers. Personally I found their service, staff and aircraft excellent and look forward to my next flight with them.

One of numerous grouper pulled in on the Ocean Harvest charter vessel.

Although there were numerous species taken, no one seemed to know the identification of each, they were all just called grouper. fishers although you are not always allowed to fish around them and are regularly ushered away by the security boats.

Ruby snapper are a prized capture due to their excellent eating qualities. 106

AUGUST 2014

Straight from the Miri airport we headed to check out an array of massive fish which had been captured

during the 8th Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament. This year the event had attracted 102 anglers from

ten countries including England, Germany, Singapore, Australia, Brunei, India, Italy, Hong Kong, Philippines, Netherlands and of course Sarawak. International anglers aware of the huge potential of the Luconia Shoals regularly visit for the tournament and are well catered for and welcomed with typical Malaysian hospitality. We were stunned at the size of the goliaths on display which included grouper (pronounced gar-roop-a) to 58kg, GTs to 42kg as well as massive ruby snapper, amberjack and numerous other snappers and jobfish. Our shoulders were already aching at the thought of hauling in these massive fish but we were excited

The massive oil rigs attract large quantities of baitfish, which in turn attract predators such as trevally.

and keen to get amongst the action. After ten courses featuring local produce, including fish caught during the tournament, and a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest we had another amazing Meritz Hotel buffet breakfast and headed off to our first side trip: prawn fishing, which I will cover next month. After another night at the Meritz, with a sumptuous feast at a local seafood restaurant, we finally headed to Luconia. THE ACTION STARTS After several hours aboard Marine Harvest, a sub 70ft vessel, we stopped at an oil rig yet were sent on our way by security before we could drop a line into the cobalt blue water. The next rig allowed us to fish for a while so we deployed our jigs 80m to the bottom. Game on! Bananafish (rainbow runner), trevally and a few other species were caught, the best fish being a GT taken by Jamie who hailed from Perth, the only other Aussie on this trip. There were several bite-offs attributed to tenggiri (Spanish mackerel) and escolar (barracouta). We moved on and stopped at a few other oil rigs and open water spots where depths varied from 80m to 200m and species including dorian (squirrelfish), various unidentified groupers and numerous snapper (colloquially called pingpong due to their flat, round shape, just like a ping-pong paddle) were caught. None of the crew seemed concerned about the exact identification of any species, they just knew which were the best ones to eat, although

nearly everything was kept regardless. The crew were a happy bunch, with Adni the deckie yelling ka-ba-boom (colloquially translates to having a good time) every time someone’s rod loaded up.

I barely remember going to bed yet was awoken early by new enthusiasm in a weary body (and my bladder) just after dawn. As I ventured up on deck, the edge of the main reef system was

kawa (mack tuna), bonito, yellowfin tuna and a new one for me, ujie rashid – a red fish with prominent fins and a large emerald eye. This was apparently named after a famous Malaysian singer from the

plenty of fish coming over the gunnels periodically, although we had to keep moving to find action. No goliaths had been caught at that stage, with most fish being sub 10kg, yet this was about to change.

the depths. This fish was close to 45kg and a personal milestone for Masiy, taken on a 360g Reals slow jig. This remained the largest fish for the trip although plenty of other beauties were taken including highly-prized ruby snapper to 14kg. In the late afternoon we headed back towards Miri, stopping at various oil rigs. The massive lights and vertical supports of these rigs attract huge masses of baitfish which in turn attract hordes of big-eye trevally to 5kg as well as GTs, tenggiri, escolar, mahi-mahi and others. My 8” Z-Man Streakz and 6oz jighead accounted for numerous big-eyes and seemed more successful than most other offerings around the oil rigs. The next day was our last and as I made it on deck I realised we had travelled during the night and were now adjacent to an oil rig. I grabbed my

THAILAND BRUNEI

MALAYSIA

Luconia Shoals

Miri

MALAYSIA

Kuala Lumpur

Sarawak

SINGAPORE INDONESIA

Top: Colourful commercial line fishing boats at Miri Harbour. Above: Jamie with a dorian, or squirrel as they were commonly called, which were numerous and often annoying when you had to haul them up from the depths. Near Right: 3 My best GT for the trip was taken on a plastic fished close to an oil rig on PE4. Far Right: Masiy with the fish of the trip, a grouper nudging 45kg which was taken from 200m of water on a Reals slow jig, which his mate makes in Tokyo. We fished well into the night, our appetites satisfied and our energy levels renewed thanks to the delightful fried chicken and fish pieces, curries, rice, noodles and local vegetables that cookie prepared in a standing room-only recess with a single burner, wok and a shelf. Five-star food under a million stars – it was a great way to end our first day at Luconia.

within casting distance so I rigged a Saltiga popping rod and fired out a muskie stickbait. A few casts in there was a boil and after more prospecting I finally hooked a solid GT, which ejected the hooks quickly. We trolled for less than 30 minutes mid-morning with Jamie catching a wahoo around 8kg. Others caught during the day included aforementioned species as well as kawa

1980s with beautiful eyes. We mainly fished knife jigs, slow jigs and numerous baits. The other Aussie, the two kiwis, two Japanese anglers and I had high quality spin and overhead outfits between PE4 and PE10 yet many of the Singaporean and Malaysian anglers had brought electric reels, which made the task of extracting fish out of 200m a lot easier. For us, it was hard work at times yet very rewarding with

Awaking next morning, I stumbled on deck just in time to see a grouper around 20kg coming over the transom. Several more quality fish also hit the deck over the next hour with more anglers joining the fray as they awoke from their slumber. Masiy from Tokyo hooked a good fish and played it hard and smooth to coerce it so the surface. The call of ‘gar-roop-a’ was made as plumes of expelled air then a massive brown shape materialised from

soft plastic outfit and had a drop. As soon as it hit the bottom I started working it. Hop, hop, hop, whack, hop, CRUNCH. I was being stretched severely by a solid, rampaging fish on PE4 and had to apply extra pressure by grabbing the spool then walking towards the transom to pry the fish away from the heavy structure. The eventual result was a solid GT of around 20kg. At another structure later in the day a similar

plastic and jighead combination produced an almaco jack, a cousin of the amberjack and a new species for my growing list. For now, however, we were catching bananafish, escolar and big-eye trevally on lures and various snappers on baits. The action wasn’t hot but it was frequent enough to keep us trying. We tried a few other spots as we zigged and zagged our way through the South China Sea en route back to Miri. It was sad that our adventure was drawing to a close, yet we still had smiles on our faces due to the fish we had captured, new international friends, experience gained and the thought of a hot shower back at the Meritz. After a sumptuous Asian feast that night we wearily crawled into bed. The next morning we headed as a group back to Kuala Lumpur with most catching connecting flights back to their country of origin. I had another night in KL and was taken on a tour of this massive city. Michael my guide was a wealth of information and pointed out the historically significant sights and buildings. The array of fried, smoked and barbecued foods available from the street-side stalls required further taste testing and I would have loved to spend more time there. A side trip for a day to the stocked ponds an hour from the city is yet another line on my bucket list. MORE TO DISCOVER Thank you to Malaysian Tourism and Malaysian Airlines who were instrumental in my experience within their

multi-cultural country. With so much on offer in Malaysia, I hope to soon return and experience more of the amazing hospitality, culture-rich places, friendly locals and of course the amazing fishing opportunities that Malaysia offers, including Rompin sailfishing and the rare snakehead fishery. We only just scratched the surface of Malaysia’s piscatorial possibilities and I can’t wait to sample more. Ka-ba-boom! AUGUST 2014

107

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.

Northside Marine (07) 3265 8029

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

www.goldcoastboathire.com.au 20 Georgia St, Coombabah 0432 710 892

BEST LURE RANGE THE Fishing GOLDON COAST

Coastal Powerboats (07) 5568 0904 Coorparoo Marine (07) 3397 4141 Capalaba Boat Centre 04011 728 379 Holt Marine (07) 3353 1928 Cunninghams Marine (07) 3284 8805 Caloundra Marine (07) 5491 1944 Bribie Boat Sales (07) 3408 0055

NORTH BRISBANE Reef Marine Mackay (07) 4957 3521

Boat Mechanics – Mobile

Boab Boat Hire - 1300 002 622

SUNSHINE COAST

GOLD COAST

Promote your Sunny Coast boat hire business here! For as little as $15 per month. Phone (07) 3387 0800 Email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

TOP BRANDS • TOP SERVICE • GREAT PRICES

07 5526 2786

Brisbane Yamaha (07) 3888 1727

GOLD COAST

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

INSIDE SPORTY’S WAREHOUSE

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Boat Hire – Trailer

MAIL ORDERS

WELCOME

For all your Honda sales and service needs

CAPE YORK

32 Straithaid Rd BUNDALL 4217 QLD

4/26 Taree Street Burleigh Heads Qld

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Tackle Warehouse Brisbane (07) 3398 6500 BCF www.bcf.com.au Victoria Point Bait and Tackle (07) 3820 9581 Spinnaker Sound Chandlery Ningi (07) 5497 6007 FTO Tackle Outlet Brisbane 0416 017 094

Phone 07 5522 1933 MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Boat Hire – House PHONE: 07 4069 3695 www.capeyorkboats.com.au

CAPE YORK, QLD

GOLD COAST

Great family and fishing boats!

Boat Licencing

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

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+ 07 5502 6200 + houseboat.net.au

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 0800 or email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

www.bundallmarinecentre.com.au

5504 7446

Bundall Marine Centre

No.1 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

0422 198 651

Marine Mechanics GOLD COAST

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

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Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

2/247 Bayveiw St Runaway Bay GEOFF NEWMAN PH 55774411

Boat Hire – House

QLD HONDA DEALER OF THE YEAR 2011/2012

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

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

Whitewater Marine (07) 5532 4402

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

Advertise here - $195 + GST for 6 months Email: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au MACKAY / WHITSUNDAYS

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

AUGUST 2014

BRISBANE WIDE

W h ui ttsbuOnadrady O entre C

We Service all Motor Brands! 1 William Murray Drive Cannonvale Qld

07·4946 7286

Authorised Mercury Outboard and Mercruiser Motor Sale and Service Centre

www.whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au

Marine Trailers

Rod and Reel Repair

SAMPLE AD -BUSINESS NAME

Oceanic Boat Trailers (07) 5597 0577 Seatrail Trailers www.seatrailqld.com.au Tinnie Tosser (07) 5498 7339 Sea-Link Special Trailers (07) 3881 3568

D&H REEL REPAIRS

This is where your copy will appear. You will have approximately 50 words within a 5x2 ad size. Email ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Marine Electronics

MARINE ELECTRONICS

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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

SALES • REPAIRS • INSTALLATIONS

ONSITE AND MOBILE INSTALLATIONS

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

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

Marine Outboard Wreckers

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

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Unit 4/1440 New Cleveland Road Capalaba

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

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Boat Modifications and Repairs

07 5529 2292

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

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

North Queensland Outboard Wreckers Townsville 1800 812 748

Online Tackle Products Continued

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

ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

She Left Camera Sunglasses www.hdvcs.com.au

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

U-Make-Em Sort Plastics www.u-make-emsoftplastics.com.au

CUSTOM MARINE WELDING & ELECTRICAL

Holiday Accommodation

Marine Transport SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

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

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

MORETON ISLAND

Shed 1 281 Jacobs Well Road

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

Behind GEM Service Station, Alberton 4207

Phone 38077846 Mob 0427142201 Fax 3807 2468

www.custommarinewelding.com.au

Moreton Beach House Kooringal

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

Bluewater Windscreens Brisbane (07) 3382 7883

✦ Beachfront accommodation ✦ Sleeps up to 12 ✦ Self contained ✦ BBQ ✦ TV ✦ Foxtel ✦ Walk to “Gutter Bar”

Boat Modifications and Repairs Marine Trimmers

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

BRISBANE

• • • • • • • •

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

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MOBILE MARINE CANOPIES

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•

0403 704 555

BRISBANE

Shed 3 Redland City Marina 100 Beveridge Road Thornlands 4146 Qld

WWW.BRISBANEBOATPAINTING.COM.AU

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

FRASER ISLAND

OVER 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Fraser Island Fishing Units INDIAN HEAD

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

Martin Costello 0434 615 936 www.mobilemarinecanopies.com

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Rowland Street Boat Trimmers Springwood (07) 3208 9511 Brisbane Yamaha (07) 3888 1727 Rays Canvas & Marine Caboolture (07) 5499 4911 Affordable Boat Covers Gold Coast 0419 424 587

A FISHO’S DREAM

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Hobie Pro Angler 17T Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and quality products. From their world headquarters in Oceanside, California,

Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of eco-sensitive watercraft worldwide. These include an everexpanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards plus a

complementary array of parts and accessories. Fishing out of one of Hobie’s Pro Angler 12s or 14s is so much fun that Hobie is now making it possible for two anglers to share the experience in the same boat. Introducing the Pro Angler 17T. Three different configurations include traditional in-line tandem seating, face-to-face social tandem or solo, all with enough room for man’s best four-legged friend… and with plenty of space for standing, casting and fly fishing in comfort. This new Pro Angler 17T integrates all the features of its predecessors including Hobie’s iconic patented MirageDrive pedal system and Vantage XT seating and adds new features such as the H-Rail System for customising accessories, a 112

AUGUST 2014

tracking skeg for covering long distances and a battery platform for an optional trolling motor, crate or small cooler. The result is like nothing else on the market. A human-powered

17’ fishing machine. No gas needed, no-motor-zone compliant and made in the U.S.A. It does not get better. “We challenged ourselves to expand our Pro Angler collection with a fully decked-out guidestyle tandem where the aft passenger could provide MirageDrive power and put the front angler on the fish. We also wanted it to have the ability to hold an optional

trolling motor for use as a bass boat,” commented Doug Skidmore, president of Hobie Cat Company. “Our new Pro Angler 17T meets that challenge.” All anglers know

that customising their watercraft is a major part of ownership fun. The new patent-pending twelve-sided H-Rail mounting system runs along each side of the boat and provides a quick and easy way to secure multitudes of accessories. Two-each H-Rail Mounting Plates, Rod Racks and Cup Holders come stock with the boat. An infinite number of optional accessories can

then be added to the H-Rail such as tackle bins, fish finders, camera mount or rod holders. The large rudder provides steerage and manoeuvrability while the new drop-down tracking skeg can be deployed when covering long distances in challenging conditions. An optional anchor trolley kit for anchors, drift chutes, nets or stakeout poles is easy to install using eight strategically placed brass inserts on each side. An optional Power-Pole® Micro with a customising Hobie mount can be added to the stern. Two MirageDrives with adjustable Turbo Fins provide propulsion, leaving hands free for casting and catching fish. Two strong and breathable Vantage XT Seats ensure comfort with back, bottom, Boa® lumbar and kickstand height adjustability. They also can be easily removed from

the boat for on-shore use. Storage for up to twelve rods, ten horizontally and two vertically, keeps them handy but out of the way. A large front hatch and liner offer easy access for storing fish, ice, food, clothing or extra tackle. The built-in Lowrance® Ready transducer mounting plate and pre-installed wire plugs make it quick and easy to install electronics. Three large rectangular hatches provide easy access to pivoting Tackle Management Systems and in-hull storage. The Pro Angler 17T weighs 84kg fitted and 104kg fully rigged with standard features and has a

408kg capacity. Optional accessories designed specifically for the Pro Angler 17T include the new Livewell XL, Adjustable H-Bar, H-Rail Tackle Bin, RAM Mounts, Trolling Motor Mount and Trailer. Anticipated availability of the Pro Angler 17T is the 4th quarter of 2014.

Scan this QR code to see the official Hobie video.

Evinrude G2 E-Tecs launch Evinrude (BRP) recently revealed a new Generation Two (G2) E-Tec outboard engine that reportedly produces up to 75% fewer total regulated emissions, 15% better fuel efficiency and 20% more torque than leading four-stroke engines. “BRP’s Evinrude brand is an integral part of one of the most innovative powersports companies in the world,” said Alain Villemure, vice-president and General Manager of BRP’s Marine Propulsion Systems division. “Our reputation for inventing and reinventing the playgrounds we’re in dictates that a new era in

outboard engine technology and design would originate from BRP.” The Evinrude E-Tec G2 outboard engine delivers unrivaled performance with best-in-class torque and fuel efficiency and lowest total emissions. Available this November [in Australia] at BRP dealers in ranges starting at 200 to 300HP, the new E-Tec G2 engine offers the first and only customizable look, the only clean rigging and fully integrated digital controls. These innovations now allow consumers to choose the absolute perfect combination of boat and engine by selecting top and

front panels, as well as accent colors that match your boat. “This engine stands alone, in the industry and on the water,” said Chris Dawson, Vice President and General Manager of Global Sales and Consumer Experience. “Until now, achieving these levels of performance and integration was unheard of. Add to this the fact that this engine produces, by far, the fewest emissions of any outboard engine on the water, and it’s clear to see why the new Evinrude E-Tec G2 engines will change the face of boating.” BRP’s next generation of Evinrude E-Tec engines

will be backed by unmatched value with the industry’s best engine warranty, least maintenance and best-inclass fuel efficiency. BRP is the only engine offering a 5-year engine warranty, 5-year corrosion warranty, and 500 hours with no dealer-scheduled maintenance, allowing for the most time on the water. The company launched its first-generation Evinrude E-Tec technology in 2003 and added to the line a broad spectrum of horsepower options for any boating need. The technology has delivered on more power and torque while achieving and surpassing the EPA’s clean air standards

On paper, these are impressive engines. We look forward to testing them out when they make it to this side of the planet. for more than 10 years. BRP’s technological breakthroughs with the Evinrude E-Tec technology have also allowed for fewer dealer visits and less engine maintenance over time, giving boaters more time on the water. G2 engines join other Evinrude E-Tec product innovations like the new Pontoon Series engines, the only ones specifically built for pontoons, providing vibrationreducing motor mounts and all the same Evinrude best-inclass performance. BRP dealers and boat

Left: At the time of printing, the Evinrude website was the only real place to get information. Right: There’s a pretty cool page on the site to virtually customise your engine. Hundreds of combinations are available.

builders from around the world and members of the media were given the opportunity to find out more about this new revolution in the outboard industry as well as test-ride the new line-up during a dealer conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (US) recently. Become part of the online Evinrude community at www.evinrudenation. com and customize your Evinrude E-TEC G2 engine at www.ChooseYourETEC. com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ brpevinrude. – BRP

FISHING FILL-ITS

Raymarine has SideVision Raymarine has announced two new technology options for its LightHouse II powered line of multifunction displays. The new CP200 SideVision sonar module expands anglers’ underwater horizons with crystal-clear CHIRP side-scanning sonar and the new CAM200IP marine video camera brings high definition video monitoring to Raymarine multifunction displays. The CP200 can see further and detect more fish than traditional sidescanning sonar systems. Thanks to Raymarine’s advanced CHIRP signal processing, the CP200 takes the guesswork out of identifying underwater contacts and delivers highly detailed imagery using two independent sonar channels. The CP200 also employs a unique transducer design that allows anglers to choose from three pre-set transducer angles. By adjusting the angle of the CPT-200 transducer arrays, anglers can optimize their system for either shallow or deep water scanning. Key CP200 Features are: photo-like imagery

of underwater terrain and man-made objects; superior range performance (the CP200 can image fish, bait, and bottom structure at distances up to 600ft on either side of the boat); 180° of hi-res underwater viewing when the CP200 is combined with Raymarine CHIRP DownVision sonar; and simple integration with Raymarine LightHouse II multifunction displays. The CP200 CHIRP SideVision sonar system will be available in August 2014 and is priced from $575. Keeping a view above decks, Raymarine MFD owners now have an easy solution for upgrading their multifunction display with video monitoring. Engineered for the marine environment, the CAM200IP is perfect for recording the action

on deck. Alternatively, it can be used as a backup or docking camera. Once installed, a single CAM200IP can provide HD video to any Raymarine LightHouse II display on the network. For greater flexibility and viewing options multiple CAM200IP cameras can be installed on the network. Key CAM200IP Features are: full HD video camera for stunning picture quality; low-light mode with a built-in infrared LED array; easy to install using Power over Ethernet (PoE) or direct 12V DC power supply; waterproof to IP67 standards for on-deck or below-deck; simple integration with Raymarine LightHouse II multifunction displays. The CAM200IP is priced at $862 and will be available in September 2014. – Raymarine

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113

Mercury’s mid-range 4-strokes impress FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

If you’re a user of outboard motors in the 70-130HP range – and plenty of Aussies are – you’d be forgiven for thinking that all of the cool developments in technology and improvement in efficiency happen at the top of the horsepower ranges (in motors from 200HP and more). And you’d be right in that assumption. High horsepower motors are developed and targeted for the American market where a combination of bass boats and saltwater boats consume a remarkable number of units. There’s constant pressure on the big outboard companies to release lighter, faster and more efficient outboards for a lower price point. Here in Australia, the price of petrol is relatively more expensive than Stateside. With horsepower consumed, the mode is more likely two digits than three in most markets. If you were to guess that a 70HP-class motor is a top seller for any of the major brands, you wouldn’t be too far off the mark. Therefore, it’s pretty big news here when some of the big motor technology drops down to lower horsepower engines, and the recent launch of Mercury’s big capacity four stroke outboards in the 75 to 115HP class demonstrated that clearly.

If you think the Quintrex Cruise About/115CT package looks fun to drive, you’re right! re-badges Command Thrust (re-birthed Big Foot) gearcase. So, before the annual Mercury Dealer Conference at Sanctuary Cove, we (the media) were given a first peek (and drive) of these impressive motors.

These four-strokes are lighter (from 163kg), have better torque and are quieter and more efficient. Heck, they’re even lighter, punchier and better on the juice than the current range of Mercury OptiMax in that class.

Am I allowed to say that compared to the sleek, new design, the older Mercury fourstrokes in this class were damn ugly?

Departing are the days where a compelling reason not to buy a four-stroke is a lack of punch in the mid range. These mid-range releases feature a 2.1 litre displacement compared with the 1.5 litres of their Opti Max and 1.7 litres of

their existing four-strokes in the class. “High displacement and light weight; that means great performance. It means that the engine doesn’t need to work hard to achieve its power, so it’s very reliable and durable,” said Mercury’s Steve Miller while taking these motors for a spin on the Coomera River. “And, these motors are very easy to take care of, to service and maintain, with a valve train that is maintenance free for life,” he continued. The four-cylinder block has an 8-valve, low friction valve train with a single overhead cam design. Matching the excitement of Steve about these motors (scan the QR code hereby for the video interview), was the response of the fishing and boating media on the test day and of Mercury dealers. “As dealers, we’re very excited about this

Counter rotating 90 HP models are available. The counter rotating option made this RIB perform admirably. Super responsive and planed with a level attitude.

For the Mercury dealer conference, there are numerous combinations of hull sizes, shapes and horsepowers, allowing dealers to get a feel for the new technology and products. Mercury launched a large range of outboards in this range – we assume to provide the range of configurations needed to fit the maximum HP rating on the broad range of hulls built over here. 75, 80, 90, 100 and 115HP models make up the range, with the 90 and 115HP iterations available with the re-designed and 114

AUGUST 2014

You’ll get two levels of reporting here: the layman’s version and a more technical overview of what makes these things tick. LAYMAN’S VERSION Who remembers the old Merc carburetted two strokes in this horsepower class a decade ago? They were light and had awesome power, but were thirsty, dirty and loud.

And released at the same price point of the current range of four-stroke offerings, Mercury has really given their consumers little reason to stick with a two-stroke offering. UNDER THE COWLING In a trend that was started by Yamaha’s SHO outboards, big capacity fourstroke technology is moving rapidly through the industry.

Repowering is easy – the new mid-range fourstrokes plug in to your existing throttle box. If you’re switching from a Mercury two-stroke, you can turf the oil bottle and free up some room.

Scan this code to hear from Mecury’s Steve Miller about these new engines. new mid-range product that Mercury’s released. It’s something we’ve been wanting and needing a long time and the proof’s in the pudding out on the water – they’re spectacular,” said Brisbane Marine Mercury dealer, Troy Wood. “They’re quiet, they’re powerful, they’re smooth, they’re doing everything we’ve all asked for and we couldn’t be more proud to represent them and have the ability to sell them,” Troy continued. Mercury’s own figures suggest that these units are 14% better on fuel than their current 1.7 litre four-strokes and output 23% more torque. NEW GEARBOXES AND OPTIONS There’s always been a “Big Foot” option for four-stroke motors in the 40 to 60HP class, renamed “Command Thrust” in these mid-range motors, the upsized lower unit is designed for boats that run with more wetted hull surface than standard and allows propellers from the V6 models to be used. The Commant Thrust gearboxes are available in the 90 and 115 HP The standard gearcase, though, has also been redesigned to decrease drag by 15% and significantly improve performance. The standard gearcase is the best option for hulls that get up and plane at higher speeds. IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS It seems simple, but designing a tighter fitting cowling that less water in and less noise out is just one of the ways that Mercury’s engineers have kept this motor quiet. An idle relief muffler system lessens high-frequency exhaust noise. A top-mounted throttle body fine-tunes intake noise, while a totally new engine mounting system greatly reduces vibration. Even the trim pump is designed to run significantly quieter, and a new clutch system reduces shock while shifting into gear. All of these features deliver a smoother, quieter, more pleasant boating experience. These engines are shipping now. You can get more information on Mercury’s website: www.mercurymarine. com.au or by visiting your local Mercury dealer. Bottom line is you need to take a ride in these things – you’ll love ‘em.

Quintrex Trident Hard Tops arrive FMG

Stephen Booth sbooth@fishingmonthly.com.au

The Trident plate boat range from Quintrex was released last year and this month Quintrex has released the Hard Top range of Tridents with a 650 and a 690 model hitting Quintrex dealers. With a pedigree built on tough outside work, the original Tridents were accepted very well in the marketplace, but the addition of the Hard Tops adds a level of completion to the range that I liked. Built specifically for serious offshore work, the Quintrex Trident Hard Tops are constructed with an incredibly sturdy underfloor rib structure that minimises hull movement and attaches to the 5mm bottomsides. This is one tough hull that when tested was put through its paces in no uncertain terms. Imagine testing a hull’s design and build by deliberately running it aground n sand bars, by deliberately trying to flip it in stability testing and by searching out the real rough stuff to asses its performance. That’s the sort of testing Quintrex did on the Hard Top series before its release. On the media day we were fortunate enough to take

a full factory tour and saw Trident Hard Tops being made from the forming of the sides through to the paint and fit out. It was a real eye opener for a boater to see just how everything comes together and how big a job it is to build one of these boats. And when we got to test out the Hard Tops offshore from the Gold Coast, well we were all very impressed with the end result. Offshore we ran through some pretty calm conditions inshore so we logically headed further offshore to where the 20 knot westerly was starting

to bump up the slop. The Blade Hull was great at handling the messy wind chop against the slight swell and with the Hard Top configuration there was never going to be any spray intrusion in the cabin area. I would love to have seen these rigs in a bit more swell but I reckon they’d still perform fine, keeping in mind that the Trident Hard Tops were made specifically for offshore work. Features of the series that impressed were the Blade Hull, a hull design that allows the swell and chop to be pushed aside while still allowing a good degree of stability at

rest. That’s a hard compromise to make in any hull, but the Blade Hull appears to have this reasonably well sorted. Built for anglers, the hard Top design also features 6 patent pending Reel Easy folding rod holders. These rod holders actually fold down to allow anyone on the boat to store or retrieve rods from the top rocket launchers. It’s ingenious and in a bit of slop offshore, really easy to use. I liked it as I am not a 6’10” giant, but rather a 5’11” rover that would have had to previously clamber up a gunwale to access the rods.

Quintrex has also paid attention to the internal design, making things like a window in the livewell, an external pick up for the livewell while underway to keep your bait fresh and a new, deeper and wider bait station that allows bait and fish to be easily processed. There is also a 135L kill tank that has plenty of room for serious fish, and that is something the successful and the dreamers want in their offshore rig. One other thing I really liked was that Quintrex had designed the fuel tank and floor to be accessible. Yep that’s right, you will not need to cut holes into your boat’s floor to access the fuel tank if something goes wrong with a Trident and that’s pretty cool. I can barely imagine a bad lot of fuel needing to be drained and the tank accessed and the

technician saying “I’ll need to cut through your floor to get at the tank”. No thanks! The Quintrex Tridents also feature a twin battery set up, transom door, seat boxes with extra storage, a self-draining tread plate floor and 4 welded rod holders all as standard so it’s quite a good unit without additional modifications. The Quintrex Trident Hard Tops are available as Instant Boating Packages complete with a motor, Quintrex trailer and a 3-year limited factory warranty from Quintrex dealers country wide. The 690 is priced at just under the $90,000 mark when fitted out with an E-Tec 250HO, while the 650 with an E-Tec 225 comes in a tad over $80,000. For more information on the complete Trident range and more specifically the Trident Hard Top range head to www. quintrex.com.au.

MotorGuide Xi5 a serious contender FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

It’s taken a while, but finally, American electric trolling motor giant, MotorGuide, has released a real alternative to the Minn Kota iPilot. Called the Xi5 (Wireless control) , it’s a servo-driven, GPS enabled electric motor that can lock you to a spot, re-create routes and even allow manipulation of a locked position on the fly. And it’s shipping right now. Demonstrated by Mercury’s Paul McLean at the recent Mercury conference and Media Day at Sanctuary Cove, it was obvious that he was excited about the product. MotorGuide have always made ultra-reliable and simple cable-driven bow-mount electric motors, but lacked in the servodriven models. I’m unsure about you, but the annoying beeps that the old foot controller made were enough to make me want to take up golf. There are several compelling reasons to consider the Xi5, though, so

let’s break them down. 1. Pinpoint GPS. Fitted with two digital compasses, this motor can ‘anchor’ you to a spot, steer to a compass bearing and record and re-play routes. But the very best feature for serious anglers is the ability to manipulate your position while virtually anchored with the press of a button. Called “Jog”, each press of a button moves you 1.5m forward, backward, port or starboard. It’s a super handy feature considering that unlocking and relocking on a spot can be very difficult to do with precision. 2. Speed of turning. Motor Guide claims the Xi5 is designed to be quick and quiet – rotating 360 degrees 50%

The MotorGuide Xi5 Saltwater models are white in colour, while the Freshwater units are black. quicker than the opposition. This seems to be indeed the case. It’s quick and quiet. 3. LED gauges. There’s no screen on the remote control,

The foot pedal has a ‘stay here’ button. Yay!

but there’s a panel of LEDs that indicate status (of battery, GPS and prop movement) on the motor base that’s simple to read at a glance.

4. Intuitive foot pedal. Powered by a couple of AA batteries, the wireless foot pedal mirrors the function of a cable steer, with front/ back movement instead of side/side controlling steering. Importantly, there’s an “Anchoring” button on the foot control as well as the standard momentary/constant buttons and the variable speed control. Just make sure it doesn’t blow out of the boat between spots. 5. Inbuilt transducer on FW models. The Freshwater models have an inbuilt, dual frequency transducer that will work with major brand fish finders. Note that these aren’t available on Saltwater models.

The remote control has no screen, however, the unit’s status is available via the LED panel on the motor.

Scan this to see Mercury’s Paul McLean show you the features in depth. There’s a number of iterations of these motors. Both Freshwater and Saltwater versions come in shaft lengths (48” to 60”) and thrusts (55lb/12v, 80lb/24v and 105lb/36v), however, the FW unit comes with a foot pedal as standard while the SW unit is supplied with a hand held remote/lanyard only. Naturally, you can purchase the complementary controller to suit. Tempting a lot of users to make the change will be the price. A non-GPS FW/12v unit will set you back around $1,400, a 55lb GPS enabled Saltwater model around $2,000 and the most loaded model in the range with every accessory imaginable in the 36v/105lb version around $2,700. Check them out at www. motorguide.com.au and visit www.mercurymarine.com.au for your local dealer locator. AUGUST 2014

115

Here come the Avengers FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

Bundaberg-based boat builder SeaJay boats is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary of constructing aluminium boats for Australian conditions. Over the years, we’ve seen their craft grow from some pretty basic tinnies through to the refined and comfortable offerings that are available today. We recently took the opportunity to take a couple of their latest models – some SeaJay Avenger Sports -

out for a drive and a fish. A painted 485 and unpainted 455 Avenger – both with Yamaha 4-stroke outboards – gave us a great insight about what’s available in the line-up. All but the smallest Avengers boast a 3mm plate aluminium bottom and sides (the 4.25m model has 2.5mm thick gunwales). And, throughout the range (there’s a 4.25m, 4.4m, 4.55m, 4.85m, 5m and 5.35m version) Sea Jay are proud of their inbuilt reverse chines, which typically enhance stability at rest, optimise hole shot and allow you to use minimum horsepower ranges with little performance penalty.

Glen Baker and James Cullen from Stones Corner Marine were good enough to come with Fishing Monthly for the ride. These guys run a Brisbane SeaJay dealership (Stones Corner Marine) and are constantly setting up SeaJays for the rigors of Moreton Bay. On its day, Moreton Bay is every bit as nasty as Sydney Harbour or Pittwater on a busy Sunday. There are not too many pieces of open water in Australia that don’t get nasty when there’s wind versus tide. That said, the test day conditions were ridiculously good - millpond calm and small tides, which mean

The unpainted 455 Avenger Sports felt like a real fishing boat – even without the electric motor.

Left: All Avengers run with a standard 20” (L) outboard. Right: All of the Avenger models 4.4m and larger have reversed chines as standard.

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AUGUST 2014

that even the ever-reliable pressure waves at the bar of the Brisbane River didn’t even show up to play. Tough, we know, and even after an hour of fishing to try and let the sea-breeze get a run-up, there was no joy. So, I can happily report that the Avengers ride is calm and smooth! Seriously, though, even in the calm conditions, we could get a feel for the boats and the 4-stroke Yamahas powering them. Propelled by a 60 and 70 (Yamaha’s highest selling outboards in Australia), the ride was undeniably smooth and quiet. The bimini top on the 485 was very pleasant on that windless day, but I was really casting an angler’s eye over the hulls to get a feel about what they’d be like to seriously fish from. From both a fishing and ride point of view, it’s hard to get a really accurate reflection, because without an electric motor on the bow (where the plate to mount it is standard), the boat sits differently in the water on the move and at rest, and the weight of the dedicated electric motor battery (or batteries) is absent. That said, the beam of these boats give them excellent stability at rest, and if you’re a lurecasting angler, then stability is paramount in remaining unfatigued and comfortable. With both of the hulls, having a side-mounted console makes moving around the boat

Top: Yamaha’s 60 4-stroke used to be the highest selling motor that Yamaha made. That was until the F70 came out. Middle: Anchor wells are standard on all models. Above: There’s plenty of room at the helm to mount electronics and a cool wallet/mobile phone storage box. SPECIFICATIONS SEAJAY 485 AVENGER Bottom:..............................................................3mm Sides:.................................................................3mm Beam:...............................................................2.14m Depth:..............................................................1.08m Floor Ribs:............................................................. 11 Capacity:...................................................5 persons Max HP:............................................................70 (L) Rec HP:.............................................................60 (L) Max OB weight:.............................................. 120kg

easy. All of the models in the range have the option of a side console, centre console or no console (tiller drive). They also have the choice between a painted and unpainted hull. Apart from that choice when setting up your boat, there are not too many optional extras to choose from – an Avenger Sports is supplied standard with anchor wells, casting platform, live bait tank, external keel, spray chines, underfloor storage racks/tank racks and rear step/rail. The 445 Avenger has a 65L underfloor tank while the 485 has an 85L capacity, which paired with the 4S Yamahas, give incredible range. By the end of the testride, the unpainted 455 felt like more of a fishing boat and the 485 more like f family ride, but that was entirely due to set-up. Paint the smaller boat and whack a bimini on it, and the roles would be reversed.

By simply adding a bimini top, the Avenger becomes family friendly with sides high enough to keep most waves out and kids in.

apprenticeship in a 12 or 14 foot open tinny with a 15 to 30hp motor and want to take it to the next level,” James said. Taking it to the next level will cost you around $25,000 for the 455 and around $30,000 for the 485. Look for them at your local SeaJay dealer or visit www. seajayboats.com.au. • Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/ trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine

Side consoles may be wetter at times than centre consoles, but they allow unprecedented access between decks. SPECIFICATIONS

Even with the bimini top extended, there’s plenty of casting and fishing room on the front deck. Scan the QR Code to see James Cullen talk about the Sea Jay Avengers.

James summed up the niche that these boats fill in the market quite precisely during our sit-down interview

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SEAJAY 455 AVENGER Bottom:............................................................ 3mm Sides:............................................................... 3mm Beam:............................................................. 2.05m Depth:............................................................ 1.08m Floor Ribs:............................................................11 Capacity:..................................................5 persons Max HP:...........................................................60 (L) Rec HP:............................................................50 (L) Max OB weight:.............................................120kg

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MACKAY SUGAR CITY MARINE

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AUGUST 2014

117

OMM’s 610 Hard Top All Rounder a great rig BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Offshore Marine Master’s range of plate alloy craft are arguably up there with the best that Australian boat manufacturing has on offer. I recently had the opportunity to review OMM’s aptly named 610 Cuddy Cab Hardtop All Rounder. With its inspiring ride, list of features as long as the arm, and a thoughtful layout that sees the craft just as suited to long range offshore fishing as family day or weekend cruising, the eye pleasing

plate alloy cuddy cab rig is truly an all rounder. FAMILY CRUISER AND SERIOUS ANGLING CRAFT Family orientated features also pleasing the angler would likely start with the Maxwell power winch up front of the spacious anchor well. A marine toilet was set under the family sized bunk within the soft lined cuddy cab while cabin shelving plus under bunk storage capacity would certainly be appreciated and put to good use. Seated within the cabin, I found that a carpeted floor, plus excellent head room made it a handy place for a rest out of the

Family owners and anglers alike will appreciate the OMM’s large cuddy cab with its toilet and well padded bunks.

weather. I noted also that it was well lit thanks to side windows and the big clear hatch up front. Within the craft’s self draining cockpit an EvaKool 110L ice box was snugged under the first mate’s seat while classy Sea Deck flooring provided a reliable non-skid cockpit floor surface, with easy clean up after use simply by hosing it out. On-water clean up would be via the craft’s sea water pressure wash but do note that a fresh water shower linked to a 40L water tank was also on board. The reviewed rig was certainly well optioned, with about the only option absent being a rear cockpit seat. Families with youngsters aboard would certainly appreciate the OMM’s metre high cockpit sides (with their gunwale padding) which guaranteed excellent sea keeping while a boarding ladder to port, adjacent to non-skid steps, facilitated ease of entry after a swim. Enjoying a weekend in the spacious All Rounder would likely see just the addition of a spirit stove taken aboard along with tucker and drinks. A fuel capacity of some 250L ensured prodigious cruising capability for family and fishing teams alike.

A power winch is one option that owners of the 610 Cuddy Cab Hard Top would certainly appreciate.

More than just a pretty craft, the 610 Cuddy Cab Hardtop is a highly capable offshore rig as well. EASY FISHING ASSURED While there’s no doubting the appeal of the 610 Cuddy Cab Hardtop as an all round family boat, it’s dedicated anglers that will appreciate the specialised fishing features of this strongly built craft with its 6mm bottom, 4mm top side, all-plate construction. The solid plate rig featured cuddy roof top side rails; reliable hand holds if one wanted to go forward onto a beach. There were also eight

Tackle trays are one option that would appeal to anglers.

rod holders set into the rear of the cuddy to compliment the eight elsewhere aboard her. The hardtop featured a washer/wiper equipped windscreen plus sliding side windows to allow ventilation and visibility. An overhead console above the tempered glass screen provided secure storage plus a perfect location for the rig’s marine radio. LED lighting was installed within the cabin, as well as under the hard top.

At the helm area sturdy bucket style seats atop large L shaped storage boxes were standard; both seat boxes also being equipped with padding aft to accommodate a couple of extra people along for the ride. The first mate’s seat box was set up with the big EvaKool, the skipper’s being equipped with a set of tackle trays at the rear. The helm/dash area of the hardtop was sensibly spacious and well set out. A full width

Side pockets within the cockpit were equipped with both fresh and salt water hoses.

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dash shelf stretched aft of the screen with main features for the first mate consisting of a locking glove box, a grab handle, plus both upper and lower shelving. The skipper also had a grab handle. Instrumentation stretched across a couple of levels, uppermost being a Garmin GPS Map 751 sounder plotter, with Maxwell winch and Volvo Penta trim tabs close by. On a lower level were full instrumentation for the 175hp Suzuki 4-stroke, windscreen wiper controls and a compass; two banks of rocker switches, a twelve volt outlet with the craft’s three spoke steering wheel central. The engine’s forward controls were side mounted in the normal manner. In all, the OMM had a very well set up helm arrangement and I was impressed with both the dash layout plus the full visibility all around while at the wheel. COCKPIT FEATURES ABOUND The best way to describe the craft’s cockpit would be to simply say it was designed to make fishing as easy as possible. Whether in the bay, an estuary or far away from land the high sides, its non-skid self draining floor and paired rod holders per side all combined to make things great for, say, four anglers. I really liked the 750mm high gunwale’s inner coaming; soft padding designed to prevent accidental bumps should an angler having a tough time with a fish suddenly lose balance. Other useful features included a plumbed live bait well at the transom, a full width transom pocket along with off floor side pockets, a rod holder equipped bait station at the stern, both fresh and raw water wash down hoses and a massive underfloor floodable kill tank which could be bunged for storage use. Paired engine batteries plus water pumps were within the transom’s off floor transom lockers. The craft’s Suzuki 175hp, linked to hydraulic steering,

easy plane at 1,800rpm at 16.3kph. 2,000rpm saw 18kph recorded, 3,000rpm 21.1kph, 4,000 a speed of 40.6kph, 5,000rpm delivering 56.7kph and 5,800rpm a feisty 64.6kph on the Garmin unit. Throttle response from the 4-stroke

was excellent, ensuring peace of mind in situations where rapid acceleration might be needed, such as bar crossing conditions. In the wash area extending inside the Caloundra bar I found the OMM ran true to

and over all presentation needs serious mention as well. Jason Norup of OMM takes a lot of pride in ensuring his boats are among the best finished in the business. Full and neat welding is always evident and rigidity of construction is easily detected. Paint application is perfect and upholstery and general fitout is up with the best Australian alloy boat manufacturers offer. While an eye catching craft the 610 Cuddy Cab Hardtop is also a highly capable sea boat, one that an owner could have a lot of confidence in. Cost of the fully optioned rig, as reviewed, which included the Sea Deck flooring, top power 175 Suzuki, breakaway brakes on the Redco trailer, Garmin sounder and anchor winch plus many other features was $94,465 but do note that packages start at around $76,150 mark. Offshore Marine Master can be contacted on (07) 5492 6555, fax (07) 5492 6566 or at jasonomm@bigpond.net.au. • Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

SPECIFICATIONS Length of hull:................................................... 6.2m Hull construction:.....6mm bottom, 4mm sides and floor Beam:............................................................... 2.45m Length on trailer:...............................................7.9m Height on trailer:............................................. 3.32m Weight of hull:.............................................. 1,050kg Engines:.................................................... 150-175hp Engine fitted:......................... 175hp Suzuki 4-stroke Persons:.................................................................. 6 Towing:............................Large 4x4 or family wagon

Top: Seats on multi-use boxes are a great feature in the OMM. Left: The Suzuki 175hp 4-stroke was a great power match for the solid OMM hull. Right: The OMM’s easily identified cockpit features include the attractive Sea Deck floor covering, gunwale coaming, large side pockets, an in floor fish box, bait station, live bait well to starboard, plus the transom’s off floor compartments. was mounted on a lip above the full width aft non skid boarding platform. FISHABILITY LINKED TO SEA KEEPING The OMM 610 Cuddy’s test runs were mainly confined to the Caloundra Passage as a combination of a six knot speed limit plus lack of water saw work within the Caloundra bar totally off limits on the water test day. That aside we scored some decent washes from passing party craft within the Passage and it was child’s play to note how easy the big solid plate craft rode, how totally unfussed it was at any speed. Combined hull features of a 20 degree vee (OMM’s Ultra

Vee) plus large reversed outer chines assured best ride and handling from the 1,050kg hull which, in my view, would be totally at home in the bluewater environment. With its easy sea keeping, a very well mannered ride and terrific stability at rest I feel that offshore work would be something to really look forward to in this well performing plate craft. The top power 175hp Suzuki was whisper quiet at idle; never excessively noisy even when working hard and it was easy to note how willingly the four cylinder engine responded to throttle input. During trial runs the 175 pushed the craft onto an

driver input, was finger tip responsive to steering and, overall, a pleasure to helm. The hull’s interior remained quite dry, as well, thanks to the cuddy’s protection plus the over all height of the bow and sides. And with an under floor foam fill the alloy hull’s ride was remarkably quiet. IN A NUTSHELL In summing up my thoughts on the OMM 610 Cuddy Cab Hardtop All Rounder I saw it as a very versatile craft with a lot to offer to both family boaters and dedicated anglers on the lookout for a well appointed off shore fishing rig. Sea keeping, ride and handling I’ve touched on: the finish

13 478 922 417

550WA

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For a full inclusion list, COLOURED SIDES email jasonomm@bigpond.net.au UPGRADEorWITH CANOPY & CLEARS telephone Jason on 07 5493 5111 DUAL AXLE TRAILER Photos for display purposes only DECKWASH KIT Inclusions and prices subject to change without notice BUILT IN ESKY BAIT TANK PUMP BMT WITH 115HP SUZUKI 4 STROKE

For a full inclusion list, email jasonomm@bigpond.net.au or telephone Jason on 07 5493 5111 Photos for display purposes only

Inclusions UPGRADE WITHand prices subject to change without notice - 140 SUZUKI 4 STROKE - DUAL AXLE TRAILER

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610WA HEAVY DUTY $62,200.00 ULTRA VEE

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$57,800.00 Specialising in custom fitouts CENTRE WALK For aCAB full inclusion list, AROUND emailBOTTOMS jasonomm@bigpond.net.au 6MM / 4MM SIDES or telephone Jason on 07 5493 5111 AND FLOORS Photos for display purposes only UPGRADE PACKAGE Inclusions and prices subject to change without notice

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for display purposes only CANOPY WITHPhotos CLEARS Inclusions and prices subject to change without notice DECKWASH KIT BAIT TANK PUMP COLOURED SIDES 150 SUZUKI 4 STROKE

175HP SUZUKI 4 STROKE CABIN SIDE WINDOWS FRONT VENTILATION HATCH BURLEY BUCKET

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For aCAB full inclusion list, AROUND CENTRE WALK email jasonomm@bigpond.net.au 6MM BOTTOMS 4MM or telephone Jason on 07/5493 5111SIDES AND FLOORS Photos for display purposes only Inclusions and prices subject to change without notice DELUXE UPGRADE

$71,750.00 For a full inclusion list, email jasonomm@bigpond.net.au or telephone Jason on 07 5493 5111

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175HP Inclusions SUZUKIand4 prices STROKE subject to change without notice CABIN SIDE WINDOWS FRONT VENTILATION HATCH BURLEY BUCKET

$71,750.00

TLR-FP-5167942-CS-276-XCC

$69,900.00 PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS Put through its paces within the Caloundra Passage, the OMM came through with flying colours.

For a full inclusion list, email jasonomm@bigpond.net.au or telephone Jason on 07 5493 5111

Photos for display purposes only Inclusions and prices subject to change without notice

www.offshoremarinemaster.com.au AUGUST 2014

119

What’s new boating

SUZUKI DF200A

Suzuki has unveiled its latest lightweight and fuel-efficient model – the four-cylinder DF200A. It delivers the kind of performance you’d expect only from a V6 engine – but from just four cylinders, which means it is the lightest in its class. The new DF200A also has a host of high specification features, which deliver real customer benefits: • Direct air intake and Variable Valve Timing for higher thermal efficiency and exceptional performance; • 2,867 cm³ “Big Block” displacement and a higher compression ratio for impressive acceleration and low end torque; • Lean Burn Control Technology for improved fuel economy; and • Knock, O² and water detection sensors and systems to monitor and control internal engine operating parameters and improve reliability; and • Just 225kg in weight – over 12% less than Suzuki’s current V6 DF200 model. To find out more visit suzukimarine.com.au. - Suzuki

BEAST MASTER SNUBBY

Beastmaster Boats in Queensland has released two new models: the 440 Snubby (tiller steer) and a 500 Snubby Pro (centre console) flats boat. Both models are fully hand-laid fiberglass, no timber construction. They have self-draining decks and a 1.85m beam for stability at rest, and there are some impressive storage and live well configurations. Options include poling platforms, custom coolers and console layouts. The build quality is first class and no corners have been cut. Robert fell in love with the US-style skiffs and is proud to release an Aussie built and designed outfit at a reasonable price. The 440 is rated to a max. 50hp while the 500 is rated to 70hp. It’s ideal for everything from chasing goldens on the flats, flathead in the Broadwater, wrestling with impoundment barra, or pelagics out in the Bay. Robert also makes larger offshore centre consoles from 5.5-6m, with a beam of 2.2m. Give Robert a call on 0422 354 580 to discuss your new fishing machine. beastmasterboats@outlook.com - FMG

THE HOLE PROBLEM

The biggest drawback to fitting underwater lighting to your boat is the introduction of a new holes into the hull - holes to mount the light and holes for light attachment or for wiring. On a small boat this can be a big deterrent to fit such lighting. However, using a current drain bung location means that installing lighting is not such a hurdle. Introducing the unique and innovative Vigil LED bung light. Cleverly using the common MW large drain bung, Vigil have installed fully sealed and submersible LEDs into a clear bodied bung. All Vigil products use high quality tinned marine wire, and the LED bung light is no different. It comes with 2m of twin-sheath tinned wire along with a genuine waterproof Deutsch plug for ease of use and long lasting performance. Ask for the Vigil LED bung light at your favourite marine dealer or visit www.marinewarehouse.com.au. - MW 120

AUGUST 2014

NEW FENDER2STEP

The popular Dan-Fender FenderStep has now been joined by Fender2Step. The unique shape provides hull protection as well as two convenient boarding steps. The high topsides of many modern vessels make boarding difficult from either a marina finger or from small dinghies. The combined fender and two steps feature allows it to be rigged before entering a marina, enabling the crew to safely and easily step onto the pontoon without resorting to leaping. Fender2Step takes a max. weight of 100kg and is securely attached via rope to a maximum of 10mm. It is manufactured using the same injection moulding process and marine grade PVC materials as the range of Dan-Fender heavy-duty inflatable fenders. A high grade metal valve with protective dirt and salt screw cap is integrated within the rope attachment point. Prices start from RRP $177, and more info is available at www.bla.com.au. - BLA

YAMAHA MARINE APP

Yamaha Motors Australia has announced the launch of the new Yamaha Marine App available on all iOS devices. At the tip of their fingers, owners and marine enthusiasts can access the very latest in marine information. The Yamaha Marine App provides users with fast and convenient access to a comprehensive boat ramp locator which they can easily navigate to, as well as the latest five-day tide guide forecast information straight from bom.gov.au. At a simple tap of their screen, users can also locate, contact and navigate their way to their closest Yamaha dealer and access the latest Yamaha Outboard and WaveRunner product specifications, information and images. In addition, users have the option of push notifications, enabling them access to exclusive Yamaha offers and event information. Optimised for Apple iOS devices, the Yamaha Marine App is now available for free through the App Store to help you get the best from your Yamaha outboard. - Yamaha

CRUISE CRAFT

The new Cruise Craft Explorer 595HT complements the larger Explorer 625HT and the top of the range Explorer 685HT. The 595HT is manufactured using a split mould technique, and its roof and interior lining are smooth and buffed to a mirror finish. The Hard Top is formed with a full height toughened glass windscreen at the front, with sliding glass side panels on port and starboard. An electric wiper and autoretract electric trim tabs on the transom are standard. The large sliding glass side screens allow lots of fresh air to flow through the cockpit. Through clever use of the space between the gunwales, the cockpit on this boat is wider than most in its class. There is ample space for three anglers to stand across the rear of the seats. Options include a lockable Perspex cabin door, slide-out canopy and more. For more info visit www.cruisecraft.com.au. – CruiseCraft

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Coffs Harbour Sth, 2450 Slades Paradise Marine White Water Marine 02 9456 1444 02 4423 6137 www.huettmarine.com.au 02 6652 4722 davehillmarine@onestream.com.au 16 Paradise Parade 10 Hinde Street info@huettmarine.com.au

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Gold Coast

Ashmore

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Gold Coast

07 5577 1011

whitewatermarine.com.au

Port Stephens

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Cannonvale Marine

Hunts Outboard

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13 Watkins Street 02 6342 2590 Tully

Bay Boat Sales

62 Princes Highway, Blakehurst, 10 Morgan 2221 Street

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© 2014 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Terms and conditions apply, excludes commercial purchases. # Extended warranty covers MY11, MY12,

© 2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Terms and conditions apply, excludes commercial purchases. * 'Spring Cashback Promotion' offer valid on MY11, MY13 MY13 & MY14 Evinrude E-TECE-TEC engines 40HP40 and newlynewly purchased and and registered from participating authorized dealers. full terms and conditions please contact local participating dealership. BRP January 31styour 2014. Cashback will beEvinrude in the form of a Prepaid MY12, & MY14 evinrude engines HPabove, and above purchased registered from participating authorized dealersFor between December 1st 2013 and Visa Card. the ** For normal recreational use. # Extended warranty covers MY11, MY12, MY13 features, & MY14 Evinrude E-TEC engineswithout 40HP and above, obligation. newly purchased and registered from participating dealers between October reserves right at any time to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, models or equipment incurring Products are distributed in Australia authorized and New Zealand by BRP Australia st st 1 and December 31 2013. ^ 25hp-250hp consumer models. For full terms and conditions please contact your local participating Evinrude dealership. BRP reserves the right at any time to discontinue or change specifications, prices, PTY Ltd.features, Card Issued byorHeritage Bank Limited ABN 32 087 652 Products 024 AFSLare240984. designs, models equipment without incurring obligation. distributed in Australia and New Zealand by BRP Australia PTy Ltd. Card Issued by Heritage Bank Limited ABN 32 087 652 024 AFSL 240984. Visa Card Terms and Conditions apply.

Surf at its simplest NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.me

Starlo reckons you can’t beat the simplicity of beach fishing, and offers some valuable tips for those just getting started in the surf. Beach fishing is one of the most popular forms of landbased angling in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. Our island home is blessed with long, often empty beaches, stretching all the way from Broome in the far north west to Hobart and beyond in the deep south east… And they all have fish swimming within casting range of the wavewashed sand. For me, one of the greatest attractions of beach fishing or surf casting, as it’s better known in some regions, is its inherent simplicity. You don’t need a mountain of equipment. Nor is long term planning essential. In fact, beach fishing lends itself beautifully to spontaneous, spur of the moment forays. Yesterday was a case in point for me. I looked up from the computer screen mid-morning to see that the tree tops beyond my office window were sitting absolutely still against the blue sky. A walk on the local beach suddenly seemed like

a wonderful idea. A quick consultation of the tide chart indicated that high water was only an hour or so away, so I made the last minute decision to carry a light surf rod with me on my stroll. Fortuitously, the outfit propped in the corner of the shed was already rigged with a Spanyid Maniac metal lure. I didn’t even bother taking a spare!

results in the surf, a little more preparation and a tad more gear doesn’t go astray, but you can still carry everything you need for a longer session in a shoulder bag or day pack, with a plastic bucket to transport the bait out and (hopefully!) bring the catch home. Using the right tackle makes a huge difference. Good surf rods are generally quite

The author with a surf salmon caught on light gear and cut pilchard bait. Note the rods standing safely in PVC tubes behind Starlo.

Jo starling accounted for this lovely silver trevally in the surf. That 45 minute walk proved to be a great tonic and completely revitalized me for an afternoon’s work. And the 500 g tailor I landed on about my tenth cast made for a delicious lunch. It doesn’t get much better than that. Of course, for consistent

Belting a lure out into the surf. The dog’s having fun chasing shadows, too!

long: anything from 3 to 4 m. This helps with casting and also keeps your line above the annoying surge and drag of the shore break. But don’t burden yourself with a telephone pole. Modern, lightweight surf sticks are a joy to use and will handle most of the fishy critters you’re likely to encounter. My favourites are the various Light Surf models in several ranges of Shimano rods, including my Jungle StiX and the amazing Catana Nanos. Balance the rod up with a 4000 to 6000 size eggbeater (spinning reel) spooled with some 4 to 8 kilo line (mono or braid)… and you’re in business! Finding the best spot to cast your bait or lure is the next trick. Beaches can be a bit like deserts, with the majority of their life concentrated around the “oases” represented by gutters, channels, holes or isolated outcrops of reef and

rock. Focus on these areas. Climb to the highest point behind the beach and use polarized sunglasses to help locate these features. Deeper water is darker, and unbroken areas in the foamy surf line indicate gutters or holes and their accompanying rips. Tides can be important, too. A rising or making tide tends to bring feeding fish closer to the beach. Often, and especially at high water, you’ll only need a short cast to reach them. Don’t make the mistake of always trying to punch holes in the horizon with your sinker. It’s easy to cast over the best fish, which may well be swimming literally at your feet, particularly on steeply sloping beaches. If that rising to high tide coincides with the half light of dawn or dusk, so much the better: it’s time to heat up the frying pan! One last but very important tip: modern, sophisticated reels don’t like sand. If you’re one of those folks who insist on lying their rod and reel in the grit, stick to an Alvey sidecast. They’re great surf reels,

anyway. But if you opt for more high tech’ equipment, never hit the beach without carrying a metre-long section of PVC pipe. Push this deep into the sand and stand your rod and reel in it every time you bait up, re-rig or need to put the outfit down. Trust me, your reels will last many years longer as a result. While it’s a tad cold in many areas right now, you

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can catch fish in the surf at any time of the year. In a few weeks from now, as winter’s grip finally weakens and gives way to spring, the appeal of this angling style will increase dramatically. Soon it will be time for shorts, bare legs, clean sand crunching between your toes and the tang of salt in your nostrils as you belt a bait or lure out over the break… Catching a fish is almost a bonus!

Fresh tailor for lunch… not bad!

FISHING FILL-ITS

Black Rhino’s 6.6m Walk Around Black Rhino Boats endeavours to produce the most striking Aluminium Plate Trailer boats available on Australia market today, with our designs being some of the most modern in the world. Our new range is unique and we are proud to announce we are bringing back an old favourite the Walk Around style, complete with all the latest fit out gear, a top quality finish and the option to include a toilet and fresh water facilities. Our standard Walk Around range consists of three sizes from 6.1m, 6.6m

up to 7.6m and combines the practicality of our Centre Console with the comfort of our Hard Top. Our boats are Australian made for Australian conditions, focusing on strong capabilities and superior performance in harsh waters. When our first 6.6m Walk Around was put through its paces during its first on water hit out anticipations were high among all involved. All minds were laid to rest as soon as the Mercury 200hp Verado motor roared into action. The boat was tested on differing water, wind and tide conditions. The performance and handling

exceeded all expectations, the day was a pure success. Passion, experience and dedication is what sets us above from the rest. When buying a Black Rhino Boat you are guaranteed to be satisfied, to put your mind at ease we offer a manufacturer’s warranty and ongoing service options here with Australia’s best and most experienced boat builder. BLACK RHINO BOATS 6.6M WALK AROUND SPECIFICATIONS: Length overall:........... 6.72m Length of hull:........... 6.59m Beam:....................... 2.495m BMT for garaging:....... 8.3m Bottom sheet:............... 5mm

blackrhinoboats.com.au. You can also visit www. blackrhinoboats.com.au for further information. – Black Rhino Boats

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