Queensland Fishing Monthly December 2016 by Fishing Monthly

JAM-PACKED WITH JACK TIPS • CHRISTMAS KAYAKING

Features

Boating and Kayaking

Mangrove jack mayhem – north and south • Christmas gift ideas • Summer breaming tricks • Swimbaiting Murray cod • Taming your boat ramp terrors •

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December 2016, Vol. 29 No. 2

Contents

Business Office: Unit 1, 11 Knobel Court, Shailer Park, Qld, 4128 Phone: (07) 3387 0800 Fax: (07) 3387 0801 Managing Editor: Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au Editorial Manager: Jacqui Thomas Sub-Editors: Bob Thornton Nicole Penfold Cordelia Adams Field Editors: Jason Ehrlich Wayne Kampe Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall

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Angus James absolutely loves catching mangrove jacks, and nailed this one up at Hinchinbrook. An Angus James image.

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contemplates how wonderful the giver is every time one drops into the mailbox. But there are some logistical issues. For instance, if you want a Gift Certificate to present to the recipient, then you’ll need to have the deal done by the 15th December to make sure that Australia Post has enough time to get the horse-and-cart loaded with the mail and have it to you by then. Kym and Marie in the Subs department would love to take your call and hook you up. You can freecall 1800 228 244 during business hours to get the job done. Or, if you’re more of an online shopper, click the “Subscribe” link on www. fishingmonthly.com.au and follow the links. You can do the whole process on your mobile phone if you like! Tight lines and have a great Christmas break.

Australia’s best anglers vying for the title, it was a major event, with all competitors supplied one of the new Hobie PA14s – with a reversing Mirage Drive. And the competitors were the first in the world to be able to try them out. Feedback was amazing, the event was amazing and Victorian Richard Somerton triumphed in waters 2000km from his home town. He was a truly deserving champion and anyone who saw the welloiled Hobie team in action can appreciate what a great job they did with their series this year. Keep an eye out for 2017 dates! CHRISTMAS SUBSCRIPTIONS Every year, we get a massive spike in subscriptions in the lead up to Christmas. And we know why – a Fishing Monthly sub is a gift that keeps on giving all year. The recipient doesn’t miss an issue and

DECEMBER 2016

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let the significant others in on what you really need for the tackle box or boat (and didn’t even know about yourself until you read it). Also, there’s a big spread on mangrove jack. These red devils come out in force when the water is warm and this year has been no exception. Haven’t caught one yet? There’s more than enough information inside to get you well on your way to your first. Like big, expensive lures? The cod swimbaiting feature will be right up your alley, with a rundown on how to feed these iconic fish lures as big as your shoe. Good thing is that a lot of these baits work on barra as well. Interesting! HOBIE AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP FM was proud to help out Hobie to run their 2016 Australian Championship event – hosted on Queensland’s Gold Coast. With over 50 of

AUST

A BUSY TIME OF YEAR ON THE WATER It’s hot, it’s busy and there’s plenty fired up in the warm water, which means that December can give you the best and worst fishing experiences of your life. The chance of a sneaky little black marlin while bottom bouncing in the South East is balanced by the ridiculous line at the boat ramp. And that metre barra at Peter Faust Dam is ready to bite – you just need to endure hellish temperatures to get a shot at it. Lucky we are Queenslanders and can swallow the bad with the good. All with a smile on the dial. There’s plenty of info inside our December issue that will get you excited for the summer months – starting with the Christmas Gift Guide. That’s an easy way to

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REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics 18 Camping and 4WD 89 Cooking 98 Dam Levels 84 Freshwater 84 Fun Page 67 Hotspot kayak 108 Junior Southern 49 Junior Northern 81 Sheik of the Creek 95 Tech Tricks 96 Tournament News 90 Trades and Services 104 What’s New Fishing 100 What’s New Boating 120 SPECIAL FEATURES Jack attack in the South East Jack tactics from the Far North Christmas gift ideas Tips for tricking bream Swimbaiting Murray cod Tame those boat ramp terrors

From the Editor’s Desk...

BOATING AND KAYAK

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND Whitsundays 72 Ayr 73 Townsville 74 Hinchinbrook 75 Lucinda 75 Cairns 76 Port Douglas 76 Cooktown 77 Cape York 78 Weipa 80

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND Hervey Bay 54 Rainbow Beach 54 Fraser Coast 56 Lake Monduran 58 Bundaberg 58 Gladstone 60 Gladstone Harbour 61 Rockhampton 62 Yeppoon 64 Mackay 660

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Tweed Heads 28 Southern Gold Coast 30 Gold Coast Canals 32 Gold Coast 34 Jumpinpin 36 Southern Bay 38 Brisbane 40 Brisbane Offshore 42 Northern Bay 44 Caloundra 46 Noosa 48

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Mangrove Jack

Getting jacked in the South East JACKS

Simon Goldsmith

Few species garner the respect and adoration of mangrove jack. Highlystrung, aggressive and with a reputation for a crashand-grab approach to living, mangrove jack are a fish that all light tackle anglers, both experienced

While they are abundant in numbers, they are far from easy to catch, with limited bite windows, bust-offs, weather, and gear failures just a small selection of things that can influence angling success and consistency. Mick Horn, Alex Roy, and Dean Thomson are three anglers that in many ways have unearthed the keys to jack fishing success, and

Alex similarly takes his cue for the warmer weather as we come out of winter, and spring starts to kick into gear. “Traditionally September is when it starts for me,” he said. “Once the winter westerlies lay down and the warm northerlies start to blow is when my attention turns to jack fishing. The onset of the warmer weather

Alex Roy loves using soft plastics to work over articifial structures in his home waters on the Gold Coast. and inexperienced, dream of catching. Found and caught throughout Queensland, it’s perhaps in the South East of the state where they are most revered. Here they occupy the mantle as the premier sportfish of the estuary. A species that has benefited from urban development and the increased abundance of habitat (bridges, pontoons, jetties), mangrove jack in the South East can be found in good numbers and in XOS sizes.

through hundreds of hours on the water have cracked the jack code. Here are their insights. TIME TO GO It’s no secret that mangrove jack come to life once the weather starts to warm. However, different anglers start targeting these fish at different times. “I start to chase them earlier than most,” explained Dean Thomson. “Once we get a couple of warmer days in August, that’s my cue to dust off the gear and start fishing for them.”

and northerlies sees a spike in water temperature, and this is very much the trigger for them to become more active.” Mick Horn has a similar thought process, and it’s around September that he starts hunting for his red dogs. “I do a lot of my jack fishing around the Broadwater area of the Gold Coast, and the Broadwater in September generally has plenty of bait,” he said. “I think this plays a big part in them starting to turn on at that time of the year. Once they start I’ll generally get plenty of fish, and big fish, up until November. I think in many ways they’re feeding up and waking up from winter during that time, so it greatly increases your chances of catching fish.” WHERE ARE YOU? When it comes to locations and habitat for chasing jacks, the South East is spoilt for both variety and abundance. Three structure types standout for our trio, and years and countless hours on the water have locked these spots as the most consistently productive places to target. “Mangroves, pontoons,

The name Mick Horn is synonomous with jacks, and it’s easy to see why!

Dean Thomson doesn’t mind getting right into the natural structure to find his jacks. and bridges are the big three,” said Alex. Dean is the one who loves the mangroves the most. It was a habitat type that he overlooked initiatally when he started chasing jacks in the South East, but time in the tropics soon saw him key in on the potential of mangroves, and how to best catch jacks from them. “Mangroves are best fished on the last of the run-in, and the start of the run,” he explained. “The fish will move up in the shallows to feed and it’s when they do this that you can target them with shallow surface plastic presentations.” Of course, being able to identify the best mangrove stretch from the million of other mangrove banks is the hard part. Dean has a few things he looks for when trying to find the money bank that will hold fish. “I look for changes in formation, cut backs, current breaks, structure and features that will provide cover for them to ambush prey from,” he said. “The other all-import thing that I look for is low tide cover, or a home that the fish will drop back to on a

falling tide.” The truth of Dean’s rationale is evident in his go-to mangrove stretch in the South East. A relatively nondescript location in the middle of nowhere and away from obvious jack holding cover, it’s a 100m stretch of bank that is lucky to have 3ft of water on it on the top tide. The fish, however, move into the area from a nearby submerged structure, feed on the top of the tide, then retreat back. COVER ME It’s this need for cover between feeds that sees pontoons as the most dominant habitat type in the South East. Anyone who has spent time on the Gold Coast Broadwater or up the Nerang will know just how pontoons the area has to offer, and the jacks have taken full advantage of their presence. “A pontoon will hold fish at all stages of the tide and at all times of the day,” Alex explained. “That’s something that tide-dependant structures like mangroves don’t necessarily do. “Of course, they won’t hold in the same place on that pontoon throughout the

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Mangrove Jack tide and day,” Mick added. “They’ll reposition as the water falls and rises, ebbs and flows, the sunlight intensifies and adjusts position, and of course, bait moves and varies in its abundance and type.” When it comes to finding the needle in the haystack and finding the pontoons and areas that fish gravitate towards, our three anglers look for particular features and attributes. “Jacks are a relatively lazy fish, so I look for pontoons that have current but have a spots where the jack can sit out of the current

and ambush prey from,” Alex explained. “The more structure and cover that’s in the area the better, and if there’s small drain with flow that’s likely to attract bait then all the better.” Pontoon size is another thing that Alex looks for, and the bigger the better. “The bigger the pontoon then the bigger the roof over their head and they love that,” he said. “Add in growth on the pontoon, a boat tied up on the front, or even better, a seapen, then I’m confident there will be a jack at home.”

Great minds think alike. and Mick similarly looks for pontoons with current, the presence of which delivers bait to jacks in waiting. “Current results in pressure points and helps create ambush points that jacks will hold up in,” he said. “If you want to find pontoons that will consistently produce fish, then this is what you want to look for.” A BRIDGE NOT TOO FAR While Mick has caught plenty of fish off pontoons, bridges also feature heavily

GETTING LURED Lure selection can be challenging, our pros give us their top jack baits: Dean’s Top Jack Lures • 5” Nories Spoon Tail Shad (gold or chatreuse), Texas rigged on 1/2-1/4oz (5/0) worm hook/bullet weight setup – mangroves and pontoons • Nories Deep Laydown Minnow – pontoons and natural banks • Ecogear SX60 (348) – pontoons • Ecogear PP 60F – pontoons and rock walls Mick’s Top JackLures • 4” ZMan Diezel MinnowZ (white), rigged on a 1/2oz (3/0) TT HeadlockZ jighead – pontoons • Lucky Craft Shallow Pointer 100 (Gekiatsu gill and gold) – pontoons • 4” ZMan SwimmerZ, rigged on a 1/2oz (3/0) TT Head Hunter jighead – pontoons • Lucky Craft XD Pointer 100 (striped shad and MS ghost chart shad) – bridges • Lucky Craft G-Splash 80mm (gold) – rock walls Alex’s Top Jack Lures • 5” Castaic Jerky J Swim (French blue) rigged on a 3/8oz (7/0) TT jighead – pontoons • OSP Power Dunk (sexy shad) – rock walls and rock bars • Castaic soft plastic rigged (natural colours) on 1/4oz (6/0) Weighted Owner Beast hook – natural structure • OSP Yamato Jnr (natural mullet) – topwater • Imakatsu Super Killer Bill (natural colour) – shutdown pontoon bite

on his run sheet of hot spots. Not all bridges are created equal though, and Mick seeks out particular types with particular features. “I like the bridges that have the large concrete block that sits atops the pylons,” he said. “Traditionally, these blocks sits out of the water then extends down into the water a few feet and create are large shaded rooftop that the fish will sit under.” Current is one thing that Mick looks for, but there’s a line between enough current and too much. “You want that current to push because it triggers the bite, but if it gets too strong the fish will move, drop deep or hold super tight to cover. It also makes it more difficult to get your lure in the zone properly, and to work the lure just right,” he explained. “In this situation, I often stay on the same bridge but move to the pylons closer to shore and more out of the current.” An adjustment that is often the difference between success and failure. IN DEEP Knowing where to fish is one thing, and knowing how to fish the location is something else entirely. In the mangroves, Dean fishes deep in the cover, and varies what he does and his retrieve until he cracks the pattern of what the fish want.

Baitcast tackle is often favoured for mangrove jack fishing in the South East. “My go-to lure is a Texas-rigged Nories Spoon Tail Shad, and I skip it as far back and as deep into cover as I can,” he said. “I then vary the retrieve between a slow roll, burn, twitch, and pause. Usually somewhere in amongst all those you’ll find the speed and movement that triggers them to bite.” Working the lure through

the cover and past where the fish are likely to be holding is obviously crucial, as is making repeated casts to likely-looking cover. If it looks good to you, there’s a very good chance a jack will think likewise. Laydowns, current breaks, shade pockets and any ambush points, regardless of how To page 12

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Mangrove Jack From page 11

small or big, are all likely hot spots. Keeping your eyes open for bait movement, and in particular panicked or fleeing bait is important, as this is a tell-tale sign that a jack may be home. It pays to pay attention to everything. ACTING SHADY While pontoons are relatively straightforward and systematic to fish, fishing them thoroughly and for maximum result is another story. “A lot of jack anglers when they fish pontoons will hit the front, then each end and that’s about it. To fish

pontoons to their best you need to fish the ones that are hardest to fish and hit the features on the pontoon that aren’t always easy to get a lure into or near,” Alex explained. A soft plastic is a regular go-to for Alex on the pontoons. The 5” Castaic Jerky J Swim is his preferred bait due its pronounced tail action and its ability to continue to beat at super slow speeds. With a Jerky J in hand, Alex won’t cast at just anything on the pontoon but instead focuses on key features. “The gaps and slots

between structure are the places you want to reach,” he explained, “and in most cases I try and skip the lure into them.” The gap between the boat and pontoon, a jet ski slide hanging off a pontoon, the walkways and poles, and most notably the motor of a boat tied up to a pontoon are all features that consistently produce fish for Alex. “The harder a spot is to get a lure into and the more shade and cover it offers, generally the better it is,” he explained. Dean thinks just like Alex when it comes to

Few fish can match the power for their size of a mangrove jack.

fishing pontoons. “Lures are replaceable, fish aren’t, so you want to put your lure into nastiest and hardest spots to reach and give yourself every possible chance to get a bite,” he said. For Dean, this means hitting every spot on a pontoon, often making repeated casts to the one feature. When it comes to how deep he fishes his plastic, Dean tries to have his lure swimming 2-3” deeper than the bottom of the pontoon. The poles, however, come in for their own special attention; Dean likes to pause his retrieve and sink his plastic down next to the poles. “The jacks love to hold on poles,” he explained, “but they often sit deeper on these than they do on the pontoon itself, so it’s important to let the lure sink down to where they are.” POWER UP Mick adopts a power fishing approach when it comes to hitting pontoons with plastics. He works an area relatively quickly, focusing on the current pressure points on the pontoon, and swim a ZMan plastic past them to draw a response. “I don’t like to give them too long to look at the bait,” he said. “It’s very much about trying to get a

This cranky jack wanted that hardbody! reaction bite.” While Mick catches fish from all areas of a pontoon, it’s the short sides, the ends, and the back of the pontoons (shore side) that he finds the most productive. “The ends offer great ambush opportunities, while the back of the pontoon is a great low tide and dropping water spot,” he said. “It allows the fish to intercept

the bait that’s pushed off the bank with the falling tide.” HARDEN UP It’s not all soft around the pontoons for our trio though, with Alex in particular using a hardbait approach at times, particularly when the fish are less active. An Imakatsu Killer Bill is Alex’s staple in this situation, and he de-tunes the lure so it tracks off centre.

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Mangrove Jack “With the lure de-tuned I cast parallel along the face of the pontoon, crank the lure down, then switch and pause the lure as it tracks down and in under the pontoon,” Alex explained. “This is a technique that very much takes the lure to fish, in under the pontoon and into the face of a waiting jack. You do need current for this to work though. Current assists in drawing the lure in under the pontoon, and also helps trigger the fish to bite.” Although the location, angler or technique may vary, the common theme is casting accuracy. All our anglers are exceptional casters, and experience

and time on the water has shown our anglers that the difference between success and failure will often come down to inches, at times even less. So my advice is learn how to cast, and learn how to cast your lure into areas that other anglers can’t and won’t reach. You’ll be rewarded for it if you can. ROD RAGE Tackle selection is crucial when chasing jacks, and inferior gear that’s too light for the task will leave you under-resourced and undergunned. As Alex put it, “using the wrong gear is like taking a knife to a gun fight.” When it comes to choosing the right tool for the

South East Queensland is known for challenging jack fishing, but the fish are often XOS size.

job, our trio generally turn to baitcaster tackle to handle the rigors of jack fishing. “A baitcaster gives you the stopping power that you need, and also the casting control that you don’t nesscarily get with spin gear,” Dean explained. When it comes to rod selection, Alex has two go-tos, both from the Edge Rods stable: a BCR 664 Black Widow and a MBR 684 First Strike. Both are matched to Daiwa Zillions spooled with 25lb Toray Jigging PE, and 30lb leader. “These rods have the lightness to make casting easy and efficient, yet still have the power to muscle fish in heavy cover,” he said. “The 684 is my preferred soft plastic rod due to its ability to be able to skip plastics with absolute ease.” Dean likes to use a 6’8” rod, and the new JML Alliance Senstation HD is the one that he reaches for more than any at the moment. “A medium to heavy rod around 6’8” is right on mark for this style of fishing,” Dean said. “It’s the ideal length for underhand and skip casting yet still has the length you need.” When it comes to skipping lures into cover, few people can match the skills of Dean, and with a baitcaster in his hand he’s a

A brace of chunky South East jacks from the Gold Coast. You can tell Mick’s happy with these two! model of casting efficiency and smoothness. “Most of the time I use my left hand for both fishing and casting, and crank the reel with my right hand,” he said. “This makes the casting process a fluid, one-motion process, and means your hand’s always in the power position for when the strike comes.” Matched to Dean’s rods are Shimano Ci4 reels spooled with 30lb Yamatoyo PE and 20-60lb fluorocarbon leader. Mick follows a similar trend to Alex and Dean when it comes to rod selection, with his favoured baitcaster being a Dobyns 664 Savy

matched to a Daiwa Tatula spooled with 20lb Sunline Super PE and 20-30lb flurocarbon leader. However, he also has a spin rod setup in his line-up. “I often use a spin rod on the bridges because it allows me to make those long casts when I need to,” he explained. “As well as that, it allows me to take up line quickly and take control of the fight faster than I can with a baitcaster.” His go-to spin rod, just like his baitcaster, comes from the Dobyns stable – a Dobyns Champion 705. GETTING JACKED So there you have

it – the inside goss from the three of the best in the South East when it comes to catching jacks. Mangrove jack are one of the most challenging species to catch in this part of the world, and while there’s not much that we can do to influence the outcome once you get a bite, hopefully we’ve given you the information that will help influence your ability to get that bite. Remember that nothing replaces experience and time on the water when it comes to angling success, so get out there, get fishing, and enjoy the sensational jack fishing that the South East has to offer.

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Mangrove Jack

Jack tactics from tropical Far North Queensland FRESHWATER

Angus James Instagram: @jimmygusjames

Red devils, dogtooth bream, or red dogs – these are a few of the names given to one of Australia’s favourites. Of course I’m talking about the mighty mangrove jack. They’re brilliant to look at with their deep reddish-bronze appearance and vibrant markings and they’re a fish with real character and aggression. Experts in the art of ambush, jacks are true hunters armed with razor sharp teeth like canines, to pin and devour their prey with speed and explosive power. It’s easy to become addicted to targeting this iconic brute of a sportfish. Members of the Lutjanidae family, these fish are simply magnificent. The aggressive nature and extraordinary lifecycle of this magical species can only be admired and respected. Well-known for their brute power and strength, jacks are the champions of getting the upper hand in the battle against fishers, many times resulting in an angler

their life cycle. As juveniles, they’ll be found in the upper reaches of rivers and freshwater streams. As they grow older, they begin to venture out to the tidal mangrove estuaries, rocky walls and headlands. Occasionally, bigger models will be happy to stay in the fresh for longer periods, sometimes even heading many kilometres upstream – these make a surprising reward for anglers who intend to get jungle perch or sooty grunter. Up here in the tropical north, a 50cm+ brute from the snags is a trophy fish. Often when they get to this size, they’ll begin making their migration out to the reefs. During this extraordinary journey, they can be found hanging around the many rocky headlands, wrecks and caves. Eventually when they make it out to the reefs, they can grow massive and well over the 20lb range. What a spectacular life cycle! Most of the lure fishing for mangrove jacks takes place in the creeks and estuaries. These fish are the master of ambush and will often be found positioned in heavy structure. They

Mangrove jack are aggressive, territorial and whole heap of heart-racing fun! is breathtaking compared to anything else, as the instant pulling power from a jack is very unique. Any slip in concentration when jack fishing will result in brutal bust offs and complete railings into the snags. Mangrove jacks can be caught all year round, but

becomes the main focus. Many keen lure fishers look forward to this time of the year, because the jack fishing action is red-hot! In the tropical north, there are plenty of ideal locations to target jacks. My all time favourite place for them is the Hinchinbrook Channel. Hinchinbrook Island is Australia’s largest island national park. It’s an absolutely pristine environment with spectacular rugged mountain backdrops and endless mazes of creeks and rivers to explore. It’s a magical part of the world. Catching fish is a bonus.

Jacks love to get hard up in the cover. Accurate casting is the key to unlocking them from the snags. Getting your presentation deep into the structure and as close to them as possible is what it’s all about. I rig my plastics weedless so I can be in the strike zone without getting snagged up. It’s just a matter of time before an angry red dog jumps on. The most important part of the fight is without a doubt the very start. Get the upper hand early for a good chance of winning the battle. Having a tight drag is a must – sometimes even with a locked up drag,

they’ll still be able to pull line of the spool. Using rods that absorb the shock will save your line from breaking under the violent whip lash effect. There is intense power in the initial hit. I use a rod rated 3-6kg matched with a 2500 reel. I run 15lb Platypus Braid with a 30lb fluorocarbon leader. This combo allows me to flick lightly weighted presentations into the honey holes and still have the authority in the butt section of the rod to turn them from the heavy structure they will power towards. Knot strength is of utmost importance and the FG knot is a tough, reliable one that gives me the confidence to pull fish out without any issues. Tides are important when it comes to jack fishing, but the perfect tides don’t always line up with the days we have off. You can catch them at all times of the tide, but on a high tide, I like to take advantage of the smaller creeks and go exploring. Some of my best fish have come from the smaller creeks that only get enough water up them during a big tide. When you start getting to know a system, have a game plan for where you want to be fishing at certain times of the tide. This will be a great advantage. My favourite time to be casting for jacks is the few hours leading up to the low. The snags and rocks begin to be exposed and the baitfish, crustaceans and other food

A range of lures will work on these beasts. Sometimes a red colour that resembles a smaller jack will entice a strike. confused and shaking as the adrenaline continues to pump through their veins. Almost every angler becomes addicted to targeting this iconic species, especially when they experience that first jack hit! They require solid preparation, outsmarting and sometimes a bit of luck to catch, but when it all comes together it’s a fantastic feeling that leaves you on a high and wanting more! Jacks inhabit a wide range of locations during 14

DECEMBER 2016

use elements such as tide, currents, wind direction and overhanging vegetation to make their assault on unsuspecting baitfish and crustaceans. They often hit their target on the way back to cover – a very intelligent predator. I like to call it the ‘fish hook attack.’ In a flash, they’ve already circled the prey to smash them with their powerful jaw-snapping teeth. All of this happens at full speed towards the cover they ventured out from. The strike

really start to fire during the warmer months. The extra humidity gets them super aggressive and during these times of the year, you can target them on a wide range of lures including hardbodies and soft plastics. Surface presentations will always be entertaining and can result in amazing sessions, especially in the low light conditions. My favourite time is when the sun is going down. With the closure of barramundi season, targeting jacks

With barra closed season, targeting jacks is the main focus – keen lure fishers look forward to this time of the year, because the jack action is red-hot!

Mangrove Jack will be forced out and hanging around these areas. With just a little bit of run, you can really allow your presentation to naturally drift under the snags. Jacks will be waiting for the food to come to them! Always keep an eye out for likely looking areas and mark good looking exposed snags and rocks on your sounder. On your next session, you’ll have a great start. When prospecting for mangrove jack you can expect to see a wide range of other species sharing the same snags. Some of the by-catches are very exciting. Golden snapper can make an appearance, and expect to see plenty of cod, grunter

Elaztech plastic they are made from can take an absolute beating and will swim perfect every time. I rig them weedless, because being able to get a presentation deep into cover is such an advantage when it comes to jack fishing. There’s a wide range of lures that have proven to be jack candy many times. These fish are super territorial, so often when things get a bit quiet, I like to tie on a colour that may resemble a smaller jack. If you find a good snag, peppering it from every angle can often stir up an aggression strike. A really important tool when it comes to mangrove jack fishing is a good pair

filled with excitement from the preparation of rigging all the gear to the early mornings on the water. The scenery that surrounds you when you’re out hunting is always magnificent, especially up here in the tropical north – the wildlife you get to see is spectacular! I feel very privileged to target them on a regular basis. While I’ve been sitting here in front of my computer writing about my favourite fish, I must say I’m getting rather excited. In a few weeks, my old man is flying up from South Australia to come fishing with me for a few days. He’s never been jack fishing and I can’t wait to get him onto his first ever

The author getting in the thick of it – jacks love hiding in snags. Watch out for crocs, though!

Jacks inhabit a wide range of locations during their life. Juveniles can be found in the upper reaches of rivers and freshwater streams. As they grow older, they begin to venture out. and barra. It’s a big lucky dip sometimes – you never know what’s going to jump on next! I love using soft plastic lures for my jack fishing. My favourite artificial presentations to use are from ZMan. They look fantastic and life-like through the water, and they’re super tough. Their buoyancy makes them perfect for skipping into the tight spots where a jack is likely to be waiting. The

of polarised sunglasses. These help to hone in to what’s happening under the water and locate hidden snags, fallen logs or rocks ledges. Be aware of your surroundings and tune into the elements. This is what jack fishing’s all about. Mangrove jack is by far my favourite species to target. They’re extraordinary fish that require plenty of research and hours on the water to get results. The lead up to a jack session is always

mangrove jack! It’s going to be great to watch him feel the power of this amazing fish, but getting him to land one is a different story. I wish everyone the best of luck out there in the great outdoors, targeting this tough brute of a fish. I hope you don’t get busted off too many times in the process. Remember, a fisher won’t remember every fish they catch, but they’ll always remember the places it takes them.

The author with an impressive jack.

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A few very basic steps can not only improve your enjoyment of summertime fishing, but also dramatically reduce the likelihood of injury from accidents and mishaps.

a timely opportunity for a gentle reminder about common sense steps and simple precautions that will not only enhance personal comfort and safety on or beside the water, but could actually save a life… maybe even your own! If we’re completely honest, no one really enjoys a safety briefing. Most

difference in the “unlikely event of an emergency.” The same is true with simple safety procedures surrounding fishing and boating activities. Here’s a dozen vital tips you can read and share with others. ANYWHERE AROUND THE WATER Be sun smart – cover up, wear a hat and quality

Rock fishing presents its own special challenges and dangers. Dress appropriately, select the right footwear and never turn your back on the sea.

Wearing an inflatable PFD or life jacket while fishing from a boat or kayak is hardly a major hassle. This simple routine could easily save your life. The summer ‘silly season,’ school holidays and long-awaited annual work vacations are fast approaching for a large percentage of the Australian population – this is perhaps

of us automatically tune out the moment an airline steward launches into a well rehearsed pre-flight briefing. Yet, just a few minutes attention at such times can actually make a huge

sunglasses, regularly apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion to any exposed skin. Know at least basic first aid and resuscitation procedures. Have access to a wellstocked first aid kit. If you

Always carry at least twice as much fuel and drinking water as you expect to need when heading out to sea.

can’t swim, never go fishing alone! Better yet, learn to swim… Tell someone responsible where you’re going, when you expect to return and how you can be contacted. ON THE OCEAN ROCKS Observe your chosen spot for at least 20 minutes from a safe vantage point before venturing out to it. Dress appropriately for that spot – wear shoes or sandals with good grip and loose-fitting, lightweight clothing you can easily swim in. Seriously consider

wearing an approved PFD or floatation vest, even if doing so is not mandated by law. Carry a throw-able floatation aid or buoy attached to a 20m length of light rope. BOAT AND KAYAK FISHING Wear an approved PFD, buoyancy vest or life jacket whenever and wherever mandated by law, but also at any other time of increased risk. Carry at least twice as much drinking water and fuel (in a power boat) as you think you’ll need. Check all your safety gear at the

Following basic safety steps every time you fish can not only prevent injury, but also increase your enjoyment of our wonderful pastime.

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beginning of the season and replace anything that’s damaged or out of date. Know the rules of the water, watch out for others and be easily seen yourself. Operate navigation lights in low light or poor visibility. None of these things are rocket science, but I’m constantly amazed at how many people flout, forget or ignore them on a regular basis. We like all our readers, so please take care out there. Enjoy the silly season, rather than regretting it!

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Mulloway save summer bags YAMBA

Dave Gaden

December is here with the promise of warmer water and pelagic fish offshore. Expect mackerel, both spotted and Spanish to have made their normal early run to Shark Bay on the north side of Woody Head, as well as Freeburn Rock to Shelly Headland to the south. Normally, there’s an early arrival around the last week of November to the first week of December. Then they disappear for two weeks and come back in good numbers the week before Christmas. It’s not hard to see when mackerel are on the bite in Shark Bay – the amount of boats trolling around is a dead giveaway. This area is really well protected from the weather and many can get out and chase big fish in boats as small as 3m long. The FAD off Yamba was reinstalled in September in the same spot for the fourth year. It should have enough

growth now for the first of the mahimahi to show. Small live baits are by far the most productive way to fish the FAD early in the season. It can get a bit busy out there at times, so a bit of etiquette will go a long way to giving everyone a fair crack at the fish. Offshore, the south Evans area has produced lovely mulloway even when other fish are hard to find. Mixed with them have been the odd fantastic snapper to 8kg, but as the water warms these grounds will fill with fish that have been hanging on the wider grounds. Look for the bait shoals deep and close to the reef as the trag and snapper will sit just down current of these, usually south. Southern grounds from Red Cliff to Sandon River will be holding nice tuskfish and pearlies in 30-40m of water. Drifting this beautiful piece of reef is the most productive. These fish rarely shoal up, so the need to cover a lot of ground is essential. An average day on this reef can produce up to a dozen

SIZE MATTERS… MEASURE UP!

different species of fish, and with the warmer water, we quite often encounter the odd visitor from the north. In the past, we’ve caught large-mouth nannigai, red emperor, coral trout and red throat emperor in this area, so you really never know what’s going to hit the icebox. For those who like to venture further offshore, the 50 fathom line is home to some nice pearl perch this time of year. The real drama is the current – check the forecast water temperature charts before you go, as

Browns Rocks area upstream is always a good spot in December. The reef is only 3m deep on top, but drops to almost 12m on the south side. Top of the reef is a good bream spot, but I like the drop off. If you can anchor the boat right, you can sometimes drop a nice live bait just over the lip. This is big flathead and mulloway ground. You will only have limited time to fish this area, as the tides really boil here, so planning is a must. Local tide times are for the mouth of the river, but Browns Rocks can change up

April from Inverell with a huge snapper. a waste of time this month. Just slow troll amongst the weed beds and hang on. If you don’t want to travel that far, then trolling the area we call Yamba Bay from the Calypso Caravan Park to the end of the Gantry Wall is an easy fish and worth the effort.

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Mason, 8-years-old, from Mildura with a gummy shark. they’ll indicate if the current is boiling down from the north. There are times when you travel 20nm to the grounds and the current is so hard you can’t reach the bottom using a fridge as a sinker – a long drive for no fish. When it’s good, there are yellowtail kingfish, amberjack, samsonfish, pigfish, morwong and snapper to be had in good numbers. The river has fished well lately and signs are it’s going to be a great start to summer. I have fished the entrance to the lake lately for beautiful sand whiting – all great fish with very few throwbacks. These will just get better throughout December. Blue swimmer crabs were thick enough up there for us to catch them on worms while fishing for the whiting. Don’t forget to throw some dillies in and check them regularly. Try the western end of Whiting Beach in the river for whiting on poppers. It’s great fun if you’ve never tried it before, and very productive once you get it right.

to an hour and a half later. Just south of this reef in the river, before you get to the caravan park, is a good spot for small mulloway. I usually anchor the boat and flick white plastics just on the start of the run out working them back to the boat. It’s heaps of fun on light gear. For those who only want to catch a feed this may be a waste of time, as most of these fish don’t make 70cm. Flathead have been good lately with a lot of fish around the Broadwater and Harwood areas. The river has a lot of school prawns and these bigger fish are holding in the deeper areas on the run-out tide waiting for the prawn feast. My biggest selling lures for these have been the ZMan StreakZ Curly TailZ in motor oil and the Zerek Tango Shad in dark brown. Trolling the tango shads in about 1.5-2m of water has really taken a lot of fish. The shallows from the Big4 Holiday Park boat ramp to the gun club opposite Browns Rocks will not be

Matt from Inverell caught this great mulloway.

Boom time for Ballina as predators will fire up BALLINA

Joe Allan

It seems as if the end of the year has rolled around very quickly, and it certainly seems we rushed into summer at a great rate of knots. The water temperature has kept climbing steadily, and now the warm water has really gotten things going. OFFSHORE Offshore fishing has been in that transition from winter to summer, and only recently have we seen the latter really come through. A few snapper, big mulloway and trag have been haunting the close ground such as Lennox and Riordans reefs, and they have happily taken

A quality whiting taken on Bassday Sugapen in the new C264 colour. soft plastics, micro-jigs and live baits. As the warm current starts rolling down the hill, we’ll see some mahimahi

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hanging around the FAD, and we may even get a few early season mackerel showing up around Christmas. From all reports, anglers are having a cracking mackerel run to the north, so it should be another good mackerel season down in Ballina. With reports of mahimahi from Tweed Heads to Byron Bay, they can’t be too far away from hitting our reefs. The odd pearl perch is still hanging around the 42 and 48-fathom lines. Live baits have accounted for some of the larger models, but some of the heavier micro-jigs and brightcoloured plastics have

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also tempted plenty of the smaller fish. Good numbers of small kingfish have been hammering live baits and knife jigs on the wider grounds. Most of the fish are between 60-90cm, but the odd larger fish has also shown up. A few snapper and small amberjack have also been mixed in among the kingfish, so it has been a bit of a lottery as to what you are going to pull up next. BEACHES While the odd gutter is visible on South Ballina and Angels beaches, the numbers of fish they are producing has been fairly low. Some of the better action has come from Boulders and Seven Mile beaches, with quality dart and bream taking pipis and beach worms during the run-up tide. At this time of year, we usually see a few of the

fish can do serious damage to your rigs. Some of the betterquality whiting have been coming from the beaches rather than the Richmond River of late. As with the dart, pipis and beach worms have been the gun baits for these tasty little critters, but if you can’t get your hands on either of those baits, then you could try strips of squid or peeled prawns. Just remember that when fishing the beach for whiting, they do not need a lot of water, so don’t get caught up with finding the deepest gutter you can, because

Aiden Kane with a cracking mulloway taken from a close reef off South Ballina. quite often they are right at your feet in some of the skinniest water imaginable, particularly at night. RIVER FISHING We have still seen quality flathead from Pimlico Island to the mouth of the

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Tayla Egan with a stonker snapper that she caught at Riordans Reef on an Atomic Prong. straggling tailor make their way up the coast. Late in the afternoon it will be worth throwing a pilchard, mullet fillet or bonito strip out in a likely looking gutter. You may not see any large numbers of these razortoothed eating machines, but the ones that do come into the gutters at night are generally quality fish, so be ready and have wire traces handy because these larger

lures changing constantly and for no apparent reason. Bassday Sugapens are the lures that have been producing the best, and these can be retro-fitted with either Atomic Trick Bitz assist hooks or Gamakatsu Treble Wide Gap hooks to improve hook-up rates, so check them out next time you are in your local tackle shop. One fish species that has been surprisingly numerous this season is the mangrove jack. Some good reports have been coming in of quality fish caught on both hardbodied lures and live baits. The

Richmond. Most of the larger fish have taken live herring and the smaller fish have fallen to dark-coloured soft plastics, prawns and white pilchards. The whiting have shown interest in surface lures in recent weeks, especially in some of the shallow areas such as North Creek and Mobbs Bay. Each day has been different, with the level of aggression towards the

Atomic Shiner 75, Lucky Craft Pointer in the 78 and 100mm sizes and ZMan 4” SwimmerZ have all been good options. Most of the rock walls from Wardell Bridge to the mouth of the river have produced at least a couple of fish in the past month, especially on the run-out tide in the afternoons. I’m not sure if more of these awesome fighting fish are around this year, or more people are targeting them, but either way it’s great to see them in our river system. The best part about most of the jack reports is that the majority of fish are being released to fight another day. The bass are on the chew and are spread out all over the system. With the balmy evenings, the surface bite will really hot up towards Christmas time and all the way through the end of January. If you haven’t tried this style of fishing for our aggressive freshwater natives, get some poppers and have a crack! You might be surprised at how much fun and how addictive it can be. Look for any over hanging trees that have cicadas making an awful racket. You don’t even need to be accurate with your casting, as when the cicadas fall, they’re generally out from the bank, not right up the back in the shadows where you’d be casting your spinnerbaits or crankbaits.

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This summer is Iluka’n good ILUKA

Ross Deakin

Nothing beats the smell of long, hot summer days and afternoon storms, except summer whiting frying in the pan. Great fish have been caught around the sand flats, especially on the Yamba side and local beaches. They’re being caught on poppers and the popular Bassday Sugar Pens in the 70mm 4.3g size. Bream numbers have been a bit quiet, but a few

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fish of good size have been taken in the river off the Iluka wall and beaches. Charlie McLiesh weighed in a nice 1kg fish on 1

November and a whopping 3.2kg flathead. Both were caught at Browns Rocks. There have been a few nice trevally caught off the Bluff and Woody Head, like Stuart Bower’s 2.7kg fish caught on 31 October. Rhys Franflin caught a 4.86kg kingfish offshore in late October. Lovely snapper have been taken straight off Woody Head headland and close in like Zeke Keleris’ 4kg snapper taken at Woody Head on 29 October. Allan Hepper weighed in a great snapper on 6 October at 6.5kg, caught at Black Rock. Tailor have been quiet this year, unfortunately, but the odd chopper has been taken. Word is that the Spanish

Bream numbers have been a bit quiet.

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Mantis Green

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Pelagics quickly parading into Tweed Coast THE TWEED

Josh Gurney

Spring has promptly sprung to an end. Warmer days, howling northerlies and evening thunderstorms have set the scene for another cliché summer, but it’s not all sunburn and pedestal fans – summer brings with it a host of good fishing. The Tweed area particularly fires up this season. As the mercury rises, we can expect to see good scores of mangrove jack through the river and creeks.

In the offshore department, mackerel, marlin, mahimahi, tuna and trevally should all start to push up the coast as the water temperature rises. These oceanic speedsters respond well to most presentations, whether it’s a frozen pilly or a lively yakka, however, the recent surface lure fishing movement has devoured many anglers – myself included. It’s the most exciting visual form of fishing currently partaken in. To set up for this kind of fishing, use long spinning rods in the 7’6 to 8’3 range to maximise casting

distance. Add to that a highgeared spinning reel capable of holding at least 300m of 60lb braid and dealing out a considerable amount of drag (15-30kg). For lures, there are two main options – poppers and stickbaits. These work in particular conditions. Traditionally, poppers are thrown in slightly rougher conditions to grab attention and bring fish in from further away, while still providing an appealing presentation that many pelagics can’t turn down. In contrast, stickbaits are used A whopper GT – you’d need tough gear to pull in that beast!

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in calmer water to provide a more subtle presentation while still alerting fish to their presence. Poppers and stickbaits can be expensive for lures. Many of the best lures come from Japan, are handcrafted and have paint jobs that leave them looking like they should be preserved in an art gallery, rather than tossed around in search of toothy monsters to steal these $100 timber crafts. Popular affordable stickbaits that are proven performers along the Tweed Coast include the CSP range of stickbaits by FCL, the DUO rough trail Aromosa and the Shimano Orca lures. As far as poppers go, the FCL Ebipop and Reefs Edge poppers are reliable choices and easy to get working along the surface. The most crucial part to offshore surface fishing is the retrieve and this varies from lure to lure. The best thing to do is to go

down to a local pond or river with the lures then practice your cast and experiment with different retrieves until you find the sweet spot. Most poppers will work with a blooping method made by a sharp movement in the rod tip, which causes the lure to push through the water splashing from the cup of the popper and

The warmer water brings in a bunch of new species.

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creating an enticing bubble trail in its wake. For stickbaits the most common retrieve is a long slow sweep of the rod tip followed by a pickup of the loose line. This is then repeated throughout the retrieve and can include pauses and speed changes. A straight, fast retrieve works well for fast fish like mackerel

Plenty of smaller trevally have been getting around, and soft plastics is a good way to fool them.

and wahoo. It can also trigger other pelagics to feed. Along the Tweed Coast, we’re fortunate enough to have a host of reefs on our doorstep that attract pelagics through the summer months. Anywhere from Kingscliff to the Nine Mile is worth a crack, and often riddled with fish. An alternative to fishing the reefs is finding current lines or feeding schools – these areas may seem obvious, but can really produce in the right situations.

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Mangrove jack are heating up inshore.

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Fish early, switched-on anglers are lining up SOUTHERN GOLD COAST

Danny Sands

It’s a crazy time in the South East with school holidays and great weather. This can put pressure on the local estuaries and the close offshore reefs. Early morning trips and night fishing will be the way to score a feed in December. Whiting fishing in the Nerang River has been going nuts – plenty of whiting and a few good elbow slappers over 40cm have been landed recently. The key to whiting is to get a good supply of fresh bait like bloodworms, canal wrigglers, small soldier crabs and the humble yabbies.

The Council Chambers and Cronin Island still fish well in heavy boat traffic, but night runs can produce the bigger whiting. Fishing surface lures for whiting can be very addictive. The Bassday Sugapens and Atomic Hardz K9 Walkers have been working well for me. Try the sandbanks behind the Tweed Heads Golf Course, the yabby banks near the Highway bridge in Tallebudgera Creek and upper Coombabah Creek can fish from the bank as well as from a boat. Hopping jetties to cast soft and hard baits for jacks can be difficult around the Christmas holidays due to the amount of boat traffic. Soaking live and dead baits at night seems to be the go at this time

of year for mangrove jack. In the Coomera River, look at places like the rock bar opposite Sanctuary Cove and the rock bar next to Santa Barbara and any of the bridges. Try the Nerang River, the rock bar at TSS School, the old Titanium Bar, Council Chambers

gold Bombers. Plenty of sand crabs are on offer this month and make excellent chewing for Christmas lunch. Reports say that Aldershots and weed patches around the swimming enclosure at Southport have been the best places. OFFSHORE Last year we saw an

Mermaid Reef. Car park crowds will gather when they’re on, so early morning starts are best. I berley hard and float half pillies with small 3/0 Octopus hooks. It seems to work the best. Try spinning 25 and 40g slugs through the berley trail while you are waiting for

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Beat the Christmas crowds and head to Hinze Dam for some quality bass like this specimen. and the deep hole next to Bundall Bridge. The Chinderah and the Tumbulgum bridges in the Tweed fish well for mangrove jack this month. Live herring and poddy mullet work well, but a strip of mullet fillet always gets the attention of larger prey. Barramundi will be worth a crack this month. It’s a common occurrence on the Gold Coast that most anglers are tight lipped on areas to catch them. The causeway in the Coomera River and the floodgates in Boobegan Creek will be worth a try. Try casting soft plastics like the 4” and 6” ZMan SwimmerZ and hardbody lures like the

early run of spotted mackerel in December and the reports up north suggest that we’ll see a welcome early run this year as well. Palm Beach will see the first run before they make their way up to

your baits to go off, this technique works well and will often out-fish baits. Expect a few cobia to hold up in the berley trail as well. It’s worth it to have a heavier rod on board just in case.

With the amount of tailor around, I’d expect a few Spanish mackerel to be around as well. Spanish mackerel tend to respond well to hardbody lures early in the season. The Zerek Speed Donkey looks good and can be trolled at high speeds. I can’t wait to give them a swim. Trolling Burleigh Gravel Patch and Diamond Reef will be worth a try – don’t expect good numbers yet, but they’ll come. Expect a few marlin and mahimahi to be in close this month. Trolling 6” skirted Black Snack lures around the 40m and 50m line from the Seaway to the Jumpinpin Bar will get you a few reel screamers this month. HINZE DAM Hinze Dam is worth a mention, because it’s on fire, with plenty of good fish around the 50cm mark, mostly coming from the timbers on the Western Arm. Slow rolling ZMan 3” MinnowZ in the baby bass colour has been doing the damage. If you want to pimp your plastic, try the jig spinner from Tackle Tactics, which can be connected straight to your jighead. A big thanks to the Fishing Monthly team for another great year. To all readers and your families, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe over the Christmas break and I’ll see you next year.

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This mangrove jack couldn’t resist a fresh slab of mullet.

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Flat out with flatties and jacks GOLD COAST CANALS

Josh Dunn

December is set to be an eventful month. It’ll kick off with some hot weather and a hot bite in the canals. For me, the two main species to target this month are jacks and flathead. In saying that, many other species won’t be far behind them – GTs, big-eye trevally, bream, whiting and more.

Harrison Branch, who fishes the Northern Gold Coast, regularly tells me the flathead are going off with the recent rush of prawns. His best session was 32 flathead in four hours, using ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ and 3” MinnowZ in calico candy. Mangrove lined banks and natural structure will be your best bets. That doesn’t rule out sand banks, drops offs, rock and retaining walls. Deep holes are another perfect spot, preferably

two hours after high tide and on dusk. Mud crabs have been caught in great numbers of late. Keep your style simple by using fish or chicken as bait. The usual mangrove lined banks will always be a go to. Sometimes the darker, warmer water can improve your chances. Remember to measure your crabs, as the QLD Fisheries regulations for mud crabs is a minimum size of 15cm across the widest point of

Night fishing is set to go off around structure.

the carapace. Big fines apply for having undersize or female crabs in your possession. Bull sharks will start ruling the canals soon, so be careful not to fall in. Bull sharks are known for stealing your fish, hanging around schools of bait, smashing anything dead, spiralling out of the water at random and almost beaching themselves in attempt to feed on prawns or any bait in the area. The weather will continue getting warmer and as a result we’ll see higher chances of afternoon thunderstorms. As we’ve already had a few of those, it gets the heart pumping when we see a possible late thunderstorm and the day temperature at 30°C – bring on the jacks! One structure in particular is producing well lately, especially with bait – bridge pylons. Fishing at night on the run-out tide works, and works even better on a full moon. Pilchards, white bait and mullet strips fish well. If you can get yourself live bait, you’ll have an even greater chance of hooking up. Keep your bait around 0.5-2m from the

Flathead will be in great numbers around mangrove-lined banks. pylons. Try and find bridges with a lot of lights shining into the water, as bait will be attracted to it. If you aren’t catching any fish at that bridge, move and find another one in the area. In conclusion, December will be a magnificent

month for fishing and for an expensive power bill, due to the air-conditioner. In saying that, bring on the hot weather. This year is set to finish off with a bang and fishing the Gold Coast Canals is worth looking forward to! Bring on 2017!

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Warm stormy weather brings a variety of species GOLD COAST

David Green

December usually marks the arrival of the warm East Australian Current on the inshore grounds off the Gold Coast and with it the arrival of mahimahi, juvenile black marlin, mackerel, tuna and wahoo. It’s always hard to predict the abundance of certain species, and the news from more northern ports as far as the run of juvenile black

marlin is concerned is not encouraging. There have been relatively few black marlin on the inshore grounds off Central Queensland this spring. Despite this, it’s still worth the time to troll skirted lures off the Gold Coast this month, as it’s usually a very good month to chase mahimahi, and a marlin may be a welcome bonus. Early in the season, I work the 40-50m line east of South Stradbroke, the Gravel Patch off Burleigh Heads and Sullies east of

the Jumpinpin Bar. Look for bait, birds and marlin on your echo sounder. I’ve had a few surprises over the years, where the inshore run of small 15-30kg marlin are mostly absent, but a lot of bigger 40-100kg fish show up. For this reason, I troll 15kg tackle on the inshore grounds, until I get a feel for the general size of the fish. We’re also due for a good wahoo season this month, after two relatively poor seasons. Out on the wider grounds

The author with a great pair of muddies.

beyond the continental shelf, there should be decent blue marlin fishing. Mid-October, the water temperature was up to 25°C on the wide grounds and we caught blue marlin every day we targeted them. This month should see an increase in the strike rate. From a small boat, this type of fishing is not for the faint-hearted. The fish average around 140kg. When they grab a lure, the take-off is at blistering speed. I use 37kg stand up tackle and troll a spread of five lures with two of us on board. When we hookup, I drive after the fish straight away and clear the rest of the gear later. The first few minutes are quite chaotic and very busy. What I’ve learnt is to not leave the wheel. If you get caught winding in the other lines and leave the wheel, there’s a very good chance of losing all your line and getting spooled. On the inshore grounds, there are usually a few spotted mackerel, tuna and the odd Spanish mackerel at places like Palm Beach Reef. Some seasons see a great inshore run of cobia.

Mark Frendin with a big blue marlin.

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DECEMBER 2016

Chopped pilchards and a lot of berley will bring the fish to you, but you need a bit of current for this to work. Bottom fishing in December can be tough and very restricted by strong current. The snapper run is over and pearl perch become scarce, but there are often a few pigfish and rosy snapper on the 36 and 50 fathom lines, as well as the odd amberjack. These reefs are also worth a troll if the bottom fishing is slow. I always put a couple

of lures out when moving between spots. This area produces wahoo, mahimahi and marlin on a regular basis. GOLD COAST RIVERS AND ESTUARIES As the water warms up, the activity changes. Flathead catches drop off markedly in December, but there are still quite a few to be caught in deeper water. Whiting catches improve. Mangrove jack, trevally and estuary cod become a lot more active. It’s also a great month to dust off

Mark Frendin caught this whiting on a popper.

the crab pots in anticipation of a good feed of mud crabs. I really enjoy targeting whiting on poppers in December. Unlike most types of fishing, whiting bite better in strong winds, particularly on surface lures. Work weedy sand edges, where the tide is pushing up onto the flats in 15-100cm of water, with small poppers and stickbaits along the edges. It’s amazing how aggressive a whiting can be. The retrieve needs to be a fast wind, and if you see a whiting chasing your lure, don’t slow the retrieve down. I’ve caught some beauties over 38cm on poppers. My best was a tad over 41cm to the fork of the tail. It’s an interesting and challenging way to fish, and the average session produces 3–8 fish, with a few bream and flathead. Like most things, the more you go, the better your results will be. December is a great month for mangrove jack, particularly if there are humid, stormy conditions. Casting paddle-tail plastics around floating pontoons is the most popular method, but hardbodied lures are also very effective at times. Live baits such as mullet and herring can be deadly at times, particularly after a bit of rain. The Coomera and Nerang rivers usually produce the most fish. Poppers fished

in the early morning before sunrise are also very effective this month. In the Seaway and Jumpinpin entrances, there are usually quite a few big-eye and giant trevally and a few mulloway about in December, as well as the summer run of chopper tailer. Live baits, soft vibes and plastics are all very effective, and the run-in tide is generally the most productive time to fish the

entrances. A few big flathead also turn up in the deep water. Mud and sand crabs are on the move in December, particularly after heavy rain. Crabbing takes a bit of practice, and the key is to use good oily fresh bait such as tuna, mullet or fresh chicken frames. I like to crab on the run-in tide and work areas where there’s a bit of current flow. I check my pots every 30-60 minutes and move

them around a bit until I find the right depth. Crabs move a lot this month and you often find that the second to third hour of the run-in tide is the most productive time. Overall, December is a great month to fish the Gold Coast. A feed of mud crabs and mahimahi is our standard menu at this time of year. Have a safe and happy holiday season and good fishing!

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walls and snags, and there are heaps of spots at the ‘Pin just like that. Live bait is the best way to fish for them, but luring for them works well too. They hit very hard and will try to snag you up, so try to get them out into open water before they bust you off. Try around the rocks at Rocky Point, the Powerlines, the Stockyards, the Gazebo in the river and the rock walls at Calypso Bay. Whiting will be the main species that will be targeted this month and there should be plenty around too. The Logan River always produces some real quality fish with plenty over 40cm to be expected. Try to pick the tides with the most water movement. Whiting love fast-running water and you will pick up the bigger fish on these tides. The pick of the spots are Ageston Sands, Marks Rocks, the Junction and the mud flats at the mouth of the Logan. Bloodworms

are the by far best bait for catching whiting, however, they are very expensive and not always in abundant supply, so be sure to order them a few days in advance to avoid disappointment. Other baits to try are beach worms, pipis, prawns and squid. Outside the River a few other spots to try are the Gold Bank, Fishermans Channel, Slipping Sands, the top of Crusoe Island, Tipplers Island and the Never Fail islands. Flathead catches just seem to keep improving with most reports I get having flatty or two amongst the catch. Some real quality 75cm+ fish are still being caught on pilchards, white bait, vibes and 5”-7” soft plastics, from the deeper water of Kalinga Bank to out front of Swan Bay. Some flathead being caught are that great eating size of 50-60cm, and everyone is happy if they get one that size, but for the most part you will probably catch five undersized lizards to one decent fish. For a feed of flatty try around Tabby Tabby, Logan

Big whiting should be on the bite this month. Phil Watson took this chunky specimen, which measured 38cm and came from Slipping Sands.

Jumpinpin keeps producing quality flathead all year long. 36

DECEMBER 2016

River mouth, Pandannus Island, outside Couran Cove and the Stockyards. Mackerel and tuna should start to show up out beyond the ‘Pin bar as they follow the warm current down the coast. Using unweighted pillies or slimies is a good way to fish for them, leaving your reel in freespool and letting them pick the bait up and run with it. Trolling is also an excellent way to cover more ground and find where the fish are holding. Tuna are usually easier to spot as they tend to push bait schools to the surface and you can spot them busting the surface. Tuna tend to feed on smaller bait, so if you can see the fish but can’t hook up, try using a smaller 10-20g lure for better success. Muddies and sandies have also fired up with the recent rains, so don’t forget your pots on your next trip out. Nudging deeper into the mangroves at the high tide when you drop your pots has been producing the best catches of muddies lately. Fish frames, chicken frames or off meat have been the better baits. Sandies have been taken along the edges of channels such as Jacobs Well Channel, Tiger Mullet, north Canaipa and up near the Powerlines. • 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.

Moreton Bay’s summer bounty chewing hard SOUTHERN BAY

Nabeel Issa

December has rolled around already – another year is done and dusted and it’s been a great one for fishing in Moreton Bay. While the weather has been fairly hit and miss of late, there have

been plenty of fish to be caught. From whiting to snapper, summer in Moreton Bay is a great time of the year! Snapper have been consistent throughout the bay. Fishing the reef edges around Peel and Coochiemudlo islands has been the best way to get a feed of snapper, with the

chance of other tasty reef dwellers. When it comes to fishing the reef edge, look to position your boat in about 15ft of water and cast towards the reef. Lightly weighted soft plastics have been highly successful. Snapper like to take the lure on the drop, so make sure once you cast to give the lure plenty of time to sink.

Wazza Schmidt with a monster of a Moreton Bay bream. Check out the lips! This fish took a liking to a surface stickbait.

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Most of the time they’ll hit the lure on the initial drop, so get stuck into them and keep them off the reef! I’ve been doing well on the ZMan Slim SwimZ recently. They’re a small lure, but snapper seem to love them. When selecting jighead weights for these areas, try between 1/12 and 1/4oz, depending on the amount of current and wind. If you plan on fishing the reef edges, make sure you’re aware of the green zones – there are hefty fines for fishing in these areas. If bream is your thing, now is a great time to get out there and chase them. There have been good schools showing with plenty of big fish in the mix to keep things interesting. Anglers using lures around the shallow weed beds of Macleay Island and reefy areas of Peel Island have been doing well. Throwing surface lures has been the best method of targeting bream in the shallows. Small surface poppers and stickbaits make for some great visual fishing! Raby Bay canals have been producing some great results. The trick in here is to get your lures as close as possible to the jetties and pontoons. The fish like to hide in tight, so getting closer to them will increase your chances. Deep diving crankbaits and Cranka Crabs have been working well in the canals. There is also a good chance of a mangrove jack. HOLIDAY TIPS In the coming month, look for more of the same. We should see the pelagic activity build up, so keep an eye out for birds and surface action! Snapper should still be in good numbers in the shallows and will be a great early morning or late afternoon option. Mulloway will start to taper off as the New Year rolls in, so get into them while you can. If you’re having trouble with the extra boat traffic, the best thing to do is move away from the crowds. Fish hate the traffic just as much as us, so fish a little wider of everyone else or look for new ground. It can make a big difference. Another option is to head into the Raby Bay canals and chase some bream

and mangrove jack. They’ve been getting around recently. Jacks are great fun and pull like trains! Here’s a few tips to make the most out of your holiday fishing! Boat ramps can be chaotic, so make sure you have a routine in place for loading and unloading the boat and can work through it quickly. There is nothing more frustrating than watching someone stop on the boat ramp to load their gear or remove their straps, while there is a big queue waiting. Do it before you start to back in. Get out there early! ‘The early bird gets the worm’ is especially true when there is a lot of boat traffic. Fish don’t respond well to all the extra noise, so get to your favourite spot before everyone else. Fish light to get the bite – downsize your

Young Jack caught his first legal whiting at 26cm. Jack was excited to bring this one home and it’s surely the first of many more!

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leader size to help get you more bites. Show courtesy to other anglers when out on the water, keep a good distance away and try to avoid anchoring right in front of someone drifting. Likewise, avoid drifting right next to boats that are anchored up. There is plenty of space out there for everyone! Make sure all your maintenance is up to scratch. Check you have enough fuel and oil if needed. Get your motor serviced if it’s been over a year, check your safety gear including lifejackets, flares and epirb (if you plan on going offshore). Have fun and keep safe out there this holiday break. If you have a picture or a story you’d like to share, send it through to me at nabs12@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to get it in next month’s magazine for you!

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Ho ho holiday fishing options BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

With the hot sun bearing down during December, water temperatures will be high and piscatorial activity at a premium. Late afternoon storms are commonly preceded by rising barometers, and this heightens the activity and aggressiveness of many species, from inshore mangrove jacks to offshore marlin. December offers anglers some quality fishing with species such as mackerel, longtail tuna, mangrove jacks, sharks, threadfin, crabs and numerous others. With the hot sun beating down, it pays to don some protective clothing, apply sunscreen and keep up the hydrating fluids to avoid a case of sunstroke, sunburn or dehydration. However, with such quality seafood on offer, the effort to slip, slop, slap and slurp is a small price to pay for an enjoyable day of piscatorial action. Plenty of anglers will be on holidays during December, and the kids will be keen for adventure during their Christmas break, so there will be a lot of activity on the water. Whilst this can require a little more patience at the ramp, and sometimes tolerance of poor etiquette on the water, there’s plenty of quality fish for thinking anglers. Let’s look at a few options. MACKEREL Mackerel should be

around in good numbers during December. School mackerel have been common captures for bay anglers for the last three months or so, however we should see an increase in spotted mackerel numbers during December. When these sleek and succulent silver speedsters will decide to show up is anyone’s guess, however last year they were present late in November in some areas and really kicked into gear during December. Surface feeding schools could be located right throughout Moreton Bay. I found a lot of action in the Mud Island to Measured Mile to Four Beacons area, as well as the northern side of ‘The Paddock’ green zone and into Lucinda Bay. The spotties were very easy to approach and would eat almost anything you threw at them, from small chromed slices and jerkshad plastics to quite large stickbaits. The spotties commonly ranged in size from 60cm to 85cm and were a lot of fun, as well as tasty table fare. Commonly the schools were sighted from a distance as their surface feeding antics caused quite a ruckus on the surface. The birds circling overhead and diving into the melee were a dead giveaway. The numerous glassed-out days didn’t do the mackerel any favours as their antics could be seen from several kilometres away at times. During adverse conditions when the water surface is disturbed and there is more broken water due to wave activity, the mackerel are a lot harder to sight, especially

when birds aren’t present. In calm conditions spotted mackerel can even be sighted just cruising beneath the surface. The small V-shaped wakes are an indicator of this activity, and a quick cast with a chromed slug, 10-15m ahead of them, will generally entice a follow when retrieved flat stick. The Measured Mile is a popular area for boats to anchor and float out pilchards rigged on ganged hooks. A small amount of lead can be used to get the bait down a bit when the current is strong. Often all baits in the water will go off within a few seconds of each other when a mackerel school cruises past. If you still have a spare hand, casting out a chromed slug and allowing it to sink a bit before retrieving back at speed will often produce a hit. Berleying with thin slices of pilchard can keep the mackerel in the area, and keep them on the chew. The same approach can be used for most of the beacons in the shipping channels north and east of this structure. Jigging beacons with chromed slugs or slices will produce a few mackerel, mainly schoolies. You can even catch them on jigheadrigged plastics including the ZMan 5” StreakZ (bubblegum is a popular colour), Samaki Boom Baits Rattlesnake 5” or Forking Jerk 5”. Micro-jigs can also be used around the beacons, and are a great way to produce a few strikes around the artificial

reefs such as Curtin, Harry Atkinson and Peel Artificial. Often when I drift over these areas casting soft plastics, I keep an eye on my sounder for positive signs below. When these are found, I can quickly free-spool a micro-jig and put it right in the fish’s face, which will generally elicit a strike. Most micro-0jigs work well, and I rig these with a short 30lb multi-strand wire trace in front to limit bite offs. The new Storm Gomoku Slow Rocker 40g has been just one of the micro jigs producing the goods on mackerel and snapper for me of late. CRABS Warm conditions can produce some awesome crabbing with sand/blue swimmer and mud crabs on offer for those setting safety pots baited with fish frames, whole mullet, chicken carcasses and other tasty morsels. The deeper holes up in the estuaries and rivers, collapsed mangrove banks, the mouths of small creeks and gutters leading from the mangroves are ideal places to set your pots for muddies. Down around the mouths of the estuarine systems you may also score a few sand crabs, however, these are more common out in the bay. Setting your pots along the edges of contour lines and ledges, in the deeper channels and along the edges of bank systems should result in sand crabs coming up in pots. Setting pots at different depths is a good way to determine where the best

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While specific targeting will produce better results on sharks, they are often hooked while targeting other species. Junior anglers are often intrigued by sharks. Remi caught this little hammerhead at the Peel Artificial recently.

School mackerel have been plentiful for a few months now. The author has been lucky to score a few decent ones on micro-jigs, including this specimen on a 40g Storm Slow Rocker. crabs are travelling. Remember to check that your crabbing apparatus complies with current regulations (especially in regards to labelling of your pots) before setting out. Being able to identify the different crab species is also important because there are different sizes and ways of measuring each species. You also need to know the difference between males (bucks) and females (jennies) because you are only permitted to keep male crabs in Queensland. THREADFIN Good numbers of threadfin are being found throughout most estuarine systems of Southern Queensland. Locating them in each system is made a lot easier with the use of side imaging sounders. The threadfin show up quite prominently due to their large air bladder. Once you have located the threadies, you can target them with cast lures such as vibration baits, jighead-rigged plastics, and sometimes suspending minnow lures. In deeper areas, such as the Brisbane River where currents can be quite strong, microjigs are also exceptionally productive lures. Getting to know your system well will fast-track your path to success on any given day. Anglers in the know are consistently catching threadies in the Brisbane, Logan, Caboolture, Pine and many other systems. In the Brisbane River

most of the action happens in the lower reaches during the warmer months, as the threadies move into the lower reaches and even to the shallows north and south of the mouth to breed. As they commonly school in breeding aggregations, quite a few can be caught once you find them. The netters targeting small sharks, whiting, bream and the like on the shallow flats either side of the Brisbane River often encounter large numbers (sometimes tons) of threadfin salmon, which goes to show these fish will venture well outside the mouth of river systems. Specimens have been caught from around the beacons well out into the bay and the western side of Mud Island. Soft vibration baits are my favourite offering for threadies in the river, but many lures will work when put in the zone. For a more relaxed approach, live baits will reward when fished along the edges of the decline into the main river basin, especially during a falling tide. Live prawns, mullet, gar, pike and herring are all worth using. Baits are best fished fairly close to the bottom with just enough lead to keep it in this zone. Bait fishing is a good option for fishing with the kids, as there is a lot of by-catch in the form of bream, cod, snapper, flathead, catfish, rays, sharks and others to keep them occupied. Whilst some of these species are considered

vermin by seasoned anglers, kids still enjoy reeling them in, and often the bait gathering is as much of an adventure for the kids as the fishing. A cast net will quickly get you a few quality baits around the sewerage chute, Boggy Creek, Breakfast Creek, Aquarium Passage and numerous other areas. Bait schools (usually herring) can be found using your sound in many of the shallower areas such as the banks at the mouth of Boggy Creek and Claras Rocks. Live baits are a great option for land-based anglers with popular locations including around the Gateway Bridge, Colmslie Jetty, Sunken Wall, Newstead Jetty and New Farm Park. Threadfin don’t cope well with handling, therefore keeping them in the water and releasing promptly is generally the best way to guarantee survival. A release weight is a good way to return them to the depths if they are a bit bloated. MANGROVE JACK Spring wasn’t one of the best for mangrove jack, probably due to slightly lower water temperatures than usual. Hopefully water temps will rise in December, and the crimson assailants will be hitting lures at full ferocity. Casting lures around prominent structure should result in some jolting strikes. Fast reflexes and a sturdy drag setting will go a

long way to putting the fight in your favour, but there are no guarantees. Lures such as minnows (both deep and shallow models), vibration baits, soft plastics (especially prawn and baitfish profiles) and even topwater offerings such as poppers can be used. Eddies around structure, lighted areas at night and prominent structure such as mangrove snags, rock walls, bridge pylons, pontoons and the like all offer great jack habitat. Live baits can also work exceptionally well, but lures allow you to probe a lot more water in your search. Estuary cod, flathead, trevally, bream and occasional other species are encountered while chasing jacks. LONGTAIL TUNA Longtail numbers can be varied during December, and anglers often find them hanging along the edges of mackerel schools or at least in the general precinct of the bait schools. Last December was fairly good for anglers chasing longtails in the bay. Schools were located in the Mud Island to Measured Mile area at times, as well as around Peel, the Rainbow Channel, northern bay shipping channels and along the front of Bribie Island. Commonly in small numbers of less than ten individuals, the longtails are simply cruising the edges of

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the mayhem, slurping up the occasional morsel. At times they are also found cruising current lines, and anglers follow these fish, often using the occasional bird hovering overhead as a guide to their movements. Being Johnny-onthe-spot when they surfaced would put you in with a great chance of a hook-up, as they have been eating a good range of profiles early in the season. Casting a chromed slug, stickbait, pencil popper or jerkshad plastic within their zone is often all that was required to achieve a follow and strike. The average size was in excess of 12kg, and plenty of specimens in the 15kg to 23kg range were landed. Fish that size are tough on line of 10kg or less, and after several fights that exceeded the 90-minute mark, I switched to heavier line and larger lures. The Nomad Madscad 115mm in the HGS and SAR finishes accounted for plenty of fish for me. The larger profile meant that the longtails couldn’t fully close their mouth when hooked, which also seemed to aid in tiring them out quicker. Other favoured lures include the Yozuri Adagio 30g, Maria Mucho Lucir 35g and 45g, and the ZMan StreakZ 5” in bubblegum rigged on a HeadlockZ 1/2oz 5/0. However, these are just a few of the offerings that longtails will accept. It pays to have

Longtails can be tempted on a broad array of artificials at times. This one engulfed Jordon’s 115mm Madscad just out from Green Island. several different lures at your disposal as these fish can be quite fussy at times, and will only eat lures which are the same profile as the baitfish they’re currently eating. Live baiting at areas such as Shark Spit and around the shipping channel beacons also works well. Yakkas, gar

and slimy mackerel are prime offerings, however pike and cowanyoung are also worth using. I recommend using a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook on 50lb to 80lb leader. A circle hook will generally produce a hook-up in the corner of the mouth if the fish is allowed to run with the bait for a

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few seconds before the reel is engaged, and the line allowed to tighten under the efforts of the running fish. CONCLUSION Plenty of options exist for anglers during the coming months, with pelagics high on the list for those getting out into Moreton Bay. The mackerel in particular offer anglers some of the easiest opportunities for a tasty feed. Snapper, sweetlip, tuskfish and several others will still be present around the bay islands and artificial reefs as well. Estuarine anglers will still have heaps of options in the form of bream, flathead, mangrove jack, whiting, estuary cod, trevally, tarpon, threadfin and the like. Sharks are common within the estuaries and bay during the warmer months too, and are a lot of fun to target. With so much on offer during December, anglers will often have to make hard decisions as to what to target next! Getting the kids out during their Christmas break will create memories that will last for years. Hopefully the fat man in the red suit will bring you plenty of quality tackle, and you’ll get to put it to good use on some of SEQs finest angling targets. Have a safe and happy Christmas, and here’s to plenty of tight lines in the New Year. Tight lines!

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Christmas red-emption BRISBANE OFFSHORE

John Gooding

To be brutally honest, the fishing east of the South Passage was very tough for a 2-3 week period either side of the October full moon.

Most days we still managed a feed, but we had to move around a lot ad pick up the odd fish here and there. It wasn’t just the snapper that were quiet – amberjack and kingfish were also very shy. We found good trag on a couple

the wider grounds around this time of year. The should now hang around in good numbers through this month and into next year, especially out on the 42 and 50 fathom lines off Moreton and Strandbroke. Shallow Tempest is well worth the effort this month and the quality is normally very good. Pelagics haven’t arrived in droves, but they shouldn’t be too far away, judging by the amount of bait around. The water temperature is starting to

A typical juvenile snapper for this time of year – that colourful hat definitely helped.

A quality pearl perch that fell to a floatlined pilly. Thankfully, the switch was flicked and the snapper are back on the chew. During that time, there was no lack of fish on the sounder, but getting them to feed was another matter.

of trips. The only problem was the sharks wanted the trag more than we did, but snapper have surfaced and we’ve been getting plenty of solid fish in the 2-3kg range. This is the norm on

A bag out of quality juvenile snapper from out wide.

get up there getting closer to the end of the month. Spanish mackerel should make their appearance felt around ‘the Group’ off Point Lookout and towing swimming gar is the best way to target them. If you’re going past Point Lookout and the locals are out there whipping the gar along in their tinnies, you know there’s a few mackerel around. The peak bite times are first light in the morning and on the tide changes. This month, fishing off the South Passage bar, it pays to get out early

around daylight at 4.30am. With storm season, it also pays to keep an eye on the weather – it’s not a lot of fun being caught out in a storm. Have a happy and safe holidays. Take that extra care on the water over the holiday period with more boats about. • 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 or visit my new website www. outlawcharters.com.au.

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NORTHERN BAY

Grayson Fong

graysonfong@bigpond.com

With the sights and sounds of the festive season flooding our eyes and ears, in the back of our minds we know this can lead to one very important scenario: days off work! I don’t know about you, but a day off work with light winds and sunny weather on the forecast is my idea of a perfect excuse to hit the local waterways for some serious rest and recreation. With this in mind, be sure to check out my monthly tip to get the most out of your opportunities. PUMICESTONE PASSAGE This area is a fishing haven at this time of year with many of the adjoining rivers and creeks providing good action for many recreational anglers. Elimbah Creek is one of the favoured areas around these warmer months with good bream and flathead being found under overhanging trees, laydown snags and good current flow corners. The odd juvenile mangrove jack has also been reported over the last fortnight, with live baits like freshly netted poddy mullet being the go-to bait. Sand whiting have also been prominent around the mouth of Elimbah with many locals using live yabbies to great effect. Using red tubing along your trace has been a must while fishing in the area as it has been producing many more bites. Ningi Creek has been less productive, with bream and flathead only coming after our seasonal afternoon storms pushing bait out of the creek. Lime Pocket, Mission Point and Coochin Creek have been the sand whiting hotspots for this month along with

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the usual southern beaches around from Buckleys Hole to Skirmish Point. REDCLIFFE PENINSULA The Peninsula has been going well over these warmer months with the fish being found when bait schools are prominent. Bream numbers have been steady with cranks and soft plastics working well during the dusk and dawn hours. Snapper numbers over these last few weeks have been good, with the usual areas like North Reef and Woody Point being densely populated on the days of good weather. The odd grassy sweetlip has also been reported off the reefs along with estuary cod keeping anglers very amused. The warmer currents have bought good bream and flathead to the flats outside Newport Waterways during the high tide, with the weed laden muddy bottom providing good ambush grounds for these predatory scavengers. Margate foreshore has been the pick of the fishing areas with anglers picking up good sand whiting over these hot months. The area has been really busy at times, with many anglers choosing the multi rod option to maximize their catch rate. Hays Inlet has also produced good whiting with the run-out tide being the choice of the right time to fish. Sand crabs are finally starting to show up around the peninsula as well with Bramble Bay being the pick of the areas to lay your pots. Deception Bay has started to fire after a slow start to the summer but the incidence of our customary afternoon storms has proven to be fruitful for the area.

David Simmons with some healthy Redcliffe bream. PINE RIVER The Pine has normally been quiet the stalwart of systems over the hotter months, but over the last few months it has been a bit slow for our liking. Flathead have been the common species caught with Deep Water Bend and Dohles Rocks leading the way in flathead catches. Patient anglers have been getting good bags of flathead under the Ted Smout Bridge around the full and new moons with the run-out tide being favourable. Upriver has been fruitful on the opposite end of the tide with good bream, flathead and even

the odd small mangrove jack has been pulled when fishing closed to the mangroves either drifting with an electric motor or anchored up. MONTHLY TIP Preparation is the key. Keeping your boat in ‘ready for the next trip’ mode is the key to never forgetting important things for your next fishing journey. After each trip, spend a little extra time after your wash down and engine flush, to have your boat fully prepared for whenever the next expedition may occur. This ensures a smooth departure without wracking your brain for the things you forgot!

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Whiting have been plentiful in Pumicestone Passage.

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Prawns on the barbie, pelagics on the prawns Most of the time trolling can be hours of boredom, but minutes of mayhem. Always be ready and have your boat organised with everything on hand. Tag poles or gaffs and make sure the deck of your boat is clear, because the last thing you want to do is trip over a rod or gaff on your way to picking up that screaming reel. The Barwon Banks have been firing with anglers boating yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi and Spanish mackerel. Good reports of bottom species also include snapper, tuskfish, hussar, pearl perch and yellowtail kingfish. The well-known wrecks across the coast have plenty of XOS yellowtail kingfish, cobia, pearl perch and snapper. There is also a good supply of live yakka and slimy mackerel hanging around, so take the time to gather a few live ones and mix it up a little. We will also see school and Spanish mackerel turn up around Caloundra 5, 7 and

CALOUNDRA

Damian Parker dpfishingmonthly@hotmail.com

The Sunshine Coast is enjoying the arrival of warmer water and pelagics from Cape Moreton to the Hards. With holidays just around the corner, we’ll see an increase in both land-based and offshore fishos and why wouldn’t you want to holiday in this beautiful part of our magnificent country? There have been good numbers of sailfish, marlin, and mahimahi. We’re even starting to hear of wahoo being caught. Wide Caloundra has an abundance of bait, which attracts all these species. The most effective way of enticing a strike is to troll 150-200mm skirted lures. Don’t be shy when it comes to swapping your lure with a different colour, shape or size, as we all know fish can be fussy. Mix it up and be patient.

12 mile reefs, Currimundi and the Gneering Shoals. Hardbodied deep and shallow diving lures are very effective methods of enticing a mackerel bite, but if they’re not hitting the lures, try slow trolling a live or whole bait. Remember that this month always attracts a lot more boats, so be courteous out there and give each other plenty of space. Moving into our estuaries is often a little more challenging, because we also see an influx of powered vessels of all shapes and sizes zipping around. Fish don’t like noise, so although it may be difficult, set the alarm a little earlier and zip out to your favourite spot. With our weather warming up, it’s always a good idea to get out there earlier and hit the usual local hotspots like Pelican Waters Bridge, the Military Jetty and the

Damian with a great kingfish caught from Caloundra Wide. river mouth. There’s plenty of whiting around Happy Valley and right along the passage. Don’t forget those

polarised sunnies to help you pick out the deeper holes and nail the bigger ones. There are plenty of flathead and bream

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Ross with a fat pearl perch caught from Barwon Banks.

around at the moment – fresh yabbies have proved a favourite. A variety of lures will also prove worthy if presented in the correct fashion. If you are ever unsure on how or what is the best method or product, pop into one of our many tackle stores across the Sunny Coast and the owner or staff member will be more than happy to help you. Hitting the beaches across Christmas is always a proven performer. There are plenty of dart, bream, flathead and chopper tailor all the way from Caloundra to Noosa. Best baits are fresh pipis, worms, prawns or whole pilchards if chasing tailor. Wherever you decide to fish over Christmas, enjoy time with family and friends, slip, slop, slap and most of all stay safe. If heading offshore, radio VMR73 Coastguard and always let someone know where and when you are going and returning.

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Summer is on the way with big mangrove jack spotted mackerel and tuna. Some anglers have bagged out in record times. These speedsters have taken a liking to floating live baits as well as the good old pilchard. Metal slugs cast into the erupting bait schools are another great way to tangle with the pelagics. There have been some monster yellowfin tuna hanging around the bait schools. They’ll pick up anything that looks a little wounded, so casting a flat fall style micro jig rigged

NOOSA

Peter Wells

What’s great about this time of the year? The Sunshine Coast rivers give us great options. Fishing the infamous Noosa River has seen a many species come from the upper reaches, but the most popular has to be the mangrove jack. For those of you that have never tangled with a jack, trolling hardbodies can be super effective to hook one. Work the many rock bars and deeper sections of the river to get results. Lures like the Lucky Craft Pointers and the Jackall Squirrels are perfect for the job. They’ll dive deep as well as suspend. Casting these same lures at the many snags that line the upper reaches of the river in the low light hours is also another way to entice them out. Fishing from Tewantin up to the Jew Hole has seen anglers hooked-up to quality golden and giant trevally as well. Woods Bay has been the go to area early in the morning for good size trevally and tailor. With plenty of prawns in the river, the new EZ ShrimpZ from ZMan have been perfect for these predators. with a great

DECEMBER 2016

Shore, the open beaches stretching from Teewah up to Double Island have been the go to areas for tailor, which are still making their way back after spawning. Fish alongside the rips for quality sized dart and bream using live beach worms and pipis. On the headlands around Noosa National Park and down towards Yaroomba, you can pretty much expect anything at this time of the year, from mulloway, small squire, sweetlip and maybe the odd spotted

Bruce Bate with some nice cobia from the reefs off Double Island. profile and a realistic action. From Gympie Terrace down to the Frying Pan, we’ve seen good numbers of flathead and whiting. Live worms, yabbies and small fish baits are all working well. Fishing in Weyba Creek has been exceptional for whiting, with anglers getting decent size whiting on the River2Sea Bubble Pops and surface walkers like the Fish Candy Skinny Dogs. While you’re up there, drop a few

Oscar Daly with a stonker flathead from the Noosa River.

don’t despair. Trout have been on the chew around the bommies and the reef pinnacles at Sunshine Reef. Decent cobia have been caught around most reefs out of Noosa – Halls and North reefs have produced some great fish. Sweetlip are around in good numbers with some stonkers taken over the last month. This is also the time of year when nice billfish will make an appearance. Trolling skipping gars wide of North Reef and around

crab pots in the deeper holes to score some nice bucks. The Maroochy River has been fishing well. Anglers are seeing good size jacks up around Dunethin Rock. Tarpon and mulloway are also on the cards. Working your way back down the river to Coolum Creek, you can find yourself hooking in to a few flathead and jacks. There has been a good run of prawns in the river, so prawn or shrimp imitation lures have worked well. The Bli Bli islands have been doing particularly well for good size flathead and trevally. Anglers fishing around the Cod Hole with larger paddle-tail vibes and livies can expect legal size mulloway, trevally, jacks, and even queenfish. With summer nearly upon us, we start to focus our energy on the pelagics. On the Sunshine Coast, we’re blessed with amazing reef systems within a stone’s throw from the boat ramp. Noosa is one of the best – no sooner are you over the bar and you’re into pelagic territory. Laguna Bay is seeing the best season in a while for

Craig Mullet with a nice jack from the upper reaches of the Maroochy. with a treble on the back can really pay off. These flat fall style jigs look like wounded baitfish and an easy meal for a fast moving tuna or mackerel. I like the Colt Snipers from Shimano, as they’re a good size and have a bit of weight to them to help with that distance cast. Another is the new Chilli Padi from Zerek – these are made of tungsten and are that bit smaller, but still have the cast weight. Most anglers are also avoiding wire and opting for heavier fluorocarbon leader, as these fish seem to shy away when they see the wire. For those of you that love fishing the bottom,

Chardons Reef should see some smaller black marlin. For those boats hopping the bar at Maroochydore or Mooloolaba, the wider grounds are where the bigger fish are. Quality snapper, pearl perch and cobia come from the banks. The closer grounds like the Gneerings, Coolum Reef and Hancocks Shoal have also seen quality fish. Pan sized snapper, sweetlip and coral trout have all been accounted for. Old Woman Island has been a haven for squid, so make sure you have your squid jigs with you. They’re great on the table and make sensational baits. On the Noosa North

mackerel or tuna. Now for all the latest information log onto www. fishingnoosa.com.au for up to date bar and fishing reports, don’t forget to drop into Davo’s Tackle World in Noosa or Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola to find out where the fish are biting, and remember Tight Lines and Bent Spines! • For all the latest information log onto www.fishingnoosa. com.au for up to date bar and fishing reports. Drop into Davo’s Tackle world Noosa or Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola to find out where the fish are biting, and remember tight lines and bent spines!

Southern Junior

Lure basics for bream MORETON BAY

Ryan Smith

Known as a bread and butter species, the humble bream can be difficult to catch in some cases. However, simple lure techniques done properly can undo these finicky fish. Bream fishing has taken off in the last few years and numerous tournaments over the country test anglers’ skills to get a bag of these fish.

With a few tricks, you can be on your way to becoming a successful tournament angler. There are thousands of bream lures on the market and you can categorize them into three main groups – soft plastics, hardbody lures and vibration lures. Soft plastic lures are effective for bream, because they can be used in all parts of the water column. Hardbody lures have a variety of styles such as small-bibbed lures and cup faced surface poppers.

Vibration lures are highly successful for chasing bream that are schooled up in deep water. When worked they give out a vibration throughout the water that bream can’t resist! A few lures that are a must have in your tackle box are the Atomic Crank 38 Deep and Mid in a few natural colours, Atomic K9 Walkers, Cranka Crabs, ZMan 2.5” GrubZ in motor oil and greasy prawn, and a handful of jigheads from the Atomic Seekers or TT range around 1/16oz. The author caught this bream casting Cranka Crabs at boat hulls.

Close up on an Atomic Crank 38 crunching bream.

When you’re looking for a combo to chase bream on lures, anything around 1-3kg with a 2000 size reel is perfect. Get the best quality you can afford. I stick to the major brands, like Daiwa, Shimano and Abu Garcia. For lures, braid is a must – any quality braid at 6lb is a great start. I like to use the Unitika range. A fluorocarbon leader is a necessity when using braid, because it’s almost invisible underwater, so the fish can’t see it when chasing down your lure. Location is the biggest factor in chasing bream.

When searching for bream, look for anywhere with some type of structure that could hold food. Areas such as pontoons, pylons, boat ramps, rock bars and oyster beds are just some examples of fishy areas. Lure retrieves for bream vary depending on the lure you use. When using hardbodies or small crank style lures, all you need is a very slow roll – the slower, the better! The retrieve when using soft plastics can be small hops off the bottom or a small lift of the rod tip, depending on what the bream prefer on the day.

When throwing Cranka Crabs, a very slow technique can be deadly on bream. Let it sink all the way to the bottom and let the claws float around on the bottom for a few seconds. After the pause, give the little crab a small jiggle then let it sink for another few seconds. I hope these tips and techniques help you in your search for these little silver ghosts! If you want to follow my fishing adventures, like my Facebook page – Ryan’s Fishing, and Instagram page (@ryans.fishing). Until next month, tight lines and screaming drags!

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DECEMBER 2016

Presents yule love! FMG

Nicole Penfold nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au

If you don’t know what Christmas present to buy the angler in your life, this article will solve all your problems! Ditto if your loved ones are asking you what gift you’d like, and are getting annoyed when you say things like, “I dunno”, “anything I guess” and “how about a spouse who won’t keep asking questions”. Read on to find the perfect gift – one that will make any angler so grateful they’ll forever share their fish with you. Maybe even the palatable ones.

UNIQUE LURES

I wouldn’t normally advise buying lures as a gift. I see them as a personal choice, requiring careful contemplation, like when you’re purchasing a new rod, reel or sandwich. However, the lures listed below are really something special because they’re so different. We anglers love trying something new, and it’s also great to present the fish with something they may not have seen before. Just be sure that

For more info on the Kuttafurra range, look them up on Facebook. Smash Crab The Fish Candy Smash Crab ($19.95) never fails to turn heads. When it was released at the Tackle Trade Show, everyone flocked

well on mulloway and reefies, and as time goes on it’s sure to catch all sorts of species. This lure measures 100mm and weighs 39g. Halco Madeyes Octoskirt The Madeyes Octoskirt ($11.95) would make a good gift for both bait and lure

River2Sea Smash Crab

around it like seagulls on a chip. I had to kick people out of the way so I could get close enough to see it. OK, I might be exaggerating a bit, but there’s no denying this is a great lure that would make a fantastic present. This incredibly lifelike crab is durable and flexible, and it’s easy to use, even for baitfishers. It sinks slowly, with

anglers. I think this wiggly plastic looks pretty weird, but for some reason fish think it looks delicious. It has been designed in Australia by the Halco team, and it’s made of a super-stretchy plastic that can withstand repeated strikes. It’s also enhanced with a natural

Austackle Gizmo HD

you can guarantee the fish haven’t either. The Austackle Gizmo HD Big Fish Edition ($22) looks unusual, but it’s already proven to be effective on mulloway and reefies, and should be a hit with kingfish, big flathead, Murray cod, barra and more. You can retrieve it in a number of ways. You can slow roll it, crawl it along the bottom, hop it, drop it through schooled fish, burn it through structure and more. Use it as you would a jig or bait; look for fish on the sounder, then drop the Gizmo and let it sink through the bait school/fish. Lift and drop the lure and get hit! You can also add a soft plastic trailer. The Gizmo HD Big Fish Edition weighs 1oz and comes in six colours, including UV. Check it out at www.austackle.com.

Repel apparel repels 95% of mosquitoes and other biting insects. Amazingly, it retains 80% efficacy even after 50-70 washes! Bigfish tested the shirts on the flood plains of the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory, where mosquitoes are so thick they actually bite through traditional shirts. During testing, plenty of mozzies landed and bit through traditional fabric, but when they landed on the Repel-

Samaki Barra shirt

Kuttafurra Joe the Rat Bigfish Repel Apparel

the lure you buy matches the species that the giftee usually targets. Joe the Rat Joe the Rat ($39.95) is a collector’s piece that many anglers would rather put in the pool room than fish with, but he can and will catch cod and impoundment barra. This award-winning lure comes from the creative mind of Aaron Young from Kuttafurra, and the paintwork and attention to detail is superb. It has a leather tail and ears, and it effectively mimics a rat or mouse swimming in the water, with a paddling motion that’s enhanced by the tail wiggling along behind it. Joe really is the perfect surprise for a cod angler on Christmas Day. The only problem might come if your kid asks whether a cod would ever eat a real, live mouse. “Um, no buddy, of course not! Hey look, here’s a candy cane…” 50

DECEMBER 2016

its legs and claws vibrating enticingly. When it reaches the bottom it sits with its claws raised, just like a cranky crab. It can be slow rolled, jigged or just left in the rod holder

squid scent. This versatile skirt can be layered on top of metal lures, can be used in conjunction with bait or on a paternoster (dropper) rig, and it can also be rigged with other Madeye plastics to create unique combinations that maximise attraction. It can also be rigged on a standard jighead. You can basically put it pretty much anywhere – possibly even in a Christmas cracker.

CLOTHING Fishing shirts look amazing these days. They have gorgeous print jobs, provide the ultimate in sun protection, and are quick drying. For most adult shirts you’re looking at around

$60-$80. For kids, it’s more like $50 – although I wouldn’t recommend buying clothing for a kid on Christmas Day. It’s not very exciting, and they might think Santa hates them. Insect-Repelling Apparel The new Bigfish Maxflow

Halco Madeyes Octoskirt

where it can drift mid-water or bounce along the bottom. It’s already proven to work

Austackle Gizmo HD If you haven’t seen anything like this before,

Zerek Dry Fit Jersey

infused fabric, they quickly took off again. Checkmate, you blood-sucking scumbags. The Repel range has all the features of Bigfish’s current fabric (soft, cool, lightweight, durable and UPF 50+). And if you don’t need a mozzierepellent shirt, you should still check out the Bigfish range of apparel. Whatever your favourite species is, you’ll find it on a Bigfish shirt. You can browse the range at www.bigfishgear.com. Samaki Barra and Jack shirts Samaki, creators of the Chromed Barra shirt, say it tells a story: “Set amongst the dense dark mangroves, the Chromed Barra lurches out from the structure to engulf a Samaki Vibelicious Thumper Tail. Here is the start of the fight to win the ultimate trophy fish, entice the barra from the structure of the mangroves and watch it lurch from the depths.” Maybe. I just think it looks badass. Other badass shirts from the range include

times while fishing. Available in sizes M-3XL, and with sizing that suits Australian bodies (let’s be honest, we like to eat), the Zerek Dry Fit Longsleeve Jerseys will keep you fishing longer in comfort and style. Zerek distributor Wilsons has a whole range of great shirts, and you can see them at www.wilsonfishing.com. Daiwa fishing shirts For a more traditional

UPF 40+ rated, breathable fishing shirt is manufactured from an anti-bacterial material, and because it has plastic studs rather than buttons it’s very easy to put on and take off. As you’d expect, Daiwa also has a range of modern fishing shirts, all of which come in sizes S-XXL. There’s a wide array of colours, but my favourite is the white Saltist shirt – a must-have

Daiwa Fishing Shirt

a mangrove jack design and a GT design. They have stories too but I’m a little short on space. All Samaki long-sleeve fishing shirts offer superior UV50+ protection and help you stay and cool on the water. They’re available from a size 2 toddlers to a 3XL adults – an excellent size range that’s pretty rare when it comes to fishing shirts. For more info visit www.samaki.com.au.

Zerek Dry Fit Jerseys These shirts are great value at $29.95. Designed to keep you cool and comfortable while you’re fishing, Zerek Dry Fit Jerseys have been released in black and white colours with the distinctive Bluewater Craft logo. The Dry Fit material actively moves sweat away from the body to a separate fabric layer, where it can evaporate away. This leaves you feeling dry at all

Shimano Ocea Fishing Gloves Shimano’s Ocea Fishing Gloves are designed for anglers wanting to protect their hands from the harmful elements that offshore angling can dish up. That’s a classy way of saying they’ll stop your hands getting ripped to mince. These gloves provide extra grip in wet conditions, with a reinforced, non-slip material on the index finger and palm to maximise casting and jigging grip in the wet. And of course, they also provide protection from slicing braid and sharp scales and spikes from fish. An ultra-thin titanium alloy helps keep your hands warm on cold days, while letting your skin breathe on hot days. They also provide sun protection. They’re not cheap, at around $55, but they’ll easily outlast cheaper gloves and protect your hands better. There’s more info at www. shimanofish.com.au.

TACKLE STORAGE

Shimano Ocea Fishing Gloves

style of fishing shirt – one with pockets, button-up studs and a cool mesh liner – there’s the Daiwa Fishing Shirt. This

for anyone who loves these iconic reels. You can see the full range of Daiwa apparel at www.daiwafishing.com.au.

I find sorting tackle to be a lot of fun, which is why I love my tackle boxes and bags. My goal is to have one bag for every species. People tell me that’s too many, but

I don’t care. Here are my picks for 2016. Rapala Urban Classic Sling Bag The Rapala Urban Classic Sling Bag ($100) has a revolutionary, award-winning design. It stays out of the way on your back, giving you freedom of movement when casting and retrieving, yet the bag swings to the front when needed. No more wiggling out of your backpack to get a replacement lure. The bag is comfortable too, with a 3D mesh back panel and an adjustable shoulder strap. Both main compartments hold 3600-sized tackle boxes and open to form a work tray when changing lures. The bag also features a secondary compartment for large accessories and additional pockets for smaller items. A Quick Draw plier holster and retracting tool holder offer fast and easy access to the most used tools. Head to www. rapala.com.au for more info. Black Magic Surf Waist Pack Whether fishing in the surf or from the rocks, any angler can appreciate the idea of having fewer items to carry in their hands. Some

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sensible people might suggest you simply take less gear with you, but don’t listen to them. You can have your cake and eat it too with Black Magic’s Surf Waist Pack. Made from high quality materials, it has a number of compartments

so you don’t have to worry about balancing your drink on the ground. The Cooler Bag also includes an Ugly Stik stubby cooler – bonus! It costs around $30 and there’s more info at www. shakespeare.com.au.

without the worry of them tangling. These boxes also make it quick and easy to locate the lure you’re looking for thanks to the clear lids, and they’re also ideal for storing squid jigs. Megabox Multi Minnow boxes are made from heavyduty materials to withstand temperature extremes and impacts. Deep compartments are ideal for lures with heavy-duty or upgraded trebles, and the ‘V’ shape of these compartments keeps the lures secure during transport. Multi Minnow boxes

portable tackle storage unit (approx. $150) allows you to keep everything organised, whether you’re at home or on the road. It comes in a flat pack, making it easy to transport, and can be assembled in a few minutes. Built around a lightweight and super strong aluminium frame, this unit can store eight rods rigged or unrigged, and it also has three storage shelves and a top shelf/work bench. Two removable bags that can fit up to four standard tackle trays are also included. A zippered front flap allows

Rapala Urban Classic Sling Bag

Moncross Multi Minnow Box

and pockets to store your gear. Black Magic has also taken it a step further by creating a ‘ready to go’ waist pack filled with essential tackle and accessories. The pack includes: Velocity Surf line; Tough Trace; Longreach surf rig; hooks and swivels; Wasabi fillet knife; Bait Buddy thread; and fish handling towel. The whole package costs around $90, and you can find out more at www. blackmagictackle.com. Ugly Stik Cooler Ugly Stik have released a cooler bag for ultimate convenience while fishing. It holds six cans and keeps a full day’s worth of food nice and cool. The zippered closure ensures you’re always ready to enjoy a cold drink. The back of the cooler bag also folds down to reveal two drink holders,

Moncross Multi Minnow Box Moncross are known for making quality tackle boxes, and one of their newest ones is the Megabox Multi Minnow box ($15.95-$19.95). It’s double-sided and allows you to secure your hardbodies

are available in three sizes. The first holds 13 lures up to 130mm long, the second holds 13 lures up to 145mm long, and the third holds 17 lures up to 165mm long. Check out the Moncross range at www. tackletactics.com.au. Wilson Tackle Storage Unit Wilson Fishing’s new

the unit to be closed up, keeping pests out. A mesh vent in the rear allows water vapour to escape. The unit measures 105cm x 57cm x 47cm when set up, and folds down to 52cm x 42cm x 20cm. For more Wilson storage solutions visit www. wilsonfishing.com.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Here are some unusual gift ideas for those of you who want to raise some eyebrows on Christmas Day. You could

Squid Ezy

probably achieve the same result by wearing nothing but a Santa hat, but some people might not like that. Squid Ezy I like catching squid, but normally I’m not the one to clean them. It uses up valuable time I could otherwise spend on washing the boat, getting dinner started, and other important tasks. And also, I don’t want to. The Squid Ezy is perfect for people like me. This clever tool makes the whole process simpler and the most difficult aspects easier. If you go to www.squidcleaning. com you can see a video on how to do it, and can also buy a set ($22 plus P&H). Geecrack Lurekeeper The Japanese think of everything. First it was the shoe umbrella, and now this – a clever tool created by Japanese company Geecrack. It’s very affordable at just $8.95. And unlike the shoe umbrella, it’s useful. It has been designed so you can secure your lures, squid jigs or hooks to your baitcasting or spin reel. Lurekeepers are made in

Japan and have a patented design. At one end is a thin strip that goes underneath the reel seat. Once you’ve put the reel on top of the strip, the Lurekeeper will be secure, and you can just leave it there. It holds trebles, single hooks and squid jig spikes, so you won’t damage your rods or guides. For more info visit www. dogtoothdistribution.com.au. Boomerang Mid Size Zinger Do you know an angler who keeps losing things? In any group of mates, there’s always someone who is hopeless that way. (If you don’t know anyone like that in your group of mates, it’s you.) Enter the Boomerang Mid Size Zinger ($24.95). It’s ideal for keeping fishing tools handy, securing keys and other important items, and attaching gear to your boat or kayak. It can quickly, easily and securely be attached to almost anything. The Mid Size Zinger is built to survive the elements, featuring a polycarbonate case and a 24” heavy-duty

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DECEMBER 2016

Geecrack Lurekeeper

Kevlar cord. It has been proven to last over 1 million pulls. For more info check out the range of Boomerang Tools on www.tackletactics.com.au. Zerek Measuring Tape Most measuring tapes are large and cumbersome

but the Zerek Marsh Slider is different. It fits in a shirt or pants pocket, giving all anglers the chance to measure their fish before lying about it. Constructed using durable PVC and with large numbers for easy reading, it measures fish up to 120cm, and it rolls up to just 13cm high by 7.5cm wide. It’s affordable at under $20, and there’s more info at www.wilsonfishing.com. The Complete Cast DVD The Complete Cast (Applying Principles to Fresh & Saltwater Fly Casting), is a new DVD presented by legendary fishermen Lefty Kreh and Ed Jaworowski. In this DVD, Lefty and Ed

demonstrate, explain, and teach the elements common to all casts with a singlehanded rod. Features of this DVD include: more than 25 casts and techniques; more than three hours of in-depth instruction of principlesbased casting fundamentals; helpful tips and techniques that are simple and easy to apply; practice tutorials and exercises that improve

Garmin Action Cam

The Complete Cast DVD

Zerek Measuring Tape Boomerang Mid Size Zinger

your casting; and analysis of the tailing loop and how to remedy. Anglers of all skill levels will derive useful tips from The Complete Cast. It costs around $70, and more info is available at www. ejtodd.com.au. Garmin action cams And now we come to the most expensive item on our list. If you have $450 to spare, you can’t go past Garmin’s VIRB X and VIRB XE action

cams. They shoot rich, HD footage, are waterproof to 50m, and have loads of sensors and wireless functionality options. Features include image stabilisation, slow-mo, different zoom levels, and sharp still photos (even while recording) up to 12MP. A flat, water-repelling lens stops the

problem of water drops on the lens, and the microphone delivers extremely clear audio, even underwater. For a full (and very long) list of specs, check out www. garmin.com.au. And that’s it for this year! Merry Christmas from all of us at Fishing Monthly. • Remember that the listed prices are suggested retail only. They may vary from store to store.

DECEMBER 2016

Summer species will turn the heat up soon HERVEY BAY

Scott Bradley marlin81@bigpond.com

Summer is officially here. For the next few months, dawn and dusk fishing sessions really come into play, especially to avoid the hottest part of the day. For many species, these are the most productive times to fish, which is a bonus. In the bay, pelagic species have increased as the water temperature has risen. Bonito, mac tuna, school and Spanish mackerel, cobia and longtail tuna are working the bait schools and have

been caught around local reefs, channel markers and the Urangan Pier. Golden trevally are also working the same area and hunting the flats along Fraser Island. Local reefs are still producing plenty of cod. Sweetlip, blubber-lips and blue tuskfish are at their prime over the summer months. In the estuaries, summer whiting, bream and flathead are continuing to fish well and there have been plenty of big threadfin and grunter caught in the Mary and Susan rivers and on the flats. On the troll, things are starting to improve after a late start to the Marlin

There will be plenty of Spaniards out wide this month.

season. The first reports of a few fish inside Rooneys were at the start of November. Previously, the water was a little cold and there were still plenty of whales around, which will have moved on when the Billys really fire up. There were still a few Spanish and school mackerel taking trolled skirts and hardbodies. Plenty of mac tuna are around Wathumba. Overall it was a slow start to the season. Let’s hope it was just a late start and the fish are soon as thick as they’ve been in recent years. Have a merry fishy Christmas and I’ll catch you in 2017.

Huge catches for hot sessions RAINBOW BEACH

Ed Falconer

We’re still having a fantastic run of weather, even this late in the year. Offshore, reef fishing continues to be

outstanding with very consistent hauls on every trip. Snapper have been the dominant species on most occasions. The old fashion dropper setup is out-fishing plastics and the floater setup. Maori cod are on fire.

I don’t know if I’ve seen a better year for these fish. With the help of live bait we have been well on our way to the bag limit. Red emperor have also been on the bite – live yakkas and mac tuna are the best baits for them. Tuskfish and

hussar are still coming in by the bucket load. On the beach, a great run of summer whiting has kept the beach fishos busy. The only problem is that we’re hindered by the arrival of weed. I hope it clears soon. The Great Sandy Straits

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Andy with a beautiful Rainbow Beach red emperor.

Maori cod have been an easy target on live bait.

have been all about flathead fishing. We’ve had huge catches, particularly on the bottom end of Fraser Island. Soft plastics in white are doing the best, as there are also decent whiting in this area. December is one of my favourite months – we usually see the first run of mackerel about now. I look

forward to the sound of screaming reels every summer. Last December also produced some good reef fish. • To enjoy a day on the water with Keely Rose Fishing Charters phone Ed Falconer 0407 146 151 or visit www. keelyrosefishingcharters .com.au.

Anglers have been catching heaps of quality snapper at Rainbow Beach. 54

DECEMBER 2016

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Weeding out the Fraser blackspot tuskfish FRASER COAST

Phil James p_j_james@bigpond.com

As I write, the dreaded weed continues to make its most unwelcome presence felt along Fraser Island’s ocean beaches. During the latter weeks of October, there were periods of optimism followed with despair. Hopefully this month will be the end of it. In response to many enquiries about the dreaded weed, and in an attempt to find some answers, I have written a short article. Look out for it at the end of this area report. Now that water temperatures in Hervey Bay are up to expectations, we should see plenty of action on the shallow reefs and along the deeper ledges and holes this month. The increased abundance of reef species is probably because many of the reef dwellers become more active and feed in warmer summer conditions. At this time of the year, my column usually includes a run-down of the various species that are available, as well as where, when and how each might be targeted. This month, I’d like to feature just one of our favourites – the blackspot tuskfish, Choerodon schoenleinii, or blueys as they are known locally. Although we can expect the best in coming months, there have already been encouraging reports. Blackspot tuskfish are widespread across northern Australia and Southeast Asia. In Hervey Bay, they reach a serious weight of over 12kg. They’re without any dispute, kilo for kilo, the meanest fighting fish that Hervey Bay has to offer. It’s more than just their power – they have

the dogged determination to find the cover that will break the angler’s heart. You’re likely to find blueys on just about any reef structure throughout Hervey Bay. The larger fish, say 5kg+, are found on moderately deep reefs such as Moon Ledge, Rufus Artificial Reef, the Channel Hole and even the deep channel outside the harbour leading towards the pier. Although smaller fish around 3kg or less can also be caught in these deeper areas, most frequent the shallow reefs such as those around Point Vernon and Scarness, or along the northern and eastern shores of Woody Island. Blueys feed by browsing the reefs for food, using their strong teeth effectively. They

A juvenile blackspot tuskfish. have a marked preference for crustaceans, particularly crabs. By far the best bluey bait is crab, similar to what it might be searching for. At Point Vernon and close to Woody Island, small black runner crabs and sleepy crabs are the best baits. These can be collected around any of the rocky foreshores. I’ve used small paddler crabs on the reefs close to Scarness Beach and Round Island with success. Yabbies, soldier crabs and prawns work reasonably well, but being soft, are quickly

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taken by small fish. Most of the larger reef fish are also partial to crabs, so it shouldn’t be a surprise if you hook-up with a coral bream (grass sweetlip). If the bigger fish are your game, you’ll probably be fishing one of the deeper ledges or the artificial reef. Set yourself up with at least 50kg mono handline, 4/0 to 6/0 Mustad Hoodlums, and sturdy gloves. Local experts use whole sand crabs (legal of course) or large blue-claw crabs collected from the foreshores. When a big bluey takes one of these, there’s no place for finesse. It’s a matter of not giving an inch. Get the fish away from cover as soon as possible. If these big brutes are not to your liking, you might like to target smaller fish over the

shallow reefs. Here we can expect fish up to 4kg with most around 1-2kg. It might sound like extreme overkill, but you need to load up to 22kg mono, and use 1/0 to 3/0 strong hooks. Of course the rod needs to be up to the task. My preference is for a flooding tide early morning or late afternoon, fishing along the edge of the hard reef. There is no room for finesse once a fish is hooked. I must confess, I don’t have a good track record using artificials when targeting blueys. However I know that others are getting results on a variety of plastic lookalikes and Cranka Crabs. This aspect of bluey fishing is on my to-do list. For the next five months, blackspot tuskfish should be plentiful in the shallows. On the deeper ledges and holes they can be caught throughout the year. The minimum legal length is 30cm, with a bag limit of five. As a coral reef finfish, the bluey would be a component of a combined bag limit of 20. THE DREADED WEED Weed, weed and weed – the horrible floating brown algae that effectively wiped out Fraser Island’s tailor fishing during August, September and much of October. What I have to say here is in response to anglers who have returned from the island with lots of frozen pilchards and very few tailor fillets. I’ve been drawing on my

own experiences over the last 50 years as well as what science is able to tell us. As you will see, there are far more questions than answers. Can we expect another wipe out in 2017? This is the most frequent question to come to me. Unfortunately, it’s a question I can’t answer and wish I could. The culprit appears to be the macroscopic algae, Hincksia sordida. There have been suggestions that this is associated with bottom dwelling sea grasses, but these have generally been discounted in favour of the free floating algae undergoing rapid growth, forming the blooms that have occupied the inshore waters of Fraser Island’s beaches during these months. Studies have attempted to identify the factors that bring about the blooming of the algae. Nutrient levels, particularly those of nitrogen and phosphorus, appear to be involved. The dreaded weed, as many like to call it, is by no means new to the island. My first encounter with it was in the mid sixties when an infestation covered the Waddy Point to Ngkaka Rocks Beach, as well as Middle Rocks and Indian Head. The problem really came into prominence when the main surfing beach at Noosa was infested during 2002 and continued annually until at least 2006. Floating in the water, the weed was enough of a problem. When washed up on the beach, the resulting decomposing and stinking mass became a real health concern. Removal of contaminated beaches was

The dreaded weed choking the surf zone and washing onto the beach. of ocean beds, currents, rainfall, temperatures and the chemical conditions of primary nutrients, but the question of how and when all these factors come together is another matter. Whenever we see some evidence of essential elements coming into play, we expect to see a lot of finger pointing. The obvious example of this is in the proposed effect of fertilisers and pesticides on the Great Barrier Reef. When we consider our current problem, we need to be reminded that Fraser Island and its neighbouring coasts are comparatively low contributors of pollutants into the ocean. In considering more recent blooms, there have been suggestions that increased human activity could be making a contribution. I completely disregard this idea, as during the strong and widespread blooms of the sixties and earlier, there were very few people on the island compared with what we see today.

The Kingfisher bus was bogged in the unseen weed. one way of dealing with the problem, while fine mesh barriers were also given consideration. During those years, it was recognised that the origin of the weed was off the northern coast of Fraser Island, carried by ocean currents to be trapped in the Noosa beaches. During that period of about five years, infestation by Hincksia sordida was a regular occurrence along Fraser’s ocean beach. Since then we have enjoyed almost a decade of freedom. Certainly there have been a few false starts in that time, but none developed into serious infestations. The origins of the blooms are related to the physical conditions

During an algal bloom event such as this year’s, much of the weed remains floating with small amounts washed onto the beach. However, when conditions are optimal as they have been at Noosa, large masses of weed come ashore. Quite often these are covered with wind-blown sand, giving the appearance of a perfectly normal stretch of beach. This has been the downfall of vehicles seriously bogged after venturing over hidden, rotten weed. In 2003 on the southern side of Indian Head, the tourist bus went down so far that it became an almost impossible job retrieving it. Just a week ago, to everyone’s delight, there was

a clearance along the beach either side of Happy Valley. It looked as though it was all over. However, just a day or two later anglers at Poyungan Rocks reported it to be back again. How much longer it persists is another question. I have seen the problem go through to December, but that was decades ago. At this point, I should mention some other nuisance weed events that can certainly frustrate anglers. One is the rather aptly named ‘snot weed’. Areas of this weed are not usually widespread and often form froth-like rafts. Fishers encounter it as jelly-like nodules on retrieved line. There have been suggestions that this is related to Hinksia sordida but I am not convinced. The western beaches of Fraser Island also experience a weed infestation, but this is quite different from the Hinksia sordida of the ocean beach. During winter months, a number of plant species flourish in the shallow waters of Hervey Bay. During late winter and spring, seasonal northerly winds disrupt plants and eventually wash them ashore. Along much of inner Hervey Bay, particularly along Dundowran Beach, various algal forms choke the foreshores. Along Fraser’s western beach, most of the washed in plant life is sea grass. This is rolled in by wave action and ends up as piles of decomposing weed up to a metre thick. Breakdown of the weed takes place over a few months, returning nutrients to the beach. Unlike the dreaded weed of the east coast, the occurrence of weed on the western beach is fairly predictable, with at least some inconvenience in the latter months of each year, even into January. The burning questions remain unanswered. Can we expect Hincksia sordida to return in next year and to what extent? It would be great if our marine science gurus could develop a tool to predict coming infestations. Unfortunately, this tech is a little way off.

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Monduran barra madness LAKE MONDURAN

Rob Howell

Constant winds from the north have fired Monduran’s monster barra up. This northerly has pushed a huge number of barra down into Rainforest, Bird and SDA bays and the main basin. It’s been six years since we’ve seen fishing of this type – days where you can launch your boat and start casting your lures to the

nearest point or weed bed, set your lures out for a troll around the main basin or Bird Bay and get results. There have been multiple bite sessions on big barra. We’ve waited a long time to see bigger barra biting together, with some sessions resulting in 10+ hook-ups. There have been double and triple hook-ups at a single time. The key to success here is patience and persistence. You also need to be able to see barra constantly scrolling through on your sounder in

the spot you are situated. Once good numbers of barra are found it’s then just a matter of time before they get active and start to feed.

many bust-ups thrown into a session. Hardbody lures like the Jackall Smash Minnows and Squirrels, Rapala X-Raps,

Nigel and his friends from Victoria, all caught metre barra on their fishing trip. future for some barra action. For Charter, houseboat and accommodation bookings please contact us email info@ lakem.com.au or call us on

(07) 4157 3881 or my mobile 0410 599 147. Check out my facebook page for up to date barra info, Lake Monduran Guidelines Fishing Charters.

A great day to be on the water – Brad caught this cracker fish.

Mark with a heavy night barra.

Call Jamie today to book your next trip Ph: 0407 434 446

Recently we’ve had many southern state anglers visit us for their annual pilgrimage to Lake Monduran. Groups from Victoria, Sydney, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour timed their stay perfectly with optimal weather conditions on offer. By pre-booking charters on arrival, these groups had their most exciting fishing experiences to date, boating over ten barra per group with

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Emil looks pretty happy with his catch of 101cm.

Baffling river fishing for jacks BUNDABERG

BA RR A PA RK

Storm Thunder Barra and Storm Twitch Sticks have all worked well on a slow retrieve. Soft plastics like the 6” ZMan SwimmerZ, Pro Range Slick Rigs and 8” Happy Rock Softies have also accounted for many bites over the past month. It’s very encouraging to see the lake fish well again. • Our team here at Lake Monduran look forward to seeing you in the near

It’s that season again to enjoy time with family and get some much needed hours on the water. The lead up to Christmas is usually busy – we have to get the house ready for visitors, prepare the camping gear and pack for the holidays. For those that don’t have to worry about all the fuss, or are prepared, the couple of weeks prior to the holiday chaos usually have great fishing. The lead up to the full moon on the 14th will be well worth a pre-Christmas fishing adventure, as the tides will be great for estuary fishing. THE BURNETT The Burnett has produced some great fishing for cod, grunter, bream and even a few mangrove jack. Barramundi have been caught recently. Remember that it’s closed season and if you hook one while chasing other species, don’t lift them out of the water. Release them boat side as carefully as you can. The town reach of the Burnett has produced school mulloway – they are small but fun for the kids.

The bridge pylons have schools of trevally hanging around, with a few big jacks mixed in. The jacks have been destroying lures and rigs. Night fishing around the lights has produced some bigger fish including jacks, mulloway and some very big river whalers. The mouth of the river has started to fire, as the large schools of baitfish move up and down the coast. Mackerel of all sorts have hit trolled lures and baits, with the odd big Spaniard around the bait schools. The everpresent mac tuna have turned up and are a bit of fun on light tackle. Spinning with chrome slices and slugs will get you hooked-up. THE BAFFLE The Baffle is getting more and more popular with locals and travelling anglers and so it should. It’s a magic place that can produce great fishing and crabbing. If you can sneak up there before the crowds then do so – the creek will get a lot of traffic over the break. The jacks have really fired up with warmer water temperatures and they have spread out throughout the system. The creek is still flowing fresh in the upper reaches, which should get the prawns moving. Prawn imitations will be a go to for the

lure anglers. My favourite technique for the Baffle is fishing with surface lures, and I fish them pretty much all day. Mangrove jack are my main target, but I also

catch trevally, bream, queenfish and barra when in season. Have a happy and safe Christmas and I hope Santa brings you heaps of new fishing gear.

The author’s daughter Amity with a nice trevally. Christmas is a great time to take the kids fishing.

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Hot holiday schools of fish GLADSTONE

Eve Malone eve.dave42@gmail.com

Last month brought us hot humid days and great fishing opportunities. Butterflies flew in and for most fishos this is the tell-tale sign of some pretty mean mackerel and tuna action. No one has been disappointed – there has been mass schools of spotties, schoolies, mac and long tail tuna in all directions around the headlands, coastal areas and the inner and outer reefs. The sweaty weather will continue this month and into January. It’s the perfect opportunity for night fishing

expeditions in estuaries and reefs. The reefs will fire with the warmer water and night fishing should be fairly manic. Mangrove jack will be on the chew during all hours – escaping the heat of the day and targeting at night will produce better results. I hear of more success in the Boyne, but both the Boyne and Calliope Rivers have quality fish. Nannygai catches have been strong in areas around Masthead and Sykes. Big well-presented baits in the deeper waters to 20m+ are working well. These areas are also seeing increased numbers of trophy coral trout. Try to find them in deep water and use ganged

Nannygai are certainly in the chew – Tom Bennett caught this nice specimen in deep water at Sykes Reef.

strip baits such as mackerel and whole pilchards. Trolling deep diving lures around reefs has been effective for the trout and worth a shot for rock cod. Rock cod are consistent this month. There have been nice catches of grassy sweetlip. We came across a nice patch of them and bagged out in half an hour, and although they weren’t huge specimens, they’re still very fun to catch. Mulloway are fishing great off the back of last month. The areas mentioned continue to produce. My mate Blake has concentrated his efforts around South Trees and up the Narrows and come up with the goods. Fishing the nights is effective. King threadfin salmon in these spots should see you come up trumps as well. A cracker 141cm mulloway was caught recently in the harbour – Grant Robertson’s first mulloway. I’m sure he’ll be hooked from here on. Freshwater fishing for barramundi increases as the temperatures increase. Freshwater takes longer to heat up, as I’ve mentioned before. With the temperatures we’ve experienced, targeting them in the fresh now and through January is prime time. Awoonga Dam is the closest option we have through the barra tidal

closures, so take some time to explore the area. Talk to locals who fish the area. I suggest afternoon to dusk and into the night when the water has had the full heat of the day. Work structure on the cast or troll for a start. Tips from those who have fished the area for a long time and local fishing stores may give more insight into how the fish and dam work. We’ve finally finished fitting out our tinny, so it’s back on the water and back to fishing our awesome area in my own boat again. I look forward to having good pictures to share over the coming months. Be safe on the water over the festive season, look after your crew and only take what you need. Happy holidays.

Mulloway are about in good numbers and some of them are whoppers!

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One of the latest releases from Ocean Craft is the Ocean Craft 6700 Model T. Mike Jessop, the brains behind Ocean Craft, says one of its best features is how beamy it is. “The beam width is actually 2.4m, which means more buoyancy, more stability and more cargo on board with more space to put it,” Mike said. “All our Heavy Duty boats have a 2.4m beam in models from 4.4m to 7.5m.” The 6700 Model T has a swag of other features, including: • removable fold-down

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retainers and 4 suitcases of storage; • transom-mounted baitboard; • On tube seating for 15 people with non-slip marine carpet; “Ocean Craft boats also have a patented airtight buoyancy section with disclosing bung,” Mike added. “It’s guaranteed never to sink or your money back.” For a test drive or to find your nearest stockist call Ocean Craft on (07) 5499 6937 or visit their brand new website at www.olliej.com/ oceancraft. – FMG

STA15969MateFM_Layout 1 9/06/2016 10:31 AM Page 1

Calm this Christmas GLADSTONE

Liam Jones

This month’s report has been compiled by Les Jones. The reef fishing has been a bit quiet lately because of the blowy weather we’ve had. It’s been rare to get more than the odd morning or afternoon of good weather. However, when those rare weather windows have opened, there have been plenty of good fish caught. Reef fishers have reported bagging out on sweetlip, with a few trout mixed in. Casting stickbaits over the shallow reefs is becoming ever more popular for anglers targeting trout and sweetlip, and some of the best producers have been the Maria Loaded, X-Rap Long Cast Shallow and Nomad Madscad. A few red emperor are also being caught, mostly in 35m+ depths, and this is expected to continue. IMPOUNDMENTS The dams are really starting to fire, which is great news for barra lovers who suffer during the

closed season. Quite a few barra have been caught at Awoonga and Callide in recent weeks. Anglers have been picking them up in a wide range of locations, which is unusual. A number have been coming from the mouths of old creeks, and from drop-offs where the depths might go from 5m to 10m. Lure fishers have been getting good results on Lethal Barra Slayers and Jackall Squirrel Hank Tunes, along with a wide range of 5-7” plastics. We went to the Cania Family Fishing Classic last month, where a lot of bass and saratoga were caught. Some quality fish were weighed in, with the winning bass going 560mm. Successful lures included the Jackall TN50s and 60s, and the Tilsan Bass. RIVER AND ESTUARY Mangrove jacks are starting to go really well in this hot weather, with good catches being reported from the Boyne and Calliope rivers. If you want consistent catches, you really have to get your lure in tight to cover. Resign yourself to losing a lot of gear!

There are still a few flathead and some nice bream being caught around the harbour. They aren’t thick but are still providing good fun for kids bait fishing from the wharf. The crabs were late this year, but some big tides in November started to get them moving. We recently dropped a couple of pots in the Boyne and got some good bucks, and there have also been good reports from Port Alma. THE MONTH AHEAD The fishing in December should be really good, especially for jacks. Impoundment barra will be exceptional too, and the crabs will be on the move. If the wind stops blowing it will be good offshore as well – just be careful of the storms! • For more information on what’s biting, or to stock up with all the tackle and bait you need, drop into LJ’s Compleat Angler Gladstone at the Gladstone Marina on Bryan Jordan Drive. You can also check out the latest news, photos and specials at Facebook Compleat Angler Gladstone.

When the wind has dropped, anglers have been getting good catches of sweetlip and trout.

Ben Robson and his son Jarvis with one of two great flathead caught and released in the Noosa River. Both fish went over 75cm – good work, guys! DECEMBER 2016

Fishing over Christmas ROCKHAMPTON

Clayton Nicholls clay94_fishing@live.com.au

With the closed season for barramundi, the iconic sportfish are off limits. The humble threadfin salmon and many other estuary dwellers are still fair game and there have been a great number of them around.

The beaches and estuaries are loaded with whiting, dart bream and flathead, which make for great holiday fun. FITZROY AND THE NARROWS Over the past month, some great fish have been caught in our estuary systems, like huge mulloway and some equally impressive threadfin salmon. There

has been a decent amount of bait around in the salt with some very good prawn hauls caught by some of the customers. A lot of people still choose to catch some humble perch and use them as live baits. Catching perch is a much easier method of collecting live bait, as all you need is a cheap bait trap and some bread. Lately many anglers

The author caught this ripper flathead using a Palms Molla 732 to work a 3” Gulp Minnow over tidal sand flats.

Another barra caught on light gear before closed season.

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have been fishing Devils Elbow, the rock walls near Curtis Island and some of the feeder gutters at Thompsons Point. Many anglers choose to use smaller weighted lures to entice the jacks, and are still able to cast with their standard barra gear.

Some great lures include Lucky Craft Pointer 78XD, Atomic Plazos Prong and ZMan 4” SwimmerZ. The suspending Lucky Craft can be worked with a few twitches at the snag, left for a bit and slow rolled back. Similarly, the Atomic Prongs can be worked in almost the same way – when left they will sink and not suspend. Finally, the 4” SwimmerZ can be worked with varying lift and drop techniques to get the paddletail working. RIVERS, CREEKS AND BEACHES The local rivers, creeks and beaches will be heavily fished in the holiday period, as they are more accessible to anglers. Take this into consideration when planning your next trip – the beaches

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Rowan played a helping hand and got some big whiting on the yabby flats as the tide receded.

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will have a higher number of people and the boat ramps will be no different Last month there were heaps of prawns and herring in the systems. Knowing what’s in the system is essential to bait fish and lure fish. Matching the hatch is key, as there are many herring coloured lures and many prawn imitation lures on the market. Using a lure that matches the bait source will increase your odds of hooking up to your next fish. Deeper gutters and drop offs have been fishing well and this will certainly not change through the next month. Species like cod, flathead and bream are dominant at the moment, but the estuaries are full of other species to catch as well. As the water heats up in the middle of the afternoon, most species will move down into the deeper pockets of water, shadows cast by roots and mangroves or out into the cooler beach waters. FRESHWATER LAGOONS The freshwater lagoons have been going off in the afternoons. The best time I have found is when the sun has just hit the horizon through to the end of last light. Surface lures of 45-80mm have been working a treat. My top picks are the Lucky Craft Bevy Pop 50, River2Sea

Bubble Pop 65 and the Savage Gear Pop Prey 7cm. All these lures have worked well. A few pops with a long pause has been the best method of retrieve for me. A good bit of tree line and weed beds in some shallower sections are good living grounds for many different species. CRABBING There have been plenty of crabs around lately with many anglers bringing in good hauls. Some of the keys areas have been Coorooman Creek and the Narrows. Lately the main baits being used are mullet heads, which are widely available at any good tackle store. If the areas you are going to be placing crab pots experience a fair bit of run, it may be worthwhile investing in some good heavy duty crab pots, as they will be less likely to get washed away in the big tidal currents this region gets. CHRISTMAS I am a big believer in the motto ‘limit your kill not kill your limit.’ Over any period, it’s important to remember the limits to help fish populations recover and continue to thrive. Christmas is a great time to take kids or mates out fishing and teach them about this great past time. Throughout the holiday period have great time fishing and safe travels.

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Hot summer Yeppoon fishing is heating right up YEPPOON

Scott Lynch ifishcq2@bigpond.com

Grunter are showing up in all the estuaries and are not a bad sized fish at present. Connors Creek through to the Narrows and Port Alma area of the river are doing very well. Pirates Point to Nerimbera is also turning out quality fish, and the trick here is to find the big

king salmon. Grunter love big prawns over everything else, then yabbies and fresh flesh baits. I use a heavier bream rig with a fairly long trace as a rule, so the baits move around quite freely. In recent times we have started putting out bigger baits on one or two heavy rods to handle the big black jew, which have been destroying our light gear while grunter fishing in the river. The surprising thing

Mangrove jack, even small ones, will smash a plastic cast right in under the overhang. white channel line markers on the banks, and watch your sounder as you come over the undulating bottom when you head towards the next marker. This is prime grunter country because they can get out of the flow and get a feed without wasting energy. The area from Devils Elbow towards town is starting to produce again after the floodgates have been closed. The cleaner water has made it up into the town reaches and with it comes the grunter and

is that we have caught more during the day than at night and the moon doesn’t seem to influence them like the black jew offshore. Like all of our other grunter spots, it is possible to score a decent golden snapper as a very welcome by-catch. Even in the creeks and all of our offshore grunter spots you will find a number of golden snapper. Coorooman Creek has a load of cockle bed rubble patches and deep holes where the grunter come on in big numbers and

size, especially around the full moon and new moons. Waterpark Creek is very similar, and the best spot is the stretches down from Corbetts Landing to past the shacks. The Horseshoe at Kellys holds grunter at times but boat traffic can put them off the chew and send them to quieter locations. Like last year, the cleaner water towards town has bought in very large schools of king salmon. Within a week or two of the barrage gates closing, the system took on another look from the dirty brown flowing mud to a shade of green. This signalled that the bait and all its followers would be moving upstream as well. The king are very active either side of Gavial Creek and can easily be found on your sounder. Trolling lures that run around 5m are probably the most productive, although it does get boing with the ease of scoring salmon, so we switch to vibes and blades. Tr a n s a m and Threadybuster style vibes can produce good captures of king while they are schooling. We have been playing around with blade vibes and found that kings like them, and when we drift away from the schools it isn’t uncommon to nail grunter. Most of the anglers who target king are into catch and release, which is pleasing when we think of what the river will be like in the future now that we have the net free zones in play too. Mangrove jack have been reported in more catches lately than I can ever remember. Likely it’s the way we all have evolved in our fishing styles as opposed to growing numbers. I think they have always been here

and the majority of locals have never fished for them in the way that the anglers in known jack hotspots do. A couple of recent excursions with some of the anglers around Bundy and Mackay have changed how I fish, or more likely expanded the range I fish. Most of my good mates are lure fishers with their specialties varying from flathead to barra, jacks and golden snapper. We all approach a stretch of water from a different perspective and read the systems structures differently too. I’ve found, as primarily a barramundi lure fisher, that the main reason I was missing out on jacks is I was going to deep in depth and not deep enough into timber or under overhanging mangroves. Sure I have landed lots over the years as a fluky by-catch rather than trying to catch them. Now after quite a lot of practice and technique changes, my rate has improved. Using plastics, due to their versatility, there has been quite an evolution considering the forty odd years I’ve spent using hardbodies for everything from bream to wahoo. Learning to fish like the anglers from other areas, has opened up so much more country that was virtually unfishable prior to the new style plastics and rigs becoming more available. The best thing for anyone who wants to target jack with plastics, is to get one of the many CDs on the market and study how and where to cast. With a bit of practice you can increase your captures and your enjoyment considerably. There are lots of local systems that hold jacks, including Coorooman Creek, Pumpkin Creek, the Narrows

Paul and Clay Kemp caught a couple of flathead at Corio. and all the creeks running along Curtis Island, Corio and the Causeway Lake. The Causeway has always been a jack spot for the live baiters because of the many rock bars that surround the lake. Blue salmon have arrived at plenty of locations along the coast in recent weeks and should be here for a while. They will take plastics, hardbodies and baits. Over the years we have used everything from pillies on gangs to yabbies, prawns, beach worms, herring and poddy mullet to catch them. The most likely spot is ‘The Timbers’ at Coorooman Creek, but at the moment Rundles, Long Beach, Pumpkin Creek, Ritamada

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DECEMBER 2016

Craig Robertson landed this horse red emperor out from Yeppoon.

Kinka Creek, Ross Creek, Barwells Creek and Corio Bay have numbers. Inside the harbour is the easiest place to score salmon, especially when the bay is clean and there is plenty of herrings or northern pillies that come in and out of the harbour with the tides. At times, flicking an unweighted pilly between the Freedom Flyer and The Co-op can provide a good feed in no time. Fishing around the entrance can be very rewarding, by just throwing Pegrons, flashas or twisters wherever you see the bait schools. Red Emperor, large mouth nannygai, grassy sweetlip, red throat and spangled emperor, coral trout, cod, hussar and parrot should be in supply enough to keep us all happy, provided the weather plays its part. The smaller tides have made fore better fishing as expected because you get a slower drift with far less weight to hold bottom. There are plenty of fine reefies in at the closer patches, although the wider areas are fishing the best. The Christmas Spanish mackerel run is due to show any time now. Outer, Man and Wife and Cape Manifold are spots to try just out of the bay. Whenever the weather drops out we should get a few doggies and greys come into the bay. Cobia are like pests at most of the patches outside the bay and they will be for the next month or so. Have a great Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

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Mackerel Christmas and a snapper New Year MACKAY

Keith Day habdays@bigpond.net.au

December in Mackay is hot, humid and a great time to be on the water! There’s a great variety of species and spots. December is a good time for early morning starts for a few hours of fishing, and night fishing can be very enjoyable and productive with no baking in the hot sun.

on a gang rig. That setup will also attract cobia, which are welcome, and barracuda and sharks, that aren’t welcome. Closer in shore, northerly winds are finally starting to blow with a bit of consistency. Until early November, we would get a couple of days then the changes would come through, so the bait schools weren’t consistently inshore. Just over the last few days, there have been large bait balls around the

Matt Trott successfully worked a small rock bar to score this nice mangrove jack in Constant Creek. The reef closure has now run its course and many of the larger trailer boats will be heading wide looking for a good bag of reef fish for Christmas. Reds will be on the chew out in the deep waters of the shipping channel, which is the closest reliable spot to target the big reds. A quick chat to the local tackle shop staff will give you an up to the minute report on what’s biting and where. Those heading wide will also target the shallower reef areas for trout and red-throat, which will be on the chew. Pilchards are one of the best baits for trout with a small sinker to allow the bait to waft down slowly. Be alert, as the trout will come a fair way from their reef holes to nail the pillie. With slack line in the current, it’s easy to miss the hit. Super sharp hooks are a big help and generally they’re never sharp enough out of the box. Good size Spanish mackerel are still mooching around out wide, so at anchor it’s always a good idea to float out a live bait of reef fish like a hussar or a gar, ribbonfish or pilchard 66

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harbour and Flat and Round Top islands, with plenty of decent size 80cm+ doggies and spotted mackerel working them. The small macks don’t work right on the surface like tuna. To pick up the macks, I like to troll barra-style lures down 2-3m until the fish

are found. Then, if there’s plenty of bait around, I switch to casting shinies or plastics and have some fun on the lighter spin gear. The mackerel and tuna will follow the bait into surprisingly shallow water and at times can be caught off the beaches. This is remarkable, as our beaches are very shallow and gradually drop out into deeper water. Any small isolated rocks or snags will attract the bait and the predators won’t be far behind. The macks can be caught on a huge variety of lures and the humble pilchard on a gang rig with a small sinker is probably the most used method here. Trolling big spoons on cord lines can account for plenty of fish. Heavy lines don’t give the small macks much of a chance to put up a fight, so I prefer to use the lighter gear. Fresh mackerel or longtail tuna is top tucker provided the fish is bled immediately and then well iced down. Look after your catch and enjoy the fine and healthy food afterwards. Grilled mackerel, basted with a mix of melted butter, light soy and sweet chilli with a fresh salad is a great light summer meal. Small mackerel will be around all the islands off Seaforth (watch the zones) around Shoal Point, the harbour and Hay Point and down to the islands out from Sarina. On the good days with a light northerly in the morning, all these places can be reached in a small tinnie. Watch the weather, talk to the local tackle shop staff, get out early and enjoy the great run of mackerel and tuna, and a feast afterwards. It doesn’t get much better!

Lure fishing the snags for jacks often produces other results, like this chunky 30cm pikey bream that took a swipe at the lure. In the creeks and estuaries, the jacks will be kings, as barra are off the menu until February. Look for the jacks around any rock bars or isolated rocks in the main and side creeks. Don’t be put off by shallow water – they can be found in water only 30cms or so deep, as long as there is some cover and a food source. Jacks can also be found around rocky foreshores and some islands seem to have a resident population. A 50cm jack in our area is a damn good fish, fun to catch and beautiful tucker. Live baits account for most of them, but lure fishing is gaining popularity. You can cover a lot of ground quickly. I prefer to use a mix of deep and shallow floating divers, as the lures can often be backed up off snags and rocks, which minimises the

A solid jack caught on the X-Rap worked over the top of a rock bar in Constant Creek provided some anxious moments.

losses. A lure retriever is also a must have and mine extends to about 3.5m – it comes in very handy. Soft plastics rigged on weedless worm hooks are another way to target the jacks in the shallower water. In deeper water, the extra weight needed to get the lure in the fish’s face can mean more lure losses through snagging. Jack fishing is mostly boat fishing, but there are a few spots accessible on foot, like the rocks around the Highway Bridge in North Mackay and the trainer walls in the river. Golden snapper are often found during the hotter months in the creeks, but they seem to prefer the deeper holes towards the mouth or just offshore. The harbour can also produce some nice ones along with jacks, but the harbour seems to fish best at night. Work the walls around the lights in the unrestricted areas, with either live baits or lures. Good cod will also get in on the act and it’s not a place to be using light gear, as you’ll need to drag the fish away from the rocks. Barra are off the list in the salt, but the dams can still be fished with a one fish take applying. The hot northerlies have really got the dam barra on the chew and both Kinchant and Teemburra dams are firing, as the recent ABT results show. It’s apparent that MAFSA’s stocking program is working well and orders have already been placed for ‘top ups’ this summer. Dam barra tend to feed around prominent points and bays. Sometimes it can be a bit of a waiting game until the fish move

into the shallower waters from deeper water to chase boney bream, which are their favourite food in the dams. If you see large fish on the sounder in deeper water, head for the nearest point, anchor up quietly and work the area thoroughly. The black and gold Squidgy Slick Rig is still the most popular lure for dam barra, although any of the recognised names like Reidy’s, RMG or Koolabung will catch fish. Don’t forget to try some surface action late in the afternoon and into the night, as the strikes are heart stopping and often happen almost at the boat. Tango Dancers, ZMan frogs, cup-faced poppers and fizzers will all catch barra on the surface. This is my favourite way to target these great fish. Don’t go too light on the gear, because both dams have fish that are now well over a metre – they’re no slouches. Sooty fishing tends to take a back seat during summer months, but MAFSA’s intrepid bunch of stockers will be out chasing brood stock for the hatchery. Kieron Galletly has fired up the hatchery and all systems are go, once we have some decent rain in the Pioneer catchment to get the sooties in spawning mode. Good fun and more volunteers are always needed, and made very welcome. Contact them through any of the tackle shops or through Facebook. In the run up to Christmas, Mackay has heaps to offer. Don’t forget to drop those hints about new gear from Santa! I wish you a happy and safe Christmas with plenty of time on the water. I’ll see you at the ramp.

FIND-A-WORD COMPETITION THINGS TO GIVE SOMEONE YOU DON’T LIKE

PIECE OF COAL FAX MACHINE A RAT TEN RATS COWPAT DIET PILLS PRAWN HEADS EARWIG ADULT NAPPY

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FINS SCALES & TALES by A. Both

QFM DECEMBER 2016

Phone (day):

Dynabait worms are an all-natural, freeze-dried bait. Just soak them in water, and within minutes they’re ready to go! As soon as they hit the water, they release a potent mix of hormones and enzymes that fish can’t resist. These worms are dynamite on bream, whiting, bass, flathead, blackfish, cod, yellowbelly, trevally and many more! Dynabait Bloodworms, Tubeworms and Sandworms are available at all good tackle stores.

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to T Fuchs of Rochedale South, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition! Monthly winners receive a sponsor prize. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – QFM

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE BITE ME by Trisha Mason

The subscriber prize winner for October was D King of Fig Tree Pocket, who won a pair of Mako Polarised glasses valued at $299.95. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

FIND THE ZMAN LOGO

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

The answers to Find the ZMan Logo for October were: 20, 23, 24, 31, 41, 51, 52, 59, 62, 68, 70, 81, 97, 99. – QFM The Find the ZMan logo prize winners for October were: J Bowyer of Blackall, A Svaikauskas of Alligator Creek, P Fielder of Everton Hills, B Stephan of Donnybrook, P Thompson of Murwillumbah, M Hughes of Uralla, G Hintz of Crows Nest, A Easton of Albany Creek, K Martin of Dalby, B Halberstater of Yeppoon, M Kelliher of Cranbrook, R Roots of Cowley Beach, E Bruni of Slacks Creek, C Rowe of Loganholme, M Pickham of Glen Innes, G Illman of Mt Gambier, G Flinn of Pomona, D Hutchins of Bundaberg, I McKinnon of Machans Beach, G Herring of Gympie, D Davidson of Guyra, A Bragg of Mount Isa, B Herrmann of Churchill, P McKee of Birkdale, D Kitzelmann of North Star, R Ramsay of Taylors Beach, D Cade of Rozelle, P Curteis of Bonogin, M Grice of Hope Island, B O’Connor of South Bingera, W Geaney of Beecher, A Scott of Proserpine, R Doughty of Upper Coomera, B Brown of Lota, N Humble of Rockhampton, D Leciej of Hervey Bay, A James of Burpengary, J Paul of Inverell, J White of Aspley, D Allen of Moggill. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

Bream

Tips for tricking bream CENTRAL COAST

Jamie Robley jrobley@iprimus.com.au

Summer is a fantastic time of year for casting lures in search of the humble bream. Right now, our coastal waterways are warm and full of life such as the prey that bream love to feed on. Consequently, they’re in just the right mood to hit lures.

even change their behaviour from one hour to the next. To be successful, we also need to be aware of these behavioural changes and switch tactics accordingly. It’s not out of the ordinary for bream to become difficult or switch off altogether, while others such as flathead or whiting are still quite catchable in the same waterway. In other words, it may be a better idea to switch target species if bream

barometer (which tends to coincide with northwesterlies along the eastern seaboard), mornings after a clear, bright moonlit night, extremely calm conditions, extra clear water and noise or commotion from lots of boats zooming around. Things that go in the angler’s favour include a small to moderate amount of recent rainfall, periods of hot weather to help warm the water, overcast or drizzly days, some breeze to put a ruffle on

Standard bream tackle of the modern era. As great as it all looks though, success is still largely about angler observation and input. A little luck will always help, but more luck will come to those who put in the effort! side walking. Sure, some fish will be caught when retrieving lures like that, but twice as many can be fooled with some extra angler input. As a starting point, let a lure sit, completely motionless, as soon as it splashes down. Bream are incredibly curious fish and

next. This may be just enough to encourage any fish already considering the bite. Now that the meal is getting away, the bream will hit or at least be a step closer to hitting. During the main part of the retrieve, back to the boat, kayak or shore, bream may be seen following the lure. If

it’s quite shallow, they can’t hide the water movement created as they swim up to a lure, so keep an eye out for it. If bream are seen to be following without hitting, then one of two things needs to happen. The first is simply a matter of stopping the lure. Now the

This nice Lake Macquarie bream took a surface lure cast over shallow flats around 11am. Conditions were overcast, with a gentle puff of breeze ruffling the water’s surface. If it was sunny and the air dead calm, it may have been much harder to entice a fish.

Slowly making your way along, casting as close to the shoreline as possible is the standard way of fishing most lakes or estuaries at this time of year. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth looking for deeper structure further out if fish aren’t coming your way. Try different things until hungry fish are found. On the other hand, bream are notoriously fickle and not easily fooled all the time. Like most species, they have their good and bad days. Little things like changes in water temperature, wind direction, time of day and fishing pressure can mean they’ll 68

DECEMBER 2016

aren’t playing the game. That way it’s still possible to enjoy good fishing and perhaps bring home a feed at the end of the day. Some factors that commonly dampen the enthusiasm of bream are a north \westerly airflow, falling

the water’s surface and a high or rising barometer. Generally speaking, the more of these factors that come together, the easier bream should be to fool with lures. SURFACE During summer, surface or topwater lures are highly effective and quite often the best sort of lure to cast for bream. In fact, it’s reasonably common for bream to ignore other lure types that sink below the surface, as bream can be very focused on looking for prawns, shrimp or insects above them, rather than taking much notice of what’s happening down deeper. It’s possible to catch bream on surface lures at any time of day, but there’s no doubt that the early morning period, just before sunrise to an hour or two after, offers the best fishing. Late afternoon is also good. This is when light levels are lower and most fish are looking for a meal. In other words, bream are more aggressive and likely to smash surface lures with little or no hesitation. Regardless of the exact type or size of the surface lure, more success will come when lures are thoughtfully worked and given extra life rather than simply cast out and wound back in a series of repetitive pops or side to

This fish smashed a surface lure cast towards an undercut riverbank at first light. The surface bite didn’t last long that morning, as it turned out to be a very clear, sunny day with no wind. just the sound of the initial splash is probably enough to attract any bream within a few metres. Competition creates aggression, so if a dozen or more bream are close to the lure, one will zoom in and grab it to beat the others to a potential meal. This is much the same as throwing hot chips to seagulls. If only one seagull is there, it may take its time and casually approach the chip. If a mob of birds is present, a few of the more aggressive gulls are likely to fight to get the chip first. If the lure hasn’t attracted any attention after ten seconds, it’s time to make a move and see what happens

Ideal shallow water bream territory. Large clear sandy patches adjacent to weed beds are generally more productive than open expanses of sand without any other sort of structure. Dense weed beds without clear sandy patches are also less productive.

Bream

Bream find plenty of food and shelter around weedy areas, but they’re more likely to be hooked over clear patches or channels running near weed. fish can get a better look and take time to decide if they want it or not. Once again, if a number of fish are together, one is probably going to be bolder than the others and take a swipe. A lone fish may be more hesitant. If that approach doesn’t work, try the opposite – speed up the retrieve and twitch the rod tip to make the lure splash or dart around a bit more. This sends a message to bream that the prey is panicking and trying to escape attack. Hopefully, this more agitated sort of retrieve stirs a bream into action, resulting in a strike. Every day and every

place is different, so what worked yesterday or earlier in the morning may not work again now. By mixing up these retrieve ideas and perhaps trying a different lure, the angler increases the odds of something working. Before changing a lure, try changing the retrieve. SOFTIES AND VIBES Often seen as cool water or winter bream lures, soft plastics and sinking vibes work well at any time of year. Throughout summer, there are always some cooler patches, particularly the day after a strong southerly has moved through or if heavy rains cause some flooding – this

also drops water temperature considerably. Through the middle of the day, bream can move into deeper water where they’ll respond to a lure that gets down, rather than look for food up on top. A variety of different factors may influence the behaviour of bream and being aware of temperature drops and light levels means you’ll be better equipped to decide what sort of lure to tie on. Surface lures could do well for the first hour after sunrise, but swapping over to sinking types could keep the fish coming. As a rough guideline, the cooler the water, the deeper and slower a lure needs to be in order to score a bite. I’ve experienced good numbers of bream hugging the bottom after heavy rainfall or flooding and they’ll still hit lures, but only when the lure is kept very close to the bottom and worked with subtle movements. Lightly weighted soft plastics also work pretty well around structure ranging from bridge pylons and pontoons through to rockwalls and timber lined riverbanks. Sometimes they can be worked at speed, closer to the surface, while other times a bit more weight in the jig head and a slower approach is better. I’ve generally found plastics to work on fish that

are reluctant to bite other lure types, especially in extra clear water. HARD PLASTIC Many years ago, hardbody lures were the main thing to throw at bream, besides bait. Some of the popular old lures were the Rebel Crawfish, Rebel Crickhoppers, 5cm Nils Masters and the Bomber Model A. While they’re still on the market and still work well, we have a lot more advanced lures to choose from these days. I like to use these mainly

in rivers or creeks, casting around fallen timber, jetties and moored boats. I don’t often use them out in my local lakes, because the lakes are so incredibly weedy around the shallows and a diving hardbody just picks up too much weed. In any case, hardbodies are a versatile type of lure that can be cast or trolled and definitely have their place in the tackle box. There are a few other lure types worth considering, including sinking stickbaits, sinking hardbody divers

and suspending hardbodies. Flyfishing is another option and was quite popular 20 years ago, but has fallen by the wayside in recent years. Regardless of exact lure choice or angling venue, the world’s best lure won’t catch a fish by itself. Pick a good spot, check forecasts, sunrise times, moon phases and tides. Then work out what’s best to tie on the end of the line. From that point on, a mixture of careful observation, thoughtful retrieve techniques and pure persistence will bring success.

The author picked up this solid fish on a Gulp worked in deeper water. Although surface luring is very popular and definitely effective at this time of year, it’s still worth going deeper and slower if the water seems on the cool side.

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and experience strong tidal currents and wave action, significantly affecting the safe use of the ramps. The wait is finally over – the new boat ramp at Lions Park was finished and opened on 22 October this year. The Department of Transport and Main Roads and Fraser Coast Regional Council have worked together and thought through this design carefully, factoring in environmental and social concerns. The end result is a ramp that’s practical, safe and easily accessible, with a turning area for boats. Transport and Main Roads provided $3.5 million allocated from the Marine Infrastructure Fund, with the remainder from Fraser Coast Regional Council. All up, it’s a state-of-the-art, $4.5 million construction, and it makes it easier to get onto the water quickly and safely. With 48 boat trailer parks and extra car parks near the Lions Park facility, the popular fishing town is going to be a lot more popular. The ramp is complemented by a floating pontoon and walkway for better launch and retrieval. It’s built for improved safety and has great access to surrounding waterways, and

trevally, tuna, kingfish, cobia and other reef species, will still be a simple, no-fuss trip. The project was able to incorporate several additional benefits to the local community, including

rock wall to protect the ramp from harsh wave action. Kayak anglers will also enjoy the beach area to launch, and the improved water quality upstream of Lions Park. Post-construction, the area still looks great. The council took special care to keep the Lions Park area beautiful. VISITING BURRUM HEADS The small town of Burrum Heads is located at the mouth of the Burrum River, 30 minutes north of Hervey Bay. It’s a threehour drive from Brisbane, on Queensland’s Fraser Coast. The town attracts holidaymakers, anglers and their families all year round. It also hosts the popular Burrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic, which is held on the Easter weekend every year and organised by the Burrum Heads Amateur Fishing Club. For the anglers, the nearby river has whiting, flathead, bream and other bread-and-butter species. Sportfish are around too, such as barramundi, mangrove jack or grunter, to

Flathead are on this season, and can be found in the river and estuaries around Burrum Heads. sealed parking for Lions Park and improved pedestrian access across the site to Riverside Drive, and a new beach area downstream of the rock wall. The stormwater pollution issue was corrected to improve water quality, and the construction included a

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name a few. Due to the mild climate, crabbing is an all year round proposition for mud and sand crabs. This area is great for calm glassed-out conditions. The blue waters are clean and clear and recognised as one of the most diverse fishing grounds in Australia. You can fish the reefs offshore, or land-based, and there is great river and estuary fishing as well. If you’re planning a holiday to Burrum Heads, the Burrum Heads Hotel Motel is open seven days a week. If you’d rather stay in a holiday home, contact Elders Real Estate Burrum Heads on (07) 4129 5166 or look on their website w w w. a c c o m m o d a t i o n burrumheads.com.au, as they have over 70 self-catering holiday homes on the books. – FMG DECEMBER 2016

Last minute Christmas sportfishing mayhem! WHITSUNDAYS

Luke Griffiths

This year has come and gone. We’re in the final stages and Christmas is only a few weeks away. People are already in beast mode, giving the bank cards a flogging. If you’re like me, you’ll wait until Christmas Eve to do all the shopping. As we wind

up to the silly season, one thing is for certain, it’s going to get hot. This is a good reminder to look after yourselves and others by taking plenty of water, less beer, sunscreen and shade if you intend on heading outdoors this month. If you’re lucky enough to head out over the break, you should be greeted by some fine fishing. December is usually a good month to target

a wide variety of species, both estuary and bluewater, as the mercury rises. With the temperature increase through November, we’ve seen some fantastic numbers of billfish moving through the region, with many landed. This should remain constant through the start of this month, if not into the early stages of next year. Trying your hand at a sailfish or marlin is a great option

if the weather gods play fair. Remember the age old saying, ‘find the bait, find the fish.’ This really is a great guide if you’re new to the sport – a fantastic starting point. Look for the birds, feeding tuna schools and any other sign of bait stacking up in an area. Once found, a spread of teasers, skirts or baits, and some time should see you raising one or two. That’s the easy part. Hooking them and keeping them hooked is the hard part. They’re renowned for their intense runs and frantic leaps to shake that hook free. A few pointers for the newcomers – set the drag appropriately for the line class, make sure leaders, line and everything else is in good shape, use very sharp hooks (circle hooks are a great option and can reduce fatal gut hooking), keep the line nice and taught to the fish at all times, and once it’s near the boat, back the drag off slightly to counter any sudden outbursts. Don’t

Sam Wilson with an awesome nannygai. reef species should make a welcomed appearance to the boat and table. Inside the reefs and around the islands you

The author and Matteo with a beaut marlin. There’s plenty of cracker sportfish to get into before Christmas, and after!

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be disheartened if you drop a couple! Take care once you have them at the boat, as their bills can make short work of your soft human body. Care of the fish should also be one of your main priorities at this point to ensure the survival after release. A quick photo, minimal handling and a reviving swim is a must, so they can literally live to fight another day. They’re a fantastic sportfish and the more we can do to preserve the numbers, the better. The outer reefs should be on fire in the coming weeks. I’m sure many will be heading that way if we’re greeted with kind weather. All the well-known delectable coral

should expect to see quality nannygai, red emperor, sweetlip, coral trout and schools of spotted mackerel (if you haven’t already caught some). With the upcoming break, seafood is a ripper option for Christmas lunch,

light and healthy, and slightly reduces some of the over indulgences that come with the silly season period. What better dish can you have at the dinner table! Another addition to the table and always a crowd favourite at Christmas is the mud crab. Good numbers have been around recently, and should continue to improve. All the local estuaries and rivers are the go to places for a feed of muddies, so why not drop a pot or two in? After setting the pots, get out for some nice mangrove jack, while you wait for the crabs to move in. Lovely fish have been caught and are great fun on the light gear – they’re a five star eating fish to boot, if you intend on eating one. Other species such as grunter, salmon and golden snapper should also be lurking around. This gives you something to do while your entrapment of crustaceans is happening. Speaking of entrapment, my wife is calling me to help hang out the washing. Fingers crossed we see fair weather and no cyclones this month, and we all have a fantastic break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. • If you’re interested in a game, sport or reef fishing charters around the Whitsundays, give Luke a call on 0429 724 822 or email info@ renegadecharters.com.au.

Sam Wilson and team with a cracker sailfish!

Fishing holiday options for Burdekin anglers AYR

Steve Farmer

For many Burdekin anglers, December is holiday time, a chance to travel and fish some new country, and aren’t we spoilt for choice? In just a few hours drive of the

holiday close to home this Christmas. AIRLIE BEACH Airlie is a great spot for a combined fishing and boating family holiday, with heaps to do for those who might not want to wet a line as often as you do. While there is estuary fishing near Airlie and back on the

Pack your stinger suits for a swim at Middle Island off Bowen. Burdekin are spots that provide access to a variety of world-class fishing. This fishing lures anglers from all over the country, and the world, to places that so many North Queenslanders never get around to checking out for themselves – or at least, not as often as we’d like to. Here are some fantastic spots for a fishing

Proserpine River, it’s the islands, reefs and bluewater that most boaties and fishers are interested in. Make sure you’ve got the appropriate charts of the area and be very vigilant about Marine Park zoning – there are green zones around the islands. An excellent reference book bound to whet your appetite for exploring this awesome

coastline is 100 Magic Miles, by David Colfelt. Airlie is also a good base for a day trip to Peter Faust Dam, where you’ll be able to target barramundi during the closed season, provided you have a stocked impoundment permit. Airlie has a number of good launching ramps, although parking is limited at some. The ramp at Shute Harbour can be exposed to winds from the south. There’s no shortage of accommodation options at Airlie, from luxury units to some first rate caravan parks. If you’re bringing a boat, check that there’s parking space for it when you book – many accommodation blocks barely have room for guests’ vehicles to park. BOWEN Bowen has been a favourite of mine since I was a little lad. It’s within striking distance for a day trip, or you can make a great family holiday of it with a range of reasonably priced caravan parks and holiday units. Bowen caters for most anglers – land-based fishers can cast a line from the beaches, rocky headlands and the jetty in the harbour. In good weather, small boats can access inshore islands and

fringing reefs, while those with larger vessels can head further offshore to Middle and Gloucester Islands. Launching facilities are good in Bowen with a four lane ramp launching into the protected waters of the small boat harbour. There’s another ramp at Greys Bay, which is okay for smaller boats in calm weather, but is exposed and to be avoided when the wind is from the north. MAGNETIC ISLAND This can be an easy day trip from the Burdekin. The new ramps in Ross River just off the Port Access Road are first class and provide easy access to Magnetic Island. With good weather and a reasonably sized boat, you’ll be able to fish the shipping channel and some of the bays, headlands and reefs around Maggie. Once again, make sure you have your zoning maps on board and check the spot you plan to fish before casting a line – quite a few bays are green zones. While you can’t fish in these green zones, you can swim and snorkel. In Florence Bay, a green zone, you’ll be swarmed by schools of batfish the moment you get in the water.

LUCINDA Lucinda, near Ingham, is one of our favourite spots and it’s only about three hours towing time from the Burdekin. Accommodation options include a huge caravan park, holiday units and private beach houses. There is a pub, a small store and takeaways in Lucinda and nearby Dungeness. There’s an excellent fourlane ramp at Dungeness, but be warned, it can get really busy on long weekends or during school holidays. From here you can choose to fish Hinchinbrook Channel and its maze of creeks, the end of the sugar loading

jetty, the seaward waters of Hinchinbrook Island or head offshore to the Palm group of islands or the Great Barrier Reef. There’s definitely something for everyone. Weather permitting, a must-do for us every time we visit this area is a trip around to beautiful Zoe Bay at the southern seaward side of Hinchinbrook. There’s a snug anchorage in a small creek at the southern end of the bay, and from here a track leads to Zoe Falls (reputed to never run dry) with a huge swimming hole below it. I can’t imagine a better place on a hot December day.

This Spaniard was caught at the end of the sugar loading jetty at Lucinda.

DECEMBER 2016

Choose the right gear to suit your fishing TOWNSVILLE

Dave Hodge

The fishing has really started to pick up over the last couple of weeks. Even though the weather has been lumpy for smaller boats, it’s been good enough for more regular outings. The offshore fishing has produced great sessions on trout and reds, and the red-throat have really kicked

can get just a few of these tasty buggers, you’re in with a great chance. Live gar aren’t too far behind them. Possibly the hardest species to crack on the lures consistently are the golden snapper. They’re very highly-regarded amongst sportsfishers. Lure choice for these things is an open debate and each angler has their own opinion, but I have to say, the 7” Paddle Prawn from Halco has made

A close up of the lure doing damage right now. into gear now. Cuttlefish have been the number one bait – this thicker and tougher flesh is great for when the pickers are around. The smaller models are a great bait for big reds whole, and two hooked rigs are the best option. When tides are at a lesser run, drifting is a good option, but anchoring or spot locking is the best bet when the tidal run is more substantial. Depending on the zone you’re fishing in, leaving a floating pillie or gar out the back is turning up some nice Spaniards and the shark mackerel are also in reasonable numbers. Ross from Ultimate Sportfishing Charters has been cleaning up trolling lures out the back while shifting from spot to spot. The Laser Pro 190 in the shallower 2.5m bib has been the lucky lure. Colour wise, gold with a black back has been the best producer. The big Halco Trembler is pulling plenty of action also – it’s the gun yellowfin lure on most occasions. Golden snapper have been the talk of the town. Good numbers have been taken from areas as shallow as 4m, but are also showing up in 30m on the shoals. Obviously, live squid are producing well, and if you

its mark on a variety of fish species, including the golden snapper. The action on the drop and slower speeds get the attention of bottom ooglies, which honestly wasn’t a real surprise. Sadly for me, mackerel love the things too. Without wire added into the rig, plenty will go missing either in the depths or on the way back to the boat. I lost twelve rigs the other day to the macks, With no wire on board, it was either keep going and accept the losses or go home. Everywhere we went macks were present. They’ll no doubt hang around for a while yet, so don’t forget the wire. Jigheads are an important link in the chain of being successful on golden snapper. Apart from using a hook that can take the pressure, getting that all-important head weight right for the depth you’re in is probably your biggest consideration. Remember, all those active bits that kick into life under water pressure and momentum require a heavier head to stay down where the fish are. I’ve pretty much changed all of my heads now to the bigger heads, and mounted on a Gamakatsu hook. Quality is needed to land big fish in

tough country. As a bit of a rough guideline on head weight sizes, in depths of 4-6m, you should be able to get away with 3/4oz head with 7/0 hook. A depth of 6-12m will call for a heavier head around 1-1.5oz. For the more extreme stuff of 20m+, 2oz would be better. Obviously tidal flow has a huge impact on this, and when the run is substantial you may need to increase these estimates by a 1/2oz or so. On the nearing tides, less is best. I generally go by the format of using the least weight possible to reach and effectively work the bottom. More streamlined and less active styled plastics like stick and flickbaits won’t require the same head weights to reach and hold at the same depths. A little experimentation is the best bet to find a combination that suits the depth you’re targeting. Another tactical adjustment you can make yourself is to downsize your lure if fish are present but not responding. This is when I tend to go down to a smaller profile with easily activated moving parts for attracting a big predator. Colours that work vary greatly and depend water clarity and light penetration.

use a Samurai Kestrel with a Stradic Ci4 mounted on it, spooled with 20lb braid for the average shallow locations. It’s crisp enough in the tip to work my lures properly and get them to come to life. On the other hand, around any structure, I have an ‘elephant gun’ outfit which consists of a 20-30lb Samurai Elevate rod and a Shimano Rarenium 4000 spooled with 40-50lb braid. Yes I know, the rod is not rated for that breaking strain, but at low angles while under load, I can impart huge amounts of pressure to stop big fish. I get busted up every now and then, but some fish are just unstoppable on conventional lure casting tackle. With this outfit I can cast and retrieve all day with no fatigue, and I get a great action from the lure effortlessly. It all comes down to angler comfort and practicality. Jacks are starting up properly too. The outlined rigs for barra are very effective on them. With a reasonable wet forecast for this summer, it could be that they’re flushed out of the systems initially and onto the flats nearby. It may take a bit of work to find them in the coming weeks. As far as weather

It seems that the Halco Paddle Prawns are extremely effective on a range of species. Unsurprisingly, barra love ‘em. I use the brighter colours in the murk and naturals in the clearer situations. Rigs are preferential, but on the shoally type stuff, 20-30lb braid is heavy enough and 30-40lb leader is as heavy as you need to play out a golden snapper. I

predictors go, I’ll leave it to the experts, but all is apparently shaping up well for the near future. For most barra fishers, it’s ‘bring it on in bucket loads.’ Apart from the barra fishery suffering from lack of rain in recent years, local systems are in

Sometimes you have to prepare for whoppers. The Samurai 20-30lb rod paired up with a Shimano Rarenium and spooled with 50lb Unitika Braid is the author’s ‘elephant’ outfit. need of a big flush. Some of the big sand bars that have grown through lack of rain over the last few years are ridiculous now and a real hazard for newcomers to the waterways. It goes without saying that the sooty and JP breeding potential are reliant on a bit of drought relief as well. BARRA END OF SEASON The last few weeks of barra season were awesome. Quite a few fish were moving around on the top of the tide along the flats around the Townsville area. Weedless rigged plastics were the best bet for the thick mangrove roots that line the high tide mark, and once practiced a little, anyone can skip a plastic way up into otherwise unreachable holes and structure. If you have trouble getting a weedless hook with enough weight on the bend of the hook to sink them to reach the deeper pockets, a small sinker added into the loop knot will help. Lures that work for this style of fishing are paddle-tail shads and prawn imitations. Bigger 7” prawn imitations are like a barra lolly, but the smaller 5” models rigged on a skipping hook are great for keeping things in line during the skipping procedure. To ensure the alignment, some lures work better if you cut a shallow slot lengthwise along the underside to allow the Z bend in the shank to hold the plastic in place. Recently, I was travelling to do some presentations at Lucinda. As usual, I fished my way there bit by bit to see what I could catch and to break the trip a little. Some

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of these awesome little spots are easily within reach of fishers, but these swampy, freshwater locations hold nasty big crocs as well, so keep well back from the water, especially when landing your fish. Playing around with weights and rigs, it became apparent that the 7” Paddle Prawn is buoyant enough to float an unweighted 7/0-8/0 hook. Once it floats back to the surface, a slight twitch will cause the tail to pop before heading a few inches down and then floating again. This technique works well, and can be fished in the shallowest of water. The freshwater reaches of the Ross hold some big fish, thanks to the Townsville Fish Stocking Group, and has just recently come under the guidelines of the SIPS or Stocked Impoundment Permit scheme. Hopefully, this will remove some pressure from the hard-working volunteers who have worked tirelessly for years to provide a fish rich playground, which is enjoyed by myself and many others. Just remember during closed season, you can’t lift your fish from the water for a ‘grab and grin’ picture. You should only remove the barra from the water to unhook it if there’s a potential threat to yourself to hold it in the water. We all know that we’ll hook barra during the closed season while targeting other species, but just jump on the DPI website to refresh the rules in your mind. Good luck for the hot months ahead.

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Easterly winds? Barra humbug! HINCHINBROOK

Ryan Moody info@ryanmoodyfishing.com

Fishing has been slow recently, just like when the barra fishing should have gone crazy, but didn’t. The cold water has been a big issue and the temperature in inshore

open waters had been 5°C below normal, which has sent the barra into erratic behaviour. I’ve never seen water this cold around this month. We can only hope it warms up again and very soon. The late temperature rise has stalled the arrival of big golden snapper schools and threadfin.

Lisa with her first metre barra.

The past four weeks have had periods of good fishing too. Some periods were cut short with big easterly changes coming through. Easterlies are not a common wind direction here and make it difficult to access Missionary Bay in a smaller boat. It’s harder to travel up the channel in open water, as wind funnels around the island and becomes more of a southeasterly, which is always the hardest direction to go up the channel in. I’ve seen more easterly winds recently than I have in the last four years. When the barra have been biting, we’re still having good sessions, but not as many as we would like! On a trip just before the closure, we caught three over a metre and another four over 80cm. We had ten bites from good fish and then the very next day couldn’t get a bite anywhere. Barra love stability and that’s something we have been lacking due to

sudden weather changes with gusty periods. These gusty cooler conditions keep the water cool. Spaniards hung around inshore for longer than expected. There are still the odd few in the northern end of the channel, spearing out of the water. Their presence will have something to do with the cooler water, no doubt. There have been plenty of huge gar schools, which is their favourite meal. They’ll make a run for it soon, as they have definitely overstayed their visa, so to speak. This month, I hope that the golden snapper and threadfin come on, so we can finish off the year with some great sessions on these fish. The larger oceanic grunter will become available to anglers and are quite often a by-catch of golden snapper. Large grunter will also take a small vibe and many other soft plastics for that matter. If you’re going to live bait

Doug with one of two identical barra he caught in a hot little session. for them, stick to greenback herring, fresh mullet strip and calamari. It should be a good month for cod. They’re not an easy fish to find and target if you don’t know what you’re doing. A little tip would be to look for structure on the flats like big logs, and also around channel markers. They will take a wide variety of lures and even take a dead bait, such as a whole pilly. I’ll be down in Brisbane filming later this month and chasing a few threadies for

our online course: Threadfin Tactics. If you’d like to check out the thready course or Barra Basics if you’re a barra fanatic that heads north every year, check them out here at our Fish Smarter website, www.fishsmarter.com.au. • If you would like to book a charter or join our fishing community for some great fishing competitions etc, head on over to www. ryanmoodyfishing.com. And you could also win a free charter drawn twice a year.

Lucinda Christmas wishlist LUCINDA

Jeff Wilton jeffwilton83@hotmail.com

The December craziness is here. For most, it means life can be pretty busy and finding time to go fishing gets trickier. Lucky for us, Lucinda offers so many wonderful fishing options. There are a few things you

A great way to fish baits for jacks is to suspend them under a float. This way you can set how deep your bait goes. The float adds the ability to drift your bait in close with wind or tide. On some of the craziest jack sessions, I’ve floated half pilchards into snags and watched that float disappear. Jacks are top of the list for chasing on artificials such as

Jacks love structure. Fishing live baits in tight country can be difficult as it’s easy to snag up. can guarantee tropical North Queensland will throw at you in December – lots of heat, insane storms and epic fishing. With barra off limits, it’s all about chasing a few key fish species. As always, pick times around the tide change, and if this coincides with sunrise or sunset, it’s game on. Below are my top three fish to chase during summer. MANGROVE JACK Jacks are territorial fish that hang around tight to structure. They can be caught with bait or lures – either will offer anglers a difficult situation. Fishing live baits in tight country can be difficult as it’s so easy to snag up.

lures or plastics. Any small to mid size plastic or hardbody will get hit. Learning to rig snagless jigs is essential. Look for easy to use effective plastic presentations. I have a new favourite way to chase jacks – flicking the new ZMan Turbo CrawZ around and watching them hit it off the surface is seriously addictive. The best time is the first three hours of the run-in tide when the water is still low, but current is hitting structure. Key areas are where fish can wait, ready for something to swim too close or get pushed in with current. GRUNTER These fish are top notch for eating and fighting qualities.

Grunter, or javelin fish, move around in schools and keep moving with the tides. Fishing baits for them, it’s common to get a quick hot bite then little action, followed with another hot bite, as different packs of fish move past with the tide. Fresh baits like prawn, squid or sardines will get you bites. Rig with just enough weight to hold bottom on a 20-30lb trace, lighter is always better. Keep hook sizes smaller as grunter have small mouths. I use a 3/0 hook, which keeps baits looking natural as well. Grunter are suckers for a well used soft plastic, blade or vibe. Using blades in deep holes in creeks is another effective way of finding fish. GOLDEN SNAPPER These fish are probably the most prized fish among Lucinda locals. Chasing golden snapper, also known as fingermark or chopper, is a popular way to spend a few hours. The best times are when the tides are smaller between high and low. A difference of around 1-1.5m is perfect, as it will still offer moving water and the fish will bite. Golden snapper

spots are in deeper areas with rock as the main form of structure. Small rocky rubble patches in the channel are the spots everyone wants to find and fish. There are plenty of these areas in Lucinda. Heading out around the bluff area is a great starting point. Fish live sardines or squid for the best results. If it’s not alive, fresher is better. A running sinker to a trace rig is perfect. Like most tropical fish, golden snapper also smash plastics and blades. Work different areas with the electric motor and your sounder. JETTY, ISLANDS AND REEF Great reports of mackerel have been the standout of the last month’s fishing. A lot of people have had better captures late in the season. Trolling gar around reef edges and bommies that have lots of current hitting them has produced good numbers. Nannygai have also been consistent in the deeper spots, but numbers were down in the close spots with high angling pressure. Nannies hang out in small

The ZMan Turbo CrawZ are fun to fish for jacks. isolated areas away from the reef itself. There is a lot of barren ground here at Lucinda, so hours of looking at sand can be rewarded with a small patch of life on the bottom. When this is found, it means the nannygai should be thick and getting your boat limit can be very easy. They don’t release well in the deep, which sadly means many fish are wasted due to being under size. The other problem with

chasing red fish in the deep is the sharks – they can be everywhere and super hungry. Anyone who says we have a shortage of sharks needs to go for a boat ride out into the deep reef passages off NQ. As always, enjoy your holidays. I hope we get lots of freshwater floods through our creeks and streams, bringing new life and setting up epic fishing for the next few years.

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Forget about fishing office hours CAIRNS

Garry Smith garrysmith@fishingmonthly.com.au

December usually heralds the build-up to the wet season and here’s hoping we actually get one this summer. Typically, the weather will be a combination of hot, calm days, storms and sudden downpours. Whichever one dominates will significantly impact the fishing. In the main it will be hot and still, so fishing tactics need to be adjusted to accommodate the conditions. If you are feeling hot and bothered, so are the fish, so stick to the cool times for best results. Changes from the searing heat will be what sparks the fish, like with the human population, so fish around any weather change, especially storms and down pours. If there is an extended period of doldrums, then dawn, dusk and night time are the right times, with the change of tide, along with moon rise and moon set the best fish stimulants. The reef will be inviting during these calm periods, but there are a few hazards to be aware of. Overheating in the middle of the day is an often overlooked but a real hazard, so if it’s a day trip, find some shade and cool off regularly through the worst of it. Overnighters are definitely the pick comfort-wise, but be very aware of the possibility of storms. Keep a very close

eye on the horizon and the weather radar, as storms can build rapidly and come from any direction. Even the tiniest red or black spot on the radar can pack a real punch, so be prepared to make a run for it, if necessary. Squalls are

to move. Trevally can often dominate the action at the reef this month. While the focus won’t be on quantity, there should be a bit of quality on offer, especially with trout and large-mouth nannygai. Be in a good location for the tide change, as it will often

Trevally can often dominate the action at the reef this month. another consideration and can contain some incredibly strong winds in the build up to the wet, so if the radar is showing a lot of small rain patches, take care. Reef fishing this month will generally be a bit patchy, with no species dominating proceedings, with the possible exception of trevally or sharks. Bottom fish will not be schooling in big numbers and so it will require a bit of moving about to build a feed. If you pick up a few fish on a spot and it goes quiet, or the picker fish, sharks or trevally take over, it’s time

spark a bit of action. There will also be a sprinkling of red emperor, spangled emperor, mangrove jack, cod, stripeys, Moses perch, cobia and cod, depending on the day and location. Pelagic action can often be better than the bottom fishing this month, so those who prefer to chase ocean speedsters can expect to rustle up some action, with yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahimahi and Spanish mackerel out wide, along with a few left over black marlin and the odd sailfish. Giant trevally will be patrolling the

reef edges, pressure points, wrecks, pinnacles and current lines, so adrenaline junkies can get their fill chasing them with surface poppers. The inshore rocks, wrecks, reefs and wonky holes will hold a few quality large-mouth nannygai and the golden snapper will be around for those prepared to put in the time and effort. There will also be the odd monster cod trying to steal your catch. The very large tides around the full moon on 14 December should be enough to open up the breakthrough creeks along the beaches, especially if it coincides with a bit of rain. Once these creeks open up, there will be some action for land-based anglers around the mouths, especially towards the top of the tide. Creek mouths holding bait will be the best bet if you have the mobility to check out a couple of creeks. The northerlies should bring the salmon in and they have been around in much bigger numbers since the Net Free Zone was established just over a year ago. The estuaries can be an uncomfortable place to be at this time of year, so forget about fishing office hours. Light winds and searing heat make a pretty poor fishing formula, especially if you throw in a few sand flies and mosquitoes for flavour! If a pre-dawn start is too much for the body, then hitting the water after 4pm and fishing into the early evening is the next

An afternoon or early morning spent flicking the snags and rock bars with soft plastics, prawn imitations and small, flashy hardbodied lures will see you with a hot chance of nailing a red devil. best option. The afternoon sea breeze invariably kicks in and an afternoon shower or storm freshens everything up and stirs the fish from their slumber. Mangrove jack relish these steamy conditions and an afternoon or early morning spent flicking the snags and rock bars with soft plastics, prawn imitations and small, flashy, hardbodied lures will see you with a hot chance of nailing a red devil. Just like humans and dogs, fish will seek the shade when it’s hot, so concentrate on working shady mangrove bank overhangs, heavy snags and rock areas that are in the shade. Anywhere there is shelter in the water and shade over the water will be worth an investigation. Golden snapper are another great fish to chase over the Christmas period, but are not a fish to target on a family outing. If you are taking the kids out on the water, stick to the smaller, more plentiful targets, like bream, grunter and small trevally, which will be moving around the estuaries. Golden snapper are for those

prepared to put in the time and effort. Live bait and lures are the only real option in the Cairns area and at night is the right time. Live prawns, mullet, sardines, mud herring and squid are all prime baits. The bite is usually intense but short-lived, so chasing these mangrove jack on steroids requires a lot of patience, but readiness for sudden action. It’s sudden death fishing, with the battle often won or lost in a heartbeat. Deep rough bottom sections in the estuaries, rock headlands, deep rocky areas, coral edges, wonky holes and wrecks are their favourite haunts. Those in need of a barra fix can head to Tinaroo Dam, but be careful of the trees with such low water. Unless there is a major weather event between writing and publication, there is a six-knot speed limit on the dam, with a limited exception area for skiing until further notice. The full moon in mid-December will be the best time to hit Tinaroo and you have the added bonus of being able to safely jump in for a cool off.

The consistent fish for consistent fishers PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton Heffer

With a slow build up to the big black marlin season, things started to gather pace towards the end of October and early November. As the bite further north along the Ribbon Reefs started to wane, a lot of the fleet went back south to the grounds of St Crispins, Agincourt, Opal Ridge and the famous Linden Bank. Here the gamefishing brigade found the fishing more consistent with a lot more big girls around, mainly between 600-850lb. The odd monster exceeded these weights. Some skippers are of the belief that these more southern grounds will continue to fire for a while into December. What may have seemed initially to be a very quiet year, might turn into a late charge with lots of big fish to be caught. 76

DECEMBER 2016

Also on the shelf, the light tackle scene has experienced moments of excitement with mahimahi, wahoo, big Spanish mackerel and patches of yellowfin tuna ambushing lure spreads. They’re just part of the food chain, which encompasses the arrival of the whopper black marlin for their breeding process. Looking ahead, fishing fleets will also explore a lot wider of the shelf, as numbers of blue marlin and the yellowfin aggregation unfold over the coming months. Closer to home, the reef fishing scene has been up and down, as we enter the hottest part of the year. The spawning of the reef fish has been all over the shop this year. Some did their business a while ago and others wait for the last moment. This affects their feeding patterns, but the emperors including red, spangled and long-nosed have remained the most consistent species. Luckily, the trevally troops including gold-spot and bludger have been ultra

busy and kept rods bending when all seemed quiet. Coral trout and nannygai have had bursts of activity with stripies, Moses perch and sweetlip. Some really big specimens are on the bite. The Spanish mackerel are not as prolific as they once

were, but the ones caught are those big rogue individuals often in excess of 20kg. Night sessions have been far more productive when targeting the reds, according to locals. Notably on the reef, there’s an algae bloom in a lot of places on the surface

and it has to do with the coral spawning. Reef fishing will settle down in the coming weeks and the fishing will return to some normality. It won’t be too hard to secure a good swag of fish. Inshore, barra rattled off some impressive numbers

Dragon Lady Charters cutting the leader on an estimated 1000lb fish at the boat.

and sizes before the closures. According to some guides, it was the best October period they’d seen in quite a while for this species, with a lot of fish very active down at the lower reaches, river mouths and coastal mangroves. With the barra off the wish list, there have been plenty of other quality species around, including good numbers of mangrove jack and golden snapper. Decent trevally up to 4kg have moved in with the tides and grunter and javelin fish up to 60cm+ have been recorded across the flats. Tarpon are schooling in the deeper holes and have been extremely active after dark. The best results overall have been during low light periods with the middle parts of the day proving too hot even for the fish. With the school holidays around the corner and Christmas mixed in, no doubt tourist numbers will swell and we’ll be in for a very busy festive period.

Santa’s endless mixed bag COOKTOWN

Ben Stack

The New Year in the tropics means great fishing on the reefs, in the bays and up the rivers. Wherever you choose to go, pack plenty of extra water and find shade, because it gets hot. When you pack, keep a close eye

to go the distance can be rewarded with Jurassic Park size fish. Make sure everything is mechanically up to scratch and you’re well equipped for any unforeseen incidences, because help could be some time away before they get to you. On the reefs, try fishing deeper in the water column if the conditions are calm.

technique. There are loads more species that are great to eat too. While you’re hanging on your bommie and bottom fishing, try floating a livie out the back for cobia, Spanish mackerel or even a marlin at this time of year. The estuaries in the Cooktown region have great mangrove jack fishing at the moment and this will only

Brody Salder with a nice barra he entered in Cooktown’s Sovereign Hotel Barra Competition. Picture courtesy of Sovereign Hotel.

on the weather forecasts, because an odd storm can pass over and dump a lot of rain in a short amount of time. If this happens, the roads will become very greasy and slippery. You might need a couple of extra days to get out of some

Coral trout, nannygai and Spanish mackerel are the most common catches for boaties. Anglers who know what to look for usually come home with quality size fish. They might throw in some red emperor catches as well. If it’s your first time off

get better through this month and January. Throw soft plastics around the snags for jacks, or try berleying into snags and rock bars while

floating strip baits down the berley trail for these red dogs. Mud crab catches are reported more often now and the Annan River produces more frequent catches of full bucks. Have your crab pots ready to run out in the drains after a good shower of rain. Queenfish and big trevally are also quite prolific throughout the river systems, terrorising baitfish. Weightless live baits and trolling shiny metallic lures are the best methods to catch these sporty crusaders. Mackerel are still being caught from Cooktown Wharf with weightless live baits for those land-based fishers. Lakefield National Park has produced quality barra catches for this year’s annual Sovereign Hotel Barra Competition in Cooktown. All those who entered had a lot of fun and many won awesome prizes, including a new boat that was up for grabs. This year more than doubled last year’s attendance, which clearly indicates this competition is going to become a major event that people will travel miles to attend. If you would like current information while you’re visiting Cooktown’s region, or more information about a particular place in the neighbourhood to fish, then simply like my Facebook page, Stacky’s Fishing Adventures, or send me a message.

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Alice with a nice saratoga caught further up in the Cape. locations while you wait for the flooded causeways to recede. From this time of year through to March, the winds taper down and there can be complete stillness for a few days. If this happens, the ocean surface completely glasses out and boaties can travel great distances. Adventurous anglers willing

Cooktown, try trolling around the reef fringes for mackerel and log any fish-holding bommies you pass over while you cruise along. Once you’ve got a few mackerel, go back and fish the structures you’ve just plotted. Spangled emperor, coral trout, nannygai, reef jacks and tuskfish are common keepers for this fish searching

$32,500 Young Mitchell showed his visiting cousin how to catch and release barra in Lakefield National Park.

Like us on facebook for automatic updates DECEMBER 2016

Have a Chrissie dessert to yourself in the Cape CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly wildrivercompany@gmail.com

By this time of year, there’s dry cracking earth in way too many Cape York river beds. Waterways are at their most stagnant for the year. Lagoons and billabongs have shrunk by more than half their wet season girth.

What does this mean for anglers? Despite the heat, the cloud and the searing humidity, and the occasional march fly, mosquito or sand fly ready to test your nerve, December is a great month for fishing. It’s a pivotal month, which often sees the monsoon commence or build. For fishers, it means short, sharp spells of activity. The early morning hours will almost always see a good A sailfish nearing the surface in clear conditions. bite, often right as the sun peeps over the horizon. The reef comes alive across its vast length. The first few hours of daylight will often be completely breezeless throughout December. The Gulf of Carpentaria devoid of ripples is a magnificent sight. Fluttering gulls can be seen from miles away, hovering over and slashing around mackerel and sailfish. Birds dart amongst schools of marauding queenfish and trevally, herding baitfish against the surface. Come lunchtime and throughout most of the afternoon, there’ll be a lull in the fishing, except around a change of tide. Where no tidal influence exists, it’s best to just to rest up until late afternoon. A solid effort leading up to sunset and just past will reward anglers with fantastic surface lure fishing

slow draining creeks, which typify much of the Western Cape. Casting poppers or fizzers and just about any surface lure can see a dominant fish swim towards the lure splash and engulf it where it lands. Saratoga are a tricky customer to hook and even trickier to land. The more time they have in air and water, the greater risk of your lure being thrown! Moving down the river systems, anglers should be having some good success

A small Spanish mackerel caught flicking plastics over a shoal. across much of the Cape. Saratoga have now been reduced in range to those enclosed waterholes and

with mangrove jack and black jew. Both these fish can also be caught around the headlands and near-

A beautiful red landed on the Elizabeth EII.

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This red emperor got hammered by the taxman.

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DECEMBER 2016

shore reef areas. Right up the west coast of the Cape and across the tip, conditions are just right for black jew. Voracious predators, these fish are particularly susceptible to large soft plastics, jigs and live baits fished close to the bottom. Mangrove jack will be busily scoffing down jelly prawns, sardines, crabs and just about anything which matches their prey size. Up many of the crystal clear creeks, mangrove jacks

will usually be surrounded by others of their kind. A cautious approach can see teams of jacks darting out of structure to smash artificial offerings. On the near-shore reefs, golden snapper, tuskfish and coral trout can be temped equally by bait, lures and soft plastics. Hopping the presentations in the bottom few metres of water will get these species feeding. It’s amazing how shallow the water can be where big specimens of each are hiding. The Cape will generally become quite deserted this time of year. For those that are left behind, the rewards can be demanding, but so worthwhile. • For information on remote charter operations for tailored fishing adventures, please email Tim on wildrivercompany @gmail.com

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A U S T R A L I A

Mark Bargenquast

With the temperatures getting way up and storms appearing on the horizon, let’s hope we get a great wet season this year to fire things up. The whole ecosystem really benefits from big rains, especially the banana prawns which must spawn by the billions every wet. March to June sees a jelly prawn soup along the beaches like you wouldn’t believe.

Margay 2016

be jigged from the holes and snags. Big jacks are around and frequent the same areas as the river golden snapper. I won’t kill a jack, as they’re way too cool and snapper taste better. As usual, estuary cod can be a pain when targeting jacks and golden snapper. Cod grow big and pull hard, often snagging up lines. Juvenile grouper up to 45kg are also here and are basically unstoppable on lighter spin/baitcast tackle. Offshore, decent

Novice angler ‘Scoddy’ with two fish on one lure.

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Sabre FTD 2016

Small barra are everywhere at the moment and can be a pest! Everything that swims there is eating them. The annual barra spawning closure is on and we’re seeing them everywhere at present. Even though we’re not targeting them, they’re caught as by-catch when targeting threadies, jacks, golden snapper and other estuary species. Do the right thing and release them as quickly as possible. Big golden snapper have been caught on the close reefs with fish up to 80cm caught in recently on livies and plastics. Microjigs are working a treat for these. Even up the massive river systems here, smaller golden snapper to 55cm can

Sam Mewburn with a nice creek golden snapper on a vibe.

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DECEMBER 2016

Phone: 0410 173 060 basscataustralia@gmail.com

nannygai, tuskfish, sweetlip, trout and a few black mulloway are available with the right technique and baits. These are all great table fish. Make sure in this heat you bleed and ice the fish as soon as possible. Whopper Spanish mackerel can still be taken. A mate of mine caught three up to 30kg on trolled lures last week and missed quite a few. The next few weeks should see the end of the Spaniard run as water temperatures climb past 33°C. Big trevally, both GT and brassys, which are often confused with each other, will be active and move inshore to spawn. GTs above 40kg can be found in

Big brassy trevally will be active this month.

the river mouths and will feed on anything from pikey bream to blue salmon, so use really big 10” plastics and poppers. The weather should calm out with the wet with big afternoon storms, so early morning runs before the weather sets in are the go. Most anglers from down south will fly in, as the road at Archer Roadhouse is often cut by floodwaters and the PDR is closed in the wet. Take care this holiday season, and make sure you’re keeping your fluids up so don’t dehydrate in the heat. Have fun!

Go light for a better fight WEIPA

Jackson Bargenquast

Chasing large fish on light gear was once a crazy idea – something that shouldn’t be done. These days it’s a popular form of sportfishing. To chase a fish on lighter gear is a challenge. Nothing’s impossible, but it takes a lot more skill to land the fish of a lifetime.

can sight fish these chrome jewels of the estuary. In the clear and quite shallow rivers of Cape York, this is certainly possible. The shallow mud or sand flats in the river and the surrounding beaches near the estuary are good places to look for a fish. Find the small bluishgreen snake drains that zigzag the flats – this is the key to a successful session on barra up here. Just cast a small unweighted plastic,

in shallow water and the chance of sharks is low. I’ve been using 10lb braid with a 20lb leader for that extra bit of protection from the fishes’ raspy lips and gill rakers. If you really want to, you can go even lighter. There’s plenty of unique by-catches to be sight casted on the flats. This includes a wide variety of species from queenfish, threadfin and blue salmon, golden trevally, GT, giant herring A neat little barra that was taken on a Rapala X-Rap minnow.

Jarred displays the fish of a lifetime, a 10kg+ golden trevally sight-casted on the flats! This form of fishing can be practiced just about anywhere there are fish and shades fishing in a whole new light – one that’s much more exciting and challenging. Remember, anyone can go out and skull drag a monster in on heavy gear, but how many anglers can say they landed a 30lb fish on 6lb braid? Take barra fishing for example, it’s got to be one of my favourite forms of fishing, especially when you

shallow diving minnow or even a stickbait over the drain and slowly twitch or hop the lure back to the boat. You’ll spot the barra lunge out of the slightly deeper drain and pounce on your lure. It’s exciting to watch these miniature brutes smash your lure. Even if the fish manages to shake out the hooks, it’s still awesome to watch them eat it. Go light with these fish and allow them to fight, as there’s rarely any structure

It’s not just in rivers where using light gear can be fun and effective. Out in the big blue ocean, it can have similar effects. Getting dusted on structure or ending up taxed by the bully of the sea are common events when fighting a large fish for too long out here, but you’re assured more hook-ups. Light leaders are less visible in the water and some intelligent species like golden snapper and trevally can be very fussy about what they eat. I recently took two mates out in the boat, Brendan Heather and Jarred Clark.

Brendan was happy to land a few nice tuna and Spanish mackerel on his light lure casting outfit. He threw metal jigs and plastics around. Jarred on the other hand, caught his first GT on a flutter jig around the 8-9kg mark on the reef and a ripsnorter of a goldie around the 10-11kg mark on the flats, just a few hundred metres from the boat ramp! It was caught on a plastic. Both trevally species and Brendan’s pelagic speedsters were caught on light 15-20lb spin outfits. If they were using bulky leaders with stiff heavy rods and reels, they

wouldn’t have been able to present the lures in such a lifelike way and wouldn’t have caught as many fish. Using light gear to target big fish is a particularly difficult thing to do, but it can have great results, and gives the angler a better fight. Of course, it also makes the strike from spooky or lazy fish more likely. There’s only one problem – sharks! These hungry beasts of the deep can make it hard – the key is to keep moving from snag to snag or from bommie to bommie to avoid them gathering under the boat. Good luck anglers, think like a fish!

and even the easily sighted pikey bream, which are great fun at a large size. There is also the option of throwing a fly around on a 6 weight rod, if you want to test your skills. As far as lures go, I’ve been having great success on Rapala and Storm shallow running minnows, or the Shadow Rap shad and X-Rap 3X minnow. Soft bodied lures like the Live Kickin’ Minnow and a variety of plastics will work great.

There’s plenty of interesting by-catches to be caught when barra fishing, like this greedy little pikey bream that grabbed the author’s BX Minnow.

Brendan with a savage little Spaniard caught on light gear and a metal jig.

Brassy trevally pound for pound are one of the world’s strongest fish. This muscular pocket rocket smashed the author’s Storm SX-Soft vibe worked over a shallow reef. DECEMBER 2016

Cod Feature

Swimbaiting Murray cod NEW ENGLAND RIVERS

Adam Townsend

With Murray cod season open for another year after the annual breeding cycle, the yella gear will make its way to the back of the tacklebox as the XL swimbaits come out again to tangle with some big iconic Aussie greenbacks. Seasons have shown that when it comes to Murray cod fishing, you don’t have to be an expert to go out

and catch a cod. You just tie on a lure, cast and wind a few times and eventually get a fish, right? If only it were that easy. A lot goes into catching cod, but the most important thing is appearance. Murray cod aren’t the kind of fish you can go out and catch everyday. Sometimes it can be up to four days straight, even a week before you find one on the end of your line. Along with spending a lot of time on the water, lure choice also plays a big part.

One of the biggest things I’ve learnt over the years when fishing for Australian natives is the way they bite. There are two types of bite – a reaction bite and a finesse bite. On any good day, you could get lucky and end up with 30 or so cod on a reaction bite, as they actively look to hunt at that time. On really slow days when you aren’t finding fish, you’ll have to try a more finesse style of fishing to get that bite.

The author’s lure was inhaled again.

A cracking white cod caught in the early morning on a 120mm swimbait.

Fish smarter not harder – 100 slow casts can make all the difference in finding the bite, compared to 1000 quick casts. This is where I turn to my confidence lure, the Westin Swim Swimbait. This lure comes in a range of sizes from 65mm, 100mm and my favourite the 120mm, all with different weight and depth preferences to cover most styles of fishing. Swimbaits have recently become very popular for many reasons – they’re easy to work during the retrieve and are successful on most

asked questions, “What is the best depth to be fishing when throwing swimbaits for cod?” For me, there’s no favourable depth when throwing swimbaits around the rivers, as they’ve proven to work on fish over the magic metre mark in less than 3ft of water before, plus several other big cod in similar depth levels. When fishing the dams, I’ve never owned a fishfinder, so I never really know what depths I’m casting into. The 120mm swimbait will work anywhere in the depth

been fully engulfed while suspending and there aren’t many better ways of feeling the explosive hit from a big Murray cod. It’ll stop you in your tracks thinking you’ve wedged your lure into a solid snag just before that first big powerful run. Matching the hatch plays a big part in cod fishing, so learn the area and find what baitfish are around. This will help out a lot and increase your chances in the end. When fishing the rivers where redfin or carp are abundant, I like to choose a

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A 99cm cod caught on a Westin Swimbait in early morning. The author let it sink beside a tree and it was engulfed on the drop.

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retrieve techniques, they’re more versatile than most other lure types making them easier to fish in a wider variety of conditions, and they’re more life-like than most other lures with more natural swimming movements. They also come in multiple sizes, weights, suspending and intermediate models that can keep them in the strike-zone longer. This gets me up to one of my most frequently

range of 1-3m, so if I’m in anywhere around 5m or less, then I’ll be in with a good chance of catching one. Cod will be willing to move for food if it looks good enough, so appearance is key. If I feel like I am in a place too deep for that type of lure, I’ll let it suspend or sink in the zone longer to entice the bite. This can count for snagged lures sometimes, but there have been many times where my swimbaits have

colour that’s similar to those. With the dams, I tend to pick a colour with more silver on it to replicate a perch or bony bream. Murray cod can be pretty lazy at times and don’t often like wasting their energy on food. This is where choosing the right gear comes into place. Any cheap combo could do the trick, but I recommend a decent rod and reel combo that can handle throwing big lures all day, as

Cod Feature it can be pretty tiring on the shoulders after a while. After all, it’s Murray cod we’re talking about – the fish of 1000+ casts. Any reel with a gear ratio like a 6:6:1 or 7:1:1

are perfect for swimbaits. They can withstand big casts and the slower retrieve helps keep the lure in the strike zone for longer, giving the cod a better chance to hone in and attack it. Spooled with

40-50lb braid and similar sized leader matched on a strong rod, that should be plenty enough to land that fish of a lifetime. Now that the gear is sorted, it’s all about

Michael Geary with a cod on a Mike the Pike swimbait during a Copeton Dam trip.

This massive cod was caught on a Tommy the Trout Swimbait.

A whopper cod being released to be caught again later. presentation. Huge cod don’t grow so old and get so big for being stupid, so it comes down to how you present your lure – the more natural you can make your lure look, the better your chances will be. Another question I tend to get asked a lot is, “What are the best retrieve techniques with swimbaits?” This can be a hard question to answer sometimes, as there’s no proper answer to give. I never do the same retrieve style two times in a row, as every cast I do is different. One cast I could pause and twitch rapidly, to mimick a wounded baitfish. The next cast could be a slow roll the whole way back with no pauses at all. I like to play around between casts and this is where I find most of my success. The slower the retrieve, the better the chances.

Another tip for success is thinking like a big cod, and thinking like a baitfish as well. Baitfish don’t want to be out in the open, vulnerable to predators. They like to hide, which is why cod love structure. Weed beds, rocky points and even standing or fallen timber are the best places to be looking when searching for an XL cod, as these will most likely be their hiding spot waiting to ambush on any easy meal. Swimbaiting for Murray cod was almost unheard of a few years ago, but as time has gone by, the cod have been getting smarter. Bigger and stronger lures are brought into the market every year. Big deep diving hardbodies, spinnerbaits and surface walkers will always have their place in the right conditions. Most of my success in past seasons has been on big

swimbaits, including baits up to 400mm long. That might seem pretty crazy throwing lures that size for cod, but there have been plenty of videos getting around the internet of big cod up over a metre long that eat other native fish straight off the hook, sometimes fish half their size. Anglers that chase Murray cod on a regular basis will know they pretty much eat anything, so it never hurts to go big. Now is the best time of the year to be fishing, as the days are getting hotter and making the water warmer. Most fish species become more active at the same time, so grab some big baits and head out to give them a try. You may just surprise yourself with results. Until next time, best of luck for the opening of cod season and fish hard with tight lines.

DECEMBER 2016

Summertime action TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

We’re in the middle of the barra closed season, but things are looking great across the stocked barra lakes where we can fish all year round. The northern lakes around Mackay are always a good option and even Tinaroo up in the Tablelands west of Cairns has shown it can still deliver exceptional fish. Closer to the South East corner of the state, exciting times are underway. There’s been a big increase in barra numbers in Monduran, Awoonga and Callide dams. There are other options of course – these are the ones we hear less about

due to remoteness or the lack of fishing pressure. Lenthalls Dam just north of Maryborough is a prime example. On the bass scene, the fishing will be tougher across many of the lakes as the big schools break up and the fish scatter. This might sound like a problem for lure casters who rely on congregations of fish to boost their catch rate, but for the lure troller, this is the ideal time to whack big numbers of fish. Golden perch lifted their game last month with some exceptional captures across most lakes. These fish love the warmer weather and will chase trolled and cast lures. They’re great targets. Most QLD freshwater species love the warmer

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND CRESSBROOK Closest Town: Crows Nest Cressbrook has produced quality bass mixed in with the smaller models. These fish are coming from the points throughout the dam’s basin. The popular areas are the first points out from the campground, the submerged ridge out from the shallow boat ramp and Deer Island. These are all visible from the boat ramp and easily accessible in a kayak or small boat. If schooling bass are found, cast tail-spinners, blade baits and lipless crankbaits into the fish and work them with a slow roll or hopping retrieve. Soft plastics also perform well – ensure you use the right type and rigging method. The deeper bass call for the use of 1/2oz jigheads to get the plastic down to the fish quickly and keep it there

during the retrieve. Paddle-tail plastics or curl-tails around 75mm are ideal. There are heaps to choose from, like the Gulp Minnow Grub, Slider Grub, PowerBait Pro T-Tail, Squidgy Fish, Kietech Swim Impact Fat and Atomic Plazos Paddle Tail. The warmer weather and extra boat traffic can both scatter the fish schools. Lure trolling will be successful when this occurs. Deep diving lures fished in the main basin of the lake will account for quality fish. Choose a lure that reaches the depth where the bass are holding. At times, the fish can be found suspended in the deeper more open water and here you may need to present lures at over 10m deep. The Poltergeist Crazy Deep, Blitz Bagas and Little Rippas are some of my favourites. We’ve had a lot of success this year on all the

DAM LEVELS

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DAMS Atkinson Awoonga Bjelke-Petersen Boondooma Borumba Burdekin Falls Callide Cania Clarendon Cooby Coolmunda

SEP OCT NOV 6 5 5 85 83 82 39 38 36 44 43 41 90 88 84 97 93 90 79 77 75 85 84 82 15 14 12 62 61 60 75 100 97

conditions and can be caught in good numbers. Mornings and afternoons will be the best times to fish. Avoid the midday heat and concentrate efforts on the peak bite times. School holiday time and Christmas are almost here, so be prepared to put up with the crowds or go exploring for less pressured areas. If the major dams attract water sports enthusiasts and are a bit too busy for your liking, head for dams with motor or speed restrictions, or dams well out of the way. Plenty of us own kayaks and this can also be a good way to enjoy a quiet fishing session. If you choose to visit the busy lakes, take care and stick to the rules. Until next month, buckled rods from The Colonel! bass lakes using a locally made lure called the JDK Rippa. These deep diving timber hardbodies are available through Highfields Bait and Tackle. Based on their performance, they’re well worth a look. When trolling hardbodies, swim lures 40-50m behind the boat and use the petrol motor over an electric if you have one. The bass love the extra speed and increased action in the lures. If you have the lure swimming through fish but aren’t getting bites, try knocking the boat in and out of gear a few times to make it slow down and dart off again. Bait fishing will be slow unless you locate schooling fish. Live shrimp are by far the best bait and can be purchased at most of the local tackle stores. Drop baits straight over the side of the boat to the bottom or to the depth fish are suspending in deeper water. When the bass aren’t playing the game, you can almost guarantee

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Copeton Cressbrook Dyer/Bill Gunn Eungella Fairbairn Glenlyon Hinze Julius Kinchant Koombooloomba Leslie Macdonald

47 56 58 76 75 73 8 9 7 100 99 98 49 50 48 46 70 70 99 98 97 87 86 84 98 93 88 60 54 52 26 30 30 88 82 78

14 31

Weipa

Toowoomba

BRISBANE

IMPOUNDMENT DAM

Gold Coast

24 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

23 25

Cairns 1

Townsville 2

3 4

Proserpine 6 5

Mackay

Rockhampton

Emerald

29 7

Highlighted dams are covered in this issue

Gladstone

30 8

Bundaberg 9

Roma BRISBANE

w w w. b a r g a i n b o a t b i t s. c o m . a u

Dam............................ % Full           

Maroon 100 100 99 Monduran/Fred Haigh 94 93 91 Moogerah 93 92 91 North Pine/Samsonvale 65 63 61 Peter Faust/Proserpine 62 62 60 Pindari 93 100 99 Somerset 80 79 79 Teemburra 96 96 93 Tinaroo 47 43 39 Toonumbar 100 98 95 Wivenhoe 80 78 76 Wuruma 91 89 88

For fortnightly updates 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 16/11/16

(All levels correct at time of going to press. Dam levels can change at any time, so please check with local authorities to ensure safe boating and fishing.) 84

DECEMBER 2016

Maryborough

Golden perch are very active at the moment. They can be caught trolling diving lures or hopping vibes.

Dam............................ % Full 

brought to you by

Dam............................ % Full

Gympie

success with live shrimp. The trickiest part is locating the fish and placing the bait right on their noses. For all your fishing supplies and the latest reports on Cressbrook and the surrounding dams, call in to see the specialist tackle stores in Toowoomba. Tackle World Toowoomba in Ruthven Street on the north side and Fish’n’Bits in Alderly Street on the south side have a great range of lures and fishing gear. Support these tackle stores, as they can direct you to where the fish are biting and offer invaluable advice. Just remember, there’s a speed limit of 8 knots and a restricted area at Cressbrook Dam. Check out the signage to ensure you stay out of trouble

locate them if you haven’t fished the dam for a while. Sounding out fish at this time of year can take a couple of hours and you may even need to visit the same spot twice, to see if fish have moved into the area. Tail-spinners like the Jets 18g model are hard to beat. These lures can be hopped and slow rolled through any schooling fish. The Jackall Mask Vibe and medium sized blade baits are also good. Soft plastics will also be worth a try, but aren’t always the best option. Golden perch will be very active over the next month. These fish will be holding quite deep due to the warmer water. Jigging medium sized blades around deep timber is a good way to tempt the fish. Side imaging sounders are perfect for spotting potential

the boating activity, the fish don’t mind the traffic. This is a normal scenario where stopping to fish them and parking on top of a school shuts them down faster than roaring over the top of them in your boat. For the latest reports, check out Somerset Fishing Tackle online and on Facebook. The store is in Kilcoy, but they mail order fishing gear all over the place. For some of the most competitive prices around, visit www. somersetfishing.com.au. WIVENHOE Closest Towns: Esk, Fernvale Usually Wivenhoe doesn’t get a mention at this time of year. The schooling bass tend to break up and become hard to locate. Last month there were still

Blake and Kerry Ehrlich whacked plenty of fish at Wivenhoe last month. The bass were tough but these two were fooled with trolled lures. and abide by the rules. The gate hours for the boat ramps and day use area will be extended this month, 6am-8pm. SOMERSET Closest Towns: Esk, Kilcoy This is the time of year where Somerset fish can be unpredictable. Schooling fish tend to break up and scatter throughout the lake. Often these fish will suspend around the thermocline, which can be shallower in this hot weather than other months of the year. Paying close attention to your sounder will reveal the most comfortable depth for the fish, but it may change throughout the day. Lure trolling is perfect for scattered fish. Diving hardbodies produce the goods and it’s best to use the smallest lure that can reach them. The suspended and scattered schools are often made up of a smaller class of bass. Bigger fish will remain in small schools around the usual spots – the Spit, Pelican Point, Bay 13, Eagles Nest and One Tree Point. Allow yourself plenty of time to

fish holding structure. If the lay down you try has the occasional fish arch around it, this is all you need to pull a few goldens. The fish move around these areas and will show on the sounder for a while before they disappear. Drop the lure to the bottom around the fishy area and use short sharp hops to bounce it 20-50cm off the bottom. The ZX40 is a very popular jigging blade, but other blades around the same size will also get bites. Lure trolling in the basin and up in the timber north of Kirkleigh is likely to produce golden perch. Follow the old creek and riverbed edges, as these areas concentrate the fish. In the main body of the dam, opt for deeper lures that can reach 10m. Up in the timber, you can afford to run shallower lures, which run 7-8m deep. Somerset is going to be one of the busiest lakes over the Christmas period. It’s not uncommon to have hundreds of boats sharing the water on the weekend. With jet skiers, water skiers and boating hoons mixed in with the fishers, it can be testing on the nerves. Despite

plenty around and it was just a matter of striking them on a day where they wanted to bite. With 100+ catch days reported last month, it’s worth a visit to see if they’re schooled and willing to bite. The trend over the last two months has been for fish to venture down closer to the roped off no boating area between Billies Bay and the dam wall. Any of the deeper flats from Billies Bay and Platypus Cliffs down to the roped off area are worth close investigation. Pay particular attention to 10-14m of water around the old riverbed edges.

Jigging and slow rolling spoons is still the craze on the bass dams. This chunky model decided it liked the Gang Banger Spoon fished with a slow rolling retrieve. Fork-tailed catfish are very active – on our last trip we must have caught two dozen of these whiskery slime balls. Despite not being the target species, the bigger models put up a great fight on light bass gear. Fishing faster tends to deter their bites, but when they are hungry, they will take spoons, tailspinners and trolled lures. The catties often sit deeper in the schooling fish, so keep this in mind as the bass which are mixed in with them will often be higher in the water column. Trolling deep diving lures is a great way to score a mixed bag of bass, golden perch and fork-tailed catfish. The lure I’ve had most success on is the JDK Rippa, which I bought at Highfields Bait and Tackle. These locally made timber lures are able to dive over 10m when fished on a long line and light braid. Other deep divers like the Blitz Baga, Imakatsu Deep Impact and Poltergeist Crazy Deep are ideal. Once good numbers of fish are found, you can switch to casting spoons and tail-spinners. Some of the best catches I’ve heard of have been on Halco Twisties retrofitted with assist hooks, Hot Bite Gang Banger Spoons and Jets tailspinners. On the ridiculous days, it can be a fish per cast, but most times you will need to work out how the fish want the lure presented. Hopping can turn them on, but as you get the lure closer to the bottom, be prepared for catfish. Slow winding

up through the school is successful, especially with tail-spinners and swimming spoons like the Gang Banger and Nories Wasabi Spoon. Apart from the action in the deeper water at the bottom end of the lake, there will be other fish to chase in various areas. The steep rocky banks throughout the dam are usually close to deep water. Here you can troll up a pile of big golden perch and bass. At the top end of the dam around O’Sheas Crossing, kayaking for golden perch and bass will be popular. Fishing from a kayak allows you to troll slower, so towing a TN60 Jackall or similar lipless crankbait is a good idea if the fish aren’t responding to diving crankbaits. MAROON Closet Towns: Boonah, Beaudesert The biggest drawcards to Lake Maroon are the surface lure smashing bass. Tossing small poppers and stickbaits around the lake’s weed edges early in the morning and late in the afternoon will see you in with a good chance. This style of fishing works best during periods of low light. There are so many

popper styles and all can be effective. Cupped face poppers, walk-the-dog stickbaits, fizzers, wakebaits and bent minnows can all work, provided they’re a bitesized offering for bass. Topwater lures should be around 60-80mm long. Work these lures through your chosen spot and allow a long pause of several seconds between movements. I like to throw in a lot of shorter pauses and give the longer pauses when the lure enters the fishiest spot. As the light level intensifies, the fish will move deeper into the shadows of the weed beds. Quality bass can be caught by switching to spinnerbaits or beetle spin rigged plastics. Cast these lures around the edges of the weed where they drop away into deeper water. Polarized sunglasses are a must for this style of fishing. When the light is right, you can also pick out any deeper pockets inside the weed beds. These make great ambush points for bass, so explore them with your lures as well.

Located near Guyra (north of Armidale), Milani Trout Cottages is a popular holiday destination for fishermen, birdwatchers, bushwalkers and those looking for a peaceful escape from the pressures of everyday life.

3 Trout fish the 6kms of streams 3 Sit and watch as platypus play 3 Soak in the tranquility of the scenery

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For bookings contact your hosts, Wal or Lynne Chapman

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Schooling bass will be harder to find this month. Time spent sounding around will be rewarded once schools like this are located.

Scan for video tour DECEMBER 2016

SUNSHINE COAST REGION MACDONALD Closest Towns: Tewantin, Noosa Plenty of smaller bass have been caught at MacDonald over the past month. These bass are 30-35cm in length but mixed in with them are some chunky big ones as well. Try working blades and soft plastics around the weed beds. Occasionally, schooling fish will be spotted on the sounder outside the weed in the deeper sections. The same lures can be used to get bites from these fish. Fish

lures as tight as possible to the weed. Often a lure that touches the weed and is ripped out triggers a bite. There were reports of bass taken on frog plastics worked on the surface through the weed. Surface activity is at its best during the warm months, but very short-lived due to the brightness and heat of the sun. The early bird catches the bass, so make sure you’re rigged and ready as soon as you hit the water. Alternatively, try a late afternoon surface session and break out the topwater

lures when the sun is below the horizon. It isn’t just plastic frogs that will score bites. They’re great because they can be worked through the thickest of weed. They will get plenty of bites, but hook-ups can be a problem unless the bass are really engulfing them. It pays to run some of your more standard hardbody surface offerings in the open patches around the weed and lilies. Walk the dog baits like the Cultiva Zip’n Ziggy are ideal for open areas and over the top of submerged weed. For tighter pockets, I love the action of the Halco Roosta Popper 60. This lure can

be twitched in tight pockets in the weed, making plenty of disturbance with little forward movement. BORUMBA Closest Towns: Imbil, Noosa Bass are often the main attraction at Borumba, but through the warmer months, there are few better places to try your luck on saratoga. Toga are great fish to target on surface lures, plastics, spinnerbaits, diving minnows and flies. Their ambush feeding and quick response to any prey entering their zone make them an aggressive predator. The upper part of the lake is prime toga country.

DARLING DOWNS GRANITE BELT REGION COOBY Closet Towns: Highfields, Toowoomba The golden perch action has finally picked up with reasonable numbers of fish caught on trolled and cast lures. Bait fishing is probably the best way to guarantee success, but there’ll be quiet times between the bites, especially through the heat of the day. Trolling medium diving lures late in the afternoon is

one of the most effective and easy ways to catch fish. I love black lures for Cooby due to the clear water and black beetles, which often live in the weed. Any dark colours are my second pick. Models like the Poltergeist 50mm 3m diver and StumpJumper number 3 are perfect. Work lures just outside the weed edges and keep a close eye on the sounder to ensure the lures are tickling the tops of the weed without fouling up. The tougher the

2 Dams

It’s hard to beat a small black lure for fishing Cooby Dam. Blake Ehrlich caught this yellowbelly late in the afternoon along the weed edge on a Poltergeist in blood nut colour.

1de stination H

South Burnett

· Boondooma Dam · Bjelke-Petersen Dam ·

The BEST place in QLD to catch Australian Bass and Yellowbelly

STAY

NIGHTS AND

SAVE CATCH of the month

BOONDOOMA DAM

BJELKE-PETERSEN

Joel Edwards caught this bass at Boondooma Dam.

Troy Lowe had a great day on the water at Bjelke-Petersen Dam.

www.lakeboondooma.com.au www.yallakoolpark.com.au 86

DECEMBER 2016

action, the closer to the weed you’ll want your lures. If the fish are fired up, they’ll actively hunt outside the weed and presentation won’t be as critical. Pay close attention to the action of your lure. Weed on the line or hooks will deaden the swimming action and alert you to its presence. A lure trailing weed is useless, so it needs to be kept clean if you want success. Some days are shockers for trolling the dam, as ribbon weed floats across the surface and it’s near impossible to dodge. A v-nosed boat tends to part this weed as it travels through and lures can be fished out the back of the boat (not to the sides) in the clearer water. In the deeper parts of the lake, goldens can school up in numbers. If you find these fish on the sounder, try dropping a blade into them. Blade baits like the Ecogear ZX40 and ZX35 are great for jigging in these fish. Short, sharp hops off the bottom will get them interested. Bait fishing outside the weed edge with live shrimp or saltwater yabbies will fool eel-tailed catfish and golden perch. The Murray cod have been quiet. If you’re on the water, you’re in with a

chance. Trolling lures for goldens seems to produce the occasional cod, so it can pay to run a bigger hardbody or spinnerbait in your trolling spread if the weed allows. Cooby D a m ’s proximity to Highfields and Toowoomba makes it a very popular fishery. If you’re looking for somewhere close to home to drop the boat or kayak in, Cooby is definitely worth a visit. The dam hours are now 6am-8pm, which is perfect to fish into the dark for a late arvo cod. Just remember, no outboard motors are allowed to be used on the dam. 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. Tackle, lures 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. LESLIE Closest Town: Warwick Leslie Dam fishing has been on fire over the last month. Big numbers

Here they love to feed around overhanging trees, lilies, snags and other vegetation. Quietly moving along the banks and casting lures to work the upper water column is the way to fool these fish. While chasing the toga in these areas, 60mm diving lures have accounted for quality bass. Suspending offerings like the Cultiva Rippin’ Minnow and Jackall Squirrel are perfect. Bass fishers should find schooling fish around the start of the timber and just outside Borumba Flat. These fish are suckers for soft plastics, blades and tailspinners. Smaller schools may also be encountered

through the deeper trees up both the Kingham and Yabba arms. If you spot fish in these areas, try rolling spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits through them. Fish tight to the trees if you’re having trouble getting a bite, as bouncing a lure down deep off the structure will often trigger the desired response. Davo’s at Noosaville has all the gear you’ll need to tackle the fish at Borumba and Lake MacDonald. The store caters well for fresh and saltwater anglers. They can be found in the Homemaker Centre on the corner of Mary and Thomas streets.

of golden perch and a few Murray cod to 101cm have been caught. Bait fishing, casting lures and trolling can all score fish. This is the time of year when Leslie is at its best. The warm water temperatures see the golden perch fire up, thinking they’re going to spawn and eating everything in sight. In the basin of the lake, anglers trolling medium diving hardbodies and TN60 Jackalls have scored good numbers of golden perch. When trolling, concentrate on areas where you have a bite, as the fish will hold at certain depths and in tight areas. Try to replicate what worked to get the first bite and landed fish shouldn’t be far away. Trolling is also a good way to target the lake’s Murray cod. These fish will take smaller lures intended for golden perch, so ensure your leader and knots are up to the task. When trolling you could also run a bigger spinnerbait or hardbody suited to big cod. Jigging structure in the form of trees or boulders in the main dam basin can produce ridiculous amounts of golden perch. Black blades and lipless crankbaits were the best lures last month and this should continue. Blades will catch heaps of goldens, but don’t be afraid to scale up after you have caught a few. The underwater commotion of struggling fish will interest any nearby cod. A switch to a lipless bait like a Mask Vibe or Transam could be all it takes to get a bite from a hungry green fish. Bait fishers have had success on live and frozen shrimp, saltwater yabbies and occasionally worms. The mornings and afternoons will be peak bite times as the fish are prepared to move around more. Golden perch, silver perch and eel-tailed catfish are the most common species encountered while bait fishing. Boats will allow you to bait fish all day by giving access to some of the deeper structure. Shore-based anglers will be better off

trying their luck early and late in the day from the banks around the Washpool Reserve. There was a report of several Murray cod caught casting lures from a steeper section of bank near the buoy line across the dam wall. Along with getting a fishing report, stock up on all your gear while at Warwick Outdoor and Sports at 115 Palmerin Street Warwick. For a small store, it carries a great range at a very competitive price. Warwick is only a ten-minute drive from the dam and you can pick up any supplies you might need. COOLMUNDA Closest Town: Inglewood The action has picked up a bit at Coolmunda with fish taken on live shrimp and saltwater yabbies. Lure fishing is worth a try, but the action is still slow with the dirty water. I’ve been keeping my ears tuned and eyes focused on the lake to let you know the moment it fires back up. Unfortunately, it takes a long time for the water to clear after a big rise in Coolmunda. This is what has slowed the fishing down. On a positive note, it’s returned the lake back to the level it fishes best at. Boats can easily access the timber or troll the old river bed and adjacent flats. The Coolmunda Caravan Park is only 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 pool, BBQ shelter and a camp kitchen. The park now has 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.

WIDE BAY AND BURNETT REGION BOONDOOMA Closest Towns: Proston, Kingaroy Schooling fish in the basin of the lake have broken up, which makes lure trolling a good option. Deep diving lures worked between Pelican Point and The Junction have been effective. The Blitz Baga, Brolga and Golden Child are all worth a run and mix up the colours as this can make a difference. Purple lures are very popular but experiment with browns, greens and black variations. Lure casters should find

plenty of fish in the Stuart Arm timber. These fish will take spinnerbaits cast around the trees and edges. There are quality fish mixed in with the bass and goldens in this area, so try running baitcast tackle and at least 10lb braid to help turn their heads. Anglers fishing the area have reported catching the occasional saratoga and there have even been whispers of cod. Boondooma is a great place to camp near the water, sit by the fire and enjoy the view. You can also stay in more style and comfort

MACKAY REGION KINCHANT Closest Towns: Mackay, Mirani Kinchant barra haven’t fired up like they have in previous years. Plenty of fish have been spotted up in the weed and out deeper using sounders. Persistence has paid off for some anglers and if you’re parked in the right spot at the right time, you can be very successful. I’ve fished the lake quite a bit at this time of year and find fish can be caught in both deep and shallow water. During the day, I like to push up into the shallows and cast over the healthiest weed I can find. Working the surface with plastic frogs rigged on 4/0 weighted hooks is a good way to explore the pockets in the weed. Look for weed growing to the surface of the lake with the occasional deeper pocket or broken section in it. This can be effective around the shoreline of the lake and in the deeper parts of the dam where weed grows up from several metres of water. Rolling paddle-tails on slightly bigger and heavier weedless hooks over the top of submerged weed is my next go to method during daylight hours. I like to fish plastics quite fast at this time of year and cover plenty of water, so I add around 1/4oz of weight to a weighted 6/0 hook. Plastics like the PowerBait Rib Shad or Keithech Fat Impact are ideal for buzzing through the tops of the weed. This technique covers heaps of water to search for barra that wait to ambush prey by darting out of their weedy hidey holes. If you have a bite or a hook-up, there’s a good chance other fish will be in the area. As darkness falls, position the boat on a point and work plastics like the

ever-faithful black and gold Slick Rig 130. Keep an eye on the sounder, as the fish will move through. When they do, you want a lure in the water. Bite windows are critical, so you can never stop fishing. Chances are, the moment you do will be when the barra decide it’s feeding time. If you fish with a partner, you can mix it up and have someone else throw a hardbody or soft vibe in case the fish prefer the extra vibration. If you plan on fishing Kinchant, Teemburra or Eungella, call in and see Bruce and Ash at Nashy’s Compleat Angler on Harbour Road, North Mackay. Ash works in the store, but also as a fishing guide on the lakes. Some firsthand information as to where they’re biting always goes a long way. Nashy’s has a great range of tackle suited to the dams, as well as all the other fishing options the Mackay area is blessed with. You can call the store for more information or to put some gear on hold on (07) 4957 2272. TEEMBURRA Closest Towns: Pinnacle, Mackay Teemburra Dam has also been tough – barra were hard to entice last month. Even the reliable full moon periods have been surprisingly tough. Persistence pays off and if you put in the time and effort to locate fish, you could be rewarded. Explore the points throughout the dam, especially those exposed to the full force of the wind. These areas become feeding stations at night and barra will patrol them looking for a feed. Repeatedly casting soft plastics, suspending hardbodies or soft vibes across the points will entice a bite if the fish show up at feeding time. During the day, try exploring the weed edges and fish tight to the weed with weedless soft plastics. Rather than sit it out in

by booking into one of the cabins overlooking the dam. The kiosk at the main office does hot food and other basic items, including an excellent range of proven fishing tackle. For campsites, cabins and bunkhouse rooms, call (07) 4168 9694. BJELKE Closest Towns: Murgon, Goomeri Trolling will be popular at Bjelke over the next couple of months. Lures which dive 4-5m are ideal in the shallower lake. Working the edges of the creek bed and along the shoreline contours and points should be productive on bass and golden perch. one spot, drop the electric motor and cover ground. Hunt for the fish that are more likely to be resting up than cruising about. PROSERPINE Closest Towns: Proserpine, Airlie Beach Proserpine has been one of the better northern barra dams this year. The barra have been lean, but a little more responsive than their mates closer to Mackay. Fish have been turning up all over the dam with sweet spots holding good numbers in the upper parts of the river, throughout the timber and out in the basin. Up in the Proserpine River, the weed beds are well established and barra can be caught by fishing the outside edge where the weed becomes broken. A weedless rigged soft plastic pulled through these deeper weed sections is the way to go, but don’t expect a fish from every likely looking area. It’s a game of many casts. Sooner or later, a hungry barra will be home and you should find yourself hooked-up. The deeper trees along the river channel in the Proserpine River and other similar trees marking creeks throughout the dam are well worth exploring. Cranking deep diving lures into the trees and then floating them back up before twitching and cranking them down again can be deadly when the fish are home. There is plenty of water to explore, so if you’re able to side image a few barra on the sounder in your chosen area, this is a good start. Humps inside the tree line that are close to drop offs are worth closer investigation. These can occasionally hold fish on top of them or close by in the deeper water along the drop off. These fish can be caught on soft plastics or by working soft and hard vibes in the area. More fish will likely turn up in the basin of the lake. Try trolling deep divers around the To page 88

The lure casting has been tougher around the edges of the lake and more fish are now being targeted on the flats, drop offs and points. The area around Bass Point and the flats up around the dam wall have been reliably holding bass. These fish should eat tail-spinners and blade baits hopped through the school.

For help catching Bjelke and Boondooma fish, call into Bass 2 Barra. The store stocks an awesome range of gear suited to chasing our freshwater fish. The staff have all the knowledge to guide you on how to use it. You’ll find the store at 119 Youngman Street Kingaroy. Matthew Mott also runs fishing charters on

the dams and you can reach him through the store for bookings and enquiries on (07) 4162 7555. The Yallakool kiosk is all set up with a great range of tackle, if you don’t happen to have the right lure or lose one. Give them a call for accommodation and camping bookings on (07) 4168 4746.

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temperatures now, it will be worth looking out wider on the point, especially where any of the gullies run into it. The point was hard to see last month, because the weed hadn’t reached the surface. Take care when cruising over the top of it, as it’s only a metre deep in places and extends well out into the dam. For all your fishing supplies or a guided trip on the lake, call Lindsay or Dane at Barra World on (07) 4945 4641. The store has just ordered in heaps of new tackle and will stock a bigger range of gear from this month. Barra World is right on the highway in Proserpine and specializes in barra fishing tackle as well as catering to the needs of anglers fishing the nearby estuaries and offshore.

From page 87

thermocline for these fish. The clutter line on the sounder can move throughout the day from one end of the dam to the other, so adjust lure depths accordingly. Some of the better performers are the Poltergeist and Scorpion Crazy Deep. The basin is a huge place to explore, so try working along the drop off to the old riverbed out from the dam wall and follow it back towards the tree line. If possible, spot barra on the sounder and work the better shows. Decent bait balls are always worth closer investigation, as dense bait schools will often have barra near them. If tighter concentrations of barra are located, casting big plastics or soft vibes can get the bites. Night fishers will be able to score fish by tossing plastics around the main weed points in the dam. The weed has been slow to establish this year, so keep an eye out for any healthier patches. The points inside the timber and Faust Point are worth closer investigation. Faust Point fished best in closer to the point last month with fish coming from under 2m of water. With warmer water

Awoonga Dam produced several nice barramundi for the author on a recent visit. This 91cm fish came from a weed edge and ate a jighead rigged with a Willie soft plastic.

CAPRICORN REGION AWOONGA DAM Closest Towns: Gladstone, Benaraby It’s been ages since my last visit to Awoonga Dam, but I tried my luck on the way through in October. I was rewarded with four barra and as many missed opportunities. The dam was looking very healthy and I found fish in just

about every area I went to. Deeper trees produced most of the bites. It paid to crank down suspending hardbodies to their full depth and suspend them for up to five seconds several times throughout the retrieve. The trees I fished were almost fully submerged in 7-10m of water and had spindly tops. The

between the points and bays. We saw most of our fish in this area. We boated the biggest fish of the trip at 91cm on a Willie plastic from Happy Rock Softies. The fish was hiding in the back of a wind pumped bay near a dirty water line. Just before that fish, I had a couple of bites from a solid barra (based on the amount of water it moved during the strike). On our run through this area,

clear Awoonga water allows barra to see and travel a long way up to grab these artificial intruders, hence the need to pause for a long period. Wind dictated the fishing spots during my visit, so we explored the weed edges on the Eastern side of the dam on the way down to Dingo Island. There are plenty of bays to hide from the howling wind and the winding bank forms plenty of straight weedy runs

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we spotted fish on side imaging, spooked them and saw the mud, bubbles and bow waves as they swam out from the weed. The dam looked like it had a lot of potential – I’m busting to get back there and give it a try. Hopefully these fish don’t move out into water where they’re too hard to fish. The weed edges should only get healthier and the fishing better. The numbers have certainly gone back into the dam, so there’s a good mixture of fish, from small right up to a metre long. The last fish I hooked was a metre beast after a long fight, which the fish was winning in the deep spindly trees. I applied a bit too much pressure and popped the loop knot to the lure. It’s excitement like this that makes you want to go back for more. Mark from Awoonga Gateway Lodge has a few productive secret spots up New Zealand Gully. The Gateway Lodge is on the way to the dam after turning off at Benaraby. The accommodation is great with plenty of boat parking space right beside the comfortable air-conditioned, selfcontained cabins. Each has its own veranda. To book a stay, give Mark or Lyn a call on (07) 49750033.

Bargain priced Mahindra Pik-Up ute will surprise BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Prior to this review, I hadn’t seen many Mahindra Pik-Up utes around the city. In country towns, they’re no rarity. A run to the New England area surprised me, as I saw two in Tenterfield alone. Dirty, unwashed, with tools of trade and drums of chemicals in one, a stock crate in the other, it was

vehicles have followed their 2-4 door Pik-Up light truck like the Genio ute and popular seven seater XUV500, an AWD people mover. A LOOK AT THE PIK-UP I signed the dotted line for the 2 door Pik-Up, but there’s also a four door version as well. The Red Terror, as I called it, had a big steel tray at the rear, 2.45m long and 1.9m wide, which meant I could store the ice box and some other gear with ease. There was a surprisingly large storage

Yes, that’s a gear lever there. The Pik-Up is a five-speed manual. fairly obvious that land owners had seen the great value for money in these Pik-Up utes. It made me feel a bit smug to think we had the Trek camper trailer on the back of my loan car and were heading bush for a couple of days of fishing. MAHINDRA BACKGROUND So what’s the Mahindra story? Manufacturers of vast arrays of industrial and farm machinery, the Indian manufacturer has earned kudos as the number one tractor company in the world. There were also motor vehicles – back in 1947, the first Willys Jeep rolled off their assembly line. It’s hardly surprising that in 2005, Mahindra opened their doors in Brisbane as Mahindra Australia with the first Pik-Up one tonne ute launched in 2007. Other

Main dials on the Pik-Up were clustered neatly together for ease of reference. when I rode my Yamaha 1100cc road bike. There was absolutely nothing to impede side or rear vision, and when punting about the city at times, this was a blessing. Many of today’s utes wagons and SUVs have serious visibility problems, which are par for the course, hence the wide spread of vehicle proximity warning systems on the more upmarket models. By contrast, the humble Mahindra was a refreshing change. For a modest $32,990

You can’t judge a book by its cover and you can’t judge the comfort of these seats unless you sit in them. area behind the driver and passenger seats for rod tubes. Seated on the Mahindra’s well-padded seat, I was amazed at the visibility. This ute is very tall in regard to seating and driving position, but not hard to step into at all. I reckoned that the last time I had this sort of visibility on the road was

comforts to be found inside. PLEASANT SEATING A SURPRISE Creature comforts started with the seats. Yep, all cars have them, but let me advise you confidentially – as I sit on plenty – they’re not always comfortable, despite what makers claim. Short runs are fine, but longer ones can be a true test of design. For the record, the Kampey back has been battered into oblivion by far too much motorcycle riding as a young bloke (with two speeds: stopped or flat out) and by a lot of boating in the last four decades. What starts off as a comfortable drive, often ends up being a real pain in the backside. Even electrically adjusted seating can cause problems, yet the Mahindra treated me to one of the most comfortable driving positions I’ve enjoyed. When I stopped the ute for fuel at Wallangarra, I didn’t need to slide out gently and then slowly stretch to see if my legs were still working. I

I was soon accustomed to. In the vernacular, it was no biggie! The ute cornered and handled surprisingly well, and that upright high seating stance was a treat. ADEQUATE DIESEL ENGINE The Mahindra Pik-Up’s engine, derived in conjunction with well known AVL of Austria (specialists in engine development) is a four cylinder fuel injected 2.2L diesel engine with four valves per cylinder.

A decent radio is part of the Mahindra package. While it can never claim line honours for best of class power, with its modest output of 88kW of power and 280Nm of torque, it still did the job – and fairly easily at that. All Pik-Ups come with manual gearboxes. Yes, I had to change down a gear to climb Cunninghams Gap, but otherwise, it’s easily able to sit on 100km/h while towing with very little engine noise under way, which was surprising given the Mahindra’s budgetbased styling and overall

which included a tow bar, bull bar, powder coated steel tray, snorkel, mag wheels and blue tooth connectivity, the 2 door Mahindra has got to be one of the best value for money utes in Australia. While the interior is hoseit-out standard with plenty of scrub clean plastic in sight, there are still some creature The Mahindra Pik-Up’s dash layout mixes form and function quite well, given its budget price.

The Mahindra Pik-Up at work, camper trailer in tow.

simply moved out and went briskly about the refuelling. Brilliant! On the highway with the camper locked onto the tow bar, the Red Terror was a very friendly critter, with just a few bumps and jiggles finding their way up into the main cabin area – not so much on the really good bitumen surface, but noticeable on neglected sections. Steering, driving position, and general ergonomics were fine. Even though I seemed to be sitting fairly close to the door, it was something

in line and I was surprised to find, later, that it was in the serious off road mode that the Mahindra really shone. There’s four wheel drive and low range capability via a switch operated Borg Warner transfer case with the 4 x 4 system permanently linked to an Eaton diff lock which, unlike other diff locks that need manual engagement, is always ready to react to wheel slip and deliver power to a wheel or wheels needing it.

presentation. Gear changes required some deliberate pauses between cogs, but were soon mastered. The clutch had ample feel about it and was quite light. I calculated a fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km while towing, which is pretty good in my book. A GREAT STRENGTH OFF ROAD On the back roads leading to the fishing areas, the Mahindra really shone with the double wishbone front suspension and rear leaf springs keeping the ute nicely

The diff lock system gave the Mahindra a huge advantage in the rough and rutted going and although the vehicle does not have a huge ground clearance the lack of front or rear over hang makes it superbly capable to climb, clamber or jump over obstacles that would make the going hard for some contemporaries. It always comes down to horses for courses doesn’t it! OVERALL The Mahindra Pik-Up is never going to win a beauty contest, but it’s very functional if somewhat funky looking, due to its tall cabin. It comes with some fruit in the bowl, so to speak, with central locking, electric windows, cruise control, air conditioning, tilt steering adjustment, stereo (with MP3, SD and USB), 12V charging points and load adjustable headlights. Towing capacity is 2.5t braked and 750kg unbraked, so plenty of boat owners or caravan/camper trailer owners will find the ute great at work through the week, and just as useful on the weekend. This ute is not going to appeal to everyone, only those among us who want to save serious money on their work horse and fun time truck, and are willing to accept the Pik-Up for what it is. That’s an honest, no fuss, work horse, that has outstanding off road capability. Don’t forget it comes in four door models as well. Warranty is three years or 100,000km. To locate a Mahindra dealer, ring (07) 3213 1211, or email info@ mahindra.com.au DECEMBER 2016

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2016 DECEMBER

2-4 Dec

ABT BREAM Grand Final St Georges Basin

www.abt.org.au

9-11 Dec

Sports Tuition Fishing Classic Lake Moogerah

Steve Wilkes 0403 154 510

2017 FEBRUARY

11-12 Feb

Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competion Boondooma

Terry Allwood 0400 860122

12 Feb

BASS Electric Major #1 Clarrie Hall

www.abt.org.au

18-19 Feb

Mallacoota BREAM Qualifier #1 Mallacoota

www.abt.org.au

22-23 Feb

Gippsland Lakes BREAM Qualifier #2 Gippsland Lakes

www.abt.org.au

MARCH

18-19 Mar

BASS Electric #1 Lenthalls

www.abt.org.au

APRIL

29-30 Apr

Hawkesbury River BASS Pro Qualifier #1 Hawkesbury River

www.abt.org.au

1-2 Apr

Albany BREAM Qualifier #3 Albany

www.abt.org.au

5-6 Apr

Blackwood BREAM Qualifier #4 Blackwood

www.abt.org.au

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours. Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

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Bowen Family Fishing Classic wraps up again Many years ago a very small group of people started an event to attract visitors to the beach side paradise and show anglers what they could catch in the serene waters just off the coast of Bowen. Last weekend this event turned 25 and

Australia’s favourite son literally had the town on its feet with his unique way of tapping into pure emotion that is instantly relatable. He certainly captured the hearts and minds of music fans in the Whitsundays on Saturday night 17 September. The

of their favourite tunes. The biggest fish weighed in was a Spanish mackerel by Drew Morgan at 24kg. It took out the biggest weigh in prize of an electric kayak worth $2000 from Tropic Petroleum. The heaviest fish weighed in by a female angler was a coral trout of 5.06kg by Melissa Eisemann who won $1000 worth of Centre Point Trades dollars to go shopping with – lucky! Many Families took advantage of the huge range of activities from yabby pumping, cake

spoon. All the winners went home with fantastic prizes, whether they went fishing or not. All 15 species of fish and one for mudcrab have been taken out in both the Senior and Junior competitions, with just as many secret weight prize winners as highest weight winners. Many anglers waited with bated breath when presentations got underway on Sunday afternoon as the sun set over Edgecombe Bay. Once again another great Bowen

Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend was had by all. With the tents and crowds all but a memory, the committee would like to

thank all the event’s sponsors and volunteers, who helped make the event a success. – Bowen Family Fishing Classic

The Bowen Family Classic is an event for all ages. although nominations were down, the crowd wasn’t. The clouds threatened, but the event went off without a hitch. Visitors and tourists came down to Bowen’s front beach to enjoy time with family and friends, and of course some refreshments. Many came for the fishing, some for the family activities and prizes, but all came for Bowen’s greatest entertainment of the year headlined by the super Shannon Noll.

crowd of all ages enjoyed a great range of music on the open-air beachfront stage, with support bands from Sydney, Lonesome Train and Montserrat. The Jimmy Buffet Show from Brisbane performed on Sunday, as did Phil Emmanuel along with local and regional bands – Rock N Dean, Simmer Down, The Cadillacs and 1984. A kids pirate show was held, so everyone had the chance to rock along to some

Shannon Noll tapping into pure emotion as the headline act. crunching, crawchie racing, sand castle competition, kids handball competition, cast net throwing, and a $500 dash for cash race. This year had runners slowing down just a bit, having to carry a ball and

SENIOR RESULTS Highest weight Species (angler/weight kg) Secret weight (angler) Spanish Mackerel...... Drew Morgan/24...................... Jayden Jacobs Mackerel.................... Haidee Vogel/5.179.................. Andrew Simon Coral trout................. Melissa Eisemann/5.065.......... Wayne Dawson Mangrove jack........... Luke Watson/1.429.................. Curtis Land Flathead..................... Troy Hinschen/1.437................ Jermery Smith Cod............................ Andrew Williams/15.8.............. Allan Richardson Whiting...................... Greg Sullivan/0.289................. Cloe Gerhart Trevally....................... Craig Ninnes/19.6.................... Allan Brignton Bream........................ Scott Dunne/1.116................... Aaron Roberts Sweetlip..................... Adam Van Dalen/2.8................. Kelly Ross Barramundi................ Lindsay Campbell/8.31............ Laurie Land Grunter...................... Darren Homan/2.975............... Billy-joe Birch Red emperor ............ Simon Ferdinano/9.36............. Hannah McKeough Blue tuskfish.............. Raymond Barker/7.2................ Malcom Exelby Barracouta................. Owen Jones/12.72................... Mitchell Redman Crab........................... Justin Henschin/1.939............. Nicole Miller JUNIOR RESULTS Highest weight Species (angler/weight kg) Secret weight (angler) Spanish Mackerel...... Kasey Kimble/18.525............... Trent Binnie Mackerel.................... Aiden Roberts/4.5................... Elsie Simon Coral trout................. Madison Miller/3.55................. Harley Jewel Mangrove jack........... Wesley Jocheim/1.438............. Debbie Brabon Flathead..................... Nathaniel Kleinert/1.328.......... Xavier Lorraway Cod............................ Madison Miller/6.35................. Lincoln Smith Whiting...................... Charlotte Stapleton/0.338....... Isaac Macklin Trevally....................... Aiden Roberts/7.875................ Alissa Gunn Bream........................ Kelsie Hadlow/0.68.................. Mikayla Woodage Sweetlip..................... Madison Miller/2.1................... Jordan Price Barramundi................ Dylan Ruddick/2.575............... Dylan Ruddick Grunter...................... Ashlee Woodage/1.503............ Jack Donald Red emperor ............ Zac Kolfe/7.9............................ Kasey Forrester Blue tuskfish.............. Brendan Bianchi/5.1................ Murphey Aitken Other species............ Faith Sullican/12.2................... Lily Williscroft DECEMBER 2016

Lindsay leapfrogs to victory ABT BASS Electric newcomer Chris Lindsay has stolen the show at the largest event of the year, coming from 9th place overnight to win the 2016 ABT BASS Electric Convention, supported by Bluefin Boats and ePropulsion electric outboards. Fishing his first tournament at the helm, Lindsay showed he’s a standout young angler to watch in years to come. Finishing a mere 20g ahead of local favorite Charles ‘Westy’ West, Lindsay produced a 4/4 limit worth 3.04kg to clinch the most coveted title in BASS Electric tournaments, and the Bluefin/ePropulsion boat/motor package worth over $8000. Linday’s perfect weekend began like most on the official Friday prefish. Lindsay got his start bass fishing from the clear, weedy waters of Lake Maroon, and he relied on this history to put together his tournament game plan. Lindsay started Friday morning at his first choice location. Commonly referred to as ‘The Nursery’, the area features a wide expansive flat ranging from as deep as 20ft, to as shallow as 2ft. The major fish attracting structure is the abundance of aquatic vegetation. Lilypads, weed lines and thick isolated ‘weed towers’ that rise from the depths scatter the area, and it was these pieces of structure that Lindsay exploited for their bass bounty.

THE FUTURE IS HERE Self-contained Electric Outboards

His morning began catching fish quickly and skillfully, confirming his hunch that the area held both the quantity, and the quality of bass that it would take to win the title. Rather than go elsewhere to look for a back up plan, Lindsay stayed put but didn’t fish. Opting to stake out the area with the intent to deter others from moving in on his primary location. Take offs at BASS Electric events may lack the smoke and noise of a BASS Pro tournament, but what they lack in speed and sound, they make up for in tactics and planning. Travelling at 6 knots adds considerable time to travel, so anglers need to think carefully about where they wish to fish, and have plans in place in case their area gets inundated with anglers. Lindsay was worried about others having plans to fish his area, but as it were his fears were unfounded, with only one other angler choosing to start nearby. Lindsay started under the morning light throwing a textbook Lake Maroon technique – the jerkbait. Casting tight to the shallow weedy edges and lilypads, Lindsay would crank the lure down one or two winds, before employing a twitch/pause retrieve, often pausing the bait for as long as 4-6 seconds. He quickly boated his two legal fish, but they lacked size. By this stage, the sun had begun to shine and Lindsay identified that to get bigger bites, he had to take his offering to

Chris Lindsay holds aloft a pair of Convention winning bass. the fish, rather than hope they’d come out chasing. Turning to a Texas rigged

bottom. The Texas rigged plastic allowed Lindsay to fish tighter to the weed,

Ecogear SX48

3/8oz Pro’s Factory Motion Jig with Keitech Crazy Flapper trailer

The calm before the storm. Lindsay waits patiently for the dawn start.

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888. 92

DECEMBER 2016

Ecogear Powershad

Ecogear Powershad soft plastic, Lindsay fished tight to weed in around 10ft of water, dropping his lure as close to the weed as possible, and allowing it to fall vertically down each side of any isolated weed towers he could find. With most fish eating the lure on the initial sink or after one or two slow winds off the

without having to worry about his lure being fouled with weed, which would turn away any curious followers. Lindsay’s last throw of the dice came in the form of a skirted jig, and this new trend in Australian bass fishing is showing no signs of slowing down, especially after Peter

Phelps used the technique to win the 2015 BASS Pro Grand Final. Although new to the technique, Lindsay managed two key upgrades. He fished this presentation similarly to how he approached the texas rigged plastic, pitching it to each side of the isolated weed towers and allowing the bait to fall vertically down each face, drawing fish out from the thick cover. His Saturday bag of 1.4kg didn’t win it for him, but it kept him in the hunt, only 330g behind overnight leader Adrian Wilson. Wi t h S u n d a y ’s inclement weather rolling in and a 180° wind change, anglers were going to have to tame both sides of Lake Maroon to come out on top. Lindsay wasn’t fazed, opting to stick to his original game plan of targeting isolated weed. The first two hours of the session produced only two just legals, but with the gusting wind and changing

conditions, Lindsay was confident he’d still retain a high finish. As the session wore on and more and more anglers started looking for the last ditch effort, Lindsay found himself alone, with free reign of his whole area, allowing him more freedom to expand his milk run and work some fresh ground. After a short move down the bank, Lindsay turned to one of his go-to baits, an Ecogear SX48. Within ten minutes of picking it up, he had the 1.64kg tournament winning bag on board. Despite the late flurry, Lindsay found Sunday much tougher, only boating five fish all session. Weighing in early, Lindsay endured almost the whole field coming to the scales to try and knock him down, as it were, no one would surpass him. For his efforts, Lindsay walked away with arguably the best bass electric rig money can buy, a Bluefin Estuary

BASS Ele Convent ctric ion the 2000 size. His bait of choice was a Keitech Easy Shiner matched with a Fish Arrow J-Spin beetle spin arm for added flash and vibration. Coming to the scales last, West knew it was too close to call, and as the scales locked in 1.4kg, he knew he fell just short of realising his dream. Quick to bounce back though, West surely stamps his name as one of the most consistent and brightest stars of the BASS Electric circuit. The 2016 Bluefin/ ePropulsion BASS Electric series drew anglers from all over the east coast of Australia to take part in one of the longest standing tournament circuits in the country, keep an eye out for the 2017 calendar which will be released soon on www.abt.org.au

Chris Lindsay shows his winning scorecard in front of his Bluefin and ePropulsion prize. Pro hull, equipped with a 3hp ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 electric outboard, valued at over $8000. Westy West a close second Charles ‘Westy’ West was always going to be one to watch when the BASS Electric Convention was slated for Lake Maroon. With multiple wins to his name at this venue, it wasn’t surprising to see his name towards the top of the leaderboard on both sessions. Sitting third overnight, West produced another solid limit of Lake Maroon bass to break the 3kg barrier, but fell a mere 20g short of fulfilling his dream of being crowned BASS Electric Convention champion on his home lake. West fishes with his good friend and number one ranked BASS Electric angler Adrian Wilson at almost every BASS Electric event. The powerhouse duo now ranked one and two work well off each other, a unique situation you won’t find in other tournament fishing circles. After struggling for the first half of Saturday’s

Charles West performed well at Maroon Dam to finish second.

TOP 10 ANGLERS Place Angler

Fish

Weight (kg)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4

3.04 3.02 2.97 2.83 2.81 2.80 2.76 2.65 2.54 2.53

Chris LINDSAY Charles WEST Dean THOMPSON Jordan STODDART Tom REYNOLDS Tim STEENHUIS Rebecca SMITH Jesper NOIESEN Tony THORLEY Brett KLEINSCHMIDT

Payout Bluefin/ePropulsion Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Diamond Deck

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

session, West scoured the box off Wilson, who’d been catching fish easily on a Jackall TN60 all morning. West went to work, quickly filling his limit and regaining confidence after a tough morning. “I lost a good fish on a Pro’s Factory jig, and watched Adrian catch a lot of fish on the Jackall and then upgrade a few times on jigs and I just couldn’t catch a break,” he said. It all turned around in the afternoon though, as West managed a number of upgrades on a mix of techniques to scrounge up a very respectable 1.62kg limit, just 110g shy of Wilson, who’d caught 1.73kg right in front of him. The Sunday was a complete turn around, and the change of weather was a blessing in disguise for West, as his approach from the Saturday of using a plastic rigged with a beetle spin produced fish quickly and easily in the testing conditions. The only adjustment was his upsizing from 1/6oz to 1/4oz to deal with the gusty breeze and to keep in contact with the lure. West delivered the beetle spin tight to lilypads on the edge of shallow weed, where the bass were hitting hard and fast after commencing his retrieve. “I was getting almost all of my bites within a few seconds of starting my retrieve, the fish were obviously really tight to the structure,” he said. He delivered his baits on a 13 Fishing ENVY Black 71LM-FG spinning rod, matched with a One 3 Creed GT spinning reel in

WINNING NOTES

Winning Ways

Adjusting to the conditions and picking up the SX48 late on Sunday was what made the difference for Lindsay. A quickfire double upgrade within five minutes was worth almost a kilo to his cumulative weight, and Lindsay needed every gram, only edging out second place by 20g. Lindsay fished tight to structure, and with the challenging conditions, this approach netted him more legal bites than any other in the event.

Winning Tackle

Jerkbait Outfit: JML Sensation ‘All Rounder M’ spinning rod, matched to a 2500 sized spinning reel and an Ecogear SX48. Plastics Outfit: 3-8lb JML Sensation ‘All Rounder L’ spinning rod for a lighter tip to detect subtle bites. Jig Outfit: JML Perfection ‘Lipless Crankbait/Tail Spinner’ baitcast rod paired with a 100 size low profile baitcast reel.

Lures

Ecogear Powershad, 3/8oz Pro’s Factory Motion Jig with Keitech Crazy Flapper trailer, Ecogear SX48

DECEMBER 2016

Hobie Bream Australian Champion is crowned The only true national kayak fishing series in Australia, the Hobie Kayak Bream Series presented by Daiwa, ended with an amazing final day to the Series 8 Australian Championship on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

competitors hit the PowerPole starting line at 7am in absolutely perfect conditions. Many travelled to their successful locations from day one and others sought out new ground in the hope of better luck.

lengths at the structure. He let it sink before a short retrieve. After a few flicks with no luck, he’d withdraw using the reversible MirageDrive 180 to back his way out of the section. At one point, he spotted

This year’s Bream Series was finished at the Gold Coast – looks like fun! Exceptional weather greeted the 53 qualified anglers from across the country, two from China, as they gathered at the Broadwater Parklands event site around 5:30am for breakfast and the 6am registration. During the briefing, tournament director Steve Fields announced that the bag limit for the final day of competition would be increased to five fish, as

my bag and then upgraded my bag a couple of times on the way home. It worked for me, so I stuck with the strategy and did the same again today, and it paid off.” Down south, the other main contenders were Kris Hickson from Port Macquarie NSW who scored second place just 20g short of Somerton, and Glenn Allen from the NSW Central Coast in third place. They worked different areas of the same Marina and were both looking good with two fish by 7:30am. The short hop to the marina gave them a lot more fishing time than Somerton, and while there were plenty

Kris Hickson scored second place, just 20g short of Somerton.

Anglers came from all over Australia, and even China, to attend the final day of the Bream Series. opposed to four for the day before, and the minimum length would be reduced to the state legal size of 25cm, a drop of 1cm from the previous day. At the conclusion of the briefing, a short presentation ceremony took place to award Glenn Allen from NSW, the angler who caught the biggest bream on day one, a $250 prize. The Angler’s Choice Award, chosen by their fellow anglers, was presented to duel winners Neil Carstairs from Victoria and 2016 Angler of the Year Carl Dubois from NSW. A draw was held for all anglers who were unable to catch a bream on day one, and the $100 Donut Dough prize went to Jonathan Chen from the Australian Capital Territory All fired up and eager to get amongst the fish, the 94

DECEMBER 2016

few small fish. When he passed by on day two, he worked the area once again and picked up two good fish – one weighing in at 500g and an excellent 720g kicker. He spent around a half an hour with his line in the water along the way to his planned final destination. Beyond the Sovereign Bridge Somerton, he hit another small patch of mangroves. He threw a few casts, moving slowly along its edges without a hit, and then pedalled his Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 kayak into the canal systems he had been aiming for. He sight fished along the edges of the pontoons and boat hulls, and then got in between the pontoons to pitch short casts – one or two kayak

too many good fish to make an impact. His senses turned out to be accurate when his day two bag of 2.06kg fell

WINNING TACKLE Rod....................................... Duffrods 1-4kg HySTIX Reel....................................................Daiwa Certate Line........................................8lb Daiwa Evo 8 braid Leader..................................................................8lb Lure...................................................... Cranka Crab

SOMERTON’S SOVEREIGN SUCCESS Richard Somerton from Victoria, who was leading the tournament after day one, led the charge north, heading 12km to Sovereign Island under the Sovereign Mile Bridge at Paradise Point, stopping to fish in a few locations along the way. On day one, he noticed some shags in amongst a patch of mangroves. He tested the location out and caught quite a

a relative monster (for these waters), which he estimated to weigh-in around 1.2kg, chewing on the rock wall a few metres in front of his kayak. Somerton enticed it to the lure and the fish rushed his presentation, but unfortunately snubbed it at the last moment. Despite missing this double-sized kicker, he filled his bag around 11am and was able to work on upgrades for the rest of the session. On day two, his five fish made a 2.54kg bag, on top of his four for 2.17kg on day one. This won the brilliant Victorian angler the Australian Championship for 2016, adding to his impressive list of achievements including the 2013 World Championship. WINNING WAYS Somerton had never fished the area before, but did his research to formulate the championship winning plan of attack. “I looked at Google Maps and I thought the flats would be a bit busy on the weekend, so I planned to stick with the canals. On day one, I mainly fished the canals at the end of Sovereign Island where I got

The new Hobie Bream Series Champion, Richard Somerton with his award.

of bream to keep them in the same vicinity for most of the day, by-catches were a consistent pest. Despite that, and the presence of many small bream that hit lures faster than larger fish, each bagged out quite early. Although they both considered their bags small, they were sitting in comfortable positions. Nothing was certain until the fish hit the scales at the weigh-in. Hickson wasn’t at all confident with his bag and thought he hadn’t had a great day at all. He felt he’d lost

short of Somerton’s, but it was big enough to maintain his second position. “When it’s your time it’s your time, and it wasn’t for me. This weekend it was definitely Richard’s time. I had a ball. Once I found out the Marinas were open, I just thought I’ll go for broke. You’ll either win it or lose it and I nearly won it.” Hickson fished with a Daiwa Interline rod and Silver Wolf 2000 reel, 10lb Daiwa Evo 8 braid and 4lb Gamma FC leader. His lures of choice were the Ecogear Aqua and 2.5” ZMan Grub. While Glenn Allen

bagged out at 1.52kg, Queenslander Stephen Maas screamed up the leaderboard, from his 15th position on day one, to snatch third place from Allen with his 2.64kg bag that he had built up throughout the day. He caught an incredible 50 fish to make the Australian Championship record books. This year was the eighth Hobie Fishing Series since its inception back in 2009, and it will go into its ninth season next year, even stronger. The program for next year is yet to be released, but Getaway Outdoors executive Matt Williams flew across the country to the Australian Championship site on the Gold Coast to announce that the Hobie Bream Series 9 Australian Championship will be held in Western Australia. SPECIAL THANKS Thanks to all of the anglers who competed in the series this year. Like all of the events in the Hobie Bream Series, the Australian

All fired up and eager to get amongst the fish, the competitors hit the starting line at 7am in absolutely perfect conditions.

Kris Hickson in action.

Championship would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors – Daiwa, Berkley, Atomic, Lowrance, Rhino-Rack, Strike Pro, Austackle, TT Lures, Yamatoyo, Ecogear, Power-Pole, Mortgage Corp, Hog’s Breath Cafe and ABT. Special thanks to Mal, Trish and the crew from Sunstate Hobie, with assistance from Totally Immersed Watersport, for providing dealer support. Also thanks to ABT, and everyone else who helped out over the course of the event. – Hobie Kayak Bream Series

Wind can really wind a bunch of Dudds up! BRISBANE

The Sheik of the Creek

Like most of us, I don’t have the luxury of choosing the times I drop the boat at the ramp. It’s usually a window of opportunity between weddings, divorces, funerals, baptisms, going away parties, coming home parties, anniversaries, and any other number of mindless occasions that are designed to keep me away from where I want to be. It would suit me much better if people had the above ceremonies on the water, but they seem reluctant to do that, no matter how many times I ask, which is selfish in my books. Surely, for example, the priest could bless the salt spray as it came over the bow to kiss the baby’s head. It saves time and works for me. Anyway, the result of this poor planning on the part of the self-absorbed people in my circle, is that I have to take what I can get in terms of weather when I can finally make it to the ramp and onto the water. Without bloody exception, the weather always gets me. Just like Dudds and boats

don’t mix, nor do winds and boats. Therefore, Dudds and wind don’t mix – you see what I mean. Even the pro at the ramp last weekend was shaking his head as the waves rolled in off the back of a 30-40 knot zephyr. These were serious waves pushing directly onto the ramp face. I could see toadies surfing the tubes. Things weren’t all bad though. There was only about 4m of run in the tide. Unloading the boat was a matter of timing and fortune. Loading the boat… Let’s not even talk about that. My boat is kindly referred to by the other Dudds as something that doesn’t work very well. That’s because it’s designed to work – not only in the gutters for crabbing, but offshore too. Not many boats do this. Mine probably doesn’t. It tends to be a little bit difficult to move around without the assistance of a tug boat. When the wind is blowing circa tropical storm strength, and the tide is running at Camilla strength (that’s the one that comes over the top of a king) I have problems throwing a cast net. Generally, it’s a case

of “That’s a good looking place to throw for herring… oh bugger… it’s now on the horizon.” And in most cases, the throw gets picked up by the wind and casually tossed onto a stump of oyster encrusted mono-tearing, f-word-inducing snag, and there goes that net I paid $400 for at the corner shop, because it was the only place open when I realised I’d left my old one at home on the way here. Then I have a cord of rope attached to my wrist threatening to drag me out of the boat, which feels more like a Nimitz class carrier than a tinny. So if you were wondering, that’s why I resemble an orangutan. As for the fishing part, don’t start me. I don’t own a jighead heavy enough to get to the bottom in anything more than 20ml of water, so it’s livies. Even if I do manage to snare a couple of startled poddies, or a herring that isn’t strained through the mesh of the net, it’s almost impossible to give fish enough time to smash my bait as it charges past, straight into that welcoming snag. I think I’m going to invest in shares – in wind farms. See where that gets me.

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www.islandinflatables.com.au DECEMBER 2016

Tech Tricks

Sandy Claws is coming to town this Christmas BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

The warmer months are prime times for scoring a feed of crabs throughout Southern Queensland. Many anglers will set crab pots in hope of scoring succulent crabs to add to their seafood feast. Moreton Bay and the mouths of the estuaries offer the chance to secure some quality sand and blue swimmer crabs. Further into the estuaries numbers of large mud crabs

can be found. Whilst both can be taken with the same crab pots and pickup dillies they each have different size and bag limits. Having the correct apparatus and approach for each species will obviously heighten results. It is extremely important to have your crabbing apparatus legal and correctly labelled otherwise you are open to receiving stiff fines from fisheries for any breaches. For targeting sand, blue swimmer and mud crabs, you can use either safety pots or pickup dillies (also called

Regulations

hoop nets). Pickup dillies are designed to sit flat on the sea floor when at rest. The crabs will crawl onto the dilly to feast on the bait secured in the middle. As you tension the rope to lift the dilly, the side lifts higher than the base, (to become kind of like a bowl). As the pot is retrieved, the crabs will be held in the dilly, pinned somewhat by the water pressure as you pull the pot in. Be aware that the inverted dilly (witches hat) is now illegal in Queensland waters and huge fines exist for their use. It was proven that these

were a major threat to marine life, especially turtles, which easily became tangled in the mesh, therefore they were outlawed in April 2010. The most commonly used crabbing apparatus is the safety pot. This rigid or semi-rigid pot can be round, rectangular or square and usually has two or four coneshaped entrances into it. The crabs crawl through these entrances (lured by the bait in the pot) and then have difficulty getting back out as the entrances are higher than the floor of the pot. These pots can be set and left a lot

Regulations

longer than dillies as the crabs find it a lot harder to get out. Each person must not possess more than four crabbing apparatus on a boat on the water. If there are three people on the boat then you can have a dozen crabbing pieces of apparatus (combination of pots and dillies) on the boat. However, if there is only one person you may only have four on the boat at any time, whether they are being used or not. Whether you choose a pickup dilly or safety pot, you will need to have it labelled correctly to comply

with fisheries regulations. Following is a heads up on the laws for crabbing and the apparatus used and also a few hints that you may find useful. Having your crab pots labelled correctly and abiding by the relevant size and bag limits makes good sense. Not only are you abiding by the laws to avoid a big fine if caught in breech, you are also protecting the fishery to maintain its viability for years to come. Hopefully you will be able to get a few succulent grabs to grace the table this Christmas.

Regulations

All crab pots and dillies must be labelled with the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surname and address. You can buy inexpensive crab pot tags from tackle and bait shops (which commonly come with zippy ties and a waterproof marker) or you can make your own by cutting up an ice-cream container lid or similar and using a waterproof marker to put your details on the tag.

The tag bearing the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surname and address needs to be placed on the individual pot, preferably attached to the frame. It is wise to place the tag on the inside of the pot to avoid it being rubbed off on the sea floor. Zippy ties offer a secure way to attach the tags and I would suggest using at least two on each tag.

For pots deployed from a boat, a surface float at least 15cm in all directions must be used. A solid foam ball, easily sourced from tackle and bait stores, is very durable. Fisheries tend to take a dim view of using oil or chemical bottles as these could still have some residue in them. Additionally, hollow bottles such as these are likely to be pierced and sink if accidentally struck by a boat. This could pose a death threat for any marine life that entered the pot or became entangled in the rope. Your surface float must be marked with the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surname, which is easy to do with a waterproof marker.

Regulations

Hint

If setting a pot from the shore, the rope must be secured to a fixed object above the high water mark. A tag bearing the owners surname must be affixed to the rope at a position above the high water mark. (Your crab pot must still be marked in the aforementioned way also). 96

DECEMBER 2016

There are several ways to secure the bait into the crab pot easily. A large safety pin style clip (commonly called a crab clip) can be threaded through the bait to attach it to the pot. If setting a pot for a long time (a day or so), a mesh bag can help to slow down the rate at which the crabs consume the bait. Once the bait is gone, the crabs will try and get out the pot so the longer your bait lasts the better the chance of a good haul.

While crab bait envelopes can be purchased, they are easy to make with a little nylon gutter guard and some zippy ties. Fold over a portion of gutter guard with one side longer than the other so you have a flap left at the top, like an envelope. Use a zippy tie with a head larger than the hole in the mesh. Thread the zippy tie up each side to stitch each edge together and then put the head section of another zippy tie on to stop it pulling through. An additional zippy tie can be used to secure the flap closed once you have put the bait in and can also be used to secure the envelope into the pot.

Tech Tricks Hint

Hint

Mesh bags (also called bait envelopes), are great for smaller pieces of bait such as a few pillies, fillet baits, chicken pieces, fish offcuts and fish guts. They can be secured at the top with a crab clip or zippy tie to stop the bait falling out.

When putting your bait inside the pot, it is best to put it in the middle on the floor of the pot. It can be secured to the mesh with a crab clip, zippy tie or some rope or wire. If the bait was not secured into this position it would be pushed to the edge of the pot and the crabs would simply eat it from outside the pot through the mesh and not enter the pot. It could even be removed from the pot by a crab or fish.

As they are scavengers, there are numerous baits that are ideal for attracting all crab species. Whole mullet are readily used as they are easy to source at most bait suppliers, are inexpensive and their oily flesh is great for attracting crabs. If you want to cut a large frozen mullet in half then I have found a garden pruning saw is ideal. Chicken carcasses, a few pillies or other baitfish (in a mesh bag), fish frames from your last successful outing, tuna heads or any other flavoursome bait can be used. Even a can of pet food with a few holes in the tin will suffice if you are stuck.

Hint

Regulations

Crab pot ropes can be rather annoying as they tangle easily, making transporting and storing pots a pain. I like to keep my ropes rolled up separately, secured in the middle with a zippy tie. I leave the float attached then on the other end I have a large shark clip. I have numerous ropes and float setup with some longer than others, depending on the depth I am going to set the pots.

The shark clip can easily and securely be attached to the frame of the crab pot when the pot is just about to be put into the water. When the pot is being taken out of service the shark clip is unclipped from the pot, the rope rolled up and a zippy tie again used to secure it. Rolling up the rope without it being attached to the pot will also allow any twist to be taken out of the rope so it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tangle. Place your rope and float on top of the erected and baited pot after securing the shark clip to the frame. When ready to deploy, just remove the zippy tie and drop the pot into the water. A neatly coiled rope without twist will rarely ever tangle and uncoils neatly as the pot sinks.

You will need to measure any crabs, discarding all the females and any bucks, which do not make the minimum size limit immediately so it pays to carry one of these specific measurers as it is too difficult to measure accurately with a ruler due to the curvature of the crabs back. Some quality string is advisable for tying up mud crabs as they can do some serious damage if they grab hold of you. Some also do this for sandies but most donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother as they are far less dangerous.

Regulations

Do not empty all your crabs into a container to leave the sorting until after you have emptied all the pots as having undersize and females in you possession is illegal. Identify the males and discard the females immediately. Males will have a V-shaped flap on the carapace like this whilst females will have a rounded flap.

Mud crabs are measured across the widest section of the carapace (back) and must be at least 15cm and male to be kept. A bag limit of ten per person is in force in Queensland waters.

Sand and blue swimmer crabs are measured from the next point down from the two long spikes that exist on each side of the carapace. They must be at least 11.5cm across between these points and female to be kept. DECEMBER 2016

Cooking

Preparing tasty bugs for a big Christmas feed BRISBANE

Lynn Bain

Bugs are a slipper lobster. For foodies, the most important are

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the Balmain bugs found from the QLD and NSW border around to WA and most commonly produced out of NSW. If you live in Queensland, the

Moreton Bay bugs are tops. Incidentally, Moreton Bay bugs range from Queensland to WA. These two main types of bugs are separated by the location of their eyes.

4 A bug, belly-down, with a fleshing knife.

Use a sharp knife. Cut the belly membrane between the head and tail – just the exo-membrane, not the flesh. Cut the exo-membrane along where the bug head meets the tail (body). I use a short-bladed Puma SGB pointed blade knife, which is ideal for the small shallow incision.

Grip the bug with two hands as shown. Lever the head and tail in opposing directions to detach the head. Do this by pulling and rotating in a direction that pulls your thumbs apart and pushes your fingers together, in order to crack the corner of the join between the head and tail.

DECEMBER 2016

Moreton Bay bugs have their eyes located near the edge of the head at the margin of the carapace, and is said to be the best tasting. Balmain bugs have their eyes set towards the

Continue to open up the separation. Bend it open about half way and crack the other side now. Do the same rotation as before to crack the other corner of join between the head and tail.

Run your finger under the shell of the bug head to ensure that you’re going to detach all of the bug tail meat. Hook your finger around the top of the meat at the front of the head and pull the meat backwards towards the tail with your bent finger.

Now with the finger that is inside the bug’s head doing most of the work, you can pull the tail away from the head. The tail meat will still have the shell attached.

middle of the head and are also a little thicker in the body than the Moreton Bay bug. If you’re lucky enough to catch one of these, here’s how to prepare your

bug for cooking. Next month we’ll ‘value add’ some ingredients to the delectable bugs to cook a favourite Asian bug recipe. Now it’s time to crack into that bug!

Take the carapace (upper shell) in your hand. Squeeze it to crack. This makes the belly shell easier to peel away.

Peel the outer tail shell away from the softer belly shell. Free up the bug meat.

With the shell peeled away from the meat, the Moreton Bay bug tail meat is ready for a delicious recipe. You can also eat it as it is.

Cooking

Twice cooked potato scallops in ginger beer batter BRISBANE

Lynn Bain

Back in the day, we Bulimba State School year eight girls (back when

year eight was a primary school grade) had to travel by tram to East Brisbane State School for ‘domestic science’ classes. When we were finally let out of class, we’d all gallop

The ingredients for the batter – 1 cup self-raising flour, 1/2 cup cornflour, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda, salt, pepper, 250ml ginger beer and potatoes (not pictured).

Finely slice (3-4mm) a couple of washed and scrubbed potatoes. Place the potato slices in a saucepan of cold water and bring to a boil. When the water is boiled, remove the saucepan from the heat and drain the water. Place the potato slices onto a paper towel, let them cool and then pat them dry on both sides.

In a large bowl, add the cornflour to the flour. Crack the eggs into the bowl and add the bicarb soda. Grind a generous amount of salt and about a teaspoon of pepper into the bowl.

across the road to the local fish and chip shop for two shillings worth of potato scallops to eat while we waited for the return tram. In those days, that amounted to six scallops. Boy, those

scallops were good. I can still remember the golden, crispy, salty taste of those scallops. A bag of Sebago potatoes still brings back memories and the urge

Pour the ginger beer into the bowl. I usually pour about three quarters of a bottle (250ml) into the bowl, but you can add the remainder to change the consistency of the batter.

Whisk the contents of the bowl thoroughly to make the scallop batter. If the batter seems very thick, add more ginger beer, a little at a time, until the batter sticks well to the potato slices.

Coat each potato slice in a little flour.

to make potato scallops. As you do, I fiddled with my basic batter recipe quite a bit over the years. I made changes such as cooking the potato slices slightly (par boiling), cutting back

on the flour and making up the flour quantity with cornflour for a lighter batter and changing out the flavour of the liquid in the batter using either apple juice, cider or ginger beer.

Dip each flour coated potato slice into the ginger beer batter.

Deep-fry the potato slice in hot rice bran oil – you can also use canola oil or peanut oil. Deep-fry until the scallop is golden brown and slightly puffy. You may need to turn the scallop over during the deep-frying process.

A basket of potato scallops ready for a light dusting of salt flakes. DECEMBER 2016

What’s New FISHING

GEECRACK LUREKEEPER

This clever tool is yet another innovative creation by Japanese company Geecrack, and it’s designed so you can secure your lures, squid jigs or hooks to your baitcasting or spin reel. Lurekeepers are made in Japan and have a patented design. At one end of the Lurekeeper is a thin, flexible strip that goes underneath the reel seat. Once you’ve put the reel back over this strip, the Lurekeeper will be snugly secure, and you can just leave it there. Its outer lip will easily hold trebles, single hooks and squid jig spikes, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your rods or guides. There are multiple colours available, and because it’s made by Geecrack you know you’re getting a quality product. Price: SRP $8.95 www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

SAMAKI ZING GEN II

The extensive Samaki Zing Gen II range offers something for everyone, from light spinning for whiting and bream or heavy plastic fishing for snapper, casting for cod or working vibes amongst structure for beefy barra. Premium, high quality Japanese Toray carbon fibre blanks with X-power construction and unique unsanded RAW finish are lighter, stronger and more rigid then ever. The new XO guide technology consists of high-grade 316 marine grade stainless steel and ZR zirconia inserts. Pressed out of one piece of metal, they provide strength and longevity with no welds or seams that could cause weakness or rust corrosion. Zirconia inserts that are ultra-hard yet smooth, allow your line to slip through easily. The combination of XO guides and lightweight blanks deliver a crisp sensation, greater casting distance and added endurance. Other features include firm EVA camo grips, breakthrough butt detail for premium comfort, and a radical 3D-FX reel seat concept. Price: SRP $139.95 www.samaki.com.au

WESTIN BARRY THE BASS

Barry the Bass is a multi-jointed, slow sinking swimbait with a hard head and a soft, durable body. Perfect for both casting and trolling, this lure has a running depth of 1-3m, and its action starts as soon as it hits the water. Its slim profile and deep, jointed body give it an enticing wiggle and powerful swimming action. Features include lead-free #1 carbon steel hooks, ultra sonic rattle balls inside the head, and full eyelet-to-hook wire construction. The soft body of the lure is made from a durable material, but if it does become damaged you can buy replacement tail pieces. There are two tow points to choose from. The top one has a tighter, S-shaped action, while the front eyelet has a more rolling action. Other features include semi-soft fins and detailed hand-painted colours. There are two sizes, 150mm (59g) and 220mm (80g). Fine details such as semi-soft fins complete the overall feel of this lifelike lure. RRP: $49.99 www.jml.net.au

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

ECOODA BLACK HAWK V2

Sporting a sleek black exterior and enhanced cosmetic features, the Black Hawk 2 has a slimline spool design plus new drag knob details. On the inside, there’s a whole lot more to get excited about. Ecooda’s International patent drag system comes to the forefront with the new release of the Black Hawk, delivering the most accurate spinning reel drag available. It’s so precise that each turn of the drag knob adds exactly 200g of drag pressure. This means you’ll never pull a hook, or overload your rod, line or leader again from poor drag performance. The team at Ecooda feel that the two most important features of a reel are a solid drive train and smooth drag when fighting a fish, and the Ecooda Black Hawk 2 delivers both. It also boasts a lightweight aluminium body, carbon fibre drag system, S-shaped slider for perfect line lay, direct drive handle for increased power through the main gear and 10+1 precision stainless steel ball bearings. Price: from SRP $179.95 www.ecooda.com.au

HYPOTEEZ BUZZ ‘N BLADE

If you want something different to throw at your local fish, check out the new HypoTeez Buzz ‘N Blade from Scandinavian company Westin. With a simple retrieve, this lure wiggles its body, buzzes its propeller and flashes its blade for maximum attraction. The Buzz ‘N Blade is made from tearresistant material, is easy to cast and has a fast sink (target depth is 2-10m). Thanks to its balanced weight, in combination with the prop and willow blade which create drag, the Buzz ‘N Blade always sinks at a 45° angle. The prop and blade effectively have two purposes, creating vibrations as well as putting the brakes on the lure, keeping it in strike position. Other features include: realistic eyes, carbon steel #2 treble and #6/0 single stinger hook, full through-wire construction, soft body with internal weight, and hand-painted, detailed colours. RRP: $23.99 www.jml.net.au

ABU GARCIA REVO MGX

Super lightweight spinning reels are in high demand in the modern fishing world, and ABU Garcia are right on the money with the new Revo MGX. The MGX legacy continues with the addition of the MGX spinning reel platform. The lightweight, compact design means it’s built for very astute anglers. To achieve super-lightweight performance, construction starts with a unique X-Mag magnesium alloy one-piece gear box design. The addition of a C6 carbon stem and rotor cut down on weight without sacrificing strength. The flat EVA handle knob provides greater comfort and helps to cut down overall weight, and the K-clutch anti-reverse makes for a very smooth retrieve. Premium aluminium machined gears provide outstanding gear feel, durability and performance. A 10+1 HPCR bearing system delivers exceptional corrosion resistance and super-smooth operation. When only the best will do, look no further than the Revo MGX spinning reel. www.abugarcia-fishing.com.au

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What’s New FISHING

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CHARGE UP WITH GOAL ZERO

REAPER 110 AND REAPER 130

Goal Zero’s Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel harnesses the power of the sun to charge smartphones, tablets and other USB devices. An LED dial indicates the strength of the sun, and allows you to adjust the positioning of your panels accordingly. It’s also weatherproof, so unexpected rain isn’t an issue. The Nomad 7 Plus can tell the difference between a device that has reached full charge and one that has disconnected due to environmental obstacles i.e. cloud cover or shade. If the panels are affected by the elements, the Nomad 7 Plus will automatically reconnect the device when the sun is shining, meaning you don’t have to keep a constant eye on your solar panels. The Nomad 7 Plus has a sturdy, detachable kickstand that enables you to change the angle of your panels for maximum energy absorption. It will charge most devices in a minimum of 2.5 hours. Price: SRP $159 www.goalzero.com.au

Designed in Australia for Australian fish, the Austackle Reaper is built strong, with straight through, one-piece wire plus upgraded hooks and rings. With a deadly tail shake and body roll, it’s the perfect baitfish imitation for barra, mangrove jack, flathead, mackerel, tailor and other pelagic species. This new lure features UV colours and solid rattle, plus a magnetic cast system. During the cast, steel balls shift to the back of the lure to send it flying. On the retrieve, a magnet in the belly of the lure draws the balls back to the centre of the lure to give it a perfectly balanced action. All of this weight and buoyancy make it especially good for targeting mulloway off the stones. You can cast and slow roll the Reaper, twitch it, troll it, or rip it past structure where ambush predators like jacks and barra lie in wait. The are two sizes: 110mm (27g) and 130mm (38g), and both troll down to around 5m. Trolling with the current will achieve deeper running depths. Price: from SRP $18 www.austackle.com

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

PFLUEGER PATRIARCH XT

The Patriarch XT is one of the lightest spinning reels every made, and it is packed full of innovative and top of the line features. Bream and bass anglers take note, Pflueger take spinning reels to a higher level of craftsmanship, materials and design with the all new 172g Patriarch XT, the lightest reel in its class. Details matter to Pflueger engineers. To accomplish the goals of weight reduction without sacrificing endurance and performance, the team built the reel’s body, rotor and sideplate from a magnesium alloy to keep the reel ultra light. The skeletonized, braid-ready spool is a bold approach for improved skirt design and reduces spool weight. The carbon handle with its lightweight EVA knob and carbon-fibre core makes it 21% lighter than other handles. The stem is ported and the spool drag is inlayed with carbon fibre for additional weight reduction. The Patriarch XT is offered in sizes 30 and 35. www.pfluger.com.au

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BASSDAY SUGAR SLIM 70

With the same attention to design, detail and performance as the Sugar Slim 55, the Sugar Slim 70 is the lure to use when predators are on the prowl for something a little larger. A floating, narrow baitfish profile that imitates a dying baitfish, few slim-line minnow imitators look this good, cast this far, or perform as effectively. The Sugar Slim has a ball bearing weight transfer system that lets it cast incredibly well given its slim profile and light body. Its wide action and slow wobble looks just like a fish on its last legs, making it the perfect baitfish imitation. Slow rolling it across a shallow flat or twitching and pausing it deep in the snags or across a set of oyster racks is sure to see this lure halted in its tracks. Freshwater species should find the Sugar Slim 70 hard to pass up, with big trout in the rivers and streams, and barra and bass in the lakes all top candidates. This suspending lure is 70mm long and weighs 3.5kg. It swims to 1m with a wide, slow wobble action. Price: RRP $28.95 www.frogleysoffshore.com.au

GOPRO HERO5 BLACK

The new GoPro Hero5 Black lets you share immersive 4K perspectives that make you feel like you’re there. This camera makes it easy with its one-button simplicity, convenient touch display and ready-to-go waterproof design. Smooth, stabilized video, crystal-clear audio, and pro-quality photo capture combine with voice control and GPS. And when it’s time to edit and share, Hero5 Black automatically uploads footage to your GoPro Plus cloud account to provide easy access on any device. Then, create amazing videos automatically with Quick, the GoPro mobile editing app. Features include: 4K video and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse modes; waterproof to 10m without a housing; preview and playback your shots, change settings and trim your footage on your GoPro; 2” colour touch-screen LCD display; electronic image stabilizer (minimizes shake and vibration distortion to keep footage steady); voice control; built-in stereo microphone with wind noise reduction; MicroSD card slot; and built in wi-fi and Bluetooth. Price: approx. $550 www.gopro.com

MADEYES 8” FLICK STICK

Halco has introduced the newest member of the Madeyes family: the 8” Flick Stick. Like the 3” and 5” versions, the Madeyes 8” Flick Stick can withstand repeated strikes thanks to its durable body incorporating Madeyes’ Rubber Stretch Technology (RST). It features deep belly indentations and subtle side gill slits so additional Halco Catch Scent or other gels can be worked into it. Once emptied, the slits induce more vibration into the lure during the retrieve or on the hop. It also features a distinctive knuckle on the tail section for additional movement and action. The Flick Stick is designed to replicate a darting baitfish, and the colour range is specifically selected to target a wide range of saltwater species. It features an enhanced natural squid scent, and ultimate UV technology. The colour range includes 213 glow chartreuse, 214 fusion fowl, 215 pearl, 216 pink glow, and 217 tequila sunrise. There are three baits per pack. www.halcotackle.com

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What’s New FISHING

EMERALDAS NUDE 1.8

BEST TROUT FLIES REVISITED

Developed in Australia, the new Emeraldas Nude 1.8 model is truly unique and features many design innovations. The Emeraldas Nude 1.8 is a visual and action jig. Its unique life-like pattern and smooth body is designed to attract a squid by sight and action. Its smooth body design allows the lure to dart and slide effortlessly through the water, more realistic than any other jig. The Nude is just not another jig it’s a complete eging system that incorporates accessories to broaden the horizons of this unique jig. Featuring attachment points that are designed to use in conjunction with the Agorig Sinker system and the EG-Snap, this allows for changes in sink speed, depth and angle. www.daiwafishing.com.au

Australia’s Best Trout Flies Revisited is a completely new publication which takes a look back over the past 20 years of flyfishing and fly tying through the eyes of 34 contributors, including Phillip Weigall, Lubin Pfeiffer, Trevor Hawkins and Peter Hayes. The contributors include a father and son, two brothers, past and current Australian and international champions, others of Australia’s iconic flyfishers and fly tiers as well as a lady angler with international accreditation. Many of the contributors make available new details on new fly tying materials, new fly patterns and angling tactics gained through extensive experience competing in international fly fishing events. There are three options available: • an unsigned copy of Australia’s Best Flies Revisited ($49.95 plus P&H); • a collector’s copy signed by all contributing writers ($150 incl. P&H); and, • a box set of an unsigned copy of Australia’s Best Trout Flies and a signed copy of Australia’s Best Trout Flies Revisited ($200 incl. P&H). Price: from $49.95 plus P&H australias-best-trout-flies-revisited. myshopify.com

TT HEADLOCKZ EXTREME

The recent growth in larger soft plastics, including ZMan’s 8” Mag SwimZ and 10” HeroZ, has led to requests for jigheads that are both designed to rig effectively in these larger plastics and also capable of handling the serious fish that eat them. Enter the next level in TT Lures’ award-winning HeadlockZ range: the HeadlockZ Extreme. HeadlockZ Extreme jigheads are built on brutally strong Mustad black nickel, chemically sharpened hooks. They are the perfect combination of penetration and stopping power. The jigheads feature the unique ‘head lock’ grub keeper, designed to lock the soft plastic in place to handle big casts, aggressive retrieves and brutal strikes. If you’re looking to put the brakes on big fish, check out TT Lures HeadlockZ Extreme jigheads. They’re available in 9/0 and 10/0 hook sizes and 2oz, 3oz, 4oz and 6oz weights. www.ttlures.com.au

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

TWITCHIN’ MULLET

OKUMA METALOID

Perfectly profiling the size and action of a vulnerable baitfish, the Twitchin’ Mullet measures 8cm, weighs 13g and its subtle, relaxed side to side action is designed to perform a wide twitching ‘walk-the-dog’ swimming movement on a steady retrieve. Alternatively, the slow sink rate allows the lure to glide deep into pockets of structure where predators love to ambush their prey. The Twitchin’ Mullet features 3D Holographic eyes, a textured-scaled body as well as an inner flash along both sides to entice the most shut down of fish. As expected, they are a part of the world famous finish that all Rapala lures are renown for. Armed with heavy-duty VMC in-line single hooks for a greater hook up rate, the X-Rap Twitchin’ Mullet will be available in eight great colours and expected to hit the shelves in August 2016. www.rapala.com.au

Okuma specialise in super tough reels, and this new member of the line-up is no exception. The Okuma Metaloid sports a full metal body, and a spool designed for carrying heavy braided lines. The one-piece handle makes the reel easy to use, and it can be changed from left- to right-hand wind and vice versa with ease. With minimal maintenance, the user will get plenty of mileage out of this great machine with its carbon element drag, stainless main gear, and HD bail arm wire. The Okuma Metaloid is tough with the stopping power to match. It has between 14-20kg drag pressure across the range. Smoothness is also a major factor, and 6 ball bearing should keep it rolling without any troubles. This reel is designed to take on the tough customers in the fishing world, and with toughness to match some of the nastiest fish in the world, any serious offshore angler should add this one to the collection. www.okuma.com.au

WILSON MYSTIQUE

The Mystique Combos from Wilson Fishing are super durable combos that includes a rod, reel and line. These combos are built for the everyday angler. Mystique Combos feature a solid glass tip section blended seamlessly into a hollow glass butt section. These two-piece rods are designed to put the fun back into fishing for anglers who are not out there every day. Whether you’re a keen lure chucker, or just a holiday bait soaker, there’s a Mystique Combo out there to suit your needs. From beginner to expert, Wilson always has you covered. Available in different colours and models to suit a number of fishing scenarios, the Mystique Combos will give anglers the chance to get on the water with a reliable outfit that will not let them down. www.wilsonfishing.com

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What’s New FISHING

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

TESTED: Wilson tackles storage issues Not having my own boat and owning a lot of fishing gear makes me just about the most annoying person in the world to take fishing. I’ll rock up at the ramp with a forklift load of tackle boxes and a massive binding of rods, as well as all the accessories for a day’s fishing, both necessary and unnecessary. On longer trips, I’ll also bring food, causing the boat to sink further…

The bags are available in a range of colours. This is the reality for a lot of anglers. When you don’t own a boat, you don’t have a vessel to store your tackle in before you get to the water, and what you often end up with is a cluttered mess as you try to find a place for everything to sit in someone else’s boat for the day. This became a real problem for me when I started fishing tournaments, particularly as a non-boater in a few ABT events. As a non-boater, you want to be able to bring

as much tackle as you can to cover a variety of situations without making it inconvenient for yourself or the boater. So when Wilson sent us one of their new Tackle Bags in the large size, I jumped at the opportunity to test it out. Having owned several similar style bags in my time as a young boatless angler, I was dubious, thinking it would just slowly break down due to salt exposure or excessive use. A lot of tackle bags are cheaply made and often don’t actually allow you to store much tackle. UNZIPPING Before I loaded the Wilson Tackle Bag up with my tackle, I had a look at all the compartments. In particular, I took note of the structural integrity and storing capacity. The bag’s measurements are 50cm by 30cm by 28cm, and the main compartment allows for the storing of fourlarge tackle trays that come with the bag. On either end there are small net pockets for storing terminal tackle like leaders, spare hooks, as well as braid scissors and forceps and so on. The large side pocket is for dry storage, and even in fairly steady rain, it will keep small electronics dry, as I found out. On the very top, there is some elastic straps that would help for storing folders, maps, camping permits, small rod tubes, or even more tackle! ON THE WATER A regular tournament at a bass lake would see me packing several boxes, with

one medium sized box each dedicated to jerkbaits, topwater presentations, soft plastics vibes/lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Often I’ll also pack two or three pocket-sized boxes of various jigs as well. On top of this, I’ll have 3-4 small spools of leader material, scissors, forceps, storage for two pairs of glasses, phone, wallet, keys, a big fat old tub of sunscreen and some light snack food. I found that I could fit this all very easily in the bag, and with the shoulder strap, I could walk down to the ramp, meet my boater, and drop the bag with everything I need for the day (apart from rods) in the cockpit. Having a bag like this simply cuts out the dramas of being an insatiable tackle fiend. Despite storing a lot of tackle, it actually fits into the corner of a cockpit or even under a console so it doesn’t get in the way. I’ve been using the tackle bag for over six months now, and haven’t noticed any corrosion, despite use in a salt environment, and all the zips still go like a dream. USES Although I use my tackle bag almost exclusively for fishing out of other peoples’ boats, it would also be extremely be handy for fishing out of small boat, where tackle can’t always be stored in transit. I did fish a few Bass Electric competitions like this and found it to be a very handy and trouble free way to store gear in such small boats. Land-based anglers who like to carry a lot of gear would also love the userfriendly Wilson Tackle Bag. The Wilson make three tackle bags; a

Fishing in small boats with limited storage was made easy with the Wilson Tackle Bag. The bag is sitting on deck after a lure change that resulted in these two nice bass in quick succession. backpack, a small tackle bag, and a large tackle bag (tested). Ranging between around $65-$90, the money spent will well and truly be a great investment. Tackle management it often overlooked, but tidy tackle will mean more time with a line in the water, and ultimately, more fish on the deck. Visit www.wilsonfishing.com to find out more about the Wilson Tackle bag, or to check out Wilson’s great range of tackle. – Bob Thornton

TESTED: Jungle Reef mattress – a comfortable alternative There is no question that many households would know the value and quality that the Techni Ice brand offers in iceboxes, fridge freezers and anything else to keep your catch or food cold.They also stock a range of camping equipment that includes swags, various accessories and self-inflating mattresses. It was one of these Jungle Reef double mattresses that caught my attention. Although camping isn’t something that I do on a regular basis, there are certain fishing locations that are so special, that a Mozzie dome and a mattress are my sleeping arrangements for a few days. Ideally, each needs to compact and take up as little room as possible, so more fishing gear can go in the trip, however small compact mattresses tend to not be very comfortable, so less fishing gear has been the result and a larger, very comfortable, mattress has been borrowed from a mate. Enter the Jungle Reef self-inflating mattress. An ad in the magazine brought my attention to it and at $59 (including delivery) it was worth a gamble. From the day of order to it arriving was five working days and it was time to see what it had to offer. FIRST IMPRESSION There is no doubt that the Jungle Reef double mattress is compact and the bonus was that the $59 also included a couple of self-inflating pillows. As we all know, once camping gear is unpacked it is never quite as compact again. After unclipping the straps and unfolding it, at 2.05m long and 1.2m wide it would fit snuggly into the two-person Mozzie Dome and the 6cm PVC base. It looked like it would SCAN THE QR CODE!

provide enough cushioning with the help of the self-inflating mattress for a good night’s sleep. Two nozzles need to be opened to start the self-inflating process and the longer you leave them open, the more air the foam absorbs. I found that putting it into the sun increased the speed that this happened and after half an hour there was plenty of cushioning on the base. The first time lying on it would be the test and that was a little underwhelming. Half an hour had not been enough and the hard surface under the mattress definitely made its presence felt. More inflating time was required and the best solution I found was to have the nozzles open for as long as you can. The pleasant surprise was rolling it back up again, although nowhere near the small size it originally was, its was still much smaller than the mattress I would normally use, so more fishing gear on the trip was on the cards. THE TRUE TEST With more fishing gear packed, the bullet had been bitten and the Jungle Reef mattress would have its first true test. After arriving, a basic camp was set up and it was left to inflate while some fishing exploring was done. A couple of hours of hiking and fishing, we returned to camp for a few stories and ales around the campfire, and this ensured that a good night’s sleep was required to do it all again the next day. The additional inflating time did make a difference and the mattress was far more comfortable than its first test. I have to admit, it’s not as comfortable as the borrowed mattress I had been using, but with the Jungle Reef costing less than half the price of what it had

This mattress provided comfortable sleeping arrangements for a couple of nights. replaced, it was a comfortable alternative. CONCLUSION After a little bit of investigating since the trip, checking out mattresses at a similar price point to the Jungle Reef has been an eye opener. Spending $59 does not go very far when it comes to a mattress, especially a self-inflating product. There are plenty of mats and blow up mattresses around this price

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that offer very little comfort and the chance of puncturing. It is not until you get too much higher price points that many of features that the Jungle Reef has, come into play. So I believe I have backed a winner. To find out more about the Jungle Reef self-inflating mattress and the other items in the Techni Ice range, go to www.techniice.com – Peter Jung

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QLD HONDA DEALER OF THE YEAR 2011/2012

NORTH QUEENSLAND Reef Marine Mackay (07) 4957 3521

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.

Boats & Guided Fishing Tours Directory MARINE MECHANICS // MOBILE WYNUMM MANLY-BAYSIDE

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SNAP CAPP Can Cover •No more flat Drinks, Spills or Bugs

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FISHING GUIDES SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Striker 5cv ClearVüTM Fishfinder With GPS

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SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND The Islander Retreat, South Stradbroke Island 0420 967 557

FRASER ISLAND

FRASER ISLAND FISHING UNITS Indian Head I Fraser Island

A FISHO’S DREAM For bookings or enquiries contact: Cliff Andreassen 0428 712 283 or 07 5449 9346 bearfish@bigpond.com • www.fraserislandfishingunits.com.au Apurla Island Retreat 0437 739 121 Waddy Lodge on Fraser 0414 516 364 Cathedrals on Fraser (07) 4127 9177 Fraser Island Beach Houses 1800 626 230 Yidney Rocks (07) 4127 9167 Eurong Beach Resort 1800 111 808

Andrew Chorley

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FRESHWATER Yallakool Caravan Park on Bjelke-Petersen Dam (07) 4168 4746 Lake Boondooma Caravan Park (07) 4168 9694 Lake Cressbrook Regional Council 131 872 Yallakool Park and Kiosk on Bjelke-Petersen Dam (07) 4168 4746

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

Dave Gaden’s Yamba • Deep Sea

REEL TIME

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Baffle Creek Holiday House 0419 624 833

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Keely Rose Deep Sea Fishing Charters 0407 146 151 Odyssey Charters Deep Sea Fishing (07) 5478 1109 Rainbow Beach Fishing Charters (07) 5486 8666 or 0408 767 930 Smithy’s Fishing Charters Sunshine Coast 0407 574 868 Top Catch Charters Sunshine Coast 0429 013 012 Fish n Crab Charters Mooloolaba 0412 155 814 Offshore Reef and Game Fishing 0413 485 402 Sunshine Coast Fishing Charters (07) 5500 0671 Fishing Offshore Noosa 0418 889 956 Noosa Fishing Charters (07) 5665 8170 Hervey Bay Fishing Charters (07) 4125 3958 Incredible Charters 1300 655 818

FISHING CHARTERS

• 6am to 2pm $150pp • 2 boats – holds up to 18 people • All fishing gear and bait is supplied • No fishing licence req. • Pickup from Yamba Marina or Iluka ferry wharf

Bite Me Fishing Charters Yeppoon 0419 029 397 Ultimate Sportfishing Charters 0450 753 726 MV Capricorn Star 0408 755 201 Mikat Cruises Fishing Charters 0427 125 727 Bundaberg Fishing Charters 0429 017 217 Sport Fish 1770 (07) 4974 9686 Coral Coast Game Fishing 0447 347 437 MV James Cook (1770) (07) 4974 9422 Norval Reef Charters 1800 771 234 Iluka Fishing Charters Gladstone 0414 940 911 Kanimbla Charters Gladstone1800 677 202

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND Eclipse FNQ Weipa Charters 0488 058 668 Fish’s Fly & Sportsfishing Weipa (07) 4069 9957 Action Charters Mackay 0417 452 346 Fishing Charters Townsville 0403 386 722 JC’s Fishing Charters 0438 753 382 Fairdinkum Fishing Charters Townsville (07) 4751 5324 Cairns Reef Charter Services 1800 119 044 Cairns Charter Boat 0427 533 081 Cairns Fishing Charters 0427 400 027

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boats & kayaks

In the skipperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat 108 Kayak Hotspot Inside story...

Aquayak Kayaks is a wholly Australianowned company committed to producing high quality, low cost sit-on-top kayaks. They only sell kayaks they make themselves in Melbourne, allowing the buyer to buy direct from the manafacturer and save.

Made for...

Aquayak Kayaks are lightweight, simple and hassle-free, and are easily transported on even the smallest car, making them ideal for camping and fishing trips. They have a unique low-drag underwater shape for optimum speed without a complicated rudder.

This month...

We run Aquayakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ranger under paddle power, and the Scout with a 1hp Torqeedo Ultralight 403 - this thing really flies!

Reece Thomas takes us to little sleeping giant Lake Kurwongbah just north of brisbane in search of bass.

110 Hobie Pro Angler 14 Corey Gallaghar puts this new rig through its paces on the Gold Coast at the 2016 Hobie Bream Grand Final.

118 Taming ramp terrors Wayne Kampe breaks down boat ramp etiquette, and how to avoid ramp rage.

124 Quintrex Hornet F481 Wayne Kampe gives this new member of the range a work over on Pumicestone Passage.

126 Clark 455 Dominator Peter Jung tests out this great little runner on lake Mulwala during the 2016 Cod Classic.

DECEMBER 2016

107

Lake Kurwongbah by kayak HOTSPOT

Reece Thomas

Lake Kurwongbah, also known as Sideling Creek Dam, is situated on the northern suburbs of Brisbane approximately 40 minutes drive from the Brisbane CBD. The dam is used primarily as a water supply to surrounding

Torrens Road, Kurwongbah. When retrieving kayaks from the lake be sure to thoroughly wash down your kayak, to ensure the invasive Cabomba weed is not transported to other systems. Kurwongbah has recently been added to the SIP (Stocked Impoundment Permit) scheme, so you will need to acquire a permit before fishing.

and far more enjoyable. A well supported seat will make those long hours on the water much more comfortable. I have also fitted a side imaging sounder, which enables me to locate schooled fish, and plays a big part in my fishing on the lake. Two pivoting rod holders are mounted to each side of the kayak, which enables

Mark Masters with a healthy bass just shy of 50cm. suburbs but has become host to water activities such as water skiing, and of recent years, kayak paddle craft and fishing. The public was granted kayak access to fish the lake in September 2014 and now share this access with powerboat water skiers. Kayaks and canoes are permitted on the lake from Sunday to Wednesday only, and are to be launched from Mick Hanfling Park, off

is a is great visual way to fish for bass, with the chance of encountering one of the many saratoga that are stocked in the lake. However, these fish can prove challenging to set hooks into and it’s not uncommon after a surface strike, for your lure to end up flying in the opposite direction from the fish. Once the top water luring window closes, I will rig two spin rods with small hardbody crankbaits and begin to troll some deeper water close to the edges – lures that dive from 2.5-4m are suitable for this approach. Keeping a close eye on the sounder while trolling is a good way to locate schools of bass, and it generally doesn’t take long after seeing fish on the sounder, to get a hit on the troll. Once I’ve located a school of bass or have encountered several fish on the troll I will swap to lures, such as small vibration baits (both soft and hardbody), spinner baits or micro-jigs and begin to work these. Knowing what depth the fish are sitting at will give you an idea of how

PRFMA (Pine Rivers Fish Management Association) has done an outstanding job of fish stocking the dam to insure the healthy growth of the fishery it has become today. Kurwongbah is well known for its bass and saratoga, with plenty of lily pads and weed edges available to target these fish. Preparing your kayak for a day on the water will make fishing from it easier

A selection of bass lures.

Mick Hanfling Park

Rd ns rre To

Kayak launch spot at Mick Hanfling Park. 108

DECEMBER 2016

me to run two rods when trolling for bass. Any rods, tools and Boga Grips are leashed to the kayak for extra security in case these items fall overboard. I have also purchased a small parachute anchor to deploy when the wind is present, to help slow the drift down. The best times to fish the lake are dawn and dusk. Early morning starts, in the warmer months, will usually see me set off in search of Lilly pads and weed edges for a top water bass or saratoga bite – casting small surface walkers and cicadas deep amongst the lilies and weed, while paying close attention for any surface activity. This

A good looking micro-jigged bass. to present your lures, such as making small casts in the direction of a school and slowly working your

lure back through them, waiting for the strike of a bass. When using vibration baits and blades, long lifts of the rod and controlling your line on the sink has been a proven method. For micro-jigging, I prefer to fish jigs in the 15-20g range and select jigs with a wider pitched surface area, which gives them an enticing flutter on the fall. Small sharp lifts of the rod are required to impact the desired action when using a micro-jig. It also pays to keep a close eye on your spool when dropping these jigs. If the bass are hungry they sometimes won’t even make it to the bottom. Micro-jigging is a really effective technique and has helped me on windy days when your drift is affected, as you have the ability to drop jigs straight down onto the fish.

Keeping a close eye on the sounder while trolling is a good way to locate schools of bass.

THE outboard of the FUTURE Evinrude E-TEC G2 The outboard of the future. AVAILABLE TODAY Introducing a revolutionary concept in outboards – a choice. Now, choose cutting-edge over commonplace. Choose more torque over more talk. Choose more time on the water over more time in the shop. Choose the outboard that performs, and looks like no other outboard in the world.

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Waterskiers Warehouse

TOWNSVILLE

91-93 Neil St, Toowoomba 07 4637 9511 www.waterskierswarehouse.com.au • rod@waterskierswarehouse.com.au

BRISBANE SOUTH

SUNSHINE COAST

Springwood Marine

BUNDABERG

White Water Marine

TULLY

Steve Fleetwood Marine

10 Morgan St, Gladstone 07 4972 9463 sfmarine@tpg.com.au

Adrians Marine Centre

28 Ritchie St, Bundaberg 07 4153 1819 www.adriansmarinecentre.com.au • adriansmarinecentre@bigpond.com.au

10 Hinde St, Ashmore 07 5532 4402 www.whitewatermarine.com.au • sales@whitewatermarine.com.au

GLADSTONE

Caloundra Marine

8 Baldwin St, Caloundra 07 5491 1944 www.caloundramarine.com.au • sales@caloundramarine.com.au

3475 Pacific Hwy, Springwood 07 3297 8200 www.springwoodmarine.com.au • sales@springwoodmarine.com.au

GOLD COAST

Angus Smith Marine

6 Plume St, South Townsville 07 4771 4046 www.angussmithmarine.com.au • boats@angussmithmarine.com.au

Cav’s Marine & Outdoors

13 Watkins St, Tully 07 4068 2222 www.cavsmarine.com.au • info@cavsmarine.com.au

2017 Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 MELBOURNE

Corey Gallagher

Since the Hobie’s humble beginnings in the 1950s shaping surfboards, the company has been synonymous with innovation and quality. Introducing a range of revolutionary products over the decades, no brand has impacted the kayak angling fraternity more than Hobie with the introduction of its Mirage Drive pedal propulsion system in 1997. Anglers quickly saw the potential of this new technology and in 2001, Hobie released the Mirage Outback, a purpose designed angling kayak that allowed anglers to propel the kayak using leg power, freeing up their hands to cast and retrieve. In 2009, Hobie went bigger and better with the introduction of the first Mirage Pro Angler 14. With its introduction they created a truly remarkable kayak that gave rise to tournament kayak angling across the globe. Over the years, Hobie have continued to upgrade various components, but the hull remains relatively unchanged since its initial release. This year I was fortunate enough to qualify for the Hobie Bream Series Australian Championships, 110

DECEMBER 2016

held on the Gold Coast at the end of October. Each year, Hobie Australia provides all anglers who qualify for the championships with the latest model Pro Angler 14 for the duration of the tournament, so at this year’s event, competing anglers were the first in the country to test the 2017 Hobie Pro Angler 14 featuring the new Mirage Drive 180. The hull itself has remained unchanged from last year’s model. Featuring a sit on top, self-draining design, the hull measures 4.17m from bow to stern. With a 0.97m beam, the kayak is one of the largest single seat hulls on the market, and in this case, size has its advantages. Stability is a key feature of the hull. Anglers can easily stand in the kayak as they fish, giving the Pro Angler 14 a huge advantage over its rivals. It size and weight combined with aggressive bow angles mean the kayak cuts through small waves, chop and boat swell exceptionally well. It keeps the angler free from spray in most conditions. The major upgrade to the 2017 model is the addition of the Mirage Drive 180. The MD180 differs from past Mirage Drive units in its ability to move the kayak in reverse. For many years, this has been the thorn in Hobie’s side with more conventional pedal and

propeller propulsion systems in rival yaks always having this ability, at reduced power. Anglers can pull the reverse shift cable on the MD180 to pivot the fins 180°, allowing the kayak to be propelled in reverse at full power. Simply pull the forward shift cable to return the fins to their original position and continue. After spending three days testing the 2017 model in the Gold Coast Canals, I found this feature to be extremely useful. I could use the reverse feature to negate the effects of tide or winds that pushed me past the pontoon or pylon I wanted to cast at, which kept me in the zone longer. I also found that I could reverse when I was hooked-up to a fish. This allowed me to clear the fish of the structure before any potential bust offs. The new fin design produces more thrust so the angler can reach their spots faster. The second major upgrade on the 2017 model is the new Camo series. Camo Series Pro Angler 14s feature the new camo colour – an olive kayak with gray and black mottling throughout, and camo coloured, non-slip pedal pads and floor matting. These combine to create a striking kayak, both on and off the water. The other key feature that makes the Pro Angler a standout from its rivals is the

Vantage Seat, with three-way adjustment and two seat height adjustments – Hobie have taken comfort to a new level. The Lowrance Ready system remains in the 2017 model and allows anglers to easily mount compatible transducers on a built-in mount with through hull wiring plugs provided. This system can also accommodate Lowrance TotalScan Transducers, which solves the problem of anglers wanting to run side scan in their kayaks. The Hobie H-Rail system’s extruded aluminium dodecagon rail provides anglers with outstanding mounting options, without having to drill into the hull. The kayak also features a large front hatch with liner for even more storage options, six horizontal rod holders, dual steering control, replaceable mounting boards and side mesh pockets. Tournament and recreational kayak anglers worldwide have made Hobie the market leader, due to their continued commitment to quality and innovation. The 2017 Hobie Pro Angler 14 delivers yet again, retaining all of the proven features that have made it such a popular kayak in the past. With the edition of the MD180, their domination of the market is set to continue for years to come.

The major upgrade for 2017 – Hobie’s new Mirage Drive 180 allows anglers to pull one of two shift cables to pivot the fins 180°, instantly moving the drive into reverse and back again. SPECIFICATIONS Length Overall..................................................4.17m Beam ��0.97m Capacity ��272kg Vantage Seat Capacity �� 159kg Fitted Hull Weight ��55kg Fully Rigged Weight ��66kg Hull Construction ��Rotomolded Polyethylene RRP ��$4750 (Camo Series +$200)*

*Please note that the Mirage Pro Angler 14 featured in this article includes the following aftermarket accessories: Hobie XL Livewell, Lowrance Elite 5 Ti, Micro Power Pole and Power Pole mount.

This kayak sits high in the water. With aggressive bow angles, spray is deflected away from the angler, keeping them relatively dry even in choppy conditions.

The Vantage seat features three-way adjustment (base angle, back angle and lumbar support). Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ultimate in kayak seat comfort. It also has two height adjustments, which allow anglers to lower the kayakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centre of gravity in choppy conditions, or give the angler a higher perspective when sight casting. The seating position and angler cockpit is large enough to accommodate any angler and store plenty of extra gear.

Stability is a key feature of the hull. Anglers can easily stand as they fish. This gives the Pro Angler 14 a huge advantage over its rivals.

Six horizontal rod tubes allow anglers to store more than enough rods aboard the kayak. Two additional vertical rod holders are moulded into the hull behind the seat position.

H-Rail is an extruded aluminium dodecagon rail mounting system that allows anglers to mount a plethora of accessories to their kayak, without the dramas associated with drilling into the hull. Available accessories include rod holders, tackle bins, cup holders and sounders.

The rectangular hatch in front of the seating position opens to reveal a pivoting tackle management system that has two Plano tackle trays (included). These provide anglers with quick, easy access to their go to lures.

The large rear cargo area provides anglers with the perfect platform to hold their tournament live wells or the H Crate Storage System. A bungee cord system allows for any added cargo to be secured.

The Camo Series Pro Angler model features camo coloured, non-slip floor mats. These mats provide anglers with a safe place to position their feet when standing in the kayak.

The retractable rudder is stowed with pull cords. The rudder is spring loaded and will simply fold back when it comes into contact with anything solid. This prevents damage and the drop down skeg can be deployed in tricky conditions, to help the kayak run straight. DECEMBER 2016

111

Aquayak Ranger an Aussie sportfishing kayak FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

Aquayak Kayaks are Melbourne-based kayak manufacturers who pride themselves on producing high quality, value for money kayaks, made

As a relatively novice kayak user and angler, I was hoping that Justin could assist me to explain some of the features of the kayak I was using, which was the Aquayak Ranger. The Ranger and Snapper Pro are the two fishing specific kayaks that Aquayak produces. That’s

which is the smallest of the range at 2.7m. He was more than happy with what it had to offer – you can read his review in the October issue of this magazine. FIRST IMPRESSIONS The Ranger is a large kayak, but it can be handled by one person. Weighing in at 25kg, I suggest you

Pumicestone Passage was a great location to test the Aquayak Ranger kayak. A morning glass-out made it a pleasure to go for a paddle. using Australian plastic, which is UV certified and guaranteed not to crack or fade. This guarantee is supported by a fiveyear warranty on all of their kayaks. My first opportunity to try one out was with Justin Wilmer, an experienced kayaker and contributor to Fishing Monthly magazines, on the beautiful waters of the Pumicestone Passage.

not to say they don’t have other kayaks that can be fished from, as every model of their yaks includes two inbuilt flush rod holders. The Snapper Pro (includes the fishing kit) and the Scout (has the option of a fishing kit) are great small to mid sized yaks with plenty of desirable options to get you out fishing. On the day we went out, Justin was using the Snapper Pro,

The hull of the Ranger is a little different to other kayaks. Based on a catamaran hull, it provides excellent tracking and stability. 112

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have another person around to load and unload it from your vehicle and to assist with getting it to the water. However, with a bit of care and a trolley, all could be achieved by one person. For me, the most important thing was the layout of the Ranger. The seating was comfortable, with enough legroom for all 6’2” of me. The storage is more than ample with a forward and rear well with luggage stretches. These provide plenty of room for a small esky and any tackle you may want to take. There’s also a central storage hatch with a bag to keep your essentials dry. Aquayak uses Railblaza systems for their rod holders and mounts. The flexibility that Railblaza systems create is exceptional. The miniports in conjunction with the accessory tracks provide multiple positions for your rod holders, sounder and other electronics. They’re easy to use and fail-safe should you happen to have a tumble – they aren’t going anywhere.

I also enjoyed the two in-built rod holders directly behind either side of the seat. I used one to hold a second rod and the other to secure my net, with the rod I used sitting between my feet. This kept everything handy when I needed it. RIDE AND HANDLING The hull of the Ranger is a little different to any other kayak I have seen. Based on a catamaran hull, there is a channel that runs the length of the kayak, with a secondary hull either side of it. It provides additional stability at rest and excellent tracking while paddling and drifting. I definitely tested the stability component of the kayak. While taking a few pictures of one of Justin’s fish, I leaned just that little bit too far. I didn’t end up in the drink, but my sunglasses did. Another novice mistake was leaning out a little too far to net a hooked fish. I’m sure Justin felt he’d be fishing me out of the drink at some point, but he didn’t have to – a fact that I put down to how user friendly the Ranger is. Paddling the kayak was a pleasure. It was reasonably quick across the water and little or no correction was required to track straight. This tracking also translated while drifting and minimal adjustment was required. In fact, it was almost too good, as when I hooked an unstoppable fish, it proceeded to go one way and the kayak the other. Justin again explained that pointing the rod tip to the front of the kayak would have brought the nose around and then the fish could have happily towed me around. Maybe next time! When we started we had a glassed out morning, but when it was time to head

The Aquayak Ranger has plenty of storage space with forward and rear wells that have luggage stretches, plus a waterproof hatch with bag. home, a bit of breeze and a strong run out tide provided a better test for the hull. The Ranger passed this test with flying colours and I got back to our launching point with minimal fuss. FISHABILITY I enjoyed fishing from the Ranger. The majority of my angling is about casting lures or soft plastics and I was able to do this

comfortably. We spent nearly six hours on the water on test day in the kayaks. At no point did I feel that I needed a break from the seat. I felt safe and when I got off the water, I looked forward to the next opportunity to go out again. The practical setup of the Ranger had a lot to do with that. I didn’t have to think too much. I just

FEATURES Comfort seat, double paddle, large rear storage well, forward storage well, anchor well, paddle clip, centre hatch with bag, four heavy duty carry handles, three accessory tracks, two Railblaza miniports, two flush rod holders and two Railblaza rod holder Rs.

SPECIFICATIONS Length �� 3.7m Width �� 0.9m Weight �� 25kg Capacity �� 170kg Price ��$999.00 plus shipping • There are several colour options available.

A bit of friendly advice from Justin had the author pointing the rod tip to the front to make it easier to fight a fish.

The Railblaza systems that Aquayak Kayaks use are exceptional. The versatility they provide means every angler can adjust it to their needs. enjoyed what I was doing and where I was. Many of the areas we fished would have been

accessible by boat, but the ability of the Ranger to access little pockets of deep water on very shallow flats was

really exciting and fruitful. On a couple of occasions I could easily have touched the bottom with my hand,

and yet the Ranger didn’t hit bottom at all. Unfished water is the aim of any angler and this stealth contributed to a great experience on the day. We had dugongs, dolphins and turtles happily playing around us as we fished. CONCLUSION The Aquayak Ranger offers a lot for its price tag of $999.00, plus delivery. It would be ideally suited to any inland waterways, small estuary systems, bays, inlets, lakes and dams. It’s a large kayak with the capacity to hold up to 170kg, so it’s perfect for an average to larger person and all they would need for a longer trip. It’s a pleasure to paddle and is stable enough that anglers of all levels would be comfortable using it. The Railblaza accessories are outstanding and compliment everything that the team at Aquayak is trying to achieve with this kayak. Considering that the Aquayak Ranger comes with everything you need to start your kayak fishing endeavors, for me it represents great value for money. To find out more on the Aquayak Ranger and the other kayaks in their range, you can go to www.aquayak.com or contact them on (03) 9357 9992 to find your nearest retailer.

One very happy author with his first fish caught from the Aquayak Ranger kayak. NEW RELEASE INCLUSIONS AND OPTIONS Since testing the Ranger, Aquayak has made a few changes to the to its design. They are continually striving to improve the performance of their kayaks. Aluminum frame fishing seat.....................optional Rudder and foot control..............................optional Fishing seat recesses............................... inclusion Transducer recess (below hull)................ inclusion Foot brace/ rudder control recess........... inclusion Rudder mount recesses............................ inclusion

Access to unfished water is what kayak fishing is all about. A pocket of deeper water on a very shallow bank produced numerous fish.

The author was sure Justin would be fishing him out of the drink at some point during the day. It was testament to the kayak’s stability that even while leaning over a little too far to net this fish, he stayed high and dry.

There is plenty of space in the cockpit of the Ranger. DECEMBER 2016

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Torqeedo Ultralight revolutionises kayaking FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

Earlier in the year, Fishing Monthly Magazines attended the launch of three of Torqeedo’s electric outboard motors by their Australian distributer, Power Equipment. German manufactured Torqeedo is recognised as a leader in the field of electric motor technology. In particular for their attention to detail when comes to minimizing battery use, while maximizing output. At the time we were impressed by what we saw and looked forward to getting our hands on them to put them through their paces. After catching up with Jason Hodder from Power Equipment and Paul Varasdi from Aquayak Kayak at this year’s Melbourne Boat Show, I organised with them to ship an Aquayak Scout kayak with a Torqeedo Ultralight 403 1hp fitted to be sent to our office. Once it arrived, we quickly organised to go to Hinze Dam in the hinterland of the Gold Coast to see if it would meet our expectations. TORQEEDO ULTRALIGHT 403 IN A NUTSHELL This outboard is designed to be mounted on a kayak. A universal 114

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mounting ball means that it can be attached to most brands of kayaks and the partnerships Torqeedo has with numerous well-known kayak brands overseas is a testament to this. Aquayak, a Melbournebased kayak manufacturer, is their Australian partner. They offer two models, which are ideally suited to having the Ultralight 403 fitted to them, which are the Scout and Ranger kayaks. Weighing in at just 7.3kg including the battery, the Ultralight, as the name suggests, doesn’t add a significant amount of weight to your kayak. In the case of the Scout kayak we tested it with, the total weight still falls well under 30kg, meaning it can still be man handled by one person. Included when you purchase a 403 is the outboard, high performance 320Wh lithium battery with integrated computer and GPS, throttle with display, mounting ball, charger, magnetic kill switch and a bag for it to go in. The cost is $2750. Spare batteries can also be purchased, or you could option of the solar charger, which allows you to charge the battery while you are using the kayak. BATTERY LIFE The million-dollar question when it comes to any electric motor is how long will the battery last?

Jason Hodder provided me with some pretty impressive figures from when the 403 was attached to a similar sized kayak to the Scout. At slow speed (approximately 4km/h) you can get a range of 35km or a battery life of just under 8.5 hours. Half throttle (approximately 6km/h) has a range of 25km or just over 4 hours of use. Full throttle (approximately 9km/h) provides a range of 7km and just under 1 hour of use. During our test at Hinze we were on the water for 4 hours. About 10% of this time would have been at full throttle and the rest was as you would use it in a normal fishing situation, and the unit only used 18% of the battery. That says to me that you could expect to get a couple of days on the water from the battery, as long as you don’t go full noise too often. To fully charge the battery from empty takes around 5 hours. The beauty of lithium batteries, other than how light they are, is the fact that they have no charging memory. This means you can charge them after every use and not worry about diminishing the capacity of the battery. ON THE WATER Hinze Dam was the perfect location to test the 403. It is a picturesque waterway in the hinterland behind the Gold Coast that

has very good bass fishing and watercraft can only be electric or paddle powered. As a ‘crawl before you walk’ type person, I had some reservations prior to launching in the eastern arm of the dam. The biggest being, how many times was I going to end up in the drink while I was getting used having the Ultralight powering the kayak? I needn’t have worried, once I deployed the 403, using a toggle system on the side of the kayak it only took me 5-10 minutes to get a feel for the pulley steering, the throttle, and then you couldn’t stop me after that. In many cases power was your friend. Turning from a stationary position was much easier when you applied a bit more throttle. This turned the nose of the kayak quickly and set you on your way. The steering is simple and I was very quickly negotiating my way around the abundant timber of the east arm of the dam. The motor also has reverse, which was great to position yourself when casting and also to get away from structure when you hooked a fish. I can hear everybody asking about what it performed like at full throttle. The answer is really well. It got up to a fraction under 11km/h (5.8 knots) and still handled and steered beautifully! At the end of

our session on the water, I decided it was time to be a bit more daring and test out what would happen if I lent back or sideways at speed (expecting to end up in the water). Impressively, the kayak either banked left or right , depending on which way I leant, and was easily corrected once your weight was centred again. No swimming in Hinze Dam for this puppy! Should you have a spill, the magnetic kill switch that you attached to your lifejacket or arm will automatically turn the motor off. CONCLUSION I can think of numerous occasions I would have loved to have an option like the Torqeedo Ultralight 403 for my kayak over the years. The first that comes to mind is Googong Dam just outside my hometown of Canberra. We were very limited with our electric motor options when I was fishing there, and the 403 would have been the ultimate bonus to get us to some amazing fishing, even all the way back then. Extended trips on rivers is another scenario where the Ultralight would provide the icing on the cake so to speak. You have all the stealth a kayak provides, with the bonus of paddling less and returning to areas, knowing that time constraints are less of an issue.

However, I digress. There are many positives the Torqeedo Ultralight 403 provides. The first and foremost outside of the places it can take you is how light the unit and battery is. Matched with the Aquayak Scout, it is a one-person fishing machine. The simplicity of the steering and the deployment of the unit suited the simple person using it and makes using it achievable for any person. It should be noted that there is also the option to have it attached to your existing steering system). I think I would add a solar charger as an option if I were to purchase a unit. I love the thought of the battery charging while I am out on the water. You also couldn’t help but be impressed by how frugal the motor was with its battery use. This just backed up the claim that Torqeedo is at the forefront of electric motor technology. If you are a kayak owner or somebody who would like an electric motor option, you don’t need to look any further than the Torqeedo Ultralight 403. To find out more about the Ultralight 403 and the range of Torqeedo motors you can visit the Power Equipment website www. powerequipment.com.au/ products/torqeedo or through Aquayak kayaks at www. aquayak.com.

Fishing success for the author with a nice little Hinze Dam bass. The Torqeedo Ultralight 403 is a 1hp electric motor that can be attached to most kayaks.

Aquayak kayaks have two kayaks that they fit the Torqeedo onto, the Scout (tested) and the Ranger.

The author found the steering to be very easy to use and ended up negotiating the timbered areas of Hinze with ease.

The lithium battery that comes with the unit is compact and lightweight, which means it is perfect for this kind of application.

The Torqeedo was easily deployed with a simple toggle system.

Simple is always best and the throttle unit is easy to use. It has forward and reverse and provides battery usage information as well as speed.

The universal mounting ball provided with the unit allows the 403 to be fitted easily to a kayak. DECEMBER 2016

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Welcoming the weed BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

Weed – we curse it, pick it off our baits and lures and avoid locations because of its presence. For fish

sand, rubble patches, fallen timber or deeper sections of the flat. Berley can also bring the fish out of their hiding places in the weed. The berley can be made up of small pieces of your chosen bait, such as fish flesh, mullet gut, chicken

berley – just use small, fairly regular portions to draw the fish into your strike zone. When targeting some species, including gar, a berley bag attached to a rope and floated out the back of the yak can be effective, especially when you float

Weed and lilies are a part of impoundment fishing, so carry some weedless options when targeting bass, yellowbelly and other freshwater species.

That is some serious weed! Be prepared when visiting new locations. though, weed beds offer shelter, increased warmth and also salinity levels in the salt, along with a home for the creatures that they feed on like prawns, crabs, baitfish and snails. For kayak anglers weed beds are readily available and close to launch points. You’ll often have them to yourself as boat anglers avoid the weed and venture further afield into deeper waters. The question remains, how do we fish this weed effectively without it continually fouling our baits and lures? BAIT FISHING Floats One way to prospect the weed with baits is to use a float and suspend your bait just above the weed. Either

Bubble Float, a unique float that uses a simple twist of the top cap to twist its internal surgical rubber tube onto the line, locking it in place with no need for stoppers or knots – there’s no damage to your line. Water can be added to the

A few weedless jighead options. The top one is unweighted for fishing surface, the second is belly weighted for a slow, natural horizontal sink, and the third is head weighted for a head down and tail up feeding action.

float to increase casting distance. Split shot can be added to the line below the float if required. This cocks the float to minimise the resistance when a fish attempts to pull the float under. Float fishing can be extremely visible, fun and effective when working the weed. Other Rigging Options Another rigging option to keep your baits up and

Quality polarised sunnies cut the glare off the water and make it easier to spot fish, bait and structure, such as rubble, logs, drains and depressions in the weed flat.

Two consecutive casts, one with a standard jighead and the other with a weedless jighead. The author knows which one the fish is more likely to eat! allow the bait to drift across the weed flat or anchor and drift your float out to target specific structure such as 116

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gut, prawns or yabbies, mixed with sand, bread, prawn shells and other scraps. Don’t overdo the

your bait back within close proximity to the berley bag. I use a simple float rig made up of an A-Just-A

out of the weed is a dropper rig, set up with a sinker at the end of your line, and a baited hook or two on dropper loops further up the line. This means your sinker will be down in amongst the weed, while your baits are positioned around the top of the weed, attracting the attention of hungry predators. Fishing unweighted baits is another option.

The buoyancy of the ZMan plastics makes them ideal for weedless rigging. This rig looks like a baitfish feeding nose down in the sand, just waiting for a bream or flathead to pounce.

These unweighted baits slowly sink, often get eaten on the drop and tend to settle on top of the weed, rather than sinking deep amongst the weed. Load the hook up with bait to minimise hook point exposure and fouling. LURES FISHING Surface Lures A sure way to avoid the weed is to fish a surface lure, whether it’s an unweighted soft plastic, popper, walker, paddler, fizzer or other. It’s amazing the variety of species that will eat a surface presentation, especially in shallow water, including obvious targets such as bass, saratoga and barramundi in the fresh, along with bream and pelagic species in the salt. Lighten Up When fishing soft plastics, heavier jigheads will plummet to the

bottom quicker, punching through weed and burying themselves deep in the thick of it. Lighter jigheads allow the soft plastic to flutter down slower and more naturally, to settle on top of the weed rather than punching through to the bottom and fouling heavily. On sandier bottoms I’ll often fish a 1/4oz jighead and fish it faster. It should bump into the bottom to send up puffs of sand and mud to attract the attention of predators. Switch to a weedy bottom and I’ll change to a 1/8oz

slightly embedding the hook point in the plastic. The downside of this is that you can compromise

Some anglers would turn around and go home if they were greeted by this at their launch point, but it’s all about being prepared.

Rolling soft plastics across the top of the weed is a deadly technique for targeting bream. The little ZMan 2” CrusteaZ did the job, rolled above the weed with the rod tip up. Bream have only one way to go in shallow water, so it’s long, fast runs across the weed flats before you get them anywhere near the kayak. jighead, fish slower and allow the plastic bump the weed or settle on it before imparting a few more hops or twitches. Rip It Depending on the type of weed you fish, a sharp rip of the plastic can dislodge the weed from the lure, attract the attention of predators and imitate a prawn or baitfish that has flicked out of the weed in an attempt to escape. This technique can trigger some brutal strikes, as predators react to the sharply fleeing prey and pounce.

the hook-up rate. The kayak is the perfect vessel for fishing weed flats flooded by the tide.

Roll With It Another effective technique when fishing soft plastics in weedy areas is to roll them just above the weed, rather than hopping them off the bottom. Predatory species will often lay in the weed and burst out to attack bait that ventures too close. Simply count the plastic down until it hits the weed, and on the next cast, count it down and commence your retrieve before it contacts the weed. In water under a metre deep, you can commence your retrieve immediately.

is revealed and hopefully the fish is hooked. You can increase the snagless properties of this rig – just pinch the back of the plastic a little and pull it up onto the hook point,

Weed is a structure that holds food, shelter, warmth and the predators that search for this. That’s a lot of weed, but it’s also a lot of crabs, prawns, snails, worms and other food items that attract predatory species.

Even this small flounder had no problem shifting the plastic to find the hook point. The hook-up rate is still excellent when using fine gauge weedless jigheads. Keep the pauses short and the plastic moving.

The author with an early morning flathead pinned on a TT SnakelockZ Finesse weedless jighead. A couple of feet of water, a weedy drain and a weedless jighead is a sure fire recipe for a flathead.

If you aren’t catching, mix it up until you find what works. This may include varying retrieve speeds or pausing occasionally to allow the plastic to make contact with the weed. I prefer plastics with plenty of action, such as curl-tails or paddle-tails when rolling above the weed, as they send out plenty of vibration and alert predators to their approach. WEEDLESS RIGGING When snot weed fills the system or when prospecting weedy areas, the biggest saviour for me has been weedless jigheads. Weedless jigheads allow you to rig your soft plastic so that the barb and hook point are pulled down against the top of the plastic to minimise fouling. This is an extremely effective way to fish timber, weed and other structure. When the fish strikes the soft plastic, the hook point

Blades are another effective option when rolled across the top of the weed, as they create plenty of flash and vibration.

Combine the low profile and minimal shadow cast by the kayak with the stealth factor and we can cruise these flats in less than a metre of water in search of waiting predators. I’ve had many sessions as the water flows from the flats, fishing in shallow water, and caught bream from slight depressions in the flat and flathead from amongst the sand and rubble patches, while the boats are a hundred metres away fishing the channels. Keep an ear and an eye out for bait movement, fish feeding and other signs of life, along with structure on the flats, such as drains, logs and depressions that can hold bait, create eddies and act as ambush points for predators. Don’t curse the weed, embrace it and welcome the structure, bait and fishing opportunities that it offers us. Be prepared, have a rod rigged for bait or lure fishing the weed, and you could soon find that you have a few new favourite fishing spots, without the crowds.

Fish heaven – a drain, weed, rubble and plenty of food on the weed flat by the look of the birds feeding. Bring on the run-in tide. DECEMBER 2016

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Tame those boat ramp terrors BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

In contrast to purchasing a first motorcar, boat ownership seems to involve a bit of stress. First there are new rules to consider. There’s the boat ramp – the place where the boat will enter or leave the water. Who would believe that boats pass each other on opposite sides to cars? Or that a beacon’s shape and colour dictates on which side the boat should pass, when moving towards or away from a major port. These scenarios both seem to cause worry, especially for the new boat owners in our ranks, so we’ll look at ways to overcome those concerns.

above it to reverse down and will have a gradient, plus sufficient width, that allows the boater to keep an eye on things as the boat is reversed towards the water. Features that make a ramp great can be as simple as neat bits of beach adjoining it and a pontoon where the boat can be held for a spell after launch, or while waiting for the car to back down for retrieval. Varying degrees of user friendliness come from such things as a ramp’s exposure to wind and tide, the degree of slope or if there is a sudden drop off at the end, if the ramp is dangerously slippery or easy going underfoot, and of course, how busy it is at the time. All these variables are common, so the trick is to be forewarned and forearmed.

This brings to mind some trips to Lake Awoonga, back in the days when our expectations to catch a barra on fly were so high, that if we didn’t catch a big barra, we’d be very disappointed indeed. The lake was down in water level to the extent that a 50m skinny concrete strip had to be negotiated prior to the tinny coming off the trailer. At times like that it sure pays to be able to reverse. More on this tender topic later! Checking out the ramp prior to launch is a brilliant plan. A glance at the rigging area where the boat is made ready out of other people’s way, is wise, as is taking time to see what other people do if the ramp is a tricky devil. Note how wind and tide affect a boat as it comes off the trailer,

a ramp than a glass boat. I use either style of boats at times and I know which is the carefree option to handle on a ramp. It’s just not smart to grind fibreglass into concrete. And on the topic of grinding things into concrete, never let a larger boat whizz back off the trailer on the end of a rope, which it will do if the trailer is a multi roller job. Once the winch strap hook and shackle are released from the boat’s tow hook, it will really gallop back and there are two likely bad outcomes here. The first will see the expensive transducer destroyed by hard contact

Difficult times are ahead! The Borumba Dam Ramp has large slimy rocks on the edge, so once the boat leaves the trailer, it must be kept under rapid control to avoid damage.

This ramp is sheltered by break walls all around, so there should be no issues with launch or retrieve other than keeping the glass off the concrete. A pontoon beside a boat ramp adds a very high degree of userfriendliness and also makes it easy to comfortably wait in turn. LEAVING THE TRAILER Launching a boat sounds so simple – the boat is backed down the ramp and off she goes. That certainly happens for old hands at the game, but for many of us, there are some minefields to negotiate en route. It’s all a bit daunting, but practice makes perfect that’s for sure. Remember, if a new crewmember is along on the trip, explain what needs to be done as easily as possible so there are no glitches. A study of boat ramps reveals that they are as widely dissimilar as the boats using them. Width and slope varies, which means that some ramps are always easy to use and others are only easy when things are just right. Some are just plain bad, with rock or mud either side, or a thick covering of slick slime to upset the unwary. A well-constructed ramp will allow the boat owner to easily turn around 118

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LOOK BEFORE YOU LAUNCH A look at the ramp before first launch is a very easy way of assessing the lay of the land. It takes so little to do it. This is easy enough when the ramp is local! Keen anglers love to travel to new places to fish.

how deep the area close to the ramp appears to be when someone is walking the boat away to the side just as you or one of your team might do. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Let’s face it – tin boats are more friendly around

with the ramp as the craft takes off backwards and the stern dips momentarily under. The second scenario involves the person hanging onto the rope being pulled almost into the water or at least having an arm stretched painfully as the strain comes on hard. Beware, if the boat is a large one, takes things gently. It may be better to

When the Kapten Waverider left the ramp at Mooloolaba, it was moved straight onto the adjacent beach. What could be easier?

A tactical retrieve under way – the author has a stern rope on the boat to align it with the trailer, as wind and tide are pushing it away, and his wife Denise is ready with the winch.

lower it with the winch, unhook it when it’s just leaving the trailer and if it means the feet get wet, so be it. In fact, the size of the craft comes right into the picture. Once a boat is over 5m in length you need a game plan before you launch, and another for when it comes time to retrieve it. A launch in dead calm full tide conditions can be a far cry from a

retrieval with wind and a strong tidal flow, which combine to make things far from easy. CONFIDENT REVERSING REQUIRES PRACTICE With tie down straps removed, the engine freed from it’s locked up transportation position and all bungs in place, and with the boat lined up straight at the top of the ramp, it’s time to reverse.

bit. And that ramp has a deep drop off it’s extremity. Previously in this situation, we’d hooked the Galey up to the winch cord and I simply tied a rope to the starboard aft cleat and used the rope, from the side, to pull the boat against the current and wind influence so it could be lined up and retrieved. This works every time – it’s handy for

a larger craft in unfriendly conditions. LAST THOUGHTS For the absolute beginner, what’s wrong with making a small checklist of items to tick off before the launch or retrieve? Don’t get flustered if things go wrong, just assess and correct as required. As I mentioned, not all ramps are user-friendly. Some have rocks on the

side or deep water around the ramp’s edge. In that situation, it’s vital to have a team member ready to grab the boat and take control. A look before launch sure makes sense in this situation. Above all, if someone needs assistance at a ramp, freely give them a hand. What goes around comes around – it might be you next time.

The ramp at Cabbage Tree Point on a very calm day – unfortunately, there’s no guarantee things will be this calm when it’s time to leave the water. Reversing boat trailers is not, as far as I can ascertain, an instinctive human skill. Practice is the trick – there’s nothing at all wrong with taking the boat to an appropriate place with plenty of room, setting up a few old aluminium cans as markers and practice reversing by watching the mirrors. Start with the boat as

things are to start with, the better the backing. TIPS FOR THE RETRIEVAL Fishing’s over and it’s time to go back to the ramp, so now we assess exactly what’s happening. A boat right beside the ramp could also be returning, or the chap could be waiting for the car crew to come down and board before

down into place, once it’s your driver’s turn to do so, and then pull the boat around and line it up on the trailer’s centre for the winching up. On some ramps, this is dead easy, but not all. You’ll see the accompanying photo of our Galey being retrieved at the Cabbage Tree Point ramp. For the record, I don’t mind

It’s not hard to assess that launching at the end of this ramp will involve some teamwork to keep the craft under control when it leaves the trailer.

PUT THE

RIGHT

TRAILER UNDER YOUR BOAT...

A more detailed look at the new Borumba Dam Ramp reveals rocks on the right and a large sign that restricts end-of-ramp movement to the left. While the ramp is very good, have someone hop aboard and drive the boat around to the shingle beach area for all the team to board. straight as possible – that’s the clue for beginners – and as soon as the car starts to move back, the idea is to watch the boat intently. When it starts to move to one side, gently turn the steering wheel to correct it. This is surprisingly easy to master, so long as you take it slowly in the beginning. And remember, for the beginner the straighter

heading off. A short time of assessment will reveal the true situation. Don’t push ahead of any other team, or you’ll cop some very hostile glances, and perhaps some words you’d rather the kids didn’t hear. If there’s a pontoon available, things are very easy. When a pontoon is absent, it can be interesting. The idea is to get the trailer

this ramp. It’s the ‘local’ and I’ve used it for 40 years of boating life. However, it’s easily influenced by tide and wind. On the day of the photo, the tide was going south with a northerly breeze, which meant that short of me walking a fair way into the water to line the boat up, there was no way that big 5.5m craft would be centred so Denise could do the winch

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What’s New BOATING

BAR CRUSHER C SERIES

Almost every model in Bar Crusher’s popular cuddy cabin (C) series is now built on the company’s industry-leading Gen2 hull. This innovative hull has a wider negative chine running forward, optimised wider chine aft and the distinctive Delta Flare – a complex V-shaped planing plank that starts wider at the transom and narrows as it runs forward. The result is greater hydrodynamic lift for more efficient planing and improved fuel economy, a higher bow attitude and better spray deflection. Testing has shown that the 490C, 535C, 575C and 615C received significant performance benefit from this hull (the larger 670C is built on Bar Crusher’s high-performance deep-V hull). Other recent innovations include: Game Lock coaming (575C, 615C and 670C); a new bowsprit for easier anchoring in unfavourable conditions; upgraded bow rails and grab rails on some models; and a removable livebait tank (490C). Toughened safety glass windscreens are standard across the C series, which fold down – along with the bimini top or gas-strut hard roof – to reduce on-trailer height by up to 1m. www.barcrusher.com.au

BOLD LOOK FOR NEW RACERS

Mercury Racing has released a new look for its 250 XS and 300 XS outboards. By combining high power and torque with ultra-light weight, the 250 XS and 300 XS engines are in high demand around the world. The 250 XS, a low-emissions 2-Stroke, outperforms competitive 250hp engines in a variety of categories including fuel economy, mid-range acceleration and top speed. Its Sport Master gearcase, designed for lighter hulls capable of speeds in excess of 135 km/h, features a crescent, leading-edge housing with low water pickups. This enables the 250 XS to run at elevated transom heights for maximum engine rpm, hydrodynamic efficiency and top-end speeds. Available with 20”, 25” and 30” midsections, the 300 XS isn’t restricted to ski boats. A custom designed exhaust adapter plate – with built-in appendages for mounting after-market steering wing plates – enable the 300 XS to be used safely on high-speed multi-engine catamarans and vee-bottom boats as well. www.mercuryracing.com

BLA BIMINIS

BLA’s premium quality biminis are rated to 40 knots when fully open, have a 100% polyester top and a bimini sock and rear. Support arms are included. When determining what size to order, all you need to do is decide what length top covers the portion of your boat you want covered, e.g. 1.65m or 2.4m. The pivotal mounting point will be approximately at the centre point of the top of each side of the boat. The supplied deck mounts are designed to mount on a relatively flat horizontal surface. Side mounts and instructions are included as well. The next step is to measure the distance between these mounting points to determine the width of top you need. While standing inside the boat, measure from the pivotal mounting point straight up to determine desired height. Once you have all the measurements, go to the BLA website and select one from the sizing chart. Price: from SRP $270 www.bla.com.au

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

SIMRAD GO9 XSE

The new Simrad GO9 XSE has multi-touch controls similar to smart devices, and users can view charts, add waypoints and see key information on a large 9” screen. The GO9 XSE is fully compatible with Simrad Broadband 3G/4G radar systems and features an internal 10Hz GPS receiver, StructureScan HD and CHIRP Sonar, autopilot integration, full audio entertainment connectivity with SonicHub2, built-in wireless connectivity, and a Simrad TripIntel trip computer. Fuel range overlaid on charts, current and future tide levels, and a detailed history of previous trips – including the route taken and how the boat performed – are all provided by TripIntel functionality. The GO9 XSE connects to NMEA 2000 compatible equipment, and a wide range of cartography options are available. Anglers can take advantage of the built-in sonar by simply adding a suitable transducer. A scrollable depth history view allows boaters to track back and easily set waypoints. Price: SRP $1899-$2049 www.simrad-yachting.com

SUZUKI DF150AP AND DF175AP

The Haines Group, distributors of Suzuki outboards, has announced the release of Suzuki’s new high performance, 4-cylinder DF150AP/DF175AP 4-strokes. Repackaged with the latest refinements and innovations as seen in the DF200AP (released April 2015), the DF150AP and DF175AP offer the same lightweight and compact design while boasting the largest displacement in their respective classes (2867cm3). Equipped with the same 2.9L ‘Big Block’ in-line 4-cylinder DOHC engine, the new outboards also feature a higher 10.2:1 compression ratio, generating more power to deliver exceptional acceleration and low-end torque. The motors can be configured for either regular or counter-clockwise operation. Options available with the DF150AP/ DF175AP include the new Suzuki Precision Manoeuvring joystick system, which uses Suzuki Precision Control to provide fully integrated electronic throttle, shift, steering and joystick control for a seamless driving experience and greater manoeuvrability, no matter the condition or speed. www.suzukimarine.com.au

SAVAGE RAPTOR PRO

New and improved, the Savage Raptor Pro range includes 405, 425 and 445 models and offers budget-conscious boaties a serious fishing machine. All models have front and rear carpeted casting platforms and two rod holders as standard. The wide chines result in incredible stability at rest and underway, meaning the Raptor Pros will be one of the softest riding tinnies on the water. The vee-nose hull design allows you to venture further into shallow water. The open layout allows for plenty of deck space and storage so you can easily move about when fighting a fish. Savage National Account Manager Jason Draeger said the Raptor Pro range is perfect for any angler whether entry level or pro. “The Raptor Pros come with everything needed for a day out fishing but can be optioned up to suit your exact need and budget with extras such as a live bait tank, rod storage pockets, casting platform storage bins and customisable vinyl wrap,” Jason said. www.savageboats.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au

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The perfect boats The perfect boats for barra, bass or bream for barra, bass or bream

Fishing with Nitro is a blast! Whether you’re a tournament pro or a weekend warrior, Nitro boats will ignite your passion and pack more fun into your day. Just getting there is half the fun! For more than 20 years, Nitro have continually refined and delivered serious fishing boats for serious anglers.

The world’s #1 aluminium fishing boats! Tracker’s outstanding quality and unique manufacturing process have made them the world’s largest boat builder – producing more than 40,000 aluminium fishing boats per year. Their foam-filled, unsinkable, 3mm plate alloy hulls are robotically welded to deliver superior quality at a lower cost – and are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Nitro boats are foam-filled to exceed US Coast Guard survey requirements. This gives you the safety of level floatation, security and comfort – and additional fishing stealth – all backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Tracker’s Pro Guide series is designed with a deep-vee hull for exceptional performance, even in rough waters. Their Diamond Coat finish is a Tracker exclusive that resists oxidation, providing protection and a shine lasting 70% longer. Standard features include a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance colour sounder, plus tournament-ready live well systems and rod lockers.

Call Tim Stessl now on 0429 680 504 to arrange a test drive or em:tim@flboats.com.au Hopefully it will be rough, as you’ll be stunned by the performance of these boats when the weather gets challenging!

Fishing and Leisure Boats, 167 Currumburra Road, Ashmore, QLD 4214

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See your authorised Mercury Marine Dealer today.

See your authorised Mercury Marine BOWEN BRISBANE NORTH Dealer today. REIBEL MARINE CUNNINGHAM MARINE CENTRE 34 Don Street Bowen Phone: (07) 4786 2944 Fax: (07) 4786 6606 Email: remarine@bigpond.net.au

23-25 Snook Street Clontarf Phone: (07) 3284 8805 | Fax: (07) 3284 8813 Email: sales@cunninghammarinecentre.com.au Website: www.cunninghammarinecentre.com.au

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9 Smith Street Capalaba Phone: (07) 3390 3418 | Fax: (07) 3823 5856 Email: sales@mikesmarine.com.au Website: www.mikesmarine.com.au

306 Duffield Road Clontarf Phone: (07) 3889 3033 | Fax: (07) 3889 5390 Email: info@brismarine.com.au Website: www.brismarine.com.au

57 Cavendish Road Coorparoo Phone: (07) 3397 4141 | Fax: (07) 3397 6339 Email: info@coorparoomarine.com.au Website: www.coorparoomarine.com.au

570 Royal Esplanade Manly Phone: (07) 3893 2199 | Fax: (07) 3893 2188 Email: info@manlyharbourmarine.com.au Website: www.manlyharbourmarine.com.au

3475 Pacific Highway Springwood Phone: (07) 3297 8200 | Fax: (07) 3297 8290 Email: sales@springwoodmarine.com.au Website: www.springwoodmarine.com.au

1776 Ipswich Road Rocklea Phone: (07) 3875 1600 | Fax: (07) 3875 1622 Email: sales@kareemarine.com.au Website: www.kareemarine.com.au

28 Ritchie Street Norville Phone: (07) 4153 1819 | Fax: (07) 4154 4808 Email: adriansmarinecentre@bigpond.com Website: www.adriansmarinecentre.com.au

5 Hannam Street Bungalow Phone: (07) 4033 8800 Email: sales@aussiemarine.com.au Website: www. aussiemarine.com.au

55 Islander Road Pialba Phone: (07) 4128 9944 | Fax: (07) 4125 2350 Email: sales@baycitymarine.com.au Website: www.baycitymarine.com.au

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79 Herbert Street Ingham Phone: (07) 4776 1188 | Fax: (07) 4776 1288 Email: jbmarine@bigpond.com Website: www.jandbmarine.com

178 Edith Street Innisfail Phone: (07) 4061 8272 | Fax: (07) 4061 7718 Email: joel@coastalmarine.com.au Website: www.coastalmarine.com.au

45 Huxham Street Raceview Phone: (07) 3294 3944 | Fax: (07) 3294 5320 Email: enquiries@ipswichmarine.com.au Website: www.ipswichmarine.com.au

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Cabbage Tree Point Road Woongoolba Phone: (07) 5546 2480 | Fax: (07) 5546 1362 Email: onshoremarine@ozemail.com.au Website: www.onshoremarine.com.au

32 Machinery Drive Tweed Heads South Phone: (07) 5524 8877 | Fax: (07) 5524 3324 Email: dan@tweedcoastmarine.com.au Website: www.tweedcoastmarine.com.au

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Quick Quintrex F481 Hornet is a sure winner

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Quintrex offer so many fantastic boats that it can be difficult to nominate a particular rig most suited to a specific task. If there’s a need for a rig that will double as a competition craft fully ready to hit the starter line, or ready to be used by sports anglers to test their skills wherever the opportunity presents (in estuaries rivers or impoundments), the four person F481 Hornet Trophy will fit the bill nicely. It’s 5m in length with a 2.1m beam and a feisty 90hp Yamaha four-stroke on the transom. There’s a veritable nest of Hornets, from the 400 to the 500. There are several models to choose from and every one of these punt style craft are well designed. The F481 Trophy has virtually every internal feature serious anglers might need, from a large plumbed catch well, which can be made even larger, through to an optional 3m long rod locker to port with tips well and truly protected under the front deck. There’s also floor storage under both forward and aft decks, flexibility in seating, a neat side console and a host of other features as well. EASY LAUNCH SYSTEM Launching from the Bribie Channel, the craft was easily released from its dedicated alloy Quintrex trailer, via the Quinnie Catch and Release easy hitch up and launch system. A couple of seconds saw the stem post’s securing 124

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shackle and the trailer’s retrieval cable released. From that point, all it took was for Paul (from Brisbane Yamaha) to start the engine, pop it into gear, nudge forward the Hornet’s bow and the Catch and Release let go – brilliant! No more wet feet on a cold morning – I liked it! FOUR-STROKE ON THE TRANSOM There was plenty of sting in the Hornet’s tail too. The reviewed Trophy, supplied by Brisbane Yamaha Burpengary, was powered by an EFI 90hp Yamaha four-stroke engine –

with the rig’s plumbed live well underneath, easily accessed by a wide hatch. FEATURES TO SUIT THE TOURNAMENT ANGLER The Quinnie’s neat side console was set up with top shelf Yamaha LAN gauges linked to the F90 astern, switches and a Humminbird 899 sounder plotter. The small wind deflector on top of the console hinged forward to reveal a decent storage area, suitable for cold drinks or lunch. Up front, large under floor

SPECIFICATIONS Length..............................................................5.01m Beam................................................................2.10m Length on trailer.............................................6.30m Side height......................................................0.93m Construction............ bottom 3mm, sides 2mm alloy Weight hull.......................................................420kg Engines........................................................ 60-90hp Engine fitted...................... 90hp Yamaha four-stroke Fuel......................................................................77L the maximum horsepower for the craft. It was as nippy as it was quiet. Warming it up prior to speed runs made sense, as the engine was totally new. I assessed the Hornet Trophy’s potential as the Yamaha hummed gently astern. The 90hp saw the rig going places quickly and frugally. If four people were aboard, the maximum power ensured easy performance. I noticed a couple of steps on the rear platform and a ladder to port. Rails and rod holders adorned the aft gunwale area as well. Behind the skipper and mate’s pedestal bucket seating was a carpeted rear cast platform

lockers were set within the forward casting platform’s framework. A general storage area was behind it, paired with heavy duty framed compartments for deep cycle batteries. The rig’s anchor was also tucked out of the way up front, but ready for use. The reviewed rig came with a single battery to power the Minn Kota motor and it’s very handy I Pilot Link that connected with the Humminbird 899SI sounder plotter set into the console. Seating was flexible – a seat spigot was also installed up front upon the casting platform, which featured hookless carpet to match the

rest of the rig. If this sounds pretty good, you’re right – it was good. Let’s not overlook the very neat dark blue wrap adorning the Hornet’s sides. It’s a popular addition, and it’s pretty rare to see a competition style rig leave a trailer a wrap lately. While the correct mix of fishing features is important for this style of craft, there’s much more to the Quintrex Hornet than what readily meets the eye. Sticking your head into a hatch reveals that welding in tucked away areas is just as well executed as that in clear view. This indicates the sort of high standards Quintrex demand of their alloy work. In truth, fit and finish was everything it should be and topping off the package were good looks, good performance and great ride and handling. PLENTY OF CHOP ON THE WATER In many respects, it was an excellent morning to give the Hornet some sea time, as a nasty southerly chop pushed up the outgoing tide in the Bribie Passage shortly after we launched. It created just the sort of conditions that estuary or dam anglers have to contend with from time to time, despite their earnest wish for better. The solid Hornet took the chop in it’s stride with little fuss. It’s Fighter series hull features a sharp entry with plenty of flare above it, linked to a multi-straked bottom section and a 12° vee. Experience has shown me that most boats can be driven easily enough in less than ideal conditions, at the right speed. This experience comes from time on the water – once

you have it, you know what you’re doing. Sometimes that ‘right speed’ is surprisingly quick and other times there’s a need to slow down. It all depends on the hull and engine combination. I found the 481 Hornet Trophy readily fell into the faster boat category, given it’s excellent hull design. It was really no surprise to see the rig simply skip over wind chop at 28.4kph and 3000rpm, with very little impact or fuss. The Humminbird recorded 4000rpm at 40.8kph, and a quick burst to 5000rpm moved the ground speed measurement to 51.3kph. With the 1.6L Yamaha four-stroke 90hp properly run in, there’d be no question about speeds in excess of 65kph, once the revs hit the 6000 mark. When cruising at 3500rpm or 35kph, the engine was hardly audible, taking it very easy. SUMMING UP The Quintrex 481 Hornet Trophy and 90hp Yamaha fourstroke package is no chore whatsoever. It’s a sportfishing craft with huge potential for anglers who want to enjoy

tournaments or simply make the best of light tackle work in calmer waters. It’s designed to travel comfortably, make things easy for up to four anglers and provide immense stability at rest – the punt styling ensures this. Quintrex have been building quality alloy craft for a long time and the Hornet’s a show piece of their expertise. Call Brisbane Yamaha of Burpengary on 3888 1727 for more information. The rig can be bought with options such as the sounder, rod lockers rear ladder and more, available at a special price of $44,990. A basic rig with sounder and suitable engine is available from $32,415 and you can decide what’s needed for your specific requirements. • Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

Top: The Quintrex Hornet Trophy is a rig with ample freeboard, a nice forward casting platform and great style. Above: The bow of the Hornet’s Fighter series hull cuts through chop easily.

With Paul from Brisbane Yamaha at the helm, the Hornet had plenty of pace with comfort to match, thanks to the hull’s great design.

The 90hp Yamaha was a great match to the Hornet’s solid hull mass. At cruise speeds the engine seemed to be doing it very easy.

At rest but ready to go – this is a beautiful looking boat that’s tough enough to hold four people with no fuss.

The Hornet’s main storage area up front was designed to swallow up a lot of equipment. Think of the tackle boxes that would go in there!

A dash layout can’t get much simpler than that of the Hornet Trophy, and there’s a soft-feel, sportsstyle wheel for the skipper to enjoy as well.

The Hornet Trophy can easily run up onto a bank if necessary.

A look in the battery hatch up front revealed neat welding, so this rig is polished. The components of the Quintrex Catch/ Release system are easily assessed.

This rig is glammed up with hookless carpet – a must for a serious fishing rig these days.

Six well-formed strakes per side keep the Quintrex on track and provide plenty of stability under way or at rest.

The Quinnie’s optional rod locker would be a certainty on most buyers’ lists, as they store and protect rods very well. DECEMBER 2016

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Clark 455 Dominator with a Suzuki 60hp 4-stroke FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

Clark Aluminium boats are an iconic brand manufactured in Queensland. They produce all manner of boats, from car toppers to offshore vessels. I recently visited Lake Mulwala on the border of New South Wales and Victoria to test a boat designed specifically for the sportsfishing market – the Clark Dominator 455 side console. I met up with Simon Ryan from Boats and More in Shepparton and Echuca to test the Dominator out. Lake Mulwala was the ideal location, as this boat is built to use on similar waterways, and the many rivers and estuary systems around Australia. First impressions are SPECIFICATIONS Overall length.... 4.65m Beam.................. 2.05m Depth................. 1.05m Weight (hull only).420kg Max hp................. 75hp Max persons..............4 126

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always important when it comes to seeing a boat for the first time. The Clark 455 Dominator delivered more than expected. Standard features like a bow mount plate, fully carpeted extended casting deck and comfortable seating were obvious. It has plenty of fishing space (easily enough for two people to fish from the front casting deck), and the sports console has ample room to house any electronics and gauges you may want. What really impressed me is that two plumbed live wells are standard design for the 455. A small plastic tank is situated in the rear deck, and a large aluminium tank is in the front casting deck with a divider. Many fishing competitions require you to keep fish alive, as livewells in the front casting deck is normally an option rather than standard, the 455 stands out as a premium sportsfishing boat. There was also plenty of storage both underfloor (three hatches in the front casting deck) and via side pockets on either side of the rear of the boat. I am a fan of painted boats and the 455 Dominator comes standard painted – white internal and two-tone paint external. A Suzuki 60hp 4-stroke

The Clark 455 Dominator has everything a keen lake, river or estuary angler would want. With plenty of fishing space, storage and standard options to make fishing the number one priority. This boat is a pleasure. motor powered the boat we tested. I have done several tests for Boats and More with Suzuki motors and cannot help but be impressed with the performance of these motors. The lean burn technology of the Suzuki 4-strokes maximises fuel economy during extended use, and the 60hp’s 44kW of power provided plenty of grunt to get on the plane quickly. The 455 Dominator has a 60L underfloor fuel tank, and you would get many days of use if you sat on around 4000rpm. The

maximum horsepower rating for the 455 is up to 75hp and Simon explained that you could go as low as a 50hp if need be. However, the 60hp seems to be a good match in both price and performance. Boats of this style are bound to cop a bump or two. Lake Mulwala has millions of things to bump into and it is nice to know that the Dominator has 3mm bottoms and sides to deal with any mishaps. Towing must always be considered when purchasing a boat. The tested boat was

on a Dunbier 4.7m braked trailer. Able to be towed by a family sedan, the 455 was easily launched and retrieved by two people and could be done by one if required. Conditions at Lake Mulwala on the test day were a little tricky, with plenty of wind chop and lots of boat wake from competitors fishing the Cod Classic. This is typical of this type of waterway and something that the 455 should deal with comfortably. It certainly did that. The vee-hull handled the conditions well, with the

reverse chines cushioning the ride and keeping the driver and passenger dry. Handling was good with very little trim required to get the maximum from the hull and motor. It was very stable at rest, which is important when most of your time is spent casting from the front deck. All in all, the Clark 455 Dominator provides standard features that will excite plenty of tournament and everyday anglers and is well worth a look if you are looking for this style of boat. BMT packages start from $26,000 (with a 60hp Mercury 4-stroke) or $26,400 (with a 60hp Mercury 4-stroke Command Thrust gearbox). For more information contact Coorparoo Marine on (07) 3397 4141 or visit www. coorparoomarine.com.au. VIDEO

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to see the Clark 455 Dominator

The Suzuki 60hp 4-stroke with its Lean Burn technology not only ensured the 455 has plenty of grunt, but also gives you plenty of mileage from its 60L underfloor fuel tank.

There are two side pockets in the Dominator to keep all your bits and pieces handy when you are out on the water.

The Sports Side Console provides plenty of room for any electronics you may ever need or want.

The Clark 455 Dominator came on a Dunbier 4.7m braked trailer and was easily launched and retrieved.

Storage and fishing space is important in a sportsfishing boat. The front deck has plenty of room for at least two anglers to fish from, and plenty of storage below to keep it clear of clutter.

The seat configuration was really thought out, with plenty of room no matter whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re short or tall.

An option on most boats of this type, the 455 came standard with livewell under the front casting deck. DECEMBER 2016

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NOBODY KNOWS YOUR ENGINE LIKE WE DO

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