Queensland Fishing Monthly May 2019

BUMPER LURE SHOW GUIDE INSIDE

Tried & Tested

NEW FIND THE

Whittley CW1950 with Yamaha 115hp • Hyundai Tucson Go •

LOGO COMPETITION SEE INSIDE

Features •

Taming flatties on topwater • Learning about leaders • Extra barra on fly tips

Boating & Kayaking Launch the yak in the Logan • Winter breamin’ on the flats • More on bar crossing

•

The Australian

Lure Fly & Outdoors

EXPO Guide inside

May, 2019 Fishing Monthly G R O U P

Registered by Australian Post Publication No: 100003847

$6.95 (GST inc.)

issuu.com/fishingmonthly

fishingmonthly

Fishing Monthly Magazines

www wp.fishingmonthly.com.au FishingMonthly

LENS TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

580G

LIGHTWAVEÂŽ GLASS Benefits of our most high-tech lenses: + 20% thinner and 22% lighter than average polarized glass + Encapsulated mirrors + 100% polarized to kill glare and reduce eye strain + 100% UV protected for maximum protection

580P Costa 34 x 6 NOT IN SYSTEM

costadelmar.com.au

POLYCARBONATE

Benefits of 580 plastic lenses with C-WALLÂŽ: + Lightweight and durable + Impact- and scratch-resistant + Outperform every other lens in the class + Available in mirrors + 100% polarized + 100% UV protected

COMING SOON

daiwafishing.com.au

New Max Rap Walk’ N Roll

Walk the talk…

The “do-all” topwater bait, Max Rap Walk’N Roll spits, bobs, skitters, and slides across the surface in all conditions. The Walk’ N Roll lure is weighted for Maximum casting distance and ultimate stability in bad weather and rough conditions. Under a steady retrieve the Max Rap Walk’N Roll spits and rolls from side-to-side; or try a twitch & pause to create a walking action. Crank it in fast to imitate a fleeing baitfish; or when at rest with your rod tip down, twitch it in place for a head-down bobbing motion. Fitted with VMC 7554 2X-Strong Ti coated inline treble hooks.

rapala.com.au

29g | 13cm | Running Depth: Floating

IN STORES NOW

’ S A I L ’ S L A A I L L A A R A R R G R G T T E ’ S A I L E ’ S L A A I S L L A S A S R A S R R G R U G T T U T T E E S S S A S A U T U T A A LLILNIN A O T B A O T D B D G E G E A LELE AA OO T TDD EA GGBB EA N N A R I E R I L E L L L E E S L S R E R E SS EA RA SO SO RRAARE NN !! !!

FFO EA RA FFO SO SO RRAARE NN O O

QUINTREX OUTBACK QUINTREX 350350 OUTBACK QUINTREX OUTBACK QUINTREX 350350 OUTBACK

,,150! ,,-7 $ $HIGH P/W*: $37 $-7 P/W*: $37 7150!

150!

7•$ 150!

• HIGH SIDES • 15FMHS 2-STROKE SIDES • 15FMHS 2-STROKE • HIGH SIDES (A) INDICATIVE (A) INDICATIVE (A) INDICATIVE (A) INDICATIVE P/W*: P/W*: $37 $37

QUINTREX RENEGADE TILLER QUINTREX QUINTREX 420 420 RENEGADE TILLER QUINTREX RENEGADE QUINTREX RENEGADE 420420 RENEGADE SC SCQUINTREX 460460 RENEGADE SC SC QUINTREX RENEGADE TILLER QUINTREX QUINTREX 420 420 RENEGADE QUINTREX RENEGADE QUINTREX RENEGADE 420420 RENEGADE SC SCQUINTREX 460460 RENEGADE SC SC onlyonlyTILLER 2

avblaielable 2 lyavaila onlyon 2aila avaielable 2 av at at th th price! pris icbl atis at th th is is price! price! e!

,,550! ,,590! ,,OF990! $ $ $ P/W*: P/W*: ,EXTRA ,,590! ,,OF990! $ $ $ P/W*: $113$113 P/W*: $150$150 18 29 550!

22 29 $•EXTRA $22 $ P/W*: $93 P/W*: $113 P/W*: $150 $18 $ $ P/W*: $93YAMAHA P/W*: $113 P/W*: $150 18 22 590!

990!

18 550!

22 590!

990!

•29 HEAPS SPACE! •, SEAT POSITION • PAINTED SIDES • F40HP • F40HP YAMAHA • F60HP YAMAHA •29 HEAPS SPACE! SEAT550!

POSITION • PAINTED SIDES AND AND • F60HP • F40HP YAMAHA • F40HP YAMAHA YAMAHA • HEAPS OF SPACE! • EXTRA SEAT POSITION • PAINTED SIDES AND (B) INDICATIVE (B) INDICATIVE (B) INDICATIVE (B) INDICATIVE P/W*: P/W*: $93 $93

(C) INDICATIVE (C) INDICATIVE (C) INDICATIVE (C) INDICATIVE

(H) INDICATIVE (H) INDICATIVE (H) INDICATIVE (H) INDICATIVE

15FMHS 2-STROKE - • PICKLEFORK • F40HP YAMAHA• EXTRA • F40HP YAMAHA • F60HP YAMAHA • CASTING DECKS FRONT• F40HP • HIGH, STRIPES • HEAPS OFDECKS SPACE! HIGH SIDES FRONT SEATSMOOTH POSITION • PAINTED SIDES AND THE2-STROKE BEST 2-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • 15FMHS - • PICKLEFORK YAMAHA • F40HP YAMAHA • F60HP YAMAHA CASTING HIGH, SMOOTH SIDESSIDES STRIPES THE•BEST 2-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • EXTRA CASTING DECKS • PICKLEFORK FRONT• 4-STROKE STRIPES THE BEST 2-STROKE SEA POSITIONS QUINTREX ALLOY • HIGH, ONLY 2SMOOTH AVAILABLE AT • EXTRA POSITION• 4-STROKE • EXTRA CASTING DECKS PICKLEFORK FRONT HIGH, SIDES STRIPES EVER MADE! • 4-STROKE BOW PLATE • ONLY • 4-STROKE BOW PLATE • EXTRA • 4-STROKE ELECTRIC START, THE 2-STROKE SEA POSITIONS • QUINTREX ALLOY 2SMOOTH AVAILABLE ATSIDES SEATSEAT POSITION EVERBEST MADE! BOW PLATE • 4-STROKE BOW PLATE ELECTRIC START, • EXTRA SEA POSITIONS • QUINTREX ALLOY • BOW 2 AVAILABLE • EXTRA POSITION• ELECTRIC MADE! • QUINTREX • BOW PLATE • BOW PLATE • ELECTRIC START, MASSIVE 77L FUEL TRAILER THIS PRICE! LOTS OFSEAT STORAGE • EXTRA SEA POSITIONS ALLOY • ONLY 2 AVAILABLE AT AT • EXTRA POSITION TRIM & TILT SIDE DECALS LOTS OF STORAGE LOTS OF STORAGE MADE! PLATE • BOW PLATE START, MASSIVE 77L FUEL TANKTANK TRAILER THIS• ONLY PRICE! LOTS OFSEAT STORAGE TRIM & TILT • EVER SIDE• EVER DECALS LOTS OF STORAGE LOTS OF STORAGE • MASSIVE 77L FUEL TRAILER PRICE! • LOTS OF STORAGE DECALS • LOTS OF STORAGE • LOTS OF STORAGE 77L FUEL TANKTANK TRAILER THIS THIS PRICE! • LOTS OF STORAGE TRIMTRIM & TILT& TILT • MASSIVE • SIDE• SIDE DECALS • LOTS OF STORAGE • LOTS OF STORAGE

QUINTREX BUSTA QUINTREX 420420 BUSTA QUINTREX BUSTA QUINTREX 420420 BUSTA

,,&990! $9$ 990! $,,•9 P/W*: $49$•9 P/W*: $49 9 990!

990!

BATTERY & BOX • 30HP YAMAHA BATTERY BOX • 30HP YAMAHA • BATTERY & BOX (E) INDICATIVE (E) INDICATIVE (E) INDICATIVE (E) INDICATIVE P/W*: P/W*: $49 $49

• 30HP YAMAHA• 24L •FUEL 24L FUEL TANK BATTERY & BOX 2-STROKE • 30HP YAMAHA TANK 2-STROKE 24L FUEL TANK SIDE POCKETS • SIDE 24L•FUEL TANK • 2-STROKE ELECTRIC START POCKETS • 2-STROKE ELECTRIC START POCKETS ELECTRIC START FRONT CAST • FRONT SIDE• SIDE POCKETS 24L FUEL TANK • ELECTRIC START CAST DECKDECK 24L•FUEL TANK • FRONT 24L FUEL CASTCAST DECKDECK • 24L•FUEL TANKTANK• FRONT

QUINTREX ENDER QUINTREX 450450 TOPTOP ENDER QUINTREX ENDER QUINTREX 450450 TOPTOP ENDER

QUINTREX F420 EXPLORER QUINTREX F420 EXPLORER QUINTREX F420 EXPLORER QUINTREX F420 EXPLORER

,,990! $ ,,990! $ $20 $20 20 990!

20 990!

(F) INDICATIVE (F) INDICATIVE

QUINTREX ENDER QUINTREX 490490 TOPTOP ENDER QUINTREX ENDER QUINTREX 490490 TOPTOP ENDER

,,990! $ ,,990! $ $23 $23 23 990!

23 990!

(G) INDICATIVE (G) INDICATIVE

,,290! $ ,,290! $ $34 $34 34 290!

34 290!

(D) INDICATIVE (D) INDICATIVE

QUINTREX FREESTYLER QUINTREX 530530 FREESTYLER QUINTREX FREESTYLER QUINTREX 530530 FREESTYLER

QUINTREX TRIDENT QUINTREX 650650 TRIDENT QUINTREX TRIDENT QUINTREX 650650 TRIDENT

,,980! $ ,,590! ,,TOP980! $ $ ,,•980! $ ,,590! ,,TOP980! $ $ P/W*: P/W*: 58 P/W*: $425$425 P/W*: $292$292 85 58 $•85 $39 $ $ $39 $ P/W*: $425 P/W*: $292 85 980!

39 590!•F115HP 980!

P/W*: $425 P/W*: $292YAMAHA 85 980!

39 590!

980!

•58 BIMINI 180L FUEL • F115HP • F200HP YAMAHA •58 BIMINI 180L FUEL TANKTANK YAMAHA • F200HP YAMAHA • 180L FUEL TANK • F115HP YAMAHA • BIMINI TOP • F200HP YAMAHA

(J) INDICATIVE (J) INDICATIVE

(I) $159 INDICATIVE (I) INDICATIVE (J) $197 INDICATIVE P/W*: $159 (J) INDICATIVE P/W*: P/W*: $197 P/W*: P/W*: $159 • BIMINI P/W*: $159 $197 • BIMINI $197YAMAHA • BIMINI • BIMINI • F60HP YAMAHA •P/W*: F70HP TOP TOP TOP TOP • F60HP YAMAHA •P/W*: F70HP YAMAHA BIMINI TOP • BIMINI TOP • F60HP YAMAHA • F70HP YAMAHA • CASTING DECKS CASTING DECKS BIMINI TOP • BIMINI TOP 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • F60HP YAMAHA • F70HP YAMAHA • CASTING DECKS CASTING DECKS 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • CASTING DECKS • PLENTY CASTING DECKS 4-STROKE 4-STROKE FLARED BOW OF SPACE CASTING DECKS DECKS 70L UNDER FLOOR 70L UNDER FLOOR • FLARED BOW • CASTING PLENTY OF SPACE • 4-STROKE 70L•UNDER FLOOR • 4-STROKE 70L•UNDER FLOOR • FLARED OF SPACE •UNDER 70L UNDER FLOOR •UNDER 70L UNDER FLOOR LOTS OFBOW INCLUSTIONS• 70L • PLENTY FLARED BOW FLARED • FLARED PLENTY OF SPACE FUEL TANK FUEL TANK • 70L FLOOR FLOOR • LOTS OFBOW INCLUSTIONS BOW FUEL TANK FUEL TANK • LOTS OF INCLUSTIONS FUELFUEL • FLARED OF INCLUSTIONS BOWBOW FUELFUEL TANKTANK • LOTS TANKTANK • FLARED

QUINTREX TRIDENT QUINTREX 690690 TRIDENT QUINTREX TRIDENT QUINTREX 690690 TRIDENT

QUINTREX RENEGADE QUINTREX 490490 RENEGADE SC SC QUINTREX RENEGADE QUINTREX 490490 RENEGADE SC SC

(F)$109 INDICATIVE (G) INDICATIVE (D)$170 INDICATIVE (F) INDICATIVE (G) INDICATIVE (D) INDICATIVE P/W*: $109 P/W*: $120 P/W*: $170 P/W*: P/W*: $120 P/W*: P/W*: $109 • FRONT P/W*: $120 • MASSIVE P/W*: $170 • FRONT P/W*: $109 P/W*: $120 P/W*: $170 • FRONT & REAR • FRONT & REAR • MASSIVE • F40HP YAMAHA • F60HP YAMAHA • F70HP YAMAHA & REAR & REAR OPENOPEN BOATBOAT• F70HP • F40HP YAMAHA • F60HP YAMAHA YAMAHA • FRONT & REAR • FRONT & REAR • MASSIVE OPEN BOAT • F40HP YAMAHA • F60HP YAMAHA • F70HP YAMAHA CASTING DECKS CASTING DECKS BLADE HULL • FRONT & REAR • FRONT & REAR • MASSIVE OPEN BOAT 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • F40HP YAMAHA • F60HP YAMAHA • F70HP YAMAHA CASTING DECKS CASTING DECKS BLADE HULL 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE DECKS DECKS • BLADE HULLTO TO • 4-STROKE • CASTING EXTRA SEAT POSITION • CASTING GARMIN SV PRICE DECKS DECKS • BLADE HULLREDUCED • 4-STROKE ELECTRIC START, • 4-STROKE MULTI FUNTIONAL • 4-STROKE ELECTRIC START, • CASTING EXTRA SEAT POSITION • CASTING GARMIN 65 SV65 PRICE REDUCED • 4-STROKE ELECTRIC START, • 4-STROKE MULTI FUNTIONAL ELECTRIC START, • EXTRA POSITION 65 SV • PRICE REDUCED • ELECTRIC START, • MULTI FUNTIONAL • ELECTRIC START, LOTS OFSEAT INCLUSIONS • GARMIN LOTS CLEAR! • EXTRA POSITION • GARMIN 65OFSVINCLUSIONS • PRICE REDUCED TO TO • ELECTRIC TRIM & TILT TRIM & TILT TILLER HANDLE • ELECTRIC START, • MULTI FUNTIONAL START, LOTS OFSEAT INCLUSIONS LOTS OF INCLUSIONS CLEAR! TRIM & TILT TRIM & TILT TILLER HANDLE • LOTS OF INCLUSIONS TILLER • LOTS OF INCLUSIONS CLEAR! TILLER HANDLECLEAR! OF INCLUSIONS OF INCLUSIONS TRIMTRIM & TILT& TILT • LOTS TRIMTRIM & TILT& TILT • LOTS HANDLE

,,990! $ ,,990! $ $31 $31 31 990!

31 990!

(I) INDICATIVE (I) INDICATIVE

QUINTREX DORY QUINTREX 520520 DORY QUINTREX DORY QUINTREX 520520 DORY

YELLOWFIN 6500 YELLOWFIN 6500 ST ST YELLOWFIN 6500 YELLOWFIN 6500 ST ST

(K) INDICATIVE (K) INDICATIVE (K) INDICATIVE (K) INDICATIVE

(L) INDICATIVE (L) INDICATIVE (L) INDICATIVE (L) INDICATIVE

• BOW CABIN BIMINI TOPCOVER • HUGE 180L• HUGE FUEL TANK 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • F115HP YAMAHA • BOW • F200HP YAMAHA COVER CABIN 4-STROKE 4-STROKE COVER • HUGE CABIN NEW APEX ELECTRONICS COVER • HUGE CABIN • 4-STROKE DELUXE • 4-STROKE HARD NEW• BOW APEX HULLHULL ELECTRONICS • 4-STROKE DELUXE BOWBOW• BOW • 4-STROKE HARD TOP TOP • NEW • ELECTRONICS • DELUXE • HARD TOP OFFSHORE BOW RIDER! PRICE REDUCTION! APEXAPEX HULL CUSHIONS CABIN CUSHIONS• ELECTRONICS • DELUXE BOWBOW• NEW • HARD TOP OFFSHORE BOWHULL RIDER! PRICE REDUCTION! CUSHIONS CABIN CUSHIONS • OFFSHORE RIDER! • PRICE REDUCTION! CUSHIONS • OFFSHORE • CABIN CUSHIONS• PRICE BOWBOW RIDER! REDUCTION! CUSHIONS • CABIN CUSHIONS

YELLOWFIN 6500 FOLDING YELLOWFIN 6500 FOLDING HT HT YELLOWFIN 6500 FOLDING YELLOWFIN 6500 FOLDING HT HT L! EL! E D O M M EOWDEMLOO!DDEL! NM NEW W NEWNE

YELLOWFIN 7000 YELLOWFIN 7000 HT HT YELLOWFIN 7000 YELLOWFIN 7000 HT HT L! MLLO!!DDE EOOWDDE NM EL! NEW E O M M W NEWNE

,,990! $ ,,590! ,,890! ,,690! $ $ $ ,,•990! $ ,,590! ,,•PLATINUM ,,•690! $ $ $ P/W*: P/W*: P/W*: 85 93 P/W*: $379$379 P/W*: $425$425 P/W*: $463$463 99 76 85 890!

93 $•99 $•76 $•PLATINUM $•PLATINUM $ $ $ $ P/W*: $494 P/W*: $379 P/W*: $425 P/W*: $463 99 990!

76 590!

85 890!

93 690!

P/W*: $494 P/W*: $379 P/W*: $425YAMAHA P/W*: $463 99 990!

590!

85 890!

93 690!

180L FUEL WELDED FLOORS PACKAGE• F200HP PLATINUM PACKAGE • F200HP YAMAHA • F150HP YAMAHA • F150HP • F200HP YAMAHA 180L FUEL TANKTANK • F150HP •76 WELDED FLOORS PACKAGE PACKAGE • F200HP YAMAHA YAMAHA • F150HP YAMAHA YAMAHA • 180L FUEL TANK • PLATINUM PACKAGE • F200HP YAMAHA • PLATINUM PACKAGE • F200HP YAMAHA • F150HP YAMAHA • WELDED FLOORS • F150HP YAMAHA (M) INDICATIVE (M) INDICATIVE (M) INDICATIVE (M) INDICATIVE P/W*: $494 P/W*: $494

(N) INDICATIVE (N) INDICATIVE (N) INDICATIVE (N) INDICATIVE

• HUGE CABIN • 180L FUEL TANK 4-STROKE • F200HP YAMAHA HUGE CABIN 4-STROKE HUGE CABIN • ELECTRONICS • HUGE CABIN • 4-STROKE HARD ELECTRONICS • 4-STROKE HARD TOP TOP ELECTRONICS • HARD TOP • LOTS INCLUDED! ELECTRONICS CABIN CUSHIONS• LOTS • HARD TOP INCLUDED! CABIN CUSHIONS • LOTS INCLUDED! • CABIN CUSHIONS• LOTS INCLUDED! • CABIN CUSHIONS

(O) INDICATIVE (O) INDICATIVE (O) INDICATIVE (O) INDICATIVE

• LOWRANCE FLOORS 4-STROKE • F150HP YAMAHA • WELDED LOWRANCE ELITEELITE 9TI 9TI 4-STROKE • LOWRANCE CABIN CUSHIONS • LOWRANCE ELITEELITE 9TI 9TI • 4-STROKE REAR LOUNGE CABIN CUSHIONS • 4-STROKE REAR LOUNGE • CABIN CUSHIONS • REAR LOUNGE BIMINI & CLEARS • CABIN CUSHIONS DEEP-V ENTRY • REAR LOUNGE BIMINI & CLEARS DEEP-V ENTRY • BIMINI & CLEARS • DEEP-V ENTRY • BIMINI & CLEARS • DEEP-V ENTRY

(P) INDICATIVE (P) INDICATIVE (P) INDICATIVE (P) INDICATIVE

OF EXTRAS!) • F200HP OF EXTRAS!) • PLATINUM PACKAGE • PLATINUM PACKAGE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • F150HP YAMAHA YAMAHA (LOTS(LOTS OF EXTRAS!) (LOTS(LOTS OF EXTRAS!) 4-STROKE 4-STROKE (LOTS OF EXTRAS!) OF EXTRAS!) • GARMIN SV • (LOTS GARMIN SV OF 95 EXTRAS!) OF 95 EXTRAS!) • 4-STROKE YAMAHA 6YC GUAGE • 4-STROKE YAMAHA 6YC GUAGE • (LOTS GARMIN SV95 • (LOTS GARMIN SV95 • 4-STROKE YAMAHA 6YC GUAGE • 4-STROKE YAMAHA 6YC GUAGE • GARMIN 95 SV • GARMIN 95 SV • YAMAHA 6YCWINCH GUAGE • YAMAHA 6YCMODEL GUAGE BRAND NEW MODEL• YAMAHA BRAND NEW MODEL • GARMIN 95 SV • GARMIN 95 SV MUIR DRUM SOUTHENER • YAMAHA 6YC GUAGE 6YCMODEL GUAGE BRAND NEW MODEL BRAND NEW MODEL MUIR DRUM WINCH SOUTHENER • BRAND MODEL• SOUTHENER • BRAND MODEL • MUIR DRUM WINCH • SOUTHENER MODEL • BRAND NEWNEW MODEL • BRAND NEWNEW MODEL • MUIR DRUM WINCH MODEL

BAYSPORT FISHERMAN BAYSPORT BAYSPORT WEEKENDER BAYSPORT BAYSPORT 6000 OFFSHORE BAYSPORT 545545 FISHERMAN 585585 WEEKENDER 6000 OFFSHORE BAYSPORT FISHERMAN BAYSPORT BAYSPORT WEEKENDER BAYSPORT BAYSPORT 6000 OFFSHORE BAYSPORT 545545 FISHERMAN 585585 WEEKENDER 6000 OFFSHORE

BAYSPORT DELUXE BAYSPORT 640640 DELUXE BAYSPORT DELUXE BAYSPORT 640640 DELUXE

,,FRONT ,,990! ,,990! ,,990! $48 $61 $68 $ ,,FRONT ,,990! ,,990! ,990! $ $ $ $ 990!

77 P/W*:P/W*: $312$312 P/W*:P/W*: $341$341 P/W*:P/W*: $386$386 48 990!

61 68 77 $•GREY $ $ $ $ P/W*: $243 P/W*: $312 P/W*: $341 P/W*: $386 48 990!

61 990!

68 990!

77 990!

P/W*: $243 P/W*: $312 P/W*: $341 P/W*: $386YAMAHA 48 990!

61 990!

68 990!

77 990!

• BIMINI, & SIDE • F130 • MASSIVE CABIN • GARMIN COLOUR • F150HP •,GREY PAINTED • F90HP YAMAHA • F130 YAMAHA • F130 YAMAHA • F150HP •$ BIMINI, & SIDE •$ MASSIVE CABIN •$ GARMIN COLOUR PAINTED HULLHULL • F90HP YAMAHA YAMAHA • F130 YAMAHA YAMAHA • MASSIVE CABIN • GARMIN COLOUR • GREY PAINTED HULL • F90HP YAMAHA • BIMINI, FRONT & SIDE • F130 YAMAHA • F130 YAMAHA • F150HP YAMAHA (Q) INDICATIVE (Q) INDICATIVE (Q) INDICATIVE (Q) INDICATIVE P/W*: $243 P/W*: $243

(R) INDICATIVE (R) INDICATIVE (R) INDICATIVE (R) INDICATIVE

(S) INDICATIVE (S) INDICATIVE (S) INDICATIVE (S) INDICATIVE

(T) INDICATIVE (T) INDICATIVE (T) INDICATIVE (T) INDICATIVE

CLEARS, RACK • F130 • FULL ELECTRONICS • F130 SOUNDER/GPS COMBO • CUSTOM BIMINI, FRONT & SIDE • MASSIVE CABIN • GARMIN COLOUR • GREY PAINTED HULLBOARD 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE • F90HP YAMAHA • CLEARS, YAMAHA YAMAHA • F150HP YAMAHA ROD ROD RACK FULL ELECTRONICS SOUNDER/GPS COMBO CUSTOM BAIT BAIT BOARD 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE 4-STROKE CLEARS, ROD RACK • 4-STROKE • TOILET, FULL ELECTRONICS SOUNDER/GPS • CUSTOM BAIT BOARD 4-STROKE • MASSIVE CABIN PRIVACY • PLUMBED LIVE BAIT • 4-STROKE FULL ELECTRONICS CLEARS, ROD RACK ELECTRONICS SOUNDER/GPS • CUSTOM BAIT BOARD • 4-STROKE GARMIN COLOUR • 4-STROKE FULL CAMPER • FULL S/S TARGA • 4-STROKE FOLDING STAINLESS • MASSIVE CABIN TOILET, PRIVACY LIVE COMBO BAITCOMBO FULL ELECTRONICS • 4-STROKE GARMIN COLOUR FULL CAMPER • 4-STROKE S/S •TARGA TOP TOP• PLUMBED FOLDING STAINLESS MASSIVE CABIN • TOILET, PRIVACY • PLUMBED LIVE BAIT • FOLDING • FULL ELECTRONICS • GARMIN COLOUR • FULL CAMPER • TOILET, •TARGA S/S TARGA • FOLDING STAINLESS • HUGE VALUE! SCREEN, & MORE TANK & MUCH LOTS INCLUDED! MASSIVE CABIN PRIVACY LIVE BAITMORE • FULL ELECTRONICS GPS/SOUNDER COVERS WALK-AROUND STEEL TARGA TOP • GARMIN COLOUR • FULL CAMPER • S/S TOP TOP• PLUMBED STAINLESS • HUGE VALUE! SCREEN, & MORE TANK & MUCH MORE LOTS INCLUDED! GPS/SOUNDER COVERS WALK-AROUND STEEL TARGA TOP • HUGE VALUE! SCREEN, & MORE & MUCH MORE STEELSTEEL • LOTS INCLUDED! GPS/SOUNDER• HUGE COVERS • WALK-AROUNDTANKTANK TARGA VALUE! SCREEN, & MORE & MUCH MORE • LOTS INCLUDED! GPS/SOUNDER COVERS • WALK-AROUND TARGA TOP TOP 10.15% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* / 11.58% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* DISCLAIMER: *REPAYMENT AMOUNT SHOWN THE WEEKLY EQUIVALENT A MONTHLY INSTALMENT 10.15% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* / 11.58% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* DISCLAIMER: *REPAYMENT AMOUNT SHOWN IS THEIS WEEKLY EQUIVALENT OF A OF MONTHLY INSTALMENT OF (A)$37 (B)$93 (C)$113 (D)$109 (E)$49 (F)$109 (G)$120 (H)$150 (I)$159 (J)$197 (K)$292 (L)$425 (M)$494 (N)$379 (O)$425 (P)$463 (Q)$243 (R)$312 (S)$341 (T)$386 A DRIVE AWAY (A)$7,150 (B)$18,550 OF (A)$37 (B)$93 (C)$113 (D)$109 (E)$49 (F)$109 (G)$120 (H)$150 (I)$159 (J)$197 (K)$292 (L)$425 (M)$494 (N)$379 (O)$425 (P)$463 (Q)$243 (R)$312 (S)$341 (T)$386 DRIVE AWAY PRICE OF (A)$7,150 (B)$18,550 10.15% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* / 11.58% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* DISCLAIMER: *REPAYMENT AMOUNT SHOWN IS AT THEA AT WEEKLY EQUIVALENT OF AOF MONTHLY INSTALMENT 10.15% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* / 11.58% PA INDICATIVE INTEREST RATE* DISCLAIMER: *REPAYMENT AMOUNT SHOWN IS THE WEEKLY EQUIVALENT OF APRICE MONTHLY INSTALMENT (C)$22,590 (D)$21,790 (E)$9,990 (F)$20,990 (G)$23,990 (H)$29,990 (I)$31,990 (J)$39,590 (K)$58,980 (L)$85,980 (M)$99,990 (N)$76,590 (O)$85,890 (P)$93,690 (Q)$48,990 (R)$61,990 (S)$68,990 (T)$77,990. IT IS INDICATIVE

(C)$22,590 (D)$21,790 (E)$9,990 (F)$20,990 (G)$23,990 (H)$29,990 (I)$31,990 (J)$39,590 (K)$58,980 (L)$85,980 (M)$99,990 (N)$76,590 (O)$85,890 (P)$93,690 (Q)$48,990 (R)$61,990 (T)$77,990.

IT (A)$7,150 IS INDICATIVE OF (A)$37 (C)$113 (D)$109 (F)$109 (G)$120 (H)$150 (J)$197 (K)$292 (L)$425 (M)$494 (N)$379 (O)$425 (P)$463 (Q)$243 (R)$312 (S)$341 (T)$386 A (S)$68,990 DRIVE PRICE OF (B)$18,550 OF (A)$37 (B)$93(B)$93 (C)$113 (D)$109 (E)$49(E)$49 (F)$109 (G)$120 (H)$150 (I)$159(I)$159 (J)$197 (K)$292 (L)$425 (M)$494 (N)$379 (O)$425 (P)$463 (Q)$243 (R)$312 (S)$341 (T)$386 AT A AT DRIVE AWAYAWAY PRICE OF (A)$7,150 (B)$18,550 AND IS CALCULATED BASED ONINTEREST AN INTEREST RATE OF(I)$31,990 10.15% P.A. (COMPARISON RATE 11.58% P.A.), AND 60(N)$76,590 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS AND AN(Q)$48,990 APPLICATION FEE OF (S)$68,990 $395.

INTEREST RATE USED BASED ON AN ONLY ONLY AND (D)$21,790 IS CALCULATED BASED ON (F)$20,990 AN RATE OF(H)$29,990 10.15% P.A. (COMPARISON RATE(K)$58,980 11.58% P.A.), AND 60 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS AND AN APPLICATION FEE OF $395.

INTEREST RATE USED IS AN (C)$22,590 (D)$21,790 (E)$9,990 (G)$23,990 (I)$31,990 (J)$39,590 (L)$85,980 (M)$99,990 (N)$76,590 (O)$85,890 (P)$93,690 (Q)$48,990 (R)$61,990 (S)$68,990 (T)$77,990.

IT ISON INDICATIVE (C)$22,590 (E)$9,990 (F)$20,990 (G)$23,990 (H)$29,990 (J)$39,590 (K)$58,980 (L)$85,980 (M)$99,990 (O)$85,890 (P)$93,690 (R)$61,990 (T)$77,990.

IT BASED IS IS INDICATIVE AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL CREDIT RATING AND MEETING MANDATORY CREDIT CRITERIA. REPAYMENTS AND INTEREST RATE MAY VARY DEPENDING ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, FINANCIAL POSITION, CREDIT AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL CREDIT RATING AND MEETING MANDATORY CREDIT CRITERIA. REPAYMENTS AND INTEREST RATE MAY VARY DEPENDING ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, FINANCIAL POSITION, CREDIT ONLY AND IS CALCULATED BASED ON AN INTEREST RATE OF 10.15% P.A. (COMPARISON RATE 11.58% P.A.), AND 60 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS AND AN APPLICATION FEE OF $395.

INTEREST RATE USED IS BASED ON AN ONLY AND IS CALCULATED BASED ON AN INTEREST RATE OF 10.15% P.A. (COMPARISON RATE 11.58% P.A.), AND 60 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS AND AN APPLICATION FEE OF $395. INTEREST RATE USED IS BASED ON AN RATING, INFORMATION PROVIDED, LOAN AMOUNT AND LOAN TERM. OFFER AVAILABLE TO PRIVATE BUYERS ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST. COMPARISON RATE IS BASED ON A 5 YEAR SECURED FIXED RATE CONSUMER RATING, INFORMATION PROVIDED, LOAN AMOUNT AND LOAN TERM.CREDIT OFFER AVAILABLE TO REPAYMENTS PRIVATEAND BUYERS ONLY WHILE STOCKS COMPARISON RATE IS BASED ONCIRCUMSTANCES, A 5CIRCUMSTANCES, YEAR SECURED FIXED RATE POSITION, CONSUMER AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL CREDIT RATING AND MEETING MANDATORY CREDIT CRITERIA. AND INTEREST RATE MAY VARY DEPENDING ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL CREDIT AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL CREDIT RATING AND MEETING MANDATORY CRITERIA. REPAYMENTS INTEREST RATE MAY VARYLAST. DEPENDING ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL POSITION, CREDIT LOAN OFINFORMATION $30,000.

WARNING: THIS LOAN COMPARISON IS LOAN TRUE ONLY FOR THEAVAILABLE EXAMPLES ANDBUYERS MAY NOT INCLUDE ALL FEES LAST. AND COMPARISON CHARGES. DIFFERENT FEES LOAN AMOUNTS MIGHT RESULT LOAN RATING, OFINFORMATION $30,000.

WARNING: THIS LOAN COMPARISON RATE IS LOAN TRUE ONLY TERM. FOR THE EXAMPLES AND MAY NOT INCLUDE ALL FEES AND CHARGES. DIFFERENT FEES LOAN AMOUNTS MIGHT RESULT PROVIDED, AMOUNT AND OFFER TOGIVEN PRIVATE ONLY WHILE STOCKS RATE IS TERMS, BASED ON AOR 5 OTHER YEAR SECURED FIXED RATE CONSUMER RATING, PROVIDED, AMOUNT ANDRATE TERM. OFFER AVAILABLE TOGIVEN PRIVATE BUYERS ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST. COMPARISON RATE IS TERMS, BASED ON AOR 5 OTHER YEAR SECURED FIXED RATE CONSUMER DIFFERENT COMPARISON RATE. CREDIT CRITERIA, CHARGES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. YAMAHA MOTOR FINANCE AUSTRALIA PTY.DIFFERENT LTD.TERMS, ABN101 29 101OR 928 670.OTHER AUSTRALIAN CREDIT LICENCE 394553.

IN A IN DIFFERENT COMPARISON RATE. CREDIT CRITERIA, CHARGES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. YAMAHA MOTOR FINANCE AUSTRALIA PTY.DIFFERENT LTD. ABN 29 928 670.

AUSTRALIAN CREDIT LICENCE 394553.

LOAN OF $30,000.

WARNING: THIS COMPARISON RATE ISFEES, TRUE ONLY FOR THE EXAMPLES GIVEN AND MAY NOT INCLUDE ALL FEES AND CHARGES. TERMS, FEES OR LOAN AMOUNTS MIGHT RESULT LOAN OFA$30,000.

WARNING: THIS COMPARISON RATE ISFEES, TRUE ONLY FOR THE EXAMPLES GIVEN AND MAY NOT INCLUDE ALL FEES AND CHARGES. FEES OTHER LOAN AMOUNTS MIGHT RESULT A DIFFERENT COMPARISON CREDIT CRITERIA, CHARGES, CONDITIONS YAMAHA MOTOR FINANCE AUSTRALIA PTY. ABN LTD. 29 ABN101 29 928 101 670.

928 AUSTRALIAN 670. AUSTRALIAN CREDIT LICENCE 394553.

IN A IN DIFFERENT COMPARISON RATE. RATE. CREDIT CRITERIA, FEES, FEES, CHARGES, TERMSTERMS AND AND CONDITIONS APPLY.APPLY. YAMAHA MOTOR FINANCE AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. CREDIT LICENCE 394553.

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May 2019, Vol. 31 No. 7

Contents NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES Yamba 18 Ballina 20

LURE SHOW GUIDE

47

BOATING AND KAYAK

91

REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics 16 Black Magic Masterclass 61 Camping and 4WD 76 Cooking 71 Dam Levels 66 Freshwater 66 Fun Page 90 Sheik of the Creek 75 Tech Tricks 14 Tournament News 79 Track my fish 88 Trades and Services 86 What’s New Boating 96 What’s New Fishing 72 SPECIAL FEATURES

QUEENSLAND FISHING MONTHLY 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 Annie March Josh Dunn

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QFM’s Josh Dunn nailed this large flatty fishing the Gold Coast Seaway area throwing a ZMan 5” StreakZ. A Millie-Rose Robinson image.

TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 37 FIND THE DAIWA LOGO COMPETITION PAGE 78 Queensland Fishing Monthly magazine goes on sale the first week of each month (latest sale date 7th of the month).

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you’re super keen for one and can’t make it to the show, give the office a call the following week and we will be able to hook you up. It’s a free call on 1800 228 244.

We’ll see you at the show, or you can like Fishing Monthly Magazines on Facebook to see all of our show coverage.

ELECTION LOOMING The Federal election is coming up fast. If you don’t know the different parties’ stances on fisheries issues, there’s an easy way to find out – check out the Australian Fishing Trade Association’s Facebook page. It will be regularly updated in the lead-up to the election (18 May) with information relevant to anglers. Fishing Monthly and AFTA aren’t aligned with any particular party, but I think we can all agree that when we cast a vote, it should be an informed one.

AUST

Skimming the surface for flatties Fly fishing for barra part II

there’s always something new and exciting for me and I’ve been fishing for nearly 40 years and been in this industry for over 30.

The other side of the show that I find really interesting is the Social Media Hub. The show sets aside space for popular fishing social media stars to interact with the public and their fans. It’s great watching kids meet their YouTube and Instagram heroes.

It’s also interesting that some of them don’t want a bar of interacting with the public. Not that there’s anything wrong with not wanting to be involved, but some personalities only want to be a curated presence to their fans. I suppose that’s the world we live in now…

And, as always, we will have a super Fishing Monthly deal there for new or renewing subscribers. This year, it’s a limited edition StumpJumper. If

ION

Whitsundays 55 Ayr 59 Townsville 56 Hinchinbrook 58 Port Douglas 57 Cairns 57 Cairns NFZ 58 Lucinda 59 Cooktown 60 Cape York 60

the fish haven’t seen before – is pretty special as well. Our sport revolves around being eternally optimistic. You don’t find too many pessimists in fishing – no matter how they try to cloak it.

We love being part of that process at Fishing Monthly.

We love delivering you the ideas that may inspire you to try a new technique or a new area. We want to plant those seeds in your head that grow into ideas and that catch you more fish.

The Lure Show is one of them. You need to visit it before you die. And when you do, I challenge you to leave saying that you didn’t get any ideas from it. You won’t be able to.

Slightly easier is trying to limit your spend.

I try to keep mine under $500 each year. And I struggle.

From ultra realistic handcarved swimbaits to artwork for the wall or the lure box,

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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

Christmas in June – it’s Lure Show time.

All anglers should be excited about the Lure Show – held in Beenleigh on 1-2 June.

With the core of Australia’s lure designing talent pushing each other every year, you’ll find that trends and designs that come out of the show end up on your local tackle store shelves. It influences your lure fishing more than you realise.

For me, one of the great things about our sport is the quality time you get to spend researching, tinkering with and preparing your tackle.

It’s nearly as good as the time you spend in the late afternoon, after a long session on the water, standing around someone’s boat re-living the day’s action and bouncing theories around about how you can improve your catch the following session.

Of course, that feeling when you’ve rigged a new lure – one that you reckon that

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From the Editor’s Desk...

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Flathead

Start skimming the surface for flatties CAIRNS

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

When it comes to estuary surface fishing, the humble flathead flies very much under the radar.

Although this species is commonly targeted using small hardbody lures, vibes or sub-surface soft plastics, many anglers fail to realise the topwater fishing potential these fish hold. You only have to take a moment to study the eyes of a flathead to see they are built to ambush

prey and feed from below, making them the perfect topwater target.

While flathead aren’t the most appealing target species, any fish taken on topwater is special. When you cast out that popper or stickbait and work it across the top only to watch it get slurped off the penthouse in a flurry of white wash and foam, it’s hard not to get the pulse racing and the adrenaline pumping, no matter the species you are connected to.

So, how do you successfully target flathead on surface? It may seem

pretty obvious. Go find a sand bank with current and bait, maybe where you caught them before, and start frothing the water until you get a bite. While there is some merit to this, there are a few things you may want to think about before taking up the challenge.

Firstly, before you fish a location think about its makeup and structure. The most common place to flick surface for flatties is over sand flats and sand bars.

This is where they love to hide and ambush bait and also where you can access them in the shallow water.

There are plenty of shallow sand structures in creeks and estuaries, but not all will hold good numbers of flathead. I prefer sand flats that are bordered on the bank by

Sharp trebles are a must as flathead are big head shakers.

When you get flathead to the top, try to keep their head in the water, as they will thrash around and dislodge your popper.

Watching a flathead rise off the bottom and nail your popper really gets the heart going.

small mangrove trees with an opposing deeper water drop-off. These mangroves

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10

MAY 2019

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are not too dense, on sand not mud, and provide channels for the high tide to penetrate.

The reason I prefer mangrove-lined banks is that during high tide the water will flow into these mangrove areas, providing a safe haven for small fish, prawns and crabs. However, as the tide begins to run out, these bait sources are forced to move out of their mangrove safe havens and onto the flats where they are exposed.

Flathead know this and will wait until the tide turns, coming out of the deeper water drop-offs and up onto the flat ready for the food to come to them. This is why I prefer to target flathead on surface on larger high tides, as more water will bring in more bait. If the tides are too neap or the low tide is too high, water will not get into the mangroves enough or worse, stay in there keeping the bait from being exposed.

Obviously, there is no point chasing surface flathead on the top of the tide, as this is when the bait is protected on this type of sand flat and the flathead are in the deeper water. You want to be there at just the right tide height, when the water and bait is spilling from the mangroves triggering the fish to move onto the flats.

If you take the time to watch this type of sand flat during the run-out tide you will notice an increase in bait activity as well as an increase in bait predation.

This is where observation is important and a big factor for surface flathead fishing success.

Take the time to watch

what is going on around you. You want to see a presence of bait and more importantly, you don’t want them to be floating around calm and relaxed.

You want to see evidence of nervous schools of bait, flickering and scattering as the tide runs off the flat.

This tells you the predators are present and feeding.

The other reason why this tidal run is favourable is due to the water height.

As the tide runs off the flats, the distance between the sand and surface is reduced and this significantly increases your chances of surface fishing success. Too much water between you and the fish can make it hard to get

Walk-the-dog stickbaits are also very effective, especially when small baitfish are present.

Flathead that flathead to rise off the bottom. However, if it’s only a few inches you can

guarantee they will smack it every time.

The one sure-fire way to

It’s not uncommon to double up quickly when popping for flathead.

know when it’s not optimal tide height is when you get ‘shadowed’. This is where the flathead will swim directly under your popper or stickbait in full view but not rise up and take it. This is both awesome and gut wrenching to see, as you can see that big croc right under your lure following like a hungry dog, but it won’t seal the deal. This will tell you that you’re a bit early and the water is still a little too deep.

When surface fishing for flathead you can never fish too shallow water and if your popper floats you are in the game. You need to be flicking right up and even onto the sand, and start popping or walking your stickbait as soon as it hits the water. They can be in as little as an inch of water and are renowned for smashing your popper the moment it hits the water, so be ready.

The beauty about this type of fishing is once you find a good flat and get that timing right, you can put multiple fish in the boat very quickly. Like many forms of fishing, there will come a point in the tide when it all clicks, and the fish will turn on and this is what we anglers live for.

When it comes to choosing the gear for

this work, I cannot stress enough the importance of using light gear and light line and leader. A small 10lb spin combo is perfect for throwing light topwater lures a long way and also working those lures across the top. I recommend a very light diameter braided line, which will allow you a combination of strength and finesse.

More important is your leader, and you definitely want to use a high-quality supple fluorocarbon, which will protect you from being rubbed off by their sand paper mouths but at the same time provide enough stealth to not be seen, especially across the water.

Fishing over clear water and sand requires the line to be almost invisible, so this is vital.

When it comes to popper choice, I prefer to use cup faced poppers and the more noise the better.

I tend to start small with poppers around that 5cm mark and then work my way up to larger 8cm poppers, depending on the behaviour of the fish.

Larger poppers tend to have the advantage when the fish are switched on, as the larger profile makes them easier to see and throws a larger shadow.

To page 12

Larger poppers can be very effective when the fish are switched on.

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Flathead From page 11

Smaller poppers are better when the fish are a little shy.

The other advantage with larger poppers is they have bigger trebles, which makes landing those bigger crocs a little easier. Smaller trebles can

bend on the larger fish, especially when they shake their heads. For this reason, you want to have super sharp hooks at all times and regularly change them after several fish. Drag the treble across your skin after every fish and if it’s not pricking your skin change

fishing fix. It’s a great way to get the kids into lure fishing, as you don’t need to be super accurate or worry about snags, and it also teaches them to work

a lure. So next time you are cursing by a sand flat and all the conditions look right, take the time to scratch the surface for a flathead as it’s well worth the effort.

The typical flathead ambush position: waiting with eyes up.

Here small and large poppers worked a treat.

12

MAY 2019

it straight away. Fishing light can make it hard to set the hooks, especially when they swipe it off the top, so you need every bit of sticking power possible.

Stickbaits are also a top option and anything that walks-the-dog or has an erratic motion is the way to go.

In terms of colour choice, I always prefer oranges, yellows and pinks – colours that really standout. Flathead are sight feeders, so they need to see your lure. On the other hand, black lures also throw a good shadow and a

dark profile will also help flathead to see your lure.

Typically, you will always snare the smaller males first, but the larger female crocs will be there.

As a general rule, I don’t boat anything over 70cm and release them in the water. I find if you stress these bigger ones out they will leave the flat and take the smaller fish with them, shutting down the spot for a week or so.

Surface fishing for flathead is an awesome way to not only target a bread and butter species but to get your surface

The author with a couple of stickbait snared flathead off the top.

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Tech Tricks

A bit more about baits for Moreton Bay PART TWO BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

With cooling conditions over the past month and colder conditions predicted for the next few lunar cycles, bay anglers will have their sights set on securing succulent snapper, mouth-watering mulloway or one of the numerous other tasty species that can be encountered within Moreton Bay this month. Other aquatic offerings at this time can include tuskfish, sweetlip, cod, bream, snapper, cobia, flathead and numerous others.

Following on from last month’s article where we looked at five popular bait styles using whole fish and fillets, this issue we will explore some other popular baits available to anglers, plus ways to present these baits that will heighten your chances of getting a bite and hooking up.

6 Some bait shops will source these fresh offerings straight from the trawlers, mainly for weekend trade.

Supermarkets and seafood retailers will also have fresh prawns available, but ensure you are only buying locally sourced prawns as using

along with the rod either hand held or fished out of a rod holder. This bait can also be cast out and hopped back as you would do with a soft plastic or vibe.

When fishing from an anchored position, prawn baits are generally fished a little different. There is a

green (uncooked) imported prawns for bait is now illegal since the outbreak of whitespot disease.

Presenting prawns well will greatly increase your chances of connecting with some quality fish. Fishing prawns on a jighead offers a great presentation when drifting, especially around areas such as the artificial reefs, rubble grounds and Coffee Rock.

The prawn is pinned on the hook with the lead head under the prawn’s head and the hook pinned through the second or third segment back from the head. This will allow the tail to waft up and down with the current or rocking of your craft. The head is held onto the lead head using a rubber band or a clear hair band. This bait is generally dropped to the bottom, wound up a metre or so and then allowed to drift

lot of debate as to whether you should have the hook in the head or the tail and I suppose for smaller species (such as bream) the hook in the tail could be more effective. However, when targeting larger specimens, such as mulloway, snapper and the like, this is not as important.

I prefer to have the hook penetrating the first or second joint behind the head with the point exiting under the head. The leader is then half-hitched around the end of the tail so that a bait can be cast and fished in reasonable current without falling off the hook.

Obviously the fresher the prawns the tougher they will be. A 3/0-5/0 octopus or baitholder pattern hook is ideal for pinning prawns in this manner.

For species such as sweetlip, bream, smaller

7 6. PRAWNS One of the more popular baits available to anglers is the humble prawn. We love consuming this tasty crustacean and so do most species of fish. A broad array of bay species will eat prawns and I have readily found them in the stomach contents of tuna and mackerel as well as demersals such as snapper, mulloway, bream, flathead and many others.

Although the humble servo frozen prawn may still entice scavengers such as bream, quality fresh prawns will definitely produce a much better quality fish.

For those with a cast net and a good idea of where to find banana and greasy prawns, securing some prime bait will not require too much effort. For others, purchasing quality fresh prawns is the only option.

14

MAY 2019

snapper and the like, a chunk of prawn tail offers a great bait. This is commonly fished on a short shanked hook (such as an octopus pattern) that can be well hidden inside the chunk with just the point exposed. One decent sized banana prawn can produce several quality baits, with the head often discarded or used for berley.

7. SQUID AND CUTTLEFISH

Both of these cephalopods offer anglers a great source of bait. Squid are common offerings anywhere that sells bait, as well as from quality seafood outlets. Fresh is always best, but frozen is also very good. Cuttlefish are a lot harder to source and will probably only be found at some seafood outlets. Squid and cuttlefish can be caught in Moreton Bay and many anglers will go to the effort of securing these with the intention of later using them for bait targeting snapper, mulloway, sweetlip or other species.

Small, whole squid (such as bottle squid) can be presented on a two or three hook snelled rig. This offers great presentation and

8

hooking potential. The size of the snelled rig and the hooks will depend on the squid that you have. Ideally you will want the bottom hook of the rig in the head of the squid and the top hook in the hood (pointed end). A third hook (if desired) will be embedded through the tube between these two.

A head from a larger squid can be fished with a single octopus pattern hook through the middle.

Some like to remove the two candles (long tentacles) to prevent them tangling around the main leader, but I leave them on to give the pickers something to chew on while that big wary, knobby gets up the courage to inspect and engulf the bait.

A long strip of squid from a larger specimen can also be fished on a snelled hook rig. I like to cut a long, triangular shaped piece and then fold it over with the inside of the tube facing outwards.

Then I pierce the hooks through both thicknesses of the squid to offer a long chunky bait. Additionally, this thicker bait is less likely to roll up into a ball with the hooks fouling.

A smaller strip of squid can be fished on a single hook, with a 2/0-4/0 baitholder pattern being the ideal choice. This bait is ideal for the smaller snapper, sweetlip and other species. Putting the hook all the way through the bait until the hook eye passes through the flesh entirely and then pinning it back through two more times will prevent the bait bunching up on the hook. Small strips of squid threaded onto a no. 4 or no. 6 long shank hook is an ideal offering for big winter whiting. A strip bait has good movement in the water, is easy for the fish to mouth and is also a relatively tough offering.

8. GUT A lesser used bait is gut.

Mullet gut and fowl gut are available from most bait outlets, however, gut from most fish species can be used.

Despite being a relatively messy bait to deal with, gut can be quite effective.

It has good movement in the water. When the pickers are attacking it, plenty of natural berley and flavour is emitted.

An octopus or baitholder pattern hook can be used to present gut baits, and larger gut baits may even allow you to use a two hook snelled rig.

Gut from your catches on one trip can be used for the next trip. Fowl gut is usually from grain fed battery cage chickens and as a result the intestines are filled with a fine grain concoction, which makes excellent berley once the pickers start munching. The berley and the commotion from these smaller fish will attract any larger knobby, bream, sweetlip or other species lurking throughout the area. Although probably not the ideal bait for mulloway, species such as snapper, large bream and cod love fresh gut bait.

9. CHICKEN FILLET An effective bait that often isn’t even considered is chicken fillet. This clean white, relatively tough flesh is decent bait for many demersal species. Bream in particular love chicken fillet. Small strips of chicken fillet can be pinned on a single baitholder style hook to target these, as well as sweetlip and many other species. Larger strips of chicken fillet can be presented on a snelled hook rig (or ganged hooks if you prefer) for targeting snapper and others.

Many anglers like to soak their chicken fillet in tuna oil, garlic or aniseed, especially when bream are the target species.

Obviously chicken fillet is easily sourced from any

Tech Tricks supermarket and can be a good option for that last minute trip when the bait shops have already closed.

10. CRABS A bait that is underestimated and underused is crabs. Most species of crabs make ideal

size limits for the species and you must be within your bag limit.

Sand and blue swimmer crabs can be split or broken into smaller pieces when being used for most larger species. However, anglers that target the large

large hook that is generally pierced through a leg hole and then back through the softer, upper side of the shell (which has already had the carapace removed).

Smaller whole dead crabs, such as the purple and black rock crabs, ghost crabs

tuskfish will often use a whole blue swimmer, or three spot crabs. Most of the tuskies they target are in excess of 8kg and pull like a freight train, however, smaller tuskfish will also break up and engulf such a bait. Broken pieces of crab can be pinned on a single

and others, can be hooked in a similar manner by removing one leg, pinning the hook through and then pushing the point back out so it is proud of the carapace.

For presenting a whole live crab there are a couple of different options. A hook can be glued to the top of the

shell using hot melt glue or some other fast setting glue or silicone. This is usually done so that the point is placed upright in the middle of the shell. Crabs can be caught the day before, kept alive with the hooks already glued in place and then attached to the leader and deployed at will.

Another method for large dead or live crabs is to use a two hook snelled rig and attach the hooks to each side of the crab using rubber bands onto the carapace or around the legs. Several smaller rock

crabs or soldier crabs can be pinned consecutively onto a baitholder pattern hook.

Crabs make ideal baits for a host of species, it just often takes a bit of effort beforehand to gather them for a session on the water. If you want to target tuskfish, then they are the number one bait for this species.

Cod also favour crabs over most other food sources and I have also had success on cobia when using whole sand crabs. Small crabs are great bait for large, peg-toothed bream and a host of other species to boot.

Hopefully this article will enlighten you to some new bait options and different ways to rig them. Getting away from just using frozen squid, prawns and pillies, which are the most common baits, will likely increase your catch rate. These trusty baits still catch you a lot of decent fish, but there is a host of other frozen and fresh offerings available.

You’ll need quality rigging to increase your chances when using any bait. Try a few of these out next time you go out to get amongst them.

9 baits for a host of species including snapper, tuskfish, big bream and cod. You will need to be aware of the relevant size limits that apply to many species of crabs and which species you can take. Even though you are using them for bait, they must still exceed minimum

10

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15

Knot knowledge 101 NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.fishotopia.com

Good knot tying is one of fishing’s most basic and vitally important skills.

Sadly, knot failure is and will likely remain the single greatest cause of lost fish and gear. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the two most important keys to fishing success are a sharp hook and a strong knot. Everything else is secondary!

These days we have no excuse for not using sharp hooks every time we wet a line. Today’s hooks are lighter, finer, stronger and sharper straight from the pack than they used to be. But for better or worse, you still can’t buy a packet of strong knots!

Various clever folks have done their best to come up with nifty gizmos intended to alleviate the need for knots by allowing the attachment of a clip or snap directly to the end of your line or leader via a series of wraps and twists.

These things work, to varying degrees, but have never really taken off. Many are a tad bulky, and there’s also that nagging doubt in the back of the user’s mind about their

re-building our rigs – we might end up tying a dozen knots or even more in just a few hours of fishing. Every one of these connections needs to be as strong as we can possibly make it. Those same knots may also need to be tied as quickly as practical, in poor light, on a pitching boat, in the wind, rain or cold, and often with hands still trembling uncontrollably after our latest adrenalin-charged bust-off. It’s a big ask!

Knots fail for two main

failure is a little curly pig’s tail or corkscrew at the end of your line or leader where the hook, swivel or lure once was. Come on… be honest.

You’ve seen that accusing little bedspring in the end of your own line, haven’t you?

We all have. It makes you feel sick to your stomach and so it should!

The second, but equally insidious, form of slip failure is where one or more turns of the knot suddenly slide together, snug down or tighten

Not a huge mackerel this time, by any means, but strong connections are still vital for consistent success. the little melt spot and a partial curlicue shaped like a question mark at the bitter end of the broken line.

Interestingly, braided or fused gel-spun polyethylene (GSP) lines are much less prone to friction melting than monofilaments, but even more susceptible to total slippage.

If they begin to slip, knots tied in slick-skinned braid will often keep right on slip sliding away until they come undone, especially when lubricated

It’s at this stage of the encounter that a poorly tied knot is most likely to let you down. reasons; firstly, because they slip under load, and secondly, because they’re poorly constructed or designed in the first place – resulting in one strand effectively cutting another.

string on a Christmas present, but not much use for anything else. It’s worth noting, however, that the single overhand knot or ‘granny’ does form the starting point of many fine loop knots.

An overhand or granny knot will effectively halve the breaking strain of any material it’s tied in. In other words, form a granny knot in an undamaged length of 10kg breaking strain line and you’ve just turned it into 5kg line under a steady load. It may break even more easily – perhaps with as little as 2-3kg of force – if subjected to sudden, intense shock.

The weakness of a knot like the single overhand hitch lies in its internal structure, and the fact that, within the knot, one strand crosses over another strand at right angles.

Under load, one of these strands becomes the knife and the other the butter. The result is as inevitable as it is predictable… Ping!

In the next issue we’ll continue our examination of what makes a good knot and look at some basic rules of knot tying that will stand you in good stead, no matter where you fish, what gear you use or which species you chase.

Don’t miss it!

No room here for knot failure! A big black jewfish or northern mulloway fights all the way to the boat.

We’ve all seen it… that accusatory pig’s tail or bedspring coil at the end of our leader that screams ‘slipped knot’! actual strength and reliability under practical fishing conditions. So, for most of us, the need to tie knots remains… sometimes, lots of knots.

During a big session – when we’re losing tackle to fish and snags hand over fist, or constantly modifying and

Knot slippage takes two catastrophic forms. At its most extreme, the knot simply slips completely undone, with the tag end or tail sliding all the way back through the various turns and twists under pressure until the whole thing lets go.

The tell-tale sign of total slip

up fast enough under load to momentarily create an intense friction hotspot. In nylon and fluorocarbon lines, this friction can literally melt the outer skin of the mono.

Causing an immediate knot failure or – perhaps even more gut-wrenchingly – a serious weak spot that will let go later in the fight, most likely as you strain to bring that catch of a lifetime the final few metres to net or bank.

It’s harder to identify the forensic evidence left by a friction slip failure, but if you look really closely (perhaps using a magnifying glass) you may actually be able to see

with water. So, a braid connection capable of resisting dry testing can sometimes let go underwater when subjected to severe loading. This is a trap for newcomers to these lines, and helps explain some of the myths that have emerged about all sorts of ‘special’ knots being required when using braided lines. In truth, you don’t need to tie ‘special’ knots in braid… just really good ones!

Knots that cut themselves under load are also bad knots.

The classic example is the single overhand or so-called ‘granny knot’. This is a passable hitch for tying the

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MAY 2019

2019 Open for registrations

The 2019 Fitzroy River Barra Bash, Australia’s richest barramundi fishing tournament, is now open for registrations

Advertorial Anglers will be vying for a share of $20,000 guaranteed cash and prizes on offer at the Rockhampton event, which runs from 23-26 May, 2019 and limited spaces are available.

Frenchville Sports Club in Rocky are proud to conduct this prestigious event, and Club General Manager Damien Massingham said that the 2019 event will be bigger and better with the introduction of a number of new initiatives.

“In addition to the actual 2-day barramundi tournament, the event this year has three new exciting additions – a Family Fishing Competition, Family Fun Day at the Club and Iron Jack Ambassador, Nick Cummins aka the Honey Badger will be the event’s special guest.

“This year the competition is thankful to have the support of both the Queensland Government and the Rockhampton Regional Council for the 2019 event.”

Barry O’Rouke, representing the Minister for Tourism Industry Development the Hon Kate Jones MP, said the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland is delighted to support the 2019 Fitzroy River Barra Bash.

“Three years ago, the State Government ended net fishing in the Fitzroy River with the aim of increasing recreational fishing opportunities and thereby supporting tourism and economic growth,” she said. “This event aligns with our strategy to build visitation and economic growth via tourism for Central Queensland.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow said the council is thrilled to support the 2019 Fitzroy River Barra Bash and its aim of increasing tourism to the Rockhampton Region.

“Our Advance Rockhampton team has worked hard to build awareness of our Recreational Fishing Voluntary Code of Practice so we are delighted to see events like this further promote how great it is to fish in the Fitzroy,” she said.

If you are a fun-loving family, the 2019 Fitzroy River Barra Bash is the place to be! Free for

members and their families to fish and enjoy, there’s a full day of fun planned! The Family Fishing Competition kicks off at 6:00am, with free entry and a bounty of prizes, including Biggest Barramundi and Mystery Length Barramundi.

You don’t need to fish to be a winner though!

Everyone attending the Family Fun Day has the chance to WIN a new boat, a Polycraft 410 Challenger valued at over $24,000, by purchasing a raffle ticket which are now available from the Frenchville Sports Club Reception.

After the competition, you can join in the fun at Ryan Park for a full afternoon of entertainment and fun, with food stalls, live entertainment, activities, and prizes to give away, including the major boat giveaway being drawn.

For all the details, and to book you and your family’s spot, go to www.fitzroyriverbarrabash.com.au

Mum, Dad, Kids and Friends, it’s time to throw in a line and see how you measure up in the Fitzroy River Barra Bash Family Fishing Competition!

Kicking off on May 26, entry is free and there is over $3,000 in cash and prizes to be won!

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A very exciting time for anglers YAMBA

Dave Gaden

This month sees the change in the season as far as water and air temperature is concerned

Middle Wall of a night time would be one of my favourite spots for chasing these guys. Anchoring up over your favourite hole just before dark and consistently berleying will have you getting sore hands

two hours of run-in will return your efforts with a nice feed of good flounder and dusky flathead. I like to drift this area using prawn bait for the flounder, and whitebait for the flatties.

Offshore this month there is the real noticeable

interested in whales, but it is a significant event. The mackerel will hang around here right up until the whales arrive, and sometimes they can be really on the bite and leave as the big mammals cruise north.

The upside is that with

Cody, 9yo, with a lovely spotted mackerel from a recent charter.

10m behind you can be smashed up by the big cobia that was swimming

with the whale. The only downside is that you need to make a decision as to

Khye, 13yo, took this nice mulloway all by himself, and it was a real battle for him. in our part of the world.

This is an exciting time for anglers, as it means most fish are getting ready for the winter spawn and gathering in greater numbers, consequently making them easier to find and catch.

In the estuary we should see bream numbers really grow around the bottom end of the river, and the

from taking so many fish off the hook.

Further upstream around Browns Rocks will have good fish all day on top of the reef. You will lose a bit of gear here, but some great fish will be caught, even in the middle of the day. Heading up from there, the channel between Turkey and Palmers islands on the last hour of run-out and first

Simon ‘Bags’ Birchell with a thumping mahimahi. This month will be your last chance to get one of these. change. Every year for the last 12 years I have seen the first whales arrive here on either 14 or 15 May. I know a lot of you aren’t actually

the whales we get the cobia cruising with them.

Sometimes you can have a whale swim past the boat, and if you flick a live bait

A very satisfying bag of tuskfish, with other assorted thrills. Bags like this will be common in May.

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MAY 2019

whether you keep a wire trace on in case of a spotted or Spanish mackerel, or go without it to increase the chance of a cobia hook-up.

All I can say is good luck!

This month offers great reef fishing, as all

the quality fish seem to come back into the reef.

Plumbago and Red Cliff to the south will have nice snapper in anywhere from 10-35m of water.

Floating baits will bring the big critters unstuck.

Simmo with a prized pigfish from the wide grounds.

Pigfish are the author’s favourite eating fish.

Be prepared to adjust the weight to suit the conditions, as you need to get as slow a sinking bait as you can, being ever mindful of the horrid mutton birds that will do everything they can to feed up before they migrate north. This is a lot easier if you drift over the reef, as you can put a 1/4oz glow sinker right on the bait and still get to the fish.

Brooms Head Reef will have really good numbers of venus tuskfish and pearl perch on it this month. Try drifting in 40-45m of water with a standard paternoster rig baited with mullet fillet on one hook and a good piece of squid on the other.

Remember even in this deeper water to have one or two floaters out all the time, as even if they only take one fish for the day it is usually a good one.

With the water change we seem to catch all the not-so-common species this month. Gummy sharks are a great by-catch, as they fight like big snapper and are good on the plate.

They will be all over the reef this month, and more common than most people think in this area. Along with the gummies are goldspot pigfish, Maori cod, red big eye and Moses perch to name a few. With the exclusion of the red big

eye, most of the rest will be quality table fair.

For those who like to head wide offshore, this month is a ripper. A lot of the strong current would have disappeared and the grounds will be easier to fish. The northern grounds 19nm off Black Rock is a good hard bottom with lots of wire weed and holds everything including snapper, pearl perch, blue morwong and, my favourite, black spotted pigfish. Because of the depth, which is around 85-100m, I use a three hook

paternoster rig with up to 16oz sinker weight, and try to put three different baits on, such as a piece of blue pilly, squid and mullet. You will soon find out which bait is the best, but there will be many occasions where you will get a triple header, and then who cares!

Most years the FADs in NSW will be removed this month, so make the most of the first two weeks to get out there and get the last of the mahimahi. They really have been good this year, and are hard to beat as a fresh fish for the table.

The grounds up north around Black Rock and South Evans Reef will literally be trag city this month, so it’s well worth the drive, as they will be getting bigger and there will be enough snapper and the odd big mulloway mixed with them to keep you happy.

• If you are heading to Yamba or Iluka and would like to join us on one of our deep sea charters or need gear and advice, call or drop into my shop at Yamba Marina and we will sort you out!

Jesse Rowe nailed this chunky Somerset brawler trolling lures from his kayak.

NEWS

Not knowing rules results in $4000 fine Fishers are being urged to make sure they know Queensland’s fishing rules after five Sunshine Coast fishers were recently fined a total of $4000 for taking undersized fish.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said QBFP officers found the anglers with 150 undersize fish on Chambers Island in the Maroochy River on New Year’s Day 2018.

“The fishers had used a cast net to take the fish and,

when approached by QBFP officers, claimed to have no knowledge of Queensland’s fishing rules,” Mr Furner said. “We cannot stress enough that fishers have a responsibility to ensure they understand and are up-todate with Queensland’s fishing rules.

“Fishing rules exist to protect fisheries resources and ensure a sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren. That is why we passed our Fisheries reforms to give QBFP

officers stronger powers and increase penalties for breaching the rules.”

Queensland Boating & Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) District Officer Russell Overton said that ignorance is no excuse.

“In this instance, not knowing the rules has ended in a very costly day out,” Mr Overton said. “All of the fishers pleaded guilty in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court and were each fined $800 with no conviction recorded.”

When going through the catch, Fisheries Officers found 150 of the fish to be undersized. Image courtesy of Dept Agriculture and Fisheries.

The fishers had used a cast net to take their haul of undersized fish in the Maroochy River. Image courtesy of Dept Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr Overton said the case also highlighted the value of QBFP’s Fishwatch hotline.

“Officers responded quickly after a concerned member of the public called the Fishwatch 24-hour hotline to report suspicious activity on the island,” he said. “The call allowed the officers to promptly intercept the fishers who tried to hide most of their catch, which included whiting, bream and flathead, and flee the island with the rest of it.

“QBFP relies greatly on the community’s support to provide relevant and timely information relating to potential offences concerning our valuable fishery resources. People who suspect illegal fishing activity should report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. You should collect the registration details of the alleged offender’s car and/ or boat, and report this to the Fishwatch hotline, but don’t engage with the person, as

this can compromise an investigation and possibly your safety.”

For more information on Queensland fishing rules and regulations, visit www.fisheries.qld. gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores. You can also follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@ FisheriesQld). – Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries MAY 2019

19

Rain triggers bites from across the board BALLINA

Joe Allan

The north and south walls of the Richmond have been fishing well for bream over the last month. The pick has been south wall on the run-out tide.

over the wall anymore, try hopping blades and prawn imitation soft plastics down the rock face.

The beaches and rock walls around Ballina have recorded some good catches of late. The dirty water run-off from the storms we’ve had lately has really

and tested blue pilchards and metal slugs have been great during the day. In between, the tailor and some quality snowy bream have been showing up.

Offshore has been going well for mackerel, with these guys showing up later than expected. Trolling

The Starkey Family with a massive 155cm mackerel caught off Lennox Head.

Normally thought of as a saltwater lure, the 70mm Bassday Sugapen is equally as effective in the fresh.

Try fishing surface lures like poppers and crankbaits over the porpoise wall when the water is flowing over.

There can be some great visual action as the fish come from the depths to hit your lures. As the tide gets lower and you can’t fish

stirred up the mulloway and they’re on the chew big time.

There have also been some tailor showing up in very consistent numbers, with the best spots being out the front of Boundary Creek and along the front of the Broadwater rocks. The tried

100-150mm divers seems to be working very well. Once you’ve found the active fish, try casting lures for them.

Out the front of Lennox Head, the 32-fathom line has seen good numbers of juvenile snapper and, surprisingly, good numbers

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of flathead around the edges of the reefs. Out wider there are also great numbers of quality amberjack being taken.

The bigger holes behind the town have been producing good numbers of mulloway, and this should continue as the water starts to cool down. Live mullet have definitely been the best bait, but you will get them on big soft plastics during the day. If you’re chasing the beasts, the best fish have come on the making tide during the night.

You will find some big flathead will come along as by-catch, and these guys are in the holes chasing anything that comes in front of their faces. Just remember, the big girls are the breeders, so please put them back. Once they get big they’re not that nice to eat anyway. A couple of snaps before quickly returning them back into the water will go a long way for future stocks of flathead.

It’s great watching a big crocodile swimming back down to the depths.

Crabs have been around in really good numbers.

The dirty water around the Easter break has definitely stirred things up a bit, and this should continue over the next month or so. Try mostly upriver from Pimlico

towards Wardell. The best baits are whole mullet or mullet frames. One little secret from an old local crabber I got is save your luderick frames and use

spinnerbaits, as this size really pushes some water and gets the attention of any fish in the vicinity. One cool thing about the dirty water run-off coming out

A solid pair of mud crabs caught around Pimlico Island using mullet for bait. them for crab baits. The oily frames seem to bring good numbers in.

Freshwater stretches of the river have been fishing well for bass. Big spinnerbaits with gold willow blades are producing the best numbers, along with chatterbaits. Try 1/2oz

of the drains is you can actually fish some pretty big topwater baits during the middle of the day! The dirty water makes the bass a lot less skittish and more aggressive. If you can get onto a pattern like this, try a bigger topwater bait to get their attention.

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A nice healthy bass caught on a Bassman jig with an Atomic Prong trailer.

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A change in season turns it on for fishos THE TWEED

Anthony Coughran

Great numbers of pelagic species finally graced our shores in autumn, and most anglers have been taking full advantage of this. We’ve been seeing great numbers of jacks and trevally this season, and they are still being taken in the estuaries. The high barometric pressure and rainfall has finally fired up the bass.

The summer is over now though, and winter is coming. That said, we’re seeing a blend of summer pelagic species overlapping with our winter species, and it’s such a great time to be fishing. Snapper and mixed reefies are already starting to show up, and are mixing with the summer pelagics.

Flathead are starting to move up into the skinny water and chase the summer whiting in most estuaries.

We are already starting to see the early morning westerlies, which has everyone excited for some trips offshore.

OFFSHORE The early morning westerlies are making for

Dean Swift with a solid Spaniard taken on a close reef off Tweed. great conditions offshore at first light. Once the southerly kicks in, it’s really firing up the mackerel, and Tweed has seen a reasonable late run of Spaniards and spotties this season. Trolled baits and hardbodies, float lines and cast stickbaits or poppers have all been working over the last month.

At this time of year, however, I like to sit in a

current line in front of a reef, berley hard and send out pilchards under floats or balloons. This will drag any mackerel up from the reef and into your berley trail.

While waiting for your drift line to go off and your floats or balloons to bounce, it is always a great idea to work plastics and drift baits in that berley trail, as this should see you put a good

mixed bag of reefies on the boat as well.

There’s still the odd billfish, wahoo and mahimahi out wide. Try the 24s, 36s, 50s, and the 150 and 200m lines. You will also find the odd Spaniard out on the 36s responding to live baits.

A few packs of yellowfin and longtail have been found around the close reefs. Metals and slugs, trolled hardbodies and trolled skirts have been doing all the damage on these barrels of fun.

Mixed reefies like snapper, tuskfish, pigfish, Moses perch and pearlies are starting to take advantage of the slowing currents and are moving up onto the reefs.

Micro jigs, plastics, drift baits and bottom baits are all producing a wide variety of mixed reefies.

For those wanting fresh bait, there’s still plenty to go around. You’ll find bonnies at Kirra, Snapper, Point and 10 Minute reefs. Those wanting yakkas will find them at Kirra, Snapper, Point, 10 Minute and Kingy reefs, Cook Island, Kirra bait grounds, the desalination plant and the yellow marker. Slimies are thick at Palmy and Kirra bait grounds, while pike can be

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ESTUARIES The storms over the last month have given the systems a good shake up and has bait moving around.

This has the river predators moving looking for a feed.

Mangrove jack have been schooling up around the rock walls for spawning.

Most jacks that aren’t spawning on the full and new moons are feeding up hard. This time of year they aren’t fussy either. They will take anything from live bait to large dead and strip baits.

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Whatever bait or lures you use, be sure to bring the big gear, as you won’t stop any models around that 60cm on anything under 50lb braid and 80lb leader. Most live bait fishers are now using 100lb leaders and are still only stopping about one in every three.

The mulloway are starting to show up in the rivers again, and river mouths and deeper holes are starting to produce some good models. Vibes, blades and plastics are good artificial options, while both live and dead baits work really well in the holes and

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along the rock walls.

There’s still some good sand whiting around. They are starting to drop off the sand banks and move into the deeper channels. Yabbies

males are trying to get one last feed before heading for their holes. For this reason, soaking a pot up in the mangroves in the upper systems may see you with

A solid late season jack rounded out this fantastic bag of whiting and flathead. and worms are great baits, while small plastics and blades are working well for the lure anglers.

Flathead are starting to move from the mouth of the rivers and push back up into the skinny water to feed up on the leftover whiting still sitting on the sand banks.

Fishing well-presented plastics, trolling hardbodies, working vibes and blades and drifting with yabbies will see you boating a few nice flatties in the skinny water.

Bream are starting to school up. Small plastics, hardbodies, surface lures, blades and drift baits will start working better as the month goes on.

May is normally the start of mud crab hibernation, however, this time of year is normally when the big

the odd bigger full crab.

Blue swimmers are moving around at the moment. Most systems are producing good numbers on nighttime high tides around the full moon. Working

sandy bottoms in 2-5m next to large weed beds is producing bigger crabs in better numbers.

BEACHES You’ll find some really good gutters after the big swell, and they are all producing at the moment. Fishing a high tide at first and last light around these beach gutters, as well as gutters around the headlands, with metals, whitebait, pilchards, beachworms, pipis and plastics has been productive. Those fishing in this way have found some good dart, tailor, the odd bonito, mac tuna, bream, whiting and flathead.

Nighttime highs should also be starting to produce the odd mulloway. Try soaking a whole worm or whole pike in those deep gutters if you’re chasing big mulloway.

SWEETWATER The bass closed season starts this month, so it’s best to give the river fish a rest until September.

Clarrie Hall Dam, which is open all year, is fishing best at daybreak at the moment, and pushing up the rivers and creeks that flow into the dam will see your catch rate climb this month.

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The soapies are starting to school up, and Scott Isaacs scored two the same size just minutes apart on blades.

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WHAT’S AHEAD The summer species will slowly start to fade into the background as they keep moving on their migration.

As the current starts to slow the winter species will start to move in. The pelagics slow right up and the snapper, mixed reefies and kingies will be moving onto those close grounds.

Jacks in the estuaries will start to play second fiddle to mulloway, as they start to shut down for their hibernation period, so anglers are having to start changing their tactics. The jacks will go off the bite as the water temperatures cool down, but the mulloway will start to move around CRUSADER and feed up with that cooler water.

Bream and diver whiting will really start to school up as the temperature drops, and the tailor will start to do their annual migration up to Fraser.

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Get into some transition fishin’ SOUTHERN GOLD COAST

Mark Ward markward222@bigpond.com

It’s a change of species, techniques and locations for a lot of anglers this month. The flathead and bream fishing

really fires up in the estuary, tailor will start to show up with more regularity on the beaches and big bass will be

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the target in the dams.

ESTUARIES There have been lots of big flathead caught throughout summer but with the cooler water, the smaller fish start to be a lot more active. Whether it is bait or lures that you prefer, the flathead will be around in good numbers.

The only things you need to guarantee a good flathead session are clear water, cool water and baitfish. On the Southern Gold Coast, all three often work hand in hand. A good example is the incoming tide in Currumbin Creek. As the cooler, clean water from the ocean starts to flood the sandbars and weedy edges upstream from the bridge and canals, the baitfish follow this cool water and can be seen schooled up when the clean water pushes into the dirty stuff. Find this situation and you will catch flathead, but expect most of them to be little rats.

When the clean, cool water floods the weed edges and flats where the flathead like to ambush their prey, it triggers them to be more aggressive.

Again, this is not a technique for targeting the monsters, but there will be plenty of action and a few pan-sized fish can keep it exciting.

Whiting can still be caught this month on the flats. It has been a great year for them with plenty of good size fish about. Bloodworms are by far the best bait, but yabbies and beachworms can also do the job. If you are lucky enough to locate some little pink wriggler

There will be lots of averaged sized flathead around this month. the canals for OS whiting!

Bream will begin to move into the river mouths as they prepare to spawn. They will still be found in the canals and around all the artificial structure, but the big fish will be a lot more common this month. Lure fishers can target them with hardbodied lures and well-presented soft plastics, but leaders have to be as light as you can get away with.

Bait angers who use wellpresented fresh baits will also do very well this month. Look for structure such as bridges, rock walls and pontoons and you will find the fish. Bream are a lot smarter than we give them credit for, so if you find good structure and don’t catch any fish, it is highly likely that it is you and not the fish that are at fault.

BEACHES The beaches fish very well

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worms you’ll do even better.

Whiting can be found on the flats but the canals are home to monster-sized whiting and these fish are largely ignored. There are a few locals who will kill me if I give their spots away, so do your homework, but don’t ignore

in early winter. There are a lot of bream that start to move around and catching a 1kg specimen in the surf is a great experience. They bite so well in the receding water and come out of the water as silver as the wheels on a Harley Davidson.

There will still be the

ever-reliable dart and some big whiting in the gutters this month. A gutter close to the shore is ideal and the dart also like a back-break that allows a lot of white water to cover the gutter. This gives them protection from the birds flying overhead.

Tailor will also be a lot more common this month and following the tailor will be the mulloway. The rocks at the mouths of the rivers and creeks have always been hotspots, as well as the gutters at night. The full moon makes fishing the beach a lot easier and nothing beats watching the full moon rise over the horizon, but the added benefit is that the fishing is actually better. This is especially true for mulloway.

FRESHWATER Bass start to slow down this month but that means that the anglers need to slow down as well. They don’t slow down to the point that they don’t bite, they just react a little slower and aren’t as keen to take a lure off the surface. I like to slow roll lures at this time of the year. Small paddle-tails are ideal and add a blade to it for a little more vibration and flash. The reward is often bigger fish.

With the water starting to cool down the fish can be found feeding on the edges early and late in the day but they are often schooled up while the sun is high.

A good sounder will find schools of bass in open water, and the majority of the time these fish are happy to bite all day as they school up. Again, this is often a slow bite and even slowly working a heavy fly line with a Clouser style fly will get results. So long as the fly can get down to the fish they will often be keen to take it.

Hinze has seen a few saratoga landed over the past month. These fish don’t like the cold so they might be feeding up before they go quiet over winter.

That should continue on this month before the water gets too cold.

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May the fish be with you!

GOLD COAST CANALS

Josh Dunn Instagram: @josh__dunn__

We’re finally starting to get those chilly mornings; those mornings where you’re shivering in your boat all the way to your spot, and once there you struggle to warm up your hands. I know I’m not the only one!

It’s a great time of year, where we get the

very tail end of the summer species and a taste of what winter has to offer. Tailor, mulloway, big bream, and juvenile snapper will be the main species anglers will venture out for over the coming months.

This cool weather won’t just bring out the winter apparel, but it will also bring out a range of species. This transition of season has to be one of my favourite, if not the favourite. There have been

numerous times in the past where you can go from catching big, fat, spawning bream out of the canals to catching tailor in the broadwater only a short

work in. Trolling around can be a perfect way to find fish, especially in areas that are known to hold good fish. When fishing for tailor, I’ve found deep diving lures in blue or white have been the best producers.

I usually like to sit at

Nothing beats a relaxing afternoon fishing in the Gold Coast canals.

Tailor will start to become active this month. Trolling and throwing plastics around rock walls is your best bet.

Large numbers of trevally will be getting around this month, it’s just a matter of finding them and finding what works.

drive out of the canals.

Tailor will be starting to show up, not in large numbers yet, but they can be caught if you put the

around 4 knots, with the lure around 20m behind the boat. This allows the lure to get down in the strike zone. I would certainly

recommend finding the perfect speed and how far the lure should be out, as different speeds will cause the lure to dive deeper, etc.

During the winter months when the tailor are peaking I will go more in depth on how to catch them.

For now, don’t be surprised to come across some decent bream in the canals and broadwater as they will now be spawning or soon to spawn. These fish love to sit in the deeper water as they can become shut down at times during this period. I find dropping metal blades on their head to be the best form of fishing, along with small soft plastics. I do

recommend a sounder for a better chance of finding schools of fish to target.

As the temperature starts to drop within the next month or two, we should see some good weather windows. Apart from the occasional rainfall (which is fine by me) there should be plenty of quality days on the water. Fishing is set to fire as we move into my favourite time of the year!

In conclusion, May is a perfect time with the transition between seasons, bringing a range of species with it. Therefore, be sure to make the most of every session. See you on the water!

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A truly great month JUMPINPIN

Mick Morris gembait@tpg.com

May signals the start of the cooler weather, which means the start of bream season. Fishing conditions are usually spot on, with cool clear days and plenty of fish on offer. This is one of my favourite times of year to fish.

Bream will be the main species getting caught at this

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Mark Hill with his PB marlin, caught not far through the ‘Pin Bar.

Big bream like this one should be on the bite in these cooler months. time of year, and while they are able to be caught all year round, you’ll notice that there are a lot more quality fish showing up as they gear up for their breeding season.

This time of year, big bream to over a kilo can be caught along Kalinga Bank, the deep hole off NE Crusoe Island, Short Island, Tipplers Island, the beach off South Straddie, the Powerlines and the Seaway.

The best baits to try are prawns, yabbies, herring, whitebait, chook and mullet gut, and flesh baits. Soft vibes, small plastics and suspending lures work well around pylons, jetties, rock walls or any structure where bream congregates. They hit lures hard and fight hard, so be prepared to muscle them out or you could lose some gear.

You can pick up the odd by-catch while fishing for bream, like trevally and juvenile snapper. Good catches of whiting can be expected too, with some big elbow slappers on offer during the cooler months. The best spots to try for a feed of whiting are Slipping Sands, Long Island, Tipplers Island, Gold Bank, Couran Cove and Alberton Sands in the Logan River.

Bloodworms are working the best, but they will take a variety of baits such as squid, prawns, chook gut, and even small soft plastics retrieved slowly along the bottom.

Winter whiting should be around in good numbers and are great fun for the kids as they are easy to catch and handle. You can identify them

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naturally as possible, as they won’t hit a spinning or poorly presented bait. Try around the top of Crusoe Island, Cobby Passage, the eastern end of Fishermans and Tiger Mullet channels and the Pandanus weed banks.

Tailor have shown up, but are still not in the numbers of previous years.

If they aren’t schooling up on the surface and busting up the schools of whitebait, then a few fishos have had some success dropping pillies to the bottom and slowly retrieving in the deep water just before the breakers. You could also try trolling shallow diving lures in the upper water

Trevally are a great by-catch when fishing for bream. by the dark spots along their flanks; they have no size limit but a bag limit of 50. Fish as light as possible using a no. 8-6 long shank hook with yabbies, worms, squid or peeled prawns. Try around the Green and Gold banks, Tiger Mullet Channel, the Bedrooms or Never Fail Islands.

Flathead should be available in good numbers for those chasing a lizard or two. Soft plastics are working really well on these ambush predators who sit and wait for prey to swim past, so twitching your lure erratically along the bottom is a great way to stir the flatty into a strike. When drifting with baits for flatties, try to present the bait as

column. There are a few late season marlin, mackerel and tuna still about not far beyond the ‘Pin Bar, so if you do head outside, try trolling or jig for a few livies on the bait grounds and fish the edges of the bait schools.

Banana prawn season should be coming to a close, but last year they were still about late in May, so if you love going for a prawn then let’s hope it’s another late season.

• 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 3287 3868 or email gembait@tpg.com.au.

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Fish it like it’s hot GOLD COAST

David Green

May is a transition time offshore and in our estuaries.

The drop in temperature sees some different species come on the chew, and we have a fun collection of hot and cold species to choose from.

GOLD COAST OFFSHORE The water temperature will drop at the inshore grounds and the big schools of black marlin that have been around through summer and early autumn will move on.

On the wider grounds beyond the 200m line, there should be reasonable numbers of blue marlin and this is one of the best months of the year to target them. Trolled skirted lures on 37kg tackle is the most productive method, although trolling teasers and switch baiting is also effective with experienced crews.

These fish average around 140kg, although quite a few are bigger than that. They make for a challenge from a small boat, and if you don’t lose them in the chaotic first few minutes you should be in with a good chance.

Closer to shore you’ll find wahoo and Spanish mackerel

this month. As the water starts to cool down a bit, the size of these fish gets a bit bigger and large, fat female Spanish mackerel turn up on the 24-Fathom Reef this month. Trolled baits, such as tailer and bonito, are very

effective, particularly when used in conjunction with a down rigger. There is also often a good run of big spotted mackerel in May on the close reefs at Palm and Mermaid beaches. Some of these fish approach 8kg in weight and

Kelly Wills with some handfuls of pearl perch. The 36 and 50-fathom lines are good areas to target for this species.

Mark Frendin with a fun whiting that he caught on a Sugapen.

can be caught on pilchards or by spinning with metal lures.

Wahoo should show up in numbers around the Tweed Nine Mile Reef in May. Trolling high speed,

heavy headed skirted lures such as Hex Heads is a very productive method at this time of year. Troll speed should be around 12 knots, so the lures are creating a good bubble

trail. Wahoo tend to bite best when the current is running hard to the south and the water is nice and blue and warm.

They also like trolled live baits, minnows, stickbaits and

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jigs. If you see nervous tuna schools or jumping long-tom it is likely that wahoo are in the vicinity.

You can also expect to catch mackerel tuna, Spanish mackerel and kingfish this May. Keep in mind that sharks can be a problem in this area at times.

As the current slows down and water temperatures drop, the bottom fishing off the Gold Coast improves.

The 36 and 50-fathom lines should start producing good numbers of snapper, pearl perch, samsonfish, parrot and teraglin.

In a bit closer to shore, the Cotton Reef and Sullies will produce snapper, teraglin, mulloway and tailor.

Mulloway numbers on the inshore reefs seem to have increased over the past few years and live baiting at night can be very effective. I like pike, slimy mackerel and tailor as live baits. Yellowtail seem to be an unproductive bait for these fish. It is also worth trying a large strip bait of tuna or tailor and sending it down with as little weight as possible. At times this will out fish live baits and can produce big snapper as well.

GOLD COAST ESTUARIES AND RIVERS May is a month of transition in the estuaries. As the water starts to cool and the first westerlies start to blow there is a lot of fish movement in the entrances.

Sea mullet start to congregate in large schools near the river mouths and quite a lot of bream move into the entrances of Jumpinpin and the Seaway in late May in preparation for spawning. There are often big schools of white pilchards and hardiheads in

Connor Frendin with a whopping wahoo. As the water gets cooler, these fish get bigger! the entrances and central Broadwater this month, and they should attract a variety of predators.

May is the first month of the year where I start chasing flathead. As the water cools a lot of fish start to move up onto the flats, and after being absent for several months the flathead start to feed quite aggressively. Most fish caught in May are between 40-60cm long and respond to a wide variety of methods, including trolling, soft plastics, soft vibes and blades. These fish can be found throughout the central area of the Broadwater this month, with the area between Crab Island and Tipplers Passage being a good place to start. Trolling the

Lucy Kelly had some beginner’s luck during her first fishing session. She was very excited to land her first fish, a quality flathead caught in a boat just off the main beach at Coochiemudlo Island. She was fishing a size 2 suicide hook and whitebait on 4kg line.

edge of shallow banks using small divers like the Lively Lures Micro Mullet is a good searching method. When you catch a few fish on the troll it is worthwhile stopping and casting once you have found a productive spot.

Mulloway are another fish to target this month. Most of the action takes place at the end of the north wall of the Seaway and around the mouth of Swan Bay near Jumpinpin.

Live pike are the number one bait, but tailor, slimy mackerel and yellowtail all work well in the estuaries. Tide changes and neap tides are generally the best conditions, and if the water is a bit dirty they often bite better on live baits.

Soft plastics, such as Gulp 7” jerkbaits, also work well but nothing beats a live pike.

Most of the mulloway caught this month are smaller fish, between 70-90cm. There has also been plenty of big mangrove jack around the north wall of the Seaway and they have been responding to the same methods. Some of these jacks have been over 60cm long and divers have reported seeing large schools in close to the rocks.

Whiting should be biting well this month and can be caught on yabbies, soldier crabs, worms and shrimp.

The sand flats in the Pimpama River, Coombabah Creek, the back of Wave Break Island and the lagoons south of the Jumpinpin Bar are all good spots to try. If you see small prawns jumping in the shallows it is worth trying for them on small stickbaits and poppers. Some of the whiting in May are big fat fish over 40cm long. As well as whiting, bream respond well to the same methods.

Overall, May is a great month to fish the Gold Coast and the weather is generally excellent. There are good options offshore and in the estuaries.

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Lots on offer for bay anglers SOUTHERN BAY

Nick Whyte

May is a great month for variety – tuna, squire, whiting, mulloway and prawns are species anglers will anticipate this month!

Longtail tuna have been around in good numbers in the northern bay when the weather has been good enough to get out there.

They are still yet to move to the southern end though.

There are also some good quality fish amongst them, with fish to 18kg reported.

Because of the size of the fish, they’ve been chasing larger baits with big plastics and 110-160mm

Richard Lucker with a decent mulloway. There have been good numbers along the walls and wharfs.

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stickbaits being a good starting option. The Fish Inc 115mm Flanker is a great lure on the longtail.

The fish have been north of Harrys, so make sure you are careful around the green zone in the middle of the bay.

The Brisbane River has been producing some nice fish of late. There have been good numbers of mulloway and good size snapper coming from the walls and wharfs. It will be worth soaking a live bait for a threadfin salmon, especially at night.

The majority of the bigger fish have moved back up river, so searching for them around the middle reaches will see the best results.

The mulloway and snapper have been coming on plastics and soft vibes with Zerek

Fish Traps producing the goods. Mulloway to just over the metre mark and snapper up to 70cm have been reported. Make sure you keep an eye on your sounder and look for the larger schools to target.

Zerek Fish Traps are deadly on mulloway.

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Squire have been performing well in the southern bay with pan-sized fish coming from Potts Point, Goat Island, South West Rocks and the sunken reefs at Peel Island. Light line will make a massive difference to your catch rate.

The best results have come throwing 2.5” ZMan

periods have been fishing best and producing the better quality fish when fishing these shallower spots. Keep your eyes out for the showering hardiheads as the snapper will be right behind them.

Winter whiting should show up in good numbers throughout the southern

bay this month. There have been reports already on most banks but the Pelican and Banana banks have been the stand out. Drift along the bank edges until you find a patch of fish and then do short drifts over the productive area or anchor on it. Best baits have been worms or long small strips of squid.

Prawns have been a bit patchy and hard to find in good numbers. Some people are getting their limit pretty easy, but most are working pretty hard. The smaller tides will produce larger schools that will stay reasonably stationery. When working the larger tides you have to move and chase the school with the tide. There have been good reports around the power lines and bottom of long island, with good prawns reported up around the salt works and Lamb Island.

There has been some quality flathead caught down around the Jumpinpin area, with lots of 60-80cm fish reported. Most of these fish have come from shallow water on smaller soft plastics or small trolled hardbodies. Some of the best performing area have been around Pandanus Island and the Never Fails.

Also worth a look are the areas close to the mouth of the Logan River. There has also been quite a lot of small chopper tailor around the ‘Pin area. These guys are balling up bait and chopping on the surface so it’s always a good idea to have a small plastic or slug rigged to cast at the surface feeding schools.

• If you have a great capture from the Southern Bay you would like to share, email them through to nick@ techfishing.com.au.

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With the cooler conditions well upon us, anglers will find the early morning starts a little harder to tolerate. However, the quality of fish on offer will usually be reason enough to don the warm clothing, grab a coffee and get the boat into the water. You won’t need to rise as early to get out before dawn and the welcoming sun peaking over the horizon will usually coincide with a solid bite period for those chasing snapper, mulloway, tailor and many other species.

Other serious options during

MARINE

WINDOWS

May will include luderick, prawns, squid, bream and numerous others. May brings colder conditions yet some hot angling action with a great variety on offer. Let’s explore some of your options.

SQUID A readily available, tasty angling target is squid. These are found in many areas throughout the bay and for those without craft they can be readily taken from many land-based locations. Areas where clean water flows over reef, rubble, rock or weed beds are great places to try.

For the land-based angler, areas around Manly Harbour, Wynnum T-jetty, Victoria Point jetty, Wellington Point jetty, Scarborough foreshore,

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Amity Rock Wall and a host of other spots are worth checking out.

Night sessions can be especially productive as the lights (which are common in many of these land-based locations) catalyses crustacean and baitfish activity. Which in turn will attract the squid that prey on this activity. Some use high-powered LED head torches to spot the squid before they even have a cast.

Egi (prawn profiled squid jigs) are generally presented to the squid and worked with a slow wind and pause or a series of hops and pauses.

Sometimes the squid will quickly pounce upon the jig and at other times they will be very cautious. Several jig changes may be required to get a positive response, if at all. The more pressure these areas get the more cautious the resident squid become, however there is always new ones coming to the area. Most of these areas are best around the higher tidal stages, but some anglers also squid well on the lower tidal influence.

Further out into the bay there is a host of locations where the boaties can score some cephalopods. The edges of most of the major channels, the shallows around the bay islands (Mud, Green, Peel, Bird, Goat, Coochiemudlo, etc.), weed beds along the western side of Moreton and Stradbroke Islands, the Blue Hole and many other areas will produce both tiger and arrow squid.

Even while drifting the flats targeting whiting, or around the outskirts of the bay islands chasing snapper, dragging an egi out the back will likely produce a few squid. The rod tip will slowly load up and then begin to pulse under the thrusts of the squid. Keep the rod tip high to absorb the lunges of the

squid and slowly wind in your prize. Keep constant tension (do not pump and wind like you would with a fish) and beware of the squids ink burst once it is close to the boat.

SNAPPER One of the favourite targets for a good proportion of bay anglers during the cooler months is snapper. Although available in Moreton Bay year round, better numbers of snapper are around during the cooler months. From April we often see numbers of larger snapper moving into the bay from offshore. These fish are usually hungry and will readily pounce on quality baits or a well-presented lure.

During May, big numbers of smaller fish also abound and outnumber these larger knobbies. While these small fish often seem to be in plague proportions, readily pouncing on all manner of offerings, handling and releasing them carefully after capture is important for the future health of the fishery.

Throughout May, cooling temperatures will promote activity amongst snapper at areas such as the margins around the bay islands, artificial reefs, wrecks and any patches of coffee rock, which will hold quality fish. Peel and Mud are popular areas where anglers can anchor and soak baits or cast and retrieve artificials such as plastics, soft vibes and minnow lures while drifting or under electric power.

These areas offer an array of differing soft and hard terrain, making the snapper and other species readily roaming and feeding.

Therefore, it is not that important to be on any exact spot. Getting an area away

Soft plastics and baits can produce some quality bay snapper. May is a great month to target these better specimens. from the crowds is often the best way to score larger fish.

Quality baits and rigging will go a long way towards scoring better fish (check out my article on baits in the April and this edition of QFM for some options).

For the lure anglers, a range of plastics (including jerk shads, paddle-tails, crustacean profiles and curltails) can work. Around the bay islands you will usually need a 1/6-1/4oz jighead and for the deeper water around the artificial reefs a 1/4-3/8oz generally do the trick. Fish plastics slowly with a wind and pause or with a hop, wind and pause retrieve. Mix up

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Tiger squid can reach some pretty respectable sizes and are a serious target for land-based egi casters.

your retrieve techniques on any given day until you see what works. Early morning and late afternoon sessions often produce some of the best opportunities, however I have readily experienced some hot bites during the middle of the day when the waterways are quiet. Those fortunate to get out mid-week will generally have the best opportunity to score quality fish.

MULLOWAY The bay rivers and estuaries will all hold numbers of quality mulloway over the next few months. These are a highly desirable species as both sport and table fish.

They will readily accept a wide array of lures and baits.

Live baits such as mullet, banana prawns, herring, pike and gar are ideal offerings, which the mulloway will hunt down once they detect their struggles.

Deep holes and ledges in the estuaries are ideal places to present these baits, especially towards the top of the tide.

Closer to the mouth of the estuaries will often produce some of the better quality fish.

Soft vibes, jighead rigged paddle and curl-tail plastics and an array of jigs can be used to tempt these mulloway.

Sometimes they will be taken on deep diving minnows (generally trolled) and fly fishers are also able to tempt them with deceivers, polar fibre minnows and numerous other baitfish-profiled flies.

Although they are more commonly deep in the water column, mulloway can be found close to the surface at night around the lighted areas which baitfish and prawns are attracted to. In many circumstances, this makes them accessible to land-

based anglers casting lures and flies. There are numerous areas in the Brisbane River, Logan River, Moreton Bay, Jumpinpin, Pumicestone Passage, the Pine River and other systems where mulloway are readily taken.

Quality sounders will often be your best friend in locating these silver beasts, however, anchoring and deploying quality baits along the edges of steeper banks, in deeper holes and adjacent ledges with put you in with a good chance, especially on a darkened hours of a rising tide. Going to the effort to secure quality live baits will heighten your chances considerably.

The artificial reefs in Moreton Bay often hold good schools of mulloway. The Peel artificial reef in particular readily produces quality fish although the sharks can often be a problem and will engulf any hooked fish. Soft vibes and an array of jigs are commonly used to target these fish, which generally

numerous land-based locations readily score them on live baits and lures as they migrate up and down with the tidal influence. Live baits such as mullet, herring, gar and banana prawns are ideal offerings. Contrary to what many believe, you don’t need to cast to the middle of the river to get connected.

Threadfin are often very close to the bank or patrolling the edge of the decline into the main basin.

They will rise and feed around lighted areas at night on the baitfish and crustaceans, which are attracted to the light. During May, threadfin activity should still be good.

With the number of metre plus specimens caught recently, anglers should be in for some exciting fishing.

Casting a live bait out from bankside structures such as the Colmslie jetty, Newstead Jetty, Gateway Bridge, New Farm Park, Mowbray Park and dozens of other areas along the river where you can access the water will put you in with

James with a solid Brisbane River threadfin.

This was one of several metre plus fish taken within a few hours on live baits. respond well to most offerings put before them. Often these fish can be sounded out as they patrol the grounds in schools. Many will not even cast until they locate the fish and position to put a cast in front of them.

Relocating the meandering school and placing more casts can hook subsequent fish.

However, once the sharks get in on the action you may as well give up, as you will just be feeding them with every hooked fish. As the water temperature increases, the number and ferocity of the sharks will wane somewhat and make it easier to score these quality fish.

THREADFIN During April the threadfin in the Brisbane River really started to fire as the prawns become more active throughout the system and the threadies starting to move further up the system with the slow cooling of the water temperature. I am not exactly sure why they head west, however threadfin always seem to be more prevalent in the upper reaches during the cooler months.

Anglers fishing from

a great chance, especially on an early morning or evening rising tide.

As threadfin show prominently on a sounder, locating them by using the side imaging is generally fairly easy in the Brisbane River, Logan River and other systems. I generally find they are fairly responsive to most offerings put before them at this time of the year. If you have never caught a threadfin then now is as good a time as any, even if you are only fishing land-based.

PRAWNS Since December we have had good prawning throughout many of the rivers (Caboolture, Brisbane, Pine and Logan predominately).

Not to mention Moreton Bay at Nudgee and around the southern bay islands at places such as the Saltworks, Powerlines, Jacksons Hole, eastern end of channel near Lamb Island and numerous other holes further south. There should still be a few prawns around at these southern bay locations during May, however prawns are a fickle creatures and can be in numbers one day and

gone the next. The size has been exceptional at times and I got my best ever bucket during a session in late March, with specimens to 23cm and plenty over the 20cm mark.

I was culling everything except large specimens as I went, otherwise my 10L bucket would have been full within 30 minutes of arriving.

It did take me almost 4 hours to get this bucket of beauties but was well worth it in the end. The prawns in May are usually quality specimens and it will be interesting to see how big they are this year as they were already predominately large a few months back.

TAILOR Although the best is yet to come, tailor will begin to show up in various areas as the weather cools. The Jumpinpin Bar area is usually fairly reliable and holds decent schools of tailor – mainly on a rising tide. Obviously the beach areas either side of the bar are also worth fishing and many will travel to the area in their boat and then walk across to fish the beaches.

Tailor schools can also be located around the Amity Point area, Red Beach at Bribie Island, the eastern facing beaches of Moreton and Stradbroke, Rous Channel and numerous other areas.

The Brisbane River will often produce some good tailor with the retaining wall at the mouth, around the Gateway Bridge pylons (mainly at night) and around any lighted jetties or other structures at night.

I have even caught them well upriver in the city reaches, proving they can turn up almost anywhere. The artificial reefs and the bay island shallows sporadically produce tailor. Early mornings will often see them in the shallows at Mud and Peel as they opportunistically smash baitfish such as hardyheads and gar. Jeays Reef Buoy at Mud generally always has a few in residence during the cooler months. Over the coming months their numbers will improve however every season is different to the last.

CONCLUSION Although you will need to rug up to cope with the elements during an early morning or night session over the coming month, the piscatorial rewards can be excellent. Whether you are into soaking baits or working lures there are plenty of exciting species to capture within Moreton Bay and the estuaries that feed into it.

The artificial reefs and bay island margins often fire during this time of the year and that next hookup could be a snapper, mulloway, bream, cod, tailor or even a school mackerel which are generally still around in limited numbers during the colder months. The only limitation to you catching a few fish is your willingness to get off the couch, rug up and get out there.

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Get your woollies out and hit the calm bay waters annual prawn run, and all a sudden anglers have been reaping the rewards of nature’s generosity.

NORTHERN BAY

Grayson Fong graysonfong@bigpond.com

With the NRL season in full swing, kid’s sport occupying your beloved weekends and an increase in times you wear your ugg boots, it’s not hard to feel the cooler weather is gathering momentum, which is pointing to what looks like a good winter on the fishing front!

Good reports have been coming from all corners of the northern bay, with Pumicestone Passage being on fire with squire and mulloway, and good bream and flathead coming out of the peninsula area and the lower reaches of the Pine River. The summer this year was recorded as one of the driest we have had for some years, meaning not only has the land been affected due to the parched surrounds, but the sea conditions have remained stable due to no foreseen rains flushing out our waterways. This all changed in the end of March with a good week of rains on the back of cracking

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been successful for lizards, especially when targeting tide lines and drop-offs, where they will be sitting.

Lightly-weighted mullet strips and live herring have been the local’s choice of baits, with the lure junkies selecting minnow-style plastics in 3-4” lengths to keep the flatties entertained. Using a heavier jighead ensures your plastics remains close to the bottom, with a ‘twitch-twitch-pause’ retrieve doing the most damage. Plastics include ZMan 4” Curly Tail StreakZ, Keitech 3” Easy Shiner and Castaic Jerky J 3” Swimmers.

BREAM After a solid autumn of bream fishing due to a great prawn run through Nudgee Beach, the Pine River and Deception Bay, numbers of good bream have continued over the last month, leading perfectly into their winter spawn. I know it’s maybe a little early to talk about

floating and suspending lures to great effect. Atomic Shiner 45, Pontoon 21 Crackjack 48, OSP Dunk 48SP, Ecogear SX40 and the trusty Cranka Crabs have been the destructive top order of the breaming team.

Light leaders around 3lb-4lb have also been popular due to good water clarity with some anglers, while playing the percentages game and opting to stick with slightly heavier leaders due to larger by-catch like tailor, estuary cod and squire kicking around might not be a bad idea.

Cooks Rocks has been the pick of the areas in the north, with a surface bite still happening in the cooler months. For the southern anglers, the mouth of the Pine River, Drury Point, Osbourne Point, North Reef and Shields St Reef have all been producing good fish, especially in the dusk and dawn hours. The early angler catches the fish!

Solid bream provide good fun, and numbers of bigger fish will be starting to show.

• D E TA I L I N G

7a

catching sized snapper at times during the autumn, which hopefully carries over to the cooler months.

In Pumicestone Passage, anglers have been getting good fish at the bridge in the morning and afternoon, with some good catches coming from The Ripples at Pacific Harbour.

Baits like squid strips and pilchard halves have been a favourite, with soft plastics like 4” ZMan DieZel MinnowZ, 4” Jerk ShadZ and 3” Fish Arrow J Splits working to great effect in the deeper waters.

Redcliffe Peninsula has been the snapper stalwart for the last 12 months, with boaties and kayakers getting amongst the regular action each weekend.

Prime spots have been North Reef, Queens Beach, Shields St, Garnet Rock and Otter Rock, with the morning being a popular time among our piscatorial community. Again, lightlyweighted soft plastics have been working best, with bait fishers also getting their fair share of action as well.

FLATHEAD Flathead numbers started a little sluggish last month, but have gained strength as water temperatures have started to decrease, making conditions ideal for this ambush feeder. Creek run-offs and river bends seem to be the best areas to pick up a few, with great reports coming out of Pumicestone Passage. Mission Point, the mouth of Glass Mountain Creek, Sandstone Point and Turners Creek Road on the incoming tide have also

Healthy snapper are cruising the peninsula, providing great sport. their spawn run, but good bream have been cruising around lately, with some anglers even getting great specimens on larger baits when targeting bigger species like snapper!

Let’s just hope they have found their home in the northern bay!

Hardbody lures have yet again topped the charts, with anglers using both

TIP OF THE MONTH Using your mobile phone calendar function to record fishing sessions can be a valuable tool when finding the best times to fish your favourite spots. Couple this with a downloadable copy of Queensland waters tide times for cross reference and you have an instant almanac for your adventures!

Continuing cooler days BRISBANE OFFSHORE

John Gooding

With the water temperature falling a little more this month, snapper start to move into most lines of reef east of the South Passage Bar. This sees them become the main target species for most offshore anglers.

The 29, 33 and 35-fathom lines along with Deep Tempest and the 42-Fathom Reef off Moreton Island will all see an increase in snapper

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The result of a five-way hook-up on amberjack. numbers as we move into the winter months.

This time last year saw the 29 and 33-fathom lines along with the smaller broken bits of reef between the two hold fish from early in the season. As the season progressed the 35s and Deep Tempest also started to fish well, with the quality of fish being very good all season.

Fingers crossed that this year is the same.

Floatlined (free spooled) pillies and fresh strip baits will account for most snapper and remember, fish as light as possible and a 30lb mainline in heavy enough.

On charter of late we’ve been catching our limit of amberjack most days and the majority of fish have been between 4-8kg, with the odd larger specimen. Most sessions have been fairly full on, but sharks have been a problem some days and have forced us to move off and find more fish.

Luckily we’ve found fish holding in a number of locations, and as long as we’ve had quality live bait the fishing has been good.

The one thing that has always amazed me is how different locations seem to consistently hold different average size fish. Some areas we fish seem to hold fish in

the 3-6kg range and only several kilometres away a different patch of reef will produce fish in the 8-12kg range. I suppose that’s just one of the great unknowns of fishing.

We’ve done a little bit of snapper fishing of late, usually late in the charter on the way home and it’s been promising. We’ve pulled several quality fish off the 33-fathom line and have seen some good shows on the sounder, even in the middle of the day. It all look promising for the season ahead.

Other options off the South Passage Bar this month include a few

Spanish mackerel in the Point Lookout area. If last year is anything to go by, they should hang around through the cooler months.

South of Point Lookout, Cathedral Reef should start to hold good numbers of snapper and the shallower reefs around Point Lookout will produce good mixed reef fish, such as tuskfish, Moses perch and pearlies.

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Neptune Marine Unit 1, 3361 Pacific Hwy Slacks Creek QLD 4127 Phone 07 3290 6370

Bluefin Sports 57-59 Musgrave Street North Rockhampton QLD 4701 Phone 07 4922 2211

Townsville Marine 943 Ingham Road Bohle QLD 4818 Phone 07 4774 3777

Bribie Boat Sales 143 First Avenue Bongaree, Bribie Island, QLD, 4507 Phone 07 3408 4621

Whitsunday Outboard Centre 1 William Murray Drive Cannonvale QLD 4802 Phone 07 4946 7286

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bluefinsports@bluefinsports.com.au

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woc@whitsundayoutboardcentre.com.au

Gold Coast Boating Centre 64 Kortum Drive Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Phone 07 5576 7388

sales@goldcoastboatingcentre.com.au A group of happy anglers with some amberjack and snapper. Snapper numbers will increase throughout this month.

MAY 2019

35

Cooler weather on the way NOOSA

Peter Wells

With the cooler weather finally starting to kick in we should see a good run of snapper on most inshore reefs.

As the water temperature drops the mackerel will start to make their way north and we will change the way we fish heading more towards reef style fishing and less trolling and casting slugs.

There will still be the odd Spanish around and in fact we quite often see the larger fish at this time of the year. Tuna numbers will still be good with plenty of quality longtail tuna in the bays and close reefs.

The exciting part is that this is the time of the year when we start to see those big knobby snapper appear also.

In saying that, some good specimens have already been taken on the outer reefs. Reef systems such as the Barwon Banks, The Hards, and the reefs off Double Island Point have all produced some great fish.

Other species on the chew will be cobia, Maori cod, venus tusk fish, coral bream, Moses perch and pearl perch, as well as the odd big red emperor in the mix. Most anglers fishing the reefs have found filling their live bait tanks full of yakka and slimy mackerel has done the trick when it comes to claiming quality fish.

Tom Coogan with a quality tailor. Surely it wasn’t long before it was on the table!

Fresh mullet fillets, bonito fillets, whole squid and pilchards have been the dead baits of choice. For those who prefer lures, soft plastics have been brilliant on the snapper, with the scented ZMan 7” Jerk ShadZ working very well. Micro jiggers are also claiming some good fish with flat fall jigs seeming to be the most effective.

Sunshine Reef and Jew Shoal have all been producing with good catches of sweetlip, snapper, tuskfish, tuna and mackerel. Sunshine Reef also has the added bonus of some great coral trout, with nice fish around that 5kg mark not uncommon. Fishing live baits hard to the bottom has been

the best way to target them.

To the south, the Gneerings have been producing well with a nice mix of reef fish.

Drifting this area is well worth the effort as there is plenty of broken ground to cover.

The Noosa River has seen some great whiting over the last month with the dog beach, the Gympie Terrace

stretch and the Frying Pan all fishing well on the incoming tide. Live worms, yabbies and peeled prawns have been the best of baits. The winter bream have also started to head into the river, as they get ready to spawn in the coming months.

These fish are great fun to catch on light gear and can be taken on a variety of lures and baits.

For the lure anglers, fishing the shadow lines of the pontoons with very lightly-weighted soft plastics, super light braids and light fluorocarbon leader is great fun and very visual, as the fish dart out to attack the lure. Being as realistic as possible is the key so if you overweight the plastics the fish will not bite.

Remember, a 35cm fish can be 20 years old and has probably seen a hook or two.

Another great profile is crabs with the Crusty Crab from River2Sea and the Cranka Crab both working extremely well.

Plenty of trevally are making their way into the river on the tides as the water temps drop and this will only get better.

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

36

MAY 2019

Finn was stoked with this solid snapper.

These fish go hard on light gear!

Mackerel numbers may drop as they head north, although quality fish are still around.

Prawn profile soft plastics have been accounting for good numbers of GT, golden, diamond and bigeye trevally.

Tailor will also be in the mix as the water cools.

Flathead numbers seem to get better and better every year, with more larger females being caught and released.

Soft plastics are perfect on the flathead and great for those just getting into lure fishing. Slow roll retrieves work effectively – making sure your lure is on the bottom.

In the Maroochy River the trusty whiting are in good numbers around the backside of Goat Island and the Black Banks with worms and live yabbies the pick of baits. There have been very nice flathead taken upriver from Chambers Island to the Bli Bli bridge.

Twin Waters has seen a few good trevally with surface lures getting the best action.

The Lucky Craft Sammy and Atomic Bulldog 80 are delivering the best results.

The Cod Hole has been good for a mulloway or two with the new moon a good time to target them.

For the beach anglers there are some reports of tailor schools starting to move up from the south. Pilchards and mullet are the prime baits, with the high tide in the evenings the best time to fish. Metal

slugs cast into the surf during the day have also seen some good results, with tailor and larger dart taken on the turn of the tide.

Whiting are in good numbers, and plenty of fish have been taken around Peregian and Marcus Beaches with freshly pulled beachworms or pipis.

The Marcoola to Mudjimba stretch is showing some perfect holes that will hold dart and whiting, with the bigger dart at the rear of the gutter on the top of the tide. The whiting will favour the last half of the run-out while staying in the closer gutters.

For the rock hoppers, Double Island Point has seen catches of longtail and mac tuna, as well as school mackerel. The best results have been on live baits, stickbaits and slugs. The Noosa National Park has been good for squire and sweetlip, with the odd cobia and mulloway also taken.

Yaroomba Rocks have also been good for mulloway, bream and tailor.

• Don’t forget to check in to www.fishingnoosa.com.au for all the latest up to date info on fishing and bar crossings. The knowledgeable teams at Davo’s Tackle World Noosa and Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle at Marcoola can provide you with the right equipment, bait and advice to ensure success!

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DROP INTO YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY BRISBANE (BAYSIDE) WYNNUM MARINE

NEWS

TTs acquires Platypus

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BUNDABERG BUNDABERG MARINELAND 95 Targo Street, Bundaberg P: (07) 4130 0500 www.bundabergmarineland.com.au

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Tackle Tactics has acquired the iconic A us tralian brand Platypus Fishing Lines, which has been producing quality lines in Australia for over 100 years.

HISTORY Platypus Fishing was started by George Ross, a Scottish rope maker, in 1898. In those days fishing line was made from twisted linen fibre and was essentially a small diameter rope. The reputation of Platypus quickly grew, and the business started on its journey to become one of the most popular fishing lines in Australia.

Platypus has always prided itself on innovation, producing Australia’s first extruded nylon fishing lines in the 1960s.

Realising the advantages of gelspun polyethylene braided lines, Platypus has operated a braiding plant for the last decade.

Unlike so many other Australian cultural icons, Platypus is still based in Australia, over 100 years later. And during this time it continued to update its materials and production processes, to take advantage of the latest technology to provide anglers with the best possible lines.

The business has thrived as it passed down through four generations of the McPherson family, with Stewart McPherson managing the business in recent years. Stewart will continue to work with TTs as a consultant.

A NEW CHAPTER Gareth Williams, the Managing Director of TTs, said the team are all excited

about the acquisition.

“Platypus products have been Australian made and owned for over 120 years, and it is our intention to carry on this tradition of manufacturing these quality products in Australia,” he said. “The acquisition includes raw materials, production equipment, and a selection of key team members with decades of experience with both the products and the manufacturing process.

iconic Australian brand and we look forward to continuing to supply anglers with a selection of quality, trusted, fishing lines.”

The product range includes monofilament line, braided line, fluorocarbon leader and monofilament leader, including such hugely popular lines as Pre-test mono, Lo-Stretch mono, Platinum braid and Game Leader. You can see the complete range at www.fishplatypus.com.au,

“We would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support of this

as well as news and catch photos on the Platypus Facebook page at www. facebook.com/platypus. fishing.lines.

Watch this space to learn about new products being developed under this proud new Australian partnership. – Tackle Tactics MAY 2019

39

Variety for the bay anglers HERVEY BAY

Dane Radosevic

Going off record we can expect the weather to start cooling down in May, which might come as a bit of a shock to the system for those who enjoy the more tropical conditions. With the typical cold southerly or westerly breeze up early of a morning, ‘gentleman’s hours’ starts are ideal, with the winds often dropping right off throughout the day.

This gives way to awesome glassy, calm conditions of an afternoon – offering many great fishing options throughout the bay.

The offshore reef fishing this season has been quite exceptional to date, with periods of good weather allowing anglers to explore the wider grounds – let’s hope for more good weather periods this month. Breaksea and beyond has been fishing incredibly well from most reports, with good numbers of mixed quality table fish including coronation trout, red emperor, sweetlip, red throat, tusk fish, Moses perch, hussar, nannygai, jacks and multiple cod species.

The shallower shoal country out to the 60m line is receiving the majority of the attention. Fishing these areas should only be made easier,

as we expect the current to start dropping off allowing for easier drift fishing opportunities. Fresh baits such as mullet fillets, pencil squid or slabs of freshlycaught (legal size) hussar and baldy bream have been scoring some of the better quality fish, often staying on the hook long enough to endure the pickers.

For those with the will to pump and wind from the depths, pearl perch and rosy

Wayne Parr with a stonker 7kg ‘rambo’ trout that took a liking to a well-presented live pike while fishing the gutters. jobfish have been a great target species, with some great pearlies to 6-7kg being caught from waters in the 100m+ area. If you’re not into winding up from these depths, then take a look into electric reels, as the deep dropping potential is endless

59 Torquay Rd, Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Ph: (07) 4128 1022

www.fishostackleworld.com.au info@fishostackleworld.com.au

40

MAY 2019

off the shelf, with plenty of ground to cover producing quality fish like flame tail and bar cod. Don’t write off the game fishing this time of year on the shelf, as we’re very fortunate to have a year round heavy tackle fishery producing blue, black and striped marlin.

Closer to port, the central bay has been drawing plenty of attention, with most crews focusing their efforts around the southern and northern

gutter systems. Unfortunately good fish numbers mixed with angling pressure has made for a very easy feed for the ever-growing shark population, so be prepared to move around to secure a feed for yourself.

Fishing to the west or east of the main reefs may result in less sharkings and has paid dividends for crews, with the better quality trout being landed from these less pressured areas. Tea bagging various soft plastics, micro jigs and livies have been very affective. Be prepared to have your offerings intercepted on the way down, as school mackerel, Spanish mackerel and cobia can often plague these areas holding masses of bait.

Tuskfish, hussar, sweetlip, cod and the odd legal red have made up the majority of the box and as things start to cool off more mad keen fishos persisting throughout the night will start to score some quality mangrove jack and possible snapper drifting baits down a berley trail.

Yellowfin tuna have also been prolific throughout the central bay and although typically after Easter they tend to disappear, there may still be a few straggling schools around, so keep your eyes peeled for working birds.

Platypus Bay has been a major drawcard for sport fishos over the past month, with big schools of longtail and mac tuna providing plenty of line screaming and arm stretching action on both spin gear and fly gear.

The usual offerings of Arma Baitfish metal slugs, ZMan 5” StreakZ in bubble gum and the locally designed Nashy’s stick baits have been seeing good results.

We can expect to see the tuna numbers slowly taper off as things start to cool down, so get here quick while the fishing is hot! On a side note, a reminder to stay very aware when tailing fish beside the boat at the end of the fight, as sharks have been known to launch out from under the boat at the tuna on the surface.

High on many anglers species list, the golden trevally, has been around in quite good numbers with some trophy size fish amongst them. Good schools of fish have been located and successfully caught while working the isolated reefs, rubble patches and artificial reefs around Arch Cliff and throughout Platypus Bay. They are suckers for a variety of soft plastic presentations and micro jigs, with the ZMan 5” Jerk Shad

I see red! The author with one of the better model reds caught while fishing the offshore ground off Hervey Bay. in electric chicken or 5” Streakz Curly TailZ in pearl both being proven offerings.

If you’re getting jiggy, check out the Entice or Slow Blatt range of jigs in the 40-80g ranges. Queenfish, mackerel species and the odd cobia will also be a chance while using these lures and techniques.

The wider grounds off Arch Cliffs and around the 25 Fathom Hole have been producing some solid nannygai and the odd squire while soaking a dead bait. The wider grounds off Rooney Point has been fishing well, with livies producing the more sought after coral trout and cod, while your usual bag fillers of sweetlip, Moses perch and blackall will take a dead bait.

Inshore there have been some solid longtail tuna mooching around the main shipping channel and moon point, often appearing sporadically for short periods.

Throwing larger stickbaits in this scenario will often catch the attention of a feeding fish in the area. School mackerel should also turn up in good numbers and can be found over any reef system holding a supply of herring, as well as around our shipping channel markers.

They can prove to be quite mobile, but are usually particularly active around the Fairway Marker, NU2 Wreck, Outer Banks and Moon

Ledge. Larger broad-barred mackerel will also be active, with the Roy Rufus Artificial Reef and the fringes of the bay islands often worth a look.

Generally spinning Flasha spoons up off the bottom or flick baiting with live herring will yield good results.

Coral trout and cod are still taking live baits over the turn of tide over many of our gnarlier reefs, and while they will taper off soon, there should still be good-sized grass sweetlip to be found around our deeper ledges and soft coral and rubble country.

Scarlets are a welcomed bonus inshore species this time of year, as better than usual size and numbers of these tasty critters have been frequenting many deeper inshore reefs.

Snapper should also become a viable target species over our many inshore artifical and natural reefs and ledges over the next few months – fingers crossed we see the masses of bait required to draw them into the bay.

We anticipate the start of our annual winter whiting run sometime towards mid to the end of May. Early parts of the season will see the majority of the fish scattered from Toogoom down to Urangan, but time will tell where the better schools will congregate. This is a very basic style of fishing that is fantastic for the kids and To page 41

Get set for glassy conditions RAINBOW BEACH

Ed Falconer

Lately the weather hasn’t been able to make up its mind, where some days

we see great conditions, other days not so good.

Although, weather aside, fishing has been good! So get set for a great month!

OFFSHORE When the conditions

There have been plenty of Spanish mackerel around, Halco lures and live yakkas are working great.

offshore were good they were really good, where day after day the glass outs were splendid, along with the quick trips to our reefs and lots of fish coming on board. Pearl perch were probably the highlight with bag outs of pearlies up to 65cm, and nice fat fish.

There are no tricks to catching them with any fresh cut of bait on a standard two-hook dropper rig working just fine.

We’ve also been picking up some nice snapper and red emperor in the same areas.

Tuskfish, Moses perch and hussar have also been plentiful.

Spotted mackerel have been patchy, but the Spanish are in good numbers. If you wish to target them, Halco Laser Pro lures and live yakka

were working well for us.

GREAT SANDY STRAITS Flathead and bream have been fun on light gear with soft plastics and small hardbody lures working well around the Carlo Creek area. Mangrove jack are still being caught, but they will slow down as the water temperature drops.

There have been some good mud crabs potted lately, and even I ventured out and rounded up a nice feed of sand crabs.

ON THE BEACH Unfortunately our beach is still in a bit of a mess and we can’t pass the rocks at Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point, however there are some whiting on offer at Inskip Point.

In conclusion, I love fishing in May, as previous

Glassy conditions and red emperor make for a perfect duo! years have produced quality pearl perch and snapper, not to mention the tasty coral trout. Apart from this, expect good weather and tight lines while persisting through the tough bites, as

it’s well worth it!

• To enjoy a day on the water with Keely Rose Fishing Charters phone Ed Falconer 0407 146 151 or visit www. keelyrosefishingcharters .com.au.

Mondy’s barra getting bigger and hungrier LAKE MONDURAN

Rob Howell

As predicted, April has been a cracking month, with big numbers of barra boated. At this time of year Monduran barra get very active as they need to feed more, with the cooler months approaching, and I have no doubt May will be no different.

From many anglers’ reports and from my own experience, boating 40-50 barra for a weekend session is not uncommon this month.

This is due to a large number of feisty barra coming From page 40

family to get involved in.

Around River Heads, mulloway numbers will start to increase, especially around the pontoons at night.

The lights attract schools of herring, pencil squid and pike – all prime food sources and baits to flick back out into the deeper hole. This technique accounted for good numbers of fish last season, although slow rolling large shallow diving hardbodies, paddletail soft plastics or even big swimbaits should prove successful too. Mulloway can also be found along some of the better ledges along the western side of Fraser for those tea bagging plastics or vibes, or for live baiters fishing the tide turns at night.

With dropping water temperatures bream numbers will start to increase as they move downriver to spawn.

The rock bars in the lower reaches of the Mary and Susan rivers, and around South Head, North Head and Beaver Rock will all produce great numbers of fish on

through the ranks.

BARRA GROWTH RATES As an initiative started by the Sponsor A Barra Group at Lake Monduran, we have

seen many fingerlings tagged over the past few years to study growth rates. The results from this have been very encouraging and exciting to

Anja from Switzerland snagged this barra and is taking home some great memories. both baits and lures. Smaller 2.5” to 3” curly-tail grubs and paddle-tails are ideal for fishing around these rocky structures and make for some great fun on finesse tackle.

Topwater during the higher tide stages over the adjacent flats can be a visual feast, with the occasional surprise from trevally, blue salmon and large flatties.

Down the Straits, the main reports have been of a few threadies in the creeks working drains and draining flats, along with grunter in the deeper holes and a few flathead starting to move around the creek mouths.

Queenies, trevally, broadies and blue salmon can also be found working over the flats and along ledges of Fraser’s western shore. With the change of season it doesn’t necessarily mean you should put the barra gear away, as they are a year round option in our local waters, except during the periods of an extreme cold change.

Unfortunately we haven’t had a fantastic prawn season

so far, undoubtedly due to the fact that we didn’t have our usual seasonal rain, as it came quite late. This may see the main run of prawn turn up late as well. Woodgate will potentially produce a run of prawns once we start getting westerly blows, otherwise down the Straits or in the upper reaches of the Burrum River will be worth a look.

The Urangan Pier has been hit and miss on the pelagics the past month, with small runs of mackerel moving through, and schoolies being caught on bottom baits and broad bar on flick baits and spoons.

If we get a few solid days of southeasterly blows and good water quality longtail and mac tuna will be a viable option off the end of the pier by baiting live herring or floating one out with the tide under a balloon.

Flathead numbers have definitely started to increase and they should start to become more frequently caught either side of the sand bar and off the drop off. Live

say the least.

Recent catches of tagged fish have shown us that barra released at a fingerling size of 100mm will reach legal size (580mm) within a year. A barra that was released at 150mm was re-caught at 870mm just two and a half years later. This information is invaluable, as it tells us that Lake Monduran will bounce back reasonably quickly to produce large barra after a flood event.

WHERE TO FIND FEEDING BARRA Early morning southwest winds are highly predictable around this time of year, then by mid-morning it will usually switch to southeast. There herring fished lightly or even unweighted across the flats works a treat, however if you can score a few live pike from the first channel, you’ll only increase your chances.

Bream should start schooling around the pylons to spawn, making them a very easy target. Many of the older anglers will opt to fish fresh hardiheads or cubed herring baits tight to the pylons favouring the nighttime period. The mad keen lure anglers have been opting to fish the change of the tide with Cranka Crabs or ZMan 2.5” GrubZ in bloodworm, casting up current and working the lure right the way back until under the pier.

Whiting will be a viable option in the first channel and along the town beaches on the larger building tides, especially for those willing to fish the change of the high tide later in the evening. Garfish should also start to turn up in numbers in the same locations and are best targeted with small pieces of peeled prawn or yabby under a float.

are many points and bays throughout the lake system that will fish well in these wind conditions, especially the areas from Insane Bay to Two Mile Creek, White Rock, Jacks Bay and the North Arm of B. The top of the lake around H has also been fishing reasonably well, if you want to do the miles to get there.

As per usual, the lures of choice have been the Jackall Squirrels, Rapala Shadow Raps, Rapala XRD10s and also Lucky Craft Pointers.

In the soft plastic range the Zerek 5” Flat Shads, ZMan 6” SwimmerZ and Jackall Rhythm Waves have also been doing well. Another technique

that has taken Monduran by a storm is vertically jigging soft vibes like the Zerek Fish Traps in the 95mm and 110mm sizes. By using a combination of techniques you will be sure to improve on your catch rates.

• We look forward to seeing you here at Lake Monduran over the next few months, especially while the barra are on the bite and we still have some mild weather about. For all fishing charters, accommodation and camping enquiries, please don’t hesitate to call us to book in now. Email info@lakem.com or phone (07) 4157 3881.

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41

Fish the tide and head out wide GLADSTONE

Dylan Christie

This past month has brought some of the best weather the Gladstone region has seen for a very long time. As you could imagine, every angler and their dog had taken the opportunity to head out wide and the reports just keep rolling in with some exceptional captures.

OFFSHORE Inshore around the islands, the pelagics are continuing to chew with some beautiful spotty mack, longtail tuna and even the odd Spanish showing up in close. If you’re down around the bottom end, don’t forget your popping gear, as there has been some large inshore GTs being caught along with some quite nice cobia.

Jigging on the local wrecks can also offer a great

Mick Clarke with a perfect table size Spanish taken on a trolled hardbody lure from some inshore bait schools.

fun day stretching your arms to the limits, with many pelagic species hanging around, not to mention the schools of nannygai, grunter and big black jew. Slow pitch jigging is a relatively new style of fishing and it is proving to be very effective when fishing various depths of the water column, depending on where the bait is suspended.

If you show up to the wreck and there is someone parked directly on top of it, don’t get too disheartened, as there are still plenty of good fish to be caught around the outskirts, it’s just a matter of using a quality sounder and having a good look around. I have caught grunter up to 1km from the main structure itself. I also find that anchoring on a wreck is much better than drifting, as the more drifts you do the more fish you drag away from the area and eventually they will be scattered all over the show and you will have to find them again.

Rock Cod Shoals has fired lately and is producing plenty of good quality red throat and tuskies, but the main talk is about the Spanish mackerel. They

have been holding there in good size schools, with catches in the 10-15kg bracket, which is the perfect eating size fish. These fish can be targeted very easily on a floating pilchard or gar, along with live fusilier and whiptail. If bait fishing just isn’t your thing, you can also troll hardbodies, but the most exciting way to chase them is poppers and floating stickbaits, as they can sometimes launch in the air like a large missile.

The wider islands and reefs are fishing the best we have seen for a long time.

We have plenty of reports coming in about catches of big red emperor, heaps of coral trout and red throat.

Masthead is the first island you reach once leaving the harbour, so it usually cops a fair hiding, but because of the atrocious weather we had throughout summer it got a much-needed break and seems to have bounced back unbelievably. It has been producing some beautiful coral tout, red throat, tuskfish, stripies and even some really good quality Spanish. Just make sure you go hard, because where the fish are the sharks are and they are super thick

Blake Christie caught this large coral cod hopping an Ecooda Live Shrimp along a deeper drop-off on the outside of the reef. at the moment.

Another style of fishing it seems that many people are exploring is the deep drop style. To get to the 100m line the closest point is off the eastern side of Sykes Reef, but that contour runs south past the Fitzroy/Lamont area and north up past North Reef and Innamincka. Species showing up from out wide

are pearl perch, comet groper, goldband snapper, snapper, flame snapper, sharp tooth, iron jaw and rosy jobfish not to mention the pelagics such as yellowtail and mahimahi.

When fishing this depth of water it really pays to have a quality sounder, especially one that reads at speed as there can be many miles between ground and to be

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MAY 2019

able to sound at speed means that you’re not missing anything while traveling between spots.

ESTUARIES The estuaries are still continuing to fish really well for grunter, barramundi and

mangrove jack, especially South Trees and the Calliope River. For the keen anglers venturing outside the region, Turkey Beach is definitely worth a look along with the Narrows.

If you are doing some

The author with a stunning bar-cheek coral trout caught at Rock Cod Shoals on a live bait.

estuary fishing, be sure to take a few pots along with you, as there is some quality crab on the move. As it starts to cool off, you can expect the jacks and barra to slow down and salmon, flathead and big bream start to make their way through the harbour and in to the estuaries.

The last two hours of the run-in tide, as long as the wind isn’t blowing too much, Barney Point Beach has been producing some excellent whiting, bream and flathead. The bait needed for fishing in this area is small prawns and worms rigged simply on a running ball sinker rig (size 0-2) with a long shank hook.

HARBOUR Gladstone Harbour offers such a vast range of fishing options, and the past few months has proved this, with anglers reporting some memorable captures.

Large jew are high on many anglers’ target list and can be caught throughout the harbour all year round.

Get wrecked this May BUNDABERG

Jason Medcalf topwater@bigpond.com

May is one of the nicest, calmest months of the year. This is a month I always look forward to, as the nights are fresh and the days are warm. What will May bring to the fishing in the Bundaberg region this year?

Well, it is usually a month where we start getting some good weather for fishing offshore. So, if you have been itching to get out without the holiday crowds, start getting the boat ready. There is a new moon early in the month, so those building tides a week out from 5 May should be good for hitting the reefs and wrecks offshore. The full moon is 19 May, so that will be a productive week to plan a trip or two.

Mackerel have turned up on all the wrecks and broken grounds lately and they should hang around for a while. Trolling as the sun rises is a great way of picking them up and I’ve had my best results on hardbodies between 120-125mm that dive up to 3m. Mix that up with a deeper diver just to see where they are biting.

Keep your speed up as trolling too slow won’t get bites. I like to troll around the 6-8 knots or a fast walking pace. Once that sun has risen and the mackerel drop deeper in the water column I will switch to floating a pilchard while casting and retrieving a

Ryan Stimson has been at it with the barramundi of late, landing some beautiful fish in the local estuaries and the harbour. This one fell for a Zerek Fish Trap.

Vibing for jew is fast becoming many anglers’ favourite ways to target these dirty fighting fish.

Along with jew, there are also plenty of other species to tussle with while throwing vibes, such as barramundi, queenfish, trevally, estuary cod, coral trout, grassy sweetlip and golden snapper.

LAKE AWOONGA Early morning and late afternoons are still your best bets for landing a mighty Awoonga barra. As it starts to cool off it will become more important to fish the afternoons in the sun warmed bays, as that’s where the fish tend to be most active. However, at the moment the fish are looking for more stable temperatures in the standing timber and are commonly being found in depths from 2-5m.

When fishing the standing timber, you can use a host of methods to entice these fish to bite. One of the more productive methods has been slow twitched suspending hardbodies with long pauses. Other productive ways include

the slow rolling of large paddle-tails and hopping of a mixture of hard and soft vibe lures.

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Jason Kenny with a solid spotted mackerel taken from a local wreck. metal slice. A little tip for the slice is to cast away from the boat, let it hit the bottom, give it a few jigs and then rip it back as fast as you can wind it. The hits are pretty cool as the speed really fires the fish up.

Our wrecks have also been producing some quality trout and cod on live baits and jigging big blades and vibes. Although fishing vibes and blades can be really effective on the wrecks, it a very expensive habit

when the sharks start taxing your red fish.

If you’re keen on a bit of night fishing, these wrecks come alive after dark when the larger sweetlip and red emperor come out to play.

May is a great month for night fishing offshore, so get yourself ready and make the effort. If you’re looking for GPS marks for wrecks in our local area drop into Tackleworld Bundaberg and grab the little handbook full of marks.

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43

A month of changes for Mackay MACKAY

Keith Day habdays@bigpond.net.au

Hello May, goodbye humidity! Welcome to some cooler weather, and we hope some light winds and clear skies that make for those perfect fishing conditions.

May is also a month of changes with the species of fish available to recreational anglers, and usually heralds the start of the annual snapper migration into our waters towards the end of the month.

Anglers are champing at the bit for the first news of snapper catches and will be checking out all the usual spots to the south first.

Areas like the islands south of Sarina Inlet will be the first ones to yield up some quality snapper, which will then continue to migrate to around Mackay going into June.

This is what Eungella Dam is all about, big wellconditioned sooties. Jake Gunston from Rocky checked out the dam and scored several quality sooties on spinnerbaits in the shallows.

Prudhoe Island as well as close in around Flat Top and Round Top islands and Hay Point.

Provided the weather

350km round trip.

Trout can be caught close to the mainland around the islands off Seaforth, but make sure

The NFZ around Seaforth sure is working and Tim Galletly couldn’t be happier after scoring this beaut 84cm barra on a live mullet. It was the biggest of four that Tim and Mark Gibbs caught in a few hours.

Initially those with larger trailer boats will target them, usually with a long run south from either Mackay Harbour or Hay Point to places like the Beverley, Percy Island etc. while smaller boats can beach launch and fish spots like Temple Island.

By June the snapper should be off Mackay, and around

holds, May is also a good month to target reef fish with recent reports of good reds from the deep waters in spots like the Shipping Channel. Trout have been prolific right up in the shallow waters around the islands and reef complexes, but these areas again are suited to larger trailer boats as a day out may involve as much as a

you know where the green zones are and stay well away from them as they are not clearly shown on the maps. Around the islands, trout will be found usually in shallow water less than 3m deep and will respond to lures, flies and fresh baits.

On the inshore scene I expect the queenfish action to heat up as May is

traditionally a good month to target mega queenies and they are heaps of fun to catch. Queenies will take live baits, strip baits, lures and flies, and can be caught right up in the shallows or out cruising the deeper water. Keep an eye on your sounder and if you find concentrations of baitfish, the queenies should not be far away. Bled immediately on capture and iced down, I reckon there is not a lot wrong with fresh queenfish on the plate.

If the weather gods smile on us and give us weeks of light winds into May, we may also see schools of small mackerel turn up to harass bait schools right through our area. Ideal conditions are very light N-NE winds that move bait schools close inshore and the macks and tuna will follow.

The Net Free Zone centred on Seaforth is still producing the goods and the lack of nets sees the fishing continue to improve. Barra have been well and truly on the chew in the creeks and estuarine areas, with plenty of reports of fish in the 60-70cm range. This indicates that there has been successful recruitment over the last couple of years and next summer should be an absolute barra bonanza.

I expect, provided the weather holds, that the neap tides in May will see plenty of anglers out chasing a barra before the water really cools off.

Reports have indicated that the best results have come from using live mullet with prawns a second choice. Lures that have been successful include soft vibes, big paddle-tails and traditional hardbody minnows.

If rigging plastics, make sure you use a strong hook and I suggest nothing smaller than a 5/0.

Other summer creek species are now tapering off and during May jacks will not feature in many anglers’ catches. The amazing run of good size flathead up to about 80cm is also now starting to slow down, but there will still be the odd one caught.

May sees the pikey

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Oscar Tweddle is a big fan of ZMan plastics and worked this chartreuse one around a mid-creek rock and got smashed by this 48cm sooty. bream action start to fire up as they get ready to spawn, and are quite prolific. They can be targeted against the mangroves, on rock bars and along artificial structures like rock walls and bridges. Pikey bream love small prawns but invariably when chasing bream you encounter lots of undersize pickers that will demolish your nice live prawn baits in no time.

One way to avoid this is to use lures and sight cast to bigger fish spotted cruising the edges of the mangroves or under overhanging mangroves. This is great fun on light gear.

Dam fishing starts to slow down for barra, but those who persist can still find plenty of action.

The bite times are short windows and anglers are more likely to pick up a couple of fish rather than the summertime numbers in the double figures. As the water cools look for warmer pockets around rocks and don’t be afraid to try for a barra in the middle of the day, as they can be quite active then.

Freshwater anglers can find barra also in the Pioneer River and the Gooseponds in North Mackay. Recent tag returns indicate that barra in the river in particular are growing by as much as 50cm in 12 months.

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MAFSA has completed SIP stockings for the summer, with the last 10,000 barra released into Kinchant Dam at the end of March. A further 12,000 barra have also been stocked into Teemburra Dam and these fish were bought with funds generated by MAFSA. Over the last 25 years of MAFSA, just under 1.2 million barra have been stocked in our three dams, the Pioneer River, Plane Creek and the Gooseponds, which has certainly made a huge improvement on the recreational fishing scene here.

Sooty grunter continue to be a really popular sportfish and MAFSA will be holding the INDT World Sooty Championship over the May Day long weekend and this event is now attracting anglers from far and wide. One team from Mt Isa has nominated for the event this year and its reputation as a good friendly comp continues to grow.

So May in Mackay is normally a month of very pleasant mild autumn weather, with endless opportunities for the rec angler, from deep water reef fishing to hard fighting sooties in freshwater and everything in between, so why not come and join us in paradise.

May the tasty fish be ever in your favour YEPPOON

Scott Lynch ifishcq2@bigpond.com

Winter time is black jew time, and as the temperature starts to drop, the big jewies begin to school up in the many jew holes in our area.

We have quite a number of locations where it is very easy for the average fisher with nearly any size boat to get to, when the weather allows.

Ironpot and Double Heads are within a kilometre of the Rosslyn Bay Harbour boat ramps. These two spots are great places to look, especially if you haven’t targeted black jewfish with any success before. Black jew continually move around the feature or structure that brings them to the spot. They will often circle around bommies or deeper holes.

Once you have located the school, set up and wait because they will pass on and off your sounder as they move. Corio Heads, the Barge, Ritamada and Findlays are also within

squid is great bait for nearly everything. Most of our jew spots can hold grunter or golden snapper and at times the by-catch is much better than the original planned catch, in my opinion.

The mackerel I mentioned last month will continue to arrive. This latest blow has pushed them to the islands and just outside the bay. However, as the wind drops and the bay tidies up they move back in again. Recently I have seen some of the best doggies (Queensland school mackerel), some of them almost a metre.

Outer, Man and Wife, Barren, Conical and the Pinnacles had lots of fish as the sun came up. Places like Farnborough, Findlays, Ritamada, Pelican, Quartz, Forty Acre, Ironpot, Double Heads and Corio Heads should have plenty of fish when the bay glasses out.

Spotties haven’t really ventured too far into the bay as yet and they may have moved on by now. There were a few caught at Barren and Hannas prior to the last blow.

with no result. I floated out a pilly right near the iodine and it got nailed in minutes. The next half hour was all pilly action and finally the iodine was hammered by a rotten tiger shark. We get lots more fish by jigging Flashas and Taipans up from the bottom with a fast retrieve.

The offshore anglers are reporting some fantastic captures lately. Big red emperor and nannygai are going strong. The grounds from the islands all have fish at times. The shallow spots seem to work much better right on daylight and once the sun comes up the fish shutdown.

Many of the trophy-sized reds are coming from the grounds out past the main shoals or north of the green.

I get three or four emails every week asking for spots.

I stopped going to exact spots many years ago when I learned that finding new features is far more productive. Now we use marks for a general location to give us an idea of ground fished before. A good sounder set up correctly can be much

The run of small-mouth nannygai has continued from last month and some of the catches within 20-40km have been outstanding. There are large volumes of prawns coming out of the river and local systems lately. This brings the nannies and grunter into the patches inside the bay and marginally outside. It also means that the best bait at the moment is big local caught banana prawns.

Coral trout are one of our consistent species for the average fisher. When looking for trout you don’t need to fish in deep water. Look for structure and ledges where food gets pushed onto or passed by prevailing conditions. There is no big secret to it, and once you score a couple of trout and you learn what works for you, it becomes easier.

As usual the mighty Fitzroy River is producing some unbelievable catches of huge king salmon and barramundi. In recent weeks the average king has been well over a metre and barra aren’t far behind. From town right down to the delta there are barra in lots of places.

Tides are one of the factors that dictate feeding periods. We often troll new areas watching the sounder

Matt Dowling with a typical Keppel coral trout.

Finding structure is the best way to find these fish. while the tidal run is strong and mark the spots we want to fish when it slows down.

There are a number of spots where the fish sit over the low before spreading out with the incoming tide. I try to fish these when the run has slowed but not completely stopped. Vibes and big paddletail plastics are the go around this area.

The pontoons and platforms in Rockhampton are fish magnets. Every day the jetty rats using live herring, perch, prawns or mullet are scoring quality barra or king.

Night time and a slower run is the best time.

Bream, whiting, blue salmon, queenies and mangrove jack have been the main catches this month.

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better than any spot a mate gives you.

Once you are outside the islands, there are little patches and features all over the place.

Many of our patches tend to run in the same direction.

Once I see marks come up on the screen, we change the line of travel a bit to the first untouched ground on the GPS screen. You can’t travel too far without finding something to fish. The advantage of having a sounder that can read at 40km/h is immeasurable.

Look for contours or depth changes and if you find bait schools then it is worth a drop.

Just keep moving and looking until you see bait.

These wider areas are producing more rosy jobfish than previous years, and in different depths than just 45-70m. It must have something to do with better equipment finding better areas.

AL •

Spaniards of all sizes have made a good run recently.

Some big horses have shown at Liza Jane, Cape Manifold, Flat, Perforated, Conical, Barren, Man and Wife, Outer and the Pinnacles. They should be here for a while yet. Any of the regular spots have all held school size Spanish around the 6kg class.

I like these little fish because they are easy to manage from catching, landing and cleaning. Although I prefer to fillet decent Spanish mackerel, these little schoolies do make great steaks.

The majority of bait schools passing at present are consisting of fish around 100mm in size. I find in some of the spots even big Spanish tend to grab a pilly over the bigger baits like wolfies or bonito. Last trip I had a decent size live iodine bream under a float for a couple of hours

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range for the little tinnies.

Emu Park and Keppel Sands have a few spots, including the point on Fishermans Beach and around the local islands.

Quartz and Little Quartz are other prime spots at times.

Most of these spots attract the lesser quality mackerel or bonito during the day.

As you would expect, bonito and mackerel fillets are among the best baits you can have on hand. Jew will usually only take good fresh bait as a rule, although there are stories about the odd fish grabbing a piece of stinky stuff. Most of the anglers who target jewies just grab a pack of frozen squid, pilchards or both, and they definitely produce good fish.

I like to have a squid jig with a glow stick down or sitting on the edge of the boat lights where the shadow starts on the water. Fresh live

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Mitchell Dowling caught this fine tropical parrotfish out from Yeppoon.

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45

Don’t be afraid to have a fish in the dirty water ROCKHAMPTON

Clayton Nicholls clay94_fishing@live.com.au

The rain out west caused the river gates to remain open through April. This created a lot of opportunities for anglers when the flow was easing to get onto some monster fish in town.

The winds have eased off, allowing everyone to fish out the front with great success.

The mouth of the river and surrounding coastal estuaries have also been fishing quite well, with Coorooman producing a lot of good crabs.

FITZROY AND THE NARROWS The Barrage Gates have remained open, maintaining a

flow of freshwater out, keeping the river murky and from cleaning and salting up. There have still been a good number of fish pushing through and the majority of them have been taken on live baits. There are plenty of bony bream in the system; sometimes the sounder is swarming with them on the bottom. Some good areas that shelter them from the flow include the rock under the main highway bridge, behind the bowls club in Moores Creek on a low tide where all the river sand is and lastly the sheltered waters out the front of Queens Park.

Slow rolling hardbodies has produced the best result.

You really need to work the rocks and calm water – the slower you can work the lure

Darryl Yarrow with a spirited Causeway Lake barra.

The author with a giant herring that provided a lot of fun. while still keeping its action the better. We have been liking the triple X-Raps and suspending Barra Classics.

Trolling has been another good option for them of late, as there has been a lot of single fish moving out in the open but not holding on any structure. A lot of anglers have been catching them on the pink coloured 14A Bomber.

ESTUARIES AND OFFSHORE With a couple good breaks in the wind here and there, many anglers have been able to head out and target pelagic and reef species. The prawns have been making a couple of runs, with one of the runs in the harbour yielding thousands of prawns for anglers, one angler’s cast landed him over 70 prawns in his net. Majority of the

prawns were the length of a soft drink can, but there were a few monsters in the school as well.

The Causeway Lake is also fishing well, even in the dirty water that has pushed through the last few flows. Barra, salmon, jacks, queenfish and giant herring have all been around the system lately. Some great lures in the estuaries at the moment are the Savage 3D Shrimp XD, which is a great prawn imitation, and the Rapala X-Rap 8 and 10, which are great shallow diving minnow imitations.

Coorooman has had some great captures in it lately like big grunter and monster crabs. A lot of the crabs have been from pushing the tinny right up into any of the drains and feeder creeks.

FRESHWATER The freshwater has been a bit slower over the last month, there are still fish around but they have not been as open to lures as previous months. This could be due to the recent rain and cooler nights dropping the water temps from the 35-36°C, it was previously to 28-29°C. A lot of big barra are still being pulled out in the region’s dams. When fishing these areas try targeting newly submerged structure as the dam fills up. The fish will be working these new grounds, either exploring new territory or eating the smaller fish that are preying on the bugs and insects.

CRABBING Crabbing has been great

at the moment. A lot of big ones are getting pulled up the back of feeder creeks and big drain/gutter inlets from the Salt Pans. A lot of good results came to those who checked their pots intermittently, however, well placed pots left while fishing and gathered after a trip can still get some good results.

Out on the sand and less tidal areas there have been a good number of blue swimmer crabs. They have less meat, but they are a fair bit sweeter. Saving your frames and trimming from filleting is a pretty cost effective way to get crabs. We have caught four crabs between a couple pots on one flathead’s frames and trimmings, and oilier fish work even better.

Matt Hildebrant with a great barra from a recent session out at Maraboon.

The inshore action is worth travelling for STANAGE BAY

Peewee

I hope your Easter was fantastic and you’re ready to tackle May head on!

We’re almost halfway through the year already.

Fishing in Stanage Bay has been a little on the quiet side, even though there has been some great windows of opportunity to get to the reef. The reports of slaying huge fish just aren’t there.

Barra are still being caught in the creeks, which is fantastic to see. Mud crabs seem to be going week for week on, and off, but when they’re on they’re on and sizes are sensational!

With the fishing still a bit slow I thought I would bring your attention to something a little different this month: St Lawrence.

It’s a small fishing/crabbing town 177km north of Rockhampton by road, or accessible through Thirsty Sound by water, which takes as little as an hour.

St Lawrence may not be quite as picturesque as Stanage Bay, but this does not take away from the townships great character and potential. St Lawrence has some excellent quality mud crabs, barramundi and 46

MAY 2019

Nudge picked up this massive Stanage muddy, the sort that the area is famous for. salmon species throughout its estuaries.

To promote the local area and highlight the local attractions, I introduce to you all the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend on June 7-9, 2019.

I’m giving you all plenty of

notice as it’s definitely an event to go ahead and check out.

More information can be found on the St Lawrence Wetland Weekend Facebook page.

The event will showcase all of the local produce, seafood and sites around the

township. Demonstrations run weekend long and there is a little something for every family member.

Demonstrations include, but are not limited to, cooking, wetland tours, bird life, gardening, wildlife encounters, crafts and market stalls followed by a nighttime bushman’s dinner and entertainment.

The wetland tour is exceptional. They take you and explain the breeding system they have implemented to support our barramundi and the waterway design that enables barra to change between fresh and the salt. It’s sure to be a great learning experience.

Campgrounds are available for a small fee, or you can chase up a great priced room at the local St Lawrence Hotel and end the day with a few coldies.

Access to St Lawrence is all bitumen straight off the Bruce Highway. Bring the boat along and try your hand at catching some of the beautiful fish on offer.

There are two boat ramps to choose from, one concreted leading into Waverly Creek and the other a makeshift mud track leading straight into St Lawrence. Please be mindful of our tides, which

are quite large and strong.

Both ramps do run dry, so allow yourself a 3-hour window either side of high tide to get back in safe.

Fishing without a boat is no hassle. A great spot to try is under the St Lawrence railway bridge at low tide.

Whiting, salmon and barra are a possibility from here.

If you’ve not stopped in at this little gem, I highly recommend a stay over.

Locals are friendly and if you’re keen to get out on a boat for a look, just ask.

The locals are approachable and most of them are keen to take visitors out on the water. Please be mindful that

if you’re unfamiliar with the area there are crocodiles, so please exercise caution and keep your family and pets safe.

Hopefully I’ve given a good enough wrap for you all to come and visit this great little area and fill in some time before the real fishing starts.

• Don’t miss out on the amazing fishing and crabbing at Stanage Bay! Call us at Stanage Bay Marine & Accommodation on (07) 4937 3145, check out www.stanagebay.com, email stanagebaymarine@ bigpond.com or look us up on Facebook.

Sonny showing off a barra taken from a local creek.

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You don’t need to go off-site to eat and drink, with Gabby and her team To page 4

HILLIES SPINNERS AND LURES

The popular Lure Show (as Garry Fitzgerald’s Australian Lure, Fly and Outdoor Expo is affectionately known) isn’t a stranger to moving location. From its birthplace in Fernvale

1-2 June 2019. The good news is there’s plenty of free parking, camping is available and it still costs the same as it did back when it started – $10 bucks for adults and kids under 16 get in for free.

of the show is the extensive collector displays and collector trading area. This year, that’s the whole of the upstairs mezzanine floor. You can be guaranteed that there’ll be some deals flying around that space for the show duration.

• a lifetime of experience!

• custom orders welcome!

• top quality components!

• salt and fresh!

• trade enquiries welcome!

people there who can let you know exactly how much that old gem you have in your tackle box is really worth.

LURE TEST TANK • S E E U S AT S T A N D 2 4 •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Always popular is the lure test tank. Available to all exhibitors so that they can show you how their creations swim, it adds that extra dimension to your purchase. I mean, how many times do you get to see how the lure behaves in real life before you part with your hard-earned cash?

Just quietly, getting instruction from the person who created it is probably worth as much as the lure.

There’s nobody who knows how a lure behaves better than the person who made it.

Lazy Mullet 160

SOCIAL MEDIA HUB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Want to catch up with some of the guys and girls in the Brisbane River Valley, it first migrated downstream to Ipswich after a couple of years of seam-bursting crowds.

From there, Ipswich seemed to be a great fit for the show, which attracts around 2000 keen anglers and lure collectors each year.

The trouble is, a multimillion dollar renovation was granted to the Ipswich venue, and the show needed to move again.

There are a few things that the show needs to work. First of all, camping for exhibitors is a highlight for the tight-knit community of creators.

Free parking ticks the boxes for attendees who want to maximise their spend at the show, and a fair gate price (around half the cost of a national boat show ticket) of $10 keeps the gig accessible to nearly everyone – especially kids, who are free.

After several months of searching, the show landed midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It will be held at the Beenleigh Showgrounds on

Bony Shad 120

Baby Mullet 120

VARIED DISPLAY AREAS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Beenleigh arena is a little different from Ipswich; there’s less indoor space, but better outdoor space. As of the time of printing, all of the indoor stands were sold and the outdoor sites were filling up fast. Being a little more open than Ipswich, there’s now room for a fly casting demonstration and trial area, some outdoor carving and sanding demos, and even room for some boats at the Social Media Hub and Presenter area.

One of the highlights

New Swimbaits Coming Soon!

Want to bring in your old Australian timber lures and have them valued? No problems – there will be

that you usually only get to see on social media?

The Social Media Hub will again feature presenters like Rod Harrison, John Costello, Jake Newmarch, Liam Fitzpatrick and Steve Morgan. You can take this opportunity to ask questions, get a selfie and hit them up about all things fishing.

LURE OF THE YEAR AWARDS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Each year, the standards seem to rise for the Lure of the Year awards. Voted on by fellow exhibitors, the awards reward clever design

Keep an eye out for

SOUTHERN CROSS LURES at this year’s

Australian Lure, Fly & Outdoors Expo Check out our new flathead, bream, bass & jack lures!

2019 MAY LURE2019 EXPO 49 3

The Australian

Lure Fly & Outdoors

LOTS OF PARKING • • • • • • ••••••••••••

3x3

3x3

Pimp My Lure

67

3x3

Predator Lures

68

69

1-2 JUNE 2019 • BEENLEIGH SHOWGROUNDS

The Beenleigh Showgrounds is surrounded by plenty of free street parking, but on the Saturday of the show, the markets area (just to the west of the show) is available to park and is an easy walking distance from the gate.

On the Sunday, the Beenleigh Markets will be in full swing, so parking will be limited to the street. But there’s still plenty of it.

If you’re getting there via public transport, then the

From page 3

dishing you up all the food and drink you need. With some outdoor and indoor seating options, you’ll be able to rest and recharge before getting back into the action.

Note that there will be a couple of ATMs onsite as well. The Lure Show team definitely encourages spending beyond your means!

Daiwa Australia

EXPO

Beenleigh train station is an 11-minute walk away.

SNEAKY EARLY-ENTRY TICKETS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Last year, the Lure Show trialled an early-entry ticket for collectors and visitors who wanted to spend up big in a less crowded environment. The 100 tickets sold out pretty quickly.

There’s a version of the

early-entry ticket on offer again this year – $25 to get you in an hour early. These tickets are only available online and are limited in quantity.

For these tickets and all of your online ticket sales, visit www.lureshow.com.au with your credit card. Print out the tickets after you purchase and bring them with you to the gate.

We look forward to seeing you all at Beenleigh!

– Lure Show team

3x3 3x3 FILF

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Daiwa Pimp My Clothing Australia Lure

3x3

3x3

Predator Lures

6770 68

FILF Clothing

69

70

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PRESENTATIONS AREA

PRESENTATIONS AREA

6x6

Bait Tackle Store

Bait Tackle Store

BEENLEIGH SHOWGROUNDS - 1ST & 2ND JUNE 2019

71

BEENLEIGH SHOWGROUNDS - 1ST & 2ND JUNE 2019

71

6x3

Queensland Fishing Monthly

13 3x3

Southern Brisbane Sporfishing Club Inc.

62 3x3

mbah res

3x3

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SEQ Fly Fishing Club

Barambah Lures

61

60

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Illusion Lures

3x3

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Southern Allfly Outfitters Cross Lures

59

58

3x3

3x3

Illusion Lures

FFSAQ

55

57

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58

54 Infofish

FFSAQ

55

57

Queensland Fishing Monthly

53

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13 3x3

Bassman Spinnerbaits

SHOWGROUNDS 54 53 STORAGE ENTRY

ENTRY

FOOD

46

48

2.4x2.4

Lively Lures

Jollip Lures

50

2.4x2.4

2.4x2.4

76

42

4.8x2.4

Sandfly Lures Dalby

2.4x2.4

28

Gobsmacked Lures

77

2.4x2.4

AFN

46

78

Lobby Lures

27

2.4x2.4

2.4x2.4

Ninja Lures /Ninja Bibs

41

40

3.6x2.4

Tricky’s Lures

30

4.8x2.4

Whiptail Lures

2.4x2.4

2.4x2.4

C&S Horsey Kneller Lures Lures

43

Balista Lures

2.4x2.4

48

2.4x2.4

2.4x2.4

25

24

2.4x2.4

2.4x2.4

2.4x2.4

Frequent Feralcatt Fish King Flash Lures

TOILETS 1 37 39 38 - LEVEL

2.4x2.4 Zoomy / Mencho Lures

3.6x2.4

2.4x2.4

Bill’s Boxes

Shads Lures

314.8x2.432

34 2.4x2.4

3.6x2.4

Fishing Unlimited

35

2.4x2.4

50 2.4x2.4

36

Dave’s Honey Bommie Lures Hole Lures Knocka

23

22

INDOOR SPACE

14m2

21

2.4x2.4

Million Stars

20

2.4x2.4

Halfcast Customs

19

STAIRS TO LURE COLLECTORS - L2

2.4x2.4 Wax’s Lures/ Levo’s Lures

18

2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4

2.4x2.4

Grumpy Morry Lures /

Solo Lures / HM Muggos Lures Lures Kneebone Pav Art Lures

5117

FLY CASTING ZONE

-BOATSOUTDOOR DISPLAY

2.4x2.4

Jungle Lures

15 2.4x2.4

Smak / Freshwater

3.6x2.4

Crossfire Lures

Lively Lures

Jollip Lures

Farm Soft Plastics Hillies Creek Lures Australia Spinners & Lures

26

14

52

CASTIN G

2.4x2.4

Big T Lures

-BOATSOUTDOOR DISPLAY

16 52

OUTDOOR SPACE

2019 LURE SHOW EXHIBITOR LIST

K

Pakula Tackle

5

51

STAIRS TO LURE COLLECTORS - L2

TANK

2.4x2.4

75

2.4x2.4

Morry

HM Lures Kneebone Lures

CASTIN G TAN

45

4.8x2.4

4.8x2.4

Whiptail Lures

Smak / Freshwater

LEVEL 21 TOILETS - LEVEL LURE COLLECTORS

PLANT & EQUIPMENT

AC Lures

ENTRY 14

PLANT & EQUIPMENT

LURE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ORGANISERS OFFICE

LEVEL 2 SHOWGROUNDS STORAGE LURE COLLECTORS

LURE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ENTRY 3x5

MAIN ENTRY -TICKETS-

6x3

3x3

Bassman Infofish Spinnerbaits

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Southern Allfly Outfitters Cross Lures

59

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2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 37............................................................ Fish King Site..........................................................Exhibitor 17....................................................

Lures FLYMuggos CASTING 35............................................... Fishing Unlimited AC Lures 40...........................................................Ninja Bibs ZONE 38 AFN37 39 42 41 40 39................................................... Frequent Flash 78....................................

Fishing & Outdoors 40......................................................... Ninja Lures 4.8x2.4 3.6x2.4 3.6x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 3.6x2.4 3.6x2.4 58....................................................Allfly Outfitters Crossfire77............................................Gobsmacked Lures 50...................................................... OG Reelbots Zoomy / Tricky’s Bill’s Fishing Shads y Lures Lures Mencho Lures Boxes Unlimited Lures by Grumpy Lures 71.................................................Bait Tackle Store Lures 16....................................................

75.......................................................Pakula Lures 2.4x2.4 30 31 32 34 35 36 Jungle 19.............................................Half Cast Customs 76......................................................

Balista Lures 16............................................................... Pav Art Lures 24.....................................

Hillies Spinners & Lures 60.................................................Barambah Lures 68.....................................................Pimp My Lure 15 51...........................................................

HM Lures 30..............................................................Basslyfe 69................................................... Predator Lures INDOOR SPACE 14m2 22.............................................. Honey Hole Lures 53.......................................Bassman Spinnerbaits 13............................. Queensland Fishing Monthly x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 2.4x2.4 Grumpy Lures / 59......................................................

Illusion Lures 43.........................................................

T Lures 28........................................... Sandfly Lures Dalby Hillies m Dave’s Honey Bommie Million Big Soft Plastics Wax’s Lures/ Muggos Halfcast Solo Lures / ures Australia Spinners & Levo’s Lures Lures Hole Lures Knocka Customs Lures Stars Bills OUTDOOR 61.........................................

SPACE Lures 54...............................................................

Infofish 34.........................................................

Boxes SEQ Fly Fishing Club Pav Art 24 23 20 17 16 25 21.................................................Bommie 21 19Knocka 22 18 48.........................................................Jollip Lures 32....................................................... Shads Lures 15.......................................................Jungle Lures 1..................Brisbane Yamaha / Brisbane Quintrex 14 ............................................. Smak / Freshwater 41...................................................... Kneller Lures 42..............................................C&S Horsey Lures 25........................................ Soft Plastics Australia 18....................................................... Levo’s Lures 36...................................................Crossfire Lures 16.......................................................... Solo Lures 50........................................................ Lively Lures 67.................................................. Daiwa Australia 57......... Southern Brisbane Sportfishing Club Inc. 27..................................................... Lobbys Lures 23.......................................................Dave’s Lures 57........................................ Southern Cross Lures Lvl.2...............................................Lure Collectors 26...............................................Farm Creek Lures 30.................................................... Tricky’s Lur es 31.................................................... Mencho Lures 38................................................... Feralcatt Lures 18........................................................Wax’s Lures 20....................................................... Million Stars 55................................................................FFSAQ 46.................................................... Whiptail Lures 52...................................... Morry Kneebone Lures 70......................................................FILF Clothing 31...................................................... Zoomy Lures 2.4x2.4

C&S Horsey Lures

Kneller Ninja Lures Frequent Feralcatt Fish King /Ninja Bibs Flash Lures Lures 45............................................................

450 LURE MAYEXPO 2019

2019

The Australian

Lure Fly & Outdoors

•• • • • • • ••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

For that unique gift for the angler in your life, be sure to check out the OG Reelbots range which will be available on the Lively Lure (stand 50). Using reels and reel components, these quirky handmade sculptures each have a personality of their own, and will be a definite talking piece sitting in anyone’s pool room or office desk.

Hillies Spinners and Lures

Jollip Lures

According to Jim at Jungle Lures (stand 15), for him there are only two types of fish: barra and by-catch… unless it’s jungle perch (his other passion). His struggle to access quality barra lures led him to create Jungle Lures. After much time spent in research and development, and twice as much time out testing, Jim is proud to bring his range of handcrafted wooden lures to the Expo. They have been very successful on a range of freshwater species, as well as his beloved barra. Stop by the stand and be sure to check out the Jungle Water Snake. There will be some great deals going on these lures to celebrate the Expo’s move to the Beenleigh Showgrounds.

Jollip Lures (stand 48) is a family owned and operated business based in NSW’s Northern Rivers.

Joey has over 20 years’ fishing experience and has put everything he’s learnt into crafting his lures.

The Jollip hand crafted timber lure range has been proven to catch most fresh and saltwater species. Be sure to check them out at the Expo, where they will be releasing six new models to their range.

Muggos Lures (stand 17) are back for their third Lure Expo. Paul brings with him 13 different models of tried and proven lures. In 2019 Muggos are proud to be launching three new models, including the PeeWee, a small diving lure for bass and golden perch, the Midnight Menace and The Marshall.

Check them out for some very successful and wellpriced handmade lures.

Muggos Lures

Ninja Lures

One of the very few female-run lure companies in Australia, Ninja Lures (stand 40) have been around since 2013. The Ninja crew have a range to suit nearly every angler’s needs, from cod to barra to collectables. At this year’s Expo you’ll have to be quick to score yourself one of their limited Ninja Turtle Sets, and while you’re there you can also check out the new release Kermit sub surface lure and Prawn lure. They will also have aluminium lure bibs and DIY lure kits for those inspired to give it a go themselves.

OG Reelbots

Grumpy Lures

Cod anglers rejoice! Chris Anderson is bringing Grumpy Lures (stand 16) to the Expo. Alongside his more traditional lures, Anderson will also have some of the more unusual designs he has become well known for. He has developed an extensive timber and hand-moulded range of lures which can be used to fish both fresh and salt water. Each style of lure has been thoroughly tested by experienced anglers to ensure a premium product. Chris’ motto is: ‘Lures should be fished – not collecting dust on a shelf!’

Stop by Hillies Spinners and Lures (stand 24) to stock up on quality spinners and other lures in a range of styles and colours. Neil uses top quality components from the US, including Eagle Claw Hooks. Custom lures and trade enquiries are welcome. For something different, you’ll also find a range of sun catchers, key fobs and Hillies inspired jewellery on display – something for everyone.

Lively Lures

LURES, LURES AND MORE LURES

EXPO

Jungle Lures

Fish King

1-2 JUNE 2019 • BEENLEIGH SHOWGROUNDS

For more than 30 years Lively Lures (stand 50) have been one of Australia’s leading hard-bodied fishing lure manufacturers. At this year’s Lure Expo they will be bringing with them their best-selling flathead lure, super effective surface lures, top rated mackerel lures and their award-winning GT lure.

Bringing his full range to the Expo this year is Don Lobwein – the man behind Lobby Lures (stand 27). Don started his lure making career in the early 1990s with his son David when they worked out they were losing too many lures at Glenlyon Dam and needed to replace them all! The lure making bug well and truly bit upon Don’s retirement in 2005, and he has dedicated a lot of time to perfecting their design. All Lobby Lures are hand carved from aged white beech and red cedar.

Bass, yellowbelly and cod are all prime targets for Lobby Lures.

2019 LURE EXPO MAY 2019

5 51

Balista Lures (stand 76) are an Australian owned lure company most known for their LED technology, which features in every lure in the range. Since developing this technology in 2008, the team at Balista have spent thousands of hours refining their product range, constantly looking to create innovative new designs that would be highly effective even without the LED technology. Visit the team at the Expo and find out how matching the right Balista lure for the situation can generate strikes when nothing else is working.

Anthony Curtis started making handcrafted lures in 1993. AC Lures (stand 45) timber lures were pioneering in design, with a unique shape that allowed the lure to fly straight through the air, giving precise casts without sacrificing the action of the lure in the water. With the exception of the Minnows and the 40 and 60mm Invaders, AC lures are constructed from injected plastic, which enhances durability, and all ranges use the highest quality fittings, laser-cut Lexan bibs and VMC hooks. AC offer 10 lure designs from 40-150mm, and depth ranges from 3-40ft+ to cater for the popular angling species such as Murray cod, golden perch, trout, redfin, bass, bream, flathead and barramundi.

Whiptail Lures

MAYEXPO 2019 652 LURE

2019

Crossfire Lures

If you’re curious about the lure design process and what is involved in production, a visit to Southern Cross Lures (stand 57) needs to be on your list.

The team will be running demonstrations across the weekend, explaining the whats, hows and whys of lure making. They will also have their range of lures available, handcrafted out of red cedar.

Southern Cross Lures

Kneller Lures

Lure Expo Hall of Fame inductee Paul Kneller has been making lures since 1992. Kneller Lures (stand 41) has become well known for producing small runs of often highly detailed timber lures. This means they are able to do something different with every batch and rarely make the same lure twice. They make everything except for hooks and split rings in house, which gives Paul the flexibility to work on anything from a tiny 45mm bream surface lure one week to a 250mm cod wakebait the next. Kneller lures are built to be fished hard.

Trickys Lures (stand 30) are based on the Fraser Coast. Mick has been making his own wooden hardbody lures for decades and over the last couple of years has been experimenting with soft plastics. They’ll be bringing their selection of handmade soft plastic lures, hand painted hardbodies, powder coated coloured jigheads and a range of fishing gear to this year’s Expo.

The crew from Basslyfe will joining Trickys Lures on their stand. Basslyfe was created by bass fishermen who live the #basslyfe. They care strongly about our waterways and the homes of our native fish. They offer tips and techniques for targeting specific freshwater species, stories to inspire your next fishing adventure and information on all the gear to help you get out there. Be sure to stop by for a chat about all things fishing!

The team from Whiptail Lures (stand 46) have been busy getting their range of handcrafted timber and moulded lures ready for the Expo.

Their lures are suitable for a wide range of salt and freshwater species. They’re looking forward to debuting their new JB95, which is available in a wide range of colours for both salt and fresh.

One of the many Lure Expo success stories, Crossfire Lures (stand 36) began when Simon had a goal of developing a surface lure to target flathead. He took himself along to the Lure Expo and found a lure maker willing to help him with his vision, and a few months later Crossfire was born. Since the first 110mm lure was developed, the range has expanded and has become a series that is fast gaining a reputation as a big fish taker and a favourite amongst keen anglers.

For super realistic designs, visit Frequent Flash (stand 39). They are a small family run business specialising in Japanese style realistic presentations.

Frequent Flash

HM Lures

Brisbane’s HM Lures (stand 51) specialise in handmade and custom painted lures. Their motto is “if you can dream it -we can make it”. They will have a range of their stock lures and products on display at the Expo but are more than happy to chat with you about your custom requirements, which they can make to order.

1-2 JUNE 2019 • BEENLEIGH SHOWGROUNDS

AC Lures

Lobby Lures

EXPO

Trickys Lures

The Australian

Lure Fly & Outdoors

The Australian

Lure Fly & Outdoors

1-2 JUNE 2019 • BEENLEIGH SHOWGROUNDS

EXPO

Zoomy Lures

Teaming up this year are Zoomy Lures and Mencho Lures (stand 31). This father/son duo will have their wide lure range on display, covering everything for fresh and saltwater fishing, from the creeks all the way out to the bluewater.

Bommie Knocka (stand 21) offer premium handcrafted timber poppers that are genuinely built for giants. These lures feature Australian red cedar timber, single piece stainless steel wiring harnesses and many, many coats of rock hard epoxy to both seal and finish the lure. Their on-water performance is characterised by a huge forward spray pattern, straight tracking and the ability to carry very large trebles. This will be Bommie Knocka’s first appearance at the Expo, and they will be showcasing a limited number of

Barambah Lures

Farm Creek Lures

Terry Baker at Farm Creek Lures (stand 26) has been making lures for approximately 10 years. His handcrafted timber lures are specifically designed for freshwater fishing. Each lure is made from locally sourced Australian timber (favouring red cedar) and every lure is individually tested. Terry makes his own aluminium bibs for larger lures.

Check out the new designs at the show.

custom poppers in sizes from 80-160g. Bommie Knockas have proven themselves all over the world by comfortably handling GTs in excess of 40kg. If your scene is the pinnacle of topwater fishing, and you like the idea of a lure that won’t just land you one trophy fish, but a dozen or more, then a Bommie Knocka is the lure for you.

Barambah Lures (stand 60) will be showcasing a limited number of handmade timber lures, including the Manic Budgies, Barambah Dragons and Divers. In 2019, Matt has expanded his range of production lures significantly. There are seven new models due to land in July and samples will be available for the public to see for the first time at the Expo. You’ll also be able to watch Matt at work as he will be doing wood carving demos on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, focusing on Dremel tools and intricate lure carving techniques.

CLOTHING • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

How you look out fishing is just as important as what is on the end of your line. Million Stars (stand 20) are a Sunshine Coast based business who have great range of hooded fishing shirts for adults and kids, face wraps and gloves, as well as fully customised fishing shirts. They can design and supply a shirt that is perfect for your fishing club, competition or annual mates’ fishing trip away. Their shirts are SPF 50 rated, and they have what is probably the largest size range in Australia – from kids 00 all the way through to adults 12XL. Marleigh and Kip at Fish King (stand 37) are a fishing mad family business based on the Fraser Coast. They have turned the amazing experiences they had, and lessons learnt while travelling around Australia for a year into creating their ultimate fishing and sun protective shirt. Specially designed high zip collars, large zippered pockets and built-in thumb holes for maximum hand protection are just some of the

Million Stars

Illusion Lures

Bommie Knocka

Illusion Lures (stand 59) are based in Cooktown in Far North Queensland. Wal has been making lures for over 30 years, perfecting his handcrafted timber lures for a wide range of applications. All his designs are the result of years of rigorous field testing and are all built to catch fish. He uses plantation grown and recycled Australian timbers, and every lure has a full through wire construction.

Illusion Lures will be unveiling some new designs at this year’s Expo.

features built into the Fish King range. They will also have their brand new women’s brand – MALi Designs – on display at the Expo. Available for adults and kids, be sure to check them out at the show.

CLUBS AND MEDIA • • • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Southern Brisbane Sportfishing Club (stand 57) will be welcoming new members across the Expo weekend. They will be running a raffle for 50 classic handcrafted lures that will be drawn on Tuesday 4 June – make sure you get your tickets! The club will be representing Queensland Sportfishing and associated clubs in South East Queensland. Funds raised by the club go towards supporting the stocking of Wyaralong Dam (Beaudesert).

Since the very first Australian Lure Expo, Fishing Monthly (stand 13) has always collaborated with an Australian lure producer to create a limited edition collectable Fishing Monthly lure. This year’s lure is a limited edition No.1 StumpJumper. Dan Stead from Pimp My Lure has assisted by creating the colour using the Fishing Monthly logo colours. JM Gillies then produced a limited run of the colour for the Fishing Monthly team to give away as part of a special subscription offer at this year’s show.

If you subscribe for 12 months to any one of the four magazines for $65, you will receive a Fishing Monthly StumpJumper free with your subscription.

There is a limited number of lures so get in quick!

2019 LURE EXPO MAY 2019

7 53

COMING SOON

View the range on the Daiwa Stand at the 2019 Lure and Fly show.

Northerners scream and shout for coral trout Reel Addiction the majority of the fish caught are on either small to medium soft plastics or hardbodies.

Combine all these traits together into one animal and you have the perfect introductory sportfish.

May should see a continuation of good shallow water reef fish bite. Depending on how fast the water cools,

WHITSUNDAYS

Mick Underwood

Renato Ciccosillo with one of many coral trout that have been caught over recent weeks. the occasional queenfish there have been very few pelagics getting caught. I am not too desponded about this though, as I have noticed over the last couple years that this is pretty typical for the beginning of autumn.

Renato Ciccosillo was happy with this golden snapper that succumbed to a micro jig.

Moving ahead to May now and what we can look forward to over the coming weeks, I’ll start with the pelagics. Looking back through my photo files for May from the last couple of years, this is when the pelagics spring to life and begin to dominate catches.

If the patterns runs true to the last couple of years then we should get to enjoy some spectacular light tackle fishing for a lot of the inshore pelagics, in particular some massive golden trevally.

Golden trevally are

Heath Daniels managed this solid coral trout that went straight into the icebox.

May is generally the tail end of this bite before the bigger coral trout clam up for the winter. We are so fortunate at Hydeaway Bay to have so many close to home options for chasing these guys.

Georges Point, Saddleback Island, Gloucester Pass and the reefs straight out in front of Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach are just a few of the options to get out and target a feed of tasty reef fish.

If the southeast trade breezes don’t give us too much of a hammering, then May can be good time to get out around the outer edges of the islands and indulge in a bit of jigging. There have already this season been some nice jewfish, nannygai and golden snapper getting caught and I’m hoping that some big grunter will soon make an appearance as well.

Micro jigs work

an angler misses a bite on a jig they just keeps jigging and wait for either that fish to bite again or another one to show up and have a go. I find it quite amusing to observe how

Bowen local lad Ty Gummow with a beautiful coral trout that he caught on a hardbody in about 1.5m of water. There are a lot of these fish hiding in shallow weedy country at the moment and casting hardbodies has been the way to bring them unstuck.

bassco boats

• Twin console • 5 metres • Large front casting deck • Huge storage lockers • Mercury 115 Pro XS • Power Pole

O ONLINE DE

CAN QR CO –S bassco boats

bassco boats

LOGO DESIGN

TO VIEW DE

note, it’s been a rotten first few months of the barramundi season, with it now noticeable how very few fish are around.

Getting out of the creeks and onto the shallow patches of reef around the mainland and the inner islands we’ve been enjoying a good bite from most species of reef fish, but the star performer has been the ever-popular coral trout.

Catching 3kg+ fish out of less than 5m of water has been commonplace.

After having to wait for so long to get a good run of weather, a large proportion of the local angling community have skipped the inshore grounds and concentrated their efforts on the shoals and the outer reef, and why not as both regions have been on fire. The shoals have been throwing largemouth nannygai like there is no tomorrow and at the outer reef anglers have been getting their bag limits of coral trout and red throat emperor with ease.

Apart from the lack of barramundi, the only poor bite that we’ve endured recently has been from the pelagic brigade. Aside from a few school mackerel and

sensational light tackle sportfish and are right up there as one of my personal favourites. One of the reasons that I like them so much is as a guide I do a lot of teaching and introducing anglers to light tackle sportfishing and big goldies are the perfect fish to do this with.

They are such a forgiving sportfish that novice anglers can make multiple mistakes with them and still be in with a chance to enjoy a bit of glory. Once a hook penetrates those big blubbery lips, it generally stays stuck there. If an angler lets them have a bit of slack line, or for whatever reason just doesn’t maintain constant hook pressure, there is still a fair chance that the hooks will remain in the fish and the fight can continue. Also, by nature they are clean fighters and will not purposefully try and bury themselves in a nearby piece of reef or cut you off by swimming behind the nearest bommie.

They typically want to run for clean open water and will try and use their strength and speed to win their freedom.

They are also a very hardy fish, even after a prolonged fight and when they have been out of the water for a few minutes to get some pictures they still release well and will swim away healthy again.

Golden Trevally are also avid lure eaters, which aids to their appeal as well. On

much this peeves some bait anglers and a lot of the time I’ll use this as an opportunity to convert bait anglers to the dark side and introduce them into some jigging. From there, most don’t look back.

That’s about all I have room for this month. Good luck to you all with your angling endeavours over the coming weeks and I look forward to reporting to you again next month.

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LOGO DESIGN

AT TEST VI BO

After having to endure a long summer of crappy wind and rain, I along with most other local anglers have been lapping it up and making the most of the recent run of stable weather.

Up in the estuaries, the crabs and prawns have slowed up a bit, but we have had a good run on these guys and there have been plenty of tasty feeds enjoyed around the region. The three main local estuaries in the Cape Gloucester area, Miralda and Billys creeks and the Gregory River have been fishing very well for mangrove jack and the size of the average fish getting caught has been right up there. On a disappointing

ridiculously well for these fish and comfortably outfish bait on a daily basis. The fact that the fish love these tiny little metal offerings isn’t the only advantage of using them.

Bait fishers after missing a bite have to wind their lines 40m+ back up to the surface, re-bait and then get their hooks back down to the bottom in order to re-join the game. If

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55

Bag the beasts of the creek TOWNSVILLE

Dave Hodge

With just enough rain to keep things topped up, you would be forgiven for thinking that the run-off has lasted for an extended period of time. While technically, you could refer to the extended running of weirs as ‘run-off’ it’s not in the traditional perception of a full on flow. Aplins Weir has been ‘allowed’ to flow with an extended water release from the dam, mainly in anticipation of more rains on the horizon,

but it’s more of an artificial run-off if anything.

Creeks have fished well for weeks now, and even though the odd storm here and there has kept some creeks from resuming normal flows, salinity and colour, the upper reaches of many systems are still producing well. Hardbodies and soft plastics are scoring, but the good old hardbody has remained the most productive presentation for us.

Keep this in mind when you’re spending a day on the water. They are often seen as old stuff, but the hardbodies still out fish the softies on

This three hook version of the 120 Laser Pro was taken on the stall by this run-of-the-mill sized fish.

0 TUFF 0 3 E S A E L E R W E N

many occasions. I’ve found hardbodies with two hooks have been working well, but if I am targeting a beast in the creek I’ll upgrade to one with three hooks.

Most times we look for submerged or fallen timber in these upper reaches to cast at, but there are plenty of dirty water lines that have been producing good numbers of decent fish at the moment.

Any areas that have a small creek entering the main flow of a river or bigger system have been holding fish in the 55-75cm range, and they are all pulling hard.

Beaches and headlands are also firing at present, as the outflow of freshwater has been attracting bait to these areas. If there is a small amount of outflow at the bottom of the tide, the wash and dirty water on the ocean side has been holding fish in the dirty water. Fizzers and poppers have been getting their fair share of bites in this situation, and Ryan Tully found this to be the case on a recent walk along a beach.

Trying all of his favourites for no result, it was the first cast with a Bills Bug that got hit, then again the next cast as well, and the next.

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56

MAY 2019

This reasonable barra was caught fishing an Atomic semi-hard in the freshwater. then, so don’t panic if you need to do it. It’s often the result of a big fish thrashing on the gaff.

Alpins Weir has held large numbers of barra for weeks on end, and this number is growing all the time. While most anglers are choosing to release their fish there is the odd angler who

With places like this to fish from land it’s no wonder the boat is getting neglected.

DU RA BI LI T Y Y ST AB IL IT Y & SA M E LE GE ND AR

BUNDABERG CAIRNS BURPENGARY GLADSTONE TOWNSVILLE SOUTHPORT CANNONVALE NOOSAVILLE -

off their heads in many spots, jacks are sick of holding out the front and working their way back up the rivers and creeks, with some fish as fat as mud, having gorged on the buffet of prawns and baitfish that thrived in the fresh conditions. Bust-offs have been common and while the numbers of jacks haven’t come back like they were, the size is definitely up there.

OFFSHORE Golden snapper and grunter are getting taken regularly by bay and boat fishers, and it’s time to limit what you take as that old ‘get ‘em while they’re there’ mentality is rearing its ugly head at present.

Live herring, gar and mullet are getting smashed on the bottom, and even the California squid are catching heaps of golden snapper.

Grunter are also falling for the same baits, but a smaller hook around the 4/0-6/0 size needs to be used for the best results.

Trout fishers are over the moon with the fishing since the waters have cleared, as are the nanny specialists, and jigs and soft plastics are getting great results on the now flowing Wonky Holes, many of which hadn’t flowed for years. Plenty of sounder shots have been coming through the Fishing Warehouse while I’ve been on, and they’re always accompanied by shots of big nannies.

Mackerel are also on the chew. For this species, lures in the 2m diving range are usually trolled at a speed of around 6 knots. Deep diving lures are best trolled at under 5 knots.

Haywire twisting half a metre or so of wire to bib clip helps them track straight. If your lure eventually becomes de-tuned after a big fish and wants to swim to one side or ‘blow out’ then use a pair of pointy nosed pliers to ever so slightly bend the tow point in the same direction as it wants to run to. This will re-centre the apex of the tow point and bring it back into line at speed. All diving lures need to be tuned every now and

wants to kill everything that hits the bank. I’m the first to ring Fisheries when I see someone doing the wrong thing and couldn’t care less what people think of me doing it. Those exceeding their bag limit or keeping undersized fish and crabs, think it’s their right, but it’s my right to protect what it is I love so much. I hope you

all have the guts to stand up for what you love.

I’ve seen one particular old bloke kill at least 20 (probably closer to 30) barra since they’ve been congregating at the weir wall. Now, you tell me if you think that’s excessive, considering that some of these fish are over a metre long. Preservation and respect for the resource is the last thing this bloke’s worried about. I’ve seen him kill over his bag limit, and that’s enough evidence to make the phone call.

Nobody can vilify or condemn anyone who is within the bag or size limits, no matter how much it may peeve you. If it’s legal, it’s legal, and that’s all that can be said. We eat fish a couple of times a week, and still only need to kill one or two fish an outing to last us a week or two. The old ‘get ‘em while you can’ mentality is thankfully dying out, just slowly.

I’ve been a bit obsessed with the river and creek stuff of late, so I haven’t ventured out in the boat for many weeks, but I think that this will change very shortly as we look for something different to pass the time.

Yep, we’re spoilt for choices at the moment, and how good is that.

Weir specialist Brock Mazlin has been getting exceptional results of late, and catching plenty of barra on his light 4lb set-up.

A cooler month than normal CAIRNS

Garry Smith garrysmith@fishingmonthly.com.au

May usually marks the start of the cool, dry season in the Cairns area. With such a big wet, old timers are expecting a cooler and dryer autumn and winter than normal. This will be good news for blue water

well into winter.

Largemouth nannygai and red emperor will be best targeted on the deep rubble patches, isolated pinnacles and gutters between reefs.

As always, look for bait schooling around structure.

It is also worth taking note of strong fish signals well up off the bottom.

These can often indicate big largemouth nannygai.

bottom. There’s a hint there for competitive fishos! I have been told by fisheries researchers that largemouth nannygai are so aggressive in captivity that they can’t be kept in the same tank as any other species, or they will kill them.

Spanish mackerel will be the main bluewater mackerel target species and there is nothing like large bait schools to bring them around. The average water temperature off Cairns in May is 26ºC, and if it gets below that this month it should enhance the pelagic fishing. Mackerel usually feed down deeper early in the season and move higher in the water column as the water temperature decreases.

They also tend to feed closer to the surface around dawn and dusk, then move deeper as the sun gets higher in the

sky. Keep this in mind on a daily basis.

Small black marlin have been appearing in May in recent years, so light tackle sportfishos will be starting to look around for billies in areas like the wide grounds and off Fitzroy Island.

Tuna, trevally and cobia should also be starting to increase in numbers this month. There has been a significant increase in the number of cobia being caught in recent years, especially around inshore wrecks, pinnacles, rocks, reefs and islands. They are a brute of a fighter and quite good to eat. The good thing about cobia is they respond to the same fishing techniques as mackerel, tuna and trevally, so you can be targeting any of them and hook onto a cobia or be targeting cobia

Quality barra will still be along the headlands for those prepared to put in the time and effort. anglers, if the winds don’t cause too much havoc. I’m expecting the mackerel to show up early this year, along with the reds schooling up sooner. An abundance of bait after the big wet will certainly enhance the fishing.

Trout should still be in good numbers up shallow and depending on how cool the water temperature gets, reds could start moving into shallower water. Normally this doesn’t happen until

Brighter or stronger marks often indicate mangrove jack sitting up off the bottom. A number of individual fish marks off the bottom is just as good an indication of good fishing country as bait schools. It still pays to fish on the bottom, as nannygai and mangrove jack will quickly follow a bait down.

Largemouth nannygai are a very aggressive fish and the largest one in the school often pounces on the first bait that hits the

Jude Ross made the most of his final reef trip before heading to Canada to live for two years.

Claire Denzin, the new co-host of ABC Radio Fishtalk, dives down for a closer look at her subject matter. and hook onto any of the aforementioned species.

If specifically targeting cobia, they love squid, crabs and cuttlefish, as well as all the common live baits used for chasing mackerel and trevally. Soft plastics imitating squid and crabs have become exceptionally lifelike in recent years and are great lures to use when targeting cobia.

The flip side of the water cooling early will be that the fishing for the tropical trophy trio of barra, jacks and golden snapper will slow down. Last year the temperature stayed up in May and these species were still very active. Keep in mind that even in the cooler water temperatures, these fish are still around and are well worth targeting. They just require a bit more patience and effort in getting your bait or lure closer to where they are holed up. The Cairns Inlet and headlands to the north and south of Cairns were

particularly productive last year during May, and if the fishing since the wet season let up is any indication, it should be another good month for what are typically considered summer estuary and inshore species.

Queenfish and trevally should start to increase in numbers as salinity levels in local estuaries improves.

A session casting surface poppers along current lines, sandbar drop-offs and sand flats around or close to river mouths can produce some heart-stopping action when these species turn it on.

Don’t forget the crab pots this month, as May is usually a good month to chase a feed, especially if there is a bit of rain about.

Anglers can get the latest fishing reports by tuning into ABC Local Radio every Friday from 5:30-6:00pm. The show now has its first female co-host, Claire Denzin, who has lived and fished all her life in Far North Queensland.

A good wet has turned into good fishing PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton Heffer www.fishingportdouglas.com.au

We have come off what you would consider a good old-fashioned wet season in the tropics.

Each month over the summer dumped some substantial rain on our tropical region. As the seasons change they say a good ‘wet’ translates into good fishing ahead for the coming year. In saying this, we have had some of the best fishing inshore and offshore this past few months and the month ahead should get even better.

The outer and coastal reef fishing has been exceptional this summer and those in the know believe it has been to do with the water temperature.

Not necessarily the surface temperature, but the really cool waters deeper down.

Our tropical reef species thrive in cooler temperatures and this is why we get a really consistent bite.

All manner of species have been busy, including coral and bar-cheek trout, large and small-mouth nannygai, red and spangled emperor, sweetlip, cobia, Spanish mackerel and the many types of trevally we encounter up here. The trevally have included golden, tea-leaf, bludger, gold-spot, giant and the stunning diamond variety.

It has been the best summer fishing we’ve seen in a long time, with exceptional numbers of quality-sized fish. Looking ahead, water temperatures will continue to fall as the cooler days kick in and the fishing could even go to a new level. I’ve always found in particular the nannygai species really kick into gear during May and even if their strike rate only increases marginally it would mean an

Skipper Adam Boone with a diamond trevally caught on a coastal reef aboard a local charter.

absolute bumper month on this species.

On the pelagic side of things, Spanish mackerel have already shown they are around in numbers and will steadily grow in presence as the days go by.

Spotted and doggy mackerel should also start turning up, especially on the inshore reefs. Last year the small black marlin season started ticking over during May on the wide grounds and all signs indicate another early start considering the water temperature and the good supply of bait along the coast from the wet season rains.

Inshore in our calm water fisheries, there has been a healthy supply of bait from the ‘wet’ in our estuaries, rivers and along the beaches and headlands.

Sardines, mullet, garfish, mud herring and great-sized prawns have been readily available for those willing to put in the effort. These tasty morsels have accounted for

the bigger sized fish that have been kicking around including barra, mangrove jack, blue salmon, tarpon, golden snapper, grunter, trevally, barracuda and queenfish.

The best fishing has occurred outside of the heavy rains when the water clarity has been better.

Incoming and the first stages of the outgoing tide have been equally good times to target our coastal species. With a healthy supply of food around, the fishing should remain very positive including the barra for at least another month.

The traditional overnight cold snap, which normally occurs in May, is when the barra will taper off. The rest will continue to bite while the food stocks are plentiful.

In a nutshell, the reef fishing will go through the roof this month and the pelagic species catch size will increase.

MAY 2019

57

Fishing will fire if crazy conditions settle HINCHINBROOK

Ryan Moody info@ryanmoodyfishing.com

Well it seems every time after I write a report we get another downpour that sends the rivers into flood again, spewing freshwater into the channel, just when we thought the fresh was starting to thin right out from the last event. This will once again see most barra not settling into areas they should be and remain spread out in the shallows, moving around in groups looking for feeding opportunities. This can be the frustrating times, with anglers hitting them one day and going back the next only to find they have moved right out of the region.

This is when it pays to move around, and when they are shallow you can often hear them in the distance when they feed. They look for small anchovy schools at this time of year, as the run-off coincides with the anchovy breeding season. A good ear can hear their pops way off in the distance, and it pays to be a little observant. Jelly prawns are another favourite where they are forced to feed near the surface.

Species such as golden snapper have been trying to make a comeback, but it seems every time they arrive back in the fresh spreads them out again! A friend of mine managed a great 85cm fish just before the recent rain and there were also the juvenile schools coming in in good numbers

ready for the cooling waters in autumn. A few more weeks will see their return, providing no more floods come.

We’ve had some good sessions offshore on the reds and some reasonable coral trout. We managed a few nice nannygai while doing some filming for our sounder course showing how to find new ground. Isolated coral and halimedia mounds have made a bit of a come back in the shipping lane since cyclone Yasi flattened them off back in 2011. The cyclone was so strong it ripped out not just the seagrass, but all the grass’ rhizomes out of the seabed as well, and it has taken a long time for many grasses to recover. It’s great to have these foraging areas back, as it gives us other

Sharkey with a solid nannygai from offshore.

One of many nice barra caught on a charter with Ian Moody while fishing the flats. opportunities to look at.

Out on the shelf, the smaller yellowfin have showed in great numbers and are easily spotted on the making tides leading up to the moons. The small yellowfin are easily given away by the small terns and muttons birds. Trolling small feathers and pushers can be productive, and smaller slices with upgraded hooks are good to cast. These are a delicacy either raw for sashimi, or lightly cooked in a hot pan with several recipes available to suit. Let’s not forget either that they are a great marlin bait during the heavy tackle season.

During May we can expect to see some other species show up like golden and diamond trevally, as well as the northern bluefin, which

is more of an inshore type of tuna. All the above species love metal slices and plastics, and we have even caught big northern bluefin on vibes meant for barra when fishing the main Hinchinbrook Channel. You just never know when a school is going to pop up just in front of you!

If it cools down a little earlier this year, then we may see some early season Spaniards inshore. They are a great fish and some of the early inshore fish are large models and from previous seasons. The school-sized Spaniards usually arrive a little later, but mostly out in the shipping lane feeding on yakkas and herring schools.

Once again, the birds give them away.

Just like most forms of fishing, the better you

understand the practical aspects of your depth sounder and how they really, the more likely you are to become a better angler, especially once you know exactly what’s down there and start to pick up movement habits by simply tuning and reading a sounder correctly.

Check out our new ‘Sounder Skills 2’ online course if you want to really get a grasp on your sounder, and it will also help you understand what kind of unit you need for your styles of fishing into the future.

• 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.

Cool change still makes for great fishing CAIRNS

Dan Kaggelis dkaggelis@gmail.com

May will spell a change in the weather that will bring with it those dreaded cool water temperatures that can make fishing in the Net Free Zone tough. Fish like barramundi can

be particularly hard to convince when the water gets cool, but it doesn’t mean they won’t bite.

The key is to be fishing around those key bite window times and while they may be short, sometimes only an hour or less, that is when they will bite, so that’s when you need to be there.

The Cairns Inlet still has

the biggest schools of fish, which can make things a little easier, and it does pay to downsize your lures when the water cools in this area.

Small prawn patterns are the go as they can be fished really

Machans, Holloways, and Yorkeys Knob will also be fishing well this time of year and targeting the run-in tides on the open beaches with live and fresh bait is the best method for barra.

Barra can become a difficult species to tempt as the water cools.

Try targeting deeper holes and wrecks in the inlet if you’re after some golden snapper.

Once the rain lets up and the water clears, mangrove jack become a possible target in the cooler water.

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MAY 2019

slowly and hopped across the bottom, giving the fish plenty of time to eat it. Small vibes or suspending lures are also very effective, as you want lures that can be worked slowly and get down into the barra’s face.

The open beaches off

The headlands and points will also be worth a flick on the first hour of sun up and sun down.

Other species that will be easier to target in the cooler water will be mangrove jack. The good thing about

May is the rainfall tends to ease, which will be a nice change, and waterways will clean up. My local creek has been running brown since December and I can’t wait to get into the jacks again when the water clears. Clear water means fish can see your lures better, which is perfect for jacks. Paddle-tail soft plastics and prawn imitations cast tight to snags will be the best bet. Bait fishers will do best with fresh herring cast on barely any weight near

structure.

The other species that will be on the chew will be golden snapper. Goldies do tend to bite quite well in the creeks over the cooler months and targeting them in the deeper holes and wrecks in the inlet on fresh bait is a good option. Straight out from Hemmingways Wharf in the main channel is a good bit of rubble that can be fished on the smaller tides and this is a good place to start.

North Queenslanders hoping for settled weather LUCINDA

Jeff Wilton jeffwilton83@hotmail.com

It’s been a wild few months of weather across Australia, and North Queensland didn’t miss out. It feels like it has rained consistently every day for months, which was a little frustrating at times, but it has set up what should

with all species fired up and feeding up for the cold months coming. It’s always an exciting time of the year, as you get the best of both worlds, with the pelagic fish starting to show up and get active and the estuaries all fired up.

HINCHINBROOK CHANNEL It’s been great fishing over the last few months up one of the hundreds of creeks on offer

This typical inshore emperor is the sort of tasty treat anglers can catch if the weather allows them to get offshore in May. be some amazing years of fishing to come.

May is normally a safe month to come up and experience what Lucinda has to offer, and the rain should be gone and the winds should have settled down a little. The fishing should be going off,

here around Hinchinbrook.

All species have been in good numbers and we have the terrific rainfall and flooding to thank for that.

For most it’s still about getting into the barra before they start to slow down as the cooler water temperatures

make them less active. There have been some good catches of late, and I know a few lucky anglers that have been getting into double figures on school size fish, both on lures and live baits.

I heard a great story from a guy I know who does very well on barra, where he had four rods set and every rod was loaded up with a barra. Luckily for him, he was fishing with someone and they managed to land all four fish! This sort of occurrence is actually common when live baiting, as normally a school of barra will swim by chasing baitfish or moving with the tide. Once a good location is found you can normally count on barra coming by like clockwork, whether they decide to eat or not is the frustrating thing.

Chasing mangrove jack right up in the tiny creeks is another good option, as the water should be clear and if you start fishing as the tide starts to push up these creeks, you should be in for a good time.

Jacks love some current, and although it can make fishing a little trickier, the results will be better. The current pushes baitfish hard into their snaggy homes, offering an easy feeding opportunity.

There has also been some terrific catches of golden snapper and javelin fish from the channel itself by those fishing around the

many isolated rocks and rubble patches. Sourcing good fresh bait will be the key to success, and picking tides with not a lot of run will help. Fishing can be pretty much impossible when the tide is raging, so choosing your session to coincide with tides that vary by around 1-1.5m will mean you can fish comfortably all day or night.

JETTY, ISLANDS AND REEF The weather should be good and fingers are crossed that there are plenty of windows for everyone to get out into the blue water.

The jetty should be dishing out plenty of fun and games, with the usual suspects attempting to destroy anglers’ spirits by stealing the contents of their tackle boxes. I have spent some great mornings out chasing GTs on poppers, with the odd queenfish thrown in. The queenies should start taking over as the water temps drop. It’s no secret that the sugar loader is one of the best spots in Queensland to chase queenfish. Although they are not seen as an eating fish, they are a spectacular sportfish and will rip plenty of drag and take some massive jumps.

The Palm Islands will also be popular for swimming in post card perfect spots, and also for the odd bit of fishing.

Although the islands cop a lot of fishing and boating pressure, there are still some

Golden trevally on the surface aren’t always common, but plenty of fun around structure. great fish to be caught. It is very important to try and find some isolated structure that has some life on it. Get a good anchor in and make sure you’re fishing over the structure!

Coral trout are top of the list and these fish always hang around structure and baitfish.

Trolling a few lures around while enjoying the views is an effective way to look for new spots, and may also see rods bending when the odd Spanish mackerel eats the lure.

These fish should be starting to show up in good numbers as the water cools down and the bait schools push in closer. Find the bait and you will find the mackerel, and they will be hunting close to the surface in the morning and evening, and will push deeper as the sun gets higher in the sky.

The reef will be fishing great, and the best thing about May is the chance of those fierce summer storms brewing up at night is much less. Overnight trips where you can head out in the afternoon and chase a few trout before heading out deeper, anchor up for the night, and chase red fish like nannygai and emperor are great in May. When it all comes together, these trips are so much fun and the esky will be full of the greatest eating fish the ocean can produce.

The major problem is there is a big chance the sharks will ruin the evening, and you will be required to move to another location. Spanish mackerel will also be showing up in big numbers, so finding a good reef point that has plenty of current pushing past it will have fish in the area if this is your target.

Cool weather fishing for Burdekin anglers AYR

Steve Farmer

May is a great time of year to be wetting a line in tropical North Queensland.

Unprecedented floods, late-season cyclones and sweltering temperatures should all be things of the past this month.

But it isn’t just the weather that should get better and better over the next few months. The fishing also changes, with lots of tasty, hard-fighting winter species moving into our estuaries and inshore waters, providing a change from the summer species we’ve been targeting for the past five or six months.

While we might refer to them as summer and winter species, some species of fish remain in local waters all year round, although often in reduced numbers for part of the year. For example, skilled anglers will still catch barramundi and mangrove jack in the middle of June, but they will have to work harder for them. It can also be worthwhile changing tactics as the temperature drops. Rather than persisting with lures you might be

better off trying live prawns or mullet.

At this time of the year most estuary anglers will be targeting the so-called breadand-butter species – whiting, flathead and bream. Being fairly early in the season, the numbers of most species are just starting to build. Whiting and flathead are usually dominant at this time of year, while bream usually don’t make their main run until July or August in Burdekin waters.

In previous years a few anglers targeting whiting early in the season were rewarded with a run of whopper fish, but numbers were modest and unreliable. During May, numbers of these tasty fish should increase, but sizes often decrease a little as schools of whiting move along our beaches and into our estuaries.

Light lines, minimal terminal tackle and yabby baits are the best way to score a feed of whiting.

The other popular estuarine species that is on the bite during May is the flathead and the numbers and size of this fish should be increasing over the next few months.

Baits of yabbies, prawns and slabbed/whole/live mullet or herring are bound to tempt the old lizard. Keep the baits

Lucinda Jetty is a great fishing destination during May and it’s just three hours up the highway. moving for best results. The best lures are small hardbodies and soft plastics that can be flicked erratically across the bottom.

Bluewater sportfishers look forward to May because it often signals the beginning of the winter pelagic season.

There’s a chance the first schools of Spanish mackerel will be cruising northwards through the Alva Shoals

and Cape Upstart areas this month. At the first hint of calm weather Burdekin fishers will be out drifting or trolling pilchard baits or lures for this popular species.

Of course, the cooler months see other species of pelagics stretching sportfishers’ tackle as well. Species such as queenfish, trevally, tuna and cobia are on the bite in Burdekin inshore waters,

and are responding well to a variety of baits and lures.

At times getting pelagics to bite can be a frustrating challenge. If you can see the fish (especially if they are following your lures back to the boat) but you aren’t getting any strikes, try varying the size of your bait or lure. It is often a case of simply matching the hatch to get things firing.

TRAVEL FOR FISHING FUN How else can we make the most of the glorious weather and the exciting fishing ahead?

May usually turns on dry and (hopefully) calm weather, which is ideal for those who want to explore further afield, especially when the main reason for hitting the road is to bend a few rods in some new spots.

Burdekin anglers have plenty of places relatively nearby that are worth a visit.

Depending on how much time you have to indulge your fishing travel bug, you could venture as far afield as Tinaroo Dam on the Atherton Tableland or Cairns in the north or the Whitsunday Islands and Peter Faust Dam in the south. There are many spots in between offering a variety of fishing options, including sweetwater streams in rainforest country,

thousands of hectares of mangrove estuaries, inshore shoals and islands that attract a variety of pelagics and offshore bottom fishing on the Great Barrier Reef.

Whatever your fishing fancy there is somewhere just a few hours drive away to cater for your preference.

The comfortable weather conditions might also entice you to fish somewhere closer to home that you haven’t visited for a while – or perhaps never. Even on our home turf most of us fish waterways that we know, missing out on the excitement and thrill of exploring new country right on our doorstep.

Another reason May is a prime time to hit the road is that it isn’t yet peak season for southerners chasing our famous weather and lifestyle.

You should still have a chance of snagging your choice of accommodation options or the best camping spots.

Wherever you might plan to travel and fish, it’s worth doing a bit of homework before you go. For example, maps and charts will show channels, fish-holding structure, green zones and a heap more helpful information that will allow you to hit the ground running.

MAY 2019

59

Get in on the action at the Cape CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly wildrivercompany@gmail.com

With the patchy weather of March and April now behind us, we can look forward to the more settled period of May as we coast towards winter. Cyclone Trevor produced some tempestuous weather in

thing to do. Luckily the bottom fish followed suit and good numbers of black mulloway, fingermark, blackspot tuskfish and others were on the chew.

Then came the big low-pressure system, followed by sou-west and nor-westerly winds that typically throw the fishing off. There was no point in fishing for the next week until the winds subsided and our second group of clients

The two Petes with a cracking brace of black mulloway. the Cape, with much of the central region experiencing late flooding rains. As harsh as this period was for locals, it was just what was needed for the fishing.

The start of my fishing year has been up at Albany Island near the tip of Cape York. The first few charters were met with postcard weather. Breezeless hot days where charging around in the ocean seems like the right

again had champagne weather as the tides began to neap. This time some of the coastal points, near shore shoal grounds and estuaries all showed to be promising, with mulloway, fingermark and barra featuring heavily amongst the catch.

This time of year there is also great free diving to be experienced on the East Coast of the Cape. Coral trout and tropical rock lobsters abound in the shallow waters east of

the Cape and anyone who can swallow a decent breath can dive to just a few metres and grapple with these beasts.

Anyone who hasn’t experienced the sensation of twin quivering antenna poking out from a fluorescent coloured coral bommie is missing a great thrill in life.

It is transfixing to pluck or spear a large crayfish from crystal clear water and another thing altogether tasting them garlic buttered on the barbecue that night.

expanse of water.

Both painted and ornate crayfish inhabit these locations, many of them moving between reefs on their various migration patterns.

At times in the Torres Strait region, crayfish grounds that had been worked over only days prior have their cracks and crevices refilled by marching crayfish! Their numbers fluctuate greatly but generally if you find them in one place, check the same place again at another time.

Shallow water makes diving a breeze! If you haven’t tried it before, be sure to get amongst the action.

The reef flats throughout much of Cape York are studded with shallow rock and coral outcrops. Across these shallow sand and hardbottomed reef flats, there will be a patch of slightly deeper water within the perimeter.

These places generally hold more structure and can be great refuge and cover in an otherwise shallow

Jew will be in solid numbers, especially in deep holes just like this one.

The other favourite for the menu up in these parts is the humble coral trout.

Cooked in almost any fashion they are delicious.

Despite the Chinese paying top dollar for common and blue spot varieties with a tinge of red, they all taste sublime. Island trout have narrower bands of blue bars across the cheeks and are the most prolific over the shallow reefs, coastal rocks and near-shore islands.

They will take surface and shallow diving lures with the same gusto as bottom

A solid bag of crayfish taken out from the east tip of Cape York.

fished jigs, baits and soft plastics. They are territorial and almost arrogant with their behaviour on the reef.

When spearfishing it always pays to look behind you in case a coral trout just happens to be tagging along behind. Wherever you find larger concentrations of fish, slow down and wait to see if a trout appears in the mix.

The best thing for anglers is that these jewels of the reef are also super aggressive.

May should see conditions generally stabilise – the predominant south-easterly trade winds kicking in with pain ease of predictability. The western coast of the cake will remain at angler’s paradise with cool offshore winds, super charged food webs and all matter of hungry sport fish on the prowl. It is a great month to travel in Cape York with good access and plenty of fresh water still on the ground.

Hopefully thundering into a storm-free May COOKTOWN

Justin Conventry

Once again the rains have fallen and the storms have kept the boats from venturing out over the last couple of weeks. However, we had an opening recently that we rushed to take advantage of with a longawaited reef trip.

We decided to hit the Wonky Holes first but they produced little, though I did manage to wrestle with the resident gold-spot cod. It was

a fight that lasted a while and the fish and I were exhausted afterwards. I managed to release the air from its swim bladder and release it to fight another day.

The process, as I have been taught, is to pierce the side of the fish level with the pictorial fin and straight down from the fourth spike on the top fin. I use a large needle for the procedure, although a thin blade knife can do the job quite well, especially on a large fish. The air rushes out when you hit the right spot and if you massage the fish’s

A chunky gold-spot cod. The wonky holes have been producing some solid fish this month.

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MAY 2019

stomach you can get most of the air out. It’s amazing how quick a fish recovers and is able to race back down to the bottom on release. It’s a shame that there aren’t more tools readily available to help with this procedure. I’m looking to make myself a larger needle for large fish, to make it easier and give the fish a better chance of survival on release.

With the Wonkies not firing, we headed out to the reef to try and catch some coral trout for dinner. The fishing was slow to say the least, but improved as the day went on and we came back with 11 trout between us. Trout are such a lovely fish to eat. I like to keep it simple when cooking this delicate fish. My favourite way is to fry it up in some butter with a sprinkle of garlic salt and a squeeze of lime juice. It is just divine and melts in your mouth. Just thinking about it makes me hungry.

The local wharf has been a little quiet, but that will change as the water clears. Reports are also coming in of the occasional barramundi being caught. Night fishing has been the best, but bait is scarce.

However, lures have produced results, so they’re an option if you can’t get any live bait.

The river has been flowing hard with the flooding rain. The flooding is making fishing the river hard, but the mud crabs are on the move downstream in search of saltier water. Good reports of catches around the mouth of the Annan have come in and if the weather was more favourable then putting pots out in the bay would be the go. This is my favourite time of year for catching mud crabs. The flooding is a sure sign that they are on the move and much easier to catch.

My kids love eating crab and corn soup and I make it with ample crab meat, so it is more like a chowder then a soup.

I really shouldn’t write this article when I’m hungry. We are blessed to have such great seafood on our doorsteps.

Lakefield National Park to the north of us is still closed and with the rain we have had, it looks like it won’t be opening anytime soon. The Normanby River rose to 19.7m above the causeway at Battle Camp when Cyclone Trevor passed by further north of us. That’s a lot of water running through the National Park. Although the prospect of the Park opening early is unlikely with the amount of water at the moment, it should

Natasha caught this bright coral trout while hand line fishing. make for some great fishing for barramundi throughout the whole park as levels drop. Hopefully, it will open before winter weather kicks in and temperatures drop and the fish go off the bite.

There might only be a small window at the start of the season before water temps drop and the fish go quiet, however, it will make for a good end to the season until water temperatures rise again after winter.

I will keep you updated on the park, but your best bet is to keep an eye on the National Park website to see when it will open.

Usually only a few sites will be made available early in the southern section and they get booked out quickly.

If opportunity arises, I will be making my way up there and I do expect the fishing to be better than usual with the flooding that has occurred this season already.

BLACK MAGIC

MASTER CLASS

/ W I T H PA U L L E N N O N

Learning about leaders Last month we talked about hook choice and how it’s one of the little things that often gets over looked by anglers but greatly increases your chance of success.

This time I want to go into another critical but often over looked element, and that’s selecting what leader you should be using.

Depending on what species you are targeting, what size they are and where you’re fishing as well as leader length should all greatly impact your leader choice, in regards to size and material.

The two types of leader material to choose from are

Fluorocarbon sinks faster and also absorbs light, making it virtually invisible in the water.

The attributes for each type of leader will benefit certain types of fishing but are not so great for others, so it’s important to choose the right one.

FLUOROCARBON The greater abrasion resistance fluorocarbon often makes it a great choice for any kind of fishing where you’re likely to encounter structure. It’s ideal for fishing for bream off break walls, for drummer near oyster racks, and for groper off the rocks, but also for locking up on big kings or snapper heading for nasty terrain.

in the estuary, to tailor on the beaches, through to marlin.

My favourite choice of fluorocarbon to use is the black magic Tough FL. This stuff is available from 4lb through to 120lb and is quite stiff, even by fluorocarbon standards. This stiffness gives it a decent abrasive resistance.

Many standard knots that work with mono don’t work great in fluorocarbon.

For braid to leader connection knots in heaver fluorocarbon, Albright and uni knots become quite bulky and it is difficult to get the knot tight. A slim beauty knot is a better alternative, or even better is the PR or FG knot.

When tying the PR and FG in

Leader choice will play a big role in your fishing success. makes the lure easier to work and it will swim better too.

Knots like the PR and FG are better with mono, and mono also behaves better when casting longer heavier leaders through rod guides.

Black Magic Tackle has two ranges of mono leaders, tough and supple, so they cover all bases. They also make a pink coloured version, which although relatively new is proving to be a real hit.

Pink is considered to be the first colour to disappear in water, especially in low light or murky water situations.

I noticed a difference when

using pink leader for the first time against the clear while live baiting for mulloway in deep estuary holes. The pink noticeably out-fished the clear on several occasions, and for this type of fishing this is all I use now.

Another handy leader device Black Magic do to make life easier is a leader dispenser that holds and organizes five spools of line. This keeps everything in order with only a small tag end of each line poking through that can be pulled out and cut to the desired length when required.

Learning the FG knot will greatly increase your success. Not only is it far stronger, but it is about a third of the size of your typical Albright knot (above) making it perfect for casting longer leaders through rod guides. mono and fluorocarbon.

Mono is supple and soft with more stretch, while fluorocarbon is a stiffer material giving it greater abrasion resistance.

It’s also perfect for those fish with raspy mouths that can wear through softer leaders of the same poundage during long fights. This can be anything from big flathead

fluorocarbon, you’ll need to take extra care to make sure the knot is tight as it’s much harder for the braid to bite into the tougher material.

When it comes to terminal

There is nothing worse than tangled leaders. It pays to have all your leaders ready to go, as you never know which one is going to produce the fish.

connection knots, try doing a few less turns then you would normally do for mono especially in sizes above 60lb.

A simple blood knot with out being locked like you would with mono will tie heavier fluorocarbon nicely and never slip.

MONO LEADERS While on paper fluorocarbon has many advantages over mono, there is still plenty of fishing where mono is the preferred choice.

The suppleness of a mono leader will make lures swim more naturally, especially in heavier sizes where the stiffness of fluorocarbon becomes more evident.

It’s also the better option when running more than a rod length of leader, which is often the case for finesse style fishing situations, like targeting spooky trout in a lake system or bream over the flats with ultra light leaders.

Mono leaders are also best for surface luring, whether you’re targeting bream, whiting, bass or stickbaiting for tuna. Mono leaders have a slower sink rate than fluorocarbon, which

Black Magic leader storage systems are the best way to keep your leaders in order and ready to go at all times.

MAY 2019

61

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More hints for barra on fly PART TWO BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

If you’ve had some success with catching barra on lures and are considering moving up to taking one on fly, I promise you that it’s not hard. All you have to do

maybe a whole day, and after catching nothing they reverted to their lure outfit.

The angler probably caught no fish on lures either that day, but it doesn’t change the fact that they just lack confidence in fly. I, on the other hand, have confidence in the method because I know it’s productive.

Fly angling requires

it’s also good to have an electric motor up front so you can sneak the boat quietly into a good position in a lake.

Finding just the right place to fish involves working points where the wind is pushing current on shore (or around the corner from one), the edge of a healthy weed bed not far from timber or a flat adjacent timber which is

a ‘strip, pause, strip’ retrieve.

Moving into place quietly, keeping the boat steady at anchor or tied up means you can keep an eye on the sounder for fish. Remember, the side scan units give an indication of what’s at the back of the boat, so keeping the boat parallel to the shore and directing side scanning at right angles to the shore should give you an insight into what’s moving around the place. The main issues with the plan will be patches of weed, bait schools and other foreign bodies that the skilled side scan operator will learn to discount.

It’s not unusual for fish to fail to show up immediately, but if an hour goes by and they still haven’t shown up, I’d rate the place as a dud and move elsewhere.

Barra in lakes are highly mobile critters, and it will take time on the water plus perseverance for you to be able to identify a likely spot to score a fish on fly.

I mentioned earlier that your barra arsenal should

Fly fishing just after sunset is a productive method for barra. The trick is to select the location earlier and stay put to let the action develop. The author took this fish on fly in Kinchant Dam.

Tying up on the edge of a lily bank is a smart way of fly fishing for barra. is leave your lure tackle at home and substitute it with suitable fly tackle. A 10wt fly rod, an intermediate fly line to match, some decentsized flies around the size of a favourite lure and you, the budding fly angler, are good to go.

perseverance, yet anglers who have scored fish on lures will have some advantage because they understand how and where success has occurred in the past. For those, like myself, who had not taken barra previously on lures it’s a pretty steep

likely holding fish.

This does not need to be a half hour’s run from the trailer, either. The last metre barra we caught in Lake Monduran was 400m from the ramp!

Shallower water is where you want to focus your efforts.

Feeding barra will regularly

The author’s wet fly plus a Gartside Gurgler derivative, which is good for dry fly work. The Gartside dry is brilliant on cod as well.

A massive lily bed along a sheer bank offers a lot of opportunities. The end of the spit in the back ground would also be a great place to anchor or tie up.

In my excursions to the various barra impoundments I meet so many fellow barra anglers who have, on seeing success with the fly first hand, remarked to me that they actually have fly tackle. They tried it for a morning or afternoon, or 64

MAY 2019

learning curve, but there are ways of speeding things up.

Let’s start with impoundment fishing, which is the easiest. There are lots of big fat fish roaming about, and plenty of sheltered water to work with. A boat is essential, a sounder is important, and

move into water less than 4m deep and show no sign of their presence until the fly is either grabbed, or a massive swirl reveals a looker that failed to hook up. This incident is a definite signal to change your fly for another, and keep right on casting with

Two Gartside derivatives plus a much used Pink Thing with a weed guard. Can’t see the weed guard? Neither did the fish.

involve a floating line plus an intermediate sink rate outfit. The game plan is to rely on the floating line plus

strip strike at the take you won’t hook up. A trout style strike just won’t work in this situation.

1

STEP 1: A base of Neer Hair has been overlaid with some gold flash material, in this case Polarflash Gold. a dry fly at times of low light (or after dark) when barra can be expected to be most active in the shallows, then exchange the floating tackle for the intermediate line later in the day.

Dry fly fishing is the juice! Watching a big Gartside Gurgler derivative slowly making its way back to the boat with little strips and pauses, then seeing it disappear in a colossal implosion of water in a classic ‘boof’ is somewhere between exciting and frightening!

But know this: if you don’t

Working the fly on the intermediate sink rate line involves no more than making a cast to a feature such as a group of small sticks, the channel near a weed bed or other fancied hot spot (a drifting boat is ideal for this set up), allowing time for the line to sink, then retrieving it slowly back in small twitches. Be sure to keep the rod tip at water level to minimise slack line. There won’t be a ‘bite’ so much as the sensation of the rod being ripped out of your hand! Your line keeping skills will be tested within seconds. That unstoppable fish must be allowed to run a bit until the combination of drag from the reel plus strong rod pressure slows it down.

2

STEP 2 : More Polarflash has been added along with a small amount of purple material to add a little contrast.

FLY TYING Making your own flies is part of the equation. The fly tying sequence shown below is for a basic barra fly. I have used a 4/0 hook, but you can go as small as 2/0 or as large as 6/0. The final product needs to be roughly the size of a small bony bream, with contrasting colours to ensure it stands out from the crowd under the boat.

From what I’ve seen, barra will take a wet fly in many differing colours on different days, but these fish seem to be most reliable on flies that incorporate some gold. Remember the famous Gold Bomber lure? It still works on barra, and has even spawned a Gold Bomber fly.

A good barra fly should push some water (hence the big, fat head) and have enough contrasting colours to arouse a barra’s curiosity, so he will give it a little bite. The fly also needs to be constructed strongly enough to take a few fish if they are on the job.

The fly tying materials I have used are 210 denier black thread, Gamakatsu SL12S 4/0 hook and various flash materials for the wet fly, along with some foam from a craft shop plus bunny strip for the Gartside Gurgler derivative dry flies shown.

When making the wet fly it’s possible to construct it entirely out of flash material, but this

can be expensive so I use a base profile of cream or white Neer Hair (or substitute) and

build on that with a mix of other materials tied in to build up some bulk.

3

STEP 3 : Adding hi vis red material adds even more contrast to the fly, which is now close to being ready for use. Some lateral scale material was added after the high vis was doubled back and tied in place.

4

STEP 4 : The fly is now complete and has had a coating of super glue on the head to ensure it can withstand some rigorous activity from our fishy friends.

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Game on in the fresh TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

Despite the weather getting colder and the days becoming shorter, May is

still a good month to tangle with most of our freshwater species. It is as if they know what is coming so they make the most of the more bearable conditions before water temperatures really drop.

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND CRESSBROOK CLOSEST TOWN: CROWS NEST Cressbrook Dam remains closed due to an outbreak of blue green algae. The Toowoomba Council will continue to monitor water conditions and will reopen the dam when they deem it is safe.

You can stay informed through the Toowoomba Regional Council website or drop in to Fish’n’Bits Toowoomba for an update.

• With Cressbrook and Cooby closed due to algae, Toowoomba

anglers will need to do a few more miles to get into the fishing action. For all your fishing supplies and the latest reports the surrounding dams, call in to see Fish’n’Bits in Alderly Street. They have a great range of lures and fishing gear.

SOMERSET CLOSEST TOWNS: ESK, KILCOY Somerset Dam fished well for the best part of last month and should continue to produce quality bass.

The golden perch have been a bit quiet with better

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With the fish starting to slow down a bit, we need to do the same and choose more subtle presentations and either fish closer to them or slow the lures and retrieves down.

Until next month, buckled rods from The Colonel!

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Weipa

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Toowoomba

BRISBANE

IMPOUNDMENT DAM

areas like Kirkleigh Flats, Bay 13, Eagles Nest, Brads Bank, The Spit and The Hump all worth a look. Just finding bass schools isn’t enough some days. If the fish aren’t in the mood, they are extremely hard to tempt. Be sure to alternate between several schools on a regular basis to give yourself the best chance of catching more fish.

Trolling lures such as the Smak Brolga, Blitz Baga and Golden Child are great for exploring and catching good numbers of fish. The trolling season this year has been exceptional, with heaps of fish still being caught last

Gold Coast

22

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

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numbers being caught on trolled lures out on the flats and riverbed drop offs in the Kirkleigh area.

Bass schools are still holding around Pelican Point. It is a big area and it can take some time to locate the better concentrations as the fish move around quite a bit. The very northern drop off and the most southern point, which are both well out in the middle of the dam, are good starting points. Sound around in 8-11m of water and you should find something worth sticking to.

Scattered schools can also be found north and south of Pelican Point with

Trolling deep diving hardbodies has been great so far this year. The action will taper off but you can still expect to get into a few.

Gympie

12

25

Cairns 1

26

19

33

20

Townsville 2

3 4

Proserpine 6 Mackay

5

32

Rockhampton

Emerald 29 7

10

Highlighted dams are covered in this issue

Gladstone

30 8

Bundaberg 9

11

Maryborough

Roma

month. You can expect it to taper off as things cool down, but don’t be surprised if the fish keep getting caught on trolled lures for at least the rest of this month.

When trolling, try to follow the drop offs to the old riverbed and wander the adjacent flats. For new comers to the lake, it is a bit hard to get your head around trolling in the middle of the lake but these drop offs are where the bulk of the fish are most likely to be. Watch the sounder closely and try to put your lures down as deep as the fish are holding.

Casting has been tough over the last month. The

BRISBANE

standard bass lures like spoons, tail spinners, blades and soft plastics have pulled a few fish but they have been hard work.

We were still trialling the Spectre Vibration Jig last month and we had some exceptional sessions with it. There were a few 50+ fish days with dozens of bass over 50cm caught during this period. The trick was to drift with the wind and drag the lure along with the boat movement winding just fast enough to feel the plastic blade kick into action. This keeps the lures nice and close to the bottom where the fish are

QLD & NORTHERN NSW DAM LEVELS Dam............................ % Full

        

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

FEB MAR APR 5 5 5 79 76 75 10 7 7 35 32 31 97 95 95 170 104 106 56 53 51 79 77 75 0 0 0 n/a n/a 33 19 14 12

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

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

12 12 12 41 39 38 4 9 4 102 100 100 12 11 16 17 12 12 95 94 93 102 99 99 98 100 99 69 71 79 6 6 5 95 97 105

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

Maroon 84 79 79 Monduran/Fred Haigh 85 82 81 Moogerah 71 66 64 North Pine/Samsonvale 74 73 72 Peter Faust/Proserpine 81 81 81 Pindari 9 6 6 Somerset 76 76 75 Teemburra 102 101 100 Tinaroo 104 101 102 Toonumbar 82 75 74 Wivenhoe 63 60 59 Wuruma 94 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 16/04/19

(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.)

66

MAY 2019

the majority of the time.

The results have been ordinary when there was

They have an excellent range of gear suited to fishing for bass and golden perch.

these margins but you will need to cover some water to find them. Casting lipless

This picture of the author’s Simrad screen shows how we work the drop-off to catch his fish. You can see the yellow lines are all around the red depth contour section of the map. Insight Social Maps plays a huge part in success. no wind and the boat was sitting still. In this case, by starting the electric motor at around 1.5km/h (which simulates a wind drift nicely) we were able to follow the break line to find where the fish were holding. It is kind of trolling, but the lure still need to be slowly wound up off the bottom and dropped back again (3-6 winds) to get the bites more often.

Trolling them doesn’t seem to be as successful.

• Somerset Fishing has their store based at the area above the day use boat

WIVENHOE CLOSEST TOWNS: FERNVALE, ESK There are still a few bass schools around the bottom end of the lake. Launching at Billies Bay will see you closest to the open water flats where these fish school. Trolling deep diver hardbodies that can work at over 10m deep will see you in with a good chance. The ability to cover water and search is very important if the fish are scattered. Expect to encounter catfish, bass and golden perch when trolling.

The flats directly out from

crankbaits is a great way to cover water quickly while searching for these fish.

Up the top end of the dam, the water can be accessed by kayak below Somerset Dam wall. This stretch will still produce golden perch and bass this month. As it gets colder, the fishing will slow down more. Trolling medium diving lures around the structure and even deeper divers once you move away from the trees into more open water on the way down to the bridge will see you in with a good chance. If you are lucky enough to have

and blades are deadly in this area. Just make sure you take a Tackleback to retrieve snagged lures.

• Call in to see the team at Charlton’s Fishing at Redbank. They head out to the lake quite often, so you might be able to pump them for a few secrets and save some time by heading straight to the fish with the right lures.

MAROON CLOSEST TOWNS: BEAUDESERT, BOONAH The shorter days will see the water cool off at Maroon. Surface fishing is at its best during the warmer months but the fish can still be tempted on top prior to the real cold setting in. Topwater lures such as walk-the-dog stickbaits, bent minnow styles and poppers are ideal around the weedy fringes.

Target the still areas with plenty of weed growth and don’t be afraid to punch long casts out over the top of submerged weed beds. You won’t see as much surface feeding but don’t let this disuade you.

Less fish feeding on top is just a sign of the season with less insect activity. If you give them something to eat, they will still take advantage of it.

During the day surface lures are usually a waste of time and you will need to probe deeper to get the bites. The cooler water will be perfect for plastics (weighted with jigheads to 1/4oz) flicked tight to the weed edges and worked out through the pockets in the weed or following the weed as it tapers off into deeper water. The bigger fish will ambush presentations as the dart along the weed edge. Smaller models will often be found outside of the weed edges.

Up in the trees, skirted jigs are worth a try. Drew from Charltons Fishing at Redbank has had a lot of success using a slow draw to lift his jigs off the bottom. • You can call in to talk to Drew and the other boys at Charltons.

They have walls of tackle

suited for fishing the lakes and other areas around Brisbane. They are a keen bunch of guys who can help you out and ensure you are fishing the right spot over these cooler months.

DYER CLOSEST TOWNS: GATTON, LAIDLEY Lake Dyer is closed to all water activities due to high level of bacteria. You can check on the current status of the lake on the SEQWater website in the recreation updates section.

• Gatton Home Brew, Camping and Fishing Supplies have the most accurate information about what is happening at the lake. If you have any questions about the fishing at Dyer (like what, where and when) make sure you call in. The store stocks a great range of tackle suited to fishing the dams around the area.

NORTH PINE (LAKE SAMSONVALE) CLOSEST TOWN: BRISBANE, LAWNTON, PETRIE North Pine anglers will be in anticipation for the winter bite that is just around the corner. This will be the first year kayaks from the new area will be able to gain access to some of the winter schooling fish. These fish may still be a month or two away but if you are keen, I would be doing regular trips to see when this action will take place. Last year, when the fish moved further down the lake to Bullocky Rest Point, session with dozens of fish when fishing land based were not uncommon.

A sounder is a definite advantage when fishing from a kayak. Talk to the boys just up the road at Tackle World Lawnton about how and where to start searching, they can also help you out with electronics and of course the right tackle.

Spoons seem to be the best way to take advantage of the schooling bass. The Hot Bite G2, Nories Wasabi and 20g Halco Twisty are all great options. I think I might even dust off the

kayak and head down to see if I can get into some of these big bass this year.

• For an update on the fishing and all the right advice and gear, call in to Tackle World Lawnton.

The team will be able to sort you out and ensure you stand a good chance of boating a few fish.

KURWONGBAH CLOSEST TOWN: BRISBANE, LAWNTON, PETRIE A lot of guys will be chasing the bigger bass at North Pine, leaving Kurwongbah bass relatively untouched.

This is good news, as the more they are left alone, the better they will bite.

Being closer to the coast, Brisbane is a bit warmer than the other bass lakes in SEQ so the fish tend to bite well through the winter months.

Kayakers can head around the corner from the launch area and start searching the deeper water.

It pays to have a trolled lure out the back while moving (just be aware of the ropes coming off the buoys on the ski course).

The weed edge may still hold a few fish but I would be concentrating on the deeper flats where the fish are more likely to school up. The middle section of the dam has plenty of suitable areas for them to school so keep your eyes glued to the sounder.

Once found, try casting spoons and tail spinners at the deeper fish. Blades and soft plastics may also produce so be prepared to mix it up and see what they want most.

Kayak access is at Mick Hanfling Park off Torrens Road. A washdown facility is in place to help avoid spreading the cabomba weed present in the lake.

• Tackleworld Lawnton is an ideal port of call for all your fishing needs if fishing the lakes on the north side of Brisbane. The team can point you in the right direction and help you experience some awesome fishing close to the heart of Brisbane.

Gary’s Marine Centre The Spectre jigs worked well last month, and they should still pull a few big fish before it gets cold. ramp. The store is open over holidays and otherwise from Friday to Sunday.

Orders can also be made online via the website www. somersetfishing.com.au.

the Billies Bay boat ramp are a good starting point.

The edges of the weed bed in the Billies Bay area are also worth a shot. Bass can be found schooling along

a sounder on your kayak, casting is an option. Finding schools and casting is likely to produce better results due to the cooling water.

Again, lipless crankbaits

3201 6232

217 Pine Mountain Road, BRASSALL MAY 2019

67

SUNSHINE COAST REGION MACDONALD CLOSEST TOWNS: TEWANTIN, NOOSA The surface action will slow down a bit as we move into winter but it is still worthwhile giving it a try.

On the weed edges, small blade baits and soft plastics are the go to offering to tempt bites from the bass.

Schooling fish may be

found out in the basin between the Botanical Gardens and the Three Ways area. The edges of the weed beds and open flats can hold them so keep an eye on the sounder. These deeper schooling fish may take blades and spoons but be prepared to try more subtle offerings like soft plastics and ice jigs.

DARLING DOWNS GRANITE BELT REGION COOBY CLOSEST TOWNS: HIGHFIELDS, TOOWOOMBA Cooby Dam remains closed due to the outbreak of blue-green algae.

Hopefully when we have a cold snap, it will help to kill it off. Unfortunately the great fishing isn’t likely to come back online until mid-spring when things warm up again. Keep up to date on

the Toowoomba Regional Council’s website.

LESLIE CLOSEST TOWN: WARWICK The dam is low but the fishing is still okay from the bank and bigger boats.

Just take care and chose a spot that has plenty of compaction and other tyre tracks when dropping the boat in.

Leslie is usually the best option for anglers wanting

BORUMBA CLOSEST TOWNS: IMBIL, NOOSA The bigger bass, which were so common a couple of months back, are now much harder to find. The good news though is there have been plenty of mediumsized fish holding along the steeper banks up in both timbered arms. These fish can be a bit stubborn but if you rotate through lures you may get them to bite.

If I struggle to get a bite from the thicker schooling fish, I make a move to the adjacent edges. There may be less fish present here but the ones that do move through are more likely to be active and willing to feed. On the edges, you will still pick up a few fish on spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. You can also slow things right down and try hopping out a skirted jig.

to catch cod and golden perch through the winter months. Bait anglers can still pull a few fish but the lure fishos will need to switch things up to keep catching consistently.

Trolling spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits will be the way to catch golden perch and Murray cod.

Work these lures slowly using your electric motor to keep them ticking away just above the bottom. The fish will be more lethargic so the slower approach is the only

way to get them interested.

Jigging soft vibes and small blades is usually the best way to get results.

Find a patch of structure in the form of a rocky drop off, rocky outcrop or submerged tree and park the boat on top of it and start jigging. Give each spot you find 5-10 minutes before moving on to the next area. When you do find a good patch of fish, you can expect to catch plenty even through the coldest months.

• 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 There have been very few reports from Coolmunda.

The golden perch will be hard to entice now unless you are jigging small blades or using bait. The focus should be moved to the Murray cod. Cod will be found around the old creek bed and the hidden snaggy edges. The cooler weather should see them cruising around on the nearby flats just outside the creek bed.

A slow troll using an electric motor with a spinnerbait or big hardbody fished short enough to keep it just off the bottom would be my approach. The water

is still likely to have quite a bit of colour. If it does clear up from the cooler water, try running a swimbait or glidebait well back behind the boat as well.

• 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. To take advantage of this and the great fishing opportunities in the lake, give the park a call on (07) 4652 4171.

it is now harder to launch big boats. It is still doable but just use some common sense and choose your launch area wisely.

The cooler weather will see the dam a more peaceful place to fish with less water sports and even less anglers. Bait fishing with live shrimp will be one of the better ways to get the fish to bite. Try your luck around the old creek bed between the boat ramps.

Lure fishos can play with ice jigs and blades. These are two of the better options while the cooler months are making things tougher.

• 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 and the team 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. Be sure to call in and check it out. Give them a call for accommodation and camping bookings on (07) 4168 4746.

CANIA CLOSEST TOWNS: MONTO, BILOELA Cania fish should still play the game this month.

Plenty of fish are being caught up in the timber between the two cattle yards. Try fishing the creek beds and flats in this area and watch the sounder closely to find where they are holding. Casting lures will start to dominate over trolling as things cool off. Blades, soft plastics, spoons and tail spinners should all be worth a try on the schooling bass.

The edges of the lake will be worth a cast early in the mornings. The occasional saratoga may

Trolling big spinnerbaits is a great way to target Murray cod. The author likes to troll 1oz lures at around 2.5km/h using his electric motor.

WIDE BAY AND SOUTH BURNETT REGION BOONDOOMA CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSTON, KINGAROY The fishing has been great at Boondooma leading into the cooler months. Trolling was still accounting for fish last month with Smak 12 and Smak 16 lures doing plenty of the damage. As things cool down more, these fish should school up tighter in the lake’s middle reaches.

Look for fish around The Island, Barbers Pole and The Junction. The opposite side of the dam is also worth exploring to.

When schools are found 68

MAY 2019

you can have a ball catching these fish. Matthew Mott had a ball catching heaps of quality bass on the Smak Fire Blade last month so hopefully this action continues. If the fish are there but not responding to this it might just be a case of switching to a soft plastic or ice jig to get the bites.

• Boondooma is a great place to camp right near the water and sit by the fire while enjoying the view. You could also stay in more style and comfort 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. For the latest information jump onto Facebook and check out Matthew Mott Sport Fishing for Motty’s latest fishing reports.

BJELKE CLOSEST TOWNS: MURGON, GOOMERI Nothing much has changed. The dam is still low so the bass and golden perch are holding down the bottom end between the second boat ramp and the dam wall. The fishing has been a bit tough and

The onset of the cooler weather may see the bass change their habits. Keep an eye out for bass schools on the main basin points, Borumba Flat and in The Junction as well. These fish should take blade baits and soft plastics if found in good numbers. If they are proving to be stubborn, give an ice jig or deep fly presentations a try.

The saratoga will also slow down a bit, but they can still be seen rolling

and feeding at times right through winter. Fishing the edges and open structure will still give you a pretty good chance of encountering one of these fish.

• Davos 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.

Soft vibes hopped around deeper structure will continue to fool golden perch. Leslie Dam is a great spot for this style of fishing.

still be present but bass and even golden perch are likely to be up shallow at the start of the day.

Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and lipless crankbaits are good for exploring the edges fast. If you come across a patch of fish, you can slow things down and work a suspending jerkbait as well.

CALLIDE CLOSEST TOWN: BILOELA Things will change a lot this month on the barra scene. The cooler temperatures should see the fish transition more towards the warmer water around the lakes edges. This is the time to use your sounder to not only find fish but also locate the warmer surface temperatures.

Finding the fish spread out in the basin has been a hard chore over the last

Clear skies and calm days are perfect for barra at this time of year. This Callide barra took a liking to a Zerek Flat Shad.

CAPRICORN REGION AWOONGA CLOSEST TOWNS: BENARABY, GLADSTONE Don’t be fooled into thinking it is too cold to go and catch a barra this month. The cooler and shorter days do see some changes but provided the weather is stable, the fish are quite predictable. Over the warmer months, a lot of barra hold out deeper in the trees. As things cool

down, they are happy to spend their time living on the weed edges where the water temperatures become more constant due to the weed mass helping to hold the warmth.

Once on the weed edge, I believe barra are more catchable. Here they bury into the weed and become ambush feeders. When something that ticks all the boxes goes past them, they dart out to destroy it and make it their next

meal. These are exactly the type of bites you want to increase the bite to hook-up conversion rate.

Weedless rigged soft plastics around 5” are ideal for working the weed edge.

Cast these right up on top of broken weed and slowly start winding them back just above it. Polarised sunglasses are critical for this style of fishing as they cut the surface glare and allow you to see what the weed does.

Suspending hardbody lures are a good option on

the steeper weed edges.

Crank these down parallel to the edge of the weed or flick into any deeper indentations in the otherwise featureless sections.

In the timbered areas of the main basin, the barra are still likely to be present. These fish will be worth a shot but they are often very hard to tempt.

Even when found in big numbers, they refuse to eat almost everything you throw at them. Suspending hardbodies and soft vibes seem to get the

couple of months.

With more fish returning to the shallows, concentrations should be better giving anglers a better chance of banging more fish. Boats are definitely great for sounding areas out to locate them but if you want to have a crack at scoring a land-based barra this lake is definitely one of the best to try your luck.

The fish may slow down a little due to cooler water temperatures so try using lighter soft plastics, soft vibes and suspending hardbodies. The timbered bays will be worth a look.

Drop your electric motor and quietly sound through the flats and near the deeper edges to see if fish are present on the side image.

I like to run my Simrad sounders with an 80-100ft zoom range when sounding for fish. If I locate them up

shallow I might drop that range back to 60-80ft for better detail.

The size of the barra is slowly getting better. With the average fish around 80cm, quite a few 90’s and the occasional one over 1m long – this is the closest place to the south east corner to tangle with the bigger ones.

Callide is unlike all the other nearby barra lakes. It has next to no weed beds or lilies.

What this means is the fish cannot hide so if you spend the time on the sounder, eventually you will find them.

On the downside, with no weed beds to hold them, they often just keep moving.

If you like reading your sounder and have faith in it or want to dedicate the time to learn, this is the place for you.

best response.

•Justin Nye from Gladstone Fly and Sportfishing runs fishing charters on the lake. He caters to the needs of the angler and can do fly or conventional tackle trips to target the lake’s barramundi. Justin reports the size of the fish is increasing with the average fish now around 78cm with plenty of bigger 80-90cm models to boost the average.

You can contact him on 0429 223 550 or visit the website gladstoneflyand

sportfishing.com.au.

• Mark from Awoonga Gateway Lodge always has a few productive secret spots to share. The Gateway lodge is on the way in 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 with its own veranda. To book in a stay give Mark or Lyn a call on (07) 4975 0033.

MACKAY REGION & WHITSUNDAY REGION PROSERPINE CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSERPINE, AIRLIE BEACH The deep trees and deeper water still seems to be where the action is at in Prossy. It can be a tricky way to fish so if you are new to it I suggest doing as much research as possible or even booking a trip with the guide, Lindsay Dobe.

Locating fish is the key.

The only way to do this effectively is to spend time on your sounder scanning the flats adjacent to the creek and riverbeds. Look for fish moving through the area or laydown timber, which they may visit.

The next step is to put lures in front of them. Big, heavily rigged soft plastics like the Zerek Live Mullet and Zerek Flat Shad are ideal for tossing out and slowly rolling. There seems to be a trend though to using vibes in a more vertical fashion. Keeping the lure in the fish’s face is key with this technique and the little tick they give when eating one can soon turn to mayhem in the sticks.

Around the full moon and during the better weather, the fish can also be targeted up in the shallows. Smaller soft plastics and hardbodies will come into play here.

SEASON

6

Staking out a point in the dam can pay dividends.

IS HERE!

Every Saturday 4.30pm on

Look for healthy weed formations to hold the fish or stake out the prominent points to see if they roll through on the sounder.

• If you need some help and guidance call in to see the team at Barra World.

For all your fishing supplies or a guided trip on the lake call Lindsay at Barra World on (07) 4945 4641. Lindsay’s barra tours can be busy in peak times so book ahead.

You won’t be disappointed as he often delivers the goods and always shares a wealth of knowledge.

The store is right on the highway in Proserpine and specialises in barra fishing tackle. You can also keep up to date by visiting their Barra World Facebook page.

OUTDOOR & FISHING SHOW

Listen on 5am-6am Every Saturday MAY 2019

69

Pre-winter barra action keeping anglers happy LAKE TINAROO

Warwick Lyndon

It’s that time of year again – the pre-winter phase.

This is usually when the Tinaroo barra are ready to feed up before the cooler months set in and cause a drop in water

can’t beat the adrenaline rush of a hooking a monster barra and the sound that they make when they move a heap of water. When a Tinaroo monster breaches the surface, it sounds like someone has thrown a fridge into the water next to the boat! It really is a sight to behold!

warm, oxygenated water, which attracts both the bait and the predatory fish. If you find an area with both, be sure to fish hard until you have success.

Quite often there will be small windows of time when multiple fish will be caught, so make sure you capitalise this when

Dylan Brier-Mills is a Tinaroo expert, regularly catching fish of this quality.

The author nailed this 120cm beast recently. temperature, making them a little harder to tempt. There have been numerous reports of great barra captures recently with many anglers encountering fish ranging from young juveniles, right up to 120cm+ monsters.

It’s awesome to have this diversity in the lake, as you never know what you will encounter next!

Lots of people are catching barra in the 50-70cm range – which are probably fish from stocking only 12-24 months ago.

It really is amazing how fast baramundi can grow in an impoundment when there’s enough food available.

Often these smaller fish are actually more fun to catch, as they launch high into the air when hooked, fight extremely hard for their size and they never give up. Sometimes it needs to be seen to be believed.

Having said this, you

Water temperatures tend to stay relatively steady during May and the barra are often quite aggressive and willing to attack most well presented lures and baits, much to the delight of anglers.

FINDING FISH The key is finding where the barra are actively feeding, as sometimes you can have fish showing on the sounder, but they just won’t be interested in anything you throw at them.

This is generally due to a lack of baitfish in the area, which is why I always like to see both barra and bait marking on the sounder.

Nervous bony bream flicking on the water’s surface is an even better sign that barra are present and in hunting mode.

When beginning your search for Tinaroo barra this month, the best bet is to focus on areas where the wind is blowing on to shallow points and bays.

These areas contain

it occurs.

The good news is that several anglers have reported productive

sessions occurring during the mid to late morning recently. At this time of year, it is more common to encounter great barra captures during ‘gentlemen’s hours’. This could be due to this time of day being slightly warmer as the sun gets higher.

Funnily enough, when there is a great daytime bite

it often aligns with a tide change occurring in the salt around the same time.

It happens too often to be a coincidence, so include this in your trip planning if possible.

Ths is the perect opportunity to make the trip up and fish in very comfortable conditions at a respectable time of day.

Quality sooties like this one are available in Tinaroo.

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MAY 2019

SOOTIES Sooties usually bite well at this time of year and all of the larger specimens are in great condition.

Remember that if you are specifically targeting these, use appropriate lures and baits. These include spinnerbaits, soft vibes, smaller hardbodied lures and 3-5” soft plastics, as well as any flesh type bait or worms. Target them around structures such as sunken timber and rocky points and make sure you are ready to extract them from the cover that they will try and get back to.

Sooties are a great sportfish in themselves, and often overshadowed by barra. Remember,if you want to target the sooties specifically, you’ll need to change your tactics, use appropriate gear, focus your attention to your target species and forget the barra, which admittedly can be hard.

The dam is full and ready to be explored. Get out there and enjoy it!

As always – if you want to keep up with more of my FNQ adventures, you can like ‘Wazza’s Fishing Page’ on Facebook or ‘Wazza’s Fishing’ on YouTube.

Cooking with lynn bain

It is hard to fail with this bug tail risotto BRISBANE

Lynn Bain

Of all of the seafood risottos that I make, I think this bug tail risotto is my favourite. The meat from the bug tail partners beautifully with the creaminess of the risotto.

Use the bug tail stock made in last month’s QFM to enhance the Moreton Bay bug flavour of the risotto. You could substitute cooked crab meat or prawns for the bug meat in this month’s recipe.

2

1

Heat the butter in a heavy based pot over a medium-low heat. Add the sliced leek to the pot and sauté until the leek has softened.

When the leeks have softened, add the Arborio rice to the pot.

Ingredients • Tail meat from a Moreton Bay bug • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 leek, white part only, finely sliced • 1 cup Arborio rice • 4 cups seafood stock (please see last month’s QFM) • Small bunch of mixed herbs (such as parsley and chives), chopped • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

5

3

In a separate pot, heat the seafood (bug) stock to a gentle simmer. Now ladle the seafood stock into the rice. Stir the rice after each addition of stock until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Continue to stir until the rice is tender and all of the liquid in the pot has been absorbed.

Stir the rice well to coat the grains with the butter. Continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring all the time.

Add the chopped parsley and chives to the risotto and stir gently.

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Slice the bug meat into medallions.

Now add the freshly grated Parmesan to the risotto and stir through.

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Add the sliced bug meat to the risotto. Tumble the bug meat through the risotto carefully to avoid breaking up the bug meat too much.

The completed Moreton Bay bug risotto.

MAY 2019

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING RAPALA MAX RAP WALK’N ROLL

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The ‘do-all’ topwater bait, Max Rap Walk’N Roll spits, bobs, skitters, and slides across the surface in all conditions. The Walk’N Roll lure is weighted for maximum casting distance and ultimate stability in bad weather and rough conditions.

Under a steady retrieve the Max Rap Walk’N Roll spits and rolls from side-to-side, and twitching and pausing creates a walking action. Cranking it in fast imitates a fleeing baitfish, while twitching it in place gives a head down bobbing motion.

Fitted with VMC 7554 2X-Strong Ti coated inline treble hooks, the Walk’N Roll has a total length of 120mm, weighs 29g and is available in eight amazing high-quality finished colours that Rapala is world renowned for.

Ask for them at your local tackle store today. www.rapala.com.au

MOLIX RT SHAD & SV CRAW

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Italian lure company Molix has expanded its range of soft baits with the addition of the RT Shad and Molix SV Craw.

The RT Shad’s profile shape and bulky paddle tail give it a realistic movement, and also provide great stability. It has a soft, high density construction, and is effective on both freshwater and saltwater species.

The RT Shad is available in a range of fish-catching colours, and it has a special insert with a high concentration of glitter to maximise flash during the retrieve. There are two sizes, 11.4cm (4.5”), 9cm (3.5”).

The Molix SV Craw’s has very realistic claws that have been engineered to catch water, resulting in an enticing flapping action. A perfect trailer, it’s loaded with Molix’s exclusive crawfish scent for added attraction. This sinking craw measures 6.9cm (2.75”). www.ejtodd.com.au

SHIMANO SLX XT

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The new Shimano SLX XT has been released, and features the new SVS Infinity breaking system. This provides a much wider brake adjustment range than the 2018 SLX, so you have much greater control using the external dial to adjust the braking system with ease.

This allows you to cast a wider range of lure styles and weights in varying fishing conditions.

The aluminium Hagane body also helps to ensure that the reel is extremely rigid and durable, which is an upgrade on the composite body of the Casitas.

Inside the XT’s Hagane Body, durable brass gearing delivers reliable cranking power and now 4+1 bearings to ensure the reel is smoother than before. Developed to replace the Casitas 150, the XT has a more versatile and compact size that is comparable to a 70 sized reel, however the XT offers the line capacity of a standard 150 size.

A 48mm Throw Handle across three right hand model options, featuring gear ratios of 6.3:1, 7.2:1 (HG) and 8.2:1 (XG), and the max drag setting is now 4.5kg.

Price: RRP $229.95 www.shimanofish.com.au 72

MAY 2019

PRODUCT GUIDE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BLACK MAGIC KLT 10/0 AND VALUE PACKS 4 Black Magic’s premium non-offset recurve hook, the KLT, has become so popular that they have expanded the range to include a 10/0 size as well as a value pack option for their 8/0 and new 10/0 size. The value packs offer a bulk buy price for KLT fans.

The new 10/0 size will be ideal for a range of applications from live baiting through to skip baiting, deep sea fishing and targeting big fish with big baits.

The KLT hook boasts some seriously good features including: light gauge/extreme strength; non-offset recurve; ‘Super Slip’ non-stick PTFE coating for advanced rust resistance and superb penetration; and IGFA legal and NZSFC approved for tournament use. These hooks are made in Japan with premium grade high carbon steel.

For more information on Black Magic’s range of hooks visit the Black Magic Tackle website. You can also see the latest news and catch photos on their Facebook page and Instagram. www.blackmagictackle.com

OKUMA SLV FLY REELS

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The Okuma SLV Series of fly reels are stylish, lightweight, quality and featurepacked, while still offering excellent value for money.

Features include ALC: Alumilite diecast aluminium frame, precision machined stainless steel spool shaft and brass bushing drive system, one-way roller bearing with the ability to quickly and easily switch from right to left hand retrieve and a multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag system for smooth drag control. These reels have a Diecast Super Large arbor spool design for rapid line retrieval when dealing with fast running species, and have non-slip, positive grip rubberized handle knobs.

Okuma SLV fly reels are available in five sizes to cover a range of applications, from trout in the fresh to pelagics offshore. Suggested retail prices are $119.90 (4/5 and 5/6), $129.90 (7/8 and 8/9) and $139.90 (10/11).

For more information on the Okuma range visit the Okuma Australia website, or check them out on Facebook at www.facebook. com/okuma.australia for catch photos and competitions. www.okuma.com.au

ZEREK PYRA

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Designed for shallow water applications, the Zerek Pyra has a unique action and is one of the latest additions to the Professional Craft stable of lures.

Built with tough ABS plastics for durability, the 95mm Pyra is equipped with a weight transfer system to enable long and accurate casts. A tight roll gives this lure a seductive action that will prove irresistible to many species of fish.

Available in 10 high quality colour finishes to suit varying conditions, the Pyra weighs 11.8g and will make a mark wherever a shallow water crankbait is needed to excite predators.

For more information on this and other lures in the Zerek range, visit the Wilson Fishing website. You can also see all the latest news and catch photos on Facebook page (www. facebook.com/ZerekAustralia), Instagram (@ wilson_fishing) or YouTube (www.youtube. com/user/Wilsonfishing). www.wilsonfishing.com

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

WILDFISH FLY SELECTION PACKS

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The Wildfish fly selection packs from JM Gillies are sure-fire winners for those new to fly fishing, or for fly fishers who want to target new species or locations that they haven’t fished before.

There are nine packs (10 Felty’s flies in each) in the range, and each pack is tailored to individual species and locations.

However, there is plenty of overlap between them. For example, the Trout Streamer Pack would easily be at home in the kit of a bass fisher, while the Bass Pack contains flies that are just as at home in many tropical freshwater systems right across the north. And in the Billabong Pack, there are flies that would light up the eyes of a bass angler.

All in all, it’s a very versatile selection that has been put together by Peter Morse. The newest additions in the Wildfish Fly Pack range are the Inshore Pack, Flats Pack and Barra Pack, and they are sure to please many fly fishers. www.jmgillies.com.au

Rhino-Rack’s Batwing Compact Awning is packed with all the same features of the original Batwing Awning but redesigned to fit small to medium vehicles.

With 270° of shade and 6.4m² of coverage, the Batwing Compact is made from ultradurable, water and mould resistant lightweight material that has been tested in the most extreme environments. It has UPF 50+ sun protection.

The Batwing Compact comes with integrated lightweight aluminium black powder-coated legs that simply unclip from the storage position and drop into place, making installation a breeze – even with only one person. The legs also feature moulded fittings to accommodate two pegs directly through the base, to offer further stability in gusty conditions.

The whole bundle is stored in a heavy-duty UV-resistant bag with an integrated pocket for the pegs and rope. The kit includes 2 x multi-fit bracket + hardware, 10 x pegs, peg bag, 8 x guy ropes (4 with hooks), 2 x spare hinge knuckles.

Price: SRP $769 www.rhinorack.com.au

NEW RAPALA KNIFE 8 AND SCISSORS

QUANTUM SMOKE S3

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DAIWA SWIMBAITS

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Two of the latest releases from Rapala are the RCD 5” Folding Knife and the RCD Retractable Line Scissors.

The RCD 5” folding knife conveniently folds in half to safely secure and protect the handground stainless steel blade when not in use.

The easy release lock-back design fixes the blades safely in place when being used, while the non slip soft grip handle with built in safety guard provides maximum blade control.

16cm in length when unfolded with a Blade size of 12.5cm.

Safety takes priority when it comes to the Rapala RCD Retractable Line Scissors. Two super-sharp stainless steel blades retract into the surrounding casing when the triggers are released, exposing the blades only when in use. A built-in carabiner allows you to keep these scissors close by at all times.

The RCD 5” Folding Knife and RCD Retractable Line Scissors are available now at all good tackle stores. www.rapala.com.au

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SHIMANO GRAPPLER 19

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COMPACT BATWING 10 AWNING

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The new Shimano Grappler 2019 series are the next generation offshore JDM rods, equipped to battle with the largest offshore predators. This upgraded series now features both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank technology to enhance power, strength and durability. With 19 dedicated Type J (Jigging) and Type C (Casting) models that are PE rated from PE 2.5 to PE 8, there is a wide range of options to suit Australian anglers.

The patented high-strength Spiral X enhances torsional and compression rigidity under load without adding extra weight to the blank, providing instant power transmission for precise casting and control over fish.

The Hi-Power technology enhances the torsional resistance even further, and creates the optimum balance between light weight, strength and control. These rods also feature Fuji reel seats and Fuji K Guides with SiC tips, and specially tapered grip designs.

Whether it be heavy kingfish jigging or topwater GT casting, the rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world, resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators.

Price: SRP $429.95-$499.95 www.shimanofish.com.au

Barra, bass, and cod anglers will salivate at the sight of the new Quantum Smoke S3 Baitcaster reel.

The Smoke S3 packs a larger 35.5mm spool into a compact aluminium X-Frame to provide a large line capacity, longer casts, and greater line pick-up with every crank of the power handle.

To complement the larger spool, an advanced and lightweight ACS 4.0TM cast control system has been engineered to minimise the amount of energy it takes to get the spool spinning during a cast. This remarkable system also features additional control brakes that disengage at around 5,000 RPMs to maximise casting distance.

The Quantum Smoke S3 Baitcaster includes 10 PT Bearings (10+1) and a Zero Friction Design for incredible smoothness. The reel is coated with Saltguard Protection for added durability in the most testing environments and also includes the remarkable Quantum CSC Ceramic-Carbon Drag System with a huge 25lbs of drag pressure. www.quantumfishing.com.au

The Daiwa Duckfin Live Shad, Hybrid Swimbait, and LiveTrout Swimbait have you covered for this year’s swimbait season.

The Duckfin Live Shad features a 3D designed, ultra realistic baitfish profile and swimming action, and is available in two sizes, 15cm and 20cm. This soft plastic shad is suited to slow and fast retrieves and presentations, and can be rigged in a host of different ways, including weedless for barra and as a trailer for large spinnerbaits/chatterbaits when targeting Murray cod.

The Hybrid Swimbait delivers the best of both worlds and combines diving lure design with soft plastic technologies. Rigged and ready to fish, the Hybrid Swimbait features a solid head, bib and heavy wire internal construction in the head, 5X strong trebles and a quick release stinger hook. It’s available in two sizes, 18cm and 25cm.

For those looking for the ultimate imitation, the Live Trout has few peers. Using 3D printing and design to achieve the perfect trout imitation, the Live Trout features a solid silicone body, 3D eyes, pectoral and anal fins for added realism and stability, internal wire construction, quick release stinger hook, and 5X hooks. It’s available in two sizes, 18cm and 25cm. www.daiwafishing.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au MAY 2019

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING SAMAKI RIBCAGE

ZMAN TRD 13 SPINZ

Samaki has designed you the ultimate weapon when it comes to jigging up a storm. The new Samaki Ribcage flutters, darts and spirals, with an action that is enhanced by the ribcage design on the rear side.The deconstructed ribs aid in the portrayal of an injured baitfish, erupting with bubbles as it drops.

With eight fish-catching colours and seven different weights ranging from 20g to 200g, the Ribcage offers the highest UV properties, enticing the most elusive fish to attack.

This centre balanced jig comes pre-rigged with premium assist hooks and Japanese Kevlar. It’s ideal for targeting kingfish, amberjack, samsonfish, tuna, coral trout and all other reef species.

For more information and stockists visit the Samaki website, or to see the latest releases and catch photos you can like them on Facebook and Instagram.

Price: from SRP $7.95 www.samaki.com.au

BONE BLACK RIVER XH RODS

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Over 50 years old and still going strong, the Spinfisher VI is built to take on any fish, anywhere!

The new PENN Spinfisher VI features IPX5 sealing, so whether it gets hit with a wave, or you let it ride in the spray all the way home, you don’t have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system.

The HT-100 drag washers are housed in a fully sealed spool to give the stopping power needed for big saltwater fish.

A full metal body and sideplate keep the CNC Gear System in precise alignment under heavy loads. Durability, smoothness, and Precision is what CNCGear technology delivers. By using state-of-the-art software and CNC machinery brass drive, pinion and oscillation gears are cut to exact tolerances.

The new PENN Spinfisher VI reels are available in standard, Live Liner and Long Cast models.

Price: RRP from $199.99 www.pennfishing.com.au 74

MAY 2019

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Combining cutting-edge blank design with great value, the TD Hyper and TD Sol series from Daiwa set a standard in performance.

The new TD Sol and TD Hyper feature HVF Nanoplus blanks for heightened sensitivity and lightness, while Daiwa’s X45 blank technology eliminates blank twist and distortion to increase rod strength, function, and sensitivity.

The combination of Fuji guide technology with Daiwa’s RR (reduced resistance) guide design system sees the TD Sol and TD Hyper series leading the way in their class when it comes to casting efficiency and performance.

The 762ULFS joins the Sol family, and is tailor-made for the finesse angler looking to make longcast presentations, while the Hyper family welcomes three new models with the 661LFS, 742ULFS, and 763LXS, adding great diversity and finesse options to the range.

To see the complete TD Sol and TD Hyper range, with a full list of specs, visit the Daiwa website. www.daiwafishing.com.au

BLACK MAGIC BMAX 50

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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Add flash and vibration to your soft plastic presentation in seconds with ZMan TRD SpinZ! TRD SpinZ feature a stainless steel centring wire that makes it quick and easy to insert them into your ZMan ElaZtech plastic, or other soft bait. Once inserted they are secured in place by a moulded plastic, dual prong keeper, that locks into the ElaZtech material.

Available in silver and gold colours in both Colorado and willow blades, TRD SpinZ have a multitude of applications, from pimping surface frogs, to switching on snapper when fishing jerk shads, or adding flash and vibration to the belly of your paddle tail swimbaits.

ZMan TRD SpinZ are available in silver or gold colour, in both willow and Colorado blades, with three per pack.

Price: SRP $15.95 www.z-man.com.au

DAIWA TD 14 SOL/HYPER RODS

Bone Rods has released two 7’ extra heavy rods in the Black River range.

The two rods comprise of a spin and baitcast rod with the same specs to give anglers the choice of using their preferred fishing style.

Each rod combines the power and the finesse needed to tangle with complex situations and dynamic, fast-paced fishing. The length ensure ease of use in tight areas where casting accuracy is a must. Couple this with a soft tip that allows anglers to downsize their lures to match-the-hatch for finicky fish and the new Black River rods look like very impressive sticks.

From deep cranking in rock pools to throwing swimbaits into timber and weed, the new Black River rods excel at reaching out and touching the beasts hiding in their element.

The two models are the 368BRC701XH (7’, Medium Fast Extra Heavy Baitcast, 15-30lb, 8-50g) and the 368BRS701XH (7’ Medium Fast Extra Heavy Spin, 15-30lb, 8-50g). www.wilsonfishing.com

PENN SPINFISHER VI REELS

PRODUCT GUIDE

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The new Black Magic BMax 50s are an expansion to the popular BMax range, with subtle but important differences.

These bibbed lures sink slowly and typically dive down to around 1m when being retrieved.

They are 50mm in length and weigh 4.0g – an ideal size and weight for casting and spinning into Australian rivers and estuaries, but they’re also great for being slowly trolled.

MBax lures come rigged with strong, sharp treble hooks – one on the belly and one on the tail, and are available in a range of eight attractive colours.

The BMax range of lures sit at a great price point, and are available at your local Black Magic stockist. To find out more, visit the Black Magic Tackle website. You can also find more information, news and catch photos on their Facebook page (www.facebook. com/blackmagictackle) or check them out on Instagram (@blackmagictackle) or YouTube. www.blackmagictackle.com

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Nasty alternatives on holidays that go wrong BRISBANE

The Sheik of the Creek

So I’ve taken a week of my precious holidays and headed north to fish on the reef. I stockpile my breaks carefully so it’s a big thing for me to take the time off. I like the thought of having a few days up my sleeve for special occasions, like when those barra went over the spillway at Awoonga.

So, I was a little bit trepidatious about my trip because, as you know, sometimes when you plan to go out the weather doesn’t co-operate and instead of having say seven days of good, usable weather you might only have, say, none.

Which is what happened on this FNQ journey. So, instead of zooming out to the reef for reds, nannies and trout I was forced to look for alternatives. Nasty alternatives.

You see, I’d been told by my sister and brotherin-law that if it was too windy off Mossy, I could borrow Roy and Nadia’s tinny. But it turns out the motor hadn’t been run for

50-60 years, so Roy (or maybe it was Nadia) had to take it down to old mate to do whatever outboard mechanics do to carbies, or fuely things or whatever.

Meanwhile, I was stuck.

Up Saltwater Creek without a paddle. Or a boat for that matter. What are the chances?!

So I’m down at Salty and the Mossman chucking cast nets, trying to get some livies. A little bit toey about the mud geckos that had been spotted resting on the banks nearby. The problem is that I can only throw a cast net about 5m, so I’m landing about 20m short of the water. And apparently herring and poddies are more prevalent actually in the water. So I swapped to soft plastics.

Now, what I know about soft plastics you could carve on the back of a Panadol with a tyre iron.

But I do know they also have to go into the water to catch fish, so I wasn’t too surprised to come up with a blob.

Then Roy says the tinny’s right to go, so me and Murdoch pop up to grab it. At first sight I thought it was a bird bath

with a lawn mower on the blunt end, but no this was apparently the vessel I was supposed to take out into croc-infested water.

So I did, but it wasn’t

a pleasant trip. Every time that motor coughed, a fresh skiddy appeared. And getting it on and off at the ramp was done in a blur of motion that was faster than

something that was very, very fast. But I did it, and got a couple of jacks into the bargain, which made me feel very rugged, and FNQ. That is until Murdoch

suggested I pop up to the Daintree, where all the big fish are. Yeah right. Sounds like my style – as long as I could reach the water from the carpark.

4WD SAFETY

River crossing: how to do it the right way Taking your rig into deep or rapidly moving water is risky. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

First, before traversing that flooded river, check out how deep it is, how fast it is flowing, what’s underneath, what the best route is, and how you will need to prepare your rig.

Walk through and mark big drops and potholes with a stick, assess the ground conditions and the flow. If it’s a raging flood, don’t walk or drive in, but if the water seems reasonable and you know what you are dealing with, prepare for the crossing.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY Preparation is everything. Be sure to hook up your recovery gear before you hit the water, uncoil your winch cable and sticky it to your bonnet.

Should you get stuck, you don’t want to deep-dive under to latch on your straps or unwind the winch cable.

Pick out some suitable tackle points on the other side when you walk the creek in case you get stuck in the middle. Be sure there is good air for your rig.

You should have a snorkel or RAI (Raised Air Intake) fitted; if not, keep out of deep water.

Know the recommended submersion level of your model vehicle. Not all snorkels are watertight.

Most 4WDs have air tubes fitted to the diff and drive gear to allow for expansion and contraction as the temperatures shift.

The valves on these sometimes sit rather low.

They need to be up as high as possible because when you hit the water everything cools down and will suck in air. If the valve is submerged you could be drawing water into your diff.

Electrics don’t love water either, so ensure they are safe. Many of them are fully sealed, if not, dowsing them in WD40 may help, but for really deep water, fit a water bra (a waterproof shield you fit over the front of your rig). Or strapping a tarp over your grill and front end with an occy-strap or three will help push water around your vehicle instead of it gushing straight into your engine bay. It will also help with not letting the water hit the fan, which can bend it and hack into the radiator.

GOING FOR IT Don’t hit the creek full blast. For auto vehicles use low range and if

possible, choose second gear. For manual 4WDs, low range and second gear all the way through. Don’t change gears in the creek as this can open seals and let in water.

Go about the pace of a fast walk – fast enough to push forward against the current and water mass, yet slow enough to be

able to react to anything unexpected.

IF YOU GET STUCK If you get stuck, stay calm. If you get caught on a big rock or sink in soft mud, first decide if everyone is safe and how to keep it that way.

With touch downs, ease your rig back gently without gushing water up

your exhaust pipe until you are free, and then have your offsider guide you around the rock. If you dig in and water starts filling your vehicle, turn it off and get the winch cable off the bonnet. Hook up to that anchor point you identified beforehand and winch yourself out.

Precaution, preparation, common sense and a clear head will get you out of most sticky situations.

Early preparation is the key.

Most drivers get all buzzed up at the opportunity of putting their driving skills and rig to the test, but showing off as you thrash through deep water is not a sign of 4WDing finesse.

When you get to water higher than your hub caps, be cautious and check the crossing on foot. Water above the top of the wheels means any large pothole could submerge your engine and electrics, which will be a tad risky.

Before you hit the water consider whether it’s the safest spot to cross, if there’s a better spot somewhere else to cross, if there’s a good exit with suitable anchor points, if crossing can be avoided altogether, and whether you feel confident to get rig and crew safely through.

If there’s any doubt, don’t do it.

AFTER YOUR CROSSING Emerging from the creek will often be on steep ground that is muddy, slippery, rutted or worn. It’s a challenge to drag your waterlogged vehicle out of the water.

Once you are on solid ground, stop if it’s safe and let the excess water drain out. Check for any sticks and debris that may be caught on your undercarriage.

Next, dab your brakes hard a few times or drive with them dragging for a bit to help them dry off quicker. Otherwise, if a tree is across your track on the next corner, nothing may happen when you slam the brakes on.

Ultimately, you’re responsible for getting your crew and your pride and joy back in one piece, so don’t take unnecessary risks. Sure, in my TV show we do some way-out stuff, but this is not what you can do with your average 4WD, nor when you are alone out the back of Bourke.

Have fun out in the bush and crossing those creeks – safely! - Jase Andrews, All 4 Adventure MAY 2019

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Happy days in the Hyundai Tucson Go

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Now, there’s a great model name for a popular car: Go! And make no mistake, the Hyundai Tucson is a mighty popular car, given current sales figures. This car has a large range, from entry level petrol models

up to the high end diesel Highlander with a very complete inventory of highly desirable features.

Hyundai have now marketed the entry level Go instead of the former base Active with three front wheel drive (2 WD) models in the show rooms. The new Go range offer buyers a choice of a six-speed manual petrol, a six speed

auto (as reviewed) along with the more up market 2WD Go diesel linked to an eight-speed auto. All diesel and petrol engines in the Go range are four cylinder, 2L capacity power plants.

As usual, Hyundai have provided the usual have-it-all-now line up of features within every spec level, even with their entry Go model.

MINOR EXTERIOR STYLING CHANGES The new 2019 Tucson offered a lot more than just some minor changes to exterior styling, which

comfort all-round with a pleasing result; the base Go comes home for around $400 less than the base Active in last year’s model.

The external

dimensions have not changed at all, the Tucson is still sporting a length of 448cm, 185cm wide and 166cm high, which sees the car competing

A 60/40 rear seat split provides 488L of cargo area with the seat upright and 1478L when it is down.

Main: If you thought the ’19 Tucson looked a lot like last year’s model you would be right, the changes to exterior styling were minimal.

Above: That’s a full sized spare there in the Tucson’s boot.

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incidentally, appear to be more noticeable around headlights and around the rear bumper bar. The Go has upgraded the interior styling, features and

with the Mazda CX5, Nissan Qashqai and Honda CR-Nissan X-Trail market, where it holds its own quite well. In short, the Tucson is a big little car

with some 488L of cargo space available, with the rear (60/40 split) seat up and some 1478L of space with the rear seat out of the way.

REVIEWED: THE GO MODEL All the Go models come with several 12V sockets, 17” steel wheels and a full sized spare, high quality cloth trim, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, 7” media touch screen linked to six speakers, reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity,

front fog lights, roof rails, auto projector halogen headlights and LED daytime running lights.

Buyers can also upgrade their Go base model Tucson with Hyundai’s ‘Smart Sense’ safety pack, which was a feature of the reviewed Go. For $2200, the Go was set-up with additional safety

change assist), forward collision warning, AEB, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist via steering wheel input, rear cross traffic alert, plus adaptive cruise control that ensures a safe distance from the car ahead when cruise control is in use.

Additionally, the Smart Sense pack provides dual

Most Hyundai cars have many important controls mounted on the steering wheel for the driver’s convenience.

The Tucson’s very generous rear seat allows up to three passengers to sit with plenty of comfort.

Tucson Go buyers have the option of a 2.0L petrol engine, as we see here, or a diesel engine.

Although fabric front seats graced the base model Tucson Go, they were very roomy and comfortable and offered plenty of adjustments to suit all passengers.

Apple Car Play for smart phone monitoring, digital driver information screen including speedometer,

features, such as traction control, hill start assist and hill descent control systems, a blind spot monitor (lane

zone air conditioning, cooled glove box, electric park brake, electric folding side mirrors, and puddle

Hyundai adopted the stand-alone touch screen on the dash from previous models and it’s still as effective as ever, offering easy monitoring or a change of mode.

lamps. I feel that many owners will see the value in the Smart Sense pack.

The Tucson has very generous interior dimensions.

The front seats were large, comfortable and had plenty of manual adjustment. There was enough head room for even the tallest driver and this was the case for those seated in the front and back. There are plenty of drink holders and storage compartments, in true Hyundai fashion.

ON THE ROAD This vehicle is a smooth running 2.0L non-turbo four cylinder petrol engine, with 122kW of power and 205Nm of torque providing power to the car’s front wheels via a six-speed gear box.

Hyundai are claiming some improvements to the Tucson’s drive train, but as I found no fault with previous Tucsons I’d driven, it was difficult to note any difference other than the addition of torque steer.

The steering was neutral, road holding very good with the overall drive experience being one of total ease, plus a very high quality ride at all times even over some of our more gnarly surfaces.

Handling was always spot on and even with the entry level Go, the application of some extra power into corners showed

An electric park brake was a feature of the Tucson’s ‘Smart Sense’ safety pack. just how good the Tucson’s handling really was, with minimal body roll and easy steering.

SUMMING UP There’s a lot to like about the Tucson Go, with its five star ANCAP rating, six air bags, five year unlimited kilometre warranty and a capped price

service plan for the life of the car. For towing, it goes 750kg unbraked and 1600kg for braked trailers. It utilised 7.9L of fuel per 100km for a mix of city and country work and with a tank capacity of 62L, there’s a fair cruising range. This vehicle showed that it works as a family car, or an all-rounder.

MAY 2019

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FIND FIND THE THE

LOGO COMPETITION

There are 15 Logos hidden throughout the There are 15 Logos hidden throughout the pages of Fishing Monthly. pages of Fishing Monthly.

The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of each month The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of each month will win a Neck Scarf will win a Neck Scarf

Fill in the entry form below with the page number of each Fill in the entry form below with the page number of each logo location and go in the draw to win! logo location and go in the draw to win!

entries will Prize draw All entries will then thengo go into the Major Prize draw to win 1 of All entries will then go into the Major Prize draw to win 1 of to be bedrawn drawnon on31st [DATE].

3 prize packs to October, 2019.

3 prize packs to be drawn on [DATE].

MAJOR $$ $ $ $200 $ 1000 500 PRIZES 1st 1st PLACE PLACE

2nd 2nd PLACE PLACE

3rd 3rd PLACE PLACE

RRP worth of DAIWA Products RRP worth of DAIWA Products

RRP worth of DAIWA products RRP worth of DAIWA products

RRP worth of DAIWA products RRP worth of DAIWA products

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MAIL MAILENTRIES ENTRIESTO: TO: MAIL ENTRIES TO: NSWFM Find the the DAIWA DAIWA Logo Logo Competition, Competition, QFM Find NSWFM Find the DAIWA Logo Competition, PO BOX 3172, Loganholme PO BOX BOX 3172, LoganholmeQLD QLD 4129 4129 PO 3172, Loganholme QLD 4129 Entries must bebe received by 30TH DATE 2019 Entries must received by 31st MAY, 2019 Entries must be received by 30TH DATE 2019 Original entriesonly. only.No Nophotocopies. photocopies.

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ADDRESS ADDRESS

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

Brought to you by

2019

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

4-5 May

ABT BREAM Round 5 Blackwood

abt.org.au

18-19 May

Hobie Kayak Bream Series Round 6 Woy Woy

hobiefishing.com.au

25-26 May

ABT BASS Round 2 Glenbawn Dam

abt.org.au

7-9 June

Weipa Fishing Classic Weipa

weipafishingclassic.com

8-9 June

Lions Pottsville Beach Greenback comp Pottsville

lionsgreenback.com

22-23 June

ABT BASS Round 3 Lake St Clair

abt.org.au

22-23 June

Hobie Kayak Bream Series Round 7 Gold Coast

hobiefishing.com.au

30 June

ABT BASS Electric Round 3 Maroon Dam

abt.org.au

6-7 July

ABT BREAM Round 6 Bribie Island

abt.org.au

13-14 July

ABT BASS Round 4 Cania Dam

abt.org.au

28 July

ABT BASS Electric Round 4 Lake Gregory

abt.org.au

10-11 Aug

ABT BASS Round 5 Somerset Dam

abt.org.au

7-8 Sep

ABT BREAM Round 7 Gladstone

abt.org.au

8 Sep

ABT BASS Electric Round 5 Wivenhoe Dam

abt.org.au

14-15 Sep

ABT BASS Round 6 Richmond River

abt.org.au

14-15 Sep

Hobie Kayak Bream Series Round 8 Port Macquarie

hobiefishing.com.au

20-22 Sep

ABT BREAM Queensland Open Moreton Bay

abt.org.au

21-22 Sep

Bowen Family Fishing Classic Bowen’s Front Beach

Ross McCabbin on 0428 776 653 or bowenfamilyfishingclassic@yahoo.com.au

21-22 Sep

Hobie Kayak Bream Series Round 9 Albany

hobiefishing.com.au

28-29 Sep

ABT BASS Electric Round 6 Borumba Dam

abt.org.au

5-6 Oct

Hobie Kayak Bream Series Round 10 St Georges Basin

hobiefishing.com.au

12-13 Oct

ABT BASS Electric Australian Open Wyaralong Dam

abt.org.au QLD

18-20 Oct

Variety Bass on Fly Lake Borumba

Jeremy Wakelin 0447 741 709 or redlaughter@optusnet.com.au

19-20 Oct

ABT BREAM Round 8 Port Stephens

abt.org.au

23-24 Oct

ABT BASS Grand Final Lake St Clair

abt.org.au

26-27 Oct

ABT BASS Australian Open Glenbawn Dam

abt.org.au

29 Nov-1 Dec

ABT BREAM Grand Final Gold Coast

abt.org.au

DECEMBER

7-8 Dec Hobie Kayak Bream Series Round 11 hobiefishing.com.au

Marlo 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.

MAY 2019

79

McKeown breaks weight record at BREAM Open Jamie McKeown is a local Gold Coast angler who most fishers fear on his home waterway, but living nearly 1000km away from Sydney, he went into the Daiwa BREAM Australian Open a bit of an underdog, with so many Sydney locals fishing this comp.

Jamie went into this comp just wanting to catch his five fish limit every day. The Daiwa BREAM Australian Open is a marathon of a competition, requiring anglers to compete for three days with sevenhour sessions. The comp was held at two venues, Sydney Harbour for day one and three, and the Hawkesbury River day two. With this in mind, McKeown went and fished what he knows best: Cranka Crabs.

Day one at Sydney Harbour saw McKeown fishing two areas called the Wedding Cakes, and Sow and Pigs. He made a quick pass of the Wedding Cakes and got nothing. So he strapped everything down and headed to Sow and Pigs.

It wasn’t long before he knew he had made the right move, catching his limit fairly quickly, but was wise

Those who finished on the podium, Jamie McKeown, Ross Cannizzaro and Mark Crompton, fought a fierce battle in Sydney’s premier bream fisheries. enough not to fish it too hard, tactically moving along 50m or so every 5-10 minutes and not fishing. On day one he weighed a great bag of five bream for a weight of 4.43kg, which had him in second place for the start of day two.

Day two on the Hawkesbury River saw a completely different set of circumtances. Going into day two, McKeown had some time to kill, as he was waiting for the top of the tide for his key areas to fire. He had a look around Cowan and America Bay, catching three small fish on bent minnow style lures. By

then, the tide had filled and he headed upriver between Bar Point and Spencer. He wanted to concentrate on throwing Cranka Crabs on rock walls in anywhere from 3-6m deep with the falling tide run. Once again, he made the right move at the right time, catching two nice fish back-to-back, before upgrading the three rats he had caught earlier. Although his bag wasn’t as big as day one’s, his five fish for 4.08kg was enough to keep him in second place going into day three.

It was back to Sydney Harbour for day three, and Jamie went into it knowing he

had a shot at winning, being only 800g from the leader and last year’s winner Mark Crompton. He headed to Sow and Pigs that had been so kind to him on day one, hoping that it had replenished from

his first day there. It had, and he bagged out around 8:30am, but not long after that a seal showed up and shut everything down. McKeown went and had a look at the Wedding Cakes and Spit Bridge once again for nothing, so headed back to his honey hole and luckily the seal had left. He sat there for the rest of the day upgrading nearly his whole bag, except for a 36 forker he caught there earlier in the day. Once again, all fish were caught on 65mm Cranka Crab Custom Heavys in olive and spotted. He headed in a little early, as his electric motor had run out, which left him wondering whether he had enough weight with his bag of five bream.

It was a nail bitting weigh-in, with lots of good bags coming in, but he knew it would come down to the final three to weigh-in, Mark Crompton, himself and Ross Cannizzaro.

Cannizzaro was in the hot seat, taking the lead with a

Scan the QR code to see the Australian Open day one highlights.

4.98kg bag. Jamie needed 4.90kg to take the lead, and when the button was pushed Jamie’s bag dragged the scale down to 4.98kg! He had caught the same weight as Cannizzaro and taken the lead by 80g. Day two leader and champ for 2018 Mark Crompton ended up weighing a limit, but only had a 2.95kg sack, which gave Jamie McKeown the win for the 2019 Daiwa BREAM Australian Open!

BOATER’S WINNING GEAR

Scan the QR code to see Aus Open winner Jamie McKeown interview.

Rod Reel Line Lure

Samaki Archer 691 Ecooda Black Hawk Sufix 10lb Coastal Braid and 8lb Sufix leader Cranka Crab 65mm custom Cranka Crab Custom Heavy in olive and spotted

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888 80

MAY 2019

The picture that paints a thousand words: maybe next year, Ross.

Cannizzaro bridesmaid once again Ross Cannizzaro is a Sydney local and always a favourite in the Harbour and Hawkesbury River, and some say the bream in these systems are his pets.

They just don’t seem to do what he wants come Bream Open time! This is one comp Cannizzaro has never won, and unfortunately this year wasn’t his year either, coming second to Jamie McKeown by only 80g.

For day one on the Harbour, Cannizzaro started his day fishing from Goat Island to Manly, skip casting a 2.5” Gulp Crabby in camo colour under boat hulls.

Cannizzaro says by skipping the lure deep under hulls and getting his bait in the shade, the fish would eat it

on the drop. If he didn’t get a hit on the first two casts, he would go on to the next boat and repeat the process.

This technique filled his bag, but he knew they weren’t big enough to win. So he went to the edges, fishing vertical structure such as rock walls, poles and jetties. Here Cannizzaro fished something new to him, a Cranka Crab, and as Cranka Crabs tend to do, they got him the bigger bites that he needed to upgrade a few times and saw him bringing a 3.54kg bag to the scales.

Day two on the Hawkesbury had Cannizzaro heading upriver past Spencer to fish the rock walls and edges using a Berkley Gulp Pulse Craw Ross Cannizzaro landed some impressive fish to earn him second place.

Jamie McKeown came from below to claim victory in the Daiwa BREAM Australian Open.

on a 1/8oz jighead and Berkley Bigeye Blades.

Cannizzaro was casting his Bigeye Blade tight to the edge and hopping it down to around 15ft. The fish would either take the blade on the drop after a little hop, or while it was just sitting on the bottom doing nothing, where he would go for the next hop and there would be weight on the line. The Pulse Craw he fished was much the same way, but it got most bites while dead sticked on the bottom, with the 1/8oz jighead keeping it on the bottom, even in a strong current. Day two saw him with five fish for a total 4.87kg.

The finish line showed an impressive cross section of boats and anglers.

On returning to Sydney Harbour, Cannizzaro knew he needed big fish on this final day to win, so he did his milk run, quickly filling his bag like he had on day one with a lure that has been so good to him over the years, the Berkley Gulp Crabby. He felt he was going to need something else to take the win this year, so he went to the dark side and tied on a Cranka Crab, and yes, that crab worked its magic. Cannizzaro pitched it into poles, jetties and rock walls, quickly upgrading his whole bag. Cannizzaro ended up weighing 4.98kg, earning him second place by only 80g.

Scan the QR code to see Aus Open runner up Ross Cannizzaro interview.

Last year’s winner Mark Crompton scored himself a third in this year’s Open.

The top five anglers show off their respective share of the winnings.

BREAM AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS

Scan the QR code to see the Australian Open day two highlights.

Place Name 1 Jamie McKeown 2 Ross Cannizzaro 3 Mark Crompton 4 Liam Carruthers 5 Daniel Bonaccorso 6 Michael Colotouros 7 Mark Healey 8 Kristoffer Hickson 9 Tom Slater 10 Steve Morgan

Total Fish Total Weight (kg) Prize 15/15 13.47 $5000 15/15 13.39 $3500 15/15 12.34 $2500 15/15 12.03 $2000 15/15 11.93 $1000 15/15 11.39 Daiwa Prize Pack 15/15 11.24 Daiwa Prize Pack 15/15 11.02 Daiwa Prize Pack 15/15 10.86 Daiwa Prize Pack 15/15 10.39 Daiwa Prize Pack

Scan the QR code to see the Australian Open day three highlights.

MAY 2019

81

Langley takes maiden boater win with $5 fuel bill Paul Langley has been fishing ABT BREAM tournaments for quite a few years now, competing in the non-boater ranks.

He was the quiet achiever, never one to be seen at the tubs boasting about his catch or worrying about what anyone else had caught. Langley just fished each comp as it came and enjoyed tournament BREAM fishing for its own sake. But recently, after buying a bass boat, he has stepped it up to join the boaters.

While his first boating comp at South West Rocks turned out to be a dreaded double doughnut, coming into his second event as a boater in the ABT Costa BREAM series, he was pretty calm, considering his last outing. He had fished Botany Bay only a few weeks before, and having found the fish on the edges, that’s what he based his pre-fish on. Through the pre-fish day he wasn’t happy with the size or number of fish he was catching, but looking on Google Maps he found a deep reef that looked pretty good and ended up producing a nice fish from it.

BOATER’S WINNING GEAR Rod Reel Line Lure

Pflueger Trion 1-3 kg UL Shimano 2500 9lb Yamatoyo braid and 6lb leader Cranka Crab Heavy in olive

the bottom. Fishing was a little slow, with him only picking up two fish early.

He was worried if his little 100m stretch of reef would handle two days fishing, but he stuck it out, knowing that if they bit like the day

before, it would be worth it.

It wasn’t until around 11am that things picked up and Langley was able to fill his limit of five fish, giving him a 3.40kg bag and a total of 7kg to take the win at the Botany Bay round!

Paul Langley with his winner’s haul from the ABT BREAM Botany Bay round.

Going into day one of the ABT Daiwa Botany round, Langley made the choice to go back to his reef. Only 400m away from the start line, it didn’t take him long to get a line in the water.

Fishing this reef in around 4-5m, his lure of choice was the old faithful Cranka Crab

Heavy in olive. Langley was drifting backwards and forwards on one patch of reef all day. Casting his crab out, sinking it to the bottom and dragging it slowly along the reef saw him picking fish up consistently, and even upgrading a few times. He filled his limit of bream on

day one with a bag weighing 3.60kg. Day one’s efforts had him sitting in first place for day two.

On day two, Langley made the same 400m run from the start line.

Langley started on his deep crab pattern in 5m of water, dragging it along

Paul showing off some of the fish that helped him win.

BOATER RESULTS

Scan the QR code to see Boater winner, Paul Langley interview.

Place Name 1 Paul Langley 2 Grant Kime 3 Peter Cook 4 Todd Riches 5 Mark Crompton 6 Daniel Bonaccorso 7 Richard Potter 8 Ross Cannizzaro 9 Christian Wardini 10 Jamie McKeown

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888 82

MAY 2019

Total Fish Total Weight (kg) Prize 10/10 7.00 $3000 + $500 Mercury Bonus 10/10 6.43 $1750 + $300 Mercury Bonus 10/10 6.04 $1200 8/10 5.80 $900 10/10 5.77 $800 10/10 5.65 $700 10/10 5.59 $600 10/10 5.50 $500 10/10 5.41 9/10 5.38 $200 Mercury Bonus

Scan the QR code to see Botany Bay day one highlights.

BREAM Series presented by

Kimey slides into second Grant Kime, the 2016 ABT Costa BREAM Grand Final winner, is

no stranger to the bream tournaments. Coming from the St Georges Basin area,

NON-BOATER FIRST PLACE GEAR Rod Reel Line Lures

Daiwa Silver Wolf Daiwa Silver Wolf 2004 Daiwa Evo 8 and Sunline 8lb leader Jackall Chubby, ZMan GrubZ and Slim SwimZ in motor oil rigged on 1/12oz TTs HeadlockZ

Scan the QR code to see Botany Bay day two highlights.

he doesn’t mind a bit of flats fishing or blading in the deep, so the 2019 ABT Daiwa Botany round played nearly into his hands.

On day one Kime fished an area called the Towra flats early, with this area being fairly shallow. The area only produced three bites, but one of those bites ended up being a nice fish over the 1kg mark, which he unfortunately dropped boatside. He says he hung around too long hoping to

get more bites like that, a decision that cost him.

After spending another half an hour for nothing, he moved on. Kime hit another area that he caught some fish in on the practise day, and found this is where he should have been all along, filling his bag in less than an hour. Kime was using an Ecogear VX40 blade in 439 pattern in 20ft of water, fishing it with short hops along the bottom. He said that 439 was exactly the same colour as some cockle shells a bream had spewed on the deck. His day one bag tipping the scales at 2.73kg.

Day two saw Grant head straight back to his spot, not wasting time anywhere else. This area was wide of the Towra flats in 20ft of water. He got into them straight away, catching almost a fish a cast for half an hour. He ended up filling an impressive bag quite quickly, but had a lightbulb

BREAM SERIES

Second place boater Grant Kime fished hard, but unfortunately fell just short of a win. moment and noticed a tug in the distance stirring the bottom up. His first cast into the area saw him hooked up, and the next hour was spent upgrading his whole bag.

Bringing the biggest bag to the scales for the whole comp at 3.70kg, it may have been that kilo fish he lost at the boat that cost him first place!

Scan the QR code to see Non-Boater winner, Stuart Walker interview.

Walker wins again Stuart Walker is one Kiwi we’ll happily take as our own, winning multiple events and taking out Angler of the Year four years in a row, and it’s no surprise to see him take a win in the ABT Costa BREAM series once again.

Walker definitely had a slow day fishing on day one with Russell Babekull, who fished oyster racks all day. He only caught two fish for the session, but one of them was a cracking bream

weighing 1.2kg, which ate a Jackall Chubby, and the other, smaller fish took a ZMan Slim SwimZ in motor oil. His day one bag only weighed 1.72kg, but if anyone can come back from a day like that, it is Stuart Walker. Going into day two, fishing with day one boating leader Paul Langley, Walker definitely made the most of it.

On day two Walker made that 400m with Paul Langley, fishing Langley’s little 5m deep reef. Walker landed

two fish pretty quickly and thought to himself that it was going to be a good day, however it went quiet soon after. With the watch tightening, he was a little worried. Come 11am, the fish were on again. He filled his limit by 12pm.

Fishing a mix of ZMan Slim SwimZ and GrubZ, he ended up with a limit of five fish weighing 3.39kg, with a total weight of 5.11kg. Stuart Walker had won it again!

Paul Langley came out on top in his second competition as a boater, having not weighed a single fish in his first comp last year.

Rocket takes Big Bream Rodney O’Sullivan ended up winning the Daiwa J Braid Big Bream prize, taking home $500 plus a Daiwa

J Braid prize pack. Rodney said it wasn’t rocket science to catch this 1.4kg bruiser.

He just calmly waited for his

boater Chris Seeto to finish crankbaiting a boat hull, and then cast his Cranka Crab Heavy in olive into the back of the boat. The giant fish ate the crab on the drop!

Stuart Walker claims another non-boater win in the BREAM series.

NON-BOATER RESULTS

Rodney O’Sullivan’s 1.4kg bruiser Botany bream.

Place Name 1 Stuart Walker 2 Peter Breukel 3 Rodney O’Sullivan 4 Adam Costa 5 William Lee 6 Louie Wardini 7 Neil Kelly 8 Tani Konsul 9 Josh Carpenter 10 Dallas Blatchford

Total Fish Total Weight (kg) Prize 7/10 5.11 Daiwa Prize Pack + $200 Hobie Bonus 8/10 4.00 Fish-Tec Prize Pack + $100 Hobie Bonus 6/10 3.78 Cranka Lures Prize Pack + $500 (Big Bream) 7/10 3.68 TTs Prize Pack + $75 Hobie Bonus 6/10 3.64 Sufix Prize Pack 6/10 3.64 Ecogear Prize Pack 4/10 3.32 Shimano Prize Pack 7/10 3.11 Lucky Craft Prize Pack 6/10 2.80 Keitech Prize Pack 5/10 2.62 Sunline Prize Pack MAY 2019

83

Felippe finds trophy fish in Richmond round The first round of the Casino Outdoor BASS Electric series kicked off from the banks of the beautiful Richmond River at Coraki. It was contested by 37 eager anglers, and although a fair number of competitors struggled, the Richmond did give up some great fish which made for a great comp.

Taking out 1st place was Felippe Gapski, who compiled a 2/2 limit for 2.02kg, and also took out the Big Bass prize with a 1.32kg kicker fish. Come take-off, Gapski headed

upstream up the Wilsons Arm, and like most of the field he opted to throw topwater lures for the best part of the day. He was rewarded for his efforts with numerous fish and strikes throughout the session.

Being one of the anglers who fishes from a kayak, Felippe positioned the kayak tight to the edge to get the best possible cast in. Throwing tight into this structure isn’t easy with any lure, so he opted to throw a weedless ZMan Frog 2.75” in pearl white to get into where a lot

of anglers wouldn’t cast.

Targeting the shady pockets as the sun rose was key, as the fish were concentrated in these areas.

Throwing a light frog isn’t an easy task at the best of times, so having the right tools for the job is paramount. Gapski’s choice was the Okuma Cerros 7ft 1-3kg rod matched up with Okuma Helios SX spinning reel spooled with 10lb Berkley Fireline Ultra and 10lb leader. Felippe took home $380 for his efforts, as well as the $150 Big Bass voucher as as bonus.

Felippe Gapski found his fish in specacular style, fishing topwater lures in tight cover and taking out Big Bass in the process!

Wilson winds up Wilsons arm Relegated to 2nd place once again was Mr Consistent, Adrian Wilson, who compiled a 2/2 bag for 1.81kg. During the pre-fish Adrian had also found the better fish holding up the Wilsons Arm, so that’s where he headed

come tournament day.

However, Wilson opted for a totally different approach than Gapski, choosing to throw jigs at deep sunken timber he had previously found. Losing two big fish early in the timber, Adrian thought that he had blown

his chances. Fortunately, his experience showed through and he went to work filling out his limit.

Wilson’s tactic was locating deep sunken timber, and working his Pro’s Factory jigs through it methodically, covering

every inch of the tree. To do so Wilson threw his jig on a custom made Barrabass IP845 casting rod matched up with a Daiwa HRF highspeed reel spooled with 10lb Sunline and 12lb leader.

I would like to thank all the competitors for a great day, and a huge thanks also to everyone who helped out during the event. A big shout-out also to the naming sponsor Casino Outdoor and Disposal for their valuable support.

Plenty of good bags came in to the scales, and Aaron Kemp from Queensland was happy to fill a limit on the day.

RESULTS

Left: Gapski’s 1.32kg Big Bass was a fantastic river fish, and earned him an extra $150. Right: BASS Electric stalwart Adrian Wilson is as at home in the rivers as the dams, it seems.

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888 84

MAY 2019

Place Name 1 Felippe Gapski 2 Adrian Wilson 3 Mark Palazzi 4 Joseph Urquhart 5 Mathew Flynn 6 Glenn Swanson 7 Pete Bostock 8 Nathan Freys 9 Charles West 10 Aaron Swanson

Total Fish Total Weight (kg) 2/2 2.02kg 2/2 1.81kg 2/2 1.67kg 2/2 1.64kg 2/2 1.56kg 2/2 1.56kg 2/2 1.44kg 2/2 1.40kg 2/2 1.33kg 2/2 1.29kg

Urquhart secures second Hinze win The second stop of the 2019 Casino Outdoor BASS Electric series hit the Gold Coast Hinterland, at picturesque Hinze Dam. With reports of the dam fishing exceptionally well, expectations were high and the 55 anglers were eager to start. With a southerly change passing through late the night before, it was evident that it had an effect on the fishing, with a lot smaller bags getting weighed then expected.

Taking out 1st place and making this his second win in a row at Hinze was BASS Electric organiser Joey Urquhart, compiling his 2/2 limit for 3.285kg,

making him the only person to score a bag over 3kg for the tournament.

Being one of the few boats that made the trip around to the eastern arm, he had the area he wanted to fish to himself. During pre-fish Urquhart had worked out a pattern later in the day, where the fish were holding tight to the base of trees on the very end of the points “You couldn’t see them on the sounder, but if they were there you would hook up straight away,” he explained.

Urquhart’s plan was spot on, as the fish were still there. Although initially lacking in size, he made a

move to a point he hadn’t fished the day before and landed two upgrades in two casts, which would later turn out to be the winning fish.

His technique was to cast tight trees and let his Valleyhill lv500 lipless crankbait in colour 08 sink to the bottom, where he would commence a slow retrieve.

They would usually hit it within the first two winds.

Pulling big fish out of heavy cover isn’t easy, and that’s why Urquhart opted to fish with a Raison Jaburo 10-30lb casting rod matched with a Daiwa Ryoga spooled with 16lb Sufix Nano Braid and 20lb Sufix Super 21 leader. For his efforts he took home $760.

Joey Urquhart took out his second Hinze win, with his last win at this venue in 2017. He took home $760 for his efforts.

2kg snorter for Reynolds

Urquhart was kept busy organising the event and weighing everyone’s fish. Talk about having your hands full!

Hinze virgin takes 2nd Securing 2nd place was kayaker Luke Albone, compiling his 2/2 limit for 2.920kg. Albone had never been to Hinze before, so he used his knowledge from his local lake, North Pine Dam, and implemented the same approach.

Albone headed up the western arm, where he abandoned his plan of fishing tight in the tress to go searching for schooled fish, and it worked out to be a good decision for him. Once he located a school he would slow roll his Halco Twisty

rigged with assist hooks through them to get the bites.

He used his Shimano Classix X rod matched with a Shimano Sedona HD 2500 spooled with 10lb J-Braid to extract them from the structure. For his efforts he took home $320.

Despite the smaller than average bags, Tom Reynolds managed to find a true Hinze giant, with this 2.04kg beast taking out Big Bass!

Taking out Big Bass at 2.04kg was Tom Reynolds.

Reynolds caught the Hinze giant up the eastern arm late in the day on a lipless crankbait. He

used a Daiwa Wild Weasel rod match with a Daiwa Certate spooled with 8lb J-Braid and 12lb leader.

Tom took home a $150 Casino Outdoor voucher.

Joey would like to give a big thanks to all that helped on the day and looks forward to seeing everyone at the next round at Maroon Dam.

RESULTS

A staggering 55 anglers turned up to fish the BASS Electric Hinze event, however a southerly change made the fishing a little challenging.

Place Name 1 Joey Urquhart 2 Luke Albone 3 Scott Byrant 4 Mick Horn 5 Alan Britcliffe 6 Tom Reynolds 7 Jesper Noiesen 8 Liam Dutton 9 Paul Mchugh 10 Christian Manolea

Total Fish Total Weight (kg) 2/2 3.285kg 2/2 2.92kg 2/2 2.725kg 2/2 2.610kg 2/2 2.595kg 2/2 2.540kg 2/2 2.490kg 2/2 2.470kg 2/2 2.465kg 2/2 2.425kg MAY 2019

85

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87

Tournament weigh-ins aren’t dead yet SUNTAG

Stefan Sawynok

Evolve or die. Those are the only two choices in response to significant change.

I am not talking climate change here, though the effect is the same – the march of time, the gentle shifting year on year, the introduction of new predators, the introduction of new competitors. I am of course talking an institution that is almost certainly as old as fishing itself – the weigh-in. It takes no imagination to know that the invention of the first hook 25,000 years led to the comparison of the size of the catch. Humans have throughout their evolution valued skill in hunting with good reason.

It’s the key attribute that got us going as a species.

Weigh-ins for sport have been part of the fishing scene as long as fishing has been competitive. As with our ancient ancestors – the best hunters catch the biggest fish.

Going back in time though, the weigh-in was the only real option available for comparing catches as it was the most effective measure when you are bring fish in. The rise of catch and release has seen the rise of a plethora of alternatives. I have firsthand experience, at last count we have over 30 different scoring processes embedded in Track My Fish – as the scoring coder making them happen is my job. I don’t want anyone else getting the blame if we get it wrong.

Right now, given that we have an app, you might think our sole focus is on catch and release but instead we are investing an equal amount of resources in weigh-ins. Far from dead, we believe that weigh-ins are going to be a part of fishing for a long time to come. I have been around to a lot of different events in different parts of the country in the past 12 months and it’s clear that the traditional format is facing some serious challenges. For one, there are challenges in maintain volunteers and equipment, for another community attitudes have hardened to killing fish needlessly and then the plethora of alternatives have split the fishing base.

There is no magic bullet to these challenges.

Instead, we are working with individual events to 88

MAY 2019

The ABT Australian Open Award presentation livestream. help them to find their own magic. Sure we bring a toolkit, but every event has its own unique characteristics. We don’t want to lose the things that work in an event in the process of introducing new technology and automation.

There are two key things we aim for – first to save time, both in preparation and in the event itself.

This is critical to free up resources within an event to implement new ideas.

Second we aim to provide new options to make the weigh-in more engaging for an audience. The more the wider community has access to fishing events and what happens, the less other groups that have an interest in attacking weigh-ins can provide misleading ‘evidence’ on what happens. This also has benefits for sponsors – the wider we celebrate fishing, the more chances they have to capture new converts.

Everyone wins when we take a positive approach to our sport and act responsibly along the way.

WEIGH-INS UNDER ANSA IN THE 1980S While Infofish has had a long connection with Catch and Release and Tag and Release, through Suntag, the Release Fish Survival education program in the 2000s and numerous competitions my personal background comes more from weigh-ins.

I grew up in Bundaberg fishing ANSA line class competitions where weight was everything. Winning was a matter of balancing the equation of line class, fighting factor and weight which made things fun – you had a lot of combinations to make up the points. Add in seasonality and weather conditions and each comp required some thought on tactics.

That I think was the magic of the line class system, fishers with polar opposite strategies – for

example game vs light gear could compete head to head. The fighting factor became the great equaliser and many long nights invested in getting the system right.

In the modern era of braid lines and fluorocarbon, line class has largely gone the way of the dodo. There are still groups that work to line class but it has fallen away as the dominant system.

None the less, the vast majority of my fishing competition time has been in weigh-ins and I remember them fondly.

I don’t want to see them go away, they were an important part of my development personally and as a fisher. Weigh-ins are a huge part of the tradition of fishing, one that shouldn’t be discarded needlessly.

ABT AUSTRALIAN OPEN My first weigh-in in my adult era was an ABT event at the Cleveland

Showgrounds. As with all ABT BREAM events, this was a live weigh in, bag weight affair. I have spent many late nights analysing results of ABT events and the two most important numbers in this fishing format are the five bags and 0 bags. The ratio of these two numbers tells you a lot about the state of the fishery/fishing conditions.

That however is a post event clinical analysis. It doesn’t incorporate the spectacle of the fish being weighed in.

First up, while zero bags stand out when analysing the results, it’s amazing how fishers manage to ninja their way out of view when they have nothing to weigh-in. On the flip side though I realised how much you miss when you look at the stats alone. As a sports scientist, data is important and not knowing anything about the competitors is a good thing. Not knowing removes bias or the temptation to put a positive

interpretation on results that may be from someone you know. On the other hand, missing the stories from competitors about their day/what worked/ what didn’t made it clear that there is good reason to think fishing can be more engaging.

THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN IS PROOF The ABT has had an online scoreboard for a while, but we helped them move it to the cloud last year, which increased the flexibility no end. The end of the use of virtual machines to run the events meant that any member of the team at any time can access the database.

Not only that but with a modern platform, we could generate as many variants on the scoring process as required, this would be a big step in development of the product.

This year, the event ran with app based reporting of the catches to update the on the water scoreboard.

Over the three days, 1200 people checked out the scoreboards and it was the most viewed scoreboard we have had to date, indicating that people are interested in knowing how the fishers are tracking. I think this works well in the bigger ABT events and I am looking forward to the Gladstone round in September, which will be the first full app-based bream round.

The big innovation though comes in the weigh-in. Nicholle Smith has done a brilliant job with high quality overlays for the livestream and we developed a plug in scoreboard that shows

the top 10. Add in some new technology to handle multiple cameras and the production aesthetics have gone up several notches this year. The results were the biggest year with live audiences giving the sponsors top value for money in terms of coverage.

Seeing as I have some inside knowledge on the backend of the video production I can safely predict that the ABT will be setting the standards for livestreaming for some time to come. I think that is the right place to be investing.

As a total content package the early on the water fishing and weigh-ins are the two big live content aces and the ABT is getting that part right.

I will do a separate article on livestreaming at some point as we have spent a lot of time on the technical backend. There are a lot of things you can do to make a livestream look sexy, the challenge it to make the production engaging. This requires a mindset that focuses on audience and if you are thinking of adding livestreaming to your event – you could do a lot worse than putting a few hard days watching the ABT streams, as I think Steve Morgan has the best eye for content creation in the industry.

BERKLEY SUPER SERIES Last year, Chris Gates of the Berkley Super Series invited me to help out with the Berkly Superseries Grand Final down in Sydney and to honest, I was spoiled. With the event integrated into the

The Berkley Super Series live scoreboard is a huge step forward for the competition.

Sydney boat show, they had the big tank out to show off the catches to the public and kids constantly milled around them. I was on hand to run the live scoreboards and help out with livestreaming cameras and it was fantastic to see a large crowd including many families with young kids gather on the final day for the big weigh-in.

Hopefully some of them will go on to be the next generation of competitors.

This year we setup a live scoring process for Chris, similar to the scoreboard setup for ABT, which is understandable given they are both live weigh-in bream events.

One innovation that we added for Chris does stand out though and that is the addition of the prize money to the live scoreboard, which auto-calculates as you go. What this means is if you are the first to weigh in, you get to feel the elation of being top of the prize money – if only for an instant. A tip for the anglers – if you get in early make it with a big bag, otherwise prepare for a game of snakes and ladders as you slide out of the money. I think this is a great addition, as it provides context to the audience for what’s at stake. The competitors will know what the payout looks like but not those at home.

There is no ‘assumed’ knowledge in the audience, you have to proceed as if they know nothing. The less work they have to do to catch up, the more chance they will hang around and get involved.

As the year progresses we hope to add more innovations for Chris.

The Berkley Superseries already has a livestream and I think there is a more that we can do to add an appeal.

BARRABASSTASSTIC Maybe the term ‘weigh-in’ is a loose interpretation of the Barrabasstasstic process, but it doesn’t matter how you get there. We became involved with the Barrabasstasstic series through a bit of a side event at Lake Awoonga. We have

developed an app for the local water board to monitor catches and they require events on the impoundment to use the app. In this case it was a photo based catch and release event for barramundi, which is a pretty standard format in barra circles. It’s fair to say Barrabasstasstic needed some convincing but we worked hard and Tracy Chelepy, our events co-ordinator, was on hand throughout the event to make sure any issues were handled promptly.

The Barrabasstasstic series is unique in that it combines the attributes of a live weigh-in with the more modern length based standard. Each competitor brings in their two bag live, the fish are measured by scrutineers, then are released to fight another day. Scoring wise, there are three sessions, best two fish from each session.

Tracy went out to the first singles round to help out, from all reports the hot weather made the fishing hard work and there were

Tracy Chelepy joining in on the fun at round one of the Barrabasstasstic Singles Series at Lake Borumba. among competitors in the live scoring and in areas where reception is better we expect they will follow along on their phones.

with quite different rules.

Additionally they have a series of scoreboards for annual scoring for Angler of the Year and ranking

The Marmion Aquatic and Angling Club Scoreboard in the downstairs weigh-in area. a lot of zeros recorded each session. That said all the competitors had a great time and as always a beer or three at the end of the day helps knock the edge off a bad session.

There was a lot of interest

We are also looking at a portable TV display unit as well.

Russell Nowland certainly bought some new challenges our way with the need to support team and single events

points to earn a place in the Grand Final. Of course, there were a few tricky elements to calculating the points – it wouldn’t be a fishing comp if things were straightforward. In the end we developed a process

similar to that we used for the Berkley series, only with a lot more scoreboards and calculations.

Another innovation came in the form of adding in a photo only section for the event where fishers could submit happy snaps and action shots via a Basstasstasstic custom version of the Track My Fish app.

This removed the need to be chasing around for SD cards at the end of an event.

All up the combination saves a bunch of time and less stress for Russ means he can focus on providing the best possible experience for the competitors.

MAAC Marmion Aquatic and Angling Club is a long standing club with decades of history and rules for their events. Accordingly they have the most complex event we have ever looked at automating – and that is just the design phase.

Few events I have seen have as much paperwork.

There are slips to register for the event, multiple books for recording scores, receipts for catches, the main whiteboard for tracking scores and at the end everything has to be transferred to spreadsheets where a complex set of

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lookups tally the results into annual scores.

Volunteers have to spend pretty much the whole day just recording information, something that takes its toll on everyone involved. The challenge is to take that process and automate it without loosing any of the elements that have made the club successful for so long.

While we are still in the design stage, this is a challenge that excites me as while it will be a lot of work to make it happen, seeing the event running smoothly with a lot less wheels to turn will be one of the most satisfying experiences I have had since starting my Track My Fish journey.

I hope that Marmion is around for decades to come and running their monthly competitions, that will be a great sign of the health of the industry.

THE FUTURE IS LOOKING BRIGHT. They say it’s the journey not the destination that matters, for me it’s a bit of both.

I love the challenge of helping events to save time and improve their services.

At the same time I get the most reward from seeing the end results.

As I said at the start of the article, there is no one size fits all approach to taking a weigh-in to the next level. The right combination of tools depends on the format and the personalities of the people involved.

For some events, just getting the scoring process automated will be a big leap forward, for others engagement on social media is the go. There are three things that I think are key – saving time, engaging audience and doing so on a budget.

In the long run content and engagement is critical to improving events in terms of sponsorship and participation.

Looking even wider, the more we as an industry invest in improving the product and educating the community that fishing is fun and brings a lot of benefits, the better off we will be.

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10 DIFFERENCES

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to, Garry Mason who was last month’s winner of the Find-aWord Competition!

Monthly winners receive a Fishing Monthly prize pack. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – QFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winner for March is D Baird of Noosaville, who won an E.J. Todd Prize Pack to the value of $300.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

Toohey of Peregian Springs, Z Steinhardt of Tivoli, J Lowik of Churchill, K Dillmann of Southbrook, J Boneham of Eight Mile Plains, D Stewart of Hermit Park, L Betts of Kendall, G Sprott of Glenlee, J Rogers of Tambo, J Inwood of Kirwan, J Bugno of Bardon, S Whitfield of Broadbeach Waters, T Gretton of Springsure, G Cull of Burrum Heads, C Thorne of Roma, J Routledge of Kepnock, G Roberts

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LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE GAMAKATSU LOGO

90

MAY 2019

GUESS THE FISH?

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Whiting

The answers to Find the Gamakatsu Logo for March were: 10, 16, 18, 24, 42, 49, 55, 56, 58, 64, 67, 69, 80, 96, 98. – QFM The Find the Gamakatsu Logo prize winners for March were: J Dawson of Cordalba, I Hermann of Pacific Heights, M Chadwick of Burrum Heads, B Bougoure of Samford Valley, F Heiniger of Woombye, C Hendry of Imbil, T Ferrari of Deception Bay, D Davidson of Guyra, L Randles of Capella, S Davies of Emerald, M Gillett of Boonah, P

© A Cordelia Adams original artwork. Instagram: clausdoesart

Answer:

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In the skipper’s seat

Inside story...

After WWII, the pace of life changed as a war-ravaged world now craved speed and excitement. This era saw enterprising young businessman Jim Whittley who, along with his brother Ossie, indulged a love of boating. In 1953, Jim produced his first timber boat out of a small shop in the Melbourne suburb of Bulleen. In the late 1960s they made the switch to fibreglass, and have been moving forward ever since.

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Whittley balances traditional core boating values with constant improvement and delivers on that original promise of quality and innovation.

This month...

92 Flats breamin’

Justin Willmer shares a few secrets to catching chunky SEQ bream on the flats as the weather cools.

94 Learning on the Logan River

Troy Brown explores one of Queensland’s forgotten rivers, and one that holds amazing potential as a kayak fishery!

97 More on bars

Wayne Kame provides some more of his knowledge of crossing coastal bars safely.

Editor Steve Morgan checks out the CW1950 with a Yamaha 115hp 4-stroke.

Check it out on page 98!

MAY 2019

91

Catching flats bream – shake, rattle and roll BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

The cooler mornings are a signal to me that it’s time to get up on the flats and chase a few bream on plastics. In many systems the winter months see an influx of bait and big

It’s hard to beat the kayak for this type of fishing, with its ability to navigate the shallows, its lower profile creating less shadow and ‘presence’ on the water, and the overall stealth factor.

I often have bream hitting at the lure all the way to the kayak, even eating the plastic right at the rod tip in plain sight. These bream are

tide, however, my favourite flats to fish are those that are exposed at low tide, as I believe if there is no water at low it gives the fish motivation to go there when they are covered in water to feed.

When fishing the flats, I prefer to fish the last of the run-in and first of the run-out tide. Although, they can be

Another one of the author’s go-to lures is the ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ paddle-tail.

A net is handy, especially when the bigger bream are around. bream into the system, with many anglers chasing these schooling fish in the deeper water, where they congregate at the mouths of rivers and seaways to spawn.

This deep water bite can be productive, producing cricket score catches of

actively feeding on the flats, they’re aggressive, often in large numbers, competitive and when you hook them in a few feet of water, it’s game on!

What are the ‘flats’? They are the large, predominantly flat expanses that are found in many systems. The water

productive at any stage of the tide as long as there is at least a couple of feet of water for the fish to hunt in.

The magic depth for me has been anywhere from around 0.9-1.5m of water, and schools will often hold in depressions in the flats where the water is slightly deeper.

repeating. This will allow you to work the entire flat to find the most productive areas and if you do find fish, it’s worth repetitive drifts of this area or even anchoring to work the area more effectively.

Where possible I cast ahead of the drift or ahead and across the drift, fanning casts to cover as much area as possible. You can bring your lure back with the drift, if the drift is not too fast, ensuring that the lure is running at the desired depth.

If you are fishing in windy conditions then you are better off throwing a long cast with the wind and covering plenty of water, rather than getting frustrated with short casts, line management issues and so forth.

There are three go-to plastics that I fish when on the flats and I generally retrieve each of these plastics in a different way, to suit the area being fished and the mood of the fish. My larger kayak is set-up with a Railblaza TracPort Dash 500, fitted with four Railblaza

rod holders, allowing me to quickly and easily access four rods that are rigged and ready

in case I drift into deeper water and wish to specifically target a snapper or mulloway.

Having two different lures ready allows you to switch things up if they turn off one presentation. to go. This allows me to have these three go-to plastics at my disposal, along with a larger soft plastic presentation

When thinking about the way I fish these three plastics, I ended up with a different description for each and

An average flats bream on the 2.5” paddle-tail. bream. However, I love nothing more than chasing these bruisers on light gear, in a few feet of water, especially when they move up onto the flats in close proximity to deep water to harass bait and smash my small soft plastics.

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MAY 2019

depth is similar throughout and they are often made up of a combination of sand, weed and rubble, with some systems also offering mussel beds, rocks, oysters and other structure. Some of these flats will have water over them at all stages of the

To ensure I am working the area effectively I will generally set-up a wind or tidal drift that carries me the length of the flat: starting on one edge, drifting the flat, heading back to the start of the drift and then across the flat a little further and

Shake – curl-tail; Rattle – TRD CrawZ; and Roll – paddle-tail. The author’s go-to selection when targeting bream on the flats.

that’s how I ended up with ‘shake, rattle and roll’, so here’s a breakdown of each.

SHAKE – 2.5” CURL-TAIL The 2.5” curl-tail is a proven performer on the bream and a bream tournament winning favourite presentation. You

fish will hit on the wind, other times on the pause, and this varied retrieve also produces a wide variety of other species.

RATTLE – 2.5” CRAW PATTERN The craw imitation is a great representation of creatures such as prawns

a shaking retrieve, however, it really excels when fished slow and rattled through structure.

ROLL – 2.5” PADDLE-TAIL My go-to paddle-tail has been a game changer, with its under hooked tail design and super soft material creating

GEARING UP In terms of jigheads I will fish these 2.5” plastics on a no.1 or 1/0 jighead and opt for a fine gauge, and chemically sharpened hook for maximum hook penetration. In terms of jighead weights, I most frequently fish a 1/4oz jighead, which many will believe is too heavy. The reason that I fish heavier and faster is based on a point that I made earlier, I’m fishing flats that are completely dry at low tide, so the fish are there for a reason when there is water and I believe that reason is to feed. Rather than fish slow and finesse, I aim

head, such as 1/6oz, 1/8oz, or even lighter. These are the basics that work for me on the flats, so it’s just a matter of giving them a crack in your area if you wish and customising them to suit your area and fish.

In terms of rods and reels, I fish a selection of 7’ 1-3kg and 2-4kg rods, with 20-30 size spinning reels, loaded with braid of around 6-8lb. Leader wise, I most commonly fish 8lb fluorocarbon, which is handy when you come across other species, such as tailor and flathead. Again, you may need to lighten your leader if the bite is tough.

that I love seeing on a flat and it’s amazing how many times to a cast this activity will be met with an instant angry strike and a bent rod.

Finally, if the flat feels lifeless and you’re not getting any bumps or follows, it may be worth moving on to another flat or at least a different section of the flat.

Even though we’re not into the prime time of the cooler months that bring the big bream onto the flats in my area, I still snuck out and found a few on my most recent session. A morning session, based around an hour of run-in tide and two hours of the run-out that produced

A good early season bream. These fish can only get better as the weather gets colder. can fish the curl-tail fast, slow, hopped, paused or even just let it drag on the bottom… fish just eat it.

I fish the curl-tail with a shaking retrieve, using two main retrieve techniques, both of which start with a long cast, a couple of seconds to let the plastic sink and then a few sharp hops to alert the fish to the presence of the lure.

and crabs that are frequently found among the weed and rubble on the flats. It has proven to be a winner when there are big bream foraging on the flats and when there is a mix of patchy weed and rocky, shelly rubble that attracts prawns and crabs. I would describe the retrieve technique as ‘rattle’ as the plastic is generally fished slower, on or near

a tail action that is difficult to achieve in such a small plastic. It has become a bream tournament winner and for me it is one of the easiest plastics to use effectively on the flats. Simply make a long cast, allow it to sink for a couple of seconds, give it a few shakes to wake the fish up and then slow roll (slow wind) it back. The tail action does all the work, just vary

This session started off with an awesome by-catch, a fringefin trevally. to cover as much water as possible and find those fish that are actively feeding.

I fish with the rod tip up at about a 45° angle and I fish fast enough that the plastic is above the bottom when fishing a slow roll. If I hit the weed, then I speed up, so you may be surprised how fast I am fishing when you give it a run. If you are fishing systems where the fish are less aggressive, such as southern black bream, then you may want to slow it down and in turn select a lighter

ADDITIONAL TIPS If I had to come up with a few more tips to maximise your chances of success I would firstly say, add some scent to your plastic. I add a small amount of gel scent every 30-50 casts, and also after catching a fish, with sardine/pilchard, mullet and inshore saltwater flavours a few favourites.

Secondly, I would say look and listen. Be aware of what is going on around you on the flat. Fish feeding actively and bait flicking are two things

over twenty bream, a grunter and a trevally. I would swap all the fish landed during this session for one of those big winter blue nose bruisers, however, it was a great warm up session and awesome fun on light gear.

The shake, rattle and roll all produced fish during this session, and it was the roll that was the standout for the morning, producing both the numbers and larger fish. Check out your local flats and get ready to shake, rattle and roll.

The 2.5” paddle-tails were bringing all the fish undone on a recent morning session in the yak.

For the first retrieve I will then just commence a slow wind (slow roll) while shaking the rod tip to add more life and erratic action to the curl-tail. Instead of just a slow wind, the second retrieve consists of about three slow winds of the reel, while shaking the plastic, followed by a pause, then repeating this wind and shake, pause, wind and shake, pause. At times

the bottom and rattled through the structure, bumping through and off rock and rattling through the patchy weed.

This plastic can also weed out the smaller fish as they pick at the claws, while the legal-size bream will generally eat the body and hook, or even inhale the whole plastic. This plastic can also be fished mid-water on these shallow flats with

the speed of the retrieve until you find what the fish want on the day.

When rolling the plastic, if a fish bites just keep it moving. You will often feel a tap, tap, tap and then the fish will find the hook and it’s game on! If you attempt to set the hook you will just pull the lure away from the fish in an unnatural manner and they will generally not return to bite again.

The flats produce plenty of by-catch, and a grunter nailed the plastic on this occasion.

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Dropping the kayak into the Logan River BRISBANE

Troy Brown

When you discuss premium fishing locations in Queensland, the Logan

The Logan River starts its journey in the Scenic Rim area, but it is the saline section feeding into Moreton Bay that attracts most anglers. The river is turbid in nature, with

working the down-current banks outside the edges of these zones, particularly when you see water spilling from the outlet pipes. The disturbance from these outlets seems to stir up bait and sediment, often resulting in some exceptional catches.

One of my favourite launch locations is the private ramp situated near the Bayside Water Park.

If launching from this location, the relatively busy nature of the ramp means your vehicle is secure and exceptional fishing is only a short paddle from the launch point. After negotiating the first bend and passing two restricted zones, you will find a straight stretch of water between two restricted areas.

The legal fishing area in this stretch is quite generous, with the right

The Marks Road ramp may be basic, but it places you in a perfect position to access this fine fishery.

Khean Mak rates the Logan River highly.

These prized mulloway are an example of the quality species on offer.

River is not an obvious choice for most kayakers.

Known for its muddy base, catfish, eels and bull sharks, it does not have a reputation as a premium fishery. As a former boat owner, I had the same opinion, but kayaking this system has given me a new insight into the quality of this incredible river.

the Healthy Waterways Report Card giving a less than ideal rating of ‘fair’. Despite this, it is a valuable asset for kayak anglers, with a variety of fish species on offer.

Fishing within 100m of the prawn farm water intakes and outlets is prohibited, with these areas well signed on the adjacent banks. It’s worth Nirmal Sumy with a solid trevally caught in the Redland Bay Channel. The fight was tough on light gear, but extracting his kayak from the nearby mud proved even tougher!

The value of persistence… On a day when the weather conspired to make conditions near impossible, this 60cm flathead was caught after hours of fruitless casting.

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side offering superb depth changes and significant structure. This section of the river holds large cod, flathead, trevally, bream, plus potential for late season mangrove jack. There is an opportunity for a by-catch of Queensland grouper, which must be immediately and carefully released.

Use your sounder to find the many underwater obstructions. My Favourite way to fish is to slow troll diving lures above the structure, or gently float weedless rigged soft plastics deep into the timber. My personal favourites for snag avoidance are the ZMan 4” SwimmerZ paired up with 1/4-3/8oz SnakelockZ jigheads. The point of the hook is well protected from hidden timber, but is exposed when a solid strike

is made on the lure.

Another popular launch site is the improvised boat ramp at Marks Road Woongoolba. From this position, you can easily access nearby islands, flats, Marks Rocks, Redland Bay Channel, and the exceptional fishing available at the river mouth.

Exercise caution when launching at this location, as the ramp is simply an accumulation of debris thrown into the launch area by local anglers.

Due to the muddy water it’s impossible to see the underwater obstacles and there is potential for injury unless care is taken when launching your kayak.

The kayak angler has many advantages over their boating counterparts in this section of the river.

Nearby muddy flats are often impassable for boats,

Despite their diet of weed, luderick will occasionally take a lightlyweighted soft plastic. These fish will often be found around the same rocky structure, which is a haven for bream.

yet are also perfect hunting locations for large flathead.

It is possible for a kayak to drift over the structure at nearby Marks Rocks in all but the lowest tides, while boats usually need

edge of Marks Rocks are significant, not only for their sudden depth change, but also for the large concerntration of fish.

Mulloway are the main target in this area, with the

If tide and wind are in your favour, the many depth changes at the mouth of the river are perfect for kayak fishing.

Most of these banks are impossible to navigate for

The Logan River is a great piece of water, offering a variety of fishing opportunities.

Larger soft plastics such as the ZMan SwimmerZ are buoyant, so heavier jigheads are required to get them into the strike zone. This amazing fish was hiding in heavy structure, so the author targeted it by allowing the lure to gently flutter into the timber. to anchor further from the bank. Marks Rocks can be a lucky dip of fish species, with bream, luderick, flathead and small bull sharks actively patrolling the area.

Due to the low clarity of the water in the river, you can drift over this area without fear of spooking the fish and they will often hit a lure beside your kayak.

Unweighted or lightlyweighted soft plastics work well in the shallows, while small surface or shallow diving hardbodies are deadly. Colour does not seem to matter for most species, although surprisingly I have found the odd luderick will take a white or prawn coloured soft plastic. These fish are an unexpected but welcome catch on lures!

The drop-offs on the

odd threadfin also making an appearance. Bull sharks are in abundance, although will be a little less active as water temperatures start to drop. Fishing with soft plastics or hardbody lures will help avoid the dreaded catfish and eels, as will suspending any shark baits from a balloon to avoid the bottom dwellers.

Redland Bay Channel is a short paddle from Marks Rocks, with the mouth being the most productive.

Fish often school inside this mouth of the channel, with frequent catches of bream and flathead. Moving further into the system, the section where the two inlets of the channel meet can be targeted for species such as trevally, with lightly-weighted paddletail plastics providing the best results.

Bream will be on the chew this month as we head into winter.

larger vessels, so boats will need to stay within the marked channel. Many of the flats in this area can easily be drifted in a kayak, although it is wise to have a sounder installed and ensure you do not drift into very shallow sections.

As the base can be very muddy, jumping from your kayak to push off a bank can be disastrous, with many people finding it difficult to disengage from the suction-like mud. If you do find yourself stuck in the shallows, resist the urge to get out of your kayak, using your paddle as a pole if necessary.

Overall, the Logan River is a vastly underestimated fishing location and is a perfect target for kayak anglers.

Locals such as Khean Mak have fished the river extensively and understand the potential of this outstanding fishery.

Mak targets a multitude of species from his kayak, with bull sharks, mulloway and flathead topping his list. Sharks are plentiful and he says the local catfish are the best bait. Keep your rig simple, using a 50-100cm trace, running sinker and a circle hook, unless you are targeting larger specimens.

When bait fishing for bream and flathead, he fishes unweighted, casting up current and working the edges of banks and mangroves. Let the current do the work for you, as the fish cannot resist this approach. On the outgoing tide, he fishes drains or drop-offs with lightweight

soft plastics or lures. Using a jighead to ensure a slow drop and slowly hopping a 2-4� flickbait or paddletail plastic is deadly.

All fishing locations have periods when fish activity is in decline, with factors such as tides, water clarity and temperature impacting catch rates. I have been asked recently how I always seem to catch

fish, even when fishing a new location. The simple answer is persistence. My knowledge is only a fraction of more accomplished anglers, but every location I visit is an opportunity to improve my fishing education.

There is no substitute for time on the water, with the toughest fishing conditions becoming an

ideal opportunity to try new techniques. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. Join a local kayak fishing group (such as Qld Hobie Crew or Yak Hunters) and be a participant in your local kayaking community. Not only will you improve your fishing success, but will make some great friends to keep you company on the water.

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MAY 2019

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WHAT’S NEW BOATING BOAT RAMP FINDER AUS

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The Australian Boat Ramp Finder has been redeveloped and relaunched on the Apple App store.

Australian Boat Ramp Finder has more than 1500 boat ramp locations around Australia, and users can search ‘Nearby’ and get the nearest locations of ramps by distance. You can also search ‘By Location’, and get the result from a specific area, which is particularly useful when you’re planning a trip or are browsing from the couch.

There’s the option to view a list of locations or you can map your results. If you select a location you will get the nearest address and a suggested route to that ramp location.

The developers are planning to add more info including photos, number of lanes, ramp surface (concrete, dirt etc) and the current state of repair.

The app is available for free on iPhone and iPad only, with an Android version in development. Be sure to seek local advice before using any ramp. www.facebook.com/AustralianBoat RampFinder

GARMIN ECHOMAP ULTRA

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The Garmin echoMAP Ultra series is a new line of keyed-assist 10” and 12” touchscreen chartplotters that bring professional performance to inland and nearshore anglers.

The Ultra series has built-in support for Garmin’s Ultra HD scanning sonar as well as the Panoptix LiveScope series, which delivers live scanning sonar images of structure, bait and fish below and around the boat in real time.

The Ultra 106sv and Ultra 126sv are available bundled with the new Ultra HD GT54UHD-TM all-in-one transducer that provides the highest ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar images and CHIRP traditional sonar. The GT54UHDTM’s SideVü operates at 455kHz. Ultra chartplotters are also compatible with the full line of Panoptix all-seeing sonar transducers, so anglers can see real-time sonar imagery at video-like speed. The 105sv and 125sv are also available without a bundled transducer.

These new chartplotters are preloaded with Australia BlueChart g2 vision HD cartography, and are expected to be available in Q2 2019.

For the full list of features visit the Garmin website.

Price: SRP $2999-$3999 www.garmin.com

LIGHTARMOR NAV LIGHTS

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LightArmor fast action navigation lights are a new line of bi-colour and all-round lights.

LightArmor’s unique composite pole has superior flexibility, impact resistance and durability. It will bend, but won’t break – so anglers can manoeuvre through low-hanging obstacles with confidence.

Boaters will also appreciate the pole’s subtle, glare-free black matte finish.

These lights feature premium LED light engine technology that meets today’s global regulatory requirements, and which lasts for 50,000 hours. They are built with top-quality materials for lasting durability, appearance, and performance, and have a range of complementary plug-in bases.

The All-Round Lights feature an articulating head that adjusts 15° fore to 15° aft, and the Bi-Colour Lights feature tell-tale indicator lights to show when lights are on. One model is available with a task light option. Other features include an impact-resistant polycarbonate lens, 96

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PRODUCT GUIDE

water-resistant (IP67 certified); corrosion/ UV resistant; and a 10-year warranty.

Price: from RRP $88 www.bla.com.au

NEW MERCURY MAX5 PROPS

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Mercury Racing has expanded the MAX5 propeller family with a larger 15.25” diameter version as well as the all-new MAX5 ST. The MAX5 lab-finished prop delivers impressive results in both single and multipleengine applications, including Mercury Racing’s 400R outboard and 600 SCi sterndrive, with a reduction in propeller slip of up to 12%.

The 15.25” diameter models offer an additional 3-4% reduction in slip (compared to the 15” models) on selected outboard and sterndrive applications that benefit from elevated transom heights. Half-inch pitch offerings enable engines to be dialled-in to their max rpm operating range for enhanced throttle response, optimised cruise fuel efficiency and optimal top speed.

The new MAX5 ST prop is designed for the 4.6L V8 300R FourStroke outboard with Sport Master gearcase. The shortened exhaust barrel enhances the performance of single-engine and twin-engine boats. In testing, a 300R spinning a 31” pitch MAX5 ST prop powered a loaded Bullet 21 XRS bass boat to 157km/h with a mere 7% slip. www.mercuryracing.com

RAILBLAZA CAPTAIN’S HOOK

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The Railblaza Captain’s Hook is an expandable low-profile solution for hanging your rods, spear guns, ropes, hoses, power cords, paddles and more.

If you’ve ever walked into a hook sticking out from the side of a boat or wall, or tried to fit something onto a hook that’s not big enough, you’ll love this product. Simply screw it to the surface and tie a knot at each end of the cord. Simple!

Supplied with stainless steel screws, the 1m length of cord can be cut shorter if needed. When not in use it is low profile to avoid catching people or clothes.

The Captain’s Hook does not require a Railblaza for mounting, and it comes with the required screws.

The maximum weight is 10kg per hook, and you need to choose a robust surface for installation as some surfaces may not support maximum load. www.railblaza.com

MERCURY FOURSTROKE SALE

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Mercury is offering savings of up to $1500 on a selected range of 75-150hp FourStroke outboards.

Following the positive reaction to the summer 40-60hp FourStroke sale, Mercury has now decided to go further, offering higher horsepower and higher savings. That means customers who already own a boat, or are shopping for a new one, now have the opportunity to secure a special deal on a new Mercury 75-150hp FourStroke outboard. This offer is open to both recreational and SeaPro commercial customers.

To further assist boaties in securing this opportunity, Mercury Finance is offering deals at just 4.99%, with easy weekly repayments for customers upgrading an existing 40-15hp FourStroke engine.

To take advantage of either offer you have to act before 31 May, 2019. Terms and conditions apply. Visit the Mercury Marine website to learn more or to find your nearest Mercury dealer. www.mercurymarine.com.au

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

SCAN THE QR CODE!

Bar crossing – the gateway to gamefish PART 2 BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

In the previous issue I outlined some of the main factors associated with crossing our coastal bars.

I discussed how conditions on a bar can change on an hourly basis, and looked at

it regularly, or you can even take a bar crossing course. If VMR or other marine authority know the characteristics of the bar, it’s a good idea to contact them and gain some background knowledge. Of course, you should always log on with marine rescue before you head out, let them know where you’re going and when you expect to return,

HEADING OUT IN THE BOAT Understandably, both the boat and skipper need to be up to the task. All safety equipment should be up to date, the EPIRB should be accessible, and all gear should be stored where it can’t move if jarring occurs.

The engine has to be able to perform to optimum levels, and steering, bilge pumps,

When tackling a bar crossing, the boat might have to wear a wave. If it happens, the craft, skipper, and crew must be up to scratch.

A look at the bar at Caloundra. This is no place for the inexperienced skipper on an ebb tide. Note that waves are extending a fair way out to sea behind the boat. the importance of boaters remaining entirely flexible in planning a trip.

That last parameter is a vital one. Your planning should involve a really good estimate of conditions on the bar before you commit to crossing, and that means a real time assessment, not a forecast from a previous day or what a mate said about his offshore trip a few days ago. You have to remember that while conditions on the ocean side of the bar might be quite acceptable, getting across that bar may well be dangerous. The fact is

and then log off when you get back to port.

You should approach a bar with full visibility if you’re new to the game, and spend a bit of time working things out, unless it’s obvious that things are entirely calm and there can be no problems. In less than perfect conditions it’s a good plan to take note of where other boats are exiting the area, with emphasis paid to areas of darker (deeper) water, and places where fewer waves are breaking, as these will always offer calmest passage.

safety gear access should also be beyond any doubt or concern. If the cockpit is selfdraining, all scuppers must be clear. Anchors and warp should be placed securely within the anchor hatch and prevented from moving.

Passengers should trim the craft as level as possible, and secure themselves with at least a handhold prior to the crossing. Lifejackets are mandatory in boats less than 4.8m long, but even in a larger boat you should wear a lifejacket as a precaution if waves are going to be encountered.

bow lifted allows the rig to ride over an incoming wave rather than having it break over the bow. If it does break, however, the craft must be able to wear it.

If looks like a wave has developed above the anticipated height, you need to take it head on, or on a very slight angle to lessen impact. The goal is to slide down and across the far side rather than getting airborne and coming down with a wallop. Coastal bars often have a series of waves to traverse, and the idea is to just keep heading into the lowest part of each wave until the white water is safely behind. If you move smartly towards each wave, you

so easily identified as there can be waves seemingly breaking in every direction.

Again, there will be an area of lesser activity – the deeper water – and keeping just out of the froth should allow you to identify this area. A marked channel is good for a guideline, but it’s worth remembering that channels can sometimes move over time, so it’s worth approaching them with caution.

One you’ve found the right area and started the run back in, keep an eye on what’s going on behind the boat. You should always pick a smaller set of waves and maintain enough power to keep the boat right on

are pressure waves forming up, you should look for the least white water and head up to and over each of these waves until you’re through the melee.

BEST BOAT FOR THE JOB? Sorry, I can’t make a choice here! I’ve seen everything from 4m tinnies to 7m dedicated offshore craft out on the marlin grounds, and that’s when I’ve been out there in my 5.5m centre console! Every bar is different, and every day is different. I’m based in Brisbane, and I’ve found the Gold Coast Seaway to be a brilliant place on the right day, and so too is the outlet at Mooloolaba. However,

In the hands of a competent skipper, a smaller runabout might go offshore on the right day, especially if it’s high sided and has a full-height transom.

A decent half cabin will keep occupants dry when working a bar. In this image there might be a little too much speed for the conditions. that crossing any bar can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced skippers in adverse conditions, and you have to respect it and take a lot of care at the helm.

First of all, it’s crucial to understand the topography of the bar as far as beacons or channels are concerned, and expected areas of shallow water and the like.

There is immense value in undertaking a crossing with someone who does

It’s not unusual for larger waves to come in sets of three. Stopping to take stock of things, close to but not in the bar proper, will usually reveal this to be the case. A word of warning: if another boat heads out during a lull in sets you should carefully watch that craft’s track instead of setting out to follow it blindly, as the next set of larger waves may not be far off and things could change rapidly.

The engine needs to be warmed up and fully trimmed down to provide as much thrust as possible. Wave impact is par for the course, so the craft must be able to handle impact, and be able to shed water coming aboard as rapidly as possible. When the decision is made to head out, the skipper should maintain a speed that keeps the craft properly on course, but not so fast as to be hitting waves at undue speed. Keeping the

should reach them before they become too high, with the run-out becoming easier with each wave covered.

Under no circumstances should you try to turn around to outrun an approaching wave that looks nasty. Only if it’s obvious that you’ve taken the wrong course and there’s definitely room to about turn should you attempt it.

A wave catching the boat side-on will turn it over.

To lessen the chances of mistakes on a first outing, it’s a lot easier to cross a bar on a flooding tide with waves and current in harmony, than an ebb where pressure waves can form rapidly.

RETURNING HOME Coming back in through a bar is very different. For a start, the course might not be

the back of a selected swell, while at the same time able to keep ahead of waves breaking behind you. Avoid overrunning a wave, as this can lead to the boat broaching badly, or worse. You want to keep just enough power on to lift the bow for a re-entry to calmer water. At times it will be unavoidable to escape from a wave breaking ahead of the bow, but keeping the engine trimmed down and applying enough power to maintain easy steerage way should see the boat free of the froth fairly quickly.

Much the same as when heading offshore, it’s always going to be easier to return while the tide is still flooding. However, if the fishing was so good that the ebb has started, and there

between the Wide Bay bar to the north and the mighty Clarence River south at Yamba, there are some very nasty bits of work.

Cabin craft are very popular for offshore work, because they provide a lot of shelter in sloppy conditions. Smaller craft can still provide protection though, in the form of a canopy, windscreen, and a full-height transom coupled to decent depth of sides to keep water at bay.

Either way, the decision to cross comes down to the conditions. On the right day a bar can be a non-event, while on a bad one it can be a nightmare of mega proportions. It’s the skipper’s call to make the right choice of action.

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Whittley CW1950 with Yamaha 115 4-stroke - SC

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hit 60km/h at 5900rpm.

Naturally, economy suffers and WOT will yield 1.5km/L. Overall, the CW range is a great compromise between price, quality, comfort and fishability. Can you get better value for money on the market for $60,000? We dare you to try.

For more information, visit your local Whittley dealer or www. whittleymarinegroup.com. au. Also, make sure you like the Whittley page on Facebook for updates on the latest models.

Main: The Whittley CW1950, paired with Yamaha’s 115hp 4-stroke is designed to sell for under $60,000, positioning it right in the market for boaties who want to upgrade to some luxury from a tinnie.

Above: Whittley makes boats in the spectrum from luxury through to fishing boats. The CW 1950 sits at the fishing end and does the job well.

Indeed, Alan seems perpetually excited about all of the boats in the Whittley range and as a company head that’s not scared of getting out and selling rigs, he realises the price points that tick boxes with boating families.

“This rig is put together to sit under the $60,000 mark, and that’s a level which seems to keep a family happy that wants to move up into

SPECIFICATIONS Overall.Length......................................... 6.17m Length.on.trailer ........................................7.1m Height.on.trailer ......................................2.45m Width.on.trailer .......................................2.22m Beam..........................................................2.2m Deadrise.at.transom....................................19° Fuel ............................................................ 115L Tow.weight ............................................ 1500kg Rec.hp ......................................................... 115 Max.hp ..................................................... 150hp 98

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I’d never been to Queenscliff before and by all reports it was going to be like a washing machine, So when we met Alan Whittley on the docks at the marina, we were surprised that the entrance of Port Phillip Bay looked like a mirror. Even after putting up the front to check out the surroundings, they were impeccable in every way – in short, a crappy day for boat testing.

Sure, we can take a pile of awesome looking images, but we don’t really get to test the chops of the hull when things get nasty.

That’s not to say that this Whittley hull is untested. It’s derived from the old Mako hull from John Savage, which has subsequently been increased in beam and has a pair of air-filled pods in the position where you’ll usually find bolted on duckboards.

“That’s an important way that we can make the boat more stable but still able to go out and fish offshore for tuna,” said Whittley cheek, Alan Whittley.

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s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

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one for your pinkies and one for your lunch. Either way, the cockpit flows forward into the open cabin, which is ample to get the family out of the sun, wind and rain.

Hammers down on the Yamaha and the rig was surprisingly quick onto the plane, which was surprising because the CW1950 is rated to 150hp. The best economy from the boat came at 4500rpm, where at 43km/h the Yamaha delivered 2.2km/L of petrol burned. Need to get back to the ramp in a hurry? Drop the hammers and you’ll

FMG

PERFORMANCE Rpm...... speed.(km/h).. economy.(km/L) Idle ....................... 4.6 ....................... 4.2 1000 ...................... 5.4 ....................... 6.6 2000.................... 10.0 ....................... 2.2 3000....................... 14 ....................... 1.5 4000....................... 34 ....................... 2.1 4500 ....................... 43 ....................... 2.2 5000....................... 50 ....................... 1.8 5900 ....................... 60 ....................... 1.5 a bigger, more comfortable fibreglass boat from a tinnie,” Alan continued.

The fact that the boat/ motor/trailer rig weighs in at only 1500kg is another bonus. It means that many family cars will be able to tow it without having to upgrade a tow vehicle.

Stepping onto the boat through the transom door, you immediately notice that the customer decking

on the floors look fantastic.

This synthetic, fibreglass floor covering is becoming incredibly popular in modern boats and Whittley’s treatment of the material looks the goods.

The cockpit is clean and the gunwales padded.

Both driver and passenger helm seats are comfortable and set up with a system to cover a splitlidded cooler box – maybe

The 115hp supplied on the test boat is 35hp less than the maximum, however the boat ran with good economy (2.2km/L) and hit 60km/h at 5900rpm.

Top: The front cabin is open to the cockpit and the bunks are long enough to stretch out and get some rest between bites.

Above: Moulded in footrests allow the driver and the passenger to support their weight when the conditions get rough.

We didn’t need them on the test day!

The cockpit is lined with custom-sized and designed SeaDek. It looks great and is easy to wash down. Of course, it’s non-slip.

There’s room on the dash to flush mount large electronics. The test craft was set up with no frills, just a simple combo unit and the Yamaha gauges.

The whole aft of the cockpit is useful fishing space and the transom door design is unobtrusive.

Quality seats and clever cooler mounts underneath maximise the use of space.

Top: The CW 1950 boasts the near-standard rocket launchers to get the rods up and out of the way.

Left: Side pockets get some of the essential fishing gear out of the way and padded gunwales make it comfortable to hang a line over the side in deeper water.

Right: Instead of bolt-on duckboards, there are pods, which are an extension of the hull. These offer extra buoyancy.

Top Left: Keep your live baits in here – the tank is on the port side and the transom door on the starboard.

Top Right: You’d be amazed how many boats lack a decent grab rail for the passenger. The Whittley has a great one.

Left: The rear pods are designed to add stability to the 1950 hull.

Right: Easy to drive and quick onto the plane, the Whittley CW 1950 is a sweet way to move up and into the Whittley family.

MAY 2019

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SAVE UP TO $1,500 ON 75-150HP FOURSTROKE

The Mercury Sale is now on, with savings across selected models in the 75-150hp FourStroke range.

Be quick to enjoy the performance, reliability and efficiency of Mercury’s advanced FourStroke technology.

For Participating Dealers go to mercurymarine.com.au

OFFER ENDS MAY 31ST, 2019 Terms and Conditions apply.