Queensland Fishing Monthly - October 2015

SOUTH BURNETT SPECIAL • UNDERSTANDING SPINNERBAITS

How-To

Experimental tailor tactics • Understanding spinnerbaits • Guide to rigging a skipping gar • Improved clinch knot • Basic bottom bouncing • All about vibes •

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South Burnett special • Bass for beginners • Hervey Bay pelagics • Fraser Island’s big spaniard capture • Summer boating safety •

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Black Magic 20lb Tough Trace was used by Brad May to catch this 16kg murray cod in the MacIntyre River.

Black Magic 15lb Tough Fluorocarbon leader was used by Dan Thorne to take this 78cm flathead in the Burnett River.

Black Magic 50lb Tough Trace and a Black Magic KL 7/0 hook were used by Kent Walker to catch this coronation fish off Fraser Island.

Lucas Schmidt landed this 10kg spanish mackerel and 8kg school mackerel using a Black Magic KL 8/0 hook while fishing at Finlay’s Island.

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Black Magic 40lb Tough Trace and a Black Magic KL 6/0 hook were used by Lee Rayner to catch this sailfish.

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October 2015, Vol. 28 No. 12

Contents NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES

13

REGULAR FEATURES

SPECIAL FEATURES

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, Georgia Williams, Simon Goldsmith Field Editors: Jason Ehrlich, Wayne Kampe Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall

Production: Melissa Carroll, Karen Millward, Jenna Moir Website: www.fishingmonthly.com.au Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Pty Ltd Subscriptions: Kym Rowbotham

Craig Hall caught this quality red from the Ribbon Reefs aboard Mavis Jessie.

TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 23 FIND THE BERKLEY LOGO COMPETITION PAGE 101 Queensland Fishing Monthly magazine goes on sale the first week of each month (latest sale date 7th of the month).

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Qld Fishing Monthly Pty Ltd ABN 72-010-542-195 All material is © copyright, and cannot be reproduced in part or in full, by any means, without written permission of the Managing Editor. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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

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They conclude that “the survey findings demonstrate that campaigns waged by the commercial fishing industry against any change to their industry structure and management arrangements, based on creating community fear that the supply of fresh fish will be adversely affected, have been and continue to be a total fabrication and a case of calculated mass misrepresentation.

“There is absolutely no marketplace evidence to substantiate claims that the introduction of three new commercial net free areas will significantly impact the availability of fresh fish for consumers.”

Do you want to have an impact on the outcome?

Visit netsoutqld.org.au and have your say.

AUST

South Burnett special Bass for beginners Hervey Bay pelagics Experimental tailor tactics Understanding spinnerbaits All about vibes

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53 QUEENSLAND FISHING MONTHLY

Boating 106 Back to Basics 22 Camping and 4WD 80 Cooking 88 Dam Levels 74 Freshwater 74 Fun Page 100 Sheik of the Creek 59 Suntag 86 Tournament News 90 Tech Tricks 18 Trades and Services 112 What’s New in Boating 108 What’s New in Fishing 82

species for sale sourced from areas outside the proposed new net free areas.

“Commercial fishing advocates have long employed a fear tactic where the public are told that local consumers of fresh fish will suffer because supplies in the local marketplace will reduce or disappear altogether if any significant changes are made to the management of commercial inshore netting. This tactic has been successful to date, as the argument sounds very plausible to the uninformed observer and to the modern media journalist, busy meeting deadlines and unable or unwilling to investigate the veracity of claims they are including in their stories,” states the report, which can be read in full on the Nets Out Qld website (www. netsoutqld.org.au).

ION

Whitsundays 60 Ayr 61 Townsville 62 Lucinda 63 Cairns 64 Hinchinbrook 65 Port Douglas 66 Cape York 66 Cooktown 67 Karumba 67 TNQ Freshwater 68

and there’s no holds barred in their fight against the bans.

It’s nearly comical, however, when the Nets Out Qld organisation actually surveys seafood outlets to see what the impact of the removal of wild-caught barramundi and threadfin salmon actually has.

Guess how many places in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast sell fish from the proposed NFZs? “Of the 44 outlets surveyed, there were only 4 places in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast combined where Central Queensland net-caught wild barra can be bought, with two of these being specialist seafood retailers. And both of the retail specialist seafood outlets offered fish sourced from the proposed net free area at the time of survey, but also offered a range of fish

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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

ARE WE NET FREE YET? It’s been a pretty busy month on the political front in Queensland, with increasingly desperate lobbying from the commercial sector trying to stop the Labor party from implementing the promised net-free zones.

Aside from spreading misinformation about the zones – claiming that the NFZs will result in the absence of seafood – the commercial sector have the LNP trying to block the legislation in parliament.

At the same time, an LNP bayside candidate is starting the push for a NFZ in Moreton Bay. Confused? You should be. It’s obvious that these NFZs are seen as the thin edge of the wedge by those with gill netting licences,

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Rainbow Beach 50 Hervey Bay 50 Fraser Coast 51 Lake Monduran 52 Bundaberg 53 Yeppoon 54 Rockhampton 55 Mackay 56 Stanage Bay 57

From the Editor’s Desk...

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CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

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

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Discover the Magic

South Burnett

BP is back and Boondooma is booming!

FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

For a long time now, the South Burnett region has been a must-do area for anglers and travellers alike. The two iconic lakes – Bjelke-Petersen and Boondooma – are stocked, fertile, and well catered for by quality camping, accommodation, and services.

The 2011 and 2013 floods knocked these lakes around a little – while red-claw fishing boomed, plenty of Australian bass headed downstream, over the dam walls and it’s taken a couple of years and some heavy stocking for these lakes to return to their former glory.

The good news is that these lakes are back in

action! Boondooma has cleared, and is producing fantastic yellowbelly and bass fishing.

Bjelke-Petersen recently played host to an ABT BASS Pro event and after the official practice day, one competitor reported that it had been “the best bass fishing day I’ve had – ever”!

The bass that headed over the walls have created a river fishery stocked with big long bass and, coupled with the recent dam performance, anglers visiting the South Burnett have never had it better.

So Fishing Monthly bit the bullet and headed out there to check it out for ourselves.

BOONDOOMA Our first stop was Lake Boondooma, 20km past Proston. I’ve got a reasonably long history with this place,

Come and enjoy The Delights

as has the particularly well resourced and active stocking group. The first time I visited, the waterside camping and fishing was spectacular, however the associated facilities were a little second rate. Fast forward to 2015 and not only is the waterside camping and fishing still as good as it ever was, but the development of cabins, more camping areas and amenities blocks along with the all-seasons, all-levels boat ramp and kiosk make this a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Tackle, fuel and even wood-fired pizzas are available on site.

Of course, we found a couple of hours to slip out on the water and see if the fishing was as good as we’d heard. I decided to try a spot that fired for me more than a decade ago, when the lake was at the same level – a gently sloping bank on the left – just past the junction on the way to Pelican Point.

Within two minutes, pods of bass showed up on the

sounder in 20ft of water.

Within five minutes FM staff Will Lee and Michael Fox were hooked up onto Boondooma’s finest, and bass after bass hit the net after eating their little black bladed lures. These fish were

WINERIES Surrounding Bjelke Petersen Dam is a cluster of wineries. In fact the South Burnett is Queensland’s largest wine region. If you’re fishing at BP in the morning, here’s where you need to go in the afternoon.

Moffatdale Ridge:.......................... Barambah Road Dusty Hill:...................................... Barambah Road Bridgeman Downs:........................ Barambah Road Tipperary Estate:........................... Tipperary Road Clovely Estate:............................... Steinhardts Road Barambah:..................................... Goschnicks Road

Open 7 days 10am to 4pm for Wine tasting and 11am to 2pm for Lunch Specializing in Coaches and Large groups by appointment.

Queensland’s Friendliest Winery

Moffatdale Ridge Wines The boys having a crack from the banks.

FRESHWATER FISHING CHARTERS

BOONDOOMA DAM * BJELKE PETERSON DAM FISH ABOARD OUR BRAND NEW BOAT • BAIT & LURE FISHING • FISHING LESSONS • KAYAK DROP OFFS • REDCLAW CHARTERS • BUCKS/HENS PARTIES • CORPORATE GROUPS • UP TO 10 PEOPLE

you are in the south Burnett.

Make sure you drop into the kiosk on the way to the ramp so that the guys can give you the good oil on what the fish are biting on at the moment – and what the red-claw are preferring in the traps.

The hard yakka for a good feed.

For three generations this property has been synonymous with quality local produce and third generation custodians Jason and Susan Kinsella are proud of this heritage .From our large range of Wines , ports and Liqueurs through to the exciting bistro menu, from paddock to plate . to the bounty of the Burnett you will be treated

681 Barambah Rd, Moffatdale ph 07 41684797 www.moffatdaleridge.com.au

Boondooma is that it’s relatively deep and fishes just as well in winter as it does in summer. If open water bassing isn’t your thing, you can venture up into the timber into either arm and cast spinnerbaits for

all in pristine condition, fat and fighting hard!

The best part about

bass and yellowbelly. But make sure your tackle is up to it. Sometimes you need to apply a lot of pressure to keep these fish from bricking you in the timber.

If the water’s cool and clear, jerkbaits along the edges of the weed are an exciting option and of course, trolling a deep diving hardbodied lure will always yield fish – no matter where

BJELKE-PETERSEN Once known as the big-bass capital of Southeast Queensland, Bjelke-Petersen Dam has suffered from low water levels followed by flooding that took a lot of fish over the dam wall.

The good news here is that with some intensive restocking and great growth conditions since the floods,

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OCTOBER 2015

Sounder at 40ft showing some big schools.

Discover the Magic the fish are back and they’re growing as fast as anywhere in the country.

Take bass for example.

In the recent ABT BASS Pro event held at BjelkePetersen, every boating angler (excluding one) caught their full limit in the first session of the event.

This is virtually unheard of in tournament fishing. The best is yet to come though,

and his aim is to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

He even runs a charter service if you want to be fast-tracked onto the fish!

RIVER FISHING If you want to find a place to launch a kayak and experience some fantastic top water bass action, there’s barely a creek in the area that hasn’t benefitted from the

South Burnett

by the overflow, here is a fishery that we’re sure local anglers want to keep quiet. We’re happy to let it out of the bag though, and recommend public access points like Fick’s Crossing as a great place to start.

Only fifteen minutes drive from Yallakool, it’s often a welcome change of pace from dam fishing and it gives you a chance to wet

Fick’s Crossing – a great local access spot.

FM’s hard working Willy Lee and Michael Fox with some healthy looking big bass.

Surreal debris is a solemn reminder of the floods and the damage caused. as this kind of fishing should only improve in the next few years. Remember, this is a lake that has produced bass into the 3kg+ mark in earlier years. It’s fertile, shallow and primed for another big bass boom.

Make sure you’re part of it.

Bjelke-Petersen has even better services than Boondooma in a few areas. Firstly, it’s only five minutes from Murgon, so shopping and all of the standard country town facilities are very close by.

Secondly, there is welldeveloped caravan park styled accommodation with a sensational camp kitchen, pool and play areas for the kids – not to mention several wineries that are nearly within walking distance!

Both of the parks – at Lake Boondooma and Bjelke - are managed by Corey Goldie and his team.

Corey is highly motivated

overflows of the lakes during the floods. With thousands of trophy sized fish inadvertently stocked

the bottom of the kayak that’s been collecting spider webs down in the shed. Navigating from

the popular launch site, it doesn’t take much map-work to find several other public access points that can lead to even better opportunities on this skinny water.

OTHER THINGS TO DO I hadn’t spent any time at all in a winery until our visit to the South Burnett, but chatting to Jason Kinsella at Moffatdale Ridge opened my eyes to the possibility of fishing a morning on BP Dam and taking a long, lazy lunch at a winery after. At only just a little further than walking distance from Yallakool, Jason was onto something! Jason’s a great spokesman for the area’s wineries, which are all located in a compact area near Murgon.

“We’re only a couple of hours’ drive from everywhere,” said Jason.

Indeed, that part of the South Burnett is only a couple of hours from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Bundaberg.

Not being experienced in winery tourism, we asked what it’d cost for a long, happy lunch and to toddle off home with a couple of bottles.

“You’d get change out of a hundred bucks, and you’d definitely have had a

great time,” he replied. And we’re sure he’s seen that a hundred times before.

TOURNAMENTS If you think you have what it takes to compete, there are always plenty of events being held on Boondooma and BP – from family oriented events like the Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition in February each year, through to the high profile Australian Bass Tournaments events.

Keep an eye out on the Fishing Monthly Tournament Calendar for specific dates and contact details.

SPOTLIGHT FIVE MUST-HAVE LURES FOR THE SOUTH BURNETT • Paddle Tailed 3” plastic on a 3/8oz jighead • Black, 40mm blade • Ice jig • Deep diving trolling lure • 1/2oz tandem spinnerbait in a light colour MORE INFORMATION For more information on the area, a great hub of information is www.southburnett.com.au.

2 Dams

1de stination H

South Burnett

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· Boondooma Dam · Bjelke Petersen Dam ·

The BEST place in QLD to catch Australian Bass and Yellowbelly

STAY

3

NIGHTS AND

SAVE CATCH of the month

BOONDOOMA DAM

BJELKE PETERSEN DAM

Hank caught these two quality BP bass casting lipless crankbaits to the edge.

Wendy caught this nice bass on a tailspinner.

Stunning surrounds make for a peaceful morning fish.

www.lakeboondooma.com.au wwww.yallakoolpark.com.au OCTOBER 2015

11

Discover the Magic

South Burnett

Bassing for beginners FMG

Simon Goldsmith simon@fishingmonthly.com.au

When it comes to freshwater sportfish it’s hard to go past the Australian bass. An iconic species that was instrumental in the evolution of sportfishing and catch and release tournament angling in Australia, few species can match the Aussie bass for angling diversity and fighting ability.

Whether you’re a seasoned tournament angler or a budding beginner, Australia bass have a lot to offer. From tramping remote eastern flowing streams in search of near virginal bass water to battling crowded schools on flats at Lake Somerset and Glenbawn, the Aussie bass is a species that appeals to many, and can be caught by plenty.

If you’re new to the world of bass fishing, knowing where and how to get started can be somewhat daunting. It doesn’t have

BE THE BAIT The place where most of us first discovered the joy of fishing, bait fishing, is as effective for catching bass as it is for catching bream, whiting, or flathead.

A simple yet effective rig is the way to go when chasing bass on bait. While bass are an opportunistic feeder, proven freshwater baits are the way to go. Live garden worms and shrimps are the two staples if catching bass on bait is on your to-do list.

The key when rigging both baits is to pin them so you don’t kill them. Through the tail for the shrimp, and through the side of the worm is where you want to pin them with the hook to keep them alive and kicking. Hook type wise those designed for livebaits are the way to go, with the Gamakatsu Shiner hook one of my favourites.

The hook, line and sinker set is equally straight forward when it comes to fishing these two baits. There are three main set-ups that I recommend: a standard hook with running ball sinker, a float with a

THE SUPER SIX Soft Plastic................2 1/2” Ecogear Grass Minnow Spinnerbait................... 1/2oz Bassman Spinnerbait Surface.......................................... Megabass Pop X Lipless Crankbait................................. Jackall TN60 Blade................................................... Ecogear VX40 Trolling.........................................Bill Norman DD 22

Marcel Krieger with a brace of solid Wivenhoe bass. to be though, and if you arm yourself with a few simple techniques and lures you’ll be on your way to bassing success.

12

OCTOBER 2015

small split shot and hook, and a paternoster set-up.

Each are hugely effective and each are suited to varying fishing locations

and habitat types.

The running ball sinker option is the great all-rounder whether you’re fishing rivers, creeks or dams, and it is suited to shallow to deep open areas that aren’t heavily vegetated or timbered. The float, split shot and hook set-up comes into its own in shallow to mid depth locations with vertical structure or features. An undercut river bank, steep weedbed face or flooded timber are three prime examples where a suspended shrimp or a cluster of worms will be in the strike zone for a hungry bass to eat.

A paternoster rig is your go-to when fishing similar, albeit deeper, locations to where you’d fish your float set-up. Bass hugging the bottom at the base of a deep weed bed, deep timber or mid to deep rock walls and points are all suitable places to fish a paternoster rig with a live shrimp.

TROLLING TIME If you want make the step from bait to lures there’s no better way than doing it than via trolling.

Trolling helps foster your understanding of lures and how they work, and how fish respond to them. A technique that’s designed for fishing from a craft, and that includes boats, canoes and kayaks, trolling is a great way to cover a lot of water and put your lure in front of as many fish as possible.

A sounder is an essential piece of equipment when trolling as it allows you to do two things. The first being to find fish, and the second being to identify important pieces of the puzzle that you need to know when trolling, namely the depth, bottom composition, and location of bait. Knowing these three important things allows you to match the right lure to depth you’re fishing, pick the right lure and fish it optimally for the type of location you’re fishing, and of course allows to you to find where the bait is located, and ideally where the bass will be holding.

When it comes to areas to troll, flats, the edge of treelines, drop offs, and weed margins and points are all prime places to target. When it comes to lure selection three lures stand out. A deep diving crankbait, lipless crankbait, and heavy spinnerbait will all produce on their given days.

The deep diving crankbait is by far the standout of the three, and a selection of lures in the 50-65mm size length

Deep plastics are the undoing of many a big bass like this 3kg monster caught at Lake Somerset. that dive to a variety of different depths are a must have. A tight shimmy rather than a wide wobble is the preferred cadence of the lure you use, while a silent to a mid range rattle is optimum. Colour wise, purple has been a long time

to troll a chameleon craw coloured TN60 around until I found schooled fish on my sounder or the rod loaded up. It was a great way to locate fish, and was as simple as it was effective.

Its only real limitation was the diving depth of the lure.

Lilies and weed gullies are prime places to target active fish. favourite when trolling for bass, but it’s by no means the only colour that bass will eat.

When it comes to covering lots of water quickly few lures match a lipless crankbait, and the Jackall TN60 is definitely king. In the past when I used to fish Wivenhoe a lot, finding schools to cast at proved difficult. I used

The Jackall rarely swum any deeper than 12ft, but could be controlled to some degree by the speed that I trolled, how far back I trolled the lure, and the thickness of the line and leader I used.

Trolling spinnerbaits is a regularly overlooked technique, but it shouldn’t be. A great way to present a flashy, big profiled

spinnerbait is with extra heavy, 5/8-1oz models, trolled deep and slow.

Suitable lures Jackall Muscle Deep, Imakatsu IK 300, Manns 20+, Bill Norman DD 22 IN A SPIN If you want to learn how to catch bass on a cast and retrieved lure there’s no better lure to start with than a spinnerbait. As snag proof as lures come, a spinnerbait it a musthave in every bass angler’s bag, regardless of whether you’re fishing a shallow creek, fast flowing river, or a large open water lake.

A lure that presents a relatively large profile, a spinnerbait is incredibly versatile in where and how it can be presented.

A sinking lure that can be fished super shallow, such as waked across the surface, or fished super slow and deep, a spinnerbait is a lure that’s controlled by the angler, and unlike a lure with a bib or inbuilt buoyancy, is dictated by the angler on where and how it swims.

Fishing a spinnerbait is a simple process for the most part, and when it comes to fishing for aggressive fish on the edges or fishing holding in timber or structure the spinnerbait has few peers.

Easy to cast, particularly in heavier sizes, a standard spinnerbait presentation involves casting tight to the edge or structure, waiting a couple of seconds for the lure to sink, then slowly winding it back in.

Allow the lure to follow the contour of the bottom, and ideally bump over structure as it goes.

It’s this bumping over structure where the spinnerbait shines with its inward facing single hook allowing, in most cases,

Discover the Magic the lure to come through structure unsnagged. As we know, bumping structure with your lure is a great trigger for a strike and a spinnerbait certainly allows

RIPPING LIPS If there were a challenger to the spinnerbait as the number one reaction lure for catching aggressive bass on the edges in our

particularly when fishing a new body of water, a lipless crankbait is a lure that in many ways is interchangeable with the spinnerbait in where and how you fish it. Sitting behind the spinnerbait when it comes to snag resistance makes a lipless less of a go-to when fishing timber and structure, but on open stretches and in deeper water it has the upper hand for its ability to sink quickly, be worked quickly when need be, and when used in their rattle form has the ability to grab the attention of bass like few other lures can.

When it comes to casting and retrieving a

lipless crankbait there’s plenty to choose from and they range from super fast and aggressive to slow and unobtrusive. A slow rolling retrieve that follows the contour of the bottom is the go-to for a lot of anglers, and when interspersed with a series of pauses adds another element of variance in lure movement that can help encourage apprehensive fish to strike. One of my favourites is a burn and kill retrieve, where you crank the reel hard for five turns then stop. You then burn it again and stop. This ‘fast, stop’ approach can really push the buttons of bass at times, and the strikes can

South Burnett be truly bone jarring. It’s a highly addictive way to catch them.

Lipless crankbaits aren’t all speed and power though, and they are also effective when used with a lift and drop retrieve like you’d use when fishing a soft plastic or blade.

A lipless crankbait that made this retrieve famous on Australian bass was the Jackall Mask Vibe.

A soft flexible lipless crankbait, it’s a lure that perfectly replicates a bony bream, and is a must have on lakes that have bonies in residence, such as Somerset, Wivenhoe and Moogerah. Lipless crankbaits aren’t just a lure

for dam fish though and in deep and fast flowing rivers are a great tool for reaching deep fish.

Suitable lures Jackall TN60 and TN50, Imakatsu Piranha, Jackall Mask Vibe, Lucky Craft LV GOING DEEP When chasing deep bass it’s hard to go past a jighead rigged soft plastic or blade. While they can both be fished in the shallows and on the edges it’s in deeper water, around 10ft and deeper, where they really excel. While soft plastics come in a huge variety of forms and can be rigged a host of different ways it’s a paddle-tail grub rigged on a jighead that

Highly addictive and a great way to catch bass in low light conditions, surface lures are a must-have in a basser’s tackle box. you to do that. Whether you’re fishing water 2ft deep or 20ft deep in a creek or dam, you’ll want to have some of these guys in your tackle tray.

Suitable lures 3/85/8oz Bassman, 1/2-5/8 OSP High Pitcher, Impact Tackle S-Baitz

lakes it would have to be the lipless crankbait.

A style of lure that went from being a bit player to a big game player thanks to the Jackall TN60, this is a lure that every bass angler should have at least one of.

A great searching bait for covering lots of water,

A sounder is essential for locating bass in open water.

OCTOBER 2015

13

Discover the Magic

South Burnett CHOOSING AN OUTFIT Two outfits will get you started and have you armed for fishing your new bass techniques. One spin and one baitcast outfit is all you need.

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Outfit 2 6’6”-7”, 2-4kg baitcaster rod, 100-200 size baitcaster reel, 10-20lb PE/braid with a 1014lb leader, or 10-12lb mono/fluoro mainline.

reigns supreme and has stood the test of time.

Rigged ultra light on a 1/8oz and lighter jighead, a soft plastic can be a great presentation for finesse tempting timid and shy bass, or when rigged heavy, 3/8oz and heavier, can be cast long distances and used as searching bait

A bass angler should never leave home without at least one Jackall TN60 in their tackle box.

for bass in deep or open water. A 1/4oz jighead rigged paddle-tail plastic is a great all-rounder for those getting into bass fishing and is an ideal weight for fishing both shallow and deep. When it comes to the retrieve for a soft plastic there’s nearly as many options as there are types of plastics. By far the most popular and most often used is a slow roll. A presentation that simply involves casting the plastic out, sinking it to the bottom, then slowly and constantly winding it back to the boat or shore.

For anglers fishing from a boat, having a sounder on-board is a huge advantage. A sounder will assist in locating fish and help identify where they are holding in the water column, which in-turn lets you know where to put your lure. Once you know where the fish are, and where you need to put your lure the final piece to the puzzle is the retrieve to get them to bite. That’s where trial and error and swapping between retrieves comes into play.

The other essential lure to have when chasing deep fish is a blade, a small metal sinking vibration bait that definitely matches the hatch when it comes

There are few better beginner bass lures than a deep diving crankbait.

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to a baitfish imitation. An excellent lure for casting long distances and sinking quickly to the bottom, a blade is optimally worked with a lift and drop retrieve. A lure with a strong underwater presence and plenty of vibration, blades are great for triggering active schooled fish to bite, yet are equally effective when dropped and finessed on the nose of single or small groups of fish sounded up with your electronics. A blade isn’t just a deep water hop n’ drop lure though, and they can prove just as effective as a subtle reaction lure when gently fished through shallow weed and on open banks and shallow flats.

Suitable lures 2 1/2” Ecogear Grass Minnow, 3” Ecogear Power Shad, Keitech Swing Impact, Ecogear VX40, Evergreen Little Max SURFACE ACTION No article on bass fishing is complete without talking about perhaps the most addictive and fun way to catch them, on surface!

A gun approach in shallow waterways such as rivers and streams, surface lures also work on dam fish, with lakes with weed, timber, and without bony bream proving the most productive. While bass will take a surface lure during any part of the day, it’s during the low light hours where the technique really comes to the fore.

With a disdain for bright light, bass will gravitate towards shaded locations, with overhanging vegetation, timber, and shaded shorelines all happy hunting grounds for bass, and prime places to throw a surface lure. Locations such as these deliver shade and protection and also food from above. Falling prey such as grasshoppers

and cicadas are all on the menu, particularly when in peak abundance.

Beyond overhead shaded features and locations, weeded edges and points are gun areas to fish, particularly on our lakes and dams. Providing a combination of comfort, protection and food, these vegetated structures are excellent ambush locations for resident bass, or feeding zones for active roaming fish.

Lure selection is varied with a paddle style lure in rivers and streams, or popper or walking stick bait on lakes and dams hard to go past as the number one choices.

Landing the lure tight to structure, or right in strike zone is the go to approach,

with a twitch, twitch, twitch, pause, retrieve the optimum retrieve to trigger a strike.

Patience, a strong nerve, and a healthy heart, of course, are essential for the heart in mouth style of angling that comes with fishing surface lures for bass.

Suitable lures Megabass Pop X, Jackall SK Pop, Lucky Craft Sammy 65, Megabass Dog X Jnr So there you have it – a run down on a selection of techniques and lures to get you on the road to bass fishing. It’s a start that will lead to bigger things, a greater addiction to one of Australia’s premier sportfish, and the array of techniques and methods available for catching this remarkable fish.

Another deep jigged bass makes its way to the net.

The final stages of the fight is when bass can easily be lost.

Patience and steady line pressure are two keys to success.

OCTOBER 2015

15

Look to the skies for big Hervey Bay tuna HERVEY BAY

Mark Bargenquast

Finally, October arrives and the winter begins to thaw. I heartily dislike the

cold season for fishing.

Don’t get me wrong – snapper, bream, flathead, and tailor are always fun to catch and can provide some great meals but big tuna, GT, queenfish and

barra are much more exciting to hook and the warm weather will bring them onto the radar as well as making those early starts much easier.

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to live in Hervey Bay during summer and even luckier to spend a few months guiding from Cape York during the coldest months of the year. Up here in the gulf, winter is a great time to fish for pelagics, while down the southern end of the state pelagic fishing can be lean pickings with the few offshore tunas and big Spaniards caught not quite making up for slow inshore action.

The season starts around September when the water temp rises to over 220C with an early run of mac tuna. Some of these fish get up to 8kg and make for some great runs on spin and fly tackle.

Pound for pound they will outrun any longtail on that first run but lack the stamina for a long fight.

THE TUNA RUN Late October and November will get a little more exciting as some big longtails arrive. Hervey Bay will see some big fish arrive in weights pushing 25-30kg. These fish are generally carrying eggs (roe) so be careful and try to release them if possible. Hervey Bay can also have a run of juvenile black marlin depending on conditions. Usually when northern areas like Townsville have a big run, the marlin will move south down the coast, hit here in mid-October through

Front end view of a longtail tuna. these fish don’t handle stress well and should be released in the water; most fish pulled out for the photo might swim away but unfortunately die.

Recommended tackle for tuna and small blacks is quality spin tackle around the 20-30lb size. When I was guiding in Hervey Bay we caught many on Daiwa 3500-4000 sized reels and 7ft spin rods, loaded with 20lb braid.

BE AWARE OF WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE! In Hervey Bay, queenfish are usually best

Golden trevally, once famous on the Hervey Bay flats, are also unfortunately on the decline but on the deeper reefs you’ll find a few. A powerful fighter, they can be caught through winter. November-March was once the best period for shallow water fishing – 10 years ago schools of 30 fish were common, now five is a big deal. Let’s hope the netting closures further north have set a precedent and we can start to see some realistic fisheries management in the Great Sandy Marine Park.

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to November then a little later around Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast.

The small blacks (usually ranging from 15-40kg with the odd larger fish) are easy prey – last season was great, many anglers caught their first marlin then. However,

in spring and can school in big numbers, however, after being netted for years, numbers have thinned.

Sadly nowadays they’re almost a rarity. Be aware that in Platypus Bay there has been a known ciguatera poisoning risk so I wouldn’t recommend eating one!

Big Spanish mackerel usually enter the bay after Christmas, and outside the island there’s a good winter run. Spanish mackerel and giant barracuda are a strictly no take fish in Platypus Bay. Drawing a line from Roonies Point to Coongul Point it’s illegal

to even have one in the boat so be aware and abide by the rules. Spaniards are known to have a high concentration of ciguatera here and many unwary fishos have been poisoned over the years, with big

cobia, giant trevally, and yellowtail kingfish known carriers!

When chasing pelagics keep an eye out for birds, they are a dead giveaway especially if they are in a bunch and dipping to

the water. Often travelling terns looking down are watching a school of tuna so get a quick cast just in front and crank it back fast.

Lures that work well on tuna, queenfish and macks are 20-40g metal baitfish

imitations. Recently soft plastics have started to take centre stage though with 4-5” jerk shad style rigged straight on a 3/0 – 5/0 1/2oz jighead being a popular choice. These lures can double as a good lure

to drop down if you see fish deep on the sounder with trevally, snapper, and macks being the most common captures.

Good fluorocarbon leader from 30-50lb is ideal, loop knotted to the

lure on one end with a slim beauty, FG, Japanese fisherman’s, or Albright knot to the main line on the other end.

Well there you have it, fuel the boat, go looking for birds and have some fun!

Left: This nice GT was caught on a fly rod on the edge of a flat by Dave Scully from Emerald. Right: Adam with a great queenfish taken on light Daiwa spin tackle.

OCTOBER 2015

17

Tech Tricks

A step-by-step guide on rigging a skipping gar BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

With waters warming during spring, anglers will be entering the prime period to target one of the numerous billfish species, which grace our Southern Queensland waters.

The two main species on offer are sailfish and juvenile black marlin, many of which are less than 40kg in weight, making great light tackle targets for those fishing the inshore grounds off Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Although larger specimens are taken,

the majority of anglers will only encounter these smaller billfish along with others such as mahimahi, tunas, Spanish mackerel and wahoo. While lures will take all these species, billfish in particular will respond exceptionally well to trolled baits. One of the more popular offerings, due to its simple rigging and high productivity is the skipping garfish.

Sailfish in particular are more commonly caught on trolled baits than lures.

In fact, I would reckon you will catch ten sailfish on trolled natural baits to every one you convert on lures. Black marlin are also often more responsive to

trolled baits than lures so it goes to reason that knowing how to rig these offerings is an exceptionally good skill to have up your sleeve, especially for those times when the bite is slow. There are many different types of baits that can be rigged with most working exceptionally well on an array of predatory fish. However, the garfish is a good choice due to its flexibility, durability, ease of acquisition and productiveness. Let’s look at what you will need to rig a skipping gar, how to do this and an easy way to convert this bait into a swimming gar.

Quality gar can usually

be acquired at tackle stores, bait shops and seafood shops or you could catch your own in the creeks and canals by berleying with bread crumbs and using a little bit of dough on a small hook suspended beneath a pencil float.

There are several hooks that can be used to rig baits with some of the more common ones being the Owner Longshank (available in 7/0, 9/0 and 11/0), Gamakatsu SL12S (usually 9/0 or 10/0) or Mustad 3407AD (usually in 8/0 or 9/0 but these can be a little hard to locate now). Any O’Shaughnessy (not offset) hook pattern can be used however.

MATERIALS There are several items you will require for this project once you have acquired some quality garfish. Leader material (monofilament or fluorocarbon, generally 60lb to 100lb), a sharp knife, a bait needle, bait rigging floss (dental floss will suffice), crimps for your leader, a swaging tool, mono cutters and a squid skirt (large enough to go over the garfish head). Additionally you may also want a bubble head to provide extra surface commotion or a baitswimmer if you want to quickly convert your skipping gar into a swimming gar.

3

1

Position your hook alongside your garfish with the hook eye level with the garfish eye and then cut a small slit in the belly adjacent to the end of the hook shank (where the bend starts). Also cut the beak of the garfish, leaving only about 5mm protruding. Tie a short length of bait rigging floss to the eye of your needle and then insert the needle centrally through the garfish head, a few millimetres in front of the eye.

Traditionally we used needle-eye hooks but these are nearly impossible to find these days. If using one of the chemically sharpened hooks then add a little anode tape to minimise electrolysis and prolong the sharpness of the point.

Skipping garfish are simple to rig out on the boat although you can do these the day before your trip at home. If you acquire fresh garfish you can even rig them and cryovac for a future trip. Just defrost them and you are ready to go. Now is the time to get out amongst the sailfish, marlin and other prime predators on offer in SEQ.

2

Cut a small slot centrally in the remaining beak. This slot only needs to be a few millimetres deep to hold the bait rigging floss in place once it is secured.

Pull tight and knot the bait floss together so that you have secured the mouth of the garfish shut.

Use the end of your needle to remove the garfish eyeballs. Push the hook (eye first) up through the gut slot you cut earlier and through the body until the hook eye is inside the eye socket. Next insert the needle centrally through the garfish head directly above the eye socket. It should pass through the hook eye and out through the chin of the bait.

6

4

Remove the needle out of the gar head.

Place a crimp on your leader and then pass the leader through the hole left by the needle.

Ensure the leader passes through the eye of the hook. Always double check that it has by tugging slightly on the hook.

5

Pull the leader material into a fairly tight loop around the nose of the bait as shown and then secure with a good squeeze of the swaging tool onto the crimp. Trim off the tag end of the leader fairly close to the crimp with your cutters.

Choose a squid skirt that fits snug over the head of the garfish. Pink or luminous green are extremely popular colours but you can use whatever colour you wish. Pierce a small hole in the centre of the nose of the squid skirt and then insert the other end of the leader through this. Slide the squid skirt down over the nose of the gar. In the free end of the leader, crimp a small loop or secure it to a solid ring. This will allow easy attachment to the snap swivel on your wind-on-leader.

7

Holding the garfish between your forefinger and thumb, squeeze firmly until you feel a small pop as the flesh breaks away from the vertebrae. Do this right along the length of the bait roughly level with the lateral line. Flex the bait backwards and forwards in a snake like fashion to ensure it is now limp and supple. This will allow it to move more realistically as it slaps across the surface and will also be easier for a billfish to mouth and swallow. Your basic skip gar is now ready for action.

18

OCTOBER 2015

8

An addition to your basic skipping gar bait can be a bubble head. This adds extra splash and a slightly different action to the trolled bait. Several companies make these but the one seen here is a Moldcraft brand distributed by Black Pete Marine. It is best if the recessed side of the bubble head sits over the nose of the bait, especially in rougher conditions. (Note: a bubble head would need to be added before you crimp the loop or solid ring on the free end of the leader)

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Time to upgrade to an improved clinch knot BRISBANE

Kim Bain

The improved clinch knots are a commonly chosen choice for tying terminal tackle components like hooks and swivels to light monofilament-type lines under 10-15kg in breaking strain.

Their st r o n g e st recommendations come from those who say that the improved versions are a simple connection to tie for those that already know the standard clinch knot; and that they perform reliably when tied diligently. My suggestion is that if you use a standard clinch knot, then please consider upgrading

to an improved clinch knot.

The clinch knot (aka half-blood knot) style of knot was developed after WWII about the time that nylon type fishing lines came onto the market. By at least the early 1970s the original clinch knot became well known for its tendency to slip, especially when wet.

Hence the improved clinch (aka locked-half blood knot, or tucked half-blood) became more popular and saw common use as the preferred knot of the times.

Another modification of the knot is the double-loopclinch (aka Trilene knot) with two loops through the hook’s eye.

Note that in some locales, the clinches are

referred to as barrel knots and their locked versions are called clinches; another nomenclature variation is to refer to a clinched half-blood. I’ve also heard reference to a full blood knot when referring to the double-loop-clinch.

However, I am not fond of this term as in my opinion it confuses with the ‘blood knot’; the blood knot in itself being a useful knot for joining two lines of approximately equal diameter and properties together.

These clinches and more importantly the improved clinches owe their popularity, which still exists today, to their engrained tradition;

variations of them are passed down from father to child, generation after generation. However, even though they are known by some as a strangulation knot, they can and will slip unexplainably if poorly tied.

Clinches do have a slightly lower knot strength than some others when analysed in many of the percentage of breaking strain knot tests; in reality though – if you are using a leader that is slightly heavier than your mainline, such as when using 10kg leader when flathead fishing with 4kg mainline, then a few percent difference isn’t a serious consideration. As

previously mentioned, it is worth remembering that it pays to focus for a moment when tying your knots, a poorly tied clinch can weaken your line down to about 70%.

Clinch knots wrap only one strand.

I also featured the Uni Knot recently. I like the Uni Knot because it is very easy and quick to tie, and I can tie it in the dark.

BREAKING STRAIN RATINGS San Diego jam.................................................... 94% Palomar knot...................................................... 91% Uni-Knot............................................................. 90% Five-turn double clinch (or Trilene knot).............. 87% Five-turn improved clinch................................... 86% The San Diego Jam (covered in an earlier QFM) is a stronger knot than the clinches because the San Diego wraps around both the tag end and standing line (main line), thus the knot has a better cushion.

Next month I’ll cover the other knot mentioned in the rankings above, the Palomar knot, which is ideal for drop-shotting and any presentation where you wish the hook to stand perpendicular to the line.

A quick overview of two of the improved clinch styles is shown diagrammatically here for awareness purposes.

CLINCHES

locked half-blood

double loop half-blood knot

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Basic bottom bouncing NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Whether undertaken by paying passengers aboard chartered ‘party boats’, or from private vessels of all sizes and shapes, bottom fishing with bait remains an extremely popular and effective style of offshore angling. But even this traditional branch of the sport has benefitted from modern ‘finesse tackle’ breakthroughs over recent years.

Bottom bouncing, bottom bashing, plum bobbing… However you choose to describe it, dropping a couple of baited hooks to the sea bed with the aid of a fairly hefty sinker remains one of the most popular and productive ways of harvesting a fresh meal or two of seafood. From Tassie to the Torres Strait, you’ll find Aussie offshore anglers drifting or at anchor in boats of all shapes and sizes over reef, gravel or sandy sea floors, chasing everything from snapper, morwong, flathead and nannygai down south to emperor, coral trout, sweetlip and cod up north.

Traditionally, bottom bouncing in this country has been undertaken using relatively heavy tackle.

Thick, monofilament handlines or short, stiff boat rods mated to big overheads and direct-drive centrepin reels were standard fare until recent times, and still are in some regions. However, switched-on deep-sea anglers are increasingly turning to more sophisticated modern tackle in order to increase the efficiency of their pursuit, and raise the fun factor associated with bottom fishing.

In particular, the adoption of thin-for-strength braided and fused gel-spun polyethylene (GSP) fishing lines has allowed offshore bait fishers to dramatically reduce both the overall bulk of their outfits and also the weight of their sinkers.

These skinny, low-stretch “super lines” make it possible to effectively present baits on the bottom in 50, 100 and even 150 metres of water while using

22

OCTOBER 2015

much smaller sinkers than in the past. Just as importantly, GSP main lines allow an angler to clearly feel the sometimes tentative tugs

the unusual-looking circle hooks mean that far less fish come unstuck from anglers’ rigs during the long haul back to the surface.

Top Right: Jo starling with a very nice rubberlip or grey morwong taken while bottom bouncing with prawn baits. Note the three-way swivel: a viable alternative to tying dropper loops. Above Left: Things can become a little hectic at times when bottom fishing aboard a crowded charter boat! Tangles happen.

Above Right: Wrapping heavy sinkers in tape or rubber tubing reduces damage to boats and tackle and is very common on some charter operations. The catch this time is a spangled emperor. of a biting fish across that considerable distance, and to more easily set the hook with a sharp, upward sweep of the rod tip.

It’s not just lines that have changed, either.

Modern bait hooks are considerably sharper and thinner for their strength than those of old, while modified patterns such as

Rods and reels have evolved, too. Today, most bottom bashers prefer lighter overhead or spin outfits built around 1.5-2m graphite or composite rods.

Because their GSP lines are so much thinner, these anglers no longer need oversized reels. A 6000 to 10,000 size threadline or a 10-20 size overhead will easily do

The black-spot pigfish is a reasonably common bottom fishing catch in southern waters, and provides a tasty meal.

the job. Of course, a few really dedicated deepwater specialists will take things one step further and opt for an electric-powered reel, but unless you regularly fish in waters deeper than 150m, these expensive tools are far from essential.

Terminal rigs and baits are probably the aspects of bottom bouncing that have changed least, beyond the general reduction in sinker weight already mentioned.

Most anglers still use somewhere between two and four hooks (check you local regulations to find out how many you’re allowed).

These hooks (typically 3/0 to 7/0 in size) are attached to relatively short droppers as part of a Paternoster rig, with the sinker hanging at the bottom end. Streamlined bomb or snapper-lead style sinkers are best as

they descend fast, without tumbling or spinning. Hook droppers may be created using knots such as the Blood Bite Dropper, or attached to three-way swivels.

Keeping the droppers short (well under 30 cm in length) greatly reduces their propensity for twisting and wrapping around the rig as it plummets through the water.

Exactly what strength of GSP main line and mono leader you choose and precisely how you construct your Paternoster rig will vary depending on the terrain you’re fishing and the species list you wish to target, as will the baits you load those hooks with (popular choices include prawns, squid, octopus, pilchards and cut fish flesh).

These minor variations aside, the basics of bottom bouncing remain the same… as does its deadly effectiveness as a technique.

With a slow drift, Jo was able to get away with using a relatively light sinker on her bottombouncing rig, even in 50m of water.

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Online - ANYTIME OCTOBER 2015

23

Bass open season!

ILUKA

Ben Pilch bjpcdh@gmail.com

September is here and it signals open season on one of my favourite fish to chase: the iconic Aussie bass. Here

swimming, they are hungry.

Often if you catch them in the right spot you can get really good numbers – I have heard of people getting 50+ in a session!

To celebrate bass open season my mate Ben Rampling invited me on a canoe trip

of the Mann River Caravan Park, who doesn’t just hire out canoes but can also drop you off at your desired location along the river and pick you up at the end of your run.

I will definitely be taking advantage of this service again this bass season.

Curtis Parker of Mann River Caravan Park not only has your canoe and drop-off needs covered, but is also a gun bass fisho.

Ben Rampling with his upgraded PB of 52cm Clarence River bass. on the Clarence River we are spoiled for choice when it comes to water to chase these little Aussie battlers.

At this time of year the bass push back up the river towards the sweet water. After spawning and doing a lot of

down the mighty Clarence River. Unfortunately I had promised my ute to someone that weekend and we were down a canoe. I thought that was the end of it, but Benny said that he knew a bloke and it was sorted. Enter Curtis Parker

• • • •

Our run down the Clarence River was a little slow on fish but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in size. Ben upgraded his PB to 52cm of stonking lure-crunching Clarence River bass. So all things

are looking pretty good for another good bass season on the Clarence.

Closer to the sea, off the rocks there have been good sized tailor up to around 3kg on the old faithful spinner chucked around the washes. The Halco Twisty has been a good producer in recent weeks.

There have also been a few better-sized trevally up to the 4kg mark hitting poppers.

There has been a good sprinkle of soapy and school

mulloway off the rocks as well on white 5-7” plastics, if throwing lures is your thing.

If a nice, relaxing bait fishing session is more your style, strip baits of mullet and squid have been accounting for the same calibre of fish.

With the weather starting to warm up there should be a bit more activity on the flathead front in the lower reaches of the Clarence River.

Any weedy drop-off will be worth a hit with soft plastics to produce a feed of these

tasty flat fish. A gun colour in the Clarence for chasing flatties is anything chartreuse.

It’s always the first coloured plastic I tie on when I’m out and about rounding up a feed of flatties.

Also, don’t forget that for those of us who love crossing over the range to lock horns with the good old Murray cod, it is now closed season.

Time for them to breed up so we can keep chasing these great Aussie sportfish for generations to come.

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BALLINA

Joe Allan

The start of spring has bought some great fishing opportunities with it.

The wild Australian bass season opened last month, and it wasn’t long before we saw some quality captures around the area.

The main river of the Richmond has been producing some really healthy fish in good numbers. They seem to be in very good condition, and have been willing to eat most things that pass them by.

The best results so far seem to be from 1/2oz Bassman spinnerbaits in olive green/ white, with a combination of gold and silver blades.

The best bite time seems to be from half tide up, when there is enough water on the snags and current breaks to hold the quality fish.

Springtime always brings with it some big flathead, and this year it’s kicked off exactly on time. Jake Stewart recently caught two beauties in the Richmond River up from Burns Point Ferry (see photo). Jake says the trick is finding the deeper holes on the sounder that are holding bait balls. He uses live bait, a 40lb long trace to a running

thing, lures worth trying include any soft plastics in the 4-6” size range with either curl or paddle-tails.

The more movement in the tail, the better.

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and James Britton. Zac and Nigel stuck to the inside of North Wall most of the day and threw Atomic Semi Hard Minnows, with Assist hooks replacing the rear treble for a better hook-up rate. This combo has won the boys a lot of money this year, and as such they have taken out the Team of the Year for 2015.

REEF AND BEACH The snapper are strong in numbers offshore around the 32 fathoms. The trick to catching these fish on vibes is really to not do too much at all. Just let the current work the lure with a very subtle lift and fall action, and it will be too much for the snapper to resist.

The beaches are starting to fire up nicely.

The north end of Sharpes Beach is forming nicely from the rocks in the middle of the beach is funnelling out towards the headland.

This is producing some nice catches of bream and flathead on fresh bait form the local tackle shops.

Beach worms can be found

the time to start practicing, with the bigger tides come along towards the end of the month. The start of next month should really have the whiting on the chew.

Until next time, stay safe and tight lines.

Top: Jake Stewart with two quality Richmond River flathead taken up from Burns Point Ferry. Above: Michael Starkey with a brace of snapper caught on Atomic Semi Hard Vibes.

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Looking forward to warm water lures for the jacks include Lucky Craft Pointer 78DDs and Bevy Shad 75s.

Summer whiting should be starting to appear soon as well.

There hasn’t been too much news from offshore, although snapper are still being caught on the close reefs. There have been some pretty good specimens reported, caught on a variety of baits and plastics.

There have still been a few trevally and kingfish up around the Southport Seaway.

THE TWEED

John Van Eyk

Lately there have been reports of some reasonably large tailor taken down around Kingscliff area and Salt Beach. As well as the usual baits and metals, we’re seeing more anglers throwing Z-man 5” JerkshadZ plastics, which can withstand damage from the tailor’s teeth.

In recent weeks there have also been quite a few flathead getting caught in the Tweed River down at

There are still reports of a few trevally being caught.

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Pottsville. A couple of good lures lately have been Fish Arrow Flash Js and Zerek Live Shrimp Hot Legs.

Locals are still picking up a few tailor here and there around the Tweed Bar. If you’re after blackfish you can still catch the odd one, but you have to work harder for them now.

In the coming weeks, mangrove jack will start to feature in more catches.

So far there have been some reports of a few fish getting caught in the upper reaches, probably because the temperature is a little bit warmer up that way. Good

An Atomic HardZ shallow diving minnow brought this bream undone.

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Tweed Heads South, or phone them on (07) 5523 3535 or visit www. tackleandmarine.com.au.

GC fishing heating up mulloway in the seaway during daylight hours.

Working large plastics, in tandem with the tide change around the north wall of the seaway and the pipeline will do the trick this month. I would recommend throwing something like the 7” Gulp Jerk Shads and 6” McCarthy in the paddle-tail.

Big breeding flathead will also be available for capture in the deeper parts of the seaway.

Throw your line over a tree and to suspend your lure over the surface, then dip the lure in,

GOLD COAST

Danny Sands

After a cool winter it’s great to see summer species making a mark on the Gold Coast. October is a month of transition for both offshore and estuary fish species and would have to be one of my favourite months to super size a catch with big mulloway, flathead, yellowtail, and kingfish on offer.

October is a great time to chase metre-plus

effectively ‘tea-bagging’ the lure. Big plastics like the McCarthy 5” paddle tail and the 6” Gulp Grub will get you some good fish. If you aren’t a lure person then drifting live herring will also land a lot of flathead.

From the drop-off at the pipeline all the way to the trees on South Stradbroke Island are prime flathead spots. A lot of flathead that turn up in the deep water are spawning females over 70cm. These fish need to be handled very carefully To page 29

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From page 28

before being released. Micro jigging the seaway will also produce species of all sorts from trevally to yellowtail kingfish and even the odd mulloway. Storm 30g Koika and Maria Jigs work extremely well with two standout features - firstly, the sink rate is perfect for the fast current in the seaway and secondly, their small profile resembles white and frog mouth pilchards.

Mangrove jack come alive this month and are worth the effort as a prized estuary sportfish. This time last year, jack action took place from 12-3pm in the afternoon. After that the jacks would shut down due to the cold north easterly sea breeze. Slow rolling 4” Z-man Swimmerz in pearl under pontoons in the Nerang River will work well.

Trolling hardbody lures like Killalure River Rats and Atomic Shiner will also prove successful in the Nerang River. Places like Cotton Trees, Bundall Bridge, the Council Chambers, the deep hole behind the old Titanium Bar and the rocky shelf in front of TSS school are all worth a look.

Whiting will make a return later in the month.

For the best result use live bloodworms and

Alexis trolled up this 88cm flathead from 3ft of water. canal wrigglers. Whiting will be found from the Council Chambers up to Cotton Trees.

OFFSHORE The first trickle of eastern Australian current moves in this month and with it, the water temperature will begin to rise. Game fishing is generally good at this stage

but only if the bait shows up. Quite a few yellowfin from 40-70kg and a few around the 100kg have been caught in the past month on the wider grounds. Most have fallen to trolled 8-12” skirted lures but a few have also been caught on jigs, dropped into schools marked on the sounder. Cubing with

pilchards or chopped tuna is another method that has plenty of potential on those calm days.

In September the bigger snapper showed up in quantities – a great sign for October. Float lining pillies in a berley trail to get good numbers of snapper, but live baits on down riggers and soft plastics will catch the bigger models. Jerk bait style plastics in 5” and 7” in nuclear chicken and white still work the best on Gold Coast snapper. You’ll find snapper in the 24 and 26 fathom of the seaway, and the gravel reef south of Diamond Reef as well as the 30-fathom and the Mud Hole of the Tweed. Last time I went float lining on the 24s, I was bitten off a few times by mackerel so hopefully this is good sign that we might have a bumper mackerel season.

The Gold Coast has seen good numbers of tailor along the coastline. Anglers have bagged out on tailor by trolling hardbody lures behind the sand bags at Narrowneck. Remember to always take care when fishing behind the breakers.

The sand pumping jetties have also been fishing well for tailor and the odd mulloway, with fun fishing at night on the jetty under the lights using gang pillies.

Top: Tarpon are great fun on light gear.

Above: Con caught this 89cm snapper while float lining pillies on the 18 fathoms.

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29

Angry predators need to feed!

GOLD COAST CANALS

Josh Dunn

The big flathead and jacks are on in the canals!

Fishing the canals can be fruitful this time of year with masses of baitfish hanging around bridges and walls, alongside trevally patrolling the canals in search of a feed!

The odd few tailor are still lurking throughout the Pin and Broadwater, smashing bait on the surface. These fish are only small, but plenty of fun and can keep you occupied for hours. To find the larger models try trolling hardbodied lures around 100mm through the bait schools. Rapala X-Raps are one of the few I would recommend using. Once you’ve found a patch of fish, hold in that position and cast plastics around.

Fan your casts around the boat or kayak to cover more ground.

With the water and weather warming up, our summer species will be becoming more common.

Flathead are one such species that will be found around rock walls and

sand banks throughout the Broadwater. We all know flathead love eating mullet and one lure that’s been working great for me lately is the Z-Man 4” SwimmerZ V2 in ayu, which looks just like mullet. No surprise then that some pretty decent fish have been caught recently.

Best spots to pull up and investigate are the North Wall in the seaway, the estuaries coming off the main river in Jumpinpin,

canal mouths, and deep holes. I’ve found that the run out tide is when I’ve caught most fish as flathead will lay in wait for baitfish to get flushed out of canals or off sandbanks.

Flathead won’t be the only thing anglers can target now. Jacks will be on everyone’s mind, especially from October through to around March/April. Fish your lures or baits close to structure - bridges, deep rock walls, and jetties. My

A nice, low 40s brassy trevally taken from a bridge pylon fishing the Z-Man 3” MinnowZ in new colour calico candy!

heart races with excitement every time I see a jack post on Facebook or when I approach a jetty, rock, or retaining wall. Yep, it’s time – time to start packing your jack lures and get your mind set on these canal beasts. From this month onwards we will see warmer waters and consequently waters the bait will rise in the water, making them an easier target for trevally, jacks, and bream.

Fishing at night has proved successful in the past few weeks with big eye trevally hitting the surface around bridge pylons and lights. These fish will go all night long if there’s enough baitfish.

Live baiting around bridge pylons also works well with small poddy mullet.

Another great piece of advice is to schedule a trip when there’s a full moon.

During the full moon the tides are massive and when there are big tides there are also very low tides when the fish flee from their usual haunts to hide in the deeper water under jetties (front side) or bridge pylons. I have gone out lately on the very low tide

Harrison Branch with a solid 72cm lizard taken at Jumpinpin. Some good fish are very likely to show up this time of year! and fished quite well with a solid jack and brassy trevally as a result.

Well that’s it for me

for another month from the Gold Coast canals, good luck this October and I’ll see you on the water!

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Coastal cobia on offer In October 2014 huge schools of yellowfin ranging from 30-60kg showed up

GOLD COAST

David Green

A nice pair of mulloway.

out wide on the 500-1000m line off the Gold Coast and it seems highly likely that this exciting trend will repeat itself this year.

OFFSHORE Already there is a lot of bait out wide with big schools of sauries and pilchards out on the continental shelf. The water temperature in October is generally between 20-22ºC and this cooler water provides ideal conditions for both tuna and striped marlin with the chance of catching a big blue marlin as well. Most of the action takes place on the deeper grounds wider of the shelf. Jims Mountain is a good place to start. Trolling large skirted lures on 37kg tackle is the most common method. If the lures don’t get strikes, cubing and berleying with pilchards or drifting live baits and jigging can get bites.

Closer to shore on the edge of the shelf there should be good numbers of pearl perch, amberjacks, and kingfish. By October most of the snapper have spawned and the number of captures will fall this month. This is a great time to work the high pinnacles on the 50 fathom line with live baits and

Juliana Niewenhoven with a nice cobia from the 24 fathom line. jigs as some of the biggest amberjack and kings caught off the Gold Coast will turn up this month.

Most of the action takes place at dawn and dusk into the night on the 18 and 24 fathom line. Recent times have seen one of the best ever seasons for catching mulloway on the offshore reefs, with plenty of good fish between 10-15kg caught on live baits. The artificial reefs just north of the Seaway to 23m are producing well, although it is often hard getting the fish out of the structure and bust offs are

common. Live slimies and live tailor are the best baits.

Berley definitely helps get the mulloway sniffing about and in many spots nearly all the bites happen after sunset.

October is also a good month to chase cobia on the southern reefs of the Gold Coast. Good cobia often make a good inshore run on Palm Beach Reef, Mermaid Reef and around the desalination plant off Tugun.

Anchoring up and using plenty of berley is the key.

Large live baits like tailor, bonito, big slimies, and tarwhine all work effectively

to catch cobia. If there is a bit of inshore current the fishing is often much more productive. Some of these cobia are over 30kg and put up an amazing fight on light tackle. There are also plenty of big mackerel tuna throughout October on the inshore reefs and a few big yellowtail kingfish.

RIVERS AND ESTUARIES This month will see improvement in deep water flathead fishing as the big females move to the spawning beds. Now is the time to target mulloway on

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OCTOBER 2015

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soft plastics in the Seaway and around Jumpinpin.

Most of the fish can be found using a deep jigging technique with soft vibes, large soft plastics, and metal vibes. The last hour of the run in tide is generally the most productive period as mulloway are often more active while the tide changes and the flow is minimal.

Over the years I have found large Gulp tails fished on a 1-2oz jighead very reliable.

The jerk shad is effective on mulloway and the large curly-tail Gulp or the Nemesis are very effective for catching big flathead.

October is a great month to get serious about catching mangrove jack. The floating pontoons of both the Nerang and Coomera River systems produce most of the fish who seem to have adapted to the pontoons well as it gives them an ‘all tide’ ambush spot with plenty of food. Cast

4” plastics or hardbodies parallel and behind the pontoons works well.

Concentrate your casting at the area the current is flowing into. Big mangrove jacks are commonly found to hold station alongside the pontoons just under the leading edge. The run out tide is generally the best and a lot of fish are caught in daylight hours. In the early morning or at night poppers are often the most

The reward for a long day of fishing – a big kingfish from the Tweed Nine Mile!

effective lure. A lot of jacks over 50cm will be caught this month, and most anglers release them.

Small jelly prawns increase in numbers this month due to warming water.

This attracts a lot of interest from schooling whiting and it is a good month to chase whiting on poppers. I like the Bassday Sugar Pen for whiting. The secret is to wind fast. If you haven’t tried this type of fishing you will be amazed how savage a humble whiting can be!

I use 2lb braid, mono 6lb leader (nylon floats and is better than fluorocarbon for small poppers) and a light threadline outfit. Work water depths less than a metre and look for skittering prawns and yabby holes. Cast as far as you can and retrieve quickly with a skittering pattern so the lure spits water ahead of it.

FLATHEAD CLASSIC The Flathead Classic will be run over the first few days of October. It has been an excellent season so far with hundreds of 40-60cm fish turning up all over the flats and channels between Jumpinpin and the Seaway. Catches of 20-40 fish per session have been the norm this season, and both trolling and lure casting have been equally effective. The Flathead

Connor Frendin with a great flathead.

Classic is now one of the largest fishing tournaments in the country with up to 500 anglers competing in this iconic event.

Overall, October

produces good fishing on the Gold Coast with plenty of options. To all the competitors in the Flathead Classic, I wish you a great tournament.

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24/08/2015 08:50

Big flathead are Jumpinpin all over the place JUMPINPIN

Mick Morris gembait@tpg.com

The flathead season is still going strong so now is the time to get out to the ‘Pin and chase some lizards!

Whether you are into baitfishing or luring, the types of areas that you should be looking for are those where lots of bait (a delicacy to flathead) are active. You should look

to where there is cover to provide camouflage and avoid detection or an exposed bank on a falling tide. Some of the best spots that provide these elements are: the weed and mud banks near Pandannus Island and Tipplers Island; north of Cabbage Tree Pt; on the shallow side of the green beacons; Slipping Sands; the bottom of Kangaroo Island; Tiger Mullet Channel; and out the front of Behms Creek.

Passage, the mouth of the Logan River, and near Diner Island. Muddies have been in good numbers in the lower reaches of the Logan, off Cabbage Tree Point, Cobby Passage and behind Eden Island.

Some decent sized bream around 30cm have appeared but are nothing to write home about and most are well undersized and probably what has been knocking your bait off all day. If you’d just like to have fun then down size your hook and the size bait you’re using and you’ll find your hook up rate will

increase.

Try all the usual hot spots for bream because they are always there looking for an easy meal. Thanks for all your reports and fish weighed in. Feel free to drop us a line at Gem Bait and Tackle on 3287 3868 or email gembait@tpg.com.au for up to date info and I’ll catch you next month.

• Thanks for all your reports and keep those fish coming in. If you’d like any advice or up to date fishing information drop us a line at Gem Bait & Tackle on (07) 3287 3868 or email gembait@tpg.com.au.

Young gun Rhiley with another huge whiting.

Bones scored his first legal lizard on the troll.

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If you like using plastics then a good rule of thumb is 2-5” with a 1/4oz jighead is a good start with either neutral colours, or my favourite white to mimic a struggling bait.

If you like trolling then stick to 1-5ft drop offs varying your speed and working the lure to make it swim erratically.

Bait fishers should stick to live bait like mullet, herring, pilchards or white bait if you can’t get your hands on any livies.

The whiting catches start to pick up at this time of year and there will be some elbow slappers out there if you are willing to be patient and put in the hard yards. Whiting forage for food on the bottom and like a fast moving tide, so it’s always a good idea to move your bait around if you aren’t getting any bites. Live blood and beach worms are simply the best baits but yabbies, prawns

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and squid will also do the job if no worms are available.

In October the better spots will be the Gold Bank, behind Diner Island, the back of Tabby Tabby, the Never Fail Islands, and near Slipping Sands.

Small tides early this month make for a great time to target mulloway with big livies at the deep water off Swan Bay, NE Crusoe Island, Flat Rock, Giants Grave, and Marks Rocks in the River. Mangrove jacks and estuary cod will become more active and be on the chew with the warmer waters in any spot with a decent snag, fallen tree or rock wall.

Trolling rattling lures by the snags or presenting a small live mullet or herring will always temp these great-fighting fish to strike.

A lot of sandies will appear along the deeper holes of Tiger Mullet Channel, Tabby Tabby, Canaipa

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Southern bay firing up for spring SOUTHERN BAY

Nabeel Issa

Just like the weather, the fishing is heating up!

September proved to be a successful month for fishing in the southern bay with some great reports rolling in. Perfect weather has also helped ease recently hibernating anglers out onto the water! Snapper and mulloway are starting to appear which implies a great season ahead.

Spring has always been a favourite time of the year to fish for me. The weather is mild and makes for pleasant conditions and the fishing is usually really good too. I rarely find myself coming home without fish when venturing into the southern bay during these months!

KINGFISH Although not your typical southern bay species, the kingfish has been making an appearance. They are one of my favourite species to chase for their pure strength and endurance during the

Jesse Gough with a mangrove jack caught as by-catch while chasing bream! fight. They have incredible power. Luckily there are a few locations that can see these fish hooked – landing them is another story! The deep reef in the Rainbow Channel adjacent to the Myora Wreck is a good place to start. Fishing soft plastics worked fast off the bottom or micro jigs will see some results. Live squid are also

a great option. The pylons around Dunwich are also known kingfish hideouts, but they can be very hard to land amongst all the structure. Be careful to stay clear of the ferries too.

SNAPPER During the spring months a lot of anglers will focus their attention to the mulloway that school up, but

the bigger snapper are still there to be caught. The deeper artificial reefs are probably the pick of spots. Focus your time and effort on keeping close to the structure for a successful trip. If you don’t already have the artificial reef locations, they can be easily obtained by searching online. Try to position your boat as close to the marks as possible and keep an eye on your fish finder to look for fish. Getting your lures or bait down close to the structure is key and can take some practice when there is a bit of current around but it will help you get more bites. Soft plastics rigged on 3/8-1/2oz jigheads are my first option to throw.

They are easy to fish and constantly produce results!

MULLOWAY Most anglers at this time of the year will be changing their focus to chase these silver slabs, and rightly so.

At times they can be very easy to catch and make for some truly memorable fishing sessions! The biggest tip for catching these guys in

A nice sized kingfish caught working a 5” Z-Man Streakz in bubblegum colour.

The trick is to work them fast!

Moreton Bay is to know how to use your sounder. More often than not mulloway will move around and rarely stay in the one spot. So you will have to keep moving around yourself, to relocate the schools. This is where using your depth sounder is paramount - even more important than lure selection.

When you know where the

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Early mornings are a prime time to chase big Moreton Bay snapper.

schools are, all it takes is to get your lure or bait down in front of their face and in most cases they will eat it.

The Peel Island and Harry Atkinson Reef are both great areas to target mulloway.

CANALS If you are after something a little different, or if the weather is not ideal, the canals can be a great place to fish. There are plenty of different species on offer including mangrove jack, bream, estuary cod and the odd trevally thrown into the mix - to name a few!

With the weather beginning to warm, we will start to see some more activity from the mangrove jack. If you intend to chase them, make sure you are prepared and fish at least a 20lb line. Early mornings or late afternoons seem to be the more productive times.

That’s it for this month, if the weather plays nice we should be able to get into some great fishing through October! If you have a picture or a story you would like to share, send it through to me at nabs12@gmail.com.

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Late winter species mix with early summer fish BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

Warmer conditions throughout October should offer some hot angling options. A broad array of species will be available throughout the Moreton Bay area for anglers to target. Some species that should be fairly abundant include mangrove jack, mackerel, threadfin, tuna,

species are still hanging on from the cooler months and warm water species show up early which keeps things interesting and rods bent over. Let’s look at a few of your October options.

MANGROVE JACK Although jacks have been actively caught for over a month or more, October offers better opportunity as waters warm and metabolisms increase. This ignites more aggressive behaviour in mangrove jack

times to be on the water as there is a marked increase in jack predatory behaviour during those periods. Most sportfishing anglers choose to target jacks on lures such as soft plastics, vibration baits, and topwater offerings, as well as both deep and shallow diving minnow lures. Live baits can also be put to good use and are popular with those who like a more relaxed way of fishing from either a land-based or boating perspective. Mullet,

Matt Mundy loves chasing jacks and with regular results like this on these estuarine brawlers who can blame him. crabs and several others.

However, anglers are often surprised at what is caught during October as some

and many other species resulting in a good time for fishos. The early morning and evening periods are ideal

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large prawns, herring, and pike are some of the prime offerings in the creeks, rivers and estuaries.

Jacks love structure and use such locations for cover to wait in ambush mode for a passing morsel.

Good structure can include mangrove snags, rock walls, pontoons, jetties, bridge pylons, rock bars, retaining walls, and other submerged structure. Anything that creates cover or alters the current flow is a likely jack haunt. Often you will need to get your offering right next to the structure to get the strike. This puts you at a disadvantage, as jacks like to grab their food and retreat back into the structure at lightning fast pace. Except for those with exceptionally fast reflexes and a degree of luck on their side, many will have their line shredded before they can blink.

This is one of the reasons why anglers rate the jack so highly as a sportfishing target. Most anglers release the majority of their jack captures even though they are an exceptional table fish.

The canal systems offer a prime habitat for jacks with plenty of hard structure and numerous food sources. The quality of fish that are extracted from these heavily populated areas is often amazing. Additionally

they offer easy access for those with a canoe, kayak or small boat. Often there are even numerous areas where anglers can access good jack water from the shore so don’t think you need watercraft to target these exciting crimson assailants.

Slow rolling with soft plastics or minnow lures, or hopping plastics or vibration baits will generally produce the goods. Casting close to the structure is important and will greatly increase your chance of success.

Even live offerings should be fished near to structure or in deeper holes. However, when the strike comes you’ll need to set the hook and work the fish hard and fast if you are to be in with any chance of landing it. Anglers generally opt for 8-15kg line with 10-40kg leaders.

Bait casters are popular for casting lures as the singlehanded casting systems offers greater opportunity for accurately placed casts, which as mentioned, is exceptionally important.

However, quality spin outfits will also work for lures when in experienced hands. For live-baiting, anglers can use any type of outfit including spin, baitcaster, overhead, alvey and even hand lines.

Jacks can be targeted at any time of the day or night however a rising or peaking tide around the extremities of the day (dawn and dusk) will produce prime conditions.

Estuary cod, trevally, tarpon, bream, flathead and numerous others can be caught by those targeting October jacks.

FLATHEAD Flattie numbers have been exceptionally good throughout the last few months with knowledgeable anglers able to score more than a dozen quality fish per session. There have been some crocodiles amongst them with numerous fish over 80cm and the occasional one over 90cm reported. The ban on anglers taking flathead over 75cm has done wonders for their numbers with large breeding females left alone to produce thousands of offspring. It is almost hard to fish an estuary with baits or lures and not encounter a flathead or two nowadays. There will still be plenty of flathead around during October so get amongst them before their numbers begin to dwindle.

The edges of major bank and flats systems offer the best opportunity for anglers during the falling tide.

Flathead will take up ambush mode along the contoured edges into the main channel to await food sources being flushed from the flats as the water level drops. The best flathead (generally the

larger females) will take up the best ambush position.

Whilst we would prefer to leave these large females alone, they generally have an entourage of smaller males in tow and multiple flathead can be taken from one spot.

Drifting the edges of these banks whilst casting lures and working them down the declines and across the mouths of prominent gutters exiting the banks is an effective way to cover a sizeable area of possibly productive water. An electric motor is a big asset for this type of fishing.

If you are not very familiar with the area you are fishing then trolling offers a good way to explore it. Working along the edges of sand and mud banks or the banks of smaller creeks or channels can be highly productive. Small, deep diving minnow lures which track close to the bottom, preferably banging it occasionally, are a good offering. There are a huge number of lures available on the market with Lively Lures Micro Mullet, RMG Scorpion, Jackall Soul Shad, Zerek Tango Shad, Eco-Gear SX60 and numerous others working a treat. On steeper sloping banks it often pays to troll a deeper diving lure farthest from the bank and a shallow one closest to the shore.

Channel, Rainbow Channel, Pearl Channel and around the beacons in the northern bay are good locations to prospect.

In the channels many anglers troll spoons behind paravanes and trolling boards or deep diving minnow lures to secure a few macks. Drifting with pilchards rigged on gang hooks is also popular in these channels and around the beacons. Generally I find the periods adjacent the tide changes are better than the mid-tide period however this can change from one location to the next. From around half tide I also like to get up on the tops of prominent bank systems, such as the Tangalooma Banks, Middle Bank etc. and troll smallish (to around 125mm) deep diving minnow lures. The faster you can troll these, the better. I will often get the angle of the rods low so I can crank up the speed without the lures blowing out of the water.

Light braid line (I use 10lb) will also allow you to troll faster and get the lures deeper.

This also increases the fun when you hook a feisty school mackerel. Bonito, frigate tuna and a few other species can also be caught using this technique.

CRABS Both sand and mud crabs will become more noticeable in numbers throughout October. If we haven’t had any decent downpours in

Mud and sand crabs have different ways of measuring, bag limits and size limits so check the regulations before heading out to chase a few during October.

MACKEREL As mentioned last month, mackerel numbers should be on the increase around this time of the year. The Rous

recent weeks then you will probably need to venture well up the rivers, creeks, drains and gutters to get quality mud crabs as these will have

retreated well up the systems by now. If we have had decent rain then the crabs will be located in more open water.

Setting a few safety pots baited with chicken carcasses, fish frames, whole mullet, tuna heads or even a few pillies in a gutter-mesh bag will be enough to entice any crabs (both sand and mud) which are lurking nearby.

As you get further out around mouths of the rivers and estuaries, you will begin to notice an increase in the number of sand and blueswimmer crabs. As you get even further out into the bay the concentrations of these will increase and the mud crabs will become very scarce. Sand and blueswimmer crabs have the same size, bag limit and measuring method however, mud crabs have different limitations and methods of measurement so check these out before setting your pots.

There are also regulations for the type, number, and ways of labelling your crabbing apparatus so ensure yours comply to avoid fines and loss of your pots.

THREADFIN Although numbers of threadfin are very healthy in the Brisbane River, they are also showing up regularly in the Caboolture, Logan, Pine and numerous other systems that possess good mud banks.

Since the invention of side imaging technology, threadfin have received a lot more attention. They are relatively easy to locate, as they possess large air bladders that show up prominently. Once located, it is generally just a case of presenting a soft plastic, blade, soft vibration bait or live bait to tempt them.

Some anglers have even been using micro jigs, minnow lures, flies and other offerings with good results. Whilst I have seen threadfin caught on the humble frozen pilchard and other dead baits, a live prawn, herring or mullet is a much better choice. In the Brisbane River, threadfin can be located right along its length however most of the fishing pressure comes from the lower reaches from around the Gateway Bridge down to the beacons at the mouth. Reports of threadfin captures have come from as far out as Mud Island and netters working the shallow banks from the mouth of the Brisbane River get substantial hauls of threadies at times.

I find the start of the falling tide to be the best period to be prospecting along the declines into the main riverbed. This includes the areas out from the shipping docks where the bank has been scoured out, and often undercut, from the huge propellers of the mooring ships. Be aware of

the distance restrictions out from these jetties or you may be fined. I prefer vibration baits and jighead rigged soft plastics (generally shads and prawn profiles) when fishing these zones. Threadfin don’t take well to handling so remove the hooks whilst they are still in the water if they are destined for release.

BAY ISLAND SHALLOWS The shallows around the bay islands can provide some awesome opportunity for bream on shallow diving lures and topwater offerings. The pristine reef and rubble laden shallows can also produce snapper, sweetlip, tuskfish, tailor, trevally, morwong and a host of other species. You may even get a squid or two attacking your offering.

These zones can be a flurry of activity at time, mainly around the higher stages of the tide, and offer some exciting fishing with most strikes visual. Obviously in such shallow water, stealth is exceptionally important so you will need an electric motor to reposition or you will have do a full drift of the area before you start the motor to start another drift.

TUNA As the waters warm there will be an increase in pelagic activity. In addition to the aforementioned mackerel, there will also be several

species of tuna to track down.

Mac tuna, longtails and frigate tuna may be found anywhere in the bay, however the deeper channels (Rainbow, Rous and Pearl) and the shipping channels are prime places to begin the search. Tunas will sporadically be found breaking the surface however most of the time anglers may only know they’re present from the small v-shaped

wakes they emit as they zoom around just under the surface.

Additionally, birds often follow cruising tuna awaiting an easy meal when they push baitfish close to the surface.

You will generally need very small (10-20g) metal slugs and slices or micro plastics to tempt them at this time of the year. Fly fishers are able to present very small baitfish profile flies over 30m or more

The colder months produced awesome numbers of snapper like this one Naomi scored. They are well worth chasing during the warmer months.

and often have the upper hand in the hookup stakes when pelagics are feeding on small bait. It can pay dividends to have a spin rod ready rigged when transiting the bay as pelagics can pop up at any time during October but they will usually not hang around for more than a couple of minutes, so be prepared. Live baiting with yakkas, slimy mackerel and similar offerings can produce longtails around the beacons and prominent ledges. You may even encounter a cobia or two!

CONCLUSION There is plenty on offer for anglers fishing the waters of Moreton Bay and the systems feeding into it during October.

Plenty of quality species will be available throughout the month with more coming to the fore as the waters warm. Whilst the bay island shallows, artificial reefs and wrecks will still hold some decent numbers of snapper, a few mulloway and other species there will be a lot more variety on offer to bay anglers during October than during the last few months.

Whilst hot days might require extra fluids, sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid the elements, there is nothing like being out fishing under the soothing southern Queensland sunshine. Go get amongst some of that prime October fishing!

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Get onboard a chomping charter OFFSHORE

John Gooding

This time last year the snapper were in full swing and managed to stay on in good numbers right through until

Christmas. With the water cooling down late, this year is shaping up to be the same.

CHARTER SEASON On charter we’ve been working in depths from 70-90m but during the spring months I also like

to work the kelp beds in depths of around 35m near the Shallow Tempest Reef, north of the Henderson Rock Green Zone. Over the years this has been a very productive area and the quality of the fish is high. There’s also plenty

Happy anglers with a bag of snapper and a few ambos.

of by-catch, species such as spangled emperor, mulloway, cobia, mackerel, yellowtail, and kingfish all frequent this area.

My theory is that the snapper who’ve recently spawned move into the area to feed up on the plentiful spring baitfish, before moving out to the wider reefs as the water warms up during the summer months. Floatlining is the most productive way to fish the field, but if you are sitting on the anchor, try putting a live bait down on a paternoster rig and watch your line get slammed by one of the many brutes in the area.

Again, fish as light as possible – some days a sinker the size of a pea will be enough! The snapper will smash the lightly weighted baits and often burn your fingers if you aren’t paying attention.

Out wide expect amberjack, samsonfish, and yellowtail kingfish to be very active as the water starts to warm a little in the coming months. These species should respond well to both livebaits and jibs. We’ve done a bit of live-baiting on a few recent

Luke from Cabbage Tree Point Bait & Tackle with a solid yellowtail kingfish he landed while floatlining for snapper. charters and both school sized kings and ambos were eager to swallow the live baits on the wider grounds. For those anglers wanting to chase a mixed feed the reefs close to Point Lookout have been consistently fishing well for parrot, Moses perch, squid, and pearlies.

For those anglers chasing billfish, we hooked solid black marlin well over 100kg in late August out on the 90m line and also saw a couple

cruising around the same area in early September.

There were plenty of bait schools showing on the sounder in that area so I’m not surprised there were a few making an early appearance!

• Until next month, enjoy your fishing, take care on the coastal bars and if you’d like to join me on charter (max. 8 persons) give me a call on 07 3822 9527 or 0418 738 750 or visit my new website www. outlawcharters.com.au.

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Where you find the bait, you will find the fish Accompanying the good weather is the elimination of many pesky weed species that inhabit our waterways during the cooler months.

The same weed that tangles around baits, lure trebles, and jigheads – making your day a frustrating experience in weed removal.

On the fishing front, estuaries have really ramped up catch production with occasional afternoon showers being enough to stir the water and keep bait moving through the river systems.

PUMICESTONE PASSAGE The Pumicestone is an area that performs better with warmer currents flowing through as it is often laden with weed during the cooler months. Lately bream activity has been quite good on the top of the tide especially around the mangroves, at the mouth of Ningi and Elimbah

NORTHERN BAY

Grayson Fong graysonfong@bigpond.com

Fresh southeasterly winds have been the order of the month in the northern bay as spring gets into full swing. Increasing ambient and water temperature has been favourable for fishing conditions in the local waterways over the last month with the spring season attracting more and more boating interest in all corners of our bay area.

Due to the consistency of easterly blowing winds, bait schools have a tendency to amass around our east facing river mouths and reef laden peninsulas which makes now a great time to fish. It pays to keep this in mind when planning your next angling adventure, as where there is bait there will be fish.

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creeks, and outside Tiger Rock. Good mullet schools are still populating Cooks Rocks with many good legal bream holding with them.

Shallow running hardbodied lures are preferred by many lure buffs coupled with light leaders – a must in these shallow areas. Keeping a high rod position allows you to keep the fish’s head high and out of trouble and has been a crucial technique to fight these fish in narrow waters.

Surface breaming has just started to gain momentum and working extended pauses into your retrieve will find results as the fish are a little tentative on striking. Surface lures I recommend include, Luckycraft Sammy 65, OSP Bent Minnow 86, Megabass Dog X Jr, and Jackall Chubby Pencil.

Sand whiting are still being caught on rising tides on the eastern beaches between

Buckleys Hole and Skirmish Point with seasoned anglers still choosing fresh worms as their preferred bait. Flathead numbers have been steady over this last month with Poverty Creek, Gallagher’s Gutter, and along Sylvan Beach noted as good spots.

REDCLIFFE PENINSULA The peninsula is set to flourish over the next month with the bread and butter of fish species - bream, flathead, and whiting coming to the fore as the waters start to warm.

Diver whiting have started to appear more frequently throughout Bramble Bay over the past weeks with many anglers finding the fuller tides a key to success. While fishing in that same area, keen anglers have also been picking up a few sand crabs for their troubles and the next few months should start to see crab numbers increase.

Flathead numbers are good, with a much more fruitful flathead find at the southern end of the peninsula rather than its northern counterpart.

Soft plastics and large shad style hardbodies have been working the best for these bottom feeders with anglers preferring the ebbing tides around Woody Point, The Wells, and Clontarf Foreshore around Pelican Park.

With the increase in water temperature, and the prevalence of baitfish, breaming has been great off the peninsula over the last couple of weeks. Lightly weighted plastics like Ecogear Bream Aquas, Z-Man GrubZ, and Berkley Gulp Nemesis have been the pick of the artificial lures with Cranka

Crabs working a treat in the deeper waters around Redcliffe’s many bommies.

PINE RIVER After a slowish winter in one of the northern bay’s popular rivers, the Pine has started to

like prawns, mullet and chicken breast have been popular amongst the local anglers with many choosing to anchor up in areas of good current flow. The mouth of the South Pine River,

Nathan Tuskes with a pair of fat bay bream. fire a little over the last few weeks. Bream and flathead quantities have responded better due to an influx of bait schools especially around the deeper holes that are spread throughout the system. Bait-

Deepwater Bend, Dohles Rocks, and the mouth of the Bald Hills Creek have been the popular hotspots of late with the boat traffic on the weekends a testament to this popularity.

Pelagic action to start soon CALOUNDRA

Brad McKendrick fishingcaloundra@yahoo.com.au

It has been an interesting winter run on the Sunshine Coast with plenty of known winter species being caught.

The weather was an issue with plenty of strong southerly gusts that totally closed down the fishing for weeks at a time but there were opportunities to enjoy snapper, pearl perch, mulloway and plenty more.

affair through the remainder of the reefs, particularly throughout the day.

The 60m line and beyond on the southern end of the banks has provided lightning fast iodine bream bites and sometimes they take the bait away from the other fish because of their ferocity. They are named as a perch and officially they have a bag limit but it amuses me that they are in such large numbers. Other species don’t stand a chance against the iodine bream because of the aggressive

with some thumper snapper and good table-sized pearl perch. The area around Wide Caloundra has also been the home for big pearl perch and some cracker tuskfish and they will continue to hit the eskies for months to come.

The inner reefs like Murphys, The Gneerings Shoal, Coolum, Sunshine right through to Noosa have been alive with trevally, mulloway, coral trout, snapper and pearlies. So it has been good fishing when anglers have been able to get out.

There are some average pikey bream hanging around the holes along the beach from Wurtulla to Dickies Beach and whiting are the target nearer to Kings Beach in the early mornings or late afternoon.

ESTUARIES Fishing the estuaries has been a tough ask as it seems to be a little like outside that the water is still too warm to enjoy a good run of the larger bream. A few have been taken but there are more reports of trevally still hitting lures and baits inside the Pumicestone Passage this past month. A few quality flathead have managed to pull a drag or two around Happy Valley and on the southern tip of Bribie Island.

Currimundi Lake has very few whiting and flathead and is now closed, to kill off the sand fly hatch. The canals around Wurtulla through to Mooloolaba are the best spots to try for an abundance of bream. If you can’t catch bream in the canals you need another lesson.

Bells Creek to the south of Golden Beach has a few mullet around and Military Jetty has given up some soapy mulloway recently. Live mullet has been the best bait to use. The biggest issue with fishing around that area are the

Morwong are another by-catch around the reefs. stingrays, and the population has exploded over the years and they are certainly a force to be reckoned with.

LOOKING AHEAD The coming month will deliver a lot of pelagics for anglers to enjoy and may even bring in some early spotty mackerel as it did last year. The water temperature

Sue Kerkow with a fun size juvenile snapper taken in shallow water.

OFFSHORE Of course, these species will be around for a couple of months yet, so there is plenty of time to enjoy them on the table.

Looking at the deeper areas of the Barwon Banks the night fishing out there has been quite slow with short but busy bite periods that you could easily miss if you were not on the ball. It has been a bit of a hit and miss

feeding patterns, so we are obviously going to have an issue because of them. Sadly, the iodine bream have slowly reached the shallow reefs and it will only be a matter of time before they become king of another area.

The wrecks are giving up quality catches of kingfish and cobia with an odd mulloway and snapper also being taken. Fishing the top of the Hards recently rewarded us

BEACHES The beaches are one of the best spots for families to enjoy.

The kids can have all sorts of fun and still enjoy fishing on and off. The Noosa North Shore has plenty of medium size flathead and dart around and winter whiting in the smaller holes during the low tides. Pipis are by far the best bait to use and if you can catch them, beach worms will be a great backup.

Live bait is essential for nailing bigger fish.

is around 21-22°C, which is close to warm enough to see the first run of them. The live bait around Mooloolaba have been plentiful throughout the winter period. Yakkas, slimy mackerel and whiptails are in good numbers so live bait is the way to go.

Try the outer reefs this month will produce results, but if you stick to the wrecks, the cobia will come on in September and you will need livies to snag the bigger brutes. The humble pilchard will do but best results come with quality bait.

In the estuaries we should see many more trevally hiding around the pontoons and jetties along with the female flathead starting the breading cycle between now and November.

So all round fun across the Sunshine Coast this month, get out and enjoy it.

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Pelagics are coming!

NOOSA

Peter Wells

As the weather warms up and the humidity rises pelagic fish like tuna and mackerel will start to turn up over the next couple of months, so now is the time to start preparing for their arrival. Pelagics love the warmer currents that make their way down the east coast as the warmer months approach. It is essential to know the basics on how to fish for pelagics, because fishing for them can be at times unpredictable.

OFFSHORE Mackerel are a hardfighting fish and have spooled many a reel! The main three different species

recommended to stay on the heavier side of tackle. Rods with a line rating to 15kg and running 15-25kg braided lines will definitely help with the battle. Leader is a point of contention with a lot of anglers using wire, while other anglers reckon this scares off the fish and will only use heavy mono leader.

Floating pilchard baits is by far one of the favoured way to target mackerel in many anglers’ eyes, but trolled hardbodied lures are also a great way to target them. Fast moving deeper diving lures like the Strada are one of the favourites with the Samaki Pacemakers also another great alternative. Troll your lures at 4-8 knots and work the reef edges and drop offs as baits like yellowtail,

caught tuna around South East Queensland, averaging about 2-3kg, but sometimes they can get over the 6kg mark.

Longtail and yellowfin tuna can easily reach 30kg in size, and they abound our waters around South East Queensland. You will usually find tuna under large flocks of birds feeding on the baitfish, just like mackerel. Tuna can come and go very quickly, which can be a bit of a pain as you can spend your whole day chasing them and burn a lot of fuel.

Metal slugs are a great way to target these speedsters of the sea, so matching the slug to the bait and you’ll be in with a chance. Tuna will normally feed to the north so try to can get in front of

Mitchell Fredericks from Davo’s Tackle World tempted this amberjack with a deep jigged soft plastic at The Barwon Banks. of mackerel that swim our waters around South East Queensland are spotted and school mackerel which average around the 3-4kg mark, and the famous and delicious Spanish mackerel that can grow up to 1.8m and weigh over 50kg. Fighting these fish is an awesome experience as the reel drag screams as the fish takes line at an astonishing rate that will get any angler’s adrenaline pumping and heart racing.

Using light gear is fun with mackerel, but it’s

yakkas, pilchards, bonito and mac tuna will school in these areas.

You can also catch mackerel nearly anywhere there is baitfish, and this is usually indicated by birds diving in the water. A good thing to remember is if there’s birds, there’s most likely mackerel.

Tuna are another species that comes under the pelagic heading. Powerful and ultrafast they are shaped like a bullet and can spool a reel quickly. Mac tuna are one of the most commonly

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them and let them come to you. Cast your slugs, wait a few seconds for it to sink and retrieve quickly.

Another great way to fish for tuna in schools is to use soft plastics ranging from 3-6” in a jerk shad style matched with 1/2, 3/8 or 1oz jighead. The preferred soft plastics are Z-Man 5” Jerk ShadZ, Gulp 6” Jerk ShadZ, and 145mm Squidgy Flick Baits. Working with a fast burn is the desired way to tame those pelagics of the ocean.

ESTUARIES For the fishers who can’t get offshore the Noosa River will start to fire up as we start moving into the warmer months. October means two things; summer whiting and mangrove jack. This is when these two species start to show up and excite every angler.

Whiting will be starting to move in from offshore and congregating in the deeper channels on low tide and the shallow sand flats on the high tide. A good way to fish for the summer whiting is to use surface walkers

Jade Cochrane won the $50 Davo’s Fish of the Week prize with this thumper 6.4kg, 82cm knobby snapper from Sunshine Reef. and poppers on an ultra-light finesse rod and reel combo.

My newly favoured combo to use for whiting is the new Shimano Zodias Rod 4-8lb and the new Shimano Stradic 1000 FK matched up with 4lb PowerPro and a 4-6lb floating leader like Unitika Silver Thread. The reason for the floating line is because fluorocarbon line sinks, and this can interrupt the action of the surface lure you are using; but a floating line won’t.

With hundreds of surface lures out there today ranging in all different shapes and sizes, it can be hard to find the perfect one for your needs. The best surface lures to target those elusive shallow water whiting are the Bassday Sugarpen 75mm, River2Sea 65mm Bubblepop and lastly the Bassday Crystal Pops.

This time of year also sees the mangrove jack fire up as the water temperature and humidity

rises. The upper reaches of the Noosa River is a great place to start your hunt with the area between the lakes really firing in the low

for up to date bar and fishing reports and don’t forget to drop into Davo’s Tackle World Noosa or Davo’s Bait & Tackle Northshore

Shane Wagner christened his brand new Nordic Stage Areal rod by catching and releasing this diamond trevally in the Woods Bay. light periods.

• For all the latest information log onto www.fishingnoosa.com.au,

at Marcoola to find out what’s biting and where, and remember, Tight Lines and Bent Spines!

Jamie Gordon with the spoils of his Clarence River whiting session.

Fishing Fill-its

Any fries with that big mack?

Images of an enormous Spanish mackerel caught from the sands of Fraser Island recently emerged on social media and sent the fishing community into a veritable frenzy of excitement. Fishing Monthly took some time to find out what gear and how this monster mackerel was wrangled from the seas.

Doug Buhagiar was the resourceful angler that

is lucky enough to be able to head to Fraser Island for a couple of precious weeks every year with his brother John and some mates. With a big infectious smile he talks about his two loves – fishing (of course) and fixing up old VW Kombi vans – “according to my wife!”

Although most anglers heading to Fraser Island are going in search of tailor, Doug and his crew were after

and used all sorts of reels but we do use the Alvey Reels the most – especially on the beach. With little moving parts, you can drop them in the saltwater, drop them in the sand, – they’re basically bulletproof. Never let us down.”

He took us through his slider technique, detailing his use of the Alvey 650C reel, with line of anywhere from 40lb upwards and

Schwarznegger so I couldn’t lift it myself anyway!”

As images of the legendary catch emerged on social media, keen fishos are looking at Fraser Island in a new light. His brother John also made a notable catch – a GT between 80-90lb, as well as stacks of tailor, mulloway, and snub-nosed dart.

One thing’s for sure, you’ve got to get out there and get into it! –FMG

Left: Behold – the mighty Spaniard. Right: Doug Buhagiar with the catch of a lifetime. caught what is reportedly the biggest Spanish mackerel that Fisheries have on record.

He took some time out of his day to have a chat with us. A local from Brisbane, Doug QR CODE

Scan this code to watch the interview with Doug Buhagiar.

something bigger – and they definitely found it. Weighing in at 119lb (54kg) with a length of 1.9m, the giant Spaniard has been heralded as the ‘biggest land-based mackerel in the world.’ Tell that to Doug though and he’ll laugh off your praise humbly; “Well I’m not sure how true that is, but I am pretty proud of that one.”

Fishing since he was “knee high to a grasshopper,” Doug learnt the technique he used to catch the mack by watching other anglers, a sign of a great fishing community here in Australia.

Doug always recommends an Alvey Reel for serious surf fishing.

“We’ve fished for years

100lb steel trace as Spanish mackerel have incredibly sharp teeth. Use a 10/0 black magic hook and 2/0 snooded hooks and the biggest bait available. Doug found, much to the horror of tailor anglers, that his bait of live tailor tended be bigger than the average catch!

Doug recommends fishing just beyond the first break, and says anglers are often surprised by how close the big fish are, sometimes in a mere 3ft of water and only 10-15m out.

After a staggering hour of battle, a weary Doug claimed victory over the magnificent mackerel. He laughs; “After an hour or so, your arms feel like

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306 Duffield Rd, Clontarf Spanning the length of a ute tray, this mack had to be seen to be believed!

OCTOBER 2015

47

Tailor

Experimental tailor tactics BRISBANE

Sean Thompson

Our 19th annual tour to Fraser Island in search of tailor left us thinking about what we could do differently the following year. Targeting tailor with new techniques, methods or lures is all part of the equation. After all, if we all keep doing the same thing, where is the challenge and what could we be missing?

GETTING STARTED Considering our 10-day trip covered peak tailor periods (before and after the new moon) we expected high numbers of tailor. However, we were greeted by reports of dreaded ‘snot’ weed and a forecast of very few, if any tailor. So, on our first night after unloading our gear at the rental house, we rigged up and went chasing tailor with an attitude that reflected our predictions – not so optimistic!

After some trial and error with a couple of casts from gutter to gutter we eventually found a steeply shelving gutter with an entry and exit point, a nice foam cover coming off the back bank and a high sand dune behind us for the ‘shadow effect’ on the water

A couple of hungry tailor both wanted this Adagio Duel lure! peak zone between 4:30-6pm in late winter or early spring, it’s time to call it and go!

This rule paid dividends on our trip. Once we found fish, I very quickly cut up some older pilchards and berleyed the gutter to keep the fish in the hole or gutter and feeding. This technique seemed to work well, because when filleting we often found the smaller bits of berley in the tailor’s stomachs.

A mistake anglers can make is to return to the same gutter day after day even as the tides change throughout the week. We found during our 10

strong sideways sweep mid-tide can play havoc with this technique, particularly if you are in a picket line of anglers. This can lead to tangles, the occasional loss of patience, and some grumpy anglers. Worse still, your bait very quickly ends up pushed to the side and out of the strike zone.

One way to deal with strong sweep is to use a star sinker on a paternoster rig to hold you out in the strike zone. Admittedly, if other anglers are still casting and retrieving aimlessly in the sweep they will get tangled

not in the block form. IQF pilchards are much easier to thaw and use – you just grab them one at a time instead of struggling to deconstruct a jigsaw of moulded frozen fish, often breaking them in the process. The IQFs cost marginally more but are worth every cent.

Back to the gang hooks, myself and my ‘Ontour

Top: An average size tailor on the Tru-Turn gang hooks. Above: A triple hook-up on the star sinker rig on a previous Fraser tour.

Fishing Australia’ buddies use Tru-Turn gangs for all our tailor baitfishing. See the fact box for some of the many advantages of these great ganged rigs.

On the top two droppers of the star sinker rig I run a combination of a small surf popper on a 2/0 or 3/0 hook and a surf fly on a 3/0 hook.

If one proves to be more successful on the day I’ll switch to two of the same,

Rossco using a sideways sweep of his graphite rod to land another tailor on an Adagio. that brings the fish on earlier.

First cast, bang – the tailor were on for the fight! Six of us ended up with a few fish that night and in fact, despite their numbers being a little thin, every session we chased tailor during the trip was successful, especially on the western side.

We discovered that tough calls are sometimes required to find the tailor. If you turn up to a nice looking gutter but there are no fish, think about how the classic Clash song goes: “Should I stay or should I go?” If there are no fish in a few casts, or within five minutes, particularly when you’re fishing in the 48

OCTOBER 2015

days we had to change gutters after a couple of days, or even a day as either the fish weren’t there or the formations were such that there wasn’t enough water in the gutters around the peak fishing times.

The other choice we were faced with during our stay was whether to bait fish or throw lures. It is actually good to have guys trying both methods to establish what will work best at the time.

BAIT FISHING RIGS Without a doubt, casting and slow retrieving ganged pilchard baits is a very productive method to catch tailor. However, at times

with you, but an unwritten rule is to keep your line at 90° to you to avoid these tangles. Generally, you’ll be much better off if you find our own gutters, unless the fish are concentrated to only a few gutters. This will give you more room to fish and use such rigs to full effect.

STAR SINKER RIG I like to run three droppers off the star sinker rig I use, with each dropper about 10cm long. On the bottom dropper I attach a set of pre-made Tru-Turn gang hooks baited up with a traditional pilchard.

We only use IQF (individually quick frozen) pilchards, and

Top: Once again in 2015, the pink Adagio Duel 125 was the best performer out of all of our lures. Above Left: An assortment of Elkat Fishing Australia flasher rigs. Above Right: Pre-made Tru-Turn gang hooks can be purchased in packs of four, and are all ready to go!

Tailor such as two surf poppers.

Pink, green, and blue have been the best colours for me.

Elkat Fishing Australia sell a range of surf flies for these purposes but are also great for reef and pelagic fishing. Surf poppers are available at some of the larger or speciality tackle stores.

What I like about these rigs is that apart from your bait being held firmly in place in heavy swell, you get two more bites at the cherry if a fish hits your bait and you miss it. Leave your rig there for a minute or two after it does, as often tailor will come back and hit the fly or popper straight after. With the fly and popper drifting around enticingly above the bait, it’s not unusual to find the artificials get hit before the bait.

Be patient when you hook up and keep the tip of the rod up high to maintain pressure on the hooked fish. The commotion from the hooked fish causes other tailor to become interested in the other droppers, and this can lead to a double or even the occasional triple hook-up! Two to three tailor kicking and bucking in different directions is a real challenge and lots of fun!

Interestingly, these rigs are much more popular on the NSW south coast where the beaches are more exposed to big southerly swells, but QFM readers should give them a go.

They work, and are a change from the ‘same old, same old.’

Left: Pre-prepared tailor rigs, in marked snap-lock bags ready to go. Right: An assortment of excellent tailor lures including Adagios, Engulf and Tamban jigs and Lively Lures pencil poppers.

Rigs can then be carefully coiled up in small snap-lock bags with the gang hooks folded over each other and kept in alfoil to stop them tangling up the rig. I then mark the bags with permanent pen indicating the size sinker and fluorocarbon trace strength (normally 30-50lb).

Another trick for rigs to be used on Alvey reels is to run a soft bead between the sinker and the bottom swivel to help

Sometimes tailor can take more interest in a surf popper than a pilchard!

STOCK UP AND STORE YOUR RIGS When the tailor action is hot, the last thing you want to do is fiddle around in the back of the 4WD making new rigs if you lose one. For this reason you should make yourself up six or more rigs with different weight sinkers, or have a supply of snap-on Klik sinkers in weights from 5-9 on hand to attach to your rigs.

prevent knot breakage from the pressure of the sinker on the knot, particularly after a few casts. For night fishing you can also add a fluorescent glow bead or tubing above the gang hooks and charge these up with a headlamp (keeping the light off the water in the gutter while you do).

This is an added attractant for the fish.

Once I have my rigs made up in snap lock bags, I carry

three or four of them in an Alvey dry pack on my bait belt. With this and a pair of line cutters attached to the bait belt or in one of the Velcro straps on my Alvey Deluxe shoulder bag, I am ready to re-rig right there at the water’s edge in a flash and get my line back in the water.

LURE FISHING I’ve used a number of metal lures over the years at Fraser but none of them have been as effective as the casting lures we’ve used in the last couple of years. These dynamite lures are called Adagio Duel and come in two sizes, 105 (about 30g) and 125 (about 45g). Even though the tailor were thin in numbers at Fraser this year, we found that if there were fish about, they took an Adagio. These lures regularly out-fished both bait and other lures fished side by side in the gutter.

The Adagio has a number of advantages over a metal lure, including the fact that you can work them at a slower medium pace with a swimming action, which makes mulloway another possibility when targeting tailor. Their sleek design means they have an outstanding casting distance, and the fact that they have three flat flashing sides means they tend to bring fish in from all directions. Interestingly, they also seem to attract larger fish from the school compared to those being caught by bait fishers. The other advantage is that when you’re not chasing tailor, the Adagio Duel can also be worked in a jig style for species such as snapper.

There are some other notable lures on the market that are worth a try for tailor when the action is hot. These include Engulf and Tamban jigs in 30-55g, which can be worked through the gutter like a flathead soft plastic jig. Lift the jig up with two or three

hops using your wrist, and then let them flutter down naturally. Their sleek design also allows them to be worked at a fairly quick pace like a metal. Mix it up with pauses to allow a natural flutter every now and then like a wounded baitfish. You can experiment with stinger hooks on these jigs – try two on the rear, or two on the rear and 1 on the nose for slower lift-and-drop type actions. Again, when not using them for tailor, these are brilliant for snapper and reef fish with a lift-and-drop technique.

Another lure we don’t see other anglers use much off the beach is the popper.

Find the right gutter, i.e. one that has a back bank pushing white water over a deep gutter close to shore without too much choppy wave action, and you have the ingredients for a good gutter to throw poppers. Poppers such as the Lively Lures (makers of

the legendary Micro Mullet) range of new pencil poppers have the added advantage of visibility; with quality sunglasses you can see the fish hit the lure on the surface.

LURE FISHING TACKLE Graphite rods are not only lightweight and easy to use for beach lure fishing, but they give you a direct feel for any hits on the lure. I love my Lox Iridium Surf in 12ft as it still gives me fantastic casting distance on the Adagios and poppers. I like to run 14-15lb braid (such as Platypus Platinum+) plus a 2.5m leader of fluorocarbon in about 20lb. You also don’t need anything more than a 2000 to 2500 reel for comfort and balance on your graphite rod.

When you get a hit on your graphite rod, make sure you lift and wind, not strike, keeping constant pressure on the fish, then use a sideways sweep of the rod washing the fish up the beach from the last wave. Avoid deadlifting the fish into your arms or you risk breaking the tip.

I hope these experimental tips, rigs and lures encourage you to mix up your tailor fishing off the beach. After all, testing our skills is what angling is all about. For more tips, reports and locations jump on my Facebook page, Ontour Fishing Australia.

And until next time, bag your mates – not your limit!

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Pelagic invasion on the cards HERVEY BAY

Scott Bradley marlin81@bigpond.com

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this month isn’t a total blowout like October has been in some years.

Last month we had all the tell tale signs that summer was on the way with increasing numbers of pelagics surface feeding in the bay. There were some big cobia caught, too, and both bottom bashing and trolling worked. There were a few late season snapper still kicking around the 25s and the gutters last month.

IN THE BAY Estuarine species are shaking off their winter lethargy, especially flathead, which really fire up with the rise in water temperature.

Bream are still feeding freely after their spawn and summer whiting numbers are increasing, so look for the bigger tides in the coming months to secure a feed of succulent fillets.

Our local reefs are producing the usual suspects with cod, blackall, coral bream, juvenile snapper and tuskies being regular catches at the Arty, Bagimba, Mckenzies and Moon Ledge.

Golden trevally and mackerel are also working the reefs so a live bait or

pilly on a gang is always worth a try.

Out wide the gutters and the 25-fathom line is fishing well with plenty of hussar, Moses perch, coralies, scarlets, cobia and tuskies making up the bulk of the catch.

ON THE TROLL The fishing, like the weather, is starting to heat up as we welcome back our annual run of juvenile black marlin. The past 5 years have been crackers and with good numbers of fish being caught along the East Queensland coast already, things are shaping up nicely.

From now through to March is the most productive months for blacks inside Fraser Island coinciding with our run of longtails, mac tuna, spotted, school and Spanish mackerel, and a host of other pelagic species that frequent our waters in the summer months.

You can sight cast, troll a spread of lures

James Rosman with 40kg of cobia trolled up wide of the Sandy Cape Lighthouse. or simply drift a few live baits. Whatever you choose you can experience

a world-class fishery that is as unique as the Fraser Coast itself!

Perfect set of pearls RAINBOW BEACH

Ed Falconer

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We may not have had the greatest run of weather, but the trips we’ve done offshore have been fantastic.

OFFSHORE We’ve enjoyed a brilliant run of pearl perch – bagging out on them on a number of trips. Soft plastics are picking out the larger specimens on most occasions.

We have also had some good catches of snapper, Moses perch, parrot and hussar on our eastern grounds.

Our northern grounds have been producing some excellent Maori cod, coronation trout, and some nice big red emperor.

Recently, catching a bag of pearl perch has been easy! Fish-aholic Ian with two of many nice pearlies caught lately.

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Matt with a pair of good reds caught on the Keely Rose.

ON THE BEACH The beach has been fishing very well with tailor caught straight down the front near the swimming area and all the way down to Double Island Point.

On Teewah beach there have also been good reports of tailor, whiting and good numbers of large flathead.

October is another good month for fishing. We had an excellent run of snapper last year and spring is one of the best months for red emperor.

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

Tailor don’t like earthquakes FRASER COAST

Phil James p_j_james@bigpond.com

Last month on our trek up Fraser’s east coast we reached Dundubara campground and ranger station. This has been the busiest time of the year for these beaches, and it will continue to be busy until the end of the school holidays.

From Dundubara the beach continues uninterrupted to the imposing Indian Head. A series of excellent gutters and holes persist right up to the base of the headland. For the final 5-6km the trafficable beach is quite narrow, making progress difficult on the higher stages of the tide.

Just before reaching the rock face, a major sand track leads through the dunes, around the western side of the headland to the continuation of the ocean beach.

Indian Head is a very popular tourist destination, particularly for the sightings of whales, sharks, turtles and large fish. The walking track commences at the southern face of the headland, and vehicles need to park on the upper beach here. The track is by no means a walk in the park.

At the very least, good footwear is needed for the climb. Some years ago, the main walking track started at the northern face but this has been closed for safety concerns.

The vehicle track around the western side of Indian Head is by far the most popular place to be bogged on Fraser Island.

High tyre pressures and inexperience are right up there as probable causes.

Once across this track it is just a short run up the beach to Middle Rock and beyond.

In the August mag we published a photo of a strikingly marked cod, and asked if anyone could help with a positive identification. Many thanks go to Kent Walker for coming to the rescue with some great information.

Known locally as trout cod, or Epinephelus maculatus, it’s well known to Kent who regularly fishes waters to the north of Fraser Island. According to world authority Fishbase (fishbase.org), this species is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region extending down the Australian east coast not much further south than the Fraser Coast. The lunar tail trout is another of Kent’s favourite species.

FISHING IN OCTOBER October is often seen as a time when we change from winter to summer fishing seasons. This might

fire at all. Although we do see reasonable catches of late spawning fish in September, the bream gear can now be put away until May next year.

Cod identified: Kent Walker’s trout cod. be so for some species, but for other species it’s not as simple as that. Still, it might be useful to review what the winter months have turned on at Fraser Island and within Hervey Bay, and what this new month will provide.

Along the eastern beach of Fraser Island, the muchanticipated tailor season started well but has since been spasmodic. The quality hasn’t been outstanding but the latter part of the season, right through until late November, should see more of the larger breeding greenbacks move in along the beach and around the headlands.

I had an interesting report from a group of anglers fishing for tailor earlier in the season.

They had been taking fish regularly each evening and then came the earthquakes east of the island. Although all other conditions were unchanged, that was the end of their tailor fishing – at least until the end of their brief holiday on the island.

They don’t recall feeling anything on the beach, but buildings close by certainly did. I am happy to report that the tailor’s absence was short lived. Having been closed for the last two months, Waddy Point and Indian Head are now open to anglers, and it will be from these vantage points that some of the best tailor will be taken.

In Hervey Bay, winter is often associated with the annual bream season.

Overall this has been a good season although some usually reliable spots didn’t

The winter (diver) whiting season wasn’t outstanding, with quality well down in most areas.

Hervey Bay’s snapper season usually fires up in May, when spawning fish move into their favourite haunts as far south as the Rufus Artificial Reef. This year a late start didn’t produce too much until late June and early July, when some good fish were taken on the Arti, at Moon Ledge and to a lesser extent, at Sammys. Further north in the bay, the 8-mile off Arch Cliffs, and reefy patches in Platypus Bay, offshore from Wathumba Creek to Rooney Point, have been fishing quite well. This should continue this month.

WHITING Unfortunately the name ‘summer whiting’ has been used to label a group of whiting species. It’s a misleading name because these fish are likely to be in very good numbers throughout the entire year.

Three of the misnamed species are the sand whiting, golden-lined whiting, and northern whiting, all of which are well known on the Fraser Coast.

Sand whiting are by far the most plentiful, taken along Fraser Island’s beaches and throughout the bay, rivers and creeks. Far from being a summer fish, some of the best quality fish are taken over shallow banks and along beaches over the big winter tides at night. It’s has been a good year for them, and this should continue until we have significantly higher water temperatures.

Traditionally only fished with bait such as yabbies and worms, there is now plenty of interest in targeting sand whiting with artificials in the bay and on island beaches.

Depending on the choice of jigheads and lures, it is possible to take a better class of whiting overall when there are many small fish swimming with them. Experimenting with different types of plastics, jighead weights and hook sizes can also boost your catch rates. These are some plastics that have been working well along the beaches and fringing banks on the inside of Fraser Island. Z-Man 2.5” GrubZ in gold flake, bloodworm and motor oil on lightest possible no 2 jigheads have been catching plenty.

Another ‘sand whiting’, the golden-lined whiting, has no black blotch at the base of its pectoral fin, as well as having fins of a more intense golden colour.

In Hervey Bay, goldenlined whiting are often taken in mixed catches with sand whiting, from city foreshores, the Urangan Pier and the sand and mud flats and gutters between

A lunar tail cod taken north of Fraser Island by Kent Walker.

Urangan and River Heads, and further south into Turkey Straits. There is little likelihood of catching a golden-lined whiting from the ocean beach of Fraser Island.

The northern whiting is a drab-coloured relative with pale fins and a somewhat flattened snout.

It is common in the Mary and Susan rivers.

A combined bag limit of 30 and a minimum size of 23cm apply to all three species.

REEFS October is a little early to expect a lot of action on the shallow reefs, although there will still be a few small snapper and blackall to be had. When the inshore waters start to warm up in November, grass sweetlip, sea perches and black-spot tuskfish will move in. In the meantime, the deeper reefs and ledges such as the channel outside the Urangan boat harbour, the Channel Hole, Boges Hole and Bogimbah Ledge should be worth the effort.

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Northerly winds fire up barra LAKE MONDURAN

Rob Howell

It’s been an encouraging start to the season with our first constant northerly winds bringing the barra on the bite.

When the wind is constant, they school up together, get active and feed.

However, when the wind becomes variable the barra separate from their groups making them a much harder target. When this happens trolling is a good option as you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. With winds like the ones we’re getting now, they should be hanging out in easy to find packs.

As a trend, from October onwards big female barra normally school up in the main basin area making them an easy target for anglers trolling and casting, however we haven’t seen them do this over the previous few years due to the fact the barra were still in their juvenile stages.

Now that a large number these fish have matured, we should see these big girls return to the dam wall area as their breeding instincts kick in. of course, being a dam environment, these fish won’t actually be able to breed.

LURES Just recently I’ve had the pleasure of trialling 3 new lures from Zerek with encouraging results. In the last few weeks I’ve tried the Surger, Fish Trap and Skittish Dog, all with great results.

These are just a sample of the lures that are successful in Monduran at this time of year.

• For further info please contact us on our freecall number 1800 228 754. Or follow us on Facebook, at Lake Monduran Fishing Charters.

Mark Pavey with an early season 92cm barra. Barra of this size are more common these days, however these fish should reach 1m in under a year.

FISHING FILL-ITS

QLD’s Net free Zones under threat A disallowance motion moved by the LNP Government is threatening the introduction of Net Free Zones along the Queensland Coast. Three net free zones are being introduced by the Labor Government as a part of their election promises to recreational fishers.

These include:St

that they no longer support Queensland’s recreational fishing communities ”said AFTA President, Bruce Alvey. “The commitment from the Labor Government to establish a network of net free zones along the Queensland coast was applauded and welcomed by industry and recreational fishers alike. It is grossly

WHAT NOW? The Queensland Government will be voting on the Disallowance Motion in the coming weeks. This means that NOW is the time for recreational fishers and industry to take action and demonstrate a strong show of support for the introduction of the Net

Helens Beach to Cape Hillsborough;Keppel Bay to Fitzroy River; andTrinity Bay The Australian Recreational Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) together with Keep Australia Fishing and the State’s 600,000 recreational fishers are extremely disappointed with this move from the LNP. “The LNP has been a long term supporter of the State’s recreational fishers.

However, we can only read the LNP supported disallowance motion as a clear signal

disappointing and frustrating that this is now at risk because some members of the LNP want to use the issue as a political football.”

It is estimated that recreational fishing is worth around $1 billion a year to the Queensland economy.

The LNP disallowance motion could severely impact on the ability of Queensland to grow this contribution in the future.

We all love our local seafood. But this should not come at a cost to the environment, local communities or the recreational fishing sector.

Free Zones. We need to send a strong message to the LNP to stop the Disallowance Motion.

Keep Australia Fishing has set up an electronic write in so recreational fishers can send their message directly to Members of the Queensland Government.

It’s time we ensured the promised Net free zones get over the line and become LAW. Head to www. keepaustraliafishing.org and send your message to the Government now! – AFTA

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Time to go get jackhammered in Bundaberg BUNDABERG

Jason Medcalf topwater@bigpond.com

Spring is here and we’re starting to see some great fishing in Bundaberg.

Most of our estuaries are now free of the slimy weed that plagued our early season flathead trolling and the fish are there and playing the game.

THE BURNETT Our main river has been producing well again with flathead, grunter, and bream appearing just about everywhere. The boys at Tackleworld are getting reports of good salmon and barramundi caught by mad keen lads fishing vibes and blades in the deeper holes.

Once again, it pays to invest a bit of time finding fish before you commit a day to fishing an area. With all the new and improved technology the fish simply cannot hide – the real effort is catching them!

Side imaging fish finders are a great way to help you find your fish but if you’re like me and just love fishing you tend not to really get the most out of your sounder.

Here’s a tip from me, put your boat into a creek, river or lake that you are very familiar with and leave your fishing rods out of the boat. Spend a couple of hours just sounding around, watch the screen and have a play with the settings. When I got my new sounder I spent some quality time getting to know it and I learned so much more. My attention was wholly concentrated on what I wanted to see on my fish finder and I remained undistracted by the prospect of fishing.

I changed settings from colour, sensitivity, range and everything in between.

This gave me a much greater understanding of my sounder and I have found so many more fish because of it – but that doesn’t mean I caught them all!

Of course, as the water warms up my favourite species is added to most lure anglers’ target list – the mangrove jack.

October will really get the red boys fired up around the Burnett’s many rock walls and schools of jacks can be found patrolling for unsuspecting baitfish

to feed on in these areas.

You can lose a lot of lures trolling the rock walls for jacks in October but – they keep making them so you can always go and buy more! There really is something special about being hammered by a big jack while your trolling.

The fish hardly takes any line but will dart straight into those oyster encrusted rocks and dust you! At first this leaves you feeling pretty cranky but after the adrenalin passes you’ll find yourself thinking ‘that was sweet – let’s do that again!’

Where’s Jack? Well there actually aren’t too many creeks or rivers these great fish don’t live in.

I have caught mangrove jack in every system in our area from Gladstone down to the great Sandy Straights. Early in the season they will be moving around a lot looking for those schools of bait. One day you might find them in a deep rocky hole and the next they’ll be hunting the edge of a sand bar in 3ft of water. There really is only one constant when looking for mangrove jack – find the food, find the fish.

Mangrove jack will be a very popular target this month.

THE BAFFLE Roger from Baffle Creek Caravan Park has reported that the Baffle flathead are in plague proportions and, now the weed has all but cleared up, it seems everyone is catching them.

The preferred technique of Roger’s park anglers is to

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soak bait. The flathead have been eating both dead and live bait but the better quality has been coming on the live.

Roger also mentioned that the mangrove jacks have been pretty active as well and have been hitting live baits and lures around the rock bars at the bottom

end of the creek. I will be slipping the kayak into the upper reaches very soon to do a bit of early morning surface fishing for these great fish. I’ve had some great sessions in the upper reaches in the past few years and this season should be just as good.

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Long live the queen YEPPOON

Scott Lynch ifishcq2@bigpond.com

Queenfish – one of the most exciting fish around have hit the Capricorn Coast and in numbers we haven’t seen for a long time!

The queens along the front wall at Rosslyn Bay Harbour were out to chase the many bait schools that were attempting to get to shelter inside among the structures.

Ironpot has had a few large shows of queenies working the rubble patch points on the northern side where the light gear crew are having a field day with poppers, chromies, plastics, and small minnows. They congregate in big schools among the many bommies and rock features, particularly at the mouth of Corio Bay and up through the mulloway hole.

These huge queenies will smash anything thrown in their direction. Drift past the bommies, throw your lures into the wash and retrieve as fast as you can. If the queens are there you will find out immediately when 50 odd fish try to snatch your lure

at once. And it doesn’t take long for one of them to find the hooks!

Corio has a lot of spots that hold queenies of different sizes to suit the tackle you prefer. You’ll find the midsize fish right along the inside of the northern headland away from the big fellas that stay in the deeper waters. These fish head up around the mangroves and rocky bays feeding on the greenback herring that live there all the time. Some of the local guys flick out an unweighted herring on ultra light gear and get some great entertainment for their effort.

The smaller fish head up the bay to places like Deep Creek. The shallow channels that run between sandbanks funnel the baitfish through a small area and naturally the predators are there to meet them. The Keppels have a few areas where queenies are a regular feature – Wreck Beach is one such area. This is my favourite spot for land based action that rarely fails to deliver as the fish move up and back from headland to headland smashing the hardyheads and herring schools.

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REEF FISHING As usual red emperor and nannies are featuring heavily in local reef captures. The conditions expected in October should give us plenty of chances to get out amongst them. For much of the year the wider grounds seem to fish the best but over the next month or so the closer grounds can produce quality fish. The bait grounds out behind the main islands such as Greasy Alley and The Cod hole have had some very nice nannies whenever the yakkas are there. The red fern country starts around the 40m contour lines and goes all the way out wide.

This is the home of the extra large red fishes, rosy job fish and snapper which seem to hang with the other schools of big fish in the deeper grounds.

Squid, pillies and flesh strips are the popular baits to throw. Micro jigging deep water jigs has taken off here like everywhere else and has definitely added to the local captures. The tides can turn the bite on and off and for us the run in up to high and the start down is best in the mid range depths. The real deep spots further out go well towards any tide change as long as there is some run. The secret to getting the bigger fish is locating areas that other boats don’t know about or don’t get to very often. We find that the contours on your charts are as good a place to look for new ground as any.

The biggest tip is to watch the sounder. Sometimes those little changes in depth or a school of bait can lead you to the spot of your dreams.

Unless you have a camera on board with a long enough tether to reach the bottom in the 50m range you don’t really know what you are looking at despite having all the best in sonar gear.

That means us average guys should double check anything that looks different

Connor Duffy with a fine local queenie. from the surrounding area.

In recent times one of our regular offsiders with a keen eye has found ground not much bigger than an average lounge room that has held trophy reds or nannies and even big blue spot trout.

Many of the mackerel species have come in quantity and the run should continue from now until after Christmas. Doggies, spotties, and Spanish follow the schools of baitfish and hang around the area long enough to fatten up before travelling up or down the coast. When the tides are small, Barren, Outer, Man and Wife and Conical are spots that work well for Spanish and when the tides are up places such as Liza Jane, Manifold, Flat and Perforated are hard to beat. Spotties and doggies congregate at all the inshore reefs and even the rock walls around Rosslyn Bay Harbour whenever the weather drops out.

LAKES AND RIVERS The estuary grunter captures have increased pretty well with the warming of the water and the quantities of small baitfish all around the local systems.

The Fitzroy is the home for large grunter whenever they are on. Connors Creek, Port

Alma, Devils Elbow, and the bends down from Nerrimbera are all firing. Coorooman Creek, the Causeway Lake and Waterpark Creek have grunter runs that can compete with the river in the size of fish but not in numbers. The popular baits of late have been prawns, fresh fillet strips and greenback herrings.

Lately lots of grunter hunters have expanded their tactics by using blades. The small varieties around 40mm are working very well. Gold and chrome seem to be the most popular colours. The trick is to keep contact with the jig. The majority of grunter strikes occur as you lower the blade to the bottom between twitches.

I have to mention that October signals the yearly run of juvenile black jew. These guys are in the 250-300mm class and often get mistaken for river or soapy jew. The Corbetts and Kellys Landing stretch of Waterpark Creek are notable hot spots but they do have a run up the Fitzroy and Coorooman Creek.

Black jew have two rows of spots or blotches along the dorsal fin and the tail with some small spots on the lateral line and look just like a mini jew whereas river jew or perch have a nose similar

AUSTRALIA WIDE

to a salmon. They are subject to size regulations and you will be fined if found in possession of undersized black jew.

Barramundi have come back into form around the area. The Fitzroy River is the best locatio because of the huge amount of country and the diversity of structures found in the river. There are stacks of spots where the river can be accessed from local roads, and wharves that hold plenty of barramundi.

From the middle of Rocky down to the delta you’ll find first class barramundi. Just like all other forms of fishing, barramundi have way more choices in the style and type of lures they prefer on any given day. From plastic vibes to hardbodied minnows and poppers a great amount of variety finds its way into a barra kit.

To keep it simple for me I divide the country into areas that I get the most success from. We use hardbodies in tight deep timber and along walls while vibes are the go to in the deeper channels or straight up and down rock faces. Poppers work better just on dark when the barra are moving onto the banks, and up near the surface around the structures.

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October ocean adventures ROCKHAMPTON

Clayton Nicholls clay94_fishing@live.com.au

The fishing over the last month has been pretty spectacular, from great offshore activity to absolutely brilliant inshore estuary and river

Nerimbera area for the threadies, any coastal headland for land-based mackerel fishing, and the inshore islands, like Ship Rock, for some great pelagic action!

LAGOONS The freshwater lagoons and creeks around the region are pretty much in full swing

up the surface water and get a take from the barra and tarpon sitting just below basking in the sun.

ESTUARIES The common winter season estuarine species are all in amongst the mangroves and flats of all the creeks and inlets, particularly Corio Bay.

caught sitting closer into the rocks and rubble than on the open water areas. Many people have caught them around the coffee rock areas in Corio Bay, the muddy rock that feels hard but is easy to break.

Flathead have been an easy to take fish this year with a massive hype on soft

A prized tablefish taken on a micro jig. This technique is becoming more popular with anglers.

Connor has landed some great jacks lately, this one fell to the motor oil Gold Prong.

Derrick has taken some great fish on the Blue Gomoku Overhead rod. fishing. Thankfully the weather has been perfect and that should stay the same through October.

Some key places are

with a good deal of surface activity. There have been a couple of tarpon caught on fly gear over September, so October should prove to be even better!

The wake baits are particularly good in the late afternoon as they wiggle across or just under the surface, with a constant roll imitating an insect. The idea of using surface lures also at this time of year is to stir

The mangrove jack have been out and more active recently, falling for prawn imitations along with bream and flathead. Through the past month, places like the Fitzroy River and Corio Bay have seen a large number of salmon move in; king threadfin in the creeks to the blues salmon out the front on the flats and beach gutters.

Whiting have been

plastic vibes. Almost all manufacturers are getting their hands in the pot with sizes for any species from bream through to coral trout. There are quite a few good 80mm vibes that have worked well for flathead around the region.

FITZROY The Nerimbera area of Fitzy has pulled some great threadfins recently, many being taken on live baits

at night with lures being easily viable during the day. The areas to target these fish at the moment would be the gravel sort of coffee rock areas in amongst the flats.

One of the best live baits in the area in adequate supply at the moment is poddy mullet; they can be targeted with either a cast net or fish trap. A single 6/0 circle hook pinned through the shoulders of the bait will be easily capable of capturing any of the inquisitive salmon.

INSHORE REGIONS The coastal headlands has been great in recent times with amazing water clarity and weather conditions. It has become a haven for the fish and land-based anglers. Micro jigging has definitely taken many local anglers by storm, we have sold heaps of micro jigging gear

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and are more and more regularly running people through the process. It has definitely proved to be a successful technique as many people are pulling great fish around the Keppel Group on light jigs of 15-80g. The techniques are pretty easy to do but can take some practice to get right; a quick YouTube search of micro jigging techniques and slow pitch jigging techniques would be a great start. It certainly is another great craze that definitely has a place in amongst all the methods, a great excuse to head out and buy another rod and reel combo!

If you have any fishing photos of the Rockhampton/ Gladstone region feel free to send them to clay94_ fishing@live.com.au with a brief description of where you caught the fish and how you caught them.

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It’s a baitfish bonanza!

MACKAY

Keith Day habdays@bigpond.net.au

Spring is here with a vengeance and the northerly winds have seen the baitfish moving in closer to shore and the predators are right behind them, giving local anglers a pelagic fish bonanza right on their doorstep.

As reported in the September issue, the southern breakwall of the harbour has reopened and the wall brigade are making good use of it as the bait and predators move tight in against the wall. Small mackerel, trevally, queenfish and tuna have all featured in catches from the wall over the last couple of weeks. The wall offers land-based fishos the chance to tangle with these speedsters and most anglers seem to prefer the traditional

rigs of either live herring or pilchards on a gang rig.

Lure fishers are also getting in on the action with plastics and hardbodies going off. Plastic vibes are every bit as effective here as elsewhere in our region, but the attrition rate is high and with the dearer types costing up around $30 each it gets to be an expensive exercise. Paddle-tails or curltails rigged on jigheads are a cheaper plastic alternative and very effective. Try to mimic the type of baitfish at least in colouring with lighter belly colours and darker backs.

Working plastics fast gives the mackerel less time to check out the offering and they are more likely to smash a fast moving lure than a slow worked one.

Hardbody lures can be anything from barra minnows, to vibes and shinies. The trick is to be able to work the lure through a variety of depths and speeds to attract attention.

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Again, look to pilchard-type colours, light silvery bellies and darker colours on top.

When the fish get fixated on very small bait, the small metal vibes can be a top choice but their lightweight prevents long casts.

The action off the wall will keep going for at least into November and depending on weather conditions is likely to remain a hot spot up to Christmas. Remember though, with lots of anglers on the wall use reasonably heavy gear so as not to tangle other fishos lines, which can cause a bit of frustration and friction.

The harbour walls are not the only spots getting plenty of attention though, with all of the close in islands from the St Helens and Seaforth area south returning good catches of pelagics, mainly small mackerel, northern blue and mac tuna. Fortunately our boat ramps are gradually improving with the multi lane at Victor Creek at Seaforth capable of handling large trailer boats and the pontoon sure makes life easier. This is a good launch point for the Likes of Newry, Rabbit and the other islands in this group, and it also gives access to Low Rock or Lonely Reef as it is locally referred to out from the mouth of Murray Creek. This can be a real hotspot with the run-out tide bringing nutrients from the creek, which attracts the bait and they hold here as it is the only structure for miles around.

Anglers can expect to find schools of small herring and other baitfish here and all sorts of predators as well up to sharks around the 2m mark.

The main species caught

A first of any species is always special, and Chris Rippon nailed his first ever fly caught barra working the edge of the snags in the background. though include the small macks, queenies, trevally and the odd barracuda. I have also taken grunter and golden snapper from the spot on occasions. Low rock is shown on charts of the area and is popular with small boat anglers, so it usually has a boat or two around it at this time of year.

In the creeks and dams the good news is the warmer weather has encouraged the barra to get out of winter shut down mode and actively chase a feed. Anglers are reaping the benefit of the warmer weather with plenty of barra being caught. The rocks near the highway bridge in North Mackay are always worth a try for barra with the odd jack and trevally also around. Plastic vibes worked in and around the rocks are very effective, but lure losses can be pretty wallet emptying.

Reliance, Constant and Murray creeks have all been giving up plenty of barra, although some are only around the 50cm mark, and must be returned to the water.

This should be done with as

little time out of the water as possible.

Live baits of mullet or small whiting work well and plastic vibes are also accounting for plenty of fish.

These lures should be in every anglers tackle box as they are almost universally hammered by all species in our waters.

They’re very effective when worked on a slow sink and draw type retrieve, their trebles tend to snag up very easily but an extending prod will usually retrieve them.

In the dams, Kinchant has fired up first with good size barra being caught up near the top (western) end of the dam around the prominent weed beds there. Slow rolled plastics like the Squidgie Slick Rigs have been the most successful lure and many anglers swear by the black and gold pattern.

Working right on top of the weed beds can be done with plastic frogs like the Z-Man PopfrogZ when they are rigged weedless on a worm hook around the 7/0 size. I like both the white and lime green in the largest size as they cast well and can be worked

really slowly or cranked up so they will just duck under the surface. A very versatile lure and a proven fish catcher.

Other lures will work well with the venerable Gold Bomber and B-52 maintaining their popularity. For the surface fishing nuts, get some Tango Dancers as barra also find them irresistible with their walk the dog action, which is quite easy to achieve with a bit of rod work and practice.

There is plenty more action in and around Mackay during October, but most anglers will be chasing pelagic or barra but other estuary species will include, jacks, flathead, bream, whiting, king and blue salmon.

For those lucky enough to have larger trailer boats the reef species are going well with plenty of big Spanish mackeral thrown in for good measure.

Most boats have been coming back with good catches of sweetlip and nannygai but the trout have been a bit quiet.

All in all Mackay has plenty of variety and big fish available throughout October, so why not come and join us in paradise? See you at the ramp.

Take a minute to visit Stanage STANAGE BAY

Von Ireland

Each year Stanage has wonderful fishing visitors and this past month hasn’t been any different with the weather turning it on for those willing. I’m glad to see and hear that some are taking my advice and using Stanage as a home base to camp overnight near the

islands or on the islands to allow them the longest time to fish and to catch both tide changes.

The mixed reef consists of species such as; grass sweetlip, nannygai, coral trout, Spanish mackerel, black jew, parrot, red emperor, and cod – and Shield, Alwick, Allendale, Otterbourne, Table Rock, Hexham, Steep, and Low Rock can all turn it on in their own time – it’s up to

you to work out the time and tides. A little hint - the secret spots are all within a ‘cooee’ of each other.

Each island or rock fishes at different times for the many popular species caught up here. Local reports indicate good fishing with locals Neil and Kezza weighing in a beaut 55lb black jew.

The Stanage Coastguard runs a free tow for the smart boaties who join. The fees are

A good black jew taken aboard Naggin Dragon.

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$66 or $132 per year - cheap insurance. Remember to log in and out at the boat ramp, on vhf channel 81.

The Estuary and Thirsty Sound, have recently seen a good share of big silver and black bream this week. The Pacific Oasis, a great communal form of accommodation with a mixed crew and assorted sizes of boats have had a great time recently. A family staying at the Pacific Villa, found some excellent fish and some of their photos from successful outings have been shared on the website and to Facebook.

A big shout out and well done to the Council road workers who are still slogging away at Stanage Road which was recently graded nicely to the Shoalwater Bay army turnoff.

If you’ve ever wondered about the history of Stanage, wonder no more, with the History in Short for Stanage available for purchase at our store. Written by kind locals willing to share their knowledge, the publication has imperative information on the area and will help you greatly.

Our shop can also supply you with tide guides, charts, books, and do mail outs.

• If your need anymore information on the area, be

Top: A quality nannygai like this is always a welcome catch. Above: One of a number of reds taken on a trip with Naggin Dragon charters. it accommodation, fishing, crabbing or the road, give me a call at Stanage Bay Marine &

Accommodation 49373145 or call into the tackle shop at the back of the boat storage yard.

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GLADSTONE

CURTIS COAST MARINE 40 Chapple St, Gladstone QLD, 4802 Phone: (07) 4972 0135 Fax: (07) 4972 0136 www.curtiscoastmarine.com.au

MACKAY

REEF MARINE 26 Prospect Street Mackay, QLD, 4740 Phone: (07) 4957 3521 Fax: (07) 4957 2447 www.reefmarine.net

WHITSUNDAYS

WHITSUNDAY MARINE 4/11 Shute Harbour Road Cannonvale,QLD, 4802 Phone: (07) 4948 3298 Fax: (07) 4948 3298

www.whitsundaymarine.com.au

Those of us who are fishing tragics generally started our weird fetish in the very early years of our lives. I can remember being fascinated by tiny guppies in the clear creeks on our block near the Sunshine Coast as a stumbling, bumbling and innocent youngster.

So I know what it is to be fishing mad from a very early age; you’ll forgive me if I sigh when someone talks about ‘so and so’ the 10-year-old and how he’s a ‘mad keen fisho’.

I’ve heard it all before.

Mostly the ‘mad keen fisho’, according to his mum/ girlfriend/sister – they’re not the same person by the way (well, maybe in some small country towns) – just won’t stop talking about fishing!

He or she “…just goes on and on about it”. Then come the inevitable requests to take little Johnny/Joanny (they’re not the same person – except in some small country towns) out fishing.

What generally happens is that you take little J/J out fishing and all is fine until J/J begins to get bored. In some cases that can be as long as three minutes, but in most cases 90 seconds is enough time for boredom to set in.

Then it’s a case of dropping the rod/reel/handline into the mud/dirt/grass/sand/boat and begin to throw rocks/food/ sticks/insects/Shimanos/small land mammals into the water to keep him/her amused.

It’s about this stage that I understand I’ve once again been duped/hoodwinked. The mother/father/carer/keeper/ kennel assistant of Johnny/ Joanny never actually thought he/she was keen on fishing, but they did see a gullible boat owner/fisho (me) that would fall for the old ‘he/she has been begging to go out with Uncle Jimmy for weeks and weeks and it’s driving us mental.’

Yes, well, I know what’s driving them mental and it’s not the fishing/boating requests. It’s little Johnny/ Joanny being a turd on a stick.

But, I’ll admit, I can be surprised. Very occasionally,

I’ll find a little tacker that not only wants to learn how to tie on and bait a hook, but how to cast a line in and wait for the bite. And that little tacker will enjoy pulling in a fish almost as much as I do.

Take Raffy, who came out with me last week. Car was broken, boat was unavailable so we were fishing from the bank. Cast net got ripped on a log/mangrove/shopping trolley/rock/croc/block so we were reduced to Caltex prawns. And so it was a pleasant surprise when instead of the usual three minutes, it was at least 20 minutes before there was some shuffling of feet, then some whistling, and at last some rod dropping and rock throwing as boredom set in. But anyway, it wasn’t my fault. There was nothing biting. The rod fell over, on its own. The rock flew into the water on its own. The bucket of bait fell off the bank because one of the prawns or the squid must have still been alive. Nothing was happening.

Raffy wouldn’t talk to me. I wanted to go hooommme… I was booorrreedd…

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TULLY

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CAIRNS

BILLS MARINE 136-138 Lyons Street, Cairns, 4870 Phone: (07) 4051 6733 Fax: (07) 4031 3080 www.billsmarine.com.au

KARUMBA

JONES MARINE 30 Yappar Street Karumba, QLD, 4891 Phone: (07) 4745 9159 Fax: (07) 4745 9366 www.jonesmarine.com.au

Townsville angler Josh Myles with a painted crayfish from the Great Barrier Reef.

OCTOBER 2015

59

Reef will rampage with rising temperatures WHITSUNDAYS

Luke Griffiths

Spring is upon us and we have a spring in our step, because the weather has been kind and so have the fish. Spring is our prime time up here with the weather and fishing turning it on.

Some good numbers of billfish are about and should be on the increase this month. We have found them to be quite timid, and some

however taking the time to rig baits or learning to rig baits can be the difference between catching the fish or watching it disappear. Do yourself a favour and learn a few rigs!

Garfish are an excellent bait and when rigged properly, can trigger an aggressive bite. The most important thing with baits is that they look natural and swim naturally. Any imperfection in a bait can cause a fussy fish to turn their nose up. Swimming

Happy customers holding possibly the tastiest pairing of fish – coral trout and red emperor. extra effort has been required to set a hook.

Big balls of bait are one of the many giveaways for billfish with a few usually hanging around pushing the bait to the surface.

Trolled skirts are usually the technique adopted by most,

a gar rigged with mono is an effective bait and can be used trolling, or for a switchbait. Also, skip gar are very effective and account for a lot of hook-ups. Keep these in your arsenal and you should see a few fish to the boat.

SIZE MATTERS… MEASURE UP!

Getting the fish to the boat is the main thing and having a good teaser or teasers is essential. There are many different types and it’s very much a personal choice.

Either way, an appropriately chosen teaser can make the difference in hooking on to those elusive billfish.

As always, if you’re lucky enough to land one of these beauties, it is imperative that the fish is well looked after and released in good health.

We want these fish to be around to fight another day.

The reefs have been fishing really well and we have seen some great numbers of coral trout, red-throat emperor, green jobfish and spangled emperor most prevalent amongst the catches. Any of the reef edges hold these fish and working these areas can result in a good esky full of tasty reef fish.

Speaking of tasty reef fish, the red emperor have been on the chew of late and we have landed some cracking fish. Fishing the deep shoals and rubble wide of the reef should see you bagging a few. Remember, you will not always mark these fish on your sounder so keeping a sharp eye on the sounder and locating some nice rough rubble is important to being successful in catching a few. While fishing large flesh baits are the norm we have been

Steve with a solid red emperor, which fell to a saltwater fly. having some great success on large saltwater flies.

A lot of our big red fish have been falling to the flies, with the fish finding them irresistible. Rigging them straight onto a paternoster has been working well.

There is a large range of colours and configurations you can choose from, and they all work very well. If you haven’t given them a go, have a crack with the flies, they sure do make a difference.

We have had some good reports of fishing in the estuaries improving as

this weather heats up into spring. Solid barramundi, mangrove jack and grunter have been pulled from the local estuaries and should continue to improve over the next month.

Some good numbers of mud crabs are also being caught and should be more prevalent in the coming months as it heats up.

Be sure to check local regulations and remember to

only keep what you intend on eating. That way there will be plenty for everyone chasing a feed.

Enjoy the next month out on the water and if you see us around don’t be afraid to say g’day. Tight lines.

• If you’re interested in a game, sport or reef fishing charters around the Whitsundays, give Luke a call on 0429 724 822 or email info@ renegadecharters.com.au.

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Crack the creek for flatties AYR

Steve Farmer

The last month has been much the same as the previous with strong winds keeping blue water anglers off the water. One brief lull saw a few boats hit the water, but it seemed most skippers couldn’t be bothered dragging the ship out of the shed.

Those who did venture out though reported some reasonable catches. Red fish were scarce, but room in the esky was happily filled by some quality coral trout. Reef fishers who tried for Spaniards reported a few XOS size fish taken on the outer reefs, but on the shoals the smaller school fish weren’t there in their usual numbers. Maybe this heralds the end of the mackerel season – a lamentable declaration, as most anglers haven’t managed to fish anywhere near as often as they would have liked.

HAVE A CRACK IN THE CREEKS In the creeks, bream, flathead, and grunter are still making up the bulk of catches – however, mangrove jack are making a comeback as spring temperatures continue to climb steadily. Reports of

mangrove jack catches are emerging from most estuaries although sizes have been pretty average to date.

Unlike southern waters, where a large percentage of anglers specialise in lure fishing, bream are usually targeted with bait in North Queensland. I’ve only caught a handful of these feisty little fish on lures over the years, and all were by-catch when targeting other species such as mangrove jack.

A surprise capture a few weeks back reminded me that bream are a real option for lure tossers up here too. We were flicking small minnows for flathead when I took this little bloke from a shallow, sandy channel leading into a side creek. He turned on quite a scrap on the light spin outfit and was certainly good fun.

I suspect few northern anglers deliberately hunt bream with lures because they usually share their home snags with mangrove jacks. A hungry jack is more likely to hammer the lure before the bream can even think about scoffing it and you would have no chance of stopping the jack on light bream tackle.

OCTOBER OUTLOOK The weather should definitely be heating up and

along with it the mangrove jack and barramundi fishing.

Most Burdekin estuaries should be producing reliable catches of these species, but the best bet is to head for the creeks flowing into Bowling Green and Upstart Bays, or the Burdekin River itself. These should be the hotspots over the coming summer months.

Of course, the barramundi closed season begins at midday on November 1. Closed season will be for three months from that date and time and any barra accidentally caught must be released immediately and in good condition.

While barra might be out of bounds, another highly regarded species will be shouldering the barra aside to get to your baits and lures.

Golden snapper should be coming on the bite by October and reach their peak during the summer months.

Fingermark are similar to jacks in appearance and feeding patterns but are more likely to prefer a habitat of rock or mud ledges and deep holes with large, submerged snags rather than the scattered, bank-side structure and mangrove roots.

Live bait is usually the most reliable way to connect yourself to a barra, fingermark or a jack – just vary the size

to suit the target fish. For example small mullet or herring baits to about 10cm in length are best for mangrove jack but may produce only smaller barra. Larger mullet baits up to 20cm or more in length are best for larger barra.

The same theory applies to lure selection.

Live prawns will probably get you the most action in the mangroves, but may result in rat barra and by-catch such as bream and cod.

October should also produce good catches of quality grunter, especially (once again) from the channels in Upstart and Bowling Green bays. Best baits are many and varied and can include squid, greenback herring, slabbed mullet and small whole mullet. Small live baits can be excellent on big grunter. Whatever bait you choose ensure it is as fresh as possible.

Remember that the initial feel of a big grunter as it mouths the bait can be like the annoying nibbles of a small fish. Resist the urge to strike immediately and give the grunter a chance to pick up the bait and run before trying to set the hook.

One species you don’t hear much of in the Burdekin is black black jew. They are few

There are still good numbers of flathead in Burdekin estuaries. Aimee Farmer took this one at Phillips Camp recently. and far between and not many anglers target them. Around this time last year though, two mates landed a one of these elusive beauties on different outings. One measured 1.23m and weighed 19.7kg while the other went 1.44m and tipped the scales to 33kg.

Both fish were accidentally captured while the anglers were chasing fingermark. Bait in both cases was live greenback

herring. The fish came from shoals a few kilometres off the Burdekin coast.

Black black jew range from about Central Queensland, northwards around the tip and into the Gulf of Carpentaria waters. They grow to 150cm in length, although most captured specimens average 80cm. The minimum legal size is 75cm and there is a possession limit of two per angler.

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Red October spreads excitement TOWNSVILLE

Dave Hodge

Along with the water, the fishing has been heating up too! The offshore stuff has really kicked into gear now. The numbers of fish aren’t ground breaking, but everyone is apparently having a ball.

kind enough to allow some of the smaller boats in the fleet to compete. Both marlin and sails are being taken on a range of baits and lures, and it will be interesting to hear the final tally.

One thing is for sure, there will be plenty of snip offs because the Spanish mackerel have been thick in patches.

There have been several

and gar, are bringing many undone, and there have been some good sized fish mixed in with them.

The reefies are playing the game, and one of our Akwa Pro Tackle regulars was saying that he tried several different locations on the one trip, and bagged out on trout, large mouth, and similar. He also hit a patch of legal sized

Brightly coloured lures like the 120 Laser Pro are a good choice when the water is murky around the bigger tides.

Soft tipped rods are necessary to get the lighter lures up under the overhanging branches to where the reds hang out. You’ll often need every ounce of pressure, from 20lb braid, to drag them out though!

Townsville Game fishing Clubs annual Billfish Tournament is currently being held and the weather isn’t terrific but it has been for sale on

accounts of massive schools rising up under the boats out wider towards the marlin grounds and closer reefs.

Unweighted baits, like pillies

red emperor in 8m of water, and this is the second report of shallow reds in a couple of days, so don’t be surprised what turns up in the box.

Another out of the ordinary occurrence of late is the small jacks that are showing up on the outer reef in 18-20m of water. One customer was saying he pulled two 40cm jacks on a two hook rig 50 miles off Townsville, while another caught a 45cm model.

These are the smallest I’ve ever heard of and whether it has something to do with lack of rain over the last couple of years, or some other natural phenomenon I don’t know, but they are bailing from the rivers early for some reason.

Doggie mackerel are still about, but not in the numbers that they were last month. All the local haunts have been

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OCTOBER 2015

a bit unreliable, but there have been enough to keep the die-hards happy. Smoking fish is becoming extremely popular, and doggies are on the top of the list of species due to their oily flesh. Other fish that go well in the smoker are GT, goldens and queenies.

The rivers have been fishing quite well on most days when the tide hasn’t been roaring, but on the bigger tides, the flooded mangroves on the flats have been going well for Barra. I went for a flick the other day around a spot that normally produces quite well on the bigger tides, but only managed a few fruitless bites with only a couple of the smaller models hooking up. The bait was getting smashed around me by all sorts of things, and hundreds of metres away showering bait could be heard and seen.

It was absolutely spectacular, and there were barra, salmon, GT, sharks and god knows what else hitting bait hard, but it didn’t seem to help my efforts much. Dredging has been continuing in the harbour which has stirred the normally clear waters of the bay, and many of the lure fishing locations have been just too dirty to bother with, but bait has still been producing, and being as thick as it has lately, is very easy to gather.

The water has jumped up 9ºC on average, and this should fair well with the river fish and get the jacks and barra on the chew big time. The jacks in the river haven’t been plentiful, but have been fat and smashing lures hard. By the time the next report is due I would expect them to have really switched on, and I can’t wait!

We often have days just spent chasing the jacks and, even though the barra are a common by-catch species, it’s the jacks in the snags that get the heart pumping. The faithful Atomic Prong 4” model is still my pick for the jacks when they’re feeding up tight in the mangrove roots, and the weedless EWG 1/4oz jighead is just the right weight to get that all important flapping tail working on the drop, and reach the depths when flicked up into a drain and worked back along the deep edges.

It’s no secret that red fish such as jacks love red lures, and we have just got the new red crayfish coloured 52mm Scorpion in stock specifically for the jack fans. The same lure works a treat on the sooties up in the fresh, and JP have trouble resisting them as well. This newly introduced colour is sure to become a favourite for jack casters over the next few months, and is buoyant enough to allow anglers to upgrade trebles without sinking it when the need arises.

Tiny lures are often the key to bending a rod when the fish are playing hard to get. The addition of the Quick Coat Dye is also handy to add a little contrast to the tail on the drop.

Other requisite lures for jacks are the Tilsan Barra and the Tilsan Bass, and it’s anyone’s guess which will be the better on any given day, but is worth trying both to form a pattern. Strong actions at slow speeds is the key, and slow float rates also helps entice them out from under their lairs and branches.

Flatties, whiting and bream are still showing for the guys putting in the effort to get good baits. Fresh pumped yabbies are a great bait for these three bread and butter species. Some of the flatties

have been over the 70cm mark, so just keep in mind that these bigger breeding females must be released unharmed.

If you want to keep up with the weekly fishing reports I do a report every Thursday for those wanting the latest updates, and you can find it by looking for Akwa Marine Boating Fishing Yachting. If you have any questions about the local area or need any advice on where and what is biting drop in and have a look or leave a question and I’ll get back to you s soon as I can.

Top: Jacks have been in big numbers. Bottom: Jacks are hitting hard and are fighting fit. Tight casts and brightly coloured lures are the go when the waters are a bit murky. This jack ate a 4” Atomic Prong in the radioactive rooster colour.

Another dry year, but don’t expect dry fishing LUCINDA

Jeff Wilton jeffwilton83@hotmail.com

I apologise for missing last month, but it seemed the world threw everything it had at me and finding a spare few hours to type just didn’t happen. But let’s get down to business and see what fishing options should be on fire during October in Lucinda.

The first thing I must point out is it’s already warming up and winter is all but forgotten. We have also had a very dry year and the odds are its looking like another non-existent wet season. But anything is possible here in the tropics, so let’s wait and see what Mother Nature throws at us. What I can say for sure is that there will be fish to catch and it’s just a matter of getting out there and having ago.

HINCHINBROOK CHANNEL This time of year is always an exciting time to be heading up the channel as everything is possible. Fish that have been quieter through the cooler months are now waking up and getting active as the water starts to warm.

This is great news for fishos chasing barra and jacks as these fish have been slow for the last few months.

Also, the seasonal run of grunter (javelin fish) should have started and they will be hungry and putting smiles on anglers’ faces as they fight very well and taste even better.

For those wanting to get a few barra into the boat and most probably into the esky, I would recommend live baiting for better results. Unless you’re confident with using lures and plastics, live baiting should give you a good shot of hooking up to better numbers.

My favourite barra live baiting locations all have the same things in common. Shallower

Barra are back with a ‘boof’.

areas, around 2-5m and they’re at mouths of smallish creeks or large gutters with baitfish (especially mullet) in proximity.

I like to spend the last few hours of the outgoing tide collecting good quality baits, most live fish or prawns will do but mullet and gar are favourites. Getting yourself a good supply is very important as you will be amazed at how quickly you can go through baits if picker fish are about.

Spending a few dollars and getting a good quality aerator will make sure your hard earned baits stay alive. But simply putting several holes in a bucket and hanging it over the side of the boat will also work well.

Put the majority of your baits in this bucket and leave a few in the boat for first use. Rigs for live-baiting are simple and using a sinker running straight to the hook or a trace rig is the best by far. Make sure you use good quality leader, and no lighter than 50lb as barra have very rough mouths and extremely sharp gill plates that will part finer leader like cotton.

There is also a lot to be said about leaving rigged rods in the rod holder and letting the fish hook itself. I always make sure there is a little slack line so the fish doesn’t feel any resistance when checking out your bait.

Fishing these locations will also put you in with a great chance of the odd mangrove jack and if you also throw out a fresh cut bait (prawn, herring or squid) then the grunter should play the game between the livies going off.

JETTY, ISLANDS AND REEF It’s a great time to be heading out into the blue water with the fishing action normally red hot. The reef

where they are holding.

Another tip to improve results is to move spots after pulling a few fish. Some locations may have loads of trout holding there but in most

wog heads is the gun way to consistently catch mackerel and this is what the pro boats do. But normally it’s as easy as setting a floating pilchard on a set of gangs out the back

Grunter should be schooled up. Find them, and you will eat well. fish are normally biting their heads off with catches of coral trout normally making up the majority when you’re cleaning fish that evening. Trout should be hanging around in the 20-30m mark and a dead give-away is the front of large bommies with fusilier hanging off it and good current. You want to position the boat so you are fishing baits down into the front of the reef area that the current is hitting, as trout will be sitting there waiting for the bait to get pushed into them. They normally don’t go too far from home to feed so you need to get baits close to

situations a spot will go quite after putting a couple in the boat. I like to find a good area with plenty of fishable locations, drop anchor, fish the first spot then let out enough rope to fish a new area – which may only be 10m away.

Mackerel will still be in good numbers and the reef edges and points that offer stronger currents are the first location you should look at.

Setting up a good spread of lures (or gar) and trolling while keeping your eyes on the sounder is the best method to find where fish are holding. Gar trolled on

of the boat while targeting trout or reds.

You also never know what you will hook as there have been plenty of rare captures on a floating pilchard over the years. I’ve heard of plenty of marlin, big tuna, mahimahi and monster barracuda all coming boat side.

The red fishing is also at its best this time of year. Big emperor and nannygai will be schooled up in the deeper areas and if you are lucky enough to know the spots or stumble over a good area you should fill the esky with delicious red fish.

OCTOBER 2015

63

Hot weather, fishing to match CAIRNS

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Garry Smith garrysmith@fishingmonthly.com.au

October, in the Cairns area, is typified by hot weather and fishing to match. The first of the seriously warm weather usually descends upon us this month, in what is locally called the mango season. The arrival of the heat tends to send the community a little loopy, as it adjusts to the increase in temperature and humidity.

Thankfully, the upside is the fishing responds in a positive manner, with October a great month for all things piscatorial.

The fishing, especially at the reef, has been awesome for many, with good catches of mackerel, coral trout, largemouth nannygai and red emperor, along with a good sprinkling of most other reef species, including reef red bream.

The reef fishing should continue to be hot this month, with hopefully a continuation of the extended periods of calm weather that appeared in early September. Don’t forget to work your reef trips around the first of two Coral Reef Fin Fish Closures, from 10-14 October. Unfortunately this period extends over an entire weekend but either side of the closure the coral trout should be on the chew.

Most of the trout action this month will be up shallow, as the fish will have moved up onto their spawning bommies.

This has two effects; it concentrates fish on certain bommies that makes them hard to find in other areas.

This will make it necessary to move around until you locate bommies holding fish. Don’t spend more than 30 minutes on a bommie without a trout bite. It is not uncommon for the trout to be a little quiet either side of spawning but once they start feeding again, they can be ravenous.

Quality largemouth nannygai and red emperor will be biting in the 40m+ water, with bag limit catches quite common this month.

Largemouth in the 6-8kg range will be coming onboard, along with trophy red emperor

in the 8kg+ range. Reef reds (mangrove jack) will also be appearing in some eskies and are quite readily distinguishable on a sounder.

They often appear as bright blue dots in mid-water, and over good bommies in deep water. They will follow baits to the bottom and are often caught after being sighted on the sounder. On a recent reef trip, we spotted two reef reds at one stop and caught both, then a single bright blue mark at the next drop and landed another reef red.

Gold spot and golden trevally will be the pick of the trevally family available this month but there will be trevallies of all shapes and sizes muscling in on your reef baits, so be ready for a few hard fought battles.

Another slogger, in the form of cobia, will nail your reef rig from time to time. All up you can expect a good work out reef fishing during October.

Spanish mackerel have continued to be plentiful at the reef, with many taken using a floater out the back while bottom bashing. The good old drifting pilchard, on ganged hooks, with no wire trace, has accounted for plenty of fish, while live baits of fusilier and hussar have been heavily targeted.

For the more sports minded, there will be plenty of light tackle action from the inner reefs, to the Continental Shelf, with pelagics going into overdrive this month. Spanish mackerel will have plenty of competition from trevally of all types, cobia, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, bonito, wahoo and small billfish.

There have been quite a few reports of mackerel anglers hooking onto sailfish and small blacks over the past month. Most encounters have ended in disappointment but a few anglers have managed to get a photo of a once-in-alifetime capture.

The heavy tackle season will be in full swing, with the well healed getting amongst some seriously big black marlin, out wide. All anglers will have their eye on the prize of a grander (over 1000lb) marlin, of which there were plenty caught last season.

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Phone: 0410 173 060 basscataustralia@gmail.com

After a four year absence, Fishtalk returned to ABC Far North Queensland radio on 11 September.

The very popular fishing show has the old correspondents from across Far North Queensland, along with a couple of new additions. Fishtalk is co-hosted by ABC Far North Queensland Drive presenter, Adam Steven and QFM correspondent Garry Smith. It will air from 5.35pm to 6.00pm every Friday.

Listeners from outside the broadcast area can catch the show through live streaming by going to the ABC Far North website http://www.abc.net. au/farnorth/ and clicking on the Listen live button or download the ABC Radio app on their mobile.

– Garry Smith

Estuary and inshore fishing will also be lighting up this month with barra, mangrove jack, golden snapper and grunter the most popular targets. Barra catches will improve with the warming water and they will be on the bite from the freshwater reaches, to the coastal headlands. Luring will take precedence over live baiting, as conditions warm and the fish become more active. The turn of the tide and

near them, in fighting power, is the mangrove jack, with the difference being golden snapper grow to 1m and 10kg.

The esplanade flats and the flats around the creek and river mouths will be the places to focus your efforts for grunter, especially on the big new and full moon tides.

The last half of the rising tide tends to be the best time to chase grunter. Once again, fresh baits are best, with a well presented flesh bait of mullet,

The good old drifting pilchard, on ganged hooks, with no wire trace, has accounted for plenty of Spaniards, like this one caught by Keith Werder on a visit from Brisbane. dawn and dusk are peak times to tangle with a barra. The few days just after the new and full moons are favourite times to focus on barra fishing.

Mangrove jack will be responding to small lures and live baits, along with wellpresented, fresh, dead baits.

Fresh bait is crucial for jacks and if you use the approach of, ‘it’s fresh enough to eat’, then you can’t go wrong.

Golden snapper have been around in good numbers and size throughout winter and early spring, and should continue to be plentiful this month. These hard to catch fish are another level of challenge to mangrove jack and even barra. In this area, they can only be caught on live bait or lures and in my book are the pinnacle sportfish of inshore and estuary anglers. Pound for pound the only fish that comes

gar, mud herring or sardine, on a 2/0 long shank hook, a good starting point. Squid and prawns are other great baits for grunter, while the bigger fish are partial to a small live baits like sardine, mud herring, mullet and prawn.

The northeasterlies, which have arrived early this year, will bring the salmon in along the beaches, although usually not in great numbers, as they have been decimated by gill netting over the last few decades. The removal of gill nets in a line from False Cape to Taylors Point, on 1 November, will have a positive impact on salmon numbers, along with barra and many other estuary species, starting this summer. This move will have a significant impact on fishing tourism in Cairns, as well as making it a lot easier for locals to catch a feed.

Barra back in business HINCHINBROOK

Ryan Moody info@ryanmoodyfishing.com

With the waters warming up we should be experiencing some red-hot action on the barra and also start to see some threadfin move back in for their spawning period.

The past month has seen golden grunter showing up a little earlier and many of these are the bigger models we catch around the outer islands during the winter months.

Soft plastics and small vibes plus the good old live herring have been effective for this species. Most rubble patches and sand pinnacle areas in

4-6m seem to be holding good fish. I have also had some rumours of really large grunter coming from waters between the family group of islands to our north.

Golden snapper have also been firing with some great captures from the deeper waters and they will become even better in the next month or two as many larger fish wander in off the headlands.

Warmer waters will mean there should be some good squid showing up for those who like to fish the evening.

Neap tides around the southern channel headlands at night should be good to catch live squid for golden snapper and the odd black jew.

Golden snapper will be very active throughout North Queensland in the coming months.

The small black marlin have been a little slower this year but sailfish have made up for it with a better than average appearance. Anglers using drifted pillies for Spaniards out near Otter Reef have spoken of encounters with sails. It’s certainly good to see their numbers healthy. They are one of my favourite species and its hard-pressed to find a more stunning looking fish.

October is the month when most Spanish mackerel head offshore away from the inner islands. They will start their spawning aggregations around the reefs off the Palm Islands.

They can also start a spawn on just about any reef in the region. It is very impressive when they start a continuous shower out of the water as part of their spawning rituals. They are easily caught this time of year and trolled gar is one of the most common methods. I also like to use metal slices as this can quite often instigate a bite from them when the current dies and traditional trolling methods slow down.

Also, remember that they have a bag limit of 3 per angler and steer clear of the real big specimens as some can be riddled with ciguatera and that is one thing I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.

Big barra should be getting aggressive during October.

October is without a doubt the most popular month for barra as they come out of their winter slumber and get active moving among the mangrove systems once again. The barra will be ducking for cover as anglers come out of the woodwork to target this great Aussie icon.

The gutters and drains are sure to get a good work over with lures and plastics during the run-out tides. Try using shallow minnows and soft plastics around dirty water lines too, as that can be rather rewarding as sometimes it is possible to sight-cast larger

specimens in these areas.

Most barra fishing is done in shallow water when the waters are warm. The same applies to most of North Queensland’s estuaries.

Deep water jigging is more of a wintertime practice, as is deep trolling. You can still troll this time of year but look to get your lures a lot higher in the water column as that is where the fish are. If you concentrate on what your sounder is telling you and you adjust your angling habits to suit, then you might become a much better barra fisher.

Alternatively, you can sign

up for our online masterclass ‘Barra Basics’ and get 30 years of my trade secrets to boost your barra fishing skills beyond belief.

I hope you all have a great end to the barra season and if you would like to join next February’s intake, go to www. barrabasics.com and get all the info there.

• 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.

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65

All round action in the tropics PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton Heffer

October is arguably the best fishing month all round in the tropics. It is a crossover period where all manner of species are on the move, whether it be inshore or offshore.

A lot of focus is centred on the game fishing scene with the arrival of the big black marlin on the continental shelf to breed with the smaller blacks over a two-month period. As in the past the best action will occur up on the Ribbon Reefs for the first stage and this will filter further to the more southern reefs off Port Douglas and Cairns as we get closer to November.

Some of the bites up at the Ribbon Reefs in recent years have been simply incredible with double figures being reached in a single daily session.

The small black marlin season finished off in brilliant fashion with a lot of fish being registered in the Cairns Bluewater Billfish Tournament. The hotspot was Oyster Reef on the edge of the shelf and this may see higher numbers of smaller blacks being racked up this year in the quest for the bigger models.

Also during September there were billfish registered up to 450lb on local grounds on the shelf, which is often the case with early arrivals looking for some pre-party action.

Game vessels arrive from all over the country for this annual quest and it certainly brings a lot of interest to the local fishing scene. Up and coming tournaments such as the Lizard Island Port Douglas Marlin Challenge will be closely monitored as to how the marlin season is tracking.

There’s also some brilliant light tackle game fishing to be enjoyed in the coming months on the same grounds. Yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahimahi, sailfish and Spanish mackerel will be around in solid numbers and a combination of light tackle in the morning then heavy tackle fishing in the afternoon can result in a day you’ll never forget.

On the reef the fishing has been plodding along quite nicely. A lot of the reef species are now full of roe and will likely spawn during the first reef closure in the second week of October around the new moon. The fish may go into lockjaw mode leading into this period but will return to a super aggressive

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• Bar • Restaurant • Off-street parking • Plenty of room for boats and trailers

• Fisherman friendly • Freezing facilities

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OCTOBER 2015

manner once the breeding process has passed.

Fish such as coral tout and to a degree nannygai will have a tendency to slow down before exploding back into action.

However, so far it has been a real mixed bag of fish coming back to the docks with an even spread of different species being represented.

Naturally coral trout and nannygai have featured but there’s been good numbers of red emperor, Spanish mackerel, cobia, reef mangrove jack, goldspot trevally, sweetlip and Moses perch amongst the daily hauls. Weather conditions have been mostly kind of late and it has been a delight to be fishing on the Great Barrier Reef in beautiful surrounds nailing some quality reef fish to take home.

With water temperatures on the rise our rivers and creeks have been gaining momentum with the prized barramundi turning up with more regularity. The mangrove jacks have been really aggressive and the highly sought-after golden snapper are definitely up and about.

Trevally and queenfish have been moving in and out with the tides and there’s been a good supply of tarpon holding office on the deeper holes.

As the days get warmer low light periods and even after dark fishing sessions will be prime time for your barra, jacks and golden snapper.

Also, close to home our inshore reefs, wrecks and isolated patches are holding several mackerel species along with a good chance of trevally, which is good news for the small boat brigade

From Spanish mackerel to marlin, so much will be on offer in the coming months in the tropics. looking for a bit of blue water action.

With so much on offer at this time of year there’s no better place to target such a range of fish

including all your potential bucket list species, whether it be in the river, out on the reef or ploughing the game fishing grounds on the outer edge of the shelf.

Spearo lessons from the blue CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly wildrivercompany@gmail.com

Now is a great time of year to be on the water – and in the water! This month we’ll take a look at some of the fantastic places in the far north to snorkel, free-dive, and spearfish. The simply enjoyment gained from the physicality of spearfishing is not the primary goal, it is about the lessons we fishers can gain from a fin underneath.

REEF MAGIC Every species of fish gathers around its familial species at some point. These congregations fluctuate according to tide, time of day or night, temperature, barometric pressure, and any number of other different reasons. Nothing brings this into reality more than peering down a coral reef face with current pushing against it.

Watching as multitudes of different fish transition over the shallow reef flats into deeper water on a receding tide is truly a sight to behold.

Cape York Peninsula’s eastern coastline is punctuated by coral reef along its length, forming the greatest colony of organisms on Earth. The far northern section is often referred to as the most pristine.

The mind blowing thing about Cape York is the sheer diversity of life. A day out on the water might include dolphins, whales, sea snakes, sharks, manta rays, turtles – and that’s before you hop in the water. Almost every piece of structure in the far north is covered in life. Coral reefs combine almost every element of structure and contain some

of the richest biodiversity on the planet.

FREE-DIVING TIPS Free-diving takes a little practice and is a steep learning curve. Being competent underwater has great advantages when getting to know reef country. You get a feel for where fish hang along reef edges, for what might be desolate and what might be productive.

Learning how to breath hold, how to equalise properly and remain reasonably calm underwater are all crucial elements that affect enjoyment of this activity. Spearfishing can be a great way to secure a targeted feed of fresh seafood.

Proficient free-divers can have all manner of species on their radar. They will find multitudes of fish - from inshore species, to some of the larger mackerel, jobfish, trevally and dogtooth tuna out wide.

However, even the occasional spearo can be looking at fingermark, jacks, barramundi, sweetlip, stripies, Maori sea perch and a host of other species in the shallow

reef country of Cape York.

Coral trout, tuskfish and crayfish are three examples of delicious tucker that are

food webs that materialise before our eyes. It helps to differentiate from seeing the marine world as a resource

Getting ready for a day of spearing on the shallow reefs of Cape York. readily hunted in 3-4m of water. Cape York has some of the most extensive shallow reef country found anywhere.

Being observant sometimes requires us to put down the fishing rod or leave behind the spear gun and learn from the intricate

and seeing the wondrous creatures underneath and how they interact.

• For information on remote charter operations for tailored fishing adventures, please email Tim on wildrivercompany @gmail.com

Dove Islet - one of many isolated coral reef enclosed islands.

Come on down to Cooktown!

COOKTOWN

Ben Stack

At this time of the year, the annual ‘Cooktown Breeze’ is beginning to back off. More opportunities will arise each week to sneak out to the reefs in small boats.

Blackbird Patches, Dawson and Cowlishaw reefs are only a few kilometre’s from the Endeavour River boat ramp and if the winds spring up, it’s only a short trip home. Always check the

to the current reef and fish management strategies put in place by the Great Barrier Reef Management Park Area (GBRMPA). Zoning map 4 is Cooktown’s region. Coral reef fin closures also apply October 10-14 and again in November 9-13.

My current plan of attack is trolling a couple of hardbody lures around the reef fringes for pelagics while reading the sounder for structure on the bottom that could hold fish. Qantas and blue pilchard colours are my first choice for trolling.

Ben Stack caught and released this healthy little barra next to the boat ramp at Endeavour River. latest weather reports before your departure and someone know where you are going.

Also make sure you adhere

Once I have a couple of mackerel, I go back over the spots I had previously plotted and bottomfish.

Using a paternoster rig or running sinker straight to the hook is best while bottom fishing. Squid and pilchards are the favourite choice among fishos but you may want to change this up with some fresh flesh bait too. I also have success using big soft plastics coated in a scent while fishing the bottom.

The water is currently crystal clear around the river headlands and in the estuaries. Queenfish have been chasing the bait right up into the estuaries and 1m specimens are being caught.

Trevally can be caught in prolific numbers using the same method as chasing queenies. Down towards the mouth of the Annan River is a well-known spot to find these sporty crusaders.

Another good spot to fish for queenies and mackerel is at Cooktown’s wharf. Using metallic coloured poppers is one of my favourite methods and really gets the adrenalin pumping when you see them smashing them behind the boat. Metal slugs with a high speed retrieve is also effective.

The water has warmed up for the barramundi and mangrove jack too. Some quality catches have been from the wharf in Cooktown

recently. Simply send down a live bait around the pylons and wait. Landing them can be an issue because there are many obstacles. If you have a boat, then head up the Endeavour River and work the snags with either lures, soft plastics or live baits. We are now in our last month of catching barramundi before the season closes at midday on the 1st of November, so get amongst it while you can. If your run is a bit late, you can continue to chase some mangrove jack, mudcrabs and other estuary species up both the Annan and Endeavour rivers or around the wharf.

If you’re visiting Cooktown in October, you might like to try your luck by entering the Sovereign Hotel Barramundi Fishing Competition. The comp is

Mitchell Johnson (7yo) got his arms stretched on several queenies like this while fishing in the Annan River. on from the 30-31 October with $3,500 worth of prizes on offer. Check out their website for further details.

Lizard Island is back up and running after copping a couple of years of cyclones and is holding its

ABOUT THE AUTHOR As my first article in QFM, a quick introduction is in order. Like most people who read this magazine, I simply love to explore and fish. Sportfishing is my favourite style of fishing, however I am adaptable under the circumstances of the given day. Currently,

I reside in Cooktown which is the envy of many keen anglers – and for good reason. People plan for years to visit this part of our beautiful country.

So my goal is to ensure you find fish and enjoy your experiences while you’re up here!

29th Black Marlin Classic from the 17-24 October.

The anchorage inside the Endeavour River fills with beautiful big game boats that come into resupply before heading up to Lizard Island.

Catching big marlin is a dream for some anglers and can easily happen from a small boat too, right here off Cooktown.

• If you would like current information while you’re visiting the Cooktown region or more information about a particular place in the neighbourhood then go over to my FaceBook page titled “Stacky’s Fishing Adventures” and send me a message.

Dry days don’t rule out great northern fishing KARUMBA

Alan Gurney awes0me@bigpond.net.au

September has seen the barramundi turn up and the blue salmon continue to tempt everyone out the front. While we have not had a good year for barramundi so far in the Gulf due to hardly any rain, it was a welcome feeling to be able to target and catch them without too much effort.

They will be around in

period up until 1 February at midday.

I was using lures and targeting drains on the run-out tide and the new Prawn Star was working well. A good sounder will help you find which drains hold fish without trying them all to find the fish.

The blue salmon and occasional king salmon have been out the front along the mangroves going north and the place to look will be the colour change. Just place a bait in the dirty water side for the best result. Most

around but not in good numbers yet, but we are hoping this changes with the warmer weather. Due to them not being plentiful, I would suggest that you spread your pots out, just remember where you place them as they can trap and kill crabs if left for some time without being checked.

Our Carpentaria Shire Council has now provided a swimming pool and Water Park at both Normanton and Karumba for the public and the response from both tourists and locals has been awesome. These facilities allow you to go out fishing then come back for a swim to cool off while your kids

can be entertained by the water park.

Sweers Island has been awesome this year with most people not believing the amount and quality of fish they catch while there.

There is always a supply of sweetlip to be rounded up and the trout and nannygai have been biting in good

numbers. Tex Battle owns Sweers Island Resort, and is also known as the Internet guru so you can ask him anything if you get out there. They supply everything you need to catch and fillet your fish on the Island so give them a ring on (07) 4748 5544 to set up your trip.

Mangrove jack are a species that are coming on with the warming weather.

October but remember you can only catch them up until midday on 7 October.

There is a non-catch

baits will work but a livey is the answer if you want to catch a king salmon.

Mud crabs have been OCTOBER 2015

67

Barra take over the tropics FRESHWATER

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Angus James

Spring is well and truly here and so is barra fever! Far North Queensland has some of the best impoundment barramundi fishing on the planet! Now is a great time to plan that trip so you can get stuck into a few of these truly iconic Australian fish.

BARRA TIME The best advice to get hooked onto a big impoundment barra is to keep that lure in the water.

There is a a small window of opportunity with barra, and when they turn on it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. I went down for a day trip to Peter Faust Dam last week and managed to boat two good fish. The key to finding these fish is to use the sounder – find warmer water temperatures, locate bait, and find channels and deeper water. The biggest fish for the day went 91cm. To catch a cracker like this I used my favourite presentation in the dams –the Z-Man SwimmerZ. These have a nice big paddle-tail action so a simple slow roll is the perfect way to get the attention of that trophy fish. The Z-Mans float so attaching the right weight TT jighead will allow you to fish over weedy bottoms without getting vegetation on your presentation.

JACKS ARE BACK The mangrove jack in the sweet water will be ready to smash everything that lands in their domain!

They are such an aggressive species and will pull every trick out of the bag to get you trapped in the snags.

Rigging your presentation weedless certainly gets the results but it’s all about getting the lure as close to them as you possibly can.

The reaction bite is the one you want. Don’t let them think about if they want it,

put it in their face and they will have no choice. The best thing about catching jacks in the clear fresh is getting to see it all happen.

Using ultra light gear is such a fun way to tangle with these smaller models.

I use a 5’6 Millerods Jungle Freak with a 1000 Stradic Ci4, for me this is perfect for flicking tiny presentations tight into the honey holes.

The jungle has lots to offer – not only in beauty but also for the jungle perch and sooty grunter fishing which can be amazing! So for the next windy day when it’s too rough to take the boat out, grab the light gear, follow a crystal clear stream and enjoy some of the most enjoyable land based fishing this country has to offer. Take a small selection

The author with a beautiful jungle perch.

A juvenile mangrove jack, just waiting to fatten up and get fighting! of surface lures and grub tail plastics for a day filled with hard-hitting sooties and JPs. Remember to use your hunting skills when targeting these species.

They are highly aware of what’s happening outside the water in their habitat so anything that doesn’t seem right can shut them down.

Try to keep your clothing

as natural as possible and make sure you walk upstream so you can use the natural flow of the water to bring your presentation in front of the likely looking fish holding areas.

For me, the most exciting part about fishing is exploring new country – catching fish is just a bonus. Have fun out there everyone and stay safe.

Fish on!

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OCTOBER 2015

A dream catch – the iconic barramundi in all its glory!

Released to fight another day.

Fishing Fill-its

Abu Garcia Revo MGX I’m the first to admit that we can be a little spoiled here at Fishing Monthly,

and the best example of this is our yearly pilgrimage to the AFTA

Trade Show. Even though we work hard over the three days of the show, the bonus is that we get to see and feel first hand the new products about to enter the market. And this year one of the new products I took a strong liking to was the new Abu Garcia Revo MGX. Abu Garcia have always produced some great reels, and this year they released a new range in the Revo series, and the benchmark reel in the series – the Revo MGX – certainly stood out as a reel I would love to get my hands on. Some cutting-edge engineering QR CODES

ABT Hawkesbury winner Ross Canizzaro

ABT BREAM Pro Ross Cannizzaro shows off his new Revo MGX.

Abu Revo AFTA launch

and great design features stood out, and you can feel it straight away with the first turn of the handle.

Incorporated into the new Revo range are some advancements such as the new Rocket Line Management System and the AMGearing System, which makes these reels very smooth, lightweight and functional.

These reels are due to be in tackle stores from 1 November. Some anglers are luckier then others though with some Abu Garcia Pro Staff getting their hands on these reels early for testing.

Ross Cannizzaro only recently won the ABT Hawkesbury River Bream Qualifier using this exact reel. Scan the QR codes

accompanying this write-up to check out videos of the MGX launch plus a recent interview with Ross Canizzaro. Alternatively, you can check out these same videos by visiting w w w. t a c k l e j u n k i e . f i s h / abu-revo-mgx-spin or hop on YouTube and search for ‘Hawkesbury Winner Interview 2015’.

– Ryan Limpus

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69

Spinnerbaits

An in-depth look at spinnerbait specifics FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

Around fifteen years ago, spinnerbaits weren’t very popular at all. Of course, there were a few clued-up

anglers throwing lures that looked like minicoat hangers around – and catching great fish on them – but it wasn’t until the inception of the cast-and-retrieve bass fishing tournaments that spinnerbait use became more mainstream.

And although Australian bass were the focus of these initial journeys into spinnerbaitland, it so happens that most Australian native species – from sooty grunter and saratoga in the north through to Murray cod and yellowbelly in the south – love a spinnerbait.

In the subsequent 15 years, spinnerbaits have become commonplace on the walls of tackle stores and a burgeoning cottage industry has developed to supply this local market.

But if you’re not into the spinnerbait thing, what are they and what are you missing out on?

WHAT IS A SPINNERBAIT You can see on the enormous spinnerbait anatomy pic here that there’s a few parts to a spinnerbait, but the end result is a lure that creates a lot of flash and vibration, rides hook-up, is easy to cast and catches fish on a straight retrieve. You don’t need to add any extra action for these lures for them to be effective and you can fish them on wither braided or monofilament line.

Frequent spinnerbait users will most likely tell you that braided line will give you more feel. You can usually feel the blades of a spinnerbait vibrating

through braided line and a mono leader and if it gets fouled with weed, you know to rip the bait to get the lure free of the gunk and spinning freely again.

Wind a spinnerbait fast as soon as it lands and it’ll work right under the surface. “Buzzing” a spinnerbait like this lets you cover water fast when the fish are up and feeding.

Alternatively, let the spinnerbait to the bottom and wind it ‘low and slow’ to tempt fish that are near the bottom.

All in all, the spinnerbait is a great all round bait that have now caught countless people bass, yellowbelly, cod, saratoga and sooties.

ANATOMY OF A SPINNERBAIT Although there can be some wild and wacky variations on the theme, the spinnerbait consists of a basic collection of parts, and the parts control its action, appearance, running depth and overall

fishability. Let’s look at them one by one.

Wire The wire is the backbone of the bait, but it controls a lot about how the spinnerbait swims. Fine wired spinnerbaits have less resistance in the water and tend to swim deeper.

This can be an advantage when fish are holding deep

on a lake but you want to run a spinnerbait past them in 20 feet. Fine wired spinnerbaits with a heavy head an low resistence blades are good for this.

Head The spinnerbait head holds most of the weight of the spinnerbait. It’s usually molded from lead and painted with a set of eyes. It

Swivel

Blade

Tow point

Head

Top: Yellowbelly love a spinnerbait slow-rolled past their nose. Above: The ability to fish your spinnerbait through the nastiest of structures makes them a primary tool for many cod anglers.

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OCTOBER 2015

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Spinnerbaits holds the hook securely to the wire and also provides a place for the skirt to mount.

Nearly all spinnerbaits have a head that allows them to brush across snags and obstacles without hanging up.

Obviously, heavier heads run deeper and cast further and lighter heads will run shallower.

Hook Spinnerbait hooks are usually rounded and wide gaped. Since they are

can gain against one hook, so it’s rare for a well hooked fish to fall off mid-fight.

Some anglers counter shortstriking fish by adding a ‘trailer’ or ‘stinger’ hook ganged to the main hook.

There are special, wideeyed hooks available for this and they can be kept in place by a lumo bead or something as simple as a tab of milk-bottle plastic threaded onto the main hook after the stinger has been added.

of strands included can increase or reduce the bait profile in the water.

Personally, I think that a sparse skirt looks more realistic, but there are situations in dirtier water where the bulk can be advantageous.

In lieu of a skirt, you can mount a paddle tailed soft plastic or even tie some bucktail on the head to create the baitfish profile.

The world is your oyster in this regard.

A ‘tandem’configuration of blades with a small Colorado and a larger willow blade is the most popular on the tackle store walls, however it may not be the best suited for the area you’re fishing.

Blade

Anatomy of a spinnerbait

Stopper Aussie bass were the catalyst for early spinnerbait uptake in Australia.

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Trailer hook

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supplied with only one, it needs to be a gauge strong enough to handle the fish you’re likely to encounter.

On the other side of the equation, though, there’s not much leverage a fish

Skirt This is one of the two areas where spinnerbaits can differ a lot. Traditionally, spinnerbait skirts are made from a bunch of silicon strands, and the number

Trailer If you hear people talking about a ‘trailer’ for the spinnerbait, it’s when they add a soft plastic in addition to the skirt. This creates a bigger target for

the fish and also makes the spinnerbait run a little shallower, due to the greater resistence.

Single-tailed, paddletailed and shad-style plastics are all popular

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71

Spinnerbaits to use as trailers and yellowbelly and cod anglers are more prone to using them.

BLADES Blades really define the action of the spinnerbait and the number and type of blades give the bait its own, unique action.

There are two, basic types of blades, a rounded “Colorado” blade and an elongated “willow” blade.

And the most popular spinnerbait configuration is a “Tandem”, which consists of a small Colorado blade up front and a bigger willow blade at the end of the wire.

Colorado blades offer more vibration and more resistance while the longer willow blades feature less resistence and more flash.

With this in mind, you can then construct (or choose) a spinnerbait configuratiuon that suits your style of fishing.

Bass in manmade environments love a spinnerbait as much as those in a natural river system.

Surprisingly, saratoga are suckers for spinnerbaits fished around the wooded margins of toga waters.

Some local manufacturers boast blades on multiple arms - mimicking a tightly packed pod of baitfish.

There are endless configurations of spinnerbait heads, skirts and blades available.

Make sure you use the one that suits your situation and species the best.

Golden perch take on vivid colouration in clear water. Spinnerbaits can elicit a strike in all water conditions - from clear to turbid.

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OCTOBER 2015

If you’re fishing a shallow, snaggy, dirty river for Murray cod, you may choose a ‘double Colorado’ configuration spinnerbait with a bulky skirt and a fat trailer plastic.

Likewise, if you’re trying to fish a spinnerbait down deep for an impoundment bass on light line, you might opt for a heavy head, sparse skirt and a single willow blade.

DO-IT-YOURSELF Making your own spinnerbaits is quite a popular pastime for anglers who like catching fish on lures they’ve made themselves. It’s not as hard as you’d think – although it is more complicated than molding your own soft plastic lure.

Kits and molds are available in Australia and the process involves casting the head around the hook and wire, painting the head, adding the skirt and finally adding the right combination of blades.

So if you’ve never tried them, you should add some spinnerbaits to your freshwater kit.

When that first, crunching strike comes, you’ll be glad you did!

Sooty grunter are famous for being not fussy when it comes to lures that grab their attention. I once said they’d eat a shoe if you threw it in the water.

Spinnerbaits are a great substitute for shoes if you need them to walk out of your sooty local.

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The Bassman Shorty is built using a super strong but lighter camo wire unique to Bassman, making this a tough little spinnerbait ready for use straight out of the packet.

Coupled with the light wire is the smaller blades, ensuring that this finesse spinnerbait delivers all new acoustics and extra vibration. This is great for those hard pressured areas and super clear water, tempting bites from timid fish.

This new addition to the Bassman range will be great for all Australian Natives, including bass, Murray cod, Golden perch, sooty grunter, barramundi, saratoga and more.

The Bassman Shorty is available in 12 fantastic colour combinations to cover a range of angling situations.

Price: RRP $14.95 www.bassman.com.au

Small Fry Spinnerbait

Spinnerbait Starter Kits 4

U-Make-Em Softplastics has been around for a few years now and their range of luremaking products continues to grow.

On top of their soft plastic making parts, they also have a huge range of all the spinnerbait components and tools you need to make your own spinnerbaits without complication.

Included in their range they have put together some Start Up Kits for those who want to have a taste of putting together their own spinnerbaits from scratch.

There are two options to chose from: The standard Start Up kit for beginners and the Deluxe Start Up Kit for those wanting to develop their spinnerbait making skills.

These kits include everything you need to get started and put some lures together. There is plenty of satisfaction in catching some fish on a lure you have made yourself and this is the best way to get started.

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Kingston Lures is a family run business based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Their brand Lurestrike encompasses quality spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and Rumblers (chatterbaits).

Operating for over 10 years, Kingston have grown to be one of the largest spinnerbait manufacturers and suppliers of components in Australia.

The Lurestrike Small Fry spinnerbait is a tournament quality spinnerbait manufactured using global brands such as Sampo and Owner.

The spinnerbait head has been specially designed by Lurestrike to suit Australian conditions, powder coated and finished off with 3D eyes. The high quality hammered blades come in various colours and configurations and a quality 44 Strand silicone skirt, Sampo ball bearing swivel and Owner hook finish off this top of the line spinnerbait. The Small Fry spinnerbait comes with a stinger hook.

It comes in weights of 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2oz, with your choice of gold, silver or copper lacquer blades and 20 different skirt colours.

Price: RRP $13.95 www.kingstonlures.com.au

5

The Lucky Craft SKT Spinnerbaits are a result of years of fine-tuning from Professional USA bass angler, Skeet Reese.

Built with a compact, yet hefty, profile the Lucky Craft SKT Spinnerbait Double Willow offers excellent casting distance and the ability to reach greater depths with comfort and ease.

Complete with two super-bright willow blades, the Lucky Craft SKT Spinnerbait Double Willow delivers an abundance of flash that will attract fish in a wide-range of water conditions, from gin clear streams to dense and muddy ponds.

Adding to its attraction, the Lucky Craft SKT Spinnerbait Double Willow is fitted with a banded skirt that perfectly accents its life-like colour scheme and a soft plastic hook keeper.

This amazing spinnerbait is available in four life-like colours that are sure to excite Aussie natives.

Price: RRP $15 www.ejtodd.com.au

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Jackpot Spinnerbaits 3

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Jackpot Lures have been producing spinnerbaits for over five years. They have an extensive range comprising of single, twin and quad spinnerbaits.

All of their spinnerbaits are made from the highest quality components sourced locally and from America. Choose from our standard range of 35 skirt options in weights ranging from 1/4oz to 2.5oz or have them custom make your spinnerbaits to suit your fishing requirements.

Their spinnerbait is best for catching Murray cod and yellowbelly in dirty water, due to the contrast of the colours in the skirt and the deep pulse given from the Colorado blades.

Jackpot Spinnerbaits can be used and worked in a variety of ways for a range of different species, and have proven their charm on many native species.

For quality Australian-made spinnerbaits designed for Australian natives, check out Jackpot Lures’ range.

Price: RRP $14.95 Facebook ‘Jackpot Lures’

SKT Spinnerbait

TT Lures FroggerZ

TT Lures FroggerZ Jnr Spinnerbaits are built from quality components and designed for targeting Murray cod, golden perch, bass and saratoga.

They are available in 3/8oz and 1/2oz weights and feature a hand-sculptured, realistic frog profile with 3D eyes and lively, 10X Tough ZMan ElaZtech web foot trailer.

Quality nickel and 24K gold plated Colorado blades create a frog leg thump in the water to attract predators and the FroggerZ Jnr is finished with a stinger hook for maximum hook up rate.

FroggerZ Snr Spinnerbaits are built tough for taking on Murray cod and will also find themselves in the mouths of other large fresh and saltwater predators. They feature a realistic frog profile, along with a 10X Tough ZMan 4” Hard LegZ trailer and double Colorado blades for plenty of flash, vibration and a frog leg thump in the water.

Other features include 3D eyes, quality silicone skirt, 24K gold and nickel blades, heavy-duty hook, included stinger hook and that crazy leg action.

Price: RRP $17.95 www.ttlures.com.au OCTOBER 2015

73

Fresh bass dominate TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

Last month, we saw the impoundment bass fishing pick up with some cracking fat bass being caught. Now the water has warmed up a bit we can expect the golden perch to jump on that bandwagon. These fish are known to be lazy, however they will be fired up and willing to chase faster presentations this spring.

Trolling lures will become more effective in all the lakes and you can expect a mixed bag of goldens and bass for your efforts. In the same neck of the woods, you

will also start to encounter more saratoga, silver perch and Murray cod. Remember Murray cod are protected by a closed season in the rivers until the 30 November.

The barra closed season is also just around the corner starting at midday on the 1 November. The good news is that you can continue to catch them in the dams as the closed season doesn’t apply there. This year the lakes will be a far more popular place to wet a line with the barra fishing improving.

Lake Monduran fished quite well even over the cooler months so it will be exciting to see how it goes once it warms up. Awoonga

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND SOMERSET CLOSEST TOWNS: ESK, KILCOY Somerset Dam has definitely fired up with good numbers of bass caught in the middle reaches of the basin. There are a few golden perch mixed in here but better numbers are coming from inside the timber north of Kirkleigh.

Bass fishers have been flocking to the lake to chase Somerset’s elusive monster bass. These fish have been turning up on the deep flats and drop offs in the middle reaches of the lake.

The Queen Street flats are a good place to start sounding in search of schooling fish.

These bass may move around but should stay in schools so try the regular places like Bay 13, Pelican Point, and The Spit. The lake is still at close to full capacity so depths across the flats areas won’t have changes much in the past few years. The bass tend to stick to the same old spots and love to find a home in around 10m of water at this time of year.

Once these schooling fish have been found, try your luck with the usual bass lures. Soft plastic rigged on 1/2oz jigheads, blade baits, vibes, and tail

spinners dragged past the bass will see you in with a good chance. The tail spinner was a good choice last month but the fish will change their minds, sometimes on a daily basis, so be prepared to experiment.

Golden perch will be getting into the action.

has already produced a few barra and there are sure to be plenty more caught once anglers click on to the fish biting there once more. Lenthalls Dam, which is the closest barra lake to Brisbane, may also be an option. There are also reliable barra lakes further north around Mackay.

After spending quite a bit of time chasing fish in the salt, I’m feeling the urge to get stuck into some of the great freshwater fish on offer. I have a feeling the end of this year is going to be a cracker for chasing these fish.

Until next month, buckled rods from The Colonel! middle reaches of the lake.

The place to concentrate on catching goldens is up the top of the dam in the timbered area past Kirkleigh. Try to find the old river bed or feeder creeks which run into it and troll along the drop off edge. Deeper lures like the Blitz Baga and Golden Child are ideal for this.

For the latest reports or best tackle to pull the

The 18g Jets tail spinner was smashing the bass last month. Hopefully this pattern continues. Hopping and winding these lures are both effective methods.

Bass fishers will start to encounter more of these fish as by-catch in the

Somerset fish, call into Somerset Fishing Tackle.

This is a new store at 5/43

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OCTOBER 2015

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Weipa

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Toowoomba

BRISBANE 27

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

Mary Street, Kilcoy. It’s only a short drive away from Kirkleigh if you need to restock the tackle box.

Andrew and the guys have all the right gear to chase freshwater fish – from hooks and lures through to lines, rods and reels. With the right lure or setup, you’ll be ready to take on the freshwater fish.

MOOGERAH CLOSEST TOWNS: ARATULA, BOONAH The bass are still chewing at Moogerah and the deep water flats seem to be holding the best numbers of fish. Try looking in 10-12m of water just outside the timber. Fish can also be found around The Spit, which runs from the campground boat ramp towards the dam wall.

Reaction lures have been producing good fish with two of the best being the

Gold Coast

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Townsville 2

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Proserpine 6 Mackay

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Emerald 29

Gladstone

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Bundaberg 9 11

Highlighted dams are covered in this issue

Maryborough

Roma

BRISBANE

Jackall Mask Vibe 60 and 16 and 18g Jets tail spinner.

Both lures can be cast over the fish and hopped back across the bottom. They are ideal for targeting these deep water bass as they allow you to maintain contact with the bottom between hops. Every now and then, throw in a few winds to swim the vibe or tail spinner as well. Mixing it up will often out-fish just a standard hopping retrieve.

MAROON CLOSEST TOWNS: BOONAH, BEAUDESERT There have been some quality bass landed on live shrimp in Maroon Dam around the entrance to the creek as well as along the southern bank. Bass fishing on lures should also be picking up. The warming water will trigger a better

DAM LEVEL Report DAMS MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP Atkinson 26 31 29 26 24 Awoonga 98 95 96 94 93 Bjelke-Petersen 48 50 50 48 47 Boondooma 70 69 67 65 64 Borumba 101 100 100 99 100 Burdekin Falls 88 75 70 66 64 Callide 92 88 86 84 83 Cania 101 100 99 98 96 Clarendon 32 36 35 33 31 Clarrie Hall 100 100 100 100 n/a Cooby 68 71 70 69 69 Coolmunda 60 62 61 60 60 Copeton 18 18 18 19 22 Cressbrook 88 90 89 88 87 Dyer/Bill Gunn 83 86 80 73 65 Eungella 90 80 87 88 89 Fairbairn 55 51 50 48 46 Glenlyon 28 30 30 30 31 Hinze 101 100 99 98 97

Gympie

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response to reaction style lures. Lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, beetle spins and blade baits will be good options around the weed edge. Try using small profile lures in Maroon as they tend to get a better response.

The surface action started to pick up last month. First and last light will be the times to try top water offerings. Walkthe-dog lures like the Cultiva Zip’nZiggy and 60mm poppers like the Frenzy Popper or Roosta Popper are ideal. Fish these lures slowly with plenty of pauses around the weedy edges of the lake.

Still water out of the wind usually fishes best and keep an eye out for any surface boils from bass keyed in on feeding from the top.

For fortnightly updates Julius 96 89 87 85 83  Kinchant 77 67 79 84 78 Koombooloomba 30 31 45 41 n/a  Leslie 27 24 22 22 21  Macdonald 102 102 100 98 100  Maroon 100 100 99 99 98  Monduran/Fred Haigh 100 98 98 97 96  Moogerah 97 97 98 98 96  North Pine/Samsonvale 84 87 85 83 82  Peter Faust/Proserpine 83 78 77 76 75 Pindari 25 26 26 31 34  Somerset 100 101 100 100 100  Storm King n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a  Teemburra 92 86 86 86 85  Tinaroo 92 87 87 83 80 Toonumbar 101 101 101 101 100  Wivenhoe 99 99 98 97 95  Wuruma 99 98 98 97 96

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 16/09/15

DARLING DOWNS GRANITE BELT REGION COOBY CLOSET TOWNS: HIGHFIELDS, TOOWOOMBA The action at Cooby Dam is still very slow.

There have been some golden perch caught on bait from the banks and boats but the luring has been very steady. There was the occasional report of fish pulled on lures trolling around the edges.

The dam hours are now 6am-8pm. Cooby is an electric motor only dam and is well suited to kayaks and canoes. The concrete boat ramp is on a shallow angle when the dam is full and can be slippery in places but a big electric powered boat can still be launched with care. Outboard motors can be left on the boat but must not be used.

Tackle, lures and saltwater yabbies can be purchased from Highfields Bait and Tackle on the New England Highway in Highfields. Call in and see Doug and check out the great range of fishing gear, kayaks and accessories he has on display. The action could pick up suddenly so drop in to any of the

local tackle stores in the area to check how the fishing is going.

LESLIE CLOSEST TOWN: WARWICK The golden perch action seems to have picked up early this year. Last month they fired up and were taking trolled lures.

Trolling usually proves tough at this time of the year only to become more successful later – but it seems the goldens don’t want to wait. These fish are chewing trolled hard bodies and lipless crankbaits. Try running lures that run 3-5m deep and work around the drop offs to the old creek bed and any submerged structure.

Last month, there were quite a few cod mixed in with the golden perch. If you plan on targeting these fish on the troll, it is hard to beat some of the Australian made timber hardbodies.

One lucky angler managed to score a 112cm cod while trolling the dam wall area in his kayak.

Casting lures will also be a good option if you’re running a good fish finder.

Look for drop-offs and

structure in deeper water and the fish won’t be too far away. Hopping the ZX blades or similar bladed lures fitted with assist hooks on the rear rather than trebles will see you getting into the action.

Goldens love these small blades. You can switch to a bigger profile vibe like the Jackall Mask, Transam 95 or Shads 17g and you will have a much better chance of scoring a Murray cod. Some switched on anglers fish this way and score dozens of goldens and the occasional cod or two each session.

Bait fishing with live shrimp and saltwater yabbies in the deeper water will pull a mixed bag. Goldens will be most common but there is also the chance of boating some eel-tailed catfish, silver perch and Murray cod.

Launching bigger boats may be a mission with the low water level. Take care when launching and choose your launch site wisely.

If the lake has dropped recently the banks can be muddy. A hard cap on top of soft mud is a trap that catches people. Look for wheel tracks going out into the water on solid ground and you should be fine. It

Big cod have been hitting boat decks at Coolmunda Dam. While it’s okay to catch them in the dam it is illegal to chase them in the river during closed season.

This red and black Bassman Codman spinnerbait has been doing the damage. Murray cod have been smashing it. can also pay to walk out and check if the ground is solid under the water if you need to back your trailer any distance out into the water. If there are a couple of guys retrieving the boat, a push from gunning the outboard forward as the car moves off can make a bit of difference. Just be careful not to hit your prop on rocks or mud.

For the latest information and hottest fishing reports, call in to the local tackle store: Warwick Outdoor and Sports at 115 Palmerin St, Warwick. I was amazed at this shop when I visited for the first time last month. They only have a small space to display but a sliding wall of lures ensures there is plenty to choose from. For what I previously consider an out of the way shop, it is definitely worth the drive. A huge range of quality lures at a very competitive price would get just about every freshwater angler drooling.

COOLMUNDA CLOSEST TOWN: INGLEWOOD Insane! That is the only way to describe how this lake has fished over the

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tackle back is a good way to get lures back and save yourself a fistful of dollars.

Around the snags, consider using bigger profile lures like Mask Vibes or similar hard vibration baits as Murray cod will also love to crunch these.

When targeting cod, the best action has been on trolled lures. Australian made timber hardbodies are hard to beat for their thumping action which cod just love. Local lure maker Kerry Ehrlich has heard of plenty of cod falling to his Kezza lures. The bigger profile lures around 100mm long or bigger are scoring well. One of the best To page 76

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past couple of months. It’s hard to say why the place has been going so well but I have never seen it fish better for Murray cod and deep schooling golden perch. Anglers will need to target a particular species to have the best success.

The golden perch have been schooling in deeper water areas around 10m.

Here they are taking hopped vibes and small blades. Try looking out from the dam wall near the drop-off to the old river bed and from here follow the drop-off back to the boat ramp. Make sure to fish any schools or bottom structure. When bouncing lures on the structure be prepared to get snagged. A

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From page 75

approaches has been to troll just outside the creeks on the flats around 3m deep.

Many of these bigger cod lures dive way too deep for this water so guys have been

lures will ensure the rattle of an outboard doesn’t scare the fish off before the lures run over them.

The Coolmunda Caravan Park is around 1km away from the lake. The park is

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

SUNSHINE COAST REGION BORUMBA CLOSEST TOWNS: IMBIL, GYMPIE Bass and saratoga are chewing well at Borumba.

The bass are schooling around the start of the timber. Borumba Flats and The Junction are holding plenty of schooling bass.

These fish are responding well to soft plastics and blade baits.

Up the back of the Kingham and Yabba arms, the saratoga have been going crazy. At times anglers are encountering over 10 fish per session.

This doesn’t mean they are all landed. Toga have bony mouths and are good at spitting out hooks. One of the most successful lures has been the Cultiva Zip’n Ziggy. Try working these across the surface around

power off. This is the time you want to lean back on the rod and set the hooks into their hard mouths.

MACDONALD CLOSEST TOWNS: COOROY, NOOSA The bass have fired up in the basin at MacDonald.

Schooling fish are being caught around The Bubbler and inside the Botanical Gardens bay. These fish are hammering tail spinners and blade baits. Try lighter lures on these fish like 1/4oz blades and 12g tail spinners.

The weed edges are still producing the goods as well.

Casting finesse plastics, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits to the weed throughout the dam has resulted in some quality bass. Saratoga numbers are likely to pick up next month before they

Surface luring improved last month and will only get better as it warms up further. Walk the dog lures are ideal over the top of weed and in the more open areas.

For tighter areas in weed pockets and around lilies, try using a surface popper with a cupped face. These lures can be fished slower with small twitches in the clear patches between the weed. Up your leader size to over 10lb for these fish as if you hook a good one, it will bury you deep in the weed.

For all the inside information on chasing bass in the area call in to see Dane Radosevic who now works a few days each week at Davos Tackle in Noosa. Dane is currently ranked #1 on the Australian bass circuit so he’s the man to answer your questions. Davos

The days are getting longer. Early starts and late finishes will see you fishing around low light - prime time for using topwater lures. trolling them on a very short line with only a few metres trailing behind the boat. The idea is to have the lure just skim the bottom and touch only occasionally. Using an electric motor to pull these

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,

showers to make your stay more comfortable. To take advantage of this and the great fishing opportunities in the lake and the river below, give the park a call on (07) 4652 4171.

Fishing lures in under the trees at Borumba will put you in Saratoga territory.

These fish like overhead structure as well as weed and water lilies.

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overhanging trees and lush weed edges. Saratoga move quite a bit of water as they swirl on these and

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OCTOBER 2015

go quiet through mouth brooding time. These fish will take the lures tossed at bass around the weed edges.

Tackle has been expanding its range of bass and freshwater tackle so call in to check it out.

Bass have fired up at Bjelke Petersen Dam. This is the big bass from a recent ABT BASS Tournament.

mixed in with the bass. If you want to specifically chase them try trolling the rocky points in the dam’s main basin. Bait fishing with live shrimp inside the timber is also a good way to tangle with the goldens and a mixed bag of bass and catfish.

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 fishing tackle.

For campsites, cabins and bunkhouse rooms call Corey and Niki on (07) 4168 9694.

BJELKE CLOSEST TOWNS: MURGON, GOOMERI Bass and golden perch have fired up at Bjelke Petersen Dam. These fish

are coming from between the dam wall and the middle reaches of the lake.

There will also be fish holding around the lake’s edges as well as the creek bed drop-off.

Nearly all of these fish will be in over 3m of water, so stick with casting lures like blade baits, tail spinners and Mask Vibes.

Ice jigs will also be a good option when fish are directly below the boat.

Trolling the edges in around 5m of water or following the drop-off to the old creek bed will produce golden perch and bass. Lures should suit the depth you are fishing.

If you are hitting the bottom too much, shorten up some line until your lure is tracking just above the bottom.

For help catching Bjelke and Boondooma fish, call into your local ‘Bass 2 Barra’ store. You can see Matthew at Kingaroy or Dylan in Dalby and the boys will have you all geared up and ready for action

areas like the back on New Zealand Gully, the southern side of Osprey Island up Iveragh arm and the trees near Gold Mine Point.

Suspending hard bodies is usually effective but soft plastics will work as well.

Hopping vibes through schooling barra can also tempt the fish to bite. Most of the barra are around 80cm in length but there is also the chance of occasional bigger

one up to a metre in length.

If you are keen to try to tackle some fish in the river or dam, give Lyn and Mark from Awoonga Gateway a call on (07) 4975 0033. At Awoonga Gateway you’ll find clean, modern cabins and your hosts will be full of useful advice to help you try to land that barra of a lifetime. Make sure you tell Mark I sent you and pump him for the secret spot.

a while. Anglers who are putting in the time to find several fish holding areas are reaping the rewards.

The water level has dropped a few metres which has thinned out the weed and lilies making fish harder to find. However, the lack of vegetation makes casting all the way in to the edges much easier. Pre-rigged soft plastics like 100-130mm Slick Rigs work well and

weedless rigged paddle tails are ideal for the thicker weed areas. While plastics are very popular, if the fish are only bumping them, switch to a hard body sporting trebles for some good results.

Paul Butler reports the dam fished well over the past few months. Putting in a bit of effort is all it takes to hook some quality barra. There are plenty of smaller specimens around 50-60cm at the moment but metre plus fish are also becoming more common.

The new 3 hook Laser Pro will be ideal for this. In the plastic department try the Keitech or Gladstone made Happy Rock soft plastics.

In the deeper creeks try using diving hard bodies like the BTD Lures Judge or 5m Scorpion and Barra Bait. Crank these down into structure the pause to allow them to float up before cranking down again.

More fish will venture into the basin of the lake where they will start to take trolled lures over the next

month. The full moon is usually a prime time for some basin trolling.

If you are heading out to the dam make sure you call in at Proserpine Bait and Tackle. The guys at this store will send you in the right direction and help you to nail the lake’s big fish. The store owner Lindsay Dobe runs charters on the lake and bookings can be made through the store on (07) 4945 4641.

You can find the shop off the highway through Proserpine stocking all the barra gear you could possibly need.

WIDE BAY AND BURNETT REGION BOONDOOMA CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSTON, KINGAROY Last month Boondooma produced good numbers of bass on ice jigs, soft vibes and tail spinners around Pelican Point and The Junction. This action should continue for the next couple of months before the schools start to break up and scatter. Finding schooling fish on the sounder is the key to getting the bites.

Trolled hardbodies will pick up a few fish in the same areas and through The Narrows. Try trolling deeper lures like the Golden Child, Smak 18 and Blitz Baga. If you are into your trolling and have an electric motor, try towing some spinnerbaits, tail spinners and soft plastics at around 2.5km/h. Sometimes these lures will perform better than hardbodies and when you find a fish, you can pull up and cast to it.

Golden perch will be CAPRICORN REGION AWOONGA DAM CLOSEST TOWNS: BENARABY, GLADSTONE As the water continues to warm up this month, the barra will stir and start to become more active.

Before winter, there were quality fish being caught and the action will likely be well and truly underway this month once more.

Look for barra in MACKAY REGION TEEMBURRA CLOSEST TOWNS: PINNACLE, MACKAY Barra have been caught in the shallow water of bays over the past month.

Move about trying new areas until you find good spots. Once you nail one, there will often be others in the area if you work it over thoroughly. If you are able to find several good areas, rotate between spots and rest an area for WHITSUNDAY REGION PETER FAUST DAM CLOSEST TOWNS: PROSERPINE, AIRLIE BEACH Barramundi have been on the move at Proserpine Dam. The lake has dropped in level which has created some great weed humps up in the timbered areas. These weedy edges often have deeper creeks and gullies running alongside them.

If you find an area like this it is definitely worth a flick with soft plastics and shallow diving hard bodies.

in no time. ‘Bass 2 Barra’ stores stock an awesome range of gear suited to chasing our freshwater fish

and check it out. Give them a call for accommodation and camping bookings on (07)4168 4746.

re-opening keep an eye out on the Wide Bay Water Corporation website.

Rob the ranger at the

Lay downs and structure are the key to catching golden perch and Murray cod in the dams. Using a side image sounder will help you pinpoint these hidden hot spots.

LENTHALLS CLOSEST TOWNS; MARYBOROUGH, HERVEY BAY Lenthalls Dam has remained closed over September. For updates on an exact date of

and the boys have all the knowledge to guide you on how to use it.

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

dam reports water levels at around 70% full. The water is clear and the weed beds and lilies are re-establishing. After such a long rest, the bass and barra should be ready to chew the second it re-opens.

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77

Thinking about using vibes?

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

What, a fly angler about to launch into an article on vibes? Yes indeed! I am, in fact, just the right person for it, and here’s why.

A year ago I knew absolutely nothing about using vibes, but since then I’ve caught everything from bass to barra, cod and golden perch, jew to threadies, snapper and bream. Also tailor, flathead, catties… even a sole and a luderick!

The fact that a vibe novice like me can catch so many fish proves that vibes definitely work well. To get you started, here is the lowdown on this interesting style of angling.

My 3000 size reel has handled vibe fishing very well, so braid is the next consideration. I tread lightly here, preferring 15lb braid over heavier stuff simply to keep in close touch with the vibe.

The leader is quite important and needs to be tailored to the job. Bream, bass, cod, golden perch, even snapper – all can be taken with a 2m leader of 3-6kg fluorocarbon FG knotted to the braid.

If you’re targeting barra, jew and threadies there’s serious risk of line abrasion via raspy teeth or gill rakers.

In this situation I recommend 1.5m of 10kg FC100 linked to the braid. Initially I complete the leader with 40cm of 20kg FC100 so the vibe won’t be chewed or

Top: A tiny selection of the soft and hard vibes on the market. Under the Quick Catch box there’s a pair of Transams, some hard and soft Quick Catch models, and Shads Lures Jew Fish Candys on the bottom. Bottom: A sight to please any vibe angler: bait school plus fish (likely threadies) on the sounder.

MEDIUM PLASTIC TACKLE If you already have a medium spin outfit that handles plastics on 10-15kg braid, don’t rush out to buy extra gear. (Maybe later, perhaps, but not yet!) I did have some excellent plastic tackle I’d used on bay snapper and the odd by-catch of longtail tuna so I was well set up already. If your chosen rod has a medium action, centred around mid-curve towards the tip, it should be fine.

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OCTOBER 2015

rasped through when under heavy strain. Well, it still can be but the risk is minimised.

SPOILED FOR CHOICE Now let’s look at some vibes, both soft and hardbodied, and believe me there are plenty to choose from! In every issue of this magazine it seems there’s another new vibe to add to the wish list. Some are much more expensive than others, but from my experience a vibe costing twice as much as another won’t necessarily work twice as well. It comes

down to selecting the right vibe for the job and working it correctly.

I started with lighter soft vibes such as Jackall Masks, Transams and Quick Catch Soft Sports. Once I was fairly confident using soft vibes I switched to Quick Catch Hard Vibes, and then onto the brilliant Shads Lures Hard Vibes. There are just some of the great vibes out there; we anglers are really spoiled for choice!

Originally, I believed that the soft vibes were the way to go but having taken quite a few fish on hardbodied vibes I now use either style with confidence. I rely on the lighter 20g vibes for areas of less current or less depth, and the heavier ones when there’s a combination of current and depth as we see in the Brisbane River.

When you’re selecting a vibe that’s within your chosen price range, take a close look at the lure when it’s out of the box. The hooks should be sticky sharp and unlikely to foul on each other, and for best action there needs to be a split ring.

If the lure doesn’t have a split ring, fit one – or use a Mustad Fastach connector.

Interestingly, there’s no better way of assessing a vibe’s action than by trying it out in a swimming pool. This is how I cottoned onto the need for a split ring as well as assessing how rapidly different vibes wriggle on an upward lift. Swimming a vibe in the pool also lets you observe its action as it falls. This is important because a lot of fish hit the lure on the drop.

The actual method of fishing the chosen vibe will depend upon the water depth and the sort of bottom being fished. There’s little profit in dropping a $30 vibe down onto very rough ground.

Getting snagged up is a matter of when, not if.

On the other hand, if you can keep the vibe just clear of rough ground it’s a great fishing situation. The trick is to count down for one drop with the hooks rubber banded together to prevent snagging. Once you know how long it takes to get to the bottom, you can remove the rubber band and deploy the vibe with less drop time, and keep the vibe just off the bottom while it’s being worked. Jew, snapper, big bream and cod all are likely targets in this situation.

BASS TACTICS In a bass impoundment, a good size vibe is 6.5-10cm.

Cast it to a likely looking feature such as a tree, then allow it to sink almost to the bottom before slowly hopping it back to the boat.

Allow a small pause between reel turns and rod tip action.

Watch the braid carefully because any tightening will indicate that a fish has hit the vibe.

Naturally, if you spot a school of bass under the boat it’s fine to simply flutter the vibe very slowly in amongst the fish until you get a taker.

Alternatively, if you see only a few on a flat there’s nothing wrong with a long cast, a pause until you hit the bottom and then working the vibe back slowly and gently until it’s fully retrieved.

Sometimes repetitive casts are required, but if the fish are on the job it shouldn’t be long before you get a strike.

DON’T FORGET THE BARRA! Barra in the briny, especially in rivers, can be taken by casting to features, working on or just off the

Soft vibes work well on threadfin and many other fish. It comes down to patience and perseverance to get the technique right.

A Somerset Dam scenario: a cluster of trees perfect for dropping a vibe close by and working slowly back. bottom to fish spotted on the sounder, or by slowly yo-yoing the vibe around standing timber and the like. Impoundment barra are much the same, and it’s a good idea to work around shallower areas where feeding fish are likely to be found. When it comes to those enticingly large fish

seen on the bottom in our impoundments, it’s often hard to get them to bite on anything, vibes included.

However, barra holding deep next to standing timber can often oblige with a savage bite. Barra everywhere are fairly unpredictable, which makes catching one all the more rewarding.

THREADFIN SALMON For mine, one of the glamour fish for vibe work is the good old king threadfin salmon. These fish will take both soft and hardbodied vibes when in the mood.

(Note: they are NOT always in the mood!) They show up well on the sounder, and once you’ve spotted them

Denise Kampe took this Kinchant barra on a Shads Lures Jew Candy.

then a matter of trial and error to get things right and entice a bite.

The threadies in the lower Brisbane River are prime examples. Usually holding at least 15m deep, sometimes schooled (not so much these days because they have been hammered by commercial netters) they are usually seen almost on the bottom and the vibe needs to be right on their fat little noses to succeed. After that it comes down to an exact method of retrieve and drop to coax an enquiry.

When choosing a vibe it pays to consider the tidal flow. In the Brisbane River it seldom stops entirely, and I usually tailor the weight of my lure to counter the current. In current that’s expected to become less strong with the passing of time I might opt for a for a soft vibe such as a 20g job.

However, when the current is only going to make itself felt or I’m feeling a bit impatient at having to wait until a lighter vibe gets right down to the fish, I like to use a Shad 30g Jew

Candy. They drop quickly, vibrate very well and work on threadies, mulloway and other fish quite well. In fact, I’ve caught a luderick on one and that’s right out of left field.

No matter what vibe you use, don’t work it over enthusiastically in a really quick retrieve or fast up-and-down motion.

Threadies are casual biters and just don’t warm to these tactics. The fish will likely be attracted to the vibe as it moves more gently (on a high end sounder such

Some Brisbane River snapper taken on soft vibes.

as the Lowrance HDS Gen 3 you will see all this in Sonar mode). Stick with a lift of about 44-45cm with just enough speed to feel the vibe flutter. Then, by ensuring that all slack is out of the braid by maintaining the correct rod angle, you lower the vibe rather than drop it back down.

Sometimes the fish will grab the vibe on the lift but most often it’s as the lure is being lowered. By watching slack very carefully as the vibe heads towards the bottom it’s easy to detect a

bite by the sudden uptake of braid. A sharp lift of the rod will see the fun begin.

In that depth of water, which will usually be moving, a bite can be more of a slight pick or mumble rather than anything definite. However, once a thready is hooked there’s no mistaking the sheer strength and series of hard runs that characterise these highly valued sportfish.

BRING ON THE BY-CATCH! Mulloway exhibit the same sort of bite at times.

And let’s not forget that another gratefully received by-catch from the Brisbane will be snapper. If you see bait schools on the sounder, stick with that bait and give the area your best shot because all of these great eaters will hang around the bait and can be targeted with vibes, either soft or hardbodied.

So set up some vibes, make sure all your knots are as good as possible and give it a go. If I can get the knack of this fun and interesting style of fishing, so can you!

Who wouldn’t be pleased? This thready was taken on the author’s first outing with a vibe.

OCTOBER 2015

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Isuzu D-Max X-Runner BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Isuzu D-Max utes have been around for a few years now and, to keep up with a very competitive market, each successive model or variant seems to be better than the last. In this review we’ll be looking at the most up-market of the D-Max models, the highly specced but hard to

come by X-Runner. Why hard to come by? Only 360 are on offer this year.

TOP SPECCED DUAL CAB AUTO Based on the D-Max top-of-the-range LS-Terrain, the highly optioned X-Runner is offered as a dual cab, auto, 4WD ute likely aimed at the suburban owner rather than dyed-in-thewool 4WD enthusiast. That said, the X-Runner could hold its own in virtually any off-road situation that you

could subject it to, thanks to the ample ground clearance, powerful engine and the efficiency of the auto transmission linked to both high and low range 4WD. Isuzu utes are renowned for their gentle ruggedness and easy road manners, and nothing has changed in that regard.

On the new model’s exterior there have been changes to streamline the ute’s appearance (as the result of wind tunnel testing)

The author’s 5.5m Galeforce centre console was never an issue for the D-Max to tow thanks to the engine’s torque on tap at very low revs.

Streamlined good looks are part and parcel of the D-Max X-Runner variant.

“Tinnie Tosser” Want to take your tinny on holidays and catch the big one but can’t because you are towing a caravan?

Well here is the answer!!

Features include: Single person operation, electric and manual models, custom made to suit vehicle and boat, built for off-road conditions, aluminium and stainless steel construction.

For further information contact Bowline on

Ph: (07) 5498 7339 Fx: (07) 5498 7351 Mobile: 0419 674 343

www.tinnietosser.com.au

which sees the latest D-Max as the most aerodynamic to date. Its fuel consumption figures and reduced cabin noise levels are testament to the effectiveness of the changed body shape.

The D-Max X-Runner has a well set out dark grey cabin interior, and it was enjoyable to bask in the ambience of leather seating (the driver’s seat has six-way electric adjustments) plus enjoy the passive entry and start buttons. Other features include a very large touch screen infotainment and SatNav navigation system, Blue Tooth phone and audio streaming, reversing camera, rear park assist, roof mounted audio

system, climate control air, electrically operated functions throughout, and wheel mounted controls for both audio and cruise control systems.

There’s also paired upper and lower glove boxes, drink holders in doors, cup holders in the console plus a bin between front seats.

In all, there’s a pretty good amount of storage.

The X-Runner’s exterior sported roof rails, a tub liner at the rear, 17” alloy wheels, side steps, plus front and rear lower body kits to add additional bling.

ENGINE MADE FOR TOWING The Isuzu’s 3L, fourcylinder, turbo-charged diesel engine turns out 130kW of power 380Nm of torque. Admittedly some of the opposition in this market niche have more of everything, but the torque figures and gearing see the Isuzu’s common rail, fuelinjected oil burner hardly working at any pace. Low revs torque is the secret – peak torque is reached at a mere 1800rpm. And, with the five-speed sequential shift auto making things easy, the ute is equipped for all manner of towing chores, bush or beach travel and school or shop runs back home.

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The Cape Yorker Maxi can also be paired with a Glind heat exchanger or drawn from a fire drum for hot water.

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OCTOBER 2015

severity of the application.

Consequently the D-Max, whether top or mid specced, has earned a reputation as a great tow

There’s a large centre dash colour display, easily managed controls for the climate control air plus 4WD-activated via a console dial.

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With a GLIND sand spear filter included, this is the perfect unit for SEQ beaches.

Around the city the gear selector knob would stay in 2WD high, and off the road there’s 4WD high, or low range, depending upon the

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www.korrlighting.com.au For further product information and purchase details

vehicle. A 3500kg tow rating for a braked trailer, and 750kg for unbraked, will see a lot of vans, trailers or boats heading happily along the highway. Fuel frugality is the Isuzu big seller: with a claimed 8.1L per 100km claimed by Isuzu. This situation always depends on the weight behind the tow ball, plus the weight of the right foot. When towing my 5.5m GaleForce centre console I achieved 10.5L per 100km during highway work. The power of the 3L diesel and its effortless torque meant that highway work was a breeze, and overtaking where necessary was quite effortless as well.

As a stable, willing, tow unit I gave the D-Max full marks.

The ride is pretty much work ute in some respects, as there’s leaf suspension and shock absorbers at the rear, coil springs shock absorbers and upper and lower wishbones plus a stabiliser bar up front. Remembering that the rear payload is rated at around the 1 tonne mark, it makes sense that the ute, if unloaded, can be a bit jiggly on some surfaces. However, on sealed, well-formed roads the ride is no big issue at all.

With a load in the rear everything changes, and the ride improves to be far more car-like all round.

Handling is fine. The D-Max travels along quite confidently with tiny amounts of body roll, as expected, but with

remarkably little exterior noise intrusion other than the engine. It tends to rattle a bit at start up but soon settles into a gravelly monotone once revs build up.

SUMMING UP A five-star safety rating is enhanced by EBD, ESP, a dual air bag package, traction control plus ABS. Owners will enjoy the D-Max 5 year, 130,000km warranty and 3-year capped price service program.

In all, the prestigious X-Runner enhances the standard D-Max LS-Terrain model and packs in a few extras at no extra cost. As reviewed, the X-Runner (in either blue or white colour tones) would sell for around $52,000.

The D-Max X-Runner’s all-leather seating provides plenty of comfort and support on long runs.

Left: Leather trim on the seats, wheel and gear selector all add a touch of class to the X-Runner’s interior. Middle: Rear passenger room is a plus in the D-Max four door utility. Even really tall drivers will have room to stretch out. Right: Storage is a plus for the D-Max front passenger, with two glove boxes on hand.

THE ONLY BITE YOU’LL GET IS THE ONE ON YOUR LINE.

NosiLife Sherman Gilet

NosiLife Outback Hat

NosiLife Long sleeve Angler Shirt

NosiLife Convertible Trousers

Available in Anaconda, David Jones and all great outdoor stores around Australia.

Call 1800 227 070 for stockist info.

NosiLife is the world’s first and only clothing with permanent insect-repellent properties, proven up to 90% protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects, that lasts a lifetime of wear.

OCTOBER 2015

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What’s New FISHING

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BLACK MAGIC ENTICERS

The continued expansion of Black Magic’s freshwater range has seen the introduction of the Enticer range of spinners. These new lures feature startlingly lifelike finishes which imitate a number of juvenile fish species.

When coupled with their fluttering action, they are particularly attractive to predatory fish. There are five colour options to choose from in either a 7g or 12g weight.

The lures are manufactured from high quality components including chemically sharpened treble hooks, strong split rings and a swivel to help prevent line twist.

Enticers are very effective for both trolling and casting from the shoreline for a number of species, including trout and salmon.

Price: RRP $8-10 www.blackmagictackle.com

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SAMAKI SILVER BULLET

Silver Bullet has taken surf rod technology into the future, and now there’s a new blank concept available to the Australian fishing market.

It’s called Oval Blank, and when incorporated into the base section of the rod it enables you to make greater and more powerful casts to launch your lure further. Combine this with a tip that’s been designed for greater sensitivity, so you can feel the strike as it happens, and you have a serious weapon for surf casting.

Built to withstand the elements, the Silver Bullet consists of Japanese Toray Carbon Fibre 36 and 40 Tonne combined, Fuji K Guides and Fuji reel seat for longevity, and super hard EVA grips for comfort.

There are four models available, all 2 piece, from a 9’0” heavy to a 12’0” extra heavy. For more information visit the Samaki website, or like them on Facebook or Instagram.

Price: RRP $299.95 www.samaki.com.au

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RAINBOW BRAID ELITE

The Black Magic team have released an upgraded version of their popular Rainbow braid. The new product is called Rainbow Braid Elite, and it’s available in six different line tests: 12lb and 16lb on 150m spools; and 20lb, 30lb, 50lb and 80lb on 300m spools.

Like the original Rainbow Braid, Elite has 10m colour changes with a 5m marking and then 1m indicators. Rainbow Elite is still braided from 100% Japanese PE fibre, but unlike many alternatives on the market it’s an 8-carrier braid (8 braided strands).

This provides greater strength from a finer diameter, and its smooth, round shape allows for long, accurate casts. The new product retains its renowned abrasion resistance, low stretch and high sensitivity when it comes to feeling bites in deeper water.

Whether you’re casting, bottom bouncing or jigging, Rainbow Braid Elite is a ‘best by test’ high performance braided line.

Price: RRP $49.95 (160m of 12lb) www.blackmagictackle.com

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REPEL BUGS WITH NOSILIFE

OCTOBER 2015

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Available as a long sleeved or short sleeved shirt, the NosiLife Anglers Shirt won’t just keep the sun off your skin – it will also keep biting insects at bay. The patented insect repellent NosiLife is woven into the fabric, and won’t wash off.

NosiLife is a breakthrough technology in textile innovation that weaves permethrin – a synthetic insecticide – into the fabric itself, meaning it will keep bugs away no matter how many times you put it through the wash.

NosiLife technology is also non-toxic, so it won’t irritate your skin.

Other features of the Anglers Shirt include UPF40+ sun protection, a vented back and underarm gusset to help keep you cool, and multiple pockets for easy storage of your essentials while you go hands free. There’s also a hidden zipped security pocket and a buttoned sleeve pocket to keep your valuables safe and secure.

Price: RRP $109.99 (short sleeve), RRP $119.99 (long sleeve) www.craghoppers.com

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Weighted for extreme casting distances, the new Rapala X-Rap Long Cast Shallow will not let you down when the fish are busting bait further than most lures can get to.

This lipless lure is fast becoming the ultimate stickbait, with its irresistible darting baitfish action on an aggressive retrieve, combined with a sinking action that flutters on the pause. Now Aussie anglers are given the ability to change tactics with a single lure when targeting fish that are constantly changing their feeding depth.

When you get a strike, the heavy-duty through-wire construction of the X-Rap Long Cast Shallow and in-line VMC 7266 single hooks will ensure you remain connected to any hard fighting predator.

Available in 12cm and 14cm lengths, and weighing 36g and 53g respectively, the X-Rap Long Cast Shallow will be available this October. www.rapala.com.au

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X-RAP LONG CAST SHALLOW

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RAPALA AGGRESSOR

The all new Aggressor reels embody all that is synonymous with Rapala – quality, reliability, function and performance.

This series of heavy-duty spinning reels features an aircraft grade alloy body and rotor, making it ultra tough yet light enough to fish with for extended periods.

Incorporating 5+1 ball bearings into the body ensures faultless performance and all internal components are subject to a 72 hour anti-corrosive treatment to maximize saltwater durability.

A ported big capacity braid ready spool with carbon drag washers produces between 19kg and 25kg of relentless drag pressure.

Such a high output a drag gives you the ultimate confidence as you take the fight to the fish and become the aggressor.

Available now in a 3500, 5000 and 7000 size, the Rapala Aggressor series is ideal for all medium to heavy jigging and casting techniques. All Rapala reels come with a limited 5-year warranty.

Price: RRP $350 www.rapala.com.au

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DAIWA ISLA SPIN

Daiwa’s newest heavy-duty super reel starts with Daiwa’s Real Four design formula. An amalgamation of Real Engine, Real Control, Real Endurance, Real Custom, Real Four delivers the ultimate in performance and quality.

Rigid, strong and highly durable, the Isla’s unyielding body allows for seamless gear function and prevents twisting under load, and results in greater cranking force. The super aluminium alloy material is also highly corrosion resistant.

The Hyper Digigear system, made from a corrosion resistant new age alloy, is lighter and stronger than any gear that Daiwa have developed before.

Added protection is provided by Mag Seal, with its magnetized oil that forms a seal against dust, water and salt intrusion, and eliminates oil spray associated with traditional seals.

Available in 4000H, 5000H, 7000 and 7000H sizes, and topped with 10-30kg drag (model dependent), Daiwa delivers saltwater spin reel excellence with a value packed price tag. www.daiwafishing.com.au

Japanese company OSP have created a top quality spinnerbait range called Highpitcher.

The Highpitcher features the very best in spinnerbait design and performance. Its compact design means it casts beautifully and is also perfectly suited to Australian conditions. The top quality blades spin faster than others on the market, and this allows these spinnerbaits to be fished slower without affecting the fish catching abilities of the lure.

Thinner, stronger wire transmits vibration better, thus making the whole spinnerbait vibrate for a more realistic presentation. Add to this top quality skirts held in place with wire, and you have spinnerbaits are both durable as well as highly effective.

The Highpitcher comes in 1/4oz (7g); 5/16oz (9g) 3/8oz (11g); 1/2oz(14g) and 5/8oz (18g) weights, and a range of colours.

For more information visit the Fish-Tec website or email sales@fish-tecsoultions.com.

Price: RRP $22.95 www.fish-tecsolutions.com

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UNBREAKABLE GLORYFY 3G AIR

The Gloryfy G3 Air, with its gradient shiny finish and streamlined style, is one of the highlights of Gloryfy’s 2015 collection.

Air Flow 90° technology prevents the lenses from fogging, and at the same time protects your eyes from draughts at high speeds. And of course, these sunglasses provide complete protection from UV radiation.

The G3 Air is available in Black and Yellow versions. Both have interchangeable, unbreakable lenses, and an unbreakable frame.

Anglers will like the polarisation option, plus there’s the option for lens tinting, accessories and prescription lenses.

Other features of Gloryfy unbreakable eyewear include: highest optical quality equivalent to the human eye without colour falsification; 100% UVA/UVB protection; blue light blockers; and ‘colour-fastness’ lens technology.

Lightweight Gloryfy lenses weigh 1.11g/ cm2, outperforming usual materials. Made in Austria to the highest European quality standards, they deliver the latest technology in eyewear.

Price: from RRP $225.85 www.gloryfysunglasses.com.au

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The new Quantum Smoke Speed Freak baitcast reel features a screaming-fast 8.1:1 gear ratio—which rips in 89cm of line for every turn of the handle. It also features Quantum’s new PTX frame, designed to add rigidity while reducing overall weight, which is just 181g.

The new Micro Infinite ACS external centrifugal cast control has a 250° rotation, adding 13 new settings for an even wider range of control for precise adjustments.

Plus, when casting, the new Smoke Speed Freak design disengages from the pinion gear completely, allowing the spool shaft to ‘float’ freely for zero friction, adding even more distance to your casts.

The new CSC2 drag system delivers a silky smooth and impressive 25lb of drag power. Other features include an aluminium PT main gear and drive shaft, titanium-nitride coated line guide, spool tension click knob, 10+1 bearings, and a lightweight aluminium frame and gear-side cover. The aluminium spool holds 155m of 30lb braid. Speed Freak spin reels are also available. www.quantumfishing.com.au

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SAMURAI REFRACTION

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Refractions are the new and improved baitcaster series born from the original.

Tuned and built specifically for lure casting, the range combines incredibly light blanks with the finest Fuji components. New models have been added to create a versatile range of rods for barra, bass and everything in between.

The Refraction series is built on a lightweight, class leading Samurai blank with the new PTS reels offering real-time sensitivity from its pioneering exposed blank construction. Add Fuji Titanium SiC guides, and Samurai have crafted the most refined and comfortable baitcasters in their class.

Carbon highlights and the iconic Samurai camo grips maintain a nostalgic nod to the past while firmly looking to the future.

Price: $429.95 www.samurairods.com.au

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

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OSP HIGHPITCHER

QUANTUM SPEED FREAK

3” GULP NEMESIS

Combine the fish catching profile of a Jerkshad and the enticing tail action of a grub and you get the Berkley Nemesis.

Designed in Australia, the Nemesis shape is now available in a bite-sized 3” size. Testing by the Berkley Pro Team has proven they are deadly on bream, with an enticing tail action at any speed, easy to swallow profile and that potent Gulp scent.

The tail action of this shape has to be seen to be believed. On the drop or on the wind, the Nemesis tail swims at the slowest of speeds, delivering continuous lifelike action.

Each Gulp Nemesis is also loaded with Berkley’s exclusive Gulp scent and flavour formula, a powerful water-based scent dispersion system that also makes Gulp 100% biodegradable.

Price: RRP $11.95 www.berkley-fishing.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au OCTOBER 2015

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What’s New FISHING

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ABU REVO MGX SPIN

Abu Garcia has added the Revo MGX (due out in November) to its list of finely tuned spinning reels. A new AMGearing system and X-Mag gearbox highlight a bevy of new features that set this reel apart from its competitors.

The AMGearing system is a finely tuned, machined gear that has better tolerances and better performance throughout the life of the reel (available on all Revo models except the Revo S). The X-Mag gearbox design provides a super light yet extremely strong gear housing.

Each Revo is equipped with the Rocket Line Management System – a combination of bail angle, spool lip design and slow oscillation that lets you cast farther and manage line more effectively.

These reels also feature a Carbon Matrix system for super smooth, consistent drag pressure throughout the entire drag range.

Other models in this latest release are the Premier, STX, SX, S and Inshore.

Price: $219 (S series) to $400 (MGX) abugarcia-fishing.com.au

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ZMAN 10” HEROZ

The new ZMan 10” HeroZ jerk bait is ideal for a wide range of big fish applications.

Its buoyant ElaZtech construction makes it perfect for everything from walking across the surface through to weighting it to fish the depths, where its buoyancy and super-soft construction brings it to life on a jighead or paternoster rig. When retrieved at speed, the HeroZ have a lifelike, snaking swimming action that has already proven effective on tuna, cobia, trevally and more.

Unlike other slug-style plastics, the HeroZ is 10X tough to stand up to brutal strikes and hard fought battles, making it a go-to when chasing toothies or fishing through schools of toothy species to access fish holding deeper. Whether you’re chasing pelagics like kingfish, tuna, mackerel, cobia and trevally, or fishing deep for snapper, dhufish, coral trout and other reefies, the 10” HeroZ is a great choice.

HeroZ are available in six colours, with three per pack.

Price: RRP $27.95 www.z-man.com.au

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G.LOOMIS E6X RODS

For decades now, the G.Loomis name has been associated with brilliant casting and fish-fighting tools, but the latest G.Loomis E6X rods are something else again.

What makes these rods so special is a G.Loomis exclusive blank that draws upon other proprietary materials with low resin content and high strain rate carbon fibre. Most importantly though, they have the right weight balance, sensitivity and actions for Australian fish, techniques and conditions.

There are six rods in this new line-up — four spin of single piece design from 6’3” to 7’, and two single-piece baitcasters of 5’8” and 6’. The grips are fine density cork with customised Fuji reel seats, and quality lightweight Fuji guides to keep the actions sharp.

Line weights are 2-17lb for the spin rods and 10-20lb for the baitcasters, so for freshwater, estuary and inshore coastal fishing situations, you’ve got it covered. www.shimanofish.com.au

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MAKO G0H2 LENSES

Mako has released their newest lens in the Blade frame, the G0H2. This grey lens base recipe with a red mirror has been carefully crafted using feedback from customers to deliver a comfortable lens suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.

The grey lenses accurately and naturally represent the colours seen with the naked eye, and this low colour distortion makes them very comfortable over long periods. The downside of grey lenses traditionally is that it’s the darkest tint and therefore cuts more light out, sometimes making objects in shadows and low light more difficult to see. However, by carefully manipulating the light coming through the lens, and adding their proprietary HD filter, Mako have successfully addressed this problem. A wider active viewing window has also been created, meaning more hours of viewing time during the day. www.makoeyewear.com.au

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OCTOBER 2015

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TD BATTLER SPIN REELS

To complement the popular TD Battler light tackle rods, Daiwa has introduced the ultimate reel: TD Battler, available in 2000, 2500 and 3000 sizes, from midspring 2015.

The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Battler is its weight.

The machined Zaion body and rotor is incredibly lightweight, strong and is completely corrosion resistant.

The precision engineering of TD Battler supports the re-vamped, high-accuracy Digigear II drive and silent oscillation system to produce smoother rotary efficiency and increased cranking power.

It also features Magseal, a membrane of magnetic oil, which prevents dust or saltwater intrusion, avoids friction, eliminates oil spray and improves reel life expectancy.

Combine this with a Magsealed Line Roller, Air Rotor and ATD, and this is one of the smoothest, most sensitive and technically advanced reels in the Daiwa range. The end result for the angler is feeling more connected to lures, detecting more bites and fighting fish more easily. www.daiwaaustralia.com.au

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N.S BLACK HOLE AMPED

The N.S Black Hole Amped series is the result of a collaboration between the US designers and Australian distributors, and is fine tuned for the Australian market. The new blank technology used in the Amped series results in feather light rods with impressive sensitivity and performance, and they’re also priced very competitively.

There are 12 models, covering everything from light bream spin models, short lengths for kayak anglers, barra spin and barra baitcast, and some bass in between. The butt section has been designed to be comfortable to use even when you have a big fish on.

There are seven spin models and five baitcast models. The spin models range from the S-602UL (6’, 2-piece, 2-6lb rating, 2-8g lure weight, ultra light) through to the S-701XH (7’, 1-piece, 15-30lb, 15-50g, X-heavy); and the baitcast models range from the C-602L (6’, 2-piece, 2-8lb, 4-15g, light) up to the C-681H (6’8”, 1-piece, 10-20lb, 7-28g, heavy).

Price: RRP $150 www.ejtodd.com.au

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What’s New FISHING TESTED:

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Beachmate trolley

I love finding products that make certain tasks easier, whether it’s a new type of tool for handyman work around the house right through to the functionality of a reversing camera on large cars. I wouldn’t say I’m a lazy person, I just don’t like overcomplicating tasks that should be simple! And it’s for this reason I enjoyed using the Beachmate trolley.

Around the time this package turned up at Fishing Monthly I had just been given the all clear from the doctor after hobbling around with a broken leg for seven weeks. I was keen to get out and about again without crutches and go fishing – so it was the perfect time to check out the functionality of the Beachmate and put it through its paces.

If you’re like me you always pack too much gear when you go fishing. I have this nagging worry that if I don’t take something I’ll be guaranteed to need it – and when it comes to land-based fishing or fishing off a pier, jetty or beach, there’s nothing worse then overloading yourself with gear and having to stop a thousand times to rearrange and shift what you’re carrying.

Enter the Beachmate!

This trolley was designed to assist in carrying gear to and from the beach, but it’s also perfect for carting your fishing gear to and from other fishing destinations. The trolley

TESTED:

Saving coin with Stingray Eyewear

I think I was chosen to review these glasses when on a recent trip chasing squid, a colleague I was fishing with saw me struggling with servo quality sunnies…

Not that it was worrying me greatly, I mean, I’ve tried (but never owned) some very expensive lenses, and they offered great protection, but sunnies just need to keep the sun out of my eyes, right? All the ‘good’ quality eyewear is well out of my ‘student-living-just-above-the-povertyline’ budget anyway…

to test, the Mackerel, as it made me look like a Floridian flats guide!

But looks aside, I was very keen to see how a sub $100 lens compared to the other glasses on the market. Being a sight-fishing addict, I knew that my usual fishing habits would provide an adequate testing field.

Where cruising targets are swimming in and out of shadows cast by trees, pontoons, bridges and rocks, quality sunglasses are invaluable. Glare on the water seems to render the naked eye practically useless, and while cheap sunnies are some help against glare, the Mackerel lens manages to First impressions deflect most glare from going into your eyes That was the first thing that struck so you can keep a visual on that feeding me about Stingray’s range of fishing fish. That’s the idea, anyway…

The Testing field

specific sunglasses – they don’t cost hundreds of dollars, but they boast a stylish look that makes them appear like their more expensive counterparts. I was immediately taken by the lens I was given SCAN THE QR CODE!

doubles as a seat, so once you unload all your gear you can sit down, relax and crack a frothy one while you wait for the fish to bite. The Beachmate also has a compact, inbuilt shade canopy to give you a bit of relief from the sun’s glare.

A lot of thought has been put into the design of this product. It’s very user friendly, so any numbskull can use it – even me! It packs up flat and can easily be stored in your car or cupboard.

The materials used are of a high quality and are designed to withstand the elements. The trolley also has several pockets, which are great for storing valuables like your keys and wallet.

Also supplied is a cargo net, which you can attach over your load to stop gear falling off as you move between fishing destinations.

What I like about this product the most though is that its functionality is perfect for my needs. Not only is it great for taking all the gear I need when fishing off the river banks, jetty or the beach, it’s also great in other aspects of my life. I have a young family – a 2-year-old and a fresh little 2-month-old – and when we head out for a birthday party, BBQ, or even a trip to the beach, this product is extremely useful in carting our ever-increasing bits and pieces from A to B. The Beachmate retails for $129. For more information or to order this product go to www.ezybeach.com.au or freecall 1300 822 469. – Ryan Limpus

Having tested these lenses across a variety of environments targeting different species, I’m more than impressed by the fish-spotting and glare-deflecting qualities it has to offer, not to mention the protection it offered.

At first I tried a bit of simple land-based squidding in Moreton Bay, where your ability to see not only underwater structure, but also the squid themselves is important. Squid are masters of camouflage and even in shallow water, they can be quite tricky to spot.

At all stages of the day, I was able to spot

squid through glare, even when they tried to be clever by swimming into a shadow or diving down a few feet.

Elsewhere, they proved their use while fly fishing for carp in shallow water. Where I fish, the brown colouration of the carp makes them difficult to spot against the muddy bottom, and their inability to stay still sees many targets lost to glare or turbulence in the water. Cutting out that glare made spotting cruising carp very easy, especially with the sun rapidly dropping and the shadows lengthening. Spotting fish was easy, getting them to eat, of course, was another matter.

Even when not spotting fish or squid though, having your eyes protected during those long days out on the water is very important. I’ve done a few full day trips out in the dams and in the bay with the Mackerel lens and I haven’t ended up with the sore eyes that were a part of fishing with my servo sunnies.

As a plus, they haven’t caused any discomfort when on my head, even though they sit fairly tightly around my skull. Being a tight fit means there’s no need for extra lanyards to prevent them from falling off your face.

Final thoughts

Stingray Eyewear is absolutely perfect for anyone looking for affordable, fishing specific sunnies that demonstrate quality far beyond their price. For the years of use an angler can get out of them if looked after, it’s not a huge investment,

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

For long days out on the water, the Mackerel definitely provided the protection it promised, and made me look as though I knew what I was doing as a bonus! especially when you consider the protection they offer and underwater features you’ll see that you would have otherwise missed.

The Mackerel is Stingray’s ‘all rounder’, but they have other more specific lenses available, to check them out you can visit www.stingrayeyewear.com.au.

– Bob Thornton

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au OCTOBER 2015

85

News Suntag Hall of Fame Suntag embodies a single idea – that anglers can make a difference and improve their fishery every time they fish, no matter the species or location.

As Suntag nears the distinguished age of 30 we’re excited to launch the ‘Suntag Hall of Fame,’ that recognises fishers that have emulated our philosophy.

For this inaugural year, 13 fishers from across the state have been selected. While we cannot release their names until after the presentation, we can discuss their collective fishing achievements through the lens of Suntag data.

Our inductees have amassed 254 species in every conceivable environment across the state. Over 90,000 fish have made their way back into the water. By any measure that stacks up with the best fishers going.

Total trips made by anglers was a whopping 10,001, with 84,482 fish tagged. A diversity of 254 species were recorded with 112 of those tagged.

The legacy of 13 anglers

There are many ways that anglers forge connections with one another and one of the most unique bonds is the knowledge of sharing a fish. The tagging program allows Suntag to track these shared experiences and show the scale of connections across the fishing community.

Suntag has captured this experience 58,726

times for 17,387 fishers.

The crazy part is that we still get excited whenever an interesting recapture comes about.

This data indicates that over 1000 people have caught Michael Dohnt’s fish over the years. A quick look at the map of Brisbane connections alone reveals his fish have been recaptured throughout Moreton Bay.

The top taggers involved with Suntag who share a unique connection with other fishers include: ANGLER RECAPTURES RECAPTURES BY

OTHER ANGLERS* Dohnt M 1701 1047 Harveyson K 879 349 Sawynok W 793 440 Powell D 786 264 Bailey S 729 33

It is doubtful that any other angler in the world has made that many documented connections.

Keith ‘Doc’ Harveyson, a legend around Townsville, could tell you the names of all his fish. He has recaptured his own fish a staggering 455 times.

Looking at the thirteen inductees, 6,653 fish have been recaptured with 2,783 people sharing their fish.

The most amazing statistic of all though is of that out of 6,653 fish recaptured 3,394 (51%) were released on recapture. If you are thinking of taking a shot at capturing one of these magic fish, here are the top 5 species: Barramundi (2,356); dusky flathead (1,051); Australian bass (543); goldspotted rock cod (530); yellowfin bream (519).

Here are the top 5 fishers that recapture their own fish.

FISHER TIMES RECAPTURED OWN FISH Harveyson K 445 Dohnt M 372 Stewart A 297 Powell D 135 Balog J 125 *Number of original angler’s tagged fish which went on to be caught by other anglers.

How big was it?

Early meetings were often back to nature.

That is some footprint The Proclaimers once said they would walk 500 miles for love, so how far would you walk for a fish? Our nominees have walked a lot more than that.

The map of the area fished by these men

stretches across the whole of Queensland.

In terms of fishing spots, they have collectively f ished 2,662 locations. Those locations span the state and all fishing conditions.

The top ten regions REGION FISH TAGGED Pumicestone Passage 17,650 Fitzroy River 8,108 Halifax Bay 6,508 Moreton Bay 5,690 Weipa 4,469 North Stradbroke/Logan River/Albert River 3,741 Raglan 3,435 Hinchinbrook Channel 2,512 Curtis Island 1,911 Corio Bay 1,864 Lake Boondooma 1,709

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OCTOBER 2015

Good anglers find big fish and many of the nominees have held national records in their time. However, if you want to measure the contribution of an angler to the future rather than their ego, it’s juveniles you need to look at.

Juveniles represent the future of a fishery, the fish that will breed and be caught tomorrow.

The one thing that unites

our nominees is they have been successful at targeting fish of all sizes. Here are the top 10 juvenile counts for our inductees: yellowfin bream (6,193); pikey bream (3,835); barramundi (2,532); speckled javelin (2,047); snapper (1,282); Australian bass (1,273); barred javelin (1,188); grass emperor (860); goldspotted rock cod (819); mangrove jack (382).

The 13 inductees have recorded over 30.2km of fish through Suntag.

The top 10 species SPECIES METRES OF FISH RECORDED Barramundi 8,943.11m Yellowfin bream 2,909.95m Dusky flathead 4,194.87m Australian bass 3,419.54m Pikey bream 1,112.91m Goldspotted rock cod 1,365.54m Speckled javelin 751.47m Mangrove jack 898.42m Barred javelin 555.83m

Suntag Hall of Famers top species ‘Obsessive’ is a pretty good word to describe our Hall of Famers. You SPECIES Barramundi Yellowfin Bream Dusky Flathead Australian Bass Pikey Bream Goldspotted Rockcod Speckled Javelin Snapper Mangrove Jack Barred Javelin

don’t get to these sorts of numbers unless you learn fast and repeat successful NUMBER TAGGED 21,398 11,835 10,444 9,655 5,213 4,033 2,876 2,855 2,606 2,148

methods endlessly.

These are the guys that go for that extra cast, SPECIES Grass Emperor Blackspotted Rockcod Golden Snapper Giant Trevally King Threadfin Blue Threadfin Sand Whiting Golden Perch Red Emperor School Mackeral

the places nobody would think to try and forever seek to find the fish.

NUMBER TAGGED 1,807 1,269 1,200 890 740 657 605 581 360 355

Industry Profile

Kingfisher Canopy FMG

Ryan Limpus rlimpus@fishingmonthly.com.au

As the days get hotter, we find ourselves out and about enjoying the sunny weather that comes with the typical Australian summer. These days, being sun smart and protecting yourself and your family from potentially harmful UV rays is always of ultimate importance.

When you’re out on the open boat the best way of creating shade is to invest in a shade cover/bimini that fits your craft. There are plenty out on the market and they all share their purpose – but they are not always fishing friendly. This is what instigated the thought process and design of the Kingfisher canopy range by Ballina business owners Grant Jenkins and Phil Chapman.

Phil and Grant are the owners of Undercover

Only quality components and materials are used in the construction of these canopies.

Canvas in Ballina and are renowned for their quality work and expertise in all things canvas, shade and vinyl upholstery. With their staff on hand they have over 60 years experience servicing the northern NSW and Southern QLD region.

Both men are keen fishos who had issues when putting up and taking down their biminis while fishing.

Frustrated with not being able to maximise the usable space, the boys put their heads together to design a boat canopy that is user and access friendly.

From this the Kingfisher Canopy was developed and designed and has not looked back.

The patented design has no struts at the front or the back of the canopy - which means you have more freedom to move around and fish within the shaded area. The product also has independently collapsible front and rear sections that allow you to fold up one area if you wish to stand up and fish while the other section of the boat stays under shade.

Each canopy is manufactured individually

The guys at Undercover Canvas do more than just the Kingfisher Canopy.

When it comes to vinyl, canvas and shade they have you covered.

Out the front of Undercover Canvas stands the demo boat with the Kingfisher Canopy as well as a custom boat cover. to suit the boat it’s fitted to, and uses only the best quality materials, fixtures and fittings. The canvas used is Polyester Surlast which is UV rated. The quality of craftsmanship is second to none by the Australian owned and operated company with the product backed up by a lifetime manufacturers warranty to the original owner - which can’t be sneezed at.

Another strong feature of the Kingfisher Canopy is its strength under speed.

The Kingfisher has been tested to 60 km/hour in its fully extended position.

As well as producing the Kingfisher Canopy range, Grant and Phil at Undercover Canvas also produce other quality custom made products to protect the angler’s most valued possession… the boat! From engine socks to boat covers and tops - these guys do some great work.

For any information on the products and services they provide you can contact them on (02) 6686 5116 or you can check out their websites: w w w. k i n g f i s h e r c a n o p y. com.au or www.under covercanvas.com.au

The Kingfishing Canopy gives you options when out on the water. It can be either extended to its full capacity or folded up to half capacity.

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87

Cooking

Seafood stir-fry BRISBANE

Lynn Bain

Stir-frying is an active cooking method, with the ingredients being moved

around in the wok continuously. So when making a seafood stir-fry, I tend to use the more durable seafood types such as prawns, scallops and calamari pieces

(rings or strips).

Stir-frying is arguably best done in a wok and generally the higher temperature that you can get, then the better the end product.

Recipe

SEAFOOD STIR-FRY

Ingredients 500g preen prawns, peeled and deveined 250g scallops (roe optional) 250g calamari pieces (rings or strips) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 6 green shallots, sliced into 2cm pieces 1 red capsicum, deseeded, cut into small cubes

1

Combine the marinade ingredients of garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce and Chinese cooking wine in a large glass bowl. Add the seafood to the marinade and mix together thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, at the most two hours. Stir the seafood and marinade a couple of times during the marinading time.

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OCTOBER 2015

or spinach for the baby broccoli.

Marinade for Seafood 4 cloves garlic, grated very finely 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine

The ingredients for the stir fry - seafood, marinade ingredients and vegetables.

4 2

1 bunch baby broccoli, cut into thirds 1 tin bamboo shoots, drained The baby broccoli and bamboo shoot components of the seafood stir-fry can be altered to suit your taste. You could substitute either water chestnuts or baby corn for the bamboo shoots and either pak choy

Heat the vegetable oil in the wok over a high heat. Add the marinated seafood to the hot oil. Stirfry the seafood for a few minutes until the prawns have just turned a pinkish colour. Remove the cooked seafood from the wok and place to one side in a glass bowl.

5

Keeping the heat in the wok on high, add the vegetables to the wok and stir -fry for a couple of minutes only.

Return the seafood to the wok and combine with the cooked vegetables.

6

Your seafood stir-fry is now ready to serve with a little cooked rice on the side.

Industry Profile

A brand to be proud of Brisbane and Tampa (Florida) may be a world apart, but the two cities have forged a connection through fishing that has become beneficial to all Australian anglers. 13 Fishing, a Florida born sportsfishing company, launched in Australia in late 2012 and I’ve been along for the ride ever since.

When 13 Fishing launched in Australia we began with the release of our two bloodline fishing rods OMEN Black and ENVY Black. We incorporated the suitable actions from the American models and I then began work to develop Australian specific rods to complement our range.

Australian fishing is unique and multifaceted with a variety of environments and species that therefore require very different rods, not to mention a range of differing

we wanted to do, and the INCEPTION has been kicking goals since its introduction.

Right now the range consists of 5 rods. However, another 8 models are currently on my desk being prototyped as we speak.

INTO THE FUTURE Now we are launching what is probably our most important release in our brand’s short history, our first update and overhaul of an existing product line, the introduction of the new OMEN Black.

The new OMEN Black represents everything we’ve worked so hard on as a brand over the past 3 years. We pride ourselves on building fishing equipment for today’s angler, and we evolve our product to suit your needs. Technology is developing at an incredible pace, and we are using these

allows us to make a much stronger blank. This may not sound like a very big deal, but controlling that process can be the difference between the rod you can’t put down and the one you don’t take a second look at on the shelf of your local tackle shop.

We made new reel seats that are more comfortable, offer better blank access for increased sensitivity and that look awesome! The new ALPS Double Diamond product is a different guide train that ensures that the line flows effortlessly from your reel to your lure without you ever having to worry about durability or performance.

MUSE GOLD We have recently launched another great technology in a completely new series. The Zonal Action Theory debuts in our new MUSE Gold

Tom Slater and Dean Thomson with some cracker Somerset bass caught on the new Muse Gold. development to cater for all the bluewater fans out there.

But we aren’t just a rod company - in 2014 we launched CONCEPT to a worldwide resounding success. CONCEPT is our take on the low profile baitcast reel market. This reel was not a cardboard copy of the current market. At 13 Fishing we take pride in the practicality and design of our products and so we created this piece from the ground up with our own tools, in our own way, just the way we like it!

The next logical step in our reel program? Yep, you guessed it. A spinning reel is

markets. US Bass style rods are generally too heavy for our light tackle sportsfishing, but we enjoy their actions and taper. Trout rods are the right line weight, but often lack the feel and response we have grown to love for lure fishing.

To conquer these limitations we started with the design of 16 additional models. These rods provided all sorts of solutions from light spinning rods for bream, through to heavy short baitcast rods for barramundi and cod.

Adding these Australian specific models to our range had almost everything covered.

In 2014 we launched OMEN Green, our rod for heavier sportsfishing use.

Stronger actions and bigger guides were the backbone of the OMEN Green series.

In March 2015 we launched INCEPTION Green, a specifically designed series for Australia, which allowed anglers within a budget to experience the 13 Fishing brand. The need for an entrylevel price point became evident, so the INCEPTION Green range was a real winner. A high performing rod at a price that the average Australian angler could afford was always something

Top Left: Up close and personal with 13 Fishing’s new Muse Gold. Top Right: The KP concept reel. Above Right: Concept reels and rods looking great on deck. developments to improve our equipment and bring you, the angler, something truly unique.

The new rods are lighter and stronger thanks to a new graphite technology which we call PVG or Poly Vector Graphite. Essentially with PVG we have more precise control over how our graphite gets laid - a more evenly controlled graphite alignment in the blank rolling process

series. MUSE is sort of the in-between. Sitting between the OMEN and ENVY, the MUSE is the third child in our bloodline. MUSE Gold is a series of 9 very high performance, specialised spinning rods designed for light line finesse applications.

Whether you’re a bream guy or a bass fisher; MUSE Gold will have something to offer you.

What helps us differentiate MUSE from our other lines is that by incorporating ZAT we can break the blank down into its parts and focus on them individually. This allows us to extract the best performance out of each part. We use the highest modulus – the most sensitive graphite on the tip sections. The mid-section graphite is laid more parallel,

resulting in the perfect ‘springy’ shock absorbing action. The butt-section uses a hex-axial wrap pattern resulting in more strength from the same material so you get that nice powerful backbone if you need to lean on one to get a fish out of some nasty cover.

So we’ve gone from two to five ranges, with another new range already in

already underway at 13 HQ and we’re hoping to tease you with some progress in the not too distant future.

While 13 Fishing might be the new kid on the block, we bring something pretty unique to the table and I think anglers in Australia will love what we’re all about. When it comes down to it, 13 Fishing is a brand based on one thing – the angler. – Tom Slater OCTOBER 2015

89

Fathers’ Day Fishing Fest on the Bremer River The second annual Fathers’ Day Fishing Fest, organised

by Ipswich City Council, was held on the 6 September

2015. Once again, the catchphoto-release competition was well attended with over 200 competitors wetting a

line in the Bremer River.

The family event encourages experienced and novice anglers alike to come together and find out what might be lurking in what is generally an underrated fishery.

Local club, Aberdare Extended Amateur Fishing Club, were on hand sharing

as face painting, kids lucky dip and a jumping castle. This year participants also got a chance to give kayak fishing a go thanks to SEQWater providing free use of kayaks and tuition.

The fishing was slow to begin with from both bank and boat, but warmed up with the weather. Most of the winning

reports leading up to the comp suggested that they are yet to start showing in the system due to cold water temps.

The Father’s Day Fishing Fest not only gives people a chance to see what is swimming in their back yard, but the data from the catches are collected and

used by the council to gauge the river health and inform management options.

The Bremer River is a recovering system and events like this go a long way to help gain support from the local community for waterway health improvement initiatives.

RESULTS

Category Jnr Winner Length Catfish.................... Angus Christensen............ 39cm Eel........................... Connor Mumford.............. 72cm Bream..................... Charlie Chambers............. 30cm Bass........................ Riley Jessen . ................... 38cm Other....................... Catherine Lee .................. 44cm Flathead Most Unusual......... Trevor Bonnfeldt .............. 23cm Bullrout their experience with novice anglers and demonstrating tips and tricks that have seen their members win local and national casting comps. BCF Ipswich were there with a supply of tackle, bait and some great prizes, as was local legend and great supporter of young anglers Bruce Alvey who generously sponsored a number of categories. Healthy Waterways, Queensland Urban Utilities, SEQ Catchments and FFSAQ were also in attendance offering information and a range of give-aways as well as a number of other activities such

Over $55,000 in total prizes

fish were caught during late morning on locally caught live prawns. As with last year, the range of species landed included your typical estuary species like flathead and bream as well as healthy looking bass to nearly 40cm landed by those who headed upstream. Other interesting species showed up, including river mulloway and bullrout and of course the ubiquitous eel and catfish put in an appearance.

Category prizes supplied

by Alvey, BCF Ipswich, Ipswich Marine, and Masters and Discovery Fishing Charters meant there were plenty of happy anglers. For those who didn’t catch a winning fish this year there were awesome lucky door prizes including a kayak from Dream Kayaks, so everyone had a chance to take home a prize!

Many fishers were chasing the notorious Bremer River bull sharks, however, local

Snr Winner Length ErnieTerelinck . .................... 42cm Christopher Paterson . ........ 73cm Stephen Volgler . ................. 32cm Glen Reid ............................ 35cm Nicholas Howard ................ 26cm River Jew

Bruce Alvey and Councillor Heather Morrow awarding the ‘Alvey Reels Junior Division’ prizes.

NOV 13-15, 2015 Drifter Tournament

Catfish

TWO LUCKY DRAW BOATS TO GIVE AWAY! • Lucky draws • Early entry prizes • Catch, photo and release

• All fishing styles permitted • All fishing craft permitted

Lake Maroon is approximately 90 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The competition will be based at Camp Lake Fire, which has direct boat launching access. Early Entry – Senior: $30; Junior: $15 (Junior must be under 14 years on November 14, 2015).

Registrations through www.sportstuition.com.au

Top: A great 38cm bass caught by junior angler Riley Jessen. Bottom: Cribb Park, Ipswich where plenty of bank, boat, and kayak fishers had a go!

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OCTOBER 2015

Jack fishing comp

Hinchy Fly Challenge

From the 6-8 November, the Mangrove Jack Anglers’ Fishing Tournament will be held at Oxenford. With an entry fee of $25, this is the perfect tournament to enter for anglers of all abilities including beginner and promises to be an awesome weekend.

Sign on runs at BCF Oxenford on the Friday afternoon between 5-7pm and Saturday morning from 4:30-8am. Outside of these times sign on can be arranged through BCF

At the 2015 Hinchinbrook Fly Fishing Challenge, 17 teams of two gathered at Lucinda on 3 September, preparing for two solid days of catch-andrelease fishing in the Hinchinbrook Channel and surrounding waters.

In total, over 300 fish were caught over the two days, and each evening competitors gathered at the Lucinda Point Hotel Motel to share their experiences and see the scores as they came in.

The Champion Angler crown went to Daniel Collins for the fifth time, which is a great achievement, and together with teammate Chris Heath (Team Drowned Flats) he took out the Champion Team prize as well. The runner-up Champion Angler was Chris Heath, and the runner-up team was The Flying Pygmies (Bob Bentley and Trent Butler).

The event was well received by all competitors, and for many the highlight of the prize night was the presentation of TFO rods and reels from EJ Todd to our newest and most junior anglers. It was amazing to see the impact of these

staff members.

The competition is based on a photo submission format where anglers will catch a fish, take a photo then promptly release back into the water.

Prizes are many and varied including awards for the biggest jack, and total length caught, as well as a lucky door prize and random draw.

Additionally, all entrants will receive 20% off all fishing gear from BCF Oxenford during the event.

The presentation will be hosted at the Oxenford Rowing Club on Sunday 8 November from 4-6pm.

Non-alcoholic drinks and food will be supplied, with alcohol available for purchase.

Major sponsors of the event include: BCF Oxenford, JML Anglers Alliance, Phoenix Rods, Geneo Kustoms, Addiction Adventure Wear, Deep River, Platypus Fishing Lines, Mick Molnar Marine Art. – BCF Oxenford

Moreton fishing trip Any high school student interested in attending a fishing competition on Moreton Island on Saturday, 17 October, 2015 should contact your sports teacher or John and Judy Lynne.

In a competition co-ordinated by the Junior Anglers Association, high school students are invited to participate in an exciting day out. At only $25 for the day, this is a fun and exciting way to spend a weekend!

Students are encouraged to either enter on their own or form a team of up to five members. Schools may enter more than one team.

There are plenty of prizes and awards on offer with trophies for the outright South Queensland Champion, Under 18 Champion, Under 16 Champion, Under 14 Champion, and the overall Champion Team.

Trophies are also given for second and third in each

division, as well as for the heaviest fish caught, and the best whiting catch of the day.

Note that no person may win more than one trophy and there may be other special trophies awarded on the day, so there is many an opportunity to go home with a win!

For more information contact your school office.

Call John and Judy Lynne on - 0409 056 437 or email judylynne@sunfishqld. com.au. – Sunfish

QLD’S RICHEST FR ESHW FISHING COMPETI ATER TION!

US THE INFAMO RETURN OF

0BOARD $5IS0A ,W0A0 TER NT

RESULTS Place................... Angler.................................Points 1.......................... Daniel Collins.........................3440.

2.......................... Chris Heath............................2741.

3.......................... Andy Thomsen.......................2168 Champion Team Drowned Flats (Dan Collins and Chris Heath) Runner Up Team The Flying Pygmies (Bob Bentley and Trent Butler) prizes on both these young men, and I think we have converted them to fly for life!

For full results and photos go to www. facebook.com/hinchinbrook challenge. – HFFC

This photo of Neil Cunnington, taken by Chris Rippon, was voted ‘best photo’ at the comp and earned Chris a Sage Xi3 rod.

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91

Edge Rods Richmond BASS open ABT steps out of the lake and into the river for one of the most exciting events of 2015. The Richmond River BASS Open sees ABT hit the rivers for its first wild bass river event.

The competition will be a single day event to be held on Sunday 11 October, with pre-fishing allowed on 10 October, however a ban pre-fish ban applies from 5-9 October.

The competition will be run from Coraki Riverside Park in Coraki (Corer Richmond Tce and Allwood St). A briefing will take place at 6:30am at the park before the competition

The results of an early morning session by Jason young and his mate. They were on the water at 4:00am and back at home by 7:00am for breakfast.

These mackerel were caught trolling hardbodied lures off Palm Beach reef.

begins at 7:00am, concluding at 2:00pm.

Anglers are required to have boat insurance, an up to date NSW Fishing Licence and safety gear as required

by NSW RMS. Anglers under 16 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Simon Goldsmith of ABT believes this different style of competition will be a great success.

“We feel the timing is right to take our popular catch and release format and apply it to the rivers,” he said.

“There’s a great opportunity for the development of new tournament venues, techniques, anglers, as well as industry benefits.”

The venue is situated near the junction of the Richmond and Wilson Rivers, making for a broad playing field once out on the water.

Event rules largely mirror that of ABT BASS Pro events, with a team’s format providing the ideal opportunity to pair up with family or friends in a friendly competition. The event will combine catch and release with exciting live fish weigh-ins in a fun, social atmosphere.

“We’re excited about

ABT has for a long time successfully run tournaments in dam environments. Now, for the first time, they will be running an event in the Richmond River. what the event has in store.

Targeting bass in the rivers offers a whole range of new challenges and opportunities.

We can’t wait to see what the rivers and anglers have to

offer,” Simon said.

The success of this trial event will hopefully see an expansion in ABT’s approach to tournament bass angling. – ABT

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2015

DATE DETAILS

CONTACT

October

Oct 16-17

WTF Women That Fish Barra Classic Fitzroy River, Rockhampton

Shara 0429923243 Bel 0407674198

Oct 17-18

ABBT Basstasstic Bass Fishing Qualifier Wuruma Dam

Russel Nowlands www.barrabasstasstic.com

Oct 24-25

BASS Grand Final Lake Glenbawn

ABT abt.org.au

Oct 29

Cardwell Barra Bonanza Cardwell

Cardwell Sportfishing Club cardwellbarrabonanza.com

Oct 31

Daiwa-Hobie Kayak Bass Australian Championship Hinze Dam

Hobiecat Australasia www.hobiefishing.com.au

Oct 31-Nov 1

ABBT X-Factor Australian Teams Series Borumba Dam

Russel Nowlands www.barrabasstasstic.com

November

Nov 6-8

Mangrove Jack Anglers Fishing Tournament Oxenford

BCF Oxenford

Nov 13-15

Bluefin Lake Maroon Fishing Classic Lake Maroon

Steve Wilkes www.sportstuition.com.au

Nov 21-22

ABBT Basstasstic Bass Fishing Qualifier TBA

Russel Nowlands www.barrabasstasstic.com

Nov 21-22

Rapala BARRA Tour R1 Teemburra

ABT abt.org.au

Nov 24-25

Rapala BARRA Tour Night Championship Kinchant

ABT abt.org.au

Nov 27-28

Rapala BARRA Tour R3 Peter Faust

ABT abt.org.au

December

Dec 5-6

ABBT X-Factor Australian Teams Series Somerset

Russel Nowlands www.barrabasstasstic.com

For listings please email jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au 92

OCTOBER 2015

Bli Bli Barra Park Comp The Bli Bli Barra Fishing Park TUFF Barra and Bream Comp has been run and won, with some cracker fish in all divisions.

Many anglers made their way down to Bli Bli to make the most of one the best barra fisheries in SEQ. Dave Mumby took the final honours in the Senior

RESULTS BARRA Place Angler Length No. of fish 1............Dave Mumby........425.5 cm....................... 5 2............Kim Vitale..............383 cm.......................... 5 3............Andrew Waller......318 cm.......................... 5 Jnr 1......Michael L..............226.5cm........................ 4 Barra division with a grand total of 425.5cm for his five biggest fish. The lead

changed regularly, and the result was only guaranteed at the final hooter.

Jake Gardiner took out 2nd in the Bream Division and also caught this nice barra.

Park Manager Angus Collins presenting Dave Mumby with the shield.

In the Junior Barra division Michael took the honours with four fish for a total of 226.5cm. Michael L also took the award for the Biggest Barra on a Rapala Lure and the Biggest Bream on a lure, and also finished the competition with first place in the Junior Bream division.

The Senior Bream division was another close fought battle, with Andrew

Waller claiming the official title on the last afternoon of the competition. Andrew’s winning total length of best

10 Bream went 332.4cm, an average of over 33cm per bream, measured to the fork. – BBFP

RESULTS BREAM Place Angler Length (cm) No. of fish 1............Andrew Waller......332.40......................... 10 2............George Cowie.......318 ............................. 10 3............Dave Mumby........112................................ 3 Jnr 1......Michael L..............206................................ 6 Jnr 2......Jake Gardiner.......37.5............................... 1 Jnr 3......Jake Millson..........36.................................. 1

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93

Redemption is finally served CE 1ST PLA

ABU Garcia’s Ross Cannizzaro completed a fairytale story at the fifth and final qualifying round of the 2015 Berkley BREAM Series. The 32-year-old Sydney tournament pro went wire-to-wire to claim victory for the event naming sponsor (ABU Garcia) and find redemption for his loss in last year’s Hawkesbury BREAM Grand Final.

Making up for missed opportunities was a strong motivation heading into the event and Ross hit the ground running from the moment he touched the water.

“The fog thwarted my efforts to head upriver and hit my number one spot so I started off at a secondary spot, the wash boards at the racks at Marramarra Creek,” said Ross Cannizzaro.

While it may have been his less preferable spot it only took Ross 30 minutes to catch his limit. His go-to techniques were a combination of 37mm Berkley Power Blades and 2 1/2” Berkley Gulp Crabbies.

With the fog clearing, Ross stowed his electric, started up the big motor and headed upstream to Spencer to fish natural rocks walls. It was a location that had been be productive for him many times in the past.

“The spot needs current for the fish to fire and when I got there the tide had pretty much maxed out at the top, so I waited an hour for the tide to start to run before I started fishing it,” said Ross.

After killing time for an hour and his money bank now primed to hit, Ross positioned his boat out from the shoreline in 30-40’ of water

AUSTACKLE BIG BREAM

STORM VENTAFISH®

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

94

OCTOBER 2015

Kris Hickson secured the Austackle Big Bream claiming the $500 prize for his 1.55kg fish caught on day two with a brown coloured Cranka Crab.

Ross Cannizzaro with a pair of his Hawkesbury winning bream.

Creek. There was no repeat of day one’s lightning start however and with no fish to show for half an hour Ross bit the bullet and headed into the fog and upriver.

Fishing his way upriver, Ross slowly filled his bag, include two large key fish that he picked up in Berowra Creek.

“Those two fish (37 and 36cm fork length) were crucial on day two, and very much anchored my overall weight,” said Ross.

Returning to Spencer around 12pm Ross found his location under increased angling pressure and as a result he adjusted his approach and refocused his efforts on other spots in the area under less pressure.

Adjusting his approach on the fly paid off with Ross catching three more fish and adding one more all-important upgrade to his limit. While quietly confident that he had enough to claim

Berkley PowerBlade

30-40” deep

and bombed the bottom, focusing on the transition zone where the rocks met the silty bottom.

“The key was to keep the Power Blade tight to the bottom and move the lure with small subtle hops,” said Ross.

The approach paid off with Ross upgrading six times and weighing in a 3.71kg limit to grab the lead heading into day two.

“I was happy to be leading after the first day but to be honest I was a little worried. How can you not be when you have Warren Carter breathing down your neck in second?” said Ross.

With the fog greeting anglers again on day two, Ross once again started his morning hitting the washboards at Marramarra

the win, on stage it was a different story with his nerves well and truly evident.

“You can never be too sure, and while I thought I had over 4kg it’s not until you see the numbers flick up on the scales that you can rest easy,” said a relieved Cannizzaro.

The win added another victory to Ross’ impressive tournament resume and provided a level of redemption from his 2nd place in last year’s Hawkesbury BREAM Grand Final, and his 2nd place from the Mallacoota round in June.

“It’s great to have a Hawkesbury River win to go with my Sydney Harbour win from last year. As a Sydneybased breamer there’s no two more rewarding events to win,” sais Ross. – ABT

Gillett blades deep CE 2ND PLA

Lake Macquarie’s Shayne Gillett had a dream tournament at Hawkesbury, with the 45-year-old Hobie Fishing tournament pro compiling a 10/10, 7.45kg

limit to add $1,500 to his career earnings and punch his ticket for November’s Berkley Grand Final.

Fishing an Ecogear ZX Blade to catch his fish each day, Gillett started day one fishing edges near the junction of Wiseman Ferry and Berowra Creek. His first fish didn’t come until 8.30am, and despite taking some time to catch it made up for it in size (1.30kg), and his second soon followed at 9am.

Anglers queued up each afternoon to present their fish to the weighmaster and gathered crowd.

Unfortunately, that was it for the next two hours, until at 11am when the fish turned on just like flicking a switch. The adage of no-run-no-fun was definitely the case, especially on the rock walls at Spencer where Gillett was fishing.

“You get a distinct bite window where the bream will bite their heads off and that was definitely the case on day one,” said Gillett.

In 30 minutes Gillett caught his limit and upgraded multiple times. The flurry of activity delivering him a 3.46kg limit and had the Hobie Bream pro sitting in 4th place at the end of day one. His day one technique involved drifting the blade down the face of the wall with current, staying in contact with the lure at all times, and imparting a series of small hops.

“Contact with the lure was crucial to minimise snagging up on the bottom and ensuring you could feel the bites,” said Gillett.

Loftus racks up win

BREA

Presente M SERIES d by ABU Garcia

Shayne Gillett bagged the big fish to claim second place.

Greeted by the fog again at the start of day two, Gillett slowly fished his way up the system, spot hopping rock walls and picking up fish as he went. Just like day one his first fish of the day was a standout, another 1kg+ fish to kick start his day’s bag. Falling once again to a lift and dropped

TOP 10 BOATERS Place

Angler

Fish

Weight

Payout

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ross CANNIZZARO Shayne GILLETT Kristoffer HICKSON Simon SCZEPANIAK John TIMBRELL Graham FRANKLIN Nigel WHITE Todd RICHES Steve GILL Warren CARTER

10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 9/10 8/10 8/10 10/10 8/10

7.90 7.45 7.24 6.13 6.09 5.96 5.86 5.84 5.30 5.27

$2800 $1,500 $1100 $1,000 $750 $650 $500 $500

CE 1ST PLA TER A NON-BO Sydney’s Alan Loftus claimed victory at the Hawkesbury with the ABU Garcia sponsored tournament breamer compiling a 6/10, 4.08kg limit to secure his maiden BREAM Qualifier win.

Fishing with Daniel Saunders on day one, Loftus fished oyster racks near Bar Point throwing a 37mm Berkley PowerBlade along the rack rails to catch his fish.

“It was perfect coloured rack fishing water, discoloured so the fish weren’t shy, yet enough

Ecogear ZX40 it was followed by more fish. By 12.15pm he had four fish in the bag, one shy of his full limit.

“The tide was later on day two and I wasn’t expecting the peak bite to kick in until around 12-ish, so I waiting until about 12.30pm until I moved to my best spot,” said Gillett.

His timing was spot on with Gillett catching seven fish in quick time. His calculating running and timing of locations paid off with Gillett weighing in a 3.99kg limit to occupy the hot seat on stage for a long time during the weigh-in before ultimately being evicted by event winner Cannizzaro.

Gillett’s tournament tackle included an assortment of Daiwa Black Label rods, and Daiwa Certate, Steez and Sol reels, black Ecogear ZX40 blades, and his beloved Ranger Bass boat.

“The Ranger makes it easy to cover lots of water fast, and allows you to spend more time fishing and less time travelling,” said Gillett. – ABT

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

TOP 10 NON-BOATERS

Alan Loftus secured the non-boater title at the ABU Garcia Hawkesbury River event. visibility that they could pick up the lure in the water,” said Loftus.

Loftus’ technique

ABU Garcia’s Ross Cannizzaro and Alan Loftus completed a fairy tale finish for the event naming sponsor.

involved working the Power Blade with a series of small, slight hops. The approach paid off on a very tough day with Loftus picking up two fish for the day.

Fishing with Wayne Robinson on day two, Loftus was once again back at the rack, this time however using a different technique.

“I tea-bagged the washboard, trying to tempt the bream with a vertically presented and shaken blade,” said Loftus.

Two hours in and with very little to show for their efforts, the pair changed location and hit edges.

Loftus fishing a deep running Berkley Fat Dog in bruiser colour. Another two hours followed and still with little to show, the pair moved once again, this time hitting boat hulls at Brooklyn.

Fishing a 2 1/2” Berkley Gulp Crabby rigged on a 1/24oz Nitro jighead, Loftus’

Place Angler

Fish

Weight (kg)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6/10 6/10 5/10 6/10 5/10 5/10 4/10 3/10 2/10 2/10

4.08 3.71 3.65 2.84 2.80 2.77 2.64 2.38 2.00 1.98

Alan LOFTUS Robert KNEESHAW Ben SHUEY Blake O’GRADY Gavin JOYCE Shaun EGAN Clint VOSS Jamie JOHNSON John THORLEY Nicholas SCOTT

Payout

Berkley Pack Berkley Pack Rod/Prize Pack Rod/Prize Pack Flying Fisherman Prize Pack Spotters Prize Pack Bass Mafia Prize Pack Z-Man Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack

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

technique was textbook shutdown breaming.

“I’d cast the Crabby in tight to the hull then simply deadstick it, letting it sink all the way to the bottom, looking for any tick of the line to indicate a bite,” said Loftus.

His less-is-more approach paid off with Loftus picking up multiple fish late in the session. Try as he might, he couldn’t crack his 5th fish to deliver him his full limit, but in the end it wasn’t needed with his 4/5, 1.69kg bag enough to deliver him the win.

Loftus’ win completed the fairy tale win for ABU Garcia, with both he and champion boater Ross Cannizzaro long time friends, team mates, and ambassadors for the ABU Garcia brand. – ABT

WINNING NOTES

Winning Tackle Rod:

’10”, 1-3kg, ABU Garcia Salty 6 Stage Reel: ABU Garcia REVO MGX20 Line: 4.4lb Berkley Exceed Leader: 2 rod length of 4lb Berkley Sensei fluorocarbon Lure: 37mm and 40mm Berkley PowerBlade (tiger prawn), Berkley Gulp Crabby (camo) rigged on 1/24oz Nitro jighead, 3” Berkley Gulp Nemesis (watermelon/red fleck) rigged on a 1/24oz Nitro jighead.

Winning Ways

Water movement was key for Ross’ fish to bite at their best. Each day he waited until the tide was running hard before he hit his number one fish spot.

OCTOBER 2015

95

West dives down deep to win CE 1ST PLA

Ipswich’s Charles West reined supreme in the 2nd BASS Electric Major with the Haswing sponsored tournament pro fishing a deep water approach to secure victory in the Haswing Lake Moogerah BASS Electric Major, 2 August.

Keying in on a strong pattern and the location to fish during a prefish the day before, and the week before the tournament.

“I found fish the week before but they weren’t overly big. So I went out the day before the tournament hoping to find some larger fish. I was lucky and picked up a couple of bigger fish in the 30 minutes,” said West.

With his tournament location locked in, West went straight to his deep water spot, a 61’ deep area located between the lake’s two boat ramps.

“The fish were not far from the flooded river, and appeared on the sounder anywhere between 30’ and the bottom [61’],” said West.

With the fish holding super deep, West used a heavy lure approach, throwing both a Keitech Fat Swing soft plastics rigged on a 1/2oz jighead, and a 19g Jackall Mask Vibe. His deep technique involved sinking his lure all the way to the bottom then retrieving it with a dead slow retrieve.

“I cranked the Mask super slow, working it just fast enough to get the lure to vibrate. The Keitech I could work even slower due to the fact that the soft small paddle-tail needs little movement to get it to wiggle,” said West.

West picked up his first fish 40 minutes into the session; it fell to a Mask Vibe. Despite fish continually moving through the area and constantly appearing on his sounder West struggled to catch another fish.

“They were incredibly flighty, and despite there being plenty of fish and bait in the area they wouldn’t bite,” said West.

Charles West claimed another event win with victory at Haswing BASS Electric Major.

Three hours after catching his first, West finally picked up his second fish. This time falling to a slow rolled Keitech. No further fish or bites followed for the session.

Jackall Mask Vibe

61’ Dead Slow Retrieve

STORM VENTAFISH®

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

96

OCTOBER 2015

Keitech Fat Swing rigged on a TT jighead

Weighing in a 3.05kg bag, West in the end claimed a comfortable win, securing a 550g win over his nearest challenger, Christian Manolea.

Manolea goes soft for second place

BASS EL EC MAJORTRIC

CE 2ND PLA

Springwood’s Christian Manolea secured a podium finish at Moogerah with the BASS Electric pro fishing a deepwater soft plastic approach to claim second.

Locating the fish with his sounder, Manolea fished the 60-65’ depth range close to the lake’s northern boat ramp, with a technique that was typical deepwater soft plastic fishing.

“Most of the fish were suspended at around 30’ so I’d sink the plastic to the bottom then slow roll it

Glassed-out conditions greeted anglers as they headed off to their fishing locations. back through the suspended fish,” said Manolea.

His go-to lure was as a 3” Keitech soft plastic rigged on a 3/8oz jighead.

Picking up two undersize fish early it wasn’t until 9.30am that Manolea put his first fish in the well.

“They were hard to get to bite, you just needed to stay confident, and wait for them to eat,” said Manolea.

Picking up his first fish

Christian Manolea with his second place bag of bass.

3 1/2 hours after the start of the session, his second soon followed 30 minutes later.

Weighing in a 2/2, 2.51kg session Manolea won

a $300 Haswing voucher, prize pack, and secured a free entry into September’s Bluefin Boats BASS Electric Convention. – ABT

A Haswing electric motor poised and ready for action.

TOP 10 ANGLERS Place Angler

Fish

Weight (kg)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 1/2 1/2 2/2 2/2 2/2

3.06 2.51 2.13 1.85 1.73 1.69 1.68 1.68 1.52 1.45

Charles WEST Christian MANOLEA Patrick CONDUIT Brett RENZ Adrian MANOLEA Colin LINTON Adrian WILSON Tom REYNOLDS Jonathan BALE Chris OSLEY

Payout

Haswing Electric Motor $300 Haswing Prize Pack $200 Haswing Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au Lined up and ready to go for the 7am take off.

WINNING NOTES

Winning Tackle MASK OUTFIT Rod: 13 Fishing 7’11” Crankster Reel: 13 Fishing Concept C Line: 16lb Sunline Castaway Leader: 12 Sunline FC Lure: Jackall Mask Vibe (black/chatreuse)

Winning Ways

KEITECH OUTFIT Rod: 13 Fishing Envy Black medium/light Reel: Daiwa Luvias 2004 Line: 4lb FC Sniper fluorocarbon Lure: Keitech Fat Swing (ayu), rigged on a 1/2 oz TT jighead

FLOWRITE BIG BASS Colin Linton claimed the Flow-Rite Big Bass at Moogerah, with the Brisbane basser securing the $100 prize with his 1.69kg fish caught near the ski zone flats on a vertically presented camo coloured Berkley Jigging Grub.

West picked up his first on a Jackall Mask vibe then changed to a finesse presentation when the fish really shutdown. Fishing a soft plastic and fishing 4lb fluorocarbon straight through.

OCTOBER 2015

97

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Fishing Fill-its

MV Norval goes all out The MV Norval is going where no charter has gone before! Well, certainly where no charter has travelled for a long time. Permission from Fisheries and Maritime Safety Queensland has granted the MV Norval

Ribbons Reef. The evening meal is served in a lagoon so passengers are able to fish as they did the night before.

The crew will retire to rest but get up at midnight to travel to Marion.

The MV Norval will arrive

9-day charter, they are run out in the morning with six passengers on board while six stay on the main boat. Heading to the outside, everyone will troll for the top feeders and, if the weather is good, drift fish for the big bottom

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The MV Norval waiting to be boarded! permission to fish the outer reefs in the greater Coral Sea. MV Norval is the only charter to travel directly to the area. Where other charters are restricted by fly-in, fly-out, the team has access to unprecedented waters and reefs. Rare untouched waters, such as Kenn Wreck, Fredric, Summarize, Cato, and the Marion Group (a Marine Park).

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The MV Norval was designed for this type of long distance charters. She has long-range fuel tanks, has her own water, has an 8 tonne freezer for food and produces two generator sets for power.

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HEADING OUT The 9-day charter departs at 4pm on a Friday night from Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach and returns Sunday evening.

On departure, passengers are served a light meal and an enjoyable cold beer (all canned beer is supplied free of charge) and will arrive at the first reef by 10pm.

Anchoring in a lagoon, passengers can fish through the night chasing bottom fish like red emperor, spangled emperor, sweetlip or put out a livie for giant trevally.

On day two, the boat heads to The Swains to Hardline Reef taking in T-Line and

approximately midday at Marion Reef. And now begins the trip of a lifetime! The reef is 24 miles long and 16 miles wide, comprising of two cays and a long breaker reef called Long Reef. Inside this breaker reef are some incredible gutters and run-offs – a dory fishing snorkelling dream.

All the reef fish you catch on the Swains are there, only bigger! You can catch ocean bream, clown fish, and more coronation trout than The Swains. On the outside of the reef, the large top feeders are found like mackerel, wahoo, dogtooth tuna, sailfish, and a variety of deep feeders in the 100m drop-offs like big reds, rosy jobfish, and snapper.

There are three dories on the MV Norval and, on the

feeders along the 100m water drop-off zones.

Over the next few days, the team will target bigger and better catches at Marion Reef – all with the added bonus of taking home your catch!

The team from Norval Reef Charters will even fillet, bag and snap freeze for transport.

On day seven, the charter heads for the T-Line, and the next two days are spent at The Swains and arriving back at Shute Harbour at 4pm on the last day.

This is a fishing adventure you will talk about for the rest of your life. For more information contact Norval Reef charters on 0413 148 554 or you can book online at www.norvalcharters. com.au – FMG

A nice coral trout (left) and a cracker red emperor (right) caught offshore.

OCTOBER 2015

99

FIND-A-WORD COMPETITION WORLD FAMOUS FLIES

ADAMS BASS VAMPIRE BEND BACK CLOUSER COPPER JOHN CRAZY CHARLIE CREASEFLY DAHLBERG DIVER DECEIVER

GLOBUG GOTCHA GREEN DOCTOR LEFTYS BUG MRS SIMPSON MUDDLER MINNOW PINK THING RED TAG WOOLLEY BUGGER

Name: Address:

P/Code:

The first correct entry at the end of each month will win a Fishing Monthly selected prize pack.

SEND ENTRIES TO: QLD Find-a-word Competition, PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129

FINS SCALES & TALES by A. Both

QLD OCTOBER 2015

Phone (day):

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE The subscriber prize winner for August was R Baird of Maroochydore, who won a Hard Korr Lighting XD S340 and XD60 valued at $343.99.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

FIND THE BERKLEY LOGO WINNER BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

BITE ME by Trisha Mason

The Find the Berkley logo prize winners for August are: B Brown of Lota, G English of Bowen, J Routledge of Kepnock, A Coles of Malanda, G Clark of Riverview, C Daniel of Brightview, P Curteis of Bonogin, M Allegri of Ayr, A Svaikauskas of Alligator Creek, M Baker of Gorokan, M Sugden of Clarendon, E Lezuchowski of Darra, M Collis of Laidley, J Brown of Edmonton, P Thomas of Bowen, W Fishburn of Bundaberg, J Buddle of Torquay, T Ramm of North Rockhampton, R Roebuck of Pomona, M Handley of Thargomindah, N Land of Mount Louisa, L Dewar of Roma, R Pearce of Ferny Grove, J Richter of Toogoolawah, P Read of Alexandra Hills, A Hewlett of Mothar Mountain, N Kempthorne of Ripley, D Stewart of Hermit Park, B Monk of Neurum, J Conte of Tullera, P Olman of Alton Downs, M Mason of Bongaree, R Evans of Virginia, G Edwards of Home Hill, C Hendry of Imbil, D Cauchi of Bundaberg, A Jorgensen of Kippa Ring, J Rasmussen of Fraserview, S Dawson of Bald Hills, E & V Jackson of Long Flat via Gympie.

Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – QFM

FIND-A-WORD WINNER

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

Congratulations to Charlee Ridgewell of Yamanto, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive a Fishing Monthly prize pack. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – QFM

ALVEY ULTIMATE WINNER The winner of the Alvey Ultimate surf outfit for Fraser Island valued at $400 is B Drummond of Mount Warren Park.

Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – QFM

EURONG RESORT WINNER • New

products The winner of the Eurong Beach Resort • Videos getaway valued at $1850•is J Nock of Kallangur.

Indepth Reviews Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – QFM

check out!

3 100

• DECEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2010

FIND THE

LOGO

COMPETITION There are 15 Find the

Logos hidden throughout the pages of Fishing Monthly.

Logo and page number, fill in the entry form and go in the draw to win!

The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of the month will win a packet of Gulp Lures. All entries will go into the major prize draw. (Drawn Nov. 30, 2015)

MONTHLY PRIZE

v Berkley Gulp Pack * Made in the USA * Scented + 100% biodegradable * Value $12.95 per packet

MAJOR PRIZES PAGE NO: 1

2

600 2

ST $

1

PLACE

3

4

VALUE OF BERKLEY PRODUCTS

5

400 3

ND $

6

7

8

PLACE

9

PLACE

VALUE OF BERKLEY PRODUCTS

10

200

RD $

11

12

13

14

VALUE OF BERKLEY PRODUCTS

15

NAME ..........................................................................................

MAIL ENTRIES TO:

QFM Find the Berkley Logo Competition, PO BOX 3172, Loganholme QLD 4129 Entries must be received by 31 OCTOBER 2015 Original entries only. No photocopies. Images for illustration purposes only.

SUBURB .....................................................P/CODE .....................

PHONE ......................................................MOB .........................

EMAIL ..........................................................................................

OCTOBER 2015

QFM OCTOBER 2015

ADDRESS .....................................................................................

101

Make sure your safety gear is ready for summer At this time of the year, when the boat is coming out of hibernation after the footy season, it’s well worth doing a little bit of a stocktake on your safety gear. After all, when you need it, you’ll be glad that you did.

Do you have the required gear? Is it in working order?

a few of the items under the spotlight and see if they’d make your boat a safer place to be while out on the water.

KAPTEN BOAT COLLAR You mightn’t think that a boat collar for your tinnie is a piece of safety gear, but the people at Kapten

Make sure you check your fuel and batteries, as you don’t want to be stranded when out on the water, especially with little ones onboard.

Always make sure that the CO2 cannister for your inflatable PFDs hasn’t fallen out. Also, you need to ensure that these jackets are serviced in line with your state requirements.

The addition of a Kapten Collar can turn a roly poly tinnie into a safe platform.

A Kapten Boat Collar adds positive flotation and stability to your tinnie.

Are the batteries charged and ready to use? Is there anything more than the prescribed gear that you’d like to have on board when things get nasty?

These are all the questions you should be asking yourself each time your safety gear collection comes under the microscope.

As an example, let’s put 102

OCTOBER 2015

realised this early on and developed their product with this in mind.

NSW Department of Transport found that falling overboard and vessels capsizing accounted for 60% of all fatalities while recreational boating (20022012). The addition of a Boat Collar to your tinnie adds a reverse chine and a

massive amount of flotation that drastically reduces the risk of falling out of your boat or having it capsize.

The Kapten collar is a shaped piece of foam that is fitted to the gunwales of your boat and can be fitted to most hulls.

Check out www. kaptenboatcollar.com for more details and pricing.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS It’s usually when you’re getting a written ticket by your local Maritime authority that you realise that your all round white ‘anchor’ light should be on at all times – not just when you’re anchored.

Indeed, a set of fully functioning, well fitted navigation lights are essential if you want to do any boating

Fuel filters are only effective if the water they catch is removed from them.

WARNING WARNING ON UNAUTHORISED BATTERY REPLACEMENTS ON EPIRBS Periodic battery replacement is essential to maintaining the compliance of EPIRBS and PLBs beacons with applicable ANZ standards. These standards are produced in order to maximise the likelihood of the beacon functioning correctly in the adverse environments in which distress and emergencies generally arise.

Only the manufacturer or its authorised service centre has the necessary equipment, access to the factory approved parts and technical information to carry out battery replacement or repairs and then confirm that the beacon continues to meet the relevant standard.

Serious risks arise if batteries are replaced or repairs to beacons are undertaken by someone other than the manufacturer (or its authorised service centres).

In recent weeks it has come to our attention that a number of non-certified beacon service centres are offering a low cost EPIRB and PLB battery replacement service.

While such offers and operations are not technically breaking the law in replacing beacon batteries, they are certainly exposing themselves for liability particularly if the beacon owner is unaware they are non-compliant and the beacon may not function correctly in an emergency.

Australian/New Zealand standard 4280.1 (EPIRB) and 4280.2 (PLB) mandate that beacons must be returned to the manufacturer or a manufacturer’s approved service centre when repairs or battery replacement are required.

This standard document is available from www. standards.org.au.

Furthermore, if a beacon is required to meet carriage requirements under CASA or Maritime regulations the standard requires the beacon must be compliant with AS/NZ 4280.1 for EPIRBs or 4280.2 for PLBs. Consequently if the beacon battery was replaced or serviced by a non-certified service centre then the beacon is non-compliant for mandatory carriage requirements in Australia.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has provided further clarification and guidance on beacon maintenance. www.beacons. amsa.gov.au/maintenance/ Should there be any doubt regarding the status of companies offering battery service on GME EPIRBs, please contact us directly on 1300 462 462 or by email at servadmin@gme.net.au. – GME

and fishing at all between sunset and sunrise.

This includes pre-dawn launches. Just ask ABT’s Simon Goldsmith, who copped a fine one morning in Sydney Harbour around 5 minutes before the prescribed ‘sunrise’ time for having his red and green lights on but not the all round white light!

PFDS Each year, you should check your PFDs in a few key areas.

If they are a foam PFD, you need to check that the coverings are not ripped or wearing. This could mean that when you go to use them, they’d fall apart when you jump in the water.

If they’re an inflatable type PFD, then you need to get them certified and tested every year or two – depending on the manufacturer’s instructions or the regulations of the state you’re boating in.

In practice, I’ve seen people wearing inflatable PFDs where the canister of CO2 has worked its way loose and dropped off the mechanism.

This would mean that when you pull the cord, then absolutely nothing would happen. That’s the last thing you’d want. You only pull the cord when you need to.

FIRST AID KIT There’s nothing worse than being in a situation where you need a first aid kit and yours is missing or depleted.

Make sure that you check the contents at least every season to make sure that you have what you need when there’s trouble. Remember in particular, that you may need treatments for seasickness, sunburn and getting impaled by a fish hook.

On a boat, it’s definitely best to have your first aid kit packed in a waterproof box or container.

CHECK YOUR FUEL… You should make sure that your fuel supply is not compromised – especially if your craft has sat idle for a while.

There is a suite of additives that keep the octane level boosted and mechanically, you need to keep an eye on your fuel filters to check for the presence of any water. Once

RELAXN NEXT STEP IN LED NAVIGATION SAFETY The durable Relaxn LED Navigation Lights are ultra-low power consumption.

Using the latest technology in LED lighting using the 5050 SMD LEDs, not only are they ultra-bright but have low power consumption at just 1.1watt per light.

All Relaxn LED Navigation Lights are internationally approved ABYC-A16, USCG, 2nm visibility suitable for vessels up to 12m. Each light is manufactured from ultra-durable UV resistant polycarbonate, with an IP67 rating. The LEDs have an ultra-long service life and are purpose-built for the harsh marine environment.

They’re prewired for easy installation and come in black, white or high polished stainless steel housings with models designed for horizontal or vertical mounting.

You can relax knowing you have a Relaxn product. – Sam Allen Wholesale

a fuel filter is full of water, it stops working. … AND BATTERIES Lastly, and probably obviously, you should make sure that your batteries are charged and capable. But we’re not just talking about your motor starting battery.

If you have a Jump Starter, these only work as well as the charge you give them. And what about the EBIRP? Have the batteries passed their use by date?

You know what if you ever need to flip the switch, you’ll want them to be at full strength, so take the time now and make the investment in your own safety by making sure that these are up to scratch.

LED NAVIGATION LIGHTS Ultra Bright LED’s Long Service Life Ultra Durable CE Certified ABYC-A16/USC6 2NM

Now available from your leading marine stores or contact Sam Allen Wholesale for your nearest stockist.

Ph: 07 3902 7222 sales@samallen.com.au www.samallen.com.au

CHECKLIST • Prescribed safety gear for the waters you’re boating in • EPIRB • Flares • PFDs • Radio • Lighting • Batteries • Fuel filters • Jump starters • Boat insurance • Anchors • First-aid kit OCTOBER 2015

103

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104

OCTOBER 2015

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Phone: (07) 3297 8200 | Fax: (07) 3297 8290

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BRISBANE NORTH BRISBANE MARINE 306 Duffield Road Clontarf Phone: (07) 3889 3033 Fax: (07) 3889 5390 Email: info@brismarine.com.au Website: www.brismarine.com.au

OCTOBER 2015

105

Morningstar 460 Bay Rover With 40hp Yamaha

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Morningstars are somewhat unique plate alloy boats, being manufactured in a Korean automobile factory. There are actually significant benefits to employing this technology, including some very innovative metal forming and rolling, the likes of which I’ve never seen in plate alloy rigs.

This is particularly evident

around areas such as the decks and underwater surfaces.

The decks are sleekly rolled from the gunwales down over sides, while the bottom is formed from a single plate formed under immense pressure. The end result is a neat reversed outer chine and no keel whatsoever.

Construction of this style, plus a really great paint job, gives the Morningstar 460 Bay Rover the appearance (at first glance) of being a glass

rather than plate alloy craft.

A closer inspection reveals plenty of neat robotic welds throughout, while a high standard of overall finish completes the picture of a boat that would fish a family. It could easily tow behind the family’s sedan or wagon as well.

LAYOUT The reviewed Morningstar 460 Bay Rover was provided by Stefan Boating World of Coomera. Complete with a 40hp Yamaha two-stroke outboard, this well set up

When it’s necessary to stand at the helm, the Morningstar makes it easy.

You just flip up the bolster section of the skipper’s seat and then brace against the very strong pedestal seat. Note the interesting axe-like forefoot section at the bow, designed to assist entry into all sea conditions.

106

OCTOBER 2015

rig came stock standard with quite a few features that the average angler would appreciate.

Starting up front, the Morningstar’s interior features included a step under the centre hinged, rail-equipped windscreen to allow easy anchor well access without leaning forward.

Top shelf forward seating saw deeply padded bucket-style seats offering slide as well as swivel capability, complete with bolster front sections and sprung pedestals to deliver the best ride at all times. You could either stand against the uplifted bolster section or choose to remain seated to drive; the visibility is fine either way. Rear seating consisted of a drop-down padded bench at the transom.

The Morning Star’s dash area provided ample room for a sounder/GPS to be fitted atop the area set aside for the steering wheel and instruments. Aft of the seating, a carpeted cockpit floor provided room to fish, and there was the addition of a substantial fish box to stow the catch or tucker for the day. I noted reasonably long but fairly narrow side pockets along each of the rail-equipped sides. At the transom area, a bait station came set up with paired rod holders to complement the paired holders in the

SPECIFICATIONS Capacity....................................................5 persons Length..............................................................4.65m Beam.....................................................................2m Max hp...............................................................90hp Packages from.............................................$25,999 aft sides. A plumbed live well was installed to port, while very large boarding platforms were set up on each side of the 40 Yamaha.

RIDE AND HANDLING I saw the rig as an easy going outfit entirely suited to an absolute beginner to boating in that it drove without vice. The mechanical steering was very light, and the craft very sure footed. Admittedly, the three-cylinder 40 Yamaha two-stroke was a fair step away from top power of 90hp, yet the rig ran so capably, with the two of us on board, I’d see it also being suitable for familystyle boating with mum, dad, and a couple of youngsters.

A top speed of almost 47km/h was recorded at 5000rpm, while 4000rpm saw a very frugal and sensible cruising speed of 34.5km/h. It was good to see just how easily the Yamaha 40 lifted the rig onto the plane, powered out of sharp turns, and cruised easily without excessive noise or vibration.

The Bay Rover’s generous cockpit area had enough room for an ice

box, which would free up the drained under-floor compartment for the catch.

I found the craft, with its 19° vee hull, to ride pretty well, not inclined to pound or bash when heading over wash in the Coomera River.

And, thanks to the wellformed reversed chines on the bottom, the rig was just as stable underway as was at rest.

This is a quite roomy five-person craft with a length of 4.65m, beam of 2m and depth amidships of 700mm. With a fuel capacity of 60L it would suit family boaters and more dedicated anglers equally well.

To view the full range of Morningstar Boats or to find your closest dealer go to www.morningstarboats. com.

Packages start from $25,999.

• Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat/motor/ trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

The Morningstar is a plate alloy craft like no other. High pressure forming machinery sees the decks, sides, and even the under hull sections pressed into shapes that would normally be found only on glass boats.

Fewer joins make for fewer welds, and fewer issues in the long term.

With David Robinson at the helm, the Bay Rover exhibits a clean pair of heels in a sharp turn to starboard. With its large and well-formed reversed chines on a 19° vee hull, the craft is just as stable underway as it is at rest.

There’s ample room up front of the Bay Rover for the skipper and mate to enjoy time aboard. Note the forward step to facilitate anchor work, the hinged to port centre windscreen section and grab rails on all windscreen sections.

Morningstar have excelled in their Bay Rover’s seating. It’s rare to see a small alloy craft such as this with such well formed, strong and versatile seats for skipper and mate. In this photo the bolster section of the mate’s seat has been lifted up.

Flexibility in layout is always a bonus in a good fishing boat. A dropdown, three-person rear bench seat gives the Bay Rover’s skipper the ability to provide more work room when necessary. There’s also a very handy bait station, plus a live well, to make fishing even better.

With engine ratings as high as 90hp, the 40 Yamaha 2-stroke was modest power.

However, the 3-cylinder engine did such a good job of powering, I believe it would be well suited to family boating in both bay and estuary waters.

There are some very interesting design features in the Morningstar Bay Rover’s hull, not the least being this very impressive looking forefoot section. It gives the hull an axe-like entry into waves and chop.

The Bay Rover’s dash layout provides ample room to install a good-sized sounder/GPS combo. Note the easily monitored position of Yamaha and other gauges, plus the forward controls being right by the skipper’s arm.

Is this the future shape of plate alloy craft? Designed and formed in an automobile factory, with its huge dies and hydraulic presses, the Morningstar features lines usually seen in fibreglass boats of this size.

OCTOBER 2015

107

What’s New BOATING

1

ET80 AND ET100 EMERGENCY TORCHES

In any maritime emergency, a reliable and quality-made torch can always lend a hand.

The ET80 and ET100 Emergency Torches from GME are constructed from high visibility yellow polycarbonate, so they’re easy enough to find.

The ET80 and ET100 are near indestructible, with a buoyant contruction, they have waterproof casing and are multi-function LED torches with a unique ‘Twist to Charge’ functionality.

A USB cable (included and stored within the torch body itself) can also charge the torch or other USB devices. On top of all these great features, the ET100 also comes with a can opener, which doubles as a knife, a compass, a whistle and a signal mirror (heliograph). A metal bottle opener is also moulded into the base of the torch on both models.

GME’s Emergency Torches are just another simple way of making your marine vessel safer.

– GME

2

ANGLAPRO RELEASES TRIXSTA RANGE

Anglapro has carved a unique reputation for building strong and functional fishing boats with excellent on-water performance and flexible internal designs.

They have been working on a project for those keen fishers who love all things on and in the water. This boat is full of tricks and the success of the design means fun for everyone.

This versatile new range of boats is called TriXsta.

TriXsta uses our market leading Sabre hull design and incorporates a space generating interior that provides fishability, comfort and internal room to move.

From the entry level 39, 42 and 44 to the plush 43, 45 and 48, the TriXsta line up leaves no questions unanswered. You won’t see any limits to the fishing options available. You can be sure that everyone will be satisfied with the diverse options to make their boating experience fun! – Anglapro

3

GEN 2 TOURNAMENT 2000 BLUEWATER

The Tournament 2000 Bluewater sitting in the middle of the Tournament Pleasure Boats range as the ultimate family boat.

Ideal for fishing, skiing or just cruising, this magnificent boat ticks every box and has just been given a major facelift with the release of the Generation 2 design.

The cockpit area now benefits from almost seven inches of extra room thanks to a redesign of the rear coaming that now extends internally to the floor and comes standard with a transom door, live bait tank, split rear folding lounge and access hatches for batteries and bilge.

When it comes time to anchor, the 2000 Bluewater Generation 2’s anchor well area has been reconfigured to house the latest optional drum winches.

There is now the ability to host all the modern electronics available on the market, and more options that allow you to make your Tournament 2000 Bluewater truly unique to you are available.

– The Haines Group

4

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

POWERED BY

SAVAGE’S NEW 485 SCORPION

Savage’s brand new release, the 485 Scorpion, is hot off the production line and set to make a serious bite into the fishing market.

Available as side and centre console with a large variety of options the 485 Scorpion is set to suit every angler’s needs.

Featuring new 3mm smooth look side sheets and fitted out with a rear casting platform with a live bait tank as standard, the 485 Scorpion will have you reeling in that big catch in no time at all.

Complete with a 77L fuel tank and plenty of storage options including large side pockets and storage bins in the front casting platform, the 485 Scorpion offers a practical and reliable boat for your next fishing trip.

“The great thing about the new Scorpion range is we’ve packed them with standard features like extra rod holders, live bait tank and an extra transducer bracket – all at a competitive price,” Savage Director of Sales and Marketing Damien Duncan said. – Telwater

5

ANDROID ENGINE MONITORING

The Scintex range of engine monitoring products have always been a popular choice by many in the marine, agriculture and automotive industries.

This modernisation of the fuel monitoring kit with the incorporation of wireless connectivity direct to your smart phone or tablet will make it more functional and user friendly.

With a few clicks the user can set their tank volume and gain a continuous read out of fuel levels. A highly desired feature for engines and machinery not fitted with factory fuel gauges.

The Bluetooth Fuel Flow Meter Kit takes the experience to the next level, with a simple smart phone app that acts as your display. The Bluetooth range of up to 20 meters allows for monitoring at the controls without the need to run lengthy wires.

The free, smart Android app allows you to make use of all the functions of the current kit plus many more are to be added in the coming weeks. – Scintex

6

2

3

4 5

QUINTREX 610 TRIDENT HARD TOP

Quintrex’s newest release into the plate market is the much anticipated 610 Trident Hard Top. After demand from customers and dealers Quintrex has expanded their ultimate offshore fishing range, which now includes 6 models.

The 610 Trident Hard Top offers customers a slightly more versatile and affordable option while still incorporating all the features and practical layout design of the larger Hard Top models. Featuring a fully enclosed hardened windscreen complete with sliding side windows and a windscreen wiper kit all as standard the 610 Trident Hard Top is still the perfect match for unruly weather conditions.

The only offshore range to feature Quintrex’s renowned Flared Bow and Blade Hull the 610 Trident HT cuts through rough water with ease by deflecting spray and offering stability at rest and underway.

Constructed with 5mm marine grade aluminium bottomsheets and an underfloor rib structure the 610 Trident HT is made to handle and manoeuvre through Australian waters and weather. – Telwater

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

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

6

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OCTOBER 2015

109

TABs Jumbo 5.1 Centre Console ILLAWARRA

Greg Clarke clarkey1@westnet.com.au

I know there is no such thing as an all-purpose boat. Inshore and offshore fishing, family picnics, towing the kids around on a tube, all that stuff — they just don’t all blend to get the best of everything for everyone. There will have to be compromises.

But what about an all-purpose fishing boat? No picnic stuff, forget about skiing, just a straight out fishing boat that is big enough to cover both inshore and offshore sport and game fishing, yet is equally at home in the estuaries, rivers and dams.

That’s a big ask and I doubted if it could be done, and because of this I have had 2 boats for a long time. A 5.5m centre console for offshore PERFORMANCE 700rpm.............. @2.8kts 1500rpm............ @5.5kts 2000rpm............... @7kts 3000rpm............. @16kts 4000rpm............. @25kts 4850rpm....@32kts(WOT)

When considering your options, there are a multitude of questions you have to ask yourself. Size, comfort, motor, handling and cost are some of the main items, but when you start to break it down to the finer details there are literally dozens that may not seem all that important. When the time comes for the pieces to fall into place though, be it as far apart as foul weather or that fish of a lifetime, the smaller details could be the ones that come into play to either get you over the line or fail miserably.

One of the first things I considered was the ride, because let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger and a smooth ride in all conditions is paramount.

Then it had to be aluminium, which doesn’t always get mentioned in the same sentence as smooth ride…

Some of the ramps along the coast can be difficult and rough on the exterior coatings, and the extra weight makes glass boats unsuitable in many situations. The lighter weight also helps, as I spend 90 per cent of the

I figured somewhere between 4.3 and 5.5m was the go, which would fit in my garage just nicely.

It also had to be bigger than 4.8 so it cuts out the compulsory life jacket scenario. But what type of TABs? I was initially tempted by the Territory Pro Centre console with a few subtle changes, but there is a step at the rear of the vessel, which to me is wasted space that doesn’t allow you access all the way to the rear extremes.

When fishing solo this can make things difficult.

The live bait tank was also tiny, lucky to hold a few yellowtail. Not conducive to a good day’s fishing at all.

So I had another look through the TABs brochure, and in it I saw the Jumbo, which is basically a big, bare, empty boat that you can get right to the back of with no step in sight, with a huge list of options so you virtually set it up exactly the way you want.

It doesn’t get any better than that.

The 4.8 was just a tad small for offshore work, so the 5.1 got the nod. Not

There is plenty of room on the front platform and it is just low enough for safety when putting down the pick.

Now the fun begins, as we start at the bow and work our way back. You need a bowsprit and roller, which on my old boat was fully moulded and bulletproof. This one is bolt-on aluminium, which is handy as you can change it if you bump into the local jetty when a surge is on and will be beefed up if this happens.

Next option was the deep-carpeted anchor well that swallows your reef anchor a heap of rope and marker buoy.

Built into the front of the gunwale is the electric outboard bracket in the perfect position (more on this later). Since you have an electric motor, you need a casting platform, which takes up the front third of the boat in front of the centre console. There is a mount for a bum seat or chair in the centre.

The platform is set about 200 mm below the gunwales so as to afford a bit of safety when offshore using the anchor. We don’t want to slip off if there is any chop.

Some say the boat looks strange without bow rails, but in all honesty I have had them on other boats and they don’t serve much purpose except protecting the sides at the jetty. Having better casting and fishability on the deck outweighed this small disadvantage.

Two hatches in the casting platform allow access below for a ton of storage, a position to mount the 110Ah deep cycle battery for the electric motor, and store just about everything else from safety equipment, wet weather gear and spare everything.

The console has plenty of room for all the usual gear, heaps more for electronics, and a large screen to keep the wind off. for maximum storage of the gear you constantly use and the mounting of electronics. It also affords a bit more protection from the elements when travelling.

The console has 3 compartments. The full width floor level area holds my Plano 758 tackle box, plastics’ lure bag and water bottles with ease, then there is the mid level shelf for everyday items that are constantly used, and finally a small compartment at the top beside where the instruments are mounted for sunnies, hats, cameras, phones and sunscreen. It is open and allows the rain

The bowsprit with roller and the extra large anchor well. There’s also an anchor and marker buoy in there. sport and game, and a 4.35m setup with casting platform and electric for the estuaries and dams.

So how do you to blend them both into 1 boat that will be workable in most situations? One plus straight away, is having a single boat means fewer services, regos and maintenance.

110

OCTOBER 2015

time fishing solo, so manual handling is a factor to be considered.

I already had a good idea of what I was going to get from previous tests on numerous boats and this particular brand, so after a few more test runs I was now convinced it had to be a TABs, but what size?

When working, the Motorguide Xi5 electric is out of the way and barely noticeable. too big for the estuaries and dams and not too small for offshore — a happy medium. It has a 4mm Xpress hull and 3mm sides, with all gunwales and side decks fully welded.

Then comes the console, which has to fit under the garage roof. This is made easy as the TABs consoles fold down for easy access to low cover areas.

I chose the larger console

in and could do with a Perspex cover to keep the moisture out. That is in the making now.

Around the console are 10 stainless rod holders, 3 each side and 4 at the front.

These are not an option, but ones I sourced myself, as I like all the rods tucked out of the way yet still easily accessible.

They had to be the right spacing too, as so many on the market today hold a rod, but they don’t take into account that a reel has to go on the rod and either won’t fit or bash against each other when travelling.

Two lots of 3 holders were purchased for each side and they were pretty good 316 marine grade stainless units, but a 4 rack was needed for the front, which proved difficult to obtain.

Then I finally found some that did the job. I purchased these at full price because readers think this stuff is all sponsored, and being a tradie I appreciate fine precision work and a quality finish from an Aussie business. Well these holders were beyond excellent. Obviously built with pride and polished to a mirror finish in 316 marine grade stainless. Perfect.

They were made by Stainless Marine Essentials, who also do custom rocket launchers, bait stations, Biminis and snapper racks — very impressive and worth a look. Had to put that in as I was so impressed.

That’s the storage rod holders taken care of, and then there are the actual work rod holders. There’s 3 down each gunwale and fully welded, so no screw holes to promote corrosion.

The rear holders on each side face straight back in line with the gunwales,

the middle ones are set at 45 degrees and the front holders were ordered to be at 90 degrees, but actually face forward at 45 degrees, Why? It’s beyond me, but they are welded in and that’s it. Someone had a bad day and now I am living with the result.

The other 3 rod holders are set into the bait board, with the middle straight and the sides at 45 degrees. The bait board is a ripper, with a shelf under the cutting area as well, which is just so handy for keeping knives, grips, stones, bait rigging gear and other tools out of harm’s way.

Below this is the custom-built 50l bait tank I had made locally and plumbed up with pump and force-fed water uptake and isolator, with a space below

Sitting in the well is a new 2.1l 75hp inline 4cyl multi-port fuel-injected Mercury outboard. There are a lot of outboards out there these days and most are very good, but I went with the Merc’ after doing a bit of research on economy, power and value for money, which made it a winner on all counts. It also helped that my previous outboard was a Mercury Optimax, which was an exceptional motor, so when you’re onto a good thing stick to it as they say. Another plus is that it simply looks good, not something that usually sways me 1 way or the other, but what the heck.

Now the motor also has a 35A water-cooled voltage regulator and is Smart Craft-compatible, giving even more options for

as it is almost silent when at idle with no vibration at all. It virtually purrs, so you have to check the instrument screen or the water tell tail so you don’t turn the key again to start.

For a 4 stroke it certainly has some grunt off the mark, so much so it surprised me because I have used other 4 strokes and they seem to ramp up rather than take off like a 2 stroke. Your crew have to make sure they are hanging on, or it is a quick trip out the back. Speed is handy to have when crossing bars and a wave jumps up as they sometimes do. Not lose your deckie, but get the nose up and over a wave rather than through it.

It certainly gets some grip on the water too, with the 17” pitch Trophy 4 blade stainless prop.

For those of you who like that sort of thing, this is what it looks like under the bonnet. Impressive, isn’t it? to keep the battery all neat and tidy. It works perfectly.

Just in front of the bait tank is the large in-floor flooding kill/live well for keeping the catch fresh or alive, which works exceptionally well. At rest it fills with water, keeping smaller fish swimming. I have kept 5kg snapper alive and bream swim about in it all day. When you get underway it drains to minimise the weight, you can put the plug in and keep the water, or not allow water in at all.

Having this under the floor leaves so much more fishing room on the deck that it’s just amazing. A big ice box could go in the boat and you’d still have plenty of room, but it really isn’t needed. So far I haven’t mentioned the seating arrangements because there aren’t any; this is a fishing boat, so if you need to sit, the gunwales are very wide and make great seats.

Finally, there is a full height outboard well to house the motor, and on each side you can walk right to the back of the transom and all the floors are fully carpeted.

The flooding underfloor well keeps all the fish out of the way and fresh.

It swallows up 5kg mack tuna and bonito with a ton of room for more. If I told you what we managed to get in there, you wouldn’t believe it. made the same comment.

It doesn’t ride like a tinnie, more like a very slick ’glass boat, as it just doesn’t bang or bash.

It is inevitable that you hit a bone jarrer every now and then in a tinnie, but as yet this hasn’t happened and it has been out in some pretty rough water. The other excellent feature is you don’t get wet; even with a solid cross-wind in chop and swell, you would be unlucky to cop a few spots. My last boat had a wraparound console and it was needed in a cross-wind (and it was better than most others), but the full length spray chines on the TABs really work amazingly well.

That’s a blessing on those cold early winter mornings.

Broaching is not a

Above this is a Lowrance HDS 7 GPS sounder that does everything I need and more with clarity and precision, and the GME GX 600D VHF marine radio is there for when needed.

The electric motor is a new Motorguide 55lb thrust Xi5 with wireless control. This does the lot, even remembering routes you have taken, and taking you back exactly the same route or to a specific point and holding you in place with the GPS facility. It’s all controlled from a remote anywhere in the boat, in 1 hand. These days it is just too good and easy when you have great equipment like this.

You could probably program it to go out for a troll and come back while

you have a beer on the bank.

I’ll work on that one. The only trouble is you still have to get the fish to bite.

In short, this setup really gives you confidence in any conditions, with both boat and motor a perfect pairing.

For dealer enquiries, contact South Easterly Marine on 07 5574 4165 or email dean@easterlymarine. com.au. A starting price for the Jumbo is $11,297 plus dealer delivery.

• Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith.

Performance of individual boat/motor/ trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

Set up and ready to go fishing. instrumentation and weighs in at 163kg. This is fed by a 110l under-floor fuel tank, which will keep you going for a long time. I put 26 hours on it for under 80l. A lot of that was slow trolling live baits and it does use a bit more at higher revs, but at all speeds it is extremely economical.

It takes some time to get used to when it is running

To keep on the straight and narrow, the fully hydraulic Ultraflex steering is a dream, with smooth instant control in all conditions.

When the boat is travelling it gets along comfortably in most conditions at around 3500rpm and 20kts and it’s smooth. Everyone who has had a run in it so far all

problem as it slides down the face of any swell or chop like a surf boat with a champion sweep.

All the gauges are contained in a small screen that can scroll through all the important info at the touch of a button, including revs, engine water temperature, speed, volts, fuel consumption and a multitude of other settings.

The bait tank is custom made with a spot for the battery underneath. The cutting board is excellent.

OCTOBER 2015

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